Daniel Piper’s Ten Children, Brick Wall Ancestor, Part 4

When Daniel Piper died in 1823 at Augusta County, Virginia, I knew about six of his children. After his death, a flurry of documents would reveal four more youngsters.

Henry Stofer administered what little remained from Great Grandfather’s personal estate. Henry was Daniel’s son-in-law and the husband of Polly Piper. Henry and Polly were Augusta County residents too.

April 1, 1823, a guardianship bond in Rockingham County, Virginia named William K. Piper an ‘orphan of Daniel Piper’. William was a minor under the age of 21 years. George W. Piper petitioned Rockingham County Court to be his younger brother’s legal representative. He married Evaline Walters July 1, 1839 in Albemarle County, Virginia. They had seven children and resided in Augusta County.

In October 1823 another son-in-law, John Joseph, purchased ¼ acre at a public auction in Staunton that Daniel mortgaged in 1813 to Adam Shuey. I haven’t yet found what John Joseph did with the ¼ acre.

Several months later guardianship bonds in Augusta County identified three of Daniel Piper’s younger daughters—Fanny, Sarah, and Eliza. December 22, 1823, Joseph Piper, Christian Echard, and Henry Stofer appeared in Augusta County Court on behalf of the three sisters.

Joseph became guardian to his sister Fanny. A few years passed, and Frances married Lawrence Snapp August 1, 1827 in Rockingham County. I couldn’t locate Fanny or Lawrence in 1850 but found three of their children in her sister Sarah’s household.

Eliza Piper’s guardian, Christian Echard, was the husband of her older sister Margaret. Eliza married John Hartigan March 10, 1825 in Rockbridge County Virginia. I don’t know much about Eliza and John. They were living in Botetourt County, Virginia when the 1850 federal census was taken with seven children.

Henry Stofer became Sarah Piper’s guardian. Sarah and Henry’s wife, Polly Piper, were sisters. Sarah and Isaac Craver wed in Augusta County June 6, 1826. She died Feb. 28, 1869 at Barterbrook (Augusta Co.).

The siblings lost a sister April 21, 1825 when Polly Stofer died. Polly’s husband Henry seemed to be a trusted family member when he acted as Great Grandfather’s administrator and became Sarah Piper’s guardian. The year after Polly’s death, Henry remarried. It wasn’t until 1827 that a hint of trouble surfaced.

Rockingham County, Virginia Chancery cause 1829-0002 Daniel Piper vs. James F. Patterson documented a new sibling, Daniel A. Piper. Henry Stofer played a role in this suit. Daniel’s bill of complaint explains:

   “To the worshipful the County Court of Rockingham in Chancery Sitting humbly complaining Sheweth to your worship your orator Daniel Piper that sometime in the year 1827 when your orator was confined by severe illness and totally incapable of attending to business a certain Henry Stofer who was considerably indebted to your orator on various accounts came to the Town of Harrisburg and under pretense that he had consulted your orator and obtained his consent to the arrangement called on your orators Brother and stated to him that your orator himself had agreed on a settlement of their accounts to execute his note to your orator for the sum of $100 and that the said Stofer was to have a note executed by your orator to him for the sum of $50. Your orator denies that any such arrangement took place between your orator and said Stofer. Notwithstanding which your orators Bro. G. W. Piper gave to the said Stofer a note for fifty dollars to which he signed your orators name and took at the same time the said Stofers note to your orator for the sum of $100. On the day after the said fifty Dollar note was executed to Stofer assigned your orators note to a certain J. F. Patterson who sued our orator on such note in the County Court of Rockingham . . .”

Edward T. Schultz’s book Maryland Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar, Stationed at Baltimore, State of Maryland contained a biography and portrait of Daniel A. Piper. He was born in 1802 and moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1838. Daniel A. Piper filled several positions in the Grand Lodge of Masons of Maryland and was a member of the group for almost 50 years. He was initiated into the Order in Rockingham Co., Virginia. He died June 25, 1875 survived by a wife and two daughters. The wife passed five days after Daniel.

Now I would like to turn my attention to the older siblings:

Joseph Piper was born in Virginia about 1789. On April 1, 1812 he married Lydia Lowman, a daughter of Barnhard Lowman. Joseph Piper remained in Augusta County for some years before relocating to Hawkins County, Tennessee by 1840. His known children were George M. Piper, Albert M. Piper and William Piper.

Elizabeth Piper born on Oct. 26, 1790 married John Joseph in Staunton, Virginia Feb. 2, 1809. They became parents to nine children—Alfred, Eliza, Mary Ann, Julia Ann, John Andrew, William Wilson, Daniel Piper, Mary Jane, and Elizabeth Eve. Elizabeth died March 22, 1873 in Churchville, Augusta County.

