My fourth great-grandfather.
Born: 28 November 1744 in Middleton, Essex County, Massachusetts
Died: ??
Father: Jonathan Wilkins
Mother: Abigail Goodale
Siblings:
Mary Wilkins, 1718
Elizabeth Wilkins, 1721
Mercy Wilkins, 1732
Married: Susannah Berry on 9 October 1764 in Middleton, Massachusetts
Children:
Hannah Wilkins, 1767
Jonathan Wilkins, 1769
Moses Wilkins, 1770 (one source says 1766)
Susannah Wilkins, 1772
Betty Wilkins, 1774 (some sources don't show her - maybe she died young)
Abraham Wilkins, 1778
Jonathan's profession is listed as a cooper (barrel maker).
He volunteered for Revolutionary War service in April of 1775 and served as a private for eight months in Captain Archelaus Towne's company, part of Colonel Ebenezer Bridges' Massachusetts Regiment. In April of 1782, he entered the service again, this time as a mariner on board the U.S. frigate Hague with Captain John Manley. Jonathan was wounded when Admiral Rodney's British fleet attacked the Hague. He was discharged in May of 1783. In 1820, he was awarded a monthly pension of $8 because of a disability from the wound. He received a first payment for 46 months in arrears of $376.49.
County tax records and two deeds involving land transactions still exist.
Jonathan's petition for Revolutionary War service was made before a judge in Hillsburough County, New Hampshire, where he had moved by that time. His home is listed as Mount Vernon, Hillsburough, N.H. in the Revolutionary War petition records. It states that he was 72 years old in 1820 and was living alone at the time of the application. It also gives his birth date as 16 September 1748, which is different than the date in other sources.
Susannah Berry
Born: 14 February 1742 in Middleton, Essex County, Massachusetts
Died: 23 December 1778 in Middleton
Father: Ebenezer Berry
Mother: Phebe Curtis
Siblings:
Samuel Berry, 1731
Elizabeth Berry, 1738
Ebenezer Berry, 1746
William Berry, 1749
I can't find much of anything about Susannah, except I would guess that since she died five weeks after her son Abraham was born, it is pretty likely that she died from complications from child birth. I find no evidence of Jonathan remarrying, so eleven year old Hannah may have become Abraham's substitute mother figure.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
James Jakeman (1806 - ?)
Third Great-grandfather.
Born: 21 or 24 September 1806 in Astwood Banks, Worcestershire, or Coughton, Warwickshire, England
Died: October 1882 ? in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Father: Job Jakeman (born c. 1777 in Sanborn, Warwickshire, England)
Mother: Elizabeth Jane Bradbury (born c. 1781 in Sanborn, Warwickshire, England)
*** I have no more information about these families.
Siblings: ???
Married: Ann Field on 13 November 1833 in Beoley, Worcestershire, England
Children:
Joseph Field, 1831 (illegitimate son of Ann Field and Joseph Such)
Henry Jakeman, 1834
Sarah Jakeman, 1836
William Jakeman, 1838
Elizabeth Jakeman, 1838 (William and Elizabeth were twins who died at birth.)
Ellen or Eleanor Jakeman, 1839
Susan Jakeman, 1842
Mary Jakeman, 1845
Edward Jakeman, 1848
David Jakeman, 1851
James Thomas Jakeman, 1852
* Joseph adopted his mother's maiden name and that was the name used by his children.
James Jakeman was a needle-maker, and the area where the family lived was the world center for needle-making. For a look at the area, I recommend the short video on the Forge Mill Needle Museum web site. Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles.
Ann Field (1810 - 1882)
Third Great-grandmother.
Born: 24 February 1810 in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, England
Died: 9 October 1882 in Beaver, Beaver County, Utah
Father: Edward Field
Mother: Susannah or Susan Turner
Siblings:
Edward field, c. 1804
William Field, c. 1806
The information I received from my mother said that Ann Field caused a big scandal when she decided to abandon her husband and sons Edward and David in England to go to Utah and live with other Mormons. It said that she was disowned by her family in England.
However, I have found a conflicting story on a couple of LDS websites that claimed that Ann was listed as a widow on the 1861 census in England before she immigrated to Utah. Is someone trying to clear her reputation? The problem with that is that Edward was about 13 and David about 10 when she left them. I doubt she was have left them without a father to care for them.
Mary and James Thomas traveled to the US with her on the ship Amazon.
Born: 21 or 24 September 1806 in Astwood Banks, Worcestershire, or Coughton, Warwickshire, England
Died: October 1882 ? in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Father: Job Jakeman (born c. 1777 in Sanborn, Warwickshire, England)
Mother: Elizabeth Jane Bradbury (born c. 1781 in Sanborn, Warwickshire, England)
*** I have no more information about these families.
Siblings: ???
Married: Ann Field on 13 November 1833 in Beoley, Worcestershire, England
Children:
Joseph Field, 1831 (illegitimate son of Ann Field and Joseph Such)
Henry Jakeman, 1834
Sarah Jakeman, 1836
William Jakeman, 1838
Elizabeth Jakeman, 1838 (William and Elizabeth were twins who died at birth.)
Ellen or Eleanor Jakeman, 1839
Susan Jakeman, 1842
Mary Jakeman, 1845
Edward Jakeman, 1848
David Jakeman, 1851
James Thomas Jakeman, 1852
* Joseph adopted his mother's maiden name and that was the name used by his children.
James Jakeman was a needle-maker, and the area where the family lived was the world center for needle-making. For a look at the area, I recommend the short video on the Forge Mill Needle Museum web site. Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles.
Ann Field (1810 - 1882)
Third Great-grandmother.
