WILLIAMS COUNTY  OHGenWeb

    Part of the USGenWeb Project

Williams County Queries posted in 2004

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BJ Clouston, Jan. 4, 2004 - CONNELLY
I found my great-great-great grandfather Robert Connelly who died 2-2-1872 in Mill Creek.  I have a copy of his power of attorney given to his son E.D. Connelly in 1870. E.D. lived in Iowa.

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Dotty Deeds Shade, Jan. 6, 2004 - DEEDS
I am doing research on my family tree and would like for someone to look up the Franklin Deeds whose obits was in the Bryan Times on Sept. 19, 1977  page 3   ID 7381 and Mildred Deeds whose obits were in the Bryan Times on July 31, 1982  page 3  ID 7382. I would like to know the names of their children, where they lived etc.

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Peggy Price, Jan 13, 2004 - WIRTZ, FRANK
I am now looking for the descendants of Henry J. Wirtz born about 1840 married to Mary Frank in 08 September 1864 at Shelby, Ohio. They had kids John Henry born abt. 1865, Lewis Philip abt 1866, George Adam abt. 1868, Charles William abt. 1870,  Francis "Frank" Marion abt 1872, Allen Willard abt 1874, Oliver Wesly abt. 1877, Catherine E. abt. 1879, and Sherman Edward abt. 1880. Lewis was married to Mary and had a daughter named Pearl. They lived in Pioneer, Williams Co., Ohio and were on the 1900 census.

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Carlie Purkey, Jan. 25, 2004 - YATES, BRAZIER
My name is Carlie, and I am looking for any info on my ancestors, the William Butler Yates line. He was born on the sea coming to America in 1800. He married An Anna Mary Brazier in 1821. They had 10 children and in 1841 they came to Bryan, Ohio. He was the first merchant in Bryan. I know he and his wife died and was buried in Bryan (1880 is the death date), along with some of the children. I wondered if you could send me a list of the cemetary plots and obituarties of what you can find. We know that the parents of William Butler Yates lived a matter of a couple blocks from them, but we have no name or info on them. I am hoping that this will give me a name.

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Durinda Grubbs, Jan. 31, 2004 - GRUBBS/GRUBS/GRUB/GRUBB
We are looking for information on the Grubbs from williams county.We would like anything that you can give us. The spelling is different too; grub,grubb,grubs and grubbs. Anything that you can email would be greatly appreciated. Email us at either address.

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Connie Coy Rice, Feb. 1, 2004 - COY
I  thought I would send more info that might be of interest to both Defiance & Williams Co. researchers. Since my COYS Pioneered in 1831-on land that was Williams Co. (Springfield Twp.)and then later the line split taking alot of their land into Tiffin Twp. Defiance Co. by 1845. Anyhow, I have worked with many local families from both Counties,and many surname families. I feel the attachments I am going to send may be of interest to both Websites,and many families lived in both counties as mine did. So it is really hard to only submit them to one or the other,they really need to be on both.
I am enclosing a Descendant Sheet per child of John Coy b.1783/Mary Polly Jones b.1787-they had 8 children that moved with spouses to Williams/Defiance Tiffin River in 1831. Only one never had children .I also belong to both Historical Society's and have signed & submitted the form to send in the 5 generation charts, so I just wanted to make sure you knew that was on file already.
 (NOTE: Many COY charts were submitted by Connie check them out on the Descendants chart list.)

Go to descendant charts list

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Ruth, Feb. 18, 2004 - HOOD
I am looking for Andrew Hood in Williams Co. in 1836.  He came to Greenup Co. KY to sell his portion of inherited property to his brother on that date and said he was residing in Williams Co OH.

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Joann, Feb. 28, 2004 - Cunningham
I am researching the Cunninghan name. Looking for information on Lafitte Cunningham and his son Samuel. Lafe Cunninghan had a Black Smith shop in Edgerton,Williams Co. Oh. must have been between 1920/1929. I believe that he died be for 1930. Any information would be appreciated.

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Kirk Adair, March 5, 2004 - ADAIR
I'm tracking the history of the Adair family and I believe that Williams Co. records may hold some important information for my research.  I believe my great great grandfather, Benjamin J. Adair, may have been born there in Williams Co. on Feb. 6, 1835. His father was a William Adair, born in PA in 1799-1800. I believe, in fact, that his father was a William Clark Adair, who lived in Williams Co. for some time and may be buried there along with members of his family.
From what I can tell from Federal Census information, William Clark Adair was married to a Johannah Campbell (also born in PA) and they settled at some point in Williams Co. and began their family. According to the census, their children were James, Rachel, Miriam (born 20 July 1834), William Clark Jr. (born 10 Sept 1840 in Morrow Co.), Margaret (born 1 Dec 1844), Rebecca (b. 1849), and Celista (b. 1851). By 1860 Benjamin J. Adair had his own young family in Boone Co. Iowa. His 1-yr old son's name was William C. Adair.
The 1880 Federal census lists Benjamin J. Adair living in Steuben Co., Indiana, with his family, including his father, one William Adair. WIlliam Adair died on 24 August 1883, but wasn't buried in Fremont. Another researcher found that WIlliam C. Adair is buried in Williams Co. along with his wife who died in 1878. But his research shows no son named Benjamin J.  In any case, I'm looking for any information, especially a birth certificate, for Benjamin J. And any information on where William Clark Adair was born in Pennsylvania (maybe there's an obit for him even if he did die in Fremont Indiana).

