Goals Update

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution for 2021? Have you kept that resolution? What about genealogy goals for 2021? Did you make any?

Since retiring, I have been trying to make (and achieve) genealogy goals each year. Even though I’ve made progress with my genealogy, I don’t think I’ve been very successful in achieving those goals in past years. However, this year, I am making progress on those goals!

My first goal was to create (and post) a narrative report for each of my second great-grandparents. Since I had already posted reports for my Crawford and Hammond lines, my 2021 goal only included the following:

• Hiram M. Currey
• Angelina Jane Burke
• Albert Hutchinson
• Julia Harding
• Noah Briles
• Sarah Thompson
• James Ricketts
• Rachel Christy
• George Mentzer
• Emeline Minnick
• Thurston Kennedy Wells
• Salome Crandall

My second goal was to do descendancy research for my 3rd grandparents and post a report. To avoid posting about living individuals, I am limiting the report to 3 generations of descendants.

• Nelson Crawford / Martha Smith
• Zebulon Foster / Caroline Ostrander
• Horatio Hammond Louisa Fisk
• James Barr Ralston / Nancy McCormick
• Hiram Currey / Rachel Harris
• Henry Burke / Elizabeth Bland
• Aaron Hutchinson / Sarah Merry
• William Harding / Elizabeth Fowler
• Alexander Briles / Sarah Rush
• William Thompson / Polly Evans
• John Ricketts / Orilda Reed
• Samuel Christy / Lyda Gallmore
• Phillip Mentzer / Orinda Miles
• John Minnick / Elizabeth Jones
• Ozias Well / Mary Kennedy
• Lewis Crandall / Almira Nafus

Even though I already had all of these ancestors in my tree, working on these tasks allows me to do the following:

• Clean up sentences associated with each fact (My genealogy software uses these sentences to build the narrative reports.)
• Verify sources and update to my current templates
• Transcribe the deeds, obituaries and other records into my genealogy software
• Identify ‘holes’ in my research and try to find additional information to fill in those holes
• Review family connections to make sure I have sourcing to support those relationships.

A third goal for 2021 was to be more consistent with publishing blog posts. To help me stay on track with this goal, I try to do the following:

• Share family pictures in a ‘Throwback Thursday’ post
• Use the Amy Johnson Crow’s#52 ancestors prompts as a topic for a Saturday post
• Use Randy Seavers’ ‘Saturday Night Genealogy Fun‘ prompt as the topic for a Sunday post. (Prompts are posted on Saturday afternoons.)
• For the other four days of the week, I try to share transcribed records, narrative reports, descendancy reports and any interesting finds I have made while researching for my first two goals.

So, am I on track with these goals? Looking at my goal to publish the narrative reports, I feel that I will easily accomplish this goal in 2021. When it comes to researching the descendants, one would likely conclude that I am not on track. Since this descendancy research involves adding new people to my file and the documentation to support them, it is much more time consuming. Thus, I likely won’t accomplish this goal during 2021 – but I am satisfied with my progress.

In terms of my blog, I am happy to report that my research goals have made it easy to consistently post on my blog.

Thus, I am pleased with my progress on my 2021 genealogy goals. How about you? Are you satisfied with your progress on your 2021 genealogy goals?

Iowa Deeds

Do you have an ancestor that seemed to move around a lot? Have you tried to locate him/her between census years?

I have such an ancestor, Thurston Kennedy Wells. According to the 1860 and 1870 census records, he was living in Kansas. However, family history indicates there is a lot more to the ‘story’.

In 1860, Thurston Wells was a widower with two young sons. Clues are still being sought as to what took him to Iowa, but Thurston married Salome Crandall in Van Buren County, Iowa in 1861. After their marriage, they evidently moved to Michigan where some of Thurston’s siblings lived. By 1868, they are back in Van Buren County, Iowa where their daughter, Anna was born.

Fortunately, there are deed records to help support this return to Iowa.

In March of 1867, Thurston purchased two lots in the town of South Kesauqua, Van Buren County, Iowa

Mary White to Thurston K Wells
For the consideration of three hundred dollars the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged I Mary white do hereby sell and convey to Thurson K Wells the following described real estate to wit Lots No twelve (12) and fourteen (14) in block two (2) situated in South Kesauqua Van Buren Cuonty Iowa and I covenant that I am lawfully seized [in fee] of the foregranted premises that they are free from all incumbrances and that I will warrant and defend the title thereto against the lawful claims of all persons whomsoever.
Dated this 15th day of March AD 1867
Mary (her mark) white
Revenue Stamp
50 M W
March 15 1867

Iowa, Van Buren. Deeds, Volume 6. Film #967298 DGS 8584531. Thurston K Wells, 15 Mar 1867 vol. 6: page 51; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 9 June 2021.967298 DGS 8584531.

In 1870, Thurston and his wife, Salome, sold those two lots. This would have been close to the time Thurston was said to have visited Woodson County, Kansas prior to moving to Kansas.

T K Wells & wife to L W Cauhil
For the consideration of one hundred and sixty dollars we hereby convey to L W [Cauhill] the following real estate to wit Lots No Twelve (12) and fourteen (14) in block No (2) Two situated in South Kesauqua Van Buren County Iowa and we warrant the title against the lawful claims of all persons whomesoever.
Dated this March __ 1870
T K Wells
Salome Wells
Revenue Stamp
50C TKW
March 5th 1870

State of Iowa
Van Buren County
Personally appeared before me E Goddard a Notary Public in and for said county Thurston K Wells and Salome Wells hi wife personally known to me to be the identical persons whose mark appear to the above deed of conveyance as grantors and acknowledged the signing of the same to be their voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein expressed
Given under my hand this 5th day of March 1870
E Goddard
Notary Public
Filed for Record March 5th AD 1870 at 9 oclock AM

Iowa, Van Buren. Deeds, Volume 6. Film ##967298 DGS 8584531. Thurston K wells, March 1870 Vol. 6: page 57; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 9 June 2021.#967298 DGS 8584531.

Missing Patent

Do you have ‘homesteaders’ in your tree? If so, you’ve likely become familiar with the Bureau of Land Management site where you can search for those homestead patents. I use this site on a regular basis and probably have searched it before for records involving Thurston Kennedy Wells.

Today, I transcribed a deed from Woodson County, Kansas for Thurston Kennedy Wells that suggests there should be a homestead record.

Woodson County Kansas
Recorder of Deeds Office

Land Records

Book G page 324

United States of America
Homestead Certificate No 1316
Application 2986

To all to whom these presents shall come greeting:
Whereas there has been deposited in the General Land Office of the United States a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Independence Kansas whereby it appears that pursuant to the act of Congress approved 20th May 1862 to secure homesteads to actual settler on the public domain and the acts supplemental thereto the claim of T K Wells has been established and duly consummated in conformity to law for the North half of the North East quarter of Section twenty two in Township twenty four South of Range fifteen East in the district of lands subject to sale at Independence Kansas containing eighty acres according to the official plat of that survey of the said laws [relavent] to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General: Now Know Ye, that there is therefore granted by the United States unto the said T. K. Wells the tract of land above described To Have and to hold the said tract of land with the appurtenances thereof unto the said, T K Wells and his heirs and assigns forever.
In Testimony Whereof I Ulysses S Grant President of the United States of America have caused these letters be made Patent and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.
Given under my had at the city of Washington the fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy six and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and first.
Seal
By the President U S Grant
By D D Cone Secretary
Recorded Vol 3 page 241 S H Clark Recorder of the General Land Office
Filed for Record Oct 13 1877 at 5 P M
Isaac S Jones
Register of Deeds

A search of the ‘First Landowners Project‘ ($) site did not show Thurston Wells as a first landowner in Section 22 of Township 24 South of Range 15 East.

