Odin Brown

Odin Brown is the 3rd Great Grandfather of my wife.

Odin's parents are believed to be Seabury Brown and Polly Fox, but I have not been able to find any paper proof of this lineage.

Odin was born in New York state on 7 March 1816.  At some point before 1840 Odin marries a Sally Stevens.  Other researchers have listed Sally's maiden name as Leonard.  I have only found one record that list's the surname of Sally and that is the death certificate of the youngest son, Perry Brown, and it lists her maiden name as Stevens.  Looking at old census records for the assumed father of Odin, Seabury, I can find a family with the surname Leonard in close proximity, so it is possible for Leonard to be Sally's surname.

There is a record for an Odin Brown for the 1840 Federal Census.  This Odin is found in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.  This family consists of one male under the age of 5, one male age 20 to 29 (Odin), one female under the age of 5, and one female age 20 to 29.

The next record found for Odin finds him in Bonus, Boone County, Illinois.  This record indicates his two oldest children, ages 13 and 11, were born in the state of New York.  His next oldest child, Morton, age 8, was born in Michigan.  From this we know that the Brown family lived for a time in the state of Michigan, around the year 1842.  The next two children, Caroline, age 6 and Frederick, age 4, were born back in the state of New York.  The youngest two children, Sophia, age 2, and Ellen, age 6 months, were born in Illinois.  This was a very busy decade for the Brown family as it would have found them in New York, Ohio, Michigan, back to New York, and then finally in Illinois.  In 1850 Odin is a farmer and a landowner.  The value of his land is listed at $400.

The Federal Census of 1860 finds the family living in Boone, Boone County, Illinois.  The family is still intact.  The value of Odin's property has increased to $3500 and his personal belongings are valued at $600.  Odin is still farming.  This coming decade of the 1860's will be a hard one on the Brown family.

Between the years of 1860 and 1870 the Brown family changes drastically.  Several children die including Ellen, Alvah, George, and Rosalinda.  It is apparent that a sickness of some kinds devastated the family.  Odin's wife, Sally, also passes away.  In 1864 Odin joins the Civil War as a hospital steward.  See picture below.

Odin serves for 100 days.  In 1869 Odin remarries to Helen (Nellie) Chamberlain.

Odin is living in Boone, Boone County, Illinois in the 1870 Federal Census.  He only has two sons living with him at this time with his 2nd wife, Helen.  His profession is now listed as a shoemaker.  His real estate is valued at $1000 and personal property is valued at $3000.

Odin is next found in the 1880 Federal Census living in Sterling, Johnson County, Nebraska.  His 2nd wife Helen and two new children are living with him.  Both children were born in Nebraska, the eldest being 3 years old, so the family has been in Nebraska for at least 3 years.  Also living with them is Helen's brother, Novis Chamberlain.  Odin's profession is farming.

The next census for Odin is the 1885 Nebraska State Census.  They are still residing in Sterling, Johnson County, Nebraska and Odin is still farming.

Odin passes away around the year 1899 in Sterling, Johnson County, Illinois.  He appears to be buried in the Sterling Cemetery.  I say that because there is also an entry for Odin in a Boone County, Illinois cemetery.

Here is the headstone picture from the Sterling Cemetery (a headstone cannot be found in Boone County, even though he is listed there by someone on FindAGrave):

Odin Brown and Sally Stevens (possibly Leonard) had the following children:

