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CHAPTER IV
Susan Nance-Shaw – Limb Three
Susan Nance was born in Virginia, about 1783. She died in Floyd County, Indiana, between November 1811 and July 1821. She was united in marriage with William Shaw in Virginia. They removed to Mercer County, Kentucky, on the Kentucky River, before the Nances left Virginia, as is shown by a deed dated June 22, 1803, to Clement Nance, of Pittsylvania County, Virginia. On this date the Shaws were residents of Mercer County, Kentucky. Mr. Shaw is said to have been the first settler to die within the present limits of Floyd County. This may be true, but it must have been after November 11, 1811, for on that date he and his wife made deed to some property situated in Virginia, showing residence in Floyd County. This couple died young, and no doubt are buried near the home, but the author found no one who could even suggest their resting place. They were the parents of three children named below as branches:
Mary,
Louisa,
James W.
Mary Shaw – Branch One
Mary Shaw was born in Virginia. Her date of birth is not known, but it must have been about 1797. She was married to Alpheus Branham, January 1, 1815, by Patrick Shields, Judge. She was named in her grandfather’s will, one-third of her mother’s share of the estate to be paid to her. Nothing further is known of her except that she was the mother of three children, the name of but one can be given. They are named below as twigs:
William
S.,
and two daughters.
Louisa Shaw – Branch Two
Louisa Shaw was born in Virginia about 1799. Little is known of her except she is named in her grandfather’s will; that she receipted for money from the estate April 27, 1831, and that her funeral bill was paid by her sister, Mary Branham, and repaid by the Clement Nance estate to her son, William S. Branham, August 7, 1839.
James W. Shaw – Branch Three
James W. Shaw was born in Virginia in 1801. He was married March 11, 1824, to Mary Burton, in Floyd County, Indiana. On February 16, 1829, he became the owner of the Clement Nance, Senior, homestead, the executor of the will, on that date, deeding the same to him. The consideration named was $1,200. The Shaw family settled at Fort Madison, Iowa, in 1845. This has been headquarters for the family to the present.
Ten children were born to this couple, three dying in infancy. The remaining seven are named below as twigs:
TWIGS BUDS BLOSSOMS FRUIT
{MARY.h, 1851 {CHARLES. 1880.
{A. WILCOX..........{CLARE.
{2nd.h, ELLIS REED {CLYDE.
{ FRANKFORT, KY.
WILLIAM.w, {
1825, d...........{EDWARD.w, 1855 {LATTA.
ELIZABETH BOLEY.d.{CARRIE FRYE........{ROY.
{
{CORA J.h, 1865 {ROBERT B.
{ROBT. B. MUIR......{FLORA.
{ELIZABETH.
CHAPTER V
Mary Nance-Shields – Limb Four
Mary Nance was born in Virginia, near the Natural Bridge, January 6, 1781. Patrick Henry Shields was born in York County, Virginia, May 16, 1773. They were married December 6, 1798, by James Reed, Minister of the Gospel. In accordance with his father’s will, Mr. Shields was educated for the legal profession at Hampden, Sidney, and William and Mary Colleges. Inheriting a large tract of land near Lexington, Kentucky, he removed to that state in 1801, but found the title to the estate defective. In 1805, they removed to Indiana Territory. They settled over the beautiful "Silver Hills" or "Knobs," near where Georgetown now stands. The mother who was riding horseback, with one child behind and one before, said, "Patrick, where are you going? This looks like the jumping-off place." She is said, in history, to have been the first white woman to cross the "Knobs." In after years, the mother, speaking of the emotions she felt in reaching the summit of these hills, said:
"I was enraptured with the view. The Ohio River lay beneath us, and we had a view of it up and downstream for many miles, as it glided peacefully on its course, looking like a broad ribbon of silver. Off to the saoutheast-ward, five miles, we could see the little town of Louisville, then regarded as the most sickly and unpromising of all the Ohio River settlements. It was evening, and the roar of the falls floated to us on the still air with a music that filled my young heart with sad, but most enjoyable emotions. I looked away to the …………
Picture of My Grandfather Patrick Shields By Joanna D. Shields-Warren No camers e’er lined his face, His kindly eyes, and tender lips. No artist’s pencil e’er these outlines traced, Only a childish rememberance pictures him. Tall, slender, and with eyes of brown, A face on which ne’er rested frown. In figure, slightly stooped: he stooped to all The little ones, to gather in his arms. Loving, beloved – Grandfather,dear; With grandma close to you heart within, The two a unit, lives so blended, Sad was the day when yours was ended. Together now – no more alone, Perhaps you talk of days agone, And from your home beyond the sky, Your children’s children you decry. In reverence father’s sire we hold, Man of true principle, as good as gold Pure, burnished bright, without alloy, Kind memories oft our thoughts employ.
Mr. Shields was named for the illustrious Patrick Henry, who was a neighbor and friend of the family.
Arriving in Indiana, Mr. Shields joined his classmate and life-long friend, William Henry Harrison. It is recorded of him that he fought gallantly in the Battle of Tippecanoe. His hat was shot full of holes in this battle, and was an heirloom in the family for many years. He was commissioned the first judge of Harrison County in 1808. His house was often the headquarters of the territorial authorities. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention at Corydon, in 1816, and filled judicial offices until the time of his death.
Judge Shields, as one of the founders of the state, took an active part in reforming the territorial courts, in organizing the school system, and in maintaining the congressional ordinance of 1787, which prohibited the indefinite continuance of slavery. According to family traditions, he was the author of the constitutional articles which confirmed Indiana as a free state. He was one of the committee appointed by the governor to welcome LaFayette, on behalf of Indiana, April 25, 1825, on his last trip to America.
It is said that no man ever lived who was more universally beloved and respected by all who knew him.
He lived in New Albany the last few years of his life, a gentleman of the old school, reading the new testament, which he always carried with him, telling the good things he found therein.
Father Shields passed to his reward June 6, 1848, at the age of seventy-five, mourned by the whole community.
In the absence of the father during the Indian troubles, the mother and children were left in the care of Black Sam, who had come with the family from Virginia. She used to leave both doors of the cabin unfastened so that if the Indians came in at one door, she could grab her children and skip out to the woods through the other. She used to tell that at one time she did not know for three months whether she was wife or widow. Mrs. Anna Moore, of Spokane, Washington, writes of Mother Shields:
"I well remember my grandmother. It was one of my greatest pleasures to sit at her feet on my little stool and listen to the Indian stories and the hardships of her early life. She was a very proud little woman, always telling me she was an F. F. V. I remember once a peddler came along and she wanted to buy a calico dress, and was looking over his stock, trying to find a suitable pattern, when he pulled out a piece, saying, ‘Here granny, is a nice piece I think will suit you.’ Without saying a word she walked into the house and closed the door. After waiting a few moments, mother sent me in to see what was the matter. She was knitting away as though that was all she had to think of, and when I asked her if she was going to buy the dress, she said, ‘No, no indeed. Did you hear him call me granny?’ I said, ‘Yes, but that did not hurt.’ ‘Well, I guess I am not everybody’s granny.’ And she refused to go out or have anything more to say to such a rude person. She had the broad Virginia dialect, and often amused us by her peculiar pronunciation of many words."
Mrs. Cornelia Kingery, Garden City, Kansas, writes:
"My grandmother, Mary Shields, was a noble woman, a good mother, a very dear grandmother, and an earnest, consistent Christian. She was a great reader, and when stricken with paralysis, that caused her death, was found lying on her bed, apparently asleep, with a good book beside her. She had lain down to rest and to read as was her custom."
The mother survived her husband thirteen years, dying at the age of eighty. She was active, bright and cheerful to the last. Father and mother Shields were faithful Christians all their lives, being Presbyterians, and I believe all their descendants have maintained the faith of their parents.
Eight children were born ot this couple, those growing to maturity are named below as limbs:
James
Reed,
Henry Burnett,
Clement Nance,
Dr. Pleasant S.,
Greenbury F., died at 20,
Elizabeth G. Kinter,
Mary S. Elliott.
James R. Shields – Branch One
James Reed Shields was born in Virginia, December 24, 1799, coming with the family to Indiana in 1805. His father looked after his education as best he could, until his nineteenth year, when he began life in New Albany as a clerk and merchant. For nearly fifty years he was engaged in the banking business. On his retiring from business, at the age of seventy-five, the feeling of the community was expressed by the Daily Ledger, in an editorial article, concluding as follows:
"Everybody’s synonym for integrity, purity in life, unaffected modesty, and a pattern of a Christian gentleman, as he is, he has the pre-eminent royal right to rest. We trust his present good health may assure many years to our good citizen, fellow townsman, and friend. May his declining sun be renewed in body, mind and spirit; and may he continue to be honored, loved, and respected, as each year shall be added, by a still wider circle of friends."
Mr. Shields departed this life two years after his retiring from business, passing peacefully to his rest, October 28, 1878, being almost seventy-seven years of age. At the announcement of his death, the bankers of the city were called together at the Merchant’s National Bank, and passed the following resolutions:
"Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst and from the field of earthly labor, our beloved friend, J. R. Shields, we, his associates, deem it an act of justice to his memory to spread upon our records the expression of our high respect and admiration for his exalted character. Mr. Shields was a man honored alike for all the virtues of a Christian character, and remarkable for the courtesy of a Christian gentleman. He has finished his course upon earth and has gone to his reward in heaven.
Resolved, that this inadequate tribute to his memory by entered upon the minutes of the Merchant’s National Bank, of which he was a director, and a copy be furnished to the bereaved family, with expressions of our sincere sympathy in their irreparable loss.
Resolved, that the officers and directors of all the banks of the city attend the funeral in a body."
The New Albany Ledger-Standard had this to say:
"His life’s influence will mainly rest upon his inflexible honesty, purity of character, and his good deeds of charity, which were many. No one but himself will ever know all his charities, but they were large and more numerous than the public surmise. He contributed his portion to every public good; was a kind neighbor; was affectionate and generous to those of his immediate household. He was self-sacrificing to the comforts of others. He could no more have done a mean act than he could have committed a crime. He was the personification of peace. He was without enemies. He was tenacious in his faith of that marvelous man of Gallilee. He was a genuine Christian. He had fulfilled every duty in life, done his work well, and death to him was a sweet and welcome messenger. His influence cannot pass away. Let us be thankful that so good a man has lived for our admiration and profit."
Mr. Shields became a christian at the age of eighteen. He became a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church in New Albany in 1818. He was installed as ruling elder of the same church November 18, 1832, and held the same position to the end of life. He was married to Miss Hannah Woodruff, February 10, 1824, Clement Nance performing the ceremony. His only child was born to this union, named below as twig. His second wife was Miss Lucy Butler. I might quote many more eulogies from the Louisville Courier-Journal, Louisville Commercial, Louisville Daily Evening News, etc., etc., but the above are sufficient to show the worth of the man.
TWIGS BUDS BLOSSOMS FRUIT
{CHARLES. d.
{ALBERT. d.
{
CHARLES W., 1825 {CHARLOTTE.h,d.
1st.w, CHARLOTTE {___? STOCKTON.
BAIN.d............{
{BESSIE.h,
2nd.w, BESSIE {___? STOCKTON......{JAMES.
KANE { {2.
{JAMES.
{6.
"Charles Woodruff Shields, educator, was born in New Albany, Indiana, April 4, 1825; entered Princeton as an advance student, and was graduated with distinction in 1844. After a course of four years’ study in Princeton Theological Seminary, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1848. In 1849 he was ordained pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Hempstead, Long Island, and in 1850, he was installed as pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."
"He had been early imbued with a philosophical spirit, and published, in 1861, an elaborate treatise entitled, ‘Philosiphia Ultima,’ in which he expounded an academic scheme of irenical studies for the conciliation of religion and science. His friends, profoundly impressed by this exposition, created for him, in Princeton, a new professorship of the harmony of science and revealed religion. This chair was the first of its kind in any American college, and at the time of its establishment (1865) was so novel in theory that its utility, and even its orthodixy were questioned, but its usefellness, as well as its timelessness was soon abundantly vindicated. he was apointed professor of modern history in 1871, but soon resigned this added chair, that he might not be diverted from the aim of his life, which he has pursued in college lectures, in papers before the philosophical society of Washington, in contributions to periodicals, and in elaborate published works."
"He received the honorary degree of D. D. from Princeton, in 1861, and that of LL. D. from Columbia University, Washington, in 1877."
"Dr. Shields has advocated the restoration of theology, as a science of religion, to its true philosophical position in a university system of culture, as distinguished from the clerical or sectarian system of education, and the placing of philosophy as an umpire between science and religion, as embracing without invading their distinct provinces. This view he has maintained at Princeton in systematic lectures and in his ‘Religion and Science in Their Relation to Philosophy.’ (N. Y. 1875)"
"He looks forward to the formation of an ultimate philosophy, or science of sciences, which is to be reached inductively from the collective intelligence of men working through successive generations. This forms the argument of his great work, ‘The Philosophia Ultima,’ now (1888) passing through a revised edition, and of which Volume I is an historical and critical introduction, while Volume II is to treat of the history and logic of the sciences."
