The following is a transcription of the Howland Family Bible. It is transcribed just as written; my comments are in brackets [ ]:
"[written across top of first page] Nellie Howland Knox Ind
FAMILY RECORD Births.
J .A. Howland was born in the town Hamden [or Camden?] Delaware County State of NY July 2nd 1814
Sarah Elizabeth Howland /Alias/ Bridge born April 24th, 1824
Ransford Howland born in Winsche [? not sure of spelling] Bergen County NJ December 3rd, 1835
Carrie Howland was Born March 21 1878 Fulton County Ind
Arthur Howland Born August 29 [or 19?] 1879 Fulton County Ind
Twins Ettie and Elza Howland Born January 31, 1882 [last digit of year questionable] Harrisonville Ind
[written across top of second page] Ed and Bell Howlands book
FAMILY RECORD Marriages.
Joseph Allen Howland and Mary Taylor was married December 3rd 1833 [1823 written above 1833] in Bergen County NY removed to Miami County Ind in the Fall of 1838 and lived as man and wife until June 27th 1845 when they were Separated by death /Discease [sic] Erysifrelas/ -----
J. A. Howland and Sarah Elizabeth Bridge were married by Rev. John Scott Cass County Ind Jan 11th 1845 [should probably be 1846; note Mary Taylor's death date]
Mary Jane Howland my oldest daughter was married to John W. Fawcett July 22nd 1856 --
Julia Ann Howland my Second daughter was married to [unreadable] Healy February 23rd AD 1864
Arthur Bruce Howland son of Edward & Bell Howland was married to Nellie E. Stanton 25th day of March 1902
FAMILY RECORD [3rd page]
Births continued [written in above first column] Deaths [crossed out]
Edwin Eugene Howland born at Winamac Pulaski Co Ind September 11th 1850
William Walas[?] Howland born at Burlington Caroll co Ind June 15th 1856
Edwin E Howland who was married to Tabitha [very faint; not sure of spelling] Belle Conner April 4 1877
Deaths
Elza Howland died August 3 1882 aged 6 months and three days
Ettie Howland died August the 8th 1882 aged 6 months and Eight days
Sarah E. Howland died August the 25, 1882
FAMILY RECORD [4th page]
Births
Mary Jane Howland born Bergen County NJ September 24th [faint; not certain of last digit] 1837 New Jersey NJ
Julia Ann Howland born in Miami Co Indiana February 9th 1840
Marcus J Howland born in Miami co Ind March 5th 1842
Washington Howland born April 27th 1845
Franklin Howland born April 7th 1848 and died April 27th 1848 aged 21 days
Infant twins. Sons born January 13th 1847 died Same day
Charles Bruce Howland was born 18th day of May 1907 at Knox Ind
Ruby Bell Howland was born Dec. 31, 1914 at Bass Lake"
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Joshua Healey and Julia Ann Howland
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| Joshua Healey |
Joshua Healey was born 18 November 1838 in Hinchinbrook, Beauharnois Co., Quebec, Canada. One source gives his birth as 18 November 1837 in "Bauhanraus" County, Canada. Other sources give his birth as 18 November 1838 in Henchingbrook, Quebec, Canada. Hinchinbrooke is located about 40 miles from Montreal. Beauharnois is also near Montreal. Yet another source says he was born in "Canada East." His parents were Sylvestor Forbes Healey and Rosa H. Hall.
He moved to Cass Co., Indiana with his parents sometime between 1852 and 1857. Joshua worked as a school teacher before the Civil War. A sketch of Joshua found at the library in Rensselaer, Indiana, says, "After living on the farm for several years, he qualified himself as a school teacher and coming to Jasper County, taught the Smith school, north of Renssealer."
About 1858, Joshua met his future wife, Julia Ann Howland, when Julia was visiting friends in Logansport, Indiana.
The 1860 census (taken August 1860) shows Joshua, age 22, living on the family farm with his parents near Logansport, Cass Co., Indiana. By April 1861, however, he was living in Jasper Co., Indiana, when he volunteered for military service during the Civil War.
Joshua's military papers describe him as 5 foot 9 inches tall, with black hair, gray eyes, and a dark complexion.
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| Joshua Healey during the Civil War |
Joshua's pension papers outline his military service and indicate that at outbreak of Civil War, he joined Rensselear Company G of 9th Indiana Volunteer Infantry of Union Army. After 3 months he was promoted to captain in the Ninth Indiana Regiment. Then he became a major in the 128th. And finally he became a colonel of the 151st Indiana Regiment. His records note "service conspicuous for bravery and heroism." He served 4 years in the war and had "numerous escapes from death; was wounded by cannonball; and was seriously injured by his horse falling on him." While serving as Colonel of the 151st Regiment of Indiana Infantry Volunteers, he fought in the Georgia Campaign. He apparently became ill while serving in war, perhaps with a kidney or urinary disease.
Between November 1863 and January 1864, the military records report him as "absent; ordered to Indiana on recruiting service." And the January and February rolls list him as absent in Indiana and sick.
It was during this period while he was in Indiana on sick leave that Joshua married Julia Ann Howland. They were married 23 February 1864 in Delphi, Carroll Co., Indiana. The Howland Bible contains this entry, "Julia Ann Howland my Second daughter was married [unreadable] Healy February 23 AD 1864." They were married by Rev J. W. Green of the ME Church. Julia was 24 and Joshua was 25 years old.
Julia Ann Howland was born 9 February 1840 "in a long house near Perrysburg," Miami Co., Indiana. Her parents were Joseph Allen Howland and Mary Taylor. Julia's mother died in June 1845 and her father remarried in January 1846. About 1850, Julia went to live with her mother's sister, Phoebe (Taylor) Benedict, who lived in Michigan. She returned to Indiana around the time she turned 18 and worked as a school teacher before her marriage to Joshua.
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| Julia Ann Howland |
By March 1864, Joshua is again shown as present on the military muster rolls.
On 2 July 1865, Joshua was in Nashville, Tennessee, when he wrote to Brig. Gen. Whipple requesting 20 days leave of absence to go to Jasper Co., Indiana to attend to business. He stated that he had never been absent from his regiment on leave. It was while Joshua was home on leave that he and Julia first visited Rensselaer, Indiana. They went there to visit Mrs. Moss, the wife of Dr. Moss, who was with Joshua's regiment. This was probably Lydia A. Moss, wife of Dr. Gordon A. Moss.
On 19 September 1865, Colonel Joshua Healey was mustered out of military service at Nashville, Tennessee.
Shortly after Joshua returned home, he and Julia moved to Rensselaer, Jasper Co., Indiana. According to a newspaper biography of Joshua, "After returning home from the army at the close of the war, he began the study of law in the office of E.P. Hammond." This is probably Edwin Pollock Hammond. After the war, he engaged in the practice of law in Rensselaer and Goodland, Indiana.
A Jasper Co. history states that Joshua was a journalist and published a newspaper in Rensselaer, Indiana, during a very early period of Rensselaer history as a partner of Horace James. He started "The Iroquois Press" with Jacob Keiser. This was a 7-column folio, weekly, Republican newspaper. Joshua was "part-owner and proprietor of a newspaper published at Rensselaer from about 1865-1876. He was suffering from some kidney or urinary disease. In consequence he was incapacitated from performing manual labor most of the time." Other information indicates that Joshua suffered from diabetes.
Joshua and Julia's first two children, William Healey and Florence Healey, both died in infancy and are buried in Weston Cemetery, Rensselaer, Indiana. I have not yet discovered exact birth and death dates for them.
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| Florence Healey |
In the fall of 1868, Joshua became the sole owner of the "Iroquois Press" and consolidated it with the "Prairie Telegraph" to form the "Rensselaer Union," a 7-column, weekly, Republican paper, in partnership with Horace E. James.
On 27 October 1869, their daughter, Dora LaRue Healey, was born in Rensselaer.
The 1870 census (taken in June) shows the family of Joshua and Julia living in Rensselaer. Joshua was serving as Assistant Marshall of the census. The following information is given on the individuals living in Joshua Healey's household (Dwelling #79, family #79, by Joshua Healey, Asst. Marshall): Healy, Joshua, 32, male, white, printer, $1200 real estate, $1100 personal estate, born: Canada East; mother foreign born; Healy, Julia, 30, female, white, keeping house, born: IN; Healy, Dora, 2 months, female, white, born IN in Oct 1870; father foreign born; Weaters, Sara E., 14, female, domestic servant, born IN.
