Don't you just hate it when you think you are on the right track in the race to find those elusive family members of old, and then the proverbial brick wall looms up high before you? It seems like the research just comes crashing to a halt.
I think I've managed to climb over one brick wall with circumstantial evidence.
Thomas HUNNEWELL was the son of William HUNNEWELL (abt 1730-1813) and Alice COLLIER of Sussex Co, NJ. He is mentioned in his brother, William HONEYWELL's, Revolutionary War Pension application.
In the pension application, William states he was born in Knowlton, Sussex, NJ, Dec 1,1759. He was drafted 1778 into the Militia for three months. The company was formed in Knowlton. At the end of this service, he traveled towards "....home as far as the Moravian Settlement called Hope, in Sussex County, where he met his father who informed him that his older brother Thomas HONEYWELL, was drafted.....".
From this statement, we can infer Thomas was born before 1759. Remember this.
Thomas is again mentioned in the will of his father, William. The will was written in 1791, but not proved until 1813. So, Thomas is alive in 1791.
William Jr and John, the brothers of Thomas, remove to Luzerne Co, PA before 1810. There is no mention of Thomas here. The only Thomas mentioned in Luzerne Co is the son of William of the pension file.
While looking around Sussex County flanked by my new buddy Jan, she told me she had transcribed some old cemeteries of Sussex and placed them online. So away I went to search.
Bingo! There resting peacefully in Union Brick Cemetery, which is located between Hope and Blairstown, Warren, NJ is T. HUNNEYWELL, d. May 27, 1800, aged 43.5.1.
So that makes this T. HUNNEYWELL born around Dec 1756. The right age, the right place, the right name and the only HUNNEYWELL/HUNNEWELL/HONEYWELL family in the county makes me think I've found Uncle Thomas.
To further cement this thought, I will need to find the actual probate records of papa William which were filed in 1813 to see if they mention the demise of Thomas and whether he had any issue or not.
Ahh genealogy. Revving the old engines to race for the next lead! Oh, did I mention that my new buddy Jan had two grandpas that flanked my grandpa when they appeared in 1777 to sign their Oaths of Allegiance? Yep, tis found right there in the official records of old. Pretty cool to think she is assisting me now some 230 years later. Guess the family friends can survive that long!
©2013 AS Eldredge
Ahhh, genealogy. A glimpse of the past shows of what I am made.....
Showing posts with label hunnewell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hunnewell. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Tis Madness Monday: Those Puzzling Hunnewells
Researching the past makes for great entertainment in life. I so enjoy sharing the tidbits with my spouse on our nightly constitutional. Of course, it is also a time for me to talk through the finds, the mysteries and the good old head scratchers.
Last week found me digging around in New Jersey in the mid to late 1700s. With the kind assistance of a volunteer who is so much more knowledgeable about the area than I am, we found documentation for my John HUNNEWELL or HONEYWELL or HONEWELL or HUNIWELL family. Some of the finds confirmed what I thought. Other finds have me scratching my head as I try to solve the mystery.
Take, for instance, the mention of a John H STANSBURY in early Sussex/Warren Co, NJ. We first stumbled across him in 1794 listed as the Ward. Son of Rebecca Hunneywell DOUD. She asked for a guardian to be named for her son, John STANSBURY.
Hmmmm, Rebecca's first husband was John HUNNEWELL who died in May 1779. In his will, there is no mention of any children. Other than wife, Rebecca, he leaves some small legacy to some nieces and nephews.
After spending some time looking for this chap, a source related to STANSBURY says his mother's name was unknown. Which leads us to the next question, could she have been a relative of Rebecca or of John?
To add to the confusion.....
The 1752 will of John HONEYWELL of Greenwich, Morris, NJ, gives the administration of the estate to son John HUNNYWELL (who marries Rebecca in the 1760s).
The deed books abstracted by Clyde W DOWNING add to the mystery.
In 1803 a confusing deed abstract seems to tell us that STANSBURY, ROBERTSON (his court appointed guardian) and a couple more good folks in the neighborhood are all involved in selling land that was originally belonged to the John HUNIWELL who died in 1752. The land was surveyed in 1753 for John HUNIWELL, the son, and was part of a tract in Knowlton, Sussex, NJ adjoining that of brother William HUNIWELL. The land is sold by public auction in 1798 to HENDERSHOT and therefore John STANSBURY and his court appointed guardian. The land is sold by executor of John HUNIWELL, the son who died in 1779, in 1804 to KERR, who sells it the next day to Rebecca.
I still can't quite follow it, although I do believe there is a strong reason for John H STANSBURY to keep being involved with the John HONEYWELL land. So, far, I just can't put the one name in who could solve the mystery.
To make this more fun and frustrating at the same time is a comment in the Deed Abstract Book by Clyde W DOWNING who admits the deed is confusing and he thinks there is a connection between his SWAYZE line and the HUNIWELLs.
I spent some time trying to find the good Mr. Downing, but, alas, he seems to have disappeared over the last six years or so. Is he still around? If so, I can answer that mystery for him. Yep, we have at least two marriages of our lady HONEYWELLs to the SWAYZE chaps in Sussex Co, NJ.
