George Peter Wurtz, Susannah Huff

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Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 1

1.

George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1. He was born on 27 Jul 1773 in Frederick County, MD. He died on 23 Jan 1855 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Notes for George Peter Wurtz Sr.:
General Notes:
Around, 1811 they moved to become one of the first settlers in the area of Adamsville, Muskinghum
County, Ohio, where they immediately went to work to organize the New Hope Evangelical Lutheran
Church where they are buried. George was a veteran of the War of 1812 and as a civilian he was a blacksmith.

Obituary:

Written by his preacher, Samuel Kummerer, 1855. George Peter Werts departed this life, on Tuesday, the 23rd of January. Peter was a resident of Salem Township, Muskingum County, Ohio. He was born in the state of Maryland, on the 27th day of July AD 1773. While young he was taken by his parents to Loudoun County, Virginia and there is in his youthful days he became a full member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in which he continued faithfully unto his death. He was given in marriage with Susannah Huff on the third day of January 1797 with whom he had nine children, four sons and five daughters. He moved to Ohio in the spring of 1816, where he and his family united with the New Hope congregation in the same township and county. He regularly attended divine services rendered by the writer of these lines, during a period 34 years. As he advanced in age, he grew in grace and became more and more confounded to the image of Christ, and attended public Worship I the house of the Lord as long as his bodily strength and health would admit. His pastor visited him in the last stage of his affliction which was complicated disease. He appeared to be patient and willing and prepared to depart and be with Christ, his Savior. He departed this life calmly, composedly and cheerfully, full of hope of a future blissful life, on Thursday the 25th, 1855. His remains were deposited in the bosom and embrace of our common mother earth, on this occasion the writer delivered the funeral address from 2nd Timothy, 4 Chapter 78th Verse to a large congregation of relatives and friends. He arrived to the age of 81 years 5 months and 26 days. His large posterity were nine children, 67 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, all amounting to 145 souls. He lived to see his fifth generation which the Lord gave. The Lord hath taken away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church was the first religous organization in the township. under the guidance of Rev. Anthony Meyer, the churches groundwork was laid in 1811. Charter members were:

Jacob and Elizabeth Gaumer, Philip and Maria Shroyer, Peter and Susanna Werts, Adam and Elizabeth Bainter, Henry Bainter, Samuel and Mary Shurtz, Mr. and Mrs. George Shurtz, Christian and Catherine Shroyer, Jacob and Elizabeth Gaumer, Daniel and Hannah Gaumer, Catherine Shurtz, Margaret Shurtz, Jon Shurtz, John and Mary Ault, Jacob Shurtz, Abraham Shroyer, Mr. and Mrs. George Stoner, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Slater.

The first structure to house New Hope was built in 1814 on land donated to the church by Jacob Gaumer. The land was situated in the south western quarter of Section 12 and adjoined the Gaumer land. Jacob's wife, Catherine, was the first settler to die in Salem Township and she was buried on her husbands land. This land was donated to New Hope church in 1819 for use as a cemetery and was about 2 and a half acres adjoining the church.
The building was dedicated by Rev. Andrew Henkle in September 1814. The first elders of the church were Daniel Gaumer and Frederick Munnig (Minick). John Stoner and Jacob Gaumer were appointed Wardens. In 1833 the old structure of hewn logs was replaced which stood until the present frame structure was built across from the cemetery in 1870 on land donated by Jonathan and Mahala Gaumer.

Page 1 of 114 Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:23:59 PM

Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 1

Notes for George Peter Wurtz Sr.:
General Notes:
Around, 1811 they moved to become one of the first settlers in the area of Adamsville, Muskinghum
County, Ohio, where they immediately went to work to organize the New Hope Evangelical Lutheran
Church where they are buried. George was a veteran of the War of 1812 and as a civilian he was a blacksmith.

Obituary:

Written by his preacher, Samuel Kummerer, 1855. George Peter Werts departed this life, on Tuesday, the 23rd of January. Peter was a resident of Salem Township, Muskingum County, Ohio. He was born in the state of Maryland, on the 27th day of July AD 1773. While young he was taken by his parents to Loudoun County, Virginia and there is in his youthful days he became a full member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in which he continued faithfully unto his death. He was given in marriage with Susannah Huff on the third day of January 1797 with whom he had nine children, four sons and five daughters. He moved to Ohio in the spring of 1816, where he and his family united with the New Hope congregation in the same township and county. He regularly attended divine services rendered by the writer of these lines, during a period 34 years. As he advanced in age, he grew in grace and became more and more confounded to the image of Christ, and attended public Worship I the house of the Lord as long as his bodily strength and health would admit. His pastor visited him in the last stage of his affliction which was complicated disease. He appeared to be patient and willing and prepared to depart and be with Christ, his Savior. He departed this life calmly, composedly and cheerfully, full of hope of a future blissful life, on Thursday the 25th, 1855. His remains were deposited in the bosom and embrace of our common mother earth, on this occasion the writer delivered the funeral address from 2nd Timothy, 4 Chapter 78th Verse to a large congregation of relatives and friends. He arrived to the age of 81 years 5 months and 26 days. His large posterity were nine children, 67 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, all amounting to 145 souls. He lived to see his fifth generation which the Lord gave. The Lord hath taken away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church was the first religous organization in the township. under the guidance of Rev. Anthony Meyer, the churches groundwork was laid in 1811. Charter members were:

Jacob and Elizabeth Gaumer, Philip and Maria Shroyer, Peter and Susanna Werts, Adam and Elizabeth Bainter, Henry Bainter, Samuel and Mary Shurtz, Mr. and Mrs. George Shurtz, Christian and Catherine Shroyer, Jacob and Elizabeth Gaumer, Daniel and Hannah Gaumer, Catherine Shurtz, Margaret Shurtz, Jon Shurtz, John and Mary Ault, Jacob Shurtz, Abraham Shroyer, Mr. and Mrs. George Stoner, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Slater.

The first structure to house New Hope was built in 1814 on land donated to the church by Jacob Gaumer. The land was situated in the south western quarter of Section 12 and adjoined the Gaumer land. Jacob's wife, Catherine, was the first settler to die in Salem Township and she was buried on her husbands land. This land was donated to New Hope church in 1819 for use as a cemetery and was about 2 and a half acres adjoining the church.
The building was dedicated by Rev. Andrew Henkle in September 1814. The first elders of the church were Daniel Gaumer and Frederick Munnig (Minick). John Stoner and Jacob Gaumer were appointed Wardens. In 1833 the old structure of hewn logs was replaced which stood until the present frame structure was built across from the cemetery in 1870 on land donated by Jonathan and Mahala Gaumer.

Susannah Huff. She was born on 24 Mar 1775 in Frederick County, MD. She died on 23 Jan 1853 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

George Peter Wurtz Sr. and Susannah Huff. They were married on 03 Jan 1797 in Loudoun County, VA. They had 9 children.

2. i.

Christinia Wurtz. She was born on 17 May 1797 in Loudoun County, VA. Baptised on 20 Aug 1797 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. She married George W. Adams. They were married on 25 Dec 1814 in Lovettsville, Virginia. She died on 20 Jul 1871 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH. Sponsors in Christina Wurtz. Fact 5 in Christina Wurtz.

3. ii.

Elizabeth Wurtz. She was born on 01 Mar 1799 in Loudoun County, VA. Baptised on 19 May 1799 in Reformed Church, Lovettsville, VA. She married John Shroyer. They were married on 16 Jul 1818 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 22 Jul 1873 in Muskingum County, OH. Sponsors in Elisabeth Stock. Fact 5 in Elisabeth Stock.

4. iii.

George Peter Werts Jr. [1]. He was born on 10 Oct 1801 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 18 Oct 1801 in St. James United Church of Christ, Lovettsville, VA. He married Margaret Maple. They were married on 20 Sep 1827 in Adamsville, OH. He died on 29 Jul 1866 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH. Sponsors in Henrich and Maria Hoff. Fact 5 in Henrich and Maria Hoff.

5. iv.

Margaret Wurtz [1]. Baptised 1804 in St. James United Church of Christ, Lovettsville, VA. She was born on 27 Jan 1804 in Lovettsville, VA. She married Zebulon Starkey. They were married on 18 Jul 1821 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 23 Nov 1888 in Falls Township, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cemetery, Falls Township, OH. Sponsors in George and Margaretha Hoff. Fact 5 in George and Margaretha Hoff.

6. v.

Rosina Catherine Wurtz. She was born on 28 May 1806 in Lovettsville, VA. She married Christian Shroyer. They were married on 21 Nov 1822 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 20 Apr 1889 in Salem Township, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

7. vi.

Malinda Wurtz. She was born on 24 Nov 1809 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 26 Aug 1810 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. She married Solomon Wenner. They were married on 30 Nov 1826 in Salem Township, OH. She died on 17 Oct 1898 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH. Sponsors in Jacob Werz, Lowisa. Fact 5 in Jacob Werz, Lowisa.

Page 2 of 114 Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:23:59 PM

Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 1 (con't)

8. vii.

Johannes Wurtz. He was born on 10 Apr 1812 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 01 Nov 1812 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. He married Eliza Bainter. They were married on 04 Nov 1838 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 07 Jul 1896 in Coshocton County, OH. Sponsors in Johannes Schafer, Anna Maria. Fact 5 in Johannes Schafer, Anna Maria.

9. viii.

Salomon Huff Wurtz. He was born on 30 Jan 1815 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 28 May 1815 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. He married Malinda Gaumer. They were married on 26 Mar 1848 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 05 Aug 1892 in Coshocton County, OH. Burial in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Coshocton County, OH. Sponsors in Jacob Waltman, Sr., Rahel. Fact 5 in Jacob Waltman, Sr., Rahel.

10. ix.

Jacob Wurtz. He was born on 09 Sep 1817 in Salem Township, OH. He married Elizabeth Ann Harris. They were married on 28 Nov 1839 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 06 Jun 1898 in Salem Township, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Generation 2

2.

Christinia Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 17 May 1797 in Loudoun County, VA. Baptised on 20 Aug 1797 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. She died on 20 Jul 1871 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH. Sponsors in Christina Wurtz. Fact 5 in Christina Wurtz.

Notes for Christinia Wurtz:
General Notes:
1. Married Luthern church

George W. Adams. He was born on 12 Feb 1789 in Loudoun County, VA. Occupation on 19 Apr 1789 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. He died on 24 Mar 1875 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Notes for George W. Adams:
General Notes:
Served in the War of 1812

George W. Adams and Christinia Wurtz. They were married on 25 Dec 1814 in Lovettsville, Virginia. They had 11 children.

11. i.

Helen Adams. She was born on 09 Feb 1815 in Cochocton, OH [2]. She married Daniel Isaac Bowden. They were married on 24 Mar 1833 in Muskingum, Ohio, USA [2]. She died on 17 Feb 1904 in Salem, OH [2].

12. ii.

Susanna Adams. She was born on 25 Oct 1817. She married Henry Decker. They were married on 18 Aug 1836. She died on 04 Aug 1893 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

iii.

Matilda Adams. She was born on 11 Mar 1820 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 25 Aug 1828 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

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Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 2

13. iv.

William Washington Adams. He was born on 11 May 1822 in Monroe Township, OH. He married Louisa Bainter. They were married on 02 Feb 1852. He died on 22 May 1894 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

14. v.

George Peter Adams. He was born on 04 Jul 1824 in Salem Township, OH. He married Margaret Elzabeth Green. They were married on 07 Nov 1850 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 24 Jan 1906 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

15. vi.

Elizabeth Adams. She was born on 08 Aug 1827 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Dennison Ross. They were married on 27 Sep 1845. She died on 20 Jul 1902.

16. vii.

Maria Catherine Adams. She was born on 20 Nov 1829 in Salem Township, OH. She married John D. Hanks. They were married on 18 Oct 1850 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 22 Oct 1914 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Highland Township, OH.

viii.

John Adams. He was born on 16 Jan 1832 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 25 Apr 1859.

17. ix.

Sarah Ann Adams. She was born on 20 May 1834 in Muskingum County, OH. She married William Powelson. They were married on 22 Oct 1854. She died on 05 Apr 1913 in Paris, MO. Burial in Burnside, IL.

18. x.

Martin Van Buren Adams. He was born on 24 Mar 1837 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Zispha Ann Bagley. They were married on 12 Nov 1865. He died on 30 Oct 1920 in Zanesville, OH.

19. xi.

Margaret Adams. She was born on 07 Feb 1840 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Julius Allen Bainter. They were married on 27 Aug 1857. She died on 30 Oct 1920 in Zanesville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

3.

Elizabeth Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 01 Mar 1799 in Loudoun County, VA. Baptised on 19 May 1799 in Reformed Church, Lovettsville, VA. She died on 22 Jul 1873 in Muskingum County, OH. Sponsors in Elisabeth Stock. Fact 5 in Elisabeth Stock.

John Shroyer. He was born on 27 Jan 1793. He died on 01 Jan 1836 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

John Shroyer and Elizabeth Wurtz. They were married on 16 Jul 1818 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 6 children.

20. i.

Susannah Marie Shroyer. She was born on 16 May 1819. She married Charles Adams. They were married on 12 Oct 1834 in Muskingum County, OH. She died 1888 in Coshocton County, OH.

ii.

Jacob Shroyer. He was born on 20 Nov 1820.

21. iii.

Malinda Shroyer. She was born on 22 Dec 1822. She married Harrison Wagner. They were married on 19 Mar 1845 in Muskingum County, OH. She died 1889 in Coshocton County, OH.

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Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 2 (con't)

22. iv.

Eliza Ann Shroyer. She was born on 29 Jul 1823 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Solomon Bowman. They were married on 23 May 1850. She died on 20 Dec 1890 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

23. v.

Adam Sydney Shroyer. He was born on 09 Mar 1825. He married Grace Ann Hammond. They were married on 20 May 1847 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 25 Oct 1885 in Norwich, OH [3]. Burial in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Highland Township, OH.

24. vi.

Solomon Huff Shroyer. He was born on 22 Jun 1835 in Ohio. He married Eliza Jane Brannon. They were married on 01 Jan 1863 in Muskingum County, OH. He died 1911 in Cambridge, OH.

Samuel Shrigley. He was born 1781 in Virginia. He died on 08 Feb 1863 in Adamsville, Ohio. Burial in Bethel Cemetery, Muskingum County, OH.

Samuel Shrigley and Elizabeth Wurtz. They were married on 22 May 1836 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 3 children.

i.

Peter Girley Shrigley. He was born on 16 Feb 1839.

ii.

Andrew Crawford Shrigley. He was born on 08 Feb 1841 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Amanda Snoots. They were married on 05 Feb 1863 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 19 Jun 1864 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

25. iii.

George Jennings Shrigley. He was born on 04 Aug 1844 in Adamsville, OH. He married Lyde Rodgers. They were married on 11 Oct 1866 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 18 Sep 1914 in Coshocton County, OH.

4.

George Peter Werts Jr.-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1) [1]. He was born on 10 Oct 1801 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 18 Oct 1801 in St. James United Church of Christ, Lovettsville, VA. He died on 29 Jul 1866 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH. Sponsors in Henrich and Maria Hoff. Fact 5 in Henrich and Maria Hoff.

Notes for George Peter Werts Jr.:
General Notes:
Birth information source: St. James United Church of Christ Church Register,
Sept. 17, 1789-August 23, 1823.

He spent his youth in attendance on the common schools of the neighborhood and in work on the old home farm, being inured to the ardous labor of farming on the frontier. He was of a studious nature and spent much time in the study of such books as he could secure in his frontier home. When he was 18 years of age he lost his left hand by the bursting of a gun while at target practice among his comrades. Shortly afterward he entered the school room as a teacher and for 21 years was employed in the same district. He served in Adams Township as Justice of the Peace from 1847 to 1850. He witnessed the Leonid meteor shower on November 13, 1833 and wrote a 13-verse poem, "Star Falling".

