200 Years in the melting pot with the PRESTON-STONER-BROWN-HAWKINS-WRIGHT-WATSON-JORDAN

and

ALLIED FAMILIES

By Alva L. Preston, Jr.

200 YEARS IN THE MELTING POT

WITH THE

PRESTON-STONER-BROWN-HAWKINS-

WRIGHT-WATSON-JORDAN

AND

ALLIED FAMILES

Alva L. Preston Jr.

1824 Cliff Drive

Columbia, Missouri

February, 1977

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................... Page 5

GENEALOGY IS FUN ................................................................ Page 6

FAMILY CHARTS ..................................................................... Page 6

FAMILY SKETCHES

Preston ................................. Page 31

Stoner ................................... Page 51

Wright ........................................... Page 57

Lingrel ................................... Page 52

Ball................................................ Page 55

Trainer........................................... Page 70

Jordan............................................ Page 72

Mercier-Wagers-Jacks-Powell-Wildon Page 74

Brown............................................ Page 76

Watson.......................................... Page 79

Hawkins......................................... Page 82

King............................................... Page 85

BIBLIOGRAPHY................................. Page 88

SURNAME INDEX............................... Page 90

APPENDIX A …………………………......... Page 94

APPENDIX B …………………………......... Page 95

APPENDIX C …………………………......... Page 97

APPENDIX D …………………………......... Page 98

APPENDIX E …………………………......... Page 103

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It would have been impossible to have accumulated the material presented in this publication, without the help of the writer’s father, Alva L. Preston. His curiosity, and active mind prompted the writer’s original interest in genealogy. His memory of people, and events was quite remarkable for a man of his years, and was invaluable in accumulating much of the material. His sister, Aunt Ruie, (Mrs. Ben Bishop) also made many helpful contributions.

So many other people were involved, that it is impossible to give adequate credit to all the individuals who played an important role. Publications and notes by Truman Murphy, Charles A. Stoner, Amber Stoner (Mrs. Russell Culp), Vivian Pritchard, and Vilas Young were the source of much information. Mrs. S. B. Boyer, Mrs. Caroline Anderson, Mrs. Cecil McNair, Mrs. Fredrick (Fritz) Bickel, Tilford Toalson, and Mrs. James Akeman are others who provided much needed assistance.

INTRODUCTION

It began, as far as this record is concerned, in 1696 with the marriage of Elizabeth Powell to Christopher Waters. Two children were born of this marriage, before his death sometime prior to 1704. Elizabeth married the second time in 1704, to Thomas Jacks (Jaques) of Maryland. From that beginning, we know of 38 different family lines which have been merged by marriage, and while these unions were taking place the clan has migrated from the eastern seaboard to the west coast and back again.

With biology being what it is, it seems likely that marriage will continue in future years, and that progeny will be produced. Future generations may also continue to be highly mobile. If so, someone, somewhere, sometime, may stop to ask “Who am I – How did I get in this particular spot, etc.” Should that happen the names, dates and places, found on the following pages may be of help. It is by no means complete, and for the most part covers only the period from 1800 to the present. In addition the writer elected to pursue as many different family lines as possible. The result is a “little” information about several families, rather than complete genealogies of a few families. The bicentennial year seemed like an appropriate time to put information accumulated on paper. However, the year ended too quickly, so the task was carried over into 1977. The material presented has been documented by official records, publications, etc., except in a few cases. In those situation comments indicating that assumptions have been made are included.

The material has been divided into three sections. The first portion, in narrative form, gave the writer space to express opinions and editorialize. This was an opportunity, which couldn’t be resisted. It also includes some incidents gleaned from various sources which may be of interest to family members interested in the trials and tribulations our ancestors experienced. The second section contains the “dull” charts giving the names, dates, and places, which might be helpful to the person adding to the family tree. The third section consists of brief details of those individuals who were members of the Clan, and our Ancestors.

GENEALOGY IS FUN

I am glad I have the “hangup” about ancestors. Finding out who they are is a lot of fun. Those who share my weakness will understand. Those who don’t provide me with an opportunity to comment about the joy, and rewards of looking at tombstones, old newspaper files microfilm, census records, etc. In the first place an air-conditioned historical library has a lot going for it on a hot summer day. It can also be a welcome haven on a cold winter afternoon, or at any other time when getting out of the house has merit. In addition, it forces one to learn something about history, and gain an appreciation of those who preceded us, and their contribution to each of us personally, and to the total society in which we live.

It is hard to be humble, but it doesn’t hurt, and genealogy helps bring some pleasure on our excessive egos. “I am a self-made man,” or “He is a self-made man” appears in print occasionally. A more accurate statement might be “He inherited the right genes from his ancestors, was reared in a favorable environment, and has worked hard.” Our Lives might have been different, had the Great-Great Grandfather married the “dunderheaded” girl who lived on the adjoining farm. In other words, it’s important to you

for your ancestors to marry well, if you can accept “well” as a possession of common sense, dignity, and the other long established virtues.

Some people obviously have the idea that anyone working on his family tree is looking for someone famous. In some cases this is undoubtedly true, but it’s a losing proposition. It has always been easier to become infamous, than famous.

Consequently, one who goes looking for an ancestor of note should be prepared to take his “lumps.” There are lawbreakers and there are lawmakers, and more average Joes and Janes than eminent citizens. Consequently the odds of finding someone to talk about with pride are against The Average Person. However, things aren’t as bad as they sound. Simply take the ancestors found and be proud of them. After all, they are responsible for you being here. “They were great people.”

All of us have heard of the good old days, and in recent years some suggestions have been made to turn back the clock. I can go along with that to a certain extent, but family history warns me that we can go too far too fast. Past family experience is one of the reasons for my conservative attitude. Two of my Great-Grandmothers gave birth to children en-route to Missouri. Parthena Trainer, left Greene County, Tennessee in 1830 or 1831, bound for Platte County, Missouri. Somewhere in Tennessee they camped at a school house, which was vacant for the

summer, and she gave birth to her first child. Also, John Preston loaded his wife Margaret and several little ones in a wagon in Ohio. When they arrived in Missouri there were eight little ones, Margaret had given birth to a son as they camped in Southern Iowa. Dad told how his grandmother related the incident to him and indicated she was afraid Indians in the area near the campsite would steal her baby. The census records support the story with seven of the children born in Ohio, Isaac in Iowa, and the younger ones in Missouri. That I suppose is natural childbirth at its extreme. Fortunately we don’t have to go that far today.

Modern day health care is expensive, but here again I have no desire to turn back the clock. My Great-Grandfather Preston died about 1865 at age 45 or less. Cause of death is not known, but information passed down to Dad led him to suspect pneumonia, or tuberculosis, or a combination of the two. Great Grandfather Wright also died in his early forties. He was hauling wood on the “running gears” of a wagon. Somehow one of his toes caught on a stump, and he suffered a compound fracture of the leg. Infection resulted, and he died within a few days. Great Grandfather Trainer cut himself with a hemp hook while harvesting hemp. This was a crop, which was grown as a source of cash income, by Platte county pioneers. “Blood poisoning”, as it as called in those days, set in and proved to be fatal. Exact date of his

death is not known, but had to be in the early 1850’s, so he was in his later forties or very early fifties. Modern day medicine probably would have saved all three.

The hemp hook incident, probably deserves a brief explanation in order to protect the integrity of the Trainer family, and to illustrate that customs do change somewhat over 125 year period. “Hemp”, which is also know as marijuana, was grown to ship, not smoke. The stalks were harvested, then “softened by soaking” in water, or “retting”. Pounding separated the pulp from the fibers, and after the fibers were dried, they were baled, and sent down the Missouri river by flat boat, and used at their destination for rope making. This was one of the few sources of money available to Platte county residents. Apparently they got their “highs” from the cash received, so found no need to smoke the stuff. One can speculate about modern day hemp harvesters. If they put the labor into the production, harvesting and marketing of the crop that the old timers found necessary, smoking the stuff might lose some of it’s appeal.

Nobody knows the troubles I have seen --- or do they? Take the case of Rebecca Gladden, my maternal Great-Great Grandmother. She was born Rebecca Ball to a Virginia family which appears to have been at least moderately successful. She married John Gladden of Tennessee, but by 1830 the marriage ended in separation, and possibly

divorce. In 1830 or 1831 she migrated with most of her family, to Platte county Missouri. She apparently had some money, and I suspect her father, who died in 1832, gave her a share of his estate, before her departure from Tennessee because his will does not mention her as an heir. At any rate the money didn’t last long, and shortly after her arrival in Missouri she began living with her children. During the gold rush two unmarried sons, Elijah, and William Gladden went to California. Elijah died there in 1849, and William, who apparently did well, sailed for home from the west coast. He died a few days out of New York, was buried at sea, and according to family history his money was divided among fellow passengers. The untimely death of her son-in-law James Trainer followed shortly after this. Then came the tension and finally the War Between the States. Sometime during the 1850’s she moved into Mercer county Missouri where three of her daughters and their families lived. Two grandsons were in the confederate army, and one son-in-law and a grandson-in-law to be, were union soldiers. A bushwhacker shot and killed son-in-law Britian Williams as he worked on his farm near Modena, Missouri. This prompted another son-in-law, Thomas Miles, also of Modena to relocate, and he moved his family to Pike County, Illinois. Maybe we don’t have things too bad after all. At least we are not the first to face problems, and know sorrow.

Frontier Humor, Justice, Hospitality, are topics, which have been written about rather extensively. However, it is difficult to resist relating some examples picked up from Dad. Justice, or whatever you might want to call it, is represented by the experience of his Great Uncle, Isaac Titsworth. Ike noted that corn in one corner of his crib was disappearing. At that particular point, the horizontal slats of the crib were far enough apart to permit the removal of an ear of corn. This observation led him to set an animal trap. The next morning revealed that he had bagged an animal in the form of a neighbor. After releasing the man from the trap, Ike gave him a bag of corn, and sent him home. I don’t know whether this violated the man’s constitutional rights or not, or whether it might be considered inhuman, but I would wager it was effective.

Humor, or politics, or whatever you might want to call it is illustrated by a member of the Stoner clan. One history of Muskinghum County, Ohio tells of the actions of George Stoner during a local election. Apparently George was in charge, and after the voters expressed their desires on a blank piece of paper, George collected them by passing his stovepipe hat. According to the history he apparently sensed that his side was losing. T any rate, when the ballets had been collected, he promptly placed his hat, ballets included, on his head

and left the election place. The outcome of the particular election has never been announced.

Hospitality was something else, and is hard to comprehend in our modern society. During the 1880’s the Preston family returned home from a Sunday visit with a relative to discover that someone had been in their house during their absence. They had in fact built a fire in the cook stove, helped themselves to food and utensils, eaten and washed the dishes, then left a signed note of thanks for my Grandparents hospitality. Apparently this was not unusual, and was an accepted social practice. The clock will certainly need to be set back to regain that type of accepted behavior.

Dad could also recall a time during what must have been the 1880’s. A stranger wearing two six-guns appeared at the home asking for food and lodging. This was likely during the period when the Wild West was dying but didn’t know it. Frontier custom in which he was reared, made it impossible for Grandfather to refuse the man’s request, even though he did not like his looks. After stabling the man’s horse, and providing supper, he sent the man upstairs to sleep with Dad, the oldest son. As a small boy, Dad was quite impressed when the man hung his six-guns on the bedpost when he retired. The next morning he urged the man to show him how he could shoot. He put on what apparently was a passable demonstration. Upon his

departure, Grandfather expressed his relief at being rid of his guest, and gave his young son a lecture on the type of hero to worship.

Great-Great Grandmother Wright, was born Elizabeth McCune, in Athens county, Ohio. One history of Athens County contains a sketch about her family, which has the potential to stir up both pro and con sides of the Wildlife Conservation controversy. It is reproduced here, with tongue in cheek, for whatever interest it may create.

“In the year 1798 Samuel, John and Thomas McCune, three brothers, and David, Jacob and Peter Boyles, came from Pennsylvania and settled temporarily on the Hockhocking, on what is now N. O. Warren’s farm, where they remained until 1802, when they removed to the township of Ames and settled within half a mile of the present village of Amesville. George Ewing Jr. brother of Thomas Ewing, married a daughter of this David Boyles. The three McCune brothers, as also two of the Boyles brothers, were strong athletic men, and great hunters, sometimes killing it is said twelve or fourteen dear and three or four deer in a day. John McCune was something of a mechanic, and used to repair the guns of his neighbors. On one occasion a man brought his gun to be mended and borrowed McCune’s gun to use in the meantime. Before repairing the gun, McCune went out with it to kill some game. Coming unexpectedly on a bear, he tried to shoot it,

but the gun failed to go off, when the bear, as if seeing his advantage, made for the hunter. McCune, unlike the gun went off. He ran as fast as he could for some distance, the bear closely pursuing, and McCune trying every few rods to fire his gun, which, however seemed to like the situation, and refused to be discharged. After running about half a mile a neighbors dog came to his assistance, and bruin was driven off but not killed. Wolves were very abundant at that time, and killing a wolf was a common occurrence. The wife of John McCune seeing something pass the door of their cabin one evening, which she took for a dog set their own dog upon it, and at the same time stepping out of the door, found it was a large black wolf. Arming herself with a pitchfork that stood within reach, she and the dog kept up a running fight of several rods and finally killed the wolf.

