Robert Timothy NEAVES [Parents] was born in 1864 in Bracken Co, KY. He died in Sep 1926 in Elberta Mountain, AR. He was buried in Elberta Mountain, AR. He married Florida A UTTINGER on 27 Jun 1888 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. The marriage ended in divorce.
Other marriages:PARMLEY, Flora E
A granddaughter said his name was Robert Theodore but that has not been verified by any records.
Robert was a farmer.
Residences & events:
1900 His father left him an unspecified amount of land in Coles Co, IL, the W 1/2 of S 1/2 of NE quarter of S16 T12 R7, as well as 160 acres in Jewell Co, KS, and $3200.
8/13/1904 Moultrie Co, IL. He sold real estate located at W 1/2 SW S12 T14 R8 to his sister, Laura Van Gundy, for $1000 by warranty deed.
9/27/1906 He transferred another plot at the same location to Laura by quit claim deed for $1.
Elberta Mountain, Ark. He was postmaster there.
Florida A UTTINGER was born in 1870. She married Robert Timothy NEAVES on 27 Jun 1888 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. The marriage ended in divorce.
They had the following children:
F i Female NEAVES.
Ulrich\Woollery Jr COONROD [Parents] was born about 1746 in Berne, Switzerland. He died on 15 Feb 1815 in Walnut Twp, Pickaway Co, OH. He married Elizabeth Dresler about 1763 in So Branch, Augusta Co, W VA.
The name he carried into the new country was Ulrich Kuhnrad but it evolved into the Woolery Coonrod of his descendants.
He was a farmer and miller.
War records say he fought in the Indian Wars as well as the Revolutionary War.
Residences & events in his life:
1758 Fort Siebut, Pendleton Co, WV
Moorefield, Hardy Co, WV
1763 He joined the Revolutionary War efforts.
1766 Thorn River, Augusta Co, VA. He patented 6 acres at the mouth of the river.
From Augusta Co, VA Court records:
Page 462.--18th March, 1777. Ulrick Conrad, Sr., to Ulrick Conrad, Jr., his son, at mouth of Black Thorn on South Branch of Potowmack, 6 acres with mill seat thereon erected, patented to Ulrick (Sr) 12th May, 1770. (The mill property was later acquired by a General William McCoy, merchant of Franklin, who also purchased the Peninger and Conrad estates which extended from Franklin to the mouth of the Thorn.)
5/18/1778 "James Trimble's executors (John, Isaac and James Trimble), of Rockbridge County, to Woolderick Conrod, Jr. Delivered: Jacob Conrod, son of Wooldruck Conrod, 23d May, ____, on South Branch of Potomac."
3/22/1780 "Commissioners reported following persons as refusing to swear to their taxable property: George Nicholas, John Flesher, Wolrick Conrad, Jr., John Snider, Nicholas Simmon, Peter Smith, Barten Smith, Jonathan Buffington, Benj. Abett, Charles Fomelson, Wm. Hamilton, James Lackey, Joseph Fonelson and John Lacky--all to be prosecuted."
11/1780 "Commonwealth vs Woobeck Conrad, Jr - 19th April, 1780. Not executed for fear of the Tories."
1790 Augusta Co, VA. He and sons, Jacob, Adam and George were listed in the Tithables list of all males over age 16 along with his father. Jacob was living at home.
7/1792 He bought 180 acres from Hugh and Esther Botkins for 165 pounds.
1793 Ulrick and Elizabeth and Adam and Abigail sold land to John Fisher for $100. The land was described as 150 acres adjoining Coonrod's other land, patented 3/25/1789 to Ulrich, who conveyed half the land to Adam.
Following the death of his father, Ulrich continued to live on the family farm.
9/1806 He and Elizabeth sold the homestead for L1,200, in preparation for joining son, George, in Ohio.
7/16/1807 Walnut Creek Twp, Pickaway Co, OH.
1810 Pickaway Co, OH. Wollery & son, Adam, were the only Coonrods who owned property in that county. Woolery owned 500 acres, originally entered as Dry Run, with a tax of $5.00 and another 390 acres on the Scioto River with $4.87.5 tax due.
Woolery's will, dated 2/15/1814, stated:
"In the name of God, Amen, I Woollery Coonrad, Senior of Pickaway County, Ohio, being weak of body, but of sound mind and memory, thanks be to God, therefor, but all knowing that is appointed for all men once to die, do make this as I for my last will and testament, revoking all and every other will and testament by me made as intended to be made in any manner whatsoever, first I will all my estate, real and personal with all and every of the appointments thereon belonging that I may die seized of, to my son Henry Coonrod, subject to the following bequeaths, that is to say I will and bequeath unto my grand daughter, Babary Coonrod, daughter of my son Peter Coonrad, deceased, the sum of one thousand dollars to be paid to her at the age of eighteen years old, to be paid to her in land at such place as my son Henry Coonrod kin buy for her at its real value, but if my grand daughter Barbary should die without a lawful issue then in that case the thousand dollars to her willed shall be divided among my sons John Coonrod, Jacob Coonrod, Adam Coonrod, George Coonrod, Woollery Coonrod and Henry Coonrod and among my daughters Barbara Harpool, Elizabeth Morrel and Catherine Lawther, to be paid to them by my son Henry Coonrod in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, to be paid to them or their heirs in property at the ( page torn)....grand daughter does not marry, or has not a lawful spouse till her death therdly I will my daughter in law Elizabeth Coonrod wife of my son Peter Coonrod the sum of two hundred dollars to be paid to her in the following form one hundred dollars to be paid to her in property within four years after my decease and one hundred dollars within five years after my decease, lastly I nominate construct, and appoint Henry Coonrod my son the sole executor of this my last will and testament hereby, disallowing and disclaiming all or any former wills testaments or bequests, of any kind, by me heretofore in any wise made or intended to be, thereby ratifying and confirming this and no there, as and for my last will and Testament."
