52 Cousins~Amanda Rivers (Brown) Vogel

Amanda Rivers Brown Vogel: A Pioneer Woman's Life (1857-1934)

Early Life and Family Background

Amanda Rivers Brown was born on February 19, 1857, in Mississippi during a time when the nation was heading toward civil war. She was the daughter of Henry Epps Brown (1820-1889) and Francis A. "Fannie" Shelton Brown (1830-1908). Henry was originally from Georgia, while Fannie hailed from Alabama, representing the mobility that characterized many Southern families of the era.

The Brown family didn't stay in Mississippi long. During the tumultuous years of the Civil War, they relocated to El Dorado in Union County, Arkansas, where Amanda spent her formative years. This move was typical of many families seeking stability and opportunity during the war's disruption.

Growing Up in Arkansas (1860-1880)

Amanda grew up in Union County, Arkansas, where census records show her living with her parents throughout her youth. The 1860 census captured her at about age 3, the 1870 census at age 13, and the 1880 census at age 23, all living in the Henry Epps Brown household in Union County. During this period, she would have witnessed the profound changes of Reconstruction in the South.

As a young woman in post-Civil War Arkansas, Amanda was part of a generation that saw dramatic social and economic transformations. The family appears to have been relatively stable during these years, providing Amanda with the foundation that would later enable her to pursue education and career opportunities that were unusual for women of her time.

Marriage and Family Life (1887-1900)

At age 30, Amanda married John Joseph Vogel on July 25, 1887, in Miller County, Arkansas. John, born in 1859, was 28 at the time of their marriage. Amanda had relocated to the Texarkana area by this time, while John was residing in Texarkana as well. The marriage record shows Amanda was living in Omaha, Morris County, Texas, just across the state line from Texarkana, Arkansas.

The couple settled in the Garland community of Miller County, Arkansas, where they started their family. Amanda proved to be a devoted mother, raising six children:

John Henry Vogel (1889-1975)

Fannie A. Vogel (1891- )

Primrose A. Vogel (1893-1977)

Florence J. Vogel (1896-1986)

Christine Vogel (1897-1981)

Robert B. Vogel Sr. (1899-1976)

However, the marriage faced serious difficulties. By 1900, John had apparently abandoned the family and left the state. Court records from Miller County show that divorce proceedings were initiated, with the court ordering John's arrest for contempt when he could not be served with legal papers. The divorce was finalized on January 1, 1900, leaving Amanda to raise six young children on her own.

Life as a Single Mother and Professional Woman (1900-1934)

Household Management and Economic Survival

After her divorce, Amanda demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. The 1900 census lists her as a "Truck Farmer," indicating she was growing vegetables and other crops for market - a practical way to support her large family while working from home. This occupation allowed her to earn income while maintaining her household and caring for her six children, who ranged in age from 10 months to 10 years.

Amanda's role as head of household was both challenging and pioneering for the time. Single motherhood in rural Arkansas in 1900 required incredible resourcefulness, and Amanda managed to keep her family together and provide for their needs through her own efforts.

Career as a Public School Teacher

By the 1910 census, Amanda had transitioned into teaching, listed as a "Teacher, Public Schools." This career change represented both personal growth and professional advancement. Teaching was one of the few professions readily accessible to women at the time, and Amanda embraced it wholeheartedly.

Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Amanda continued her teaching career with dedication. The 1920 census again shows her employed as a "Teacher, Public Schools," indicating her long-term commitment to education. Her work as an educator would have been particularly important in rural Arkansas, where qualified teachers were often in short supply.

Postmaster of Edson, Arkansas

In addition to her teaching career, Amanda achieved another notable professional milestone when she was appointed as Postmaster of Edson, Miller County, Arkansas, on September 11, 1897. This appointment made her one of the relatively few women serving as postmasters in Arkansas at the turn of the century.

The role of postmaster was significant in small communities like Edson, as the post office served as a vital communication link and often a gathering place for local residents. Amanda's appointment to this position demonstrates the respect and trust she had earned in her community, as postmaster appointments were federal positions that required reliability and competence.

Later Life and Family Relationships

As Amanda aged, several of her children remained close to home. The census records show various daughters living with her through the years, including Fannie, Florence, Christine, and Robert. By 1930, she was living with her son Robert B. Vogel and his young wife Venus E. Vogel, who was only 17 years old.

Amanda's children went on to achieve their own successes. Her son John W. Vogel became manager of the El Dorado News and Times, and her daughter Frances became the national secretary of the Young Women's Christian Association, eventually relocating to Pasadena, California.

Historical Context and Community Impact

Amanda's life spanned a remarkable period in American history. Born before the Civil War, she lived through Reconstruction, the settling of the American West, World War I, the women's suffrage movement, the Roaring Twenties, and the beginning of the Great Depression. Her professional achievements as both a teacher and postmaster placed her among the pioneering women who began entering public service roles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Her work as a public school teacher would have been particularly valuable during this era of educational expansion in Arkansas. The state was working to build its educational infrastructure, and dedicated teachers like Amanda were crucial to these efforts.

Addressing the Bar Examination Claim

Amanda's obituary in the Southwest American claimed she was "first woman in Arkansas to pass the state's bar examination." However, this claim appears to be inaccurate or at least unsubstantiated by available records. While Amanda was certainly accomplished as a teacher and postmaster, there is no evidence in the genealogical records provided that she ever attended law school or practiced law. The obituary may have confused her professional achievements or family members may have misunderstood her career accomplishments. The first female lawyer in the United States was Arabella Mansfield, admitted to the Iowa bar in 1869, and other women had been admitted to state bars throughout the country before Amanda's time.

Amanda's actual achievements as an educator and postmaster were impressive enough without this unverified claim, and they represent genuine pioneering work for women in her era and location.

Death and Legacy

Amanda Rivers Brown Vogel died on September 2, 1934, at age 77, at her country home near Texarkana, Arkansas. She was buried in Rondo Cemetery in Miller County. Her death certificate lists her as widowed and notes her parents as "Judge Henry Brown" and "Frances Brown," with slight variations in spelling that were common in records of the era.

At the time of her death, she was survived by her six children: sons John H. and Robert B., and daughters Fannie, Primrose, Florence, and Christine. Her legacy lived on through her children's achievements and her years of service to the educational system of Arkansas.

Conclusion

Amanda Rivers Brown Vogel represents the spirit of determination and adaptability that characterized many women of her generation. Faced with the challenges of single motherhood in rural Arkansas, she built a successful career in education while maintaining her household and raising six children to adulthood. Her work as both a teacher and postmaster made meaningful contributions to her community during a time when such professional opportunities for women were limited.

While her obituary's claim about being Arkansas's first female lawyer appears to be unfounded, her actual accomplishments - as an educator, public servant, and mother - represent the real pioneering spirit of women who expanded their roles and opportunities in the early 20th century. Amanda's life story is one of resilience, professional achievement, and dedication to both family and community service.

Amanda Rivers Brown Vogel is my 2nd Cousin 4X Removed. 

