Ancestor Archaeology: Iowa

Showing posts with label Iowa. Show all posts

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Book Of The Week: History of Louisa County, Iowa, from Its Earliest Settlement to 1912

History of Louisa County, Iowa, from Its Earliest Settlement to 1912

Volume 1

Arthur Springer

S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912 - Louisa County (Iowa)

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Book Of The Week: An Illustrated History of Monroe County, Iowa

An Illustrated History of

Monroe County, Iowa:

A Complete Civil, Political, and Military History of the County, from Its Earliest Period of Organization Down to 1896. Includin Sketches of Pioneer Life, Anecdotes, Biography, and Long-drawn Reminiscences Spun Out by the "oldest Inhabitant."

Frank Hickenlooper

F. Hickenlopper, 1896 - Monroe Co., Iowa - 354 pages

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Book Of The Week: A Topical History of Cedar County, Iowa, Volume 1

A Topical History of Cedar County, Iowa,

Volume 1

Clarence Ray Aurner

S. J. Clarke, 1910 - Cedar County (Iowa)

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Book Of The Week: History of Jefferson County, Iowa

History of Jefferson County, Iowa: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement

Charles J. Fulton

S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914 - Jefferson County (Iowa)

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Book Of The Week: The History of Des Moines County, Iowa

The History of Des Moines County, Iowa:

Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, &c, a Biographical Directory of Citizens, War Record of Its Volunteers ... General and Local Statistics ... History of the Northwest, History of Iowa, Map of Des Moines County ...

Western historical Company, 1879 - Des Moines County (Iowa) - 701 pages

Monday, July 17, 2017

Notes From My Grandmother | Bass Lineage and Genealogy

Somehow, much of my grandmother's hand written and (badly) typed notes and research wound up in my possession. Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles and back to Chicago again. It sat, in the dark of my mother's closet, until my dad passed and my mom decided to begin her great purge. Knowing I had picked up the torch, the next generation to pursue the Greatest Hobby on Earth, the papers came to live with me. Unsure for many years on just what to do with them, I have decided to bring them out and share them with you - transcribed, of course - no one can read my grandmother's handwriting! But in her own words; mistakes, rambling sentences, and all. I think she will be pleased her work and her writing are once again out in the light.

Bass Family Lineage and Genealogy .....

Grandma didn't know much about the Basses, I still don't. I wrote several posts (here) (here) and (here) about what I know. She was able to put together a spotty genealogy and a few facts, which I now present.

Robert Bass - - born in Boone County, KY, May 9, 1827. His father William L Bass, born in KY and married Margaret Roberts, who was born in KY in 1803. They moved to Bartholomew County, IN. In 1843 came to IA to Van Buren County and to Mahaska County in 1845. W L Bass died in 1885 - - his wife in 1883 - - both more than 80 years old.

Robert Bass was the oldest of the family of six sons and three daughters. He came to IA when he was 17 years. He was married to Mary Ann Roberts. He married Martha J Algood on July 4, 1865 after his first wife died. Martha was born in Montgomery County, IN and was a daughter of John L Algood, one of the earliest settlers of the state of IA, arriving about 1847. Children by the first marriage; Rosa (Mrs W E Stringer), John A Bass - - farmer of Pratt County, KS. By second marriage; Mary B (Mrs W E Moore), Charles, Frank, Nellie (died at 10 mos), R W - - druggist, Monong County, Agnes (Mrs Frank Bacon), Paul T.

Robert Bass was a justice of the peace for several years. Twp trustee, member of school board.

GENEALOGY

GEN 1

****Nathan Bass b. Nov 4, 1775 VA d. Sept 7, 1849 (74 years)

married Ruhama Price, December 25, 1796, KY

b. Sept 30, 1777 NJ d. Oct 21, 1853 IN (76 years)

issue:

Elizabeth R b. Oct 17, 1797 KY d. Feb 16, 1862 KY - 65 years

m. Mar 20, 1817 KY

Sally W b. Aug 8, 1799 KY d. Feb 27, 1819 KY - 20 years

m. Dec 19, 1817 KY

***William L b. Jan 8, 1802 KY d. Mar 18, 1885 IA - 83 years

m. July 3, 1824 KY

Josiah L b. Nov 10, 1803 KY d. Mar 28, 1884 IN - 42 years

m. Mar 13, 1829 KY

Susan W b. Nov 16, 1805 KY d. May 22, 1843 IN - 38 years

m. May 31, 1827 IN

Charity C b. Dec 2, 1807 KY d. Jan 5, 1836 IN - 29 years

m. Oct 14, 1828 IN

David G b. Nov 20, 1809 KY d. Jan 25, 1877 MI - 68 years

m. Sept 29, 1831 IN

Jonathan I b. Feb 29, 1812 KY d. Apr 14, 1874 IN - 62 years

m. Nov 23, 1837 IN

N Woodford b. June 18, 1814 KY d. Oct 18, 1888 KS - 74 years

m. Aug 21, 1842 IL

P Jackson b. Feb 1, 1817 KY d. Nov 20, 1891 KY - 74 years

m. Mar 12, 1843 KY

Thomas W b. July 29, 1819 KY d. Feb 18, 1895 IN - 70 years

m. Feb 16, 1845 IN

GEN 2

***William Leonard Bass

married Margaret Roberts b. KY

issue:

