Mailbag

Do you remember the days of the SASE, putting one in a letter and then waiting for it to come back to you? (SASE: Self addressed stamped envelope) Well, even though I didn’t receive a SASE in the mail, I did receive a bounty of genealogy documents in the mail recently!

One package was from the Frankfort Community Public Library in Clinton County, Indiana and contained photocopies of probate records for my Ricketts/Reed family.

The other package was a thumb drive from Brad Quinlan. In June, he posted in the Facebook group, Descendants of Andersonville Prison, that he was making a trip to Washington, D.C. to do research and had time to take on more clients during that trip. Even though I had already requested the military and pension files for my civil war ancestors from the national archives, I did not know at the time about requesting the ENTIRE file. Not knowing what I might be missing, I elected to inquire about whether he had time to fulfill my requests. He did have time to take on my requests and a thumb drive arrived recently containing the images obtained from those files.

In both cases, there was an exchange of money. However, what I spent obtaining the records was a small percentage of what it would cost to pay travel expenses for me to obtain them myself.

I am thankful to have these records. Now, I have lots of work to do to get these transcribed!

• Probate Record for John Ricketts (2MTW-355)
• Partition file for John Ricketts’ estate
• Probate record for Mary Reed (KLVH-CFM)
• Military file for George Mentzer (LHKS-17Q)
• Pension file for George Mentzer
• Military file for James M. Ricketts (KV21-XBR)
• Pension file for James M. Ricketts
• Military file for Noah Briles (K2Q1-RG9)
• Pension file for Noah Briles
• Military files (3 of them) for Richmond F. Hammond (2B2M-GXK)
• Pension file for Richmond F. Hammond
• Military file for Washington Marion Crawford (KHFD-XRW)
• Pension file for Washington Marion Crawford

Friday Finds

Obituary of Emeline Minnick Mentzer

Died – Mentzer
Emaline Minnick was born near Pittsburg, Pa., Aug 26, 1848, at which place she spent her childhood in the home of her parents, John and Mary Minnick. at the age of 12 years her parents with their five daughters and one sone moved to Kewanee, Ill., where she attend the public schools and grew to young womanhood.
On New Year’s day, 1868, she was united in marriage to George Mentzer, living in Kewanee until the pioneer spirit brought them to the state of Kansas where they located on the Mentzer homestead in West Center township in May, 1872. On this place she resided until Feb., 1914, when she moved to Yates Center, where she died Tuesday evening Sept. 13, 1927, at the age of 79 years and 17 days.
To this union 8 children were born and grew to manhood and womanhood. On son, Albert C., in 1919, and one daughter, Susie M. Tunnicliffe, in 1908 and her husband in 1912, having preceded her in death.
She was raised in a Christian home and early in life she was converted, uniting with the M. E. church in Kewanee, Ill., and later transferring her membership to Peasant View M.E. church in Woodson county, Kansas, and later to Yates Center, of which church she was a faithful member up to her death. She was one of the truly great Christian characters, who lived each day in faith an humility. Although her last days were spent in suffering, she lived in beautiful resignation and patience.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her sons, C. O., of Neosho Falls, Kansas; J. F., H. A., P. E. and E. E. of Yates Center, and one daughter, Mrs. Clara E. Williams, of Yates, Center,Kansas, and 38 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Ellen Frink of Shenandoah, Iowa, besides other friends and relatives.
Funeral services were held in her memory at the M.E. church, Thursday afternoon, conducted by her pastor, Rev. A. W. Johnson, assisted by the Rev. J. E. Latimer. The pall bearers were six of her grandsons. The body was laid to rest in the family lot by the side of her husband.
Thus passes away another of the early pioneers of Woodson county.

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

Friday Finds

Have you used microfilm to locate obituaries? With deep Kansas roots, I took advantage of the newspaper microfilm collection at the Kansas State Historical Society to locate many obituaries of my ancestors and cousins. Those early days of research produced hand-written notes that may or may not have been word processed.

While I’m able to access some of those same newspapers on Newspapers.com to get digital images, a few of those newspapers are yet to be digitized. Thus, I’m relying on those old notes and/or documents. As I was reviewing Mentzer data, I found that those old notes are the only source I have for the obituary of George Edward Mentzer (1911-1986)

George Edward Mentzer
George Edward Mentzer came to gladden the home of his
parents, Ernest and Edith Mentzer April 9, 1911 in Woodson
County. He departed this life Oct. 7, 1986 at the age of 75
years, five months and 25 days while visiting his family in
Reno, Nev.
He will be greatly missed by his family of three sons,
two daughter-in-laws and two grandchildren, Bruce, Carol,
Ben and Morgan, Stanley and Teresa of Reno, Nev., and Scot
of Kansas City, Kan. He also leaves six brothers, Tye,
Newton, Iowa; Austin, Ensign, Kans; Keith, Reno, Nev.;
Burdette, Yates Center; Norryce, Wenatchee, Wash.; Donald,
Reno, Nev.; and one sister, Juanita Baldwin, Middletown,
Conn. He was preceded in death by his parents, two
brothers. Laddie and Lovell, and one sister, Fleta
VanValkenburg.
Ed’s childhood was spent in the West Owl Creek
Community He received his education at the Oakland School
and Yates Center High School. He was baptized in the Yates
Center Methodist Church at an early age. He started working
on the Missouri Pacific railroad at Durand, Kan., during the
1930s and worked there until he joined the U.S. Army in the
770th Railway Operating Battalion, March 10, 1942. He spent
most of his time while in the service in the Pacific
Theatre. After his discharge on Dec. 23, 1945, he returned
to Wichita where he continued to work as a baggage man on
the railroad express.
Ed had his first heart attack in 1975 while living in
Kansas City. At that time, he moved to Yates Center and
made his home here until his death. He really enjoyed
getting reacquainted with all of his old friends.
After eye surgery in 1980, he was totally blind.
However, that did not stop many of his activities as he kept
up with all the football and baseball games and all of the
news going on. Of course his favorite past time was visiting
with all of the people who came to see him.
Heartland Genealogy
Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 11, 1986, at
10:30 a.m. from the Campbell Funeral Home. Place of
internment Yates Center Cemetery. Memorial to Meals on
Wheels.

