Buried in my files is another probate file. This time, it is for Clayton H. Wells of Eaton County, Michigan.
State of Michigan The Probate Court for the County of Eaton
To the Probate Court for Said County:
In the Matter of the Estate of Clayton H. Wells,
I Anna M. Wells, respectfully represent that I reside in the township of Vermontville in said county and am interested in said estate and make this petition as widow and an heir-at-law of said deceased. I further present that said deceased died on the thirteenth day of March, A.D. 1931 leaving no last will and testament, as I am informed and believe. I further represent that said deceased was, at the time of his death, an inhabitant of the township of Vermontville, in said county and left estate within said county to be administered, and that the estimated value thereof is as follows: real estate, $10,000.00 Free and clear or thereabout; personal estate, $2000.00 or thereabout, as I am informed and believe. I further represent that the names, relationship, ages and residences of the heirs at law of said deceased are as follows:
Carl B Wells, son, age – full, residence Vermontville R F D Anna M. Wells, widow, age – full, residence Vermontville Hazel Rickle, dau, age – full, residence Vermontville Leola A. Vincent, dau, age – full, residence Lansing 1712 Delevan Ave Violetta M. Purdy, dau, age – full, residence Vermontville
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Eaton County Michigan Probate file for Clayton H. Wells. photocopy.
page 2 I therefore pray that the administration of said estate be granted to Boyer Rickle, of said county, or to some other suitable person. Anna M. Wells P.O. Vermontville
State of Michigan County of Eaton
On this twentieth day of March, A.D. 1931 before me personally appeared the above named petitioner, who being duly sworn says, that she has read the foregoing petition by her signed, and knows the con- tents thereof, and that the same is true of her own knowledge, except as tot he matters therein stated to be upon her information and belief, and as to those matters she believes it to be true. Jessie G. Stine Notary Public, Eaton County, Michigan My commission expires Feb. 3rd, 1935
No. 10-291-7671 State of Michigan Probate Court for the Count of Eaton Estate of Clayton H. Wells, Deceased Petition for Appointment of Administrator Filed: March 20 A.D. 1931 Jessie G. Stine Register of Probate Not [vt Echo] Hearing Apr 17
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Eaton County Michigan Probate file for Clayton H. Wells. photocopy.
Have you been working on your family history for a while? If you are like me, you either have paper files or digital copies of that paper. As I’m in the process of researching the descendants of Ozias Wells and his wife Mary Kennedy, I started digging into some of those files.
One of the items I found was the probate record for Clinton K. Wells of Eaton County. While Ancestry has the Michigan, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1784-1980 database, a search for the Wells surname in Eaton county did not include Clinton Wells.
Probate Judges Testimony on Determination of Legal Heirs 4503
State of Michigan The Probate Court for the County of Eaton At a session of the said Court, held at the Probate Office in the city of Charlotte in said County, on the 13th day of April A.D. 1948 Present, Hon. Jon McLaughlin, Judge of Probate. In the Matter of the Estate of Clinton K. Wells, Deceased Hearing on petition of Nellie Barningham for the determination of the legal heirs of said deceased. Proof of publication of notice of hearing filed. Petitioner appeared in person Agnis Howe being duly sworn, says: I reside in the R-2 township of Vermontvill in the County of Eaton and State of Michigan. I was acquainted with Clinton K. Wells said deceased, in his life time. The said deceased was, at the time of his death, a resident of the Village of Vermontville and died at the Township of Kalamo on or about the 10th day of May A.D. 1932 The names and relationship of the legal heirs of said deceased who were living at the time of his death are as follows: Nellie Barningham – daughter Lydia A. Wells – wife April 13 1948 Liber — Page — Edith Dickinson
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Probate record of Clinton K. Wells. photocopy.
page 2 Be it remembered, that I, Clinton K. Wells of the township of Kalamo, Eaton County, Michigan, being of sound mind and memory, but knowing the uncertainty of this life, do hereby make, execute, and declare this to be My Last Will and Testament, that is to say: After the payment of my just debts and funeral charges, I give, devise and bequeath all my real and personal estate wherever situated as follows: -1- I give and devise to my beloved wife Lydia A. Wells all that certain parcel of real estate described as follows: to wit: — The East one-half (1/2) of the North-east quarter (1/4) of Section three (3) and the West one fourth (1/4) of the North-west quarter (1/4) of section two (2), in the township of Kalamo, Eaton County and State of Michigan, to have and to hold the same forever. -2- I give and device to my beloved daughter Nellie M. Barningham all that certain parcel of real estate described as follows, to- wit: The east one-half (1/2) of the Southeast quarter (1/4) of Section thirty-four (34), in the township of Vermontville, Eaton County and State of Michigan, to have and to hold the same forever. -3- I also give and bequeath to my said daughter Nellie M Barningham the sum of two thousand ($2000.00) dollars, to be paid to her from my personal estate as soon after my death as convenient. -4- All the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal and where ever situate I give, devise and bequeath to my life Lydia A. Wells absolutely, to have and to hold forever
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Probate record of Clinton K. Wells. photocopy.
