Helen Smith Gammon and the Peterman Heritage

Helen Smith Gammon with Franklin Newhart
at St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Benton Township, Columbia County, PA
2003
Source: Betty Victory

HELEN SMITH GAMMON AND THE PETERMAN HERITAGE

A tribute to Helen Delores Smith (Hess) Gammon,

:

A pinnacle in Sullivan/Columbia County genealogy

Compiled by a fellow genealogy colleague Carol Brotzman
with her friends, Joyce Ingerson, Susan Messersmith, D G (anonymous by request), Dick Shoemaker and Dan Thompson

January 2006

"I just wish we had had more time to share and get to know each other better, but I had the utmost respect for this fine lady".

There is no simple way to record what Helen did for the recording of local history. She posted it everywhere. Just type �Helen S. Gammon� into GOOGLE and see what I mean. She posted and answered on just about every genealogy forum that pertained to her family. She was a treasure trove of data that just never got organized enough to post-entire families which was her dream. She never, like many of us, could find those missing links that kept driving her on to research right up to the very end. Now I am sure she is hunting those relatives down up there.

Since 2004, when Helen first found me, and I then introduced her to D G, we both have exchanged some wonderful, data filled letters. We would like to share her letters as she sent them to us, so you too can get the warmth and knowledge of this lady, just the way she recorded it. I started rereading the letters and found she knew Joyce Ingerson who wanted to be part of this page too. Helen had friends, lots of them! Like Dick Shoemaker of the Columbia County Historical Society who added a photo of her final resting place and a letter near the end of this historic posting and Susan Messersmith who like Joyce will make up the bulk of the letters recorded here. I will refer to them simply as Joyce and Susan.

First, I will start with her obituary from the Benton News on line. She was a frequent contributor there. http://www.bentonnews.net/home.htm

Helen S. Gammon, a fervent genealogist who pursued her maternal Peterman and the Gammon family lines and who loved reading and sharing information contained in 1,800 letters written by her great-great Grandmother Ann Peterman--letters she wrote to her stepson William Bartleson Peterman who lived in Sugarloaf Township--passed away in November at home in Chandler, Arizona. Helen Gammon (July 12, 1919-November 19, 2005) was a native of Berwick. She was 86.

Helen graduated from Berwick High School in 1937, worked for the Wise Potato Chip Company and during World War II for the Selective Service System. She married William Burns Gammon and had three children: Martha S. Woods, Rebecca V. Strella, and Thomas D. Gammon. After the war, the family moved to Allentown where she was a longtime employee of the Call-Chronicle Newspapers where her job as a proofreader trained her to look for every details during her genealogy pursuits or in reading news from Back Home in Benton, PA, in her capacity as unofficial, unpaid Arizona Bureau Chief of the web site. She moved to Chandler after retirement.

Helen traveled alone in her motor home between Chandler and Columbia County for many summers in order to remain close to her family and pursue her genealogical research. She contributed greatly to historical research in Columbia County. She particularly enjoyed spending time with family members, and loved to associate with others with similar interests.

Helen is survived by her three children, five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister, Evelyn Warburton, Lightstreet. Services will be held in Columbia County at a future date, and she will be interred in St. Gabriel's Cemetery.

Helen Smith Gammon
at St. Gabriel's Cemetery
Before Grave Marker of Catherine Peterman
Undated Photo
Source: Marcy Woods
Daughter of Helen Smith Gammon

Editor's Note: At any time, you can click on the following link to a comprehensive listing and photo gallery of interments at the Franklin Bethel (Stone Heap) Cemetery in Franklin Township, Lycoming County, PA. There are many references to this cemetery in the history of the families and townships discussed below.

Susan sent me this letter when she heard about the project to collect all those wonderful letters of Helens and just put them all in one big collection.

Hi Carol,

That's a wonderful plan to have a page on the Sullivan Genweb site honoring Helen. I first met her at the Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Library in September 2002. We corresponded by email and I saw her twice more when we both happened to be in Columbia County in 2003 and 2004. She was a wonderful lady and had such a store of knowledge about our common Peterman family line. I loved to sit and listen to her. My head would spin because she would rattle off all of these names and relationships and stories about the Peterman�s so quickly. I remember frantically trying to write it all down!  (I've only been researching since the summer of 2002.) I do have some letters I want to contribute.

Thank you so much for working with the others on Helen's page. She was really special.

Susan

This is how Helen and I first met, she emailed me!

Carol,

First I would like to thank you immensely for typing all the census records. I have been doing genealogy for about 65 years, tried to read census records at the Mesa Family History Library since 1985 so I understand how difficult they are to decipher.

My mother lived many years in Nordmont, had four children born there. Many of these people are relatives and I've heard the names all my life. I also know many people in those years could not read or write so we should be thankful to those who struggled to do so. Probably half the persons did not know how to spell their own name.

These lists have made it possible for me to add many dates to my relatives and correct my files where I may have put a child with the wrong family. The census records are a Godsend to me. I am now 84 years old and spend winters in Arizona. It is difficult for me to use the libraries.

The name Kohersparger, a relative, was murdered in every census. My mother pronounced it Kockersparker. I had to research the courthouse to learn the correct spelling.

If you do not mind I'd like to send you my list of misspelled names. My only hope is to have them corrected for future generations who have no way of knowing they are not correct.

Thanks for your interest.

Helen Smith Gammon,�

It was dated March 24, 2004

This is her reply when I first introduced her to DG while we were working on the Kohensparger family, which can be found at this url. http://www.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv/settlers/settlers40/settlers40.htm

Hi DG, I�m happy to meet you.

My name is Helen Smith Gammon, I am 85 years old, still a Pennsylvania a resident but spend winters in Chandler, Arizona, about 5 miles from the Mesa Family History Center where I found tons and tons of information. I might as well tell you now I have metastasized breast cancer and am not sure of the future or how much longer I�ll be able to do genealogy. You can keep me in your prayers if you wish.

To start from the beginning. My mother, Martha Ella Peterman married Norman Brittain Hess, had six children. My oldest brother, Doyle Eugene Hess was killed in France in World War I before his 21^st birthday. After Norman Hess� death, my mother married my father, Ernest Romeo Smith, son of John R. Smith and Mary Turner of Nordmont.� I believe they were from New York.� My father walked away from the marriage � guess too many children and responsibility. They divorced.

With all the mail correspondence concerning my brother�s government insurance, my mother started signing all the papers Ella M. Hess, the name she used until her death. I answer to both Helen Smith and Helen Hess, and had to explain to every teacher why my name was Smith and my mother was Hess. Guess today teachers accept various names without question.

Several years ago I met a lady at the St. Gabriel�s Cemetery in Columbia County who turned out to be a Peterman cousin. She had letters written from 1841 to 1871 to her stepson, William Bartleson Peterman. This stepmother turned out to be both my maternal AND paternal grandmother. I�ll send that story separately.

From those letters I was able to trace the Peterman, Bartleson, Batcheler & Colley families to 1796 and earlier in Plymouth Township, Philadelphia County, Penna.

Jacob Peterman married Anne Colley in Phila. had a son James Peterman. Alexander Colley, brother of Anne, also owned many acres of land in now Norristown and Montgomery Co., Penna. Alexander married Abigail Coulston, a Quaker, had a son named Jonathan Colley. James Peterman married Elizabeth Bartleson. Her brother Cephas Bartleson married Ann Batcheler.

Editor's Note: The Colleys and Petermans also owned land in New Jersey in Middlesex County. You can see a copy of a land transaction deed entered into by Jacob Peterman, Abigail (Coulston) Colley and Jonathan Colley with a merchant named William Sirls. The land sale of property in Perth Amboy, NJ, took place in 1786. At this time, the Peterman and Colley family members involved here lived in Montgomery County, PA, according to this record, and Abigail was by now a widow. This record, in its original form and in translation, can be viewed at Middlesex County Deed, courtesy of Jim Maxwell [we also have copies of the original should this web site be inaccessible for some reason]. Among other things, we learn that Jacob Peterman was a blacksmith at the time of this transaction, and that payment for the land was in gold and silver pounds!�

Editor's Note: In October 2016, Joyce Ingerson contributed a parallel lineage for the Peterman family as follows:

James Peterman & Elizabeth Bartleson
Benjamin Peterman & Catherine Amanda Hess
James Peterman & Hannah Jane Hunter
Minard Peterman & Minnie Margaret Appleman
John J Peterman & Ruth Marie Houseknecht
John J Peterman, Jr

She also included an obituary and memoiral article, respectively for John J. Peterman, Jr.:

Sun-Gazette
Williamsport, PA
August 12, 2015

John J. Peterman, Jr.

John J. Peterman Jr., 92, of Nordmont, passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015, at his home. Born Jan. 19, 1923, in Nordmont, he was a son of the late John Sr. and Ruth Houseknecht Peterman.
John graduated from the Sullivan Highlands School, Sonestown, on June 6, 1941, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy 11 days later. He spent most of World War II underwater, having spent his early years in submarines. John was initially assigned to the USS Flying Fish SS229; and while aboard, John made nine war patrols, having a part in the Battle of Midway, patrolling the Truk Lagoon off the Caroline Islands and patrolling in the Sea of Japan.During the war, John became pen pals with a shipmate's sister-in-law. Upon the conclusion of World War II, he set out to meet his pen pal in Independence, Mo., and married the lovely, Mary Lubek 11 days later. They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage on Oct. 20, 2015.
John was a Navy man, having a distinguished career that would span 31 years. After serving aboard submarines for 11 years, he became a torpedo instructor. In 1955, John became a commissioned officer, serving at ammunition depots in New Jersey and California. He also spent time on the USS Henrico APA45 as a gunnery officer, and then on the USS Sperry AS12 as a weapons repair officer. He served the last five years of his Navy career as an underwater weapons officer in Newport, R.I. Upon retiring in 1972 as a lieutenant commander, he returned home to his native Sullivan County, where he served a term as county Sheriff, and as a Laporte Township Supervisor. John was an active member of the community. He served on the Sullivan County Democratic Committee, until the past year, was an active member of the American Legion Post 601, Sonestown, where he served as Post Commander, Treasurer and most recently as Chaplain. He has been a lead organizer of the "Duck Derby" for Post 601, in which the proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society. John was also a member of the New Albany VFW, and continued to be active in the U.S. Submarine Veterans Association (USSVI), Williamsport.
An avid sportsman and environmentalist, John's 100 plus acres in Davidson and Laporte Townships were certified as a Pennsylvania "Tree Farm" by the Department of Natural Resources. He was a member of the Sullivan County Sportsman Association, Consolidated Sportsman of Muncy Creek and the Valley United Methodist Church, Muncy Valley. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three sons, John (Marie) Peterman, of West Chester, Ron (Susan) Peterman, of Portsmouth, Va., and Leonard (Teresa) Peterman, of Fallston, Md.; a daughter, Sharon (Leo) Cullen, of Smith Mountain Lake, Va.; two brothers, Ward Peterman, of Binghamton, N.Y., and Dan Peterman of Nordmont; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Violet Miller. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, at Cherry Grove Chapel, Nordmont, with Pastor Craig Livermore officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Cherry Grove Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.

Anne Reiner
Sun-Gazette
Williamsport, PA
October 1, 2016

Portion of Route 220 Named in HOnor or Veteran

Lt. Cmdr. John J. Peterman was the kind of man who would do great things for others and never ask for anything in return. So it is fitting that after his death in 2015, a section of Route 220 would be named in his honor.
"I have a feeling that he's the kind of guy who did what he thought was the right thing to do and never really made a great thing about it for himself," said state Rep. Tina Pickett, R-Towanda, who sponsored the bill dedicating the highway after Peterman. "It's kind of fun to be here today to be able to honor him in a way that's going to stay for a long long time, hopefully forever."
The section of highway dedicated to Peterman will run from Tivoli in Lycoming County to LaPorte Township in Sullivan County. The highway sign was unveiled at the Sonestown American Legion Post Friday afternoon.
Born in Sonestown, Peterman always had a deep love for Sullivan County and throughout his years in the Navy always planned to return. He enlisted in the Navy 11 days after graduating from high school in 1941 and was assigned to the submarine USS Flying Fish SS 229.
In Dec. 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor was bombed and the Flying Fish dove into the ocean for war. Peterman served on board the Flying Fish for seven years and during the war he made nine patrols, taking part in the Battle of Midway and patrolling the Truk Lagoon off the Caroline Islands as well as the Sea of Japan.
Peterman served with his brother Dan Peterman on a submarine after the war.
"I had a good time with John on the submarine," Dan Peterman said. "John made darn sure I knew everything as I should know it."
"I'm awful proud to have John as a brother," he added.
Peterman served in the Navy for 31 years, making officer in 1955.
Upon retiring in 1972, Peterman returned to Sullivan County, serving a term as county sheriff and Laporte Township supervisor. He also spent his time as a member of the Sullivan County Democratic Committee and the Sonestown American Legion Post.
He volunteered throughout the community and loved working with children at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital giving children history lessons and making them "honorary Submariners," said Don Young, base commander of the Williamsport Base of US Submarine Veterans Inc.
"He'd be like a living history lesson for the kids," Young said.
"He basically lived for the community," said Ron Peterman, John Peterman's son.
John Peterman's other son Len Peterman also added that "John meant a lot to me, but he obviously meant a lot to other people as well."

John J. Peterman, Jr.
1923-2016
Source: Sun-Gazette, Williamsport, PA, October 1, 2016

:

Cousin Jonathan Colley married Rachel Robinson who died and he married Sarah Batcheler-Parsons, mother of Ann Batcheler (her father was Thomas Freeman Batcheler).�

In December 1796 these cousins bought land warrants of 400 acres each in Northumberland County, Penna., pioneered with their families in Fishing Creek Township (now Columbia County) before 1796. Several years later both Elizabeth Bartleson Peterman and brother Cephas Bartleson died. James Peterman then married Ann Batcheler-Bartleson; they had three Peterman sons.� Before the last son was born, James Peterman died. With no women�s rights or privileges Ann was cheated out of her 43-acre farm. Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman took her children to Monroe County, NY. and� later with her oldest son, Colley Bartleson (who became head of the household) they pioneered to Marshall, Michign.

By this time Sarah Ann �Sally� Bartleson, daughter of Cephas and Ann Bartleson, was an adult, married John Keeler Jr., lived in Columbia County.� Later they �went north over the mountain� to Davidson Township, Lycoming County to settle. In one of Ann�s letters she wrote she could not understand why they would �want to go to that God-forsaken place�. At that time it was heavily forested and trees � no roads. Today that road over that mountain is still a dirt road.� Nancy R. Keeler is the daughter of John Keeler Jr. and Sally Bartleson Keeler. Evidently Henry Kochersperger? Also arrived in Davidson Township where they met and married. Maybe because Henry came to work in the lumbering camps.� That�s the extent of my knowledge about Henry.��

I found more information at the Sullivan County Court House and from Fairie Walters who lives in Normont. Some of my Peterman relatives also still live there today.� Fairie knows all the tales about the early settlers there and knew practically everyone buried at Cherry Grove Cemetery.� Too bad she does not have a computer.�

Nancy Keeler�s sister, Emily Esther Keeler, is my grandmother. She married Hiram Newell Smith, and they had three children. Emily also had a son born out of wedlock named Willis Bert Snider, then had three sons named Harry Francis Smith, Ernest Romeo Smith and Hiram Joseph Smith.

Hiram was killed when a large log jumped out of the water flume while they were lumbering wood in Nordmont.� Twelve years later Grandmother Emily married John H. Andrews (pronounced in Nordmont as� �ANDERS� and is so listed on her tombstone.

Nancy Keeler had an Aunt Nancy Anne Keeler, the daughter of John Keeler Sr. and Elizabeth Smith. She married Frederick Rohr, a German. The town of Rohrsburg was named for him. Some people have confused these two Nancy�s if they did not know about Frederick Rohr.�

John Keeler Jr. and Sally had a son named Frederick Rohr Keeler born July 1837 died April 6, 1892 who married Emma Etta Lampman (also spelled Rohrer in some places again because of the area pronunciations).

�His brother Edward Howard Keeler born 1836 married Sarah Jane Andrews, named a son Frederick Rohr Keeler born Oct. 19, 1867 died Sept. 1, 1935 who married Susanne Peterman. ( I am related to them two ways.)� Do I have you confused?

I�ve learned I have many ancestors who served in the militia in Philadelphia area during the Revolutionary War with George Washington and the other early settlers. Isn�t history interesting?

How interesting to have your DNA checked.

Helen S. Gammon

It was dated December 29, 2004�

Dan Thompson had a series of e-mail conversations with Helen on her Smith lineage. It makes fasacinating reading and pulls all of her lines together. You can see Helen's comments in the section called Helen Comments to Dan Thompson on Her Smith Heritage, at the end of this story.:

Additionally, in the note she sent me on 11 Jun 05, she reinforced that fact, by stating that: �Yet years earlier he (Ernest Romeo Smith)� had married my widowed mother knowing she had six children. He was not kind to the Hess children.� In a separate note I extracted from the Tribute page you sent me on 11 January 2006, she makes this statement: �I am a child of Ella Peterman's second marriage to ERNEST ROMEO SMITH, a KEELER descendant. But that is another story.�

Helen Smith Gammon

June 3, 2001

I would like to include the census for 1920 showing that Ernest Smith had already deserted Ella Peterman Hess Smith, Helen�s mother. Ernest Romeo Smith was born September 28, 1873 and died November 23, 1925 in Kingston, Luzerne County, PA. They had married in February 1912.

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Berwick > District 7
Enumerated 2 January 1920
Ella M Smith
Age:    38 years
Estimated birth year:    abt 1882
Birthplace:    Ohio
Father's Birthplace: PA
Mother's Birthplace: PA
Race:    White
Sex:    female
Marital status: married
Others in home: Manda Hess, daughter, age 19;
Willis(Hess), son, age 16; Caroline(Hess), age 10 1/12;
Lena Smith, daughter, 6 11/12; Laura, daughter 4 11/12; Helen, daughter, 6/12;
grandson, Clayton Bolt, 0/12. All children born in PA
Roll:    T625_1554 ;Page:    4A

A little about the Kohensparger�s from Helen

Carol,

Thanks for all the information -- it will take days for me to read all of it.

My mother pronounced the name Kockersparker -- told me I talked all the time just like my Aunt Nancy Kockersparker.  A friend who

lives in Nordmont, Fairie Walters, has pictures of my grandmother, Emily Esther Keeler Smith-Anders/Andrews and other family members. Perhaps Bob Sweeney could make copies of them. I have not been able to get copies for myself since Fairie will not let them out of her possession and there was no place to make copies in Nordmont.

Fairie is the person who told me many details of the Smith-Keeler family. She is related to the Anders/Andrews family and knows practically every grave at Cherry Grove Cemetery. She does not have a computer.

Can you give me Dan Thompson's email address, please? He may be able to help me with John Smith and Mary Turner. Today on one of your early maps of Ulster Co., N.Y. I saw the name J. Smith and Hunsinger. Since John Keeler came from Ulster/Orange County, New York I presume John Smith may have lived there, too. If my memory is correct I copied information from a marriage or will from Ulster Co.-- both John Keeler and John Smith were witnesses. The book was at Tobyhannah Hist. Society.

I have a feeling John Keeler and Jonathan Colley may be related. I cannot find parents for Alexander and Anne Colley in Phila. I think Colleys could have also lived in the New England states before settling in Phila. When James Peterman and Jonathan Colley settled in Northumberland in 1796 Jonathan sold land to John Keeler. Since that was still undeveloped land at that time how did John Keeler from New York (served there in the Revolutionary War) meet Jonathan Colley in Northumberland Co. in 1796?

Many questions, few answers.

I have traced the Bartlesons in Phila. and Montgomey Counties if you want their records.

I promised Ann Peterman's letters for publication in the Columbia County Historical Society. However I probably could find a way to give you the parts she wrote about Sally and Susan Jane Masteller.

Thanks

Helen S. Gammon

Thanks so much for the picture of the tombstone.

I never had time to look for many relatives' stone.

It seemed I was always in a rush and spent most of my

time at the court house. I am trying to pull together the notes for the Keelers for you. I think I'll make GED.com floppies then you can put them where you want them. I am going to include the Bartlesons from Montgomery County. Some of them were pioneers in Fishing Creek Twp. and also lived in Huntington Twp. I think they would just get lost in Columbia County since the people with that name either married or died young. It is hard to find much about the Petermans even though there are descendants still living on the land James Peterman bought in 1792. He married Elizabeth Bartleson. Her brother, Josephus/Cephas also came before 1796 with his wife, Ann Batcheler. They are part of my Keeler ancestors.

You might like my story of Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman being both my maternal and paternal grandmother.

I've only known those facts about 10 years.

  Helen Gammon

This is an exchange between Joyce Ingerson and Helen Gammon regarding her Keeler lineage copied just as the two exchanged it with the color-coding included just the way it was exchanged:

In 1826, John Keeler came from Fishing Creek to this section. He was married to Elizabeth Smith of New York State and to them were born three children:

James, John and Susannah.

James Keeler married Mary Robbins and their children were: Daniel, Catharine, William, John, Elizabeth, Susan, James, Ellen and Mary Jane.

John Keeler was married to Sarah Bartleson and they were the parents of the following children:

Nancy R.Keeler, married Henry Kopensparger

Eliza Ann Keeler, married Daniel Keeler

Edward/Edward Howard Keeler, born 24 Oct 1829 (date taken 1900 census), died 1902 (from Helen Gammon)

married about 1851 (from 1900 census) Sarah Andrus / Andrews, 17 Oct 1834,( date taken 1900 census), died 1916, buried in Cherry Grove

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Montour > Anthony
Enumerated 11 Jun 1860
Edward Keeler
Age in 1860: 30
Gender: Male
Occupation: Saddler
Others in home: Sarah, age 23;
Maria A, age 8, attending school; John S, age 6, attending school;
Susan J, age 3; Hirum C, age 1;
Washington Mausteller, age 21, Apprentice.
All born in PA
Post Office: White Hall
Roll: M653_1146; Page: 20

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Franklin
Enumerated 15 +16 Jun 1880
Name: Edward Keeler
Age: 50
Estimated birth year: <1830>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Harness Maker
Marital status: Married
Spouse's name: Sarah , age 48
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: John S, age 57, son; Hester R, daughter, age 16; Frederick, son, age 13;
Ida M, daughter, age 10; Charles J, son, age 9; Joseph H, son, age 7; William D, son, age 5;
Mary E, daughter, age 1. All born in PA
Roll: T9_1152; Family History Film: 1255152; Page: 20 ; Enumeration District: 49

1900 U.S. Census Pennsylvania Columbia Pine
Enumerated 9 Jun 1900
Edward Keeler
Age: 70 , married 49
Estimated birth year: 1830
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Occupation: harness maker, rents
Spouse: Sarah, wife
Age: 64, born 17 Oct 1833, married 49 years, 14 children, 12 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: Nancy, daughter,age 16;
Willim H Cook, age 11, born 4 Jun 1889, grandson, unable to read or write
All born in PA
Roll: T623 1398; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 26.

( Edward Keeler & Sarah) Their children:

1. Maria Ann Keeler, married Fredeick Helig

2. John Stephen Keeler, married Florence Glidewell

3. Susan Jane Keeler, married Alfred Locelace

4, Hiram Gordon Keeler

5. Hester Rachel Keeler, married MR. Cook

6. Sarah Effie Keeler, married Luther Martin, 30 Oct 1890, marriage application, Marriage License Docket Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, # 347, Sullivan County Court house, Laporte, PA

7. Frederick Rohr Keeler,b 19 Oct 1865, d 01 Sep 1935, married 10 Jan 1891 to Susan Marguarite Peterman( daughter of James Peterman & Hannah Jane Hunter),b 14 May 1871, d 11 Dec 1949, Marriage License Docket Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, # 367

8. Ida Melissa Keeler, b Sep 1868

9. Charles Judson Keeler

10. Joseph Henry Keeler,b 13 Sep 1872, d 03 Feb 1888, buried Pine Summit Cem, Franklin, Lycoming, Pennsylvania

11.William Daniel Keeler, married Laura Reynolds

12. Mary Emeline "Marietta" Keeler,b 22 Aug 1879, d 31 May 1963, married 1896 to William Francis Poust, buried Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Wolf, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, Lot 1193B

13. Nancy Rebecca Keeler, b 13 Mar 1884, d 24 Jun 1973, married 24 Oct 1901, in Millville, Columbia, PA Marriage License Docket Orphans Court, Columbia County Courthouse, #4832, Columbia County Courthouse records, Bloomsburg, PA to Isaac Peter Moser, Muncy Cemetery Addendum records, Lycoming County Genealogical Society Cemetery books ,page 80

Continuing on with children of John Keeler was married to Sarah Bartleson

Susan Jane Keeler, married Thomas Mostellar

Frederick Roher Keeler

Thomas Jackson Keeler

Emily Keeler, married Newell Smith, later John Anders

Susannah ( Keeler) married William Robbins and their children were Henderson, Thomas, Leonard, Joseph and Mary.

Weaver/Diltz/Martin/Murray Ancestors & Allied Families

Entries: 13230    Updated: 2004-12-19 15:45:05 UTC (Sun) Contact: Douglas Weaver     Home Page: Weaver/Diltz/Martin/Murray Ancestors & Allied Families

� Her Peterman Lineage is explained here in a letter to myself. There is data here for some very important letters.

Carol,

Ann may have been confused at times as to the current year. Not sure this year is correct for this letter � Ella first born; Grace was 7 years younger than

Ella. Peterman

�� JEFFERSON COLLEY PETERMAN

�Born July 29, 1819 Sugarloaf Twp., Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania

�� Death???

1819, July 29 Jefferson was born in Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co., Penna.

1825/6 Family Moved to Monroe County, New York with mother, Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman

� It appears Jefferson remained in Monroe County when Ann and Colley Bartleson pioneered to Michigan.

1841, Feb. 7 (Ann�s letter to stepson, William Bartleson Peterman in Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co., PA.�

Jefferson has continued his trading in Rochester, talks of going to New York in spring

�I hope he won't go, so many gambling houses and so many of ill fame that I should tremble for the results.

�Jefferson writes that you talk of going to Texas. Why would you wish to leave all your friends and relations

�to ramble thru the world among strangers where you might meet the same fate of� Cephas (Bartleson) and

�Jacob (Peterman), without a kind friend to sooth your pain or shed a tear over your grave?

1842, Feb. 27 (letter) Jefferson wrote he was quite well.� He had attended a ball and had been introduced to

�some fine young ladies. Mr. Dorsey came from Lyons and said Jefferson is quite a favorite with the young people.

1843, Feb. 5 (letter) Jefferson helps in a jeweler�s store in Rochester. I had a letter from him two weeks ago

� and papers every week. His store is in the National Hotel opposite the Court House.

� Alex is fair, tall and thin like Jefferson.

1848 October Jefferson married Anne Germond in Rochester, N.Y.?

1850 Census 4th Ward Albany, NY Albany County #17047 p199 Aug. 26

�� Jefferson Peterman 30. Jeweler (said born Ireland); Anna Peterman 24 b NY

�� (Wife�s parents might have been from Ireland.)

1850, April 1 Jefferson's letter from Albany, NY to William B. Peterman. He told of Ann's letter written

� March 23 telling that Alexander died two weeks ago yesterday aged 24 years and 8 months (March 15, 1850

� Tombstone gave death as March 20, 1849); universally regretted by all who knew him. Alexander was a

� gunsmith and had a very good shot, plenty to do and was very much respected and liked by every body who

� knew him. He was a Free Mason and his funeral was attended by three different lodges. Remember me to my

� Sister Sally and her family from whom I have been so long estranged that I fear they have or ever had a Brother

� of about my size and� looks, for I pass for a tolerably good looking man.� Tells of Hiram stealing a dead body for dissecting. I am a married man having taken one Anne Germond as a life partner a year ago last October.

� Hiram has a wife and a beautiful rosy-cheeked girl (Martha) one year old. They live 10 miles south of Syracuse.

� If Mother visits next summer Colley will come with her and go to New York City, which is but 5 hours from

� Albany to try to get cured of his deafness.

1850, August: Colley started to New York City to purchase stock for his Gun Shop. He staid with Hiram 4 days,

� then went to Albany and spent 3 days with Jefferson. Jefferson went with him. He was taken sick and could not

� stay but one day. He then came back to Jefferson's and staid four days hoping to get better but no change. He got

� on the cars and came home but was sick all the way home.� Jefferson sent Ann $50 (her husband died) and�

�Colley helped her some but having so much sickness and Drs. bills to pay prevented him doing much for her.

�He has not hunted any this season for two reasons. One was the want of strength and the other he had no gun. (More about

repairing the gun). Jefferson's wife is a splendid woman tall and genteel with black hair and eyes,

and everything in his house is in fine style. His quarters is furnished with mahogany tables and chairs at $4 apiece and a

�marble slate table. The carpet in that room was $1.50 per yard in New York where they went to purchase their furniture. I have all their pictures to look at.

1851, Jan. 21 letter Daughter Ella Peterman was born in Albany, New York

1852, April 14 (Letter from daughter Sally Bartleson Keeler to William B. Peterman): I think Jefferson lives in

� style, he has 3 granolas to set on his mantelpiece that cost $10. A lady brought Ella a dress from London.� She

� went to the World's Fair, and a milliner sent her a new hat from New York (what a fine thing to be rich.)

1852, Oct. 31 (letter): Jefferson sent sister Ann Wisner 31 yards of calico and $20, sent other $50 when Horace

� died. Ella Peterman is 21 months old. Jefferson writes his little girl is a very smart active child about 21 months

� old. They wrote they would not name her till I would go and see her and name her.� She was three months old

� when I went there but had no name but Baby. I called her Ella and they was both pleased with the name.

� Jefferson was going to Hamilton County 60 miles north of Albany to hunt and fish. Colley sent him an excellent

� rifle last year and he thought he must go where there was game to try it. Colley will insure the gun to hit a mark at

� 60 rods tho this is not a target gun. He thinks he can kill a deer.

1853, Jan. 16 (letter) Jefferson has one little girl who will be two years old next month and his wife says there is

� no prospects of any more. They call her Ella.� Jefferson wrote to Hiram to take his boy to Albany and compare

� him with Ella and he would think she was the handsomest but when he sees him he said his own would beat.

� Hiram's wife went with me.

1853, August 5 (letter from Sally Keeler to William Peterman) Jefferson sent me a paper with two of Hiram's

advertisements. He sent me Uncle Tom's Cabin. I have only had it home one week. If you have never read it

� if you send me word you shall have it. I had heard so much about it I had a great curiosity to see it and I know

� you will feel the same way. If you have anything worth reading send it to me. I have not had much this summer.

1853, Oct. 19 (letter). Jefferson's letter. Wife returned from New York where she spent a week looking at the

� curiosities of the Crystal Palace. She went to Saratoga Springs all the hot weather with Ella.

1854, Jan. 23 (letter) Jefferson has but one child they call Ella. He promised to send her daguerotype enclosed

� in a small locket but he says she got the shears one day when she was alone and cut all her curls off around her

� face and spoiled her looks so he can't have her likeness taken till her hair grows again.� He says the day before

� New Year's there were a thousand people in their shop.� They took in $1000 in cash that day they don't do so

such business every day. They generally take about $800 a week.� They was going to have a large party last

� Thursday as they have been to a great many and had never made one.

1854, Feb. Grace Peterman was born� (17 months old June 5, 1856) (she was 7 years younger than Ella.)

1854, July 2 (letter) Jefferson sent me the picture of his little girl in a gold locket about the size of a ladies' watch.

� It is a beautiful picture of a very handsome child dressed in silk with her little fat arms and neck bare with a

� string of coral round her neck and gold locket hanging to it.� I think I never see a better family of children than

� my three Petermans. Everybody that knew them thought they was the best boys they ever knew.� I never allowed

�them to be out in the street at night with bad boys but always had some amusement at home for them and by

� making their home agreeable to them they got attached to home� and one another so they wanted no other

� company. There was a gentleman here from Weedsport where Hiram lives.� He said Jefferson had been to see

� Hiram and told him that in the 15 months him and William had been in partnership they had sold $40,000 worth

� of goods. Daughter Ann (Wisner) knew James (Peterman of Ohio) as quick as she see him. Her and Eliza was at��

�the depot to see an old friend start for Iowa.� As soon as James and me got out of the Cars Ann Eliza said here is

� Grandmother. Ann turned around and caught his hand and said here is James Peterman. She was very glad to see

� him, and gave him her Daguerreotype. I gave him mine and a painted portrait of his brother Jefferson taken when he

� was 19 years old.� There was a man at Ann's last week that came from Albany and was well acquainted with him.

� He says they do the best business of any jewelers in Albany.

1854, Dec. 30 (letter) Jefferson and his wife and daughter came to see us about the first of the month. They staid

� a week and the weather was so cold they was afraid to stay for fear of deep snow so they started on the eighth,

� and called at Ann Weisner's and staid till 11 o'clock in the evening when they started for home and got to Detroit

� about 4 and waited in the Car House about 1 hour.� Then they crossed the Detroit River to Canada to take the

� Cars at Windsor and left there at 5 o'clock and went 99 miles by 9 when they was stopped by the snow on the

� track which was two feet deep.� In that situation they had to remain 33 and 1/2 hours. They got started then

� and got to the Suspension Bridge at 1 o'clock on Saturday (they left here on Wednesday) when his wife and

� child lay down on the floor in the Passenger House and slept two hours which was the first sleep they had from

��the time they started.� They left Niagara Falls at 8 on Sunday morning and arrived home on Monday morning

� at 2 o'clock and went to bed and slept six hours when he got up and wrote to me and I haven't heard nothing

� from him since. I feel uneasy for fear that the fatigue and exposure might have made them sick. He says the

� Canadians supplied them after they had sat there 24 hours with cakes, crackers, bread, butter, beef, pork and

� whiskey or else they must of perished with hunger and cold. I suppose it did not take a small quantity to supply

� two thousand� passengers that had fasted so long.

1855, May 8 (letter) Jefferson chews some tobacco but never tastes spirits so I am blessed with sober sons which

�� I consider a great blessing.

�

1856, March 10 (letter) I had letters from Jefferson and Hiram.� They both write of cold weather and deep snow,

�� their families are well, their children go to school.� Jefferson's daughter attends dancing school.� She is 5 years

� old.� Hiram has two. Martha was 7 in February and the boy (Jeffy) was 5 last November.� Jefferson has done

� good business this winter but house rent, coal, provisions and everything is so dear that he can't lay much by.

� He pays $250 a year for his house.� Jefferson owns an 80-acre lot in Iowa on Cedar River, Black Watch County.

� He went to purchase more but could not find a vacant lot he wanted.

1856, Dec. 1856 (letter) When Jefferson wrote himself and family was well and he was much hurried with business

� as the cleaning and repairing of watches falls to his share.� Him and his partner, Mr. Savage had invented a new

� coal stove that was to consume all the gas and smoke and a boiler with it that condensed off the steam so there is�

neither smoke nor steam escapes from them.� They had sent to Washington for a patent but had not got it when

he wrote last.� The intention of them if they succeed is for a railroad and steamboat as they are for coal and by

condensing the smoke saves 1/3 of the coal.� I see an account of one in operation in a large hotel in Albany. The

proprietor says it is the greatest invention for stoves that has ever been discovered.� They have but one child, a

little girl called Ella, almost 6 years old.

1856, May 29 (letter) Had letters from Jefferson and Hiram this month, they was all well and doing well.

1858 Chauncey Viets (husband of Ann�s daughter Emily) died in April� (death also given as April 29, 1856)

1857, July 12 (letter) Jefferson's wife presented him with a little daughter in March. He says it is the pleasantest

� best child he ever seen.� It has never cried since it was born. He sent me $25 to pay the Dr. as I expect Hiram

� has enough to do to keep his family.� Jefferson has sold his Patent for the stove to the greatest stove firm in

� the city and is to have 50 cents for every stove they sell for 14 years.� When the Patent runs out they are to

� have half the profits of the boilers which will be more than the stoves.� They are for steamboats and railroads

� as they condense all the heat and don't let neither heat nor steam escape.� If I can find it I will send you a model

� in some papers.

1857, Oct. 16 (letter) Jefferson's letter says all are well but he feels the depression of the times as well as all men

� in business. The suspension of the banks seems to affect all classes of people, 500 men from here have been

� discharged from the railroad between Detroit and Chicago.� Men that gets work is only allowed to work nine

� hours in the day and wages accordingly.� It makes it hard times for poor men with families as they could only

� live when they had work. There are many burglaries.

1858, Feb. 17 (letter) Ann has pictures of Jefferson's children set in gold. Jefferson's family is well and he has all

�� the work he can do in the shop.� He is called the best watch repairer in Albany.� One of our neighbors called to

� see him in the fall.� He says Jefferson has the handsomest jewelers shop he was ever in. He says they have two

� gentlemen boards with him last year at $7 per week for both. He thinks he clears $2 a week clear of all expenses.

1858, June 6 (letter) Letter from Jefferson last week, his family was well but his oldest daughter Ella almost eight

� years old had been sick. They had but little hopes of her life but she had quite recovered when he wrote. He had

� been off fishing for trout and caught a 20 pound and was very proud of his luck.� He sent me the picture of both

� their children.� The youngest is 15 months and is the handsomest little fat thing I ever see.� He sent me the picture��

of the oldest one in a gold case some time ago.��

��

1858, Dec. 6 (letter) Jefferson wrote Nov. 28, they had deep snow, weather was very cold, his wife had been

� very sick but was recovering

1858, August 21 (letter) Jefferson told me his wife was converted and joined the church but did not say what

�� church. When he wrote last his little girl was very sick.� The Dr. had little hope for her life.� They never had

� but two children almost 7 years between them.

.

1859, Feb. 20 Ann had a letter from Jefferson on Friday, a letter from Hiram Saturday, a letter from William

�� Monday and one from Ira Viets in California

�

1859, Nov. 25 (letter) Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I received a letter from Jefferson last evening that gave

� some account of the robbery of the jewelry store that he has worked in the last 12 years.� It belonged to

� Mr. Hood, the largest store of that kind in Albany.� The night of the 6th of October it was opened with false

� keys and robbed of $25,000 worth of Jewelry, to wit:� 200 Gold Watches, $8000 worth of Diamonds, 40

� Gold Chains besides Breast Pins, Gold Rings, and smaller articles.� He says it has entirely ruined Mr. Hood

� and thrown him out of employ.� Hood hired a man to sleep in the store and gave him a great charge never to

� leave it but when the robbery was committed they found he had never been there at night.� They think the

� Robbers had everything arranged for a journey to some distant place, as they never could hear of them

� nor the property.

1860 CENSUS�� City of Albany, Albany Co., NY Film.� Jefferson Peterman 40 born Michigan, molder,

� he was actually born in Penna.); Anna Peterman 29 born NY;� Ella Peterman 10 born NY;� Grace Peterman

� 3 born NY.� Post Office: Albany, New York

1860, May 24 (letter) & Friday, May 25: Jefferson has set up a jewelers shop again and thinks he can make a

� living.� They never heard a word of the men that robbed the shop last October.� His family, which consists of

� his wife and two children was well.� His oldest, Ella is almost 10 and the youngest Grace is 3.

1861, Feb. 17 (letter) Jefferson wrote Sunday, paper on Thursday said there was a thaw in Albany, the city

� flooded all over the city near the river.� When he wrote he said there were thousands of people on the ice

� skating and sliding. He said he heard of several broken bones by young skaters falling on the ice. There had

� been eleven broken legs in the city of Troy that he heard of by slipping on the ice. Our whole country round

� here was a solid glare of ice before the thaw as it had rained on the snow and froze as it fell. Jefferson writes

� they confered the Honor of Grand Master on him.� The grand lodge of New York sent for him last fall to

� communicate with him on taking the office, so you may think your brother must be a very respectable man or

� he would not be� elected to so high an office.� In his last he said he had nine applications for fellowship but he

� had not had time to examine their merits.

1862, March 24 (letter) Jefferson complained of harder times than he ever had in Albany in the business. Ella is

� 11 and Grace 5. He says they have a great time skating on the Hudson River.� They have balls on the ice by torch

� light. Men, women, children all skate.� He was reelected Master of the Grand Lodge of Free Masons. He is a

� Democrat.� Hiram is a fierce Republican and says a Black man if he behaves is as good as a White one.

1863. March 2 (letter) Jefferson is doing a pretty good business.

1864, June 21 (letter) Maria Viets (granddaughter) starts today for Boston where she expects to stay a year.�

�� She returned from Philadelphia the middle of April.� She came home by New York and spent a week with

�� Jefferson.� She will leave Marshall today, stay with her Aunt Ann two or three days and then go to Albany to

�� visit Jefferson and then go on.� I had a letter from Jefferson.� Business is good.� He earns about $30 a week

� but rents and taxes with their living takes it all.

�

1865, April 16 (letter) I had a letter from Jefferson a week ago.� They was all well and doing good business but

� said if the cholera got into Albany they all think that all business will be stopped.� The foundry had all stopped as

� the workmen had made a strike for higher wages.� They got 3 1/2 a day but they wanted 4 and their employer

� would not give it.

1867, Jan. 26 (letter) Your Brother Jefferson lives in New York.� If you write to him direct to No. 67 Naussa

� Street.� He has a shop there but his wife and two daughters live in New Jersey just opposite New York City.

� He moved to Brooklyn, it will be two years next May.� He then hired a house for $1600 a year. He paid� $1100

� for furniture and provisions for a boarding house but they could not get� boarders so that money was lost.

