Mary Ann's father, John Dwigans came to Guernsey Co shortly after his marriage to Margaret Roseman in Belmont Co., Ohio on 4 June 1818. Where John Dwigans was living prior to his marriage is a matter of conjecture. In the 1880 census (Benton co, Iowa)John Dwigans' son, Bennett Roseman Dwigans, lists his father as have been born in Maryland His mother, Margaret Roseman, is listed as having been born in Ireland. Nothing else is known of the background or parents of Margaret Roseman.
John Dwigans was born between 1780 and 1790 (1830 census Guernsey Co. Ohio) As stated, he was probably born in Maryland. It is uncertain who is parents were. Indications are that James Dwigans, who came to Guernsey Co about 1820, is the father, however it is very possible that he is a older brother of John.
James Dwigans died in Guernsey Co. in 1837 leaving a will listing the following children:
Robert Jones Dwigans,
Sylvester Dwigans
Calahan Dwigans
James Dwigans.
A daughter of James Dwigans Sr, Elizabeth Dwigans was not mentioned in James Dwigans' will, however her children are listed, meaning that Elizabeth probably died prior to 1837.
It is also possible that a Daniel Dwigans who is listed in the 1830 census for Washington Twp Guernsey Co, Ohio, could also be a son of James Dwigans, however no other record of this person has been found.
Finally, John Dwigans is not listed in James Dwigans will, however in 1832 James Dwigans and his wife Katharine sold 80 acres of land located in Washington Twp, Guernsey Co, Ohio to John Dwigans for $100. This land was half of the 160 acres that James Dwigans obtained in a patent from the U.S. Government. It may have been that James wanted his oldest son John to have part of his land. On the other hand if John was James' brother James may have give his brother John a good deal on the land.
The only other clue that we have to this nebulous relationship is John Dwigans son, Bennett Roseman Dwigans, married his cousin Anna Dwigans, who was a daughter of Calahan Dwigans. As mentioned previously Calahan was listed as a son in James Dwigans will. The only way that Bennett and Anna Dwigans could be cousin would be for Calahan and John to be brothers, otherwise if John was a brother of James, Bennett Dwigans would have been the uncle of Anna Dwigans.
Note: the information on the marriage of Bennett and Anna Dwigans was taken from the notes of Emma Lavada Rawlings the wife of Fred A. Hill, Grandson of Joseph Hill and Mary Ann Dwigans.
The 1830 census for Washington Twp, Guernsey Co., Ohio has the following Dwigans listed: James Dwigans, Calahan Dwigans, John Dwigans, Daniel Dwigans and another James Dwigans. This five families consisted of approximately 30 people, by 1851 this entire group of Dwigans were no longer located in Guernsey Co. Ohio. The following is a short narrative on the Dwigans of Guernsey Co., Ohio. A detailed account for each is attached.
John Dwigans: Died in 1848 leaving a will listing all his children but not his wife Margaret, she probably died prior to 1848. The following children were listed in John Dwigans will:
James Dwigans: This is the third James Dwigans, outside of knowing he was born about 1818-1820 no information has been found for him.
Catherine Dwigans: Born 1820, married Robert J. Vance in Guernsey Co in 1839. He died in 1849. Catherine remarried William Scott in Guernsey Co in 1853. Had four children by Vance.
Mary Ann Dwigans: As stated, she married Joseph Hill.
Eliza Jane Dwigans: Born in 1823 married Charles Nelson Overbaugh. Charles was living in Wright Co, Iowa in 1880, with five children as listed in the 1860 Iowa census. Eliza J Dwigans Overbaugh died in 1896 as found in the executor's noticed published in the Wright county Monitor Oct- Nov 1896
Bennett Roseman Dwigans: This person was rather interesting. Probably named for his mother. He was the executor of his father's will, however he disappeared and did not carry out his duties as executor. In a writ of summons dated 23 June 1849 by John Mahan,brother-in-law of Joseph Hill, for the purpose of obtaining the inventory of John Dwigans deceased, the sheriff of Guernsey Co was unable to find Bennett Dwigans as he had "left for parts unknown" John Dwigans had willed his farm of 80 acres, that he had purchased from James Dwigans, to his son Bennett, however since Bennett had left for "parts unknown" this 80 acre farm was sold at a Sheriff same for $600 in 1850 to Joseph Hill, brother-in-law to Bennett Dwigans. Bennett Dwigans had moved to Benton Co, Iowa where he was living with his uncle, Calahan Dwigans. Here he married Anna Dwigans, his cousins. Anna was the daughter of Calahan Dwigans. One son of Bennett and Anna was only 37 inches tall and another daughter was very tall. Bennett and his family lived in Benton Co., Iowa.
