Internet Genealogy is a Wonderful Thing

Awhile back I wrote about the family trees I have posted on Ancestry.com. When I did this I had hoped to share some information and of course, to gain some information. I have several trees online--my mother's lines, my father's lines, both my hubby's adoptive and natural lines, and a couple of lines of friends of mine. In the past couple of weeks I have gotten several emails which have been really neat.

One was a guy looking for a line which I had listed but wasn't a direct line of mine. It was actually a cousin's mother's line. I was able to prove that his line and her line connected and I put him in contact with her.

Another email came from a young lady looking for another line of which I'm not connected to. She was connected to a line of one of my first cousin's husband--the Bowies. (Not sure if Jim Bowie is on this line or not.) I didn't have much for her but I could give her some birth, death and marriage dates which she didn't have.

The third email was from a guy who was related to my friend Bob. When Bob's wife, Marilyn, passed away last year, I kind of took over her research. She had done a wonderful job and was so organized. So with Bob's permission, I posted it on Ancestry.com. This man wrote to me and when I explained that I wasn't related but was taking over the search, he praised me for it. Then he proceeded to send lots of information and pictures of Bob's g.g. grandfather and g.g. grandmother which Marilyn or I had never found. Obviously, this all got sent on to Bob and his kids.

And lastly--I said that my husband was adopted. Thanks to a very informative adoption record, a lot of research, and some pure dumb luck, we found information on his natural family. I was able to contact several. We found that he had a half sister (still living) and a half brother who had died some years previously. The other day, I got an email from his brother's son. He didn't really know who I was but when he found out who we were, he opened up his Ancestry.com tree to me so that I could see the living members of the family. (Ancestry does not post names of living people--they are only listed as Living.) Because of this I found lots of cousins we didn't know we had. I also was able to give him lots of information on his ancestors which he didn't have.

As I said, Internet genealogy is a wonderful thing. I have found so many records, people, etc that I would never in a million years found or knew existed. It sure beats traveling all over the country digging through dusty court records, tramping through muddy cemeteries, sitting for hours in front of a microfilm machine, etc. But, I still do the courthouse thing, the cemetery thing and the library thing too. I just can't give that part up totally.

Wordless Wednesday-Meet My Great Grandmother

I am fortunate to have inherited many family pictures from my grandmother and my aunt. I found a lot of my pictures of my great grandmother, Laura Belle Roberts who was born January 30, 1865 and died June 8, 1930. She was the daughter of Archibald Ruddle Roberts and Lucinda Montgomery and wife of Calvin Douglas Morgan. Here are some of the pictures I have of her. Enjoy. And when you are done pop back to Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom to see more. And don't forget my other blog, Sand Between My Toes.

Laura Belle and I think this is her niece.

Laura Belle and my Aunt Maxine.

William "Indian Billy" Ice

Quite awhile ago, in May actually, I wrote a post about my Ice family and promised to follow up with a post about Indian Billy Ice. My daughter brought it to my attention awhile back that I had never done the follow up. Well, here it is--4 months late--but here it is.

William Galloway Ice was supposedly born on April 1, 1730, although there is much speculation about that. Also, I've never seen proof that his middle name was Galloway but it could very well be. His parents were Frederick Ice born in Holland and Mary Galloway, born about 1692 in Philadelphia. Mary's parents were John Robert Galloway, born about 1654 in Scotland and Christina Bruin, born either in Germany or Holland. One unnamed source stated, " "Mary Galloway married Frederick Ice, Jr. a few weeks after meeting him in church in Philadelphia in 1727. "

When William was about 10, his father and his older brother, John, went to the "store". Back in those days, the store was many miles and many days away. That left the mother, Mary, and the younger children, at least two girls-Mary and Margaret, and William at home. While Frederick and John were away, the Indians came to the house. (Some say they were Mohawk, some say Delaware, but I tend to believe it was the Shawnee.) Mary, the mother, was killed and the three children were taken captive by the Indians. Family history says that the sister Mary became the wife of Pucksinwah, a Shawnee chief, and became the mother of Tecumseh and his 6 brothers and sisters. So, this is where I sincerely question the truth of this story. I don't doubt that they were kidnapped. I doubt the stories about which tribe and that Mary was Tecumseh's mother. First of all, several sources state that she was Tecumseh's mother but that Tecumseh was either Delaware or Mohawk. It is well known and documented that he was Shawnee. Also, as I mention in my last post, I have discussed this with a couple of college professors who teach Ohio history and they are sure that Tecumseh's mother was probably a Creek Indian.

Anyway, on with William or Indian Billy as he came to be known. After about 5-10 years, he did escape from the Indians and apparently went to Pittsburg. Some sources say that he went to Paris and then back to America. Some say he was an interpreter for the Indians. Some say he was working on the Mason Dixon line when he accidentally met his stepmother. Who know what is true. Descendants and historians have written books about him and they all seem to differ.

At any rate, William did find his father who had moved from Virginia about 1759 to the Cheat River area near what is now Morgantown, West Virginia. Frederick had remarried and had 5 more children. Frederick had settled in a location which became known as Ice's Ferry. He was a millwright and cut the heavy millstones from the sandstone of that region to be used by his sons in Ice settlement in Marion County, West Virginia. In 1784, George Washington was studying a possible water route from the Potomac to the Monongahela. His diary relates that on Sept. 25, 1784 he was at Ice's Ferry and asked Frederick Ice if a canal could be built. Frederick told him that it could not be done. There is a plaque on the side of the hill which states this as well as an old mill stone which Frederick had cut. Ice's Ferry is also mentioned in "The Frontiersman" by Allan Eckert. As a note of interest, Frederick Ice is buried under what is now Cheat Lake. This used to be the Cheat River and was dammed up to become the lake. I remember sitting in a window of the lodge at Cheat Lake looking out at the lake and thinking about how Frederick was under all that water somewhere. Poor guy!

So, what is true and what is made up about Indian Billy and his family, I doubt we will ever know for sure. Billy did have 4 wives and 16 children. His first wife was an Indian woman and he had a daughter, Mary, by her. His second wife was my g.g.g.g. grandmother, Margaret Higgingbotham. She was born about 1749 and was the daughter of Ralph Higgingbotham and Mary (Henthorn?). Billy and Margaret had 10 children.
#1 Susannah Ice b. about 1768 married Henry Gase or Yost.
#2 Sarah/Sally Ice b. about 1769 married John or Henry Watson
#3 Margaret Ice b. 06 Jun 1770 married Aden/Hayden Bayles
#4 John Ice b. 1775 married Nancy (Fortney).
#5 Thomas Ice b. about 1777 married Drusilla White
#6 Abraham Ice b. 1781 married Mary "Polly" Lewman
#7 Eve Ice b. 1782 married Benjamin Shrieves
#8 George Ice b. about 1785 married Eve ?
#9 William Ice Jr. b. about 1785 married Rebecca Bogard. (my g.g.g.grandparents)
#10 Isaac Ice b. 1788 married Mary Fortney.

Indian Billy married #3 Mary Scott McMullen and had 1 son, Aden or Hayden Bayles Ice born 18 Jul 1803. He married Elizabeth Shaefer.

