Those Places Thursday - Clark County Illinois

I recently traveled downstate to Clark County Illinois for a little bit of research.  My dad grew up in that area and most of his ancestors lived there - some as early as 1836.

Clark County Courthouse

My first stop was at the Clark County courthouse in Marshall.  I had visited there over 40 years ago when I was a baby genealogist and had extracted most of the information that I needed.  I double-checked a couple things that I was missing.  Most of their information is online at FamilySearch so I didn't need to copy anything.  I asked about some unusual records (guardian, election, etc) but they didn't have anything else that was accessible.

Closeup of Courthouse with World's Largest Gavel

From there, I went across the street to the Marshall library.  They had a few books on local history but not very much because there was a more extensive collection at the Clark County Genealogical library.

The Clark County Genealogical library was on the other side of the courthouse.  They acutally have a very good collection of local history and genealogy.  There were shelves and shelves of donated family histories, several books with cemetery readings, funeral home records, church histories, and a large collection of local high school yearbooks.  I had the most luck with their collection of newspaper clippings - which were indexed!  The library itself  is only open 3 afternoons a week and is staffed by volunteers.  Dalanne was very helpful while I was there.  The only drawback is that their collections are primarily from the eastern half of the county and my ancestors were from the western half.

Casey township library with bookworm

I ended my day at the Casey township library in the town of Casey.  The librarian there was also very helpful.  They have a large collection that focuses on the western half of the county as well as some from surrounding counties.  I found several items relating to my family including the Casey high school yearbooks from the years that my dad attended.

I spent the night at a bed and breakfast in downtown Casey - the 1890 Sleepover.  I have stayed there several times - in a former storefront with a cute decor.  The town of Casey itself is worth a visit -- it is the home of "Big Things" - world record holding replicas of a rocking chair, a mailbox, and windchime to name a few..  They even provided the world's largest gavel for the county courthouse (see photo above).

#52Ancestors - So Far Away

This week I'm going to talk a little about one of my descendants for a change.

My older daughter Donna was married to Micah Simonson.  He was in the US Navy and was stationed in Guam from 2010 to 2013.  If you don't know where Guam is, it is in the middle of the western Pacific Ocean - four hours by plane from the nearest continent of Asia. 

One of Guam's sayings is "Where America's Day Begins" because it is the first US Territory west of the International Dateline.  It is 15 hours ahead of Central Time which meant we had to plan our skype times carefully.

View from the Naval Base in Guam - Donna Simonson, Kimberly Nagy, Amanda Nagy

My younger daughter Amanda and I visited Donna and Micah in December 2011.  While there, we toured the island and learned a lot about Chamorro culture.  Guam was invaded by the Japanese early in World War 2 and there are a lot of battle sites and museums there.  There is still a large Naval Base and Air Force base on the island to help protect our interests in the Pacific.

Guam is a tropical island - average temperature is 87 every day of the year, and it always seems to rain in the afternoon.  It felt similar to Hawaii - the beach is just a few minutes away.  In fact, just as we tend to view Hawaii as a honeymoon destination, Guam is the honeymoon destination for couples from China, Korea and Japan.

I was glad to have the opportunity to visit this tiny island on the other side of the world.

#52Ancestors - Favorite Photo

I've been very lazy about blogging lately.  I'm hoping that Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestor challenge will help get me motivated again.

This week's prompt is "Favorite Photo"  - this was hard to choose but I picked a darling photo of 3 children and a goat.

This was taken in 1924 in Toledo, Ohio.  Apparently there was someone who traveled around with a goat and a cart posing for photos.  My grandmother saw the opportunity and posed her three oldest children (the others weren't born yet) with the goat.

Pictured are the three oldest children of  Jessie Marie Hill Ormsby Kern, born 8 October 1895, died 20 March 1963.

She married Harold Basil Ormsby (26 April 1895 - 4 April 1919) in 1916.

After he died, she married James Harold Kern (19 March 1884 - 23 Jan 1944) in 1923.

Pictured are (left to right) -

Wilma Jane Kern, (9 October 1923 - 19 January 2000).

Donald Edward Ormsby, (30 December 1918 - 2 July 1988).

Charles Victor Ormsby, (1 April 1917 - 16 September 1996)

Sentimental Sunday - One Hundred Years ago today....

My father was born.  Yes, he would have been 100 years old today had he not left us much too soon.
So in tribute to his life during 69 of these years, I am dedicating this post to him.