page 3 I do hereby appoint my said wife Lydia A. Wells the Executrix of this my last Will and Testament. I do hereby revoke any and every Will heretofore made by me. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fourteenth day of March in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-two Clinton K. Wells (seal) On this 14th day of March, in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-two, Clinton K. Wells of the township of Kalamo, Eaton County, Michigan, signed the foregoing instrument, and declared the same to be his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, as witnesses, and we, not being interested therein, at the request of said Clinton K. Wells in his presence, and in the presence of each other, and where he could see us sing our names, did thereupon on said above mentioned day subscribe our names hereto as witnesses thereof. Lewis J. Da[vis] residing at Charlotte Mich John C. Nichols residing at Charlotte Mich
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Probate record of Clinton K. Wells. photocopy.
page 4 State of Michigan The Probate Court for the County of Eaton To the Probate Court for said County In the Matter of the Estate of Lydia A. Wells, Deceased I, Nellie Barningham, respectfully represent that
I reside in the township of Kalamo in said County
I am interested in said estate and make this petition as daughter of said deceased
Said deceased died on the 12 day of January A.D. 1948, leaving no last Will and Testament, as I am informed and believe.
Said deceased was, at the time of her death, an inhabitant of the Village of Vermontville in said County
Said deceased left estate within said county to be administered, and that the estimated value thereof is as follows: Real estate, $3000 or thereabout; Personal estate, $5000 or thereabout, as I am informed and believe
The names, relationships, ages and residences of the heirs-at-law of said deceased are as follows: Nellie Barningham, relationship – daughter; age – 54; residence Vermontville
Filed January 22, 1948 Barn $6000 Edith Dickinson, Register of Probate [Ben Sloyt] [J Miller Leub]
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Probate record of Clinton K. Wells. photocopy.
page 5
Nellie Barningham, whose address is Vermontville and whose appointment as Administrator is hereinafter prayed for, is not a creditor, nor has he an interest conflicting with the interests of the estate of Lydia A. Wells I, therefor pray that the administration of said estate be granted to Nellie Barningham or to some other suitable person. Nellie Barningham P.O. Vermontville R.R. 2
State of Michigan County of Eaton On this 22n day of January A.D. 1948, before me personally appeared the above named petitioner, who being duly sworn says, that she has read the foregoing petition by her signed, and knows the contents thereof, and that the same is true of own knowledge, except as to the matters therein stated to upon her information and belief, and as to those matters she believes it to be true. Jon McLaughlin Notary Public, Eaton County Michigan My commission expires Probate Judge
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Probate record of Clinton K. Wells. photocopy.
page 6 State of Michigan The Probate Court for the County of Eaton To the Probate court for said County: In the Matter of the Estate of Clinton K. Wells, I, Lydia A. Wells, respectfully represent that I reside in the Village of Vermontville in said county, and am interested in said estate and make this petition as widow and the executrix named in the last will and testament of said deceased. I further represent that said deceased died on the tenth day of May, A.D. 1932 leaving a last will and testament, bearing date the 14th day of March A.D. 1922, which is herewith deposited and filed in said court; that said will is in writing and signed by said deceased in the presence of Lewis J. Dann and John C. Nichols, two competent witnesses, who at the request of said deceased, attested and subscribed said will in presence and in presence of each other and that said deceased, at the time he executed said will was twenty-one years of age and upwards, and was of sound mind and under no restraint or undue influence whatever, as I am informed and believe. I further represent that said deceased was, at the time of his death, an inhabitant of the village of Vermontcille in said county and left estate within said county to be administered, and that the estimated value thereof is as follows: Real estate $4000.00 or thereabout land contract 5700.00 personal estate, $ mtg total about 8000.00 or thereabout, as I am informed and believe. I further represent that the names, relationships, ages and residences of the devises, legatees and heirs at las of said deceased are as follows.
Lydia A. Wells – Relationship widow; Age full; Residence – Vemontville, Mich Nellie M. Barningham – Relationship dau; Age full; Residence – Vermontville, Mich
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Probate record of Clinton K. Wells. photocopy.
page 7 I therefor pray that said instrument now on file in said court, be admitted to probate and that the execution thereof and administration of said estate be granted to myself, the executrix named in said will or to some other suitable person. Lydia A. Wells P.O. Vermontville, Mich.
State of Michigan County of Eaton On this 14th day of May, A.D. 1932 before me personally appeared the above named petitioner, who being duly sworn says, that she has read the foregoing petition by her signed, and knows the contents thereof and that the same is true of her own knowledge, except as to the matters therein stated to be upon her information and belief, and as to those matters she believes it to be true. Jessie G. Stine Notary Public Eaton County, Mich. My commission expires Feb 3rd, 1935
Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Probate record of Clinton K. Wells. photocopy.
When I first started researching my family history, the Internet did not exist. Thus, my research depended on sources available at the Kansas State Historical Society, letter writing or travel. Since my tree has deep Kansas roots, the historical society’s collection of Kansas census and newspaper records were of a great help. For my earlier generations, the book collection at the historical society provided a wealth of information.
