Joseph Seiler was not an immigrant and I really don't have enough information about him to write a post. But I've found some hints and they tie in with what I've learned while researching other Harshbarger line families, so I'm willing to put these ideas (not my own) out as a hypothesis.
Joseph Jacob (or possibly Jacob Joseph) Seiler was born in 1687 in Wilstein, Germany, a small town
that currently does not seem to be on a map. His father's name was Joseph, and it's unsure which name our subject used. Typically, if his name was Joseph Jacob he would have gone by the name of Jacob and documentation seems to support this, but many online sites call him Joseph.
The interesting thing to me is that this was a Mennonite family, but we don't know how long the family had been followers of Menno Simons. For one thing, Joseph Jacob had at least six children, born in four different cities. This would not be typical of a German line, but indicates that he owned no land and that he either may have been ejected from each village, or forced to leave for economic reasons. Either scenario is typical of the Mennonites of the time, who were heavily fined and harassed by local authorities, due to pressure from above.
The other item that points to a Mennonite belief system is that Joseph had a book printed in 1571, written by Menno Simons, and Joseph had hand-written in it the names of his 7 children, where they were born, (Wilstig, Sembauch, Obermelingen, Ischbach), their birth date, and the astrological sign they were born under. Apparently at least at this time the astrological sign was an important factor in the Mennonite life.
I've seen speculation that this family may trace back to Emmental, Switzerland but no real evidence this is the case. If true, again it would tie in with what we've learned of the Swiss Mennonites who were forced out of Switzerland and into a life of poverty in Germany. It makes sense.
The only other thing I can tell you about Joseph Jacob is that he died January 19,1739/40 in Milsbach, Germany. It is uncertain whether more will ever to found about this family, because the Mennonites lived mostly "under the radar", except for the tax collector. But perhaps with persistence, and cash, more could be learned and we would know whether this family also traces back to Switzerland. We do know two of his sons came to America, and that is what matters most in our family history!
The line of descent is:
Joseph Jacob Seiler-Anna
Daniel Seiler-Hanna Gerber
Catherine Sayler-Johannes Buchtel
Solomon Buchtel-Maria Margaretha Reber
Benjamin Buchtel-Barbara Burkholder
Nancy Fannie Buchtel-Adam Kemery
Della Kemery-William H. Withers
Goldie Withers-Grover Harshbarger
Cleveland Harshbarger-Mary Margaret Beeks
Their descendants
Friday, June 16, 2017
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Beeks line: A cousin discovered and mourned
Well, maybe he's not discovered, because I sure hope someone still remembers him, but this story was new to me and I found it only accidentally, while reading local newspapers for my "next book" project. But Donald C Murdock deserves to be remembered and honored, not just by the few who may still remember him, but by all his extended family. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and his family.
Donald Murdock was born June 5, 1918, the son of William and Hazel Aldridge Murdock. (It's possible that Hazel had an earlier marriage, but I'm unable to verify that now) Donald was the only child of this couple. They lived in Frankfort, Clinton County, Indiana from the early years of the marriage, because Donald was listed with his parents there in the 1920 U.S. census. William is listed as 44 years old, so it's possible that he had been married before also, and Hazel was 26. Donald's paternal grandparents, the Murdocks, were born in Ireland. His maternal grandfather, Jeremiah Aldridge, was born in Tipton County, Indiana. (Jeremiah had three wives and I've not yet found Hazel's birth record, so I'm not sure who her mother was).
As far as we know, life was going OK for Donald in 1930. He spent summers in Huntington County, living on a farm, probably with family members. His father was now a landscaper for an electric light plant, and owned his own home. Sometime between 1930 and 1940 William died, and Hazel remarried to Chelsea (?) Holtz. In 1940, Chelsea was a fireman's helper at the electric plant, Hazel was a seamstress, and Donald was a truck driver. They were living in a rented home, so it appears that perhaps the stress of the Depression and of William's death had reached this home.
The only story I know about Donald during his teenage years is one worthy of a hero. While staying with his uncle, W.A. Bickel for the summer, Donald went to Silver Lake for an outing. While there, he saved the life of a young girl who had swum too far out and was exhausted. (This was a big enough deal that it reached the Huntington Herald Press, even though it didn't occur in Huntington County). Donald graduated from high school, probably in 1936, and was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 22, 1941, just about two weeks before Pearl Harbor. His last job before joining the Army was as a guard at the Kingsbury ordnance plant.
