Inheriting Humans

I’ve thought of our family as poor–always. I’ve discovered several instances where we were not materially poor. Sometimes those instances really disturb me, like today’s post. Let me take you back into the 1700s and I’ll explain.

Jack’s mother, Mary Margaret Moore, was the daughter of William Henry Moore and Sarah Elizabeth “Sadie” Ingram. Sadie was the daughter of Franklin Ingram and Mary Anderson. Mary was the daughter of John Anderson and Sarah H. Steger. Sarah was the daughter of Skip Harris Steger and Ann “Nancy” Boatright. Skip was the son of John P. Steger and Sarah Harris. Sarah was the daughter of Benjamin Harris and Elizabeth “Ann” Eppes. Ann was the daughter of Francis Eppes IV and Sarah Hamblin.

Francis died prior to Sarah and it is Sarah’s will I will share with you today, which I found transcribed in a book titled “Genealogy of the Harris and Allied Families” by Pauline Jones Gandrud and Kathleen Paul Jones, 1929.

“In the name of God Amen, I, Sarah Eppes, being of sound memory and understanding and calling to mind the uncertainty of life, do make my last will and testament in the manner and form following, to the hands of Almighty God, hoping to receive Kingdom of God and everlasting life. To my son Richard Eppes, 6 negroes viz. Sangston, Hanniball, Scipio, Dick, Judey and Pegg: to son William Eppes 1 dozen leather chairs, 1 oak table, 1 walnut table and 2 pair Holland sheets and 1 silver tankard to contain 3 pints to be paid to my son Richard Eppes. To my daughter, Ann Harris 1 nego girl named Chloe to her and her heirs forever, to grandson Joseph Harris 30 pounds current money or a negro of that value to be paid to him by my son Richard Eppes. To daughter Martha Wyles, 1 mourning ring value 26 shillings. To the first son to be born to either of my sons, Richard or William Eppes that shall be names Francis, a mulatto slave named Tom. To son Richard all residue of my estate. Executors son William and son Richard. 28 Feb 1747. Witnesses Edmund Eppes, Littlebury, Royal. Will probated 1st Monday July 1748.”

In Sarah’s will, I count at least 7 specific slaves being given to 2 of her children and an additional unnamed slave possibly being given to her grandson. I have to wonder how many people they actually owned? It was horrifying to me to find this, even though I knew it was part of that day and age. A good friend reminded me that I am in no way responsible for my ancestors actions. It still disturbs me though.

Sarah Hamlin and Francis Eppes IV had five children that lived to adulthood. They are as follows: Francis V, died 1737, unmarried, hence why she wanted one of the boys to name a son Francis, I think. They also had Richard, William, Anne (our direct ancestor) and Martha. Let me tell you about Martha and then her daughter.

Martha married Lewellen Eppes, but he died in 1743 and they had no children. She then married John Wyles (Wayles) in 1746. They had a daughter named Martha who first married Bathurst Skelton in 1766. He died in 1768. On January 1, 1772, Martha then married Thomas Jefferson. Yes, that Thomas Jefferson. (This makes him the husband of my 1st cousin 7x removed, so no real relation.) Together they had 6 children, two daughters who survived to adulthood. Martha died September 6, 1782, never seeing Thomas as POTUS. His presidency was March 4, 1801 to March 4, 1809. You can read more about Martha and Thomas’ relationship on the Monticello website: https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/martha-wayles-skelton-jefferson

Dad’s Dutch

Remember our Colorado miner, Cal Ingram, the one my brother Rodney looked like? Today we’re going back on his mother’s side of the family. I always say that Dad’s side were the “Johnny come lately” ancestors, but that’s not actually true.

Cal Ingram was born to James Ingram and Elizabeth Van Metre (Meter, Matre–any of those have been used). Elizabeth was born May 14, 1805, in Orange County, Indiana to Isaac Van Metre and Mary Caldwell. Her father, Isaac was born in 1778 in Ohio County, Virginia, which is now actually West Virginia. His parents were Joseph Van Metre and Drusilla (or possibly Margaret) Morgan. Joseph’s will names a portion for Drusilla, although there is some speculation that he first married Margaret, and when she passed, he married her sister.

Going a generation further back, Joseph is the son of Abraham Van Metre and Ruth Hedges. It is believed that he was born in 1743 in Somerset County, New Jersey. His father, Abraham is the son of John Van Metre and Margaret Melanaur (I’m not totally positive this is her maiden name, but so far, the research looks promising. It could be some variation.) Abraham was born about 1721. Abraham is who we are learning about today. I will say that it is difficult looking through all these generations of Van Metres, all of whom named their sons Joseph, Abraham, John,and Isaac. Luckily there was a helpful e-book on Google Books entitled “A Genealogy of the Duke-Shepherd-Van Metre Family, From Civil, Military, Church and Family Records and Documents”, edited by Samuel Gordon Smyth, 1909.

Abraham first married Ruth Hedges from Prince County, Maryland in 1742. To their union was born Jacob, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Rebecca and Mary. After Ruth’s death, Abraham married Martha Roberts Wheeler and had four more children: John, Ruth, Daniel and Hannah.

Upon the death of his father, in 1745, Abraham received several parcels of land, amounting to 537 acres. On March 8, 1748, he was appointed as “overseer of road from Simon Linders to Old Sayds” by the court of Frederick County, Virginia.

The Van Metres were famed as grazers and cattle traders. Abraham was no different. He and his brothers had extensive business with the frontier posts, the frontier being the Ohio Valley, at that time. In July of 1772, Abraham and his brothers were apparently in Washington County, Pennsylvania. There is an indictment against them for a riot. (Are we surprised that our ancestors were involved in a riot?) Included were Abraham, Henry and Jacob Van Metre, plus John, John Jr. and Thomas Swan.