1. Hubbel Dilson Brown - born in August of 1837 in New York, death unknown.  Marries Mary Louisa Jackson.
2. Cecil M Brown (female) - born about 1839 in New York, death unknown.  Marries Tobias Stevenson.
3. Morton Brown - born 8 February 1842 in Michigan, dies 5 March 1909 in Russellville, Boone County, Illinois.  Marries Helen Smith.
4. Caroline Brown - born about 1844 in New York, death unknown. Marriage unknown.
5. Frederick Brown - born about 1846 in New York, death unknown.  Marriage unknown.
6. Sophia Brown - born 29 March 1848 in Illinois, dies 22 June 1901 in Sundance, Crook County, Wyoming.  Marries (1st) Silas Durkee, (2nd) Albert Frederick Hoge.
7. Ellen Brown - born about 1850 in Illinois, death unknown. Marriage unknown.
8. Alvah Brown - born about 1852 in Illinois, dies 22 October 1860 in Russellville, Boone County, Illinois.
9. Rosalinda Brown - born about 1854 in Illinois, dies 2 November 1861 in Russellville, Boone County, Illinois.
10. Seabury Strong Brown - born 3 October 1857 in Illinois, dies 12 April 1932 in Pendleton, Umatilla County, Oregon.  Marries Stella Richardson.
11. Perry Fox Brown - born October 1861 in Boone County, Illinois, dies 19 April 1936 in Meyers Falls, Stevens County, Washington.  Marries Mary Viola Richardson.
12. George Brown - born about 1864 in Boone County, Illinois and dies about 1865 in Boone County, Illinois.

Odin Brown and Helen Chamberlain had the following children:
1. Daisy Brown - born 2 August 1873 in Capron, Boone County, Illinois, dies 28 March 1875 in Sterling, Johnson County, Nebraska.
2. Harry Burton Brown - born 21 August 1875 in Nebraska. Died 23 Novemer 1955 in Wyoming. Marries (1st) Myrtle Conn.  Marries (2nd) Minnie Rose (last name unknown).
3. Arthur Chamberlain Brown - born 21 April 1877 in Nebraska, death unknown. Marries Lucy Pisel.
4. Barton Benjamin Brown - born 28 June 1882 in Johnson County, Nebraska, death unknown.  Marries Pearl Simmons.

Joseph Charles

Joseph Charles is my 5th Great Grandfather.  He believed to be the 2nd eldest son of Abner Charles and Sarah Walker.

Joseph is believed to have been born on 7 April 1773 in Fryeburg, Oxford County, Maine.  Joseph's father, Abner Charles and Abner's brother, John Charles, are mentioned in the Town History of Fryeburg, Maine as some of the original settlers.  There were some accounts that list the place of birth of Joseph as Concord, New Hampshire.  Part of the reason for that could be that the original plot of land for Fryeburg was mistakenly in New Hampshire.  Once that was discovered the lines for the town were redrawn.

There are three census records that are believed to belong to Joseph Charles.  These census records find Joseph and family all in the state of New York.  The first census record, the Federal Census of 1820, finds the family in Orangeville, Genesse County, New York.

In Orangeville the Charles' household consisted of 1 male age 16 to 18, 3 males 16 to 25, 1 male 45 and older, 4 females under the age of 10, 1 female age 26 to 44,  and 1 female age 45 and older.  The 3 males age 16 to 25 were Timothy, Joseph and Nehemiah - with Nehemiah also being the male listed as age 16 to 18.  Joseph senior would be the male age 45 and older.  The four females under the age of 10 were Lucy, Susannah, Olive and Miranda.  The female age 26 to 44 would be Joseph's wife, Dorothy Abbott.  It is hard to assume who the female over the age of 45 is.  It could be Joseph's mother - as her death date is not known.  She would have been in her 70's.  Dorothy's mother had already passed away.  It could also have been a servant helping the large family.  There are four children unaccounted for in this census.  They are Elizabeth Charles, age 21, Sarah Charles, who would have been 15 years old, Dorothy Charles, age 13 and Perry Charles, age 9.  Elizabeth first child was born in 1819 so she was most likely living with her husband.  I'm not sure why Sarah and Dorothy would not be listed.  I've never found any records for Perry Charles so I could assume that he died young before the census was taken in 1820.

The second census for the Charles' family is the 1830 Federal Census taken in Wethersfield, Genesee County, New York.  The town of Wethersfield was made from part of the town of Orangeville so the Charles family may not have moved since the 1820 Census.