Born: 24 February 1810 in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, England
Died: 9 October 1882 in Beaver, Beaver County, Utah
Father: Edward Field
Mother: Susannah or Susan Turner
Siblings:
Edward field, c. 1804
William Field, c. 1806
The information I received from my mother said that Ann Field caused a big scandal when she decided to abandon her husband and sons Edward and David in England to go to Utah and live with other Mormons. It said that she was disowned by her family in England.
However, I have found a conflicting story on a couple of LDS websites that claimed that Ann was listed as a widow on the 1861 census in England before she immigrated to Utah. Is someone trying to clear her reputation? The problem with that is that Edward was about 13 and David about 10 when she left them. I doubt she was have left them without a father to care for them.
Mary and James Thomas traveled to the US with her on the ship Amazon.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Larkin Tolliver Waters (1821 - 1860)
Third great-grandfather.
Born: 18 September 1821 South Carolina, according to 1850 census (head stone says North Carolina, but it also says he was born 1 January 1820)
Died: 16 April 1860 Mud Springs Township, El Dorado County, California
Buried at a small cemetery near Shingle Springs in the Placerville area of El Dorado County, California
Father: Robert Waters
Mother: Elizabeth Taliaferra ?
Siblings: ???
Married: 1846 to Elizabeth Melinda Benson
Children: The first three were born in Marietta, Georgia; the last three in French Town, California
Allen Benson Waters, 1847
George Robert Waters, 1849
John Henry Waters, 1853
Marietta Waters, 1855
Martha Melinda Waters, 1857
Larkin Tolliver Waters, Jr, 1859
Elizabeth Melinda Benson
Born: 26 April 1831 Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia
Died: 20 October 1906 Joseph, Sevier County, Utah
Father: Rueben Benson
Mother: Elizabeth Kemp (Mary Stepp was listed in Mom's stuff as Reunben's wife, but I can find absolutely nothing about her, and Elizabeth Kemp was listed as Larkin's mother. Every record I can find lists Elizabeth Kemp as Reuben's wife, although I do remember reading somewhere that she was also his niece. There are a couple of suggestions that Reuben was married twice, but I can't find anything that says the name of the other wife. Maybe Mary Stepp?)
An interesting bit of information:
Back around 1980, when I first heard of Larkin Tolliver Waters, I was reading Men to Match My Mountains by Irving Stone, about the first pioneers who crossed the Rockies and established themselves in the west. One of the people mentioned in the book was Thomas Oliver Larkin. The similarity in names grabbed my attention.
It became a real mystery for me when I learned that Mr. Larkin was 20 years old and living in North Carolina in 1821, the year my third great-grandfather was born. I believe that there must be a link, but don't know what it might be. I know absolutely nothing about Robert Waters, and he is a dead end on the family tree. I know nothing about any siblings Larkin might have had. Although Thomas Oliver Larkin went on to become a very important early Californian, I doubt that he'd done anything at twenty years old to inspire Robert and Elizabeth to name their son after him. Or is it possible that our Larkin was the illegitimate son of Mr. Larkin? I doubt we will ever know, but there is more to this story.
Mr. Larkin left North Carolina in 1822 and moved around a bit before landing in California in 1832. By the time of the Gold Rush in 1849, he was settled in San Francisco. When he died in 1858, he owned many land grants in California.
In the meantime, in about 1853, our Larkin and his wife, Elizabeth, decided to move with their three children to the California Gold Fields. I don't know if they were actually looking for gold, but they did manage to accumulate quite a bit of property over the eight years before Larkin died.
Last Will and Testament of Larkin T. Waters, April 4th, 1860
Know all men by these presents that I, Larkin T. Waters of Frenchtown, Mud Springs Township, El Dorado County, State of California, being now of sound mind do make the following as my last Will and Testament.
Firstly, I appoint Andrew J. Warf to act as guardian for my children, and Doctor John W. Edwards and Theodore H. Moss to act as Executors to carry out my will.
Secondly, after the payment of my just debts, I desire that Andrew J. Warf do take charge of all my property for the use and benefit of my wife and children. I desire that my children do accuier (sic) all the education that can be afforded to them, and that each of my children, including Elizabeth Warf, the wife of A.J. Warf, do all share alike.
Thirdly, that my wife E. M. Waters do receive one third of the income of my property whenever she may desire the sum for her own use and benefit, but that the property shall not be sold and divided until the youngest child living be of age, done this fourth day of April A.A. 1860.
L.T. Waters
Witness: G. B. Pomroy A. Small (or Smith?)
Apparently, Larkin's wishes were not followed...
State of California
County of El Dorado
In Probate Court
In the matter of the Estate
of
Larkin T. Waters deceased
The undersigned petitioner shows to the Court that Larkin T. Waters, deceased, departed this life on or about the 16th of April 1860. That at the time of his death the deceased was, and had been for a long time prior to his decease, a resident of this county. That deceased left in this county, at the time of his death, property both real and personal of the value according to petitioner's best knowledge, information and belief, at the time of at least $3000.00. That deceased left a will. That the whereabouts of said will is to the petitioner unknown, but to the best of petitioner's knowledge, information, and belief, the same is in the hands of one Theodore Moss. That said Moss, as petitioner is informed, has left this state and resides in Nevada Territory. That the said Theodore Moss and Dr. Edwards were named in said will as executors. That said will has never been presented for probate. That at the time of his decease, the said deceased was the head of a family, leaving a widow and six children who were divsees under said will.