Donald Edward Ormsby was born on 30 December 1918.  His parents were Harold Basil and Jessie Marie (Hill) Ormsby.  He was born in Casey, Illinois.  When he was just over 3 months old his father died.  A few years later his mother moved to Toledo, Ohio with the boys.  She remarried and had five more children. 

Donald Ormsby with his father in early 1919

Don grew up spending time in both Toledo with his mother and in Casey with his paternal grandparents.  He attended schools in both places at various times.

Dorr school in Toledo, OH - Don seated at far left in 1930

Donald Ormsby wearing his Casey High School sweater

On 13 December 1941 he married Nadine Darling.  They had a son Larry and were divorced a few years later.

Nadine and Donald Ormsby in 1941

In 1942, he joined the Army Air corps.  He received a medical discharge in 1943 before seeing any combat.

Donald Ormsby 1942

After his military stint, Don attended the Internationl Training Institute in Chicago where he learned the skills necessary to repair large appliances.  He moved back to Toledo and opened a business, Efficient Refrigeration with a man named "Red" Richards.  This business was in the building that had been Collingwood Bottled water company, and they soon realized that the bottled water business was better for them.

Original Collingwood Water Company building on Prescott St in Toledo, OH/

On 4 January 1950, he married Ruth Steinbrecher. 

Ruth and Donald Ormsby in 1950

Don and Ruth had 2 daughters - myself and my sister Robin.

Don with wife Ruth and children Larry, Robin and Kim in 1981

Sadly, he died of complications of aneurysm surgery on 2 July 1988.  He was only 69 years old.

Dad, we still miss you.

Donald and Ruth Ormsby 1988

Military Monday - Roll Call of Veteran Ancestors

For Memorial Day, I am conducting a Roll Call of my direct Ancestors who joined the military.

Some didn't serve very long, some fought in one or more battles, a few were captured, and even gave the ultimate sacrifice.

All were important no matter what their rank or degree of service - they were helping to defend our country.

World War II

1. My Father, Donald E. Ormsby (1918-1988)

            He enlisted on May 12,  1942 at St. Louis, MO in the Army Aviation Corps
            After serving 9 months and 4 days, he was Honorably Discharged as an Aviation Cadet.

World War I

2. My Grandfather, John Steinbrecher (1894-1971)

He joined the U.S. Army on June 24, 1918 and served until Nov. 15, 1918, discharged as a Corporal.

None of my Great-grandfathers served that I know of, but all four of my Great-great-grandfathers on my father's side served in the Civil War. My mother's ancestors were either still in Europe, or were pacifists.

Civil War

3.  My Great-great-grandfather Charles Clark Ormsby (1838-1920)
   
     He was a Corporal in Company E of the 123rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  He enlisted August 14, 1864 and was discharged July 3, 1865.  He received a pension.

4.  My Great-great-grandfather John Johnson Neeley (1841-1908)

     He was a private in Captain Samuel R. Motts Company C of the 57th Regiment in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  He enlisted on December 5, 1861 from Allen County, Ohio and was mustered in at Findlay, OH on December 9.  During his service, he participated in the engagements at Shiloh TN, Wolf Creek Hindman AR, Vicksburg and Jackson MS, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge TN, Kenesaw Mountain and the Seige of Atlanta GA, as well as a number of minor engagements and skirmishes.  He received a pension.

Monuments to 57th OVI at Vicksburg

5.  My great-great-grandfather William Dennis Hill (1838-1925)

He enlisted in Company F, 59th Illinois Volunteer Infantry in August 1861. He served over 3 years and participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Stone River, and others and was discharged at Atlanta.  He received a pension.

6.  My great-great-grandfather George Washington Wiley (1838-1920)

He served as a Private in Company B, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery "Madison Battery" from August 26, 1861 - August 31, 1864.  In a letter her wrote to his granddaughter in 1919 he told her how he had sustained "3 bullet holds in my close 2 just grasing the hide". He received a pension.

7. My 3rd-great-grandfather Joseph Thompson McGowan (1819-1890)

According to family lore, "The McGowen family answered Lincoln's call when he encouraged brave men to go to Kansas to assure it remaining a free state".  They settled on land inherited from his father-in-law Henry Miller (see below).
While in Kansas, J.T. answered another call of Lincoln, that of joining the military.  He joined Company A of the Irregular Kansas Militia in October 1864 and was stationed at Mound City, Lind Co, Kansas.