1867, May 26 (letter) Your brother Jefferson has moved to Brooklyn opposite New York.� He has taken a lease

� for a house at $1600 a year.� He expects to keep a boarding house. They had two gentlemen boarders when he

� wrote at $9 a week. He will work at his trade and his wife will keep the house.� His Mason brethren made

� up a purse of $300 and sent him as a token of their abrogation of his good� conduct as Grand Master of the

� Lodge.� They gave him $125 as a Christmas present.� He has but two children both girls. The oldest Ella is

�16 and the youngest Grace is 10 years.

1868, Jan. 14 (letter) You wish to know where Jefferson lives.� He lives in Brooklyn right over from New York

� on Clinton Street. The No. of the house is 257. He moved there last May.� He hired a house there for $1600

� a year but he writes they can't� make their rent by boarders.� He thinks he will move over to New York in the

� spring. I hope if you go to New York that you will go over to Brooklyn to see them.� I know he would be highly

� delighted to see you.� There is no danger of your quarreling about politics, as you are both Democrats. I will send

�� you his photograph as I have two.� He doesn�t look much like he did before he let the hair grow on his upper lip.

�� I suppose the graveyard near the old church is enlarged before now, but I suppose you can find the graves of

�� your friends.� If I live till spring I will try to have my photograph taken and send you one.� It seems strange

� that anybody should take an interest in my letters.� I wish I could write something worth reading but I live so

� retired I seldom see anybody but our own folks as the most patients goes into the reception room.

�

1869, Jan. 26 (letter) Jefferson lives in New York.� If you write to him direct to No. 67 Naussa Street.� He has

� a shop there but his wife and two daughters live in New Jersey, just opposite New York City.� He moved to

� Brooklyn, it will be two years next May.� He then hired a house for $1600 a year.� He paid $1100 for furniture

� and provisions for a boarding house but they did not get boarders so that money was mostly lost, then they went

� to a great watering place and hired a house for three months for $800 but got very few boarders so that money

� was lost so he boards his family in Jersey City at $12 per week.� He will work his trade, his wife will run the

� house. The Masonic Brotherhood gave him a $300 purse and $125 for a Christmas present.� Ella is 16, Grace 10.

� Jefferson is in New York at 67 Nassau St. at his shop. His wife and daughter live in New Jersey two years next

�� May.� He rented a house for $1600 a year. He paid $1100 for furniture and provisions for a boarding house but

� could not get borders so that money was mostly lost.� Then he went to a watering place, rented a house for three

� months for $800, had few boarders so that money was lost. Now he boards for $12 a week.

� (Ann gave these ages in 1867 too)

1869, March 25 (letter) I had a letter from your brother Jefferson on Monday.� He has a shop in New York,

�� No. 67 Nassau Street if you wish to write to him. He boards at an Eating House and sleeps in the shop. His

� wife and one daughter live in New Jersey at $12 a week.� A very rich old gentleman took such a fancy to

� Ella he insisted on sending her to a Ladies' Academy where she will stay a year.� He will be at all the expenses.

� She has always been kept at school, is well learned in all common branches.� She was 18 years old last month.

��

1869, Sept. 1 (letter) Jefferson quit the jeweler business and has gone to study medicine. He moved from Albany

�� to Brooklyn last spring, rented a house. I am afraid he has gone beyond his depth.� The lodge presented him with

�� $125, which he put out to interest for his two children.

1870, June 26 (letter) Jefferson complains times are duller in New York than he ever knew owing to the fall of

� gold.� He says there are thousands of men who can't get a day's work.� He gets enough work at repairing watches

� to keep himself� busy but he had to discharge his journeyman.� He and his family are well. His daughter Ella is

� 19 years old. Grace is now 12.

1870, Oct. 16 (letter) Jefferson writes to me about every two weeks.

1871, June 12 (letter) no mention of Jefferson

Ann's comment: Ann received the Bloomsburg Newspaper -- quite a treat -- "Description of the Eighth Wonder

� of the World.�� I would have just as soon expected to hear that somebody had climbed the moon as to have

� learned they have made a railroad through them Pennsylvania mountains but it seems it is done and a great

� undertaking has been accomplished.

Now Joyce sent me this one from Helen:

Hi Carol,

Helen talked just the way she wrote. Once through her complex introduction, much as the Clarence Peterman description below, Helen would talk and talk.   What kept you, the listener in rapture, was her complete knowledge of each person. Helen wanted to know not data, but personal touches about each person... the manner he/ she conducted their life. She sensed a great closeness with each person's individuality. Helen metaphorically went around the track and a won the race as I, a racing charger, was still left at the starting gate. �

Joyce Ingerson, January 2006

Clarence A. Peterman
Great Grandfather of Susan Messersmith
About 1947-8
Source: Susan Messersmith

CLARENCE PETERMAN

Columbia County-- Clarence Peterman b July 1869, Benton, PA married March 24, 1898 Jackson Twp. to Anna M. Kline born Nov. 1872. Clarence, son of Benjamin Franklin Peterman 1832 -1889 and Melissa Colley 1843-died after 1910, daughter of Scott Colley 1812-1895 and Elizabeth Hess 1820-1893 Benjamin Franklin, son of Benjamin Peterman 1797-1861 and Amanda Catherine Hess 1797-1840/1841 Benjamin, son of James Peterman 1767-1824 and Elizabeth Bartleson 1768- 1818 James, son of Jacob Peterman 1733-1814 and Ann Colley 1736- abt 1816 Ann Colley Peterman, sister of Alexander Colley, was the aunt of Jonathan Colley of Montgomery Co., PA, one of the original pioneers of Columbia County, then Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co. married Rachel Robinson born abt. 1762. Their son was Alexander Colley 1786-1881 who married Mary Eager(? Edgar), parents of Scott Colley (above).�� Helen Smith Gammon

Joyce wanted to add this exchange of data regarding Peterman

Hi Susan,

Clarence Peterman was enumerated twice in 1900 US Census + 1930 US Census;

He and his family then were confused with others in 1910. I just want to say Clarence must have

be quite ambitious!

My personal comment: He probably wore out poor Anna Kline Peterman with his ambitious goals! (smile)

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf > District 30
Enumerated 23 Jun 1900
Name: Clarence Peterman
Age: 31, born Jul 1868, married 10 years
Estimated birth year: 1869
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation: superintendent of sawmill
Spouse: Anna, age 27, born Nov 1872, married 10 years, 4 children, 3 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Others in home: William, son, born Jul 1891, age 8, at school:
Mary, daughter, born Jun 1893, age 6, at school ; Harry, son, born Aug 1895, age 4;
Samuel Peterman, boarder, single, born Jun 1867, age 32, wood chopper, can not read or write;
Frank Hartman, boarder, single, born May 1886, age 24, wood chopper;
Mark Andrews, boarder, divorced, born Jun 1864, age 35, wood chopper.
All born in PA; Parents born in PA
Roll: T623 1398; Page: 21A; Enumeration District: 30.
Immediate neighbor: Joshua Brink, age 58

Note: census dates for Clarence Peterman

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Benton > 2
Enumerated 16 Jun 1900
Name: Clarence Peterman
Age: 32, born Jul 1867, married 10 years
Estimated birth year: 1868
Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation: Farmer
Spouse: Anna M, age 27, born Nov 1872, married 10 years, 4 children, 1 alive (corrected 3 alive)
Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Others in home: Willie, son, born Jul 1891, age 8, at school; Mary, daughter, born Jun 1893, age 6, at school;
Harry, son, born Aug 1895, age 4; Malissa, mother, born Sep 1840, age 59, widowed, 16 children, 7 alive;
Samuel, brother, born Jun 1857, age 32, farm laborer; James, brother, born Oct 1883, age 16;
Callie sister, born Apr 1885, age 15, at school. All born in PA; all parents born in PA.
Roll: T623 1398; Page: 13A; Enumeration District: 2.

Pennsylvania 1910 Miracode Index Record
Name: Clarence Peterman
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
State: PA
Age: 41
Color: W
Enumeration District: 0089
Visit: 0220
County: Blair
Relation: Head of Household
Other Residents: Relation Name Age Birth Place
Wife Anna M 37 Pennsylvania
Son William F 18 Pennsylvania
Daughter Mary I 16 Pennsylvania
NR Harry D NR NR
Daughter Mary I 16 Pennsylvania
Son Harry B 14 Pennsylvania
Son Thomas R 09 Pennsylvania
Daughter Lela F 02 Pennsylvania
( I believe these computer entries are placed in the computer incorrectly with this family)

Daughter Lavena A Miller 22 Pennsylvania
Mother-in-law Mary C Waite 64 Pennsylvania
SIL Marie 23 Pennsylvania
Son William E Cole 22 Pennsylvania
5 non-relatives

Immediate neighbor above enumeration 205 / 219: Harry Musselman, age 25, single
1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Blair > Tyrone Twp > District 89
Enumerated 7-9-10 May 1910
family enumerations: 206 / 220
Name: Clarence Peterman
Age in 1910: 41, married x1, 20 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1869
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents birthplace : Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation : sawyer, in sawmill
Spouse: Anna M, age 37, married x1, 20 years, 5 children, 5 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents birthplace : Pennsylvania
Race: White
Others in home: William F, son, age 18, laborer in sawmill; Mary I, daughter, age 16;
Harry B, son, age 14 ; teamster in lumber job; Thomas R, son, age 9; Lela F, daughter, age 2;
Frank Young, boarder, age 24, single, teamster in lumber job;
Lewis McHenry, boarder, age 50, single, laborer in sawmill;
Arthur Speary, boarder, age 21, single, teamster in lumber job
Roll: 1318; Page: 172A; Enumeration District: 89; Part: 1; Line: 14.
(following census page) Enumerated 10 May 1910:
Albert Yost, boarder, age 39, widowed, teamster in lumber job, born in PA; parents born in PA

Bit of confusion (the very next census page with different family enumerations)
Enumerated 9-10 May 1910
7/8 Laverna I Miller, daughter, age 22
141/152 Mary C Waite, mother in law, age 64,married x1, 37 years, 4 children, 4 alive
181/ 202 John Shields, boarder, age 52, widowed
71/78 William E Cole, son, age 22

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Clearfield > Lawrence > District 104
Enumerated 7 January 1920
Name: Clarence Peterman
Age: 51 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1869
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Home owned: Rent
Sex: Male
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Occupation: foreman in saw mill
Marital status: Married
Spouse: Ann, age 47
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Others in home: Lila, daughter, age 11, attending school;
Ethel, daughter, age 6;
James, brother, age 34, single, fireman in sawmill;
L T Connor, boarder, age 17, single, teamster in sawmill;
Joseph Roberts, age 52, married, teamster in sawmill;
Zeke Fullerton, age 64, widowed, chopping in sawmill ;
Harvey King, age 36, divorced, teamster in sawmill.
All born in PA, parents born in PA
Roll: T625_1553; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 104

Annie M Peterman
w/o Clarence
1872-1926
Benton Cemetery
Benton, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 213

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Benton > District 3
Enumeration 19 Apr 1930
Name: Clarence Peterman
Age: 61, married age 24
Estimated birth year: abt 1869
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation: Farmer
Others in home: James, brother, age 45, laborer on farm; Callie, sister, age 43;
Sam, brother, age 62, farmer; Lewis McHenry, boarder, age 70, widowed;
John Hess, boarder, age 76, single.
All born in PA
Roll: 2023; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 3
Immediate neighbors: Ray Hess, age 44; Walter Wood, age 55

Note: census dates for Clarence Peterman

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Clinton > Chapman > District 7
Enumerated 24 Apr 1930
Name: Clarence Peterman
Age: 65
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation: Contract Lumberman
Others in home: Callie, sister, age 42, single, cook, lumber camp;
Ethel, daughter, age 16;
Grant Reeder, boarder, age 65, single, laborer in lumbering;
David Marshall, boarder, age 52, single, laborer in lumbering;
William Heck. boarder, age 39, single, laborer in lumbering
Roll: 2021; Page: 13B; Enumeration District: 7

Clarence Peterman
h/o Annie M
1868-1957
Benton Cemetery
Benton, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 213

Your friend,

Joyce Ingerson

PS. Temperature here were 84F yesterday- 20 January.

Susan wrote:

Clarence and Annie's (my great-grandparents) children... I knew only through census records that they had a daughter who died, but I'm not sure if I knew her name (but Helen may have mentioned it to me). Lila was Lela, and they also had another daughter Ethel, born 14 Jul 1913, died 15 Mar 1994, buried Benton Cemetery. Never married. Contracted polio as a young child. My mother said that she actually contracted it twice. The second time really crippled her. My grandmother, sister to Ethel, told my mother this. William died in West Virginia in January 1913 of an appendicitis attack.

Insert Joyce�s Adam Peterman also

Insert Clarence Peterman deed from Joyce too Known as MS WORD document 2 Peterman

A letter to Susan from Helen regarding the graves in Saint Gabriel�s

December 18, 2003

Did you notice the three small stones in the cemetery with Abram's and Kate's stones? Little brothers Ira Ellis b Jan 24, 1887 died Feb.

11, 1888 13 months; George Ernest b Feb. 11, 1889 d Jan. 24, 1897 almost 8, and Frederick Allen born Nov. 1893 d Jan. 27, 1897 age 3.�� There were many epidemics during those early years and no medicines to help. In Alexander Colley's diaries he mentioned two and three little children dying within days of each other and buried the same day. My mother often spoke of them. I think there may be another stone with them, a child of my Aunt Laura Golden also died when small. I hope to get things straightened out in a couple of weeks so I can work on the PAF records.� Have a nice holiday.� Keep in touch.

Helen�

�

More between Helen and Susan on Peterman

In this email Helen is talking about Benjamin Peterman (1797-1861) and two of his sons, Abraham and John Q. This is the last of Helen's emails that I have. Thank you again for doing all of this work. So many people will benefit from all of this information.

Susan

July 14, 2003 Abe was tall - 6 ft and more, John was a short man. Their mother had written to Abe in Ohio to come back to help run the farm, then gave Abe 1/3 lot. John also had a part and got the mother's when she died. I am coping deeds at the courthouse. Today I copied part of Benjamin's (father of Abe) deed and will finish it tomorrow. Had 15 kids. He was girdling a tree with fire. He sat down on a log and didn't notice the fire had nearly burned through the tree -- it fell killing him. Several of the kids were minors when he died.

Another tragedy -- mother was making soap in a kettle outdoors over an open fire. One of them pulled the kettle over which splashed over all three burning them with the hot soap. All died.� Life was tough in those days.��

Helen

This is one of Helens and Susan Messersmiths exchanges regarding Chester Peterman

Insert Susan�s lineage here too

(Susan wrote to Helen)

Helen,

Thanks so much for all of the information on Chester Peterman's family. I've been typing it into Legacy and may have a couple of questions for you for clarification, but first I wanted to take you up on your offer of more information on the family of Abraham Knouse and Margaret Savage. I've gathered some information through census and marriage records as well as Abraham's obituary and want to see if we differ.

(Helen wrote to Susan):

You have: Abraham Knouse #1 wife Margaret Savage b May 6, 1835 d May 6, 1875 children: John H. 1868-, Samuel, Thomas C., Perry F., John Washington 1857, Nancy E., Dora, Sadie, Frederick K. 1836, Alexander J. Knouse 1866

I have more on Knouse if you want it?

Helen asked Joyce to look for the Knouse family� INSERT Joyces notes HERE PLEASE

These are the children I have found: Elizabeth mar Jasper Shultz; John W. mar Annie ___; Sarah "Sadie" mar George S. McHenry; Dora Clarissa mar Frank Ash; Alexander J. mar Emma Mahala Peterman; Samuel L. mar Sarah J. ____; Hannah G. mar Miles Atley McHenry; Thomas mar Lizzie Stauder; Perry F. mar Jennie A. A. ____.

I'd appreciate help!

Thanks,

Susan

More exchanges between Helen and Susan, she was ill with her medical problems but genealogy kept her focused.

Susan, (January 19, 2004)

It was good to hear from you again. Like you I was extra

busy over the holidays -- not very enjoyable since I was going

from one hospital to another for one scan, test, or another.

Problem was finding if my cancer was estrogen positive so I

can take Tamoxifen. It was and I am now taking that daily along

with monthly Aredia Drip to build up the bone loss.

I had my right knee replaced about 6 years ago. In the middle of

all the tests my left knee became very painful and the DR. went on

2 weeks vacation. Did give me sample of VIOXX for pain and

inflamation but it seems to be causing my feet to swell and tingle.

I haven't been able to get it adjusted yet even with using a very

small dosage. Even had an ultrasound for blood clots. I see the

DR. again Wed. Maybe he can suggest something else even tho

I just spent $200 on prescriptions.

Back to genealogy. Do you have access to other Albany records?

Jefferson Peterman, son of James Peterman and Ann Batcheler-

Bartleson lived there several years --Monroe County census 1830.

He was a jeweler, the jewelry stone was burglarized and then

closed. I have not been able to find any records for his family --

maybe you could help.

Jefferson born July 25, 1819 PA died Oct. 21, 1863 NY

(had moved to NY city but don't know where he died,

married Anne Germond b 1826 (maybe Monroe Co..

where Ann took her family when she was cheated out of

her Penna. land and home.) Children: Ella born Feb. 1851,

Grace March 1857. b NY no more information.

Maybe connected to VIETS or VIETZ NY family since

Ann's oldest daughter, Emily Bartleson, married Chauncey

Viets from NY.  about 1830 -- moved to Mich. by 1850.

Son Hiram Abiff Peterman b April 25, 1822; d. 24 Feb 1906, Marshall, Calhoun County, Michigan buried in Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Calhoun, Michigan.*. Hiram was the the son of James and Ann (Batcheler) Peterman, and the grandson of Jacob and Ann (Colley) Peterman, original settlers of this part of northeastern PA. In order he was the (1) spouse of Emma E, of New Jersey, bearing one son Jefferson C Peterman, born 1851; (2) spouse of Salome Amy Slout, of New Jersey, no offspring known; and then (3)spouse of Hannah M, of New York, no offspring known.
* Editor's Note: Our information on Hiram Abiff Peterman is courtesy of Joyce Ingerson in response to a message from Cheryl Keller in December 2011. Cheryl found a Masonic coin belonging to Hiram marked as originating in the Masonic Lodge in Harriman, TN. Hiram served in the Union army during the Civil War in the Tennessee theater, and was actually discharged at Nashville. How he came to be a member of a Tennessee Masonic lodge is unknown.

to Lucinda Chapman. 2 children Martha and Jefferson Peterman

died after family moved to Marshall, Michigan. Lucinda died,

Martha lived with Chapman family in NY.

Hiram married Salome Ami Slout, from NJ. they met in

medical school -- both doctors in NY and Mich.

There are many more NY incidents if you have access to the NY records.

My PAF 50 file is coming alone slowly. I have 7800 notes/names

to check individually before I add more family. I messed up when

I combined files and have duplicate notes for almost each person,

Also I am not able to work on it 6 or 8 hours a day as I used to.

At least now I don't fear losing all of it.

I am thankful for the Arizona sun -- all the TV news

of snow and ice makes me feel cold. Glad I am here.

Take care and stay healthy.

More on Chester Peterman from Helen to Susan

March 06, 2005

�(Susan wrote:)

I have a marriage license for H. Jay Peterman whose parents were listed as Chester Peterman and Mary C. Knouse.�

(Helen answered:)

This is Florene Peterman Schweitzer's family. I've parked the motor home at her home many

times in Nordmont and she shared much Peterman information.

Chester Roy Peterman Sr. b Nov. 2, 1882 Nordmont d Dec.22, 1962 Dushore

mar Mary Caroine Knouse b Sept 17, 1883 b Central, Col. Co. d Feb. 24, 1963 Dushore

Chester son of James Peterman 1837-1896 and Hannah Jane Hunter 1842-1934

Mary Caroline dau of Abraham Knouse b Jan. 2, 1836 d Apr. 25, 1911 Sugarloaf Twp.

and Sarah Ann "Sallie"� Peterman b Oct. 20, 1842 Sugarloaf Twp., died Aug. 12, 1911

�� son of Benjamin and Mary Turner Peterman

�� (Sallie's children: Alfred Merton Knouse b Nov. 1879 and Mary Caroline Knouse)

Children:

1. Harry Merton Peterman b Oct. 29, 1905

mar #1 Elsie Marguerite Purcel b Jan 23, 1899 d May 27, 1962

mar #2 Irene Phillips had son Roy Harriman before marriage to Harry

John Peterman, an uncle, told me Harry had no legal wife.

Children: Katherine, Leon, Donald, Robert, infant son died

2. Harold Jay Peterman b June 19, 1907

maaar Edith Kilgus born Benton, PA

Children: Jessie Louise Peterman b abt 1942, Leah Marene b abt 1944, Eugene b July 39,

1950

From Helen to Susan

Helen, Hello again, (April 16, 2004)

Things have been rather hectic here. With the great summer weather

we have had it's easy to be lazy.

I had another CAT scan and full body scan. Went for my monthly

Aredia Drip Wednesday, met my doctor in the hall who enthusiastically

told me the cancer appears to be shrinking. A small spot in the lung

is gone and the other is smaller. Also the one in the sternum is smaller.

It appears the Tamoxifen is doing what it is supposed to do. I still do

not have much energy and my legs will not carry me very far but I

can accept this quite easily.

I am now starting to make plans to go to Penna. May 27. If everything

works out well, my daughter Marcy will take me to Berwick Sat., and

if possible we would like to go to Cherry Grove Memorial Services

Sunday. They have a dinner at the Community Center followed by a

memorial service at the cemetery about 2 p.m. I went each year while

living in Penna. but have not been there for several years. One year

they had a special service for John Keeler Sr., Rev. War veteran, one

of my ancestors.

Also I think I'll be parking the motor home in Lightstreet at my sister's

home. There I'll have access to their telephone. No computer connection

but will not be isolated like I was in Berwick. I hope you will be able to

stop there so we can exchange information. I can probably make floppies for you, too.

I'm still working on the deeds I copied last summer. I can't type as long

as I did last year before my shoulder starts hurting so it is taking me

quite a long time. I am getting a better picture of the family interaction.

Since Benjamin died intestate with minor children, Clarence Franklin

Peterman was the person named in many deeds. The court had to make

decisions about agreements Benjamin Peterman made with father James.

Then nothing was decided until the youngest child was 14 (I think).

The deeds go back to 1796 when James Peterman purchased one tract

of land from William Montgomery. The Montgomery descendants moved to Ohio

and Missouri and it took more than 10 years to get a

Quit Claim signed from each of them. Laws are very interesting.

Hope your weather is improving and everything is going well for you.

We've had high 80s and into the 90s temperatures -- I love it.

It's still cold in Penna. I'm glad I'm here.

Helen Gammon

(June 12, 2005)� Susan,

Thanks so much for the Peterman reunions. They brought back many

pleasant memories of the good food and fun we shared there.

My sister Carolyn Hess married Fred Hess. His brother Stanley Hess

owned Grassmere Park at that time. His daughter Betty and I are still

close friends. I considered Stanley's family as cousins. Budd Hess was

their only son. He remodeled one of the old cabins at the entrance

to the park for their family home and are still living there. Instead of

the large family reunions they formerly held there they have turned it

into a camping park. Many people park their rigs there permanently,

then visit or use them when and as they like. Guess they pay rent for

the space. I stayed there several time in my motor home.

Two or three summers ago a freak wind storm almost like a tornado

went through the section with the camping rigs. Many were totally

destroyed, many had to be repaired. The park looked like a tornado

had whirled around and around there, took down trees, etc. They have

cleaned and repaired everything again. I liked the solitude there.

It seems everything iin the mail is turning up at the same time. I have

"met" a Smith relative who is giving me more Smith family information.

Another Smith thinks I could be related to him but I doubt that one.

Polly Eckrote is helping me with the Colley line -- she and her husband

went to Phila. Friday to research. I'm still trying to pull together all the

deeds for Petermans and Colleys. Everything takes so much time. Hope

I can hang in there a few more years to see all these finished.

I have several floppies I made last summer intended for you. I'll try to

send a few files at a time. Could you make one or two generations of

the Peterman - Knouse families for me? I know I have mine mixed up.

Did more than one Peterman girl marry a Knouse? Florene Peterman

Schweitzer did tell me some facts but she was as confused as I was.

Do you have a copy of Abe Knouse's Will? I think I copied it. Florence

thought he ignored his first family. William Colley of Laporte did the

same. Have you learned who really was William's mother? I think it could

be Sarah Parsons and Jonathan Colley, not Mary Eager who was listed in

the obituary. She seems to be too young.

Thanks again for all your help. I will take me a little time to type it into

the computer.

Take care

Helen

Helen and Susan discuss the Revolutionary War relatives.

Friday, December 10, 2004

Did you know we had many ancestors in the Rev. War in Phila.
with George Washington? Remind me to give you those records
if you do not already have it. Also on the web go to Revolutionary
War and Philadelphia in Colonial America. I can spend hours reading
that.

Jacob Peterman's records are in Plymouth Township. There were
three Jacob Peterman men in the same unit. One was Capt. One was
the Captain's son and one was our Jacob. Always look for the
blacksmith. The other family lived further north of Philadelphia.

Both Jacob and Alexander Colley, brother of Ann, wife of Jacob,
owned large acres of land on the northern edge of present Philadelphia
towards Norristown. Alexander's wife was Abigail Coulston, a Quaker.

Something interesting. I was reading RootsWeb WorldConnect and
noticed a Grace Peterman, daughter of Jefferson Peterman and Ann
German. Our grandmother Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman had
a son living in Rochester and Albany, N.Y. named Jefferson, jeweler,
married to Ann Germond. I sent a message and received an answer today.

It is the same Grace who married a Scott but he doesn't have
any more Peterman information. Darn!
I'm going to pursue it and see if something turns up.

If an old letter of mine did not make sense about Albany it was
because I thought you lived in Albany, N.Y. not Oregon. I have
been wanting to contact someone there to learn more about
Jefferson's family. The jewelry store he worked for was robbed,
the owner went out of business and they moved to Brooklyn.
Had daughters Grace and Ella Peterman.

Jefferson's brother Hiram was a DR. also in the Civil War. His first
wife died in N.Y. His daughter Martha then lived with the mother's
family. A lady sent me information about her grave in N.Y. She
never married. I couldn't find more about Jefferson's family.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers. I hope to do more
right after Christmas.

Love,

Helen

More between Helen and Susan, even though Helen was getting worse, she took the final step and went into hospice; she was still researching her family. It was that drive that kept her going.

July 11, 2005

Hi Susan,

If you like I'll keep sending Peterman information -- you can use it as you wish. I must have 100 floppy disks -- not all full. I want to share this with all -- especially those in Columbia County. Polly Eckrote is helping me with the Colleys. She will probably share them with you if you like. There are many duplicate files and I don't have the energy now to sort them. Did I ever ask you if you had early Colley family information? I can't find birth dates for Jonathan Sr. and Jr. do not know how many wives each one had. His father Alexander who married Abigail Coulston had a sister Anne Colley who married Jacob Peterman about 1755 in Phila. Can't find parents of Alexander. Potts Pedigree at LDS records said
his father was Thomas, mother not mentioned. I found quite a lot at Norristown Historical Society and Archives in Norristown. You will enjoy some of the early records. Imagine our relatives were there with George Washington,
Ben Franklin, etc. I hoped to find that Jacob put shoes on Ben Franklin's horse. Many of them
served in the militia. The Potts and Webster Pedigrees also include Joseph Peterman's family, brother of James the pioneer. I wish I had 10 more years to do more research.

Please keep in touch.

Helen


Still another interesting letter between these two ladies regarding obituaries

Helen was so happy to get.

December 10, 2004

Thanks for the obits. I didn't have that information.

Brings back memories of my visit with granddaughters
Florene and Irene in Nordmont about 8 years ago. Both had
tales to tell about Hannah.

How I wish we could spend a few days together and share
stories I've heard from so many people.

I had my monthly Aredia drip Wednesday and saw my oncologist
-- don't have to go back for 6 weeks so my reports must be looking
good. I will see the hematologist again next week but that is only
to regulate the prendisone. I am surprised that I feel as well as I do.
For six months I expected to be checking out at any time and from
the pain it would have been a relief. Now I think I can enjoy living
again.

Instead of being an invalid I am doing a few loads of wash and
straightening up files, disks, etc. in the computer room today.
It's almost a pleasure to be able to do this much. I also have been
sorting old photographs my mother and father left. Some Petermans
I think you will be interested in -- many pictures unidentified. Some
of them are of Hunters and Hesses.

With your Petermans do you also have Hess and Hunter relatives?
My mother's first husband was Norman Hess. I have lots and lots
of Hess files. About 50 years ago my brother, Willis Hess gave me
copies of Minnie (Mrs. Ellis) Remley's Hess Pedigree. I figured it
was correct but years later learned it is full of mistakes. She put the
wrong generations together as the same. Since Hess is not my bloodline

I never took the time to make the necessary corrections so I don't
trust her records.

My parents were divorced and some of my father's pictures are
from the Nordmont area, lumbering, etc.

After Christmas I'll try to make copies for you. I found some
snapshots of my mother with her sisters and brothers when she was

probably about 30 and some about 1940. One of Mary Turner Peterman.

You might recognize some of the unidentified ones.
I'm sorry now I did not write their names on them while my
mother was still living.

I've put Ann's letters away until after Christmas. My daughter Marcy,
husband Jim, son Jer were here for Thanksgiving. We had a quiet
but enjoyable visit. They went to Prescott for 5 days at an Elderhostel.
Jer drove his truck from Calif. Marcy is coming for Christmas, may
go to Calif. to see Jer. Jim is going to Georgia to see his stepmother.

Jim is a whiz with computers -- updates mine each time he comes.
He built my desktop 3 years ago and each time I have a problem
I send him an email. He sends me directions that usually work.

I first learned to use a computer at The Morning Call Newspapers
in Allentown, PA. The computer filled a whole room and was sealed
from all dust, etc. Now think of what a little laptop can do.

Keep in touch and thank for your prayers.

Love Helen

Helen and Susan discuss the Colley�s and the Peterman�s June 15, 2005.

Susan,

The William Colley from Sullivan Co. is connected to our Colley line but I

can't learn who his mother was. The Sullivan Co. Newspaper said Alexander

born 1786 was his father but I doubt it. If he so he was very young. When Alex

and Mary Eager married they started having children right away. I think

Jonathan and Sarah Parsons are probably his parents. I think Sarah was still

young enough. He was born in Fishing Creek Twp. 1804.

I'll send a Colley pedigree but do not put it into your permanent records because

there ARE mistakes there. From Alexander's will and Abigail�s will we know they

had a son Jonathan. We know that son was the father of a son Alexander b 1786

Rebecca Colley born 1782 (married Jesse Pennington). They lived in Davidson

Twp., at the same time William Colley born 1804 married Elizabeth Robbins.

And Abigail had a grandson Jonathan. Mothers are not giving except Pennngton

Pedigree on World Connect tells Rebecca was the daughter of Jonathan and

Rachel Robinson.

I found a Potts Pedigree and a Webster Pedigree at LDS. Potts says Jonathan

married Esther Thomas. Some Thomas people married Joseph Peterman's children. But there are only one or two birthdates given. Potts is now on the web. I'll send that web address.�

They list Jacob Peterman's pedigree (brother of James) who remained in Plymouth Twp.,

�Montgomery Co., and Jacob, father of James and Joseph. Jacob married Anne COLLEY,

sister of Alexander Sr..� Alex's will named Jacob as his brother-in-law. I've written to several

of Joseph's descendants -- the Potts Pedigree seems very accurate with the dates they give.

Many are from Ohio. Probably went about the same time James Peterman's children moved west.

I'm anxious to see the St. Gab's records again. Please tell me how much everything

cost you. If you check the LDS lists of assets there should be more films for

Northumberland and Columbia Counties. I had a list somewhere but have no

idea where to look now.� I've had four or five computers, then made dozens of

floppies in Word Perfect before I started using Word. Many are duplicates but

I'm afraid I'll lose notes since I made floppies to carry back and forth to

Penna. and then back to AZ for 15 to 17 years. I made 17 trips back and forth

with the motor home.

Maybe we can build a really accurate PETERMAN file for Bloomsburg.

More later

Helen

This one is dialogue between Susan and Helen, a little difficult to follow but well worth the try.

Helen,

�

I hope that you can help me with Hiram Alexander Peterman (Rachel Roberts) family.� I was working on Joel Peterman's obituary today and it refers to four surviving siblings.� One is Evelyn, Brooklyn, N.Y.� Do you know anything about her?� I couldn't locate her in any census record.

�

Here are the children of Hiram that I've identified through census or cemetery records:

�

Stella Grace b. abt 1875� - Mrs. Grace Welliver Benton

Anna b Mar 1878 -� Mrs. George Cramer of Phila.

Joel b Jul 1879 Benton mar Clara ____

Otto Cleveland� b Oct 1884� Sarasota, Fla.

William Wilson b Mar 1890 Wilkes-Barre

Elmer E. b Feb 1893 Jamestown, NY

Susan Della b Jun 1898 or 1899�� Charles Speidel of Phila. or Spade?

Earl Alexander�� b Mar 1900 Detroit

Edwin S. b abt 1903

Ray - died at 7 months - 1881 or 1889

�

Evelyn of Phila. born Oct. 3, 1902 (Col. Co. Births Vol.� 2 p36

//

I found no reference to Evelyn nor to Roy L., who is listed on one of the

Roots Web family trees (Christopher Kile).� Do you know anything about either of them?

I have� ROY Peterman born Sept. 1893� Holmes Co., Ohio son of Colley

Bartleson Peterman and Mary E. Gard, uncle to Joel.

�

Many of the Peterman families went west -- settled in many states.

Many in Ohio. Except for all that Betty Victory told me I would not have

known any of their names.

�

My mother was born in Ohio. Father Abe went to join brothers in Holmes

Co., met Catherine Smith and married there. Came back to Sugarloaf when

father Ben died to help with farming -- mother, Mary Turner turned estate

into 3 parts -- one for Mary, one for Abe, one for John Quincy who was

single. And jealous of Abe's success with his farm since he had so many

kids to help.� Abe should have stayed in Ohio -- but then I probably would

not be me.� Have to take the bitter with the better.��

�

Maybe this will help later: 1932 Family Reunion, Grassmere Park. Hiram was

82. Sons: Joel, Elmer, Otto, William Wilson, daughters: Mrs. Charles Welliver,

Mrs. George Cramer, Mrs. Charles Speidel, Evelyn.

Grandchildren: Clarence Stackhouse, Benton; Howard Chapin, Berwick; Elsie

Welliver, Benton; Norton Reifsnyder; Rachiel, Dorothy, Lawrence, Theodore,

Ralph and Edgar all Benton.

Great-grandchildren: Thomas, Kenneth, Jean and Jane Stackhouse; Harry J.

and Grace Welliver; Nancy Ann Reifsnyder;

Charles Welliver, George Cramer, Evelyn Peterman, Elmer; Dr. Earl A.; Otto; Wilson.��

�

From Betty Fritz-Victory:

1920 Census: Joel B 49; Clara A. 36; Margaret 14; Rachel 12; Loren 6; Dorothy

1, Hiram A. Peterman 69.

/

Joel's son Theodore born Benton Twp., died Feb. 29, 1993 Holyoke, Mass. age

72, buried Benton Cem. March 4, 1993; wie Marjorie Dorr, 6 step-daughters,

2 brothers Lawrence A/ Camp Hill, Ralph A. Benton; sister Dorothy Peterman,

Rahway NJ; Brother Edgar E died June 9, 1097, sister Maragaret Moffet and

Rachel Peterman deceased.

/

Otto C. died after brief illness; Child: Elizabeth (Tefft);

�Elmer E.; Dr. Earl A.Wilson; Joel; Della (Spade); Anna (Cramer); Evelyn

/

I can't find my disk at the moment but one Evelyn was killed in an elevator

accident in Phila. I'll send it when I locate it.

Helen to Susan again regarding Peterman

You can learn more about Helen's research on this branch of the Peterman family at Descendants of Jacob Peterman.

Susan

Sorry � I put this together but failed to send it to you.

Clarence Peterman and Anna May Kline 1900 Census 32 born July 1867 mar 10 years, Anna 27 born Nov. 1872 4 children: mother Malissa (Colley) Peterman 59 born Sept. 1840, children Mary

Jane 6 b 1893, Harry 4 b Aug. 1895, brother Samuel Peterman 2 born June 1867, brother James

Peterman 16 born Oct. 1863, sister Callie (Caroline?) 15 b April 1885

Benjamin�s will: Oct. 4, 1889 Book 7 Register of Wills Columbia County, Widow Malissa Peterman

and oldest son Samuel renounced rights to administrate estate of Benjamin F(ranklin) Peterman to

next oldest son Clarence Peterman. Benjamin died Sept. 24, 1889. Oct. 7, 1889 Book 7 page 1

Wills 7 Adm. of Benjamin F. Peterman, late of township of Benton, Letters Adm. granted to Clarence A. Peterman.

Benjamin Franklin Peterman was son of Benjamin Peterman (parents James Peterman and Amanda Katherine Hess)

1-Jacob Peterman March 18, 1733 Germany died Dec. 8, 1814 Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co., PA. married Ann Colley April 22, 1756 at Christ Church, Philadelphia.� Jacob owned many acres of

land in Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co., served in Rev. War in Plymouth Twp. Militia (can see record on Phila. Revolution Records). Also records for Alexander Colley, brother of Anne Colley.� (DAR??) (7 children).�� Thomas Colley reportedly their father.

Alexander Colley b 1733/35 Phila. County PA died Jan. 30, 1783 Plymouth Twp, married Christ Church, Phila. to Abigail Coulston b Sept. 2, 1731 d Mar. 10, 1805 Plymouth Twp.,� Montgomery Co., PA son Jonathan Colley, William Colley, James Colley and Mary Colley mentioned in the

wills. There may be other children.� Alexander was wealthy owned many acres PA, NJ and Delaware.� This Jonathan Colley and James Peterman were first cousins and both were

some of the first pioneers to Northumberland County between 1792 and 1796.� I have deeds.

2- James Peterman b Oct. 31, 1767 Plymouth Twp., died Sept. 1824 Sugarloaf Twp., Col. Co., PA

mar abt� 1788 probably Montgomery Co., PA. to Elizabeth Bartleson b Apr. 19, 1768 Phila. Co.,

died April 10, 1818 Sugarloaf Twp.,� (10 children)

3. Benjamin Peterman b June 14, 1797 Phila. County, died May 15, 1861 Sugarloaf Twp.,

mar #1 Amanda Katherine Hess b 1797 Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co., PA.

daughter of Conrad Hess b Nov. 19, 1772 Williams Twp., Northumberland Co., PA died

Nov. 1844 Sugarloaf Twp., and� Susanne Barnette b abt 1776 died aft 1849 Sugarloaf Twp.,

(Kate Hess died and Benjamin married #2 Mary E. Turner, had son Abraham Peterman who

is MY grandfather.)� Ben had 5 children with� Kate and 11 children with Mary. )

Benjamin died while �girdling� a tree with fire� � tied rags around the tree, doused with kerosene and burned it through.� While sitting on a log, Ben didn�t notice how far the tree had been burned,

the tree fell on him killing him.

4. Benjamin Franklin Peterman b Oct. 20, 1832 or 1835 Sugarloaf Twp. died Sept. 20 or 24, 1889

Benton.� mar� Jan. 2, 1866� Malissa Colley b Sept. 1843 Sugarloaf Twp. died after 1910;� Benton: both buried at St. Gabriel�s (I think). Malissa�s parents Stott E. Colley� b Nov. 6, 1812 Sugarloaf died Dec. were, 1885 Sugarloaf Twp., son of Alexander Colley b Apr. 16, 17856 Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co. died June 6, 1881 Benton and wife Mary Eager b Feb. 15, 1786 died April 17, 1849�

Editor's Note: As per the grave marker shown below, Benjamin was born in 1834 and served in the Civil War; he was a private in Company A, 171st Regiment of the PA Infantry. He is indeed buried at St. Gabriel's. Malissa Colley, his wife, per her death notice transcribed below as well, lived from 1842 to 1913.

Ben�s mother was Sarah B. Hess b Nov. 25, 1826 died April 13, 1893 bur Benton parents George

B. Hess b Dec. 2, 1778 William Twp., Northampton Co., died Mar 12, 1850 Columbia Co. bur

St. Gabriel�s� mother was Elizabeth Brown b Mar. 30, 1782 d Oct. 31, 1858 Col. Co. bur St. Gabs.�

Her parents John Brown and Mary Brugler.

George�s father was Johann Wilhelm (William) Hess b Oct. 4, 1749 d Mar. 12, 1850 Col. Co.

the pioneer from Williams Twp., Northampton Co. who at� one time owned all the land from

(now) Benton to North Mountain.

William Hess mar Anna Catherine Gotthard� b Jan. 30, 1751 died before 1813 Sugarloaf Twp.

both bur St. Gabriel�s. Her father Johannes Goddhard was the one who supplied the money to

build St. Gabriel�s church after the log church burned and it became an Episcopal church.

Had 15 or 20 children.

James Peterman cut and made the pews in St. Gabriel�s Church.

You can learn more about this important old church, whose cemetery is the resting place for many of our elders, at A Brief History of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church. You will see reference made there to an old church bell, known as the "Menely Bell". The bell was originally hung in a pine tree outside the church in 1884. Here is an old black and white picture of that bell.

The Menely Bell
Hung in a Pine Tree in 1884
St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, Benton Township, PA
Photo courtesy of Joyce Ingerson from an old unidentified source.

Look at GOOGLE� Bentonnews.com�� Back Home in Benton, Penna.

