Asa Dillon household, 1940, Black Hawk County, Iowa

Located the 1940 census record of the Asa Dillon household in Black Hawk County, Iowa. Asa's wife Alletta was my maternal 3rd cousin 4 times removed.  Our common ancestors were Francis Smalley & Sarah Hutchinson.  Alletta was the daughter of Oliver Amburn and Ella Annette Smalley.

1940 U.S. census, Black Hawk County, Iowa, population schedule, Cedar Falls, enumeration district (ED) 7-11, SD 3, sheet 5A, 1021 Fremont Street, household 103, ; digital images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 25 December 2016); National Archives, Washington, D.C..

At the time of the enumeration, Asa and his wife were living in Cedar Falls.  Asa owned the home and it was valued at $500.  Asa was 67 years old and born in Iowa.  His wife, Alletta, was 57 years old and also born in Iowa.  In 1935, they were living in the same place.

The record shows that Asa and Alletta had both completed the 8th grade in education.  Asa's occupation was listed as a retired farmer, and no occupation was listed for Alletta.

According to my database, Asa and Alletta had at least three children: Byron, Loren and Emma, though they were not living with them at the time of the 1940 census.

If you have any additional information or are connected to this family, I'd love to hear from you.

Mom's DAR Process - Francis Smalley - Documenting Generation 3

What follows is the documentation that was collected and submitted with mom's application to the DAR through Patriot ancestor Francis Smalley for Generation 3 of her application.

Previously, I had posted about the steps in documenting Generations 1 & 2.

For this generation, the death certificate of Virgil Lee Wright, the birth certificate of Edna Muriel Pierce, the death certificate of Edna Muriel Wright and their marriage application was used as source information.

The death certificate for Virgil Lee Wright was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department as certificate no 1972-C068.  The certificate stated his date of death was March 25, 1972 at Bradford N.H. (Alex) - this was the Bradford Nursing home in Alexandria.  His primary cause of death was listed as hypostatic pneumonia with myocardial infarction and arteriosclerosis - diabetes as contributing factors.  The death certificate states that his place of burial was Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana.

Virgil Lee Wright, death certificate no. 1972-C068 (1972), Madison County Health Department, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

The birth certificate for Edna Muriel Pierce was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department as Certificate 97-H664 in Book H-1 page 38, filed on 2/16/1897.  The certificate states she was born February 16, 1897 in Orestes, Indiana, the daughter of William F. Pierce & unknown Penisten.  Both of her parents were listed as born in Indiana.  Previously, I had listed her as being born in Alexandria, as her obituary had stated she was born in Alexandria.

Edna Muriel Pierce, birth certificate 97-H664, Book H-1, page 38 (1897), Madison County, Indiana Health Department, Anderson, Indiana.

The death certificate for Edna Muriel Wright was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department as certificate 1968-0165.  The certificate stated she died March 3, 1968 at Community Hospital, which was in Anderson, Indiana.  Her primary cause of death was listed as pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure.  The death certificate states that her place of burial was Parkview Cemetery in Alexandria, Indiana.

Edna Muriel Wright, death certificate no. 1968-0165 (1968), Madison County Health Department, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

The marriage license for Virgil and Edna was filed in Madison County, Indiana Clerk's Office Book 20, page 187 (1915). Virgil was a farmer and Edna was a doing house work.  Virgil's residence was rural route 20, Alexandria and Edna's was rural route 19.  Virgil's birth date was listed as July 6, 1894 in Madison County and Edna's as February 16, 1897 in Madison County.  Edna's parents were listed as William Pierce, a farmer, and Clara Pennisten, both were born in Madison County, Indiana.  Her father's residence was listed as Alexandria, Indiana; her mother's was blank (she was deceased).  Virgil's parents were listed as John W. Wright, a farmer, and Ellen King.  His father's residence was listed as Alexandria, Indiana; his mother was listed as deceased.  Note that Virgil's mother was listed as deceased, though Edna's had a line through the residence - both mother's were deceased.  This was the first marriage for both of them.  Virgil's father's consent was attached to the application, as he was under 21. The marriage was performed the day the license was issued, June 19, 1915, by Rev. Newton Wilson of Alexandria, Indiana.

Virgil L Wright and Edna M. Pierce marriage, (1915), Madison County Marriage Book 28: page 187; Clerk's Office, Anderson, Indiana.

A birth certificate was not available for Virgil, though one was available for his wife.  Indiana did not require birth certificates until 1907, so filing was rather optional before this time.  When mom was first meeting with the local chapter, it was thought this might be a stumbling block, and they suggested she send off to the state for the long-form death certificate.  In the end, they were able to use the date of birth for Virgil from his marriage license.

If you have any additional information or are connected to these families in any way, I would love to hear from you.

Mom's DAR Process - Francis Smalley - Documenting Generations 1 & 2

It's been a little over a month since mom submitted her application to the National Society for membership through our ancestor, Francis Smalley.  Hopefully the line will be approved.  She was helped by the ladies of the Kikthawenund Chapter and enjoyed going with me to the courthouses and cemeteries.  Thought I would share some of the information we discovered throughout this process.

I had created a Dropbox folder so that mom and the DAR ladies could access the information from any location.  This also helped me to keep my files better organized and pointed out where I needed to obtain more information.  Each generation was placed in a folder working forward from mom to Francis Smalley.  I liked this method so well that I intend to use this for future lines and with applications to other societies.

