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Saturday, March 24, 2018

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Nancy Jane (Miller) Clemmer, 1817-1885


My Miller ties begin with 3rd Great Grandmother Nancy Jane Miller born November 17, 1817. She was the second child of Sarah Hawpe and Joseph Miller from Rockbridge County, Virginia. Nancy married William K. Clemmer in Rockbridge June 28, 1842. After their marriage, they made their home in neighboring Augusta County, Virginia.

I’ve always wanted to write a post featuring Great Grandmother Nancy. I have assorted documents and census records for the couple but few solely for Nancy. Recently, I located a news clipping about Nancy J. Clemmer’s passing.

The Valley Virginian published in Staunton, Virginia reported Great Grandmother’s death in their Thursday, March 12, 1885 issue:

   “On the 17th of February the messenger of death visited the residence of Mr. Wm. K. Clemmer, and took the wife and mother. She had suffered for some weeks from a stroke of paralysis. Her remains were at St. Johns (Reformed) Church; funeral service by the Rev. Mr. Shreckhise.”


Nancy J. Clemmer was known as “the wife and mother”—a mother to 12 children and a wife to William for 42 years.

The Clemmer children:

1.     Mary Elizabeth Clemmer born 13 Feb 1843 in Augusta County, Virginia; died 18 Apr 1862 at the age of 19.
2.     George Lewis Clemmer, born 5 Jun 1844, Augusta County, Virginia; married Letitia Ann Lange, 13 Oct 1870, Deerfield, Virginia, United States; married Elizabeth A. McClintic, 1891; died 31 Jan 1920, Rivershead District, Augusta, Virginia.
3.     Sarah Jane Clemmer, born 20 Oct 1845, Augusta County, Virginia; married Robert Dunlap Firebaugh, 9 Dec 1866, Augusta County, Virginia; died 12 May 1938.
4.     Joseph Henry Clemmer, born 7 Mar 1847, Augusta County, Virginia; married Sarah Jane Snyder, 24 Mar 1870, Arbor Hill, Augusta, Virginia; died 24 Jun 1901, Augusta County, Virginia.
5.     Rachel M. Clemmer born ca 1848.
6.     Trusie Estelin Clemmer, born 22 Apr 1849, Augusta County, Virginia; married John Martin Baylor, 9 Sep 1867, Middlebrook, Augusta, Virginia; died 1 Apr 1911.
7.     Emma Roberta Clemmer, born Dec 1851, Virginia; married Newton J. Baylor, 21 Oct 1875, Middlebrook, Augusta, Virginia; died 1930.
8.     Emily Clemmer was born about 1852.
9.     Annie Eliza Clemmer, born 14 Aug 1855, Augusta County, Virginia; married William S. Cochran, 30 Dec 1886, Middlebrook, Augusta, Virginia.
10. Luella B. Clemmer, born 15 Nov 1856, Augusta County, Virginia; married Millard F. Palmer, 8 Nov 1877, Augusta County, Virginia; died 16 Dec 1916.
11. John Letcher Clemmer, born 5 Jan 1859, Virginia; married Mary C. Bosserman, 6 Oct 1881; died 4 Aug 1941.
12. Carrie W. Clemmer, born Apr 1864, Virginia; married William Camper Bosserman, 24 Nov 1887, Augusta County, Virginia; died 1949.

I wish I knew more about Nancy Jane Miller aside from a few dates and places. Readers, it’s my hope you’ll be able to tell me about my 3rd Great Grandmother.