He signed by a mark and witnesses were James Casler and John Ruck.
1817 The estate was finally settled and recorded Will Bk I & II.
Elizabeth Dresler was born about 1745 in So Branch, Augusta Co, W VA. She died about 1813. She married Ulrich\Woollery Jr COONROD about 1763 in So Branch, Augusta Co, W VA.
Elizabeth apparently died before Woolery as she was not mentioned in his will.
They had the following children:
M i Jacob COONROD was born on 27 Jun 1764. He died on 23 Dec 1816. M ii Woolery\Ulrich COONROD was born in 1768. He died on 4 Jan 1838. M iii John Coonrod was born in Jun 1769. He died on 9 May 1831. M iv George COONROD was born in 1770. He died on 4 Dec 1826. M v Sheldon COONROD.
Nothing is know about this person and some researchers have omitted him entirely.F vi Barbara "Barbary" COONROD was born about 1773. M vii Adam COONROD was born before 1774. He died in 1817. F viii Catherine COONROD was born about 1776. She died in 1858. F ix Elizabeth COONROD was born about 1777. She died after 1820. M x Peter COONROD was born in 1782. He died before 1814. M xi Henry COONROD was born on 4 Sep 1788. He died on 4 Oct 1854.
Ansel Purvis POWELL [Parents] was born on 27 Oct 1870 in Moultrie Co, IL, near Sullivan. He died on 18 Jul 1928 in Lowe Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Jenny Lunceford Michael on 31 Aug 1918.
Other marriages:GIPSON, Katherine Hudson "Katie"
He was known as a "rounder" (meaning he liked women) and after witnessing the rocky relationship between their parents because of his behavior, the children vowed to remain faithful to their own spouses and in fact, all did.
Ansel, as a tenant farmer, lived on the farm wherever he was working, which resulted in the family moving often.
Residences & events in his life:
1892 Moultrie Co, IL. He and Kate lived in a house on the Burt Seass farm where their 2 oldest daughters were married.
1896 Moultrie Co, IL. They had moved to the Bolin farm by the time their first son was born.
1900 Sullivan Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. The Wright farm was their address when their last son was born. In the census that same year, Ansel was a farmer and cousin, Jesse Powell, was living with the family as well as farm laborer, Ivin Hand, 33.
3/17/1904 Sullivan. Ansell sold the lot at T4, Lewis' addition, blk 3, to his mother, Elizabeth O Powell by warranty deed for $500. Co-owners were William and Genie Powell.
6/13/1904 Ansell bought property at NW S1 T13 R5 from John and Surilda C Ingle by warrenty deed for $1600.
1909 Peoria, IL.
1910/1911 Moultrie Co, IL. They were back at the Seass property and Kate was working at the Sullivan Dry Goods store shortly before she died.
Bef 1918 Mattoon, IL. His sister, Mary Dunkin, came to live with them since she was too sick to care for herself and a child. She died within 5 months and the child was moved to the home of William Moses Powell.
1920 Mattoon, IL, Richmond & Prairie Ave area. His occupation at census time was listed as RR fireman. His son, Joe, daughter, Ella, with her husband, Ferris (who was also Ansell's step-son), were living with him and his 2nd wife.
His death occured at the home of son, Earl, where he had been staying the last several months, on a Wednesday at 7 PM after battling Bright's disease for 18 mo.
The funeral was held at the First Christian Church in Sullivan with Rev CE Barnett in charge. Pallbearers were: Roy Seaman, CN Walker, Joseph Welch, Harley Wood, Dean Pickle, and WS Elder.
Jenny Lunceford Michael was born on 9 Mar 1873 in IL. She died on 29 Mar 1956 in Orlando, FL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Ansel Purvis POWELL on 31 Aug 1918.
Other marriages:MICHAEL, J H
She died at the home of her daughter, Melba.
McMullin Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral with Rev James L
Van Lear officiating. Pallbearers were: Jean and William Wood;
Orville, Richard and Francis Shiels; and Ronald Hengst.She is buried beside her son, Ferris.
Nelson Erastus POWELL [Parents] was born on 18 Jun 1827 in Vermillion Co, IN. He died on 12 Mar 1904 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Elizabeth Ooley "Bettie" PURVIS on 12 Dec 1865 in Moultrie Co, IL, by Joel Knight, Min.
Other marriages:HENRY, Elvira
Nelson was described as 5'8", dark complexion, dark eyes, dark hair.