John Boyles and John McCune, while hunting one day, came upon a mother bear and two cubs. Boyles fired at and wounded the old bear, and when, wishing to see his dog kill one of the cubs, laid down his gun and hissed his dog on to attack the cub --- the old bear and other cub beating a retreat. Boyles, becoming interested in the fight between his dog and the cub, had approached hear them, when he was disagreeably startled by seeing the old bear return, brought by the cries of her cub, and place herself between him and his gun. He was preparing to make

the best battle he could with his hunting knife, when McCune, hearing his call for help hastened to the spot and dispatched the bear by a bullet from his rifle. The sons of the McCune brothers still live in the county, and, like their father before then. Have been famous hunters and contributed much toward ridding the settlement and eastern part of the county of the wild game and “vermin” that so annoyed the early settlers. Jacob McCune, one of the sons of John McCune, a few years since, on the occasion of a squirrel hunt, killed in one day one hundred and three grey squirrels, and Samuel McCune his brother, killed eighty-three.”

I do not know your reaction to the above, but frankly am happy that I became interested in fishing. For once in my life I made the right decision, when I rejected bear hunting as a sport.

Family ties were strong in earlier days. There were several obvious reasons for this. The strength of the family relationship varied from one clan to another, again for various reasons. A letter written by one of my wife’s ancestors gives a clue to what was important in the particular family. Walter Watson, was born in Maryland, in 1760 served in the Revolutionary army, and moved to Virginia where he reared his family. By 1840, a son Benjamin, grandsons James and Walter Jr., daughters, Nancy Norris, and Margaret Norris had all moved to

Boone County, Missouri. The following letter was written when he was eighty-four.

Albernarle Co., Va. May the 15^th, 1844

Dear Son,

I received your letter the fourth of this month. Gave me great satisfaction to hear from you all. I am in as good health as could be expected for a man of my age thanks be to the almighty for His mercies bestowed on us. Hoping these lines may find you all enjoying the like blessings. Please to present thee lines to James and Margaret B. Morris and all their families and to all my grandchildren that is in that country, and to Nancy Norris and to all her family. I am now living with James Watson and Catherine and they both wish to be remembered to all their relation and friends that is in that country. Their four sons are living with them. Benjamin, William, Peter and Hezekiah and they all wish to be remembered to all their relation that is in that part of the country. Thomas Thurston and Elizabeth and family are well and wish to be remembered to all their relation that is in that part of the country. Lettie Walton is left a Widow. Edmond Walton died the 13 of last March. Was found the 14 on his way home going from the warm springs, by his son Andrew and his switch in his hand and his horse close by where he was found. It is generally supposed that he had an Auplose fit. As to this country times is very hard and has been very sickly and has been several deaths at a distance off. I am now at Tehu Waltons and he is writing this letter for me. I have his complements to you all. I am living near Michigan Via and he wishes to hear from his son Winston. Please to write in your next letter how he and his family

Is. Brightberry Via was married a few months ago to a Miss Hall and still living with his father. Francis Walton wishes to hear from his sister Margaret Murray how she is and how she comes on and all the children. Please to write in your next letter how they are coming on in the world. Please to send in your next letter the names and ages of all my grandchildren that was born in your country as I don’t expect to hear from them much longer, as I am so old that I can’t expect to ever see them. Times in our country is hard. Money is very scarce and produce is high. Corn is $3 per barrel four $4.50 per barrel bacon ten cents per pound oats 45 cents per bushel and as to potatoes they are running very high. One man shot another in congress in the leg not long since. I am rather doubtful there will be worse times soon than they was in the old Revolution war. Please to write in your next letter to James Watsons boys to persuade them to come to your country and get out of the smoke of their fathers chimney and do better. I think they could do better if they would undertake it as their brother James did for he went off a poor boy and I understand he is pretty well off in that country. Please to send me a letter as soon as you receive this. Catherine says she can make out 25 cents to pay for a letter if you think it worth you while to send her a letter for she has not forgot you if you have forgot her. She thinks very hard of her children that none of her children ever sends her a letter. She has not forgot them if they have her. I have nothing more at present but remain your loving father till death.

Walter Watson

The above, along with several other letters, and documents are part of this Watson-Westlake papers, on file in the Western manuscripts collection, Missouri Historical Society, Columbia, Mo.

Also included in the Watson-Westlake file is a public sale bill covering the estate of Caleb R. Harris, member of a prominent Boone county family. It provides a clue as to the livestock, equipment, household goods, and other items, needed to make a Boone county farm a going concern in the year of 1843.

PUBLIC SALE

Their will be sold to the highest bidder on Wednesday the 4^th day of next month (Oct.) at the late residence of Caleb R. Harris in Boone County all the personal estate of the said deceased. Consisting of 4 first rate work horses a good stock of cattle among which is a first rate blooded bull and a first rate yoke of oxen. A stock of hogs amound which is a good lot of pork hogs – 1 large – 4 tree wagon a first rate wheat fan – a lot of ten or eleven likely yearling mules – Some old corn and the crops in the fields --- A quantity of house hold and kitchen furniture consisting in part of Two first rate Bureaus, Sugar Chest, Table and press. 1 – 8 day Brass Clock – and the best kind of Beds, bedsteads, and bed clothing and a number of other articles too tedious to mention. Bonds and approved security will be required for all sums of $5.00 and upward under that sum Cash in hand – There will be hired at the same time until Christmas two first rate Negro Men.

10^th Sept. 1843 Tyra Harris

Stephen Wilhite admins.

The James Watson mentioned in the Walter Watson letter, married Nancy Harris who was a daughter of Tyre Harris above, on May 4, 1834, in Boone county. She died and he remarried to Mary F. Johnson. Kay Denham Dinwiddle is a descendent of the Nancy Harris – James Watson marriage.

Another fascinating aspect of climbing one’s family tree is the intermingling of family lines. Some families seem to like each other real well. For example my Grandmother Preston confessed to my father (as the two of them were en-route to purchase his license to marry Melissa Stoner) that she had been fond of one of the Stoner boys before John Rees Preston came along. Her younger son Melvin also married into the Stoner clan, when he wed Flossie Phillips, daughter of Mollie Stoner Phillips a second cousin to mother.

Then there were the Wrights and Kinnisons. Two of David Wright’s daughters married Kinnison brothers, and two of his sons married Kinnison brothers so a double cousinship existed in three families. The other Kinnison girl was a cousin to the above three, and that really doesn’t constitute distant relationship.

Another interesting example is the connection between the writer’s family, and the descendents of Slyvester and Margaret Taylor Wright. Slyvester Wright was a brother to my paternal grandmother, or my father’s uncle. Margaret

Taylor Wright was the daughter of Edmund Taylor and Rachel Stoner Taylor. Thus she was a first cousin to my mother. Thus a double relationship exists between the writer and the descendents of Uncle Vess and Aunt Margaret. To make matters more complicated Edmund Taylor died, and his widow Rachel Stoner Taylor, married John S. Wright, who was an uncle of Slyvesters. No children were born of this marriage, which saved a lot of confusion.

Perhaps the most complicated situation is the one between the writer’s family, and the descendents of Arnold Harrold. His grandmother, Sarah Preston Harrold, and my Paternal grandfather Preston were brother and sister. His Maternal grandmother, Sarah Wright Stiner, (Mrs. Joseph Stiner), and my paternal grandmother were sisters. His maternal great-grandmother, Sarah Ann Stoner Stiner (Mrs. William Stiner) was a sister to my maternal grandfather Stoner. You may be able to figure out the exact relationship, but it is too much for me. I indicated earlier that genealogy was fun. I failed to mention that it can get confusing. By now you probably agree, and are ready to turn to the charts and summaries of the families on the following pages.

THE PRESTON FAMILY

Of

New Jersey-Ohio-Missouri-Illinois-Kansas-Nebraska

There is some disagreement as to the nationality represented by the name Preston. Some sources refer to it as English, others as Scottish. At least one source indicates that the name evolved from a town known originally as “Priests Town”. Just when the family arrived in America is also, at this point, clouded in obscurity. One author indicates that two brothers came very early to this country. One settled in the New England area, and his descendents scattered through many of the New England states. The other brother settled in Virginia. One of the Virginia Preston’s descendents is known to have lived in Boone County (in the Rocheport area) during the mid 1800’s.

Most of the evidence available indicates that the Preston clan in which we are interested was living in New Jersey, during the latter part of the 1700’s. There is however, one of two suggestions that they may have resided in New York, or Pennsylvania. To date it has been difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the clan. The census of 1790, was lost, which was a handicap in documenting the location of the family, prior to their migration to Ohio. Just recently however the Militia

Muster Rolls for New Jersey in 1793, have been published. This is a list of all the males ages 18 through 45 who were residing in the state in 1793. Abijah, Bejamin, Ephriam and Isaac were all residents of Cumberland County. James, Joseph, and William were all residents of Monmouth County, while John Preston resided in Burlington, which adjoins Monmouth. These last four names are of special interest, and could well be the group in which we are interested. Anyone researching the family would certainly be well advised to take a careful look at Monmouth and Burlington counties.

The first accurate record of the Preston family found to date is in Ohio in the year 1820. At that time the family was living near Newcastle, in Coshocton County. This small community is relatively near the Knox county line and the family lived in both counties in succeeding years.

Just when the family arrived in the area is now known. One early history of Knox County gives an A. Preston as an early settler, along with a minister named Rees. Both these names tempt one to speculate, because the names Alva, and Rees, or Reece, have been used since then by several generations of the family. However it would be strictly speculation at this point, and may remain so, because records of that period are incomplete, and space limitations in many of the courthouses of the area, have made indexing and accessible record storage impossible.

Early histories of Coshocton County name a Henry Preston as one of the soldiers from that county in the War of 1812. Tax records show James and William Preston paying taxes in the county during the late teens. These are the two Prestons in which we are interested. Later records show other Prestons living in the county, but their relationship, if any, is not known. At any rate the 1820 census lists William Preston as residing in Newcastle Township. The household consisted of one infant male, a young woman, two young males, and an older male. Subsequent information suggests that one of the young males is William Preston, the young female his wife, and the infant is their son. The other young male is James Preston, who was married the following year. I have speculated that the older male was William Preston, father of the two grown sons. This may be an error, but I have chosen to designate William Preston as GENERATION I.

History tells us that life in that part of Ohio was rather primitive during the above period. The county was part of the northwest military lands, granted to those who served in the revolution. A severe drought, and depression, during the 1790’s caused many residents of the eastern seaboard to seek a better situation on the frontier, and many moved west as soon as the lands were opened for settlement. Once located in this new country, they lived partially by farming, and partially by hunting.

Since there was no way to transport large quantities of produce, food and fiber production consisted of the amount needed for food, and for bartering. In spite of the problems, the Preston clan seemed to survive in a satisfactory manner. Certainly the evidence suggests that the brothers William and James had a close personal relationship, and their families migrated together to Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas.

GNERATION II: WILLIAM PRESTON, ca 1790-1840. Place of birth appears to have been New Jersey, but this is a subject to debate, and it could have been New York. He was married before 1819 to Elizabeth, who was born in New Jersey. Her maiden name is not known. They lived in Coshocton County until 1835 when they purchased land in Knox County. (Lot No. 19-100 acres – SE corner of first quarter, 6^th twn, and 10^th range of the United States military lands. - $130.00). William died before 1850, but Elizabeth continued to live in Knox County until the 1860’s when she either died, or migrated west with some of her children. The family consisted of at least the following:

a. John Preston: 1818-1860’s, married Margaret Coplen. See GENERATION III.

b. Rees Preston: Feb. 7, 1826 – Jan. 17, 1883, married Samantha Johnson. Moved to Tazewell county, Ill., then to Harrison county Missouri, and then Mercer county Mo., where he died. Buried Goshen Cemetery. Children: David, Maryann Dinsmore; John William; Florence, m Thomas Martin; Sarah, m Charles Oswalt; and Charles, m Almira Belle Ader.

c. James Preston: born ca 1827 no other information.

d. William Preston: Born 1832 married Adaline Bride August 24, 1863. Moved to Tazewell county Ill., then to Harrison and Mercer counties Mo. Children include at least the following: Almeda; Sarah; Atwilda; Samantha; James; John; and Margaret.

e. David Preston: born 1834 married to Rebecca Young April 6, 1856. One child Alice Preston. David died at an early age whether from natural causes or in the war is not known, and Rebecca remarried to Henry McMahan, and they were residing in Tazewell county Illinois in 1870.

f. Sarah Preston may have married Benjamin Shino, or a Cullison. May have lived in Saline county Nebr. During the 1880’s.

g. Nancy Preston: born 1821, married David D. Wilcox in Coshocton county Ohio, then apparently moved to Tazewell county Illinois. Evidence suggests that they both died at an early age and left small children, who lived with other members of the family. This appears to be the relationship, which existed between the Wilcox and Preston families.

