Built in 1844 Ottumwa House was the first Public House used for accommodations in the Ottumwa area and was a favored resort during the Civil War. Thomas Graham Given operated the Ottumwa House in 1855. He was Post Master in Dahlonega, and County Surveyor in Drakesville, Iowa for a short time in 1847 and in 1848 he was Clerk of District Court. Thomas was a Mason and in 1848 he was Worshipful Junior Grand Deacon. He was also Noble Grand, twice of Ottumwa Lodge No. 9, I.O.O.F.
Thomas Graham Given is my Very Great Uncle. He was born in Virginia to James Given and Elizabeth (Graham) Given on 13 October 1818. He is living in Lee County, Iowa Territory in 1841 where he marries Elizabeth Berry and was granted 40 acres in Lee County on 1 December 1841. They have two children, Martha Ann and Mansfield all of which appear in the 1850 census but by 1851 Thomas is married to Amanda Sharpe. They have 3 children, Eddy, Franklin and Thomas. He is a Wapello County Deputy in 1856.
1860 Thomas and his family are living in Leavenworth, Kansas and he is part owner in G & Tanner Blacksmiths. They move again and by 1863 they are in St. Louis, Missouri with Thomas working as a Blacksmith. In September of 1864 Thomas dies. He was buried in the now defunct Wesleyen Cemetery. His body was moved several times and he may be at rest in the Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Louis.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Monday, February 25, 2019
Dora M. James - Windsor Street School Teacher - Cincinnati
The Teachers Annuity and Aid Association of Hamilton County, Ohio has a fund set up called the Dora M. James Fund. She was a Teacher in the Hamilton County, Ohio area for forty years. In her will she asks that all cash and money from sold, stocks and other investments be divided into tenths and that three tenths be given to the Teachers Annuity and Aid Association of Hamilton County, Ohio as a permanent fund.
Dora M. James was born in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio in November of 1841 to Abner Clark James and Mary Ann (Ernst) James. At the age of 19 Dora's father has passed and she is living with her Mother and 2 younger brothers.
By 1862 Cincinnati schools are divided into districts and Dora is a teacher in the First District. She later teaches at the Findlay Street House/School in 1891 and 1893 she is teaching at the Windsor Street School where she teaches for most of her career.
Windsor Street School
In the early 1900s Dora lists an address at Odd Fellows Temple
Odd Fellows Temple in Cincinnati
which falls in the business section of a Cincinnati Directory under Books.
In 1907 Dora donates 13 documents to the Historical and Philosophical Society of Cincinnati. Included in these documents are assorted receipts, deeds and mortgages regarding property on Broadway Street in Cincinnati between 5th and 6th street. For a time Dora lived in a property at 173 Broadway Street. There is also a bill from 1820 regarding tuition of a Mary and Catherine Ernst.
In 1913 Dora writes her will setting up the Teacher Fund and dividing her assets and personal possessions which she generously shares with two of her nieces and other family members as well as friends. She is in possession of a farm on Compton Rd. in Colerain Township, Hamilton County, Ohio she leaves to relatives. Dora also leaves money to the First Church of Christ Scientist of Cincinnati to invest in the writings of Mrs. Eddy.
16 August 1917 Dora dies the cause of death is listed as cancer. She is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dora M. James was born in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio in November of 1841 to Abner Clark James and Mary Ann (Ernst) James. At the age of 19 Dora's father has passed and she is living with her Mother and 2 younger brothers.
By 1862 Cincinnati schools are divided into districts and Dora is a teacher in the First District. She later teaches at the Findlay Street House/School in 1891 and 1893 she is teaching at the Windsor Street School where she teaches for most of her career.
In the early 1900s Dora lists an address at Odd Fellows Temple
which falls in the business section of a Cincinnati Directory under Books.
In 1907 Dora donates 13 documents to the Historical and Philosophical Society of Cincinnati. Included in these documents are assorted receipts, deeds and mortgages regarding property on Broadway Street in Cincinnati between 5th and 6th street. For a time Dora lived in a property at 173 Broadway Street. There is also a bill from 1820 regarding tuition of a Mary and Catherine Ernst.
In 1913 Dora writes her will setting up the Teacher Fund and dividing her assets and personal possessions which she generously shares with two of her nieces and other family members as well as friends. She is in possession of a farm on Compton Rd. in Colerain Township, Hamilton County, Ohio she leaves to relatives. Dora also leaves money to the First Church of Christ Scientist of Cincinnati to invest in the writings of Mrs. Eddy.
16 August 1917 Dora dies the cause of death is listed as cancer. She is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Peter Rookstool and the Gangrene
The cause of death on the death report says Gangrene. Peter Rookstool, my Very Great Uncle died in 1885 from Gangrene. How? What happened? He was 79 years old and a farmer. He was living in Summers County, West Virginia with his wife Mary and two sons, John Mason and Peter Franklin.
Peter's people came to this country from Switzerland around 1735 first settling in Pennsylvania and then moving on into West Virginia. Peter was born to John and Mary (Cline) Rookstool or what was once Ruckstuhl in Greenbrier County, West Virginia in 1807.
In 1836 a balloonist named Richard Clayton landed his hot air balloon in Summers County, West Virginia in an area with a small population and the community of Clayton was named. In 1856 Peter is living in Clayton and helped to build the structure of rough hew logs that would eventually house the church and school which Peter presided over.
