52 Ancestors Challenge - Week 12 - Howard Arthur Glesener, The Grandfather I Never Knew

Howard Arthur Glesener is the subject of this weeks 52 Ancestor Challenge.  He was the grandfather I never knew.  I started late on this post.  Thought it would be relatively easy to talk about my grandfather, but have come to realize, I haven't done that much research on the man.  Plus no one is around who can answer the hundreds of questions I currently have!!  It's one of the reasons I'm loving this challenge!  I'm looking at my ancestors in another light.  Not just through records, but looking for stories and trying to figure out who the person was.  Unfortunately, with my grandfather, I didn't ask the questions when I should have.  Now, I'm left to put the puzzle together.

   At the young age of just 40, he died of a heart attack.  My dad was still very little when his father died.  He was only six years old, and didn't have much to say about him.  It's possible, he didn't really remember much.  What he did say was that he was in pharmaceutical sales, he was in the army during WWII, and he played baseball for a St. Louis Cardinals farm team (he mentioned that last item very often).

Howard was the first, and only, son born to Frederick William Glesener and Elsie Justine Kutz, born August 8, 1916 in Chicago, Illinois.  His mother Elsie also died at a young age, just 48 years old.  Howard lived in Chicago, Illinois most of his life.  I'm not sure what his childhood was like.  The family moved homes each time a new census was taken, although they remained within the city of Chicago.  These are the addresses according to the US federal censuses found on Ancestry.com:

• 1920 - 2208 Iowa Street
• 1930 - 3549 Wrightwood Avenue (here, they were renting from Elsie's aunts Emma and Anna)
• 1940 - 3006 Linder Avenue

The 1940 federal census says he was in school at the age of 23.  I'm not sure what school it would have been, but he was living at home with his father, sister, and grandmother Caroline Grote Glesener, it was just after the death of his mother.

I asked a cousin of mine recently, if she remembered any details of my grandfather.  She said she thinks he played baseball right out of high school, but quit because he was homesick.  He was a "Southpaw," as she put it - a left-handed pitcher.  My dad was quite impressed with that.

I don't really remember even seeing a picture of him until I was in junior high.  My grandmother gave my mom a copy of the picture to the right.  Aren't they a cute couple??  It was taken on their wedding day, July 17th, 1943, in Chicago, IL.  Howard married Judith Helen Wilhelmina Westboy.  She was the daughter of Roy Westboy and Wilhelmina, or Minnie, Johansson.

Soon after they were married, they moved to Charleston, South Carolina.  I'm guessing this is due to his work in the Army.  Speaking of the Army, I can not find any paperwork showing he was drafted or enlisted.  I've just searched Ancestry.com and Fold3.com, but no luck.  What base would he have been stationed at?  I'm not sure either.  However, by August 14, 1944, they were living back in Illinois.  That is when their oldest child, Judith Kathleen Glesener, was born. 

By March 16, 1949 they had moved to 353 Marshall Avenue, Bellwood, IL.  I know this from pictures in my grandmother's scrapbook.  My dad, Rand Howard Glesener, was born that next year on August 25, 1950. 


Judith, Kathleen, and Howard

I found on a search through Ancestry.com, a copy of The Norwich Sun dated 12/20/1950.  In it, Norwich Pharmacal Co. listed the names of all their employees, wishing them a Merry Christmas.  The name "Howard Glesener" was listed.  I'm guessing he was a rep for the company, but I can't be positive.

My dad said by the time he was 2, they had moved to Los Angeles, California.  He mentioned they moved because my grandmother had a friend out there.  Not sure if that is the real reason, but she did live in California for a short time prior to marrying Howard.  It was here in 1953 they had one more child.

According to their children, there were tensions at home between Howard and Judith, but I'm not sure exactly what they were.  My cousin remembered him as "always cheerful and smiling, wonderful with children, kind and sweet..."  My dad didn't really describe his father other then the basic facts he knew. 

On November 4, 1956, at 11am, in their home at 4616 Pickford Street, in Los Angeles, Howard died of a "Coronary Arterial Thrombosis" due to "Coronary Arteriosclerosis."  His body was brought back to Chicago, where he was buried near other family members at Concordia Cemetery.

I know not having a father around was tough on his kids.  My dad never said so, but you could see that he felt he was missing something.  A child needs their father just as much as their mother growing up.  I have always wondered what my dad's life would have been like if his father would have been able to be there.  I know I really would have loved knowing him!

If you have any questions or concerns about the information in this post, please leave a comment.  Thank you for reading!!

Further research needed to do...

Writing this has made me realize I need to look into his life a bit more.  I've researched his name online, but I still have a list of questions I need to follow up on:

• Where did he attend school?
• Where exactly did he play baseball, and for how long?
• Did he enlist into the army, or was he drafted?  I can't seem to find a draft card or enlistment paperwork. 
• How long did he serve?  Did he have to go overseas at all during the war?



52 Ancestors Challenge - Week 11 - Palmira E. Jackson - South Carolina to Fayette County, Alabama

Continuing the 52 Ancestors Challenge, started by Amy Johnson Crow, I've decided to write about my 4th great grandmother Palmira/Palmyra Jackson.

About 15 years ago, my mom started researching our family tree online.  Based on a couple of sheets of paper that were torn out of a family bible, she was able to determine that her grandmother's, grandmother (her great, great grandmother) was Elizabeth Miles Vines.  But who were Elizabeth's parents?  Her mother and father were not listed on the pages, they began with Elizabeth and her husband John H.M. Vines (who I discussed in week 9).  Along with these bible pages, there was a letter written by John W. Miles to his sister Elizabeth Miles Vines dated September 27, 1877, from Fayette County, Alabama (copy shown below).

Eventually, she was able to stumble on to Elizabeth's parents names through copies of probate papers she received from a cousin.  They were copied at the Fayette County Courthouse in Alabama.  Her parents were Robert P. Miles and Palmira E.(F.) Miles.

Palmira E.(F.) Jackson Miles

We've spent many hours researching Palmira.  Who was she?  Where was she born?  Who were her parents?  The earliest record we could find of her was her marriage record to Robert P. Miles in Meriwether County, Georgia on May 16, 1833.  Here we see her maiden name was Jackson.

Marriage record of Robert P. Miles and Palmira Jackson May 16, 1833, Meriweather Co., GA
Image found on Familysearch.org, "Georgia, County Marriages, 1785-1950"
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-25508-20992-34?cc=1927197

We soon came to find that searching for a woman, with the maiden name of Jackson, prior to the 1850 census was very difficult!!  In the state of Georgia, the name Jackson is very common.  Many Jacksons also moved from Georgia to Alabama, just as Palmira and Robert did.  So who's line did she belong to??  To get this answer, we'll trace Palmira's life and what we do know.

We do know the names of the children of Robert and Palmira.  We've pieced these together through a couple different documents.

• Elizabeth b.1834, d.after 1891
• Lucinda b. 1835, d.1908
• Margaret (Maggie) b.1839, d. 1917
• Matilda Ann b.1840, d. 1857
• Absalom Jackson b.1841, d.1862
• John W. b.1841, d.1918
• Alevia b.184, d.unknown
• Robert Paul b.1847, d.1930
• William H. b.1849, d.1918

After Robert and Palmira were married, we can find an R. Miles living in Huey's District, Harris County, GA on the 1840 US federal census.  The family consisted of one male age 20-29, 2 females under the age of 5, 2 females age 5-9, and one female age 30-39. 

There is no 1850 federal census, with the family's names listed, that I can find.  I've spent many hours looking with no luck.  So, the next record we turn to is the Alabama state census of 1855.  Here there is a Robert Miles living in Beat 13, Tallapoosa County, Alabama.  In the household we now see 4 males under the age of 21, 1 male age 21 and over, 4 females under the age of 21, and one female age 21 and older.  Their oldest daughter, Elizabeth, was married in 1849 and living with her husband in Tallapoosa County by this time.