Stars Falling

by

George Peter Werts, Jr.

Come my dear friends and neighbors all,
And when I view the sight so strange,
And listen to the solemn call,
O'er the creation thoughts I'd range,
Which from the Lord so lately came,
And to my mind came the great day,
To teach the wonders of his name.
When God, His glory will display.

In Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Three,
When down from glory, He'll appear,
The sight so strange appeared to be,
Ten Thousand angels in His rear,
That to describe it plain and clear,
And Michael's trump with awful sound

Would take an abler pen than's here.
Awake the nations under ground.

On Wednesday morning bright and clear,
And the whole earth to atoms fall,
'Twas clearly seen what I declare,
The heavens roll like a parchment scroll
'Twas on the month, the thirteenth day,
The saints on angels wings arise
The month, the eleventh I shay say.
To praise their Jesus in the skies.

But I will strive to reach the case,
But should we still neglect the call,
And tell how strange the thing took place,
Until the stars indeed do fall,
'Twas in the morning about three,
And Gabriel swears time is no more,
When men from worldly cares are free.
Then our sad doom we'll vain deplore.

All of sudden, strange surprise,
May God assist us to be wise,
The meteors blazed along the skies,
Before we see the flaming skies,
In quick succession as the flow,
May we with rapture hail that day,
With Thousands round you at one view.
And swift and joyful scar away.

As though the stars distracted grew
Up to the courts where angels sing,
And from their orbits quickly, flew,
And join to praise the eternity rolls round,
And from the zenith every way,
May we in Jesus love be found.
In wild disorder seemed to stray.

The atmosphere was clear and bright,
As the Lord ordained the sight,
And scare a leaf was seen to nod,
The air was calm before its god.

Page 5 of 114 Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:23:59 PM

Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 2 (con't)

Notes for George Peter Werts Jr.:
General Notes:
Birth information source: St. James United Church of Christ Church Register,
Sept. 17, 1789-August 23, 1823.

He spent his youth in attendance on the common schools of the neighborhood and in work on the old home farm, being inured to the ardous labor of farming on the frontier. He was of a studious nature and spent much time in the study of such books as he could secure in his frontier home. When he was 18 years of age he lost his left hand by the bursting of a gun while at target practice among his comrades. Shortly afterward he entered the school room as a teacher and for 21 years was employed in the same district. He served in Adams Township as Justice of the Peace from 1847 to 1850. He witnessed the Leonid meteor shower on November 13, 1833 and wrote a 13-verse poem, "Star Falling".

Stars Falling

by

George Peter Werts, Jr.

Come my dear friends and neighbors all,
And when I view the sight so strange,
And listen to the solemn call,
O'er the creation thoughts I'd range,
Which from the Lord so lately came,
And to my mind came the great day,
To teach the wonders of his name.
When God, His glory will display.

In Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Three,
When down from glory, He'll appear,
The sight so strange appeared to be,
Ten Thousand angels in His rear,
That to describe it plain and clear,
And Michael's trump with awful sound

Would take an abler pen than's here.
Awake the nations under ground.

On Wednesday morning bright and clear,
And the whole earth to atoms fall,
'Twas clearly seen what I declare,
The heavens roll like a parchment scroll
'Twas on the month, the thirteenth day,
The saints on angels wings arise
The month, the eleventh I shay say.
To praise their Jesus in the skies.

But I will strive to reach the case,
But should we still neglect the call,
And tell how strange the thing took place,
Until the stars indeed do fall,
'Twas in the morning about three,
And Gabriel swears time is no more,
When men from worldly cares are free.
Then our sad doom we'll vain deplore.

All of sudden, strange surprise,
May God assist us to be wise,
The meteors blazed along the skies,
Before we see the flaming skies,
In quick succession as the flow,
May we with rapture hail that day,
With Thousands round you at one view.
And swift and joyful scar away.

As though the stars distracted grew
Up to the courts where angels sing,
And from their orbits quickly, flew,
And join to praise the eternity rolls round,
And from the zenith every way,
May we in Jesus love be found.
In wild disorder seemed to stray.

The atmosphere was clear and bright,
As the Lord ordained the sight,
And scare a leaf was seen to nod,
The air was calm before its god.

Page 6 of 114 Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:23:59 PM

Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 2 (con't)

Notes for George Peter Werts Jr.:
General Notes:
Birth information source: St. James United Church of Christ Church Register,
Sept. 17, 1789-August 23, 1823.

He spent his youth in attendance on the common schools of the neighborhood and in work on the old home farm, being inured to the ardous labor of farming on the frontier. He was of a studious nature and spent much time in the study of such books as he could secure in his frontier home. When he was 18 years of age he lost his left hand by the bursting of a gun while at target practice among his comrades. Shortly afterward he entered the school room as a teacher and for 21 years was employed in the same district. He served in Adams Township as Justice of the Peace from 1847 to 1850. He witnessed the Leonid meteor shower on November 13, 1833 and wrote a 13-verse poem, "Star Falling".

Stars Falling

by

George Peter Werts, Jr.

Come my dear friends and neighbors all,
And when I view the sight so strange,
And listen to the solemn call,
O'er the creation thoughts I'd range,
Which from the Lord so lately came,
And to my mind came the great day,
To teach the wonders of his name.
When God, His glory will display.

In Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Three,
When down from glory, He'll appear,
The sight so strange appeared to be,
Ten Thousand angels in His rear,
That to describe it plain and clear,
And Michael's trump with awful sound

Would take an abler pen than's here.
Awake the nations under ground.

On Wednesday morning bright and clear,
And the whole earth to atoms fall,
'Twas clearly seen what I declare,
The heavens roll like a parchment scroll
'Twas on the month, the thirteenth day,
The saints on angels wings arise
The month, the eleventh I shay say.
To praise their Jesus in the skies.

But I will strive to reach the case,
But should we still neglect the call,
And tell how strange the thing took place,
Until the stars indeed do fall,
'Twas in the morning about three,
And Gabriel swears time is no more,
When men from worldly cares are free.
Then our sad doom we'll vain deplore.

All of sudden, strange surprise,
May God assist us to be wise,
The meteors blazed along the skies,
Before we see the flaming skies,
In quick succession as the flow,
May we with rapture hail that day,
With Thousands round you at one view.
And swift and joyful scar away.

As though the stars distracted grew
Up to the courts where angels sing,
And from their orbits quickly, flew,
And join to praise the eternity rolls round,
And from the zenith every way,
May we in Jesus love be found.
In wild disorder seemed to stray.

The atmosphere was clear and bright,
As the Lord ordained the sight,
And scare a leaf was seen to nod,
The air was calm before its god.

Margaret Maple. She was born on 22 Dec 1808 in Coshocton County, OH. She died on 13 May 1851 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

George Peter Werts Jr. and Margaret Maple. They were married on 20 Sep 1827 in Adamsville, OH. They had 8 children.

26. i.

Julia Ann Werts. She was born on 25 Jun 1828 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Quincy Adams Shirer. They were married on 04 Jan 1849 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 20 Feb 1854 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

27. ii.

William Washington Werts. He was born on 25 Dec 1829 in Muskingum County, OH [2]. He married Louisa Buckless. They were married on 24 Aug 1852 in Coshocton County, OH. He died on 07 Apr 1857 in Coshocton, OH [2].

28. iii.

John Jackson Werts. He was born on 06 Feb 1831 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Esther Ann Wymer. They were married on 29 Aug 1854 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 27 Oct 1901 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

29. iv.

Susannah Werts. She was born on 09 Oct 1832 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Philip Sunkel. They were married on 08 Aug 1850 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

30. v.

Mary Jane Werts. She was born on 14 Mar 1834 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Jacob Vern Vincel. They were married on 11 Nov 1852 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 05 Mar 1917 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

31. vi.

Jacob Henry Werts. He was born on 11 Nov 1835 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Sophia Ann Nims. They were married on 26 Nov 1857 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 08 May 1919 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

vii.

Catherine Shroyer Werts. She was born on 30 Apr 1838 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 02 Sep 1839 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

32. viii.

George Peter Wesley Werts. He was born on 04 Apr 1841 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Mary Elizabeth Decker. They were married on 03 Oct 1865 in Mercer County, IL. He died on 11 Jan 1919 in Aledo, IL. Burial in Bald Bluff Township, IL.

Willimina Swank.

George Peter Werts Jr. and Willimina Swank. They were married on 16 Sep 1852 in Muskingum County, OH. They had no children.

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Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 2 (con't)

Mary Shrigley.

George Peter Werts Jr. and Mary Shrigley. They were married on 11 Sep 1860 in Coshocton County, OH. They had no children.

5.

Margaret Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1) [1]. Baptised 1804 in St. James United Church of Christ, Lovettsville, VA. She was born on 27 Jan 1804 in Lovettsville, VA. She died on 23 Nov 1888 in Falls Township, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cemetery, Falls Township, OH. Sponsors in George and Margaretha Hoff. Fact 5 in George and Margaretha Hoff.

Zebulon Starkey. He was born on 16 Mar 1798. He died on 17 Nov 1850 in Falls Township, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cemetery, Falls Township, OH.

Zebulon Starkey and Margaret Wurtz. They were married on 18 Jul 1821 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 12 children.

i.

Julian Starkey. He was born on 22 Dec 1822 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 30 Jul 1824 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cem., Falls Township, OH.

33. ii.

Charles Starkey. He was born on 21 Aug 1824 in Salem Township, OH. He married Hannah Haines. They were married on 11 Dec 1845 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 15 Feb 1886 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cem., Falls Township, OH.

iii.

Lucinda Starkey. She was born on 22 Oct 1826 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 10 Feb 1896 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cem., Falls Township, OH.

34. iv.

Melinda B. Starkey. She was born on 25 Feb 1829 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Francis Green. They were married on 28 Sep 1848. She died on 30 Apr 1865 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cem., Falls Township, OH.

v.

Peter Starkey. He was born on 15 Aug 1831 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 21 Jan 1852 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cem., Falls Township, OH.

vi.

Solomon Starkey. He was born on 25 Dec 1833 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 21 Jan 1852 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cem., Falls Township, OH.

vii.

Harrison Starkey. He was born on 07 May 1836. He married Elizabeth Ann Pennsler. They were married on 11 Dec 1856.

viii.

F. Granger Starkey. He was born on 07 May 1836.

ix.

Margaret Starkey. She was born on 02 Jun 1839 in Muskingum County, OH. She married George Haynes. They were married on 01 Nov 1856. She died on 20 Apr 1889 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Blacklog Cem., Falls Township, OH.

x.

Zebulon Starkey. He was born on 15 Sep 1840 in Muskingum County, OH.

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xi.

Sylvester Starkey. He was born on 15 Nov 1842 in Muskingum County, OH.

xii.

Susan Starkey. She was born on 15 Mar 1846 in Muskingum County, OH.

6.

Rosina Catherine Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 28 May 1806 in Lovettsville, VA. She died on 20 Apr 1889 in Salem Township, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Christian Shroyer. He was born on 18 Dec 1798 in Pennsylvania. He died on 19 Apr 1867 in Salem Township, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Christian Shroyer and Rosina Catherine Wurtz. They were married on 21 Nov 1822 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 11 children.

i.

William Shroyer. He was born on 25 Feb 1823. He died on 05 Aug 1826 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

ii.

Solomon Shroyer. He was born on 25 Dec 1824. He died on 30 Jul 1826 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

35. iii.

Susan Marie Shroyer. She was born on 29 Oct 1827 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Samuel H. Hardy. They were married on 20 Dec 1846. She died on 10 Oct 1897 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

36. iv.

Helen Shroyer. She was born on 25 Mar 1830 in Muskingum County, OH. She married James Hamilton. They were married on 11 Mar 1847. She died on 26 Jul 1895 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

37. v.

Matilda Shroyer. She was born on 01 Jun 1833. She married John Oliver Shrigley. They were married on 04 Jul 1850. She died on 04 Oct 1915 in Muskingum County, OH [4]. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

vi.

Elizabeth Shroyer. She was born on 18 Mar 1835. She died on 02 Sep 1839 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

38. vii.

Peter Crawford Shroyer. He was born on 30 Jul 1839 in Salem Township, OH. He married Sarah E. Winn. They were married on 22 Nov 1860. He died on 19 Mar 1902 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

39. viii.

Malinda Caroline Shroyer. She was born on 12 Oct 1842 in Salem Township, OH. She married William Edwards. They were married on 01 Nov 1860. She died on 12 Jun 1919 in Zanesville, OH [5]. Burial in Fairview Methodist Cemetery, Adams Township, Ohio.

40. ix.

Mary Ann Shroyer. She was born on 11 May 1845. She married Nixon Stewart. They were married on 15 Nov 1865. She died on 23 Jun 1927. Burial in Fairview Methodist Cemetery, Adams Township, Ohio.

41. x.

John Oliver Shroyer. He was born on 19 Jun 1849 in Salem Township, OH. He married Sarah Catherine Noble. They were married on 01 Aug 1867. He died on 28 Mar 1919 in Zanesville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

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Generation 2 (con't)

42. xi.

Eliza Jane Shroyer. She was born on 19 Jun 1849 in Salem Township, OH. She married Caleb Hugh Buker. They were married on 06 Feb 1868. She died on 22 Nov 1924 in Salem Township, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

7.

Malinda Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 24 Nov 1809 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 26 Aug 1810 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. She died on 17 Oct 1898 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH. Sponsors in Jacob Werz, Lowisa. Fact 5 in Jacob Werz, Lowisa.

Notes for Malinda Wurtz:
General Notes:
Obituary:

Source Unknown. Malinda Wurtz (Wenner) Bainter, one the oldest and best know residents of Adamsville, died Monday afternoon of neuralgia and heart trouble. Few indeed are the people livening in this part of the country who do not know or have heard of Aunt Malinda Bainter. She was highly respected woman and a consistent member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The deceased was born November 24, 1809 and there for almost 89 years of age at the time of her death. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. G. H. Vinsel, of Adams township, to mourn her loss of a kind and affectionate mother. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. H. H. Bechman at the New Hope Lutheran Church, Wednesday forenoon at 10 o'clock.

Solomon Wenner. He was born on 03 Nov 1800 in Loudoun County, VA. He died on 02 Mar 1852 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Solomon Wenner and Malinda Wurtz. They were married on 30 Nov 1826 in Salem Township, OH. They had 3 children.

i.

Peter Newton Wenner. He was born on 09 Nov 1827. He died on 03 Apr 1828.

43. ii.

Mary Catherine Wenner. She was born on 30 Apr 1829 in Muskingum County, OH. She married George Washington Slater. They were married on 14 Dec 1848. She died on 06 Sep 1869 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

44. iii.

Elizabeth Rebecca Wenner. She was born on 09 Mar 1832 in Salem Township, OH. She married George Harrison Vinsel. They were married on 22 Aug 1850 in Adamsville, OH. She died on 12 Nov 1921 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

David Bainter. He was born 1791. He died 1864.

David Bainter and Malinda Wurtz. They were married on 04 Aug 1853 in Muskingum County, OH. They had no children.

8.

Johannes Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 10 Apr 1812 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 01 Nov 1812 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. He died on 07 Jul 1896 in Coshocton County, OH. Sponsors in Johannes Schafer, Anna Maria. Fact 5 in Johannes Schafer, Anna Maria.

Eliza Bainter. She was born on 09 Oct 1812 in Muskingham County, OH. She died on 25 Dec 1891 in Coshocton County, OH [6]. Burial in St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery, Linton Township, OH.