Ahhh, genealogy. With one mystery, another one is solved. Thanks to Jan for all her assistance as she tries to teach me about that area. She's a gem.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Last week found me digging around in New Jersey in the mid to late 1700s. With the kind assistance of a volunteer who is so much more knowledgeable about the area than I am, we found documentation for my John HUNNEWELL or HONEYWELL or HONEWELL or HUNIWELL family. Some of the finds confirmed what I thought. Other finds have me scratching my head as I try to solve the mystery.
Take, for instance, the mention of a John H STANSBURY in early Sussex/Warren Co, NJ. We first stumbled across him in 1794 listed as the Ward. Son of Rebecca Hunneywell DOUD. She asked for a guardian to be named for her son, John STANSBURY.
Hmmmm, Rebecca's first husband was John HUNNEWELL who died in May 1779. In his will, there is no mention of any children. Other than wife, Rebecca, he leaves some small legacy to some nieces and nephews.
After spending some time looking for this chap, a source related to STANSBURY says his mother's name was unknown. Which leads us to the next question, could she have been a relative of Rebecca or of John?
To add to the confusion.....
The 1752 will of John HONEYWELL of Greenwich, Morris, NJ, gives the administration of the estate to son John HUNNYWELL (who marries Rebecca in the 1760s).
The deed books abstracted by Clyde W DOWNING add to the mystery.
In 1803 a confusing deed abstract seems to tell us that STANSBURY, ROBERTSON (his court appointed guardian) and a couple more good folks in the neighborhood are all involved in selling land that was originally belonged to the John HUNIWELL who died in 1752. The land was surveyed in 1753 for John HUNIWELL, the son, and was part of a tract in Knowlton, Sussex, NJ adjoining that of brother William HUNIWELL. The land is sold by public auction in 1798 to HENDERSHOT and therefore John STANSBURY and his court appointed guardian. The land is sold by executor of John HUNIWELL, the son who died in 1779, in 1804 to KERR, who sells it the next day to Rebecca.
I still can't quite follow it, although I do believe there is a strong reason for John H STANSBURY to keep being involved with the John HONEYWELL land. So, far, I just can't put the one name in who could solve the mystery.
To make this more fun and frustrating at the same time is a comment in the Deed Abstract Book by Clyde W DOWNING who admits the deed is confusing and he thinks there is a connection between his SWAYZE line and the HUNIWELLs.
I spent some time trying to find the good Mr. Downing, but, alas, he seems to have disappeared over the last six years or so. Is he still around? If so, I can answer that mystery for him. Yep, we have at least two marriages of our lady HONEYWELLs to the SWAYZE chaps in Sussex Co, NJ.
Ahhh, genealogy. With one mystery, another one is solved. Thanks to Jan for all her assistance as she tries to teach me about that area. She's a gem.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Homeland Security 1777 Style
Wednesday morning has arrived after a restless sleep last night. I am almost speechless as I try to understand the past. Almost a wordless Wednesday, but not quite.
Imagine the scene, if you will, of the events following our beloved country's 1776 Declaration of Independence from the super power across the pond. The early events in the blossoming war were not very successful for the Americans. In fact, in the fall of 1776, the British officers Richard Howe and William Howe issued a proclamation from New York City offering a pardon for treasonable acts to anyone who would take an oath of allegiance to the King.
The new states then issued a mandatory oath of allegiance to the new and present government in the spring and early summer of 1777. In looking at several states, it seems that all white men had to sign the oath of allegiance or be subject to imprisonment or forfeiture of their property or even being exspelled from the area of their residence. All allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain, had to be renounced. All those suspected of treason or conspiracies were to be made known to the government, as declared by Congress.
Until last night, it had not dawned on me that the oath was a forced oath of allegiance to the Americans. Gee, I wonder how that went over. Can you imagine the revolt today if we had to go to court and sign an oath of allegiance to a new government? Yikes.
Anyway--
Last night's research sent me to the Minutes of the Council of Safety of the state of New Jersey 1777-1778. (Many thanks to the kind volunteer who found the book for me online.) In reading many of the entries, I was stunned to see how people turned in their neighbors for being suspicious, or dangerous to the present government, or how Quakers were brought in to testify.
Here is a portion of one man's plight which I thought interesting. Was he one of the men who had accepted Howe's pardon?
Daniel Hendrickson, who was summoned to appear as a Person suspected of being disaffected and dangerous to the present Government, did accordingly attend, and on Examination acknowledged that he had recd a Protection from the Enemy, which he refused to give up when demanded by the Board....
He refused to take the Oath of Allegiance but was dismissed on account of his good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance before the next Court. I didn't follow up on this gentleman, so I am unaware if he changed his mind or went to prison for supporting the Crown.
And another one which caught my eye.
The petition of Benjamin Morgan, now in confinement at Morristown, was read, setting forth, That he is desirous to take the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance agreeably to Law, and is willing to be circumscribed in his Boundaries & laid under such Penalties as the Board may think necessary; and praying that he may be permitted to return home.
The one I for whom I was searching was found to have appeared July 8, 1777, on a demand of the Council with the charge of being "suspected." William Honeywell appeared and requested time to think about it. The Council agreed. Honeywell returned the next morning and signed the Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey and the United States. That afternoon, his brother, John Honeywell also appeared and signed the oath.