I don't know anything about Donald's training or what his job in the Army was. Sometime, after he was deemed trained, he was shipped to the South Pacific theater. I don't know if he was in New Guinea the whole time, or if he had arrived there from another location (he very well could have been in Australia for additional training, as many soldiers in that campaign were stationed and trained there for a time.) We know that he sent a Christmas greeting to his cousin, Allen Bickel, on December 26, 1942 and said that all was well. However, in what was probably the battle to retake Buna from the Japanese, on the island of New Guinea, Donald was killed in action on December 29, 1942. Word didn't read Huntington county until January 21, 1943 of this death in the family.
I have thought about what the Aldridge and Beeks families must have felt when they heard the news. Donald was a second cousin to the Beeks "children", who were younger than Donald. Cleo Aldridge Beeks and Hazel Aldridge Murdock Holtz were first cousins and likely grew up spending time together. It would have been a sad day for the family, and for the other Aldridge family members. For Hazel, it must have been devastating.
At some point, Donald's body was returned to the States and he was buried at the IOOF cemetery in Frankfort. There is a military marker on his headstone indicating that he was a private. Perhaps his mother received a letter from his commander, giving more details of the death, but this is as much as I know now. If anyone reading this has any more knowledge about Donald Murdock, I'd love it if you'd share that with me. We should know the story of family heroes!
Donald's line of descent would be: To show the connection:
Darlington Aldridge-Leah Folsom Darlington Aldridge-Leah Folsom
Jeremiah Aldridge- Harvey Aldridge-Margaret Catherine Dunham
Hazel Aldridge-William Murdock Cleo Aldridge-Wilbur Beeks
Donald Murdock Mary Margaret Beeks and siblings
Donald Murdock was born June 5, 1918, the son of William and Hazel Aldridge Murdock. (It's possible that Hazel had an earlier marriage, but I'm unable to verify that now) Donald was the only child of this couple. They lived in Frankfort, Clinton County, Indiana from the early years of the marriage, because Donald was listed with his parents there in the 1920 U.S. census. William is listed as 44 years old, so it's possible that he had been married before also, and Hazel was 26. Donald's paternal grandparents, the Murdocks, were born in Ireland. His maternal grandfather, Jeremiah Aldridge, was born in Tipton County, Indiana. (Jeremiah had three wives and I've not yet found Hazel's birth record, so I'm not sure who her mother was).
As far as we know, life was going OK for Donald in 1930. He spent summers in Huntington County, living on a farm, probably with family members. His father was now a landscaper for an electric light plant, and owned his own home. Sometime between 1930 and 1940 William died, and Hazel remarried to Chelsea (?) Holtz. In 1940, Chelsea was a fireman's helper at the electric plant, Hazel was a seamstress, and Donald was a truck driver. They were living in a rented home, so it appears that perhaps the stress of the Depression and of William's death had reached this home.
The only story I know about Donald during his teenage years is one worthy of a hero. While staying with his uncle, W.A. Bickel for the summer, Donald went to Silver Lake for an outing. While there, he saved the life of a young girl who had swum too far out and was exhausted. (This was a big enough deal that it reached the Huntington Herald Press, even though it didn't occur in Huntington County). Donald graduated from high school, probably in 1936, and was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 22, 1941, just about two weeks before Pearl Harbor. His last job before joining the Army was as a guard at the Kingsbury ordnance plant.
I don't know anything about Donald's training or what his job in the Army was. Sometime, after he was deemed trained, he was shipped to the South Pacific theater. I don't know if he was in New Guinea the whole time, or if he had arrived there from another location (he very well could have been in Australia for additional training, as many soldiers in that campaign were stationed and trained there for a time.) We know that he sent a Christmas greeting to his cousin, Allen Bickel, on December 26, 1942 and said that all was well. However, in what was probably the battle to retake Buna from the Japanese, on the island of New Guinea, Donald was killed in action on December 29, 1942. Word didn't read Huntington county until January 21, 1943 of this death in the family.
I have thought about what the Aldridge and Beeks families must have felt when they heard the news. Donald was a second cousin to the Beeks "children", who were younger than Donald. Cleo Aldridge Beeks and Hazel Aldridge Murdock Holtz were first cousins and likely grew up spending time together. It would have been a sad day for the family, and for the other Aldridge family members. For Hazel, it must have been devastating.
At some point, Donald's body was returned to the States and he was buried at the IOOF cemetery in Frankfort. There is a military marker on his headstone indicating that he was a private. Perhaps his mother received a letter from his commander, giving more details of the death, but this is as much as I know now. If anyone reading this has any more knowledge about Donald Murdock, I'd love it if you'd share that with me. We should know the story of family heroes!