GENERATION III: JOHN PRESTON, born 1819 near Newcastle, Ohio. Married to Margaret Coplen (Copeland) on March 17, 1842. Lived in that area, until the summer of 1856 when the family migrated to Harrison county Missouri, where on December 27, 1856 he purchased the SW1/4 of the NE1/4 of Section 16, T65 R27 Harrison County. His death which was discussed earlier occurred while the War Between the States was going on, and the oldest son William was away serving in the army. John Rees, who was the next son, was twelve at the time, so his death was sometime near 1864-65. One can imagine the problems widowhood presented to Margaret. There were five teenage sisters older than John Rees, and three brothers younger. Sometime after William returned from service he took his mother and younger brothers to Wilbur, Nebraska, where they lived for a time. Date of Margaret’s death is not known but appears to have been in the 1890’s. She and John are buried in unmarked graves immediately south of Isaac, in the Blythedale Cemetery. Their children and some of their grandchildren were:

a. William Preston: married Mary Jane Robinson, moved to Nebraska, then to Colby Kansas. Children: George; Belle; and Robert. Dewey Preston, a son of George, currently lives at Colby. One daughter of Robert, Mrs. Minnie Riedel, resided at 2617 Jackson St., Long Beach California, in 1967.

b. Sarah Preston: married Jesse Harrold, and lived near Blythedale Mo. Children: William; May (Mrs. Henry Allen); Ada; Belle; Tom; Fred; Burt; and Maude.

c. Mary Preston: Married Elijah Hultz. Children: Elizabeth; Charles.

d. Lydia Preston: married Otho Merrifield, and lived east of Ridgeway, Mo. Where she died at a relatively early age. Children: John; Theodore; Harvey; Emma; Alice; Rua.

e. Nancy J. Preston: married Jacob Ritchie, moved to Nebraska. Children: Cora; Sigel; Pearl; Mabel; Creet; Alma; Joe; Burt.

f. Arminta (Minta) Preston: married Bony Chanbers, children: Nora; Effie; Edward.

g. John Rees Preston: See GENERATION IV

h. Isaac Preston: married Hannah Craft. Died at a relatively early age. Children: Elva; May; and Clara. One of the girls married on Roach and lived near and in Grant City, Mo. I visited in their home but lost my notes on the family.

i. Joseph Preston: married in Nebraska to Mary Fisher. Children: Elsie; Glovia; Anzelphia; Blanche; Joseph Fredrick. (Glovia Stull, currently lives in Fairbury, Nebraska.)

j. Asa (Dick) Preston: was also married to Emma Schfuler(sp?) in Nebraska but my notes have been lost. He died in Harrison county Mo. And is buried in the family plot of the Ridgeway cemetery. Children: Jessie; Rachel; and May.

GENERATION IV: JOHN REES PRESTON, born near Newcastle, Ohio, August 19, 1853. His family brought him to Missouri in 1856, and he spent the rest of his life in Harrison county, except for one winter when he moved his family to Wilbur Nebraska. Apparently this was the bad winter of 1888, because exceptionally severe weather in the Nebraska area prompted him to move back to Harrison county the following spring. He was married October 12, 1873, to Eliza Jane Wright, who was born in Union county Ohio, October 30, 1854. In 1879 they purchased a farm of 40 acres in Trail Creek township (NW1/4 of NE1/4 of Sect 18, T64N-R26W). Purchase price was $400. An adjoining forty added later cost $750.00 and a third forty $900.00. They spent the rest of their lives on this farm. He died on June 26, 1916 as a result of injuries received when a span of mules ran away as he was driving home from Ridgeway. Ironically he had won some local fame as a man who could, and did, handle many mules.

What effect the early death of his father might have had on John Rees Preston would be speculation. Even though he was only twelve at the time, family circumstances made it necessary for him to go to work and help with the support of his brothers and sisters. He was employed on the James Merrifield farm located east of Ridgeway. While this sounds like a bleak beginning, it had a happy ending. The Merrifield farm was located in the same area as the David Wright place. As a result he met, courted and married Eliza Jane Wright. He apparently had saved money and acquired a pony, and she had been given a pony, probably to ride to school. These two animals provided to horsepower for farming operations for the bride and groom, during their first year of marriage. Eliza Jane passed away, on September 28, 1928. Children and grandchildren were:

a. Leota Preston: born August 1875, died 1902. Married in 1893 to Clarence Milliron. Children: Blanche; and Buelah.

b. Alval L. Preston: see GENERATION V.

c. Ethel Preston: born February 1882 died at about two years.

d. Emma Preston: born February 1885, died 1954 at Broken Bow Nebraska. Married Simon Peter (Bud) Lark. Children: Coleen; married Ray Fredrickson; currently lives in Stapleton, Nebraska. Inez: no current address.

e. William G. Preston: born May 14 1888, died 17^th May 1964 at Ridgeway, Missouri. Married to Daisy Starr 12^th May, 1906. Children: Loy; born; June 9^th, 1907 – died December 30^th, 1992. Married Lois Wethered, August 20, 1936. She was born October 3^rd, 1913 and died October 9, 1990. No children.

Thelma: born; August 23, 1909. Married; September 18, 1933 to A. E. O’Hearn(born February 26, 1902 – died August 26, 1953), lives in Kansas City. One Child: Martha. Married John Anderson who is deceased. They had two children, Heather & Sean.

Neil: born; August 9^th, 1912. Married September 18, 1933 to Edith Nellis(born June 6^th, 1915 – died December 12, 1986), currently lives near Rideway. Children: Dixie and Lawrence Meil. Dixie had three children; Deborah, Kendal, Beverlee. Lawrence was born May 30, 1935 and died Sept. 5^th, 1994.

Riley: born; November 8, 1914 – Died November 10^th, 1952. Married May 26^th, 1938 to Mary Kakacek(Born March or April 4^th, 1913 – died April 11, 1997). Riley lived near Mt. Moriah where he died as a result of a tractor accident, Nov. 10, 1952. Children: Raymond; born: September 29, 1940. Married August 10, 1958. Had two sons; Raymond Lee, February 1, 1959; and John, born; February 10, 1964. Married Jeannette Kakacek who is deceased.;; Charlene: born; December 31, 1958, Married Bill Bennett. They had six children.;; Linda; born: August 29, 1944. Married Gary Bennett?. They had two children.;; Sharon; June 22,1946. Married and had three children.;; and Mary Lou; born: June 29, 1952. Married Dennis M? and had two children.

Lois: born June 22, 1920 – died April 6^th, 1994. On June 26, 1937, she married Joseph Giles(born November 26, 1910 – died January 25, 1986), currently lives at Mt. Moriah, Missouri. Children: Carol; Leslie; Marvin; Betty; June; George; Joan; and Jimmy.

William G. (junior): born March 11, 1922 – died February 20, 1985. Married Wanda Burns. Currently lives in Kansas City. Children: William; Robert; James(died); Gloria Jean; Reece; Terry; Delbert; Cheryl; Gregory; Kevin; Dale; Victoria and Brenda Sue. He had 26 Grandchildren and a couple of great-grandchildren as of this writing.

Eugene: married Ermagene Camp. Resides in Bethany. Two sons, Brad and Stanley. Stanley had two children.

f. Melvin Preston: born March 7, 1891, married Flossie Phillips in 1912. He died early 1970’s and buried in Bethany cemetery. Children: Phillip: married Catherine Montgomery. Lives in Mt. Moriah. Children: Robert; Theodore; Lawrence; Marvin L.; Ellis; Frederick; and Phyllis.

Iris: married Roy Blum and lived in St. Joseph for many years, then moved to Branson, Missouri where they currently reside. Children: Linda; Nancy Sue; and Dennis.

g. Ruie Preston: born Jan. 26, 1894, married Ben H. Bishop on December 21, 1912. He was born August 14, 1890 and died July, 1970 on their farm just north of Hebron, Nebraska. She currently resides in Nelson, Nebraska. Children: Vernoye: born Sept. 18, 1913, married to Eilert Bargen, April 3, 1934. Lives in Superior, Nebraska. One son, Victor M. Bargen. Garvin Reece Bishop: born July 6, 1915, married Mildred Sheets and currently living in York, Nebraska. Children: Ronald G.; Eloise Kay (Arndt); and James Reece.

Garland Ben: died in infancy in 1917.

Vivian M.: born May 22, 1920, married James I. Butterfield in 1947. Lives in California. One daughter, Sheri LaRue.

Ruie Kathryne: born January 15, 1924, married to Harlan Meyer. Lives in Nelson, Nebr. Children: Gregory; Craig; Misi Lea (Eich). Gayle Duane: born February 6, 1935. Married to Carol Tambke. Children: Gayle D.; Steven J.; Mark A.; and Yvonne Kay.

GENERATION V: ALVA L. PRESTON, born near Akron in Harrison county on July 17, 1879, his parents moved to Trail Creek township in the spring of 1880, and he spent the rest of his life in that area. He attended the rural schools of that time, then went to Bethany to school, and then Stanberry Normal. He was married on April 6, 1902 to Melissa Jane Stoner. They purchased land (E1/2-NW1/4 Sec 19, T64AN R26W) soon after marriage and spent their active lives on that farm. They moved to Mt. Moriah, when they left the farm, then to Ridgeway, where he died July 5, 1964. Buried in the Ridgeway cemetery. He was active in community affairs, having spent more than 30 consecutive years on the school board. Also served several terms a township trustee, and assessor. Melissa Jane Stoner was born December 18, 1880 to Augustin W. and Martha Elizabeth Trainer, Stoner. She died Jan. 28, 1978. She too attended the local schools, then went to Modena, Mo. to school. This apparently was the equivalent of a high school or perhaps a normal school of the 1890’s, She taught in rural schools for a year or two before her marriage. Children and grandchildren include:

a. Leonard F. Preston: born Jan. 17, 1903. Died 1980. Married to Olive Hillyard, daughter of Jesse and Stella Wyant Hillyard. Lives at Smithville, Mo. Family: Marvin D. Preston married Joanne Norris, live in Smithville. Two sons: mark Preston, Brad Preston.

b. Ruby E. Preston: born July 29, 1905. Married Herman L. Dinsmore, son of William and Agnes Gay Dinsmore. Herman was born July 13, 1896 and died Jan., 1967 in Bethany, Mo. They lived in Bethany, Mo. Family: William L. Dinsmore, Married Betty Wilson, live in Liberty, Mo. Daughter, Debbie, and a son Steven Dinsmore.

c. G. Keith Preston: born July 24, 1908, married Opal McCoy Taylor daughter of Harvey McCoy, died Dec. 7, 1974, buried Bethany cemetery. Family: Chlodean Taylor, married Tom Smith. Lives in Bethany. Three children: Evelyn, Edith, and Tom Smith.

d. G. Ruth Preston: born Sept. 1, 1910. Married Thomas R. Beal of Polo, Mo. She died in Rice Lake, Wisconsin in January 1953, buried in Bethany cemetery. Thomas Beal, currently living in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Family: Preston Thomas Beal.

e. Alva L. (Roy) Preston Jr.: born August 3, 1915. Died 1980. Married June 23, 1951 to Allene Brown Denham daughter of Olver B., and Letha Hawkins Brown of Columbia. Family: Glenda Kay Denham married Robert B. Dinwiddle. Currently living in Dekalb, Illinois. Two sons: Robert B. Dinwiddle II, and David Preston Dinwiddle. Jane Racine Preston, born April 23, 1954. Married July 26, 1975 to Richard Allen Peterson, son of Dale and Fern Allen Peterson. Currently living at Cannon Falls, Minnesota.

f. John Augustin Preston: born June 23, 1912, died July 16, 1918. One daughter and one other son died in infancy.

GENERATION II JAMES PRESTON: James the brother of William Preston whose descendents have been listed on preceding pages was born about 1780-85 in either New Jersey or New York. He married Sallie Cokenhour on March 15, 1821, in Coshocton county Ohio. They resided near Newcastle, Ohio until the late 1840’s or early 50’s, then moved to Tazewell County Illinois, where according to county history they spent one year, then moved to Iowa. Where they lived in Iowa is not known, but he died there, and following his death, the family moved back to Tazewell county. Some of the family lived near Spring Lake, a small community south of Pekin, and the Bequeath cemetery near there contains the graves of many early family members. As indicated earlier some of the William Preston family stopped for a time in that area, before migrating on to Missouri. Members of both families also located near each other in Saline county Nebraska. Children in the James and Sallie Preston family include at least the following:

a. Rebecca Preston: married Adam McNair, see GENERATION III.

b. Isaac Preston: married Margaret Gibberson, was living in Tazewell in 1850 but moved either to Nebraska or Kansas. Kate; Becky; John; Willis; Jim; Olen; Maggie; Anna. One descendent of Isaac, George F. Preston, was living in Topeka, Kansas in 1967, where he was assistant controller of the state highway commission.

c. William Preston: married Catherine ??. Children: James; William; Sarah; John; Franklin; George; and Alva. The 1880 census of Saline county Nebraska, carries a James Preston, who appears to be the some of James above. William, and John R. Wilcox were also living in the William Preston household in 1870.

d. John Preston: no additional information.

e. Sarah Preston: married John Jefferson Jones, see GENERATION III.

f. James Preston: according to Tazewell county history, married Adaline Avery in 1861. Children included Martha (Sapp); Ella L. (Lowry); Walter G.; Leonard L.; Nora (Golden); and Edgar W.; Roy S. Preston, a descendent of James was living in Pekin, Illinois during the late 1960’s.

GENERATION III: REBECCA PRESTON, born Aug. 19, 1829 Coshocton county Ohio, died Marh 20, 1900. Married April 6, 1849 to Adam McNair, Dec. 13, 1822 – Sept. 28, 1873. Apparently lived in Tazewell county Illinois, Bloomfield, Iowa, and Appanoose county, Iowa. Children: Sarah; James Robert; Drucilla; Isaac Preston (See GENERATION IV): John William; Charles Franklin.

