On Friday the 18th of August 1939 Ulysses Grant Parsons was laid to rest in the Claquato Cemetery.
Ulysses was my 7th cousin 3 times removed. We share my 9th Great Grandfather, Thomas Bliss. He was born in June 1863 to Henry Charles and Abigail (Buck) Parsons. Ulysses sister Wealtha Chase Parsons is the grandmother of a man known as John Wayne.
He grew up helping his father on the family farm in Sumner, Warren County, Illinois. He met and fell in love with Eva Graham and on 4 October 1887 he married her. By 1900 the young couple had moved to the Township of Jackson in Hall County, Nebraska and began farming. In 1910 they were in Humboldt in Richardson County, Nebraska and Ulysses was working in a Lumberyard as a Salesman. Ulysses and his family made one last move to Chehalis in Lewis County, Washington were he was a salesman in the grocery business.
On Tuesday 15 August 1939 Ulysses went out into the woods about 6 miles from his home in Chehalis to cut some wood for his home for the up coming fall and winter. After he failed to come home a search was made and he was found dead in the woods presumably by heart attack.
He left a wife, a son and a daughter.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Morris Lee Maddux - Shot
In 1925 Christmas day was on a Friday. School was out, a weekend loomed ahead, there was no rain, no snow and the temperature was about 51. Morris Lee Maddux who was 14 and three of his friends decided to go on a hunting trip to Ferris Texas. Ferris is about 20 miles south of Dallas. If you have ever traveled North on Interstate 45 to Dallas or South to Houston you have passed through Ferris. Morris lived in Palmer Texas which is about 9 miles south of Ferris and sits just off of Interstate 45.
Morris and his friends reached Ferris on Saturday and set up camp. They were in high spirits, and loaded with new hunting weapons, ammunition, warm clothing and homemade treats. They filled their days with hunting and their nights with tales of the days adventures.
Monday evening things went very wrong for the boys. One of the boys had left his shotgun out in the brush away from the camp site. It was supposed to have been unloaded, empty, and just set aside. It was not. They went back for the gun and as boys will be boys a scuffle started and the shotgun went off.
By now the sun had set and the sky was getting darker. Morris lay on the ground blood pooling around his left side. He had been shot. His friends get him to a hospital in Ferris where he dies less than 2 hours later. The funeral was on Wednesday at 2:30 and Morris was buried in Palmer at Palmer Cemetery.
Morris was the son of Greenwood and Freddie Maddux. He is my 7th cousin 3 times removed. In simpler terms we share a very great grandfather. Alexander Maddux 1613 - 1659.
Morris and his friends reached Ferris on Saturday and set up camp. They were in high spirits, and loaded with new hunting weapons, ammunition, warm clothing and homemade treats. They filled their days with hunting and their nights with tales of the days adventures.
Monday evening things went very wrong for the boys. One of the boys had left his shotgun out in the brush away from the camp site. It was supposed to have been unloaded, empty, and just set aside. It was not. They went back for the gun and as boys will be boys a scuffle started and the shotgun went off.
By now the sun had set and the sky was getting darker. Morris lay on the ground blood pooling around his left side. He had been shot. His friends get him to a hospital in Ferris where he dies less than 2 hours later. The funeral was on Wednesday at 2:30 and Morris was buried in Palmer at Palmer Cemetery.
Morris was the son of Greenwood and Freddie Maddux. He is my 7th cousin 3 times removed. In simpler terms we share a very great grandfather. Alexander Maddux 1613 - 1659.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Mary Bliss Parsons - Witch
Witch.
Witch they called her.
Mary Bliss Parsons, my 9th Great Aunt was accused on more than one occasion of being a witch. Mary was a daughter of the wealthy prominent Bliss family. She was the wife of Joseph Parsons and mother of 14 children. Her husband was a hard working, business savvy, honorable man who acquired great wealth. He had connections with prominent people and made good investments. They had a large home and were very wealthy.
In 1656 Mary and her family moved from Springfield Massachusetts to Northampton Massachusetts. Soon after they settled in jealous neighbors started to whisper rumors that Mary had made a pact with Satan and she was a witch. Whenever livestock died, or children or spouses became ill neighbors would claim it was Mary casting spells because they had a disagreement or argument with her. If anyone had a disagreement with any member of the Bliss or Parsons family and something tragic happened they blamed Mary. The daughter of a neighbor became angry at her mother and decided to pretend illness to retaliate against her mother. Mary was accused of putting a spell on the girl. Mary's husband immediately brought slander charges upon the neighbors and after Mary was found not guilty at trial neighbors publicly apologized.
18 years later the charge of witch was again cast at Mary by the same neighbors when their spouses died. The trial was held in Boston and Mary spent three months in jail while awaiting trial and during the trial. She was acquitted.
After the trial Mary Bliss Parsons and her family moved back to Springfield Massachusetts where Mary lived until her death in 1712.
I am not going to write a lot about this as there are brilliant articles and books on these events everywhere. Especially this book,
Witch-Hunting in Seventeenth-Century New England: A Documentary History 1638–1693
and
SILENCING THE WOMEN: The Witch Trials of Mary Bliss Parsons - Kathy-Ann Becker.
Witch they called her.
Mary Bliss Parsons, my 9th Great Aunt was accused on more than one occasion of being a witch. Mary was a daughter of the wealthy prominent Bliss family. She was the wife of Joseph Parsons and mother of 14 children. Her husband was a hard working, business savvy, honorable man who acquired great wealth. He had connections with prominent people and made good investments. They had a large home and were very wealthy.
In 1656 Mary and her family moved from Springfield Massachusetts to Northampton Massachusetts. Soon after they settled in jealous neighbors started to whisper rumors that Mary had made a pact with Satan and she was a witch. Whenever livestock died, or children or spouses became ill neighbors would claim it was Mary casting spells because they had a disagreement or argument with her. If anyone had a disagreement with any member of the Bliss or Parsons family and something tragic happened they blamed Mary. The daughter of a neighbor became angry at her mother and decided to pretend illness to retaliate against her mother. Mary was accused of putting a spell on the girl. Mary's husband immediately brought slander charges upon the neighbors and after Mary was found not guilty at trial neighbors publicly apologized.
18 years later the charge of witch was again cast at Mary by the same neighbors when their spouses died. The trial was held in Boston and Mary spent three months in jail while awaiting trial and during the trial. She was acquitted.
After the trial Mary Bliss Parsons and her family moved back to Springfield Massachusetts where Mary lived until her death in 1712.