George W. Piper, probably born in Shenandoah County Dec. 7, 1792 married Jane Young Rutherford June 3, 1816. When a young man, he lived in Harrisburg, Rockingham County. I found the family in Washington County, Virginia when the 1850 federal census was enumerated.  According to Find-A-Grave.com, George and Jane’s children were Caroline Helen, Elizabeth Miranda Jane, Archibald Rutherford, Jane Ann Burgess, Maria Elizabeth, Daniel Robert, Mary Frances and George Elbert Piper.

Polly Piper born about 1794 married Henry Stover Feb 4, 1814 in Augusta County. She died a young woman April 21, 1825 and is buried in Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery located at Middlebrook. Polly and Henry’s home place was at Middlebrook per the 1820 census. Young children were in the home so perhaps Polly was a mother.

Margaret Piper was born Feb. 10, 1796. She married Christian Eckart (also known as Echard) in Rockbridge County, Virginia July 6, 1818 where they made their home and raised eight children—John C., William King, Elizabeth E., Martha Ann, Francis Catherine, Caroline H., Joseph, and Mary Virginia. Margaret died Jan. 4, 1842.

Although Daniel Piper is still my brick wall ancestor, I’m glad I was able to add some details to Great Grandfather’s life story. Piper family feel free to contact me. Maybe we’ll break down that brick wall.

Note to Reader:

Tough Nut to Crack, Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor began my recent blog post series about my 4^th Great Grandfather Daniel Piper from Augusta County, Virginia. I told of his marriage in Shenandoah County, Virginia to Elizabeth Acker. By 1800 they had moved to Augusta County. Constable Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor, Part 2 continued his work history in Staunton, Virginia beginning in 1805 lasting until 1815. The City of Staunton’s land records prompted me to write Daniel Piper’s Staunton, Virginia Properties, Brick Wall Ancestor, Part 3.

Daniel Piper’s Staunton, Virginia Properties, Brick Wall Ancestor, Part 3

4^th Great Grandfather Daniel Piper bought a lot in Staunton’s oldest residential neighborhood in the Newtown section April 28, 1800 from Michael Seyford and his wife Catherine. Although I expected to find the deed in the City of Staunton documents, the sale was recorded in Augusta County Court (which I haven’t yet viewed). Staunton is an independent city physically located in Augusta County, Virginia and maintains their own deed books.

Courtesy Library of Congress

Edward Beyer, 1820-1865, artist

Woldemar Rau, 1827-1889, lithographer

I learned more about the property when Great Grandparents Daniel and Elizabeth Piper sold the lot to Jacob Leas Sept. 19, 1803 for 75 Pounds. The parcel was described as Lot No. 14 in Staunton known as Newtown containing ¼ acre being part of 25 acres that formerly belonged to Alexander St. Clair. The indenture noted this was the same parcel conveyed to Daniel Piper by Michael and Catherine Seyford April 28, 1800. I found a record of the indenture in Staunton Deed Book 1, pages 22-23.

The following year Archibald Stuart and his wife Eleanor sold a ¼ acre to Daniel Piper on Nov. 1, 1804. It was Lot No. 6 in the Town of Staunton and described as

   “One certain Lot or parcel of ground, lying and being in that part of the Town of Staunton, which from the Lands of the said Archibald Stuart, hath been surveyed and laid off into Lots and Streets, and by Law lately added to the said Town of Staunton”

The selling price was 35 Pounds and a margin notation indicates the sale was examined and delivered to the grantee April 25, 1805.

One-fourth of an acre is too small for much farming. Daniel Piper wasn’t yet a Staunton constable; perhaps he worked as a tradesman or merchant.

Daniel still owned a ¼ acre in Staunton when he purchased Lot No. 47 in Middlebrook, Augusta County from William Scott and his wife Nancy Nov. 25, 1805. I haven’t yet read the Augusta County deed and don’t know any details. Middlebrook is located 12 miles south of Staunton. By this date, Daniel had been working as a constable in Staunton a few months.

The following year he would sell Staunton Lot No. 6. Daniel and Elizabeth made a nice profit when they sold it for 100 Pounds to John McDowell July 21, 1806. The sale was presented the same day at the Court of Hustings held for the Corporation of Staunton.

Several years passed and on March 20, 1811 Archibald and Eleanor Stuart sold another small parcel to Daniel Piper containing 25 poles. The sale of Lot No. 32 was acknowledged in the Court of Hustings the same day.

Then on April 20, 1812 Great Grandfather acquired part of Lot No. 14 from the Stuart’s for 20 Pounds—another ¼ acre parcel.

Daniel Piper needed $300 and arranged to mortgage the most recent ¼ acre to Adam Sheuy Nov 13, 1813. Jacob Leas and Andrew Haroufe served as trustees in the arrangement. The following summer the indenture in trust with Adam Shuey was acknowledged in the Staunton Court of Hustings.

More family business occurred in Middlebrook when Daniel’s son-in-law and daughter, Henry Stover and Polly, sold him Lot No. 35. The Middlebrook sale was recorded with the Augusta County Court.