Donald's line of descent would be: To show the connection:
Darlington Aldridge-Leah Folsom Darlington Aldridge-Leah Folsom
Jeremiah Aldridge- Harvey Aldridge-Margaret Catherine Dunham
Hazel Aldridge-William Murdock Cleo Aldridge-Wilbur Beeks
Donald Murdock Mary Margaret Beeks and siblings
Friday, June 9, 2017
Holbrook line: William Stone, 1603-1660, Immigrant
First, a disclaimer: I am not 100% confident with this ancestor because our connecting link is not listed as his son in some of the trees I've looked at. Also, there are few cources to refer to, which makes sense if you consider the turbulent times of frontier Maryland. But wouldn't someone know for sure who the goernor's children were? Yes, this man was the third governor of Maryland, and his life is intriguing. Most of our Maryland ancestors were not men of "consequence", except to their descendants, so it's fun to find this one.
Well, perhaps "find" is a bit too strong beabeth cause there doesn't seem to be a consensus, or documentation, for exactly when he was born, or for the identification of his parents. He is likely to have been born in or around the London, England area, however, based on the odds. Many of the early settlers of Virginia and Maryland were from the London area. The most common christening date I've seen is October 7,1603 at Twiston, Clitheroe, Lancashire, England. Doubtless a William Stone was baptized there on that day. But was it this William Stone? I need more than this to be reasonably sure of his early years.
I'm also not sure on whether he had one wife, or two. A William Stone married Elizabeth Sprigg, probably in England and probably about the year 1625. The William Stone we are discussing had a wife, Verlinda Cotton, but the approximate wedding date for this couple is 1628-1630. It's believed our ancestor, Thomas, was born about 1628 so I tend to think, at the moment, that he would be the child of William and Elizabeth. I honestly don't think anyone knows for sure, at this moment in time.
What we do know is that he was a man of some substance, or consequence. A daughter married William Calvert, son of Leonard Calvert, first proprietary governor of Maryland, and he would not have married just anyone. The Stone family were "people of quality".
William Stone was in Virginia by 1628, and latter went to Maryland. He had two residences by 1648, one in Charles County and one in St Mary's County. He served Accomack County, Virginia as justice of the piece for several years, was a vestryman, a shefiff, a burgess, and then governor of Maryland. He was later on the governor's Council, a Provincial court justice, and was also a military captain. At his death, he owned 3000 acres of land, indicating that he most likely raised tobacco. Perhaps the thing I like best about him is that he is described as an advocate for religious freedom.
He probably had 6 children and perhaps more. He wrote his will on December 3,1659. It was proved on January 15, 1660, and probated December 21,1660. His will is said to have mentioned his eldest son, Thomas, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, and other children. I have not yet seen a copy of the will myself, and I would love to find a copy on line.
So this is our ancestor-mysterious, important, protector of religious freedom, and governor of Maryland. I need to learn more about him!
The line of descent is:
William Stone-Elizabeth Sprigg (possibly)
Thomas Stone-Christiana Parrish
Barbara Stone-Dennis Garrett
Johanna Garrett-John Cole
Sarah Cole-Charles Gorsuch
Hannah Gorsuch-Thomas Stansbury
Rachel Stansbury-Alexis Lemmon
Sarah Lemmon-Abraham Hetrick
Isaac Hetrick-Elizabeth Black
Mary Alice Hetrick-Louis Stanard
Etta Stanard-Loren Holbrook
Gladys Holbrook-Richard Allen
Their descendants
Well, perhaps "find" is a bit too strong beabeth cause there doesn't seem to be a consensus, or documentation, for exactly when he was born, or for the identification of his parents. He is likely to have been born in or around the London, England area, however, based on the odds. Many of the early settlers of Virginia and Maryland were from the London area. The most common christening date I've seen is October 7,1603 at Twiston, Clitheroe, Lancashire, England. Doubtless a William Stone was baptized there on that day. But was it this William Stone? I need more than this to be reasonably sure of his early years.
I'm also not sure on whether he had one wife, or two. A William Stone married Elizabeth Sprigg, probably in England and probably about the year 1625. The William Stone we are discussing had a wife, Verlinda Cotton, but the approximate wedding date for this couple is 1628-1630. It's believed our ancestor, Thomas, was born about 1628 so I tend to think, at the moment, that he would be the child of William and Elizabeth. I honestly don't think anyone knows for sure, at this moment in time.
What we do know is that he was a man of some substance, or consequence. A daughter married William Calvert, son of Leonard Calvert, first proprietary governor of Maryland, and he would not have married just anyone. The Stone family were "people of quality".