This relationship from Emma LaVada Rawling, wife of Fred Hill who was the grandson of Joseph Hill and Mary Ann Dwigans. Mary Ann was the brother of Bennett Dwigans and the daughter of John Dwigans. The above relationship would indicate John was the son of James Dwigans making Bennett Dwigans and his wife Joanna first cousins, or John could have been the son of an unknown brother of James making Bennett and Joanna second cousins. Emma Rawlings' records do not indicate what degree of cousins are involved in the above marriage. This marriage would seem to eliminate the possibility of James and John being brothers as that would have made Bennett Dwigans the uncle of Joanna Dwigans. If this would have been the case Emma Rawling would have probably mentioned it in her notes.
A check of Benton Co records on June 28, 2000 found that Bennet R. Dwigans
died on July 6, 1898, he was 73 years, 7 months and 15 days old. He
was born in Ohio, married, farmer. He was living in Canton twp, Benton
Co., Iowa when he died. He died of kidney trouble, He is buried
in Shellsburg, Benton Co, Iowa.
According to a local Benton Co history he was a Justice of the Peace and
farmer in Sec 14, Shellsburg, Benton Co, Iw (1878 biographies of Canton Twp,
Benton Co, Iowa)
Land records in Benton co, show that Bennet Dwigans purchased 50 acres in
Sec 14, twp 84, Rg 9 west on Feb 13, 1853 for $500 from William Joshnia Barney
and Georgianna F. Barney, his wife. This land is located on the SW
part of Schellsburg, Iowa. Book D, page 203.
Bennet Dwigans also purchased 40 acres of land in Sec 15, Twp 84, Rg 9 on
Sept 18, 1860 from Lincoln Clark and Julia his wife for $50. Book j, page
590.
In Book 62, page 392, B. R. Dwigans and Joanna Dwigans his wife, sold to
George H. Harger for $1900 the SE Qt, of the NE Qt except 4 acres and the
SW QT, of the NE QT all in sec 15, twp 85 range 19 containing 76 acres on
April 13, 1897.
On May 18 1887 B. R. Dwigans and his wife Joanna sold to the same people
the East 1/5 of the N 1/2 of the SE QT of the NEQT of sec 15 twp 85 range
19 for $100. Book 62, page 407.
Note: Found in 1878 Biographries of Canton Twp. Benton Co, Iowa 1878:
B. R. Dwigans Justice of the Peace and farmer Sec 14, Shellsburg, Benton
Co., Iowa
Notes of Emma Lavada Rawlings: "Roseman Dwigans married his own cousin
Joanna, one son William was only 37 inches tall, died at 37. Only dau married
was Mary
Francis Dwigans: Born 1827 married Joseph W. Walt in 1851. No other information.
Elizabeth Ann Dwigans: Born 1828, no other information.
Calahan, Sylvester and Robert Dwigans all had moved to Iowa.
Daniel Dwigans hhas disappeared from the record.
James Dwigans jr. (the junior is to keep him half way stright from the other Jameses. This James was listed in the 1830 census for Washington Twp, Guernsey Co. Ohio. He married Elizabeth Ferguson in 1822 and was listed as a "Fence Viewer in 1840 for Washington township, however he is not listed in the 1840 census. and can't be located after 1840. He may have died or moved on to Iowa with his other brothers, however he has not been located as yet.
James Dwigans Sr: As already stated, he died in 1837 and is probably buried with his wife Katharine in Washington Twp, Guernsey Co. Probably came from Maryland. It is believe that he was living in Washington Co. Pa in 1810, however no other record can be found for him in Washington Co. Many of the settlers in Guernsey Co. Ohio came from Washington Co. Pa.
NOTES: John Dwigans was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church which was located on land adjacent to the Dwigans farm. On this church site is the Sugar Tree Creek Cemetery. This cemetery has not been used for over 100 years and is overgrown with brush and trees. No Dwigans have been found in this old cemetery but it is possible that both James and John Dwigans are buried in this old cemetery. Many stones can be found in this old cemetery which today are little more than lumps of rock sticking out of the ground. The Methodist Church at this site was organized in 1835 and was closed in the 1860's. It is possible that Joseph Hill married Mary Ann Dwigans in this church.
MORE NOTES: James Dwigans was probably born in Maryland with Caroline County being the likely location. Several Dwigans wills have been located from this county dating in the late 18 century. A John H. Dwigans and a Bennet Dwigans, sons of a John Dwigans who died in 1797 are living in Caroline Co., Maryland in 1800.