On 14 November 1873, their son, George Howland Healey, was born in Rennselaer. (Note: I have not yet done a post about George H. Healey.)
In 1874, Joshua's newspaper, the "Union," announced itself independent of political parties and was enlarged to a 6-column quarto. And on 9 November 1875, Joshua "retired from the newspaper and engaged in the practice of law."
In 1877, "for the benefit of Colonel Healey's health, removal was made to Carlisle Springs, Ark., where the family remained for several months" (per Julia's obituary). However, a letter from Joshua to his daughter, Dora, dated in January 1877, reads as if Joshua is in Arkansas, but the rest of the family is not. That letter reads:
" Carlisle, Ark., Jany 29, 1877
My Dear Little Daughter -
I was writing to your mamma this evening and thought I would write to you and tell you how much I love you and how I should like to see you and your little brother again. Colie and Bettie are going to school and they like their teacher so much. I hope my little girl is studying so that when papa comes back she can read to him and I want you to learn to write and then you can write to me when I am away and tell me all about what you are doing. Be a good little girl and obey your mamma and do not cry & papa will always love you. Kiss mamma for me Your Papa"
By 1878, the family was back together and had moved to Goodland, Newton Co., Indiana.
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| Joshua Healey in late 1870s |
After Joshua's death, Julia and her children moved back to Rensselaer.
At the time of Joshua's death, his wife Julia was pregnant. Their daughter, Maud Joshua Healey, was born on 9 April 1880, three months after her father's death.
On 28 April 1880, Julia applied for a widow's pension. On the 1880 census (taken in June 1880), the family was shown as follows: Julia, age 40, widowed, occupation: milliner, born Indiana, father born New York, mother born New Jersey. Living with her were: Dora L. Healey, age 10, daughter, born IN, mother born IN, father born Canada; George H. Healey, age 7, son, born IN, mother born IN, father born Canada; Rans Howland, age 44, (Julia's) brother, widowed, occupation Marble Cutter, born New Jersey, father born New York, mother born New Jersey; Rosa Jones, age 21, single, servant, born New Jersey, parents born Germany; Maude J. Healey, age 2/12 [2 months] daughter, born in IN, mother born IN, father born in Canada.
According to Julia's obituary, "The struggle in behalf of her children during a few years after her husband's death taxed her frail body, which had never been strong and during the succeeding years she was never in good health...."
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| Julia Healey's home in Rensselaer, Indiana taken about 1895. Left to right: George H Healey; baby is Henry S. Healey; George's wife, Stella; unknown; Julia Healey |
By 1908, the family was back in Rensselaer.
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| Dora, George, Maud and Julia Healey (seated) ca 1899 |
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| Healey Family, Sept. 1908. Left to right: Maud; Ed Mills; George W.; Dora; Vera; Florence Lyon; Ivah; Stella; Adna; George H.; and Julia |
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| Julia Ann (Howland) Healey |
The 1910 census shows Julia living with the family of her son, George, on Weston Street in Rensselaer, Indiana. The household was: George H. Healey, head, 37, married once for 16 years, Editor of newspaper; Stella, wife, 35, married once for 16 years, 5 children with 4 living; George W., son, 14; Vera V., daughter, 11; Ivah M., daughter, 9; Adna J., son, 4; Julia A., mother, 70, widow, 5 children with 3 living.
Julia Ann (Howland) Healey died on 14 May 1913 at the home of her son, George, in Rensselaer, Indiana. She was 73 years old. The cause of death was given as "acute toxemia from carcinoma of colon." She was buried in Weston Cemetery in Rensselaer.
She wrote her own obituary a few months before her death, and therefore, facts for which her obituary is cited as the source can be considered self-reported. The obituary was printed in Rensselaer Republican, May 14, 1913 and reads as follows:
"JULIA HOWLAND HEALEY Born Feb. 9, 1840 - Died May 14, 1913. Julia H. Healey, mother of George H. Healey, editor of The Republican died this afternoon at 1:10 o'clock after a lingering illness. -- The following obituary was written some months ago by Mrs. Healey and pinned to it was the short paper about Abraham Lincoln whom she greatly loved from the time he was first a presidential candidate. This short article about him was written shortly before his last birthday and Mrs. Healey had expected to deliver it at the annual Lincoln memorial given by the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic. Her health was such that she could not attend that memorial and it was evidently her wish that this brief tribute be printed. It furnishes some idea of the high ideals that composed her life and also gives important testimony of the developing interest of women in the affairs of state and nation at the outbreak of the civil war. Mrs Healey was devoted to church, literary, temperance and patriotic societies, being for many years a member of the Ladies Literary Club, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Woman's Relief Corps, and for the past fourteen years of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic. Her wide reading from scholarly authors and historians gave her a fund of knowledge and a fluency of expression that proved entertaining in any company. A visit made a few years ago to the national capital, where she saw Arlington cemetery, the home and tomb of George Washington at Mt Vernon and other points of interest proved of never-failing delight to her. Although she suffered much during her long sickness, her mind remained active and she read the daily papers and current magazines and enjoyed discussions about federal and state policies. A few months ago she wrote a biographical sketch of her life and this is printed just as she had prepared it in a clear, legible hand. It shows how active was her mind and how perfect her memory. It is here printed in full.
-- Julia Howland Healey was born in Miami county, Indiana, February 9, 1840, in a log house not far from Perrysburg, which was the postoffice of her father's family. Indians were plentiful at that time and often came to her father's house, they having a reservation east of Peru, and where some of the tribe still live, refusing to sign away their lands. When the rest of the tribe signed away their lands and went further west, they camped for the first night just out of the town of Perrysburg. Mrs. Healey's father took his family to the camp in the afternoon before their last night, he being well acquainted with many of the Indians. Mrs. Healey was the first child born to her family after their coming to Indiana, two older children, a brother and sister, being born in the east, one in New York and the other in New Jersey. Mrs. Healey's father, Joseph Allen Howland, was born in Orange, New York. He was of Holland-French extraction, his father being a full blooded Hollander and his mother a full-blooded French woman by name, Jane Purcellee. Mrs. Healey's mother's maiden name was Mary Taylor. She was born on a farm near Paterson, New Jersey. After her father's and mother's marriage they lived at Newark, New Jersey until they came to Indiana. Mrs. Healey's father did not long remain on the farm, but preferred to go back to teaching school, that being his business in the east. He moved to Logansport about 1843, where he lived most of his after life. Mrs. Healey's mother died when she was about five years old, and a few years later she went to live with her mother's sister in Michigan who had just moved to that state from New York, it being her mother's dying request that she be raised by this aunt, Mrs. Phebe Taylor Benedict. Soon after Mrs. Healey was 18 years old she visited her father's family at Logansport, near which city she met Joshua Healey, to whom she was married February 23, 1864. Mr Healey was at this time captain of Co. G 9th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, having enlisted at Rensselaer soon after the close of a school he had taught at, Smith School house, northeast of Rensselaer. To this union five children were born. William and Florence were born after the close of the war. Both died in infancy and are buried on the same lot with their parents. Dora Healey Lyon, of Delphi; George Howland Healey, of Rensselaer, and Maud Healey Mills, of Hamilton, Montana, survive their mother. In the year 1862 Mrs. Healey joined the Christian church at Mill Creek, Cass county, near which she was teaching school. She lived a firm believer in this church, never changing her church relation and was glad indeed when a church of her choice was organized in Rensselaer, of which she and her two older living children were charter members and later her younger daughter joined the church. Her husband died January 2, 1880. -- Of Lincoln she wrote...[omitted] -- At the close of the civil war Mrs. Healey and her husband, Col. Joshua Healey, located in Rensselaer, and with the exception of about three years, had lived here continuously since that time. In 1877, for the benefit of Colonel Healey's health, removal was made to Carlisle Springs, Ark., where the family remained for several months. In 1878 they returned to Indiana and located at Goodland, where he died January 2, 1880. Mrs. Healey at once removed to Rensselaer, where her husband was buried. Three months after his death a baby daughter, now Mrs. Edward F. Mills, of Hamilton, Mont., was born. The struggle on behalf of her children during the few years after her husband's death taxed her frail body, which had never been strong, and during the succeeding years she was never in good health. Her health began to fail more rapidly almost three years ago and she took a more decided turn for the worse a year ago. For a long time she insisted on living in her own home on College avenue, but this was reluctantly given up October 12th, last, when she took up her home with her son, George H. Healey, with whom she has since lived and at whose home she died. Besides the three children mentioned in the obituary there are eight grandchildren, also one sister, Mrs. Mary Fawcett, of Delphi, who was at her bedside when the final summons came, and whom she recognized with a smile and a tender kiss, the last act of consciousness."
