Descendants of Mathias Zener

Located Records.

1802-1811, tax records for Bourbon County, Kentucky, under surnames of Sinne, Sena, Zinah and Siner.

1805, as Mathias Seiner, purchased 25 acres "on the Waters of the Hudson" from Susannah and James Calloway in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Photocopy of un-numbered deed from Bourbon Curcuit Court. P247, 20 July.

1815, 13, July, Deed in Clark County Indiana Territory.

1821, November 5, Deed pertaining to remainder of the land from which Mathias Zener purchased his 100 acres. "with the exception of hundred acres and which have heretofore been conveyed by Leonard Troutman to Mathias Zener who is since deceased...lying on Bull Creek.

1834, March 22, Sale of 100 acres, Clark County, Indiana, naming "Elizabeth Zenner, Sevilla Zenner, Leonard Troutman and Polly, his wife of Oldham County State of Kentucky, David Zener and his wife, Edward Zenner and his wife, Peter Hedrick and Ann, his wife, Elizabeth Russell and Adam Zener and his wife of Clark County, State of Indiana," heirs and legatees of "Mathias Zener, deceased," for $400.00. (their signatures are all in the same fine handwriting, however, their seals appear to vary,)

1842, Quit Claimes are signed by most of the children at varying dates with the same accompanying seals.

(It is of interest that these children are not named in the foregoing deeds: Jacob, Henry, John, and Matthias. It has not been established whether they died before reaching maturity, however, identifying records were not located for them.)

1850 Indiana census, Vermillion County and Township, House # 30 (Adam Zener lived in House #31)

Chandler, Sevilla 36yrs born KY Head of Household

Samuel 9yrs IN

Zener Elizabeth 82yrs MD

Much information taken from Zener History by Lucille Stowell, I found some errors including that she had Harrier Zener married to her son Lee Ayers instead of Joseph Ayers. What I tried to do was include things I could verify or had no way to disprove.

Hessian Message Board-on line

From: "John Merz" <hessian@cgocable.net>

Subject: [REV-HESSIANS] Re: My Hessian Search -Mathias Seiner/Zener/Zinner.

Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 19:08:08 -0500

Hello Anthony,

you are a 'lucky' Hessian descendant - in a way, I'll give you a little Christmas present - right now!

Hope you return the favour and give me one as well. Your ancestor's name was Matthias Zinner (sounds like 'Sinner') and no, he was not captured at Trenton, sorry about that. How about Yorktown? Would this be acceptable to you? Just check my webpage to look up how to proceed from here, and in case you wonder why this is also going to the Amrev-Hessians mail list, it's for recording purposes, I do like to inform the rest of our great subscribers and invite them to check their name lists, perhaps you have some cousins running around here too.

Cheers, and merry Christmas,

John Merz

Military service: Hessian Mercenary, Captured at the battle of Yorktown.

Name Change: Not so much name change but different spellings, Zinner, Zenor, Senor, Seiner, Zener!

Miriam Benedict Memorial Cemetery

Appears in some older listings as Union Chapel Cemetery

La Porte County, Indiana

Zener Elizabeth - May 25, 1867 age 93 yrs 10 mo - wife of Matthias

Zener Melville G - Dec 31, 1864 age 22 yrs 24 day

Zener Rhoda A. - Sept 2, 1864 age 24 yrs 8 mo - dau. Edward & Sarah

Zener James - March 5, 1839 age 7 yrs 2 mo 5 da - son J. & S.

Zener Eddie - April 25, 1863 age 17 da

Zener Emmie - April 29, ???? age 21 da

Zener Charles W - Feb 7, 1853 age 1 yr. Son J. & S.

Residence: 1820, Bethlehem, Clark, Indiana

Census: 1830, Clark Co. Indiana , listed as Head of Family

Census: 1860, Louisville, Kentucky, living with daughter Eliza and her husband James Runyon

Residence: Lived in Oldham Co. Kentucky

I have come across two different referances on the Web to Harpers Ferry Maryland? Since Maryland and Virginia share a border I'm speculating some people in the 1800's thought of Harpers Ferry as being in Maryland. As I said this is only speculation but will be checking to see if I can verify.

David Zeners will is in Book B-293, written Jan. 1872. Rec. Feb. 1877, My wife Phebe, my daughter Magdaline; my son Henry, land in Jennings Co.; My daughters Catherine Foster, Lydia Bain, Malinda Landon & Sarah Lard (Laird),; son David G, grandson Charles Search,; my son & Dau Mathias & Harriet Agnes have received their share in Iowa Property.

On May 29,2001 I went to Jefferson County Courthouse and made a copy of the following.

Complete Will of David Zenor

In the name of the Benevolent Father of all, I David Zenor of the County of Jefferson, State of Indiana, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.

I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Phebe Zenor, and my Daughter Magdaline Zenor and my son Henry Zenor the following described Real Estate to wit: Beginning at a corner stone on the Jennings County line in Sec. 3 Range 8 Town 4 running South one hundred and Sixty rods then East twenty eight rods, thence North Eighty rods, thence one hundred and Sixty rods East at Robert Walkers corner, thence North Eighty rods, thence West Sixty five rods thence North twenty five rods into Sec 35, thence West fifteen rods, thence North to the center of the Paris road to a corner stone thence West in the middle of said Paris road to my West line in Jennings County, thence South to the place of beginning. Also Thrity Two Acres and one half of my land, Know as the Foumbo(sic), bounded and described as follows: Commencing at the North East corner of said land and running West Forty rods, then forty rods South, thence East ten rods, thence South One hundred and Sixty rods at the place of beginning, and the above described Real Estate to be the property of said Phebe Zenor, Magdalene Zenor and Henry Zenor forever. Also all the personal property of which I may die possessed, with the exception of a provision hereinafter made.

I give and bequeath all the remainder of my Real Estate to my Daughters Catherine Foster and Lydia Bain and Sarah Laird, and my sons David Zenor and my daughter Malinda Landon to be equally shared and divided among them.

To my grandson Charles Search at the age of twenty one years, the sum of One Hundred Dollars to be paid by Magdalene Zenor out of my personal property.

I do hereby revoke all former Wills by me made. As my son Matthias Zenor and my daughter Harriet Agnes have received a Just proportion of property heretofore, being Real Estate in the State of Iowa, I shall not give them any claim on the above mentioned property.

I testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8' day of January 1872

David Zenor Seal

Signed and acknowledged by said David Zenor as his last Will and Testament in our presence and signed by us in his presence

Napoleon B. McKay

Sidney S. McKay

I David Zenor of Jefferson County Indiana being of sound mind do make this codical to my last Will and Testament dated January 8" 1872 to witt: I will and bequath as I had at first intended with full consent of my wife Phebe Zenor, the the part of my Estate which I willed and bequeathed to her, shall after her death revert to my two children viz: Magdalene Zenor and Henry M. Zenor.

David Zenor

January the 11" 1875

Whereas I David Zenor on the 8"day of January in the year 1872 make my last Will and Testament of that day. I do hereby declare the following to be a Codicil to the same. I do hereby give and Bequeath to my beloved wife Phebe Zenor all the money and all the Notes and accounts that may be due or owing to me the said David Zenor, to have and to hold for her use and benefit during her natural life. And at the death of my wife Phebe Zenor the whole or all that may remain in her possession or outstanding due her shall revert to my son and daughter Henry Zenor and Magdalene Zenor.

David Zenor

Signed and acknowledged by said David Zenor in our presence and signed by us in his presence

N.B. McKay

Sidney S. McKay

State of Indiana

Jefferson County

On this day appeared in Clerks Office Sidney S. McKay one of the subscribing witnesses to the last Will and Testament of David Zenor late of said County, deceased who being duly sworn on his oath saith he saw the said David Zenor sign and seal the foregoing papers as his Will and that he with Napoleon B. McKay subscribed the same as witnesses in the presence of each other, and in the presence and at the request of said David Zenor. This doponent further saith said David Zenor was at the time of making and executing said papers as his Will of full age to devide his property and of sound mind and memory, and not under coercion and restraint, and that he did publish and declare the same to be his Will and further saith not.

