Saturday Night Genealogy Fun – A 100 Word Genealogy Challenge

Randy Seaver of GeneaMusings has come up with another great challenge:

1. This SNGF is based on the 100 Word Challenge (http://100wc.net/) that school children are participating in around the world.  They are given a word or phrase to write a story about in one hundred words.
2. Write a short 100 word story using the phrase ",,,the most interesting ancestor I have..." in 100 words.  [Hint:  If you write it in a word processor, you can use Tools > Word Count (or similar) to count words]
3. Share the story with all of us by writing your own blog post, writing a comment on this blog post, or put it in a Google Plus Stream or Facebook Status or Note.  Please leave a comment on this post so others can find it.

For this exercise, I am going to choose Rhoda (Cary) Franklin as my most interesting ancestor. One of my maternal 2nd great-grandmothers, she was the daughter of Ephraim and Matilda (Gandy) Cary. She was born probably 9 January 1833 in Union County, Ohio. At the age of 16, she married Joseph Franklin. Rhoda and Joseph had five children who lived to adulthood. Rhoda was institutionalized in 1870 for what was described as “melancholia from the death of a child.” She was released two years later. I have never been able to find a death date or burial location for her.

© 2013 Denise Spurlock

Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - The Rivers of my Ohio Ancestors

Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings has presented a map-based challenge for this week's edition of Saturday Night Genealogy Fun. The mission this week is to: 

1)  I posted The"Rivers of America" Map yesterday, and demonstrated how to find the downstream course of a river in the United States, or the upstream watershed area of a river.  Please refer to that blog post. 2)  This week, your Saturday Night Genealogy Fun mission is to make a map using the National Atlas map (at http://nationalatlas.gov/streamer/Streamer/streamer.html) showing the downstream course of a river that one of your ancestors may have traveled on.  What does it tell you?  What did you learn?  Did they live at other places on that river, or downstream of that river?
 3)  Tell us about it in a blog post of your own (please show us the map you created - use an image snipping tool or take a screen shot), or make a comment here on this post, or write a Facebook status or a Google+ stream post. 

Some of my maternal ancestors—the Gandy, Cary, Franklin, and Snider families—settled along Bokes Creek in Union County, Ohio. Here is the map of the downstream trace:

I was a little surprised to learn the outlet for Bokes Creek is the Gulf of Mexico.

The site allows you to generate a stream trace detail report with lots of interesting information about where the trace travels along its route. Here is some of that data for Bokes Creek:

The Snider family migrated from Ohio to Kansas in the late 1800s. It is possible that they traveled the Ohio River on their journey west.

© 2013 Denise Spurlock

Surname Saturday - Ancestor #31 - Rhoda Cary

One of my goals for 2012 is to use the Surname Saturday blogging prompt as a way to assure that I spend some time researching each of my family lines and that I have appropriate source citations for the genealogical facts related to my ancestors. I’ve decided to use my ahnentafel report and work back through the generations starting with my grandparents, writing a summary of each ancestor. If you discovered this post through a search engine and find one of your ancestors listed here, please leave a comment to let me know.

My maternal 2^nd great-grandmother Rhoda Cary was born 9 January 1833[1] in Union County, Ohio, the seventh child of Ephraim and Matilda (Gandy) Cary.

On 11 July 1849, Rhoda married Joseph Franklin in Union County, Ohio.[2] The couple had five children who lived to adulthood:

• Ruth Franklin (1851-1914)[3] – my great-grandmother
• Nancy Franklin (1853[4]-1875[5])
• Richard Franklin (1856[6]-after 1880[7])
• Fannie Franklin (1859[8]-1904[9])
• David Franklin (1865-1932)[10] 

On 21 May 1870, John B. Coats, Judge for the Probate Court of Union County, Ohio, signed an “Application for Admission” of Rhoda into the Central Lunatic Asylum in Columbus, Ohio.[11] On the same day, a “Medical Certificate” was signed by one Dr. Skidmore stating that Rhoda had been judged insane; he stated that she had been “insane for three weeks and ‘melancholic’ for five months.” The cause was specified as “probable affection [affliction?] of the lungs producing debility and loss of child producing melancholy.”[12] On 30 May 1870 Rhoda was admitted to the asylum located in Dayton, Ohio, having been taken there by Lory Ford.[13] She remained there for over two years, until she was returned to Taylor Township in Union County on 21 August 1872.[14]

Looking at the number of years between the births of Rhoda’s two youngest children, it appears that there could have been another child born between them and then one or more  children born after David. Certainly, recurrent stillbirths or children who died shortly after birth would have impacted Rhoda’s mental health. Was the lung condition possibly tuberculosis? Daughter Nancy died in 1875 from scrofula, which is defined as a tuberculosis infection the lymph nodes in the neck.[15]

