David Sr VAN GUNDY [Parents] was born on 6 May 1755 in Mada Creek, Earl Twp, Lancaster Co, PA. He died on 2 May 1827 in Harrison Twp, Pickaway Co, OH. He was buried in Bethel Chapel Cem, Springfield, Ross Co, OH. He married Anna Wissler about 1780.
David was our progenitor and along with several brothers, fought in the Am Rev. His occupation was joiner (woodwork carpenter) and he operated mills. He raised a large family, nearly all of whem went west.
Residences and events:
1782 Berks Co, PA, where daughter, Mary was born.
9/9/1789 Manheim Twp, York Co, PA. David and the family have started moving west.
In the Pennsylvania Herald & York General Advertiser was the following: "Whereas Barbara Felger, obtained of the subscriber, one promissary note, persons are forewarned from taking assignment on same - David Gundy, Manheim Twp, York Co." No relationship between the two was stated. Brother, Peter, was a resident of the same county.
1800 Elk Lick Twp, Somerset Co, PA. In the census there were living at his house 4 males under 10 yrs, himself at 26-45, 1 female under 10, 2 females 10-16, and 1 female 16-26, and his wife, also 26-45. He and brother, Joseph, were the only Van Gundys listed in the county. Both had land transactions there the same year.
Elk Lick Twp was part of Brothers' Valley, a Mennonite settlement, where brother, Joseph, was a preacher for awhile.
The Gundy name is among the county's list of Amish names of the Alsatian group as opposed to those of the Old Order and Hessian-Amish.
1801-1805 OH. Practically the whole family of Van Gundys and Wisslers moved from PA to OH. It was possible they were part of the 25 families that took advantage of the free land offered there. In 1796 "Zane's Trace"/National Highway/Rte 40 (whichever you prefer to call it) was completed from Wheeling, WV, to Tarleton and Chillicothe, OH, and settlers were given 100 acres if they would settle in the new territory.
9/24/1803 The Scioto Gazette carried an item that a court of inquiry met at Gundy's mill to examine charges against Capt Roberts & lt. Crow regarding their conduct during the Indian alarm. They were considered"honorably acquitted from the charges."
8/21/1805 Clearcreek Twp, Fairfield Co, OH. In the land auditors records is an entry for Miller & Vangundy for $96.90, recorded 11/8/1805.
8/11/1809 Messrs. Miller & Van Gundy bought land at Chilicothe, OH.
1810 Ross Co, OH. David was named in the tax list but no township was recorded. In the census of the same year, his residence was Harrison Twp, near South Bloomfield. However, the "First Families of Ohio, Official Roster" said daughter, Anna, arrived in the county in 1811.
9/6/1810 David and Jacob Van Gundy signed their names in Dutch as witnesses to a deed transfer from brother, Christian, to the Isaac Gunner (Conner) children. David's property was adjacent to Christian's and bounderies were often described in deeds by their relationship to David's property, such as, the white oak tree in line with David's line, etc.
Abt 1812 Pickaway Co, OH. He bought Simon Headley's grist mill on the Scioto river, near the site of the South Bloomfield bridge. The mill had been built in 1803.
1/25/1814 David Van gundee owed the estate of Andrew Fultz $18.52.
1816 Pickaway Co, OH. David was listed on the tax rolls.
1817 He bought land on the Scioto River from Peter Parcel at 22R2 for $62.
1816/17/18 Green Twp, Ross Co, OH, where David was taxed for his property there. Also taxed in the same township were Christian, Jacob, Peter, and Samuel.
1820 Harrison Twp, Pickaway Co, OH. In the census, he was living at the same place on the river. He had 1 male 10-16, 3 males 16-26, 1 male over 45 (himself), 1 female 16-26, and 1 female over 45 (wife). Ann Denny, a family friend and roundabout relative, who apparently never married, was living with him next door to Margaret Denny. The neighbors were Coonrods, future in-law relatives of son, David.
Another source listed his death place as Springfield, Ross Co, OH.
Some descendants say he was buried in Green Twp, Ross Co, OH.
Anna Wissler [Parents] was born about 1759 in PA, possibly Lancaster Co.. She died after 1832 in Pickaway Co, OH. She married David Sr VAN GUNDY about 1780.
There is a conflict with Anna's birth date and that of her parents', being about the same age. However, in her father's will, she is listed as the 3rd daughter between Barbara and Magdalena.
She was mentioned in her father's will in 1832.