Indian Billy married #4 Elizabeth Shrieves and had 4 children.
#1 James S. born about 1805 married Barbara Burton
#2 Frederick William born 17 Mar 1807 married Mary "Polly" Martin
#3 Benjamin Shreve born 07 Oct 1809 married Sidney Evans
#4 Sarah "Sally" born 1812 married Abner Brown

Indian Billy died at the age of 96 at his home on Ice's Run, Buffalo Creek, Barrackville, Monongalia County, Virginia (present day Marion County, West Virginia.) At the time of his death he was almost totally deaf and blind. He is buried in the Ice Cemetery, Barrackville, West Virginia. I visited the cemetery and took pictures of the grave marker which has William Indian Billy Ice on it. Unfortunately, I don't know where the pictures are now. Guess that's an excuse to go back and visit.

The following is the controversial last will and testament of William Galloway Ice. This will was contested in 1829, the judgement of the court follows:
In the name of God, Amen. I, William Ice of Buffalo Creek, Monongalia County and the State of Virginia, being very sick and weak in body of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto God. Calling into mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say, principally and first of all to give and recommend my soul to Almighty God who gave it, and my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my wife. Nothing doubting but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the Mighty power of God and as touching such worldly estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life I give, demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form. First: I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Ice all my household goods and debts. I give and bequeath to my loving wife Elizabeth Ice all my land as long as she lives and keeps my name, and if she alters my name then only her thirds. I give and bequeath to my wife Elizabeth Ice all my horses, cattle, sheep and hogs and farming utensils. I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Ice fifteen shillings. I give and bequeath to my son John Ice fifteen shillings. I give and bequeath to my son William Ice ten dollars. I give and bequeath to my son George Ice fifteen dollars. I give and bequeath to my son Abraham Ice fifteen dollars. I give and bequeath to my son Adam Ice fifteen dollars. I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret Bayles fifteen shillings and I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Shrieves fifteen shillings, and to my daughter Eve Shrieves fifteen dollars, none of these heirs to be paid till Benjamin Ice my youngest son comes of age. I give and bequeath unto James Ice and Frederick Ice and Benjamin Ice all my land to be equally divided quantity and quality James to first choice, Frederick second choice, and Benjamin the last choice, and these three boys to pay my daughter Sally Ice one hundred dollars a piece. I continue make and ordain my loving wife Elizabeth Ice my sole executrix of this my last will and testament by them freely enjoyed. And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke, and disannul all and every other former testaments in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth of July 1818.
William Ice (his mark)
Witnesses
Charles Conaway
Elizabeth Conaway
Alexander Cossett
The will was contested by the children of William's second and third marriages against the children of the fourth marriage. The allegations being that William was too old and feeble of mind to properly decide his bequeaths. Many of William's acquaintances testified on behalf of the defense as to hiss ability to make sound judgements. However, in the final outcome the prosecution prevailed. On September 17, 1829 and filed on October 05, 1829 the Superior Court of Chancery held at Clarksburg, Virginia, Judge Henry St. George Tucker presiding, decreed the following settlements:
56 acres to Elizabeth Ice
10 3/4 acres to Sarah Ice junior
10 1/2 acres to John Ice
10 acres to Aden B. Ice
10 3/4 acres to Thomas Ice
12 acres to Abraham Ice
Deed. #7 to Frederick Ice
11 acres to Eve Ice/Scrieves
14 acres to the children of George Ice; Mary Ice/Martin, Margaret Ice/Dunn, Uriah Ice, Milley Ice, Surrenia Ice, Elizabeth Ice, John Ice, Sarah Ann Ice, George Ice.
11 acres to Isaac Ice
9 1/4 acres to Benjamin Ice
9 1/4 acres to Margaret Ice/Bails
9 1/4 acres to to heirs of Sarah Ice/Watson; George Watson, Mary Freeland, Sarah Youst, Susannah Owens, William Watson (to his heirs; John Watson, James Watson, Elizabeth Watson)
12 1/2 acres to William Ice
20 acres to Mary Ice/Scrieves
24 acres to James Ice
Signed: William Haymond, CM, September 17, 1829

I have a copy of the will and court proceedings. Really interesting reading. The children of the 2nd and 3rd marriages contended that his last wife took advantage of his illness, his age, his deafness and blindness and made him sign a revised will.

Needless to say, Indian Billy had a colorful life which continued after his death as evidenced by the court action taken against his will. His father also was the proginator of many, many descendants. If your name is Ice or you have Ice ancestors, chances are you are descended from Frederick.

While googling Frederick Ice I found this blog. It is written by Rhoderick Ice, a descendant of Indian Billy's through his son, William, who happens to be my ancestor. He has written some history of Frederick as well as chapters from a book he has written about Frederick. Interesting reading if you have some time.

I love the Ice family. They have made for a lot of research, family stories, and hours of thinking about what is true and not true. But in the end, it has been fun--and to me that's what genealogy is all about.

Family Stories-Fact or Fiction

I think nearly every family has stories about their ancestors passed down from generation to generation. Some of these are very much factual but most of them are totally fiction. I have several cases of such stories in my family tree.


Story #1--My g.g.g.grandfather, James Parker was born in 1779 in Maryland and moved to Maysville, Kentucky sometime before 1802 when he married my g.g.g.grandmother, Susannah Donovan. From there he moved to Richland County, Illinois about 1819 and founded the town of Parkersburg. Now what else would he name it? Anyway, the Richland County History says--and I quote--"James Parker, a comrade of Daniel Boone and an old Indian fighter" Cool! So I look up Daniel Boone and find that he was born in 1734, a good 45 years before James was born. And by the time James would have been old enough to be a comrade and Indian fighter, Daniel had moved to Missouri. Now, granted, Boone lived in Maysville for a while living there from 1784 to 1788. My James would have been between 5 and 9 years old then. A tad young to be a comrade of Daniel's. But I do have another link to Daniel Boone and this one is fact. Daniel's sister Hannah Boone married Richard Pennington who was an uncle of my g.g.g.grandmother Sarah Pennington--who by the way never met James Parker as far as I know.


Story #2--My hubby is adopted and I have been lucky enough to trace both his adoptive and natural lines. Several years ago we found that he had a half sister. She gave us a lot of information on the family along with this little tidbit. Their g.g.grandmother was the sister of Mary Todd Lincoln! Wow. Double cool! So, of course, I did some research. Now, Mary Todd had lots of brothers and sisters but it seems that all of them were born in Kentucky. Now, I can't find the last name of hubby's g.g.grandmother but she married a James Walker probably in Indiana. She was born about 1814 in Pennsylvania. Hmmm, doesn't quite line up somehow, especially when her name was also Mary! But, hey, did you know that Mary Todd's mother's maiden name was Parker??? Maybe there is a link there--but I sincerely doubt it.