William Stone was in Virginia by 1628, and latter went to Maryland. He had two residences by 1648, one in Charles County and one in St Mary's County. He served Accomack County, Virginia as justice of the piece for several years, was a vestryman, a shefiff, a burgess, and then governor of Maryland. He was later on the governor's Council, a Provincial court justice, and was also a military captain. At his death, he owned 3000 acres of land, indicating that he most likely raised tobacco. Perhaps the thing I like best about him is that he is described as an advocate for religious freedom.
He probably had 6 children and perhaps more. He wrote his will on December 3,1659. It was proved on January 15, 1660, and probated December 21,1660. His will is said to have mentioned his eldest son, Thomas, his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, and other children. I have not yet seen a copy of the will myself, and I would love to find a copy on line.
So this is our ancestor-mysterious, important, protector of religious freedom, and governor of Maryland. I need to learn more about him!
The line of descent is:
William Stone-Elizabeth Sprigg (possibly)
Thomas Stone-Christiana Parrish
Barbara Stone-Dennis Garrett
Johanna Garrett-John Cole
Sarah Cole-Charles Gorsuch
Hannah Gorsuch-Thomas Stansbury
Rachel Stansbury-Alexis Lemmon
Sarah Lemmon-Abraham Hetrick
Isaac Hetrick-Elizabeth Black
Mary Alice Hetrick-Louis Stanard
Etta Stanard-Loren Holbrook
Gladys Holbrook-Richard Allen
Their descendants
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Allen line: Richard Tydings, Immigrant abt 1630-1687
I wish I could find more information about Richard Tydings. I'd love to tell you who his parents were and where he was born, whom he married and when he arrived in the New World. However, there is conflicting information about each of these "facts", and obviously not all of them can be correct. There are no alternate facts in genealogy, but alternate theories abound .
As of now, possible parents for Richard,are John and Ann Willson Tydings, married September 20,1630 at St Saviour church, Southwark, Surrey, (across the Thames River from London). John "Tithings" had a son RIchard baptied March, 1633/4, so this is in the correct time frame to be our Richard. Also Richard named a son John, but both first names are very common so this is not proof, just a suggestion.
We do know that he was in Maryland by 1659, when he demanded 50 acres as a headright. Whether this was for himself or for a family member is not clear. He lived at a "plantation" or farm called Haslenut Ridge", which was on the Rhode River in what is now Anne Arundel County, around Annapolis.
He most likely married in Maryland, and his wife is often claimed to be Charity Sparrow, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Marsh Sparrow. There is some dispute about this in genealogy circles but I think it is likely correct, though I'm sure willing to listen to opposing beliefs, especially if documents are found to prove or disprove this theory
Based on his will, we know that he owned not only Haslenut Ridge, by now 166 acres, but also a tract called Nanjomie in Baltimore County, which was 375 acres, and another tract called "New Year's Purchase" which was on Gunpowder River in Baltimore County and contained 500 acres. Because he owned at least three separate pieces of land at the time of his death in 1687, he was likely raising tobacco, which depleted the land quickly. This could mean he had indentured servants or possibly slaves, although there was no mention of slaves in this will. (This isn't necessarily conclusive, because slaves at the time were considered personal property and it wasn't necessary to list or bequeath them separately).
Other than this, we know only the names of some of his children: John, Charity, Pretitia, Elizabeth, and Mary. There are lists that include other children and it's possible, but these five seem to be the ones everyone agrees on. Richard is indeed a mystery. Why did he come to Maryland, and what ship did he come on when he came to America. Did he disembark at Baltimore, or Virginia? Where is the proof of his wife's name?
The Maryland ancestors we have are fascinating, maybe because they seem mysterious to me. I want to learn more about them both individually, and as a group of people.
The line of descent is:
Richard Tydings-Charity Sparrow
Pretitia or Pretosia Tydings-Dutton Lane
Samuel Lane-Mary Jane Corbin
Lambert Lane-Nancy Ann Anderson
Nancy Ann Lane-James McCoy
Vincent McCoy-Eleanor Jackson
Nancy McCoy-George R. Allen
Edward Allen-Edith Knott
Richard Allen-Gladys Holbrook
Their descendants
As of now, possible parents for Richard,are John and Ann Willson Tydings, married September 20,1630 at St Saviour church, Southwark, Surrey, (across the Thames River from London). John "Tithings" had a son RIchard baptied March, 1633/4, so this is in the correct time frame to be our Richard. Also Richard named a son John, but both first names are very common so this is not proof, just a suggestion.