By the 1860 federal census, we can see the family has moved again.  They were now living in Eastern Division, Fayette County, Alabama.  In the household was Robert, Palmira, Maggie, John, Absalom, Alevia, Robert, and William, along with some others who were living with the family: Green Stow (the husband of their daughter, Matilda Ann, who passed away in 1857), and the Manasco family - William C., Sarah A., Davens J., James H., and Dorphus.  Palmira is listed as age 52, and born in Georgia.

Alabama had another state census in 1866.  The family was still living in Fayette at this time.  In the household we see 14 people: 2 males under age 10, 2 males age 10-20, one male age 20-30, one male age 70-80, one female under the age of 10, 4 females age 10-20, one female age 20-30, one female age 30-40, and one female age 50-60.  The reason the household was so large, was because their daughter Elizabeth moved back in with her parents after the death of her husband during the war.  She also brought with her, her 7 children.  Their daughter Lucinda was married and no longer living with the family.  She was living with her husband, William Marion Beckett.  Also on this census is some additional information pertaining to the Civil War.  Here we see 2 soldiers in the household died of sickness during the war, and one soldier was disabled.  We know the 2 soldiers that were killed were Robert and Palmira's son Absalom Jackson Miles, and their son-in-law, Elizabeth's husband, John H.M. Vines.  The disabled soldier was their son John W. Miles.  His application for pension says he was wounded in the right ankle during the "battle of Sharpsburg Maryland, September 17, 1862."

Robert and Palmira remained in Fayette County, and we can see them living there, in Township 17, on the 1870 federal census.  In the house with them were their children Alevia (written as Levi) and William.  The household listed next to theirs contained their daughter Elizabeth Vines and 5 of her children.

In May of 1874, Holland M. Bell began filing the paperwork for the probate of the estate of Robert P. Miles.  We don't know the exact day of his death, but according to the probate papers, it was in 1873.  He died without a will.  Holland M. Bell was the son-in-law of Robert and Palmira.  He married their daughter Margaret (Maggie) in 1866. 

Sometime before May of 1874, Robert and Palmira's daughters Elizabeth and Lucinda, along with their families, moved to White County, Arkansas.  At the beginning of this post I shared a copy of a letter written by John W. Miles to his sister Elizabeth Miles Vines who was residing in Arkansas at the time.  According to this letter, Palmira passed away September 24, 1877.  The letter also states she was buried next to her husband Robert.  Both were buried in the Fayette City Cemetery. 

To the right are some pictures we've taken of the headstones in Fayette City Cemetery.  This first picture is of Palmira's headstone.  Its almost unreadable.  The second picture shows (from left to right) Robert P. Miles (headstone is broken), Palmira E. Miles, and Robert Calvin Miles (infant son of John W. Miles and Victoria P. West Miles, grandson of Robert and Palmira, born 8/19/1886 and died 8/21/1886). 

For some reason, there are additional stones just lying around.  Behind these 3 stones in picture #2, maybe 10 to 15 feet, is the headstone of a Bell relative.  There is a concrete boarder around the grave of this individual.  Right behind the boarder and gravestone that says "Bell," is a small white stone with the initials P.E.F.M. (shown to the right).  It was just lying on the grass and looks out of place.  On another trip, it was propped on top of the concrete boarder. 

Within the boarder of that same "Bell" grave, is another small white stone that is just lying in the corner.  This particular stone has the initials R.P.M.  Why are there other stones with their initials on them?  Who placed them there, and where do they really belong??  I haven't been in contact with the church that takes care of this part of the cemetery yet.  You can see the two small stones in this last picture on the right. 

In this same cemetery, their daughter Margaret (Maggie) Miles Bell is buried and so is her husband Holland Middleton Bell.  Holland was a Civil War soldier, Fayette County Probate Judge from 1880 to 1892, and died at the age of 104 in 1943.

On September 29, 1877 Holland M. Bell started the paperwork to sell the remaining property owned by the estate of Robert P. Miles.  The land was set aside for his widow and was listed as "NE 1/4 of Section 29, T 16, R 12."  I've tried mapping this piece of property.  If I'm right, the property is south of the City of Fayette, and had the Sipsey River running through it on the west half, and County Road 35 running through the east half.  At the northeast corner of the property is where County Road 35 and Oak Grove Road meet.  Macedonia Baptist Church is just south of it on County Road 35.

So Which Jackson Family Does Palmira Belong to???

We finally made this discovery in 2010.  Palmira and Robert had twin sons.  They were the first born boys in their family.  For many years, we've believed Robert P. Miles father to be John Miles of Baldwin County, GA.  Since the other twin was named Absalom, it was natural for us to assume Palmira's father was probably named Absalom.  There were a couple of men named Absalom Jackson through out Georgia, but only one moved to Chambers County, AL in the 1830s.  We were able to get a copy of the will of Absalom Jackson who died in 1838 in Chambers County, AL.  However, this will only listed his wife, Abigail, and 3 daughters who were living at home: Abigail, Pheobe, and Mary.  Then I decided to contact the Alabama Department of Archives and History, and for a small fee, they were able to send me the entire probate file on him.  The first page listed all of his heirs.  He had 7 daughters, Palmira was listed as number 4!!  Robert P. Miles even signed for his wife's inherited property in the file!! 

So, now we are 100% certain that Palmira Jackson Miles is the daughter of Absalom Jackson.  However, I'm not 100% certain that she is the daughter of Abigail Jackson, the wife of Absalom when he died.  There is a gap of about 9 years between his 5th daughter and his 6th daughter.  So, I'm hesitant to make that conclusion.  But we do know that Palmira had 6 sisters, all of whom moved to Alabama with their families.  They were (I've included their married names): Elizabeth Brooks, Matilda Hamlin, Pheobe Thompson, Epsey Hamilton, Abigail Stephens, and Mary Tucker.  All lived in Chambers, Tallapoosa, and Fayette Counties in Alabama. 

Where exactly was Palmira born?  Not completely sure, but her father was from South Carolina and living in Jones County, Georgia by 1815.  Its very possible he could have been living in Baldwin County as early as 1807.  If he was, then Palmira, who was born about 1808, would have been born in Georgia.  But this is speculation right now.  I'm still working on Absalom's whereabouts.

But what does the E, or the F in her name mean?  We think the E might be for Elizabeth or Estella.  Both were names used throughout our family.  The F is completely foreign to me.  I wish I knew what it was for.  Always more questions!!!

So what line of Jacksons does her father Absalom descend from???  I'm still working on that.  Hopefully, we'll know soon enough!

If you have any questions, or concerns, about any of the information listed above, please leave a comment. I'd be happy to provide any additional information. Thanks for reading!!

52 Ancestors Challenge - Week 10 - Matilda Ann Miles - Not To Be Forgotten...

It's been 10 weeks now into 2014, and we're at our #10 post for the 52 Ancestors Challenge started by Amy Johnson Crow.  This week I've decided to focus on an individual who had been forgotten through time.  We've all probably come across these individuals throughout our research.  A distant family member who died before they should have.  Before having children and leaving a legacy to go on after them.  I feel it is our duty to write about these people, share their story, so they won't be forgotten.

In this case, I will be talking about the sister of my great, great, great grandmother.  Her name was Matilda Ann Miles.  Researching my family for many years, it was only recently that we came to find this Matilda was probably part of our line. 

Matilda was the daughter of Robert P. Miles and Palmira E. Jackson.  What year she was born exactly, I'm not sure.  Her tombstone is hard to read, but I believe it says she was born "January 1840."  If so, Robert and Palmira were living in Harris County, Georgia during the 1840 census.  So she would probably have been born somewhere around there.  She may have been named after Palmira's sister Matilda Jackson who married Jethro Hamlin.