War of 1812

8. My 4th great-grandfather Henry Miller (1793-1858)

He served as a Private in Captain John Lantz's Co. 118th Regiment of the Virginia Militia from February 20 - March 4, 1815.  He was discharged at the foot of Blue Ridge near Kingwood 34 miles from his residence.  He received $3.35 pay for his service at the time, but in 1859 his heirs were granted 160 acres of Bounty land.  His daughter Melvina Miller McGowan and her family moved there.

9. My 4th great-grandfather John Forester (1775-1857)

He served from August 29, 1812 - September 9, 1812 and again from March 5, 1814 - August 15, 1814 in Captain William Wilson's Company, Collier's Regiment of the Ohio Militia.  He received 80 acres of bounty land.

10. My 4th great-grandfather Samuel Stover (1785-1837)

He served as a Private in Captain James Downings Company Infantry of Ohio Militia from March 30, 1812 until February 28, 1813 when he transferred to Captain Walker's Company.  He was discharged at Fort Sandusky on March 26, 1813.

11. My 4th great-grandfather Henry Critser (1793-1877)

He volunteered at Dayton, OH on May 1, 1812 as a substitute for John Robinson (his future brother-in-law).  He was taken Prisoner of War on August 16, 1812 and released 2 weeks later at Detroit, MI.  He volunteered again on November 1, 1813 and was discharged March 4, 1814.

Revolutionary War

12. My 5th Great-Grandfather Nathaniel Ormsby (1734-1777)

He served in the Continental Army from Norwich CT in Nixon's Regiment.  His pay for service began on May 15, 1777.  He was captured at Albany and died while a prisoner of the British.

13. My 5th Great-Grandfather Abraham Day (1747-1797)

He served as a Sergeant on picket guard under Major Baldwin in 1775.  Received pay for travel to and from Ticonderoga in 1776.

14. My 5th Great-Grandfather Oliver Clark (1756-1824)

He was a Private in Captain Oliver Clap's Co. in October 1777, then in Captain Moses Adam's Company from February 20 to April 3, 1778.

15. My 5th Great-Grandfather Joel Hannum (1745-1814)

He was a Private in Captain Samuel Fairfield's Company Col. Sparhawk's Regiment from Dorchester, MA from September 24 to December 12, 1778.

16. My 5th Great-Grandfather John Ludwig Shuey (1755-1839)

He was a Private in Captain Casper Stoever's 3rd Company, 2nd Battallion of the Lancaster County Pennsylvania Militia in 1782)

17. My 5th Great-Grandfather David Neeley (c1748-1818)

He was a Private in Colonel Moses Hazen's Regiment of the Cumberland Co PA Militia beginning on May 4, 1777.  He was noted missing as a prisoner from September 11, 1777 until July 1778.  Finally discharged on June 20, 1783.

18. My 5th Great-Grandfather William Thompson (c1744-1811)

He served in the 5th Battalion Cumberland Co PA militia from 1777-1779, then in the 8th Battalion from 1780-1782.

19. My 5th Great-Grandfather Peter Miller (1759-1838)

He served as a Private for 5 months beginning in May 1776 in Colonel Drake's Regiement from New Jersey, then for 4 months in Captain Parsons' Company at Orange County NY, finally in the summer of 1777 under Captain Marion at Chester, NJ.

20. My 5th Great-Grandfather James Becket (c1753-1821)

He was a Private in the 1st Batallion PA Rifle Regiment stationed from September 1 - October 1, 1776 at Harlem, NY.  On December 17, 1776 he was camped near Corryell's ferry.

21. My 5th great-grandfather Johann Balser Dieterick (1754-1838)

He served as a Private in the Pennsylvania Line.  He enlisted in June 1776 and spent 6 months at York Co, PA under Captain John Paxton.  Went to Philadelphia, Trenton, Princeton, Amboy, Long Island and Fort Constitution.  Took part in the attack on the Picket guard of Hessians at Long Island. He was discharged in December 1776.

22. My 6th Great-Grandfather Abraham Day Sr (1712-1792)

He was a drummer in Captain Moses Montague's Co of Minutemen and marched in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775.  He served for 22 and 2/3 days starting on April 20, 1775.

