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Nance Memorial
CHAPTER VII
Nancy May Nance-Oatman - Limb Six
Nancy May Nance was born in Virginia, March 22, 1786. She died in Texas in 1864. Elder John Oatman was born in Kentucky, July 14, 1787. He died in Texas in 1875. They were married in Floyd County, Indiana, December 18, 1806. John Oatman was the son of Joseph Oatman, the old ferryman who "jumped" the claim of our ancestral head, as related on page twelve. The names of the brothers and sisters, as given in the will of the father, were; Elizabeth Beverly Hurst, John, George, Susanna, Jesse, Peggy and Julia Ann. John was named in the will as executor, and took out letters of probate, June 8, 1812, at Cotydon, Harrison County. This was before the formation of Floyd County. John received by will, 130 acres of the aforesaid "jumped claim."
After residing about New Albany until 1820, they removed to the west central portion of the state, on a farm, some say near Green Castle, Putnam County. Some say near Crawforsville, Montgomery County. And others say at Rockville, Parke County. In 1828 they removed to Illinois, settling at Walnut Grove, now Eureka. The government lands had not been surveyed as yet. But one claim had been "squatted" upon, that where the City of Eureka now stands. The next claim was laid by Father Oatman, just north of the former, and on both sides of the street running north of the town. His claim ran to the present streets or roads, one running to the northeast and the other to the northwest. Between these roads Thomas Deweese took his claim, and other members of the family, as per ages, mostly, took claims to the north-westward. The streets as now used were laid out by the Oatmans, with the agreement that when the lands were surveyed, each should deed to the others, the parts lying across either road from the main land. These borders have never been changed.
The present Christian Church at Eureka was organized in the cabin of Elder Oatman in April, 1832, as the Walnut Grove Church of Christ. Themselves and five of their children, viz., Eliza, Clement, Joseph, Jesse and Hardin, comprising seven of the thirteen charter members. John Oatman was their elder and preacher.
The family removed to Dundee, Illinois, in 1835, but after a few years, all but Joseph and Jesse moved south, settling in Missouri and Texas. Father Oatman and his sons, John, William and Pleasant were large stockraisers and dealers in Bastrop, and later, Llano Counties, for many years after settling in Texas.
Elder Oatman was formerly a Presbyterian, but himself and and wife accepted the teachings of Alexander Campbell and his coagitors very early, even before they became a separate body, and ceased not during a long life to declare the same. He was a great preacher. He will have many stars of rejoicing in his crown. He was an active minister of the Gospel for forty years, always refusing renumeration for his services. Who can tell how lmuch of the credit of the work of the Eureka Church and College, as told in the introduction, is due to Father and Mother Oatman, as the instigators and organizers of the church in their cabin? Eternity alone will tell.
Aunt Nancy assisted her husband in the preparation of his sermons, as well as in all his other work. She was a great student of the Bible, great to advise the young how to do, how to live and how to be good. She was fluent in quoting scripture. "Search the scriptures for they are they which testify of me,", etc., was a favorite passage with her. It is said her sons often spoke of her, even before her death, as "Mother Saint." Mrs. Mercia Oatman, widow of Pleasant Oatman, writes of her as follows:
"Mother Oatman was such a wonderful woman. I wish I could give you something of a history of her lovely life. I was married to her youngest son, in 1851, and lived in close communion with her as long as she lived. She was a statesman and a historian. She could relate whole books she had read in her maidenhood. She and her father were present at a great tent meeting in Kentucky, when so many prominent Presbyterians broke away and declared against creeds and dogmas, and it was so interesting to hear her tell of the great sensation it caused. God answered my prayer when he put me under Mother Oatman's tutorship, who taught me to study the scriptures and be obedient to the commands.
Mother never had a picture taken, but she so much resembled General Washington, that my eldest child, Villitta, in her childhood, would always exclaim when shown his picture, 'That is my grandma.'"
The first five of their children were born within a period of two years, four months and fourteen days. The mother used to console her husband by quoting Solomon; "Many children are a great blessing." And so it proved to them, for there were no drunkards, thieves or depraved among her twelve sons. Sixteen children were born to this couple, thirteen growing to maturity. They are named below as branches:
America Dewees, }twin Simeon, Eliza Shields, }twin Clement, }twin Jesse, Joseph, }twin Hardin, Preston, died young John, Theresa, died young James R., Ira, George, died young Mary Ann Stevens, William, Pleasant S.
America Oatman - Branch One
America Oatman, twin of Eliza, was born in Floyd County, Indiana, October 26, 1807. She was married to Thomas Dewees early in life. They lived consecutively at Green Castle, Indiana; Walnut Grove, Illinois; Dundee, Illinois; and Sequin, Texas. The author has been unable to gain any additional information on this family. The prominence of their children indicate intellectuality in the parents. Twelve children were born to this union, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
David, w, d.............{America, d
___? Gibbons
----------------------------------------------
John O., w, d {Alice, h, 1873 {John D.
Annie Irvin.............{Hal Howard.............{Henry Lee
San Antonio, TX {Floresville, TX {Floresville, TX
----------------------------------------------
{John O.
Ann Eliza, h, {William T.
Carroll Billingsley.....{
Sequin, TX {Thomas D.,w............{Lantie
{___? Burrows {six others
----------------------------------------------
{John O.
Mary, h, {
Benj. George............{Oscar, w, d
{Mary Billings
----------------------------------------------
{Lee, h
{Frank Wassenick........{Lessie Lee
{Floresville, TX
{
{Jordan, w,
{H. S. Churchill
William, w, {San Antonio, TX
Nellie Stewart..........{
San Antonio, TX {Henry, w,
{
{Pearl, h,
{___? Clark.............{1 child
{
{Erick, 1885
{Dahl
----------------------------------------------
{Josie, h,
{Josie, h, {___? Quigley
{John V. Ferguson.......{
{Alexandria, LA {John T.
{ {David
{ {Lizzie
Nancy Ellen, h, d { {Georgia
Wm. Crandall............{Jennie, h, d
Alexandria, LA {Chas. Weems............{Nennie
{Louisiana, TX {Charles
{ {May
{ {3 others
{
{William, w,............{3 children
{Floresville, TX
--------------------------------------------
Mariana, d
--------------------------------------------
{Edward, w,
{Rose Herr
{Floresville, TX
{
{Oscar, w,
{Myrtle Richell
Thomas, w, {Indian Territory
Ellen Tomb, d...........{
{Ola, h, 1875
2nd wife, Kate Ham {Waldo Beckly
San Antionio, TX {
{Georgia Ira, d
{Charles, 1885
{San Antonio, TX
{Clarabel, 1887
{Katie Graves, 1890
----------------------------------------------
Isaac, d
----------------------------------------------
{John Wm., d
Ira Adelbert, w, 1847 {
Georgia Kerr............{Robt. Adelbert, w,
Alpine, TX {Margaret Long, d.......{Adelbert Long
{Chicago, IL {Carroll Fontaine
----------------------------------------------
{Jordan, w, 1871
{Edna Barton............{5 children
{Cotulla, TX
Madina, h {
William Irvin...........{Eugene
Cotulla, TX {Mabel, h...............{1, dead
{Grace
{Thomacino
{Clare
----------------------------------------------
Lee, died at 18 years
Eliza Oatman - Branch Two
Eliza Oatman, twin to America, was born in Floyd County, Indiana, October 26, 1807. She died at Dundee, Illinois in 1888. She was married to Thomas Shields, who died young. She was the mother of no children. She lived many years a widow. Family ties were strong in her, as were those that bound her to her savior.
Simeon Oatman - Branch Three
Simeon Oatman was born in Floyd County, Indiana, April 27, 1809. He studied medicine in Dundee, Illinois, and Rush Medical College, Chicago. He married, settled, practiced, and died in Missouri early in life. His wife was Margaret Mattlock. Four children blessed this union, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Edward J.
{Orra, d
Minerva, h, {Jerome
William Ward............{Simeon
South Haven, KS {
{Minnie, h,
{___? Prosser
----------------------------------------------
{Glenn, w, {Grace
{Lilla Kingsbury........{Albert
{Cottonwood, KS {Alice
{ {Edeth
Sarah Ellen, h, d {Edward, Jr.
Edward O'Brien..........{Chicago, IL
{
{Hattie B., h, d {Harry J.
{A. M. Wheeler..........{Roger N.
{
{Eleanor Rae, h,
{New York, NY
----------------------------------------------
George Oatman, d
John M. K., d
Clement Oatman - Branch Four
Clement Oatman was born in Floyd County, Indiana, March 10, 1810, a twin to Joseph. To his first wife, Lockey, were born three children, named below as twigs. The second wife was Eliza Holbrook. She had no children. After burying both wives he became a minister in the Christian Church.
Clement Oatman was a volunteer in a McLean County, Illinois company engaged in the Black Hawk War, who was at the battle of "Stillman's Defeat." He was one of twelve men who were present at the muster out after two months service. They were mustered out at the mouth of Fox River, May 27, 1832. They were called Mounted Volunteers.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Tempie J. Lockey
{Eugenia Ben Gleson
{
{Peyton, w,
{___? Sultz
Benjamin, w, d {
Mary Smith..............{Bertie
{
{Mary Lee, h,
{John Banty
{
{Julias
{Charles
{Samuel
----------------------------------------------
Jane, d.
----------------------------------------------
Lockey Ann, h,..........{Alonzo
Frank Holden {George
Joseph Oatman - Branch Five
Joseph Oatman, twin to Clement, was born in Floyd County, Indiana, March 10, 1810. He came to Illinois in the year 1828, settling at Walnut Grove, as is related in the history of his father. Like all grown members of the family, he settled on government land, his section falling in the north edge of the grove and to the west of the older members of the family. He and his brother, Jesse, built a log house in common, which they sold with their claim to James Mitchell about 1834. The cabin was a substantial one, and still remains, or did a few years ago, when William Mitchell pointed it out to the author. The first post office that was established at the grove was kept in this cabin, and James Mitchell was the postmaster. While residing here, Joseph married Polly Ann Wyatt. Their first child was born here.
In 1835 the Oatman family removed from Walnut Grove and settled in Kane and Cook Counties, as related elsewhere. As is stated elsewhere, Joseph was a charter member of the Walnut Grove Christian Church, established in his father's cabin in 1832. Whether he made confession of his faith at this time, or previously, is not stated. He was ever after, a faithful christian. He was very devoted in his religion, and delighted to talk on the subject. He was very fond of his family, and was wont to gather his children upon his knees of evenings, and sing to them and tell and teach them bible stories.
Joseph Oatman was square built, medium statue, thick set, broad shouldered, with black, curly hair, sandy beard, gray eyes and a broad, white forehead. Socially he was genial, often even jolly, and much given to telling stories. He had a good mind and was wont to think independently. He was positive in his convictions and not easily turned.
He took much interest in local politics and was a leader of men. Almost any office in the filt of his friends could have been his, but he persistently refused all political office of every kind, saying that his interest went no further than to see that the right prevailed. That he enjoyed the contest may also be believed, for he was quite combative and keenly enjoyed an argument. He would probably have made a fine lawyer. He was a crack shot with the rifle or musket, and often brought down a deer or other game that furnished meat for his family and his neighbors. For a number of years he suffered declining health under a complication of liver and kidney affections, and at the age of forty-one, the end came. He told his family of a beautiful spot near the house on the farm where he wanted to be buried, so as to be constantly near them, "Where," he said, "The flowers will bloom and the birds sing." It is just but to say that in all his life's work, he was heartily seconded by his faithful wife, whose unselfish devotion to her family knew no bounds. She survived her husband two years, dying in 1853, leaving five orphan children from five to nineteen years of age. They were the parents of seven children, those growing to maturity are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Fred H., w, {Lillie May
{Emma Dickey............{Frank H.
{River Falls, WI {George P.
{ {Ethel P.
{Alice
{
Candace E., h, {Carrie, h, {Albert V.
Riley Crawford, d.......{French Baird...........{Arthur M.
{Hertel, WI {Vernon C.
{
{Lillie, h, {Florence M.
{DeWitt Kidder..........{Hazel A.
{
{Frank, w, {Bertha M.
{Maud Lovell............{Meta F.
----------------------------------------------
{Helen Ann, h,
{Chas. Morse
{Corning, CA
Nancy M., h, {
Rev. N. J. Aylsworth....{Ruth L., h, {Helen May
{Jas. B. MacBeth........{Marian Lorena
{
{John William, w,
{Della Head.............{Harold P.
----------------------------------------------
Mary Ann, h,
Chas. Howard,...........{no issue
1839-1902
Dundee, IL
----------------------------------------------
{Belle, h,..............{Lyman
{Lyman Benjamin
Helen A., h, {
Myron Blood.............{Harriett, h,
{Chas. Tripp............{Gladdis
{Montezuma, IA {Ione
{
{Ray
----------------------------------------------
Elvira V., h,...........{no issue
Chauncy Parmley
Present Postmaster, Dundee, IL
Nancy Margaret Oatman was born January 15, 1837, on her father's farm near Elgin. Her girlhood was spent there, and there she attended the district schools, supplemented by a few terms in Dundee Academy. In her early teens her parents died. After this breaking up of the family home, the children went to live with their mother's relatives, near Bloomington, Illinois, and Nancy M. spent some time at the Major Female College of Bloomington. She then began to teach in the district schools, and continued to teach more or less from then until her marriage. After spending three years in the region of Bloomington, she returned to the vicinity of her old home, near Elgin, and made her home in the family of David Hammond, a devoted friend of her father. While engaged as teacher of the grade school of Brrington, nearby, she became acquainted with her present husband, and they were married by Dr. Robert Boyd, pastor of the Eding Place Baptist Church, Chicago, March 14, 1863.
The prolonged illness of her husband has laid on the subject of this sketch many severe trials and burdens, which she has borne with fortitude, and that hopefulness of spirit so essential to keeping the heart whole in themidst of life's trials.
In her early womanhood she entered upon a religious life and became a member of the Baptist Church in Dundee, but later took membership with the Disciples of Christ, and has ever continued a devoted follower of the Master.
Nicholas John Aylsworth was born on a farm in the township of Cuba, Lake County, Illinois, January 15, 1843, of John and Ann Frances Aylsworth. His early schooling was that of the Rude District Schools of the time, until in his thirteenth and fourteenth year, he enjoyed a few months of academic instruction. When he was fifteen years of age he taught his first school, a district school of three months, and continued thereafter to teach more or less until his graduation from college.
