Margaret Gassman Birth/Baptism Record

I have her name as Mary Margaret Gassman Bezner Neff.  Her birth date is 15 Feb 1851.
Her family came from the Allermbach area of Wurttemberg, Germany.  I had found her siblings, parents and grandparents but I could not find her birth record until today.  I am not sure why but the ancestry . com index would not come up with it.  Since I already had the date and the birth register is chronological I looked for the date of birth and there she was. She is listed as simply Margarethe.
If someone can please read the rest of this I'd be very grateful.  Who were her sponsors and can we find this family in the "Family Register"?  Click on image for a larger view.

New Gassman & Bezner Ancestors

I have discovered new ancestors on Grandma June Rhoades Collins maternal side.
ancestry.com has a database of Wurttemberg Lutheran Parish Records.  In addition to those shown on the chart, there are many new siblings of some of these ancestors as well.
Rosa Caroline Bezner married David Lawrence Rhoades, on the 6th of February 1901, in Page County, Iowa.  If anyone sees any errors or discovers more ancestors please let me know.
Click on image to enlarge.

Stephen L. Collins

From the Indiana Herald - Huntington IN,  8 Aug 1855.
Married - On the 22nd ult., at the residence of C. Eldred in Roanoke IN, by Elder S.L. Collins, Mr R. F. Blount, of Roanoke, to Miss Tillie Taylor of Massillon OH.  [note- this tells us that S.L. was still in the Ft Wayne area of IN, in Aug of 1855. by May of 1857, they had moved to IL, likely LaSalle Co.].

Tabitha Dorcas Collins

Tabitha Dorcas Collins was the daughter of Stephen L. and Mary M. Helpher Collins

Tabitha was born about 1845.  She died 16 July 1850 in Pleasant Twp, Allen County Indiana
note the above obit was in the 25 July 1850 issue, but the summary lists the obit date as 7/16/1850.
From the text it appears that Tabitha died on 16 July 1850.

I have not yet found a cemetery record for her.

Listing is from an Allen Co Indiana newspaper
http://friendsofallencounty.org/results_obits1900.php

Tabitha Dorcas Collins

d~~a 5y~~dau of Rev S L & M M...Pleasant T

daughter age 5 years of Rev S.L. & M.M. Collins. Pleasant Twp.

Allen County Indiana. 

Rhoades - Collins Newspaper clips

Here are some Rhoades & Collins newspaper clips from Page County Iowa newspapers

I assume this is Grandpa Mark but did not know he farmed so many acres.

                                                  

.

Collins - Charles Martin birth place.

For awhile now I've been trying to determine the birth place of Charles Martin Collins.  Census records stated Illinois which matched his father's obit info.  The Collins family did not live in Illinois  long making it harder to find an exact location.  At googlebooks I found a book called: Minutes of the Illinois Baptist Pastoral Union. On page 39, is a listing, showing S.L. Collins as the pastor of Prairie Centre, and Earlville Baptist Churches in what appears to be about 1857, (the year Charles Martin Collins was born).  Both of these towns are in LaSalle County.  C.M. was born, 15 May 1857, and by Jan of 1859 (birth of Ahira Mark Collins), they had moved to Brownville, Nemaha Co., Neb.

Martin - Kirby

My Paternal side - James Martin and Rosena Roxanna Kirby were the parents of William Enoch Martin.  In recent days I believe I've located the area of Tennessee where they lived and some will data etc.  Since Martin is a VERY common name I have lots more work to do before I am comfortable about sharing what I've found.  It appears that James and Rosena married about 1850,  Their son Wm was born in March 1852 in Tennessee.  They were divorced (or James died) before Nov 1856 when Rosena married 2nd to Thomas Jefferson Wray.  All of this has been known for many years.  I believe I know who Rosena's parents are but need to confirm.  I am also researching the other Martin families in the TN county where James and Rosena lived.  Hopefully more will follow.  I sure wish Russ & Wini were still here to enjoy the hunt with me.

Rainbow 7 July 2012

Helfer - Helmar-Helman-Hellman

I am at the beginning of searching for Lydia Helman Helfer's ancestry.
The first spelling of Helman was Helmar.  I am suspecting it is more likely a version of Helman (Hellman, or some other spelling).

What we know so far about Lydia.

Her maiden name is Helmar or more probably Helman (Hellman, etc).  (Bio of son Geo, Summit OH)
She was born about 1793 in PA  (1850 census)
She married Christopher Helfer (probably about 1816 in PA but no proof yet)
Her first two children were born in Centre County PA in 1818 and 1820.
The family moved to Wayne Co, OH in 1820 (not there in 1819 OH census but are in the 1820 Census of Wayne Co OH, also states that in the George biography).
Further children of Christopher & Lydia were born in OH (many say Ashland Co)
I need to check when the counties were formed and how.
I believe Lydia died in Aug 1850 and is buried in Congress Cem, Wayne Co., O. There is a grave stone there but it was indexed as the wife of "G"  but It looks like a "wife of C", to me but difficult to tell. 

Possibilities:
From The History of Ashland Co., OH (1863)
John Hellman
John Hellman emigrated from Centre Co., PA, and settled in Perry Twp, 17 June 1818.  He purchased of Elijah Charles the SW quarter of section 3, which land he improved, and has up to the present date, made his home.  His family, at the time of emigration, consisted of his wife and three children, viz: David, Mary, and Catherine.  The first mentioned is now a resident of Jackson Twp; Mary is the wife of Daniel Eshelman, of Lafayette, and Catherine is the wife of George Walkey, of Perry Twp.

notes:  Could this be Lydia's brother, or other relative?  He & his family came from Centre Co., PA at abt the same time as Lydia & Christopher which makes me think there is some sort of a connection.

Helfer Part 2

From a book found online titled, Centennial History of Summit County, Ohio, by Wm Doyle.  Copyright in 1908, we have the following.

It confirms that Mary Maria Helfer Collins, was indeed the daughter of Christopher & Lydia Helman Helfer.

The biography of her brother:
George H.  Helfer, formerly a well known business man of Akron, was born January 25, 1820, at Bellefonte [Centre Co.], Pennsylvania, and was a son of Christopher and Lydia (Helman) Helfer.

The parents of Mr Helfer were born in PA, the mother being of Scotch, and the father of German ancestry.  In 1820 they moved to Ohio and settled in Congress Township, Wayne County, where Christopher Helfer followed the trade of shoemaker.  In 1840 he turned his attention to farming and bought property in Congress Twp, where he spent the rest of his life.  His children were:  Mrs Royce Summerton, George H., Mrs Stephen Collins, Mrs Parker Campbell, Daniel and Mrs Joseph Sharp.