Elizabeth - m. - - Doze; issue Martha D m. - - Harbor

**Eliza Ann b. July 22, 1836 d. Dec 14, 1917 -
m. Apr 30, 1857 Elijah Busby

Marion - m. Susan James; issue: Sarah, Mary, Willis

Tom

Ruhama - m. - - Lower; issue: Alice, Rose, Wood, Homer, Jessie

Andrew Jackson - m. Adelaid Chew; issue: Albert, May, Eliza, Wilbur, Jim

Robert - b. May 9, 1827 d. May 25, 1909 - 82 years

m. Mary Ann Roberts (first wife) issue: Rosie, John

m. Martha Jane Algood (second wife) issue: Mary, Charley, Frank, Agnes, Paul, Nellie

*Frank - issue: Nettie and Frank b. 1807 d. 1930

*Agnes b. 1875 d. 19 - ?

Woodford b. Apr 19, 1844 d. Jan 12, 1901

m. ? ; issue: Belle - - - -, Emiline Atwood

GEN 3

** Eliza Ann b. July 22, 1836 d. Dec 14, 1917
m. Apr 30, 1857 Elijah Busby b. Nov 17, 1831 d. Dec 14, 1917

issue:

Wm. Leonard b. Mar 27, 1859 d. July 9, 1917
married Margaret - - - b. ? d. Nov 2, 1883 - 80 years

*Laura Alice b. Aug 26, 1861 d. Feb 1952 - 91 years
m - Zadoc Willis Thomas; issue: Dana E, Lauren, Irene, #Robert Willis

Emma b. Dec 5, 1866 d. 1951? m. - - Brown

John Robert b. Nov 25, 1869 d. ?

Homer Ernest b. July 20, 1872 d. ? - m. Loda - -; issue: Margaret, Homer

Lena Estelle b. Jan 26, 1877 d. July 1937 - 51 years m. - - - VanEss

..........end..........

Friday, June 16, 2017

Photo Friday :: Applonia Rowley

This series was birthed from the large old photo album I rediscovered in the back of my closet. Many of the photos are from my grandmother's side of the family. There are also unknown photos that came with the album. Story goes my dad, an avid garage saler, picked up a celluloid covered Victorian era photo album on one of his scavenges. It already contained photos of an (as yet) unidentified family. My parents put our own vintage family photos in the album alongside the mystery family's. As children we marveled at the old fashioned clothing and settings, often wondering who these people were and what their lives were like. Of course, we thought that ALL the people in the photos were our relations! It wasn't until my mom passed the album on to me after my dad died that I learned of the mystery family residing alongside our own!

I plan to share these photos over time, sometimes they will be my family, and identifiable, others will be of the mystery family. Thanks to the world wide web, they may find their way home yet!

Enjoy!

{very badly damaged - hand colored}

Applonia Rowley "Plone"

taken about 1873 at Will Chenoweth Studio

Blandinville, Ill.

Plone Rowley was the only daughter of Marcellus M Rowley

and Drucilla Criss Rowley.

Born November 11th 1871 in Iowa

Died June 28th 1938 in Mercer Co, Illinois

Married Edward Petrie

Applonia Rowley is my 1st cousin 3x removed

the daughter of my 2nd great grandmother's brother

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Book Of The Week: History of Lucas County, Iowa

History of Lucas County, Iowa: Containing a History of the County, Its Cities, Towns, Etc.

a Biographical Directory of Many of Its Leading Citizens, War Record of Its Volunteers in the Late Rebellion, General and Local Statistics, Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men, History of Iowa and the Northwest, Map of Lucas County, Constitution of the United States, Reminiscences, Miscellaneous Matters, Etc

State Historical Company, 1881 - Lucas County (Iowa) - 743 pages

Friday, May 12, 2017

Tools For The Dig: State Focused Research | Iowa

State Focused Research | Iowa

Some of my favorite research sites are slightly off-radar by today's definition.

First I'd like to talk about Genealogy Trails. From their homepage: "Our goal is to help you track your ancestors through time by transcribing genealogical and historical data and placing it online for the free use of all researchers. We are all about adding data for you to use in researching your family lines!!!We know that what you're looking for is data -- and we have LOTS of it right here.
Our hosts work continuously to bring you fresh, interesting and NEW data (well.... as new as hundred year old data can be!!!)" Pretty much everything you need to know to begin your Iowa research is contained within the pages of Iowa Genealogy Trails. This is a thorough, well thought out site - and they are always looking for volunteers!

Companion Yahoo! Group: Genealogy Trails/Midwestern States

Next up, RAOGK. Another volunteer site. A treasure trove of links, well organized and easy to understand. From this site you can request look-ups from a team of Iowa volunteers. Or add you name to the volunteer list if Iowa is your home-base.