A search of the BLM General Land Office Records site for Thurston Wells’ homestead record did not locate his record.

• A search for WELLS in Woodson County, Kansas produced a link to a patent granted to Thomas W. Wells in Township 23 South of Range 16 East
• A search for the document number of 1316 did not include Thurston Wells in the list of results. Nor, did it include a patent for Township 24 of Range 15 East
• A search for Thurston Wells in any state produced a link to a patent for the OTHER Thurston Wells in Genesee County, Michigan dated in 1856.

Not only did Thurston Wells have a deed indicating how he acquired the land, but thirteen years later, T. K. Wells and his wife, Saloma Wells sold this piece of land.

Woodson County Kansas
Recorder of Deeds

Land Records
Book 25, page 313

This Indenture, made this 6 day of March in the year of our
Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty Nine, between T K Wells and Saloma
Wells his wife
in the County of Woodson and State of Kansas of the first part, and Allis
Nunn
In the County of Neosha and Sate of Kansas of the second part:
Witnesseth, that the said parties of the first part, in consideration of the sum of
Sixteen Hundred Dollars
To them duly paid, have sold, and by these presents do Grant and Convey to the said party of the second part, her
Heirs and assigns, all that tract or parcel of land situated in Woodson County and State of Kansas, and described as follows to-wit
The North half of the North East Quarter of Section Twenty two (22)
Township twenty four (24) Range fifteen (15) all in Woodson Co.
Kansas
With the appurtenances, and all the estate, title and interest of the said parties of the first part therein. And the said
T K Wells and Saloma Wells his wife
Do hereby covenant and agree that at the delivery hereof they are the lawful owner of the premises above granted, and seized of
A good and indefeasible estate of inheritance therein, free and clear of all encumbrances, Except one mortgage
Of $400 & inter st & one mortg of $200 & inst.
And that they will warrant and defend the same in the quiet and
Peaceable possession of said party of the second part, her heirs and assigns forever, against the lawful claims of all persons.
In Witness Whereof, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hand and seal the day and year above written.
T K Wells (seal)
Saloma Wells(Seal)
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
O. P. Augustine

State of Kansas, Woodson County, ss.
On this 6 day of March A.D. 1889, before me, a Justice of Peace
In and for said County, came T K. Wells and Saloma Wells
His wife
To me personally known to be the same person who executed the foregoing instrument, and duly acknowledged
The execution of the same.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal on the day
And year last above written.
O. P. Augustine J.P.

Filed for Record this 7 day of Mch 1889 at 8 o’clock a.m.
H. B. M Hugh
Register of Deeds

Because Saloma Wells, the wife, signed the second deed, this confirms that Thurston Kennedy Wells (1821-1893) was the owner of the land in Woodson County, Kansas. I would need to research the land in Michigan to confirm that it is for the OTHER Thurston Wells. However, that land description is consistent with other records found for Thurston Wells and his wife, Mary Miles.

I recently re-read a biography of Thurston K. Wells that was published by the Woodson County Historical Society has me seeking more information about this patent.

Thurston Wells received the Patent for his 80 A. of school land Aug. 15, 1876, when he fulfilled his five years of living there in their cabin.

No author, “The Thurston K. Wells Family,” In the Beginning (Woodson County Historical Society), Vol. 19 (#73): page 8.

Based on that information, I tried to find information about ‘school’ lands in Kansas. My trusty reference book about land records, Land & Property Research in the United States by E. Wade Hone, did not provide any information on ‘school’ lands. A Google search also wasn’t of much help. It did take me to a Kansas State Historical Society site on Land Records that was some help. Of particular interest on that site was reference to the tract books. Using the Kansas Tract Book Guide, I was able to determine that Township 24S of Range 15E was in volume 31.

I then followed the link to the tract book collection on FamilySearch. This led me to the source, United States Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800- c 1950. Even though this source was searchable, I did not find T K Wells, Thurston Wells or even a T Wells that could be Thurston Wells.

Not willing to give up, I decided to try browsing the images. This led me to a page where I could pick Kansas. Since I had previously found that section 24S of R15E was in volume 31, I was able to select the volume. Working my way thru the images, I came to the page containing section 22 of Township 24 South of Range 15 East. And T. K. Wells was listed!

The information in the tract book contains the same number for the receipt and certificate number as stated on the 1876 Woodson County, Deed.

Looking back at the Bureau of Land Management Site, I discovered that a tract book for Kansas is not on the BLM site. Redoing a search of the BLM site for any patent in section 22 of Township 24 South of Range 15 East, I confirmed that no Wells is listed. I did find a Bailey as the only patent holder in that section.

Going back to the tract book, I confirmed that a F S Bailey was listed under section 22 of T24SR15E. The certificate number and application number on the patent matches the information in the tract book for Bailey.

Unfortunately, the lack of a record for Thurston K Wells’ homestead certificate number 1316 on the BLM General Land Records site is a mystery at this time.

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun

#SaturdayNightGenealogyFun

Here is your assignment, should you decide to accept it (you ARE reading this, so I assume that you really want to play along – cue the Mission Impossible music!):

1)  Consider your Birth Surname families – the ones from your father back through his father all the way back to the first of that surname in your family group sheets or genealogy database.  List the father’s name, and lifespan years.

2)  Use your paper charts or genealogy software program to create a Descendants chart (dropline or graphical) that provide the children and their children (i.e., up to the grandchildren of each father in the surname list).

3)  Count how many children they had (with all spouses), and the children of those children in your records and/or database.  Add those numbers to the list.  See my example below!  [Note: Do not count the spouses of the children]

4)  What does this list of children and grandchildren tell you about these persons in your birth surname line?  Does this task indicate areas that you need to do more research to fill out families and find potential cousins?

My Crawford lineage

• James Crawford (1772-1854) married Sally Smith Duggins and had 2 children and 13 children
• Nelson G. Crawford (1808-1864) married Martha Smith and had 8 children and had 22 grandchildren
• Washington Marion Crawford (1838-1889) married Mary Foster and had 5 children and 20 grandchildren
• Judson Foster Crawford (1866-1949) married Josie Hammond and had 7 children and 24 grandchildren
• Leon Russel Crawford (1894-1976) married Winnie Letha Currey and had 3 children with only one surviving to adulthood and 3 grandchildren

So, what have I learned?

• James Crawford (1772-1854) may have had more children. However, no records tying another child to this family have been found.
• I learned to use a different format for the RootsMagic 7 Descendant list report.

