John Minnick

John Minnick¹ was born on 22 Jun 1822 in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, United States.^2–4

He married Elizabeth Mary Jones on 28 Oct 1843 in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, United States.^3–4

He lived in Montgomery Township, Franklin, Pennsylvania, United States on 1 Oct 1850.⁵

He  purchased land being 60 feet off from East side lot 2 block 11 _____’s Addition to Kewanee from James Huchins for $190 down toward purchase cost of $515 with 6% interest on balance on 7 Apr 1856 in Henry, Illinois, United States.^3,6

John  purchased land being sixty (60) feet off of the east side of lot no 2 two in Block on 1 Apr 1857 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.⁷

In 1860 he ran Main Street Boot and Shoe Store in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois, United States.⁸

He lived in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois on 13 Jun 1860.⁹

John sold land being 60 feet off East side lot 2 block 11 in Fenney’s first addition to the town of Kewanee to Henry Glazin for $356 on 9 Sep 1861 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.¹⁰

He  purchased land being lot 8 in block 23 for $150 from W. N. Blish, Hannah Blish, Chas C. Blish, Elizabeth P. Blish of Henry County Illinois and Thomas Blish, Wealthy A. Blish and George C. Blish of Jo Davies County Illinois on 20 May 1862 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.¹¹

In Jun 1863 he was a shoe saler in the Fifth Congressional District in Illinois, United States.¹²

John  purchased land being lot 9 block 23 Kewanee from George Blackstock and Esther his wife for $415 on 24 Oct 1863 in Henry, Illinois, United States.¹³

He sold land land being lot 9 block 23 Kewanee to Jacob Smith for $400 on 4 Jun 1867 .¹⁴

He married Phebe Tripp on 1 Mar 1870 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.^15–19

He lived in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois on 27 Aug 1870.²⁰

John sold land being lot number eight (8) in block 23 in the town of Kewanee on 10 Feb 1876 in Henry, Illinois, United States.²¹

He worked with boots and shoes  in Henry, Illinois, United States.²²

He was Methodist.²²

John sold land land being the West 25 ft of East 50 feet of lot 10 block 22 Kewanee and also the middle 1/3 of E 1/2 N1/2 lot 9 block 22 to Louisa Winter for $1150 on 18 Jan 1879 in Henry, Illinois, United States.²³

He lived in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois on 11 Jun 1880.²⁴

He lived in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois on 1 Jun 1900.²⁵

John died on 21 Apr 1903 at the age of 80 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.^{2–3,26–29}

He was buried on 23 Apr 1903 at Kewanee Cemetery in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.^2,28

George Tunnicliffe filed for an administrator’s bond for John Minnick’s estate on 30 Apr 1903 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³⁰ He had an administrator appointed for his estate  on 6 May 1903 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³¹ He had an inventory filed for his probate on 19 Jun 1903 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³² A list of claims was submitted for John Minnick’s estate on 7 Sep 1903 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³³ John Minnick’s estate had the sale of his personal property approved on 14 Jun 1905 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³⁴ The final report was filed on John Minnick’s estate on 19 Jun 1905 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³⁵ An order of distribution was approved for John Minnick’s estate on 3 Jul 1905 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³⁶ The administrator for  John Minnick’s estate was dismissed on 13 Sep 1905 in Henry, Illinois, United States.³⁷

First Wife

Elizabeth Mary Jones^1,39, daughter of Henry Jones and Catherine Bovey, was born about 1816 in Pennsylvania, United States.⁴⁰

She married John Minnick on 28 Oct 1843 in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania, United States.^3–4

She lived in Montgomery Township, Franklin, Pennsylvania, United States on 1 Oct 1850.⁵

She lived in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois on 13 Jun 1860.⁴¹

Elizabeth died on 20 Jul 1869 at the age of 53 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.^{3,28,40,42–43}

She was buried at Kewanee Cemetery in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.^28,40,44

2nd Wife

Phebe Tripp¹⁸ lived in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois on 27 Aug 1870.²⁰

She lived in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois on 11 Jun 1880.²⁴

She died on 1 Nov 1889 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois.⁴⁵

ENDNOTES:

1. “Died – Mentzer,” undated clipping, 1927, from unidentified newspaper; Crawford Family Papers, saved by Pauline Briles and passed down to Marcia Philbrick; privately held 2021 by Marcia Crawford Philbrick, 803 N. 8th, Seneca, KS 66538. likely from Yates Center newspaper.

2. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online January 2017), memorial for John Minnick (1822-1903), Find a Grave Memorial no. #69667803, created by Kelsey Carman, citing Kewanee Cemetery, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois; accompanying photograph by Har37x, John Minnick.

3. “Death of John Minnick,” Kewanee Daily Star-Courier (Kewanee, Illinois), 22 April 1903, page 1; Digital Images, Kewanee Public Library District (Advantage Preservation) (http://kewanee.advantage-preservation.com/ : viewed online 20 March 2022).

4. 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 6 June 2022.

5. 1850  U.S. Census, Franklin County Pennsylvania, population schedule, Montgomery Township, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, image 52 of 78, dwelling number 650, John Menick; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M432.

6. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #Film 1434984 Items 2-4 DGS 8576152. John Minnick, 1 April 1856 Vol 23: page 568; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

7. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #1255568 DGS 8565932. John Minnick, 1 Apr 1857 Vol. 27: page 180; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 19 July 2022.

8. “Main Street Boot & Shoe Store,” Advertisement, Kewanee Advertiser (Kewanee, IL), 3 March 1860, page 6; digital images, Kewanee Public Library District (kewanee.advantage-preservation.com : viewed online 20 March 2022).

9. 1860 U.S. Census, Henry County Illinois, population schedule, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois, page 78, household 593, Jno Minnick; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.con : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653.

10. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #1255578 Item 1 DGS 8565923. John Minnick, 15 Mar 1861 V. 52: page 452; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

11. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #1255581 Items 2-4 DGS 8565922. John Minnick, 20 May 1862 v 61: page 44; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

12. “U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865,”Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com:  accessed 23 January 2017), card for John Minnick,5th Congressional District, Illinois; citing Consolidated Listsof Civil War Draft Registrations, 1863-1865, NM-65.

13. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #1255582 Item 1 DGS 8565928. John Minnick, 24 Oct 1863 V 63: page 456; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

14. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #1255589 item 2, DGS 8566959. John Minnick, 4 Jun 1867 vol. 85: page 13; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

15. “Illinois, Marriage Index, 1851-1900,” Ancestry.com,  (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (July 2017), John Minnick.

16. “Illinois, Marriage Index, 1860-1920,” Ancestry.com,  (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (December 2018), John Minnick.

17. “Illinois, County Marriages, 1800-1940,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online December 2018), John Minnich.

18. Illinois, Henry County. Marriage Register.  Film #1435944 item 2-3; DGS 4031862. John Minnick, 1 March 1870 vol. B: page 24; Digital Images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 20 June 2022.

19. Marriage Records Henry County, IL Book B 5 Jan 1869 through 5 May 1878 (Henry County Illinois: Henry County Geneagolical Society), p. 59 (Minnick.IL.025)

20. 1870 U.S. Census, Henry County, Illinois, population schedule, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois, page 51 Image 51 of 106, household 371, John Minnick; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M593

21. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #1255602 Item 2. John Minnick, 10 Feb 1876 Vol. 134: page 199; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

22. The History of Henry County Illinois, Its Tax-Payers and Voters (Chicago: H. F. Kett & Co., 1877)

23. Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903.  Film #1435921 DGS 8576157. John Minnice, 9 Jan 1979 Vol 147: page 295; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

24. 1880 U.S. Census, Henry County Illinois, population schedule, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois, enumeration district (ED) ED 114, page 32, household 345, John Minnick; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017).

25. 1900 U.S. Census, Henry County Illinois, population schedule, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois, enumeration district (ED) ED 19, sheet 1B, family number 21, John Minnick; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication T623.

26. . Henry County Illinois Index to Deaths 1877-1905 (: ), Book 3, page 17 (Minnick.IL.017)

27. Death Index Prior to 1916 Henry County, Illinois (Kewanee, IL: Henry County Genealogical Society), p. 166 (Minnick.IL.023)

28. Old Kewanee Public Cemetery Kewanee Township Henry County Illinois (Kewanee, Illinois: Henry County Genealogical Society, 1996), p. 12

29. “John Minnick,” Valley Spirit (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania), 13 May 1903, page 7; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 5 October 2020).

30. Illinois, Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999, John Minnick, 30 April 1903; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online December 2018).

31. Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923.  Film #1443443 Items 2-3; DGS 7656919. John Minnick, 6 May 1903 Book S: page 466-467; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

32. Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923.  Film #1443443 item 2; DGS 7656919. John Minnick, 19 Jun 1903 Vol. S: page 515; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

33. Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923.  Film #1443443 item 3 DGS 7656919. John Minnick, 7 Sep 1903 Vol. T: page 3; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

34. Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923.  Film #144344 DGS 7656918. John Minnick, 14 Jun 1905 Vol. U: page 171; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

35. Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923.  Film #144344 DGS 7656918. John Minnick, 21 Jul 2022 Vol. U: page 176-177; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

36. Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923.  Film #144344 DGS 7656918. Jhn Minnick, 3 Jul 1905 Vol. U: page 187-188; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

37. Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923.  Film #144344 DGS 7656918. John Minnick, 13 Sep 1905 Vol. U: page 275; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

38. 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 : accessed .

39. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online January 2017), memorial for Elizabeth Mary Jones Minnick (1816-1869), Find a Grave Memorial no. #69667866,

40. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 1 June 2020), memorial for Elizabeth Mary Jones Minnick (1816-1869), Find a Grave Memorial no. #69667866, citing Kewanee Cemetery, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois; accompanying photograph by HAR37x, Elizabeth Mary Jones Minnick.

