Do you have tons of those leafy hints on Ancestry? Are you one of those that just ignores all of those hints, searching the catalog, databases and records on your own? Or do you try and work thru those hints?
My Ancestry tree is one of those with tons of hints, over 77000 record hints. There’s no way I will ever work my way thru all of those hints. However, I do use those hints to research the descendants of my ancestors.
While researching Roland Hammond, a grandson of Horatio Hammond, I came across a record assigning his wife as administrator of his estate in Wyandotte County, Kansas.. Unfortunately, that database did not have the actual will. When I checked FamilySearch to see if I could find the will on FamilySearch, the records are locked.
Roland Hammond lived and died in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas. Thanks to a hint on Ancestry, I found a copy of his will in Henry County, Illinois.
page 104 (image 390 of 637)
Will of Roland E. Hammond Deceased
Last Will and testament
I, Roland E. Hammond of Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas, being of sound mind and memory do make, publish and declare this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills made by me. (1) I give, bequeath and device to my children, Roland H. Hammond, John E Hammond and Frances A Hammond, the sum of ten ($10.00) dollars each, (2) Should other children be born to me hereafter, I give to said children the sum of ten ($10.00) Dollars each. (3) I own real estate known as the F. N. Hammond homestead located at Galva, Illinois, known a 807 West Division street and described as follows: All of the East Two thirds of Lot number Three (3), in the subdivision of the south half of the southwest quarter of section twenty eight, in Township Fourteen (14) North, Range four (4) East of the fourth principal meridian; situated in the City of Galva, in the County of Henry and State of Illinois, except the following described part of said Lot Three (3), viz: Beginning at the southeast corner of said Lot Three (3), thence running est on the South line of said Log 3, one hundred thirty five feet, thence North on a line parallel with the East line of said Lot 3, Ninety five feet, thence East on a line parallel with the South line of said Lot 3, one hundred thirty five feet to the East Line of Said Lot 3, thence south on the East line of said Lot 3, ninety five feet tot he place of beginning. And I hereby give and devise the said described real estate, on-half to my wife, Aileen H. Hammond, one-fourth (1/4) to my mother, Caroline Matilda Hammond, and one-fourth (1/4) to my sister Mary Edna Hammond Newell. I desire that said real estate be sold as soon as may be practicable, however it is my desire that my mother may occupy said real estate for a reasonable time and until she comes into possession of other property which was owned by my deceased aunt, Hattie E. Ogg at the time of the death of Hattie E. Ogg. (4) Hattie E. Ogg died recently and she left a will which has not yet been admitted to probate but which will probably soon be admitted to probate. By the terms of such will all of the distributive estate of Hattie E. Ogg has been given, bequeathed and devised to me, with the request that with such estate, I make some provisions for my mother, Caroline Hammond and my sister, Mary Edna Hammond Newell. (5) I anticipate that all of the estate of Hattie E. Ogg under said will is possessed and owned by me and I hereby make disposition of such estate and hereby bequeath and devise to my mother, Caroline Matilda Hammond from the estate I receive from my deceased aunt, an undivided on-sixth (1/6) thereof absolutely and I further give bequeath and devise to my mother, the possession and use of an undivided one-sixth (1/6) of such estate, during her lifetime but not to her heirs or assigns thereafter. I give, bequeath and devise to my sister, Mary Edna Newell, an undivided one-third (1/3) of such estate as I receive from my deceased aunt, Hattie E. Ogg, absolutely, I give devise and bequeath to my wife, Aileen H. Hammond, an undivided one-third (1/3) of
page 105
Will of Roland E. Hammond Deceased all of the estate I receive from the estate of my deceased aunt, Hattie E. Ogg absolutely. I further bequeath and devise to my wife and her heirs; assigns the remainder of the undivided one-sixth (1/6) part of the estate I receive from my deceased aunt, Hattie E. Ogg, the life use and possession of which I have herein before given to my mother (6) If at the time of my death I own any interest in the business of Shepherd & Hammond, Kansas City, Kansas or any other business, it is my desire that such insterest be sold as soon as practical and the Roland E. Hammond PROCEEDS BE INVESTED TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE (7) I make no further provisions in this my will for my children, I have full confidence that my wife will properly care for my children. (8) All of the rest, balance and residue of my estate, both personal and mixed and wheresoever situated, I give, bequeath and devise absolutely to my beloved wife, Aileen H. Hammond to have and to hold unto her and her heirs and assigns forever. (9) I hereby name my wife, Aileen H. Hammond as Executrix of this my last will and testament and request that she be not required to give any bond as such Executrix. (10) If it becomes necessary to have an administration of my estate in the State of Illinois, I request that Judge A E. Bergland of Galva Illinois be appointed as Administrator with this will annexed. If no administration in Illinois is necessary, I request that the beneficiaries under this my will, look to Mr. Bergland for such assistance and advice as may be necessary in the settlement of my estate in Illinois. (11) This my last will and testament is written on two pages type-written upon both of which I have subscribed my name this 19 day of December, 1919. Roland E. Hammond Signed, published and declared by the said Roland E. Hammond to be his last will and testament in the presence of us the undersigned subscribing witnesses who in his presence and at this request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names thereto on this 19 day of December, 1919 Rose Buddy Francis E Howe David J. Smith Filed January 10th, 1921 Within instrument held duly proven as the last Will and Testament of Roland E. Hammond, dec’d; that said instrument was duly admitted to probate in Wyandotte Co. Kansas and executed according to the laws of said State of Kansas. Said instrument is therefore admitted to probate and ordered recorded as the last will and Testament of said Roland e. Hammond dec’d. Leonard E. Telleen CO Judge Feb 7th 1921
Illinois, Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999, Roland E Hammond, 19 December 1919; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 1 April 2021).