In April of 1821, Daniel sold his Middlebrook property (Lot No. 47 he acquired in 1805) to James Cosby. As was the case with the other Middlebrook, Augusta County deeds, I need to view the county clerk’s copies.

Daniel’s last Staunton transaction was dated October 20, 1823. This occurred after his death. It involved Lot No. 14 that he had mortgaged in 1813 and the debt owed Adam Shuey. It appears Jacob Leas and Andrew Harouf had to sell the ¼ acre for nonpayment. John Joseph, Daniel’s son-in-law, purchased the property at a public sale for $175.

While pleased to know more about my ancestor, I have new questions. What happened to the Middlebrook lot that Henry and Polly Stover conveyed to Daniel? And what did my 3^rd Great Grandfather John Joseph do with the ¼ acre lot he bought at the public sale?

An inventory of Great Grandfather Daniel’s personal estate didn’t answer my questions. However, it did reveal Daniel owned a German Bible and German books hinting at his origins. I know he couldn’t fulfill his mortgage commitment and his personal estate reflected his financial hard times valued at $35.20.

Son-in-law Henry Stover’s final accounting of Daniel’s estate showed only a $12.16 balance after his bills were attended to.

Excerpt Augusta County, Virginia

Will Book 15, page 137

I’ll post next time about Daniel Piper and Elizabeth Acker’s children.

Links to:

Tough Nut to Crack, Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor

Constable Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor, Part 2

Constable Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor, Part 2

I promised an accounting of Daniel Piper’s census records in my last post Tough Nut to Crack, Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor.

Great Grandfather was alive for the 1790 and 1800 federal census, but those enumerations have long been lost to Virginia researchers.

By 1790 Daniel and Elizabeth Acker had been married several years. A1790 personal property tax list reveals Daniel taxed in Shenandoah County, Virginia.

The 1800 personal property tax lists provide a new location for the family in neighboring Augusta County, Virginia. Nothing further can be gleaned from the document besides Daniel being required to pay a tax on himself.

The 1810 and 1820 federal enumerations added to Great Grandfather’s story.

Augusta County remained home to the Piper’s when the 1810 federal census was recorded. It breaks down the family into the following categories:

            1 white male under 10 years: son Daniel A. Piper

            1 white male 45 years of age and up: father Daniel Piper

            3 females under 10 years: the youngest daughters Frances, Eliza and Sarah

            2 females between 10 and 16 years: Polly and Margaret

            1 female 45 years of age and up: Mother Elizabeth (Acker) Piper

Three more children not included in the 1810 census round out the family. An older son, Joseph, born about 1789 was close to 21 years old in 1810. The second son, George W. Piper, would have been around 18 years of age. I couldn’t locate Joseph or George as heads of household in 1810 and don’t know where they were living. Daniel and Elizabeth Piper’s eldest daughter, Elizabeth, had already married. The youngest son, William K. Piper, had not yet been born.

The 1820 census surprised me. Daniel Piper’s household included just one male over 45 years engaged in manufactures. No doubt he was the one male but where were his wife and younger children? Had Grandmother Elizabeth died? The older children Joseph, Polly, George, and Margaret all had married in the intervening years.

In 2005 the Virginia Genealogical Society published Wesley E. Pippenger’s Index to Virginia Estates 1800-1865, Volume 6, Counties of Augusta and Rockingham, City of Staunton. Staunton is one of Virginia’s independent cities and maintained their own records. This is where I found five index entries for bonds titled “Piper, Daniel, constable” in Staunton will books.

Since I was borrowing Staunton land records from the Library of Virginia, I requested the will books too. Yes, the Staunton land transactions (which I’ll tell you about soon) and the bonds are for my brick wall ancestor Constable Piper.

To become a constable, Daniel needed to issue a bond promising the Corporation of Staunton two full years of service. If he did not, he would forfeit $500 to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Great Grandfather committed to five two-year terms beginning June 17, 1805, serving until June 1815.

I’m including a transcription of the1809 bond from Staunton Will Book 1, pages 125-126.

Know all men by these presents, that we Daniel Piper and Jacob Leas are held and firmly bound unto his Excellency John Tyler esquire Govvenor of Virginia and his successors, for the use of the Commonwealth, in the just and full sum of five hundred dollars, to which payment well and truly to be made, we bind our-selves, our heirs, executors and administrators firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated the twentieth day of June 1809, and in the 33^rd year of the Commonwealth.

            The conditions of the above obligation is such, that whereas the above bound Daniel Piper hath been duly appointed Constable in and for the Corporation of Staunton for the term of two years from the date of these presents. Now if the said Daniel Piper shall well and truly make due return of all precepts and papers, that shall come into his hands by virtue of his Office, and shall in all other respects, well and truly discharge the duties of a Constable within the said Corporation for and during the term aforesaid, according to law, then the above Obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and Virtue.