41. 1860 U.S. Census, Henry County Illinois, population schedule, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois, page 78, household 593, Jno Minnick.

42. “The Tomb,” digital image, Village Record (Waynesboro, PA), 20 August 1869, obituary; digital image, PennState University Libraries (digitalnewspapers.libraries.psu.edu : viewed online April 2017).

43. Mentzer, George, Family Bible of Emeline Minnick Mentzer (no place: no publisher, no date); Doris Ryan, Yates Center, KS, Mrs. Elizabeth Minnick died July 20 1889

44. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online January 2017), memorial for Elizabeth Mary Jones Minnick (1816-1869), Find a Grave Memorial no. #69667866,

45. “Local News,” Kewanee Courier (Kewanee, Illinois), 6 November 1889, page 1; digital image, Kewanee Public Library District (kewanee.advantage-preservation.com : viewed online 20 March 2022).

Letters of Administration

As I’m been going over the information I have in my file for a 3rd great grandparent, John Minnick, I’ve been dealing with incomplete citations. One of those citations was not only incomplete but also inaccurate!

The notation, Minnick,IL.015, is my ‘index’ to my files. Thus, I was able to locate the document I used to create this citation. The document in question was a photocopy of page 466 and 467 from a court minute book.

On the back of the document, I had written some ‘source’ information.

Unfortunately, page 466 is not in Volume U of the Henry County Minute Books. Fortunately, the indexes and minute books are available on FamilySearch. Thus, I was able to recheck the index to the Minutes

Index to Probate Records, A-R, p. 1-473 1892-
Film 1443453 Item 4 DGS 7656909

Image 493 – start of Item 4
Index to Estate Papers
Image 655 – Start of ‘M’

Image 663
Minnick John Estate
S 467, 515
T 3
U 171, 176, 187, 275

This allowed me to not only locate the record I had photocopied but also to locate the entire set of minutes regarding the estate of John Minnick.

The set of minutes that I had photocopied contains a list of surviving heirs:

• Wilson J. Minnick
• Emma Mantzer (Mentzer)
• Barbara E. Fruik (Frink)
• Mary E. Minnick
• Grandchildren: Robert Bell and Mertie E. Bell

While this particular set of minutes helps me document the family, there is additional information in the other minutes that provide additional information about John Minnick. According to the inventory, John Minnick’s estate included real estate valued at $1700.00. This means that John Minnick owned real estate at the time of his death — and — that I need to locate a deed for the transfer of the land after his death.

Thus, I’m thankful that I searched for and obtained all of the minutes.

Book S page 466
Image 497

Wednesday, May 6th A.D. 1903

In the Matter of the Estate
of
John Minnick, Deceased

Letters of Administration

THIS DAY COMES Wilson J. Minnick, son of said dec-
eased, and represents unto the Court by petition filed herein, verified by Affidav-
it, that John Minnick, late of Kewanee, in the County of Henry and State of Illinois
departed this life at his home at Kewanee, in said County, on or about the 2lst day
of April, A.D.,1903, intestate, leaving real and personal property in said County
of Henry,- said personal property estimated worth six hundred dollars (#600.00);
that said deceased left him surviving no widow, but Wilaon J. Minnick, Emma Mantzer,
Barbara E. Fruik, Mary E. Minnick, All adults, his children, and Robert Bell and
Mertie E. Bell, his grand-children, and only-heirs-at-law; that said heirs have
waived their right to administer said estate, and prays the Court to appoint George
Tunnicliff Administrator thereof,
AMD THE COURT HAVING HEARD said petition, and being now fully advised
in the premises, DOTH ORDER the prayer of said petition granted, and George Tunni-
cliffe appointed Administrator thereof; and that as such Administrator he give Bond
with security, as the law directs, in the penal sum of one thousand two hundred dol
lars (#1200.00).
AND NOW AFTERWARDS, and on this day comes said George Tunnicliffe, and pre-
sents to the Court his bond as such Administrator, as required, signed and sealed by
himself as principal and by Prank 0. Lowe and Will C. Palmer as sureties. And
said Bond is approved by the Court and ORDERED entered of record.

Page 467
May Term, A.D. 1903 – Wednesday May 6th A.D., 1903

AND ROW COMES SAID George Tunnicliffe end presents to the Court his Oath Of Office
as such Administrator, as required by Statute.
WHEREUPON, IT IS ORDERED by the Court that Letters of Administration now issue
to said George Tunnicliffe as Administrator of the estate of John Minnick, deceased.

Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923. Film #1443443 Items 2-3; DGS 7656919. John Minnick, 6 May 1903 Book S: page 466-467; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

Later in volume S is the set of minutes listing the Inventory.

Page 515 – Image 521
June Term, A.D. 1903 Friday, June 19th, A.D., 1903

In the Matter of the Estate
of
John Minnick, Deceased

Inventory

This day comes George Tunnicliffe, Administrator of said
estate, and presents to the Court an Inventory of said estate, showing real estate valued
at one thousand seven hundred dollars ($1700.00); insurance, three hundred sixty seven dollars ($367.00); stock, six hundred ten dollars ($610.00); notes and accounts, ten dollars ($10.00). And the court having examined said inventory, DOTH ORDER the same approved and entered of record.

Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923. Film #1443443 item 2; DGS 7656919. John Minnick, 19 Jun 1903 Vol. S: page 515; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

Then in Book T, there is a list of claims against the estate.

Book T page 3 image 590
September Term, A.D. 1903 Monday September 7th, 1903

In the Matter of the Estate
of
John Minnick, Deceased

Notice to Creditors, Claims

THIS DAY comes George Tunnicliff, admin-
istrator of said estate, and makes due proof of the posting and publication of Notice to
Creditors of said estate to present claims at the September term, A.D.: 1903, of said Court,
for adjustment and allowance, – which proof is accepted by the Court and held to be suffi-
client. And thereupon the following claims were presented for allowance against said
estate; and said claims being proven to be just and unpaid, it is ordered by the Court that
the same be allowed, classified and paid as follows, viz: –
W. C. Palmer — 1st class — $104.00
Charles Myers – 7th class – 14.00
Dr. F. O. Lowe – 7th class – 21.00

Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923. Film #1443443 item 3 DGS 7656919. John Minnick, 7 Sep 1903 Vol. T: page 3; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

In volume U, the sale of the personal property was approved.

Page 171 – image 277

In the Matter of the Estate
of
John Minnick, deceased

Sale of Personal Property

And now on this day comes
George Tunnicliffe, administrator of the estate of said deceased, and presents to the Court a
petition, praying that the court order that certain personal property of the deceased there-
in mentioned be sold at private sale. And it appearing to the Court that the inventory of
the personal estate of said deceased has been heretofore filed and approved in this Court,
the Court proceeds to consider and petition. And it appearing to the court from the al-
legations in said petition contained and from satisfactory evidence, that it is necessary
for the proper administration of said estate that said property be sold, that none of said
property is reserved to the widow or included in specific legacies and bequests, and it
further appearing that it will be to the interest of said estate that the property named in
said petition be sold at private sale, it is therefore ordered that said administrator, as
aforesaid, proceed to sell at private sale upon the best terms possible, eight shares of
Stock in the Union Building and Loan Association of Kewanee, Illinois

* It is further ordered that said property be sold at a price not less than six hundred eighty one dollars and seventy six cents ($681.76)

* And it is further ordered that said sail be for cash, and that as soon after mak-
ing said sale as possible the said administrator make due report to this Court of his acts
under this order, as required by law.

* And it is further ordered that said petition be filed and recorded.

T. H. Chesley,

County Judge

Dated at Cambridge, Illinois, this 14th day of June, A.D. 1905 *

Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923. Film #144344 DGS 7656918. John Minnick, 14 Jun 1905 Vol. U: page 171; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

The “Final Report” is on page 176 and 177 of volume U.

Page 176 – image 280
June Term, A.D. 1905 Monday, June 19th, A.D. 1905

Wednesday, June 21st A.D. 1905

In the Matter of the Estate
of
John Minnick, Deceased

Final Report

This Day Comes George Tunni-
cliffe, administrator of said estate, and presents to the Court a final report of his
acts and doings, as such administrator, and prays the Court for an order of distribution
of the funds remaining in his hands belonging to the estate of said deceased.

page 177 – image 280
June Term, A.D. 1905 Wednesday, June 21st, A.D. 9105

Whereupon the Court doth order that hearing on said report be set for Monday, the
3rd day of July, A.D. 1905; that the Clerk give notice thereof to the heirs at law and le-
gatees of said deceased, as required by statute, and that said cause be continued to that day and date.

Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923. Film #144344 DGS 7656918. John Minnick, 21 Jul 2022 Vol. U: page 176-177; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

Then in July 1905, the Order of Distribution was approved.

page 187 – Image 285
July Term, A.D. 1905 Monday, July 3rd, A.D. 1905

In the Matter of the Estate
of
John Minnick, Deceased

Final Report. Order of Distribution

This day comes on for hearing the
matter of the final report, heretofore filed herein, of George Tunnicliffe, as administrator
of said estate, said report being from June 16th, 1903 to June 19th, A.D. 1905, showing
amount received, then hundred seventy three and 75/100 dollars ($1073.75); amount paid out
two hundred eleven and 50/100 dollars ($211.50), leaving a balance due said estate of
eight hundred sixty tow and 25/100 dollars ($862.25). And now comes said administrator and
represents unto the Court that he has performed all the duties of his office according to
law; complied with all the orders of the Court relating thereto; disbursed to the persons
entitled thereto all assets which have come to his hands belonging to the estate of said
deceased, except said balance of eight hundred sixty two and 25/100 dollars ($862.25); paid
all claims allowed against said estate, and costs taxed therein, and prays the Court for an
order of dostribution of said balance to the heirs of said deceased,
And it appearing that the heirs at law of said deceased have been duly served with
notice of the filing of said report, and time set for hearing the same, and the Court having
examined said report, and being now fully advised in the premises, doth approve and report
and order it entered of record; and distribution of said balance to the heirs at law
of said deceased, as prayed.

page 188 – image 286
July Term, A.D. 1905 Monday July 3rd, A.D. 1905

Sherrard & Poppleton – 7th class – $16.58
Farmer’s Nat’l Bank, of Cambridge, Ills, – 7th * 103.00
A. R. Ammerman – 7th * .70
P. A. Johnson, 7th * 4.81
E. C. Burke, 7th * 1.00
1st Nat’l Bank of Cambridge, Ills, 7th * 133.30
Johnson & Record, 7th * 6.10
William Morris, 7th * 12.50
Amos Goult, 7th * 50.00
John H. Seaton, 7th * 2.35
Frank Hollard, 7th 15.20
International Harvester Co., of America, 7th * 54.90

Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923. Film #144344 DGS 7656918. Jhn Minnick, 3 Jul 1905 Vol. U: page 187-188; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

In September 1905, the court discharges the administrator and the estate was settled and closed.

page 275, image 330
September Term, 1905 Thursday, September 13th A.D. 1905

In the Matter of the Estate
of
John Minnick, Deceased

Final Report, Discharge of Administrator
This day comes George Tunnicluffe,
administrator of said estate, and presents to the Court a report of distribution of the
funds remaining in his hands belonging to the estate of said deceased, to the heirs at law
of said deceased, in accordance with the orders of the Court heretofore entered, amounting
to eight hundred sixty two and 25/100 dollars ($862.25), and prays to be discharged from
further accounting or liability herein. And the Court, having examined said report, and
being now fully advised in the premises, doth approve said report and order it entered of
record; said administrator and his bondsmen discharged from further accounting or liability
herein, and said estate hold to be settled and closed.

Illinois, Henry County. Minutes, 1844-1923. Film #144344 DGS 7656918. John Minnick, 13 Sep 1905 Vol. U: page 275; Digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 21 July 2022.

Analog to Digital

Do you remember genealogy research before the days of the Internet and digital images? As I’m going thru my (old) sources for John Minnick, I encountered a couple of citations to some of those ‘old’ sources. These ‘old’ sources are either handwritten notes or photocopies from books. Yes, we used to use books!

As I was reviewing my old citations, I found both transcriptions and photocopies. The transcription is notes taken from LDS microfilm #1435942.

The photocopy is from the book, Marriage Records Henry County, IL Book B 5 Jan 1869 through 5 May 1878.

Since these Henry County Illinois marriage records have been digitized and made available on the FamilySearch site, I can not only recheck the index but also locate the marriage records.

When I recorded my old handwritten notes, I recorded a volume number and a page number for each license. In reality, the page number is NOT given. Instead the index has the license number. As I located each of these marriage records, I discovered that these license numbers start over for each year. Thus, I could browse thru Volume B on film 1435944 to locate the year and then the license number.

Following this process, I was able to locate the marriage license for John Minnick and his second wife, Phebe Tripp.

Working my way thru these records, I was able to locate licenses for Wilson J., Emliline and Barbara E Minnick, children of John and Elizabeth Minnick. In addition, I located marriage records for some of the children of John’s brother, Peter. One of those records helped me to clarify a name for one of Peter’s sons since the record identified the parents.

In 1885, a Gilbert A Minnick married Susan E Patterson in Henry County, Illinois. The marriage record identifies Gilbert’s parents as Peter Minnick and Mary A Geyer.

While I could have just accepted my old ‘analog’ records, going thru the efforts to locate the ‘digital’ images not only helped me improve my sourcing but it helped me verify a relationship that I had previously questioned.

Block 23 Land Sold

Do you ever use deeds to confirm a second wife? In John Minnick’s case, his sale of land in Henry County, Illinois does support his having two wives. His first wife, Elizabeth, is indentified when John and Elizabeth sell land in block 2 of lot 11 in Kewanee which John had previously purchased from James Hutchins and his wife, Elizabeth. (See post Deeds Block 11)

In 1876 and 1879, John again sells land. This time, his wife is identified as Phebe. This is consistent with the death of Elizabeth Minnick in 1869 and John’s remarriage to Phebe Tripp in 1870. The first deed, in 1876, was for lot 8 in block 23 of Kewanee.

This Indenture Witnesseth, that the grantor
John Minnick and Phebia Minnick his wife
of the town of Kewanee in the County of Henry and State of Illinois for
and in consideration of one thousand dollars
in hand paid, covey and warrant to Stephen M. Hurd
of the town of Kewanee County of Henry and State of Illinois
all interest in the following described real estate, to-wit

Lot number eight (8) in block
number twenty three (23) in the town of Kewanee

situated in the County of Henry in the State of Illinois, hereby releasing and waiving all rights under and by
virtue of the Homestead Exemption Laws of this state
Dated this Tenth day of February A.D. 1876
Witness
Wm Hamilton

John Minnick (seal)
Mrs Phebe M Minnick (Seal)

State of Illinois
County of Henry
I, William Hamilton, a Justice of the Peach
in and for the said County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
John Minnick and Phebe M. Minnick his wife
personally known to me to be the same person whose names are subscribed to the foregoing instrument appeared before me this day in person and acknowledged that they signed, sealed and delivered the said instrument
as their free and voluntary act, for the uses and purposes therein set forth, including the release and
waiver of the right of Homestead.
given under my hand and seal, this tenth
day of February AD. 1876
William Hamilton (seal)
Justice of the Peace

Filed for Record this 18th day of February 1876, at 4 P.M.

Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903. Film #1255602 Item 2. John Minnick, 10 Feb 1876 Vol. 134: page 199; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

Then in 1879, John and Phebe sell land in block 22.

This Indenture Witnesseth, that the Grantors John Minnick and
Phebe M Minnick his wife
of the town (now village) of Kewanee County of Henry and State of Illinois for
in hand paid, convey and warrant to Louisa Winter
of the Town of Ne[fronset] County of Bureau and State of Illinois
all interest in the following described real estate, to with: the west twenty five (25) feet of the east
fifty (50) feet of lot number ten (10) in Block number twenty two (22)
original town of Kewanee, also the middle one third (1/3) of the East half
of the North half of lot number nine (9) in Block number twenty two
in the original town of Kewanee
situated in the County of Henry in the State of Illinois, hereby releasing and waiving all rights
under and by virtue of the Homestead Exemption Laws of this State
Dated this Ninth (9th) day of January A.D. 1879

John Minnick (seal)
Phebe M Minnick (seal)

State of Illinois
County of Henry
I, William Hamilton a Justice of the Peace
in and for the said County, in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that
John Minnick and Phebe M Minnick his wife who are each
personally known to me to be the same persons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing instrument, appeared before me this day in person, and acknowledged that they signed, sealed
and delivered the said instrument, as their free and voluntary act, for the uses and purposes therein set forth, including the release and waiver of the right of homestead.
Given under my hand and seal, this Ninth (9th) day of January A.D. 1879
William Hamilton
Justice of the Peace

Filed for record this 1st day of March 1880 at 1 P.M.

Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903. Film #1435921 DGS 8576157. John Minnice, 9 Jan 1979 Vol 147: page 295; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

While not definitive proof of a second marriage, these deeds support John Minnick being married to a Phebe.

Deeds Block 23

Having sold his land in block 11, John Minnick now moves to block 23. Fortunately, Sanborn maps help place these parcels of land within the town. Below is an 1885 Sanborn map for Kewanee.

In May of 1862, John Minnick purchases lot number 8 in block number 23 of Kewanee.

This Indenture made this 20th day of May in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred
and sixty two Between W H Blish, Hannah Blish, Chas c Blish, Elizabeth P Blish
of the County of Henry and State of Illinois and Thomas Blish Wealthy A Blish & George
C Blish of the County of Jo Davies and State aforesaid by heir attorney Charles C Blish
of the first part and John Minnick of the County of Henry and Sate of Illinois of the second
part. Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of one
hundred and fifty dollars lawful money of he United States of America to them in hand paid
by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is being acknowledged do by these
presents grants bargain and sell unto the said party of the second part his heirs and

page 45
assigns a certain tract or parcel of land described as follows to wit
Lot No Eight (8) in Block No
Twenty Three (23) in the Town of Kewanee in the county of Henry and State of Illinois. Together with
all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining
to have and to hold the said premises as above described with the appurtenances unto the said party of the
second part his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Grantors for themselves & their heirs executors
and administrators do hereby execute to and with the said party of the second part his heirs and
assigns that they are lawfully seized of the above granted premises in fee simple and have good
to sell and convey the same in manner and form aforesaid, and that they are free from all incum-
-brances and the said grantors for themselves heirs executors and administrators the above bargained
premises in the quit and peaceable possession of the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns
against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the whole or any part thereof
shall and will warrant and forever Defend
In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day
and year first above written
Signed sealed and delivered
in presence of
J. A. Pratt

Wm H Blish (seal)
Hannah Blish (seal)
Charles C Blish (seal)
Elizabeth P Blish (seal)
Thomas Blish (seal)
Wealthy A Blish (seal)
George C Blish (seal)
By their attorney Charles C Blish

State of Illinois
Henry County
I, Julius A Pratt Police Magistrate of the town of Kewanee in the said
County do certify that on this day personally appeared before me Wm H Blish & Chas C Blish
and Chas C Blish as Attorney for Thomas Blish, Wealthy A Blish & George C Blish whose
names appear subscribed to the foregoing Deed of Conveyance as having executed the same
who are personally known to me to be the persons in whose names the acknowledgment is proposed
to be made and acknowledged the execution as their voluntary act and deed fro the uses
and purposes therein expressed
Ad Hannah Blish and Elizabeth P Blish wives of the said Wm H Blish and Chas C
Blish having been by me made acquainted with the contents of said Deed and by me examined
separate and apart from the said husbands, whether they had executed the same and relinquished
their dower to the lands and tenements therein mentioned acknowledged that they had done
so voluntarily and freely, and without compulsion of their said husband and do not seek to
retract
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Kewanee this 20th day of May AD 1862
Julius A Pratt (Seal)

Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903. Film #1255581 Items 2-4 DGS 8565922. John Minnick, 20 May 1862 v 61: page 44; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

Then in October of 1863, John Minnick purchases lot number 9 in block 23.

