Henry County Genealogical Society Newsletter
Volume 2, Number 3, May-June 1988
MEETINGS
May 16, 1988, Monday, 7:00 pm
At Edwin Wood Library, Deshler, OH. Dr. Sara Sharpe will speak on “Oral History.”
June 20, 1988, Monday, 7:00 pm
At Edwin Wood Library, Deshler, OH. Two speakers from local genealogical societies on “Cemetery Books vs. Booklets.”
NEW BOOKS ADDED TO THE LIBRARY
Genealogy of the Newell Family
A Day by Day Record of a Motor Trip from Toledo to Mexico City, 1936
DAR Patriot Index
George Family History
FAMILIES! Vol. 1, No. 1, Yates Publishing Co.
Looking for someone? Need a date or location for someone? What better way than to have a query in the newsletter!
HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, OHIO
(continued from Volume 2 Number 2, page 76 )
Still on down the river opposite the present village of Waterville, was the hospitable log cabin of “Uncle” Guy Nearing, whose cabin latch-string always “hung out” to welcome the neighboring settler, or the tired and often belated traveler. Near him, in a snug cabin, lived Thomas Dix, usually called “Uncle Tommy Dix,” a full-blooded Irishman, from Cork, and the only pauper on the river. He was very industrious, but being quite aged, was unable to entirely maintain himself, and was aided a lot by the town poor-masters. He was quite a hand at making maple sugar in the spring. He had seven large trees near his cabin into which he put numerous spiles, and as he counted it, made quite a sugar bush.
Just below this were the families of John Race and the Deckers and John Carter. Going back to Roch te Bout (Bushteboo) was found Isaac Richardson, the man who was afterwards murdered by Porter, the “Old Gay Lark,” as he was usually called, who was the first man ever hanged in the valley under the civil laws of the United States; and also Hughs, a millwright, living at Richardson’s.
At Waterville was John Pray and family, Colister, and Whitcomb Haskins (a little below), and the two brothers Farnsworth and their families; Deacon Cross, Mr. Martindale, Orson Ballou, Alexander Howard and family; Warren Gunn, and on the high bank of the river, a little below was the white washed log cabin of “Count” Pierre Louie La Point, known as “Uncle” Peter La Point, whose roof often sheltered and made glad many a heart from the posts at Detroit, and along the river to Fort Wayne, by the hospitality of this kind-hearted Frenchman; Deacon Barlow (on Presque Isle), Judge Jonathan Jerome, at Turkey foot Rock, “Old” Haynes, and one or two others whose names cannot be recalled.
At Maumee City proper were General John E. Hunt, and Robert and James H. and Duncan Forsyth, all merchants and Indian fur traders; Judge Wolcott, also a fur trader; David and Isaac Hull, fur traders; Dr. Conant, James Wilkison, Hezekiah Hubel, hotel keeper and farmer; “Old” Haynes, George, John and James Knaggs, farmers and traders; Parley Carlin and his brother, Esquire Carlin, Mr. Gibbs and family, _____ Whitney, Peter Rebedow, a blacksmith; Mr. Mashor, the Rand family, _____ Trombley, and a number of other French families, including Peter Nevar and brothers; “Deacon” Keeler, and Indian agent Major Stickney and family, Mr. Whitney and “Uncle” Peter Shaw, Mrs. Mary Ann Gilbert (nee Miss Wolcott, daughter of Judge Wolcott), and Ralph Keeler.