And the petitioner further shows that afterward, on or about the 18th day of September 1861, he intermarried with, and is now the husband of, the widow of the said deceased. That the widow of the said deceased requests that petitioner be appointed administrator of said estate of said deceased. And petitioner further shows that he is legally competent to act as administrator of said estate. And petitioner shows that since the decease of L.T. Waters a large portion of the property of said estate has been squandered and dissipated, parties meddling wherewith and disposing thereof without warrant or authority of law. That at this time the real estate belonging to the estate of said deceased, owing to depreciation in value and loss from neglect and inattention is not worth to exceed $1000.00, and provides an income of about $300.00, the same being the rent of certain water ditches. That the said personal property consists in notes, personal effects, household furniture, etc., and an undivided interest in certain cattle and horses. The petitioner shows that his wife, Elizabeth M. Barnes (the widow of the deceased), Allen B. Waters, George R. Waters, John H. Waters, Marietta Waters, Martha M. Waters, and Larkin T. Waters are the heirs at law of the said deceased and the said Elizabeth M., the now wife of petitioner.
Wherefore, petitioner prays that a day of court may be appointed for the hearing of this application and that due notice be given thereof by the clerk by posting notices according to law, and that upon the said hearing and the proofs to be addressed, letter of administration upon said estate my be granted and issued to your petitioner, and as in duly court he will ever pray.
April 30th 1862 Edward S. Barnes
May 13, 1862 - After posting a bonds with three friends in the total amount of $3000.00 to guarantee that he wouldn't also run off or squander the remaining estate, Edward Barnes was made executor of the estate.
May 16, 1862 - Edward Barnes filed the following before the Probate Court:
To the Hon. Probate Court in and for said county
Edward S. Barnes, Administrator of the above estate complains that one A. J. Warf, as your petitioner is informed and believes, had, at the time of the death of said L. T. Waters, control of a large portion of the property of said deceased and has since time been in the possession and control thereof, that Warf has had the control, custody and management of rents, issues, and profits of said estate and the personal affects thereof. that at the time of said decease of said L.T. Waters, he was, as petitioner is informed and believes, the owner of 1/3 undivided interest in about 100 head of cattle, was owner of three horses, saddles, and _____, notes, accounts and other evidence of indebtedness in a book or books of account. The amount of which said notes and accounts and debts were and are to petitioner unknown, though petitioner is informed and believes this amount to near $1500.00. That prior to the death of said L.T. Waters, the same A.J. Warf was a clerk, partner and confidential agent and had the personal charge and control of the business affairs of said deceased at the time of his death and since that time assume control and dispose of the same. That petitioner has applied to said A.J. Warf to account with him for said notes, accounts, rentings, and evidences of indebtedness and the property and effects of said estate that have come to his hands, but that said Warf has failed and refused to give petitioner any information concerning the same or any part thereof.
Whereupon your petitioner complains that said A.J. Warf conceals or has embezzled or disposed of said property of deceased and petitioner _____ an order _____ a citation to issue citing the said Warf to be and appear before your Honor to answer and be examined under oath upon such interrogation as may be asked him touching the matter of the complaint.
The Probate Court ordered Warf to appear on May 26. The court also appointed three men to act as appraisers of the estate. they came up with the following list.
House and garden in French Town with barn and outhouse known as the butcher shop, with orchard on the same, about two acres under good picket fence, together pasture adjoining. Enclosed with brush fence containing hundred acres more or less. Total Value $ 550.00
Household and kitchen furniture $100.00
One ranch known as the Stites Ranch, situated on the east and west side of French Creek, three fourths of a mile below French Town. Seven acres under good fence on the west side of French Creek together with dwelling house and yard on the east side of the creek, the same always being connected and known as the Stites Ranch. Total Value $300.00
Pomroy Ditch commencing on the creek known as Saw Mill Creek, one half mile south of road running through Buck Eye Flat. Thence running down to French Hollow on west side of Barrette's Ranch, together with reservoy (sic) on the same. Value $250.00
Garden ditch for irrigating garden in French Town. Value $10.00
Summers Ditch taken water from Forty Mile Creek at the mouth of Stites ravine and running water to Summer Ravine. Value $5.00
New Ditch taken water out of French Creek below the Agra Dam together with a large reservoy in French Creek one hundred yards above the head of the said ditch together with one reservoy one mile and a half down the said ditch. The said ditch runs water from French Creek to Canada Flat or Merry Ranch on the east side of French Creek. Value $400.00
One half of ditch known as Knights Ditch taken water from French Creek at Merrys Dam and running water on the west side of French Creek to Hydraulic Ravine. Value of said half $5.00
Wallen Ditch taken water out of French Creek below Joseph Edwards house running water on the west side of French Creek through Stites Ranch thence crossing French Creek in a flume on east side of French Creek to McCarty's Ranch. Total value $25.00
One sow or hog. $6.00
Notes and accounts against different parties to the amount of six hundred dollars. Valued at $150.00
An undivided interest of one third in one pony, 24 dollars value. $8.00
An undivided interest of one third of eight head of cattle valued at 12 dollars per head. $32.00
One third of an old wagon valued at 20 dollars. $6.66 2/3
Seven Cow bells valued $10.00
We the undersigned, duly appointed appraisers of the Estate of L.T. Waters dec'd, do hereby certify that the property mentioned in the foregoing inventory and appraisment (sic) has been exhibited to us and we appraise the same at dollars.
Total $ 1857.66 2/3
Warf went to court on May 26, 1862, and testified about how he had handled the estate. I have a copy of his testimony, but it is way too long to add it here. His testimony demonstrates his very lousy record-keeping and management of the estate.
On June 16, 1862, a man names J.R. Edwards petitioned the court with evidence that the three friends backing Barnes' bond had lied about having the money to do so. He requested that Barnes be ordered to produce further bond. The Probate Court ordered Edward Barnes back to court.