For the first generation, the birth certificate of mom and dad, as well as their marriage certificate was used.  The marriage certificate she submitted was one that was signed by the witnesses as well as the minister.


The birth certificate for mom was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department as Certificate 46-E562, Book ICH15 Page 13.  No real surprises here.  Her parents were listed, but their places of birth were not given.  Before this process began, I did not have her actual birth certificate listed as a source in my database.

The birth certificate for dad was issued not by the county, which I expected, but by the city of Portland, Indiana.  The record was filed in Book 6 page 90.  It states that dad was the fourth child of his parents.  Before this process began, I did not have his actual birth certificate listed as a source in my database.

For the second generation, that of my grandparents, the birth and death certificate of William Lee Wright, the birth certificate of Bonnie May Lambertson and the death certificate of Bonnie Mae Wright and their marriage license were used as source information.

The birth certificate for William Lee Wright was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department in Book H-11, page 91.  The certificate stated that he was born in Monroe Township [misspelled on certificate] and that both of his parents were born in Indiana.

William Lee Wright, birth certificate no. Book H-11, page 91 (1919), Madison County Health Department, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

The birth certificate for Bonnie May Lambertson was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department in Book ICH9, page 64 # 315.  The certificate stated that she was born in the City of Elwood and that both of her parents were born in Indiana.  Her middle name was given as "May" on her birth certificate, though later in life she used the spelling "Mae" for her middle name.

Bonnie May Lambertson, birth certificate no. Book ICH9, page 64 # 315 (1924), Madison County Indiana Health Department, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana, USA.

The marriage license for William and Bonnie was filed in Madison County, Indiana as license number 66/255.  At this time, Bonnie was using the spelling of her middle name as "Mae".  William was residing at Rural Route 2 Alexandria and working as a factory worker, Bonnie was living at Rural Route 3 Elwood and unemployed.

William Lee Wright - Bonnie Mae Lambertson, marriage license no. 66/255 (1941), Madison County Clerk's Office, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

The death certificate for William Lee Wright was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department in Book CH37 and filed 7/9/1973.  His date of death was July 9, 1973 at 12:44 a.m. at Community Hospital, Anderson, Indiana.  His age was 53.  The immediate cause was coronary occlusion and it was certified by Richard H. Shafer, MD of Alexandria, Indiana.  I have a vague memory of the night that he passed.

William Lee Wright, death certificate no. Book CH37 (1973), Madison County Health Department, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

The death certificate for Bonnie Mae Wright was issued by the Madison County, Indiana Health Department in Book H48, page 45 and filed April 10, 1984.  Her date of death was April 9, 1984 at 4:00 p.m. at R.R. # 4 Box 328.  Her age was 60.  The immediate cause was hypostatic punomia and myocardial weakness and it was certified by Richard H. Shafer, MD of Alexandria, Indiana.  I have many memories of grandma struggling with cancer and living with us before she passed.

Bonnie Mae Wright, death certificate no. Book H48, page 45 (1984), Madison County Board of Health, Anderson, Indiana, USA.

Working through this process has helped me to extract additional facts and information for my research.  Having the official documents to backup the facts was something that I should have done from the beginning of my research.  Working on these lineage society applications will be good for my overall research.

If you have any additional information or are connected to these families in any way, I would love to hear from you.

Smalley Lineage

While searching the book collection at FamilySearch, I came across the book "Our Smalley Lineage" by Viola Smalley Miller, which contains information regarding Francis Smalley, the Patriot ancestor which mom is using to apply for membership in the DAR.

Francis' Revolutionary War service was mentioned : "He was a soldier of the Revolution.  From the Vermont Revolutionary Rolls we learn that he was a member of Captain Bush's and Boardman's Co. in 1777, 'to assist the Shatford people in the retreat', a member of Captain Bush's Co. 'when the enemy came to Royalton' in 1780, of Captain Bush's Co. 'in guarding and scouting at Stratford at times of alarm at Newbury' in 1780; a member of Captain Joshua Hazen's Co. in 1781 and a member of Captain Timothy Brush's Co. 'at the time the enemy came to Peacham'.

The author, Viola Smalley Miller, was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  I have begun scouring through this work, adding bits of facts that I can use to update my database and verify through later research.

Descriptive Information

	Title	Our Smalley lineage
	Author	Miller, Viola Smalley
	Description	John Smalley (d. 1692) immigrated from England to Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1632, and married Ann Walden in 1638. They moved to Middlesex Co., New Jersey.
	Physical Description	145 p.
	Patron Usage Instructions	https://www.familysearch.org/terms
	Copyright Status/Owner	Refer to document for copyright information
	Access Rights	Public
	System Requirements	Internet Connectivity. Worldwide Web browser. Adobe Acrobat reader.
	Title Number	196765
	Date	2012-08
	Language	English; eng; en
	Subject	Smalley family; Livingston family; Page family;
	Collection	Family History Archive
	Filename	TN-196765.pdf
	Metadata Entry	codepending
	Publisher Digital is:	Genealogical Society of Utah d.b.a FamilySearch
	File Size is:	22025 KB
	Page Count is:	158
	Family History Call Number	929.273 Sm18a
	Owning Institution	Genealogical Society of Utah d.b.a FamilySearch; http://www.familysearch.org/

Mom's DAR Process - Picking an Ancestor

Met with mom on Monday to discuss the process for DAR membership and talked about which Patriot ancestor to choose from.  