______________________________

Endnotes

 24 August 2025

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed 7 August 2011); Memorial page for Amanda R. Brown Vogel; (19 February 1857–2 September 1934); Find a Grave memorial # 67719488, Citing Rondo Cemetery; Rondo (Miller County), Miller County, Arkansas, USA.

 2. 1860 U. S. Census, Union County, Arkansas, population schedule, EL Dorado, Union County, Arkansas, Page 316, Line 30, Dwelling/Family 704/652, Household of Henry BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 31 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653 Roll 51.

 3. 1870 U. S. Census, Union County, Arkansas, population schedule, El Dorado, Union County, Arkansas, Page: 510A; Line 36, Dwelling 342, Family 342, Household of Henry BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 31 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M593 Roll 65.

 4. 1880 U. S. Census, Union County, Arkansas, population schedule, El Dorado, Union County, Arkansas, enumeration district (ED) #278, Page 348A; Line 1, Dwelling 100, Family 101, Household of Henry BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 31 July 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: T9-0058.

 5. Appointments of U. S. Postmasters 1832-1971, U. S. Postmasters, https://www.ancestry.com 

(https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1932/records/129518: online Appointment Date 11 Sep 1897), Amanda R Vogel.

 6. 1900 U. S. Census, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, population schedule, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, enumeration district (ED) #120, Page: 188, Line 92, Dwelling 36, Family 36, Household of Mrs. Amanda R. VOGEL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 7 August 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: T623_0068.

 7. 1910 U. S. Census, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, population schedule, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, enumeration district (ED) #0066, Page: 56A; Line 26, Dwelling 304, Family 307, Household of Amanda VOGEL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 7 August 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: T624_0057.

 8. 1920 U. S. Census, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, population schedule, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, enumeration district (ED) 0067, Page: 9B/39B (stamped); Line 63, Dwelling 184, Family 184, Household of Amanda R. VOGEL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online July 2025); citing NARA publication Roll: T625.

 9. 1930 U. S. Census, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, population schedule, Garland, Miller County, Arkansas, enumeration district (ED) 15, Page: 3A/198A (stamped); Line 22, Dwelling 49, Family 53, Household of Amanda R. VOGEL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online July 2025); citing NARA publication Roll: T626.

 10. Noxubee County, Mississippi, USA, Will Book B: page 331 Henry Brown WILL daughter Amanda; https://www.ancestry.com, Salt Lake City, Utah.

 11. "Arkansas' First Recognized Woman Lawyer Dies Sunday," Obituary, Southwest American, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 3 September 1934, Page 3, Column 3; Digital on-line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/ : online July 

2025); https://www.newspapers.com/.

 12. Miller County, Arkansas, marriage certificate (25 July 1887), J. J. Vogel & Amanda Brown; County Clerks, Miller County, Arkansas.

 13. Miller County, Arkansas, Chancery Circuit Court Record; Chancery Court, Texarkana, Miller County, Arkansas.

Aunts & Uncles~The Life of Sarah Jane Previtte McCall (1871-1945)

 The “Aunt & Uncle” series of biographical sketches are Aritficial Intellence) AI compiled narratives of selected individuals from my Genealogical database.  The selected AI will used the RootsMagic Individual Summary from my Genealogical Software, Roots Magic. All genealogical data is my research material acquired over the past 46 years of research.

The Life of Sarah Jane (Previtte) McCall (1871-1945)

Early Life and Family Background

Sarah Jane Previtte was born on May 20, 1871, near the Zoar United Methodist Church in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. She was the daughter of John Washington Previtte (1824-1913) and Elizabeth "Bette" Davis Previtte (1841-1900). Sarah Jane, who was also known as "Sallie," grew up in a large farming family during the challenging Reconstruction era following the Civil War.

The 1880 census shows nine-year-old Sarah living with her parents and several siblings on the family farm. Her father John was listed as a farmer, working to rebuild and sustain the family during the economically difficult post-war years. Sarah's siblings included William, Martha, James, John, Clara, and Emma, making for a bustling household where everyone likely had responsibilities to help keep the farm running.

Marriage and Family Life

Around 1889, at approximately 18 years old, Sarah Jane married James Francis "Jack" McCall (1867-1943) in Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. This union would last 54 years until James's death in 1943, just two years before Sarah's own passing.

Together, Sarah Jane and James Francis "Jack" raised five children:

Willie May McCall (1892-1982)

Mary Elizabeth McCall (1894-1979)

John Alexander McCall (1896-1972)

Nancy Ross McCall (1900-1993)

James Howard McCall (1906-1943)

Tragically, their youngest son James Howard died in 1943, the same year as his father, which must have been devastating for Sarah Jane in her final years.

Life as a Tinner's Wife

James Francis McCall worked as a "tinner," operating his own tinner shop in Cheraw. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, tinners were essential craftsmen who worked with tin-plated iron and other metals to create and repair household items. On a daily basis, James would have crafted kitchen utensils, pots, pans, buckets, gutters, downspouts, and roofing materials. Tinners also repaired these items, as families couldn't afford to replace things easily during those times. The work involved cutting, shaping, soldering, and finishing metal pieces—skilled labor that required steady hands and years of experience.

The tinner's trade was physically demanding, involving work with fire, sharp tools, and heavy materials. James would have started early each morning, heating his forge, preparing his tools, and working on custom orders or repairs brought in by local families and businesses.

Sarah Jane's Role in Supporting the Family Business

As the wife of a tinner and mother to sons who likely learned the trade, Sarah Jane played a crucial supporting role in the family business. She would have managed the household to allow James to focus on his craft, but her support likely extended far beyond domestic duties. Sarah Jane probably helped with the business by keeping accounts, managing customer payments, and maintaining inventory of materials and finished goods.

During busy periods, she may have assisted in the shop itself—cleaning finished pieces, organizing tools, or helping with simpler tasks like sorting metal scraps for reuse. When customers came to the shop, Sarah Jane would have greeted them, discussed their needs, and scheduled work. Her role was essential in maintaining the relationships that kept steady business coming through the door.

As their sons grew older, Sarah Jane would have coordinated their training in the shop, ensuring they learned not just the technical skills but also the business practices that would serve them throughout their lives. She understood that the success of the tinner shop meant security for her entire family.

Life Through Changing Times (1871-1945)

Sarah Jane lived through remarkable changes in American history. Born during Reconstruction, she witnessed the end of the frontier era, the Spanish-American War, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the early years of World War II.

The census records show the family's stability in Chesterfield County throughout these decades. From 1900 to 1940, Sarah Jane and James remained in the Cheraw area, raising their children and maintaining their business through economic ups and downs. The consistency of their location suggests James's tinner shop was successful enough to support the large family through various economic challenges.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, when Sarah Jane was in her 60s, the skills of a tinner would have been especially valuable. People needed to repair rather than replace items, and James's ability to fix pots, pans, and household implements would have been in high demand.

Later Years and Legacy

Sarah Jane spent her final years in Cheraw, where she had built her life and raised her family. After James's death in 1943, she lived as a widow for nearly two years. The loss of both her husband and youngest son in the same year must have been incredibly difficult for her.