GENERATION IV: ISAAC PRESTON McNAIR, born Bloomfield, Iowa April 8, 1856, died October 8, 1920 Bladen, Nebraska. Married Mahallah Maude Vandell Nov. 18, 1882 who was born in Knox county Illinois march 4, 1864, died March 17, 1945. Lived near Davis City and Pleasanton, Iowa, Dad could recall visiting when he was a small boy. Children were Bessie Ethelle, and Millard Cecil McNair.

GENERATION IV: MILLARD CECIL McNAIR, born near Pleasanton, Iowa on Nov, 5, 1887, died Topeka, Kansas. Married June 23, 1915 at Red Cloud, Nebraska to Ellen Maryann Berns, born at Wymore, Nebraska Aug. 26, 1892. She died July 31, 1934, and on Feb. 8, 1945 he married Frances Berns a sister to his first wife. Children of his first marriage include:

a. Ovyde Lynn: born March 28, 1916, Bladen, Nebraska.

b. Klyoe Leon: born Oct. 19, 1917, married Bertha Elizabeth Lang; 2 children Carol Elizabeth married Dennis L. Lower at Holstein, Nebr.; Gene, unmarried as of 1967.

c. Leota Lone: born May 8, 1919, married 1^st Walter VanMatre: Children, Leatha Lee; Leroy Melvin; Charles Cecil; Married 2^nd Charles Phelps. Children: Charlotte; Catherine; Floyd; Howard.

GENERATION III: SARAH PRESTON, daughter of James Preston and younger sister of Rebecca above, was born Oct. 28, 1842, died Nov. 10, 1911. Married first to John Jefferson Jones, who was bitten by a rabid dog in Tazewell county, and died, June 4, 1862. One child John Jefferson Jones, see GENERATION IV. Married second to Harvey Stricker; children: William Henry; James H.; and Bessie.

GENERATION IV: JEFFERSON JONES, born Nov. 17, 1862, died Feb. 19, 1943. Married Zoa Beaupre Keith, born July 27, 1870 died June 1, 1966; Children:

a. John Lyle Jones: Nov. 5, 1895, died March 9, 1966, married 1^st Marie Minch, 2^nd Ada Hansen. Children: Lewis Lee; Donald Gene; Robert Dean; Jerry Lyle.

b. Charlie James: July 17, 1897, married Amy Ash; Children: Charles Keith; Neal Arthur; Dale Wayne.

c. Chester William: born May 20, 1899, married Mabel Parrish.

d. Lewis Keith: born Nov. 9, 1906, died Oct. 31, 1963, married Alma Boyles.

e. Harvey Leon: born Aug. 29, 1908, married Eileen Bly. Children: Jean Anne; and Dana Lee.

f. Ferne Bessie: born Nov. 27, 1912. Married Frederick “Fritz” Bickel. Was living near Lineville, Iowa in 1967. It’s an interesting coincidence that this member of the clan, should after a rather circuitous route, reside near the descendents of William Preston who lived in Mercer and Harrison counties. Children include: Gary Dale; Carol Janice; and Harvey Eugene.

THE STONER FAMILY

Of

Pennsylvania-Ohio-Missouri

Accurate records of the Stoner family go back to Bedford county Pennsylvania, during the late 1700’s. Bedford county became Somerset county, at a later date and members of the clan resided in that area both before and after the name change. From there they migrated to Ohio, and then to Missouri. The following brief outline of family members in which the writer is particularly interested is by no means complete. However a family history is currently being written by Mr. Vilas Young of Maryville, Missouri, which will provide much additional information to individuals interested in more detail.

GENERATION I: JOHN STONER, born 1762 and was married in 1786 to his cousin Catherine Stoner. They lived in Southampton township in Somerset, county until the early 1800’s when they moved to Muskinghum county Ohio. To the writer’s knowledge, no one had determined the parents of either Catherine or John. However it has been documented that the name was spelled Steiner in some of the earlier records. Ships records show that the ship “Neptune” arrived in Philadelphia from Rotterdam on October 6, 1746. Passengers included Isaac, Johannes, Jacob, Christian, and Henrich Steiner. This fits family legends of five brothers coming to this country at the same time. Names used in later generations, also suggest that this could well have been the origins of the family in this country. John died in Muskinghum county Ohio in 1838, and Catherine in 1848. Children included at least the following:

a. George Newton Stoner: Feb. 22, 1787 – Aug. 12, 1869. m Elizabeth Sherer moved to Ohio, but no additional information.

b. John Stoner: See GENERATION II.

c. Jacob Stoner: See GENERATION II.

d. Sarah Stoner: born 1793 Bedford county, married James Marsh.

e. Mary Magdelena Stoner: born 1795, married Sanuel Shurtz.

f. Daniel T. Stoner: born Jan. 23, 1797 – Dec. 23, 1879, married June 24, 1819 to Mary (Polly) baker. Descendents of this marriage currently live in Atchinson county Missouri.

g. Elizabeth Stoner: born 1799-1831, married John Shurtz.

h. Catherine Stoner: born 1801 in Somerset county, married John Hershman.

GENERATION II: JACOB STONER, born October 8, 1791, died December 29, 1855 in West Lebanon, Indiana, while family was migrating to Missouri. Married on February 1, 1884 in Harrison county Missouri. Buried in the Stoner or Lloyd cemetery north of Mt. Moriah, Mo. According to Vilas Young, children who came to Missouri, and some of their grandchildren include:

a. Hezekiah Stoner: 1819-1890; married Rebecca Mossburg, Children: Sarah (Henry Alexander): George Wilson; Caleb; Jacob; and Moses Palen an adopted son.

b. Levi Harrison: (1821-1853); married Christina (Tina) Lambert her 2^nd was a Merrifield. Children: Charles William; Elizabeth (Henry Melton); John C.; and Joseph.

c. Jerusha: Aug. 29, 1824 – March 11, 1907; married Frederick Young. Children: John J.; Nancy; Caleb Levi; Jonathan W.; Christina (Washington Reeder); and Annie (Richard E. Johnson).

d. Sarah Ann: (April 1,1830 – June 22, 1913); married 1^st William (Jake) Steiner. Children: Nimrod; Caleb; Margaret; Andrew; Levi; Rachel; Eliza Jane; Samuel; William; James; Mary; Joseph; and Harve. 2^nd Jacob Roop; no children. Stepchildren: Charlie and Del Roop.

e. Jonathan J.: (August 11, 1832 – Dec. 10, 1910). Married Margaret Goodin. Children: Porter; Lettie (Charles Leazenby); Samantha; and Hershel.

f. Rachel Catherine: (1835 – Dec. 22, 1928). Married Edmund Taylor 1^st; Children: Margaret, (Sylvester Wright); George; Lincoln; John; Alice (Stanton Ross); Lillie (Samuel Clark); May (A. T. Snelling); William; Mildred (Manlove Wier); and Charles. 2^nd John S. Wright; no children.

g. Thomas Jordan: married Nancy Flood; Children: Mary; Nancy; William; Thomas Jr.; and Jerusha (James Mabe).

h. Isaiah Spencer: (1841); married Louisa Jacobs; Children: Almeda (Rutus Walton); Artemas; Lucien; Robert; Clifford; and Ursula (William Allman).

i. Augustin Washington: See GENERATION III.

j. Caleb John: born 1828.

GENERATION III: AUGUSTIN WASHINGTON STONER, born October 17, 1843 in Muskinghum county Ohio. Died Jan. 17, 1931 in Harrison county Missouri. Married at Modena, Missouri to Martha Elizabeth Jane Trainer who was born in Platte county, Mo. on October 18, 1847 and died December 1, 1926.

A small boy’s memory may be located in his stomach. At any rate one of the most vivid memories the writer has of his grandparents are the sugar cookies, and sauerkraut, found in their household. He could always get a few of the former by being a “good boy”, and they were worth a special effort at self-restraint. The “Kraut” was homemade of course, and it was delicious any way it was served. “Gus” as he was called had a wonderful sense of humor. Martha was a rather quiet sort of person, but could nonetheless, cope with her husband’s wit.

A. W., served four years in the Union forces during the war between the states. When returned home he started working in a drug store in Princeton, Missouri. Parthena Trainer, had remarried, and her husband had children by his former wife. Legend has it that things didn’t go smoothly in the new household, and to escape the situation, Martha Trainer started working at a hotel in Princeton. Augustin W. noticed the young lady, and marriage resulted. They lived on a farm southeast of Ridgeway during their active lives, and then retired to Ridgeway. In addition to farming he was an active auctioneer, and served as Justice of the Peace. Children and some of their grandchildren include:

a. Olive Jeanette: married Lewis Smith, son of William Smith of Modena. Moved to Texas where family grew up. Children: Edith; Enid; Ray; Ruth (Pool); Caryll; Paul; Arthur; and Corrine.

b. Oscar Harvey: born May 9, 1871, married Melvina Hobbs. Children: Marie (Mrs. Lester Maple); Doris (Max Fancher); Wade (Diamond Shipley); Vern (Otis Snyder); and Vonceile (George Schumacher).

c. Nancy Minnie: born Dec. 7, 1872; married Lewis S. McCall, lived near Amoret, Mo. One son, Hugh McCall.

d. James Homer: born Sept. 19, 1874, died age 5.

e. Charles Augustin: born May 2, 1877; married Carrie Pittman. Children: Leland Charm; and Amber Lenora (Russell Culp).

f. Eugene Logan: born April 15, 1879, died Jan. 14, 1905, unmarried.

g. Melissa Jane: See GENERATION IV: PRESTON FAMILY.

h. Nevada Belle: born Dec. 7, 1883, died 1894.

i. Chester Walter: born March 25, 1893, married Jeannie Middleton. One son Lloyd Stoner, lives Des Moines.

THE WRIGHT FAMILY

Of

New York-Ohio-Missouri

GENREATION I: ELISHA WRIGHT. One of the early histories of Washington county Ohio mentions Elisha Wright as one of the early circuit riding Methodist ministers of the area. Athens county was formed from Washington, and early census records show the Wright family as residents of Athens County. Just when they arrived in the area is not definitely known, but a sketch of Samuel Wright found in a history of Union county, indicates he was born November 18, 1813, in New York and when a mere child was brought to Athens county by his parents, Elisha and Rachel Wright. Rachel’s maiden name and birthdate is not known. (See Appendix A)

Elisha appears to have been born about 1782 in New York state. Just how the family traveled from New York to Ohio is a matter of speculation, but there is the possibility that they, like many pioneer families, traveled on the Ohio River. The family consisted of at least three sons: Elisha C.; Samuel; and Rev. J. A. Wright. There is also the possibility that a Rev. J. S. Wright of Union county could have been another son.

Rachel died during the 1820’s and on February 11, 1830, Elisha married the second time to Eleanor Howard. Sometime during the 1830’s the family migrated from Athens county. Apparently, Elisha felt the need to continue his ministry on the frontier. Whether they settled in Ross county for a time is not clear, but they eventually moved to Union county. It was here that the Rev. J. A. Wright (Right) was minister of the Methodist church at Newton. Many of the Wright family were married by what appears to be the Rev. J. S. Wright, but this could be due to the signature with A. appearing to be S. At any rate the family resided here until the migrated to Missouri. According to the census records, children of Elisha and Eleanor included: Columbus; Charles; Julia; Lewis. No attempt has been made to determine the area in New York where Elisha was born, or his ancestry. Date of his death is not known at this time. (See Appendix B)

GENERATION II: ELISHA C. WRIGHT, born 1802 in New York, died May 10, 1867, married Elizabeth McCune on march 22, 1827, in Athens county Ohio. Elizabeth was born in Ohio in 1809 and died May 10, 1887. Both are buried in the Mt. Moriah cemetery, Harrison county Missouri.

Very little information is available concerning the family but apparently they were a rather close clan. Records suggest that several family members moved from Athens to Union county, and from there to Harrison county Missouri. Elisha was a presiding elder in the United Brethren church, but there is no record of him preaching, as his father, and at least one brother and one son did. Apparently the family migrated to Missouri during the early 1850’s and settled on panther Creek, north and west of Mt. Moriah, Mo. The writer’s father though that one son was a very early resident of Mt. Moriah, and that he was a wheel-right or wagon maker by trade. As best he could recall this son arrived first, and was followed later by the rest of the family. At any rate several family members purchased land in and near Mt. Moriah by 1856. The obituary of John S. Wright the eldest son, tells of the first winter in Harrison county. According to this account the family arrived in early winter. They were able to provide shelter for their families, but depended on the plentiful supply of fame for food, which grew very tiresome during an exceptionally long winter. Certainly one could safely say that Elisha, and Elizabeth lived unique lives by our present standards, in that the major portion of their lives was spent on the frontier. Dad could remember Elizabeth along with members of five additional generations. This in itself is quite a record. Children of Elisha C. and Elizabeth included:

a. John S. Wright: married Polly Bridge 1^st. Children: E.W.; George L.; Sherman; Harve; Rosetta; Laura. 2^nd, Rachel Stoner Taylor, no children. Family legend has it that John S. helped survey and plat the town of Mt. Moriah. At any rate he purchased a lot there in 1856 according to Harrison county records.

b. David M. Wright: See GENERATION III.

c. Harriett married Simeon Wallace.

d. William R. Wright: lived in Mercer county Missouri.

e. Samuel J. Wright:

f. Elisha W. Wright:

g. Russell Wright: married Emily Bridge; children: Mary; Jane; Ash; Pearl.

h. James H. Wright:

i. Andrew Jackson Wright: married Rachel Bears; children: Claudie; Frank; Clara (Valencourt VanOrsdale); Millie (Dennis); Amy (Nate Casts).

j. Ester L.: married ________ Collins.