23. My 6th Great-Grandfather Ithamar Clark (1716-1802)

He also served as a Minuteman but under Captain Jonathan Allen's Company.  He served from April 19 to May 15, 1775 and again from July 9 to August 12, 1777 on an alarm at Ticonderoga.

24. My 6th Great-Grandfather Noah Parsons (1731-1814)

He was my third Minuteman who marched in Captain Jonathan Allen's Company from April 19, 1775 for 8 days.  He then served in Colonel John Fellows' Regiment from July 9 to August 12, 1777 marching to Ticonderoga.  Finally he served as a Sergeant in Captain Lyman's Company marching from Northampton, MA to East Hoosuck on the alarm of August 17, 1777.

Minuteman statue in Lexington, MA - photo from Wikimedia commons

25. My 6th Great-grandfather Edward Bates (c1734-1804)

Served in the Invalid Regiment of Pennsylvania under Colonel Lewis Nicola.  He was discharged April 1783.

26. My 6th Great-grandfather Robert Taylor (c1720-1790)

He was a Major in the Cumberland County PA Militia from 1776 until September 1777.

I have many more ancestors who engaged in Patriotic activity, as well as several collateral ancestors who served in the Military.  I thank them all for their service.

Sentimental Sunday - Missing my Father

Today is Father's Day and of course I am thinking of my dad, Donald Edward Ormsby.  He died nearly 26 years ago - much too soon.  Here are just a few photos of him:

This is a picture of my parents, Donald and Ruth (Steinbrecher) Ormsby.  This was taken for the church directory in early 1988, just a few months before dad died on July 2, 1988.

Here are my parents on their wedding day - February 4, 1950.

This is my dad in his High School Letter Sweater.  He attended Casey High School in Casey, Clark Co., IL from 1933-1936.

This is a picture of my dad as a baby.  It's hard to really see him, but I like this picture because it is the only one I have of my dad and his dad together.  My dad was born on December 30, 1918 and his father, Harold Basil Ormsby died on April 4, 1919.

Even though I miss my dad, I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.  He was never able to say that about his own father.

Happy Father's Day, to my dad, and all my grandfathers in Heaven.

Amanuensis Monday - Grandma Hill's Poetry, week 23

To the Ormsbys, Victor, Myrtle and little George Ed.

You ask if I still write verse, 'tis enough said.

The winter's been so cold and we've had so much snow.

I seldom take my pen in hand any mo'.

I changed my furnace to oil and quit the dirty coal.

So I nearly froze to death in this drafty old hole.

The oil burned so fast, my money seemed to fly away.

Just count it yourself, I used 10 or 11 gallons a day.

As each gallon burned away, went thirteen and a half cents.

And besides that my gas bills come in dollars, and not pence.

But enough grumbling, we've all got along just swell.

And I'm glad we're all coming through, happy, saucy and well.

With my house, my roomers and my boarders, my days are quite full.

Days when I'm lazy, it seems to be a long, hard pull.

But I just keep moving and doing here a little bit and there a little bit.

And finally get it done in good time, then I quit.

The snows came and the ice froze up so hard

that since Xmas I've not been out of the yard.

On Sat. Don gets my groceries and meat to last all week.

My milk's delivered and Don goes to the store, the bread to seek.

Evenings I listen to the radio and I sit and crochet.

If I get blue, I play "Sol" to drive my troubles away.

I don't seem to care for shows, skating, dancing, not even men

So when I get ready for bed, I don't have to ask anyone where or when.

I hope this finds you all just spinning along at top speed

With plenty of everything, and doing each day some useful deed.

You say May is getting better, but recovery seems slow.

We all hope that very soon she'll be up, busy, happy and on the go.

Jessie and Don told me much about little George Ed

Just kiss him for me on his little red curly head.

Victor and Myrtle just give a big kiss to each other

And play like that it came from your gray haired grandmother.

 

Note: This poem refers to Grandma Hill's daughter Jessie Hill Ormsby Kern (1895-1963), her sons Donald and Charles Victor Ormsby.  Charles Victor was always called Vic or Victor - his wife was Myrtle and their oldest son was George Edward.  Jessie and Don lived near her in Toledo, OH.  Vic and his family lived near Casey, IL.  Also mentioned is Lelia Mae Ormsby Baker ("May") who was Jessie's first husband's sister.  This was written sometime between 1945 when George was born, and 1954 when Mae died.  Most likely it was written before 1949 when Vic and Myrtle had their second son Charles, since he is not mentioned.

