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Friday, December 30, 2011

Anna Maria Balderston

Anna Maria Balderston is my wife's 2nd Great Grand Aunt.


Anna is the 9th born child to Stephen Balderston and the 4th child of his second wife, Mary Brenn.


Anna was born 14 July 1869 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  The first record found for Anna is the 1870 Federal Census.  She is living with parents, Stephen and Mary, along with one older brother, Joseph.  Stephen's profession is listed as laborer and the value of his assets is $200.


The next record, the 1880 Federal Census, finds the family in Greenbush Township, Warren County, Illinois.  Anna is noted as attending school.  Her father's profession is now a carpenter.


Anna married James Abner Jennings in 1892.  This is taken from the 1900 Federal Census.  This census finds Anna with husband Abner and five children.  It notes that she is the mother of 5 children and all are still living. They are living in Prairie City Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  Abner is a day laborer.  They are renting their home.  Abner's parents are living on the following page of census, they are family number 64, where as Abner's is 54.


The 1910 Federal Census finds the family has moved again.  They are now in Swan Township, Warren County, Illinois.  Abner is now a farmer.  He is still renting his home.  They now have six children living at home.  The photo below is believed to be taken around 1910. The name on the mailbox is A Jennings - so I assume he went by his middle name of Abner, which is confirmed by the census. The oldest daughter would be Blanche Jennings and the youngest being Ruby Jennings. Ruby was born in 1903 so I would guess this photo was taken around 1910 in Illinois. Seeing as the oldest son was born in 1892 I assume he is the one missing since there are only three boys in the photo - as he would be 18 years old. Maybe he was the one taking the photograph? So the eldest boy in the photograph would be Earl Harold Jennings, assuming the missing boy is Walter. It's hard to tell an age difference in the other two boys, them being Elmer and Chester.



The family has moved again by 1920 but by this time they are now homeowners.  They are now living in Macomb City Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  Abner is still farming.

Abner and Anna are finally empty nesters in the 1930 Federal Census.  They are still residing in Macomb City Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  Abner is still farming.  He is renting his home now.

Anna Maria Balderston Jennings passes away on 21 May 1947, she would have been 77 years old.  She is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois.  Headstone picture below.



Anna and Abner had the following children:

1. Walter Jennings - born 11 April 1892 in Warren County, Illinois.  Died 29 April 1971 in San Diego, San Diego County, Illinois.  Married Callie, last name unknown.
2. Earl Harold Jennings - born 28 November 1894 in Avon, Warren County, Illinois.  Died 2 June 1980 in Augusta, Hancock County, Illinois.  Married Lura Edna Waller.
3. Blanche Jennings - born August 1896 in Illinois.  Died 1966 in McDonough County, Illinois.  Married Samuel Hendrickson.
4. Elmer Francis Jennings - born 22 October 1898 in Illinois.  Died July 1980 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.  Marriage unknown.
5. Chester Jennings - born 14 February 1900 in Prairie City Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  Died May 1981 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois.  Married Lucy Bell Strickland.
6. Ruby Elvina Jennings - born 4 July 1902 in Prairie City Township, McDonough County, Illinois.  Died 18 January 2007 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois.  Married George W Killingsworth.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Matilda Mann

Matilda Mann is my 3rd Great Grand Aunt.  She is the sister of my 3rd Great Grandmother, Louisa Marie Mann.

Matilda was born about 1837 in Tennessee.  Her parents are William Mann and Lucinda McKinney.

The first record found for Matilda Mann is the 1850 Federal Census.  She is living in District 35, Madison County, Alabama with her parents and siblings.  Matilda is 13 years old in this census but the census indicates that she has not attended school within the last year.  Her older siblings have attended school.  It is unknown why Matilda did not.

A marriage record can be found in Madison County dated 2 February 1855 for Matilda Mann.  It is believed that this record is for this Matilda.  She marries a James Gibson.

The next record found for Matilda is the 1860 Federal Census in Madison County, Alabama.  This census finds Matilda married to James Gibson with two young children, George and Mary.  Matilda is living two houses away from her parents, William and Lucinda, next door to her sister and her husband, William Gibson and Ann Mann, next door to her grandparents, Thomas and Jane McKinney.  Her husband's profession is a fisherman.  There is no value noted for real estate or personal property.  It is not noted that Matilda cannot read or write, so we can assume that she can so she must have went to school after the age of 13.

The 1870 Federal Census still finds the family living in Madison County, Alabama.  They are still living next door to her sister, Ann, and her husband William Gibson.  They now have five children living at home.  James' profession has changed from fisherman to farmer.

The last record found for Matilda finds the family living in Union, Lee County, Arkansas.  This is the 1880 Federal Census.  The family is still farming.

It is unknown when or where Matilda passes away.

Matilda Mann and James Gibson had the following children:

1. Mary Gibson - born about 1856 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown (after 1870).  Marriage unknown.
2. George Gibson - born about 1859 in Madison County, Alabama. Death unknown (after 1870). Marriage unknown.
3. Susan Gibson - born about 1862 in Madison County, Alabama. Death unknown (after 1880). Marriage unknown.
4. Miles H Gibson - born May 1865 in Madison County, Alabama. Death unknown (after 1900). Marriage unknown.
5. Thomas Calvin Gibson - born February 1869 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died about 1903 in Texas. Married (1st) Semiramus Taylor.  Married (2nd) Eva.
6. Margaret Gibson - born about 1874 in Alabama.  Death unknown (after 1880). Marriage unknown.
7. Fanny L Gibson - born about 1876 in Alabama.  Death unknown (after 1880). Marriage unknown.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Joseph Newton Balderston

Joseph Newton Balderston is the 2nd Great Grandfather of my wife.

Joseph is the eldest son to Mary Brenn, the second wife of Stephen Balderston.  Joseph was born 14 January 1861 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.

The first record found for Joseph is the 1865 Illinois State Census.  The family is living in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois. This census did not list the names of the children so it is assumed that Joseph is the male under the age of 10.  This was an agriculture census; it listed the value of livestock for the Balderston household at $125.

The 1870 Federal Census finds Joseph living with his family still in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  The census indicates that Joseph, age 9, had attended school within the year. No value is listed for the real estate so one would assume they are renting.  Personal belongings for the family are valued at $100.

We find Joseph in 1880 as a servant on a farm, living with John Patterson and family.  The eldest child in the house, Adah Patterson, is Joseph's future wife.  They are living in Greenbush, Warren County, Illinois.  The young couple will wed 27 October, 1885 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.

The first record as a couple is the 1900 Federal Census.  The couple have now been married 14 years and have 6 children.  Joseph's profession is listed as a farmer.  They are living in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois.  Adah has given birth to 6 children and all are still living at the time the census is taken.

By 1910 the family is still farming but they have moved to Highland, Adams County, Nebraska.  Adah has given birth to three more children - all nine are still living when the census is taken.  The eldest daughter, Dora Balderston, has married and moved out; the remaining 8 children are all living at home.

The family has moved again before the 1920 Federal Census.  They are now residing in Magee, Yuma County, Colorado.  They are still farming.  Only 3 children are left living at home.  They are still living in Magee, Yuma County, Colorado during the 1930 Federal Census, and Joseph is still farming.