There is no census record with Matilda's name on it...she isn't shown, or listed by name, with the family, nor do I have any bible records passed down showing her.  The only proof I have that Matilda Miles is related to Robert and Palmira Miles, is a picture of the gravestone in Stowe's Cemetery for her.   It looks like it says she is the daughter of "R & P Miles".  I saved a copy of the stone, but I'm hesitant to add it to this post.  I have in my notes that I found it on Findagrave.com, but today as I write this, it is not showing online on their website anymore.  I'll just have to make a trip to Stowe's Cemetery in Alexander City, Tallapoosa County, Alabama some day.  There's so much research I'd love to do in Tallapoosa and Chambers Counties!!  Maybe one day!!

Here is the other proof I have that makes me believe Matilda belonged to our family:

• 1840 US census shows Robert living in Hueys District, Harris County, GA with 5 females: 2 under 5, 2 ages 5-10, and one age 30-40 (Palmira).
  • Daughters we know for sure are:
    • Elizabeth born 1834
    • Lucinda born 1835
    • Margaret born 1839
    • If Matilda was born January 1840, she could be the second girl under 5.
• 1850 US census can not be found for the Robert P. Miles family...I've looked and looked, but it must not exist!!
• 1855 Alabama state census shows Robert living in Tallapoosa County, AL with 4 females under the age of 21.
  • Daughter Elizabeth was married and living with husband John H.M. Vines and no longer in the house. This leaves the following daughters living in the household:
    • Lucinda age 20
    • Margaret age 16
    • Another daughter, Alevia, was born in 1844 and would be about 11 years old.
    • Matilda would have been 15, and could have been this 4th girl.
• 1856 We have a marriage record found for Matilda A. Miles and William G.U. Stow in Dadeville, Tallapoosa County, Alabama - near where the Miles family was living.

Marriage Record for William G.U. Stow and Matilda A. Miles
September 9, 1856, Dadeville, Tallapoosa County, Alabama
Found online at https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-25844-7682-32?cc=1743384&wc=M9WB-HGT:n252468430

• 1860 US census shows Robert Miles living in Fayette County, AL with his wife and 6 of their kids: Margaret, John, Absalom, Alevia, Robert, and William. There are also others living in the household: "Green Stoe", and the William C. Manasco family of 5.
• I believe this "Green Stoe" could be the same William G.U. Stowe that was in Tallapoosa, who married Matilda Miles. He could have moved with the family after Matilda and his son died.  Further research on him shows his full name was probably William Green Uptegrove Stowe, son of Abraham Robinson Stowe and Sallie Frances Poindexter who were living near Stowe's Ferry, Tallapoosa County, AL.
• In 1859, Elizabeth Miles, Robert and Palmira's oldest daughter, gave birth to a girl. She named this girl Matilda. Could she have named her after her sister who passed away? I believe this was the case.

From the research I've done on William G.W. Stowe (possibly the same William Green Uptegrove Stowe?), he married in 1861 to Sarah H. Wamack in Tuscaloosa, AL. This William G. Stowe is in the 1910 US census with his wife Sarah and family. The census is blurry, but looks like it says it was his 2nd marriage.

To absolutely confirm that Matilda Ann Miles was the daughter of Robert and Palmira Miles, I've been looking for the 1850 census, but again have had no luck.

One last, and very important item about Matilda, is the fact that she most likely died in childbirth.  Buried with her is her one and only child Robert A. Stowe.  It is inscribed on the stone under Matilda's information "ALSO are infant son Robert A. Stowe."  Two young souls gone too soon.

If you have any questions, or concerns, about the information in this post, please leave me a message. I'd be happy to answer any questions or share what information I have on the individuals listed above. Thanks for reading!!

52 Ancestors Challenge - Week 9 - John H.M. Vines - 34th Alabama Infantry - Civil War

JOHN H.M. VINES

 

Is this the picture of John H.M. Vines??  We will probably never know for sure.  It was found in some of my great grandmother, Mamie's, things.  We believe it might be John H.M. Vines, her grandfather.  We can not be 100% sure of this, but the resemblance to his sister Lucinda, and his daughter Nancy Elizabeth are strong.  It is a small tin-type photo.  Also in her belongings, was a handwritten letter from John to his wife, Elizabeth Miles Vines that he wrote while away during the Civil War.  It was dated July 11, 1862, just 10 days before he died.

John H.M. Vines was born about 1829 in, or around, Abbeville, South Carolina.  He was the youngest son of John "Jabez" Vines and Nancy Mattison.  He had at least 2 sisters and 2 brothers that we know of:

• Mary "Pollie" Ann - born 1822, died 1846
• Benjamin J. "B.J." - born 1824, died 1910
• George Washington - born 1828
• Lucinda Purcilla - born 1832, died 1913

1830 Federal census we find a "Jabish" Vines living in Abbeville District, South Carolina.  There are additional children living in the household, besides the 4 we know they had: 2 older male children and 3 older female children.  So there is a possibility that John could have had additional siblings.

1840, we find the family has moved to Tallapoosa County, Alabama.  In the household are children the ages of John, B.J., George, and Lucinda.  Pollie was married by then to George M. Berry, and also living in Tallapoosa County.

Then, on February 13, 1849, we find the marriage record of John H.M. Vines and Elizabeth Miles.  Elizabeth was the oldest daughter of Robert P. Miles and Palmira Jackson.  She was born October 5, 1834 in Georgia, probably near Meriwether County.  We can see the couple living next to John's father Jabez, in Township 22, Tallapoosa County, Alabama on the 1850 census.

Together, the couple had 7 children:

• Mary Ann Melvina 1850-1897
• Nancy Elizabeth 1851-1920
• Lucinda Jane 1853-1915
• Susan Margarett 1854-????
• Robert Javis 1856-1934
• Matilda Estella 1859-1924
• George Washington 1861-????

1860 Federal census we see John, Elizabeth and their 6 older children living in Western Division (Beat 2), Tallapoosa County, Alabama.  John's occupation is shown as "farmer."  There was also a "Non-Population Schedule" done for the year of 1860.  In it, we can see he owned a farm of 320 acres, 30 improved and 290 unimproved, with a cash value of $700.  On this farm, he had 5 horses, 5 milk cows, 2 working oxen, 2 other cattle, and 16 pigs (or swine as it states).  This livestock had a value of $590.  On this schedule you can see the majority of crops raised in the area were of Indian corn and cotton.  John's farm had 30 bushels of Indian corn and 9 bales of ginned cotton (bales were of 400lbs each).  Comparing John's farm to those of his father and siblings, you see his farm was much lower in value.  Comparing acres you see he had more acres then his siblings, but less of those acres were improved.  He also had less livestock.  His siblings and father lived near each other in Beat No. 13 in Tallapoosa County, but John lived in Beat No. 2.

Then, in 1861 came the Civil War.  Its hard to read the index cards on Fold3.com, however, you find John H.M. Vines age 30 enlisting as a Private in Company D of the 34th Alabama Infantry.  His brother George Washington Vines also enlisted and served in the same company.  In the book Soldiers of the Southern Cross, The Confederate Soldiers of Tallapoosa County, Alabama, by William Gregory Wilson, "the 34th Alabama Regiment was organized at Loachapoka in Macon County, Alabama on April 15, 1862."  The company was brought together at Loachapoka, but was ordered, in June, to report to Tupelo, Mississippi.  According to Mr. Wilson's book, not only was there a lot of sickness and disease within the troops, water was scarce in Tupelo too.  The men had to "dig deep wells in search of potable water."  Because of the lack of water, and the heat of summer, Mr. Wilson believes some camps moved east of Tupelo.  We see this move shown in a letter from John H.M. Vines to his wife Elizabeth (except his camp moved north about 8 miles, not east).