IAGenWeb is an oldie but a goody! Volunteer based also, this database was founded in 1996! From their home page: "IAGenWeb isn’t an ordinary genealogy website. Ordinary websites are those where text and sometimes pretty pictures are present, but trying to get in touch with a real person to help you with your research… impossible. The strength of IAGenWeb is its many volunteers, some of whom have spent over a decade assisting others with their Iowa research. Using our county page visit the Iowa county your ancestors lived in and first try and find any information the county may freely provide on their pages (most have some sort of search built in). If the particular fact isn’t available online, then reach out to the county coordinator (cc) and they will try and assist you as best they can. Most county coordinators have their email address available on their website, though some will use contact forms."

Linkpendium is another all around resource hub. So What is Linkpendium, Anyway? "Linkpendium is a 10,000,000+ resource directory to everything on the Web about families worldwide and genealogically-relevant information about U.S. states and counties. We cover both free and subscription sites, with a strong emphasis upon free resources provided by libraries, other government agencies, genealogical and historical societies, and individuals. We are particularly proud of our unique indexes to online biographies."

Cyndi's List Iowa page.

FamilySearch:
Iowa State Wiki
Iowa State Catalog
Iowa Online Genealogy Records

State societies and archives include:
Iowa Genealogical Society
State Historical Society of Iowa
Digital State Archives/Iowa
Iowa.Gov/Archives

A comprehensive list of newspapers can be found at The Ancestor Hunt's Iowa page.

For social context look at LOC Iowa Collection and Iowa Digital Library.

As I discover more resources I'll update this post. Do you have any Iowa favorites that I've missed? Please share!

Friday, April 28, 2017

Photo Friday :: Lois and Earl

I plan to share these photos over time, sometimes they will be my family, and identifiable, others will be of the mystery family. Thanks to the world wide web, they may find their way home yet!

Enjoy!

This photo was actually a postcard and was clipped to (maybe) fit in a frame at one point? The writing on the back was cut in half too. Took me a bit, but I figured it out.

Lois and Earl
and Earl Jr
1911

The woman is Jessie Lois Twining and the man is Jacob Earl Hydeman, her husband. In the carriage is Earl Twining Hydeman born July 7th 1911.

Jessie Lois is my 2nd great aunt. Earl Jr is my 1st cousin 2x removed. Earl is just Earl.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Brick Wall Ancestor | #2 Margaret "Peggy" Roberts Bass

We all have them! Those stubborn ancestors that refuse to come out of hiding. No matter how much coaxing we do! Well, I think it's time to bring them out of the shadows - put their redacted story out there - another piece of the puzzle could be lurking just around the (cyber) corner, in someone's basement, or closet, or sitting in a box on a book shelf ...... You never, ever know where that loose chink will manifest, the one that allows you to push out one brick, then the next. Food for thought. So without further ado....

Brick Wall Ancestor #2 Margaret "Peggy" Roberts Bass

Margaret "Peggy" Roberts was born April 1st 1803 in Kentucky. Somewhere. To unknown parents. According to her headstone she died November 2nd 1883. She was 80y 7m 1d old. Back calculation of this gives us the April 1st 1803 birth date. There are no actual records of her birth that have been found to date.

Margaret married William Bass, son of Nathan Bass and his wife Ruhama, in 1823. There is a record of a Peggy Roberts marrying a Wm L Bass on July 3rd 1823 in Boone County, Kentucky. This record is only a transcript, the original record being rather elusive, I know of no researcher who has discovered it yet. (Because that would give us all the information we need, right!)

Nathan Bass, William's father, is found on the 1820 census in Barren County, Kentucky. Looking at that county for Roberts, there are four households listed: Ardemas, Isaac, Drury and Thomas. Looking at Boone County there are five Roberts households: Billingsly, Daniel, Phillip, Wesley and William.

How would a girl from Boone county end up with a boy from Barren county? The counties are 200 miles apart. However, looking at William's father Nathan again, it is found that he is buried in Boone County at the Old Salem Baptist Cemetery. Which is part of the Old Salem Predestinarian Baptist Church. Were William and Margaret members? Did they meet and get married there? I have yet to uncover records from this church.

So, Boone county or Barren county, Margaret and William were married sometime before May 1827 when their first child was born. In Kentucky. Or maybe Indiana. By 1830 the couple was living in Bartholomew, Indiana and stayed there for the next 15 or so years. They are listed on the 1830 and 1840 US censuses. Sometime around 1843 the family removed to Iowa, where their youngest child was born in April of 1844.

I have not been successful at finding the family on the 1850 US census. They are listed on the 1856 Iowa State census, and the 1860/1870/1880 US censuses. That 1850 census would really be helpful at identifying the children!

Margaret and William had at least ten children. There may have been more. If they were the couple that married in 1823 I would suspect there was a child or two born before their oldest known child was born in 1827.

The children:

Robert b. 1827 Kentucky or Indiana
Nathan J b. 1829 Kentucky or Indiana
Elizabeth J b. 1831 Indiana
Wm Marion b. 1833 Indiana
Eliza Ann b. 1836 Indiana
Thomas b. 1838 Indiana
Male UNK b. 1838/9 Indiana *counted on the 1840 census, not seen again
Ruhama F b. 1840 Indiana
Andrew Jackson b. 1842 Indiana
Woodford M b. 1844 Iowa

William's obituary speaks of eight children. Not named. Perhaps two died in infancy? "Obituary published in The Gospel Messenger, April 14, 1885, page 239 BASS.—In Middle Creek church, Iowa, Mar. 18, of old age, Bro. Wm. L. Bass, aged 83 years, 2 months and 10 days. Bro. Bass was born in Barren Co., Kentucky, moved to Iowa in 1843, lived in Mahaska county ever since. He was a consistent member of the Brethren church for many years. He leaves eight children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to mourn his departure. His companion preceded him about sixteen months. He had been very feeble for years and longed to die, being tired of life. Services by Bro. S. P. Miller assisted by J. Gable, from Heb. 4:9. Jestina Pfoutz."