Sidney S. McKay

Subscribed and sworn of before me this 3rd day of February 1877

A. L. Shannon Clerk

State of Indiana

Jefferson County

I A. L. Shannon Clerk of the Curcuit Court in and for said County. do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true full and complete copy of the last Will and Testament of David Zenor late of said County deceased, as is also the certificate of probate hereby attatched as the same now appears from the original now on file in my office.

A. L. Shannon Clerk

Per W. M. Mathews D. C.

"David Zenor emigrated to Lexington, Kentucky, in 1799. In 1810 to Clark County, Indiana; In 1814 enlisted in Col. Grays Regiment in Westport, Kentucky; Battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815; walked back to Indiana; Married in 1818 and settled on farm on which he died; last survivor of his regiment; wife survives.: (Madison Indiana Courier, July 1876-1879, Indiana State Library).

1820  Census-Zener

ZENER, David 283 Jefferson

ZENER, Elizabeth 37 Clark

ZENOR, George 46 Harrison

Burial: Paris, Jennings Co., Indiana, His tombstone says he was born in Harpers Ferry, Virginia but in Cencus records he said he was born in Maryland?

Census: 1820, Jefferson County, Indiana, no township listed, married 1 female child, which would be Elizabeth

Lived With: 1870, Pheobe, Magdalena, Henry & Grandson Charles Search, son of their daughter Elizabeth.

Military service: 10 Nov 1814, Captain Ziba Holt's Company of Infantry, 13 Regiment Kentucky Detatched Militia. Oldham Co. Kentucky. Was in the Battle of New Orleans, Jan 8, 1815. Walked home after discharge.

Residence: 1860, Graham, Jefferson, Indiana¹⁰

Will: Registered InJefferson Co. Indiana

Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery

Census: 1860, Graham Township, Jefferson County, Indiana

Raised By: Her mothers brother Henry Miller and his wife Magdalene after her mothers death

In Phebe's War of 1812 Widows Pension is a true copy of the record on the Marriage Register of David Zenor to Miss Pheby Baker, by Charles Lankesley of the Gospel Methodist Episcopal Church, Hardinsburg, Breckenridge Co., Kentucky.

Marriage: 05 May 1818, Hardinsburg, Breckinridge, Kentucky

Marriage Register: Phebe's War of 1812 Widow's Pension Application

Anna and Peter "signed" the the 1834 grantor deed in Clark County and 12 October 1836, Peter Hedrick signed the Quit Claim deed in Clark County; Anna Hedrick signed the quit claim deed in Brown County, Indiana, April 6, 1840.

Burial: Noblet Cemetery, Story, Brown County, Indiana

Marriage: 04 Oct 1817

The 1888 Biographical and Historical Record of Vermillion County says "Adam Zener was one of the brave pioneers who settled in Newport when that now prosperous town consisted only of log huts." Since Adam was a sawmill operator this would have been a favorable condition for his business of supplying sawed lumber for houses.

He is reported to have come in 1826, but did not get around to entering land until 1835 when he entered land in Section 33, southwest of Newport. Later he acquired large tracts east and south of his sawmill in the NW 1/4 of Section 36. This is on the west side of Opedee Road and on the east side of the road and a little further north is the Zener Cemetery. Most if not all of the Zener land became Parrett land after Adam's death as his daughter Lydia was the wife of Rev. John W. Parrett.

He married Mary Hopkins, daughter of a neighboring pioneer family, In 1828 and raised a good family. It was the pleasure of this Book to read a small family history written by one of the sons Robert, of Indianapolis for a family reunion in 1892, and it left a strong impression that they must have been very good people.

It was from that little book loaned by Mrs. John W. Parrett that the picture shown here of the first house of Adam Zener was taken. And some "old timer" letters to the Hoosier State said this was "the first good house in Newport" which it might well have been because of Adam being in the Sawmill business. The house stood on Lot 27, which is next to the site of the old Methodist Church which later became the Opera House. It became the property of Frank Turner in 1895, who replaced it with the house there now.

Adam had sold the house in 1853 to Jerome B, Dicken and built the big house near the east end on East Market Street, which after his death in 1877 passed to the Parrett family and was sold out of the family only recently. It was the home of Wm. C. Parrett for many years. When Adam built the house he had a front yard that extended to the next street north, which is actually Market Street, until the march of progress required cutting the street through as it is now.

Adam and Mary Hopkins Zener were buried in the Zener Cemetery which can be dimly seen looking east from the town dump. When Dee Tile Plant excavated the shale from the pit there, the Zener remains and grave stones were taken to the Newport Cemetery and the narrow white shaft can be seen there near the road not far from the south end.

Two of Adam's sons, Matthew and William served through the Civil War in Co. C. of the 18th Indiana, Regiment. After the war the boys married and the families began to disperse.

Robert moved to Indianapolis and spent his life there, leaving two sons and a daughter. This Book did some telephoning to Zenor families living there now, even though the name was spelled a little differently, but they were not connected. Elizabeth married to James Dallas livied in Minneapolis, Mathias in St. Louis, Melvin in Kansas City, Missouri, and James W. married to Hattie Bishop daughter of the noted Francis M. Bishop of Newport, lived in LaHarpe, Kansas. For some reason William W's death was not reported in the Hoosier State, or at least was not seen by this Book, but the last report noted was that he was living in Nevada, Missouri. His death occurred sometime between 1904 and 1912.

Contact seems to have been lost by anyone here with any decendants of this good family and it would be gratifying if through this Book some contact would be re-established.

Described by Robert Zener in his reunion book as a genius without early advantages....skill and tact in his business above ordinary...large and brusque-looking.

The People's guide : a business, political and religious directory of Vermillion Co., Ind., together with a collection of verse.

Page 297, Zener, Adam farmer; Newport P.O. Born in Kentucky 1803, Came to Clark County 1812, and to Vermillion County in 1826, Republican, Methodist.

Burial: Mar 1887, Buried in the Zener family plot which were later moved to the Newport, Cemetery.

Census: 1850, Vermillion County, Indiana

Living with family: 1860, Sarah Rogers age 15, and Rhoda Day, Rhoda possibly daughter of his brother Edward.

Occupation: 1850, Miller

Residence: 1850, Vermillion, Vermillion, Indiana¹⁸

Mary Hopkins, daughter of James Hopkins (born 1782 Deleware; died 1859 Indiana). He removed with parents to Ohio and to Vigo County, Indiana and to Colemans Prarie in Vermillion County, Indiana in the spring of 1824 where she was married. In the fall of 1833 she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. She died as she had lived a true Christian esteemed and beloved by all who knew her. (Family record of Arlene Huck). Robert Zener described her is his reunion book. "frail, retiring, steadfast and zealous."

1850 Census from Ancestry says born Virginia but actual census (see copy of census) says born Pennsylvania

Residence: 1860, Vermillion, Vermillion, Indiana

Marriage: 28 Dec 1828, Newport, Vermillion County, Indiana

Residence: 1880, Living in with her daughter "Sarah Zenor" on Market Street, Newport, Vermillion Township

Marriage: 08 Dec 1870, Newport, Vermillion County, Indiana

Sidelights on Williams family history, page 50- 51

There was only one fly in Johnathan's ointment, He was surrounded by Methodists, while his own Quaker meeting had been organized in a solid Community of Quakers a dozen miles away. It happened that a Methodist, Jefferson Zener had bought a claim squarely in the middle of what turned out to be this same Quaker community. So Jefferson and Johnathan traded farms in 1846. and each of them got into a religious community of his own sort.