Sarah Jane Previtte McCall passed away on February 22, 1945, at the age of 73. She was buried the next day at Old Saint Davids Episcopal Church Cemetery in Cheraw, joining her husband and continuing her connection to the community that had been her home for over 50 years.

Historical Context

Sarah Jane's life spanned from the end of the Civil War through World War II—a period of tremendous change in the American South. She lived through the challenges of Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow laws, the transformation from an agricultural to an industrial economy, and two world wars. As a woman in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she managed a household and supported a business during times when women's roles were largely domestic but often extended far beyond the home by necessity.

Her story represents the experiences of countless women who supported their families and communities through their quiet strength, business acumen, and dedication to family during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

Through her five children, Sarah Jane's legacy continued well into the 20th century, with her descendants carrying forward the values of hard work, family loyalty, and community connection that she and James had instilled in their family.

Sarah Jane (Previtte) McCall is my Great Grandaunt.

___________________

Endnotes 22 August 2025 

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 June 2012); Memorial page for Sara Jane Previtt McCall; (20 May 1871–22 February 1945); Find a Grave memorial # 66228149, Citing Old Saint Davids Episcopal Church Cemetery; Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA. 

2. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #5, Page: 326B, Line 43,, Dwelling 291, Family 291, Household of John PRIVOTT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225. 

3. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #18, Page 57A, Line 25, Dwelling 194, Family 205, Household of James McCALL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 5 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1523. 

4. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0033, Page 49, Line 25, Dwelling 25, Family 25, Household of James McCALL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 5 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T624_1455. 

5. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #36, Page 75A, Line 15, Dwelling 276, Family 281, Household of James McCALL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 5 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690. 

6. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #7, Page 200A, Line 30, Dwelling 75, Family 82, Household of James F. McCALL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 5 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_2192.

7. 1940 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 13-7, Page 94B/1B; Line 42, Household #308;, Household of James F. McCALL; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://Ancestry.com : viewed 1 July 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 3799. 

8. Sarah J. Mccall, death certificate 006962 (22 February 1945), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina

52 Cousins~John Henry Earnhart: A Life in Tennessee and Missouri (1841-1896)

 John Henry Earnhart

Early Life and Family Origins

John Henry Earnhart was born on October 6, 1841, in Bedford County, Tennessee, to Daniel Earnhart and Martha Ann. His father Daniel (1809-1883) was a well-established resident of the area, having been born during the presidency of James Madison. The Earnhart family had put down deep roots in Bedford County, which was still considered frontier territory when John Henry came into the world.

John Henry grew up during a pivotal time in American history. When he was born in 1841, the nation was experiencing westward expansion, and Tennessee was transitioning from a frontier state to a more settled agricultural region. Bedford County, located in south-central Tennessee, was known for its rolling hills and fertile farmland.

Childhood and Youth (1841-1860)

The 1850 census shows nine-year-old John Henry living with his parents in District 18 of Bedford County. As a boy growing up in rural Tennessee, he would have experienced the typical life of a farming family - helping with chores, attending whatever schooling was available, and learning the skills necessary for agricultural life.

By 1860, when John Henry was about 19 years old, he was still living in his father's household in the Western Division of District 18. This was a crucial time in American history, as the country was on the brink of civil war. The tensions between North and South would have been felt even in rural Tennessee, and young men like John Henry would soon face difficult decisions about their futures.

Marriage and Family Life

Around 1860, at approximately age 19, John Henry married Evaline Wise, who was born in 1838 and was about two years his senior. Evaline came from the local area, and their marriage represented the joining of two established Bedford County families. Unfortunately, no marriage documents have survived for this couple, which was not uncommon in rural areas of the time.

John Henry and Evaline were blessed with six children over the course of their marriage:

Martha Elizabeth Earnhart (1861-1940) - Their first child, born when John Henry was just 20 years old

William Daniel Earnhart (1863-1954) - Named after his grandfather Daniel, William lived to be 91 years old

James Robert "Bob" Earnhart (1867-1950) - Known by his nickname "Bob," he lived to age 83

Margaret Susan Earnhart (1870-1948) - Born when the family was establishing itself in the post-Civil War era

John Wesley Earnhart (1873-1959) - Named after his father, he lived to be 86 years old

Francis Matilda Earnhart (1875-1956) - The youngest daughter, who lived to be 81

The Civil War Era (1861-1865)

John Henry's early married life coincided with the American Civil War. At age 20 when the war began, he was prime age for military service. Tennessee was deeply divided during the conflict, with the eastern part of the state remaining largely loyal to the Union while the western and middle sections, including Bedford County, generally supported the Confederacy.

The war years would have been challenging for the young family. Even if John Henry didn't serve in the military, the war affected everyone through economic hardship, food shortages, and the general disruption of normal life. The birth of their first two children, Martha Elizabeth in 1861 and William Daniel in 1863, occurred during these turbulent times.

Post-War Life and Family Building (1865-1880)

The post-Civil War period brought both challenges and opportunities. The 1870 census shows John Henry, now 29, established as the head of his own household in District 18, Bedford County. The family included Evaline (listed as age 32), and their children: Martha (8), William (7), James Robert, who was recorded as "Jones" (4), and baby Margaret, listed as 7/12 years old (meaning she was 7 months old).

By 1880, the census reveals a thriving family. John Henry, now 38, was still farming in the same district where he'd grown up. Evaline was 42, and their household included Martha (17), William (16), Robert (14), Susan (11), John (8), and Fanny (5). The family had grown and prospered during the Reconstruction era, managing to maintain their place in the community despite the challenges of the post-war period.

Historical Context of John Henry's Lifetime

John Henry lived through some of the most transformative years in American history. Born during the presidency of John Tyler, he witnessed the Mexican-American War, the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

During his lifetime, Tennessee experienced significant changes. The state was readmitted to the Union in 1866, and the period of Reconstruction brought both political upheaval and gradual economic recovery. Agriculture remained the backbone of Bedford County's economy, and families like the Earnharts represented the continuity that helped communities rebuild and thrive.

The Move to Missouri and Final Years

Sometime after 1880, John Henry and his family made the decision to leave Tennessee and relocate to Christian County, Missouri. This move was part of a larger pattern of westward migration that characterized the late 19th century. Many Tennessee families sought new opportunities in Missouri, which offered fertile farmland and the promise of a fresh start.

Christian County, located in the southwestern part of Missouri, was experiencing growth and development during this period. The area offered good agricultural opportunities and was served by expanding railroad networks that connected rural communities to larger markets.

Death and Legacy

John Henry Earnhart died on August 25, 1896, in Christian County, Missouri, at the age of 54. His death came during a time when the American frontier was officially closing, and the country was rapidly industrializing. He was laid to rest in Wise Hill Cemetery in Clever, Christian County, Missouri.

John Henry's legacy lived on through his children, who went on to live remarkably long lives. His wife Evaline survived him by 17 years, passing away in 1913. Together, they had created a family that spanned nearly a century of American history, with some of their children living well into the 1950s.