I am not going to write a lot about this as there are brilliant articles and books on these events everywhere. Especially this book,
Witch-Hunting in Seventeenth-Century New England: A Documentary History 1638–1693
and
SILENCING THE WOMEN: The Witch Trials of Mary Bliss Parsons - Kathy-Ann Becker.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Samuel Clement Paints
Samuel Clement my 11th Great Uncle was an artist/painter and he lived from 1635 to 1678.
Samuel was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts to Elizabeth and Augustine Clement and who was also an artist/painter, more on him at another time.
Samuel married Hannah English in 1657 and they lived in Boston where in 1658 she passed. He then married a woman named Deborah and they had 4 children.
During the 1670s John Freake had his portrait painted. He lived in Boston not far from the home of Samuel.
The artist is unknown but the painting has been attributed to Samuel Clement. Elizabeth Freake, John's wife also had her portrait painted. In the first version of her she is holding a fan and not 6 month old baby Mary, her youngest daughter.
A portrait of Henry Gibbs
as well as his siblings and a few other portraits are also attributed to Samuel.
In 1679 Samuel's will is probated.
Samuel was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts to Elizabeth and Augustine Clement and who was also an artist/painter, more on him at another time.
Samuel married Hannah English in 1657 and they lived in Boston where in 1658 she passed. He then married a woman named Deborah and they had 4 children.
During the 1670s John Freake had his portrait painted. He lived in Boston not far from the home of Samuel.
The artist is unknown but the painting has been attributed to Samuel Clement. Elizabeth Freake, John's wife also had her portrait painted. In the first version of her she is holding a fan and not 6 month old baby Mary, her youngest daughter.
A portrait of Henry Gibbs
as well as his siblings and a few other portraits are also attributed to Samuel.
In 1679 Samuel's will is probated.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Parker E. Mick - 39th Regiment
In 1839 in in the village of Rossie, St. Lawrence County, New York, Martha Mick, the wife of Jesse E. Mick gave birth to a boy they named Parker E. Mick. He was a fair haired, blue eyed boy who helped out on the family's farm.
Parker is my 1st cousin 4 times removed. We share a Greatest Grandfather.
The Mick family had moved to Manlius Illinois by March of 1855 where they bought 20 acres of land from John and Alice Mitchel.
On 10 September 1861 Parker joined the 39th Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in Chicago on 11 October 1861 as a member of Company K. They were immediately ordered to St. Louis Missouri and by 29 October 1861 were Williamsport Maryland.
South Carolina
39th taken in the summer of 1863 Parker may be somewhere in the photo - photo from Jean Wilson
The 39th Regiment had settled in at Morris Island, South Carolina in the summer of 1863, by the end of July Parker was ill. He could not perform his duties during August and September. On 19 October 1863 he was granted a furlough for health reasons. Parker goes to St. Augustine Florida to what the Army called a Convalescent Camp. He spends all of November in the Hospital Convalescent Baracks. 23 November 1863 Parker dies. A Funeral Escort was arranged for 2 o'clock on 25 November 1863.
Fellow soldiers and Dr. Charles Clark had this to say about Parker. "He was an enthusiastic soldier - old fashioned, comical, full of fun and very popular with the men of his company."
Parker is my 1st cousin 4 times removed. We share a Greatest Grandfather.
The Mick family had moved to Manlius Illinois by March of 1855 where they bought 20 acres of land from John and Alice Mitchel.
On 10 September 1861 Parker joined the 39th Regiment of the Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in Chicago on 11 October 1861 as a member of Company K. They were immediately ordered to St. Louis Missouri and by 29 October 1861 were Williamsport Maryland.
39th taken in the summer of 1863 Parker may be somewhere in the photo - photo from Jean Wilson
The 39th Regiment had settled in at Morris Island, South Carolina in the summer of 1863, by the end of July Parker was ill. He could not perform his duties during August and September. On 19 October 1863 he was granted a furlough for health reasons. Parker goes to St. Augustine Florida to what the Army called a Convalescent Camp. He spends all of November in the Hospital Convalescent Baracks. 23 November 1863 Parker dies. A Funeral Escort was arranged for 2 o'clock on 25 November 1863.
Fellow soldiers and Dr. Charles Clark had this to say about Parker. "He was an enthusiastic soldier - old fashioned, comical, full of fun and very popular with the men of his company."
Sunday, September 23, 2018
David Purington Cardin - Colporter
In 1850 my 3rd Great Uncle lived in a Bunk house type of dwelling in Dinwiddie Virginia with 21 workers who listed their job title as Laborer. The Railroad Contractor , Assistant to the Contractor and David Purington Cardin, my uncle who was the Overseer also lived in the building. Most of the men were from Virginia with 1 from New York, 2 unknown 3 from Ireland and 2 were from England. The Southside Railroad was under construction at the time as was another line going in in the Northern edge of the Dinwiddie County where they were living.
In 1852 Uncle David married the beautiful Martha Susan Ayres. They had 7 children.
Mary Ella
William A
Sarah Elizabeth
Josephine P
James Burruss
Oliver Hatcher
David Ripppitoe
In the 1860 Uncle David is living in Buckingham Virginia and is a Colporter. What is that you ask? A colporter is a distributor or peddler of books, newspapers, pamphlets, fliers sometimes religious in nature. During the Civil War the Chaplains in each Company were often called Colporters because of the Bibles and religious pamphlets they carried with them. Public preaching, and distributing religious pamphlets was a large part of what the Chaplains of the Confederate Army of Virginia did. Moody Publishers founded by D.L. Moody started the company in 1893 under the name Bible Institute Colportage Association.
He is a farmer living in Summersville Town, Nicholas County, West Virginia in 1870.
David Purington Carden died on 4 July 1873.
In 1852 Uncle David married the beautiful Martha Susan Ayres. They had 7 children.
Mary Ella
William A
Sarah Elizabeth
Josephine P
James Burruss
Oliver Hatcher
David Ripppitoe
In the 1860 Uncle David is living in Buckingham Virginia and is a Colporter. What is that you ask? A colporter is a distributor or peddler of books, newspapers, pamphlets, fliers sometimes religious in nature. During the Civil War the Chaplains in each Company were often called Colporters because of the Bibles and religious pamphlets they carried with them. Public preaching, and distributing religious pamphlets was a large part of what the Chaplains of the Confederate Army of Virginia did. Moody Publishers founded by D.L. Moody started the company in 1893 under the name Bible Institute Colportage Association.
He is a farmer living in Summersville Town, Nicholas County, West Virginia in 1870.
David Purington Carden died on 4 July 1873.