At the age of seventeen, he entered Chicago University and was soon advanced to the second college year. He graduated from this institution in 1863, at the age of twenty, receiving the degree of A.B., to which was added three years later that of A. M. About the time of his graduation he married Nancy Margaret Oatman, named above. In the fall of 1863, he became principal of an academic school at Barrington, Cook County, Illinois, but after eighteen months teaching, declining health compelled him to abandon the school room. He then read medicine and ministered to the spiritual needs of a little Christian Church located in that place. Before graduating in the medical profession, he received a call from Northern Illinois Christian Missionary Organization, comprising several counties, to become their evangelist for six months. He thereafter continued to preach until his health failed permanently.
His first pastorate was at O'Plain (now Gurnee), near Waukegan, Illinois, and continued eighteen months. The next was at Ligonier, Indiana, where he remained two years, and resigned to enter upon the work of founding a church at Angola, Indiana. Here he remained two and a half years, bestowing half his time, and left a church property here worth six thousand dollars, and a membership of one hundred and sixty. This is now one of the very best Missionary Congretations in the Christian Church. From Angola he went to Fort Wayne, same state, to do a like work. Here he remained five and one-half years, providing a church property worth ten thousand dollars, practically unincumbered, and leaving a membership of one hundred and sixty. Much of this latter work was done in the stress of the great financial panic of 1873-7, requiring a desperate effort to save the enterprise from ruin. The extra care and labor involved permanently wrecked what had always been a frail constitution. A year and a half at Syracuse, New York, doing half work, and two and a half years at Auburn, same state, ended the cares of active service in 1881. The disease was at first Neurasthenia, a severe nervous breakdown, later complicated with rheumatic troubles. It has been impossible for Brother Aylsworth to walk, or even stand upon his feet for many years. A gradual improvement in the general condition has made it possible to do a little writing since 1895, and he has since that time been a paid correspondent of the Christian Evangelist of St. Louis, Missouri. He also became the author, in 1899, of a small monograph of one hundred and four pages, on the "Frequency of the Lord's Supper," and in 1902, of a larger work of four hundred and seventy-one pages on "Moral and Spiritual Aspects of Baptism," which has met with a very gratifying reception from the religious public.
Mr. Aylsworth's religious affiliations are with the Christian Church, he having become a member of that body when a child of eight years.
Mr. Aylsworth and family have continues to reside at Auburn, the place of his complete breakdown. The following, from the pen of the Rev. D. H. Patterson, pastor of the Church of Christ in Auburn, is taken from the Christian Evangelist of April 26, 1900:
"Brother Aylsworth is remarkable for his versatility. His conversation is as interesting as his writing. He is willing to talk and always has something to say. He is also a good listener. He will allow his companion his full share of the conversation, if not more, yet, there are few who care to talk if they may listen to him. One realizes that he is in the presence of a superior mind, but never feels ill at ease. He reads a book and tells you what it contains. His memory reaches across years of physical pain and debility and lays hold of treasures gathered more than a quarter of a century ago. The standart books of his library have long been sold, those that are left are out of date, yet, with wonderful alertness he seizes current thought from meager sources. After fourteen years of mental inactivity, strength seemed to be returning somewhat, and he was brought to church occasionally. I told him I thought he could preach. In June 1895, he did so. Those who heard him say his preaching was with astonishing vigor and clearness.
Our state convention met in Auburn in September of that year. He was asked to preach at one of the sessions, and consented. Probably no audience was ever more surprised and more delighted. For fifty minutes the gracious words flowed from his lips with ever increasing eloquence. To those who had known him in former years, the sermon seemed almost llike a voice from the dead. The editor of the Christian Evangelist not only published the sermon, but asked him to become an occasional contributor. His articles always whet the appetite for more. The "Frequency of the Lors's Supper" not only instructs but constantly delights the reader. Certainly every one who reads this little booklet will want the "Spiritual Aspects of Baptism." This work ought to be published. (It is now published.) There is a freshness in it that ought to inspire a new interest in preaching upon this important theme."
The author feels he can do no better in closing this sketch of this interesting, though pathetic life, than by giving this following poem found marked in a magazine sent some years since by Brother Aylsworth to his daughter in Dundee, Illinois. It must have expressed his own feelings largely, being deprived of the ability to labor so early in life:
REST (Lines found under the pillow of a soldier who died at Port Royal, Virginia) I lay me down to sleep, With little care Whether my waking find Me here, or there. A bowing, burdened head That only asks to rest, Unquestioningly, upon A loving breast. My good right hand forgets Its cunning now, To march the weary march I know not how. I am not eager, bold, Nor strong, all that is past, I am ready not to do, At last, at last. My half day's work is done, And this is all my part, I give a patient God My patient heart. And grasp his banner still, Though all the blue be dim, These stripes as well as stars Lead after him.
Mary Ann Oatman, twig above, was born about 1839, near Dundee, Illinois. She was left an orphan at a tender age. She was married to C. F. Howard, a soldier boy just from a three-years service to his country. They spent their married life in and abut Barrington and Dundee, the last thirty years in the latter place.
Charles
Fremont Howard was born in New Orleans, July 2, 1839.
He died in Dundee, February 16, 1902. While a student
in the University of Chicago in 1861, he enlisted in
the 52nd Illinois Cavalry, serving three years. he
afterwards served eight months in the 9th Illinois
Cavalry. He was a Christian from the age of twenty,
and from 1874 he and his wife were members of the
Dundee Baptist Church, being ever active Christian
workers.
Jesse Oatman - Branch Six
Jesse Oatman was born near New Albany, Indiana, November 24, 1811. He died at Dundee, Illinois, October 1, 1883, in the seventy-third year of his age. When a lad of nine years, his parents removed to Parke County, same state, and in 1828, they came to Illinois, settling at Walnut Grove. Jesse and his brother, Joseph, took up government claims adjoining, and at the head of the grove. In 1833 they sold these claims to James Mitchell, and engaged in the mercantile business at Washington, Tazewell County, but a few miles distant.
In May 1832, he had enrolled as a member of the 2nd Company of Mounted Volunteers from McLean County, Illinois, in the Black Hawk War, and hastened northward. They arrived at Dixon, after the battle known in history as "Stillman's Defeat." They proceeded to the battlefield and saw to the burying of the dead. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Lucinda C. Mowery, who had recently come to the new country with her parents. In 1837 they moved to Dundee, Kane County, taking their stock of goods with them. "Soon after coming to Dundee, he visited a camp of friendly Indians along the bank of the beautiful Fox River. The mother squaw was preparing dinner. She plucked the tail and wing feathers from a large sandhill crane, and then, with feet, head, feathers and entrails all together, put them into a kettle of boiling beans. Then she turned her attention to making corn pone. The dough was a little dry to shape up, so she spit on her hands and properly shaped the cake. It is needless to say that he resisted all efforts of the squaw to induce him to remain to dinner." This was the first stock of goods in the country, north of St. Charles. "Here is spent the remainder of his life, taking high rank as a business man and an earnest Christian with 'clean hands and pure heart,' a moral and social power in the church, and a man universally honored and beloved. The business of J. Oatman & Sons, of Dundee, was extensively connected with various enterprises, the grocery and drug business, the farm, hundreds of swarms of bees and numerous butter and cheese factories in Kane and McHenry Counties. All these engaged the active attention of the father, and yet he seemed to have time, brain and heart for the church he loved and the Savior he served. His diary, which he kept for many years, is a religious curiosity. While it records the current items of business and the weather, and domestic and personal matters, it is so intermixed with explanations concerning God's providence and grace, and exultant acknowledgements of His wonderful goodness, mercy and loving kindness to him, that one of his brethren on listening to it on the day of his funeral, said, and said truly, 'It reads like the Psalms.' As might be expected, the death scene of such a man was glorious beyond description. He seemed to be standing on the doorsteps of his heavenly mansion, as he pronounced his last benediction upon his weeping wife and children. His 'God bless you my dear children,' seemed like the prophetic blessings of the old patriarchs. The uplifted hands and the heavenward beckonings made the place sacred and joyous."
Mr. Oatman held various offices of trust, one being that of postmaster for eight years. As is told in the sketch of his father, he was a charter member of the Walnut Grove (now Eureka) Christian Church, organized in his parent's home in 1832. He remained true to the church of his first love for many years, but losing hope that a church would be organized at Dundee, he finally united with the Baptist Church, and was ever after one of their most earnest and efficient members.
His wife, "Aunt Lucy," was a woman in every way worthy of such a man. Born at Cleveland, Ohio, she came with her parents to Washington, Illinois in 1835. She joined the Dundee Baptist Church, by obedience to the gospel in 1841, and for fifty-three years adorned her profession with a godly walk and a chaste behavior. It is said she lived for others and not for self. The husband often spoke of her as his "guardian angel." She died in her home in Dundee, May 23, 1894. Five children were born to this union, those growing to maturity are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Flora, died young
{
{Clara May, h, {Georgia L.
{Dr. W. C. Bridge.......{Clarata B.
{Elgin, IL
{
{Herbert A., w, {Theron C.
{Edith Clark............{Daryl Herbert
{Monticello, FL
Caroline Lucinda, h, {
M. T. Barrows...........{Etta Valitta, h, {Carrie May
Dundee, IL {Alva C. Crawford.......{Alva Jesse
{Des Moines, IA {Flora C.
{ {Etta L.
{Lucy Belle, h,
{Alfred H. Ketchum......{Bessie Margaret
{Dundee, IL {Florence Belle
{
{L. Gertrude, h,
{Rev. Richard Marshall
{Mt. Carroll, IL
----------------------------------------------
Edward Jesse, w,........{Jesse, w,
1848 {Martha Geirtz
Louise J. Browning {Riverside, CA
Riverside, CA
----------------------------------------------
{Erle Torrence, w,
{Claribelle Borden
{Dundee, IL
George Frank, w, 1851 {
Louisa J. Torrence......{William Frank, w,
Dundee, IL {Allicia R. Whittaker...{William Frank, Jr.
{Dundee, IL
{
{Maribel
Carrie Lucinda Oatman, twig above, was born in Dundee, Illinois; married M. T. Barrows there in 1866, and has never lived elsewhere. She and her family are members of the Baptist Church, and quite active in the various works of the church.
M. T. Barrows, whose likeness is shown herewith, (NOT IN COMPUTER COPY) has been a resident of Dundee since 1856. He was born in Saratoga County, New York, July 15, 1834. He was a blacksmith from boyhood, and later a hareware dealer until 1888, when he retired with a competency. He is a large land owner, having about nine hundred and sixty acres in Iowa, five hundred in Florida and one thousand nine hundred in Illinois. This is a great achievement for one who began life at twenty-five cents per day, and afterwards four dollars per month.
There were ten children born to this union, those growing to maturity are named in the table above as buds.
Herbert A. Barrows, bud above, was born and reared at Dundee, Illinois, and was married there. For several years he has been located at Monticello, Florids, on a fifteen hundred acre dairy farm. By the use of northern methods he is demonstrating that as good butter and milk can be produced in the south as anywhere. In addition to his large milk trade he makes and sells about six hundred pounds of butter per month. He never sells a pound for less than thirty-five cents, and usually receives fifty cents per pound.
He is also putting several thousand dollars into a syrup plant, preparing to make the very best quality of cane syrup. He has the ambition to produce the best of everything, expecting thereby to receive the highest market prices. He is delighted with the south, and believes he has a great future before him.
Edward Jesse Oatman, twig above, worked on his father's farm until sixteen, when he began clerking in his father's store. At the age of eighteen, after graduating from Bryant and Stratton's Business College in Chicage, he became a partner in the store, the firm name being Oatman & Sons. (After the death of the father, the name was changed to Oatman Brothers, and the name became almost a household word whereever the Elgin milk, butter or cheese was known.) Owing to failing health, he soon gave up work in the store and turned his attention to bee culture, until the firm had five hundred hives, in 1886, and produced thirty thousand pounds of honey that year. In 1870 they started the creamery business which grew to wondrous proportions. It is said that at one time they refused a cash offer of three hundred thousand dollars from an English syndicate for sixteen creameries. That would have left them with four creameries and one condensing factory.
The great financial troubles of 1893-7 struck them hard, sweeping away much of the savings of an active and strenuous lifetime.
His health and that of Mrs. Oatman being so poorly, they went to California in 1902, settling at Riverside, and beginning the cultivation of a fruit farm. Here they now reside, Mrs. Oatman's health having been restored. They were married in 1869. They are Baptists, Mrs. Oatman being especially active in all church work.
George Frank Oatman, twig above, became a clerk in his father's store at the age of fifteen and a partner at eighteen. He was married in 1874.
Owing to
his father's frail constitution he has ever carried
the heavy burdens of the firm. After the reverses
mentioned above, Frank organized Oatman's Condensed
Milk Company, himself and two sons composing the
company. They now have some half dozen plants, and
manufacture butter and cheese, condensed milk and
cream, and are already a strong company. They reside
in Dundee, in a beautiful home, always open to friends
and relatives. This family are Congregationalists. The
boys have married the best girls in the community, at
least that is what we all think.
Hardin Oatman -- Branch Seven
Hardin Oatman was born in Floyd County, Indiana, February 18, 1813. He came to Illinois with his parents, in 1828. He was a charter member of the Walnut Grove Christian Church, as is told elsewhere. He studied medicine in Dundee, Illinois, finishing in Rush Medical College. He married, settled, and practiced his profession in Harrison County, Missouri. The family have been in St. Joseph, Missouri, for many years, and it is presumed he died there. The author has been unable to get into correspondence with any of the family. All that is known of him is given above. All that is known of his family is given below, and it is mere here-say:
Twigs Buds Blossoms John C. Oatman Llano, Texas. ---------------------------------------------- Wick Oatman St. Joseph, Missouri ---------------------------------------------- P. H. Oatman St. Joseph, Missouri ---------------------------------------------- M. C. Oatman ---------------------------------------------- Mary Oatman H, Perien St. Joseph, Missouri ---------------------------------------------- Susan Oatman H, Joe Williamson
John Oatman, Jr. -- Branch Nine
John Oatman, Junior, was born in Floyd County, Indiana, September 3, 1815. He died at Farmer, Texas, June 11, 1897. He was married to Juliana Ann Long, in Woodford County, Illinois. They removed to Texas in 1850, first settling in Bastrop County, and in 1852, moving to Llano County and engaged in the cattle business, raising, herding and shipping. This, in connection with the mercantile business until 1871, when he settled in Missouri on a farm, where he remained until his wife's death, in 1877, when he returned to Texas and made his home with his children. He was one of the most devoted christians. He was an elder in the church for many years. He was a great reader, until his eyesight failed him. I glean the following item from his obituary:
He was a wonderful man in a good many respects. He was brave and generous, patient in every trial of life, and possessed a faith like that of Job or Daniel. His property was swept away, yet he never lost hope. Then his eyesight failed him and still his faith grew stronger. Finally his hearing and speech were almost destroyed, but he still believed in God, and just before he crossed the river he called for the last chapter of the bible to be read, that once more he might hear the promises of God. He loved more than all, those beautiful words of John The Beloved: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea saith The Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
Thirteen children blessed this union, those growing to maturity are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Anna Kate, h, d
{Edward McDuff..........{Nora, d
{
{John Wayman, w,
{Clara E. Owens.........{Wallace, d
Julia A., h, {
Joseph Leverett.........{Charles E.