Rhoda has not been found in any records after August 1872. Her husband Joseph remarried on 1 November 1877 in Marion County, Ohio.[16] It is unknown whether she died or whether they divorced. No burial location has been found. None of Rhoda’s children were living with Joseph at the time of the 1880 census.[17]

There are several opportunities for additional research:

1. Continued research in records of Union County and Marion County, both areas in which Rhoda may have lived after her release from the asylum, to see if there is any record of death or divorce.
2. Newspaper research in Union and Marion counties, to see if there are any references to Rhoda.
3. Research on descendants and collateral lines to see if a living relative can be found who has more information on Rhoda’s life and death.

---

[1] Ephraim Cary Personal Bible, ( n.p., n.d.), Family Record page and front inside cover pages; privately held by Rev. Darrell Joiner, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], Lincoln, Maine, 04457. Copies provided to Denise Spurlock in 2001. It is unknown whether Mr. Joiner held the actual Bible or only copies thereof.

[2] Union, Ohio, Marriage Records, 2: 207, Franklin-Cary; FHL microfilm 573,776.

[3] Labette County, Kansas, death certificate no. illegible (1914), Ruth Snider; Kansas Board of Health.

[4] 1860 U.S. census, population schedule, Leesburg Township, Union County, Ohio, p. 28, dwelling 421, family 397, Joseph Franklin; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 Feb 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm M653, roll 1044.

[5][5] Marion County, Ohio, "Death records, 1867-1908," (Marion County Courthouse, Marion), Volume 1, p. 74, Fannie Franklin; FHL microfilm 384,350.

[6] 1860 U.S. census, pop. sch., Leesburg Township, Union County, Ohio, p. 28, dwell. 421, fam. 397, Joseph Franklin.

[7] 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, Leesburg Township, Union County, Ohio, enumeration district (ED) 81, p. 187A (stamped), dwelling 255, family 255, Arad Franklin; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 4 Oct 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm T9, roll 1073. In 1880, Richard was living with his uncle Arad Franklin, Jr. He has not been found in any record after that date.

[8] 1860 U.S. census, pop. sch., Leesburg Township, Union County, Ohio, p. 28, dwell. 421, fam. 397, Joseph Franklin.

[9] Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, "Ohio Obituary Index," database, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 27 Apr 2012), entry for Fanny Burkepile.

[10] Ohio Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics, death certificate 70649 (1932), David Franklin; digital image, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 23 May 2012).

[11] Union County, Ohio, Probate Court, Application for Admission, 21 May 1870, Rhoda Cary; scanned image received from Judy Price (jmbp_99@yahoo.com), 1 May 2011.

[12] Union County, Ohio, Probate Court, Medical Certificate, 21 May 1870, Rhoda Cary; scanned image received from Judy Price (jmbp_99@yahoo.com), 1 May 2011.

[13] Union County, Ohio, Probate Court, Warrant to Convey, 27 May 1870, Rhoda Franklin; scanned image received from Judy Price (jmbp_99@yahoo.com), 1 May 2011.

[14] Union County, Ohio, Probate Court, Warrant to Convey, 19 August 1872, Rhoda Franklin; scanned image received from Judy Price (jmbp_99@yahoo.com), 1 May 2011.

[15] U.S. National Library of Medicine, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002330/, accessed 14 October 2012

[16] "Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Marion County Ohio, Marriages, 8: 237, Franklin-Benton, 1877; index and images, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 18 Feb 2012).

[17] 1880 U.S. census, population schedule, York Township, Union County, Ohio, enumeration district (ED) 72, p. 20A, dwelling (blank), family 47, Joseph Franklin; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 Feb 2012); citing National Archives and Records Administration microfilm T9, roll 1073.

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Sunday's Obituary - Ephraim Cary (1790-1878)

Very little biographical information about my 3rd great-grandfather Ephraim Cary is provided in this obituary. He served in the War of 1812, married Matilda Gandy in 1818 in Madison County, and was the father of 9 children, including Rhoda (Cary) Franklin, my 2nd great-grandmother. His earliest recorded land purchase was in 1829; the deed is transcribed here. He is believed to be buried in Maskill Cemetery in Union County, Ohio, but attempts to find a gravestone have been unsuccessful.

I am indebted to Virginia (Ginny) Smith, a researcher from Union County, Ohio, who provided this copy of his obituary.

Marysville Tribune, Marysville, Ohio, 25 December 1878.

"OBITUARY.