"Dr. Shields has been an earnest advocate of the restoration of the Presbyterian Prayer Book of 1661, for optional use by ministers and congregations that desire a liturgy. To this end he published ‘The Book of Common Prayer,’ as amended by the Presbyterian Divines (1864), with an appendix entitled, ‘Liturgia Expurgata’ (1864)."
"He looks forward to the organic union of the Congregational, Presbyterial and Episcopal principles of the New Testament Church in an ‘American Catholic Church’ of the future. His irenical writings under this head embrace a series of essays entitled, ‘The United Churches of the United States,’ ‘The Organic Affinity of Presbytery and Episcopacy,’ and ‘The Christian Denominations and the Historic Episcopate.’"
"No essays have excited wider remark in the theological world."
"The style of Dr. Shields is remarkable for lucidity of statement and graceful rhetoric."
"He divides his time equally between Princeton and his villa at Newport."
The above from Appleton’s Cyclo-American Biography,
is so much fuller and better than I could otherwise
furnish, that I have copied the article in full.
Henry B. Shields – Branch Two
Henry B. Shields was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, August 28, 1801. He died in New Albany, Indiana, July 17, 1872.
A man of striking personality, fully six feet, two inches in height, of genial manners, and kindly bearing and kindly courtesy, one of nature’s noblemen; his name should be handed down to posterity as one ever to be remembered and prized.
He entered into business life at the age of nineteen, in 1820, as clerk in the store of Mr. George Paxson, in New Albany, Indiana. Two years later, through the assistance of their father in purchasing stock, he and his brother, James, opened a small store of their own, which was continued for several years with a good degree of prosperity. Then, assuming the work alone, his brother having found a field of usefulness in a banking career, he is said to have become noted as one among many, enterprising, industrious and successful in the wholesale hardware trade in the state of Indiana. In 1849 he removed his affairs to the city of Louisville, Kentucky, doing a large business for fully five years, when, because of financial revolutions that swept the country, he experienced many and severe losses. This constrained him to return to his former field of operations, and at New Albany, Corydon and Wabash, he successfully carried on his efforts to serve his generation in thorough and masterful ways, as a man of energy, earnestness and diligence.
He was recognized and esteemed all the days of his life for his generous courtesy towards all, whether in large or small transactions. As with others who stood for enterprise and progress in the growth of the city, in the affairs of education, business and religion, for virtue, manliness and good citizenship, his name was a synonym – an emblem of the character of the place and the community.
He entered the marriage state as early in life as 1825, when, June 2, the Rev. John Hamilton, D. D. of Louisville, Kentucky, performed the wedding rite which gave for his life companionship, Miss Joanna K. Day, formerly from Morristown, New Jersey, his birthplace. This step was succeeded by another, most essential to peace of mind and conductive to blessed hope for the life to come. He was received into membership in the First Presbyterian Church at New Albany, on profession (publicly) of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, December 21, 1828. Mrs. Shields, in the same way, united with the same organization, July 18, 1830, and we can say decidedly that it was for them an event of great significance, preparatory to the religious training of the children given them of God as his trust. Presbyterian by conviction, as they were Christians by faith in their risen Lord, they tried with all in glad eagerness to glorify their gracious Master with steadfast service. He was ever faithful as a member, usually found in his seat in the sanctuary on the sabbath, and at his post in the prayer meeting, he was also liberal in the support of the gospel up to the full measure of his ability.
To his children, no less than to his precious mother and theirs, he was untiringly devoted. With much prayer and constant effort, he endeavored to imbue them with high moral principles, and to prepare them for the many and varied duties of life. He sought their enlightenment by the Holy Ghost, so that they should ultimately stand amid heaven’s everlasting glories.
His examples, his counsels, his prayers, his repeated efforts to secure their full equipment for both worlds; all are testimonials to his consistency, his diligence and zeal in living for God and in doing His will.
Music was an especial delight to the parents, which, while they were not skilled in the are, was valued by them as a means to the end of family harmony and love, and beyond that to the guidance of the children into the narrow way that leadeth into life everlasting. The memorizing of churchly hymns was not neglected, as next in significance to the memorizing of the text of holy scripture itself.
"The
heart has many passages
through
which the feelings roam,
But
its middle aisle is sacred
To
the old, old home."
In 1859 he received appointment from the Presbyterian Board of Publication, as Superintendent of Colportage, in the states of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, a work that carried him to many of the meetings of Presbytery, Synod, and churches, to appeal for aid in distributing religious literature among the needy communities throughout the territory covered by their bounds, and also into the military camps and places for the detention of prisoners of war, assisting in the work of religious counsel to the sick and dying, or to the well and strong expecting to go forth to the country’s defense. He offered his service willingly, in all means employed to the great end of comforting the sorrowing and suffering, and of wooing the redeemed spirit to the abode of everlasting life beyond the grave.
"Short death and darkness! Endless life and light! Short dimming – endless shining in yon sphere, Where all is incorruptible and pure – The joy without the pain, the smile without the tear."
Patriotism and piety, the love of country, the love of home, and the love of God, how they go hand in hand. How precious the privelege to serve one’s country, and at the same time to win souls to Christ! How welcome the call to lead an erring sinner back to God, making him the better citizen in this land, and seeking to prepare him for that blest estate whither can dwell neither sorrow nor sin.
The Rev. Dr. Samuel Conn, pastor of the First Church, at New Albany, and thus his spiritual advisor, had this to say, among other truths, at his burial on the 19th of July, 1872:
"He was a man of faith and prayer, and the graces of the holy character were increasingly manifest in him as he increased in years. It was touching to see this man of ripened Christian attainments, whose life from his conversion onward, had been one long testimony of love and faith, during his last sickness, examining the foundations of his confidence anew. And, although the depression of spirits which accomlpanied the disease sometimes overshadowed his own mind with fears, there was, at no time reason to doubt his saving union with his Redeemer. He constantly assented that his only ground of trust was the perfect atonement of Christ. At the last he, himself, rose triumphant over doubt, and in calm confidence and sunlit peace, he passed away.
It was good to be in his dying chamber that seemed odorous with the air of heaven. So gently did the transition from the earthly state to the heavenly state take place, that we could not tell when one ended and the other began."
This worthy couple, in order to supplement their meager schooling, such as all pioneers received in those days, hit upon this novel plan to improve themselves. They decided upon a correspondence with each other. A stand drawer was chosen as their private postoffice. On one day the husband would deposit a letter to the wife. The next day the reply was found in the same place. These letters were written with as much care as to spelling, punctuation, composition and penmanship, as possible. Years afterwards the mother used to say that she never looked forward with more eager anticipation for any letters, than for those in their stand drawer postoffice.
One writes of the mother:
"She was a good mother, gentle, kind, faithful and true. The memory of such a mother, and the influence of such teachings, form a heritage of inestimable value to her children. She was quiet and unassuming, never boasting, and fearless in the discharge of every known duty. For fifty-seven years she lived the life of a Christian, honoring her profession. Her fifteen years of widowhood were spent with her youngest daughter, at Salem, Indiana.
This couple were the parents of eleven children, three dying young. One became a minister of the gospel and two married ministers. (See below for half-tone cuts and life sketches of these three servants of God.) These eleven children are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Mary Elizabeth, died
in infancy
----------------------------------------------
{Ester Hale, unmarried
{
James H., w, 1828 {Wm. Henry, w,
Caroline Scribner,d.............{Nellie Keigwin.................{no issue
2409 Brock St {
Louisville, KY {Hattie, d.
{Harvey, d.
----------------------------------------------
Greenberry F., w, d,
Agnes M. Heth, d................{Addie, h, d....................{no issue
{Wm. Porter, M.D.
---------------------------------------------
{Anna, d.
{Janet, d.
{
{Mary Nantz, h,.................{Edith M.
{Bradford M. Culter {Arthur E., d.
{La Junta, CO {Mabel M.
{ {Leila E.
{Lucy Lindsley, h,
Catharine H., h, {Melvin Mason...................{Charles C.
Rev. John McCrae,d..............{ Wichita, KS {Harry M.
West Pratt Street {
Indianapolis, IN {Lizzie Liberta
{
{Henry S. w, {Pauline
{Ella Land......................{Harry N.
{South Bend, IN
{
{John E.
{Will Warren
----------------------------------------------
{Clara Janvier, h, 1881 {Edward S., b. 1882
{Rev. J. S. MacConnell,d........{Helen Janet
Rev. E. P. Shields, D.D. {
w, {2nd h., Geo. S. Young...........{Ralph W.
Sarah Scovel, d.................{Parnassus, PA {Kenneth George
Bridgeton, NJ {
{ {Harry B., b. 1886
{Henry Burnett, w, {Eleanor W.
{Victoria C. Wilson.............{Gertrude, d.
{Draughtwman, US Navy {Robert Morris
{Cramps Shipyards, {Florence, d.
{Philadelphia, PA
{
{Robert S., b. 1892
{Hannah Scovel, h,..............{Louise V.
{Wm. Hendrickson {Edward S.
{
{Edward Shields
{
{Rev. Wm. Hamill, w, {Margaret L.
{Belle Platter..................{James H.
{
{2nd wife, Sarah {Adelia Davis, d.
{Paulding Johnson...............{Lillian Marcey
{md. June 2, 1897
----------------------------------------------
Harriet N., died at 11 years
----------------------------------------------
{Prof. Hugh MacMaster, w, {Hugh McMillan
{Mary McMillan..................{Helen
{ Crawfordsville, IN {Robert
{ {Katherine
{ {Margaret
{
{ {Cornelia
{Harriet Day, h, {Charles K.
{Clas. L. Seeley................{David B.
Cornelia Ayres, h, {La Junta, CO {Frank L.
Rev. David Kingery..............{ {Robert J.
Garden City, KS {Anna Juliette
{Mary S., died at 3 years
{
{James R., w, {Frederick T.
{Lida C. Totten.................{Russell S.
{El Paso, TX {Albert Dowd
{
{Prof. David Newton, w,
{Clara G. Jackson
{ St. Paul, MN
----------------------------------------------
Joanna Day, h,
Wm. B. Warren...................{no issue
Louisville, KY
----------------------------------------------
William Clement, died young
----------------------------------------------
{Charles H., w,
{Marie Louise Oberhelman
{Evanston, Cincinnati, OH
{
{Mary E., h, {James P.
{James P. Orr...................{Adelaide
Elias A.,w, 1843-1902 {Evanston, Cincinnati, OH {Chas. Edward
Sallie Tumy.....................{
{
{Edward H., w, {Edward H.
{Bertha Hines...................{William Elias
{
{Sallie
{
{Clara, h,
{Edward A. Vosmer...............{Edward A., Jr.
----------------------------------------------
Anna Maria, h, {Clarence E.
Dr. John R. Bare................{Nellie
Salem, IN {Chas. Henry, DDS
Surgeon, 66th Indiana
Infantry – went with
Sherman "to the sea"
Greenberry F. Shields
Greenberry F. Shields, twig above, was born at New Albany, Indiana, February 13, 1830. Attended school at New Albany. For several years he was engaged with his father in the wholesale hardware business, in Louisville, Kentucky. On September 7, 1852, he was married to Miss Agnes M. Heth, of that city. Their only daughter, Addie, married Dr. Wm. Porter, of St. Louis, Missouri. Her sudden death in February, 1884, was like a crushing blow to her parents. She was their only child.
During the Civil War, he was an officer in the Union Army, being Adjutant of the 17th Indiana Regiment (Mounted Infantry). After doing much valiant service, he felt compelled to resign his position, because of ill health. And he suffered long from the disease resulting from the hardships and exposures of war. He was popular in his regiment. For many years afterwards he was engaged in steamboating on the Mississippi River, as a clerk or captain on passenger boats. At the time of his death he was in command of the Annie P. Silver, running between St. Louis and New Orleans.
The following tribute is culled from an obituary notice printed at the time of his death:
"Green Shields was a man whose righteousness and integrity had earned for him the honor and respect of every class of steamboatsmen; and when the sad news of his death became known, men seemed to forget their business in the rememberance of one who would be with them no more.** As master of his vessel, he earned loud encomiums for his firm, though gentle, bearing toward his subordinates.***Those who sailed under Captain Shields, gave him naught but praise.
He was a handsome man, tall, erect, with black hair and eyes; pleasant in manner, a friend to be relied upon. Was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Missouri.
After escaping all the dangers of war, and of constant travel on the river, he died calmly and peacefully in his home, at St. Louis, November 26, 1884. He was buried in Bellefountaine Cemetery. On his tombstone his widow had inscribed the words, "Safe in the harbor."
She has since then been called home, and we feel assured that their little family circle is again complete in the "home over there."
"Safe
in the harbor,
All
dangers past --
Safe
in the harbor
Home
at last."
The above
tribute is furnished the author by a sister, Mrs.
Cornelia Shields Kingery.