{
{Josephine C., h, {Jessie
{Luther Russell.........{Nettie
{Ozark, MO {Joseph
{
{Henry P.
----------------------------------------------
{Edward, w, 1866 {Ora
{Maggie Campbell........{Roy
{ {Ray, d
{ {Violet
{Robert
{
Henry Clay, w, 1843 {Cynthia J., h..........{Eva June
Mollie E. Hardin........{John Newsom
Sparks, TX {
{George
{
{Bertha, h,.............{Lola
{Wm. Ridlehoover
{
{Beatrice, 1882
{Sparks, Texas
----------------------------------------------
{Evans, w,
{J. Alberta Scarborough {Scarborough
{Graham, TX.............{LeGrande
{
{Ida, h, {James M.
{Robert F. Short........{Robert F.
{Graham, TX {Frances Ione, 1904
{
Lucy Cevilla, h, {Ellen, h,..............{Robt. Wesley
Robert E. Mabry.........{Jas. H. Norman {Attie Cevilla
Graham, TX {Graham, TX
{
{Loula May, h,
{Claud E. Holland
{Belton, TX
{
{Ora Cevilla
{Sallie Media
{Silas Seth
{Joseph E.
----------------------------------------------
{Carlos S., w, 1873
{Mollie Cook
{
William Benj., w, {Clarence E., w,........{Alonzo
Artelia Jennings, d.....{Ida Pittman
{
{John Orval
{ {Bryan R.
{Lula Belle, h,.........{Chas. Aaron
{George Owens {Carrie Belle
------ {George Olen
{Amy Agnes {John Comer
2nd. w, Lula Pitman.....{Elmer Louis
{Jesse Clay
{Floy Etta
----------------------------------------------
{Mary Ella, 1884
Albert E., w, {Jesse W.
Sarah Hurst.............{Nora A.
Farmer, TX {James E.
{Maud May
Henry Clay Oatman, twig, was born in Dundee, Kane County. Illinois, October 10, 1843. He came with his parents to Bastrop County, Texas, in 1852. They settled in Llano County in 1854. Here young Henry Clay went into the stock business as a "cowboy," and ran cattle until 1862, when he enlisted in the Confederate Army and attempted to run the "Yanks" for three years. He came out of the service without a scratch. While in the Army, the boys decided to have a "name drawing," each to drop the name of a young lady into a box, after which each was to draw a name out, and to begin a correspondence. Our hero drew the name of Mollie E. Hardin. They were strangers, but continued the correspondence through the war. Returning home, they met, and in 1865, were married. A "fortune teller" described his correspondent and said they would marry. And so they did. After his marriage he returned to the stock business, only now working for himself instead of his father.
The Indians were troublesome from 1864 to 1875. They frequently took stock, some times a large number. He had some narrow escapes with his life, but never came into close contact with the Indians.
At one
time the family traveled in a wagon to Missouri for
the wife's health. Their babe dying in Missouri, and
the change not benefiting the mother, they returned to
Texas, settling in Llano County until 1889, when they
moved to Green County, and in 1896 they came to
Sparks, Bell County, where they continue to reside.
James R. Oatman -- Branch Eleven
James Reed Oatman was born in Floyd County, Indiana, December 27, 1817. He died in Kansas City, Missouri, January, 1899. He married Letitia Ann Davidson, at Eureka, Illinois, and settled on a farm at the head of the grove. They and their son, Adolphus G., were charter members of the Mount Zion Christian Church, organized at the head of the grove in 1855. He was chosen one of the Deacons. They remained here until some time after the close of the war, when they removed to the Southwest, settling near Kansas City. The wife is still living there. They were the parents of seven children, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Adda Evelyn
Dr. Adolphus, w, {Homer Clifton
Mary A. Ransom..........{Lawrence, KS
{
{Arthur Roy
{Helen Marian
----------------------------------------------
Helen, died young
----------------------------------------------
{Minnie
Mary Eliza, h, {Della
Alex M. Richardson......{Manfield
{Arthur
{Mary, d
----------------------------------------------
{Vista
Candis, h, {Josephine, d
G. D. Kinnear...........{Arma Arminta
{Jessie Myrtle
{Guy Howard
{Stanley Reed
----------------------------------------------
Josephine, h,...........{Howard
Geo. W. Huselton {Bertha G.
----------------------------------------------
Frankie, h,.............{William
Wm. O'Brien
----------------------------------------------
Cande, h,...............{Dudley
Retta West
Ira E. Oatman -- Branch Twelve
Ira E. Oatman was born in Indiana, October, 1819. He studied medicine in Dundee and Rush Medical College. He was married to Villitta C. Freer, in Chicago, practiced a few years in Chicago, then moved to Sacramento, California, where he died in 18??. Five children were born to this couple, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Eugene Freer, w, {Helena May
Lucy R. Nichols.........{Eugene Freer, Jr.
Sacramento, CA
----------------------------------------------
Ira, died young
----------------------------------------------
John William, w, {Gertrude May
Harriet C. Rhodes.......{Lawrence J.
Long Valley, CA
----------------------------------------------
Charles Henry, w, {Franklin Wm.
Mary Eliza Smith........{violet
San Francisco, CA
----------------------------------------------
Mary May, h, {Mary Emma
Almer P. Soule..........{Helena Elizabeth
Sacramento, CA
Mary Ann Oatman -- Branch Fourteen
Mary Ann Oatman was born in 1824, married Darwin
Stevens, settled in Chicago, then moved to California.
I am unable to get any other information. Had one son,
Homer Stevens.
William A. Oatman -- Branch Fifteen
Dr. William A. Oatman was born in Indiana, April 7, 1827. He died at Barksdale, Texas, March 30, 1903. He graduated Rush Medical College, Chicago, at the age of twenty-one. He soon went to Texas with his diploma and saddle pony. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bunton, daughter of a wealthy and influential farmer of Hays County, Texas.
To this union were born eight children, five dying young. The remaining three are named below as twigs. The mother died at the age of thirty-two. The second wife was Mrs. Beck, of Travis County. To this last union there was no issue. Dr. Oatman amassed a fortune, farming near Austin, Texas. His estate still owns one of the finest farms on the Colorado River. He was a man of pure and exalted character, beloved by all. During the later years of his life he was a Christadelphian in Faith. He is said to be one of the finest biblical scholars in the state. For years he had a standing challenge to the ministers of the state to debate the differences between his Faith and theirs.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Marmaduke, 1888
{Hermina E.
John B., w, {Edith H.
Marie V. Saunders.......{Victor
Evelyn, TX {Olivia Iva
{Adele
{Dudley, 1902
----------------------------------------------
{Perla May, h,..........{Robert
{Walter H. Taylor
{
{Asa B., w,.............{a daughter
Mary May, h, {Lillian Vincent
David M. Crosthwait.....{
Chickasha, Ind. Terr. {Jennot Lee
{Norman L.
{David Lamar
{Fay M. Marelaine
{Edith Oatman
{Oma
----------------------------------------------
{Lucile, 1890
Dr. Victor, w, {Bessie
Fannie M. Sneed.........{William
Liberty, TX {Sneed
{Mary E.
Pleasant Shields Oatman - Branch Sixteen
Pleasant Shields Oatman was born at Walnut Grove, Illinois, July 22, 1830. At the age of eleven, he moved with his father's family to Texas, settling near Austin, in Bastrop County. He was married in 1851, to Mercia P. Billingsley, and engaged in cattle raising. A few years later they removed to Llano, and in addition to his stock interests was, in connection with his brother, John, engaged in the mercantile business. In 1868 he took a large herd of cattle to California. In 1870 he took the remainder of his stock to Colorado, and with his family, took up his residence in Denver.
While in Denver he organized the Union Stock Yards Company, which is now a large concern. He invested largely in real estate which has made his family quite comfortable.
In 1879 he was killed by being thrown from his horse in Kansas, while looking after some stock which he had taken to that section.
He was of a genial, sunny nature, and died sincerely mourned by his family and a host of warm friends. He was a life long Christian, a member of the Christian Church.
His wife, Mercia P. Oatman, was born March 29, 1836, near Trenton, Tennessee. Her father, Major Elish Billingby, moved to Bastrop County, Texas, in the year 1849. She was married to Pleasant S. Oatman, December 29, 1851, and they moved to Llano County, Texas, where they remained until after the Civil War, when they went to San Antonio, Texas. In 1870 they traveled across the barren Staked Plains with a large herd of cattle to Denver, Colorado. The journey was most hazardous as the plains were, at that time, inhabited by tribes of wild Indians. An average of only ten miles per day was made, and the party was three months without being under the roof of a house, and four months without being under the shade of a tree.
Since Mr. Oatman's death, in 1879, Mrs. Oatman has spent much time traveling. Since her early childhood she has been a great student of the bible. In Llano, with the other members of the Oatman family, she took the bible as her guide, throwing aside all doctrines and creeds, and she thinks it wonderful, how all these years, the Dear Lord has been with her, and how he has opened her eyes to know His truths. For many years she hoped to go to the foreign missionary fields, but God did not so direct, and her work has been in her own country. She has been from the Gulf of Mexico to the Great Lakes, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific; to the Centennial and the World's Fair, carrying the good news of salvation to all who would hear. For many years she has been looking for the return of the Jews to their Land which forebodes a great change in the Earth, and is convinced that that event is near at hand. She is still an active, earnest member of the Christian Church. This couple were the parents of eight children, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Villitta E., 1855, d
----------------------------------------------
Martha May, h, 1859 {Nina May
Hiram F. Coates.........{Helen O.
Denver, CO {Marion O.
----------------------------------------------
Carrie O., h, 1860 {Alice May
Wm. H. Kistler..........{William H.
Denver, CO {Erle O.
----------------------------------------------
Pleasant Lee, 1866, d
----------------------------------------------
Iva Anna, h, 1867
Thos. Marioneaux........{Dorothy May
Nephi, UT
----------------------------------------------
Arthur G., 1870, d
John Dewees, 1873, d
Lilly Maud, 1875, d
Carrie Oatman, whose likeness appears herewith {not in computer copy}, was born in Llano, Texas, in 1860. In the year 1870 her parents moved to Denver, Colorado, at which place she has since resided. In the year 1883, she was married to William H. Kistler, the leading Stationer of the State. Since her marriage, Mrs. Kistler has been identified with the interests and institutions of Denver and Colorado, and prominent in all movements of an elevating and ennobling character in social and philanthropic circles. The most flattering compliment was paid to her intellect when the Denver High School Alumni, a society composed of some of the most gifted men and women in the West, chose her for their President, and she being the only woman they have ever honored by election to this office.
As a club woman, Mrs. Kistler ranks high among that company of brilliant women for which Colorado is famous, and she has held many offices of high honor and trust both in the State and National Federation of Women's Clubs.
In the entire history of Denver only five women have been elected as members of the School Board, and Mrs. Kistler has been one of this number. She has served as President of the Denver Young Women's Christian Association, and the Denver Branch of the National Needlework Guild. With it all she is mistress of one of Denver's beautiful homes, a devoted wife and mother, and is held in affectionate esteem by a large circle.
It might be well to remark that in Colorado women have the Right of Suffrage.
A few years since, by a series of unexpected events, and unsought, as well, Mrs. Kistler was elected Chairman of the Republican County Central Committee. During the incumbancy of this office, it devolved upon her to preside over the preliminary proceedings of the County Convention. From pages of newspaper clippings referring to the matter, all praising Mrs. Kistler in the highest terms, the following very short quotations are taken:
Mrs. W. H. Kistler, chairman of the Republican County Central Committee, covered herself and her sex with glory by the courage, tact, justice, self-poise, and readiness she displayed in presiding over the preliminary proceedings of the County Convention, in the Broadway Theater, yesterday. We have seen a great many mean conventions in our time, but we have never seen a presiding officer of the sterner sex at any of them who bore himself so well under such trying circumstances as did Mrs. Kistler, yesterday.
Mrs. Kistler, as chairman, had a most difficult task to perform that was ever allotted a chairman of the party. The convention had been packed by the Wolcott-Stevenson people. on the floor of the convention she had the best parliamentarians in the city, and professional politicians to contend with. She succeeded in maintaining order the best manner possible and did far better than a man could have done, also showing a thorough knowledge of the rules of procedure.
"When did the chair have the power delegated to her to abrogate a part of a rule?" "It is not a question of power," responded the lady, "the rule is wrong, and it is time it was shown up and the wrong corrected. I propose to see right and justice granted while I am in this position." Then ensued the wildest demonstrations which she had yet to cope with. She stood at the desk, rapped steadily for order, and then asked the police in the hall to clear lobbies and isles. "Order will be maintained," was her only comment. All suggestions from delegates were ignored. She maintained her stand to have order before anything further was done. It was not until the convention had exhausted lung power and parliamentary tactics to trip her up, that debate was permitted to proceed in anything like order. When the question came to a vote, the chair ruled that all contesting delegations should not vote, and, though this also had to be debated, the chair held her ground. The vote sustained the appeal by a large majority, and the temporary roll was adopted. The temporary organization was quickly made, and a recess taken until ten o'clock that evening. the chairman had stood at her post for more than six hours, and had not wavered once. Unanimous vote of thanks from the convention for her wise and faithful service.
Mrs.
Kistler is an active member of the central christian
church, the leading church of her people in Denver.
CHAPTER VIII
Clement Nance, Junior - Limb Seven
Clement Nance, Junior, was born in Virginia, June 10, 1788. Martha Chamberlain was born March 25, 1790. They were married June 7, 1810 by Patrick Shields, Judge. He settled on a farm adjoining that of his father, and became a very prominent citizen of the county. He was a member of the first Board of County Commissioners, Justice of the Peace and held other offices in the township and county. He built a fine brick residence in 1820, which is still in as good condition as ever. It is a modern residence in appearance today. He ran for Associate Judge in 1826 at the close of his father's incumbancy of the office. There were six candidates, he coming out second best.
He erected a carding and fulling mill on his farm, and for many years made the rolls from which the jpioneer mothers wove the cloth that was used by the settlers for clothing. He also erected a steam flouring mill on his place. After several years constant use, it was burned down and was never rebuilt.
They moved to Columbus, Adams County, Illinois, in September 1849, where he died the next year, August 13, 1850. His remains lie in the old cemetery at Columbus. In an old pocket account book of "Uncle Clem," the author was shown this item in his hand writing: "I thank God that I am a Mason." He was a member of the Christian Church, and died on the triumph of faith.