Another Pioneer Gone. -- Died, in Leesburg township, on the 7th of December, 1878, Ephraim Cary, aged 88 years and eight months.

The deceased was born in Washington county, Pa., and emigrated to Ohio in 1796, and settled near Marietta, and in 1801 moved to Madison county, near Plain City, and in 1826 moved to Union county. On the 16th day of December, 1826, he moved on the farm where he died, being fifty-two years. The deceased was a Presbyterian in faith and died in the hope of a better [life?]."

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Newspaper Confirms Marriage of Alexander Gandy and Tamson Cary

In my previous posts about recent research on Alexander Gandy and his wife Tamson Cary, I referred to their marriage in Union County, Ohio, in December of 1853. However, when I searched for their marriage record, I found a license issued on 21 December 1853, but no marriage return had been recorded. Here is a copy of the marriage record from Union County, Ohio.

"Ohio County Marriages, 1790-1950", Union County marriages,
FHL film number 573776, Gandy-Cary, 1853; index and images,
FamilySearch (www.familysearch.org : accessed 18 Feb 2012).

Some newspapers for the area have been digitized, but none as far back as 1853. However, Suzanne Keinbaum, Reference Assistant at the Marysville (Ohio) Public Library, found the newspaper in which the following announcement appeared:

"Married," Marysville Tribune, 28 December 1853, p. 3, col. 1. 

Many thanks to Suzanne for finding this evidence that Alexander and Tamson were actually married!

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Update on the Gandy/Cary/Kirby Mystery

In previous posts here and here, I have shared information regarding the mystery surrounding the events which led to Tamson (Cary) Gandy leaving her husband Alexander Gandy and embarking on a relationship with Robert Phares Kirby, a married man who was twenty years older than she.

While we still have not discovered the true story of what happened, my fellow researcher Keith and I continue to find bits and pieces of information that tie the families together prior to that fateful event (whatever it was!).

• The document below, a school census taken in 1843, was found by a researcher in Union County, Ohio. It shows that Robert Kirby lived as a neighbor of the Gandy and Cary families when Alexander and Tamson were about 11 and 8 years of age, respectively. It also lists four of Kirby’s children from his first marriage who likely were friends and schoolmates of Alexander and Tamson. What did these older children think when they found out that their father had deserted them and run off with a woman who had been their childhood acquaintance?

• By 1850, Kirby and his family had removed to DeWitt County, Illinois. Henry Sheppard Gandy, Alexander’s uncle, moved with his family to DeWitt County sometime before 1860. Were Alexander and Tamson with Sheppard Gandy when he made this move? We don’t know.

• The Union County, Ohio, deed indexes show numerous transactions involving members of Kirby’s family, the Gandy family, and other related families. Films have been ordered and perhaps a review of the actual deeds will provide valuable clues.

• I have ordered several microfilms of newspapers from Union County for another purpose, but will also search them for any possible mention of Robert, Alexander, and Tamson.

• Keith has been in contact with a descendant of Robert and Tamson who was planning to attend a family reunion this past weekend. Keith sent a summary of our findings and the various stories, along with some unidentified photographs, with the hope that someone at the reunion would be able to confirm or refute some of the stories and perhaps identify the people in the photos.

We are looking forward to whatever we may learn from all these various sources!

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Sunday's Obituary - Stephen and Bertha (Tatman) Cary 1898

My 2nd great-granduncle, brother of my 2nd great-grandmother Rhoda Cary, Stephen Cary just two days after his second wife Bertha died. Perhaps the pain of losing a second wife was more than Stephen could bear.

"Obituaries," Richwood Gazette, 25 August 1898, p. 1, col. 3;
digital images, NewspaperArchives
(access.newspaperarchive.com : accessed 27 Apr 2012). 

“Bertha Tatman was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 29, 1837 and died at her home in Union county, Aug. 15, 1898, aged 61 years, 2 months and 16 days. She was married to Robert Patent in 1856 and to them were born four children, three of whom are living. Her husband died and after living a widow for 16 years she was again married to Stephen Cary on March 14th, 1883 with whom she lived until her death.

_______________

“Stephen Cary was born in Leesburg township, Union county, Ohio, November 24th, 1827 and died on the farm on which he was born, Aug 17, 1898, aged 70 years, 8 months and 23 days. He was married to Miss Mary Ann Walters, March 26, 1854, and to them were born nine children, four of whom are still living. His wife died and after living a widower for about 6 years he was again married to Mrs. Bertha Patent. Mr. Cary's father was a Presbyterian and his mother a Universalist, to which faith Mr. Cary held until the time of his death, always believing it to be just and right. He was a man who was honest and upright in all his dealings, a kind husband and father and a good neighbor and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.