Below are photo's from Father's Day 1945 taken somewhere in Denver, Colorado.  These were taken approximately one year before Joseph passed away.






Joseph dies 17 December 1946 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.  He is buried in the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma County, Colorado.  I don't have a picture of the gravestone.  His wife, Adah, who passed away in 1935 is also buried in the Yuma Cemetery.

Joseph Newton Balderston and Adah Patterson had the following children:

1. Dora Balderston - born June 1888 in Illinois.  Died 27 April 1981 in Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado.  Married Charles Lamont Richardson.
2. Willis LeRoy Balderston - born 6 February 1890 in Illinois. Died 15 May 1973 in Ft Lupton, Weld County, Colorado.  Married Mattie Eleanora Townsend.
3. Eric Newton Balderston - born 10 October 1892 in Illinois.  Died 13 December 1966 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.  Married Anna Ethel Poag.
4. Clyde Balderston - born 30 June 1895 in Illinois.  Died 24 May 1967 in Yuma, Yuma County, Colorado.  Married Katherine Schwabauer.
5. Delbert Balderston - born 18 November 1897 in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois.  Died 18 July 1945 in Yuma, Yuma County, Colorado. Married Lillian Isabell Briscoe.
6. Margarite Ione Balderston - born 21 May 1900 in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois.  Died 7 August 1976 in Ceres, Stanislaus County, California.  Married Henry McNeal.
7. Hazel Balderston - born 5 April 1902 in Illinois.  Died 22 January 1996 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.  Married Leo Garber.
8. Malinda Jane Balderston - born 24 December 1903 in Illinois. Died 7 December 1994 in Yuma, Yuma County, Colorado.  Married Joseph Earl Briscoe.
9. George Balderston  - born 28 September 1907 in Nebraska.  Died 5 December 1993 in Longmont, Boulder County, Colorado.  Married Clara Kriss.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

UPDATE: Louisa Marie Mann and Elizabeth Ann Cloud

I found the obituaries for Louisa Marie Mann and Elizabeth Ann Cloud.  Please click on their names to read their full blogs.

First Louisa:


We can see from this obituary that all four of Louisa's children were still living when she passed away.  It was originally thought that her daughter, Maria, had passed away before her.  I was hoping to confirm the maiden name of Louisa's mother, Lucinda.  It is believed to be McKinney but I don't have paper proof....yet.

Second Elizabeth:


We can see from this obituary that Elizabeth leaves behind three children to mourn her loss.  In my original blog I speculated that she had four children - obviously wrong.  

Both obituaries were posted the same day in The Southern Advocate.  It was a sad month for James Madison Cloud for this was his wife and his sister that passed away so close together.  It is unknown what they died from.

I be updating both blogs with added information.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Ann M Mann

Ann M Mann is my 3rd Great Grand Aunt.  Her sister, Louisa Marie Mann, is my 3rd Great Grandmother.

Ann was born about 1836 in Tennessee.  She is the daughter of William Mann and Lucinda McKinney.

The first record found for Ann Mann is presumably the 1840 Federal Census.  This census did not list the names of children so we can assume she is one of the female children listed under William Mann.  They are living in Madison County, Alabama.

The next record is the 1850 Federal Census.  This record indicates that Ann has attended school within that year.  The family is again found living in Madison County, Alabama.  A marriage record for Ann can be found on the Madison County website, http://madisoncountyal.gov/mcrc/index.shtml . I don't have a copy of the record but it appears one could order a copy here.  She is married 6 August 1855 in Madison County, Alabama to William Gibson.

The next federal census of 1860 finds Ann and her new husband, William, living next door to her parents.  Her husband's profession is a fisherman.  He could have been fishing at the Madison County Lake which is over 100 acres big.  There are also a few rivers in the area.  They have two young daughters in 1860; Frances and Martha.

The 1870 Federal Census finds the family in the same location.  William is still a fisherman by trade.  The family has grown; there are three additional children.  They are Preston, Margaret and Mary.  They are surrounded by family living next door to some McKinney cousins and William's brother, James.

Only one more record is found for Ann.  That is the 1880 Federal Census.  The family has turned from fishing to farming at this time yet still reside in the same general area of Madison County, Alabama.  Three more children are born to Ann and William; Sarah, J.W. and A.L.

It is not known when Ann passed away or where she is buried.

The following children were born to Ann M Mann and William Gibson:

1. Frances Gibson - born July 1857 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died 17 July 1939 in Brownsboro, Madison County, Alabama.  Married James Tabor.
2. Martha Gibson - born March 1859 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died after 1930.  Marriage unknown.
3. Preston Samuels Gibson - born about 1861 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died after 1880.  Married Elizabeth Chesterson.
4. Margaret Matilda Gibson - born August 1863 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died 22 October 1933 in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.  Married Benjamin Franklin Quinn.
5. Mary "Mollie" Gibson - born May 1864 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died 15 September 1942 in Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.  Married (1st) George Vann.  Married (2nd) L.A.B. Moss.
6. Sarah Gibson - born about 1872 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.  Marriage Unknown.
7. John W Gibson - born June 1874 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died after 1910.  Marriage Unknown.
8. Annie Lee Gibson - born April 1877 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died 4 September 1953 in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama.  Married Lemuel Turner Corum.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

William Oliver Balderston

William Oliver Balderston is the 2nd Great Grand Uncle to my wife.  William is the son of Stephen B Balderston and Jane Squibb.  William was born 6 May 1850 in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.

William is only one month old in the first record he is found in.  This is the 1850 Federal Census which finds him and his family living in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.  William's mother, Jane, dies in 1859. Sometime before 1860 his family moves to Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois as this is where he father, Stephen, remarries to Mary Brenn in 1860.

The next record for William is the Illinois State Census of 1865.  I cannot locate the family in the 1860 Federal Census.  In 1865 we can find his father Stephen Balderston living in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  This census only lists head of households but does list the males and females living at home.  William would be the male living at home between the age of 10 and 20.

I cannot locate William Oliver Balderston in the 1870 Federal Census.  He next found still in Magnolia but living as a servant in the household of John and Mary VanHorn in the 1880 Census.  The VanHorn's are farmers so one would assume that William is farming for them.  In this census he is listed as Oliver Balderston.

William marries around 1893 to Mary Jane Rolley in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  By the 1900 Federal Census William and Mary have two daughters, Jeanette and Margaret.  William is listed as a groceryman in 1900.  Mary's father, John Rolley, is living with them.

William Oliver Balderston dies 29 December 1902 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  His widow, Mary Jane, remarries to John Dean sometime around 1904.  Mary and her new husband are found in the 1910 Federal Census still living in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  Mary now has three children, Jeanette, Margaret and 4 year old Ethel Leona Dean.

It is not known if Jeanette Balderston or Margaret Balderston ever marry.  I found several newspaper articles in the 1920's for Jeanette in Illinois where she was a teacher.  It references her sister, Ethel, but never Margaret or her parents.   Ethel married a William Comstock.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sarah J, Lucly and Edy C Mann

Sarah, Lucly, William and Edy are all children of William Mann and Lucinda McKinney.

