The Stilwell Sisters

The Stilwell Sisters

Lonson Stilwell and his wife, Mary K. White, had eight children, two boys and six girls.  One daughter, Kate Evelyn, died in 1863 when she was 13.  The above photo is of the other five sisters.  I believe ( but am not certain) that the woman standing on the left is probably Annette.  Standing next to her is Mary Elva.  I think the lady seated on the right behind the two in front is probably Hannah.  The other two would be Celia Blanche and Edith May.  I am confident in the identification of Mary Elva, but the others I am not so certain of.

Here are the dates for the Stilwell sisters:
Celia Blanche 1845-1924; married Frank R. Munn
Annette E. 1848-1908; married Charles H. Osborn
Kate Evelyn 1850-1863
Hannah Ruth 1852-c1934; married Edward Clarence Bent
Mary Elva 1861-1955; married John R. Jones
Edith May 1865-1903; married Judson Kellogg.

Sarah Y. Jenners and Jonathan N. Bradfield

Sarah Y. Jenners was born 16 March 1804 near Broad Run in Loudoun Co., Virginia.  She was the second daughter named Sarah born to Abiel and Deborah (Young) Jenners.  The first Sarah died in 1801 when she was a little over a year old.  I suspect her middle name was “Young” for her mother’s maiden name, but I have found no document to prove it.  Her paternal grandmother was named Sarah, so I suspect this Sarah was named for her.

On 13 April 1824, Sarah married Dr. Jonathan N. Bradfield, at her father’s home on the Wright farm near Waterford, Virginia.  The marriage notice published 20 April 1824 read, "Married by Rev. Mr. Burch: Dr. Jonathon N. Bradfield to Miss Sarah Jenners, daughter of Abiel Jenners, Esq. all of this county."  

 

Jonathan Bradfield was the son of Benjamin Bradfield and his wife, Rachel Smith.  He was born “24^th day, 5^th month, 1798.”   Jonathan was a Quaker, but was disowned by the Goose Creek Monthly Meeting at least twice.  According to Ye Meeting House Smal, by Janney, "Jonathan was cautioned [by the Friends church] because he had 'joined in light company in dancing.' Since Jonathan would not forego his evil ways, or perhaps because he was not convinced he had done wrong, he was regretfully disowned in the year that the new brick meeting house was first put to use.  When the list of contributors to the new house was made out, however, the name of Benjamin Bradfield, Jonathan's father, led all the rest.  And well it might, for as Amos Gibson wrote in the minutes, Jonathan had stated 'in writing that he appealed to the Quarterly Meeting from the judgement of this,' and the Quarterly Meeting reversed Goose Creek's action. Jonathan was reinstated in 1821.  ... he was disowned again a few years later, before the Bradfield's headed for Ohio."   

After Jonathan married Sarah, he was listed as having "married out of unity" and was disowned from the Goose Creek Monthly Meeting, Society of Friends on "16th day, 12th month, 1824."

Sarah’s father, Abiel Jenners, died in September 1824 in Waterford, Virginia.

Sarah and Jonathan’s first child, a son, was born about 1825.  They named him Abiel Jenners Bradfield for Sarah’s father.  The family called him Jenners.  I have not found his exact birth date yet.

Their second child, a daughter, Rachel Eugenia Bradfield, was born 19 May 1827.  She was probably born in Tippecanoe Co., Indiana, but it is possible she was born in Loudoun Co., Virginia, before her parents went west.

It is certain, however, that Sarah and Jonathan and their two children were in Lafayette, Indiana by March 1828 when they were mentioned in a letter from Sarah’s brother, Martin, to their mother.  It appears that they emigrated first to the Richmond, Indiana area with Jonathan's parents and siblings. The Quaker monthly meeting records show them getting certificates for the White Water Monthly Meeting in Wayne Co., Indiana.   Then shortly after that the whole Bradfield family moved on to Tippecanoe County.

The 1830 census for Tippecanoe Co., Indiana lists:  J. N. Bradfield with the following individuals in his household:  1 male under 5 [born after 1825; probably Abiel J. Bradfield, his son]; 1 male 30-40 [born 1790-1800 ;probably Jonathan Bradfield]; 1 female under 5 [born after 1825; probably R. Eugenia Bradfield, his daughter]; 1 female 30-40 [born 1790-1800; probably Sarah Y. Bradfield, his wife].  

On 10 May 1831, Jonathan and Sarah executed an indenture deed in Tippecanoe Co., Indiana, exchanging some land that Jonathan had inherited from his father, Benjamin.  The land went to John Bradfield and his wife Emily.  A transcription follows:  "This Indenture made & entered into this tenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty one between Johnathon N. Bradfield & Sarah his wife of the one part and John Bradfield of the other all of the county of Tippecanoe & State of Indiana.  Witnesseth that whereas the said John Bradfield & Emily his wife by deed under their hands & seals bearing equal date herewith did by the said deed grant bargain and sell unto the Said Johnathon Bradfield his heirs &c by way of Exchange a certain piece or parcel of Land, lying and being in the said County, Being the west half of the North west quarter of Section number twenty [?] three in Township number twenty three North of Range 4 West, as particularly described in a certain deed of bargain & sale bear date the sixth day of October in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty, Recorded in Book Letter B in Said county page 490 & 491 from a certain Joseph Williamson and Ann Williamson his wife to the said John Bradfield.  Now in consideration of said conveyance by way of Exchange from the said John Bradfield and Emily his wife to the said Johnathon N. &c, and for the further Consideration of one Dollar in hand paid by the said John Bradfield to the said Johnathon N. and Sarah his wife the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge they the said Johnathon N & Sarah his wife have given granted bargained and sold and by their presents do give grant bargain and sell by way of Exchange unto the said John Bradfield his heirs and assigns, the right title and interest of them the said Johnathon N and Sarah his wife, derived by descent and inheritance to the said Johnathon N from his late father Benjamin Bradfield decd in and to two Thirds of the following tracts of land lying and being in the said county of Tippecanoe and State of Indiana  Being the west half of the south west quarter of Section number fifteen in Township number twenty two north of Range number five west in the district of Terre Haute & said State of Indiana Containing Eighty acres more or less.  Also the East half of the south west quarter of Section twenty in Township 22 North of range five west in the district of lands offered for sale at Crawfordsville Indiana, containing Eighty acres more or less the said tract of land being undivided between the heirs of the said Benjamin, being three in number, it being understood and agreed that this conveyance shall not effect the reversionary interest of the Said Johnathon N. in that portion or part of the said two tracts of Land to which the widow of the said Benjamin Bradfield may now be entitled to dower, together with all and singular the rights privileges and improvements and appurtenances appertaining and belonging in any manner to the said two thirds of said tracts of land which will in the division thereof be assigned and [unreadable word] for the part of the said grantor Johnathon N.  To have and to hold unto the said John Bradfield his heirs and assigns forever the hereby granted or intended to be granted right and interest of them the said Johnathon N and Sarah his wife.  Together will all singular the rights privileges improvements and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining according to such division and allotment as may be made thereof among the said Benjamin's heirs And the said Johnathon N and Sarah his wife for themselves their heirs executors administrators and assigns do hereby grant covenant and agree to and with the said John Bradfield his heirs and assigns, that the right title and interest hereby conveyed or intended to be conveyed, is free from all encumbrance, or hindrance or molestation, and that the grantors aforesaid will forever warrant and defend the same together with the appurtenances of every kind against all lawful claims whatsoever  In testimony whereof the parties of the first part have hereunto subscribed their names and set their seals the day and date first above written.