They had the following children:
F i Ann\Anna Van Gundy was born on 2 Jan 1781. She died on 30 Jul 1868. F ii Mary "Polly" VAN GUNDY was born on 3 Dec 1782. She died on 24 Dec 1872. F iii Magdalena VAN GUNDY was born in 1784. She died in 1790. F iv Barbara Catherine VAN GUNDY was born in 1786/1787. She died on 30 Jan 1863. M v David Jr VAN GUNDY was born on 9 Oct 1790. He died on 1 Sep 1861. M vi Christian VAN GUNDY was born in 1791/1792. M vii John VAN GUNDY was born in 1794. He died in 1850. F viii Jacob VAN GUNDY was born in 1795/1796. M ix Peter VAN GUNDY was born about 1795. He died in 1857. M x George VAN GUNDY was born about 1795. F xi Betsey VAN GUNDY was born about 1796. M xii Daniel VAN GUNDY was born on 11 Mar 1797. He died on 16 Dec 1845. F xiii Rebecca VAN GUNDY was born on 23 Oct 1798. She died on 29 Jun 1857. M xiv Joseph VAN GUNDY was born about 1800. He died in 1824/1825. F xv Sarah VAN GUNDY was born about 1804. M xvi Samuel VAN GUNDY was born about 1812 in Ross Co, OH. He died on 29 Apr 1839 in Harmony, Butler Co, PA.
This man may not belong to this family as some relatives believe.
He never married.
George COONROD [Parents] was born in 1770 in So Branch, Augusta Co, W VA. He died on 4 Dec 1826 in Morgan Co, IL. He married Paralee ZUMWALT about 1790 in Pendleton Co, VA.
One history spoke of George, although not all the facts are entirely accurate:
"Grandfather Coonrod was a native of Germany and upon his emigration to American, located in Virginia, but later removed to Ohio and finally came to Scott County, locating in township 15, range 13, north of the bluffs. There he carried on farming until his death."
Residences:
1770 So Branch, Augusta, VA, where he was born.
1790 He was included with his father and brothers on the list of Tithables by males over 16.
1801 KY
6/12/1806 Harrison Twp, Pickaway Co, OH, where he entered 157.68 acres of Congressional lands. He moved his family north and his brothers and father would soon follow.
1806-1810 Clermont Co, OH. He was taxed on 2 different properties in 1806.
George served in the War of 1812.
Pickaway Co, OH. He must have been gone by 1816 as he was not listed in the tax list that year.
1818 Madison Co, IL. He was certified as Illinois Prairie Pioneer by IL State Gen Soc, meaning he arrived in IL before statehood (1818). He migrated via waterways.
1818 Madison Co, IL. His family was counted in the state's first census.
1820 Six Mile Prairie, Madison Co, IL. At census time, his family consisted of 2 males over 21 years of age and 9 females.
1820 Scott Co, IL. George bought land in twp 15, rg 13, north of Bluffs.
1824 He and sons, Adam and William were on the Voter List Mauvaistere Pct.
1830 Six Mile Prairie, Madison Co, IL. At census time George was over 45 yrs old and had living with him 2 males 16-25, 1 male 16-18, 1 male 10-15, 1 male under 10, his wife, also over 45, 3 females 16-25, 1 female 10-25, and 1 female under 10. 5 people were engaged in agriculture.
Six Mile Prairie was described as "beginning at the SW corner of Madison Co on the Mississippi River; thence east along the county line to Cahokia Creek, and up the same to the south of Long Lake, up Long Lake to the road leading from Samuel Gillhams to Dejailai's ferry, thence direct to the Mississippi River, including the Big Island, thence south along the bank of the river, including all islands to the place of beginning. It became known as Venice in 1872." It is now the Granite City area.
No Coonrods/Conrads were listed in any census after 1850, having moved on with several settling in MO and points beyond. Adam may have settled near Kansas City.
Son, Adam, was administrator of his estate.
Paralee ZUMWALT [Parents] was born in 1772 in So Branch, Augusta Co, VA. She died in 1821/1825 in Morgan Co, IL. She married George COONROD about 1790 in Pendleton Co, VA.
She was described in the history books as "a woman remarkable in many respects and an sincere Christian."
She may not be a child of John D and Elizabeth as posted here by another researcher.
She and George decided to stay in IL rather than continue the trip to MO with her siblings who eventually went down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, crossed into Texas and were involved in the early history before statehood, including the Battle of the Alamo.
They had the following children:
M i Daniel Adam COONROD was born in 1793/1794. He died in 1831. M ii William COONROD was born in 1795 in Pendleton Co, VA.
Residences:
1824 Morgan Co, IL. William voted in the Mauvaisterre Pct along with his father and brother, Adam, and brother-in-law, David Van Gundy.
He either moved on, or died, before 1850 as he was not listed in the census.F iii Mary Ann COONROD was born on 4 Sep 1796. She died on 24 Apr 1853. F iv Sarah "Sally" COONROD was born in 1801. She died in 1883. M v George COONROD was born in 1802/1803 in KY. He died in 1850/1851. M vi Woolery COONROD was born on 14 Feb 1805. He died on 31 Aug 1888. F vii Elizabeth "Betsy" COONROD was born in 1807. She died in 1877. F viii Dollie COONROD was born in 1805/1810. She died before 1826. M ix Jonas COONROD was born about 1815. He died in 1850. F x Female COONROD was born in 1810/1820 in OH.