A David Kline is writing articles� many from the 1800s � look at the churches and

FEATURES��

�

Go to� GOOGLE� or Columbia Co. Web and look for� PALE� Polly Laubach-Eckrote�s website

-- she has lots of information about John Goddard and others

Also JoWest has on her site the complete History of Columbia Co.�� I checked and there are

Pealers and Klines there.�� http://www.jowest.net/MyFileCabinet.htm�� see Index

Also Penningtons (Rebecca Colley married Jesse Pennington)� There is a large Pennington Site

Also for Peterman there is considerable on� http://junkingusa.com�

Look for Jacob Peterman and Anne Colley with the Whiteman Bible

Be care there were 4 Jacob Petermans in Phila. Co. during the Rev. War.� My relative was a

blacksmith in Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co.� You can also See Alexander Colley there.

Another one on RootsWeb.World Connect look for Weaver/Diltz ---- his is very accurate�

This should keep you busy.

Helen

Benjamin Franklin Peterman (1834-1889)
Grave Marker
St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Benton Township, Columbia County, PA
Source: Susan Messersmith

Argus
Benton Township
Columbia County, PA
June 26, 1913

Deaths Here Recorded

Mrs. Benjamine [sic] Peterman

Mrs. Benjamin Peterman, died at her home in Benton Township, this morning at 6 o'clock, after a short illness.
The deceased is survived by the following children: Claire, of Clearfield county, Samuel, James and Miss Callie, at home, Mrs. Wm. Everitt, and Mrs. A. J. Knouse, of Benton, R. D. She was aged 71 years,
The funeral services will be conducted Sunday morning at 10 a.m. with services in the Christian Church. Interment in the Benton cemetery.

Joyce discussed Peterman�s too in this letter, all color-coded as they recorded it to Mary Nora Sherwood, and later with Helen.

Everyone shared for the common goal of getting that huge Peterman family straightened out.

This James Peterman, b 05 Apr 1805, d 30 Apr 1887, was son of James Sr Peterman & Elizabeth Bartleson

Mary Nora Sherwood Perry of Wickliffe,Ohio;

ohrose3809@aol.com.

wrote May 2000 to Joyce Ingerson

My grandmother, Nora Peterman Sherwood, had many siblings,

Romeo being only one.

I have accumulated a lot about this Peterman family

I do have scanned pages from the SAVAGE family bible, which documents Elijah Peterman's birth.
Elijah Peterman was raised by Joshua Savage.

Elijah Peterman's mother, Susanna HESS married to Joshua Savage,

They married after James Peterman, Jr abandoned Susanna Hess

Seems James Peterman, Jr  took off for Ohio the year Elijah was born (1828).

I repeat JAMES PETERMAN ABANDONED SUSANNA HESS, b 27 Mar 1808, d 21 Mar 1875,

Susanna Hess was daughter of Johan Conrad Hess & Susanna Barnett ( per Helen Gammon)

Susannah Savage
w/o Joshua
27 Mar 1808- 21 Mar 1875
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 152

Susanna later married Joshua Savage, b 10 Nov 1809,

d 18 Aug 1876, buried Waller Cemetery, Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Joshua Savage

10 Nov 1809-18 Aug 1876

Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 152

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

James Peterman, b 05 Apr 1805, d 30 Apr 1887

married 24 Apr 1834, Big Beaver, Beaver, Ohio to :

1. wife: Mary Jane Beatty, b 07 Nov 1813, d 31 May 1842 in Ohio

Their children were:

Mary Jane Peterman, b 1835, Ohio;

Elizabeth Peterman, , 18 Mar 1837, Ohio;

Sarah Ann Peterman, b 1839, Ohio;

Clarinda Josephine Peterman, b 30 May 1840, Ohio;

married 07 Jun 1844, Holmes, Ohio

2 . wife: Sarah Cosper, b 1821, born in PA

Their children were:

Margaret E Peterman, b 1844, Ohio;

Andrew Jackson Peterman, b 1847, Ohio;

Milton Butler Peterman, b 1849, Ohio;

James Marion Peterman, b 1851, Ohio;

David Franklin Peterman, b 1853, Ohio;

Alice M Peterman, b 1857, Ohio;

Martha Matilda Peterman, b 01 Jan 1858, Ohio;

Romeo Cosper Peterman, b 1862, Ohio

These are census records on James Peterman, Jr

1850 United States Federal Census > Ohio > Holmes > Prairie
Enumerated 12 Aug 1850
Name: James Peterman
Age: 45
Estimated birth year: abt 1805
Birth place: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real estate: 5200
Others in home: Sarah A, age 39, born in PA;
Mary J, age 15; Elizabeth, age 13; Sarah A, age 11; Clorinda, age 9;
ME, (F ) age 5; Andrew, age 3; MB( M), age 1. All born in Ohio
Home in 1850(City,County,State): Prairie, Holmes, Ohio

Roll: M432_696; Page: 145;

1870 United States Federal Census > Ohio > Holmes > Prairie
Enumerated 24 Jun 1870
Name: James Peterman
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1805
Age in 1870: 65
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Value of real estate: 13, 200
Others in home: Sarah, age 50, born in PA
Andrew, age 22, farmer,1000 in Real Estate; James, age 19; David, age 17;
Alice, age 13; Martha, age 12; Romeo, age 8. All listed born in Ohio.
Post Office: Millersburgh
Roll: M593_1224; Page: 148

1880 United States Federal Census > Ohio > Holmes > Prairie > District 134
Enumerated 1 Jun 1880
Name: James Peterman
Age: 75
Estimated birth year: <1805>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Marital status: Married
Spouse's name: Sarah, age 59,
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: James, son, age 29; David Frank, age 29, MD;
Martha Matilda, daughter, age 21; Romeoh, son, age 18;
Hattie Wheaton, age 9, servant. All born in Ohio
Roll: T9_1034; Family History Film: 1255034; Page: 2; Enumeration District: 134

They also discussed Elijah Peterman

ELIJAH³ PETERMAN (JAMES², JACOB¹) born 12 Oct 1828; died 16 Mar 1914

� ELIJAH³ ^married ELIZABETH HESS, in 1862

Elijah Peterman

wf: Elizabeth
1828-1914
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 94

Elizabeth Peterman

w/o Elijah
1844-1931
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 94

Editor's Note: We are grateful to Joyce Ingerson for the following obituaries and additional information. The material provided by Joyce is presented in maroon color below.

The Morning Press
Bloomsburg, PA
June 5, 1931

Folk you know up Derrs way.
Mrs. Elizabeth Peterman suffer severe injuries in fall.
Mrs. Elizabeth Peterson, who was living with her daughter, Mrs. Mae Fahnestock, fell Wednesday breaking her hip. She was attended by Dr Albertson and later removed to the Bloomsburg Hospital.

The Morning Press
Bloomsburg, PA
Monday June 15, 1931

Aged woman dies as a result of a fall- Mrs. Elizabeth Peterman, 87, expired in hopital yesterday- fell two weeks ago.
Mrs. Elizabeth Peterman, who fell out of bed two weeks ago at her home at Laubach's, Sugarloaf township, and fractured her hip, passed away about one o'clock yesterday afternoon in the Bloomsburg Hospital where she had been a patient since the accident. She was aged 87 years, 1 month and 20 days.
She was a lifelong resident of the upper end of the county and was a member of the Brandon M E Church. Surviving are seven children, Romeo Peterman, Astoria, L I, New York; Mrs Clay Laurenson, of Muncy; Mrs Perry Crossley, of Newberry; Mrs Milton Newhart, of Rupert; James Peterman, of Sugarloaf township; Mrs May Fahnstock, Benton, RD, and Mrs Charles Sherwood, Benton, RD. Also surviving are 44 grandchildren.
Mr. Peterman passed away about 17 years ago. Funeral services will be held at the late home in Sugarloaf township at ten o'clock Thursday morning. Services will be continued at the Brandon M E Church with burial in St Gabriel's cemetery.

The Morning Press
Bloomsburg, PA
Monday June 19, 1931

Many at funeral Mrs Peterman- largely attended rites for aged woman held at Brandon Church
Funeral services of Mrs. Elizabeth Peterman were held at her late home at Sugarloaf township yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, with short service at the home followed by the services in the Brandon Methodist Church in charge of Rev W H Patterson, pastor of the Benton Christian Church. The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful.
Grandsons acted as pall-bearers and were as follows: Arthur Peterman, Harold Peterman, Elwood Newhard, Charles Newhard, Cletus Sherwood, Harold Sherwood. A hymn "In the palace of the King" was read by the minister. Hymns were also sung by the choir and were : "Does Jesus Care?", "God will take care of you" and "Gently lead me Savior." Interment was made at St Gabriel's Cemetery.
Those attending from a distance were:
Romeo L Peterman, of Castoria, L I, New York; Mrs. Clara Lorenson, Muncy; Mr. and Mrs .Rosa Crossley, Newberry; Mr. and Mrs. Newhart, of Rupert; Mrs. Mae Fahnestock, Derrs; Mr. and Mrs .Chas Sherwood, Benton, RD; Stanley Peterman, Ethel Peterman, Mrs. Grace Behm and Mrs. Mae Kurtz, of New York City; Arthur Peterman, Sterling Peterman, Jamesburg, New Jersey; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Herold and children, Harry, Eva, Ned, Joe and Paul, Herndon; Mrs. Ida Gletti, Mrs. Eva Crowley and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Peterman, Milton; Mary Ann Crowley, Williamsport; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sherwood, Doris Sherwood, Nuremberg; Mrs .Norman Bergenstock and son Donald, Catawissa; Mr. and Mrs .Milton Newhard, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Newhard and sons Robert, Albert, Edward and Carl, Rupert; Mr. and Mrs .John Omen, Mr. and Mrs. Cletus Sherwood and daughters, Fae and Irene, of Bloomsburg; Boyd Thomas, Danville; Mrs. Emma Peterman, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Peterman and son Forest, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Keller, and daughters, Velma and Betty, Hughesville; Dewey Temple, Millville; Perry Watts and Roy Keller, Derrs; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hess, Benton; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Motchman; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Correll, Bethel Hill; Larue Fahnestock and Harry Albertson, Derrs and Paul Hess, Benton, RD

Source for preceding obituaries: Mary Nora Sherwood Perry of Wickliffe,Ohio

------------------------------------------

24 Feb. 28, 1844 GILBERT HESS to ELIJAH PETERMAN adjoining land of Daniel Keeler,
Peter Laubach, John Kline and David Golder, Gilbert Hess and William Peterman, heirs of
John Hess. 132 acres and 92 perches part of a larger tract surveyed to Hannah Montgomery.
Conveyed by deed poll

Dec. 29, 1899.

Deed Book #19 p 247. Recorded Sept. 15, 1865.

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 18 Sep 1850
Henry C Hess
Age: 29
Birth place: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Carpenter
Real Estate: 200
Others in home: Rhoda, age 33; Elmira, age 7, attending school;
Elijah Peterman, age 22, carpenter. All born in PA
Home in 1850(City,County,State): Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_769; Page: 215

Deed Book # 19 p247. #26 Recorded Feb. 24, 1857

GILBERT HESS and wife MARY conveyed to ELIJAH PETERMAN,

tract of land warranted to Hannah Montgomery by Commissioners, for non-payment of taxes,

132 acres and 92 perches for $239.60 Deed poll Dec. 29, 1899

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf > 16
Enumerated 13 Sep 1860
Name: Gilbert Hess
Age in 1860: 45
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: farmer
Real Estate: 655
Others in home: Mary, age 38; Elizabeth, age 17, attending school;
Charlotte, age 11, attending school; John, age 9, attending school;
Thomas, age 7, attending school; Matthais, age 2; Alvernae, age 1;
Elijah Peterman, age 32, house carpenter, 675 in Real Estate
All born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M653_1098; Page: 1097

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 30 Jun 1870
Name: E Peterman
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1828
Age in 1870: 42
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Others in home: Elizabeth, age 28;
Chas, age 5; Roma( Romeo),(male age 2 Clara, age 4/12( Mar);
?Zenith Mostellar (male), age 13
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M593_1329; Page: 382

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugar Loaf > District 187
Enumerated 17 Jun 1880
Name: Elijah Peterman
Age: 52
Estimated birth year: <1828>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Marital status: Married
Spouse's name: Elizabeth, age 38
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: Ann, age 17; Emma, age 16; Thomas, age 15, farmer;
Charles, son, age 14, farmer; Romo( Romeo), son, age 12, farmer;
Clarey, (?son) age 10; Rhosa, ( Rosa) daughter, age 9; Ida, daughter, age 7;
Mary, daughter, age 6; James,son, age 4; May( Mahala), daughter, age 1
Roll: T9_1119; Family History Film: 1255119; Page: 4; Enumeration District: 187

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf > District 30
Enumerated 1 Jun 1900
Elijah Peterman
Born: Oct 1828, age 71, married 30 years
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Landlord
Spouse: Elizabeth, born Apr 1845, age 55, married 30 years, 12 children, 8 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Clara, daughter, born Mar 1873, age 27, single, born in PA;
James T, son, born Aug 1878, age 21, single, day laborer, born in PA;
May, daughter, born Jun 1880, age 19, single, born in PA ;
Norah, daughter, born Apr 1882, age 18, married, born in PA, married 2 years
Charles Sherwood, age 26, Son-in-law, married Oct 1873, age 26, married 2 years, woodchopper:
Baby ( James ), grandson, born May 1900, age 1/12
Roll: T623 1398; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 30.

Pennsylvania 1910 Miracode Index Record
Elijah Peterman
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
State: PA
Age: 81
Color: W
Enumeration District: 0036
Visit: 0009
County: Columbia
Wife Elizabeth 75 Pennsylvania
Son James T 31 Pennsylvania
Daughter Leansoe( corrected to Laura) M 29 Pennsylvania
Granddaughter Myrtle M Neichard 11 Pennsylvania

1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf Twp > District 36
residence: Mountain Road
Enumerated 15 Apr 1910
Elijah Peterman
Age: 81, married 58 years
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Retired
Spouse: Elizabeth, age ?75, married 58 years, 12 children, 8 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: James T, son, age 31, labor of odd jobs; Laura M, daughter, age 29;
Myrtle M Neuhard, granddaughter, age 11. All born in PA
Series: T624; Roll: 1334; Page: 259A; Enumeration District: 36; Part: 2; Page 1A

Editor's Note: We are grateful once again to Joyce Ingerson for the following updated information in maroon:

Surviving Children of Elijah Peterman and Elizabeth Hess were:

1. Charles A Peterman
1866-1919
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 148

Emma D ( Della Schwinn*) Peterman, *per Guy Peterman
w/o Charles
1870- no date of death ( *family state 14 Jul 1952)
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 148

2. Romeo L Peterman
wf: Rena M.
1867-1940
St Gabriels' Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
page 94, copyright November 2000

Rena M Peterman ( maiden name Shultz)
w/o Romeo L
1869-1919
St Gabriels' Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
page 94, copyright November 2000

3. Clara Peterman Laurenson
b 05 Mar 1869, d aft 1930
4. Crossley, Rose A. (Peterman) 1871-1943
w/o Perry T.
Montoursviile Cemetery, Montoursville, Lycoming, Pennsylvania
Lycoming County Genealogical Society records

Crossley, Perry T. 1866-1944
Montoursviile Cemetery, Montoursville, Lycoming, Pennsylvania
Lycoming County Genealogical Society records

5. Ida Neuhard (Peterman)
1873- 1960
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society
Volume 1, Page 147

Milton O Neuhard
1876-1943
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society
Volume 1, Page 147

6. J Tilden Peterman
with Murtis
1868-1934
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 94

Murtis D Peterman
with J Tilden
1888-1980
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 94

7. Laura Mae Fahrenstock (Peterman)
1881-1940
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 81

8. Nora Sherwood (Peterman)
1881-1965
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 152

Charles E Sherwood
1874-1959
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 152 ====================================================================

4. Charles Ambrose Peterman,

son of Elijah Peterman and Elizabeth Hess,

grandson of James Peterman and Susannah Hess

Charles Peterman born May 1866, died 1919

Charles A Peterman

1866-1919

Waller Cemetery

Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Volume 1, page 148

Charles Peterman and Emma D Schwinn- marriage on 15 Jan 1891, Jordan, Lycoming, Pennsylvania,

Columbia County Court House, Bloomsburg, PA;

Marriage License Docket of the Orphans Court of Columbia County, page 1382

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Jordan > District 50

Enumerated 8 Jun 1900

Charley Peterman

Age: born May 1865, age 35, married 8 years

Birthplace: Pennsylvania, Parents born in PA

Race:    White

Occupation:   Farmer

Spouse: Emma, wife, born Feb 1870, age 30, married 8 Year, 5 children, 5 alive,

Born in PA, parents born in Germany

Others in home: Willie, son, born Jan 1893, age 7; Forest, son, born Feb 1894, age 6;

Annie M, daughter, born Apr 1895, age 5; Lawrence, son, born Mar 1897, age 3;

Roy, son, born Feb 1899, age 1. All born in PA. Willie and Forest attending school.

Roll: T623 1437; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 50.

1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Jordan Twp > District 47
Enumerated 22 Apr 1910
Charles A Peterman
Age in 1910: 44 ,married x1, 20 years
Estimated birth year: abt 1866
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birthplace: PA
Mother's Birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation Farmer, owns farm
Spouse: Emma. age 40, wife, married 20 years, 7 children, 7 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: William, son, age 18; Forest, son, age 16; Anna M, daughter, age 14;
George L, son, age 13; Roy C, son, age 11; Thomas, S, son, age 9; Howard L, son, age 5.
Series: T624; Roll: 1372; Page: 215B; Enumeration District: 47; Part: 1; Line: 20.

Charles A (Ambrose) Peterman
1866-1919
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 148

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Jordan > District 48
Enumerated 9+10 January 1920
Name: Emma Peterman
Age: 49 years , widowed
Estimated birth year: abt 1871
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Germany
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Home owned: Own
Sex: Female
Others in home: Forest, son, age 26, RR fireman, P+ RR, single;
Lawrence, son, age 22, married, farmer;
Elsie, wife, age 20, married;
Roy, son, age 20, single, teacher;
Seydmore, son, age 18, single, farm laborer;
Howard, son, age 15, attending school;
Warren, age 9/12, ( grand) son ( child of Lawrence & Elsie).
All born in PA
Roll: T625_1598; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 48

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Jordan > District 22
Enumerated 5 Apr 1930
Name: Emma Peterman
Age: 60, first married age 21, M (correct to widowed)
Estimated birth year: abt 1870
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Germany
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Others in home: Seymore, son, age 29, single, farmer, born in PA
Roll: 2074; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 22

Emma D (Della Schwinn) Peterman
w/o Charles
1870- no date of death (family state 14 Jul 1952)
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 148

---------------------------------------------------------

Children of Charles A Peterman and Emma Della Schwinn

1.      William Elijah Peterman, b 08 Feb 1892, PA; d Sep 1944 d Milan, Illinois

2.      Forrest Ambrose Peterman, b 09 Jul 1893, PA;

Gazette and Bulletin (Williamsport, Pennsylvania
14 June 1945
Diplomas Approved for County Pupils
Common school diploma have been approved by County Superintendent
Frank H Painter for 323 pupils of the eighth grade of the Rural schools
of Lycoming County.
The diplomas may be obtained from the superintendent's office
on the third floor of the Court House until after July 1 after which they will
be mailed to the pupils who have not called for them:
Jordan: Forrest L Peterman



      3. Ann M Peterman, b 29 Aug 1895, married Howard L Keeler

4.      George Peterman, b 04 Mar 1897, d 08 Apr 1983, married 24 Jul 1918 to Elsie Naomi Rider, b 10 Jan 1900, d 25 Oct 1992, buried Franklin Bethel / Stone Heap Cemetery, Franklin, Lycoming, Pennsylvania

5.      Roy Clayton Peterman, b 14 Feb 1899, d 08 Aug 1986

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Salladasburg > District 49
Enumerated 3 Apr 1930
Name: Roy C Peterman
Age: 31, married age 25
Estimated birth year: abt 1899
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation: Public school teacher
Spouse's Name: Ruth, age 36, married age 30
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation: Public school teacher
Others in home: Betty L, daughter, age 2 2/12, born in PA
Roll 2075; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 49

Social Security Death Index Record
Name: Roy Peterman
SSN: 189-32-8802
Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 14 Feb 1899
Last Benefit: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died: Aug 1986
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1957-1959 )



6. Thomas Seymour Peterman, b 19 Apr 1901, d 12 Mar 1994

            7. Howard Lee Peterman, b 12 Nov 1904, d 22 Sep 1985

Joyce and Helen discussed the Savage family too:

Research records of J Ingerson & Helen S Gammon

1840; Census Place: Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 449; Page: 285. Joshua Savage

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Jackson
Enumerated 21 Sep 1850
Name: Joshua Savage
Age: 41
Estimated birth year: abt 1809
Birth place: New York
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real Estate: 1000
Others in home: Susanna, age 31, born in PA;
Sarah, age 17; Benjamin, age 13; Lavina, age 12; Martha J, age 10;
Susannah, age 8; Emanuel, age 6; Joshua, age 3; John, age 5/12. All born in PA
Home in 1850;(City,County,State): Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_769; Page: 220
Immediate neighbors: Ephraim McHenry; Ezekiel Cole, age 27

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Jackson
Enumerated 1 Sep 1860
Name: Joshua Savage
Age in 1860: 50
Birthplace: New York
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Value of real estate: 4500
Others in home: Susanna, age 51, born in PA
Benjamin, age 23; Lavina, age 21; Martha, age 19; Susannah, age 18;
Emanuel, age 17; Joshua, age 13; John, age 11; Moses, age 8. All born In PA
Post Office: Polkville ; Roll: M653_1098; Page: 826
Immediate neighbors: Elisha Yocum, age 33; Elisha Robbins, age 51

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Jackson
Enumerated 14 Jun 1870
Name: Joshua Savage
Age in 1870:
Birthplace: New York
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Value of real estate: 4000
Others in home: Susannah, age 61, born in PA;
Emanuel, age 26, farm laborer; Susannah, age 28;
Joshua, age 23, farm laborer; John, age 20; Moses, age 18, attends school;
Mary ( Emanuel's wife), age 22; Adelie Peterman, age 12, attends school; Leonard Peterman, age 1.
All born in PA.
Post Office: Polkville; Roll: M593_1329; Page: 249
Immediate neighbors: Jefferson Fritz, age 35; Sarah Young, age 49

Joshua Savage
10 Nov 1809- 18 Aug 1876
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 152

Susannah Savage
w/o Joshua
27 Mar 1808- 21 Mar 1875
Waller Cemetery
Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 152

#30   DEC . 6, 1865 Book 19 page 438 MONTGOMERY   BEN TO JOSHUA SAVAGE
Dec. Henry Hess-Savage     1865   Recorded 1866
Dec. 6, 1865 DEED     BENJAMIN PETERMAN ( married Amanda Catherine Hess) to JOSHUA SAVAGE( married Susannah Hess) These two ladies were sisters
This Indenture made Dec. 6, 1865 between HENRY C. HESS Adm. of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits of BENJAMIN PETERMAN late of Columbia County deceased of the one part and JOSHUA SAVAGE of the said county of the other part   Whereas on the first day of February 1864 at an Orphans Court held at Bloomsburg in and for said Columbia County, WILLIAM E.( Eli ) PETERMAN

(his mother was Mary Turner), one of the sons and heirs at law of BENJAMIN PETERMAN ( married Amanda Catherine Hess; Mary Turner was her mother) late of Sugarloaf Twp., deceased presented his petition to the said Court setting forth that the said BENJAMIN PETERMAN died intestate leaving a widow named Mary and issue 15 children to wit: HANNAH, ELIZABETH, SUSAN intermarried with [Joseph Hess] , MARY JANE, BENJAMIN, JAMES, WILLIAM E., SARAH A., ABRAHAM, NANCY J., MARY C, JOHN Q., JEFFERSON, GEORGE and LYDIA N. and seized afs. A certain tract of land lying and being in Sugarloaf Twp., said County and praying the Court to award an Inquest to make partition of the premises to and among the heirs of said In testate or value the same as directed by law   And therefore the Court did award an Inquest agreeable to the prayer of the Petitioner. And whereas on April 12, 1864 an Inquest was held on the said premises who found that the same could be so parted and divided as to accommodate three of the heirs of the said deceased and valued the said Purports and numbered them by No. 1, 2 and 3, which Inquisition on Sept. 8, 1864 was absolutely confirmed by the said Court And an application made, awarded a rule on the heirs of said deceased to appear in Court on the first Monday of December the next and accept the estate at the valuation or shew cause why the same should not be sold by the administration of said deceased. And upon the return day of the next said wit, upon application made, the Court allotted Purports Nos. 1 & 2 to the heirs desiring the same, but no application having been made for Purport No. 3 upon petition of BENJAMIN PETERMAN, one of the heirs aforesaid, the said Purport No. 3 was ordered to be sold by Henry C. Hess the administrator of said deceased. And whereas the Administrator in pursuance of the said order did on Jan. 28, 1865 expose the same tract of land or Purport No. 3 to sale by public venue or outcrop, having given due legal and timely notice of the time & place of sale & sold the same to JOSHUA SAVAGE of said county for the sum of $333.20 he being the highest and best bidder & that the best price bidden for the same, which sale or report thereof made to the Judges of the said Court at Bloomsburg was on May __ 1865 A.D. absolutely confirmed & it was ordered and decreed that the value be & remain firm & stable forever as by the Records of the said Court appearing now this Indenture.   Witnessed that the said Henry C. Hess adm. as afs. for and in consideration of the said sum of $333.20 good & lawful money to him in hand paid by the said JOSHUA SAVAGE at and before the sealing & delivery hereof the receipt whereof as hereby acknowledged   Hath granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed?, released and confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, align, enfeoff?, release and confirm unto the said JOSHUA SAVAGE & to his heirs and assigns the said tract of land being Purport No. 3 of the real estate of the said BENJAMIN PETERMAN deceased as in the said return of Inquest set forth & more particularly described as follows: Adjoining land of JAMES HESS, SAMUEL FRITZ & others & situate, lying and being in Sugarloaf Township in said county & containing 41 Acres Together with all and singular the buildings, improvements, rights, liberties, privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining. And the reversions & remainders, rents and profits, there of and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim & demand
whatever of the said BENJAMIN PETERMAN deceased or of the said Henry C. Hess his Administrator in law or equity or otherwise howsoever of in to or out of the same to have and to hold the said tract of land containing 41 Acres herediments and premises hereby granted or mentioned or intended so to be with the appurtenance unto the said JOSHUA SAVAGE his heirs and assigns to the only proper use & behoove of the said JOSHUA SAVAGE his heirs and assigns forever; for such estate & such interest as the said BENJAMIN PETERMAN had and held at & immediately at the time of his decease. Witnessed the hand and seal of said Henry C. Hess Adm. aforesaid the day and year first above written HENRY C. Hess (seal) Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us
50� revenue stamp previously affixed     J. G. Freeze recorder
Received on the day of the date of the forgoing Indenture of & for the therein named JOSHUA SAVAGE the consideration money mentioned in full. Henry C. Hess
COLUMBIA CO. SS: On the sixth day of December 6, 1865 A.D. personally appeared before me the subscriber John G. Freeze recorder of deeds in and for Columbia County. Henry C. Hess Adm. above named and acknowledged the foregoing indenture to be his act and deed as such In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Bloomsburg the day and year above written J. G. Freeze recorder (seal) Duly stamped as law requires. Stamps 50� Frec. Feb. 1, 1866 P H Freeze

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 18 Sep 1850
Henry C Hess
Age: 29
Birth place: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Carpenter
Real Estate: 200
Others in home: Rhoda, age 33; Elmira, age 7, attending school;
Elijah Peterman, age 22, carpenter. All born in PA
Home in 1850(City,County,State): Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_769; Page: 215

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 13 Sep 1860
Name: Henry C Hess
Age in 1860: 40
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: house carpenter
Value of real estate: 1000
Others in home: Rhoda, age 43;
Elmira, age 18. Both born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M653_1098; Page: 1096
Immediate neighbors: Elizabeth Hess, age 64

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 30 Jun 1870
Name: H C Hess
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1820
Age in 1870: 50
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Value of real estate: 600
Others in home: Rhoda, age 52, born in PA;
ME (female) Kocher, age 8, born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M593_1329; Page: 381
Immediate neighbors: Danl Hess, age 55; Alexander Hess, age 36

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugar Loaf > District 187
Enumerated 13 Jun 1880
Name: Henry C. Hess
Age: 59
Estimated birth year: <1821>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Millwright
Marital status: Married
Spouse's name: Rhoda, age 62
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: Emma Kocher, age , granddaughter, age 17
Roll: T9_1119; Family History Film: 1255119;
Page:1 Enumeration District: 187
Immediate neighbors: David Kocher, age 39; HA Peterman, age 30

Rhoda Hess
w/o Henry C
d 9 Sep 1885
age 68-9-0
St Gabriels Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 88

Rhoda Hess, b 09 Dec 1816, d 09 Sep 1885, daughter of Wilhelm Heinrich Hess & Elizabeth Yorks

Married Henry C Hess on 03 Feb 1842, son of Henry Charles Hess & Nancy Culp, per records of Helen S Gammon.

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf > District 30
Enumerated 6 Jun 1900
Name: Henry C Hess
Age: 79, widowed, born May 1821
Estimated birth year: 1821
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Occupation: Farmer
Elmira Kocher, daughter, born Nov 1842, 7 children, 7 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: Orval M, Kocher, born Feb 1875, age 25, day laborer on farm;
Warren Kocher, born Feb 1883, age 17, day laborer on farm. Both born in PA
Roll: T623 1398; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 30.
Immediate neighbor: Wellington Kocher, age 31

1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf Twp > District 36
Enumerated 30 Apr 1910
Head: Elmira Kocher
Age: 67, widowed, 7 children, 6 alive
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Henry C Hess, father
Age in 1910: 88, widowed
Estimated birth year: abt 1822
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Occupation: retired own income
Warren L Kocher, son, age 27, single, farmer, born in PA
Gender: Male Series: T624; Roll: 1334; Page: 12B; Enumeration District: 36; Part: 2; Line: 14.
Immediate neighbors: Justice Doty, age 30; Wellington Kocher, age 41

Henry C Hess
wf: Rhoda
d 1914
age; 93-1-25
St Gabriels Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA
Columbia County Historicla & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Volume 1, page 87

Henry C Hess b 23 May 1821, d 18 Jul 1914, per records of Helen Gammon

Helen must have forwarded this letter to me; She knew some of the areas best local genealogists.

Carol,

Thanks for telling me about Susan's site.(Susan Messersmiths)� I have known about The Tired Warrior Site for several years and really enjoy it.� I "met" Susan few years ago. She is in Bloomsburg at the present time doing more research. I met her two years ago in Bloomsburg Court House. The following day I went to the Historical Society. She was there - signed in from Oregon. I signed in from Arizona. Then in walked Joyce Ingerson from Georgia. The three of us had been corresponding for some

�time.� Small world isn't it?� For some time I have been tracing the now Columbia County Deeds for James Peterman

and Jonathan Colley. Susan is checking some of them for me to confirm dates, etc.

while in Bloomsburg. If you go to Joseph Rich's site again and see JO WEST -- click on her site, too. She now lives here in Arizona. Her husband is from Columbia Co. You will enjoy that too. I think she is the person who typed all of Pennsylvania history books you

find from Joseph Rich's site.� I trust all of her dates, etc. She lives at the foot of Superstition Mountain where they are still looking

for the gold that was buried� there years ago.

Helen G.� April 14, 2005

Helen wrote the following letter to Dick Shoemaker. She worked with him at the Columbia County Historical Society.

Dick,

Thanks for your help on the Colleys. Dorsey Fooks emailed me -- said they would be in Bloomsburg the 13th.

Said his wife Erica is the daughter of Elizabeth Peterman. It is possible we are cousins. She is probably descended from Joseph Peterman, brother of James Peterman, pioneer to Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co.

Please ask him where he found the Colley-Peterman information. I think someone put some of MY information on World Connect including the wrong information stating Alexander was Anne's father. I have not been able to go back further.

I have not been able to find any proven birth dates for their son, Jonathan Colley or for grandson Jonathan Colley, listed in Abigail

Coulston Colley's Will. Do they know Alexander Colley; son of Jonathan Colley lived in the Benton area? And his sister Rebecca Colley married Jesse Pennington. Their mother was Rachel Robinson, first wife of Jonathan.

Alexander Colley is NOT Anne Colley Peterman's father. He is her BROTHER Father was said to be Thomas from another LDS library file. I have the number for the LDS PETERMAN FILE if they want it.

I have copies of Alexander Colley's Will stating Jacob Peterman is his brother-in-law and executor. Anne didn't live long after Alexander died. John Whiteman, son-in-law filed in Montgomery Co. Court, (Norristown Archives) complaining Anne was spending all the money and was not paying the debts. I also copied Abigail's Will. She was a Quaker before marriage. Found information at Swathmore College. She is buried in the Quaker Cemetery southeast of Norristown.

Tell Dorsey and Erica to go to Montgomery Co. Archives in Norristown to see the original Wills, plus other official papers. There is more information at Montgomery Historical Society in Norristown.

Jonathan Colley and cousin James Peterman each bought 400 acres of land Dec. 29, 1796 in Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co. and I think were probably squatters there in 1794.

One of my great-grandmothers, Sarah Parsons Batcheler, was the second wife of Jonathan Colley.

Ann Batcheler Bartleson Peterman, parents Thomas Freeman Batcheler and Sarah Parsons is both my paternal AND maternal great-grandmother.

Paternal:

1 Ann Batcheler married Josephus "Cephas" Bartleson.

2. Daughter Sarah Jane "Sally" Bartleson married John Keeler Jr.

3. Daughter Emily Esther Keeler married Hiram Smith

4. Son Ernest Romeo Smith married Martha Ella Peterman Hess.

5. Helen Delores Smith

Maternal

1. Jacob Peterman and Anne Colley

2. James Peterman and Elizabeth Bartleson

3. Benjamin Peterman and Mary Turner

4. Abraham Peterman and Catherine Smith

5. Martha Ella Peterman and #1 Norman Brittain Hess #2 Ernest R. Smith.

6. Helen Delores Smith

James Peterman, son of Joseph Peterman and Anne Colley married Elizabeth Bartleson, sister of Cephas Bartleson. Both James and Elizabeth Bartleson Peterman died. James, former brother-in-law of Ann Batcheler. Bartleson, married. At this time Jonathan Colley was Ann's stepfather from his marriage to Sarah Parsons Batcheler. This is the wife who came to Fishing Creek Township with Jonathan Colley before 1796. Some history books are wrong -- they give Sarah as Alexander's mother. His mother was Rachel Robison. Proof from Norristown records.

Alexander and Jacob owned acres and acres of adjoining land near Phila. The turnpike now crosses the land they owned at Norristown. I usually spent one or two weeks they�re searching every summer.

Jonathan Colley owned land adjoining what they called the Manor Land-- I think that is now part of Benton. They may be interested in knowing. Peterman Road (part of James Peterman's land) is off R. 118 on the road to Central. I think one Peterman is still living there a little further west on R. 118. There are more Peterman relatives still living in the area.

If the folks look at the old Peterman pedigree I gave the Historical Society some years ago tell them some of the dates are not correct.

That was before I found all the information at Norristown. I wish them luck in their searching. Hope they can find more about the Colley family.

Thanks again.

Helen Gammon

Editor's Note: According to Joyce Ingerson, in an e-mail on December 27, 2011 to Bob Sweeney:

Ann Batcheler, stepdaughter of Jonathan Colley, went with her mother Sarah (Sally) and stepfather Jonathan Colley to Fishing Creek Twp, Northumberland, PA ( but today located in Columbia County, PA); Ann (Hannah) first married Cephas Bartleson, had 6 children. Cephas Bartleson died about 1814. Ann then married James Peterman. Ann (Hannah) Batcheler, daughter of Thomas Freeman Batchelor/Batcheler and Sarah Parsons, had a brother Joseph Batchelor who married Mary "Polly" Potter. They lived in Huntington Twp. Luzerne Co., just over the hill from Sugarloaf Twp. when they first married. Ann peterman died on december 21, 1874 in Marshall, Calhoun County, MI, at about the age of 95, most likely while living with the family of her son, Hiram Abiff Peterman.

Editor's Note: A subsequent note sent to Bob Sweeney on August 15, 2018, by Joyce elaborate further on the Batchelor families and also on Joyce's working relationship with Helen. This note was the body of an exchange between Joyce and fellow genealogist Karen McCarthy:

Karen, how lovely of you to write so I am able to be more accurate. First of all, be it known some of this research information is not mine. Helen would write me. She had her own research on other computers or stacks of hard copies to be filed. She had vast data files. Her daughter and son in law to my knowledge have possession of her private files. I have not seen or corresponded with her daughter since Helen died. So I cannot help you here. Therefore, I am able to only share data Helen wanted me to preserve through her correspondence. I have corrected very little of her research. Helen's foremost thrust was to focus on getting Peterman families gathered accurately as to keep these families connected and informed through careful research as they continued to flourish.

I met Helen as I originally approached her on her grandmother's Keeler- Emily Esther Keeler- and other Keeler descendants, of which I had proved prior to our spontaneously meeting at Columbia County (PA) Historical and Genealogical Society as we each were life members. I intercept her relative- Emily Esther Keeler (Helen's grandmother) with my grandmothers Anders/Andrews lines from Sullivan County. I have additional connected Keeler relatives in Columbia County. We then attended a Hess Reunion for my York relatives in Sugarloaf township, Columbia County ; there Helen attended for her Hess relatives. We laughed that we were to meet and share. Hopefully you may see, Helen began to write me between 1998-1999. We corresponded until she passed. What an engaging disposition she carried! After our initial correspondence I would meet her each summer, usually in the month of August. She came from Arizona for the entire summer; I came from southeast Georgia. Helen was retired; I was still working in Jacksonville Florida. She had her motor home located at her sister's home in outside Bloomsburg, PA while I visited cousins and stayed in motels in Lycoming County. She had all of her research with her; I had my only my laptop with family files and notes. My hard copies were filed at home. We would meet and research in courthouses- Sullivan, Columbia and Northumberland - beginning early mornings meeting and traveling to courthouses when open until closing. Time was carefully planned as we worked together, sometimes on different relatives depending on goals . Frequently later Helen would delegate to me researching for her certain relatives of which I did not know. She was growing weaker with her advancing cancer.

Finally to address your remarks:
1. What led you to Thomas being born in Selhorst and Sarah being born in Hampton Falls?
This is documentation Helen felt needed further validation. She found some data in the LDS Family History Center files where she would do her early research, and then she would conclude her own research as well. Great news your Aunt agreed on Sarah Parsons's place of birth. Unfortunately we never discussed Thomas and Sarah much other than this same Sarah Parsons later married Jonathan Colley after her spouse Thomas F Batcheler died. I established this data proving the will for Thomas on-line:

Name: Thomas Freeman Batchelor, Role: Decedent
Residence Place: Philadelphia
Will Date: 12 Aug 1785 Will Proved Date: 11 Dec 1787
Title: Merchant
Comments: Batchelor, Thomas Freeman.
City of Phila. Merchant. Aug 12, 1785.
Dec 11, 1787. U.25.
Wife and Exec: Sarah Parsons Batchelor. Page: U:25
29 Dec 1796 Northumberland Co Pennsylvania-Jonathan/Sarah(Parsons) Colley & James/Elizabeth Peterman were some of the original settlers to then Northumberland County (now Columbia) in 1796.Each bought a 400-acre Warrant Dec. 29, 1796. #555
1810, Jonathan/ Sarah (Parsons) Colley lived in Fishingcreek twp, today's Columbia County, PA
1821; Pennsylvania, Septennial Census; Residence Place Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania, USA; Name Jonathan Colley
2. Do you know why would he- Thomas Freeman Batchelor- have served in the war in Maryland and not PA where he was born?
Here I can only deduce that Thomas Freeman Batchelor, as a merchant, living in Philadelphia, PA. I lived in Baltimore Washington DC for years before relocating south. . Ports of Maryland and Pennsylvania are not that far apart. Thomas Freeman Batchelor may have conducted more or less some of his mercantile business full knowing others in Maryland regions as well before enlisting. Anyway I cannot help you here, Karen, since this is not proved.

3. Ann's brother was Joseph Freeman Batcheler.
Helen Smith Gammon, 1999 :
Ann (Hannah) Batcheler, daughter of Thomas Freeman Batcheler and Sarah Parsons.
Brother to Ann- Josephus Cephas Batcheler, married Mary "Polly" Potter.
I now have Ann's brother was Joseph Freeman Batcheler
Helen Gammon, 1999
"Ann had a brother Joseph Batchelor, who married Mary "Polly" Potter. They lived in Huntington Twp. Luzerne Co., just over the hill from Sugarloaf Twp. when they first married. " Nothing else was sent to me further. Helen did communicate with some distant Potter relatives, I recall.