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Laura Heisler, March 7, 2004 - REID, MOSS
I'm researching the REID and MOSS families who came in 1820's ? to  Wms Co. esp Ambrose and Jos Wesley Reid who went on to Benton, IA

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Carol Crum Calkins, March 8, 2004 - CRUM

I want to submit the surname CRUM.  my Great Grandfather, Morrison Henry Crum, was born in Williams County Ohio, January 16, 1852.  His father my Great, Great Grandfather, Alfred Crum, was born June 15, 1824, Olivesburg, Richland County, Ohio.

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Shirley Williams, March 23, 2004 - WILLIAMS, SEWELL

I am looking for charles W. Williams he died in Superior Twp. Williams Co., Ohio.  He married Elizabeth Sewell.

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Blanche Hesse, March 25, 2004 - HESSE

I am searching for Marie Catherine Lucas Hesse who is reported as being a farmer in Edgerton, Williams County, Ohio, with her 3 children, John N., Barbara, and Frank.  Any help you can give me will be appreciated.  She was a widow and was born in Heinsch, Luxembourg, Belgium on 19 May 1816 and married in Hachy, Luxembourg, Belgium 13 Jan 1841 and is mentioned as living in America in 1871 and as dying in Ohio in 1883.
I shall appreciate receiving any information or advice.

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Roger Ballance, April 6, 2004 - REILLY, VAN BUSKIRK

I am trying to find the decendants of Peter Reilly who was my great great great grandfather. I believe that Mary Reilly, wife of Joseph Van Buskirk, was also the daughter of Matthew Reilly and grandaugher of Peter Reilly. I noted Dennis Stark's dendog site mentioned Joseph and Mary Bustkirk but I have been unable to send him a message as his tusco site does not seem to be operational. In your genealogy work from Williams County, would you have any information on the Peter Reilly decendants from Huntington, PA, Fort Roberdeau, Tascarawas, OH or other locations? Any information or direction you could provide would be very much appreciated.

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Carol Crum Calkins, April 7, 2004 - CRUM

My Paternal Great, Great Grandfather, Alfred Crum,was born in Olivesburg, Ohio in 1824.  he died in May 25, 1903 in Montpellier, Ohio.  He & his wife Clarissa Chapman Crum are buried in the West Franklin Cemetery.  My Paternal Great Grandfather; Morrison Henry Crum was born in Williams County, Ohio in 1852.  I am presently stuck at who my Great, Great, Great Granfather was, for sure.  It may be his name is Peter Crum.  Any information would be most helpful.  Thank you.

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Dee Elliott-Wakefield - CHRISTY

ROBERT¹ CHRISTY  was born on the 8th April 1800 in Pennsylvania. He died February 14th, 1864 in Tiffin Twp., Defiance Co., Ohio. He is buried at the New Evansport Cemetery, Tiffin Twp., Defiance Co., Ohio. He was married to MARGRET LESNITT. She was born October 14th, 1803, in Fayette Twp., Allegheney Co., Pa. Robert and Margaret were married on February 19th 1823 in Pennsylvania. They had 11 children, some of which were born in Pennsylvania. The Christy's were some of the earliest to settle in Ohio. ROBERT L CHRISTY² (ROBERT CHRISTY¹) My great grandfather, was born on April 22nd, of 1840 in OH. His first wife was SAMANTHA R. SULLINGER  were married on October 18th, 1869 in Williams Co, Ohio. Samantha was born in 1851 in Ohio; she died March 25th 1876 (at age 24 years and 7 months according to headstone). She is bur. at Old Evansport Cemetery, Evansport, Defiance Co,OH. Robert died on October 8th of 1906, and is bur. at New Evansport Cemetery, Evansport, Defiance Co, OH. If anyone has any information about earlier history before CHRISTY'S came to Ohio, I would much appreciate hearing from you!

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BJ Clouston, Jan. 4, 2004 - CONNELLY

I found my great-great-great grandfather Robert Connelly who died 2-2-1872 in Mill Creek.  I have a copy of his power of attorney given to his son E.D. Connelly in 1870. E.D. lived in Iowa.