Daniel Leroy Martineau - NFL Player
Sometimes when I randomly select a kinfolk to ghost hunt and focus on I luck out and discover a character, a wild-child, a free spirit, a person who is an achiever of awesomeness and sometimes just a hard working man who colored in the lines. Both of these Ghosts are wonderful.
What kind do you believe this one was?
Born on the 29th of August 1900, 1 of 5 children in Solvay, Onondaga, New York. For those of you who don't know it is very near Syracuse New York. Daniel Leroy Martineau is my 8th cousin 2x removed. We share a Great Grandfather who was born in 1589. Thomas Bliss.
Daniel Leroy Martineau
I thought I was involved in a great many things and projects. Cousin Roy was too. He went through his adult life known as Roy Martineau. He attended Solvay High School where he played football. He went from there to Syracuse University where he played football, was on the wrestling team and also the rowing team.
On 12 September 1918 Roy and his father completed his draft card and on 11 October 1918 Roy was enlisted in the Marines and on Parris Island (the island of my People) South Carolina in training. On 3 December he is assigned to the USS Delaware BB-28.
She was a Battleship and the largest the Navy had ever launched. On 10 February is on duty in the Boston Naval Shipyard and on 24 March 1919 his enlistment is over. Not only did Roy train to be a Marine but he was also the Heavyweight Wrestling Champion of the Atlantic Fleet in 1918.
Roy meets the beautiful Marion Alice Sidnam and on 5 September 1923 they marry and Roy plays football professionally with the NFL team the Buffalo All-Americans where he scored 1 touchdown for the season. He changes teams to the Rochester Jeffersons and plays for 2 years.
Rochester Jeffersons Roy was #16 that year. This photo is from the 1925 game against the New York Giants. Looks like that is # 16 going for the block.
In 1925 Cousin Roy is appointed by the Intercollegiate Wrestling Association to be a referee and in 1933 was still refereeing.
1926 you can find Cousin Roy being promoted as a Professional Wrestler and training under the direction of Herbert Hartley an English Lightweight Champion. He makes his debut 14 October 1926.
Article about Roy Martineau
Assistant Football Coach for Syracuse University, Athletic Director for Onondaga Valley High School, Parks Director for the city of Syracuse and avid golfer are just some of the adventures he had.
Cousin Roy gets into to the Life Insurance Industry and by the 1960s is a Senior member of Martineau and Cadaret Insurance.
While enjoying a round of golf in October of 1961 Cousin Daniel Leroy Martineau has a heartache and dies.
What kind do you believe this one was?
Born on the 29th of August 1900, 1 of 5 children in Solvay, Onondaga, New York. For those of you who don't know it is very near Syracuse New York. Daniel Leroy Martineau is my 8th cousin 2x removed. We share a Great Grandfather who was born in 1589. Thomas Bliss.
I thought I was involved in a great many things and projects. Cousin Roy was too. He went through his adult life known as Roy Martineau. He attended Solvay High School where he played football. He went from there to Syracuse University where he played football, was on the wrestling team and also the rowing team.
On 12 September 1918 Roy and his father completed his draft card and on 11 October 1918 Roy was enlisted in the Marines and on Parris Island (the island of my People) South Carolina in training. On 3 December he is assigned to the USS Delaware BB-28.
She was a Battleship and the largest the Navy had ever launched. On 10 February is on duty in the Boston Naval Shipyard and on 24 March 1919 his enlistment is over. Not only did Roy train to be a Marine but he was also the Heavyweight Wrestling Champion of the Atlantic Fleet in 1918.
Roy meets the beautiful Marion Alice Sidnam and on 5 September 1923 they marry and Roy plays football professionally with the NFL team the Buffalo All-Americans where he scored 1 touchdown for the season. He changes teams to the Rochester Jeffersons and plays for 2 years.
In 1925 Cousin Roy is appointed by the Intercollegiate Wrestling Association to be a referee and in 1933 was still refereeing.
1926 you can find Cousin Roy being promoted as a Professional Wrestler and training under the direction of Herbert Hartley an English Lightweight Champion. He makes his debut 14 October 1926.
Assistant Football Coach for Syracuse University, Athletic Director for Onondaga Valley High School, Parks Director for the city of Syracuse and avid golfer are just some of the adventures he had.
Cousin Roy gets into to the Life Insurance Industry and by the 1960s is a Senior member of Martineau and Cadaret Insurance.
While enjoying a round of golf in October of 1961 Cousin Daniel Leroy Martineau has a heartache and dies.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Evert Jansen Wendell - Orphan Master
In Emden in East Fresia, in what is now Lower Saxony, Germany Evert Jansen Wendel was born. The year was 1614 and he is my 9th Great Grandfather. He departed Emden about 1640 gaining transportation with the Dutch East India Company arriving in New Amsterdam a month later. He lived in New Amsterdam for almost 5 years falling in love with the lovely Susanna DuTrieux whom he married on 31 July 1644.
After receiving a license to trade with the Indians he moves his family to Fort Orange a Dutch settlement in what was called New Netherlands. Grandfather Evert becomes the Ruling Elder in his local Dutch Reformed Church in 1656. By 1657 he is the Orphan Master. In 1653 New Amsterdam was granted Municipal Rights and many things that the church was responsible for now became the domain of the council for the city. The care of orphans, widows and the poor became their concern and Orphan Masters were appointed by council. On 15 September 1655 the Peach Tree War started over the senseless murder of Tachiniki a young Wappinger woman who stole a peach from a tree in the yard of a Dutch Settler. After a few weeks of unrest and tension including the location of a New Swedish Settlement an army of 600 Indians attacked the new settlement as well as New Amsterdam. This incident left many orphans not to mention those who were orphaned by illness, death and abandonment.
In 1660 he was a Magistrate. His family and his business thrived and by 1660 8 children had been born. Sadly in 1660 his wife Susanna passes away and three years later he marries Maritje Abrahm Van Deursen and they have 4 children.
Grandfather Evert and his family attended the Dutch Reformed Church in Albany and in 1656 a stained glass window panel with the Wendel Coat of Arms was installed in the church. It says "Evert Jansen Wendell, Regerende Dyaken 1656 A description of the design is Per fess, in chief Azure a ship under full sail proper, in base Argent two anchors in saltire crowns upward Sable.
Grandfather Evert died in 1709 and is said to have been buried under the Old Dutch Church that stood at the corner of Yonker and Handelser Streets. Now known as State Street and Broadway in Albany.