"Aunt Patsey," whose likeness appears at the head of this sketch, outlived Uncle Clem twenty-two years, dying at Barry, at the home of her son, Dr. Clement H. Nance, December 21, 1872. She was loved by all who knew her. She was buried at Barry. They were the parents of ten children, named below as branches:
Susan Gresham, Margaret Richardson, James Monroe, died at 15, Robert C., Mary Richardson, Jane Snider, William Anderson, Benjamin F., Martha Harber, Clement Henry, M.D.
Susan Nance-Gresham - Branch One
Susan Nance was born March 19, 1811. She was married to John Gresham, March 26, 1829. She spent her life in Franklin Township, the same in which she was born. Nine children were born to this couple, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Margaret J., h, d {Enoch, d
Jas. T. Robinson, d.....{Mary, single
{James, lost
----------------------------------------------
{Charles, w, {Julia
{Ella Bigelow...........{Sarah
{Niles, MI {Abigal
{ {James
James E., w, d {
Julia Hilderbrand.......{Clement, w, {Minnie
{Debbie Tipps...........{Edward
{Jeffersonville, IN {Emma
{
{Hattie, h, {Maud
{Frank Landwehr.........{Hester
{Jeffersonville, IN {James
----------------------------------------------
Mary E., h, d...........{no issue
Jno. Harbison
----------------------------------------------
{Edith
{Ethel
{Sarah F.
{Martha, h, 1864 {Julia
{Robt. Detrick..........{Robt. C.
{New Albany, IN {James M.
{ {Myrtle
{ {Albert L.
Sarah A., h, d { {Leo Addison, 1901
Conrad Kimble...........{William, w,
{Paducah, KY
{
{Mary, d
{
{Benjamin, w,
{
{Julia, d
----------------------------------------------
{Ida, h,
{John Gibson, d
{
{Susan
{
Martha, h, {Benjamin, w,...........{Pearl
Francis M. Sands, d.....{Lizzie Loweth {Walter
New Albany, IN {New Albany, IN
{
{ {Stella
{Columbus, w, {Frances
{Catherine Halrah, d....{Charles
{New Albany, IN {Robert R.
{
{Anna
----------------------------------------------
{Elwell, 1884
{Mary, h, 1860 {Marry
{Wm. Douglas............{Bessie
Nancy A., h, d {Louisville, KY {William
Frederick Edler.........{ {Ruth, 1892
{Emma, h,
{
{Dorothy
----------------------------------------------
{Maud, h,
{George Bell
Benjamin W., w, d {2nd h, Wm. Haslet
Mary Dorman.............{St. Louis, MO
{
{Walter, w,
{New Albany, IN
----------------------------------------------
George C., w, {Maud
Agatha Melton...........{Ida
Dogwood, IN
----------------------------------------------
John W., died at age 15
Margaret Nance-Richardson - Branch Two
Margaret
Nance was born November 9, 1812. Died at Bowling
Green, Illinois, September 24, 1838. She was married
to Aaron Richardson, July 11, 1833. Four children were
born to this union, for an account of which, see
Branch One of Limb Ten.
Robert C. Nance - Branch Four
Robert Chamberlain Nance was born April 25, 1817. Died about 1850 in Adams County, Illinois, and was buried on a farm about twelve miles from Columbus. He was the father of three children, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
James, died at age 2
----------------------------------------------
{William
Mary Ann, h {Fannie
William Fox.............{Walter
{John
----------------------------------------------
Robert Clement, Lost in the War of the Rebellion going out with
Captain O. A. Burgess, and afterward, with Captain
J. H. Rowell. He disappeared soon after the battle
of Shiloh and was never heard of afterwards.
Mary Nance-Richardson - Branch Five
Mary Nance was born December 3, 1819, in Floyd County, Indiana, and died at Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 23, 1889. She was married to Aaron Richardson, September 3, 1839. Four children were born to this union, for which, see Branch One of Limb Ten. She was a life-long member of the Christian Church. The following is a part of her obituary by her youngest son, Frank. From what the author knows personally of "Aunt Mary," he is free to say the tribute is a just one:
"Mother Richardson was left a widow in 1854 with four small children of her own, and one by the former wife of her husband, who was equally loved by her. With but little money at her command, and frail in body, she accepted the trust and devoted herself most fully and heroically to her children. By hard toil, extreme sacrifice and careful economy whe was able to give all her children a good common school education, and the older ones a partial course in college. One by one her children went out from the home until about twenty years ago she was left with her youngest son, with whom she has lived ever since. Thirty-five years of her widowhood have been marked by a patience under suffering, a faith under trials and a persistent and conscientious fulfillment of duty, such as is rarely seen. Her children may truly rise up and call her blessed. She became early in life a devoted Christian, and throughout her course of nearly three score and ten, she adorned the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. A sufferer almost constantly for a quarter of a century, she bore the ills of life with patient endurance, in the confidence that God could make all things to work together for good to those who love Him. Her last hours were full of longings for rest that awaited her beyond the vail of death. The kind Father who had so long sustained her under the heavy afflictions of her lonely and troubled life, granted her at the last, a peaceful passage into glory. Good, true mother, farwell. May we, whose lives have felt the influence of thy patient, loving spirit, so live as to meet thee again where thy griefs are all transformed into loving rejoicings in the presence of our Heavenly Father. W.F.R."
(We beg
leave, brother Richardson, to mingle our tears with
yours, over the grave of one we knew so well and
esteemed so highly. - Editor Christian Evangelist.)
Jane Nance-Snider - Branch Six
Jane Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, January 28, 1822. Andrew Jackson Snider was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, October 10, 1817. They were married in Floyd County, November 18, 1841. They removed to Columbus, Adams County, Illinois, in 1848, and to Woodford County in 1854, and to Livingston County in 1856.
"Uncle Jack" was a farmer by occupation and reared his large family on the farm. In 1886 the family removed to Chicago, the daughter, Laura, assuming the support of her parents, now growing old, the other children assisting, and with her needle at dressmaking, cared for them to the date of their death.
The mother passed away January 1, 1892, in Chicage. Her remains were carried to El Paso, Illinois, and laid to rest. Soon after this sad bereavement, Laura and the father removed to El Paso, to be near the older sister and daughter, Mrs. Martha Springgate. Here the father died in December 1898, and was laid to rest beside his life's companion.
"Aunt Jane" was a worthy one of the ninety-six limbs whose praises I can never tire of singing. She seemed to possess the Christian graces in a high degree. She was a member of the Christian Church from early life.
"Uncle Jack" was a true, intelligent, influential and prominent citizen wherever he lived. He was noted for his stalwart democracy, never going back on his namesake. He had the most wonderful retentive memory of any person I ever knew. It seemed that he never forgot anything. During the World Fair, cousin F. M. Nance called to see the family. "Uncle Jack" was in his room and was told a stranger was in the parlor and wanted to see him. As he came to the parlor, he heard his voice and at once said, "It is a Nance voice." Seeing the visitor, he said almost at once, "You are Frank Nance." They had not met for forty-five years, when Frank was twenty-one. He knew he was a Nance by his voice, and knew he was Frank by the Chamberlain resemblance, his mother being a Chamberlain. I have no doubt his memory as to Frank's young manhood looks, helped to place him even though he was at the time, sixty-six.
They were the parents of eleven children, named below as twigs, all growing to maturity, but six of them dying before their parents:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Henry E., w, 1842 {Clarence
Tillie Osborne..........{Harry
Lacey, IA {Pearl
----------------------------------------------
Robert, lost in 1860
----------------------------------------------
{Curtis, w
{Pearl Goodwin..........{Claude
{Chicago, IL
Albert A., w, d {
Lizzie Baxter...........{Walter
{Chicago, IL
{
{Mabel, h, d............{Albert
{Rohen Walker
----------------------------------------------
Martha E., h {Ethel
Richard C. Springgate...{Richard
El Paso, IL
----------------------------------------------
Laura F.................{never married
Redlands, CA
----------------------------------------------
{Bessie, h,
Mary E., h, d {O. C. Guillamont
W. W. Bascom............{Redlands, CA
{
{Myrtle
{Chicago, IL
----------------------------------------------
Granville H., w,........{Marjory
Kate Beryman
Dixon, IL
----------------------------------------------
Stanley M., d
----------------------------------------------
Addie Douglas...........{never married
Chicago, IL
----------------------------------------------
Carrie J., h, d {Bertha Viola, 1887
Dr. O. B. McKinney......{James Oliver
George, IA {Bessie June
----------------------------------------------
Benj. Frank, w, d.......{1.
Callie ___?
Henry E. Snider was reared on a farm in Nebraska Township, Livingston County, Illinois. He served his country three years in the War of the Rebellion, in the 129th Illinois Infantry. Most of his life has been spent farming, although he was running a laundry in Chicago for a number of years, about the World Fair period. He now owns and occupies a farm near Lacey, Iowa.
Martha E. Snider married R. C. Springgate, of El Paso, Illinois, a prosperous and prominent wholdsale and retail dry goods merchant. She has a fine house and is a worthy member of our family. They are Presbyterians.
Laura F. Snider, as mentioned above, assumed the support of the parents on their removal to Chicago in 1886. She also reared and cared for the orphan children of her sister, Mary, two little girls, Bessie and Myrtle Bascom. In 1901 she settled at Redland, California, where she enjoys most excellent health, a boon of which she was deprived in Illinois. At the last day, "When the book shall be opened," the name of Laura Snider will have prominent mention in the list of the world's heroines. She is a member of the Christian Church.
Granville Snider is a laundryman at Dixon, Illinois.
Bertha
Viola McKinney, bud above, was born in 1887. She
graduated from the Graded School in 1903. She had
devoted much time to music, and has a reputation
throughout northwest Iowa for her musical ability, and
expects to go abroad to continue her music.
William Nance - Branch Seven
William Anderson Nance, twin of Benjamin F., was born March 20, 1825. He was married to Charlotte Douglas, and they have both been long since dead. As far is known but two children blessed this home, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms Franklin, d ---------------------------------------------- Anna, h, d ___? Thornton A banker at Bedford, IN
Benjamin F. Nance - Branch Eight
Benjamin F. Nance, twin of William, was born March 20, 1825. He married Mary McHowland. They removed to California, where he changed the spelling of his name to "Nantz." There was but one child as far as can be learned, and we have failed to get into correspondence with him.
Twigs Buds Blossoms Frank Nantz
Martha Nance-Harber - Branch Nine
Martha A. Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, September 27, 1829. When twenty years of age, she came with her parents to Illinois, settling in Adams County. She was married in Bloomington, August 31, 1854, to David P. Harber. Mr. Harber was born in Indiana, November 20, 1821. Early in the 50's he came to Illinois and first located in Woodford County, where he engaged in farming. Later he followed the same occupation in Livingston County until 1862, when he removed to El Paso, where he engaged in the mercantile business until 1872, and then embarked in the implement business in Eureka. He was very successful in this business, retiring a few years before his death, leaving his business to his sons whom he had reared in it.
Mr. and Mrs. Harber were charter members of Mount Zion Christian Church, organized in 1855. They were ever alfter, earnest active Christians. he was deacon or elder for many years. He died in Eureka, January 29, 1897, honored and esteemed by all who knew him.
Mrs. Harber, "Aunt Mat," is living a happy, retired life in Bloomington, Illinois, within short walking distance of the palatial homes of her three sons. She is one of the five living limbs of our family. She is a member of The First Christian Church and seldom misses a Lord's Day Morning Service. They were the parents of five children, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Hattie Aurora, h, {Edna, h, {Benj. Lewis
William Van Nest, d.....{Sam'l Kriney...........{Hattie E.
Plainfield, NJ {Plainfield, NJ {Russell L.
----------------------------------------------
Edgar D, w, {Edith
Fannie Price Young......{Ina
Bloomington, IL {Rachel
{Dorothy
----------------------------------------------
Benj. F., w,
Jennie Ewins............{Blanche
Bloomington, IL {Louise
----------------------------------------------
John W., w, {Mabel
Della Strumbaugh, d.....{Bessie
2nd wife, Mary Baker {Ethel
Bloomington, IL {Dean
----------------------------------------------
Mina, at home
Edgar D., Benjamin F., and John W. Harber, twigs above, comprising the Harber Brothers Company, which see below, and whose likenesses are shown herewith (no pictures in computer copy), were reared in the retail farm implement business. They have never been separated in business or otherwise. They each reside in a palatial home in the same part of the city. The families are almost daily together, and like the brothers, seem almost inseparable. The brothers are among the most public spirited citizens and one of the trio is on nearly every committee of citizens looking to the social, material, or spiritual interests of the city. "E. D." was born at Eureka, January 2, 1857. He was married in Bloomington, January 17, 1884. He has a very interesting family of wife and four daughters. All who are grown are members of the First Christian Church. He is also a mason and a Club Man, though he seldom visits either.
"B. F." was born in Livingston County, Illinois, June 4, 1858. He was married December 8, 1881, and has an interesting wife and two daughters, all members of the First Christian Church, he being a member of the official board. He is also a member of the Bloomington Club. "For tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and executing the right thing at the right time, joined to every-day common sense, guided by resistless power, he stands easily at the head among the business men of Bloomington."
"J. W." was born August 18, 1859. He was married to Miss Della Stanbaugh, of Eureka, May __, 1879, by whom he had one child.
On December 25, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss May Baker, of Eureka. They have two interesting daughters, and one son, Dean. He, being the only son in the three families, is therefore a favorite as well as a rarity. This family are members of the Episcopal Church of Bloomington.
All three are best known in connection with their business. They were brought up in the retail implement business at Eureka, from 1872 to 1886, at which date they came to Bloomington, which promised a larger field of labor. They ran under various names until 1891, when they incorporated under the name Harber Brothers Company. They first did a retail business, then added wholesaling. They now do an exclusively wholesale business, handling chiefly vehicles of all kinds, farm implements of every description, and binding twine. They built, own and occupy a five story and basement brick building, dimensions 77 X 200 feet, and an "L" 110 X 140 feet, also five stories. This is the largest warehouse owned or used by any similar concern in the state, including the City of Chicago. Their business covers the greater portion of the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.
"E. D." is the president, and he looks after the legal part of the business, makes the contracts with the manufacturers and dealers.
"B. F." is the treasurer, and he looks after the details of the business.
"J. W." is
the vice-president, and he has full charge of the
carriage department. It is said that he is the best
authority in the state in his line.
Clement Henry Nance - Branch Ten
Dr. Clement Henry Nance was born September 15, 1833. He was married to Miss Eliza Torrence, September 27, 1860. He practiced his profession most of his life at Columbus, Liberty, and Barry, Illinois, dying at Barry in 1892. He and his family are and were members of the Christian Church. Three children were born to this couple, named below as twigs. John Torrence, "Captain John T. Nance, 9th Cavalry, United States Army, The Presidio, San Francisco, California," has been in the army a long time.