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Dotty Deeds Shade , Jan. 6, 2004 - DEEDS

I am doing research on my family tree and would like for someone to look up the Franklin Deeds whose obits was in the Bryan Times on Sept. 19, 1977  page 3  ID 7381 and Mildred Deeds whose obits were in the Bryan Times on July 31, 1982  page 3  ID 7382. I would like to know the names of their children, where they lived etc.

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Peggy Price, Jan 13, 2004 - WIRTZ, FRANK

I am now looking for the descendants of Henry J. Wirtz born about 1840 married to Mary Frank in 08 September 1864 at Shelby, Ohio. They had kids John Henry born abt. 1865, Lewis Philip abt 1866, George Adam abt. 1868, Charles William abt.1870,  Francis "Frank" Marion abt 1872, Allen Willard abt 1874, Oliver Wesly abt. 1877, Catherine E. abt. 1879, and Sherman Edward abt. 1880. Lewis was married to Mary and had a daughter named Pearl. They lived in Pioneer, Williams Co., Ohio and were on the 1900 census.

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Carlie Purkey, Jan. 25, 2004 - YATES, BRAZIER

My name is Carlie, and I am looking for any info on my ancestors, the William Butler Yates line. He was born on the sea coming to America in 1800. He married An Anna Mary Braziein 1821. They had 10 children and in 1841 they came to Bryan, Ohio. He was the first merchant in Bryan. I know he and his wife died and was buried in Bryan (1880 is the death date), along with some of the children. I wondered if you could send me a list of the cemetary plots and obituarties of what you can find. We know that the parents of William Butler Yates lived a matter of a couple blocks from them, but we have no name or info on them. I am hoping that this will give me a name.

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Durinda Grubbs or Durinda Grubbs,
Jan. 31, 2004 - GRUBBS/GRUBS/GRUB/GRUBB

We are looking for information on the Grubbs from williams county.We would like anything that you can give us. the spelling is different too. grub,grubb,grubs and grubbs. anything that you can email would be greatly appreciated. email us at either address.

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Connie Coy Rice, Feb. 1, 2004 - COY

I  thought I would send more info that might be of interest to both Defiance & Williams Co. researchers. Since my COYS Pioneered in 1831-on land that was Williams Co. (Springfield Twp.)and then later the line split taking alot of their land into Tiffin Twp. Defiance Co. by 1845. Anyhow, I have worked with many local families from both Counties,and many surname families. I feel the attachments I am going to send may be of interest to both Websites,and many families lived in both counties as mine did. So it is really hard to only submit them to one or the other,they really need to be on both.

I am enclosing a Descendant Sheet per child of John Coy b.1783/Mary Polly Jones b.1787-they had 8 children that moved with spouses to Williams/Defiance Tiffin River in 1831. Only one never had children .I also belong to both Historical Society's and have signed & submitted the form to send in the 5 generation charts, so I just wanted to make sure you knew that was on file already.

 (NOTE: Many COY charts were submitted by Connie check them out on the Descendants chart list.)

Go to descendant charts list

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Ruth, Feb. 18, 2004 - HOOD

I am looking for Andrew Hood in Williams Co. in 1836.  He came to Greenup Co. KY to sell his portion of inherited property to his brother on that date and said he was residing in Williams Co OH.

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Joann, Feb. 28, 2004 - Cunningham

I am researching the Cunninghan name. Looking for information on Lafitte Cunningham and his son Samuel. Lafe Cunninghan had a Black Smith shop in Edgerton,Williams Co. Oh. must have been between 1920/1929. I believe that he died be for 1930. Any information would be appreciated.

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Kirk Adair, March 5, 2004 - ADAIR

I'm tracking the history of the Adair family and I believe that Williams Co. records may hold some important information for my research.  I believe my great great grandfather, Benjamin J. Adair, may have been born there in Williams Co. on Feb. 6, 1835. His father was a William Adair, born in PA in 1799-1800. I believe, in fact, that his father was a William Clark Adair, who lived in Williams Co. for some time and may be buried there along with members of his family. From what I can tell from Federal Census information, William Clark Adair was married to a Johannah Campbell (also born in PA) and they settled at some point in Williams Co. and began their family. According to the census, their children were James, Rachel, Miriam (born 20 July 1834), William Clark Jr. (born 10 Sept 1840 in Morrow Co.), Margaret (born 1 Dec 1844), Rebecca (b. 1849), and Celista (b. 1851). By 1860 Benjamin J. Adair had his own young family in Boone Co. Iowa. His 1-yr old son's name was William C. Adair. The 1880 Federal census lists Benjamin J. Adair living in Steuben Co., Indiana, with his family, including his father, one William Adair. WIlliam Adair died on 24 August 1883, but wasn't buried in Fremont. Another researcher found that William C. Adair is buried in Williams Co. along with his wife who died in 1878. But his research shows no son named Benjamin J. In any case, I'm looking for any information, especially a birth certificate, for Benjamin J. And any information on where William Clark Adair was born in Pennsylvania (maybe there's an obit for him even if he did die in Fremont Indiana).