Juanita Mentzer Baldwin

Do use notes to help create a narrative report for individuals in your tree? While I’ve seen another researcher talk about his use of this feature, I have to admit that I haven’t taken advantage of the ability to create and incorporate notes into a narrative report.

Having recently corresponded with a DNA match who is the granddaughter of Juanita Mentzer, a first cousin twice removed, I decided to review what information I have on this cousin and experiment with the notes feature. While I don’t excel at ‘narrative’ writing, I did use the notes feature to incorporate additional information from the sources, including some of the obituaries of her siblings.

Juanita Winnifred Mentzer was born on 20 May 1923 in Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas.^1–9 The family shared the news of the birth of a daughter in the Woodson County Journal on May 31 1923.

“A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Mentzer at their home near Yates Center, on May 20, 1923. All well.”

“Local News,” Woodson County Journal (Yates Center, Kansas), 31 May 1923, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).

She lived in Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, United States in 1925.¹⁰ Juanita Mentzer was listed as Jennett Mentzer, a three year old female in the household of E. E. Mentzer on the 1925 Kansas Census.

She lived in Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, United States on 4 Apr 1930.¹¹ Juanita W. Mentzer was listed as a 6 year old daughter in the household of Ernest E. Mentzer. According to the census, Juanita was born in Kansas.

In 1939, Juanita was educated at Yates Center High School in Yates Center, Woodson, Kansas, United States.¹²

She lived in Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, United States in 1940.¹³ Juanita Mentzer was listed as a 16 year old daughter in the household of Earnest and Edith Mentzer.

She lived in Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States on 26 Apr 1949.¹⁴ On 2 Sep 1949, Juanita graduated from at Wesley Nursing School in Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States.^2,15

“Wesley Graduates Class,” the Wichita Beacon (Wichita, KS), 3 September 1949, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).

Juanita Winnifred Mentzer and Charles Baldwin obtained a marriage license in Oct 1951 in Allen County, Kansas.²⁰ The Iola Register reported the issuance of a marriage license to Charles F. Baldwin, 23 of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts and Juanita W. Mentzer, 27 of Yates Center

They were married on 12 Sep 1952 in Coffeyville, Montgomery, Kansas, United States.^21–23 The marriage of Juanita Mentzer to Charles Baldwin was chronicled in the Massachusetts newspaper:

“Charles F Baldwin Married in Kansas
West Stockbridge — Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Mentzer of Yates Center, Kan, have announced the marriage of their daughter, Juanita to Charles F. Baldwin of Tulsa, Okla., son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl M. Baldwin of West Stockbridge.”

“Charles F Baldwin married in Kansas,” The Berkshire County Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), 24 September 1952, Page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 9 December 2020).

She lived in Middletown, Middlesex, Connecticut, United States in 1986.^16–17

Juanita and her husband were divorced in 1987 in Middlesex, Connecticut, United States.²⁴

She lived in Connecticut, United States in 1988.¹⁸ The obituary of Donald D. Mentzer of Reno, Nevada identifies his living siblings.

“Donald Dumond Mentzer, to, died Thursday at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.
A native of Yates center, Kan., he was born March 6, 1928 and had been a Reno resident for the past 22 years, coming from Salt Lake City.
Mentzer was owner of Mentzer Detroit Diesels and had been an Army veteran.
His father, E. E., died in 1964, mother, Edith, in 1961, brother Edward in 1987. A sister and two brothers also preceded him in death.
Surviving are his widow, Nadine, sons, Alan, Gary, Lynn, daughter, Beverly Ballard, and a brother, Keith, all of Reno; brothers, Tye of Iowa, Austina and Burdette both of Kansas and Norryce of Washington; sister Juanita Baldwin of Connecticut; and six grandchildren.”

“Donald D. Mentzer,” Reno Gazette-Journal (Reno, Nevada), 19 February 1988, page 28; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 26 January 2020).

Juanita lived in Connecticut, United States in 1997.¹⁹ The obituary of Austin Mentzer of Ensign, Kansas identifies his living siblings.

“Mentzer, Austin M., 81, retired farmer and stockman, died Friday, June 13, 1997. Service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Ensign Methodist Church.
Survivors: wife, Vanita; son, Richard, daughter, Cynthia Hamilton, both of Ensign; brothers, e. tye of Newton, Keith of Reno, Nev., Burdette of Yates Center, Norryce Wenachee, Wash.; sister, Juanita Baldwin of Higgman, Conn.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Memorials have been established with Ensign United Methodist Church and Hospital of the Prairie. Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City.”

“Ensign,” The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), 16 June 1997, page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 12 March 2022).