The Earnhart family story represents the experience of countless American families who made the journey from the established communities of the East to the developing regions of the West, carrying with them the values, traditions, and determination that helped build the nation. John Henry's 54 years encompassed some of the most dramatic and transformative decades in American history, and his family's survival and prosperity stand as a testament to the resilience of the American spirit.

John Henry Earnhart is my 2nd Cousin 4X Removed. 

___________________

Note: My AI friend, Claude Sonnett 4, and I created this biography using an Individual Summary sheet from my RootsMagic Genealogy software. All research was done by the author of Carolinafamilyroots.   

Endnotes 21 August 2025 

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed June 2025); Memorial page for John Henry Earnhart; (6 October 1841–6 October 1841); Find a Grave memorial # 70064390, Citing Wise Hill Cemetery; Clever, Christian County, Missouri, USA. 

2. 1850 U. S. Census, Bedford County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 18, Bedford, Tennessee, Page: 185A (Stamped); Line 7, Dwelling 2, Family 2, Household of Daniel EARNHEART; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 May 2022); citing National Archives Microfilm M432. 

3. 1860 U. S. Census, Bedford County, Tennessee, population schedule, Western Division District 18, Bedford, Tennessee, Page 248 (Stamped); Line 8, Dwelling 1241, Family 1195, Household of Daniel EARNHEART; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 May 2022); citing National Archives Microfilm M653. 

4. 1870 U. S. Census, Bedford County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 18, Bedford, Tennessee, Page:#331B (Stamped); Line:#20, Dwelling:#181; Family:#191, Household of John EARNHART; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : online June 2025); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_. 

5. 1880 U. S. Census, Bedford County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 18, Bedford, Tennessee, enumeration district (ED) 12, Page:#331B (Stamped); Line:#7, Dwelling:#1; Family:#3, Household of John EARNHART; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : online June 2025); citing National Archives Microfilm T9_

6. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed June 2025); Memorial page for Evaline Wise Earnhart; (30 April 1838–21 July 1913); Find a Grave memorial # 70064258, Citing Wise Hill Cemetery; Clever, Christian County, Missouri, USA.

7. 1910 U. S. Census, Christian County, Missouri, population schedule, Porter, Christian, Missouri, enumeration district (ED) 0040, Page:#21B/100B (Stamped); Line:#76, Dwelling:#76; Family:#76, Household of James M. LETT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : online June 2025); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll:.

HEIRS FILE SUIT TO RECOVER LAND

HEIRS FILE SUIT TO RECOVER LAND 

Estate - Valned at $150,000 a Bone of Contention

A BIG LEGAL FIGHT IS ON 

Property Is Located Near the City Adjoining Soldiers' Home.

WAS ONCE OWNED BY WILLIAM TERRELL 

Possession of the Property Is Now Claimed by W. C. Gill and Mrs. Lucy Wilson. 

The largest ejectment suit ever placed or. record in Fulton county was filed late yesterday afternoon in the clerk's office. The suit involves property located adjoining the soldiers' home, which is valued at $150,000. The property is claimed by Hester Ford. Coleman Ford. Mary Jane Johnson, William Terrell and a number of others who allege that they are entitled to it as the heirs of William Terrell, who left a will. The property is claimed to be a remainder under this will and the fight that has just been inaugurated in the courts by the filing of the suit promises to become famous before the end is reached, as the vast amount of property will be bitterly contended for by those who now claim possession.

Many years ago Mr. William Terrell, a wealthy farmer of DeKalb County, secured the property which is now being contested for. In 1851 Mr. Terrell died. leaving a will, providing that a life estate in the property go to his heirs and that the remainder go to the very persons who are the plaintiffs in the ejectment suit which was filed yesterday. 

The suit is brought by Attorneys Peter F. Smith. E. M. and G. F. Mitchell. of Atlanta. and Oscar Reese and J. M. McBride, of Carrollton. It is alleged that the property.which is now held by W. C. Gill and Mrs. Lucy Wilson, is held. illegally and that the right of possession should be delivered to the plaintiffs in the present suit for ejectment. The suit is filed in the superior court and represents one of the largest claims that has ever been sued for in this county. 

The property is located in the eastern suburbs of the city. It is adjoining the soldiers' home property and is very valuable. When the soldiers home property was purchased it is said an effort was made by the present holders of the Terrell property to sell their land to the home committee, but this was declined and the title did not pass. The property is occupied. by various persons and is improved to a considerable extent, but the most of it is in woods and cultivation. It is just beyond the city limits, and although it was purchased by William Terrell at an insignificant amount, it has since multiplied in value and the entire- tract did not originally cost more than one acre of the property is now worth. 

The legal fight will be made upon the provisions of the will of William Terrell, and the plaintiffs declare that they are entitled to the remainder under the terms of the will and last testament of old man Terrell.

_____________________________________

Article clipped from The Atlanta Constitution Courtesy of Newspaper.com 

The Atlanta Constitution

Atlanta, Georgia

06 Jun 1897

Page 18

52 Cousins~Pioneer William Ervin Cook (1809-1892)

Early Life and Family Origins

William Ervin Cook was born in December 1809 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, during a time when the young United States was still finding its footing as a nation. He was the son of Daniel Cook Sr. (1770-1815) and Ruth Moultrie (1775-1830), both of whom had lived through the Revolutionary War era and witnessed the birth of American independence.

William's father, Daniel Cook Sr., was born in 1770, making him a child during the Revolutionary War. His mother, Ruth Moultrie, was born in 1775, the same year the war began. The Moultrie name carries significance in South Carolina history, as it's associated with the famous Fort Moultrie in Charleston Harbor, suggesting the family may have had connections to the region's colonial and revolutionary history.

Childhood and the Move West

William's childhood was marked by the typical challenges of frontier life in the early 1800s. When he was just six years old in 1815, his father Daniel passed away, leaving Ruth to raise William and his siblings alone. This loss occurred during the difficult years following the War of 1812, when many American families were struggling to rebuild and establish themselves.

The family's westward migration began when William was still young. By 1824, when William was about 14 years old, the family had moved to Stewart County, Tennessee. On September 30, 1824, his mother Ruth executed a deed of gift involving William, indicating he was beginning to take on adult responsibilities at a young age—common for frontier families where children often had to mature quickly.

Young Adulthood and Brothers in Business

William had at least two brothers: John Cook and Martin Cook. The three brothers worked together in various business ventures as young men. In 1832, when William was about 22 years old, he joined his brothers John and Martin in a significant land transaction with Isaac Futrell in Trigg County, Kentucky. This deed, recorded in Deed Book 10, page 82, suggests the Cook brothers were establishing themselves as landowners and businessmen in Kentucky.

This period of the 1830s was significant in American history, as it marked the era of westward expansion and the beginning of what would later be called "Manifest Destiny." The Cook family was part of the great migration of Americans seeking new opportunities in the frontier territories.