April 1858 Peter is granted 130 acres of land that has access to Hungary Creek in Monroe County, West Virginia. In July of 1860 he assayed another 250 acres of land with access to Hungary Creek which he is granted. He also has a grant of land that includes 280 acres with access to Laurel Creek.
His home in 1860 is Rollinsburg in Summers County, West Virginia. This community has since been renamed Talcott in 1891 and is home to the John Henry legend.
At the age of 59 on 26 March of 1866 Peter marries the 36 year old Mary Elizabeth Coffman and she soon gives birth to two sons. The family is living in Wolf Creek, Monroe County, West Virginia in 1870 where Peter is farming. In 1880 they are living Green Sulphur in Summers County, West Virginia and Peter is still farming. On 3 November 1885 Peter writes his will and the first thing he bequeaths is a dun colored calf to his son John. Item 2 of his will is a rifle he leaves to his son Peter. Item 3 he leaves everything of "every nature and kind" to his wife.
On 11 November 1885 Peter has died.
Peter's people came to this country from Switzerland around 1735 first settling in Pennsylvania and then moving on into West Virginia. Peter was born to John and Mary (Cline) Rookstool or what was once Ruckstuhl in Greenbrier County, West Virginia in 1807.
In 1836 a balloonist named Richard Clayton landed his hot air balloon in Summers County, West Virginia in an area with a small population and the community of Clayton was named. In 1856 Peter is living in Clayton and helped to build the structure of rough hew logs that would eventually house the church and school which Peter presided over.
April 1858 Peter is granted 130 acres of land that has access to Hungary Creek in Monroe County, West Virginia. In July of 1860 he assayed another 250 acres of land with access to Hungary Creek which he is granted. He also has a grant of land that includes 280 acres with access to Laurel Creek.
His home in 1860 is Rollinsburg in Summers County, West Virginia. This community has since been renamed Talcott in 1891 and is home to the John Henry legend.
At the age of 59 on 26 March of 1866 Peter marries the 36 year old Mary Elizabeth Coffman and she soon gives birth to two sons. The family is living in Wolf Creek, Monroe County, West Virginia in 1870 where Peter is farming. In 1880 they are living Green Sulphur in Summers County, West Virginia and Peter is still farming. On 3 November 1885 Peter writes his will and the first thing he bequeaths is a dun colored calf to his son John. Item 2 of his will is a rifle he leaves to his son Peter. Item 3 he leaves everything of "every nature and kind" to his wife.
On 11 November 1885 Peter has died.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Adam Gruene, Green, Grine and so on.
In 1850 they spelled his name Green on the census. In 1880 they spelled it Grine. It could have been spelled Grun,or Gruene. As in Gruene, Texas which is about 16 miles from my home. He is Adam Gruene and he was born in 1794 in Darmstadt, Hesse, Prussia, Germany. Gruene is a German name translating to Greenery.Depending on whom heard him say his name it could have been spelled a few different ways.
He is employed as a Milkman in 1850 in Baltimore, Maryland. His wife's name is Catherine and he had a daughter Maria Anna that I know of.
For now, this is all I know about this Ghost.
He is employed as a Milkman in 1850 in Baltimore, Maryland. His wife's name is Catherine and he had a daughter Maria Anna that I know of.
For now, this is all I know about this Ghost.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Capitola George - Wool Brigade and the Gold Medal
Capitola George is a cousin. She was born in Virginia on 23 March 1860 and is the daughter of George Pearis George. She has 2 sisters until 1865 when Jane is born. She grows up in Clear Fork Township, Tazewell County, Virginia. The Post Office in Blue Stone is the closest. 1880 finds Capitola, her 3 sisters Rhoda, Jane and Nancy and her Mother living in the East River District of Mercer County, West Virginia. In 1900 Capitola, Jane and their Mother live at 222 Bluefield Avenue in Bluefield. The family moves to 393 Third Street by 1910 and Capitola's Mother is operating a Boarding House but in 1911 she dies. Jane and Capitola move with long time Boarder Robert Karr to 319 Third Street and are living there in 1920 and again move to 521 Third Street by 1930. In 1940 Capitola is 80, her sister, Jane is 75 and their long time Boarder is 87, all three are living still at 521 Third Street in Bluefield.
Capitola is a Teacher in a Mercer County School in 1885 and 1886. She was born blind and eventually taught herself how to read Braille and then proceeded to teach others in the school district area who were blind to also read. During World War I, Capitola knit garments for the soldiers and after the war she received a gold medal for her contribution.
A Red Cross poster encouraging wartime knitting, 1918. Library of Congress
Before America became involved in World War I the American Fund for the French Wounded and the American Red Cross issued public pleas for warm clothing for soldiers. Gloves, scarves, sweaters but mostly socks were all needed as Frostbite and Trench-foot were common among the young soldiers. The Betsy Ross Yarn Mills advertised their water repellent khaki and grey wool with "Uncle Sam Wants You To Knit To Protect His Boys --- Over There". The American Red Cross estimates that 370 million knit items were produced between 1917 and 1919.