Hoping that his aunt, Hattie Ogg, died in Illinois, I checked Ancestry’s database, Illinois, Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999 in hopes of also locating her will, which I found.
page 370 (image 206 of 637)
Will of Harriet Eliza Ogg Deceased
Last Will and Testament I, Harriet Eliza Ogg, of Galva, Henry County, Illinois, being of sound mind and memory, do make, publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament in the manner following, that is to say: First: I hereby direct that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be first fully paid by my executor Second: After the payment of said funeral expenses and debts, I give devise and bequeath absolutely to my nephew, Roland E. Hammond, now residing at Kansas City, Kansas, all of my property, be the same real, personal or mixed, of whatsoever character and wheresoever situated, to have and to hold the same absolutely. Third: I make no provisions in this my will, for the children or descendants of my deceased brother, Christian Kugler Ogg, for the reason that the said Christian Kugler Ogg in his lifetime received more than his just portion of my father’s and mother’s estate. Fourth: In bequeathing and devising all of my property to the said Rolland E. Hammond as aforesaid, I expressly request the said Rolland E. Hammond to see to it that my sister, Matilda Caroline Hammond and my niece, Mary Edna Hammond Newell shall not want for the ordinary comforts of life, and I request that the said Rolland E. Hammond shall, during the remainder of the respective lives of the said Matilda Caroline Hammond and Mary Edna Hammond Newell, provide for them and each of them such comforts as in his discretion they may require and should enjoy. Fifth: I also hereby request the said Rolland E. Hammond to erect at my grave a suitable tombstone and to make proper provision for the care of the cemetery lot wherein my body shall be interred. Sixth: I hereby nominate and appoint Earl L. Yocum to be the executor of this my Will. I hereby revoke any and all my former Wills by me made In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this Twenty third day of February A.D. 1917. Harriet Eliza Ogg (seal)
The foregoing instrument, consisting of two typewritten pages, was on the day of this date thereof signed, sealed, published and declared by the mid testatrix, Harriet Eliza Ogg, as and for her last Will and Testament in our presence, who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other, signed our names thereto as witnesses this Twenty third day of February A.D. 1917, and we hereby certify that we believe that the said testatrix was of sound mind and memory at the time she executed the said instrument. Harold A. Smith, Galva, Henry County, Illinois Albert E. Bergland, Galva, Henry County, Illinois __ Galva, Henry County, Illinois
Illinois, Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999, Harriet Eliza Ogg, 23 February 1917; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 1 April 2021).
Since I don’t dig deeply when researching the descendants of collateral lines, I likely would not have found Roland Hammond’s will without Ancestry’s hinting system. Thank you Ancestry for providing this tool to help with our research!
Do you ever feel like you are on a scavenger hunt when trying to document a family? Well, that’s what it felt like today as I tried to document the family of Cornelius R. Hammond, son of Horatio Hammond.
I had some information for the family in my file that came from a published genealogy.
Frederick Stam Hammond, History and Genealogies of the Hammond Families in America: with an account of the early hisotry of the family in Normandy and Great Britain, [SuplAuthor], [Suplrole] (Oneida, New York: Ryan & Burkhart, 1902–1904), digital image, page 519 (image 1290 of 1659) http://www.ancestry.com viewed online 28 March 2021.
I also had some census records. When a hint led to an obituary for who might beCornelius’ wife, trying to match up the children was its own puzzle.
Mrs. Hammond Dies at Eastside Mrs. Sarah Houston Hammond, 88, died at 6:00 a.m. today at Eastside at the home of her two sons, W. J. Hammond and L. A. Hammond. She had been ill for the past two weeks. Mrs. Hammond had lived at Eastside for the past five years coming here from Grants Pass. She is survived by a son, Alvi Hammond of Grants Pass: three daughters, Mrs. Nellie McComas of Roseburg, Mrs. Olive Patterson of Roseburg and Mrs. H. R. Williams of Eastside and two sons of Eastside. The body is at the Campbell funeral home, where the funeral will beheld at 2:00 o’clock Friday, with interment at Sunset.
“Mrs. Hammond Dies at Eastside,” The World (Coos Bay, Oregon), 21 December 1932, page 1; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 March 2021).
Since W. J. could be Warren J and L. A. could be Lorin A., along with Alvi Hammond, the sons appear to match up. When it comes to the daughters, the book shows a daughter named Nellie, but she is married to a Williams instead of a McComas. And Flora and Lottie are married to men named Harrington and Stubbs and not Patterson and Williams.
Hoping the FamilySearch tree would help figure out whether this obituary fit the family of Cornelius Hammond, I checked the tree to see whom the tree had as the husband of Flora B. Hammond. I discovered that the tree did not have a husband or children for Flora. I found the same to be true for Lettie Hammond: no husband and no children. The tree did have a McComas husband for Nellie, Joseph Leonard McComas. However, it did not have John Williams listed as her husband. Thus, the FamilySearch tree was not helpful in figuring out whether this obituary was for the wife of Cornelius Hammond.
Thus, I turned to Ancestry hints. Most of the hints for the children were for census records. However, one hint for Lettie Hammond was to a newspaper announcement of the marriage of Miss Letta Hammond to Richard Stubbs.
Mr. Richard Stubbs and Miss Letta Hammond, both of this county, were married at the residence of the bride’s parents, south of this city, at three o’clock on Thursday, Octtober 23, 1890; Rev. J. M. Wright, officiating. Mr. Stubbs is a brother to Sam. Stubbs, of the Central Grocery, and holds a position there; he is steady in his habits and has many friends among our people. Miss Hammond is a very popular young lady and has many friends amoung our people
“Local News,” The Journal-Democrat (Dodge City, Kansas), 25 October 1890, page 4; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 March 2021).
The puzzling aspect of this hint was that it was in a newspaper from Dodge City, Kansas. The records I had for the family indicated that they were in Illinois, Iowa and Oregon – but not Kansas.
However, Cornelius’ brother, Richmond Fisk Hammond was in Dodge City. Thus, I decided to search the Dodge City papers for Cornelius Hammond between 1885 and 1895. This search revealed that Cornelius Hammond and his son, Alva, homesteaded in Ford county, Kansas.