Many of those books were county histories or mug books. While that collection of books still exists in Topeka, Internet resources such as Archive.org bring those same books into my home. One of those books, Portrait and Biographical Album of Barry and Eaton Counties, Michigan, contains an excellent biography of one of my Wells cousins, Benjamin F. Wells.
Benjamin F. Wells is a practical and enterprising farmer residing on section 2 in Kalamo Township, Eaton County, and is the eldest in a family of seven children. His father, Ozias, and mother, Mary (Kennedy) Wells were natives of the State of New York. The grandfather, Green Wells, died in Orleans County, N. Y .. at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. The father was a farmer in Madison County, N. Y .. where he engaged in agricultural pursuit, for some years and then removed to Princeton, N. J., where he worked for an uncle as overseer in the digging of the canal. The mother was born at Half Moon, Saratoga County, N, Y. Her father, John Kennedy,
also engaged in farming in Madison County. The mother of our subject resided in New York State until 1837, when she came to Michigan and spent the rest of her days among her children and died at the home of our subject, March 20, 1885, being at that time over eighty-six years old. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the mother of seven children, namely: B. F.; Thurston, living at Yates Center, Kan.; William, a resident of Albion Township, Calhoun County, Mich.; Mrs. Ann Perry, a resident of Madison County, N. Y.; Mrs. Jane Hummeston, who died at Vermontville, this county; Mrs. Lucinda Hall, residing at Chittenango, Madison County, N.Y., and Mrs. Nancy Doolittle, residing in Clarendon, Calhoun County. Our subject was born in Chittenango, Madison County, N. Y., March 27, 1819, and· was reared on a farm. He attended the district school through the winter season and worked on the home farm during the summer. He remained at home after his father’s death and in company with his brother ran the farm. Two of the brothers made their home with uncles in Orleans County. The mother finally sold her share and came to Michigan in
She purchased about one hundred and twenty acres of land, it being just as the Indians had left it. Our subject was induced to come to Michigan to make a home and came by canal to Buffalo, and thence to Toledo by the steamer, “New England,” an by rail to Adrian, accomplishing the rest of the journey by stage. He then engaged in work for an uncle. The first summer and fall he built a log house and moved in to it December 8,
The land surrounding this cabin abounded in deer, wild turkeys and game of all kinds. He then began breaking ground, having brought a plow from New York. He used an ox-team that he purchased in Adrian to draw the plow. After working and clearing up this land until I 840, he returned to New York, and remained in Madison County for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Clarendon Township and purchased one hundred and sixty acres. In 1860 he traded this tract of land for one hundred and sixty acres on section 2. This property was but partly im- proved. He moved his family there by team and
page 279
has since steadily continued in the work of improv-· ing the estate. On this farm the land is all tillable with no waste such as swamps would occasion. Over five ares is spread a fruitful orchard, and each year good crops of grain, wheat, etc. are raised. Mr. Wells raises a good grade of cattle and stock and has a fine flock of Merino sheep. His farm is situ- ated three miles from Vermonotville. In 1874 Mr. Wells erected a handsome brick house and has since built two barns, one 40×70 and the other 40×36 feet in dimensions. Besides many natural springs on this farm there is a windmill and tank that furnishes water for the cattle.
Mr. Wells has been twice married, the first time to Miss Ann M. Benham, in 1838. Mrs. Wells was born in Hopewell, Ontario County, N.Y. Her father, Lewis Benham, was one of the early settlers in Clarendon Township, this State, where he re- sided until his death, which occurred in Albion Mich., May 25, 1886. By this marriage Mr. Wells has four children: Alice, wife of M. G. Parker, residing in Jackson, this State; George F., a farmer in Roxana Township, living on a farm containing forty acres; Clark E., married, residing at Vermont- ville, and the owner of a farm of one hundred acres; and Perry B., married to Tina Boyd, and residing in Vermontville on a large and fertile farm containing one hundred acres. Our subject was a second time married at Peterboro, Madison County, N.Y., March 26, 1857, to Miss Melissa R. Hamil- ton. Mrs. Wells was born in Nelson, Madison County, N. Y., and is the daughter of John Ham- ilton, a farmer of that county. She is the mother of two children-Clinton K. and Clayton H., twins, the first residing at home and the second in Chau- tauqua County, Kan., where he is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits.
Mr. Wells, the gentleman of whom we write, has filled many prominent positions in the county, holding the office or Commissioner of Highways for fifteen years, Justice of the Peace twelve years, Supervisor five years, and School Director and Pathmaster for several years. He has also served on different committees in county work. Socially, he is connected with some of the prominent orders, holding high positions in each. He is member of
the Free and Accepted Masons at Vermontville, the Royal Arch Masons at Charlotte, and the Knights Templar at the same place. In politics, Mr. Wells votes the Republican ticket and in 1854 served as a delegate to one of the conventions. Three of his sons are members of the two Masonic orders to which the father belongs. Mrs. Wells is one of the consistent working members of the Methodist episcopal Church. Mr. Wells is unusually well informed, and his public spirit and enterprise cor- respond with his intelligence. He has always labored earnestly to promote the cause of education and to advance the agricultural interests in his township. His farm of one hundred and sixty acres is one of the finest in the township, and his home is supplied with all the comforts of life and made cheerful and attractive by the good taste of himself and his esti- mable wife. His social qualities are such as to render him extremely popular, especially among his brother Masons and he is looked upon as a man whose future promises to be very useful.