Grandma Hill used to rent rooms in her house to boarders.

Note the price of heating oil - 13-1/2 cents per gallon! 

Nancy Jane Wiley Hill (1875-1960) was always writing something.  Many of those poems are now in the possession of her granddaughter Shirley Kern.  Shirley, with the help of her sister-in-law Ruth Ormsby, transcribed these poems in 1996 for a Hill-Ormsby-Kern family reunion.  I am going to post many of these poems so that they may be enjoyed by all.

These are copyright 1996 and reprinted with permission.

Amanuensis Monday - Grandma Hill's Poetry, week 20

There is a very cute little boy named Larry

Sometimes he is good, sometimes raises old Harry.

Then his grandmother begins to fume and to fret

And finally paddles that on which he is supposed to sit.

Then he storms, raves, threatens, and shakes his fist

So she has to punish him by a slap on the wrist.

But when he is shown the dark closet door

He says he will be good, not do it any more.

He plays with Pearl, Charkie, Dobbin and Nigger Joe.

But carries old Sumantha Ann where'r he will go.

He gets his wagon, firetruck and together his train he'll splice.

While Gumbo, Neddy and Bobcat sit up and look nice.

With his bag of blocks he builds many, many things

Castles, cottages, hoosegows and railroads in log strings.

Where his kin folks lie, he'll tell you the name of the place

And rattle off big words without even making a face.

The roomers all love him, think things he does are funny.

When they pay me, he tells the names of the faces on money.

He does the duck waddle, turns flip flops and does drop four

He reads Mother Goose, does many smart things more.

When outdoors, he plays with Sally who lives next door,

Goes with me when I go for groceries at the store.

Has his wagon, mess of junk, Charley horse or engine to ride

Sometimes plays with Stanley who lives on the other side.

All in all, his grandmother thinks he's a smart lad.

Note:  This is about her great-grandson Larry Ormsby.  This was written sometime in the late 1940's when Larry was between 3-7 years old.  Grandma Hill ran a boarding house with "roomers".  Most of the names in this poem refer to his toys, but Sally and Stanley were neighborhood kids.

Nancy Jane Wiley Hill (1875-1960) was always writing something.  Many of those poems are now in the possession of her granddaughter Shirley Kern.  Shirley, with the help of her sister-in-law Ruth Ormsby, transcribed these poems in 1996 for a Hill-Ormsby-Kern family reunion.  I am going to post many of these poems so that they may be enjoyed by all.

These are copyright 1996 and reprinted with permission.

Amanuensis Monday - Grandma Hill's Poetry, week 19

George Edward Ormsby, you cute little dear

I wish it was so you could live near.

So I could cuddle, and maybe spoil you a bit

And paddle your little butty, when I saw fit.

I hope you grow up healthy, happy and strong

And nothing for you ever, ever goes wrong.

When you grow up to be a big manly man

I hope you'll make mama and papa as happy as you can.

George Edward Ormsby with his father Charles Victor Ormsby in February 1950. 

Note:  This poem was written to her first great-grandson, born in 1945.  He was born in Cumberland Co., IL, while she was living in Toledo, OH.

Nancy Jane Wiley Hill (1875-1960) was always writing something.  Many of those poems are now in the possession of her granddaughter Shirley Kern.  Shirley, with the help of her sister-in-law Ruth Ormsby, transcribed these poems in 1996 for a Hill-Ormsby-Kern family reunion.  I am going to post many of these poems so that they may be enjoyed by all.

These are copyright 1996 and reprinted with permission.

Military Monday - Nathaniel Ormsby

I would like to pay tribute to one of my Revolutionary War Ancestors, Nathaniel Ormsby.

Nathaniel Ormsby who was born on 7 November 1734 at Norwich, CT, the son of Samuel and Dinah (Fisher) Ormsby.  He married Elizabeth Perkins on 7 May 1759 at Norwich, CT.  She was born 28 March 1740 at Norwich, CT to Robert and Lydia (Bushnell) Perkins. 

Nathaniel served as an Ensign in the French and Indian War.