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Laura Heisler, March 7, 2004 - REID, MOSS

I'm researching the REID and MOSS families who came in 1820's ? to  Wms Co. esp Ambrose and Jos Wesley Reid who went on to Benton, IA

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Carol Crum Calkins, March 8, 2004 - CRUM

I want to submit the surname CRUM.  my Great Grandfather, Morrison Henry Crum, was born in Williams County Ohio, January 16, 1852.  His father my Great, Great Grandfather, Alfred Crum, was born June 15, 1824, Olivesburg, Richland County, Ohio.

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Shirley Williams, March 23, 2004 - WILLIAMS, SEWELL

I am looking for charles W. Williams he died in Superior Twp. Williams Co., Ohio. He married Elizabeth Sewell.

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Blanche Hesse, March 25, 2004 - HESSE

I am searching for Marie Catherine Lucas Hesse who is reported as being a farmer in Edgerton, Williams County, Ohio, with her 3 children, John N., Barbara, and Frank.  Any help you can give me will be appreciated.  She was a widow and was born in Heinsch, Luxembourg, Belgium on 19 May 1816 and married in Hachy, Luxembourg, Belgium 13 Jan 1841 and is mentioned as living in America in 1871 and as dying in Ohio in 1883. I shall appreciate receiving any information or advice.

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Roger Ballance, April 6, 2004 - REILLY, VAN BUSKIRK

I am trying to find the decendants of Peter Reilly who was my great great great grandfather. I believe that Mary Reilly, wife of Joseph Van Buskirk, was also the daughter of Matthew Reilly and grandaugher of Peter Reilly. I noted Dennis Stark's dendog site mentioned Joseph and Mary Bustkirk but I have been unable to send him a message as his tusco site does not seem to be operational. In your genealogy work from Williams County, would you have any information on the Peter Reilly decendants from Huntington, PA, Fort Roberdeau, Tascarawas, OH or other locations? Any information or direction you could provide would be very much appreciated.

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Carol Crum Calkins, April 7, 2004 - CRUM

My Paternal Great, Great Grandfather, Alfred Crum,was born in Olivesburg, Ohio in 1824.  he died in May 25, 1903 in Montpellier, Ohio.  He & his wife Clarissa Chapman Crum are buried in the West Franklin Cemetery.  My Paternal Great Grandfather; Morrison Henry Crum was born in Williams County, Ohio in 1852.  I am presently stuck at who my Great, Great, Great Granfather was, for sure.  It may be his name is Peter Crum.  Any information would be most helpful.  Thank you.

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Dee Elliott-Wakefield, May 3, 2004 - CHRISTY

ROBERT¹ CHRISTY was born on the 8th April 1800 in Pennsylvania. He died February 14th, 1864 in Tiffin Twp., Defiance Co., Ohio. He is buried at the New Evansport Cemetery, Tiffin Twp., Defiance Co., Ohio. He was married to MARGRET LESNITT; she was born October 14th, 1803, in Fayette Twp., Allegheney Co., Pa.

Robert and Margaret were married on February 19th 1823 in Pennsylvania. They had 11 children, some of which were born in Pennsylvania. The Christy's were some of the earliest to settle in Ohio.  ROBERT L² CHRISTY ( ROBERT CHRISTY¹) My great grandfather, was born on April 22nd, of 1840 in OH. His first wife was SAMANTHA R. SULLINGER were married on October 18th, 1869 in Williams Co, Ohio ) Samantha was born in 1851 in Ohio; she died March 25th 1876 ( at age 24 years and 7 months according to headstone) . She is bur. at OldEvansport Cemetery, Evansport, Defiance Co, OH . Robert died on October 8th of 1906, and is bur. at NewEvansport Cemetery ,Evansport, Defiance Co, OH. If anyone has any information about earlier history before CHRISTY'S came to Ohio, I would much appreciate hearing from you!

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Blanche Hesse,  May 22, 2004 - HESS, NICHOLS
I am searching for information regarding the Hess and Nichols families in St. Joseph Township, Williams County, Ohio. Mary C. Nichols is listed in the 1870 Federal Census, age 48, born in Luxemburg, Belgium. Also listed are two children, Barbara Hess, age 19 b. Luxemburg, and Frank Hess age 14 b. Luxemburg. Her present husband, John Nichols, age 42, was also born in Luxemborg.They have two children, Mary Nichols, age 7 b. Ohio and Barbara age 4 b. Ohio.  Her first Husband, John Hesse, was born in Luxembourg and died there before Mary came to this country with her two children, Frank and Barbara Hesse.  We have been unable to find a record of the marriage of John Nichols and Mary C. Hesse. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Kathy Warren, May 24, 2004 - GILBERT

I am looking for info on Champion and Eliza Ann Gilbert Gilbert.  Eliza was born in NY and was a Gilbert before she married a Gilbert.  I am descendant of son Nathan, he moved to Berrien County, Michigan. Champion died in 1879 and Eliza died in 1880.