First Marriage and Family

On April 20, 1840, at age 30, William married Levisa Downs in Trigg County, Kentucky. Levisa was born around 1822, making her about 18 years old at the time of their marriage. She was the daughter of Benjamin T. Downs and Elizabeth Stubblefield, connecting William to other established Kentucky families.

This was a time of great change in America, with the presidency of Martin Van Buren giving way to William Henry Harrison, who famously died after just 31 days in office. The country was grappling with economic depression and the growing tensions over slavery that would eventually lead to civil war.

William and Levisa welcomed two sons:

Benjamin Franklin Cook (1841-1927) - Named after the famous founding father, reflecting the patriotic sentiment of the era

John Thomas Cook (1842-1879) - Possibly named after William's brother John

Tragically, Levisa died sometime before 1845, leaving William a widower with two young sons to raise. Her burial place remains unknown, which was unfortunately common for many women of this era whose graves were poorly marked or lost to time.

Second Marriage and Growing Family

On July 12, 1845, William married Naomi Calhoun (sometimes recorded as Cohoon), the daughter of David G. Calhoun and Rebecca Futrell. Naomi was born around 1817 in Kentucky, making her about 28 years old at the time of their marriage and about eight years William's junior.

This marriage brought William into connection with the Futrell family, which appears to have been significant in the area, as evidenced by the earlier land transactions and the fact that there was a place called "Futrell" in Trigg County where the family later lived.

William and Naomi had three children together:

David Cook (1848-1852) - Sadly died at just four years old

Sarah Jane Cook (1850-1890) - Later became Sarah Jane Cook Beaty

James Daniel Cook (1854-1936) - Lived to be 82 years old

Life During the Civil War Era

The 1860 census provides a snapshot of the Cook family during a pivotal moment in American history. William, age 51, was living in Trigg County, Kentucky, with his wife Naomi (45) and their children. The household included James Thomas Cook (19), Benjamin Franklin Cook (17), Sarah Jane Cook (11), and James Daniel Cook (5).

Kentucky's position during the Civil War was particularly complex. Though officially neutral at first, the state was deeply divided, with families often split between Union and Confederate sympathies. Trigg County, located in western Kentucky near the Tennessee border, saw significant military activity throughout the war.

William would have been in his early 50s during the Civil War years (1861-1865), making him too old for military service but certainly affected by the conflict. His older sons, Benjamin Franklin and John Thomas, would have been of military age, though specific military records are not mentioned in the family documents.

Post-War Years and Later Life

The years following the Civil War brought significant changes to Kentucky and the nation. Tax records from 1866-1871 show that William continued to be a property owner in Trigg County, paying taxes during the difficult Reconstruction period when many families struggled financially.

The 1870 census, taken five years after the war's end, shows the family living in Futrell, Trigg County. At age 60, William was still the head of household, with Naomi (56), their daughter Jane (20), and son James D. (15) still at home. This was during the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, as the nation worked to heal from the devastating civil war.

By 1880, family circumstances had changed significantly. The census shows William's son James Daniel Cook had become the head of his own household in Calloway County, Kentucky, with William listed as "Father" in the household, indicating he was likely living with his son in his later years.

Final Years and Legacy

William Ervin Cook passed away on June 5, 1892, at the impressive age of 82 in Calloway County, Kentucky. He was buried in Hooper Cemetery in Calloway County, where his tombstone records his birth in December 1809 and death on June 5, 1892. The inscription on his memorial reflects the religious faith that sustained many families through the trials of the 19th century: "I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT. I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE. I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH" (2 Timothy 4:7).

William had lived through some of the most significant periods in American history: the War of 1812, westward expansion, the Mexican-American War, the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. His life spanned the presidencies from James Madison to Benjamin Harrison—a period that saw the United States transform from a young, uncertain nation to a continental power.

Historical Context of William's Lifetime

During William's 82 years of life (1809-1892), America underwent dramatic changes:

1809-1820s: The era of westward expansion and the Missouri Compromise

1830s-1840s: The Indian Removal Act, the rise of Manifest Destiny, and the Mexican-American War

1850s: The Compromise of 1850, Kansas-Nebraska Act, and growing tensions over slavery

1860s: The Civil War and early Reconstruction

1870s-1880s: The completion of the transcontinental railroad, the end of Reconstruction, and rapid industrialization

William's family was part of the great migration patterns that helped settle Kentucky and the broader Ohio River valley. Their moves from South Carolina to Tennessee to Kentucky reflected the typical path of many American families seeking better opportunities on the frontier.

Family Legacy

William's descendants continued to thrive in Kentucky. His son James Daniel Cook lived until 1936, spanning nearly the entire 19th century and well into the 20th. The Cook family became established members of their Kentucky communities, with several generations calling the Bluegrass State home.

The Find a Grave memorial for William includes the touching inscription: "TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND, IS NEVER TO DIE," suggesting that his memory remained cherished by his descendants long after his passing in 1892.

___________________________

Note: Claude Sonnett 4 created this biography using an Individual Summary sheet from my RootsMagic Genealogy software. All research was done by the author of Carolinafamilyroots.   

 

52 Cousins~Johannes Detweiler (1766-1816)

 Johannes Detweiler: A Life in Colonial and Early America (1766-1816)

Early Life and Family Background

Johannes Detweiler was born on November 24, 1766, in Upper Hanover Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania (later Montgomery County), during the tumultuous period leading up to the American Revolution. He was the son of Jacob Detweiler Jr. (1728-1789) and Maria Margaretha Derr (1734-1792), part of the substantial German immigrant community that had settled in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Johannes grew up in a region where German-speaking immigrants made up a significant portion of the population, with an estimated 100,000 German speakers having settled in Pennsylvania between the 1680s and the American Revolution, comprising about a third of Philadelphia's population by the 1760s. The Detweiler family, like many of their German neighbors, were likely farmers who had established themselves in the fertile lands of what would become Montgomery County.

Growing Up During the Revolution (1766-1789)

Johannes came of age during one of the most significant periods in American history. Born just ten years before the Declaration of Independence, he would have experienced his childhood against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War. Pennsylvania played a crucial role in the American Revolution, with Philadelphia serving as the capital of the Thirteen Colonies and the gathering place for the Founding Fathers who developed and signed the Declaration of Independence.

As a young boy in Upper Hanover Township, Johannes would have witnessed the effects of war on his community. Pennsylvania troops participated in almost all Revolutionary War campaigns, and the Pennsylvania Line was organized into thirteen regiments with several independent companies taking part in various battles including the New Jersey campaign of 1776.

The early European settlers in what became Montgomery County in the eighteenth century maintained prosperous farms, forges, and mills, depending on the Philadelphia market to sell their products and its port to connect them to the wider colonial world. Johannes's family would have been part of this agricultural community, likely farming the rich Pennsylvania soil that had drawn so many German immigrants to the region.

Marriage and Young Adulthood (1789-1805)

On April 7, 1789, at the age of 22, Johannes married Magdalena Gucker (1766-1852) in Falkner Swamp, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. This marriage took place during the early years of the new American republic, just as George Washington was being inaugurated as the first President of the United States.