George H. Helfer was an infant when the family made the overland journey from PA to OH in the winter of 1820.  He attended school pretty regularly until he was fourteen years of age, when he became a clerk in a dry goods store, in which capacity he worked for nine years.  In 1843 he entered into partnership with Mr Pancoast, and the firm of Pancoast and Helfer was engaged in a dry goods business in Congress Twp until 1847, when Mr Helfer bought Mr Pancoast's interest, and continued at the same place for two years more.  In 1849 he sold out and came to Akron, entering into general business in this city as senior member of the firm Helfer and Sechrist.  This firm continued until 1867, when Clinton Helfer bought the interest of Mr Sechrist and the firm style then became Helfer & Son, and no change was made until 1877, when the younger partner became sole proprietor.  Mr Helfer was one of the original stockholders in the Akron Iron Company and he now entered the office of this concern as a shipping clerk, a position he filled for twenty-one years.  He was one of the first druggists at Akron, and for many years was an extensive local dealer in coal.  He retired from business in 1898.

Mr Helfer was married (first) to Mary Elgin, who was born in Wayne County, a daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Elgin.  Of the five children of this marriage, the only survivor is Clinten E.  Mr Helfer was married (second) to Rebecca Luce, of Wayne County, who is the daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Luce.  The four survivors of the five children born to this marriage are:  William A., Emma (Mrs Clarence Rudolph), Edwin W., and Minnie B. (Mrs Henry Adams).  Politically, Mr Helfer was affiliated with the Republican party from it's birth.

Helfer-Helpher

A bit of new information has surfaced about the Helfer family.
First - I am convinced that Mary Maria Helfer Collins is the daughter of Christopher and Lydia Helfer who were living in Wayne County, Ohio at the time of Mary's marriage there, to Stephen L.  Collins in 1840.  I have no absolute proof, but there is plenty of circumstantial evidence to support this theory. 

The new information is the maiden name of Lydia Helfer.  The marriage application of their son Daniel to his 2nd wife Ester Wood, lists Lydia's maiden name as Helmar.


I believe the Helfer family is as follows:

Christopher Helfer b: Abt. 1792 in PA d: Aft. 1850 Census: 1850 OH, Wayne co., Congress Twp. p.321
+Lydia Helmar b: Abt. 1793 in PA m: Abt. 1816 in Probably PA d: Aft. 1850
........... Martha A. Helfer b: 17 Jan 1818 in Center Co., PA d: 31 Jul 1881 in Wayne Co., OH Burial: Congress
Cem, Wayne Co., OH Census: 1880 OH, Wayne Co., Congress Twp
........... +Royce Summerton b: 14 Oct 1811 in NY m: 19 Jun 1834 in Wayne Co., OH d: 30 Aug 1885 in Wayne
Co., OH
........... George H. Helfer b: Abt. 1819 in PA d: Bef. 6 Jun 1900 in Akron, Summit Co., OH?
........... +Mary D. b: Abt. 1824 d: 12 Dec 1857 in Wayne Co OH
........... *2nd Wife of George H. Helfer:
........... +Rebecca Luce b: 12 Jan 1834 in OH m: 7 Sep 1858 in Wayne Co., OH d: 10 Jun 1911 in Massillion,
Stark Co., OH?
........... Melinda Helfer b: Bet. 1822 - 1824 in OH, Ashland Co., Redhaw d: 22 Nov 1908 in Wayne Co., OH
Burial: 1 Apr 1932 Congress Twp, Wayne Co., OH Census: 1880 Congress, Wayne Co., OH p. 144B
........... +Parker Duncan Campbell b: 1815 in OH or PA m: 1842 in Wayne Co OH d: 2 Apr 1899 in Wayne Co.,
OH
........... Mary Maria Helfer b: 18 Feb 1822 in OH, Ashland Co. d: 26 Dec 1902 in Lockwood, Dade Co., MO
Burial: Collins Cem., Dade Co., MO
........... +Stephen Loren Collins b: 4 May 1820 in Erie or Jefferson Co., NY m: 27 Feb 1840 in Wayne Co, OH
d: 31 Mar 1902 in Home near Lockwood, Dade Co., MO Burial: 1 Apr 1902 Collins Cem. Dade Co., MO
Census: 1860 NE, Nemaha Co., Brownville, p.61
........... Daniel M. Helfer b: 25 Feb 1826 in OH d: 6 Jan 1916 in Akron, Summit Co., OH Census: 1900 OH,
Akron Cause of death: senility & exhaustion plus glaucoma
........... +Sarah Ann Dulin b: 1828 in PA m: 16 Sep 1847 in Wayne Co., OH d: 29 Jun 1881 in Akron, Summit
Co., OH
........... *2nd Wife of Daniel M. Helfer:
........... +Ester Wood b: May 1848 in Champaign, Ohio m: 3 Apr 1883 in Cedar, IA d: 1942 in Clarence, Cedar
Co., IA
........... Sophia Helfer b: 2 May 1829 in OH, Ashland Co. d: 9 Sep 1910 in Ottumwa, Wappelo Co., IA Census:
1880 IA, Wapello Co., Ottumwa, #3rd p. 145A Cause of death: Died of burns suffered from burning trash
........... +William P. Sharp b: Dec 1826 in OH m: 1845 in Wayne Co OH d: 1909 in Possibly Wappelo Co., IA?
Census: 1860 IA, Wapello, Ottumwa p.
........... Margery Helfer b: 1834 in OH d: Aft. 1850
........... John R. Helfer b: 1836 in OH d: Aft. 1850

Mary Ellen Collins Update

I recently found Mary Ellen Collins death certificate.
Mary Ellen Collins was the daughter of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helfer Collins.
From her death certificate.
Mary Ellen Boss (widow of Elisha Boss)
born: 12 Oct 1853 [note most sources say 1854], in Indiana.
died: 25 Nov 1938, at, Harrison Hospital, Lamar, Barton Co., MO
died of: Cardio, Renal Vascular disease.
burial: East Cemetery on 27 Nov 1938
Occupation: Practical Nurse
father: Stephen L. Collins b. NY     mother: Marie Helpher b. PA
Informant: Mrs A. Beeson of Lamar MO
[note: Mrs A. Beeson is Mary's daughter: Nellie Mae Morgan Upton Beeson]


In 1930 Mary E. Boss was living as a roomer with Luther E. Brown, at 601 S. Walnut St, Lamar, Barton Co., MO.
She is listed as age 75, widowed, first married at age 19 yrs, born in IN, Father born in NY, Mother born in OH.  No occupation listed.