Peter Sr VAN GUNDY was born in 1718/1719 in Bern, Switzerland. He died on 26 Mar 1763 in Earl Twp, Lancaster Co, PA. He was buried in PA, near Harrisburg, in a cemetery on a hill. He married Fronica Ann Farny about 1739.
Peter was our immigrant ancestor and one story relates that he was born Peter Van Gunten, a Swiss Hugenot. "He was able, wealthy and distinguished in the history of his country and aspired to the government of Berne. Being compelled to flee for his life, he sought asylum in France. He and his family immigrated to America and settled in Penn's colony in Bethel Twp, PA."
The family was probably Mennonite, having at least one Mennonite preacher in the family. "It is to the Swiss Mennonites, followers of Menno Simon from the cantons of Berne and Zurick, to whom is given the credit for making the first permanent white settlement in what is now Lancaster County. Several families of these hardy pioneers took up a tract of 10,000 acres north of Pequea creek in what is now West Lampeter Township, on a warrant dated October 10, 1710."
Some descendants say the family left Switzerland at the time of the Catholic persecution, leaving a fortune over there. However, a "Report of Investigation in the Matter of an Estate Supposed to Have Been Left by Peter Von Gunten in Berne, 1700-1800," dated Feb 8, 1904 and including findings of the Chancellor of the Canton Berne, civil officers of Sigriswil, the Justice of the Canton Berne, and the Bernese Archives of State, states "Gunten was a village on the border of the Lake of Thun. It is in the District of Sigriswil. According to the Chancler of the Canton of Berne, the name 'Von Gunten' does not denote nobility; it is merely 'from Gunten.'.....the search of the above named officers has been without result and nothing is known by the competent authorities concerning an estate left by Peter von Gunten."
This report does provide some insight into history through interesting tidbits, such as the following from the Register of emigrant citizens, State Arch. 1694-1754: "Christian von Gunten of Sigriswil, was forced to lose his citizenship May 9, 1736. The Canton Berne and its government has always been Protestant, and it is impossible that a Bernese was persecuted and emigrated on account of his Protestant belief. No reason is given why Christian von Gunten lost his citizenship. He may have broken the laws, married a Catholic, or excited the displeasure of the Government in some other manner.....the records of 'Estates of Emigrants' are literally Records of the withdrawal of means and were made when an estate was converted into money or valuables and turned over to the citizen desiring to emigrate." Signed Edward Higgins, Consul, Berne, Switzerland.
Pat DeWitz of Bedford, OH, wrote in 1976 the she had her husband visited Berne, Switzerland in September 1974 but found little useful information there. They read the census by occupation from 1700 - 1750 and found that every von Gunten (from the village of Gunten) was a school teacher, both male and female, and they all taught in the villages around the Lake of Thun which included Spies, Interlaken, and Gruten. She states further that Gundy is the German form of the name, "von" was used for those who went through Germany, while "van" was used for who went by way of Holland.
Another story states that "the only person found that could have been our ancester was John Peter Gunder, who arrived at the port of Philadelphia 9/12/1752 on the ship, 'Priscilla' from Rotterdam, but last from Cowes (Eng)."
A chart of his branch by Ross G Van Gundy of Los Angeles states "Peter VanGundy, a Hollander, and two nephews" were founders of the family in America. Harvey Van Gundy of Tahlequah, OK, wrote that his "father and twin brother were brought over from Holland by an old lady and settled in Ohio."
And so it goes. Who is to say what is the truth? An autobiography of the grandson of Anna Maria Davis, wife of John Van Gundy, simply states "they emigrated from Switzerland before the Revolutionary War and settled in Pennsylvania, Reading County, not far from a town of the same name."
An organization was formed in 1961 called the "Van Gundy Association" with Mr. Bliss Van Gundy of Osborne, KA, President (now deceased); Mrs. C.C. Meyer, Pasadena, MD, Director of Research; and Mrs. Alfred E. DeWitz of Bedford, OH, Asst Researcher. Mrs. Meyer is also an author and editor of genealogical publications. Relatives have traveled to Switzerland and, hopefully, in the near future, these folks will have all the facts sorted out.
Most of the early American generations were millers and coopers and as such the only coat of arms found by the Van Gundy Association attributed to a family whose name was similar to ours, "Gunten", was associated with Hans von Gunten, an old citizen of Gunten, alive in 1497 but childless. He was a member of an old knightly (3rd class) family originating in Stuhmschen in old Prussia, who were under the vassalage of the Pomeranian diocese as early as the 14th century. The family, for the most part, stayed connected and faithful to the "Orden in Bundeskriege", a high society of the middle ages.
This coat of arms consists of a gold shield on which are two human arms are palms up, in a vertical position, encased in a blue sleeve. The crest shows the arms and hands as on the shield.