LDS file
Joseph Batcheler LWFJ-BX2
birth: 30 SEP 1781, , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
death: 1 JAN 1834
father: Thomas Freeman (Batcheler) KP91-MKC
mother: Sarah Parsons LCQC-PQZ
spouse: Mary Polly Potter LTVL-32B

Lastly I wrote yesterday:
4. Cephas Bartleson, b 30 Dec 1805, aft 1830, Plymouth, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA
No further data found
5. Mariah Bartleson, b 25 Jan 1808
No further data found

Please review these new additions to research and compare:
LDS
Cephas Bartelson KNW5-GG2
birth: 30 DEC 1805, Fishing Creek, Columbia, Pennsylvania
death:
marriage: 9 DEC 1830, Plymouth, Montgomery, Pennsylvania
father: Cephas Bartelson L7SY-TZ9
mother: Ann Batcheler KP91-MGF
spouse: Margaret Creps 9VH1-CN4

1830 United States Federal Census Plymouth, Montgomery, Pennsylvania
Cephas Bartleson
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9:1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14:1
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59:1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9:1
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59:1
Free White Persons - Under 20:3
Total Free White Persons:5
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored):5
Page: 221; NARA Roll: M19-154; Family History Film: 0020628

Name: Cephas Bartleson
Probate Date: 11 Apr 1838;Probate Place: Montgomery, Pennsylvania, USA
Inferred Death Year: Abt 1838
Inferred Death Place: Pennsylvania, USA
Case Number: 252
Item Description: Proceedings Index, Vol 001-002
Probate Records, 1784-1973; Author: Montgomery County (Pennsylvania).
Register of Wills; Probate Place: Montgomery, Pennsylvania

Name: Maria Bartleson
Birth Year: abt 1807 Age: 14
Residence Year: 1821
Residence Place: Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania, USA
Pennsylvania, Septennial Census, 1779-1863 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.

Source Citation
Year: 1860; Census Place: Gwynedd, Montgomery, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1145; Page: 93; Family History Library Film: 805145

Name: Maria Bartleson
Event Type: Burial
Death Date: 12 Sep 1886
Burial Date: 15 Sep 1886
Burial Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Organization Name: Mt. Peace Cemetery .

Now she tackles the Potters, which can be found at� http://www.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv/settlers/settlers38/settlers38.htm . She tells what kind of pain she lived in, the cancer, but still would not let it get her down. Genealogy kept her going.

Please tell me about your Potters she writes to me? Then she proceeds to tell me about hers.

Ann Batcheler's brother, Joseph Batcheler, married Mary "Polly" Potter, supposedly born in one of the New England states. They lived in Huntington Township, Luzerne County just over the hill from Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia County, before moving to Centre County, Penna. There may be Batcheler relatives still living there.

Their parents were Thomas Freeman Batcheler and Sarah Parsons.Both children were born in Philadelphia. Thomas died. Sarah married Jonathan Colley, a cousin of James Peterman whose parents were Jacob Peterman and Anne Colley.

Jonathan and Sarah Colley and James and Elizabeth Peterman were some of the original settlers to then Northumberland County (now Columbia) in 1796.  Each bought a 400-acre Warrant Dec. 29, 1796.

Jonathan Colley's first wife was Rachel Robinson of Philadelphia. Their children were Rebecca Colley married to Jesse Pennington and Alexander Colley married to Mary Eager and Martha McHenry Stiles. Penningtons settled in Davidson Twp., some of their children settled in Huntington Twp. with the Potters.

Thanks.

Helen S. Gammon

Carol

I've been printing off some of your Potters, etc. to make it easier

for me to read. When I sit too long at the computer my old back

pain cripples me up. In 1995 I lifted a bag of groceries from the back

of the station wagon and ruptured a disk in my lower back and

have had problems every since. I've learned what I can and cannot

do over the years but sometimes my brain doesn't tell me to get up

and move again. After I lie down an hour or so I can function again.

Right now I am managing rather well. I am concerned about the

Jan. 7 appointment but not sitting around worrying about it. I thank

God each day for keeping me interested in genealogy. It got me

through the cancer operations and the horrible time when it

matastized. The prendisone made a big difference from being

an invalid. Hope it continues to work.

Do you have access to Clarkson, Monroe Co., NY, Albany and

Rochester? That is where Grandmother Ann took her family before

1830 -- found them there in the census but do not know why she went

there. Her oldest Peterman son, Jefferson Colley Peterman, a jeweler,

stayed there where she and her oldest son, Colley Bartleson, took

the family to Michigan with other New York families before 1850.

I have not been able to find any information about Jefferson except

for census records. He married Anne Germond 1849 Oct. 1848 NY.

1860 Census 10th Ward Albany. They later moved to NY City and

Brooklyn 1860  (1870 census in Ward 6, Kings Co., after the jewelry

store in Albany was robbed

Now I have received messages from Daniel and Nola regarding Grace

Peterman, youngest daughter of Jefferson. Some time ago I learned

from another kind person about Martha Peterman's grave in South

Onandgua Cem., NY. She was daughter of Jefferson's brother Hiram.

She left Michigan to live with her mother's family. Wife was Lucinda Chapman

(died 1856), parents Amasa and Martha Chapman, Onondaga,

NY from the census.

Thanks again

Helen G.

More form Helen regarding Potters:

Sorry, I lost my train of thought -- I intended to ask about Mary
"Polly" Potter born 1784 in Rhode Island, father said to be Nicholas
Potter, in the militia during Revolutiony War. Supposedly the mother
was pregnant so they stopped in Pownal, Vermont a year or so
before settling in Huntingon Twp., Luzerne Co.

Joseph was then living just over the hill in Northumberland Co. with
his mother (now Mrs. Jonathan Colley) as I found Joseph in an early
tax record renting and living on stepfather Jonathan's land.

I think I've read that Huntington Twp. was further developed than
Fishingcreek Twp., churches, stores, etc. In 1824 according to her
letters when husband James Peterman died Grandmother Ann went to Huntington
Twp. to buy a mule to pull her wagonload of furniture, etc.
to New York, came back to find Alexander Colley, her stepbrother and James'
son Benjamin Peterman had moved all her possessions into the
road and another family had moved into her house. They had been
trying to get her to give up that land and as soon as they knew she
left the house they acted.

Her plans were to leave the next week. They would not give an inch.
She and her children spent a night or two in the schoolhouse. Some
of her older children had married. The three Peterman children were
small, the last one born after James died. She wrote many times of
being cheated out of the 43 acres. I think it was the original cabin
James built in about 1800.

The letters started because William Bartleson Peterman, last child
of James and Elizabeth Bartleson Peterman, knew the story about
the land. He asked stepmother Ann for details. Finally years later
in court the Montgomery family had to pay William for the estate.
That took me lots of searching in the courthouse. I worked on deeds
last summer I would like to put in a book if I live long enough.

Back to work

Helen G.

Regarding the Potter family. Joseph Batcheler and Mary Potter's family moved west to Union or Center Co., PA & Chicago.

Wayne Batcheler, a NY city lawyer and a cousin of mine has considerable information of that branch. Some Batcheler relatives still live in Phila. He also is looking for Bakers in that line. I can't believe the strange way things occur for me through the computer. When I was going through the 4 surgeries for cancer my friend Polly Laubach Eckrote, in Berwick was corresponding with a man in the state of Washington. She told him I was looking for Batchelers. He sent me Wayne's address. I wrote, answer was "we're not related;� 15 minutes later another message "We area cousins. He knew Joseph had a sister, did not know her name. She had left Phila. in 1796 with her stepfather, Jonathan Colley and mother

Sarah Parsons Batcheler-Colley, went to Fishing Creek Twp.

A lady near Phila. with Bartleson relatives saw a deed listing Ann and Joseph Batchelers name. told me. Because her father Thomas was a wine merchant, someone in the courthouse wrote on the deed "Vintner", she told me Ann's name was Vintner so for 2 years I searched that name. When I finally met Wayne he knew the details of Thomas. Further searching we corrected the mistake. His daughter Sarah Batcheler was training to be an architect in Phila. On her lunch hour she researched in all the Phila. center city churches, libraries, etc. and came up with tons of information which she

and Wayne shared with me. Wayne now owns some of his grandfather Joseph's land in Luzerne Co.

Then I met Marcy Pitkin and found more recent descendants. I still need to find parents for William Colley of Colley, Penna. I think they are Jonathan and Sarah Parsons Colley but can find no proof. Some papers say Alexander Colley, son of Jonathan of Columbia Co. was his father but then who is his mother? Alexander and Mary Edgar started having children soon after they married. Never finished searching are we?

Helen G.

Carol,

Thanks for the Potter information. I searched them but could not find William Colley's second wife.

By chance I found a Robbins deed that told me William Colley had married Elizabeth Robbins. I found his Will in Sullivan Co.

He mentioned children of his first family and his 2nd wife and daughter Ida.

Then I found his death and obit in Sullivan Review.

I can't remember where I heard that William Colley and William/Wilson Potter were stepbrothers. Could not figure it out until I

had a message from Lois Neuber ffroggie@epix.net to Marcy Pitkin. Her husband is related to the Potters. His family history

says William Colley was a half brother to Willam Wilson Potter.� Her story Marinda/Cylinda Hunsinger married Joseph H. Potter.

had a son Joseph Roland Potter. William Colley married Marinda HunsingerPotter following the death of Joseph H. Potter.

Have you seen this line in your Potter pedigrees?

I've been busy with my Columbia County Deeds -- have about 50 I copied over a few years. Both James Peterman and Jonathan

Colley obtained warrants for 400 acres in Fishingcreek Twp., Northumberland Co. Dec. 29, 1796. From tax records I've seen

I think both were squatters before then.

Some of my Peterman relatives are still living on that land. James and Jonathan were cousins. Jonathan's mother married

James' father. Jonathan's second wife was Sarah Parsons. Her daughter Ann married Cephas Bartleson. His sister Elizabeth

Bartleson was the wife of James Peterman. Both Elizabeth and Cephas had families, then died fairly young. Next James Peterman

and Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman married and had 3 sons. By this marriage Ann became both my paternal and maternal

grandmother. That was a real surprise when I typed her name from the 1850 census into my genealogy program.

When James died Ann was cheated out of her house and 43 acres. Ann had plans to take her family to Monroe Co., NY. When she

went to Huntington Twp. to buy a mare to pull her wagon, Alexander Colley, her step-brother and Benjamin Peterman, her

step-son, put all her belongings in the road and put another family in her house. Another stepson, William Bartleson Peterman

knew the story and asked Ann to tell him the details. He brought suit in court and did get some of the land and perhaps equity

years later. Quite a story. Ann was the mother of Sarah Bartleson who married John Keeler Jr. of Davidson Twp.

I hope you had your problem at the barn settled well.I presume you have animals. That must be a lot of work with the snow and ice and cold weather. I'm glad I am here in the sun. There has been a lot of flooding in Mesa and Tempe but not in Chandler. They claim they have the best skiing this year, lots of snow but some roads have been snowed shut a few days.

Take care.

Helen S. Gammon

Now Helen tells Daniel just a little about herself and her Hess lines.

Daniel,

I decided to use Word instead of an email.� I get carried away when I write letters.

My 85-year-old mind is not what it used to be and I neglect to add all the information in the proper place in my PAF program. I have used four different genealogy programs since I first started using the computer about 1978. Are you ready for a story?

My mother was first married to Norman Brittain Hess. They had 6 children. He died. She married my father and had three girls. We were all one big happy family, just had different last names.

After World War II my husband found employment in Allentown, Penna. and we moved there. I knew Johan Conrad Hess had settled very early in Northampton County so started spending hours at Easton Library and Northampton Historical Society.� I found reams of information for the Hess Family. Never could find much for my Smiths. At that time I didn�t realize I was �doing genealogy� and needed to keep tract of my sources.

We moved from Berwick to then Fullerton, now Whitehall, Lehigh Co., Penna. I worked 36 years for The Allentown Morning Call Newspapers, several years as a proof reader then was taught to use the computer when it was very large and sealed in a very large room.

I found a very early genalogy program and installed it. I now have used four different genealogy programs. I decided to keep two files � one for the Hess relatives and one for the Smiths and Gammons. I had problems keeping them updated so decided to make one large file. When I did,� I found I now have double notes for each of over 8000 people and I do not seem to find time to match-merge� them or delete the unnecessary double notes.

Back to John Fritz. Hilda and Doris are the children of John and Loretta Smith Fritz.

Because so many people in my files have identical names, I created my own NOTES page with:

Today�s Date

Parents

Married - date

Children and sometimes the grandchildren with each.

Siblings�� Now I can readily see the complete family at one glance..

Since only a very few Fritz persons are connected to my bloodline I do not add all the children individually. As long as I use the notes for the parents I have the complete family without having hundreds more individuals.� Problem was I looked at the Note page while typing one paragraph and at John�s page for another paragraph.� Sorry I confuse you.

Most of� the Petermans had very large families. You mention hardships. I am amazed at Grandmother Ann Peterman�s life and wonder how she coped. In 1779 she was born in the city of Philadelphia. Her father hanged himself when she was 8, brother Joseph was 6. Before the 1790 Census her mother, Sarah Parsons Batcheler married Jonathan Colley, a widower. Jonathan had married Rachel

Robinson, had sons Jonathan and Alexander and daughter Rebecca. Since the 1790 census show Jonathan and Sarah and her 2 children in the same home that was owned by Thomas Freeman Batcheler, I presume Jonathan�s children were living with their grandmother, Abigail Colley, widow of Alexander Colley who owned many plantations in the Philadelphia area. Anne Colley, sister of Alexander, had married James Peterman. Jacob�s plantation joined Alexander�s near present Philadelphia and Norristown.

Dec. 29, 1796 both Jonathan Colley and cousins James and Joseph Peterman each secured Land Warrants from William Penn for 400 acres each in Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co., PA I think they had been squatters there before they became pioneers to the forested, undeveloped land.� Jonathan secured 1600 acres and sold land to others. Ann was a young girl, signed as a witness for some of Jonathan and Sarah�s deeds.

In the 1800 tax records I found Jonathan Colley with 7 males on his property. I think the first year they built one cabin large enough for them all to sleep. The second year there were two cabins and each year more buildings, animals, etc. Namely: Jonathan, wife Sarah, her children Ann and Joseph Batcheler; James Peterman, wife Elizabeth Bartleson, son Benjamin; Elizabeth�s brother Cephas

Bartleson, and wife Ann Batcheler, 2 more unknown males, probably cousins. All families increased. Jonathan�s son, Alexander Colley, joined them when he was 12 years old.

Cephas and Ann had 6 children; he died. Elizabeth and James had 10 children; Elizabeth died. James and Ann married and had 3 sons, the last one born after James died.� James� son Benjamin and daughter Anna �Nancy� Young objected to Ann�s marriage to their father. From Grandmother�s letters I learned Ann�s stepbrother Alexander Colley and stepson Benjamin Peterman were also

Executors of James� estate in 1824.� Women then had very few rights.

I copied a deed that leads me to believe Alexander and Benjamin connived to cheat Ann out of her home and 43 acres. It appears Ann agreed to sell the land with the right to remain on the land three years. One line seems to be written in different colored ink. It appears that line was added after the original date. This added line made her give the Montgomery�s possession after the first year.� I doubt Ann ever saw the deed. Grandmother�s letters resulted when her stepson, William Bartleson Peterman, now an adult, asked Ann, his stepmother, to tell him about losing the 43 acres land belonging to his father, James Peterman. Years later, with help from the court, William received either money or some of the land. I have copied most of those deeds and am putting them together to give to Columbia County Historical Society.

One letter tells how she had gone to Huntington Twp. to buy a mare to pull her wagonload of possessions to Monroe County, NY. Accompanied by a male friend who rode the mule home for her, they reached her home and found all her possessions in the road and another family in her house. They would not allow her inside. She and her 4 Bartleson children and 3 Peterman sons, all under age 6, stayed in the schoolhouse a night or two.

I next found Ann in Monroe Co., N.Y. in the 1840 census. When land became available in Michigan with her son, Colley Bartleson, they joined neighbors and pioneered to Calhoun County, Michigan.� She was then starting over again at age 45 years.� She writes about the first telegram arriving, the railroads being built, the first train, etc. There were many epidemics when everyone in the family got sick at the same time; she fell and broke her hip, her son Dr. Hiram Peterman with the help of neighbor men, set it. And she lived to be 95 years old.� I am amazed at what she endured.

A person really had to be tough then.

�Till next time

Helen

Hi Daniel,

Like you I started doing genealogy when a teenager -- and also like you I liked to listen to the stories the older people told. Guess I'm still part of that older generation.

My mother's grandfather, Benjamin Peterman, while girdling a tree with fire, sat down on a log to watch. He fell asleep. The fire burned through the tree, which fell and hit him, which killed him. At another time he and his wife was making soap in a large iron kettle over an open fire. They had three small children running around the yard. One of the little ones went to the kettle, pulled it over scalding all three children. Years later one year my mother's three little brothers died within days of each other from some epidemic. Times were really hard then.

One of my relatives, Alexander Colley, stepbrother of my Grandmother Ann Peterman, was a surveyor, farmer, served in the House of Representatives for Penna., wrote deeds and letters for people who could not write. He evidently served as a bank, too -- loaned them money, etc. He kept a diary many years. By chance I found his diaries in a box at the Columbia County Historical Society and found them fascinating.

He took lined tablet paper, folded it in two, used string to sew down the middle to make a book, then covered each page with his writings starting with the weather every morning. If the weather changed he noted that. He also wrote about the comings and goings of neighbors, when they moved, births, deaths, holidays, military, etc., epidemics, accidents, the funerals and the church he attended. He also used it to keep his business records, when he loaned money, and how much they owed. It appeared that he circled the amount when the debt was paid.

I own a motor home and for 17 years drove it back and forth from AZ to Penna. where I spent summers. I spent three summers reading and copying those diaries into my computer. Last year I finished typing them. The people at the Historical Society offered to have them published, then presented me with a copy for myself. Of course many people now are interested in the names of their relatives he mentioned.

Since James Peterman and Jonathan Colley were pioneers to Fishing Creek Twp. before 1796 I was interested in learning exactly where they�re original tracts were located. Some of James' descendants still own land he once owned and are still living on that land. I especially wanted to learn where the Manor Land was which was one of the boundaries named in the deeds. Of course, with new roads and highways being developed it is hard to determine exact locations.

Last summer I typed many deeds, which I am now coordinating for publishing. Most of the original landowners passed the land to sons or grandsons. As long as the land remained in the family, new deeds were not necessary. Because part of Fishing Creek Twp. became Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia County in 1812, new deeds had to be written when land was finally sold. That created a lot of problems for me. Especially when a daughter now owned the land. Also there was a lot of intermarrying among the original pioneers, and perhaps six sons receiving the father's land. The deeds proved interesting with lots of names I would not have found any other place.

One tract first owned by Jonathan was sold to my Grandfather John Keeler. A Robbins bought another tract. When he died his children agreed to divide the land without having new deeds written. One child was born deaf and dumb. A sister took care of him. From the deeds I learned each of the Robbins children gave up part of his/her land, which then provided a tract for the sister, and she could live with her invalid brother. Believe you me; understanding those deeds was a real challenge.

In another Cole deed the father gave exact measurements and descriptions of how and where his land was to be divided. Evidently the shape of each section or creek did not matter. I could not figure out his reason for the instructions. I wonder if the sons carried out his wishes or if they changed the boundaries.

When a man died in earlier times, every single thing he owned had to list to establish the inheritance tax down to 3 feet of rusted barbed wire. The complete value might only be $5. It amazes me how really poor people were at that time. In one interesting deed in Montgomery County the sons were instructed to maintain a road over their property to provide for the sister's cow to get a drink of water.

Have you read deeds regarding the man's wife? Most gave her the right to remain in his house so long as she did not remarry. If she did marry she only got one-third. I learned the Penna.-Dutch people used a different solution. When the father got older and the oldest son married, they built a smaller house on the land for the father and mother, then the son moved with his wife into the usual larger house with more bedrooms so he could raise more sons to help with the farm work. That seems to have worked for many years. I love to read old deeds.

People tell me I have many, many tales in my head that I should write down to pass on to others. I also like to go to story telling times, especially in Tennessee. Did I tell you I was a proofreader many years? Maybe I'll get a recorder and just tell the stories.

Right now I'm hoping to live long enough to finish Grandmother Ann's letters and correct some of the mistakes in my genealogy records.

Wish me luck.

Helen G.

Helen sent me some more on her Hess lines May 7, 2005

Things are going quite well at the present. Since the Arimidex stopped working

and I had the Falsodex injection I have felt stronger and better than in a long

time. I had another blood test yesterday and will see the Dr. Wed. so will know

more then.

I have a copy of a very old Hess Pedigee made by Mrs. Ellis (Minnie) Remely

that states:

Children of George Hess and Susanne Remely were Margaret married George

Hunter, Nancy Hess mar Boyd Cole, Clarence Hess mar Reka/Reba? Harvey,

Alfred Hess married ____ Fritz.

If this is correct it would be Jerrimias Hess1 wife Anna; Johann Conrad Hess2

wife Anna Maria Best; Johann Wilhelm/William Hess3 wife Anna Catharine

Goddard Hess; John Hess Sr.4 wife Charity Cole; John Hess Jr.5 wife Nancy Spencer;

George C. Hess6 wife Susanna Remely; Alfred Hess7 wife Fritz

This is the only Alfred Hess I have in my file.

You said you were working on my family -- which line? I am trying to clean up

the notes on my Keelers. When I match/merged I made duplicate notes for many

of them. Also for some of those I worked on 15 years ago I now have learned

more and am bringing those up to date.

I'll let you pass on my information as I get too involved with new contacts since

I have so much to share and just don't feel up to it at this time.

Hope this helps.

Helen Gammon



Now Helen writes me about her Keeler�s, I had asked her about the spelling of Eliza Angeline�s daughter�s married name.

Hi Carol,� (December 26, 2004)

Yes, I am that Helen Smith Gammon.

Henry was married to Nancy R. Keeler, daughter of John Keeler Jr. and Sarah Ann "Sally" Bartleson, daughter of

Cephas Bartleson and Ann Batcheler.

Emily Esther Keeler, sister of Sally was my great-grandmother. She married Hiram Newell Smith.

Elizabeth Bartleson, sister of Cephas, married James Peterman: my other grandfather.   Both Elizabeth and Cephas died.

James Peterman and Ann Batcheler-Bartleson then married and had three sons.

Through this marriage Ann became both my paternal AND maternal Grandmother.

Ann Peterman wrote letters from 1841 to 1871 to her stepson, William Bartleson Peterman of Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co. I have copies of those letters.

Please list one of these names on your subject line. I nearly deleted your message without reading it since I've been getting so many spams.

Where do you live? I am in Arizona.

Helen S. Gammon

Carol,

I shall use Heim instead of Helm since I don't remember where I found that name. (Eliza Angeline Keeler married William H Heim)

A little explanation. I started keeping my records when I was in high school. Didn't realize I was doing genealogy or that I needed

to name the source.

My mother was first married to Norman Brittain Hess.  They had 6 children most born in Nordmont. He died and she married Ernest

Romeo Smith, son of John R. Smith and Mary Turner who came from N.Y. to Nordmont. I have no information for their ancestors.

Hiram N. Smith married Emily Esther Keeler, daughter of John Keeler Jr. and Sarah Ann (Sally) Bartleson. My parents divorced and more or less deserted the family. I did not know much about them. My mother could talk faster than I could write. Or she would switch subjects and I got confused. How I wish we had had tape recorders then because I am sure she had all this information in her mind.

When I retired in 1985 my son was living and working in Arizona. He wanted me to move there. I kept my home in Whitehall, Lehigh Co., a few years. I have a motor home, which I drove back and forth spring and fall for 17 years. I learned about the Mesa Family History Center and all their records and I was "hooked." I spent days there copying their records. What a gold mine.

I found the Ralph Keeler of Connecticut book of genealogy. I also have received several copies of pedigrees from Keeler descendents where I found many mistakes. I have spent hours and days researching in courthouses, etc. and still do not know exactly which records are correct since I found mistakes in the courthouse records as well.

I have met and interviewed many Keeler relatives. I have boxes of notes I now doubt I shall ever get typed into my records.

One book at Dushore has my mother listed as the daughter of James Peterman, her cousin. Her father was Abraham. I think too many people believed they knew facts that they really didn't.

My grandmother, Emily Esther Keeler's second husband was John Andrew according to courthouse records. Her tombstones has

Emily ANDERS written in stone.

I also saw a tombstone in Lancaster County -- that person died Feb. 31. I believe many people had no or very little education. School was not that important then. My mother only went to third grade but she continued to read and educate herself. Her brother could barely sign his name.

I wish you were my neighbor.

Helen S. Gammon

Now back to her Peterman�s

Carol,

I have had correspondence with two people regarding Grace Peterman born in Albany County, later lived NY City.

Thought I would send a message I sent to Harold J. Ward in MO. and Nola Martin in Indiana as an example of Grandmother Ann

Peterman's letters. Her son, Jefferson Colley Peterman, remained in the Rochester/Albany area when the family pioneered to Michigan with others from Monroe Co., NY.

I have not been able to find more about Jefferson except for census records. I was hoping you might have access to New York records.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Helen G.

�Carol,

Here are some bits from Grandmother Anne's letters:

Jefferson Peterman married ANNA GERMOND (not German)

Oct. 10, 1840 at Third Presbyterian Church, Albany, NY.

1850 Census Albany 4th Ward

1860 Census Albany 10th Ward Albany City

1870 Brooklyn Ward 6, New York

Ann's letter Feb. 6, 1843

Brother Alexander Peterman was learning the gunsmith business. He is fair and slim as Jefferson who works in a jeweler's store in Rochester in the National Hotel opposite the courthouse.

The store was owned by Mr. Hood in Albany and was robbed in October 1859. You may be able to find a newspaper article describing it.

August 1850 Jefferson's wife is a splendid woman tall and genteel with black hair and eyes, and everything is in fine style. His quarters is furnished with mahogany tables and chairs at $4 apiece and a marble slate table. The carpet in that room was $1.50 per yard in New York where they went to purchase their furniture.

April 14, 1852 Jefferson has 3 girandoles to set on his mantelpiece that cost $10. A lady brought Ella a dress from London. She went to the

World's Fair, and a milliner sent her a new hat from New York.

Jan. 26, 1867 letter: Jefferson lives in New York at No. 67 Nassau St. where he has a shop (jewelry repair). His wife and two daughters live in New Jersey just opposite New York City, Booklyn.

March 26, 1867 letter Grace the youngest is 10 years old. Jefferson boards at an Eating House and sleeps in the shop. A rich gentleman took such a fancy to Ella he insisted on sending her to a Ladies' Academy where she will stay a year. He will pay all the expenses. She is 18 and has always been kept at school, is well learned in all common branches.

Jan. 14, 1868 letter. Jefferson lives at 257 Clinton St., Brooklyn.

Sept. 1, 1869 Jefferson quit the jeweler business

June 26, 1870 letter Grace is now 12 years old

Will you please send me records showing the names, dates, places, etc. of how you are related to Grace? Perhaps I can pick up a few hints to learn where they were in Brooklyn.

Do you have access to New York records?

If you type in Google "Hiram Abiff Peterman", there are pictures of

Dr. Hiram Peterman and his wife, Dr. Ami Peterman from a photographer's

shop at Battle Creek, Michigan. Also some pictures of his medical clinic.

Thanks

Helen Smith Gammon

hsmithg@earthlink.net

Helen sent me this May 21, 2005 on the Keeler family.

Hi Carol,

I stumbled on a record I searched many years to find and want to pass it on when you work on the Keelers. There were many rumors about a boy who Daniel Keeler and Elizabeth Keeler-Keeler raised. That someone brought him home from the Civil War since he didn't have a family was one story. In the census records he was listed as a son, grandson, etc. I wonder if he may have been related to the Keelers.

By chance at the Sullivan County Court House I found a Guardianship record. Also learned there were three brothers -- only Joseph lived with Daniel. I'd like to know the background of their lives with Joseph Gansel since both Joseph and

Henry Traugh chose a different guardian when they had a voice.

Guardianship Records Sullivan County, Penna.

Page 230 Sept. Term of Court 1866

Minor children of MATHIAS H. TRAUGH, Sept. 25, 1866. Petition of Henry

Traugh, Joseph Traugh, Franklin Traugh under the age of 14. Appointed Joseph

Gensel as guardian for sum of $300 each. Bond filed. May 30, 1877 Joseph A.

Traugh, now above the age of 14 makes choice of DANIEL KEELER as his guardian and Daniel Keeler was duly appointed by the Orphans Court Docket

No. 2. page 120. June 30, 1877 citation to Joseph Gansel to file and settle his

account or Guardian Record. Orphans Court Doc. No. 2 page 122. Final account

of Joseph Gensel for Joseph Traugh Examined and filed Dec. 17, 1877.

HENRY TRAUGH now above the age of 14 makes choice of A. F. Marshal his guardian, appointed by Court. Doc. No. 2 page 132. Final account of Joseph Gansel of Henry Traugh presented and filed Jan. 25, 1878. March 1, 1878 confirmed May 30, 1878 final by Court.

Helen G.

I am fairly sure she sent this to Bob Sweeney, and I was copied on this data that should never be left out!

Helen Gammon provided us with some excerpts from Alexander Colley's diaries starting in 1859. Helen has recently finished transcribing Alexander Colley's diaries, which are being printed and bound into a book for the Columbia County Historical Society. Alexander was the son of Jonathan Colley. He was a schoolteacher, surveyor, justice of peace, post master, mill owner/operator, and served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Columbia County. Colley Street in Benton was probably named for this man. As a surveyor, he wrote about the weather each morning. Draw your own conclusions...

� 1859�� Jan. 5 Snowed 16 inches, good sleighing; Jan. 12 Now 18 inches, Feb. 3 Snow 2 feet�

��

� 1861�� Feb. 8 Snow 2 feet 8 inches; Feb. 12 Thawed most of the snow & ice, creek high�

��

� 1863�� Feb. 22 Snowed 9 inches, froze hard, sleighs running, Feb. 23 Snow 11 inches in all�

��

� 1865�� Jan. 28 Coldest night of the year, clock stopped at 12 a.m.�

��

� 1868�� Feb. 25 Snowed 2 1/2 inches now 55 inches; 3 p.m. still snowing, very cold blustery day. Mar. 7 Snowed all night, Mar. 9 now 68 inches, snow drifted bad, sugar making at 11 a.m. Feb. 8 Snow 18 inches, Feb. 12 Clear, thawed, spoiled sleighing very much,��

��

� 1870�� Mar. 11 A very cold night, clear, muddy, W. L. Cole buried two children. Mar. 12 The funeral did not bury yesterday, today they bury three. [See The Writings of William Heacock, under FEATURES]�

��

� 1873�� Jan. 25 Snow in all 41 inches; Jan. 26 Now 43 inches; Jan. 27, 2 inches more; Jan. 28 Now 47 inches; March 16 Snow 73 inches; March 22 Snowed 7 feet, 84 inches; Mar. 25 Snowed 6 1/2 inches, now 7 feet 11 inches (95 inches); Mar. 27 Snowed 1 1/2 inches; Mar. 29 Rain.��

��

� 1874�� Mar. 7 Snowed 8" - 43 1/2 inches; Apr. 6 snowed 2 inches now 4 feet of snow.��

��

1875    Jan. 31 Snowed 13 inches in January; Feb. 11, Last night snowed 6 inches, morning snow, 3 inches, 4 feet in all; Feb. 19, Snow 1 1/2 inches; Feb. 20, Snowed last night and this day, 3 inches, now 4 feet, 5 inches; Mar. 1, Snow 7 inches in all; Mar. 20 Snowed 2 inches; Mar. 21 Morning snow 1/2 inch, (some baptizing done today); Mar. 24 Snow 2 inches, Mar. 25 Snowed last night; April 13 Snowed all day, 6 inches; April 19 Snowed, April 23, Snow; April 30 Snow, the mountain is white with snow, May 1 Rain some.

Now for Helen�s �Snider family connections�:

Helen posted the following query on the Sullivan genweb board showing her relationship to Snider.

Do you have any knowledge of military personnel in Sullivan County during the Civil War period? My grandmother Emily Esther Keeler-Smith-Anders/Andrews had a child before her marriage named WILLIS BERT SNIDER, born in 1864.

Clayton Keeler, another cousin, years ago told me the family story was that the father was HOWARD SNIDER, a military man from Phila. Perhaps he was with an outfit about the time of the uprising in Columbia County during the Civil War. Family members told me the soldiers never got to Sullivan County, so did not find the deserters.

Any suggestions? Thanks

Helen S. Gammon

Editor's Note: We actually now have further information on this Issue of the Snider connection. It comes from Lynn Franklin's Civil War Draft Records for Sullivan County. There you will find Edward B. and Howard K. Snider listed under the names for Davidson Township. Let's now quote Joyce Ingerson on February 19, 2006 with respect to this information:

I was going through the Civil War draft candidates listed on Sullivan County web site, Helen Gammon and I were forever curious about EB Snider for the potential father of Emily Keeler's illegitimate son, Willis Bert Snider, b Jun 1863. d 05 Apr 1930. See Census entry below.
Willis Snider married Blanche Hess, daughter of Shedrick Samuel Hess & Sarah Amanda Hunter. Just to refresh your memory, Blanche Hess was the sister of Norman Brittain Hess. Norman Hess was the first spouse of Martha "Ella" Peterman. When Norman Hess died, Ella married Ernest Romeo Smith, who was Helen Smith Gammon's estranged father.
I am referencing the 1860 US Federal Census for Davidson entry, as follows:
1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson
Enumerated 25 Jun 1860
Head of Household: E B Snider
Age in 1860: 21
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Gentleman
Real Estate: 3000
Household : Mrs A Snider, age 48;
Emily, age 19; A Leroy, (f) age 22, servant;
Melissa Hess, age 15; Mary Hunter, age 18;
Elias Dodson , (m) age 25. All born in PA
Post Office: Eldredsville
Roll: M653_1184; Page: 734, family visitation- 26/22
Immediate neighbors: Samuel Sperry, age 49; Cyrus Larish, age 37
We believed that this EB Snider was the prime candidate.
This is the draft entry:
CIVIL WAR DRAFT RECORDS
Sullivan County, PA
Consolidated Draft Registry
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
1863
National Archives
Washington, D. C.
BOOK 2
Davidson Township
Snider Edward B. 24 W F S P
This was Helen's response to me:

Sent: Friday, November 08, 2002 12:35 PM Subject: Re: Snider
However, the 21 year old E. B. does make sense. Emily Esther Keeler was only 17 at the time and she could have lied about her age to get the job. I'd like to learn more about that SNIDER family. And there is a possibility E.B. was in service during the Civil War so it could all add up with Clayton's uniform. I wonder if this E.B.'s mother may have run a boarding house to have that many servants.
... Helen S Gammon

I believe, it all fits. Emily Keeler's son, Will Bert Snider, was born in 1863. Edward B ( EB ) Snider was drafted in 1863.
Joyce Ingerson

Willis Snider committed suicide because he lost everything in the crash of the stock market. His mother Emily drowned herself in the creek. Many of them must have been depressed.

�

Bert Snider's wife's name is LENNA, not Lena.

�

I wonder if Henry J. Smith, employee of Willis Snider, is a relative.

Helen Gammon

She was always thinking and sharing that great wealth of knowledge! Now Helen and Joyce exchanged more on Snider

1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson Twp > District 131

Enumerated 5 May 1910

Name: Willis B Snider

Age in 1910: 47, married x1, 20 years�

Estimated birth year: abt 1863�

Birthplace: Pennsylvania�

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White�

Gender: Male�

Occupation: Lumberman, own job

Spouse: Blanche, age 39, married x1, 20 years, 6 children, 5 alive

Birthplace: Pennsylvania�

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White

Others in home: Bert, son, age 19; Dolly, daughter, age 18; Pearl, age 11;

Marie, daughter, age 9; Ernest, son, age 2; Abraham Kilmer, age 45, laborer.

All born in PA

Series: T624; Roll: 1421; Page: 257A; Enumeration District: 131; Part: 1; Line: 1.

�

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 159

Enumerated 14 January 1920

Name: Willis B Snider

Age: 56 years�

Estimated birth year: abt 1864

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White

Able to read: Yes�

Able to Write: Yes

Home owned: Own�

Sex: Male�

Marital status: Widow

Occupation: Farmer

Others in home:� Pearl, daughter, age 20, clerk in grocery trade;

Marie S, daughter, age 19; Ernest R, son, age 10. All born in PA

Roll: T625_1653; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 159

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 13

Enumerated 2 Apr 1930

Name: Willis B Snider

Age: 67

Estimated birth year: abt 1863�

Birthplace: Pennsylvania�

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White�

Occupation: Retail merchant for general store

Others in home: Marie Mingle (corrected Menges), daughter, age 29, married age 28, teacher, Public school.

Born in PA

Roll: 2150; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 13

Children of Willis Bert Snider & Blanche Hess

1.�� Bert Edward Snider

2.�� Dollie Snider, married Horace C Edgar, Marriage License Docket 1913-1920 Sullivan County, PA- # 969, 22 Dec 1913, LaPorte, Sullivan, Pennsylvania

3.�� Pearl Snider, married 06 Dec 1920 to T Grant Buck,

4.�� Sarah Marie Snider married S L Menges

5.�� Ernest Snider

6.�� Kathryn Snider married Leon Kelly

Williamsport Sun Gazette (Williamsport, Pennsylvania) 24 May 1967

Sponsors Banquet The Women's Society of World Service of Eagle Evangelical United Brethan sponsored a Mother and daughter banquet recently. Mrs. Horace Edgar and Elaine Thomas paid tribute to the mothers and daughters. Mrs. Martha Steiger was master of ceremonies. Participating were Mrs. Walter Glace, Mrs. Robert Steiger, Dollie Edgar, Mark Steiger, and Robert Kimble, Mrs. Robert Thomas and Mrs. Roy Way were co-chairman of the event.� Mrs. Walter Stull planned the decorations.

Williamsport Sun Gazette (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)

August 4, 1973 City Hospital News

Discharged: Mrs. Dollie Edgar

�

�� Name: Dollie Edgar

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 18 Jan 1892

Last Benefit: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Died: Jun 1977

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

Name: Horace Edgar

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 13 Jul 1888

Died: Sep 1972

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

�

Name: Pearl S. Buck

�Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 14 Jan 1899

Died: 4 Sep 1996

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

Grant Buck

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 17 Jul 1897

Died: Sep 1972

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

Ernest Snider

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 21 Mar 1908

Died: Apr 1986

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1951-1952 )

�

This is an exchange of letters between Helen and Joyce regarding the Keelers and the Sniders.

Response from: Helen S.� Gammon, Friday, November 08, 2002

To: Joyce Ingerson, Friday, November 08, 2002

Re: Snider

However, the 21 year old E. B. does make sense.� Emily Esther Keeler was only 17 at the time and she could have lied about her age to get the job.� I'd like to learn more about that SNIDER family.� And there is a possibility E.B. was in service during the Civil War so it could all add up with Clayton's uniform. I wonder if this E.B.'s mother may have ran a boarding house to have that many servants.

I cannot find him (E. B.Snider) again in later census films for Sullivan nor in Columbia Counties.� Maybe, he died in Civil War. What is so interesting is that Willis Bert Snider named his first son Edward Bert Snider, which fits.

This creates a bit of a problem.� Edward Bert Snider was NOT the son of Willis Snider. He was the son of Blanche Hess and Bert Karns before she married Willis.� Another fence-post kid.� Didn't go by Snider/Snider until he started to school.� One good thing for most of the people in that area -- they were forgiving enough to accept those children and raised them as their own. Maybe I should mention there might have been resentment there on Bert Edward's part.

�Here is another story from a local cousin

Bert was a very mean and cruel man to his wife Lenna (Fiester) Snider -- so bad the whole town knew it. They had no living children. E.B. Snider would have been 39 years old to be Bert Edward's son.� But maybe Blanche had a "crush" on E.B. to choose his name.

No Snider has turned up for Willis Snider's father, so E.B. is a better guess.

�1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson

Enumerated 16 Jun 1870

Name: Fred R Keeler

Estimated Birth Year: abt 1838

Age in 1870: 32�

Birthplace: Pennsylvania�

Race: White�

Gender: Male�

Occupation: Farmer

Value of real estate: 1200

Others in home: Emeretta, age 26;

Rosella, age 2; Lewis J, age 1;

Sarah, age 66, lives with her son*;

Thomas Glidewell, age 11( son of James Glidewell and Elizabeth Hunter);

Willis Snider, age 6.� Both attending school.

All mentioned born in PA

Post Office: Sonestown�

Roll: M593_1453; Page: 41

�

Helen Gammon replied to Joyce Ingerson, Friday, November 08, 2002:

�� Sally in 1870 census (great grandmother- Emily Keeler�s mother was Sally Bartleson Keeler)

�� Here is Sally's will;

Written May 22, 1877. (She died 15 Nov 1882 and was buried in Cherry Grove) leaving parcel of land in Sullivan Co. to son Frederick Rohr Keeler, except for a lot bequeathed to her daughter Emily E. Smith, her spinning wheel and reel and "my cow to be delivered as soon after my death as my son F. R. Keeler can spare her."

To son Thomas and daughter Nancy, each $5.

To my daughter, Jane Mosteller, my bed and bedstead;

To my son Edward, my other feather bed and pillow;

To my daughter Ann, my settee;

To daughter Nancy, my bedroom carpet;

To my grandson, Willis Snider, my parlor stove;

My wearing apparels to be divided among my daughters.

Son-in-law Daniel Keeler is executor

Source-Helen Smith Gammon, to Joyce Ingerson, November 08, 2002

More to Joyce from Helen

No children with them in 1930 census

Image source: Year: 1930; Census Place: Laporte, Sullivan, Pennsylvania; Roll: 2150; Page: Enumeration District: 13; Image: 723.0.

