From: RELODGE@aol.com
To: msc@juno.com
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 19:48:50 EST
Subject: SOME JACKSON HISTORY
SAMUEL JACKSON
b 1777 in Loudon Co., Virginia
d 1833 in Brush Creek Valley, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania
md. Mary Hanks abt 1795, daughter of William Hanks
1) Fleetwood Jackson b 1796 d abt 1835
2) Nathan Jackson b abt 1798
3) Sarah Jackson b 2-1-1800 d 7-5-1871 md Jabez Hixson
4) Stiles Jackson b 1-28-1802 d 6-26-1873 md Nancy McLaughlin, 2) Mary Peck
5) Rev. John Wesley Jackson b abt 1804 d abt 1833 md Mary Hough
6) Elizabeth Jackson b 1-1-1808 d 3-5-1883 md David Eshelman
7) Mark Jeremiah "Jerry" Jackson b 12-5-1811 d 1893 md Emily Jane Hixson
8) Samuel Jackson b 1-12-1812 d 1-12-1832
9) Jonah Jackson b 2-2-1814 d 5-6-1886 in Darke Co., Oh. md Eve A. Hoopengarner
JOHN WESLEY JACKSON & MARY HOUGH
1) Charles William Jackson b 9-27-1822 Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia
d 12-8-1916 Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
md Lucretia M. Kibby 11-3-1857
2) Samuel Braden Jackson b abt 1825 Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia
d 11-1877 Howard, Kansas
md 1) Catherine A. Crabbs, 2) Miss Dodds, 3) Martha Vonneida
3) Heaton R. Jackson b 4-21-1826 Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia
d 7-9-1909 Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
md 1) Elizabeth Hause 10-5-1852 in Clark Co., Ohio, 2) Mary Ann Way
4) Mary Jane Jackson b 1-11-1830 Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia
md William Heinrich Berger 3-18-1852 in Clark Co., Ohio
d 7-11-1893 Clark Co., Ohio
5) John Mortimore Jackson b 3-4-1833 Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia
d 7-24-1889 Clark Co., Ohio
md 1) Lydia Malinda Wolf 2) Catharine R. "Kate" Kraft in Clark Co., Ohio
d 7-24-1889 in Clark Co., Ohio
6) Phebe Louisa Jackson b 3-4-1833 Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia
d 3-4-1899 in Springfield Tp., Clark Co., Ohio
CHARLES WILLIAM JACKSON
LAST OF PIONEERS
Of Huntersville Neighborhood
Passed Away December Eighth
Charles William Jackson
Was Aged Ninety Four Years
In the death of Mr. Jackson which occurred near Huntersville December 8th and an account of whose life is published
below, Hardin county lost one of her oldest pioneers and most prominent citizens. Mr. Jackson was a lifelong Democrat
and had been a subscriber to this paper for years. He had been a paid in advance subscriber to the Weekly Democrat
since 1855 and voted at every presidential election from and including the years 1848 and 1916. The following obituary of
his life is given:
Charles William Jackson was born Sept. 27, 1822, near Waterford in Loudoun Co., Virginia, and died Dec. 8th, 1916 in
Cessna Twp., Hardin Co., Ohio, age 94 yrs. 2 mo., 11 days. He was the eldest of six children, 4 brothers and 2 sisters
born to Rev. John Wesley and Mary Hough Jackson, all having preceeded him in death. Of his generation, the relatives
remaining are three cousins and one sister-in-law. Being left a homeless orphan at the age of eleven years he served an
apprenticeship of five years in a woolen factory in his native state. Then at the age of sixteen years with all his
possessions in a knapsack, on June 23rd, 1839, he started on foot across the Allegheny mountains for Springfield, O.,
where an uncle lived with whom one of his brothers was staying. Arriving at his destination on July 26, he remained in
that vicinity until the spring of 1853 when he came to Hardin Co., O., where he has ever since resided. He was united in
marriage on Nov. 3, 1857 with Lucretia M. Kibby, who preceeded him in death 32 years. She was a daughter of Moses
and Tamer Kibby, natives of Connecticut, and came with her parents to Hardin Co., O., in Nov. 1838.
