1822 Trespassing Charge

 Michael and Susannah West Charged with Trespassing

While searching through early court records for Mason County, Kentucky, I found an interesting document from 1822.  It was an arrest order for our 3rd great-grandparents, Michael and Susannah West.  They were being charged with trespassing with damages of one thousand dollars fine.  In today’s dollars, that would be $27,475.

Mason Count Court Case Files
FamilySearch.org'  Image Group Number: 008346200

Transcription:

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, To the Sheriff of Mason County, Greeting: We command you to take Michael West and Susannah his wife if they may be found within your bailiwick, and them safely keep, so that you have their bodies before the Judge of our Mason Circuit Court, at the Court House thereof, in the town of Washington, on the first day of the next November Term, to answer, Moses Thomas of a plea of trespass on the law, damage one thousand dollars.  And have then and there this writ. Witness, Marshall Key, Clerk of our said court, at the court house aforesaid, the 26th day of Augt 1822 and in the 31st year of our Commonwealth. Marshall Key

Their court case that was scheduled for November was postponed until May Term 1823.  The case was brought before the judge and jury.  The jury's verdict, "We the Jury find for the plaintiff one cent in damages."

Kentucky, Circuit Court (Mason County)
FamilySearch.org, Image Group Number: 007647301

Transcription:

Moses Thomas plaintiff against In case Michael West & Susannah his wife defendants.  The Jury empaneled and sworn herein on yesterday, upon their oath do say "We the Jury find for the plaintiff one cent in damages” Therefore it is considered by the court that the plaintiff recover against the said defendants his damages aforesaid in manner and form by the Jury aforesaid in their verdict assessed, and also his costs by him about his suit in this behalf expended and the said defendants in Mercy

Since I only found the jury's verdict and not the complete transcript of the court proceedings, I'm not sure what the trespassing charge was all about.  I did read some history of Mason County and it seems that there was some confusion with land claims when the county was first being established.

Our ancestor, Susan Evaline West, was born in Mason County in 1817, as was her older siblings.  The Michael West family moved from Mason County, Kentucky to Ohio in about 1826. 

Other posts about the Michael West family:

Michael and Susannah West Family

Michael West Land in Grayson County, Texas
Will of Michael West
Susan West Leffel: "Left me in a sad and mornful condition."
John and Rebecca West Haning of Grayson County, Texas
William and Elizabeth West Boyles

Joseph West - Stagecoach Driver
Mysterious Death of Michael Perry West

DNA Solved Another Family Mystery

Phebe Hatfield Petitions Court for Dower

 Phebe Hatfield Petition for Dower

Newspaper Notice
Published 25 Feb 1860

Phebe Coddington Hatfield was the widow of John Hatfield who passed away on December 9, 1857 in Taylor County, Iowa.  John’s estate entered probate in January 1858.

Phebe Hatfield’s petition is a classic example of a widow exercising her right to dower, and it provides a wealth of detail not only about her but also about her extended family and the land in question.  

A few key takeaways:

- Legal Action: Phebe is formally asking the court to appoint referees (similar to commissioners) to set apart her dower from her late husband John Hatfield’s estate. This was a legal move to ensure she had lifetime rights to a portion of his land.

- Named Heirs and Connections: The notice includes a long list of family members - all children of Phebe and John Hatfield and their spouses - an absolute gem for genealogical research.  They all have a legal interest in the property.

- Land Description: The metes and bounds land description tells us exactly where her dower was to come from—covering parts of Sections 1, 12, and 13 in Township 67 North, Range 35 West. That’s very specific and could be mapped today to visualize the estate.

- Historic Context: Dated December 16, 1859, it reflects not only inheritance law at the time but also sheds light on women's legal recourse in antebellum Iowa.

As seen in the court documents below, Phebe's Dower Petition was granted, referees were appointed, and the land designated in the petition was set aside as her dower.  She stated the need for the courts assistance in setting apart the real estate of her dower because of no mutual agreement with the other heirs.

Probate Court Taylor County, Iowa
1859 - 1860
Pages 80-81

Probate Court Taylor County, Iowa
6 Feb 1860
Pages 82-83

Phebe continued to live in Taylor County, Iowa for the next several decades.  She can be found in census records for Taylor County in 1860 and 1870.  Phebe died on Oct. 9, 1883.  Her obituary is found in the Taylor County Republican Newspaper, 11 Oct 1883, page 4.