Collins portraits

I need to say that the portrait scans, shown here of Stephen & Mary, are not exactly as received. I touched and tweaked the scans a bit. I'd be happy to provide the untouched versions to anyone who would like that version. I'd also like to ask if anyone out there has any additional information or photos about this or associated families. With the recent new tidbits and wonderful photos, I thought it might be a good time to update what is known about this family. I have some thoughts about the Helfer/Helpher family as well, that I will post soon.

Crayon Portrait - S.L. & Mary Collins

Stephen L. & Mary Marie Collins Photos

I just received these wonderful photographs from a terrific, sharing cousin. These appear to have been used as the basis of a combined crayon photo, showing the two of them together. I'd be happy to post or send that photo as well to anyone who is interested. Thank you Juanita....

Collins in Andrew County Missouri

Since learning that S. L. Collins & family lived in Amazonia, Andrew County, Missouri, I have been looking to more precisely learn when they were there. A couple of marriages performed by S.L. in 1868 have provided that confirmation.
Andrew County Missouri Marriages:
Thomas Mason to Jennie Halliday, 17 October 1868.
James T. Thompson to Clarissa Ann Roberts, 5 July 1868.

These are the only two S.L. marriages, I have found so far but they put the family in Andrew County from about July to October and likely longer. We know that S.L. purchased the Dade County MO, property in 1869. I do not know yet precisely where Linnie was born in July 1867. We also know that Christopher, married in Daviess County in Dec 1868, but S.L. may not have been living there at that time and he did not perform the marriage ceremony.
More to find...

Stephen L. Collins as a Methodist minister?

The Wayne County Ohio Library website has a listing of early ministers who performed marriages in Wayne County. S.L. Collins is listed as a Methodist preacher, no date, with the notation under township location as "fm". I don't know what the "fm" means. I do think he was an itinerant circuit preacher.

From another source, I have that S.L. Collins was a Methodist preacher in "Fred's Circuit" in Wayne County OH in the 1840s. He married Mary Marie Helfer in Wayne County in 1840. The ceremony was performed by George W. Howe who was a Methodist Minister, in Wayne Co, in 1840.

The American Baptist Year-Book, 1870, has the following listed as an Ordained Minister:
Collins, S. L., Amazonia, Missouri [ note: Amazonia is a small town in Andrew County Missouri, north of St Joseph). S.L. Collins does not appear in the 1868 Baptist Year-Book.

We know that by about 1847 he was a Baptist Minister.

S.L. Collins - Baptist Home Missions

In the Civil War letter written by Stephen L. Collins, he mentions that he is a "Missionary Baptist" preacher. Googling led me to books re: the Baptist Home Missions in North America and the American Baptist Home Missionary Society. A few listings for S. L. have been found as follows in Ohio and Missouri:
Rocky River Association, Church at Seville, Medina Co., OH, 6 Baptisms, 77 members. [note this is where Christopher Royce Collins was born, 11 May 1847, I previously thought it was Leesville, I was wrong).
Rocky River Association, Church at Westfield, Medina Co., OH, 29 members.
Zoar Association, Church at Steubenville, Jefferson Co., OH, 30 members. S.L. was the minister at this church from May of 1851 to about Apr 1852.
In a History of the Baptists in Missouri, a State Convention of Baptists was held in Sept. 1865. Rev. S. L. Collins is listed as being on the executive board of missions. This would mean that the Collins family moved from Nebraska sometime after the birth of John Tim Collins in June of 1864, and before the Missouri Baptist Convention in Sept 1865.
From the Missouri Baptist General Association 50th Annual Session in Marshall MO, Oct 21st, 1884, S.L. Collins is listed as a minister from Greenfield MO.

Collins 1820 Census Jefferson Co. NY

Speculation has gotten me into trouble before, but here are the Collins families in Jefferson County NY, 1820. Without more evidence, we won't know which, if any, of these are related to Stephen L. Collins. High on my list will be checking for will/probate records. Also, I have not yet determined if any of these 5, were born in Vermont. Only three of these households had a male under the age of 10 years. If S.L. was born after the census (official date for the enumeration was August 7th, 1820), then he would not have been counted. Most records indicate that S.L. was born before that date (most likely in May). Here are all 5 families.

Collins, Clarissa, Henderson Twp: 1 male (0-10), 1 female (0-10), 1 female (16-26)

John Collins, Watertown: 1 male(16-26), 1 male (25-45), 1 male (45+), 3 females (0-10), 3 females (10-16), 1 female(26-45), 1 female (45+)

John B. Collins, Ellisburg: 4 males (0-10), 2 males (10-16), 1 male (26-45), 1 female (0-10), 1 female (10-16), 1 female 26-45)

William Collins, Ellisburg: 1 male (45+), 1 female (0-10), 1 female (16-26), 1 female (45+)

William Collins Jun, Ellisburg: 2 males(0-10), 1 male (26-45), 1 female (16-26)

Stephen L. Collins Civil War part 2

+++++++ Click to enlarge.
The Civil War Records of Stephen L. Collins, included this handwritten three page letter by S.L., in which he describes the circumstances surrounding his service. He asks that his name be cleared, and mentions a wife and 7 children dependent upon him for support. While not perfect, it was well written and certainly gives a different side to the charge. I'll continue to process the rest of the documents in his folder. S.L. was officially released from service 22 July 1864. The original terms of enlistment only called for 9 months service, but he was not officially discharged until 16 months after volunteering.

Stephen L. Collins Civil War Records

Yesterday I downloaded copies of 27 pages of Civil War Documents from Stephen L. Collins' service file.
I have known for some time that he was listed as a private in Company "M", 2d Nebraska Cavalry. The indexed listing also indicated he had deserted. The most interesting documents were, the enlistment paper (shown above), and Stephen L.'s, 3 page, handwritten response to his charge of desertion.