Margaret Roberts Bass and her husband William L Bass are buried in the Wymore Cemetery in Mahaska county, Iowa. There are several children and grandchildren buried there as well.

.......... to be continued ..........

Monday, March 27, 2017

Notes From My Grandmother | Twining Lineage and Genealogy, Part Eleven

The Twining Papers

Of all the research I inherited, the Twining collection is by far the most expansive. My grandmother wrote 'stories' and typed up other little sketches on them. I will present them to you here, as written by her.

Twining Story, cont.

Assorted Obituaries

Edward W Twining - Corning, May 21st 1897

At the extreme age of 84 died at his home at Corning, Iowa May 24,1897, at 5 pm. Edward W Twining was born in Tolland Mass Oct 5 1814, and in 1815 came to Granville Ohio, where he lived until the age of 12 years. He was the 5th child of the family, one daughter and 5 sons. After the schooling of his boyhood he pursued a course of study at the Ohio University, and subsequently at the theological course at Lane Seminary during Lyman Beecher's connection with that institution. On the 3rd day of February 1840, he was united in marriage to Adeline Weed, and about that time commenced his ministerial career which spanned 40 years. For several years his service was given to the Presbyterian Church.
There were born to them in Ohio 5 children, 3 of whom died, another, L Twining,who died in our city about two years past, and the only one left is the Dr E T Twining, of Sheldon, Iowa.
In the spring of 1847 he came to Muscatine, Iowa, where he engaged in teaching school. At the conclusion of his term of school he became a supply on the Richmond Circuit, thus commencing his career as a Methodist itinerant. During this year two notable events happened; the death of his wife at Washington Iowa, Jan 3rd 1848, and his ordination as deacon at the hands of Bishop Morris, which took place at the session at the Iowa conference in Aug.
One year elapsed in which he continued pastor of Richmond circuit, and then on Aug 28th 1849, he married Priscilla B Ashby.
In the year of 1849 he was sent to Washington Iowa where he served for one year.
Here on the 5th of Aug was born a son, Jesse L who now resides at Corning Iowa.
He was ordained elder by Bishop Hamiline in Aug 1850. The list of appointments continues as follows: 1850-52, Marion and Cedar Rapids; 1852-53 Tipton; 1853-54 Iowa City;1854-56 Des Moines; 1856 supernumerary; 1857-61 presiding elder of Muscatine district; 1861-63 Lexington circuit; 1863-65 Muscatine circuit. He then took a superannuated relation, located, and in 1876 came to Corning, Iowa where he lived up to the time of his death.
It will be seen from his character of his appointments that his talents and devotion as a preacher more than ordinary. Could his unwritten life be unfolded there would appear many deeds of self sacrifice, many triumphs of faith which cause him to be held in higher esteem, and gave him a place in the hearts of the people whom he has served. He was wide awake to the great interests of the church and was always ready to shout on the victory. He became intimately associated with the location and foundry of Cornell College at Mount Vernon and personally secured the first notable teacher of that institution.
In recent years he kept himself in touch with the great missionary movements of the church and was often heard to exclaim after reading of some great triumph like the establishing of a new mission or the founding of Protestantism in Rome, "what hath God wrought?"
During the years of his location here he has ever been a warm friend of the pastor, without jealousy, rendering such assistance as was in his power. Having suffered from a partial paralysis some years ago he has been in quite feeble health, but up to the last week of his life has been able to be about the house and occasionally on the streets. He passed through the infirmities of age with a patience which knew no complaint and gave the clearest evidence that though his sun was setting was not obscured with clouds.

Jan 3, 1848

Adeline, wife of Rev. E W Twining, was born in Wayne Co, Ohio. Her father's house was a preaching place in early times, where she received an early religious education. Professing religion in 1836, she joined the Presbyterian church of which her father, Bartholomew Weed, was a member. May 1841 she was united in marriage to Edward W Twining and they continued as members of that church until 1842 when both joined M E church. Some three or four years since they came to Iowa and brother Twining, some time after, was employed in the itinerary.
They continued to prosecute the duties, and bear the toil peculiar to their work together, till a few weeks since, when sister Twining was called from labor to rest. Sister Twining was just such a companion as an itinerant needs in a new country, prudent, economical, kind, affectionate and religious. She has won her way to the affection of the friends generally and her praise is in the several charges where they have traveled.
But in the prime of life, being about thirty one years of age and having a couple of small children that especially needed her care, a mysterious Providence has taken her and no doubt His name should be blessed. What He does we know not now but we shall know hereafter. This is the way on earth, especially in the itinerary of a new country. We leave our home to return in a few days.
Rev Twining was away from home at the time of his wife's death and did not know of illness until she was 'cold in death'. But the intelligence comes, our beloved ones are gone and the family circle, with all it's ties, suddenly broken up. May we so live that "in glory we'll link it again".