                                                                                    Daniel Piper

                                                                                    Jacob Leas

Signed, sealed and acknowledged

 in Open Court

            Teste.

                Vincent Tapp, C. C^k

Come back and visit soon. I’m planning a Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor, Part 3 blog post.

Tough Nut to Crack, Daniel Piper, Brick Wall Ancestor

“Tough Nut to Crack” describes 4^th Great Grandfather Daniel Piper. So far, he’s proven hard to know. For many years I’ve been stymied in my efforts to find Daniel’s origins. My blog’s been quiet while I mull over my research. Still, I can’t tell who Great Grandfather’s parents were, but I’ve added a few details to his story. It’s time to share what I know.

Daniel Piper’s last known residence was Augusta County, Virginia where he died in the spring of 1823. I don’t know when or where he was born but I estimate his birth about 1760.

The earliest record I have for Great Grandfather is a record of his marriage bond to Elizabeth Acker.

     Piper, Danl. --- Acker, Eliz. Sept. 19, 1786. Bondsman: George Wetzel.
         Shenandoah County, Virginia Marriage Bonds, 1772-1850,

            Compiled by Bernice M. Ashby, page 13

According to several family trees on Ancestry.com, Elizabeth Acker, daughter of Johan Heinrich Acker and Catherine Wehrly/Worley, was born Nov. 13, 1767, possibly in York County, Pennsylvania. She died before 1821 at the age of 54. Unfortunately, the family trees don’t include source citations for any of this information.

After their marriage, Daniel was included in the 1787 Shenandoah County, Virginia personal property tax lists. (Also 1788.) Daniel Piper and brother-in-law Michael Acre appeared in the same entry on a 1789 personal property tax list in Shenandoah County. The date was Oct. 16, 1789, and they were taxed for 2 white tithables with 2 steed horses.

A List of Tithables & Taxable property taken by Taverner Beale one of the Commissioners of Taxes for Shanandoah Co., page 19

The Shenandoah tax accessor had him in their sights again in 1790, 1791, and 1792. I lost track of Daniel in 1793 but found him in Shenandoah in 1794 and 1795.

 

March 10, 1794

Shenandoah Co. VA Personal Property Tax List

For the most part, Daniel was taxed for being a male over 21 years of age residing in Shenandoah County and the owner of a horse.

Sometime between 1795 and 1800 Daniel and Elizabeth relocated to Augusta County, Virginia. Great Grandfather was among those assessed on the 1800 Augusta County, VA personal property tax list.

During those years, Daniel acted as a surety when his sister-in-law Magdalena Acker married John Warley March 28, 1796.

       1796--March 28, John Warley and Daniel Piper, surety. John Warley and Magdalena Acker, daughter of Henry Acker, deceased.

     Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, Marriage Licenses, Marriage Bonds, and Marriages;1793-1794, page 322

I don’t have land tax lists for the Piper’s but do have an abstract of Daniel’s land transactions in Augusta County, VA. My favorite Augusta County Genealogist, the late Mrs. Katherine Bushman, sent me a brief history of Great Grandfather’s land deals. I don’t feel comfortable discussing the transactions without viewing the deeds, but this is a beginning. I’ve requested the City of Staunton records via an interlibrary loan from the Library of Virginia and hope to have more details to share with you soon.

Deed Book 31, page 7, April 28, 1800
Michael Seyford and Catharine his wife, to Daniel Piper Lot #14, Newtown section of Staunton
Deed Book 33, page 251, Nov. 25, 1805
William Scott and Nancy his wife, of Middlebrook, to Daniel Piper Lot # 47, Middlebrook
Deed Book 44, page 4, April 10, 1819
Henry Stover and Polly his wife, to Daniel Piper Lot 35, Middlebrook [Son-in-law and daughter of Daniel Piper].
Deed Book 45, page 398, April 4, 1821
Daniel Piper to James Cosby, Lot #47, Middlebrook.

City of Staunton, Virginia, records, Circuit Court Clerk:

Deed Book 1, page 22, Sept. 19, 1803
Daniel Piper and Elizabeth, his wife, to Jacob Leas Lot #14, Newtown; to Piper from Seyford and wife, April 28, 1800.
Deed Book 1, page 41, Nov. 14, 1804
Archibald Stuart and Eleanor his wife, to Daniel Piper Lot #6, Stuart Addition, Staunton.
Deed Book 1, page 65, July 21, 1806
Daniel Piper and Elizabeth, to John McDowell Lot #6, Stuart Addition.
Deed Book 1, page 186, March 20, 1811
Archibald Stuart and Eleanor to Daniel Piper Lot 32, Stuart Addition.
Deed Book 1, page 228, April 20, 1812
Archibald Stuart and Eleanor to Daniel Piper part of lot #14, Stuart Addition
Deed Book 1, page 288, Nov. 30, 1813 Deed of Trust Daniel Piper of Staunton
Jacob Leas and Andrew Harouf Mortgage of lot #14, Newtown, where Daniel Resided.
Deed Book 2, page 262, Oct. 20, 1823
Jacob Leas and Andrew Harouf to John Joseph
sale of lot mortgaged by Daniel Piper in 1813 Lot #14, Stuart Addition (this deed reads Stuart Addition while the mortgage reads Newtown) [John Joseph was a son-in-law of Daniel Piper].