Phebe Hatfield, mother of L. D. Hatfield, Esq., of Ross township, who has been confined to her bed for the past two years, died at the residence of L. D. Hatfield on Tuesday, October 9th, at five o'clock, p. m. She has received the kindest care and attention at the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield and her grandchildren during her long illness, and her every want had been supplied. She met death with composure and fell asleep in Christ, in whose second coming and the resurrection of the dead she was a firm believer. She leaves a large number of relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

John Hatfield Probate

 John and Phebe Hatfield Family

Born on December 4, 1800, in Hamilton County, Ohio, John Hatfield was the son of George Hatfield and Rachel Bell. His early years were spent in Butler County, Ohio, where he lived until about 1820. In 1817, tragedy struck as John lost his father, shaping the course of his life.

By the mid-1820s, John had moved to Indiana, where he married Phebe Coddington, likely in Parke County. Phebe, the daughter of William Coddington and Dorcus Girton, was born on July 31, 1807 in Ohio. Over the next two decades, John and Phebe built a family, welcoming nine children while residing in Parke County. They established their home in Parke County, securing land through a patent from the General Land Office in 1837. The census records from 1830 and 1840 reflect John's presence in the area, painting a picture of his steady life as a husband, father, and landowner.

Around 1847, John relocated his family to Peoria County, Illinois. Two more children were born there, and the 1850 U.S. Federal Census recorded his household in Peoria. As the years passed, he continued to seek new opportunities, moving once more in 1856 to Bedford, Taylor County, Iowa.  

This photograph below is thought to be a photo of John Hatfield Sr.  It would have been taken in the mid 1850s  

John Hatfield Sr

John's life came to an end on December 9, 1857, in Taylor County, Iowa. He was laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery near his son Leonard Hatfield.  The following year, John's estate entered probate, marking the final chapter of a life shaped by family, migration, and resilience. 

John Hatfield Headtsone
Graceland Cemetery, Bedford, Taylor, Iowa

Children of John and Phoebe Hatfield:

1. William Hatfield (1826-1894) md (1) Charlotte VanCamp, (2) Margaret Hawkins, (3) Martha Bone; 13 children
2. John Martin Hatfield, Jr. (1829-1898) md (1) Martha Jay, (2) Maria Butler, (3) Caroline Lewman, Jemima Atwood; 13 children
3. Leonard D. Hatfield (1831-1906) md Parintha Phelps, 9 children
4. Cyrus W. Hatfield (1834-1906) md Clarissa Lamb, 8 children
5. Hannah Amanda Hatfield (1835-1920) md John R Harrison, 11 children
6. George Washington Hatfield (1836-1874) md Precious True, 4 children
7. Rachel Elisa Hatfield (1840-1923) md Alpheus L Rathbun, 9 children
8. Mary Hatfield (1843-1893) md Tobias Fruit, 4 children
9. Francis M. Hatfield (1845-abt 1863) 
10. Elihu Hatfield (1849-1880) md Frances, 2 children
11. Rebecca J. Hatfield (1853-1929) md (1) John Reddick, (2) John Gilbert, (3) Jesse Cummins; 6 children

John Hatfield Probate

John's estate entered probate on January 13, 1858 in the Taylor County Probate Court.  Leonard D. Hatfield was appointed administrator of his father’s estate.  After appointing an administrator, the next order of business to take place was an inventory of all the personal effects of the estate.  Many of the items were "set off to widow".  Also listed are loans that several of the Hatfield children had previously been given by their father. 

Below are the actual probate pages found in the Taylor County Probate records on FamilySearch.org.  The file consisted of nine pages, seven pages of written information.  Below the probate pages are transcriptions of the first couple of pages - if reading the old cursive handwriting is difficult.  Click on pages to enlarge.

Probate Court Taylor County, Iowa January 13th 1858 pages 2-3

Probate Court Taylor County, Iowa January 1858 - January 1860 pages 4-5

Probate Court Taylor County, Iowa 1858 - 1862 pages 6-7

Probate Court Taylor County, Iowa 1859-1864 pages 8-9

Note: "Do" means Ditto
Transcription of pages 3-4:

Page 3
Probate Court Taylor County Jany 13th 1858 Whereas it was made to appear to said Court that John Hatfield late of said County died intestate about the 9th day of December A D 1857 having property at the time of his decease personal property in this State which may be lost or destroyed or diminished in value if Speedy care be not taken of the same it was therefore Decreed by the Court that L D Hatfield be appointed administrator of said Estate whereupon the said L D Hatfield Filed the requisite Bond and was duly sworn to discharge the duties of administrator of said Estate also to said John Lambert and Caswell Will were appointed appraisers of said Estate Witness my hand this 13th day of January AD 1858  Probate Judge

Inventory of the Estate of John Hatfield Decd late of Taylor County Iowa a true inventory of all the personal Effects of John Hatfield of Every description which has come to my knowledge embracing all Book accounts which do not appear to have been settled by set off to Widow