Story #3--- My g.g.g.g.grandfather, William "Indian Billy" Ice, was born 1730 in Hampshire County, Virginia. When he was a child (no one seems to know how old), his father and older brother John went in to "town" for supplies. This was a trip that took several days. The mother, Margaret, stayed at home with the younger children. During this time, the Shawnee Indians attacked the home and apparently killed Margaret and possibly one of William's sisters. He and the other two sisters were kidnapped and taken back to Ohio where they were raised by the Indians. A number of stories have been told about how Billy escaped from the Indians. One states that he was out with a group of Indians when he and an Indian boy were left alone. He became afraid of the boy, escaped and went to Pittsburgh where he was hidden. There are several stories about how he then went to France, then back to America to work on the Mason Dixon line where he was discovered by his stepmother and reunited with his father. Since his father had moved after his capture, he didn't know where he was. Other stories state that Billy was made a Chief by the Indians. Still other stories state that he served as an interpreter after he returned to civilization. So, how many of these are fact and how many are fiction, I doubt anyone even knows.

Story #4-Mary, the sister of Indian Billy was kidnapped at the same time he was. Family tradition states that Mary Ice was the wife of the Shawnee Chief Pucksinwah and the mother of his children including Tecumseh the great Indian chief.Most histories state that Pucksinwah's wife was a Creek Indian. Some say that Tecumseh had blue or hazel eyes . Pictures show that he wore a medallion around his neck which some people felt was a profile of a white woman, his mother. Apparently, though, this was a medallion with the likeness of King George III on it. Family history states that Mary returned to visit her family when she was very old but despite pleas from her family returned to live with the Indians. I have talked to a couple of college professors who teach Ohio history and they say that this family story is totally fiction and that Tecumseh's mother was an Indian not a white woman.
Descendants of Mary Bayles (wife of Andrew Ice who was half brother of Mary and Indian Billy Ice) and family historian, Norman F. Kendall state that Mary Bayles was the mother of Tecumseh but also state that his father was Young Eagle which is known to be untrue. This tradition states that Mary Bayles returned to her family with Tecumseh and he lived among the whites until age 15 but threats against his life prompted William "Indian Billy" Ice to return him to the Shawnees. I have read many books and stories about Tecumseh and nowhere have I read that he lived with the whites for several years. Soooo-it would look like this is another fictional family story. I'm not sure why these families wanted so badly to be so closely identified with Tecumseh.

Story #5-This one is apparently fact and is documented in several histories of New Amsterdam. My 7th great grandfather, Laurens Duyts, was born in Denmark in 1610. He came to New Amsterdam in 1639. His passage was paid by a man named Jonas Bronk in exchange for work clearing some land in New Amsterdam. This land later became known as the Bronx. Laurens also got into some trouble with Gov. Peter Stuyvesant for committing adultery and for selling his wife into adultery! "For selling his wife, Ytie Jansen, and forcing her to live in adultery with another man and for living himself also in adultery, he was to have a rope tied around his neck, and then to be severely flogged, to have his right ear cut off, and be banished for fifty years. He went to Bergen, New Jersey and died there." Ouch!! Oh yeah, and after his banishment, he married Ytie's sister.

I would love to be able to time travel and go back and meet and talk to these ancestors and get the real facts. Some of these stories remind me of the old game where a bunch of people would sit in a circle. The first person would whisper something to the person next to him and so on. Then the last person in the circle would say aloud what they were told. It usually was totally different from the beginning sentence. I'm sure that many of these stories started off so much different from the way we heard them.

I guess what I'm saying is--don't always take what you hear about your ancestors as the absolute truth!

Posting on Ancestry.com

I know that it has been quite a while since I have posted here. I have been busy--all day, every day--putting all of my lines, pictures etc on Ancestry.com. I have added several different lines.

I have three different lines for my husband. He is adopted but thanks to a very comprehensive adoption history, I was able to find both his birth maternal and paternal lines. And, we have been able to meet a sister from his maternal line and cousins and an aunt from his paternal line. I have put the information from his birth paternal line in a tree called Ritten/Ryten Gershtenman/Gorman Family Tree. This line goes back to Russia and Poland. Both of these families immigrated to America and settled in Detroit. His birth maternal line information is in a tree called Thomas and Walker family tree. The Thomas' came from Wales. Edward Thomas worked in the coal mines in Boulder County, Colorado but moved to Detroit where he died. His wife took the Merrill name from her stepfather but her mother was a Walker from Indiana and her father was a Grehear from Germany.His adoptive line is in a tree entitled Runta and O'Malley Family Tree. The Runtus family immigrated from Lithuania to Pennsylvania where Anthony worked in the coal mines. The O'Malleys and Worns families were from Graves End, England and immigrated in the early part of the 1900's to NYC and on to Detroit.

As for my lines I did my dad's side first. This one is called Brooks, Dye, Ice Family Tree. The Brooks' went from Pennsylvania to Delaware to Virginia to Harrison County, West Virginia to Washington County, Ohio. It was in West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio that they intermarried with the Dye and Ice family--both very prolific families in the area. Other names in this line are Bogard from New York to West Virginia; Sayers from Ireland to Pennsylvania to West Virginia; Taylor from New York to Washington County, Ohio and Pearce from Delaware to Monroe County, Ohio.

I am still working on putting my mother's tree online. I have a LOT of names to put on line. I know that I could just download a gedcom file but I wanted to put each name on individually so I could check them against what is already online. When I eventually get it all up to date, this line will include Clarks from Richland County, Illinois back to Virginia and Barbados; Richards and McCoy from Richland County, Illinois back to Wilson County, Tennessee; Morgan and Gupton from Wabash County, Illinois back to Carter County, Tennessee and North Carolina; Roberts from Wayne and Wabash Counties, Illinois back to Virginia; Gaddy and Montgomery from Wabash County, Illinois back to North Carolina and Virginia; and Preston and Finney from Wabash County, Illinois back to Hamilton County, Ohio and points east.

I had posted much of this information years ago but Ancestry.com has updated it's site and method of adding family trees--so to stay up with the times, this is why I am doing it again. Plus it is a great way to share pictures and other information with others.

So, forgive me for not posting here for awhile.

My Mom & Amelia Earhart

I have always thought that my mom and Amelia Earhart could have been sisters. I was reminded of that again last week when we were at the Air and Space Museum in San Diego. I took a picture of a picture of Amelia and have been comparing them to pictures of my mom. Of course they both had the same hairdo but even their facial features are the same. What do you think?













That's Amelia Earhart on the left and my mom on the right.

Wordless Wednesday-Sara Gittel Goldberg Ryten

This is my husband's great grandmother, Sara Gittel Goldberg Ryten, and one of her daughters. It was probably taken between 1910-1919 in Poland.

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom

Wordless Wednesday-Clark Reunion 1918

This is a family reunion in 1918 of my mother's family. The lady on the far right is my grandmother, Clara Ethel Morgan Clark. The young lady next to her is my mother, Opal Clark, age 11 and next to her is her sister, Maxine Clark, age 7.

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom

Wordless Wednesday-Cousin Stella

This was Stella Muncy a granddaughter of Lucinda Montgomery Muncy McGuire. I would love to have known her. I bet she was a fun lady!!