J L Twining 4 -13 -33

Mr Twining was the son of a Presbyterian minister and a graduate of Northwestern University medical college. His wife died four months ago. Mr Twining who had made his home in Corning, Ia for forty years, was a past master of the Masonic Lodge at Corning. He was also a Knight Templer and a Shriner.
Jesse Louis Twining was born August 4, 1850 at Washington, Iowa and passed away at the home of his daughter in Des Moines, April 7, 1933 at the age of 82 years, 8 months, and 2 days. He was a son of a pioneer Methodist minister who came to Iowa in 1840. Mr Twining's early life was spent in several Iowa towns. For a couple of years his home was neat the site of the old Fort Des Moines. He united with the church at an early age and was educated in the Washington, Iowa schools, Iowa Wesleyan, and Northwestern Medical School in Chicago.
Mr Twining was married October 25, 1876 to Flora Dell Rowley who preceded him in death just four months ago. To this union four children were born. These are Mrs I A Potwin of Des Moines, with whom the father and mother have made their home for the past seven years; Mrs E E Williams, deceased; Mrs J E Hydeman of Piqua, Ohio and one son, M C Twining of Ottumwa, Iowa. Besides the three children who survive Mr Twining there are 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Mr Twining practiced medicine and surgery for several years, settling in Corning, Iowa in 1874, where he owned and operated a drug store. Thirty years of his later life were spent as a travelling salesman. Mr and Mrs Twining were residents of Corning for over 50 years and Mr Twining was a member of the Masonic order for more that 57 years. He belonged to the Blue Lodge and Eureka Chapter No 77 at Corning, the Bethany Commandery at Creston and the Kaaba Temple of the Shrine at Davenport.

Mrs Potwin Dead at 88

Mrs Carrie Elizabeth Potwin, 88, an early organizer of the Camp Fire Girls in Des Moines, died Wednesday night at the Americana Nursing Center, 300 Laurel St, of complications from a stroke she suffered several months ago. Mrs Potwin, a native of Corniing, Became associated with the Camp Fire Girls in 1917, four years after its founding here, and was the first chairman of the Camp Fire Leaders Association and the second president of the Greater Des Moines Council of Camp Fire Girls.
She was the first Des Moines representative on the National Camp Fire Girls Board and served as chairman of Region VII Council.
Mrs Potwin, a Des Moines resident 50 years, was a member of the Des Moines Women's Club and a charter member of Plymouth Congregational Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs Albert H Adams of Des Moines and Mrs Robert Thomas of Pacific Palisades Calif.; a sister, Mrs Earl Hydeman of Piqua, Ohio; a brother, Merrick Twining of Des Moines; eight grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren [one great great grandson]
Services are pending at Dunn's Funeral Home on Grand Avenue, Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery.

(October 1969)

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Finding Faulkner: The Progeny | Catherine Houston {Gen 3}

It started, as good quests always do, with a family tale.

Catherine Houston (Sarah, James William) was born about 1801 in Middletown, Orange Co, New York to parents Sarah Faulkner and Thomas Houston.

Catherine married David Corwin December 21st 1820 in Middletown, Orange Co, New York. David was the son of Daniel Corwin and Anna Hulse.

The couple had the following children:

Daniel Corwin b. 19 Jun 1825 d. 1862 Iowa m. Mary Land
Sarah Ann Corwin b. 9 Apr 1827 d. 5 Jun 1890 m. Gabriel Smith Corwin
Emeline Corwin b. 2 Mar 1829 d. 26 Jun 1903 m. Oliver Lewis
Mary Corwin b. 26 Aug 1833 d. UNK m. John Davis Wilcox
Abigail Corwin b. 9 Feb 1837 d. 1852
Thomas H Corwin b. 1841 d. UNK

photo courtesy Find A Grave

Catherine, David and the two youngest children were in Rockland Co, New York in 1850. David died May 23rd, 1857. Catherine's death is unknown. Their son Daniel was said to have died in Eddyville, IA. I found a listing on Find A Grave for a "D W Corwin" in Eddyville, IA - and with him a "David Corwin" (of Orange Co, New York) could this be David? And why is he buried in Iowa? And what happened to Catherine?

So many unanswered questions.

©2017 Anne Faulkner - AncestorArchaeology.net, All Rights Reserved

Monday, March 6, 2017

Notes From My Grandmother | Twining Lineage and Genealogy, Part Eight

The Twining Papers

The Twinings held a special fascination for my Grandmother. Her middle name was Twining. Her mother was a Twining. She drank Twining's tea, as did the rest of our family. I'm unclear as to the link between our family and the Twining's Tea Company, however. Our Twining ancestor came to the 'New World' c.1640 and has been recorded in the small book Genealogy of the Twining family : descendants of William Twining, Sr, who came from Wales or England.

Of all the research I inherited, the Twining collection is by far the most expansive. My grandmother wrote 'stories' and typed up other little sketches on them. I will present them to you here, as written by her.

Twining Story, cont.