Signed sealed and delivered                               J. N. Bradfield

in the presence of                                  Sarah Y. Bradfield

State of Indiana

                Tippecanoe County  ss.                        Before me Cyrus Ball a justice of the peace for said County personally came Johnathon N. Bradfield & Sarah Y. Bradfield his wife, the grantors named in the above deed of conveyance and acknowledged the signing sealing and delivery of the same to be their voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein contained  And the said Sarah Y. Bradfield wife of the said Johnathon N. Bradfield being examined separate and apart from her husband acknowledged that she signed sealed and delivered the same of her own voluntary will and accord without fear or compulsion on the part of her said husband & that she thereby relinquished her right of dower in the same   Given under my hand and seal at Lafayette the 10th day of October A.D.  1831.

                Cyrus Ball

                Justice of the Peace

Recorded July 10th A.D. 1832

                Sandford C. Cox, Recorder

Copy of Deed of Exchange to Jno Bradfield

(A)  Abiel J. Bradfield vs Una A. Stacker, et al

Exhibit A of Complt

No Jury 20/58

[unreadable signature]

H.C. Corilson [?]"

On 17 May 1832, Sarah and Jonathan’s daughter, Rachel Eugenia, died.  She was four years old.  In a letter, her aunt Ann Jenners wrote, "...Our dear little Eugenia was a great source of amusement and pleasure to us all, but she too is gone, she has drooped and died.  ...she died the 18 of May within 3 days of being 5 years old.  She was a beautiful child and one of the most sensible children I ever knew."   She was buried in Greenbush Cemetery.

Ann Jenners wrote in June 1832 that Sarah was in "great distress" over the death of her daughter, Eugenia, and was also very concerned over the poor health of "the Dr." (her husband, Jonathan).  Jonathan was in “a very low state of consumption.”  Sarah’s health was also poor.

In August 1832, Sarah gave birth to a son that lived only one day.  He does not seem to have been named.  Sarah’s sister, Ann, went to live with the Bradfields to help Sarah recover after the baby’s birth.  

Then on 27 September 1832, Sarah’s husband, Jonathan Bradfield died.  He was 41 years old.  He is buried in Greenbush Cemetery and shares a tombstone with his daughter, Eugenia.

So within four months in 1832, Sarah lost her daughter, an infant son, and her husband.  She was 28 years old.

By November 1833, letters from Joseph Addison Braden and Ann Jenners to described Sally as being  "as lively as ever." Joseph also wrote that, "Sally looks well and is more lively than you ever saw her."  In another letter, he says she is "as lively as a cricket."  Ann described her as “quite a flashy widow.”

On 3 October 1841, Sarah wrote to her sister, Mary Braden.  The letter was addressed to "Mary Brading, Road to the Ohiooos."  Sarah has been at their brother David's helping Maria (David's wife).  It is a newsy letter about the family.  It follows:

"Oct. 3d, 1841

Dear Sister

We got home safe through mud and rain all the way, found all well.  The town generally is healthy, several cases of chills, and some bilious attacks.  Old Mr. Brown died last night with gravel (J. Taylor's father in law) has been sick a long time.  Mrs. Kettle has been very low with the dysentery is now better, had a root. steam Dr. until near dead, then sent for Denning.  Jane Crammer was to have been married last Tuesday but did not in consequence of taking a chill we are all well but Wm Hawthorn he has the chills.  I have been to Davids a week helping Maria she is poorly has no girl and while I was there Debby took a chill had a hard fit the next chill she had no fit but a high fever, the Dr gave her drops to stop the chill & I think she will have no more. David says whenever Ma wants to come he will go after her, I want you to tell S. Bell that Cynthia Ann is well, and is very much pleased with new home we like her very well and I expect she will stay all winter but shall go home to see ["you" crossed out] them she wants them to fix her flannel dress and send to her and also wants them to colour her yarn send it to her she is going to knit her stockings here.  I want you not to forget anything I have written to tell S. Bell. 