“Funeral services for husband and wife were held at their late residence in Friday, Aug. 17, at 10 a. m., conducted by Rev. Louck. Interment was made in the Maskill cemetery.”

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

More on the Mystery of Alexander and Tamson (Cary) Gandy

In the post Mystery Monday – A Love Triangle, I wrote about the marriage of Alexander Gandy and Tamson Cary and the stories surrounding their supposed deaths and Tamson’s subsequent marriage to Robert Phares Kirby in Texas sometime in the late 1850s.

Several other tidbits of information have been found related to this mystery: 

• A child named Shepperd Gandy died 31 May 1855 aged 3 days; his gravestone at Brannan Cemetery in Leesburg Township, Union County, Ohio, appears to read “son of A & T.” Could this have been the son of Alexander and Tamson—perhaps their first (and only) child? Nearly every Gandy family had a son named Shepperd, but I know of no other Gandy couples whose initials were A and T. Did Alexander and Tamson leave Union County for Illinois as a result of losing their baby?

• Henry H. Gandy (Alexander’s great-grandfather and Tamson’s grandfather) died in 1849; I posted a transcription of his estate documents here. The first item in the inventory is a “note of hand” on Robert P. Kirby and Oliver Simpson, due 1 January 1847, appraised at $20. It is believed that this is the same Robert P. Kirby that later married Tamson (Cary) Gandy. How did Kirby happen to know Henry Gandy well enough that Gandy would loan him money? Why had the note not been paid? Oliver Simpson, the other party to the note, appears to have remained in Union County; did he pay this debt to Henry Gandy’s estate?

• Many Cary researchers, myself included, have recorded that Tamson (Cary) Gandy died in 1855 in Pike’s Peak, Colorado. My hypothesis has been that, when Alexander returned to Union County about 1860, this is what he told the family. However, in the following biography of G. W. Cary (Tamson’s brother George), Tamson is listed as one of his still-living siblings! How did this biographer know that Tamson was still alive? When did the Cary family learn that she had not died in 1855 in Colorado? Why has this inaccurate information continued to be passed down, despite a written record to the contrary?

Source: Pliny A. Durant; W. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, publishers,
The History of Union County, Ohio
PDF download, Internet Archive (archive.org : downloaded 11 May 2012), 434.

The search for the truth continues…

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Mystery Monday - A Love Triangle

As a newbie genealogist, I received information that Alexander Gandy (son of Jacob Gandy and Lucinda Elliott) married Tamson Cary (daughter of Ephraim Cary and Matilda Gandy) on 21 December 1853 in Union County, Ohio. The only other information I had was that Tamson died in 1855 in Pike’s Peak, Colorado, and that Alexander died in Jerome, Union County, Ohio. Of course, I entered this information into my database but, since they are not my direct-line ancestors, have never spent any time verifying the information I received or researching this couple. Until now….

In trying to prove the relationship of Rhoda Cary (Tamson’s sister) to her father Ephraim Cary, I have been researching all of her siblings trying to find clues to prove that parental relationship.

In my searching, I came across an article posted on an Ancestry Member Tree stating that, following her husband’s death in an attack by Indians on their wagon train, Tamson Cary had run off with a man, Robert Phares Kirby of DeWitt County, Illinois, sometime in the late 1850s, went with him to Texas, married and had several children, and died there in 1911! Wow!

After picking myself up off the floor, I continued my search and found a message posted by another researcher looking for help in trying to determine the truth behind the story. If the story is true (and it appears to be), how did Alexander and Tamson Cary Gandy come to be in DeWitt County, Illinois, where Robert Kirby lived with his wife Phoebe and their children?

Alexander has not been found in the 1860 census. He married Eliza Johnson on 9 March 1861 in Union County, Ohio. He enlisted in Company I, Ohio 121^st Infantry Regiment, on 11 September 1862, and was mustered out 27 May 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky. By 1870, he and Eliza had three children and were living in Union County, Ohio. In 1880, Alexander was enumerated in De Witt County, Illinois, while Eliza and the girls were in Champaign County, Ohio. By 1888, Eliza was in Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio; she and Alexander were enumerated there for the remainder of their lives. But their youngest daughter Pet married Fred Magill in 1889 and lived in De Witt County until her untimely death in 1907.

No marriage record has been found for Tamson Cary Gandy and Robert Kirby, but in 1880, they are enumerated together with seven children ranging in age from 5 to 19 in Bexar County, Texas. Tamson Kirby died in 1911 and is buried in Atascosa County, Texas; I have not located a death certificate. The death certificate for their youngest son Volney D. Kirby states his mother’s maiden name was Tamson Carey.

