JAMES CLYDE CLEMMER'S STORY

Great-grandfather

James Clyde Clemmer

1875-1928

Scanned image from Personal Collection

Born July 18, 1875 [1] in Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia James Clyde Clemmer was the third child of Joseph Henry Clemmer and Sarah Jane Snyder. He was a true middle child with two older sisters and two younger brothers—Katherine Hannah, Addie, Emmett Joseph and William Spiegel. James Clyde lived at home with his parents until at least June 1, 1900 according to federal census records when he worked as a laborer in a pulp mill and lived in the Middlebrook Precinct. [2]

The following newspaper gives a peek about James Clyde’s social outing on a September evening when he was a young man.

Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Thursday, September 16, 1897

        Croquet Party

Arbor Hill, Sept. 11--A few evenings ago Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Craig gave a croquet party in honor of Miss Daisy Caffrey of Ohio, who is visiting at their home. They played croquet until quite late; then they had an elegant supper and ice cream, after which they played various games until the hour of departure. The young people spent a delightful evening and enjoyed themselves immensely. Among those present were Misses Daisy Caffrey of Marietta, Ohio, Albena Cale, Effie Spitler, and Annie Hopkins of Arbor Hill, and Miss Oakey of Clifton Forge. The gentlemen were J. J. Bowman, Clyde Clemmer, Harry Baylor, and David Cale of Arbor Hill, and Alex. Caffrey of Staunton.

Ella & James’ Wedding Picture

Scanned Image from Personal Collection

James Clyde married Ella Virginia White June 7, 1905 [3]. Great-grandmother Ella was the daughter of John William White and Mary Agnes Brown. Ten children were born to James and Ella—Janie, my grandmother Lucy, Linwood, Helen, Elsie, Alice, Lewis, William, Eugene and Ray.

By 1910 Great-grandfather was employed as a store proprietor in Staunton with his home also in Staunton on Richardson Street. [4]

World War I began July 1914 in Europe. The United States remained neutral until April 6, 1917 when they declared war on Germany and entered World War I. As a result, James Clyde was required to register for the ‘draft’. His draft registration card was dated Sept. 12, 1918. At that time he was a farmer with his permanent residence and place of employment being RDF 7, Staunton, Virginia--age 43 years. [5] James Clyde was described as medium height, stout build, brown eyes and brown hair. Fortunately for his family, it wasn’t necessary for him to serve.

I found James, Ella and the children on a farm in the Hebron and Arbor Hill neighborhood Feb. 2, 1920. James held a mortgage and was farming the property. [6]

The Clemmer family was shaken when James Clyde died Dec. 7, 1928. [7] James Clyde became ill with appendicitis and surgery was performed at King’s Daughter Hospital. All expected him to recover but two days later Great-grandfather passed.  His death certificate states the cause of death was acute suppuratine appendicitis. Peritonitis septia was named a secondary cause in his death.

Staunton News Leader, Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia; Saturday, December 8, 1928

     James Clyde Clemmer, of the county, died Friday about 10:15 a.m. at the King’s Daughters’ hospital, where he underwent an appendix operation Wednesday night. His age was 53 years, 4 months and 18 days.

      Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from Hebron Presbyterian church, of which he was a member.

     Mr. Clemmer is survived by his widow, Mrs. Ella White Clemmer, and the following sons and daughters: Miss Janie and Lynwood Clemmer of Middletown, N.Y.; Mrs. James Joseph of Andover, N.J., Helen, Elsie, Louis, William, Eugene, and Ray at home.

Many years later a son-in-law, Casper Garber, recalled the family’s loss in a history he prepared for the Clemmer reunion:

     “The second week of December, tragedy struck—the happiness they had known was turned to blackness immediately. The father took appendicitis and 3 days later passed away. It was so sudden that it was stunning.”

     “The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon. There at the grave stood a 47 year-old mother and her 9 children, also a son-in-law, a baby grandson, many relatives and friends. Of those 9 children, 6 were less than 18 years old.”

The baby grandson was James Clyde’s 1^st grandchild. That baby was my father who was only a few months old.