In 1830 the family consisted of 1 male age 5 to 9, 1 male age 50 to 59, 2 females age 10 to 14, 1 female age 15 to 19, 1 female age 20 to 29, 1 female age 50 to 59. The male age 5 to 9 is John Joseph Charles. The male age 50 to 59 is Joseph Charles senior.  The two females age 10 to 14 are Lucy and Susannah and the female age 15 to 19 is Olive Charles.  The female age 20 to 29 could be either daughter Miranda or Dorothy.   The female age 50 to 59 would be Dorothy Charles, wife of Joseph.

The last census for Joseph Charles is the 1840 Federal Census taken in Wethersfield, Genesee County, New York.

The Charles' family in 1840 consisted of 1 male age 10 to 14, 1 male age 15 to 19, 1 male age 60 to 69, 2 females age 20 to 29, 1 female age 60 to 69. It's hard to determine who the youngest male is in this household, unless it is an unknown child.  The other male age 15 to 19 is John Joseph Charles.  Joseph Charles would be the male age 60 to 69.  The two females age 20 to 29 could still be daughters, possibly Lucy, Susannah, or Olive.  The female age 60 to 69 would be Dorothy Charles.

It should be noted that Wethersfield, New York is no longer in Genesee County.  The County lines were redrawn in 1841 and Wethersfield is now in Wyoming County, New York.

Joseph Charles died in February of 1846 in Wethersfield, Wyoming County, New York.  He is buried in the Wethersfield Cemetery.

The children of Joseph Charles and Dorothy Abbott are:

1. Timothy Walker Charles - born 16 September 1796 in Chatham, Carroll County, New Hampshire, died April 1880 in McKean, Erie County, Pennsylvania.  Married Miranda Langdon.

2. Elizabeth Walker Charles - born 21 February 1799 in Chatham, Carroll County, New Hampshire, died 9 December 1879 in Wethersfield, Wyoming County, New York.  Married Daniel Curtis.

3. Joseph Charles - born 13 March 1801 in Fryeburg, Oxford County, Maine, died 28 January 1828 in Wethersfield, Genesee County, New York.  Married Mary Gordon.

4. Nehemiah Charles - born 18 April 1803 in Fryeburg, Oxford County, Maine, died 23 September 1888 in North Plains, Ionia County, Michigan.  Married Anna Mariah Langdon.

5. Sarah Walker Charles - born 13 April 1805 in Fryeburg, Oxford County, Maine, died 22 January 1890 in Palo, Ronald Township, Ionia County, Michigan.  Married Chauncey Conkey.

6. Dorothy Charles - born 17 July 1807 in Fryeburg, Oxford County, Maine, died 31 August 1888 in Richland, Kalamazoo County, Michigan.  Married Benjamin Franklin Langdon.

7. Miranda Charles - born 5 February 1810 in Fryeburg, Oxford County, Maine, died 12 November 1901 in Ionia County, Michigan.  Never married.

8. Perry Charles - born 24 December 1811 in Fryeburg, Oxford County, Maine, death unknown but most likely before 1820.

9. Olive Charles - born about 1814 in Orangeville, Genesee County, New York.  Death unknown.  Marriage unknown.

10. Susannah Charles - born about 1816 in Orangeville, Genesee County, New York.  Death unknown.  Married Jacob Herrick.

Orangeville, Genesee County, New York. Death unknown.  Marriage unknown.

12.  John Joseph Charles - born 7 August 1823 in Wethersfield, Genesee County, New York, died 23 September in Montcalm County, Michigan.  Married Mariah - surname unknown.

Albert Charles Balderston

Albert Charles Balderston is the 2nd Great Grand Uncle of my wife, the brother of her 2nd Great Grandfather, Joseph Newton Balderston.  Albert is the youngest son of Stephen B Balderston and his second wife, Mary Brenn.