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Generation 2 (con't)

Notes for Eliza Bainter:
General Notes:
Democratic Standard, January 1, 1892

Last Friday morning Mrs. Eliza Werts, a highly esteemed Christian lady and wife of Mr. John Werts, died at the family residence on east Walnut street, aged seventy-nine years, tow months and sixteen days. Death was caused by la grippe. Mrs. Werts was married twice, her first husband name was Theo Williams. She was united to Mrs. Werts, Nov. 4th, 1838, and was mother of five sons and three daughters. She united with the Lutheran church in 1839. Her maiden name was Bainter and she was born near Adamsville, in Muskingum county. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. R. B. Pope, at the Franklin church and the interment took place in Linton township on last Sunday.

Johannes Wurtz and Eliza Bainter. They were married on 04 Nov 1838 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 6 children.

45. i.

Susannah Elizabeth Werts. She was born on 08 Sep 1839. She died on 11 May 1936. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

46. ii.

Mariah Dorothy Werts. She was born on 14 Aug 1841 in Adamsville, OH. She married William Abner Vinsel. They were married on 04 Sep 1862. She died on 18 Oct 1921 in Adamsville, OH [7]. Burial in South Lawn Cemtery, Coshocton, OH.

47. iii.

Solomon Werts. He was born on 25 Sep 1843. He married Eleanor A. Gaumer. They were married on 22 Apr 1866 in Coshocton County, OH.

48. iv.

Jacob Franklin Werts. He was born on 09 Sep 1846. He married Lavina Wagner. They were married on 21 Oct 1869. He died on 18 Sep 1925.

49. v.

Malinda Catherine Werts. She was born on 17 May 1849. She married Stryker M. Craig. They were married 1870. She died 1915.

50. vi.

George Peter Wesley Werts. He was born on 21 Dec 1851.

9.

Salomon Huff Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 30 Jan 1815 in Lovettsville, VA. Baptised on 28 May 1815 in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Lovettsville, VA. He died on 05 Aug 1892 in Coshocton County, OH. Burial in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Coshocton County, OH. Sponsors in Jacob Waltman, Sr., Rahel. Fact 5 in Jacob Waltman, Sr., Rahel.

Notes for Salomon Huff Wurtz:
General Notes:
Solomon Huff Wurtz, Linton Township farmer; post office Coshocton; born January 10, 1815 in Loudoun County Virginia, son of Peter and Susannah Werts was born of German descent. In 1816 they came to Muskingum County, where Solomon was brought up, working in the blacksmith shop of his father and on the farm. When Solomon was 21 years old working on county roads in Mukingum County, he saw his future bride then 3 years old and he told the other workmen he was going to wait until little Malinda grew up and marry her. This he did on March 22, 1848 and took her to a new house he had built for her in Linton Township. The story is told that he walked each day from his home in Muskingum County to Linton Township to clear his land and build his home.

Malinda was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Sturtz) Gaumer, age 18 and her husband 36. Solomon died in 1892 and Malinda nineteen years later in 1911. From a modest beginning of 120 acres of woodland, Mr. And Mrs. Solomon Wurtz accumulated 550 acres of good well-improved land. They were blessed with 6 children. The four remaining children inherited a portion of the 550 acres at the death of their father leaving the homestead and a sizeable farm for his widow.

Obituary:

source unknown. The life of a Respected Citizen of Coshocton County is ended. Solomon Huff Werts, familiarly know as "Uncle Sollie Werts", died at his home in Coshocton County last Friday morning, August 5, 1892. Mr. Werts was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, January 30, 1815. His parents moved to Salem County when he was little more than year old. In 1829 at the age of 14 he became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and continued to be an active member all the rest of his life. In 1848 he was married to Miss Malinda Gaumer and they began housekeeping on the same farm on which his death occurred. To this union were born six children, four, of whom are still living. "Uncle Sollie Werts" was a successful farmer and his advice was always considered good and much sought after. He was respected and admired by all who knew him and his death brings sorrow to many a heart. About four months ago gangrene resulting from erysipelas set in on his foot and since that time his cords of life were gradually being severed. Blood poisoning was the final result and hurried out of this world a well-spent and useful life. The funeral services were held on Sunday forenoon at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coshocton County and were conducted by the pastor Rev. H. K. Gephart, whose discourse was based on the words "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death". Cor. 15:26. The high esteem, in which Mr. Werts was held, was shown by the large concourse of people present, fully two thirds of them being compelled to remain outside the church.

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Generation 2 (con't)

Notes for Salomon Huff Wurtz:
General Notes:
Solomon Huff Wurtz, Linton Township farmer; post office Coshocton; born January 10, 1815 in Loudoun County Virginia, son of Peter and Susannah Werts was born of German descent. In 1816 they came to Muskingum County, where Solomon was brought up, working in the blacksmith shop of his father and on the farm. When Solomon was 21 years old working on county roads in Mukingum County, he saw his future bride then 3 years old and he told the other workmen he was going to wait until little Malinda grew up and marry her. This he did on March 22, 1848 and took her to a new house he had built for her in Linton Township. The story is told that he walked each day from his home in Muskingum County to Linton Township to clear his land and build his home.

Malinda was the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Sturtz) Gaumer, age 18 and her husband 36. Solomon died in 1892 and Malinda nineteen years later in 1911. From a modest beginning of 120 acres of woodland, Mr. And Mrs. Solomon Wurtz accumulated 550 acres of good well-improved land. They were blessed with 6 children. The four remaining children inherited a portion of the 550 acres at the death of their father leaving the homestead and a sizeable farm for his widow.

Obituary:

source unknown. The life of a Respected Citizen of Coshocton County is ended. Solomon Huff Werts, familiarly know as "Uncle Sollie Werts", died at his home in Coshocton County last Friday morning, August 5, 1892. Mr. Werts was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, January 30, 1815. His parents moved to Salem County when he was little more than year old. In 1829 at the age of 14 he became a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and continued to be an active member all the rest of his life. In 1848 he was married to Miss Malinda Gaumer and they began housekeeping on the same farm on which his death occurred. To this union were born six children, four, of whom are still living. "Uncle Sollie Werts" was a successful farmer and his advice was always considered good and much sought after. He was respected and admired by all who knew him and his death brings sorrow to many a heart. About four months ago gangrene resulting from erysipelas set in on his foot and since that time his cords of life were gradually being severed. Blood poisoning was the final result and hurried out of this world a well-spent and useful life. The funeral services were held on Sunday forenoon at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coshocton County and were conducted by the pastor Rev. H. K. Gephart, whose discourse was based on the words "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death". Cor. 15:26. The high esteem, in which Mr. Werts was held, was shown by the large concourse of people present, fully two thirds of them being compelled to remain outside the church.

Malinda Gaumer. She was born on 16 May 1829 in Franklin Township, OH. She died on 02 Nov 1911 in Franklin Township, OH [8]. Burial in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Coshocton County, OH.

Salomon Huff Wurtz and Malinda Gaumer. They were married on 26 Mar 1848 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 6 children.

51. i.

Susannah Werts. She was born on 06 Aug 1849 in Muskingum County, OH. She married William S. Simon. They were married on 24 Dec 1868. She died on 16 Nov 1936.

52. ii.

Elizabeth Ann Werts. She was born on 10 Apr 1851 in Linton Township, OH. She married Lewis B. Barcroft. They were married on 09 Aug 1869. She died on 24 Jan 1929 in Coshocton County, OH [9]. Burial in South Lawn Cemtery, Coshocton, OH.

iii.

Mary Catherine Werts. She was born on 26 Jun 1855 in Ohio. She died on 28 Oct 1856 in Ohio.

53. iv.

John Howard Werts [10]. He was born on 05 Jul 1858 in Ohio. He died on 04 Dec 1902 in Coshocton County, OH [11]. Cause of Death was Typhoid Fever. Burial in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Coshocton County, OH.

v.

Rugan Werts. He was born on 13 Oct 1864 in Ohio. He died 1875 in Ohio.

54. vi.

John Calvin Werts [10]. He was born on 13 Oct 1864 in Ohio. He married Myra Eudora Sprague. They were married on 28 Dec 1892. He died on 16 Dec 1948.

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10.

Jacob Wurtz-2 (George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 09 Sep 1817 in Salem Township, OH. He died on 06 Jun 1898 in Salem Township, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Elizabeth Ann Harris. She was born on 02 Feb 1821 in Loudoun County, VA. She died on 29 Nov 1906 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Jacob Wurtz and Elizabeth Ann Harris. They were married on 28 Nov 1839 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 5 children.

55. i.

George Peter Roeasoner Werts. He was born on 03 Dec 1840 in Salem Township, OH. He married Lousia Ross. They were married on 26 Dec 1861 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 08 Jun 1920 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

56. ii.

Matilda Werts. She was born on 14 Aug 1843 in Salem Township, OH. She married Jacob R. Spragg. They were married 1865. She died on 26 Apr 1915 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

iii.

Susan Mary Werts. She was born on 24 Sep 1850.

57. iv.

Martha Angeline Werts. She was born on 19 Nov 1852 in Ohio. She married William Caleb Buker. They were married on 25 Mar 1871. She died on 01 Dec 1911 in Adamsville, OH [12]. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

v.

John Albert Werts. He was born on 10 Dec 1856. He died 22 Jan in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Generation 3

11.

Helen Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 09 Feb 1815 in Cochocton, OH [2]. She died on 17 Feb 1904 in Salem, OH [2].

Daniel Isaac Bowden [2]. He was born on 21 Mar 1806 in Wilkesbarre, PA [2]. He died on 05 May 1887 in Salem, OH [2].

Daniel Isaac Bowden and Helen Adams. They were married on 24 Mar 1833 in Muskingum, Ohio, USA [2]. They had 10 children.

i.

Susannah Bowden. She was born on 24 Aug 1835 in Ohio [2].

ii.

Melinda Bowden. She was born on 18 Jul 1837 in Ohio [2].

iii.

George Remener Bowden. He was born on 17 Sep 1839 in Ohio [2].

iv.

William Henry Bowden. He was born on 19 Mar 1842 in Ohio [2].

v.

Rosannah Catherine Bowden. She was born on 24 Jun 1844 in Adamsville, OH [2]. She died on 17 Apr 1908 [2].

58. vi.

John Riley Bowden. He was born on 08 Jun 1849 in Salem, OH [2]. He married Alphrettia Rosan Stotts. They were married on 28 Mar 1872 in Muskingum County, OH [2]. He died on 04 Oct 1915 in Salem, OH [2].

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Generation 3

vii.

Matilda Ann Bowden. She was born on 10 Sep 1851 in Ohio [2]. She married Azariah A. Davis. They were married on 23 Aug 1874.

viii.

Alvin Dennison Bowden. He was born on 01 Sep 1854 in Ohio [2].

ix.

Sidney Bowden [2]. He was born on 19 Apr 1857 in Salem, OH [2]. He died on 01 Oct 1861 in Salem, OH [2].

x.

Hamilton Hounold Bowden [2]. He was born on 03 Oct 1861 [2].

12.

Susanna Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 25 Oct 1817. She died on 04 Aug 1893 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Notes for Susanna Adams:
General Notes:
Obituary:

Adamsville Register, August 8, 1893. Mrs. Susanna Decker, wife of the late D.r Henry Decker, died early Saturday morning at her residence. She was born October 25, 1817. In the year 1836 she was married to Dr. Henry Decker whose death occurred a little over a year ago.

Henry Decker. He was born on 25 Dec 1817 in Highland Township, OH. He died on 07 Jan 1892 in Adamsville, OH [13]. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Henry Decker and Susanna Adams. They were married on 18 Aug 1836. They had 12 children.

i.

Mary Elizabeth Decker. She was born on 18 Aug 1837 in Adamsville, OH. She married Asa Nims. They were married on 12 Mar 1865 in Muskingum County, OH.

ii.

Helen Evelina Decker. She was born on 11 Feb 1839 in Adamsville, OH. She married Hugh D. McGaw. They were married on 27 Mar 1860 in Muskingum County, OH.

iii.

Theodore Adams Decker. He was born on 11 Feb 1841 in Adamsville, OH. He married Elizabeth Barr. They were married on 25 Feb 1869 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Baptist Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

59. iv.

Lafayette Franklin Decker. He was born on 02 May 1843 in Adamsville, OH. He married Allie Lynch. They were married on 05 Jun 1873. He died May 1932 in Toledo, OH.

v.

Angeline Decker. She was born on 25 Jul 1845 in Adamsville, OH.

60. vi.

Cidna Stiers Decker. She was born on 12 Oct 1847 in Adamsville, OH. She married Winfield Scott Shirer. They were married on 20 Aug 1871 in Adamsville, OH. She died Jun 1924 in Newark, OH. Burial in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newark, OH.

vii.

Melville Decker. He was born Abt. 1848 in Adamsville, OH.

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Generation 3 (con't)

viii.

Alonzo Werts Decker. He was born on 18 Jul 1850 in Adamsville, OH. He died in East Charleston, PA.

ix.

Albert Weller Decker. He was born on 06 Jun 1852 in Adamsville, OH. He died on 20 Sep 1853 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in Baptist Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

x.

John Albert Decker. He was born on 18 Sep 1854. He died on 11 Aug 1855.

xi.

Reasoner R. Decker. He was born on 09 Oct 1855. He died on 12 Nov 1855.

xii.

Lilly Dale Decker. She was born on 11 Dec 1856 in Adamsville, OH.

13.

William Washington Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 11 May 1822 in Monroe Township, OH. He died on 22 May 1894 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Notes for William Washington Adams:
General Notes:
The "History of Muskingum County, Ohio" by J. F. Everhart discusses George's son William and in that context is stated, "William W. Washington, a retired farmer, residing in Adamsville, Salem township, Muskingum county, Ohio, was born in Monroe township of this county, but when he was six years of age his parents, George and Christina (Werts) Adams, moved to Salem township. The father was a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun county in 1788, Febuary 12, and was a son of William Adams, who died in Virginia. George Adams came to Muskingum county in 1807, and at the opening of the War of 1812 went to Virginia, where he enlisted in the army. After the war he married and returned to Muskingum county, passing the remainder of his days in Monroe and Salem townships. His wife died in 1873, and he followed her to the grave two years later. Both were members of the Lutheran church. Their family consisted of the following children: Helen, Susan, William W., George, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Sarah and Margaret. The father followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and became a prosperous man. In politics he was a democrat."

From this sketch we can discern that George must have stayed for some time with his parents before returning to Ohio. He either met or renewed a childhood aquaintence with Christina as his father, according to the 1810 census, lived very close to Christina's cousins, Conrad and Adam Werts. Since he had already been to Ohio, he was probably the catalyst for Christina's family to follow them back to Ohio.

From this we also learn the date of 1875 for his death is the correct one which would make the birth date in the records of New Lutheran Church in Montegomery County, correct as his birth being Feb 12, 1789. It actually states his birth was Feb 21 but the calculation of his death from the revised date would make it Feb 12 which agrees with the "History of Muskingum County, Ohio" date. That year was given as 1788 but the re-calculation and the church records both give 1789 so we will use that as the true date of birth.

It has been suggested that George and Christina came back to Ohio in 1814, the year of their marriage, but a record of Christening for their Daughter Helen (Hilena) is found in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, Loudoun County, VA. in Dec 3 1815 so it would have been doubtful they would have returned until after that winter, probably in the spring of 1816.

According to the 1820 Census he was living in Munroe (sic) township. It seems Christine lied about her age as she is listed in the 16-18 column, or the census taker made a mistake. By 1830 he is found in the Salem township census listing.

In the records of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, Loudoun County, VA., there is also listed a Thomas Adams marrying a Anna Spring, 2 Nov 1813. This is right around the same time as George so Thomas is a possible brother to George.