His enlistment paper was interesting for a number of reasons, transcribed below:
=
Volunteer Enlistment
Territory of Nebraska, Town of Nemaha City
I, Stephen L. Collins born in Jefferson County, in the state of New York, aged 42 years, and by occupation of Minister of the Gospel, do hereby acknowledge to have volunteered this 16th day of March, 1863, to serve as a soldier in the Army of the United States of America for the period of nine months unless sooner discharged by proper authority. Do also agree to accept such bounty, pay, rations and clothing, as are, or may be, established by law for volunteers. And I, S. L. Collins, do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the United States of America, and that I will serve them honorably and faithfully, against all their enemies or opposers [sic] whomever and that I will observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the Rules and Articles of War.
Sworn and subscribed to, at Nemaha City this 16th day of March, 1863, before R. W. Furnas, capt Co 2nd Neb Cav.
S. L. Collins
I certify, on honor, That I have carefully examined the above named Volunteer , agreeable to the General Regulations of the Army, and that in my opinion, he is free from all bodily defects and mental infermity [sic], which would in any way, disqualify him from performing the duties of a soldier.
C.F. Stuart (Examining Surgeon)
I certify, on Honor, That I have minutely inspected the Volunteer previous to his enlistment; and that he was entirely sober when enlisted; that, to the best of my judgment and belief, he is of lawful age; and that, in accepting him as duly qualified to perform the duties of an able-bodied Soldier, I have strictly observed the Regulations which govern the Recruiting Service.
This soldier has Black eyes, Light hair, Dark complexion, is 6 feet - inches high.
S. F Cooper (2nd Regiment Nebraska Volunteers, County? Luet & Recruiting Officer.
=
Of particular interest: he lists his place of birth as Jefferson County, New York and his age (as of March 1863) is listed as 42 (b. abt 1820 if his birth month is May). In later records S.L. indicated he was born in Erie county New York, and his birth year as 1819. His physical description is listed as: 6 ft tall, black eyes, dark complexion, and light hair.

More to follow.

Ernst H. W. Schmoe - Julietta Indiana Evangelical Association

I just chanced upon an interesting reference to Ernst H. W. Schmoe, my G.G. Grandfather and family. Here are a few pages from the book. Click to enlarge.

"Historical data and life sketches of the deceased ministers of the Indiana Conference of the Evangelical Association, 1835-1915"

Some of those mentioned in the article:
Frederick Schmoe [b. 1834 in Germany] is believed to be Ernst H.W. Schmoe's brother. "Father & Mother Ostermeire", were William [b. 1803] & Christine Eleanore Tegtmeier Ostermeier [b. 1805], father and step-mother of Ernst Schmoe's wife, Caroline Ostermeier [b. 1828].

Mysterious Schmoe's in Old City Directories

There are a number of Schmoes listed in old directories, most of these individuals are known to me, and in predictable places and times.

Below are a couple of mysterious entries from 2 old City Directories.
Both are Schmoes, and I'm not positive yet, who they are. I'll put my guess for one, the other is so far still unknown.

1936 Oklahoma City, OK, Polk city directory page 672.
Schmoe, Lillian, asst chemist Balyeat Hay Fever & Asthma Clinic, r899 NW 18th.

While there were several Lillian Schmoes (both married and unmarried), I cannot positively place this one with any of the known families, especially in Oklahoma. Any Ideas???


1881 Kansas City Missouri, Hoye's City Directory, page 574
Schmoe, Ernst, carpenter, r. ws. Harrison, bet. 21st and 22nd.

I believe this is Great-Great Grandfather. Ernst H.W. Schmoe born 1822 in Germany. In June of 1880 he was living, with his children, in Jennings County, Indiana, listed as a farmer. His married daughter Mary Reinking with husband Carl and family were living nearby. We know that sometime between June 1880 (census), and June of 1881 (birth of Carl & Mary's dau Pearl in Oak Grove MO), the Reinking's moved to Oak Grove, Jackson County, MO. Not far from Kansas City. The family tradition is that the families first went to Kansas City to find work. The Reinking's stayed in Oak Grove the remainder of their days, but Ernst Schmoe and his other children moved to Prairie Center, Johnson County Kansas sometime before the 1st of March, 1885 (KS state census). Ernst died there in 1894.

November
Ancestral Birthdays & Anniversaries

4th Nancy Roxanna Martin Grisso “Roxie”
born: 4 Nov 1876 – in Wild Cherry, Fulton Co., Arkansas
parents: William Enoch Henry Martin & Sarah Elizabeth Wyatt
married: William Austin Grisso – 5 July 1899 in Fulton Co., Arkansas
died: 11 Sept 1948, in Seminole Oklahoma.







5th Mary Law Sturgeon
born: 5 Nov 1770 – Rockbridge Co., Virginia
parents: possibly Michael and Rebecca Law
married: Simpson Sturgeon – about 1795
died: 15 Nov 1857 - Trafalgar, Johnson Co., IN

7th Jennie June Rhoades married A. Mark Collins
married, 7 Nov 1922
Red Oak, Montgomery Co., Iowa












8th Caroline Ostermeier Schmoe married
Ernst Heinrich Wilhelm Schmoe
8 Nov 1852 – Hancock Co., Indiana







11th Nancy C. Beavers Wyatt
born: 11 Nov 1826 in TN
parents: possibly Thomas Beavers? & unknown
married: John J. Wyatt about 1855 perhaps in Arkansas
died: 12 Dec 1900 in Wild Cherry, Fulton Co., Arkansas

12th Rebecca Conner Sturgeon
born: 12 Nov 1831 in Dublin Ireland
parents: unknown
married: John S. Sturgeon – 3 Jan 1856 in Johnson Co., Indiana
died: 26 March 1907 - Coin, Colfax Twp.. Page Co, Iowa

[note - this photo was originally identified as Elizabeth Sheets Rhoades, by June Collins. However, June's Cousin Corine Ehnes identified the photograph as Rebecca Conner Sturgeon.]



12th Elizabeth Maurer married Mathias Grisso
12 Nov 1771 - New Hanover, Montgomery Co, PA


14th Ernest Anton Frederick Schmoe
born: 14 Nov 1865 – Hancock Co., Indiana
parents: Ernst H. W. & Caroline Ostermeier Schmoe
married: Minta Victoria Moon - 27 Aug 1889 - Lawrence, Douglas Co., Kansas
died: 19 Nov 1955 (5 days after his 90th birthday) – Newberg Oregon








15th John S. Sturgeon
born: 15 Nov 1831 Louisville, Jefferson Co, Kentucky
parents: Thomas Law and & Mary Sturgeon Sturgeon
married: Rebecca Conner - 3 Jan 1856 in Johnson Co., Indiana
died: 25 Oct 1890 – buried in Shenandoah, Page Co., Iowa







15th Elizabeth Sheets Rhoades
born: 15 Nov 1823 – Fairfield Co., Ohio
parents: Joseph & Mary “Polly” Jackson Sheets
married: Jacob Rhoades – 17 Jan 1845 – Fairfield Co., Ohio
died: 11 Dec 1899 – Shenandoah, Page Co., Iowa

16th Thomas Law Sturgeon
born: 16 Nov 1799 in Kentucky or Pennsylvania
parents: Simpson & Mary Law Sturgeon
married: Mary Sturgeon – 20 Dec 1821 – Jefferson Co., Kentucky
died: 8 Jun 1850 – Johnson Co., Indiana


25th Lavina Burnside married John Peter Moon
25 Nov 1833 – Richland Monthly Meeting, Hamilton Co., Indiana


27th Rebecca Sanders Rich
born: 27 Nov 1812, near Caesers Creek MM, Clinton Co. Ohio
parents: William & Amy Williams Sanders
married: Moses Rich – 10 March 1836 - Lick Branch MM, Marion Co., Indiana


27th Jane Miller & Peter Burns
married: 27 Nov 1789 – Augusta Co., Virginia


30th Tracie Grisso Schmoe

born: 30 Nov 1901 – Wild Cherry, Fulton Co., Arkansas
parents: William Austin & Nancy Roxanna Martin Grisso
married: Geary E. Schmoe – 25 Oct 1919 – Fulton Co., Arkansas
died: 4 May 1994, Newberg, Yamhill Co., Oregon

Collins Timeline Map 1817-1900

Click on image to enlarge.