Albert was born in Avon Township, Fulton County, Illinois on 9 January 1877.  Not long after Albert's birth the family moved to Greenbush Township, Warren County, Illinois.  It is here where we find the family in the 1880 Federal Census.  Albert's father is listed as a carpenter.

Albert's father passes away in 1885 and then his mother in 1900.  Albert is found in the 1900 Federal Census still living in Greenbush Township, Warren County, Illinois - where he was found in the 1880 census.  He is working as a hired man on a farm.  He is living with Edmund Simmons and family.  Not too far from the Simmons farm is another household that holds the future wife of Albert, Alma Loretta Holeman.  Alma and Albert were married sometime before the birth of their first child, Thelma Balderston, in November of 1905.

By the 1910 Federal Census the new family has moved to West Blue, Adams County, Nebraska.  From this record we can determine that Albert is in his first marriage.  Alma and Albert are the parents of 4 children, and all are still living at the time of the census.  Albert is renting his home and is working as a farmer.  Albert is living in Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska during the 1918 WWI draft.  From this record we can see that Albert is working for himself as a farmer.  This record  indicates that Albert is tall and slender, has blue eyes and black hair, and has no physical disqualifications for the draft.  It's interesting to note that this record states his last name with no 't' in Balderston, but the signature does have the 't' in it.  A copy of this record is below.

The family is still in West Blue, Adams County, Nebraska during the 1920 Federal Census.  There is nothing additional to learn from this record other than some additional children.  Albert is still renting his farm.

By 1930 Albert is now the owner of a farm.  This record finds the family in Rockton, Furnas County, Nebraska.  This census states that his farm has livestock as well as grain.

Albert Charles Balderston dies in McCook, Red Willow County, Nebraska on 6 January 1955, just a few days before his 78th birthday.

Albert Balderston and Alma Holeman had the following children:

1. Thelma Maree Balderston - born 3  November 1905 in Nebraska.  Died 11 January 1960 in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.  Married Gerald Neil Ankenman.
2. Fleeta Alberta Balderston - born 21 July 1907 in Nebraska.  Died 17 August 1994 in Gooding, Gooding County, Idaho.  Married Carl Raymond Michals.
3. Jasper Raymond Balderston - born 8 January 1909 in Nebraska.  Died 8 May 1993 in Beaver City, Furnas County, Nebraska.  Married Evelyn Torney.
4. Veda Olga Balderston - born 30 January 1910 in Nebraska.  Died 21 June 1875 in Albany, Linn County, Oregon.  Married Ivan Will Torney.
5. Bernice Viola Balderston - born 24 January 1912 in Nebraska.  Died 26 February 1989 in Arapahoe, Furnas County, Nebraska. Married Warren Ayres.
6. Lester Melvin Balderston - born 21 May 1914 in Nebraska.  Died 19 June 1914.
7. Neva Muriel Balderston - born 2 June 1915 in Hastings, Adams County, Nebraska.  Died 12 December 2001 in Aurora, Adams County, Colorado.  Married Paul DeBacca.
8. Elvin Eugene Balderston - born 13 December 1921 in Nebraska.  Died 21 June 2000 in Wilsonville, Furnas County, Nebraska.  Married Ivalee Grace Minshall.

William Walker Mann

William Walker Mann is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle, the brother of my 3rd Great Grandmother, Louisa Marie Mann.

William was born 1 May 1847 most likely in Madison County, Alabama.  He is the youngest son of William Mann and Lucinda McKinney.  The first record for William would be the 1850 Federal Census.  The family is found living in District 35 in Madison County, Alabama.  He father, William, is farming.  The value of real estate is $200 leading to the assumption that his father was a land owner.

The 1860 Federal Census finds the family in the South Eastern Division, Madison County, Alabama.  The father is still farming and the value of real estate is now $300.

The Civil War started in 1861.  The death information for William Walker Mann found on the findagrave website states that he served in 37th Infantry for Northern Alabama.  I haven't been able to find any proof of this.  I have sent a message to the person who created the entry on the findagrave site.

