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James Barr Ralston

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Do you have specific lines in your family tree that you like to research more than others? Readers of this blog are well aware that my CRAWFORD line is one of my favorites. I will also admit that I don’t spend as much time researching lines which have a published genealogy.

The fact that over the years I have had ‘favorites’ in my genealogy research becomes fairly obvious when one compares yesterday’s post about Hiram M. Currey of Peoria, Illinois with today’s post for another 3rd great grandfather, James Barr Ralston.

For Hiram M. Currey, I have done extensive research in a variety of records. However, with James Barr Ralston, it is obvious that I haven’t gotten beyond Ancestry hints. If I was to use the criteria in the ‘Level Up Challenge‘, I would have to rate my research of James Barr Ralston at Level 3 while my research for Hiram M. Currey would be level 4 or possibly level 5.

Thus, I have work to do on my RALSTON line!

James Barr Ralston was born on 20 Dec 1811 in Pennsylvania, United States.1–2

He lived in Buffalo Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania in 1840.3 James B. Ralston was listed as a head of household on the 1840 census in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. According to the census, James’ household included with 1 male 20-30, 1 female under 5, and 1 female 20-30.

He lived in North Buffalo Township, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States on 1 Jul 1850.4 James B. Ralston was listed as a head of household on the 1850 census in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. According to the census, James was a 38 year old farmer born in Pennsylvania. Also included in the household were Jane, Amanda, Matilda, John, James, David, and Sarah E.

James lived in Galesburg, Knox, Illinois, United States in 1855.5 James Ralston was listed as a head of household on the 1855 census in Knox County, Illinois. The household included 2 males under 10, 2 males 10-20, 1 male 40-50, 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-20 and 1 female 40-50.

He lived in Ontario, Knox, Illinois, United States on 10 Jul 1860.6 J.B. Ralston was listed on the 1860 census as a 47 year old born in Pennsylvania. Living in his household were Jane, Matilda J., John M., Jos M., Frank D., Sarah, Elia, Margaret, Alicia.

He was listed on the tax rolls with a valuation of $345 in 1865 in Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States.7

James lived in Ontario, Knox, Illinois, United States in 1865.8

According to his daughter Alice Lighter’s obituary, he lived in Felix Township, Grundy, Iowa, United States in 1867.9

He lived in Felix Township, Grundy, Iowa, United States on 8 Jun 1870.10 James Ralston was listed as the head of household on the 1870 census in Grundy County, Iowa. According to the census, James was a 59 year old farmer born in Pennsylvania. Living in his household ware Jane, Matilda, Ellis, Margaret and Alice Ralston.

James lived in Grundy, Iowa, United States on 1 Jul 1880.11 James B. Ralston was listed on the 1880 census as a 58 year old farmer born in Pennsylvania. Living in his household were Jane, Matilda and Alice Ralston.

He lived in Grundy, Iowa, United States in 1885.12 J. B. Ralston was listed as the head of household on the 1885 in Grundy County, Iowa. According to the census, J. B. was 73 years old and born in Pennsylvania. Also listed in the household were Jane and Matilda.

He lived in Felix Township, Grundy, Iowa, United States on 12 Jun 1900.13 James B. Ralston was listed as the head of household on the 1900 census in Grundy County, Iowa. According to the census, James was born Dec 1811 in Pennsylvania. Also listed in the household were his wife, Jane, and a daughter Matilda J. Ralston.

James died on 4 Jul 1904 at the age of 92 in Grundy, Iowa, United States.1–2,14 Grandfather Ralston Dead.

End of Long and Noble Life.
Came to Grundy County in 1868
Ninety-two Years Old.

James B., eldest son of David and Hannah Ralston was born in Armstrong county, Penn, December 20, 1811. The eldest of a family of two boys and four girls growing to maturity, he was the last to be called from earth.

On May 31 1836 he was united in marriage to Jane McCormick at Worthington, Armstrong Co., Penn, to which union eleven children were born, five of whom have gone on before the father, six yet remaining: David Franklin Ralston, New Windsor, IL; Mrs. Amanda A. Simkins, Hall City, South Dakota; Ellis S. Ralston, Concordia, Kansas; Mrs. Alice M. Leighter, Dodge City, Kansas; Mrs. Margaret R. Barnes, Cedar Falls, Iowa, James Ralston, Conrad, Iowas.

In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Ralston moved from Armstrong county, Penn., to Knox county, ILL, where they made their home till 1868 when they moved to Grundy county, Iowa; settling on the farm which has ever since been their home, and from which they have done their part in the building up of this new country.

At the age of twenty-five Mr. Ralston was converted and united with the Presbyterian church of which he has continued to be a member. When the Presbyterian church of Grundy Center was organized he and his wife were among the charter members, and he was, during the time of his connection there, made an elder of the church. When the Presbyterian church of Conrad was organized their membership was transferred to Conrad, they again taking part in the building up of a newly organized work. From the time of his membership in the Conrad church until the day of his death he has continued as an elder honored and loved, thought age has prevented him from taking an active part in the work in late years. His one regret regarding his Christian life was that he did not acknowledge Christ at an earlier age. Always has his life told for righteousness and truth; and encouragement to all who came under its influence and an example of noble living that will live on in the memory of those who knew him.

For several months his strength has been failing and at times he seemed quite poorly yet as often rallying. Last Saturday he was able to walk about the house and when the end came, it came as the wearing out of the machinery of the body and not from disease.

About five o’clock Monday morning, July 4, 1904, the summons came peacefully and quietly. His age was 92 years, six months and thirteen days.

His children numbered eleven, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren the number is one hundred and sixteen.

In father Ralston’s death he has fulfilled the scripture, “Thou shalt come to thy grace in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in its season.”

A brief service was held at the late residence at two o’clock, Tuesday, July 5, and at the Alice church at three o’clock, conducted by Rev. A. G. Bailey, of La Porte City, Ia., the late pastor of the deceased, and Rev. T. N. Buchanan, paster of the Conrad Presbyterian church, Interment at Alice Cemetery. 