Nathaniel and Elizabeth had 8 children:
1.  Nathaniel Ormsby
2. Lydia Ormsby, born 24 February 1761 at Norwich, CT
3. Anne Ormsby, born 11 January 1763 at Norwich, CT
4. Salle Ormsby, born 15 September 1765 at Norwich, CT
5. Elizabeth Ormsby, born 1 September 1768 at Norwich, CT
6. Samuel Ormsby, born 10 November 1770 at Norwich, CT and died there 3 April 1771.
7. Eunice Ormsby, born 26 November 1772 at Norwich, CT and married Ezra Phillips, Jr.
8. Samuel Ormsby, born 30 August 1775 at Norwich, CT and married Rachel Day.

In 1776, Nathaniel moved his family to the "far west", now known as Hampshire Co., MA.  The following year, he volunteered in the Continental Army.   He served as a Private in Col. Nixon's Sixth Regiment from 15 May 1777.  He was captured by the British and died at Albany, NY while captive on 25 October 1777.

After his death, Elizabeth married Deacon William P. Miller on 24 September 1778 at Huntington, MA and had two more children.

Nathaniel was one of thousands who were held captive by the British during the Revolutionary War.  Approximately 80% of those POW's died in captivity. 



Thankful Thursday - A Grandparent by Any Other Name...

Is still a grandparent... (apologies to Shakespeare).

There are many names for grandparents - here are a few from my family:

On my father's side -
"Grandma Kern" and
"Grandma Hill" 
Grandma Hill was my great-grandmother and Grandma Kern's mother and they've always been known as such to distinguish them.
I never knew my paternal grandfathers.

Jessie (Hill) Ormsby Kern and Nancy Jane (Wiley) Hill, 1944

On my mother's side, I had -
"Grandpa"  
I never knew my maternal grandmother.

Me with John Steinbrecher, Christmas Eve 1965

My daughters have -
My mother started off as "Grandma".  When my older daughter was three she asked if she could call her "Grammy" instead and it stuck.  When my sister's daughter was little she tried to say "Grammy" but is came out "Goggy".  Now my mother answers to "Grammy" and "Goggy" interchangeably.

My father died before my girls were born.  They learned from family photos that he was their Grandpa but somehow became known as "Old Grandpa" instead.

Donald Edward and Ruth (Steinbrecher) Ormsby, 1988

On their father's Austro-hungarian side, the girls had "Oma" and "Opa" - the german terms of endearment for grandparents.

Josef and Gertrude (Parzer) Nagy, 1988

 They also had "Ur-Oma", their great-grandmother.

Me with Maria (Oellinger) Parzer, 1985

What do you call your grandparents?

Thankful Thursday - I am thankful for...

Every year, we try to get together with my mother and my sister's family for the holidays.  Before we start eating our Thanksgiving meal, we go around the table and say what we are thankful for.

Our responses five year ago (2006) were:
Ruth (my mother) - "My family, being all together today and for our new houses"

Donna (my daughter, age 14 - "My wonderful loving family, everyone who has supported me and been by my side through everything, the gift God gave to me to play music, and Dr. Cole for fixing me" (the year of her knee injuries and surgery)

Robin (my sister) - "The good health of my family"

Jeremy (my brother-in-law) - "Family gathering, Good health, life experience and Good fortune"

Zoe (my niece, age 5) - she drew a picture of her family

Amanda (my daughter, age 9) - "The World" :-)

Regan (my niece, age 4) - she drew a picture of her mom

Me - "My 2 wonderful daughters"

What are you thankful for today?

Military Monday - Lookout Mountain

On 24 November 1863, the "Battle above the Clouds" took place on Lookout Mountain just south of Chattanooga, TN.  It allowed the Union to take control of the railroad supply lines at Wauhatchie and marked the beginning of the end for the South.  This was followed by the battle of Missionary Ridge and Orchard Knob on 25 November 1863.

Three of my Civil War ancestors fought at these battles, known collectively as the Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign:

John J. Neeley was in the 57th Ohio Volunteer Infantry which participated in the battle of Missionary Ridge.

George W. Wiley was in the which participated in the 73rd Illinois Infantry which participated in the battles of Orchard Knob and Missionary Ridge.

William D. Hill was in the 59th Illinois Infantry which participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge.

Apparently, it was quite popular for veterans to visit Lookout Mountain and reminisce.   This photo shows my great-great-grandfathers C.C. Ormsby, J.J. Neeley and Dick Shores posing atop the Mountain.  

Charles Clark Ormsby was in the 123rd Illinois Infantry which camped at Maysville, AL during this time.  Although his regiment did not fight at Lookout Mountain, it was a great photo op.