You might enjoy reading WM. K. CLEMMER’S SPECIAL PARDON, 52 Ancestors 52 Weeks



Saturday, March 10, 2018

Golden Wedding and the Golden Coins


The Evening Leader, Staunton, Virginia
Wednesday, November 15, 1922

   Mr. and Mrs. J. W. White celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home near Mt. Solon on Nov. 14, with their children and many other relatives present. The occasion was a delightful one, and a real old Virginia dinner was served to the large company assembled to greet Mr. and Mrs. White. Yellow chrysanthemums were used in profusion for house and table decorations. Many beautiful presents were received.
   Mr. and Mrs. White have six children, 40 grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.
   Present at the golden wedding were Mrs. Clara Brown and two sons, White Throne, Va.; Mr. and Mrs. A. S. White and four children, White Throne; Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Clemmer and nine children, of near Staunton; Mr. and Mrs. B. B. White and daughter, Staunton; Mr. Ernest White, at home; Mr. Walter Sandy, a son-in-law, and two children, Mt. Solon; Mrs. I. S. Brown, Abilene, Texas; Miss Leila Brown, Waynesboro; Mrs. G. C McClain, Greenville; Mr. and Mrs. John Props, Mt. Solon; Mr. and Mrs. James Props, Mt. Solon; and the Rev. Mr. Harris.

The honorees, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. White, were my 2nd Great Grandparents Mary (aka Mollie) Agnes Brown and John William White. I introduced my readers to Great Grandfather in post JOHN WILL WHITE, Father, Grandfather, GreatGrandfather – 52 Ancestors. It’s Good to See you, Grandma Mollie features Great Grandmother.

Mollie Agnes Brown married John William White near Waynesboro, Virginia Nov. 14, 1872. They lived in the Middle River District, Augusta County, VA with their children—Clara Louise, James William, Arthur Stuart, Ella Virginia, Olive Leora, Bernard Brown and Ernest Boyd White.

So who are these folks that spent an enjoyable Sunday at the Great Grandparents’ place?

The first five guests listed above were the White siblings who celebrated their parents’ golden wedding anniversary along with children and spouses. Olive Leora (White) Sandy died in 1919 but widower Walter Sandy attended the party.
                                                                                                                        
Mrs. I. S. Brown from Abilene, Texas was Lou Brown--the wife of Great Grandmother’s brother, Isaac Stuart Brown. The family called him Uncle Ike and they traveled from Abilene to be at the golden wedding. Uncle Ike left Augusta County for Texas years before. His Virginia family called him their millionaire uncle because he became wealthy in the sheep and cattle business. While remembering Uncle Ike in the Clemmer History, Uncle Casper Garber wrote “On the occasion of Grandfather and Grandmother White’s 50th anniversary, he and his wife came back, and the family remembers that he left them some gold coins for the occasion.”

Miss Leila Brown and Mrs. G. C. McClain were sisters and nieces of Grandma Mollie. Leila and Alma’s father, Henry Weed Brown, passed a few months earlier leaving Uncle Ike and Grandma Mollie the surviving Brown siblings.

I don’t know of any connection to Mr. and Mrs. John Props nor Mr. and Mrs. James Props. Perhaps they were neighbors.

Clergyman Rev. Mr. Harris completed the Evening Leader’s guest list.


Ignace Henri Jean Fantin-Latour



Saturday, March 3, 2018

#52 Ancestors: Where there’s a Will


Join me as I share my ancestor’s will and annotations. Don’t forget to contact me if we’re related. 

In the name of God Amen I Joseph Brundige of the town of Minisink in Orange County being sick and weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding do make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following that is to say  

When Joseph prepared his will Feb. 2, 1830, 4th Great Grandfather was 60 years of age. The section in Minisink where Joseph Brundage lived would later become the town of Wawayanda.

First I give and devise to my sons Orzimus C., William T., Samuel, Abijah, Mastin and Merrit all my real estate consisting of about one hundred and twenty acres of land to hold to their and to their heirs and assigns forever subject to the legacies charges and conditions herein after mentioned

Great Grandfather purchased several pieces of land in the Minisink area according to deeds at the Orange County Government Center, Goshen, NY.  On Sept. 24, 1804 he acquired 61 and 3/4 acres from John Green and his wife Cloe. [Deeds Liber L, page 78.]  The June 15, 1813 issue of the Orange County Gazette reported the 61 3/4 acres was slated to be sold for non-payment of interest.