1
To them were born six children, four sons and two daughters. Two sons have preceeded him in death. Ethan Allen,
the youngest dying in infancy at the age of two years, on Aug. 21, 1878 and Fleetwood Braden, the second son, met an
accidental death by the running away of his team on September 6, 1915, in Richland Co., Montana. He leaves two sons
and two daughters at home, Andrew, Mary J., Phebe L. J. and Homan A. Jackson and three grandsons, Charles, Oscar,
Orville Berard and Ollie Wolford Jackson in Richland Co., Montana. In his death there passes from earth to eternity last
one of the old pioneers of the Huntersville neighborhood. Nine years ago he was stricken with practically total blindness,
which he bore very patiently, for one of his active nature. His last sickness dated from Sunday morning, Nov. 12 at which
time he was suddenly and severely stricken, and with the exception of one day, he suffered constantly and severely, yet
at the last he fell asleep so quietly and peacefully that his going was scarcely perceptible.
Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon Dec. 10 conducted by Rev. R. W. Turner and burial was made in
Huntersville Cemetery.
He was a man of strictest honesty and firmly believed in every man enjoying the fruits of his own labor, in fact, honesty
was his watch word.
(Copied from the Weekly Democrat 1916)
SAMUEL BRADEN JACKSON & MARTHA VONNEIDA
1) William Vonneida Jackson b 2-2-1863 in Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio
d 3-28-1943 Comanche Co., Kansas
md Rose Belle Robertson in Fairview, Kansas
2) Charles Hough Jackson b 4-14-1867 in Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio
d 7-13-1941 in Comanche Co., Kansas
md Josephine Woolsey 11-27-1889 in Howard, Kansas
3) Martha Miriam Jackson b 6-3-1869 in Potosi, Washington Co., Missouri
d 6-3-1869 in Washington Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
md Harmon A. Kahler 1-31-1889 in Hardin Co., Ohio
W. V. JACKSON AND ROSE
William Vonneida Jackson, born in Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 2, 1863 came to Comanche County in March 1885, from
Howard, Kansas, riding a stage to Medicine Lodge, walking and catching a ride to Coldwater. He heard about claims
southeast and walked down the Salt Fork of the Arkansas until he found land in Southeast Comanche County that looked
like Paradise to him. This land was not homestead land, but part of the Osage Diminished Reserve and as preempted
and paid for at a rate of $1.25 per acre.
W. V.'s parents were Samuel Braden Jackson, born in Virginia and Martha Vonneida Jackson of Dayton, Ohio. S. B.
Jackson had been a minister and lawyer prior to being a farmer. After serving in the Union Army, they moved south of St.
Louis, Missouri and liked it very much; but the ara was uncomfortable for an ex-Union Officer, so in 1870 they moved to
Howard, Kansas. Their hardships were many. Martha died in 1872, and Samuel died in 1877, leaving 13 year old William
to look after his brother, Charles Hough and sister, Martha Miriam. They returned to Ohio and each lived with a different
relative and had the privilege of attending school. W. V. always pursued education and attended Otterbein University in
Westerville, Ohio.
Rose Robertson, daughter of Maria Sarah Neill Robertson and John Robertson was born Dec. 10, 1868, at Spirit Lake,
Iowa. Her parents came from Montreal, Canada, and her father died while she was young. Rose came to Comanche
County in 1884 with her mother, brother, Arthur John, and sister, Lizzie, and settled on claims close to the one W. V.
Jackson settled. Rose and W. V. were married April 18, 1899, and worked very hard to establish their home "Valley
Farm" in Shimer township. W. V. organized the first school and Sunday school in Fairview District 23 in 1886-1887. In
1893 he was elected County Treasurer and served 4 years. In 1908 he was elected to represent Comanche County in
the State Legislature and served six terms and was the first State Budget Director. W. V. was always interested in politics
and only ill health kept him from being more active. He wrote many articles for newspapers "Just A Thinking" concerning
politics, early history and philosophy.
Rose and W. V. worked side by side and endured all the hardships that other pioneers endured; claim jumpers,
blizzards, prairie heritage. Rose died Dec. 28, 1931, and W. V. died March 28, 1943.
(From the History of Comanche County, Kansas)
CHARLES WILLIAM JACKSON & LUCRETIA M. KIBBY
1) Andrew J. Jackson b 3-30-1860 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 8-23-1942 in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio
2) Mary Jeanette Jackson b 11-14-1862 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 2-20-1944 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
3) Fleetwood Braden Jackson b 1-9-1866 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 9-6-1915 in Richland Co., Montana
md Roseline Pauline Berard 1-9-1906 in Williston, N. D.