Residences & events in his life:
1850 Shelby Co, IL. Nelson married Elvira there and was listed in the census as a farmer with property = $700.
1851 Shelby Co, IL. He was named defendant in a circuit court case against Albertus Harper, details unknown.
1855 Coles Co, IL, was his residence when he was listed in the State census.
1857 Moultrie Co, IL. He was listed on the delinquent tax list, possibly because he was in Coles Co.
1860 Moultrie Co, IL. Having lost his wife just a few months prior, Nelson and his 2 daughters were living with his brother, James, and family at census time. Also living there, as a housekeeper's assistant, was Elizabeth Purvis who would become his second wife.
7/15/1861 Decatur, IL. Nelson enlisted as a Pvt in Co B 41st Reg IL Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to 1st Orderlie Sgt.
When Nelson left for war, he entrusted the care of his sole surviving daughter, 10 year old Lizzie, to James. However, this arrangement proved unsuitable as she was soon moved to the home of Addison McPheeters, family friends and neighbors. In a letter to Elizabeth
Purvis, Nelson wrote: "I received a letter from James yesterday who told me in his letter that Lizza had always been a good girl, always minded him well but that she didn't mind her Aunt atall. I wrote to Lizza yesterday about it & asked to know what was the matter. I told Eveline that I had heard that she did not use Libba as she ought to. I told her that I had never whipped anybody elses child, and that I never would and it hurt my feelings verry bad to hear what I have heard." Other sources said Eveline treated Elizabeth as a servant.Nelson corresponded with relatives and friends while he was away and while several of the letters remain intact, they are very hard to read due to his small handwriting and lack of punctuation. Writing paper was a rare commodity and he used every scrap available, writing along the margins and anywhere he could squeeze in a sentence. In most of
the letters, besides relating events of the war and his activities, he tried to keep the tone humorous and full of funny anecdotes.Nelson was also mentioned often in the McPheeters' family letters during the Civil War:
1/7/1863 - "Nelson Powell is yet here (Sullivan) - Some of the black democrats (Copperheads) about Sullivan don't like his presance - Say they think he is kept here as a spy."
And - "Nelson Powell, evening before last came near having a dificulty in Sullivan. A little crowd of black democrats gathered around him and wanted to know his business here - accused him of being a spy etc He told them that he was in the service of the U.S. government, and that whatever his duties might be, he intended to discharge them faithfully, regardless of consequences - He gave them no information as to his business--There was a good deal said, and as one of them went off he said that shooting was what Powell needed or something to that effect. Powell did not hear him"
Again - "Donty has a good deal to say about Powell--Powell is fully prepared for them"
2/15/1863 - "Mrs (James) Powell and Nelson start for Humboldt (TN) next week."
4/5/1863 - "Betty Cornwell has another correspondent in dixie now (Mr N E Powell) she seems very much pleased with her new correspondent."
5/31/1865 "A late letter from N.E. Powell informs us he expects to be here (Moultrie Co) by the middle of June. Was in Washington city when he wrote."
Michael Fryburger, a friend from the area serving in the War efforts, also made references to Nelson and James in his letters:
2/10/1861 - He read Nelson Powell's letter to Peyton.
2/12/1862 - From Cape Girardeau, Nelson Powell sent a letter from Paducah and is well.12/17/1863 Nelson was discharged at Vicksburg, Miss. He reenlisted immediately as a veteran, was promoted to 2 Master Sgt, tranferred and promoted to Capt of Co G 53rd Reg (the 41st having been consolidated with the 53rd),
12/12/1864 Moultrie Co, IL. Estray notice (he claimed a stray animal, probably a horse).
7/15/1865 Just a few days prior to his discharge from the service, Nelson bought a lot in Sullivan from James and Eveline for $160.
7/22/1865 Louisville, KY, where he received his final discharge. During his tour of duty, he saw action at Ft Henry & Heaman, TN; Ft Donelson; Shiloh, Pittsburg landing; seige of Corinth, Miss; seige of Vicksburg, & Jackson, was in the Battle of the 12, seige of Atlanta
and ended up at Savannah, GA, with Sherman in his march to the sea.A few months later he married Elizabeth Purvis whom he had courted by mail throughout the war.
4/6/1867 Nelson bought a plot of ground for $210.
6/26/1868 Paying $80 to Robert Bracken and wife, Nelson received another lot in town.
1870 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL, was his residence at census time, Lizzie had married but he and Elizabeth had 2 more small children to be counted.
1871 Moultrie Co, IL. He paid the tax for the school district.
8/31/1872 Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson bought 39.87 acres from the railroad @ $12.00/acre for a total of $478.
9/1872 Jacksonville, Morgan Co, IL. One of his daughters died and was buried there.
1873-1876 Near Hutchinson, KS where one son was born and died. Nelson went to Kansas with friends to seek the good life but lost everything due to a grasshopper plague.
Mercer Co, MO. It is not clear when he lived in Mercer Co, whether on the way to or from Kansas, but he was remembered by the old settlers there as a former resident.
10/13/1877 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson paid $200 for a lot.
1880 Washington Twp, Mercer Co, MO, where he was listed in the census, as a farmer and had a house full of children. Also living with him was an Emery Rachybough, 18, laborer in a rock querry (sic). In the same township was brothers, John Lisle, and Benjamin, with their families.
About 1882 Jonathan Creek Twp, Moultrie Co, IL.