Decided to use Francis Smalley-A105541 as the Patriot ancestor to start the process with for a number of reasons.  One reason is that his line comes through our Pierce line which should allow us to gather the necessary documentation.  Another reason is that Francis' father, Joseph Smalley and Francis' father-in-law Samuel Hutchinson Sr. are both recognized as Patriots by the DAR, so mom could later do supplemental applications for them.  Additionally, it is through the Smalley line that mom has a connection to the Mayflower and Stephen Hopkins, a future project.  So if we can get all of the documentation together on the descent from Francis Smalley we can take care of several things at once.

Mom filled out the contact form on the DAR main website and within a few hours was already contacted by the local chapter.  She has given the registrar a line of descent from Francis Smalley and hopes to meet with her next week for initial discussions on how the application process works.

In the meantime, I'm putting together a list of documents that I'm sure we will need and will work with mom on collecting the birth/death certificates, etc. 

If you have experience with this process and have any advice, I'd appreciate hearing it.

If you are related to any of the families on the line, I'd love to share information and update my database.

Our line of descent from the Patriot ancestor, Francis Smalley :

Francis Smalley & Sarah Hutchinson
Thirsa Smalley & Gurdon Pierce
Francis S. Pierce & Rebecca Page
Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke
William F. Pierce & Clara A. Penisten
Edna M. Pierce & Virgil L. Wright
William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson
mom

Mom's Patriot Ancestors

Another one of my genealogy goals for 2016 includes working towards documenting descent for admission into heredity societies.  For instance, mom had recently asked if it was possible to prove descent for her to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).  We have those patriot ancestors, but it will just be a matter of documentation.

In order to facilitate the process, I went to the DAR's website and their Patriot Ancestor search engine, searching for individuals in mom's line that might have been recognized as Patriots.  I was able to locate several ancestors.  There may be more that have served but aren't recognized yet, but I wanted to start with the lines that were already recognized and prove descent from them.

Here are the Patriot Ancestors found that mom descends from:

NICHOLAS BARKER - A006109 

Nicholas was recognized for patriotic service from Guilford County, North Carolina for furnishing supplies.  

Line of descent : Nicholas Barker & Hannah Allen>Abner Barker & Lydia Osborne>Mary Barker & John W. Davis>Mary Davis & John T. Beals>Nathan T. Beals & Elizabeth C. Poe>Pearl M. Beals & Charles W. Lambertson>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

JOHN CORBIN - A025944

John was recognized for patriotic service from Culpepper County, Virginia for furnishing supplies.

Line of descent : John Corbin & Frances Fant>Frances Corbin & Benjamin Kendrick>Elizabeth Kendrick & James Putman>Mary Putman & Jesse Reynolds>Fanny Reynolds & Austin Davis>James A. Davis & Mary E. Swafford>Ida Davis & unknown>June K. Davis & Clemon B. Lambertson>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

DAVID CROCKETT - A027938

David was recognized for patriotic service from the Watauga Settlement, Washington District, North Carolina as a signer of the Watauga Petition in 1776.

Line of descent : David Crockett & Elizabeth Hedge>Alexander Crockett & Elizabeth Watkins>David Crockett & Mary Ann Nosler>Mary Ann Crockett & Peter K. Swafford>Mary E. Swafford & James A. Davis>Ida Davis & unknown>June K. Davis & Clemon B. Lambertson>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

JOHN DAVIS - A030436

John was recognized for patriotic service from Hillsborough District, North Carolina for payment for services rendered.

Line of descent : John Davis & Mary Chamness>Charles Davis & Hannah Piggott>John W. Davis & Mary Barker>Mary Davis & John T. Beals>Nathan T. Beals & Elizabeth C. Poe>Pearl M. Beals>Charles W. Lambertson>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

THOMAS HEATON - A054052

Thomas served as a private from Virginia in the 3rd Company of Captain Peyton in Colonel Heth's 7th Regiment.

Line of descent : Thomas Heaton & Susan Taylor>James R. Heaton & Elizabeth Jacobs>Rebecca A. Heaton & Joseph W. Wright>John W. Wright & Ellen King>Virgil L. Wright & Edna M. Pierce>William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson>mom

SAMUEL HUTCHINSON SR- A061427

Samuel was recognized for patriotic service from Norwich, Vermont for being a member of the Committee of Safety in 1777.

Line of descent : Samuel Hutchinson & Jemima Dunham>Sarah Hutchinson & Francis Smalley>Thirsa Smalley & Gordon Pierce>Francis S. Pierce & Rebecca Page>Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke>William F. Pierce & Clara A. Penisten>Edna M. Pierce & Virgil L. Wright>William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson>mom

NICHOLAS KEMMER - A064441

Nicholas served as corporal from Pennsylvania in Captain Finney's 4th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line.

Line of descent : Nicholas Kemmer & Sarah Fayler>Elizabeth Kimmer & Godfrey Heck>Mary Heck & William Shaw>Elizabeth Shaw & Daniel King>Ellen King & John W. Wright>Virgil L. Wright & Edna M. Pierce>William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson>mom

MORDECAI MENDENHALL - A077381

Mordecai was recognized for patriotic service from Guilford County, North Carolina for rendering material aid.