She died on 5 Apr 2009 at the age of 85 in Middlesex, Connecticut, United States.^2,5–8 She was buried at Yates Center Cemetery in Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas.^2,8 Her obituary in the Hartford Courant chronicles her life.

Juanita “Jo” (Mentzer) Baldwin, 85, formerly of High Meadow Place, Haddam, passed away Sunday (April 5, 2009) at Middlesex Health Care Center. She was born on May 20, 1923 In Yates Center, KS, the daughter of the late Ernest and Edith (Dumond) Mentzer. Juanita was a Registered Nurse, who worked at many area health care facilities. She was a member of participated in the choir of the First Congregational Church of Haddam. She is survived by her four daughters, E. Ann Baldwin and Robert Ponko, Jr. of Higganum, Edith Amelia Baldwin and Paul Maywood of Haddam, J. Beth Baldwin and Philip Delegan of Middletown, and Charlene F. Baldwin and Bradley West of Phoenix, AZ; three grandchildren; Case and Ashley Crabb, and Chelsey Mia Baldwin-West and a beloved and extended family throughout the United States. Juanita’s family would like to express their gratitude to all those in the community for their loving care and support. Jo will always be remembered for her gentle and loving spirit.
Campbell Funeral Home of Yates Center, KS, has care of the funeral services and burial in Yates Center, KS. A memorial service to honor and celebrate her life will be held at a later date at the First Congregational Church of Haddam, 905 Saybrook Rd., Haddam, CT 06438, Middlesex Health Care Center, Resident Fund, 100 Randolph Rd., Middletown, CT 06457 or Woodson County Foundation Fund, PO Box 160 Yates Center, KS 66783.

“Baldwin, Juanita “Jo” M,” Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut), 8 April 2009, Page C07; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 24 January 2020).

ENDNOTES:

1. 1930 U.S. Census, Woodson County, Kansas, population Schedule, [CivilDivision], [ED], [PageID] Image [Image] of [ImageTotal], [HouseholdID], [Person]; digital iamge, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : [AccessType] [AccessDate]); NARA T626. [FileNumber]

2. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online May 2018), memorial for Juanita Jo Mentzer Baldwin (1923-2009), Find a Grave Memorial no. #35859208, created by RisingSun, citing Yates Center Cemetery, Yates Center, Woodson County, Kansas; accompanying photograph by RisingSun, Juanita Jo Mentzer Baldwin.

3. “U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1,” Ancestry.com,  (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (May 2018), Juanita M Baldwin.

4. Voter Registration Lists Public Record Filings, Historical Residential Records and other Household Database Listings, “U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2,” index, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online May 2018), Juanita M Baldwin.

5. Social Security Administration, “U.S. Social Security Death Index,” database, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online May 2018), Juanita M. Baldwin, , before 1951.

6. “U.S. Obituary Collection, 1930-Current,” database online, http://www.oregonlive.com/obituaries, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online May 2018), Juanita Baldwin.

7. “Connecticut Death Index, 1949-2012,” Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (May 2018), Juanita M Baldwin.

8. “Baldwin, Juanita “Jo” M,” Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut), 8 April 2009, Page C07; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 24 January 2020).

9. “Local News,” Woodson County Journal (Yates Center, Kansas), 31 May 1923, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).

10. 1925 Kansas census, Woodson County Kansas, State Census, Center Township, Woodson County, Kansas, page 5 Image [Image] of [ImageTotal], household 37, E. E. Mentzer; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online April 2017)

11. 1930 U.S. Census, Woodson County, Kansas, population Schedule, Center Township, Woodson County, Kansas, ED 2, sheet 1B Image [Image] of [ImageTotal], household 12, Earnest E Mentzer; digital iamge, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online April 2017); NARA T626

12. United States, School Yearbooks, 1880-2012, Juanita Mentzer, 1939; digital images, (www.ancestry.com : viewed online May 2017).

13. 1940, Woodson County Kansas, population, Center Township, Woodson, Kansas, enumeration district (ED) ED 104-2, Sheet 3A, household 48, Earnest O Mentzer; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed online April 2017); National Archives adn Recods Administration, 1940.T627.

14. “Neosho Falls News Item,” The Iola Register (Iola, Kansas), 26 April 1949; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online August 2018).

15. “Wesley Graduates Class,” the Wichita Beacon (Wichita, KS), 3 September 1949, page 2; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).

16. “Deaths and Services,” The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), 11 October 1986, page 16; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 22 June 2022).

17. “Obituaries – George Edward Mentzer”, Yates Center News, (Yates Center, Kansas), 16 October 1986, page 8, microfilm; Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, KS.

18. “Donald D. Mentzer,” Reno Gazette-Journal (Reno, Nevada), 19 February 1988, page 28; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 26 January 2020).

19. “Ensign,” The Wichita Eagle (Wichita, Kansas), 16 June 1997, page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 12 March 2022).

20. “Court News,” The Iola Register (Iola, Kansas), 1 October 1951, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 24 January 2020).

21. , History of Woodson County Kansas (Dallas, Texas: Curtis Media Corporation, 1987), “Mentzer, George Family” p. 198-199.

22. , History of Woodson County Kansas, “Mentzer, Ernest E.” p. 197.

23. “Charles F Baldwin married in Kansas,” The Berkshire County Eagle (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), 24 September 1952, Page 10; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 9 December 2020).