The next record found is from the Madison County, Alabama, holdings records found on their website.  They can be found here.  In the Marriage Records Indices there is a record for a William W Mann marrying a Julia E Steward on 13 October 1871 in Madison County.

The next census record is the 1880 (notice I am missing the 1870 Federal Census record - unable to locate at this time) Federal Census record.  This record shows William with his wife and 3 children.  He is farming but it notes that he was unemployed for 8 months during the year preceding the census.  This census also notes that his eldest child, age 4, was born in Mississippi.  So - sometime around the year 1876 the family was living in Mississippi, but had moved back to Alabama by the birth of his next child around the year 1878.

The next record finds the family has moved. This is the 1900 Federal Census record. They are now living in Gibson County, Tennessee.  There are five children now living at home.  This census notes that Julia is the mother of seven children, 5 of whom are still living.  So all children are accounted for in the 1900 census.  It is unknown what the names of the children who have perished before 1900 were.  William is still farming.

Gibson County, Tennessee is still where the family resides in the 1910 Federal Census.  This record corroborates that William is a Civil War Confederate Army veteran.  He is still farming, but is noted as owning his farm free and clear.  He has no mortgage on his home.  This census also notes that Julia is the mother of 7 children with 4 whom are still living.  So one of the children listed in the 1900 census has died before 1910.

Listed below is the death certificate for William Walker Mann.  This record actually helps clarify an earlier assumption.  This is the only paper proof that I can find that lists his mother's maiden name of McKinney.  I have always assumed that Lucinda was indeed Lucinda McKinney but this is the only paper proof that I am aware of.  The cause of death is listed as paralysis of the left side.

William Walker Mann and Julia Elizabeth Stewart had the following children:

1. Thomas M Mann - born October 1876 in Mississippi.  Death unknown.  Marriage Unknown.

2. Eliza G Mann - born May 1878 in Alabama.  Death unknown.  Marriage Unknown.

3. John C Mann - born April 1880 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.  Married Kathy, last name unknown.

4. Audley Walker Mann - born 7 August 1882 in Alabama.  Died 10 October 1955 in Shelby, Tennessee.  Married Virginia Lockhart.

5. Mary Tilda Mann - born 5 June 1885 in Alabama.  Died 16 January 1943 in Paris, Henry County, Tennessee.  Married Needham Whitley.

Stamp Photo Album - unknown

The following group of photo's are believed to have belonged to Lillian Isabell Briscoe.  Lillian is my wife's Great Grandmother.  I will complete a blog on the Briscoe line later.  I wanted to post this album first.

I would assume most of the individuals in this album were family or close friends of Lillian.  I wish I knew more.

Lillian was born in Cumberland, Cass County, Iowa in the year 1900.  She also lived in Edna, Cass County, Iowa.  After 1910 she spent the rest of her life in Magee or Yuma, Yuma County, Colorado.  So if an of these people are acquaintances, they would most likely be from that area as well.

Lillian married Delbert Balderston in 1920 in Yuma, Yuma County, Colorado.  So it's possible that some of these pictures may be on the Balderston family line also.

If you recognize any of these individuals please contact me!

Jenia Elen, John, Charles Albert, Frank and Rose Bell Balderston

These five children of Stephen B Balderston and Mary Brenn don't have much history to tell, so I will lump them all into one post.

Both John and Jenia Elen are found in the 1870 U.S. Federal Mortality Schedule for Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois.  Both young children died of croup.  Jenia would have been around 7 years old and John around 3 years old.  No other records are known to exist for these two children.

Charles Albert Balderston, born 24 August 1872 in Magnolia, Putnam County, Illinois can only be found in one known census record.  That record is the 1880 Federal Census taken in Greenbush Township, Warren County, Illinois.  He is about 8 years old.  In the notes of Adah Balderston, niece of Charles, it states that he was a baseball player and that he disappeared, no one knows what happened to Charles.