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom

My Montgomery's

My great, great, great Grandfather, John Montgomery. He is buried in the Gaddy Cemetery in Lawrence County, Illinois. This cemetery is way back down a country lane in the middle of a cornfield. It is surrounded by trees and is well taken care of. All of the tombstones are very old and as you can see by my g.g.g.grandmother's tombstone, some are in bad shape.

My great, great, great grandmother, Elizabeth Gaddy Montgomery. She is buried next to her husband in Gaddy Cemetery.


A while back, I posted a picture of my g.g.grandmother, Lucinda Montgomery. Several years ago, we joined Clan Montgomery Society International of which I am now the PR person. I had hoped to be able to find someone else in Clan Montgomery who connected to my Montgomery family. But, so far, no luck!

Lucinda Montgomery was born January 25, 1842 in Wabash County, Illinois. She married on November 27, 1859 in Wabash county #1. Archibald Ruddle Roberts born October 12, 1822 in Wayne County, Illinois. This was his second marriage. He died May 15, 1865 in Wabash County. They had 4 children.
#1. Charles R. Roberts was born September 22, 1860 in Wabash County and died April 16, 1861.
#2. Lewis Edward Roberts born January 21, 1862 Wabash County died March 21, 1923 in Wabash County.
#3. Ada Roberts born Feb. 10, 1863 Wabash County died March 2, 1864 Wabash County.
#4. (my great grandmother) Laura Belle Roberts born January 30, 1865 Wabash County died June 8, 1930 Evansville, Indiana. She married Calvin Douglas Morgan on January 11, 1882 in Wabash County.

Lucinda married #2 John A.Muncy Sr.on December 30, 1866 in Wabash County. John was born August 10, 1834 in West Virginia and died August 8, 1887 in Tarrant County, Texas. John and Lucinda had 4 children.
#1. Alida "Lidy" Muncy born June 6, 1867 in Wabash County died Feb. 20, 1940 in Mansfield, Tarrant County, Texas. Married Jacob M. Back.
#2. Asa Muncy born November 12, 1869 Wabash County, Illinois died October 7, 1951 in Los Angeles, California.
#3. Elgin R. Muncy born about 1872 in Illinois and died before 1900
#4. John A. Muncy, Jr. born January 1, 1881 Tarrant County, Texas died 1940 Mansfield, Tarrant County, Texas. Married Ada B. House.

Lucinda married #3. Solomon S. McGuire on June 29, 1890 in Tarrant County, Texas. He was born September 13, 1826 in Surrey County, North Carolina and died September 7, 1894 in Tarrant County. They had no children.


Lucinda was the daughter of John Montgomery and Elizabeth Gaddy. Elizabeth was the daughter of Elijah Gaddy and Lydia Fuller. John and Elizabeth were married in Wabash County April 1830. She was just 14 years old. She was the next to youngest of 11 children and was an orphan living with an older brother. I have a feeling big brother wanted to get rid of her. She, however didn't have any children until she was 18.

John Montgomery was born March 9, 1809 in North Carolina and died December 4, 1858 in Wabash County. Elizabeth was born December 15, 1815 in Wilson County, Tennessee and died May 24, 1858 (just a few months before John) in Wabash County, Illinois. I have no idea who John's parents were.

John and Elizabeth had 11 children all born Wabash County, Illinois.
#1 James Montgomery born Feb. 2, 1834. Died after February 4, 1888. He married Sidia/Lydia E. Moore March 19, 1863 in Lawrence Co., Illinois and had 9 children. Only 3 daughters lived to adulthood.
#2. William Montgomery born February 13, 1836, died April 6, 1862 at the Battle of Shiloh in the Civil War. Unmarried.
#3. George Montgomery born August 15, 1838 and died before 1850.
#4. John Montgomery, Jr. born August 3, 1840. I have no idea when or where he died.
#5. Lucinda Montgomery (my g.g.grandmother) born January 24, 1842.
#6. Leonard Montgomery born February 18, 1844, died Nov. 25, 1861 at Camp Butler, Illinois due to measles during the Civil War. Unmarried
#7. Malinda Montgomery born March 10, 1846, died after January 21, 1861.
#8. Mary Ann Montgomery born February 16, 1849 married James Rodgers.
#9. Elizabeth Montgomery born March 18, 1851 died February 21, 1852.
#10. Martha A. Montgomery born December 24, 1852 married William B. Thompson
#11. Elijah Montgomery born February 25, 1856 died after February 4, 1888. I don't know whether he married or not.

After John and Elizabeth died, the older brothers took care of and supported the younger children. After William and Leonard died in the Civil War, James supported the younger ones using pension money from the two brothers.

I would love to know who John's father was. The name John Montgomery is just about as common as the name, Hugh Montgomery. But, the name Leonard is not all that common. I am hoping that there is a link between John naming a son, Leonard, and his parents or grandparents. I sure could use some help on this and would appreciate any help at all.

Wordless Wednesday-Dye Tombstones

This is a picture of my great great grandfather's tombstone. Amos Dye was the son of John Dye and Elizabeth Caywood, early settlers in Washington County, Ohio. Amos and his wife, Maria, are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio.

This is my great, great grandmother's tombstone. Her name was Maria Taylor Dye. She was the daughter of Richard Taylor and Freedom Carpenter.

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Posted by Snowbird

Pure Dumb Luck and Lots of Gut Instinct

I'm sure a professional genealogist would run for the hills if they read what I am about to post but here goes anyway. I am convinced that a LOT of genealogy success is the result of dumb luck and gut instinct. Over the years, I have fallen into more finds just out of dumb luck or being in the right place at the right time or thumbing through just the right book. I also have had a lot of instances of having a gut instinct about something and sure enough, I find out it is true. Yesterday was an example of both of these occurrences.

I went to our local library to do some research for a friend. Our library has a rather extensive genealogy/local history section. This is the same library that was closed from last August 13 to sometime in December because of our 100 year flood, This was the first time I had been there since the flood and I was amazed to find that the underground parking garage and basement where all of the electrical, phone, etc. plus used bookstore, offices etc was still being worked on. And because of this, the library has no AC. The upstairs area where the main library is was not affected by the flood--thankfully. Anyway, I digress.

I did my research for Bob and as I was getting up to leave I noticed that right in front of me there were quite a few books on Monroe County, Ohio, I have done more research than I care to think about in and about this county. Unfortunately, it is one of the two counties I'm researching (Wabash County, Illinois being the other) where the courthouse was burned down in the 1800's. Well, in Wabash County's case, it was a tornado. Anyway, I noticed that there were a few books about Monroe County that I hadn't seen before. So, I sat down and started going through them.

I am looking for my g.g.grandfather, Isaac Pearce--not Pierce but Pearce, it seems. Isaac was born about 1780 supposedly in Delaware but it could have been Pennsylvania and died April 29, 1861 in Monroe Co., Ohio. My g.g.grandmother Mary (don't know her surname) died Jan. 15, 1846 in Monroe County. I got this date from the local Monroe County newspaper, The Spirit of Democracy. The article didn't give her birth date but said she was 50 making her born in 1796. Isaac remarried between 1846 and 1850 to a Lydia (didn't now her surname). Lydia had been previously married to a Mr. Agin.