Obituary found on James Barr Ralston’s Find a Grave site (1)

He was buried after 4 Jul 1904 at Alice Union Cemetery in Grundy, Iowa, United States.1,15–16

James Barr Ralston and Nancy Jane McCormick9,17 were married about 1836 in Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States.18

Nancy Jane McCormick19–20, daughter of James B McCormick and Sarah Hall, was born on 15 Oct 1818 in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States.21

She was born on 16 Oct 1818 in Pennsylvania, United States.22

She lived in North Buffalo Township, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States on 1 Jul 1850.6 Jane Ralston was listed on the 1850 census as a 31 year old female born in Pennsylvania.

Nancy lived in Ontario, Knox, Illinois, United States on 10 Jul 1860.6 Jane Ralston was listed on the 1860 census as a 41 year old female born in Pennsylvania.

She lived in Felix Township, Grundy, Iowa, United States on 8 Jun 1870.23 Jane Ralston was listed on the 1870 census as a 50 year old female born in Pennsylvania. She was living in the household of James Ralston.

She lived in Grundy, Iowa, United States on 1 Jul 1880.11,24 Jane Ralston was listed on the 1880 census as a 51 year old female born in Pennsylvania. She was living in the household of James B. Ralston.

Nancy lived in Grundy, Iowa, United States in 1885.12 Jane Ralston was listed as a 66 year old female born in Pennsylvania on the 1885 Iowa state census.

She lived in Felix Township, Grundy, Iowa, United States on 12 Jun 1900.25 Jane Ralston was listed as the wife of James B. Ralston on the 1900 Grundy County Iowa census. According to the census, Jane was born Oct 1819 in Pennsylvania. Jane was the mother of 11 children, 7 of whom were living in 1900.

She died on 3 Nov 1907 at the age of 89 in Grundy, Iowa, United States.21–22,26

Nancy was buried in Nov 1907 at Alice Union Cemetery in Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States.21,27–29

ENDNOTES:

1. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online July 2017), memorial for James Barr Ralston (1811-1904), Find a Grave Memorial no. #19656003, created by Mark Lindahl, citing Alice Union Cemetery, Conrad, Grundy County, Iowa; accompanying photograph by Swanlin, James Barr Ralston.

2. Works Project Administration, “Iowa, Cemetery Records, 1662-1999,” database online, Graves Registration Project, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online October 2017), James B Ralston.

3. 1840 U.S. Census Armstrong County Pennsylvania, Armstrong County Pennsylvania, Buffalo, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, image 19 of 22, James Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 6 May 2022).

4. 1850 U.S. Census, Armstrong County Pennsylvania, population schedule, North Buffalo Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, image 20 Image 20 of 22, household 129, James B Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication M432.

5. 1855 Illinois Census, Knox County, Illinois, Illinois State Census, Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois, page 350 Image 1 of 19, James Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016).

6. 1860 U.S. Census, Knox County, Illinois, population schedule, Ontario, Knox County, Illinois, page 170-171 Image 25 of 37, household 1244, J. B. Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2017); NARA microfilm publication M653.

7. Spencer, Kate, Mildred Doubet and Shirley Graham. Knox County, Illinois 1865 Personal Property Tax Lists. (Galesburg, Illinois |N.p.: Knox County Genealogical Society |N.p., 1990 |N.d.) Film #977.349 R4. Ralston J. B., 1865 : page 97; Digitized copy, FamilySearch http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online 6 May 2022.977.349 R4

8. 1865 Illinois Census, Knox County, Illinois, Illinois State Census, Ontario, Knox County, Illinois, page 94 Image 2 of 10, J. B. Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016).

9. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online March 2017), memorial for Alice Melinda Ralston Lighter (1857-1935), Find a Grave Memorial no. #106296564, created by Barragirl, citing Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City, Ford County, Kansas; accompanying photograph by Tim Tompkins, Alice Melinda Ralston Lighter.

10. 1870 U.S. Census, Grundy County Iowa, population schedule, Felix Township, Grundy County, Iowa, page 13, household 87, James Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication M593.

11. 1880 U.S. Census, Grundy County, Iowa, population schedule, Felix Township, Grundy County, Iowa, ED 230, page 10B Image 3 of 25, dwelling 76 and 77, James Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online February 2018); NARA microfilm publication T9.

12. 1885 Iowa State Census, Grundy County, Iowa, Iowa State Census, , Felix Township, Grundy County, Iowa, page 12 Image 12 of 22, household 76, J. B. Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016).

13. 1900 U.S. Census, Pennington County, South Dakota, population schedule, Oneville Precinct, Pennington County, South Dakota, ED 40, sheet 20A Image 2 of 2, household 441, Clifton Simpkins; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online February 2018); NARA T623.

14. “Conrad,” The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 7 July 1904, page 12; digital image, Grundy Center Advantage Archives (http://grundycenter.advantage-preservation.com/ : viewed online 25 September 2022).

15. “Iowa, Cemetery Records, 1662-1999,” database, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017), James B Ralston.

16. Iowa Gravestone Photo Project, James B Ralston, tombstone images, Iowa Gravestone Photo Project (iowagravestones.org : viewed online August 2019).

17. Marriage Records, 1880-1940, Alice Ralston, 20 November 1880; database on-line, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online November 2016).

18. 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 25 September 2022.

19. History and Genealogies of the Hammond Families in America With an Account of the Early History of the Family in Normandy and Great Britain (Oneida, NY: Ryan & Burkhart, 1904)

20. Letter from () to ; ().

21. Iowa, Grundy County. Death Certificates, Grundy County, 1904-1920.  Film #102869841. Jane Ralston, 3 Nov 1907; image 319; digital images, Family Search http://www.familysearch.org : viewed online March 2019.

22. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online November 2016), memorial for Nancy Jane McCormic Ralston (1818-1907), Find a Grave Memorial no. #19656008, created by Mark Lindahl, citing Alice Union Cemetery, Conrad, Grundy County, Iowa; accompanying photograph by Hiesela, Nancy Jane McCormick Ralston.

23. 1870 U.S. Census, Grundy County Iowa, population schedule, Felix Township, Grundy County, Iowa, page 13, household 87, James Ralston.