Below is a copy of that report:

James Crawford (17 Apr 1772-5 Jul 1854)
+Sarah “Sally” Smith (25 Feb 1770-2 May 1856)
. . . . . 2-Polly Crawford (aft 1799-)
. . . . . +John Nelson Stoner (11 Sep 1801-Feb 1854)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Mary Ann Stoner (16 May 1823-14 May 1901)
. . . . . . . . . . +Jacob Franklin Wikel (21 Mar 1825-23 Aug 1892)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Matilda Wikel (abt 1845-bef 1880)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Reason Nidey (May 1839-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Mathias Laten Nidey (Apr 1862-1908)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Daniel Jerome Wanick (Jul 1839-30 Apr 1914)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Lewis Wanick (1864-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Cora A Wanick (Nov 1866-1948)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Ida Waynick (Sep 1869-1951)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-James Roscoe Waynick (18 Dec 1874-26 Sep 1940)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Minnie A Wanick (23 Aug 1877-13 Sep 1932)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Maria Wikel (abt 1848-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +A. Aron Mason (abt 1844-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Flora Mason (abt 1869-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Oliver A Mason (abt 1871-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Laura C. Mason (24 Nov 1872-18 Jan 1903)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Rissella C. Mason (abt 1874-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Ellen O. Mason (abt 1879-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-William N. Wikel (3 Jan 1856-2 Jun 1932)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Azubah Ann Grant (7 Feb 1854-24 Apr 1921)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Mary Luella Wikle (2 Oct 1875-14 Jul 1952)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Jacob Franklin Wikle (abt 1875-3 Jan 1930)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Minnie Gertrude Wikle (4 May 1880-28 Jan 1951)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Rachel S. Wikle (May 1888-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-William E. Wikle (5 Oct 1885-8 Jun 1920)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-James Lafayette Wikel (abt 1853-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Melvina Jane Green (22 Feb 1856-24 Jan 1889)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Rosetta Wikel (1874-1874)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Charles Ervin Wikel (7 Feb 1876-20 Jan 1964)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Elizabeth Magdelene Wikel (1878-1880)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Lily Arabell Wikel (1880-1880)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-William LeRoy Wikel (1880-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Daniel Wiley Wikel (abt 1858-10 Mar 1930)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Lolamontes Elizabeth Denney (28 Feb 1865-14 Sep 1896)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Leslie Aris Wikel (13 Nov 1884-9 Jun 1959)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Mabel Maglene Wikel (2 Oct 1886-16 Dec 1950)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Lula Mary Wikel (25 Mar 1883-26 Jan 1965)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Nora Pearl Wikel (3 Apr 1890-30 Oct 1970)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Blanch Wikel (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Fred Alonzo Wikel (8 Aug 1896-3 Sep 1927)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Martha J. Wikel (1860-26 Dec 1886)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Wiliam Overholtz (1869-26 Aug 1888)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-George Vern Overholtz (21 Jul 1885-28 Jul 1942)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-John W Overholtz (2 Dec 1885-17 Nov 1950)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Jacob Andrew Wikel (13 Feb 1865-13 Apr 1905)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Mary Augusta Denney (28 May 1869-11 Nov 1958)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Russell Herbert Wikle (31 Aug 1888-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Edna Marie Wikle (1 Dec 1902-1990)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Maude L Wikel (15 Mar 1890-29 May 1977)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Martha Jane Wikel (1860-1893)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Simon Peter Beckdolt (Aug 1856-20 Dec 1900)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Viola Mae Beckdolt (1882-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Goldie Beatrice Beckdolt (24 Dec 1887-14 Dec 1960)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Claude Jacobe Elery Beckdolt (1892-1938)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Matilda Caroline Stoner (28 Aug 1827-6 Jun 1913)
. . . . . . . . . . +William Harrison Fields (13 Jun 1824-23 May 1917)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Elizabeth Fields (abt 1842-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-John Martin Fields (14 Dec 1845-8 Jan 1936)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Margaret  (-29 Mar 1966)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Clifford Fields (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Harold Fields (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Alecia Fields (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Sarah Diehl (1849-5 Dec 1924)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Charles Fields (Feb 1870-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Mary E Fields (Sep 1871-8 Jun 1942)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-John F. Fields (17 Sep 1874-15 May 1931)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Rebecca Belle Fields (21 Feb 1880-21 Sep 1965)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-David N Fields (abt 1849-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Martha Jane Fields (1850-1945)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +McKee (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Christopher D Fields (1853-1860)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Sarah Ann Fields (abt 1856-1926)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Robert Graham (1866-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Robert C Graham (abt 1892-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-J. W. Graham (abt 1897-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Andrew Jackson Fields (1858-1860)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Joseph F Fields (abt 1860-1955)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-William Edward Fields (20 Oct 1863-3 May 1946)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Nancy Elizabeth Tremain (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Mabel Francis Fields (1897-1971)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Mary Caroline Fields (30 Jan 1892-10 Jun 1986)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Edna Jane Fields (1898-1974)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Charles D Fields (abt 1864-1939)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Richard H Fields (1867-1868)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Valla Fields (abt 1869-1930)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +_____ Kern (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Onie P Kern (Mar 1889-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Jessie D Kern (May 1891-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-George M Kern (Jun 1894-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Harry L Kern (Aug 1897-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Benoni Fields (1871-1873)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Alden Asberry Fields (2 Dec 1874-24 Nov 1935)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Susan C Boley (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Orpha M. Fields (Jan 1897-1968)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Gladys M Fields (Aug 1898-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Paul A Fields (abt 1900-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Opal D Fields (31 Jul 1916-12 May 1993)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Charlotte M Fields (abt 1903-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-William Frank Fields (abt 1906-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Ethel Alda Fields (abt 1907-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Guy L. Fields (abt 1912-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Alice O Fields (abt 1919-)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Nelson Crawford Stoner (24 Nov 1829-24 Jun 1910)
. . . . . . . . . . +Elizabeth F. Deatherage (14 Jul 1842-11 Jun 1927)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-George Stoner (Dec 1882-5 Aug 1959)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Otillie Jacobsmeyer (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Helen Stoner (1907-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Samuel Ferdinand Stoner (abt 1916-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Lona Stoner (21 May 1870-13 Jul 1953)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Lewis C. Wilkey (1870-1949)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Pearl K. Wilkey (1897-1985)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Sylvia Wilkey (1900-1986)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Joseph Oscar Stoner (16 Feb 1872-18 Oct 1965)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Janie Elizabeth Richardson (11 Feb 1874-19 Sep 1926)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Walter J Stoner (9 May 1896-18 Jun 1969)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Emma Stoner (8 Aug 1874-31 Jan 1878)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Margaret Jane Stoner (3 Jul 1876-10 Sep 1964)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Joseph Yancey Turner (24 Feb 1856-6 Aug 1920)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Onie Eugene Turner (1897-2002)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Helen Elizabeth Turner (1911-2005)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-William R Stoner (10 Aug 1879-24 Mar 1957)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Sammie E. Stoner (24 Aug 1886-8 Jul 1898)