I am not sure who Dick Shores was.  He may have been the Richard Shore born ca 1848 in Ohio who served in the 149th Indiana Infantry and died 30 August 1930 in Casey, IL (Pension index at NARA).  The census lists Richard Shore living in Casey, IL in 1880 (born ca 1848 in OH), and Richard Shores living in Crooked Creek Township, Cumberland Co., IL in 1900 (born ca 1848 in OH).   I don't believe that he was related to C.C. or J.J. although Casey and neighboring Crooked Creek Township were small communities so they probably knew each other. The 149th IN regiment did not participate in the above battles either, so I suspect these old veterans were simply enjoying each others' company on a road trip.

Society Saturday - Illinois Chapter of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America

The Illinois Chapter of DFPA met today for lunch and planning. 

We have some exciting things coming up - we are hoping to host the National President Donna Derrick at a meeting this year.  Donna will finish her term in April, so we will be honored if she comes all the way from San Diego to meet with us.

We are planning some joint meetings with other lineage groups in the area.  Because there is so much overlap in our membership, a joint meeting gives us an opportunity to "kill two birds with one stone" - cutting down on time and travel requirements. 

Finally, we are hoping to host one of the National Society's October Board meeting in the future.  We talked about various locations such as Chicago vs. Springfield, and brainstormed some tours and activities we could do in each location. 

Our chapter has 44 members with other ladies working on their applications.  Membership is somewhat restrictive, because it is through only the male line.  Basically, you need to trace your lineage back through either your paternal grandfather (using your maiden name) or your maternal grandfather (using your mother's maiden name) to a "Founder" (someone who was here prior to 1687 with a Revolutionary War "Patriot" in that line.

My Founder is: my 9th great-grandfather Richard Ormesby, who was born in Lincolnshire, England ca 1602.  he came to the colonies on the ship "Abigail" and settled first at Saco, Maine.  He married Sarah Upham ca 1640 and they had three children, John, Thomas and Jacob.  Richard lived in New Hampshire for a short period, then moved to Salisbury, MA and finally to Rehoboth, MA where he died in 1664.

My Patriot is: my 5th great-grandfather Nathaniel Ormsby, who was born in 1734 at Norwich, CT.  He married Elizabeth Perkins in 1759 and they had 8 children.  Nathaniel served as an Ensign in the French and Indian War, then in the Continental Army in 1777.  He was captured by the British and died at Albany, NY while captive on 25 October 1777.

www.homestead.com/ildfpa 

Military Monday - Charles Clark Ormsby

In an effort to get back into blogging, and in honor of the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, I am going to write about my 5 ancestors who fought in that war.

I will start with my 2nd-great-grandfather, Charles Clark Ormsby.

C.C. Ormsby was born on 20 August 1838 in Brecksville, Cuyahoga, OH.  His parents were Selah and Diana (Clark) Ormsby.  He moved to Cumberland County, IL with his father and stepmother at the age of 2.   

C.C. married (1) Louisa Ann Shuey, daughter of Ephraim and Matilda (Grass) Shuey, on 22 September 1861 at Greenup, Cumberland, IL.

On 14 August 1864, he enlisted in Company E, 123 IL Volunteer Infantry.  He was discharged from service on 3 July 1865 with the rank of Corporal.

Louisa died on 14 February 1872 and C.C. married (2) Sarah Ann Delp on 9 November 1873 at Casey, Clark, IL.

C.C. and Louisa had 3 children:

1. Francis Ezra Ormsby, born 21 July 1862 at Cumberland Co., IL and married Kate Shoemaker.

2. Edward Arthur Ormsby, born 15 October 1866 at Cumberland Co., IL, and married Lena E. Neeley.

3. Ida Mae Ormsby, born 13 January 1872 at Cumberland Co., IL, and married William Emmet Havens.

C.C. was a charter member of Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church.  Early member, teacher and trustee in that church which was located across the highway from his house.

He applied for military pension for reason of rheumatism, chronic diarrhea and hernia of right side.
Charles Clark Ormsby died on 11 June 1920 at Cumberland Co., IL from Cancer of the Mouth.  He is buried in Washington St. Cemetery at Casey, Clark, IL.