We do know that he was in Maryland by 1659, when he demanded 50 acres as a headright. Whether this was for himself or for a family member is not clear. He lived at a "plantation" or farm called Haslenut Ridge", which was on the Rhode River in what is now Anne Arundel County, around Annapolis.
He most likely married in Maryland, and his wife is often claimed to be Charity Sparrow, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Marsh Sparrow. There is some dispute about this in genealogy circles but I think it is likely correct, though I'm sure willing to listen to opposing beliefs, especially if documents are found to prove or disprove this theory
Based on his will, we know that he owned not only Haslenut Ridge, by now 166 acres, but also a tract called Nanjomie in Baltimore County, which was 375 acres, and another tract called "New Year's Purchase" which was on Gunpowder River in Baltimore County and contained 500 acres. Because he owned at least three separate pieces of land at the time of his death in 1687, he was likely raising tobacco, which depleted the land quickly. This could mean he had indentured servants or possibly slaves, although there was no mention of slaves in this will. (This isn't necessarily conclusive, because slaves at the time were considered personal property and it wasn't necessary to list or bequeath them separately).
Other than this, we know only the names of some of his children: John, Charity, Pretitia, Elizabeth, and Mary. There are lists that include other children and it's possible, but these five seem to be the ones everyone agrees on. Richard is indeed a mystery. Why did he come to Maryland, and what ship did he come on when he came to America. Did he disembark at Baltimore, or Virginia? Where is the proof of his wife's name?
The Maryland ancestors we have are fascinating, maybe because they seem mysterious to me. I want to learn more about them both individually, and as a group of people.
The line of descent is:
Richard Tydings-Charity Sparrow
Pretitia or Pretosia Tydings-Dutton Lane
Samuel Lane-Mary Jane Corbin
Lambert Lane-Nancy Ann Anderson
Nancy Ann Lane-James McCoy
Vincent McCoy-Eleanor Jackson
Nancy McCoy-George R. Allen
Edward Allen-Edith Knott
Richard Allen-Gladys Holbrook
Their descendants
Friday, June 2, 2017
Thoughts on reaching 400 blog posts
"Margaret Catherine Dunham Aldridge', my last blog post, was post number 400. That was kind of a big deal for me, because when I started I had no idea how many posts I'd be able to write. I still have no idea. For one thing, God could call a halt to them at any moment. For another, I've already run out of people I can write about in the Harshbarger line. The Beeks line is getting pretty thin, too, as far as new ancestors. I still have quite a few Allen ancestors and a lot of Holbrook ancestors to write about, at least in theory.
I like to say that I'm writing these posts so family members will know their history and of course that is one reason. But let's face it. The truth is that I'm writing these posts because I enjoy it and because it is something I feel compelled to do. I love learning who my ancestors are, and figuring out their stories. I love the thrill of the hunt and the excitement when I uncover something, or someone, new to me and perhaps new to the world. I love reading books, both non-fiction and fiction, that help me understand the world of my ancestors and how that world would have affected them. I love that my family never stayed in one place more than one or two generations (OK, three generations in a couple of cases).
Some of these things are the same things I don't care for, about family history. I don't care for having to research in 34 states and two provinces and I don't know how many counties, just to track these people down. I know the best thing to do is to go to county courthouses, but time and budget just won't allow me very many trips, so I have to choose carefully. I don't like knowing that the ancestors I still need to find are the ones who seem to have been dropped by alien spaceships, because I can't find them prior to their marriage or even their death, I don't like budget restraints. I don't like it when experienced genealogists tell me there will always be people I can't find. I also don't like it when I post about someone and then learn that was not the correct ancestor. I have at least three blog posts about "former" ancestors that I've chosen to leave up (they are identified by "Updates" at the bottom of the page but I wish I had been accurate in the first place.
Writing 400 blog posts has been an unexpected pleasure and I hope to continue as long as the Lord allows and I have people to write about. I have loved "meeting" cousins via this blog post and I always encourage, in fact, I beg readers to share with me when they know things I haven't learned yet. It's fun to work together on some of the "unfound" and I hope these collaborations continue. If you've been reading my blog from the beginning almost four years ago, I thank you and if you've just found it, I welcome you. Let's see what we find out together as we head toward (maybe) blog post 500!
I like to say that I'm writing these posts so family members will know their history and of course that is one reason. But let's face it. The truth is that I'm writing these posts because I enjoy it and because it is something I feel compelled to do. I love learning who my ancestors are, and figuring out their stories. I love the thrill of the hunt and the excitement when I uncover something, or someone, new to me and perhaps new to the world. I love reading books, both non-fiction and fiction, that help me understand the world of my ancestors and how that world would have affected them. I love that my family never stayed in one place more than one or two generations (OK, three generations in a couple of cases).