24. 2001 ,  , Iowa: Felix, Grundy, Iowa (Ralston.IA.002).

25. 1930 U.S. Census, Grundy County, Iowa, population schedule, Felix Township, Grundy County, Iowa, enumeration district (ED) ED 42, sheet 7A, household 146, James B. Ralston; digital image, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online July 2017); NARA microfilm publication T626.

26. “East Alice,” The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 7 November 1907, page 2; digital image, Grundy Center Advantage Archives (http://grundycenter.advantage-preservation.com/ : viewed online 25 September 2022).

27. Find a Grave, database and images, Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com : viewed online November 2016), memorial for Nancy Jane McCormick Ralston (1818-1907), Find a Grave Memorial no. #19656008,

28. “Iowa, Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990,” Family Search, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online (November 2016), Jane McCormic.

29. “Iowa, Cemetery Records, 1662-1999,” database Jane Ralston.

Seriously Burned

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Do you remember being told as a child to not play with matches or to stay away from the stove? While our lifestyles have gotten safer, it is still possible for a child to get burned.

While researching my RALSTON line, I discovered a newspaper article about a cousin who did get too close to ashes.

Seriously Burned
While playing in their playhouse last Tuesday one of Mr. Lighter’s little girls living west of town and south of the river had the misfortune to accidentally get severely burned. She had gone to the ash pile to get some ashes which were to be used as pepper in the playhouse and while sitting down getting the ashes her dress caught fire and she did not know it until a blaze was discovered. She started to run to the house but her father met her, picked her up and put her in a water tank. This put out the fire but not before she was considerably burned.

“Seriously Burned,” Dodge City Reporter (Dodge City, Kansas), 26 January 1900, page 5; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed onlin3 14 May 2022

A couple of weeks later, little Ruth Elva Lighter died from being burned.

W. E. Lighter’s Little Girl Died Last Saturday

Two weeks ago today the Reporter contained an account of the burning of W. E. Lighter’s little girl. She was brought to town whee she could be near the attending physician who gave all the medical assistance possible, but to no avail. Last Saturday morning she died.
Her name was Ruth Elva Lighter and she was six years and one month of age.
This unfortunate little girl at the time was burned had just recovered from a bad case of the measles and this was the first day she had been allowed to play out doors. She had not been out thirty minutes when her clothes caught fire and burned her so badly as to cause her death.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian church conduced by Rev. William Westwood. The remains were interred in the G.A.R. cemetery west of town.

“W. E. Lighter’s Little Girl Died Last Saturday,” Dodge City Reporter (Dodge City, Kansas), 9 February 1900, page 5; digital images, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 14 May 2022).

James Barr Ralston Descendants

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James Barr Ralston
b: 20 Dec 1811, Pennsylvania, United States
d: 4 Jul 1904, Grundy, Iowa, United States
+Nancy Jane McCormick
b: 15 Oct 1818, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, United States
m: abt 1836, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
d: 3 Nov 1907, Grundy, Iowa, United States


. . . . . 11. Amanda Ralston
          b: 17 Jun 1838, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 6 May 1923, Pennington, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . +James Bailey Simkins
          b: 30 Jul 1831, Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States
          m: 22 Jun 1854, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
          d: 17 Nov 1909, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 111. Harry A. Simkins
                    b: May 1857, Illinois, United States
                    d: 12 Oct 1938, Yankton, Yankton, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 112. Ann Jane “Jennie” Simkins
                    b: 14 Nov 1858, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 12 Jan 1932, Neligh, Antelope, Nebraska, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 113. James Ellis Simkins
                    b: 14 Nov 1858, Oneida, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 11 Nov 1918, Lake, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 114. William Albert Simkins
                    b: 2 Jul 1861, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 11 Apr 1952, Springfield, Greene, Missouri, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 115. Frank Ralston Simkins
                    b: 29 Apr 1867, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 20 Apr 1930, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 116. Mary Ethel Simkins
                    b: 12 Nov 1870, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 3 Jun 1897, Pennington, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 117. Guy Eakins Simkins
                    b: 6 Apr 1873, Illinois, United States
                    d: 22 Feb 1931, Rapid City, Pennington, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 118. Paul Clifton Simkins
                    b: 20 Mar 1876, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 1943


. . . . . 12. Matilda Ralston
          b: 2 Aug 1840, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 8 Sep 1900, Grundy, Iowa, United States


. . . . . 13. John Nelson Ralston
          b: 5 Dec 1842, Slate Lick, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 23 Mar 1863, Gallatin, Sumner, Tennessee, United States


. . . . . 14. James McCormick Ralston
          b: 24 Apr 1845, Slate Lick, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 30 Dec 1931, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . +Rebecca Kennedy
          b: 29 Jul 1845, Rush, Indiana, United States
          m: 4 Nov 1868, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 10 Mar 1886, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 141. Inez May Ralston
                    b: 4 Oct 1869, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 10 Mar 1893, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 142. Emma Ralston
                    b: 2 Jun 1872, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 15 Feb 1911, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 143. Minnie Ralston
                    b: May 1874, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 1956, Calhoun, Mississippi, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 144. Orren Ralston
                    b: 14 May 1876, Iowa, United States
                    d: 13 Jun 1918, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 145. Mark Elwood Ralston
                    b: 16 Feb 1878, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 25 Sep 1971, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 146. Raymond Bertrum Ralston
                    b: 5 Dec 1880, Iowa, United States
                    d: 9 Jun 1952, Eagle Grove, Wright, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 147. Fern Ralston
                    b: 4 Feb 1883, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 16 Oct 1894, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . +Susan Elizabeth Grant
          b: 11 Jun 1859, Carroll, Illinois, United States
          m: 5 Apr 1887
          d: 15 May 1920, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 148. Glen A. Ralston
                    b: 26 Jun 1888, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 27 May 1946, Marshalltown, Marshall, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 149. Frank J. Ralston
                    b: 4 May 1890, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 18 Mar 1957, Minnehaha, South Dakota, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14A. Iva Ralston
                    b: 21 Aug 1892, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 14 Dec 1962, Hardin, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14B. Ralston
                    b: 18 Aug 1894, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 21 Aug 1894, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14C. Harold Grant Ralston
                    b: 7 Sep 1895, Iowa, United States
                    d: 21 Jan 1961, Walla Walla, Washington, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 14D. Clayton Gordon Ralston
                    b: 30 Aug 1897, Iowa, United States
                    d: 17 Mar 1965, Virginia Beach City, Virginia, United States