ZENER ELVIN E MAY BE BURIED IN SECTION O1 LOT 32 ROW 6, BEAHM BURIALS

ZENER JEFFERSON 11/19/1805 7/24/1889

ZENER NINA MAY BE BURIED IN SECTION O1 LOT 32 ROW 6, BEAHM BURIALS

ZENER SUSANNA WARNOCK O1 32 6 4/14/1815 5/22/1891-WIFE OF JEFFERSON

Census: 1860, Clinton, LaPorte County, Indiana

Living with family: 1860, Elizabeth Zyenir, age 94, widow born in Maryland, this is Jeffersons mother Elizabeth Gerringer Zener

Occupation: 1860, Farmer

Property: 1850, Census of Clinton Township, La Porte Indiana, states he owned 900 acres

Marriage: 28 Aug 1830

Father Zener was with the North on the question of slavery, and long before the war was recognized as an "Abolitionist." When the stars and stripes was fired upon in 1861 he was among the first to enlist under the call fro three months' service, but it was found that he was overage, and he was rejected. However, before the war closed he enlisted again and had the honor of defending his country's flag. He remained loyal to the party of liberty and union until his death. (He lost sons Calvin and Melville in this war.) He enrolled in Captain Patton's Co., 138th Regiment, Indiana Infantry, 11 May 1864 to 30 September 1864 and was absent. sick at Indianapolis, August 31st. His wife Salley died on August 15, 1864.

Described as 5'9", dark complexion, dark hair, grey eyes, a farmer when he enlisted. Applied for pension at age 83.

Census: 1850, Clinton, LaPorte County, Indiana

Military service: 11 May 1864, He was declared too old on his first try to enlist, but on second try enrolled in Captain Patton's Co. 138th Regiment Indiana Infantry. He served until September 30, 1864.

Property: 1850, LaPorte Co. Indiana, listed with 1,050 acres

Sarah married a man by the name of Zenor (Marriage records show Sally Sarah Miller married Edward Zenor, 15 Oct. 1829, he was a son of Mathias Zenor/Zener and brother of David Zenor/Zener. Edward moved from the area first to LaPorte, Indiana then to Caldwell County Missouri. Sally is buried in LaPorte.)

Burial: Union Chappel Burying Ground

Marriage: 15 Oct 1829, listed in Indiana State records as married in Jefferson County Indiana

Marriage: 28 Dec 1865, Mirabel, Caldwell, Missouri

Census: 1850, Vermillion County, Indiana

Living with family: 1850, Elizabeth Zener age 82, Servilla's mother Elizabeth Garringer

Neighbors: 1850, Her brother Adam Zener and wife Mary

From the descendants of William and Annis Chandler of Roxbury, Mass. Page 940. also mentioned on page 543.

Samuel Chandler and Sevilla Zener, Newport, Ind.

She was b. in Lexington, Ky., dau. of Matthias Zener, pf Swancy, Germany (who came to America as a British soldier, and settled in Fredrick City, Md., thence to Lexington, Ky.) by his wife Catherine Garinger, who lived to be 98 years old.

Mr. Chandler lived in Newport, where he was a merchant. He was elected county treasurer of Vermillion Co., a few days before his death, 18 June, 1841, aged 29 years lacking two days

Elected: 1841, County Treasurer, Vermillion County, Indiana

Occupation: Merchant

Marriage: 17 Sep 1837, Newport, Vermillion, Indiana

Residence: 1880, Jeffersonville, Clark, Indiana, United States

Residence: 1870, Jeffersonville Ward 1, Clark, Indiana

Occupation: 1860, Steam Boat Pilot

Webb Golden Anniverary

Wingate News

Sunday at the home of James VanCleave, was celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary of the marriage of Reuben "Horace" Webb and Sarah Webb of this place. The children, five in numer, namely, Charles Webb, Mrs. Carrie Crane, William Webb and Mrs. James Vancleave all of Wingate and Mrs. Emily Wright of Salina, KS all of whom were present planned and carried out this celebration. An event to be proud of and remember with reverance in the history of any family. There are a few families who celebrate at least one golden wedding, but in this particular family there are many remarkable features deserving of mention, besides the mere fact that a golden wedding was celebrated, which in itself is a rare occurrence, and waht is still more are is the second golden anniversary celebrated in one family as has been the case in this (Webb) family. Another remarkable thing on this occasion was the fact that five generations, all present on this one day, were not only the eldest of the family in each generation but were also the male members of each and of the same name, something we have never heard of before int he history of any family. They are Reuben Webb, age 93; Horace Webb, son of Reuben age 71; Charles Webb son of Horace 48; Manford son of Charles 29 and Elmer son of Manford 8. We have amny times read of the five generations wehre they were sons and daguthers but never before where the 5 generations were all sons. Another feature of this even worth mentioning is that four in the fifth generation were present. But the most noteworthy of all is that the father, Reuben T. Webb who lives at the present time with his daughter, MRs. Brunton in Lafayette was present at the golden wedding of his son and who although almost blind is rugged and heatlhy, considering his advanced age. He was born in Bornw CO, Ohio on 28 March 1817. He springs from the sterling English ancestory on both the paternal and maternal sides and is an honored veteran of the civilw ar and he with his good wife celebrated their 70th anniversary over a year before she died in the year 1906. They were married May 5, 1835 in Brown County, Ohio and at the time of his marriage Mr. Webb was but 18 years old. He acquired his early eduation in the pioneer schools of Borwn Co Ohio when the schools were conducted on the subjsscription plan and were held in a little log building with a stick chimney and an immense fireplace ten feet long. On the fire was placed a high back log which was rolled in place by the big boys and would last two days. The windows were made by taking out a secdtion of logs from the sides of the room and covering the aperture with greased paper. The cabin floor, seats and desks were of puncheon and the instructions were also as primitive. Mr. Webb attended school only until he was 9 years old as his services were needed on the farm. When a youth of 13 he began learning the cooper's trae which he followed for several years after his marriage. On the first of Oct 1849 they removed to Indiana making the journey in wagons and were 11 days on the road. They located the first winter in Pleasant HIll now Wingate, Montgomery Co but in the spring removed to Tippecanoe between that and Fountain Co. In 1861 he purchased the property in Corwin, now Romney Ind where he made his home until the death of his wife. ON the 12th day of October 1861 Mr. Webb enlisted under Capt. Henry Leaming in Co. C 40th Ind Regiment Indiana volunteers to serve for 3 years, but after the 15th month he was honorable discharged on account of blindness. However he participated in the battles of Shiloh under Buell and many other skirmishes on the way to Cornith and Perrysville. He was stricken with blindness in camp at Cornith and thus totally disabled for military service he was discharged. He was a most patriotic and loyal soldier and the same qualities were manifested in two of his sons, who went to the front, James who was in the 20th Ind Inf reenlisted in the US regulars and served 6 years following the stars and stripes for almost a decade. He is now deceased. Reuben Horace served 4 years in the 63rd Ind Inf. and was wounded in the battle of Resaca. A son-in-law, Frank L. Perkins also served int he 63rd and died of typhoid fever. Mr. Webb's loyalty to all duties of citizenship intreste in home and endeavor to instill into the minds of his chidren sterling traits of character, the word of cheer and hearty laugh with which he and his good wife met every obstacle made them loved by all who knew them. We well rmember an old saying of Grandma Webb: "you must laugh to be healthy"and we have often heard her say that was what made her live so long. Another remarkable thing at this gathering was the presentce of AUnt Lydia McJimsey, mother of Mrs. Charles Webb who will be 87 years old this coming Sunday. She is a wonderful old lady. She does embroidery and other sewing without the aid of spectacles, attends church does her own housework and takes trip son the train alone, better than many a younger woman.

Census: 1870, Head of Household, Widow, living in Montgomery County, Coal Creek Township

Marriage: Abt. 1840, Indiana

Marriage: 25 Sep 1854, Jefferson County, Indiana

Marriage: 15 Oct 1873, Montgomery County, Indiana

Burial: 1894, Fairmont Cemetery, Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana

Graham: Graham Twp. Jan. 6, 1844-July 30, 1904. First postmaster, Charles K. Lard. Section 13 Twp. 4N Range 8E.