Clement Floyd is bookkeeper in Quincy, Illinois, for the Richardson Lubricating Company. He is single, resides with his mother and sister, and is their support. Genevra is home with her mother, and is single.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
John Torrence, w,.......{Curtis
Mamie Rowland
Capt. 9th Cavalry
Presidio, San Francisco
California
--------------------------------------------
Clement Floyd
Quincy, IL
-------------------------------------------
Genevra
Quincy, IL
CHAPTER IX
Jane Nance-Jordan
Jane Nance was born in Virginia May 26, 1790. Her first husband was Jacob Richardson, brother of Isaac Richardson, who married her sister Elizabeth. Two children were born to this union. Her second husband was one Branum, who lived but a short time. She then married Cooper Jordan, by whom she had one child.
She had a good, sweet temper, and was a faithful member of the Christian Church. She lived all her life near her father's old homestead in Franklin Township. She died June 8, 1863, and was buried in the Old Salem Church Yard. Her three children are named below as limbs:
Permelia Jones Richardson-Welch Clement Richardson, died at age 9 Susan Jordan-Gresham
Permelia Richardson-Welch - Branch One
Permelia Jones Richardson was born in Floyd County, Indiana, December 29, 1812. She was married to Jacob Welch in 1838. She spent her entire life in the township in which she was born, near the Nance homestead. She was left a widow at the age of sixty-nine, dying six years later, July 23, 1887. Her married life was a happy one. She is said to have been of a very quiet disposition. She was a devoted member of the United Brethren in Christ from early childhood. She was the mother of six chidren, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Clarence W., 1858, w,..{Raymond Joseph
{Sarah E. Pennell
Mary Jane, h, {Wilmington, DE
Joseph C. Smith.........{
{Edgar E., w {Mamie, 1887
{Ella Spellissy.........{Walter
{ {Benjamin
{Minnie A. {Joseph, 1901
{died at age 18
----------------------------------------------
Elizabeth, died young
----------------------------------------------
{Alta, h,...............{Edwin
{Jas. Green
{ {Nova Scocia
{ {Stanley
{Arthur, w, {Herman
{Lula Teaford...........{Chester
Susan Adaline, h {Edwardsville, IN {Irvin, d
Joseph Mosier, d........{ {Walter
New Albany, IN {
She was left a widow {Harry F.
after 14 years of {Minneapolis, MN
married life, with 5 {
small children. Had her{Jennie, h,.............{Wilma Elizabeth
share of ups and downs. {Clarence Steiner
Once owned the Nance {McKeesport, PA
Senior homestead. {Mabel
{Gloster, MS
----------------------------------------------
Alexander H., died young
----------------------------------------------
{Trelula, h,............{Grace
{Wm. Foreman {Nina
{New Albany, IN
{
{Maud
{Nannie
{
{Nola, h,...............{Harry
Avesta, h, 1850 {Gus Tyler {Paul W.
Wm. Hanger..............{Georgetown, IN
Edwardsville, IN {
{Edward
{Jessie Permelia
{Zetta
{Aline
{Wilma
{Ralph
{Guy
{Kenneth
----------------------------------------------
Permelia, died young
Mary Jane Welch-Smith, twig above, died of cholera,
in 1873, in Arkansas. She was brought home and buried
at Lanesville. She left three small children. They
were necessarily scattered, the sister, after growing
to womanhood without a mother's care, died at the age
of eighteen.
Edward E. settled at New Albany.
Clarence W., whose picture is shown herewith (no picture in computer copy), drifted eastward, settling at Wilmington, Delaware, where he married, and is now filling the position of storekeeper for the Diamond State Steel Company, a large manufacturing plant. He has evidently made a success in life. His son's picture is also shown below. His was the fifth order received for the Memorial, and he was the third to promise photos, notwithstanding the intervening distance. He writes:
"We are shouting Methodists, and for Teddy."
Arthur Mosier, bud above, owns and resides on the old and original homestead of Clement Nance, Senior, which he entered from the government in 1807. The farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres, and is in a fine state of cultivation. The house and barn are modern in appearance, though the house is the hewn log house erected by the original owner. It is now sided and painted, plastered and papered.
Mr.
William Hanger, above, is a farmer, residing on the
Corydon Pike, near Edwardsville, Indiana; a member of
the Board of County Commissioners; and a prominent
citizen. They have a bright, intelligent family,
mostly girls. Maud and Jessie are teachers in the
public schools.
Susan Jordan - Branch Three
Susan Jordan was born about 1816, and died about 1841. She was united in marriage to Jerry Gresham. She seems to have died, leaving no history. The girls died in infancy.
A Prayer "In the great hand of God I stand." Maker of earth, and ruler of the sky - That twirls the stars in orbits true, Scanning all space, Thy watchful eye Doth note the sun and sparrow too - Thou sleepest not; and safe I lie In the great hollow of Thy hand. Uphold the earth beneath my bed - High hold the clouds above my head - And when the morning gilds the land, And wakes the world, if I still sleep, Still o'er me then Thy vigils keep, And quick or dead, I know I stand Safe in the hollow of Thy mighty hand. --E. A. Shields April 28, 1878
CHAPTER X
John Wesley Nance - Limb Nine
John Wesley Nance was born in Virginia about 1792. He was married to Cloe Mitchell, his second cousin, she being the daughter and name-sake of Cloa Nance Mitchell, first cousin of our ancestral head. When or where they were married is unknown. He must have died in August or September, 1821, after the date of his father's will, July 28, and before October 1, for on that date letters of administration were granted to settle his estate. Levi Burton and the widow, Cloe Nance, were granted letters of administration. He must have died in Harrison County, for the estate was settled there. He owned eighty acres in Floyd County, adjoining his brother, Clement, on the west. He had two "infant children," Polly and William. Edmond Gwin was appointed guardian of the children. The estate was closed in full, October 9, 1821. The guardian of the children married the widow, November 11, 1821. The two children are named below as branches:
Mary Kelso William
Mary Nance-Kelso - Branch One
Mary
(Polly), was called "an infant" in the settling of her
father's estate. She was reared by her mother and
guardian, as mentioned above. She must have married
Moses Kelso before September 13, 1832, for on that
date he reciepted for money from the estate of Clement
Nance, signing for Mary, his wife. He also receipted
for J. W. Nance, from the same estate, in 1837.
Nothing more is kown of this couple except that he is
called "Rev. Kelso," and she is said to have gone
blind, Dr. Mitchell treating her.
William Nance - Branch Two
William Nance was no doubt born in Harrison County, or Floyd County. He was no doubt married in that part of the state, for the Sparks family were a pioneer family of that section. He was married to Elizabeth Sparks. They lived in Sullivan and Parke Counties, Indiana. He died at Bridgeton, Parke County, October 3, 1888. Eight children were born to this couple, none living at the date of my information, March 31, 1897. They are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
John Wesley, w, d, 1881 {Mary, h,...............{Harvey
Rachel Byers............{ {Cole
2nd w, Kate Manly {1 dead
----------------------------------------------
Mary, h, d..............{William
Wilson Hunt {2 dead
----------------------------------------------
William, d
Died in Civil War
----------------------------------------------
Benjamin, d,
Died in Civil War
----------------------------------------------
Robert, d,
Died in Civil War
----------------------------------------------
{William A., w,.........{Albert E.
{Lillie Dunn
Albert S. w, d, 1895 {
Nancy E. Davidson.......{Leona
Sullivan, IN {Daniel H.
{Thomas P.
{Albert C.
----------------------------------------------
Henry, w, d,............{Della, d, killed in storm
Laura Marshall
CHAPTER XI
Elizabeth Nance-Richardson - Limb Ten
Elizabeth Nance, whose picture is herewith shown (no picture in computer copy), was born in Virginia, in 1793. She was married before she was fourteen. Being a mere child it is not to be wondered at that the marriage proved a very unfortunate one. After a very few years of great privation, her father took her home and cared for her and her two sons. She was married four times, and outlived all her husbands. Her first husband was Isaac Richardson, by whom she had two children. She was next married to Anderson Long, April 5, 1813, Patrick Shields performing the ceremony. To this union were born five children. Mr. Long died at the age of thirty-two, in Floyd County, Indiana. Her third husband was Joseph Walden, a "yankee school teacher." To this couple was born one child. John Benson was her last husband. From this union there was no issue. These eight children are named below as limbs.
Grandma Benson, by which name she was known in the later years of her life, when the author knew her, was a wonderful character; well posted in all manners in her day; decided in her politics and religion. A walking encyclopedia of information, well versed in history. She had a wonderful memory, therefore a source of knowledge. Even in her old age, her mind was fresh and vigorous. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren often went to her for knowledge of events that happened in early days, and she was always able, ready and willing to give what they desired. Aaron A. Richardson, of Wellington, Kansas, grandson, to whom I am indebted for most of this information, says:
"I often tell people, when showing her picture, 'Grandma Benson was the best posted woman I ever saw.'"
The author, when a student at Eureka College, spent several months at the same home with Grandma Benson. He well remembers the quiet, cheerful disposition, the kindly words, and above all, the blessed bible which Grandma spent so much time in reading. Early in life she espoused the religion of the Master, as taught by her illustrious father, and throughout her long life was always true to her early faith, living and dying a faithful member of the Christian Church. In 1836, she came to Eureka, Illinois, then called Walnut Grove. This was ever after, her home. Grandma passed into rest at the home of her daughter, Susan Long-Mitchell, August 13, 1872, and was buried at Mt. Zion. A granite stone marks her resting place.
Aaron Richardson, James Madison Richardson, William Long, Mary Jane Long-Bullington, Julia Ann Long-Oatman, Martha Long-Jennings, Susan Long-Mitchell, Nancy Walden-Harper.
Aaron Richardson - Branch One
Aaron Richardson was born in Floyd County, Indiana, January 23, 1808. He was united in marriage with Margaret Nance, limb seven, branch two, July 11, 1833, and soon removed to Woodford County, Illinois. With his brother, James M., he laid out the village of Bowling Green, about six miles southeast of Eureka. At one time this was the largest town in the county, but now it is a cornfield. he remained here in the mercantile and milling business until 1849, when he removed to Columbus, Adams County, and engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with his cousin, Clement Nance (limb five, branch two). About the beginning of 1853, he moved to Bloomington, Illinois, and went into the lumber business. In 1838, while residing at Bowling Green, his wife died. One year later he returned to Floyd County, and married Mary Nance, sister of his first wife. To the first union were born four children, but one living, and to the second, four. Those coming to maturity are named below as twigs.
Aaron Richardson is said to have been a man of great faith - one of God's most noble men. he early followed his mother into the Christian Church, and ever proved to be faithful to his Master. He was a worthy father to his children who have become illustrious, and who have and are still making the world better by living in it. He died at Bloomington, Illinois, August 10, 1854, at the age of forty-six, and was buried at Bowling Green, beside his first wife.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Albert Aaron, w,.......{Mary
{Mary LaBaume {Susie
{Quincy, IL
{
{Carrie, h,.............{Olive
{Morris Hoxley
{Quincy, IL
{
James Harvey, w, {James Harvey, w,.......{Harvey George
1834 - 1901 {Mary E. Grove1 {Virginia
Olive Davis Torrence....{Quincy, IL
801 N. 12th St. {
Quincy, IL {John Torrence
{Quincy, IL
{
{Emmett Dean, w,........{Marian
{Anna T. Austin {Adelaide Elizabeth
{Quincy, IL
{
{William Douglas, w,....{Helen Dexter
{Marion E. Blasland
{Quincy, IL
By second wife
----------------------------------------------
{Charles A., w {Mary
{Mary Roe...............{Louise
{2nd w, Carrie Jencks {Lewis
{LaBelle, MO {Harrison
{
{Mary, h,...............{A. Harry
Permelia, h, d {Alfred Call {Winfield S.
Harrison Ward...........{6303 N. Spruce St.
LaBelle, MO {Colorado Springs, CO
{
{Franklin A., w,
{Mary Hallman, d
{2nd w, Katie Sanders...{Hazel
{Greenfield, IA
----------------------------------------------
{Ray, Dr.
Alonzo, w, {Port Angeles, WA
Myra Butz...............{
2nd w, ??? {Ethel
{Quincy, IL
----------------------------------------------
Lycurgus, never married
----------------------------------------------
{Olive
Rev. Wm. Franklin, w, {Clement
Leora Emerson...........{Joyce
Kansas City, MO {Bayard
{Frank, d
"Richardson Passed Away"
"Quincy's former postmaster died today"
James Harvey Richardson, Senior, died of dropsy and heart trouble this morning after an illness of over six months.
Eternal rest came shortly after foru o'clock this morning to the tired frame of James H. Richardson, one of the foremost citizens of this community. At all times since February lant he has been considered a very sick man, and for the last month, at least, his death was anticipated at any time. Yesterday it was known that the end was immediately at hand, and the family were gathered about the bedside all afternoon and night. This morning, just as the gray dawn was breaking in the east, his spirit took its flight and the vigil was over. Until this year he was as strong, rugged and virile a figure as the heart could wish. He wa a large-framed, stalwart person and seemed the embodiment of good health and spirits. But with advanced years came the break-down, and the heart ceased to perform to its full functions. Then came dropsy and gradual dissolution. Through it all he had been a patient sufferer, and even with the seal of death on his brow, his inate urbanity and cheerfulness did not abandon him.
James H. Richardson was born at New Albany, Indiana, March 25, 1834, and was therefore in his sixty-seventh year. His parents came to Illinois when he was an infant settling first at Bowling Green. They came to Adams County about 1840, and the father of the deceased was associated with the late Clement Nance in the conduct of a general store in Columbus, which in those days was the rival of Quincy for the location of the county seat. After receiving an education in the public schools of that day, young Richardson began the study of law, entering first the office of the well known firm of Edmunds & Warren. When he was admitted to the bar he located at Marysville, Missouri. This was in 1857. In a very short time he removed to Eureka, Illinois, and in 1862 came to Quincy, and this city has been his home from that day to this.
Within a very short time after locating in Quincy, he was elected city attorney, and filled his position with credit and ability. It was by him that the city code was first compiled, and the work lasted many years. He then formed a partnership with the late Judge Henry L. Warren and Colonel Thomas Thoroughman, and the firm had an extensive legal practice. When this partnership was dissolved, he associated himself with the late Senator Arntzen. In 1870 and 1872, he represented the district in the State Senate, having been elected to succeed Samuel R. Chittenden. There were four sessions of the assembly and in the deliberations Senator Richardson took an active and honorable part. When Grover Cleveland was first elected president, he named Mr. Richardson as Postmaster for Quincy. It was during his term that Quincy was made an all night office. Prior to that time all mails closed at nine o'clock. He furnished a business-like and popular administration of postal affairs and retired from the office with credit when the new president came in. After that he and his sons organized the Richardson Lubricating Company, and with this his connection continued until death. For much of the time he was on the road for the firm, and he was recognized as one of the most successful business representatives in his line in the country. The Deceased imbibed his democracy in the days of Andrew Jackson, and stood by his colors to the end. He was always active in politics and labored regularly for the cause at the polls, in committee and on the stump. So late as the last campaign he went through the country making speeches, and he was recognized as a forceful and eloquent debater.