Do use notes to help create a narrative report for individuals in your tree? While I’ve seen another researcher talk about his use of this feature, I have to admit that I haven’t taken advantage of the ability to create and incorporate notes into a narrative report.
Having recently corresponded with a DNA match who is the granddaughter of Juanita Mentzer, a first cousin twice removed, I decided to review what information I have on this cousin and experiment with the notes feature. While I don’t excel at ‘narrative’ writing, I did use the notes feature to incorporate additional information from the sources, including some of the obituaries of her siblings.
Juanita Winnifred Mentzer was born on 20 May 1923 in Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas.1–9 The family shared the news of the birth of a daughter in the Woodson County Journal on May 31 1923.
“A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Mentzer at their home near Yates Center, on May 20, 1923. All well.”
“Local News,” Woodson County Journal (Yates Center, Kansas), 31 May 1923, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).
She lived in Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, United States in 1925.10 Juanita Mentzer was listed as Jennett Mentzer, a three year old female in the household of E. E. Mentzer on the 1925 Kansas Census.
She lived in Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, United States on 4 Apr 1930.11 Juanita W. Mentzer was listed as a 6 year old daughter in the household of Ernest E. Mentzer. According to the census, Juanita was born in Kansas.
In 1939, Juanita was educated at Yates Center High School in Yates Center, Woodson, Kansas, United States.12
She lived in Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, United States in 1940.13 Juanita Mentzer was listed as a 16 year old daughter in the household of Earnest and Edith Mentzer.
She lived in Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States on 26 Apr 1949.14 On 2 Sep 1949, Juanita graduated from at Wesley Nursing School in Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States.2,15
“Wesley Graduates Class,” the Wichita Beacon (Wichita, KS), 3 September 1949, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).
Juanita Winnifred Mentzer and Charles Baldwin obtained a marriage license in Oct 1951 in Allen County, Kansas.20 The Iola Register reported the issuance of a marriage license to Charles F. Baldwin, 23 of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts and Juanita W. Mentzer, 27 of Yates Center
They were married on 12 Sep 1952 in Coffeyville, Montgomery, Kansas, United States.21–23 The marriage of Juanita Mentzer to Charles Baldwin was chronicled in the Massachusetts newspaper:
“Charles F Baldwin Married in Kansas West Stockbridge — Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Mentzer of Yates Center, Kan, have announced the marriage of their daughter, Juanita to Charles F. Baldwin of Tulsa, Okla., son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl M. Baldwin of West Stockbridge.”
“Charles F Baldwin married in Kansas,” The Berkshire County Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), 24 September 1952, Page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 9 December 2020).
She lived in Middletown, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States in 1986.16–17
Juanita and her husband were divorced in 1987 in Middlesex, Connecticut, United States.24
She lived in Connecticut, United States in 1988.18 The obituary of Donald D. Mentzer of Reno, Nevada identifies his living siblings.
“Donald Dumond Mentzer, to, died Thursday at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center. A native of Yates center, Kan., he was born March 6, 1928 and had been a Reno resident for the past 22 years, coming from Salt Lake City. Mentzer was owner of Mentzer Detroit Diesels and had been an Army veteran. His father, E. E., died in 1964, mother, Edith, in 1961, brother Edward in 1987. A sister and two brothers also preceded him in death. Surviving are his widow, Nadine, sons, Alan, Gary, Lynn, daughter, Beverly Ballard, and a brother, Keith, all of Reno; brothers, Tye of Iowa, Austina and Burdette both of Kansas and Norryce of Washington; sister Juanita Baldwin of Connecticut; and six grandchildren.”
“Donald D. Mentzer,” Reno Gazette-Journal (Reno, Nevada), 19 February 1988, page 28; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 26 January 2020).
Juanita lived in Connecticut, United States in 1997.19 The obituary of Austin Mentzer of Ensign, Kansas identifies his living siblings.
“Mentzer, Austin M., 81, retired farmer and stockman, died Friday, June 13, 1997. Service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Ensign Methodist Church. Survivors: wife, Vanita; son, Richard, daughter, Cynthia Hamilton, both of Ensign; brothers, e. tye of Newton, Keith of Reno, Nev., Burdette of Yates Center, Norryce Wenachee, Wash.; sister, Juanita Baldwin of Higgman, Conn.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established with Ensign United Methodist Church and Hospital of the Prairie. Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City.”
“Ensign,” The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), 16 June 1997, page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 12 March 2022).
She died on 5 Apr 2009 at the age of 85 in Middlesex, Connecticut, United States.2,5–8 She was buried at Yates Center Cemetery in Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas.2,8 Her obituary in the Hartford Courant chronicles her life.