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 159

Enumerated 14 January 1920

Name: Bert E Snyder

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Mothers Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Race: White

Home owned: Rent�

Able to read: Yes�

Able to Write: Yes�

Sex: Male�

Occupation: Lumberman

Marital status: Married

Spouse: Lena S, age 26

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Mothers Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Race: White

Roll: T625_1653; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 159

Immediate neighbors:� George M Fiester, age 56

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 13

Enumerated 2 Apr 1930

Name: Bert E Snider

Age: 39, married age 21

Estimated birth year: abt 1891�

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Mothers Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Race: White�

Occupation: Proprietor, auto repair shop

Spouse's Name: Lenna F, wife

Age:� 36, married age 19

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Mothers Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Race: White�

Occupation: Salesman in confectionery store*

Others in home: Edwin C Potter, age 59, divorced, painter, house, born in PA

Roll: 2150; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 13

* Note: Lenna Snider was 1930 Laporte, Sullivan, PA census enumerator

�Gazette and Bulletin, Williamsport, Pennsylvania March 10, 1945

Hughesville-�

George M Fiester, 81, died Friday morning, March 9, 1945, at the Williamsport Hospital, to which he was admitted Feb 28.

A native of Sullivan County, he lived there until 20 years ago when he moved to Hughesville.

Survivors are his wife, Carrie, a son, Dewey, Sonestown, three daughters, Mrs. Bert E Snyder (Snider), of Nordmont; Mrs. Frank Cox,

Laporte, and Mrs. George Derrick, Picture Rocks.

The funeral will be held at the funeral home on South Main Street, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev Herman Stuempfle, pastor of the Lutheran Church officiating, with the burial at the Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont.

Friends may call this evening from 7 to 9 o'clock at the funeral home, or may view the body at the cemetery.

�Pennsylvania 1910 Miracode Index Record

Name: George Fiester

Birthplace: Pennsylvania�

State: PA�

Age: 47�

Color: W�

Enumeration District: 0137�

Visit: 0073�

County: Sullivan�

Wife Carrie 47 Pennsylvania

Daughter Laura 16 Pennsylvania

Daughter Lena 16 Pennsylvania

Son Dewey 12 Pennsylvania

I can find where Helen commented, and made corrections to the Sullivan Genweb project in 2001, she was a stickler for accuracy, and I for one and glad.

We insert here a group photo of Peterman, Fiester, Snider and other parties taken in front of the old Nordmont Covered Bridge before it was taken down in 1959. The original photo was taken by Delia Stiger and reprinted in the Sullivan Review on March 22, 2007. We are grateful to Joyce Ingerson for the identifications in the picture:

Covered Bridge at Nordmont
Taken Before 1958 *
Friends, Relatives and Neighbors
Front row: Joseph Edgar "Joe" Little (with cane), son of Amos Little & Elizabeth Glidewell; Minard "Minnie" Appleman, spouse of Minard Peterman; Mrs. Oscar Steinruck (Margaret Viola Kilgus Steinruck), daughter of Samuel Michael Kilgus & Jessie Sybella Rider; Mary Caroline (Knouse) Peterman, spouse of Chester Roy Peterman, daughter of Abraham Knouse & Sarah Ann Peterman; Lenna (Fiester) Snider, spouse of Bert Edward Karns Snider, daughter of George M. Fiester & Caroline "Carrie" Peterman; Chester Roy "Chet" Peterman, son of James Peterman & Hannah Jane Hunter
Back row: William Laird "Bill" Little (with hat), son of Amos Little & Elizabeth Glidewell, spouse of Bessie Elvirna Speary; Harriet Sharrow; Jean VanDine, daughter of Charles and Elsie Green, spouse of Charles C. VanDine; Bert Snider, son of Willis Bert Snider & Blanche Hess, spouse of Lenna Fiester; Jessie Speary; and Charles C. "Charlie" VanDine, spouse of Jean Green, son of John C. VanDine & Jennie E. Magargel
* As pointed out by Larry Pardoe, the photo cannot be any later than the first half of 1958 because Joe Little died in 1957 and Bill Little died in June 1958.
Source: Della Stiger
Reprinted in Sullivan Review, March 22, 2007

Notes for Hannah Jane Hunter Peterman, Courtesy of Joyce Ingerson, November 2008:

History of Sullivan County by George Streby
"History of LaPorte Township and LaPorte Borough" 1904, p. 17 notes :
"John Hunter came from Reading to what is now Davidson township about 1830. The Hunters are of German descent.

Mr. Hunter located near Nordmont on the farm now owned by Jas. Hunter. He married Margaret Sheep.

The pieces go on to list 10 children, including a son "James of Laporte township" and HJ (Hannah Jane) who married James Peterman of LaPorte township

Everything as it appeared in the census, including spelling to follow family of Hannah Jane Hunter Peterman. Joyce Ingerson

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson
Enumerated 27 Sep 1850
Name: John Hunter
Age: 50
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1800
Birth Place: New Jersey
Gender: Male
Occupation: farmer
Margaret, age 44 , Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Elisabeth Hunter , age 21, Birthplace: Pennsylvania
John S Hunter , age 18, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, farming
James Hunter, age 17, Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Josiah Hunter, age 14, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, at school
Manervia Hunter, age 11, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, at school
Mary M Hunter , age 9, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, at school
Hanah J Hunter, age 7, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, at school
Sarah M Hunter, age 4 , Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Catharine Hunter, age 1, Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_828; Page: 323
Immediate neighbor: Daniel Keeler, age 30

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte
Enumerated 22 June 1860
Name: John Hunter
Age in 1860: 59
Birth Year: abt 1801
Birthplace: New Jersey
Gender: Male
Occupation: farmer
Value of real estate:1200
Margret, age 53, Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mary Hunter, age 19 , Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Hanna J Hunter, age 17, Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Such Amanda Hunter, age 15, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, at school
Catherine Hunter, age 12, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, at school
George W Hunter, age 8, Birthplace: Pennsylvania, at school
Post Office: Dushore
Roll: M653_1184; Page: 806;

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte
Enumerated 18 Jul 1870
Name: J Peterman
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1834
Age in 1870: 36
BirthPlace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Value of real estate:800
Occupation: Farmer
Others in home:( Hannah ) Jane, age 25, born in PA;
Virginia, age 8, born in PA, at school;
Caroline, age 6, born in PA;
Minard, age 4, born in PA;
Philip, age 4/12, born January, born in PA
Post Office: Laporte
Roll: M593_1453; Page: 4

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > La Porte > District 235
Enumerated 23 Jun 1880
James Peterman
Age: 41, married
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: white
Gender: male
Occupation: farmer
Spouse: Hannah, age 38
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: white
Others in home:
Virginia, daughter, age 18, single, born in PA;
Caroline, daughter, age 15, single, born in PA, at school;
Minard, son, age 12, born in PA, at school;
Philip, son, age 10, born in PA, at school;
Susanna, daughter, age 8, born in PA;
Shedrick, son, age 6, born in PA;
Glenman, son, age 3, born in PA;
Alicia, daughter, age 1, born in PA;
Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 662A; Enumeration District: 235

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 70
Enumerated 18 June 1880
Hannah J Peterman
Age: 53, Birth Date: May 1847, widowed, 12 children, 10 alive, married 32 years
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation: farmer
Glen Peterman, son, age 23 , born Nov 1876 in PA, farmer
Alice Peterman, daughter, age 21 , born Dec 1878 in PA
Harry Peterman, son, age 16 , born May 1884 in PA
Roll: T623 1488; Page: 10A;

Peterman, James
d January 19, 1896
Aged 59 yrs 10 mo & 13 days
Cherry Grove Cemetery
Davidson, Sullivan, Pennsylvania
Courtesy Sullivan County Web pages

Peterman, Hannah J.
1842- 1934
Hannah J. Hunter, wife of James Peterman
Cherry Grove Cemetery
Davidson, Sullivan, Pennsylvania
Courtesy Sullivan County Web pages

============================================================
children of James Peterman & Hannah Jane Hunter :
1. Virginia "Jennie" Peterman married Nathaniel Peters
2 Caroline "Carrie" Peterman maried George M Fiester
3. Minard Peterman married Minnie Margaret Appleman
4. Philip James Peterman -no further data
5. Susan Marguarite Peterman married Frederick Rohr Keeler
6. Shedrick Peterman married x2: #1. Sarah Jane Knepsheild; #2. Amy L Bostion
7. Ida Peterman, infant died  October 22, 1882
8. Glen D Peterman married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ellen Little
9. Alice M Peterman married Charles "Monroe" Phillips
10. Chester Roy Peterman married Mary Caroline Knouse
11. Harry Peterman married Maud M Remsnyder

Editorial Note: Helen Smith Gammon has provided the Sullivan County Genealogical Web Page with a detailed revision of the genealogical relationships among the Peterman, Hunter and Hess families as originally printed by George Streby in his history above. In the interest of historical accuracy, we hereby reproduce Helen's corrections in her words:

Please give my MOTHER, Ella Martha Peterman, back to the CORRECT parents! Her parents were NOT James Peterman and H.J. Hunter. I did make a notation in the Streby book at Dushore but, since your website goes worldwide, I would like others to know who my mother's parents really were.

ELLA MARTHA PETERMAN was born Oct. 14, 1881 in Shreve, Wayne Co., OH, the daughter of ABRAM PETERMAN (born Dec. 16, 1835, Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co., PA, died there Aug. 12, 1911) and CATHERINE SMITH born April 21, 1840, Blue Ball, Lancaster County, PA., died May 27, 1927 at Central, near Jamison City, Columbia County, PA.

ELLA married NORMAN BRITTAIN HESS born Oct. 17, 1867, Nordmont, PA. He died Feb. 2, 1918, Williamsport Hospital, Lycoming Co., PA. He was the son of SHEDRICK HESS born 1838, Nordmont, and SARAH AMANDA HUNTER born May 9, 1846, Laporte, PA. She died April 16, 1881 Laporte, PA, daughter of JOHN HUNTER and SUSAN MARGARET SHEETS. Note: Some of her Davidson Twp. descendants have told me her name was Margaret "SHEEP" -- because her tombstone reads "SUSAN SHEEP"! This is also erroneous.

Norman and Ella Hess had six children: DOYLE EUGENE HESS, AMANDA CATHERINE HESS, CHARLES CLAYTON HESS, HARRY WILLIS HESS, EVELYN LADELLA HESS, and CAROLYN DEBORAH HESS -- most of them born in Nordmont, PA.

HANNAH JANE HUNTER, who married JAMES PETERMAN, was a sister of SARAH AMANDA HUNTER, mother of NORMAN BRITTAIN HESS. Thus, she was Norman's aunt. JAMES PETERMAN was the son of BENJAMIN PETERMAN and his first wife, AMANDA CATHERINE HESS. ELLA's father ABRAM was the son of the same BENJAMIN PETERMAN and his second wife, MARY TURNER. Thus JAMES and ABRAM were stepbrothers.

Digression on Hess Family history provided by Joyce Ingerson on August 23, 2006:

. =================================================================
1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 19 Sep 1850
Name: Benjamin Peterman
Age: 53
Birth place: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real estate: 1500
Others in home:
Mary, age 39;
Hannah, age 30;
Elizabeth, age 28;
Mary J, age 23;
Benjamin, age 18, laborer;
James, age 14;
Wm E, age 9;
Sarah A, age 7;
Abram, age 6;
Nancy, age 5;
Mary C, age 4;
John Q, age 2;
Jefferson, age 6/12. All born in PA.
R T Hyde, age 60, school teacher, born in Conn.
Home in 1850(City,County,State): Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_769; Page: 216

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Benton
Enumerated 28 Jul 1860
Name: Rhor Mchenry
Age in 1860: 31
Birth Year: abt 1829
BirthPlace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Value of real estate: 2000
Occupation: Distiller
Caroline Mchenry, age 23, born in PA
George Mchenry, age 10/12, born in PA
John Mchenry, age 75, born in PA
Hannah Hunter, age 17, born in PA(future wife of James Peterman)
James Peterman, age 23, distiller, born in PA(future husband of Hannah Hunter)
Jeremiah Hunsberger, age 28,teamster, born in PA
Post Office: Benton
Roll: M653_1098; Page: 486

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte
Enumerated 18 Jul 1870
Name: J (James) Peterman
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1834
Age in 1870: 36
BirthPlace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Value of real estate:800
Others in home:( Hannah ) Jane, age 25, born in PA;
Virginia, age 8, born in PA, at school;
Caroline, age 6, born in PA;
Minard, age 4, born in PA;
Philip, age 4/12, born January, born in PA
Post Office: Laporte
Roll: M593_1453; Page: 4

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > La Porte > District 235
Enumerated 23 Jun 1880
James Peterman
Age: 41, married
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: white
Gender: male
Occupation: farmer
Spouse: Hannah, age 38
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: white
Others in home:
Virginia, daughter, age 18, single, born in PA;
Caroline, daughter, age 15, single, born in PA, at school;
Minard, son, age 12, born in PA, at school;
Philip, son, age 10, born in PA, at school;
Susanna, daughter, age 8, born in PA;
Shedrick, son, age 6, born in PA;
Glenman, son, age 3, born in PA;
Alicia, daughter, age 1, born in PA;
Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 662A; Enumeration District: 235

Bloomsburg Court House, Columbia County, Pennsylvania
#29 WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN to BENJAMIN PETERMAN
April 17, 1861 Book 41 Page 427 / 428 / 429
DEED WILLIAM HESS & JULIA ANN HESS to JAMES PETERMAN April 17, 1861
This Indenture made April 17, 1861 between WILLIAM HESS of the township of Sugarloaf, Columbia Co., Penna. and JULA ANN ( Kile )Hess, his wife of one part and JAMES PETERMAN of the other part, Witnesseth that the said WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN, his wife for and in consideration of the sum of $63.80 good and lawful money of the United States of America to them in hand paid by the said JAMES PETERMAN at and before the sealing and delivery hereof , the receipt whereof they do hereby acknowledge and thereof acquit and forever discharge the said JAMES PETERMAN, his heirs, executors and administrations and asssigns by these presents have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, release and confirm and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, release and confirm with said JAMES PETERMAN and to his heirs and assigns. All that piece or parcel of land situate in Sugarloaf Township aforesaid. And bounded and described as follows to wit:
Beginning at a chestnut oak a corner of land of BENJAMIN PETERMAN, thence by land south 33 deg east 40 perches to a post, thence by lands north 71�� west 55 perches to a post, thence by land of GEORGE MOSTELLER south 13� east 40 perches to a post by a gum, thence by land of BENJAMIN PETERMAN and south 72�� east 61 perches to a post, thence by land of GEORGE HESS north 35�� east 72 perches & 2/10 to a post, thence by land of WILLIAM. HESS north 68�� west 26 perches to place of beginning containing 21 Acres and 42 perches with allowances of 6 Acres for roads. It being part of a tract of land which was bequeathed by ABRAHAM HESS to WILLIAM HESS by Will dated May 25 A.D.1839 on file in Registers Office in Bloomsburg and said WILLIAM HESS by deed dated April 1, 1861 and conveyed the said described 21 Acres and 42 perches and allowances of land to JAMES PETERMAN the grantor in the present Indenture,
The said will being dated May 25, A.D 1839 since his decease fully proven and remaining on file in the Registers Office in Bloomsburg in County of Columbia aforesaid. Together with all and singular the houses. outhouses, barns, stables, improvements, ways, woods, waters, water courses, rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments & appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Remainders and Reversions, Rents, Issues & Profits and also all the estate, rights, title, interest, property, claim and demand whatsoever of the said WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN, his wife in law and equity otherwise howsoever of, on, pr out of same,
Together with all and singular the houses, barns, stables, improvements, ways, woods, waters, water courses, rights, liberties, privilege, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversions and remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof and also all the estate, rights, title, interest, property, claim and demand of whatsoever of the said JAMES PETERMAN and HANNAH J. his wife in law and equity or otherwise so to be, with the appurtenances unto said JAMES PETERMAN and his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of the said JAMES PETERMAN his heirs and assigns forever. And the said JAMES PETERMAN, his heirs, executors, administrators do by these presents, covenant, grant and agree to and with the said JAMES PETERMAN
all and singular the hereditaments and premises herein before described and granted or mentioned and intended so to be all the appurtenancescunto the said JAMES PETERMAN, his heirs and against all and every other person or persons whosoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof shall and will warrantt and forever defend Iin witness whereof the said JAMES PETERMAN and HANNAH his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals dated the day and year aforesaid written.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Shederick D. Hess and Josiah B. Fritz.

JAMES PETERMAN (seal) HANNAH J. PETERMAN (seal)

To have and to hold the said 21 acres and 42 perches and allowances of ground, hereditaments in and premisers hereby granted or mentioned or intended so to be with the appurtenances unto said JAMES PETERMAN and his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoff of the said JAMES PETERMAN and his heirs and assigns forever. And the said WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN, his wife their heirs, executors, administrataors do by these presents his heirs and assigns that they the said WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN, his wife, and their heirs all an singular, the hereditaments and premisers herein before descried and granted or mentioned and intended so to be with the appurtenanes unto the sid JAMES PETERMAN and his heirs and assigns against them the said WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN his wife and their heirs and against all and every other person or persons shall and will warrant and forever defend.

The lines 23, 24, 25 & 26 on first page was cancelled and the word "office" in the eighth line and "their" on the 25th line were alterations on the second page. James M. Shultz, Frederick Hess

Received the day and date of the foregoing Indenture of the within named being the consideration money in full WILLIAM L. HESS.

In witness whereof the said WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN, his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals dated the day and year aforesaid written.

Sealed and derlivered in the presence of us.

WILLIAM L. HESS (seal) JULIA ANN HESS (seal)

Columbia County, ss: on the 17th day of April Anno Domini 1861 before me the subscariber of Justice of Peace in and for the county of Columbia aforesaid, personally appeared the above named WILLIAM HESS and JULIA ANN his wife and in due form of law acknowledged the foregoing Indenture to be their Act and Deed and desired that the same might be recorded as such and said JULIA ANN, being apart from her husband examined by me. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of Shedrick Hess, Josiah R. Fritz.

Helen S Gammon analysis- This paper probably belongs to the Sept. 4, 1865 DEED:

On Sept. 4, A.D. 1865 before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county of Columbia personally appeared the above named James Peterman and Hannah J. his wife and in due form of law acknowledged the foregoing Indenture to be their Act and Deed and desire the same may be recorded as such.
And the said Hannah J. being of full age & separate & apart from her said husband by me therefore privately examined and the full content of the within written Indenture Deed of Convance first made known to her and therefore I do say that she voluntarily and of her own free will and accord and as her own Act and Deed delivered the above foregoing Indenture or Deed without any coersion or compulsion of her said husband. Witness my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid.
Josiah R. Fritz, Justice of Peace (seal)Received the day and year of date of the foregoing Indenture of the above named James Shultz the sum of $200. It being the consideration money mentioned in the foregoing Indenture in full.

JAMES PETERMAN-Witness James Shultz and Frederick Hess.

Recorded Dec. 23, A.D. 1886

W. B. PETERMAN (William Bartleson Peterman)

Obituary for Josephine T. (Taylor) Peterson with interspersed census and family history notes:

Williamsport Sun
7/27/2006

Josephine T. Peterman
Josephine T (Taylor) . Peterman, 99, a resident of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, died Tuesday, July 25, 2006. Born Sept. 13, 1906, at Beech Glen, Sullivan County, she was a daughter of Milton E ( Ellis Taylor) and (Susan) Pearl Corson Taylor.

Milton E Taylor
1879- 4 Sep 1964
res. Muncy Valley
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Wolf, Lycoming, Pennsylvania
Lot 1280B
Lycoming County Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Pleasant Hill, page 199

Susan Pearl Taylor
1880- 25 Nov 1944
res. Davidson township
Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Wolf, Lycoming, Pennsylvania
Lot 1280B
Lycoming County Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Pleasant Hill, page 198

Milton E Taylor was s/o Alfred Taylor & Martha Jane Montague;
Alfred Taylor was s/o James Taylor & Delia ( Cordelia ) Edkin;
Martha Montague was d/o William Montague & Hannah Corson ( records of Kay Corson Pease)
Pearl Corson was d/o Wilson Corson & Rebecca C Pennington
Wilson Corson was s/o Franklin Corson & Mary J Houghton;
Rebecca Pennington was Edmund Colley Pennington & Susanne E Converse ( records of Helen Gammon)

Josephine attended Muncy Valley Elementary School and graduated from Davidson Township School. She also attended Muncy Normal School and graduated from the State Beauty School in Williamsport. Josephine enjoyed making braided rugs and crocheting. In 1933, she married Wilford Buck and they resided in Sullivan County, spending winters in Florida.

Wilford passed away in 1967:
Social Security Death Index Record
Name: Wilfred Buck
SSN: 198-01-3093
Born: 25 May 1906
Died: Oct 1967
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951 )
Source Citation: Number: 198-01-3093;Issue State: Pennsylvania;Issue Date: Before 1951.

In 1974, Josephine married Howard M (Milton) Peterman of Hughesville. Howard Milton Peterman was s/o Glen D Peterman and Elizabeth....; Howard was grandson of James Peterman & Hannah Jane Hunter.
and they resided there until 1993 at which time they moved to the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown. Surviving in addition to her husband Howard,

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > La Porte > District 235
Enumerated 23 Jun 1880
James Peterman
Age: 41, married
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: white
Gender: male
Occupation: farmer
Spouse: Hannah, age 38
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Parents Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: white
Others in home:
Virginia, daughter, age 18, single, born in PA;
Caroline, daughter, age 15, single, born in PA, at school;
Minard, son, age 12, born in PA, at school;
Philip, son, age 10, born in PA, at school;
Susanna, daughter, age 8, born in PA;
Shedrick, son, age 6, born in PA;
Glenman, son, age 3, born in PA;
Alicia, daughter, age 1, born in PA;
Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 662A; Enumeration District: 235

1900 US Census entry for Glen Peterman not found

Pennsylvania 1910 Miracode Index Record
Name: Glen Peterman
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
State: PA
Age: 31
Color: W
Enumeration District: 0137
Visit: 0082
County: Sullivan
Wife Lizzie 26 Pennsylvania
Daughter Beulah 05 Pennsylvania
Son Howard 03 Pennsylvania
Daughter Media 01 Pennsylvania

1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 137
Enumerated 27 Apr 1910
Name: Glen Peterman
Age in 1910: 31
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1879
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Spouse: Lizzie, age 26
BirthPlace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Others in home:
Beulah Peterman, age 5, born in PA;
Howard Peterman, age 3, born in PA;
Media Peterman, age 1, born in PA
Roll: T624_1421; Page: 9A; Enumeration District: 137

World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 > Pennsylvania > Sullivan County > 0 > Draft Card P
Name: Glen D Peterman
City: Laporte
County: Sullivan
State: Pennsylvania
Birth Date: 4 Nov 1877
Race: White
Roll: 1926738
DraftBoard: 0
Age:41
Occupation:farmer
Nearest Relative:wife Lizzie E Peterman
Height/Build:medium/ medium
Color of Eyes/Hair:blue/ dark brown
Signature: Glen Peterman
Source Citation: Registration Location: Sullivan County, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1926738; Draft Board: 0.
1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 159
Enumerated 10 January 1920
Name: Glen D Peterman
Age: 42 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1878
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Own
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Occupation: General Farmer
Spouse: Lizzie E , age 36
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Others in home:
Beulah B Peterman, daughter, age 13, born in PA, at school;
Howard M Peterman, son, age 12, born in PA, at school;
Media Peterman, daughter, age 10, born in PA, at school;
Herman G Peterman, son, age 8, born in PA, at school;
Bernie Peterman, daughter, age 6 , born in PA, at school;
Frank Peterman, age 4 0/12, born in PA;
Roll: T625_1653; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 159

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 13
Enumerated 2 Apr 1930
Name: Lizzie E Peterman
Age: 45, widowed
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1885
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Occupation:
Others in home:
Howard M Peterman, son, single, age 22, born in PA, laborer in lumber mill;
Herman G Peterman, son, single, age 18, born in PA, laborer in lumber mill;
Vernie M Peterman, daughter, age 16, born in PA;
Frank M Peterman, son, age 13, born in PA;
Archie E Sellers,son in law, age 30, married age 27, laborer in lumber mill, born in PA
Buleich( Beulah) B Sellers, age 25 , daughter, married age 22, born in PA, salesman in genral store;
Eugene H Sellers, age 1, grandson, born in PA.
Roll: 2150; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 13

are two stepdaughters, Lois Brant of Williamsport and Janet Stugart of Willow St.; a niece, Ann Kelly of Montoursville; three grand-nieces; and two grand-nephews.
Josephine is preceded in death by a brother, George Taylor.

Social Security Death Index Record
Name: L. G (George) Taylor
SSN: 202-09-2945
Last Residence: 17758 Muncy Valley, Sullivan, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born: 23 May 1904
Died: 21 Apr 1996
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)
Source Citation: Number: 202-09-2945;Issue State: Pennsylvania;Issue Date: Before 1951.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville, with the Rev. G. Edward Corcelius and the Rev. Arthur Gladfelter co-officiating.
Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Joyce Ingerson

Here is an excerpt from a longer message that Helen sent to Susan Messersmith, in which she comments on Hannah Jane Hunter's involvement in an internecine fight over the land deeds for James Peterman:
Hi Susan,

I haven't accomplished very much in regard to the deeds I started typing two years ago. I thought I would be able to type them, then take them back to Bloomsburg and compare them with the originals before putting them into book form for the Historical Society.

I am numbering them according to dates. Problem is, many times [when] a new deed was written, they included part of or the whole original deed, then added a few lines and recorded that deed.

I have not been able to get my mind together to do what I had originally planned. The biggest problem is tracing them back to the original purchase from one of the Montgomery family. It appears William Montgomery gave or sold some tracts of the land in obtained in 1770 to his sons and daughters. These people moved to Chester Co., Penna., Ohio and Missouri.

I believe I told you my great-great-grandmother Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman married James Peterman, (second marriages for both). Ann had first married Josephus (Cephas) Bartleson and they had six children. James and Ann had three Peterman sons, Jefferson, Hiram Abiff * and Alexander Colley Peterman. James died intestate in 1824.

At that time, women still did not have many legal rights. From the court records I found Ann and her stepbrother, Alexander Colley.and Benjamin Peterman, oldest son of James and Elizabeth Bartleson, were administrators of James' estate. Some land had to be sold to pay debts James still owed. From Ann's letters it appears the children of James and Elizabeth were not happy about Ann and James marrying so soon after the death of Elizabeth. The estate had to be settled in Columbia County Court.

Ann agreed to sell the 43 acres tract where she was living with her children from both marriages. It seems to me she intended to live there three years. One of the deeds appears to have a line written in (in different colored ink), which stated she had to give up possession of that tract after the first year. I think Alexander Colley added that line.

Her letters to stepson William Bartleson Peterman tell the story several times of how she was cheated out of that land. William was under 10 years old when father James died. After he became an adult and learned from Ann the details of losing the land, he evidently sued in Columbia County Court to get possession of that tract. I could not find that court information. The Court found in William's favor. Now comes the problem.

James Peterman had bought that tract from William Montgomery. Evidently the Court said they had to get Quit Claims from each of the owners before William could get possession. It took 10 or 15 years to get quit claim deeds from each family member. I did not copy every deed because of the cost. I have 60 deeds so it would have cost $60.

James and Benjamin Peterman were both dead by that time. That final deed is from the Montgomery family members to Benjamin Franklin Peterman and Melissa Colley Peterman.

I thought of sending you copies of several of the deeds if you think you may have time to check the deed books. If you plan to return to Bloomsburg in Sept. I may be able to get them better organized for you.

It is confusing to determine which which James Peterman is meant for each date. James Peterman Sr. (married to Elizabeth Bartleson) purchased the land from Robert Montgomery before he died.

From the dates when William Bartleson Peterman was trying to get the land back that had been taken from his stepmother, I think they may have concockted a scheme because the grandson also was named James Peterman and could testify in court to that effect. I believe his step- rother James Peterman married to Hannah Jane Hunter living in Sullivan Co. appeared in court AFTER his father had died to say he was the James Peterman who had purchased the land. No wife was named with James at the time of the first purchase. Elizabeth Bartleson Peterman may have died before James bought the land from Robert Montgomery, possibly before he married Ann Batcheler-Bartleson.

I can't prove any of this but wife, Hannah Jane Hunter Peterman was not listed as co-owner in the first deed when James Peterman of Sullivan County was named in the deed. She was included in later deeds.

* Editor's Note: Information about Hiram Abiff Peterman updated by Joyce Ingerson in December 2011.

Now back to Helen's recollections:

I am a child of Ella Peterman's second marriage to ERNEST ROMEO SMITH, a KEELER descendant. But that is another story.

Helen Smith Gammon

June 3, 2001

NORMAN B. HESS

Note: See the extensive note below from Helen Smith Gammon that point to errors and corrections in the Peterman, Hunter and Hess relationships.

Norman B. Hess was born in Columbia County in 1867. He is a son of Shedrack Hess, of Columbia County. Mr. Hess came to Laporte township when a young man. He married Ella Peterman in 1899. She was a daughter of James and H.J. (Hunter) Peterman. Jas. Peterman came from Columbia Co. to Laporte Township in 1862, he was of German descent. Norman B. Hess owns a farm in Laporte Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Hess have been born two children: Amanda C. and Charles Clayton.

Helen sent this data to Joyce regarding her Smith lineage:

This is more from Helen and Joyce exchanging data regarding their Hess families.

Father : Ernest Romeo Smith,b 28 Sep 1873, Laporte, Sullivan, Pennsylvania

d 23 Nov 1926, Kingston, Luzerne, Pennsylvania,

buried Helen uncertain- someplace in Luzerne County

Mother : Martha Ella Peterman

b 14 Oct 1881, Shreve, Wayne, Ohio

d 11 Jul 1960, Berwick, Columbia, Pennsylvania

buried St Gabriel's Cem, Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Sisters of Helen Smith Gammon:

1. Lena Isabelle Smith, b 05 Jan 1913, Sullivan County, PA, d 28 Sep 2003, Leigh County, Pennsylvania, married Frank Markle and
Samuel Silvetti.

2. Laura Inez Smith, b 02 Mar 1916, Mifflinville, PA, d 29 Dec 1969, Bloomsburg, Columbia, Pennsylvania

3. Helen Delores Smith, married 31 Aug 1941, Berwick, Columbia, Pennsylvania to William Burns Gammon

We have add her social security data here: Helen S. Gammon
Last Residence: 85225 Chandler, Maricopa, Arizona
Born: 12 Jul 1919
Died: 19 Nov 2005
State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951

They exchanged the following data regarding her Hess lineage, which actually wasn't hers since she was born ( Helen Deloras) Smith, however her mother had married Norman Brittain Hess before she married her father.

Helen retold to me that after her mother was left alone, when Ernest deserted her, she returned to using the name Hess. Correct. And this confused people- neighbors and even distant relatives. Ella wanted to be buried Ella Martha Hess. Ella Never mentioned Smith again. Helen and her two sisters-Lena Isabelle Smith & Laura Inez Smith kept the Smith name.

In a conversation I had with Dan Thompson, he believes the name was changed back to Smith because of Helen"s Step brother, Doyle Hess being killed in World War I.

"However, Doyle's death and insurance provided the means for my mother to raise the rest of her children. The last payment of $57.50 was made July 1937. I was graduataed from high school June 1937. My mother always told me it was up to me to find a way to survive after that time. " Helen Smith Gammon, Oct 2002

Her mother, Ella obtained a snappy GI attorney, was able to obtain a dependent mother's pension. Ella still had to rear all three girls, then some (daughter Amanda's illegitimate son until she married). Helen told me that her father, Ernest Romeo Smith, never help contribute any money toward their rearing.

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Berwick > District 7
Enumerated 2 January 1920
Ella M Smith
Age:    38 years
Estimated birth year:    abt 1882
Birthplace:    Ohio
Father's Birthplace: PA
Mothers's Birthplace: PA
Race:    White
Sex:    female
Marital status: married
Others in home: Manda( Amanda) Hess, daughter, age 19;
Willis (Hess), son, age 16; Caroline (Hess), age 10 1/12;
Lena Smith, daughter, 6 11/12; Laura, daughter 4 11/12; Helen, daughter, 6/12;
grandson, Clayton Bolt, 0/12( Amanda's illegitimate son) All children born in PA
Roll:    T625_1554 ;Page:    4A

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Berwick > District 9
Enumerated 8 Apr 1930
Head of Household: Ella M Hess
Owns home- value 1200
Age; 48, widowed
Age first married: age 18
Race:    White
Birthplace:    Ohio
Parents birthplace: Pennsylvania
Others in home : Laura I Smith, daughter, age 15, born in PA ;
Helen D, daughter, age 10, born in PA
Roll: 2023; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 9

Which is entirely possible too, because in order to receive a mother's pension from the death of a supporting child, Ella Peterman Hess Smith would have had to bear the Hess child's name.

5. John5 Hess (Goddard4, Johan William/Wilhelm3, Johan Conrad2, Jerrimias1) was born 1775. He married Charity Cole.

Child of John Hess and Charity Cole is:

+ 6 i. John6 Hess, born 1805.

Rebecka Hess, b 15 Mar 1809, m Alexander Cole

Peter Hess, b 08 Jan 1812, d 18 Oct 1863,

m Sarah--------, b 11 Oct 1800, d 17 Apr 1873

Peter Hess

d 18 Oct 1863

age 52-10-8

St Gabriel's Cemetery

Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Vol 1, page� 88

Sarah Hess

w/o Peter

d 2 Apr 1882

age 72-6-7

St Gabriel's Cemetery

Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Vol 1, page� 88

William J Hess, b 07 Aug 1814

�Generation No. 6

6. John6 Hess (John5, Goddard4, Johan William/Wilhelm3, Johan Conrad2, Jerrimias1) was born 1805. He married Nancy Spencer. 02 Jan 1830

She was born 1806.

Gender: Female

Real Estate: 200

Others in home: Nelson, age 16, common laborer,

born in PA

PO Coles Creek

�Roll: M653_1098; Page: 1093

Children of John Hess and Nancy Spencer are:

7 i. Abijah7 Hess, born 1831.

8 ii. Andrew Hess, born 1831. born 17 Jul 1831, m Mariah Lewis

Andrew J Hess

wife: Mariah

d 10 Sep 1885

age 54-1-24

St Gabriel's Cemetery

1850 US Census Pennsylvania Columbia Sugarloaf

Enumerated 19 Sep 1850

Head of Household: John Hess, Sr

age 75

Birth place:�� Pennsylvania

Gender:�� Male

Real estate: 1500

Others in home: John Hess, Jr, age 45, farmer;

Nancy, age 44;

Andrew, age 19, laborer; Philip, age 16, laborer; George, age 14, attending school;

Shadrick, age 12, attenind school; Gearhart, age 9; Nelson, age 6;

Mary Spencer, age 42. All born in PA

Home in 1850;(City,County,State):�� Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Page:�� 216 ; Roll:�� M432_769

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf

Enumerated 12 Sep 1860

Head of Household: Nancy Hess

Age: 57

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Vol 1, page� 88�

9 iii. George R ( actually C on grave ) Hess, born 1831 in PA.

1850 US Census Pennsylvania Columbia Sugarloaf
Enumerated 19 Sep 1850
Head of Household: John Hess, Sr
age 75
Birth place:    Pennsylvania
Gender:    Male
Real estate: 1500
Others in home: John Hess, Jr, age 45, farmer;
Nancy, age 44;
Andrew, age 19, laborer; Philip, age 16, laborer; George, age 14, attending school;
Shadrick, age 12, attending school; Gearhart, age 9; Nelson, age 6;
Mary Spencer, age 42. All born in PA
Home in 1850;(City,County,State):    Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Page:    216 ; Roll:    M432_769

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 12 Sep 1860
Name: George Hess
Age in 1860: 24
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Value of real estate: 200
Others in home: Susannah, age 18, born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M653_1098; Page: 1093
Immediate neighbors: George Maustellar, age 79; Valentine Stout, age 52

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 29 Jun 1870
Name: George Hess
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1836
Age in 1870: 34
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: farm laborer
Value of real estate: 1000
Others in home: Susanna, age 28;
Margaret, age 10; Eml (m), age 8; Nancy, age 7;
Sarah, age 3. All born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M593_1329; Page: 380
Immediate neighbor: Shadrick Hess, age 32

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Jackson > District 176
Enumerated 23 Jun 1880
Name: Geo C. Hess
Age: 44
Estimated birth year: <1836>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Marital status: Married
Spouse's name: Susannah, age 38, wife
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Race: White
Others in home: Emanuel, son, age 17; Sarah C, daughter, age 12, attending school;
Clarence E, son, age 6; Michael Remley, age 78, father in law, boarder.
Roll: T9_1118; Family History Film: 1255118; Page:; Enumeration District: 176

George C Hess
wf Susannah
d 28 Apr 1903
age 66-10-19
St Gabriels Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Records
Volume 1, page 87,copyright Nov 2000

Susannah Hess
w/o George C
1842-1925
St Gabriels Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Records
Volume 1, page 87,copyright Nov 2000

10 iv. Philip Hess, born 1834( 15 Feb 1833 ). He married December 06, 1858; Minerva Hunter born April 25, 1838.

Philip Hess

d 30 Sep 1870

age 37-7-15

St Gabriel's Cemetery

Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Vol 1, page� 88�

Father: George Hess

Mother: Nancy Spencer

This is George (C) Hess, b 09 Jun 1836; d 28 Apr 1903, buried St Gabriel's Cemetery, Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

with spouse, Susanna Remley, d/o Michael Remley ( records of Helen Gammon)

11 v. George Hess, born 1836.� born 09 Jun 1836

George Hess

w: Rebecca

d 18 Dec 1884

St Gabriel's Cemetery

Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Vol 1, page� 87�

+ 12 vi. Shedrick S (Samuel) Hess, born 1838 in Nordmont, PA.

Shedrick Hess

no dates

Co D 103rd PA Inf

St Gabriel's Cemetery

Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society

Volume 1 , page 88

(d 26 Jun 1881, from Helen Smith Gammon records, Jan 2004)

13 vii. John L Hess, born 1839 in Not on 1850 census with Shadrick.

14 viii. Yearheart Hess, (corrected Gearhart Hess) born 1841.

Gearhart Hess

d 14 Feb 1903

age 61y

St Gabriel's Cemetery

Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society

Volume 1 , page 87

15 ix. Nelson Hess, born 1844. d 21 Jul 1877, from Helen Smith Gammon records,

More wonderful Hess data form Joyce and Helen! The Hess name was as much part of her genealogy, if not more than the Smith which eluded her. I can�t imagine anything ever eluded her considering how many stones she kept overturning, courthouse records she dug through and every cemetery in Columbia and Sullivan County she visited.

John⁶ Hess (John⁵, Goddard⁴, Johan William/Wilhelm³, Johan Conrad², Jerrimias¹) was born 1805. He married Nancy Spencer. She was born 1806.

Children of John Hess and Nancy Spencer are:

7 i. Abijah⁷ Hess, born 1831.?????????????

8 ii. Andrew Hess, born 17 Jul 1831, d 10 Sep 1885, buried St Gabriel's Cemetery, Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

1850 US Census Pennsylvania Columbia Sugarloaf
Enumerated 19 Sep 1850
Head of Household: John Hess, Sr
age 75
Birth place:    Pennsylvania
Gender:    Male
Real estate: 1500
Others in home: John Hess, Jr, age 45, farmer;
Nancy, age 44;
Andrew, age 19, laborer; Philip, age 16, laborer; George, age 14, attending school;
Shadrick, age 12, attending school; Gearhart, age 9; Nelson, age 6;
Mary Spencer, age 42. All born in PA
Home in 1850;(City,County,State):    Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Page:    216 ; Roll:    M432_769

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 12 Sep 1860
Name: Andrew Hess
Age in 1860: 27
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Lumberman
Real Estate: 800
Others in home: Maria, age 26;
John R, age 7, attending school; Sarah A, age 5; Cornelius, age 3;
Thomas W, age 8/12. All born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M653_1098; Page: 1093
Immediate neighbors: Philip Hess, age 27; Nancy Hess, age 37

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 29 Jun 1870
Name: Andrew Hess
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1832
Age in 1870: 38
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Value of real estate: 2000
Others in home: Maria, age 37;
John R, age 17; Sarah, age 15, attending school; Cornelius, age 13, attending school;
Thos, age 10; Aaron, age 6; Josiah, age 2/12( born Apr). All born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M593_1329; Page: 11-380
Immediate neighbors: Nancy Hess, age 63; J W Dils, age 34

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugar Loaf > District 187
Enumerated 16 Jun 1880
Name: Andrew Hess
Age: 48
Estimated birth year: <1832>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Occupation: Farmer
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Spouse's name: Mariah, age 47
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Others in home: John, son, age 28, farmer; Cornelius, son, age 24, farmer;
Thomas, son, age 20, farmer; James, age 18, farmer; Aaron, son, age 16, farmer;
Jenie, daughter, age 7. All born in PA
Roll: T9_1119; Family History Film: 1255119;
Page: 3; Enumeration District: 187
Immediate neighbors: Hannah Fritz, age 44; Elias Shultz, age 37

Andrew J Hess
wife: Mariah
d 10 Sep 1885
age 54-1-24
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Vol 1, page 86

Mariah Hess ( d/o John Lewis & Sarah H Hess)
w/o Andrew J
d 4 Sep 1881
age 48-8-13
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Vol 1, page 88

Their Children:

1. John Rupert Hess

2. Sarah Alice Hess

3. Cornelius E Hess

4. Thomas Wesley Hess

5. James Hower Hess

6. Aaron Hess

7. Josiah Hess

8. Jennie Hess

-----------------------------------------------

+ 9 iii. George R Hess, born 1831 in PA.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 iv. Philip Hess, born 1834. He married Minerva Hunter December 06, 1858; born April 25, 1838.