Line of descent : Mordecai Mendenhall & Charity Beeson>Charity Mendenhall & Aaron Mills>Henry Mills & Hannah Woodward>Hannah Mills & Isaac S. Poe>Elizabeth C. Poe & Nathan T. Beals>Pearl M. Beals & Charles W. Lambertson>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

AARON MILLS - A079836

Aaron was recognized for patriotic service from Guilford County, North Carolina for furnishing supplies.

Line of descent : Aaron Mills & Charity Mendenhall>Henry Mills & Hannah Woodward>Hannah Mills & Isaac S. Poe>Elizabeth C. Poe & Nathan T. Beals>Pearl M. Beals & Charles W. Lambertson>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

HENRY MILLS - A079909

Henry was recognized for patriotic service from Hillsborough District, North Carolina for services rendered.

Line of descent : Henry Mills & Hannah Thornburg>Aaron Mills & Charity Mendenhall>Henry Mills & Hannah Woodward>Hannah Mills & Isaac S. Poe>Elizabeth C. Poe & Nathan T. Beals>Pearl M. Beals & Charles W. Lambertson>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

SAMUEL NESBIT - A082390

Samuel served as a soldier from Virginia in Capt. Alexander Stewart's Company.

Line of descent : Samuel Nesbit & Mary Berry>Elizabeth Nesbit & Samuel Wardlaw>Anna Wardlow & John Wright>Joseph W. Wright & Rebecca A. Heaton>John W. Wright & Ellen King>Virgil L. Wright & Edna M. Pierce>William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson>mom

MATTHEW OSBORNE - A084526

Matthew was recognized for patriotic service from Guilford County, North Carolina for services rendered.

Line of descent : Matthew Osborne & Mary Reynolds>Lydia Osborne & Abner Barker>Mary Barker & John W. Davis>Mary Davis & John T. Beals>Nathan T. Beals & Elizabeth C. Poe>Pearl M. Beals & Charles W. Lambertson>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

ANTHONY RAINES - A093504

Anthony served as a private from Randolph County, North Carolina in the militia under Colonel Lyteral.

Line of descent : Anthony Raines & Nancy Graham>Elizabeth Rains & John W. Poe>Isaac S. Poe & Hannah Mills>Elizabeth C. Poe & Nathan T. Beals>Pearl M. Beals & Charles W. Lamberston>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

FRANCIS SMALLEY - A105541

Francis served as a private from Vermont under Captains Bush, Hazen and Brush and Colonel Olcott.

Line of descent : Francis Smalley & Sarah Hutchinson>Thirsa Smalley & Gordon Pierce>Francis S. Pierce & Rebecca Page>Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke>William F. Pierce & Clara A. Penisten>Edna M. Pierce & Virgil L. Wright>William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson>mom

JOSEPH SMALLEY - A105547

Joseph was recognized for his patriotic service from Norwich, Vermont as a Member of the Committee of Safety in 1777 and Sealer of Weights and Measures in 1781.

Line of descent : Joseph Smalley & Jemima Ordway>Francis Smalley & Sarah Hutchinson>Thirsa Smalley & Gordon Pierce>Francis S. Pierce & Rebecca Page>Edmund G. Pierce & Catherine Groenendyke>William F. Pierce & Clara A. Penisten>Edna M. Pierce & Virgil L. Wright>William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson>mom

ROBERT WARDLAW - A120761

Robert served as private from Virginia and served at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

Line of descent : Robert Wardlaw & Janet Downey>Samuel Wardlaw & Elizabeth Nesbit>Anna Wardlow & John Wright>Joseph W. Wright & Rebecca A. Heaton>John W. Wright & Ellen King>Virgil L. Wright & Edna M. Pierce>William L. Wright & Bonnie M. Lambertson>mom

ABRAHAM WOODWARD - A131418

Abraham was recognized for his patriotic service from Guilford County, North Carolina for giving material aid.

Line of descent : Abraham Woodward & Hannah Thornbrough>William Woodward & Elizabeth Millikan>Hannah Woodward & Henry Mills>Hannah Mills & Isaac S. Poe>Elizabeth C. Poe & Nathan T. Beals>Pearl M. Beals & Charles W. Lambertson>Clemon B. Lambertson & June K. Davis>Bonnie M. Lambertson & William L. Wright>mom

Now the hunt begins to documenting the descent from the established lines.  We will meet soon to decided which line we want to pursue first and find out the process for her becoming a member.

If you are related to any of these families or have any additions or corrections, I'd love to hear from you.

My Mayflower Connection

With today being Thanksgiving, several Geneabloggers have been participating in the meme of listing their Mayflower ancestors.  I discovered a couple of years ago that my family has a direct connection to the Mayflower through the Hopkins line.  I'd appreciate any additions/corrections to this line.

1. Stephen Hopkins (1581-1644) and wife Mary (  -1613).
2. Constance Hopkins (1606-1677) and Nicholas Snow (1598-1676)
3. John Snow (1638-1703) and Mary Smalley (1647-1703)
4. Rebecca Snow (1676-1753) and Benjamin Smalley (1664-1721)
5. Joseph Smalley (1712-1783) and Jemima Ordway
6. Francis Smalley (1744-1811) and Sarah Hutchinson (1750-1780)
7. Thirsa Smalley (1771-1861) and Gordon Pierce (1773-1865)
8. Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881) and Rebecca Page (1806-1893)
9. Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875) and Catherine Groenendyke (1843-1913)
10. William Francis Pierce (1865-1950) and Clara A. Penisten (1869-1906)
11. Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) and Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)
12. William Lee Wright (1919-1973) and Bonnie Mae Lambertson (1924-1984)
13. My mother
14. Me

Stephen Hopkins has an interesting story, his page at Wikipedia gives more detail.  Apparently, he was previously shipwrecked in Bermuda, and was the inspiration for Shakespeare's The Tempest.  Tried for treason, found guilty and sentenced to hang, sounds like my kind of ancestor.