What must these men have thought? Their family had been in the colonies since the early 1600s and had never even been to England. They were born under the Crown, but lived as Americans for generations. Did they wonder if the Americans would, or could, win the battle against the Crown? Did they really care? Were their daily lives affected by all the troops around? I don't know the answer, but I do know that two of William's children were contacted by the militia to serve. One of the sons served in place of the other, so only one of his sons has a revolutionary war pension. So, William did support the American cause.
Even though I have known of the Oaths of Allegiance for many years, it never dawned on me that it was a forced oath of allegiance. If a man didn't sign it, he stood to lose everything. Of course, if the British had won the war, he would have most likely lost everything.
Ahhh, genealogy. William's declaration of wanting to think about signing the oath reminds me of that immortal classic song by Meatloaf. I've been humming, "Do you love me? Will you love me forever?....Let me think on it, baby baby. Let me think on it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."
And just like the song, grandpa William Honeywell said yes.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Imagine the scene, if you will, of the events following our beloved country's 1776 Declaration of Independence from the super power across the pond. The early events in the blossoming war were not very successful for the Americans. In fact, in the fall of 1776, the British officers Richard Howe and William Howe issued a proclamation from New York City offering a pardon for treasonable acts to anyone who would take an oath of allegiance to the King.
The new states then issued a mandatory oath of allegiance to the new and present government in the spring and early summer of 1777. In looking at several states, it seems that all white men had to sign the oath of allegiance or be subject to imprisonment or forfeiture of their property or even being exspelled from the area of their residence. All allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain, had to be renounced. All those suspected of treason or conspiracies were to be made known to the government, as declared by Congress.
Until last night, it had not dawned on me that the oath was a forced oath of allegiance to the Americans. Gee, I wonder how that went over. Can you imagine the revolt today if we had to go to court and sign an oath of allegiance to a new government? Yikes.
Anyway--
Last night's research sent me to the Minutes of the Council of Safety of the state of New Jersey 1777-1778. (Many thanks to the kind volunteer who found the book for me online.) In reading many of the entries, I was stunned to see how people turned in their neighbors for being suspicious, or dangerous to the present government, or how Quakers were brought in to testify.
Here is a portion of one man's plight which I thought interesting. Was he one of the men who had accepted Howe's pardon?
Daniel Hendrickson, who was summoned to appear as a Person suspected of being disaffected and dangerous to the present Government, did accordingly attend, and on Examination acknowledged that he had recd a Protection from the Enemy, which he refused to give up when demanded by the Board....
He refused to take the Oath of Allegiance but was dismissed on account of his good behavior as he prepared for his next appearance before the next Court. I didn't follow up on this gentleman, so I am unaware if he changed his mind or went to prison for supporting the Crown.
And another one which caught my eye.
The petition of Benjamin Morgan, now in confinement at Morristown, was read, setting forth, That he is desirous to take the Oaths of Abjuration & Allegiance agreeably to Law, and is willing to be circumscribed in his Boundaries & laid under such Penalties as the Board may think necessary; and praying that he may be permitted to return home.
The one I for whom I was searching was found to have appeared July 8, 1777, on a demand of the Council with the charge of being "suspected." William Honeywell appeared and requested time to think about it. The Council agreed. Honeywell returned the next morning and signed the Oath of Allegiance to New Jersey and the United States. That afternoon, his brother, John Honeywell also appeared and signed the oath.
What must these men have thought? Their family had been in the colonies since the early 1600s and had never even been to England. They were born under the Crown, but lived as Americans for generations. Did they wonder if the Americans would, or could, win the battle against the Crown? Did they really care? Were their daily lives affected by all the troops around? I don't know the answer, but I do know that two of William's children were contacted by the militia to serve. One of the sons served in place of the other, so only one of his sons has a revolutionary war pension. So, William did support the American cause.
Even though I have known of the Oaths of Allegiance for many years, it never dawned on me that it was a forced oath of allegiance. If a man didn't sign it, he stood to lose everything. Of course, if the British had won the war, he would have most likely lost everything.
Ahhh, genealogy. William's declaration of wanting to think about signing the oath reminds me of that immortal classic song by Meatloaf. I've been humming, "Do you love me? Will you love me forever?....Let me think on it, baby baby. Let me think on it. I'll give you an answer in the morning."
And just like the song, grandpa William Honeywell said yes.
©2013 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Remembering First Wives of the Past
When researching the past, it is always fun to find more than one woman
that your ancestor called "wife." It is more than frustrating to not
document much more than that.
In the last few days, my research has unearthed more first wives of cousins or of uncles who seem to have just been "forgotten" when it's time for a burial.
For instance, just this week, a new friend, Mary B., was gracious to send a pic of the grave of Goodman Y COULTER in Melrose Cemetery, Bridgeville, Allegheny, PA. How much fun it was to see it standing proud and tall in Allegheny Co, PA.
Note the name of the wife, Julia Yes, they were married in 1852 and had a good life together, along with three children.
But where is the first wife? Hmmm? Sure, she died in 1851 after about 25 years of wedded bliss and 8 children with Goodman.
Good ole Euphemia MIDDLESWARTH COULTER is buried just down the road at the Bethany Presbyterian Church with her family and several of her children.
Here is Euphemia's obit:
Died on Friday the tenth of consumption, Mrs Euphemia wife of Goodman Y Coulter, of South Fayette Twp, Allegheny Co, PA and daughter of the late Moses Middleswarth, elder at Bethany Church. She left a husband and seven children. Member of Bethany church for 13 years.