9/13/1884 He applied for an invalid's pension due to rheumatism from exposure near Ft Donalson & Henry, Tenn, 2/13/1862 and the resulting disease of the heart 11/1865. The application was approved and he received his last check on 1/4/1904.
4/15/1897 As a memento of his war service, he presented to his wife a large poster containing his war record. The record was incorporated into the design for a national monument of the Grand Army of the Republic planned to be erected in October 1898. Among family mementos are a photo of Nelson in his uniform, a photo of "My Fathers Co. 41st Ill. taken where their comrads were buried Battle at Shilow," and a photo of the Civil War veterans of Jonathan Creek Church.
1892 Nelson signed an affidavit for Eveline Powell, James' widow, in her efforts to obtain a Widow's Pension.
9/10/1895 Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson paid $800 to John and Nancy Purvis for a lot in the Lewis subdivision.
2/2/1897 He bought a second lot in the same area from the John and Nancy Purvis for $600.
1900 Sullivan Twp, Moultrie Co, IL. The aged Nelson and Elizabeth still had one child at home, Mary C, at 18.
6/13/1901 Cadwell, Moultrie Co, IL. Nelson E Powell became the postmasters there, assuming the position held some 3 years prior by nephew, Lycurgus Powell. Apparently he could not convince his wife and daughter to move there with him as shown by the following letter to son Joe, and his new bride, dated 8/5/1901:
"Dear Joe and Pearl
I have no time to either read or write so I dont do much of it I was home Sunday and read a little letter from you to Ma I was glad to hear you had got employment hope you will succeed in the business and give good service to the company and you will soon find it will beat a little restaurant bad I hope your little failure over at Sullivan will be a good schooling to you nearly every boddy has to get there eye teeth cut and take a little rought schooling at the start. I know I did write and tell just how things are Running with you I am still all alone except Puss Runs up and helps me a day or two in the week Ma is not well has that pain in back of head she had with on Levi's place she is bent on not coming up here so is Puss Ansell is thrashing and hauling his oats this week says he can
haul your things to you next week
well I must go to supper so good bye for this timeYour Old Pa
Cadwell
Ills1902 He applied for a renewal of his $12/month invalid pension because of his "inability to earn a support by manual labor" because of rheumatism disease of heart and senile debility from 12/7/1896 and 6/27/1890, disease of left leg, deafness of both ears, and general debility from age. Witnesses who signed for him were E Davis and WP Wright.
2/24/1903 Nelson bought a third lot in the Lewis subdivision, paying $800 to son, William and Eugenia Powell.
9/19/1903 He applied for an increase of his invalid pension of $12/month. Signatures as witnesses for the application included GR Hawkins and Ira McIlwain.
The doctor, A.D. Miller, gave the following report of Nelson's death for the application for pension of his widow:
"The onset of Mr Powells death dates back for at least one year prior to death. I did not see him untill Jan 12, 1904 before that time he only complained of a numness of left side with impaired use. on Jan 12 he lost use of left side with loss of speach for a few hours but regained partial use with improved speach. On Mar 2, 04 he fell in the floor from chair and up to his death he talked at random. from henceforth to death he was totaly unconscious and died in coma. I noted his heart disease at my first examination that he came before the board of examiners. I don't remember the date. Did not have any fever at any time during his sickness.
A.D. Miller"The same physician also gave the following affidavit:
"I first knew the soldier about Sept 1894. I first treated him professionally about fall of 1899 for heart trouble and at intervels of 3 or 4 months for same and Lagrippe also for a nervous condition untill his last illness which was paralysis with softening of brain, as a result of which he died on March 12th 1904. At the last five days of his illness pneumonia appeared which hastened his death."His obituary states: "Nelson died at his home in the east part of Sullivan Saturday night after weeks of suffering. He had been in poor health all winter and was partly paralyzed. The funeral was held in the Christian church Tuesday afternoon. He had been an efficient
member of that church for over half a century. Elder H. A. Davis conducted the service.He was a member of the Fourty-First Illinois Regiment and gave three years of his life to the service of his country during the Civil War. He was a member of the local G.A.R. Post and the post attended the service in a body.
His second wife was a daughter of Samuel Purvis (was actually William Purvis) and to this union were given four children, three live near Sullivan and the other in Mattoon. He was a staunch Republican and always worked for the advancement of his party."
On 3/19/1904 Elizabeth bought the cemetery plot from W.A. and Mary
Steele for $10.
Elizabeth Ooley "Bettie" PURVIS [Parents] was born on 4 Jan 1837 in Shelby Co, IL. She died on 18 Nov 1915 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Nelson Erastus POWELL on 12 Dec 1865 in Moultrie Co, IL, by Joel Knight, Min.
Elizabeth was probably named for her Grandmother Elizabeth Berry Ooley.
Her half-sister, Clara, said Elizabeth had a beautiful and strong soprano voice and sang with her father's musical group.
It seems Elizabeth was counted twice in the 1860 census, living with the James Powell family as a housekeepers assistant and at home with her parents.
Quoting from "Our Family at Woodmanse," the author said Elizabeth was "somewhat of a character. She never called him (her husband) by his first name, but always Mr. Powell." Continuing with a story told by Henry Brown, who worked for them: "His bedroom was next to theirs, and since Nelson was rather deaf, Henry could hear her talking to him.