. . . . . . . . . . +Eliza Moore (-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Mary Stoner (16 Apr 1854-16 Sep 1854)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-John Stoner (16 Apr 1854-16 Sep 1854)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Charles Nelson Stoner (abt 1855-1909)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Martha Ann Elizabeth Shipman (8 Feb 1858-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-John Nelson Stoner (11 Oct 1878-10 Oct 1966)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Ada Stoner (8 Jul 1888-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Earnest Charles Stoner (6 Jan 1883-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Edward Stoner (5 Feb 1885-1925)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Mary Stoner (Sep 1890-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Bertha Frances Stoner (4 May 1892-5 Mar 1954)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-William Stoner (Mar 1897-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Robert Louis Stoner (Dec 1899-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Edward Stoner (2 Jun 1857-1 Mar 1940)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Douglas Stoner (abt 1859-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Stephen A Stoner (abt 1860-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Sarah J Stoner (abt 1866-)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Susan Stoner (abt 1834-)
. . . . . . . . . . +George Witters (29 Oct 1827-15 Aug 1859)
. . . . . . . . . . +Samuel Kirkland (-)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Martha Jane Stoner (abt 1837-)
. . . . . . . . . . +Jonathan Sheffer (8 Jul 1840-4 Jun 1930)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Emma Shaffer (abt 1864-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Albert F. Shaffer (18 May 1866-4 Nov 1894)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Laura A. Shaffer (abt 1869-9 Jul 1901)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Abner Needham (abt 1846-12 Sep 1930)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Chester Needham (29 Apr 1889-16 Oct 1943)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Russell Jacob Needham (Jan 1892-1964)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Frederick Needham (Mar 1896-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Laura Lovina Needham (11 Feb 1891-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Emma Needham (Jun 1899-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Charles E. Sheffer (May 1870-)
. . . . . 2-Nelson G. Crawford (17 Oct 1808-21 Mar 1864)
. . . . . +Martha Smith (3 Aug 1815-1 Aug 1871)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-James H. Crawford (19 Jun 1834-8 Jul 1908)
. . . . . . . . . . +Esther L. _____ (abt 1848-)
. . . . . . . . . . +Eliza Jane Swisher (14 Jul 1835-8 Jul 1892)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Mary M. Crawford (Feb 1852-20 Mar 1852)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-William N. Crawford (27 Mar 1856-21 Mar 1928)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Katie Kreigh (7 Nov 1870-7 May 1968)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Percy Ernest Crawford (26 Aug 1893-5 Mar 1978)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Lillian H. Crawford (Jul 1896-)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Agnes Crawford (Sep 1898-31 Jul 1934)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-John Edgar Crawford (18 Feb 1859-16 Sep 1941)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Eva C Bowlus (Mar 1862-26 Apr 1935)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Charles Henry Crawford (26 Feb 1861-22 Oct 1861)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Abraham Lincoln Crawford (Sep 1863-18 Dec 1919)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Hattie  (abt 1868-abt 18 Nov 1939)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Ada Jane “Jennie” Crawford (7 Nov 1868-5 Feb 1930)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Robert H. Hazleton (Apr 1863-4 Nov 1932)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Harold Robert Hazleton (27 Sep 1895-27 Aug 1944)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Irma Hazleton (13 Jul 1897-4 Jan 1975)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Edith Lucile Hazleton (30 Jun 1900-25 Apr 1979)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Henry Clay Crawford (2 Feb 1862-20 Nov 1944)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Margaret Effie Sizelove (26 Aug 1874-18 Sep 1939)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Nelson Gordon Crawford (Mar 1896-12 Nov 1908)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Guy Leon Crawford (7 Jul 1897-18 Mar 1927)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Margaret Jane Crawford (23 Sep 1901-23 Sep 1973)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Clara V. Crawford (abt 1874-2 Nov 1917)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Jessie George Schmuesser (28 Jul 1876-1957)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-William C. Crawford (28 Nov 1835-6 Nov 1860)
. . . . . . . . . . +Mary E. Bell (8 Oct 1835-3 Jun 1880)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-William Clay Crawford (30 Jan 1861-bef 16 Apr 1929)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Anna Elizabeth Paul (Jun 1865-1935)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Clarence Clay Crawford (1 May 1887-26 Aug 1937)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Paul William Crawford (25 Oct 1889-17 Jan 1959)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Mary Elizabeth Crawford (21 Apr 1838-27 Feb 1916)
. . . . . . . . . . +Elisha Vance Briggs (30 Nov 1835-29 Dec 1922)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Ella Briggs (21 Nov 1858-9 Mar 1861)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Colvin Garrett Briggs (30 May 1860-23 Mar 1925)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Fannie Biser (6 Feb 1862-30 Oct 1951)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Madge Briggs (9 Oct 1883-May 1967)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Maude Briggs (15 Oct 1887-21 Sep 1962)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Marion Briggs (abt 1862-bef 1925)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Lauretta Bertha Briggs (24 Mar 1866-28 Aug 1946)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Martha J. Briggs (7 Feb 1868-27 Aug 1961)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Eustace Crudge (-1951)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Arnet Vance Crudge (30 Jun 1897-13 Sep 1961)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Arthur B. Crudge (3 Mar 1899-21 Oct 1977)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Lura K. Briggs (13 Nov 1874-24 Nov 1905)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +William C. Odle (-)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Washington Marion Crawford (21 Apr 1838-23 Aug 1889)
. . . . . . . . . . +Mary Foster (28 Aug 1842-21 Jan 1929)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Ida Kate Crawford (18 Dec 1862-7 Mar 1934)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Alva Oris Sherman (Oct 1859-8 Jan 1935)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Jessie Sherman (abt 1891-abt 1894)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Arthur Judson Sherman (6 Aug 1893-2 Aug 1940)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Grace B. Sherman (6 Mar 1895-27 Jan 1989)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Frederick Marion Sherman (26 Aug 1900-7 Apr 1965)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Jean Everett Sherman (12 Jun 1902-18 Oct 1968)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Judson Foster Crawford (15 Apr 1866-19 Feb 1949)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Josie Winifred Hammond (9 Feb 1874-27 Sep 1954)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Bernice Crawford (4 Mar 1892-2 Aug 1959)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Leon Russel Crawford (6 Feb 1894-3 Oct 1976)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Marion Richmond Crawford (24 Oct 1895-29 Jun 1920)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Helen Marjorie Crawford (30 Apr 1900-1 Nov 1971)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Hugh Judson Crawford (16 Sep 1902-7 Aug 1987)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Esther Stella Crawford (6 Feb 1905-7 Jul 1987)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Lois Elida Crawford (10 Nov 1909-18 Jan 1972)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Carrie A Crawford (10 Feb 1870-20 Jul 1886)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Lida A Crawford (22 Dec 1871-13 Dec 1945)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Alvin Hamilton Lighter (15 May 1864-Jun 1942)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Ethel Anita Lighter (1 Jul 1898-8 Nov 1980)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Oren Wesley Lighter (24 Jan 1900-28 Feb 1900)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Kenneth Arden Lighter (25 Jan 1901-18 Jan 1957)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-_____ Lighter (abt 1903-2 Jun 1903)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Anne Marie Lighter (25 Jun 1904-6 Nov 1994)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Dorothy Alice Lighter (27 Aug 1906-10 Jul 1975)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Chester Ellis Lighter (28 Jun 1908-30 Apr 1969)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Vera Elma Lighter (15 Jul 1911-16 Sep 1997)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Nelson Garfield Crawford (29 Oct 1881-10 May 1957)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Cora B. Adams (abt 1882-6 Dec 1947)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +Grace Nicoll Stateler (-)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Sarah Amanda Crawford (abt 1840-15 Jun 1876)
. . . . . . . . . . +Harrison S. Woodward (abt 1841-14 May 1863)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Catherine Woodward (22 May 1863-9 Jun 1899)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +John A. Baughman (-aft 1899)
. . . . . . . . . . +Harmon M. Billings (29 Jan 1842-26 Oct 1914)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-_____ Crawford (bef 1842-8 Apr 1842)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-Celia Carrie Crawford (10 Dec 1851-30 May 1940)
. . . . . . . . . . +Dr. Daniel DeVinney Rose (28 May 1843-18 Jun 1929)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-Elsie Rose (14 May 1885-25 Mar 1984)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +William Glen Smart (1879-1965)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-Marion Dean Smart (11 Jun 1911-7 Aug 1994)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-John Smart (11 Sep 1909-11 Apr 2001)
. . . . . . . . . . 3-_____ Crawford (5 Nov 1859-22 Nov 1859)