4) Phebe L. J. Jackson b 2-24-1868 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
2
d 1-21-1947 in Hardin Co., Ohio
5) Homan Ambrose Jackson b 6-10-1871 Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 3-3-1931 Lima City Hospital, Allen Co., Ohio
6) Ethan Allen Jackson b 5-10-1876 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 8-21-1878 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
HEATON JACKSON & ELIZABETH HAUSE
1) Harriet (Hattie) Ellen Jackson b 7-30-1853 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 5-24-1933 Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio
md George W. Powell, 2) S. D. Blue
2) Elizabeth Jane Jackson b 3-6-1855 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 3-1-1940 in Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio
md Francis H. (Frank) Fall I
3) Martha (Mattie) Ann Jackson b 4-7-1857 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 3-25-1936 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
md John Franklin Highslip 9-29-1880 in Hardin Co., Ohio
4) William O. Jackson b 1860 in Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d abt 1900 in Southwestern United States
5) John F. Jackson b 1862 Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d Northwestern United States
6) Phoebe Louisa Jackson b 8-3-1864 Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 4-20-1927 Hardin Co., Ohio
md James Melvin Gardner 4-20-1886 in Hardin Co., Ohio
7) Milton Victor Jackson b 11-29-1867 Cessna Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio
d 7-17-1906 Horse Creek, Butte Co., South Dakota
md Carolene Hanson 3-26-1900 Deadwood, S. D.
HEATON JACKSON
HEATON JACKSON, a prominent and honored citizen of Cessna Township, Hardin County, has owned and operated
his homestead on section 8 for over forty years. During this period he has been a witness of vast changes in what was
then almost a wilderness, and has himself been a factor in bringing about the present condition of prosperity.
The birth of our subject occurred in Loudoun County, Va., April 21, 1827. His parents, John and Mary (Huff) Jackson,
were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. They had six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom our
subject is the third in order of birth. The father died when Heaton was only seven years old, and the mother passed away
about a year later. Thus orphaned, the poor lad was obliged to go to the home of strangers and work his own way thence
forth. Until he attained his majority he received little besides his board and clothes.
In the fall of 1848 Mr. Jackson came to Ohio and was employed at various things in Springfield and vicinity up to 1852.
It was in the time of harvesting that he first beheld this beautiful stretch of country, with its rich promises for the future, and
he wisely decided to make his abiding place here. For the first two years he rented land, thus getting a good start, and
then invested what money he could raise in the farm on which he has lived ever since. The only attempt that had been
made to improve the farm, covered as it was with forest, was a small patch of cleared land, on which stood a partly
finished log cabin. This humble dwelling was the home of the owner for many years, but in 1873 it gave place to a
substantial and convenient residence. Mr. Jackson hewed away the timber, using ox teams to haul the logs.
October 5, 1852, our subject was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hause, and seven children graced their marriage.
They were named as follows: Harriet E., Elizabeth R., Martha, William O., John, Phoebe E., and Milton H. The mother
departed this life in 1870. April 2, 1872, Mr. Jackson married Mary A. Way, and their two little ones died in infancy.
October 12, 1864, Mr. Jackson enlisted as a private in Company K, One Hundred and Eightieth Ohio Volunteers. His
first engagement was at Nashville, Tenn., after which he was a participant in the battle of Kingston and others of less
note. His final discharge was granted him in July 1865. In politics he is a Democrat, and though he has not sought office
has acceptably filled the positions of Trustee, School Director and Supervisor. He is ever in favor of giving the young the
best possible education for life's duties. In his own case he attended the old time subscription schools, in a log house two
miles from his home, and even this much did not fall to his lot until he was fourteen years old. As the result of his army life
and the privations and exposure incident thereto he lost the use of his eyes in 1892, up to which time he was an earnest
worker in the Methodist Church, to which he belongs.
(Copied from "Portrait and Biographical Record" Hardin County, Ohio history)
WILLIAM HEINRICH BERGER & MARY JANE JACKSON
1) Daniel Franklin Berger b 3-24-1853 d 11-1-1855 Clark Co., Ohio
2) John Mortimore Berger b 10-5-1856 in Springfield Tp., Clark Co., Ohio
d 1-29-1922 Muncie, Delaware Co., Indiana
3
md Hattie Marie Fellows
3) Elizabeth Ann Berger b 10-8-1858 in Lagonda, Clark Co., Ohio
d 6-8-1947 Clark Co., Ohio
md Albert Hays Tavenner 4-25-1878 in Clark Co., Ohio
4) William Henry Berger b 10-10-1865 d 11-9-1866 Clark Co., Ohio
5) Mary Esther Berger b 11-24-1869 Clark Co., Ohio
d 3-22-1932 Fort Collins, Larimer Co., Colorado
md 1) William F. Sneed, 2) Cassius Reed
MARY JANE JACKSON
Mary Jane Jackson and William H. Berger were married at the home of William Moore in Moorefield Township, Clark Co.,
State of Ohio on the Eighteenth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and fifty two.
