Ancestry Photo Hint

How do you handle Ancestry photo hints? Do you save them or do you ignore them? I have to admit that I ignore a lot of them. However, when I don’t have a photo of an individual, I will try to find the one originally posted and save photo to their gallery.

At times, those photo hints lead to other sources. That is the case when I was working thru the hints for Milton Seller, son of John Finley Seller and his wife Rebecca (Sellers) Seller. One of those photo hints was the image of an obituary. Fortunately, the original poster also included the name and date of the newspaper where the obituary was published.

Just enough information was shared to challenge me to find the obituary. Thanks to the work of Kenneth Marks and his Newspaper site on Ancestor Hunt, I was able to locate the newspaper online! Searching the Lenox Library’s digital newspaper collection not only found the obituary for Albert Seller, but also the obituary for his brother, Columbus, and his sister, Una and their father, Milton H. Seller!

Columbus S. Seller

Life Story of Columbus S. Seller
Columbus S. seller, oldest son of Milton and Sarah Seller was born in Greencastle, Ind., Sept. 21, 1853, and died at the home of his daughter in Lenox, Iowa, Feb. 20, 1936, at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 29 days.
On Dec. 8, 1880 he was married to Anna Mary Whyte, who preceded him in death on Nov. 10, 1935. Ten children were born, three having preceded the father in death, two dying in infancy and Virgil, who died Feb. 23, 1920.
He is survived by four daughters and three sons, Mrs. Vena Saunders of Beresford, S.D., Mrs. Bertha Toland of Lenox, Mrs. Edith Johnson of Chicago, Ill., Mrs Anna Murphy of Sherman Texas, Lester of Marceline, Mo., Oscar L. of Pierson, Ia., and Cederic N. of Lenox.
Mr. Seller also leaves two sisters and five brothers, Mrs. Florence Corsline of Garden Grove, Ia., Mrs. Una McGrew of Lenox, William H. of Sumner, Wash., John F. of Harlan, Oregon, Albert M. and Cresley R. of Lenox and Edwin R. of Kohoka, Mo.
His early days were spent in Greencastle, Ind., where he attended school and graduated form high school of that place. At the age of twenty he came to Iowa, living for a while in Ringgold county, then moving later to Taylor county. In 1913 he moved to Macon, Mo., and later to Marceline.
When a young man he united with the M. E. church and at the time of his death he was a member of the M.E. church of Marceline, Mo.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, Feb. 22, at th Barber funeral home in Lenox, conducted by the Rev. Thomas Kelly. Burial was made in the Lenox cemetery.

“Life Story of Columbus S. Seller,” Lenox Time Table (Lenox, Iowa), 27 February 1936, page 1; digital images, Lenox Advantage Preservation (lenox.advantage-preservation.com : viewed online 15 October 2022).

Albert Seller

Life story of Albert Seller
Albert Milton, son of Milton and Sarah Seller was born in Green Castle, Ind., on June 25, 1865, and died at his home five miles northeast of Lenox, Iowa, on February 13, 1937, at the age of 71 years, 7 months and 20 days.
At the age of 12, he came with his parents to Iowa, where they settled on a prairie farm six miles south and one mile west of Lenox. In 1914 he moved into the town of Lenox, making that his home until 1933, at which time he went out to live on the farm, where he died.
Mr. Seller is survived by two sisters and three brothers, Mrs. Florence Gorsline of Garden Grove, Iowa, Mrs. Una McGrew of Lenox, John F. of Newport, Ore, Edwin R. of Kohoka, Mo., and Chelsey R. of Lenox.
He was a member of the Methodist church of Lenox, having united with that body in the year 1915.
Bert was of a quiet disposition, loving the home life, and honest and upright in all his dealings. For years he had been anemic and gradually succumbed to that ailment, but through it all he was very patient to the last.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Lenox, Monday, February 15, and burial was made at Clearfield.

“Life Story of Albert Seller,” Lenox Time Table (Lenox, Iowa), 18 February 1937, page 1; digital images, Lenox Advantage Preservation (lenox.advantage-preservation.com : viewed online 15 October 2022).

Una Alma (Seller) McGrew

Obituary – McGrew

Una Alma (Seller) McGrew, daughter of Milton H. and Sarah Jane Seller, was born October 7, 1867, in Greencastle, Indiana, and passed this life in Lenox, Iowa, February 6, 1956, aged 88 years 3 months and 30 days.
At the age of 10 she came with her family to Iowa where they settled on a prairie farm near Conway.
On February 17, 1909 she was united in marriage with Hilton U. McGrew, of Grandview, Iowa. Following the marriage at the bride’s family home, they made their home on a farm near Grandview. After one year they moved to Van Wert where Mr McGrew became ill. In a short time he died at Bethany, Missouri where he was being treated for the illness. The following March Mrs. McGrew returned to the home farm near Conway where she lived with her father and brothers until 1914 when they moved to Lenox. Since that time Lenox has been her home.
Una professed her faith in Christ when a girl about 13 years old and joined the Greenwood Methodist Church near their home. After moving to Lenox she moved her membership to the Methodist Church where she continued a faithful member. Though she had no children very much and spent her life doing for others.
Preceding her in death were: Her father and mother, 5 brothers; Columbus, John, Will, Edwin, and Albert; 2 sisters Mrs. Louella Ray and Mrs Florence Gorsline. Surviving are one brother Chelsey R Seller of Lenox, a niece Miss Pluma Ray, who has lived with Mrs McGrew since 1927, a step-son Vern McGrew, of Marshaltown, Iowa, a number of nephews and nieces, and her many friends and neighbors.

“Obituary – McGrew,” Lenox Time Table (Lenox, Iowa), 16 February 1956, page 7; digital images, Lenox Advantage Preservation (lenox.advantage-preservation.com : viewed online 15 October 2022).

Milton H. Seller – The Father

page 4
Obituary
Milton Hawkins seller was born at Evansville, Ind., Nov. 12, 1822, and passed away at the home in Lenox, Oct. 29, 1914, aged 91 years, 11 months and 14 days.
He was married Feb. 28, 1851 to Sarah J. Leach, who preceded him in death, dying on May 11, 1906. To their union were born nine children — six boys and three girls — all of whom are living, and except two who were too far away, were present at the funeral. The children are Columbus S. of near Clearfield; William H. of Bismark, Washington; John F. of Mabtou, Wash.; Mrs. Florence Gossline of van Wert; Mrs. Luella Ray, Albert M. Mrs. Una McGrew and Charles R., of Lenox and Edwin R. of Memphis, Mo.
For 26 years after his marriage Mr. Seller lived in Putman county, Ind., near Greencastle, from which place they came to Iowa and settled in Grant township on the farm where he lived until last March when he removed to Lenox. Soon after he was married he was converted and with his wife became a member of the Methodist Church.
A double funeral was held for Mr. Seamans and Mr. Seller at the M.E. Church at 2 o’clock, Sunday, Nov. 1, conducted by Rev. Walter A. Morgan, assisted by Rev. A. L. Davidson. The body of Mr. Seller was laid to rest in the Clearfield cemetery and that of Mr. Seamans in Fairview cemetery, Lenox.

“Obituary,” Lenox Time Table (Lenox, Iowa), 5 November 1914, page 4; digital images, Lenox Advantage Preservation (lenox.advantage-preservation.com : viewed online 16 October 2022).

My Canadian Line

Do you have an immigrant ancestor that you keep forgetting is an immigrant? That’s the case with my HARDING line. My Harding ancestors trace back to New York. However, they were Loyalists and left New York for Canada. Thus, when my third great grandfather, William G. Harding appears in Iowa, he is actually an immigrant, having migrated from New Brunswick to the United States.