However, according to a Coat of Arms Research Report with Registry of Burke's Gundi Gondy 1279, which says they believe the Van Gundy name is locational in origin and is associated with the Belgians and Dutch, our coat would be black with a gold Belgian lion and a yellow upper third bearing a red tulip, symbolic of Holland, between two red poppies, symbolic of Belgium.
So take your choice! In American, coats of arms mean nothing anyway, so whichever you wish to claim will be perfectly alright.
There is a strong possibility that our Peter came to American with the Wisler family, being from neighboring towns in the same canton of Switzerland, both appearing in America about the same time in the same place and having children who would marry later. Although it is not known exactly when he came to America, there are some facts which place him here early:
1743 Lancaster Co, PA. His second child was born there this year and possibly the first was also in 1740.
1749 Earl Twp, Lancaster Co, PA, where he purchased 200 acres of land.
1750 Cocalico Twp, Lancaster Co, PA. He was included on the list of taxpayers who had property there. There is a note his name has also been spelled "Dundy" and "Gunty." A comment "Singlemen for themselves" was not explained.
1751 and again 1756-8 Earl Twp, Lancaster Co, PA. He was listed on the property tax rolls here as well.
12/13/1755 Earl Twp. Peter and wife, Fronich, sold 200 acres to a Joseph Fox of Philadelphia for 100 pounds. He signed his name in German while Fronica signed with an X.
1756 His name appeared on the tax list for 60 acres. Also on the list was Rudy Zuck, John Wenger, Henry Sydenbender, and several from the Davis family, all names of in-law families.
Peter's family spoke Dutch and the children signed their names in Dutch on various records, such as deed transfers and court papers.
Peter's exact birth date is not known although a birth certificate was said to be in the possession of a JN Wilkey of Covington, IN at one time.
Some family listings have his death date as 1758 but the date posted is from a letter written by great, great granddaughter, Clara Van Gundy.
The will book lists his name as Peter "Gunty" and he died intestate.
Circumstances and place of Peter's death depend on the story being read. One version says he died in Bethel Twp, now Lebanan Co, PA, another that he was killed by Indians in Earl Twp, Lancaster Co, Pa. Since all records place him in Lancaster Co, I choose to believe he died there, whether by Indians, is unknown.
According to estate records, his heirs included his wife, Ann, and 7 children.
However, Ann must have died shortly after Peter, leaving orphan children. Sons, John and Christian were then over 21, and John, along with his wife, Ann, petitioned the court for permission to sell their mother's land but the petition was denied.
Instead, guardians were appointed for the minor children on 3/25/1763. Peter and Magdalene, being over 14, chose their own guardian. Guardians appointed for the 3 younger children were: Jacob Kurtz of Manaheim Twp in Lancaster Co, and Jacob Erb of Warwick Twp, also from Lancaster Co.
Later, while Peter, Jr, was still a minor, John asked the court to allow him to buy the farm or divide it among the children but this petition was also denied.
On 5-8-1772 the guardians exhibited their account in court. By then Joseph was over 21 and David and Benjamin, being over 14, chose their brother, John, as their guardian.
Finally on 5-12-1772, John, the oldest son, was allowed to sell the land for 1200 pounds sterling and divide the money among the children.
Fronica Ann Farny was born in 1718/1720. She died about 1763 in Earl Twp, Lancaster Co, PA. She married Peter Sr VAN GUNDY about 1739.
Her name is spelled several ways in legal records.
Ann must have died shortly after Peter, leaving orphan children.
They had the following children:
M i John Sr VAN GUNDY was born in 1740. He died on 8 Aug 1806. M ii Christian Sr VAN GUNDY was born in 1743. He died in Mar 1813. M iii Peter Jr VAN GUNDY was born in 1746. He died after 1812. F iv Magdalena VAN GUNDY was born in 1748. She died in 1842. M v Joseph * VAN GUNDY was born in 1750. He died in 1823. M vi Benjamin VAN GUNDY was born in 1752. He died in 1817. M vii David Sr VAN GUNDY was born on 6 May 1755. He died on 2 May 1827.
Walter NEAVES [Parents] was born in 1773 in Goochland Co, VA. He died on 8 Apr 1858 in Bracken Co, KY. He married Juliet Worrell on 21 Sep 1822 in Harrison Co, KY.
Other marriages:Chriswell, Rebecca
Residences:
1810 Nicholas Co, KY. He and his father were the only Neaves listed in the KY census.
1840 Southern Division of Bracken Co, KY, was his address at census time. Son, James was a neighbor.
Walter's estate was not settled until 5/19/1861. Son, Nimrod, was administrator and the total value of personal property was $677.75, mostly in 6 notes outstanding to various people. Nimrod paid out a total of $54.22 for taxes for the years 1858-60, various fees and
other bills, leaving $513 to be distributed to the heirs. His widow collected a third, $71.17, and the 10 children each received $34.23. The total for real estate was not mentioned.