MARY JANE BERGER obit -
The funeral of Mrs. Mary J. Berger was held at the United Brethren church here Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock
conducted by Rev. T. F. Bushong. She died July 11, 1893, aged 63 years and six months.
Mrs. Berger, whose maiden name was Jackson, was born in Loudoun county, Va., January 11, 1830. She came to Ohio
when about seven years of age with her uncle William Moore, with whom she lived until her marriage with William H.
Berger, on March 18, 1852. Mrs. Berger was the mother of five children, three of whom are living, Mrs. Lizzie A.
Tavenner, John M. Berger and Mrs. M. Esther Sneed.
JOHN MORTIMORE JACKSON & CATHARINE R. (Kate) KRAFT
1) Edith Melinda Jackson b 9-4-1865 in Clark Co., Ohio
d 12-29-1945 in Clark Co., Ohio
md John Henry Fryburger 3-26-1885 in Clark Co., Ohio
2) William H. Jackson b 1-8-1867 in Clark Co., Ohio
3) Bertha K. Jackson b 2-4-1869 in Clark Co., Ohio
4) Wilford J. Jackson b 3-10-1871 in Clark Co., Ohio
5) May Etta Jackson b 11-22-1876 in Clark Co., Ohio
d 1930
6) Charles Franklin Jackson b 6-12-1878 in Moorefield Tp., Clark Co., Ohio
d 4-2-1940 in Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio
md Ada Hughes
7) Albert Jackson b 7-13-1880 Clark Co., Ohio
d 1881 Clark Co., Ohio
8) Nellie B. Jackson b 7-13-1880 Clark Co., Ohio
d 6-24-1956 in Clark Co., Ohio
md 8-20-1907 Clark Co., Ohio
THE LATE JOHN M. JACKSON
Sketch of His Career and Varied
Experiences-Funeral Services Today
A brief mention of the sad and fatal accident which occurred to John M. Jackson, a well known farmer living about one
mile north of Lagonda was made exclusively in Wednesdays Gazette. Mr. Jackson attached a restless young horse to a
spring wagon to go to the farm of S. Nickolin near New Morefield. As he approached the lawn entrance he left the wagon
to open the gate, taking the horse by the bridle to prevent him from making his escape. At this moment the horse became
unmanageable and dragged Mr. Jackson under his iron clad hoofs. He was dragged 50 yards in this position. Finally he
relaxed his hold on the bridle but only to be trodden to death. All his ribs save one, were broken on both sides. His hip
was knocked out of place, his shoulders crushed and broken. His face was lacerated in a sickening manner from the
effect of the hoof of the horse which was forced through the face. Henry Foley and Mr. Nicklin first discovered the horse
leaping high in the air with Mr. Jackson and started to lend a helping hand but too late. The lifeless form was brought
home in a spring wagon. Imagine the surprise to the family and sadness therein. Deceased was in young days of a
roaming disposition. Previous to marriage he departed for Australia, spending a period of time in South America and
Africa. He spent a large portion of time mining and this voyage was of three years duration. Returning home he
continued going eastward, thus making one circle around the world. On his return home he built the grocery store now
owned by Mr. Gantz. The building was erected where the Warner Bushnell and Glessner office now stands. He then
engaged in the grocery business for a period of time, then started on a second journey going first to Nebraska, then united
with a prospecting party going to Arizona then to Utah and then returned home from Utah riding all the way home on
horseback. He then purchased the farm where he lived up to the day of his death. Mr. Jackson was an interesting
conversationalist and had many friends. He was a man who lingered about home with his family. After marriage he
confined his attentions to the home and farming. He was 56 years of age and leaves a son and three daughters and a
4
wife to mourn his absence. He was a brother of Mrs. William H. Berger. The funeral services were conducted today at
the house by Rev. C. J. Burkert.