Then there is another petition to the court in which a J. Barrette and J.R. Edwards claim that they are the only creditors of Waters' estate and that the estate ins pretty much in debt to them for the value of the estate. They asked that Barnes be removed as administrator.
Finally, there is a bill of sale-type document in which Edward and Elizabeth Barnes agree to accept the sum of $508.40 from G. Barrette in exchange for the property and ditches and the forgiving of a debt of $119.20. It is dated April 11, 1863.
That's where the story stops in my files. The next time I see reference to Mr. Barnes and Elizabeth, later in 1863, they were living in Utah and had a son, Edmund.
This leaves me with so many questions... Who was the bad guy here? Did Barnes know about these creditors and the debt for the value of the estate? Was he planning to try to sell everything and leave as fast as possible? Or was the debt a lie? If it was true, why did the creditors wait for a year before they came forward to claim the estate? Why didn't Warf make any attempt to pay the debt or even mention it in court? He claimed to be Waters' partner and know everything that was going on. And what happened to Mr. White, who was the third partner? Why did he not testify? And whatever happened to Dr. Edwards and Theodore Moss who were supposed to be the original executors? Very mysterious!
Born: 18 September 1821 South Carolina, according to 1850 census (head stone says North Carolina, but it also says he was born 1 January 1820)
Died: 16 April 1860 Mud Springs Township, El Dorado County, California
Buried at a small cemetery near Shingle Springs in the Placerville area of El Dorado County, California
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| Original Marker |
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| Both Markers |
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| Newer Marker |
Father: Robert Waters
Mother: Elizabeth Taliaferra ?
Siblings: ???
Married: 1846 to Elizabeth Melinda Benson
Children: The first three were born in Marietta, Georgia; the last three in French Town, California
Allen Benson Waters, 1847
George Robert Waters, 1849
John Henry Waters, 1853
Marietta Waters, 1855
Martha Melinda Waters, 1857
Larkin Tolliver Waters, Jr, 1859
Elizabeth Melinda Benson
Born: 26 April 1831 Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia
Died: 20 October 1906 Joseph, Sevier County, Utah
Father: Rueben Benson
Mother: Elizabeth Kemp (Mary Stepp was listed in Mom's stuff as Reunben's wife, but I can find absolutely nothing about her, and Elizabeth Kemp was listed as Larkin's mother. Every record I can find lists Elizabeth Kemp as Reuben's wife, although I do remember reading somewhere that she was also his niece. There are a couple of suggestions that Reuben was married twice, but I can't find anything that says the name of the other wife. Maybe Mary Stepp?)
An interesting bit of information:
Back around 1980, when I first heard of Larkin Tolliver Waters, I was reading Men to Match My Mountains by Irving Stone, about the first pioneers who crossed the Rockies and established themselves in the west. One of the people mentioned in the book was Thomas Oliver Larkin. The similarity in names grabbed my attention.
It became a real mystery for me when I learned that Mr. Larkin was 20 years old and living in North Carolina in 1821, the year my third great-grandfather was born. I believe that there must be a link, but don't know what it might be. I know absolutely nothing about Robert Waters, and he is a dead end on the family tree. I know nothing about any siblings Larkin might have had. Although Thomas Oliver Larkin went on to become a very important early Californian, I doubt that he'd done anything at twenty years old to inspire Robert and Elizabeth to name their son after him. Or is it possible that our Larkin was the illegitimate son of Mr. Larkin? I doubt we will ever know, but there is more to this story.
Mr. Larkin left North Carolina in 1822 and moved around a bit before landing in California in 1832. By the time of the Gold Rush in 1849, he was settled in San Francisco. When he died in 1858, he owned many land grants in California.
In the meantime, in about 1853, our Larkin and his wife, Elizabeth, decided to move with their three children to the California Gold Fields. I don't know if they were actually looking for gold, but they did manage to accumulate quite a bit of property over the eight years before Larkin died.
Last Will and Testament of Larkin T. Waters, April 4th, 1860
Know all men by these presents that I, Larkin T. Waters of Frenchtown, Mud Springs Township, El Dorado County, State of California, being now of sound mind do make the following as my last Will and Testament.
Firstly, I appoint Andrew J. Warf to act as guardian for my children, and Doctor John W. Edwards and Theodore H. Moss to act as Executors to carry out my will.
Secondly, after the payment of my just debts, I desire that Andrew J. Warf do take charge of all my property for the use and benefit of my wife and children. I desire that my children do accuier (sic) all the education that can be afforded to them, and that each of my children, including Elizabeth Warf, the wife of A.J. Warf, do all share alike.
Thirdly, that my wife E. M. Waters do receive one third of the income of my property whenever she may desire the sum for her own use and benefit, but that the property shall not be sold and divided until the youngest child living be of age, done this fourth day of April A.A. 1860.
L.T. Waters
Witness: G. B. Pomroy A. Small (or Smith?)
Apparently, Larkin's wishes were not followed...
State of California
County of El Dorado
In Probate Court
In the matter of the Estate
of
Larkin T. Waters deceased
The undersigned petitioner shows to the Court that Larkin T. Waters, deceased, departed this life on or about the 16th of April 1860. That at the time of his death the deceased was, and had been for a long time prior to his decease, a resident of this county. That deceased left in this county, at the time of his death, property both real and personal of the value according to petitioner's best knowledge, information and belief, at the time of at least $3000.00. That deceased left a will. That the whereabouts of said will is to the petitioner unknown, but to the best of petitioner's knowledge, information, and belief, the same is in the hands of one Theodore Moss. That said Moss, as petitioner is informed, has left this state and resides in Nevada Territory. That the said Theodore Moss and Dr. Edwards were named in said will as executors. That said will has never been presented for probate. That at the time of his decease, the said deceased was the head of a family, leaving a widow and six children who were divsees under said will.