William Gillies Harding

William Gillies Harding was born in 1804 in Hampton, Kings, New Brunswick.¹

He purchased land being in the Long Reach in the parish of Westfield, County of Kings and Province of New Brunswick known as lot no. five on 17 Feb 1830.²

He sold land being 50 acres in the Long Reach on 25 Apr 1832 in Westfield, Kings, New Brunswick.³

William lived in Westfield Parish, Kings, New Brunswick in 1851.⁴ William G. Harding is listed as the head of household on the 1851 census. Also in his household was Caroline, Abel, Thomas, Abijah, Julia, Isabella and Henry Harding. According to the census, William was a 47 year old widow who was born in New Brunswick.

He lived in Racine County, Wisconsin in 1858.⁵ William G. Harding was listed in the 1858 Racine Wisconsin directory as boarding at Western Plank Road c(orner) of fourteenth.

He lived in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States on 1 Jun 1860.⁶ Wm G Harding was listed on the 1860 census as a 54 year old farmer who was born in New Brunswick living in Mount Vernon, Black Hawk County, Iowa. According to the census, Wm Harding owned $1200 real estate and $300 in personal property. Also listed in the household was Elizabeth Harding, a 38 year old female born in Scotland; Thomas Harding, a 21 year of farm laborer who was born in New Brunswick; Joseph Ponsford, a 19 year old farm laborer who was born in New Brunswick; Rachel Ponsford a 16 year old female who was born in New Brunswick; Henry Harding a 14 year old male born in New Brunswick; Walter Ponsford, a 13 year old male born in New Brunswick; Alexander Ponsford, a 10 year old male born n New Brunswick and Hattie Harding a 3 year old female born in Wisconsin.

William died on 15 Aug 1865 at the age of 61 in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States.^1,7

He was buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Waterloo, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States.⁸

William Gillies Harding and Elizabeth Fowler⁹ were married on 16 Sep 1830 in Westfield Parish, Kings, New Brunswick.^10–14

Elizabeth Fowler, daughter of [Unknown] [Unknown] and Thomas Fowler, was born in 1804 in Westfield Parish, Kings, New Brunswick.

She died on 29 Jan 1846 at the age of 42 in Westfield Parish, Kings, New Brunswick.

William Gillies Harding and Eliza Henderson were married after 1851.^15–17

Eliza Henderson was born about 23 Nov 1817 in Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.^18–21

She lived in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States on 26 Jun 1860.⁶ Eliza was listed as Elizabeth Harding, a 38 year old female born in Scotland on the 1860 census.

She, was named as the widow of William Harding, receiving 1/9th of the proceeds from the sale of land by Julia Flewwelling on 22 Oct 1866 in Black Hawk, Iowa, United States.²²

Eliza purchased land being S 1/ SW 1/4 Section 27 Township 90 N Range 13 W of the 5th PM for $199 from Julia Flewelling on 3 Nov 1866 in Black Hawk, Iowa, United States.²³

She lived in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States on 29 Jun 1870.²⁴ Eliza Harding was listed as a 50 year old female head of household who was born in Scotland. Also listed in the household were Hattie C, a 12 year old female born in Wisconsin; Minnie O, a 6 year old female born in Iowa; Walter Ponsford, a 23 year old farmer born in New Brunswick; Rachael E Ponsford, a 25 year old female born in New Brunswick; and Alexander H. Ponsford a 21 year old male born in New Brunswick.

She lived in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States in Jul 1880.²⁵ Eliza Harding was listed as a 62 year old head of household on the 1880 census living in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa. According to the census, Eliza was born in Scotland. Also listed in the household were a daughter, Hattie, aged 21 and born in Wisconsin; daughter, Minnie, aged 16 and born in Iowa and son, Alexander Ponsford, aged 30 and born in New Brunswick.

Eliza lived in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States in 1885.²⁶ Eliza Harding was listed as a 66 year old female head of household on the 1885 Iowa census living in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa. Also listed in the household was 26 year old Hattie C Harding, 21 year old Minnie T. Harding and 33 year old Alexander H. Ponsford.

She signed a will on 18 Apr 1887 in Black Hawk, Iowa, United States.²⁷

She died on 23 May 1887 at the age of 69 in Black Hawk, Iowa, United States.^{19–21,28–29}

Eliza was buried on 25 May 1887 at Fairview Cemetery in Waterloo, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States.^19–20 Possibly Elizabeth Henderson

ENDNOTES:

1. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online September 2016), memorial for William Gillies Harding (1804-1865), Find a Grave Memorial no. #38878689, created by Laura Tasset Koehn.

2. New Brunswick, Land Petitions, 1784-1845.  Film #846742 DGS 8632712. William G. Harding, 27 Feb 1830; Vol. U1: page 214; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 2022.

3. New Brunswick, Land Petitions, 1784-1845.  Film #86743 DGS 8632792. William G. Harding, 25 April 1832; Volume W1: page 399; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online August 2022.

4. 1851 Canadian Census, Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada, Canadian census, Westfield, Kings County, New Brunswick, 1851 Image 9 of 90, William Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); Nova Scotia Archives and Record Management.

5. The Racine City Directory 1858 (Racine, Wisconsin: H. G. Winslow, Bookseller and Stationer, 1858), p. 35 (image 47), Harding; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 4 August 2022).

6. 1860 U.S. Census, Black Hawk County, Iowa, population schedule, Mt. Vernon Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa, page 118 Image 7 of 10, household 54, Wm G. Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online September 2016); NARA microfilm publication M653.

7. Probate Records, Black Hawk County Iowa (Waterloo, IA: Northeast Iowa Genealogical Society), #269 (Harding.IA.020)

8. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online September 2016), memorial for William Gillies Harding (1804-1865), Find a Grave Memorial no. #38878689,

9. Bremer County, Iowa, : Book Q, p. 455-456, Julia Flewelling; FHL microfilm film # 1034287.

10. New Brunswick Marriage Registers, 1789-1889, William Harding / Elizabeth Fowler, 16 Sept 1830, Vol. 1, p 271; database with images, Family Search (www.familysearch.org : viewed online September 2016).

11. 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 4 August 2022.

12. “Index to Marriage Bonds 1810-1932,” database, Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, New Brunswick Canada (archives.gnb.ca : viewed online January 2018), William Harding.

13. “New Brunswick, Canada, Marriages, 1789-1950,” database, Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online March 2018), Elizabeth Fowler.

14. New Brunswick, Marriage bonds, 1810, 1815-1816, 1823, 1830-1831, 1832 (Jan.-Sept.).  Film #1412544 DGS 8214358. William Harding – Elizabeth Fowler, 6 Sept 1830; image 390; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 7 August 2022.

15. Black Hawk County Iowa. 22 Oct 1866, Book Q page 455 (Harding.IA.003).

16. Harding, William G. entry, 31 Aug 1865 Black Hawk County Iowa Probate File, #269 (Harding.IA.007), . Hereinafter cited as Black Hawk County Iowa Probate File.

17. “Iowa, Select Marriages Index, 1758-1996,” Ancestry.com,  (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60284/ : viewed online (November 2017), William G Harding – Eliza Henderson; Family Search.

18. Cedar Falls Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, compiler, Death Records of Black Hawk County, Iowa 1880-1900 (Cedar Falls, Iowa: DAR, 1968), [Page]; FHL  840405, DGS 7901257, Item 6, image 319.

19. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online September 2016), memorial for Eliza Harding (1817-1887), Find a Grave Memorial no. #82150379,

20. “Iowa, Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990,” Family Search, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : Mount Vernon Township, Sept. 2016 (viewed online), Eliza Harding.

21. “Deaths,” Iowa State Reporter (Waterloo, IA), 26 May 1887, page 7; digital image, NewspaperArchive (newspaperarchive.com : viewed online 5 August 2022).

22. Iowa, Black Hawk County. Deed records, 1853-1908.  Film #1034556 DGS 795355. Julia Flewelling, 22 Oct 1866; Vol. Q: pages 455-456; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 6 August 2022.