More About Philip Hess and Minerva Hunter:

Marriage: December 06, 1858

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 12 Sep 1860
Name: Philip Hess
Age in 1860: 27
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Value of real estate: 2600
Others in home: Minerva, age 22;
Mary, age 2. Both born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek
Roll: M653_1098; Page: 1093

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 29 Jun 1870
Name: Philip Hess
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1834
Age in 1870: 36
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real Estate: 1800
Others in home: Minerva, age 32;
Mary, age 12, attending school; Jas, age 9, attedning school; Jno, age 6;
Josiah, age 4; Margaret, age 3. All born in PA
Post Office: Coles Creek Roll: M593_1329; Page: 380

Philip Hess
d 30 Sep 1870
age 37-7-15
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, PA
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery records
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Vol 1, page 88

----------------------------------------

Helen contributed her knowledge to the Hess/Sheep Bibles pages. I remember sent I sent her the page url http://www.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv/Bibles/BiblePage.htm she said I always knew it was SHEEP not Sheets. Those bible pages made her so happy.

Helen had other genealogy friends that I knew of, so I have asked them for some input. This one comes form her traveling pal, Joyce Ingerson.

Hello Carol, I will indeed share with you a few of my some of personal notes.

Susan Messersmith and I wrote to Helen regularly, at least 1-2 times per week.  Helen frequently commented that she sensed great relief she had discovered you, Carol.

Oh how Helen fought to seek a solid historical source to preserve some of her hard efforts of research! She felt we could/should help her and bantered her case. I vividly recall summer of 2003 traveling in Sullivan County while researching together, day after day, Helen sensed the overhanging burden.  I began to sense the depth of her despair.

We each had ever praised Sullivan County's Web site! Alias! There right there in front of us- Helen then found you... and wonderful respite came. We are overjoyed and grateful!

Special Note: Joyce Ingerson's census in red; in addition, any bracketed information purely for my clarity. Meanwhile Helen's comments are dated.

Joyce Ingerson's sympathy letter regarding Helen's passing to Susan Messersmith

Thank you so much for writing, Susan. My sincere sympathy is extended to you. Helen dearly loved you.
What is so odd is that I had just sent Helen a brief photo message of comfort less than 5 days prior to Dick (Shoemaker of Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society)'s message of her passing was sent to me.

I had been writing regularly at least one or twice a week. My husband adores his photography and Helen so enjoyed some of his photos of nature and his poetry verses.
Since my last message was not returned, lacking any indication, I thought Helen was still living. Helen knew I am a recently retired ICU RN. She faithfully would type each of her recently completed medical reports so I could help her better understand each of these pieces of information on her disease progression.

She was getting very short of breath and required constant oxygen and would suffer tremendously without it. Hospice wished that she would check into their local facility. Helen refused! Her last wish was to be in her familiar and comfortable home surroundings, even though she was greatly alone. Her daughter Marcy visited approximately once a month; her son Thomas locally was checking on her in addition to Hospice. Thus, she sensed and wished to hold her independence as long as she could.

She knew she was rapidly losing her short-term memory. I tried to encourage her that we all would understand her gap / lack of communication. Above all, she now was required to conserve all of her reserves, be patient with this memory loss, and endeavor to focus on comfort and privacy measures she dearly wished.

I indeed believe Helen was a lady, who handled some difficult life issues admirably and far more independently than most. I can attest that even any slightest disrespect direct her way (I personally witnessed some of this mistaken disregard while we were researching together in other facilities), she became more patent and noble, always seeking the greater good out of trials.

I too will miss her grand enthusiasm for communication with each of us. What vision of connection Helen had! I sense she has left a wealth of fastidious observation behind for myriads of others to reap, hopefully each will find great gratitude for these labors of love she gave to all.

I firmly believe the Lord will say (to Helen at the judgment of God), Matt. 25: 21

Well done, thou good and faithful servant thou hast been faithful over a few things � enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

With deepest sympathy- your friend, Joyce Ingerson

Joyce tells me a little about Helen�s mother

Ella nee Peterman Hess
with Norman B
1881-1960
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society
Volume 1, page 87

My mother was named MARTHA ELLA Peterman. Mom married (Sarah Amanda Hunter Hess's son) Norman Brittain Hess.

He was 14 years older than she was. Norman Hess and my mother Martha applied for a marriage license in Sullivan Co. that was never used. Then finally married in Columbia Co.

One can only imagine what developed but there was a marriage license taken out March 28, 1897 in Columbia County that was never used. (Marriage License Docket of Columbia County, Pennsylvania, # 4030)

Then another marriage license taken out March 31, 1899 in Sullivan County (Marriage License Docket, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, # 948 application with marriage in Central, Columbia, County)

Sarah A Hunter Hess really made my mother's, Martha Ella Peterman, life miserable. Five of my Hess siblings were born in Nordmont.

When only she was a 16-year-old girl, Mom went to take care of Sarah Amanda Hess Hunter, who I believe was bedfast with bleeding cancer. Imagine the conditions with no indoor plumbing, and outside well water to wash clothing. She had to go to the well for water, make a fire to heat the water, to wash by hand on the scrub board the cloths used for her care, then hang them to dry regardless of the weather, do all the house work and cooking, with an infant in her arms and a little one at her feet. She also had to help in the garden and fields when necessary. Yet in her will, Sarah A Hunter Hess, tells her daughter Blanche Hess Snider to look out and care for her brother, "poor Norman".

For my mother the next few years were not a picnic for her either. How she met my father (Ernest Romeo Smith) I do not know but all the Hess children except the nursing baby were farmed out with relatives or neighbors.

Later (my father) he left her and her problems before I was born -- He didn't want another damn kid. She divorced my father and retained ELLA M. HESS the rest of her life.

Letter to Joyce Ingerson from Helen Smith Gammon, dated Oct 2002.

This is the data on Helens father:

Norman B Hess
with Ella
1867-1910
St Gabriel's Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County
Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society
Volume 1, page 88

At age 15, my mother (Martha Ella Peterman) did have a son, Doyle Eugene Hess, born before her marriage. Doyle died Oct 11, 1918, his body was not brought back until 1920 when he was buried. He was killed one month before the end of the war Nov. 11, 1918. My mother (Martha Ella Peterman) did not get the message about his death until Christmas. She kept his picture and a large printed certificate of his death on the living room wall as long as she lived. She also kept a large portrait picture of Norman in the bedroom. �However her mother, Kate Peterman raised him.   All his school life, army life and until his death in France during WW I, he was known Doyle Eugene Hess. Norman Hess never was a real father to Doyle. He was Sgt. 108 inf, 28 Div.buried St Gabriel's Cemetery. Evidently Norman Hess did not accept him as his own son, since he continued to live with our grandparents, Abraham and Catherine Smith Peterman, until about the time Norman went to the service and later died.

Letter to Joyce Ingerson from Helen Smith Gammon, dated Oct 2002.

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf > District 30
Enumerated 1 Jun 1900
Head of household: Abraham Peterman
Age: 57, married 28 yrs, born Dec 1842
Occupation: Farmer, owns farm, unable to read& write
Parents Birthplace: PA
Others in home: Cathrine, age: 54, born Apr 1842, married 28 yrs, 11 children, 8 alive, able to read and write
Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Parents Birthplace: Germany
Race:    White
Others in home: Edward, son, born May 1885, age 15, born in PA;
Debra, daughter, born Apr 1895, age 5, born in PA
Doyal, grandson, born Nov 1897, age 2, born in PA
Roll: T623 1398; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 30.

1900 US Census Pennsylvania, Sullivan, Laporte,
Enumerated 2 Jun 1900
Norman Hess
Age:    31, born Oct 1868, married 2 years
Estimated birth year:    1869
Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Race:    White
Occupation:    woodsman
Spouse: Ella, born Oct 1881 in Ohio, age 19, married 2 years, 1 child, 1 living;
Amanda C, daughter, born Jun 1900, age 4/12
Roll: T623 1488; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 70.
Next door neighbor: TJ Keeler, born Jul 1840

"I think my mother grieved for Doyle every day of her life." Letter to Joyce Ingerson from Helen Smith Gammon, dated Helen Smith Gammon, May 2005

Doyle Eugene Hess
no birth date- 22 Oct 1918
WW1, Sgt 109 Inf, 28 Div
St Gabriel Cemetery
Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Columbia County Genealogical historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books
Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County, Volume 1, page 87

American Soldiers of World War I
Soldiers of the Great War, Volume 3
Pennsylvania, page 138
Doyle Eugene Hess
res, Berwick, Columbia, PA

However, Doyle's death and insurance provided the means for my mother to raise the rest of her children. The last payment of $57.50 was made July 1937. I was graduated from high school June 1937.

My mother always told me it was up to me to find a way to survive after that time. During the depression, I was not able to find any work for two years. Luckily a WW I lawyer friend, knowing of my mother's destitute position, was able to get her a monthly government stipend of $45 a month for the rest of her life since Doyle had never married and was assumed to be her whole support. Letter to Joyce Ingerson from Helen Smith Gammon, dated Oct 2002.

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Berwick > District 7
Enumerated 2 January 1920
Ella M Smith
Age:    38 years
Estimated birth year:    abt 1882
Birthplace:    Ohio
Father's Birthplace: PA
Mother's Birthplace: PA
Race:    White
Sex:    female
Marital status: married
Others in home: Manda Hess, daughter, age 19;
Willis(Hess), son, age 16; Caroline(Hess), age 10 1/12;
Lena Smith, daughter, 6 11/12; Laura, daughter 4 11/12; Helen, daughter, 6/12;
grandson, Clayton Bolt, 0/12. All children born in PA
Roll:    T625_1554 ;Page:    4A

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Berwick > District 9
Enumerated 8 Apr 1930
Head of Household: Ella M Hess
Owns home- value 1200
Age; 48, widowed
Age first married: age 18
Race:    White
Birthplace:    Ohio
Parents birthplace: Pennsylvania
Others in home : Laura I Smith, daughter, age 15, born in PA ;
Helen D, daughter, age 10, born in PA
Roll: 2023; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 9

"Five of my Hess siblings were born in Nordmont."

1. Amanda Catherine Hess, married 1925,

My sister Amanda or "Mandy" was named for Sarah Amanda Hunter.

1920 US Census Manda was Amanda.

Clayton Bolt was her son, who was later listed as Jack Kyle after she married.
Jack was never officially adopted by Warren Kyle*, Amanda's husband.

(* Note: there was another Warren Kile who owned a furniture store in Berwick for a time.)

Their children were:

Zoe married Raymond Wolfe from Luzerne Co.,
June married Monroe Bower from Berwick area,

Jack Kyle married Marguerite Pomeran from Kingston, sons Jack and David.
Jack and Marguerite are both dead. Helen S Gammon, May 2005

2. Willis Hess, married Margaret Cooper, of Nescopeck, Luzerne, Pennsylvania

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Berwick > District 7
Enumerated 2 January 1920
Ella M Smith
Age:    38 years
Estimated birth year:    abt 1882
Birthplace:    Ohio
Parents Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Race:    White
Sex:    female
Marital status: married
Others in home: Manda Hess, daughter, age 19; Willis, son, age 16; Caroline, age 10 1/12;
Lena Smith, daughter, 6 11/12; Laura, daughter 4 11/12; Helen, daughter, 6/12;
grandson, Clayton Bolt, 0/12. All children born in PA
Roll:    T625_1554 ; Page:    4A

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Luzerne > Nescopeck > District 143
Enumerated 22 Apr 1930
Willis Hess
Age:    27
First married: age 20
Estimated birth year:    abt 1903
Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Parents birthplace: Father: PA; Mother: Ohio
Race:    White
Occupation:    laborer for coal mines
Spouse's Name:    Margaret , age 23, married at age 17
Others in home: Robert, son, age 6; Doyle, son, age 4; Edward, son, age 3;
Maynard, son, 10/12; Lois Handel, border, married at age 18
Roll: 2070; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 143

Willis Hess
SSN: 160-18-9643
Last Residence:    18603 Berwick, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born:    8 Jun 1903
Last Benefit:    18603 Berwick, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died:    Apr 1981
State (Year) SSN issued:    Pennsylvania (Before 1951 )

3.Carolyn Deborah Hess, married Fred Hess

Carolyn married Frederick Hess who died in Kingston when Beverly and Dale were small children.
Names: Beverly Dawn Hess and Dale Gene Hess.
All dead except Beverly. Lived in Kingston, then Berwick.

Carolyn then married Arden Lancaster had one son: Keith Allen Lancaster, who lived in Berwick.

4. Charles Clayton Hess

My brother Charlie went by Charles C. Hess. Was in Berwick or surrounding
area except for a time when he worked from Harrisburg. Wife Ruth, son Ted.

5. 1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Muncy > District 37
Enumerated 14 Apr 1930
Evelyn Hess
Age:    22
Estimated birth year:    abt 1908
Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Relation to head-of-house:    Niece
Race:    White
Occupation: General store sales lady
Head of Household: Edward Peterman, age 45, born in Ohio, married at age 22
Occupation: General house carpenter
Others in home: Nellie, age 44, married at age 23, born in PA
Home in 1930:    Muncy, Lycoming, Pennsylvania
Roll: 2075; Page: 16B; Enumeration District: 37

5. Evelyn Ladella Hess, married Ralph Edgar Warburton

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Muncy > District 37
Enumerated 14 Apr 1930
Evelyn Hess
Age:    22
Estimated birth year:    abt 1908
Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Relation to head-of-house:    Niece
Race:    White
Occupation: General store sales lady
Head of Household: Edward Peterman, age 45, born in Ohio, married at age 22
Occupation: General house carpenter
Others in home: Nellie, age 44, married at age 23, born in PA

1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Penn Twp > District 65
Enumerated 7&9 May 1910
Robert Warburton
Age in 1910:    42
Estimated birth year:    abt 1868
Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Occupation: Farmer, owns farm
Race:    White
Gender:    Male
Martial Status: Married X1, 17 years
Spouse: Fannie, wife, age 36, married X1, 17 years, 5 children, 5 alive;
Others in home: Harry, son, age 16; Lee, son, age 14; Emma, daughter, age 12;
Ruth, daughter, age 9; Ralph, son, age 4; Ruth( Warburton), mother, age 68, 10 children, 6 alive.
Series:    T624 Roll:    1372 Part:    2 Page:    152B

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Muncy > District 37
Enumerated 2 Apr 1930
Ralph Warburton
Age:    26
Estimated birth year:    abt 1904
Birthplace:    Pennsylvania
Relation to head-of-house:    Boarder in Elmer Budman home
Race:    White
Occupation:    auto repair mechanic
Roll: 2075; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 37

Ralph E. Warburton
SSN:    174-03-7101
Last Residence:    17815 Bloomsburg, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born:    8 Jan 1906
Died:    10 Aug 1988
State (Year) SSN issued:    Pennsylvania (Before 1951 )

As for poor Evelyn -- who will be 98 in September.� She married Ralph Warburton (deceased),

daughters Ruth (Steve Hrinda); Nancy (John / Jack Hartzel and Jean (Thomas Levan from Catawissa.)

Helen Gammon, May 2005

Here's another communication, this one from Helen to Susan Messersmith in November 2003, where she recalls trying to take her sister Evelyn back to the early geography and locations on Peterman Road:

While still in Penna. I took my sister, Evelyln Hess Warburton, up to the area where Abe's family and John lived.� I had hoped to take you there but went to Nordmont with Joyce. Sorry we didn't make it. I will tell you the directions and story if you get back there you can take your mother along and maybe she will recollect some of what she had been told.

We went past St. Gabriel's, over the bridge past camp Laveign, stay on that road till you reach R.118.� Cross R. 118 and immediately on the left you will see dirt road going up the hill marked "Peterman Road".� It is poor but passable.

At the top the road joins Saddlerock Road then goes west past Abe's house and rejoins R. 118 further west.� Turn left -- this was the location of Abe's house and barn. A group of men bought Abe's house and used it for a hunting lodge.

It burned some years ago. The first building on the left is the house the hunting group built on the foundation of Abe's house I was told. There is still a foundation behind the house. On the west Evelyn remember Kate had a cave to keep food cool. The well was in the front yard --can still see it covered.

From the top of the hill where John and Abe's farms joined, Evelyn remembers the pond and meadow.� There were open grain fields across the road, not grown up with trees as it is today.

Coming up the hill maybe 3/4 of the way on the left if you stop you can see part of the foundation of John�s barn.

If you DO NOT turn left but follow the road it will lead you down that hill and join the road that goes to Central. We went to Central and came up that road since it was the way Evelyn remembered walking up to Grandma's.

Evelyn remember Guy Hirleman who married Amy Hess lived on the right hand side going towards near where it joins Saddlerock Road. Children: Lois, Betty and Malcolm who still lives in Light Street. The large barn that is still there may have been the Hirleman barn.� There are other foundations still there I was told.

�Most of the neighbors lived on that road. The names Evelyn remembered were Bruce Sutliffs, George Hunsingers live in a shack, had daughter Charlotte; Bruce Godners wife Katherine, sons Delbert and Albert (perhaps a daughter too). Are these names your Mother remembers?� Try the 1900 or 1910 Census to get names of neighbors.�

Abe and Kate's daughter Deborah (Aunt Debbie married Walter F. Kile, postman) lived in Central in the house on the corner below the hotel.� There are two or three houses between them.� My cousin Dorothy (who mar Raymond Thomas lived there until she died a year ago, Raymond still has it besides their home in Bloomsburg.)

(Large garage/barn.)

Evelyn would stay with Grandpa Abe and Grandma Kate a week or so at a time. She remembers a large open wheat field immediately at the top of the hill on the left between John's house and barn and Abe's house. They also kept very large garden including strawberries; had 2 mulberry trees in the front yard, also an apple tree, red sour cherry tree and large blackberries, which Grandma dried for winter eating.

Aunt Debbie taught at the schoolhouse, which was further west on Saddlerock Road near where it joins R. 118. She would take Evelyn along to school before Evelyn was old enough to go to school.�

She remembers Abe Knouse family did not live there but lived on a different road. I haven't researched the Knouses but have the following.

Abe Knouse was born 1836 (2nd marriage) to Sarah Ann (Sallie) Peterman, sister of John and Abe. Children: Alfred Merton Knouse married Ethel _____ ; Mary Caroline Knouse married Chester Roy Peterman (son of James Peterman and Hannah Jane Hunter of Nordmont.) This James was son of Benjamin and Amanda Katherine Hess (cousins?)� Abe Knouse's will left money only to children of 2nd marriage.� Abe's granddaughter told me Abe ignored all children of his first family.

John was always called John Knouse by all in the family� --not John Peterman. Mary Turner was John's mother. I know little about the Turners. Her brother John became guardian for Benjamin's minor children when Benjamin died.�

I can't find the notes I had about Mary's children refusing to take care of her in her old age. She had to pay them to take care of her.

Helen

1. Lena Isabelle Smith

Lena was living in Berwick. Married Frank Markle and
Samuel Silvetti. All three are dead.
Lena married 1st Frank Markle of LaJose, Penna., son Dean Frank Markle
(Army) of Germany and Texas all dead. Frank remarried.
Lena married 2nd Samuel Silvetti, daughter Sylvia, son Michael, Berwick

Lena I. Silvetti
SSN:    188-05-4761
Last Residence:    18062 Macungie, Lehigh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Born:    5 Jan 1913
Last Benefit:    18603 Berwick, Columbia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Died:    28 Sep 2003
State (Year) SSN issued:    Pennsylvania (Before 1951 )

2. LAURA INEZ SMITH b Mar. 2, 1916 Mifflinville, PA, d Dec. 29, 1969 Bloomsburg, PA

Laura was in poor health. She had what they called St. Vitus Dance as a child. I always had to look out forand take care of her. Mother made us go and do everything together -- I think because she was fearful of something happening to Laura. I can recall nurses picked her off mother' s lap and carried her kicking and screaming into tonsil surgery.

Her nerves were so bad she could not finish high school because of the pressure. She married and had 2 sons, still living. We

all felt she would not live long after my mother died in July. Six months later while in the hospital to stabilize her, she had a heart attack.

Helen Smith Gammon, Oct 2002

One thing I remember Laura would put a hand behind her back, and then rub it up and down until she had a blister on her hand. �She would shake badly. Mom would lie in bed holding her down until she fell asleep. None of the doctors seemed to be able to help her. Freshman year in high school seemed ok. The next year the doctor told my mother to take her out of school. They didn't think she could handle it. About 1940 she found a job-keeping house for a family in Bloomsburg, met a guy, married, had 2 sons, which she really should not have done. She really was not well at all after she married. Her husband drove tractor-trailer truck on long trips and she was on her own with the boys.
She had an attack, was in the hospital and died from a severe heart attack. Helen S. Gammon,

May 20, 2005

3. Helen D Smith married William Burns Gammon

William Gammon
Born:    11 Feb 1912
Died:    Aug 1965
State (Year) SSN issued:    Pennsylvania (Before 1951 )

In 1941 I worked for the Selective Service -- keeping all the records for the draft board and sending so many young boys and men off to war. I met my future husband -- assistant manager for the F. W. Woolworth store in Berwick -- drafted him. He said he got even by coming back and marrying me. He had a very low number so volunteered to have his number put at the top and serve one year, thought he would get out and get a better job.

He was inducted into the 15th Evacuation Hospital at Ft. George G. Meade Maryland. He hitchhiked back to Berwick every weekend for months. We married and WW II was declared and he was in for the duration. I found myself pregnant. The unit was scheduled to go overseas. He was then a Master Sergeant in charge of the hospital records.
Dec. 20, 1942 my labor pains started. My mother called him. He told her to ask me to wait until he got there. Funny -- that didn't happen. Marcy was born on the 21st. He got to the hospital about 7 with instructions to be back in Maryland Dec. 22. Along came a terrible snowstorm, deep snow and ice. The Greyhound Bus had an office in a store in the middle of town, but no waiting room. He waited all night in the police station, got a bus out the following morning. Back in Maryland they decided to allow the men a few days for Christmas. Dec. 23 he got a bus back to Berwick, stayed a few hours, saw Marcy -- only touched her heel since he had developed a very bad cold, back to MD. In a day or so they shipped out.

He was in Africa, Sicily and Italy -- served 4 1/2 years. They wanted him to take a field promotion to Lt. He refused. Marcy was 2 1/2 when he came home. Regardless of all the points and credits for length of service, etc., would you believe they declared him essential and sent him to Camp Crowder, Missouri? Each morning he had to report for duty, each morning they tried to convince him to reenlist. After two months of lying on his bunk all day, they finally gave him his discharge. I can sympathize with all those in the National Guard, etc. who are caught in the same position in Iraq.

I had left the Draft Board and was delivering special delivery mail. He went with me a few nights. One package several times a week was to the local veterinarian --bull semen. He took the address, wrote to Harrisburg and was told there was an opening in Allentown. They hired and trained him. He worked several years traveling all over Lehigh County inseminating diary cattle. We had another daughter. I started work for the Morning Call Newspaper in Allentown -- 36 years. There is where I first learned to use a computer. When Marcy was 17 and Becky 13 and I was 40 when Tom came along. What a surprise that was but he has actually been a blessing.

Bill was in the Army hospital in Africa several months with sand fly fever, which affected his liver. Also it was in that hospital Gen. Patton slapped the sick soldier. His health was troublesome the rest of his life. He also was a heavy smoker.

Letter to Joyce Ingerson, May 20, 2005, by Helen Gammon

Joyce found another note regarding Helens Hess lineage:

1900 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 70
Enumerated 18 Jun 1900
Sarah A Hess
Age: 54, born May, 6 children, 6 alive
rents home
Roll: T623 1488; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 70.

Sarah Amanda Hunter Hess
b 09 May 1846
d 16 Apr 1901
Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, Sullivan, Pennsylvania

Amanda married 08 Feb 1865 to Shedrick G Hess, son of John Jr Hess & Nancy Spencer, notes of H Gammon, Feb 2003

This is just one of Joyce�s excursions with Helen. Sounded like fun tn me! I am not sure it was to Joyce?

Helen and I were 25 years apart in age. The first day we met, we were instant friends. We wrote constantly.

I shall never forget the time Helen took me on the mountain trip, a dirt road from Sugarloaf Township to Nordmont. I was frightened beyond belief. I clutched her car door and could not see ahead any road she was following. She just kept talking, laughing and dodging trees.   When we arrived in Nordmont, I was exhausted beyond belief! Fretting over seeing bears or breaking down in her old car in those woods.

As we left a friend's home, it was sundown. I begged her to take the paved roads, so I could seek road markers nd get a sense of direction. Oh how we would laugh over our travels together around the mountains!

Helen could out walk me, out talk me and at historical society meetings at the Brass Pelican- out eat me tasting prized country cooking- buckwheat pancakes and eggs. Furthermore, she was never missing a moment to comment while she was enjoying that food!

Another time I was at Columbia County Historical and Genealogical Society Library researching the entire day. She inquired if I would like to join her to a local carnival. I apologized and thanked her for her offer, but refused due to my fatigue. As we walked out the Society library, she invited me to her RV on my way home. When I arrived, she graciously invited me into her temporary summer home only then to quickly assist me into her car and off we took me to the Carnival.

We ate and laughed. I had to take food home while she ate everything! (Smile) The next morning, I had to be up at the crack of dawn and meet her in Unityville.   She stayed at Light Street and I stayed near Central.

I was so exhausted from our travels that I told her that I had to return to NYS to visit my siblings. I then would return for another week after some rest and recovery.

Thanks,

Joyce

Helen sent some wonderful data regarding her grandmother to Joyce too.

Just received a copy of the National Hotel since I lived near Rochester while I was growing up. This hotel was mentioned in Helen's old letters regarding Jefferson Colley Peterman- letter was dated abt 1843.

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf
Enumerated 12 Sep 1850
Name: Esther E Keeler
Age: 7
Estimated birth year: abt 1843
Birth place: Pennsylvania
Gender: Female
Head of Household: Henry Kohensparger
Age: 25
Occupation: farmer
Birth Place: Germany
Others in home: Nancy, age 25, Margaret J, 1/12; Both born in PA
Home in 1850
(City,County,State): Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_769; Page: 206;
&
1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson
Enumerated 29 Sep 1850
Name: Esther E Keeler
Age: 7
Estimated birth year: abt 1843
Birth place: Pennsylvania
Gender: Female
Head of Household: John Keeler
Age: 54
Occupation: farmer
Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Others in home: Sarah, age 46; Susan Jane, age 17; Frederick R J, age 13;
Thomas, age 11. All born in PA
Attending school: Frederick R J+ Thomas+ Esther E. Keeler
Home in 1850
(City,County,State): Davidson, Sullivan, Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_828; Page: 324

1860 US Census Pennsylvania, Sullivan, Davidson
Enumerated 25 Jun 1860
Head of Household: John Keeler
Age: 63
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real estate: 800
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Household : Sarah, age 53; Frederick R, age 22; Emily, age 17;
Samuel Sperry, age 8, attending school. All born in PA
Post Office: Eldredsville
Roll: M653_1184; Page: 731
Immediate neighbor: William J Robins, age 63

1870 No Census entry found for Esther Emily Keeler or Smith

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson > District 232
Enumerated 11 Jun 1880
Name: Roar Keeler
Age: 44
Estimated birth year: <1836>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Occupation: Farmer
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Spouse's name: Emaretta, age 36
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Others in home: Rosetta, daughter, age 12, attending school; Louis, son, age 11; Libbie, daughter, age 8;
Clara A, daughter, age 4; Thomas, son, age 2. All born in PA;
Emily Smith, age 37, sister to Head of household, living with brother; John B Smith, age 5,son (of Emily).
Both born in PA.
Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 608.1000; Enumeration District: 232;
Immediate neighbors: Jacob Lorah, age 39; Joseph Robbins, age 46

The Sullivan Review
April 23, 1903 Mrs. Emily Andrews, a woman about sixty years of age, who lived with her son, Willis Snider, at Snyders Camp, near the mouth of Mill creek, six miles from Laporte, was found drowned in the Big Loyalsock about nine o�clock Sunday morning, April 19. Mr. Snyder and wife had attended the Odd Fellows banquet at Forksville on Saturday evening, and did not get home until an early hour Sunday morning. The parties left in charge of the house say that they did not retire until about twelve o�clock Saturday evening, and that Mrs. Andrews was at that time in her room and the light burning. When Mr. and Mrs. Snyder returned, a few hours later, the light was still burning. Sunday morning it was discovered that the room was empty and a search was instituted, resulting in the finding of Mrs. Andrews body in the big creek a few rods below the mouth of Mill creek. She had been very much grieved and unnerved by recent death of a son, and had frequently complained of severe pains in her head, but her mind was not supposed to be affected.
The supposition is that she had brooded over her grief until her mind became unbalanced, that she left her room some time in the early morning hours, while the rest of the house were sleeping, and threw herself into the creek. Coroner McHenry, of this place, was notified and went to the place Sunday afternoon and held an inquest on the body, bringing out the facts as outlined above. The jury returned a verdict in accord with the facts. The greatest sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, over the peculiarly sad circumstances.

(I would like to make a note here that I always find the name spelled SNIDER. She was so happy when I sent her this obituary, Carol)

My Grandmother Emily married John H. Andrews (pronounced in Nordmont as "ANDERS" and is so listed on her tombstone. Helen Gammon, Nov 2002

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Moreland
Enumerated 9 Sep 1860 (Enumeration date obtained from previous census page)
Stephen Anders
Age: 52
Estimated birth year:    abt 1798
Birth place:    New Jersey
Gender:    Male
Occupation: Laborer
Home in 1850
Spouse: Sarah A, age 49, born in New Jersey
Others in home: Benjamin, age 20; Rachel, age 17; Margaret, age 13; John, age 9;
Salinda, age 7; Ruben, age 5; Emeline, age 2; James, age 6/12.
All children born in PA
(City,County,State):    Moreland, Lycoming, Pennsylvania
Page:    463 ;Roll:    M432_795

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Lycoming > Moreland
Enumerated 8 August 1860
Name:    Stephen Anders
Age in 1860:    63
Birthplace:    New Jersey
Gender:    Male
Value of real estate: 3000
Post Office:    Hicksville
Others in home: Sarah Ann, age 50, born in New Jersey;
Benjamin, age 31, farmer, born in New Jersey;
Jacob, age 21, laborer; John, age 18, laborer; Salinda, age 16;
Rueben, age 14; George W, age 9; Daniel S, age 6; All born in PA
Clarence E Poust, age 7; Phineas, age 7, Both born in PA
Roll: M653_1137 ; Page:    538
Immediate neighbors: George R Reece, age 24

Marriage on 10 Feb 1867,
in Penn Twp, Lycoming, Pennsylvania
by Joseph French, Esq.,
John Andrews and Sarah Edgar,
Davidson Twp, Sullivan, Pennsylvania,
Now and Then,
Muncy Historical Society Publication
Vol XV, p 365.

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania >Lycoming> Penn
Name: John Andrews
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1840
Age in 1870: 30
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Race: White
Gender: Male
Occupation: Laborer, attending school.
Others in home: Sarah J, age 25, keeping house
Clinton, (m), age 2. Both born in in PA
Post Office: Hughesville
Roll: M593_1370; Page: 301;
Immediate neighbor: Hannah Levison, age 52; Sarah Hunt, age 48

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson > District 232
Enumerated 12 Jun 1880
Name: John Andrues
Age: 38
Estimated birth year: <1842>
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Occupation: Carpenter
Race: White
Gender: Male
Marital status: Married
Spouse's name: Sarah, age 37
Father's birthplace: PA
Mother's birthplace: PA
Others in home: William, son, age 6; Elmy, daughter, age 4; Mary Edgar, niece, age 1
Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 608.2000; Enumeration District: 232;
Immediate neighbors: Johnny Brown, age 44; Harry Groves, age 23

Sullivan County Court House
Marriage Docket 1
Laporte,, Pennsylvania, # 85:
John H Andrews, age 45,
Res, Davidson Twp.,
carpenter ,
son of Stephen and Sarah Andrews
Death of former wife of John H Andrews- April 29, 1886
Emily A. Smith, age 44,
res. Davidson Twp.,
res. parents John and Sarah Keeler.

John and Emily did NOT have children together,
only children from the previous marriages.

John Hixson Anders
d Apr. 21, 1897
Laporte, Sullivan, Pennsylvania
Cause of death: heart disease
buried April 24, 1897
Grave: Cherry Grove Cemetery
Nordmont, Sullivan, Pennsylvania

1897; Estate of John Anders dec'd.
Sullivan County Court House
John Anders, Laporte Boro,
oath of Emily E. Anders.
Filed May 18, 1897 Sullivan County, PA.
June 5, 1897 Inventory and appraisement of John H. Anders,
Value of personal estate $129.35,
Completed on June 16, 1897

Document: Sullivan County Court House, Laporte, PA
.. in matter of estate of John H. Anders,
deceased Emily Anders, widow elected to retain the real property
.. .value $268.80 balance on claim of $300 for the use of myself and family.
Document date: August 10, 1897,
The total for the sale of his business effects= $555.00.
John Hixson was a carpenter by trade

Joyce Ingerson is a direct descendent of sister to John Hixson Anders/ Andrews-
Sister to John Anders was Elizabeth Anders/ Andrews Hill, spouse of Michael Hill of Moreland, Lycoming, PA.

Joyce Rider Ingerson, father was Kenneth Rider, Kenneth's mother was Mary Herriman Rider,
Mary's mother was Mahala Hill Herriman, Mahala's mother was Elizabeth Anders Hill,
Elizabeth's father was Stephen Anders; mother was Sarah Ann Hixson of New Jersey.
All family names validated by family history records, Federal Census, death certificate of youngest brother
of John Hixson Anders- Daniel Andrews of Lycoming County- gave parents names of John Hixson Anders.

Up in the earlier letters to Daniel, and myself, Helen referred to the Peterman�s and the Jewelry store. She shared some data with Joyce regarding that family.

JEFFERSON COLLEY PETERMAN

�

1819, July 29 Jefferson was born in Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co., Penna.

1825/6 Family Moved to Monroe County, New York with mother, Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman It appears Jefferson remained in Monroe County when Ann and Colley Bartleson pioneered to Michigan.

1841, Feb. 7 (Ann�s letter to stepson, William Bartleson Peterman in Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co., PA.� Jefferson has continued his trading in Rochester, talks of going to New York in spring I hope he won't go, so many gambling houses and so many of ill fame that I should tremble for the results. Jefferson writes that you talk of going to Texas. Why would you wish to leave all your friends and relations to ramble thru the world among strangers where you might meet the same fate of Cephas (Bartleson) and Jacob (Peterman), without a kind friend to sooth your pain or shed a tear over your grave?

1842, Feb. 27 (letter) Jefferson wrote he was quite well.� He had attended a ball and had been introduced to some fine young ladies. Mr. Dorsey came from Lyons and said Jefferson is quite a favorite with the young people.

1843, Feb. 5 (letter) Jefferson helps in a jeweler�s store in Rochester. I had a letter from him two weeks ago and papers every week. His store is in the National Hotel, opposite the Court House.

The Old Rochester Directories are on-line :

I checked the 1841 and it says that the National Hotel is at the corner of Fitzhugh and Buffalo Streets. Buffalo Street is now West Main St. It also lists Jefferson Peterman as having a business at 53 Buffalo
Street. It also says that he boards at 27 South Ave. in 1841.

The next directory is 1844 and that one doesn't have a business address but he
boarded at 25 Adams Street.

1843, Feb. 5 (old letter)
Jefferson Colley Peterman helps in a jeweler's store in Rochester. I had a letter from him two weeks ago and papers every week. His (jewelry) store is in the National Hotel, opposite the Court House. Alex (Jefferson�s son) is fair, tall and thin like Jefferson. I would like help locating the present day site of the old National Hotel, which was then immediately opposite the Court House in 1843.

Joyce Ingerson

It is here we will insert some of Helen�s genealogy notes and letters that she recalls from younger years as links; these are just as she sent them to Susan Messersmith. They are chock full of wonderful tid bits.

Data from Helen Gammon to Susan Messersmith:

This is what I found in my files for Klines. There is a large Kline Pedigree at Bloomsburg Historical Society.

From the Bible of Montgomery Cole:
William Cole b 10/9/1801 mar 2/2/1825 to Elizabeth Laubach b 1886, dau of Christian Laubach and Mary Alice Laubach, son Benjamin Franklin Cole born 6/29/1827 mar Hattie Ash.

J. H. Battle, History of Columbia County
Isaac Laubach married Sarah Ash, daughter of Christian Ash, served in the Civil War three years as a volunteer and Volunteered for three more years, now resided in Iowa.

Page 434 Fishing Creek Township
Charles Ash farmer Stillwater b Oct. 18, 1820 Northampton Twp., a son of Christian Ash and Mary Osterday moved at age 7 to Briar Creek Twp., Columbia Co., remained 7 years on father's farm, father bought the place where his son Charles now lives. He died there 1879. His wife died about 9 years before, had 10 children. Sarah in Iowa, Clarence J., Fishing Creek Twp., Elizabeth and Hester in Benton, and Charles who married Oct. 24, 1848 Sarah Ruckle of Benton. She died Feb. 19, 1886. Had 9 children: one died infancy, George Wesley mar Amelia H. Freas; William S. mar Hettie Learns, Harvey R. mar Mary Hill child N. Ernest Augustus Ash, Berwick, Stewart A. married Murtie D. Freas, Miles Wilbert mar Clara Smith, Thomas Elliott and Ann Florentine Ash.

Mary Alice Kline born May 15, 1853 d Mar. 30, 1948 Fritz Hill, daughter of Mathias Jackson Kline and Maria Albertson, married Alonzo Potter Fritz

Buried Waller Cemetery: Minard G. Ash 1901-1982

Hose Ash married Arilla Hess Feb. 26, 1891 Columbia Co., PA. Columbia County Internet site

No Pealers.

Here is the second entry:.

Susan:

Sorry - I put this together but failed to send it to you.

Clarence Peterman and Anna May Kline 1900 Census 32 born July 1867 mar 10 years, Anna 27 born Nov. 1872 4 children: mother Malissa (Colley) Peterman 59 born Sept. 1840, children Mary Jane 6 b 1893, Harry 4 b Aug. 1895, brother Samuel Peterman 2 born June 1867, brother James Peterman 16 born Oct. 1863, sister Callie (Caroline?) 15 b April 1805

Benjamin's will: Oct. 4, 1889 Book 7 Register of Wills Columbia County, Widow Malissa Peterman and oldest son Samuel renounced rights to administrate estate of Benjamin F(ranklin) Peterman to next oldest son Clarence Peterman. Benjamin died Sept. 24, 1889. Oct. 7, 1889 Book 7 page 1 Wills 7 Adm. of Benjamin F. Peterman, late of township of Benton, Letters Adm. granted to Clarence A. Peterman.

Benjamin Franklin Peterman was son of Benjamin Peterman (parents James Peterman and Amanda Katherine Hess)

1-Jacob Peterman March 18, 1733 Germany died Dec. 8, 1814 Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co., PA. mar Ann Colley April 22, 1756 at Christ Church, Philadelphia. Jacob owned many acres of land in Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co., served in Rev. War in Plymouth Twp. Militia (can see record on Phila. Revolution Records). Also records for Alexander Colley, brother of Anne Colley. (DAR??) (7 children). Thomas Colley reportedly their father.

Alexander Colley b 1733/35 Phila. County PA died Jan. 30, 1783 Plymouth Twp, married Christ Church, Phila. to Abigail Coulston b Sept. 2, 1731 d Mar. 10, 1805 Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co., PA son Jonathan Colley, William Colley, James Colley and Mary Colley mentioned in the wills. There may be other children. Alexander was wealthy, owned many acres PA, NJ and Delaware. This Jonathan Colley and James Peterman were first cousins and both were some of the first pioneers to Northumberland County between 1792 and 1796. I have deeds.

2- James Peterman b Oct. 31, 1767 Plymouth Twp., died Sept. 1824 Sugarloaf Twp., Col. Co., PA mar abt 1788 probably Montgomery Co., PA. to Elizabeth Bartleson b Apr. 19, 1768 Phila. Co., died April 10, 1818 Sugarloaf Twp., (10 children)

3. Benjamin Peterman b June 14, 1797 Phila. County, died May 15, 1861 Sugarloaf Twp., mar #1 Amanda Katherine Hess b 1797 Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co., PA. daughter of Conrad Hess b Nov. 19, 1772 Williams Twp., Northumberland Co., PA died Nov. 1844 Sugarloaf Twp., and Susanne Barnette b abt 1776 died aft 1849 Sugarloaf Twp.,

Kate Hess died and Benjamin married #2 Mary E. Turner, had son Abraham Peterman who is MY grandfather. Ben had 5 children with Kate and 11 children with Mary. Benjamin died while "girdling" a tree with fire - tied rags around the tree, doused with kerosene and burned it through. While sitting on a log Ben didn't notice how far the tree had been burned, the tree fell on him killing him.

4. Benjamin Franklin Peterman b Oct. 20, 1832 or 1835 Sugarloaf Twp. died Sept. 20 or 24, 1889 Benton. mar Jan. 2, 1866 Malissa Colley b Sept. 1843 Sugarloaf Twp. died after 1810 Benton both bur at St. Gabriel's (I think). Malissa's parents Stott E. Colley b Nov. 6, 1812 Sugarloaf died Dec. were, 1885 Sugarloaf Twp., son of Alexander Colley b Apr. 16, 17856 Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co. died June 6, 1881 Benton and wife Mary Eager b Feb. 15, 1786 died April 17, 1849 Ben's mother was Sarah B. Hess b Nov. 25, 1826 died April 13, 1893 bur Benton; parents George B. Hess b Dec. 2, 1778 William Twp., Northampton Co., died Mar 12, 1850 Columbia Co. bur St. Gabriel's, mother was Elizabeth Brown b Mar. 30, 1782 d Oct. 31, 1858 Col. Co. bur St. Gabs. Her parents were John Brown and Mary Brugler.