Rev. John McCrae
John McCrae was born near Wigtown, in Scotland, January 7, 1819. While John was small, his father moved to a farm in Ayrshire, hear the home of Robert Burns.
The family being strict covenanters, has worshipped on the hillside, as was long the custom, so John never was in a church until he was eleven years old. Then his parents united with the Alloway Kirk, of which Burns wrote, and the family were buried in its graveyard.
While a boy, John herded his father’s sheep on the celebrated Mt. Cairnsmuir. At the age of sixteen, we went to Glasgow, where he served an apprenticeship of five years at the saddler’s trade. In 1842, he came to America, "to make his fortune." He selected Nashville, Tennessee, for his home, and followed his trade there quite successfully for three years. He then decided to enter the ministry, sold out his shop, and entered Nashville College, beginning the study of Latin and Greek at the age of twenty-four. He graduated there, and afterwards, at the Theological Seminary in New Albany, Indiana. He began to preach at Rehoboth, Harison County, Indiana, while still a student, at the age of thirty years and continued as a minister and home missionary for forty years.
He graduated on April 30, 1851, and the next day was married to Miss Catherine Shields. (See table above.) A few days later he and his bride proceeded to Texas, expecting to enter Mexico as missionaries as soon as the war amongnst the Mexicans and Comanche Indiana was over. Overstudy had undermined his "iron constitution," and ill health compelled him to abandon his hopes of labor in that benighted country. After four years of work in Texas, he reluctantly returned to the north. Though never strong afterwards, he labored earnestly and constantly in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Kansas. He never would accept of work in a large city church, although such fields were frequently opened to him. He said, "No, I started out to be a missionary. Since I cannot serve in the foreign field, I will go to the small and neglected churches where others do not wish to serve." And this vow he kept. Many feeble churches revived and built up, eight church buildings erected and several repaired, born abundant testimony to his faithfulness and ability.
In December, 1863, the 3rd Kentucky Cavalry of the Union Army, with Colonel Eli H. Murray in command, invited him to become their chaplain. the regiment joined Kilpatrick’s Division of Sherman’s Army, participating in many battles, and "marching through Georgia." A few days before the army started for the sea, the regiment received nearly a year’s pay. Not able to carry it with them, and solicitous for the welfare of their families at home, they chose Mr. McCrae, and he was ordered north with over $35,000 , to be distributed through northern Kentucky and southern Indiana. The money was enclosed in envelopes, each with an address on the outside. These envelopes were packed in a old valise, and carrying this in his hand, wearing the uniform of a private soldier, Chaplain McCrae started on his perilous mission. The story of his hairbreadth escapes during the next six weeks would read like the adventures of a dime novel. As he was well known in the localities he had to visit, his work had to be done mostly by night. He was greatly assisted by the negroes of that part of the country, whom he had befriended, and to whom he had preached before the war. It is sufficient to say that every penny of the money reached the ones to whom it had been sent.
As he could not rejoin Sherman’s Army, he was placed on duty as chaplain in Barracks No. 1, and Exchange Barracks in Louisville, Kentucky. Though arduous, the work delighted him. He served there until the war was over.
After the war was over, he served churches in Floyd, Orange, Washington and Harrison Counties of southern Indiana. While at Rehoboth Church, a fall from his horse crippled him for life. In spite of his enfeebled condition, he persisted in preaching, sometimes walking on crutches twelve miles to fill an appointment. His feeble health caused him to move to Kansas, in 1879. The change of climate proved quite beneficial, and nearly twelve years more of active work were granted him. Several churches organized, and five church buildings erected during this time, prove his faithful efficiency.
On February 10, 1890, he was released from earthly labor and suffering, and was buried at Ness City, Kansas.
He left
his widow and six grown children to mourn his loss,
and to revere his memory. Truly, "he being dead, yet
speaketh."
Mary McCrae Culter
Mary McCrae, bud, was born at New Albany, Indiana, April 12, 1858, and was named Mary Nantz by her great grandmother, Mary Nance Shields. The middle name was spelled as written, because the grandmother expressed a preference for that mode. She was educated at the Western College, Oxford, Ohio, graduating in 1877. She married Bradford M. Culter, of Derby, Kansas, October 19, 1882. Their home is on a large farm near Wichita, Kansas, but they are temporarily at La Junta, Colorado, for the health of their youngest child.
For a number of years, she has been doing considerable literary work, writing for some thirty publishing houses. Her serial work has been published in the Herald and Presbyter, Journal and Messenger, and Christian Ledger, all of Cincinnati; and in the Presbyterian Journal of Philadelphia. Her first book, "What the Railroad Brought to Timken," was put out by Monfort & Co., Cincinnati. The second, "Four Roads to Happiness," was published by the American Sunday School Union of Philadelphia. The third, "The Girl Who Kept Up," appared September, last, and was published by Lee & Shepard, of Boston.
She has three more books in the hands of the publishers, and they will probably be issued before this Memorial.
She does not publish her books, but sells the copyrights. This method perhaps nets her less returns, but frees her from expense and annoyance. Mrs. Culter says of her writings:
"They are not a class to make me either wealthy or famous. Distinctively religious work is the only kind that is really worthwhile, and that is the kind I do, looking for the reward hereafter. My greatest reward is when someone comes to me and says, "Your stories have helped me."
She writes
under her own name, that at the head of this sketch.
Edward P. Shields
Edward P. Shields, twig, was born in New Albany, Indiana, August 31, 1833. He was schooled for his early years in the Collegiate Institute, of that city, then under the careful oversight of Mr. Jno. B. Anderson, for a period of eight years, till he was in his fifteenth year, when, because of his need for better physical development, he was placed at work in the store of his father, at Louisville, Kentucky, for a period of nearly four years, realizing the benefits desired. Then, much improved in every way, study was resumed, having united with the church upon profession of faith, in 1849, and finding a growing desire to give himself to the work of the ministry, he entered in the course at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, with the junior class, in 1852, and graduating in 1854, receiving the degree of A.B. Three years later he received the degree of A.M., and thirty years later the degree of D.D.
As New Albany was his home, he properly entered the Theological Seminary of that place, in 1854, then under the care of such eminent divines and masters of learning as the Rev. Drs. MacMaster and T. E. Thomas. He took a full three years’ course in the institution with such excellent class-mates as Sylvester F. Scovel, David Kingery, Isaac B. Moore, Thomas E. Hughes, Joshua B. Garritt, most of whom continue to this day, and have written a most creditable record in the work of the ministry, and also in the art of education. The change of location for the institution, through the action of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, from New Albany to Chicago, Illinois, was a measure designed for the enlargement of its influence, as has proven to be the case, in which no one has rejoiced more than the class of 1857, which was graduated at the old, well-known location, as its last issue of men equipped for the faith. Dr. S. F. Scovel, for sixteen years president of the now renowned Presbyterian University, of Wooster, in the state of Ohio; and Prof. J. B. Garritt, for his whold life employed in the classical course of Hanover College, Indiana, are worthy of all praise for their devoted services in both lines of employment, never forgetting the privilege to preach the gospel while ernestly seeking to prepare others for the sacred calling.
An added year within the venerable walls of Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, was not without profit to the subject of this sketch, giving him friendship among the students there, many of which stlll continue to this day, and by the learned and careful instructions there imparted fitting him and them for better service in the work of the church.
He and his classmate, David Kingery, were examined for licensure, by the Presbytery of New Albany, at Philadelphia, in Washington County, Indiana, on the 9th of April, 1856.
A call from the rural church and congregation of Upper Pittsgrove, New Jersey, was given him in the spring of 1858, and accepted by him to begin his work May 1st. His marriage, April 19th, to Miss Sarah Scovel, followed, before removal to New Jersey, which is now one of the great strongholds of the Presbyterian Church in this land. In June, the Presbytery of West Jersey received him into their membership, and on the second day of said month, he was there ordained to the work of the ministry and installed pastor of said church. With his life-long friend for a companion and co-worker, he felt eager for the service. And the years of a first pastorate were among their most pleasant years, having been led wisely to such a historic church, dating from the colonial days of 1741, and having had the faithful management and guidance of the Rev. Geo. W. Janvier, who labored in that, his only charge, for forty-six years (1812 – 1858), and lived among the people of his choice for seven years more, dying, much lamented, in 1865, but leaving the fragrance of his name to bless that field for years to come. The memory of that good man and his example has had much to do with the career of his successor, and will ever be cherished possession in his list of blessings.
The erection of a new house of worship and its dedication, in 1867, one hundred years after the dedication of the former house in 1767, was a significant event during this pastorate.
Removal from this interesting field to the church at cape May, was made at the close of December in 1870, beginning his work the first of the new year. At that famous seaside resort, his ministry went steadily forward through a period of thirteen years and two months. Here he and his family found strength by reason of the tonic influence of the great grand ocean, which was of much advantage for uninterrupted usefulness for years to come.
Removal in 1884 to the church of Bristol, Pennsylvania, led to the third and last field of labor, and an average of thirteen years in each place, gave a total of thirty-nine years in all – years of uninterrupted employment in quiet but prosperous fields, and mingling many of the joys and sorrows of life for both the pastor and the people.
For a full term of three years, having been elected by the New Jersey Board of Education as Superintendent of Public Instruction for the County of Cape May (1881 – 1884), he had fine opportunity to become acquainted with school life, and to encourage and strengthen those who taught, to aim at higher things, and to advance the grade of study in many branches. Removal to Bristol interrupted this pleasing department of usefulness, although allowed to spend the last six months of his term in residence in the neighboring state. He was also Clerk of the Presbytery, West Jersey (1872 – 1884).
The occurrence of revival occasions throughout his whole career, was one of the gratifying experiences belonging to his modest and quiet life, for which he will ever be grateful to the giver of all good.
The death of Sarah Scovel, his faithful and beloved wife for almost thirty-three years, which came in January, 1890, was the most serious break in such a steadfast, resolute endeavor to accomplish the will of God by the service of his generation. Still, for years after that event, he continued at his post of duty, till warned by some indications of failing health, he felt it best to resign the active duties of his calling. She was a good woman, intelligent, accomplished, and attractive – in every way fitted for the position of a minister’s wife. Her whole heard was in the work, and her good influence can never die.
Seven
years after, marriage to Mrs Sarah P. Johnson, (June
2, 1899), at Bridgeton, New Jersey, has served to
supply the vacancy in the home, from whence most of
the children had gone forth into homes of their own.
His declining years are passing among pleasant
surroundings, thus, in the stat of his mother’s birth,
with the natural though sincere regret that there are
not more fruits to be gathered for the glory of his
Lord and Master, to whom belongeth the praise for a
useful life.
Rev. John S. MacConnell
Was able to trace his descent from Scotch and Scotch-Irish ancestry, his parents, George and Jeannette, living in West Deer Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. John was born in their country home, August 12, 1833, and his subsequent life gave evidence of the religious training by them imparted, stimulated (no douby) by the earnest belief received in the instruction of that Presbyterian denomination known for many years as the Associate Reform Church, and afterwards changed by union with the Reformed Church, into the Associate Presbyterian Church.
After having united with the church in early life, John entered, for his collegiate training, into Franklin College, located at New Athens, Ohio, for a five years’ course, and graduating with honors, in 1858, and from the Allegheny Theologicl Seminary, of that denomination, at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1862. Now followed entrance into the activities of his public ministry. Licensed by Monongahela Presbytery in 1861, he was the next year ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by the Presbytery of Cleveland, within whose bounds he labored for four years of diligent work. From there he was invited to missionary work in the City of Chicago, and was employed within that great city’s limits among the needy of that growing community for two years more.
There it was, that, after more serious and thoughtful consideration of the matter, he felt called to change his church relations, and , after due call by the Presbyterian Church at Pontiac, in 1868, was accepted in his new connection and employed for five years of steadfast service there. From Pontiac, he was called to the Church of Emsworth, which lay in the bounds of both the County and the Presbytery of Allegheny, and gave four years to the upbuilding of that interesting field. but he was soon called to a much larger field in the area of the great city of Pittsburg itself, and, for ten years (1877 – 1887) in the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, of Pittsburg, found a field which required his fullest endeavors and steady devotion, until the day of his death, which occurred at Cranford, New Jersey, October 29, 1887.
His
marriage at Cape May, to Miss Clara J. Shields, bud
above, took place March 31, 1881. His death left her
with the charge of two children which are tokens of
God’s covenant faithfullness upon whom is believed
that the same care in parental training will bring
forth much honor in his memory; his only son, Edward
S., now fully twenty-one years of age, is in college
course seeking preparation for the same calling with
that of his lamented father. May God receive all the
praise for such indications of his providence,
vindicating the prophecy and hope, "As are the fathers
so shall the children be."
Rev. W. Hamill Shields, A.M.
Rev. W. Hamill Shields, bud, is the youngest of the three sons of Rev. E. P. Shields, D.D. Born January 30, 1870, at Daretown, New Jersey. At the age of about two years the father became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Cape May, New Jersey, where the boy received the benefits of the sea air for the thirteen years of that pastorate. On the removal to Bristol, Pennsylvania, the boy had the advantage of the private instructions of the father for two years.