Tell Mary I know of no news at all  I believe things are just as she left them every way  I will write to her next.  Tell Mrs Louthard her sisters were here to-day they are all well but Mrs Allen  she is at her Fathers and has been very ill but is mending.  I return your shawl with my thanks  the books and vest are for Robert the pill-box for you to sift bucks horn through, that is to make a sieve of.  The comb for Ma.  I bought it at A. McCormacks had it charged to Mary Jennings.  The egg from the egg-plant I send to you to cook they are thought a great delicacy.  You must slice it the night before cooking, (cut it down just as you would apples to fry) slice it thin put it in weak salt water let it lie 12 or more hours, then make a good batter just as you would for fritters dip each piece in batter fry each piece separate like fritters brown and nice in lard or butter.  I prefer it without the batter, just fried brown in butter, tis a very fashionable dish, but I dont think extra good.  I know nothing more at present.  Dear Sister I began this letter 2 weeks ago, and now sit down to finish it.  Nancy and Peter started to Crawfordsville yesterday to synod to be gone until next tuesday left all the children & I began to wean Jim and I had a great time with him last night but I think he will do very well to-day as he'll soon forget his tit.  Maria is very poorly has no help but little William the boy.  over

the afternoon brother William started to your house Martin fell off from Alba's horse dislocated the 2 joints of his elbow and broke a piece of the bone of one of the joints his arm is extreemly [sic] swelled and painfull [sic] the Dr is fearfull [sic] he never will straighten it.  O! what an affliction if he should not.  Now about our trade, the shovel and tongs are both broken, I had not seen them so long I had forgotten it.  David says it would cost 50 cts to mend the shovel and says the tongs are good for nothing as they are loose in the joint.  therefore I shall not send them, they will answer my purpose but not yours for I could not ask you a full price as they are not worth it, however I'll wait till you come in and see them, and in the mean time I will lend you my iron ones until I shall want them, if you will send me word the first chance I'll send them to you as above stated.  The health of the town is uncommonly good some cases of chills, but none bilious.  Do come in while tis good weather.  Tell B not to get the goods for me I must have them immediately and try to pay for them some other way.  David will go for Ma so soon as she is ready to come in.  in haste yours Sarah.

love to all"

On 12 December 1843, Sallie wrote to Mary:  "Dear Sister, I did not expect to hear that you were entirely well, by Mr Braden, but I did not expect to hear that you were worse, as is certainly the case from the contents of your letter.  And now I shall honestly and candidly tell you my whole opinion of your case.  I now have no earthly trouble in this world (not the least thing to be called trouble) except the situation of yourself and brother David, you physically, David mentally.  I have no influence over poor David myself but feel to commit him to his God and pray for him.  But you my dear sister I pray you let me influence you and prevail on you and your good husband in this case namely the restoration of your health.  Dont think I'm not aware that you wish to get well yourself far from it, but this is the idea; you have [second "have" crossed out] pursued one course so long and not well yet now I want you to change the practice.  In the first place Demming has attended you a long time with little good effect, and a good deal of expense to you well I have often talked to him about you, and his invariable answer was he could not cure you unless he could see you occasionally, which I know to be the fact, but now I wish you to drop him, (not that his is not a good physician but he certainly is negligent)  I know it and has been so with you, still I affirm there is not that doctor living who will take or feel the same interest for a patient that he only prescribes for as for one he visits.  There never was one that could be made do it.  I dont care how honest he is, for the simple reason he cannot relieve a person of a long chronic disease like yours without seeing you once a month at least.  Well I'm not very easily carried away with new Doctors I know but since I have become acquainted with Dr Williams I know him to be one of the most learned and scientific Doctors in this country, and with all a modest gentleman now I want you or Mr. Braden to write to him to go and see you and not stop at one visit but go on go on until you get well.  You will find him an honest man in his practice he will tell you whether he can cure you or not, what if he charges 10 or 20 dollars per visit what consideration is that to your life, and you certainly must know that your disease now has run nearly through all the different stages of prolapses except that most certain most awful termination consumption if you don't know it I do and so does every doctor but they wont tell you.  And O my dear sister, if such is to be your case I don't fear for you for you I know will be happy, but look! those dear little ties given to you to train and take care of what would they do in this unfriendly world without you, true they have a kind and too indulgent a Father but he cannot be a mother to them, I well know you are willing to pay any price to get well, (no wonder when you have suffered so much and so long)  Well now I beg and in treat of you send for Dr. Williams if he cant cure you I fear you never will get well, but I honestly believe he can, send for him immediately direct your letter to Columbia, Tippecanoe Co.  I have not seen him since I was at your house, but if I do see him I could not describe all the symptoms and complicated diseases you have  he must see you and be judge himself.  You say you would like to be nigh all your brothers and sisters now you are so poorly for they could add greatly to your comfort that is very true indeed have I not always been dissatisfied with you and Burr tearing yourselves away from us going off in that lonely miserable country  did not all of us urge him to stay with us?  where we could help each other?  now you both feel the effects of it and it does not stop with you yourselves your children will always feel it, I can never forget how my deceased husband urged Burr not to go there but to stop in or near Lafayette he particularly spoke of the growing prosperity of this town and its increase in wealth good society good schools etc. and proved his opinion by settling here.  And now look at the advantage of all our children over yours in their good schools, teachers, society, etc.  Mary, I never can get over it when I think what was Burr's object in going there, if I judge him wrong I hope for forgiveness.  I know Mr. Braden has made a good living there but it has cost your health, and him a great deal of hard work and anxiety of mind, and now I am very glad that he lives easier.  But I would not have exchanged the pleasure and comfort of the society which I've enjoyed for all you have made in regard to worldly matters, for it was by being under constant religious influence that ever brought me to think of my immortal soul by going constant to church and there catching the spirit of prayer and devotion, and now thanks be to god I feel my piety strengthened at every meeting for devotion to which I go and they are not few.  O! we are so blessed with religious privileges and so are you in a great measure which is a great comfort to you in your afflictions.  You say you would like me to stay with you this winter but must sacrifice your feelings to my comfort well if I should what would be my comfort, here is my child the only tie to bind me to earth, whom I should not see the whole time he is a poor boy has to work for his living has not one hour in the week his own to go anywhere, You would not leave yours for that length of time I know, and I am all the friend on earth he's got to do anything for him or feel affection toward him.  besides I can get sewing to do as much as I want a good price for it when done, and this winter I get not a cent of rent and am obliged to work to get what I really need, I will pay you in the course of the winter for the dress Mr. B. brought me twas very nice indeed.  But not withstanding all these excuses if you don't get better I'll go out and stay with you awhile anyhow I know you feel lonesome often, but I should feel miserable was I there and sick.  I should not have a husband and children to comfort me as you have, I have now written you a long letter, and I do dislike to write very much.  I have got a big job of sewing to do for Mrs. Pettit she is a perfect sister to me always inviting me to make her house my home, she is most excellent pay I love her very much.  I must tell you that Dr Williams is very deaf and dont hear without you talk very loud should he visit you, if he does let me know the result.  My love to all the children, and on Christmas morning tell them Christmas gift for me.  No more.  Sarah Y Bradfield "