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[1] Ancestry.com, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Database online. Registration Location: Augusta County, Virginia; Roll: 1984209

[2]  Ancestry.com, 1900 United States Federal Census; Database online. Year: 1900; Census Place: Middlebrook, Augusta, Virginia; Roll: T623_1700; Page: 11A; Enumeration District: 36

[3] Marriage date provided by daughter, Lucy Clemmer Joseph

[4] Ancestry.com, 1910 United States Federal Census), Database online. Year: 1910; Census Place: Staunton Ward 1, Staunton (Independent City), Virginia; Page 40; Sheet No. 28A, Enumeration District 119, Ward 1

[5] Ancestry.com, World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 Database online. Registration Location: Augusta County, Virginia; Roll: 1984209

[6] Ancestry.com, 1920 United States Federal Census Operations Inc., 2010. Images reproduced by (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Year: 1920; Census Place: Beverley Manor, Augusta, Virginia; Roll: T625_1880; Page: 8B; Enumeration District: 28

[7] Death Certificate  James Clyde Clemmer

MARY'S DANCE

Great-great-great grandmother Mary A. Case was born January 23, 1800 in Norwich, Connecticut to Asahal Case and Rosanna Sloan.[1] She married Bester B. Peck who is the subject of two previous blog posts  Bester B. Peck, Husband and Father, 1798-1863 and Hunting for Bester's Parents.

When 3^rd great grandmother Mary Case was a young woman, she tried a little dancing. Her church found her out and the following was recorded in the First Baptist Church, Norwich, Connecticut records.[2]

Image from Connecticut State Library Microfilm Collection

Transcript:

Friday, Octr. 8^th 1824

Met pursuant to appointment Opened the meeting by Singing & prayer and proceeded to business     _  _  _  _

1^st Sister Mary Case being present manifested she has done wrong in joining with the youts in dancing manifested repentanes of past  Gave satisfaction to the Chh. & was cordially received

It seems like she was forgiven in a loving fashion. Her offense was first noted at the Tuesday evening, October 5^th 1824 meeting when it was voted that Elder William Palmer (pastor) visit Sister Mary Case.

Mary had joined the First Baptist Church as a 17 year old and was baptized November 12, 1817.[3] First Baptists don't baptize infants or children preferring their members to acquire a maturity to understand its significance. When Mary was baptized, she would have been immersed in water following the traditions of her church. The membership lists indicate Mary transferred to another church but doesn’t state a date or church.

A few years later Elder William Palmer married Bester B. Peck and Mary at her father’s home on December 9, 1827.[4] Bester and Mary remained in Norwich where they raised their children. Bester passed May 1863 with Mary joining him March 10, 1865.

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[1] Vital Records of Norwich 1659-1848, pub. Hartford; Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut; 1913, Part II, Page 628.

[2] First Baptist Church Records, Norwich, Connecticut, 1800-1189, Microfilm Reel #64, 65, LDS #0005066 housed at the Connecticut State Library, Hartford, Connecticut

[3] Ibid

[4] Vital Records of Norwich 1659-1848, pub. Hartford; Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Connecticut; 1913, Part 5, page 701

Well Known County Man Embarks on His Third Matrimonial Venture

Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Friday, Oct. 21, 1910

Well Known County Man Embarks

on His Third Matrimonial Venture

    Yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the residence of the Rev. H. T. Heironimus, on Montgomery Avenue, Mr. Daniel F. Joseph of the Ashby neighborhood was wedded to Miss Julia Greaver. Mr. Joseph is forty seven years of age and this is his third bride, the former two having been Miss Bell Payne of Newport, Va., and Mrs. Flora Belle Bolen of Mt. Solon, prior to their marriage to Mr. Joseph.

  Following the ceremony the couple left for their home in the county.[1]

    

Actually, great-grandfather Daniel Franklin Joseph married a 4^th time. He has the distinction of being my ancestor who married the most. Most certainly he liked having a lady around the house. Necessity probably played a role in his decisions to marry as he needed someone to care for his home and his children.

Daniel Franklin was born February 24, 1865 in Swoope, Augusta County, Virginia to William Wilson Joseph and Eliza Jane Spitlar near the end of the Civil War. He was one of eight children being the seventh born.

Sybell B. Payne married Daniel Sept. 16, 1886 at Churchville, Augusta County, Virginia. [2] Her parents were Samuel Payne and Maria Craig. Sybell, also known as Bell, was born in Augusta County about 1865. [3] They had four children—Oscar Milton born 1888, Celia born 1890, Lytie Loraine born 1892 and Minnie born 1896. Lytie Loraine was their only child alive by 1900. The Staunton Spectator reported “Mrs. Daniel Joseph of near Annex, is critically ill” in the Personals column April 10, 1903. [4]

A widowed Daniel married Flora B. Bolen in Churchville, Augusta County, Virginia August 16, 1904.[5] Flora Belle was a member of the McFall family from Mt. Solon. When she wed great-grandfather she was a 29 year old divorcee who was previously married to John W. Bolen. Her parents were David McFall and Rodie M. Harman. Flora Belle came to the marriage with her daughter, Ruby Esther Bolen (born 1894), from her previous marriage while Daniel brought his daughter, Lytie Loraine, to the new family.

Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Friday, August 26, 1904

Joseph-Bolen

      Churchville, Aug. 20--Mr. Daniel F. Joseph and Mrs. Flora B. Bolen, daughter of the late James A. McFall, were married on the 17th, at "Mapleton," the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. Howard S. Irvine. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Howard S. Irvine, pastor of the Deerfield Baptist church, in the presence of a number of near friends of the contracting parties. Among those from a distance were Dr. and Mrs. George H. Eyster, Dr. English Eyster and Mrs. Chas. C. Bagby of Baltimore; Mrs. N. H. Phillips of Williamsburg; Mrs. Calhoun of Albemarle; Mr. P. D. McFall, of Staunton and Mr. Chas. B. Irvine of Harrisonburg.[6]

My grandfather, James McFall Joseph was born in 1906 followed by Lacy Daniel in 1907. Lacy Daniel died when he was only 2 years old. Flora Belle Joseph was born March 17, 1910. Just about three weeks later on April 9 Flora Belle (McFall) Bolen Joseph passed. 

Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Friday, April 15, 1910

   Mrs. D. F. Joseph died at her home at Laurel Hill on Saturday morning, after a short illness, aged about 38 years. She was twice married and is survived by her second husband and three children. Deceased was born at Mt. Solon, and before marriage was a Miss McFall. The funeral took place Sunday and was conducted by Rev. Mr. Coffman from Asbury Chapel. [7]

Julia Greaver was great-grandfather’s 3^rd wife and is the subject of the marriage announcement that began this blog post. The family story is that my grandfather’s step-mother, Julia, didn’t treat him kindly. I think there must be some truth to this since I found him at age thirteen living with his Uncle Milton Henry Joseph’s family. [8]

I don’t know what happened to Julia Greaver but Daniel married a 4^th time to Elsie Jones Talley Sept. 21, 1929. [9] Daniel died Jan. 19, 1940 survived by Elsie. Daniel and Elsie are buried together in Staunton at Thornrose Cemetery.[10]

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[1] Library of Virginia Digital Collection, Virginia Chronicle, Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Volume 89, Number 43, 21 October 1910

[2] Augusta County, VA Marriage Register #1, Line 6348

[3] Ibid

[4] Library of Virginia Digital Collection, Virginia Chronicle, Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Volume 82, Number 15, 10 April 1903

[5] Marriage Certificate of Daniel F. Joseph and Flora B. Bolen

[6] Library of Virginia Digital Collection, Virginia Chronicle, Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Volume 83, Number 35, 26 August 1904

[7]Library of Virginia Digital Collection, Virginia Chronicle, Staunton Spectator and Vindicator, Volume 89, Number 15, 15 April 1910

[8] 1920 federal census, Augusta County, Virginia, Pastures District, E.D. 39, Sheet No. 6A, Line 29, Milton H. Joseph household

[9] Familysearch.org, Virginia Marriages 1785-1940 Index

[10] FindAGrave.com, Memorial# 38254703, Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton, VA, Plot Section 9

Richard Wight 1834-1907

My ancestral line leading to Richard Wight begins with my grandfather's mother. Grandfather Frank Leroy Doty was the son of Emily Wight and Lewis Penny Doty. Emily was Richard and Emily (Brundage) Wight's youngest daughter.