Obit of Julia McKOWN COULTER
Everybody knew Goodman COULTER. His widow, Mrs. Julia MCKOWN COULTER died
on the 22d. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Euphemia HERRIOTT, Mrs.
Margaret A. NESBIT, Mrs. Annie C. FRYER.
To date, the obit for Goodman has not been located. It will be interesting to read it when it does surface.
It's another day for a total head scratching as the evidence for not one, not two, but three wives shows up on the computer screen for an uncle. That is, according to three different censusus.
William Wiley HUNNEWELL was born 1848 in Allegheny Co, PA. He joins the military off and on again from the time of the Civil War up til about 1874. He lives in Eau Clair, Wisconsin, for a number of years, with the first documented time of the 1880 census. In this census, he is listed as having a wife, Angeline. Angeline is born in Wisconsin of German parents.
In 1883, there is a birth of a child, William, who is baptized in November 1883. There is no record uncovered of the death of Angeline or of this William.
In Mar 1884, a newly divorced (Feb 1884) Alice G SWIFT marries William. (As a note, Alice was born in NY, but her family removes to Wisconsin.) All this is from the Wisconsin records. William and Alice stay in the area until about 1897 according to the city directories.
In 1900, they resurface back in Pittsburgh. There is a son, William, who is said to have been born Jan. 1885 (according to his military draft registration.) Alice dies, but I have not located a definitive death date or place of burial for her in Allegheny Co.
Update 2 Oct 2012: Alice's final resting spot has been positively identified in Allegheny Cemetery, Allegheny, PA. Her death date is 3 April 1914.
William W. remarries a much younger Emma by the 1920 census. They die just months apart in 1931 and are buried together in Pittsburgh. So where is Angeline? I suspect she is buried in Wisconsin. Where is Alice? Rumor has it she is buried at the Allegheny Cemetery, but I have yet to document this information. Update 2 Oct 2012: Alice's final resting spot has been positively
identified in Allegheny Cemetery, Allegheny, PA. Her death date is 3
April 1914.
William W's obit:
HUNNEWELL- At West Penn Hospital, on Saturday, October 3, 1931, at 11 am, William W, husband of the late Emma Hunnewell of 301 York Way. He was a member of the Post No. 3 GAR. Remains at the home of the Ferguson Wood Co., Forbes St at McKee Place, Oakland. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 2:30 pm. Post No. 3, GAR and all other members of GAR and friends invited.-
So, who are the two Williams born in 1883 and in 1885? Are they different or are they the same? I haven't been able to follow the one born in 1885 after the 1920 census. He has two daughters with his wife, and like so many, they disappear after the 1930 census. Did they marry? Did they die? Do they have blood descendents?
These are just two examples in my own family. I'm sure you genealogy buffs have many similar instances where finding the first wife is a challenge. Those women were there and a part of the early lives of our kin. Most likely, they died young in childbirth or after an illness. In any event, as we remember our moms this weekend, let us not forget all the moms and wives of the past-- even if you can't find them.
Ahh, genealogy. Gotta keep scratching that itch.
Sources:
Genalogical Excerpts from the Pres Advocate Oct 4, 1838-Oct 24, 1855, pg 130
Bethany Presbyterian Church Records found online at ancestry.com
McDonald Outlook, Feb 1, 1902
1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 Federal Census
Pittsburgh Press, June 5, 1931
Pittsburgh Press, Oct 5, 1931
Eau Clair Leader, June 24, 1905
©2012 AS Eldredge
In the last few days, my research has unearthed more first wives of cousins or of uncles who seem to have just been "forgotten" when it's time for a burial.
For instance, just this week, a new friend, Mary B., was gracious to send a pic of the grave of Goodman Y COULTER in Melrose Cemetery, Bridgeville, Allegheny, PA. How much fun it was to see it standing proud and tall in Allegheny Co, PA.
Note the name of the wife, Julia Yes, they were married in 1852 and had a good life together, along with three children.
But where is the first wife? Hmmm? Sure, she died in 1851 after about 25 years of wedded bliss and 8 children with Goodman.
Good ole Euphemia MIDDLESWARTH COULTER is buried just down the road at the Bethany Presbyterian Church with her family and several of her children.
Here is Euphemia's obit:
Died on Friday the tenth of consumption, Mrs Euphemia wife of Goodman Y Coulter, of South Fayette Twp, Allegheny Co, PA and daughter of the late Moses Middleswarth, elder at Bethany Church. She left a husband and seven children. Member of Bethany church for 13 years.
Obit of Julia McKOWN COULTER
Everybody knew Goodman COULTER. His widow, Mrs. Julia MCKOWN COULTER died
on the 22d. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Euphemia HERRIOTT, Mrs.
Margaret A. NESBIT, Mrs. Annie C. FRYER.
To date, the obit for Goodman has not been located. It will be interesting to read it when it does surface.
It's another day for a total head scratching as the evidence for not one, not two, but three wives shows up on the computer screen for an uncle. That is, according to three different censusus.
William Wiley HUNNEWELL was born 1848 in Allegheny Co, PA. He joins the military off and on again from the time of the Civil War up til about 1874. He lives in Eau Clair, Wisconsin, for a number of years, with the first documented time of the 1880 census. In this census, he is listed as having a wife, Angeline. Angeline is born in Wisconsin of German parents.