By May 1844, Sallie was living at the home of her brother-in-law, Peter Jennings, husband of her deceased sister, Ann.  My copy of this letter is poor, so excuse the many unreadable places.  She wrote:  "Lafayette, May 21st, 1844     My dear sister     I hardly know where to begin it has been so long since I wrote to you  So I have [unreadable] to write.  I have not heard a word from you since Mr. Braden was here and I do feel very uneasy about you.  I think more about you lately than I ever did in my whole life before  to think there is now just two of us and we must [?] be situated [?] [several unreadable words] after poor Nancy died [several unreadable words] see how God does [several unreadable words] by long and painful experience that it is no use to form plans for life but to be [unreadable] to whatever God in his providence shall allot to us.  I am here at Peter's doing all that I can for these motherless children  a very great change to one so weak in physical strength   how I shall do[?] the work here that I have I can't tell only that the good being has supported me to [unreadable] only I give all thanks. You [unreadable] that [unreadable] for these here that I have my hands [unreadable] full all the time to [several unreadable words] and handled hard things every hour in the day.  O! Mary it is indeed a heavy task  you can't conceive my feelings neither can I express them  my heart is too full.  I feel [unreadable] from the world [unreadable] with this.  I ever did before this time.  God sanctified [unreadable] sins, may you [several unreadable words  [page 2]   I could tell you a great deal could I be with you a few days  writing is a slow way of communion though it is a great blessing  I have no idea of seeing you this summer though I may.  I have had no girl to help me but 2 weeks since I came here, except [Mary?] Bradfield   I sent for her 2 [?] weeks ago  she don't consider herself my help  does what she please and leaves all the hard work for me except milking.  I have given her one dollar per week ever since she came.  I don't want any more relations hired.  they expect too much indulgences.  I engaged Mr B. to get a girl for me when he was here (if he could) indeed I suppose he has forgotten it.  Realizing [?] you are more persevering than him I want you to try if you please.  I want you to see [?] Hill to ask her.  I wish you hired [?] a good hand[?] as long as she will stay with me and our family at Peters. I won't hire any myself of course with [unreadable] if you can get there.  There is a great deal here to do which no one could think [unreadable].  Peter has a great many good things that are hard to handle and keep in order and as for a person that works as I do  that is keep using things [unreadable] it is more than I can possibly do alone.  I have to do all the sewing and mending, but it is alone for these little children which I do it.  I would do the same for any brother or sister I have though it is very doubtful of any of them doing as much for me for I have tested every one of them as far as I wish and indeed a good deal farther. Well now Mary the oldest and youngest of our family have gone to the reality of the other world and who O who of we will go except God in his wisdom only knows is it you or myself, we should neither of us live long in this climate our constitutions are not created [?] to buffet the hardships of a new country   just look at both of us in the midst of life in years and our physical constitutions broke down completely not able to undergo anything like hard work, and then just look at our prospects you with a large family to raise and me with no settled home in this wide world but living anyhow and every how.  O! how changed from my home in my dear deceased father's house, but I feel to say it is all right it has taught me that this world is not my home  there is a world that changeth not I hope to rest there forever, don't forget me at a Home of grace  I need your love and prayers.  There is now a great stir in town about the convention.  I don't feel the least interest in it I think it is wrong altogether to Hurrah a president in office  I have not seen any good result from it yet ever since Old Jackson was harrahed [sic] in.  How do them democratic women feel in your village about it have they any more signs to display to the passing delegations?  a very low act for a lady.  I want to see you and the children very much but don't know when I shall.  I know of no news I believe except that Mrs. Dill (it was) and Julia Tantlinen are here on a visit they are well.  Sally Fox is to be married next Thursday 2 weeks to Elderidge of this place.  Write soon tell Dear Hector and Robert I have no time to write to them though I should be glad to get a letter from them every week.  they must not wait for answers from me.  I expect a good deal of company at the convention.  Farewell from sister Sally”

Sarah wrote Mary again in August 1844.  The letter reads:  "LaFayette August 3rd, 1844     Dear Sister.  I believe I am indebted to you two letters, well you must take this for one and the will for the other; I have no time to write or I would write you an epistle every week, and this is Sunday afternoon.  this morning we had communion, Rev.d Dr. White from Wabash College officiated with a great deal of solemnity and feeling.  Oh! may his words and injunctions sink deep in my own and every other person [?] that heard him  I pray it may be like "bread cast upon the water"   he in the most feeling and solemn and pungent manner urged upon us all to be christians under all circumstances.  I always feel very serious after commemorating the death of my risen Lord and master.  Oh! how solemn the various scenes connected with it  how thrilling the feeling that pervades my mind of the time  to think perhaps I am sealing my own condemnation of my own free will and choice that I am not one of Christs.  I hope I am for I know I wish to be if I wish anything on earth.  And again to think of the love the great love which the father hath showed us in giving his only begotten for us.  Oh who can love with such love as this, Truly, Dr. Watts says Such love and such is divine I would too ascribe and make them mine.

I am sorry to hear you are poorly again  hope you may be better in a few days.  Mary I have thought today a good deal of your afflictions continuing so long, you must deserve them   they are for your eternal good and O may they be graciously

sanctified to you our heavenly Father never afflicts willingly I well know.