Edward Wolcott Twining, son of Lewis and Jennett, b. 1814 Tolland, MA, d. 1897 Corning, IA. Edward's second wife, Priscilla B Ashby was the mother of Jessie Lewis. The family was living in Washington, IA (1850). Edward took a literary course at Ohio University and a theological course at Lane Seminary. The later during Lyman Beecher's time. Edward's sister Mrs. Rose raised him after the death of his parents. He entered [the] Methodist ministry in 1840 in Iowa where [he] continued for forty years. He came west in a covered wagon; by boat up the Ohio river.

More about EDWARD WOLCOTT TWINING:

He was an itinerant Methodist minister. His people came from Cape Cod, MA. They came to the state of Ohio. His sister Almira and husband Rev. Rose raised him after his parents' deaths. Edward married Adeline Weed and while he was in Tipton (now Iowa City) IA she died. A year and a half [later] he married again (Priscilla B Ashby) he and second wife moved to Des Moines, IA before it was the county seat. Fort Des Moines was (is) at the fork of the rivers, Des Moines and Mississippi. There were soldiers stationed there to protect the people from the Indians. The town was along the river. In later years Bess and Nett [granddaughters] used to visit their grandparents from their home in Corning, IA. They used to see covered wagons coming across the prairie while they were at play. The single seated buggies in those days had seats underneath for children.

Edward Wolcott, at the 'express' age of 84 died in his home in Corning, IA. He was born in Tolland, MA October 5, 1814 and in 1815 came to Granville, OH, where he lived until he was 12 years old. After boyhood education he attended Ohio University and theological courses at Lane Seminary during Lyman Beecher's connection with that institution. In spring of 1847 he came to Muscatine, IA where he engaged in teaching. He commenced his career as Methodist itinerant (Richmond Circuit) January 3, 1848; ordination as Deacon at hands of Bishop Morris at the Iowa conference. Edward was married in 1849 was sent to Washington, IA. He was ordained 1850 elder by Bishop Hamiline (August). His lists of appointments included - 1850-53 Marion and Cedar Rapids - 1853-54 Iowa City - 1854-56 Des Moines - 1856-57, supernumerary; 1857-61 presiding elder of Muscatine district - 1861-63 Lexington circuit, 1863-65 Muscatine circuit. He then retired [and] moved to Corning, IA where he lived the rest of his life. He was associated with the location and founding of Corning College at Mt Vernon and personally secured the 'first noble teacher'. He was a great and inspirational leader and a friend of all. His interest in the missions never lagged.

[As] a wedding fee Rev. E. W. Twining was given a portrait - written in longhand the 'Emancipation Proclamation' forming the head and shoulders of Abraham Lincoln. This was executed by an instructor of penmanship.

Two weddings were documented in a account book:

Married 1869:

Anthony A Geoss to Martha I Talbot
March 28, 1869

Calvin Folier to Lucinda DeLeonce
March 24, 1869

GENEALOGY

Edward Wolcott Twining b. 10/5/1814
d. 5/24/1897
m. 2/3/1840 to Adeline Weed (1st)
b. UNK d. 1/3/1848
m. 8/28/1849 to Priscilla B Ashby (2nd)
daughter of Jesse Ashby and Elizabeth Hays Wilson
b. 7/18/1817
d. 9/2/1911

children:

(with Adeline)

Jennett died in infancy
Almira died in infancy
Fenimore died in infancy
Edward T (M.D.) b. 8/5/1844 d. 1/17/1929 m. to Florence Conger (1) S L (2) Drucilla Merrill (3)
Lauriston b. 6/7/1845 d. 5/31/1895 m. to Laura Botkin

(with Priscilla)

Jesse Lewis b. 8/5/1850 d. 4/7/1933 m. 10/25/1876 to Flora Dell Rowley

.................to be continued......................

***editor's note: this is a transcript of research completed in 1982 based on information available at that time. I have not yet researched this family further, but suspect there is more information/clarification available to us today. I will follow up at a future date with fresh data. ***

Friday, January 27, 2017

Photo Friday :: Brunette Sister

I plan to share these photos over time, sometimes they will be my family, and identifiable, others will be of the mystery family. Thanks to the world wide web, they may find their way home yet!

Enjoy!

"Brunette sister"

All that the back of the photo said was 'brunette sister'. Good thing 'blonde sister' was on the same page. Comparing this to a photo I published last year I was able determine this to be Priscilla Dicken Junkin. Priscilla was the oldest daughter born to A B Dicken(s) and Hester Ashby. Priscilla was born in Iowa in 1858. She married J Irving Junkin in Iowa in 1881. The couple had one son, Ralph, before Priscilla was widowed in 1888. She remained unmarried the remainder of her life. Priscilla died in 1934 and is buried in Washington Co, Iowa.

Priscilla is my 1st cousin 4x removed.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Field Notes: Midwest Genealogy Conferences 2017

I am sad that I will not be able to attend RootsTech this year. I have never actually been able to attend. Utah is a far distance from Chicago and things just keep getting in the way. Life. Work. Parents and children. Lack of funds. The list goes on. I console myself with the presentations that are available online during the conference, and make plans to attend smaller local and regional conferences. Ones that don't take me too far away for too many days. Such is my life for the foreseeable future.