Notice for Publication Land office at Garden city, Kansas March 10th, 1890 Notice is hereby given that the following named settler, who made homestead entry No 1,581 has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before the judge or in his absence the clerk of the district court of Ford county, Kansas at his office in Dodge City, Kansas, on the 25th day of April 1890, viz: Alva M Hammond, of Ford county, Kansas, final homestead, for lots 3, 4, 5 and southeast quarter northwest quarter section No. 6 township No. 27 south range No. 26 west, Ford county, Kansas. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land, viz: S. F> Coates and Wallace Johnson, of Dodge City, Kansas, F. A. Etrick of Ensign, and Eugene Hall of Cimarron, Kansas. Also at the same time and place Cornelius R. Hammond, final homested No. 1582, for the lots 6 and 7, and southwest quarter southwest quarter of secton No. 6, township No. 27 south range No. 26 west, ford county, Kansas. He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land, viz: S. F. Coates and Wallace Johnson, both of Dodge City, Kansas, F. A> Etrick of Ensign, Eugene Hail of Cimarron, Kansas. 20 25 D. M. Frost, Reigster First publication March 12th, 1890
“Notice for publication,” The Dodge City Globe (Dodge City, Kansas), 19 March 1890, page 8; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 March 2021).
The notice regarding the homestead claim was in a March 1890 newspaper. Thus, the announcement of the marriage of Letta Hammond to Richard Stubbs is likely for the daughter of Cornelius Hammond.
Thinking that Lettie’s husband, Richard had died, I started searching for an obituary for Richard or a second marriage for Lettie prior to 1932. I did not find an obituary. Instead I found a couple of references to a Richard Stubbs having been divorced. At this point, I don’t have enough information to say it is the same Richard Stubbs, but it would explain a remarriage for Lettie. And that is what is puzzling. I found a marriage record for Lettie L. Stubbs to Sam R. Brisbin dated 21 Apr 1923 occurring in Douglas County, Oregon.
There is a Lettie Brisbine on the 1930 census in Douglas county with an 18 year old Charles Stubbs in the household. The ages for Lettie are almost identical between the 1920 and 1930 census. However the 1920 census for the Richard Stubbs household includes an 8 year old boy named Charles. Even though Lettie is listed as a widow on the 1930 census, Samuel Brisbin is also found living in Douglas County, Oregon in 1930. Even though the couple appear to be separated on the 1930 census, Lettie is mentioned in the obituary found on Samuel Brisbin’s Find a Grave site.
Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 27 March 2021), memorial for Samuel Rice Brisbin (1860-1931), Find a Grave Memorial no. #10686310, created by Robin, citing Roseburg IOOF Cemetery, Roseburg, Douglas County, Oregon; accompanying photograph by Ida Baker, Samuel Rice Brisbin.
Lettie died in 1941 and her obituary identifies her as Mrs. Samuel R. Brisbin.
Mrs. Samuel R. Brisbin Summoned by Death Mrs. Samuel R. (Lettie Louise) Brisbin, of Roseburg, died at Mercy hospital Tuesday afternoon following a short illness. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, she had been a resident of Roseburg for many years. Surviving are a son and two daughters, Carl E. Stubbs, Roseburg; Maude Stone, Pomona, Calif., and Flora Mason, Long Beach, Calif. Funeral services will be held at the Roseburg undertaking company parlors at 2 p.m. Friday, Rev. John Barney officiating.
“Mrs. Samuel R. Brisbin Summonded by Death,” The News-Review (Roseburg, Oregon), 6 August 1941, page 3; digital iamges, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 March 2021).
Again, a Charles Stubbs is mentioned as a son. The names of the daughters, Flora and Maud, also match the names of the daughters found in the Richard and Leta Stubbs household on the 1910 census. Thus, I am concluding that Lettie Hammond was first married to Richard Stubbs and then to Samuel R Brisbin. No evidence has been found for Lettie going by the name of Mrs. Olive Patterson or Mrs. H. R. Williams as suggested by the obituary of Sara Hammond.
That leaves Flora. According to the Hammond genealogy, Flora was married to Asa Harrington. A marriage record for Flora and Asa has not been found. However, there is a 1900 census record in Coos County, Oregon for a widowed Flora Harrington. Also listed in the household is a 6 year old female, Minnie Harrington. By 1910, Flora is identified as Flora Williams of Myrtle Point in her father’s obituary.
Death of Old Timer C. R. Hammond of Hugo, who has spent the past month in this city under the doctor’s care, died Wednesday evening, cause of heath being heart trouble. Deceased was 7[4] years old at the time of his death and had been a sufferer from asthma for several years, until death relieved him of his pain. He leaves a wife, Mrs. Sarah Hammond, of this city and two sons, Loren and Alva Hammond, two daughters, Mrs. Flora Williams of Myrtle Point, and Mrs. Lettie Stubbs of Roseburg, all of whom were with him at the time of his death. Another son who resides in Washington, and a daughter in Colorado are expected to arrive in time for the funeral services, which will take place at Pleasant Valley cemetery Friday at 2 o’clock p.m. The deceased was a kind husband and father and held the respect of all who knew him.
“Death of Old TImer,” Weekly Rogue River Courier (Grants Pass, Oregon), 16 December 1910, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 March 2021).
In 1910, there is a Flora Williams listed as the wife of Joseph Williams living in Myrtle Point, Oregon. Also listed in the household is an 11 year old nephew, Warren Hammond. This Warren Hammond is likely Warren Raymond Hammond, son of Flora’s brother, Warren Jepthie Hammond and his first wife Alpha Reed. Since Warren J. Hammond is remarried in 1905, his children by his first wife appear to be living with relatives. There are two obituaries for Warren Jepthie Hammond. One is apparently written by his siblings and the other by his second wife. A son, Warren, is named in one obituary but not the other.
W. J. Hammond of Eastside Called at Independence W. J. Hammond, 66 resident of Eastside for may years and of Coos Bay since 1912, died at Independence late Thursday or early Friday, children at Eastside were advised by telephone. HE had been working in the valley for two months, his wife and daughter, Belva, being with him. Cause of death was not learned here. The body will be brought to the Campbell funeral home here where the funeral will be held probably at 2 p.m. Monday, with burial in Sunset cemetery. Survivors include the widow, three daughters, Belva, Mrs. Eva Hagquist of Bunker Hill, and Mrs. Flora Fitzpatrick of Vancouver, Was.; also three sons, A. E., Cecil J. of Eastside and Warren R. Hammond of New York. Mrs. Nellie McComas of Roseburg is a sister and Loren Hammond of Eastside is a brother. Mr. Hammond was formerly watchman at Broadway motors and for the McKenna mill.