A couple of items I found in one of the books yesterday were the following:
#1 Spirit of Democracy (newspaper from Monroe Co., Ohio) April 6, 1869 Vol 26 #6 "Legal Notice-Will of Isaac Pearce dec'd-destroyed by fire, copy admitted to record March 30, 1869"

#2 Spirit of Democracy Dec. 1, 1868 Vol 25 #40,"Settlement Accounts for Hearing Dec. 17, 1868 J.R. Pennington Executor for Isaac Pearce partial".

I was curious who this J.R. Pennington was and why he would be the executor of my g.g.grandfather's estate. So of course I started looking up the Penningtons. I found that J. R. was John R. Pennington, the son of Thomas Pennington and Sarah Randolph.

Then I found this:
Ancestors of Monroe County, Ohio
Thomas Pennington Jan 10, 1803-Nov 7, 1890 md Sarah Randolph born Nov 18, 1802-died July 1, 1871 or 1874
Their child: Maria Jane Pennington born May 13, 1839-died Dec. 8, 1901 Monroe Co., Ohio
Maria Jane Pennington married James Randolph Agin born Nov 22, 1835-died March 16, 1912 Crane Nest, Monroe co. Oh. They were married 1863 Crane Nest, Ohio
James Randolph Agin was the son of Jacob Agin born 1811-died Feb 16, 1876 and Phoebe born 1812-died Feb 1882.

So here was the link between the Penningtons, the Agins, and my g.g.grandfather, Isaac Pearce and step g.g.grandmother, Lydia.

When I got home, I started going through my old notes and found that Lydia was living with Thomas Pennington in 1880 and although his wife was dead, Lydia was listed as his sister in law.(And why didn't I catch this before?? Who knows!) So, I did some online research and found that Lydia was indeed the sister of Sarah Randolph Pennington and was born September 16, 1813 in Redstone, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Richard Fitz Randolph and Lydia Mackay. Richard and Lydia had 12 children, several of whom ended up in Monroe County, Ohio.

And guess what, their oldest daughter was named Mary and was born in 1796!! My g.g.grandmother, Mary, who died in 1846 was born in 1796 in Pennsylvania. I got that information from the 1880 census of my great grandmother--Isaac and Mary's daughter, Elizabeth D. Pearce Sayers.

OK, I don't have proof that my g.g.grandmother Mary was indeed Mary Randolph, especially since Mary Randolph supposedly married a Maxwell Edwards. Isaac Pearce and Mary did not marry until about 1821 when he was about 40 and she was about 25. I have been totally unable to find anything on a Maxwell Edwards from that time and place so there is every possibility that Maxwell died and Mary then married Isaac Pearce. And when she died, Isaac married her sister who just happened to be a widow.

Anyway, being in the right place and the right time and finding those books on Monroe County helped me to find the Agins, Penningtons and Randolphs. And, my gut instinct is working overtime telling me that my Mary was indeed Mary Randolph. Now, I just have to find out how Mary Randolph met Isaac Pearce and got married. Then I have to be in the right place at the right time and find out who Isaac's parents were.

Later: Well, shoot!!! I just did some more searching and found that Maxwell Edwards was the son of Thomas Edwards and--you guessed it--Mary Randolph. And they settled in Perry County, Ohio where Mary died in 1862!!! NOT my Mary! Oh well, so much for gut instinct. Back to the drawing board. BUT, I did find out who my step g.g.grandmother, Lydia, was at least.

My Grandfather-Elkanah "Cain" Richards Clark

Elkanah "Cain" Richards Clark 1875-1933

My grandfather, Elkanah "Cain" Richards Clark was named for his mother's father, Elcana Richards. Papa Cain, as my brother called him, was born November 3, 1875 in Timberville, Wabash County, Illinois. Timberville is no longer there but was near Allendale where my mother was born and grew up. Cain died April 24, 1933 in Grayville, White County, Illinois. His occupation was driving a gasoline truck. He was killed instantly when his truck was hit by a train at a crossing. Since he died 5 years before I was born, I never knew him. He married my grandmother Clara Ethel Morgan, on either June 3, 1902 or June 3, 1903. Their marriage license says 1903 but my grandmother always said 1902--so who knows.

Cain Clark

My uncle, Clifton Calvin, was born January 12, 1904.Clifton died January 2, 1957 by falling down a flight of stairs and breaking his neck. Next was my mother, Opal (no middle name) who was born August 30, 1907. She died June 7, 1953 in a car accident. Third was Bernard Orville born August 25, 1909. He died July 14, 1910. I was told he pulled a pan of boiling water off of the stove and he was scalded to death. My aunt, Garnet Maxine, was born November 11, 1911. They were all born in or near Allendale, Wabash County, Illinois. As you can imagine, from all of the tragic deaths in this family, I often wondered if I would live beyond my 40's or 50's.

Cain Clark

My grandfather was the son of Robert H. (Hugh?) Clark and Susan Richards. Cain was one of 7 children. There were two sets of twins who died in infancy. (geez, yet more sadness!) Anyway, my grandfather's brothers were James Byron "Bye" Clark born February 17, 1873 in Shelby County, Illinois and Charles C. Clark born August 22, 1879 in Fort Worth, Cook County, Texas.

Obituary of Elkanah Richards Clark

I always felt left out when I was growing up. My friends all had grandparents and I never knew either one of my grandfathers and only one of my grandmothers. My dad's mother died in 1919 and his father died in 1940 when I was 2. Luckily I did have my mother's mother until I was 22. Unfortunately, I didn't ask her all that I should have. I wish, now, that I had asked my parents more about their parents and my grandmother about her parents. That is a lesson to be heeded. If your parents or grandparents are still living--talk to them about what they know or remember about their parents or grandparents. Write it down--especially dates and places. If you don't, there will come a day when you kick yourself for not doing so. Trust me!!

My grandfather Elkanah Richards Clark, my Aunt Garnet Maxine Clark, my mother Opal Clark, and my grandmother Clara Ethel Morgan.

This is Edwyn Sandys Archbishop of York
He is also my 12th great grandfather.
How cool is that!!

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom

Wordless Wednesday-Meet Lucinda Montgomery

This was my great great grandmother, Lucinda Montgomery Roberts Muncey McGuire. OK, I will admit that many years ago, some child (hmmm, I wonder who?) drew on the original picture and it was sent in and restored. So, I'm not sure she was a beautiful and serene as she appears in this picture but I like to think so.

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom

Wordless Wednesday-Sibs

I have always LOVED this picture. It is a picture of my mom, Opal Clark, and her big brother, Clifton, taken in 1908.

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom

My Dad's Mom-Amanda Jane Sayers

Boy, I didn't realize how hard it would be to keep up with two blogs. It's been awhile since I posted (except for Wordless Wednesday) about some genealogy stuff. So, back to my family.

My dad's mom was Amanda Jane Sayers. She was born December 16, 1856 in Marshall County, West Virginia (actually Virginia at the time.) She married my grandfather, Edwin Amos Brooks on April 12, 1877 in Ritchie County, West Virginia. She died November 21, 1919 in Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia. Her death certificate states that she died from TB. I had heard that she was in and out of mental institutions much of her married life and did in fact find her listed as a patient at the W.Va. Hospital for the Insane in Lewis County, W.Va. in the 1910 census. It was my understanding that she would come home long enough to get pregnant and have a child then would head back to the institution. Now, I'm not sure if this is right or not but she did have 10 children in 22 years.