Fairmount Cemetery-Madison Township Sarah writes, "Charles came from Vermont to Otsego County, New York
with his parents about 1809 or 1810. His father Samuel came to Indiana about 1813, but Charles didn't come to Indiana until
1820 when the whole family came to join his father. They settled near Paris in Jennings County. Charles lived in Jennings
County, and then later settled in Graham Township, Jefferson County where he was in the mercantile business and was also a
farmer. By 1870 he was in Madison Township. When he was a young man he was also involved in the riverboat trade with his
brother Samuel. There is an autobiography, handwritten, by him in the Indiana State Historical Society Library. It is most
interesting....Just one comment about his name-I have checked original town records in Hancock, Vermont and he was named
Charles Rodney Lard. However, he always used the name Charles Kendall Lard. One of his descendants said, "He was stubborn.
If he didn't like his original name, he wouldn't have used it."

Census: 1860, Graham Township, Jefferson County Indiana. Name spelled Lard

Census: 1880, Jackson County, Indiana

Living with family: 1880, Nephew Alna C. Foster, age 10.

Residence: 1880, Jackson, Jackson, Indiana, United States

Marriage: 08 Aug 1853

Pastor's 1883 List of Members

Coffee Creek Baptist Church

Paris Crossing, Jennings County, Indiana

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

Member Surname Reception Date Year Departure Date Year

Elias Abrams letter Sept 1883 death 23-Sep 1893

Martha Abrams letter Sept 1883 letter Nov

Julia Etta Adams baptism Feb 1864 letter

Charity Arbuckle baptism Feb 1864 letter

Ellison Arbuckle baptism 1878 letter Apr 1882

Hester Arbuckle baptism 1878 letter Apr 1882

Katy Arbuckle baptism Nov 1832 death 20-Jan 1879

Matthew Arbuckle baptism Oct 1841 death November 1874

Polly Arbuckle baptism Jan 1841 letter May 1881

Sally Arbuckle baptism June 1840 death July 1883

Harriet Ayers restored July 1889

Mable Ayers baptism 22-May 1897

Joseph Ayres relation Oct 1892

Burial: Paris, Jennings Co., Indiana

Property: Bet. 1887 - 1888, Gazetteer of Jefferson Co, Property owners, Graham Townahip, listed with 20 acres.

Joseph Ayers (First_Last)

Regiment Name 9 Indiana Legion (10 Days, 1863.)

Side Union

Company I

Soldier's Rank_In 1 Lieut.

Soldier's Rank_Out 1 Lieut.

Alternate Name

Notes

Film Number M540 roll 3

Page 194

Aug 12th 1893

Saturday before second Lord’s Day Church met in regular session. Sermon from 2 Cor. 8th Chapter theme in consecration, long he leadeth me. 1. Peace of the church called for, no complaints. 2. Minutes read and approved. 3. Deac. O PHILLIPS read the financial report which was received. 4. Resolved that financial report for the year will commence the first of July and end thirtieth of June. 5. A letter was granted to Sr. Mary ELLIOTT WILSON. 6. The association letter read and approved when filled out. 7. The chair requested to appoint the delegates to the Association. 8. Brother DODD presented a bill of indebtedness on the stones, which was assigned to the board. 9. The clerk makes a motion to elect a clerk for the ensuing year, whereupon Sr. Ida WRIGHT was duly elected. 10. Moved & second to adjourn till Saturday before second Lord’s day in Sep.

Sr. B. R. SAMSON, clerk

Pastor, T. A. Childs, Mod.

Association Messengers: Deacons Warren MALCOMB, G. W. DODD, Thomas DEPUTY, Ella NELSON, & Sr. B. K. SAMSON. Alternate Srs. Elizabeth McGANNON, Mary DIXON, Charles WRIGHT, Joseph AYERS, John ELLIOTT.

Paris Crossing, Dec. 9, 1893

Saturday before second Sunday in Dec. church met in regular session and as the pastor was absent, W. T. DEPUTY was elected moderator. 1. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. 2. Peace called for no complaint. 3. Motion that the fourth rule of Code of rules be dropped and the New Testament plan adopted. Motion carried. 4. Joseph AYERS elected treasurer. 5. Reorganization of S. S. All of the present officers retained except Assistant Supt. And W. T. DEPUTY was elected. 6. Bro. Casper VORBURGER and wife call for letter. Deferred until next meeting. 7. Adjourned.

W. T. Deputy, Mod.

Ida E. Wright, Clk.

Page 206

August 11th 1894

Letter to Association

The coffee Creek Baptist Church

To the Coffee Creek Baptist Association

Dear Brethren and Sisters,

In the name of our common Master we greet you and heartily welcome you to our church and homes. The past year has been to us one of spiritual growth and increase in membership largely from the Sunday school. We have a B.Y.P.U. that is doing very good work. We regret that our missionary collections have been so small yet the subject has been presented and a collection taken each quarter. We are now engaged in an effort to raise $500 to pay off church debt, reseat church and make other necessary improvements. We have been called to mourn the loss of four of our members, viz.

Elias ABRAMS died Sept. 23rd 1893.

John C. ROGERS died Jan 20th 1894 aged 79 yrs 9 days

Lucy KAY died Feb 20th 1894 aged 39 years

John C. WILSON died May 22, 1894.

Servants of God well done.

Rest from thy loved employ.

The battles fought the victory won

Enter thy master’s joy.

Messengers: Bros. W. L. MALCOMB, Joseph AYERS, Geo DODD, Chas. WRIGHT & Sisters Malita MALCOMB, Bell K. SAMPSON, Ella NELSON and Ida E. WRIGHT.

Burial: Paris, Jennings Co., Indiana

Census: 1920, Living in Montgomery Township, Jennings County IN, with Wilber Malcomb and his wife Magdalene Ayers Malcomb

Children in home: 1870, Mathias, Sarah, Leonidas, Magdaline.

Military service: 11 May 1861, Elected First Lieutenant in the Indiana Militia, Paris Guards, out of Paris Indiana, Jennings Co., Papers signed by Oliver P. Morton.

Neighbors: 1880, Daniel Ray, whose family later owned the Ayers land, and Joseph C. Tibbits, who wrote the Coffie Creek Baptist Church book.

Occupation: 1880, Cabinet Maker

Residence: 1880, In household are Joseph, Harriet, daughter Maggie and Grandaughter Josephine Flood.

Marriage: 02 Dec 1851, Jefferson Co., Indiana

Mathias Zener (First_Last)

Regiment Name 6 Indiana Infantry

Side Union

Company C

Soldier's Rank_In Sergt.

Soldier's Rank_Out Sergt.

Alternate Name Mathias/Zenar

Notes

Film Number M540 roll 86

Burial: Appleton City Cemetery, no dates on tombstone

Census: 1880, Listed in 1880 Cencus as residing in St. Clair Co. Appleton Twp., Missouri

Military service: 1861, Fought for the North in the Civil War Enlisted April 24, 1861, 6th Indiana, Infantry, Company H. Held Prisoner at Libby Prison.

Occupation: 1880, Millright in Census

Burial: Lancaster Indiana. College Hill Cemetary, Row 9

From Jefferson Co. Records/Family Biographies

FRANCIS M. LANDON

Francis M. Landon, Lancaster, Lancaster township, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 13, 1832; is the son of William and Elizabeth (Riggle)Landon. His father was born in Kentucky, December 22, 1810; his mother was born in Walnut Hills, Ohio, October 7, 1811. They were married at Walnut Hills, February 12, 1828, and raised a family of five children, of whom Francis M. is the second child. His father was a miller and farmer in this county, and died October 8, 1863, at the age of 53 years. His Mother died January 2, 1860 at the age of 49 years.

His parents removed from Ohio to Scott county, Ind., when he was an infant, and about five years after removed to Jefferson county, and located on Big creek, his father buying what was known as "Settle Mill," a flour, grist and sawmill. His father also farmed.

The subject of this sketch attended the common schools of this county, He was married, April 15, 1856 to Miss Malinda Zenor, daughter of David Zenor, who was born in Harper's Ferry Virginia, of German parentage, and who died in this county, January 5, 1877 at the age of 80 years. Francis M Landon and wife had five children, one boy and four girls: Elizabeth, William A., Jennie, Agnes and Clara.