In March of 1815, Joseph bought 70 acres he formerly owned from Holloway Stephens and wife Amy. [Deeds Liber 39, page 189.]  Joshua Mulock and wife Sarah sold him 50 acres Jan. 4, 1823.  [Deeds Liber 39, page 191.]

also I give and devise to my six sons before named all my personal property of whatever nature or kind except as in herein after excepted,

That would be the six who shared the120 acres.

also I give and bequeath to my oldest son Epenetus Two hundred Dollars to be paid to him when my youngest son shall attain to the age of twenty one years,

It sounds like Epenetus didn’t take to farming. According to his father’s wishes, he needed to wait until the youngest boy became 21 years old (1845) before he could collect the $200.

Also I give and bequeath to my daughter Rosanah Brundige one hundred and fifty Dollars for an outset which I consider equivalent to the portions which I have already given to her sisters Azubah King and Sophia Knapp the said legacy to be paid to her when she shall be married, or if she should continue single when her youngest brother shall arrive at the age of twenty one and until one or the other of the said events shall happen my will is that she shall live at home with the family and be supported out of the proceeds of the property but if my said daughter Rosanah should die without being married and before her youngest brother shall attain to the age of twenty one years I then will and order that her legacy be distributed equally amongst all her surviving brothers and sisters

As you probably guessed, Rosanna was a girl when Joseph planned for her future without him. He had already provided for his married daughters Azubah and Sophia. Isaac P. King was Azubah’s husband and Sophia married Nathaniel Knapp.

also I give and bequeath to my wife Martha Brundige three cows and six sheep to be kept upon the farm also my clock and family Bible

What happened to the Bible? Did 4th Great Grandmother entrust it to one of the children and if so, which one?

she is also to be provided with a horse and wagon as often as she shall request the same and my desire is that she shall continue upon the farm and take the charge of my younger children,  Also to the end that my family may be kept together and that my younger children may have a home and a support  

it is my will that all the stock and farming utensils which I may have at the time of my decease shall be continued upon the farm and farther that there shall be no partition or division of my estate either real or personal until my youngest son shall arrive at the full age of twenty one years 

If I can rely on census records, Martha Brundage was 47 when Joseph passed. Great Grandfather definitely wanted her to remain on the farm until their youngest boy Masten reached his majority in 1845. Joseph needn’t worry about his land as his son Orsamus C. retained it by buying out his brothers.

I further order that the surplus funds arising from my estate if there should be any after defraying the necessary expenses of the family and after discharging such debts as are outstanding at the time of my death shall be appropriated to the erection of suitable buildings and in making such other necessary improvements upon the farm as shall be deemed advisable and proper

It’s a shame Great Grandfather Joseph died two years after the will was drawn up on Feb. 4, 1832. His thoughtfulness and love for his family and farm are evident. Ten children including six that were not yet 21 years old grieved their father.

Also I will and order that if any of my sons should die without leaving lawful issue before my youngest son shall arrive to the age of twenty one years then the share or shares of such deceased son or sons shall be distributed equally amongst his surviving brothers   

I do hereby constitute and appoint my wife Martha Brundige Executrix and my son Orzimus Brundige and my son in law Nathaniel Knapp Executors of this my last will and testament 




Nathaniel Knapp declined to serve as an executor April 30, 1832.

In witness where of I have signed sealed published and declared by the testator as and for his last will and testament in our presence who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto
Joseph Halstead of Minisink in Orange Co
Phebe Halstead of the same place
John E. Phillips of the same place

On March 15, 1832, Joseph Brundage's will was probated. An inventory was conducted by Abijah Wells and Jonathan Tuthill June 20, 1832 appraising his property to be worth $849.22.  (Inventory on file at Orange Co., NY Surrogate Court)

I’m on the lookout for Joseph Brundage’s bible. Brundage family researchers, can you help?


Source Orange County, New York, Wills, Liber I, page 324-328