I’ll discuss the Piper children in my next post along with the few census enumerations I found for Daniel.

Uncle Joe, Life-Long Musician

Uncle Joe Crowder is a perfect fit for the musical theme of Amy Johnson Crow’s “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks” writing challenge. You’re looking at The New Theater Orchestra from Staunton, Virginia. Uncle Joe is pictured in the back row first on the left with a bass violin.

Photo courtesy of Charles Culbertson

The News Leader, Staunton, Virginia, Sat., Dec. 11, 2004

Members of the New Theater Orchestra

Sometime in the 1920’s

Uncle Joe married my Grandfather’s sister, Lytie Lorraine Joseph, in Augusta County, Virginia June 20, 1917. He died before I was born so I knew little about him. That changed today when I found his obituary and prepared a transcription for this post. I hope you enjoy hearing about Uncle Joe, our family’s music man.

Staunton-News Leader, Staunton, Virginia, Friday Morning, August 20, 1943

CROWDER DIES AFTER ILLNESS, PENNSYLVANIA

    Joseph L. Crowder, sergeant music instructor, United States Army, died in Valley Forge General Hospital, Phoenixville, Penna., Thurs-day morning. He had been a patient there several months and his condition had for some weeks caused alarm.

   Sergeant Crowder was born in Staunton, fifty-eight years ago, a son of Captain Thomas J. Crowder, long a commissioner of revenue here, and Mrs. Betty Virginia Crowder, and spent most of his life in Staunton. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lytie Joseph Crowder; a brother, Erol, and sister, Etta, and two nieces, Virginia and Josephine Crowder, all of this city.

   The body will be brought here for final services, but arrangements have not been completed.

Life-Long Musician

   Sergeant Crowder was a musician, proficient in various instruments, and devoted the greater part of his life to teaching and playing. He received his first instruction from his brother, the late S. Travers Crowder, a well known trombonist. Some of the Sergeant’s pupils are now members of the Stonewall Brigade band, with which he had been associated for about forty years. He had served it both as director and assistant director, as well as filling various chairs in concert. In the days when theaters used orchestras, Sergeant was regularly employed as a string bass. In amateur theatricals here, his services always were gladly given. He also played in various church ensembles.

   He served on the Mexican border with the old First Virginia Infantry band, but in World War I was not eligible due to a physical imperfection. When he was turned down for active duty then, he volunteered for Y.M.C.A. work and was accepted. Three years ago when our war clouds were gathering, he again volunteered and was accepted as a band master-instructor of the 116^th Virginia Infantry (National Guard) band, and went to Fort Meade when this regiment was called into federal service last February two years ago. He was with the band on maneuvers in Virginia, the Carolinas, in Florida, and went abroad with the 116^th last September.

   All of his service was in England, and it was there in late December that he developed pneumonia. He recovered, but later complications developed and he spent considerable time in a hospital there before being sent to the United States in early spring. He was at Halloran General hospital, Staten Island, N. Y., for several months before being transferred to Phoenixville. Military procedure had been executed and he was due to be transferred to Woodrow Wilson General hospital here when his fatal illness developed.

Guest of Lady Astor

   During his service in England, the Stauntonian upon one occasion was talking with a group at a railroad station. He mentioned Virginia and a woman standing nearby turned to him, inquiring if his home was in Virginia. He replied affirmatively, and the inquirer identified herself as Lady Nancy Astor, originally of “Mirridor,” near Greenwood. Lady Nancy invited Sergeant Crowder to be her guest one weekend at her English estate; “Clivedon.” He accepted, and his visit there was one of the most pleasant experiences while abroad.

   Sergeant Crowder was a man of quiet disposition, his great appreciation of music mellowing his life, and causing him to find contentment in the less boisterous pursuits. He was fond of reading, research, and travel. His many fine qualities won him a large circle of friends, both in civilian and military life. He was a member of the Central Methodist church, Staunton.

   Mrs. Crowder was notified late Wednesday that his condition was much worse and she left immediately for Phoenixville, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Farrar. They arrived just before he died.

Fellow musicians paid tribute to Uncle Joe as reported in the The Evening Leader, Staunton, Virginia:

     “The Stonewall Brigade band here records its profound sorrow at the passing of this fine man and fine musician, and extends to his family its sincerest sympathy. With Longfellow, we say:

          “He has moved a little nearer

                To the Master of all music.”

Sergeant Joseph Crowder

If you’re an Ogden with Orange County, New York ties, call this your Lucky Day

Dear Readers,

I bet you wish you could step back in time and have a visit with a relative who knew a 2^nd Great Grandmother. That’s what happened to me when I discovered an interview at my local genealogical society.