Abraham later moved to Ohio County, Virginia, to property located on Short Creek, some of which was not surveyed until 1786, when his heirs held the property. Black’s Cabin, which was a part of the above property, was where Ohio County was created out of the District of West Augusta on January 6, 1777. Abraham sold Black’s Cabin to the county for 20 pounds. A stockade was erected on Short Creek, a few miles above where it met the Ohio River. It was known as Van Metre’s Fort.

Short Creek
Short Creek

Abraham died sometime in 1783 with his will probated November 18, 1783. Guess they weren’t such “Johnny come lately” ancestors.

The Swiss

There may be a heavy emphasis on Mom’s side in this blog, mostly because I have more information on that side. I’ve recently come across more information on our Swiss lineage, of which I will share a little today.

John Stuckey/Stukey Jr., was born on August 9, 1742 to Johann (John) Jacob Stucki and Anna Catherine Egner, in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. His father, Johann, was born in Bern, Switzerland and emigrated to the colonies in 1736.

John Stukey Jr., married Salome Zimmerman in 1764. They had twelve children: Peter, Elizabeth, John III, Margaritha, Salome, Christian, Minerva Anna, Jacob, Catherine, Samuel, Barbara, and Joseph. In 1776, when the war for American independence began, John Jr., was 34. He served several times as noted here:

9th Battalion, Lancaster County under Colonel Joh Huber and Captain George Volcks, May 25 to October 8, 1778. 3rd Battalion, 1st Company, Lancaster County Militia, spring of 1789 and again in 1781, under Captain Phillip Duck. 3rd Battalion, 1st Company, Lancaster County Militia, under Lt. Colonel George Feather in 1782.

It is notable that there were iron furnaces in the county, much needed by the Americans. Also many rifles were manufactured in the area.

I looked John Stukey, JR. up in the DAR website and realized that his father also served in some capacity. Mom’s side is full of Revolutionary War Patriots!

John Stukey, Sr., died in 1786 and John Jr. inherited the farm. Anna Catherine Stukey passed from this life in 1800. In 1801, John Jr. sold the farm for $7, 850. His father had originally paid $134.85. This included 174 acres. The Stukey family (with all 12 children), loaded their goods into wagons and went to Ohio where some of their friends and neighbors had previously settled. John purchased two tracts of land, a total of 320 acres. They built a small log house and barn, built a bigger barn in 1809. Then in 1813, they built a large two story home. Legend has it that John Stukey, Jr., was an excellent axeman–the best one around. He could hew out a board, straight, without an axe mark on it. He supposedly hewed out small boards and made a square pipeline, running from the spring to his house. Salome must have loved running water in the house. Adjoined to the home was a stone cook house. He placed hinges in the rocks and inserted iron rods of various lengths. Cooking pots and kettles could be placed on these rods and swung over the open fire for cooking. (Smart man–happy wife, happy life, and I’m sure these little things made life easier for Salome and her daughters as they cared for their large family.) It is noted that the early settlers lived on cornbread, potatoes, milk, butter, and wild game. Basically, whatever they could grow themselves, harvest in the wild, or kill. Salt cost $5 for 50 lbs, flour was $16/barrel, tea was $2.50/lb and coffee was $1.50/lb. Goods were brought in by way of the old Cumberland road for many years and this was quite expensive. Farmers grew flax and raised sheep to make clothes. Dyes were made from natural materials and ranged from yellow to brown and red. Candles for light were made at home. Shoes were also made at home, or perhaps by an itinerant cobbler.

John gradually acquired a total of 500 acres of land. He died August 9, 1818. Salome died March 4, 1821. They were buried in Stukey Cemetery, near Sugar Grove in Fairfield County, Ohio. John and Salome apparently did quite well in Ohio. The boys shared in the farm. The girls each received $320! John made sure in his will that Salome was well cared for during the remainder of her life, as was typical of that time. She received 15 bushels of good wheat, properly ground and 5 bushels of rye, also properly ground. She was to have 15 bushels of corn, 200 lbs of good meat–150 lbs of pork and 50 lbs of beef, 12 lbs of flax, as much fruit from the orchard as she desired and “1/4 of the garden that their son Joseph shall plow yearly and haul on it as much manure as is required for a good garden”. Joseph was also tasked with feeding and pasturing 2 cows for Salome, with his own.

While I was easily able to find information about the family in the census, tax rolls and Revolutionary War files, I was blessed to find a book, that fleshed out their lives. Genealogy of the Stukey, Ream, Grove, Clem and Denniston Families was written by Elmer Leonidas Denniston, originally in 1939. He noted, that at that time, the original small home was still standing. What a treasure!

The Michigan Cavalry

Our family has mostly been foot soldiers. Privates who have walked many miles, a couple were in Sherman’s march to the Sea. Today though, we will talk about our Michigan cavalryman who was his unit’s Veterinary Surgeon.

Ferdinand aka: Frederick L. Lewis was born December 19, 1817 in Middleton, County Cork, Ireland. I do not know his parents at this point in my research. In 1851 he is listed in the Simcoe, Norfolk, Canada (West) Ontario census. He is listed as a teamster, an Episcopalian and 29 years of age.

On September 20, 1854, he married Catherine Theresa Brady in Simcoe, Norfolk, Canada. Their marriage was certified by the Archdiocese of Toronto. Their son, George Alexander Lewis was born September 9, 1855 in Jewish Village, Alden, Upper Canada. I have not found exactly where this is. Somewhere close to Simcoe, perhaps between there and Michigan. From Simcoe, they moved to Paw Paw, Van Buren County, Michigan. This is where the next child, Ellen Theresa Lewis was born on August 12, 1858. Frederick John Lewis followed on June 7, 1860 and finally Sarah Jane Lewis was born January 11, 1862.