     This letter was began last sabbath 3rd and now resumed saturday eve 9th since then I have passed through another severe affliction.  My dear nephew B. Bradfield is no more in this world but in a better, I must give you a full account of all  it has cast a sad gloom over all the family.  when O! when will the tyrant death cease his reign? not until the milenium [sic] day Glory when Christ shall have put all enemies under his feet.  Benjm. had been complaining as much as 4 weeks with a dysentery but was still at work (for industry was one of his cardinal virtues) until ten days ago he was taken to his bed of death but our loss I am afraid is his eternal gain.  Such a happy death  His mind was very much exercised about his soul in the first of his sickness he sent for a preacher and conversed a great deal with him and realized [?] comfort he was then constantly in prayer so long as he had his reason until he found peace and then he talked to and wooed [?] everyone to love God supremely above all things.   for the first of his sickness he said he would rather live forty years and suffer in agony as he was than to appear in the pressence [sic] of God a sinner such as he was, but God who is rich in mercy and all that we can ask heard his sincere prayer and gave unto him full measure of the spirit and grace sufficient for all his trials.  I did not see him until Thursday last  he had his reason only at intervals but Oh how precious they were and in all his delirium it was prayer or something about religion.  You have no idea how much he had endeared himself to all his neighbors and especially the sabbath school of which he was one of its most active members  he had a large class they all attended his funeral, wept most bitterly for him.  he was their librarian kept all their accounts, the whole school teachers and scholars wore a badge of mourning for him at their own expense.  He called Jenners a great many times could not let him go out of his sight once he called him and asked him if he was trying to save his soul.  Repeated the Lord's prayer often and all the seventh chapter of Math.w    told us to follow it.  short time before he died he took hold of his fathers hand told him to meet his Mother and himself in heaven.  poor John his heart almost broke he well knows that his best is gone, best in everything.  He shook hands with mother B. and said poor old grand-mother what will she do for wood this winter.  It has almost broke the old lady's heart as he was all her and Anna's dependence to do everything, but I must stop  I could write a great deal more about him for he seemed to be in heaven before he left the earth.  He suffered great and agonizing pain bodily yet did not murmur hardly any.  disease terminated in inflammation of the bowels and brain.  I feel it is a great and good lesson for me hope to improve it  feel it was a great privilege to witness such a death though it wrung my heart with anguish to see him suffer; and then to part with him forever in this world.  Oh! tis painful painful indeed. 

Please send the amount of the sugar and berries [?] and I will send the money and jar or if you'd rather I will keep the jar and buy the same amount of sugar and put up peaches for you  the peaches shall cost you nothing.  we are all pretty well, hope you have had a good meeting.  may it be a blessing to the whole community.  hope you feel renewed.  I have written a long letter and could write as much more but my paper forbids.  My best love to Thee and all the little ones not forgetting the neighbours           Sally.”

On 8 September 1844, Peter Jennings mentioned Sally, who had been living in his home to help with his children, in a letter to Mary Braden:  "Sally is a sister indeed, and a mother indeed to my dear little children.”

On 18 December 1844, Sarah wrote to her sister, Mary:  "Dear sister, I had hoped to hear this time that you were better in health, you looked so well when you were here, but I am sorry to hear you are so poorly.  Well dont be discouraged many a one has been a great deal worse than you and longer and at last nature wrought her own cure which I verily believe will be your case.  True you have suffered a great deal bodily, but not much mentally in comparison with others, have you not been doubly blessed in one of the kindest and best of husbands these many years who can feel for you in all your afflictions alleviate comfort and provide for you and your children, not so no! far otherwise with the lone widow and her orphans, she has not one friend in this world on whom she can depend, her only friend is God and his promise to her.  I know it I feel the full force of it  I have learned by woefull [sic] experience that I never had but three friends my Father, Mother and husband it has been many years since I've been deprived of their kindness and care over me, I have had a hard struggle alone both in sickness and health but and expect too until my end come but will try by the grace of God to be content in whatever station I am called to fill for I have not the least idea when my next lot will be cast.  You I well know have known what suffering is by painful experience well Mary it is the lot of woman  she was the first transgressor and dearly have all her posterity paid for it and will to the end of time I do believe.  Chalmers a splendid writer says "of all Gods creation woman alone knows the acme of suffering." O! how true it is and even this is one source of comfort to me that it is so ordered in divine providence.  You say you would like to try mesmerism well do if you can come here and stay just as long as you can.  I well know that no person is more welcome in this house than you or any one of your family.  I will do all in my power for you situated as I am.  You can come here and just stay as happy as you can anywhere from your own house.  How could you even hint at Burr wearing out his welcome here.  Do let me tell you he is a man who will never wear out his welcome anywhere and I know Peter loves him like a brother and I a great deal more than some of my own.  You have written to me twice about not being in your company so little when you were here.  Dont you know that all my work was behind hand and Susan had just come and I felt and acted as I always do when I get a new hand to stay close at home and show them my way of working though I had no trouble with Susan she works just as I do clean and slow.  but let me assure you that I have not spent one hour in any person's house or ate one meal out of this house since you were here.  I find it takes all my time to sew knit and keep the family comfortable, but the most astonishing thing of all is that I'm up at half past 4 every morning and we eat breakfast at 5 and I don't pretend to sleep in day-light.  I want to know if ever Hec is coming in to stay with me tell him from me Christmas gift and all the children.  Tell L.H. Clark that Va. is almost dead to see her talks daily about her.  do you tell Mrs Clark I shall look for her and the Dr. the first good snow and will try and have some mince pies on hand.  I want you to tell Mrs. Watt I went to get her some preserve green ginger but found it so dear that I only got one pound twas 75 cts per pound.  I shall send it by the first safe chance tell her I want her to give you some of it a little goes a great way and I think it the finest thing I ever used to flavour any kind of preserve, custard or cake.  there must be syrup of sugar made and cover it or it will become candied it out to be loaf sugar.  I've got a tin-cup a piece for you and Mrs. Watt give her the one with the work bag in it tell her I took her eleven pence and bought a bag for little Laura and the one with your shawl in is of course for you.  Poor Wm Dill died in town last week with a low typhus fever what news to his mother. there is an afflicted mortal wave after wave has rolled over her and she has that fatal disease within her which is fast hastening her to the cold grave. O! that God may give her grace to stand the shock of the death of her only son her first-born just in the morning of life cut down and gone forever.   Tell Cynthia Ann that Susan is very well only little love sick occasionally for she has had a run of luck in that line lately though I think they will be apt to see her again before she is twice married.  Tell her to go to Mr. Parker's and get one pound of her rolls and send them by some careful hand to Townsends store for Peter Jennings for Susan if you please.  Now have I not wrote a long letter it is indeed a labour to me I would rather wash could stand it but I cant.  Va says tell Deborah and Lucy A. [?] that they must come in she will give them a party as she has just received from New York by Mr Sergeant a beautiful little set of tea things and a little set of white ivory handle knives and forks the forks are not silver.  I know of no more except to tell you that I dont enjoy the cold weather atall [sic].  Pleas [sic] to send me the 4th of a cut of coloured yarn to knit a pair of mittens for myself.  Tell Cynthia Ann Dr J has a good girl to stay all winter but she can get a home here any day if she will come.  No more.   Sally."