After hours of sorting through various Gandy families (all with sons named Abijah, Henry, and Shepherd!), I have found that a good many of Alexander Gandy’s kinsfolk were in Winnebago and DeKalb counties in northern Illinois by 1850. Ten years later, some were still in DeKalb County, one family was in De Witt County, and still other families had moved on to Kansas and Texas. There appears to have been ample opportunity for Alexander and Tamson to end up in De Witt County.

But why did Alexander and Tamson go to Illinois in the first place? Why would Tamson have run off with a married man twenty years her senior? Did she know he was married? Was there an Indian attack and she truly thought Alexander dead? Did Alexander tell his family that Tamson died in Pike’s Peak so as to keep his story a secret? Why was Alexander in De Witt County in 1880 and how did his daughter Pet end up marrying a man from that county?

So many questions. My fellow researcher hopes to find the truth. I am not sure we ever will.



© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - 1829 Deed - Roberts to Cary

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.


On Christmas Day 1829, my maternal 3rd great-grandfather Ephraim Cary purchased 100 acres of land for $150 from Wm. J. Roberts (and others) of Virginia. The land was situated along Bokes Creek in Union County, Ohio, and adjoined land purchased by his father-in-law Henry H. Gandy.

Several aspects of this deed were particularly interesting to me. It is the first deed that I have encountered where the transaction was handled by an attorney-in-fact for the seller; in this case, that individual was Laurence Ashton acting on behalf of Wm. J. Roberts and others who are named in the deed.

It also was the first time that I remember encountering so many individuals involved in the sale. Besides Ephraim as purchaser and Laurence Ashton as attorney-in-fact,  these are the people that Ashton represented:

• Wm. J. Roberts
• Martha Roberts
• Thomas Lunsford Lenox (or Lomax)
• Edmund (or Edward) Penn
• Jane Penn, and
• Elizabeth Smith.

Spelling was clearly a challenge! In addition to numerous spelling variations of words such as "attorney," names were spelled differently throughout the document. Roberts is also Robberts, Lenox is Lomax, Edmund became Edmond and Edward, Ephaim is also Ephriam. At least Martha, Jane and Elizabeth were spelled the same way throughout!

And a name I have never encountered: Falvory! This is the given name of the Mr. Frazier who held the original land patent.

My transcription of the document appears below the images:

“Laurence Ashton

Attorney in fact for

W^m J. Roberts & Others

Deed to

Ephraim Cary

This Indenture made this twenty fifth day of December, eighteen hundred and twenty nine, between Laurence Ashton agent and Atorney in fact for William J. Roberts, and Martha Roberts his wife, Thomas Lunsford Lenox, Edmund Penn and Jane his wife and Elizabeth Smith all of the State of Virginia as will appear by a Power of Atorney now on Record in the County of Union and State of Ohio of the one part and Ephraim Cary of the County of Union and State of Ohio of the other part. Witnesseth, That the said L. Ashton agent and attorney, as afforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty Dollars to him in hand paid by the said Ephraim Cary, before the signing and ensealing of these presents, the receipt, whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained and sold, and doth by these presents, grant bargain, sell [--?--] and convey unto the said Ephraim Cary all the right title interest, and estate of the said William J. Roberts and Martha his wife Thomas Lunsford Lenox Edmond Penn and Jane his wife and Elizabeth Smith in a to a certain tract or parcel of Land lying and being in the County of Union and State of Ohio, containing one hundred acres being a part of a tract of one thousand acres entered in the name of Falvory Frazier N^o 3692 and pattented to Robert Campbell and bounded as follows To wit. Beginning at a stake in the center of Bokes creek near a cluster of Lymns and Two sugar trees standing on the sound side of said creek thence running down said creek with the meanders thereof S70E 32 poles. N 80 E 23 poles South 22 poles S 50 ED 7 poles to a stake inm the center of the creek, near a sugar tree and bur Oak standing on the south side of the creek North westerly corner to Henry H. Gandys' land. thence with said Gandies line S 7 W 273 poles to a stake in the south line of the Original survey, near two ash saplins, thence N 83 W 34 poles to a stake near a large berch, thence N & E 200 poles to the beginning. Together will all and singular the rights, issues benefits hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining. To Have and to Hold the said tract or parcel of land with the premises aforesaid until the said Ephraim Cary his heirs and assigns forever and the said L. Ashton agent and Atorney, as afforesaid by virtue of the power vested in him by the Letter of Atorney before alluded to and according to the true meaning and intent thereof does hereby bind the said William J Robberts and Martha his wife Thomas Lunsford Lomax to Warrant and defend the said tract of Land with its apertenances unto the said Ephriam Cary his heirs and assigns free from the Claims of them the said William J Roberts and Martha his wife Thomas Lunsford Lomax and all persons, claiming by through and under them, and the said Edmond Penn and Jane his wife and Elizabeth Smith are hereby bound to warrant and defend the said Tract of Lane with its appurtenances unto the said Ephraim Cary free from all the claim or claims of them the said Edmund Penn and Jane his wife and Elizabeth and all persons whatsoever.