Even in private she still called him Mr. Powell. She always got up before daybreak and set the pattern for the rest of the household. One morning Henry heard her say, 'Mr. Powell, Mr. Powell, get up! get up! Daylight's shining in the window just like the moon.' There was some muttering from Nelson, then he said, "Aw, it is the moon." His bed creaked, and soon he was snoring again." He added "She was an excellent cook, and had quite a reputation for it in the neighborhood."Elizabeth acquired several pieces of property in her own name shortly before and after Nelson died:
6/3/1901 Cadwell, IL, where she paid $750 to Gilbert and Jerusha Baker for property. She may have originally intended to live there with Nelson during his postmaster tenure but never did.
1904 Following Nelson's death she applied for and received a widow's pension based on Nelson't service in the Civil War. She got $12/month beginning in March and received her last check on 9/4/1915.
5/17/1904 Sullivan, IL. She bought more lots in the Lewis subdivision, this time from her step-daughter and husband, Lizzie and Levi Seass, paying $500.
11/1/1904 By quit claim deed she bought a lot from Samuel and Edith Davis for $125.
11/1/1909 Again by quit claim deed she paid $125 for the lot of T.E. and Hattie Lewis.
Her obituary said she was well known all over Sullivan and other townships in the county, having spent a great part of her life in and near the city.
Elizabeth died of carcinoma of the stomach and liver, requiring constant nursing attention from 9/17/1915 until her death. She had been living with only daughter, Mary Dunkin, at the time of her death and Mary, with the help of sister-in-law, Mary Powell, wife of Wm Moses, nursed Elizabeth through her last illness.
Mary Dunkin applied for reimbursement for bills of O M Williamson, physician, for $29.50 and C A Corgin, undertaker, for $134.25.
The funeral was held at the Christian church on Saturday afternoon at 2 PM with Rev W.B. Hopper officiating.
They had the following children:
M i William Moses POWELL was born on 28 Feb 1867. He died on 18 May 1953. F ii Emogene POWELL was born on 18 Sep 1868 in IL. She died on 8 Nov 1881 in Mercer Co, MO. She was buried in Hiles Cem, Mercer Co, MO. M iii Ansel Purvis POWELL was born on 27 Oct 1870. He died on 18 Jul 1928. F iv Eliza Ellegra POWELL was born on 16 Sep 1872 in Morgan Co, IL. She died on 24 Sep 1872 in Morgan Co, IL. She was buried in Jacksonville, Morgan Co, IL. M v James Oliver POWELL was born on 17 Nov 1873 in KS, near Hutchison. He died on 25 Nov 1873 in KS. He was buried in KS, 16 miles south of Hutchison. F vi Sarah Ellen POWELL was born on 17 Apr 1876 in KS. She died on 14 Dec 1881 in Mercer Co, MO. She was buried in Pine Cem, Mercer Co, MO. M vii Joseph Heberdon POWELL was born on 17 Sep 1878. He died on 20 Apr 1956. F viii Mary Camelia "Puss" POWELL was born on 6 May 1882. She died on 2 Mar 1919.
Calvin M GIPSON [Parents] was born on 19 Nov 1831 in TN. He died on 14 Feb 1874 in Jasper Co, IL. He was buried in Aten Cem, Hidalgo, Jasper Co, IL. He married Malinda Catherine "Maggie" Davee on 11 Apr 1866 in Jasper Co, IL, by HJ Sutherland, MG.
Other marriages:BORING, Ann Jane
Residences:
1850 Clay & R(?) Twp, Richland Co, IL. At census time Calvin was living next door to Martha Gipson & 8 doors down was William.
8/31/1852 Crawford Co, IL, was his residence when he received 86.66 acres in Jasper Co, IL, by warranty deed. The plot was located at S5 T08N R10E.
8/27/1853 Clay Co, IL, was his address when he purchased more land in Jasper Co at Federal sale for $1.25/acre. He paid a total of $11.93 for the land located at S7 T05N R08E.
1859 Hidalgo, Jasper Co, IL
1860 Crooked Creek Twp, Jasper Co. Calvin, & his first family, were living w/Hurst Markwell in the census with property = $200/$150. Hurst had entered 80 acres of land in Cumberland Co at E 1/2 SE, on 10/4/1851 but apparently moved south. Neighbors were the family of Francis M Gibson and a John Gibson was living in Smallwood Twp, same county.
1870 Hidalgo, Crooked Creek Twp, Jasper Co, IL. The census that year listed him as a farmer with property = $220/600 and a second family, including 3 step-sons. There were Connors on both sides of them, Malinda's relatives.
Calvin is buried with his 1st wife. A child, Martin L Goodwin, son of H & M Goodwin, died 3/17/1873 at 12 y 1 mo 10 d, is buried between him and Ann with the same type of head stone with the same symbol (hand with index finger pointing upward). There is another space between Martin and Calvin so possibly one other person is there also.
Calvin's stone states:
A light from our home is gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant in our hearts
That never can be filled.
Malinda Catherine "Maggie" Davee [Parents] was born on 8 Mar 1840 in Meetinghill, Morgan Co, IN. She died on 30 Apr 1924 in Marne, Cass Co, IA. She married Calvin M GIPSON on 11 Apr 1866 in Jasper Co, IL, by HJ Sutherland, MG.