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Generation 3 (con't)

Notes for William Washington Adams:
General Notes:
The "History of Muskingum County, Ohio" by J. F. Everhart discusses George's son William and in that context is stated, "William W. Washington, a retired farmer, residing in Adamsville, Salem township, Muskingum county, Ohio, was born in Monroe township of this county, but when he was six years of age his parents, George and Christina (Werts) Adams, moved to Salem township. The father was a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun county in 1788, Febuary 12, and was a son of William Adams, who died in Virginia. George Adams came to Muskingum county in 1807, and at the opening of the War of 1812 went to Virginia, where he enlisted in the army. After the war he married and returned to Muskingum county, passing the remainder of his days in Monroe and Salem townships. His wife died in 1873, and he followed her to the grave two years later. Both were members of the Lutheran church. Their family consisted of the following children: Helen, Susan, William W., George, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Sarah and Margaret. The father followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and became a prosperous man. In politics he was a democrat."

From this sketch we can discern that George must have stayed for some time with his parents before returning to Ohio. He either met or renewed a childhood aquaintence with Christina as his father, according to the 1810 census, lived very close to Christina's cousins, Conrad and Adam Werts. Since he had already been to Ohio, he was probably the catalyst for Christina's family to follow them back to Ohio.

From this we also learn the date of 1875 for his death is the correct one which would make the birth date in the records of New Lutheran Church in Montegomery County, correct as his birth being Feb 12, 1789. It actually states his birth was Feb 21 but the calculation of his death from the revised date would make it Feb 12 which agrees with the "History of Muskingum County, Ohio" date. That year was given as 1788 but the re-calculation and the church records both give 1789 so we will use that as the true date of birth.

It has been suggested that George and Christina came back to Ohio in 1814, the year of their marriage, but a record of Christening for their Daughter Helen (Hilena) is found in New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, Loudoun County, VA. in Dec 3 1815 so it would have been doubtful they would have returned until after that winter, probably in the spring of 1816.

According to the 1820 Census he was living in Munroe (sic) township. It seems Christine lied about her age as she is listed in the 16-18 column, or the census taker made a mistake. By 1830 he is found in the Salem township census listing.

In the records of New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, Loudoun County, VA., there is also listed a Thomas Adams marrying a Anna Spring, 2 Nov 1813. This is right around the same time as George so Thomas is a possible brother to George.

Louisa Bainter. She was born on 04 Oct 1832 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 07 Sep 1866 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

William Washington Adams and Louisa Bainter. They were married on 02 Feb 1852. They had 8 children.

i.

Cora L. Adams.

61. ii.

Susan M. Adams. She married Robert O. Scott. They were married on 24 Oct 1878. She died on 02 Apr 1904 in Zanesville, OH [14]. She was born in Muskingum County, OH.

iii.

Mariah Christina Adams. She was born on 24 Jul 1853. She died on 07 Aug 1857. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

62. iv.

Allen Oliver Adams. He was born on 26 Dec 1854. He married Henrietta Slater. They were married on 03 Apr 1884. He died on 23 Mar 1939. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

63. v.

George Frederick Adams. He was born on 01 Jan 1856. He died on 02 Oct 1894 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

64. vi.

Myrna Helen Adams. She was born 1862. She married George W. Williams. They were married on 22 Nov 1885. She died 1940. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

65. vii.

Ida Rosan Adams. She was born on 02 Sep 1863 in Muskingham County, OH. She married John Albert Scott. They were married on 24 Mar 1887. She died on 24 Aug 1943 in Zanesville, OH [15]. Cause of Death was Heart Attack. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

viii.

Homer Adams. He was born on 27 Jan 1865. He died on 11 May 1865. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Sarah A. Hannen Carver. She was born on 09 May 1827 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 13 Feb 1895 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

William Washington Adams and Sarah A. Hannen Carver. They were married Mar 1869. They had no children.

14.

George Peter Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 04 Jul 1824 in Salem Township, OH. He died on 24 Jan 1906 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Notes for George Peter Adams:
General Notes:
Obituary:

Adamsville Register, January, 1906. The People whose recollections extend back to the early settlement of this country are slowly but surely passing away. Among this number was the late George P. Adams, whose death occurred last Wednesday evening at the family residence about two miles east of town. He was the son of George W. Adams who came to Ohio in 1807 and to Muskingum county about five years later. After coming to this county George W. Adams married Christiana Wertz and one of the ten children from this union was George P. Adams, who born in Monroe township July 4, 1824, and whose death occurred as stated at the age of 81 years, 6 months and 20 days. Mr. Adams was married to Margaret Elizabeth Green November 7, 1850. There were four children born to this union three of whom with the widow survive andmourn the death of a beloved husband and an indulgent parent.. The children living are Henry A., Elias J., and Carlton P. Adams all residents of Salem township. One daughter died after reaching womanhood. Besides the widow and children, the deceased is survived by one brother, Martin Adams, of Charlton, Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Powelson, of Burnside, Ill.; Mrs.Allen bainter, of Zanesville; and Mrs. J. D. Hanks of this village. George P. Adams was one of the industrious, hardworking farmers who helped to transfer the extensive forests into fertile pasture fields. Being one of the number who spent his early life in Salem township he figured prominently among the farmers from 1850 until bowed with age he was compelled to relinquish his activity and give way to men of younger years. Few men were more ready to do a neighborly kindness than Mr. Adams, and his genteel manners and pleasant addresses made him a man of easy approach and an agreeable companion. Through affliction and adversity he continued this pleasing disposition until the last spark of life had fled. At the age of 16, Mr. Adams became a member of the New Hope Evangelical Lutheran church and continued a worshiper with that society until his death. He was a firm believer in the scriptures and selected a beautiful passage from the bible which he requested be used as a text at his funeral. It was from Romans 8;18. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rev. J. G. Gamble, pastor of the Adamsville M. E. church conducted the services and preached an interesting and instructive sermon from the text given above. The services took place at the New Hope Lutheran church Friday at 10:30 a.m. Interment was made in the cemetery at that place.

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Notes for George Peter Adams:
General Notes:
Obituary:

Adamsville Register, January, 1906. The People whose recollections extend back to the early settlement of this country are slowly but surely passing away. Among this number was the late George P. Adams, whose death occurred last Wednesday evening at the family residence about two miles east of town. He was the son of George W. Adams who came to Ohio in 1807 and to Muskingum county about five years later. After coming to this county George W. Adams married Christiana Wertz and one of the ten children from this union was George P. Adams, who born in Monroe township July 4, 1824, and whose death occurred as stated at the age of 81 years, 6 months and 20 days. Mr. Adams was married to Margaret Elizabeth Green November 7, 1850. There were four children born to this union three of whom with the widow survive andmourn the death of a beloved husband and an indulgent parent.. The children living are Henry A., Elias J., and Carlton P. Adams all residents of Salem township. One daughter died after reaching womanhood. Besides the widow and children, the deceased is survived by one brother, Martin Adams, of Charlton, Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Powelson, of Burnside, Ill.; Mrs.Allen bainter, of Zanesville; and Mrs. J. D. Hanks of this village. George P. Adams was one of the industrious, hardworking farmers who helped to transfer the extensive forests into fertile pasture fields. Being one of the number who spent his early life in Salem township he figured prominently among the farmers from 1850 until bowed with age he was compelled to relinquish his activity and give way to men of younger years. Few men were more ready to do a neighborly kindness than Mr. Adams, and his genteel manners and pleasant addresses made him a man of easy approach and an agreeable companion. Through affliction and adversity he continued this pleasing disposition until the last spark of life had fled. At the age of 16, Mr. Adams became a member of the New Hope Evangelical Lutheran church and continued a worshiper with that society until his death. He was a firm believer in the scriptures and selected a beautiful passage from the bible which he requested be used as a text at his funeral. It was from Romans 8;18. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rev. J. G. Gamble, pastor of the Adamsville M. E. church conducted the services and preached an interesting and instructive sermon from the text given above. The services took place at the New Hope Lutheran church Friday at 10:30 a.m. Interment was made in the cemetery at that place.

Margaret Elzabeth Green. She was born on 16 Sep 1832 in Muskingum County, OH. She died 1912. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

George Peter Adams and Margaret Elzabeth Green. They were married on 07 Nov 1850 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 4 children.

i.

Salina A. Adams. She was born on 30 Sep 1851. She died on 15 Jan 1888 in Kansas. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

ii.

Henry Albert Adams. He was born on 22 Feb 1853.

66. iii.

Elias I. Adams. He was born on 04 Mar 1858. He married Anna Metcalf. They were married on 19 Aug 1885. He died 1929. Burial in Bethel Meth. Cem., Highland Twp., OH.

67. iv.

Carlton P. Adams. He was born on 16 Sep 1861. He married Mary Ann Gaumer. They were married on 27 Jan 1885. He died 1921. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

15.

Elizabeth Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 08 Aug 1827 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 20 Jul 1902.

Dennison Ross. He was born on 01 Nov 1801.

Dennison Ross and Elizabeth Adams. They were married on 27 Sep 1845. They had 5 children.

i.

Susannah Castena Ross. She was born on 01 Sep 1846 in Ohio.

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ii.

Christina Ross. She was born on 08 Aug 1848 in Ohio.

68. iii.

George Dennison Ross. He was born on 13 Jan 1851 in Ohio. He married Laura Frances McCarty. They were married 1875 [2]. He died 1914 [2].

iv.

Mary Lonia Ross. She was born on 26 Apr 1853 in Ohio.

v.

Conrad Ross. He was born on 02 May 1855 in Ohio.

16.

Maria Catherine Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 20 Nov 1829 in Salem Township, OH. She died on 22 Oct 1914 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Highland Township, OH.

John D. Hanks. He was born on 06 Jul 1828 in Highland Township, OH. He died on 28 Feb 1917 in Adamsville, OH [16]. Burial in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Highland Township, OH.

John D. Hanks and Maria Catherine Adams. They were married on 18 Oct 1850 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 6 children.

69. i.

Homer L. Hanks. He was born 1864. He married Missie Hurdle. They were married on 19 Jan 1888. He died on 30 Jun 1927 in Zanesville, OH [17]. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Zanesville, OH.

70. ii.

Laura A. Hanks.

iii.

George Winfield Hanks. He was born on 20 Aug 1851. He married Salina Johnson. They were married on 20 Jul 1873. He died on 03 Aug 1873. Burial in Bethel Meth. Cem., Highland Twp., OH.

iv.

Addison Burwick Hanks. He was born 1852. He died 1893. Burial in Bethel Meth. Cem., Highland Twp., OH.

71. v.

Carson Howard Hanks. He was born on 02 Dec 1856. He married Carrie Irene Ross. They were married on 17 Sep 1879. He died on 01 Nov 1932 in Zanesville, OH [18]. Cause of Death was Hit by a car. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

vi.

Wilbur Sephas Hanks. He was born on 25 Oct 1871 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 19 Feb 1919 in Youngstown, OH. Burial in Youngstown, OH.

17.

Sarah Ann Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 20 May 1834 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 05 Apr 1913 in Paris, MO. Burial in Burnside, IL.

William Powelson. He was born on 22 Oct 1832. Burial in Burnside, IL.

William Powelson and Sarah Ann Adams. They were married on 22 Oct 1854. They had 2 children.

i.

Ella Powelson.

ii.

John Anderson Powelson. He was born on 05 Nov 1855.

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18.

Martin Van Buren Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 24 Mar 1837 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 30 Oct 1920 in Zanesville, OH.

Notes for Martin Van Buren Adams:
General Notes:
Obituary:

Adamsville Register, March, 1923An account of the death of Martin V. Adams at his home in Charlton, Iowa, on Oct. 6, 1924, has been furnished the publishers of the Register by C. H. Hanks who is a nephew of the deceased. Martin Adams was the son of George Adams who was one of the pioneer settlers in the Adamsville vicinity. Martin Adams was born March 24, 1837. In 1862 he enlisted in the Civil War, ending his services for the country in Sherman's march to the sea, He married Miss Zilpha Ann Bagley after the war and in 1865 they moved to Iowa. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom survive him. One child died in infancy. His wife died last February.

Zispha Ann Bagley. She was born on 08 Jul 1839. She died on 24 Feb 1924 in Chariton, IA.

Martin Van Buren Adams and Zispha Ann Bagley. They were married on 12 Nov 1865. They had 9 children.

i.

Marietta Adams. She was born on 15 Aug 1866. She married Samuel Willits. They were married on 10 Dec 1899.

ii.

Omer Emmett Adams. He was born on 19 Jan 1868 in Ohio. He died 1896 in Ohio.

72. iii.

Lulu Blanche Adams. She was born on 20 May 1869. She married Joseph A. Cookin. They were married on 25 Feb 1891.

73. iv.

George Clifton Adams. He was born on 20 Sep 1870. He married Carrie Leona Houston. They were married on 30 Jul 1891.

74. v.

Emma Maud Adams. She was born on 11 Sep 1872 in Story, IA. She died 1874 in Story, IA.

vi.

Tillman Bruce Adams. He was born on 14 Sep 1874.

vii.

Infant Adams. She was born on 13 Mar 1877 in Lucas County, IA. She died on 30 Mar 1877 in Lucas County, IA.

viii.

Armita Belle Adams. She was born on 09 Feb 1879. She married Robert Bertrude Plotts. They were married on 07 Aug 1901.

ix.

Carrie Eve Adams. She was born on 29 Mar 1883.

19.

Margaret Adams-3 (Christinia Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 07 Feb 1840 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 30 Oct 1920 in Zanesville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Julius Allen Bainter. He was born on 24 Jul 1834 in Monroe Township, OH. He died on 26 Dec 1919 in Zanesville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

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Julius Allen Bainter and Margaret Adams. They were married on 27 Aug 1857. They had 11 children.

i.

Homer Bainter. He was born on 17 Dec 1856 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 17 Oct 1862 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

75. ii.

Henry Howard Bainter. He was born on 16 Feb 1858 in Adamsville, OH. He married Matilda C. Williams. They were married on 25 Aug 1881. He died on 23 Apr 1936 in Zanesville, OH [19].

iii.

Hayman Bainter. He was born on 28 Dec 1860 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 05 Nov 1862 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

iv.

Harvey L. Bainter. He was born on 01 Dec 1863. He married Anna Bradford. They were married on 04 Feb 1883. He died on 14 Nov 1925 in Hamilton, MO.

v.

R. Bruce Bainter. He was born on 18 Apr 1866. He married Atta Garrett. They were married on 24 Dec 1888.

76. vi.

George Frederick Bainter. He was born on 11 Sep 1869. He died on 31 Mar 1934.

77. vii.

Nina B. Bainter. She was born 1872 in Muskingum County, OH. She died 1928 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

78. viii.

Nora D. Bainter. She was born on 04 Jun 1875.

ix.

John W. Bainter. He was born on 20 Sep 1877.

x.

Harmon G. Bainter. He was born on 08 Apr 1883.

79. xi.

Jennie Bainter. She was born on 11 May 1885.

20.

Susannah Marie Shroyer-3 (Elizabeth Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 16 May 1819. She died 1888 in Coshocton County, OH.

Charles Adams. He was born May 1813. He died in Coshocton County, OH.

Charles Adams and Susannah Marie Shroyer. They were married on 12 Oct 1834 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 10 children.

i.

Adam Newton Adams.

ii.

Elizabeth Marie Adams. She was born on 08 Apr 1835 in Muskingum County, OH.

80. iii.

Malinda Wenner Adams. She was born on 09 Aug 1837. She married Orief Williams. They were married on 27 Sep 1855.

iv.

John Shroyer Adams. He was born on 26 Dec 1839.

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v.

George William Adams. He was born on 01 Jul 1842.

81. vi.

Eliza Joannah Adams. She was born on 06 Dec 1844. She married Caleb H. Baker. They were married on 06 Feb 1868.

vii.

Mary Caroline Adams. She was born on 28 Feb 1847.

viii.

Sarah Catherine Adams. She was born on 08 Mar 1851. She died on 03 Apr 1851.

ix.

Martha Ellen Adams. She was born on 08 May 1852.

x.

Solomon Adams. He was born 1857.

21.

Malinda Shroyer-3 (Elizabeth Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 22 Dec 1822. She died 1889 in Coshocton County, OH.