In Testimony whereof the said L. Ashton agent and attorney as afforesaid has hereunto set his hand and seal and the names and seals of the ssaid William J. Roberts and Martha his wife, Thomas Lunsford Lomax, Edward Penn and Jane his wife and Elizabeth Smith the date of this Indenture first written.

                                                                        William J. Roberts       {seal}

                                                                        Martha Roberts           {seal}

                                                            Thomas Lunsford Lomax        {seal}

                                                                        Elizabeth Smith            {seal}

                                                By their agent and attorney in fact

                                                                        Laurence Ashton         {seal}

Signed and acknowledged in the presence of

Levi Phelps

N Adamson

State of Ohio  )

Union County ) ss

Personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County, Laurence Ashton signer to the Within deed of conveyance and acknowledged the signing and sealing thereof to be his act and deed for the purposes therein Expressed as Atorney in fact for the persons therein mentioned. Given under my hand officially this 25^th day of Dec. A.D. 1829

                                                            Ira Wood. Justice of the Peace

                                                                        for Union County

The above deed was filed for Record May 17^th and Recorded June 26^th 1930

                                                            Silas G. Strong. Recorder.” 

[Source: Union County, Ohio, Deed Books, 1819-1877, 2: 422, deed, Roberts-Cary, dated 25 Dec 1929, 26 Jun 1930; FHL microfilm 571,795.]

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - Plan of the Town of New Canaan, Madison County, Ohio - 1831

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

For the past three weeks I have transcribed deeds conveying various parcels of land located in Madison County, Ohio, to Abijah Gandy, my 3^rd great-granduncle. This week I have transcribed the Plan of the Town of New Canaan, which was surveyed for Abijah by David Chapman. The plan for the town shows the location of the home of Luther Cary (my 4^th great-grandfather) slightly below and to the left of the town lots.

Source: Madison County, Ohio, Deed Books 1810-1922, 7: 195, 

town plat, Town of New Canaan, 11 April 1831; 

FHL microfilm 522,905.

"Plan of the Town of New Canaan.

Recorders Office April 11^th 1831.

March 26.^th 1831. Surveyed for Abijah Cary the Town of New Canaan in Canaan Township Madison County Ohio. Beginning at letter B The South west corner of Lot No. 1. which is N 10 E 8 poles and 11 links from the North East corner of the house that Luther Cary now lives in. the Town is laid out one teir[tier] of Lots on each side of a County Road, Known by the name of the Chillicothe road. and the road is the Main Street through the Town and is four poles wide all the lots except No 32 and 33 are Six poles square. Bounded as follows. beginning at the south Corner Thence N 5  ½ West 6 poles. S 84 ½ W. 6 poles S. 5 ½ E 6 poles, containing 36. square rods. of land. each lot No 32 being at its South west Corner N 16 West 6 poles and 3 links N 84 ½ E 5 poles and 22 links S 5 ½ E 6 poles S 34 ½ W 4 poles and 15 links. S 5 ½ E 6 poles S 84 ½ W 3 poles and 8 links Containing 23 ³/7 Square rods of land. the Alley on the west side of the west side of the street and 40 links wide and between lots No.s 4 and 5 one between lots No 8 and Nine and one between 12 and 13 the ally on the south side of the street are 30 links wide. one between lots No 20 and 21. one between lots No. 31 and 32 the course of Main Street from Letter B. No[r]therly is N. 30 W. and from B. southerly S. 16 E.

                                    David Chapman

                                                Surveyor."

© 2012 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - 1831 Deed - Ira Finch to Abijah Cary

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

This is the third in a series of transcriptions of deeds representing land purchases in Madison County, Ohio, made by Abijah Cary, one of my maternal 3^rd great-granduncles.  I did not attempt to plat the parcel. This small piece of land (1.5 acres) was part of  Survey 7823 originally patented to Walter Dun, from whom Abijah also purchased land; that deed can be found here.

“Ira Finch          )  Recorders Office February 16" 1831

Deed To             )

Abijah Cary.      )       

This Indenture made this Eight day of January in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one, between Ira Finch and Nancy his wife of the County of Madison and State of Ohio, And Abijah Cary of said County and State.