I am in the process of updating the Collins Timeline Map. I have new information to add and a couple of corrections. It will be back soon.

Mary Ellen Collins Morgan Barber 1901 marriage

Just a few days before Mary Helpher Collin's fall, her daughter Mary Ellen married for the 2nd time to John H. Barber. Below is the text of the newspaper notice.

Pierce City Empire [Pierce Missouri]
September 5, 1901 page 3, column 3

Mr. J. H. Barber and Mrs Mary E. [nee Collins] Morgan, of this city, were married at the Mt. Vernon Hotel, in Mount Vernon, August 26th, Rev. John H. Bright, officiating. Mr Barber and his bride returned to their home in this city last night, and will soon go to Joplin to live, where Misses Bertha and Persis Barber are employed as teachers in the public schools. The Empire, together with the many friends of the family extend congratulations to the bride and groom.

Mary Collins injured in Fall

I just received this from the great people at the Missouri Historical Society, who for a very small fee will do newspaper lookups.

Lockwood Luminary, 30 Aug 1901

The wife of Elder S. L. Collins was quite seriously injured last Monday morning at their home northeast of town. She went to the spring which is a few feet from the door and fell in a swoon partially , in the water and her head struck against a rock in such a manner that blood flowed freely from the wound. Mr Collins went to her assistance as soon as the accident was discovered and the neighbors came to their assistance. Tuesday her condition was better and they were enabled to come to town and visit their son T. Collins. Mr and Mrs Collins are about 80 years of age.

note: Mary Collins died about a year later.

Mary Maria Helfer (Helpher) Collins

I recently received the following newspaper records from the Missouri Archives.

Mary Maria Helpher (my GG-Grandmother) was the wife of Stephen L. Collins. I have more information about her possible family, I will post separately. Mary may have been the daughter of Christopher & Lydia Helfer who lived in Wayne County Ohio at the time of Mary's marriage (1840) to Stephen L. Collins. The circumstantial evidence supports this but so far there is no proven link.

Mary Maria Helpher Collins Obituaries

(from the Missouri Archives)

Lockwood Luminary 26 Dec 1902

As we go to press we learn of the death of Mrs. Collins, widow of the late S.L. Collins at her home near Lockwood today. Funeral services were held at the residence and the interment at the cemetery in the neighborhood. Mrs Collins was about 78 years of age and was a woman whose life had been spent in well doing. She had resided in Dade County many years.

Lockwood Luminary 9 Jan 1903

Obituary

Mary Maria Collins, nee Helpher, died at her home near Lockwood, Dec. 26, 1902. She was born Feb. 28, 1822, in Ashland Co., Ohio, was married to S.L. Collins, Feb. 27, 1840 and joined the Baptist Church the same year. At the time of her death she was 80 years, 10 months, and 10 days old. She leaves 8 children, 5 boys and three girls, 5 children have preceded her to the better land. The children will always remember her kind words and loving deeds of mother may they all be prepared to meet her in that heavenly home where old age never comes and the inhabitants of that city shall not say I am sick, but will be one unending day of joy, a family reunion never to break up. Funeral services were conducted at her home by the writer from Psalms 116:15. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery nearby to await the resurection morn. J. L. Leonard..

Alpha L. Collins 1844-1881

Alpha L. Collins 1844-1881

Alpha L. Collins was the oldest son of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helpher Collins. He was born in Ohio 23 Jan 1844.

I have not yet found the family in the 1850 census. If anyone can find them I'd be thrilled to hear.

1860 Nebraska Terr Census Nemaha County, Brownville pages 61 & 62, 29 Jun 1860

Collins, Stephen 44 m Baptist Minister 700 800 New York

Collins, Mary 38 f Ohio

Collins, Alpha 16 m Asst. Farmer Ohio

Collins, Christopher 13 m Ohio

Collins, Maria 10 f Indiana

Collins, Ellen 6 f Indiana

Collins, Charles 3 m Illinois

Collins, Mark 1 m Nebraska

=

1870 Missouri, Dade Co., Center Twp, p.3

Stephen L Collins 54 b. NY, Minister of the gospel

Mary M Collins 48, b. OH

Alpha L Collins 26, b. OH, farm labourer

Lydia M Collins 20, b. IN

Mary E Collins 15, b. IN

Charles M Collins 13, b. Neb

Ahirah M Collins, 11, b. Neb

Daniel D Collins, 8, b. Neb

John T Collins 6, b. Neb

Emily M Collins 3, b. MO

1880 MO, Center Twp., Dade Co., p.189B

Alpha L. COLLINS Self M Male W 34 OH Pauper OH OH

N. J. COLLINS Wife M Female W 30 TN Keeping House TN TN

Cyrus COLLINS Son S Male W 2 MO OH TN

Alpha married Naomi J. Wright (b. Sept 1849) on the 26th of November 1876 in Dade Co., MO. Alpha's father Stephen L., performed the ceremony. Alpha and Naomi had one child, Cyrus Jerome Collins, He was born, 27 Oct 1878 in Missouri, (and died about Jun 1940). After Alpha's death in 1881, Naomi married, Daniel W. Gamble, 13 Dec 1883 in Dade Co., MO. They moved to Labette Co., KS.

Cyrus Jermoe Collins registered for the WWI draft in 1918 in Labette County Kansas. He lists his birthday as 27 Oct 1878, of medium height, medium build, blue eyes and red hair.

from Lauren Leeman, The State Historical Society of Missouri

rcd 10 July 2008

Greenfield Vedette & the Greenfield Dade Co., Advocate

(same obit ran in both newspapers)

14 July 1881

Obituary

Died of paralysis, June 30th, 1881, in Centre Township, Dade county, Mo., Alpha L. Collins, aged 37 years, oldest child of Elder S.L. Collins and Mary M. Collins, of this county. He leaves a wife, a little son three and a half years old, parents, brothers, sisters and numerous friends to mourn their loss. He professed Christianity at about 14 years of age and joined the Baptist church and was faithful until the end.