Gedmatch Cousin : Distant Match but no shared DNA

Cousin Dave reached out to me after seeing a match with the GEDCOM file I had posted at GEDmatch.com.  Though we are not closely related, and shared no DNA, I found it interesting to make another connection.

Dave and I are 9th cousins once removed on the Jewett and Parratt lines. Ezekiel Jewett (1643-1723) and Faith Parrat are my paternal 9th great-grandparents and Dave's 8th great-grandparents.  My line is as follows:

Ezekiel Jewett (1643-1723) and Faith Parrat

Francis Jewett (1665-1751) and Sarah Hardy (1673-????)

Samuel Jewett (1694-????) and Ruth Hardy (1699-1737)

Samuel Jewett (1725-1791) and Sarah ________

Sally Jewett (1749-????) and John Philbrick (1748-1840)

Joel Philbrick (1781-1846) and Sally Fox (1788-1868)

Emeline Philbrick (1817-1881) and Albert Moulton (1819-1864)

Clara Moulton (1843-1899) and John Adam Metzner (1840-1895)

Cora Belle Metzner (1868-1955) and Eli Weldon Haley (1866-1957)

(my paternal great-grandparents)

Dave and I also connect as 9th cousins twice removed. on the Spofford and Burpbee lines.  Samuel Spofford (1653-1744) and Sarah Burpbee (1660-1729) are my maternal 9th great-grandparents and Sarah is the child of Dave's 8th great-grandparents. My line is as follows:

Samuel Spofford (1653-1744) and Sarah Burpbee

Thomas Spofford (1678-????) and Bethiah Hazeltine (1682-????)

 Elizabeth Spofford (1715-1772) and Bennett Field (1709-1770)

Bethiah Field (1746-1807) and Seth Pierce (1744-1835)

Gordon Pierce (1773-1875) and Thirsa Smalley (1775-1861)

Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881) and Rebecca Page (1806-1893)

Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875) and Catherine Groenendyke (1843-1913)

William Francis Pierce (1865-1950) and Clara A. Penisten (1869-1906)

Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968) and Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972)

(my maternal great-grandparents)

Both sets of these families were early settlers of Rowley, Essex County, Massachusetts.  

Surname Saturday : PIERCE

The PIERCE surname is in my maternal line.  The origins of the surname are English.


Stories and history:


Ahnentafel # 13: Edna Muriel Pierce (1897-1968).  Edna was born February 7, 1897 in Madison County, Indiana.  She married June 19, 1915 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana to Virgil Lee Wright (1894-1972).  Virgil was born July 6, 1894 in Orestes, Madison County, Indiana.  They raised three children in Monroe Township, Madison County, Indiana where Virgil was a farmer.  Edna's nickname was "Peach".  Virgil died March 25, 1972 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  Edna died March 3, 1968 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Park View Cemetery, Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 26: William Francis Pierce (1865-1950).  William was born July 10, 1865 in Frankton, Madison County, Indiana.  He married January 14, 1892 in Madison County, Indiana to Clara Penisten (1869-1906).  Clara was born March 1869 in Madison County, Indiana.  They had 7 children, 3 living to adulthood.  Clara died September 26, 1906 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  William married secondly March 4, 1909 in Madison County, Indiana to Vida Maddox (1886-1968).  Vida was born October 6, 1886 in Owingsville, Bath County, Kentucky.  They had 7 children.  Vida died November 19, 1968 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  William died September 21, 1950 in Alexandria, Madison County, Indiana.  All are buried at the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 52: Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875).  Edmund was born April 30, 1837 in Wayne County, Indiana.  He married October 17, 1858 in Preble County, Ohio to Lydia Duell (1838-1860).  Lydia was born March 26, 1838 in Pilesgrove, New Jersey.  She died September 14, 1860.  She is buried at the West Grove Monthly Meeting Burial Ground, Wayne County, Indiana.  Edmund married secondly May 5, 1864 in Madison County, Indiana to Catherine Groenendyke (1843-1913).  Catherine was born February 4, 1843 in Madison County, Indiana.  They had 5 children in Richland and Lafayette Townships, Madison County, Indiana.  Catherine died December 10, 1913 in Lafayette Township, Madison County, Indiana.  Edmund died January 8, 1875 in Madison County, Indiana.  Edmund and Catherine are buried in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson, Madison County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 104: Francis S. Pierce (1806-1881).  Francis was born June 8, 1806 in Vermont.  He married October 25, 1831 in Wayne County, Indiana to Rebecca Page (1806-1893).  Rebecca was born August 18, 1806 in New Jersey.  They had 13 children in Pickaway County, Ohio and Wayne County, Indiana where Francis was a farmer.  Rebecca died January 26, 1893 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Francis died August 5, 1881 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Both are buried in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wayne County, Indiana.