Itawamba Cty, Saltillo Miss

July 11th 1862

 

Dear Wife I seat my self this morning to reply to your kind letter that I received yesterday and was proud to hear from you and that you was all well.  Beffy I must say to you that I haven't seen a well day since I have been hear with the exception of one week though I have been up all the time except four days and I was very bad of(f) then.  I could not walk a step with out help it was mumps that got me so lo.  I am doing tollerable well now but not able to do duty.  Beffy a soldiers life is a hard life you need not dout it.  Some of the doctors says it is my liver that is wat is the mater with me now and some of them says it is plurisy.  Ever since I have got up from the mumps I have had a sever misery in my left side and a sever cough which hurts me very much but I am a great deal better than I have been.  Beffy George holds up fine he is as lively as you pleas and has been all the time.  Beffy we have moved from Tupelo up to Saltillo about eight miles.  Walking up here worsted me mighty.  You must still direct your letters to Tupelo a while longer we will still keep marching toward Tenesee I recon some thinks we will go to Tenesee.  Beffy as you want to go to your Paps you are at liberty to go when ever you want to go.  Beffy I am more than to gratify you in any respect that you wish so I want you to go when ever you get ready.  God bless your sweet soul.  I wish I could be with you but it is out of my power at this time.  Beffy I wrote to you in a letter that I sent by Elias Berry what & how I wanted you to manage when you left for your Paps.  Beffy you no it is my wish for you to go.  Beffy you wrote for me to try to do better.  I have quit swaring entirely and have been ever since I have been here.  I will close with you and reply to Melly.  I remain your affectionate husband until death.  J.H.M. Vines

 

My dear daughter I am proud that you can write to your Pa.  Melly I want you to be good girl bless your sweet little soul and all of the rest of my children.  I wish I could be with you all.  Melly kiss Til and Budy for me.  I want to see you all so bad.  Melly when you all go to your grand Paps be sweet children.  I hope I will be with you all before long.  Melly write to me you and your ma as soon as you get this.  Farewell your loving Pa whose love shal never fail.

J.H.M. Vines

 



Such a sweet letter, and he must have been really ill.  On a widow's pension filed by Elizabeth in 1892, she put down as his date of death, July 21st, 1862.  Only 10 days later.  Whether he was still in Saltillo, MS, I'm not sure.  Towards the end of July, the 34th Alabama went by "rail roundabout through Mobile to Chattanooga in preparation for a Confederate offensive into central Kentucky."  This is according to Mr. Wilson's book.  It is certain that John did not have to see, or fight, in any battle in the war.  The 34th didn't see their first battle until December 31, 1862 at the Battle of Murfreesboro.

Where John would have died, and is buried, is a mystery.  If he could have made the journey to Tennessee, I've been told he may have died at Tyner's Station, Tennessee or camp Recovery.  However, since the 34th didn't move until late July, its quite possible he died prior to the journey, or could have been too sick to make the journey.  No, I believe he probably didn't make the trip and died somewhere near Saltillo, or Tupelo, Mississippi.  There is an unknown Confederate soldier buried in a plot next to Elizabeth's parents in Fayette County, Alabama, where Elizabeth was wanting to move per the letter from John shown above.  I'm not sure they would have brought the body back to the family.  Seems like there wouldn't have been the time or money for that.  He was probably buried with the many other men who died of disease in the area of Tupelo at that time.

Elizabeth did indeed move back with her parents.  You can find her and the 7 children in the 1870 Federal census living next door to her parents, Robert and Palmira Miles, in Fayette County, Alabama.  In fact, the 1866 Alabama state census shows Robert Miles household.  In that household is him and his wife, their remaining children living at home, and the added number of Elizabeth and her 7 children.  This particular census is interesting because it asks about the Civil War soldiers who would have been living in the household.  Where it says "died of sickness" we see they marked "2."  One would have been Elizabeth's brother Absalom Jackson Miles who died of sickness near Richmond, Virginia, and the other was probably her husband, John H.M. Vines.

It would have been interesting to hear what stories John's granddaughter, Mamie, would have heard about him.  I assume Mamie's mother, Nancy Elizabeth, must have mentioned her father at some point.  We do know his wife Elizabeth was around when Mamie was a young girl too.  So its safe to assume Elizabeth might have mentioned him to Mamie as well.  I don't think anyone asked Mamie, or even knew about this man or the letter she carried with her.

If you have any questions, or concerns, about any of the information listed above, please leave a comment.  I'd be happy to provide any additional information.  Thanks for reading!!

#52Ancestors - Week 8 - Roy William Westboy - Cattle Buyer, Farmer, Needlepoint Artist?? Found in Chicago, IL

Week number 8 of the 52 Ancestors Challenge, started by Amy Johnson Crow.  This week I've chosen to write about a man who has been the biggest mystery in all my research...Roy William Westboy.



Earliest photo I've found of him.
Not sure where or when it was taken.

Who was Roy William Westboy???  Was he from Norway, or was he born in the US??  Was he born in 1880 or 1888?  I've been researching him for 14 years, with little luck.  Who was this cattle buyer, farmer, gardener, and needlepoint artist????  Yes, I said needlepoint!  He did needlepoint and was very good at it.  I have several things that were passed down to me, that he created.  One that used to hang behind my grandmother's couch was a copy of Thomas Gainsborough's Blue Boy.  That one is now in the hands of another family member, but it was a beautiful piece!  I've shared a few pictures of his artwork.  If you scroll down, you can see them at the end of this post.

My grandmother didn't talk much about her father, but she did mention a couple of interesting things.  She said he was born in Norway, and was adopted out of England, prior to coming to the US.  She also said that he was a "perpetual liar!!"  That last comment threw me, but at the time, I didn't think to ask any further questions.  Now I'm kicking myself!!  Years back, I asked my Aunt Kathie and my father about him, but they just said the same thing.  No one knows anything about him!

Up until a couple of years ago, I had only seen one picture of Roy.  It was a picture of him walking, and was in a photo album my grandmother made for my father.  It wasn't a great picture, and I really couldn't make out what he looked like.  However, that all changed when I received all of my grandmother's pictures from my Aunt.  It was a wonderful gift!!  I can not express how much it meant to me to see these photos.  I carefully scanned each one, and made several digital copies so my family, and myself, would always have them.  I was very surprised to see just how many pictures my grandmother had of her father!!

 So, here is what I do know about Roy Westboy...

 

Roy Westboy and Wilhelmina Johnson
Wedding photo

There are several documents with info on him, unfortunately, none can be found prior to 1916.  The first record we can find is his marriage record dated February 10, 1917, in Chicago, Cook County, IL.  He married Wilhelmina Albertina Johansson/Johnson (she went by the name Minnie).  According to their marriage record, Roy was 29 and Minnie was 41.  Quite an age difference!!

I found his WWI draft card.  This document was dated June 5, 1917 and says he was 30 years old, residing in Thompsonville, Benzie County, MI.  His birth date is listed as "Jan 1 1887."  His residential status was Alien, and he was born in Christiana, Norway.  It shows he was a self-employed farmer working in Springdale, Manistee County, MI.  Item 9 on the card asks: "Have you a father, mother, wife, child under 12, or a sister or brother under 12, solely dependent on you for support (specify which)?", and he replied "Wife child. 1."  He was married, but my grandmother wasn't born yet, so this answer seemed odd to me.

Then, on March 16, 1918, was the birth of their daughter Judith Helen Wilhelmina Westboy in Chicago, Cook County, IL.  The birth record states he was a "Farmer," born in Norway, was 31 years old, and currently lived in Thompsonville, Benzie County, MI.

According to Google maps, Thompsonville, MI is about 300 miles by car, if you drive around Lake Michigan.  I'm not sure what type of ferry, or boat, would have been available at that time.  Its my opinion, that Minnie may not have been living in Thompsonville, but was living in Chicago.  The 1920 federal census also shows Minnie and Judith living on Berwyn Avenue, Chicago, Cook County, IL, but Roy is not listed in the household with them.

In my grandmother's scrapbooks, there are a few photos of her and her mother on a farm in Indiana when she was very young (age 2-6).  In the scrapbook its written "South Haven."  The same page had a photo with an older man chopping wood.  On the back of this photo it said "Granddad."  In another picture on this page, is a picture of Roy with my grandmother around the same time.  Wondering if Roy had family in South Haven, Indiana??