In 1883, there is a birth of a child, William, who is baptized in November 1883. There is no record uncovered of the death of Angeline or of this William.
In Mar 1884, a newly divorced (Feb 1884) Alice G SWIFT marries William. (As a note, Alice was born in NY, but her family removes to Wisconsin.) All this is from the Wisconsin records. William and Alice stay in the area until about 1897 according to the city directories.
In 1900, they resurface back in Pittsburgh. There is a son, William, who is said to have been born Jan. 1885 (according to his military draft registration.) Alice dies, but I have not located a definitive death date or place of burial for her in Allegheny Co.
Update 2 Oct 2012: Alice's final resting spot has been positively identified in Allegheny Cemetery, Allegheny, PA. Her death date is 3 April 1914.
 |
| Alice Swift Hunnewell |
 |
| Emma Hunnewell |
William W's obit:
HUNNEWELL- At West Penn Hospital, on Saturday, October 3, 1931, at 11 am, William W, husband of the late Emma Hunnewell of 301 York Way. He was a member of the Post No. 3 GAR. Remains at the home of the Ferguson Wood Co., Forbes St at McKee Place, Oakland. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 2:30 pm. Post No. 3, GAR and all other members of GAR and friends invited.-
So, who are the two Williams born in 1883 and in 1885? Are they different or are they the same? I haven't been able to follow the one born in 1885 after the 1920 census. He has two daughters with his wife, and like so many, they disappear after the 1930 census. Did they marry? Did they die? Do they have blood descendents?
These are just two examples in my own family. I'm sure you genealogy buffs have many similar instances where finding the first wife is a challenge. Those women were there and a part of the early lives of our kin. Most likely, they died young in childbirth or after an illness. In any event, as we remember our moms this weekend, let us not forget all the moms and wives of the past-- even if you can't find them.
Ahh, genealogy. Gotta keep scratching that itch.
Sources:
Genalogical Excerpts from the Pres Advocate Oct 4, 1838-Oct 24, 1855, pg 130
Bethany Presbyterian Church Records found online at ancestry.com
McDonald Outlook, Feb 1, 1902
1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 Federal Census
Pittsburgh Press, June 5, 1931
Pittsburgh Press, Oct 5, 1931
Eau Clair Leader, June 24, 1905
©2012 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
How is There a Heckler in the Group?
Last spring, I finally found the death date and final resting spot of William Wiley HUNNEWELL, the brother of my 2g grandmother. With excitement growing by leaps and bounds, I asked a really cool friend of mine who lives in Pittsburgh to go and find the grave. My sweet tea buddy, JR, sent the picture to me, and now, I am left with more questions.
There's a HECKLER among us. What?
Let's jump back to what I do know through many slow hours of documentation, and with the assistance of another HUNNEWELL blood cousin of mine, Larry.
William Wiley HUNNEWELL was born Sept 19, 1848, in Pittsburgh. He was a son of Benjamin F HUNNEWELL (abt 1806-1849) and Sallie Ellen (Helen?) BYLES. Benjamin died when a cholera outbreak happened in the area, and the lovely widow was left to raise her seven children. We find her having farmed out the older children in the 1850 census, leaving just her and only two of the younger children with her. They were Mary Jane and William Wiley.
William joined the Union forces and served in the Co. E, 102nd PA Infantry. He was wounded in March 1865 when Lee attacked Fort Steadman.
After the war, he goes to Wisconsin for a bit. He marries Alice G in 1884 and has one son, William B HUNNEWELL. William B is living in Philadelphia in the 1920 census with a wife and two daughters.
As noted in a previous entry, William Wiley was a member of the GAR Post #3 in Pittsburgh. Read more about it here .
William Wiley marries Emma (1873-1931). He then dies in October 1931 and is buried at Homewood Cemetery in Allegheny Co.
From the Pitt Post Gazette Oct 5, 1931
HUNNEWELL- At West Penn Hospital, on Saturday, October 3, 1931, at 11 am, William W, husband of the late Emma Hunnewell of 301 York Way. He was a member of the Post No. 3 GAR. Remains at the home of the Ferguson Wood Co., Forbes St at McKee Place, Oakland. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 2:30 pm. Post No. 3, GAR and all other members of GAR and friends invited.
The obituary tells us that his wife, Emma, departed earlier, while the gravestone tells us the year. What is odd is the other name on the stone-- H H HECKLER. Who the heck is that?
My best guess is that Harry H HECKLER is the brother of Emma.
There was a Emma HECKLER born about 1872 that had a younger brother, Harry living in Skluylkill Co, PA in the 1880 census. However, there is still a Harry HECKLER living in Pottsville in the 1930 Federal Census with a wife, Cora MILLER, so that pretty much eliminates this line of thought.
What is odd about it is that the Harry H HECKLER found living in Allegheny Co, PA, in the 1910 Federal Census is married to a Laura M. So where is she?
I have yet to determine exactly who the H H HECKLER is on the tombstone. Obviously, it was important enough for the name to be on the stone. As there is no death date, I don't know if the body is there as well. I am curious as to who this HECKLER is among us.........
Ahhh, genealogy. Just thinking of the puzzles and the Hecklers makes me smile.