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John Middleton, May 29, 2004 - SHAFFER, VAN NORTRICK
I am trying to find information about Samuel Shaffer and his family. He is listed in the 1860 Census with his children, Isaac (17), Lydia (13), and Joseph (12), his wife, Clarissa (41), her son John Fulkerson (19), and Samuel and Clarissa's children, Seth (4) and Clarissa (1). I believe that Samuel was married before but I don't know when or to whom. Clarissa may have been married to ?? Fulkerson or that could be her maiden name. If she was married it would have been ca 1838, lasting no longer than 1843. She married P. S. Van Nortrick in 1844 and then Samuel Shaffer around 1855. Anyone with information please contact me.
Web Page: http://www.planetkc.com/jmcpa

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Sharon, May 31, 2004 - TAWNEY
I am trying to get information about my gggrandfather, Dr. Henry Lawrence Tawney, who was a practicing physician at Centre around 1860.  He ran off with the wife of Thomas E Lloyd of Defiance county..they went to Beetown, Wisconsin.  Mr. Lloyd eventually found them and went to Beetown and shot and killed my gggrandfather.  I have a copy of a newspaper article about the incident from the Bryan Democrat for Thurs, November 5, 1863, pg 2.  My gggrandfather was married and the father of four.  I also have a copy of my gggrandmother's obit from the Bryan Press for Thurs, June 15, 1905.  Her name was Caroline Gladden Tawney.  It does not say where she was buried but says her services were conducted at the UB Church of Williams Center by her pastor of Hicksville. I really really really want to find out where the two of them are buried but there are no Tawneys listed for Defiance or Williams Counties.  Any suggestions?

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Gene Voss, June 10, 2004 - ZACHER
Looking for any information I can find on the Zacher family from Edgerton Ohio, February-03-1866  Catherine E. Zacher.

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Lynda W, June 14, 2004 - WHETSTONE, HECKERT
Researching John Whetstone b @ 1821 who m Hannah Heckert in 1845 in Crawford Co. OH.  THey lived in Williams Co. from 1850 till death in 1903. Don't know John's parents and where they are from.  Hannah was b 1826 in Northumberland Co. PA. Her parents were Jonas and Mary Eliazabeth Herman Heckert.  John had a second wife, Louisa Allen m 1881 in Williams Co. OH. All 3 are buried in Scheer/Benner cemetery outside Bryan.
They had 13 daughters. Elizabeth m John George Krauss Jr Mary Jane m Jacob Impton or Imthurm Delilah m John J Scheer Caroline m Henry Haas Margaret m Lauriel Benner Louisa Laura m John Ries or Reese Ellen m Samuel Scott Schlosser Emma R m Elmer E. Schlosser Lovina Ann m Henry E Scheer Clarissa A.bb @ 1864 Catherine b @ 1847 died 1859

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Lynn Visone, June 24, 2004
I am searching for documentation of the birth of Viroqua Jane Rogers.  She was born in Williams County, OH on 21 Sept, between 1846 and 1849.  (different sources, different years.)  Her parents  were Samuel Rogers and Isabel Lee.  They were in North West township in 1860.  Their first child was Elisabeth; Viroka was their second.

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Shirley Hodges, June 26, 2004 - WHALEY, WISNER
I am looking for information on James and Lois Whaley. They had a daughter, Charlotte, who was born 20 September in 1938 in Kirkland, Lake Co., OH. She married Delorma Wisner 26 January 1859 in Williams Co., OH. I am looking for descendants and fellow researchers working on this family.

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P J Purse, July 5, 2004 - ENSIGN, GABRIEL
My family is searching for the birth record of my husbands father who was born, we were told, in William's County as we believe his father was as well. I mention that since they both have the same name.  My husband's father is deceased.   He was born July 12, 1890.   His name was Forest Chester Ensign  He was the son of:  Forest Chester Ensign and Emma Matilda Gabriel.  They were not married but the father gave his name to his son.

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Marie Griffin, July 6, 2004 - CONNOR
Looking for the death certificate for  my Great Grandfather?  Thomas Connor, died approximately 1878?  I already checked with Defiance County who had nothing.