Hill-Ormsby-Kern Reunion

Last month, we had a reunion of our family.  It represented the descendants of Charles Taylor and Nancy Jane (Wiley) Hill.  Almost 70 of the descendants of their son William Hill and their daughter Jessie (Hill) Ormsby Kern met at the house of my cousin D.J. in Swanton, OH.  She has a large great-room for entertaining, a large yard and a pond with a beach which kept the younger members entertained.

Family members came from across the U.S. - those who came the farthest were Mike and Jane (Watkins) Trefren who drove from Florida, Don and Kathy Hill who drove from North Carolina, Arlene Hill who flew from Washington, D.C., Aunt Shirley Kern who flew from New Orleans, and Chuck and Kathy Ormsby who drove from southern Illinois.

We had a great time visiting with our cousins who we don't see very often.  Of course, there were some younger cousins and some spouses who I hadn't met yet.  Everyone had a great time despite the 90-plus degree heat.  I hope that we have another reunion soon.

The Hill Family - 4 generations of descendants of William and Marguerrie (Spray) Hill

The Ormsby Family - 3 generations of descendants of H. Basil and Jessie (Hill) Ormsby

(her first marriage)

The Kern Family - 4 generations of descendants of James and Jessie (Hill) Kern

(her second marriage)

The "Elder Statesmen" of the Family-

Shirley Kern (daughter of Jim & Jessie)

"Wimp" Hill (son of William)

Ruth Ormsby (widow of Basil & Jessie's son Don)

Mary Kern (widow of Jim & Jessie's son Dick)

Chicago Colony New England Women

Today we had a meeting of the Chicago Colony (ie chapter) of the National Society New England Women.  This is an organization of women who can trace their lineage to someone who was born in New England prior to the American Revolution.  Our colony itself is over 100 years old.  It is a very nice group that meets nationally in New Hampshire in May.
This meeting marked a transition - one of our members, Gyda Stoner, became Honorary President General last weekend after serving for three years.  Locally, our colony installed a new slate of officers.  I have been the recording secretary for the colony for the past 6 years and have finally been able to turn over the books to my successor.  I am staying on as Webmistress, though.  I guess 9 years is not enough.
We had a very nice memorial service at the meeting today.  In addition to remembering our members who have died in the past year, each member places a flower in remembrance of her NEW ancestor. 

Here is Honorary President General Gyda Stoner placing a flower.

Our new slate of Officers was installed. 

Here are incoming Colony President Jane Schleinzer and newly elected Honorary Colony President Shari Worrell.  Shari is pinning on the Colony Ribbon.

My NEW ancestor is:

John Ormsby, born 1641 at Saco, ME, died 10 March 1718 at Rehoboth, MA, the son of Richard Ormesby and Sarah Upham.

he was married, on 5 Jan. 1664 at Rehoboth, MA

to Grace Martin, born 21 Sept. 1640 at Devonshire, England, died 4 July 1710 at Rehoboth, MA, the daughter of Richard Martin and Elizabeth Salter.

John and Grace had 12 children - their son John Ormsbee was my ancestor.

www.homestead.com/nsnew



Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America

Established in 1898, this is one of the older all female lineage groups.  Also one of the harder to get into.  Simply because their lineage requirement is that you descend from a "Founder" who arrived in the colonies before 1687 and a "Patriot" who aided the colonial cause during the American Revolution.  The catch is, it has to be all in the male line (no female lines allowed) with the exception that you can trace through your mother's line, then all male.  In other words, your Founder/Patriot combination must be either in your surname or your mother's maiden surname.
The group itself meets every April in DC during lineage week for a banquet, daytime meeting, and luncheon as well as a tour of a local site.  This year the tour was to "Dumbarton House" in Georgetown, but I wasn't able to attend due to other commitments.  National President Donna Derrick presided over the meeting, called General Court, and everyone had a good time.
My Founder is Richard Ormesby, born at Lincolnshire, England ca 1604, traveled to Massachusetts.  He settled first near Saco, Maine in 1640 then migrated through NH, Haverhill, MA and Salisbury, MA.  He ended up in Rehoboth, MA where he died in 1664.  His wife was Sarah Upham, who survived him.
My Patriot is Nathaniel Ormsby, born at Norwich, CT in 1734.  In 1759 he married Elizabeth Perkins.   He served briefly during the French and Indian War.  In 1777 he joined the 6th Regiment of the Continental Army.  He was captured at Albany and died 25 October 1777.

http://www.nsdfpa.org/