In Cincinnati, Ohio there is a Library for the blind and she was a member. Books were sent back and forth to her on a regular basis postage paid. In May of 1931 Capitola is sent a radio from the Foundation for the Blind in New York City this was so special that it made the Bluefield Daily Telegram, the daily paper in Bluefield.
Capitola writes her will on 22 July 1929 when she is only 69. She leaves everything to her sister Jane and long time Boarder Robert Karr is her witness.
7 October 1942 Capitola passes due to "heart failure" and is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bluefield. She was 82.
Capitola is a Teacher in a Mercer County School in 1885 and 1886. She was born blind and eventually taught herself how to read Braille and then proceeded to teach others in the school district area who were blind to also read. During World War I, Capitola knit garments for the soldiers and after the war she received a gold medal for her contribution.
Before America became involved in World War I the American Fund for the French Wounded and the American Red Cross issued public pleas for warm clothing for soldiers. Gloves, scarves, sweaters but mostly socks were all needed as Frostbite and Trench-foot were common among the young soldiers. The Betsy Ross Yarn Mills advertised their water repellent khaki and grey wool with "Uncle Sam Wants You To Knit To Protect His Boys --- Over There". The American Red Cross estimates that 370 million knit items were produced between 1917 and 1919.
In Cincinnati, Ohio there is a Library for the blind and she was a member. Books were sent back and forth to her on a regular basis postage paid. In May of 1931 Capitola is sent a radio from the Foundation for the Blind in New York City this was so special that it made the Bluefield Daily Telegram, the daily paper in Bluefield.
Capitola writes her will on 22 July 1929 when she is only 69. She leaves everything to her sister Jane and long time Boarder Robert Karr is her witness.
7 October 1942 Capitola passes due to "heart failure" and is buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bluefield. She was 82.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Moses Keyes - Chelmsford
In 1701 Solomon Keyes wrote his will and in it he left his trade and loom to his son Moses who is my 1st cousin 8x removed. Moses Keyes was born in Chelmsford, Middlesex, Massachusetts on 21 March 1671. He is child 9 out of 12 children and the third son. Solomon also gave Moses a pair of oxen, a cow and calf and all his wearing apparel except for two garments his brother John gets his choice of.
On 27 June 1693 Moses marries Mehitable Kemp and in 1694 their first child Jane is born. She is followed by:
Moses Jr.
Ezekiel
Elizabeth
Rachel
Zechariah
In 1705 Moses is town Surveyor. This is a prestigious title and his responsibilities included making sure there were small farm plots available close to the town center, space for commerce, space for churches and those communities that would surround the churches, parks, communal property that gave access to small garden plots or areas for grazing a goat and plots that gave everyone who wanted access to water transportation options. He was well known to all and many asked him to witness wills, land and other legal documents.
Moses death is recorded as 14 January 1747 in Chelmsford. There is no burial site for him or other members of his family in Chelmsford. Their graves lost, on private land, or misplaced.
On 27 June 1693 Moses marries Mehitable Kemp and in 1694 their first child Jane is born. She is followed by:
Moses Jr.
Ezekiel
Elizabeth
Rachel
Zechariah
In 1705 Moses is town Surveyor. This is a prestigious title and his responsibilities included making sure there were small farm plots available close to the town center, space for commerce, space for churches and those communities that would surround the churches, parks, communal property that gave access to small garden plots or areas for grazing a goat and plots that gave everyone who wanted access to water transportation options. He was well known to all and many asked him to witness wills, land and other legal documents.
Moses death is recorded as 14 January 1747 in Chelmsford. There is no burial site for him or other members of his family in Chelmsford. Their graves lost, on private land, or misplaced.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
John Childers - Just Folk
In 1782 William Childers and his family are living in Hampshire County, Virginia. Hampshire County was authorized to be created in 1754 by the Virginia General Assembly but the outbreak of the French and Indian War delayed the actual creation until 1757. It is the oldest county in West Virginia. William's son John Childers was born in Hampshire County in 1780 he had three older sisters and two older brothers. There would be one more sister and another brother born after him. In 1784 Harrison County is founded and in 1789 we find John Childers, his siblings and parents living there. Not only did John encounter a beautiful landscape, he also encountered the beautiful Margaret Yerkey and on 6 March 1801 the couple married. In 1804 their first child, John was born. Margaret and John went on to have 7 more children.
In October of 1842 John Childers passes away.
I usually write the tales of my kinfolk that had adventures, dramas, romances, strange deaths, military experiences, interesting jobs, sordid misadventures and other escapades I have yet to discover. Most of them however were just everyday kind of folks. Not to diminish or dismiss these land developers, farmers and plain folk who were the support of us of my clans that were the pirates, adventurers, military leaders and followers, quirky, spunky, and the colorful threads that make our tapestry beautiful.
In October of 1842 John Childers passes away.
I usually write the tales of my kinfolk that had adventures, dramas, romances, strange deaths, military experiences, interesting jobs, sordid misadventures and other escapades I have yet to discover. Most of them however were just everyday kind of folks. Not to diminish or dismiss these land developers, farmers and plain folk who were the support of us of my clans that were the pirates, adventurers, military leaders and followers, quirky, spunky, and the colorful threads that make our tapestry beautiful.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Hosea Moore - Murdered In The Tavern
On a headstone in the Old Lumberton Cemetery is carved a tightly closed hand with the index finger pointing up. The name on the stone is Hosea Moore. Born 28 May 1772 died 23 March 1838. The carving symbolizes Hope.The Hope of heaven.