2 Head of Horses 
1 Spring Colt 
2 Yoke of Oxen 
2 Milk Cows 
2 Spring Calves 
4 Head fatting Hogs 
1 Breeding sow 
8 Head of Pigs 
200 Bushels Corn 
2 Load Hay 
1 Wagon 
8 Bushels Wheat 
1 Mantel Clock 
1 Cooking stove and utensils 
1 Sett Cupboard ware 
1 Table 
1 Fancy Bedstead 
3 Beds & Bedstead 
Continue on next page

Page 4
Inventory of the Estate of John Hatfield Decd
Continued
1 Sette Chairs
2 Trunks & chests
4 Barrels 1 BL Pork 1 Bl Pierced Ham
1 Looking Glass
1 Note on Abel Hatfield 26.00
with credit on same for $ 7.00
Balance due on said note 19.00
1 Note on Cyrus Hatfield 100.00
1 Note on Cyns Hatfield 1300
1 Note on William Hatfield (Credited on 380.00 note) 24.18
One  Do   Do    Do  (Credited on 380 dollar note) 38.35  
One  Do   Do    Do  (Credited on 380 dollar note) 95.00
One  Do   Do    Do  (Credited on 380 dollar note) 36.54
One  Do   Do    Do  (Credited on 380 dollar note)  38.88
    Interest on the note for 36.54 (Interest included in Note) 10.40
One Note on John M Hatfield 17.00
    Interest on note of 37.88 (Interest included in note) 18.20
One account on John C Vancamp 30.00
One account on Richard Servell 3.30
One account on Abel Hatfield .85
Also apts left in hands of Peter Anton a Justice of Peace in Peoria County Illinois 1,101.22
     One Thousand One Hundred and one dollars and twenty two cents
Signed L. D. Hatfield Admr

Report for year Ending Jany 13th 1860
Jany 13^th 1860 This is a true Report of my doings as administrator
Of the Estate of John Hatfield Decd late of Taylor County Town , for the year
ending Jany 13th 1860.
Received of William Hatfield on the following Notes
Money that I have paid out in the year ending Jany 13^th 1860
Paid to Washington Baker $63.35
Paid to John Van Camp order Executed by William Hatfield on note 15.10
Paid to Abel Hatfield order Executed by Wm Hatfield 22.00
Said Estate is indebted to Benj W Ball & others  $120.00
Given under my hand this 13th day of January AD 1860
Signed L. D. Hatfield Admr

Related Posts:

To view post about father, George Hatfield, click here 

To view post about Hatfield photos, click here  

To view post about son John Hatfield Jr, click here  

Birthday of Susan West Leffel

Today June 3rd is the birthday of Susan West Leffel

She was born 208 years ago today

This morning I received a notification from FamilySearch that today was the birthday of my 2nd great-grandmother, Susan Evaline West Leffel, born June 3, 1817 in Mason, Kentucky.  She was the daughter of Michael West and Susannah McKee.  Susan married David Miller Leffel on May 3rd, 1817 in Springfield, Ohio.  They were the parents of eight (8) children.     

Over the years, I have spent a large amount of time and money trying to find out more about Susan's life.  I have traveled to both Texas and Ohio so that I could conduct research for Susan in county courts, local libraries, and state archives.   I can vividly remember sitting in the Texas State Archives when the archivist brought out a file containing a letter Susan had written in 1869.  As I carefully held and read the letter, time and space seemed to disappear.  I felt as if Susan was sitting in the archives beside me reading her letter.  

To read about Susan's life and her 1869 letter to the Governor of Texas, click here.  
To read about Susan's husband, David M Leffel, click here. 
To read about Susan's parents and siblings, click here. 