Membership

#52Ancestors #Groups

When entering details about an acestor’s life, do you use a ‘member’ fact? I do – sometimes. But if I were grading myself on the use of this fact, I would probably give myself a ‘D’. Since I do use the fact, I don’t deserve an ‘F’. However, my usage is very inconsistent.

For example, my grandmother, Winnie Currey Crawford was a member of the Old-Timers club in Dodge City. Growing up, I remember her talking about either hosting or attending Old-Timers meetings. I’ve even written a blog post about the Old-Timers club. Grandma was also a member of the East Side Bible class. However, my grandmother does not have a ‘member’ fact for either of these organizations.

I admit that I’m a bit lazy with the use of this fact. I think another issue I have with this fact is the process of assigning a date. I don’t know when my grandmother joined these organizations. Thus, I don’t have a ‘beginning’ date. Her participation was also over a span of years.

In preparing for this post, I also discovered that, at times, I don’t provide enough information when entering the fact. If the description field is left blank, then the sentence created for the fact is meaningless.

Member Fact – Missing Description Info – Meaningless Sentence

This also impacts a ‘Fact List’ report. Without the details that should be in the description, the report just gives the place. The ‘fact list’ report is under the ‘Lists’ section of reports in RootsMagic 7.

Creating a fact list report for the member fact is relatively simple. I just selected the member fact and then generated the report.

Fact List Report – Selecting Member Fact

This produced an 8 page report. Below is a sample of that report showing both facts with sufficient information along with facts that do not have enough information.

Member Fact List Report – Highlighted entries are missing information in the Description field

Since I am previewing RootsMagic 8, I decided to see how this works in RM8. Instead of going to the ‘Reports’ menu at the top of RM7, I need to use the ‘Publish’ menu down the left side of RM8.

Based on my limited experience in RM8, I believe the Publish screen shows 4 of the reports I’ve recently used. Since the Fact List report does not show, I need to click on ‘All Reports and Charts’.

RM8 Publish Menu

That opens a screen showing all of the available reports. From here, I selected Fact List.

List of available reports -RM8

Instead of opening a separate window for the report options, they appear on the left side of the screen. Again, I need to select the fact type, ‘member’. Clicking on the > to the right of the ‘birth’ fact type opens a window where I can scroll down to locate the Member fact.

Selecting type of fact – RM8

Clicking OK on the window changes the ‘fact type’ in the settings for the report to Member. I then removed the check mark from Print Private Facts and from Print Preparer Info.

Settings Screen Fact List Report

Once the settings are configured to my wishes, I click the Generate report button at the bottom of the column. This report appears in the large space to the right of the report settings.

Fact List Report RM8

When I look at the same area of the report as in RM7 (Washington Marion Crawford, etc.), the major difference is that every other member fact is highlighted blue.

RM8 Fact List Report Example

Magic didn’t happen in RM8. I’m still missing the description information for William Clay Craford’s member facts. I’m not sure whether the highlighting affected the spacing or whether a different font and font size was used, but the report is 13 pages long in RM8 compared to the 8 pages in RM7.

This experiment with the Member Fact list report

• Revealed my laziness in entering this type of fact
• Revealed member facts that are missing descriptive details
• Helped me realize that the process of creating reports in RootsMagic 8 is similar to that in RM7. It just looks different.

My to-do list just got a bit longer.

Two Thurstons

Do you ever feel like many many genealogists took all of the information found on two individuals, threw it in a bag and pulled out one individual? That’s how I feel with my Thurston Wells research.

My ancestor, Thurston Kennedy Wells, was 11 years old when his father, Ozias Wells died in 1832. The family was living in Madison County, New York. When Thurston was 16 years old, his mother, Mary Kennedy Wells, migrated to Calhoun County, Michigan. Thurston was likely living with his mother in Calhoun County in 1840.

In 1850, a Thurston Wells is listed on the Madison County, New York census as a 30 year old carpenter. A year later, Thurston married Sarah Hall in Madison County, New York. Around 1857, Thurston, Sarah and their son, Francis moved to Kansas where another son, William was born. Sarah likely died in Kansas as Thurston and the boys are listed on the 1860 census in Lykins County, Kansas without her.

In 1861, Thurston marries Salome Crandall in Van Buren County, Iowa. Two children are supposedly born in Eaton County, Michigan. It is in Michigan where I believe a second Thurston Wells enters the picture.

This second Thurston Wells married Mary Miles on 20 Nov 1857 in Lapeer County, Michigan. Census records show Thurston, Mary and their children living in Lapeer County, Michigan in 1860, 1870, and 1880. Of their three children, their son, Olin, is the easiest to follow.

A search of Ancestry for trees with an Olin Wells born 1862 and dying in 1943 results in 25 trees, including mine. Of the 24 other trees

• 5 trees do not have a father for Olin Wells
• 12 trees list a Thurston Kennedy Wells as the father of Olin Wells
• 14 trees with a death date of 1893 for Thurston Wells (or Thurston Kennedy Wells)
• 14 trees show Thurston or Thurston Kennedy Wells dying in Woodson county, Kansas
• 6 trees included Sarah Hall as a wife of Thurston Wells
• 8 trees included Salome Crandall as a wife of Thurston Wells
• 16 trees included Mary Miles as a wife of Thurston Wells

Analyzing these trees, one might conclude that Thurston Kennedy Wells (1821-1893 of Woodson county, Kansas) is the father of Olin Wells of Michigan. However, that conclusion implies that Thurston Wells was a bigamist. Below is a comparison of their life events.

Year	Thurston Kennedy Wells (1821-1893)	Thurston Wells of Michigan
1851	married Sarah Hall in Madison County NY
1853	son Francis Owen Wells is born in NY
1857	son William Hall Wells is born in Kansas	married Mary Miles in Lapeer County MI
1858	wife Sarah Wells likely dies – possibly in Kansas	daughter Mary Jane Wells is born in Genesee County, MI
1860	K. T. Wells and sons, Franklin and William are on the census in Lykins county, Kansas
1861	married Salome Crandall in Iowa
1862	son Freddie L Wells born in Michigan	son Olin Thurston Wells born in MI
1863	draft record for Thurston K Wells in Eaton County MI	draft record for Thrstin Wells in Lapeer County MI
1866	daughter Mary Wells born in Michigan	daughter Clarissa Wells born in MI
1868	daughter Anna Wells born in Iowa
1870	Salome and Annie, Frank and William living in Iowa	Thurston Wells on 1870 census in Lapeer County Michigan with wife, Mary, and children, Clarissa, Oliver and Mary J
1871	family moves to Kansas
1873	daughter Nettie Wells born in Kansas
1880		Thurston Wells on 1880 census in Lapeer County Michigan with wife, Mary and children, Mary J, Olin T and Clarissa O.
1885	T. K. Wells on 1885 Kansas census in Woodson County, KS with Saloma, Anna and Nettie

I haven’t located a burial or death record for the Thurston Wells of Michigan. However, I did locate a biography in the History of Lapeer County, Michigan.