. . . . . 15. David Franklin Ralston
          b: 3 May 1847, Slate Lick, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 19 Jun 1928, Viola, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . +Frances Emily Gifford
          b: 14 Nov 1847, Oswego, New York
          m: 28 Nov 1868, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
          d: 4 May 1886, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 151. Lillian D Ralston
                    b: 28 Sep 1860, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 3 May 1874, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 152. Lee Ward Ralston
                    b: 22 Aug 1869, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 9 Apr 1959, Rosemead, Los Angeles, California
. . . . . . . . . . 153. Roy Sidney Ralston
                    b: 3 Aug 1872, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 2 Oct 1932, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 154. Ralph M Ralston
                    b: 18 May 1875, Illinois, United States
                    d: 4 Apr 1956, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 155. Winfred Nelson Ralston
                    b: 10 Feb 1882, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 12 Jan 1946, Rock Island, Illinois, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 156. Isola Frances Ralston
                    b: 18 Mar 1886, New Windsor, Mercer, Illinois, United States
                    d: 17 Aug 1970, Moline, Rock Island, Illinois, United States


. . . . . +Elizabeth V Gifford
          b: 16 Mar 1853, Lansing, Ingham, Michigan, United States
          m: 6 Apr 1889, Illinois, United States
          d: 29 Jun 1943, Rock Island, Rock Island, Illinois, United States
. . . . . 16. Sarah Ellen Ralston
          b: 11 May 1849, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 18 Oct 1892, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . +Richmond Fisk Hammond
          b: 20 Nov 1840, Licking, Ohio, United States
          m: 1 Jan 1867, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
          d: 8 Apr 1928, Sawtelle, Los Angeles, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 161. William R. R. Hammond
                    b: 1 Jan 1864
. . . . . . . . . . 162. Homer L. Hammond
                    b: 25 Jul 1865
. . . . . . . . . . 163. Judson F. E. Hammond
                    b: 15 Apr 1866
. . . . . . . . . . 164. Estella Mabel Hammond
                    b: 6 Feb 1868, Illinois, United States
                    d: 20 Dec 1949, Sapulpa, Creek, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 165. Forest Clinton Hammond
                    b: 28 Nov 1868, Illinois, United States
                    d: 28 Oct 1905, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 166. Nellie Elida Hammond
                    b: 23 Nov 1871, Illinois, United States
                    d: 11 Aug 1956, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 167. Josie Winifred Hammond
                    b: 9 Feb 1874, Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States
                    d: 27 Sep 1954, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 168. Glenn M Hammond
                    b: 4 Sep 1877
                    d: 11 Feb 1878
. . . . . . . . . . 169. Clyde Nelson Hammond
                    b: 11 Jun 1879, Union, Hardin, Iowa, United States
                    d: 4 Dec 1960, Fort Dodge, Ford, Kansas, United States


. . . . . 17. Ellis Simpkins Ralston
          b: 5 Nov 1851, North Buffalo Township, Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 4 Aug 1915, Dewey, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . +Taxena Elizabeth Cowell
          b: 16 May 1854, Brown, Ohio, United States
          m: 11 Mar 1876, Grundy, Iowa, United States
          d: 14 Sep 1925, Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 171. Clara Ralston
                    b: 5 May 1877, Iowa, United States
                    d: 12 Mar 1903, Coconino, Arizona, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 172. Arthur Allen Ralston
                    b: 5 Aug 1878, Felix Township, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 18 Oct 1961, Wichita, Sedgwick, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 173. Roland William Ralston
                    b: 18 Apr 1880, Iowa, United States
                    d: 19 Jan 1944, Los Angeles, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 174. Eva Grace Ralston
                    b: 10 Feb 1882, Iowa, United States
                    d: 6 Dec 1952, La Junta, Otero, Colorado, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 175. Matilda E Ralston
                    b: 11 Dec 1884, Nebraska, United States
                    d: 1 Feb 1917, Dewey, Oklahoma, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 176. Nananette Ralston
                    b: 16 Sep 1887, Nebraska, United States
                    d: 25 Jan 1967, Orange, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 177. Vera A Ralston
                    b: 19 Dec 1891, Kansas, United States
                    d: 27 Dec 1981, Orange, California, United States


. . . . . 18. Margaret Ralston
          b: 16 Apr 1854, Pennsylvania, United States
          d: 17 Mar 1916, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . +Deleven Barnes
          b: 24 Jul 1850
          d: 6 Oct 1940, Cedar Falls, Black Hawk, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 181. Mabel Barnes
                    b: 1879, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 13 Aug 1879, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 182. Mary Jane “Mayme” Barnes
                    b: 10 Jun 1880, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 1971, Grundy, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 183. George Stephen Barnes
                    b: 17 Aug 1881, Grundy Center, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 20 May 1953, San Bernardino, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 184. Henry Martin Barnes
                    b: 20 Feb 1883, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 3 May 1962
. . . . . . . . . . 185. John Ellis Ransom Barnes
                    b: 10 Feb 1887, Iowa, United States
                    d: 5 Apr 1961, Binghamton, Broome, New York, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 186. Lloyd William Barnes
                    b: 20 Oct 1888, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 14 Dec 1941, Phillips, Price, Wisconsin
. . . . . . . . . . 187. Jessie Sybil Barnes
                    b: 27 Nov 1890, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 28 Apr 1978, Linn, Iowa, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 188. Hazel Estelle Barnes
                    b: 19 Dec 1891, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 25 Feb 1947
. . . . . . . . . . 189. Stanley Stowe Barnes
                    b: 4 Feb 1898, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 28 Sep 1965, Marinette, Wisconsin