This Indenture, made this twenty fourth day of October
in the year of our Lord, One thousand Eight Hundred and sixty three between George Blackstock
and Esther Blackstock his wife
of the County of Henry and State of Illinois party of the first part, and John Minnick
of the same place party of the second part,
Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred and
fifteen dollars paid by the said party of the second part, (the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,) Do by these presents, grant bargain and sell unto the said party of the second part,
his heirs and assigns, the following described tract or parcel of land, situated in the county of Henry and State of
Illinois, known and described as follows, to wit:
Lot number nine (9) in Block Number
Twenty three (23) in the town of Kewanee Henry county Illinois
Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining; and the
said party of the first part hereby expressly waive and release any and all right, benefit, privilege, advantage and exemption
under or by virtue of any and all Statutes of the State of Illinois providing for the exemption of homesteads from sale on execu-
tion or otherwise, especially under the act entitled “An Ace to exempt Homesteads from sale on execution,” passed by the
General Assembly of the State of Illinois, A.D. 1851, and approved February 11, A.D. 1851, and an act entitled “An Act to
amend ‘An Act to exempt Homesteads from sale on execution,’” passed by said Assembly A.D. 1857, and approved February 17,

1857 To Have and To Hold the said premises as above described, with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the
second part, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said party of the first part, for them and
their heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby covenant, to and with the said party of the second part,
estate in fee simple, and ha good right to sell and convey the same in manner and form as aforesaid; that they are free from all
incumbrances; and that the above bargained premises in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said party of the second part,
his heirs or assigns, against the claim of all persons whomsoever, they will warrant and forever defend.
In Testimony whereof, the said party of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and
year first above written.
George Blackstock (seal)
Esther Blackstock (seal)

State of Illinois
Henry County
On this 24th day of October A.D. 1863 personally appeared before me
J. R. Preston a Notary Public in and for said County
Geo Blackstock & Esther Blackstock to me personally known to be the
persons whose names are subscribed to the above Deed, as having executed the same, and acknowledged that they had freely
executed the same for the uses and purposes therein expressed; and expressly waived and released all right, claim, benefit, privilege,
advantage and exemption under any and all Homestead Exemption Laws, so called. And Esther Blackstock
wife of the said Geo Blackstock
to me personally known to be the person whose name is subscribed to the same Deed, also appeared before me, and was by me made
acquainted with the contents of the same, and also her right under the Homestead law of this State, and examined separate and apart
from her said husband, whether she executed the said Deed, and relinquished heer dower to the lands and tenements therein mentioned,
voluntarily, freely and without compulsion of her said husband; and acknowledged that she had executed the same, and relinquished her
dower to the lands and tenements therein mentioned, voluntarily and freely, and expressly waived and released all right, claim, benefit
privilege, advantage and exemption under any and all Homestead Exemption Laws, so called, without the compulsion of her said husband.
Given under my hand and Notarial seal the day and year aforesaid
James R Preston (seal)
Notary Public

Filed for record the 8 day of Dec 1865 at 4 o’clock P.M.

Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903. Film #1255582 Item 1 DGS 8565928. John Minnick, 24 Oct 1863 V 63: page 456; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

Then in 1867, John and his wife, Elizabeth, sell lot nine in block 23

Revenue Stamps
to the amount of
$.50
on this instrument

This Indenture, made this fourth day of June
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Sixty Seven between
John Minnick [A] and Elizabeth Minnick his wife
of the first part and
Jacob Smith
of the second part
Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of
four hundred dollars
in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has granted, bargained and sold, and by
these presents do grant bargain and sell, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, all of the following described
lot, piece or parcel of land, situated in Kewanee, in the County of Henry
and State of Illinois, to wit:
Lot number nine (9) in block number twenty three (23) in the
town of Kewanee Henry County Illinois
Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in anywise appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents,
issues and profits thereof; and all the estate, rite, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever of the said party of the first part, either in law or equity of, in and to the above bargained
premises, with the hereditaments and appurtenances; To Have and to Hold the said premises above bargained and described, with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the second party
his heirs and assigns Forever. And the said John Minnick and Elizabeth Minnick his wife parties of the
first part, hereby expressly waive, release and relinquish unto said party of the second part, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, all right, title, claim, interest
and benefit whatever in and to the above described premises, and each and every part thereof, which is given by or results from all laws of this State pertaining to the exemption of homesteads
And the said John Minnick and Elizabeth Minnick his wife party of the first part, for
their heirs, executors and administrators, do covenant, grant, bargain and agree, to and with the said party of the second part
heirs and assigns, that at the time of the ensealing and delivery of these presents, they are well seized of the premises above conveyed, as of a good , sure, perfect
absolute and indefeasable estate of inheritance in law, and in fee simple, and have good right, full power and lawful authority to grant, bargain, sell and convey the same in manner and form
aforesaid, and that the same are free and clear from all former and other grants, bargains, sales, liens, taxes, assessments and encumbrances, of what kind or nature soever, and the above bar-
gained premises, in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns, against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming or
to claim the whole or any part thereof, the said party of the firt part shall and will warrant and forever defend.
In testimony whereof,, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
John Minnick (seal)
Elizabeth Minnick (seal)

Sate of Illinois
Henry County
I< Erastus Austin, a Justice of the peace
in and for said County, int he State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John Minnick and Elizabeth Minnick
personally known to me as the same persons whose names are subscribed to the annexed Deed, appeared before me this day in person and acknowledged
that they signed and delivered the said instrument in writing as their free and voluntary at, for the uses and purposes herin set forth.
And the said Elizabeth Minnick
wife of the said John Minnick
having been by me examined, separate and apart, and out of the hearing of her husband, and the
contents and meaning of the said instrument of writing having been by me fully made known and explained to her and she also by me being fully informed of
her rights under the Homestead Laws of this state, acknowledged that she had freely and voluntarily executed the same and relinquished her dower to the
land and tenements therein mentioned, and also all her rights and advantages under and by virtue of all Laws of this State relating to the Exeraption of Homesteads,
Given under my hand and my seal, this fourth day of June A.D. 1867
Erasus Austion (SS)
Justice of the Peace

Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903. Film #1255589 item 2, DGS 8566959. John Minnick, 4 Jun 1867 vol. 85: page 13; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

Deeds Block 11

Do you have an ancestor that seems to buy and sell land just to move down the street a bit? That seems to be the case with John Minnick after his move from Pennsylvania to Kewanee, Illinois. In 1856, he made an agreement to purchase part of lot number 2 in block 11 of Tenney’s addition to Kewanee from James Huchins. (See post, Why Go Over for transcription of this deed.)

Then in 1857, there is a deed between James Hutchins and Elizabeth Hutchins for the sale of the same parcel of land to John Minnick.

Filed April 27, 1857

This Indenture, made this first day of April in the year of
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven, Between James Hutchins &
Elizabeth Hutchins of the County of Henry
and State of Illinois, partys of the first part and John Minnick of the same place
party of the second part
Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of five hundred
& fifteen dollars paid by the said party of the second part (the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged)
do by these presents, grant, bargain, and sell, unto the said party of the second part by his
heirs and assigns the following described tract or parcel of Land situated in town of
Kewanee county of Henry and state of Illinois to wit
sixty (60) feet off of the east side of lot no 2 two in Block
No 11 Eleven in Tenney addition to the town of Kewanee
with all appurtenances
Together with all and singular, the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining
to have and to hold, the said premises as above described, with the appurtenances unto the said party of the second
part & his heirs and assigns forever And the said party of the first part for themselves and their
heirs, executors and administrators, do hereby covenant to and with the said party of the second part of his
hers and assigns, that they are well seized of the premises above conveyed as a good and indefeasible estate in Fee
Simple and have good right to sell and convey the sum in manner and form as aforesaid that they are free from
all incumbrance; and that the above bargained premises, in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said party of the
second part by his heirs or assigns, against the claim of all persons whomsoever, the will forever warrant
and defend.
In Testimony Whereof, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the
day and year first above written
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of
Julius A Pratt

Jas Hutchins (seal)
Elizabeth Hutchins (seal)

State of Illinois
Henry County
On this first day of April 1857, personally appeared be-
fore me, Julia A Pratt a Justice of the Peace
James Hutchins & Elizabeth J his wife to me personally known to be the person whose
subscribed to the above Deed, as having, executed the same,
that they had freely executed the same for the use and purposes therein expressed, and
Elizabeth J Hutchins wife of the said James Hutchins
to me personally known to be the person whose name is subscribed to
the same Deed, also appeared before me, and was by me made acquainted with the contents of the same and ex-
amined separate and apart from her said husband, whether she executed the said Deed, and relinquished her dow-
er to the land and tenements therein mentioned, voluntarily , freely, and without compulsion of her said husband
and acknowledged that she executed the same, and relinquished her dower in the lands and tenements therein men
tioned, voluntarily and freely, and without the compulsion of her said husband.
Given under my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid.
Julius A. Pratt (seal)
Justice of the Peace

Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903. Film #1255568 DGS 8565932. John Minnick, 1 Apr 1857 Vol. 27: page 180; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 19 July 2022.