Mr. Landon commenced the milling business when only twelve and one-half years old, and has been engaged at the same business ever since. He took charge of the mill at that early age because of the failing sight of his father incapacitating him for work. Francis M. and his brother George built a new mill in 1856, a stone structure, 37 x 40, four stories high, with capacity of 100 barrels per day, at a cost of $10,000. It was destroyed by fire in 1869. His father was in debt at the time, but the young man succeeded in making a living, and paying the bebt, and at the same time building up a large trade, which has remained with him ever since. His long experience has made him through in all departments of the mill so that when he gets any improved machinery he is able to put it in himself, also can repair almost anything about the mill.

Except for a few months of that time that he was in Jennings county, the whole of that time has been spent in Jefferson county. The mill he is now running is located at Lancaster, it is a merchant custom mill (flour and Grist). His son William A., is now with him in the mill, the firm being Landon & Son.

In 1878 Mr. Landon was appointed county commissioner, to fill the unexpired term of James Baxter, and in 1880 was elected county commissioner for the term of three years, on the Republican ticket.

Mr. Landon is a member of the Baptist Church of Lancaster. Mr. Landon has been successful in his business, and very few who have started out to make their fortunes at so young an age as he have succeeded so well. Honesty, in business and prubity of life have been his rule of life, and once a friend of his always a friend has been the result. He has now customers who have dealt with him forty-five years. Such a testimonial is vouchsafed to few men in this world.

Mr. Landon is in remarkably good health for a man who has been so long engaged in the milling business, night and day. He deserves his success as the reward for such persevering labor, as well as for his puch. A boy who at that age was laden with the responsibility of a family and debt, is seldom able to come out from under the load, and if he does is usually soured. Mr. Landon is as cheery as if everything had gone smoothly for him in this world, and does not show in his manner the troubles he has come through.

Graham Township

Militia Enrollment -1862

Francis M Landon 30 Miller State Serv

Burial: 09 Jul 1906, Lancaster Indiana. College Hill Cemetary, Row 9

Elected: 1880, He was first appointed in 1878 to fill the term of a James Baker. Then in 1880 was Elected as County Commissioner, on the Republican Ticket.

Occupation: He was a Miller, running the Family Flour and Grist Mill from the age of 12 yrs. He later owned a Mill at Lancaster Indiana with his son William A. Their firm was called Landon & Son.

Religion: Member of the Baptist Church of Lancaster, Indiana

Residence: 1900, Montgomery, Jennings, Indiana

Marriage: 15 Apr 1856, Jefferson County, Indiana

In 1880 Census of St. Clair County, Speedwell Township, a Arthur B. Gaddy, 22 yrs old,

is shown living with David and Zerilda. Possibly her brother

Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery

Census: 1880, Resided in St. Claire Co., Speedwell Township., Missouri

Military service: 1862, Indiana Militia

Residence: Aft. 1876, Moved to Missouri

TIFFIN BAPTIST CHURCH

Early History from St. Clair County Library Records (Condensed):

The Tiffin Baptist Church was organized as a part of a Union Church in 1882. The Union Church continued for about ten years.

A meeting was held on December 7, 1883 at the post office (which was in the general store owned by Gideon Pape) the purpose of which was to begin work on the measures necessary for said project. It was proposed to be a non-secretarian meeting house at the following location: The SW corner of Sec 18, Township 47, Range 27.

This is the location of "Old Tiffin" known in later years as Pape.

Trustees were elected who would be in control of the grounds and house and they were to consider establishing a cemetery. The agreement stated: The house shall be open to preaching to all denominations or to Sunday School, singing or any other public meetings as the trustees may see fit to be held in the house.

After about ten years, the Baptists, comprised of the following eleven members moved to the present location and built a new church building; thus the Tiffin Baptist Church had its beginning in the year of 1892.

The eleven members were:

Robert Evans and wife

E.C. McLain and wife

J. P. Skillman and wife

Griffin Thomas and wife

Thomas Evans

Jemina Chambers

Zerielda Zener

The original building became the Pape Christian Church.

Submitted by: Mary Zeiler

Jennings Co. Indiana July 5th (1884)

Coffee Creek Baptist Church met in regular session first Saturday in July 1884 after prayer and short exhortation a season was spent in conference after which the minutes of previous meeting was called for, read and approved. References taken up and disposed of as follows: Report of committee on reviewing church Book accepted and 19 names ordered dropped from the fellowship of the church for various reasons as specified in report, to wit, D. W. TAGUE, Rat SWENY, N. E. TAGUE, Francis M. RAGAN, Martha BLANKENSHIP, Mary H. BLANKENSHIP, Isaac BRAZELTON, Mag BRASELTON, Rebeca DAVIS, Elizabeth RANEY, Safrona CARPENTER, Bell SAMPSON, and Jennie GALLIMORE, and it was further ordered that the clerk correspond with the following named persons and report the result of said correspondence. E. R. HILL, Sally EADOR, Zerelda GADDY (now Zerelda ZENOR), Norman GRAHAM, Leli BUTLER, Araminda WILSON, Alvin LOWERY, and William COX and further the enquiry laid over until next meeting in regard to the following persons: Araminda E. TATE, Luann DEPUTY, Bell BYFIELD, Elvery JOHNSON & Mary Ellen DEPUTY. The financial question then taken up and upon a vote of the church ordered that Brother John TOBIAS and Sister Betsy shall circulate subscriptions and get what assistance they see proper to raise funds necessary to defray the expences of the church for the year now entered upon and further Brother Allen PHILLIPS asked the propriety of electing another trustee to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brother Samuel MALCOMB, the consideration of which was laid over until next meeting. Adjourned to met first Saturday in August 1884.

Lott Randolph, Mod.

S. S. Stribling, Clerk

Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery

Census: 1920, St. Clair County, Speedwell Township, Missouri, listed as Widow

Marriage: 08 Jun 1862, Jennings County, Indiana

Residence: 1880, Johnson, Brown, Indiana, United States

Residence: 1880, Johnson, Brown, Indiana, United States

Marriage: 26 Dec 1839

Marriage: 01 Jul 1897

Marriage: 08 Apr 1844

Census: 1880, Van Buren Township, Brown County, Indiana

Occupation: Bet. 1880 - 1910, Farmer

Census: 1880, Van Buren Township, Brown County, Indiana

Marriage: 24 Sep 1865

PARRETT

Lydia (Zener)

1831

(9 FEB) 1916

(84y)

Mrs. Lydia Zener Parrett, widow of the late Dr. John W. Parrett of Newport,

died about 3 o'clock Wednesday morning, February 9, 1916, aged 84 yrs, 5 mos,

and 21 days. She was a daughter of Adam and Mary Zener, pioneer residents of

Newport. Her father was born in Kentucky in 1803 and settled in Newort in

1826, two years after the organization of the county. He was married to Miss

Mary Hopkins in Newport in 1828, a daughter of James Hopkins. The deceased

was born in Newport Aug. 18, 1831 and, with the exception of a few years,

redided in Newport all of her life. Seh was the oldest child of a large

family. She was married to Rev. John W. Parrett Mar. 20, 1851, who was at

the time pastor of the :Methodist church at Newport, who was later given the

degree of Doctor of Divinity by DePaul University;, where he attended school

and to which he rendered every material aid. To this union were born two

children - Robert Adam Parrett, deceased, and Martha Ellen Parrett, now the

wife of Dr. M. L. Hall, who is the only surviving child, and with whom the

deceased lived at the old homestead where she lived for more than fifty

years. Besides the daughter, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren

survive. She was a faithful, lovable wife, a kind and affectionate neighbor

and grandmother, a good neighbor and true friend. The funeral services were

held at the home Fri. afternoon. Rev O.B. Rippetoe, the local pastor,

offeciated, assisted by Rev. John S. Brown. The music consisted of two vocal

solos by Miss Edith Conley and a duet by Miss Conley and Mrs. O. T. Evans.

Burial took place at the Newport cemetery, three miles northwest of town.