“W. J. Hammond of Eastside Called at Independence,” The World (COos Bay, Oregon), 22 August 1942, page 1; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 March 2021).
Hammond Funeral Held Monday in Marshfield Independence — Funeral services for Warren Jepthie Hammond, who died last Friday at the Wigrich hop ranch south of Independence, were held Monday at Marshfield. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond had lived here for three months and in Marshfield for 25 years. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Fern Hammond, two sons, Alva and Cecil Hammond, Marshfield; two daughters, Mrs. Flora Fitzpatrick, Vancouver, Wash; and Belva Hammond, at home. Also a brother and sister, Loren Hammond of Marshfield and Mrs Nellie Commosoff of Roseburg.
“Hammond Funeral Held Monday at Marshfield,” Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon), 28 August 1942, page 11; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 March 2021).
Flora William’s site on Find a Grave provides even further evidence that she was a Hammond and a sibling of Lettie. The image included on the site is of Flora’s death certificate. This death certificate identifies her parents as C. R. Hammond and Sarah Huston. The informant identified on the death certificate is Lettie Brisbane.
Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 27 March 2021), memorial for Flora Bell Hammond Wiliams (1875-1940), Find a Grave Memorial no. #136015467, citing Norway Cemetery, Norway, Coos County, Oregon; accompanying photograph by Ernie Krewson, Flora Bell Hammond Williams.
Thus, Flora Hammond was a Flora Williams. However, she was Mrs. Joseph Williams and not Mrs. H.R. Williams.
Even though I still can’t figure out the ‘Mrs. Olive Patterson’ mentioned in the obituary, I do believe that the obituary in question is for Sarah Houston, wife of Cornelius Hammond. I also believe that the information found in the Hammond Genealogy, even though basically correct, is incomplete.
This family is a great example of why one has to do significant digging and follow any and all small clues to piece the family together.
The identities of these three men may be lost. However, there are some clues in the photo. FIrst, the “Nellie’s Father’ inscription could mean either Richmond or Cornelius Hammond. Since the photo was passed down from Josie Hammond to my grandparents to me, I believe it is likely Richmond Hammond on the left.
The middle inscription is hard to read, but it may be ‘C. Hammond’. If so, then that would be Cornelius Hammond.
The location of the photographer tells me that one of these men lived in or near Emporia, Kansas. Thus, Lucius J. Hammond may be the man on the left
Below are some other photos of Richmond Fisk Hammond for comparison.
Richmond Hammond and his second wife, Mary McClure and her family.
Do you ever see an image or a hint that reminds you to look in that source for small bits of information about family members?
I had that “Oh, yeah, I should look at that source.” feeling when I was working hints for Lucius J. Hammond, my 2nd great granduncle. The hint that caused my reaction was an image of an article in the Dodge City Daily Globe.
Since Lucius died in Lyon County, Kansas and not Ford County, Kansas, one might not dig deep enough to find the article in the Dodge City newspaper. However, Lucius’ brother, Richmond Hammond was living in Dodge City at the time. Since I believe the Dodge City newspapers from that time period contained a lot of town gossip, it does not surprise me that a death notice for Richmond’s brother was in those newspapers.
A simple search of Newspapers.com for Hammond in April 1898 in Dodge City, Kansas turned up the death notice.
L. J. Hammond, brother of R. F. Hammond, died at his home in Reading, Kas., after a painful illness, on Monday. Last October an operation had been made for cancer of the stomach. The deceased suffered greatly.
“Additioinal Local,” The Dodge City Globe (Dodge City, Kansas), 14 April 1898, page 8; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 25 March 2021).
Thus, the reminder! I needed to check the Dodge City papers for other news related to Richmond’s siblings. Since Richmond only lived in Dodge between 1886 and 1909, I decided to look for events within that time span.
That led me to a death notice for Richmond’s brother Jehiel P. Hamond who died in North Dakota in 1907.
Word was received by R. F. Hammond on Wednesday of the death of his brother J. P. Hammond living at Orr, N.D. The cause of death was paralysis.
“Brief Items of Local INterest,” The Journal-Democrat (Dodge City, Kansas), 3 May 1907, page 4; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 26 March 2021).
I then searched for the death notice of his sister, Juliet Simms. I had previously found notice that Juliet had fallen and broken her hip.
Mrs. Juliet Simms of Denver fell last Tuesday breaking her hip very badly and is not expected to survive the shock. She is the only living sister of R. F. Hammond.
“Local News,” The Journal Democrat (Dodge City, Kansas), 31 May 1907, page 4; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 23 March 2020).
However, I did not have a death notice and I did not have her date of death. Curious about what I would find in the Dodge City papers, I tried a different search. I searched for Simms in Dodge City in 1907. That search led me to a notice of her death.
Word was received by R. F. Hammond on Thursday morning that his sister, Mrs. W. M. Simms, who fell and injured her hip some time ago died on Wednesday. Mr. Hammond and his nephew Lark Grimm who has been visiting here for three weeks left for Denver Thursday night.
“Local News,” The Journal-Democrat (Dodge City, Kansas), 26 July 1907, page 1; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 26 March 2021).
Not only did this search turn up a death date for Juliet Hammond Simms, but also uncovered a nephew of Richmond Hammond that I don’t have in my records, Lark Grimm.
Thus, the image hint for Lucius Hammond was a gentle reminder to search the papers where the siblings lived for news of other siblings. This ‘gentle reminder’ also provided reinforcement for why I’m currently researching the siblings of Richmond Hammond — and their descendants. As I learn more about these siblings, I also discover new places to look for more information on the family.
Do you do descendancy research? If so, do you dig as deeply researching those descendants as you do researching your ancestors?