Sarah Y. (Jenners) Bradfield died 10 October 1846 in Lafayette, Indiana.  She was 42 years old.  According to an unidentified newspaper clipping:  "FUNERAL NOTICE.  -  Yourself and family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of Mrs. SARAH Y. BRADFIELD, at half past 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.  Funeral services by the Rev. Mr. Wilson, at the 2nd Presbyterian Church.  The procession will leave the residence of P.S. Jennings at 10 o'clock Saturday, October 10, 1846."  Sarah was buried in Greenbush Cemetery next to her husband, Jonathan, and daughter, Eugenia.

The following notice appeared in the Tippecanoe Journal & Free Press on Thursday, October 15, 1846: 

 As far as I have been able to tell, Sarah was survived by only one child: Abiel Jenners Bradfield.  I will do a separate post on him eventually.

David Jenners and Maria (Simpson) Jenners

David Jenners was born 23 July 1802 near Broad Run, Loudoun Co., Virginia.  His parents were Abiel Jenners and his wife, Deborah Young.  Broad Run probably refers to the area near the stream, Broad Run, that flows into the Potomac River south of Leesburg, Virginia.  I suspect David was named for his paternal grandfather, David Jenners.

According to the Jenners document apparently written by David, the family lived near Broad Run until he was about three years old, then moved about 1805 to the “Wertly Farm.”  They lived between 1806 and 1807 at “Mr. Fasces’ Farm.” 

On 5 May 1821, when David was about 18 years old, the following notice appeared in the local newspaper, The Genius of Liberty: 

"To Farmers.

WE, the subscribers, having rented Mr. Wm. H. Handey's MILLS AND FARM, hereby give notice to the farmers in the neighbourhood, that we shall be glad to do their grinding on the usual terms, and shall do our best to please by punctuality and despatch [sic].  JOHN ARNOLD, DAVID JENNERS.

Mr. John Arnold being a stranger in the neighbourhood, and my son David, young in years, I do hereby bind myself, my heirs, &c. to make good, or be answerable for all the contracts the said Arnold & Jenners make in the Milling Business.  Given under my hand this 26th day of February, 1821  ABIEL JENNERS.

All persons who have borrowed FLOUR from me, are requested forthwith to deliver WHEAT for the same to Messrs. Arnold & Jenners.    WM. H. HANDEY.  March 6, 1821. --- 8 3t."

An account book has been discovered that was kept by a Waterford merchant whose identity is not known.  David Jenners has the following entries in the book during 1823: 24 Feb 1823 "Cr Mary Harvey (?) $3;" 12 March 1823 "6 3/4 yds linnen, th'd;" 10 April 1823 "2 1/2 yds cassimire, silk, 1 hkf (handkerchief)." 21 June 1823, "-- coats, 3 lb coffee, 6 lb sugar."

On 26 September 1824, David’s father, Abiel, died.

On 29 April 1828, David left Waterford, Virginia for the “Western Country” and settled in Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana.  He set up a blacksmith’s shop there.  According to a letter from his sister, Ann, David’s shop caught fire in August 1829, but he was not injured.

On 13 January 1831, David married Maria Simpson in Lafayette.  Some sources give her maiden name as “Sampson.”  I have not done much research on her, yet, and do not have her parents’ names.   She was born 27 November 1811 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.  David’s sister, Ann, described her as “a very amiable girl.”  The couple took up residence in a log cabin at the corner of 4^th and Ferry Streets in Lafayette.

From 26 May 1832 to 3 June 1832, David served as a private in the 62nd regiment of the Indiana Militia during the Black Hawk War.  A letter from Ann Jenners dated 6 June 1832 states that David went to fight the Sioux Indians, but that he had returned to Lafayette by the date the letter was written, and according to a Ann, David returned home because his wife, Maria, "soon promises an increase of family."

That “increase of family” came on 21 August 1832 when their first child, Martin Putnam Jenners, was born.  Martin was apparently named for David’s oldest brother, Martin.  I have not discovered the origin of the middle name “Putnam.”  On 20, January 1833, Ann Jenners wrote to Elizabeth Braden that "Sally, Mary and David's wife all had sons in August.  Sally's only lived one day, Mary's one week, and Maria's is still living; it is a fine hearty child."  This would be Martin Putnam.

In November 1833, Ann Jenners wrote in a letter to Elizabeth Braden that "David's wife is again in the good old way."  Sure enough, on 26 January 1834, their second child, Deborah Ann Jenners, was born.  Deborah was probably named for her grandmother, Deborah (Young) Jenners and perhaps her aunt, Ann “Nancy” Jenners.