Sources:
1850 Federal Census, Pittsburgh 9th Ward, Allegheny, PA pg 549
1850 Mortality Index
http://cwdpa102ndregimentvolinf.com/histpa102ndneibaum1.htm
1920 Federal Census, Allegheny, PA
1880 Federal Census, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA, pg 387
1910 Federal Census, Pittsburgh Ward 13, Allegheny, PA
Veterans Burial Card from Ancestry.com
Grave photo courtesy of JR Jamieson, May 2011
Update: I was asked if I had thought about the possibility of Mr Heckler being the first husband of Emma. The thought crossed my mind, but I think there would have been a death date on the stone if that was the case. I also had found evidence of Mr Heckler's wife being named Louise. Good idea, though. Keep 'em coming.
©2011 A S Eldredge
There's a HECKLER among us. What?
Let's jump back to what I do know through many slow hours of documentation, and with the assistance of another HUNNEWELL blood cousin of mine, Larry.
William Wiley HUNNEWELL was born Sept 19, 1848, in Pittsburgh. He was a son of Benjamin F HUNNEWELL (abt 1806-1849) and Sallie Ellen (Helen?) BYLES. Benjamin died when a cholera outbreak happened in the area, and the lovely widow was left to raise her seven children. We find her having farmed out the older children in the 1850 census, leaving just her and only two of the younger children with her. They were Mary Jane and William Wiley.
William joined the Union forces and served in the Co. E, 102nd PA Infantry. He was wounded in March 1865 when Lee attacked Fort Steadman.
After the war, he goes to Wisconsin for a bit. He marries Alice G in 1884 and has one son, William B HUNNEWELL. William B is living in Philadelphia in the 1920 census with a wife and two daughters.
As noted in a previous entry, William Wiley was a member of the GAR Post #3 in Pittsburgh. Read more about it here .
William Wiley marries Emma (1873-1931). He then dies in October 1931 and is buried at Homewood Cemetery in Allegheny Co.
HUNNEWELL- At West Penn Hospital, on Saturday, October 3, 1931, at 11 am, William W, husband of the late Emma Hunnewell of 301 York Way. He was a member of the Post No. 3 GAR. Remains at the home of the Ferguson Wood Co., Forbes St at McKee Place, Oakland. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 2:30 pm. Post No. 3, GAR and all other members of GAR and friends invited.
The obituary tells us that his wife, Emma, departed earlier, while the gravestone tells us the year. What is odd is the other name on the stone-- H H HECKLER. Who the heck is that?
My best guess is that Harry H HECKLER is the brother of Emma.
There was a Emma HECKLER born about 1872 that had a younger brother, Harry living in Skluylkill Co, PA in the 1880 census. However, there is still a Harry HECKLER living in Pottsville in the 1930 Federal Census with a wife, Cora MILLER, so that pretty much eliminates this line of thought.
What is odd about it is that the Harry H HECKLER found living in Allegheny Co, PA, in the 1910 Federal Census is married to a Laura M. So where is she?
I have yet to determine exactly who the H H HECKLER is on the tombstone. Obviously, it was important enough for the name to be on the stone. As there is no death date, I don't know if the body is there as well. I am curious as to who this HECKLER is among us.........
Ahhh, genealogy. Just thinking of the puzzles and the Hecklers makes me smile.
Sources:
1850 Federal Census, Pittsburgh 9th Ward, Allegheny, PA pg 549
1850 Mortality Index
http://cwdpa102ndregimentvolinf.com/histpa102ndneibaum1.htm
1920 Federal Census, Allegheny, PA
1880 Federal Census, Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA, pg 387
1910 Federal Census, Pittsburgh Ward 13, Allegheny, PA
Veterans Burial Card from Ancestry.com
Grave photo courtesy of JR Jamieson, May 2011
Update: I was asked if I had thought about the possibility of Mr Heckler being the first husband of Emma. The thought crossed my mind, but I think there would have been a death date on the stone if that was the case. I also had found evidence of Mr Heckler's wife being named Louise. Good idea, though. Keep 'em coming.
©2011 A S Eldredge
Monday, May 23, 2011
GAR Post #3 History from 1894 Article
Last week, I was finally able to definitively determine the death date and the cemetery for William Wiley HUNNEWELL, the brother of my 2g-grandmother. With delight in my eyes, a cousin of mine took the date I supplied and found the 1931 obituary in Pittsburgh.
While I knew William had served in the Civil War and had moved to Wisconsin, and later back to Pittsburgh, I was surprised to find his obit made notice of his belonging to the General Alexander Hays GAR Post #3.
I scouted around for information on the post and to see if any records are still in existence. Perhaps, I can uncover some more interesting tidbits for my family files. So far, I have found an article from Sept, 1894 in the Pittsburgh Press which provides the following fun facts:
Post #3 was the first post organized in Pennsylvania November 2, 1866, as Post 1. It became Post 3 after the national GAR was organized.