Photo by Shirley Kepner Maribona
Hosea Moore is my Very Great Uncle, born in Evesham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. He was murdered.
Forensics in 1838 were certainly not the stuff of 2019 crime scene investigations however there was a confession from the murderer but that is also a bit tangled. It would be great fodder for an episode of Dateline. The simple truth is Hosea was murdered by the man who said he did it. But things are usually not that simple.
In a Quaker meeting Record Book for the Evesham Monthly Meeting is a record of the birth of Hosea and his sisters and brothers. He is mentioned again in March 1784 as living with his parents in a Monthly Meeting Book. June 1796 Hosea is seen by friends (members) of the Quaker community dressing in a "vain fashion" copying the clothing worn by non-members and paying a substitute tax. After pointing out his inconstancy and entreating him to come to church they claim they dealt with it. Friends (members) of the Meeting House try to meet with Hosea in July of 1796 regarding some degree of "tendencies" in him which are outside the acceptable for the Quakers. In early August 1796 it is reported that friends (members) of the Quaker family were asked by Hosea to show "forbearance" on his situation when they attempted to speak with him about it. By late August 1796 the Committee of friends who have been working on Hosea report back that he refuses to make satisfaction for his deviation from the friends and they recommend disownment. September of 1796 the friend committee assigned to deal with Hosea come to the conclusion that he does not see his way clear to make satisfaction for his deviance from their doctrine. They make a judgement of disownment. October 1796 in a meeting it is decided that the friends will draw up disownment papers and present them to Hosea. The friends make an attempt to deliver a disownment paper to Hosea in November 1796 he declines. In December of 1796 friends (members) attempt to give Hosea a copy of the disown paper when he tells them he intends to appeal. Hosea is 24 when he is disowned from the Evesham Meeting House.
In March of 1797 Hosea marries Mary Bishop they had 9 children.
In 1820 Hosea is running Fox Chase Inn a stage coach Inn and Tavern. 25 March of 1838 ended badly for Hosea Moore. He was found bludgeoned to death in his bed at the Tavern. His head pounded until there was nothing but cracked skull, fragments and scattered brains. The murderer still at the scene with the hammer in his hand admitting he did it. The story went viral in many national newspapers.
The Baltimore Sun
The New York American
The Morning Courier and the New York Enquirer
There are several other reports on the incident in other papers. A few things are known. Hosea and the murderer were drinking together the night before. Hosea was boasting that night that he was "under the Lord's Protection" and defied anyone to harm him. The murderer had locked himself in the tavern and refused to let anyone in.
The murderer as his defense pleaded insanity. He was sentenced to life in prison but was released after only 12 years. Rumors were whispered that Hosea wanted to die. That he even gave the murderer the weapon. That he told the murderer to pretend to be insane so they would not judge him harshly. Rumors spread that Hosea and the murderer had been having private meetings and were very close just days before the murder as though they were planning it. What actually happened that night after the last patron left and the days preceding is a mystery.
Hosea Moore is my Very Great Uncle, born in Evesham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. He was murdered.
Forensics in 1838 were certainly not the stuff of 2019 crime scene investigations however there was a confession from the murderer but that is also a bit tangled. It would be great fodder for an episode of Dateline. The simple truth is Hosea was murdered by the man who said he did it. But things are usually not that simple.
In a Quaker meeting Record Book for the Evesham Monthly Meeting is a record of the birth of Hosea and his sisters and brothers. He is mentioned again in March 1784 as living with his parents in a Monthly Meeting Book. June 1796 Hosea is seen by friends (members) of the Quaker community dressing in a "vain fashion" copying the clothing worn by non-members and paying a substitute tax. After pointing out his inconstancy and entreating him to come to church they claim they dealt with it. Friends (members) of the Meeting House try to meet with Hosea in July of 1796 regarding some degree of "tendencies" in him which are outside the acceptable for the Quakers. In early August 1796 it is reported that friends (members) of the Quaker family were asked by Hosea to show "forbearance" on his situation when they attempted to speak with him about it. By late August 1796 the Committee of friends who have been working on Hosea report back that he refuses to make satisfaction for his deviation from the friends and they recommend disownment. September of 1796 the friend committee assigned to deal with Hosea come to the conclusion that he does not see his way clear to make satisfaction for his deviance from their doctrine. They make a judgement of disownment. October 1796 in a meeting it is decided that the friends will draw up disownment papers and present them to Hosea. The friends make an attempt to deliver a disownment paper to Hosea in November 1796 he declines. In December of 1796 friends (members) attempt to give Hosea a copy of the disown paper when he tells them he intends to appeal. Hosea is 24 when he is disowned from the Evesham Meeting House.
In March of 1797 Hosea marries Mary Bishop they had 9 children.
In 1820 Hosea is running Fox Chase Inn a stage coach Inn and Tavern. 25 March of 1838 ended badly for Hosea Moore. He was found bludgeoned to death in his bed at the Tavern. His head pounded until there was nothing but cracked skull, fragments and scattered brains. The murderer still at the scene with the hammer in his hand admitting he did it. The story went viral in many national newspapers.