The above is subject to errors and whether all of the above children grew to maturity and moved to Missouri is not clear. At least one son may not have returned from the war between the states. Probate court records of Elisha’s estate mentions seven heirs. Andrew J. served in the Union forces and was quite proud of taking part in thirteen major battles, without being wounded.

GENERATION III: DAVID M. WRIGHT, born ca 1830 died ca 1872. married October 7, 1852 in Union county Ohio to Isabella Gun Lingrel, born ca 1833 died ca 1912. Both buried in Mt. Moriah cemetery in unmarked graves immediately south of Elisha C. and Elizabeth Wright. The couple came to Harrison county Missouri with the rest of the Wright clan, and settled on a forty-acre tract of land north and west of Mt. Moriah. His early death due to infection as a result of a broken leg was mentioned earlier. Apparently Isabella continued to reside on the farm until her family was grown. During her last years she lived at least part of the time with her daughter, Mrs. John Rees Preston. Family legend has it that she was very proud of the Gun portion of her name, but to date the writer has found no evidence that would suggest the reason for this pride. Children and grandchildren of David and Isabella included at least the following:

a. William Sylvester (Vess) married Margaret Taylor. Children: Clyde; Clair; Charles; Claude; Mary Lillian (Chruma); Kate (Chruma); and hazel (Hickman).

b. Eliza Jane: See GENERATION IV: PRESTON FAMILY.

c. Sarah: married Joseph Stiner; children: Mary; Louie (Jack); and Eva.

d. Mary: married Theo Kinnison; children: Sylvester; Millard; Bertha; Gertrude.

e. Isaac Grant: married Jane Kinnison; children: Amos; Pearl; Art; May; Earnest; Alma; Blanche; Marie; Grace; and Amy.

f. Elizabeth: married John Kinnison; children: Willis; Ora; Ray; Floyd; Lee; Hallie; Dolph; Dellie; and Leona.

g. Samuel: apparently died before reaching maturity.

h. John W.: married Minta Kinnison; children: one son Walter.

THE LINGREL FAMILY

Of

Maryland-Virginia-Ohio

GENERATION I: MAJOR LINGREL. Normally an unusual name such as this should be relatively easy to research, but in this case the opposite has been true. (See appendix C)

However, in recent weeks the name William Lingril has been found in the 1790 census of Dorchester county Maryland. Mrs. Robert Welter, another descendent has located the name Major Lingrel in the 1800 census of Dorchester county. Apparently the family had been in that county for some time because the Maryland calendar of Wills shows that Andrew Wilson of Somerset county willed 50 acres of Black Walnut Island at the mouth of the Island Creek to James Lingrel and heirs, Dorchester county. The will was filed November 7, 1713 and closed June 10, 1715. The same source shows James Langrel, of Dorchester county willing land on November 16, 1739 to his sons William, James, and George. Other records show a number of ways in which the name was spelled (Langrell-Lingrell-Langrel-Lingrel-Langurl-Lingurl). While the connection between these early family members and Major Lingrel has not been confirmed, it seems likely that this is the family in which we are interested.

While there are many uncertainties concerning Major Lingrel, one history of Ross county Ohio reports that he arrived there in 1805 and settled near Kingston. A son Thomas, settled near Buffalo. From Ross county the family migrated to Logan, and then Marion county. On march 31, 1832 in Marion county, , he married the second time to Elizabeth Sullivan. Census records indicate that he was born in the 1770’s. Date of death is not known. Apparently he served in the War of 1812 from Ross county.

GENERATION II: JEREMIAH LINGREL, born ca 1795, died 1865, married in Logan county Ohio January 8, 1824 to Eleanor (Nelly) Rogers. The assumption has been made that he was the son of Major Lingrel. He was brought to Ross county as a small boy. Eleanor was born in 1805 in Pennsylvania. In 1837 the family moved from Logan to Union county, and settled near Byhalia. One historical account relates that Jeremiah neglected to file on the land he settled, and several years later suffered the loss of at least part of his farm because his cabin was directly in the path of an early public road. The 1850 census carries the names of eleven children, and one history gives the family at thirteen. His will which was probated in 1865 names five children, but this was probably because many of the older ones moved from the area. Those carried on the census include:

a. Lemuel: married Polly J. Wright.

b. Mathew: married Martha Essex.

c. Louisa: married Isaac Titsworth.

d. Ann: married Thomas Essex.

e. Isabella Gun: See GENERATION III: WRIGHT FAMILY.

f. Jane: married Martin Conley.

g. Ellen: married Andrew J. Field.

h. Sarah: married Washington Athens.

i. Nancy: married Henry Biggs.

j. Henry: married Cynthia Thornton.

k. Elizabeth:

l. Selene: married S. Robinson.

THE BALL FAMILY

Of

Virginia-Tennessee

GENERATION I: LEWIS BALL, born ca 1760-70, died May 14, 1832. He was married first to Mary, whose maiden name is not known. (See Appendix D)

His second wife whom he married in 1816, was Hulda Girdner the widow of Michael Girdner. Lewis Ball was born in Virginia, then moved to Greene county Tennessee. Apparently he was a successful man, and his will indicates that he owned considerable property. Some of the early census records list him as Lewis Ball Esquire. His descendents were quite proud of the Ball name. One granddaughter, Sarah Gladden Casper, who died in 1928 at the age of 101 was able to pass on some of the family history of legends. She insisted for example that her Ball ancestors were related to George Washington’s mother. It is easy of course to claim relationship to some famous person, and such claims are not unusual. However, correspondence with other members of the clan has turned up two other individuals who are descendents through two of Lewis Ball’s other children that have heard the same story. This might be a starting place for anyone wishing to do additional research on the family. (See Appendix E)

The children of Lewis and Mary Ball included at least the following:

a. John Ball: apparently married to Jane Farnsworth in Greene county, Tennessee.

b. Elizabeth Ball: married a Shoemaker and lived in McMinn county Tennessee. Apparently there were no children.

c. Rebecca Ball: See GENERATION II.

d. Susannah Ball: born ca 1790, married James Coulter, lived in Greene county Tennessee.

e. Leavin Lewis Ball: born September 2, 1794, died April 15, in McMinn county Tennessee. Married first to Martha Grubbs in Greene county. 2^nd to Lucinda Pearce, no children of the latter marriage. Mrs. Carolyn Anderson, 1936 Joplin St. Salem, Oregon is the descendent of Leavin Lewis.

f. Martha Ball: born ca 1800-1810, married Hugh L. Holland.

g. Thomas L. Ball: born ca 1800-1810, died 1842-50 in Roane county. Married August 25, 1824 in Greene county to Dorothy Cravens.

h. Anna Ball: born 1815-20 in Greene county, married December 6, 1832 to James Ross.

Mrs. S. B. Boyer of Athens, Tennessee who has considerable information on the Ball family feels that there may have been a Green Ball. This seems likely, in view of the use made of this name in subsequent generation. A bit of speculation could also raise the possibility of Green as the maiden name of Mary Ball.

GENERATION II: REBECCA BALL, was born ca 1790, died ca 1862 near Modena, Missouri, and buried in Goshen cemetery (Mercer Co. MO.). She was married to John (Jack) Gladden, and they lived in Greene county Tennessee until migrating to Missouri. Little or no information is available concerning the Gladden family. According to Truman Murphy and Charlie Stoner, both descendents, who were able to interview Sarah Gladden Casper, a daughter. John Gladden was a distiller by trade. Research by the writer indicates that the family lived in Greene county, near the North Carolina line. Aunt Sarah Casper apparently indicated that they resided on, or near, the French Broad River. At any rate the marriage between Rebecca and John terminated in separation about 1850. As a result of the family breakup little or no information concerning John Gladden was passed on by family members. Sarah indicated she was of mixed French descent, which led Truman Murphy to believe that the Gladdens might have been descendents of French Huguenots.

From information available, the writer has concluded that Rebecca Ball Gladden was a strong willed character. Following her separation from John gladden, she migrated to Missouri, and settled in Platte county Missouri. This was about 1830. At least nine of her children accompanied her on the migration. This was just prior to Lewis Ball’s death in 1832, and since his will does not mention Rebecca, the writer has concluded that she was given her share of his estate before she left for Missouri. Family legend has it that they traveled in style (by carriage) for that period and that she had money when she arrived in Platte county. They crossed the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau then followed the west back to St. Charles where they could have picked up the trail thru St. Charles, Arrow Rock, and Independence. Apparently her money did not last long once she had settled in Missouri, and she spent most of the balance of her life living with her children. The tragedies that seemed to pursue her were mentioned earlier. She died about 1862, and was buried in the Goshen cemetery. Her grave marked by a limestone slab, is one of the oldest in the cemetery. (She had migrated from Platte county to Mercer county in the 1850’s when the families of her daughters – Parthena Trainer, Jane Williams, Sarah Casper, and Margaret Miles made the move.) Children of Rebecca and John Gladden included at least the following:

a. Green Gladden: died ca 1888, oak Mills, Kansas. Married Elizabeth Blanton.

b. David Gladden: died 1859, buried Boydston cemetery, Platte county. Married Nancy Boydston, died 1879.

c. Elijah Gladden: died in California during gold rush, and buried there.

d. William Gladden: died at sea near New York, ca 1849 while returning from gold rush to California. Buried at sea.

e. Nancy Gladden: died in Platte county Mo.

f. Parthena Gladden: See GENERATION II: TRAINER FAMILY.

g. Margaret Gladden: born Feb. 22, 1822, died May 10, 1887 at Hartford, Illinois (Pike county) where they moved to escape dangers of war between the states. Married Thomas Miles, born April 14, 1819, died May 20, 1887.

h. Sarah Gladden: born may 6, 1827, died Spickard, Mo., June 24, 1928. Buried Brummitt cemetery, Modena. Married Frederick Casper.

i. Jane Gladden: born 1825, died July 3, 1912, buried Cox cemetery near Kingston, Missouri. Married Brittain Williams who was shot by a “Bushwhacker” as he worked in a field near Modena, Missouri about 1861. Buried in Goshen cemetery. Such an incident is hard to visualize one hundred-plus years later, but feelings were strong during the war and their southern background labeled them as Southern Sympathizers. Apparently there were two other children in the family, but it is not known whether they remained in Tennessee, or died during childhood.

THE TRAINER FAMILY

Of

Ireland-Virginia-Tennessee-Missouri

GENERATION I: MICHAEL TRAINER. Little is known concerning this family member. He migrated, according to family legend, from the Ulster area of Ireland, about 1800. He married Margaret Lee, of Virginia, and they lived for a time at least in Bath county Virginia. The number of their children is not known, and the writer has made no attempt to research this particular family.

GENERATION II: JAMES TRAINER, was born ca 1804 in Warm Springs, Virginia. Died ca 1850’s in Platte county Missouri. Married to Parthena Gladden, born ca 1809 in Greene county Tenn., and died 1870’s Mercer county Missouri. Buried Goshen cemetery.

James trainer was a tailor by trade. Date of his marriage to Parthena is not known, but they were married prior to 1830 and made the migration to Platte county Missouri with the rest of the Gladden clan. During the migration, according to Truman Murphy’s account, the family camped for a few days at a schoolhouse, which was vacant during the summer. It was here that Parthena gave birth to her first child, who died after their arrival in Platte county.

It is difficult to keep from being sympathetic to the plight of James Trainer, even though any conclusions are strictly speculation. Platte county was the frontier in 1830, and it seems unlikely that there was any great demand for his professional skills as a tailor. Reading between the lines leads one to conclude that he was forced to work at other activities in order to support his family. He did according to family legend continue to make clothing when needed, and was quite proud of his trade. The writer has the “Tailors Iron” which he brought from Tennessee to Missouri. As related earlier he cut himself with a hemp hook while harvesting that crop, and died as a result of “Blood Poisoning” which infected the wound.

Following the death of James Trainer, Parthena moved to Mercer county where she was near her sisters Sarah, Jane, and Margaret, mentioned above. Her mother accompanied the family and apparently lived with Parthena at least part of the time. The farm where they lived (just east of Modena) was still in the Trainer family as late as the 1860’s. While living in the Modena area, she married the third time to Lish Everett. (Second marriage in Platte county was very brief). The union did not succeed, and she spent the rest of her life as a widow in the Modena neighborhood. Children of James and Parthena Trainer were:

a. Green Andrew Harvey Trainer: born February 25, 1845 in Platte county, died October 8, 1911 Modena Mo. Married 1^st to Druzilla Horn. 2^nd to Sarah Huff.

b. Demaras Missouri Ann trainer: born Dec. 31, 1849, died February 25, 1925. Married Andrew Wethered. Moved to Moscow, Idaho where they spent the rest of their lives.

c. Martha Elizabeth Jane Trainer: See GENERATION III: STONER FAMILY.

THE JORDAN FAMILY

Of

England-Maryland-Ohio-Missouri

GENERATION I: JOHN JORDAN. The life of this ancestor represents one, which was filled with unique experiences. He was kidnapped in England, brought to America, and sold as an indentured servant to a man in New York. It is believed that he was about eleven years of age at the time, and that he arrived some 20 years prior to the Revolution. His later life suggests that his master saw to it that John had some education or training, so he could be considered fortunate in that respect. After serving his period of bondage, he moved to Baltimore, where he reared a family, and spent the rest of his life. The name of his wife is not known at this time. He lived to the age of 105, which is unusual even now, and even more so in his time.