23. Black Hawk County Iowa. Book P page 215, 216 (Harding.IA.008).

24. 1870 U.S. Census, Black Hawk County, Iowa, population schedule, Mount Vernon, Black Hawk County, Iowa, page 8 Image 8 of 26, household 52, Eliza Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online September 2016); NARA microfilm publication T132.

25. 1880 U.S. Census, Black Hawk County, Iowa, population schedule, Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa, ED 55, Page 10 Image 8 of 17, family 97, Eliza Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 9 September 2021); NARA microfilm publication T9.

26. Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925, Hattie C. Harding, 1885; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2018). Original Source: State Historical Society of Iowa.

27. Iowa, Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997, Eliza Harding, 18 April 1887; database with images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 14 September 2021). Original Source: Iowa, County, District and Probate Courts.

28. Probate Records, Black Hawk County Iowa, #1472 (Harding.IA.020).

29. Chapter, Death Records of Black Hawk County, Iowa 1880-1900, page 10, Eliza Harding.

Two Wives

Have you ever tried to re-create your steps to a genealogy conclusion? As I’m working thru my research of my third grandfather, William G. Harding, I’m trying to re-create the research steps that has led me to conclude that he had two wives.

My research of William G. Harding’s family would have started with his daughter Julia. Researching Julia Harding Hutchinson is where my genealogy quest began. Her granddaughter, my grandmother, wanted to know where Julia was buried. Since my grandmother lost her mother at the age of 10, she knew very little about her mother’s family. The one piece of information that was recorded in the CURREY family Bible was that Winnie May (my grandmother’s mother) was born in 1871. The added location of birth was likely written in by my grandmother.

Starting with that lone piece of information, I began to learn about Winnie’s family and was able to identify her mother as Julia Harding Hutchinson. The 1880 census record for Mitchell county, Iowa shows a 9 year old Winnie Huchardson living in the household of Albert and Julia Huchardson. Julia was listed as a 40 year old born in New Brunswick. Back tracing, Julia and Albert were found on the 1860 census living in Black Hawk County, Iowa where they were married in 1859.

Julia’s place of birth was a key fact that helped me begin to identify her siblings and parents. Also living in Black Hawk county, Iowa in 1860 was the Wm G Harding family. Wm G Harding’s birthplace was listed as New Brunswick. The household also included:

• Elizabeth Harding – age 38 and born in Scotland
• Thomas Harding – age 21 and born in New Brunswick
• Joseph Ponsford – age 19 and born in New Brunswick
• Rachel Ponsford – age 16 and born in New Brunswick
• Henry Harding – age 14 and born in New Brunswick
• Walter Ponsford – age 13 and born in New Brunswick
• Alexander H. Ponsford – age 10 and born in New Brunswick
• Hattie Harding – age 3 and born in Wisconsin

Hearing about a genealogy of the Harding family of New Brunswick, I purchased a copy. This two volume work by Mrs. Raymond Caron and Brenda Caron is a descendancy of George and William Harding of New York and New Brunswick. In addition, this work provides a lot of historical information about these two men and how they became Loyalists during the revolutionary war and their eventual removal from New York to New Brunswick. While I had grand hopes of finding Julia Harding in this work, I was somewhat disappointed.

Below is the information for the only Julia Harding that could fit with what I already knew about Julia Harding Hutchinson.

Following the numbering system, I located the information for William Gillies Harding in the book.

While the book identifies a mother for Julia, it only indicates 2 children for William Gillies Harding. It also implies that the family left New Brunswick for Wisconsin shortly after 1830. Based on this information, I should have been able to find a Julia Harding in the household of a William Harding living in Wisconsin in 1850. Instead, the only census record of the time that I’ve found placing a young Julia Harding born in New Brunswick in the household of a William Harding is the 1851 census for Kings County, New Brunswick. That census record has the following living in the household:

• William G. Harding – age 47
• Caroline Harding – age 20
• Abel Harding – age 18
• Thomas Harding – age 16
• Alijah Harding – age 14
• Julia Harding – age 11
• Isabella Harding – age 9
• Henry Harding – age 5

While the 1860 census for William G. Harding has a potential wife, Elizabeth, listed in the household, the 1851 census does not list an Elizabeth as a potential wife. In addition, the 1851 census record does not list any female old enough to be the mother of all of the other members of the household.

Thus, additional records are needed to prove or disprove that the 1860 census, the information from the book and the 1851 census all piece together one family. The obituary for Mrs. Eliza Harding helps to explain the household found in the 1860 census.

Deaths
Mr[s]. Eliza Harding, mother of Joseph and A. H. Ponsford, died at her residence, in Mt. Vernon twp., Monday morning at 6 o’clock, after a long sickness. Deceased was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1817, and came to this county with her husband, Wm. Harding, in 1858, and has resided on the same farm ever since. She leaves seven children, A. H. Ponsford, Mrs. W. H. Stickney, Minnie and Hattie Harding, all of this county, Jos. Ponsford and W. F. Ponsford of Kimball, and Mrs. Sarah Wilber, of Wisconsin.

“Deaths,” Iowa State Reporter (Waterloo, IA), 26 May 1887, page 7; digital image, NewspaperArchive (newspaperarchive.com : viewed online 5 August 2022).

Since several of the sons carry the PONSFORD surname, I believe that Eliza Harding’s marriage to Wm Harding was a second marriage. That would explain why there is an Elizabeth listed in the 1860 census but missing from the 1851 census.

During one of my trips to the Family History Library at Salt Lake, I discovered a deed that proves that the 1851 census and the 1860 census are the same family and that Eliza was the second wife!

Know all men by these presents; that Julia E. Flewwelling of
Nyack Rockland County New York have made constituted and
appointed and by these presents do make constitute and appoint
Abel Harding of Racine, State of Wisconsin my true and lawful
attorney for me and in my name, place and stead to sell my Farm
in Black hawk County, Iowa for the best price he can obtain for the
same either for all cash, or part cash and Bond and Mortgage
to secure the balance and to execute good and sufficient Deed to the
purchaser or purchasers thereof in my name and in my act an
Deed the proceeds of such sale to be divided into nine equal parts
and be distributed by my said Attorney as follows, one ninth to the wid
ow of William Harding of Waterloo Blackhawk County and one
ninth thereof to each of the eight children of said William Harding
viz: Caroline Spragg, Abel Harding, Thomas F Harding, Julia Hutch
ins, Isabella Palmer and Henry Harding (children by the first wife
of said William Harding) Hatty C Harding Minnie [T]Harding children
by his second wife should a mortgage be taken by my said attorney, I
authorize and empower him to arrange with the said children to take
the same on account of their share in such proceeds or to convert said
mortgage in cash by assigning the same, as he shall deem best, giving
and granting unto my said attorney full power and authority to do

page 456
and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all intents and
purposes, as I might or could do if personally present, with full power
of substitution and revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that
my said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof.
In Testimony, Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 22d
day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty six
Julia E Flewwelling

W. S. Rev Stanit
$1.00 J E F Oct 22
1866
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
W. Mackay
Rose S Maquire

State of New York
City and county of New York
I Charles Nettleson Commissioner for
Iowa in New York do hereby certify that on this twenty third day of October
A.D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty six it was satisfactorily
proved before me by the oath of W. Mackay personally known to me
to be a credible and disinterested witness and to be the person whose
name is subscribed to the within instrument as a witness thereto
that Julia E. Flewwelling now absent her residence being in Nyack,
Rockland County, New York is personally known to him to be the identical
person whose name is affixed to the within Instrument appointor
and that the same was executed by the said Julia E. Flewwelling
whose name is thereunto subscribed as appointer in the presence of said
W. Mackay who subscribed his name to such instrument as a witness
thereof at the date therein mentioned.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
my official seal this 23d day of October A.D. 1866
Charles Nettleson
SS
Commissioner for Iowa in New York
Filed for Record Nov. 3d 1866 at 2 1/2 o’clock P.M.

