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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!

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.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.