Eighty-four years ago, June 1, 1934, Mrs. Emma Wood visited with a local historian and genealogist. Emma Wood was born Emma Frances Ogden August 10, 1864 at Otisville, New York to Joseph Stewart Ogden and Charlotte Anna Satterly.  She’s my first cousin 3 times removed.

In other words, she was my 2^nd Great Grandmother Harriet C. Ogden’s niece.

When Emma Frances was born, Great Grandmother Harriet was a young wife married to Jeremiah B. Clark. By the time Harriet passed in 1912, Emma was 48 years old living in Middletown, New York.

An Ogden family enthusiast employed genealogist Miss Elizabeth Horton to learn the family history. That must be what brought Miss Horton and Emma together June 1, 1934. Emma would have been 70 years old. She reminisced about her Aunts and Uncles while Miss Horton wrote down her recollections. Miss Horton prepared 3 pages of hand written notes from the interview. This is old school genealogy—nothing typed, indexed or digitized.

I know what you’re thinking. I will admit the notes seem a bit messy, but this is a rare glimpse into the family. If you’re an Ogden with Orange County, New York ties, call this your lucky day.

After Miss Horton died, her research was gathered in paper bags and brought to the Orange County Genealogical Society.  Society volunteers sorted and added her materials to the vertical file collection.

Contact or visit your genealogical and historical societies. Treasures might be waiting for you too.

Richard Halstead Puts his House in Order, 1700-1785

On May 27, 2018, I published The Halstead Ancestors quoting an Orange County, New York history introducing Richard Halstead to my readers. You can view the blog post here.

Today I’ll share his last will and testament with you. As you’ll see, he wanted his wife provided for as long as she remained his widow. Land, household items, livestock and money gifts were left to his heirs. Digital images appear at the end of my post.

His will was dated May 5, 1774, and proved December 1, 1785 in New York City, New York.

   In the name of God Amen I Richard Holstead of Goshen in Orange County in the Province of New York being now in health of body but through God's goodness in sound perfect and disposing mind and memory for I am thankfull being mindfull that it tis appointed once for all men to dye and that the hour of death is uncertain and also that it Behoves every one to set his house in order while in this life do make this my last will and testament in manner following

   first of all I bequeath my soul to God who gave it recommending on his mercy through Christ my redeemer for Salvation and my body I recommend to the earth to be decently interred at the discretion of my Exr's hereafter mentioned and touching and concerning my worldly estate 

   I give, bequeath, devise will and order in the following manner desiring everyone concerned in the Distribution thereof will be contented and satisfied therewith Imprimis I give and do order unto my Exrs hereafter named so much of my movable estate for them to dispose of for the payment of all my just debts and funeral charges in some convenient time after my Deceas 

   Item I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Esther Holstead all the remainder of my household furniture excepting my large cubbord and I do give and order that my said wife shall have sufficient house room in my said dwelling house and the benefit of the equal half of my homestead lot adjoining to my said dwelling house also one riding hors, two cows, six sheep the above said benefit of my said dwelling house and homestead lot shall remain to her no longer than she shall remain my widow and the above mentioned furniture and creatures she shall have them forever and be at her own disposal 

Esther Holstead was born Esther Oldfield (1707), a daughter of Joseph Oldfield and Martha Grasset. Richard gifted Esther with all his furniture with one exception. He also directed his executors that Esther should have a place in his dwelling house and some farm stock to call her own.

   Item I give and bequeath to my son Michael Holstead all my whole farm or tract of land I now do live upon scituate lying and being on the west side of the Drowned land and the Wallakill within the Patten of Wawayanda in the County and Province aforesaid which I did lately purchase from Henry Davee his Deed of conveyance being had refference thereto will give the boundaries of the said tract or farm of land which said tract or farm shall remain together with the approvements and appurtenances thereunto belonging and also my working horses mairs and all others creatures of cattle kind and sheep and all my farming utensils to him my said son Michael Holsted and to his heirs and assigns forever 

Richard’s son, Michael, inherited his father’s homestead lot along with the livestock. I couldn’t locate the deed referred to in Orange County records. From the description, it sounds like this was the property Michael Halstead owned in the town of Minisink.

   Item I do give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah Seely my above mentioned large cubbord and the equal moiety or half part of all my whole right that I have to a certain tract or lot of land which was set of land containing about three thousand acres for the benefit and use of all those persons that hath town rights belonging to the township of Goshen scituate within the Patten of Wawayanda which said moiety or half part of all my whole right to the above mentioned tract shall remain to my said daughter Sarah Seely and to her daughters and their assigns forever 

I was wondering who was going to get that large cupboard.  Richard bequeathed one-half of his 3,000-acre Goshen tract to Sarah and the Seely granddaughters.