I do research descendants. In my early days of research, I found that learning about the siblings and their families helped me locate more information about my ancestors. Thus, I’ve had many of these descendants in my files for some time. Now with tons of DNA matches, I’m finding that having these descendants in my database helps me figure out how I’m related to these matches.
However, I do not dig as deeply when researching these descendants. I tend to stick to those leaf hints on Ancestry and even ignore some of them. Basically, I’m after records to document their birth, marriage, death, burial and family relationships.
However, I sometimes get a hint from one record that causes me to want to look for other records to prove that hint. That happened recently when I had a hint leading to an obituary for the spouse of a distant cousin. Not only did that obituary cause me to look for the cousin’s obituary but to also look for newspaper articles to verify a comment in the spouse’s obituary: that her husband had owned a store in Marysville, Kansas. (For those who are unaware, I live in Seneca, KS which is 30 miles east of Marysville.)
So, my trek thru the newspapers started with the obituary for Mrs. Geneva Hammond, wife of Charles N. Hammond.
Mrs. Geneva Hammond Leader in Womens Clubs dies at 99 Widow of Kansas City, Kansas City Councilman Was Active for Y.W. C.A. Mrs. Geneva Wier Hammond, 99, of 3118 West Parkwood boulevard, Kansas city, Kansas was a resident of Greater Kansas City nearly 70 years and a club leader, died early today at a rest home at 622 Benton boulevard.She would have been 100 years old January 27. Mrs. Hammond was the widow of C. N. Hammond, who died in 1908. He was sales manager for the Pittsburgh Paving Brick company in Kansas City and a member of the Kansas City, Kansas, city council. Helped Found Two Clubs A pioneer in women’s club activities in Kansas City, Kansas, Mrs. Hammond was a founder of the book review club in 1896 and three years later helped organize Gunsaulus C.L.S.C. Two organizations to which she devoted considerable time and interest were the Young Women’s Christian association and the Bethel Neighborhood center. The latter organization, a center of recreation and educational activities for all ages in the vicinity of Seventh street and Central avenue, was probably closest to her heart. She served as secretary of the board for eighteen years and was chairman of the House committee. She also served numerous terms on the Y.W.C.A. board of directors. She was a life member of Mendias chapter of the Easter Star Lodge and a member of the First Baptist church. Came Here in 1886 Mrs. Hammond was born in Cambridge, Ill., January 27, 1858, the daughter of James and Elizabeth Rose Cutler Wier. She was educated in the Cambridge public schools. On December 21, 1880, she was married to Charles Newton Hammond, who was then traveling for a wholesale drug house. Shortly afterward they moved to Marysville, Kas., where he purchased a drug store. They lived in Beatrice, Kas., for a short time before moving to Kansas City, Kansas in 1886. She leaves three sons, Marvin J. Hammond, 2923 Parkwood boulevard,; Lawrence Hammond, Wichita and Arthur Hammond, 717 State avenue, also Kansas City, Kansas; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
“Mrs. Geneva Hammond,” The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Missouri), 14 November 1957, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 17 March 2021).
Since Mrs. Hammond’s obituary was in The Kansas City Star, I was curious as to whether I could find her husband’s obituary in the same paper. A search of Newspapers.com for Hammond in October 1908 in Kansas City turned up the obituary.
Charles N. Hammond Is Dead Heart Disease Cause the End of the Kansas City, Kas., Man Charles N. Hammond, who was connected with business institutions in Kansas City twenty-three years, was stricken with heart disease at 7 o’clock this morning while at breakfast at his home, 2059 Walnut street, Kansas City, Kas. He died in fifteen minutes. Mr. Hammond was 51 years old and was born in Oneida, Ill. He came to Kansas City in 1885 and formed a partnership with Abner Hood in the chemical manufacturing business. Later he was a broker in chemicals on Union avenue, nd still later he was sales manager for the Peet Brothers Manufacturing company. After five years of service with that concern he engaged in the bond brokerage business. For the last two years he was sales manager for the Pittsburg Diamond Brick company. Mr. Hammond was identified with municipal affairs in Kansas City, Kas., and in the ’90s was a member of the city council. He was a thirty-second degree Mason — both as a Shriner and a Scottish, Rite and a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. Mr. Hammond is survived by a widow and three sons, Marvin, Lawrence and Arthur. A brother, Roland Hammond lives in Kansas City, Kas. His father is now living at Galva, Ill.
“Charles N. Hammond Is Dead,” The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Missouri), 24 October 1908, page 2; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 17 March 2021).
Curious about this drug store that Charles N. Hammond purchased in Marysville, Kansas, I turned again to Newspapers.com. I was fortunate to find short articles about the store, including its purchase and its sale.
Mr. Hammond, one of the prorpiertors of our new drug store is in town, and expects to open his stock in a few days, most of it being here, already
“Local News,” Marshall County News (Marysville, Kansas), 26 February 1881, page 3; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 18 March 2021).
C. N. Hammond has an immense new heating stove in his drug store. Call in an warm yourself and take a look at the boss drug store.
“Local News,” Marshall County News (Marysville, Kansas), 21 October 1881, page 3; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 18 March 2021).
Notice: Having sold my drug business to E. I. Miller, I desire to thank the public for their generous patronage during the past year and would respectfully solicit a continuance of the same for my successor. C. N. Hammond Jan. 10th 1882
“Local News,” Marshall County News (Marysville, Kansas), 13 January 1882, page 3; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 18 March 2021).
I’m thankful I followed that one hint in his wife’s obituary. Otherwise, I never would have found him in Marshall County, Kansas owning a drug store.
For anyone interested in cowboys or the old west cattle drives a trip to the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City, Kansas is a ‘must see’ destination. Housed in a replica of ‘Front Street’, Boot Hill offers a combination of history and entertainment, complete with gunfights and shows at the Long Branch Saloon.