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Barbara Lewis, July 7, 2004 - McGOWN
Earl M. McGown went to lived in Williams County, Ohio with a family named Arnold from the Childrens Home Society of Ohio in abt 1896.   His birth date was Nov or Dec 8, 1890.  Earl was my husband's uncle.  I would appreciate any information about him.

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John Kolar, Aug. 9, 2004 - SAVAGE
My name is John Kolar, and I'm a naturalist for the Geauga Park District. I'm in the process of researching the history of a man by the name Ansel Savage, a man who lived here from about 1815-1833. We have a rock outcropping at one of our parks that is named after him. Not much information is known about him, in fact he seemed to disappear from our county until we learned recently that he moved to Williams county, somewhere between 1833 and 1839.

I found your name on the Williams county cemetery page and thought you might be able to connect me with someone who might have access to information about Ansel Savage in Williams County. Any help that you can give me would be very much appreciated!

I have attached a brief history of what we know about Ansel Savage.

ANSEL SAVAGE was born on December 8, 1796 in East Buckland (Hampshire County), Massachusetts.  His parents were Abraham and Sarah, both born in 1761.  They were married on September 9, 1779, right during the middle of the Revolutionary War.  Ansel's father actually served in that war.

Ansel was the eighth of eleven children:  Asabel, Sally, Isaac(who died in 1806, at the young age of 19), Philander, Ebenezer, Betsy, Levi, Ansel, William, Patience and little Isaac (born in 1809, not too long after the death of Ansel's older brother Isaac). Early in his childhood, he and his family moved to Cayuga county, New York.  Sadly in 1812 his father Abraham died, the cause of which is unknown at this time.  After their father's death, some of the Savage children headed west, along with countless other New Englanders who were tempted by the rugged, untouched frontier of Ohio.

In around 1815, Ansel and two of his brothers, Ebenezer and Levi, arrived in Newbury.  Ebenezer had a wife and small child so when they arrived they settled quickly. He is listed in township records as one of the first tax paying citizens of Newbury.  Other historical sources describe Ebenezer as an excellent hunter, and also a drinker. Levi, on the other hand has been described as just a drinker.  In 1820, Levi married a woman by the name of Triphena Alexander.  Township records list this as one of Newbury's first marriages.

At the time of their arrival, the state of Ohio was still an unbroken forest, approximately 95% forested(as compared to 30% today).  Many pioneers were afraid of the animals and Indians that lived in the forest. The trees of today are tiny compared to some of the giants that once graced Ohio's woodlands!  Some of the largest trees on record:  Elm - 9in diameter, White Oak - 11in diameter, Sycamore - 14in diameter

It has been said that Ansel Savage lived in the cave.  The cave, which is located  in Newbury Township, is more of a rock outcropping than anything else.  Sure there are some crevasses that he might  have crawled  into for protection, but it highly unlikely that he lived in one of these tiny spaces.  More likely a scenario would be that  he built a cabin nearby and used the water from the spring for his rather successful whiskey still operation.  One other interesting fact: In 2002 with the help of the Geauga County Recorders office, it was determined that neither Ansel nor any other Savage family member ever owned the parcel of land on which the cave sits.  Does this mean that he couldn't have lived near the cave? Not necessarily, he may have taken up residence on the land without legal claim, a practice known as squatting.

Many folks say that Ansel Savage lived a life of solitude and seclusion, as a hermit..  Historical records indicate that this is far from the truth.  During most of his time in Newbury and Russell he was an active citizen: 1826 and 1827 - constable of Newbury Twp.; 1828 - awarded the honorable position of Newbury Twp. Trustee, along with Uri Hickox and Cutler Tyler; 1829 - as trustee he signed a petition to lay out what is now Bell St.; 1830 - elected Russell Twp. Clerk, Treasurer and Justice of the Peace; 1833 - elected as Russell Twp. Trustee.

In 1830, Ansel Savage settled in Russell Township, which at the time had a population of 115 people, in comparison to the 594 people that lived in Newbury Township.  In addition to his township duties, he also became one of Russell's first shoemakers.  It has been said that in those days you were either a farmer, a maple producer, or a shoemaker.  Shortly after he arrived in Russell, Ansel bought 76 acres of land, valued at approximately 176.00 (just over $2.00 an acre).  The property was located on Rt. 87, about a quarter of a mile west of Rt. 306.

HOT OFF THE PRESS

In the fall of 1834, Ansel Savage left Geauga County.  For many years it was unknown as to what happened to him.  Some say that he headed west to California with dreams of gold, others say he joined some sort of cult and left town, some firmly believe that he died a lonely old hermit in the woods.  In the summer of 2002 a court case was found by the Geauga County Archivists office, which involved Ansel Savage.  The case deals with a land dispute that spans  from 1834 until 1839.  Upon reviewing the court case it was discovered that after 1834 Ansel Savage lived along the Maumee river, in Williams County Ohio!!!!!!!!!!  - this fact opens up a door not yet opened.  For well over 100 years, Ansel Savage's whereabouts after 1834 have been a mystery. Needless to say, the park district has more research to do.