Amanda Jane was the daughter of William Sayers, Sr. and Elizabeth D. Pearce. William was born about 1814 in Pennsylvania and died between 1880 and 1890 probably in Wirt County, West Virginia. He supposedly was killed by a falling tree. I have never been able to find a death certificate or tombstone for him. According to the 1880 census, both of his parents were born in Ireland. This is where I hit a brick wall as far as tracing this family. I have found various spellings of the name-Sires, Syers, Sayer, etc. I would LOVE to be able to find any of his siblings or his parents.

William married Elizabeth D. Pearce about 1854 in West Virginia. I have found no marriage certificate for them. Elizabeth D. was the daughter of Isaac and Mary (unknown last name) Pearce. Elizabeth was born December 1831 probably in Monroe County, Ohio and died April 1903 in Ritchie County, West Virginia. Elizabeth had 3 siblings-Rachel J. born about 1823 married and divorced Presley J. Martin, John F. Pearce born about 1825 married Louisa Moffitt, and Isaac born about 1825 married Nancy (last name unknown). They all lived in Monroe County, Ohio.

Isaac Pearce, Sr. was born about 1790 in Delaware and died April 29, 1861 in Monroe County, Ohio. His wife, Mary, was born about 1796 in Pennsylvania and died January 15, 1846 in Monroe County. Isaac married #2 Lydia Agin in Monroe County.

Back to Amanda Jane and her sibs.
#1. She had a sister, Mary, born April 14, 1855 and died December 28, 1855 in Marshall County, West Virginia.
#2. Amanda Jane
#3. William Winfield born August 14, 1859 in Marshall County and died January 20, 1928 in Ritchie County, W.Va. He married Ursula Haney and had 6 children, Cora D., Mary Elizabeth, Rosa, William Arthur, Bessie and James F.
#4. Isaac Newton (Pearce?) Sayers born January 1861 in W.Va and died January 3, 1930 in Wood County, W.Va. He was unmarried.
#5. Charles H. Sayers born July 1864 in West Virginia and died after 1930. Probably unmarried.
#6. Child. In 1900 Elizabeth stated that 4 of 6 children were living. This means that there was a 6th child somewhere along the line.

This is all I have on the Sayers and Pearces. No pictures, not much information. It is making me crazy!! I sure would appreciate ANY help on this family.

Wordless Wednesday-My Great Great Grandmother

This is my great great grandmother, Mary Eliza Preston Morgan, in front of her house about 1880.

Ok, I know that you are busy checking out other Wordless Wednesdays but please bookmark me and drop back some time. This is my genealogy blog. I will be discussing my ancestors and from time to time I will be giving some instructions on how to do your own search. But now, go back to Wordless Wednesday and have a happy day.

Enjoy more Wordless Wednesdays at Wordless Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom

Genealogy-Getting Started

Mariby mentioned in a comment that she would like to start working on her genealogy but didn’t know where to begin. She hoped that maybe I could give some instructions along the way. Even though I’ve been doing family research for over 40 years now, I don’t feel that I’m really an expert. I can, however, offer some suggestions on how to start and where to go for information.

First off, you need some kind of form to keep your information on or some kind of computer program where you can store your information. When I began, there were no computer programs for genealogy. So I had reams and reams of forms-family group sheets, ancestral charts, census forms etc etc etc. Then I finally got a computer program. The one I started with doesn’t exist anymore but I discovered Family Tree Maker and really like it. I do, however, prefer the 2006 program to the 2008, but if you are just starting out you might really like it. This site, About.com has reviews and such about lots of other programs.

That being said, I would suggest you head over to Ancesty.com. You don't have to be a member to look around. At the top of the page, click on Learning Center (or just click here!) They have lots of tutorials on how to get started. If you click on Getting Started it takes you to a page that does as it says-it gets you started. It also has downloads for those charts that I mentioned above. Really, this site can give you so much more that I can ever tell you here. I wish I had had this when I started out!!

There are other sites which can get you started also-- The National Archives, Genuki (a site featuring the UK and Ireland), Genealogy.com, Rootsweb, Genealogy Today, and on and on. I just google "genealogy getting started" and came up with more sites than I would ever care to visit. Genealogy 101 looks to be another good beginner site.

OK, once you have read everything there is to read on all of those sites, you will probably know more than I do about getting started. But, I would say after that, no matter what all of those sites tell you, start talking to your family members. Write down names (full names!), birth dates and places, marriage dates and places, death dates and places and any other dates which you might like to include (christenings, confirmations, lst communions, naturalizations, etc). If you downloaded and printed out the forms I mentioned above, you can put all this information on these forms. It will make life a lot simpler, believe me. So, now you have your siblings and parents down on a family group form. Then, I would make forms for any of your married siblings and their offspring. Again, get dates, places etc.

Now, on to your grandparents. And if your great grandparents are living--wow, are you in luck!! If any of the grandparents or great grandparents are living, run, don't walk to them and get all of the information they can possibly tell you. Take notes! Don't depend on remembering anything. Ask them about their siblings (dates, places, spouses, kids, etc). Then ask them to tell you everything they can about their parents and grandparents. The more you learn now, the easier it will be later. Write down any family history stories. Sometimes these are worth something and sometimes they aren't. Often, these are just stories that have been embellished over the years and now haven't a shred of truth to them. (Like my g.g.g.g.grandfather's sister who was supposed to be the mother of the great Indian Chief Tecumseh!) But, true or not, they are fun to hear.

If your grandparents aren't living, then ask your parents, aunts, uncles, friends of your grandparents etc to tell you everything they can. Again, write things down. Use those family group sheets.

And---always list sources--whether it be a person, a book, or an online site. I didn't do this for the longest time and I'm paying for it now.

Ok, that's enough for now. Go check out those sites. Then hop back here in a few days and I will give you some more ideas. Have fun. I LOVE doing family research. Genealogy really brings history alive and even if you have a few skeletons in the closet (and yes, I found a few), it makes it all the more interesting.

Old Nick-Brooks Genealogy

I promised in my last post that I would talk about my great great grandfather, Nicholas Brooks Sr. I would love to go back in time and meet many of my ancestors but Nick is the guy I would most like to meet. He must have really been a character.

Nicholas Brooks, Sr. was born in 1751 in Delaware and died in 1859 in Washington County, Ohio at the age of 108. We have never been able to prove who his parents were. My first cousin's daughter hired a professional genealogist at one time and that person felt that his father was John Brooks who died in 1790 in Kent County, Delaware. John was the son of James Brooks who died 1727 in Kent County, Delaware. His children besides John were Moses, Benjamin, Arthur, James, Elinor, and Mary.