George's father was Johann Wilhelm (William) Hess b Oct. 4, 1749 d Mar. 12, 1850 Col. Co. the pioneer from Williams Twp., Northampton Co. who at one time owned all the land from (now) Benton to North Mountain.
William Hess mar Anna Catherine Gotthard b Jan. 30, 1751 died before 1813 Sugarloaf Twp. both bur St. Gabriel's. Her father Johannes Goddhard was the one who supplied the money to build St. Gabriel's church after the log church burned and it became an Episcopal church. Had 15 or 20 children.

James Peterman cut and made the pews in St. Gabriel's Church. Look at GOOGLE Bentonnews.com Back Home in Benton, Penna. David Kline is writing articles many from the 1800s - look at the churches and FEATURES.

Go to GOOGLE or Columbia Co. Web and look for PALE Polly Laubach-Eckrote's website -- she has lots of information about John Goddard and others.

Also Jo West has on her site the complete History of Columbia County. I checked and there are Pealers and Klines there. http://www.jowest.net/MyFileCabinet.htm see Index Also Penningtons (Rebecca Colley married Jesse Pennington) There is a large Pennington Site.

Also for Peterman there is considerable on http://junkingusa.com Look for Jacob Peterman and Anne Colley with the Whiteman Bible Be aware there were 4 Jacob Petermans in Phila. Co. during the Rev. War. My relative was a blacksmith in Plymouth Twp., Montgomery Co. You can also see Alexander Colley there.

Another one on RootsWeb.World Connect look for Weaver/Diltz ---- his is very accurate.

This should keep you busy.

Insert Helen remembers Here

More of Joyce�s Ingerson�s memories of her journeys with Helen!

Hi Carol,

I believe Helen adored nature and the wild life, both in beautiful Sullivan and Columbia County. She was just over delighted to have me accompany her. Some days she would drive; then again, we might alternate.  Still Helen never ceased to explore or quickly observe the slightest view changes from year to year during the navigation. Noting property improvements or deplorable decays, crops rotations or road conditions. Always fond referencing to "time was a kid" to the present as we went.

Then an aura would trigger a remembrance- Helen would easily project herself back into the time frame her ancestors lived with the wealth of diaries and other papers she found.   I recall frequently hearing her remark, "I dreamed (or thought) a bit more about....... (Something she had read)." She openly and candidly spoke about them as if she could sense each of their true personalities and knew each of them intimately, much as we do our own parents.

I can recall when she found something rather controversial in some legal documents at Sullivan, such as a property rights or settlement, she would forcefully remark, "What rogues these men were...(pause) to cheat an innocent woman out of her legal property! Why she had only chattels!   What boils me the most were, they were allowed to do it? Listen there will be quite a bit of talking, if I get to see to it."

Joyce Ingerson

More form Helen

Helen could sense these even distant relatives and their dealings. This is the very reason family information emotionally and physically motivated her. She wanted to identify them, be part of them. She had that pioneer spirit.

Yet Helen lived in spacious motor home parked near her sister's family home on Light Street. It was literally filled with stacks of papers. Some of these papers very carefully photocopied to her liking. Matter of fact, I distinctly recall the day Helen challenged some of the record people in Sullivan Court House with her fastidiousness, to get those images on the copy machine to 100% clarity. I briefly looked up to see the rolling eyeballs of the copyist as she handed Helen the copy for her to proof.

Helen wanted no doubts to the reader of that information what and where the information she had gleaned. Helen could work her prime at night- golden hour was 2AM. She was accustomed to these night hours working for the newspaper.

Joyce

Now lets look at the giving and community minded Helen Hess/Smith Gammon, she once reminded me she answered to both Helen Hess and Helen Smith.� I answer to anything! Helen was very much involved with the St. Gabriel�s Episcopal Church, Coles Creek, PA.� Several photos of this lady can be found under the celebration pages, which were held there in 2003 of her beloved church. http://www.bentonnews.net/churches/Saintgabes.htm . According to her obituary, she was buried in the churchyard with her Hess ancestors

Here is a group photo of Helen and companions, taken on the steps of St. Gabriel during one of her periodic visitations.

Helen Smith Gammon at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church
Fourth from right in front row
Fifth from right is Winifred Neuber
Other parties Unidentified
Undated
Photo Courtesy of Betty Victory

I once found this photo of her, she remarked, where did you find this. My reply was on line, the Benton home page. She replied it has to go, I am still alive, no photos of me until I am at least gone from this world! It looks like it might have been taken the same time as these photos at the church were.

Now under the Benton News, you can find she contributed information about her family. Lots of it! I will just copy some of it here, but be sure and use the url and search engine and search for yourself. http://www.bentonnews.net/home.htm These are just a few of her contributions.

Here are her Keeler�s again http://www.bentonnews.net/Rhorsburg.htm

Frederick Rohr was married to Nancy Ann Keeler January 6, 1825, by Justice of the Peace Samuel Mather in Greenwood Township. Nancy Ann Keeler was born March 12, 1793, at Goshen, Orange County, NY. Her parents were John E. Keeler and Elizabeth Smith Keeler who came to Fishing Creek Township, Northumberland County, before March 16, 1796 when John purchased 129 acres of land from Jonathan and Sarah (Parsons) Colley. John Keeler's land adjoined that of Samuel Rogers, William Wilson, land of Jonathan and the Manor land for which John paid 48 pounds and 8 shillings. Jonathan Colley bought two tracts of land from the heirs of William Eckart who owned the original Land Warrant from the Stillwater area. When Jonathan came to Fishing Creek Township between 1792 and 1796 he sold several tracts to others in 1796. Jonathan had a large tract adjoining the Manor. One of the first tracts sold was to John Keeler, also to William Wilson and Samuel Rogers and others. Many of the tracts adjoined the Manor Land.� --Contributed by Helen Gammon��

Helen explains the writings of William Heacock� here: http://www.bentonnews.net/Features/William%20Heacock.htm She knew so very much!

Her Colley Diaries were a great treasure of hers.� http://www.bentonnews.net/Archive/jan/Jaunary2003.htm

We frequently mention the writings of Helen Smith Gammon, Chandler, AZ, and often quote from the work she has accomplished in transcribing the twenty-one diaries of Alexander Colley (1786-1881). The Columbia Country Historical Society and the Society's manuscript collection have now been honored by the contribution of the transcribed works. The 161-page book is entitled, "The Diaries of Alexander Colley of Sugarloaf Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, 1856-1878." Helen traveled the 2,370 miles alone in her camper from just southeast of Phoenix to Columbia County for four summers in order to read faded manuscripts and almost indecipherable passages to create this book. Alexander Colley, lived in Sugarloaf Township, died when he was 94, and is buried in St. Gabriel's Cemetery. Colley was a schoolteacher, surveyor, and served a term in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, 1821-22, representing Columbia County.

Now go search out what treasures have been planted by a dear friend, Helen Smith Gammon who has gone on to meet those relatives face to face in heaven.

Helen�s longtime friend David Kline heard about this project to preserve Helens letters and asked if he could participate, I was thrilled, more of Helen�s friends to contribute to her life long dream.

Carol,

Helen always intended to research the early court records and deeds in Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland County but never go to do that. There would be a great deal of interesting information for those wondering about the early settlements of Columbia County. I know nothing about Sullivan County and Helen's involvement there.

In December 1796, James Peterman bought a Warranty Deed for 400 acres. His cousin, Jonathan Colley, also bought 400 acres then added to his holdings: 1500 acres he purchased from William Eckert. Eckert died and his heirs settled with Jonathan. There later was a court case in Philadelphia regarding payment.

James Peterman "settled on a piece of land that he thought was vacant and all the Official Drafts showed that it was. He found all the Drafts of all the land around it but none for it. Either Benjamin Peterman or Alexander Colley has the Drafts. The lot lay between the Manor and a tract of land that Jonathan Colley bought of Wm. Eckert which tract was to contain 15 hundred acres.

When he had the land surveyed and they run their length of chain to the stone corner called for in the writing, at the Southeast corner they was eighty rods from the Manor line which left Jonathan 143 acres short of his purchase. He had paid 500 dollars and refused to pay the remainder till they could make up the complement of land or make a deduction. The latter they would not do and the former they could not do unless they could take part of James Peterman's lot to make it up so they claimed that and they came and
placed Cornelius Coleman in one of the houses on the land to take
possession.

"James Peterman immediately got a Writ of Ejectment and ejected him out so that began the lawsuit. Though they had been at law with Jonathan for years and had several struck juries on the land with the Sheriff and Surveyor they never could go below the corner as they was at their length of chain.

"While James lived they could do nothing with him but when he died and had nobody to defend it they soon settled it against James and sold Mr. Cole 43 acres, more than they ever claimed. Montgomery would not give him a Warranty deed, he had to take it at his own risk and he expected a lawsuit when he bought it, and he well knew they had no right to it for he always attended the juries when they surveyed it. He gave Jonathan Colley 500 dollars for a Quit Claim for his part, but James Peterman never gave him a Quit Claim for his part."

Helen's grandmother wrote, "James Peterman said he got a Warranty deed from Robert Montgomery. The land had been in peaceable possession of the family for 58-59 years as I think it was purchased in 1794. I never saw a deed but I suppose it was recorded."

Helen always hoped that "someone will shine some light" on this situation. Perhaps you could mention it in your writing?

David Kline

A letter from Helen to David Kline: October 18, 2005

David R. Kline
www.bentonnews.net
Think, Imagine and Remember
"On the Road Again"

Hi David,

Thanks for calling me last night. It was good to talk to you again.

Perhaps you can help. A short time ago you wrote about federal patents. Grandma Ann Peterman's son Jefferson Alexander Peterman who was a watch repairman in Albany, NY. With his partner, a man I believe was named William Savage/Savidge, designed and patented a stove with steam.

Grandma Ann Batcheler Bartleson Peterman while living in Marshall, Michigan, wrote about son Jefferson Peterman in her letters to her stepson, William Bartleson Peterman, living in Sugarloaf Township. Jefferson's father was Pioneer James Peterman (he came before 1796 or earlier to Fishing Creek Twp.)

How can I learn more about that patent and maybe see a picture, which was in an advertisement in one of the New York newspapers?

I will send you one of the articles I compiled about Jefferson Peterman that his mother, Grandma Ann Peterman wrote in the 46 letters I have from 1841 to 1871(Betty Victory has the originals.)  It will give you dates and names of places. Also tells of the jewelry store being robbed.

In case I didn't make myself clear last night.

JAMES PETERMAN, son of Jacob Peterman and Anne COLLEY Peterman of Philadelphia County, married Elizabeth Bartleson. Had children: Mary "Polly", Elizabeth "Betsy", Hannah, Sarah, James, Jacob and John who "Went West" to work on Pennsylvania and Ohio Canals, settled in Wayne County Ohio.� Other Children: My grandfather Benjamin, Anna "Nancy" (wife of Abraham Young) and William Bartleson Peterman remained in Sugarloaf Township.

James' Mother Anne Colley's brother Alexander Colley married Abigail Coulston -- had a son JONATHAN COLLEY.

Cousins Jonathan Colley and James Peterman bought land in Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland County in 1792. Before 1796 Jonathan and second wife Sarah Parsons Batcheler Colley, with James Peterman and wife Elizabeth Bartleson Peterman and their families came as pioneers.

Sarah Parson Batcheler's husband, Thomas Freeman Batcheler had children: Hannah Ann Batcheler and Joseph Freeman Batcheler. Thomas died.� Before 1790 Widow Sarah became the second wife of Jonathan Colley. This was the family Jonathan Colley brought to Fishing Creek.

(Jonathan's first wife was Rachel Robinson, mother of Alexander Colley (surveyor, teacher, House of Representatives) and Rebecca Colley, wife of Jesse Pennington.)

Hannah Ann Batcheler married Josephus "Cephas" Bartleson. They also came with Jonathan, her mother Sarah and James with their families from Montgomery County, Penna.There were five Bartleson children: Emily Bartleson married Chauncy Viets, Sarah Jane "Sally" Bartleson married John Keeler Jr.. (my greatgrandparents), Cephas Bartleson, Maria Bartleson married Horatio Banks, Colley Bartleson, Ann Bartleson married Horace Wisner, Mr. Fitch, James Howard.

Sister Elizabeth Bartleson Peterman and brother Cephas Bartleson died. Former in-laws James Peterman and Hannah Ann Batcheler Bartleson married, had three Peterman sons -- Jefferson Alexander Peterman, Hiram Abiff, Peterman and Alexander Peterman. All were baptized in St. Gabriel's Church after James Peterman died intestate in September 1824.

Before 1830 Ann Peterman took both families to Monroe County, New York. Before 1850 Ann with her oldest son, Colley Bartleson now head of the household, accompanied other New York families, traveled to and settled in Calhoun County, Michigan.

Some of the older Peterman children resented the marriage of their father James and Aunt Ann Bartleson. William Bartleson Peterman was only 7 years old when his sisters took him with them to Ohio. He was apprenticed as a tailor. After age 21 William returned to Sugarloaf Twp., learned that stepmother, Ann had been snookered out of her house and property when father James Peterman died.  William Bartleson Peterman wrote to his stepmother Ann asking for information. The letters developed from that.

William brought suit in Columbia County to get the 43 acres back. The case took years and the land was traced back to the Montgomery owners. I have copies of many deeds and hope to be able to complete them along with all of Ann's letters. All very confusing.



I'll try to keep hanging in there.

Helen Gammon

Helen sent these wonderful diary clips to David:

Grandma Ann Peterman may have been confused as to the current year at times when she gave her age.

Not sure if the year is correct for every letter � Ella was first born; Grace is 7 years younger.

�� JEFFERSON ALEXANDER PETERMAN

�� Born July 29, 1819 Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co., PA�� Death???

1819, July 29� Jefferson born in Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co., Penna.

1824 Father James Peterman died Sept. 1824

1825/6 Family moved to Monroe County, New York with mother, Ann Peterman

�It appears Jefferson remained in Monroe County when Ann and son Colley Bartleson� Michigan

with other New York neighbors pionered to Michigan. Settled� in Marshall, Michigan

�Letters from Ann Batcheler Bartleson Peterman in Marshall, Michigan to stepson, William Bartleson Peterman

� living in Sugarloaf Township, Pennsylvania

1841, Feb. 7 (letter) Jefferson has continued his trading in Rochester, talks of going to New York in spring

� I hope he won't go, so many gambling houses and so many of ill fame that I should tremble for the results.

� Jefferson writes that you talk of going to Texas. Why would you wish to leave all your friends and relations

� to ramble thru the world among strangers where you might meet the same fate of� Cephas and Jacob, with

� out a kind friend to sooth your pain or shed a tear over your grave?

1842, Feb. 27 (letter) Jefferson wrote he was quite well.� He had attended a ball and had been introduced to

�some fine young ladies. Mr. Dorsey came from Lyons and said Jefferson is quite a favorite with the young people.

1843, Feb. 5 (letter) Jefferson helps in a jeweler�s store in Rochester. I had a letter from him two weeks ago

� and papers every week. His store is in the National Hotel opposite the Court House.

� Alexander is fair, tall and thin like Jefferson.

1848 October 10 Jefferson married Anne Germond in Albany, N.Y.

1850 Census 4th Ward Albany, NY Albany County #17047 p199 Aug. 26, 1850

�� Jefferson Peterman 30. Jeweler born Pennsylvania ; Anna Peterman 24 b NY

1850, April 1 Jefferson's letter from Albany, NY to William Bartleson Peterman. He told of Ann's letter written

� March 23 telling that son Alexander died two weeks ago yesterday aged 24 years and 8 months (March 15, 1850)

� Tombstone gives death as� March 20, 1849); universally regretted by all who knew him. Alexander was a

� gunsmith and had a very good shot, plenty to do and was very much respected and liked by every body who

� knew him. He was a Free Mason and his funeral was attended by three different lodges.

� Remember me to my Sister Sally Keelern and her family from whom I have been so long estranged that I fear� \

�� they have or ever had a Brother of about my size and� looks, for I pass for a tolerably good looking man.�

� He tells of� brother Hiram Abiff Peterman (who is studying to become a doctor) stealing a dead body for��

� dissecting.� �I am a married man having taken one Anne Germond as a life partner a year ago last October.

� Hiram has a wife and a beautiful rosy cheeked girl (Martha) one year old. They live 10 miles south of Syracuse.

� If Mother (Ann Peterman) visits next summer step-brother, Colley Bartleson will come with her and go to New

�York City which is but 5 hours from Albany to try to get cured of his deafness.

1850, August: Colley started to New York City to purchase stock for his Gun Shop. He staid with Hiram 4 days,

� then went to Albany and spent 3 days with Jefferson. Jefferson went with him. He was taken sick and could not

� stay but one day. He then came back to Jefferson's and staid four days hoping to get better but no change. He got

� on the cars and came home but was sick all the way home.�

��Jefferson sent sister Ann $50 and Colley helped her some but having so much sickness and Drs. bills to pay�

� prevented him doing much for her.� He has not hunted any this season for two reasons. One was the want of

� strength and the other he had no gun. (He wrote more repairing the gun). Jefferson's wife is a splendid woman

� tall and genteel with black hair and eyes, and everything in his house is in fine style. His quarters is furnished

� with mahogany tables and chairs at $4 apiece and a marble slate table. The carpet in that room was $1.50 per yard�� in New York where they went to purchase their furniture.� I have all their pictures to look at.

1851, Jan. 21 letter Jeferson�s daughter Ella� Peterman was born in Albany, New York

Ann Peterman�s letter to stepson William Bartelson Peterman

1852, April 14 (Received a letter from sister, Sally Bartleson Keeler to William Bartleson Peterman):

�� I think Jefferson lives in style, he has 3 grandoles to set on his mantelpiece that cost $10. A lady brought Ella

�� a dress from London.� She went� to the World's Fair, and a milliner sent her a new hat from New York

�� (Ann wrote: �What a fine thing to be rich.�

1852, Oct. 31 (letter): Jefferson sent sister Ann (Bartleson) Wisner 31 yards of calico and $20, sent other $50�� when her husband, Horace Wisner died.

� Ella Peterman is 21 months old. Jefferson writes his little girl is a very smart active child about 21 months old.

� They wrote they would not name her till I would go and see her and name her.� She was three months old

� when I went there but no name but Baby. I called her Ella and they was both pleased with the name.

� Jefferson was going to Hamilton County 60 miles north of Albany to hunt and fish. Brother Colley

� sent him an excellent rifle last year and he thought he must go where there was game to try it. Colley

� will insure the gun to hit a mark at 60 rods tho this is not a target gun. He thinks he can kill a deer.

1853, Jan. 16 (letter) Jefferson has one little girl who will be two years old next month and his wife says there is

� no prospects of any more. They call her Ella.� Jefferson wrote to Hiram he should take his boy (named Jeffy) to

� Albany and compare him with Ella and he would think she was the handsomest but when he see him he said his

� own would beat.� Hiram's wife (Lucinda Chapman) went with me.

1853, August 5 (Mother Ann Peterman, mother had a letter from Sally Bartleson Keeler to step-brother William

� Bartleson Peterman).

�� Jefferson sent me a paper with two of Hiram's advertisements.� He sent me Uncle Tom's Cabin. I have only had it

� home one week. If you have never read it if you send me word you shall have it.� I had heard so much about it I

� had a great curiosity to see it and I know you will feel the same way.� If you have anything worth reading send it

� to me.� I have not had much this summer.

1853, Oct. 19 (letter). Jefferson's letter. Wife returned from New York where she spent a week looking at the

� curiosities of the Crystal Palace. She went to Saratoga Springs during all the hot weather with Ella.

1854, Jan. 23 (letter) Jefferson has but one child they call Ella. He promised to send her daguerotype enclosed

� in a small locket but he says she got the shears one day when she was alone and cut all her curls off around her

� face and spoiled her looks so he can't have her likeness taken till her hair grows again.� He says the day before

� New Year's there were a thousand people in their shop.� They took in $1000 in cash that day tho don't do so

� such business every day. They generally take in about $800 a week.� They was going to have a large party last

� Thursday as they have been to a great many and had never made one.

1854, Feb. Daughter Grace Peterman was was born� (17 months old June 5, 1856) (she was 7 years younger than

� sister Ella.)

1854, July 2 (letter) Jefferson sent me the picture of his little girl in a gold locket about the size of a ladies' watch.

� It is a beautiful picture of a very handsome child dressed in silk with her little fat arms and neck bare with a

� string of coral round her neck and gold locket hanging to it.� I think I never see a better family of children than

� my three Petermans. Everybody that knows them thought they was the best boys they ever knew.� I never allowed

� them to be out in the street at night with bad boys but always had some amusement at home for them and by

� making their home agreeable to them they got attached to home� and one another so they wanted no other

� company. There was a gentleman here from Weedsport where Hiram lives.� He said Jefferson had been to see

� Hiram and told him that in the 15 months him and William had been in partnership they had sold $40,000

�� worth of goods.

� (Daughter) Ann Wisner knew step-brother James (Peterman of Ohio) as quick as she see him (at the train station).

� Her and Eliza was at the depot to see an old friend start for Iowa.� As soon as James and me got out of the Cars

� Ann Eliza Wizner said here is Grandmother. Her mother, Ann Wisner turned around and caught his hand and said

� here is James Peterman.� She was very glad to see him, and gave him her Dagueretype. I gave him mine and a

� painted portrait of his brother Jefferson taken when he was 19 years old.� There was a man at Ann's last week

� that came from Albany and was well acquainted with him.� He says they do the best business of� any jewellers in

� Albany.

1854, Dec. 30 (letter) Jefferson and his wife and daughter came to see us about the first of the month. They staid

� a week and the weather was so cold they was afraid to stay for fear of deep snow so they started on the eighth,

� and called� at Ann Wisner's and staid till 11 o'clock in the evening when they started for home and got to Detroit

� about 4 and waited in the Car House about 1 hour.� Then they crossed the Detroit River to Canada to take the

� Cars at Windsor and left there at 5 o'clock and went 99 miles by 9 when they was stopped by the snow on the

� track which was two feet deep.� In that situation they had to remain 33 and 1/2 hours. They got started then

� and got to the Suspension Bridge at 1 o'clock on Saturday (they left here on Wednesday) when his wife and

� child lay down on the floor in the Passenger House and slept two hours which was the first sleep they had from

� the time they started.� They left Niagara Falls at 8 on Sunday morning and arrived home on Monday morning

� at 2 o'clock and went to bed and slept six hours when he got up and wrote to me and I haven't heard nothing

� from him since. I feel uneasy for fear that the fatigue and exposure might have made them sick. He says the

� Canadians supplied them after they had sat there 24 hours with cakes, crackers, bread, butter, beef, pork and

� whiskey or else they must of perished with hunger and cold. I suppose it did not take a small quantity to supply

� two thousand� passengers that had fasted so long.

1855, May 8 (letter) Jefferson chews some tobacco but never tastes spirits so I am blessed� with sober sons which

�� I consider a great blessing.

�

1856, March 10 (letter) I had letters from Jefferson and Hiram.� They both write of cold weather and deep snow,

� their families are well, their children go to school.� Jefferson's daughter attends dancing school.� She is 5 years

� old.� Hiram has two. Martha was 7 in February and the boy was 5 last November.� Jefferson has done good

� business this winter but house rent, coal, provisions and everything is so dear that he can't lay much by. He

� pays $250 a year for his house.� Jefferson owns an 80 acre lot in Iowa on Cedar River, Black Watch County.

� He went to purchase more but could not find a vacant lot he wanted.

1856, Dec. 1856 (letter) When Jefferson wrote himself and family was well and he was much hurried with

� business as the cleaning and repairing of watches falls to his share.� Him and his partner, Mr. Savage had

� invented a new coal stove that was to consume all the gas and smoke and a boiler with it that condensed

� off the steam so there is� neither smoke nor steam escapes from them.� They had sent to Washington for a

� patent but had not got it when he wrote last.� The intention of them if they succeed is for a railroad and

� steam boat as they are for coal and by condensing the smoke saves 1/3 of the coal.�� I see an account of one�� in operation in a large hotel in Albany. The proprietor says it is the greatest invention for stoves that has

�ever been discovered.� They have but one child, a little girl called Ella, almost 6 years old.

1856, May 29 (letter) Had letters from Jefferson and Hiram this month, they was all well and doing well.

1858 Chauncey Viets died in April� (Death given as April 29, 1856)

1856, June 6 (letter) Letter from Jefferson last week, his family was well but his oldest daughter Ella almost eight

� years old had been sick. They had but little hopes of her life but she had quite recovered when he wrote. He had

� been off fishing for trout and caught a 20 pound and was very proud of his luck. He sent me the picture of both

� their children.� The youngest is 15 months and is the handsomest little fat thing I ever see.� He sent me the

� picture� of the oldest one in a gold case some time ago.

When was Grace born June 5, 1858 � or March ?�� Was Grace born March 1857??

1857, July 12 (letter) Jefferson's wife presented him with a little daughter in March. He says it is the pleasantest

� best child he ever seen.� It has never cried since it was born. He sent me $25 to pay the Dr. as I expect Hiram

� has enough to do to keep his family.� Jefferson has sold his Patent for the stove to the greatest stove firm in

� the city and is to have 50 cents for every stove they sell for 14 years.� When the Patent runs out they are to

� have half the profits of the boilers which will be more than the stoves.� They are for steam boats and

� railroads as they condense all the heat and don't let neither heat nor steam escape.� If I can find it I will

� send you a model in some papers.

1857, Oct. 16 (letter) Jefferson's letter says all are well but he feels the depression of the times as well as all men

� in business. The suspension of the banks seems to affect all classes of people, 500 men from here have been

� discharged from the railroad between Detroit and Chicago.� Men that gets work is only allowed to work nine

� hours in the day and wages accordingly.� It makes it hard times for poor men with families as they could only

� live when they had work. There are many burglaries.

1858, Feb. 17 (letter) Ann has pictures of Jefferson's children set in gold. Jefferson's family is well and he has all

�� the work he can do in the shop.� He is called the best watch repairer in Albany.� One of our neighbors called to

� see him in the fall.� He says Jefferson has the handsomest jewelers shop he was ever in. He says they have two

� gentlemen boards with him last year at $7 per week for both. He thinks he clears $2 a week clear of all expenses.

1858, August 21 (letter) Jefferson told me his wife was converted and joined the church but did not say what

�� church. When he wrote last his little girl was very sick.� The Dr. had little hope for her life.� They never had

� but two children almost 7 years between them.

1858, Dec. 6 (letter) Jefferson wrote Nov. 28, they had deep snow, weather was very cold, his wife had been

� very sick but was recovering

.

1859, Feb. 20 Ann had a letter from Jefferson on Friday, a letter from Hiram Saturday, a letter from William

�� Monday and one from Ira Viets in California

�

1859, Nov. 25 (letter) yesterday was Thanksgiving. I received a letter from Jefferson last evening that gave

� some account of the robbery of the jewelry store that he has worked in the last 12 years.� It belonged to

� Mr. Hood, the largest store of that kind in Albany.� The night of the 6th of October it was opened with

� false keys and robbed of $25,000 worth of Jewelry, to wit:� 200 Gold Watches, $8000 worth of Diamonds,

� 40� Gold Chains besides Breast Pins, Gold Rings, and smaller articles.� He says it has entirely ruined Mr.

� Hood and thrown him out of employ.� Hood hired a man to sleep in the store and gave him a great charge

� never to leave it but when the robbery was committed they found he had never been there at night.� They

� think the Robbers had everything arranged for a journey to some distant place, as they never could hear of

� them nor the property.

1860 CENSUS�� City of Albany, Albany Co., NY Film.� Jefferson Peterman 40 born Mich. moulder��

� (He was actually born in Penna.); Anna Peterman 29 born NY;� Ella Peterman 10 born NY;� Grace Peterman

� 3 born NY.� Post Office: Albany, New York

1860, May 24 (letter) & Friday, May 25: Jefferson has set up a jewelers shop again and thinks he can make a

� living.� They never heard a word of the men that robbed the shop last October.� His family, which consists of

� his wife and two children was well.� His oldest, Ella is almost 10 and the youngest Grace is 3.

1861, Feb. 17 (letter) Jefferson wrote Sunday, paper on Thursday said there was a thaw in Albany, the city

� flooded all over the city near the river.� When he wrote he said there were thousands of people on the ice

� skating and sliding. He said he heard of several broken bones by young skaters falling on the ice. There had

� been eleven broken legs in the city of Troy that he heard of by slipping on the ice. Our whole country round

� here was a solid glare of ice before the thaw as it had rained on the snow and froze as it fell. Jefferson writes

� they confered the Honor of Grand Master on him.� The grand lodge of New York sent for him last fall to

� communicate with him on taking the office, so you may think your brother must be a very respectable man or

�he would not be� elected to so high an office.� In his last he said he had nine applications for fellowship but he

�had not had time to examine their merits.

1862, March 24 (letter) Jefferson complained of harder times than he ever had in Albany in the business.

� Ella is 11 and Grace 5. He says they have a great time skating on the Hudson River.� They have balls on the ice

� by torch light. Men, women, children all skate.� He was reelected Master of the Grand Lodge of Free� Masons.

� He is a Democrat.� Hiram is a fierce Republican and says a Black man if he behaves is as good as a White one.

1863. March 2 (letter) Jefferson is doing a pretty good business.

1864, June 21 (letter) Maria Viets starts today for Boston where she expects to stay a year.� She returned from

�� Philadelphia the middle of April.� She came home by New York and spent a week with Jefferson.� She will

� leave Marshall today, stay with her Aunt Ann two or three days and then go to Albany to visit Jefferson and

�� then go on.� I had a letter from Jefferson.� Business is good.� He earns about $30� a week but rents and taxes

�� with their living takes it all.

�

1865, April 16 (letter) I had a letter from Jefferson a week ago.� They was all well and doing good business but

� said if the cholera got into Albany they all think that all business will be stopped.� The foundry had all stopped

� as the workmen had made a strike for higher wages.� They got 3 1/2 a day but they wanted 4 and their employer

� would not give it.

1867, Jan. 26 (letter) Your Brother Jefferson lives in New York.� If you write to him direct to No. 67 Naussa

�� Street.� He has a shop there but his wife and two daughters live in New Jersey just opposite New York City.

� He moved to Brooklyn, it will be two years next May.� He then hired a house for $1600 a year. He paid� $1100

� for furniture and provisions for a boarding house but they could not get� boarders so that money was lost.

1867, May 26 (letter) Your brother Jefferson has moved to Brooklyn opposite New York.� He has taken a lease

� for a house at $1600 a year.� He expects to keep a boarding house. They had two gentlemen boarders when he

� wrote at $9 a week. He will work at his trade and his wife will keep the house.� His Mason brethren made

� up a purse of $300 and sent him as a token of their abbrobation of his good� conduct as Grand Master of the

� Lodge.� They gave him $125 as a Christmas present.� He has but two children both girls. The oldest Ella is

�16 and the youngest Grace is 10 years.

1868, Jan. 14 (letter) You wish to know where Jefferson lives.� He lives in Brooklyn right over from New York

� on Clinton Street. The No. of the house is 257. He moved there last May.� He hired a house there for $1600

� a year but he writes they can't� make their rent by boarders.� He thinks he will move over to New York in the

� spring. I hope if you go to New York that you will go over to Brooklyn to see them.� I know he would be highly

� delighted to see you.� There is no danger of your quarreling about politics, as you are both Democrats. I will send

�� you his photograph as I have two.� He don't look much like he did before he let the hair grow on his upper lip.

�� I suppose the graveyard near the old church is enlarged before now, but I suppose you can find the graves of

�� your friends.� If I live till spring I will try to have� my photograph taken and send you one.� It seems strange

� that anybody should take an interest in my letters.� I wish I could write something worth reading but I live so

� retired I seldom see anybody but our own folks as the most patients goes into the reception room.

�

1869, Jan. 26 (letter) Jefferson lives in New York.� If you write to him direct to No. 67 Naussa Street.� He has a

�� shop there but his wife and two daughters live in New Jersey, just opposite New York City.� He moved to

� Brooklyn, it will be two years next May.� He then hired a house for $1600 a year.� He paid $1100 for furniture

� and provisions for a boarding house but they did not get boarders so that money was mostly lost, then they went

� to a great watering place and hired a house for three months for $800 but got very few boarders so that money

� was lost so he boards his family in Jersey City at $12 per week.� He will work his trade, his wife will run the

� house. The Masonic Brotherhood gave him a $300 purse and $125 for a Christmas present.� Ella is 16, Grace 10.

� Jefferson is in New York at 67 Nassau St. at his shop. His wife and daughter live in New Jersey two years next

�� May.� He rented a house for $1600 a year. He paid $1100 for furniture and provisions for a boarding house but

� could not get borders so that money was mostly lost.� Then he went to a watering place, rented a house for three

� months for $800, had few boarders so that money was lost. Now he boards for $12 a week.

�(Ann gave these ages in 1867 too)

1869, March 25 (letter) I had a letter from your brother Jefferson on Monday.� He has a shop in New York,

�� No. 67 Nassau Street if you wish to write to him. He boards at an Eating House and sleeps in the shop. His

� wife and one daughter live in New Jersey at $12 a week.� A very rich old gentleman took such a fancy to

� Ella he insisted on sending her to a Ladies' Academy where she will stay a year.� He will be at all the expenses.

� She has always been kept at school, is well learned in all common branches.� She is an 18 year old last month.

��

1869, Sept. 1 (letter) Jefferson quit the jeweler business and has gone to study medicine. He moved from Albany

�� to Brooklyn last spring, rented a house. I am afraid he has gone beyond his depth.� The lodge presented him

�� with� $125 which� he put out to interest for his two children.

1870, June 26 (letter) Jefferson complains times are duller in New York than he ever knew owing to the fall of

� gold.� He says there are thousands of men who can't get a day's work.� He gets enough work at repairing watches

� to keep himself� busy but he had to discharge his journeyman.� He and his family are well. His daughter Ella is

� 19 years old. Grace is now 12.

1870, Oct. 16 (letter) Jefferson writes to me about every two weeks.

1871, June 12 (letter) no mention of Jefferson

Ann's comment: Ann received the Bloomsburg Newspaper -- quite a treat �

� "Description of the Eighth Wonder of the World.�� I would have just as soon expected to hear that somebody had

� climbed the moon as to have learned they have made a railroad through them Pennsylvania mountains but it seems

� it is done and a great undertaking has been accomplished.

1874 December 2 Mother Ann Batcheler Bartleson Peterman died in Marshall, Michigan, was buried in

� Oak Ridge Cemetery, Marshall, Michigan with other family members: Son Hiram Alexander Peterman, his wife

� Salome Ami Slout Peterman, stepsister Maria Bartleson Banks and her husband Horatio Banks, first wife Linda

� Chapman Peterman, her son Jefferson �Jeffy� Peterman.

� Also buried in Hiram�s plot persons I cannot identify: Hannah Peterman, William E. Hayes, Mary E. Morrison,

� Gertrude Morrison and Hylas Morrison.��

David and Helen exchanged this letter too regarding Colley:

March 31, 2004

Helen writes that she typed Warrants Land Northumberland, Penna into Google and found

Colonial Records of Pennsylvania
Provincial Council

Pennsylvania Archives 3rd Series

Vol. 3 Proprietary Rights
Vol. 4 Manors
Vol. Chester
Vol. 14 Philadelphia
Vol. 19 Northumberland

Vol. 24 Provincial Papers Warrantees
Philadelphia, Chester

Vol. 25 Northumberland Co. p53
Vol. 26 Philadelphia and Chester

I also saw
Northumberland county Court House
Court cases in Columbia County
CARTON 1334 to and including 155 for
Northumberland Co.
Records of Land Office RG-17 Holdings

Sullivan County Court House has pages of
names of warrants - I typed some which I
shall send to you later. Just interesting.

March 3, 1773 Penna. to William Eckart
who died Feb. 11, 1790. His heirs sold land
to Jonathan Colley the following spring title
to the Penn Manor lands. (Kenneth Yocum)

Dec.19, 1792 Deed Book Jonathan Colley to
Isaiah Cole Oct. 24, 1827

Jonathan Colley had 400 acres in Greenwood Twp.
May 1, 1797 Jonathan Colley deed to Peter Yocum

Helen discussed William Penn with David Kline too! The notes she recorded on this famous historical personality can be found at the bottom of this page:

Joyce has included many of her treasured memories of traveling with Helen. I was never quite sure I helped her find what she was looking for, but in this letter from Joyce Ingerson to myself January 6, 2005, Joyce shows me I must have given her what she had so long desired to find, her ancestry. I personally think from reading all these letters she had it well under control and did not need help form any of us.

Well Carol,

Believe me, Helen hugs you.   Furthermore, I believe you will continue to be cared, by harvesting collecting her correspondence. May the Good Lord above bless you, Carol!

Helen could sense these even distant relatives and their dealings. This is the very reason family information emotionally and physically motivated her. She wanted to identify them, be part of them. She had that pioneer spirit.

Yet Helen lived in spacious motor home parked near her sister's family home on Light Street. It was literally filled with stacks of papers. Some of these papers very carefully photocopied to her liking. Matter of fact, I distinctly recall the day Helen challenged some of the record people in Sullivan Court House with her fastidiousness, to get those images on the copy machine to 100% clarity. I briefly looked up to see the rolling eyeballs of the copyist as she handed Helen the copy for her to proof.

Helen wanted no doubts to the reader of that information what and where the information she had gleaned. Helen could work her prime at night- golden hour was 2AM. She was accustomed to these night hours working for the newspaper.

Joyce

Dan Thompson heard about this project and wrote me too. He wanted to share this correspondence about Helen. They found each other so late in her life to have much correspondence to contribute, but his respect for the finest Smith Historian he knew shines through here. If you recall, Helen mentions if I knew his address in an earlier letter. She knew his Smith family ancestry form working together earlier (I believe) and thought he could help her on her Smith family.

Carol,

I had the honor and privilege of corresponding with Ms. Helen from 26 Jan 2005 � until I received my last note from her on 11 Oct 05. My only regret is the time I had to share with her was so very short. As I told her in a note we exchanged on 11 May 2005: �My greatest fear is this � (as I have already experienced since my Grandmother�s passing) � that much of the first and second-hand knowledge of our family history before my mother was born will be lost forever, when Aunt Shirley passes. I share this concern also for you, since you are arguably the single greatest repository for our Smith family history that exists at this time. I am hopeful that if you have not already, you will pass the fruits your research to another family member, who is willing to share that information with others of us, so it can be passed down through successive generations of Smith descendents.� That fear has now come to fruition, and even though she shared a great deal of information with me, I know there is even more that she was unable to share. My only hope is that she passed her information to one of her children, who will be as willing to share, as was Ms. Helen.

Thanks -
Dan Thompson

Dan and Helen exchanged this letter: Joyce had procession of it, given to her by Helen: It is highlighted by Joyce.

THE SMITH FAMILY

Helen Gammon
January 26, 2005 To: DANIEL THOMPSON

Hello Cousin

Joyce Ingerson forwarded your letter to me.

You just hit the jackpot. Harry Francis Smith was my uncle.

Brother of my father Ernest Romeo Smith.

When Aunt Emma (Emma Searfoss Smith, wife of Harry Francis Smith, born 20 Oct 1871, Harry Francis Smith was brother to Ernest Romeo Smith, Helen Gammon�s father) was sick and dying, and bedfast, I was a teenager in high school and I stayed a month or so with her after her caretaker left. Your mother, Ann Marie (Starr) Thompson, daughter of Bruce Dunn Starr & Olive Jessie Smith. Olive Smith was daughter of Henry Francis Smith & Emma Searfoss) was just a little baby. I have some good memories from that time.
Note: Dan Thompason reports that his grandmother Olive (Smith) Starr was a first-cousin to Helen Smith Gammon. Their fathers--Harry Francis Smith [Olive] and Ernest Romeo Smith [Helen]--were brothers.

I need to ask. Do you have any family pictures? Or does anyone have some that I could get copies?

I'll gladly share reams of information with you -- but a little at a time. I'm now 85 years old, have breast cancer and do not know how much longer I shall be able to use the computer.

To start, this John R. Smith( b 19 Feb 1816, d 21 Sep 1890, buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery- this was father to Hirum Newell Smith, who married Emily Esther Keeler, daughter of� John Keeler & Sarah Jane "Sallie" Bartleson) was born in New York. Like you, I have

not been able to trace him there. ( John R Smith married Mary Turner, b 08 Dec 1819, d 06 Jan 1876, buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery)

One of my grandfathers was John Keeler from Ulster County, NY. He came to Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co. about 1796. Other grandfathers, James Peterman and Jonathan Colley from Montgomery Co., (near Phila.) obtained Warrants from John and Thomas Penn in 1792 for 400 acres each in Fishing Creek Twp. Jonathan Colley sold land to John Keeler there in 1796. John Keeler Jr. married Sarah Jane "Sally" Bartleson in Columbia Co. Her daughter Emily Esther Keeler married Hiram NEWELL Smith, my grandparents.

Both John Keelers and family "went over the mountain ( from Columbia County to Sullivan County)" to Davidson Twp. Sally Bartleson Keeler's mother, Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman lived in Marshall, Michigan, wrote letters to Sally and her cousin, William Bartleson Peterman in Columbia Co. I have copies of those letters. I know you will enjoy reading them.

I did see a paragraph in a book at Tunkhannock Historical Society regarding a will in Ulster or Goshen Co., N.Y. Witnesses were

John R. Smith and John Keeler. Therefore I believe they were acquaintances or relatives. I have never had time to do further searching in NY. With the name Smith I thought it useless to decide which Smith family I belonged to.

There was another Smith family in then Lycoming Co. but none of the names seem to be names passed on to John R. Smith's descendants.