Harrison Wagner. He was born on 02 Sep 1821. He died on 25 Jul 1891.

Notes for Harrison Wagner:
General Notes:
WAGONER HARRISON, Coshocton: carpenter and contractor ; born September 2, 1821, in Muskingum county; son of John and Barbara (Shurtz) Wagoner, and came to Tuscarawas township in 1854, and to this city in 1870, Mr. Wagoner was raised on the farm until nineteen years of age, when he went to his trade, which he followed three years; then rented a farm and conducted it four years, when he bought a ferns, which he worked in connection with his trade for about seven years prior to coming to this county, Since coming to this city he has given his entire attention to contracting and building, Mr., Wagoner served about four months in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-third O. N. G, He was married March 19, 1843, to Miss Malinda, daughter of John Shroyer, of Muskingum county, Her mother's name was Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Susannah Wertz, Their children are Mary Elizabeth; Barbara Jane. deceased; Eliza Annie, Margaret, John Oliver and George Bartholomew,
source:http://www.heritagepursuit.com/Coshocton/cofile7.htm
Ione spells this name as Harson Wagner.
Information provided by Dr. E.M. Stewart and/or Robert Stewart.

Harrison Wagner and Malinda Shroyer. They were married on 19 Mar 1845 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 6 children.

i.

Mary Elizabeth Wagner. She was born on 27 Jan 1845 in Ohio.

ii.

Barbara Jane Wagner. She was born on 12 Apr 1848 in Ohio.

iii.

Eliza Ann Wagner. She was born on 18 Dec 1853 in Ohio.

iv.

George Bartholomew Wagner.

v.

Margaret Wagner.

vi.

John Oliver Wagner. He was born 1855.

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22.

Eliza Ann Shroyer-3 (Elizabeth Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 29 Jul 1823 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 20 Dec 1890 in Adamsville, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Solomon Bowman. He was born on 19 Jan 1820. He died on 18 May 1891 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Solomon Bowman and Eliza Ann Shroyer. They were married on 23 May 1850. They had 3 children.

i.

Elizabeth Samantha Bowman. She was born on 26 Sep 1853.

ii.

Mary L. Bowman. She was born 1859.

iii.

Ada M. Bowman. She was born 1867.

23.

Adam Sydney Shroyer-3 (Elizabeth Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 09 Mar 1825. He died on 25 Oct 1885 in Norwich, OH [3]. Burial in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Highland Township, OH.

Notes for Adam Sydney Shroyer:
General Notes:
Cambridge Jeffersonian, October 29, 1885

Adam Shroyer, for several years a highly respected citizen of Cambridge, but who moved back to his farm at Norwich some months ago, died on Sunday. He had been in failing health for some time, but his death was unexpected. He was an excellent citizen, and his=t death is lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends. The funeral took place at one o?clock on Monday afternoon, and his remains were laid at rest in the Bethel cemetery, four miles north of Norwich.

Grace Ann Hammond. She was born on 10 Jul 1827. She died on 21 Oct 1907. Burial in Bethel Methodist Cemetery, Highland Township, OH.

Adam Sydney Shroyer and Grace Ann Hammond. They were married on 20 May 1847 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 4 children.

82. i.

James Newton Shroyer. He was born on 07 Mar 1848. He married Dorcas Spencer Geyer. They were married on 13 Jan 1870 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 13 Apr 1892.

83. ii.

Castaria Angeline Shroyer. She was born on 08 Jul 1852 in Ohio. She married John Richard Mock. They were married on 06 Jan 1873 in Muskingum County, OH. She died Abt. 1920.

iii.

Rebecca Elizabeth Shroyer. She was born on 26 Oct 1856. She died Abt. 1926.

iv.

Solomon H. Shroyer. He was born 1864. He married B. Scott. They were married on 15 Nov 1883 in Guernsey County, OH.

24.

Solomon Huff Shroyer-3 (Elizabeth Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 22 Jun 1835 in Ohio. He died 1911 in Cambridge, OH.

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Notes for Solomon Huff Shroyer:
General Notes:
Civil War - Lieutenant of the 160th ONG

Source unknown

Solomon H. Shroyer died Friday at his home near Cambridge at the age of 76 years.
The Deceased was a former merchant in Adamsville, being in partnership with Lyman Stoner. After despising of his interest in the store here, he moved to the farm now owned and occupied by Mrs. Mary J. Miles and subsequently sold that farm and moved to Zanesville where he was for some time engaged in the grocery and feed business. Several years ago he moved to Gurnsey County and remained there until his death. The deceased was a cousin of J.O. Shroyer of this village. He also had quite a number of other relatives residing in this part of the county. He is survived by a widow, two sons and two daughters. His funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon in Cambridge.

Eliza Jane Brannon. She was born 1838.

Solomon Huff Shroyer and Eliza Jane Brannon. They were married on 01 Jan 1863 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 4 children.

i.

Male Shroyer.

ii.

Male Shroyer.

iii.

Female Shroyer.

iv.

Female Shroyer.

25.

George Jennings Shrigley-3 (Elizabeth Wurtz-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 04 Aug 1844 in Adamsville, OH. He died on 18 Sep 1914 in Coshocton County, OH.

Lyde Rodgers.

George Jennings Shrigley and Lyde Rodgers. They were married on 11 Oct 1866 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 2 children.

i.

Clara Bell Shrigley. She was born Abt. 1867 in Ohio.

ii.

Howard Hamilton Shrigley. He was born Abt. 1877 in Ohio.

26.

Julia Ann Werts-3 (George Peter Werts Jr.-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 25 Jun 1828 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 20 Feb 1854 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

Quincy Adams Shirer. He was born on 26 Jun 1827 in Ohio. He died on 19 Jul 1907 in Clarinda, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Quincy Adams Shirer and Julia Ann Werts. They were married on 04 Jan 1849 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 3 children.

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84. i.

Susan M. Shirer. She was born on 30 Jun 1850 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Joshua Wright. They were married on 10 Dec 1869 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 01 Apr 1930 in Newark, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

ii.

Jane Shirer. She was born 1852 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 10 Mar 1853 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

iii.

Isaac Newton Shirer. He was born on 15 Feb 1854 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 24 Jul 1854 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in New Hope Cemetery, Adamsville, OH.

27.

William Washington Werts-3 (George Peter Werts Jr.-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 25 Dec 1829 in Muskingum County, OH [2]. He died on 07 Apr 1857 in Coshocton, OH [2].

Louisa Buckless. She was born on 13 Apr 1834 in Muskingham County, OH [2]. She died on 26 Jul 1912 in Coshocton, OH [2].

William Washington Werts and Louisa Buckless. They were married on 24 Aug 1852 in Coshocton County, OH. They had 2 children.

i.

George Wesley Werts. He was born on 27 Jan 1853 in Ohio. He died 1923.

85. ii.

Mary Angeline Werts. She was born on 16 Feb 1855 in Ohio [20]. She married William Henry Amore. They were married on 14 Dec 1872 in Coshocton County, OH [21]. She died on 05 Dec 1941 in Roscoe, OH [20]. Burial in Roscoe Cemetery, Roscoe, OH [20].

28.

John Jackson Werts-3 (George Peter Werts Jr.-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 06 Feb 1831 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 27 Oct 1901 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Notes for John Jackson Werts:
General Notes:
Red-haired and bearded. John was 14 when his mother died. He lived at home until 21 and he got a job as a farmhand for $13 a month. He saved his money and the next year he rented a 50-acre farm in adjacent Coshocton County, OH. After a year he returned to Muskinghum County and married Esther. They rented a farm for three years. They eventually purchased an 80 acre farm in Coshocton County in 1869. Later that year Alfred was born. Lutheran faith. When they moved to the new area, there was no church, so they organized one. By 1864 with six children, the necessity of more land was apparent. John made a trip to the new state of Iowa where his uncle William Maple had homesteaded a farm on the prairie, paying $1.25 an acre. He was the first Werts to settle in Benton Township, Lucas County. He purchased 160 acres of prairie three miles southwest of Russell in Section 12, including 20 acres under cultivation and a newly-built house. He also bought 40 acres of timber for fuel, fence post and lumber and the entire package cost him $2,100, $1400 for 200 acres and a newly completed, 1 1/2 story house for $700. The farm was a half a mile north of Ragtown, a village having a store, sawmill and a few houses and later Ragtown School. After the purchase, Mr. Werts returned to Ohio, sold his Ohio farm and prepared to move to the West in the fall of 1864. The family was to ride on a train while the household goods went in one wagon. Esther`s sister, Lydia was married to Alex McCurdy and they moved also. The railroad system was in its early stages and there was no Union Depot in Chicago. To make the train change there, it was necessary to find a man with a large, spring wagon. The wagon's driver "piled" 11 children, 2 women, the luggage and himself in the wagon and drove the passengers one mile to the train departing for Eddyville, Iowa, the end of the railroad at that time. At this point, they boarded a stage and drove to LaGrange, Lucas County, Iowa. Mr. Werts drove the sheep from Eddyville to Russell. The native sod was hard to cultivate with the early tools but by the second year it produced good crops. Russell`s first store opened in 1865. As Russell grew Ragtown disappeared. In 1869 a Presbyterian Church opened and the Werts were among the first members. By 1870, they purchased a total of 575 acres and built a bigger house, barn and several buildings. The railroad helped to develop the area and things went well until the Panice of 1873 and the price of land went down one-half in one year. During the winters of 1873-74-75, the roads were lined with covered wagons carrying people who had starved in the East and were going west to homestead. Amoung those for whom he purchased land was A. T. Beals and D. W. Rowland. Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Russell for 27 years. In 1891, they built a fine house in the west end of Russell and retired. Leaving the farm to the children. He died of pneumonia. Democrat.

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Notes for John Jackson Werts:
General Notes:
Red-haired and bearded. John was 14 when his mother died. He lived at home until 21 and he got a job as a farmhand for $13 a month. He saved his money and the next year he rented a 50-acre farm in adjacent Coshocton County, OH. After a year he returned to Muskinghum County and married Esther. They rented a farm for three years. They eventually purchased an 80 acre farm in Coshocton County in 1869. Later that year Alfred was born. Lutheran faith. When they moved to the new area, there was no church, so they organized one. By 1864 with six children, the necessity of more land was apparent. John made a trip to the new state of Iowa where his uncle William Maple had homesteaded a farm on the prairie, paying $1.25 an acre. He was the first Werts to settle in Benton Township, Lucas County. He purchased 160 acres of prairie three miles southwest of Russell in Section 12, including 20 acres under cultivation and a newly-built house. He also bought 40 acres of timber for fuel, fence post and lumber and the entire package cost him $2,100, $1400 for 200 acres and a newly completed, 1 1/2 story house for $700. The farm was a half a mile north of Ragtown, a village having a store, sawmill and a few houses and later Ragtown School. After the purchase, Mr. Werts returned to Ohio, sold his Ohio farm and prepared to move to the West in the fall of 1864. The family was to ride on a train while the household goods went in one wagon. Esther`s sister, Lydia was married to Alex McCurdy and they moved also. The railroad system was in its early stages and there was no Union Depot in Chicago. To make the train change there, it was necessary to find a man with a large, spring wagon. The wagon's driver "piled" 11 children, 2 women, the luggage and himself in the wagon and drove the passengers one mile to the train departing for Eddyville, Iowa, the end of the railroad at that time. At this point, they boarded a stage and drove to LaGrange, Lucas County, Iowa. Mr. Werts drove the sheep from Eddyville to Russell. The native sod was hard to cultivate with the early tools but by the second year it produced good crops. Russell`s first store opened in 1865. As Russell grew Ragtown disappeared. In 1869 a Presbyterian Church opened and the Werts were among the first members. By 1870, they purchased a total of 575 acres and built a bigger house, barn and several buildings. The railroad helped to develop the area and things went well until the Panice of 1873 and the price of land went down one-half in one year. During the winters of 1873-74-75, the roads were lined with covered wagons carrying people who had starved in the East and were going west to homestead. Amoung those for whom he purchased land was A. T. Beals and D. W. Rowland. Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Russell for 27 years. In 1891, they built a fine house in the west end of Russell and retired. Leaving the farm to the children. He died of pneumonia. Democrat.