Juanita “Jo” (Mentzer) Baldwin, 85, formerly of High Meadow Place, Haddam, passed away Sunday (April 5, 2009) at Middlesex Health Care Center. She was born on May 20, 1923 In Yates Center, KS, the daughter of the late Ernest and Edith (Dumond) Mentzer. Juanita was a Registered Nurse, who worked at many area health care facilities. She was a member of participated in the choir of the First Congregational Church of Haddam. She is survived by her four daughters, E. Ann Baldwin and Robert Ponko, Jr. of Higganum, Edith Amelia Baldwin and Paul Maywood of Haddam, J. Beth Baldwin and Philip Delegan of Middletown, and Charlene F. Baldwin and Bradley West of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren; Case and Ashley Crabb, and Chelsey Mia Baldwin-West and a beloved and extended family throughout the United States. Juanita’s family would like to express their gratitude to all those in the community for their loving care and support. Jo will always be remembered for her gentle and loving spirit. Campbell Funeral Home of Yates Center, KS, has care of the funeral services and burial in Yates Center, KS. A memorial service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at a later date at the First Congregational Church of Haddam, 905 Saybrook Rd., Haddam, CT 06438, Middlesex Health Care Center, Resident Fund, 100 Randolph Rd., Middletown, CT 06457 or Woodson County Foundation Fund, PO Box 160 Yates Center, KS 66783.
“Baldwin, Juanita “Jo” M,” Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut), 8 April 2009, Page C07; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 24 January 2020).
ENDNOTES:
1. 1930 U.S. Census, Woodson County, Kansas, population Schedule, [CivilDivision], [ED], [PageID] Image [Image] of [ImageTotal], [HouseholdID], [Person]; digital iamge, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : [AccessType] [AccessDate]); NARA T626. [FileNumber]
2. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online May 2018), memorial for Juanita Jo Mentzer Baldwin (1923-2009), Find a Grave Memorial no. #35859208, created by RisingSun, citing Yates Center Cemetery, Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas; accompanying photograph by RisingSun, Juanita Jo Mentzer Baldwin.
3. “U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1,” Ancestry.com, (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (May 2018), Juanita M Baldwin.
4. Voter Registration Lists Public Record Filings, Historical Residential Records and other Household Database Listings, “U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2,” index, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online May 2018), Juanita M Baldwin.
5. Social Security Administration, “U.S. Social Security Death Index,” database, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online May 2018), Juanita M. Baldwin, , before 1951.
7. “Connecticut Death Index, 1949-2012,” Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (May 2018), Juanita M Baldwin.
8. “Baldwin, Juanita “Jo” M,” Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut), 8 April 2009, Page C07; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 24 January 2020).
9. “Local News,” Woodson County Journal (Yates Center, Kansas), 31 May 1923, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).
10. 1925 Kansas census, Woodson County Kansas, State Census, Center Township, Woodson County, Kansas, page 5 Image [Image] of [ImageTotal], household 37, E. E. Mentzer; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online April 2017)
11. 1930 U.S. Census, Woodson County, Kansas, population Schedule, Center Township, Woodson County, Kansas, ED 2, sheet 1B Image [Image] of [ImageTotal], household 12, Earnest E Mentzer; digital iamge, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online April 2017); NARA T626
12. United States, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, Juanita Mentzer, 1939; digital images, (www.ancestry.com : viewed online May 2017).
13. 1940, Woodson County Kansas, population, Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, enumeration district (ED) ED 104-2, Sheet 3A, household 48, Earnest O Mentzer; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online April 2017); National Archives adn Recods Administration, 1940.T627.
14. “Neosho Falls News Item,” The Iola Register (Iola, Kansas), 26 April 1949; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online August 2018).
15. “Wesley Graduates Class,” the Wichita Beacon (Wichita, KS), 3 September 1949, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).
16. “Deaths and Services,” The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), 11 October 1986, page 16; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).
17. “Obituaries – George Edward Mentzer”, Yates Center News, (Yates Center, Kansas), 16 October 1986, page 8, microfilm; Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, KS.
18. “Donald D. Mentzer,” Reno Gazette-Journal (Reno, Nevada), 19 February 1988, page 28; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 26 January 2020).
19. “Ensign,” The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), 16 June 1997, page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 12 March 2022).
20. “Court News,” The Iola Register (Iola, Kansas), 1 October 1951, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 24 January 2020).
21. , History of Woodson County Kansas (Dallas, Texas: Curtis Media Corporation, 1987), “Mentzer, George Family” p. 198-199.
22. , History of Woodson County Kansas, “Mentzer, Ernest E.” p. 197.
23. “Charles F Baldwin married in Kansas,” The Berkshire County Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), 24 September 1952, Page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 9 December 2020).
24. “Connecticut, Divorce Index, 1968-1997,” Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (26 January 2020), Juanita Baldwin; Connecticut Divorce Index, 1968-1997. Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Your mission, should you decide to accept it (cue the Mission Impossible music here) is to:
1) Who is in your paternal grandfather’s matrilineal line (i.e., the mother of your paternal grandfather, and her mother, etc.)
My paternal grandfather is Leon Russel Crawford. Leon was born in Dodge City, Kansas in 1894 and died in Dodge City in 1976. He is the son of Judson Foster Crawford and Josie Winifred Hammond.