My mother was Martha ELLA Peterman from Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co. Her first marriage was to Norman Brittain Hess. They lived in Nordmont in the early 1900s and several Hess children were born there. Norman died in 1912. (? Mistyped 1910)

Norman B Hess

with Ella

1867-1910

St Gabriel's Cemetery

Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society

Volume 1, page 88

She then married Ernest Romeo Smith, had three daughters Lena, Laura and Helen (me.) They divorced and he died when I was 7 years old. I'll tell you that tale later. I do wonder whether John R. (John R Smith, Helen�s great-grandfather) stood for Romeo.

I have a motor home and stopped to see Olive (Smith) Starr ) several times in Hughesville. A few years ago I stopped to see Shirley but she did not seem to be very interested in genealogy.

Please send me names and dates for your mother, father and family. I then will be able to send you the pedigree.

Please tell me about yourself.

Sincerely

Helen Smith Gammon

Dan and Helen exchanged this letter too! Donated by Joyce Ingerson

Helen Gammon �January 26, 2005 3:45 PM to: DANIEL THOMPSON

Hiram Joseph "Bird" Smith

I have no proof except family stories so can only guess why he was called "Bird.� Clayton Keeler, an uncle, told me many family tales, as did Olive Starr. One needs to search all the Keeler families and various census records to find Emily Esther. It seems she was shuffled around with various brothers one year to the next.

Helen was referring to the 1850 Federal Census

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Columbia > Sugarloaf

Enumerated 12 Sep 1850

Name: Esther E Keeler

Age: 7

Estimated birth year: abt 1843

Birth place: Pennsylvania

Gender: Female

Head of Household:� Henry Kohensparger

Age: 25

Occupation: farmer

Birth Place: Germany

Others in home:� Nancy, age 25( Emily�s older sister), Margaret J, 1/12;� Both born in PA

Home in 1850

(City,County,State): Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania

�Roll: M432_769; Page: 206;

& PLUS same census

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson

Enumerated 29 Sep 1850

Name: Esther E Keeler

Age: 7

Estimated birth year: abt 1843

Birth place: Pennsylvania

Gender: Female

Head of Household:� John Keeler (her father)

Age: 54

Occupation: farmer

Birth Place:� Pennsylvania

Others in home: Sarah, age 46; Susan Jane, age 17; Frederick R J, age 13;

Thomas, age 11.� All born in PA

Attending school: Frederick R J+ Thomas+ Esther E. Keeler

Home in 1850

(City,County,State): Davidson, Sullivan, Pennsylvania

Roll: M432_828; Page: 324

Clayton's story: Nephew Hiram J. Smith accidentally shot himself Aug. 11, 1902 when he went to the woodhouse to get a gun

to shoot squirrels. He reached for it, lost his balance, was shot and died the following day, aged 27 years 3 months 16 days.

There is a report at Sullivan County Court House. A jury of A.J. Small, Jas. D. Arms, Norman B. Hess, Marcus D. Horn, G. D. Peterman, Harry F. Smith, Amos Faust, Wm. F. Small.-- Accidental Death

Emily had an illegitimate child, Willis Bert Snider before she married Hiram Newell Smith. Hiram's gravestone is broken and unreadable. If Hiram died 1873-74 and Bird was born Nov. 26. 1875, Hiram could not have been his father.

At that time period, the father's name (if known) was used, not the mother's name. I think a man named Bird was "Bird's" father.

He is listed with Emla (Emily) in the 1880 Census as John B. Smith nephew aged 5, living with her brother Rohr Keeler.

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson > District 232

Enumerated 11 Jun 1880

Name: Roar Keeler ( corrected to Frederick J Rohr Keeler)

Age: 44

Estimated birth year: <1836>

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Occupation: Farmer

Marital status: Married

Race: White

Gender: Male

Spouse's name: Emaretta, age 36

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Others in home: Rosetta, daughter, age 12, attending school;

Louis, son, age 11; Libbie, daughter, age 8;

Clara A, daughter, age 4; Thomas, son, age 2.� All born in PA;

Emily Smith, age 37, sister (living with her brother, Frederick J Rohr Keeler;

John B( Bird) Smith, age 5, son (of Emily Keeler Smith).

All both in PA.

Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 608.1000; Enumeration District: 232;

Immediate neighbors: Jacob Lorah, age 39; Joseph Robbins, age 46

Olive's remark surprised me. Willis Snider lived with Rohr( and before Emily Keeler Smith was widowed)

and Emma Etta Keeler when Emily was widowed and when he "didn't have a mother."

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson

Enumerated 16 Jun 1870

Name: Fred R Keeler

Estimated Birth Year: abt 1838

Age in 1870: 32�

Birthplace: Pennsylvania�

Race: White�

Gender: Male�

Occupation: Farmer

Value of real estate: 1200

Others in home: Emeretta, age 26;

Rosella, age 2; Lewis J, age 1;

Sarah, age 66, lives with her son;

Thomas Glidewell, age 11; Willis Snider, age 6.� Both attending school.

All mentioned born in PA

Post Office: Sonestown�

Roll: M593_1453; Page: 41

(No other explanation.) Olive's story: Emily put blankets in the bed to appear as a person sleeping, left the light on, went out back to the outhouse, then went to the creek and drowned herself.

Harold Hunter told me Emily and Henry had an argument the night before

his death. She was staying with grandson Bert Karns Snider, (Bert was born before Blanche Hess married Willis Bert Snider.� Willis Snider was Emily Esther Keeler�s first child; an illegitimate child) who with Irene Hunter and Dollie Snider (Dollie was daughter of Willis Snider) had gone to a dance at the Odd Fellows, Forksville. Emily stayed home with the children. Emily told the children she was going to the outhouse.� The next morning when she was missing they learned she had put pillows in her bed to resemble a body. They found her body in (the cold) Loyalsock Creek.

The Sullivan Review

April 23, 1903 Mrs. Emily Andrews, a woman about sixty years of age, who lived with her son, Willis Snyder, at Snyders Camp, near the mouth of Mill creek, six miles from Laporte, was found drowned in the Big Loyalsock about nine o�clock Sunday morning, April 19. Mr. Snyder and wife had attended the Odd Fellows banquet at Forksville on Saturday evening, and did not get home until an early hour Sunday morning. The parties left in charge of the house say that they did not retire until about twelve o�clock Saturday evening, and that Mrs. Andrews was at that time in her room and the light burning. When Mr. and Mrs. Snyder returned, a few hours later, the light was still burning.� Sunday morning it was discovered that the room was empty and a search was instituted, resulting in the finding of Mrs. Andrews body in the big creek a few rods below the mouth of Mill creek. She had been very much grieved and unnerved by recent death of a son, and had frequently complained of severe pains in her head, but her mind was not supposed to be affected.

The supposition is that she had brooded over her grief until her mind became unbalanced, that she left her room some time in the early morning hours, while the rest of the house were sleeping, and threw herself into the creek. Coroner McHenry, of this place, was notified and went to the place Sunday afternoon and held an inquest on the body, bringing out the facts as outlined above. The jury returned a verdict in accord with the facts. The greatest sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Snyder, over the peculiarly sad circumstances.

Following the stock market crash, in 1930, her son Willis Snider also

lost a great deal of money and killed himself. His obituary gave all the

details that he seemed to have things planned to carry them out

while the rest of the family were still in their beds.

Emily had married John H. ANDREWS (Court house spelling)

Sullivan County Court House

Marriage Docket 1

Laporte,, Pennsylvania, # 85:�

John H Andrews, age 45,

Res, Davidson Twp.,

carpenter ,

son of Stephen and Sarah Andrews

Death of former wife of John H Andrews- April 29, 1886

Emily A. Smith, age 44,

res. Davidson Twp.,

res. parents John and Sarah Keeler.�

The Republican (newspaper)

April 1, 1887

Married on the train near Muncy Valley on Mar. 26th 1887

by Rev. T.S. Faus,

John H. Andrews to Emily E. Smith

both of Davidson

but pronounced Anders in that area. Also I think on her gravestone.

I copied his estate: total $550 inventory of sale included "1 chalk line and screw driver 5 cents."

Document: Sullivan County Court House, Laporte, PA .. in matter of estate of John H. Anders,

deceased Emily Anders, widow elected to retain the real property

.. .value $268.80 balance on claim of $300 for the use of myself and family.

August 10, 1897, The total for the sale of his business effects= $555.00.

John Hixson was a carpenter by trade

A lady in Nordmont, Fairie Walters, has a picture of Emily and other family members.

John H Anders

Marriage on 10 Feb 1867,

in Penn Twp, Lycoming, Pennsylvania

by Joseph French, Esq.,

John Andrews and Sarah Edgar, ( d/o Andrew Edgar & Dinah Glidewell)

Davidson Twp, Sullivan, Pennsylvania,

Now and Then,

Muncy Historical Society Publication

Vol XV, p 365.

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania >Lycoming> Penn

Name: John Andrews

Estimated Birth Year: abt 1840

Age in 1870: 30�

Birthplace: Pennsylvania�

Race: White�

Gender: Male�

Occupation: Laborer, attending school.

Others in home: Sarah J, age 25, keeping house

Clinton,(m), age 2.� Both born in in PA

Post Office: Hughesville

Roll: M593_1370; Page: 301;��

Immediate neighbor: Hannah Levison, age 52; Sarah Hunt, age 48

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson > District 232

Enumerated 12 Jun 1880

Name: John Andrues

Age: 38

Estimated birth year: <1842>

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Occupation: Carpenter

Race: White

Gender: Male

Marital status: Married

Spouse's name: Sarah , age 37

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Others in home: William, son, age 6; Elmy( Alma), daughter, age 4; Mary Edgar, niece, age 1

Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 608.2000; Enumeration District: 232;

Immediate neighbors: Johny Brown, age 44; Harry Groves, age 23

Fairie's Aunt Ada was a relative of John Anders. (Ada Jane Speary, married William L Anders ( s/o John H Anders & Sarah Jane Edgar)

I am corresponding by email with D G of Calif. who is a relative of Henry Kohersparger/Kochensparker, traced

back to Germany. email � Write to him, tell him I gave you his address.

More later

HelenS Gammon

Dan has compiled the following Smith lineage, which he shared with Helen and myself, however Joyce Ingerson has added the data highlighted in yellow.

Descendants of John R. Smith\

By Dan Thompson

http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com

Generation No. 1

�� 1.� John R.¹ Smith¹ was born February 19, 1816 in NY, and died September 21, 1890 in Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA.� He married Mary E. Turner¹.� She was born December 08, 1819, and died January 06, 1876 in Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA.� Both are buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA

��

Children of John Smith and Mary Turner are:

+�� 2�� i.�� Hiram Newell² Smith, born Abt. 1840; died Abt. 1874 in Muncy Creek.

�� 3�� ii.�� Francis W. Smith¹, born December 1846; died July 10, 1862.

+�� 4�� iii.�� Martha Smith, born 1852.

�� 5�� iv.�� Louisa Smith¹, born 1854.

�� 6�� v.�� Emma Smith², born 1856.

�� 7�� vi.�� Roswell Smith³, born April 19, 1857; died October 29, 1862.

�� 8�� vii.�� Phebe Smith⁴, born 1864.

�� 9�� viii.�� Merritt Smith⁴, born 1867.

Generation No. 2

�� 2.� Hiram Newell² Smith (John R.¹)⁵ was born Abt. 1840, and died Abt. 1874 in Muncy Creek.� He married Emily Esther Keeler^5,6,7,8, daughter of John Keeler and Sarah Bartleson.� She was born March 07, 1843 in Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA, and died April 19, 1903 in Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA.� She is buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA. Here are photos taken by Dan Thompson of three tombstones at Cherry Grove Cemetery. They are markers for John Keeler, his wife Sarah (Bartleson) and their daughter Emily Esther (Keeler) Smith. You can visit the entire cemetery and see many more pictures from other contributors at Cherry Grove Cemetery .

Keeler Family Grave Markers
Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, PA
Photos Courtesy of Dan Thompson

��

Children of Hiram Smith and Emily Keeler are:

+�� 10�� i.�� Willis Bert³ Snyder ( SNIDER) Willis was illegitimate. Hiram Smith was not his father. born Jun 1863, died 05 Apr 1930, married 05 Dec 1890 to Blanche Hess, b 12 Feb 1871, d 28 Mar 1919. Blanche was d/o Shedrick Samuel Hess & Sarah Amanda Hunter

+�� 11�� ii.�� Harry Francis Smith, born October 20, 1871 in PA; died September 14, 1944 in Hughesville, Wolf Twp., Lycoming Co., PA.� Buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA.� He married Emma Vera Searfoss on May 24, 1898.� She was born June 20, 1878 and died March 14, 1936 in Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA.� Both are buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA.

�� 12�� iii.�� Ernest Romeo Smith⁹, born 28 Sep 1873, died 23 Nov 1926 in Kingston, Luzerne Co., PA.� Burial location unknown.� He married Ella Martha Peterman in February, 1912.� She was born October 14, 1881 in Shreve, Wayne Co., OH and died July 11, 1960 in Berwick, Columbia Co., PA and was buried in Saint Gabriel�s Cemetery, Coles Creek, Sugarloaf Twp, Columbia Co., PA.

�� 13�� iv.�� Hiram Joseph Smith⁹, born April 27, 1875; died August 10, 1902 in Nordmont, Sullivan Co., PA and is buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA

�� 14�� v.�� Hiram (Infant) Smith.� Buried in Cherry Grove Cemetery, Nordmont, Davidson Twp., Sullivan Co., PA

I would like to include the census data regarding John R Smith, the oldest known ancestor here:

1850 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Luzerne > Benton
Enumerated 17 Dec 1850
Name: John R Smith
Age: 36
Estimated birth year: abt 1814
Birth place: New York
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real Estate; 500
Others in home: Mary E, age 30, born in PA;
Francis(m), age 4, born in PA; Hiram N, (m), age 2, born in PA
ML Brundage, (f), age 26, born in New York.
Home in 1850(City,County,State): Benton, Luzerne, Pennsylvania
Roll: M432_793; Page: 216

1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Luzerne > Benton
Enumerated 28 July 1860
John R Smith
Age in 1860: 45
Birthplace: New York
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real estate: 1800
Others in home: Mary E, age 40, born in PA;
Francis W, (m) age 13, attending school; Hiram N, age 12, attending school;
Martha, age 8, attending school; Maria L, age 6, attending school;
Emma E, age 4; Rosevill (m), age 1. All born in PA
Post Office: Fleetville
Roll: M653_1132; Page: 20

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson
Enumerated 16 Jun 1870
John R Smith
Age in 1870: 54
Birthplace: New York
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Real estate: 3750
Others in home: Mary E, age 45;
Martha, age 18; Louisa, age 16, attending school; Emma, age 14, attending school;
Phebe, age 6, attending school; Merritt (m), age 3.
PO : Sonestown
Visitation 86/90; Page 14

1880 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson > District 232
Enumerated 11 Jun 1880
John Smith
Age: 64
Birthplace: New York
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Others in home: Phebe, daughter, age 16; Mary G, age 13, at school.
Each born in PA
Roll: T9_1195; Family History Film: 1255195; Page: 5
Immediate neighbors: D I Brundage, age 44, nearby neighbor

Helen worked to collect the deeds, court records, adoptions and anything she could find that referred to her family. She preserved them in her numerous letters to Susan. We will insert them here in one grouping that you can click on to read.

The Peterman and Related Family Deeds

I would like to include another precious memory of Joyce:

Carol,

I Remember my scary trip to Nordmont? Well, Helen took me to see Fairie.

Yup! Fairie has Speary/ Sperry relatives. She has photos and genealogy of

Samuel Elias Speary & Mary Harriet Speary.   One of the children, the eldest

child, Ada Speary married first William Anders/ Andrews, son of John H Anders.

John H Anders married Helen's grandmother, Emily Esther Keeler. Neither

Fairie Walters or Helen knew much about John H Anders. I appeared, was

a direct line Anders/ Andrews relative of John H Anders. Helen was absolutely

thrilled!

When Helen asked if I wanted "to go over the mountain" to see Fairie, I was

as eager as she. Now this is true blue!

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/kids/lyrics/mountain.htm

She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes
She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes
She'll be coming round the mountain, she'll be coming round the mountain,
She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes

She'll be driving six white horses when she comes
She'll be driving six white horses when she comes
She'll be driving six white horses, she'll be driving six white horses,
She'll be driving six white horses when she comes

Oh, we'll all go out to meet her when she comes
Oh, we'll all go out to meet her when she comes

Oh, we'll all go out to meet her, we'll all go out to meet her,
We'll all go out to meet her when she comes

She'll be wearing red pajamas when she comes
She'll be wearing red pajamas when she comes

She'll be wearing red pajamas, she'll be wearing red pajamas,
She'll be wearing red pajamas when she comes

She will have to sleep with Grandma when she comes
She will have to sleep with Grandma when she comes
She will have to sleep with Grandma, she will have to sleep with Grandma,
She will have to sleep with Grandma when she comes

Would you believe Helen laughed all the way! I really think Helen thought she was driving those six white horses!

Joyce I

This is a letter to myself from Joyce; she shares with me what Helen�s main goal for the Peterman family was. It was a wonderful Idea, but something very hard to accomplish. She had such a good heart to try and do this, maybe it can happen yet.

Peterman�s: This society/origination would give each individual member a strong sense of identity through its heritage.� Operations would encompass continued research and networking, in form of newsletters into each home on a regular basis. In addition, this Peterman organization would have active committees to run orderly as well as efficiently and respectfully to provide education opportunities as well as entertainment and gatherings each year.

Helen Delores Hess/Smith Gammon, we salute you and your accomplishments.

May you rest in eternal peace

Carol, Daniel, Susan, Bob, Dick, Dan, David and Joyce

P.S. A message to Helen

�If you can Helen, send us some clues where to look!

Here is a photo of St Gabriel's Cemetery, Sugarloaf, Columbia, Pennsylvania where Helen Smith Gammon�s remains will be interred at her family�s convenience this coming spring, 2006, when she would usually arrive

in her motor home.

Helen remains will be near her mother, Martha Ella Peterman Hess, and her maternal grandparents, Abraham Peterman & Catherine Smith. In addition to Norman Britain Hess, her mother first husband and Norman Hess' father, Shedrick G Hess.

This photo was furnished by Dick Shoemaker, a volunteer at CCH&GS and another comrade researcher

friend of Helen's.

Dick is well known for his local photography along with his habitable wildcat accommodations available in his barn and grounds near Benton.

Joyce Ingerson

Helen�s friend Dick Shoemaker contributed this wonderful photo of her final resting place.

Am not I just a beautiful cemetery?

12/18/05

Press-Enterprise,

Bloomsburg

Columbia County, PA

Helen S. Gammon, 86, passed away at her home in Chandler, Ariz. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005. Born in Berwick, on July 12, 1919, she was married to William Burns Gammon on Aug. 31, 1941. They had three children: Martha S. Woods; Rebecca V. Strella; and Thomas D. Gammon.

The youngest of nine siblings, Helen graduated from Berwick High School in 1937. As a young woman in Berwick, she helped support her family as an employee of the Wise Potato Chip Company, and during World War II, she served in the Selective Service System. After the war, the family moved to Allentown where she was a longtime employee of the Call-Chronicle Newspapers as a teletypes, proofreader, photo operator, and lastly, an operator of one of the first computerized systems for setting newspaper advertisements. After retirement, she happily followed her son, Tom, to Chandler Arizona.

Each summer, Helen drove her motor home between Chandler and Columbia County to remain close to her family and follow her passions for travel and genealogical research. During these travels, she fervently pursued her maternal Peterman and the Gammon family lines, searching out and visiting family member resting places, churches, county courthouses and record halls. She particularly enjoyed finding and spending time with new and well-known family members, as well as others with similar interests.

In addition to her three children, Helen is survived by five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and one sister, Evelyn Warburton of Lightstreet.

Services will be held in Columbia County at a future date, and she will be interred in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Benton.

Helen Comments to Dan Thompson on Her Smith Heritage and Her Ancestry

January 2005

Hello Cousin:

Joyce Ingerson forwarded your letter to me. You just hit the jackpot. Harry Francis Smith was my uncle. Brother of my father Ernest Romeo Smith.

When Aunt Emma was sick and dying, and bedfast, I was a teenager in high school and I stayed a month or so with her after her caretaker left. Your mother, Ann Marie, was just a little baby. I have some good memories from that time.

I need to ask. Do you have any family pictures? Or does anyone have some that I could get copies?

I'll gladly share reams of information with you -- but a little at a time. I'm now 85 years old, have breast cancer and do not know how much longer I shall be able to use the computer.

To start, this John R. Smith was born in New York. Like you, I have not been able to trace him there.

One of my grandfathers was John Keeler from Ulster County, NY. He came to Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co. about 1796. Other grandfathers, James Peterman and Jonathan Colley from Montgomery Co., (near Phila.) obtained Warrants from John and Thomas Penn in 1792 for 400 acres each in Fishing Creek Twp. Jonathan Colley sold land to John Keeler there in 1796. John Keeler Jr. married Sarah Jane "Sally" Bartleson in Columbia Co. Her daughter Emily Esther Keeler married Hiram NEWELL Smith, my grandparents.

Both John Keelers and family "went over the mountain" to Davidson Twp. Sally Bartleson Keeler's mother, Ann Batcheler-Bartleson- Peterman lived in Marshall, Michigan, wrote letters to Sally and her cousin, William Bartleson Peterman in Columbia Co. I have copies of those letters. I know you will enjoy reading them.

I did see a paragraph in a book at Tunkhannock Historical Society regarding a will in Ulster or Goshen Co., N.Y. Witnesses were John R. Smith and John Keeler. Therefore I believe they were acquaintances or relatives. I have never had time to do further searching in NY. With the name Smith I thought it useless to decide which Smith family I belonged to.

There was another Smith family in then Lycoming Co. but none of the names seem to be names passed on to John R. Smith's descendants.

My mother was Martha ELLA Peterman from Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co. Her first marriage was to Norman Brittain Hess. They lived in Nordmont in the early 1900s and several Hess children were born there. Norman died in 1912. She then married Ernest Romeo Smith, had three daughters Lena, Laura and Helen (me.) They divorced and he died when I was 7 years old. I'll tell you that tale later. I do wonder whether John R. stood for Romeo.

January 26, 2005 3:45 PM

Hiram Joseph "Bird" Smith

I have no proof except family stories so can only guess why he was called "Bird." Clayton Keeler, an uncle, told me many family tales, as did Olive Starr. One needs to search all the Keeler families and various census records to find Emily Esther. It seems she was shuffled around with various brothers one year to the next. Clayton's story: Nephew Hiram J. Smith accidentally shot himself Aug. 11, 1902 when he went to the woodhouse to get a gun to shoot squirrels. He reached for it, lost his balance, was shot and died the following day, aged 27 years 3 months 16 days.

There is a report at Sullivan County Court House. A jury of A.J. Small, Jas. D. Arms, Norman B. Hess, Marcus D. Horn, G. D. Peterman, Harry F. Smith, Amos Faust, Wm. F. Small.-- Accidental Death.

Emily had an illegitimate child, Willis Bert Snider before she married Hiram Newell Smith. Hiram's gravestone is broken and unreadable. If Hiram died 1873-74 and Bird was born Nov. 26. 1875 Hiram could not have been his father. At that time period, the father's name (if known) was used, not the mother's name. I think a man named Bird was "Bird's" father. He is listed with Emla(Emily) in the 1880 Census as John B. Smith nephew aged 5, living with her brother Rohr Keeler.

Olive's remark surprised me. Willis Snider lived with Rohr and Emma Etta Keeler when Emily was widowed and when he "didn't have a mother." (No other explanation.) Olive's story: Emily put blankers in the bed to appear as a person sleeping, left the light on, went out back to the outhouse, then went to the creek and drowned herself.

Harold Hunter told me Emily and Henry had an argument the night before his death. She was staying with grandson Bert Karns Snider, who with Irene Hunter and Dollie Snider had gone to a dance at the Odd Fellows, Forksville. Emily stayed home with the children. Emily told the children she was going to the outhouse. The next morning when she was missing they learned she had put pillows in her bed to resemble a body. They found her body in Loyalsock Creek.

Following the stock market crash, in 1930, her son Willis Snider also lost a great deal of money and killed himself. His obituary gave all the details that he seemed to have things planned to carry them out while the rest of the family were still in their beds.

Emily had married John H. ANDREWS (Court house spelling) but pronounced Anders in that area. Also I think on her gravestone. I copied his estate: total $550 inventory of sale included "1 chalk line and screw driver 5 cents."

A lady in Nordmont, Fairie Walters, has a picture of Emily and other family members. Fairie's Aunt Ada was a relative of John's.

I am corresponding by email with D Gabe of Calif. who is a relative of Henry Kohersparger/Kochensparker, traced back to Germany. Write to him, tell him I gave you his address.

January 26, 2005 5:11 PM

Subject: NANCY

I met Nancy and visited them a few times. Her boys were using their computer when I was there but Nancy did not seem to have enough time then to use it. The little bit of Starr information I received from her. I parked my motor home there overnight.

I was born in Berwick, PA. my husband served in WWII, 4 1/2 years. He was able to get home the day our daughter Marcy was born. She was 2 1/2 when he saw her again. He served with the 15th Evacuation Hospital unit through Africa, Sicily and Italy.

My son-in-law, James Woods, served 20 years with the navy, an aeronautical engineer, twice on duty in Antarctica, flew a helicoper over the base. Has retired twice but is still working. He likes to build computers and helps me quite often. I wish I knew what you seem to know, especially in using them.. I am not sure what some of the terms you use means. I worked for The Morning Call Newspapers in Allentown 36 years and learned there how to use the computer but now everything has gone way beyond my old brain to comprehend.

I liked Word Perfect and fought Word a long time before I had to accept it. I still use floppy disks for backups. I will really enjoy seeing the pictures.

I have a 27 foot motor home I drove back and forth alone from PA. to Chandler, AZ. 17 times. Marcy made me give it up last year. I was able to drive to the towns, areas, etc. where our ancestors lived and do research there. I really miss that.

I see you live in Georgia. The Gammon family went from Tenn. to Rome, GA. before the Civil War ended. They were slave owners and did not feel safe when the war went back and forth in Tenn. I went there a few times to do research and enjoyed it. My son Tom, is torn by the Civil War, had a grandfather on each side.

I too am very interested in the Revolutionary era. I have found several grandfathers in the militia with George Washington in Phila. Co. but have not been able to find any ancestors before that.

I mentioned my parents were divorced. I knew very little about my father's side until I started doing genealogy. I regret now that I didn't have a tape recorder while my mother was still living. She could talk faster than I could write, then would go off on another branch as she told me about the family. Also most all those families used the same given names for two or three generations. Without access to census records as we have today I know I have notes for some of my Keelers with the wrong person. Maybe you can straighten it out. Keelers go back to Ralph Keeler in Conn. There are many Colleys there but I have no idea if there is any connection.

I told you James Peterman and Jonathan Colley were pioneers to Fishing Creek Twp., Northumerland Co. (now Sugarloaf Twp.,) Each received 400 acres of land there Dec. 29, 1792. In 1796 Jonathan sold John Keeler some of that land. Since it was still forested, undeveloped land I believe Jonathan and John Keeler may have been related. How else would John Keeler come down to that spot from New York?

James Peterman's mother was Anne Colley, an aunt of Jonathan's & sister of Alexander Colley. James' father was Jacob Peterman. Both Alexander and Jacob owned plantations and many acres of land where part of Philadelpha and Norristown are now located.

Last summer in Bloomsburg I copied many deeds. I am trying to learn just where they first settled. If you know R.118 between Wilkes- Barre and Williamsport, Grassmere Park and Central. R. 487 goes north from Bloomsburg to Red Rock. If you take the smaller road leading to Central there is a stop sign at R. 188. Immediately o then north side of R. 118 there is a tiny dirt road on the left -- Peterman Road. It travels west to the next highway, I thnk R. 220. There are still Peterman descendants living on that land. I'm putting the deeds in a book for Columbia County Historical Society.

Next chapter later.

Wednesday, January 26, 2005 7:01 PM

Subject: NEWELL

Something just popped into my head after all these years.

There were people named NEWELL in Sullivan Co. when John Smith lived there. I never considered that Mary Turner's family could be relatives of Newell's.

Maybe you could check on it.

Thursday, January 27, 2005 2:25 PM

Subject: CD ROMs

Hi Dan:

Why don't you call me Helen? I feel I already know you very well. My address is 200 E. Knox Rd., #100 Chandler, AZ 85225 Phone is 480-899-5776.

I worked 36 years at The Allentown Morning Call Newspapers -- night shift. So I often am at the computer until 4:30 to 6:30 in the A.M.

I use Salt Lake City PAF genealogy program. I already had you, your wife and Jeremy in my file -- Olive gave me the information. Now I can add the rest of your information.

I notice you can write full lines for your email. I hate to see one or two words carried down to the next line so use a hard return where I thought it should break. I am trying this now to see how it works. Is there some change I can make to the computer for it to work correctly? I'll need step by step instructions.

I think using a CD Rom is a good way to send your information since I will not incorporate your relatives that are not connected to the Smiths. I would like to have them on separate file but handy.

Also I'd like your Family Tree Maker or Word Text files. I will not add all your family to my files since I am almost overloaded now with both the Hess and Smith files. Over the years I used many different programs and kept my Gammon files separate from the Hess. Last year I tried to combine them and ended up with double pages of notes for each person. I should edit and delete one but never seem to find the time to do it.

I have a dial-up connection. Have considered upgrading to faster service but was hesitating till I learn how much I would use it.

I would like to see the vital records but do not know anything about Adobe files. Could they be on a CD Rom too that I could just look at them separately? Also the pictures. Please send the recent ones first. I live in a doublewide mobile home in a rather nice adult park and have very little storage space. I am also interested in the census records. How I wish I were 65 years old again, retired, without cancer and having 20 more years to do genealogy.

I have been sorting my old pictures and putting them in some kind of order. I can send some of my father to you. My sister Lena died a year ago. She gave me many pictures from his trunk, many you cannot identify. Since he lived in Nordmont some may be family members you may recognize.

I read all the newspapers on Sullivan Co. Web site but could not find anything about Hiram Smith's death or the log jam. Maybe in the lumbering operation that would be a common happening and not newsworthy.

If it would be easier, send me a short email with a question, then I'll add the information and return it. Joyce and I do that a lot.

I do appreciate your prayers and caring. That helps a lot. Keeps my mind busy. If you can, I'd like a picture of you and your family.

Love

Cousin Helen

May 13, 2005 11:02 PM

Subject: BROWSE

Daniel,

It was good to hear from you again. What an interesting experience your trip must have been. I'd like to be able to sit down and talk a few hours with you to learn exactly what is going on over there.

Since my oldest brother was killed before age 21 in WW I and I saw my mother mourn for him until her death and after my husband was kept in service four years after volunteering for one year I was against going to war from the beginning. I still think it was just a big ego trip for Bush and his buddies. But enough of that ....

You asked about more information. Do you know about WorldConnect on RootsWeb? A lady who has put her information for the CONNER family has included a lot of my Keeler - Smith information which can be downloaded.

I looked tonight -- Google - WorldConnect -- then typed in JOHN KEELER. Finally under the INDEX #60 I found her Conner site with most of the Keelers. Maureen Scanlon "auntmolly2" and maureen1278. If you check the index and look for SARAH BARTLESON you have the correct John Keeler goes back to Ralph Keeler in Conn. This was typed several years ago and I am not sure whether those dates are correct but it would give you good start on the Keelers and Smiths.

I have several projects I've been working on when able and try to get some of them finished but can't work the long hours as I used to. The Arimidex stopped working and I am now getting a monthly injection of Foslodex. I would like to go back to Penna. for a few weeks but do not know if I can handle it alone. I feel I should stay here close to the best medical care I can get.

I think Shirley told me she and her sisters also had breast cancer and I believe Olive did, too. Guess I was lucky to have cancer on both maternal and paternal sides. I tell you this so you can be aware of what could occur in your family. My good luck was that I was 80 before it developed. I see several young mothers with little children at the clinic for chemo and it breaks my heart to wonder what lies ahead for them. I'm still taking it one day at a time.

I'm very glad you are interested in the genealogy and will try to get more of my information to you.

Please keep in touch.

Saturday, June 11, 2005 10:48 PM

Subject: CD

How can I thank you enough for the CD? There is so much information there I never knew before. Now I know how much I have missed not knowing the Smith family. I was in high school before I met many of my Smith relatives.

Did you know Emily Esther Keeler's mother was Sarah Jane "Sallie" Bartleson? I have so much to tell you about the Bartleson and Batcheler families of Phila. And you will find you had more ancestors in the Revolutionary War from Phila. Some incidents that happened by chance opened up bushels or information about all of them, some you will hardly believe. I'll tell you those another day.

Sally's mother was Hannah Ann Batcheler, daughter of Thomas Freeman Batchelor/Batcheler and Sarah Parsons. Ann married Josephus/Cephas Bartleson. Ann had a brother Joseph Batchelor who married Mary "Polly" Potter. They lived in Huntington Twp. Luzerne Co., just over the hill from Sugarlof Twp. when they first married. Later many of them went to Clinton County. I think you can find more information about the Batchelors/Batchelers there.

On the internet I met Wayne Batcheler, a New York city lawyer who has researched the family. His daughter Sarah, was able to find reams of early information iu Philadelphia and gave me copies.

Cephas's sister, Elizabeth Bartleson, married James Peterman (my mother's grandfather). Both Cephas and Elizabeth died. Ann and James Peterman married, had three Peterman sons, one was named Hiram Abiff Peterman, a physician.

All these cousins pioneered around 1792-1796 to Fishing Creek Twp., Northumberland Co. After James Peterman died Ann and her family pioneered to Michigan. From the 1850 Calhoun Co. Census I was surprised to find Ann Petrman turned out to be both my paternal AND maternal grandmother when she married James Peterman. I also learned from that census her son was Colley Bartleson, which led me to St..Gabriel's christening records and found the baptisms of Cephas and Ann Bartleson's children. There is a copy at LDS. Later I learn Ann's mother married Jonathan Colley, a cousin of James Peterman. All very confusing. James's father, Jacob Peterman, married Ann Colley, aunt of Jonathan, son of Alexander Colley and Abigail Coulston. You need a menu to keep track of them al.

Grandmother Ann Peterman wrote letters from 1841 to 1871 to her stepson William Bartleson Peterman in Sugarloaf Twp. I have copies of those letters. Wait until you read them.

Would you please write a little biography of the Smith family that you have learned? Until I started doing genealogy I knew practically nothing about them. I do not have a happy memory of my father. He left my mother before I was born -- didn't want another damn kid. Yet years earlier he had married my widowed mother knowing she had six children. He was not kind to the Hess children. They were put out with other relatives and neighbors as little children. It ended up that none of them liked him and all had stories to tell to prove how nasty he treated them. Yet Olive Starr told me good stories about him as a young man. At Sullivan Co. Court House I learned he married and left Hattie Brown. I couldn't learn what happened to that child. Then he had to pay another man for fathering a child. Again I can't find what happened to the child. Another nasty thing he did -- scratched his face from the family picture taken with my mother and the Hess children. I can't think well of him even on Father's Day. I scarcely remember even seeing him.

How I wish we could spend a week exchanging information. I do have some pictures I shall try to gather to send to you. I have been feeing a little better but do not know if it is because I have the polymyalgia under control. I shall have another CAT scan and full body bone scan this coming week to see what the cancer is doing. Now that I have met you I pray God gives me strength to share my files with you so all my reseach is preserved.

Joyce Ingerson forwarded your letter to me. Do you mean you are working with the Sullivan County, Penna. Web site? I have been writing to Carol Brotzman. She was starting work on the Keelers.

I have so much material I am thinking of sending to you if I can just get it sorted out. I copied a lot of Keeler information from a book that goes back to Ralph Keeler in Conn. Everything seems to take more effort than I have right now.

Also there is a family who lives in Hughesville that I visited where I got more information. Her memory was worse than mine. That lady's son sent me a large Keeler pedigree but I found a great many mistakes in it and I just laid it aside and have never checked it very well.

Tell me if you have any Bartleson information. Does your computer read floppies? Some of mine are in World Perfect and PAF 3. If so I'll try to send you floppies when I can get them together.

I'm off to devour your CD. Thanks again

Monday, June 20, 2005 3:29 AM

Subject: A VERY, VERY LONG ATTACHMENT

While checking some old floppies today I found this and decided to send it for what information you may glean from it. File name is "Hans Keeler Jr."

I know there are typing errors and also probably errors in dates since I had worked on this when I still had to go to Mesa LDS Library to see any census deeds. I probably started this 15 years ago and may not have made any changes when I discovered new information. I had intended to check it and make corrections before submitting it for printing. I know I do not have energy to do that now.

You may use any of this information in your files but please do not submit it as my finished product. I would appreciate receiving credit for my research and hope it will help others in their researching.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 4:07 AM

Subject: COUSIIN

I hope you and your family has a great vacation. I don't want to put off sharing some background with you.

My news is not very good. I had another CAT scan and total full body bone scan and learned the cancer has metastasized and is now in my liver. I had to start chemotherapy. At the present time I am not having a lot of pain and dread what may be in front of me.

I want to give you my daughters and niece's addresses and emails so you can keep in touch with your relatives.

My daugher is Martha Suellen Gammon Woods, her husband is James R. Woods, address 12 Edison Lane, Doylestown, Penna. 18901 phone 215-348--9257. Marcy is a speech therapist, in charge of seeing the little children are ready to start kindergarten and keeping things running well. Her husband Jim, is a 20 year Navy man, spent two six months tours flying a helicopter to guide the ship in Antarctica among other things. Now enjoys repairing computers. He has retired twice but is still working in Norristown. He comes out and keeps my computer in good shape until I goof it up again. They have a son, Jeremy Gammon Woods, lives in California so he can surf every morning; maintains a web site for a company there I believe.

My niece Sylvia Lee Silvetti Havlish, husband is Norman Havlish, son Christopher Havlish. is the daughter of my oldest sister, Lena Isabelle Smith Markle Silvetti, lives in Macungie, Lehigh County, Penna. I'm not sure of her address and phone number. Her brother, Michael Silvetti lives on E. 10th St., Berwick. 18603. Mike is a retired schoolteacher, a musician as was his father, has a son Michael and grandson Michael -- hard to keep them straight. Both father and son have have had complicated back surgery.

Lena's first husband was Frank Markle of LaJose, Penna, had son Dean Markle. Both are now deceased.

Sylvia taught school in Emmaus, has been a Mary Kay consultant a number of years, also does grief consulting. Both are interested in genealogy but at this time do not have time to do research -- will pursue my work when they retire. Sylvia just moved after caring for Lena in the last months before her death last fall, has some pictures that were in my dad's trunk, has promised to get them to me. She may be able to learn how to send a copy to you by email -- I'm not certain about that.

I tried to forward some of your pictures to Sylvia but didn't do it correctly. I have some pictures here but do not know if I shall be able to get a copy to you. I thought I still had lots of time to finish my work but time is now running low. Now that we have made a connection I want you to be able to keep in touch with them. I can't keep up with all the new things one can do with a computer.

I have three friends who are willing to help me put the various pedigrees in better order. I have probably a hundred floppy disks which I am trying to organize a bit better to salvage the notes from 70 years of research. There are boxes and boxes of hand written notes no one shall be able to decipher. Too bad. I found too many interesting things to collect and didn't get them typed into the computer. I really did enjoy my travels into so many parts of the US where our ancestors lived, so many tales to write about with so little time left. I need a secretary.

Note: The following is the last correspondence that Dan received from Helen:

Friday, October 07, 2005 7:49 PM

Subject: KEELER

Hello Dan,

It was good to hear from you again. I had corresponded with Carol and DG before my last health episode. I enjoyed reading the excerpt you sent. I don't remember how much I told you about my healthy. Hospice is now helping me. The nurse comes weekly and they tell me someone can be here within an hour of a call from me when necessary. That give me great peace of mind.

Getting off the chemotherapy helped. I think it poisoned my whole body. I am gradually gaining more strength and my mind is alert again but I still tire easily. I've been able to work a little on the computer.

Did I ask you if you wanted information for the Keelers and I also have Nancy's Sarah Jane Keeler traced back to Eusebius Bartleson in the 1600s. Did I tell you Sarah Jane's mother, Ann Batcheler-Bartleson-Peterman is both my paternal and maternal great-grandmother? Several great stories uncovered while tracing that.

I now wish I had used Carol Brotzman's style in keeping records instead of the organized pedigree forms. Perhaps I could send you disks that you could use. The dates really should be compared to the now available census records, especially for the Keelers where each child named his children for sisters and brothers. I never felt sure I put a child with the correct parents.

Please keep in touch.

Helen Gammon

In closing, I reflect of Helen Delores Smith Gammon as:

"I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

--Hale, Edward Everett

1822-1909
American author and Unitarian clergyman, b. Boston, grad. Harvard, 1839. He was the nephew of Edward Everett. The pastor of a church in Worcester, Mass. (1842-56), and of one in Boston (1856-1903), Hale was widely influential as a reformer and a prolific writer of magazine articles. From 1903 until his death he was chaplain of the U.S. Senate. His famous short novel, The Man without a Country, was published anonymously in the Atlantic Monthly in 1863. Of his voluminous writings the best are Franklin in France (1887-88), the autobiographical New England Boyhood (1893), and Memories of a Hundred Years (1902).

Helen to Susan again regarding Peterman

Susan

Sorry � I put this together but failed to send it to you.

Helen

Joyce tells me a little about Helen�s mother

More form Helen

The Peterman and Related Family Deeds

HELEN'S NOTES ABOUT WILLIAM PENN

Source: Pennsylvania � THE COLONIAL YEARS 1682� 1776 by Joseph J. Kelley Jr.