At the age of eighteen, he decided to enter business, but in a few months felt himself called to the ministry, and in the summer of 1887, entered the summer school of Wooster University. After one year of preparatory work, and the four years of collegiate life, he graduated in June of 1892.
In September of that year he entered Princeton Seminary, and graduated in May of 1895. He immediately entered the work of the ministry as pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church of Detroit, Michigan, where for five years, reasonable success attended his ministry.
In
September of 1900, he came to the Presbyterian Church
of Middleton, Ohio, where he was permitted to raise an
$8,000 debt a few months after his arrival. The church
is now out of debt, and has assumed the support of its
own missionary pastor in China, and all branches of
the work are moving steadily on. His wife, who was
Miss Belle T. Platter, of Wooster, Ohio, is the
daughter of Rev. James E. Platter, formerly of
Winfield, Kansas. She has proven herself to be a most
gifted helper, and with him shares the joys and
compensations of Christian service.
Rev. David Kingery
Rev. David Kingery was born at South Salem, Ohio, May 8, 1829. His boyhood was spent on a farm, where he acquired strength of body and cheerful spirits, two very necessary qualifications for the work of the ministry. His education began in the country schools, continued through the Salem Academy (a Presbyterian school famous for the remarkable number of men it has sent into the home and foreign mission fields); thence through Miami University at Oxford, Ohio; thence to the New Albany Theological Seminary (now McCormick Seminary, Chicago, Illinois), taking the full course, graduating in May 1857. He was licensed to preach by New Albany Presbytery, in April 1856, and began his ministerial labors at Kokomo, Indiana, during the summer vacation.
For more than a year during his seminary course, he taught Latin and Greek in DePauw Female College, a Methodist School at New Albany.
In June 1857, following his graduation, he took charge of a church at Onarga, Illinois, his first regular field of labor. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry in April, 1858, by the Presbytery of Peoria, Illinois, in session at Canton, same state. This event was followed, June 17, by his marriage at New Albany, with Miss Cordelia A. Shields, twig.
His labors have been constant, but varied, living always in the west, or middle-west, where changes are more common that in the far eastern states. During the Civil War, he found, at Wabash, Indiana, abundance of work for his church and for his country. He next took charge of the Valparaiso Collegiate Institute, a Presbyterian School of high grade, in Valpraiso, Indiana. This was in many respects a desirable position, but he resigned it that he might resume the pastoral work.
In Ohio he had charge of churches at Loveland, Deleware, Columbus, and other points, where the sabbath school, temperance, and missionary causes always found in him an earnest, active advocate, and worker.
Removing to Kansas in 1879, he was soon in the midst of the great temperance movement that gave to Kansas the benefits of prohibition, and the glory of being the first state in the union to give it a place in the state constitution. In common, with ministers generally, he labored with voice and pen, to forward the glorious work, and to influence all about him to work, pray, and vote for prohibition, and to practice total abstinence. He was commissioner to the Presbyterial General Assembly, at Detroit, Michigan, in 1872, and at Saratoga, New York, in 1883.
Since 1879, Mr. Kingery has been engaged in the home mission work. Forty-six years of active, constant service is his record. Blessed with uniformly good health, loving his work, energetic and unsparing of himself, he as been vouchsafed a good degree of success, as pastor, teacher and friend. He is still strong and vigorous, preaching part of the time. Rev. Dr. Galbraigh, who was his boyhood friend, and his fellow student in academy, college, and seminary, in a published address given on the occasion of the "Centennial of Salem Church," South Salem, Ohio, says:
"David Kingery preached for a time at Loveland, Ohio, but for many years has been a home missionary in the far west, doing faithful and heroic work. He is an excellent preacher, a true friend, an upright, manly man. Two of his sons are professors of excellent reputation, in Presbyterian colleges."
Mr. Kingery says there is no happier life on earth, that the life of a faithful, diligent minister of Christ.
The above sketch has been prepared by the author from facts furnished him by Cousin Cornelia, the companion for more than forty-five years, in all the joys and sorrows of this busy man of God.
A faithful panorama of the life of this mother in Israel, as of any other such, who has been the wife of a faithful missionary, home or foreign, for nearly a half-century, would thrill the church to a greater realization of responsibility of the individual Christian toward the proper support of these missionaries of the cross. It gives me great pleasure to present the sketch of a noble life:
Cornelia A. Shields was born in New Albany, September 10, 1837. The Shields family, with the exception of the father’s two sisters, had their home and their business in New Albany, as also her mother’s people, the Day family, and she grew up surrounded by a large circle of relatives, among whom there was warm affection and devoted attachment. She always regarded it as a high honor to be able to trace her descent from such ancestry as the Scotch Covenanters, the Pilgrim Fathers, and the French Huguenots. Her early education was obtained in the private schools of her ntive city. Then she entered Anderson’s Female Seminary, from which she graduated in 1854. This school had a high reputation for thoroughness in education., and for its moral and religious influence. Following her marriage, she went with her husband to his pastoral charge at Onarga, Illinois. She has often spoken of the change in surroundings. The Sunday before her marriage, worshiping in a large city church, the next in a wareroom containing hardware, farm implements, household furniture, etc., in a small prairie village. She has always entertained pleasant memories of that first worship in her new home. The singing would compare well with that in some of the fine churches. The choir sang a missionary anthem with much of the spirit of devotion. Since that time her life as a minister’s wife has been a busy one, and as she expresses it, with many joys, some sorrows, and some successes."
When the woman’s crusade against the liquor traffic commenced in Ohio, where her home then was, she was in full sympathy with the movement, though not enrolled as a member of the crusaders. Much work was being done in arousing a sentiment among the people in favor of temperance, and in this she took an active part. This continued for some years in Ohio. Then, after removal to Kansas in 1879, the way was open for stlll more active and aggressive work in the same line, in the fight for constitutional prohibition. The women were not permitted to vote, but that did not prevent their taking an active part in the campaign. There were many quiet, womanly ways in which they might render efficient service, and they were not slow to respond to the call. Organizations were formed, meetings were held, and the subject kept continuously before the people. In all this, she was actively engaged. The result is known the world over – prohibition in the state of Kansas.
Woman’s missionary work in organized form gave a still wider opportunity for church work. When a woman’s Presbyterial Missionary Society was to be organized in connection with the Presbytery to which her husband was a member, she was elected to an office, to her surprise and against her wishes. Timidly the work was undertaken, but with the full purpose of doing her whole duty. For more than fifteen years, in Ohio and then in Kansas, she continued actively in the work, during much of the time holding the office of president, secretary, or treasurer. When, from partial loss of sight, she found it necessary to give up such work for some years. Later, especially in the use of the pen, it was gladly resumed. To show that this work was appreciated, the pastor of the largest church in the Presbytery, told her that before her affliction came upon her, he heard her name mentioned more than any other woman within the bounds of the Presbytery, as an active worker in the missionary society.
New country life in Kansas gave the family many novel experiences, and many that were pleasing. It was a great change for the minister’s wife, but she heartily enjoyed the work. There was much to do, but great encouragement in the doing of it, results being more speedily evident and far reaching than in the older states.
Among the energetic, intelligent people of Kansas, it was cheering to see the rapid growth and great improvement in the surroundings. She says, "To many people the life of a minister’s wife seems hard and unattractive, but to me it has many charms, and I rejoice that it has been my lot."
Six children were given to this worthy couple, as per table above, three sons and the same number of daughters, buds. Hugh MacMaster is professor of Latin in Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana, and author of a small Latin textbook, "The Media of Seneca," used by many schools. He is a graduate of Wooster University, class of 1884. David Newton is professor of higher mathematics and physics, in Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a graduate of Wabash College, class of 1893. James R. is manager of the largest dry goods store in El Paso, Texas, and is a very successful business man.
Joanna Day Shields, twig, was born in New Albany, June 24, 1839. She was educated in the schools of her native city. The state of her health prevented her receiving the same liberal eduction enjoyed by her brothers and sisters. She early developed musical talent, and it was cultivated. The piano was her delight. With it and her clear soprano voice, she was always in demand, and welcom in any circles. A sister said of her:
"Joe has the pen of a ready writer. She has written many poems, some amusing, some tender and sweet. Here is one of her poems that I have heard her play and sing to music of her own composing:"
My Prayer Father in heaven, hear this my prayer, Keep from temptation, from every snare; Help me to serve thee, to love and obey; From earth to heaven show me the way. Then when the hour comes my life to lay down, I’ll yield it gladly, winning a crown Sparkling with gems, with heaven’s radiant gleam – God’s love the setting, Oh glorious dream!
Cousin Joanna is passionately fond of music to this day, as the author can testify. She flies from the midst of animated conversation, to her piano, and at once illustrates a point in the conversation, in a sweet melody of voice and instrument, by the use of some sentence or two from some poem, perhaps her own, perhaps another’s. She says of herself:
"Sister Cornie asked when here over two years ago, "Joe, do you still keep up your music?" "No, it keeps me up. Every nerve is set that way, and I pray in a better world, I may have my place with the grand choir, and an organ for my very own and a voice to sing the songs to which my inner life’s instrument is set. ""
On September 1, 1860, Cousin Joanna left Albany with Mr. and Mrs. George Buford, of Egg Point, Mississippi, to spend ten months in their home, as a companion and music teacher to the young wife, more the former than the latter. The lessons of those few months in the sunny south, are treasured in the memory. She was in Mississippi when the state seceded from the Union. She returned home on the last boat that came up the Mississippi River before the blockade.
On October 4, 1864, she was married to Mr. W. B. Warren, by her brother, Edward, at his home in Daretown, New Jersey. In 1865 they removed to Georgia, and entered the mercantile business, but it being just after the close of the war, the country was bankrupt, and success was not for them. They returned to Louisville, which has been their home ever since. In writing of the love manifest between the members of the Shields family, she says:
I believe the love that exists in our family is rarely strong. The fate of living, growing up, marrying, which means scattering, has been ours.
"Like a wreath of scented flowerets,
Close
intertwined each heart,
But time and change in concert,
Have
blown the wreath apart."
"When I long for sainted memories,
Like
angel troops they come –
If I fold my arms and ponder,
On
the old, old home."
In speaking of life’s battles, to which we all are heir, and of which most of us have our share, she says:
I am fighting the battle of life and do not know what turn fate may take. As I have often said, I am fighting a "Manila" battle, but if I win a "Dewey Victory," all will be well.
The
world is but a school-room, where,
We
tasks may learn and trials meet,
And when the term is ended here,
In
higher grades find pleasures sweet.
The author has tried to portray the character, life and spirit of Cousin Joanna to those who have not the pleasure of her personal acquaintance, and has thought he could best do it by quoting portions of her letter to him, written after much urgency on his part, and of others. Those who know her will recognize the weakness of his effort.
The reader will find samples of her writings throughout this work. He asked her for a poetic sentiment for the dedicatory page. At once came, "To the readers of the Nance record and who are numbered therein." He asked for something appropriate for opening the chapter on our ancestral head, Clement Nance, Senior. It came by return mail. He asked for lines to take the place of her grandfather, which cannot be had. They came at once, and will be found in their place. This came with them: "I have again complied. I just turned the mill of impulse and this is what came out of it. (A kind of electric button business.) If I touched a live wire and you have your wishes, I am more than gratified." He asked for a poetic sentiment on the Coat of Arms, bringing out the similarity between it and our family, both of uncertain origin, French or English. Her reply is in its proper place.
Fearing that some of the sentiments from the southland concerning the conflict now long gone by, might leave a tinge of those days on the minds of the reader not in harmony with present day sentiment, the author asked Cousin Joanna for a poetic sentiment, up to date, as a kind of antidote, if any wer needed. Prompt and satisfactory as usual came the response, "The Blue and the Gray."
Finally he asked for her photo for the Memorial. In its stead came this:
Cousin George
If by my pen, I have given you aid
To add to your book, I surely am paid,
By your kindly good will, and kindly regard,
I never once thought I should have a part,
In this "lineage history," requiring an art,
To trace, and to find those hidden away
From Earth’s brightness and sun, and in devious ways,
A pleasure has been, to come to your call,
Acknowledging your goodness, that shines through it
all.
Love for your ancestors, the brave and the true,
And
their branches, the world teems with, the old and the
new.
You ask for my face – semblance of my old self
To place with the others your pages between
Cousin George, I really must beg you to excuse
An act so alarming, I’d rather not choose.
‘Tis kindly indeed to offer a place
For the white-haired old lady, without an old face,
But out of regard for the camera, so dear,
I’ll refrain for a time; not for this year.
The artist’s expenses will be heavy enough
Without my making a break; for him ‘twould be tough.
Yours
cousinly,
Josie
D.S.W.
January
27, 1904, 10:30 P.M.
Elias A. Shields, twig, was born at New Albany, Indiana, October 26, 1843. Died at Cincinnati, Ohio, May 2, 1902. He was of a cheerful, hopeful disposition, witty and affectionate. Was endowed with marked musical, artistic and poetic ability. In business he was accurate, conscientious, faithful in the extreme, and like his father, strictly honest. Was a remarkably rapid accountant, a valuable talent for one in his position, that of bookkeeper for large wholesale houses in Cincinnati.