Submitted by Mary Thompson Phelps E-mail mvtphelps@aol.com

Occupation: Methodist circuit rider, Justice of the Peace, in Real Estate and Loans and a Farmer.

Marriage: 20 Mar 1851, Newport, Indiana

Census: 1860, Vermillion County, Indiana, her brother Matthias Zener was living with them.

Relocated: St. Paul Minnisota

Occupation: 1860, Farmer

Marriage: 08 Apr 1856, Vermillion County, Indiana

From "History of Sedalia" In 1864 moved to Iowa in the Insurance business; 1865 to Clinton Missouri working in insurance and pharmacy; 1866-1870, Superintendant of Schools; in 1873 to Sedalia, MO, Pettis Co. He also enlisted in "War of the Union, " 1861, Indiana Volunteers, 18th Regiment. The a892 reunion book indicates he lived in St. Louis that year.

Matt Zener (First_Last)

Regiment Name 18 Indiana Infantry

Side Union

Company C

Soldier's Rank_In Pvt.

Soldier's Rank_Out Pvt.

Alternate Name

Notes

Film Number M540 roll 86

Census: 1880, Pettis County, Missouri census includes Nancy Smith, 73, Mother in Law born in Virgina as living with them.

Marriage: 28 Feb 1870

In military papers he is described as 5'8", fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair, a farmer. He applied for pension at Vernon County, Missouri, January 15, 1898, and was living at Bronough, Missouri. Nan also applied for widows pension. Described by Brother Robert Zener as "restless, almost reckless, aggressive Will of old.... Appearance resembles his father....30 years absence from church, or nearly so.

William W. Zener (First_Last)

Regiment Name 18 Indiana Infantry

Side Union

Company F&S

Soldier's Rank_In 1 Sgt.

Soldier's Rank_Out 1 Lt.

Alternate Name

Notes

Film Number M540 roll 86

Census: 1850, Vermillion County, Indiana

Living with family: 1870, Samuel H. Quigley, 21, from Pennsylvania

Military service: 1861, Enlistee, Indiana Volunteers

Moved: 1865, In 1860 census still in Indiana, by 1870 in Missouri

Occupation: Postmaster

Still at home: 1850, With parents and brothers and sisters

Census: 1850, 1 year old living with parents in Perrysville, Vermillion County, Indiana

Living with family: 1860, Mother married to Robert Nixon Sr.

Plaintiff, William W. Zener; defendent, Sarah F. Zener"...did not come...guilty of willful abandonment toward plaintiff."

Divorce: 16 Jul 1889, Erie, Neosho County, Kansas

Marriage: 28 Oct 1865, Newport, Vermillion County, Indiana

Marriage: 10 Feb 1890, Harrisonville, Cass County, Missouri

Robert wrote the book on the family reunion held at Newport Indiana, October 6-10, 1892. He presented copies of the published book to sisters and brothers for Christmas 1893 (Baker-Randolph Litho & Eng. Co., Indianapolis).

Census: 1870, Clinton, Henry County, Missouri

Living with family: 1870, Mathias Zener, retired druggist, 34 years old. He is Robert's Uncle.

Occupation: 1889, Indiana Directories, 1887 to 1890, Robert Zener & Company, 291/2 N Pennsylvania, Insurance

Residence: 1889, 306 N Park Avenue

Marriage: 18 Nov 1869

From History of Henry and St. Clair Counties, Missouri 1883: Melvin worked at farming and sawmilling until 1865; learned the drug business at Terre Haute, Indiana, partner in the firm Zener and Montgomery, Druggists; c.1877 moved to Clinton, Missouri: Methodist Episcopal Church Members, Clinton Lodge No. 481, A.F. & A.M. , Delphian Lodge No. 34, IOOF, Knight of Pythias.

Complete copy of his part of History of Henry and St. Clair Counties--Melvin L. Zener of the firm of Zener and Montgomery, druggists, was born in Vermillion County, Indiana, December 29, 1843. He was educated in his native county, and spent his boyhood days on a farm, remaining engaged in farming and saw milling till 1865. He then began learning the drug business at Terre Haute, Indiana, continued it for two years and subsequently occupied his time in different ways till 1871, when he came to Missouri, embarking in the drug trade at Brownsville. In this city he did business till 1874, then established a drug store in Humansville, Polk County, which he conducted till 1877. Coming to clinton he started in his present business, and was alone till 1880, when H Montgomery became a member of the firm. Mr. Zener was united in marriage October 8, 1872, to Miss Ann E. Cormack, a native of Indiana. They had three children, Mary E., Myrtle E. and Herbert. Mr. Zener is a member of Clinton Lodge No. 481, A.F. & A.M., Delphian Lodge No. 24, I.O.O.F., and also of the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife belong to the M.E. Church.

ZENER, unnamed - female - b: Jul 28 1886, Zener Mansion, Clinton - 5th child of Annie C. CORMACK - age: 37 - bca: 1849, Vermillion Co, IN - fth: Melvin L. - age: 42 - bca: 1844, Vermillion Co, IN - occ: insurance agent - att: J. H. Britts, Clinton - bk: 3, pg 8

Burial: Englewood Cemetery, Clinton Township, Henry County, Missouri

Education: Bet. 1865 - 1871, Learning drug trade in Terre Haute, Indiana

Occupation: 1865, until 1865 he was a farmer and Miller

Henry County, Missouri Obituraies

Zener, Anna E. Carmack-1849-919

Englewood Cemetery W-J-ZZ, Clinton, Clinton Township, Henry County, Missouri.

Clinton MO-Mrs. Anna Zener died at her home in Kansas City, January 20th, after an illness of several weeks with dropsy and being in poor health for some time. Deceased was about 70 years old and resided in Clinton a number of years, when her husband, Melvin Zener, was in the drug business on the north side of the square. He has been dead about 25 years. They built the house where Mr. Barr now resides and this was their home for a number of years. She is survived by one son, Herbert, of Kansas City; two daughters-Misses Margaret, who is in the office of the agriculture college at Manhattan, Kansas and Ethel, who is a photographer in Kansas City. She was a member of the First M.E. Church years ago. The body was brought to Clinton and the funeral services conduced at the First M.E. church last Friday afternoon by Rev. J. N. Pierce, who was a friend of deceased. He was assisted by the pastor, Rev. Hoos. Burial in Englewood.

ZENER, Anna E. CARMACK

b: Mar 3 1849

d: Jan 20 1919, Kansas City, Jackson Co, MO

bur: Englewood Cemetery WO-ZU, Clinton, Henry Co, MO

Clinton MO - Mrs. Anna Zener died at her home in Kansas City, Jan. 20th, after an illness of several weeks with dropsy and being in poor health for some time. Deceased was about 70 years old and resided in Clinton a number of years, when her husband, Melvin Zener, was in the drug business on the north side of the square. He has been dead about 15 years. They built the house where Dr. Barr now resides and this was their home for a number of years. She is survived by one son, Herbert, of Kansas City; two daughters - Misses Margaret, who is in the office of the agriculture college at Manhattan, Kas.; and Ethel, who is a photographer in Kansas City. She was a member of the First M. E. church years ago. The body was brought to Clinton and the funeral services conducted at the First M. E. church last Friday afternoon. Burial in Englewood.