Then, in 1861, John Minnick and his wife, Elizabeth, sold that parcel of land in lot 2 block 11 – for significantly less than he paid for it.

This Indenture, made this fifteenth day of March in the year
of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty One between
John Minnick and Elizabeth Minnick his wife
of the County of Henry and State of Illinois party of the first part and
Henry Glazier party of the second part
Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of
Three Hundred & fifty Six dollars paid by the said party of the second part, (the receipt
of which is hereby acknowledged,) do by these presents, Grant Bargain and Sell unto the said party of the second part, his heirs
and assigns, the following described tract or parcel of Land, situated in the County of Henry and State of Illinois, known and described as
follows to Wit:
Sixty (60) feet off the East side of Lot No Two(2) in Block No
Eleven (11) in Township first (1st) Addition to the Town of Kewanee Henry County
Illinois

Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining: To have and to hold the said
premises as above described, with the appurtenances, unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said
parties of the first part, for themselves and their heirs and executors and administrators, do hereby covenant to and with the
said party of the second part & his heirs and assigns, that they are well seized of the premises above conveyed, as of a
good and indefeasible estate, in fee simple, and have good right to sell and convey the same in manner and form as aforesaid; that they are free
from all incumbrances; and that the above bargained premises in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said party of the second part
& his heirs or assigns, against the claims of all persons whomsoever they will warrant and forever defend.
In Testimony Whereof, the said parities of the first part have hereunto set their hands, and seals,
the day and year first above written.
Signed, sealed and delivered
in presence of
Hamilton M Way

John Minnick (seal)
Elizabeth Minnick (seal)

State of Illinois
Henry County
On this Fifteenth day of March 1861 personally appeared before me
Hamilton M Way a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County John Minnick & Elizabeth Minnick his wife
to me personally known
to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the above deed, as having executed the same, and
acknowledged that they had freely executed the same for the use and purposes therein expressed
And Elizabeth Minnick
wife of the said John Minnick
to me personally known to be the same person whose name is subscribed tot he same Deed, also appeared before me, and was
by me made acquainted with the contents of the same, and examined separate and apart from her said husband, whether
by me made acquainted with the contents of the same, and examined separate and apart from her said husband, whether
she executed the said Deed, and relinquished her dower to the lands and tenements therein mentioned, voluntarily, freely
and without compulsion of her said husband; and acknowledged that she had executed the same, and relinquished her
dower in the lands and tenements therein mentioned, voluntarily and freely, and without the compulsion of her said husband.
Given under my hand and seal, the day and year aforesaid.
Hamilton M. Way JP (seal)

Like the first deed in 1856, these two deeds place John Minnick and his wife, Elizabeth, in Henry County, Illinois before the date suggested in the death notice for John Minnick published in Pennsylvania. The 1860 census for Henry County, Illinois also supports the fact that John and Elizabeth Minnick had migrated to Henry County prior to 1878.

Jno Minnick was listed as the head of household on the 1860 census in Henry County, Illinois. According to the census, Jno was a 38 year old shoemaker who was born in Pennsylvania. Jno owned $800 in real estate. Also listed in the household were his wife, Eliz, and Wilson, R., E., B.E., M.E., S.L. Minnick. In addition, a shoemaker, Jno Lockgrem and B. A. Merrick were listed in the household.

1860 U.S. Census, Henry County Illinois, population schedule, Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois, page 78, household 593, Jno Minnick; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.con : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653.

Why Go Over?

Several years ago, I started the ‘Go Over’ process first introduced by Thomas MacEntee as the Genealogy Do Over. At the time I was making the transition from The Master Genealogist to RootsMagic and have since transitioned from RootsMagic 7 to RootsMagic 8. Sometimes, I wonder why I’m spending SO MUCH TIME going back thru ancestors already in my tree versus working to add more ancestors.

While working to update a narrative report on one of my third great grandfathers, John Minnick, I realized (again) why this process is beneficial. Not only do I have some inadequate sourcing, but I also had some inaccurate information.

The above image also illustrates the evolution of the standards for genealogy citations. This evolution is also illustrated in the books still in my library.

While possibly adequate at the time they were originally written, the sources highlighted in yellow are very inadequate by today’s standards. Fortunately, these items are readily available as digital images on the FamilySearch site. Thus, I can not only update the citation but retrieve a digital image and add a transcription of the record as a research note attached to the citation.

As I was working my way thru the deeds (highlighted in yellow), I discovered that my 1903 death notice from the Pennsylvania newspaper did not fit with the information I was gathering from the deeds.

“John Minnick,” Valley Spirit (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania), 13 May 1903, page 7; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 5 October 2020).

While the death notice supports that John Minnick was a shoe salesman living in Kewanee Illinois at the time of his death, it does not support when John Minnick migrated from Pennsylvania to Illinois. Instead of making that migration around 1878, there is an 1860 advertisement for John Minnick’s shoe store that indicates he had an established business in Kewanee prior to 1878. Thus, I had to delete my 1878 migration fact.

“Main Street Boot & Shoe Store,” Advertisement, Kewanee Advertiser (Kewanee, IL), 3 March 1860, page 6; digital images, Kewanee Public Library District (kewanee.advantage-preservation.com : viewed online 20 March 2022).

In addition, there is an 1856 deed for the purchase of land in Kewanee. Transcribing that deed revealed that John Minnick was a resident of Henry County at the time he purchased the land.

Know all men by these presents that I James Huchins of
the County of Henry and State of Illinois for and in consideration
of the sum of five hundred & fifteen dollars to be paid as follows
two hundred and ninety dollars down which is now received
and the ballance on the first day of April A.D. 1856 with
interest at six percent according to a note has this day agreed
to sell to John Minnick of the county of Henry and State
of Illinois the following tract of land to wit 60 feet off
from the east side of lot no 2 in block no 11 [Tenneys] ad-
dition to Kewanee Henry County Illinois together with the
appurtenances thereunto belonging in Kewanee Henry County
Illinois. Now provided the said John Minnick shall
well and truly pay or cause to be paid to the said James
Huchins at Kewanee the above sum of money at the
time above named the said James Huchins firmly binds
himself & heirs and executors under the penalty of one
thousand & thirty dollars to convey by a good deed of warranty
the above described tract of land to the said John Minnick
his heirs or assigns. If however the said John Minnick
shall not punctually pay the said sum at the time and
place above named then the said James Huchins reserves
to himself the right to ratify or confirm this agreement or not
Sealed and delivered this 7th day of June A.D. 1856
Jas Huchins (seal)

Illinois, Henry. Deeds, 1818-1912; indexes, 1836-1903. Film #Film 1434984 Items 2-4 DGS 8576152. John Minnick, 1 April 1856 Vol 23: page 568; digital images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 17 July 2022.

While going back thru my research in this manner I’ve also been able to switch many of my citations from citing my paper transcriptions to citing the digital records. Thus, I will continue this slow process of going over the information in my tree.

Friday Finds – Minnick Biography

Do you have lots of handwritten notes in your genealogy files? I know that I do. And many of those notes are from sources that are now digitized.

Having recently researched the descendants of John Minnick, I started looking at my old Minnick notes. The first document I opened was notes from the book, Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Illinois.

Wanting to post this information, I searched for a digital copy of the book. And, I found the book in a digital format on three sites.

• FamilySearch – Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Illinois
• Archives.org – Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Illinois
• Ancestry – Portrait and Biographical Album of Henry County, Illinois

Even though I had heard that census records can differ from one site to another, I had not considered that digital books could differ from site to site. While the digital copy may be the same, the indexing is not.

On the FamilySearch site, I downloaded the book and searched for Minnick. That search found 1 result – on view 624.

That search result took me to page 630 and a biography of Shadrach T. Miles. The beginning of the Miles biography refers to the firm Miles & Minnick grocers and to the biography of W. A. Minnick. However, that Minnick biography is not included in the search results

A search of the book on Archive.org produces 5 results: one on page 629, 3 on page 632 and then one index entry.

Searching the Ancestry version of the book provides 3 results: one on page 630, one on page 633 and one on page 831 (the index).

Thankfully, the Archive.org version allowed me to copy/paste the text to create a quick ‘transcription’ of these biographies.

633
Wilson A. Minnick, of the firm of Miles & Minnick, dealers in staple and fancy groceries, crockery, glassware, etc., at Kewanee, Ill., is a native of Mercersburg, Pa., and a son of Peter W. and Mary A. (Geyer) Minnick, also natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction.
Wilson A. was next oldest in a family of three sons and four daughters, and was born Feb. 21, 1842. His elder brother, John W., was a volunteer soldier in the war for the Union, and was killed at the battle of Stone River. His father, a merchant tailor in

his lifetime, died at Kewanee, in 1856, at the age of 40 years, and his mother (July, 1885) is about 67 years of age and resides in Kewanee. In 1856 the family came to Kewanee and Mr. Minnick soon afterward began his career as a grocer’s clerk, a position he continued to fill for 11 consecutive years. In 1867 the firm of which he is now a member was organized (see biography of Shadrach T. Miles), which hundreds of his friends patronized, and his establishment took rank as among the very foremost (if not indeed the lead) in their line in Kewanee.
At Kewanee, Dec. 24, 1868, he was married to Miss Angelia E., the accomplished daughter of Asa Morrill, Esq., of North Danville, Vt. They have five children: Edwin M., Edith M., Guy F., Paul W. and Morrill. Both Mr. and Mrs. Minnick are consistent members of the Congregational Church, of which society at Kewanee Mr. Minnick has been Treasurer for more than a dozen years.
In the battle of life Mr. M. has depended wholly upon his own resources, the recipient of no gratuities, legacies or gifts ; and what he has enjoyed and has of this world’s goods have been acquired by his individual effort and industry.