"Funeral of Mrs. Julia A. Healey will be Friday. - The funeral of Mrs. Julia A. Healey will be held Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the home of her son, George H. Healey, on Cullen Street. It will be conducted by Rev. W.G. Winn of the Christian Church. Burial will be in Weston Cemetery"
Note: About 1902, Julia wrote the following memoir:
"I was not one of the early Settlers of Jasper Co. So did not Share the trials and hardships of the first settlers. I made my first visit to Rens. in July 65 [1865], and in Sep of that year came here to make our home. In July husband and I came from Logansport to Remington by train and from Remington here in a hack owned by Duvall Bros, who also run a hack from here to Bradford. We at that time came to visit Mrs Moss, at the request of Dr Moss who was with his Reg, the 151st vol infantry of which he was Surgeon, and my husband was Col. and who was absent on leave.
My first impression of the people of Rens. was their manifest intelligence ["and" crossed out] Being an inland town 14 miles from a RR it was plain to an observer that its citizens were not of the kind to Sit down and wait for Something to turn up. We had no sooner alighted from the train at Remington than Mr Healey was approached by a committee from this place and Solicited for aid for a R.R. It was about 14 [?] year [sic] after this time when by almost incessant effort that they succeeded in getting a narrow gauge from here to Delphi.
14 [?] years of effort, but no [sic] give up. This spirit of progress has been characteristic of the this [sic] place ever since as is seen in our magnificent courthouse our fine business [?] houses, our telephone system, our electric light plant, our cement walks and the street improvements now going on. I know very little of the condition of the county at that time outside of Rens. ["The only" crossed out] except as I went either to Bradford now Monon or to Remington. In Feb 69, I went from here to Bradford in a sleigh, and from there by rail to Lafayette then on the Wabash
to my old home where I visited for two weeks. When I got to Bradford on my return, I ["was" crossed out] found the hack which usually waited there for the four-o'clock train from the South, was compelled to start back to Rensselaer immediately after dinner as the roads were in such bad condition that the trip could not be made before dark, and it was not safe to go after dark. I was therefore obliged to go to a hotel with the prospect of staying there ["after" crossed out] all night, and until after dinner the next day, but much to my joy Mr and Mrs Samuel Duvall
learning I was in town, invited me to their home where I had a truly delightful time. In the morn, Mr Duvall found that there [sic] had a two teamer with farm wagons come from the Catholic farm here, bringing four Catholic Sisters who were going to Lafayette on the night train. These teams would start for here about seven o'clock and Mr Duvall kindly made arrangements for me to return with them. I was glad of the chance as the hack was only another farm wagon, as the hack proper could not be used on the roads. So we
started at Seven in the morning and reached here at two in the Pm, very tired and very cold, so cold that I could not take money from my purse to pay my fare. This was my one experience with the bad roads, after that I planned my visits for warm weather.
At this time there was about 400 inhabitants here, and the town covered very little ground. Where Oklahoma addition now is was a fine place for prairie chickens and many evening after supper, Mr Healey and myself would drive out there taking the bird dog
in the buggy with us. When we reached the place Mr Healey would get out and start the dog. He followed the dog and I drove along behind, in half an hour we would have chickens enough for breakfast for ourselves and some of our neighbors. The dry goods business of 65 was conducted by three firms, Larne [?] Bros, father and uncle of the Larne [?] Bros of today. The only clerk in their store that I remember was Mr. Wishard, father of W W Wishard who today is clerking for the present Larne [?] Bros. A Leopold and Heidleburger were one of
the other firms. Mr Heidleburger retired from the firm in a few years, but Mr Leopold continued in the business until about a year ago. The other firm was Thompson and Wood. These men retired from the business in a few years; both are living and frequently visit our city. Mr Thompson is the father of Mrs Wiley Duvall and brother of Mrs Sarah Hamphill. Mr Wood is a brother of Mrs J.M. Wasson. There was two drug stores one owned by Mr Thompson father of the Thompson first mentioned; the one by Dr. Hardings. These men retired from business here and both are now dead.
The only exclusive grocery business that I remember is that of CC Starr, who has remained in the business ever since. I remember but one hardware store, conducted by I.M. and C.D. Stackhouse. C.D. retired from the firm in a few years and lived on his farm north of town now owned by Rev. Parody [?]. Mr Stackhouse after leaving this farm, moved to Tenn where he died. I.M. Stackhouse retained the hardware business for some years later, then sold and moved to our State Capitol. The undertaking business was conducted by Willis J Wright, who was succeeded
by his son Park Wright, who in turn was succeeded by his son Jennings Wright. Three generations in this business. ["without interruption" crossed out]. There was one millinery store owned by Mrs. Sarah Hemphill, who accumulated considerable wealth in the business. There was one bank, the firm name being A. McCoy and A Thompson. Mr McCoy is still in the bank on the same site we first knew him 37 years ago. Mr Thompson retired not many years ago being in poor health, and soon after passed over the silent river.
There [sic] two law firms E.P. Hammond and T.J. Spitler [?]. The one now lives in Lafayette the other has gon [sic] to join friends on the other side. Dwiggins and Thompson was the other firm. These men are familiar to you all. They were located over McCoy and Thompson's bank where we find their successors, Geoltz [?] Spitler and Currie. There were three physicians Martin, Moss, and Loughridge all have [sic] the way of all the earth. Each of these men had a son who studied medicine, two of them practicing in our town
but all have passed away. There were four churches The Methodist, Pres and Missionary Baptist, and Church of God. The Pres and Bap have new buildings where the old ones, The Methodist has a new church but in a new locality. The Church of God now in use is the same as in 65. It was then a new building, and its members had for their pastor D T Halstead who is now their pastor, but has not been for several until now. Few families that lived here 37 years ago are left with both husband and wife living.
I find Ezra Clark and wife, Norman and Mrs Warner, A Leopold and wife, Alfred and Mrs McCoy, and Wm Rhodes and wife, and I believe Michael Cage and wife, but of this I am not positive. These live in our city. Judge Hammond and wife in Lafayette, and Mr and Mrs Isaac [?] Stackhouse of Indianapolis. The one you have had the pleasure of hearing this morning, the other we had hoped to hear. I was sorry indeed to learn of Mr Stackhouse's feeble condition. Could he have been here, he would have told you many interesting things in a very interesting way. In looking for the young men of that time I could think of but one that is living in our midst today, and that is our most dignified Judge. One other is living in Michigan City, familiarly called Pat Tally. Others there may be but I could hear of none." [transcribed by S. Beach from a photocopy of the original manuscript provided by Donald Healey]
Julia claimed that her family descended from the John Howland who came over in the Mayflower and that there was always a John Howland in the family clear down the line. She also claimed relationship with the Ethan Allen family (note that we have found no proof of these claims as yet).
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
I've been doing this a very long time......
Sometimes things happen that remind me of how many years I've been doing genealogy research. While I don't feel old, I'm always surprised when I realize that I've been researching family for more than 40 years.
I think I mentioned that I've been reviewing old files lately. As part of that effort, I have come across correspondence and query letters and emails from people I have not heard from in many years. I've been trying to touch base again with those researchers and family members, but discovering that I'm mostly too late. I should have stayed in touch over the years, because now they are gone or can't be found.
The latest letter to come back "Not At This Address" is to a niece of Elenor McCarthy Duncan. I am not including her name because she may still be living, though she would be in her 90s, I think.
So I guess my point is, Stay In Touch!
I think I mentioned that I've been reviewing old files lately. As part of that effort, I have come across correspondence and query letters and emails from people I have not heard from in many years. I've been trying to touch base again with those researchers and family members, but discovering that I'm mostly too late. I should have stayed in touch over the years, because now they are gone or can't be found.
The latest letter to come back "Not At This Address" is to a niece of Elenor McCarthy Duncan. I am not including her name because she may still be living, though she would be in her 90s, I think.
So I guess my point is, Stay In Touch!
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
A Chancery Suit over the Estate of Abiel Jenners, ca 1831
I have been reviewing old files lately and finding a number of things I overlooked or just did not enter into my database when they first came to my attention.
