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.

Society Saturday - Washington in 1812

Following the Fall board meeting of the U.S. Daughters of 1812, we toured some 1812 sites in Washington, D.C.

Our group made 3 stops to Federal period homes in the district.  We learned a lot about that style of architecture and furnishings - symmetry, columns, textile designs, etc.

All 3 homes had ties to important people of the era.

The Octagon House was designed by William Thornton, the first architect of the U.S. Capitol for the Tayloe family.  They used it as a winter home and would rent it out to government officials in the summer.  During the summer of 1814, it was rented out to the French minister.  When the British started burning the city, they could not touch the home because it would be viewed as an act of war against France, with whom they recently had reached a peace accord.  When President and Mrs. Madison returned to the city after the battle, they stayed at the home.  Dolley would entertain in the fashionable parlor and dining room.  President James Madison signed the Treaty of Ghent in the upstairs office of this building, officially ending the War of 1812.

Plaque placed by U.S.D.1812

Replica of the Drum desk used to sign the Treaty

Tudor Place was built for Martha Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha Washington.  The home was kept in the family for 178 years.  We enjoyed walking around the period-style gardens and partook of high tea while we were there.

This is a view of the Dell in the gardens.  

The Dumbarton house is currently owned by the National Society Colonial Dames of America.  The home was owned by Joseph Nourse, first Register of the U.S. Treasury.  It is said that Dolley Madison was a frequent visitor.

www.usdaughters1812.org

Society Saturday- President Madison and our first global conflict

Two speakers at the USD1812 Associate Council gave interesting historic perspectives on the War of 1812.

First was David O. Stewart, author of "Madison's Gift: Five Partnerships that built America".  He claims that James Madison is the second most important founding father after Washington.  He was the first wartime President. He inherited a smoldering conflict, and despite his short stature and quiet demeanor, managed to weather all criticisms.  He was very tolerant of his opposition.    He was the last President to personally appear on the battlefield when he rallied the troops at the Battle of Bladensburg.

The next evening, we heard from Dr. John Voll, a Professor at Georgetown.  He spoke about the first global conflict.  What we know as our Second War for Independence was only a small portion of the worldwide conflict.  Of course there were the Napoleonic Wars in Europe; in fact, Napoleon's army was twice the population of our state of Maryland.  There were several other struggles for independence at the same time.  Beginning in the 1790's, revolts were occurring as far away as China and Senegal.  Closer to home, as a result of Napoleon overthrowing the Spanish monarchy in 1810, Mexico, Venezuela, Columbia, and Argentina were all fighting for their independence.

www.usdaughters1812.org

Society Saturday - Continuing to fight against foreign aggression

The President National of the U.S. Daughters of 1812 visited the Illinois Society today.  Her message compared the patriots of the War of 1812 who fought against British aggression to some of the threats that face us today from various extremists.  One way to "fight back" is through education.  She hopes to increase awareness of why we fought the War of 1812 through various educational programs.  She would like to distribute information about events of the War, the composition of the Star-Spangled Banner, and other facts from 200 years ago to elementary and high school students through the use of cards, puzzles and games.

Before our meeting, we visited some of the sights in Chicago including the marker placed by the Illinois Society U.S.D. 1812 at the site of the Fort Dearborn Massacre.

During the meeting, we were pleased to honor one of our Honorary State Presidents with the Spirit of 1812 Award for her ongoing work on behalf of our Society.

After the meeting, some of us visited the Isle a la Cache Museum.  This is a hidden gem in the southwest suburbs that tells the story of the early fur traders in the area. There, we received a private tour from the Museum director.

www.usdaughters1812.org

Society Saturday - Kentucky in the War of 1812

The Illinois State Society of US Daughters 1812 had Eddie Price as our speaker for our state meeting.  He is the author of "Widder's Landing" - historical fiction set in early 19th century Kentucky.

Author Eddie Price in costume, telling about Kentucky's role in the War of 1812

He had done quite a bit of research in preparation for the book and he shared some of his findings with us.
For instance:

• Kentuckians participated in all battles of the War of 1812 from Thames in the north, to New Orleans in the south, as well as all points in between
• Of those killed in all War of 1812 battles, 64% were from Kentucky
• 30 of the 120 counties in Kentucky are named for War of 1812 heroes
• Kentucky played a major role in the battle of New Orleans, comprising 25% of Jackson's U.S. forces; unfortunately, only 1 in 3 had a decent weapon.