Not much is known about any of them.  I will recap what little is known below.

Sarah J Mann

Sarah was born about 1833 according to the only record found for her, the 1850 Federal Census.  We find her still living at home in this census.  The census indicates that she was born in Tennessee.  Looking in the old marriage records for Madison County, Alabama (where she was living in 1850) there are two Sarah Manns found.  One was married in 1825 and the other in 1886.  I assume that neither of these are her.

Lucly Mann

The 1850 Federal Census record is also the only record where find the sister of Sarah.  I am not really sure what her name is so I will paste it here and you can take a look for yourself.  The record indicates the she was born in Alabama around 1840.  I assume if may be some variation of her mother's name, Lucinda.  It looks like it may end in 'sy'.  What do you think?


I have wondered if this child is still found living with her parents in the 1860 Federal Census.  There is a Linda found living with them in 1860..see below.  She would be the last adult listed with the surname of Cannard, along with a child Nettie.  I think it may be possible that this is her.






Edy C Mann

Edy is only found in the 1850 census.  Since Edy was only a year old in 1850 and then not found in the 1860 census she most likely passed away prior to 1860.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Jonathan M, Elizabeth Ella and Mary Anna Balderston

Jonathan Balderston is my wife's 2nd Great Grand Uncle.  Elizabeth Ella Balderston and Mary Anna Balderston are her 2nd Great Grand Aunts.  Not much is known about them so I am combining them into one post.  They are the children of Stephen Balderston and Jane Squibb.

Jonathan was born 15 September 1843 in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.  There are no known records that can be found for Jonathan.  He died 30 August 1848 in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.

Elizabeth Ella Balderston was born 22 October 1851 in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.  There are no known records for Elizabeth.  It is not known when she died.

Mary Ann Balderston was born 17 July 1853 in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.  There are no known records for Mary.  It is believed that she married a man with the last name Walker.

The dates were taken from the Bible of a half sister, Anna Balderston Jennings.  This information is from notes  taken by Adah Balderston.

Thomas Mann

Thomas Mann is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle, brother of my 3rd Great Grandmother, Louisa Marie Mann.  Thomas is the eldest son of William Mann and Lucinda McKinney.



The first record is believed to be the 1840 Federal Census in Madison County, Alabama.  The names of children were not listed but he is believed to be the only male child living in the home.

The next record is the 1850 Federal Census.  Thomas is living at home in District 35, Madison County, Alabama.  His profession is listed as farmer and his birth state is listed as Tennessee.

Thomas marries Matilda Ann Gibson 2 July 1855.  Thomas would have been around 25 years old at the time of this marriage.  The couple is found in the 1860 Federal Census living in the Southeastern Division, Madison County, Alabama.  They are living with Matilda's parents, Thomas Phelps Gibson and Elizabeth Lee.  Thomas' profession is now listed as fisherman, that is also the profession of his new father in law, Thomas Gibson.  The census lists that he has personal property valued at $100.  Thomas and Matilda have two children living in 1860, John and Davis.

By the 1870 Federal Census Thomas must have given up on fishing as a profession because his profession is now listed at a farmer.  They are living in Township 6, Range 1, District 50, Madison County, Alabama.  It appears that they are living with Thomas' mother, Lucinda Mann, even though Thomas is listed as the head of household.  This is assumed because it is next Lucinda's name where the value of the property is listed, that value was $300 in 1870.  Thomas' sister Mary is also living there.  His mother in law, Elizabeth Gibson is also living here, now a widow.  Thomas most likely moved home to manage the farm after his father's death around the year 1870.  He now has three children, John, Davis and William.  Also living with the family is nine years old John Cloud.  It is  not known which Cloud family he fits in but he is most likely related somehow.  Thomas sister, Louisa, had married James Madison Cloud.  Louisa had passed away in 1853 - could this John Cloud be Louisa's son?

The last record found for Thomas Mann is the 1880 Federal Census.  He is living in Beat 19, District 228, Madison County, Alabama.  In this census he is listed ad T M Mann.  Also living there are his wife, shown as M A Mann, and two sons; D P (Davis Prescott) and W T (William).  It is believed the family living next door, head being J A Mann, is his eldest son John.  Thomas' profession is again listed as farmer.

It is not known when Thomas passes away.  His widow is found in the 1900 Federal Census so we do know that he does pass away prior to 1900.

Thomas Mann and Matilda Ann Gibson has the following children:

1. John A Mann - born about 1858 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.  Married someone with the initials M F - last name unknown.
2. Davis Prescott Mann - born July 1859 in Madison County, Alabama.  Died in 1914 in Madison County, Alabama.  Married Matilda Hornbuckle.
3. William T Mann - born about 1866 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.  Believed to have married Mary Clark.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Jacob Mitchell Balderston

Jacob Mitchell Balderston is the brother of my wife's 2nd Great Grandfather, or her 2nd Great Grand Uncle.

Jacob is the eldest child of Stephen Balderston and his first wife, Jane Squibb.

Jacob was born 16 Jan 1842 in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.

The first record found for Jacob is the 1850 Federal Census.  He is living with his parents in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio, his age is 8.  Jacob is noted as having attended school within the last year.  Jacob's mother, Jane Squibb, died in 1859.  I cannot find Jacob in the 1860 Federal Census.  There is an account of him as given in the Balderston Family History that I referenced in the blog for Jacob's father, Stephen Balderston.  As this is a copyrighted work I cannot transcribe the information here.  But, I can recap it.

It describes that Jacob moved west to Illinois where he attended the Academy of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington.  While there he joined the Northern Army in the Civil War, becoming captain of Company C, 14th Illinois Volunteer Calvary.  After serving he went back to Illinois and studied law and was also a teacher where he met his wife, Jenny May Boyle.  Jacob went to become a Judge in Wichita, Kansas.

Jacob can be found in the 1870 Federal Census as a boarder in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois.  His profession is listed as lawyer.  Jacob is still single in the next Federal Census in 1880.  This census finds him living alone in District 214, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Jacob is again still single in the 1885 Kansas State Census.  He is still residing in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.

The following is an article found in the Wichita Daily Eagle newspaper in 1884 regarding Jacob Balderston.  The article suggest that Jake Balderston should run for county attorney, which he did get.



Jacob married Jenny Boyle 18 June 1885 in Wichita, Kansas.  Below is the newspaper announcement as found int he Wichita Daily Eagle.


I will post three more articles regarding Judge Jacob 'Jake' Mitchell Balderston below.  I should note that there are literally dozens of articles that can be found in the old Wichita Eagle newspapers.  If anyone would like search for more articles they can find this newspaper online, and searching it is free, at Library of Congress.  Be sure to search using Jake as well as Jacob and it was also common for the 'T' in Balderston to be left out.



As you can see Jacob Balderston was quite an accomplished man in his day.  The next record found for Jacob is the 1900 Federal Census.  He has been married now for fifteen years and has four children living at home.  His profession is still listed as lawyer.  The family is still residing in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  This same family is still found intact in the 1905 Kansas State Census in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.