Thurston Wells was born in Attica, Genessee County, N.Y., in 1819. Lived there until 1854, when he came to Michigan. he remained in Pontiac for a short time and in the fall of that year bought forty acres of land in section 3, Rich, to which he afterward added eighty more. His farm now consists of eighty acres having sold forty. Since he has been in Rich he has been a lumberman as well as a farmer. He was the first actual settler in the township and the trip from Piersonville, in Marathon Township, to his land took a week to accomplish, a journey that can now be made in less than two hours. In coming to his land he had to follow sections lines and cut his way through a dense wilderness, being the first pathmaster in this section, an office he has since held. He was married in 1856 to Mary Miles, a native of Grand Blanc, Genessee County, Mich. They have had four children, of whom three survive. The eldest, a daughter named Jane, was born in 1858, and is now a Mrs. George Cole, of East Saginaw. The two others a son, Olin, born in 1862, and a daughter Clara, born in 1866; live at home with their parents.

History of Lapeer County, Michigan: with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers. (Chicago: H. R. Page, 1884), p. 210; digital image, Internet Archive (www.archive.rog : viewed online 31 May 2021.

Thus, I believe that these are two separate men.

• Thurston Wells (1819-?) of Genesee County, New York and Lapeer County, Michigan.
• Thurston K(ennedy) Wells (1821-1893) of Madison County, New York, Lykins County, KS, Van Buren County, Iowa, Calhoun County, Michigan and Woodson County, Kansas.

Below is a summary of what I have gathered about Thurston Wells of Lapeer County, Michigan.

---

Thurston Wells¹ was born in 1819 in Genesee, New York, United States.²

He lived in Concord, Erie, New York, United States in 1850.³

He lived in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan, United States in 1854.²

Thurston  purchased  in 1854 in Rich Township, Lapeer, Michigan, United States.²

He married Mary Miles on 20 Nov 1857 in Lapeer, Lapeer, Michigan, United States.^2,4

On 29 Jul 1858, Mary Jane Wells was born in Mayville, Chautauqua, New York, United States.^1,5

He lived in Lapeer, Michigan, United States in 1860.⁶

On 15 Feb 1862, Olin Thurston Wells was born in Lapeer, Michigan, United States.⁷

He registered for the military draft  in 1863 in Lapeer, Michigan, United States.⁸

On 16 Oct 1866, Clarissa Wells was born in Michigan, United States.

Thurston lived in Rich Township, Lapeer, Michigan, United States in 1870.⁹

He lived in Rich Township, Lapeer, Michigan, United States on 8 Jun 1880.¹⁰

ENDNOTES:

        1. Michigan, Marriage Records 1867-1952, Mary Jane Stringham, 1889; database on-line, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017). Original Source: Michigan, Marriage Records, 1867-1952. Michigan Department of Community Health, Division ov Vital Records and Health Statistics.

        2. , History of Lapeer County, Michigan: with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers. (Chicago: H. R. Page, 1884), p. 210; digital image, Internet Archive (www.archive.rog : viewed online 31 May 2021.

        3. 1850 U.S. Census, Erie County, New York, population schedule, Concord, Erie County, New York, page 70 Image 26 of 102, family 544, Freeman Bailey; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 31 May 2021); NARA microfilm publication M432

        4. “Michigan, County Marriages, 1822-1940,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 31 May 2021), Thurston Wells.

        5. “Michigan, Death Records 1867-1952,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 31 May 2021), Mary Jane Arrand.

        6. “Maryland, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1772-1890,”Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (31 May 2021), Thurston Wells; Jackson, Ron V., Maryland Census, 1772-1890.

        7. Social Security Administration, “Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007,” database on-line, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ : viewed online 31 May 2021), Olin Thurston Wells.

        8. “U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865,”, [RecordType], Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com:  accessed 1 June 2021), card for Thistin Wells, Rich,Lapeer, Michigan; citing Consolidated Listsof Civil War Draft Registrations, 1863-1865, NM-65.

        9. 1870 U.S. Census, Lapeer County, Michigan, population schedule, Rich Township, Lapeer County, Michigan, page 8 (image 8 of 13) Image [Image] of [ImageTotal], Household 50, Thurston Wells; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017); NARA Microfilm publication T132

        10. 1880 U.S. Census, Lapeer County, Michigan, population schedule, Rich Township, Lapeer County, Michigan, ED 180, Page 12 (image 12 of 24), household 91, Thurston Wells; digital mage, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017); NARA microfilm publication T9

Throwback Thursday

Granddad and I

James Barr Ralston Descendants

James Barr Ralston
b: 20 Dec 1811, Pennsylvania, United States
d: 4 Jul 1904, Grundy, Iowa, United States
+Nancy Jane McCormick
b: 15 Oct 1818, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States
m: abt 1836, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
d: 3 Nov 1907, Grundy, Iowa, United States

. . . . . 11. Amanda Ralston
          b: 17 Jun 1838, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 6 May 1923, Pennington, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . +James Bailey Simkins
          b: 30 Jul 1831, Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States
          m: 22 Jun 1854, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
          d: 17 Nov 1909, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 111. Harry A. Simkins
                    b: May 1857, Illinois, United States
                    d: 12 Oct 1938, Yankton, Yankton, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 112. Ann Jane “Jennie” Simkins
                    b: 14 Nov 1858, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 12 Jan 1932, Neligh, Antelope, Nebraska, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 113. James Ellis Simkins
                    b: 14 Nov 1858, Oneida, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 11 Nov 1918, Lake, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 114. William Albert Simkins
                    b: 2 Jul 1861, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 11 Apr 1952, Springfield, Greene, Missouri, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 115. Frank Ralston Simkins
                    b: 29 Apr 1867, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 20 Apr 1930, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 116. Mary Ethel Simkins
                    b: 12 Nov 1870, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 3 Jun 1897, Pennington, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 117. Guy Eakins Simkins
                    b: 6 Apr 1873, Illinois, United States
                    d: 22 Feb 1931, Rapid City, Pennington, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 118. Paul Clifton Simkins
                    b: 20 Mar 1876, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 1943

. . . . . 12. Matilda Ralston
          b: 2 Aug 1840, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 8 Sep 1900, Grundy, Iowa, United States

. . . . . 13. John Nelson Ralston
          b: 5 Dec 1842, Slate Lick, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 23 Mar 1863, Gallatin, Sumner, Tennessee, United States