Burial: Englewood Cemetery, Clinton Township, Henry County, Missouri

Cause of Death (Facts Pg): 20 Jan 1919, Arterioselerosis

Marriage: 28 Oct 1872, Newport, Vermillion County, Indiana

Burial: Toronto, Kansas

Occupation: Hay and Feed Business

Politics: Justice of the Peace, Pleasant Grove Township, Greenwood County, Kansas

Burial: Toronto, Kansas

Marriage: 15 Sep 1868, Newport, Indiana

Census: 1880, Westville, LaPorte County, Indiana

Occupation: 1880, Wagonmaker

Garwood, John Zener, Cynthia A. 6/1/1854 Book C

Census: 1880, Center Township, LaPorte County, Indiana

Residence: 1850, LaPorte, Indiana

Census: 1880, Center Township, LaPorte County, Indiana

Living with family: 1800, Emma Johnson, from Sweden, Servant age 14

Occupation: 1880, Farmer

Residence: 1880, Center, La Porte, Indiana, United States

Marriage: 01 Jun 1854, LaPorte County Indiana, Married by J. S. Donaldson, Minister of the Gospel, recorded in Book C

Garwood, William Zener, Mary E. 6/1/1854 Book C

Census: 1870, Scipio, LaPorte County, Indiana

Living with family: 1870, Emma J. Steel, age 18

Residence: 1850, Scipio, La Porte, Indiana

Marriage: 01 Jun 1854, LaPorte County Indiana, Married by J. S. Donaldson, Minister of the Gospel, recorded in Book C

Marriage: 04 Apr 1867

Last Name: ZENER

Given Name: ARTHUR E.

Sex: Male

Age: 56

Birth: 13-Apr-1876

Death: 25-Feb-1932

Burial: 01-Mar-1932

Section: 4 West, Row: 10, Lot: 3

Funeral Home: H. L. MCHAN - POCATELLO, IDAHO

Cause of Death (Facts Pg): Feb 1932, While skiing, had heart attack

Last Name: ZENER

Given Name: LUCY EDITH

Sex: Female

Age: 53

Birth: 16-Apr-1883

Death: 26-Feb-1937

Burial: 02-Mar-1937

Section: 4 West, Row: 10, Lot: 2

Funeral Home: H. L. MCHAN - POCATELLO, IDAHO

Marriage: 06 Apr 1903

Census: 1910, Living on North East Street in Indianapolis,

Occupation: 1910, Retail Grocery

Occupation: 1920, Blacksmith, Electric Rail Road.

Residence: 1920, Oakland, Alameda, California

Residence: 1920, Oakland, Alameda, California

Marriage: 17 May 1882, Montgomery County, Indiana

Residence: 1910, Indianapolis Ward 1, Marion, Indiana

Marriage: 13 Mar 1884, Montgomery County, Indiana

Census: 1900, Madison, Jefferson County, Indiana

Occupation: 1900, Stove Salesman

Census: 1920, District 103, Grass Range, Fergus, Montana

Occupation: 1920, Farmer on census

Residence: 1930, Moorhead, Clay, Minnesota

Residence: 1920, Old Gravel Road, Graham Township, Jefferson County, Indiana

Residence: 1870, Vernon, Jennings, Indiana

Marriage: 12 Apr 1878, North Vernon, Jennings County, Indiana

Written by Geneva (Stewart) Ayers and read at her funeral by Rev. McCoy

When on these lines in future years, You cast your smiles, Perhaps your tears.

Let thoughts of me your mind engage and think of me who wrote this page.

Remember me when death shall close, My eyelids in their last repose.

and evening breezes gently wave, The long green grass over my grave.

______________________________________________________________________

From They Say and Do In The Country , by Charles E. Heberhart, Madison Courier, June 28, 1938.

Some time ago a paragraph in an historical note on Jefferson County piques the curiosity of the writer. It was an invitation to his speculative imagination. It envisioned things so exotic that it seemed fantastic.

This paragraph simply stated that along about 100 years ago silk worms had been grown, thread spun from their cocoons, fabric woven for dress materials and quite an industry developed. Though short lived. In the village of Paris on the northwestern border of this county/ Also that a certain individual, one Dr.-----Foster, initials and address omitted , had a piece of this cloth.

Yesterday the writer went to Paris, Old Paris, if you please, to do a little verifying. The historical paragraph was written quite a few years back and the job promised to be difficult. The reward was greater than the writer had any right to expect.

In the first place he found still living the granddaughter and the grandson of the maker of the silk who had first hand knowledge of how it was done. In the second he got a picture of life in the early days of the last century that is both interesting and informative. In the third place he found the family tied in with the beginnings of river navigation by steamboat and brings to light a chapter in the history of one branch of the Roosevelt family that is vaguely known, if known at all.

The two central figures in this experience yesterday are Mrs. Jennie Stewart (Grandmother Stewart) 86 years old and her brother, Leonidas Zener Ayers, 78. Mrs. Stewart lived a few years of her life in West Madison, while Mr. Ayers has spent almost all his days in Paris.

Paris itself is quaint and intriguing. Its streets stand unchanged except to be improved since the early part of the 19th century. Down the main road of the town Gen John H. Morgan's flankers and part of his main army rode 75 years ago next month and only one house that is new since then has changed the view Morgans men must have had that day.

In a little brick house off the main road lives Mrs. Stewart. She was doing some canning when the writer dropped in on her yesterday. Despite her advanced years she is active, cheerful and as such in tune with today as any of those sixty years her junior.

Mrs. Stewart smiled kindly at the writer and invited him in. She gave a final check on proceedings in the kitchen and then with a cheerful smile and gesture, as much as to say "fire-away", sat down for a chat,

"Yes, it's true silk cloth was made here", she said. It was before my day but it was in the family and my aunts were among those who wore dresses out of our homemade product."

"The weaving of the silk cloth, also the spinning and the dyeing were done by my grandmother, Mrs. David Zener. This was back in 1829. My grandfather, David Zener, planted a long line of Mulberry Trees, known as the Monte Carlo variety, along the property east of town now belonging to John Ray. Later he brought in silk worms. They had great difficulty getting them. They were fed on the leaves of the mulberry and the silk gathered in their cocoons later.

"They apparently quite prolific for the industry grew very rapidly. My grandmother made the row. the cloth coming about--here she spread her hands to indicate the size, which was about 14 inches--so wide."

"She made her own dyes to dye the material with. These dyes were generally good for woollen materials she also made. For one color of red she grew 'Madder' and for another red she used 'cochineal those little red insects, you know, dissolving the bugs in muriatic acid and using a few drops of the drained off acid to set the dye. For blue, she used indigo, making a solution that she set with a kind of yeast. Yellow she made from the bark of a sweet apple tree. By putting the yellow and blue together she got her green.

"And let me say the dyes were permanent, as well as beautiful. I have seen much of the fabric that was existent when I was a girl and it was fresh and unfaded for years after it was made."

"My grandmother had seven daughters,--Lydia, Elizabeth, Sarah, Harriet(my mother), Malinda, Catherine and Betsy(Magdaline). She, among other things made a silk dress for each of the sisters. They were known as 'Changeable silk and very pretty. When Elizabeth got married she made a special dress for her and for the skirt alone, it took six widths. (This would be about 64 or so inches).

"My grandmother made the silk cloth for years on her looms for which special steel parts had to be imported. Then came the products of the large silk mills and ended that business. The silk was widely known and the materials were very beautiful."

From Mrs. Stewart's description the material was much like what is known as shantung, slightly coarse and heavy. She said the panels of Elizabeth's wedding dress were later distributed among her sisters as keepsakes. Mrs. Stewart in turn, has given her section to her grand-children by whom it is very cherished.

"Probably one of the most difficult things Grandmother did" said Mrs. Stewart, "was the making of plaid silks and woolens, this called for great skill in setting up the frames. For the woolen goods, the fleece of the Marino sheep imported by Grandfather was used. All of the girls had beautiful woolen dresses, as well as silk and a certain type of flannel dress goods my Grandmother made."

Mrs. Stewarts' Grandmother enjoys probably a unique place in state history, as well as her Grandfather, for originating the idea, so far as it is known, they were the first and only ones in the west then to raise silkworms, spin the thread and weave it into cloth.

1st Sat April, 1879, Coffee Creek Baptist Church Records

Church met and discourse by Bro. Wm. MONROE, a letter was granted to Sister Jennie STEWART  formerly FLOOD. Adjourned.

Frank Phillips, clerk

Wm. Monroe, moderator

Jennie Flood baptism 1878 letter 1879

Burial: Paris, Jennings Co., Indiana

Marriage: 25 Apr 1869, Vernon, Jennings Co. Indiana

Burial: Paris, Jennings Co., Indiana

Census: 1880, Living on the home place with his mother

Occupation: 1900, In census lists himself as a Painter

Marriage: 23 Mar 1879

Census: 1920, Living in San Francisco, on Geary Street.