   Item I do give and bequeath unto my grand son Samuel Holstead my other equal moiety or half part of my whole right as his above mentioned and described and to be equally divided with my said daughter Sarah which said half part shall remain to him and to his heirs and assigns forever. 

A grandson, Samuel Halstead, got the remaining half of the Goshen tract. Perhaps Samuel’s father was Isaiah Halstead.

   Item I do give and bequeath unto all my said sons Richard Holstead, Joseph Holstead, Isaiah Holstead, Benjamin Holstead and Michael Holstead the remainder of all my town right of lands within the patten of Wayawanda aforesaid to be equally divided between them which shall remain to them and their respective heirs and assigns forever. 

   Item I do give and bequeath to my son Benjamin Holstead all the remainder of my southeast Division lot of land situate in the township of Goshen aforesaid supposed to be about ten acres of land be the same more or less which shall remain to him and to his heirs and assigns forever. 

   Item I do give unto my sons Richard and Isaiah each five shilling New York money to be paid to them out of my moveable estate by my Exrs which shall remain to them and their respective heirs and assigns forever my will is

According to The Michael Shoemaker Book, Richard and Isaiah Halstead left Orange County, New York and migrated to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania where they remained for many years.

and I do order my said son Michael Holstead to provide maintain sufficiently all necessarys and fire wood for my said wife Esther and also to provide for her creatures during her widowhood and

Taking care of Mom falls to Michael and rightly so.

   Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my loving wife Esther Holstead and my sons Joseph Holstead and Michael Holstead or in case of death the survivours of them to be the Executors of this my last will and testament and for them to see that the above devisions be as equally as maybe and I do revoke and disannull all other wills and testaments and do declare this to be my last  In witness whereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seal this fifth day of May and in the year of our Lord Christ seventeen hundred and seventy four 1774

     Richard (X his mark) Holstead   Signed, sealed, delivered and and Declared by the Testator to be his last will and testament 

    Note before signing and executing hereof my will his that my Said Pue in the Presbyterian meeting house in Goshen shall remain to the use and benefit of all my family until such time as they shall so cause to dispose of it)

As early as 1721/22, Richard and others contributed land to establish the Goshen Presbyterian Church. Great Grandfather insured the Halstead’s standing in the Goshen Presbyterian Church reserving his family pew for their benefit.

and the words enterlined in the fifth line from the top of this side of this half sheet (for my said wife Esther)

   Henry David, Daniel Everett, Susanna [V] Huge 

   Orange County}  Be it remembered on the first day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty five personally appeared before me James Everett Surrogate of the said County Daniel Everett of the Precinct of Goshen in said County Esquire who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he saw Richard Halsted deceased make his mark to and seal the within written instrument purporting to be the last will and testament of the said Richard Halstead bearing date the fifth day of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy four and that he heard him publish and declare the same as and for his last will and testament that at the time thereof he the said Richard Halsted was of a sound disposing mind and memory to the best of the knowledge and belief of him the Deponent that his name subscribed to the said will is of his proper handwriting which he subscribed as a witness thereto in the Testator's presence and that he saw the other witnesses subscribe their names as witnesses thereto in the Testator's presence.   James Everett Surrogate

    The People of the State of New York by the Grace of God Free and Independent to all to whom these presents shall come or may concern Send Greeting Know Ye that in Orange County on the first day of December instant before James Everett Esquire thereunto by us delegated and appointed the last will and testament of Richard Holsted deceased (a copy whereof is hereunto annexed) was proved and is now approved and allowed by us and the said deceased having whilst he lived and at the time of his death goods, chattels or credits within this State by means whereof the proving and registering the said will and the granting Administration of all and singular the said goods, Chattels and credits and also the auditing allowing and final discharging the account thereof doth belong unto us The Administration of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased and any way concerning his will is granted unto Joseph Holstead and Michael Holstead Two of the Executors in the said will named the being first duty sworn well and faithfully to Administer the same and to make and exhibit a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits and also to render a just and true account thereof when there unto required  In Testimony whereof we have caused the seal of our Court of Probates to be hereunto affixed

Witness Thomas Tredwell Esquire Judge of our said Court at the City of New York the fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five         Dav Judson Clk

New York Co., NY, Wills and Administrations, Volume 38, pages 264-267

  

Richard Halstead’s Will begins last paragraph p 264

Continues on p 265

Richard Halstead’s Will pages 266-267

Ogden Family Reunion Otisville, NY July 29, 1882

I found an article in the Middletown Daily Argus reporting on an Ogden family reunion. It gets wonderful; it’s my 2^nd Great Grandmother Harriet (Ogden) Clark’s family. The gathering took place on Saturday, July 29, 1882 in Otisville, Orange County, New York. Otisville is a village located in the town of Mount Hope.

A few facts are off but I’m not complaining. How many people know what their 2^nd Great Grandmother was doing on a summer day 136 years ago.

  

A Family Reunion.