Passing back to the vicinity of Fort Meigs: First was found Captain.Pratt and sons, Jonas, Hiram, Amos, James and Foster, and daughters Sally and Jane. Also in the family of Captain Pratt was his mother, known as “Granny” Pratt, Judge James Spafford and brother, and their families, Dr. Coulton, John and Frank Hollister, merchants and Indian fur, traders, as also a brother, Harry; Thomas McKnight, John Webb, who built the first house in Perrysburg and who died August 28, 1885; Jacob Wilkinson and Captain David Wilkinson; the Jenison family, Nathaniel, Julius, Leonard, and Blinn, brothers and sister Mary; Philander B. Brown and father, a blacksmith, and sister Jane; Elijah Herrick, Thomas McElrath and the Learning families, Carter, a tailor, and Wm. Ewing, then a boy, but later known as ex-Judge Ewing; Judge Thomas Powell, “Sile” Morehouse and brothers, and Vickers, a gunsmith and blacksmith, employed by the United States government for the Indians; Griffith, John Chartier, Wm. M. Billings, Valentine Winslow, the Deckers, Races, John J. Lovett, Hawley, Wilsons, Baldwin, Prentice, Hubbard Worden, Sibley, Whitmore, Noyes, Elijah Huntington, Joshua Chapel, Charles C. P. Hunt, brother of John E., of Maumee, Mrs. Major Skinner (nee Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Major Spafford, of Ft. Meigs). James Mackelrath, Ft. Meigs; Louis Trombla and Mr. Daget, of Maumee; Mr. Adams, Waterville; Mrs. Isaac Hull, daughter of Mr. Spafford; Mrs. Perrin, now living, daughter of Jacob Wilkison and brothers Merrill and Samuel, Jerry Crane and father, Mr.Crane, “Old” Loup, “Sister” Knowles, an old bachelor who finally married and was supposed to have lost his life from poison given him by his wife; Charles and Curtis, “Curt” Roby and possibly others.
In the early part of the year 1820, and soon after the (then) last-treaty with the Indians, by which their right of possession to the soil in this part of Ohio was extinguished, there was at the disposal of the authorities a vast tract of land in the northwestern portion of the State that was practically uninhabited by whites; and, for the better administration of the affairs of this country, and the desire on the part of the authorities that the territory should be occupied and improved by settlers, it was deemed prudent that the country should be erected into several counties. It was, therefore, by such provisional action that the county of Henry was brought into existence.
By the act which was passed on the 12th day of Feb. 1820, it was declared “That all that part of the lands lately ceded by the Indians to the United States, which lies within this State, shall be, and the same is hereby erected into fourteen separate and distinct counties,” to be bounded and named as in the act provided. These counties formed were: Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Marion, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams and Wood.
Separating Henry county from its fellows formed at the same time, it is found that the same was made to include “all of ranges five, six, seven and eight north of the second township north, in said ranges, and to run north with the same to the State (Michigan) line as aforesaid, and to be known by the name of Henry.” The county was so named in honor of Patrick Henry, that distinguished statesman whose eloquent voice had been so frequently heard in upholding the cause of the struggling American colonies in the days of her infancy.
At the time of this erection there was not a sufficient number of residents within the broad limits of the county to fill the county’s offices, or to in any manner administer its affairs; so the act made further provisions, ‘by the second section, that the newly created counties of Hancock, Henry, Putnam, Paulding, and Wil1liams should be attached to the county of Wood until otherwise directed by law. The temporary seat of justice of Wood county was fixed at Maumee. The first election for county and township officers for Wood county, and the counties attached to it, as well, was ordered and directed to be held on the first Monday of April, 1820.
Under this provision and by this enactment was Henry county attached to Wood county, and so continued for about four years, when, by an act passed on the 2nd of February, 1824, it was provided that Williams county be fully organized for all purposes, and that the other counties of Henry, Putnam and Paulding be attached thereto for judicial purposes; that on the first Monday of April, 1824, the legal electors residing in the counties of Williams, Henry, Putnam and Paulding “shall assemble within their respective townships, at the usual place of holding elections, and shall proceed to elect their county and township officers, who shall hold their offices until the next annual election.”
It was further provided that the courts for the named counties should be held at Defiance, in the county of Williams, and until otherwise provided by law, further, “that suits or actions, whether of a civil or criminal nature,” which shall be pending at the time of the passage of the act, should be prosecuted to final judgment and execution in the county of Wood, in the same manner as they would have been had not Williams county been fully organized. Otherwise than as above provided, Williams county became the seat of justice for Henry county after Feb. 1824.
In the year 1834, Henry county became fully organized for all purposes; authorized to elect its own officers, hold courts within its boundaries, and perform all of the acts and duties incumbent upon all counties. The first proceeding necessary was the election of county officials. They were as follows: Pierce Evans, Reuben Waite and David J. Corry, judges; Newton Evans, clerk of courts, Xenophen Mead, Amos Cole and Allen Brougher, county commissioners; Hazel Strong, auditor; Israel Waite, treasurer; Elkanch Husted, sheriff; William Bowen, coroner; Frederick Lord, prosecuting attorney. They were to hold these offices until the general election in Oct., and this time all were re-elected except that Samuel Bowers was elected to the office of sheriff in place of Elkanch Husted, who had left the county. The whole number of votes cast at this election was ninety-seven.