According to the records, Frederick Lewis enlisted in Company E, Michigan 9th Cavalry Regiment on 22 Jan 1863. He was mustered out on 12 Jun 1864 at Andersonville, GA. Promoted to Full Veterinary Surgeon, posthumously, on 12 Jun 1864. His family must have been quite proud of him. Just look at the fine figure he cuts in his uniform. (Special thanks to Jodi Jefson for this photo.)

Ferdinand L. Lewis

For more information about the Michigan 9th Cavalry, please see http://www.migenweb.org/michiganinthewar/cavalry/9thcav.htm

Ferdinand or Frederick was captured at Bean Station, Tennessee and spent the remainder of his life at Andersonville Prison Camp in Georgia. He did not die of a minie ball, as is family legend. He died of disease caused by the horrific conditions and lack of decent food and especially decent water. His date of death is listed as June 12, 1864. During July and August of 1865, Clara Barton along with coffin makers, grave diggers and Dorence Atwater, dug up, identified and reburied the dead at Andersonville. Atwater was a prisoner of war who had been assigned the job of recording the names of all the Union dead. He made his own copy of this list and it was used during the reburial to identify these men. Robbin Alcorn Jones accompanied me to Andersonville and we were able to find Ferdinand’s grave and take pictures. Because he died in the war, his widow, Catherine, had to prove their marriage and the birth of each child, which was all contained in his Civil War Pension Record.

Sweetwater Branch, provided the water for the prisoners at Andersonville. It was rapidly contaminated with so many men in such a small space.

Ferdinand’s wife and children moved to Kickapoo, Vernon County, Wisconsin at some point during the Civil War. There is no record of Catherine remarrying after his death. She lived the remainder of her life in Vernon County, Wisconsin.

Grandma does a jig!

Beulah Frances Slaback Smith Yttri was Avis’ mother. I remember her like this. I believe this might have been her 80th birthday.

She was born December 3, 1898 in Forest, Richland County, Wisconsin to Gustavus Peter Slaback and Ruth Elnora Sanford. As a child, she attended school, probably at Goose Creek, which was a one room school house. She later attended the Vernon County Normal School to obtain her teaching certificate. Mom said that Grandma wanted to be a nurse, but her parents wouldn’t hear of it. Apparently, that was not a respectable career in their eyes.

Beulah, front left

Beulah was said to have been a teacher out in the Dakotas, where exactly, I have not been able to locate. At some point, her father made her return home, as she had not been paid her salary, just room and board, maybe in students’ homes. I’m not sure the timeframe that she taught either. I just know Mom said she did.

On January 26, 1921, Beulah married Norval Smith. They had 6 children: Avis Lenell 1921-2014, Lyle 1923-1923, Lois Lorraine 1925-1992, Norma Naomi 1927-1980, Elnora Emogene (living) and (Norval) Gardner 1932-2010. Norval had served in the Army during WWI. He contracted throat cancer and died March 21, 1942. My mom said that Beulah made several crocheted bedspreads while she was caring for Norval while he was ill. One was a white ripple pattern. I’m not sure if the multi-colored ripple bedspread I own is one she made at that time or not.

Beulah later married Edward Yttri on December 20, 1944. For some reason they went to Winnebago County, Illinois to be married. I believe my Mom, Toni and Sheila were living with Beulah at the time, as Dad was in the Navy by that point. I remember Mom saying she waitressed during that time and lived with her Mom while Dad was gone.

Mom said that she remembered when her father was living, they went to dances, played cards and generally had good fun. I’m not sure when this picture below was taken, but it is by far my favorite picture of Beulah Slaback! She looks like she was having a fantastic time!

Beulah on the left in white blouse

Beulah died June 4, 1986 at the age of 88.

A Soldier’s Wife

The Extract of entries from an Old Parochial Register in Scotland reads as follows: 11th October 1836 “James Barrie Mason in New Scone and Margaret Anderson his wife had a daughter born the 6th current and baptized by the name of Emilia.” “James Barrie Mason in New Scone & Margaret Anderson his wife had a daughter born the 6th May 1834 and baptized by the name Barbara Stratton.” There was an additional daughter, named Ann, but I have not found much information about her.

Emilia (also known as Emily) was my mother’s maternal great grandmother. She is one of my favorite ancestors. She had great fortitude as you will see. And she was from Scotland!

My mother’s Aunt Emily Slaback Anderson gave an accounting of Emily and her husband Ephraim Sanford to her son Jim Anderson. I am fortunate that he shared a copy with me. I will share some excerpts with you.

In Emily Anderson’s words: “The history of the Barrie-Sanford family started in Scotland with the James Barrie family. My great-grand father had three daughters: Ann, Barbara and Emily. He lost his wife when the girls were quite young and later married a woman who, according to Grandma, did not make a good step-mother and was rather indolent.

A daughter, Jane, was born to them and this didn’t help the family situation….The step-mother spent much time in front of the fireplace toasting her feet. The girls secretly wished her clothing would catch on fire. Lo and behold, one day it really happened much to the pleasure of the three girls. Grandma like to tell about this incident, and would chuckle while she was telling it.”

In March of 1853, Emily, along with her Uncle David Barrie and other relatives sailed from Liverpool and landed in Montreal seven weeks later. From Montreal, they went to New York state, spent a short time there and then eventually made their way to Wisconsin.

Emily Barrie married Ephraim Sanford on October 8, 1855 in Kickapoo, Vernon County, WI. I have no knowledge of where they actually met. They had 10 children: Mary Jane (1856-1923), James Bernard (1858-1931), Charles (1859-186?), George D (1860-1934), Barbara Ann (1862-1950), Elmer (1863-1927), Eliza Adeline (1864-1962), Alice (1869-1962), Ruth Elnora (1871-1956), Ona Marguerite (1872-?). Ephraim enlisted in the Wisconsin infantry during the Civil War. Emily saved Ephraim’s army pay and with this they were able to buy a farm on Camp Creek.