Josie Winifred Hammond was born 9 Feb 1874 in Knoxville, Knox County, Illinois and died 27 Sep 1954 in Dodge City, Kansas. She married Judson Foster Crawford in 1890 in Dodge City, Kansas. Josie is the daughter of Richmond Fisk Hammond and Sarah Ellen Ralston. ThruLines indicates that I have 12 DNA matches with descendants of Josie. (Note: This includes my two brothers.)
Sarah Ellen Ralston was born in 1849 in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and died in 1892 in Dodge City, Kansas. She married Richmond Fisk Hammond in 1867 in Knoxville. Sarah is the daughter of James Barr Ralston and Nancy Jane McCormick. Ancestry’s ThruLines indicates that I have 13 matches with descendants of Sarah Ellen Ralston
Nancy Jane McCormick was born in 1818 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania and died in 1907 in Grundy County, Iowa. About 1836, she married James Barr Ralston in Pennsylvania. Nancy Jane McCormick is the daughter of James B. McCormick and Sarah Hall. Ancestry’s ThruLines indicates that I have 38 DNA matches with descendants of Nancy Jane McCormick.
Sarah Hall was born about 1789 in Pennsylvania. According to FamilySearch, she died in Woodville, Sandusky County, Ohio. Marriage information for Sarah Hall and James B. McCormick has not been found. Sarah was the daughter of David Hall, Senior and Jane Jackson. (Note: I have not done much research on Sarah or her ancestry. I am pulling information about her and her ancestors from the FamilySearch tree. Sarah’s ID on FamilySearch is LHS3-S56.) Ancestry’s ThruLines indicates that I have 35 DNA matches with descendants of Sarah Hall (even though I had 38 matches with her supposed daughter, Sarah Hall.)
According to FamilySearch, Jane Jackson was born about 1765 in Ireland and died about 1849 in Akron, Summit County, Ohio. Jane married David Hall about 1781. FamilySearch indicates that Jane is the daughter of John Crieve Jackson and Agnes McIntyre. Ancestry’s ThruLines indicates I have 37 matches with descendants of Jane Jackson
According to FamilySearch Agnes McIntyre was christened 21 May 1749 in Perth, Scotland and died in 1818 in Apollo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. FamilySearch indicates that Agnes McIntyre and John Crieve Jackson were married 28 Jan 1766 in Carrickfergus, Antrim, Northern Ireland. FamilySearch lists Agnes McIntyre’s parents as Adame McIntyre and Janet Irvine.
According to FamilySearch. Janet Irvine was born in 1711 in Perth, Scotland. No death information is listed for Janet. FamilySearch indicates that Janet Irvine married Adame McIntyre in 1736 in Perth Scotland. No parents are identified for Janet Irvine.
The Courier-Tribune (Seneca, Kansas) November 28, 1940 page 2
Draft Order (Official List Continued)
400 Tommie Samuel Brammer 491 Clifford Fred Wissler 402 Alfred Leslie Ralston 403 John Henry Kruetzman 404 Leon Ashley Glenn 405 Walter Loyd Cornell 406 William Ernest McEchron, Jr 407 Frank Isch 408 Albert Bartholomew McKee 409 Ray Deaver 410 Donal Cecil Davis 411 Eugene Frederick Brown 412 Homer Leland Cox 413 George William Hailey 414 Albert Joseph Kruetzman 415 Warren Charles Spiker 416 Ray Eldon Creed 417 William Arthur Hoffman 418 Earl Ewalt Schuneman 419 William Kenneth Most 420 Lawrence Bryan Rawlins 421 Paul galen Phillips 422 John Otho Nebgen 423 Wilfred Bernard Stallbaumer 424 Gerard Benedict Houlton 425 Pete Vincent Haug 426 Joseph Vondemkamp 427 Donald Sewell Arick 428 Wayne Max McCall 429 Van Leonard McDaniel, Jr 430 Felix William Stallbaumer 431 Earl Walter Parli 432 William Henry Kranz, Jr 433 Harold Earl Frank 434 Vincent Leander Gudenkauf 435 Fred Gregory Holthaus 436 Alfred Herman Stallbaumer 437 Bert Henry Keim 438 Dale A. Brock 439 Lloyd Raymond Whiteside 440 Anthony Alphonse Rettele 441 Walter Henry Lierz 443 Orville Franklin Yarger 443 Leo Joseph Heiman 444 Clyde Edwin Vernon 445 Robert Sidney Dank 446 Leonard Krogman 447 George Michail Grdinovich 448 Marion Lee Owens 449 Robert Emil Studer
As with past Friday Finds posts, this one begins with some handwritten notes. From these notes, I know that I was visiting the Kansas State Historical Society (KHS) when I wrote down the information.