Some of these things are the same things I don't care for, about family history. I don't care for having to research in 34 states and two provinces and I don't know how many counties, just to track these people down. I know the best thing to do is to go to county courthouses, but time and budget just won't allow me very many trips, so I have to choose carefully. I don't like knowing that the ancestors I still need to find are the ones who seem to have been dropped by alien spaceships, because I can't find them prior to their marriage or even their death, I don't like budget restraints. I don't like it when experienced genealogists tell me there will always be people I can't find. I also don't like it when I post about someone and then learn that was not the correct ancestor. I have at least three blog posts about "former" ancestors that I've chosen to leave up (they are identified by "Updates" at the bottom of the page but I wish I had been accurate in the first place.
Writing 400 blog posts has been an unexpected pleasure and I hope to continue as long as the Lord allows and I have people to write about. I have loved "meeting" cousins via this blog post and I always encourage, in fact, I beg readers to share with me when they know things I haven't learned yet. It's fun to work together on some of the "unfound" and I hope these collaborations continue. If you've been reading my blog from the beginning almost four years ago, I thank you and if you've just found it, I welcome you. Let's see what we find out together as we head toward (maybe) blog post 500!
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Beeks line: Margaret Catherine Dunham Aldridge 1858-1942
I'm going to type two newspaper articles from the Huntington Herald Press. They are full of errors and misspellings, but perhaps someone in the family hasn't seen these before. They relate to the death of Margaret Catherine Dunham Aldridge, wife of Harvey Homer Aldridge and daughter of Samuel and Eliza Matilda Reese Dunham.
Here's the first article, printed on May 8,1942:
"ILLNESS FATAL TO ANDREWS RESIDENT"
Margaret K. Aldrich dies at Home of Daughter
Mrs. Margaret Katherine Aldrich, 88, died at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Cleo Beeks, in Andrews after a serious illness.
She was born in Tipton county May 18,1858 to Samuel and Matilda Dunham and was married April 1, 1880 to Harvey Aldrich at Kempton, where the family lived until 1910 when they came to Andrews. Mr. Aldrich died in August, 1930.
Surviving are two sons, Frank Aldrich, Wabash county, and Samuel Aldrich, Midland, Mich.; two daughters, Mrs. Della Harrell, Lagro, and Mrs. Beeks; 35 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. One son and three daughters are deceased.
The body was taken to the Zimmerman funeral home in Andrews where brief services will e held at 10 a.m. Saturday. The body will then be taken to Kempton where services will be held in the Methodist church at 2p.m. The Rev. John W. Borders, pastor of the Methodist church at Wabash will officiate. Burial will be in the Morris cemetery near Kempton."
The second is from the Andrews news column, which explains the delay, and is dated May 21, 1942.
"FUNERAL SERVICES
Short funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Aldridge were held at the Zimmerman funeral home and the body was taken to Kempton for final services and burials. Rev. John Borders of the Wabash Methodist Church officiated. Singers were Mrs. Lloyd Slagal and Lester Stephan accompanied at the pino by Elizabeth Warschko. Flowerbearers were granddaughters Anna Mae Beeks, Mary Margaret Beeks, Bernetta Huston, Lois Huston, Mary Enyard, Bernice Krider, Lurene Urschel, Doris Reynolds, Norma Jean Beeks, Carol Ann Enyeart and Lurene Kennedy. Pallbearers were grandsons James Beks, Paul Aldridge, Herbert Harrell, Herman Harrell, George Enyard and Roy Huston."
There is a lot of information in these paragraphs that may be new to some of the family. Remember that a couple of weeks ago I commented on the potential size of an Aldridge family reunion? These articles prompted that comment. There were many more great grandchildren born after Margaret's death, and those great grandchildren now have children, grand children, great grandchildren and perhaps even great great grandchildren of their own!
The line of descent is:
Margaret Catherine Dunham-Harvey Aldridge
Cleo Aldridge-Wilbur Beeks
Mary Margaret Beeks-Cleveland Harshbarger
Their descendants
Here's the first article, printed on May 8,1942:
"ILLNESS FATAL TO ANDREWS RESIDENT"
Margaret K. Aldrich dies at Home of Daughter
Mrs. Margaret Katherine Aldrich, 88, died at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Cleo Beeks, in Andrews after a serious illness.