Charter members:
Gen. A L PEARSON
Capt. D M HOWE
Sergt. William HOWE
Capt. WB COOK
John F HUNTER
Lewis HAWNCH
Lieut. Joseph L EVANS
EG KENNEDY
Robert D McKEE
Maj Samuel KILGORE
Lee S SMITH
David R REWIS
WF HOOD
Other names from 1866-1867:
BF STEPHENSON
John M SNYDER
J Henry MILLER
John H MORRIS
George LAING
Hamlet LOWE
BF KENNEDY
George F MORGAN
1869 names:
William McMULLIN
Samuel HACKETT
William THOMPSON
Jos H GEY
HILL
HUNTER
WJ CRISWELL
COLLINS
SILNEY
HM CURRY
John McLANAHAN
Other names:
EA MONTOOTH
Crosby GRAY
BW BALDWIN
GB CHALMERS
WH McCLELLAND
HM QUIG
WW SCOTT
GB HUBBARD
SA WILL
RJ HERRON
Edward FISHER
JM HAYS
TJ HAMILRON
JM ROBERTS
WF SPEER
John D McFARLAND
WM BIRCH
WH LAMBERT
HO SHAY
AF DALZELL
Homer L McGAW
WH HART
Alex HUGHES
WJ HAMILTON
AT CORDELL
JH MILLER
Joseph B EATON
Chas TAYLOR
Wm NOTTER
Alex C CASKEY
In 1894, the post reported having 300 members in good standing.
I found the following surviving documentation from the post at the Soldiers & Sailors Museum:
Post 3 – Gen. Alexander Hays Minutes Book 1905 – 1909
Post 3 – Minutes Book 1906 – 1912
Post 3 – Minutes Book 1931 – 1940 with obits
Post 3 – Descriptive Books
Post 3 – Cash Receipts/Dues Journal with Roster 1926 – 1929
Post 3 – Cash Receipts Journal 1909 – 1938
Post 3 – Canceled Checks and Warrants
If you have an interest in looking at these files, Curator Michael Kraus says the records are available for viewing with a few days notice.
Oh, if only I could go----
Ahh, genealogy. Remembering those who have gone before.....
©2011 AS Eldredge
While I knew William had served in the Civil War and had moved to Wisconsin, and later back to Pittsburgh, I was surprised to find his obit made notice of his belonging to the General Alexander Hays GAR Post #3.
I scouted around for information on the post and to see if any records are still in existence. Perhaps, I can uncover some more interesting tidbits for my family files. So far, I have found an article from Sept, 1894 in the Pittsburgh Press which provides the following fun facts:
Post #3 was the first post organized in Pennsylvania November 2, 1866, as Post 1. It became Post 3 after the national GAR was organized.
Charter members:
Gen. A L PEARSON
Capt. D M HOWE
Sergt. William HOWE
Capt. WB COOK
John F HUNTER
Lewis HAWNCH
Lieut. Joseph L EVANS
EG KENNEDY
Robert D McKEE
Maj Samuel KILGORE
Lee S SMITH
David R REWIS
WF HOOD
Other names from 1866-1867:
BF STEPHENSON
John M SNYDER
J Henry MILLER
John H MORRIS
George LAING
Hamlet LOWE
BF KENNEDY
George F MORGAN
1869 names:
William McMULLIN
Samuel HACKETT
William THOMPSON
Jos H GEY
HILL
HUNTER
WJ CRISWELL
COLLINS
SILNEY
HM CURRY
John McLANAHAN
Other names:
EA MONTOOTH
Crosby GRAY
BW BALDWIN
GB CHALMERS
WH McCLELLAND
HM QUIG
WW SCOTT
GB HUBBARD
SA WILL
RJ HERRON
Edward FISHER
JM HAYS
TJ HAMILRON
JM ROBERTS
WF SPEER
John D McFARLAND
WM BIRCH
WH LAMBERT
HO SHAY
AF DALZELL
Homer L McGAW
WH HART
Alex HUGHES
WJ HAMILTON
AT CORDELL
JH MILLER
Joseph B EATON
Chas TAYLOR
Wm NOTTER
Alex C CASKEY
In 1894, the post reported having 300 members in good standing.
I found the following surviving documentation from the post at the Soldiers & Sailors Museum:
Post 3 – Gen. Alexander Hays Minutes Book 1905 – 1909
Post 3 – Minutes Book 1906 – 1912
Post 3 – Minutes Book 1931 – 1940 with obits
Post 3 – Descriptive Books
Post 3 – Cash Receipts/Dues Journal with Roster 1926 – 1929
Post 3 – Cash Receipts Journal 1909 – 1938
Post 3 – Canceled Checks and Warrants
If you have an interest in looking at these files, Curator Michael Kraus says the records are available for viewing with a few days notice.
Oh, if only I could go----
Ahh, genealogy. Remembering those who have gone before.....
©2011 AS Eldredge
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
NARA Provides Life to the Dead
Last month, I finally got around to ordering the pension file for one of my Civil War gramps. It seems like I would have done this years ago since I am so deep into learning of the past and my family's role in the history of our land. Well, don't judge me quite so fast on this one.
It wasn't until this year that I stumbled on the little fact that 2g granddpa George was even in the Civil War. He was born in 1834 in Pennsylvania, and was married with a growing family by 1860. For whatever reason, it just didn't occur to me that he would have been in the Civil War. I guess I thought he was too old and settled to go off and fight for the Union.
Guess I was wrong! I really hadn't been looking for him lately as I thought I had found most of what I could locate. On a whim, I decided to go back and check one of the paid sites just to see if there was anything new on several members of the family. While checking on Uncle Addison and a veteran census, I saw the name George W CALDWELL blaring off the page. What?
So, I let my fingers do some walking and found where he had been in a Home for Veterans in Dayton, Ohio. Ohio?