Charles Martin Collins 1857-1941

Charles Martin Collins was born in May 1857, (his obit says 14 May 1855 but all other records list 1857). Census records indicate he was born in Illinois but I have no idea what county. His obituary states he was born in Buchanan County Missouri but I believe this is incorrect. He was the son of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helfer Collins, and the brother of my Great-grandfather (Ahira Mark Collins b. 1859 in NE). Charlie would have been about 11 years old when they moved to Dade county Missouri. He spent the rest of his life there. He married Cordelia Jane Harris King on 21 Jan 1877, in Dade County. They had 5 children; Edward R. 1877-1916, Dora Effie (Asher),1882-1902, William Stephen 1884-1921, Frances "Fannie" Leora (Cochran), 1891-1973, and Joseph (who probably died as a child). Either Cordelia died, or they divorced before 28 Nov 1922, which is the date Charley married Cordelia's sister Lillian Ann Harris Cook. Lillian died in 1928. Charley was a farmer his entire life.

This photo is identified as Charley Collins and his brother Ahira Mark Collins taken in the late 30's in Missouri.

Charley died tragically when his home caught fire in December 1941.
His death notice and obituary are from the Lockwood Luminary and supplied by the State Historical Society of Missouri.

Obituaries of Charles M. Collins
Both from the Lockwood Luminary

Friday, 2 January 1942

Chas. M. Collins Meets Horrible Death in Fire
A tragic death occurred to Charley M. Collins, one of Dade County's pioneer residents, Monday morning about eight o'clock. He was 86 years of age and lived alone on his farm about four miles northeast of Lockwood. He had arisen and built a fire in a kitchen stove. In some manner his clothing caught fire and he ran outside to a well where there was a small trough. Apparently he either tore the burning clothing from his body or it was burned and fell from him because near the well there were several pieces of clothing and a pipe which he evidently had been smoking. Either in an effort to return to the house to save some of his belongings or because he was dazed with pain, he returned to the house. The building was enveloped in flames when nearby neighbors arrived at the place and there was nothing they could do to put out the fire.
After the fire died down a search was made for the aged man and what was left of his body was found among the ruins. R.L. Haunschild, undertaker, was called and brought the remains to his home for preparation for burial. Services are announced for Thursday afternoon at the Lockwood Baptist church. Burial will follow at the Collins cemetery, north of Lockwood.

Friday 9 January 1942

Charley M. Collins
Charley M. Collins was born May 14, 1855, in Buchanan county, Missouri, and departed this life December 29, 1941, at nine o'clock a.m at the age of 86 years, 7 months, and 15 days. He was the son of Rev Stephen and Martha Collins. At an early age he came to Dade county with his parents, and spent the remainder of his lifetime in this county.
He was united in marriage to Cordelia Jane Harris in January, 1878. To this union five children were born, Edward, Dora, Effie, William Stephen, Joseph and Fannie Leora. All have preceded him in death except Mrs Fannie Leora Cochran. He is survived by four grandchildren, Gilbert and Maurice Collins, Vera Beisner and Golden Collins, also six great grandchildren.
He was converted at the age of twenty-two and was later ordained a deacon in the Lockwood Baptist church, where he served the remainder of his life.
Funeral services were held at Lockwood Baptist Church, Thursday afternoon, January 1st. The sermon was delivered by Rev Geo Gray. Burial was at the Collins cemetery, north of Lockwood, under direction of R.L. Haunchild.

Clara M. (Collins) Powell 1870-1940

Clara M. Collins was born about March of 1870, the oldest child of Christopher Royce and Esta Jennie Cleavinger Collins, the first cousin of my Grandpa Mark Collins. In 1870 she is living with her parents in Daviess County Missouri. Christopher & Jennie had married there in Dec of 1868. In 1880 she is living with her family in Brownville, Nemaha Co., Nebraska. By 1887 her family had moved to St. Joseph, MO, where she is listed as a seamstress working for Wood Manufacturing Co, and living at 311 Middleton St. With her mother and brother Stephen Moses Collins, they moved to 1208 N. 3^rd St in St. Joe by 1890, she is still listed as a seamstress. 10 years later, the 1900 census has Clara M. Collins born, March 1870 in MO, divorced, a dressmaker, her father born in OH, and her mother born in MO. I cannot find Clara in the 1910 census. Sometime before the death of her father in 1919, Clara married Bertrand B. Powell and moved to Chicago where she and her husband were listed in the 1920 census. By 1930 they had moved to Marion Co., IN, where she died in 1940 of lobar pneumonia. Her residence was listed as 2421 N. Ritter St. in Indianapolis IN. As far as I can tell she had no children.

John Timothy Collins 1864-1926

John Timothy Collins was born the 9th of June 1864 in Nebraska, the son of Stephen L. & Mary Marie Helpher Collins. He was a farmer and shoemaker. In Jan 1884, he married Laura M. Rogers in Dade Co., MO, and they had 5 children. They were: Ira Jacob (b. Dec 1884), Mary F. (b. July 1892), Laura Maud (b. July 1896), Charley (b. 1901), and Linnie L. (b. 1904).

From the good folk at the Missouri Archives.

Lockwood Luminary - 19 Mar 1926
J.T. Collins passed away at his house in Lockwood Monday morning at an early hour, following a grave illness that extended over several months duration. Early last year Mr. Collins was taken to a Springfield hospital for an operation. He was brought home in a short time, his family being advised that he would never be well. A greater part of the time his suffering has been intense. Regardless of the many disappointments, in the face of the fact that he knew his condition was hopeless, he was a patient sufferer. Those who knew him best and saw him most were his best friends. Mr. Collins had maintained a shoe repair shop in Lockwood for years. He submitted to an operation years ago, at which time one of his limbs was amputated near the hip. He was compelled to use a crutch and often working all day at his place of business when others of much better health would have been at home. He was 61 years of age. Funeral services were held at Lockwood Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. L. Leonard, of Springfield, a former friend of the deceased. Burial was at Lockwood Cemetery. Mr Collins is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters, other relatives and friends.

Lockwood Luminary
Ira Collins left Sunday morning for Bethany MO, where he has secured employment. Mr Collins spent the past several weeks at this place assisting in the care of his father, J.T. Collins. The later passed away the day following the departure of his son.

Lockwood Luminary
Charley Collins and wife returned to Lockwood Saturday from Kansas City where the former ha been employed since the first of the year. They will remain indefinitely at the home of Mrs J.T. Collins.