…to be continued.
CIVIL WAR LETTERS
The following letters from Andrew Altman, written to his family while he was serving in the Civil War, have been transcribed from the original letters exactly as written. These letters are in the possession of the James E. Jones family.
August the 8 1861
My Dear father it is with much pleasure that I take my pen in hand to let you know that I am well at present and hope that these few lines may find you all in the same health.
there is nothing a going on now. every thing is still, our whole Company is with the artilery while they lay here at bolivar. we have not any thing to do here only to Stand gard over the Canon. it takes 3 men and a Corpel at a time. one detail 2 hours at a time. there is a bout 200 negroes at work here a making brest work. they are a making it of Coton and earth and logs. our Co. and the other artilery Co. is a diging a well. they dug 12 ft and water seeps in. From uncle george he is not here. he went a foriging this morning so of corse i will wright for him. he is well and weighs 185 lbs. I 155. he took a revolver and his gun to. I recon he in tends to shoot Some one to day. I was out the other day and me and Will Booker got 8 water melons for our mess and eat all we wanted in the patch and i went up to the man that owend them with a big piece in my hand and he never opened his head. last night we killed a hog. we aint any way Saven of any thing that belongs to the Secesh. our kernel tells us to only put in a half a load in the gun So it wont crack loud.
to Isaac Altman
It is no use to tell you twise that i am well So I begin to indever to you. I supose that we will get our pay in a bout a month from now and for 4 month to that will be 52 dollars. Isaac, Eaber Crockett is as poor as a snake and that you would run a way from him if you would see him and think he was rebel. Isaac there is eternel Slews of black girls here. david hill has gon to boliver town.
to Sarah Altman, Samuel Altman, and matilda altman,
we have light bred plenty and a paten pail of Sugar a head. how i would like to Set in down be fore Samuel and matilda and see them lick there Sweet little fingers. and coffee lot to if you had what we dont use you would not have to buy. once in a while we meet with a chance and sell some 50 cts. a pound. Salt 40 dolars a bbl. well i am geting tired of wrighting. I must bring my letter to a close. So Good by to you all.
from Andrew Altman
January the 25 1862
My dear father I take my pen in hand to inform you that i am well at present and i hope that these few lines may find you all in goying the same helth.
We are at Camp Chase 4 milds west of Columbus. we have got good places to stay in barax and a stove in it. I must tell you what I have been a doing. I,have been a garding Seasesions. we have got over three hundred here in Camp that has been taken Prisoners. they are drest in _____ close mostly and Raged. And uncle george Said that he Seen one that a Rattle Snake would have to take a rest to hit his legs. I would a liked to talked to them but they gave me orders not to for they was a fraid that they would tell them some thing that I had not ought not. they would Curs us now and them be Caus we would not speek to them and said if they had uncle george down they would make him speek. the big bord fence is a bout 15 ft. high, 2 achers in Side. they are uneasy as a parsel of turkeys that has bee Caut in a trap. to take it on an average, they are not So Stout as our men. last nite it was that I stood gard. we had a Counter Sign and orders that if they did not Stop when i halted them to Shoot them. Well I guess I must tell you how many Ridgments there is in Camp. there is 3000 in Camp and one 1000 on the way from Columbus.
the prase of the 68 ridgment a coming through Columbus is said to be the best Ridgment ever came through Columbus. What the rebbles said to day 3 weeks ago when marching orders came that the 68 was a coming, the officer said to his troops, the hell it is. Boys, we had better be leaving so he marshaled his troops up moved of on doubble quick a looking back every minet to see if they wer yet. in sight. it is a prety nice day to day. there was no snow here when we came here day fore yesterday we arived in Camp. I like it first Rate. it is mudy here, Shoe top Deep. pumps handy to get water.
Well I must bring my letter to a close. Rite to me soon as you receive my letter.