John Kolar

Park Naturalist

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Robin DeGroff, Aug. 18, 2004 - DeGROFF
I am looking for the marraige date for Lorenzo DeGroff and Mary Rittenour DeGroff, sometime between 1862-1863. I have seen two dates and wonder if one is correct. The first date I have is 20 Dec 1863, the other, 20 Jan 1862.  Lorenzo is my husbands great great grandfather, born 22 Aug 1842 in Richland Co. then moved as a child with his family to Williams Co.  Father-William DeGroff, mother, Margaret Meyers DeGroff.

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Sharon E. Smith, Sept. 2, 2004 - TAWNEY, HART
I have had contact with you previously and Pamela Lash has emailed me several times about my gggrandfather, Dr. Henry Lawrence Tawney.  He married my gggrandmother, Caroline Gladden Oct 12, 1849 in Ashland, Ohio.  Henry was killed in Beetown, Wisconsin in 1863.  In the 1880 census is Caroline Hart, listed as a widow.  I found some information that Caroline Tawney married someone named Frederic Hart 8-27-1872.  I have a copy of her obit and it uses her maiden name, Caroline Gladden, lists her husband as Henry Lawrence Tawney, deceased, lists her children including my ggrandfather, Pliny Tawney....but there is no mention of a Frederic Hart.  Does anyone have any info that could clear this up for me?

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Phyllis Leedom, Sept 3, 2004 - REASONER, DeMOTT, MADISON
I am looking for information on the family of Talmud Reasoner (son of Jacob Reasoner & Marie DeMott) who married Desire Burdict. Their children were:  Joseph, Daniel, George, Jane, Elizabeth, Peter B., Mercia, Jacob & James. I found in the 1850 census of Williams Co. Elizabeth, Mercia, James & Jacob.

In the 1850 census of Williams County there is a Chuancy Madison (Mattison) with wife Mercia Reasoner.  They had the following children: 

Pimelia Madison, age 5  George Madison, age 3

Living with Chauncy & Mercia were 3 of Mercia Reasoner's siblings: 

Elizabeth Reasoner, age 28   Jacob Reasoner, age 20  James Reasoner, age 21 

Can anyone tell me more about these families?

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Sydney Smith, Sept, 6, 2004
Need help with information on the children of Henry & Lydia (SMITH) BROWN.  Henry died abt 1843, Lydia married second Justus ROCKWELL.  Was Smith BROWN age 33 b. NY in the 1860 Bridgewater Twp census on of their children?  Wife Monah, 26; William, 8; Lydia, 5;  Harriet, 1;  Eliza, 14.  Wife and children b. OH.  Welcome any information on Henry & Lydia's family.  Thank you, Alyce in MI

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Garron M. Woodruff, Sept. 11, 2004 - JACKSON
I have an ancestor George Washington Jackson reportedly buried in Brown Cemetery. My Jacksons migrated to, I should say through, OH from NY and then to KS (with the Buckeye Colony covered wagon train of aprroximately 200 people to Abilene), bringing a fair amount of "Americana" history with them from having been in the Revolutionary War. I would be willing to post more of this info on your site, but I can't complete that part of their journey because I don't know what George was doing there. My notes from grandma indicate he might have been in the Union Army. I know my other Jacksons lived around the area getting married and having kids along the way (Crawford, Hancock counties, Branch Co MI, Stuben IN).

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Dale DeGroff, Sept. 13, 2004 - DeGROFF
Lorenzo DeGroff, born in Willliams, Co., moved to Richland.  Sons and daughters- Willis A. DeGroff, born  20 JUN 1883. Daughter-Minnie Caroline, 1869, Eva Arabella 1864, Sara Margaret 1866, Mary Ettie 1872, William 1875, George Franklin 1878, Louessa 1880, Ethel 1889.

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Phyllis (EDINGER) EASTERDAY, Sept. 16, 2004 - EDINGER, EASTERDAY
I'm trying to find out if anyone  has a picture of a house that was on the town square in Bryan in the early 1950's.  We lived there when I was eight and that is the house where my mother passed away on Jan 3rd, 1953. I have talked to all mt relatives that are left and no one has a picture of the house. It was on the south side of the square. I sent an email to the editor of the Bryan Times but have never heard back from him. Maybe you could tell me where there is a link that I could go to and find a picture or know of anyone who has one. Hoping that you can help.