Emily Anderson continues: “I cannot remember when Grandma wasn’t bothered with rheumatism; her rugged life left her quite crippled. She not only care for her own family, but helped the neighbors when there was sickness in the family. She was always on call when a new baby was born–a doctor was nearly unheard of at that time. She raised herbs and made her own medicine. “

The part that Emily doesn’t mention is that after the war Ephraim came back a changed man. He had suffered from chronic diarrhea and had contracted typhoid fever while in Georgia during June of 1864. He complained of headaches. And it eventually became clear that he could not stay at home. He was admitted to the Wisconsin State Hospital for the Insane on March 26, 1872. It was said that he had become increasingly violent and the older boys had found him trying to hang himself one morning when they went to the barn to do chores. This occurred while Emily was pregnant with Ona, who was born in November of that year.

Eventually, Emily Sanford sold the farm and bought a house in Viola where she lived the rest of her life. She received a government pension for Ephraim’s service and disability. She paid her taxes and lived on a pension that ranged between 8 and 12 dollars per month. She was a thrifty Scots woman! She spent much of her time in the dining room as it had a big double window with a southern exposure, a wide shelf or sill to hold plants and her sewing equipment. Her sewing consisted mostly of piecing quilts and sewing carpet rags.

Emily Barrie Sanford died January 10, 1911 and is buried beside Ephraim in the Viola Cemetery.

Charcoal drawing of Emily Barrie Sanford, courtesy of Alisa Rhodes via Ancestry.com

A Colorado Miner

Let’s step back a few generations in Dad’s family. The man I will discuss today was Dad’s great uncle on his mother’s side. Dad’s mother was Mary Margaret Moore (name according to the 1900 U.S. census). Her mother was Sarah Elizabeth (Sadie) Ingram (Ingrum). Her brother Calvin Henry Ingram is who we will learn about today.

Calvin Henry Ingram was born September 3, 1869 in Richland County, Wisconsin to Franklin Ingram and Mary Anderson. As far as I can ascertain, he was child 4 of 5 children born to Frank and Mary. Before the youngest child’s birth in 1879, they had moved to Colorado, specifically, Brownville, Clear Creek County, Colorado. At that time Frank worked as a teamster, probably for a mining company. In 1884, when Cal was 14, his father died in an accident. In the 1885 Colorado State Census, Mary is the parent of the house, and the oldest son John, is listed as a miner. I’m guessing that his wages supported the household.

On August 1, 1896, Calvin married Emma Lounetta Whitcomb. They had 4 children: James Henry Ingram was born in 1898, the year after Cal’s brother James died. In 1900 Charles Francis was born. He died October 15, 1909. In 1903 their only daughter, Martha May (Sis) was born. And finally, in 1904, their 4th child, Walter John was born.

James, Charles, Walter and Martha Ingram

In the 1900 Federal Census for Silver Plume, Calvin is listed as an ore miner. At some point, he and his partner, Jim Coughlin, set the manual rock drilling record.

Jim Coughlin and Calvin Ingram

July 4, 1906, Cal was Captain of the Silver Plume Hose Co. No. 1. I do not know how long he served in that capacity.

Fire engine
Hose cart

By the time of the 1910 Federal Census, Calvin had a new job. He was the Road Overseer, Country Roads. Calvin died on January 6, 1915, at the age of 45.

When I first saw Calvin’s picture, I was struck by how much my brother, Rodney, looked like him. What do you think?

Vote!

Many Americans have ancestors who fought and died for these United States, but sadly many people don’t vote. In this post, I’d like to introduce you to Richard Pattee (Pettee, Petty, Petit, etc.). He is my 6th great-grandfather on my mother, Avis’ side. Avis is the daughter of Norval Smith, who is the son of Emma Jane Storer, who is the daughter of Robert Storer, who is the son of Mary Petit, who is the daughter of Edward Petit, son of Richard Pattee. So, if you know how you’re related to Mom, you can see the line back to Richard.

Richard was born September 7, 1720 in Haverhill, Essex County, Massachusetts, then a British colony. His parents were Richard Pattee and Susanna Beale. On February 17, 1743, he married Mary Clark in Metheun, Massachusetts. They had 11 children: Edward (1744-1830), Miriam (1746-1749), Peter (1748-1800), Mary (1750-1817), Richard (1752-1822), William (1754-1834), James Paul (1756-1849), Asa Dustin (1759-1812), Louisa Ann (1761-?), Loami (1762-1832), and John (1768-1838).

Richard and his brother Seth served during the French and Indian War. As veterans of this war, they were granted land in the “Coos”. Richard was again called to duty. He was a Sergeant in Colonel Nathaniel Meserve’s regiment from March 5 to November 5, 1757. They were stationed at Ft. William Henry. Ten thousand French soldiers and Indians from Canada set siege to the fort and it was surrendered on August 10, 1757. They were released by the French and while leaving by the Old Military Road to Ft. Edward , they were attacked by the Indian allies of the French. Approximately 185 men were killed. Richard returned to his farm in Salem, New Hampshire. For more information on this battle please see https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/the-massacre-at-fort-william-henry/

Richard was again called to action. On June 16, 1775, over one thousand militiamen from the colonies marched to the area they thought was Bunker Hill, but turned out to be Breed’s Hill. They had orders to fortify the hill, although reasons for this action are not entirely clear. The men worked frantically throughout the night, using dirt, fence posts and stone to make breastworks. In the morning, the British began firing on them with canon from their ships in the harbor. One man was decapitated while working to build the breastworks. There was a hay field between the British and the hill where the militia were dug in. The field became a hazard to the British. They came up the hill, closely packed together the first two times. The colonists began firing at about 50 yards and many British soldiers fell. The British retreated twice to regroup and got a bit smarter the third time up the hill and marched up in well spaced columns, making them harder to hit. The colonists were running low on ammunition and the British made it over the ramparts and there began hand to hand combat with rocks being thrown by the colonists and they also used their muskets like clubs. The British soldiers had bayonets fixed to their muskets and finally overwhelmed the colonists.