After receiving a license to trade with the Indians he moves his family to Fort Orange a Dutch settlement in what was called New Netherlands. Grandfather Evert becomes the Ruling Elder in his local Dutch Reformed Church in 1656. By 1657 he is the Orphan Master. In 1653 New Amsterdam was granted Municipal Rights and many things that the church was responsible for now became the domain of the council for the city. The care of orphans, widows and the poor became their concern and Orphan Masters were appointed by council. On 15 September 1655 the Peach Tree War started over the senseless murder of Tachiniki a young Wappinger woman who stole a peach from a tree in the yard of a Dutch Settler. After a few weeks of unrest and tension including the location of a New Swedish Settlement an army of 600 Indians attacked the new settlement as well as New Amsterdam. This incident left many orphans not to mention those who were orphaned by illness, death and abandonment.
In 1660 he was a Magistrate. His family and his business thrived and by 1660 8 children had been born. Sadly in 1660 his wife Susanna passes away and three years later he marries Maritje Abrahm Van Deursen and they have 4 children.
Grandfather Evert and his family attended the Dutch Reformed Church in Albany and in 1656 a stained glass window panel with the Wendel Coat of Arms was installed in the church. It says "Evert Jansen Wendell, Regerende Dyaken 1656 A description of the design is Per fess, in chief Azure a ship under full sail proper, in base Argent two anchors in saltire crowns upward Sable.
Grandfather Evert died in 1709 and is said to have been buried under the Old Dutch Church that stood at the corner of Yonker and Handelser Streets. Now known as State Street and Broadway in Albany.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Seth Perkins Staples - Yale Law School Founder
On the 31 of August 1776 Seth Perkins Staples was born. He was one of 11 children born to John and Susanna Staples. They lived in Canterbury, Windham County, Connecticut. He is my 4th Great Grandfather.
Seth Perkins Staples painted by Jared Bradley Flagg
He attended Yale University and while there he was elected into Phi Beta Kappa. He also belonged to the Society of Brothers in Unity and graduated Yale in 1797 with honors.
He was soon after graduation practicing law in Connecticut. In 1799 he married Catherine Wales and they had seven children. In 1800 Grandfather Seth ordered a very complete and extensive collection of law books. Many young men came to his law firm to learn, study and educate themselves on law using these books. Before he realized it he was teaching law and at the head of a very respectable Law School.
By the mid 1820s Yale took an interest in the New Haven Law School and became affiliated with the school. In 1843 students of the school graduated with degrees from Yale. The Yale Law School shield is divided into three quadrants. The bottom right being black with silver staples. These are to honor Grandfather Seth Perkins Staples.
By 1824 he was living in New York with a thriving law practice. He was so accomplished that in 1839 he was chosen as one of the attorneys actively involved in the case of the Amistad representing the defendants.
On 5 August 1850 Seth's daughter Frances Ann Staples Comstock passed away. On 26 November 1855 her husband David Augustus Comstock passed away. They had 4 small children 3 of them came to live with Grandfather Seth while the youngest Lilian went to live with an Uncle.
On 6 November 1861 grandfather Seth Perkins Staples passed away.
He attended Yale University and while there he was elected into Phi Beta Kappa. He also belonged to the Society of Brothers in Unity and graduated Yale in 1797 with honors.
He was soon after graduation practicing law in Connecticut. In 1799 he married Catherine Wales and they had seven children. In 1800 Grandfather Seth ordered a very complete and extensive collection of law books. Many young men came to his law firm to learn, study and educate themselves on law using these books. Before he realized it he was teaching law and at the head of a very respectable Law School.
By the mid 1820s Yale took an interest in the New Haven Law School and became affiliated with the school. In 1843 students of the school graduated with degrees from Yale. The Yale Law School shield is divided into three quadrants. The bottom right being black with silver staples. These are to honor Grandfather Seth Perkins Staples.
By 1824 he was living in New York with a thriving law practice. He was so accomplished that in 1839 he was chosen as one of the attorneys actively involved in the case of the Amistad representing the defendants.
On 5 August 1850 Seth's daughter Frances Ann Staples Comstock passed away. On 26 November 1855 her husband David Augustus Comstock passed away. They had 4 small children 3 of them came to live with Grandfather Seth while the youngest Lilian went to live with an Uncle.
On 6 November 1861 grandfather Seth Perkins Staples passed away.
Friday, September 14, 2018
John Hales Ayres - Guard Duty
On 17 June 1842 Jame Ayres appeared before a Justice of the Peace to obtain a benefit of a provision Congress set in motion on 4 July 1836. She was entitled to a small pension because her husband, John Hales Ayres had served as a Private in the War of Independence.
He entered service as a Private in 1781 under Captain Robert Cary. All men in service were called to the courthouse in Buckingham, Virginia by Captain Carey He was to serve for three months on a march to the "South".
That march led them to Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina where he was immersed in the Battle of Guilford Court House on 15 March 1781.
A few months after his return from the "South" he was marched to Eastern Virginia and participated in the Battle at Little York. He was then marched to Winchester Virginia where he had the duty of guarding prisoners that were barracked there.
John is my 4th Great Grandfather born about 1740 in Buckingham County, Virginia and the son of Matthias and Elizabeth Ayres. He had 4 brothers and a sister.
In 1777 he married Jane Sallee and soon after each of their 10 children made a random appearance.
Magdalene
Nancy
Edmund
Sarah
Elizabeth
Susannah
Patsy
John
James
Olive
In November of 1828 Great Grandfather John Hales Ayres passed away.
He entered service as a Private in 1781 under Captain Robert Cary. All men in service were called to the courthouse in Buckingham, Virginia by Captain Carey He was to serve for three months on a march to the "South".
That march led them to Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina where he was immersed in the Battle of Guilford Court House on 15 March 1781.
A few months after his return from the "South" he was marched to Eastern Virginia and participated in the Battle at Little York. He was then marched to Winchester Virginia where he had the duty of guarding prisoners that were barracked there.
John is my 4th Great Grandfather born about 1740 in Buckingham County, Virginia and the son of Matthias and Elizabeth Ayres. He had 4 brothers and a sister.
In 1777 he married Jane Sallee and soon after each of their 10 children made a random appearance.
Magdalene
Nancy
Edmund
Sarah
Elizabeth
Susannah
Patsy
John
James
Olive
In November of 1828 Great Grandfather John Hales Ayres passed away.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Samuel Bliss - Rum Runner
Samuel Bliss was ordered to pay a fine of 20 shillings to the New London County Treasury. It was March 26 1718 and he was found guilty of selling "strong drink" to the Indians. He was not alone as he stood before the Justice of the Peace. He was accompanied by a host of citizens, men and women all standing for the same crime.