October 17, 1866, he was married to Miss Sallie Tumy, and was. to the end of his life, a fond and devoted husband. To their children he was the beloved companion, as well as the father to be revered and obeyed.
His days were spent amid the rush and pressure of business, but his evenings with his family were his delight. Looking down from the Heights of Walnut Hills, his home, he once said, "When I come up here at night, I leave all business down there in the city." (A wise plan.)
He was a devoted Christian, and a member of the Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati. And now that he is done with life’s cares and business, and is at rest, ‘tis pleasant to recall his own words, written many years ago:
"God
grant that amid our restings,
We
can scan o’er the six days of toil,
And
find in our conscience the verdict,
It
is good – It is pure – Without toil."
Of the many beautiful poems of Cousin Elias, sent the author, he can find room but for the following, showing as it does, fine poetic ability:
Sundays
Six
days in the sand of the desert –
Six
days in the glare of the sun –
Six
days we have bent ‘neath the burden,
But
the toil and the travel are done.
The
oasis is reached, and the waters
Dance,
bubble and sing in their glee;
"We
are life to all that’s around us,"
And
the echo is "Life to me."
We
kick off the travel-worn sandals,
And
the dust of the desert we bore
Is
lost, as we bathe in the bounty
Now
lavish – so stinted before.
We
rest – God rested, we’re told,
When
the earth was as green before him
As
this emerald set in the gold
The
dove coo’d then in the branches,
And
her mate came, just as now,
And
the reeds and the lillies were rocking,
As
resting, I see them bow.
Leaf
waved welcome to cloud –
Winds
whispered among the wood –
God
rested – "Twas He that had made it,"
‘Twas
He that had said, "It is good."
God
grant that amid our restings
We
can scan o’er the six days of toil,
And
find in our conscience the verdict,
"It
is good" – It is pure – Without soil.
A
few more stretches of desert –
A
few more patches of green,
And
the river is reached where endeth
The
travel and burden, I ween,
And
the worn and the weary find Sundays
Nor
toiling, nor travel between.
E.
A. Shields
Clement Nance Shields – Branch Three
Clement Nance Shields was born June 17, 1803. He was married to Miss. Mary Stewart of Crawford County, Indiana, April 26, 1827. They resided at Marengo for eight years, he keeping a country store. In 1833 they moved to New Albany, to better educate their children. Here he opened up a dry goods store, but on August 22, 1838, he passed away, being but two months past thirty-five years of age. He was the father of four children, named below as twigs. The mother survived the father thirty-seven years, caring for the children until they grew up. She passed away in August 1875, loved and respected by all.
Mr. Shields had an exalted conception of life, and holy living. When a young man, he refused a lucrative clerkship in a store, because he would be expected to sell whiskey, a commodity kept in most stores in those days.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Mary C., h,............{no issue
{Horace C. King, d
{
{Emma S., h,
{Phil J. Carleton, d....{Phillip N., d.
{New Albany, IN
{
{Walter C., w, 1854
{Sallie Clelland........{no issue
Avesta A., h, 1828 {Atlanta, GA
Jno. R. Nunemacher, d...{
New Albany, IN {Frank C., w,...........{Stewart C.
{Charlotte Crane
{Louisville, KY
{
{Grace, h, 1862 {Walter G.
{G. McGowan.............{Charles R.
{Louisville, KY {Lucy, d.
{
{Elizabeth, 1868
{New Albany, IN
----------------------------------------------
James G., w,
1829 – 1892…………… {Florence A.
Cora A. Snyder {New Albany, IN
----------------------------------------------
{Julia Hinman
{Charles E., w, 1853 {Elizabeth Shields
{Alice Hinman...........{Harry Stewart
{307 Highland Dr. {Aline Terrell
{Seattle, WA {Bonnie Marguarite
{ {Chas. Leslie
{William F., w,
{Lilly Hammond..........{Hubert
{New Albany, IN {Katie
{
{Edgar S., w, {Paul
{Letitia Gebhart........{Curtis
{Yazoo City, MS {Jeanette
Mary E., h, 1831 { {Wm. Earl
Wm. C. Crane, d.........{Arthur C., w,
New Albany, IN {Emely Hare.............{no issue
{Louisville, KY
{ {Bessie
{Emma, h, {Louise
{Steve Barnwell.........{Steven E.
{Yazoo City, MS {Adele
{ {Antoinette
{Addie, h,
{Al Wright..............{Burdette
{New Albany, IN {Aline
{
{Martin B., w,
{Ada Buck...............{M. Frion
{Seattle, WA
----------------------------------------------
{Nellie, h, {Nellie
{John Potts.............{Marie
{Cincinnati, OH {John
{
{Albert W., w,
David P., w, {Rose Campbell..........{Mildred
Isadora Hines, d........{Little Rock, AR
Memphis, TN {
{Carrie, h,.............{1.
{John Cullen
{Richmond, VA
{
{James P. (Bachelor)
{New York, NY
Very little biographical matter concerning the family above is at hand. The author has met few of the family, and has had correspondence with others, and has an exalted opinion of the family, but they are too modest to speak of themselves.
Charles Eugene Crane, bud above, was born October 14, 1853, at New Albany, Indiana. He was educated in the public schools and Morse & Fales Academy, of the same place. He was trained in the wholesale hardware house of Tarwater, Snyder & Rankin’s, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a member of Crane Bros. & Co., Yazoo City, Mississippi, up to July 1891, when be removed to Seattle, Washington. Here he is president and manager of the Diamond Ice and Storage Company, the Mutual Light and Heat Company. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Chamber of Commerce, Ranier and Athletic Clubs. His likeness appears herewith, as also does that of his youngest child, Charles Leslie, in "the first pair of trousers."
Frank C. Nunemacher, bud above, was found at his place of business by the author, who had a very pleasant call. Mr. Nunemacher owns and manages a large railroad printing house at 436 West Main Street, Louisville. He is one of the Election Commissioners of the city, and withal, a very busy man.
Avesta A. Shields was born in 1828; married to J. R. Nunemacher in 1847, and was left a widow in 1882, in a fine home in New Albany, where she continues to reside. The author has no where received warmer cousinly greetings.
Dr. Pleasant S. Shields – Branch Four
Dr. Pleasant Scott Shields was born in Floyd County, Indiana, near Georgetown, November 30, 1806. Died in New Albany, same county, January 29, 1875. He was married to Miss Nancy Plumer, February 5, 1835. The following quotation is taken from the New Albany Ledger-Standard:
"Again the hand of death has been laid on one of our oldest and most highly esteemed citizens, Dr. Pleasant Scott Shields, who expired at the family residence on Main Street, between Pearl and Bank, at eight o’clock this morning. Dr. Shields was born in this county when the county was an almost unbroken wilderness. He remained at the place of his birth with his parents until his majority, when he came to New Albany and entered the office of Dr. A. Clapp, as a medical student, and after acquiring a knowledge of the profession sufficient to justify him in the act, he returned to Georgetown and practiced his profession for several years. In 1832 he returned to this city and entered upon the practice of medicine, which he continued without intermission, and with great success, up to the time of his last fatal illness. In the profession he was recoginzed as among the foremost of our local physicians. He was pre-eminently a family man, and in the family circle realized the height of his enjoyment. In early life he attached himself to the Presbyterian church in this city, and for many years occupied the honorable position of elder in the First Presbyterian Church, for the interest of which, and the up-building of the kingdom of Chirst, he labored diligently and earnestly. He was foremost in all good work in the church, as well as among his fellow-citizens outside of his church fellowship. We know that we but repeat the sentiment of all our people, that none of her citizens was more universally esteemed than Dr. Pleasant S. Shields. His Christianity was carried into all the relations of life, and fully exemplified those beautiful traits which give to the religion of Christ its brightest allurements. He was public spirited, and entered into all enterprises that had for their object the advancement of the interest of his adopted city or his native county.
Dr. Shields leaves a wife and two grown daughters to mourn the loss of an affectionate husband and a kind and indulgent parent. These will receive the profound sympathy of our citizens in their bereavement."
The author remembers in early life to have heard his father speak many times in the most endearing terms of his cousin, Dr. Pleasant Shields. He is certain he must have been one of God’s most noble men. A niece says of him:
"No truer, nobler person ever lived. Uncle was the poor man’s friend, and so never became rich; pleasant in voice, gentle-mannered; winning the hearts of all, he was minister as well as physician at the dying bed."
After nearly fifty years of constant practice of his profession, he "fell asleep" in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and was numbered with his fathers. His two daughters are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Florence Anna
{
{Sally Shields, h
{Curtis Bates Mather.....{Charlotte Bates
{
{Ella, h, d. {Charles W.
Anna, h {Chas. W. McConaughy.....{Florence Ella
W. DeWitt Wallace, d.....{
Lafayette, IN {Mary, d.
919 State Street {
Soldier, lawyer, judge {Anna, h, {DeWitt Wallace
{Walter T. May...........{Margaret Wallace
{
{Charlotte Poole, h,
{Winder E. Goldsborough..{Laird Shields
----------------------------------------------
Sally Plummer, 1840-1902
Never married.
Concerning the life and death of the last named above, the LaFayette Courier has the following:
"Word was received last evening, by Mrs. DeWitt Wallace, announcing the death of her sister, Miss Sarah Plumer Shields, which occurred last evening (February 27, 1902) at five o’clock, in one of the hospitals of Indianapolis. She was known to nearly every one in this city as Miss Sallie Shields, and resided here for over twenty years. Her death was caused by erysipelas, but for several years past, she had been in failing health. It was in 1899 that her health suddenly failed, and at the time she underwent a serious operation at the Home Hospital. She was taken to a hospital in Indianapolis a little over a year ago, thinking that the cange might so some good, but her strength wore away gradually, and nothing in the power of the best physicians could turn the tide. The news of her death comes as a shock, more so to those who were not intimate friends, as they did not know the seriousness of her condition.
Miss
Shields was born in New Albany, Indiana, sixty-one
years ago, and was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. P. S.
Shields. She and her mother came to this city to
reside in 1877, shortly after the death of Dr.
Shields. She was a member of the Second Presbyterian
church, and was for years superintendent of the infant
class, and there is not a person who graduated from
her class, that did not love and admire her. She was
polished in literature and was a member of the Parlor,
Hill-Top, and Art Clubs."
Elizabeth Shields-Kintner – Branch Five
Elizabeth G. Shields was born December 14, 1810. Jacob L. Kintner was born May 20, 1808. They were married December 22, 1831. His father gave him six hundred acres of timber land on the Ohio River. He cleared it, built a large, fine house on it, and made it a lovely home where the children were all born, reared and married. This was at Cedar Farm, Harrison County, Indiana. Mother Kintner lived to a good old age, dying in her eightieth year, February 1890. Anything I might say of this mother in Israel, would be tame, beside what has been said by those who knew her. She was the mother of five children, named below as twigs. One of her daughters, Mrs. Anna Kintner-Moore, writes me the following tribute to her mother:
"My mother was one of the loveliest characters I have ever known. She was so kind, gentle and loving, so true and noble, so refined and intelligent. She had very poor opportunities to get an education. Yet she spelled correctly, and wrote a clear, fine hand. She went to school three months at a time for two years. Her books were the Bible, Webster’s speller, and a very crude arithmetic. She had to walk two miles, and stay at home on washdays. When one of her brothers was going to be married, she spun, and dyed, and wove the jeans from which she made his wedding suit. She was so skillful, could do all kinds of house work, a fine cook, dressmaker, tailoress, millner, fancy work, embroidery, wonderful knitting, crocheting, wax flowers, feather brushes and fans, hair work; in fact, I don’t know anything my mother could not do and do well. Her patience was inexhaustible, and she was neatness personified. Always so bright and cheerful and happy to the last day of her life. She lived in New Albany, with her brother, James, until her marriage, when she went to the farm where she spent her life, and in all that country she was known and greatly beloved for her kindness to every one. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a faithful true Christian, trusting in God always to the end.
She was a
great temperance woman. I heard her tell that when she
went onto the farm there was much intemperance among
the neighbors. My father was going to build a barn,
and gave a "barn raising." She said, "I am not willing
to have any strong drink for the men." Father said he
did not think the men would like that, as it was
customary to treat them on such occasions. "Very
well," she said, "I will make a big pot of good coffee
with plenty of rich cream and sugar, and they will
have to be satisfied." So she had her way, and that
was the beginning of better days in that community,
for the men went home sober and satisfied. My father
always said he owed his success in life toher. That
she had been all the world to him.
(See tribute to Shields Family at close of this
chapter.)
Twig Buds Blossoms
William Henry
drowned at age 21
----------------------------------------------
{Samuel M., w, 1821
{Elizabeth E. Blanchard
James P., w.............{
Annie E. Montgomery {Mary E.
Rock Haven, KY {Edwin G.
Born and reared on {William C.