Magdalena, born the same year as Johannes, would prove to be a lifelong companion, surviving him by 36 years. Together, they established their household in Upper Hanover Township, where Johannes followed in his father's footsteps as a yeoman farmer.

The couple had at least one daughter, Suzanna Detweiler, born in 1800. Suzanna would live a long life, passing away in 1866, well into the Civil War era, representing the generational bridge from the colonial period through America's greatest internal conflict.

Property and Prosperity (1805)

By 1805, Johannes had achieved sufficient prosperity to engage in significant land transactions. On May 23, 1805, at the age of 38, he and Magdalena sold a substantial tract of land to Henry Smith, a saddler from the same area. The deed reveals fascinating details about the family's circumstances and the local community.

The property transaction involved 57 acres and 108 perches of land for the considerable sum of £628, 7 shillings, and 6 pence in Pennsylvania currency. The detailed legal document shows that this land was part of a larger 186-acre tract that Johannes had inherited from his father, Jacob Detweiler the elder, through proceedings in the Montgomery County Orphans' Court on November 16, 1792.

The deed also reveals Johannes's thoughtful approach to land management. He retained important rights, including "the privilege of a passage" through the sold property and "an equal privilege of the water that is and may be conveyed for the convenience of watering the meadow." These provisions ensured that selling the land wouldn't compromise his ability to manage his remaining property effectively.

The presence of witnesses Benjamin Markley and Daniel Boyer, and the careful legal procedures involved, demonstrate the established legal and social networks that had developed in Montgomery County by the early 1800s.

Life in Early Republican America

Johannes lived through the presidencies of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. He witnessed the young nation's growing pains, including the Whiskey Rebellion, the development of political parties, the Louisiana Purchase, and the tensions with Britain that would eventually lead to the War of 1812.

As a Pennsylvania German farmer, Johannes was part of a community that had to balance their German cultural heritage with their identity as Americans. The Pennsylvania German community maintained their language, religious practices, and cultural traditions while fully participating in American civic life.

Final Years and Legacy (1816)

Johannes Detweiler died on May 5, 1816, at the age of 49, in Red Hill, Upper Hanover, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. His death occurred during the same year that the War of 1812 officially concluded, marking the end of another chapter in the young nation's history.

He was laid to rest in Saint Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Red Hill, Montgomery County, in the Old Section, Row V. His gravestone inscription simply reads "Married Magdalena Gucker 1789," highlighting the importance of his 27-year marriage in how he wished to be remembered.

Magdalena lived as a widow for 36 more years, passing away in 1852 at the remarkable age of 86, having witnessed the transformation of America from a collection of rebellious colonies to an established nation stretching from coast to coast.

Historical Context and Significance

Johannes Detweiler's life spanned exactly fifty years of crucial American development. Born in the final decade of colonial rule, he lived through the Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, the adoption of the Constitution, and the early decades of the Republic. His family's experience reflects that of thousands of Pennsylvania German families who helped build the agricultural foundation of American prosperity.

The Detweiler family story represents the successful integration of German immigrants into American society while maintaining their cultural identity. Johannes's progression from the son of immigrants to a prosperous landowner exemplifies the opportunities available in early America for hardworking families.

His life also illustrates the importance of the Pennsylvania German community in American development. These settlers created prosperous farms and businesses that formed the economic backbone of southeastern Pennsylvania, connecting rural communities to Philadelphia's markets and international trade networks.

Through his daughter Suzanna, who lived until 1866, Johannes's legacy extended well into the 19th century, bridging the gap between colonial America and the modern industrial nation that emerged after the Civil War. The Detweiler family story continues to represent the enduring American ideals of hard work, family commitment, and community building that helped shape the nation during its formative years.

Johannes Detweiler is my 1st Cousin 6X Removed. 

______________

Note: Claude Sonnett 4 created this biography using an Individual Summary sheet from my RootsMagic Genealogy software. All research was done by the author of Carolinafamilyroots.   

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  June 2025); Memorial page for Johannes Detweiler; (24 November 1766–5 May 1816); Find a Grave memorial # 115998455, Citing Saint Pauls Lutheran Cemetery; Red Hill, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA.

2. Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Deed Book 26: page 731, Deed:  Jno Detweiler to Henry Smith; Register of Deeds, Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvanis.

3. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Johannes Detweiler (24 November 1766–5 May 1816), Memorial # 115998455.

4. "Pennsylvania Marriages, 1700-1821," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : online June 2025), Marriage:  Johannes Dettweyler and Magdalena Gugger, Marriage Date 7 Apr 1789.

5. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Magdalena Gucker Detweiler (20 June 1766–7 March 1852), Memorial # 115998443.

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The Last Will of John Martin Derr, Jr.

John Martin Derr, Jr. was born about 1737, a son of Johan Martin Derr, Sr. and Maria Gertraut Echard, He married Anna Maria Ursula Cassell abt 1760 in Frederiuck County, Maryland. They were the parents of eleven children; ten of which are named within this Last Will and Testament. One son (Apr 1783- 17 Aug 1783) died as a child.    

Full Transcription

In The Name of God Amen I John Martin Derr of Frederick County in the State of Maryland being Sick and Weak in body but of Sound and Disposing mind memory and understanding considering the certainty of Death and the uncertainty of the time thereof and being Desirous to Settle my Worldly affairs and thanks for the better Prepared to Leave this world when it Shall Please God to call me hence do therefore make and Publish this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following - That is to say - First and Principally I commit my Soul into the hands of Almighty God and my Body to the Earth to be Decently Buried at the Discretion of my Executor hereinafter named and after my Debts & funeral charges are paid and my wives thirds thereof out I Devise and bequeath as follows –

I Devise and bequeath unto my ten Children and one Grand Child to wit George, John, Margaret,  Christina, Elizabeth, Catharine, Mary, Susanna, Eve and Sally my sons and Daughters and Betsey Miller the daughter of my Daughter Barbara Deceased under the restrictions and provisions hereinafter mentioned all my Estate both real and personal that I am Seized Possessed of by this will to them their heirs and assigns forever Share and Share alike Provided always that Should any Daughter Eve not Succeed in procuring a Lad to annul the marriage heretofore Solemnized between the said Eve and Conrad Holtzman who has since Left her then and in that case the Share which the said Eve would otherwise be entitled to I Devise and bequeath to the Children of the said Eve which She now has to be Equally Divided between them but Should the said Eve at any time before the said Children are of age want assistance my Executors hereinafter Directed in case the said Eve Shall Post an Obligation to the said Children with such Security as he Shall approve of for the Payment of their respective Shares to Each of them when they Severally arrive of full Age to Pay over to the said Eve the Amount of such Share _____ Item I give and bequeath unto my Dear Wife Elizabeth one bed and the furniture thereto & Chattels of her Dower I give and bequeath unto my Dear Wife the one third Part of my Personal Estate - the Partition of one third of my real Estate during her life time together with one of the Smallest houses on the old Place which I Submit not behalf of any my time So during my Executor to have it done in a compleat manner out of my Estate also so much of the Garden as Extends from the Shop to the Grave Stone - It is my will and desire that Should my dear Wife Prefer an Annuity to the use of one third of my Land then & in that case I direct my Executor to Pay Annually And every year during her Life the one third of the rent of my real Estate after Deducting necessary repairs and taxes to her or her Order But Should she Prefer having her Dower laid off I Desire that my Friends John Granice Christopher Still and Michael Myers be the Persons to make the Erection of said Dower without any Interference in the Least Whatever And I do hereby appoint them commissioners for that Purpose and Should Either of them die before my Decease I accomplish the & Provisions are to be made to Share a third Person to fill the Vacancy So further direct that this Location be returned to the Office of the Clerk of Frederick County Court to be recorded which return and location I will be as binding on those concerned as if it had been done by a Legal commission.