24. “Connecticut, Divorce Index, 1968-1997,” Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (26 January 2020), Juanita Baldwin; Connecticut Divorce Index, 1968-1997. Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Mentzer – Schoepflin

Marriage licenses issued: Oct. 19, Hiram Underhill, Neosho Falls, and Miss Charlotte Tarman, Iola. Oct. 28, Philip E. Mentzer and miss Anna M. Schoepflin both of Yates Center

“Marriage Licenses,” The Neosho Falls Post (Neosho Falls, Kansas), 26 October 1905, page 4; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).

Married
Mentzer – Schoepflin – At the residence of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. Schoepflin, Mr. Philip E. Mentzer to Miss Annie M. Schoepflin, both of Yates Center, Rev. C. W. Bailey officiating. The News extends best wishes. They were married Oct. 25, 1905.

“Married,” The Yates Center News (Yates Center, Kansas), 27 October 1905, page 5; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).

Philip Mentzer made this office a pleasant call Monday afternoon and had his name added to The Advocate list of subscribers. He also left copy for the announcement of his marriage to Miss Anna Schoepflin Wednesday, Oct. 25. Thus another young couple starts life right by patronizing the printer.

“Local,” Woodson County Advocate (Yates Center, Kansas), 27 October 1905, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).

Williams – Mentzer Wedding

John W. Williams and his wife Clara Edith Mentzer

Married
At the residence of the bride’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Mentzer’s four miles northwest of town, on Thursday evening April 2nd, 1903. Miss Clara Edith Mentzer and John Williams were united in marriage by Rev. C. W. Bailey, in the presence of only near relatives. The happy couple will reside on the Waltermire farm south of town.

“Married,” Woodson County Advocate (Yates Center, Kansas), 10 April 1903, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 11 March 2022).

Married
Williams — Mentzer — At the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Mentzer, northwest of town, Thursday evening, April 2, 1903, Rev. C. W. Bailey officiating, Mr. John W. Williams and Miss Clara E. Mentzer. In addition to the families of both parties, only Miss May Litton, of Yates Center, was present to witness the ceremony. Mr. Williams is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Williams of Turkey creek, and is a sturdy, industrious young man. The Bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo W. Menter, of Center township, and is a very popular young lady with all her acquaintances.
The new married couple are at home to their friends on the Waltermire farm south of Yates Center, where they are very nicely and comfortable located.
The News extends best wishes.

“Married,” The Yates Center News (Yates Center, Kansas), 10 April 1903, page 5; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).

Mentzer – Graham

The marriage of Clarence Albert “Bert” Mentzer and Grace Graham is chronicled in three newspapers in Woodson County, Kansas. Each version provides a different clue about the couple.

Married
Mentzer – Graham
Mr. Bert Mentzer and Miss Grace Graham were married at the Methodist parsonage Wednesday evening by the Rev. W. L. French. These young people are well and favorably known to the most of our people. Mrs. Mentzer is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Graham living northwest of town. Mr. Mentzer has grown to manhood in the county and is the youngest son of Mrs. George Mentzer. He is a graduate of our high school and is a prosperous farmer. We extend to this young couple the best wishes of the Advocate for a happy and prosperous wedded life.

“Married,” Woodson County Advocate (Yates Center, Kansas), 9 May 1913, page 5; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).

Married
Mentzer – Graham
Clarence Albert Mentzer and Miss Grace Graham were married in the Methodist parsonage Wednesday afternoon, May 7, 1913, Rev. W. L. French officiating. Bert Mentzer is one of West Center township’s best young men and his wife is one of the most popular and worthy young ladies of the north side of the township. She is the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Graham. Both have a large circle of admiring friends who will join The News in extending best wishes. They will be at home to their friends on the Mentzer farm in West Center township where Bert was born and raised.

“Married,” The Yates Center News (Yates Center, Kansas), 9 May 1913, page 4; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).

Another Home Instituted

Clarence Albert Mentzer and Miss Grace Graham were married at the parsonage of the Methodist church of Yates Center, Kansas by the pastor, Rev. W. L. French, Wednesday, May 7, 1913.
The bride is the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Graham, who live near town. She is a most attractive young woman, and by her charm of manner and her native goodness of heart has won the warm regard of all who know her.
“Bert” Mentzer is one of the successful farmers of Woodson county, is practicing to update methods of farming, and is a public spirited and generous hearted citizen — one of Woodson’s best.
These two young people begin their home-building with the best wishes of their large circle of friends.

“Another Home Instituted,” Woodson County Journal (Yates Center, Kansas), 15 May 1913, page 7; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 19 June 2022).

Phillip Andrew Mentzer

Phillip Andrew Mentzer¹ was born about Mar 1793.^2–3

He obtained a marriage license to marry Orinda Miles on 16 Mar 1816 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^4–6

He married Orinda Miles on 23 May 1816.^1,7–9

On 14 Dec 1817, Cyrus Mentzer was born in Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^10–13

Phillip lived in Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts in 1820.¹⁴

On 24 Jan 1820, John Mentzer was born in Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^12–13

On 17 Oct 1824, Charles Lewis Mentzer was born in Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^{12–13,15–17}

Phillip purchased land called the swamp containing six acres from Rufus Hosmer for $35 on 3 Jun 1825 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.¹⁸

Phillip sold land being about 7 acres to Joseph Miles for $97.61 on 1 May 1827 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.¹⁹