Cedar Farm, Harrison {Julia F.
County, IN, and has {James S.
always lived on same
farm. A democrat.
Not a church member.
----------------------------------------------
{Elizabeth
{Robert G., w {Ada Blanche
{Mary B. Burkett........{Ellen S.
{ {Robert G.
{ {Malcolm K.
{
{ {Agnes G.
{Elizabeth S., h,.......{Mary C.
{1869 - 1901 {Anna C.
Agnes Mary, h, {William D. Craig
Edwin S. Graham.........{
Graham, TX {Malcolm K., w,.........{Louise G.
{Maud S. Garrett
{
{Bessie, h,.............{1.
{William Craig {2.
{
{Edwin S.
{Anna B.
----------------------------------------------
{Elizabeth G.
Anna Lizzie, h {Mary Lee
Judge Jas. Z. Moore.....{Lawson
Spokane, WA {Agnes K.
{Annabelle
{Charlotte
----------------------------------------------
Charles J., w,..........{no issue
Viola B. Pack
Agnes Mary Kintner was born in 1843; married to Edwin S. Graham of Rock Haven, Kentucky in 1865. Becoming largely interested in Texas’ broad acres, they removed to Young County, Texas, where he and his brother, Gustavus, laid out a town, giving it the name Graham. It is now the county seat, and a town of over 1,500 inhabitants. This has been the home of the family since going to Texas. Mr. Graham died several years since, but the mother and her family are at home in the town that bears their name.
Anna Lizzie Kintner was married to James Z. Moore, June 6, 1871. Mr. Moore was a young lawyer of Owensboro, Kentucky, where they continued to reside sixteen years, when they removed to the far west, settling in Spokane, Washington. Here he entered upon an extensive law practice which continues to the present. He was a member of the Constituitonal Convention that framed the Constitution under which the Territory was admitted to Statehood. He served two terms as Supreme Court Judge, and one term as Prosecuting Attorney.
This couple are the parents of twelve children, but half of whom remain to bless the parents. One, a son, was burned to death by the explosion of a lamp, when nearly grown. Another died of congestion of the lungs, at Palo Alto, California, where he was attending Stanford University.
Mrs. Elizabeth Graham-Craig, bud above, was born at Cedar Farm, Harrison County, Indiana, June 18, 1869, at which place, and Louisville, Kentucky, the first ten years of her life were spent. The family removing to Graham, Texas, the remaining years of her girlhood where spent there, developing into a lovely womanhood, winning the love and affection of all with whom whe came in contact. In the fall of 1892, the family removed to Spokane, Washington, where on September 27, 1893, she was married to William Drummond Craig, of Graham, Texas, a member of an old New Jersey family of Scotch descent. Settling at once in the home of her husband, and her girlhood home, the remaining years of her life were spent there. The union proved a happy one, the home life being singularly free from trouble and sorrow. Three children were born to them, named above as blossoms.
In January, 1901, she was taken sick with la grippe, which soon developed into pneumonia, and on February 9th, she passed away. Her whole live was beautiful and Christ-like. She was a joy, comfort and honor to her parents, a loving and sympathetic help-mate to her husband, a wise and loving mother, and a true sincere friend.
Mary Shields-Elliot – Branch Seven
Mary Smith Shields was born December 25, 1814. She died September 30, 1885. She was united in marriage to Samuel Elliot, surviving him many years. She was the mother of no children.
Tribute to the Shields Family
Remarks made by Rev. J. W. Clokey, of the First Presbyterian Church, New Albany, Indiana, at the funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth (Shields) Kintner, February 6, 1890:
"While we remain in the bouyancy of our youth, the dying of those around us makes little impression on us. So long as our own immediate companions are spared, we do not seem conscious that whole households and generations are passing away from earth. It is later in life, when those who have been our own associates begin to disappear from our circles, that we feel and realize the changes that are taking place. Then it is that we grow lonely and sad, as we see that the places that have known our households and our generations are soon to know them no more forever.
Fully eighty-six years ago, when there was no New Albany, Grandfather and Grandmother Shields crossed the Ohio, passed beyond "the knobs," and settled near Georgetown. Later on, their children are found in New Albany, where for sixty years, they and their children are part of the city’s life and prosperity. So numerous were they, and so largely did they enter into church and social life, that at the time Dr. Conn prepared a history of the First Presbyterian Church, no less than fifty or sixty members on the roll were, by birth or marriage, related to the Shields Family. These members were in prominent places in all the services of the church, in the Sabbath audiences, in the prayer meetings, Sabbath schools and socials. James R. Shields was an elder forty-four years, and Dr. Pleasant S. Shields, for thirty-eight years.
Then the Shields name was as familiar in all parts of New Albany as the names of the streets are now. But what a change has taken place. In the cemetery, with a single exception, two generation lie buried. The grandparents and every one of their children have gone the way of all the earth. In the First Church, where they were once so prominent, there is but a single person bearing the name of Shields, and in this city, but a single family.
Only six men are left, of the once extensive family, to tell the world by the family name, that the Shields household ever existed.
Such a revolution in so short a time must cast a shadow over the hearts of the living, and make us feel like fame, position, or social distinction are not worth spending one’s life for, and that the only true motive of conduct is to love God and serve Him on earth.
But there is sunshine among the shadows. These rare old people, the last of whom we are here to bury, are not dead. They are living as they have never lived before. They have already joined the assembly of the Just Made Perfect, and are now a part of the Cloud of Witnesses who, from above, look down upon us who remain to complete the earthly race. They are not unclothed but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. It does not trouble them that the old name of Shields is passing away, for the promise is now a reality for them. "I will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name is written which no man knoweth, save him that receiveth it."
These godly people still live on earth; their blood still flows in the veins of numerous descendants who, though not bearing the name of the original household, are nevertheless their children by nature and by faith. These descendants are now enjoying the blessing of the Christian lives and hallowed reputation of their consecrated parents. They have entered into the inheritance which God has promised shall flow from his pious servants to their children, and their children’s children after them. They live, too, in the work they did, and the influence they always wielded for God’s glory and human weal. In looking back, one sees them in the vision of by’gones, walking with God, honoring their professions, keeping sacred the times the services of their holy altars. Their examples, their prayers and their consels have helped give a cast to New Albany, which will be a blessing to it so long as it shall remain a city. They still live, and always will live, in the underlying rock-bed of our municipal existence. they may in name be forgotten, and future generations may wonder over their resting places, and ask, "Who were these Shields?" But their work remains, and God, who haolds all things in his memory, will never forget them.
You, their relatives here today, should hallow the memory of these blessed ancestors. They have transmitted to you a spotless name; the pages of their lives lie open to you without a stain. Keep your pages as clean as they have kept theirs, that the generations to follow you may rise up and call you blessed.
In burying Elizabeth Shields-Kintner, we lay away the last of her generation. She was a godly woman with a beautiful face, a beautiful character, and a beautiful life; and you think of her now only to love her and to revere her as one of God’s own saintly children. Be true to the principles that controlled her, and when you die, the living will be glad to honor you, as today they are glad to honor her."
The Good Man's Death
By
DeWitt Wallace
(Suggested
by the death of
Dr.
Pleasant S. Shields)
As
dauntless as a lion,
As
submissive as a lamb,
As
cheerful as the sunshine,
Composed
as evening's calm.
As
joyous as the skylark,
As
up to heaven it flies,
'Tis
thus the good man passes
From
the world to the skies.
CHAPTER VI
William Nance – Limb Five
William Nance was born November 5, 1784, in the State of Virginia. Nancy Smith was born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, October 17, 1785. They were married in 1803, and removed soon after to Kentucky, where they remained about eighteen months, and then came on to Indiana Territory, with his father and the rest of the family. In 1811, he was a volunteer under General Harrison, then Governor of the Territory, in his campaign against the Indians, and was in the noted Battle of Tippecanoe. In 1836, he, with his family, came to Illinois, settling at Columbus in Adams County. Here he died, and was buried, August 16, 1852. His wife survived him several years, dying September 24, 1867. They were faithful, earnest members of the Christian Church. They were the parents of ten children. Mrs. Hiram Nance, of Los Angeles, California, writes of him: "He died soon after our marriage, but he impressed me as a very good Christian man, unassuming, kind, and loved by all who knew him."
Mrs. Martha Harber says of him: "There was no better man or Christian than Uncle Billy."
The following are named below as branches:
Dorothy
Howard,
Clement Nance,
John Smith Nance,
Marie Butler,
William H. Nance,
Mary Nance, died at 25,
Nancy Lane,
Amanda Jane Wilkerson,
Minerva Fessenden,
Hiram Nance.
Dorothy Nance – Branch One
Dorothy Nance was born in March, 1805, the same month the family came to Indiana. She was married to Levin Howard, in Floyd County, December 8, 1831. Two children were born to them, named below as twigs, and of whom nothing is known but that they settled in Santa Rosa, California. After Mr. Howard’s death, she married a Mr. Marsh, who died without issue. Later in life, she married Elder Ross, a minister in the Christian Church of which she was a life-long member. Their home was in Illinois, between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
Twigs Buds Blossoms William Howard, Santa Rosa, CA --------------------------------------------- Jane Howard, h, William Smith Santa Rosa, CA
Clement Nance – Branch Two
Clement Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, September 14, 1808. Permelia Watson was born in New Albany, Indiana, December 13, 1819. They continued to reside in this county until 1838, when they were married, October 14, and at once went to Illinois, settling at Columbus, Adams County, then the largest town in the county. Here Mr. Nance engaged in the mercantile business. They removed to Quincy in 1850, when it became settled that it would become the county seat. He continued in the mercantile business for many years. The last few years of his life were spent in quiet retirement, having amassed a competence. He was an honored citizen of Adams County for forty years. He was a consistent Christian for many years, a member of the Christian Church from early manhood. Mr. Nance died at Quincy, February 7, 1878, being in the seventieth year of his age.
Mrs. Nance survived her husband twenty-five years, dying April 4, 1903, in her eighty-fourth year. She was loved by all who knew her. She was a life-long, earnest, faithful Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for more than sixty-five years.
The author had many times heard "Aunt Permelia" spoken of in the most endearing terms by those who knew her, but it was not until July, preceding her departure, that he had the pleasure of meeting her, in her own home, and forming her acquaintance. He then learned why so many encomiums had been spoken of her. We seldom meet a sweeter disposition in old or young than possessed by "Aunt Permelia."
This couple were the parents of five children, those growing up are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Walter Clement
{
{Genevra, h,
{James Walker
{
{Charles T.
{
Anna, h, {Thad M., Jr., w........{Timothy
Thad M. Rogers, d,......{Alice McClean {Dorothy
Quincy, IL {
{Alline B.
{
{Isabelle N., h,
{Harvey C. Wellman
{
{Richard N.
{John B.
----------------------------------------------
Richard W., w, {James
Aurelia P. Beebe........{Helen P.
Chicago, IL
----------------------------------------------
Genevra, h,
Benj. T. Berrian........{Clement N.
Quincy, IL
----------------------------------------------
Mary E.
Quincy, IL
The above family of children were born and always lived in and about Quincy. The city was born with them and has grown as they grew. Its history is their history very largely. During the author’s entire mature life, he has seldom seen one from Quincy who has not mentioned the Nances, and always in their praise.
Anna Nance married Thad M. Rogers, who was prominent in politics and newspaper work, for a long time on the Quincy Whig. Was postmaster for a term of years. He died some years since. The family resides in a palatial home, it is said. The author regrets his inability to have seen this family when in their city.
Genevra Nance married Judge Berrian, a prominent attorney and judge. They are enjoying a quiet retired life in a fine home surrounded by all the comforts that wealth the station can bring, but are saddened by the serious illness of their only offspring, Clement Nance Berrian, who, it is feared, has lung trouble. (This is the only Nance the author has ever heard of who was troubled with weak lungs.)
Mary Nance, the remaining daughter, has spent her life in the service of her parents, having tender solicitude for their every want. The author has heard her mentioned so many times as a dear cousin, that he was not surprised to find her possessed of one of the most genial natures, not for a moment neglecting the aged mother in all her wants, while entertaining her newly formed cousin.
Richard W.
Nance, twig, the only son, has devoted his life to
manufacturing interests. Bonnet & Nance were for
many years Stove Manufacturers in Quincy, but a few
years ago, removed their plant to Chicago Heights,
near Chicago, with an office in Chicago. The author
has made several attempts to meet "Cousin Dick," but
has always missed him.
John S. Nance – Branch Three
John Smith Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, December 8, 1809; died 1890. He was united in marriage with Matilda Wilson Pritchett, March 22, 1832, at New Albany, Indiana. They moved to Adams County, Illinois, in 1848, and the next year the father, with his eldest son, William, joined the overland rush for the newly discovered gold fields of California, arriving at Sacremento City August 28, 1849. Mrs. Nance, with the four remaining children, going by steamer by was of the Isthmus, joined her husband in the fall of 1855. California has been the home of the family ever since. On March 22, 1882, at their home in Salinas City, this venerable couple celebrated their golden wedding, over one hundred guests being present. Seven children were born to bless this couple, those growing to maturity being given below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Eugene, 1858, 2, {Loyal
{Eva Williams...........{Marvin E.