Ahnentafel # 208: Gordon Pierce (1773-1875).  Gordon was born August 31, 1773 in Hardwick, Worchester County, Massachusetts.  He married in 1796 in Thetford, Orange County, Vermont to Thirza Smalley (c1775-1861).  Thirza was born circa 1775 in Thetford, Worchester County, Massachusetts.  They had 5 children.  Thriza died in 1861 in Pitcher, Chenango County, New York.  Gordon died February 7, 1875 in Pitcher, Chenango County, New York.


Ahnentafel # 416: Seth Pierce (1744-1835).  Seth was born September 12, 1744 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married on April 17, 1767 to Bethiah Field (1746-1807).  Bethiah was born April 8, 1746 in Stafford, Windham County, Connecticut.  They had 12 children.  Bethiah died September 18, 1807.  Seth married secondly in 1813 to Patty Rindge (    -1829).  Seth died in 1835 in Homer, Cortland County, New York.


Ahnentafel # 832: Seth Pierce (1716-1794).  Seth was born November 30, 1716 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married November 10, 1743 to Elizabeth Nye (1720-1749).  Elizabeth was born December 14, 1720.  They had 4 children.  Elizabeth died May 14, 1749 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Seth died December 5, 1794.


Ahnentafel # 1664: Samuel Pierce (1681-1774).  Samuel was born November 25, 1681 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married June 14, 1705 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts to Abigail Johnson (1674-1787).  Abigail was born October 4, 1674 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They had 6 children.  Abigail died March 16, 1787 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.  Samuel died January 26, 1774 in Mansfield, Windham County, Connecticut.


Ahnentafel # 3328: Samuel Pierce (1656-1721).  Samuel was born April 7, 1656 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  He married December 9, 1680 to Lydia Bacon (1656-1717).  Lydia was born March 6, 1656 in Newton, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.  They had 9 children.  Lydia died December 5, 1717 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Samuel died July 5, 1721 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.


Ahnentafel # 6656: Thomas Pierce (1608-1683).  Thomas was born in 1608 in England, one source says Norwich.  He married May 6, 1635 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts to Elizabeth Cole (1608-1688).  Elizabeth was born March 5, 1608.  They had 13 children.  Elizabeth died March 5, 1688.  Thomas died November 5, 1683 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.


Ahnentafel # 13312: Thomas Pierce (c1583/4-1666).  Thomas was born between 1583 and 1584 in England. He married Elizabeth ________ (c1586/7-1667).  Elizabeth was born between 1586 and 1587 in England.  They had 8 children.  Elizabeth died in 1667 in Charleston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Thomas died October 7, 1666 in Charleston, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.


Related blog posts:

• The First Wife of Edmund G. Pierce (1837-1875)

• William Francis Pierce (1865-1950)

• Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright (1897-1968)

• Marriage: William Pierce to Vida Maddox

• Marriage: William Pierce to Clara Penisten

• Tombstone Tuesday: William Francis & Vida (Maddox) Pierce

• Tombstone Tuesday: Virgil Lee & Edna Muriel (Pierce) Wright

• William F. Pierce household : Madison County, IN

• Francis S. Pierce household : Wayne and Madison Counties, IN

• Edmund Pierce household: Madison County, IN

• Today in my database: Gordon Pierce (b. August 31, 1773)

• Today in my database: William Francis Pierce (b. July 10, 1865)

Surname Saturday – create a post in which you discuss a surname and mention its origins, its geographical location(s) and how it fits into your genealogy research. Surname Saturday is an ongoing series at GeneaBloggers.

Fearless Females: Thirza

March 3 — Do you share a first name with one of your female ancestors? Perhaps you were named for your great-grandmother, or your name follows a particular naming pattern. If not, then list the most unique or unusual female first name you’ve come across in your family tree.


Probably one of the most unusual female names in my family history is Thirza SMALLEY (c1775-1861), who was my maternal 5th-great grandmother.  According to the website, Behind the Name, the name is the Dutch variation of the name TIRZAH.  Tirzah comes from the Hebrew meaning of 'favourable'.  It occurs in the Old Testament as the name of a daughter of Zelophehad; also as a place name for a residence of the kings of the northern kingdom.  I have seen the name spelled as both Thirza and Thirsa.


Thirza was born circa 1775, probably in Thetford, Worchester County, Massachusetts.  She was the daughter of Francis and Sarah (HUTCHINSON) SMALLEY.  Thirza married in 1796 in Thetford, Orange County, Vermont to Gordon PIERCE.  They had 5 children together, and she died in 1861 in Pitcher, Chenango County, New York.


My line of descent from Thirza is as follows :

Thirza SMALLEY m. Gordon PIERCE

Francis S. PIERCE m. Rebecca PAGE

Edmund G. PIERCE m. Catherine GROENENDYKE

William Francis PIERCE m. Clara PENISTEN

Edna Muriel PIERCE m. Virgil Lee WRIGHT (my great-grandparents)

Once again, in honor of National Women’s History Month, Lisa Alzo of The Accidental Genealogist blog presents Fearless Females: 31 Blogging Prompts to Celebrate Women’s History Month.

Family Milestones: September 2nd

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Martha WARDLAW, married on this date in 1838 in Brown County, Ohio to John Wilcox LOWE.  Martha was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the younger sister of my Anna WARDLOW.  John's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  Martha was born circa 1820 in Brown County, Ohio.  Nothing further is known at this time.