. . . . . 19. Alicia Melinda Ralston
          b: 23 Dec 1857, Conrad, Grundy, Iowa, United States
          d: 4 Jan 1935, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . +William Lighter
          b: 8 Oct 1855, Mount Carroll, Carroll, Illinois, United States
          m: 18 Nov 1880, Grundy, Iowa, United States
          d: 13 Feb 1939, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 191. Roy Bertram Lighter
                    b: 19 Aug 1881, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 20 Dec 1918, Grand Junction, Mesa, Colorado, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 192. Philip J. Lighter
                    b: 18 Sep 1883, Grundy, Iowa, United States
                    d: 16 Jun 1968, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 193. William Earl Lighter
                    b: 22 Jan 1886, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 9 Nov 1934, Halstead, Harvey, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 194. Sarah Jane Lighter
                    b: 25 Aug 1887, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 3 May 1975, Johnson, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 195. Curt Nelson Lighter
                    b: 10 Mar 1890, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 4 Nov 1975, Costa Mesa, Orange, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 196. Ray Kenneth Lighter
                    b: 14 Jan 1892, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 5 Dec 1959, Chico, Butte, California, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 197. Ruth Elva Lighter
                    b: 4 Jan 1894, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 3 Feb 1900, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 198. John Ralston Lighter
                    b: 5 Aug 1897, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 8 Feb 1954, Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 199. Fredrick Ellis Lighter
                    b: 25 Apr 1899, Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 23 Jan 1974, Pratt, Pratt, Kansas, United States
. . . . . . . . . . 19A. Grace Alice Lighter
                    b: 8 Jan 1901, Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States
                    d: 29 May 1985, Shawnee, Johnson, Kansas, United States

Gold Star Mother

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Have you encountered a ‘Gold Star Mother’ in your genealogy research. Even though I’ve researched women who lost sons in battle I’ve come across my first mention of a ‘Gold Star Mother’ in an obituary.

Blanche Eva Lighter
The Rev. Lee Webb, pastor of the Grace Baptist Church, will officiate at funeral services to be conducted in the chapel of the Brusie Funeral Home Saturday at 2 p.m. for Mrs. Blanche Eva Lighter, who died at her home on Tuesday morning.
Memorial services, under the auspices of the Chico Chapter of the Gold Star Mothers, will be conducted in the chapel of the Brusie Funeral Home Friday at 7 p.m.
Interment will take place in Pine Creek Cemetery by the side of her late husband, Ray Lighter.


“Blance Eva Lighter,” The Chico Enterprise-Record (Chico, California), 8 November 1962, page 3; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 May 2021).

For Eva Lighter to be a Gold Star Mother, one of her children had to have died while serving in the military. 1930 census records for the family indicated that Eva and her husband, Ray, had three sons: Howard, Bruce and Aaron.

1930 U.S. Census, Orange County, California, population schedule, Newport Beach Township, Orange County, California, ED 30-51, Sheet 12A Image 23 of 61, family 334, Ray Lighter; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : viewed online 27 May 2021); NARA microfilm publication T626.

Since I have death dates after 1980 for Howard Lighter and Bruce Lighter, that left Aaron Lighter as the possible person who died while serving our country. A quick search of Find a Grave, shows two records for Aaron Ralston Lighter.

The entry for Pine Creek cemetery includes a picture of a tombstone for Aaron Lighter.

While the entry for the manila American Cemetery and Memorial has links to his parents and a brother.

Knowing that Aaron Lighter was killed in action in1945, a search of newspapers for more details about his death turned up several articles. An article in the Chico Record indicates that Aaron Lighter died when the ship he was on was struck by a suicide Japanese bomber.

Aaron Ralston Lighter Killed in Mindoro Explosion Navy Says
Aaron Ralston Lighter, of Chico, seaman first class of the U.S. Naval Reserve, lost his life in January of this year during a suicide attack on his ship, the U.S.S. Lewis L. Dycke, by a Japanese plane, a navy department message to his mother revealed yesterday.
The Lewis L. Dycke was anchored in Mindoro Harbor of the Philippines, on January 4, when the attack occurred, the communication revealed.
The ship, cargoed with bombs and fuses, exploded in a manner “so violent that it caused the ship to disintegrate completely,” H. B. Atkinson, commander, USNR, wrote to Mrs. Ray Lighter of Route 2, Box 235A, here.
The ship sane immediately, and left no trace of survivors, according to the communication.

“Aaron Ralston Lighter Killed in Mindoro Explosion Navy Says,” Chico Record (Chico, California), 8 December 1945, page 8; digital image, Newspapers.com (www.newspapers.com : viewed online 27 May 2021).

The story of the U.S.S. Lewis L. Dyche can be found on Wikipedia.

Thus, the death of Aaron Ralston Lighter aboard the U.S.S. Lewis L. Dyche in Mindora Bay made his mother, Eva Northern Lighter a Gold Star Mother.

Crossing Paths

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As you are researching your ancestors do you ever find a family living in the same county as ancestors or cousins from a totally different branch of your tree? That’s been my experience recently.

I’ve been researching three generations of descendants of James Barr Ralston recently. As I’ve been working my way thru his children and their families, I have encountered quite a few of them with ties to Black Hawk County, Iowa. Black Hawk County, Iowa is where my ancestor, Julia Harding was married to Albert Hutchinson. My Ralston line is on my dad’s dad’s side of my tree. My Hutchinson/Harding branch is on my dad’s mom’s side of the tree. These two lines do not connect in my tree until my grandparents marry in Dodge City, Kansas.

Curious as to who all was in Black Hawk county at some time, I decided to create a ‘Who Was There’ report. Since this report takes a while to generate, I created a ‘Marked Group’ for anyone with a fact place containing Black Hawk, Iowa.

With the marked group created, I can now generate a ‘Who Was There’ report limited to the people in this marked group.

Not only does this create a nice report of everyone with a fact placing them in Black Hawk County Iowa between 1850 and 1940, but it keeps the color coding. The color coding is a visual clue to the fact that different branches of my tree were in Black Hawk County.

This report confirms what I was seeing while researching the descendants of James Barr Ralston. The color coding makes it easy to spot the various family lines.