Lockwood Luminary
Mr & Mrs Jack Baker were called to Lockwood Monday from their home in Kansas City by a message announcing the death of the latter's father, J.T. Collins.

Christopher Royce Collins update #2

OBITs and More..

To see the other Christopher R Collins, posts go HERE and Update #1 Here.

Through the kindness of Chester O. Fiene and the State Historical Society of Missouri, we now have the following additional information about Christopher R. Collins

Lexington News - 17 April 1919
C.R. Collins, 71 years old, died of heart disease, at the home of his step son, C. W. Selby, near Lexington, Monday, April 14. Mr Collins was born in Seaville, Ohio, May 11, 1847. He is survived by his wife, one son, S.M. Collins of St. Joseph Missouri, one daughter, Mrs B.B. Powell of Chicago, and one step son, C. W. Selby. He is also survived by three brothers, and three sisters. Before coming to Lexington Mr Collins made his home in Golden City Missouri. The funeral was held at four o'clock Monday afternoon.

Card of thanks - Lexington News (Missouri) 17 Apr 1919
We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved husband and father. We shall never forget you in this hour of sadness. Mrs C.B. Collins, Mrs B.B. Powell, S.M. Collins, Mr & Mrs C W Selby and family.

The Lexington Intellinger , 18 April 1919 (lookup by Chester O. Fiene)

Death of C.R. Collins - C.R. Collins died at the home of his step-son, C.W. Selby, east of Lexington, Monday morning at 12:25 o'clock. His death was due to heart trouble. Mr Collins was born in Ohio and leaves a wife, one son and one daughter. The funeral was held Monday evening at 4 o'clock.

Cemetery listing showing page 168, Machpelah Cemetery, Lexington Missouri, Ewing Addition II. (lookup by Chester O. Fiene May 2008)

Collins, Christopher R. ; 11 May 1847; 14 Apr 1919

From this we now know that

Christopher was buried in Machpelah Cemetery (Ewing Addition II).

Christopher's daughter (Clara) married B. B. Powell, and they lived in Chicago. S. M. Collins is Stephen Moses Collins who later moved from St. Joseph to California.

Christopher and Jenny's daughter Sarah must have died before his death. in fact the only record I have of Sarah is the 1880 census.

Clara must have married between 1900 (census St Joseph MO), and the Apr 1919, death of her father. We still don't know if Clara had children.

We are indebted to Reference Specialist, Lauren Leeman at The State Historical Society of Missouri and Chester O. Fiene, for this great boost to our Collins Family research.

Christopher Royce Collins update #1

See my earlier post re: Christopher Royce Collins. As an update I have found a bit more to fill in the picture of his life. I am still looking and welcome any information. Listed below are Christopher's probable marriage record to Jennie Cleavinger, and the 1900 census listing. I've requested an obituary but have not received it thus far. Except for Christopher's son Stephen Moses Collins who migrated to California, I know almost nothing about his children, who would be my grandfather's first cousins.

Probable marriage record: Daviess County MO, P.209, 23 Dec 1868

This document was difficult to read, but is reasonably consistant with the information we have about Christopher & Jennie Cleavinger Collins.

Missouri, Daviess County, on the 23rd day of December 1868, I joined as husband and wife, G. C. R. Colins, Esta J. Clevinger. This given under my hand this the 17th day of January 1869. V. G. Anderson, A member of the Gospel of the M.E. Church.
Filed for Record Feb, 11, 1869
Robert H. Grantham, Recorder

note: The California Death Index listing for Stephen Moses Collins (son of Christopher & Jennie), lists the mother's maiden name as Cleavinger.

*******************
1900 Missouri, Barton County census
Golden City, Dist 20, page 46, 13 June 1900

Collins, Chester: head, born- July 1846 in OH; age 53; married 7 yrs; occupation- harnessmaker; father b. OH; mother b. PA; can -read, write, & speak English; owns his house free of mortgage.

Collins, Annie: wife, b. Jan 1852 in IN; age 48; married 7 yrs; 4 children born - 2 yet living; parents b. IN. can read, write & speak English.

Moore, Mary A: help, b. Aug 1830 in OH; age 69; widow; 8 children born - 7 yet living; parents b. OH; helps in housework; can read, write and speak English.

Christopher Royce Collins - I had it wrong!

This is a developing story but I thought I'd post a tease until I have all the facts straight.

Christopher Royce Collins was the brother of Ahira Mark Collins. Both were the sons of Stephen L. Collins and Mary Marie Helpher.

From various sources I had the following about Christopher:
He was born abt 1847 in Ohio.
He married Jennie Cleavinger in about 1868, possibly in Daviess Co., MO.
In the 1870 census, he is living in Daviess Co. MO, Monroe Twp p. 359. The listing shows a Samuel Will age 83 born in TN, unknown relationship; Jenny age 20 b. MO; Clara is listed as 2/12 b. MO.; and Christ age 33, b. OH.
He was living in Nemaha Co., Neb in 1880, with wife Jennie & 3 children:
Clara M. Collins b. abt Mar 1870 in MO.
Stephen Moses Collins b. 30 Jun 1872, in Caldwell Co., MO, died in CA.
Sarah Collins b. 1876 in MO.
Christopher was a harness maker.
Various St Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, directories have the following:
Christopher R. Collins harnessmkr. r. 311 Middleton Saint Joseph MO 1887
Clara Collins Wood manufacturing co works r. 311 Middleton St Joseph MO 1887
Mrs. Jennie Collins r. 311 Middleton Saint Joseph MO 1887
Arthur McCurdy M. G. Post teamster r. 311 Middleton Saint Joseph MO 1887
Collins Clara seamstress Wood Mfg Co. r 1208 n 3d 1890
Collins Jennie (wid Christopher R.) r 1208 n 3d 1890
Collins Moses driver r 1208 n 3d 1890
McCurdy Arthur H. teamster r 1208 n 3d 1890

Database: Buchanan County, Missouri Taxpayers, 1891-95, 1901
Surname Given Name Township Post Office Year
Collins Jennie St Joseph 1895

From the above I assumed that Christopher had died about 1889, possibly in or near St. Joseph Missouri, but... I WAS WRONG. Through FamilyTreeMaker v16's automatic search feature, which searches ancestry.com, I discovered a 1910 listing for a Christopher R. Collins living in Barton Co., MO, with wife Annie, what a surprise. A further hunt has located a marriage record of Annie Ladd to Christopher R. Collins, married 24 Dec 1892, in Barton County MO. Christopher's 1919 death certificate was also found at Missouri Digital Heritage. I am still looking for the details, but suffice it to say that Christopher did NOT die in 1889 and lived another 30 years. Expect an update in the next few weeks.....as details emerge.