One of those items is a very poor photocopy of a chancery suit filed in Loudoun Co., Virginia, probably in 1831. I obtained this photocopy when I visited Leesburg, Virginia in the mid 1990s. At that time, the chancery cases were housed in folders in the basement of the Loudoun County courthouse. Since that time, I know that these files have been made available on-line. Here is the link to this case, which is filed under 1838. It appears that while it was originally filed in 1831, the case was continued repeatedly until 1838.
Because it backs up other research I've done regarding Abiel & Deborah Jenners and their family, I thought it might be good to post the transcription of the document. I want to be clear, however, that I found many words unreadable & part of the document is cut off, so the transcription is not 100%.
The document does list the eight children of Abiel and Deborah in their birth order. It list the spouses of daughters Sarah and Mary. It gives the year of Abiel's death.
The following was filed in Chancery Court in Loudoun Co., Virginia in 1838 (transcribed):
"To the Honorable John Scott Judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for the County of Loudoun in Chancery sitting humbly complaining shews to your Honour your oratrix Deborah Jenners Widow your orators & oratrixes Jonathan N. Bradfield and Sarah his wife late Sarah Jenners Burr Braden & Mary his wife late Mary Jenners Saurin Jenners Nancy Jenners Alba Jenners
That on or about the day of in the year 1824 Abiel Jenners the husband of your oratrix Deborah and the father of your oratrixes & orators Sarah, Mary, Saurin, Nancy & Alba, departed this life having first made and executed his last will and Testament which was afterward duly exhibited for probate by the County Clerk of Loudoun proved & ordered to be recorded. A Copy of Which will duly certified is herewith exhibited and prayed to be taken as fact hereof (Exhibit No 1). - That by said will it will be seen he directed if it were necessary that the whole of his lands should be sold as well as his personal property save some small provision for your oratrix Deborah. The farm bought of Tavener of Wright & of Cooper constituting all his real estate. That it was necessary for the payment of Debts and advantageous to the Interests of all concerned to sell the whol of said Real estate and that it was accordingly sold. That John Braden who was appointed Executor of said will qualified in due form thereto. That having made the sales of the property real & personal in persuance of said will and applied the proceeds as far as necessary to the payment of Debts. There is now in his hands a balance of somewhere about the sum of fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars.
The same being the surplus of said Estate after the payment of all known debts. That by the said will the said surplus is given to your oratrix Deborah and if any is left after her decease it is given to the said Testator's five younger children. That the said Testator left eight children whose ages correspond to the order in which their names follow viz Martin Jenners, Wm. M. Jenners, David Jenners, your oratrixes Sarah, Mary, Nancy, Alba & orator Saurin. In other words that the said Martin, Wm. M. & David are the three Eldest Children and therefore in consideration of previous advances, excluded from participation with your oratrixes & orator who are the five younger children in the reversionary Interest. That since the death of the said Testator, your oratrixes & our orators have removed from the County referenced to the State of Indiana where a livelihood Can be more Easily attained. That to the comfort of your oratrix Deborah it is essential the said funds should be vested in the said last mentioned state & as it is believed conducive to the Interest of your orators & oratrixes the reversionary claimants. The Inconvenience to your oratrix Deborah in procuring the annual remittance of the Interest on said surplus & the advantage to the reversionars in its judicious investment in a young thriving and rapidly improving country will readily present to the consideration of any one. That the said Executor has been from an apprehension of the responsibility refuses to (unreadable) over the same to your oratrix Deborah without the order of a (unreadable) Court to that effect and without the settlement of the respective rights of the parties.
All which is agt. Equity . Stands to the Injury of your oratrixes & orators and as they are secu(cut off) delete (?) at Law & can only be (unreadable) in Equity They (cut off) that the said John Braden Executor of Abiel Jenners Decd be under party to this will with afterwards to Charge him that he be compelled to answer the (unreadable) he be decreed to pay to your oratrix Deborah said f(cut off) upon such terms & conditions as are consistent with Law and the rights legal & Equitable of your several oratrixes & orators & that such the & general relief be awarded to you may seem best & that the (unreadable) be awarded
The answer of John Braden, Exor. of Abiel Jenners, decd to a bill of Complaint exhibited agt him in the Circuit Superiour court of Law & Chancery for the County of Loudoun by Deborah Jenners widow & other representatives of Abiel Jenners decd.
This respondent making the usual & accepting reservations to the many (unreadable) in said bill contained for (unreadable) thereto or to the material parts thereof says that he admits the death of said Abiel Jenners his execution of the said will to probate & this respondents qualification as Executor. That he as sold the property and afterward with the exception of the assessed articles of personal property which were delivered over and Paid all the known debts of the Testator as stated in said Bill. He admits that the said Complainants are the parties entitled under the said will the the surplus property as said. The said Deborah for life and if any is left at her death & said five complnt. younger children of said Testator to the reversionary Interest as stated in the same. He admits that the said surplus amounts to the amount from $1500 to $2000. The (unreadable) amount he cannot say till settlement of his acct which is now before (unreadable) appointed by the County Court of said County in a course of settlement in which Court be qualified. This respondent admits that it would no doubt be more at the comfort & convenience of said Deborah to have the entire control & use of said funds & that if it were judiciously invested as suggested in a new County such as the one to which the said Complts have removed that such investment might advance the Interests of the reversioners.
This respondent however not knowing perhaps the full responsibility of an Executor but hearing some indefinite idea of the perils of the office with every disposition to accommodate others & especially the family of his testator is yet unwilling to do any thing which may be possibility (unreadable) them and therefore requires the safeguard of the (unreadable) of a competent tribunal.
With these views he submits to the Decisions of the Court the following questions. How far and in what mode He can with safety to himself or consistently with his duty to the possible creditors of the estate pay over the said funds to the said Compt. Deborah? What security shall the said Deborah give to (unreadable) in case any debts arise at any future time aft the said Estate of his Testator? Shall the said Deborah receive the said funds without giving security of some sort that she shall have the same forth coming at her death to be paid to the revisioners & if such security is required of what kind & to what amount? What is the precise Interest or estate of the several parties complts to said Bill?
This respondent is willing and desires of being without the (unreadable) or the responsibility and submits himself & his rights to the protection and his duties & liabilities to the interpretation of the Court. He is willing to pay the funds unto the Court to be disposed of at the pleasure of the Court or to lend it out to make it productive or in (unreadable) to do any thing which can safely & with propriety do
And He prays to be (unreadable) with the Court &c
Loudoun County to wit
This day Jno Braden Exo of A. Jenners decd qualified in due form of Law to above answer. Given under my hand this 28 day of Sept 1831 Sam. M. Ramey JPLC"
One of those items is a very poor photocopy of a chancery suit filed in Loudoun Co., Virginia, probably in 1831. I obtained this photocopy when I visited Leesburg, Virginia in the mid 1990s. At that time, the chancery cases were housed in folders in the basement of the Loudoun County courthouse. Since that time, I know that these files have been made available on-line. Here is the link to this case, which is filed under 1838. It appears that while it was originally filed in 1831, the case was continued repeatedly until 1838.
Because it backs up other research I've done regarding Abiel & Deborah Jenners and their family, I thought it might be good to post the transcription of the document. I want to be clear, however, that I found many words unreadable & part of the document is cut off, so the transcription is not 100%.
The document does list the eight children of Abiel and Deborah in their birth order. It list the spouses of daughters Sarah and Mary. It gives the year of Abiel's death.
The following was filed in Chancery Court in Loudoun Co., Virginia in 1838 (transcribed):
"To the Honorable John Scott Judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law & Chancery for the County of Loudoun in Chancery sitting humbly complaining shews to your Honour your oratrix Deborah Jenners Widow your orators & oratrixes Jonathan N. Bradfield and Sarah his wife late Sarah Jenners Burr Braden & Mary his wife late Mary Jenners Saurin Jenners Nancy Jenners Alba Jenners
That on or about the day of in the year 1824 Abiel Jenners the husband of your oratrix Deborah and the father of your oratrixes & orators Sarah, Mary, Saurin, Nancy & Alba, departed this life having first made and executed his last will and Testament which was afterward duly exhibited for probate by the County Clerk of Loudoun proved & ordered to be recorded. A Copy of Which will duly certified is herewith exhibited and prayed to be taken as fact hereof (Exhibit No 1). - That by said will it will be seen he directed if it were necessary that the whole of his lands should be sold as well as his personal property save some small provision for your oratrix Deborah. The farm bought of Tavener of Wright & of Cooper constituting all his real estate. That it was necessary for the payment of Debts and advantageous to the Interests of all concerned to sell the whol of said Real estate and that it was accordingly sold. That John Braden who was appointed Executor of said will qualified in due form thereto. That having made the sales of the property real & personal in persuance of said will and applied the proceeds as far as necessary to the payment of Debts. There is now in his hands a balance of somewhere about the sum of fifteen hundred to two thousand dollars.