GENERATION II: CALEB JORDAN, born 1773 in Baltimore, died 1845 in Ohio. Married August 11, 1798 to Rachel Wagers (1778-1856). According to Vilas Young, in his history of the Stoner family, Caleb and his family moved from Maryland to Belmont county Ohio in 1817, but left shortly afterwards to settle in Adams township of Muskinghum county Ohio. He was successful in his farming and business ventures and a respected member of the community in which he lived. A hired man named Jacob Stoner was attracted by Nancy, one of Caleb and Rachel’s eight children. Courtship and marriage followed.

GENERATION III: NANCY JORDAN. Stories passed down in the family relate that Nancy did not think it fitting for a young woman to be courted by a “hired” hand. Consequently she gave Jacob Stoner a rough time. However, persistence, good looks or something won out and they were married February 11, 1819. Certainly Nancy was a strong individual. As indicated earlier Jacob died while the clan was migrating from Ohio to Missouri. Nonetheless she continued on the trip, and even though she was in her mid-fifties, had given birth to at least ten children, she bought land as soon as she arrived in Harrison county Missouri. See GENERATION II: STONER FAMILY.

THE MERCIER-WAGERS-JACKS-POWELL-WILDON FAMILIES

Of

France-Maryland

Since very little information is available concerning the above families, who were in this country at an early date the format has been changed to conserve space, and hopefully clarify their connection with the clan members mentioned on preceding pages. Research by Vivian Nation Pritchard, and Amber Stoner Culp has confirmed family details given below.

Elizabeth Powell was married on February 16, 1696-97 to Christopher Waters, who was Military Officer of Anne Arundel county Maryland. Two children, Anna, and Christopher Waters Jr. were born of this marriage, which ended in his death prior to 1704. Elizabeth married the second time on September 9, 1704, to Thomas Jacks (Jaques). Children were Thomas Jr.; Elizabeth; Richard; and Barbara; who was baptized September 21, 1712.

Barbara jacks was married to Luke Mercier (Mercer) on August 1, 1738. Luke Mercier born 1714 was the son of Francis Mercier who was born in Versailles, France. When Francis arrived in this country is not known, but he served as the Secretary of a committee that formed the conformed first free schools of Maryland. He was married to Margaret Wildon (Weldon) in 1713, who was a Huguenot refugee.

Children of Luke Mercier and Barbara Jacks included: Francis Mercier; Richard Mercier; Andrew Mercier; Weldon Mercier; Elizabeth; and Ann Mercier who married William Wagers. William and Ann Wagers were the parents of Rachel Wagers who married Caleb Jordan; See GENERATION II: JORDAN FAMILY.

The manner in which the material on the following pages has been condensed does not imply that the distaff side of the family is of less importance than the family lines on preceding pages. It does indicate that much less information is available. Birthdates, date of death, marriage, and many other details are missing. However getting the incomplete material together on these pages seemed like a worthwhile effort, since it might facilitate research by some family member interested in additional information.

THE BROWN FAMILY

Of

Kentucky-Missouri

GENERATION I: HUDSON BROWN and his wife Nancy Clarkson Brown were among the early settlers in Boone county Missouri. They were married in Kentucky on January 23, 1812 and apparently migrated along with followers of Daniel Boone’s family to the Boone county area. Their arrival date is not known, but was somewhere between 1817, and 1820, or before Missouri became a state. They settled northwest of Columbia. Hudson died sometime prior to 1825 and Nancy remarried to Elijah Foley, on December 1 of that year.

GENERATION II: PRESLEY BROWN, son of Hudson and Nancy Brown was the first of the clan to be born in Boone county. Exact date of his birth is not certain, but was about 1821. He was married January 18, 1855 to Ann Oliver, who was born in 1832. She was the daughter of Isaac Oliver and Polly Downey Oliver. Isaac Oliver was born in 1786 in North Carolina, the son of Isaac Oliver Sr. He died in 1871. Polly Downey Oliver who was born in 1792 was the daughter of William Downey and Eliza Davis Downey. The Presley Brown’s resided on a farm northwest of Columbia, on what is now designated Route E.

GENERATION III: ISAAC HUDSON BROWN the son of Presley and Ann Brown was born July 24, 1857. He apparently was named for his grandfathers. He was married on September 6, 1883 to Nancy Jane Watson, See WATSON FAMILY. The resided on the Watson farm northwest of Columbia on what is now Route E. Isaac developed cancer of the face at a relatively early age, and died August 3, 1905. He was buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Nancy Jane died April 12, 1947, and was buried in Memorial cemetery Columbia. Their children included:

a. Letha Brown: married Tilford Toalson, children: Dorothy Toalson, married James E. Akeman.

b. Oliver B. Brown: See GENERATION IV.

c. Betty Brown: married first William Hulen; Children: Lloyd Hulen. 2^nd to Austin Pierce; Children: Eugene Pierce, and Roger Pierce.

d. Hudson brown: married Nan Hartley; Children: Faye married ? Love and Fern married “Buster” Barnhauser.

e. Nellie Brown: married Albert Coleman; Children: Russell, and Gladys (Jack Atkinson).

GENERATION IV: OLIVER BARRON BROWN, was born August 4, 1886 and died November 20, 1965. Buried in Memorial Park cemetery, Columbia. He was married December 4, 1907 to Letha Agnes Hawkins. See HAWKINS FAMILY. For many years he operated a farm on Perche Creek at what is now the northwest edge of Columbia. He then accepted a position as supervisor of the Special Road District which included the county roads around the city of Columbia. He continued to serve in that position until a few months before his death. Letha Hawkins Brown was born on October 14, 1889. Their children and grandchildren include:

a. Abram D. brown: married first Frances Lane; Children: Robert Brown. Second Ila Mae York Kurtz; no children.

b. Allene Brown: married first Glenn Denham; children: Glenda Kay Denham; second Alva L. Preston Jr.; children: Jane Racine Preston; See GENRATION V: PRESTON FAMILY.

c. Racine Brown: married Loring B. Clark; no children; currently living Escondido, California.

d. Thelma Brown: married William B. Courton of Centralia, Mo. Currently resides Escondido, Calif. One child Danny Courton.

THE WATSON FAMILY

Of

Maryland-Virginia-Missouri

GENERATION I: WALTER WATSON, born in Prince Georges county Maryland in 1760, and died 1855 in Albemarle county Virginia. He served in the Revolutionary War as a soldier in the Maryland forces. He was married on December 23 to Ann (Nancy) Naylor also of Prince Georges county. When they moved from Maryland to Albemarle county Virginia is not known, but they were living in the latter location by the early 1800’s.

Children of Walter and Ann Watson included: James Batson married Mildred Rodes; Lettice, married Edmund Walton; Benjamin Naylor married Wealthy Rundle; Elizabeth married Thomas Thurston; Nancy married John Allen Norris; Margaret married William Walter Norris; and Catherine Watson.

GENERATION II: CATHERINE WATSON, the daughter of Walter and Ann Watson was born in 1785 in Maryland. She died ca 1855-59 in Albermarle county Virginia. She married her cousin James Watson who was born ca 1780. Children of their marriage included: Peter; William; Benjamin Baden; James; Elizabeth who married Benjamin Lane; Hezikiah married Mary Jane Hudson; Catherine; and Walter Watson Jr. By the 1830’s many of the Watson family had moved to Boone county Missouri. Included were James Batson, Benjamin Naylor, Elizabeth and Thomas Thurston, Nancy and John Allen Norris, and Margaret Baden and William Norris.

Catherine and James Watson did not make the move to Boone county. Their son, James, appears to have been the first of their children to make the move. He marred in Boone county to Nancy Harris, daughter of Tyre Harris, on may 8, 1834. One son, Tyre Harris Watson, was born of this marriage. Nancy died at an early age, and James remarried to Mary F. Johnson. The older children of Catherine and James eventually moved to this are, and it appears James might have relocated here following the death of Catherine, but this has not been documented.

GENERATION III: WALTER WATSON Jr., born February 24, 1811 in Albemarle county Virginia, and died in Boone county February 11, 1886. He was married on November 6, 1837 to Elizabeth Murray. She was born April 8, 1818 in Virginia. She was the daughter of Hudson Murray, and Margaret Walton. Elizabeth died April 8, 1881. Children of their marriage included at least the following: Sarah who married Milton Nichols; Martha who married David Hatton; Elizabeth who married James Rice; Margaret who married Mack Barkwell; John married Alice McBaine; and Nancy Jane Watson.

When Walter Watson Jr. arrived in Boone county with his family he purchased land northwest of Columbia (S1/2 of SW1/2 of Section 17, T49 R13) where he resided until his death. The land has remained in the family, and is currently owned by two of his descendents.

GENERATION IV: NANCY JANE WATSON, born February 14, 1865 in Boone county Missouri. The Walter Watson farm was located near the Presley Brown farm which undoubtedly facilitated the courtship of Isaac Hudson Brown which resulted in their marriage on September 6, 1883, See GENERATION III: BROWN FAMILY.

THE HAWKINS FAMILY

Of

Kentucky-Missouri

GENERATION I: JAMES (JIMMY) HAWKINS, was born ca 1789 presumably in Madison county Kentucky, although the birthplace is subject to error. He died in Boone county Missouri on January 11, 1864. He was married September 12, 1810 to Nancy Tomblin, who was born ca 1788, and died October 25, 1871. Both are buried in the New Providence cemetery. Nancy Tomblin Hawkins was the daughter of Joel Tomblin.

There was almost a mass migration from the Madison county Kentucky area to Boone county Missouri during the 1880 period. James and Nancy Hawkins were among the families who made the move. No effort has been made to determine the date of their arrival in this area, but presumably it was in the 1830’s. They settled land on Callahan Creek northwest of Columbia. (SE part Sec 13 T49N R14W). This particular tract of land has a rather unique history, in that the first white men to come to this area found a man living near a spring located on this particular farm. According to the history of Boone county he appeared to have been there for a considerable period of time, but settlers were unable to find out how long, where he came from, etc. Some suspected he was part Indian. His name a Callaham and the creek that flows through the farm was named after him, but is quite often spelled Callahan.

The number of children in the James and Nancy Hawkins family has not been determined, but there were at least three sons, Joel, Harrison, and Elijah. Undoubtedly there were others. Harrison Hawkins, apparently moved to Chariton county Missouri.

GENERATION II: JOEL HAWKINS, was born December 8, 1814 in Kentucky and died October 24, 1901. He married Zerelda Ellen Little on April 9, 1840. he was the daughter of Joseph M. Little (April 4, 1794 – August 18, 1852) and Winifred (Winiford) Short (April 14, 1822 – April 5, 1884). Joel and Zerelda spent their lives operating the farm on Callahan Creek settled by his father. Both Joel and Zerelda Ellen, as well as her parents are buried in the Bethlehem cemetery northwest of Columbia.

Children in the family included: William who is reported to have been killed in the army. Other sons were James; John; George; and Abram D. Daughters included: Sallie who married George Wilhite, and Nannie who married Frank Goslin.

GENERATION III: ABRAM D. HAWKINS, was born in Boone county on April 25, 1856 and died June 15, 1931. He married first to Cora Fenton who died at an early age. There was one son of this first marriage who died as a young unmarried man. He married the second time to Ammie Kessiah King who was born Sept. 9, 1866 and died Nov. 15, 1954. Both are buried in Memorial park Cemetery, Columbia, Missouri.

Abram D. Hawkins was the third generation to operate the farm on Callahan Creek, which had been settled by his grandfather. He was a good and prudent farmer and became one of the wealthy farmers of his time. He retired in the early 1900’s and moved to Columbia where he resided at 402 North Eighth Street, until his death of a heart attack.

Children of Abram D. and Annie K. Hawkins were: Shannon, who married Roxie Fenton; on son Horace; Letha Agnes, who married Oliver B. Brown, See GENERATION IV: BROWN FAMILY; and Hartley who married Myrtle Lee McLeish; no children.

THE KING FAMILY

Of

Kentucky-Missouri

GENERATION I: JAMES KING, was another native of Kentucky, who brought his family to Boone county Missouri. He settled on a farm, which now lies within the northwest corner of Columbia (S 34 T49N R13W and S 3 T48N R13W). Currently the portion of the farm which lies north of Route E is occupied by a rock quarry operated by Harold E. Johnson and son. The portion which lies south of the road is partially devoted to commercial enterprises, and partially by a housing subdivision, now under development.

Little is known of the King family, but as best as can be learned, they were a highly respected, well-educated family. No effort has been made to determine if Austin King, who was elected Governor while a resident of the county was a relative of this branch of the King clan. James King was married first to Kessiah Penic (Penick). His second marriage on December 26, 1841 was to Nancy Grant. He died March 9, 1859 at the age of 62 years, 4 months and 22 days. Kessiah died December 15, 1840 aged 38 years, 9 months and 20 days. Both were buried in the King family cemetery, which was located on the southern portion of the King farm. This particular piece of land was sold in the 1960’s, and the cemetery bulldozed to make way for construction of an asphalt plant.

Fortunately the tombstone inscriptions had been recorded and are on file in the Missouri Historical Society Library.