Other Family Events that occurred on this day June 3rd

1595 - Marriage: Ulrich Traub and Elisabetha Leyrer, Heiningen, Wurttemberg, Germany
1673 - Birth: Hannah Gray, Plymouth, Massachusetts 
1681 - Death: Edward Gray, Plymouth, Massachusetts
1686 - Death: Thomas Hewitt 
1704 - Death: Anna Cole, Plymouth, Massachusetts
1746 - Birth: Sarah Hawkins, Frederick, Virginia 
1773 - Birth: Lydia Coddington, Woodbridge, Middlesex, New Jersey 
1799 - Birth: Valentine Fuhr, Wurttemberg, Germany 
1817 - Birth: Susan Evaline West, Mason, Kentucky 
1827 - Birth: Jabez Haning, Meigs, Ohio
1833 - Birth: Eliza Ann Martin, Alabama
1835 - Birth: Hannah Amanda Hatfield, Parke County, Indiana 
1849 - Birth: Margaret Elizabeth Butler 
1862 - Birth: Merton Joy Keys, Linn County, Iowa 
1885 - Death: Jesse Gresham McNeil 
1890 - Death: Mary Cock
1894 - Birth: Charles Harvey Miller, Itasca, Hill, Texas
1908 - Burial: Agnes Cinderella Buckles, Evergreen Cemetery, Champaign, Ohio 
1909 - Birth: Wilton A. Stine, San Joaquin, California 
1910 - Death: Samuel Preston Stewart 
1915 - Birth: Clifford Kernahan, Nunda, Livingston, New York 
1917 - Death: Elizabeth Sparrow
1919 - Death: William Walter Junkins, Baldwin City, Douglas, Kansas 
1922 - Birth: Wanda Maxine Rees, Garfield, Oklahoma 
1924 - Birth: Esther June Kaser, Dove Creek, Dolores, Colorado 
1933 - Burial: Andrew George Rose, Admiral Cemetery, Callahan, Texas 
1940 - Burial: Oliver Jacob Davis Kaser, Longview Memorial Park, Cowlitz, Washington 
1941 - Death: Laura Etta McAdams 
1955 - Death: Richard Wilson Boyles 
1961 - Burial: Roscoe Baldwin, Eliasville Cemetery, Young, Texas 
1965 - Death: James Adolphus Marrs, Saliad, Chaffee, Colorado 
1967 - Death: John Charles Kane, Mountain Park, Kiowa, Oklahoma 
1974 - Death: Minnie Myrtle Hatfield, Bellingham, Whatcom, Washington 
1995 - Death: John Venton Wilson, Mexican Hat, San Juan, Utah 

World Bee Day

 World Bee Day 2025
Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All

World Bee Day is observed annually on May 20 to raise awareness about the vital role bees and other pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems and global food production. The day was established by the United Nations in 2017, with the first celebration taking place in 2018. The date was chosen to honor Anton Janša, a Slovenian beekeeper and pioneer of modern beekeeping (apiculture).

This year's theme, "Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all," highlights the essential contributions of bees to food production and ecosystem health. Bees and other pollinators support the production of over 75% of the world's crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Their decline due to pesticides, habitat loss, climate change, and pollution threatens food security and ecosystem stability.

World Bee Day serves as a reminder that protecting bees is essential for a healthy planet and food security. By learning from bees - who work harmoniously together and with nature - we can adopt more sustainable practices and ensure their survival for future generations.  

Bees and beehives have become a universal symbol hard work, cooperation, unity, and prosperity.  The beehive is a symbol for the State of Utah and can be found prominently on Utah's flag and seal.  Utah is even nicknamed the "Beehive State" due to the beehive's association with industry, hard work, and community spirit.

Utah State Flag

I come from a long line of ancestors who lived off the land.  Just like my Grandma Baldwin, I've always loved to vegetable garden.  Favorite memories are of Grandma quietly singing or humming while she was working in her garden, or of Grandma making me squash babydolls to play with. When my own family was young and still at home, I always had a large garden, but my garden has grown smaller as I have grown older.  But, I still garden because I love growing my own veggies.  It always makes me feel happy seeing the bees buzzing around my yard - in my vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower garden.  For a lot of years, I had a neighbor who was a beekeeper.  It seems like I always had much larger yields in my garden when she had her bees nearby.

As for the honey that bees make, my family loves it and uses a lot of it.  We get our honey from family beekeepers in Wyoming.  Wyoming honey is the best honey ever!!  

So one could say that bees are not only essential for a healthy planet, bees are also essential the well-being of each and everyone of us.

Happy San Jacinto Day!

 San Jacinto Day

San Jacinto Day, celebrated on April 21, commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, which secured Texas' independence from Mexico. The battle lasted just 18 minutes but had a lasting impact on history. General Sam Houston led his Texan troops in a surprise attack against Mexican forces commanded by Antonio López de Santa Anna, resulting in a decisive victory. Santa Anna was captured, and soon after, he signed treaties that effectively ended Mexican control over Texas. This victory marked the beginning of Texas as an independent republic, later leading to its annexation into the United States in 1845.

Battle of San Jacinto  
Artistic interpretation by Henry Arthur McArdle (1836-1908)

Today, Texans honor San Jacinto Day with celebrations that include reenactments of the battle, parades, and festivals that highlight the state's rich heritage. The San Jacinto Monument, standing at 567 feet, remains a lasting tribute to this historic event. Visitors can explore the battleground site and museum to learn more about the fight for independence. San Jacinto Day serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of early Texans, preserving their legacy for future generations.