The same being the surplus of said Estate after the payment of all known debts. That by the said will the said surplus is given to your oratrix Deborah and if any is left after her decease it is given to the said Testator's five younger children. That the said Testator left eight children whose ages correspond to the order in which their names follow viz Martin Jenners, Wm. M. Jenners, David Jenners, your oratrixes Sarah, Mary, Nancy, Alba & orator Saurin. In other words that the said Martin, Wm. M. & David are the three Eldest Children and therefore in consideration of previous advances, excluded from participation with your oratrixes & orator who are the five younger children in the reversionary Interest. That since the death of the said Testator, your oratrixes & our orators have removed from the County referenced to the State of Indiana where a livelihood Can be more Easily attained. That to the comfort of your oratrix Deborah it is essential the said funds should be vested in the said last mentioned state & as it is believed conducive to the Interest of your orators & oratrixes the reversionary claimants. The Inconvenience to your oratrix Deborah in procuring the annual remittance of the Interest on said surplus & the advantage to the reversionars in its judicious investment in a young thriving and rapidly improving country will readily present to the consideration of any one. That the said Executor has been from an apprehension of the responsibility refuses to (unreadable) over the same to your oratrix Deborah without the order of a (unreadable) Court to that effect and without the settlement of the respective rights of the parties.
All which is agt. Equity . Stands to the Injury of your oratrixes & orators and as they are secu(cut off) delete (?) at Law & can only be (unreadable) in Equity They (cut off) that the said John Braden Executor of Abiel Jenners Decd be under party to this will with afterwards to Charge him that he be compelled to answer the (unreadable) he be decreed to pay to your oratrix Deborah said f(cut off) upon such terms & conditions as are consistent with Law and the rights legal & Equitable of your several oratrixes & orators & that such the & general relief be awarded to you may seem best & that the (unreadable) be awarded
The answer of John Braden, Exor. of Abiel Jenners, decd to a bill of Complaint exhibited agt him in the Circuit Superiour court of Law & Chancery for the County of Loudoun by Deborah Jenners widow & other representatives of Abiel Jenners decd.
This respondent making the usual & accepting reservations to the many (unreadable) in said bill contained for (unreadable) thereto or to the material parts thereof says that he admits the death of said Abiel Jenners his execution of the said will to probate & this respondents qualification as Executor. That he as sold the property and afterward with the exception of the assessed articles of personal property which were delivered over and Paid all the known debts of the Testator as stated in said Bill. He admits that the said Complainants are the parties entitled under the said will the the surplus property as said. The said Deborah for life and if any is left at her death & said five complnt. younger children of said Testator to the reversionary Interest as stated in the same. He admits that the said surplus amounts to the amount from $1500 to $2000. The (unreadable) amount he cannot say till settlement of his acct which is now before (unreadable) appointed by the County Court of said County in a course of settlement in which Court be qualified. This respondent admits that it would no doubt be more at the comfort & convenience of said Deborah to have the entire control & use of said funds & that if it were judiciously invested as suggested in a new County such as the one to which the said Complts have removed that such investment might advance the Interests of the reversioners.
This respondent however not knowing perhaps the full responsibility of an Executor but hearing some indefinite idea of the perils of the office with every disposition to accommodate others & especially the family of his testator is yet unwilling to do any thing which may be possibility (unreadable) them and therefore requires the safeguard of the (unreadable) of a competent tribunal.
With these views he submits to the Decisions of the Court the following questions. How far and in what mode He can with safety to himself or consistently with his duty to the possible creditors of the estate pay over the said funds to the said Compt. Deborah? What security shall the said Deborah give to (unreadable) in case any debts arise at any future time aft the said Estate of his Testator? Shall the said Deborah receive the said funds without giving security of some sort that she shall have the same forth coming at her death to be paid to the revisioners & if such security is required of what kind & to what amount? What is the precise Interest or estate of the several parties complts to said Bill?
This respondent is willing and desires of being without the (unreadable) or the responsibility and submits himself & his rights to the protection and his duties & liabilities to the interpretation of the Court. He is willing to pay the funds unto the Court to be disposed of at the pleasure of the Court or to lend it out to make it productive or in (unreadable) to do any thing which can safely & with propriety do
And He prays to be (unreadable) with the Court &c
Loudoun County to wit
This day Jno Braden Exo of A. Jenners decd qualified in due form of Law to above answer. Given under my hand this 28 day of Sept 1831 Sam. M. Ramey JPLC"
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Carrie Ford, Second Wife of Louis I. Perry
Carrie Ford is another of the mystery women in my research.
I know almost nothing about her.
She married Louis Irving Perry (born 1873 in Ohio; died 1951 Chicago, Illinois) sometime after his first wife died (she died in 1936). I found Louis on the 1940 census in Chicago as a widower, so they probably married after 1940.
She was probably a widow at the time she married Louis. I don't know if Ford is her married name (probably?) or her maiden name.
The family info I have says Carrie was from Vermont, but I don't know if she was born there, living there when Louis met her, or what that means exactly.
After Carrie and Louis married they lived in Vermont for several years. I found a news item from September 1950 that says Louis is from Thetford Center, Vermont.
Louis and Carrie moved back to the Chicago area sometime before his death in April 1951.
Louis's obit reads: "Perry - Louis I. Perry, beloved husband of Carrie Ford Perry, dear father of Leita Jones, Erdine Lipham, Roger C., and Jean Loiseau, grandfather of four. Services at chapel, 4138 Madison street, at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Interment Glen Oak."
His death certificate states that the informant was Carrie Perry, wife.
So here are the things I don't know about Carrie:
What was her maiden name?
When and where was she born?
Who was her first husband? When and where did they marry?
When and where did Carrie marry Louis I. Perry?
Did Carrie remarry after Louis died?
When did Carrie die? Where is she buried?
I have no photo of her and would love to find one.
I know almost nothing about her.
She married Louis Irving Perry (born 1873 in Ohio; died 1951 Chicago, Illinois) sometime after his first wife died (she died in 1936). I found Louis on the 1940 census in Chicago as a widower, so they probably married after 1940.
She was probably a widow at the time she married Louis. I don't know if Ford is her married name (probably?) or her maiden name.
The family info I have says Carrie was from Vermont, but I don't know if she was born there, living there when Louis met her, or what that means exactly.
After Carrie and Louis married they lived in Vermont for several years. I found a news item from September 1950 that says Louis is from Thetford Center, Vermont.
Louis and Carrie moved back to the Chicago area sometime before his death in April 1951.
Louis's obit reads: "Perry - Louis I. Perry, beloved husband of Carrie Ford Perry, dear father of Leita Jones, Erdine Lipham, Roger C., and Jean Loiseau, grandfather of four. Services at chapel, 4138 Madison street, at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Interment Glen Oak."
His death certificate states that the informant was Carrie Perry, wife.
So here are the things I don't know about Carrie:
What was her maiden name?
When and where was she born?
Who was her first husband? When and where did they marry?
When and where did Carrie marry Louis I. Perry?
Did Carrie remarry after Louis died?
When did Carrie die? Where is she buried?
I have no photo of her and would love to find one.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Elinor Benedicta McCarthy
Today I thought I'd do another post on someone that I'd love to learn more about: Elinor Benedicta McCarthy. I'd particularly love to have some photos of her.
Elinor Benedicta McCarthy was born 10 February 1895 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her parents were John H. McCarthy and his wife, Mary Louise Byrne. Their other known children were: Berenice (born 1884), Edmond (born 1889), and Kathryn (born 1894).
On the 1900 census, Elinor (age 5) was with her family in Papillion, Sarpy Co., Nebraska.
On the 1910 census, Elinor (age 15) was with her family in Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska.
A 1915 city directory lists Elinor working as a clerk for Hayden Brothers and living at 1811 Ontario Street, Omaha, Nebraska. That was her father's residence.
On the 1920 census, Elinor (age 25) was living with her family in Omaha, Nebraska.
On the 1930 census, Elinor (age 35) was living with her family in Omaha, Nebraska.
On the 1940 census, Elinor (age 45) and her parents were living with Elinor's sister, Kathryn, and her husband William Fitzgerald.