Jacob Mitchell Balderston dies 24 Feb 1909 in Wichita.  I don't have a copy of the actual article but the transcription is below.  Jacob is buried in the Highland Cemetery in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.




Jacob Balderston and Jennie May Boyle had the following children:

1. Jessie May Balderston - born 24 May 1888 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Died May 1979 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Married Frank Sigel Stover.
2. Hortense Louise Balderston - born September 1889 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Died 11 May 1979 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Married (1st) Robert James Campbell.  Married (2nd) John Walter Gibson.
3. Philip Sheridan Balderston - born 2 April 1892 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Dies in 1933.  Marriage unknown.
4. Mary Ettie Balderston - born 22 February 1896 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Died 13 January 1988 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.  Married Laird Archer.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Louisa Marie Mann

Louisa Marie Mann is my 3rd Great Grandmother.

Louisa was born 18 May 1829 in Tennessee, presumably the Nashville area.  She is the eldest daughter of William Mann and Lucinda McKinney.

It is unknown when the family made the journey from Tennessee to Alabama, but the her father, William Mann, can be found there in the 1840 Federal Census.  The location is only noted as the 'South Half of Madison County'.  Children's names were not listed in 1840 but it is assumed that Louisa is the female child between the ages of 10 and 15.

Louisa was married 23 Oct 1845 in Madison County, Alabama, to James Madison Cloud.  I have not ordered a copy of this record but the indices for the record can be found on the Madison County website HERE.  In the indices Louisa is listed as Louisa Mans.  She was only 15 years old when she married James.

The only census record found with Louisa listed by name is the 1850 Federal Census.  In this census Louisa and James are living in District 35, Madison County, Alabama.  She has two children at this time, Sara Elizabeth and Louisa Jane.  Below is a print of the the 1850 Census.  You can see that James and Louisa are surrounded by family.  They are family #261.  Family #260 is James' brother, Durgan Cloud, family 262 are Louisa's parents, William and Lucinda, and family #263 are Louisa's grandparents (Lucinda's parents), Thomas and Jane McKinney.


From the 1850 Census we can see that James and Louisa's first born child, Sarah Elizabeth Cloud, was born in Tennessee.  So sometime after the couple were married in 1845 they must have spent some time back in Tennessee before coming back to Alabama.  All the families are farming in 1850.

Louisa dies in Cloud Cove Valley, Madison County, Alabama 6 August 1853.  She was only 23 years old.  Louisa gave birth to two more children before her death, Maria and James.  Below is her obituary.



It is not known where Louisa is buried in Madison County.

The blog for James Madison Cloud recaps the children born to him and Louisa.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Stephen Balderston

Stephen Balderston is the 3rd Great Grandfather of my wife.


BALDERSTON NAME MEANING

English: habitational name from either of two places in Lancashire called Balderston(e), deriving their names from the genitive case of the Old English personal name Baldhere (composed of the elementsbald ‘bold’, ‘brave’ + here ‘army’) + Old English tun‘enclosure’, ‘settlement’.

Stephen was born in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio on 7 Dec 1818.  He is the son of Jonathan Balderston and Elizabeth Babb.

There is a ton of research already done on the Balderston line.  I have a copy of the Balderston Family History, written by Marion Balderston and Hortense B. C. Gibson.  The copy I have was copyrighted in 1973 and carries the catalog number of 73-91161 in the Library of Congress.  The first Balderston (assumed) to come to America was John Balderston in 1727, he would be the 6th Great Grandfather of my wife.  Here is an account as described by another researcher found here.  John apparently married into the Quaker faith when he married Hannah Cooper.  They settled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  John passed away in 1778 and Hannah in 1793.  John and Hannah had eleven children - these children were referenced in the Last Will of a cousin of John's, Bartholomew Balderston, as he left them 50 English dollars (pounds) each.

One of the sons of John and Hannah was Mordecai Balderston, the 5th Great Grandfather of my wife.  Mordecai married Deborah Michener 11 Feb 1778.  The same researcher that wrote about John's arrival in America has some additional information found here.  Mordecai was a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War under Captain Paul Kester, along with two of his brothers.  There are a few genealogy books written on the Michener lines that do reference this Balderston line.  In these books Balderston is spelled without the T - at some point some of Mordecai's children dropped the T from their name.  So there are many descendant's today that go by Balderson - even though they come from the same line.

Mordecai and Deborah has a son, Jonathan Balderston, my wife's 4th Great Grandfather, on 28 Mar 1797 in Colerain, Belmont County, Ohio.  Mordecai passed away in 1820 in Mount Pleasant, Ohio and Deborah passes away 8 years later in 1828 also in Ohio.  Jonathan marries Elizabeth Babb and they have their eldest son, Stephen Balderston, our subject.

The first record we find for Stephen is in the Ohio Marriages 1800 - 1958.  Stephen marries Jane Squibb on 8 April 1841 in Belmont County, Ohio.



The next record we find for Stephen is the 1850 Federal Census.  He is found in the Colerain Township, Belmont County, Illinois.  His profession is listed as a carpenter.  Along with his wife Jane there are two children living at home.  One is Jacob, age 8, and the other is William O, age 1 month.  It is believed that Stephen and Jane had one other child prior to 1850, John Balderston.  John is believed to have died in 1848, age 5.

I am unable to locate Stephen in the 1860 Federal Census.  Prior to 1860 Stephen and Jane have two additional children, Elizabeth Ella and Mary Anna Balderston.  Jane passes away 14 Feb 1859 in Pennsylvania.  Stephen remarries Mary Brenn 28 Mar 1860 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  The next record found for Stephen is the 1865 Illinois State Census.  They are living in Magnolia.  There are 6 children living at home, 3 boys and 3 girls.  Four of these children are from his first wife Jane.  They are Jacob, William, Ella and Mary.  Two additional children from his second wife Mary are also here, Joseph and Jenia.  These are assumptions as no names, other then head of household, were in the 1865.  There were 4 females and 4 males living at that time.

The family is still living in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois in the next Federal Census of 1870.  The only children left living at home are Joseph, age 9, and Anne, age 2.  Stephen's occupation is listed a laborer.  He does not own his land or no value is placed on it in the census.  His personal belonging's are valued at $100.

Our next record, the 1880 Federal Census, finds the family living in Greenbush Township, Putnam County, Illinois.  Five children are living at home, Anne, from the last census, and new additions, Charles, Frank, Albert and Rose.  Stephen's occupation is again a carpenter.

Although I cannot locate any pictures of Stephen Balderston I did find one of his brother Joseph, shown below.  One would assume he looked similar to his brother.



Stephen Balderston passed away 3 Nov 1885 in Avon Fulton County, Illinois.  Mary passes away in March of 1900.  Both Mary and Stephen are buried in the Avon Cemetery.  Headstone picture below.