Tombstone Tuesday - Dedicating a tombstone for an 1812 Heroine

John Kinzie Chapter of the Daughters of 1812 has been busy trying to honor a Heroine of the War of 1812.  She was Julia Martin Lambert.  

Julia was living near Fort Harrison in Vigo County, IN when the Fort was attacked by a group of Indians on September 4, 1812.  The Indians set fire to the blockhouse of the Fort.  The soldiers battled the Indians, while the civilians organized a bucket brigade.  Soon the water level in the well dropped below the level that they could reach with their buckets.  Julia climbed down into the well to fill the buckets.  Her actions saved the fort.

Julia lated moved to Knox County, IL where she died in 1872.  She is buried in an unmarked grave there in Yates City.  When we  first learned about her, I was able to find her 3rd-great-granddaughter, and contacted the cemetery about a formal marking.  

The cemetery in Yates City was thrilled to have such a woman buried there.  They provided a marker for her.  Our chapter held a small tombstone dedication last weekend.  We are planning a formal ceremony in the spring when her marker is complete (metal plaque where the paper is), and when her descendant can attend.

Society Saturday - Women in the War of 1812

The John Kinzie Chapter of the Daughters of 1812 met for luncheon at Brio Restaurant - a yummy Italian place in the suburbs of Chicago.  Our Special Guest Speaker was our State President Lola DeGroff.

Lola gave a very interesting program on the Women in the War of 1812.  She told of many women who participated in the war, from helping out by defending the forts and blockhouses, to defending their families from Indian attacks, to helping load and fire cannons during battle.

State President Lola DeGroff telling about the Women of 1812 

Some of those women have Illinois connections.  There were several women, who along with their husbands and children were ambushed, tortured, killed, or captured during the Fort Dearborn Massacre. 

One young girl in southern Illinois witnessed her brother tortured by Indians before being carried off.  She was able to leave torn bits of her apron as a trail for her rescuers to follow.

And, we discussed at length, the story of a woman who helped save Fort Harrison (in Indiana), who is buried in central Illinois.  Our chapter is planning to mark her grave in the near future - she will be the subject of another blog posting.

We are proud to be descended from brave men and women who helped in the Second War for Independence during this bicentennial celebration.

Jim DeGroff, State President of  Illinois Society of 1812,

Kimberly Nagy, President John Kinzie Chapter USD1812,

and Lola DeGroff, Illinois State President USD1812

www.usdaughters1812.org



Society Saturday - Illinois in the War of 1812

The John Kinzie chapter of the US Daughters of 1812 recently had a joint meeting with the Illinois Chapter Dames of the Court of Honor.

Our guest speaker was Gillum Ferguson, author of the book "Illinois in the War of 1812".  Gillum has researched events leading up to, and including the War of 1812 as they occurred in the Illinois territory.

 

When many think of the War of 1812, they think of the burning of the White House, Francis Scott Key writing our National Anthem, or maybe some of the ship warfare on the Great Lakes. 

There were actuallly several battles fought in Illinois as well - many of which were Indian uprisings, but there were ties with British forces who encouraged the uprisings.

 

Gillum gave us an informative talk about some of the individual acts of heroism and bravery that are included in his book.

John Kinzie USD1812 President Kimberly Nagy, Guest Speaker Gillum Ferguson, Illinois DCH President Miriam Giebel

http://illinoisdch.homestead.com/

http://usdaughters1812.org/

Society Saturday - A visit with Dolley Madison

At our recent State Council meeting of US Daughters of 1812, we were treated to a visit with Dolley Madison.  She was portrayed by history teacher Barbara Kay, who was very knowledgeable about Dolley, her family and her life in and out of the White House.

Here is "Dolley Madison" who is carrying around 2 handkerchiefs - one for show, the other for "business".  She is wearing one of her famous turbans.

Another highlight of the meeting was the gift of an 1812-era sword from the Illinois Society of 1812 (the men's group).  They gave it to the Illinois Daughters for presentation to the 1812 museum in Washington, DC. 