On 26 Feb 1828, Rufus Mentzer was born in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^{12–13,20–22}

Phillip  purchased land being 11 acres for $59.25 from John Brown on 7 Nov 1829 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.²³

On 2 Jun 1830, Hannah Augusta Mentzer was born in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^13,22,24

Phillip lived in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts on 1 Jul 1830.²⁵

Phillip purchased meadowland containing 3 acres for $300 from Jesse Parmenter on 1 Jan 1835 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.²⁶

He  purchased land being 11 acres for $100 from Silas Stow on 5 Feb 1835 in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States.²⁷

On 12 Feb 1835, Sarah A. Mentzer was born in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^{12–13,20,22,28–30}

Phillip lived in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts on 4 Dec 1837.³¹

On 12 Jun 1838, George Mentzer was born in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^{12–13,20,22,32–33}

Phillip lived in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts in 1839.³⁴

He lived in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts in 1840.³⁵

He sold land  on 7 Mar 1844 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.³⁶

Phillip died on 19 Dec 1845 in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States at the age of 52.^2–3,33,37

He was buried after 19 Dec 1845 in Hillside Cemetery, Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.³

He had his estate probated on 12 Feb 1846 in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States.³⁸

Orinda Miles, daughter of Oliver Miles and Sarah Joslin, was born on 14 Jan 1798 in Gardner, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States.^7,41–44

She lived in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts on 14 Aug 1850.^13,47

Orinda lived in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts in 1855.⁴⁸

She lived in Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts on 17 Jul 1860.⁴⁹

She died on 18 Oct 1861 at the age of 63 in Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.^45,50–51

ENDNOTES:

1. Vital Records of Stow Massachusetts to the year 1850 (Boston, Mass: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1911)

2. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Abigail Mentzer, 9 April 1834; database of Vital Record volumes, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016).

3. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online August 2016), memorial for Phillip Andrew Mentzer, Jr. (1793-1845), Find a Grave Memorial no. #141447227, created by James Bianco, citing Hillside Cemetery, Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts;, Phillip Andrew Mentzer, JR.

4. Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001. Phillip Andrew Menzer, 15 Mar 1816 digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 October 2020.

5. Massachusetts, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1626-2001. Phillip Andrew Menzer, 16 Mar 1816 digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 October 2020.

6. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Phillip Andrew Mentzer, 1816; .

7. Miles Jonas Michael, Miles Genealogy: John Miles of Concord, Massachusetts and His Descendants (Boston: C.E. Goodspeed & Company, 1920), page 12; books.google.com viewed online November 2016.

8. North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000, Philip A. Mentzer – Orendia Miles, 23 May 1816; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017).

9. 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 13 March 2022.

10. “Massachusetts, Town Birth Records, 1620-1850,” database online, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 1 December 2020), Cyrus Mentzer.

11. Massachusetts, Death Records 1841-1915, Cyrus Mentzer, 13 June 1892; database online, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 1 December 2020).

12. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 573-575.  Film #439022 DGS 7441704. heirs Phillip Mentzer, 11 Aug 1849 Vol 574: page 252; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

13. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, Vol. 578-580.  Film #439024 DGS 7441717. Phillip Mentzer heirs, 8 Jan 1850 Vol 578: Page 136; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

14. 1820 U.S. Census, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, population schedule, Westford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, page 498 (Image 3 of6), ; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 16 March 2022).

15. Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915, Charles L Mentzer, 9 November 1850; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 7 March 2022). Original Source: Massachusetts Vital Records, 1840-1911.

16. “Massachusetts, Town Birth Records, 1620-1850,” database online, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016), Mentzer; Westford Births.

17. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Charles Lewis Mentzer, 17 October 1824; .

18. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 340-341 1835.  Film #554181 DGS 7450576. Phillip A. Mentzer, 3 Jun 1925 vol. 340: page 341-342; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

19. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 281-283 1828.  Film #554143 DGS 7450538. Philip A. Mentzer, 1827 vol. 281: page 4; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

20. Duncan, L. Wallace and Chas F. Scott, History of Allen and Woodson Counties, Kansas (Iola, Kansas: Iola Register, 1901), “George Mentzer” p. 680-681 (George Mentzer Notebook).

21. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Rufus Mentzer, 26 February 1828; .

22. , Vital Records of Stow Massachusetts to the Year 1850 (Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1911), page 58; digital copy, Archive.org, http://www.archive.org viewed online 6 June 2022.

23. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 340-341 1835.  Film #554181 DGS 7450576. Phillip A. Mentzer, 7 Nov 1829 Vol. 340: page 342; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

24. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Hannah A Mentzer, 2 June 1830; .

25. 1830 U.S. Census, Middlesex County Massachusetts, population schedule, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, page 214 (43), Andrew Mentzur; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 14 March 2022).

26. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 340-341 1835.  Film #554181 DGS 7450576. Phillip A. Mentzer, 1 Jan 1835 vol. 340: page 346-347; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

27. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 340-341 1835.  Film #554181 DGS 7450576. Phillip A. Mentzer, 5 Feb 1835 Vol. 340: page 345-346; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

28. Massachusetts, Compiled Birth, Marriage, and Death Records, 1700-1850, Edward F Green, 10 March 1871; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 13 September 2020).

29. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online 10 December 2020), memorial for Sarah A Mentzer Green (1835-1918), Find a Grave Memorial no. #126243617, created by originally created by Bruce Filgate / maintained by Boylston Cemetery Research Project, citing Pine Grove Cemetery, Boylston, Worcester County, Massachusetts;, Sarah A Mentzer Green.

30. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Abigail Mentzer, 9 April 1834; .

31. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Phillip A Mentzer, 4 December 1837; .

32. , “The George Mentzer Family,” In the Beginning, Woodson County Historical Society, 3 No. 11 (July 1970): p. 9-12.

33. , Crawford Family Papers; privately held by Marcia Philbrick, Seneca, Kansas, 2016. (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), Biography of George Mentzer.

34. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Phillip A Mentzer – Tax Assessments and Abatements, 1839; .

35. 1840 U. S. Census, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, population schedule, Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, image 15 of 16, Philip A Mentzer; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed ).

36. Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 438-439 1844.  Film #554245 DGS 7450620. Phillip A Mentzer, 7 March 1844 Vol 439: page 375-377; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

37. Vital Records of Stow Massachusetts to the year 1850 (Boston, Mass: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1911), (Doc. #: Mentzer.MA.001)

38. Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Probate Records 1648-1924, Phillip Mentzer, February 1846; database with images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016).

39. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, George Mentzer, 12 June 1838; .

40. Massachusetts, Death Records 1841-1915, William A Mentzer, 22 November 1889; .

41. Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (: )

42. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Orendia Miles, 14 January 1798; .

43. North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000, Miles Genealogy, January 1798; .

44. North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000, Philip A. Mentzer – Orendia Miles, 23 May 1816; .

45. Massachusetts Deaths, 1841-1915, Orinda Mentzer, 18 October 1861; database with images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 October 2020).

46. Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915, William A. Mentzer, 5 January 1876; .

47. 1850 U.S. Census, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, population schedule, Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, page 404, household 110, Orinda Mentzer; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication M432.

48. 1855, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Massachusetts State Census, Stow, Middlesex County, Massachusetts Image 13 of 19, families 221 / 222, Orinda Mentzer; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 10 December 2020)

49. 1860 U.S. Census, Worcester County Massachusetts, population schedule, Northborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts, page 138, family 1128, Cyrus Mentzur; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online August 2018); NARA Microfilm Publication M653.

50. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records 1620-1988, Orinda Mentzer, 1861; .

51. “Died,” Boston Daily Advertiser (Boston, MA), 24 October 1861; digital images, Genealogy Bank (www.genealogybank.com : viewed online August 2018).

et al Deed

Do you seek out land records in your genealogy research? Since FamilySearch has digitized most of their microfilm collection, finding these land records has become much easier. While these records discuss the transfer of a piece of land from one person, that is not why I love these records. I love these records because of the other information that is found in a deed. At times, these records will indicate that the person I’m researching lived in a different location, helping me broaden my research of that person.

But the ‘et al’ deeds are my favorites. These deed often identify some or all of a person’s descendants. While an 1849 Middlesex County Massachusetts deed identifies many of the heirs of Phillip A. Mentzer, it is an 1850 deed that not only identifies all of the children but identifies some of the spouses and includes their residences.

Mentzer et al
to
F R R Coy

Know all men by these presents that we Orin
da Mentzer & Wm A Mentzer both of Stow in the County of Middlesex Com
monwealth of Massachusetts, Charles Mentzer and Cyrus Mentzer both of North
[Borough] County of Worcester in the Commonwealth aforesaid John Mentzer of
Brighton in said County of Middlesex Charles L Pierce of Brighton in said
County of Middlesex Charles L Pierce and Orinda Pierce wife of Charles L in
her right of Worcester in said county of Worcester James Stratton and Han
nah Stratton wife of said James in her right of Westerly Rhode Island, Rufus
Mentzer of Greenwich Rhode Island and Sarah and George Mentzer minors by
their guardian Cyrus Mentzer, in consideration of one hundred and sixty
dollars paid by the Fitchburg Rail Road company the receipt whereof is here
by acknowledged, do hereby give grant bargain sell and convey unto the said
Fitchburg Rail Road their successors and assigns a certain tract
of land situated in said Stow containing ninety seven rods more or less boun
ded as follows. Beginning at land of William A. Mentzer and running
southwesterly as the Lancaster and Sterling Branch Rail Road is now loca
ted three hundred twenty three [21/10] feet by the center stakes of said location
to the road said tract is five rods in width being forty six feet three in
ches wide on the southerly side of said Centre stakes and thirty six feet three
inches on the northerly side of said center stakes Reserving a large stone
which lies partly on said granted premises and partly on land of the Gran
tors and the said Fitchburg Rail Road Company agree by the acceptance of
this deed to fence said tract of land with a stone wall on the upper and south
erly side the lower or northerly side may be wooden fence the fence to be
built on or before the 15th of May next the above consideration being in
full for land taken and all damages caused by the construction of said
Branch Rail Road and the maintenance of the same. To Have and
To Hold the above granted premises with the privileges and appurtenances
thereto belonging to the said Fitchburg Rail Road Company their suc
cesors and assigns to their use and behoof forever. And we the said Orinda
William A Cyrus Charles John Charles L Orinda James Hannah Rufus
and Sarah & George minors by Cyrus Guardian for ourselves and our heirs
executors and administrators do warrant with the said Fitchburg Rail Road
Company their sucessors and assigns that we are lawfully seized in fee of the a
fore granted premises that they are free from all incumbrances that we have