Item I give and bequeath unto Betsey Miller the wife of John Miller herein before mentioned the Sum of Twenty five Pounds three Shillings five Pounds are to be Deducted from the Share of the said Betsey Miller and for like before the said Betsey arrives at full age my Executor Shall find out her Portion on Interest till She becomes of Age

Item I now much as my Daughter Elizabeth has had Advancement give to the amount of Eighty Pounds it is my will that the Same be brought into view and Deducted from her Share

Item my legacies are to be Divided between my son George and my son John ___ Item my Personal Property not otherwise disposed of Situated my Executor to Sell at Public Sale and Pay over the Proceeds thereof to the Several Persons Entitled by this will

Item in case my Dear wife accepts this Annuity herein Provided in lieu of her Dower my Executor herein after named is hereby authorized to rent out my real Estate annually during her life time and after Paying the annuity aforesaid to Divide the residue among all those Entitled share and share alike except that which Betsey Miller is Entitled shall be Put on Interest as is hereinbefore Provided - but none my wife Prefer having her dower Laid off then and in that case She shall be rent out the remaining two thirds and Divide the rent as aforesaid ___ Item After the death of my wife my Executor is hereby Authorized and required to sell all my Real Estate Either at Private or Public Sale to the best advantage and Divide the money arising from such sale among those Entitled under the Provisions of this will as legal heirs

Item my Executor herein after named is hereby Authorized to Execute a good and Sufficient conveyance to the Purchasers of any real Estate in as ample a manner as I my self could do

Item I give and bequeath unto my son George and I him all my Wagon making tools Share & Share alike

Will I lastly do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend John Granice to be Executor of this my Last will and Testament - and if the said John Granice Shall die before his duties as Executor of this will Shall be finally done then and in that case I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend Michael Myers to succeed him as Executor of this my Last will and Testament revoking and Annulling all former wills by me heretofore made ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my act will and testament.

In testament whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Affixed my seal this twenty second day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and nine.

Signed, Sealed Published and Declared   John M Derr [seal]

by John M Derr the above named

Testator as and for his Last will and

Testament in the Presence of us who

at his request in his Presence and in

the Presence of each Other have Subscribed

our names be Witnesses hereto

Jacob Cramer, Ephraim Ridge

John Cramer

Frederick County to wit on the 23rd day of March 1812 then came Jacob Gramer and made Oath on the Holy Evangel of Almighty God

That the foregoing Instrument of writing is the true whole will and Testament of John Martin Derr late of Frederick County Deceased that hath come to his hands and Possession and that he doth not know of any Other                          Rich Butler Reg

Frederick County to wit on the 23rd day of March 1812 then came Jacob Cramer, Ephraim Ridge and John Cramer the three Subscribing Witnesses to the foregoing Last will & Testament of John Martin Derr late of Frederick County Deceased and made oath on the holy Evangel of Almighty God that they did See the Testator therein named Sign Seal this will that they heard him Publish Pronounce and declare the Same to be his Last will & Testament That at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensions of a Sound & disposing mind memory and understanding That they respectively Subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in the Presence and at the request of the testator and all in the Presence of each Other 

                                                         Rich Butler Reg

Summary of Will Provisions

Beneficiaries:

The will names the following children and grandchild as primary beneficiaries:

Sons: George and John

Daughters: Margaret, Christina, Elizabeth, Catharine, Mary, Susanna, Eve, and Sally

Granddaughter: Betsey Miller (daughter of deceased daughter Barbara)

Key Provisions:

1. Equal Distribution with Conditions:

All beneficiaries receive equal shares of the estate

Special condition for daughter Eve: If she cannot annul her marriage to Conrad Lollyman (who abandoned her), her share goes to her children instead

2. Wife Elizabeth's Provisions:

One bed and furniture

One-third of personal estate (dower rights)

Choice of either:

One-third life interest in real estate plus use of smallest house and part of garden

OR annual payments equal to one-third of rental income from real estate

3. Special Bequests:

Betsey Miller (granddaughter): £25 (with £5 deducted from her inheritance share, money held in trust until she comes of age)

Daughter Elizabeth: Her previous advancement of £80 to be deducted from her inheritance

Sons George and John: Share all farming/wagon-making tools equally

4. Estate Management:

Executor: John Granice (with Michael Myers as alternate)

Personal property to be sold at public sale

Real estate to be rented during wife's lifetime, then sold after her death

All proceeds distributed according to the will's provisions

5. Legal Formalities:

Will signed November 22, 1809

Probated March 23, 1812 in Frederick County, Maryland

Witnessed by Jacob Granice, Ephraim Rudge, and John Granice

Notable Features:

Reflects the complex family dynamics of the early 1800s

Shows concern for abandoned daughter Eve and her children

Provides flexibility for the widow's living arrangements

Demonstrates the testator's involvement in wagon-making trade

Includes provisions for estate management over an extended period

John Martin Derr, Jr. is my 5th Great Grand Uncle. 

_____________________________

Last Will and testament transvribed  by the authir of this blog and proof read and summarized by AI Clause, Sonnet 4. 

1. "Maryland Register of Wills Records, 1629-1999," 

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GT1V-92M?cc=1803986&wc=SNYH-BZS%3A146535301%2C147326301 

52 Cousins~ Johan Jacob Detweiler III: A Colonial Pennsylvania Life Cut Short

 Johan Jacob Detweiler III: A Colonial Pennsylvania Life Cut Short

Early Life and Family Background

Johan Jacob Detweiler III was born on April 6, 1759, in Upper Hanover Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, during a time when the American colonies were still under British rule. He entered the world as the son of Jacob Detweiler Jr. (1728-1789) and Maria Margaretha Derr (1734-1792), both part of the German immigrant community that had settled in southeastern Pennsylvania in search of religious freedom and fertile farmland.

The Detweiler family was well-established in the region, having been among the early Europeans who settled in what would become Montgomery County in the eighteenth century tended prosperous farms, forges, and mills. Johan Jacob was baptized on May 20, 1759, at what was likely a Lutheran congregation, reflecting the strong German Protestant traditions of his family.