(Copied from a newspaper in Clark Co., Oh. 7-1889)
CHARLES FRANKLIN JACKSON & ADA HUGHES
1) Courtney Catherine Jackson b 11-12-1904 Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio
d 9-1986 in Alliance, Stark Co., Ohio
md Edward Greenman
2) Jean Ruth Jackson b 12-16-1911 Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio
d 1-1987 Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio
md Chilton J. Gano
CHARLES FRANKLIN JACKSON
Charles Franklin Jackson is one of the older businessmen of Springfield, and for over thirty years has been actively
associated with the profession and business of a funeral director. Successive changes and developments have occurred
in his business affairs until today he owns one of the most complete and perfectly equipped organizations of the kind in
the state.
Charles Franklin Jackson was born on the farm in Moorefield Township of Clark County, June 12, 1873, son of John M.
and Kate (Kraft) Jackson, and grandson of John Jackson, a representative of the distinguished Jackson family of old
Virginia, one of whose members was General Stonewall Jackson. John M. Jackson was born in Loudoun County,
Virginia, in 1834, and was left an orphan at the age of eighteen months and soon afterward was brought to Moorefield
Township, Clark County, by his uncle, William Moore, in whose home he was reared. John M. Jackson was possessed of
a most adventure-some spirit, which led him to nearly all parts of the world. As a youth of sixteen he joined the rush to the
California gold fields in 1849. In his pursuit of excitement and wealth he went on to the gold fields of Australia, where he
met with success and accumulated a considerable fortune. Following this he traveled all over the world and in the course
of his travels he learned to speak seven different languages. Finally he returned to Clark County, Ohio, bought the farm
on which he was reared, and he lived there a contented and prosperous farmer until his death in 1890. His wife, Kate
Kraft, was born in Springfield, daughter of Jacob Kraft, one of the early manufacturers of the city, who came here from
Baltimore. Mrs. John M. Jackson is still living. Charles F. Jackson spent his early life on the farm, was educated in the
common schools and in the Springfield High School, but did not go on further with his education on account of his father's
death. He was then about seventeen and he began learning the undertaking business with W. A. Gross & Company,
spending five years with that concern. Following that he went on the road as a demonstrator of anatomy for the
Champion College of Embalming, and subsequently was a road salesman for a funeral and embalming supply house. Mr.
Jackson in 1906 established himself in the undertaking business at Springfield as a member of the firm Myers & Jackson.
Later he became sole owner of this business, and he bought the old Pursell residence on West High Street, converting it
into a suitable place for his business. Subsequently he sold this property to the Crowell Publishing Company and the site
is now covered with the mammoth plant of that publishing house. He then secured the beautiful William S. Foos
residence property on East High Street, there being five acres of ground. The fine old home has been remodeled into
what is probably the largest and most beautiful undertaking establishment in the state. Mr. Jackson's individual home is at
640 North Fountain Avenue. Among other business interests Mr. Jackson is vice president of the Trump Manufacturing
Company, and is treasurer of the Superior Refrigerator Company. He is active in the fraternal life of Springfield being
affiliated with Clark Lodge No. 101, F. and A. M., Dayton Consistory of the Scottish Rite, Antioch Temple of the Mystic
Shrine at Dayton, Ephraim Lodge No. 384, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Canton Occidental No. 21, Patriarchs
Militant; Springfield Lodge No. 51, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Red Star Lodge No. 205, Knights of Pythias;
Junior Order United American Mechanics; Yolo Tribe No. 90 of the Improved Order of Red Men, and is also a member of
the Lagonda Club, Lions Club and the First Lutheran Church. Mr. Jackson married Miss Ada H. Hughes, daughter of J.
Harvey Hughes, of the well-known family of that name in Springfield. They have two daughters, Courteney C., who
graduated from high school in 1922, and Jean R., attending the Ridgewood private school for girls.
(Copied from "History of Springfield & Clark Co." Vol. II pg. 294)
The following is information I received from a relative in Kansas. The first part is a letter written to Beatrice (Bessie)
Jackson b 9-8-1890 d 12-1975. She was the daughter of Charles Hough and Josephine Woolsey Jackson.
Valley Farm - January 1939
Dear Bessie:
After so long a time I will try to make good on my promise to give you an outline of our family "Tree". I have been reading
a lot of old letters to refresh my memory on what the Aunts, Uncles and Cousins have told me, but mostly I rely on what
my father told me of the Jackson line. After he was through school he made a trip back to Virginia where he was born, to
inquire of the more distant relatives about the kindred.