Sometime in 1920, Minnie and Judith went back to Tegnaby, Sweden to visit Minnie's family.  I don't know how long they stayed, but they returned in 1926 through New York.  After arriving back in Chicago, Minnie took a job as a housekeeper for Mr. Olaf Christopherson.  She and Judith lived with Mr. Christopherson on Roscoe Street in Chicago for many years.

Then we have the 1930 census...this gets a bit more interesting.  Minnie and Judith are shown living on Roscoe Street with Mr. Christopherson.  Minnie is shown as a housekeeper/servant and divorced.  Then, we have another entry, this time on Otis Road in Barrington, Cook County, IL.  Roy is shown living here with Minnie and Judith listed in the household.  Now, Roy is listed as age 50 (this would mean he was born about 1880), and he was born in Louisiana!!!  His parents birth places are listed as South America!!  It also shows he was working as a gardener for a private house.

In all of my research, I have not been able to find any divorce records for Roy and Minnie, nor have I been able to find any naturalization paperwork on Roy.  Minnie filed for naturalization.  Her Declaration for Intention was filed May 31, 1929.  At that time, the document stated that she did not know where Roy was residing.  On August 26, 1931, her Petition for Citizenship was filed.  On this form she still did not know where Roy was, but she listed him as being born January 1, 1886 in Oslo, Norway. 

The picture on the right is one from my grandmother's scrapbook.  On the back is written "Min Man och dotter" in Minnie's writing.  This means my husband and daughter.  My grandmother also wrote on the back "Taken of Judy in the year 1931 age 13."  So they must have known where he was by 1931.

By 1934, I know Minnie and Judith made their way back to Tegnaby, Sweden, and I know they lived there with one of Minnie's sisters for an extended period of time.  I do remember my grandmother saying she lived in Sweden with an aunt and cousins.  Roy did not go with them.  They stayed until June of 1935 and returned back to Roscoe Street in Chicago.  Where Roy is at this time, again I do not know for sure.

A couple of years ago the 1940 census was released to the public.  I couldn't wait!!  I looked daily to see if I could find this family somewhere.  I was able to find Minnie prior to the census being indexed.  She was still living on Roscoe Street, with Mr. Christopherson.  This time, she is listed as his sister and single.  She was not his sister, I know that for a fact.  By this time, Judith was 21 and had moved out on her own.  She was living with a friend Vernace M. Schroeder (or Vern as my grandmother called her).  She was living on Winthrop Avenue in Chicago, Cook County, IL and working as a typist for a manufacturer.  It wasn't until the census was indexed for Michigan that I was able to find Roy.  He was living alone in Springdale, Manistee County, MI.  Here he is listed as married, about 58 years old, and born in New Mexico!  It says he was living at this same residence in 1935 as well.

 

During WWII another draft was done.  Roy also filed for this.  We can see his registration card below.  Notice he is sticking with the New Mexico birth, this time we have the city of Deming.  Roy is still living in Springdale when this was filed in 1942.  His birth date is listed as January 1, 1880, and his person of contact is Minnie living on Roscoe Street in Chicago.



The final document I have on my great grandfather is his death certificate.  Roy William Westboy died July 21, 1953 at Grant Hospital of Chicago from Coronary Thrombosis.  His date of birth given on the form is January 1, 1880, and his birthplace given is Illinois.  "Cattle Buyer" is shown as his usual occupation.  Here, they have names for his parents: John Westboy and Mary Gonzales.  It also lists Roy as a widow, which is odd considering Minnie did not die until 1955.  My grandmother, by the time of Roy's death, had been married with children, and was living in California.  The person who filled out the paperwork for Roy's death record was someone who worked at the hospital.  I'm not sure how accurate the information she gave was.  Roy was buried July 24, 1953 at Irving Park Blvd. Cemetery in Chicago.

I've researched the names of John Westboy and Mary Gonzales, but I've come up with nothing.  Again, I'm not sure these names are correct.  My theory is that he may have come from Norway, possibly at a young age.  He may have been an orphan as well.  His name could have been changed if he was from Norway...possibly could have been Westby?  I believe he may have not had the paper trail to rely on and was unable, or just didn't want to, obtain U.S. citizenship.  This may have been the reason for the changes in his birthplace.  Maybe he was afraid the U.S. would deport him??  I really don't know.  But I do know I'll keep looking into it.  Only 8 more years until the 1950 census is scheduled for release!!  I wonder what his birthplace will be on that??

Below are some of the pieces of needlepoint I have passed down from Roy.

One of my favorite pieces by Roy.  My grandmother gave this to my parents years ago.

Another by Roy.  I remember asking my dad when I was young about it and he said his grandfather made it.  I didn't believe him at first, I thought it must have been his grandmother, but it was Roy.

A purse Roy made for my grandmother

This final picture is of Roy working on one of his pieces.

If you have any questions, or concerns, about the information in this post, please leave me a message.  I'd be happy to answer any questions or share what information I have on the individuals listed above.  Thanks for reading!!

#52Ancestors - Week 7 - Who is Alexander Gibson from South Carolina to Missouri?

Again, its time for the 52 Ancestors Challenge.  I am just throwing this post together...I'm a little behind this week.  This time, I'm going to finish up my Gibson Family line.  I'll show what I do know, then discuss what connections I think might be possible.

What we do know...

The earliest known Gibson ancestor I can verify is Alexander Gibson, born about 1804 in South Carolina and died between 1870 and 1880 in, or near, Jefferson County, Missouri.  His wife was named Melinda, but have not been able to locate her maiden name.  We believe Alexander and Melinda had the following children:

• William H. born 1832 in South Carolina
• Margaret or Martha E. born 1834 in Tennessee
• Herod born 1836 in Tennessee
• John A. born 1839 in Tennessee
• James J. born 1841 in Tennessee
• Jefferson (or Green BJ) born 1843 in Tennessee

We believe Alexander and Melinda were probably married in South Carolina based on census records and the state listed for the birth of their first child, William.  They must have moved to Tennessee sometime between 1832 and 1834.  They resided in Gibson County, Tennessee according to the 1840 census.  Gibson County, TN was named after Colonel John H. Gibson, who served in the war of 1812 and the Creek Wars in 1813.  He was in the Tennessee militia and was from Bedford, TN.  I have nothing supporting a relationship between Alexander Gibson and Col. John H. Gibson of Tennessee.

1850, the family is shown living in Carroll County, TN, which is next to Gibson County, TN.  But, by 1860, the family had moved about 200 miles to Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.  Then 1870 Alexander and Melinda are living in Central Township, Jefferson County, Missouri.  Sometime before 1880, Alexander must have passed away.  Melinda is seen on the 1880 census living with Herod, their son,
in De Soto, Jefferson County, MO, and listed as a widow.  Melinda died November 12, 1889 and is buried next to her son, Herod, in the De Soto City Cemetery.  I do not know where Alexander would have been buried.

Here are possible connections...this might get a bit confusing

Doing research online, I've found a Gibson Family DNA Project hosted by WorldFamilies.net.  On this site, you will find a kit submitted by a descendant of William Frank Gibson, Alexander's great grandson.  Who submitted this, I don't know.  The kit, or ID, number is GX-3.  Alexander is listed under Gibson Lineage VIII on the Patriarch's page.  Here we see another Gibson, George Washington Gibson, born June 17, 1800 in Union County, SC.  I'm not a DNA expert, but I would guess that these two Gibson men would be related in some way...how, I don't know??

By clicking on the kit number, you are taken to the Y-results page.  Here we see Alexander listed under the Haplogroup R1b - Lineage XVI.  What this means, I'm not sure.  However, there are other Gibson men listed in this group:

• Jos... (years ago, I saw this online and my notes have it listed as Joseph Gibson of Union County, SC who died in 1804, but currently, it just says "Jos...")
• Alexander Gibson b.1804
• George Washington Gibson b.1800 SC
• Mr. Samuel Gibson b. 1850
• Robert Gibson 1853-1934
• William L. Gibson 1846-1905

Could these people all be related?  Still not sure.