Di rect your letter to the 68 Ohio R, Campchase, In the care of Capt. Crockett
from Andrew Altman to John Altman, Isaac Altman, Sarah Altman, Matilda Altman, Samuel Altman
good By at present
The soldier dream of home at the dead of the night. A sweet vision i saw and there in the morning i dremt it a gain but sorrow returned with the dawning of morn and the voice in my dreaming ear melted a way.
Queries
NORCROSS, HARROD
Some of my NORCROSS & HARROD ancestors went with others from the Henry Co., OH area about 1869 to settle in Burlington, Kansas. Some died there, at least one was born there, before they returned to Henry Co., Oh in 1870-71. I would like to correspond with anyone that knows anything about these trips.
–Gertude Norcross, Ft. Myers, FL. 33919
WILLIAMS, RAYFIELD
Seek info on Jesse WILLIAMS, possible s/o Luke WILLIAMS. Jesse b ca 1780, possibly South Carolina. D Sept. 1849 Fayette Co., OH. md Nancy RAYFIELD, d/o of Margaret RAYFIELD? summer of 1805 in the Beauty Spot Baptist Church, Bennettsville, South Carolina. Margaret RAYFIELD, widow 1790 census.
–Connie Baer Petersen, Deshler, OH 43516
ALTMAN
Who were the parents of Nicholas ALTMAN? he was b 1805 PA. d 1852, Hancock Co. OH md Mary (Polly) A Husdon. children: Samuel, Jacob, Wm. George, Sarah Jane, Daniel, Phoebe, Nancy, Benjamin and Nathaniel.
–Joanne Kitchen, Deshler, OH 43516
Delbert Gratz spoke on German Ancestry at the March 1988 meeting of the Henry Co. Gen. Society. He had a several point system to outline genealogical work with people who originated or migrated to one of the areas known as Germany in more modern society. 1) location of records with the origin and migration patterns of people. 2) reading of the documents with attention to German Gothic script, syntax, abbreviations and history of the time. 3) understanding what you do find and what it signifies. 4) value and importance of genealogical work to make an interesting family story. 5) list of appropriate sources and answers to questions that were submitted previous and after the meeting.
During the business meeting bills were reported, information on the Hoy Cemetery and the parents of a Jennie Ellenberger were asked for.
Mary Jo Cunningham, Secretary
Dr. John T. Golden of Columbus spoke of Irish Genealogy at the April meeting. He told of the original settlers of the country who were followed by the dark haired, dark eyed Celts and then the red haired, fair eyed. After battle, the red haired were given Connaught because they fought so bravely although they did lose.
Golden said Ireland had seven kingdoms later consolidated into four: Connaught, Ulster, Leinater, and Minster. The three major early religions were the Catholic Church of Ireland and Presbyterian. He gave special emphasis to the fact that the Irish are noted for their oral rather than written history. He then traced through important Irish dates pertaining to history and records.
At the business meeting, members passed a motion to publish a list of 1987 obits in the newsletter and charge $1.00 for each copy. We will be visiting the county recorder’s office for the July meeting. The next meeting will feature Dr. Sharp, speaking on oral history.
Mary Jo Cunningham, Secretary
NATURALIZATION RECORDS
Owning land or an equivalent estate in merchandise for city dwellers required citizenship during the colonial period. The filing of declaration of intent to become a citizen was considered sufficient to buy land or apply for a land grant. At all times, citizenship was required to serve in public office or to vote. Most aliens became citizens within ten years of the time they were eligible. Immigrants can obtain citizenship in a variety of ways. When the federal government acquires territory by treaty of purchase, it also acquires jurisdiction over people living on that land at the time. The United States has always agreed to validate property titles of these persons who become citizens by purchase. To validate the title, a private land claim must be filed and these claims can be very valuable. The current land owner must document claim to title; and if the grant was originally given to a father or grandfather, the claimant must also prove descent. Some files contain four to seven generations of genealogical proof through family Bible pages, original land transactions, genealogy charts, and affidavits and testimony of neighbors and relatives. These records are in the National Archives.
A second form of naturalization was a sort of amnesty act passed by the legislative bodies of American colonies or by the United States Congress granting citizenship to all residents. For example, in 1776, the newly established Continental Congress declared that all non-English residents of the American Colonies were citizens of the new government. Some states ratified this declaration for their own citizens. Women and children prior to 1928 automatically became U. S. citizens when the husband/father did. Individual names of persons given citizenship by legislative act often are omitted and the group may be referred to as a whole.