No Dwigans are listed in Maryland in 1810. In fact no Dwigans have been found any census record from 1790 to 1810 outside of Maryland, North Carolina and a James Dwigans living in Washington Co. Pa in 1810. The North Carolina Dwigans are believed to have immigrated from Maryland to North Carolina in the late 18 century coming from Tabor Co. Maryland, which is next to Caroline Co, Maryland. Both counties are on the East Shore of Chesapeake Bay.
According to LDS records a John Dwigans and his wife Sarah were living in Tabor Co Maryland in the early 18 century. This family had nine children according to LDS records. It is very possible that the entire Dwigan line came from this family.
NOTE: The name Dwigans has been spelled in the record many various ways: Dwigans, Dwiggans, Dwigens, Diggins, Dwiggins, Dwigen, Digns, and even Swiggens. For purpose of this report the name has been spelled Dwigans.
The following is information on the Dwigans of Marland in the late 17th century It is believed that the Dwigans line came from Maryland and then immigrated to North Carolina, Ohio and later to Iowa
DWIGANS OF MARYLAND IN THE LATE 17TH CENTURY
The following are possible decedents of the John Dwigans family of Maryland
of the early 17th century. The are also possible ancestors of James
and John Dwigans of Guernsey Co. Ohio.
Note: Dwigans is spelled many different ways, however for this report
I will spell the name as above.
John Dwigans
Died: Feb 1797
Married; Ann Webb She died about 1794/95
Married: Elizabeth Cooper 18 June 1795
Children: As found by his will and land records
1. John Hiram Dwigans:
oldest son mentioned in
several land records.
2. Bennett Dwigans
Mentioned in the will and land
records.
3. Rachel Dwigans
Webb. Married William Webb August 20
1795. Brother John Hiram sold land to Rachel her
husband in 1798. William Webb was probably the son
James Webb.
4. Ann Dwigans.
Mentioned in the will of John Dwigans
Mother Mary Webb, Brother; James and William
5. Nancy Dwigans.
Mentioned in the will. Married
George Price March 1799
6. William Dwigans.
married Margaret Chairs 1790
William Webb, brother of Ann Dwigans, left tract of
land called Lyford to nephew William Dwigans
Land: Had a track called Lyford in Caroline Co., Maryland.
This tract of land was patiented to William Webb in 1762 and contained 1100
acres. (BC and GS #19, 192 and BC & GS 16, 564). Ann Webb, who married
John Dwigans, was the syster of William Webb. This William Webb willed part
of the Lyford tract to his syster and her husband John Dwigans also to their
son William Dwigans.
Tract was surveyed for Robert Webb of Queens Anns Co. In William Webbs
will, book 38 page 621-622 Queens Anns Co written 25 Feb 1772, land
was given to two nephews, William Webb, son of James Webb and James Webb
son of Edgar Webb when they are 21 tract called Lyford. If James Webb
dies before 21 that part of tract to Nephew William Dwigans son of John Dwigans.
If William Webb
dies leave that part of the tract to Ann Dwigans wife of John Dwigans.
Reserve to my mother Mary Webb the use of the old plantation adjoing the
river. Leave the use of my land to John Dwigans until the two nephews
are 21. John Dwignas to pay 10 pounds a year to Mary Webb for use of
the land.
Also lists Brother James Webb sister Rachel Coleson, wife of Jeremiah Coleson,
Mary Yoes wife of William Yoes, Ann Dwigans wife of John Dwigans and Henry
Pratt (women?) wife of Nathaniel Pratt. Exe John Dwigans
brother-in-law
Account book 69 page 146 1773 Queens Ann Co, Maryland
The accounts of John Dwiggens executor of William Webb late of Queens
Anns Co deceased 28 August 1773 (date of account)
Account Book 71 pages 335-338 Caroline Co. Maryland.
Additional Accounts of John Dwiggins Jr Executor of William Webb late of
Queens Anns Co but now Caroline Co., Maryland.
Final Account Caroline Co 7 January 1775
Note: John Dwiggins (or Dwigans mentioned as Jr)
Debt Book 1775 page 14
Caroline Co. Lyford
John Dwigans for William Webb's her
This track was sold by John's son, John Hiram Dwigans to his sister, Rachel
and her husband William Webb in 1798. John senior's wife, Ann, had part of
this land or the same land was divided between four of the children in 1799
and in turned sold to a John Bennett. This track was called Lyford
in Caroline Co., Maryland located in Tuckahoe Neck. Still working on
this.