Stephen Balderston and Jane Squibb had the following children:

1. Jacob Mitchell Balderston - born 16 Jan 1842 in Belmont County, Ohio.  Dies 24 Feb 1909 in Wichita, Kansas.  Marries Jennie May Boyle.
2. Jonathan Balderston - born 13 Sep 1843 in Belmont County, Ohio.  Dies 30 Aug 1848 in Belmont County, Ohio.
3. William Oliver Balderston - born 6 May 1850 in Belmont County, Ohio.  Dies 29 Dec 1902 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  Marries Mary J. Rolley.
4. Elizabeth Ella Balderston - born 22 Oct 1851 in Belmont County, Ohio.  Death and marriage unknown.
5. Mary Anne Balderston - born 17 Jul in Magnolia, Putnam County, Ohio.  Death unknown.  May have a married a Mr. Walker.  (notes from Adah says married Walker - haven't found anything to support or disprove this)

Stephen Balderston and Mary Brenn had the following children:

1. Joseph Newton Balderston - born 14 Jan 1861 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois. Dies 17 Dec 1946 in  Denver, Denver County, Colorado.  Marries Adah Patterson.
2. Jenia Elen Balderston - born 1863 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois.  Dies Nov 1870 in Putnam County, Illinois.
3. John Balderston - born Mar 1867 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  Dies Dec 1870 in Putnam County, Illinois.
4. Anna Balderston - born July 1869 in Illinois.  Dies 19 May 1947 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois.  Marries James Abner Jennings.
5. Charles Albert Balderston - born 24 Aug 1872 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  Death unknown.  Marries Alma Loretta Holeman.
6. Frank Balderston - born 23 Sep 1874 in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois.  Dies 20 Aug 1936 in Greenbush, Warren County, Illinois.  
7. Albert Charles Balderston - born 9 Jan 1877 in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois.  
8. Rose Bell Balderston - born 9 Jan 1880 in Avon, Fulton County, Illinois.  Dies 1948 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.  Marries William Naughton.




Sunday, July 31, 2011

Duke

Duke 
1998 - 2011


He’s gone. He had fought the good fight.

A faithful companion til the end.  Always there.  Always happy.  Always loving.

A perfect friend.  Never judging.  Never complaining.  Always there.

The Great Guardian.  Always alert.  Always there.  Never afraid.



How can you not love that face?


I think he was bit jealous of our small, bossy, dog.  Here he is sleeping in her bed.


Treat?



Please.....






When a thunderstorm came he would need to 'protect' us in our bed...



A much younger Duke without the gray beard!



Count Dogula!

Even when playing dress up for Halloween - always a willing participant!!


Duke - you are gone but never forgotten.  Thanks for the companionship and love.  You will be missed.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

William Mann

William Mann is my 4th Great Grandfather.

The first record found for William Mann is the 1840 Federal Census taken in Madison County, Alabama.  In this record we find one male age 10 to 14 (Thomas Mann), three females age 5 to 9 (Sarah, Ann and Matilda), one female age 10 to 14 (Louisa Marie Mann), one female age 30 to 39 (wife, Lucinda McKinney) and one male age 50 to 59 (William).  It is noted that two people are employed in agriculture -presumably William and Thomas.  The family does not have any slaves living with them.

The next record is the 1850 Federal Census taken again in Madison County, Alabama.  From this record we learn that William was born in Georgia.  His wife, Lucinda, was born in Tennessee.  William and Lucinda's first 4 children listed here were all born in Tennessee (Thomas, Sarah, Matilda and Ann).  The youngest four were all born in Alabama.  So from that we can tell that it was sometime between 1837 and 1840 that the family moved from Tennessee to Alabama.  William and his eldest son, Thomas, are both farming.  William owns real estate valued at $200 - so we can also assume he was a land owner.  There is 10 year old boy named John Mann living with him in 1850 - it is assumed that this is a nephew because this young boy is listed separately from the rest of the family (or at least out of order). His eldest daugther, Louisa Marie Mann, is living next door married to James Cloud.

We still find William and Lucinda living in Madison County in the 1860 Federal Census.  Most children have moved on.  Still living at home are Mary Mann and William Mann.  There is also a Linda Camard (unsure of the spelling).  This could possibly be his daughter as the age fits for the daughter named Lucly in the previous census.  I assume this daughter's name if some sort of variation of Lucinda - the writing is hard to read.  This person also had a daughter, Netta age 4, living with them.  William's real estate is valued at $350 and his personal estate is valued at $300.  He is still farming.

William dies sometime before 1870 (his wife Lucinda is listed as a widow in 1870).

William Mann and Lucinda McKinney had the following children:

1. Louisa Marie Mann - born 18 May 1829 in Tennessee.  Died  6 Aug 1853. Married James Madison Cloud.
2. Thomas Mann - born about 1831 in Tennessee.  Death unknown. Married Matilda Ann Gibson.
3. Sarah J Mann - born about 1833 in Tennessee.  Death unknown. Marriage unknown.
4. Ann M Mann - born about 1836 in Tennessee.  Death unknown. Married William Gibson.
5. Matilda Mann - born about 1837 in Tennessee.  Death unknown.  Married James Gibson.
6. Lucinda (Lucy, Lucly?) Mann - born about 1840 in Alabama. Death unknown. Marriage unknown.
7. Mary E Mann - born July 1845 in Alabama.  Died between 1900 and 1910. Married Isaac Rice.
8. William Mann - born 1 May 1847 in Alabama.  Died 15 March 1919 in Gibson County, Tennessee.  Married Julia E Stewart.
9. Edy C Mann - born about 1849 in Alabama.  Death unknown.

It is not known where William Mann is buried but it assumed that he is buried somewhere in New Hope, Madison County, Alabama.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Clarence Flavian Bashaw

Clarence Flavian Bashaw is the 2nd Great Grandfather to my wife.

Flavian, as he is listed in most censuses, was born in 10 May 1837 in Windsor, Windsor County, Vermont.  His parents were John Bashaw and Susan (unknown).  His parents were both born in Canada.

Some time between Flavian's birth and the 1850 Federal Census the family moves from Vermont to Indiana.  They are found there in 1850 living in Clay Township, St Joseph County.  His father and older brother, Peter, are farmers.

As in previous post's for John and Peter Bashaw, I want to mention that it is thought that the surname is believed to have been changed from Bergeron to Bashaw when coming from French Canada to the United States.  Part of the corroborating evidence for this are church records found in St Joseph county at the Sacred Heart church with lists Peter's surname as Bergeron when he is married.  The records are all recorded in French.

The next record found is the 1860 Federal Census.  Flavian is still found living with his parents.  His father is still farming and they are still residing in Clay Township.  Flavian is married the following year to Julia Salway. They are married 30 December 1861 in South Bend City, St Joseph County, Indiana.  Julia is the daughter of Francis (Frank) Salway and Rosanna LaCoss.

We find Flavian and his wife living with her parents, Frank and Rose, in the 1870 Federal Census.  They are now living in Portage Township, South Bend City, St Joseph County, Indiana.  By this time they now have four children.  The names of the children are William, Emma, Edwin and Olive.  Also living in this household is Julia's sister, Miranda, and her husband, Elzar Philion.  There is also another man named Joseph Garse, occupation is teamster - it is unknown what his relation, if any, is to the family.  Flavian's occupation in 1870 is a carpenter.