The deceased was married on September 8, 1857, to Miss Olive Torrence, a daughter of the late Dr. John Torrence. The widow survives, as also a daughter, and five sons. The sons are all identified with the father in the business of the lubricating company.
Mr. Richardson was a member of the Christian Church since 1885, and was a Thirty-Second Degree Mason as well.
In all the relations of life he was an upright and honorable man. His family affairs were of the most genial order and he was a kind and devoted husband and father. In the passing of James Harvey Richardson, the city has lost one of its most faithful and earnest citizens, and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to this most worthy family.
--The
Quincy Daily Herald, September 18, 1901.
Rev. William Franklin Richardson
W. F. Richardson, twig, the fourth and last child of Aaron and Mary Nance Richardson, was born in Columbus, Adams County, Illinois, June 30, 1852. The next year his parents removed to Bloomington, same state, and the following year his father died. In 1856, the mother with her children, moved to Eureka. Here Frank received his entire schooling. From 1858 to 1866, in the public schools, and from 1872 to 1876, in Eureka College, graduating with Degree of A. B. He received the degree of A. M. three years later. In 1896, Drake University conferred the Degree of LL. D. upon him. The years 1866 to 1872 were spent in Quincy, working for the support of himself and his mother.
The author first knew Frank at Eureka in 1866. He has always said he believed Frank to have been the sweetest, noblest, manliest boy of fourteen he has ever known. It is not believed that Frank ever sowed any "wild oats." The boy was a true prophecy of the man.
He was married to Miss Leora M. Emerson, at Decatur, Illinois, May 24, 1877, they having been classmates at Eureka, graduating together. She is a daughter of the late Judge Emerson, of Decatur. She has proved herself a most noble woman, a helpmate for her husband.
This union has been blessed with five children as per table above, the youngest, Frank, dying at the age of two.
He entered the ministry of the Christian Church while a student at Eureka. His pastorates have been as follows:
Pontiac, Illinois, four years, 1875 to 1879;
Assumption, Illinois, three years,
1879 to 1882;
Grand Rapids, Michigan, five
years, December 1884 to February 1890;
First Christian Church, Allegheny,
PA, two years Feb. 1890 to April 1892;
Central Church, Denver, CO, two
and a half years, April 1892 to Oct. 1894;
First Christian Church, Kansas
City, MO, Oct. 1894 to the present;
the pastorate still continuing.
These churches are the leading ones of the Christian
Church in the
cities where they are located, in
places where there are more than one.
Cousin Frank has been president of State Missionary Boards in the states of Michigan, Colorado and Missouri. He was president of the American Christian Missionary Society at its Jubilee Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1899.
I find in "The Lookout," of November 1898, a sketch of Cousin Frank, over the signature of P. Y. Pendleton, from which I quote as follows:
"Lose them by no slight mischance."
I cannot do better than to close this sketch by giving in full a letter from J. H. Garrison, editor of the Christian Evangelist, St. Louis, Missouri, one of the leading weekly papers of the Christian Church, who has been intimately associated with Cousin Frank from his boyhood. The author had seen numerous editorial references to Cousin Frank in the Christian Evangelist for several years, but had none at hand. So he wrote to the editor for a statement of his estimate of the man. The following is his reply:
Geo. W. Nance, Dear Brother, Referring to your note asking a few words concerning Brother Richardson, I submit the following:
I have known W. F. Richarson from his early young manhood. As a young man he was sunny-hearted, cheerful, industrious, and devoted to the church. As a minister of the gospel he has risen steadily in the confidence and esteem of the brotherhood. His chief characteristics are clearness of thought, the utmost sincerity in his religious convictions, single-hearted devotion to the cause he loves, unselfish service, and all-round view of and care for our general interests and open-mindedness to receive whatever new truth God may show to him. He is in every way a loveable man, well poised in judgement and character and a tower of strength to the cause of primitive Christianity. Long may his valuable life be spared to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to minister to the manifold needs of his fellow men. Yours fraternally, J. H. Garrison.
Franklin A. Ward, bud above, whose picture is shown herewith, was born on January 23, 1873, at Quincy, Illinois. He enlisted in Company B, 23rd United States Infantry, February 8, 1890, and was discharged August 1, 1892. He re-enlisted November 12, 1896, and was discharged in Jolo, Philippine Islands, November 12, 1899. He served in the Philippines from June 1898 to November 1899. He participated in the following engagements: Assault upon and capture of Manila; skirmish near Maraquina; assault and capture of Caloon; assault and capture of Malinta; fall of Mellibon; Fonda outbreak; first expedition to the Lake "Goagunda de Bey."
Returning
from the Philippine Islands, he married Miss Katie
Sanders, and settled down at Greenfield, Iowa. He is a
deacon in the Christian Church, a member of the
Masonic Order, the Odd Fellows, and is prohibitionist.
Follows house-painting and decorating as a business.
Frank is at present District Deputy Grand Master of
the Odd Fellows.
James Madison Richardson -- Branch Two
James Madison Richardson was born in Floyd County, Indiana, June 10, 1810. When a small child, his father and mother separated. He lived with his mother and grandfather until he was eight, when his father took him to Ohio, where he remained until he was sixteen, when he ran away and went to Canada. His father learning of his whereabouts, came after him, but he eluded him and returned to New Albany, walking most of the way. He remained with his mother and step-father until he married. This event took place May 30, 1830, when he was but twenty. The bride was Nancy Russell. The next year this couple decided to try for a home farther west. On October 3, 1831, they landed at the home of John and Nancy Oatman (limb six), at Walnut Grove, now Eureka, Illinois. Their earthly possessions at this time consisted of one horse, one one-horse wagon, and thirty-seven cents in money. He had attended school just three months and nine days. When he was married he could not write his own name. In a short time he could write a fair hand. In connection with his brother, Aaron, as mentioned elsewhere, he began a business career at Bowling Green, which continued until 1850, when he moved to a farm adjoining Secor, and but a few miles from Bowling Green, and dealt in stock quite extensively, until he was afflicted with cancer, which finally caused his death. He was fortunate in his business life and amassed an abundance of this world's goods. He was County Commissioner of Woodford County during the building of the court house at Matamora. Although very insignificant now, it was counted a very fine structure at that time, and still stands, a monument to honest material and workmanship.
Mr. Richardson was a Nance in everything but name. His ideals of manhood were of the most exalted. He had confidence in humanity. His hand and his heart were ever open to the needy. He was outspoken in his politics and religion. He was not a public speaker, but a deep thinker and a fine conversationalist. His utterances were very rapid, a characteristic of so many of the Nances. He never wavered in his convictions, nor tempered his utterances for the sake of popularity. The author's Sunday, or vacation visits at the home of "Uncle Jim and Aunt Nancy," while a student at Eureka College, were a joy in anticipation and reflection, as well as in fruition.
In politics he was a Democrat. In religion he was a life-long, consistent, and faithful member of the Christian Church. I am not informed as to the time or place in which he became a Christian. Six children were born to this union, named below as twigs. Mr. Richardson departed this life August 12, 1875, and was buried at Secor, within seven miles of which he spent the last forty-four years of his life. His life's companion survived him over ten years.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{James M.
{
Charles R., w, d {Emma Belle, h,.........{Ella B.
Sarah McCord, d.........{Chas. E. Bowman
{Argentine, KS
{
{William A.
{Chas. Lee
{Russell A., w, {Chas. E. M.
{Lucy E. I. Methudy.....{Russell K.
2nd w, Meriba E. {616 Chestnut St
Avise, d................{St. Louis, MO
{
{Meriba E.
----------------------------------------------
{Jas. Sam'l Bonifield, w{Earl
{Ethel Crater
{Dowes, IA
{
{Lizzie, h,
Elizabeth, h, {Chas. Burger
James Jennings..........{Dowes, IA
Dowes, IA {
{Maggie, h,
{John Lymon
{
{Clarence, w,
{May ___?
{Dowes, IA
----------------------------------------------
{Mary, h, {William
{H. M. Sinclair.........{Jay
{Kearney, NE {Mildred
William R., w, { {Ella
Nancy Butler............{
Secor, IL {Eldora, h, {Edna
{J. W. Cook.............{Ada
{Webb, IA {James R.
{
{Eva C., (at home)
----------------------------------------------
{Ida May, h, {Sanford R.
{Wm. H. Claggett........{Josephine
{Lexington, IL {Frances Louise
{
{Dr. Edwin J., w,
{Lola Bush
Aaron A., w, {264 West 139th St.
Martha McKee............{New York, NY
Wellington, KS {
{Dr. Louis R.
{Enid, OK
{
{Charles A., w,
{Mary Walter
{Jennings, LA
----------------------------------------------
{Dr. T. Jay, w,
{Frances Harper
{Chicago, IL
{
Margaret, h, d {Stella K., h,
Jas. W. Robeson.........{Edw. F. Bogart
Heyworth, IL {Chicago, IL
{
{Nancy, h,..............{Herbert Aliada
{Aliada Dickinson
{Bloomington, IL
----------------------------------------------
{"D.", w,...............{Edith
{Emma Hay
{Jersey City, NJ
Martha (Duck), h,.......{% Swift & Co.
Ralph Pyle {
Peoria, IL {Emma, h,
{___? Crammond
{Peoria, IL
Russell Avise Richardson, bud above, is a dealer in real estate in St. Louis, Missouri, owning much property in the city and in East St. Louis, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. Himself and family are shown herewith. The author regrets his inability to say any more, believing him worthy, but knowing nothing.
Aaron A. Richardson, now residing at Wellington, Kansas, and secretary of the Southern Kansas Mutual Insurance Company, was born at Bowling Green, Illinois, October 23, 1837. He became a member of the Christian Church at the age of ten, being baptized by "Uncle Jimmy Robeson," named elsewhere in this volume. He has always been active in church work. He was superintendent of the Sunday School at Secor for twenty-one years. This was a large and influential school at the time. About three hundred were taken into the church from the Sunday School during these twenty-one years. W. F. Richardson gives his cousin, Aaron, credit largely for his having become a minister of the gospel. Not only did he give him the moral support and encouragement this a poor boy needs so many times while battling his way through school, but his purse was ever open to supply his needs. Oh, that his generation might increase.
After remaining near the place of his birth for forty-three years, he removed to Pontiac, Illinois, where his children grew to maturity. After remaining in Pontiac eleven years, he removed, in 1891, to his present home. He owns several large farms but does not attend personally to their cultivation.
Aaron A. Richardson and Martha McKee were united in marriage, December 16, 1857. His choice of a companion was a good one. She is worthy of him. They have four living children (three having passed away in childhood), and be it said in their praise, they are following in the footsteps of the four generations that have preceded them.
Ida May Claggett, of Lexington, Illinois, was the moving spirit in the reorganization of the church at Lexington, and she is just as active in its support.
Dr. Edwin J. Richardson, of New York City, attended the University of New York. He took highest medal in surgery. He practiced one year in the Sixty-Fifth Street Hospital, and holds a place on the Board of Health of the city. He has a fine practice, and is very active in church in the Lenox Avenue Church of Christ, New York City.
Louis Richardson is a young man of most noble character. He is a dentist by profession. Took high honors in his school, the Chicago College of Dental Surgery. Has practiced several years in Chicago. He is also a very fine singer. Refused an offer of sixty-five dollars per week for thirty-five weeks, last year, from the Park Opera Company, preferring to sing the praises of his God in the churches of the city. He has recently located at Enid, Oklahoma, owing to a throat trouble and to be near his parents in their reclining years.
Charles A. was educated at Eureka College; is cashier of a large rice mill company at Jennings, Louisiana.
Sanford R.
Claggett, (or S. R., as he is universally called)
blossom, is a cadet in the State Military School at
Lexington, Virginia. He is a model young man. He has
the distinction of being the sixth continuous
generation, all members of the Christian Church, and
within a period of about seventy-five years. However,
there are others having the same distinction.
William Long -- Branch Three
William Long was born in Floyd County, Indiana, December 15, 1816. He died January 6, 1847. He was married to Nancy Tucker, June 23, 1836. They resided at Bowling Green and Mount Zion, Illinois, and later removed to Missouri, where he died. The family returned to a farm near Mount Zion Church, where the children were reared. The mother died in 1881. They were members of the Christian Church. They were the parents of four children, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Lizzie M., h, 1837......{no issue
Winton Carlock
Carlock, IL
----------------------------------------------
James W., 1840 - 1862..(died in the war)
----------------------------------------------
William A., w,.........{no issue
Lucinda Ellis, d
2nd w, Mrs. Jennie Carlock
Carlock, IL
----------------------------------------------
Hardin S., w, 1845-1889{Pearl, h,
Minnie M. Shortridge...{Dr. Jas. T. Wyatt
Carlock, IL {Eureka, IL
Lizzie M. Long was born in Woodford County, Illinois, hear Eureka, March 29, 1837. She was educated at Eureka College. She was a public school teacher in her native county for fourteen years, and held the reputation of being one of the best teachers in the county. She was State Organizer of the Christian Woman's Board of Missions for several years in the early days of its work. She has resided in her native county all her life. She has been an active member of the Christian Church from early life. She was married to Winton Carlock, an old and respected citizen of the village bearing his name, July 28, 1900.
Winton Carlock was born April 28, 1819, in Tennessee, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1827, settling in the vicinity of the present village of Carlock, which has been his home ever since. He has ever been active in politics, always a Democrat. He was Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and also held the offices of Commissioner of Highways, Overseer of Roads, and Supervisor of Woodford County for several terms.
Throughout life he has been a consistent and active member of the Christian Church, and in 1836, aided in the organization of the Carlock Church, in company with James Palmer, William Davenport and James Robeson, all pioneer Christian preachers. For thirty-five years he has served as elder of the church. Mr. Carlock was twice previously married, and is the father of a large family, all grown and away form home. Most of them live in the vicinity.
This couple entered the married state late in life, but they seem as happy a couple as any. The author and his family recently spent a very pleasant Lord's Day with them in their pleasant home.
William Anderson Long, twig above, has spent most of his life in railroad bridge building. Is now in the lumber business in Carlock, where he has built him a fine home.
Hardin S. Long, twig above, is the only one of the family to have an issue, his daughter, Pearl, being the only child of the Long family. Since the death of Hardin, the widow has made her home with her sister-in-law, Mrs. Lizzie Long-Carlock. All the Long family are members of the Christian Church.