Further research into the census records of Union County, SC we find the following names:

• 1790: Robert, John
• 1800: Gideon, John, Joseph, Robert (2), William
• 1810: George, Herod, Robert, Salley, Soloman, William
• 1820: Herod, John (2), Matthew, William
• 1830: James, John (3), Martha, Washington, William, Herod

Also, research online into estates in Union County, SC we find the estates of Joseph and Juda (Judith) Gibson in 1804, William Gibson in 1820, George Gibson in 1827, and John Gibson in 1837.  We see there is a Herod Gibson as the executor of the estate of John Gibson.  There is also paperwork showing a John Gibson who fought in the Revolutionary War.  This John Gibson entered the war while residing in Bedford Co., VA and  was living in Union County, SC when filing for a pension around 1833.  The age listed is 84 years, and he received $20 per year.  I believe the Revolutionary War John is the same as the John Gibson who died in 1837.

There is also a John Gibson living in Union Co., SC, born about 1801 in SC.  In the 1850 census, we see him in Union County and in his house is a 13 year-old Alexander.  This John Gibson is shown as the son of Herod Gibson of Union County, SC on some family trees online.  This Herod is also listed as the son of John Gibson who died in 1837 in Union County, SC.  Of course, this is just what people have put online, and I don't have absolute proof of it.  I'm using it as a starting point.

I've had a lot of luck in the past with different lines by using naming patterns to locate family members.  By looking at records of names shown often in the family, we've been able to find the paper trail leading to our ancestors.  By looking at the names of Alexander's children, we can assume he had family members by the names of William, John, James, Herod...all of which show up often in the Union County, SC records.  This compiled with the DNA results, I am leaning toward the assumption that our Alexander Gibson came from this area.  Of course, this is all theory. 

Could Alexander be the son of Herod of Union County, SC.  Based on naming practices, the first son would have been named after the mother's father.  So, could Melinda's father be named William???  The second son would be named after the father's father.  This is what I'm basing my theory on.  Hopefully, I can find the paper trail to prove, or disprove, that Alexander is the son of Herod Gibson of Union County, SC, and possibly the grandson of John Gibson, Revolutionary War veteran, who died in Union County, SC.

If you have any questions, or comments, please feel free to leave them.

#52Ancestors Challenge - Week 6 - Herod Gibson - Gibson County, TN to De Soto, Jefferson County, MO

Well, I've had a bit of a dilema on who to write about this week.  Originally, I thought I would alternate each week from my maternal side of the family to my paternal side.  However, I think I'm going to stick to one side for a while.  This way I can just keep researching the same line as I go instead of jumping back and forth.

With that said, we'll continue the 52 Ancestors Challenge that was proposed by Amy Johnson Crow.  Last week, I wrote about William Francis Gibson.  This week, we'll take a look at his father, Herod Gibson.

Herod was born October 10, 1836 in Gibson County, Tennessee.  He was the son of Alexander Gibson and Melinda (unknown).  Both of his parents are believed to be from South Carolina.  It is my guess that they may be from Union, South Carolina, but that is speculation at this point.  We believe his possible siblings were:

• William H. - b.1832 in South Carolina
• Margaret (or Martha) - b. 1834 in Tennessee
• John A. - b. 1839 in Tennessee
• James J. - b. 1841 in Tennessee
• Green B.J. (or Jefferson) - b. 1843 in Tennessee

In 1840, we can find the family of Alexander Gibson living in Gibson County, Tennessee (at this time, I do not know if they are related to Col. John H. Gibson, who the county was named after).  There are 2 boys under the age of 5, one age 5-10, one girl age 5-10, one adult male age 20-30 and one adult female age 20-30. 

The 1850 census has the family living in District 2, Carroll County, Tennesee.  Here we see Alexander and William working as farmers.

By 1858 we know the family moved to Missouri.  There is a marriage record for Herod Gibson and Sarah Jane Patterson.  They were married on August 15, 1858 in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri.  We aren't sure who Sarah's parents were, however, there is a James Patterson and a Sarah A. Patterson living in Madison County, Missouri (Madison is near Ste. Genevieve).  This James and Sarah A. have a daughter named Sarah J M Patterson, and she is the same age as the Sarah who married Herod.

In 1860, we find Herod and wife Sarah living in the household of Alexander Gibson in Ste. Genevieve Township, Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri.  We also see their first child, William Francis, living with them at the age of six months.

In 1861, we can see Herod enlisted for the Confederacy, as a private in Company C, of the 5th Regimental Infantry, 1st Division, Missouri State Guard.  He enlisted for the term of 3 months and 21 days.  His brother John also enlisted in the State Guard.  On Fold3.com, there is a "Union citizen File" on John A. Gibson.  Apparently, John was "arrested upon the charge of giving aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States, and of other acts of disloyalty."  This was signed by John, Herod, and William (Herod's older brother) on June 25, 1862 in Ste. Genevieve.  Herod and William were acting as security for the sum of $1,000, and John was instructed not to leave the county of Ste. Genevieve.  We can see by the signatures that Herod and John signed with a mark, while William signed his name.  Herod could not read or write.

Also found on Fold3.com, we find Herod was drafted into the Union Army on September 22, 1864.  He is shown in Company H of the 18th Missouri Infantry.  They describe him as having a dark complextion, brown hair, brown eyes, and 6 feet 1/2 inch.  He was enlisted in Ironton, Missouri for the term of 1 year.  We also see he filed for pention on July 15, 1890.  According to his obituary, he was in "Sherman's march to the sea.  He served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged from the service."  According to The Civil War Archive, online, the 18th MO Inf. was mustered out July 18, 1865 from Louisville, Kentucky.

Between his time in service with the Confederacy and Union Armies, Herod and Sarah had 2 more children: Ida Ann born December 17, 1863, and Mary Emma born March 20, 1864.  Unfortunately, Ida Ann died on July 5, 1865, just prior to Herod's discharge.  After he returned, the couple had one more child, Sarah Jane born October 9, 1866.  However, just after the birth of their daughter Sarah Jane, Herod's wife Sarah passed away (possibly due to complications of the birth), on October 19, 1866.  Now Herod, just back from war and ready to carry on with his life, was left widowed with 3 small children.

In 1980, in De Soto, Missouri, there was a Gibson family reunion.  There was a wall with different stories posted, the following was one of those posts, by Olive Gibson (Herod's granddaughter):

"Great Grandfather Herod Gibson was in the fields a working and one of the little Gibson children (a girl) was left to watch the baby.  She was sitting before the fireplace, holding the baby, and it tumbled from her lap and rolled into the fireplace and it died."

The infant that died was the youngest, Sarah Jane.  She died November 5, 1867.  She would have been just over one year.  The girl watching her might have been Mary Emma, however, it could have been a Gibson cousin, we just aren't sure.  Mary Emma would have only been 3 years old, so I hesitate to believe she would have been watching her younger sister.

1870, we find Herod, William Francis, and Mary Emma living in Central Township, Jefferson County, Missouri.  They're living next door to William, Herod's brother, and his family.  Both Herod and William are shown working on the railroad.

By 1880, we see Herod and his 2 children living on Lewis Street in De Soto, Jefferson County, Missouri.  This time, Herod's mother, Melinda, is shown living with the family.  Herod is listed as working as a laborer.  Melinda died just nine years later on November 12, 1889.

By 1900 both William Francis and Mary Emma married and had children of their own.  On the 1900 federal census, we see Herod living in the household of William Francis on Cedar, in Valle Township, City of De Soto, Jefferson County, Missouri.  I'm not sure how big the house was, but I'm guessing it would have been busy.  The census shows 14 people living in the house: William Francis, his wife, their 9 children, Herod, Mary Emma (Herod's daughter), and Mary Emma's two daughters.  Mary Emma was widowed by this time.  Her husband, William H. Brown, died in a caboose accident.  Herod was shown working as a day laborer in 1900.