As a genealogist, Boot Hill has proven to be a source of information about my family. As a child, I remember a photograph or postcard that was on display in the building at the top of the hill. This photo was taken of early Dodge City from the Boot Hill area looking toward downtown. My memory says that the house my grandparents lived in was in that photo. Later, while touring the displays housed in the ‘Front Street’ buildings I discovered a minute book for the Ford County Agricultural Society that just happened to be opened to a page mentioning my great great grandfather, Richmond Fisk Hammond.
On a trip to Dodge to visit my grandmother, she encouraged me to visit Boot Hill to see if they had any photographs. Thinking I might find the photo from my childhood memory, I went. Even though I didn’t locate that photo, I did come away with a marvelous find: the only known photo of my great great grandfather, Washington Marion Crawford.
In addition to obtaining his picture, I found a group picture that included my great grandfather, Judson Crawford and another group picture containing Judson’s brother, Nelson Crawford.
If you want to find an unusual source for genealogical information, it would be Boot Hill for me. I never imagined that I would find these photos at Boot Hill. I am thankful that they are preserving the early history of Dodge City.
As we have recently celebrated Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d reshare one of the poems my great-grandmother, Josie Winifred Hammond wrote, titled “Our Golden Wedding.”
Fifty years, ’tis a long look back To that far off winter day, When we started out, just a pair of kids. Together to tread life’s way There were no airplanes or radios then Automobiles were unheard of too There wasn’t a telephone in the town And electric lights were few. When we started housekeeping by ourselves There wasn’t much work to do, For the house we had was very small, And the table was set for two. Then the babies started coming along, And we worked early and late, By the time we moved into a home we owned The table was set for eight. Then another girl happened along But before she had a place of her own, The oldest girl and the man of her choice Had started another home. Then two boys went away to war And things were in an awful fix. We worked for the Red Cross and sold liberty bonds And the table was set for six. Then the boys came home, but soon Cupid’s darts Drove a boy and a girl from the hive. And death’s cold hand took another boy And the table was set for five. Then a boy and a girl went away to school A teacher and a nurse to be. And now the table looks awfully small, When its only set for three The boy at school found a wee small girl That he just must have for a wife But the nurse still seems content To live a single life. Then the youngest girl met a farmer And married as most girls do. And we’re right back where we started from And the table is set for two. But as the years have come and gone. And good times or hard times we’d see I’ve never grown tired of seeing That same face across the table from me.
Josie kept a ledger containing poems and other writings about her family and her life in Dodge City, Kansas. Josie’s ledger was transcribed and shared via the Kansas Collection.
Josie Winifred Hammond1, female, was born on 9 Feb 1874 in Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States.1–17
She was the child of Richmond Fisk Hammond and Sarah Ellen Ralston.17
In Jul 1880, in Union, Hardin, Iowa, United States, Josie W. Hammond was listed on the 1880 census living in the household of Richmond Hammond. According to the census, Josie was 6 years old and born in Illinois.18
She married Judson Foster Crawford on 24 Dec 1890 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.3–5,10,19–41
She presented a program for Quarto-centennial Celebration of Lewis Post GAR in Apr 1891 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.42
On 1 Jul 1895, Josie lived in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States. She was listed as a 21 year old female born in Illinois in the household of 28 year old J F Crawford. Also listed in the household were 3 year old Bernice Crawford, 1 year old Leon Crawford and 25 year old FOrrest Hammond.44
On 24 Oct 1895, Marion Richmond Crawford was born.4
In 1897, she registered to vote in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.45
On 30 Apr 1900, Helen Marjorie Crawford was born.4
Josie Crawford was listed as the wife of 34 year old J. F. Crawford on the 1900 census in Dodge City, Kansas. According to the census, Josie was born Feb 1874 in Illinois. Josie and J.F. had been married 9 years. Josie was the mother of 4 children all of whom were living in 1900. Also listed in the household were 8 year old Bernice Crawford, 6 year old Leon Crawford, 4 year old Marion Crawford, 3 month old Helen Crawford and a servant, 18 year old Amy Roth46
In 1905, she lived in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States. She was listed as a 31 year old female in the household of 39 year old J. F. Crawford. Also listed in the household were 13 year old Bernice, 11 year old Leon, 9 year old Marion, 5 year old Helen, 2 year old Hugh and a 3 month old baby.47
Josie witnessed the sell of land by Mary Foster on 18 Oct 1907 in Ford, Kansas, United States.48
On 28 Apr 1910, in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States, Josie was listed as the wife of J. F. Crawford on the 1910 census in Dodge City, Kansas. According to the census, Josie was 36 years old and born in Illinois. Josie was the mother of 7 children, all of whom were living.49
She witnessed the marriage of George James Allen and Bernice Crawford on 10 Nov 1911 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.4,50–51
Josie W. Crawford was listed as a 40 year old female in the household of 48 year old J F Crawford on the 1915 Kansas census living in Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas. Also listed in the household were 21 year old Leon, 19 year old Marion, 14 year old Hellen, 12 year old Hughie, 9 year old Ester and 5 year old Louis.52
Between 1917 and 1954, she was a member of the Eastside Bible Class in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.53
In 1920, Josie was listed as the 45 year old wife of Judson F. Crawford on the census living in Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas. According to the census, Josie was born in Illinois. Also listed in the household were 17 year old Hugh J, 23 year old Marion, 14 year old Esther and 11 year old Lois.54–55
In 1924, she lived at 404 Ave G in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.56
In 1925, Josie Crawford was listed as a 51 year old female in the household of 59 year old J. F. Crawford living in Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas. According to the census, Josie was born in Illinois. Also listed in the household were 22 year old Hugh Crawford, 20 year old Ester Crawford, 15 year osl Lois Crawford and 12 year old Jenny Neal57
Josie W Crawford was listed as the wife of Judson F Crawford on the 1930 census living in Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas. According to the census, Josie was 56 years old and born in Illinois. Josie was married at age 16.58
She lived at 504 Avenue G in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States in 1935.59
Josie W. Crawford was listed as the wife of Judson F Crawford on the 1940 census living at 504 Avenue G in Dodge City, Kansas. According to the census, Josie was 66 years old and born in Illinois.59
Josie lived at 504 Avenue G in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States in 1942.60
She lived in Picacho, Pinal, Arizona, United States in 1949.61
In Feb 1949, she was recognized as a member of the First Methodist Church for fifty years in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.62
Josie signed a will on 16 Mar 1951 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.63
Josie Crawford was listed in the household of Leon Crawford on the 1953 Dodge City, Kansas census. According to the census, Josie was 79 years old.64
She died on 27 Sep 1954 at the age of 80 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.1–2,5,7,12,65–69
She was buried on 29 Sep 1954 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.2,7–8,12,70
ENDNOTES:
1. Josie W. Crawford, death certificate #54 013520 (27 September 1954), Kansas State Board of Health, Division of Vital Statistics, Topeka, Kansas.