page 137
a good right to sell and convey the same to the said Fitchburg Rail Road
Company as aforesaid and that we will and our heirs executors and admin
istrators shall warrant and defend the same to the said Fitchburg Rail
Road Company their successors and assigns forever against the lawful claims
and demands of all persons. In witness whereof we the said Orinda
Mentzer Wm A Mentzer Cyrus Mentzer Charles Mentzer John Mentzer Charles
L Pierce Orinda Pierce James Stratton Hannah A Stratton Rufus Ment
zer and Sarah and George Mentzer minors by Cyrus Mentzer Guardian
with Caroline Mary & Olive wifes of said William A Cyrus & John in to
ken of their release of dower in the premises have hereunto set our
hands and seals this eighth day of January in the year of our Lord eigh
teen hundred and fifty. Orinda Mentzer (seal) William A Ment
zer (seal) Caroline Mentzer (seal) Cyrus Mentzer (seal) Mary S
Mentzer (Seal) Sarah A Mentzer (Seal) George Mentzer (seal) Cyrus
Mentzer Guardian for Sarah, George, Charles L Pierce (seal) Orinda
M Pierce (seal) Charles L Mentzer (seal) Rufus Mentzer (seal) Jas Stratton (seal) H Augus
tus Stratton (seal) John Mentzer (seal) Olive Mentzer (seal) Executed
and delivered in presence of use Samuel Clark to E S Mentzer the words
the fence to be built on or before the 15th of May next were interlined
before signing. Worcester SS Jany 10 1850 Personally appeared the
above named Charles L Mentzer and acknowledged the abbove instrument
to be his free act and deed before me Samuel Clark Justice of Peace
Middlesex ss Feb. 6 1850 Recd & Recorded by
Caleb Hayden Rec
Rufus Mentzer seal “ interlined

Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, Vol. 578-580. Film #439024 DGS 7441717. Phillip Mentzer heirs, 8 Jan 1850 Vol 578: Page 136; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 5 June 2022.

The wealth of information in this deed illustrates why I continue to seek out land records for my ancestor.

Massachusetts Deeds

Do you have citations from your early days of research that would be considered ‘inaccurate’ and/or ‘incomplete’ by today’s standards? I have to admit that I likely have quite a few such citations. That’s one of the reasons my goals for 2022 include going back thru my third great-grandparents to update any ‘bad’ citations.

As I was going thru the narrative report for Phillip Andrew Mentzer, I ran across a great example of one of those citations.

Fortunately, this poorly written citation contains enough information to locate the actual source. And fortunately, the referenced grantee index is available on FamilySearch. Thus, I was able to locate the information referenced in my file.

Since FamilySearch has digitized many of the Record Books from the Middlesex County (MA) Registry of Deeds, I was able to expand this early research to compile a list of the MENTZER family names found in the grantor and grantee indexes.

Image 481
MENTZER
1835 Apl 22 Philip A. from R Hosmer book 340 page 341
1835 Apl 22 Philip A from J. Brown book 340 page 342
1835 Apl 22 Philip A. from L. Stow Book 340 page 345
1835 Apl 22 Philip A. from J. Parmenter book 340 page 346
1835 Apl 22 Andew Pl from J. Bartlett Book 340 page 344

Massachusetts, MIddlesex. Grantee Index, F-) 1800-1835. Film #514064 DGS 7445198. Mentzer, 1835 : page 220 (image 481); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

Image 365 of 618
MENTZER
1828 Apl 1 Philip A to J. Miles Jr book 281 page 4

Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Grantor Index, H-R, 1800-1835. Film #514112 DGS 7445233. MENTZER, 1828 : page 238 (Image 365); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

Image 168 of 531
MENTZER
1844 Mch 23 Phillip A to W Burrage book 439 page 375

Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Grantor Index, I-S 1836-1846. Film #514115 DGS 7445236. Mentzer, 1844 : page 325 (image 168 of 531); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

Image 394 page 233

MENTZER / MANTZER

1847 Charles L from C Tower Admr book 507 page 279
1848 Charles L from W A Mentzer Book 544 page 109
1847 Cyrus from C L Mentzer book 509 page 594
1856 Cyrus from S Allen Book 753 pae 440
1850 John from J. F. Taylor Book 579 page 303
1852 John from J. Norton Book 627 page 3
1847 Phillip A. from J. Brown Book 507 page 278
1849 William A from C L Mentzer book 555 page 221

Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Grantor Index, I-M 1847-1859. Film #532460 DGS 7445451. Mentzer, 1847 : page 233 (image 394; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