NATURALIZATIONS, VOL. A, HENRY COUNTY, OH
Compiled by Ruth Kieffer
| Name | Became Citizen | Formerly Subject of |
| Frank Spangler | 23 May 1853 | Prince of Bavaria |
| Valentine Yockey | 13 June 1853 | King of France |
| William Johnson | 5 Nov. 1852 | Victoria, Queen of Great Britain |
| Mathias Wasenu | 13 June 1853 | King of Wurttemberg |
| Dennis Donovan | 26 May 1853 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and India |
| Henry Wade | 21 Dec 1852 | Frederick William, King of Hanover |
| Jacob Hermka | 21 Dec 1852 | Frederick William, King of Hanover |
| Joseph Edgar | 28 Jan 1852 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and India |
| John Slottman | 14 Dec 1852 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and India |
| Peter Johnson | 11 Dec 1852 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and India |
| Joseph Shelby | 2 Nov 1852 | Frederick William, King of Hanover |
| Michael Welch | 8 Oct 1853 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and India |
| Patrick Currin | 8 Oct 1853 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and India |
| Henry Shultz | May 1853 | King of Prussia |
| Henry Ripke | May 1853 | King of Hanover, Germany |
| Christopher Teku | May 1853 | King of Hanover, Germany |
| Henry Helberg | 12 Oct 1853 | King of Hanover, Germany |
| Martin Dietrick | 12 Oct 1853 | Leopold, King of Belgium |
| John Peter Stauber | 12 Oct 1853 | William, Prince of Nassau |
| Jacob Haring | 12 Oct 1853 | King of Prussia |
| George Huffman | 12 Oct 1853 | King of Bryan |
| Addam Raddish | 12 Oct 1853 | King of Damsted |
| John W. Bower | 12 Oct 1853 | King of Germany |
| Addam Epperle | 12 Oct 1853 | King of New Bern |
| Frederick Lange | 17 Dec 1853 | King of Hanover |
| Frederick Dedneke | 17 Dec 1853 | King of Hanover |
| William Emmer | 18 Mar 1854 | King of Prussia |
| Michael Musket | 10 Apr 1854 | King of Prussia |
| Peter Postock | 12 Apr 1854 | King of Prussia |
| David Meekison | 15 Apr 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Scotland |
| Henry Arbs | 8 Dec 1853 | King of Hanover |
| Cornelius Connor | 9 Dec 1853 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Ireland |
| James McWilliam | 6 Jan 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Scotland |
| John Dillion | 6 Jan 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Scotland |
| John McCrosy | 6 Jan 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Scotland |
| Philip Wyman | 24 Jan 1854 | King of Wurttemberg |
| John C. Buckle | 24 Jan 1854 | King of Wurttemberg |
| Ludwick Wellcok | 24 Jan 1854 | King of Wurttemberg |
| Thomas Nagle | 18 Mar 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Ireland |
| John Murphy | 18 Mar 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Ireland |
| John Conner | 10 Apr 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Ireland |
| Michael Garvy | 15 Apr 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Ireland |
| Patrick Foley | 15 Apr 1854 | Victoria, Queen of Gr. Britain and Ireland |
| Michael Grafe | 15 Apr 1854 | King of Hanover |
| Albert Nagel | 15 Apr 1854 | King of Hanover |
REUNION
The VAN SCOYOC reunion will be held 26 June 1988 at the Robert and Lucille Van Scoyoc home in Deshler, OH 43516. It will be pot luck and will start around noon.
Do you have a family reunion coming up this summer or fall? let me know and I will put it in the newsletter. If you haven’t done so, send us your five generation charts. Or send any up-dated ones.
The cemetery committee is busy typing up the cemeteries that have been copied. We will soon be out and about copying others. If you want to help, just let it be known. We can use all the help we can get.
Membership dues to our society are $7.00 per year. The year runs from January thru December. Membership includes: the newsletter published six times a year, free queries in the newsletter and some free research done at the library. Our meetings are held the third Monday of the month, at the Edwin Wood Library in Deshler, OH. The meetings are open to the public.