I was always told that Nick was married 4 times and had 9 children by each wife. Well he might have been married 4 times but he only had 9 children by his last wife, my g.g.grandmother. A Nicholas Brooks married Edith Trego before 1786 in Pennsylvania. It hasn't been proved but we think this is our Nick. We haven't found any children from this marriage. Then Nick married a Sarah (last name unknown) about 1800 in Rockingham County, Virginia. He had at least one son by Sarah--Alexander William (or Williams) Brooks born about 1802 in Rockingham County. He died in 1870 in Harrison County, West Virginia. Alexander was married 3 times and had several kids but I can't find any descendants of any of them.

Nicholas and Alexander moved to Harrison County before 1810 as I find him in the census there. He is listed as over 45 years of age, his wife is between 26-46 (probably closer to the 26 end) and a son age 0-10 (this would be Alexander). Then I find him in Tyler County, WVa in 1820 with just himself (again over 45--well duh!) and a female (I'm assuming it is Sarah) age 26-45. Probably closer to mid thirties now. No Alexander listed so I'm assuming he had moved out (Kind of like my great grandfather did when he left home at an early age to "fend for himself").

Either Sarah died or she left to fend for herself too, because Nick married a Catherine Fitz in Harrison County in 1824. I never thought they had any children but I later found a Mary born 1826. (See below). Apparently there was a BIG court battle involving Nick and Catherine. I have copies of the original papers but they are sooo hard to read, I can't be sure what happened. Anyway, it seems that Nick and Catherine split.

In 1828, Nick married Sarah Ice (my g.g.grandmother). He was 77 and she was 22!!! Now, I understand that back then you were considered an old maid at 15 but come on folks. Why would anyone marry someone 55 years older? And I know for a fact it wasn't for his money! You see, I found them in 1839 on the County Home Registry in Washington County, Ohio.

Washington County, Ohio Home-Infirmary Register-July 1, 1839
Nicholas Brooks 88, destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged June 1840, native of Virginia
Sarah Brooks 36, destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged June 1840, native of Virginia
Mary Brooks 14 destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged June 1840, native of Virginia
James Brooks 10 destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged May 8, 1840 native of Virginia
Nich(s) Brooks 8 destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged May 8, 1840 native of Virginia
E.G. Brooks 6 destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged May 8, 1840 native of Virginia
B.F. Brooks 3 destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged May 8, 1840 native of Virginia
R.A. Brooks 2 destitute, Grandview July 1839, discharged May 8, 1840 native of Virginia

Nick died after June 5, 1859 as Nick and Sarah visited my g.grandfather, Nick Jr. on that date. Apparently Nick Sr. worked in the fields even after he turned 100. I guess any guy who can father his last child at age 99 should be able to work the fields too, huh??

We don't really know where Old Nick is buried. We think it is in Cooper Cemetery in Grandview Township in Washington County, Ohio. (Near Marietta and the Ohio River). I visited that cemetery but it is all overgrown and most of the tombstones have fallen, been broken, or are buried.

Nick and Sarah Ice Brooks had 9 children:
1. James born about 1830 in Pleasants Co., W.Va. died before 1870 in Doddridge Co., W.Va. He had two wives, Elizabeth Cope and Elizabeth Bogard (a cousin). He had two daughters, Mary and Sarah.
2. Nicholas Brooks, Sr. b. 1832 Washington Co., Ohio (my great grandfather) who married Eliza Rebecca Dye
3. Elizabeth G. Brooks born abt 1834 in Washington County. Nothing more is known of her.
4. Benjamin Franklin Brooks b. 1836 Washington County. Died 1916 Upshur County, W.Va. Ben was married 2 times-Jemima Isabel Lowe (a cousin) and had 3 children. 2nd marriage to Permelia Smalley and he had 5 children by her. I get the feeling that Uncle Ben was a whole lot like his father.
5. Rebecca Ann Brooks b. 1838 in Washington County died before 1880 probably in Missouri. She married a cousin, Abraham Bogard, and had 4 children.
6. David Brooks born 1840 in Washington County died 1897 in Brown County, Indiana. He married Nancy Jane Pugh and had 2 sons, David and John.
7. Nancy Jane Brooks born about 1842 Washington County died after 1860 but I don't know when or where.
8. Jesse Brooks born about 1845 in Washington County supposedly died in the Civil War.
9. Susannah Brooks born about 1848 in Washington County. Nothing more is known about here.

In the 1850 census of Washington County, Ohio, there is a Caroline Brooks, age one, living with a Dye family. Now, remember, Nick Jr. ran away to live with the Dyes and later married a Dye. Nothing has been found on this Caroline after that time. My aunt and I speculated that this Caroline could actually have been the 10th child of Nick Sr. Who knows?

Sarah Ice Brooks obviously outlived Old Nick. I lost track of her after 1850 but I believe she moved to Webster County, Missouri with her daughter and son in law, Rebecca Ann and Abraham Bogard. I need to do further research on this.

Anyway, that's about it of Old Nick. As I said, he must have been quite a character and apparently quite the ladies man if he could get a 22 year old to marry him when he was 77! I obviously have no pictures of him but I do have one of his son, Benjamin Franklin. I kind of like to think that Ben looked a lot like his dad.

Benjamin Franklin Brooks 1836-1916 Don't you just love those eyes?

My Brooks Great Grandparents-Brooks Genealogy

Nicholas Brooks, Jr. 1832-1918

Ok, lets go back a generation. My great grandparents were Nicholas Brooks, Jr. and Eliza Rebecca Dye. Family tradition says that Nicholas left home at an early age "to fend for himself" and went to live with Samuel Dye, an uncle of his future wife. Considering the fact that his father was 80 years old when Nicholas was born might have had something to do with it!! (But more about Nick Sr. in another post). Nicholas was the son of Nicholas Brooks, Sr. and Sarah Ice. He was one of 9 children. He did have some half brothers and sisters but I'm not sure how many. Apparently Nicholas Jr. served in the Civil War when he lived in Wheeling, West Virginia for several years.

Eliza Rebecca Dye was the daughter of Amos Dye and Maria Taylor. She was one of 11 children. The Dye line was one of my favorite lines to research early on. I collected tons and tons of material on them. Eliza Rebecca played the organ at the Moss Run Church in Washington County, Ohio. I inherited the little brass lamp that she used to carry to church and place on the organ. I also inherited some monogrammed silverware and a stoneware pitcher belonging to Nicholas and Eliza Rebecca.

Nicholas Brooks Jr. Born January 15, 1832 Washington County, Ohio Died May 19, 1918 Washington County, Ohio. You would hardly recognize this good looking gent as the same one with the long white beard at the top of this page, would you?

Eliza Rebecca Dye born December 28, 1835 Washington County, Ohio Died June 21, 1904 Washington County, Ohio. Notice that she is pregnant in this picture. I like to think she is pregnant with my Grandpa.

Nicholas and Eliza Rebecca are buried in Eddy Cemetery in Washington County, Ohio

Nicholas and Eliza Rebecca were married in Washington County, Ohio November 9, 1854 and they had 8 children.

#1 My grandfather, Edwin Amos Brooks, was born July 23, 1855 in Washington County, Ohio and died January 24, 1940 in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. He married Amanda Jane Sayers April 12, 1877 in Ritchie County, West Virginia. She was born December 16, 1856 in Marshall County, West Virginia and died November 21, 1919 in Clarksburg, Harrison County, West Virginia.