Here is a list of the upcoming conferences within a reasonable distance of Chicago. I doubt I'll make either the Iowa or Indiana conferences, they are in opposite directions on the same day. I plan on attending the DuPage IL conference, and I'd really like to make the Ohio conference. Time will tell.

Image result for rootstech 2017 logo

RootsTech February 8 - 11, 2017 - No, I will not be there 'live and in person' but they will be streaming selected presentations. That information has not yet been released, but should be soon. From their website FAQs: "Similar to past years, we will stream several sessions of the conference live on our website. Once the conference is over, recordings of these sessions will be posted on our website for a limited time."

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FTU 2017 Winter VIRTUAL Genealogy Conference March 3 - 5, 2017 - "Get all the benefits of a genealogy conference from the comfort of your own home! Over the course of three days, you'll get access to the latest research methods for finding your family history, from DNA testing and the latest technology to new resources and search tools. You'll get 15 presentations that you can download and keep, along with several live chats, access to professional genealogists through the discussion boards, along with tons of freebies and prize drawings." Yes please!

Learn more here: 2017 Winter Virtual Conference at Family Tree University

DuPage County Genealogical Society - 42nd Annual Conference, March 11, 2017
"The program sessions are offered in 4 tracks, each with 4 sessions, choose from 16 topics! There are topics for everyone... those just getting started, or focus on European research, with DNA, organizing and methodology. And of course, great speakers - Maybe you've heard of them, follow them on-line, and have used their tools. Now meet them in person, learn tips and techniques, and ask questions!"

Michael D. Lacopo Author, lecturer and "Hoosier Daddy?" blogger
Carole Magnuson Author and lecturer
Kathy Meade ArkivDigital representative, author, and volunteer specialing in Swedish research
Donna M. Moughty Consultant, instructor and lecturer specializing in Irish research
Diahan Southard Consultant, lecturer and "Your DNA Guide"

Learn more here. Register before February 18th and save $5.00!

Iowa Genealogical Society - IGS Spring Technology Conference, April 8, 2017.
IGS will host its eighth annual Spring Technology Conference on Saturday, April 8th.
"Back To Your Roots with J H Fonkert CGSM. For most of his career, Jay worked as a state government policy analyst — a kind of work that required research, analysis and problem-solving. After he heard a couple of accomplished genealogists talk about evidence analysis and methodology, he was hooked. He has since attended professional genealogy education institutes in Washington, D.C., Birmingham, Alabama, and Salt Lake City, and has learned from some of the best."

Learn more here.

Indiana - Crossroads To Your Past! Indiana Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 10507, Ft. Wayne IN 46852-0507

Indiana - Crossroads To Your Past! Indiana Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 10507, Ft. Wayne IN 46852-0507

Indiana Genealogical Society - IGS Annual Meeting & Conference, April 8, 2017
"Registration is open for the Indiana Genealogical Society's 2017 annual conference, which will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Central Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library (40 E. St. Clair St.) in downtown Indianapolis. The featured speaker will be noted speaker and genealogist Tony Burroughs."

Learn more here.

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Ohio Genealogical Society - 2017 OGS Conference: Genealogy Gone Wild, April 26-29, 2017

"The conference will be held at Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Sandusky,Ohio. We have an excellent program for the 2017 OGS conference with a wide variety of topics and speakers for family historians of all abilities. We hope you will enjoy the lectures planned! The conference also offers a variety of workshops to enhance your conference experience. The full program brochure can be downloaded from the program page when it becomes available. Congratulations you are now ready to join the adventure of Genealogy Gone Wild!"

Learn more here.

Friday, January 20, 2017

Photo Friday :: Blonde Sister

I plan to share these photos over time, sometimes they will be my family, and identifiable, others will be of the mystery family. Thanks to the world wide web, they may find their way home yet!

Enjoy!

"Blonde Sister"
"Dicken family, Priscilla Ashby Twining's sister's children"
"Ashby clan"

A little digging uncovered this as Cora Dicken(s) Martin. The youngest daughter of A B Dicken(s) and Hester Ashby. Cora was born in Iowa in 1862. She married Frank G Martin in 1888. The couple had 2 daughters. Cora lived her entire life in Iowa, but for some reason died and was buried in Cook Co, IL in 1940. I have yet to determine the reason. Neither daughter lived in Illinois at the time.

Cora is my 1st cousin 4x removed

Monday, January 9, 2017

Notes From My Grandmother | Thomas Lineage and Genealogy, Part 4

The fourth and final Thomas is Robert Willis. My grandfather. He died before I was born and before my grandmother caught the genealogy bug. My grandmother left scant information behind about him. Here's what I have been able to dig up.

Robert Willis was born May 3rd 1904 in Fort Dodge, IA to Zadoc Willis Thomas and Laura Alice Busby. He was the third son and fourth and final child born to this couple. Robert "Bob"'s father died in a tragic accident when he was just 10 years old.

Bob met and married his high school sweetheart, Betty in 1923. Both fresh faced kids, they felt the call to adventure and traveled to Wyoming to drill for oil, visions of wealth in their heads, I'm sure.