5
It has been more than 68 years since Father and I had our last talk, so much of the details of what he told me have faded
with the years. His search was not very satisfactory. So many of the courthouses with their records had been destroyed
by fires, accidental and in the wars of 1812 and of the Revolution, that it would take much more time to trace than he had
at his disposal.
This is the history as Father told it to me. Years ago, before my Uncles and Aunts were gone, I verified it from some of
them.
THE JACKSON STORY
In the 1600's there was lots of religious turmoil in Europe. In England, where our folk lived, there was rivalry for power
between Roman Catholic and the "Established" Church of England. There were very much more political parties than
modes of worship. There were many "Dissenters" from the Established Church. Among them were the Friends,
commonly called Quakers. The whole lot were often classed together under the name Puritan. The Established Church
made it very unpleasant for all dissenters. Our ancestors were of the Quakers. Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, was given a
tract of land to Colonize by King Charles. It was along the north side of the Potomac river and our state of Maryland is
part of the grant. Lord Baltimore was a Catholic but he welcomed the Friends. I think it was about the year 1665 or near
it, that they came to America settling in Maryland. I once asked my Uncle Charles what he thought they did for a living.
He said they were just mountain folk, what we call "hill-billies". They spread over the mountains toward the south mostly, I
think. I have forgotten Father's Grandfather and Grandmother's given names. I think she was a Braden. That pair had
several children. One daughter married a Mr. Peacock, another wedded a Curtise Grube, a third, Elizabeth, married
William Moore. That pair had no children. They moved to Ohio and took two of the brother's orphan girls and a brother
with them.
The fourth married a William Hough who also moved to Ohio, settling on a farm joining Moores. That was near
Springfield. Then only son of that pair, my grandfather, married a sister of William Hough. Her name was Mary.
Grandfather John W. Jackson lived near Waterford, Loudon Co., Va. He was a Methodist preacher, a circuit rider. He
died before his family were grown. Some kind of fever. Grandmother Mary only lived a year longer. They left four sons
and two girls. Their names were Charles, Samuel Braden (my father), Heaton, Mary, Phoebe and John. My father was
nine years old when the mother died. He was bound to some distant relative. The family were wealthy planters. They
treated him about the same as they did slaves, all but one girl. She was good to him. After a few months he got enough
of it, told the young lady that he was going to run away. She fixed up a few clothes for him and something to eat. After
dark he started to walk, with his little bundle under arm, to the folks in Ohio. Mr. Moore had taken the younger ones,
Mary, the twins Phoebe and John with him to give them a home. Father finally reached Springfield. His Uncle William
Hough took him in. Their deal was that father should work on the farm, going to school when there was school, have his
board and clothes till he was 21. Then he was to have a good horse, saddle, bridle and $100 in cash. He attended the
Ohio high school, read law with a lawyer that after became Chief Justice of Ohio. Later his friends convinced him that he
should be a preacher. He was quite successful in that work but he had trouble with his throat till the doctors told him that
it was quit public speaking or die. He said if the Lord wanted him to preach he would not destroy him. So after farming a
while and traveling he went back to the law, trying to confine his work to lines that did not require speeches in court. His
chief aim and pride was to prevent law suits. Get men to settle their law troubles out of court, that made him no money
but lots of friends. Now the next part will sound like the "Be-get" chapters of the old testament.
Going back to Father's brothers and sisters, Charles married a Miss Kibby and they had five children: Andrew, Mary,
Phoebe, Fleetwood and Homan. None of these married except Fleetwood. He had three sons. His wife's name is
Roseline. The boys are Oscar, Orville, and Ollie. They lived in Montana. Fleetwood was killed by a runaway team. Then
his widow married his cousin Milton Powell to whom was born a little girl, Doris.
Heaton married Elizabeth Hause, to whom were born three sons and four daughters; Wm. O. Jackson, John, Phoebe,
Mattie, Hattie, Jane and Milton. Milton was the only son that married. Milton had one son and one daughter. William was
a mining engineer and lived most of the time in Montana but had extensive mining interests in Mexico where he
disappeared from our knowledge.
The last known of John was during the gold rush to Alaska. He got a big pack train ready, started to drive through the
unexplored country from Montana to the Yukon. None of his friends heard of him anymore though his brother, W. O.,
spent thousands of dollars in the search. Some of his horses were found in Utah, so it is thought he was murdered and
robbed.