And the petitioner further shows that afterward, on or about the 18th day of September 1861, he intermarried with, and is now the husband of, the widow of the said deceased. That the widow of the said deceased requests that petitioner be appointed administrator of said estate of said deceased. And petitioner further shows that he is legally competent to act as administrator of said estate. And petitioner shows that since the decease of L.T. Waters a large portion of the property of said estate has been squandered and dissipated, parties meddling wherewith and disposing thereof without warrant or authority of law. That at this time the real estate belonging to the estate of said deceased, owing to depreciation in value and loss from neglect and inattention is not worth to exceed $1000.00, and provides an income of about $300.00, the same being the rent of certain water ditches. That the said personal property consists in notes, personal effects, household furniture, etc., and an undivided interest in certain cattle and horses. The petitioner shows that his wife, Elizabeth M. Barnes (the widow of the deceased), Allen B. Waters, George R. Waters, John H. Waters, Marietta Waters, Martha M. Waters, and Larkin T. Waters are the heirs at law of the said deceased and the said Elizabeth M., the now wife of petitioner.
Wherefore, petitioner prays that a day of court may be appointed for the hearing of this application and that due notice be given thereof by the clerk by posting notices according to law, and that upon the said hearing and the proofs to be addressed, letter of administration upon said estate my be granted and issued to your petitioner, and as in duly court he will ever pray.
April 30th 1862 Edward S. Barnes
May 13, 1862 - After posting a bonds with three friends in the total amount of $3000.00 to guarantee that he wouldn't also run off or squander the remaining estate, Edward Barnes was made executor of the estate.
May 16, 1862 - Edward Barnes filed the following before the Probate Court:
To the Hon. Probate Court in and for said county
Edward S. Barnes, Administrator of the above estate complains that one A. J. Warf, as your petitioner is informed and believes, had, at the time of the death of said L. T. Waters, control of a large portion of the property of said deceased and has since time been in the possession and control thereof, that Warf has had the control, custody and management of rents, issues, and profits of said estate and the personal affects thereof. that at the time of said decease of said L.T. Waters, he was, as petitioner is informed and believes, the owner of 1/3 undivided interest in about 100 head of cattle, was owner of three horses, saddles, and _____, notes, accounts and other evidence of indebtedness in a book or books of account. The amount of which said notes and accounts and debts were and are to petitioner unknown, though petitioner is informed and believes this amount to near $1500.00. That prior to the death of said L.T. Waters, the same A.J. Warf was a clerk, partner and confidential agent and had the personal charge and control of the business affairs of said deceased at the time of his death and since that time assume control and dispose of the same. That petitioner has applied to said A.J. Warf to account with him for said notes, accounts, rentings, and evidences of indebtedness and the property and effects of said estate that have come to his hands, but that said Warf has failed and refused to give petitioner any information concerning the same or any part thereof.
Whereupon your petitioner complains that said A.J. Warf conceals or has embezzled or disposed of said property of deceased and petitioner _____ an order _____ a citation to issue citing the said Warf to be and appear before your Honor to answer and be examined under oath upon such interrogation as may be asked him touching the matter of the complaint.
The Probate Court ordered Warf to appear on May 26. The court also appointed three men to act as appraisers of the estate. they came up with the following list.
House and garden in French Town with barn and outhouse known as the butcher shop, with orchard on the same, about two acres under good picket fence, together pasture adjoining. Enclosed with brush fence containing hundred acres more or less. Total Value $ 550.00
Household and kitchen furniture $100.00
One ranch known as the Stites Ranch, situated on the east and west side of French Creek, three fourths of a mile below French Town. Seven acres under good fence on the west side of French Creek together with dwelling house and yard on the east side of the creek, the same always being connected and known as the Stites Ranch. Total Value $300.00
Pomroy Ditch commencing on the creek known as Saw Mill Creek, one half mile south of road running through Buck Eye Flat. Thence running down to French Hollow on west side of Barrette's Ranch, together with reservoy (sic) on the same. Value $250.00
Garden ditch for irrigating garden in French Town. Value $10.00
Summers Ditch taken water from Forty Mile Creek at the mouth of Stites ravine and running water to Summer Ravine. Value $5.00
New Ditch taken water out of French Creek below the Agra Dam together with a large reservoy in French Creek one hundred yards above the head of the said ditch together with one reservoy one mile and a half down the said ditch. The said ditch runs water from French Creek to Canada Flat or Merry Ranch on the east side of French Creek. Value $400.00
One half of ditch known as Knights Ditch taken water from French Creek at Merrys Dam and running water on the west side of French Creek to Hydraulic Ravine. Value of said half $5.00
Wallen Ditch taken water out of French Creek below Joseph Edwards house running water on the west side of French Creek through Stites Ranch thence crossing French Creek in a flume on east side of French Creek to McCarty's Ranch. Total value $25.00
One sow or hog. $6.00
Notes and accounts against different parties to the amount of six hundred dollars. Valued at $150.00
An undivided interest of one third in one pony, 24 dollars value. $8.00
An undivided interest of one third of eight head of cattle valued at 12 dollars per head. $32.00
One third of an old wagon valued at 20 dollars. $6.66 2/3
Seven Cow bells valued $10.00
We the undersigned, duly appointed appraisers of the Estate of L.T. Waters dec'd, do hereby certify that the property mentioned in the foregoing inventory and appraisment (sic) has been exhibited to us and we appraise the same at dollars.
Total $ 1857.66 2/3
Warf went to court on May 26, 1862, and testified about how he had handled the estate. I have a copy of his testimony, but it is way too long to add it here. His testimony demonstrates his very lousy record-keeping and management of the estate.