In two hours, 1054 British soldiers were killed or wounded, while the colonists lost over 400 men. Richard Pattee was one of the colonists who was injured. It is said that his sons, James Paul and William were nearby and took him home. Richard died of those injuries and his will was probated September 25, 1776. You can read more about the Battle of Bunker Hill here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-true-story-of-the-battle-of-bunker-hill-36721984/

When you vote, or if you choose not to exercise your right to vote, remember that your ancestor, Richard Pattee, died from wounds inflicted by the British at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 1775. He literally died to help found this nation.

Vote like your ancestors died for it!

Little Orphan William

William Sla(y)back was my great-great grandfather on Avis’ side of the family. He was born October 5, 1833 to David Slayback and Catherine Bellis. Catherine died in 1837, perhaps from childbirth, but I don’t really know. She was only 27 years old at the time of her death. William’s father, David died October 12, 1846. So seven days after he turned 13, William was an orphan.

William was fortunate that his uncle, Levi Slayback lived nearby and was thus appointed guardian for William and both of his sisters, Mary Ann, who was 18 years old and Prudence who was ten. The 1850 census shows William living with his Uncle Levi and Aunt Dorcas in Sheffield Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Mary Ann is married to Jacob Curtis and has a one year old son, Oliver. I couldn’t find Prudence in 1850, but in 1860 she was working as a seamstress and living with a family by the name of Leins in Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana.

On February 23, 1858, William married Laurinda Peter, in Clinton County, Indiana. They welcomed their first son, Albert Leonides on December 2, 1858. Their daughter, Mary Annah was born August 28, 1860. They were both born in Indiana. By the time Joseph Willett was born on August 24, 1862, they lived in Bloom City, Richland County, Wisconsin.

William was drafted into the Union Army on September 26, 1864. He served in the 16th Wisconsin Infantry, Company G, until he was mustered out June 5, 1865. I’m not sure at what point he actually joined his company in active duty. The regiment joined Sherman’s army on June 8, 1864. It took part in the following battles: Atlanta, GA, July 21, 1864, Jonesborough, GA, September 1, 1864, Lovejoy Station, GA, Septembe 2, 1864. Shermans’s Army began the “March to the Sea” on November 15, 1864 and entered Savannah, GA, on December 21, 1864. If family lore is correct, William was definitely part of Sherman’s March. By January of 1865, the Army of the Tennessee, began it’s campaign in the Carolinas and continued until the surrender of Johnston, April 26, 1865. The 16th Wisconsin participated in many minor engagements and also in the battle of Bentonville, NC, March 19-21, 1865. After Johnston’s surrender, they marched to Washington and participated in the Grand Review. The 16th Wisconsin was disbanded on August 1, 1865.

Gustavus Peter was born April 16, 1866. Carrie May was welcomed August 27, 1870. Both were born in Forrest, Richland County, Wisconsin.

I’m not sure how Laurinda managed to keep the farm going during the Civil War time that William was gone. I’m guessing she had help from their families that were in the area. After the war, William is listed as a farmer in 1870 and 1880. The 1890 census was burned so I have no information for that year. Laurinda passed away December 26, 1896. In 1900, William is living with Albert’s family but still helping on the farm. In 1910, he and his older sister, Mary Curtis are living together. William died March 2, 1912. He and Laurinda are buried in the Viola Cemetery.

I’m not sure when the picture below was taken, although clearly all the children are adults. The son in the middle, Joseph Willet reminds me a little bit of my brother, Craig.

An Arkansas Preacher

My apologies for the lengthy time away from this blog. The pandemic has kept me away from home and my computer. I’m now home all the time, so I can hopefully produce this blog on a little more regular basis.

I started the evening thinking to research a bit more about Ann “Nancy” Boatright Steger. Nancy is my 4th great-grandmother. Nancy and Skip Steger’s daughter, Sarah, married John Anderson. Their daughter, Mary Anderson, married Franklin Ingram. Their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth married William Henry Moore and had my grandmother Mary Margaret Moore. She, in turn, married William Robert Jones and had my father, John Louis Jones. Is that clear as mud? Now back to Ann “Nancy” Boatright. Researching family history, requires you to try to expand the family and find as many siblings as possible. In this case, Nancy had 19 siblings. Her father, James Boatright (Boatwright) first married Elizabeth Kidd, I think in 1768. They had 6 children, the last being born in 1777, which is also the year Elizabeth died. Perhaps from childbirth or complications from delivery. We’ll probably never know that fact.

In about 1778, James married Mary Kidd, who is believed to have been Elizabeth’s sister, although I haven’t found much about this family. They had 13 children, Nancy being the fourth of these. As often happens in family history research, I get distracted by other members of the family, such as Calvin Henry, who looked like my brother Rodney. This time, it was Nancy’s baby brother, Chesley Hood Boatright. Chesley is my fifth great uncle.

Chesley was the youngest of all James Boatright’s children. Chesley was born November 25, 1797 in Cumberland County, Virginia. He moved to Grainger County, Tennessee when he was about 20 years old. There he met and married Louisa Taylor on March 24, 1818. He was ordained by the Mt. Hebron Church in Knox County, Tennessee on November 1, 1833. He was active as a preacher, started and served multiple churches and ordained several new preachers.