The children of James and Kessiah King included at least the following: Charles; William; James; Lafayette; and John. A daughter Emily who may have married a Rowland, appears to have been born of his second marriage.

GENERATION II: JAMES KING JR., was born July 16, 1833 in Kentucky and died July 7, 1899. He married March 25, 1860 to Susan F. Pace who was born June 25, 1839 and died October 25, 1915. She too was a member of a prominent Boone county family. Her father was Richard R. Pace II, the some of Richard R. Pace I and his wife whose maiden name was Lucas. Her mother was Elizabeth Proctor daughter of Micajah Gibson Proctor and his wife Nancy Sullins.

James and Susan King continued to live on the King farm, where they reared a family of ten children. Included were: Edgar who moved to California. Everert who remained unmarried. James W. who moved to Minnesota. William Russell who moved to Kansas. Ella married to Ples Snelling and moved to South Carolina. Carrie who married to Tilford Murray. Claude married Johnnie Thurston. Susie married Emmett Crews. Ada who died unmarried apparently in her teens and Annie Kessiah.

GENERATION III: ANNIE KESSIAH KING, was a most remarkable woman, and the only one of the clan that the writer was privileged to know. She was a calm collected individual, and possessed of an unusual sense of humor even at an advanced age. Moreover she never lost her zest for living, and was active to her last day. She has a thing going with her granddaughter, Allene Brown, in that the latter practically lived with her during her school years. It became a reciprocal arrangement after school was completed, and Annie K. as the writer liked to call her lived with Allene. Her presence in the household made an important contribution. See GENERATION III: HAWKINS FAMILY.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A complete and accurate list of all the publications used as reference for the material presented on the foregoing pages is impossible. A partial list of books, many with the authors name missing is given below. They were found on the shelves of the following libraries: Missouri Historical Society, Illinois Historical Society, Springfield; Ohio Historical Society, Columbus; DAR Library, Washington D.C.; Public Libraries in: Knoxville, Tenn.; Cincinnati, Ohio; Western Reserve Library, Cleveland, Ohio; Coshocton, Ohio; Mt. Vernon, Ohio; Maryville, Ohio; and Pekin, Illinois. Most of the information came from county histories, and from official records including Probate Court, Recorder of Deeds, Marriage Records, Newspaper Files, Records of Cemetery Inscriptions and the U.S. Census as listed below:

Roster of Ohio Soldiers in the War of 1812 – Ohio Adj. General.

History of Bedford and Somerset Co. Penn.

Encyclopedia Americana

Maryland Historical Society Archives

The Murphy-Kirby-Casper Family – C.T.L. Murphy

Genealogical Notes of New York and New England Families – Talcott

Anne Arundel Gentry – Newman

DAR Patriot Index

Preston Family – Anderson

Preston Family, Cumberland Co. N.J. Craig.

The Family of Jacob and Nancy Stoner – Young

History of Athens County – Walker

Compendium American Genealogy – Virkus

Maryland calendar of Wills – Baldwin

Watson-Westlake Papers – Western Manuscripts Collection Mo. Historical Society

Abstract of Wills – Albemarle County Va. – King

New Jersey in 1793 – Norton

Wills & Adm. Of Boone County Missouri – Evans & Thompson

County Histories Probate Court, Land and marriage Records – Harrison, Platte, Mercer, Boone Counties Missouri, Tazewell Co. Ill., Coshocton, Knox Marion, Logan, Union, Ross, Athens, Muskinghum, and Washington Counties Ohio; Somerset and Bedford County Penn.

U.S. Census Records – Greene County Tenn. 1810-20-30

Somerset Co. Pa. 1790-1800-10-20.

Dorchester County Maryland – 1790-1800-10

Athens Co. Ohio – 1820-30-40

Ross Co. Ohio – 1820-30

Logan Co. Ohio – 1830-40-50

Union Co. Ohio – 1850-60

Marion Co. Ohio 1850-60

Muskinghum & Coshocton Co’s Ohio – 1820-30-40-50-60

Knox Co. Ohio – 1840-50-60

Tazewell Co. Ill. – 1850-60-70

Harrison, Mercer, Platte, Boone Co’s Mo. – 1850-60-70-80

Record of Cemetery Inscriptions – Boone County Missouri

Marriage Records – Madison County Kentucky

Tombstone inscriptions – Blythedale, Ridegeway, Mt. Moriah, Lloyd (Stoner) Cemeteries – Harrison Co., Missouri.

Goshen Cemetery, Mercer County, Mo., Bequeath Cemetery, Tazewell Co. Ill.

Obituaries – Harrison and Boone Co. Missouri.

Newspaper Files Missouri Historical Society.

Surname index

Ader.......................................... 38

Akeman................................. 6, 85

Alexander.................................. 58

Allen............ 41, 50, 88, 89, 7, 8, 9

Allman...................................... 59

Anderson................... 6, 44, 73, 97

Ash..................................... 55, 66

Athens...................................... 71

Atkinson.................................... 86

Avery......................................... 52

Baden....................................... 88

Baker................................ 57, 5, 6

Ball 4, 11, 72, 73, 74, 75, 5, 7, 8, 9

Bargen...................................... 47

Barkwell.................................... 90

Barnhauser................................ 85

Beal.......................................... 49

Bears........................................ 66

Bennett..................................... 45

Berns........................................ 53

Bickel.................................... 6, 55

Biggs........................................ 71

Bishop.................................. 5, 47

Blanton..................................... 76

Blum......................................... 46

Bly............................................ 55

Boone 18, 21, 34, 84, 89, 90, 91, 92, 94, 95, 98

Boydston................................... 76

Boyer.................................... 6, 74

Boyles........................... 15, 17, 55

Bride......................................... 38

Bridge................................. 65, 66

Brown 4, 50, 84, 85, 86, 87, 90, 93, 96, 5

BROWN.... 1, 2, 84, 85, 86, 90, 93

Burns........................................ 46

Butterfield................................. 47

Callaham.................................. 92

Callahan................................... 92

Camp........................................ 46

Casper............... 72, 74, 75, 76, 97

Casts........................................ 66

Chanbers................................... 41

Chruma..................................... 67

Clark................................... 59, 87

Clarkson.................................... 84

Cokenhour................................. 51

Coleman................................... 86

Collins...................................... 66

Conley...................................... 71

Copeland.................................. 39

Coplen................................ 38, 39

Coulter.......................... 73, 7, 8, 9

Courton..................................... 87

Craft......................................... 41

Cravens..................................... 73

Crews........................................ 95

Cullison..................................... 39

Culp................................ 6, 61, 82

Denham........................ 22, 50, 86

Dinsmore............................. 38, 49

Dinwiddle............................ 22, 50

Downey..................................... 84

Essex.................................. 70, 71

Everett...................................... 79

Ewing........................................ 15

Fancher..................................... 61

Farnsworth............................. 73, 7

Fenton...................................... 93

Field......................................... 71

Fisher........................................ 42

Flood........................................ 59

Foley......................................... 84

Fredrickson................................ 44

Fritz...................................... 6, 55

Gibberson.................................. 51

Gibson...................................... 95

Giles......................................... 45

Girdner................... 72, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Gladden. 11, 12, 72, 74, 75, 76, 78

Golden...................................... 52

Goodin...................................... 59

Goslin....................................... 92

Green................. 74, 76, 79, 7, 8, 9

Grubbs...................................... 73

Gun.................................... 66, 71

Hall.......................................... 19

Hansen..................................... 55

Harris............................ 20, 21, 89

Harrold................................ 23, 41

Hartley................................ 85, 93

Hatton...................................... 89

Hawkins......... 4, 50, 86, 91, 92, 93

HAWKINS...... 1, 2, 86, 91, 92, 96

Hershman.................................. 58

Hickman.................................... 67

Hillyard..................................... 49

Hobbs....................................... 61

Holland..................................... 73

Horn......................................... 79

Hudson.............. 84, 85, 88, 89, 90

Huff.......................................... 79

Hulen........................................ 85

Hultz......................................... 41

Jacks........................... 4, 7, 82, 83

JACKS....................................... 82

Jacobs...................................... 59

Jaques.................................. 7, 82

Johnson............. 21, 38, 58, 89, 94

Jones............................ 52, 54, 55

JONES...................................... 54

Jordan............................. 4, 59, 83

JORDAN............... 1, 2, 80, 81, 83

Kakacek.................................... 45

Keith............................. 49, 54, 55

Kessiah......................... 93, 94, 95

King.................... 4, 93, 94, 95, 97

Kinnison........................ 22, 67, 68

Kurtz......................................... 86

Lambert.................................... 58

Lane................................... 86, 88

Lang......................................... 54

Langrell................................. 69, 4

Langurl..................................... 69

Lark.......................................... 44

Leazenby................................... 59

Lingrel................... 4, 66, 69, 70, 4

Lingril....................................... 69

Lingurl...................................... 69

Little......................................... 92

Lower........................................ 54

Lowry........................................ 52

Lucas........................................ 95

Mabe........................................ 59

Maple....................................... 61

Marsh....................................... 57

McBaine................................... 90

McCall...................................... 61

McCoy...................................... 49

McCune................... 15, 16, 17, 64

McLeish.................................... 93

McMahan................................. 38

McNair............................ 6, 51, 53

McNAIR.................................... 53

Melton...................................... 58

Mercer...................................... 82

Mercier............................ 4, 82, 83

MERCIER.................................. 82

Merrifield....................... 41, 43, 58

Meyer.................................... 47, 5

Middleton.............................. 61, 2

Miles............................. 12, 75, 76

Milliron..................................... 43

Minch....................................... 55

Montgomery.............................. 46

Morris....................................... 18

Mossburg.................................. 58

Murphy...................... 5, 74, 78, 97

Murray.......................... 19, 89, 95

Naylor................................. 88, 89

Nellis........................................ 44

Nichols..................................... 89

Norris...................... 18, 49, 88, 89

O’Hearn..................................... 44

Oliver............................ 84, 85, 93

Pace......................................... 95

Palen........................................ 58

Parrish...................................... 55

Pearce................................... 73, 5

Penic........................................ 94

Penick....................................... 94

Peterson.................................... 50

Phelps....................................... 54

Phillips................................ 22, 46

Pierce.................................... 85, 6

Pittman..................................... 61

Pool.......................................... 61

Powell............................... 4, 7, 82

POWELL.................................... 82

Preston 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 14, 22, 23, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 67, 86, 97

PRESTON 1, 2, 34, 37, 39, 42, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54, 61, 67, 86

Pritchard............................... 6, 82

Proctor...................................... 95

Reeder...................................... 58

Rees...... 22, 35, 38, 40, 41, 43, 67

Rice.................................... 49, 89

Ritchie...................................... 41

Robinson............................. 40, 71

Rodes....................................... 88

Rogers...................................... 70

Roop........................................ 59

Ross.............. 59, 64, 70, 73, 98, 5

Rowland.................................... 95

Rundle...................................... 88

Sapp........................................ 52

Schfuler.................................... 42

Schumacher.............................. 61

Sheets...................................... 47

Sherer....................................... 57

Shino........................................ 39

Shipley...................................... 61

Shoemaker................................ 73

Short........................................ 92

Shurtz....................................... 57

Smith.................................. 49, 61

Snelling............................... 59, 95

Snyder...................................... 61

Starr......................................... 44

Steiner................................ 56, 59

Stiner.................................. 23, 67

Stoner 4, 5, 13, 22, 23, 48, 56, 57, 58, 61, 65, 74, 80, 81, 82, 97, 98

STONER... 1, 2, 56, 58, 60, 80, 81

Stricker..................................... 54

Stull......................................... 42

Sullins...................................... 95

Sullivan..................................... 70

Tambke..................................... 47

Taylor........... 22, 23, 49, 59, 65, 67

Thornton................................... 71

Thurston.................. 19, 88, 89, 95

Tilford.............................. 6, 85, 95

Titsworth.............................. 13, 71

Toalson................................. 6, 85

Tomblin..................................... 91

Trainer 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 48, 60, 75, 78, 79, 80

Vandell..................................... 53

VanMatre.................................. 54

VanOrsdale................................ 66

Wagers............................ 4, 80, 83

WAGERS................................... 82

Wallace..................................... 65

Walton..................... 19, 59, 88, 89

Warren...................................... 15

Washington 58, 59, 63, 71, 72, 97, 98

Waters................................... 7, 82

Watson 4, 18, 19, 20, 21, 85, 88, 89, 90, 97

WATSON........ 1, 2, 85, 88, 89, 90

Weldon................................ 82, 83

Welter....................................... 69

Westlake.............................. 20, 97

Wethered............................. 44, 79

Wier.......................................... 59

Wilcox................................. 39, 52

Wildon.................................. 4, 82

WILDON.................................... 82

Wilhite................................. 21, 92

Williams..................... 12, 75, 76, 3

Wilson........................... 49, 58, 69

Wright 4, 10, 15, 22, 23, 42, 43, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66, 70, 3

WRIGHT..... 1, 2, 63, 64, 66, 71, 2

York.......................................... 86

Young............ 6, 38, 56, 58, 80, 97

APPENDIX A – Referenced on page 57

According to: http://www.heritagepursuit.com/GarwoodMinnie.htm

Elisha WRIGHT was born about 1782 in New York. He died in Athens Co, Ohio. He was married to Rachel Sterling CONE in March 1801 in Plymouth Area., Chenango Co., New York.2 He was divorced from Rachel Sterling CONE.