The following family members served with General Sam Houston in the Battle of San Jacinto. 
John Sadler is our direct ancestor - my 3rd great-grandfather.  
Three of the men listed were brothers: John Andrew Box, Nelson Box, and Thomas Griffin Box.  They were the sons of Stephen F. Box.  Their cousin, James Edward Box, was  the son of John Morris Box. They were all first cousins of our direct ancestor, Michael Box. The Box family were early settlers into Texas. 

Box, James Edward
Box, John Andrew
Box, Nelson 
Box, Thomas Griffin
Hallmark, William Calvert (md to Dicey Box)
Lamb, George A. (K) 
Lindley, Joseph 
Sadler, John

Below is the donation land certificate given to John Sadler for his service.  Note that it mentions John Sadler "fought at the Battle of San Jacinto 21 Apr 1836."  To read about John Sadler, click here. 

John Sadler Bounty Land Certificate

Below is a photo of me sitting on the steps of the San Jacinto Monument.  And then a picture of the entire monument.  We took the elevator up to the observation deck.  Inside the base of the monument is the San Jacinto Museum of History.  

San Jacinto Monument
Wikipedia

Heirs of F.M. Baldwin

Heirs of F.M. Baldwin

1919 Affidavit

Recently while going through the deed records for Young County, Texas, I found a 1919 affidavit listing all the heirs of Francis Marion (F.M.) Baldwin.  Francis M. Baldwin died in 1900.  Almost 20 years later in 1919, his widow Mary (Sadler) Baldwin and son E.L. Baldwin had this affidavit recorded at the county court house. 

It is true that present day researchers already know this information from a variety of sources - census records, death records, marriage records, and family records.  But what I like about this 1919 affidavit, is that it was created and sworn to by F.M. Baldwin's widow, Mary Baldwin, and son, E.L. Baldwin.  The affidavit is documented proof of the relationships within the F.M. Baldwin family.  Since both Mary Sadler Baldwin and Francis Marion Baldwin were born in the Republic of Texas, this affidavit would be good documentation for descendants to add to applications for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas or Sons of the Republic of Texas.  

There are a few bits of information in the document that are noteworthy. 

• F.M. Baldwin died intestate and there was no probate. 
• Since no official death record for F.M. Baldwin exists, the death date given in this affidavit could act as a death record and it supports the death date on the headstone. 
• All of the daughters in the family have their husbands listed. 
• A. Lafayette Baldwin, the oldest son, died prior to 1919, and so all of his descendants are named as heirs in the affidavit.
• Mary stated that thirteen (13) children were born to "this union", two of who died before they reached their majority.  We only have record of twelve (12) children.  One son, Lemuel H. Baldwin, died as a 22 year old single man in 1904.  He would be one of two children who died young leaving no heirs.  That leaves an unknown mystery child we know nothing about. 

 To read more about the F.M. and Mary (Sadler) Baldwin family, click here. 

Young County, Texas Deed Record Book 75

Page 209, 14 January 1919

Transcription of above document:

AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF YOUNG
BEFORE ME , the undersigned authority , on this day personally appeared E. L. Baldwin, Mary Baldwin, and C. D. Yancy, J. B. McGlamery, known to me to be credible citizens of Young County , Texas , and being by me duly sworn deposes and say: That they were each well and personally acquainted with F. M. Baldwin, during his life time that they knew him and his family for many years and that the said F. M. Baldwin is dead and that he died intestate in Young County, Texas, on or about the 21 day of May, 1900; That no probate proceedings have ever been had on the estate of the said F. M. Baldwin, deceased.
That the said F. M. Baldwin, deceased was but once married and that to one of these affiants, Mary Baldwin, and to this union were born 13 children, two of whom died before they reached their majority and were never married and had no heirs other than their father and mother; That the other eleven children and heirs are named as follows, towit : A. H. Baldwin, a boy; E. L. Baldwin, a boy; C. R. Baldwin, a boy; Willie Ann Baldwin, a girl; who intermarried with one J. P. Hyden; R. L. Baldwin, a boy; Mittie Jane Baldwin, a girl who intermarried with Virgil Matthews; W. L. Baldwin, a boy; R. Y. Baldwin, a boy; Alice Baldwin, a girl, who intermarried with one C. L. Atcheson; Lena Baldwin, a girl, who intermarried with one John Hill; A. Lafayette Baldwin, deceased who is survived by the following named children and Anna Cartwright is a widow; Cora Baldwin, a girl who intermarried with thee -- Van Horn; all of the above named children are of age and have been for some time, and the remainder of said children are minor under the age of 15 years ; Hattie Baldwin, Willie Baldwin, Dewitt Baldwin, Alvis Baldwin, Thurman Baldwin, and Fred Baldwin, That the above and foregoing named persons are the heirs and only heirs at law of F. M. Baldwin, deceased . That the said Mary Baldwin has never remarried since the death of the said F.M. Baldwin, deceased and is at present living as a widow.
WITNESS our hands at Eliasville, Texas, this the 14 day of January A. D. 1919
E. L. BALDWIN
MARY BALDWIN
C. D. YANCY
J. B. McGLAMERY
Subscribed and sworn to before me this the 14 day of January A. D. 1919
W. J. Hughes, J. P. & Exofficio Notary Public in ( SEAL ) and for Young County , Texas .
Filed for record March 17 , 1919 at 4 : 30 P. M. Recorded March 19 , 1917 at 4 : 30 P. M.
C. W. HINSON HINSON , C. C. C. Y. C. T. BY Pearl Matthews Matthews DEPUTY 