Esther Ann Wymer. She was born on 18 Sep 1837 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 14 Dec 1912 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Notes for Esther Ann Wymer:
General Notes:
When Esther was growing up, everyone worked in order to feed the family. A four-year-old learned to set the table and stood on a stool to wash and dry the dishes. Children would help in planting and cultivating a garden; gathering the produce; preparing and canning it over a hot stove (a relatively new process); raising livestock and helping with the butchering and canning, or preserving the meat with salt of smoke, and rendering lard in a large iron kettle over an outside fire. Helping the family meant exploring the woods for such wild fruit as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums. It meant raising chickens which included feeding them, gathering the eggs, and cleaning and cooking a chicken for a special dinner. Therefore, long before she became a teenager, Esther knew how to accept responsibility.
Three weeks before she reached he 17th birthday, Esther married John Jackson Werts, a red-haired and bearded 23-year-old farmer whose parents lived in the county. There were eight children in his family and John was only 14 when their mother died. In those days, a young man lived with his parents until his 21st birthday, "paying his debt to his parents." Only them was he free to make a life of his own. At the age of 21, John took a job as a farmhand for $13 a month. He saved his money and the next year rented a 50-acre farm in adjacent Coshocton County, Ohio. After a year he returned to Muskinghum County, his home and also the home of Esther Ann Wymer. John and Esther married on August 29, 1854.
The couple live on a rented farm for the first three years of their married life and brought three children into the world. The first John Quincy who soon became his father`s right -hand man and the second was a son who lived only a few days. Women grieved in a private way in those days and there was little time to weep. In less than a year their first daughter, Mary Eveline, was born.
Esther`s husband John had been looking for more land and eventually purchased an 80-acre farm nearby Coshocton County. This meant a move for Esther, a separation from her family, finding new friends and a new church. Lydia, her latest child, was about a year old when the move to the new farm was made in 1860. Later that year Alfred Riley was born. Jacob was born in 1862 and William Clement in 1863. Their daughter Mary (and probably the other children) was vaccinated at age 4 in Ohio to prevent smallpox, using the vaccine of that period. Such vaccines had begun in the late 18th century but only progressive and daring (live virus was used, somewhat risky) people consented to use them through most of the 19th century.
John and Esther were both descended from families who were dedicated Christians. Both families were members of the Lutheran faith. History contains the names of several of their ancestors who were instrumental in the establishment of Lutheran churches from Virginia through Pennsylvania and Ohio. Whenever they moved to a new area, Esther and John looked for a church and if none was found, they were among the first to organize one.
By the year with six children and the loss of one baby, they could probably see the necessity of having more land in order to feed a growing family. John made a trip to the new state of Iowa where his uncle Maple had homesteaded a farm on the prairie, paying the government $1.25 per acre. He was favorably impressed with the land and the prospects for future settlement and growth. He purchased 160 acres of prairie included 20 acres under cultivation and a newly-built house. He also bought 40 acres of timber for fuel, fence posts and lumber and the entire package cost him $2,100. The farm was half a mile north of Ragtown, a village having a store, sawmill, and a few houses. A school was added in a few years.
John hurried back home to Ohio to move his family and what possessions could be carried across the prairie to Iowa. He was proud of his flock of sheep and was determined to move them to Iowa together with the most essential farm and household equipment. John needed a large wagon and a man to drive the team. What a busy summer that must have been. We can assume that crops were grown and harvested as usual because the profits would be needed for the trip. The land also had to be sold as well as the livestock and equipment that could not be taken. All of these tasks had to be completed soon so the trip could be made before the stormy weather of winter. With the fall of 1864 came the big move to Iowa with six children and all the household goods they could pile on one wagon. The family was to ride on a train. The sheep were to go, and the children loved the wooly lambs that grew up to be favorite sheep. Excitement reigned in the household as each child would have a favorite homemade toy or animal he or she would want to take.
Esther`s sister Lydia was married to Alex McCurdy. They had five children and the McCurdy`s decided to move to Iowa at the same time. Alex drove his own team and wagon with their household goods and John found a young man who wanted to go west and who would drive their team and wagon with their goods. All the women and children went on the train.
When all was ready, the sheep were loaded into a railway car. They would have been driven from the farm to the railroad, probably at Adamsville, and the family transported to the city. We do not know whether John Jackson and his carload of sheep were a part of the same train that carried the family but there is a good chance they rode together at least as far as Chicago. John would have spent most of his time with the sheep, watering and feeding them and keeping them as comfortable as possible in order to prevent costly losses.
In those days the train engines burned coal for energy. The tracks were rough, the seats were hard, straight, and uncomfortable. While the windows were opened for air, coal soot and cinders blew in. The train stops were often and were always jerky. Little children would get sick and lose a meal with no water available to clean their clothing. The 500-mile trip must have taken at least two days and nights. Mary, the older daughter, remembered that her step grandmother Wymer and two of her mother`s younger sisters accompanied them to help care for the younger children. We can certainly believe that Esther and Lydia would need their help. The sisters were Becky who was 22 ad Alzina who was 19. Those three may have returned from Chicago or Eddyville.
In Chicago it was necessary for passengers to move from one railway station to another board a train to Eddyville, Iowa, the end of the line and about 40 miles from their farm. The carload of sheep, on arrival in Chicago, could probably be switched from one road to the other. John Quincy remembered finding a man with a spring wagon who would move their luggage and the women and children to the new station, about a mile away. In, Ohio, Mary and her older brother, John Q. had been trusted helpers who held the hands of younger sister and brothers to keep them from wandering away or lagging behind whenever the family went somewhere. On the trip west the older children did not have that responsibility because their mother's unmarried sisters and their step grandmother Wymer went along to help carry luggage. When changing trains in Chicago, crowded with Civil War traffic, Mary Eveline remembered that the adults ordered her and John Q. to tightly hold each other's hands and stay near the rest of the group every minute from getting off the train all through the ride in a spring wagon to the other train station and until they were all safely on board. There was no chance to have a closer look at the huge locomotives puffing smoke and snorting steam, their powerful rumbles vibrating everything underfoot. Mary resented the hand holding even more than her older brother for she was demoted from being a responsible helper to being helped and protected.
At Eddyville the two weary families crowded into a stagecoach which took them on another dirt road to Lagrange, Iowa, a village which was still a good 10 miles from their farm. We do not know whether it was possible for William Maple to help them move from Lagrange to the farm but we can be sure they were welcomed with open arms by the Maple family. After living on the prairie far from town and seeing no relatives for years, what would it have to have 11 children and four adults suddenly appear? As cornbread is said to have been the staple of pioneer families, how much stone-ground corn meal would it take to make cornbread for 15 hungry people?
The sheep were unloaded in Eddyville and the flock driven out on the prairie. John J. Werts drove them to within a few miles of the farm. It seems there was a trail and they could follow it during daylight hours. But the sheep had to stop to rest. John Quincy who was nine years old at the time remembered that he went with his Uncle Alex McCurdy to get the sheep and bring them the remainder of the way to the farm.
They could not find the trail in the darkness and prepared to stay the night. Then they heard a dog barking so were able to find a house where a man showed them the trail and they completed the journey, arriving about daybreak.
We can only wonder how the sheep were cared for on arrival at the new farm. It must have been essential to build a shelter for sheep and horses, and the family must have needed cows to provide milk for
the children. It may have been easy to employ help to quickly build a barn and to fill it with hay from the prairie. John`s judgment was sound so he probably had made plans for all the necessary activities for the winter weather.
Having arrived in the fall of the year, the first winter must have been a difficult one for Esther and her children. The men had to work hard to begin preparing the land for a crop the following year. Prairie sod was deep and tough and their tools were primitive but they were able to turn over a good-sized plot before the weather became severe. The young boys worked along with the men and all were hungry. Finding food was a full-time job for everyone. Those were the days when neighbors helped neighbors and all worked together to provide for the needs of the community. Labor was shared and food was shared; there was little but no one went hungry.
There was no town of Russell, IA, for another three or four years. The first store there opened in 1865. Until then, staples of food and equipment were hauled from Eddyville to Chariton and the farmers drove their teams and wagons the five or six miles to Chariton for their necessities. In 1867 the railroad tracks were completed through Lucas county and a first train came through July 3, 1867. Soon afterward a general store was built and women were able to buy cotton fabrics for dresses, buttons and thread. What a joy! By the time that store arrived, the clothes they brought from Ohio were surely in sad shape. The town of Russell grew and Ragtown, the village which had been a half a mile south of the farm disappeared, except for the schoolhouse. There was no Lutheran Church nearby but in 1860 a Presbyterian church was organized in Russell. The Werts family were among its first members.
By 1867 a daughter, Flora Ann, had been born and William Clement had died at the age of two. Flora Ann died at 4 1/2 but Clifton had arrived in 1868 and Susna in 1871. After a period of four years Esther
gave birth to three more children Mabel in 1875, Charles in 1876 and Oliver in 1878. Now Esther`s family consisted of 10 living children, but the oldest daughter, Mary, had already married and had two children of her own.
By the year 1870 John and Esther had purchased more land for a total of 575 acres and had built a larger house, a barn, and several buildings to store the crops and to house the machinery and the livestock. Esther`s life revolved around her home, her children and grandchildren, and her church. As her children grew and left the family home, she spent more time in such leisure pursuits as reading and sewing. She visited her married children and did what mending and sewing were needed by them. Esther had taught her children the Bible and passe on to them her strong faith in the love and strength of her Lord Jesus. Both were very active in all the social, religious, and political activities of the community. John was almost always the leader in anything that was for the good of the community, county or state. Politically he was a Democrat. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Russell for the 27 years from the time of its organization until his death. His council ws very often sought by those with whom he came in contact. John was highly esteemed by those who knew him.
The Werts family members were known for their skill in performing ordinary tasks. They seemed able to do things better and more easily than others. Several of the young men went into medicine and became surgeons. Some invented better farm machinery. John Jackson, the father, was rather slow in speech but wise in he judgements. He would take so muck time to answer a question that the questioner would almost give up before the answer came. At one time he had a load of cattle for sale. In order to get the best price he took them to Chicago by train. When he arrived the price had dropped. While he waited for the price to rise, he took a trip to Buffalo to see Niagara Falls, a picture some of his descendants have kept. When he returned the price was up more than enough to pay for his trip.
In 1891, after 27 years of thrift, hard work and good judgment, John and Esther built a fine house in the west end of Russell and retired, leaving the farm in the hands of the grown children. Three children were still at home, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver. They spent a quiet 10 years, Esther keeping busy with her housework and entertaining family and friends, and John never losing interest in the farm he had created with loving hands. John died of pneumonia on October 27, 1901, and Esther stayed on in her home until her death on December 4, 1912. She visited her children frequently and was at the home of her son Jacob in Garland, Wyoming when she suffered a stroke and lived only a few more days. She was buried in Russell.

Page 25 of 114 Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:24:00 PM

Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 3 (con't)

Notes for Esther Ann Wymer:
General Notes:
When Esther was growing up, everyone worked in order to feed the family. A four-year-old learned to set the table and stood on a stool to wash and dry the dishes. Children would help in planting and cultivating a garden; gathering the produce; preparing and canning it over a hot stove (a relatively new process); raising livestock and helping with the butchering and canning, or preserving the meat with salt of smoke, and rendering lard in a large iron kettle over an outside fire. Helping the family meant exploring the woods for such wild fruit as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums. It meant raising chickens which included feeding them, gathering the eggs, and cleaning and cooking a chicken for a special dinner. Therefore, long before she became a teenager, Esther knew how to accept responsibility.
Three weeks before she reached he 17th birthday, Esther married John Jackson Werts, a red-haired and bearded 23-year-old farmer whose parents lived in the county. There were eight children in his family and John was only 14 when their mother died. In those days, a young man lived with his parents until his 21st birthday, "paying his debt to his parents." Only them was he free to make a life of his own. At the age of 21, John took a job as a farmhand for $13 a month. He saved his money and the next year rented a 50-acre farm in adjacent Coshocton County, Ohio. After a year he returned to Muskinghum County, his home and also the home of Esther Ann Wymer. John and Esther married on August 29, 1854.
The couple live on a rented farm for the first three years of their married life and brought three children into the world. The first John Quincy who soon became his father`s right -hand man and the second was a son who lived only a few days. Women grieved in a private way in those days and there was little time to weep. In less than a year their first daughter, Mary Eveline, was born.
Esther`s husband John had been looking for more land and eventually purchased an 80-acre farm nearby Coshocton County. This meant a move for Esther, a separation from her family, finding new friends and a new church. Lydia, her latest child, was about a year old when the move to the new farm was made in 1860. Later that year Alfred Riley was born. Jacob was born in 1862 and William Clement in 1863. Their daughter Mary (and probably the other children) was vaccinated at age 4 in Ohio to prevent smallpox, using the vaccine of that period. Such vaccines had begun in the late 18th century but only progressive and daring (live virus was used, somewhat risky) people consented to use them through most of the 19th century.
John and Esther were both descended from families who were dedicated Christians. Both families were members of the Lutheran faith. History contains the names of several of their ancestors who were instrumental in the establishment of Lutheran churches from Virginia through Pennsylvania and Ohio. Whenever they moved to a new area, Esther and John looked for a church and if none was found, they were among the first to organize one.
By the year with six children and the loss of one baby, they could probably see the necessity of having more land in order to feed a growing family. John made a trip to the new state of Iowa where his uncle Maple had homesteaded a farm on the prairie, paying the government $1.25 per acre. He was favorably impressed with the land and the prospects for future settlement and growth. He purchased 160 acres of prairie included 20 acres under cultivation and a newly-built house. He also bought 40 acres of timber for fuel, fence posts and lumber and the entire package cost him $2,100. The farm was half a mile north of Ragtown, a village having a store, sawmill, and a few houses. A school was added in a few years.
John hurried back home to Ohio to move his family and what possessions could be carried across the prairie to Iowa. He was proud of his flock of sheep and was determined to move them to Iowa together with the most essential farm and household equipment. John needed a large wagon and a man to drive the team. What a busy summer that must have been. We can assume that crops were grown and harvested as usual because the profits would be needed for the trip. The land also had to be sold as well as the livestock and equipment that could not be taken. All of these tasks had to be completed soon so the trip could be made before the stormy weather of winter. With the fall of 1864 came the big move to Iowa with six children and all the household goods they could pile on one wagon. The family was to ride on a train. The sheep were to go, and the children loved the wooly lambs that grew up to be favorite sheep. Excitement reigned in the household as each child would have a favorite homemade toy or animal he or she would want to take.
Esther`s sister Lydia was married to Alex McCurdy. They had five children and the McCurdy`s decided to move to Iowa at the same time. Alex drove his own team and wagon with their household goods and John found a young man who wanted to go west and who would drive their team and wagon with their goods. All the women and children went on the train.
When all was ready, the sheep were loaded into a railway car. They would have been driven from the farm to the railroad, probably at Adamsville, and the family transported to the city. We do not know whether John Jackson and his carload of sheep were a part of the same train that carried the family but there is a good chance they rode together at least as far as Chicago. John would have spent most of his time with the sheep, watering and feeding them and keeping them as comfortable as possible in order to prevent costly losses.
In those days the train engines burned coal for energy. The tracks were rough, the seats were hard, straight, and uncomfortable. While the windows were opened for air, coal soot and cinders blew in. The train stops were often and were always jerky. Little children would get sick and lose a meal with no water available to clean their clothing. The 500-mile trip must have taken at least two days and nights. Mary, the older daughter, remembered that her step grandmother Wymer and two of her mother`s younger sisters accompanied them to help care for the younger children. We can certainly believe that Esther and Lydia would need their help. The sisters were Becky who was 22 ad Alzina who was 19. Those three may have returned from Chicago or Eddyville.
In Chicago it was necessary for passengers to move from one railway station to another board a train to Eddyville, Iowa, the end of the line and about 40 miles from their farm. The carload of sheep, on arrival in Chicago, could probably be switched from one road to the other. John Quincy remembered finding a man with a spring wagon who would move their luggage and the women and children to the new station, about a mile away. In, Ohio, Mary and her older brother, John Q. had been trusted helpers who held the hands of younger sister and brothers to keep them from wandering away or lagging behind whenever the family went somewhere. On the trip west the older children did not have that responsibility because their mother's unmarried sisters and their step grandmother Wymer went along to help carry luggage. When changing trains in Chicago, crowded with Civil War traffic, Mary Eveline remembered that the adults ordered her and John Q. to tightly hold each other's hands and stay near the rest of the group every minute from getting off the train all through the ride in a spring wagon to the other train station and until they were all safely on board. There was no chance to have a closer look at the huge locomotives puffing smoke and snorting steam, their powerful rumbles vibrating everything underfoot. Mary resented the hand holding even more than her older brother for she was demoted from being a responsible helper to being helped and protected.
At Eddyville the two weary families crowded into a stagecoach which took them on another dirt road to Lagrange, Iowa, a village which was still a good 10 miles from their farm. We do not know whether it was possible for William Maple to help them move from Lagrange to the farm but we can be sure they were welcomed with open arms by the Maple family. After living on the prairie far from town and seeing no relatives for years, what would it have to have 11 children and four adults suddenly appear? As cornbread is said to have been the staple of pioneer families, how much stone-ground corn meal would it take to make cornbread for 15 hungry people?
The sheep were unloaded in Eddyville and the flock driven out on the prairie. John J. Werts drove them to within a few miles of the farm. It seems there was a trail and they could follow it during daylight hours. But the sheep had to stop to rest. John Quincy who was nine years old at the time remembered that he went with his Uncle Alex McCurdy to get the sheep and bring them the remainder of the way to the farm.
They could not find the trail in the darkness and prepared to stay the night. Then they heard a dog barking so were able to find a house where a man showed them the trail and they completed the journey, arriving about daybreak.
We can only wonder how the sheep were cared for on arrival at the new farm. It must have been essential to build a shelter for sheep and horses, and the family must have needed cows to provide milk for
the children. It may have been easy to employ help to quickly build a barn and to fill it with hay from the prairie. John`s judgment was sound so he probably had made plans for all the necessary activities for the winter weather.
Having arrived in the fall of the year, the first winter must have been a difficult one for Esther and her children. The men had to work hard to begin preparing the land for a crop the following year. Prairie sod was deep and tough and their tools were primitive but they were able to turn over a good-sized plot before the weather became severe. The young boys worked along with the men and all were hungry. Finding food was a full-time job for everyone. Those were the days when neighbors helped neighbors and all worked together to provide for the needs of the community. Labor was shared and food was shared; there was little but no one went hungry.
There was no town of Russell, IA, for another three or four years. The first store there opened in 1865. Until then, staples of food and equipment were hauled from Eddyville to Chariton and the farmers drove their teams and wagons the five or six miles to Chariton for their necessities. In 1867 the railroad tracks were completed through Lucas county and a first train came through July 3, 1867. Soon afterward a general store was built and women were able to buy cotton fabrics for dresses, buttons and thread. What a joy! By the time that store arrived, the clothes they brought from Ohio were surely in sad shape. The town of Russell grew and Ragtown, the village which had been a half a mile south of the farm disappeared, except for the schoolhouse. There was no Lutheran Church nearby but in 1860 a Presbyterian church was organized in Russell. The Werts family were among its first members.
By 1867 a daughter, Flora Ann, had been born and William Clement had died at the age of two. Flora Ann died at 4 1/2 but Clifton had arrived in 1868 and Susna in 1871. After a period of four years Esther
gave birth to three more children Mabel in 1875, Charles in 1876 and Oliver in 1878. Now Esther`s family consisted of 10 living children, but the oldest daughter, Mary, had already married and had two children of her own.
By the year 1870 John and Esther had purchased more land for a total of 575 acres and had built a larger house, a barn, and several buildings to store the crops and to house the machinery and the livestock. Esther`s life revolved around her home, her children and grandchildren, and her church. As her children grew and left the family home, she spent more time in such leisure pursuits as reading and sewing. She visited her married children and did what mending and sewing were needed by them. Esther had taught her children the Bible and passe on to them her strong faith in the love and strength of her Lord Jesus. Both were very active in all the social, religious, and political activities of the community. John was almost always the leader in anything that was for the good of the community, county or state. Politically he was a Democrat. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Russell for the 27 years from the time of its organization until his death. His council ws very often sought by those with whom he came in contact. John was highly esteemed by those who knew him.
The Werts family members were known for their skill in performing ordinary tasks. They seemed able to do things better and more easily than others. Several of the young men went into medicine and became surgeons. Some invented better farm machinery. John Jackson, the father, was rather slow in speech but wise in he judgements. He would take so muck time to answer a question that the questioner would almost give up before the answer came. At one time he had a load of cattle for sale. In order to get the best price he took them to Chicago by train. When he arrived the price had dropped. While he waited for the price to rise, he took a trip to Buffalo to see Niagara Falls, a picture some of his descendants have kept. When he returned the price was up more than enough to pay for his trip.
In 1891, after 27 years of thrift, hard work and good judgment, John and Esther built a fine house in the west end of Russell and retired, leaving the farm in the hands of the grown children. Three children were still at home, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver. They spent a quiet 10 years, Esther keeping busy with her housework and entertaining family and friends, and John never losing interest in the farm he had created with loving hands. John died of pneumonia on October 27, 1901, and Esther stayed on in her home until her death on December 4, 1912. She visited her children frequently and was at the home of her son Jacob in Garland, Wyoming when she suffered a stroke and lived only a few more days. She was buried in Russell.