Bolivar Robb With perhaps a few exceptions, Bolivar Robb, of West Lebanon, Warren county, is the oldest pioneer of this county, in years residence here. He has lived in this portion of Indiana for seventy-two years, and in Warren county since 1830, and distinctly remembers the experiences of the pioneers during the ‘30s and ‘40s, and the primitive condition of everything here, and the inevitable hardships which had to be endured. He even
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recalls the Black Hawk war of 1832, and incidents of that notable strife with the red men — one of the last stands of that race against the oncoming tide of civilization east of the Mississippi. Early in the eighteenth century three brothers, James, William and John Robb, emigrated from the northern part of Ireland (where they were known as Scotch-Irish) to America, and made a settlement at Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It is supposed that from them are descended all persons bearing the surname of Robb in this country, but from which one of the brothers our subject traces his lineage is not definitely known. The great-grandfather of the subject was one John Robb, and the grandfather was Thomas Robb, both natives of the Keystone state. The latter, born in 1767, married Elizabeth Robb, a second cousin, and in 1800, when their son William (father of our subject) was about two years old, they removed to Erie county, Pennsylvania. Eight years later they went to Washington county, Kentucky, and in 1818 they took up their abode in Brown county, Ohio, settling near Ripley, the county seat. In 1830 Mr. Robb became a resident of Washington township, in the vicinity of Williamsport, Warren county, Indiana, but three years later he continued his journey westward, and died in DeKalb county, Illinois, September 4, 1850. From principle he was strongly opposed to slavery, and the unswerving traits of integrity, justice and honor which had descended to him from his Scotch-Irish ancestors were among his most noteworthy characteristics. He left the stern old “blue” Presybyterianism in which he and his forefathers had been reared, and until his death rejoiced in the liberty and light of the Disciples or Christian church, with which he early identified himself. While he was never an aspirant to official distinction, he occupied various local positions and was a justice of the peace for years, here and further east. His first wife, Elizabeth, died in Ohio, and Mr. Robb subsequently married Mrs. Sarah Friel, who survived him a short time. She had one son by her first marriage, Thomas and Elizabeth Robb were the parents of James and John (twins), William, Thomas, Robert, Mary, Anna and Elizabeth, all of whom have passed away. James served in the regular army of the United States for five years, and in the war of 1812 fought under the leadership of General Andrew Jackson, and later took part in the Seminole war. John also was in the war of 1812, fighting under General William H. Harrison. With the exception of Thomas, who died in youth, all of these brothers and sisters married and had families, and all except James and Thomas became residents of Indiana, the former settling in Illinois and the latter dying in Ohio. William Robb, father of Bolivar Robb, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, near Pittsbrug, November 10, 1798. He accompanied his parents to Brown county, Ohio, and there he married Abi Higinbotham, a native
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of that county, born April 14, 1806. In the spring of 1827, William Robb, in company with his brothers-in-law, Joseph S. and Joseph P. Robb, built a small flat-boat and floated down the Ohio river to the mouth of the Wabash, and thence went up this river to Covington, in what is now Fountain county. Having selected and bought a tract of land near Vederburg, William Robb returned home on foot, and in the following autumn he brought his family to the new home in the wilderness, in a one-horse wagon. The family continued to reside on this homestead until March, 1830, when they removed to Warren county. Mr. Robb entered land about three-fourths of a mile west of the present court-house in Williamsport,, and here he continued to dwell until his death, June 10, 1885. His venerable wife died January 5, 1899, in her ninety-third year. Politically, he was a Democrat, and three times did he fill the office of sheriff, twice being elected and once being appointed to that position. Once he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of county clerk, and for many years he was a school director, township trustee, etc. Of his seven children, Bolivar, William W. and Howard are residents of Warren county, and Alfred lives in Tennessee. Those who have entered the silent land are Frank; Eliza Jane, who was the wife of G. W. Armstrong; and Sarah E., who married James Jones, and had a son and daughter, both now deceased.
Bolivar Robb was born April 29, 1826, in Brown county, Ohio, and was but four years old when he came to this county. Here he managed to gain a fair education in the primitive subscription schools of that period, but his advantages were meager in the extreme. When he was eighteen, his father, who had been unfortunate in business, informed him that he could give him only a team of horses with which to make a start in independent life. The young man requested and received the equivalent of the horses in money, and with this he paid his way, as far as possible in Wabash College. He then taught for six successive winters. Schools were still carried on largely by subscription at the rate of about two dollars a pupil for a term, and the last winter that the young pedagogue taught he received fifty dollars for his services, and paid one dollar a week for his board and that of his horse. For thirty years he was engaged in contracting and building, and then he purchased the old homestead, which he managed for years and only recently sold. During Cleveland’s last administration he was postmaster of West Lebanon, where he has a pleasant home, and is living practically retired. He has always been prominent in the councils of the Democratic party of this locality. In June, 1843, he joined the Christian church of this village, and from that time to the present he has been one of the most active members, and was the first superintendent of the Sunday school here. On the 25th of July , 1850, Mr. Robb married Sarah A. Acus, a native
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of Iroquois county, Illinois. She died April 8, 1853, and left an infant daughter who lived to the age of nine years. December 7, 1856, Mr. Robb wedded Margaret S. Crawford and their only child, Clara Jane, married E. S. Walker, who has been commander -in-chief of the Sons of Veterans of Indiana. Mrs. Walker, a lovely, well educated lady, died when in her thirtieth year and left and infant. Her loss has been deeply felt by her many sincere friends and particularly by her devoted parents, who are thus left childless in their declining years.