{
{Mary, h,
{M. R. Keep
William, 1833, w, {
Elizabeth Martin........{Alvin P., w,...........{Ethel May
Jolon, CA {Sarah T. Cook {Claude A.
{
{Emma, h,
{Henry Bushnell
{
{William, Jr.
----------------------------------------------
Clement P. Nance
1836, w, d,
Mary Nesbitt............{Hugh John, 1871........{Clement
San Lucas, CA
----------------------------------------------
{Charles W.
{
{Annie, h,
{Frank Abbot
Matilda Jane, h, {
Albin Foster............{Hattie, h,
{Arthur Hebron
{
{Grace
{Benjamin
{Jane
----------------------------------------------
{Jane
Permelia, h,............{William H.
Henry Robinson {Grace
{Etta
----------------------------------------------
Nancy E., h, {Frederick
H. B. Howard............{Ida
{William
Maria Nance-Butler – Branch Four
Maria Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, March 8, 1812; died December 9, 1896, and was buried at Spencer, Iowa. She was united in marriage with Harriman Butler, in county of birth, January 4, 1831. Spent most of their married life at and near Columbus, Adams County, Illinois. After the death of her husband, she lived for some years at Secor, where the author frequently met her. They were earnest, active Christians, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Six children blessed this union, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Nancy, h, {See limb ten, branch
Wm. R. Richardson.......{two for this family
Secor, IL
----------------------------------------------
Minerva B., h, {Annie Maria, d
Andrew Cook.............{William H., d
Spencer, IA
----------------------------------------------
{Louis
{Madison, MO
{
William, w, {William
Jane Stevens............{Warren
Clayton, IL {Jennie
{Bessie
{Walter
{Hester
{Solon
----------------------------------------------
James, w, {Willie Bell, h,
Jennie Riger............{Arthur G. Francis
{Joliet, IL
----------------------------------------------
{Minnie Olive, h,
{Oliver Johnson.........{William Berry
{Gentry, AR
{
{Emma, h, {Floyd
Permelia, h, {___? Robeson...........{Pearl
1843 - 1900.............{ {Gladdis
William Potter {
{Della
{El Paso, IL
{
{Gertrude Pearl, h,
{Geo. J. McHugh
{Jolly, MO
NOTE: Permelia was active and energetic in all she undertook. Mr.
Potter was several years her senior, and survives her, in great
loneliness, with his daughter, Della, at home with him. This family
are Methodists, and have lived in Woodford County all their married life.
----------------------------------------------
Mary, h, {Frank
R. Hydler...............{Walton
Spencer, IA {Robert
William H. Nance – Branch Five
Dr. William H. Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, December 24, 1814. He was married to Susan Lane, April 14, 1836, and the same year moved with his parents to Columbus, Adams County, Illinois. He studied medicine under the care of Dr. Stewart of New Albany, Indiana, but did not complete full course of study till after moving to Illinois. In the urgent demand for physicians at that time in Illinois, he entered into a full practice before graduating, and continued for several years, but in the year 1848, entered the Medical Department of the University of Missouri in St. Louis, and in 1849, graduated and again resumed practice in Vermont, Illinois, where he had resided some years previously. For many years he enjoyed an enviable reputation as a practitioner, and in the course of his arduous labors, succeeded in accumulating a very comfortable living. Dr. Nance retired from active practice in 1862 on account of serious injuries received by a fall from a buggy, and with his family enjoyed the comforts of a retired life, after the heat and burdens and cares and responsibilities of an active professional career had disappeared in the distance. (The above was taken from a "History of Fulton County.")
After his retirement, he edited a staunch Republican newspaper, known all over Fulton County. He became a Christian early in life, joining the Christian Church. Dr. Nance died October 1, 1885, in the city where he had resided continuously for over forty-four years, an old and honored resident. His wife survived him several years. They were the parents of six children, those growing up are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{William N., w {Louise
{Alvira McDonald........{Archibald
Arthusa L., h,..........{Abingdon, IL {Velma
A. W. Lewis, d {
{Edgar, w, {Churchill
2nd h, Henry Hyatt......{Frances Churchill......{Dora
La Harpe, IL {Denver, CO {Fred, d
{Mary Frances
----------------------------------------------
{Charles M.
{William C.
Henry H., w, {May E.
Susannah E. Rinker......{Kate L.
Bushnell, IL {
{Sue R., h,
{Dr. I. C. Rink.........{Josephine Lucille
----------------------------------------------
Ella, h, d..............{no issue
G. C. Maxwell, d
----------------------------------------------
{William H., w,
{Alma Bunte.............{Bertha Louise
Albert, w, {
Louise L. Pugh..........{Florence
Denver, CO {Nellie
{Scott
{Ruth
----------------------------------------------
Mary, h,................{Chester
Andrew V. Carlson {Andrew V., Jr.
Gothenberg, NE
Henry Harrison Nance, M. D., twig above, was born in Schuyler County, Illinois, March 4, 1841. When but three months old, his parents settled at Vermont, Fulton County, same state, where his father built up a large practice. From childhood he assisted his father more or less in the handling of medicines, and later, made many professional calls with his father, thus forming a liking for the healing art, as well as the gaining of experience that was afterwards valuable to him. He was educated in the public schools of Vermont, and upon finishing his schooling, became a teacher, in which occupation, though quite young, he was successful. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the service of his country, becoming a member of Company B, 84th Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Quincy, and was soon at the front in the gallant army of the Cumberland. This enlistment also gave him splendid opportunities for advancement in his profession, as he went in as a hospital attendant. For a time he served as a nurse in the hospital in Quincy. He was then assigned to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he was made hospital steward. By order of General Rosecrans, he was detailed to Division Headquarters on the staff of General Sherman, with whom he started on the celebrated march to the sea. After the capture of Atlanta, he was put in charge of the dispensary at headquarters in that city. After the evacuation of Atlanta, he was transferred to Lookout Mountain, and was made Assistant Surgeon. He remained in this capacity till the close of the war.
Soon after returning home, he entered the Medical Department of the Ann Arbor University, and graduating therefrom in March, 1866. From school he went to Belmont County, Ohio, and was married to Miss Susannah E. Rinker, who was a native of that state. In the fall of this year, he purchased a farm one mile south of Bushnell, McDonough County, Illinois. Residing on this farm he continued the practice of medicine for a few years, but on account of kidney trouble, contracted in the service, he was compelled to give up riding at the call of patients.
He has devoted considerable time and means in making his farm a model, and it may be truly said that he has one of the best tile drained farms in the county, he being a strong advocate of tiling for farm purposes. He was a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic Post, of Bushnell, and was its first Quartermaster.
In 1891 he built a good residence in the city of Bushnell, and with his family retired from active life.
The above facts are taken largely from "History of
McDonough County." Mr. Nance and all his family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been
the treasurer of the church for many years, also a
steward.
Nancy Nance-Lane – Branch Seven
Nancy Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, April 12, 1820. She was married to Dr. Wallace Lane in the same county, May 25, 1834, being but a month past fourteen, while the doctor was but twenty-one. In 1836 they removed to Adams County, Illinois, and later to Independence, Indiana, where his country practice was too much for his frail constitution, he dying June, 1842.
Four children were born to this union, the first dying in infancy. The mother was left a widow at twenty-two, with three children, and three hundred miles from her parents. She returned to them at Quincy, Illinois, "making the tiresome journey of ten days in a carriage, many days not seeing a house on the way."
After living with her parents four years, she, in 1846, married Joel H. Rynerson. To this union there were ten children born, but three growing to maturity. Mr. Rynerson was a kind and loving husband. He was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, serving eighteen months. He died in 1890.
Nancy became a Christian at the age of twelve, joining the Christian Church. She has remained in its communion, except when living where there was no congregation, in which case she has worshipped with the Congregational Church. She is now residing at Tecumseh, Kansas, and is in her eighty-fourth year. She is one of the remaining five limbs, there being but one older, Wiley Burton, who is past eighty-four.
Of her fourteen children, but six grew to maturity, named below as twigs. She writes: "My life has been a checkered one, full of sad disappointments; not many flowers, plenty of thorns, but God has been with me and given me strength all along the right way."
Twigs Buds Blossoma
Anna Lane, h, 1837, d.....{William, d
Montgomery Parker
----------------------------------------------
Josephine Eliza Lane,h,d {Hyatt, 1891
Henry Hyatt...............{Anna,h,................{Josephine E.
La Harpe, IL {J. R. Caldwell {John C.
{James R., 1900
----------------------------------------------
Maria Lane, h, 1842, d....{Harry, w,..............{Albia
Henry King {Mary G. Whiting {Harry
----------------------------------------------
Francis M. Rynerson, w, {
1830......................{Frank
Mary Adams {
{Place
2nd w, Hettie Place.......{Clara
Portland, OR {Kate
----------------------------------------------
Wallace M. w, 1859
Jessie Prutzman...........{Emma Josephine
Kansas City, MO
----------------------------------------------
Robert E., w, 1861
Ella Campbell.............{Wallace
Tecumseh, KS
Wallace Moultrie Rynerson, twig, was born at
Pontoosie, Hancock County, Illinois, June 1, 1859. Up
to the time young Wallace was fifteen, his parents had
moved to the following places, consecutively, viz.;
Dallas, Illinois; La Harpe, Illinois; Big Spring,
Kansas; Osage City, Kansas; Pilot Grove, Missouri; and
in 1874, to Breckenridge, Missouri. In 1871, young
Wallace had gone to live with his half sister, Anna
Lane Parker, at Quincy, Illinois. Here he remained in
school until June, 1874. Then returning to his parents
at Breckenridge, Missouri, he completed his schooling
there, and taught three terms.
While at school and while teaching, he had made a specialty of civil engineering. Leaving home, he went to Utah, and engaged in the construction of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railway, locating this road from Salina, south to Richfield, and from the summit of the Wasateh Mountains to the Colorado line. From this road he went to the Canadian Pacific Railway, in British Columbia, and located the railroad form the summit of the main range of the Rocky Mountains to the Columbia River, and from the foothills on the east slope to Fort Calgary. From this road he went to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, in 1884, remaining with this company as locating and construction engineer until 1887, when he gave up railroading and engaged in the manufacture of press brick and the sale of building materials at Topeka, Kansas. He remained here until 1898, when he removed to Kansas City, Missouri, where he engaged in the building supply business on his own account. He says that in this business he has met with greater success than he expected or deserves.
He was married in Chicago in 1894, and has one
daughter, as per table above.
Dr. Hiram Nance – Branch Eight
Hiram Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, September 23, 1822. He began his academic education at New Albany, Indiana, and in 1836, with his parents, removed to Adams County, Illinois, settling at Columbus, where he finished his academic education. He studied medicine in the University of Missouri, St. Louis, graduating in 1847. After practicing medicine in LaFayette, Stark County, for fifteen years, he, in 1860, settled in Kewanee, but a few miles distant, where he continued to reside during life. From his large practice, assisted by wise investments in real estate, he amassed a large fortune, for one living in a town the size of Kewanee, and starting with nothing, as he did.
Dr. Nance made a splendid record, both as a physician and surgeon; was a member of the American Medical Association and the State Medical Society, and was one of the originators of the Military Tract Medical Society, and its second president.
Sarah R. Smith was born in Batavia, Clermont County, Ohio, December 13, 1826. Her parents were of New England birth, but immigrated to Ohio in the early days, and who died in Illinois. She was the sister of Judge Arthur A. Smith, who was for many years Circuit Judge of the Galesburg District. She was educated at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois.
They were married April 29, 1847. They were the parents of twelve children, those growing to maturity being named below as twigs.
Dr. Nance died of pneumonia, April 6, 1886, and in the sixty-fourth year of his age. He died at Kewanee, where he had lived and practiced his profession for twenty-six years, mourned by a large circle of friends.
Few men have made the success in life attained by him in so short a time. He became a christian in early life, uniting with the Christian Church. There being no church of his choice at Kewanee at the time, he gave liberally to the Congregational, the church to which some of his family became attached, but himself remained true to the faith of his fathers. The author visited the palacial home of this interesting family in Kewanee several times, enjoying the old-time hospitality of the father, mother and daughters. The grown sons were always from home, while the younger ones were as full of mischief as an egg shell is of meat. Mrs. Nance passed peacefully to rest at the home of her son, Dr. H. Irving Nance, at Los Angeles, California, January 8, 1904, having just entered her seventy-eighth year. Among many other complimentary things, the Kewanee Star-Courier has the following:
Mrs. Nance spent last summer in Kewanee and vicinity, visiting her children. Leaving Kewanee at the close of the summer, she visited her son, Dr. Willis O. Nance, in Chicago, and then went to Nebraska, where she visited her daughter, Belle Castle, and son, Roswell. There she was joined by her son, Charles, of Los Angeles, and together they returned to California.