Sometime between 1940 and 1946, Elinor apparently moved to Seattle, Washington, where on 19 October 1946, she married Boyd P. Duncan. She was 51 years old. Boyd was 49 years old. This was apparently Elinor's first marriage and Boyd's third. Their license was dated 6 April 1946 and they were married by a justice of the peace.
I find nothing more about her until January 1960. At that time, Elinor and Boyd were living at 6606 Mac Arthur Court, High Point, Seattle. On 26 January 1960, Boyd Duncan died in Seattle. He was 62 years old. He is buried at Riverton Crest Cemetery, Seattle.
On 16 February 1960, Elinor applied for widow's benefits.
I have no further information on her until her death on 15 April 1981 in Seattle. She is buried in Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, Shoreline, King Co., Washington.
I would love to learn more about Elinor. She lived 20 more years after Boyd's death. So far, I have not uncovered anything further about her. And as I mentioned at the start of this post, I would very much like to have a photo of her.
Please contact me if you can add to Elinor's story.
Elinor Benedicta McCarthy was born 10 February 1895 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her parents were John H. McCarthy and his wife, Mary Louise Byrne. Their other known children were: Berenice (born 1884), Edmond (born 1889), and Kathryn (born 1894).
On the 1900 census, Elinor (age 5) was with her family in Papillion, Sarpy Co., Nebraska.
On the 1910 census, Elinor (age 15) was with her family in Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska.
A 1915 city directory lists Elinor working as a clerk for Hayden Brothers and living at 1811 Ontario Street, Omaha, Nebraska. That was her father's residence.
On the 1920 census, Elinor (age 25) was living with her family in Omaha, Nebraska.
On the 1930 census, Elinor (age 35) was living with her family in Omaha, Nebraska.
On the 1940 census, Elinor (age 45) and her parents were living with Elinor's sister, Kathryn, and her husband William Fitzgerald.
Sometime between 1940 and 1946, Elinor apparently moved to Seattle, Washington, where on 19 October 1946, she married Boyd P. Duncan. She was 51 years old. Boyd was 49 years old. This was apparently Elinor's first marriage and Boyd's third. Their license was dated 6 April 1946 and they were married by a justice of the peace.
I find nothing more about her until January 1960. At that time, Elinor and Boyd were living at 6606 Mac Arthur Court, High Point, Seattle. On 26 January 1960, Boyd Duncan died in Seattle. He was 62 years old. He is buried at Riverton Crest Cemetery, Seattle.
On 16 February 1960, Elinor applied for widow's benefits.
I have no further information on her until her death on 15 April 1981 in Seattle. She is buried in Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, Shoreline, King Co., Washington.
I would love to learn more about Elinor. She lived 20 more years after Boyd's death. So far, I have not uncovered anything further about her. And as I mentioned at the start of this post, I would very much like to have a photo of her.
Please contact me if you can add to Elinor's story.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Mary Madden Jones
One of the mysteries I have not been able to solve is that of Mary Madden, widow of John Stilwell Jones.
This post is actually more of a fishing expedition than anything else. I'm hoping if I put what I know "out there" that someone will recognize her and give me some clues.
I do not know if Madden is her maiden name or a married name.
I do not know her birth date or place.
I do not know when or where she married John Stilwell Jones.
I do not know when or where she died, or even IF she has passed away, though if she was of similar age to John S., then I would expect her to be deceased.
I know that in April 1942, John S. Jones was living in Hankinson, North Dakota and listed his mother as his contact information on his military draft papers. From this I infer that he and his first wife, Leita (Perry) Jones, were divorced by 1942.
Based on that, I assume that John married Mary Madden after April 1942.
From John S. Jones' obituary, I know the following:
In July 1972, when John died, he had lived in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for 30 years.
His wife is listed as "the former Mary Madden" and as surviving him.
His residence was 339 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre.
Based on the above, I assume Mary died after July 1972. And that her home in 1972 was at 339 S. Main St.
Another small clue is found in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader newspaper story dated 6 August 1972 about evacuees from the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Agnes. That story mentions: "Unforgettable for [Leo] Madden will be two deaths since the flood associated with the shelter. The first was that of John S. Jones, who brought his wife safely to the evacuation center at GAR, then returned to his apartment at 339 S. Main St., for some things. Later, Wilkes-Barre police found Mr. Jones had drowned in his home."
I find in curious that the person interviewed in that story has the surname "Madden" just like my mystery widow and that he mentioned the death of John S. Jones when interviewed.
A newspaper notice in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader and other papers dated 14 October 1972, states that the Estate of John S. Jones is being administered by Stephen A. Teller, 730 United Penn Bank Building, Wilkes-Barre. So his widow was not named Administrator of his estate and he apparently died without a will.
So that is all I have on Mary Madden, widow of John Stilwell Jones. If anyone has suggestions of how to sort her out, please share them.
This post is actually more of a fishing expedition than anything else. I'm hoping if I put what I know "out there" that someone will recognize her and give me some clues.
I do not know if Madden is her maiden name or a married name.
I do not know her birth date or place.
I do not know when or where she married John Stilwell Jones.
I do not know when or where she died, or even IF she has passed away, though if she was of similar age to John S., then I would expect her to be deceased.
I know that in April 1942, John S. Jones was living in Hankinson, North Dakota and listed his mother as his contact information on his military draft papers. From this I infer that he and his first wife, Leita (Perry) Jones, were divorced by 1942.
Based on that, I assume that John married Mary Madden after April 1942.
From John S. Jones' obituary, I know the following:
In July 1972, when John died, he had lived in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania for 30 years.
His wife is listed as "the former Mary Madden" and as surviving him.
His residence was 339 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre.
Based on the above, I assume Mary died after July 1972. And that her home in 1972 was at 339 S. Main St.
Another small clue is found in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader newspaper story dated 6 August 1972 about evacuees from the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Agnes. That story mentions: "Unforgettable for [Leo] Madden will be two deaths since the flood associated with the shelter. The first was that of John S. Jones, who brought his wife safely to the evacuation center at GAR, then returned to his apartment at 339 S. Main St., for some things. Later, Wilkes-Barre police found Mr. Jones had drowned in his home."
I find in curious that the person interviewed in that story has the surname "Madden" just like my mystery widow and that he mentioned the death of John S. Jones when interviewed.
A newspaper notice in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader and other papers dated 14 October 1972, states that the Estate of John S. Jones is being administered by Stephen A. Teller, 730 United Penn Bank Building, Wilkes-Barre. So his widow was not named Administrator of his estate and he apparently died without a will.
So that is all I have on Mary Madden, widow of John Stilwell Jones. If anyone has suggestions of how to sort her out, please share them.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Calvin Cross (1838-1913) and his wife, Louisa Ellen Becktell (1843-1900)
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| Calvin Cross |
First, I would like to thank my sister, Teresa Spitzer, and my parents for their excellent work researching the Cross family. Much of what I report below is from their research.
Calvin W. Cross was born in Wayne Co., Indiana, on 3 March 1838. His parents were Joseph Cross, Sr. and Martha Norman. He is probably one of the free white males under age 5 shown with his father on the 1840 census for Wayne Co., Indiana. Before 1846, the family moved to Delaware Co., Indiana, where Calvin's father died in 1846. Calvin was 8 years old.
Before 1850, Calvin had moved to Stoney Creek Township, Henry Co., Indiana, with his mother and siblings. The family is found there on the 1850 census. He was 12 years old.
The 1860 census shows a 21-year-old Calvin working as a farm laborer and living in Prairie Township, Henry Co., Indiana (near Luray). He is listed with the family of Waterman and Louisa Clift.
A family story is not confirmed, but is interesting: "Frank (probably Frank E. Cross) told this story as told to him by both his grandfather and his great uncle. Four days after battle of Shiloh, his great uncle, Ephraim, noticed that Calvin (Frank's grandfather) was not with the Company. Ephraim went back, found his brother wounded, carried him on his shoulder across the river to a hospital. Both men had enlisted at the same time."
Calvin was mustered out of military service at Indianapolis on 21 September 1864 with a pension of $10 per month.
On 18 January 1865, Calvin married Louisa Ellen Becktell in Henry Co., Indiana. They were married by Calvin's brother, Emanuel Cross. Calvin was 26 and Louisa was 21.
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| Louisa Ellen (Becktell) Cross |
Their first child, Ephraim Nelson Cross, was born 15 November 1865, just 10 months after their marriage. The family called him Nelson. They were living in Perry Township, Delaware Co., Indiana.