Juliet Worrell [Parents] was born in 1795 in KY. She died after 1866. She married Walter NEAVES on 21 Sep 1822 in Harrison Co, KY.
Other marriages:MCCRACKEN, N B
In the 1860 census, Juliet was living w/her son, Joseph, next door to Nimrod's family.
She remarried that year.
They had the following children:
F i Priscilla NEAVES was born in 1824. F ii Mary Ann NEAVES was born in 1825. M iii Nimrod "Nim" NEAVES was born on 26 Sep 1826. He died on 27 Apr 1900. F iv Martha NEAVES was born in 1832. F v America NEAVES was born in 1834.
William Walker WORKMAN [Parents] was born on 1 May 1811 in MD, possibly Allegany Co. He died on 20 Jan 1892 in Oakland, Bracken Co, KY. He was buried in Workman Family Cem, Bracken Co, KY. He married Sophia BROSHEARS about 1835 in KY.
William was a farmer who could not read or write.
Residences & events:
1838 Oakland area, Bracken Co, KY was his first land purchase in the state.
1860 Augusta P.O., Bracken Co, KY, was his address at census time. Living in the same township were 2 other William Workmans.
1870 Brookville Pct, Bracken Co, KY. He may not have moved, only the townships changed. Living in the same precinct was daughter, Elizabeth, and her Neaves family.
By the time of his death he had amassed nearly 1000 acres.
William's will was dated 5/17/1888 and signed by X. It stated:
"Know all men by these presents that I William Workman this day being of sound mind and knowing the uncertainty of all things human make, publish and declare this my last will and testament.
1st Unto my wife Sophia Workman, I bequeath all my estate both real & personal to hold use & manage in her own name and right during her natural life. Sophia Workman is to discharge my burying expenses and all other debts left unpaid at my death.
2nd At the death of my wife Sophia Workman I will unto my daughter Elizabeth Ann Neaves the sum of One Thousand Dollars as her portion of my estate. (William did this because Elizabeth had moved to Illinois, and possibly Kansas, and would have on use for KY lands.)
3rd After all the conditions of the above have been complyed with, I desire the balance of my property to be divided equally between my remaining heirs.
4th Section Third includes the children of Sarah Ann McDowell as heirs in the Equal division made in said secion Third.
5th It is my will that Darius E, William W and Albert B. Workman shall pay no back rent or that no deduction shall be taken out of their portion of the estate on account of any moneys paid by me for said heirs.
6th It is my will that the heirs pay or cause to be paid all debts at the death of my wife, and also her burying expenses"
On 3/13/1893, son, Albert, petitioned the Court to divide his deceased parent's land. The petition was granted and division was made equally among the children except for Elizabeth, who received a tenth of a tract of her mother's land. The court proceedings recorded all the
children of the family and/or their heirs, each receiving 1/9th. Instructions were given to the those in charge of the transactions:"The Commissioners in making the division will have due regard to quantity, quality and value, and may assign to each their respective interests, so as to suit the convenience and best interest of all the parties. The Commissioners will proceed to make the division on the
23rd..."Family lore says that when Sophia died, William was disinterred so they could be buried together and his beard had grown.
Sophia BROSHEARS [Parents] was born on 1 Jan 1811 in Robertson Co, KY. She died on 26 Jan 1892 in Oakland, Bracken Co, KY. She was buried in Workman Family Cem, Bracken Co, KY. She married William Walker WORKMAN about 1835 in KY.
Some family listings have her birthdate as 5/1/1812.
After Sophia died, her son, Albert, petitioned the court to divide their deceased parents' land among the heirs. She owned one tract of land which she received from Levi & Elizabeth Wood. (Who were they? Grandparents, perhaps?)
They had the following children:
M i Albert B WORKMAN was born on 9 Apr 1836. He died after 13 Mar 1893. M ii William Walker WORKMAN was born on 30 Jun 1837. He died before 1893. F iii Elizabeth Ann WORKMAN was born on 5 Jan 1839. She died on 30 Nov 1894. F iv Mary Frances WORKMAN was born on 23 Nov 1840. She died on 6 Mar 1914. M v James Madison WORKMAN was born on 26 Feb 1842. He died on 14 Jul 1923. F vi Cynthia WORKMAN was born on 28 Oct 1843. She died on 20 Jun 1892. F vii Rebecca Jane WORKMAN was born on 20 Mar 1845. She died after 1893. F viii Darius Ennias "Doc" WORKMAN was born on 6 Aug 1845. She died on 1 Jan 1925. F ix Cordelia WORKMAN was born in 1849. She died on 30 May 1915. F x Sarah Ann WORKMAN was born on 15 Oct 1852. She died before 1888. M xi Alfred WORKMAN was born on 3 Jan 1855 in Oakland, Bracken Co, KY. He died on 2 Mar 1865 in Oakland, Bracken Co, KY.