Image 456 page 261
Mentzer
1847 Charles L to C Mentzer bk 509 page 594 – downloaded 1847
1848 Charles L to A Maynard book 525 page 309
1849 Charles L to W A Mentzer book 555 page 221
1849 Charles L to W Miles book 549 page 527
1849 Charles L to W Miles Book 549 page 528
1849 Charles L & al to Fitchburg RR Co book 574 page 252
1850 Charles L to Fitchburg RR Co book 578 page 135
1850 Charles L & Al to Fitchburg RR Co book 578 page 136
1849 Cyrus Gdn to A Maynard book 549 page 507
1849 Cyrus Gdn & al to Fitchburg RR Co book 574 page 252
1849 Cyrus Gdn & al to Fitchburg RR Co book 574 page 252
1850 Cyrus Gdn & al to Fitchburg RR Co book 578 page 136
1850 Cyrus Gdn to Fitchburg RR Co book 578 page 136
1849 George &al Gdn to A. Maynard book 549 page 507
1849 George & al Gdn to Fitchburg R R Co book 574 page 252
1850 George & Al to Fitchburg RR Co book 578 page 136
1850 George Gdn &al to Fitchburg RR Co book 578 pae 136
1849 Hannah A & als Gdn to A. Maynard book 549 page 507
1849 John & al to Fitchburg R R Co book 574 page 252
1850 John & al to Fitchburg R R Co book 578 page 136
1850 John & al to J. F. Taylor book 579 page 381
1850 Orinda & al to Fitchburg R R Co. book 578 page 136
1847 Philip A’s Admr to C.L. Mentzer Book 507 page 279
1849 Rufus & als Gdn to A. Maynard book 549 page 507
1849 Rufus & als Gdn to Fitchburg R R Co book 574 page 252
1850 Rufus & als Gdn to Fitchburg R R Co book 578 page 136
1850 Sarah Gdn & Al to Fitchburg R R Co Book 578 page 136
1849 Sarah A to A. Maynard book 549 page 507

Image 457 – page 262
Mentzer Cont
1849 Sara A & al to Fitchburg RR Co book 574 page 252
1848 William A to C. L. Mentzer book 544 page 109
1849 William A & al to Fitchburg RR Co book 574 page 252
1850 William A & al to Fitchburg RR Co book 578 page 136

Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Grantor Index, I-M 1847-1859. Film #514120 DGS 7445251. Mentzer, 1849 : page 261-262 (Image 456-457); digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

Thus, this one ‘bad’ citation led me to quite a few deeds for my MENTZER relatives in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. While I have yet to obtain all of these deeds, let alone cite and transcribe them, I have worked with one deed that identifies the children of my ancestor, Phillip Mentzer.

Image 433 – page 252

Book 574 page 252
Mentzer et al to Fitchburg R. R. Co.

Know all men by these presents
that we, Wm a. Mentzer, Cyrus Mentzer, Charles I Mentzer, John
Mentzer, Rufus Mentzer, and Sarah & George Mentzer, minors by
Cyrus Mentzer guardian, to the said George and Sarah, all heirs at
law of Phillip . Mentzer, late of Stow in the county of Middlesex
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts deceased, in consideration of
one hundred dollars to us paid by the Fitchburg R.R. Co. the re-
ceipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do, by these presents, give,
grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said Fitchburg R.R. Co.,
their successors and assigns, a certain tract or [messuage] of land sit
uated in said Stow the same being a part of the real estate form-
erly owned by Phillip A. Mentzer, late of said Stow, deceased. Bound-ed
as follows, Beginning at land of Mark Whitcomb, thence run-
ning westerly as the Lancaster and Sterling Branch R.R. is now locat-
ed, to land of Lewis Miles, a distance of about sixty rods, more
or less, a strip of five rods wide or thirty six and one quarter feet
on the north side of the center line as now staked and forty six
and one quarter feet on the south side of said stakes. The
above consideration being in full for the above described lands tak
in and all other damages, which may be caused by the construction
and maintenance of said Branch R.R. over said land. To have and
to hold the above granted premises with the privileges and appur
tenances thereto belonging to the said Fitchburg R.R. Co., successors

page 253
and assigns, to their use and behoof forever. And we the said Wm A.,
Cyrus, Charles, John, Rufus, and Sara & George, our heirs, executors
and administrators do covenant with the said Fitchburg R.R. Co &
successors and assigns, that we are lawfully seized in fee of the afore
granted premises: that they are free from all incumbrances; that we
have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Fitchburg
R.R. Co. their successors and assigns, as aforesaid; and that we will
and our heirs, executors and administrators shall warrant and de
fend the same to the said Fitchburg R.R. Co., their successors and
assigns forever against the lawful claims and demands of all per
sons. In witness whereof, we the said Wm. A., Cyrus, John, Charles,
Rufus, (and Sarah & George Mentzer by Cyrus Mentzer) have here
unto set our hands and seals this the eleventh day of August in
the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty nine. William A.
Mentzer, seal. Cyrus Mentzer, seal. Charles L. Mentzer, seal. Rufus
Mentzer, seal. John Mentzer, Seal. Sarah A. Mentzer, Seal. George
Mentzer, seal by Cyrus Mentzer, guardian, seal. Signed, sealed and
delivered in the presence of Elijah Hale. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex SS August 11th 1849. Then personally appeared the within named
Cyrus, Charles L. and Rufus Mentzer and acknowledged the within
instrument to be their free act and deed; Before me, Elijah
Hale, Justice of the Peace.
Middlesex SS Nov. 27 1849 Recd & Recorded by
Caleb Hayden Rec

Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 573-575. Film #439022 DGS 7441704. Mentzer et al to Fitchburg R.R. Co, Aug 1849 Book 574: page 252-253; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

Massachusetts, Middlesex County. Deeds, vol. 573-575. Film #439022 DGS 7441704. Mentzer et al to Fitchburg R.R. Co, Aug 1849 Book 574: page 252-253; digitized images, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 4 June 2022.

This one ‘bad’ citation is leading me to lots of deeds for my MENTZER cousins. I am thankful to the county of Middlesex Massachusetts and FamilySearch for making these early records available from my home. This easy access allowed me to not only update my citation but led me to additional sources to add to my records.

THANK YOU!