13. Rachel Sterling CONE was born on July 16, 1786 in Middleton, Middlesex Co., Ct..2

Elisha WRIGHT and Rachel Sterling CONE had the following children:

i. Elisha Cone WRIGHT was born on July 7, 1802 in New York. He died on May 10, 1867 in Harrison Co., Missouri.2 They lived in Athens County until the 1850's when they moved to Harrison County, Mo. Internet post by Charles Ray (Charles r@nmail.epcc.edu

ii. James S. WRIGHT was born about 1807 in New York.

iii. Rachel S. WRIGHT2 was born before 1810.

6 iv. Samuel S. WRIGHT.

v. WRIGHT was born before 1820.

vi. J. A. WRIGHT was born before 1820.

APPENDIX B

(Note: According to the James W. Grace web page: http://www.geocities.com/jimsancestry/MtVictoryCem.html ,

Elisha and Eleanor are buried in Pioneer Cemetery, Mt. Victory, OH.)

These are the stones of my GGGGgrandfather Elisha Wright, father of Elisha C. Wright, and his second wife Eleanor Howard. These were taken in June 2001 by Doris Williams, like myself a decendant of Elisha and Rachel, his first wife, and sent to me by Larry Wright.

APPENDIX C

Found in the 1800 Dorchester County, Maryland Federal Census record.

Major Lingrel=William Langrell=Mathew Langrell=James Langwall=James Langwell

APPENDIX D

From: http://www.gizwebs.com/brown-baker/isaacbaker_gedcom/np7.html

Note for:   Michael Girdner,   1754 - 23 DEC 1814          Index

---

Burial:
     Place:   Greene County, TN

Individual note:

The Gurtner (Gertner, Girdner) emigrated from the area around Bern, now Switzerland, in the 1720's. Peter Gurtner of Oberweil emigrated to Virginia in about 1724. Jerig (George) Gertner was among a group of Palatines who arrived in Philadelphia Sept 4, 1728 on the ship Albany, Heinrich Gurtner was a passenger arriving August 19, 1729 on the ship Mortonhouse, and Christian Gurdner arrived August 18, 1750 on the ship Phoenix. the best guess of Gurtner researchers is that George is the emigrant in our line.

David Gurtner was a farmer living in Heidelberg Township, Northampton County, PA. He was on the tax roll in 1764 and on the Muster Roll of the Northampton County Militia in 1777. According to family tradition he was also a joiner or cabinet maker. He is referred to in family histories as a little old dutchman whose back was as straight as a fence rail. He was married to a woman named Christina. One of their children was Michael. After Christina's death David married Rachel Ross. Michael Gurtner, son of David, served in the Revolutionary War and married a "Yankee" woman named Hulda Beach. They were married in Pennsylvania by a Lutheran Minister January 15, 1782. In 1792, this family moved to Greene County, Tennessee and a story of the long trip is in Conrad Girdner's obituary. In 1796, David and Christina also came to Tennessee. Both Michael and David received land grants from the State of North Carolina/Tennessee. Note: Above from Dorothy Baker file on Girdner family.

RECORDS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM COMMISSION - DIVISION OF ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS - REVOLUTIONARY WAR MILITARY ABSTRACTS CARD FILE CA. 1775-1783 - MITCHELL (MICHAEL) GURTNER,Private, Northampton County, Unit- 6th Bn. - Lt. Col. Nicholas Karn, Class 2nd, time of service - April 18 - May 27, 1782, 40 days, Company Commander Capt. William Meyer, Duty - "on the Frontiers ... for Two months Service" - 21 days served by Certificate. Substituted for John Schaffer. M/R, Penn Township, May 27, 1782. A (5) VIII, 489-492. The Basic Record Proves Active Duty.

After Michael Girdner died, Hulda married Lewis Ball. He died in 1832, returning Hulda's land to her that she had before she married him. She then deeded it to her son, providing she would care for her. Hulda lived to be in her 80's, supposably living with her daughter Christina for awhile.. she died around 1852.

Christina Gurtner married William Baker in 1808, after Daniel Dunn had taken out a license to marry her only 3 days earlier, with both fathers as securities. William Baker died in 1814 on the Gulf Coast, while a soldier (War of 1812), leaving Christina with two small children, John & Delila. Christina subsequently married Daniel Pearce, Jr. in Greene County, TN., and not too much later they moved to McMinn County, TN, (opened by treaty of 1819). In 1825, Daniel Pearce went to Court in McMinn County on John & Delila Baker's behalf, for any benefits coming to William Baker for his service in the War of 1812. Bounty Land Warrant No. 25856 was issued for 160 acres of land in Arkansas, somewhere near Arkansas Post.

Christina and Daniel continued to live in McMinn County and after Daniel's death, Christina lived with her children. She was still living at the time of the 1870 census, shown to be age 76.

Submitted by Dorothy Baker, edited by Byron Brown.

From: http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/mckstorygird1.htm

Michael Girdner
Parents:  David & Christina Girdner

Born in 1755 in NorthamptonCo, Pennsylvania 

Died December 23 1814 GreeneCo, Tennessee

Married June 15 1782 in PA

Huldah Beach
Parents:  Nathan and Desire Bigsby Beach

Born before January 20 1766 in BerkshireCo, Massachusetts 

Died June 21 1858 in McMinnCo, Tennessee

Children
David Girdner (1784-1864) (m. 1805 Elizabeth Parman) Conrad Isaac Girdner (1787-1882) (m. 1. 1807 Eve Elizabeth George 2.  1804 Lydia Bowers) Joseph Ashley (1790-1874) (m.  1. Anne Laide 2.   1809 Anna Lauderdale) Christina (abt 1792-abt 1875) (m. 1. 1808 William Baker 2. 1816 Daniel Pierce Jr.)	Michael Jr. (1794-aft 1878) (m. 1824 Eliza Wear) Charlotte Elizabeth (Sally) (b. abt 1798) (m. Weston Pierce) George W. (b. 1802) (m. Elizabeth Ware) Mary Jane Nancy (1805-1900) (m. 1820 Landon McKeehan)

Michael was born in NorthamptonCo, PA where his German immigrant father David settled.  The family obviously maintained its German tradition particularly in language since Michael Girdner's will was written in German and contemporaries said he spoke with a heavy German accent.   According to grandson James Madison Girdner, he served the duration of the Revolutionary War.  Records indicate he served a year as private in 1781-1782.  Grandson James Madison Girdner's memoirs are a rich source of anecdotal and genealogical information within the Michael Girdner family, although probably not accurate to the letter.  J.M. Girdner suggests that his grandfather met and served with the brother of Huldah Beach possibly in Maine or Massachusetts which is the likely means by which he met and married her.  They are believed to have returned to the Girdner home in PA and married sometime after the war ended, but before the birth of first child David Girdner in 1784.  Huldah Beach was the daughter of Nathan and Desire Bixby Beach of BerkshireCo, MA, probably the village of Nobletown, a small town east of Stockbridge, MA east of the New York state line where she was baptised 20 Jan 1766 by Rev. Roger Viets, Rector of St. Andrews, Simsbury, CN. 

Michael and Huldah Beach Girdner and four children came with his father's family to Greene County, TN with two horses and a wagon in 1792 on a seven week journey according to Goodspeeds History of Tennessee.  After Michael Girdner Sr.’s death in 1815, Huldah Beach Girdner married Lewis Ball who died in 1832. A deed transfer from Monroe County in 1832 in which Huldah wills Michael Jr. land in Greene County providing he will take care of her for life indicates that Huldah may have spent her final years with son, Michael Jr., in Monroe County near daughter Nancy and son-in-law Landon McKeehan.  A number of documents in Monroe County indicate that Michael Girdner Jr. and family moved from Greene County to Monroe County, Tennessee the same time as the Landon McKeehan family in 1821.

Map State of Tennessee 1821

1781: Private in Capt. Phillip Shawder's Ranging Company, 10 Feb to 1 Jun 1782. PA Archives, series 3, vl. 23, p. 199, 294; vol. 3, p. 659; series 2, vol. 14, p. 581; Donation land records, book D-42, p. 154, Division of Archives & Manuscripts, Harrisburg, PA.

1792:  Move with family to GreeneCo, TN

1809: GreeneCo, TN:  Michael is willed $4 from father David Girdner.

1809-1817: Michael Girdner/Gurtner appears in court records on several juries and as a witness

1815:  Will of Michael Girdner Sr.  $5000 security bond was required by the court for Michael's will to be probated. The will was in German and translated in GreeneCo court records:

In the name of God Amen.  I, Michael Girdner of the County and State of Tennessee, being low in health but in sound memory and mindthrough the merces of God calling to mind that all men has to once die, I do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament. In the first place I recommend my soul to God that gave it and my body to be buried in a Cristian like manner. Next it is my wish that all my just debts to be paid and then it is my Will that my beloved wife Huldy shall have all my Estate both real and personal to do with as she pleaseth during her natural life and at her death what is left to be sold and equally divided amongst my son Conrad Girdner, Sally Girdner, George Girdner and Nancy Girdner. I also appoint Huldy Girdner and James Allen my sole Executrix and Executors. And I do hereby disannull all and every will and make and publish this to be my last Will and Testament Given under my hand and seal this 12th Day of October 1814. Signed Seal in the presence of Jacob Lince    Martin Linzt

1818: GreeneCo Court Records.  31 Jul Michael Girdner appointed guardian of George and Nancy Girdner, infant heirs of Michael Girdner, decd.

1830: Census Monroe Co Michael Girdner 100001-20001  Males 1 under 5, 1 30-40; females 2 under 5, 1 20-30. 

1830-1831:  GreeneCo, TN.  Huldah Beach Girdner sells 300 acres to David Farnsworth and 300 acres to Conrad Girdner 23 Oct 1830.    9 Feb 1831, she sold 300 acres to her son Michael.

1832: Will of Lewis Ball 12 May 1832 to wife Huldah, to have lands she had before I married her and money owed to me by James Allen in Greene Co. Negroes to be set free. To Thomas Ball, Painte Mountain land, then to his sons, John and Lewis. Four daughters Susanna Coulter, Martha Holland, Ann Ball and Elizabeth Saymaker, if still alive to divide what's left. Son John Ball to have my island tract of land then to go to Green Ball. Written 12 May 1832.  (A compiler’s note says that Huldah was widow of Michael Girdner Sr.)

1832: GreeneCo, TN Court Records.  7 November Huldah Ball, formerly Huldah Girdner, to Michael Girdner: condition that Michael care for Huldah her lifetime; land in Green Co. on Flag Branch formerly owned by Michael Girdner, Sr. Also personal property and an annuity of ninety six dollars on James Allen and Conrad Girdner, dec'd. by Lewis Ball to the said Huldah Ball.

1840: 1840 census Monroe Co Michael Girdner MonroeCo-195 2010001-212001 Males 2 under 5, 1 10-15, 1 40-50; females 2 under 5, 1 5-10, 2 10-15, 1 30-40

From: http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/TNGREENE/2002-03/1016763716

From: ingka55@aol.com
Subject: [TNGREENE] Re: Lewis Ball, b. ca 1760, died ca 1832 Greene CO, TN
Date: 21 Mar 2002 19:21:56 -0700

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
 
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
 
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ihB.2ACI/3722.1.1.1
 
Message Board Post:
 
Hi Glenda, thanks for your response, in the will of Lewis Ball of March 12 1832 , he talks about wife Hulda Girdner, son Thomas Ball and his sons
John and Lewis, four daughters : Susanna Coulter, Martha Holland {husband Hugh Holland}, Ann Ball and Elizabeth Saymaker, son John to have island tract, then go to Green Ball. Executors were: Hugh Holland, James Coulter,
,witnesses: William Ashley, Ann Ball, William Houston{my ancestor} Also in the taxrecords of Greeneco. of 1830 it says: Captain Parson's Company:
Ball Lewis: 660 acres on covecreek, 2 slaves
If you find anything else on him, please let me know.

From: nancurran47@comcast.net
Subject: [TNGREENE] Re: Lewis Ball, b. ca 1760, died ca 1832 Greene CO, TN
Date: 26 Mar 2002 11:52:28 -0700

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
 
Surnames: Ball, Holland, Coulter,Saymaker,Houston,Stephens, Allen, Beach
Classification: Query
 
Message Board URL:
 
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ihB.2ACI/3722.2
 
Message Board Post:

will by Lewis Ball,
LEWIS BALL 12 May 1832
To wife Huldah Beach, widow of Michael Girdner , to have all the lands
she had before I married her and money owed me by James Allen in Greene
Co. C ourt. Negroes to be set free. To Thomas Ball, Paint Mountain land,
then to sons John and Lewis.Four daughters :Susanna Coulter, Martha Holland,
Ann Ball and Elizabeth Saymaker if still alive to divide whats left. Son
John Ball to have my island tract of land, then go to Green Ball.
Executors :Hugh Holland, James Coulter
written 12 May 1832
Witnesses: William Ashley, Ann Ball, William Houston, Jacob Stephens.
Signed Lewis Ball
 
 Greene
Co.Tax list of 1830 from Capt. Parson's Comp, Lewis Ball owns 660 acres
of land on Cove Creek and he owned 2 slaves
 
 

APPENDIX E

http://members.tripod.com/~NSWFD/

http://www.rootsweb.com/~genepool/ballques.htm

http://www.rootsweb.com/~genepool/njrevol.htm