Other marriages:Parker, Jacob G
Miller, John
Malinda was probably named for her aunt, Malinda Davee. Her maiden name on the death certificate of daughter, Kate, looks like Daupree rather than Davee. Her middle initial was recorded on various documents both as K and C, perhaps for Katherine?
Edna Powell Van Gundy said her grandmother was married three times:
1. The first died in the Civil War. (Verified as Jacob Parker by various records and descendants.)
2. She divorced because he beat the children. (Verified as Calvin Gipson. Whether they actually divorced is unknown as Calvin died 3 months after the birth of their last child.)
3. A Mr. Miller. (Verified as John Miller by marriage records)
Much of the information on her life was contained in records of the pension she received based on Jacob Parker's Civil War service.
Events in her life:
10/21/1867 Prairie City, Cumberland Co, IL. As guardian of her 3 Parker sons, she made a financial report to the court, referring to her brother, Zachariah, as their "former guardian."
12/1875 Jasper Co, IL. She posted $400 bond as guardian of son William Parker. She signed along with a Calvin Pursifield, (unreadable Pippin?) and Jenny Davee.
8/19/1901 Jasper Co, IL. In county property assessment records under the name of Calvin Gipson and Malinda Miller, the following land was valued at $550: S 1/2 of NW 1/4 of NW 1/4 of S5 T8 R10E.
9/3/1901 Moultrie Co, IL. In a General Affadavit in the matter of Restoration of Pension, John Martin & Cicero Gilbreath testified that Malinda owned no real property or dowry rights in that county. She did own kitchen furniture worth $25 and one cow, also worth $25.
1910 Moultrie Co, IL. In the census her name was again Gipson and she was living with son, Jacob Parker, and granddaughter, Jennie Mack. The census taker also recorded that she had birthed 7 children but only 4 were still living. Which listed child was not hers?
9/21/1916 Marne, Cass Co, IA. In the Entitlement of Increase of Pension it states Malinda Miller was 76 years old, listed her birth date and place and current resident in IA.
She was mentioned in a letter written by daughter, Kate Powell, in 1910, saying Grandma Gipson was well.
She either moved west with the Parker children or joined them there later.
They had the following children:
M i James GIPSON was born in 1867 in IL. He died before 1910.
This child is a forgotten entity in family genealogy, nothing is known about him other than he was 3 years old at census time in 1870.F ii Margaret "Maggie" GIPSON was born on 26 Apr 1869. She died on 17 Feb 1891. F iii Jennie A(manda) GIPSON was born about 1870. She died after 1910. F iv May L "Mollie" GIPSON was born about 1872. She died before 1910. F v Katherine Hudson "Katie" GIPSON was born on 7 Nov 1873. She died on 30 Oct 1911.
Ferris H MICHAEL [Parents] was born in 1895 in IL. He died on 17 Aug 1927 in CO. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Ella Geneva POWELL on 27 Aug 1913 in Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IL.
Those who knew him agreed that he was an extremely handsome and
personable young man but was also a rogue. Some in the family thought
he was a gangster, alleging that he stole cars as well as being a "rum
runner" during prohibition. When he was killed, the story circulated
that he had failed to turn in proceeds of a previous run and paid the
consequences.Residences & events:
1920 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. Ferris and Ella were living with her
parents, according to the census where Ferris was listed as a laborer
and Ella was called Anna.His death occurred as the result of an automobile accident, supposedly
after running off a cliff during a "rum run."Ferris and his mother are buried together.
Ella Geneva POWELL [Parents] was born on 7 Apr 1895 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, at the Bert Seass farm. She died on 11 Feb 1977 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Ferris H MICHAEL on 27 Aug 1913 in Shelbyville, Shelby Co, IL.
Other marriages:HARDWICK, Perry
WALKER, Stanley
She was a member of the Jonathan Creek Christian Church, Sullivan, IL, and worked at the Brown Shoe Co, also in Sullivan. For a time she and 3rd husband, Stanley, engaged in the furniture reupholstering business.
Her death occurred at a nursing home where she had been a resident for several years, being afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
Rev Roger Compton officiated at her funeral at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home at 1 PM on Sunday. She and her 3nd husband were buried together.
Perry HARDWICK.Perry married Ella Geneva POWELL. The marriage ended in divorce.
Perry worked on the railroad for awhile during the same time period
Joseph Heberdon Powell worked there.
Ella Geneva POWELL [Parents] was born on 7 Apr 1895 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, at the Bert Seass farm. She died on 11 Feb 1977 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Perry HARDWICK. The marriage ended in divorce.
Other marriages:MICHAEL, Ferris H
WALKER, Stanley
She was a member of the Jonathan Creek Christian Church, Sullivan, IL, and worked at the Brown Shoe Co, also in Sullivan. For a time she and 3rd husband, Stanley, engaged in the furniture reupholstering business.
Her death occurred at a nursing home where she had been a resident for several years, being afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
Rev Roger Compton officiated at her funeral at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home at 1 PM on Sunday. She and her 3nd husband were buried together.
Stanley WALKER was born on 6 Jul 1896 in Charleston, Coles Co, IL. He died in Feb 1988 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Ella Geneva POWELL on 7 Oct 1938 in Charleston, Mississippi Co, MO.