I just had to contact NARA and see what they had. That's a big jump for me as they had nothing on my grandfather from World War I.
Just this week, the small envelope arrived with a CD. In to the computer it went. For the next several days I poured over each and every word. Then, I had to go and research more.
Grandpa George was a volunteer in the PA 102nd Infantry Co. E. Of added interest was the fact his brother-in-law, Ben F HUNNEWELL, was also in the same unit. Anyway, he was down at Fair Oaks when he was discharged with a surgeon's certificate.
First question--- what was Fair Oaks? The Battle of Fair Oaks took place May 31 and June 1, 1862, in Henrico Co, VA. It seems like both sides claimed victory for that battle although they both sustained fairly equal casualties. General Johnston was wounded in this battle. General McClellan is reported to have written to his wife that he was getting tired of all death and suffering of the troops on the battlefield.
Second question-- Was Grandpa George wounded in the battle? Alas, the answer to this one is no. He was moving some heavy rations, and fell on a box which caused some type of internal damage to his kidney. He was in the hospital for three weeks, and then he was discharged.
Grandpa George returned home where he spent the next 40 years or so disabled. He apparently suffered a great deal from that fall and lost the majority of his hearing during the war.
The best part of the pension papers came with the date of his marriage to his lovely bride, Mary Jane HUNNEWELL. Yes! She has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. I knew her name. Her birthdate came from a Bible in the HUNNEWELL family. Her death date is unknown. She disappears after the 1870 census. I suspect she died after the birth of a child. The big confusion with her is I have a letter from my great grandmother in which she writes to the daughter of George and Mary Jane and mentions she had just seen "your" mama. The letter is from the 1890s. Hmmm......
But wait---- there's more to be found in the pension. Grandpa George states that they had 5 children. What? I only knew of 4. More life to be found! And Grandpa George tells where a son of his has moved! And--- all of his children married.
Previously, I only knew of two of the children marrying. So, life continues in the family!
The other "aha" moment in the pension file is the naming of the preacher who married him. By coincidence, it is the same name as the man who his half sister married. Gee, I didn't know he was a preacher. I only knew he was older and died before they had any kids. The lovely widow goes on to marry again- this time a widower who lived across the street from other family members.
Ahh, genealogy. Sometimes the dead can come to life when we explore deeply enough into their lives.
©2010 AS Eldredge
It wasn't until this year that I stumbled on the little fact that 2g granddpa George was even in the Civil War. He was born in 1834 in Pennsylvania, and was married with a growing family by 1860. For whatever reason, it just didn't occur to me that he would have been in the Civil War. I guess I thought he was too old and settled to go off and fight for the Union.
Guess I was wrong! I really hadn't been looking for him lately as I thought I had found most of what I could locate. On a whim, I decided to go back and check one of the paid sites just to see if there was anything new on several members of the family. While checking on Uncle Addison and a veteran census, I saw the name George W CALDWELL blaring off the page. What?
So, I let my fingers do some walking and found where he had been in a Home for Veterans in Dayton, Ohio. Ohio?
I just had to contact NARA and see what they had. That's a big jump for me as they had nothing on my grandfather from World War I.
Just this week, the small envelope arrived with a CD. In to the computer it went. For the next several days I poured over each and every word. Then, I had to go and research more.
Grandpa George was a volunteer in the PA 102nd Infantry Co. E. Of added interest was the fact his brother-in-law, Ben F HUNNEWELL, was also in the same unit. Anyway, he was down at Fair Oaks when he was discharged with a surgeon's certificate.
First question--- what was Fair Oaks? The Battle of Fair Oaks took place May 31 and June 1, 1862, in Henrico Co, VA. It seems like both sides claimed victory for that battle although they both sustained fairly equal casualties. General Johnston was wounded in this battle. General McClellan is reported to have written to his wife that he was getting tired of all death and suffering of the troops on the battlefield.
Second question-- Was Grandpa George wounded in the battle? Alas, the answer to this one is no. He was moving some heavy rations, and fell on a box which caused some type of internal damage to his kidney. He was in the hospital for three weeks, and then he was discharged.
Grandpa George returned home where he spent the next 40 years or so disabled. He apparently suffered a great deal from that fall and lost the majority of his hearing during the war.
The best part of the pension papers came with the date of his marriage to his lovely bride, Mary Jane HUNNEWELL. Yes! She has always been somewhat of a mystery to me. I knew her name. Her birthdate came from a Bible in the HUNNEWELL family. Her death date is unknown. She disappears after the 1870 census. I suspect she died after the birth of a child. The big confusion with her is I have a letter from my great grandmother in which she writes to the daughter of George and Mary Jane and mentions she had just seen "your" mama. The letter is from the 1890s. Hmmm......
But wait---- there's more to be found in the pension. Grandpa George states that they had 5 children. What? I only knew of 4. More life to be found! And Grandpa George tells where a son of his has moved! And--- all of his children married.
Previously, I only knew of two of the children marrying. So, life continues in the family!
The other "aha" moment in the pension file is the naming of the preacher who married him. By coincidence, it is the same name as the man who his half sister married. Gee, I didn't know he was a preacher. I only knew he was older and died before they had any kids. The lovely widow goes on to marry again- this time a widower who lived across the street from other family members.
Ahh, genealogy. Sometimes the dead can come to life when we explore deeply enough into their lives.
©2010 AS Eldredge
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