#2. Their second born was John Henry Brooks born January 24, 1859 in Washington County, Ohio and died May 19, 1918 in Washington County, Ohio. John Henry never married. He apparently died of Epilepsy.

#3. Anna M. Brooks was born April 3, 1862 when the family lived in Wheeling, Ohio County, West Virginia. She died August 12 of that year in Wheeling.

#4. Dudley William Brooks was born August 14, 1864 in Wheeling, West Virginia and died March 23, 1932 in Washington County, Ohio. He married Lucinda Jane Hood September 5, 1904 in Washington County. They had 4 sons-Nicholas James, Gerald Walter, Clarence Elmer, and Delbert Ira.

#5. Charlotte Brooks was born about 1866. It is not clear when she died. Family tradition said that she was engaged to be married and died before her wedding. However, I never found her in the 1870 census.

#6. Elmer Nicholas Brooks was born February 3, 1868 in Washington County, Ohio and died May 22, 1937 on Cow Run, Washington County, Ohio. He married April 1, 1899 to Lillie Fredonia Knutty. They had 3 children-Eliza, Merl, and Lulu.

#7. Maria Brooks was born and died in 1869 in Washington County, Ohio

#8. Era (a boy) was born February 2, 1872 on Cow Run and died February 8, 1872.

This was the Brooks homestead where all 8 children were born. I took this picture in the 1960's sometime. It has since been torn down.

In my next post I will talk about Nicholas Brooks, Sr. or "Old Nick" as we lovingly call him. He has to be one of my all time favorite ancestors. He lived to be 108 years old, was apparently married 4 times, fathered I don't know how many children, and had his last kid when he was 99 years old!!! I've always wished that I could go back in time and meet him and find out so much more about him.

Let Me Introduce You to My Brooks Family-Part 1-Brooks Genealogy

My grandfather, Edwin Amos Brooks. There are no pictures of my grandmother, Amanda Jane Sayers.

I was born--many, many years ago--actually in 1938--to George Edwin Brooks and Opal Clark. George was the youngest of 10 children born to Edwin Amos Brooks and Amanda Jane Sayers-- 8 boys and 2 girls. All but Daisy Elizabeth lived to adulthood. All of the children were born in Finch, Ritchie County, West (By God) Virginia. As my dad always said, he was born on Whiskey Run and Dog Trot. You gotta love those names. John Henry, the first born, was born in 1878. Lillie Elizabeth was born in 1879. Following were: Charlie William in 1881, Delbert Nicholas in 1884, Daisy Elizabeth in 1888, Harry Arthur in 1890, Hobert Clarence in 1893, Knols Curtis in 1895, Earl (no middle name poor guy) in 1898 and my dad, George Edwin, in 1900. It seems, according to family history, that my poor grandmother had a history of mental problems. (And with 10 kids, who can blame her!!). She would go into an institution, get better, come home, get pregnant, have another kid, go back to the institution and start the whole cycle over again. My poor aunt Lillie, being the only girl, ended up raising her brothers.

This was taken at my dad's funeral of the remaining Brooks boys. From left to right are Knols, Charlie, Earl and Hobert.

My dad only went as far as 4th grade in school. He started driving a wagon in the oil fields at the age of about 10 and continued working in the oil fields for most of the remainder of his live. He also had several brothers who worked in the oilfields also. Earl settled in Texas and Charlie settled in Crawford County, Illinois. John, Harry, Hobert and Knols all remained in Ritchie County, Wood County, and Harrison County, West Virginia. Aunt Lillie ended up marrying and settling in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia. Ok, I say married. My Uncle Knols always contended that she never actually married Pawdaw (our name for her husband Charles Murray) but lived common law with him. Whatever, they were together for many, many years.

My dad and his brother Hobert Clarence Brooks. My dad is on the right. Boy was he a good looking dude or what?

My dad moved from oil field to oil field. He met my mother in Wabash County, Illinois where they were married. They moved to Texas and actually lived in a tent there, then back to Illinois where my brother was born. They then moved to Kentucky and finally to Michigan where I was born. My brother was in something like 10 different schools before he was 10 I think. Luckily, they stopped the moving when I came along.

I love this picture of my dad. He had the greatest smile.

You notice, I haven't mentioned my Uncle Delbert. There has to be a black sheep in every family and apparently Uncle Delbert was our black sheep. The family lost track of him for many years and thought he was somewhere in Utah but weren't sure. One of my cousins was a career man in the Navy. He had to have a background check for security clearance and thanks to the US Government, we learned a whole lot more about Uncle Del.

Uncle Del apparently found his way to Mexico and joined Panco Villa sometime after 1918 where I found his World War I draft registration. (Maybe he was a draft dodger.) Anyway, he apparently was made Lieutenant Governor of Sonora Province by Villa. When Villa was assassinated, Uncle Del left Mexico just one jump ahead of the revolutionaries. According to his ramblings late in his life, he fathered an illegitimate daughter with a Hispanic woman while living in Mexico. Uncle Delbert either did not know or could not remember her name. He just knew he had a daughter and he never married the mother. He bummed around Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona for a couple of years, then took a job as an Armed Guard in the mail cars of the Union Pacific Railroad. He kept this job (and his gun!) for several years, at least through the late 1930's. His record shows he was still employed by Union Pacific in 1935 when the Social Security System was started. He later left that job and moved to Utah to pan for gold. He thought he would make a fortune! He lived the rest of his life in Utah. After he retired, Uncle Delbert has the dubious distinction of being the first man to shoot up a Post Office. He claimed that the postmaster had taken his government check. What actually happened was, there was a holiday and the mail wasn't delivered. Uncle Delbert didn't believe the postmaster, so he pulled his gun and started shooting. Luckily, the postmaster wasn't killed. Uncle Delbert finished out his life in a Nursing Home mumbling about his "good ole days" when he was much younger and could "whip anyone who looked cross-eyed at him." Uncle Delbert died on August 30, 1966, and is buried in the Washington City Cemetery in Washington County, Utah. He has a small headstone with his full name, birth and death dates on it.

Delbert Nicholas Brooks 1884-1966. Now, doesn't this look like someone who would ride with Pancho Villa?

I never met Uncle Del but I know I would have loved him! I met all of the rest of my dad's siblings but my favorite was Uncle Earl. After my dad died, I always kind of looked to him as my second dad. He and Aunt Geneva never had kids of their own but really loved kids. We visited them several times in Texas and they came to Ohio to visit us several times. It was Aunt Geneva who got me started on genealogy.

Earl and Geneva (Neva Underwood) Brooks. Taken in 1978.

My mom died in 1953 in an accident caused by a drunk driver. My dad remarried in 1955 to Olive Biehl, a girlhood friend of my mom's, and lived out the rest of his life in Allendale, Wabash County, Illinois. He died in 1967. My parents are buried in Standish, Arenac County, Michigan where I grew up.

My parent's gravestone in Woodmere Cemetery in Standish.

In my next post, I will continue with the Brooks Family Part 2. Stay tuned.