Stanley was described on his service records as 5'9", brown hair and
blue eyes, and excellent character. In later years, he lost nearly
all of the brown hair, retaining only a slight fringe around the back
and sides of his shiny pate.Residences & events:
Charleston, Coles Co, IL.
Mattoon, Coles Co, IL.
8/6/1917 He enlisted as Pvt in the US Army at Jefferson Bks, Mo. He
saw action in France during WWI and was discharged on 9/23/1919.1938 At the time he and Ella married, his occupation was steam jenny
operator, providing steam power for railroad construction crews.Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, where Ella worked at the shoe company.
Decatur, Macon Co, IL, where he and Ella owned several rental houses
during their semi-retirement years.Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL.
Mattoon, IL. Completing a full circle, they moved back home to be
nearer the family in their old age.Niece, Dorisgene Van Gundy Webb, expressed the following sentiment:
"Aunt Ella and Uncle Stanley were special. We spent many a week-end
playing canasta. Aunt Ella was always wanting to help....either
re-covering a chair or sitting with the kids!"On a personal note, I never knew Aunt Ella and Uncle Stanley until
they had retired, but did form a close association with both of them,
perhaps a little closer with Stanley. My impression of him was a
congenial old gentleman. He was a man of few words but had a kind
heart and a sense of humor. In his old age he wore his hat cocked at
the same angle as when he was a frisky young man, according to photos
of him in both stages of life.When we moved to Decatur, he was retired, except for the rental
houses, and proved to be extremely helpful in getting our house in
order, getting the utilities turned on without a deposit, etc. Any
time he and Ella went shopping, they would call to see if I needed
anything or wanted to go with them. I often went because they were
such fun to be with, never in a hurry, never impatient. Often Stanley
appeared on our door step with instructions from Ella to retrieve us
for supper or Sunday dinner at their house.One event always comes to our minds (Dale's and mine) whenever this
particular "favorite" uncle's name is mentioned:While we lived in the country, Uncle Stanley, being a resident of the
high rise, needed a spot to plant comfrey, which he made into tea,
claiming it as a cure-all for everything that ailed the human body.
We offered him a flower bed size area in our back yard and he would
come out every few days to tend his garden. One day when he finished
it was nearly supper time and I invited him to stay, he accepted
readily.As usually happens in the middle of summer when gardens flourish, the
produce is shared among the family as well as the fishermen's
excesses. Literally everything on the menu that evening had been
given to us. During the meal we mentioned the ones who had provided
each dish and how much we appreciated their passing their bountiful
harvest on to us, allowing this "free meal." When Stanley left, he
thanked us for supper with Dale's response being, "Come out anytime
you want another free meal!" A few days later, we received an
envelope containing $5 in the mail with a note from Uncle Stanley that
he always paid his own way and did not need freebies from anyone.Needless to say, we returned his money immediately and discovered he
had asked Grandma Van Gundy for advice on how to handle the situation
of being invited to dinner, then told to come back whenever he wanted
a free meal, with her response being exactly as Stanley had done. Had
she known who had made the remark, she would have told Stanley to
ignore it and enjoy as many free meals as he could get. From that
time on we weighed our words better before speaking to the older
generation.He had been a resident of the Masonic Home in Sullivan for some time
prior to his death.In his will he left his entire estate to his wife but in the event she
predeceased him, then it was to be divided equally among his 2
children and Ella's siblings.
Ella Geneva POWELL [Parents] was born on 7 Apr 1895 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL, at the Bert Seass farm. She died on 11 Feb 1977 in Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Stanley WALKER on 7 Oct 1938 in Charleston, Mississippi Co, MO.
Other marriages:MICHAEL, Ferris H
HARDWICK, Perry
She was a member of the Jonathan Creek Christian Church, Sullivan, IL, and worked at the Brown Shoe Co, also in Sullivan. For a time she and 3rd husband, Stanley, engaged in the furniture reupholstering business.
Her death occurred at a nursing home where she had been a resident for several years, being afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
Rev Roger Compton officiated at her funeral at the Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home at 1 PM on Sunday. She and her 3nd husband were buried together.
Nelson Earl POWELL [Parents] was born on 6 Jan 1897 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the Bolin farm near Sullivan. He died on 16 May 1964 in Decatur, Macon Co, IL, at home. He was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. He married Alta Glyde JENNE on 24 Dec 1916 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the bride's home near Cadwell.
Earl was a tall, handsome gentleman who looked very much like his mother, complete with the dark hair and complexion. In his younger days his hair was quite wavy, possibly a trait from the Powell side, although his father did not have that much hair, compared to others in his family. Earl's good looks were often compared to the old movie star, Randolph Scott.
He was a member of the Methodist Church of Arthur.
Residences & events in his life:
Being just 14 when his mother died and his father being absent much of the time, he soon quit school and starting working at various jobs. His older sisters did their best to keep track of him and their father but were not always successful in either case.
NE. While still a young lad, he went west to work as a migrant farmer on the grain farms of the great plains. His tenure there is unknown.
Arthur, Douglas Co, IL, where Earl eventually landed as a farmer on his own property.