William Rufus HUFF was born in 1854. He died after Nov 1917 in Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Mary Juliet "Molly" NEAVES on 4 Mar 1879.
As an attorney, he represented the city of Sullivan, IL, in the early 1900s.
He wrote a letter to sister-in-law, Laura Van Gundy on 11/21/1917.
The inscription on the shared gravestone reads:
I am the resurrection and the
light
he that believeth in me though
he
were dead yet shall he live.John 11.25
Mary Juliet "Molly" NEAVES [Parents] was born on 18 May 1858 in Bracken Co, KY. She died on 18 Sep 1931 in Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married William Rufus HUFF on 4 Mar 1879.
She was named for her paternal grandmother.
She inherited 160 acres in Jewell Co, KS, and another 25 acres of the old homestead in Sullivan Twp, Moultrie Co, IL, from her father in addition to $4400 cash.
The gravestone she shares with her husband contains only birth dates, no death dates.
They had the following children:
M i Nimrod Neaves HUFF was born in 1885 in Moultrie Co, IL. He died on 5 Sep 1913 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, at home. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL.
The Sullivan, IL, newspaper carried the story of the tragedy resulting in his death:
"MURDER AND SUICIDE SHOCKS COMMUNITY
Nimrod Huff Crazed by Drugs and Drink, Kills Sheriff Fleming and Takes Own Life
Friday afternoon of last week trouble originated at the home of Perry Bland that terminiated in double murder at the farm residence of Rufus Huff, west of Sullivan.
Nimrod Huff, who was crazed by hard drinking and 'dope' after an attack upon Ada Sipe with a corn knife, eluded the officers and went to the home of his father.
Sheriff Fleming, being informed that Huff was at his father's home in the country, got a car and accompanied by Deputy Sheriff C.H. Bristow and Chief of Police John Tolley, went to Mr. Huff's residence with a warrant for the arrest of the son.
Nimrod Huff took a bottle of whiskey with him and in spite of his mother's pleading and tears, he kept on drinking and kept a shot gun in his possession, insisting that he was going to town. The family tried to keep him at home. John Taylor was passing and Huff called to
him and got in his buggy to come to town. Just at that time the sheriff and his deputy arrived, passed the buggy and stopped and the officers alighted and walked toward the buggy. The lights were flashed and a shot was fired which struck Sheriff Fleming, covering almost his entire body. He fell and expired in a short time. One shot struck Policeman Tolley. Deputy Sheriff Bristow dropped flat to the ground and the next shot passed over his head. Nimrod Huff then escaped into the corn field. After the elapse of about thirty minutes he was heard to call and the report of a gun followed. His brother, Roger, went to him and Dr. Davidson and others went from where the dead sheriff was lying. They ascertained that Huff had placed the muzzle of the gun against his side and fired the shot that ended his own life. The particulars are brought out in the testimony given below:
CAUSE OF TRAGEDY
Friday about 4 pm, Nimrod Huff in a rage and intoxicated condition went to the home of Perry Bland on East Jackson street. He went to the kitchen as was his custom to call on Miss Ada Sipe, a domestic in the home of Mr. Bland.
He was heard to say 'there's going to be trouble.'
He carried in one hand an old, rusty, dull corn knife, with that he struck at her face, she threw up her arm to ward off the blow and caught the lick on her right arm. She was struck a lick on the back of the head and another on the forehead. She caught the knife in her hand, he bit her hand to force her to let go. Miss Sipe in the meantime ordered the police called. Mrs. Bland & Mrs. Fults both phoned for the officers. After the attack on the girl, Huff left the house and went around the block swearing he would clean out the whole bunch, meaning those living in the block. On returning from his trip around the block, he went upon Mayor Pifer's porch and sat down. Mrs. Pifer remarked to him that the police were coming. He slapped himself on all his pockets and said, 'I have got nothing. I can whip him with my fist.' He also said 'Ada cut herself.'
He saw the policeman coming and walked towards the Presbyterian church, when Tolley got south on Washington street to the house to the southeast corner of the intersection of Jackson & Washington, Huff was about 200 feet ahead of him by W.L. Hancock's.
Ada Sipe's father lives near Cushman. She has turned a deaf ear to parents and others offering her good advice.
She worked for Mrs. Bland about 2 years ago, but at that time she was out too much of nights and Mrs. Bland would not keep her.
She went away, after being away several months, came back and begged to be taken in, saying she would do better, which she did. She claims that for about three months, she has been trying to get ride of Huff's attentions, then he would become enraged at times and force his attention upon her and make threats.
The corn knife was found, after the trouble, behind a trunk on the porch.
Dr. Lawson was called and took 2 or 3 stitches in the gash on the girl's wrist. None of her wounds were serious.