My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Austin PIERCE, was born on this date in 1799 in Thetford, Orange County, Vermont.  Austin was the son of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the older brother of my Francis S. PIERCE.  Austin married March 17, 1826 to Mary Ann STERLING.  Mary's parentage and dates of birth and death are unknown.  They raised 8 children.  Austin died June 17, 1861 in Villenova, New York.

Family Milestones: June 8th

My maternal 5th-great grandfather, James ALDERMAN, married on this date in 1795 in Augusta County, Virginia to Catherine WARNER, daughter of Henry and Mary (NAGLE) WARNER.  James was the son of Richard ALDERMAN.  James was born before 1775 in Virginia.  Catherine was born in January 1777.  They had 3 children.  They later divorced and both remarried.  Catherine died September 17, 1859 in Madison County, Indiana.  James died between 1850 and 1854 in Greenville, Bond County, Illinois.

My maternal 4th-great grandfather, Francis S. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1806 in Vermont.  Francis was the son of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE.  Francis married October 25, 1831 in Wayne County, Indiana to Rebecca PAGE.  Rebecca was born August 18, 1806 in New Jersey.  They had 13 children.  Rebecca died June 26, 1893 in Wayne County, Indiana.  Francis died August 5, 1881 in Wayne County, Indiana.

My paternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Rebecca Ann Haines WOOLSTON, was born on this date in 1823 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rebecca was the daughter of Abel B. and Rachel (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON, and the younger sister of my Caroline Bishop WOOLSTON.  Rebecca married Joseph DEACON, son of Joseph and Beulah (HAINES) DEACON.  Joseph was born August 7, 1817 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  They had 3 children.  Joseph died October 10, 1877 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Rebecca died August 3, 1900 in Westhampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey.

Family Milestones: March 17th

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Austin PIERCE, married on this date in 1826 to Mary Ann STERLING.  Austin was born September 2, 1799 in Thetford, Orange County, Vermont, the son of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE.  I do not have the dates of birth or death for Mary Ann.  They had 8 children.  Austin died June 17, 1861 in Villenova, New York.

My maternal 3rd-great grandaunt, Elizabeth J. BEALS, was born on this date in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Elizabeth was the daughter of John T. and Mary (DAVIS) BEALS, and the older sister of my Nathan T. BEALS.  Elizabeth married May 1, 1867 to Solomon HINSHAW.  Solomon was born November 1841 in North Carolina, the son of Michael and Rachel (________) HINSHAW.  They raised 3 children in Washington Township, Hamilton County, Indiana.  Solomon died November 29, 1929.  Elizabeth died September 9, 1928.  Both are buried in the Summit Lawn Cemetery, Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana.

Family Milestones: February 10th

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Minerva P. PIERCE, was married on this date in 1829 to Jethro HATCH.  Minerva was born January 25, 1803, the daughter of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Francis S. PIERCE.  Jethro was born circa 1791 in New York.  They raised 5 children in Kane County, Illinois.  Jethro died February 7, 1875.  Minerva died after the 1880 census of Kane County, Illinois.  Nothing further known at this time.

My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Martha Ann CROCKETT, was married on this date in 1850 in Owen County, Indiana to Washington M. ABERNATHY.  Martha was born in 1831 in Owen County, Indiana, the daughter of David and Mary Ann (NOSLER) CROCKETT, and the older sister of my Mary Ann CROCKETT.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Washington.  Nothing further known at this time.

My maternal 7th-great grandfather, Deacon John WRIGHT, was born on this date in 1717 in Freuchie, Falkland Parish, Fife Scotland..  John was the son of Robert and Elizabeth (HENDERSON) WRIGHT.  John married February 15, 1753 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts to Hannah FESSENDEN, daughter of William and Martha (BROWN) FESSENDEN.  Hannah was born August 15, 1732 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  They had 5 children.  John was a medical missionary, and served in the French & Indiana war as a surgeon's mate.  John died in a shipwreck in June 1772 near Anamaboo, New Guinea.  Hannah died December 9, 1800 in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, William B. JACOBS, was born on this date in 1813 in Adams County, Ohio.  William was the son of James Thomas and Isabella (FEILY) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my Elizabeth JACOBS.  William married September 6, 1834 in Brown County, Ohio to Mary Polly EDWARDS.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Mary.  William died February 9, 1898 in Brown County, Ohio.

My maternal 5th-great granduncle, William J. JACOBS, was born on this date in 1800 in Fleming County, Kentucky.  William was the son of William and Sibell (LITTELL) JACOBS, and the younger brother of my James Thomas JACOBS.  William married September 27, 1821 in Brown County, Ohio to Zoa WILKS.  I do not have dates of birth or death for Zoa.  William died June 23, 1879 in Brown County, Ohio.

 

Family Milestones: January 25th

My paternal 6th great grandparents, Abel BRIGGS and Lettice WOOLSTON, were married on this date in 1773 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Abel was born circa 1740 in New Jersey, the son of Francis and Rachel (STOCKTON) BRIGGS.  Lettice was born October 15, 1752 in Burlington County, New Jersey, the daughter of Samuel and Cyllania (WOOLSTON) WOOLSTON.  They had at least 1 child.  Abel died before 1839 in Burlington County, New Jersey.  Lettice died December 11, 1787 in Burlington County, New Jersey.