Son, Alva Sherman Cross, was born 3 March 1867 in Perry Township.
Daughter, Barbara Ellen Cross, was born 13 September 1868 in Perry Township.
The 1870 census shows Calvin and Louisa living in Perry Township with their three children. Also living with them is Calvin's mother, Martha Cross, aged 70 and born in Virginia, and Louisa's father, John Becktell, age 52, born Ohio, and listed as "insane."
About 1871, Calvin and Louisa purchased 150 acres just outside the town of Blountsville in Stoney Creek Township, Henry Co., Indiana. They moved to this farm and lived there the rest of their lives.
On 8 April 1871, a son, Lonzo Brady Cross was born.
On 9 October 1874, a son, Pearl Monroe Cross was born.
On 10 September 1877, daughter, Della Orinda Cross was born.
On 29 March 1879, daughter, Lesta Viola Cross was born.
On 17 April 1881, a son, Elza Calvin Cross was born.
According to the History of Henry County 1884 (page 845): "Calvin Cross was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 3, 1838, a son of Joseph and Martha (Norman) Cross. His father died when he was eleven years old, and he was thus early thrown upon his own resources. Sept. 20, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, campaign of Atlanta, and at the battle of Stone River was wounded, the ball passing from the left hip through the lower part of the bowels and lodging in the right hip, where it still remains, causing him great inconvenience and pain. He was discharged Sept. 1, 1864, and Jan. 18, 1865 he married Eliza E., daughter of John and Annis Bechtell. He lived with his father-in-law a short time and then moved to Randolph County and rented land two years, when he bought his father-in-law's farm. Two years later he sold his farm, and moved to Delaware County and bought 160 acres of land, but was unsuccessful, and after five years sold out and moved to an adjoining farm, where he lived two years. He then returned to Henry County and bought eighty-two acres of land, where he now lives, and by additions has increased his farm to 122 acres. Politically, Mr. Cross is a Republican. He is a member of Kimball Post, No. 204, G.A.R. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. They have a family of eight children -- Ephrain Nelson, Alva Sherman, Barbara Ellen, Adam Brady, Purle Monroe, Della O., Lesty V., and Eliza C."
And on 22 May 1885, the youngest child, Oliver Lester Cross, was born. Calvin was 47 and Louisa was 41.
On 23 December 1888, son Ephraim married Mary Jane Swoveland in Henry Co., Indiana.
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| Ephraim Nelson Cross and his wife, Mary Jane Swoveland |
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| Flora Ellen (Henniger) Cross and Alva Sherman Cross wedding picture |
On 28 February 1891, daughter Barbara Ellen Cross married Oscar Fremont Coffin in Henry Co., Indiana.
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| Oscar Fremont Coffin and Barbara Ellen (Cross) Coffin |
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| Lonzo Brady Cross |
On a pension paper dated 5 May 1898 and signed by Calvin Cross, he gives the following information: Wife is Louisa Ellen Becktell, married Jan. 1864 in Henry Co., IN by Emanuel Cross. His living children in May 1898: E.N. Cross born Nov. 15, 1865; A. S. Cross born March 3, 1867; B. B. Cross, Sept. 13, 1869; P.M. Cross born Oct. 9, 1874; D. O. Cross, Sept 10, 1876; L. V. Cross, March 29, 1879; E. C. Cross, April 17; O L Cross, May 22, 1886.
On 28 February 1900, Louisa (Becktell) Cross died at the family home west of Blountsville in Henry Co., Indiana. She was 56 years old. Cause of death was tuberculosis. She was buried in Mooreland Cemetery, Henry Co., Indiana.
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| from the Muncie Star Press, March 2, 1900 |
On 14 May 1900, their son, Pearl Monroe Cross, married Gertrude May Stauble, in Blountsville, Henry Co., Indiana.
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| Pearl Monroe Cross and his wife, Gertude May (Stauble) Cross |
On 6 June 1901, daughter Della Orinda married Joseph Irvin Lacy in Grant Co., Indiana.
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| Joseph Irvin Lacy and his wife, Della Orinda (Cross) Lacy |
On 23 November 1901, daughter Lesta Viola married Miles Mark Marshall in New Castle, Henry Co., Indiana.
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| Miles Mark Marshall and his wife, Lesta Viola (Cross) Marshall |
The following was included in the Henry County "Compendium of Biography" published, I believe, in 1902: "Calvin Cross: It is the pride of the inhabitants of this country that when the great civil war between the states closed all the vast army of citizen soldiery quietly laid down their arms and returned to the pursuits of peace. It was predicted by the governments of Europe, not only that the country would be divided, but that after the war an enormous army would be kept up and a military dictatorship be established on the fragments. Foreign nations did not understand the spirit of the people of this country, that is, the spirit of the people in all the free states. They could not understand how we had come to love the name of liberty and be willing to sacrifice blood and treasure to save a country founded upon the rock of freedom. In view of these misguided ideas the most of the foreign nations stood ready to pounce upon the fragments when the smoke of war had rolled away. But they beheld a splendid sight. They saw the great armies melt away, saw a reunited country in which liberty was a fact as well as a name, and saw the soldiers return to their farms and shops, mills and various vocations. Among these valiant defenders of the country's flag was the gentleman whose name forms the caption to this article.
Calvin Cross is the son of Joseph and Martha (Norman) Cross and was born in Wayne county, Indiana, on the 3d of March, 1838. The family from which the subject is descended is of Dutch descent, though his immediate ancestors were natives of Virginia. In the latter state the father of the subject was born and reared and was there married to a lady who died shortly afterward. He was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Norman. They emigrated to Indiana and settled in Wayne county. At the time of his marriage he was a poor man and for some time he operated rented lands. He later moved to Delaware county, this state, where he remained until his death. Politically he was identified with the Democratic party, while he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church. To the second marriage were born eight children, of whom seven are living.
The subject was reared upon the home farms in Wayne and Delaware counties, in the meantime being given the benefit of a good common school education. About 1850, he came to Henry county and, as his father had died when the subject was only nine years old, the latter was compelled to remain at home and assisting looking after home affairs. He remained faithful to his mother's interests until the dark clouds of civil strife overshadowed his country and an appeal was made for defenders of the flag. Mr. Cross was imbued with patriotic ardor and in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Col. William Grose. The regiment rendezvoused at Richmond, Wayne county, being sent to Indianapolis, where they were equipped and drilled, after which they were sent to the front. They were first sent to Louisville, Kentucky, and shortly afterward, April 6 and 7, 1862, engaged in the battle of Shiloh, after which followed Nashville, Mission Ridge, Chickamauga, Orchard Knob and Stone River, the subject being wounded at the latter place. He participated in the Atlanta campaign and the siege of Atlanta, being one hundred and five consecutive days under fire. He received an honorable discharge from the service at the close of the struggle in 1865 and as a partial compensation for the privations and hardships he endured during his service he now receives a pension from the government of ten dollars per month.
Upon his return to civil pursuits he was worth about two hundred dollars, but he was energetic and ambitious and devoted himself as assiduously to the pursuits of peace as he had to the military. For some time he rented a farm and carried on farming operations. He was fairly successful and was at length enabled to purchase a tract of land in Stony Creek township. He met with some bad luck and misfortunes of one kind or another, but by perseverance and steady work managed to acquire one hundred and fifty-two acres of good farming land. He is a progressive farmer, believing in modern and up-to-date methods in agriculture, as in everything else, and his well-tilled fields and abundant harvests indicate the supervision of a man who thoroughly understands his vocation.
In January, 1866, Mr. Cross was united in marriage with Miss Louisa E. Becktell, a native of Henry county. This union was a most pleasant one and was blessed by the birth of nine children, of whom eight are living, as follows: Nelson, Sherman, Barbara E., Pearl, Della, Lesta, Elzie, Ollie and Brada, the latter being deceased. Mrs. Cross died on the 28th of January 1900.
Mr. Cross is a member of the United Brethren church, while his fraternal relations were with the Grand Army of the Republic at Blountsville as long as that organization had an existence in that place. In politics he has ever been affiliated with the Republican party, but never takes a very active part in politics other than the casting of his ballot. Without much outside assistance, the success he has achieved is due largely to his own efforts. Strong determination, persistence in the pursuit of an honorable purpose, unflagging energy and careful management -- these are the salient features in his career and his life stands in unmistakable evidence that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is the outcome of earnest and well-directed effort."