   A reunion of the Ogden family was held at the residence of Wm. Martine, Otisville, last Saturday. The head of the present family was Gilbert Ogden, formerly of Middletown. He died some years ago, leaving fourteen children, ten of whom were present at the reunion. There are twelve of the children still alive, two having died within the past few years. A notable feature of the reunion was the presence of some of the children from the West who had not met with their brothers and sisters for twenty-one years. Constable John S. Ogden, of this village, is one of six boys of the family.

      Middletown Daily Argus, Middletown, New York published August 1, 1882 Issue

The father of the family was Gilbert B. Ogden born July 9, 1795. He married Mary Hazen Jan. 11, 1817 and they raised 15 children (not 14 as reported) in Orange County, New York—10 sons and 5 daughters. They moved to Wantage, New Jersey during the 1840’s. Gilbert died there June 6, 1848.

Fourteen Ogden siblings were living when William Martine hosted the reunion. Contrary to what the Argus printed, only one child, Gilbert Ogden Jr., had passed away and that was in 1871.

The brothers from the West were Graham Ogden and Lewis C. Ogden. Both had left the area years earlier and settled in White Lake, Oakland County, Michigan.

Let’s get back to Saturday, July 29, 1882 and ponder who might have enjoyed the reunion.

The Ogden Siblings:

1)    John S. Ogden, age 64 years, attended the day’s events. His wife Aceneath Greer and children Cornelia and Charles Edward most likely accompanied him. John’s daughter Margaret, husband Angus Terwilliger and their young children might have enjoyed the reunion. The same could be said for son John W., wife Susan Trusdell and kids. Hopefully, Grandson William D. Hetzel didn't miss the fun. No doubt youngest son Sylvanus and young bride Edna A. Anderson were invited.

2)    Lewis C. Ogden, age 62 years, traveled from his home in the West at White Lake, Oakland Co., Michigan. I don’t know whether Uncle Lewis’ adult daughters visited the East but it’s a good bet his wife Phebe Harding was with him since she was born in Sullivan County, New York.

3)    William B. Ogden, age ca 61 years, was a widower by this date. His children Sarah Ann, Orpha M., John, Wickham H. and Emma Jane lived locally. Perhaps they joined the festivities too.

4)    Sarah Elizabeth Ogden, age 59 years, wife of William Martine, served as hostess for the party. I bet her daughters Esther and Hattie helped with the preparations.

5)    Sally Malinda Ogden, age ca 58 years, and 2^nd husband Charles Crawford lived close by in the town of Mount Hope making it likely they too joined the Ogden siblings.

6)    Graham Ogden, age 55 years, traveled from the West to be at the affair with wife Abigail P. Marie. He was also a White Lake, Oakland Co, Michigan resident.

7)    Hannah M. Ogden, age ca 56, widow of Joseph M. Crane, lived with her daughters in Port Jervis, New York after her husband’s death in 1868. I'm hoping she got to reminisce with her brothers and sisters.

8)    Seth T. Ogden, age ca 54, a Mount Hope dweller, would have brought his wife Martha Dunlap and children Emma Ann and Charles Mapes. Seth’s daughter Phebe Augusta and spouse James A. Conklin along with baby and toddler might have made an appearance.

9)    Gilbert B. Ogden, Jr. deceased. As I said earlier Gilbert Jr. died a young man. I don’t know if Widow Antoinette Hait and children Madison, Mary Elizabeth (Ogden) Nelson, Casper C., Ella A., and Henry Harrison were guests at the Martine home.

10)  Joseph S. Ogden, age 49 years, wife Charlotte Anna Satterly, and family Emma Frances, James Alva, Charles B., George W. and Frank Leroy were Orange County residents, so they might have attended the reunion.

11)  Asa J. Ogden, 47 years old, and a twin to Andrew J. Ogden, lived close to the Martine’s and could get to the party easily with wife Charlotte Hallock and five offspring: Alonzo G. and Asa J. by Asa’s 1^st wife; William and Frances by 2^nd wife Charlotte.

12)  Andrew Jackson Ogden, age 47 years, and twin brother to Asa J. Ogden. He lived in Mount Hope for many years, so it would have been an easy carriage ride for him to bring his wife Hester C. Marsh and kids Ira Pierson, Lillian Irene, Alma M. and James Smiley.

13)  Mary Jane Ogden, age 43 years, probably didn’t attend as she was living in Saco, York Co., Maine with 2^nd husband Solomon True Jr.

14)  Charles Henry Ogden, age 42 years, is a definite guest possibility. He, too, lived in the town of Mount Hope with daughter Nancy and wife Mary E. Silvieus.

15)  Harriet Cornelius Ogden, 39 years old, wife of Jeremiah B. Clark from Goshen, Orange Co., New York, hopefully enjoyed the day with her siblings and youngsters Frances, David Pullis, Minnie Isabel, twins Frank Emerson and Amos Ryerson, Lillian Mae and Grace Lee.