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Jane O'Connor Foster,Sept. 19, 2004 - STRAW
Am researching the STRAW family who lived for a time in Pulaski, Williams County, Ohio. Benning Smart STRAW  born  20 June 1814 in New London, NH migrated to OHIO and was living in Pulaski per 1880 census with his wife Mary and daughter Mary B. Straw born 1856 in Ohio.  Also in Pulaski in 1880 was a brother of Benning's named Alva STRAW (born 1803 in New London, NH) age 76 who was widowed. He may have married 11 Feb 1875 Julia Ann Kent in Williams County, Ohio. Benning and Alva were sons of Benjamin Straw and Ruth Hutchins and they migrated west to Ohio. Any further information on this family would be greatly appreciated.

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Rob Julliard, Sept. 17, 2004 - KIMPEL, ELSER, BAKER
My mother (Shirley Kimpel) is the daughter of Gail Kimpel/Mildred Elser and the grand daughter of Karl Kimpel/Tassel Baker.  I am curious if you have come across either of those names in your research.  It seems a great deal of attention was placed on the Elser line (my mother's maternal line) but the Kimpel line is a bit more difficult to traverse.  I would love to touch base with you concerning the Kimpel family especially the line of Gail Kimpel if you have information regarding them.  Please feel free to contact me.

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Jeanne T. Lane , Sept 21, 2004 - MASTERS
I am searching for the death date and burial place of William N. MASTERS.  His Estate was probated on 12 Oct 1858 so I know that his date of death precedes that date.  Was there a newspaper that might have printed a notice of his death?  I also know that his only daughter, Emma suffered some accident or illness at about the same time that left her handicapped for the rest of her life.  She died at the home of her aunt, (my great grandmother, Permelia Brown Elliott) and her obituary led me to thefamily in Williams County.  The wife of William N. Masters was Mary Ann Brown.  Also, an Ezekial MASTERS appears in the Probate papers.  Also, a son, Francis died in the 1860's in Fulton County.  Any assistance on the family death daates would be most appreciated.  Since the estate sale was adv ertised in a paper, I am sure that one did exist in Bryan at that time.

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Lee Wingard, Oct 2, 2004 - SCHMITT, FOLTZ, WOLF(F), RIN(C)KEL
Margaret SCHMITT (b. October 8, 1830, Alsace - d. July 4, 1912, Williams Co., OH) came to Ohio from Alsace with her parents George and Mary (FOLTZ) Schmitt about 1841.  Margret married Jacob WINGARD in 1849 and they settled on a farm in Centre Twp of Williams county  for the next 45+ years. A cousin Jacob WOLF/WOLFF (October 1836-April 1920)  came to Williams County about 1855  from Melsheim, Alsace, France at age 17.  He is in the 1860 census, he served five years in the Civil War and settled in Shawnee Mound, MO on a farm.  He refers to Margaret as his cousin in his letters from Civil War camps  but it isn't clear whether they are related through the Schmitt or Foltz family.  Other siblings of Margaret  are a brother George Schmitt  and his wife Salome  (RINCKEL)Schmitt  (also in Williams County) and a sister Mary Schmitt, wife of Michael RINKEL, who  lived in Putnam county. There is another Williams county resident with the name Schmitt, she (Anna) married Mathias THIEL and they settled in Florence Twp.  They were from Luxembourg.  I don't think they are related but if anyone knows of a connection I would be interested in learning about it. I would like to know if there were other siblings in the Schmitt family, how Jacob Wolf is related  or any other pertinent information.  Thanks for any help with this Schmitt family in Williams County.  I am happy to share information with other family researchers.

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Laura, Oct. 15, 2004 - BAKER
Catherine Baker died around 29 Oct 1897 in Bryan? Searching for her obit and tombstone.

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Anna Toms, Nov. 16, 2004 - NEWCOMER, ROBINSON, STAUFFER
I am looking for information as to the parents of Able B. ROBINSON, born around 1853. Can not find any information prior to the 1880 Pulaski Twp, Williams Co., OHIO census.  Also any information on the wives of Able. Married first Mary E. NEWCOMER  born March 1 1855. Married second Della C. STAUFFER sometime after 1922. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Thomas L. Harman, Nov. 21, 2004 - THARP
Searching for the graves of Daniel and Christina Tharp. Daniel b. 1815 PA  d. aft 6/1880  Christina b. bet.1818-1819 PA Daniel and Christina listed in the census records of Pulaski Twp. from 1850-1880. Their children were Sarah Ann b. bet. 1841-1842; Mary Jane b. bet. 1843-1844; Isaac b. bet. 1845-1846; William b. bet. 1847-1848 m. Arabell; John C. b. 1851; James H. b. bet. 1852-1853. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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Mark Jensen, Dec. 6, 2004 - MAUGHERMAR/MAUGHERMAN

Looking for information on the Maughermar or Maugherman family that was in Williams late 1700's and into the 1800's. Any Info would be greatly appreciated.

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