On October 9, 1849 at 11 am, the family left for Arkansas. Their travel varied between a low of 3 miles to a high of 22 miles. Chesley was frequently a guest preacher at churches along the way. He doesn’t note what day they arrived at their destination, but noted that he preached at Brush Creek Church on January 6, 1850. It is said that Chesley Hood Boatright began the first Baptist Church in Madison County, Arkansas. For those of you not familiar with the area, my brother Craig, lives in Madison County, Arkansas although not near where the Boatrights lived. It is said that Chesley was a frequent visitor to the Cherokees in Oklahoma to preach there as well. Another odd coincidence I found: Chesley’s wife, Louisa was born in Bean Station, Grainger County, Tennessee. This is the same place that Ferdinand (aka Frederick) Lewis was captured by the Confederates (still the Jones side of the family).

Elder Chesley Hood Boatright died May 27, 1867. Chelsey’s brother, John Wade Boatright also lived in the area and is buried in the same family cemetery, which is now on someone’s farm.

An Irish Farmer

Henry McCartney was born May 12, 1804 in Ireland, although where exactly, I don’t know. He would become one of Jack’s second great-grandfathers. His parents were Henry McCartney, Sr. and Jane Strong. At some point, the family sailed from Ireland and settled in Guernsey County, OH. (Does Guernsey County seem familiar? If not it will, as lots of our family came through there.)

Henry married Margaret Bell on February 28, 1828. Margaret’s parents had immigrated from Ireland as well, although she was born in Ohio. It appears that it was announced in church for three Sundays prior to the marriage being performed by the Justice of the Peace. Perhaps there was only lay-preaching and not a “marrying” minister. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mention the name of the church just calls it the Congregation.

Henry and Margaret had nine children born to their union. Jeanett (1829-1909), Sarah (1831-1873), William (1834-1858), Margaret (1836-1919, she was Dad’s great-grandmother and still alive when he was born. I wonder if she saw him? They lived in Buena Vista, WI.), Mary Jane (1838-1907), Isabella (1840-1897), Martha (1847-1930), Harriet Calista (1848-1932), and Henry S. (1853-??).

They were farmers and clearly hard working. In 1870, which I think was the most prosperous time, the value of the farm was estimated as $11,100 on the Non-Population Schedule. I did a quick search and today’s equivalent amount is $218,586. Henry had 200 improved acres and 170 in woodland. Of note, he had 200 sheep and had 800 lbs of wool at the time of this Non-Population schedule. The estimated value of all the farm produce was $2650, which in today’s value is $52, 184.97. Not bad given they started from scratch in Ohio after they married in 1828. His father died in 1848, but I haven’t found his will, so am unsure whether they received much or not. The earliest records I have found are tax records from 1824 in the name of Henry McCartney, I’m not sure how many acres he had. I’m assuming this is the Sr., as in 1831, Henry Sr. has 40 acres and Henry Jr has 80. He may have received some, all or none of his father’s land when Henry Sr. died in 1848.

I did find Henry Jr’s will. Off the top, he gave two of his daughters, Mary J and Martha M, the sum of one thousand dollars each, which in today’s money would be about $28,348.46. They were both single and had stayed with their father and presumably cared for him in his old age. He then gave a grandson, James A. McCartney, the farm in Richland County, Wisconsin on which James currently resided. After that the farm was sold and proceeds divided equally amongst ALL the children, including Mary J. and Martha M. Sarah had already died, so her children received in share, divided equally amongst them. Henry was very specific about how his land was to be divided and sold. There was a stone marking the northwest corner of one section. He also mentioned part that had formerly belonged to James Bell, deceased. James may have been one of Margaret’s relatives but I can’t say for sure.

Henry McCartney died March 12, 1891.

He was an Oddfellow

As I began reviewing Carey A. Smith’s information, I was reminded of the ties that bind our ancestors. His wife, Emma Jane, was named Executrix, with assistance from George Storer and A. P. Orrison. Both names figure into our ancestry, as George was Emma Jane’s brother. I’m thinking A. P. might have been one of Emma’s cousins, but I’m not positive about that at this point.

Carey A. Smith is Avis’ paternal grandfather. He was one of two sons born to Thomas R. Smith and Louisa Fry. His was born January 16, 1868 in Darke County, Ohio, perhaps in Greeneville. Carey’s brother, Carl, was also born in Ohio, in June of 1870. He was not listed on the 1870 census which was dated June 16. At some point after this, the family moved to Wisconsin. I have not been able to pinpoint the exact year. After the move, Louisa, his mother died. Thomas R. Smith took his sons back to Ohio to be raised by his wife’s parents, Henry and Jemima Fry.

Carey came back to Wisconsin when he reached adulthood. He married Emma Jane Storer on September 19, 1891. They lived on his father’s farm for one year and then purchased and moved to a farm 2 miles west of Viola, then called Carey Smith Hill. To this couple were born 9 children: Louis F. (1892-1965), Madge Mildred (1895-2000), Norval A. (1896-1942), Bliss Harold (1898-1954), Isa I (1900-1985), Byron Thomas (1901-1987) and his twin, Buford R. (1901-1974), Ada D. (1906-1981) and Louise M. (1909-1979).

His obituary notes that he was a “public spirited man”. He represented his township on the county board for some time. He was also a member of the Viola Lodge 182 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a Past Grand of his lodge. I haven’t been able to find any information about the Viola lodge, but this link explains more about the IOOF in Wisconsin. ww.ioofwi.org/about/wioff-hist/index.html Carey was active in the Congregational Church and also often attended the old church at Liberty in the afternoon.

Carey farmed until 1922, when failing health made him rent his farm and move to Viola. On January 19, 1927, he was hospitalized for the removal of his appendix. His obituary states that “everything seemed to look favorable for his recovery, when on the night of the 27th he quietly passed away before his family could reach his bedside”. I read this at a family reunion and Mom piped up and said, “That is not what happened!” She went on to relate the story that Carey’s bed broke in the middle of the night, opening his incision and he bled to death. Not quite a peaceful passing! She went on to state that her father, Norval, drove his mother to La Crosse that night, and visibility was so poor, that his twin brothers, Byron and Buford stood on the running boards holding lanterns so they could see to get to Grand View Hospital in La Crosse.