The Baltimore Sun
The New York American
The murderer as his defense pleaded insanity. He was sentenced to life in prison but was released after only 12 years. Rumors were whispered that Hosea wanted to die. That he even gave the murderer the weapon. That he told the murderer to pretend to be insane so they would not judge him harshly. Rumors spread that Hosea and the murderer had been having private meetings and were very close just days before the murder as though they were planning it. What actually happened that night after the last patron left and the days preceding is a mystery.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Nicholas G. Gibson and the Cannon Affair
The 37th Battalion Virginia Calvary was organized in August of 1862 and had four Companies. By June of 1864 it had increased to ten Companies. They were involved in battles through Tennessee, Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. The Battalion disbanded in April of 1865. Lt. Col Ambrose C. Dunn was in command with Maj. Claiborne his second. Things went very wrong for Lt. Col. Dunn and Maj. Claiborne was assigned the command. But this is not about either of them. This is about Dr. Nicholas G. Gibson who was an Assistant Surgeon for the Battalion.
Nicholas is my Very Great Uncle and was born in Braxton County, Virginia on 9 November 1824. In 1858 Nicholas was the Postmaster for a brief period for Birchtown in Braxton County. Birchton, established in 1852 became Birchtown and in 1875 the name changed to Tate Creek.
After the war in May of 1865 Nicholas shows up on an IRS Tax Assessment as a Physician in Centerville, Braxton County.
In 1870 Nicholas who is 46 is living in Grant, West Virginia and is a Physician. Also living in Grant is the beautiful Rowena Catherine Groves. She is barely 19 and in 1871 they marry and decide to make their home in Sutton, Braxton County. Upon their return to Sutton after the wedding, the town celebrates their newly married Doctor and his wife with cannon fire and celebration. Hidden somewhere near Wainesville was a cannon. It had been left by the Confederate Army after the battle of Bulltown.
The Armies retreat up the hill would be faster and easier without the cannon so it was hidden in case they needed it again. They never did so the cannon sat unused and neglected from October 1863 until that day in 1871. A Confederate Veteran of that battle, Johnson Barker remembered the cannon and where it was located and with some help retrieved it. At some point during the celebration the cannon was charged and upon being fired exploded with an extraordinary loud boom. The cannon had burst and fragments went flying. No one was hurt and the event was talked about for years.
Nicholas and Rowena had 3 children, John Jacob, Alfred Irvin, and Mary Elizabeth. Just 10 years after his marriage Dr. Nicholas G. Gibson passes.
Nicholas is my Very Great Uncle and was born in Braxton County, Virginia on 9 November 1824. In 1858 Nicholas was the Postmaster for a brief period for Birchtown in Braxton County. Birchton, established in 1852 became Birchtown and in 1875 the name changed to Tate Creek.
After the war in May of 1865 Nicholas shows up on an IRS Tax Assessment as a Physician in Centerville, Braxton County.
In 1870 Nicholas who is 46 is living in Grant, West Virginia and is a Physician. Also living in Grant is the beautiful Rowena Catherine Groves. She is barely 19 and in 1871 they marry and decide to make their home in Sutton, Braxton County. Upon their return to Sutton after the wedding, the town celebrates their newly married Doctor and his wife with cannon fire and celebration. Hidden somewhere near Wainesville was a cannon. It had been left by the Confederate Army after the battle of Bulltown.
Nicholas and Rowena had 3 children, John Jacob, Alfred Irvin, and Mary Elizabeth. Just 10 years after his marriage Dr. Nicholas G. Gibson passes.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Sylvia Fletcher Sails to New Orleans
In Newport, Wales a young man, James Powell boarded the Arlington for New Orleans. As he was watching he saw a man and wife board the ship. The man turned back and told four girls to hurry up. James watched as first one lovely girl after another boarded. It was then that he saw her. Sylvia, my Very Great Aunt. She was 22 and her sisters and parents along with a barrel, 19 boxes and trunks were also going to New Orleans. The journey was to take 6 weeks. He was hoping it would take longer.
Sylvia Fletcher was born in Somerset, England in 1827, baptized at St. John's Church in Yeovil, Somerset on 20 February 1827.
She had 4 sisters and 2 brothers, her younger brother Henry died at the age of two. On 6 November 1849 her parents, 4 of her sisters and her little brother reached the port of New Orleans in Louisiana.
By 21 August 1850 the Fletcher family were living in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. James Powell had married Sylvia by 1853 they had 4 children and were living in Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois in 1860. There are 6 children in the home, it is 1870 and John, their son, who was born in 1859 is dead and the young family has moved to Dubuque, Iowa. Here is where Sylvia will live the rest of her life. She appears in an 1896 City Directory in Dubuque as a widow living with her daughter Lulu on Bluff Street. In 1899 Sylvia and Lulu live on Iowa Street and in 1900 they are living at 301 Seminary Drive not far from her son Henry in what is now the Seminary Hill Residential Historic District. In 1907 Lulu marries and moves to Alta Vista St. taking her mother who is now 83 with her.
Christmas, 25 December 1912 Sylvia passes.
Sylvia Fletcher was born in Somerset, England in 1827, baptized at St. John's Church in Yeovil, Somerset on 20 February 1827.