2. Tombstone, Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City Kansas read by Marcia Philbrick, 1996, Josie W. Crawford tombstone (Crawford.KS.153)
3. [ArticleTitle], Dodge City Daily Globe, , [Date], [Page], “Mrs. Crawford, 80, Dies in Hospital” 27 Sept 1954 page 1 col. 7.
4. Crawford, Judson F., Judson F. Crawford Family Bible (n.p.: , n.d.); Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, KS, photocopy in Crawford.Washington.Notebook
5. “Judson Foster Crawford”, Gladys Crawford, compiler, The Crawford Family (n.p., Gladys Crawford, n.d.), (Doc. #: Crawford.KS.047)
6. History and Genealogies of the Hammond Families in America With an Account of the Early History of the Family in Normandy and Great Britain (Oneida, NY: Ryan & Burkhart, 1904)
7. BillionGraves, digital images of tombstone, BillionGraves (billiongraves.com : viewed online June 2017), memorial for Josie W Crawford, BillionGraves created by mcphilbrick, citing Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas; accompanying photograph by mcphilbrick, Josie W. Crawford.
8. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online June 2017), memorial for Josie Winifred Hammond Crawford (1874-1954), Find a Grave Memorial no. #110355978, created by Marcia Philbrick, citing Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas; accompanying photograph by Tim Tompkins, Josie Winifred Hammond Crawford.
10. Yates Publishing, U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004), Source number: 2.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: MP1.
11. Ancestry.com, Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925 (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Kansas State Historical Society; Topeka, Kansas; 1895 Kansas Territory Census; Roll: v115_48; Line: 16.
13. Edmund West comp., Family Data Collection – Births (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2001).
14. , Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925, 1915 Kansas Census; Roll: ks1915_88; Line: 21.
15. , Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925, 1925 Kansas Census; KSHS microfilm KS1925_49; line 9.
16. , Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925, 1905 Kansas Census; KSHS micriflm roll: ks1905_53; Line: 14.
17. Richmind Fisk Hammond, Military and penion record of Richmond Fisk Hammond (: U.S. Government), Richmond F Hammond 1915 Affidavit.
18. 1880 U.S. Census, Hardin County, Iowa, population schedule, Union, Hardin County, Iowa, ED 127, page 29 Image 27 of 40, household 213, Hammond Richmond; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication T9
19. Dodge City Times, Dodge City, KS, Dec. 26, 1890, page 3 col. 4, (Crawford.Judson.Notebook).
20. Ford County Kansas Marriage Records: Book B, page 153 (Crawford.KS.003C) (Crawford.Judson.Notebook), Ford County Clerk, Dodge City, Kansas
21. , [Date], [Page], clipping regarding golden wedding anniversary (Crawford.Judson.Notebook).
22. Judson Crawford entry, Sept. 1950 Journal Entry of Final Settlement, ; , . Hereinafter cited as Final Settlement.
23. Dodge City Times, Dodge City, KS, 26 Dec 1890, page 3, col. 4.
24. Kansas, Central Division of Vital Statistics, Marriage Record (24 December 1890), Judson F. Crawford and Josie W. Hammond; State of Kansas, Topeka, KS.
25. “Mr. Judd Crawford …,” Marriage Announcement, Dodge City Times (Dodge City, Kansas), 26 December 1890, image 3; digital image, Chronicling America (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov : online April 2016); Kansas State Historical Society.
26. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 database, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7836/). Yates Publishing. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 : viewed online 2000.
27. “Family Data Collection — Marriages,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017), Josie Winifred Hammond.
28. , Dodge City Times (Dodge City, Kansas: n.p., n.d.), (Crawford.Judson.Notebook); Dec. 26, 1890; page 3 col. 4.
29. , Ford County Kansas Marriage Records, Ford County Clerk, Dodge City, Kansas (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), Book B, page 153 (Crawford.KS.003C) (Crawford.Judson.Notebook).
30. , Dodge City Daily Globe, . (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), “Mrs. Crawford, 80, Dies in Hospital” 27 Sept 1954 page 1 col. 7.
31. , Dodge City Daily Globe, ., clipping regarding golden wedding anniversary (Crawford.Judson.Notebook).
32. , Crawford, Judson F., Judson F. Crawford Family Bible (: , ); Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, KS. Hereinafter cited as Family Bible Judson F. Crawford. (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), photocopy in Crawford.Washington.Notebook.
33. , Judson Crawford entry, Sept. 1950 Journal Entry of Final Settlement, ; , . Hereinafter cited as Final Settlement. (N.p.: n.p., n.d.).
35. , Dodge City Times, 26 Dec 1890, page 3, col. 4.
36. , Kansas, Central Division of Vital Statistics; State of Kansas, Topeka, KS. (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), Marriage Record; 24 December 1890; Judson F. Crawford and Josie W. Hammond.
37. , “,” Dodge City Times (Dodge City, Kansas), ; digital image, Chronicling America (chroniclingamerica.loc.gov : accessed ). (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), Mr. Judd Crawford …; Marriage Announcement; 26 December 1890; image 3; online; April 2016; Kansas State Historical Society.
38. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 database, Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7836/) : [AccessType] [AccessDate]; Judson Foster Crawford – Josie Winifred Hammond.
39. Edmund West comp., Family Data Collection – Marriages (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2001).
40. “Local news,” Dodge City Times (Dodge City, Kansas), 26 December 1890, page 3; Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online April 2018).