Milton, the youngest of family, was killed in an accident while hauling lumber in Montana, Phoebe married a Mr. Gardner.
They were farming near Kenton, O. Had several children. Four sons and two daughters. Ruth and Virginia, Harold,
Ralph (killed in France), Roscoe and Charles. Mattie married John Highslip, a stock farmer who specialized in fine sheep.
6
They had four children. One son, Earl three daughters, Elva Steiner, Golda Bowman, Corolene Kahler. They had a fine
farm and home when I was there some 25 years ago, near Ada, O. Hattie married a Mr. Powell. They had two boys,
Charles of near Forest, O. and Milton who went to Montana and was married as mentioned above. He was killed while
hauling a load of lumber home. Milton Powell went to Montana taking a Government claim near Fleetwood Jackson's.
After Fleetwood's death Milton married his widow Rosaline. Jane married a Mr. Fall. They had two children. The boys
name was Frank. The girl was Elvira, a most worthwhile woman when I saw her. They were living with the mother on
Uncle Heaton's old farm. The mother, now quite old, lives in Kenton, the daughter looking out for her. Jane is the only
one of the seven that is living now. Father's brother John married Kate, and they had five children. The older boy died in
youth. Charles is a wealthy business man of Springfield, O. He has two daughters. Of the three girls, Mae died single. I
can't think of the name of Nellie's husband. They live in Springfield and have some children. The older of the girls, Edith,
married John Fryburger. John is dead now and Edith lives alone in a nice home in Springfield. One of father's sisters,
Phoebe, never married. She made her home with her sister Mary, who married William H. Berger. He was a farmer living
on the farm developed by his parents who settled there when the country was mostly a forest. They were Pennsylvania
German folk. Wm. Berger taught school many years in connection with his farming. He was a leader in church work,
being Supt. of the Sunday School for many years. There is now a beautiful memorial window in the United Brethern
Church he helped build and served many years. They had three children. Elizabeth married A. H. Tavenner. They have
a number of children living. John, the only boy, was married and had three children, I think. One son, named William for
his grandfather. Esther, the youngest of the three Bergers, had one girl, Shirley, who married Otto Burmeister and now
lives in Denver. They have one son, Daniel. Now I want to go back a bit to tell you more about my father, then of my
mother and her folk. My mother was father's third wife. His first was Catherine Crabbs. They had two little baby girls.
The one died at birth. The other lived only about a year. They, my little half-sisters, are buried in Newcomer graveyard
north of Springfield. The mother died not long after from consumption, or T.B. as it is now called. Then father out of a
home and lonesome, traveled for a time. He made a business trip to California soon after the gold rush, going by boat
from New York in March when snow covered the ground, to the Isthmus of Panama, when the only way to get across was
on a mule or walk. Then by boat on the Pacific to San Francisco. Home again to Ohio he was married to a Miss Dodds.
She too was a T.B. victim eight months after her marriage. Then he went to Iowa, where he was locating lands for
soldiers of the Mexican war. They were given land for service in that war. He was elected county attorney but did not
stay long. On a train going back he met Rev. Solomon Vonneida of Dayton, O., a mutual friendship was formed leading to
an invitation to visit at the Vonneida home in Dayton. Both were, or father had been before his Iowa trip, residents of that
city. There he met Martha, oldest daughter of Mr. Vonneida. She was born Oct. 16, 1838. At the outbreak of the Civil
war father turned his law office into a recruiting office and organized two companies of the infantry. He was made captain
of Co. E. of the 24th Reg. The citizens of Dayton sent to Philadelphia for a beautifully engraved officer's sword to give
him. There were no infantry officers swords to be had, so they got a navy sword for him. I prize it very, very much, not
only for its fine workmanship, but as a mark of the esteem in which the people of Dayton held him. He saw service at the
battles of Greenbrier and Cheat mountain. The very unsanitary condition of the camps, that were used a while, took more
lives than did the rebel army. After a year service the typhoid fever closed his service as a soldier. As soon as he was
well enough to be moved he was given an honorable discharge and sent home. There he was married to Martha
Vonneida. There were two other Vonneida girls and a son. Elizabeth married John Hardesty. They lived for a while in
Baltimore, then returned to Dayton where he worked in the factories. They had four boys and two or more girls. All, the
oldest, died in early manhood. Harry had an important job in the National Cash Register Co. for many years, being in
charge of personal relations of company with employees. Afterward he got a farm and went into real estate business. I
do not know how many children they had. Two younger boys, Jim and John, lived in Washington, D.C. the last I knew of
them. One girl married a man named Durrer and had several children. The other girls I have lost track of. Mother's
brother Solomon married Eva, and had one son, Harry. He also has a son, Russel. They live on a farm near Dayton.