The pair returned to Iowa shortly, however, as Betty was pregnant with the first of five children born to them. They set up housekeeping in the home of Bob's mother-in-law in Des Moines, IA.

Bob took the opportunity to return to school, so in 1924 he enrolled in the Engineering College in Ames, Iowa, about 30 miles from Des Moines. In 1926 Bob joined a fraternity and Betty and their young son joined Bob on campus, Betty taking the roll of house mother!

Bob graduated with a degree in 1928 or 1929 and went to work for his older brother Dana. The couple's second child was born, but sadly died several months later.

In 1931 Bob was hired on as an engineer for U.S. Gypsum. In early 1933 the company transferred him to Dearborn, MI, while his young family stayed behind in Iowa. Later that year the company transferred him again, this time to New Brunswick, Canada.

The entire family made the move to Canada, where they would reside for 6 years, returning to Chicago in 1939. The couple's youngest child, a daughter, was born in Canada.

Bob was reassigned to East Chicago, Indiana and the family moved into a rental house in the southern suburbs of Chicago.

Two years later Bob was transferred again, this time to Chicago proper. The family relocated to Evanston. About this time WWII broke out. Bob's oldest was called to fight. Bob and Betty started having marital problems and the younger children were sent to boarding school.

In 1944 Bob was transferred, once again, for his job. This time to California. The family stayed behind in Chicago. Betty went back to school to learn stenography. In June 1944 Bob ruptured his intestines and required emergency surgery ..... in California. He wrote he would not be back home for a while.

In a letter home from Mexico City written in 1947, Bob informed his family that he had purchased a printing business in Chicago and would be returning home. Bob attempted to patch up his marriage at this time, purchasing the family a big home in Evanston.

By 1950 Bob and Betty were having trouble again. Bob took to staying in Chicago during the week, returning home for Sunday dinners.

On May 25th 1955 Robert Willis "Bob" Thomas died suddenly of a heart attack. He was 51 years old. He is buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines, IA.

Betty never remarried.

GENEALOGY

Robert Willis Thomas b. 5/3/1904

d. 5/25/1955

m. 5/25/1923 to Elizabeth Twining Potwin

daughter of Irving A Potwin and
Carrie Elizabeth Twining

b. 10/28/1904
d. 11/17/1985

children:

Robert Willis Jr b. 2/14/1924 d. 1/7/1994 m. (1st) Clare Perdelwitz

Kenneth Lauren b. 1/28/1928 d. 3/17/1928

Barbara Jeanette b. 5/2/1931 d. 9/23/2009 m. (1st) James VandeVort (2nd) Roland Rentscher

William Irving b. 7/30/ 1933 d. - m. Shirley Bach

ELIZABETH ALICE b. 9/21/1936 d. - m. Robert Faulkner

~end~

Monday, January 2, 2017

Notes From My Grandmother | Thomas Lineage and Genealogy, Part 3

Our third Thomas is Zadoc, my great grandfather. My grandmother did not know much about him either. She did not know when he was born or when he died. I suspect her difficulty, in part, was that by the time she found genealogy (the greatest hobby on earth) her husband was dead. And along with his departure, all the knowledge of the Thomas family. She did what she could, for her children, but her lifelong passion was her own family, her own blood. So .... here's what we do know of Zadoc:

Zadoc Willis was born in Columbiana Co, OH May 18th 1856. He was the second son and second born child of Jesse Thomas Jr and Joanna Bell Stanley. By 1880 Zadoc was a teacher in Oskaloosa, Iowa, his family having relocated there around 1870.

Zadoc met and married Laura Alice Busby October 1st 1885. The couple set up housekeeping in Fort Dodge, IA near Zadoc's parents, who had recently moved to the town.

Zadoc and "Allie" had four children, 3 sons and a daughter. They sadly lost their second son, Lauren, at the tender age of 7.

Zadoc spent most of his adult life as a lawyer and real estate professional. His life was cut short in 1814, when he died as the result of an automobile accident. He was just 58 years old. Zadoc is buried in the Thomas family plot in Oakland Cemetery, in Webster Co, IA.

GENEALOGY

Zadoc Willis Thomas b. 5/18/1856
d. 6/16/1914
m. 10/1/1885 to Laura Alice Busby
daughter of Elijah Busby and Eliza A Bass
b. 9/26/1861
d. after 10/25/1952

children:

Dana E b. 9/5/1886 d. 1960 m. Fern Frances
Lauren Hubert b. 7/24/1891 d. 9/30/1898
Edith Irene b. 1898 d. 1985 m. Forest Dewey Anderson
ROBERT WILLIS b. 5/3/1904 d. 5/25/1955 m. Elizabeth Twining Potwin

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Book Of The Week: History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and Its People

History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and Its People, Vol 2

Harry Church Chappell, Katharyn Joella Allen Chappell

S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914 - Buchanan County (Iowa)

Pages

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Monday, July 17, 2017

Friday, June 16, 2017

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Friday, May 12, 2017

Friday, April 28, 2017

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Monday, March 27, 2017

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Monday, March 6, 2017

Friday, January 27, 2017

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Friday, January 20, 2017

Monday, January 9, 2017

Monday, January 2, 2017

Saturday, December 31, 2016