NOTE: The above report may not contain everyone who should be on it. I recently discovered that if I don’t have a birth and death date for an individual, then they will not be included on this report.

Digging Deeper

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Have you ever seen an obituary clipping without a source? I know I have quite a few clippings that my grandmothers saved from local papers. Most of those clippings do not have anything on them to identify the source. Recently, I encountered a similar situation when working Ancestry hints for Emma Ralston Bockes. Someone had shared an image of an obituary that was originally shared by a different Ancestry user.

Since I was hoping to find the source to go with the image, I searched Ancestry for the original poster. Unfortunately, I didin’t find any source information with the image he shared. Nor, did I find a source listed on his tree for hte obiturary.

Since the image appeared to be from a digital copy of the newspaper, I started searching my ‘go-to’ newspaper sources: Newspapers.com and Genealogy Bank. And, my search turned up nothing.

My next step was to search Kenneth Marks’ resource, Ancestor Hunt. On this site, he identifies many, many newspapers that have been digitized with links to their source. On his list of Iowa Online Historical Newspapers, I hit the jackpot! The King Memorial Library had digitized many of the Grundy County, Iowa newspapers. thru Advantage Archives.

I did a quick search for the surname and then narrowed the results down to 1911, the year of her death.

And I found the obituary!

Death Angel Calls Two
Both Were Old Settlers
Arscott Thomas and Mrs. Jerry Bockes
Called by Death — Were Widely
Known and Universally
Respected

The sad and sudden death of Mrs. Jerry Bockes Wednesday morning, February 15, was a shock to the entire community. She had been in ordinary health up to Tuesday eening, had eaten a hearty supper and was about to retire for the night when she was suddenly attached with uterine hemorrhage Medical aid was immediately summoned, and owing to the severity of the case a second doctor was soon called and all night worked oer the patient in a vain endeavor to sustain life About three o’clock in the morning she said she was so tired and wanted only to rest, and soon after fell into a queit sleep and appeared to be resting natural But so great had been the drain upon the systemt hat all efforts so supply by means of stimulants and retsoratives were unavailing and by five o’clock every ray of life had fled.
Emma Ralston was born in Grudy county June 2, 1872 when 16 years of age she was converted and united with the Church of God and Alice, and has ever since maintained a deep interest in God’s cause and lived a faithful Christian life.
She was married to Jerry Bockes March 27, 1890. To this union were born eight children all of whom survive the mother and are still within the parental home to the husband the departed has been a faithful companion, bearing her full share of he care and burdens of the home, always listening to the details of his inteest with a marked degree of sympathy and love The children have lost a friend who possessed all the endearing qualities of a fond and patient mother, ever mindful of the care and comfort of her loved ones
The church and community have lost a consistent, faithful Christian and kind and helpful neighbor,she being one ever ready to give her time and talent with more than ordinary ability and tact — hom edutites first considered — to the help of neighbors and the interests of the church.
Husband and children may and will have, many more friends, but do not look for one like you have just lost, and in the moments, yes hours, of meditation and sorrow, may the thoughts of her dear life, the long days of patient toil, the many nights she was watched wearily over the little forms with silent, earnest prayers for your safety — may it influence your dear lives and lead you to exemplify the life of mother
The funeral services were held at the Alice church Friday, February 17, at 10 o’clock a.m. conducted by rev. E. E. Heltibridle, six brothers of the departed acting as pallbearers Besides husband and children,deceased is survived by a father and step-mother, three brothers, one sister one half-brother and four half-brothers. Her mother died when deceased was yet a little girl.

“Death Angel Calls two,” The Grundy Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 23 February 1911, page 1; digital image, Grundy Center Advantage Archives (http://grundycenter.advantage-preservation.com/ : viewed online 18 April 2021).

So, I was reminded of several ‘lessons’ that I’ve learned over the past few years.

  • Kenneth Mark’s Ancestor Hunt site contains a wealth of information regarding digitized newspapers!
  • Many public libraries are paying to have their newspaper collection digitized on Advantage Archives.
  • These library collections are their own unique ‘community history archive’. Thus, tools such as Ancestor Hunt make it easier to find these collections.

Thus, it is possible to locate at least some of those clippings if one is willing to dig a little deeper.

Mothers in My Tree

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#52Ancestors #MothersDay

(Maiden names are being used)

(3) My Mom

  • Four children
  • 1 died infancy

(5) Winnie Letha Currey

  • Three children
  • 1 died in infancy
  • 1 died as a young adult prior to marriage

(7) Pauline Mentzer

  • Five children
  • 1 died around 9 months

(9) Josie Winifred Hammond

  • Seven children
  • 3 boys and 4 girls

(11) Winnie Mae Hutchinson

  • Nine children
  • one baby only lived a month
  • a second baby lived about 5 months
  • son, Henry Currey, died at age 13
  • Winnie died in 1913, leaving Herbert 18, Myrtle 14, Mary 12, Winnie 10, Earnest 7, and Alma 1 1/2
  • Total of 5 boys, 4 girls with 2 boys and 4 girls in 1913 when their mother died

(13) Frances Artlissa “Artie” Ricketts

  • Four children
  • 2 boys and 2 girls

(15) Nettie Adell Wells

  • Five children
  • 3 boys and 2 girls

(17) Mary Foster

  • Five children
  • 2 boys and 3 girls

(19) Sarah Ellen Ralston

  • Hammond Genealogy say 9 children
  • No documentation of first three children: William R. R. Hammond b 1864 and Homer L. Hammond b 1865 and Judson F. E. Hammond b 1866 found at this time
  • First three children have birth dates prior to her marriage
  • A fourth child, Glenn M. Hammond, is listed in the Hammond Genealogy. This child only lived one year. No other documentation found to date
  • Five documented children
  • 2 boys and 3 girls

(21) Angelina Jane Burke

  • Ten children
  • 6 boys and 4 girls

(23) Julia Harding

  • Eleven Children
  • Death dates currently unknown on 4 of the children: Frederick b1867, Cary b1869, Francesca b1879 and Elvira b 1884
  • 7 boys and 4 girls with 4 boys and 3 girls reaching adulthood