Iowa, Black Hawk County. Deed records, 1853-1908. Film #1034556 DGS 795355. Julia Flewelling, 22 Oct 1866 Vol. Q: pages 455-456; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 6 August 2022.

Thus, I believe the following:

• William G. Harding had two wives. The first is likely Elizabeth Fowler as identified in the Harding Genealogy and the second is Eliza, mother of the Ponsford children.
• The mother of Julia and her siblings Caroline, Abel, Thomas, Abigail, Isabella and William Henry, likely died before 1846 in New Brunswick and thus isn’t listed with the family on the 1851 census.
• Elizabeth Fowler Harding is not buried in Black Hawk County, Iowa but likely buried in New Brunswick.

While the Flewwelling deed provides a wealth of information, more records are needed to support this family.

Sources:

1. Hiram Currey, Hiram Currey Family Bible (New York: American Bible Society, 1880); Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, KS, Family Record — Marriages “Hiram M. Currey and Angelina Jane Burke was married at Weston Missouri by the Rev. J. B. Write on the 3d day of August 1856”
2. Mrs. Raymond Caron, author, Life and Times of George and William Harding: Newburgh, New York 767-1783 and Saint John, New Brunswick, Brenda Beryl Caron, 2 volumes (Westmont, Quebec: B. B. H. Caron, maybe 1980), Vol. 2 page 89 #2262 Julia Melinda.
3. 1860 U.S. Census, Black Hawk County, Iowa, population schedule, Mt. Vernon Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa, page 118 Image 7 of 10, household 54, Wm G. Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online September 2016); NARA microfilm publication M653
4. 1851 Canadian Census, Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada, Canadian census, Westfield, Kings County, New Brunswick, 1851 Image 9 of 90, William Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); Nova Scotia Archives and Record Management
5. “Deaths,” Iowa State Reporter (Waterloo, IA), 26 May 1887, page 7; digital image, NewspaperArchive (newspaperarchive.com : viewed online 5 August 2022).
6. Iowa, Black Hawk County. Deed records, 1853-1908. Film #1034556 DGS 795355. Julia Flewwelling, 22 Oct 1866 Vol. Q: pages 455-456; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 6 August 2022.

William Thompson

William Taylor Thompson¹ was born on 29 Dec 1820 in Ohio, Kentucky, United States.^2–4

He  purchased land being the north half of the North East quarter of section twenty nine in township five south of range nine west containing eight acres on 16 Nov 1841 in Warrick, Indiana, United States.⁵

He sold land being the North half of the North East quarter of section number twenty nine (29) in township number five (5) south of range number nine (9) west in the district of lands subject to sale at Vincenes Indiana estimated to contain Eighty (80) acres on 24 Nov 1846 in Warrick, Indiana, United States.⁶

William lived in Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1847.^2,7

He lived in District No. 13, Wapello County, Iowa on 31 Oct 1850.⁸ William T. Thompson was listed as a 31 year old farmer born in Kentucky on the 1850 census living in District 13 in Wapello county, Iowa. According to the census, he owned $600 in real estate. Also listed in the household was Mary, a 27 year old female born in Indiana; Sarah, a 6 year old female born in Indiana; John, a 4 year old male born in Indiana; William, a 2 year old male born in Iowa and Martha E., a 1/12 year old female born in Iowa.

He lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1852.⁹ Wm Thompson was listed on the census in Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa. He was listed with 3 males and 3 females in the household. The household contained 1 voter and 1 militia member.

William lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1854.¹⁰ William T. Thompson is listed on the 1854 Iowa State census living in Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa. The household contained 3 males and 4 females for a total of 7 individuals. There was 1 voter and 1 militia member in the household.

He sold land  on 14 Mar 1854 in Wapello, Iowa, United States.¹¹ sold land to Jacob B. Smith being the NW corner of NW 1/4 of NE 1/4 Sect 36 Twp 7S Range 14W thence east 80 rows more or less to NE corner of said 40 acre lot thence south 40 rods to Carpenter’s line thence NW to place of beginning

He lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1856.¹² William T. Thompson was listed as a 35 year old male farmer born in Ky.

William lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in Jul 1860.^13–14 William T Thompson was listed as a 39 year old farmer who was born in Kentucky on the 1860 census living in Richland township, Wapello County, Iowa. According to the census, William owned $1500 in real estate and had $300 in his personal estate.  Also living in the household was Polly A., a 39 year old female born in Indiana; Sarah J. a 16 year old female born in Indiana; John E., a 15 year old male born in Indiana; William F, a 12 year old male born in Iowa; Martha, a 10 year old female born in Iowa; Julia A, a 7 year old female born in Iowa; Amanda E, a 5 year old female born in Iowa and Arcenia a 2 year old female born in Iowa.

William T Thompson was listed on the 1860 Agriculture census for Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa. William had 80 acres of improved land and 40 acres of unimproved land for a value of $1500. The value of his farm equipment was $25. He owned 2 horses, 2 asses or mules, 2 milch cows, 2 other cows, 6 sheep, and 16 swine. His livestock was valued at $275. Williamu8217’s land produced 25 bushels of wheat and 500 bushels of Indian corn. His sheep produced 16 pounds of wool.

He registered for the military draft  in Jun 1863 in Iowa, United States.¹⁵

He lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in Jul 1870.¹⁶ William Thompson was listed on the 1870 census as a 49 year old male farmer with $4200 in real estate who was born in Kentucky and was listed as W. T. Thompson

William lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in Jul 1880.^17–18 William Thompson was listed as a 59 year old farmer who was born in Kentucky on the 1880 census living in Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa. Also listed in his household was his 58 year old wife, Polyann who was born in Indiana; his 25 year old daughter, Ellen who was born in Iowa; his 21 year old daughter, Araina, who was born in Iowa; his 19 year old daughter, Ann, who was born in Iowa and his 16 year old daughter, Clara B., who was born in Iowa.

William Thompson was listed on the agriculture census for Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa in 1880. In 1880, he owned 70 acres of tilled land and 50 acres of pasture. The value of his farm and buildings was listed as $2800. His implements were valued at $200 and his livestock was valued at $600. In 1879, William hired labor for 16 weeks of the year paying $100. His farm produced about $900 in income during 1879. In 1879, William had 20 acres of mown pasture, 20 acres of unmowed pasture and 30 acres of hay. William had 5 milch cows, 5 other cows and 3 calves. His cows produced 500 pounds of butter made on the farm. He also owned 30 swine and 50 barnyard poultry and 19 other poultry.

He lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1885.¹⁹ William T Thompson is listed on the 1885 Iowa State Census living in Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa. According to the census, he lived in the SE SE of Township 73, Range 14 and Section [2]4. William was listed as a 64 year old farmer born in Kentucky. Also listed in the household was Polly A Thompson, a 63 year female born in Indiana and Arana Thompson, a 25 year old female whose birthplace is not listed.

He lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1895.²⁰ William T Thompson is listed as a 74 year old living in Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa in 1895. According to the census, William was born in Kentucky.

William died on 12 Sep 1898 at the age of 77.^4,21

He was buried at Ottumwa Cemetery in Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa, United States.^4,22

He had administrators assigned to his estate on 24 Oct 1898 in Wapello, Iowa, United States.²³

William had the final report of his estate submitted on 24 Jan 1900 in Wapello, Iowa, United States.²⁴

He had the final report of his estate approved on 25 Jan 1900 in Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa, United States.²⁵

William Taylor Thompson and Polly Ann Evans were married on 30 Oct 1842 in Warrick, Indiana, United States.^2,26–31

Polly Ann Evans, daughter of James Evans and Sarah (Sally) Garret, was born on 25 Jul 1821 in Indiana, United States.^2,32–34

She lived in District No. 13, Wapello County, Iowa on 31 Oct 1850.³⁵ Mary Thompson was lised as a 27 year old female born in Indiana in the household of William T. Thompson living in Wapello County, Iowa.

She lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1856.¹² Polly A, Thompson was listed as a 34 year old female born in Indiana in the 1856 Iowa state census living in Wapello County.

Polly lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in Jul 1860.¹³ Polly A Thompson was listed in the household of William T Thompson on the 1860 Wapello County Iowa census. According to the census, Polly was a 39 year old female who was born in Indiana.

She lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in Jul 1870.¹⁶ P. A. Thompson was listed as a 48 year old female in the household of W. T. Thompson on the 1870 census living in Wapello County, Iowa. According to the census, she was born in Indiana.

She lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in Jul 1880.¹⁷ Polyann Thompson was listed as the wife of William Thompson on the 1880 census living in Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa. According to the census, she was 58 years old and born in Indiana.

Polly lived in Richland Township, Wapello, Iowa, United States in 1885.¹⁹ Polly A. Thompson was listed as a 63 year old married female born in Indiana living in the household of William T. Thompson.

She lived in Iowa, United States in 1895.³⁶

She died on 14 Apr 1896 at the age of 74 in Wapello, Iowa, United States.^{32–34,37–38}

Polly was buried on 16 Apr 1896 at Ottumwa Cemetery in Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa, United States.^33–34,39

William and Sarah were the parents of the following children:

• Sarah Jane Thompson (1843-1930)
• John Evans Thompson (1845-1918)
• William F. Thompson (1848-1922)
• Martha E. Thompson (1850-1929)
• Julia A. Thompson (1853-1887)
• Amanda Ellen Thompson (1854-1907)
• Arcena M. Thompson (1858-1928)
• Polly Ann Thompson (1860-1942)
• Clara Belle Thompson (1863-1943)

ENDNOTES:

1. “The Family Tree,” The Ohio County Times (Hartford, Kentucky), 6 April 1972, page 15; digital images, Ohio County Times News Newspaper Archive (tnh.stparchive.com : viewed online 8 June 2021).

2. Portrait and Biographical Album of Wapello County, Iowa: Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887), page 479 – W. T. Thompson; Digital copy, Archive.org, https://archive.org/details/cu31924050414295/page/n5/mode/2up viewed online 27 July 2022.

3. Adams County History Book Committee, History of Adams County, Iowa 1984 (Corning, Iowa: Corning Departmental Club and Civic Department, 1984), p. 554-555 John and Sarah Thompson; .

4. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online June 2017), memorial for William T Thompson (1820-1898), Find a Grave Memorial no. #88989671, created by Donna Wells, citing Ottumwa Cemetery, Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa; accompanying photograph by llanggin, William T Thompson.

5. Warrick County, Indiana, Book 6: page 535, Lidsley to Thompson; FHL microfilm Film #1443661 DGS #8219117.

6. Warrick County, Indiana, Book 6: page 549.

7. Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925, William Thompson, 1847; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 28 July 2022). Original Source: State Historical Society of Iowa.

8. 1850 U.S. Census, Wapello County, Iowa, Agriculture Schedule, District 13, Wapello County, Iowa, page 821 Image 103 of 204, John Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2018)

9. Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925, John Thompson, 1852; .

10. Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925, William T Thompson, 1854; .

11. Wapello County Iowa. Book I, page 536 (Thompson.IA.011).

12. 1856 Iowa Census, Wapello County, Iowa, Iowa state census, Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa, page 391 Image 24 of 24, household 166, William T Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (image very faint) June 2017); State Historical Society of Iowa

13. 1860 U.S. Census, Wapello County Iowa, population schedule, Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa, page 54, household 773, William T Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653.

14. 1860 U.S. Nonpopulation Census, Wapello County, Iowa, Agriculture Census, Richland, Wapello County, Iowa, page 11, William T. Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017)

15. “U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865,”Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com:  accessed July 2017), card for Wm Thompson, Congressional District 4, Richland,Wapello County, Iowa; citing Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registrations, 1863-1865, NM-65.

16. 1870 U.S. Census, Wapello County, Iowa, population schedule, Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa, page 11 (image 11 of 31), household 75 (continued on next page), W. T. Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017); NARA microfilm publication T132.

17. 1880 U.S. Census, Wapello County, Iowa, population schedule, Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa, enumeration district (ED) ED 56, page 14B (image 14 of 22), household 127 (continued on next page), William Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017); NARA microfilm publication T9.

18. 1880 U.S. Census, Bremer County Iowa, Agricultural Schedule, Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa, ED 56, Page 12 Image 7 of 10, line 2, William Thompson; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2018)

19. 1885 Iowa Census, Wapello County, Iowa, Iowa State Census, Richland Township, Wapello County, Iowa, page 4 Image 4 of 42, household 21, William T Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017); State Historical Society of Iowa

20. “Iowa, State Census, 1895,” State Historical Society of Iowa, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : Iowa, State Census, 1895 [database online], State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa, viewed online (June 2017), William T. Thompson.

21. Iowa, Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997, W TT Thompson, 7 October 1898; database with images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed online September 2018). Original Source: Iowa, County, District and Probate Courts.

22. “Iowa, Cemetery Records, 1662-1999,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017), W T Thompson.

23. Iowa, Wapella County. Probate Record.  Film #7599307. William T Thompson, October 1898 Vol. 22: p 433; digital images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.com : viewed online September 2018.

24. Iowa, Wapella County. Probate Record.  Film #7599307. Wm T Thompson, 24 Jan 1900 vol. 23: p. 112; digital images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.com : viewed online September 2018.

25. “Court Decides the Marsh Case,” Ottumwa Tri-Weekly Courier (Ottumwa, Iowa), 25 January 1900, William T Thompson estate; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online September 2018).

26. “Indiana, Select Marriages Index, 1748-1993,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017), Wilson Taylor Thompson – Polly Ann Evans; Indiana, Marriages.

27. “Indiana Marriages, 1811-2019,” database with images, FamilySearch (familysearch.org : viewed online June 2017), William Taylor Thompson – Polly Ann Evans.

28. “Indiana, Marriages, 1810-2001,” database, Ancestry,  (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017), William Taylor Thompson / Polly Ann Evans.

29. 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 29 July 2022.

30. Indiana Marriages thru 1850 (Indianapolis, IN: Indiana State Library)

31. Lant Kay and Kathryn E Freels, Warrick County Marriages 1813-1859 (Evansville, IN: Tri-State Genealogical Society, 1986), p. 80.

32. Wapello County, Iowa Death Record (Ottumwa, Iowa: Wapello Genealogical Society, 197?)

33. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online July 2017), memorial for Polly Ann Evans Thompson (1821-1896), Find a Grave Memorial no. #88989657, created by Donna Wells, citing Ottumwa Cemetery, Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa; accompanying photograph by llanggin, Polly Ann Evans Thompson.

34. “Local News Items,” Ottumwa Weekly Courier (Ottumwa, Iowa), 16 April 1896, page 15; digital image, Ottumwa Public Library Advantage Preservation (https://ottumwa.advantage-preservation.com/ : viewed online 29 July 2022).

35. 1850 U.S. Census, Wapello County, Iowa, population schedule, District 13, Wapello County, IOwa, page 89 (image 103 of 204), household 695, William T Thompson; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online June 2017).

36. “Iowa, State Census, 1895,” State Historical Society of Iowa, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (July 2017), Polly Ann Thompson.

37. “Iowa, Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990,” Family Search, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (July 2017), Polly Ann Thompson.

38. “Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990,” FamilySearch,  (www.familysearch.org : viewed online (October 2017), Polly Ann Thompson.

39. Works Project Administration, “Iowa, Cemetery Records, 1662-1999,” database online, Graves Registration Project, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017), Poly Thompson.