Related Links: 
F.M. and Mary Baldwin Family 
Francis Marion Baldwin Profile - Ancestry.com 
Francis Marion Baldwin  - FamilySearch.org

This Day in Our Family History

 March 28 

My husband mentioned that today, March 28, was his father's birthdate.  I remembered that March 28th was also my Grandfather Jesse Baldwin's birthday and Cousin Rick’s birthday.  Since I wanted to see what else occurred on this day in our family, I made a list.📋

Family Events on March 28

1658 - Birth: Robert Houghton, Dedham, Norfolk, Massachusetts
1685 - Birth: Anna Halder, Gruibingen, Donaukreis, Württemberg, Germany
1687 - Birth: Sarah Coddington, Woodbridge, Middlesex, New Jersey
1759 - Birth: Phebe Jane Coddington, Newburgh, Orange, New York
1779 - Birth: John McAdams, Abbeville, Abbeville, South Carolina
1801 - Marriage: Millard Coddington and Phoebe Cook, Cazenovia, Madison, New York
1808 - Birth: George Wash Alderman, Carroll, Virginia
1819 - Marriage: Barzilla Coburn and Anna Coddington, Waterford, Washington, Ohio
1826 - Birth: Johann Michael Kastner, Roethenbach, Bayern, Germany. Click here
1830 - Marriage: John W. West and Mary Ann West, Champaign, Ohio
1843 - Birth: James Pruett Jeffrey, Tippah, Mississippi
1847 - Birth: Samuel Leffel, Indiana
1850 - Birth: Alcesta E.C. Leffel, Bourbon, Marshall, Indiana
1869 - Birth: James Albert Hockett, Iroquois, Illinois
1871 - Birth: Rosa Belle McGrady, Carroll, Virginia
1891 - Birth: Arthur M. Tims, Texas
1891 - Death: James C. Wilson, Weston, Collin, Texas. Click here and here
1898 - Birth: Jess William Baldwin, Eliasville, Young, Texas. Click here and here 
1908 - Birth: Victor McDonald, Oklahoma
1910 - Birth: Otis Wilson Sadler, Limestone, Texas
1958 - Birth: R.L. Baldwin, Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona

This list was made using RootsMagic, which I use as my personal genealogy software.  Go to the "Publish" page, select "All Reports and Charts", then select "On This Day" list.😉

Keepsake Family Trees

 Free Keepsake Family Trees by FamilySearch 

Create free family tree keepsakes at FamilySearch.org.  In order to create a keepsake tree, you will need an account with FamilySearch.org.  Once you have an account and have started a tree, just click on the tree image you like and a keepsake family tree with your information will automatically appears.

Below are a few examples of the many family trees that can be created.  It is easy to print and frame one of the family trees as a gift for a family member.  A young granddaughter who loves koalas might like the Koala family tree.  The butterfly tree would look great framed and hanging on a wall as a conversation piece.  There are many, many more options of family trees from around the world.

To get started, click here. 

And, one of my personal favorites.  This tree design reminds me of the following saying: 

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven, where the love of our loved  

ones pour through and shine down on us to let us know they are happy."

Many Marriages of Elizabeth Coyne

The Many Marriages of Elizabeth Coyne 

Elizabeth Coyne was born 21 Feb 1897 in Rock Island County, Illinois.  Elizabeth was the only child of James and Eliza (Bauer) Coyne.  Her father, James Coyne, was a successful farmer in Blackhawk Township, Rock Island County, Illinois.  She was often called Lizzy by her family and friends.  Elizabeth’s first marriage was to my grandfather, Elmer Martin.  

1915 Marriage to Elmer Martin

On 20 October 1915, Elizabeth Coyne, 18 years-old at the time, married 28 year-old Elmer Martin.  Elmer, who also was born and grew up in Rock Island County, Illinois.  His father and grandfather were prosperous farmers in Bowling Township. 