41. “Weddings,” The Globe-Republican (Dodge City, Kansas), 31 December 1890, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online April 2018).
42. “Resolution of Thanks,” The Globe-Republican (Dodge City, Kansas), 29 April 1891; Newspapers.com (http://www.newspaprs.com : viewed online August 2017).
43. Crawford, Judson F., Judson F. Crawford Family Bible (n.p.: , n.d.); Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, KS
44. 1895 Kansas Census, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, Kansas state census, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, page 10 Image 15 of 97, household 77, J F Crawford; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); Kansas State Historical Society
45. “Voters Register, 1886-1902,” ; microfilm, page 27; Records of the City of Dodge City, Kansas 1875-1928; Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, Kansas. 1897 Ladies.
46. 1900 U.S.Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, ED 49, Sheet 18A Image 35 of 42, household 383, Crawford J F; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA T623
47. 1905 Kansas State Census, Ford County, Kansas, Kansas State Census, , page 42 Image 83 of 178, household 291, J F Crawford; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); Kansas State Historical Society
48. Ford County Kansas, , Vol 31, page 570; Mary Crawford, et al to Peter Hinemann, 18 September 1907; Register of Deeds, Dodge City Kansas.
49. 1910 U.S. Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kanass, ED 45, Sheet 3B Image 6 of 30, household 16, Crawford JF; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication T624
50. Dodge City Globe Republican (Dodge City, Kansas), Dodge City, Kansas, 16 Nov 1911, page 5, col. 1 (Doc. #: Crawford.KS.013).
51. Ford County Kansas Marriage Records: License Book 1903-1912 p447 / Affidavit Book C p 447, Ford County Clerk, Dodge City, Kansas
52. 1915 Kansas State Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, page 2 Image 73 of 279, household 9, Crawford J F; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); Kansas State Historical Society
53. , 13 Mary 1954, page 7.
54. 1920 U.S. Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, ED 53, Sheet 7B Image 14 of 22, dwelling 161, Crawford Judson F; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication T625
55. Etrick’s Directory of Ford County 1920 (Dodge City, Kansas: Etrick Printery, 1920), page 27, Crawford; digital image, Heritage Quest (interactive.ancestryheritagequest.com : viewed online September 2016).
56. Etrick’s Ford County Directory: Containing an Alphabetical List of Business Firms and Private Citizens of Dodge city (Dodge City, Kansas: The Etric Company, 1924), page 30, Crawford, Judson.
57. 1925 Kansas Census, Ford County Kansas, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, page 14 Image 182 of 202, dwelling 3, Crawford J F; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017)
58. 1930 U.S. Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, ED 5, Sheet 16B Image 32 of 42, dwelling 365, Crawford Judson F; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA T626
59. 1940 U. S. Census, Ford County, Kansas, population schedule, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas, ED 29-6A, Sheet 16B Image 33 of 41, household 358, Crawford Judson F; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017)
60. Ford County (Kansas) Directory (n.p.: n.p., 1942), page 43 (Doc. #: Crawford.KS.023).2
61. “Mrs. Stella Root,” Sapulpa Daily Herald (Sapulpa, OK), 22 December 1949, page 7; digital imge, Newspapes.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 29 December 2020).
62. , 5 Feb 1949.
63. Last Will and Testament of Josie Crawford, prepared by Frederick L. Hall, Attorney at Law; Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. passed down to Marcia Philbrick by Winnie Crawford.
64. Kansas, City and County Census Records 1919-1961, Dodge City, 1953; database with images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017). Original Source: Population Schedules and Statistical Rolls: Cities (1919-1961).
65. Mrs. Crawford, 80, Dies in Hospital after Brief Illness, Dodge City Daily Globe, Dodge City, Kansas, 27 September 1954, page 1, column 7.
66. Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, , Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Josie W. Hammond Funeral Book. passed down to Marcia Philbrick by Winnie Crawford.
67. Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, , Seneca, Kansas, 2016. Josie W. Crawford Funeral Program. Passed down to Marcia Philbrick by Winnie Crawford.
69. Edmund West comp., Family Data Collection – Deaths (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2001).
70. Computer Printout for Maple Grove Cemetery (Dodge City, KS: Dodge City, Kansas, 5/29/1985), Record 4038 Z2 log 4 block 95 section 3 (Crawford.KS.080)
Do you have family stories that get told again and again. In my family, most of those stories were more recent and easily proven. A couple that come to mind were stories of the flooding when my parents were married and my brother’s premature birth. These are the stories I grew up hearing.
As I’ve researched my family tree, I’ve come across stories related to the revolutionary war that I’ve yet to prove. The first was that Hiram M. Currey of Champaign County, Ohio served with George Washington at Valley Forge. The second is a story that a Crandall ancestor took part in the Boston Tea Party.
One revolutionary war story that I didn’t think I’d have trouble proving was that my ancestor, Jason Hammond, fought in the revolutionary war. After all there is a listing for Jason Hammond with a wife named Rachel Hale in the 1994 edition of the DAR Patriot Index.
My great aunt, Esther Crawford Noll, was listed in the 1980 directory for the Kansas Society of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
And, I have a partially filled out, hand written copy of an application to the DAR for my great-grandmother, Josie Hammond Crawford.
The National Archives microfilm, ‘Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army during the Revolutionary War’, contains a record for a Jason Hammond serving under Col. Wells.
However, my application to the DAR thru Jason Hammond was denied, not because I couldn’t prove my relationship to Jason Hammond, but because I couldn’t prove his service. The DAR has closed applications for Jason Hammond.
Since my application was accepted thru Jason’s father, Nathaniel Hammond, the reason for denial was not that the proof was not up to current standards.
Thus, it appears that the ‘same name’ issue strikes again. Even though I don’t have any other Jason Hammonds in my file of an appropriate age to have served, it is possible and even likely that there were other Jason Hammonds living in Connecticut at the time of the revolutionary war.
For now, this story of a revolutionary ancestor has been placed on the shelf as ‘legend’. At some point, I may try to prove otherwise, but for now, it is just a legend.