On June 16, 1862, a man names J.R. Edwards petitioned the court with evidence that the three friends backing Barnes' bond had lied about having the money to do so. He requested that Barnes be ordered to produce further bond. The Probate Court ordered Edward Barnes back to court.
Then there is another petition to the court in which a J. Barrette and J.R. Edwards claim that they are the only creditors of Waters' estate and that the estate ins pretty much in debt to them for the value of the estate. They asked that Barnes be removed as administrator.
Finally, there is a bill of sale-type document in which Edward and Elizabeth Barnes agree to accept the sum of $508.40 from G. Barrette in exchange for the property and ditches and the forgiving of a debt of $119.20. It is dated April 11, 1863.
That's where the story stops in my files. The next time I see reference to Mr. Barnes and Elizabeth, later in 1863, they were living in Utah and had a son, Edmund.
This leaves me with so many questions... Who was the bad guy here? Did Barnes know about these creditors and the debt for the value of the estate? Was he planning to try to sell everything and leave as fast as possible? Or was the debt a lie? If it was true, why did the creditors wait for a year before they came forward to claim the estate? Why didn't Warf make any attempt to pay the debt or even mention it in court? He claimed to be Waters' partner and know everything that was going on. And what happened to Mr. White, who was the third partner? Why did he not testify? And whatever happened to Dr. Edwards and Theodore Moss who were supposed to be the original executors? Very mysterious!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Abraham Wilkins (1777 - 1850s)
Third great-grandparents
D: between 1850 and 1860 (He is shown in the 1850 census as living with his son in Nashua, New Hampshire, but he is not listed on the 1860 census.)
Father: Jonathan Wilkins (1744)
Mother: Susannah Berry
Siblings:
Moses Wilkins, 1765
Hannah Wilkins, 1767
Jonathan Wilkins, 1769
Susannah Wilkins, 1772
Betty Wilkins, 1774
Married: 20 July 1800 in Old Ipswich, MA, to Mary Emmons
Mary (Evans?) Emmons
B: 22 September 1780 in Old Ipswich, Essex county, Massachusetts
D: 12 August 1886 in Brigham City, Box Elder county, Utah
Father: Joseph Morehead Emmons
Mother: Sarah Farrin
Children, all born in Peterborough, New Hampshire:
Abraham Wilkins, 1801
Daniel Wilkins, 1802
Jacob Wilkins, 1804
Mary Wilkins, 1806
Judson Wilkins, 1809
Joseph Emmons Wilkins, 1811
Jonathan Wilkins, 1814
Susannah Wilkins, 1816
James Wilson Wilkins, 1820
George Washington Wilkins, 1822
Charles Wilkins, 1822 (George and Charles were twins, but Charles died as a baby)
Lucy Ann Wilkins, 1824
Although they married in Old Ipswich, Massachusets, Abraham and Mary moved to Peterborough, New Hampshire, shortly afterward. Mary's family had lived in Old Ipswich for several generations. Abraham was a farmer.
It is interesting that the New Hampshire census of 1850 shows Abraham living with his son but mentions nothing about Mary. Family records on file with the LDS church show her living until 1886, which would mean she lived until just a month short of her 106th birthday. Records show that she was baptized into the LDS church on 20 May 1879, along with her husband and the five of their children who had already died. It is traditional for Mormons to baptize dead family members by proxy, but I don't know if a live family member would likely be baptized on the same day. I suppose that the odds say the death record must be wrong and that Mary actually died at a younger age and then was baptized by proxy with the other family members. The photo above is from a "Find a Grave" site but the site does not show me the tombstone or any records.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Frank Benson Adams c.1869 - ?
Born in New York
Died ?
Father: Charles Adams
Mother: Emma R.
Siblings:
???
Married Fredonia Mastin Clifford on 15 November 1893 in Los Angeles, California
Children:
Charles Clifford Adams 1895
Keith Kenyon Adams 1896
Allan Armstrong Adams 1898
David Douglas Adams 1900
Mom tried hard to find any more information about her grandparents, especially hoping, I think, to find a link to Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Her notes don't show that she had any luck. And with the information that is now available online, I haven't found anything more than this either.
Died ?
Father: Charles Adams
Mother: Emma R.
Siblings:
???
Married Fredonia Mastin Clifford on 15 November 1893 in Los Angeles, California
Children:
Charles Clifford Adams 1895
Keith Kenyon Adams 1896
Allan Armstrong Adams 1898
David Douglas Adams 1900
 |
| Fredonia and Frank with their sons. (Clifford at back.) |
Fredonia Mastin Clifford 1871-1902
Born: 12 February 1871 Belton, Missouri
Died: 21 July 1902 Los Angeles, California
Father: William K. Clifford
Mother: Cornelia T. Tyson
Siblings:
Fannie E. Clifford 1858
N. Belle Clifford 1861
Arthur A. Clifford 1863
May P. Clifford 1864
Ada Cornelia Clifford 1873
Beulah Clifford 1880
Married Frank Benson Adams on 15 November 1893 in Los Angeles, California.
Children:
Charles Clifford Adams 1895
Keith Kenyon Adams 1896
Allan Armstrong Adams 1898
David Douglas Adams 1900
Died: 21 July 1902 Los Angeles, California
Father: William K. Clifford
Mother: Cornelia T. Tyson
Siblings:
Fannie E. Clifford 1858
N. Belle Clifford 1861
Arthur A. Clifford 1863
May P. Clifford 1864
Ada Cornelia Clifford 1873
Beulah Clifford 1880
Married Frank Benson Adams on 15 November 1893 in Los Angeles, California.