I would like to proclaim his innocence, I mean he was my Great Grandfather 7 generations ago. We are family, but to be honest he was probably guilty. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bliss and was one of seven children. Born 9 December 1657 in Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut.
On 8 December 1681 he married Ann Elderkin and they had 6 Children.
Thomas
Samuel
Elizabeth
John
Pelatiah
Thankful
In 1701 Samuel had bought property near Lebanon, New London, Connecticut and according to long lost legends he bought the land from Chief Oweneco. He may have never actually lived there and in 1712 he sold the property. He was living in Norwich, New London, Connecticut.
Grandfather Bliss was a wine merchant, and kept accounts with Daniel Johonnot also a wine merchant in Boston. Some of the items listed on an account for Grandfather Bliss are rum, leather gloves, hogs fat and pork. Payment on the account lists pork, beeswax, bailberry wax, beaver, otter, mink and deer skins. He also kept accounts with Mr. Leaske which include pork, bear, raccoon, mink, fox and beaver skins.
Samuel was a 1/8 owner of a sloop called Love and Ann. Purchased from Thomas Avery and John Richards. He also owned 1/8 of a Brigantine named Success he purchased from John Chandler.
Brigantines were built in the colonies in North America in the early 1700s. Smaller than a brig but larger than a sloop, they were swift and easy to maneuver thus making them the favored ships among pirates. They were often employed as landing vessels for larger fleets of ship because of their maneuverability.
In 1705 the Love and Ann sails to Barbados with Master Richard Caiter and a shipment from Grandfather Bliss of staves, a water hogshead and a horse.
What has his ships to do with selling "strong drink?" They sailed regularly to Barbados, and what was a popular product that came out of Barbados? Associated with piracy? Rum. Rum is considered "strong drink".
Apeanuchsuck, another "drunk" Indian in 1722 has Grandfather Bliss up in front of a judge again. Apeanuchsuck must have been having a big time because he was arrested first and said nothing then at his trial ratted out Grandfather Bliss. The original charge says "strong drink" and Apeanuchsuck is to pay 10 shillings or receive 10 lashes on his naked body. In the end Apeanuchsuck pays the 10 shillings and walks away having been served only 2 pots of cider. Grandfather pays another fine.
Grandfather Bliss dies 30 December 1729.
Samuel Bliss trouble making Run Runner.... my people!
I would like to proclaim his innocence, I mean he was my Great Grandfather 7 generations ago. We are family, but to be honest he was probably guilty. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Bliss and was one of seven children. Born 9 December 1657 in Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut.
On 8 December 1681 he married Ann Elderkin and they had 6 Children.
Thomas
Samuel
Elizabeth
John
Pelatiah
Thankful
In 1701 Samuel had bought property near Lebanon, New London, Connecticut and according to long lost legends he bought the land from Chief Oweneco. He may have never actually lived there and in 1712 he sold the property. He was living in Norwich, New London, Connecticut.
Grandfather Bliss was a wine merchant, and kept accounts with Daniel Johonnot also a wine merchant in Boston. Some of the items listed on an account for Grandfather Bliss are rum, leather gloves, hogs fat and pork. Payment on the account lists pork, beeswax, bailberry wax, beaver, otter, mink and deer skins. He also kept accounts with Mr. Leaske which include pork, bear, raccoon, mink, fox and beaver skins.
Samuel was a 1/8 owner of a sloop called Love and Ann. Purchased from Thomas Avery and John Richards. He also owned 1/8 of a Brigantine named Success he purchased from John Chandler.
Brigantines were built in the colonies in North America in the early 1700s. Smaller than a brig but larger than a sloop, they were swift and easy to maneuver thus making them the favored ships among pirates. They were often employed as landing vessels for larger fleets of ship because of their maneuverability.
In 1705 the Love and Ann sails to Barbados with Master Richard Caiter and a shipment from Grandfather Bliss of staves, a water hogshead and a horse.
Apeanuchsuck, another "drunk" Indian in 1722 has Grandfather Bliss up in front of a judge again. Apeanuchsuck must have been having a big time because he was arrested first and said nothing then at his trial ratted out Grandfather Bliss. The original charge says "strong drink" and Apeanuchsuck is to pay 10 shillings or receive 10 lashes on his naked body. In the end Apeanuchsuck pays the 10 shillings and walks away having been served only 2 pots of cider. Grandfather pays another fine.
Grandfather Bliss dies 30 December 1729.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
John Eaton and the Furlough
Joseph Kennard Eaton married Mary Patterson and in 1830 while they were living in York, Pennsylvania their son John was born. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Wayne, Monroe County, Ohio. John Eaton was one of seven children. He worked the family farm along with his father and brothers. He was my Very Great Uncle.
John married Delilla Joy and in 1857 they gave birth to their first child, Mary. John and his new family lived in Washington a small township in Monroe County, Ohio in a home near Delilla's parents. He was a Blacksmith. Martha was born in 1859, and in April of 1861 George W. Eaton was born.
On 1 August 1861 John enlisted in the 7th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry, Company D as a Private. On 18 March 1862 John was given a furlough by Capt J. Fisher, Commander of the Post, Company D. The Regimental Surgeon had recommended he return to Monroe County, Ohio to his home to regain his health. He was ordered to report back on 7 April 1862 Cherry Run, West Virginia. John did not regain his health and on 14 April 1862 he passed away. His homecoming must have been warm because in 1863 after his death his daughter Elizabeth was born.
He is buried in Graysville, Monroe County, Ohio.
John married Delilla Joy and in 1857 they gave birth to their first child, Mary. John and his new family lived in Washington a small township in Monroe County, Ohio in a home near Delilla's parents. He was a Blacksmith. Martha was born in 1859, and in April of 1861 George W. Eaton was born.
On 1 August 1861 John enlisted in the 7th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry, Company D as a Private. On 18 March 1862 John was given a furlough by Capt J. Fisher, Commander of the Post, Company D. The Regimental Surgeon had recommended he return to Monroe County, Ohio to his home to regain his health. He was ordered to report back on 7 April 1862 Cherry Run, West Virginia. John did not regain his health and on 14 April 1862 he passed away. His homecoming must have been warm because in 1863 after his death his daughter Elizabeth was born.
He is buried in Graysville, Monroe County, Ohio.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Medford Hyson Suspender Inventor
Medford Hynson is my 1st cousin 4x removed.
His mother is my 4th Great Aunt, Anna Maria Medford and she was born in London England in 1820.