Illinois Society of War of 1812 President Jim DeGroff presents the sword to Illinois USD1812 President Lola DeGroff

 The sword was passed around the room for all to see the engraving on the shaft and the carved ivory handle.

Honorary State President Kathy Haas admires the 1812 sword.

Illinois Daughters of 1812 are at:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilusd/index.htm



Military Monday - Henry Critser

My Fourth War of 1812 Ancestor is Henry Critser.

Henry Critser was born on 8 July 1793 at Harrison Co., (West) Virginia.  His parents were George and Hester (Moore) Critser.  He moved to Warren Co., OH sometime between 1805 (when his father sold his land in VA) and 1812.

On 1 May 1812, Henry volunteered at Dayton, OH as a substitute for his future brother-in-law John Robinson.  He joined Capt. John Sheeets' Company but was taken prisoner by the British on 16 August 1812.  He was released 2 weeks later at Detroit, MI.  A year later, on 1 November 1813, he again volunteered at St. Mary's, OH as a substitute for John Ferrel and served under Capt. Timothy Titus.  He was discharged on 4 March 1814.

Henry returned to Warren Co., OH where he married Abigail Robertson on 15 September 1816.  She was the daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Moore) Robertson - and Henry's cousin.  Abigail was born on 11 November 1787 at Allegany Co., MD, and her family had moved to Warren County in 1797.  Abigail was the widow of Josiah Edwards who died in 1814.  They had four children: Elizabeth Edwards, Joseph Edwards, John Edwards and Nancy Edwards.

Henry and Abigail settled down to a life of farming.  They moved to Decatur Co., IN sometime before 1834 when he bought 80 acres of land there.  Henry also built one of the first mills in that county, in 1838, just south of Milford, IN.

They had three children:
1. William Critser, born 1817 in OH.  He married Sarah Todd.
2. Hester Critser, born 5 November 1818 in OH, and married Thomas Wiley - they are my 3rd-great-grandparents.
3. Henry Robert Critser, born 7 March 1828 at Franklin Co., IN.  He married Lucinda Yeley.

Abigail died on 12 December 1863 at Decatur Co., IN, and is buried in the Milford Cemetery there.

Henry married again, on 18 February 1864 at Decatur Co., IN, to Martha Scontz.  She was born 2 March 1837 at Jefferson Co., IN.  They had one child:
4. George B. McClellan Critzer, born 17 January 1865 at Milford, IN.  He married Elizabeth Barnes.

Henry died on 15 January 1877 at Milford, IN and is buried next to his first wife.

Martha (Scontz) Critser died on 17 December 1924 at Johnson Co., IN

Military Monday - Henry Miller

My third 1812 Ancestor is Henry Miller.

Henry Miller was born on 23 December 1793 in Virginia.  He was the seventh of 14 children born to Peter and Mary (Miller) Miller - yes they were cousins!

Henry was a Private in Capt. John Lantz's Co. 118th Regiment of Viginia Milita from 20 February - 4 March 1815.  He was at the camp in Morgantown, VA where his place of residence was listed as 20 miles distant.  He was discharged at the goor of Blue Ridge near Kingwood.  He received $3.35 pay for his service.

Henry married Rebecca "Betsy" Jackson on 3 June 1817 in Fairmount, Monongalia Co., (West) Virginia.  She was the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca "Permelia" (____) Jackson.  She was born 18 January 1795 in Pennsylvania.

He was living in Monongalia County in 1821 when he bought 100 acres of land in Knox Co., OH.  While in Knox County, he served as Justice of the Peace for Berlin Township in 1845.  The 1862 History of Knox county, OH states:  "We can not but commend the character of Henry Miller, Esq., the upright man".

Rebecca died on 20 February 1855 and Henry died on 9 April 1858.  They are buried at the Berlin Cemetery in Knox County Ohio.

 Shortly before his death, Henry applied for bounty land.  The application was granted on 19 April 1859 and his daughter Melvina inherited the land.