The family moves from Indiana to Kansas by the 1880 Federal Census.  In fact we can pinpoint that the family moved sometime between February of 1880 and June of 1880.  We know this because their youngest child in the 1880 Census is still listed as being born in Indiana in February of 1880 and the census was taken in June of 1880 in Kansas.  They are living in Rossville Township, Shawnee County, Kansas.  Flavian's occupation is still a carpenter.  The oldest child from the 1870 Census, William, is not found with the family.  It is not known what happened to William Bashaw - he would have been about 17 years old at this time.  There are six children living at home; Emma, Eddie, Olive, Lilless, Arthur and Evy.  There is also a laborer living with them, John Edmonds.

Regarding William Bashaw, it should be noted that there is a William T Bashaw found in the 1880 Census in Rossville, Shawnee County, Kansas.  His birth state is listed as Colorado though.  This William Bashaw goes on to marry an Etta Stout and have three children. His birth state is always listed as Colorado.  It is not known if this is the child of Flavian and Julia.

The family is then found in the Kansas State Census of 1885.  They are now living in Gale, Marion County, Kansas.  Flavian's occupation is now listed as a farmer.  They still have six children living with them.  Emma is now gone, she is believed to have died in 1880 at the age of 15.  Also gone is Evy, also passing away around 1880 - should was the child born in February of 1880.  The additions are Julia and Gertie.  Julia is noted as born in Arkansas - so the family must have moved around a bit prior to 1885.

Sometime after 1885 the family moves again, this time to Kettle Falls, Stevens County, Washington.  They are found in the 1892 Washington State Census there.  Flavian is now working as a mechanic.  Edwin/Eddie is now listed as Henry E Bashaw, he is listed as farming.  The other siblings still living at home are Lilless, Arthur, Julia May (listed in this census as Marias?), and Gertrude.  Also living with them is married daughter Olive and her husband George Bevan.

The 1900 Federal Census finds the family living in Meyers Falls, Stevens County, Washington.  Flavian's occupation is back to being a carpenter.  The two eldest sons living at home, Edward and Arthur, are listed as farmers.  Julia is noted as giving birth to 11 children of which 6 are still living.  4 of those children are still living at home - as stated previously, Edward and Arthur, and Julia May and Gertrude.  The other two living children at this time are Olive (married to George Bevan) and Lillyess (married to John Barry).  The four known children to have died are William (even if the William found in 1880 is their son he dies in 1899), Emma, Joseph and Evy.  Joseph was never found in a census, he was born in 1873 but must have died before 1880.  That leaves one child unaccounted for.

Flavian and Julia can be found in the 1910 Federal Census living in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington.  Flavian's occupation is listed as a carpenter.  He 72 years old at this time and still working.  Two daughters remain at home, Julia May and Gertrude.

In the 1920 Federal Census Flavian and Julia are found living with their son, Henry E Bashaw and his family in  Soap Lake, Grant County, Washington.  Henry's wife, Theresa, and three children, Clarence, Marie and Cecilia, are also living there.

Clarence Flavian Bashaw and Julia Salway had the following children:

1. William Bashaw - born about 1863 in St Joseph County, Indiana.  Death Unknown (possible 1899 in Kansas).  Marriage unknown (possible Etta Stout).
Bashaw - born 21 Feb 1865 in St Joseph County, Indiana. Died about 1880 in Shawnee County, Kansas.
3. Henry Edward Bashaw - born 1 Jul 1868 in St Joseph County, Indiana. Died 30 Nov 1956 in Bremerton, Kitsap County, Washington. Married Mary Theresa Carson.
4. Olive Bashaw - born 22 Jan 1870 in St Joseph County, Indiana.  Death Unknown.  Married George H Bevan.
5. Joseph A Bashaw - born 7 Sep 1873 in St Joseph County, Indiana. Death Unknown (before 1880).
6. Lillyess Alice Bashaw - born 28 Jan 1876 in St Joseph County, Indiana. Died 15 Sep 1969 in Spokane, Spokane County, Washington.  Married John Barry.
7. Arthur Clarence Bashaw - born 9 Dec 1877 in Indiana (some records show Kansas).  Died May 1979 Chewelah, Stevens County, Washington.  Married Florence Brown.
8.  Eva Rose Bashaw - born 14 Feb 1880 in Indiana.  Died 1881 in Kansas.
9. Julia May Bashaw - born 4 Jul 1881 in Arkansas.  Died 1 Jan 1961 in Grant County, Washington.  Married Charles Lyle Slaten.
10. Gertrude Marie Bashaw - born 5 July 1884 in Kansas.  Died 1 Jan 1961 in King County, Washington. Married (1st) John Wiley.  Married (2nd) Vincent Schrom.

Clarence Flavian Bashaw dies 8 December 1922 in Grant County, Washington.  He is buried in the Saint Rose of Lima Cemetery in Ephrata, Grant County, Washington.  The headstone pictures are below:



Sunday, July 10, 2011

Marilla Bashaw

Marilla Bashaw is the sister of Clarence Flavian Bashaw, the 2nd Great Grandfather of my wife.

I've searched and searched for additional information on Marilla and I can't find anything.  There is only one record that I can find for Marilla.  That record is the 1850 Federal Census taken in Clay Township, St Joseph County, Indiana.  From this record we know that Marilla was born around the year 1833 in Canada.  The 1850 Census also noted if citizens could not read or write.  Marilla, at 17 years old, is not notated as being illiterate, so we can assume that she could.

Here is the record with Marilla in it.


Another researcher of Marilla's brother, Peter, has offered a suggestion to view the records of the Sacred Heart Church, Notre Dame, St Joseph County, Indiana.  That researcher had found the marriage record for Peter and his wife Rosanna LaFountain, along with birth records of Peter's children.  So I will venture down that path to see if I can find any additional records for Marilla.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Peter Bashaw

Peter Bashaw is the brother of my wife's 2nd Great Grandfather, Clarence Flavian Bashaw.  Peter was born about 1827 in Canada.  Peter's parents were John Bashaw and Susan (unknown).

The first record we find for Peter is the 1850 Federal Census in Clay Township, St Joseph County, Indiana.  He is listed as a farmer.  Also in the census it is noted that Peter cannot read or write even though he is 22 years old.  It should be noted that the family living next door contains his future wife, Rosanna La Fountain living with her parents, Anson and Mary La Fountain.

By 1860 Peter is now married to Rosanna.  They are still living in Clay Township, St Joseph County, Indiana.  Peter is still farming and still illiterate.  Rosanna is also noted as illiterate.  They have three small children.  The children's names are Charles, John and Peter.

The next record is the 1870 Federal Census.  The family is now living South Bend, Portage Township, St Joseph County, Indiana.  Peter's occupation is now listed as laborer - so he is no longer farming.  His eldest son, Charles, is also listed as a laborer.  Peter and Rosanna now have 5 children living with them.  The children are Charles, Peter, Mary, Joseph and Mary Louise.  John is no longer here - it is assumed that John passed away prior to 1870.  A few doors down is Peter's brother, Flavian, and his family.  Peter and Flavian's parents cannot be found in the 1870 Census so it is assumed that they passed away prior to 1870 - either in Clay Township or Portage Township.