Few persons were so widely known here as Mrs. Nance, among the older residents. For years the family has been conspicuously identified with Kewanee, and besides this, Mrs. Nance, by her own gracious personality, marked by kindness, charity and benevolence, has inscribed her name on the tablets of memory. Her passing means the close of a life of a good woman. In the circle of immediate relatives, the loss suffered by her death is irreparable. She held the affection of all, in manner little short of remarkable, and as a mother and grandmother, filled a place which was brightly illuminated by the spirit of love and sacrifice. Dr. and Mrs. Nance made their home at LaFayette about thirteen years, moving to Kewanee in 1860. From that time until his death, Dr. Nance was one of the best known men in Kewanee, and his reputation as a physician extended over all this part of the state. After his death, Mrs. Nance continued her residence here until 1901, when the condition of her health made it wise to seek a warmer climate, and she moved to Los Angeles, where some of her children had already taken up their residence.
Mrs. Nance was prominently identified with church and charitable work during her residence in Kewanee, and retained her interest in efforts in this direction, here, even after moving to California. For many years she was an active member of the Congregational Church of the city, giving freely of her energy and means to the promotion of the aims of the church. Her charities were large and unostentatious.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Albinus, w,............{HELEN M. h,
Sarah White {WALTER L. ANDERSON
Chicage, IL {Lincoln, NE
-----------------------------------------
{Paul A.
Adella N., h, {Carlyle N.
C. A. Shilton..........{Grace S.
Kewanee,IL {Blanche B.
{Earl A.
-----------------------------------------
Dr. Hiram Irving, w, {Willis
Sarah Mann.............{Forest M.
Los Angeles, CA {Hiram I.
{Edward E.
-----------------------------------------
Sarah Belle, h, {Claude F.
Geo. H. Castle, d......{Corless N.
Wymore, NE {Louise M.
-----------------------------------------
Roswell S., w, {Lulu M.
Lettie Russell.........{Clyde H.
Chicago, IL
2nd w, Abby Day........{Ruby
-----------------------------------------
Dr. Roy, w,............{Marie Eugene, 12-14-1887
Marion Baker {Richard Roy, 2-14-1890
Los Angeles, CA
-----------------------------------------
Burton F., w,..........{Daisy A.
Eva Cowden
Galva, IL
-----------------------------------------
Charles H., w,
Hattie La Dow
Los Angeles, CA
-----------------------------------------
Dr. Willis Orville, w,{Willis D.
Zelma Arter...........{Clement A.
Chicago, IL
Albinus Nance, twig, was born at LaFayette, Stark County, Illinois, March 30, 1848. He was educated in the public schools of Kewanee, not far from the place of his birth, until at the age of sixteen, when he enlisted in the 9th Illinois Cavalry, and served until the close of the War of the Rebellion. He participated in the following battles: Hurricane Creek, Guntown, Columbia (Tennessee), Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville. When the war was over, Albinus became a student at Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois, taking a part of the classical course. He then studied law, and in 1870 was admitted to the Bar by the Supreme Court of Illinois.
In 1871 he went to Nebraska, taking up a homestead in Polk County. He divided his time between farming and the practice of law for a time, but soon gave up farming for the more lucrative law practice, in connection with which he established a large real estate business.
In 1874 he was nominated by the Republicans for the State Legislature, and in due time was elected. This wa the beginning of a remarkable series of political victories.
In 1876 he was chariman of the State Delegation to the National Republican Convention in Cincinnati. He was renominated that year for the legislature and re-elected without opposition. When the legislature convened in January 1877, he was elected Speaker of the House. The splendid record he made as a presiding officer, prepared the way for future honors. In 1878 he was elected Governor of the state, when but thirty years of age. His administration was so acceptable to the people that he was renominated in 1880, by acclamation, and was re-elected by an overwhelming majority. The distinguishing feature of his administration was an unassuming but inflexible determination to execute the laws with fidelity to the best interests of the people of Nebraska.
At the close of his second term as Governor, he ccame very nearly being elected to the United States Senate, and but for his being attorney for the Union Pacific Railroad, he would have won out. It was unfortunate for him that his candidacy came at a time when the western states "had it in" for the Railroads and their attorneys.
For a number of years after vacating the Governor’s chair, Albinus engaged in the banking business, owning large interests in several banks. He retired from active business life some years since, having amassed a competence. His home is still in Lincoln, Nebraska, but he spends much of his time in Chicago. Albinus has taken several trips to Europe, once taking his mother and once his daughter with him.
Much of the above has been culled from a work, "Public Men of Today," 1884.
The author spent a very pleasant day with cousin Albinus while he was governor, both in the State House and in the Executive Mansion.
September 30, 1875, Albinus was married to Miss Sarah White of Farigut, Iowa. One child, Helen was born to bless this union. She was recently married in Chicago to Mr. W. L. Anderson, of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Hiram Irving Nance graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago. He first settled in Creston, Iowa, where he practiced medicine a number of years, also looking after some farm interests he had nearby. The author first met Irving here, and was delighted with his open-heartedness. It is enough to say he is a regular Nance. Associations with him in Chicago, years later, only strengthened the admiration for the man. From Creston he came to Chicago, and practiced his profession for five years, loaning money as a kind of pastime. In 1897 he took his family to California for a few years, locating finally at Los Angeles, where they still reside. He practices little now, having been very successful financially, he does not care to practice medicine much. Dr. and Mrs. Nance have a family of four very interesting boys, who five years ago, appeared to give promise of a superabundance of brain power, as well as large and compact form like their father.
After A Visit
I b’en
down in ole Kentucky
Fur a week
er two, an’ say,
Twuz as
hard ez breakin’ oxen
Fur to
tear myse’f away.
Alus
argerin’ ‘bout fren’ship
An yer
hospitality –
Y’ain’t no
right to talk about it
Tell you
b’en down there to see.
See jest
how they give you welcome
To the
best that’s in the land,
Feel the
sort o’ grip they give you,
When they
take you by the hand.
Hear ‘em
say, "We’re glad to have you
Better
stay fer a week or two,"
An’ the
way they treat you makes you
Feel that
ev’ry word is true.
Feed you
till you hear the button
Crackin’
on yer Sunday vest;
Haul you
‘roun’ to see the wonders
Till you
have to cry for rest;
Drink yer
health an’ pet an’ praise you
Tell you
git to feel ez great
Ez the
sheriff o’ the county
Er the
gov’ner o’ the state.
Wife, she
sez I must be crazy
‘Cause I
go on so, an’ nelse
He ‘lows,
"Goodness gracious, daddy
Can’t you
talk ‘bout nuthin’ else?"
Well,
pleg-gone it, I’m jes’ tickled;
Bein’
tickled ain’t no sin;
I be’n
down in ole Kentucky
An’ I want
to go ag’in.
--Paul Dunbar
Roswell Smith Nance, twig above, was born in LaFayette, Stark County, Illinois, March 9, 1858. Two years later the family moved to Kewanee, Illinois, a few miles away, where he spent his school days until the fall of 1878, when he located in Jefferson County, Nebraska, and engaged in stockraising and farming, in which business he always took a particular interest.
In 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Videtta Russell. Of this union, two children were born. The wife died in 1884. He was married to Miss Abbie Day, at Kewanee, January 15, 1885. One child was born to this union. In 1892 the family moved to Chicago, remaining there until March 1903, when Riswell’s longing for the free and open life on the prairie overcame him again, and the family, with the exception of the two older children, who have positions in Chicago, moved to and are living at Superior, Nebraska, where three miles out he has one of the best located stock and alfalfa ranches in the west.
Dr. Roy Nance was born in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois, May 23, 1862. At the age of sixteen, he began teaching school in the county near his home, and continued this for two years. He afterwards attended Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois. Deciding upon dentistry as a profession, he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to fit himself for his chosen work. Locating at Shenandoah, Iowa, he practiced his profession for five years. His eyes troubling him, upon the advice of his father and other physicians, he was compelled to give up the work and engage in outdoor pursuits. At this time he met Miss Marion A. Baker, daughter of Calvin Baker, inventor of "Baker’s National Truss Bridge," and a great granddaughter of Captain Charles Baker, who gained fame in the War of the Revolution. They were married January 3, 1887. They removed to Los Angeles, California the following November.
The doctor is a great lover of nature and travel, having visited many lands, including Europe, Africa, Brazil, Argentina, etc.
Burton Fred Nance is a prosperous farmer near Galva, Illinois, near the place of his birth. It is said his farm is a model, his residence and barns being supplied with all the modern city conveniences. Burt has been eminently successful in his chosen work, and is considered an authority in his business throughout the section of the state in which he resides. He has hosts of friends.
Charles Holland Nance was born at Kewanee, Illinois, January 5, 1868. He graduated at Kewanee, Illinois High School in 1885; continued his studies at the University of Illinois at Champaign, and completed the course in pharmacy, graduating at the Northwestern University at Chicago.
Mr. Nance early sought the west, and entered the employ of the State Loan and Trust Company, of Ogallala, Nebraska, afterwards becoming assistant cashier to that institution. In 1890, he made an extensive tour, lasting nearly a year, in which he made a complete circle of the globe. In 1892 he located in Utah, where he engaged in the drug business and banking. On January 1, 1893, he was elected cashier of the First National Bank of Logan, Utah, at that time being under twenty-five years in age, and one of the youngest cashiers of a National Bank in the country. In 1895 he went to Los Angeles, California, his present residence, where he has, since 1897, been engaged in the drug business. Mr. Nance was married February 5, 1896, at Los Angeles, to Miss Hattie LaDow, only daughter of Stephen M. and Harriet N. (Dorman) LaDow, California pioneers of ’49, and old and favorably known residents of Los Angeles County.
Dr. Willis Orville Nance, whose likeness appears herewith, the youngest of the family, was born in the year 1871. He studied medicine at Ann Arbor University, Rush Medical College, Chicago, and Bellevue Hospital, New York City. He began at once the practice of his profession in Englewood, Chicago, which he continued a few years, when he went abroad for two years, taking special courses under the leading specialists in London, Paris, Berlin and Vienna.
Returning to Chicago, he bought a home on the south side, near the University of Chicago, opened an office downtown as a specialist in the treatment of the eye, ear, nose and throat. For a young man, he is proving himself eminently successful in his specialties.
For a number of years he has held the chair of eye disease in the Chicago Clinical School, and is attending eye and ear surgeon at the Cook County Hospital , and assistant surgeon at the Illinois State Eye and Ear Infirmary. The doctor returned to Europe in 1902 for a short course. His office is at 100 State Street. He is secretary-treasurer of the Western Alumni Association of the University and Bellevue Hospital Medical College.
Before going to Europe on his first trip, he married one of Englewood’s most charming and accomplished daughters, in the person of Miss Zelma Arter, who accompanied him on his two years trip abroad.
The doctor is a very young man for the prominence he has attained, and bids fair to round out a successful career in his chosen profession. As will be noticed in the table above, he has named his second son Clement, in honor of our ancestral head.
I will say here, that in the preparation of the
matter for this work, it seemed to me that the end
might not come in my day, so I arranged that should I
be called hence before the consummation of this, my
pet scheme of life, the manuscript should be placed in
Cousin Willis’ hands, as I believe he would be the
most likely to carry the matter to completion.
Amanda Jane Nance-Wilkerson – Branch Nine
Amanda Jane Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, January 26, 1825, and died at La Harpe, Illinois, August 3, 1901. She came to Illinois with her parents in 1836. She was married to John Wilkinson December 17, 1849. La Harpe has ever been the family home, where the husband died in 1893. From her obituary I glean the following: "Her nature was kindly and considerate always, and her work was most charitable and benevolent. It was always done in a Christian spirit. She was a member of the Christian church, joining that body in her early life, and was a charter member of the La Harpe organization. Her life has always been consistent with the professions she made. Her home has been hospitable, and the stranger found food and shelter with never a question as to worthiness; that present needs demand her attention was sufficient to enlist her sympathies and help. Hers has been a life of usefulness, and a life of devotion to her family and friends; a life of right living." (John Wilkinson’s first wife was Mary Ann Nance, daughter of "Uncle Giles," and therefore a cousin of the second wife.) Eleven children were born to this union, those surviving the mother are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Nellie, h,
Belle, h, {___? Blockstone
Chas. Bradshaw..........{
La Harpe, IL {Harry
{Truman
----------------------------------------------
Fred A., w, {Maud
Emma Walter.............{
La Harpe, IL {Ruth
----------------------------------------------
Hiram Irving
Kewanee, IL
----------------------------------------------
Mary M.
Kewanee, IL
Minerva Nance – Branch Ten
Minerva Nance was born about 1827. Married Henry Fessenden. Five children were born to this union. Those growing up are named below as twigs. Nothing more is known of this family.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Emma, h,................{Minnie.................{1.
___? Burrows
2nd h, ___? Pixley
----------------------------------------------
Angie, h,...............{Gertrude, h,...........{1.
Jos. Sterling {Peter McHetrick {2.
{
{Everett
----------------------------------------------
Eva, h, d
Joseph Swift
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