Witnesseth that the said Ira Finch and Nancy, his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of Nine Dallars, to them in hand paid, by the said Abijah Cary, have granted, bargained, Sold, and Confirmed to the said Abijah Cary his heirs and assigns forever, all that tract and parcel of land lying and being situated in the County of Madison and state of Ohio on the waters  of Darby Creek, bounded as follows: Beginning at a stake on the East line of said Finchs Survey, forty one and 3/4 poles South of four bur Oaks, from One Root, NE Corner of said Tract. Then on said line South Six degrees W 36 1/2 poles to a stake on the east of a small run. Thence N 18^o W 35 poles to a stake. Thence N 72^o E fourteen and a half poles to the beginning containing one and an half acres, being part of Survey 7823 patented to Walter Dun on the 8^th day of December, 1813.

To have and to hold the said Tract of Land with its appurtenances unto the said Abijah Cary, his heirs and assigns forever, and the said Ira Finch and Nancy his wife for themselves, their heirs and assigns do covenant and agree to and with the said Abijah Cary his heirs and assigns forever against the said Ira Finch and Nancy his wife and their heirs and all and every other person or persons, right or rights, claim or claims, whatsoever will warrant and Forever defend.

In testimony whereof the said Ira Finch and Nancy his wife have hereunto set their hands, and seals on the day and year above written.

Signed, sealed, and delivered

In presence of.                               Ira Finch {seal}

Thomas M. D. Finch

Thomas Kilgore                            Nancy Finch {seal}

State of Ohio Madison County to wit

This day the within names, Ira Finch and Nancy Finch personally appeared before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and acknowledge the same to be their act and deed the [blank space] Nancy being examined Seperate and apart from her husband acknowledge the same to be her owne voluntary and free act without any compulsion from her said husband.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 12" day of January. 1831.

                                                     Thomas Kilgore

                                                     Justice of the Peace.”

 

[Source: Madison County, Ohio, Deed Books 1810-1922, 7: 175, deed from Ira Finch to Abijah Cary, 16 February 1831; FHL microfilm 522,905.] 

 © 2012 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - 1826 Deed - Walter Dun to Abijah Cary

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

This is the second in a series of transcriptions of deeds representing land purchases in Madison County, Ohio, made by Abijah Cary, one of my maternal 3^rd great-granduncles. The land description in this deed is complex and I did not attempt to plat the parcel.

“Walter Dun  )

Deed To          )

Abijah Cary.  ) 

Recorders Office February. 16^th 1831

This Indenture made this twentieth day of April in the year of Our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and twenty six. Between Walter Dun and Ann Mary his wife of the County of Ross in the state of Ohio. of the One part. And Abijah Cary of the County of Madison in the state of Ohio of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Walter Dun and Ann Mary his wife in consideration of the sum of Ninety Three dollars. twenty eight cents. current money of the United States to them in hand paid by the said Abijah Cary the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted. bargained. Sold and Confirmed to the said Abijah Cary his heirs and assigns forever. all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Madison in the State of Ohio. on the waters of Darby Creek. bounded as followeth. that is to say. Beginning at three dogwoods. from one root. Corner to Robert Means. Survey. No 5097. Thence with his line North.  ten Poles to A. bur Oak. and small red Elim: Then N85.E. one hundred and twenty poles to A. Stake in a prairie: Then South fifty poles. Crossing a branch at sixteen poles to a stake near two bur Oaks Cornered: Thence S.80West one hundred and twenty one poles to A. Stake in a prairie in Means line: Then with his line North fifty one poles crossing the branch to the beginning containing forty two acres of land be the same more or less. being whole of Survey No. 7389. as it is distinguished on the principal survey on books. which was patented to the said Walter Dun on the 13th day of March 1813 as will more fully appear by the patent itself herewith delivered and the records of the general land office. To have and to hold the said tract of land with its appurtenances unto the said Abijah Cary his heirs and assigns forever. and the said Walter Dun and Ann Mary his wife for themselves. their heirs. executors and Administrators. doth Covenant, promis and agree to and with the said Abijah Cary his heirs and assigns forever. that they the said Walter Dun and Ann Mary his wife and their heirs the aforesaid. tract of land and premises. with the apurtenances to the said Abijah Cary, his heirs and assigns against the said Walter Dun and [blank space with wavy line below] Mary his wife and their heirs and all and Every. other. person or persons. right or rights claim. or claims whatever. Shall and will warrant and forever defend. In Testimony whereof they the said Walter Dun and Ann Mary Dun. have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals. on the day and [blank space with wavy line below] first-above written. 