. . . . . 14. James McCormick Ralston
          b: 24 Apr 1845, Slate Lick, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 30 Dec 1931, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . +Rebecca Kennedy
          b: 29 Jul 1845, Rush, Indiana, United States
          m: 4 Nov 1868, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 10 Mar 1886, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 141. Inez May Ralston
                    b: 4 Oct 1869, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 10 Mar 1893, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 142. Emma Ralston
                    b: 2 Jun 1872, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 15 Feb 1911, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 143. Minnie Ralston
                    b: May 1874, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 1956, Calhoun, Mississippi, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 144. Orren Ralston
                    b: 14 May 1876, Iowa, United States
                    d: 13 Jun 1918, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 145. Mark Elwood Ralston
                    b: 16 Feb 1878, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 25 Sep 1971, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 146. Raymond Bertrum Ralston
                    b: 5 Dec 1880, Iowa, United States
                    d: 9 Jun 1952, Eagle Grove, Wright, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 147. Fern Ralston
                    b: 4 Feb 1883, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 16 Oct 1894, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . +Susan Elizabeth Grant
          b: 11 Jun 1859, Carroll, Illinois, United States
          m: 5 Apr 1887
          d: 15 May 1920, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 148. Glen A. Ralston
                    b: 26 Jun 1888, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 27 May 1946, Marshalltown, Marshall, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 149. Frank J. Ralston
                    b: 4 May 1890, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 18 Mar 1957, Minnehaha, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14A. Iva Ralston
                    b: 21 Aug 1892, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 14 Dec 1962, Hardin, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14B. Ralston
                    b: 18 Aug 1894, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 21 Aug 1894, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14C. Harold Grant Ralston
                    b: 7 Sep 1895, Iowa, United States
                    d: 21 Jan 1961, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14D. Clayton Gordon Ralston
                    b: 30 Aug 1897, Iowa, United States
                    d: 17 Mar 1965, Virginia Beach City, Virginia, United States

. . . . . 15. David Franklin Ralston
          b: 3 May 1847, Slate Lick, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 19 Jun 1928, Viola, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . +Frances Emily Gifford
          b: 14 Nov 1847, Oswego, New York
          m: 28 Nov 1868, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
          d: 4 May 1886, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 151. Lillian D Ralston
                    b: 28 Sep 1860, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 3 May 1874, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 152. Lee Ward Ralston
                    b: 22 Aug 1869, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 9 Apr 1959, Rosemead, Los Angeles, California
. . . . . . . . . . 153. Roy Sidney Ralston
                    b: 3 Aug 1872, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 2 Oct 1932, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 154. Ralph M Ralston
                    b: 18 May 1875, Illinois, United States
                    d: 4 Apr 1956, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 155. Winfred Nelson Ralston
                    b: 10 Feb 1882, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 12 Jan 1946, Rock Island, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 156. Isola Frances Ralston
                    b: 18 Mar 1886, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 17 Aug 1970, Moline, Rock Island, Illinois, United States

. . . . . +Elizabeth V Gifford
          b: 16 Mar 1853, Lansing, Ingham, Michigan, United States
          m: 6 Apr 1889, Illinois, United States
          d: 29 Jun 1943, Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois, United States
. . . . . 16. Sarah Ellen Ralston
          b: 11 May 1849, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 18 Oct 1892, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . +Richmond Fisk Hammond
          b: 20 Nov 1840, Licking, Ohio, United States
          m: 1 Jan 1867, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
          d: 8 Apr 1928, Sawtelle, Los Angeles, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 161. William R. R. Hammond
                    b: 1 Jan 1864
. . . . . . . . . . 162. Homer L. Hammond
                    b: 25 Jul 1865
. . . . . . . . . . 163. Judson F. E. Hammond
                    b: 15 Apr 1866
. . . . . . . . . . 164. Estella Mabel Hammond
                    b: 6 Feb 1868, Illinois, United States
                    d: 20 Dec 1949, Sapulpa, Creek, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 165. Forest Clinton Hammond
                    b: 28 Nov 1868, Illinois, United States
                    d: 28 Oct 1905, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 166. Nellie Elida Hammond
                    b: 23 Nov 1871, Illinois, United States
                    d: 11 Aug 1956, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 167. Josie Winifred Hammond
                    b: 9 Feb 1874, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 27 Sep 1954, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 168. Glenn M Hammond
                    b: 4 Sep 1877
                    d: 11 Feb 1878
. . . . . . . . . . 169. Clyde Nelson Hammond
                    b: 11 Jun 1879, Union, Hardin, Iowa, United States
                    d: 4 Dec 1960, Fort Dodge, Ford, Kansas, United States

. . . . . 17. Ellis Simpkins Ralston
          b: 5 Nov 1851, North Buffalo Township, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 4 Aug 1915, Dewey, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . +Taxena Elizabeth Cowell
          b: 16 May 1854, Brown, Ohio, United States
          m: 11 Mar 1876, Grundy, Iowa, United States
          d: 14 Sep 1925, Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 171. Clara Ralston
                    b: 5 May 1877, Iowa, United States
                    d: 12 Mar 1903, Coconino, Arizona, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 172. Arthur Allen Ralston
                    b: 5 Aug 1878, Felix Township, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 18 Oct 1961, Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 173. Roland William Ralston
                    b: 18 Apr 1880, Iowa, United States
                    d: 19 Jan 1944, Los Angeles, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 174. Eva Grace Ralston
                    b: 10 Feb 1882, Iowa, United States
                    d: 6 Dec 1952, La Junta, Otero, Colorado, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 175. Matilda E Ralston
                    b: 11 Dec 1884, Nebraska, United States
                    d: 1 Feb 1917, Dewey, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 176. Nananette Ralston
                    b: 16 Sep 1887, Nebraska, United States
                    d: 25 Jan 1967, Orange, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 177. Vera A Ralston
                    b: 19 Dec 1891, Kansas, United States
                    d: 27 Dec 1981, Orange, California, United States

. . . . . 18. Margaret Ralston
          b: 16 Apr 1854, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 17 Mar 1916, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . +Deleven Barnes
          b: 24 Jul 1850
          d: 6 Oct 1940, Cedar Falls, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 181. Mabel Barnes
                    b: 1879, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 13 Aug 1879, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 182. Mary Jane “Mayme” Barnes
                    b: 10 Jun 1880, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 1971, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 183. George Stephen Barnes
                    b: 17 Aug 1881, Grundy Center, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 20 May 1953, San Bernardino, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 184. Henry Martin Barnes
                    b: 20 Feb 1883, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 3 May 1962
. . . . . . . . . . 185. John Ellis Ransom Barnes
                    b: 10 Feb 1887, Iowa, United States
                    d: 5 Apr 1961, Binghamton, Broome, New York, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 186. Lloyd William Barnes
                    b: 20 Oct 1888, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 14 Dec 1941, Phillips, Price, Wisconsin
. . . . . . . . . . 187. Jessie Sybil Barnes
                    b: 27 Nov 1890, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 28 Apr 1978, Linn, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 188. Hazel Estelle Barnes
                    b: 19 Dec 1891, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 25 Feb 1947
. . . . . . . . . . 189. Stanley Stowe Barnes
                    b: 4 Feb 1898, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 28 Sep 1965, Marinette, Wisconsin