Anna Maria Medford
She married Nathaniel Thornton Hynson in 1836. She was his second wife. Medford was born in 1837 and was 1 of 9 children. He also had a step-brother and sister from his father's first marriage.
When Medford was 5 he had his portrait painted.
This painting is a gift from Stephen Hynson will be in the Hynson Ringgold House on display.
He was working as a machinist in 1860 and lived in Kent County, Maryland. By 1870 he was in the carriage making business with his younger brother Nathaniel Thornton Hynson II living near Still Pond in Kent County. In 1875 he is Baltimore working again as a machinist. He marries Fanny Rigby and in 1878 their daughter Anna is born.
In 1885 Medford is working as a machinist in the Ordinance Department of the United States Navy at the ship yard in Washington D.C. For the next several years Medford works in the Navy Ship Yard.
Then on 19 January 1903 Medford and George F. Nelson apply for a patent for suspenders. He is approved for the patent and by 1904 their suspenders are available for sale through several catalogs that sell products to wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and tradesmen.
On 11 February 1914 passes away in the home of his brother.
His mother is my 4th Great Aunt, Anna Maria Medford and she was born in London England in 1820.
She married Nathaniel Thornton Hynson in 1836. She was his second wife. Medford was born in 1837 and was 1 of 9 children. He also had a step-brother and sister from his father's first marriage.
When Medford was 5 he had his portrait painted.
He was working as a machinist in 1860 and lived in Kent County, Maryland. By 1870 he was in the carriage making business with his younger brother Nathaniel Thornton Hynson II living near Still Pond in Kent County. In 1875 he is Baltimore working again as a machinist. He marries Fanny Rigby and in 1878 their daughter Anna is born.
In 1885 Medford is working as a machinist in the Ordinance Department of the United States Navy at the ship yard in Washington D.C. For the next several years Medford works in the Navy Ship Yard.
Then on 19 January 1903 Medford and George F. Nelson apply for a patent for suspenders. He is approved for the patent and by 1904 their suspenders are available for sale through several catalogs that sell products to wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers and tradesmen.
On 11 February 1914 passes away in the home of his brother.
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Frank Smoot Easley and the Doomed Arcadian
On February 10 1914 my 1st Cousin 3x removed Frank Smoot Easley and his wife Elizabeth left Bermuda on the SS Arcadian and arrived in New York 2 days later.
The Arcadian was built in 1899 and christened the SS Ortona. She launched July 10 1899 and was built as a passenger liner for travel to Australia. She could carry 620 passengers.
In December of 1902 she was used to carry troops back to England after the Second Boer War. On September 21 1910 after being sold and re-serviced she was renamed the SS Arcadian. She embarked on her first world cruise in January of 1912 as the world’s largest dedicated cruise ship.
In 1915, near the beginning of World War I the SS Arcadian was converted to an armed merchant cruiser by the British Admiralty. As the war continued she was put into service as a troop carrier ship in the Mediterranean. On April 15 1917 with 1335 troops and crew members on board the Arcadian was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine known as SM UC-74. She sank in 6 minutes with a loss of 279 lives. Most were kitchen staff and stokers who were working below decks at the time.
In 1915, near the beginning of World War I the SS Arcadian was converted to an armed merchant cruiser by the British Admiralty. As the war continued she was put into service as a troop carrier ship in the Mediterranean. On April 15 1917 with 1335 troops and crew members on board the Arcadian was hit by a torpedo from a German submarine known as SM UC-74. She sank in 6 minutes with a loss of 279 lives. Most were kitchen staff and stokers who were working below decks at the time.
Yes, that actually is her sinking. If you look closely those are men hanging on to ropes and scrambling down her sides.
I have included the story of events as told by Trooper Reginald C. Huggins. http://www.firstworldwar.com/diaries/torpedoed.htmhttp://www.firstworldwar.com/diaries/torpedoed.htm
Dining Salon Arcadian 1913
On January 29 1914 Frank had married Elizabeth Tyler. They had gone to Bermuda on their Honeymoon. The Arcadian which was marketed as the most palatial liner ever in the Bermuda service, made this trip along with a sister ship called the Tagus every week.
Frank was born on 3 August 1878 in Pearisburg, Giles County, Virginia. He was the youngest of 11 children born to John White Easley. His mother Minerva Boyd Pack was John's second wife.
When Frank was 26 the year was 1904 and he was living with his family in Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia and working for a company called American Smelting and Refining Company that had offices in New York City. He worked as a fuel agent manager of the steamship line in New York for their Mexico Exports and Imports.
11 January 1916 near Santa Isabella, Chihuahua, Mexico, men known as Villistas, who were loyal to Pancho Villa killed and mutilated 18 employees of the American Smelting and Refining Company who were on a train. Frank was not there.
It is 1912 and Frank works as a shipping agent at the Pocahontas Fuel Company. This company is a branch of Pocahontas Mine no. 1, the earliest coal mine in the Pocahontas Coalfield or the Flat Top-Pocahontas Coalfield. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pocahontas Fuel Company, operated mines in West Virginia at Jenkinjones, Bishop, and Itmann , and in Virginia at Boissevain and Amonate.
In early 1915 Frank is working for the Pocahontas Coke Company as a Manager. Later that year Frank becomes the President of the Bluefield Coal and Coke Company and his offices are in the Law & Commerce Building in Bluefield.
In 1919 Frank and his wife move into "The Breezes" a Tudor Revival style home built by Alex B. Mahood.
The Breezes
Frank applied for and was accepted as a Sons of the American Revolution. Daniel Easley, his 4th Great Grandfather, my 5th Great Grandfather was a private during the Revolutionary War and helped fight for the independence of America.
Frank passed away 26 May 1952.
The Library at Bluefield College is named the Easley Library in memory of Frank and his brother David who were both on the Board of Trustees and Founding Fathers.
In Bluefield is a bridge that spans the Norfolk Southern Corporation railroad tracks on Poplar Street. It is the Frank S. Easley Bridge named in honor of Frank.
He was a President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, President of Wright Milling Company, and Director of First National Bank of Bluefield.
He was a Past Master at Bluefield Mercer Masonic Lodge #85, a Shriner, Past Eminent Commander of the Knights Templar, member of Royal Arch Chapter, and had completed several steps into Scottish Rites.
On January 29 1914 Frank had married Elizabeth Tyler. They had gone to Bermuda on their Honeymoon. The Arcadian which was marketed as the most palatial liner ever in the Bermuda service, made this trip along with a sister ship called the Tagus every week.