While Archive.org is the easiest site to copy/paste the biography, Ancestry is the easiest site to obtain a digital image of the page. On the other sites, one could use a snipping tool to create an image of the page.

While my original notes provide a lot of information about Wilson Minnick, they do not contain any reference to the Shadrach T. Miles biography. Since this biography not only provides information about the Minnick and Miles grocery and about the Miles family in Pennsylvania, it might be a good FAN club resource.

Shadrach T. Miles, of the firm of Miles & Minnick, grocers, at Kewanee. (See biography of W. A. Minnick). This firm was organized and began business as dealers in staple and fancy groceries, glass and crockery wares, in March, 1867, and is at this writing ( (July, 1885) the oldest establishment of the kind in the town. The firm is composed of the subject of this sketch and Mr. W. A. Minnick.
Mr. Miles is a native of Philadelphia, Pa., where he was born, Nov. 18, 1827. His parents, William and Sarah (Jones) Miles, descended respectively from Welsh and Scotch ancestry, and were natives of Philadelphia County, now and for many years past incorporated into the city of that name. They reared a family of five sons and four daughters. The elder Mr. Miles was a farmer and the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this article devoted most of his time to that worthy vocation, until probably 46 years of age. At the public schools of his native f place he acquired a fair English education, which has been materially augmented by reading, by study and by such experience as is naturally incident to a busy life. I
He gave up farming in 1867 and removed to Kewanee and engaged in his present business.

631
enjoyed the [highest esteem of his neighbors. As a merchant he sought to build a trade upon purely business principles, relying strictly upon the idea that ” honesty is the best policy, ” and the experience of nearly a fifth part of a century has fully attested the wisdom of his undertakings. Since coming here he has served the people three years as a member of the Town Board and ten years upon the Board of Education. He is prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has filled all the official chairs in their course and is[at present Chap- lain of the Kewanee Lodge. In politics he is a Re- publican, while his religious convictions are firmly anchored with the Baptist Church. When about 25 years of age he was married, at Philadelphia, to Miss Anna M. Eisenbrey, a lady of German descent and a native of the” City of Brotherly Love.” Of the 13 children born to them, n are living : Sallie, Rena, Frank, Annie, William, Harry, Duffield, Kate, Edward, Matthew and May. W. P. died when about two years of age and Louis lived to be nearly four. Mr. Miles’ father and mother died in Philadelphia, he at the age of 83 years and she at 76 years

Thus, I’m glad I searched for a digital copy of the book!

Frink Diary

Some years ago, I was sent a typed copy of Nettie Frink’s diary. At the time I received the diary, I only recognized my great-grandfather’s name, Charles Mentzer, in the diary. However, after researching the descendants of John Minnick, I now realize that Nettie Frink is my first cousin 3 times removed.

Below is Nettie’s diary:

NETTIE FRINK’S VISIT TO ILLINOIS (7/7-8/12/1892).

-1-

Thursday, 7/7/92; Arrived in Kewanee about ten o’clock. Grandpa and Aunt Lib met me at train. Went around through the principal streets and arrived at Aunt Lib’s about eleven. Aunt Lib had me go and lie down and I slept until dinner was ready. Helped with the dishes, put on a cooler dress and laid down again until Aunt Lib came and woke me up and said that Millie Porter had come to see me. We had a very pleasant visit. After she had gone, we went down to Aunt Lou’s. Carrie and her grandma were there too. After supper we went to prayer meeting. Met quite a number of the young people. Went right to bed as soon as I got home.

Friday, 7/8/92; About ten o’clock Carrie and her Grandmother came down. Then I went back with them. They took us all through the greenhouse. I went in to see Grandpa Tunnicliff’s plants. Then came back to Aunt Lib’s and wrote a card to the folks at home. Found a man here fixing Aunt Lib’s organ. In the afternoon Carrie, Aunt Lib, and I went calling. Called on Mrs. Porter and Aunt Barbarah Keneval. I met Aunt Annie Miner, Cliff, and Fred on way [there] Carrie came to tea with me and stayed all night. Grandpa had me read the chapter in the bible.

Saturday, 7/9/92: We got up about six and after breakfast Aunt Lib, Carrie, and I went down town, saw all of the cousins and saw Frank Miles, went all through Lyman-Lays store. I went to dinner with Carrie. After dinner Carrie and Emma Miner came around after me and we called at Wilse Minnick’s, Fan’s, Mary Holt’s, Will Palmer’s, and Addie Rolston’s. Stayed to tea there. There were about a dozen of us. Before tea Errn and Fred Miner came around in a surry and took Carrie and I on a nice ride. After tea we had some music. Then Emma, Lula, Ern, Carrie, Fred, and I went out to the lake. We went over to the summer house. Then came back and took a lovely boat ride. Got home a little after ten. The moon was full.

Sunday, 7/10/92: After I made my bed I took a bath and then studied the S.S. lesson. Went to church with Aunt Lib and Grandpa and stayed to S.S. Carrie and Charlie Mentzer came home to dinner with us. After dinner we sang and played until nearly four, then we went out to the old cemetary. Aunt Lib, Grandpa, Charley, Carrie, and I. We went around past Miners and Carrie and I stopped in a few minutes. We reached home, got a lunch, started to the Baptist (Church), but met Miss Miles and she told us that Mr. Delano was away so we went to  the Methodist Church.

Monday, 7/11/92; Got up early this morning and did what little washing we had to do before nine o’clock. Carrie brought her washing over to Aunt Lib’s and we all three washed. After dinner Aunt Lib and I went over to Carrie’s and we all went over to Palmers’. Stopped at the post-office on our way over. Spent a very pleasant afternoon. Stayed to tea, then Uncle Aar took us out and showed us his stock etc. Started home about eight. On the way home Carrie and I stopped in one of the stores and got a Splasher to work on. Stopped into Gambles a few minutes too.

Tuesday, 7/12/92; Carrie came over this morning and we sang a while, then went over to Aunt Lou’s, saw Aunt Annie Stone. They were ironing so we didn’t stay long, but came home and I ironed my clothes. In the afternoon Carrie, Emma, and I went down to Lula’s, stayed to tea. After supper we girls, six of us, Lula, Emma, Bess, Miss Haney, Carrie, and myself [lef]t to watch the boys play tennis. Watched them about an hour, then went back to Lula’s. In the evening Mr. Murchison, Mr. Stratton, Mr. Low, Mr. Hamilton, and Fred Miner came. On our way home we got caught in a storm. I was dripping wet when I reached home.

Wednesday, 7/13/92: Hung my clothes out to dry about the first thing this morning. About ten o’clock I went over after Carrie and we went down to Fan’s. When we reached there found her pretty badly used up with toothache. I worked on my splasher, got a good deal done on it. Stayed there to dinner. About five o’clock Lula and Emma called for us and we went down to Mrs. Stanton’s. Bess and Mate Haney were there. Alice had fixed lovely bouquets of sweet peas for each of us to wear. We had tea at about half past six. After tea we all went over to Mrs. Gleason’s, saw Bird and her baby,. Carrie and I stopped in to Fan’s on our way home. Got back about eight or a little after.

Thursday, 7/14./92: I got ready and about ten o’clock went down after Carrie and we went to Uncle Will Minnick’s. We spent all most all fore-noon looking at pictures. In the after noon, we worked on our splashers, tryed the piano, looked at books, went all over the new house, attic and all. About six we had tea, Paul, Zella, Carrie, and I were the only ones ate at our table. Zella came up home with us. We stopped in to see Aunt Susie, She seemed so glad to see us. When I got home, found Aunt Lou and Aunt Annie and Grandma Minnick here,

Friday, 7/15/92; Went down town this morning and got me an india linnen waist. When I got home I wrote a letter to Georgia Nye and helped Aunt Lib on my waist, then set the table for dinner. After dinner we got at my waist again and got it nearly finished. Carrie came over to read her letter to us. Tonight is the first night I’ve taken tea at home for over a week. About eight o’clock I went around after Carrie and we went for Emma, then went to the party at Palmer’s, Had a lovely time, Mr. Hamilton brought Carrie and I home. Got home at twelve,

Saturday, 7/1_6/92: About ten o’clock this forenoon Carrie and I went down town and had our pictures taken. At noon Grandpa brought me a package from home. Found a silver thimble [and] nice handkerchief in it. Aunt Lib had a chicken for dinner in honor of my birthday. After dinner we went out calling. Called at Gamble’s, saw Sue and the baby. From there we went to Mrs, Holmes, Had a very pleasant call, met her sister. Miss Watson, Reached home about six o’clock. After supper Jennie Smailing came in, brought her sister’s child, I went to bed about nine o’clock,

Sunday. 7/17/92: Carrie came over to go to church with us. After studying the lesson awhile, we three went to the Baptist church, Harry Miles preached. We were in Annie Miles’ class in S,S, After S,S, went to Aunt Lou’s for dinner, found Aunt Susie, Willie, and her mother there. After dinner we came back to Aunt Lib’s. Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls were here when we came. After they had gone Charlie Mentzer came, had been to the Y.M.C.A, He hadn’t been here long when Ella, Chan, and his wife came. They left the baby at home asleep. When they had gone Carrie and I read out loud to one another, then had tea, and went to the [Me]thodist Church,

Monday, 7/18/92: Had quite a large washing, but got it all out by nine o’clock. Commenced -raining about ten or half-past, got the clothes dry. Carrie and John Tunnicliffe’s three little girls came over after me to go to Addie’s, Fan’s, etc but I felt too tired to. Was glad I didn’t when it commenced to rain. Grandpa brought me a letter from Libbie this noon. I finished my splasher this afternoon and sent a letter to the folks. Grandpa brought me some bananas for supper. After supper Aunt Lib and .1 went over to Grandma’ Tunnicliff ‘s. I read my letter to them. Emma Miner came in while we were there.