Frank, also found in the 1880 census record listed above, was born 23 September 1874 in Avon Township, Fulton County, Illinois.  Frank can also be found in the 1900 Federal Census taken in Union Township, Fulton County, Illinois.  Frank is a servant in the household of William Burnett, his profession is listed as farm laborer.  Frank can be found in the 1917/1918 WWI draft records living in Warren County, Illinois. He notes his sister Anna Jennings as nearest living relative.  It's interesting to note that Frank spelled his last name as Balderson - without the T? Maybe he didn't write it down, possibly someone else filled out the card for him? He is noted as having blue eyes, brown hair and having a medium height and build. Frank is still found living in Union Township in the 1930 Federal Census, this census notes that Frank is single, owns his home (value $400) and is still a farm laborer.  The death record for Frank dated 20 August 1936 verifies his birth date and parentage. It notes that he was a farm laborer and died single, never marrying.  No other records are known to exist for Frank.  I have not been able to find Frank in the 1910 and 1920 Federal Census.

Rose Bell was also found in the 1880 census record listed above.  She was born 9 January 1880 in Avon Township, Fulton County, Illinois.  She is believed to have died around 1948. Update: Rose Bell Balderston married William Naughton.  She was listed on the headstone of her parents as Rose B Naughton.  Rose and husband William are found in one census, the 1930 Federal Census living in Omaha, Nebraska.  No other records are found for Rose.

Mary E Mann

Mary E Mann is my 3rd Great Grand Aunt.

Mary is the daughter of William Mann and Lucinda McKinney.

Mary was born in July 1845 in Alabama.  The first record we find for Mary is the 1850 Federal Census where she is living with her family in Madison County, Alabama - so we can assume she was most likely born in Madison County.  They are living in District 35, her father is listed as a farmer.

They are still living in Madison County in the 1860 Federal Census, this time it is listed as the South Eastern Division.  Her father is still farming.

In the 1870 Federal Census Mary is still living with her mother, Lucinda.  Her father has passed away by this time.  Her brother, Thomas, is listed as head of household, yet the value of property is listed next to Lucinda.  So we can assume they are in Lucinda's home, not Thomas's.  Thomas is farming.  Mary is listed as without occupation.  She marries later this year to Isaac Rice.  Her and Isaac marry 8 August 1870 in Madison County, Alabama.

Mary and Isaac are still living in Madison County, Alabama in the 1880 Federal Census.  They have four children living at home.  Isaac is listed as a farmer.  The census notes that Isaac has been unemployed for 4 months during the census year.

The next census is the 1900 Federal Census.  This census notes that Mary is the mother of eight children but only four are living.  There are 3 children living at home.  Next door is her old child, Lillian Lucinda "Lou" Mann, married to George White.  Isaac is still farming, they are now homeowners in 1900.

Mary dies sometime before 1910, presumably in Madison County.  Isaac remarries in 1910 to Lovina Caroline "Callie" Blackburn.  Callie's maiden name is Cobb, this is her second marriage also. It is not known where Mary is buried.

Mary and Issac had the following children:

1. Lillian Lucinda "Lou" Rice - born in June 1871 in Madison County, Alabama.  Dies 24 May 1943 in Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama.  Marries George White.
2. James H Rice - born about 1875 in Madison County, Alabama.  Dies before 1900.  Marriage unknown.
3. William Turner Rice - born 26 November 1876 in Madison County, Alabama. Dies 21 Dec 1958 in rural Madison County, Alabama. Married Eliza Jane Hornbuckle.
4. Joseph Lee Rice - born February 1878 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown.  Marries Ethel, maiden known unknown.
5. John Crawford Rice - born 26 December 1884 in Madison County, Alabama.  Death unknown. Marries Mamie, maiden name unknown.

We do know that Mary had at least 3 more children - all who died before 1900.