Biographical History of Tippecanoe White Jasper Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski Counties, Indiana, Volume I. Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1899.
If you have been doing genealogy research for some time, I’m guessing that you are like me in that you have used the county histories to locate biographies of a family member. These histories provide a wealth of clues about the life of an individual. They often provide information about the spouse and children of the person. If one is lucky, they might also provide information about the parents and in-laws.
For me, those biographies have been about the men in the area. Thus, I was surprised to find a biography of a woman, Anna H. Wells, wife of George Talbot Perry. While this biography could easily have been written with George Perry as the focus, it begins with information about Anna and her family before including information about George.
Perry, nee Anna H. Wells, p.o. Chittenango, N.Y., born March 6, 1825, eldest daughter of Ozias and Mary (Kennedy) Wells, a prominent family in years gone by. Both the Wells and Kennedy families came from New England. The Wells family trace their descent back to Elder John White, who came from England and landed in Boston on ship “Lyon,” September 16, 1632. They are also closely related to the well-known Thurston and Green families, so prominent in Revolutionary days. December 24, 1848, Anna H. Wells married St. George Talbot Perry. he was the fourth in direct line to bear the name. His mother was Amanda Herkimer, grand-
Smith John E., Editor, Our County and Its People, a Descriptive and Biographical Record of Madison County, New York (N.p.: Boston History Company, Publishers, 1899), page 96; digital images, FamilySearch.org, http://www.familysearch.org Film 934838 Item 1 : viewed online 12 June 2022.
page 97 daughter of Capt. George Herkimer, who fought with his brother, Gen. Nicholas Herkimer, in the noted battle of Oriskany. The Perrys came from England and settled in Rhode Island some time in the year 1600. To George T. and Anna H. Perry were born three children: Hattie Simms, now the wife of Hon. R. C. Briggs, resident of Rome, N.Y.; Georgia Talbot, now the wife of Charlse S. Button of Chittenango; Edward Sims, named in honor of good old Deacon Sims whose wife was cousin of Mrs. Perry, and in whose family much of her childhood was spent; he died January 31, 1864, aged four years. Mr. Perry in early life was associated in business with the late Alfred Bellamy in Chittenango. For over twenty years he was engaged in business in New York city where his abilities commanded the highest salaries. He was a conspicuous example of a self-made man and won the respect and friendship of a very large circle of friends. In politics he was a steadfast Republican. He was an active member of Strong Place Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY. His death occurred November 15, 1865. Since then Mrs. Perry has made her home in Chittenango.
Smith John E., Editor, Our County and Its People, a Descriptive and Biographical Record of Madison County, New York (N.p.: Boston History Company, Publishers, 1899), page 96; digital images, FamilySearch.org, http://www.familysearch.org Film 934838 Item 1 : viewed online 12 June 2022.
Marriage licenses issued: Oct. 19, Hiram Underhill, Neosho Falls, and Miss Charlotte Tarman, Iola. Oct. 28, Philip E. Mentzer and miss Anna M. Schoepflin both of Yates Center
“Marriage Licenses,” The Neosho Falls Post (Neosho Falls, Kansas), 26 October 1905, page 4; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).
Married Mentzer – Schoepflin – At the residence of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Schoepflin, Mr. Philip E. Mentzer to Miss Annie M. Schoepflin, both of Yates Center, Rev. C. W. Bailey officiating. The News extends best wishes. They were married Oct. 25, 1905.
“Married,” The Yates Center News (Yates Center, Kansas), 27 October 1905, page 5; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).
Philip Mentzer made this office a pleasant call Monday afternoon and had his name added to The Advocate list of subscribers. He also left copy for the announcement of his marriage to Miss Anna Schoepflin Wednesday, Oct. 25. Thus another young couple starts life right by patronizing the printer.
“Local,” Woodson County Advocate (Yates Center, Kansas), 27 October 1905, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).
Married At the residence of the bride’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Mentzer’s four miles northwest of town, on Thursday evening April 2nd, 1903. Miss Clara Edith Mentzer and John Williams were united in marriage by Rev. C. W. Bailey, in the presence of only near relatives. The happy couple will reside on the Waltermire farm south of town.
“Married,” Woodson County Advocate (Yates Center, Kansas), 10 April 1903, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 11 March 2022).
Married Williams — Mentzer — At the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Mentzer, northwest of town, Thursday evening, April 2, 1903, Rev. C. W. Bailey officiating, Mr. John W. Williams and Miss Clara E. Mentzer. In addition to the families of both parties, only Miss May Litton, of Yates Center, was present to witness the ceremony. Mr. Williams is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Williams of Turkey creek, and is a sturdy, industrious young man. The Bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo W. Menter, of Center township, and is a very popular young lady with all her acquaintances. The new married couple are at home to their friends on the Waltermire farm south of Yates Center, where they are very nicely and comfortable located. The News extends best wishes.
“Married,” The Yates Center News (Yates Center, Kansas), 10 April 1903, page 5; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).
Heartland Genealogy 