Ahira Mark Collins – Serendipity at the cemetery.

Ahira Mark Collins was born at Brownville, Nemaha County, Nebraska Territory, 17 Jan 1859.

He was the son of Stephen Loren and Mary Marie Helpher Collins. In an interview (1979) with my grandfather Mark Collins (b. 1901), I asked how his father had decided to move to Oregon. I was told that his dad had been helping his father farm a place in SW Missouri when he had a vivid dream. In the dream the devil told him to go to Oregon and an Angel told him to stay in Missouri. In 1889 A. Mark Collins arrived by train at The Dalles, Oregon. In 1893 he married Julia Porter at The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon.

Their 5 children; Jesse McKinley, Thomas Antone (Ed), Fairy Valentine, Ahira Mark, & Joseph Claude, were all born near Tygh Valley Oregon. A. Mark homesteaded 21 acres, about 1 ½ miles north of Shearer Bridge Road. Joey the youngest died as a baby and may be buried at the homestead, along with his oldest brother Jesse McKinley who drown in about 1914-5. In 1910 Julia become ill and went to stay with her sister in Iowa. Julia died there, 13 March 1910, of tuberculosis, and is buried in Essex, Page County Iowa. The children remained with Julia's sister Jesse who raised them as her own. Ahira Mark Collins died 13 Oct 1939, at The Dalles Oregon, and is buried in the IOOF cemetery.

Five years ago on a trip to The Dalles, with my sister, we visited the IOOF cemetery. Once there, we found two maintenance workers one of whom indicated that Great-Grandpa Mark was buried in a certain section, but that he did not know the exact spot without checking the records in the cemetery office. With a 180 degree sweeping motion of his arm, he indicated where we should start looking. This was a huge area.. I hopped out of the car and my sister with the aid of one of the workers started up and down the rows of graves. Instead, I headed out on foot angling across with no sense of where I was headed or even if there would be a headstone to mark the grave. I walked at a steady pace for a few minutes until I felt the sudden urge to stop. Looking down at that spot, not 6 inches from my foot, was the small flat headstone of my great-grandfather, Ahira Mark Collins. I firmly believe he guided me straight to his grave.

Obituary: "The Dalles Weekly Chronicle" 14 Oct 1939 page 2 – The Dalles, Wasco County Oregon. Mark Collins, 80, resident of Tygh Valley for 52 years, died yesterday at a local hospital. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by C.R. Callaway & Sons. Surviving relatives include, Mrs Abe Fulkerson, Shenandoah IA, and two sons Mark Collins, Dundee, and Ed Collins, Redmond.

The Dalles Daily of Oct 16th 1939
Services Announced - Funeral rites for Mark Collins, long time resident of Tygh Valley who died here Friday, will be held from Callaway's chapel tomorrow at 3:30 pm, it was announced today.

The Dalles Daily of Oct 17th 1939
Funeral serviced for Mark Collins, Tygh Valley man who died last week, were held this afternoon from Callaway's chapel with Rev. W. I. Eck officiating. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery. (The Dalles).

*
Misc records:
BLM records www.glorecords.blm.gov
Ahira M. Collins
Wasco Co. Oregon, Twp 3S, Range 14E, Section 31, lot 2.
Title Issued - 14 Sept 1908
21.13 Acres. Document # 5711
Misc Doc # 8575
Accession/Serial # 13229 BLM serial # ORTDAA 062560

1922-23 Wasco County Oregon Farmers Directory
Collins, A.M. , PO The Dalles; owns 21 acres; sec 31, twp 3S, RG 14; assd. $330; 2 mi NE Tygh Valley.

1905-6 Wasco County Oregon Tax List - R.L. Polk & Co.
Collins, A.M. $525, Tygh.

The Winter of 1889-90 in NE Nevada.

The winter of 1889-90 in Northeastern Nevada was brutal to ranchers. It has been estimated that up to 95% of the cattle in Elko County perished that winter due to the deep snows and frigid temperatures.

From the Daily Nevada State Journal 2 March 1890:
"A.G. Dawley returned last evening from Halleck. He reports a fearful state of affairs in Ruby Valley. In his corrals and about his stables the snow is drifted to a depth of 15 feet. He has two stallions in the stable which cannot be got out as the snow is piled up almost as high as the building, and feed and water is carried in to them through a small opening. During the recent storm about eight inches of snow fell which was fearfully drifted by the hurricane which prevailed during the fore part of the week. Mr Dawley fears this winter will pretty near wind up the stock business in Ruby Valley."

Twin Falls Idaho Telephone Directories 1923-25

Christmas was wonderful and I received a number of neat gifts, from some equally special people. Having a great family is, of course, the best gift of all. My wonderful Mom & Dad gave me (2) Twin Falls Idaho Mountain Bell telephone books (1923, & 1924-5). Each contains about 20-25 pages and are somewhat fragile. They include the towns of; Buhl, Castleford, Eden, Hansen, Hazleton, Hollister, Kimberly, Murtaugh, & Twin Falls, Idaho. I have already scanned them both, but will scan them again before I put them away. The first scan was to a multi-page PDF file with my CanoScan 8600F scanner. This produced a readable file of the whole document. A bit of testing reveals that a search does not come close to finding all of the target names etc, it is a good starting point however. I will scan them again in a higher resolution for archival purposes, then print out copies to use instead of the originals. A perplexing problem with these is that the original? owner used them as scrapbooks, pasting in articles over the top of the directory listing, obscuring them in whole or in part. Some of the newsprint has been removed, much however remains. I have not researched at this point if it will be feasible or safe to try and remove any of the remaining pasted-in articles. Some of the articles have tiny genealogical bits and pieces but the real prize is the info underneath. I can't tell what sort of glue/paste was used. There was a 1932 date on one article and they all appear to be of that vintage. I'd be happy to hear from anyone with experience in this, and will be scouring the web for information.

Jen

Killed by a drunk driver.

Nevada Maps - Cities & More Free

I just came across these listings at the State of Nevada Website. I especially like the great city maps for the smaller towns and communities in Nevada. I don't see either Reno or Las Vegas here but if you are looking for detailed city maps of the rural areas, look no further. One can find street names and cemeteries on these great maps and some are in color. At the same location are detailed .pdf maps of all types including historical. As I come across more I'll add them here.
Nevada City Maps .pdf
More misc maps
Quad maps
Historical Nevada Road Maps going back to 1919

Nevada Genealogy

4 November 2007
From Alice in Wonderland.
Start at the beginning.... yes, yes, and when you get to the end... STOP !