Family and Siblings

Johan Jacob grew up in a household with several siblings. His sister Anna Margaret Detweiler Sell (1755-1790) was four years his senior, while another brother, John Jacob Detweiler (1756-1758), tragically died in infancy. The family later welcomed Barbara Detweiler Steier (1763-1826) and Johannes Detweiler (1766-1816), making Johan Jacob one of five children, though he would be the middle surviving child after his infant brother's death.

The Detweiler household would have been typical of German-American families of the era, where children learned both English and German, helped with farm work, and received religious instruction. The family likely worshipped at local Lutheran churches, maintaining their Germanic cultural traditions while adapting to colonial American life.

Marriage and Starting a Family

At age 20, Johan Jacob married Eva Catharine Breyer on July 27, 1779, at New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church in what was then Philadelphia County (now Montgomery County), Pennsylvania. Eva Catharine, born in 1757, was just two years younger than her husband. This timing is particularly significant, as their wedding took place during the early years of the Revolutionary War, when colonial communities were grappling with the uncertainties of the independence movement.

Their marriage proved fruitful, and the young couple welcomed six children over the course of their brief seven-year marriage:

Barbara Detweiler (born 1780) - their first child, born when Johan Jacob was 21

Jacob Detweiler (1782-1861) - who would live a long life of 79 years

Michael Detweiler (born 1783) - birth date uncertain, but named after a family tradition

Samuel Detweiler (1783-1831) - possibly a twin with Michael, lived to age 48

Maria Detweiler (1784-1870) - their daughter who would live an exceptionally long life of 86 years

Elizabeth Detweiler (born 1784) - their youngest, also born in 1784

The rapid succession of children suggests a typical colonial family pattern, where large families were both desired and necessary for farm labor and economic security.

Life During Revolutionary Times

Johan Jacob's adult life unfolded entirely during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. On the eve of the American Revolution, Pennsylvania was a multi-ethnic colony of about 250,000 inhabitants, with the English, Germans, and Scots-Irish each constituting approximately a third of the total population. As a German-American living in Montgomery County, Johan Jacob would have been part of a community that had mixed feelings about the Revolution, as many German settlers had come to America seeking peace and were reluctant to engage in armed conflict.

The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) dominated his young adult years. Pennsylvania troops took part in almost all the campaigns of the Revolution, and while there's no specific record of Johan Jacob's military service, the war certainly affected his daily life. The conflict brought economic disruption, military movements through the region, and the constant uncertainty that characterized frontier life during wartime.

Living in Upper Hanover Township, the Detweiler family would have been part of prosperous farms, forges, and mills. They depended on the Philadelphia market to sell their products and on its port to connect them to the wider colonial world. The war likely disrupted these economic connections and created challenges for local farmers trying to maintain their livelihoods.

Community Life and Social Standing

By 1786, Johan Jacob appears in the Pennsylvania Septennial Census, indicating he was recognized as a head of household and a contributing member of the community at age 27. This census record suggests he had established himself as a landowner or farmer, typical for men of his background and age in colonial Pennsylvania.

The Detweiler family maintained their connection to the Lutheran church throughout this period, with several of Johan Jacob's children being baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. This religious affiliation was central to German-American community life, providing not only spiritual guidance but also social connections, mutual aid, and cultural preservation.

Historical Context: Montgomery County Formation

Interestingly, Johan Jacob lived through the creation of Montgomery County itself. Montgomery County was created on September 10, 1784, from part of Philadelphia County, and named for General Richard Montgomery. This means that for the first 25 years of his life, Johan Jacob was technically a resident of Philadelphia County, and only in his final two years did he live in the newly formed Montgomery County.

This administrative change reflected the growing population and importance of the region. The area had developed from wilderness into a thriving agricultural and small manufacturing region that warranted its own county government.

Untimely Death and Its Aftermath

Tragically, Johan Jacob's life was cut short in February 1786, when he died at approximately age 26, leaving behind his 29-year-old widow Eva Catharine and five young children ranging in age from 2 to 9 years old. The exact cause of his death is not recorded, but given the era, it could have been due to disease, accident, or complications from illness - all common causes of death for young adults in the 18th century.

His death created a crisis for his young family. According to court records, his uncle John Detweiler had to petition the Montgomery County court on behalf of the orphaned children, stating that they were "without any Person legally authorized to take charge of their Persons Education and Property." This legal action reveals both the vulnerability of colonial families when the male head of household died young and the community networks that existed to protect children in such circumstances.

The court appointed Nicholas Steyer and Jacob Detweiler (likely a relative) as guardians for the five minor children: Jacob (about 9), Samuel (about 8), Barbara (about 6), Ann Mary (about 4), and Elizabeth (about 2). This guardianship arrangement would continue until each child reached age 14, when they would be considered capable of choosing their own guardians.

Legacy and Family Continuation

Despite his brief life, Johan Jacob's legacy continued through his children. His son Jacob lived to age 79 (1782-1861), spanning nearly the entire 19th century and witnessing the transformation of America from a young republic to a nation on the brink of civil war. His daughter Maria lived an remarkable 86 years (1784-1870), seeing the country grow from 13 states to 37 states and living through the Civil War era.

Catharina wf of Jacob Detweiler nee Brey, 1757, 2, 23 -- 1841, age 84 

Johan Jacob was buried at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery in Red Hill, Montgomery County, though his grave remains unmarked. His wife Eva Catharine outlived him by 55 years, not passing away until 1841 at age 84. She likely remarried to help support their children, as was common for young widows in that era.

Conclusion

Johan Jacob Detweiler III's life, though brief, embodied the experience of many German-American settlers in colonial Pennsylvania. Born into a world of colonial dependence, he came of age during the Revolutionary War, started a family during the nation's founding years, and died just as the new American republic was beginning to establish its institutions. His story reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by ordinary people during one of the most transformative periods in American history.

While he may not have lived to see his children grow to adulthood or witness the full flowering of American independence, Johan Jacob played his part in the great American story - as a farmer, husband, father, and member of a community that was helping to build a new nation from the ground up. His descendants would go on to be part of America's westward expansion and continued growth, carrying forward the Detweiler family name and the values of hard work, faith, and community that he represented.

 Johan Jacob Detweiler III is my 1st Cousin 6X Removed. 

___________________________

NOTE: The Surname of Johan Jacob Detweiler III wife Eva Catherine is found in various documents as BREY and BREYER. I don't know exactly which is correct!  This biography co-author with Claude Sonnett 4.

1. Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Estate Files, 1663-1979, Jacob Detweiler; digital images, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.com (http://www.familysearch.org: online June 2025); Jacob Detweiler Jun'r late of Upper Hanover died some time in February 1786. 

2. 1786 - Septennial Census, 1779-1863, Pennsylvania, population schedule, , Upper Hanover, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA, Jacob Detweiler; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : online June 2025). 

3. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed June 2025); Memorial page for John Jacob Detweiler; (6 April 1759–February 1786); Find a Grave Memorial:#210928369, 

4. Pennsylvania Church Records, "Pennsylvania Church Records - Adams, Berks, and Lancaster Counties, 1729-1881," database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online June 2025), Eva Cath Breyer marriage to Jacob Detweiler; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/85481:2383