If you recall my previous post on William Francis Gibson, then you know he and his wife died of "consumption" (tuberculosis) in 1904, leaving behind 9 children.  By 1910, we see Herod living on East Main Street in De Soto, Jefferson County, Missouri with his daughter Mary Emma Brown and her two daughters Cleo and Ethel.  He was working as a laborer for the railroad.  The family was still living on the same street (possibly the same house) in 1920, but Herod was not working anymore.  He could have retired, he was 83 years old at this time.

The picture to the right is of Herod.  The 3 women in the photo are unknown to me, but I'm guessing it is Mary Emma and her two daughters.  Mary Emma Gibson Brown died in 1923.  She is buried in the City Cemetery in De Soto, MO.

According to notes that were given to me from other family members, Herod was living with Ethel and Homer Milhouser (Ethel was Herod's granddaughter), at 1906 Missouri Avenue in St. Louis, MO, when he died July 13, 1926.  Cause of death was chronic bronchitus, non-tubercular, brought on by old age.  The note said he was 87 years 9 months and 3 days (but that does not match with the birthdate we have in our family records).  Herod is buried next to his mother, Melinda, in the City Cemetery, De Soto, MO.

Herod did indeed live a very long life.  He outlived his parents, his wife, all four of his children, and 2 grandchildren. 

#52Ancestors Challenge - Week 5 - William Francis Gibson - Ste. Genevieve and Jefferson Counties, Missouri

It's week 5, and I'm continuing the 52 Ancestors Challenge that was proposed by Amy Johnson Crow on her blog No Story Too Small.  This one is going to be about my great, great grandfather, William Francis Gibson.

William Francis Gibson was born February 7, 1860 in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri to Herod Gibson and Sara Jane Patterson.  He was their oldest child, and only son.  On the 1860 census we can find him listed as Francis at the age of 6 months, living in Ste. Genevieve County with his parents.  The family was living in the household of Alexander and Melinda Gibson, Herod's parents.  Because most records show his name as Francis, that is how we'll reference him in this post.

In 1861, Francis' father enlisted in the Southern Army and served in the Missouri State Guard for a short time.  After being honorably discharged and returning home to his family, he was then drafted into the Union Army.  I'll discuss this more in another post about Herod.

Back to Francis...we aren't sure where he and his mother were living during the war, but I'm guessing they were probably living with Herod's family.  Francis' parents had 3 more children, all girls: Ida Ann b. 1863 and d.1865, Mary Emma b. 1864, and Sara Jane b. 1866 and d. 1867.  In 1866, after giving birth, Sara Jane, Francis' mother, died. 

In 1870, we find Francis at age 11 and attending school.  He is living with his father, Herod, and sister, Emma, in Central Township, Jefferson County, Missouri.  Next door to them is Herod's older brother William and his family.  His father was working on the railroad, and his uncle was a foreman for the railroad.

By 1880, the family can be found in De Soto, Jefferson County, Missouri.  At this time we see Melinda Gibson, Francis' grandmother, widowed and living with the family as well.  Both Francis and his father, Herod, were listed as laborers.

Years ago, my grandfather came back from a visit to Missouri with copies of marriage and bible records.  To the right is a copy of the marriage record of Frank Gibson and Louisa N. Cotner.  This is William Francis Gibson and Louisa Nancy Carolyn Cotner.  They were married June 24, 1881 in Plattin, Missouri, about 9 miles east of De Soto.  Louisa was born January 11, 1862 in St. Francois County, Missouri.  She was the daughter of Hezekiah Cotner and Mary Elizabeth Griffaw/Griffard (who will both be written about on a later post...tons of information on these two and their families).

Francis and Louisa went on to have 9 children:

• Claude Percy (1882-1956)
• Francis Pearl (1884-19510
• Leslie Lee (Lester) (1886-1898)
• Emma Clyde (1888-1981)
• Olive Louisa (1890-1986)
• Hazel Mae (1892-1988)
• William Frank (1895-1965)
• Isaac Herod (1897-1978)
• Stella Laura (1900-1923)

Years back, my Great Aunt Vicki sent my mother some copies of some notes she had from Betty Tracy Thayer, daughter of Emma Clyde Gibson, and granddaughter of Francis and Louisa.  In it Betty wrote about a fond memory her mother, Emma, had:

"She (Emma) recalled the times when she was a child that her father would rent a carriage (rig) with horses, and they would all pile into it, kids and mother and father, and drive out to the "Plattin" to her grandfather and grandmother Cotner's farm for the day, she said it was "great fun."

I believe this would have been their grandmother Mary Elizabeth Griffaw Cotner's place.  She was living in Plattin in 1880 with Louisa and Louisa's older brother Isaac, before Louisa married Francis.  Mary was also living in Plattin with her brother John Griffaw on the 1900 census.  Mary's husband, Hezekiah Cotner, died sometime before 1870 (the last record we can find of him is the 1860 census). 

The 1900 census we find Francis and Louisa, with 8 of their children, living in Valle Township, City of De Soto, Jefferson County, Missouri.  Also in the household are Francis' father, Herod, his sister, Emma Brown (she was listed as a widow), and Emma's two children: Cleo and Ethel.  Francis was working as a switch man for the railroad.

In 1980, there was a Gibson family reunion.  At that reunion was a wall, or mural, with notes from family members.  One note from Emma, Francis and Louisa's daughter, talked about the death of her brother Leslie.  The note I was given says "Leslie was found hanging in the shed by his mother.  He had been playing in the rafters and had his book strap round his shoulders and he fell and the strap caught on something and broke his neck.  He was 12 years old."  The note also says "Another story says he hung himself accidentally while putting up a swing.  November 4, 1898."  How very sad to lose a child, especially in this way.  I can't imagine what Francis and his wife must have went through.  But, unfortunately, the bad times don't end there...

On January 8, 1904, Louisa passed away.  Her obituary stated that she suffered from the disease "consumption" for 3 years before it took her life.  Consumption was what they called Tuberculosis.  She wasn't the only one to suffer it in the family.  Later that same year, on December 29, Francis died of the same disease.

The children were left without their parents.  Some were grown, but some were still very young.    In the note written by Betty Tracy Thayer, she also stated the following:

"Emma, Mom, also recalled that after her father, Wm. Frank Gibson died, her mother having preceded him in death by a year, she and her brothers and sisters were left alone in their home in De Soto.  She recalled that they "had no sens of money," and when the "rag man" came by at various times, calling "old rags and bottles" the children blithely sold articles of value to the man - I.E. down comforters for 10 cents each!  Later, they were taken care of by their Aunt Em Brown, who had lost her husband in a tragic caboose fire sometime before.  Aunt Em had 2 girls Ethel and Stella.  The good times were over thereafter!!" (The note says Emma's daughters were Ethel and Stella, but I think she meant Ethel and Cleo).

Not sure how long the children stayed with their Aunt Emma, but the 1910 census has them living in another part of town, with Claude as the head of household.  Writing this post, I did some additional research, and found that the Jefferson College Library has a searchable Probate File Index.  Listed on the index are two case numbers (6717 and 4841) for "Gibson Minors."  At this time I haven't contacted them to obtain a copy.  Hopefully in the near future.  I'm sure there must have been some court proceedings to determine who would take care of the minor children.  The youngest would have only been 4 years old.  Francis and his wife Louisa had such a short life.  At the ages of 44 and 42, they left so much behind.

The picture to the right was found online on Ancestry.com in the Gibson/Stockdale Family Tree.  I'm not sure when it was taken.

 

 

 

#52Ancestors, week 4 - My First Experience With Genealogy Research - Caspar Glesener - Binsfeld, Weiswampach, Luxembourg to Chicago, IL

It's another week, and I'm writing another post for the challenge brought by Amy Johnson Crow, 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.  This has been an interesting adventure for me, and I'm finding I have much more to write about then I originally thought!  I started this hobby 13 years ago, but it wasn't until 2003 when I actually branched out past what was available online at the time.  This week my topic is about my Luxembourg ancestors, and how I went about finding them.