. . . . . 19. Alicia Melinda Ralston
          b: 23 Dec 1857, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
          d: 4 Jan 1935, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . +William Lighter
          b: 8 Oct 1855, Mount Carroll, Carroll, Illinois, United States
          m: 18 Nov 1880, Grundy, Iowa, United States
          d: 13 Feb 1939, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 191. Roy Bertram Lighter
                    b: 19 Aug 1881, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 20 Dec 1918, Grand Junction, Mesa, Colorado, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 192. Philip J. Lighter
                    b: 18 Sep 1883, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 16 Jun 1968, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 193. William Earl Lighter
                    b: 22 Jan 1886, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 9 Nov 1934, Halstead, Harvey, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 194. Sarah Jane Lighter
                    b: 25 Aug 1887, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 3 May 1975, Johnson, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 195. Curt Nelson Lighter
                    b: 10 Mar 1890, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 4 Nov 1975, Costa Mesa, Orange, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 196. Ray Kenneth Lighter
                    b: 14 Jan 1892, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 5 Dec 1959, Chico, Butte, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 197. Ruth Elva Lighter
                    b: 4 Jan 1894, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 3 Feb 1900, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 198. John Ralston Lighter
                    b: 5 Aug 1897, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 8 Feb 1954, Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 199. Fredrick Ellis Lighter
                    b: 25 Apr 1899, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 23 Jan 1974, Pratt, Pratt, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 19A. Grace Alice Lighter
                    b: 8 Jan 1901, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 29 May 1985, Shawnee, Johnson, Kansas, United States

Forest Hill

As you visit the cemetery searching for the graves of relatives do you ever stand in awe of a monument? When I visit a military cemetery, I often feel overwhelmed by row upon row of tombstones, especially when they are decorated with flags or wreaths. Another time I remember being awestruck was when I saw my Crawford family tombstones still standing in the Eaton, Ohio cemetery from over 150 years ago.

When my husband agreed to go with me to Forest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri over Memorial Day Weekend, I didn’t expect to stare in wonder at a family monument. I was just looking for the graves of cousins. I was limited to two requests for information on the location of the graves. Thus, I asked for a Rigby male and a Crider male hoping to get a family plot. And I lucked out with both!

Crider Family Monument

The Crider plot was in section 19 at the top of a hill on the South side of the cemetery looking over the rest of the cemetery.

This family plot is the final resting place for the Crider Brothers, of the Crider Commission Company.

The following Crider family members are named on the monument:

• William B Crider
• Rachel Foster Crider, wife of William B Crider
• Zebulon Forster Crider
• Charles P Crider
• Edith B Crider, wife of Charles P Crider
• Chas P Crider, Jr
• Sam P Crider
• Nancy Tate Crider
• Bessie Crider Jacobia, daughter of Samuel P. and Nancy Crider
• Leota L. Lakenan, daughter of Samuel P. and Nancy Crider
• Gloria Jacobia, granddaughter of Samuel P. and Nancy Crider

Driving around this historic cemetery, we encountered the grave of Satchel Paige. A quick Google search revealed more details about historic Forest Hill Cemetery.

• Freedom’s Frontier page: Forest Hill and Cavalry Cemetery
• Kansas City Public Library page: Forest Hill Cemetery from the Mrs. Sam Ray postcard collection

While in this historic cemetery, I took photos of the stones to add them to Billion Graves and added the GPS coordinates to the Find a Grave memorials. These GPS coordinates are for a very very small part of Forest Hill Cemetery, but it is a start. Hopefully others will join in this effort and all of the graves in this historic cemetery will get coordinates added.

Coming Soon: Forest Hill Pt 2 – The Rigby plot

Burke Findings

Do you ever struggle trying to verify the death of a female ancestor? I’ve struggled for years with Elizabeth Ann Bland Burke.

Elizabeth and her husband Henry F. Burke were living in Platte County, Missouri in 1840 with three young children. Henry Burke died in 1845 leaving behind his wife Elizabeth and 5 children: Angelina Jane, Milton E., Sarah E., Pamilla A. and John Martin Burke.

Five years later, Elizabeth Burke is listed as the head of household on the 1850 census with the five children living in Weston, Missouri (Platte County). The 1860 census also shows Elizabeth as the head of household living in Marshall Township, Platte County, Missouri.

Elizabeth seems to disappear after that. Until recently, the only possible record I’ve found for her was a marriage record of a Mrs. Jane Burke to Joseph Moor. Since I have not found any record tying a Mrs. Moor to any of the five children, I am doubtful that the Mrs. Jane Burke is Elizabeth Jane Bland Burke.

Since the daughters, Angelina Jane Currey and Sarah Hornbuckle file a petition against John Burke and Milton Burke seeking partition of Burke land in 1876, I believe this indicates that Elizabeth Burke had passed away prior to 1876.

Then a few years ago, a site for Elizabeth Burke appeared on Find a Grave in the same cemetery where her husband is buried (Laurel Hill Cemetery). This site is using the date of the court case as the death date. It is possible that Elizabeth is buried beside her husband, but I have yet to find a tombstone for Elizabeth. The tombstone pictured is up the hill from Henry Burke’s stone. It is for Eleazor Wilhite.

Thinking that Elizabeth and Eleazor may have married, I started investigating that possibility only to find that Eleazor did not marry Elizabeth. In the process of researching this possibility, I stumbled across a reference to a probate record for Elizabeth in The Border Times (Weston, Missouri).

Public Administrator Notice
By virtue of Orders of the Probate Court of Platte County, made June 6th, 1864, I have taken charge of the following estates:
Elizabeth Burke
…
All persons having claims against any of said Estates are requested to exhibit them for allowanct, to me, within one year from said respective dates, or they will be precluded from any benefit in such estate, and if such claims are not exhibited within three years from the date of said orders, respectively, they will be forever barred.
W. M. Paxton
Public Administrator, Platte Co.

“Public Administrator’s Notice,” The Border Times (Weston, Missouri), 30 December 1864, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspaper.som : viewed online 29 May 2021).

“Public Administrator’s Notice,” The Border Times (Weston, Missouri), 30 December 1864, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspaper.som : viewed online 29 May 2021).

Since this ad provides a court date for the probate proceedings, I turned to FamilySearch to see if the court records had been microfilmed — and found them available online.

Since I had the exact date from the ad, I was able to quickly locate the actual court proceeding on page 777 of volume H.

In the matter of estate
of Elizabeth Burke decd

Now at this day William M Paxton Public Administrator is ordered to take charge of said estate and administer the same according to law.

Missouri, Platte County. Court Records, 1839-1887. Platte County, Missouri, Courthouse, Platte City, Missouri. Film #988953 DGS 7631736. Elizabeth Burke, 6 June 1864 Vol. H: p. 777; digital images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 29 May 2021.988953 DGS 7631736

Missouri, Platte County. Court Records, 1839-1887. Platte County, Missouri, Courthouse, Platte City, Missouri. Film #988953 DGS 7631736. Elizabeth Burke, 6 June 1864 Vol. H: p. 777; digital images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 29 May 2021.988953 DGS 7631736

This simple advertisement in the newspaper led me to the court document that confirms two things:

• Elizabeth did not remarry
• Elizabeth died before June 1864

Now, I just need to read more of the court documents to try and pinpoint a death date and continue searching for more information about her death.