The substance of C.H. Bristow's evidence before the coronor's jury; information near 4 pm Friday came to the Sheriff's office that the sheriff and police were wanted at Perry Bland's. The Sheriff being out of town, his Deputy C.H. Bristow started there. At the
street he got into a buggy and was driven to near there when they got to Jackson street, they noticed people looking West, and also saw policeman, John Tolley to the west and drove to him. Tolley got in the buggy, but Bristow alighted and got in one back of them and the parties all drove to the school house where a crowd was collected. They inquired if anyone had Nim Huff, and could get no information from anyone. They drove around the school house, one going in one direction and one in the other direction. As he disappeared, they went back to Blands to ascertain what was the matter.
The police and sheriff had been called there once or twice before, not to make arrests, but to quiet things.
At the Bland house, they found that Ada had a cut on her arm, her wrist bitten, a bad place on the back of her head, and she told them she was cut on the top of her head with a corn knife.
Ada Sipe told them she would swear out a warrant for Nim. Mr. Bristow got a warrant of Atty. J.K. Martin and taking Justice of the Peace Siple with him where Ada Sipe was, she acknowledged it and Bristow took it to the Sheriff, who had then returned to his office.
The corn knife was also delivered to the sheriff.
Ada Sipe in the meantime told the officers that Nim Huff had called her up 3 times but would not tell where he was. She asked the Central girl she said, and was told that she thought he was on Line 49, the same line VanGundy's are on. The Sheriff, the Deputy, and the Chief of Police went to VanGundy's residence and learning that he had not been there, and that they know nothing of him; the officers returned to Sullivan. It was reported that one of the Van Gundy boys was taking their car out of the shop to take Nim Huff out of the
county. The officers then hired another car and driver to start in pursuit. Before they got started they heard he was at his father's residence in the country sitting on the porch. 'We went there and just before we got to the house, we saw the buggy in the road. I think Mr. Fleming said to throw the lights on them so we said stop and he stopped the car and he and I jumped out about the same time. He was in the back seat and I was in the front seat; we started back towards the buggy; we had the flash lights and had them lit. We took three or four steps and the first report Mr. Fleming said, 'Oh, my God, I am hit' or a remark to that effect. Just that quick I dropped to the ground and held there. Mr. Fleming staggered back and died; my opinion at first was that he laid down to keep out of the way of the shooting. I found out differently afterwards; the second shot was imemediately after the first and about that time there was several hallooing. Mr. Huff and Roger were both hallooing, not to shoot, and Mr. Huff ran to Mr. Felming and I got up and went back to where he was, and we worked with him for quite a while.'
Mr. Bristow had Mr. Flemings gun and the two shells they found in the road in his pocket. He testified that he had heard three shots fired, two at the wagon in the road and one in the corn field later.
Mr. Bristow was about three feet from Sheriff Fleming when the shots were fired and didn't know Nim had a gun until the first shot was fired and never saw anything when he got out of the car, nor heard a word spoken by any of the other parties, until after the shots were fired and they hallooed, don't shoot. It was dark at the time. Mr. Bristow gave as his opinion that they were about 50 feet from the buggy where Nim was when the shots were fired, and thought he recognized him by the light of the car, but did not notice a gun.
The sheriff did not say anything after he was shot and lying in the road. It seems to me he lived about one-half hour after he was shot.
'I was trying to get through over the telephone and Central wouldn't answer; we could't get any telephone service at all.'
Mr. Bristow says there were two men in the buggy when they passed but did not know where the third one was. He did not know whether the shots were fired from the buggy or the ground.
Ben Cochran testified that after he had worked with Mr. Fleming some time, he turned his car and started to town for a doctor. He met Dr. Davidson at the railroad and they went back to the scene of the tragedy. A couple of minutes after he got back he heard a shot to the northeast of them, someone said, 'Nim has shot himself.' He called just before he shot. Roger Huff asked for a lantern and went to him.
Roger Huff testified that Mr. Van Gundy told him that Nim was in trouble with a girl. That was just as the 5:30 train was going through. 'When I got home at 6 pm, Nim was on the porch with some whiskey and a shot gun. Mother was there crying, trying to get the gun from him. I tried to keep him from going to town, just then John Taylor came past, Nim hallooed to him; I pinched my father saying, Keep Nim while I talk to John Taylor. We, Taylor and I tried to keep him at home. His mother snatched the whiskey but he got it again. The car came up and I tried to get the gun. He leaped over the horse's head and jerked the gun to this shoulder.' Roger, his father and mother soon after the shooting went to Mr. Fleming and helped care for him.
The Jury in the inquisition over W.M Fleming were Dr. J.F.
Lawson, C.E. McPheeters, F.A. Reese, John A. Webb, M.S. Mattox and
W.S. Harris.
VERDICT
The Jury found that Warren M. Fleming came to his death by a gun shot wound fired from a shot gun in the hands of Nimrod N. Huff. Said death occurred about 7:30 Sept.5, 1913 in front of the residence of W.R. Huff.