She had 4 sisters and 2 brothers, her younger brother Henry died at the age of two. On 6 November 1849 her parents, 4 of her sisters and her little brother reached the port of New Orleans in Louisiana.
By 21 August 1850 the Fletcher family were living in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. James Powell had married Sylvia by 1853 they had 4 children and were living in Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois in 1860. There are 6 children in the home, it is 1870 and John, their son, who was born in 1859 is dead and the young family has moved to Dubuque, Iowa. Here is where Sylvia will live the rest of her life. She appears in an 1896 City Directory in Dubuque as a widow living with her daughter Lulu on Bluff Street. In 1899 Sylvia and Lulu live on Iowa Street and in 1900 they are living at 301 Seminary Drive not far from her son Henry in what is now the Seminary Hill Residential Historic District. In 1907 Lulu marries and moves to Alta Vista St. taking her mother who is now 83 with her.
Christmas, 25 December 1912 Sylvia passes.
Friday, February 8, 2019
Elihu Tipton Eaton - Protector of Clarksburg
Jolly was a township in Washington County, Ohio that was established in 1840. Elihu Tipton Eaton, who was seven years old in 1850, lived on a vast 600 acre farm in Jolly Township with his father David Eaton, mother Hannah Mantle Eaton, 6 brothers and 2 sisters. In 1851 part of Jolly Township was incorporated into Monroe County, Ohio. Then in 1859 the remaining part of Jolly was incorporated into Grandview Township, Ohio. The township of Jolly ceased to exist.
Elihu was born 15 April 1843 in Ohio. A census from 1860 shows the family living on 400 acres in Wood County, Virginia. Elihu is working the farm along with his father and three brothers.
26 September 1864 in Wheeling, West Virginia the 17th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized.Only one man in the Regiment died from battle wounds while 24 men were reported to have died from disease. On the 27th of September 1864 the Regiment was marched to Clarksburg, West Virginia where they were tasked with guarding the Railroad and Clarksburg. The Regiment was mustered out on 30 June 1865. Elihu is in Wheeling on 8 September 1864 to enlist in the Union Army. He is assigned to the 17th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company D.
Civil War Era photo by Bennett Rider of Clarkburg
Less than a year after he musters out he meets the lovely Mary Elizabeth Melrose and they marry 18 March 1866. A few months later their first child, a son, George William Eaton is born.
Marriage Record of Elihu and Mary
On the Northeast side of the North Branch of Lee Creek in Steele Township, Wood County, West Virginia in 1870 lived Elihu Tipton Eaton with his wife and young son. Their nearest Post Office was in Wadesville, West Virginia. He was a farmer and blacksmith, a skill he learned from his father. He farmed his land up until his death 22 October 1912.
Elihu was born 15 April 1843 in Ohio. A census from 1860 shows the family living on 400 acres in Wood County, Virginia. Elihu is working the farm along with his father and three brothers.
26 September 1864 in Wheeling, West Virginia the 17th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized.Only one man in the Regiment died from battle wounds while 24 men were reported to have died from disease. On the 27th of September 1864 the Regiment was marched to Clarksburg, West Virginia where they were tasked with guarding the Railroad and Clarksburg. The Regiment was mustered out on 30 June 1865. Elihu is in Wheeling on 8 September 1864 to enlist in the Union Army. He is assigned to the 17th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company D.
On the Northeast side of the North Branch of Lee Creek in Steele Township, Wood County, West Virginia in 1870 lived Elihu Tipton Eaton with his wife and young son. Their nearest Post Office was in Wadesville, West Virginia. He was a farmer and blacksmith, a skill he learned from his father. He farmed his land up until his death 22 October 1912.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Mary Van Meter - $6.00 per Week
Her paycheck for the week was about $6.00. Or would have been had she lived in Philadelphia and worked at a blanket factory but she lived and worked in Camden, New Jersey. There were at least 80 factories in Camden in 1860 several of those were woolen Mills. Maybe she spun wool at Henry Bottomley's Camden Wool Mills, maybe she spun cotton, flax, or silk at a different Mill. She is Mary Van Meter, born 30 May 1835 in Pittsgrove, Salem, New Jersey she is 25 and living in Union Township, Camden County, New Jersey with her parents and siblings. She is my 1st Cousin 4x removed.
Union Township has since been dissolved. It was formed 15 November 1831 and was established in Gloucester County but in 1844 it became one of the first towns in the newly formed Camden County. On 6 March 1855 Centre Township was formed from some of Union Township and in 1868 Union disappeared into what became Gloucester City.
In 1870 Mary Van Meter is now Mary Reese and the mother of Lillie who is 4 and step-mother to Annie who is 10. She is no longer working at the mill but is still living in the home of her parents.
202 Market Street in Gloucester, New Jersey is the address where Mary Reese her husband William Reese and 3 children live in 1880.
Mary is keeping house and William works at as a Stone Cutter. She now has a son named William who is 12. Both Anne and Lillie work at a print works shop.
According to the family Bible Mary Reese dies 5 May 1884.
Union Township has since been dissolved. It was formed 15 November 1831 and was established in Gloucester County but in 1844 it became one of the first towns in the newly formed Camden County. On 6 March 1855 Centre Township was formed from some of Union Township and in 1868 Union disappeared into what became Gloucester City.