Casper Glesener

Casper Glesener, also known as Gaspard, was the first family line I successfully traced past the 1800s.  He was born on June 22, 1862 in Luxembourg.  For a long time, all I knew was my great, great grandfather's name and that he married Caroline (Lina) Grote in Chicago, IL.  I knew he was from Luxembourg, but where??  Ordering his death certificate from Cook County, IL gave me his parents names, but no city, town, or area to search in Luxembourg.

Success came from the message boards on Genealogy.com!!  In 2003, I posted the little bit I knew about Casper, his name, date of death, and the names of his parents listed on his death certificate.  The next day, I received a reply from a Mr. Bob Olson with the names of his parents, date of their marriage, and the town they were married in!!  Thank you! Thank you Mr. Olson!!  That little nugget of information helped to get my research going!

That same post I made in 2003 also offered a suggestion from someone to contact the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.  They have two databases, the Luxembourg Parish/Civil Records 1600-1890 and the Tables Decennales 1853-1863.  I contacted the school and, for a small fee, I received birth records for Casper, his parents, and most of his siblings!!!


Birth record of Gaspar Glesener dated June 22, 1862,
Binsfeld, Weiswampach, Luxembourg

This information led us to find Nicolas Glesener, Casper's father, born January 15, 1830 in Hosingen, Luxembourg, and was the son of Georgius Glesener and Anna Glesener.  We also learned Anna Elisabetha Theis, Casper's mother, was born March 21, 1837 in Binsfeld, Weiswampach, Luxembourg, and the daughter of  Jean Theis and Marie Hamus.  Their marriage record was also included!  They were married March 2, 1859 in Hosingen, Luxembourg.  Unfortunately, There was also a death certificate for Anna, which showed she died May 1, 1864 in Binsfeld, just a few weeks after giving birth to Casper's younger sister Margaretha.  Margaretha only lived 6 days.  Casper would not have yet turned two.  This leaves Nicholas to raise Casper and his older sister, Marie (born June 1, 1860) by himself.

But not for long.  On November 9, 1867, Nicolas married Maria Theresia Schmitz in Weiswampach.  After that came 12 more children: Anna Catherina (b.1868, d.1868), Maria (b.1869), Margaretha (b.1870, d.1871), Nicolas (b.1872), Margaretha (b.1873, d.1873), Peter (b.1875, d.1875), Nicolas (b.1876), Johann (b.1877), Peter (b.1878), Anna Catherina (b.1879), Georges (b.1881, d.1881), and Marguerite (b.1883).  Of these 12 children, only 7 made it to adulthood.  Unfortunately, this was not uncommon at this time.

After receiving this information from the University of St. Thomas, I decided to take a trip to their library to do some research on my own.  With help from the librarian, and the use of their German to English dictionary, I was able to trace the family back another 2 generations from Nicolas' father Georgius (notice the different spellings of Glesener...It changed many times!):

• Nicolas Glesener (b.1830 Hosingen, Luxembourg, d.1916 Binsfeld, Luxembourg)
• Georgius Glesener (b.1792 Hosingen, Luxembourg, d.1855 Hosingen, Luxembourg)
• Jacques Gloessener (b.1771 Dahl, Luxembourg, d. after 1820)
• Jean Georges Glaessener (b. 1734 Roullingen, Luxembourg, d. 1787 Dahl, Luxembourg)

My search didn't end there, though.  I tried pulling the LDS church records for the area of Dahl in Luxembourg, but didn't find much.  So what did I do?  I went to the message boards again!!  I posted on Genealogy.com again, and again received more!!  Mr. Rob Deltgen gave me the names of Jean Georges parents.  Not only that, he led me to his website where he has hundreds of names indexed from Luxembourg!!  You can find a list of surnames at http://www.deltgen.com/pubtng/surnames-all.php?tree=Deltgen.  I don't have copies of the actual certificates for these people, but I have names.  One day I hope to obtain actual copies of the records.  But that will come in time.  For now, the names of the next 3 generations of Gleseners after Jean Georges Glaessener b. 1734 are:

• Jean Nicolas Glaessener (b.1711 Dahl, Luxembourg, d.before 1788)
• Jean Georges Glessener (b.1686 Dahl, Luxembourg, d. unknown)
• Sondag, or Dominique, Glesner (b.1660 Dahl, Luxembourg, d. unknown)

It was an interesting journey, tracking this Glesener line.  I had never read German before, and trying to decipher the many records was challenging.  Not to mention, the script variations in the German alphabet!!  I went out and purchased the same German to English dictionary that I used when visiting the library in St. Paul.  If you are translating old German documents, I highly recommend the "German - English Genealogical Dictionary", by Ernest Thode.  It was very helpful and worth the money.  However, the records aren't just in German.  Some I found were in French.  I had to lean on the 2 years of french I took in high school. 

Back to Casper - Heading for the U.S.

I'm not 100% sure, but I do believe Casper sailed from Bremen to New York aboard the Saale, arriving July 16, 1887.  The name listed is Casper Gessner.  Not sure what made him want to leave Luxembourg.  Maybe having such a large family, he felt it necessary to make his own way?  We'll probably never know for sure.

The first we see Casper in the U.S. is on a marriage record.  September 11, 1889, Casper married Lina Grote, also known as Caroline Grote.  Lina was the daughter of Wilhelm Grote and Augusta Rheinfels, born December 24, 1867 in Celle, Germany.  Lina came to the U.S. via Hamburg, Germany to New York and arrived less then a month after Casper in 1887.  How they met, we don't know.  Did they meet in Chicago?  Or could they have possibly met in New York on their way to Chicago?  Who knows??  So many questions!!

This marriage brought 3 children:

• Frederick William (b.1889 Chicago, IL, d.1947 Chicago, IL)
• Charles (b.1891 Chicago, IL, d.1967 Corpus Christi, TX)
• Helen (b.1893 Chicago, IL, d.1963 Chicago, IL)

According to the Federal Censuses taken in 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930, Casper and his family lived at 1906 Cornelia Avenue, Chicago, IL.  He made a living as a varnish cooker in a varnish factory, or furniture factory.  Below is a picture of Casper and Lina, taken probably around the late 20s or early 30s.  I'm guessing this is their home on Cornelia Avenue that they are standing in front of.  Don't they look like a cute couple??

October 2, 1931, Casper passed away at his home.  He was 69 years old.  The death certificate says he was buried at St. Lucas Cemetery in Chicago, IL.  Below is a copy of his Obituary that was found in the Chicago Daily Tribune, through Ancestry.com.  It states he was a member of "Imperial Council, N. U."  I've tried looking this up, but haven't found much online.  Again, I went to the message boards, this time to Ancestry.com.  According to the replies I got, "it refers to the Imperial Council No. 427 of the National Union."  His wife, Lina, went on to live almost another 15 years before passing on January 11, 1946 in Chicago, IL.

Afterthoughts...

 

Just this week, while reviewing my notes and research to write this article, I did a little follow-up research.  Family Search has many of the documents from Luxembourg online!!  They aren't indexed, but I was able to locate Casper living with his family, on the 1880 and 1885 censuses for Luxembourg.  What I find interesting as well, is he and his brother, Nicolas, are listed on the 1900 census for Luxembourg too!!  However, they are listed on another page as absent from the household.  Were they expecting them to come back?  As far as I know, Casper and his brother Nicolas did not move back to Luxembourg.  In 1908, their brother Peter, or Pier, also came to the U.S.  I have not been able to find if he stayed, or went back to Luxembourg. 

 

As of the date of this posting, I haven't been able to search all the records from Luxembourg on familysearch.org that I'd like to.  Planning on doing that when time permits.  But what a great resource!!

 

If you have any questions about the people listed in this article, or on any of my other posts, please leave me a comment!!  Happy hunting!



 The headstone says he died in 1930, but the death record from Cook County says he died in 1931.