She was born in Tipton county May 18,1858 to Samuel and Matilda Dunham and was married April 1, 1880 to Harvey Aldrich at Kempton, where the family lived until 1910 when they came to Andrews. Mr. Aldrich died in August, 1930.
Surviving are two sons, Frank Aldrich, Wabash county, and Samuel Aldrich, Midland, Mich.; two daughters, Mrs. Della Harrell, Lagro, and Mrs. Beeks; 35 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. One son and three daughters are deceased.
The body was taken to the Zimmerman funeral home in Andrews where brief services will e held at 10 a.m. Saturday. The body will then be taken to Kempton where services will be held in the Methodist church at 2p.m. The Rev. John W. Borders, pastor of the Methodist church at Wabash will officiate. Burial will be in the Morris cemetery near Kempton."
The second is from the Andrews news column, which explains the delay, and is dated May 21, 1942.
"FUNERAL SERVICES
Short funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Aldridge were held at the Zimmerman funeral home and the body was taken to Kempton for final services and burials. Rev. John Borders of the Wabash Methodist Church officiated. Singers were Mrs. Lloyd Slagal and Lester Stephan accompanied at the pino by Elizabeth Warschko. Flowerbearers were granddaughters Anna Mae Beeks, Mary Margaret Beeks, Bernetta Huston, Lois Huston, Mary Enyard, Bernice Krider, Lurene Urschel, Doris Reynolds, Norma Jean Beeks, Carol Ann Enyeart and Lurene Kennedy. Pallbearers were grandsons James Beks, Paul Aldridge, Herbert Harrell, Herman Harrell, George Enyard and Roy Huston."
There is a lot of information in these paragraphs that may be new to some of the family. Remember that a couple of weeks ago I commented on the potential size of an Aldridge family reunion? These articles prompted that comment. There were many more great grandchildren born after Margaret's death, and those great grandchildren now have children, grand children, great grandchildren and perhaps even great great grandchildren of their own!
The line of descent is:
Margaret Catherine Dunham-Harvey Aldridge
Cleo Aldridge-Wilbur Beeks
Mary Margaret Beeks-Cleveland Harshbarger
Their descendants
Friday, May 26, 2017
Holbrook line: RIchard Seymour 1604-1655 Immigrant
First,the fanciful but probably not true, or at least not proven: Some believe that Richard Seymour was a descendant of the Seymours of Wolf Hall, recently a series on PBS television. Those Seymours were powerful people involved with even more powerful people, and they are fascinating. Our Richard may or may not be descended from them, but his own life is fascinating in its own way. Of course, I say that about all my ancestors!
Richard Seymour was baptized on January 27, 1604/05, the first child of Robert and Elizabeth Waller Seymour, at Sawbridgeworth, county Herts, England. This is right on the border with Essex county, and likely there were friends and relatives of the Seymours who lived just a few miles down the road but were from Essex and not Hertfordshire.
The next thing we know about Richard is that he married Mercy Ruscoe, daughter of Roger and Sarah Ruscoe of Sawbridgeworth, and the marriage occurred there on April 15,1631. Richard and Mercy had three children born at Sawbridgworth, from 1632 to 1636. Although I've not located immigration or transportation records, it seems likely that the Seymours (also spelled Seamer and Semer, among other variations) left England in 1638 and went to Hartford Connecticut, where many of the young town would have been old acquaintances from England. Many Hartford settlers had their origins in Essex County, and if these people had been worshipping together as Puritans, they would surely have known and loved their new/old neighbors.
Richard was not a first settler at Hartford, as his lot number was number 70, but he did receive a land allotment in 1639 so he and his family, which consisted of four sons (two daughters had apparently died in England), settled down in their new home, early in the town's history. His house was near the Ely home, and he also owned land toward West Hartford. He was elected chimney viewer in 1647, which was somewhat analogous to that of fire inspector today. The homes during this time period were built (except our pioneers used wood rather than the stone used in England) like those homes they'd left behind in England, meaning the roofs were thatched and prone to catching fire. It was Richard's job to make sure the families were taking safety precautions and to watch for fires that might start on the roof, especially around the chimney.
The land Richard had was "by the courtesy of the town", which meant in effect that he only had a life lease to the property, and could not pass it on to his sons. Possibly due to this fact, Richard joined a group of settlers who planned to settle a new area, Norwalk, also in what is now Connecticut. He signed an agreement for the settling and planting of Norwalk in 1650 and was settled there by 1652. Here his home was directly opposite the meeting house and Parade Ground, on the highway leading from Stamford to Fairfield. He is considered an original founder of Norwalk. He was elected townsman, or selectman, in 1655 but four months later wrote his will, when he was "very week and sike".