The family has moved to another state by the 1880 Federal Census.  They are now found in West Rossville, Shawnee County, Kansas.  Peter is farming again and still illiterate.  Peter and Rosanna still have five children living at home.  The children are Peter, Joseph, Louise, Louis and Emedore.  Peter is also found in another record in 1880.  He is found in the Agriculture schedule for West Rossville, Kansas.  In this schedule he is noted as a renter of property and owning two horses.

It is believed that Peter passes away in 1904.  There are researchers on Ancestry that link the above family and Peter as having the surname Barshaw instead of Bashaw.  I believe that it is possible the name became Barshaw, especially considering Peter could neither read nor write.  So even if Peter's family eventually started using Barshaw I still believe this Peter to be the brother of Flavian.  Just considering both Peter and Flavian are found in the same locations, Clay Township to Portage Township, then on to Rossville, Kansas - always very close in proximity to each other.  The death record in 1904 for Peter does say Barshaw.

It is believed the Peter and Rosanna had the following children:

1. Charles Bashaw - born in July 1854 in Indiana.  Death is unknown.  Believed to have married Alice Neddo.
2. John Bashaw - born about 1857 in Indiana.  Believed to have died before 1870 in Indiana.
3. Peter Bashaw - born about 1860 in Indiana.  Death unknown.
4. Mary Bashaw - born about 1862 in Indiana. Death unknown.
5. Joseph Bashaw - born April 1866 in Indiana. Death unknown.  Believe to have married Fannie Pettinger.
6. Mary Louise Bashaw - born about 1869 in Indiana. Death unknown.
7. Louis Bashaw - born in May 1876 in Indiana. Death unknown.
8. Emedore Bashaw - born in April 1878 in Indiana. Death unknown.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

John Bashaw

John Bashaw is the 3rd Great Grandfather to my wife.

John Bashaw was born about 1794 in Canada.  John Bashaw's wife's name was Susan.  Her last name is unknown.

One of the great grandchildren of John posted in a genealogy.com message board that he had a family bible that listed John and Susan as Berjeron and then with Bashaw in parenthesis - so one could assume that Bashaw was the Americanized name of a French/English Canadian name Berjeron.  There is a lot of information online regarding the Bashaw/Berjeron assumptions but I can't find anything concrete for this.

The first record I can find for John is the 1850 Federal Census.  He is living with his wife, Susan, and three children.  The children's names were Peter, Marilla and Flavian.  Peter and Marilla were both born in Canada but Flavian was born in 1837 in Vermont.  So from this we know that John and his wife and at least two children emigrated to the United States some time before 1837 but after 1833 (when Marilla was born in Canada).  In 1850 the family is living in Clay Township.  John and his eldest son (in the Census) are listed are farmers.  The family cannot read or write, this is typical for this time period.

The next, and last, record we find for John is the 1860 Federal Census.  The family is still living in Clay Township, St Joseph County, Indiana.  Flavian is the only child left living at home.  None of the family is marked as not being able to read or write - did the family learn to read and write during the previous 10 years?  Perhaps Flavian went to school and in turn taught his family how to read?

The known children of John Bashaw and Susan (unknown) were:

1. Peter Bashaw - born in April 1828 in Canada.  Believed to have died around 1904 in Indiana.  Married Rosanna LaFountain.
2. Marilla Bashaw - born around 1833 in Canada. Death Unknown. Marriage unknown.
3. Clarence Flavian Bashaw - born 10 May 1837 in Windsor, Windsor County, Vermont.  Died 8 December 1922 in the state of Washington.  Married Julia Salway.

It is assumed that both John and Susan died in Indiana sometime between 1860 and 1870 in St Joseph County.  This is assumed because both Peter and Flavian can be found in 1860 and 1870 in that county.  John and Susan were there in 1860 and not in 1870.  They could have moved but they were in their 60's at that time, so most likely they had died in St Joseph County.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Elizabeth Ann Cloud

Elizabeth Ann Cloud is the sister of two of my 3rd Great Grandfathers, Durgan and James Madison Cloud.

Elizabeth Ann Cloud was the youngest child born to William Cloud and Sarah (unknown).  There are two records that are found that list her birth state - and they are in conflict with each other.  We do know that her older siblings were all born in Fairfield County, South Carolina.  Elizabeth, as the youngest, was born 7 years after her next older sibling, James Madison Cloud.  We know that the family had moved to Alabama around that time.  The records in question are the 1850 Federal Census and the marriage record for Elizabeth.  The Census lists her birth state as South Carolina - the marriage record lists her birth state as Alabama.

We can assume that Elizabeth is living with her father William Cloud during the 1830 and 1840 Census living in Madison County, Alabama because there is a female child of her age in both censuses.  Elizabeth was married in 1842 to Simon N Turner on 9 November.

By the 1850 Federal Census we find Elizabeth and Simon living with one child, Cherry.  This is the last record that can be found for Elizabeth.  It is believed that Elizabeth dies in 1853 in Madison County, Alabama.  It is unknown when Simon dies.  There is a marriage record in September of 1853 in Madison County for a Simon Turner marrying a Martha Ashburn - this could be Elizabeth's widow re-marrying to help raise the children.

UPDATE:  Below is the obituary for Elizabeth Ann Cloud:



We do know a little bit more information.  We know that it was Elizabeth's daughter, Cherry, the one grandchild of William Cloud that sued to end the probate of his Will, 40 years after his death.  It is from these probate records that a little more information is found.  Part of the court records listed potential heirs of William Cloud - as he left the land in Alabama, or the proceeds from the sale of the land - to all of his grandchildren.  The land was supposed to be sold 3 years after his death, but more than 40 years later is when his wishes were finally carried out - thanks to Cherry.  The other Turner children listed in the records were Mary R Turner, Sarah A Turner and a William S Turner.

In the records of a Cloud researcher, Thomas Jackson King, he does list Mary and Sarah as children of Elizabeth but not a William.  So who was William Turner and was he a child of Elizabeth and Simon?  Looking for records of the Turner children proved to be hard also.  Looking in the 1860 Census I can find a Mary Turner age 7 living with John and Cherry Hodges.  This could be the daughter of Elizabeth and Turner - one thing that lead that direction is Cherry Hodges.  It is believed that the parents of Simon were a John Turner and a Cherry.  It's possible that Mary was living with her grandmother and her new husband.  The marriage records for Madison County show a Mrs. Cherry Turner marrying a John Hodges in 1859 - so that would fit.

I can't find any census records for Sarah A Turner.  There is a marriage record for a Sarah A Turner to a William Lemley in 1878 in Madison County, Alabama.  So this could be the daughter of Elizabeth and Simon.  Where was she in 1860 though?  If Mary is living with the grandmother - why wasn't Sarah?

There are several William Turner's marrying in Madison County, Alabama.  I can't tie any of them directly to Elizabeth and Simon.  My hope is someone will find this blog and fill in my holes in this Turner family.