Mother's other sister married Hermon Sandmire. He was trapped by a falling wall of a burning building while trying to get
his books out of his store, and burned to death. Afterward Aunt Annie married Mr. Lucky. They lived near Columbus, Ind.
They had one son, named Lewis. He became, like his father, a brick mason. He married and has a daughter. This girl is
said to be a fine violinist. I think that the Vonneida first came as a soldier. Many were hired from little German princes, by
King George 3rd of England to fight against the American colonists. I think they came that way. Many of them, when
captured by Americans, stayed in this country where they would not be compelled to fight people they had nothing
against. Many of them settled in Pennsylvania. The first I know certainly, was Grandfather and Grandmother. Her name
was Elizabeth Frey. He was a miller in his youth. Became a good scholar in both English and German. Became a
minister in the United Brethren church. Was put in charge of the church papers. He loaded the printing plant on a canal
boat and moved it to Dayton. There he got a church built using the basement for a printing plant. Afterward he bought
the ground where now stands the churches big building. One of the finest in that city. I have heard him, when taking the
place of some pastor that was sick, preach in English and in German churches preach in German. Both he and
Grandmother were born in Lancaster Co., Pa. Their son was born in Myerstown, Aug. 22, 1852. Aunt Annie was born
August 27, 1844. Mother was born Oct. 16, 1836.
7
Now back to Father. I was born in Dayton on Feb. 2, 1863. Was named for mother's folk, William Vonneida. Charles
Hough was named for the Grandmother on father's side, was born April 14, 1867. Our sister Martha Miriam was born
June 3, 1869, in Washington Co., Mo. The doctors said Mother would have to leave Ohio for a dryer place. So father
bought a farm "sight unseen" a mile and a half from Mineral Point, Mo. He did that because he did not want to leave
Mother while sick. The climate was good but so soon after the war it was a very unpleasant place for a man from the
Union army. After three years they sold the land moving to Howard, Kansas. That was in late 1879, Nov. I think, or Dec.
In the first part of 1872, Mother's former trouble came again and on the 22nd of March she went to rest. That scene is
one that is always vivid, Father calling us to kneel by Mother's couch. Her poor wasted face that had been fine. How she
tried to raise her arm, Father helping her till it reated on our heads, her murmuring prayer, then came her last works, "Sam
do the best you can for the children". Very low yet clear. Then for nearly seven years he did just that, gave his thought,
his time, patience and hard work to keep us together and make a home for us. A thousand miles from kindred, money all
spent in the fight to save her who was so dear to him. His courage was great. I was the only one old enough to be much
company for him. He guided my reading, talked to me about life, business, everything as though I had been a grown
man. It was as if he knew that he could not stay to see us grown. It made me more mature at 14, when he had to go,
than most lads are at twenty. Boyhood, no not much, missed a lot that most think very important. I would not near
exchange though. Plural pneumonia, the doctor called it, took him in four days. He had me near him trying to explain
what I should try to do and where to go. Never a thing about himself. A brave loving Father who took life as he found it, a
rather serious thing. I presume you have heard your father tell the rest of story? How I wrote to Grandfather what had
happened to us. How he sent Mother's brother Sol to us and took us to our grandparents in Dayton, O. How Charley was
given a home, and lots of work, at Mummas. And later at Mrs. Mumma's father, the Hauses, kin by marriage. They found
a home for sister at a home in Dayton. Later Grandfather found she was not well treated and got Uncle Heaton Jackson
to give her a home. From there, when grown, she married Harmon Kahler. They have five children, all married, Carl, Will,
Henry and Mary. Edna died as a baby, 2 yrs. 10 months and 4 days old. All the rest have children but Henry. You need
not be ashamed for any of them. If we keep up the average we do well.
W. V. Jackson married Rose and had four children. Dan and Charles Jackson, Ruth Beitler and Lucile Betzer. Brother
Charles married Josephine Woolsey and had two children. Beatrice Zimmerman and Robert Jackson.
8