Friday Finds

Thompson – Ingersoll

John Lowe Thompson was born March 6, 1836, eighth child of John and Sarah Iglehart Thompson, eight years after his parents came to Adams County from Indiana. He was a civil war veteran.
On June 22, 1871, he was married to Martha Maria Ingersoll, born March 21, 1852. She was the fourth child of James and Susan S. Ingersoll. One of her baby sisters died and was buried at the cemetery south of Mount Etna, knows as the Slide-Off
To the Ingersoll-Thompson union was born eight children: Vinnie Gay, Annis Bell, James Clifton, George Taylor, Charles Francis, Hattie Sylvia, Robert Lloyd, Ethel Elvereen (known as Elva). All but George and Elva spent most of their lives in Adams County.
John and Martha’s first home was north and east of Mount Etna where some of the children attended Washington Township #1 School. They later moved to the place known as Ethel Thompson’s farm, now occupied by Steve Mullen and family. By the early 1900’s they had moved to Mount Etna in a house located across the street east of the Church of the Brethren.
John passed away December 9, 1917. Martha carried on, raising a large garden with her sons’ help. In her spare time she read the Bible and kept clothing mended.
In the 30’s this great-granddaughter remembers her spending much time listening to KFNF or KMA as she could no longer see well enough to read. At night she always carried her kerosene lamp and retired upstairs to bed. Great-Grandma wore ankle length dresses, usually two piece, and of dark colors, and usually an apron. She passed away May, 1936, at this home.
The couple is buried in the Mount Etna cemetery. Of their children. Jom and Charlie never married. Vinnie Gay married Cephas Davis, Annie Bell married Johnnie Sterns, George married Pearl Ward, Hattie Sylvia Fisher married Lote Hickman, Robert married Ruby Hickman Davis, Elva married Sam Gossard. By great-granddaughter, Virgene Williams.

Adams County History Book Committee, History of Adams County, Iowa 1984 (Corning, Iowa: Corning Departmental Club and Civic Department, 1984), page 555.

Also in this book are sections about some of their children:

• Francis and Martha Thompson
• Thompson Brothers

John and Sarah Thompson

While digging thru my old files, I came across this biography of my fourth great grandfather, John Thompson and his wife Sarah Iglehart. While I have yet to prove all of the details in the biography, it provides lots of information about their family.

page 554 (image 556)

John and Sarah Thompson

John Thompson was born March 4, 1797, a native of Kentucky. At one time he was a major in militia company. Sarah Iglehart was born March 24, 1800 in Maryland and was raised n Kentucky, a slave state. When her father died he willed her a negro boy. She later returned him to his mother because of the treatment he received in Indiana. Sarah often danced as a little girl for her doting father. Sarah never spoke of her mother but talked often of her negro mammy.
John Thompson and Sarah Iglehart were married February 1, 1820. As pioneers they settled on a farm in Warrick county, Indiana. In 1844 they moved to Wapello County, Iowa and on to Adams County, Iowa in 1857.
John and Sarah were the parents of thirteen children, however, only 11 are named in the family Bible: 1. William T. Thompson born Dec 29, 1820, married Polly; 2. Jacob I Thompson born August 17, 1822, married Rhoda Evans; 3. Benjamin Franklin Thompson born March 12, 1824 – died 1875, married Catherine Black; 4. Levi I. Thompson born May 8, 1826 – died July 4, 1828; 5 Martha Jane Thompson born December 5, 1828 – died April 4, 1848, married Alexander Van Winkle; 6. Andrew J. Thompson born February 10, 1832, a bachelor; 7. Mary Elizabeth Thompson born April 7, 1834 – died 1917, married Henry Evans; 8. John Lowe Thomp-

page 555
son born March 6, 1836 – died December 12, 1917, married Martha Ingersoll; 9. Francis Marion Thompson born April 16, 1838 died January 4, 1921, married Martha Schooling; and twins 10. James Allen Thompson born February 17, 1841 – died May 5, 1868, married Margaret Scott; 11. Sarah Ellen Thompson born February 17, 1841 – died July 16, 1844.
John Thompson died August 14, 1857 and was buried on the family farm. Sarah Thompson, his wife, died February 5, 1877 and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery southeast of Mt. Etna, Iowa in Washington Township. At this time the body of her husband, John, was moved from the family plot on the farm to Forest Hill Cemetery.
Submitted by Milree Kessler, Irene Abbey, Neta Romer

Adams County History Book Committee, History of Adams County, Iowa 1984 (Corning, Iowa: Corning Departmental Club and Civic Department, 1984), p. 554-555.

Herbert Frink, Pilot

Have you tried to re-create a military record for a World War II veteran in your tree? If I’m lucky enough to locate a digitized local newspaper, I can often add lots of details about an ancestor’s or a cousin’s military record. That was the case recently when researching my Minnick line, particularly, Herbert Frink.

A brief mention in the 22 Mar 1943 issue of The Courier of Waterloo, Iowa, helps confirm his first enlistment.

Aviation Cadet Herbert W. Frink, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Frink, 303 Locust street has been advanced from preflight training at San Antonio Cadet Center to an army air force primary flying field. He enlisted June, 1941.

“Aviation Cadet Herbert W. Frink,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 22 March 1943, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

Then in May 1943, an article confirms Herbert was sent to basic flying school.

Air Cadet Herbert W. Frink, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Frink, 303 Locust street has been graduated from primary flying school at Fort Stockton, Tex., and will be sent to a basic flying school to continue his training. He was employed at the Rainbow greenhouse before entering the army air corps.

“Air Cadet Herbert W. Frink,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 31 May 1943, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

A June article announces Herbert’s arrival at Goodfellow field in Texas.

Air Cadet Herbert W. Frink, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Frink, 303 Locust street, who recently graduated from a primary flying school at Fort Stockton, Tex. has arrived at Goodfellow field, Tex., to begin an intensified aerial training course.

“Air Cadet Herbert W. Frink,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 3 June 1943, page; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

In October of 1943, Herbert Frink earned his pilot’s wings.

Frink Wins Pilot Wings, Commission

Graduated in ceremonies conducted by the army air forces central flying training command, Herbert W. Frink, above, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Frink, 303 Locust street, Saturday wore the silver wings of an army pilot and held his second lieutenant’s commission.

Lieutenant Frink, who enlisted in June 1941, received pre-flight training at San Antonio, Tex.; primary training at Fort Stockton, Tex., and then advanced to Goodfellow and Moore fields, in Texas.

He was employed at the Rainbow greenhouse prior to joining the air fores.

More than 60 Iowa youths were graduated in ceremonies Friday, it was reported form Randolph Field in Tex., headquarters of the command.

“Frink Wins Pilot wings, Commission,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 3 October 1943, page 12; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

About a year later, Herbert Frink graduated from a course in scientific aerial gunnery.

Second Lt. Herbert W. Frink, 28, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Frink, 303 Locust street, is among those recently graduated from a post-graduate course in scientific aerial gunnery at the Matagorda Peninsula airbse, Matagorda, Tex. He is now stationed at Moore field, Tex., where he received his wings and commission in September, 1943. Lieutenant Frink is expected home on a leave Oct. 20.

“Second Lt. Herbert W. Frink,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 18 September 1944, page 8; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

In November 1944, Herbert Frink won the Buzz Wagner trophy.

Frink Captures Wagner Trophy

Lt. Herbert W. Frink, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Frink, 303 Locust street, gunnery instructor at Moore field, Tex., became the fourth pilot to win the coveted Buzz Wagner trophy last week at Matagorda Island, Tex., during the annual army air forces fixed gunnery competition for flying instructors and student pilots of all advanced fighter training schools in the country. The trophy, presented by the citizens of Johnstown, Pa., in honor of Lt. Col. Boyd D. Wagner, famous army air forces pilot recently killed in a plane crash, is now in the possession of the officers’ club at Moore field. Lieutenant Frink also holds a badge for being an expert pistol shot.

“Frink Captures Wagner Trophy,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 7 November 1944, page 8; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

In 1945, Herbert and his brother were both placed on inactive duty.