Page 26 of 114 Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:24:00 PM

Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 3 (con't)

Notes for Esther Ann Wymer:
General Notes:
When Esther was growing up, everyone worked in order to feed the family. A four-year-old learned to set the table and stood on a stool to wash and dry the dishes. Children would help in planting and cultivating a garden; gathering the produce; preparing and canning it over a hot stove (a relatively new process); raising livestock and helping with the butchering and canning, or preserving the meat with salt of smoke, and rendering lard in a large iron kettle over an outside fire. Helping the family meant exploring the woods for such wild fruit as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums. It meant raising chickens which included feeding them, gathering the eggs, and cleaning and cooking a chicken for a special dinner. Therefore, long before she became a teenager, Esther knew how to accept responsibility.
Three weeks before she reached he 17th birthday, Esther married John Jackson Werts, a red-haired and bearded 23-year-old farmer whose parents lived in the county. There were eight children in his family and John was only 14 when their mother died. In those days, a young man lived with his parents until his 21st birthday, "paying his debt to his parents." Only them was he free to make a life of his own. At the age of 21, John took a job as a farmhand for $13 a month. He saved his money and the next year rented a 50-acre farm in adjacent Coshocton County, Ohio. After a year he returned to Muskinghum County, his home and also the home of Esther Ann Wymer. John and Esther married on August 29, 1854.
The couple live on a rented farm for the first three years of their married life and brought three children into the world. The first John Quincy who soon became his father`s right -hand man and the second was a son who lived only a few days. Women grieved in a private way in those days and there was little time to weep. In less than a year their first daughter, Mary Eveline, was born.
Esther`s husband John had been looking for more land and eventually purchased an 80-acre farm nearby Coshocton County. This meant a move for Esther, a separation from her family, finding new friends and a new church. Lydia, her latest child, was about a year old when the move to the new farm was made in 1860. Later that year Alfred Riley was born. Jacob was born in 1862 and William Clement in 1863. Their daughter Mary (and probably the other children) was vaccinated at age 4 in Ohio to prevent smallpox, using the vaccine of that period. Such vaccines had begun in the late 18th century but only progressive and daring (live virus was used, somewhat risky) people consented to use them through most of the 19th century.
John and Esther were both descended from families who were dedicated Christians. Both families were members of the Lutheran faith. History contains the names of several of their ancestors who were instrumental in the establishment of Lutheran churches from Virginia through Pennsylvania and Ohio. Whenever they moved to a new area, Esther and John looked for a church and if none was found, they were among the first to organize one.
By the year with six children and the loss of one baby, they could probably see the necessity of having more land in order to feed a growing family. John made a trip to the new state of Iowa where his uncle Maple had homesteaded a farm on the prairie, paying the government $1.25 per acre. He was favorably impressed with the land and the prospects for future settlement and growth. He purchased 160 acres of prairie included 20 acres under cultivation and a newly-built house. He also bought 40 acres of timber for fuel, fence posts and lumber and the entire package cost him $2,100. The farm was half a mile north of Ragtown, a village having a store, sawmill, and a few houses. A school was added in a few years.
John hurried back home to Ohio to move his family and what possessions could be carried across the prairie to Iowa. He was proud of his flock of sheep and was determined to move them to Iowa together with the most essential farm and household equipment. John needed a large wagon and a man to drive the team. What a busy summer that must have been. We can assume that crops were grown and harvested as usual because the profits would be needed for the trip. The land also had to be sold as well as the livestock and equipment that could not be taken. All of these tasks had to be completed soon so the trip could be made before the stormy weather of winter. With the fall of 1864 came the big move to Iowa with six children and all the household goods they could pile on one wagon. The family was to ride on a train. The sheep were to go, and the children loved the wooly lambs that grew up to be favorite sheep. Excitement reigned in the household as each child would have a favorite homemade toy or animal he or she would want to take.
Esther`s sister Lydia was married to Alex McCurdy. They had five children and the McCurdy`s decided to move to Iowa at the same time. Alex drove his own team and wagon with their household goods and John found a young man who wanted to go west and who would drive their team and wagon with their goods. All the women and children went on the train.
When all was ready, the sheep were loaded into a railway car. They would have been driven from the farm to the railroad, probably at Adamsville, and the family transported to the city. We do not know whether John Jackson and his carload of sheep were a part of the same train that carried the family but there is a good chance they rode together at least as far as Chicago. John would have spent most of his time with the sheep, watering and feeding them and keeping them as comfortable as possible in order to prevent costly losses.
In those days the train engines burned coal for energy. The tracks were rough, the seats were hard, straight, and uncomfortable. While the windows were opened for air, coal soot and cinders blew in. The train stops were often and were always jerky. Little children would get sick and lose a meal with no water available to clean their clothing. The 500-mile trip must have taken at least two days and nights. Mary, the older daughter, remembered that her step grandmother Wymer and two of her mother`s younger sisters accompanied them to help care for the younger children. We can certainly believe that Esther and Lydia would need their help. The sisters were Becky who was 22 ad Alzina who was 19. Those three may have returned from Chicago or Eddyville.
In Chicago it was necessary for passengers to move from one railway station to another board a train to Eddyville, Iowa, the end of the line and about 40 miles from their farm. The carload of sheep, on arrival in Chicago, could probably be switched from one road to the other. John Quincy remembered finding a man with a spring wagon who would move their luggage and the women and children to the new station, about a mile away. In, Ohio, Mary and her older brother, John Q. had been trusted helpers who held the hands of younger sister and brothers to keep them from wandering away or lagging behind whenever the family went somewhere. On the trip west the older children did not have that responsibility because their mother's unmarried sisters and their step grandmother Wymer went along to help carry luggage. When changing trains in Chicago, crowded with Civil War traffic, Mary Eveline remembered that the adults ordered her and John Q. to tightly hold each other's hands and stay near the rest of the group every minute from getting off the train all through the ride in a spring wagon to the other train station and until they were all safely on board. There was no chance to have a closer look at the huge locomotives puffing smoke and snorting steam, their powerful rumbles vibrating everything underfoot. Mary resented the hand holding even more than her older brother for she was demoted from being a responsible helper to being helped and protected.
At Eddyville the two weary families crowded into a stagecoach which took them on another dirt road to Lagrange, Iowa, a village which was still a good 10 miles from their farm. We do not know whether it was possible for William Maple to help them move from Lagrange to the farm but we can be sure they were welcomed with open arms by the Maple family. After living on the prairie far from town and seeing no relatives for years, what would it have to have 11 children and four adults suddenly appear? As cornbread is said to have been the staple of pioneer families, how much stone-ground corn meal would it take to make cornbread for 15 hungry people?
The sheep were unloaded in Eddyville and the flock driven out on the prairie. John J. Werts drove them to within a few miles of the farm. It seems there was a trail and they could follow it during daylight hours. But the sheep had to stop to rest. John Quincy who was nine years old at the time remembered that he went with his Uncle Alex McCurdy to get the sheep and bring them the remainder of the way to the farm.
They could not find the trail in the darkness and prepared to stay the night. Then they heard a dog barking so were able to find a house where a man showed them the trail and they completed the journey, arriving about daybreak.
We can only wonder how the sheep were cared for on arrival at the new farm. It must have been essential to build a shelter for sheep and horses, and the family must have needed cows to provide milk for
the children. It may have been easy to employ help to quickly build a barn and to fill it with hay from the prairie. John`s judgment was sound so he probably had made plans for all the necessary activities for the winter weather.
Having arrived in the fall of the year, the first winter must have been a difficult one for Esther and her children. The men had to work hard to begin preparing the land for a crop the following year. Prairie sod was deep and tough and their tools were primitive but they were able to turn over a good-sized plot before the weather became severe. The young boys worked along with the men and all were hungry. Finding food was a full-time job for everyone. Those were the days when neighbors helped neighbors and all worked together to provide for the needs of the community. Labor was shared and food was shared; there was little but no one went hungry.
There was no town of Russell, IA, for another three or four years. The first store there opened in 1865. Until then, staples of food and equipment were hauled from Eddyville to Chariton and the farmers drove their teams and wagons the five or six miles to Chariton for their necessities. In 1867 the railroad tracks were completed through Lucas county and a first train came through July 3, 1867. Soon afterward a general store was built and women were able to buy cotton fabrics for dresses, buttons and thread. What a joy! By the time that store arrived, the clothes they brought from Ohio were surely in sad shape. The town of Russell grew and Ragtown, the village which had been a half a mile south of the farm disappeared, except for the schoolhouse. There was no Lutheran Church nearby but in 1860 a Presbyterian church was organized in Russell. The Werts family were among its first members.
By 1867 a daughter, Flora Ann, had been born and William Clement had died at the age of two. Flora Ann died at 4 1/2 but Clifton had arrived in 1868 and Susna in 1871. After a period of four years Esther
gave birth to three more children Mabel in 1875, Charles in 1876 and Oliver in 1878. Now Esther`s family consisted of 10 living children, but the oldest daughter, Mary, had already married and had two children of her own.
By the year 1870 John and Esther had purchased more land for a total of 575 acres and had built a larger house, a barn, and several buildings to store the crops and to house the machinery and the livestock. Esther`s life revolved around her home, her children and grandchildren, and her church. As her children grew and left the family home, she spent more time in such leisure pursuits as reading and sewing. She visited her married children and did what mending and sewing were needed by them. Esther had taught her children the Bible and passe on to them her strong faith in the love and strength of her Lord Jesus. Both were very active in all the social, religious, and political activities of the community. John was almost always the leader in anything that was for the good of the community, county or state. Politically he was a Democrat. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Russell for the 27 years from the time of its organization until his death. His council ws very often sought by those with whom he came in contact. John was highly esteemed by those who knew him.
The Werts family members were known for their skill in performing ordinary tasks. They seemed able to do things better and more easily than others. Several of the young men went into medicine and became surgeons. Some invented better farm machinery. John Jackson, the father, was rather slow in speech but wise in he judgements. He would take so muck time to answer a question that the questioner would almost give up before the answer came. At one time he had a load of cattle for sale. In order to get the best price he took them to Chicago by train. When he arrived the price had dropped. While he waited for the price to rise, he took a trip to Buffalo to see Niagara Falls, a picture some of his descendants have kept. When he returned the price was up more than enough to pay for his trip.
In 1891, after 27 years of thrift, hard work and good judgment, John and Esther built a fine house in the west end of Russell and retired, leaving the farm in the hands of the grown children. Three children were still at home, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver. They spent a quiet 10 years, Esther keeping busy with her housework and entertaining family and friends, and John never losing interest in the farm he had created with loving hands. John died of pneumonia on October 27, 1901, and Esther stayed on in her home until her death on December 4, 1912. She visited her children frequently and was at the home of her son Jacob in Garland, Wyoming when she suffered a stroke and lived only a few more days. She was buried in Russell.

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Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 3 (con't)