Pearl Long, bud, was born in Mount Zion, Illinois, November 5, 1874. She was educated at Washington, Illinois, graduating from the high school in 1893, and from the Business Department of Eureka College in 1894. She was united in marriage with Dr. James T. Wyatt, August 13, 1895.
The doctor
was born in Lexington, Indiana, August 23, 1868. He
graduated from the St. Louis University in 1896. He
settled at once in Eureka, Illinois, and began the
practice of medicine. He has been eminently
successful, building lup a large practice. In 1901 he
built the Eureka Hospital, an institution which is
proving not only the wisdom of the doctor, but also a
great boon to those who enter its portals. Such an
institution is needed in every community, but few
cities the size of Eureka are so blessed.
Mary Jane Long-Bullington -- Branch Four
Mary Jane Long was born in New Albany, Indiana, September 9, 1814. It is said she was the first child born in the present limits of New Albany. She was married to Robert Bullington, November 24, 1831. In 1833 they removed to Illinois, settling at Walnut Grove, now Eureka. With the exception of several years spent in Missouri, she dwelt in Eureka until 1868, when she and her family moved to Shelby County, Illinois. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Christian Church for forty years. The author spent two years in her home while a student at Eureka College. She was a genuine mother to her student boys. She was a woman of great executive ability, as is well known by all who knew her in her home. She died in Shelby County, August 23, 1882, lacking but sixteen days of being seventy-eight years of age. Eight children were born to this couple, those growing to maturity are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Eva May, h,
{Frank Fugate
{Gunnison, CO
James Cooper, w, {
1837 - 1903.............{Dr. J. Roy, w,.........{James Carrol
S. Elizabeth Henderson {Katherine Foster
{Attica, IN
{
{C. Burt, w,
{Emma E. Early
{Attica, IN
----------------------------------------------
Martha A., h,...........{Maggie J. (at home)
Elijah Pierce
Eureka, IL
----------------------------------------------
{Claude, w, 1867........{Harold
{Eva Knupp {Catherine
{Elliot, IL
{
Aaron C., w, {Frank
Mollie Leonard, d.......{Ethel
Walnut, IL {Edna
{Robert
2nd w, Atlanta Blake {Harry
{Elsie, 1895
{Edith, d
----------------------------------------------
{Ora E., w, {Fern
Bernice, h, {Lydia Knupp............{Leslie
Chas. Ashmore...........{ {Eulalia
Mansfield, IL {
{Carrie A., h,
{Samuel E. Smith
{Sterling, CO
----------------------------------------------
{Julia F., h............{Robert H.
Robert Henry, w, {Ora Maze
Nancy Smith.............{Tower Hill, IL
Tower Hill, IL {
{Eddie
----------------------------------------------
{Olive E., h,
{A. M. Hall
{
Samuel M., w, {Minnie A., h,
Mollie Fauber...........{J. I. Argubright
Sibley, IA {
{Vena
{Verna
{Stella
{Oma
----------------------------------------------
{Eula, h,
Mollie S., h, {Frank M. Grandy
Harvey Patten...........{Assumption, IL
Assumption, IL {
{Elsie
{Maude O.
James Cooper Burlington was born at Walnut Grove, now Eureka, Illinois, May 25, 1837. He was married to Sarah E. Henderson at Litchfield, Illinois, July 19, 1863. He was a contractor and builder for some years at Eureka until injured in the hips, so as to prevent hard work. He then studied telegraphy, and was an operator for some years. While engaged in this work he took up the study of medicine. He then took a course in the Cincinnati Eclectic College, and later graduated from the Indianapolis Eclectic College. He practiced two years at Strasburg, Illinois, and in 1878 he located at Attica, Indiana, and built up a large practice. During the last few years he did only office work, while his son, Roy, did the riding. He was a member of the Christian Church from early manhood. A local paper says of him:
Dr. Burlington was one of the most successful physicians in Attica. A quarter of a century in the practice of medicine had gained for him more than a local reputation, his skill being known and patients coming from several surrounding counties. In his death there is ended a well rounded career. As a physician he was an unqualified success. As a business man he was energetic, honest and honorable, and through good management and frugality he had laid up a comfortable competence. As a friend he was true, obliging and generous to a fault. With a smile and a happy "good morning" for all, his cherry disposition spoke volumes of the warm heart that beat within his breast. Attica has lost one of the most stalwart citizens and Dr. Burlington's death removes one of the city's most honorable and respected men.
Dr. Burlington departed this life at his home in Attica, March 15, 1903. His wife and four children survive him. One sweet child, Maud, passed on before him. His only living daughter, Mrs. Frank Fugate, resides at Gunnison, Colorado. Dr. Roy continues the practice of his father, having been associated with him for a number of years. The remaining son, Bert, removed into the homestead to care for the mother while she remains to bless and cheer her children.
The author
spent many a social hour at the home of cousins "Jim"
and "Lib," while a student at Eureka College.
Julia Long-Oatman - Branch Five
Julia Ann
Long was born in Indiana in 1818. She died in Missouri
in 1877. She was married to John Oatman, Junior, in
Woodford, Illinois, about 1840. Most of her married
life was spent in Texas. She was the mother of
thirteen children, for an account of which, see Branch
Nine, of Limb Six. She was a life-long member of the
Christian Church.
Martha Long-Jennings - Branch Six
Martha May Long was born December 21, 1821, and died May 1872. Martin Jennings was born February 14, 1818, and died February 1872. They were married in 1842, lived all their married life in Woodford County, Illinois, dying where they had lived, but a few months apart. They were farmers, members of the Christian Church, good citizens and respected by all who knew them. They were the parents of seven children, those growing up are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Carey Eugene, d
{
{Effie Bell, h, {Eula Dean
William Orvil, w, d {Jacob McClure..........{Bernal Leroy
Mary Manor..............{ {Cedric Andrew
{Zella Grace,h,
{___? Hamilton..........{Cecil May
{ {Arthur Leon
{William Orvil
----------------------------------------------
{William Lee, w, {Frank, d
{Caroline Bradley.......{Edgar E.
{ {Cecil Floyd
{ {Lee Ora
{Luella May, h,
{Wm. H. Burkhalter......{William Lee
Franklin Boniful, w, d { {Wennie
Jennie C. Burkhalter....{Maude, d
Poer, TX {
{Forest Dean, w,........{Lola May
{Gertrude Garner
{
{Myrtle Belle, h,.......{Julia
{Byron Sanders
{
{Letitia Pearle
----------------------------------------------
{Cora May, h {Nina Lee
{Elmer Smith............{Anna May
{Pleasanton, KS {Robert Allen
{
Arthusa Ann, h, {John Martin, w,........{Mary Arthusa
John C. Allen, d........{___? ___? {Jesse Lee
Pleasanton, KS {
{Minnie Olive, d
{Edgar Lee
{Raymond C.
2nd h, Chester Smith....{Mary Frances
----------------------------------------------
{John Franklin, w,
{May White..............{Calvin F.
{Salt Lake City, UT
{
{Charles Henry
{
{Iva Florence, h, {Florence
Armeda Jane, h, {Treat M. Fleming.......{Richard
Calvin E. Causey, d……. {Spokane, WA {Robert
Butte, MT {
{Cora Euphema, h, {Virginia
{Chas. M. Reynolds......{Sewell L.
{Spokane, WA {Howard M.
{
{Angie May, d
{Pearle Letitia, d
{Guy M.
{Calvin, d
----------------------------------------------
{Carlos G. S.
{Clarence Evelyn
Artela Elizabeth, h, d..{
Wm. B. Oatman {John Orvil, w,
{___? ___?
{
{Laula Belle, h.........{1.
{George Owens {2.
----------------------------------------------
Edgar Douglas, d
----------------------------------------------
Letitia Bell, h, {Thos. Rudolph V., d
Dr. T. R. Butler........{Cecil Letitia Bell
Beaver City, NE {Carey Pharaba May
It gives the author pleasure to present herewith a likeness of Cousin Media Causey, twig. Ties of friendship were formed during college days, that cease to break as age comes on, though we have met but twice within the last thirty-three years. Mr. Causey was a college chum of the author, and his marriage to Cousin Media was a very happy one. Their married life was serene, but cut off too soon by the early deaht of the loving husband and father of her children.
It was she who first urged the publication of the Nance Family Tree. She was also the first, some years later, to suggest the author's portrait appear as a frontice piece; and still later she was first to suggest that others of the family be requested to send in their photos for the work.
Her sons
are electricians, having charge of important plants in
the Pacific states.
Susan Long-Mitchell -- Branch Seven
Susan Long
was born near New Albany, Indiana, February 16, 1820.
In 1836 she came with her family to Walnut Grove, now
Eureka, Illinois. The next year she was united in
marriage with Wm. Mitchell. She continued to reside at
Eureka, or Mount Zion, nearby, throughout all her
life. She early became a Christian, uniting with the
Christian Church. She was peculiarly a home body. Very
kind to her aged mother and to all aged people. She
died September 30, 1888, and was laid to rest beside
her mother in the Mount Zion Cemetery. Four children
came to bless this union, for an account of which, see
Twig One, Branch Two of Limb One.
Nancy Walden-Harper - Branch Eight
Nancy Walden, the only child of Elizabeth and Joseph Walden, married William Harper. All that the author has been able to learn of the family is given below. The parents seem to have died early, and the children to have scattered.
Twigs Buds Blossoms Helen,h, Reuben Dale ---------------------------------------------- Laura, h, Jas. Hulse 2nd h, Geo. Hammers ---------------------------------------------- Oscar ---------------------------------------------- Louisa, h, ___? Lirley ---------------------------------------------- Mary, h, C. E. Smith Shelbyville, IL ---------------------------------------------- Henrietta ---------------------------------------------- Agustus
CHAPTER XII
James Reed Nance - Limb Eleven
James Reed Nance was born in Virginia, January 5, 1795. Mary McNary was born November 18, 1794. They were married June 11, 1815. Three children were born to this union before death took the mother, after a happy married life of about six years.
On June 20, 1824, he was again united in marriage, this time with Miss Nancy Chamberlain, "an interesting and amiable lady, the daughter of Pierce and Nancy Chamberlain." Miss Chamberlain was born October 5, 1802. Five children were born to this couple.
He was a farmer most of his life, residing in Floyd, Crawford and Harrison Counties. After his sons were grown, they and their father purchased a tannery at Laconis, Harrison County, which business the father carried on until the date of his death.
In 1843, the father, mother and six children, united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is said he was virtuous, honest, honorable and religious in all his walk and conversation.
He died suddenly of apoplexy, February 19, 1849, in the full prime of life. His eight children are named below as limbs. He changed the spelling of his name to Nantz.
Georia, Navaston, Orville, Versalia Inman, Alonzo, Epervia Shields, Venevia, William.
Georia, branch one, was born near Marengo, Indiana, March 27, 1817. Was married to Mary Inman, and lived near Laconia, Indiana. At the time of the Morgan Raid, during the War of the Rebellion, he was Captain of the Home Guard, and in attempting to prevent the crossing of the Ohio River into Indiana of the raiders, at Morvin Landing, he was killed by a cannon ball, being the first killed north of the river during that raid.
This couple had but one child, Althea, she dying in infancy. The widow still lives at West Point, Kentucky.
Navaston, branch two, was joined in marriage to Charlotte Inman. They lived together nine years, when he died, leaving no issue.
Twilight Musings One by one our friends are leaving- Leaving earth, and us below; One by one their cares and sorrows Vanish; more they ne'er shall know. One by one their barques are drifted Out upon the silent tide; One by one their souls to welcome Heaven's doors are opened wide. When they pass beneath its portal Joy and peace their portion sweet; Joy in kind unknown to mortal, God, and angels there to greet. Loved ones who in days gone by, Joined the heavenly ranks above; Loving watch and watching wait, Wait to welcome them in love. --Joanna Shields-Warren
Thoughts in a Death Chamber Why do we wait to watch a spirit leave its clay? And know by failing breath and glazing eye The end is drawing near. No more the troubled sigh Shall rend the heaving breast nor weak tears fall All this shall end forever, vanish all. Could we but follow where the spirit leads And gaze upon its joy, as free from earthly needs It glorious leaps into its heavenly place Transported there to gaze into its Savior's face, How quickly would we dry our weeping eyes, And long to go up to our home above the skies. --Joanna Shields-Warren
Orville R. Nantz -- Branch Three
Orville R. Nantz was born January 28, 1820, in Crawford County, Indiana. Sarah Katherine Beswick was born in Harrison County, Indiana, March 24, 1828. They were married September 21, 1843.
They removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in an early day and continued to reside there during his life. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in Indiana in 1843, and he was ever after faithful to his Master, then to the church of his choice. He was fairly successful in financial matters, having an abundance for himself and companion in their reclining years.
In politics he was a staunch Republican, though he never took an active part. He was an honorable, upright man, one whom everyone loved. Ten children blessed this union, those growing to maturity are named below as twigs.
The father died at home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 14, 1892, at the age of seventy-two. The mother resides in Minneapolis, and enjoys good health at the age of seventy-five.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
James L., 1849, w,......{no issue
Elizabeth Simmons
Kansas City, MO
----------------------------------------------
Thomas A., w, {Frank A.
Laura B. Payton.........{Goldie M.
Terre Haute, IN {Grace M.
{Katherine G.
----------------------------------------------
{Oral
Harvey A., w, {Isadora
Isadora Martin..........{Orville W.
Stockwell, IN {William H.
{George Thomas
----------------------------------------------
George R., 1858, w,.....{no issue
Laura Bell
Terre Haute, IN
----------------------------------------------
Orville A., w, {Roy P.
Mamie Corbin............{Vergie Lee
Mason City, IA {Katherine
----------------------------------------------
Frank P., 1867, w.......{Freeman P.
Estella Tabour
Minneapolis, MN
Frank P. Nantz, twig above, is thirty-six years of age, and has resided in Minneapolis all his life. He has been practicing law for eleven years, and has a large and lucrative practice. He has a summer home on Lake Minnetonka, in which they reside during the summer months. He is a 'red-hot' Republican and takes an active part in politics, doing considerable "stumping" during campaigns. He is not a church member, but attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.
George R. Nantz, twig above, is forty-five years of age. He was partially educated for the practice of law, but owing to ill health he had to give up school and office work for an open-air, outdoor life. His life has been spent largely in travel. Was two years in Florida and other southern states, three years in California and Utah, two years in Minnesota, but most of his life has been spent in Indiana. He has recently removed to California where he expects to spend the remainder of his days.
Thomas A.
Nantz, twig above, is an attorney in Terre Haute,
Indiana, as is also his son, Frank A., bud.