Tuesday. 7/19/92; I did all of my ironing before it got so hot. After I did the ironing I went up town, did some trading and got the proof of our pictures. Don’t like mine at all, but suppose I’ll have to take it. Carrie came over and spent the afternoon with me. Emma and May Smailing were here too. After they had gone, we went up town. Aunt Lib got me a lovely dish of ice cream. After supper I went in and sang, then we went over to Mrs. Van Sickles to call. When we came, back. Grandpa was sitting on the porch. He and I sat there and talked until nearly ten o’clock.

Wednesday, 7/20/92: I was intending to go down to Aar Palmer’s- this forenoon, but it was so very warm that I didn’t go. Stayed to home and finished my waist. Thought I would go in the afternoon but it rained so. couldn’t go. Stayed to home and read out loud to Aunt Lib while she sewed. Reading Samantha among the Brethren. After supper we sang some and read out loud to one another. Got half way through the book. Went to bed a little after nine o’clock.

Thursday, 7/21/92: Aunt Lib helped me make my sun-bonnet. Part of the time I would read while she sewed, then she would read while I sewed. Grandpa, brought me a letter from Ma, Grace, and Libbie at noon. After dinner Aunt Lib and I went up town, got me a stand cover to work. On our way home stopped in to see Mrs. John Moffitt and Mrs. Pinny. From Mrs. Pinny’s I went on home and read. Just as we were about to sit down to the supper table. Uncle Aar Palmer came around after us in a three seated rig and wanted us to go out riding. We told him we hadn’t had our supper yet but he told us to come anyway. So Aunt Lib left [Gran]dpa’s supper on the table and we went. Bess, Carrie, and Miss Spicer were in when we got in. Then Uncle Aar drove around and got Aunt Annie Stone, Aunt Lou, and Grace, that made nine of us, three in a seat. He took us on a long ride out to the brick yards and waterworks. They took Aunt Annie home first. Then Aunt Lib and I. Grandpa had gone to [pr]ayer meeting but we didn’t get home in time. Ate our supper, then read until Grandpa came home, then we went out to the park to hear the band’ play. Got home at half-past nine.

Friday, 7/22/92; Got up at six o’clock and finished reading Samantha among the Brethren. After breakfast took a bath then got ready to start to Geneseo. We, Carrie and I, took the train at a quarter of ten. Aunt Lib went down to the depot with us. Passed through two stations, then came to Wyanett crossing, and had to wait there two hours and a half. Waited from eleven to half past one o’clock. Another young lady got off there and I recognized her as Lena Mason’s sister. So we had company. There must have been at least fifteen freight trains passed through there while we were there. At half past one we took the Rock Island and Pacific road going northwest passed through four stations and some beautiful country, so level. When we reached Geneseo no one was there to meet us, but a[ma]n showed us where Mrs. Bliss’s house was. We first stopped and got a dish of ice cream, then met Mrs. Bliss coming after us. We washed ourselves up and put on some cooler dresses. Then after supper went out to the park, went and called on Mrs. Steel and daughter. Geneseo is a beautiful little city. Carrie and I went to bed at ten. Jennie had gone on an excursion and when she camo home she came in and sat on the bed and talked until nearly eleven.

Saturday. 7/23/92: Got up at about half past seven. After we ate our breakfast Carrie and I worked on our tidyes. Then Jennie came in and wanted to know if we didn’t want to go down town, so we three went, stopped into some of the nicest stores, went up into the photograph gallery. When we were coming home Jennie got us a glass of ice-cream soda. When we got home, played Halma until noon. After dinner Jennie, Carrie, Mrs. Bliss, and I took a double seated surry and went out to the Geneseo cemetary. It is a beautiful place. We [w]ent from there four miles southeast in the country to a cousin of Jennie. Went past the farm that Geo. and Flora used to live on. Stayed at Mrs. G until five o’clock or after. They have a nice piano. and we had some music. Miss Salem played for us and so did Before we left we each had a glass of  lemonade. When we got back to Geneseo it was nearly seven, but we rode around town until nearly nine. Saw so many nice houses and [lov]ely lawns. We went out to the fair ground north of town and drove around the race track once. When we got. home it was after nine, had supper at about half-past nine. Had blueberrys for supper.

Sunday, 7/24./92: After breakfast wo got ready for church. Went to the Congregational church with Jennie and her mother. The sermon and singing were fine. They have a large pipe organ. Stayed to S.S., were in Jennie’s class. After S.S., she showed us all through the church, downstairs and up. When we came home, put on cooler dresses and read some before dinner. After dinner Jennie played on the piano for us. About six o’clock Miss Haney came for us. We went to her home, met her sister and brother Dick. Had a nice glass of lemonade. Then went to church with Mate. They have a grand pipe organ there. When we got back, Mr. and Mrs. Hewlet, Jennie, her mother. Grandpa Bliss, Carrie, and I sat out on the porch and talked until eleven o’clock. Then we went in the house, had a lunch, and went to [?]

Monday. 7/25/92; Read almost all forenoon. Jennie had to give two music lessons. Started to Kewanee at one o’clock. Jennie went to the train with us. Had to wait at the crossing an hour and a half, from two until after three. Got into Kewanee a little after four. Aunt Lib didn’t expect me on that train so was not there to meet me. When I got home, I washed myself up and worked on my stand cover. Aunt Lib went up town after something and left me here alone. I was too tired to go along. After supper Mrs.. John Moffitt came around in her surry and took us out riding. We went all over town, out to the fair ground and rode around the track. Didn’t get home until nearly nine o’clock. Aunt Lib, Grandpa and I sat out on the porch a long time. It was so cool and pleasant.

Tuesday, 7/26/92: We washed today, got all through by half past ten. I wrote a letter to the folks. At noon Grandpa brought me a letter from Bird, and Carrie one from Lida. After dinner I took a bath. Mrs. Van Sickle came over to have Aunt Lib make her a basque. So This afternoon Aunt Lib sewed and I worked on my stand cover. After supper I took Carrie’s letter over to her. She read it out loud to Grandma T. and I. Pretty soon Grandpa came and we sat on the porch until quite late.

Wednesday. 7/27/92: About eight o’clock Carrie came up to iron her shally on our ironing [bo]ard. Then at nine we went down to the greenhouse to see the flowers they were making for Frank Reguah’s funeral, but they had just taken them away. Went to the funeral, heard Mr. Delano preach. It was afternoon when we got home. Grandpa didn’t go back to work until after two. In the evening Carrie came up then we went over to Smailings. Emma and May went to the social at Dr, Lowe’s with us. Had the band there to furnish the music.

Thursday. 7/28/92: Stayed at home all forenoon, read and sewed. Took a short nap before dinner. Was invited to Miner’s this afternoon, Carrie, Emma, and I went down town. On our way home, we stopped into Mr, Pierce’s a few minutes. Then we went back to Miner’s, Pretty soon Bess and Lula came. We had our tea about five o’clock. About that time it began to rain. Aunt Lib brought my rubbers down to me, Mr, Hamilton was there a little while and Clarence Murchison brought Lula’s rubbers to her, Carrie and I didn’t start home until nearly nine o’clock,

Friday, 7/29/92: Wrote a letter this morning, and helped Aunt Lib with the cakes. Grandpa brought some blue berries home this noon, Carrie came over about four o’clock, Emma Smailing was here, brought their croconole board over for this evening, Millie Porter was here to call, invited us there to tea Monday evening, Mrs. Gamble and Sue were here to call too, Charley Mentzer came into the party, • There were about thirty five here, I , went to supper with Frank and Kate Miles, Carrie stayed all night with me,

Saturday, 7/30/92; After we got the work done up, had a dish of ice cream that was left from the party. About ten o’clock Carrie and I went up town, got our pictures, then went up to Aunt Lou’s, stayed there to dinner and supper, then went down to Aaron Palmer’s, In the evening, we went up town on a bum, Went and had a dish of ice cream, then went into Lay and Lyman’s and got some candy, I went up.to look at their cloaks. When we were going home we met Uncle Aar and Ern, They took us in to a drugstore and got us a glass of whipped cream soda. Went home nearly used up,

Sunday. 7/31/92: Bess, Carrie, and I went to the Catholic church. The church is lovely and was crowded. It was confirmation Sunday, We came away before services were out. Wanted to go to the Methodist S.S. About four o’clock Mr. Stratton came. We sat and talked [unti]l nearly five then Carrie and I went home. Charley Mentzer was here when I got here. After tea Aunt Lib and I went to the Baptist, church to Y.P. meeting, but church was locked. Went to the Epworth League and from there to the primative Methodist to a concert. I was with Bess and Mr. Stratton most of the time.

Monday, 8/1/92: Washed this morning, got through about nine o’clock. Aunt Lib made me a new collar for my wrapper. Went up to Emma Miner’s about eleven, stayed until two o’clock. Belle and Fred were there for awhile after dinner. Then we went downtown, went into Joe’s store and got the children all something. Took them back home then went and called on the Miles family. From there, we went over to Mr. Porter’s for tea. Mrs. Blackburn and Geo.’s wife and baby were there and Mrs. Good, Mill’s sister. After tea we played and sang and Blanche Maul danced for us.