The Jury that held the inquisition over the body of Nimrod N. Huff was F.E. Pifer, W.L. Hancock, A.N. Woodruff, Grover Hines, Dennis Landers and A. Gifford.
They heard that he came to his death by shooting himself."
Nimrod died of a self inflicted gun shot wound.F ii Eva Lenora HUFF was born in 1886 in Moultrie Co, IL. She died in 1920. M iii Roger Grant HUFF was born in 1888. He died in 1917. M iv Walter William HUFF was born in Moultrie Co, IL.
William Cheneworth "Chenny" NEAVES [Parents] was born on 23 Oct 1875 in Macon Co, IL. He died on 11 Jul 1945 in Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Marsha HENSLEY on 25 Feb 1897 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. William resided.
He was named for his maternal grandfather.
Relatives said Chenny was a rascal who stole chickens, among other things.
Residences & events:
1900 His father left him 160 acres in Jewell Co, Ks, along with 85 acres of the old homestead in Sullivan Twp, Moultrie Co, IL.
6/1/1906 Moultrie Co, IL. He and Marsha sold their property at Pt SW S5 T13 R5 to his brother-in-law, DW Van Gundy, for $5000 by warranty deed.
11/21/1917 There seems to have been a dispute involving Chenny; sister, Laura and husband, DW; and DW's brother, Elmer Van Gundy. Attorney and brother-in-law, WR Huff, wrote the following to Laura:
"My dear Laura:
I am sending you a copy of a letter that I have written to Elmer. Now I didn't like to write to Elmer, but the time has come when you and Dan must do right in this matter. You seem to be afraid of Elmer; seem to be afraid that if you will tell him or enter into an accounting with him as to Chin's land you will get into trouble. People don't generally get into trouble doing right. As far as I am concerned I am tired of seeing Chin's family suffer for the necessaries of life with no possible chance of relieving them. If any one has to take this land for Chin's life it would have been far better for Hill to have taken it than for Elmer to take it.
Now it will be easy for you and Chin and Dan and Elmer to determine how much is back and how much has been paid and settle this matter. I have men every few days talk to me about this that know about the matter, and they think it an outrage, and you can't afford to do otherwise in this matter than to get busy with yourself.
Now you show this letter to Dan and show it to Chin too, and don't fail in this. You know I write letters to some of your people who don't see fit to answer. I don't want an answer in this letter, but the matter must not rest any longer as it is. You must do right not only toward Chin, but toward yourself and toward your brothers and sisters and towards Chin's children.
Very truly yours,
WR Huff"
Marsha HENSLEY died in Feb 1948 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried on 4 Feb 1948. She married William Cheneworth "Chenny" NEAVES on 25 Feb 1897 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL.
They had the following children:
M i Robert Nimrod "Bobby" NEAVES. M ii Daniel NEAVES died in 1950. F iii Goldie NEAVES. F iv Hazel NEAVES.
Samuel John HUSTON was born in 1865. He married Dora NEAVES on 28 Dec 1887 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. Samuel resided in 1931.
He owned a lumber company there.
Dora NEAVES [Parents] was born in 1869 in KY. She died after 1945. She married Samuel John HUSTON on 28 Dec 1887 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL.
Dora and Samuel may have had other children besides Elizabeth but she was the only one mentioned in the will of Grandfather Neaves.
Dora's father left her some land in Macon Co, IL, described as the W 100 acres of the fractional NW quarter of S7 T14 R3.
She was among the survivors of brother, Chenny.
They had the following children:
F i Elizabeth HUSTON.
She was the only grandchild mentioned in Nimrod Neaves' will and she received a deed to part of the old homestead in Sullivan Twp, Moultrie Co, IL.
Stanton Hamilton was born on 4 Aug 1851 in Bracken Co, KY. He died on 26 Feb 1915 in Brooksville, Bracken Co, Ky. He married Sophia NEAVES in 1872 in Brooksville, Bracken Co, Ky.
Sophia NEAVES [Parents] was born on 12 Jan 1856 in Brooksville, Bracken Co, Ky. She died on 13 Jan 1904 in Brooksville, Bracken Co, Ky. She married Stanton Hamilton in 1872 in Brooksville, Bracken Co, Ky.
Other marriages:BALL, Male
She was named for her maternal grandmother.
Her father left her 160 acres in Jewell Co, KS, plus another 80 acres in Macon Co, IL, and $400.
They had the following children:
Male BALL.Male married Sophia NEAVES.
Had children, unsure of # or names.
Lived Eureka Springs, Ark.
Sophia NEAVES [Parents] was born on 12 Jan 1856 in Brooksville, Bracken Co, Ky. She died on 13 Jan 1904 in Brooksville, Bracken Co, Ky. She married Male BALL.
Other marriages:Hamilton, Stanton
She was named for her maternal grandmother.
Her father left her 160 acres in Jewell Co, KS, plus another 80 acres in Macon Co, IL, and $400.