Frank was born on 3 August 1878 in Pearisburg, Giles County, Virginia. He was the youngest of 11 children born to John White Easley. His mother Minerva Boyd Pack was John's second wife.
When Frank was 26 the year was 1904 and he was living with his family in Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia and working for a company called American Smelting and Refining Company that had offices in New York City. He worked as a fuel agent manager of the steamship line in New York for their Mexico Exports and Imports.
11 January 1916 near Santa Isabella, Chihuahua, Mexico, men known as Villistas, who were loyal to Pancho Villa killed and mutilated 18 employees of the American Smelting and Refining Company who were on a train. Frank was not there.
It is 1912 and Frank works as a shipping agent at the Pocahontas Fuel Company. This company is a branch of Pocahontas Mine no. 1, the earliest coal mine in the Pocahontas Coalfield or the Flat Top-Pocahontas Coalfield. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pocahontas Fuel Company, operated mines in West Virginia at Jenkinjones, Bishop, and Itmann , and in Virginia at Boissevain and Amonate.
In early 1915 Frank is working for the Pocahontas Coke Company as a Manager. Later that year Frank becomes the President of the Bluefield Coal and Coke Company and his offices are in the Law & Commerce Building in Bluefield.
In 1919 Frank and his wife move into "The Breezes" a Tudor Revival style home built by Alex B. Mahood.
Frank applied for and was accepted as a Sons of the American Revolution. Daniel Easley, his 4th Great Grandfather, my 5th Great Grandfather was a private during the Revolutionary War and helped fight for the independence of America.
Frank passed away 26 May 1952.
The Library at Bluefield College is named the Easley Library in memory of Frank and his brother David who were both on the Board of Trustees and Founding Fathers.
In Bluefield is a bridge that spans the Norfolk Southern Corporation railroad tracks on Poplar Street. It is the Frank S. Easley Bridge named in honor of Frank.
He was a President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, President of Wright Milling Company, and Director of First National Bank of Bluefield.
He was a Past Master at Bluefield Mercer Masonic Lodge #85, a Shriner, Past Eminent Commander of the Knights Templar, member of Royal Arch Chapter, and had completed several steps into Scottish Rites.
Uncle Joseph, Winter is Coming
My 8th Great Uncle Joseph Elderkin was arrested in 1701 when he was 29 for "selling drink to Indians". He was charged, found guilty and fined.
That was not the end of Joseph's crime spree. Not that I think sharing, selling or buying "strong drink" with your friends is a crime. Maybe these kin of mine are just happy drunks and want to share with everyone.
Joseph was born 27 December 1672 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut to John and Elizabeth Elderkin. He is the last born of 8 children. His mother was Elizabeth Drake John's second wife.
On 27 July 1703 Joseph married Deborah Brockway. They have 5 children.
Joseph the 3rd
Benjammin
Elizabeth
Jeptha
Deborah
Joseph is a weaver by trade.
In September 1712 Joseph is at the Supreme Court on Suspicion of Counterfeit. Yep, he is accused along with two others of having altered Connecticut bills to give them a larger denomination and passing them on. He pleads "not guilty". The other two are acquitted and Joseph is indicted. He is tried, convicted and sentenced to 6 months in prison. His two "alleged" cohorts plea with the court that their court costs be deducted from the reward they are entitled to for informing on Joseph. The court orders Joseph to pay the reward money to his "alleged" friends.
In October good ol' Uncle Joseph, being the clever sort pleads to the court in petition that he is in failing and very poor health. Winter is coming
and he fears spending time in prison during the harsh winter months might kill him.
The Superior Court votes in favor of his plea and he is told he has to pay a bail and will have to return to prison when the weather is more favorable to serve out his sentence. He is released to return in the Spring.
Joseph's son Joseph goes to jail in 1727 for "reviling and profane speaking" telling people while at a friends home that they would go to hell for sinning against light and knowledge.
In 1759 at the age of 87 Joseph dies.
Joseph was born 27 December 1672 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut to John and Elizabeth Elderkin. He is the last born of 8 children. His mother was Elizabeth Drake John's second wife.
On 27 July 1703 Joseph married Deborah Brockway. They have 5 children.
Joseph the 3rd
Benjammin
Elizabeth
Jeptha
Deborah
Joseph is a weaver by trade.
In September 1712 Joseph is at the Supreme Court on Suspicion of Counterfeit. Yep, he is accused along with two others of having altered Connecticut bills to give them a larger denomination and passing them on. He pleads "not guilty". The other two are acquitted and Joseph is indicted. He is tried, convicted and sentenced to 6 months in prison. His two "alleged" cohorts plea with the court that their court costs be deducted from the reward they are entitled to for informing on Joseph. The court orders Joseph to pay the reward money to his "alleged" friends.
In October good ol' Uncle Joseph, being the clever sort pleads to the court in petition that he is in failing and very poor health. Winter is coming
The Superior Court votes in favor of his plea and he is told he has to pay a bail and will have to return to prison when the weather is more favorable to serve out his sentence. He is released to return in the Spring.
Joseph's son Joseph goes to jail in 1727 for "reviling and profane speaking" telling people while at a friends home that they would go to hell for sinning against light and knowledge.
In 1759 at the age of 87 Joseph dies.
Josiah Milton Warren the Cooper
My 3rd Great Uncle Josiah Milton Warren was a cooper. He made barrels.
He was a journeyman cooper in 1870 and then in 1910 on the census his occupation was listed as cooper and the industry he was working as a cooper for was a Brewery. He lived on Bedinger Street in Ellesmere, Kenton, Kentucky.
He was a journeyman cooper in 1870 and then in 1910 on the census his occupation was listed as cooper and the industry he was working as a cooper for was a Brewery. He lived on Bedinger Street in Ellesmere, Kenton, Kentucky.
I
can find no breweries in Ellesmere in 1910 but there were three breweries in operation in
Covington, Kentucky which is very near. The Covington Brewery, The New
Kentucky Brewery and Bavarian Brewing. 
I have no idea at which he may have worked.
I have no idea at which he may have worked.
Before
1910 he lived in Cincinnati, Ohio and there were 23 breweries in operation in
1910. He could have been employed by one of them.
Besides
barrels, coopers also made utensils, casks, buckets, butter churns and drums, mostly
things that had staves and required the skill of a hooper. 
The hooper was the title of the worker who put the metal hoops around the staves to hold them together.
The hooper was the title of the worker who put the metal hoops around the staves to hold them together.
The
word cooper came by way of the German word kuper from the word kupe or cask,
which came from Latin cupa which was a barrel.