Tuesday, 8/2/92: About nine o’clock went over after Carrie. Uncle Aar and Aunt Prudence [were] there. Wo went up to Lyman and Lays and I had Mr. Lyman take my measure for a now jacket. From there we went to Cousin Will Minnick’s. Was there to dinner. Met Fred and Nina King. Went from there to Will Palmer’s, then to Addie’s, then to Lula’s, then to Fan’s. Alice, Carrie, and I were there to tea. Joe wasn’t there. After tea Lula and her mother came over and we all went to look at the house Uncle Geo. has rented. Lula and Clarence came part way home with me.

Wednesday, 8/3/92: Packed my trunk this morning. About nine o’clock Carrie and I went up to Ella Keneval’s to dinner, had dinner about half past eleven. After dinner we went and bid the Miners goodbye, then went over to Grandma Minnicks. Started down to the depot about three. Went in to Lyman & Lays, then went to Uncle Will Minnick’s. Aunt Lib, Grandpa, Grandpa Tunnicliff, Ella Keneval, Will Palmer, Clarence Merchison, Mr. Stratton, and Bess were at the train to see us off. Clarence gave me One of his pictures. Got into Galesburg about five o’clock. Uncle John, Grace, Sarah, and Virginia were at the train to meet us. We sat out in the yard until supper time. After supper Uncle John took his surry, and we went riding.. Saw the Knox Co. Courthouse, Knox College and a good many other large buildings. The ride was delightful on the pavements.

Thursday, 8/4./92; After we made our beds, Nat hitched up for us and Carrie, Grace, Sara, [Virgin]a and I went riding. Drove around the city awhile, then went into Brown*s shops and uncle John took us all through. We girls went- up as far as we could get into the tower, and had a splendid view of the city. Went down on an elevator, then went all through the Methodist Church, looked at the audience room from the gallery. Went back to the shops with Moses [?]ubbard. When we got home it was nearly noon. Katie and Jimmy Mars were here to dinner. [K]atie stayed all afternoon. We played Old Maid, and Aunt Cornie played on the piano for us. [H]ad supper about half past five, then Katie, Grace, Carrie, Sara, and I took the street car or Lake George. Uncle John, Aunt Cornie, and the children went in the surry. When we reached the lake, we all took the steamboat and went up the lake. On our way back we got out at a landing and went up into the park. It is a beautiful place. Stayed there until the boat came back again then went back to the boat house. Although it wasn’t a very long ride I never will forget it. We girls waited for our car about twenty minutes, got home bout nine.

Fridav. 8/5/92: About nine o’clock Aunt Corrie, Horace, Katie Mars, Carrie, and I went in the surry to the timber about four miles east of town, stayed there until nearly noon, then drove over to Knoxville, went through the park, walked around the lake, then went around to [?]ee the St. Mary’s College. It was a lovely building. Got back to Galesburg about one. They had all of them had their dinner. After dinner we rode down town, went into some of the stores, around to Brown’s shops, into the Methodist church and watched them quilt. Went around past the seminary and the Alumni Hall. Got home just in time, for supper. Had a watermelon for supper. We played games, swung, and read until time to go to the train. On our way to the train Uncle John took us in to see the fire engine rooms and the way they have the horses trained. It was wonderful. Started for home about ten o’clock. The train was crowded, but we got a good seat. Thus ends my Illinois trip.

Below are some notes I made and typed up. Please correct and fill in, and.Let.me know if you can

Marcine (Strattan) Hubbartt
111 N. Catherine Ave.
LaGrange, Illinois 60525

Names from NETTIE FRINKS’S VISIT TO ILLINOIS:

Thursday, 7/7/92:

[Gra]ndpa  / Aunt Lib — Frinks? Minnicks?
Millie Porter, Mrs. Porter
Aunt Lou Minnick
Carrie Tunnicliff, Nettie’s second cousin (Barbara Ellen and Mary Ella Minnick) were probably first cousins
Sarah Cooper Tunnicliff, Carrie’s Grandma (born in England)

Friday, 7/8/92:

Edward Tunnicliff, Carrie’s Grandpa, potter from England (m. Sarah Cooper)
Aunt Barbara Keneval
Aunt Annie (Tunnicliff) Miner, daughter of Edward and Sarah Cooper
Cliff, John Clifford Miner – son of Aunt Annie Miner
Fred W. Miner – son of Aunt Annie Miner
[Lel]a Hebbard (m. Clarence Murchison) daughter of Mary Tunnicliff Hebbard Holt

Saturday, 7/9/92:

Frank Miles
Emma Miner (Rule), (m. Dudley Rule), Aunt Annie Miner’s daughter
Wilse Minnick
Fanny (Tunnicliff) Gamble, Fan, (m. Joseph Newton Gamble), Geo. Tunnicliff’s daughter
Mary (Tunnicliff) Hebbard Holt, Aunt Mary, sister to Aunt Annie Tunnicliff Miner, Lula’s mother
Will Palmer, William Cooper Palmer, funeral director
Addie (Palmer) Roulston, Adeline Mae Roulston
Will Palmer and Eddie Palmer Roulston are children of Aaron Palmer
Ern, Ernest Palmer

Sunday, 7/10/92:

Charlie Mentzer
[?] Delano (Baptist preacher)

Monday, 7/11/92:

Uncle Aar, Aaron Palmer, (m. Prudence Tunnicliff), father to Will, Addle, and Ern and Bessie

Tuesday, 7/12/92:

 Aunt Annie Stone, Anna Minnick Stone, (m. Exaver Stone: Aaron.Palmer’s nephew)
Bess, Bessie Palmer (Strattan), Aaron Palmer’s daughter, (m. Geo. Strattan)
Miss Haney, Mate
Mr. Murchison, Clarence, (m. Lula Hebbard)
Mrs. Low (e)
Mr, Hamilton

Wednesday, 7/13/92:

Mrs. Stanton
Alice (?AIice S. Tunnicliff (Pennewall), b. 1873) (?Alice Tillotson)
Mrs. Gleason ( Bird Gleason)
[?]rd and baby

Thursday, 7/14-/92:

Uncle Will Minnick
Zella Stone (Bennison), Aunt Annie Stone’s daughter
Paul
Aunt Susie
Grandma Minnick (?Barbara Ellen Frink’s or ?Annie Stone’s mother)

Friday. 7/15/92:

 Georgia Nye (Tunnicliff), (m. Charles Tillotson Tunnicliff)

Saturday, 7/16/92:

Sue (?Gamble)(?Mentzer, m. Edward Tunnicliff)
Mrs. Holmes – sister to Miss Watson
Miss Watson – sister to Mrs Holmes
Jennie Smailing

Sunday. 7/17/92;

[Con]nie Miles, S.S. teacher
Harry Miles, Baptist preacher
Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls
Ella Keneval (?Nettie’s cousin, Barbara Keneval^’s daughter)
Chan and wife (Chancey Gulp?)

Monday  7/18/92:

John Cooper Tunnicliff, Carrie’s uncle
Grace – daughter of John Tunnicliff
Sarah – daughter of  John Tunnicliff
Virginia – daughter of John Tunnicliff
Libbie Frink, Nettie’s sister

Tuesday. 7/19/92:

Emma Smailing
[?] Smailing
Mrs. Van Sickles

Thursday. 7/21/92:

Ma, Nettie’s mother (Barbara Ellen Minnick Frink)
Grace [Frink Nettie’s sister]
Mrs. John Moffitt
Mrs. Pinny
Miss Spicer
Grace Stone, Aunt Annie Stone’s daughter

Friday. 7/22/92:

Mrs. Bliss
[Lena] Mason’s sister
Jennie Bliss
Mrs. Steel

Saturday, 7/23/92:

[?]and Flora (?BLiss)
Miss Salem
Mrs. G

Sunday. 7/24./92;

Mate Haney*s sister
Mate Haney’s brother, Dick
Mr. and Mrs. Hewlet
Grandpa Bliss

Tuesday. 7/26/92;

Lida, Carrie’s sister, Lida Tunnicliff Hunter

Wednesday. 7/27/92:

Frank Reguah (his funeral)

Thursday. 7/28/92:

Mr. Pierce

Friday. 7/29/92:

Kate Miles

Monday, 8/1 /92:

Belle (w/Fred Miner)
Mr. Porter
Mrs. BLackburn
Geo.’s wife and baby
Mrs. Good, Mill’s sister
[Blan]che Maul (dancer)

Tuesday, 8/2/92:

Aunt Prudence, Prudence Tunnicliff Palmer, Bessie Palmer’s mother, (m. Aaron Palmer)
Nina King (with Fred)

Thursday, 8/4/92;

[?] Nathaniel Tunnicliff. Uncle John’s son
Moses Hubbard
Katie and Jimmy Mars
Aunt Cornie (?Laura Cornelia Hunter Tunnicliff), Carrie’s aunt
Horace Tunnicliff, Uncle John’s son

Terms Used in the Diary

Splasher: a protective towel or cloth on wall behind a wash stand.

Tidy: a detachable covering to protect the back or arm of a chair.

Basque: a woman’s closely fitted bodice separate from skirt.

Shally: possibly a challis scarf or shawl?

Halma: a table game like checkers, invented in 1883, but unlike checkers in that jumped pieces are not taken from the board and jumps may be made in any direction.

“Halma” is a Greek word for “jump”.

Samantha among the Brethren by Marietta Holley is a telling but humcrous novel about women’s rights, or lack of them, in the church of the late 19th century in America.

Thanks to my recent research, I know that Nettie Frink was the granddaughter of John Minnick and his wife Ellen Jones Minnick of Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois. I received the diary from Marcine Strattan, Nettie’s granddaughter.

I’m thankful that this diary was shared with me!