Another daughter, Sarah Y. Jenners, was born 9 December 1834.  She was probably named for her aunt, Sarah.

Then a daughter, Clara Jenners, was born 2 January 1838.  The four year gap between the births of Sarah and Clara makes me wonder if there was at least one child born that we do not know of.  That is just speculation, however.

The 1840 census for Tippecanoe Co., Indiana, lists David Jenners with the following household: 1 male 5-10 (born 1830-1835, probably Martin Putnam Jenners); 1 male 10-15 (born 1825-1830); 1 male 15-20 (born 1820-1825); 1 male 20-30 (born 1810-1820 Alba Jenners?); 2 females under 5 (born after 1835, Sarah and Clara Jenners); 1 female 5-10 (born 1830-1835, probably Deborah A. Jenners); 2 females 20-30 (born 1810-1820, probably Ann Jenners and Maria Simpson Jenners).

On 29 January 1841, in Tippecanoe Co., the State of Indiana filed a suit against Saurin (David’s brother) and David Jenners.  No further explanations about the nature or outcome of the suit have yet been found.

On 25 March 1841, daughter Lavinia Duvall Jenners was born in Lafayette.

According to a letter dated 3 October 1841, from David's sister, Sarah Bradfield, to their sister, Mary Braden, Sarah had been at David's house for a week to help David's wife, Maria, who had not been well.  David wanted Sally to tell Mary that he was willing to bring their mother into town from Burr and Mary Braden's farm whenever their mother was ready.  Maria was reported as doing "very poorly," and it was noted that she had no help except "little William, the boy."

On 14 May 1842, David’s mother, Deborah (Young) Jenners, died in Lafayette, Indiana.

In a letter dated 12 December 1843, David's sister, Sarah Bradfield, wrote to their sister, Mary Braden: "I now have no earthly trouble in this world ... except the situation of yourself and brother David, you physically, David mentally.  I have no influence over poor David myself but feel to commit him to his God and pray for him...."

On 22 August 1844, a son, David S. Jenners, was born.  He was probably named for his father.  I have not found what the initial “S” stands for, but it could certainly be for “Saurin” (his father’s brother) or “Simpson” (his mother’s maiden name).

On 15 October 1847, David purchased a plot in the “Lafayette City Graveyard” (now called Greenbush Cemetery).  The family plot was Lot 36, Section 2, Range 3B.

Sometime in 1849, a son, Harry M. Jenners, was born in Lafayette.  He may have been named for his uncle, Henry Martin Jenners.

The 1850 census of Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana lists the family of David and Maria Jenners. The following people resided together in the household:  David Jenners: age 47; male; Blacksmith; 9000 real estate value; born VA; Mariah J. Jenners: age 38; female; born NC; Martin Jenners: age 18; male; Painter; born IN; Deborah Jenners: age 16; female; born IN; attended school this year; Sarah Jenners: age 14; female; born IN; attended school this year; Clarissa Jenners: age 12; female; born IN; attended school this year; Lavina Jenners: age 9; female; born IN; attended school this year; David Jenners: age 6; male; born IN; attended school this year; Mary M. Jenners: age 1; female; born IN (this is probably actually Harry M. the 1 year old son); Job Drellinger: age 16; male; born IN.”  The next residence counted was that of Peter S. Jennings (brother-in-law of David), so they must have lived near each other, possibly next door.

The 1860 census of Lafayette lists the family as:  David Jenners: age 58, male, Farmer, $5000 real estate, $2000 personal, born Virginia; Maria Jenners: age 50, female, born North Carolina; Deborah A. Jenners: age 25, female, born Ind.; Sarah Jenners: age 23, female, born Ind.; Clara F. Jenners: age 22, female, born Ind.; Lavinia Jenners: age 18, female, born Ind.; David S. Jenners: age 15, male, born Ind.; Harry Jenners: age 11, male, born Ind., attended school this year; Thomas Truit: age 23, male, Farmer, no property, born Ind.”

On 2 October 1866, Harry M. Jenners died.  He was about 17 years old.  A death notice from an unidentified Lafayette paper states:  "Oct. 2nd 1866 Died Tuesday, Oct 2d, Harry M., son of David Jenners.  Funeral will take place from the family residence on Union Street tomorrow (thursday) at 10 o'clock a.m."

On the 1870 census the household consisted of the following indivduals: “David Jenners, 67, m, w, retired blacksmith, $4,000 real estate, $3,000 personal property, born Virginia; Mary Jenners, 58, f, w, keeping house, born North Carolina; George Butler, 39, m, w, railroad conductor, born New York, parents both foreign born; Clara Butler, 29, f, w, wife, born Indiana; David Jenners, 26, m, w, laborer, born Indiana.”  George Butler was the husband of their daughter, Clara.

David wrote his will dated 17 August 1876.  In it, he left all of his estate to his wife, Maria, and to his daughter, Sarah.  The other children were left out of the estate unless Sarah died.  A transcription follows: 

"I, David Jenners, of the City of LaFayette in the County of Tippecanoe and State of Indiana being of sound and disposing mind do make and publish this my Last Will & Testament, hereby revoking and setting aside any and all Wills heretofore made by me.

I desire to dispose of all my property in such a manner that those dependent on me who are the least able to support and provide for themselves may receive the benefit thereof, and having implicit confidence in the fairness and good judgement of my daughter Sarah Y Jenners, and fully believing that she will if she thinks it proper and right, aid and assist any of the remaining members of my family, if they shall stand in need of same, (though it is not intended by me that any restriction of this kind shall be laid upon her by this Instrument, but on the contrary I desire her to act freely and of her own judgment as to any disposition she may wish to make of any property coming to her under and by this Instrument) and acting as I think the best for all concerned do make the following disposition of all the property, real personal & mixed of which I may die seised [sic] and possessed.

First - I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Maria Jenners, and my daughter Sarah Y Jenners all of my real estate in fee simple _ to wit: Lot No forty (40) in Cabots Huntingdon's Addition to the town (now City) of LaFayette Indiana, it being the house and lot now used [page 2] by me as a residence.