Martin - Coyne Marriage 1915

As shown in the 19 Oct 1915 Reynolds Press news article below, a bridal shower was given for Elizabeth by some of her Coyne relatives. 

 

 
Several months after their marriage, the newly weds moved into a new home that Elmer had just built. And, it seems they enjoyed a social life that included entertaining family and friends. 

Reynolds Press
22 Feb 1916

Reynolds Press
8 Dec 1916

In 1919, Elmer and Elizabeth started on a motor trip to California.  According to a news article, they started their trip on July 4th.  On 30 July 1919, Elmer's father, John S Magleby, passed away.  A news article printed almost a month later on 29 Aug 1919, stated that Elmer and Elizabeth, upon hearing of the death, had disposed of their car and were arriving back home by rail.  Not sure how they would have been notified of the death of Elmer's father, especially since they would have been on the move and telephones were not widely used or available at that time. 

Reynolds Press
4 July 1919

Reynolds Press
29 Aug 1919

During their time on the west coast, Elmer and Elizabeth traveled up to Washington State, where Elmer climbed Mount Rainier in 1919.  To read about Elmer's climb, click here.  While there are no identified photos of Elizabeth, the photo of Elmer swimming in the ocean is most likely of him and Lizzie.  

Swimming in the Pacific Ocean

Elmer and Elizabeth did not stay long in Illinois after the death of Elmer's father.  Probably just long enough to settle up affairs.  They soon returned to the west and settled in Dove Creek, Colorado by 1920.  It is not known if Dove Creek was someplace they visited on their previous trip.  In October 1920, Illinois friends, Mrs. Harry Bishop and daughter Frances, visited with "Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Martin of Dove Creek, Colorado" for two weeks.  

Reynolds Press
4 Oct 1920

The Martin's remained in Dove Creek for the next couple of years.  In 1922, Elmer filed for divorce from Elizabeth.  Elmer claimed desertion as grounds for divorce saying that Elizabeth had been gone for the past year.  Family tradition states that Elizabeth ran off with Elmer's good friend Ted Bell.  

Rico Item, Rico, CO
22 July 1922

1924 Marriage to Ted Bell

After the divorce was final in 1923 from Elmer, Elizabeth married Ted Bell a year later in 1924.  Ted Bell had divorced his wife in 1923.  So by 1924, both Elizabeth and Ted were free to marry again.  On 23 Aug 1924, Elizabeth and Ted married in Colorado Springs.  (Marriage year wrong on record - should be 1924 not 1929.)   Ten years later Elizabeth divorced Ted Bell, charging him with desertion in 1932.  It seems what goes around comes around.

Marriage year should be 1924.

Rock Island Argus
26 Feb 1934

1934 Marriage to Robert Schaffer 

Two days after the divorce from Ted Bell was granted, Elizabeth married Robert Schaffer on 28 Feb 1934.  The marriage to Schaffer would last for 8 years until 1943 when Elizabeth divorced him for desertion.  The divorce decree restored her maiden name, Elizabeth A. Coyne.

The Dispatch, Moline, Illinois
1 March 1934

Daily Times, Davenport, Iowa
3 Jun 1943

1944 Marriage to Ernest Richard Trask

On 28 Nov 1944, Elizabeth, age 47, married Richard Trask, age 37.  They were married by Rev. Lacy in the Presbyterian Church.  According to their wedding announcement, both Elizabeth and Richard were engaged in the real estate business in Rock Island County.  

The Daily Times
Davenport, Iowa
29 Nov 1944

Elizabeth and Richard Trask are found enumerated in the same household in the 1950 Federal Census of Moline, Rock Island, Illinois.  Elizabeth is listed as the wife to Richard.  The occupation for both is listed as real estate.  The census was taken on 19 May 1950.  On 25 Aug 1950, a divorce appeared in The Dispatch newspaper (Moline, Illinois).  

1951 Marriage to William Warnock 

Elizabeth, age 53, married William Marvin Warnock, age 45, on 21 April 1951 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  

In 1956, Elizabeth and Marvin, living in Phoenix, Arizona, are listed in a city directory.  Elizabeth remained married to William Marvin Warnock longer than any of her previous husbands.  When Marvin passed away in Arizona in 1971, they had been married for 20 years. Elizabeth was buried next to Marvin in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington County, Iowa.

Obituary of Elizabeth Coyne Warnock 

Elizabeth's obituary states that she was survived by several cousins.  It should be noted that there are no records to suggest that Elizabeth ever gave birth to a child.  