Bef 1928 Earl and his family took in his ailing father, along with sister, Ella. They were living in a 2 bedroom house at the time but managed to squeeze together enough to accommodate.
Lovington, Moultrie Co, IL, was their address for several of the Powell reunion rosters.
Decatur, IL. Following retirement from the farm, Earl and Alta moved to the city for the last 17 years of his life. During part of that time he worked as a mechanic in a gas station there.
Quoting again from Dorisgene Van Gundy Webb:
"Uncle Earl was a giant of a man, it was so easy to look up to him! He was so kind and gentle. One Christmas I got a bundle of switches (I was told I had asked for them) but I can't remember much else that I got that year. Uncle Earl felt so sorry for me that he went out the next day and bought my one and only doll! And Aunt Alta knew I loved spiced peaches so she made sure they were always on the table when we went there to eat."
A grandchild has some very special memories:
" You never forget your first 'Best Friend.' Especially when he happens to be your grandpa. Mine was my Grandpa Powell.
The earliest story of my Grandpa's involvement in my life is the story my father told me many times over the years. It was my Grandpa and Grandma's visit to see me for the first time in Jarman Hospital, Tuscola. I was brand new, but it was a difficult delivery and Mom and I showed the battle wounds. My right arm was in a little sling, my forehead was cut from the instruments, and my eyes were swollen and back and blue.
As they looked through the nursery glass at me, my Grandma made the mistake of saying, 'Our first grandchild is sure one ugly mess!' Without one second of hesitation Grandpa jumped to my defense by telling her in no uncertain terms, 'That has to be the prettiest baby I've ever seen, and if you are going to talk like that, you can go
wait in the car.'
That was my Grandpa! Always aware of the need to see the beauty in all God's people. Especially the little kids.
When I reflect on my first 'Best Friend' my eyes cloud with tears of joy as I think about the man who looked like Randolph Scott (the movie star) - who taught me how to milk a cow, catch a fish, shoot pool, ride a horse, and drive a car.
When, at 16, I thought my '49 Chevy needed lowering blocks to make the back end sit low, my dad wasn't too keen on the idea. So, I drove to Decatur to talk to Grandpa about this life or death situation. After a short discussion Grandpa and I thought we should
put on a set of blocks just to have a look. After we installed those 6" blocks, we almost couldn't get the Chevy off the lift at the gas station where Grandpa worked.
When Dad came home from work I watched him stop for a moment and look at my car before he came into the house. 'What happened to your car?' he asked. Very quickly, I responded, 'Grandpa and I are trying out a new look that we like.' No more was said about it, because my best friend was also my Dad's (best friend).
I watched my Dad display the same qualities of love and friendship to my kids and now that this grandpa thing has infiltrated my life, my greatest hope is that someday my grandkids will look on me with the same love and friendship as I do my Grandpa.Leroy Earl Powell"
Earl died of a massive heart attack.
His funeral was held at 2 PM on Tuesday in the McMullin Funeral Home of Sullivan with Rev Kenneth Plummer, of the Arthur Methodist Church, officiating.
Alta Glyde JENNE was born on 17 Feb 1896 in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She died on 3 Apr 1991 in Urbana, Champaign Co, IL, Carle Hospital. She was buried in Greenhill Cem, Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL. She married Nelson Earl POWELL on 24 Dec 1916 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the bride's home near Cadwell.
Alta had been a resident of the Watkins Retirement home in Arthur, IL,
for the 3 years prior to her death.The funeral was held at the Arthur United Methodist Church on Saturday
at 10:30 AM with Rev Tom Hamilton-Kenney and Rev Kenneth Plummer
officiating. Pallbearers were grandsons: Leroy, Danny, and Michael
Powell; Ronald and Richard Agge; and Robert Stahl.
They had the following children:
M i Joseph Merle POWELL was born on 18 May 1918. He died on 22 May 1979. F ii Catherine Lucille POWELL was born on 10 Jul 1920. M iii Duane Earl POWELL was born on 6 Sep 1926.
Joseph Glen POWELL [Parents] was born on 17 Aug 1900 in Moultrie Co, IL, at the Wright farm near Sullivan. He died on 20 Dec 1977 in El Cajon, CA. He was buried on 23 Dec 1977 in Greenwood Memorial Park, El Cajon, CA. He married Mary SWISHER. The marriage ended in divorce.
Other marriages:Dennis, Ann Jackson
Joe was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Residences & events:
1920 Mattoon, Coles Co, IL. He was living with his parents and was listed as a railroad baggageman in the census.
1939 Arthur, Moultrie Co, IL, was his address at reunion time and he attended alone.
Decatur, IL
El Cajon, CA
Living so far from the family, there are only fleeting memories of him and Ann. Dorisgene Webb said it best:
"Little Uncle Joe was harder for me to be close to, I saw him so seldom. But I knew he had a special place in Mom's heart. Aunt Ann was always so neat and meticulous. She made my first BLT (bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich)."
(The family distinguished between their Uncle Joes by "Little Uncle Joe" Glenn Powell and "Big Uncle Joe" Heberdon Powell.)
Joe was the sole surviving member of his siblings but only by a couple of months, with the last 3 dying within the same year.
Mary SWISHER.Mary married Joseph Glen POWELL. The marriage ended in divorce.
They had the following children:
M i Male POWELL.