Flight Officer Maurice Frink and First Lt. Herbert W. Frink, the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Frink, 303 Locust street, have been put on inactive status with the army air forces. Maurice, whose wife resides at 214 East Thompson avenue, was commissioned in March this year and was stationed at Selma, Ala., before being discharged. Herbert was commissioned Oct. 1, 1943, and has been stationed at Moore field, Tex. His wife is residing with his parents.

“Flight Officer Maurice Frink,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 10 October 1945, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

Flowerama

Have you purchased flowers from a grocery or discount store? Have you ever wondered how shopping for flowers transitioned from a florist storefront to a grocery store? I know that I never questioned this transition.

Thus, when I ran across the mention of Flowerama in the obituary of a second cousin twice removed, Herbert Frink. I was intrigued enough to learn more about Flowerama.

The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa)
25 Sep 1987
page 14

Herbert W. Frink
Cedar Falls — Services for Herbert W. Frink, 71, of 2421 Sunset Blvd., will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church wit burial in Fairview Cemetery.
Mr. Frink died of heart failure Thursday afternoon (Sept. 24) at Sartori Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 26, 1916 in Shenandoah, son of Warren and Ellen Weis Frink. H married Ruth M. Marinoff on May 23, 1945, in San Juan, Texas. She died June 22, 1975. He married Betty Sulentic Glass on July 8, 1977 in Waterloo, She died April 11, 1986.
He was a first lieutenant in World War II and was a flight instructor and a national aerial gunnery champion as an Air Force pilot. He retired from Frink Greenshouses and Flowerama of America in 1981.
Survivors include a daughter, Jacklyn Frink Rubendall of 1600 Patterson Lane, Cedar Falls; two brothers, Maurice F. of 365 Four Seasons Drive, Cedar Falls, and richard O. of 18 River Ridge Road, Cedar Falls; and a sister, Marcia Talley of 33011 Neola, Cedar Falls.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home and for an hour before services Saturday at the church. The family will receive friends from 7 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association.

“Herbert W. Frink,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 25 September 1987, page 14; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

That curiosity about Flowerama prompted a newspaper search for the word ‘flowerama’. My initial search turned up several 1987 articles about a company named Flowerama of America, Inc., founded by Maurice Frink and his brother, Herbert. While these articles talked about the expansion of Flowerama, an article in the 25 Jan 1987 issue of the Des Moines Register provided some background on the founding of the company.

The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa)
25 Jan 1987
page 109

From a few posies to major profits
Flowerama blossoms into largest retail flower franchiser

By Jack Holvelson

Waterloo, IA — It may be that a rose is a rose is a rose, but to Flowerama of America Inc., its a key to luring the impulse buyer.
Now thousands of roses later, the Waterloo-based florist franchiser has turned the kind of “flower cart” sales by the stem into big business.
…
Company owner and president Maurice “Mose” Frink say he’s not ready to stop growing either.
“We aim now to open 15 new shops a year. I hope we can open 50 a year. I see no reason Flowerama can’t have a thousand franchised shops, say Frink who co-founded the operation with brother Herbert.
The idea for Flowerama took root more than two decades ago. The brothers already knew something about the florist business, since they were sons of a Waterloo florist and owners of Frinks’ Greenhouses, Inc.
The greenhouses had opened in 1952, and ultimately supplied more than 250 retail florists and bedding plant outlets in Iowa and other parts of the Midwest, according to Maurice Frink.
But the brothers wanted a more stable and dependable market than they had in their floral shops and supermarket chains.
So in 1966, Maurice and Herbert decided to try selling bedding plants and flowers from expandable mobile trailers parking in high-traffic areas such as supermarkets and shopping center parking lots.
Then in 1970, the Frinks decided to try selling flowers and plants in regional shopping malls, again using the “openness” approach that had worked so well with their temporary site trailers. The first Flowerama in a mall was established in the College Square Shopping center in Cedar Falls.
Largest Floral Retailer
Today, Flowerama is the nation’s largest franchiser of retail floral shops, according to Flowerama marketing director Bob Whitt.
The company is privately held and doesn’t release either profit or sales figures.
The Frink method of merchandising flowers is patterned after the traditional European “flower cart” approach that encourages browsing and impulse buying. In this country, sales of flowers historically have been made to people who visit a florist intending to buy flowers for a special occasion. Flowerama profits from this type of sale as well.
But the majority of its business comes from the growing ranks of impulse buyers who are in shopping malls for reasons other than picking up flowers, according to Maurice Frink.

“From a Few Posies to Major Profits,” The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa), 25 January 1987, page 109; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

Based on this information, I was able to narrow my search and found an article about the incorporation fo Flowerama.

The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa)
4 May 1966
page 2

Articles of Incorporation
Flowerama of America, Inc., authorized capital stock of $100,000 composed of 1,000 shares with par value at $100 each.; initial registered office at 418 W. 13th St., Cedar Falls,; by Herbert W. and Maurice F Frink, of Cedar Falls.

“Articles of Incorporation,” The Courier (Waterloo, Iowa), 4 May 1966, page 2; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 30 March 2022).

While I have never met these distant cousins, I will think of them whenever seeing flowers for sale in a grocery or discount store.

County Histories

Have you heard the term, ‘Mug Book’? Have you used a ‘mug book’? When I first started my genealogy journey, I used a lot of what some call ‘mug books’ before I ever heard the term. The blog post, Ancestor Biographies Breathe Life into Family History, contains an explanation of this term.

As I’m updating my research of my Thompson cousins, I recently ran across a Note referencing a biography for W. T. Thompson from one of those mug books.

On the back of the photocopy, I fortunately wrote down enough information to search WorldCat and then build a valid citation.

Even though World Cat did not indicate that there was a digitized version of this book, I did some digging and found it on Ancestry. That means that I can do a search of the book for the THOMPSON surname and locate every instance of the name.

As I use this biography, I need to remember that the information contained in it may not be correct. However, it does provide a lot of hints to help me locate other records to support or disprove the information in the biography.

• Birth date and place of William Thompson
• Parents of William Thompson and where they were from
• Migration dates and places for the family
• Marriage of William Thompson
• Birth date of Polly Ann Evans
• Parents of Polly Ann Evans
• Migration of the parents of Polly Ann Evans
• Land Purchase from government
• Land description
• Names of children with spouses
• Places where children were living at time biography was written

Thus, this one biography forms the backbone for building the family. It provides hints for locating census records, land records, marriage records, etc.

W. T. Thompson, a prosperous farmer and stock-grower of Richland township, may be found on section 36, following his peaceful pursuits successfully, and enjoying the confidence and esteem of his neighbors. He was born in Ohio County, KY., Dec. 29, 1820, and is a son of John and Sarah (Iglehart) Thompson, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Maryland. At quite an early day the family removed form Kentucky to Indiana, and lived there till 1844, when they came to Wapello County, Iowa, and were thus numbered among the pioneers of this county. Here they lived until 1857, when they moved to Adams County, Iowa, where the father died soon after, the mother surviving him until February, 1877.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and on the 30th day of October, 1842, in Warrick County, Ind., was united in marriage to Miss Polly Ann Evans. Mrs. Thompson was born July 25, 1821, and is the daughter of James and Sarah (Garret) Evans. Her father was a farmer and moved with his family from Indiana to this State, where he remained a short time and then returned to Indiana, where himself and wife subsequently died. In 1847 Mr. Thompson came from Indiana to Wapello County, making the journey with team. On his arrival he bought 120 acres of land of the Government, which comprises his present farm. Of tis eighty acres are under cultivation and he owns thirty-eight acres of wood and pasture land on section 17, Dahlonega township. The home farm is well improved; on it is a tasteful and substantial dwelling, good barn and a fine orchard.