On 8 December 1902, son Elza Calvin married Phoebe Lacy in Henry Co., Indiana.
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| Elza Calvin Cross |
A physician's affidavit filed 2 June 1903 and found with Calvin Cross's pension papers states that Calvin was losing the use of his leg due to a bullet that was never removed when he was wounded during the Civil War.
On 4 July 1904, Oliver Lester Cross married Maude Stauble (sister of the wife of his brother, Pearl).
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| Oliver Lester Cross and his wife, Maude (Stauble) Cross |
Calvin Cross died 19 September 1913 at his home near Blountsville. He was 75 years old. Cause of death was given on his death certificate as "prostatitis with resulting cystitis and anemia. Refused to take food. Exhaustion." He was buried next to Louisa in Mooreland Cemetery.
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| Calvin Cross Family: Back Row Left to Right: Oliver, Elza, Pearl, Alva, Ephraim. Front Row Left to Right: Della, Lesta, Louisa, Calvin, Barbara. |
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| from the Muncie Star Press, 21 September 1913 |
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| from Indianapolis News, 29 September 1913 |
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| from the Muncie Star Press, 1 November 1913 |
Calvin
W. Cross (7697), b.
3 Mar 1838 at Wayne Co., IN, d. 19 Sep 1913 at Henry Co., IN
+Louisa
Ellen Becktell (7700), b. 6 Jun
1843 at Henry Co., IN, m. 18 Jan 1865 at Henry Co., IN, d. 28 Feb 1900 at Henry
Co., IN
├── Ephraim Nelson
Cross (7701), b. 15 Nov 1865
at Delaware Co., IN, d. 2 May 1951 at Henry Co., IN
│
+Mary
Jane Swoveland (19094), b. 10
Mar 1871 at Henry Co., IN, m. 23 Dec 1888 at Henry Co., IN, d. 19 Dec 1960 at
Henry Co., IN
│
├── Flora Edna
Cross (19095), b. 23 Apr 1892
at Henry Co., IN, d. 27
Apr 1928 at Henry Co., IN
│
├── Glenn Edwin
Cross (19096), b. 4 Jun 1893
at IN, d. 26
Nov 1984 at Riverside, CA
│
├── Frank Emmett
Cross (19097), b. 19 Feb 1899
at Henry Co., IN, d. 4
Aug 1983 at Henry Co., IN
│
└── Lilian
M. Cross (23701),
b. 17 Nov 1902
at Henry Co., IN, d. 18
Nov 1902 at Henry Co., IN
├── Alva Sherman
Cross (7702), b. 3 Mar 1867 at IN,
d. 27 Feb 1949
at Delaware Co., IN
│
+Flora
Ellen Henninger (19098), b. 1873
at IN, m. 21
Sep 1889 at Henry Co., IN, d. 13 Nov 1966
│
├── Bertha Cross (23704), b. 25 Dec 1890,
d. 28 Jun 1898
│
├── Lula Ethel
Cross (19099), b. 28 Jul 1892
at IN, d. Oct 1978 at IN
│
├── Mamie B Cross (23705), b. 5 Jan 1894,
d. 5 Aug 1895
│
├── Clinton Monroe
Cross (19100), b. 31 May 1895 at
Henry Co., IN, d. 12
Jun 1986 at Randolph Co., IN
│
├── Hobart Clayton
Cross (19101), b. 13 Aug 1897
at IN, d. Oct 1968 at Delaware Co., IN
│
└── Merrill Cross (19102), b. circa 1908
├── Barbara Ellen
Cross (7703), b. 13 Sep 1868
at IN, d. 20 Mar 1950 at Delaware Co., IN
│
+Oscar
Fremont Coffin (19103), b. 1866
at IN, m. 28
Feb 1891 at Henry Co., IN, d. 19 Feb 1935
│
├── Exelma Coffin (19104), b. Nov 1892 at IN, d. 9 Sep 1963
at IN
│
├── Letha D.
Coffin (19105), b. 25 Sep 1895,
d. 11 Feb 1988
at Pinellas,
FL
│
├── Fern Coffin (19106), b. May 1899, d. circa
1969
│
├── Newlin E
Coffin (19108), b. 4 Oct 1907
at Henry Co., IN, d. Jun 1981 at Maricopa, AZ
│
└── Opal Coffin (19107), b. 1910
├── Lonzo Brady
Cross (7708), b. 8 Apr 1871,
d. 21 Feb 1897
at Henry Co., IN
├── Pearl Monroe
Cross (2087), b. 9 Oct 1874
at Henry Co., IN, d. 23
Aug 1958 at Henry Co., IN
│
+Gertrude
May Stauble (2088), b. 15 Nov 1882
at IN, m. 14
Mar 1900 at Henry Co., IN, d. 14 Jul 1959
at Henry Co., IN
│
├── Byron Laverne
Cross (2092), b. 14 Aug 1910
at Henry Co., IN, d. 6
Aug 1989 at IN
│
├── Marion Davis
Cross (2090), b. 12 Jan 1913
at Henry Co., IN, d. 31
Jan 2006 at Randolph Co., IN
│
├── Crystal Bernitha
Cross (2089), b. 3 Feb 1915
at Henry Co., IN, d. 26
Nov 2010 at Henry Co., IN
│
└── Leonard Earl
Cross (2091), b. 10 Aug 1917
at Henry Co., IN, d. 3 May 2003 at Delaware Co., IN
├── Della Orinda
Cross (7704), b. 10 Sep 1877
at IN, d. 21
Mar 1913 at IN
│
+Joseph
Irvin Lacy (19109), b. 24 Oct 1880
at Henry Co., IN, m. 6 Jun 1901 at Grant Co., IN, d. Aug 1957 at St. Joseph
Co., IN
├── Lesta Viola
Cross (7705), b. 29 Mar 1879 at IN,
d. 30 Sep 1943
at Henry Co., IN
│
+Miles
Mark Marshall (19157), b. 29 Jan
1869 at Delaware Co., IN, m. 23 Nov 1901 at Henry Co., IN, d. 7 Feb 1938 at
Delaware Co., IN
│
├── Laura E Marshall (23715), b. 14 Jul 1902
at Henry Co., IN, d. 22
Oct 1995 at Delaware Co., IN
│
├── Ralph Marshall (23716), b. 15 Sep 1903
at Henry Co., IN, d. Oct 1903 at IN
│
├── Ruth Ann
Marshall (23717), b. 12 Jun 1906
at Henry Co., IN, d. 6
Nov 1982 at Wayne Co., IN
│
├── Claude Samuel
Marshall (23718), b. 29 Mar 1910
at Henry Co., IN, d. 19
Nov 1985 at Henry Co., IN
│
├── Elisabeth E
Marshall (23719), b. 1913
│
├── Mildred N
Marshall (23720), b. 3 Apr 1923
│
└── Florence M
Marshall (23721), b. 7 Sep 1923,
d. 11 Dec 2000
├── Elza Calvin
Cross (7706), b. 17 Apr 1881
at Henry Co., IN, d. 29
Jun 1951 at Delaware Co., IN
│
+Phoebe
Lacy (19110), b. 9 May 1882 at IN,
m. 8 Dec 1902 at Henry Co., IN, d. 1953 at IN
│
├── Kermit B
Cross (23729), b. 27 Jul 1903
at IN, d. 9
Sep 1990 at IN
│
├── Walter K
Cross (23730), b. 1904 at IN, d.
1943
│
├── Herschel C
Cross (23731), b. 11 Apr 1910
at IN, d. Mar 1976 at Randolph Co., IN
│
└── E Katrina
Cross (23732), b. 1 Sep 1913
at Henry Co., IN, d. 26
Jul 1973 at Butler co., OH
└── Oliver Lester
Cross (7707), b. 22 May 1885
at Henry Co., IN, d. 29
Oct 1949 at IN
+Maude
Stauble (19020), b. 5 Jun 1885 at
Henry Co., IN, m. 4 Jul 1904, d. 20 Dec 1948 at Delaware Co., IN
├── Marie Lorene
Cross (20024), b. 7 Jan 1910
at Henry Co., IN, d. 3
Jul 1969 at Delaware Co., IN
└── Mildred Louise
Cross (23543), b. 29 Jul 1916
at IN, d. 13
Feb 1917 at IN
+Ethel M.
Arnold (23733), b. 6 Aug 1894
at Tipton Co., IN, m. 5
Sep 1931 at Adams Co., IN
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