The funeral services were held at the Viola Congregational church where Rev. John Lambrecht officiated. His burial was at the Viola Cemetery, officiated by the Viola Lodge I.O.O.F., and a very large crowd attended.

Moore Brickwall

I am absolutely stuck on Hezekiah Moore. I can go no further back in that line. It’s frustrating, but one day, I will break that brickwall and I will be blogging all about it! In the meantime, here’s what I know about Hezekiah Moore. Jack’s parents were William Robert Jones and Mary Margaret Moore. Mary Margaret was the daughter of Sarah Elizabeth Ingram and William Henry Moore. William Henry was the son of Margaret McCartney and William Lanning Moore. William Lanning was the son of Cynthia Celeste Lanning and Hezekiah Moore.

The first I can find of Hezekiah and Cynthia is their marriage record, dated March 7, 1820. The census in 1820 is dated August 7 and lists only one male 16-25 years and one female 16-25 years. He is listed simply as Kiah Moore. Not sure if this was a nickname, but it’s the only record I find with this shortened version of his name. The next place I find Hezekiah is in the Ohio Tax Records for Guernsey County from 1822 to 1828. From 1822-1825, he shares acreage with Samuel Moore, who I believe to be a brother. Samuel has the east half and Hezekiah has the west. In 1826 and 1827, they are listed with separate acreage–Samuel has 80 acres and Hezekiah has 40. In 1828, Hezekiah has 80 acres and Samuel has disappeared from this tax list.

In 1830, I cannot find a census record for them in Guernsey county, although given he resided on the land, according to his tax records, the Moore family must be there somewhere. In 1840, there are 6 individuals listed in the household, some of the older kids are probably living on their own by then. These are the children I have so far: Hezekiah “Kiah” (1815-1898, probably born to a different mother), Isaac (1820-?), Sarah Ann (1822-1900), Nancy (1823-1886), Robert Lanning (1825-1898), and Charles W. (1826-1905). By 1850, the children are all grown and gone. However, there are still kids in the household–Elsy Fuller, age 16, I believe is Cynthia’s niece–her sister Elsie Lanning Fuller’s daughter. Then Richard Tetrick, age 13 and Sarah A. Welson, age 4. I’ve not a clue as to who these last two kids are or how they fit with the family. Cynthia passed away November 24, 1857. Hezekiah marries a widow named Hannah Roberts on March 21, 1858. In 1860, she and her daughter, Cynthia Roberts, age 20 are listed in the census. Hannah is 20 years younger than Hezekiah.

By 1870, Hezekiah is living with his daughter and son-in-law, William and Sarah Dickson, plus two of their children, John M, who is 19 and Nancy M, who is 11. Hezekiah is listed as a retired farmer with real estate value of $2600. William Dickson’s real estate value is $1600. Here is the Land ownership map for Guernsey County in 1870. You can see both Hezekiah and William’s land on the left side of section 9 and note that they adjoin.

In the 1880 census, Hezekiah is still living with William, Sarah and their daughter Maggie. He is 85 years old and listed as divorced. Strangely, he and his parents are all listed as having been born in Maryland. I’m not sure if that is true, although I could certainly give it a try since I keep coming up empty handed in Virginia. Also, there is a Hezekiah Moore who was a private from Maryland during the war of 1812. Something to investigate for sure.

Hezekiah died December 26, 1881 and is buried in Birmingham Cemetery, Guernsey County, Ohio.

Farming Genes

As I look back through our family history there are many, many farmers. Let’s look at one of the Smiths. Avis’ father, Norval, was one of the children of Carey A Smith and Emma Jane Storer. Carey’s parents were Thomas R. Smith and Louisa Fry. Thomas’ parents were Jacob M Smith and Susannah Rusk.

Jacob M. Smith was born July 3, 1800 in Virginia, according to all the records I have found. I have found no clues to his parents. I have seen names attached to him in other peoples’ family trees, but no indication as to how they came to those conclusions, so for now, I will leave his parents names blank. Jacob married Susannah on September 22, 1831 in Morgan County, OH. How he came to be in Ohio is unknown to me at this time. While I was researching for this blog post, I found Jesse and Job listed right after Jacob, both of them had been born in Pennsylvania not Virginia, so I didn’t think I should add them to the family tree. I’ll keep searching for those elusive Smith ancestors though!

Jacob and Susannah had nine children. John Harry (1832-1920), Julia Ann (1834-1907), Cyrus J (1836-?), Asa W (1839-1850) Margaret Jane (1841-?), Thomas R (1844-1900), Mary Elizabeth (1846-1927), Jeremiah (1848-?) and Emmeline (1850-1872).

They were a farming family. During my research, I found two U.S Federal Census Non-Population Schedules, specifically for agriculture. The years were 1850 and 1860. I’ll compare the two and you will be able to see how much increase there was for the family within this 10 year time frame. In 1850, the value of the land was $2500, no personal estate is listed by the census that year. In 1860, the real estate is $4300 and Jacob’s personal estate is listed as $125. Look at how much more improved acreage Jacob had by 1860!

1850 1860

Acres Improved 65 750

Acres Unimproved 115 85

Cash Value of Farm 2500 3500

Value of Faming Implements and Machinery 100 100

Horses 4 3

Asses and Mules 0 0

Milch Cows 2 4

Working Oxen 0 0

Other Cattle 6 3

Sheep 14 16

Swine 5 13

Value of Livestock 230 300

Wheat, bushels of 100 30

Indian Corn, bushels of 500 500

Oats, bushels of 0 50

Wool, pounds of 50 60

Irish Potatoes, bushels of 5 0

Barley, bushels of 0 24

Buckwheat, bushels of 0 14

Butter, pounds of 150 450

Cheese, pounds of 75 0

Hay, tons of 3 10

Molasses, gallons of and what made from 0 3/30

Value of homemade manufactures 10 0

Value of animals slaughtered 30 85

I’m sure as the children got older, they were required to work on the farm. In 1850, John was 18, Julia 16, Cyrus 13, Margaret 8, Thomas 6, Mary 4 and Jeremiah was 1. By 1860, John and Julia were out of the house. Cyrus was 23, Thomas 16, Mary 13, Jeremiah 10 and Emmeline 8. Also by 1860, John has his own farm with his wife Mary and son, Alexander. In 1860, even though Cyrus is still in the household, he has his own real estate, listed as worth $800.