My maternal 2nd-great grandfather, Charles Wilson LAMBERTSON, was born on this date in 1872 in Preble County, Ohio.  Charles was the son of Carey W. and Clara E. (COOK) LAMBERTSON.  Charles married April 18, 1897 in Cicero, Hamilton County, Indiana to Pearl May BEALS.  Pearl was born May 11, 1878 in Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana, the daughter of Nathan Thomas and Caroline Elizabeth (POE) BEALS.  Pearl died August 3, 1970 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.  Charles died May 24, 1958 in Elwood, Madison County, Indiana.


My maternal 4th-great grandaunt, Minerva P. PIERCE, was born on this date in 1803.  Minerva was the daughter of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the older sister of my Edmund PIERCE.  Minerva married February 10, 1829 to Jethro HATCH.  Jethro was born circa 1791 in New York.  They had 5 children and lived in Kane County, Illinois.  Jethro died February 7, 1875. Minerva died sometime after the 1880 census.

Family Milestones: January 8th

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Allen WARDLAW, married on this date in 1824 to Sally BROWN.  Allen was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (NESBIT) WARDLAW, and the older brother of my Anna WARDLOW.  Allen was born circa 1800 in Ohio.  I do not have the birth and death dates for Sally.  Allen died about 1854.  Nothing further is known at this time.

My paternal 6th-great grandmother, Judith SANBORN, was born on this date in 1715 in Hampton Falls, Province of New Hampshire.  Judith was the daughter of Enoch and Elizabeth (DENNETT) SANBORN.  Judith married December 26, 1734 in Hampton Falls, Province of New Hampshire to John PHILBRICK.  John was born May 26, 1712 in Hampton, Province of New Hampshire, the son of Thomas and Abigail (________) PHILBRICK.  They raised a family of 7 children.  John died on February 16, 1748 in Hampton Falls, Province of New Hampshire.  I do not have the death date for Judith.

My maternal 4th-great granduncle, Royal Storrs PIERCE, was born on this date in 1812.  Royal was the son of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE, and the younger brother of my Francis S. PIERCE.  Royal married September 30, 1835 to Juliet MORTON.  Juliet was born September 11, 1809.  They had 3 children.  Royal died March 6, 1845 in Mina, New York.

Francis S. Pierce household - Wayne and Madison Cos. IN

The Francis S. PIERCE household appears in the 1860 census of Centre Twp., Wayne Co., IN and the 1870 census of Lafayette Twp., Madison Co., IN. Francis was my maternal 4th great grandfather, the son of Gordon and Thirsa (SMALLEY) PIERCE.

In the 1860 census of Wayne Co., the surname was enumerated as PEARCE. Francis was a 53 year old Farmer, born in Connecticut, with real estate valued at $4000 and a personal estate valued at $400. His wife Rebecca, was aged 53 and born in New Jersey. Children listed in the household included Albert, aged 20, Margaret, aged 19, Minerva, aged 13, and Almira, aged 10; all born in Indiana.

In the 1870 census of Madison Co., Francis was enumerated as F. PIERCE, aged 64, a Farmer with real estate valued at $7200 and a personal estate valued at $1500; born in New York. His wife Rebecca, aged 63, was also born in New York. A William PIERCE, aged 17, born in New York, was living with the family as a farm hand. I believe that this was Francis' nephew, the son of Royal and Juliet (MORTON) PIERCE.

Francis S. PIERCE b. June 8, 1806 Vermont, d. August 5, 1881 Wayne Co., IN., m. October 25, 1831 Wayne Co., IN to Rebecca PAGE. Rebecca b. August 18, 1806 New Jersey, d. June 26, 1893 Wayne Co., IN.

Known children of Francis S. and Rebecca (PAGE) PIERCE are as follows :
i. John PIERCE b. ca. 1831 Indiana, d. before 1832 Indiana
ii. John PIERCE b. ca. 1833 Indiana, d. before 1840 Indiana
iii. David PIERCE b. ca. 1833 Indiana, d. before 1840 Indiana
iv. Henry Aldred PIERCE b. October 10, 1833 Piqua, OH, d. after June 1, 1880 Madison Co., IN, m. Scineathy SINELSOR.
v. Francis N. PIERCE b. July 25, 1835 Indiana, m. Susan MOORE
vi. Edmund G. PIERCE b. April 30, 1837 Wayne Co., IN., d. January 8, 1875 Madison Co., IN., m.(1) Lydia DUELL; m(2) Catherine GROENENDYKE.
vii. Albert Orlando PIERCE b. June 2, 1839 Wayne Co., IN, d. after 1920 census, m(1) Elizabeth Williams PIKE, m(2) Sarah S. WILSON
viii. Margaret P. PIERCE b. October 17, 1840 Indiana, m. William Henry Harrison SOMMERS
ix. Amanda P. PIERCE b. December 20, 1842 Indiana, d. February 22, 1845 Indiana
x. Minerva PIERCE b. December 6, 1846 Indiana, d. August 31, 1902 Elwood, Madison Co., IN., m. Daniel SIGLER
xi. Almira P. PIERCE b. March 8, 1849 Indiana, d. 1926 Madison Co., IN., m. Andrew Jackson SIGLER.
xii. Emma P. PIERCE b. February 20, 1851 Indiana, d. August 15, 1853 Indiana