Henry and Rebecca had 5 children:

1. Elmina M. Miller, born 24 June 1818 at Fairmont, Monongalia, VA.  She married Jacob Leatherman Baker.
2. Ariana Miller, born 8 September 1819 at Fairmont, Monongalia, VA.  She died 1 July 1835 at Knox Co., OH.
3. Avery Melvin Miller, born 23 December 1821 at Fairmont, Monongalia, VA.  He married Rosanna Heiple.  He was a twin.
4. Melvina E. Miller, born 23 December 1821 at Fairmont, Monongalia, VA.  She married Joseph Thompson McGowan and was my third great-grandmother.
5. Zilpha Miller, born 26 July 1833 at Knox County, OH.  She married William H. Phillips.

Military Monday - John Forester

The second of my War of 1812 Ancestors is John Forester.

He was born in 1775 in Maryland or Pennsylvania.  His name is also spelled Foreacre.  He had a brother William Forester/Foreacre, but I don't know who his parents were.

He married Hannah Adams, probably in Bedford Co., PA.  She was born in PA ca 1782.  They moved to Muskingum County, OH around 1810.

He served in Capt. William Wilson's Co., Collier's Regiment of the Ohio Militia, Major Dawson's Odd Battalion from 29 August -9 Sept 1812 and again from 5 March - 15 August 1814.

In 1820 he received bounty land of 176 acres, and an additional 80 acres in 1856 - all in Muskingum County.

Hannah died on 19 January 1857 at Muskingum County, OH.  John died a few weeks later on 15 February 1857.  They are buried at Roseville Cemetery in Muskingum Co., OH. 

This is the military tombstone for John Foreacre

This is John and Hannah's tombstone

John and Hannah had 6 children:

1. Elijah Forester, born 3 March 1806 at Bedford Co., PA.  He married Ann (Hedges) Decier.

2. Sallie/Sarah Forester, born 7 March 1809.  She married William Rosser.

3. John C. Forester, born 31 October 1810 at Muskingum Co., OH.  He married Mary Ann Stover and is my 3rd great-grandfather.

4. Ann Forester, born ca 1812 at Muskingum Co, OH.  She married Theophilus Eveland.

5. Hannah Forester, born 1816 at Muskingum Co., OH.  She married Samuel Jasper.

6. Mary Forester, born 12 March 1818 at Muskingum Co., OH.  She married David Phillips.



Military Monday - Samuel Stover

This is a series that I have been thinking of doing for several months - my ancestors who fought during the War of 1812.  I have 4 that I know of.

Samuel Stover was born 29 December 1785 at Shenandoah Co., VA.  He was the third child (and a twin to Daniel) of David and Elizabeth (Strickler) Stover.

He married Mary Dieterick on 3 September 1807 at Muskingum Co., OH.  She was the daughter of Johann Balser and Sarah Elizabeth (Strickler) Dieterick.  She was born 20 December 1786 at Adams Co., PA.

Samuel Stover served in Captain James Downings' Co. of Ohio Militia Infantry from 30 March 1812 - 28 February 1813.  He transferred to Captain Walkers' Co. and was discharged at Fort Sandusky on 26 March 1813. 

House built by Samuel Stover


In 1814 he purchased land in Muskingum County, OH from the Zanesville land office.  According to the county history, in 1813  he dammed Brush Creek in order to build a sawmill.  He added a grist mill in 1819.

As one of the prominent citizens of the new town, it was named Stovertown in his honor in 1832. 

He died at Zanesville, OH on 27 August 1837 and was buried in the family plot at Stovertown.  Mary died on 12 February 1839 at Stovertown and is buried with him.

Samuel and Mary had 12 children, all born in Muskingum Co.:
1. Elizabeth Stover, born 2 June 1808, married John Crooks
2. Sarah Stover, born 23 December 1809, married John Baughman
3. Baltser Stover, born 15 May 1811, died in 1838
4. David Stover, born 9 March 1813, married Elizabeth Russell
5. Mary Ann Stover, born 24 January 1816, married John C. Forester (my 3rd great-grandparents)
6. Catherine Stover, born 15 January 1818, married Adam Baughman
7. Mary Magdalene "Polly" Stover, born 31 March 1820, married Abraham Snyder
8. Susanna Stover, born 25 May 1822, married William Cole
9. Ann Margaretta Stover, born 9 March 1824, married David Mauk
10. William T. Stover, born 26 February 1826
11. Lucinda Stover, born 19 January 1828, married Richard Reed
12. Samuel Stover, born 26 November 1829

Stover tombstone - Samuel and Mary are buried with their son Balzer