By 1868, Jacob and Susannah had moved to Rushcreek Township, Fairfield County, Ohio. I’m not sure exactly when or why that move took place. Jacob died September 8, 1868. His will is signed on August 31, 1868, so he must have known he was dying. His will was probated September 23, 1868 in Fairfield County, Ohio. His executors were his wife, Susannah and his son, Thomas. Eight of the nine children born to Jacob and Susannah are mentioned in the will, as one, Asa, had died as a child in 1850. Susannah received $5000 in limited States government bonds that were in the John D. Martin Bank in Lancaster, OH. She was also given the stock, household goods, furniture, provision and grain and other goods and chattle, with the exception of a yearling colt that Jacob had given to Jeremiah. His farmland was to be sold within the year and those monies divided equally amongst his eight children. Sometime in 1870, our great-grandfather, Thomas R. Smith with his wife Louisa Fry, moved to Wisconsin, probably using Thomas’ share of the money he received from his father’s estate. Jacob M. Smith is buried in the West Rushville Cemetery in Ohio.

John from Virginia

Today we’ll explore some of Dad’s Virginia ancestors. Jack’s mother was Mary Margaret Moore. Her mother was Sarah (Sadie) Elizabeth Ingram. Sarah’s mother was Mary Anderson. Mary is the daughter of John Anderson Sr. and Sarah H. Steger. John Anderson is the man we’re learning about today.

John Anderson, Sr. was born about 1791 in Virginia. I think, but I’m not positive, that his father was George Anderson, Sr. I have no clue to the identity of his mother. He married his first wife, Elizabeth Bledsoe on Mar 1, 1814. Elizabeth died in 1829, cause unknown at this time. In the 1830 Federal Census for Fluvanna County, VA, John Anderson is listed with 3 boys, ages 5-19 and 2 girls, ages 5-14. I believe the children are as follows: William W (1815-1903), Benjamin B (1818-1890), Sarah Elizabeth “Sally” (1820-1907), Frances (1822-1892) and John A. Jr (1824-1891). John Sr. is clearly a widower now. Also listed is one Free Colored Persons-Female: age 55-99. And also, two male slaves, aged 24-35, one female slave, age 24-35, and one female slave, age 36-54. I have no names for any of the slaves or the one free colored female.

On November 15, 1832, John Sr. married Sarah H Steger, who was 24 years younger. At some point after their marriage, they moved to Ohio, where Ann M was born in 1834, Susan in 1835, and Mary (our direct ancestor) in 1837. From their the family spent some time in Illinois, where Calvin was born in 1841. By 1841, they were in Wisconsin, where their youngest daughter, Martha Ellen was born August 26 in Platteville.

The 1850 Federal Census, finds John Sr. and Sarah in Arena, Iowa County, Wisconsin in their own household. In 1860, they are listed with Benjamin, who is 42 and a saloonkeeper, and owns real estate valued at 500 and personal estate is 200. John Sr. is 69, listed as a farmer, but has no real estate or personal estate values listed. Sarah is 46. Martha is 13, Ann is 26 and Calvin is 19. In 1870, there is just John Sr., Sarah and Calvin in the household. Both John and Calvin are listed as farmers, but neither has a real estate value assigned to them. Sarah died May 10, 1872 in Arena, Wisconsin. John Sr. died October 14, 1872, also in Arena.

I would love to know the circumstances that took John from owning slaves in Virginia, then moving halfway across the country to Wisconsin and dying with very little personal property. I’ll keep looking and if I find the answer, I’ll share it in a blogpost. While I know that the practice of owning slaves in Virginia was accepted at that time, it is disturbing to me, nonetheless.

Connecticut Connection

Today, we’re back to Mom’s side of the family, the branch which has Connecticut roots. Samuel Keeler is my 8th great-grandfather. He is the son of Ralph Keeler and Sarah Howes Whelpley. He was born in 1656 in Norwalk, Connecticut. On December 19, 1675, he fought in The Great Swamp Fight (also known as the Great Swamp Massacre), which was part of King Phillip’s War. King Phillip was another name for the Narragansett Chief, Metacom. The Native Americans fought this war because they did not want to recognize English settlement and authority.

After the war, the town of Norwalk voted on January 12 1676, to give Samuel some bounty land for fighting the Narragansett. The land was located on Clapboard Hill. (I looked up Clapboard Hill and it appears to be an affluent area today.) Samuel married Sarah St. John (aka: Sension, Sention) on March 10, 1682. To their union, was born five sons: Samuel in 1682, Joseph in 1683, Benjamin in 1685, Jonah in 1690, and Timothy in 1695, all in Norwalk, Connecticut..

Samuel Keeler was a member of the House of Representatives of the colony of Connecticut in six sessions between 1701 and 1709. In 1708, along with others, he helped purchase the land upon which Ridgefield, CT was settled, from the Native Americans for 100 pounds.

Samuel and Sarah are the 3rd great-grandparents of Edwin O. Keeler (1846-1923), who was the 1st mayor of Norwalk after it’s incorporation and also one of the Lieutenent Governors of Connecticut.

Samuel died May 19, 1713 and his estate was settled in 1716. He was laid to rest In Ye Burying Yard, in Ridgefield, CT.

List of first settlers buried in Ye Burying Yard.