Name:	Richard Wight
Sex:	Male
Father:	Jonas Wight (1808-1878)
Mother:	Caroline Ackley (1809-1894)
Individual Facts
Birth	Sep. 26, 1834	McDonough, Chenango Co., NY1–5
Residence	1855 (about age 21)	McDonough, Chenango Co., NY6
Residence	1860 (about age 26)	McDonough, Chenango, New York, United States7
Residence	1870 (about age 36)	Wawayanda, Orange, NY5
Residence	1875 (about age 41)	McDonough, Chenango, New York8
Residence	1880 (about age 46)	Wawayanda, Orange, NY9
Residence	Jun. 8, 1900 (age 65)	Greene, Chenango, NY2
Residence	1902 (about age 68)	Greene, Chenango, NY10
Residence	Jun. 1, 1905 (age 70)	Sherburne, Chenango, NY11
Death	Mar. 21, 1907 (age 72)	from senile pneumonia; Sherburne, Chenango, NY3
Burial	Mar. 23, 1907 (age 72)	Brisben, Chenango., NY3,12
Marriages/Children
1. Emily Brundage (1835-1873)
Marriage	Aug. 16, 1860 (age 25)	13
Children	Caroline Phoebe Wight (1861-1923)
	Anna A. Wight (1863-1920)
	Burt Wight (1865-1944)
	Eleanor Wight (1868-1915)
	Emily Wight (1870-1956)
Notes
Richard Wight was enumerated twice in the 1855 New York State census. He was living in his father's home with his family. His 2nd census entry was with his employer, J. W. Hamilton where he worked as a laborer. [Source 1855 NYS Census, 1st Election District, Smithville, Chenango Co., NY, dwelling 285, line 3] June 21, 1860 Richard was enumerated in the federal census in his parents' home. He was employed as a Peddler. A few months later Great Grandparents Richard Wight and Emily Brundage married August 16, 1860. Emily was an Orange County, New York girl. I am so curious how they met, courted and married with their homes at least 138 miles apart. How far did Richard peddle from home? Daughters Carrie and Anna were both born in New York in 1861 and 1863. A son, Bertie, was born in Waterloo, Iowa November 1865 so the family must have spent a short time there. By the way, Richard's brother, George Tarbell Wight, settled in Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., Iowa approximately the same time. George remained in Waterloo while Richard and his family returned to Orange County, NY by the time daughter Eleanor was born in 1868.  In 1870 Richard, Emily and children were living next door to her parents in Wawayanda, Orange Co., NY.  Emily died January 1873 leaving Richard with five young children. When the 1875 NYS census was recorded on June 4, Richard was living in McDonough, Chenango Co., NY with his three older children--Caroline, Anna and Bertie. His younger daughters, Eleanor and Emily, were residing with their maternal grandparents, Phebe Maria and Orsamus Brundage, in Orange County. According to the 1880 federal census, Richard Wight was working at Wawayanda as a laborer on John H. Reeve's farm close to his Brundage in-laws. Richard's only son, Albert W., was living with his Brundage grandparents as well as his two youngest daughters. Richard was living in Pharsalia, Chenango Co., N.Y. by 1890. On Feb. 3, 1890, Richard Wight received $2,000.00 as his legacy from his father's estate. Jonas Wight's will indicated Richard would get his money within 18 months after his mother, Caroline Wight, died. In 1900, he was residing with his oldest daughter, Carrie, and her family in Greene, Chenango Co., N.Y.  where he  remained until his death. From The Norwich Sun published in Norwich, Chenango Co., New York Saturday Evening, March 23, 1907, page 2: Sherburne, March 23--The funeral of Richard Wight, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. O. Barr, Thursday morning, was held at 2 o 'clock this afternoon, at his late home, Rev. C. V. Stocum of the Baptist church officiating. The remains were placed in the vault in the Sherburne Quarter cemetery and later will be taken to the family plot in the cemetery near Brisbin. Mr. Wight was nearly 73 years old.  His former home has been near Greene but for the past six or seven years he has resided in Sherburne.   I'd like to give special thanks to fellow ‘Richard Wight descendant’ Glenda for sharing her Wight family documents and information with me. I appreciate her kindness.

        1. 1860 Federal Census, McDonough, Chenango Co., NY, Series M653, Roll 734, Page 470, Jonas Wight household.

        2. 1900 Federal Census, Greene, Chenango Co., NY, SD 11, ED 62, Sheet 8, Fred O. Barr Household.

        3. Death Certificate, Richard Wight's Death Certificate #147.

        4. Elizabeth Horton Collection, Brundage Folder.

        5. Ancestry.com, 1870 United States Federal Census (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - 1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Record;), Year: 1870; Census Place: Wawayanda, Orange, New York; Roll: M593; Pages 692-693.

        6. 1855 NYS Census, McDonough, Chenango Co., NY, Page 26, Line 36, Jonas Wight Household.

        7. Ancestry.com, 1860 United States Federal Census (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch.Original data - 1860 U.S. census, population schedule. NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records;), Year: 1860; Census Place: McDonough, Chenango, New York; Roll; Page: 470; Image: 399.

        8. 1875 New York State Census, Town of McDonough, Chenango Co., NY, p 12, line 10, Richard Wight Household.

        9. 1880 federal census, Wawayanda, Orange Co., NY, Roll 912, pg 418D, ED 47, Image 214.

        10. Cuccinello, Karen, ed., Chenango County, New York Directory, 1902 (Name: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2000.Original data - Directory of Chenango County, New York. Norwich, NY, USA: 1902.Original data: Directory of Chenango County, New York. Norwich, NY, USA: 1902).

        11. 1905 New York State Census, Sherburne, Chenango Co., NY, Fred O. Barr Household.

        12. Find-A-Grave web site www.findagrave.com

        13. The Wights, Volume II (Gateway Press, Inc., Baltimore 1977), Vol. II, compiled by Lois J. Wight, page 161.