So - the children of Elizabeth Ann Clound and Simon Turner were:

UPDATE:  I no longer believe that William Turner is a child of Elizabeth ad Simon as her obituary only lists three children.  It is unknown why when the Will of William Cloud was resolved there was a William Turner listed.

1. Cherry Ann Turner - born about 1853 in Madison County, Alabama. Death unknown. Marries Joseph Vann.
2. Mary R Turner
3. Sarah A Turner.  Possibley marries William Lemley.
4.William S Turner - not really sure if this is a child of Elizabeth but why else would he be listed as an heir of William Cloud?

Saturday, June 4, 2011

James Madison Cloud

James Madison Cloud is my 3rd Great Grandfather and brother of another 3rd Great Grandfather, Durgan Cloud.

James Madison Cloud was born in Fairfield County, South Carolina around 1818.  He was the child of William Cloud and Sarah (unknown).

We know in past blogs regarding the father William Cloud that the family moved to Madison County, Alabama in the 1820's and settled in an area that became known as Cloud's Town named for his father who was one of the first merchants in the area.  The town was renamed to Vienna in 1832.  This portion of Alabama was still considered property of the Cherokee Indian tribes.  It wasn't until 1830 that this area of Alabama was open to settlers - so the Cloud clan were essentially squatting until that time. 

The Federal Census of 1830 we find a record for William Cloud, head of household, in Madison County, Alabama.  It is assumed that James was one of the male children listed in the household at that time.  James would have been 12 years old and probably working on the farm as they were farmers.  James mother is not listed in this census so it is also assumed she has passed away prior to 1830.

The 1840 Federal Census is much the same - William Cloud is listed as head of household and we assume one of the adult males ages 20 to 29 is that of James Madison Cloud.  At the time of the 1840 Census William Cloud had 16 slaves living on his property.  James's father, William, passes away in 1846 in Tennessee.  In William's Will he specifically notes that his slaves shall go free and he leaves it up to his executor to make it happen - or move them to a free state if he cannot.  In regards to James he does mention something that I don't quite understand.  In William's Will it states:

  "ITEM OF SECOND.  It is my wish that James M Cloud have Mary Chains daughter for living with, and taking care of me and managing my business for me till my death."

One can make a few assumptions from this statement.  First was that James Madison Cloud must have been helping run the family business - it is believed that William was still running a merchant business of some sort.  Second is that James stayed with his father until his death.  There is also the mention of Mary Chains and/or her daughter - were these slaves that weren't set free but given to James?  James staying with his father and running the business may be the explanation for his age when he first marries.

James Madison Cloud marries Louisa Marie Mann.  James was 27 years old when he first marries - quite old in those times.  Louisa was only 16 years old - an average age for a girl to marry.  They are married in Madison County, Alabama 26 October 1845.

James and Louisa have their first child, Sarah Elizabeth Cloud, in Nashville, Tennessee.  So James and Louisa must have resided there during that time - even though they were married only a year and half earlier in Alabama.  Maybe James was traveling between Madison County, Alabama and Tennessee?  We know that his father, William, owned property in both locations.

By the 1850 Federal Census we find James and Louisa living back in Madison County, Alabama.  They have two children living at home - Sarah and Louisa.  I don't ever see a Mary Chains or a daughter of Mary.  Maybe James opted for Mary Chains and her daughter to go free.  Living next door to James and Louisa is James's brother, Durgan, and his family.  On the other side of James are the parents and family of Louisa Mann - William Mann and Lucinda (McKinney) Mann.  On the other side if the Mann family is a McKinney family - believed to be the parents of Lucinda - so these would be the grandparents of James's wife Louisa.

Louisa and James have two more children, Maria in 1851 and William Adrain Cloud in 1852.  Louisa passes away in August of 1853, leaving James with four very young children.  James remarries only a few months later on 2 January 1854 to Mary Caroline Hammons.  Both marriages can be found online at the Madison County Records Center at http://www.co.madison.al.us/mcrc/index.shtml under the Holdings tab.  James and Mary have two children, James Madison Cloud Jr and Martha Ellen Cloud.

We find the family in the 1860 Federal Census in South Eastern Madison County in the New Hope Post Office.  This record is slightly confusing.  There are two extra children here that I don't have listed for James - they could be children of a relative or another child of James and Mary.  I will post a copy of the record below.  The first one is an Ellich Cloud age 15.  We know Ellich is not a child of James and previous wife Louisa or he would have been in the 1850 Census.  James's second wife, Mary, would have been only 8 years old at the time of Ellich's birth - so it is not a child of hers either.  Another researcher noted this child as Erick Elliott Cloud - adopted son.  I haven't found anything to help prove or disprove that - and I cannot find Ellich in any future records.  The second extra child is Macha Cloud age 1.  This could definitely be a child of Mary and James due to the age.  I am just not sure - as Mary's children with James are listed last - and Macha is listed before them indicating they were not hers? 

UPDATE: After finding the obituary for Louisa Marie Mann I believe the extra child is actually Maria Cloud - child of James and Louisa.  I believe the age is just incorrect.  I had originally believed that Maria had passed away before 1860, and before Louisa's death, but her obituary stated all four children were still living.  Just an assumption.  So I believe that Macha is Maria.

UPDATE II:  I found a death record for a John E Cloud on the familysearch website (www.familysearch.org).  This record states that the parents of John were Jim Cloud and Caroline Hammonds.  His birth is listed as June of 1860.  I believe this to be another child of James Madison Cloud and Mary Caroline Hammons.  This John Cloud can be found living with relatives in the 1870 and 1880 censuses (he was living with half sister Sarah Elizabeth Cloud in 1880).  I've wondered who this John Cloud was and now he fits in!!  He was not born yet in the 1860 Census.

Also in the 1860 Census is a Jane Vann and presumably her son, Jerry, living with the Cloud family.  Their relation, if any, is unknown.  Could they have been slaves given to James by his father?  Their race is not noted either.




His second wife's death date is unknown.

By the 1870 Federal Census none of the individuals listed above can be found except for Sarah Elizabeth Cloud and Martha Ellen cloud - Sarah Cloud is married to George Washington Parker.  Martha Ellen Cloud can be found living with a Hornbuckle family, relation, if any, unknown.  William and Louisa show back up in 1880.  None of the other individuals can be located after this 1860 record.

James Madison Cloud and Louisa Marie Mann had the following children:

1. Sarah Elizabeth Cloud - born 5 May 1847 in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.  Dies 5 July 1919 in Paul, Minidoka County, Idaho.  Marries George Washington Parker.
2. Louisa Jane Cloud - born about 1848 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death Unknown. Marries John Sullivan.
3. Maria Cloud - born about 1851 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.
4. William Adrain Cloud - born December 1852 in Madison County, Alabama.  Dies 1923 in New Hope, Madison County, Alabama.

James Madison Cloud and Mary Caroline Hammons had the following children:

1. James Madison Cloud - born about 1855 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.
2. Martha Ellen Cloud - born about 1857 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.  Marries cousin Waddy Cloud.
3. John E Cloud - born June 1860 in Madison Coounty, Alabama.  Died 9 Nov 1934 in Hobbs Island, Madison County, Alabama.  Married Angie Elizabeth Sewell.