Children:
Charles Clifford Adams 1895
Keith Kenyon Adams 1896
Allan Armstrong Adams 1898
David Douglas Adams 1900
Again, I don't have much information on Fredonia or her family.
Her father, William K. Clifford, was born 13 December 1832 in Bangor, Maine, and died on 5 February 1908 in Los Angeles, California. He married Cornelia T. Tyson on 30 January 1858. Cornelia was born 3 October 1838 in Athens, Georgia, and died 3 May 1919 in Los Angeles, California.
Cornelia Tyson's parents were John T. Tyson and Mary A. That is all I know about this branch of the family.
Our Family History with the Mormon Church
First, a bit about Joseph Smith, Jr. and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:
The roots of the Mormon Church grew out of a time of quite a bit of religious experimentation that took place around the turn of the 19th century in western New York. As far back as 1791, Joseph Smith's aunt claimed to have had a vision that led to her miraculous healing after a two year illness. In 1800, Joseph Smith's father was associated with the New Israelites, a group of dowsers who claimed they could find and dig up money. In 1803, Smith's mother heard "the voice of God" while she was deathly ill and later had a vision.
When Joseph Smith, Jr. was born in 1805, he had a "caul" - part of the placenta covered his head and shoulders - which was supposed to be a sign of important things to come. His father said he planned to buy young Joseph a "stone" for him to see all over the world. In 1807, Joseph Smith, Sr. testified against a group of counterfeiters, but many suspected that he was actually part of the group and testified against them to keep his name out of it. About three years later, Smith, Sr. became excited about religion and argued for the restoration of primitive Christianity.
In 1811, Joseph Smith, Jr.'s maternal grandfather had a vision and heard a voice. Then Smith, Sr. told his family about his first vision. Also in 1811, that maternal grandfather self-published a book describing his visions. The next year, Smith, Sr. had another vision. He claimed six visions between 1811 and 1819. By 1816, the good folks of Norwich, Vermont, had had enough and the family was warned to get out of town. After they left, the property where they had been staying was found to be literally covered with holes where they had apparently been digging for "treasure".
In 1820, fifteen year old Joseph Smith, Jr. announced that an angel had given him a set of golden plates engraved with the ancient history of an American people that only he could translate. In 1830, his translation was published as the Book of Mormon, and he founded the Church of Christ in western New York.
The church was moved to Kirkland, Ohio, in 1831 and attracted hundreds of converts. The Kirkland Bank was formed in 1836 for the use of church members. Smith withdrew his money in 1837, and the bank failed a few months later. Smith fled after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Also in 1837, the first Mormon missionaries outside the U.S. were sent to England. Their first converts were baptized in Preston, Lancashire, in July of that year.
Some of the converts were sent to Jackson County, Missouri, to establish a city of Zion, near Independence. Smith had convinced his followers that the Mormons were destined to inherit the land from the current settlers (who naturally became their enemies). The government had agreed to allow them to settle in certain areas, but the Mormons wouldn't stick to those areas, so trouble arose between the original settlers and the Mormons. In 1833, the Mormons were expelled from Zion by anti-Mormon mobs. They were kicked out of Missouri all together after the 1838 Missouri Mormon War, which lasted about three months. Apparently, not all the Mormons believed everything they were being told. Some began questioning some of the revelations of the leaders. A group called "Danites" was formed to excommunicate and force dissenters out.
In 1839, the group moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and Smith was the commander of his own militia. On May 6, 1842, a suspected Mormon gunman shot Illinois Governor Boggs. In 1843, Smith announced his candidacy for President of the United States. When a local newspaper criticized some Mormon doctrines, such as plural marriage, Smith ordered the newspaper destroyed as a nuisance. In 1844, Joseph Smith, Jr. was killed by a mob.
In 1846, under Brigham Young, the Mormon pioneers began to leave Nauvoo, Illinois, and head west to Utah. By 1860, it had become a massive migration. The new converts from overseas went directly to Utah. The church was eventually required to give up polygamy in order to have Utah declared a state.
**********
Our first family member to be baptized Mormon was George Washington Wilkins, on 9 October 1842. He had learned about the church from missionaries in New Hampshire. His brother James Wilson Wilkins, my great-great grandfather, was baptized on 3 January 1844. His wife Adeline joined in 1847. They joined the western migration to Utah. James' oldest child was born in Iowa, but the rest were born in Utah. All of them joined the church as children. James' mother, Mary Emmons, who lived to be very old, may have moved to Utah in her old age and joined the church in 1879.
Ann Field Jakeman, my third great grandmother, converted in England, and caused a big family controversy by leaving her husband (who did not convert) and immigrating to Utah with some of her children, who had also converted. Her daughter, Mary Jakeman Waters, my great-great-grandmother, also joined the church as a child in England in 1854 and immigrated with her mother. In Utah, she met and married Allen Benson Waters, who had moved to Utah from California as a child when his widowed mother remarried, moved there and joined the church. He was baptized in 1865, a year after he'd married Mary. All of their children were born in Utah and probably baptized as children, including Mary Ann Elizabeth Waters, my great-grandmother. All of her children were born in Utah and baptized young.
My grandmother Mary Alta Wilkins Sterndahl grew up Mormon. As noted in my step-grandfather Merrill's journal, he and his brother stayed with relatives in Utah as they worked their way to California. However, I can't imagine that any of them were Mormon because he never mentioned anything about church at all in the journal. So I assume that first Laurel and then Merrill joined the church after they met my grandmother. My father, Kenneth, and Uncle Dennis were raised Mormon, but were not practicing by the time they were adults. My brother, sister, and I were also taken to church by my grandparents and baptized as children. I realized that the church and I did not agree and quit going at about 12 years old. I don't believe my brother or sister have had anything to do with the church since about that time, either.