Ancestry Pro Tools

 Ancestry Pro Tools

I'm a big fan of Ancestry Pro Tools and have been using the tools for some time now.  Ancestry Pro Tools is an add-on membership that requires an active Ancestry family history membership.  The above chart shows the advanced tools in Ancestry Pro Tools.  

Recently, I've been using the Tree Checker to fix problems in my family trees - mainly merging duplicates and fixing possible errors.  Below is a clip showing the current tree rating after correcting and fixing problems.  Wish I had a before and after for the tree rating.  My tree had over 1,200 duplicates when I first started so I am making progress.   

One of the tools that I have recently tried is the Tree Mapper.   While I have not tried everything in Tree Mapper, the visuals are great!  You can filter the map by name, location, time period, family lines, etc.  Below is a map show where my direct line maternal ancestors lived during the 1750-1900 time period.  The filters for this map are shown checked on the right side of the map.

Mostly I've used the Enhanced Shared Matches, which is a DNA match game changer.  This tool alone is worth the extra cost of Pro Tools!!  Most of my DNA match mysteries have been solved using this tool😊  This tool allows me to see how my matches share DNA with our common matches.  Ancestry makes it possible to sort the shared matches of a match from close to distant.  

Thank you Ancestry.com for these tools👍😍😀

LeRoy and His Horses

LeRoy Martin, born in 1930, was the son of Elmer and Maymie (Wilson) Martin.  LeRoy was raised in Southwest Colorado and he grew up riding horses from the time he could walk.  Although, he did start off riding pigs first.🐖  To see LeRoy riding a pig, click here.  

LeRoy's mother, Maymie, loved to tell the following story of when LeRoy was in grade school in Cortez, Colorado.  One day she walked to the grade school wanting to see how LeRoy was doing in class that day.  When Maymie walked into the classroom, the teacher instead asked Maymie how LeRoy was doing and that she was sorry he was sick.  Apparently LeRoy sent a note to school saying he was sick and would not be attending school that day.  He had instead saddled up his horse, and started riding towards Dove Creek, some 30 miles away. 🐎🐎
 

LeRoy Martin 1949

The earliest photo of LeRoy and his horse was taken in 1941.  LeRoy would have been around 10 years old.  Name of the horse is unknown.  The original black & white and the colorized versions are both shown.

1941

The next group of  photographs look as if they were taken on the same day probably in 1942.  The photos were taken near Dolores, Colorado on LeRoy's grandparent's place.  LeRoy would refer to Tony as his "pony" when talking about him.  Tony is probably the horse LeRoy started riding to Dove Creek in the story above.  I've colorized the first two photos.

LeRoy and his horse Tony

L-R: Wilbur with Cheyenne & LeRoy with Tony  

Rounding up a calf

During WWII, the Martin family moved to Las Vegas.  LeRoy's father worked in a government defense plant during the war.  While living in Las Vegas, LeRoy had a horse named Dollar.  This photograph was probably taken about 1945.

LeRoy and his horse Dollar
Las Vegas, NV

LeRoy is shaking a hoof in this next photo.  Both LeRoy and his horse look like show-offs as they are posing for the photo  The photo was taken 1950 at Maymie's house in Cortez, Colorado.  Name of the horse is unknown.  

Show-offs

Next are two photos taken in 1951 in Yuma, Arizona.  The top photo is LeRoy and his horse, Edna Coath.  The next photo is Verna, LeRoy, and Edna Coath.  Interesting name for a horse.  LeRoy loved that horse so much, he wanted to name his first daughter Edna.  Thankfully his wife vetoed that.😄😍

Edna Coath (horse) and LeRoy
1951

Verna, LeRoy, Edna Coath
1951

In this next photo, LeRoy is with another favorite horse, Catnip.  Catnip was more like a family member in the Martin Family.  In this picture, Catnip is following LeRoy around and son, Chuck, is on the horse.  LeRoy is probably trying to teach Chuck, who was 4 years old, to ride. Taken 1957 in California. 

LeRoy, Catnip, Chuck

LeRoy has his two sons, Chuck and Dusty with him on this horse.  Horse's name unknown.  This was taken just outside of Yuma, Arizona in 1961. 

LeRoy with sons Dusty and Chuck
1961 Yuma, Arizona

LeRoy and his horse Billie at Durango Fairgrounds
1980s Durango, CO

LeRoy and Robin
1980s Cortez, Colorado

1990s LeRoy - Unknown horse
Cortez, Colorado

In the 1970's and 1980's, LeRoy raced horses in New Mexico and Arizona.  Below are a few "Win Pictures" during this time.

Note: If anyone in the family knows the name of any of the unknown horses pictured above, please let me know.  And, if I only have a color version posted here and anyone in the family wants the original black and white photo, just let me know and I will send it to you.😊