A
slack cooper made barrels to hold dry goods such as tobacco, nails, vegetables.
A dry-tight
cooper made barrels that would keep out moisture and the product inside dry.
They were used for products like gunpowder.
A
white cooper made buckets, butter churns, 
and wash tubs, they were made to hold liquids but were not suitable for shipping items.
and wash tubs, they were made to hold liquids but were not suitable for shipping items.
A
wet cooper made barrels that would hold liquids tight for shipping purposes.
Seguin
Moreau 
is a cooperage (a factory for making barrels) that was incorporated into the House of Remy. They produce Limousin oak barrels which gives the cognac aging in them the distinct vanilla notes found in Rémy Martin Grand Cru
which sells for about $1500 a bottle making the value of the contents of each barrel a quarter of a million dollars.
is a cooperage (a factory for making barrels) that was incorporated into the House of Remy. They produce Limousin oak barrels which gives the cognac aging in them the distinct vanilla notes found in Rémy Martin Grand Cru
which sells for about $1500 a bottle making the value of the contents of each barrel a quarter of a million dollars.
What
a shame he did not work there.
Josiah went by the name Milton and on 19 February 1871 her married Melissa McCormick. They had six children.
Lucetta Belle
Frederick Horatio
Clarence Sylvester
Frank Marion
Elsie L.
unknown
On 19 November 1920 Josiah passed away.
Josiah went by the name Milton and on 19 February 1871 her married Melissa McCormick. They had six children.
Lucetta Belle
Frederick Horatio
Clarence Sylvester
Frank Marion
Elsie L.
unknown
On 19 November 1920 Josiah passed away.
Ansel Served on an Iron Clad
Ansel Marion Warren, my 2nd Great Grandfather served in the United States Navy.
He enlisted on April 22 1861 at the age of 19 in Pomeroy, Ohio. He was a private in Company F of the 18th Ohio Infantry he mustered out on 28 August 1861 due to an injury.
On June 30 1863 in Marietta he enlisted and was a private in Company A of the 129th Ohio Infantry and mustered out March 8 1864 due to injuries and medial problems.
In Cincinnati on September 2 1864 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was given the rank of Landsmen, the lowest rank given to a Naval recruit indicating no sea or boating experience. He mustered out August 2 1865.
In his navy career...
He served aboard the USS Moose, a wooden stern-wheel steam gunboat. She was built in 1863 in Cincinnati, Ohio and was purchased by the Union Navy. Her duty was to patrol Confederate Waterways and she prowled the Ohio River, Tennessee River, Cumberland Rivers.
He also served on the USS Grampus, a side wheeled steamer. She was purchased in 1863 by the navy and named for Grampus Griseus, a member of the dolphin family known as Risso's Dolphin. She was stationed in Cincinnati, Ohio and was used to help refit and convert other ships into gunships. Her only weapons were 10 cutlasses
and revolvers and she contained no furnishings.
He served on the USS Great Western a side wheel steamer built in 1857. She was purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1862. She was an ordnance boat supplying Navy ships on the White River and the Arkansas River with ammunition and arms.
He served on the USS Benton
an iron clad river gunboat. She was a former center-wheel catamaran snagboat first called submarine No.7. and had been built by the US Navy to raise sunken Steamboats under the Mississippi River.
On April 29 1863 the Benton led a fleet of 7 ironclads down the Mississippi River
to Grand Gulf where she was involved in the Battle of Grand Gulf.
She was pierced by a round during the fight and 25 crewman were killed. At one point in the battle the current of the Mississippi increased overwhelming her engines and the Benton was swept down stream.
She was decommissioned in July of 1865.
Ansel married Priscilla Anderson 19 September 1867 and had 7 children.
Wellington Cashus
Hiram Marquis
James C.
Anna Martha
Sarah Viola
Emma Lee
Olive Mabel
His trade was a cooper. I had a small barrel he had made but as I was cleaning it several months ago one of the rings slipped and it fell into a heap. I could not locate a cooper to put it back together.
By 1905 Ansel was living in Parkersburg, West Virginia and was a merchant in a retail grocery store.
He spent the last few years of his life in the National Military Home for Veterans in Indiana.
Ansel died 13 February 1935.
He enlisted on April 22 1861 at the age of 19 in Pomeroy, Ohio. He was a private in Company F of the 18th Ohio Infantry he mustered out on 28 August 1861 due to an injury.
On June 30 1863 in Marietta he enlisted and was a private in Company A of the 129th Ohio Infantry and mustered out March 8 1864 due to injuries and medial problems.
In Cincinnati on September 2 1864 he enlisted in the United States Navy and was given the rank of Landsmen, the lowest rank given to a Naval recruit indicating no sea or boating experience. He mustered out August 2 1865.
In his navy career...
He served aboard the USS Moose, a wooden stern-wheel steam gunboat. She was built in 1863 in Cincinnati, Ohio and was purchased by the Union Navy. Her duty was to patrol Confederate Waterways and she prowled the Ohio River, Tennessee River, Cumberland Rivers.
He also served on the USS Grampus, a side wheeled steamer. She was purchased in 1863 by the navy and named for Grampus Griseus, a member of the dolphin family known as Risso's Dolphin. She was stationed in Cincinnati, Ohio and was used to help refit and convert other ships into gunships. Her only weapons were 10 cutlasses
and revolvers and she contained no furnishings.
He served on the USS Great Western a side wheel steamer built in 1857. She was purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1862. She was an ordnance boat supplying Navy ships on the White River and the Arkansas River with ammunition and arms.
He served on the USS Benton
an iron clad river gunboat. She was a former center-wheel catamaran snagboat first called submarine No.7. and had been built by the US Navy to raise sunken Steamboats under the Mississippi River.
On April 29 1863 the Benton led a fleet of 7 ironclads down the Mississippi River
Mississippi River at Grand Gulf, Mississippi
to Grand Gulf where she was involved in the Battle of Grand Gulf.
Ansel married Priscilla Anderson 19 September 1867 and had 7 children.
Wellington Cashus
Hiram Marquis
James C.
Anna Martha
Sarah Viola
Emma Lee
Olive Mabel
His trade was a cooper. I had a small barrel he had made but as I was cleaning it several months ago one of the rings slipped and it fell into a heap. I could not locate a cooper to put it back together.
By 1905 Ansel was living in Parkersburg, West Virginia and was a merchant in a retail grocery store.
He spent the last few years of his life in the National Military Home for Veterans in Indiana.
Ansel died 13 February 1935.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)