(25) Sarah Jane Thompson

  • Two children
  • 1 boy and 1 girl

(27) Rachel Elmeda Christy

  • Eight children
  • Set of twins did not survive. One died when almost one month old and the other died when a little over 3 months old.
  • 2 boys and 6 girls with 2 boys and 4 girls surviving to adulthood

(29) Emeline Minnick

  • Eight children
  • 6 boys and 2 girls

(31) Salome Adell Crandall

  • Four children
  • A boy, Freddie, lived about 7 years
  • A girl, Mary, lived about 9 months
  • Two girls survived to adulthood and married brothers

My Ahnentafel

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It’s almost the new year and time again for resolutions. Perhaps you’ve attempted Thomas MacEntee’s Genealogy Do-Over or Amy Johnson Crowe’s ’52 Ancestors’ blog prompts or for the super ambitious, the Genealogy Photo a Day challenge? In the past 5 years, I believe I have started all of these — but finished none.

Randy Seaver’s recent blog post, Dear Randy, How Do You Make that Descendant List in Your ’52 Ancestors’ Posts?, prompted me to review my blogging to see how far I got with blogging about my ancestors.

To start, I used RootsMagic to create an Ahnentafel chart showing my ancestors. Then I searched my blog to see what I have written about those ancestors.

I’m happy to admit that I have successfully blogged about my 3rd and 4th generation ancestors. However, this review also shows that I wasn’t successful with my 5th generation, all of whom I have already researched.

Generation 3

4. Leon Russel Crawford: born 6 Feb 1894 in Newton, Harvey, Kansas, United States; married 24 Dec 1919 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States; died 3 Oct 1976 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.

Blogs:

5. Winnie Letha Currey: born 30 Jun 1903 in Lansing, Leavenworth, Kansas, United States; died 11 Feb 1992 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

6. Edward Osmond Briles: born 21 Jun 1891 in Burlington, Coffey, Kansas, United States; married 29 Oct 1915 in Yates Center, Woodson, Kansas, United States; died 28 May 1956 in Emporia, Lyon, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

7. Pauline Edith Mentzer: born 28 Mar 1896 in Woodson, Kansas, United States; died 16 Jul 1984 in Emporia, Lyon, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

Generation 4

8. Judson Foster Crawford: born 15 Apr 1866 in Warren, Indiana, United States; married 24 Dec 1890 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States; died 19 Feb 1949 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

9. Josie Winifred Hammond: born 9 Feb 1874 in Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States; died 27 Sep 1954 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

10. Hiram Miles Currey: born 23 Oct 1866 in Missouri, United States; married 13 May 1891 in Kansas City, Jackson, Missouri, United States; died 15 Sep 1943 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

11. Winnie Mae Hutchinson: born 6 May 1871 in Osage, Mitchell, Iowa, United States; died 23 Sep 1913 in Olathe, Johnson, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

12. Edward Grant Briles: born 18 Jul 1869 in Coffey, Kansas, United States; married 19 Feb 1890 in Woodson, Kansas, United States; died 23 Jul 1951 in Emporia, Lyon, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

13. Frances Artlissa “Artie” Ricketts: born 7 Apr 1868 in Clinton, Indiana, United States; died 28 Apr 1947 in Yates Center, Woodson, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

14. Charles Oliver Mentzer: born 1 Jul 1869 in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois, United States; married 18 Oct 1893 in Yates Center, Woodson, Kansas, United States; died 15 Aug 1955 in Emporia, Lyon, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

15. Nettie Adell Wells: born 5 Feb 1873 in Woodson, Kansas, United States; died 9 Feb 1939 in Neosho Falls, Woodson, Kansas, United States.

                Blogs

Generation 5

16. Washington Marion Crawford: born 21 Apr 1838 in Warren, Indiana, United States; married 4 Mar 1860 in West Lebanon, Warren, Indiana, United States; died 23 Aug 1889 in Ford, Ford, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

17. Mary Foster: born 28 Aug 1842 in West Lebanon, Warren, Indiana, United States; died 21 Jan 1929 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

18. Richmond Fisk Hammond: born 20 Nov 1840 in Licking, Ohio, United States; married 1 Jan 1867 in Knoxville, Knox, Illinois, United States; died 8 Apr 1928 in Sawtelle, Los Angeles, California, United States.

Blogs

19. Sarah Ellen Ralston: born 11 May 1849 in Armstrong, Pennsylvania, United States; died 18 Oct 1892 in Dodge City, Ford, Kansas, United States.

20. Hiram M. Currey: born 13 Aug 1835 in Peoria, Peoria, Illinois, United States; married 3 Aug 1856 in Weston, Platte, Missouri, United States; died 2 Mar 1901 in Lansing, Leavenworth, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

21. Angelina Jane Burke: born 30 Oct 1836 in Kentucky, United States; died 26 Mar 1901 in Lansing, Leavenworth, Kansas, United States.

22. Albert Hutchinson: born abt 1838 in Northhampton, Fulton County, New York; married 14 Sep 1859 in Black Hawk, Iowa, United States; died 22 Jul 1896 in Doniphan, Doniphan, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

23. Julia Harding: born 1840 in New Brunswick, Canada; died 4 Jan 1892 in Doniphan, Doniphan, Kansas, United States.

24. Noah Washington Briles: born 1840 in Randolph County, North Carolina; married 9 Aug 1866 in Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa, United States; died 14 Jul 1879 in Coffey, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

25. Sarah Jane Thompson: born 7 Aug 1843 in Warrick, Indiana, United States; died 17 Aug 1930 in Neosho Township, Coffey, Kansas, United States.

26. James Marshall Ricketts: born 28 Nov 1847 in Clinton, Indiana, United States; married 12 Jul 1866 in Frankfort, Clinton, Indiana, United States; died 28 Nov 1920 in Liberty Township, Woodson, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

27. Rachel Elmeda Christy: born 28 Apr 1845 in Clinton, Indiana, United States; died 27 Jan 1927 in Iola, Allen, Kansas, United States.