Notes for Esther Ann Wymer:
General Notes:
When Esther was growing up, everyone worked in order to feed the family. A four-year-old learned to set the table and stood on a stool to wash and dry the dishes. Children would help in planting and cultivating a garden; gathering the produce; preparing and canning it over a hot stove (a relatively new process); raising livestock and helping with the butchering and canning, or preserving the meat with salt of smoke, and rendering lard in a large iron kettle over an outside fire. Helping the family meant exploring the woods for such wild fruit as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and plums. It meant raising chickens which included feeding them, gathering the eggs, and cleaning and cooking a chicken for a special dinner. Therefore, long before she became a teenager, Esther knew how to accept responsibility.
Three weeks before she reached he 17th birthday, Esther married John Jackson Werts, a red-haired and bearded 23-year-old farmer whose parents lived in the county. There were eight children in his family and John was only 14 when their mother died. In those days, a young man lived with his parents until his 21st birthday, "paying his debt to his parents." Only them was he free to make a life of his own. At the age of 21, John took a job as a farmhand for $13 a month. He saved his money and the next year rented a 50-acre farm in adjacent Coshocton County, Ohio. After a year he returned to Muskinghum County, his home and also the home of Esther Ann Wymer. John and Esther married on August 29, 1854.
The couple live on a rented farm for the first three years of their married life and brought three children into the world. The first John Quincy who soon became his father`s right -hand man and the second was a son who lived only a few days. Women grieved in a private way in those days and there was little time to weep. In less than a year their first daughter, Mary Eveline, was born.
Esther`s husband John had been looking for more land and eventually purchased an 80-acre farm nearby Coshocton County. This meant a move for Esther, a separation from her family, finding new friends and a new church. Lydia, her latest child, was about a year old when the move to the new farm was made in 1860. Later that year Alfred Riley was born. Jacob was born in 1862 and William Clement in 1863. Their daughter Mary (and probably the other children) was vaccinated at age 4 in Ohio to prevent smallpox, using the vaccine of that period. Such vaccines had begun in the late 18th century but only progressive and daring (live virus was used, somewhat risky) people consented to use them through most of the 19th century.
John and Esther were both descended from families who were dedicated Christians. Both families were members of the Lutheran faith. History contains the names of several of their ancestors who were instrumental in the establishment of Lutheran churches from Virginia through Pennsylvania and Ohio. Whenever they moved to a new area, Esther and John looked for a church and if none was found, they were among the first to organize one.
By the year with six children and the loss of one baby, they could probably see the necessity of having more land in order to feed a growing family. John made a trip to the new state of Iowa where his uncle Maple had homesteaded a farm on the prairie, paying the government $1.25 per acre. He was favorably impressed with the land and the prospects for future settlement and growth. He purchased 160 acres of prairie included 20 acres under cultivation and a newly-built house. He also bought 40 acres of timber for fuel, fence posts and lumber and the entire package cost him $2,100. The farm was half a mile north of Ragtown, a village having a store, sawmill, and a few houses. A school was added in a few years.
John hurried back home to Ohio to move his family and what possessions could be carried across the prairie to Iowa. He was proud of his flock of sheep and was determined to move them to Iowa together with the most essential farm and household equipment. John needed a large wagon and a man to drive the team. What a busy summer that must have been. We can assume that crops were grown and harvested as usual because the profits would be needed for the trip. The land also had to be sold as well as the livestock and equipment that could not be taken. All of these tasks had to be completed soon so the trip could be made before the stormy weather of winter. With the fall of 1864 came the big move to Iowa with six children and all the household goods they could pile on one wagon. The family was to ride on a train. The sheep were to go, and the children loved the wooly lambs that grew up to be favorite sheep. Excitement reigned in the household as each child would have a favorite homemade toy or animal he or she would want to take.
Esther`s sister Lydia was married to Alex McCurdy. They had five children and the McCurdy`s decided to move to Iowa at the same time. Alex drove his own team and wagon with their household goods and John found a young man who wanted to go west and who would drive their team and wagon with their goods. All the women and children went on the train.
When all was ready, the sheep were loaded into a railway car. They would have been driven from the farm to the railroad, probably at Adamsville, and the family transported to the city. We do not know whether John Jackson and his carload of sheep were a part of the same train that carried the family but there is a good chance they rode together at least as far as Chicago. John would have spent most of his time with the sheep, watering and feeding them and keeping them as comfortable as possible in order to prevent costly losses.
In those days the train engines burned coal for energy. The tracks were rough, the seats were hard, straight, and uncomfortable. While the windows were opened for air, coal soot and cinders blew in. The train stops were often and were always jerky. Little children would get sick and lose a meal with no water available to clean their clothing. The 500-mile trip must have taken at least two days and nights. Mary, the older daughter, remembered that her step grandmother Wymer and two of her mother`s younger sisters accompanied them to help care for the younger children. We can certainly believe that Esther and Lydia would need their help. The sisters were Becky who was 22 ad Alzina who was 19. Those three may have returned from Chicago or Eddyville.
In Chicago it was necessary for passengers to move from one railway station to another board a train to Eddyville, Iowa, the end of the line and about 40 miles from their farm. The carload of sheep, on arrival in Chicago, could probably be switched from one road to the other. John Quincy remembered finding a man with a spring wagon who would move their luggage and the women and children to the new station, about a mile away. In, Ohio, Mary and her older brother, John Q. had been trusted helpers who held the hands of younger sister and brothers to keep them from wandering away or lagging behind whenever the family went somewhere. On the trip west the older children did not have that responsibility because their mother's unmarried sisters and their step grandmother Wymer went along to help carry luggage. When changing trains in Chicago, crowded with Civil War traffic, Mary Eveline remembered that the adults ordered her and John Q. to tightly hold each other's hands and stay near the rest of the group every minute from getting off the train all through the ride in a spring wagon to the other train station and until they were all safely on board. There was no chance to have a closer look at the huge locomotives puffing smoke and snorting steam, their powerful rumbles vibrating everything underfoot. Mary resented the hand holding even more than her older brother for she was demoted from being a responsible helper to being helped and protected.
At Eddyville the two weary families crowded into a stagecoach which took them on another dirt road to Lagrange, Iowa, a village which was still a good 10 miles from their farm. We do not know whether it was possible for William Maple to help them move from Lagrange to the farm but we can be sure they were welcomed with open arms by the Maple family. After living on the prairie far from town and seeing no relatives for years, what would it have to have 11 children and four adults suddenly appear? As cornbread is said to have been the staple of pioneer families, how much stone-ground corn meal would it take to make cornbread for 15 hungry people?
The sheep were unloaded in Eddyville and the flock driven out on the prairie. John J. Werts drove them to within a few miles of the farm. It seems there was a trail and they could follow it during daylight hours. But the sheep had to stop to rest. John Quincy who was nine years old at the time remembered that he went with his Uncle Alex McCurdy to get the sheep and bring them the remainder of the way to the farm.
They could not find the trail in the darkness and prepared to stay the night. Then they heard a dog barking so were able to find a house where a man showed them the trail and they completed the journey, arriving about daybreak.
We can only wonder how the sheep were cared for on arrival at the new farm. It must have been essential to build a shelter for sheep and horses, and the family must have needed cows to provide milk for
the children. It may have been easy to employ help to quickly build a barn and to fill it with hay from the prairie. John`s judgment was sound so he probably had made plans for all the necessary activities for the winter weather.
Having arrived in the fall of the year, the first winter must have been a difficult one for Esther and her children. The men had to work hard to begin preparing the land for a crop the following year. Prairie sod was deep and tough and their tools were primitive but they were able to turn over a good-sized plot before the weather became severe. The young boys worked along with the men and all were hungry. Finding food was a full-time job for everyone. Those were the days when neighbors helped neighbors and all worked together to provide for the needs of the community. Labor was shared and food was shared; there was little but no one went hungry.
There was no town of Russell, IA, for another three or four years. The first store there opened in 1865. Until then, staples of food and equipment were hauled from Eddyville to Chariton and the farmers drove their teams and wagons the five or six miles to Chariton for their necessities. In 1867 the railroad tracks were completed through Lucas county and a first train came through July 3, 1867. Soon afterward a general store was built and women were able to buy cotton fabrics for dresses, buttons and thread. What a joy! By the time that store arrived, the clothes they brought from Ohio were surely in sad shape. The town of Russell grew and Ragtown, the village which had been a half a mile south of the farm disappeared, except for the schoolhouse. There was no Lutheran Church nearby but in 1860 a Presbyterian church was organized in Russell. The Werts family were among its first members.
By 1867 a daughter, Flora Ann, had been born and William Clement had died at the age of two. Flora Ann died at 4 1/2 but Clifton had arrived in 1868 and Susna in 1871. After a period of four years Esther
gave birth to three more children Mabel in 1875, Charles in 1876 and Oliver in 1878. Now Esther`s family consisted of 10 living children, but the oldest daughter, Mary, had already married and had two children of her own.
By the year 1870 John and Esther had purchased more land for a total of 575 acres and had built a larger house, a barn, and several buildings to store the crops and to house the machinery and the livestock. Esther`s life revolved around her home, her children and grandchildren, and her church. As her children grew and left the family home, she spent more time in such leisure pursuits as reading and sewing. She visited her married children and did what mending and sewing were needed by them. Esther had taught her children the Bible and passe on to them her strong faith in the love and strength of her Lord Jesus. Both were very active in all the social, religious, and political activities of the community. John was almost always the leader in anything that was for the good of the community, county or state. Politically he was a Democrat. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Russell for the 27 years from the time of its organization until his death. His council ws very often sought by those with whom he came in contact. John was highly esteemed by those who knew him.
The Werts family members were known for their skill in performing ordinary tasks. They seemed able to do things better and more easily than others. Several of the young men went into medicine and became surgeons. Some invented better farm machinery. John Jackson, the father, was rather slow in speech but wise in he judgements. He would take so muck time to answer a question that the questioner would almost give up before the answer came. At one time he had a load of cattle for sale. In order to get the best price he took them to Chicago by train. When he arrived the price had dropped. While he waited for the price to rise, he took a trip to Buffalo to see Niagara Falls, a picture some of his descendants have kept. When he returned the price was up more than enough to pay for his trip.
In 1891, after 27 years of thrift, hard work and good judgment, John and Esther built a fine house in the west end of Russell and retired, leaving the farm in the hands of the grown children. Three children were still at home, Mabel, Charles, and Oliver. They spent a quiet 10 years, Esther keeping busy with her housework and entertaining family and friends, and John never losing interest in the farm he had created with loving hands. John died of pneumonia on October 27, 1901, and Esther stayed on in her home until her death on December 4, 1912. She visited her children frequently and was at the home of her son Jacob in Garland, Wyoming when she suffered a stroke and lived only a few more days. She was buried in Russell.

John Jackson Werts and Esther Ann Wymer. They were married on 29 Aug 1854 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 13 children.

86. i.

John Quincy Werts. He was born on 25 Jun 1855 in Zanesville, OH. He married Melviana Davies. They were married on 02 Apr 1879 in Russell, IA. He died on 13 Apr 1953 in Canton, WI. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

ii.

George Newton Werts. He was born on 11 Sep 1856 in Zanesville, OH. He died on 23 Sep 1856 in Zanesville, OH. Burial in Zanesville, OH.

87. iii.

Mary Eveline Werts. She was born on 01 Sep 1857 in Muskingum County, OH. She married James Madison May. They were married on 23 Dec 1874 in Russell, IA. She died on 01 May 1932 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

88. iv.

Lydia Jane Werts. She was born on 11 Apr 1859 in Muskingum County, OH. She married Philip A. Rockey. They were married on 14 Mar 1883 in Russell, IA. She died on 14 Jun 1906 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

89. v.

Alfred Riley Werts. He was born on 17 Aug 1860 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Ida Goble. They were married on 17 Jun 1885 in Russell, IA. He died on 30 Jul 1935 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

90. vi.

Jacob Leonard Werts. He was born on 03 Mar 1862 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Margaret Jane Robinson. They were married on 26 Mar 1884 in Indianol, IA. He died on 16 Mar 1944 in Garland, WY. Burial in Garland, WY.

vii.

William Clement Werts. He was born on 02 Sep 1863 in Russell, IA. He died on 16 Aug 1865 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell, IA.

viii.

Flora Ann Werts. She was born on 16 Sep 1866 in Russell, IA. She died on 06 May 1871 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

91. ix.

Clifton Elmer Werts. He was born on 12 Oct 1868 in Russell, IA. He married Clara Mae McCoy. They were married on 14 Mar 1889 in Russell, IA. He died on 11 Dec 1943 in Bartow, FL. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

92. x.

Susan Margaret Werts. She was born on 15 Jan 1871 in Russell, IA. She married Sherman Emmet McCoy. They were married on 19 Dec 1889 in Russell, IA. She died on 11 Jun 1951 in Imperial, NE. Burial in Imperial, IA.

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Register Report for George Peter Wurtz Sr.

Generation 3 (con't)

93. xi.

Mabel Werts. She was born on 07 Jun 1875 in Russell, IA. She married Aylmer Jay Allen. They were married on 02 Oct 1901 in Russell, IA. She died on 17 Feb 1973 in Des Moines, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

94. xii.

Charles Martel Werts. He was born on 18 Oct 1876 in Russell, IA. He married Mary Grace Clark. They were married on 21 Jun 1902 in Russell, IA. He died on 04 Jan 1946 in Des Moines, IA. Burial in Des Moines, IA.

95. xiii.

Oliver Osmond Werts. He was born on 17 Nov 1878 in Russell, IA. He married Grace Imogene Prather. They were married on 08 Jan 1902 in Russell, IA. He died on 20 Dec 1956 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

29.

Susannah Werts-3 (George Peter Werts Jr.-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 09 Oct 1832 in Muskingum County, OH. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Philip Sunkel.

Philip Sunkel and Susannah Werts. They were married on 08 Aug 1850 in Muskingum County, OH. They had no children.

Quincy Adams Shirer. He was born on 26 Jun 1827 in Ohio. He died on 19 Jul 1907 in Clarinda, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Quincy Adams Shirer and Susannah Werts. They were married on 06 Sep 1855. They had 9 children.

96. i.

Susannah Shirer. She was born on 30 Jun 1850. She married Henry Zimmer. They were married on 14 Sep 1869. She died on 18 Oct 1926.

ii.

Mary Elizabeth Shirer. She was born on 09 Apr 1857. She died 1927 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cem., Russell, IA.

97. iii.

Homer Andrew Shirer. He was born on 27 Mar 1859. He married Margaret Larimer. They were married on 28 Dec 1881.

98. iv.

Wilbur Brough Shirer. He was born on 31 Jan 1864 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Louella I. Graham. They were married on 22 Dec 1887. He died on 23 Jan 1905 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cem., Russell, IA.

99. v.

Alice Carrier Shirer. She was born on 17 Dec 1866 in Ohio. She married Charles K. Watts. They were married on 28 Feb 1895.

vi.

John Henry Shirer. He was born on 22 Mar 1871 in Salem Township, OH.

vii.

Etta Jane Shirer. She was born on 06 Sep 1872. She died on 10 Mar 1873.

viii.

Harvey Clarence Shirer. He was born on 29 Aug 1875. He died on 18 Jan 1888.

100. ix.

Charles Howard Shirer. He was born on 14 Sep 1878 in Iowa. He married Charlotte May Milleson. They were married on 24 Dec 1899. He died 1933 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cem., Russell, IA.

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Generation 3 (con't)

30.

Mary Jane Werts-3 (George Peter Werts Jr.-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). She was born on 14 Mar 1834 in Muskingum County, OH. She died on 05 Mar 1917 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Jacob Vern Vincel. He was born on 28 Jul 1831 in Loudoun County, VA. He died on 04 Jan 1897 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Jacob Vern Vincel and Mary Jane Werts. They were married on 11 Nov 1852 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 8 children.

101. i.

George William Vincel. He was born on 12 Sep 1853 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 27 Jun 1890.

102. ii.

Quincy Adams Vincel. He was born on 05 May 1856 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Fannie Lodge. They were married on 11 Sep 1884. He died on 13 Jan 1933 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cem., Russell, IA.

103. iii.

Elizabeth Mariah Vincel. She was born on 28 May 1859 in Zanesville, OH [2]. She married Charles Austin Rowland. They were married on 11 Sep 1884. She died on 27 Nov 1944 in Imola, CA [2].

iv.

Infant Vincel. He was born on 22 Oct 1862. He died on 22 Oct 1862.

104. v.

John Albert Vincel. He was born on 18 Jun 1864. He married Ella Blanchard. They were married on 13 Jan 1886.

105. vi.

Anne Mary Vincel. She was born on 12 Oct 1869 in Adamsville, OH. She married Howard Bartholomey Slater. They were married on 09 Apr 1890 in Des Moines, IA.

vii.

Melvin Emit Vincel. He was born on 02 Jul 1872 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 23 Oct 1879 in Lucas County, IA. Burial in Coalglen Cem., Russell, IA.

106. viii.

Calvin Henry Vincel. He was born on 23 Jun 1874 in Adamsville, OH. He married Syntha Livinston. They were married on 20 Apr 1903. He died Sep 1937.

31.

Jacob Henry Werts-3 (George Peter Werts Jr.-2, George Peter Wurtz Sr.-1). He was born on 11 Nov 1835 in Muskingum County, OH. He died on 08 May 1919 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Sophia Ann Nims. She was born on 05 Dec 1836 in Ohio. She died on 25 May 1899 in Russell, IA. Burial in Russell Cemetery, Russell, IA.

Jacob Henry Werts and Sophia Ann Nims. They were married on 26 Nov 1857 in Muskingum County, OH. They had 10 children.

107. i.

Eliza Caroline Werts. She was born on 01 Jan 1858 in Zanesville, OH. She married Marcus Asbury Evans. They were married on 29 Mar 1877 in Lucas County, IA. She died on 23 Aug 1937.

108. ii.

William Leonard Werts. He was born on 04 Feb 1860 in Muskingum County, OH. He married Cora Elstine Allen. They were married on 14 Apr 1885. He died on 07 Nov 1943. Burial in Coalglen Cem., Russell, IA.

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Generation 3 (con't)

iii.

Lilly Ann Werts. She was born on 12 Sep 1861. She died on 23 Sep 1862.

iv.

Mary Catherine Werts. She was born on 29 Jun 1863. She died on 26 Aug 1865.

109. v.

Matilda Werts. She was born on 12 Mar 1867 in Russell, IA. She married Lewis Marion Johnson. They were married on 01 Mar 1893 in Lucas County, IA. She died on 25 Nov 1943 in Melcher, IA.

vi.

Albert Werts. He was born on 18 Nov 1869 in Russell, IA. He married Rose C. Cameron. They were married on 02 Dec 1898. He died on 08 Apr 1917 in Chicago,