Occupation: 1900, In Cencus states he is a saloon keeper

Burial: Springhill Cemetery, Gallatin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

He served at one time as the Mayor of North Vernon Indiana. About 1904 he moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he set up a law practice with his son William Henry. At one time the name was spelled Larrance but changed when they set up the law practice.

Burial: Springhill Cemetery, Gallatin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee

Occupation: 1900, Lawyer

Politics: 1900, Mayor of North Vernon, Indiana

Marriage: 14 Sep 1873, Jennings Co, IN

From They Say and Do In The Country by Charles E. Heberhart, Madison Courier, June 28,1938.

Leonidas Zener Ayers, Mrs. Stewart's brother, had earlier told the writer much that was confirmed by his sister. He added some matters she overlooked. Among other things he called attention to the widespread scattering of mulberry trees though the district at one time, but that a blight of some kind was now rapidly destroying them.

He told something of his grandfather's life and recalled that he once maintained a large still near Paris from which he made Whiskey in such quantities that he hauled it from there to Madison where he built flatboats and shipped the Whiskey to the market in New Orleans.

He also told of an amusing incident in the life of his grandfather, at the time of Morgan's raid. It seems that his uncle, while riding a handsome horse, stumbled into the hands of Morgan's men. One of them ordered Mr. Zener to dismount and shifting saddles told Mr. Zener to beat it with his foundered horse. On this worn out animal, Mr. Zener arrived home. His father, in turn was furious with anger and mounting another fine animal rode after Morgan's outfit to demand the return of his horse. A little later he, too, returned home on a broken down horse. They had covered him with guns and made him also mount one of their nags while they rode off with his good horse.

The Zeners and the Ayers have a long military record, members of their family having served in wars on the American Continent since the Seventeenth Century.

And the almost anonymous Mr. Foster, of the historical note that aroused the writer's curiousity, according to Mrs. Stewart, is the man Elizabeth Zener married and the piece of silk cloth in his possession, part of her Wedding Gown.

Leonidas (Lee) Ayers by his grandson- John Lawrence Downing

Grandfather Ayers had a small farm-22 acres and did carpenters work as well. I always thought they were hard up, but they never seemed to need anything.

They went to Alaska one summer before people did much traveling. They visited Uncle Matt who lived in Oregon or Washington. They seemed as poor as all get out, but they always had money to do what they wanted to do. The farm was about a mile away and every day Grandad would walk the cows to the pasture. Part of his farm was a pasture, part was flooded frequently so corn was generally planted there while white burley tobacco was planted on a hilltop. In the spring tobacco seed would be planted in a bed, the plants would be transplanted in rows about 3 feet apart. From then on they weree checked often for tobacco worms. After the leaves turned to gold the stalk would be cut and hung on sticks. The sticks were then hung in the barn to dry out.

My grandfather Joseph Ayers lived with them for many years until his death. I can't remember much about him for I was very young. He was quite stern and had been a Drill Captain-whatever that was-in the Indiana Militia. He died in his ninties.

Leonidas L. Ayers (First_Last)

Regiment Name 23 Indiana Infantry

Side Union

Company D

Soldier's Rank_In Corp.

Soldier's Rank_Out Private

Alternate Name Leonidas L./Ayres

Notes

Film Number M540 roll 3

23rd Regiment Infantry

Organized at New Albany, Ind., and mustered In July 29, 1861. Left State for Paducah, Ky., August 15. Attached to District of Paducah, Ky., to February, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. Unattached, District of Jackson, Tenn., to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Left Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 13th Army Corps, December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to January, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 17th Army Corps, to April, 1864. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 17th Army Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Duty at Paducah, Ky., until February, 1862. Demonstration from Paducah on Columbus, Ky., November 7-9, 1861. Moved to Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-15, 1862. Expedition toward Purdy and operations about Crump's Landing, Tenn., March 9-14. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Purdy, thence to Bolivar, Tenn., and duty there until September. March to Iuka, Miss., September 1-20. Duty in District of Jackson until November. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November 2, 1862, to January 10, 1863. Reconnoissance from LaGrange November 8-9, 1862. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., January 20, 1863; thence to Lake Providence, La., February 21, and to Milliken's Bend, La., April 17. Passage of Vicksburg and Warrenton Batteries April 22 (Detachment). Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30. Battle of Port Gibson, Miss., May 1. Bayou Pierrie, May 3. Ingraham's Heights May 3. Bruins-Burg May 6. Battle of Raymond May 12. Jackson May 14. Battle of Champion's Hill May 16. Siege of Vicksburg May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4, and duty there until February, 1864. Expedition to Monroe, La., August 20-September 2, 1863. Operations about Natchez, Miss., December 1-10. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2, 1864. Veterans on furlough March and April. Moved to Bird's Point, Mo.; thence to Clifton, Tenn,; thence march to Ackworth, Ga., May 5-June 8. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign June 9 to September 8. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Nickajack Creek July 6-8. Leggett's (or Bald) Hill July 20-21. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama September 20-November 3. Shadow Church and Westbrook, near Fairburn, October 1-3. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Ball's Ferry and Georgia Central Railroad Bridge, Oconee River, November 23-25. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Pocotaligo, S.C., January 14. Salkehatchie Swamp February 2-5. Rivers Bridge February 3. South Edisto River February 9. Orangeburg February 12-13. Columbia February 16-17. Fayetteville, N. C., March 11. Battle of Bentonville March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 19. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville June, and duty there until July 23. Mustered out July 23, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 68 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 143 Enlisted men by disease. Total 217.

Burial: Paris , Jennings Co., Indiana

Occupation: 1900, Says on census he is a Carpenter

Martha Lett Ayers by her grandson-John Lawrence Downing

Grandmother Ayers took care of the garden, the milk and cream. The house had no water so I often had to take a bucket up to to villiage pump for drinking water. Water was drained off the roof into a cistern for washing purposes. There was no heat upstairs so when it got cold I would sleep under a buffalo hide. That was something.

Grandmother Ayers would collect the milk in big crocks and then skim the cream off the top. The cream would then be taken to a place that bought the cream and used for making butter.

Prohibition was in affect at this time, and there was a product called near beer-Falls City Near Beer. We used a nickle one time to taste the near beer. Virginia and I spent our nickle on near beer. The taste was so bad that we could not drink the stuff, and we had spent all our money. Never again did we want near beer.

At times the cows would become dry, and when that happened I would get to buy the milk from a nearby neighbor. Boy, was I a big-shot getting to buy a nickle quart of milk.

Grandfather Ayers had a couple of Stark's Delicious apple trees, and he would make apple cider. We would get to drink it until it turned to hard cider, then only the adults drank it.

Grandmother Ayers never said much, but she ruled the roost. When she fell and broke her hip, her movement was restricted. She hobbled around part of the time and had a rubber inner tube she sat on. She was the one who said a kiss was not a kiss without a good moustache. She died winthin a year of breaking her hip. She and grandfather Ayers had two girls, my mother and Aunt Mabel

Aunt Mabel died during the flu epidemic of 1818. She had one son which my grandparents raised. His name was Lee Ayers Youngman. He got me into all kinds of trouble which I got out of by saying I didn't know any better. There were a bunch of country boys in the neighborhood, and they did all sorts of things. At Halloween they would play all kinds of tricks that I would not tell about. Grandpa's car was an old Overland Touring car. The key was a solid bit of metal rather than a key. My cousin found that a piece of tin would start the car. So when they wanted a car they would push the car down the road a ways and would then start the engine. I don't think Grandpa ever knew they were taking the car out at night. When the tobacco started to leaf out, a lot of time was spent worming the tobacco. My cousin would run me down and put tobacco worms down my shirt. Boy did I scream when that happened.

Burial: Paris , Jennings Co., Indiana

Marriage: 09 Dec 1879

Residence: 1860, Graham, Jefferson, Indiana

Residence: 1900, Montgomery, Jennings, Indiana