28. George Mentzer: born 12 Jun 1838 in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States; married 1 Jan 1868 in Kewanee, Henry, Illinois, United States; died 19 Jan 1912 in Yates Center, Woodson, Kansas, United States.

Blogs

29. Emeline Minnick: born 6 Aug 1848 in Pittsburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania; died 13 Sep 1927 in Woodson, Kansas, United States.

30. Thurston Kennedy Wells: born 26 Feb 1821 in Sullivan, Madison, New York, United States; married 20 Mar 1861 in Van Buren, Iowa, United States; died 3 Jun 1893 in Woodson, Kansas, United States.

31. Salome Adell Crandall: born 24 Jun 1836 in Ohio, United States; died 30 Aug 1893 in Woodson, Kansas, United States.

In my defense, I have a LOT of blog posts about my research of the various Crawford families in early Lincoln, Madison and Garrard counties, Kentucky. However, I haven’t done as well with my own ancestors. I guess one of my goals for 2021 should be to create blog posts for each of these 5th generation ancestors. Hopefully, that is one goal that I can accomplish!

Celebrating 50 years

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Do you enjoy some of the online genealogy prompts to look at your data from a different viewpoint?

I know I do. Two of my currents sources for blogging prompts are Amy Johnson Crowe’s #52ancestors and Randy Seaver’s #SaturdayNightGenealogyFun.

As I was working on a blog post about love, I found I have several of my ancestors who celebrated 50 years of marriage. Thus, I thought it would be fun to suggest a ‘Saturday Night Genealogy Fun’ challenge:

1) How many of your ancestors were married for FIFTY years?
2) What is the longest marriage in your tree?

I’m approaching my 45th wedding anniversary and my parents were married for over fifty years.

Grandparents:

  • Leon Crawford and Winnie Currey — married Dec 1919; They were married 56 years before Leon passed away in Oct. 1976.
  • Edward Osmond Briles and Pauline Mentzer were married Oct 1915. They were married 40 years when Edward passed away. Pauline never remarried.

Great Grandparents

  • Judson Crawford and Josie Hammond were married Dec 1890. They were married 58 years when Judson passed away.
  • Hiram Currey and Winnie Hutchinson were married 22 years when Winnie passed away. Hiram never remarried
  • Edward Grant Briles and Frances Artlissa “Artie” Rickeets were married in Feb 1890. They were married 57 years when Artie passed away.
  • Charles Mentzer and Nettie Wells were married in Oct 1893. They were married 46 years when Nettie passed away.

2nd Great Grandparents

  • Washington Marion Crawford and Mary Foster were married in March 1860. They were married 29 years when Washington Crawford passed away. Mary Crawford never remarried.
  • Richmond Fisk Hammond and Sarah Ellen Ralston were married in Jan 1867. They were married 25 years when Sarah passed away. Richmond married Mary McClure in 1897. In 1906, Richmond married Mary Reynolds.
  • Hiram M Currey and Angelina Jane Burke were married in 1856. They were married 44 years when both Hiram and Angelina passed away.
  • Albert Hutchinson and Julia Harding were married in 1859. They were married 33 years when Julia passed away in 1892. Albert passed away in 1896.
  • Noah Briles and Sarah Thompson were married in August 1866. They were married 13 years when Noah passed away. Sarah married J. D. Davis but later divorced him.
  • James Marshall Ricketts and Rachel Christy were married Jul 1866. They were married 54 years before James passed away in 1920. Rachel passed away 7 years later.
  • George Mentzer and Emeline Minnick were married in 1867. They were married 45 years when George passed away in 1912. Emeline never remarried.
  • Thurston Kennedy Wells and Salme Adell Crandall were married in May 1861. They were married 35 years when they both passed away. This was Thurston’s second marriage after the death of his first wife, Sarah Hall.

3rd Great Grandparents

  • Nelson G. Crawford and Martha Smith were married in 1833. They were almost married 32 years when Nelson passed away. Martha never remarried.
  • Zebulon Foster and Caroline Ostrander were married in 1833. There were married 38 years when Caroline passed away. Zebulon then married Juliet Fleming.
  • Horatio Hammond and Louisa Fisk were married in 1825. They were married 49 years when Louisa passed away in 1874. Horatio died in 1879.
  • James Barr Ralston and Nancy Jane McCormick were married in 1836. They were married 68 years when James passed away in 1904. Nancy died three years later.
  • Hiram M. Currey married Rachel Harris in 1824. Death dates are unknown since records cannot be found for 1850 or later.
  • Henry F Burke married Elizabeth Bland in 1835. They were married 10 years when Henry passed away. Angelina may have remarried but documentation has not been found.
  • William G Harding and Elizabeth Fowler were married in 1830. They were married 16 years when Elizabeth passed away. William then married Eliza Henderson.
  • Alexander Briles married Sarah Rush in 1836. They were married 36 years when Sarah passed away. Alexander then married Elizabeth Ellsworth.
  • William Taylor Thompson and Polly Ann Evans were married in 1842. They were married 46 years when Polly passed away in 1896. William died in 1898.
  • John Lewis Ricketts and Orilda Reed were married in 1846. They were married 42 years when John passed away in 1888. Orilda died in 1900.
  • Samuel Christy and Lyda Gallimore were married in 1842. They were married 22 years when Lyda passed away. Samuel then married Mariah Burk and Mary Susan Amos.
  • Phillip Andrew Mentzer and Orinda Miles were married in 1816. They were married 29 years when Phillip passed away.
  • John Minnick and Elizabeth Mary Jones were married before 1850. They would have been married at least 16 years when Elizabeth passed away. John then married Phebe Tripp in 1870.
  • Ozias Wells and Mary Keneedy were married in 1818. They were married 14 years when Ozias passed away.
  • A marriage date for Lewis Crandall and Almira Nafus is unknown at this time. Almira passed away prior to 1846 when Lewis Crandall married Anna Tuttle.

Counting my parents, I have SIX sets of ancestors married for 50 years. The longest marriage in my tree was for James Barr Ralston and Nancy Jane McCormick.