Mr. And Mrs. Thompson are the parents of nine children: Sarah J. Who married N. W. Bliles, is now a widow, living in Kansas; John E. Married Miss Mary Dunn, and lived in Adams County, Iowa; he was a member of the 29th Iowa Infantry, and served until the close of the war; William F. Married Miss Loisa Falkner, and is living in Wapello County; Martha is the wife of c. C. Ingersoll, and lives in Republic County, Kan.; Julia is deceased; Ellen is the wife of J. F. Gowdy, living in Cass County, Iowa; Polly Ann, Mrs. Albert D. Rickett, is living in Keokuk County, Iowa; Belle is the wife of Lewis N. Gowdy, of this county; Arsena is living at home with her parents. Politically Mr. Thompson is a Republican.

Because this and similar biographies have proven very beneficial in my genealogy journey, I will continue to utilize these county histories.

Linda Stufflebean compiled lists of county histories that are available online on her blog, Empty Branches of the Family Tree. Check out her list of County Histories.

Harding Puzzle Piece

Have you ever thought that your efforts researching your family history were similar to putting together a jigsaw puzzle? When I started my genealogy research, I was working with the family stories and documents that my grandmothers provided. Gathering that information and piecing it together was like putting together the border of a puzzle.

As I began to gather information from other sources, it was like turning pieces colored side up. As I evaluated that information, I was able to begin putting the pieces together into family groups. Sometimes, I found that it takes negative evidence, or pieces that just don’t seem to fit, to help put that family together.

When trying to figure out who Julia Harding Hutchinson’s mother was the clues from ‘negative evidence’ were very helpful. The 1887 will for Eliza Harding was one of those pieces of evidence.

#1472

Will of Eliza Harding, Deceased
In the name of God amen.
I Eliza Harding of the Township of Mt Vernon in
Black Hawk County State of Iowa being of sound mind
and memory to make publish and declare this my
last will & testament in manner following, viz
First, I give and bequeath to my son A. H. Ponsford
the farm in said Mt Vernon Township now occupied by
me and known as the homestead and containing eighty
acres to be held used and enjoyed b him to & for his
sole and exclusive use and benefit forever subject
however to be payment of the charges hereinafter men-
tioned and which are t be & remain a charge on said
land until the same are removed by full payment & sat
isfaction
Second I give and bequeath to my daughter Hattie
C. Harding the sum of two hundred dollars to be paid to
her by my said son A. H. Ponsford within four years after
my decease and I do further direct that my said
daughter shall have the right to retain her home on
the first above mentioned home farmso long as she shall
desire a home or until she shall have acquired a house
of her own or shall have married.
Third, I give & Bequeath to my daughter Minnie T. Harding
the sum of Two hundred dollars to be paid to her by the
said A. H. Ponsford in manner and form as is provided
in the last foregoing provision and I do also direct
that she shall have the right of keeping and maintain
ing a home on said home farm so long as she may
desire or shall need such home.
Fourth – I give and bequeath to my won Walter
Ponsford the sum of twenty five dollars to be paid
to him by the said A. H. Ponsford in manner & form so
as is provided in the last foregoing provision

Fifth I give and bequeath to my son Joseph
Ponsford the sum of Twenty Five Dollars to be paid
to him by the sad A. H. Ponsford in manner & form
as is provided in the last forgoing provision

Sixth – I direct that the personal property of
which I may be possessed at the time of my decease
shall be held & received by my children and shall

page 251
be by their divided & distributed among them as they
may decree best
Seventh – I give and bequeath to my daughter
Rachel Stickney of Cedar Falls Iowa the sum of
twenty dollars to be paid to her by the said A. H. Ponsford
in manner as is mentioned in the two last foregoing
provisions (the 4th & 5th)
Eighth – I give and bequeath to my daughter
Sarah the sum of five dollars to be paid to her
in the manner & form as provided in the last
foregoing provision.
Ninth – I name nominate & appoint my said
son A. H. Ponsford executor of this my last will &
Testament hereby revoking any all former or other
wills by me made. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand this 18th day of April AD 1887
Eliza Harding

We whose names are hereunto subscribed as witnesses
do hereby certify that the foregoing instrument consist
ing of three pages was on the day of the date thereof
signed and declared by the said Eliza Harding to be
her last will & Testament in the presence of us who
at her request and in her presence & in the presence
of each other have hereunto subscribed our names
as witnesses.
William Evverts
S H. Packard

State of Iowa
Black Hawk County
I A. J. Edwards Clerk of the
District Court of the State of Iow in and for said Black hawk
County do hereby certify that the foregoing Will of Eliza Harding
deceased was on the 26th day of September 1887 duly proved
and admitted to probate and record in said District
Court in accordance with law.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at my
office in Waterloo in said County on this 26th day of
September AD 1887
A J Edwards
Clerk District Court Black Hawk Co Iowa

Iowa, Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997, Eliza Harding, 18 April 1887; database with images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 14 September 2021). Original Source: Iowa, County, District and Probate Courts.

Eliza’s will appears to name her children:

• A. H. Ponsford
• Hattie Harding
• Minnie Harding
• Walter Ponsford
• Joseph Ponsford
• Rachel Stickney
• Sarah

While this will appears to list the children of Eliza Harding, my ancestor, Julia Harding, is visibly absent from this will. Also missing from this will are the siblings of Julia identified in other records: Caroline, Abel, Thomas, Abigail, Isabella and William Henry. In 1887, Julia and her siblings were married and scattered between Bremer County, Iowa, and Richardson county Nebraska.

While this will would suggest that these are two separate Harding families, the 1860 census record for the Wm G Harding household in Mount Vernon Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa is one puzzle piece tying the families together. The Wm G Harding household in 1860 included the following people:

• Wm G Harding, age 54 and born in New Brunswick
• Elizabeth Harding, age 38 and born in Scotland
• Thomas Harding, age 21 and born in New Brunswick
• Joseph Ponsford, age 19 and born in New Brunswick
• Rachel Ponsford, age 16 and born in New Brunswick
• Henry Harding, age 14 and born in New Brunswick
• Walter Ponsford, age 13 and born in New Brunswick
• Alexander H Ponsford, age 10 and born in New Brunswick
• Hattie Harding, age 3 and born in Wisconsin

1860 U.S. Census, Black Hawk County, Iowa, population schedule, Mt. Vernon Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa, page 118 Image 7 of 10, household 54, Wm G. Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online September 2016); NARA microfilm publication M653

This 1860 census record appears to combine most of Eliza’s children and some of Julia’s siblings in the household of Wm G Harding. Using a birth place of New Brunswick as a clue, the Harding family was found on the 1851 census living in Westfeld, Kings County, New Brunswick.

• William G Harding – male – widowed – age 47 – native – farmer
• Caroline Harding – f – single – age 20 – native
• Abel Harding – M – single – age 18 – native
• Thomas Harding – M – single – age 16 – native
• Abigail Harding – F – single – age 14 – native
• Julia Harding – F – single – age 11 – native
• Isabella Harding – F – single – age 9 – native
• Henry Harding – male – single – age 5 – native

1851 Canadian Census, Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada, Canadian census, Westfield, Kings County, New Brunswich, 1851, William Harding; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); Nova Scotia Archives and Record Management

This 1851 census record lists Julia and her siblings in the household of William G. Harding. Eliza Harding is not listed on this record. Nor are any of the Ponsford children. Also absent from this record is a potential mother for the Harding children.

These two pieces of negative evidence, Eliza’s will which does not mention Julia and the 1851 New Brunswick census which does list Julia but does not list Eliza, are the basis for my current conclusion that Eliza is not the mother of Julia Harding.

However, I need additional evidence.

• Marriage record for William G. Harding and Eliza
• Census record for Eliza and her Ponsford children in 1850 or 1851
• Eliza’s marriage record to a Ponsford
• Death and/or burial records for William Harding’s first wife
• Death an/or burial records for the father of the Ponsford children

Unfortunately, my puzzle will not be complete until I locate these hidden pieces of the puzzle.