Versalia Nance-Inman -- Branch Four
Versalia Nance was born April 7, 1825. She was the first issue from the second marriage of her father. She was married to Charles Inman, April 7, 1843, being the eighteenth return of her birthday. Her life has been spent in Harrison and Floyd Counties, Indiana. She has been an earnest Christian for sixty years, joining the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1843. I believe all her family are active Christian workers in the same church to the present. Seven children came to bless this union, those gaining maturity are named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Frank, w,
{Ida Belle Guthrie
{New Albany, IN
{
{Navaston, w, {Earnest
Venevia, h, {Clara Groves...........{Mildred
George Boone............{Laconia, IN {Marcella Gertrude
Loconia, IN {
{Gertrude, h,
{John McClarren
{New Albany, IN
{
{Charles
{Claude
----------------------------------------------
Navaston, died at age 19
----------------------------------------------
{Blanche, 1875, at home
Mary, h, d {Maurice
William Ridley..........{Clarence, (cadet at West Point)
Attorney at {Helen
Corydon, IN {Ralph, 1892
----------------------------------------------
Epervia, h, {Mabel
J. H. Lemmon............{Versalia Maud
New Albany, IN {Nellie
----------------------------------------------
Charles W., w, {Estyl
Emma Hildebrand.........{Harry
New Albany, IN
Charles W. Inman, twig above, was born in Laconia, Harrison County, Indiana, October 26, 1860. He grew to manhood there, learning blacksmithing and wagonmaking. He was educated in the public schools. Took a business course in Terre Haute. For fifteen years he was a travelling salesman for a wholesale grocery firm, beginning at a salary of one dollar per day, and closing at two thousand dollars per year. In 1898 he bagan the manufacture of ice, and now has a large plant in Louisville, Kentucky, the National Ice and Cold Storage Company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. He was married on his birthday, October 26, 1887. They reside in New Albany in a fine residence of their own. Cousin Charles has been a christian from early youth, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been ever active in church, Sunday school and league. He has been Sunday School Superintendent for many years, until very recently. Now he is league president.
Epervia Nance, branch five, was born August 13, 1828. Was united in marriage with William T. Shields. She died at the birth of her first child, the child dying in infancy.
Venevia
Nance, branch six, was born April 26, 1830, and died
at the age of seventeen.
CHAPTER XIII
Giles Nance - Limb Twelve
Giles Nance was born in Virginia in 1797. Died in Missouri in 1854. Phebe Sellars was born in Virginia, October 28, 1798. Died March 12, 1888. They were married in 1812. Moved to Illinois in 1835, and settled at LaHarpe, which was their home thereafter. Eight children were born to this union, named below as branches.
In 1851, his son, John W. Nance, moved to Texas, the father going with him. He bought land and on returning for his family, died in Missouri as stated above. The mother lived a widow thirty-four years, dying near where she had lived for fifty-three years. For over half a century this was a member of the Christian Church. The father was also a member of the same church.
Admira Burton, John Wesley, Mary Ann Wilkinson, James, Elizabeth Ebelsizer, Cooper, Phebe Ann (Pierpoint, Slack), Absalom Admira.
Nance-Burton - Branch One
Admira Nance was born in Floyd County, Indiana, May 6, 1819. William Burton was born December 20, 1812. They were married at LaHarpe, Illinois, February 20, 1840. Lived on a farm two and a half miles north of Fort Madison, Iowa. Admira died February 15, 1898. William died December 27, 1899, on same farm. Eight children blessed this union, named below as twigs:
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Edward
{
{Lewis, w,
{Elva Harris
James, w, 1842 {
Sarah Lanther...........{Harge, w,
Fort Madison, IA {George Harris
{
{Mayme, h,
{Chas. Hart
{
{Clara, h,..............{John
{Loney Brown
----------------------------------------------
{Cora
Jane, h, 1844, d {
Samuel Lanther..........{Myrtle, h,.............{Hazel
{John Janse
----------------------------------------------
Giles, w, 1845..........{Grace
Sarah Lowhouse
----------------------------------------------
Henry
----------------------------------------------
{William, w,............{Harry
{Delia Neal
{
Isham, w, 1848 {Fred
Fannie Griggs...........{
{Lydia, h,..............{John
{Lester Arnold
{
{Fannie
----------------------------------------------
Anna, h, 1852
Henry Leight
2nd h, W. C. Andrews
----------------------------------------------
{William
Ella, h, 1850, d {Valley
Charles Griggs..........{Pearl
{Opal
{Fannie
----------------------------------------------
Charles, w,
Flo Riddle
John W. Nance - Branch Two
John W. Nance was born about 1820. Married to Rosanna Reed, who died in 1895. Moved to Texas in 1851, and died there in 1886. Eight children were born to this union, named below as twigs.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
{Ella J., h, {Bertha M.
{Jas. H. Harris.........{Roy
{ {Minnie
{
{Mattie E., h, {Erl F.
{Elbert J. Baker........{Ruth J.
{ {Eula L.
{ {Aaron D.
{
{ {Effie J.
{Georgia A., 1870, h, {Reese
{Robert M. Baker........{Maud
{ {Elva
Giles J., 1844, w, { {Baby
Sarah J. Davis..........{Mary M. 1871, h,
{Culleen M. Douglas
{
{Sidney J., 1873, w.....{Irbie
{Mattie V. Hogue
{
{Emma A., 1875, h.......{Rudolph
{Malcolm F. Bell
{
{Walter, 1877
{Edgar, 1879
{Wilma B., 1881
{Jessie J., 1885
{Robt. E. Lee, 1887
{Allie D., 1889
----------------------------------------------
Barbarann, h,
J. Lewis, 1849
----------------------------------------------
{John
{Maud
{Theodore
Emma, h, {Clarence
Charles King............{Rosie
{Walter (twin)
{Wallis (twin)
{Etta
{James
----------------------------------------------
{Sarah
Martha, h, {Lulu
Joel Lawrence...........{George
{Maggie
{William
----------------------------------------------
{Noah
Phoebe, h, {Lee
Alfred Baily............{Claude
{Elder
2nd h, Jas. Owens.......{Danville
{Bebford
----------------------------------------------
Laura, d
----------------------------------------------
Ella (Etta), h,.........{Lee
Edward Falls {Velma
Mary Nance-Wilkinson - Branch Three
Mary Ann Nance was married to John Wilkinson. Lived about LaHarpe, Illinois. Died early in life. Two children were born to this union, named below as twigs.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Phoebe, h, {Lawrence
Jacob Painter...........{Cora E.
2nd h, Wm. Darlington {Ida M.
----------------------------------------------
{Libbie, h, {Edith
{Pat Hickman............{Bertha
{ {Ross
{ {Ogal
Tacy, h, {
Elephet Hickman {Rubbie, h, {George
{Frank Kellogg..........{Mae
{ {Roscoe
{Ella
{
{Lillie, h,.............{Charles
{F. Knight
James Nance - Branch Four
James Nance married Catharine Harris. Five children appear to have been born to this couple, named below as twigs. The family moved to Missouri during the Civil War, and have not been heard from since.
Twigs Buds Blossoms Harriet Myra Henry Reuben Jane
Elizabeth Nance-Ebilsizer - Branch Five
Elizabeth Nance married Lewis Ebilsizer. Lived at Blandinsville, Illinois. One child was born to this couple, named below as twig. Nothing more is known of this family.
Twigs Buds Blossoms Columbus, w, Lizzie Merstone
Cooper Nance - Branch Six
Cooper Nance married Emeline Stone. Four children appear to have been born to this union, named below. All we have been able to learn is below. He is said to be living near Kansas City, but we cannot locate him.
Twigs Buds Blossoms
Charles, w,.............{5 children
----------------------------------------------
Anna, h,................{4 children
___? Perkins
----------------------------------------------
Tacy
Alva
Phoebe Nance-Pierpoint - Branch Seven
Phoebe Nance's first husband was John Pierpoint, to whom was born one child. Her second husband was Thomas Slack, to whom was born two children. These three children are named below as twigs. Nothing more is known of any of this family.
Twigs Buds Blossoms John Pierpoint, w, ---------------------------------------------- Lizzie Slack Kittie Slack
Absalom Nance - Branch Eight
Absalom
Nance, the last name in Part I, married Margaret
Huddleston, and they are said to have two children,
but their names have not come to the author. Nothing
more is known of this couple or their descendants.
CHAPTER XIV
The Chamberlain Family
As this family married so largely into the Nance family, the author has thought it best to give a history of the family, and show as well as he knows, the family in the following table.
Robert Chamberlain, whose wife was Margaret Stene, with his wife were Quakers, or Friends. They were Pennsylvanians, living in a large brick residence at the time of the Revolution. Washington and his army came by one day and told them to flee, for the British Army was coming. They speedily mounted a horse, and snatching only their small valuables, vacated the home, and watched the British burn it. They were also eye witnesses to the Battle of Brandywine. Among the valuables saved was a set of solid silver teaspoons, given the bride on her wedding day by her brother, Robert Stene. These spoons are now distributed among the daughters of Jane Nance-Snider (Branch six of limb seven). These spoons descended from the original owner to her daughter, Patsey Chamberlain Nance, thence to the said Jane Nance-Snider. As heirlooms they are valued very highly.
Said Robert and Margaret Stene Chamberlain, whom we will designate as trunk, were parents of at least five children, four of whom are named below as limbs. Peggy Calhoun Nance, branch, was a first cousin to all the other branches named, so her mother must have been a sister of the limbs.
Limbs Branches Twigs
{Robert, 1798, w,.......{Althea
{Ann Woodruff
{
{Nancy, h,
{Jas. R. Nance, (see limb eleven)
{
{Polly, h,..............{Sam'l.
{___? McNeff {New Albany, IN
Pietce, 1775, w, {Eliza, h,
Nancy ___?, 1775…….. {___? Richardson
{
{William R.
{
{Minerva, h,
{___? Smith
{
{Spear S.
{
{Julia Ann, h,
{David Nance (branch seven of limb two)
{
{Melissa, 1820, h.......{Hattie, h,
{___? Wildes {J. D. Nance
----------------------------------------------
Margaret (Patsey), h,
Clement Nance, Jr (limb seven)
----------------------------------------------
{John
{
{Katherine, h,
Frederick...............{Mosias Nance, (branch three, limb two)
{
{Margaret, h,
{___? Wolf
----------------------------------------------
____? ____?, h, {Margaret, h,
___? Calhoun............{Dr. C. D. Nance, (branch one, limb two)
Frederick Nance
Nothing is known of this Frederick Nance, except that he is said to have been the brother of William How (Uncle Billy How) Nance. He had one daughter, Cloa Nance, who lived in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. She was married to William Mitchell in said county, and was the mother of eleven children, named below as limbs. Said Cloa Nance-Mitchell, trunk, was first cousin of Clement Nance, Senior, ancestral head of Part I. For this reason this table is placed on said Part I.
Limbs Branches Twigs
{William
{Robert, (see limb 10, part I
{Jane
Oliva Mitchell, h, {Elizabeth
John Bullington.........{James
{John
{Martha
{Josiah
{Mary
{Ann
----------------------------------------------
Frederick
----------------------------------------------
{Harvey
Isaac, w, {Basil
Margaret McGahan........{William H.
{James
{Mary B.
----------------------------------------------
Elizabeth, h, {Giles Lansford
___ Lansford............{Jeff Lansford
2nd h, John Ellis {Mary Ellis
----------------------------------------------
{John Scott
{James M.
{Mary Ann
{Samuel M.
Giles, w, {Nancy M.
Mary Moore {Stephen D.
2nd w, Mary P. Tucker...{Giles B.
3rd w, Ann H. Scott {William A. S.
{Ellen A.
{Thomas B.
{George H.
{Georgie Ann
----------------------------------------------
{Josephus
William, w, {Ann
Mary Logan..............{William
{Eliza
----------------------------------------------
{William
{Ann
Robert, w, {Virginia
Margaret Adams..........{Samuel
2nd w, Elizabeth Miller {Belvina
{Robert
{Abel
{Elizabeth
----------------------------------------------
{William, w,
{Admira Nance (see limb 12, part I
Mary,h, {
Levi Burton.............{Elizabeth, h,
{Andrew Linebarger
----------------------------------------------
Cloa, h,
Jno. Wesley Nance
(see limb 9, part I
----------------------------------------------
James, w,
Nancy Burton
(see limb 1, part I
----------------------------------------------
{Elizabeth
Ann, h, {William
Wesley Sparks...........{Thomas
{Addison
Of the family above, the "History of the Mitchell Family," among many other things, says:
"Frederick was a planter, and resided near Nashville, Tennessee; Isaac was a planter near Danville, Kentucky; Robert, a farmer, lived and died in Parke County, Indiana, leaving a large family of children and grandchildren; William, nick-named "Buck," was a farmer in Missouri; Giles, a brick mason; James, a farmer. The parents resided a time about New Bedford, Kentucky, thence to Corydon, Indiana, thence to Parke County, where the father died in 1841, at the age of ninety-four. The mother died in Martinsville, Indiana, August 20, 1842, at the age of eighty-eight. Her remains are buried in the old family burying ground, on the hill, one and one-half miles south of Martinsville."
I might
add that Ann Mitchell, who married Wesley Sparks,
became the mother, or grandmother, of William A.
Sparks, United States Land Commissioner, under
President Cleveland, and who made himself so obnoxious
to all frontiersmen owing to his rulings in the
department. He was a member of the United States
Congress before that.
The Russell Family
Charles Russell and family came from North Carolina to Floyd County, Indiana, when the children were small. They have been so closely allied to the Nance family that it seemeth best to give them proper notice. The data at hand being so meager that only the names may be mentioned. His eight children are named below:
Anthony,
Hawley and Charles married into Limb Two.
Nancy married into Limb Ten.
William married a Miss Smith.
Patsy married John Pierson
Betsey married William Welch,
and all were closely allied to the Nances through
life.
John is the remaining son, of whom the author knows
nothing.
The Gunn Family
Clement Nance had one sister who came to Indiana soon after her brother and family. She was the wife of a Mr. Gunn, David Gunn some say. Her name is believed to have been Elizabeth, but this is also uncertain. They seem to have been the parents of several children as given in the table below as limbs. The author received his information from three sources and they do not agree. He has combined the lists as best he can, not expecting there are no errors, but admitting he cannot at this time distinguish truth from error. There were quite a number of ministers in the Gunn family, some in one and some in other churches.
Limbs Branches Twigs
{Ira W..................{James Mack, w,
{Matthew {twig 8, branch 2,
{Thomas {limb 2
{
David Gunn, w, {David Nance, w,
Elizabeth Nance.........{Elenor Sparks
{
{Elisha
{
{Martha, h,
{___ Watson.............{Permelia, h,
{branch 2, limb 5
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