In 1870 Mary Van Meter is now Mary Reese and the mother of Lillie who is 4 and step-mother to Annie who is 10. She is no longer working at the mill but is still living in the home of her parents.
202 Market Street in Gloucester, New Jersey is the address where Mary Reese her husband William Reese and 3 children live in 1880.
Mary is keeping house and William works at as a Stone Cutter. She now has a son named William who is 12. Both Anne and Lillie work at a print works shop.
According to the family Bible Mary Reese dies 5 May 1884.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Rebecca Isobel Brown - Belle of Collin County
In 1910 Rebecca Isobel Smith is a farmer living near Price Township in Jefferson County, Oklahoma. She is a widow and five of her sons are living in her home and working the farm. Belle, as she is called, can read and write.
She was born 25 February 1855 to Samuel Pepper Brown and Mary Russell Brown in Collin County, Texas with the closest post office being in McKinney, Texas. She was one of eleven children. By the time she was 15 her father had moved the family to Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas and Belle was attending school. Belle would often visit her aunt Murrel in Illinois Bend, Texas and it was there that she met George Alexander Smith. On 11 December 1879 Belle marries George and their first child, Robert Dresden Smith is born in 1880.
George has moved Belle and their five sons by 1900 to Indian Territory in what was known as the Chickasaw Nation, Township 3. This territory later became Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma. They are farming the land and raising cattle. George dies in 1905 leaving his wife Belle and sons to continue farming in Oklahoma.
Belle's 5 sons - Robert, Alvin, Warren, George, and John
Rebecca Isobel Brown Smith passes in June 1919. She is living in Floydada, Texas where 3 of her sons also are living.
She was born 25 February 1855 to Samuel Pepper Brown and Mary Russell Brown in Collin County, Texas with the closest post office being in McKinney, Texas. She was one of eleven children. By the time she was 15 her father had moved the family to Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas and Belle was attending school. Belle would often visit her aunt Murrel in Illinois Bend, Texas and it was there that she met George Alexander Smith. On 11 December 1879 Belle marries George and their first child, Robert Dresden Smith is born in 1880.
George has moved Belle and their five sons by 1900 to Indian Territory in what was known as the Chickasaw Nation, Township 3. This territory later became Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma. They are farming the land and raising cattle. George dies in 1905 leaving his wife Belle and sons to continue farming in Oklahoma.
Rebecca Isobel Brown Smith passes in June 1919. She is living in Floydada, Texas where 3 of her sons also are living.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Charles Henry Ernst - What Tattoo?
In 1880 Chicago ranked 4th as the largest populated city with 503,185 people and on 18 July 1880 the population increased by one more. Charles Henry Ernst, my 1st cousin 2x removed was born to Charles Fletcher Ernst and his wife Elizabeth Belle Bonesteel Ernst.
By the time Charles turns 19 in 1900 his family is living in Sedalia, Pettis County, Missouri on West Main Street. He is working in the sign painting business with his father. He has blue eyes, dark hair, a fair complexion and is 5'9" tall. In 1898 Charles enlists in the Army. He is shipped to the Philippines where he is engaged in the Spanish American War. In December of 1934 Charles sent a photograph of himself in Cebu City, Philippines to his father. He is discharged 17 August 1903 in Washington having made the rank of Corporal.
On 19 November 1903 in Alameda, California Charles is marrying the lovely Effie Allthea Loughridge.
Effie is on the far left in a white blouse, standing.
Charles and Effie make their home in Alameda where he is a Postal Clerk on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Effie lived with her Aunt and Uncle who was an Engineer for the Railroad. He may have gotten Charles the Postal Clerk job with Southern Pacific Railroad. Charles is a registered voter in California and affiliates with the Republican party. However in 1914 Charles registers as a Socialist.
Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon is where Charles and Effie are living when he signs a World War I Draft Registration card on 12 September 1918. He lists his job as an Insurance Solicitor working for Metropolitan Life Insurance of New York. Charles is once again in the sign painting business in 1930 and in 1940. Grants Pass is incorporated as a city in 1887 while its Post Office was established in 1865. The town is named to honor of Ulysses S. Grant.
Sometime between 1918 and 1942 Charles gets a tattoo on his left shoulder. It is a heart and dagger. It is noted as a mark on his body on the World War II draft registration card.
On 2 December 1948 Charles Henry Ernst Passes.
By the time Charles turns 19 in 1900 his family is living in Sedalia, Pettis County, Missouri on West Main Street. He is working in the sign painting business with his father. He has blue eyes, dark hair, a fair complexion and is 5'9" tall. In 1898 Charles enlists in the Army. He is shipped to the Philippines where he is engaged in the Spanish American War. In December of 1934 Charles sent a photograph of himself in Cebu City, Philippines to his father. He is discharged 17 August 1903 in Washington having made the rank of Corporal.
On 19 November 1903 in Alameda, California Charles is marrying the lovely Effie Allthea Loughridge.
Charles and Effie make their home in Alameda where he is a Postal Clerk on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Effie lived with her Aunt and Uncle who was an Engineer for the Railroad. He may have gotten Charles the Postal Clerk job with Southern Pacific Railroad. Charles is a registered voter in California and affiliates with the Republican party. However in 1914 Charles registers as a Socialist.
Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon is where Charles and Effie are living when he signs a World War I Draft Registration card on 12 September 1918. He lists his job as an Insurance Solicitor working for Metropolitan Life Insurance of New York. Charles is once again in the sign painting business in 1930 and in 1940. Grants Pass is incorporated as a city in 1887 while its Post Office was established in 1865. The town is named to honor of Ulysses S. Grant.
Sometime between 1918 and 1942 Charles gets a tattoo on his left shoulder. It is a heart and dagger. It is noted as a mark on his body on the World War II draft registration card.
On 2 December 1948 Charles Henry Ernst Passes.
Friday, February 1, 2019
Richard Battin McCoy - Denver Pharmacist
In Harford County, Maryland, on March 26 1868 Nancy the wife of Richard Battin McCoy gave birth to a son. They named him Richard Battin McCoy II. His father and older brothers worked the farm. The younger children helped out around the home.
In May 1890 Richard is in Omaha, Nebraska and has just passed the pharmacists exam and received his certification as a registered Pharmacist. He is working as a clerk in a Pharmacy on Leavenworth Street. The pharmacy was opened in 1882 by a Mr. Klung. It was then taken over by E.G. Wilson and in 1891 Richard is working for Wilson. In November of 1891 Foote & Robertson acquire the Pharmacy. While in Omaha Richard meets the beautiful Helen Hildreth Conklin. She is living with an Aunt who owns a hat shop.
Helen Hildreth Conklin
Richard is in Denver, Colorado by September of 1893 when he receives his certificate as a registered Pharmacist in the state of Colorado. He is working at L.A. Jory & Co. on Broadway St. in Denver as a clerk for the Pharmacist.
On the third of January 1894 in Denver, Colorado, Richard Battin McCoy II is married to Helen Conklin by Minister F. Barnett.
Capitol Pharmacy on Broadway in 1897 is where we next find Richard. He has 2 children, Richard and Helen. The next year Richard is back working with L.A. Jory. As the year 1900 rolls in Richard is working in the Pharmacy of A.W. Clark. Nancy, their third child is born in 1901 followed by daughter Florence in 1903 and in November of 1908 the family mourns the death of their 11 year old daughter Helen.
Richard Battin McCoy, Helen (oldest daughter), Richard (son), Nancy, Florence(her mom is holding her) and wife Helen.
Richard is working at Scholtz Drug Company in 1910. There is an amusing photo of Richard and fellow associates in the book The Bulletin of Pharmacy, Volume 28. Richard is in the middle standing directly behind the seated man.
The census says he is in the Compoundry Business. Compounding is the creation of a pharmaceutical drug by a licensed pharmacist to meet the need of an individual patient. He stays at this job until 1919 when he starts working at A.W. Bush's Pharmarcy. In 1924 he is a druggist at Buenger Drug Co. In 1933 Richard is a druggist for A.J. Kallminzer.
The Historical and Natural History Society of Colorado had in their collection a one dollar bill dated 10 April 1774. This dollar was donated to the Society by Richard who found it in a drawer of a sewing table that had belonged to his Grandmother.
At the age of 66 Richard Battin McCoy passes away in Denver. He is buried at the Fairmont Cemetery along side of his wife Helen and their daughter Helen. On Richard's tombstone is the emblem of Freemason.
In May 1890 Richard is in Omaha, Nebraska and has just passed the pharmacists exam and received his certification as a registered Pharmacist. He is working as a clerk in a Pharmacy on Leavenworth Street. The pharmacy was opened in 1882 by a Mr. Klung. It was then taken over by E.G. Wilson and in 1891 Richard is working for Wilson. In November of 1891 Foote & Robertson acquire the Pharmacy. While in Omaha Richard meets the beautiful Helen Hildreth Conklin. She is living with an Aunt who owns a hat shop.
Richard is in Denver, Colorado by September of 1893 when he receives his certificate as a registered Pharmacist in the state of Colorado. He is working at L.A. Jory & Co. on Broadway St. in Denver as a clerk for the Pharmacist.
On the third of January 1894 in Denver, Colorado, Richard Battin McCoy II is married to Helen Conklin by Minister F. Barnett.
Capitol Pharmacy on Broadway in 1897 is where we next find Richard. He has 2 children, Richard and Helen. The next year Richard is back working with L.A. Jory. As the year 1900 rolls in Richard is working in the Pharmacy of A.W. Clark. Nancy, their third child is born in 1901 followed by daughter Florence in 1903 and in November of 1908 the family mourns the death of their 11 year old daughter Helen.
Richard is working at Scholtz Drug Company in 1910. There is an amusing photo of Richard and fellow associates in the book The Bulletin of Pharmacy, Volume 28. Richard is in the middle standing directly behind the seated man.
The Historical and Natural History Society of Colorado had in their collection a one dollar bill dated 10 April 1774. This dollar was donated to the Society by Richard who found it in a drawer of a sewing table that had belonged to his Grandmother.
At the age of 66 Richard Battin McCoy passes away in Denver. He is buried at the Fairmont Cemetery along side of his wife Helen and their daughter Helen. On Richard's tombstone is the emblem of Freemason.
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