Also.  Lot No six (6) and fractional Lot No four (4) in Peter Coon's second Addition to the town of LaFayette Indiana.

Also - The undivided half of the East half of the South East quarter of Section No thirty-three (33) in Township No Nine (9) of Range No nine (9) in the County of Cumberland and State of Illinois

Also.  The East half of the North East quarter and the North west quarter of the North East quarter and the North East quarter of the South East quarter, all in section No nine (9) in Township No fourteen of Range No 3 (3) wes situate in the county of Vernon, in the State of Wisconsin, together with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, to have and to hold the above described Lots and Lands with the appurtenances, unto my said wife Maria Jenners and my said daughter Sarah Y Jenners as tenants in common, & not as joint tenants, share & share alike, for their own use and benefit forever.

Second.  I will and bequeath to my said wife Maria Jenners and my said daughter Sarah Y. Jenners all my personal property of whatever kind and description, including money, notes household and kitchen furniture and clothing of which I may die possessed, share and share alike, to have and to hold for their own use and benefit forever. [page 3]

Third - I have heretofore, for the reasons and consideration given in this Will, transferred and assigned to my daughter Sarah Y Jenners three (3) certain notes of one thousand dollars each made by John A Reis, and secured by a mortgage, and I desire and request that my said daughter Sarah shall pay over to her mother Maria Jenners one half of the net income from said notes or one half of the net interest or proceeds of any renewal or reinvestment of the principal of said notes.

Fourth - In the event of my surviving my wife, Maria Jenners, I will and bequeath to my said daughter, Sarah Y Jenners, all of my estate real personal & mixed as above enumerated to have and to hold the same for her own use and benefit forever.

Fifth - In the event of my surviving my said daughter, Sarah, then and in that event I will and bequeath to my beloved daughter, Lavinia Jenners, the undivided one half of all my estate real, personal & mixed, as above enumerated she taking the place of my said daughter Sarah and having and holding my estate with my said wife, as tenants in common, share and share alike, for their own use and benefit forever.  Provided however, that if at my decease my said daughter Lavinia be married and living in coverture [?], then and in that event I will and bequeath to my beloved daughters Deborah A and Lavinia Jenners and Clara Butler one sixth each of all my estate, real personal and [page 4] mixed, as above enumerated, they taking the estate which would have belonged to my daughter, Sarah Y Jenners if she had survived me, and with the same restrictions rights and privileges.

And lastly I nominate and appoint as Executors of this my last will and testament, my said daughter Sarah Y Jenners and Robert F Braden and authorize and empower them to settle my estate, and direct and desire that they be not required to file a schedule of my property or to give bonds, but to do and perform all necessary acts in the settlement of my estate without any order or action of any Court.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 17th day of August 1876      David Jenners

Signed, sealed, published and declared by David Jenners, the above named testator as his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names as witnesses to said last will & testament, at the request of said testator in his presence and in the presence of each other.   John A Wilstach    Jos. Walter Wilstach."

The 1880 census of Lafayette shows David; his wife, Maria; and their daughter, Clara Butler, living in the household.

David Jenners died on 16 February 1881 at his home on North 8^th Street in Lafayette, Indiana.  Cause of death was given as old age.  David was buried in Greenbush Cemetery, Lafayette, in Section 2, Lot 36, Range 3B. 

On 2 April 1881, David’s estate was entered into probate in Lafayette.

On 26 December 1883, daughter, Sarah Y. Jenners, died in Daphne, Baldwin Co., Alabama.  Cause of death was given as “scrofula.”

On 12 March 1886, son, David S. Jenners, died in Lafayette.  Cause of death was “paralysis.”  At the time, Maria was staying with daughter, Lavinia, in Mobile, Alabama. He is buried in Greenbush Cemetery.

Maria (Simpson) Jenners died on 3 February 1899 at her home at 11^th & Kossuth Streets, Lafayette.  Cause of death was “La Grippe” (influenza).  She was buried in Greenbush Cemetery and shares a tombstone with her husband, David.

Family of David & Maria Jenners:

David Jenners, b. 23 Jul 1802 at Loudoun Co., VA, d. 26 Feb 1881 at Tippecanoe Co., IN

+Maria Simpson, b. 27 Nov 1811 at NC, m. 13 Jan 1831 at Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 3 Feb 1899 at Lafayette, Tippecanoe Co., Indiana

├── Martin Putnam Jenners, b. 21 Aug 1832 at Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 22 Dec 1919 at Tippecanoe Co., IN

│   +Mary E. Williams, b. 1843 at OH, m. 16 Apr 1877 at Tippecanoe County, IN

├── Deborah Ann Jenners, b. 26 Jan 1834 at Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 13 Jan 1917 at CA

│ 

├── Sarah Y. Jenners, b. 9 Dec 1834 at IN, d. 26 Dec 1883 at Baldwin Co., AL

├── Clara Jenners, b. 2 Jan 1838 at IN, d. 9 May 1925 at Tippecanoe Co., IN

│   +George Butler, b. 1 Jan 1830 at Lincolnshire, England, m. 27 Dec 1864 at Tippecanoe Co, IN, d. 16 Aug 1878

│   +William Upton Sweetser, b. 6 Mar 1830 at MA, m. 3 Feb 1881 at Tippecanoe Co, IN

├── Lavinia Duvall Jenners, b. 25 Mar 1841 at Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 30 Aug 1913 at Tippecanoe Co., IN

│   +William M. Jones, m. after 4 May 1882, d. 1910

│   ├── Clara Jones

│   └── Georgianna A. Jones, b. 22 Mar at AL

├── David S. Jenners, b. 22 Aug 1844 at Tippecanoe Co., IN, d. 12 Mar 1886 at Tippecanoe Co., IN

└── Harry M. Jenners, b. 1849, d. 2 Oct 1866 at IN

I will do posts on David and Maria’s children in the future.