I am sure that we still have cousins that are active members of the church, but I don't know who.
* The Mormon history comes mostly from Wikipedia.
** The family history related to their religion comes from baptismal dates on Family Group Records filed with the LDS church. I can only assume they are correct.
The roots of the Mormon Church grew out of a time of quite a bit of religious experimentation that took place around the turn of the 19th century in western New York. As far back as 1791, Joseph Smith's aunt claimed to have had a vision that led to her miraculous healing after a two year illness. In 1800, Joseph Smith's father was associated with the New Israelites, a group of dowsers who claimed they could find and dig up money. In 1803, Smith's mother heard "the voice of God" while she was deathly ill and later had a vision.
When Joseph Smith, Jr. was born in 1805, he had a "caul" - part of the placenta covered his head and shoulders - which was supposed to be a sign of important things to come. His father said he planned to buy young Joseph a "stone" for him to see all over the world. In 1807, Joseph Smith, Sr. testified against a group of counterfeiters, but many suspected that he was actually part of the group and testified against them to keep his name out of it. About three years later, Smith, Sr. became excited about religion and argued for the restoration of primitive Christianity.
In 1811, Joseph Smith, Jr.'s maternal grandfather had a vision and heard a voice. Then Smith, Sr. told his family about his first vision. Also in 1811, that maternal grandfather self-published a book describing his visions. The next year, Smith, Sr. had another vision. He claimed six visions between 1811 and 1819. By 1816, the good folks of Norwich, Vermont, had had enough and the family was warned to get out of town. After they left, the property where they had been staying was found to be literally covered with holes where they had apparently been digging for "treasure".
In 1820, fifteen year old Joseph Smith, Jr. announced that an angel had given him a set of golden plates engraved with the ancient history of an American people that only he could translate. In 1830, his translation was published as the Book of Mormon, and he founded the Church of Christ in western New York.
The church was moved to Kirkland, Ohio, in 1831 and attracted hundreds of converts. The Kirkland Bank was formed in 1836 for the use of church members. Smith withdrew his money in 1837, and the bank failed a few months later. Smith fled after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Also in 1837, the first Mormon missionaries outside the U.S. were sent to England. Their first converts were baptized in Preston, Lancashire, in July of that year.
Some of the converts were sent to Jackson County, Missouri, to establish a city of Zion, near Independence. Smith had convinced his followers that the Mormons were destined to inherit the land from the current settlers (who naturally became their enemies). The government had agreed to allow them to settle in certain areas, but the Mormons wouldn't stick to those areas, so trouble arose between the original settlers and the Mormons. In 1833, the Mormons were expelled from Zion by anti-Mormon mobs. They were kicked out of Missouri all together after the 1838 Missouri Mormon War, which lasted about three months. Apparently, not all the Mormons believed everything they were being told. Some began questioning some of the revelations of the leaders. A group called "Danites" was formed to excommunicate and force dissenters out.
In 1839, the group moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and Smith was the commander of his own militia. On May 6, 1842, a suspected Mormon gunman shot Illinois Governor Boggs. In 1843, Smith announced his candidacy for President of the United States. When a local newspaper criticized some Mormon doctrines, such as plural marriage, Smith ordered the newspaper destroyed as a nuisance. In 1844, Joseph Smith, Jr. was killed by a mob.
In 1846, under Brigham Young, the Mormon pioneers began to leave Nauvoo, Illinois, and head west to Utah. By 1860, it had become a massive migration. The new converts from overseas went directly to Utah. The church was eventually required to give up polygamy in order to have Utah declared a state.
**********
Our first family member to be baptized Mormon was George Washington Wilkins, on 9 October 1842. He had learned about the church from missionaries in New Hampshire. His brother James Wilson Wilkins, my great-great grandfather, was baptized on 3 January 1844. His wife Adeline joined in 1847. They joined the western migration to Utah. James' oldest child was born in Iowa, but the rest were born in Utah. All of them joined the church as children. James' mother, Mary Emmons, who lived to be very old, may have moved to Utah in her old age and joined the church in 1879.
Ann Field Jakeman, my third great grandmother, converted in England, and caused a big family controversy by leaving her husband (who did not convert) and immigrating to Utah with some of her children, who had also converted. Her daughter, Mary Jakeman Waters, my great-great-grandmother, also joined the church as a child in England in 1854 and immigrated with her mother. In Utah, she met and married Allen Benson Waters, who had moved to Utah from California as a child when his widowed mother remarried, moved there and joined the church. He was baptized in 1865, a year after he'd married Mary. All of their children were born in Utah and probably baptized as children, including Mary Ann Elizabeth Waters, my great-grandmother. All of her children were born in Utah and baptized young.
My grandmother Mary Alta Wilkins Sterndahl grew up Mormon. As noted in my step-grandfather Merrill's journal, he and his brother stayed with relatives in Utah as they worked their way to California. However, I can't imagine that any of them were Mormon because he never mentioned anything about church at all in the journal. So I assume that first Laurel and then Merrill joined the church after they met my grandmother. My father, Kenneth, and Uncle Dennis were raised Mormon, but were not practicing by the time they were adults. My brother, sister, and I were also taken to church by my grandparents and baptized as children. I realized that the church and I did not agree and quit going at about 12 years old. I don't believe my brother or sister have had anything to do with the church since about that time, either.
I am sure that we still have cousins that are active members of the church, but I don't know who.
* The Mormon history comes mostly from Wikipedia.
** The family history related to their religion comes from baptismal dates on Family Group Records filed with the LDS church. I can only assume they are correct.
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