Richard Seymour's estate was inventoried October 10, 1655 and was valued at 255 pounds, 9 shillings, which is not bad for a man 50 years old. Most of the inventory is illegible but one can make out "books" valued at one pound. this would indicate probably several volumes, but maybe not more than 20. It would be intriguing to know what they were. Were they all religious books, or did he have some practical books also? His widow, Mercy, married Thomas Steele, one of the leaders of the Connecticut Colony. He died in 1665 and she outlived him, but records of her death have not been located.
So whether or not there is a connection to the Seymours of Wolf Hall, we certainly have a line to one of the early settlers of our country, and that is a good thing, too.
The line of descent is:
Richard Seymour-Mercy Ruscoe
Richard Seymour-Hannah Woodruff
Hannah Seymour-Joseph Pomeroy
Medad Pomeroy-Hannah Trumbull
Medad Pomeroy-Eunice Southwell
Eunice Pomeroy-Libbeus Stanard
Libbeus Stanard-Euzebia or Luceba Fay
Hiram Stanard-Susan Eddy
Louis Stanard-Mary Alice Hetrick
Etta Stanard-Loren Holbrook
Gladys Holbrook-Richard Allen
Their descendants
Richard Seymour was baptized on January 27, 1604/05, the first child of Robert and Elizabeth Waller Seymour, at Sawbridgeworth, county Herts, England. This is right on the border with Essex county, and likely there were friends and relatives of the Seymours who lived just a few miles down the road but were from Essex and not Hertfordshire.
The next thing we know about Richard is that he married Mercy Ruscoe, daughter of Roger and Sarah Ruscoe of Sawbridgeworth, and the marriage occurred there on April 15,1631. Richard and Mercy had three children born at Sawbridgworth, from 1632 to 1636. Although I've not located immigration or transportation records, it seems likely that the Seymours (also spelled Seamer and Semer, among other variations) left England in 1638 and went to Hartford Connecticut, where many of the young town would have been old acquaintances from England. Many Hartford settlers had their origins in Essex County, and if these people had been worshipping together as Puritans, they would surely have known and loved their new/old neighbors.
Richard was not a first settler at Hartford, as his lot number was number 70, but he did receive a land allotment in 1639 so he and his family, which consisted of four sons (two daughters had apparently died in England), settled down in their new home, early in the town's history. His house was near the Ely home, and he also owned land toward West Hartford. He was elected chimney viewer in 1647, which was somewhat analogous to that of fire inspector today. The homes during this time period were built (except our pioneers used wood rather than the stone used in England) like those homes they'd left behind in England, meaning the roofs were thatched and prone to catching fire. It was Richard's job to make sure the families were taking safety precautions and to watch for fires that might start on the roof, especially around the chimney.
The land Richard had was "by the courtesy of the town", which meant in effect that he only had a life lease to the property, and could not pass it on to his sons. Possibly due to this fact, Richard joined a group of settlers who planned to settle a new area, Norwalk, also in what is now Connecticut. He signed an agreement for the settling and planting of Norwalk in 1650 and was settled there by 1652. Here his home was directly opposite the meeting house and Parade Ground, on the highway leading from Stamford to Fairfield. He is considered an original founder of Norwalk. He was elected townsman, or selectman, in 1655 but four months later wrote his will, when he was "very week and sike".
Richard Seymour's estate was inventoried October 10, 1655 and was valued at 255 pounds, 9 shillings, which is not bad for a man 50 years old. Most of the inventory is illegible but one can make out "books" valued at one pound. this would indicate probably several volumes, but maybe not more than 20. It would be intriguing to know what they were. Were they all religious books, or did he have some practical books also? His widow, Mercy, married Thomas Steele, one of the leaders of the Connecticut Colony. He died in 1665 and she outlived him, but records of her death have not been located.
So whether or not there is a connection to the Seymours of Wolf Hall, we certainly have a line to one of the early settlers of our country, and that is a good thing, too.
The line of descent is:
Richard Seymour-Mercy Ruscoe
Richard Seymour-Hannah Woodruff
Hannah Seymour-Joseph Pomeroy
Medad Pomeroy-Hannah Trumbull
Medad Pomeroy-Eunice Southwell
Eunice Pomeroy-Libbeus Stanard
Libbeus Stanard-Euzebia or Luceba Fay
Hiram Stanard-Susan Eddy
Louis Stanard-Mary Alice Hetrick
Etta Stanard-Loren Holbrook
Gladys Holbrook-Richard Allen
Their descendants
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