Signed. Sealed and delivered in presence of

Thomas Orr.                  Walter Dun           {seal}

Richard Turner.            Ann Mary Dun     {seal}

 The State of Ohio. Ross County to wit.This day the within named Walter Dun. and Ann Mary Dun his wife party. to the above. personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace. in and for the said County of Ross. and acknowledged the same to be their act and deed. The said Ann Mary Dun having been by me previously examined seperate and apart from her said husband. and out of his hearing. and the Contents of the said deed having been fully made known to her. she acknowledged the the same to be her free and voluntary act and deed without any compulsion from her said husband.In Testimony whereof. I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of April  AD 1826. 

                                 Tho^s Orr. J P {seal}”

Source: Madison County, Ohio, Deed Books 1810-1922, 7: 173,
deed from Walter Dun to Abijah Cary,  16 Feb 1831; FHL microfilm 522,905.

 © 2011 Denise Spurlock

Amanuensis Monday - 1826 Deed - Luther Cary to Abijah Cary

On his TransylvanianDutch blog, John Newmark defines an amanuensis as “a person employed to write out what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.” For more information about this daily blogging prompt, see John’s post Amanuensis – Why?.

I have amassed quite a collection of scans of handwritten documents related to my ancestors—primarily marriage records, deeds, and wills. As I have been transcribing these documents, it occurred to me that most of these documents were not actually written by my ancestors, but rather dictated to someone else, and then transcribed by a clerk into official records.

This week I am beginning a series of several transcriptions of deeds of property to my 3^rd great-granduncle Abijah Cary of Madison County, Ohio. This first deed represents Abijah’s purchase of 71.5 acres of land from his father Luther Cary (one of my maternal 4^th great-grandfathers). The sale took place on 1 November 1826, but was not recorded until 16 February 1831. A rough map of the parcel appears to the right.

 “Luther Cary      )

Deed to               )

Abijah Cary.       ) 

Recorders Office February 16 1831This Indenture, made this first day of November in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and twenty-six Between Luther Cary of the first part and Abijah Cary of the second part, both of Madison County and State of Ohio. Witnesseth that the said Luther Cary for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred dollars current money of the United States of America to him the said Luther in hand paid the receipt whereof he hereby acknowledges and forever acquit and descharge the said Abijah Cary his heirs executors and administrators has, granted, sold, bargain, aliened and confirmed and by these presents doth grant. bargain. Sell alein and confirm unto the said Abijah Cary his heirs and assigns forever all that tract or parcel of Land lying and being situate in the County of Madison and State of Ohio. and bounded as follows. Beginning at two hackberries on the bank of Darby Creek, lower corner to Lucas Sullivants survey. No 3240. Thence south 53 W 109 poles to four bur oaks from one root corner to James Johnstons Survey No 7823 Thence S6W.100 poles to a Stake: thence north 68E7 poles to a Small hickory. Thence N88.E22 poles to a stake: thence S70^oE8 poles to a stake: Thence S68E39 1/3 poles to a stake on the bank of the Creek Thence up the creek with its meanders N27W54 poles: Thence N19E48 poles: Thence N15W16 poles: thence N22W17 poles to the beginning containing Seventy one and one half acres. be the same more or less: To have and to hold the above premises with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining unto him, the said Abijah Cary, and unto his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Luther Cary, doth Covenant and promis to and with the said Abijah Cary and his heirs and assigns, that he will Warrant and truly defend the premises aforesaid unto the said Abijah Cary and to his heirs and assigns forever gainst the lawful claims of any and all persons whomsoever.In Testimony whereof, the said Luther Cary, has hereunto set his hand and affixt his seal this first day of November 1826.Signed Sealed, and delivered in presence of.

Ira Finch                                                 Luther Cary {seal}

James Guy.                                             Rhoda Cary {seal} 

The State of Ohio. Madison County SS.

Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the acting Justices of the peace for said County, the within named Luther Cary who acknowledged that he did voluntarily sign. seal. and deliver the within deed of conveyance for the purposes therein expressed. also personally appeared before me the said Rhoda Cary wife of the said Luther Cary and being examined seperate and apart from her said husband, acknowledged the within deed of conveyance to be her voluntary act and deed and that she executed the same without the threat coercion or persuation of her said husband and freely relinquish her right of dower to the premises within mentioned and desire that the same may be addmitted to Record.

Given under My hand. the Third day of November. AD 1826                                                        Nahum King Justice of the Peace”

Source: Madison County, Ohio, Deed Books 1810-1922, 7: 174,
deed from Luther Cary to Abijah Cary, 16 Feb 1831; FHL microfilm 522,905.

  

© 2011 Denise Spurlock