Tract is probably located in Southwest part of the county just Southwest
of Denton South of route 328 (Denton Road) and North of the Choptank River.
Tackahoe Neck appears to run about five miles on the South from Tuckahoe
Road to Denton on the North end.
The Choptank River was made famous in James Mitchners novel, Chesapeake.
I traveled on route 328 from Easton Maryland in Talbot Co to Denton in Caroline
Co pasting Tackahoe Neck without
knowing it was on the right side of the road.
Will: John Dwigans died in Feb 1797 living a will which
lists the following children: John Hirim Dwigans, oldest son and executor;
son Bennet Dwigans; daughter Nancy Dwigans; and Rachel Webb wife of William
Webb. Witness: Henry Hardcastle, Philip Clark and George Price.
14 Feb 1797.
Remarks: Ann Dwigans, daughter of John senior, is mentioned
in the land deal when John Hirim Dwigans sold his mother track of land to
John Bennett (Bennet).
Other Maryland records:
Deed book IK-B Queens Anns Co, Maryland page 165-167
6 November 1722 Tract of 50 acres from Jeremiah Neale and
Elizabeth his wife of Talbot Co and John Dwigans of same County, planter
for 2000 lbs of tobacco. Part of a tract of land called
Shandwells Addition lying and being in Queens Annes co and on the the East
side of a creek called Tuckahoe Creek formerly in position of Francis Neale
Sr late of Talbot Co. A 300 acre tract of which 50 acres sold to John
Dwigans.
This John Dwigans probably the origional John Dwigans of Eastern Maryland
and probably father of John Dwigans who had Lyford and the grandfather of
John Hirim Dwigans.
Box 4 Folder 29 Joseph Dwiggins Caroline Co, bonds
Elizabeth Dwiggins and James Dwiggins of Caroline Co, Bond of 200 pounds
22 Sept 1775. Elizabeth administrator of Joseph Dwiggins
deceased. Sureties: James Towers and James Dwigens.
Inventory: Book 120 page 301 Nearest kin to Joseph Dwiggans
approve the inventroy Daniel Dwigens and Samuel Dwigens.
Note: spelled three ways on same doc.
3 Oct 1775 Elizabeth Dwiggins administrator of Joseph Dwiggins late of Caroline
co, Maryland
Notes: Was Elizabeth Dwiggins the wife of Joseph? probably.
was Daniel and Samuel sons?, probably Who was James Dwigens, number
1 or number 2 or another one?
Caroline Co, Book f page 340
Elizabeth Dwiggins to Arthur Bryan of Talbot co
Elizabeth one of the daughters and legal heir of Jeremiah Colhson late of
Caroline Co for 125 pounds, 45 acres or one nineth of a tract of land
called Lambert descended to Elizabeth Dwiggins from her father Jeremiah Colston
or Colhson. Witness John Bennett 18 April
1798. Note: Mother was Rachel Webb syster of William Webb.
Who did she marry? Is this John Dwigans second wife Elizabeth who he
married after Ann Webb Dwigens died?
Book 28 Talbot Co, Maryland
William Coltson and Elizabeth Dwigans to Nathan Beswick, 5 Oct 1799,
bill of sale. 100 pounds for one negro women called Hannah
formerly the property of Jeremiah Coltson late of Caroline Co, deceased and
all her children (Hannah's) 1 Oct 1799 Talbot Co. Maryland.
James Dwigans (Number one)
Died: Oct 1795
Children:
Sarah Butter of Queens Ann County, Maryland
under 16 years
Brother: John Dwigans Probably John Dwigans Sr who's family
was listed on the previous page.
Sister: Ann Webb Widow of James Webb. James Webb
probably
brother of William Webb who married Rachel Dwigans (see John
Dwigans previous page)
Land: Nothing concrete, a land record lists a James Dwigans
of Queens Ann Co, Maryland, selling
land to Thomas Boom of Caroline Co Maryland on 9 June 1795. Land located
in Caroline Co Maryland. May or may not be the same James Dwigans.
Will: Had a will probated 23 March 1795 Caroline Co, Maryland
listing Sarah Butter of Queens Ann Co to receive 25 pounds when 16 years
old; Ann Webb, Widow of James Webb and brother John Dwigans executor.
Witness: Henry Hardcastle, Isaac Jackson and Robert Hobbs.
James Dwigans (Number Two)
Died: Feb 1797
Brother: Samuel Dwigans Executor. Witness
William Patton
and Henry Downor
Will: Probated 28 Feb 1797 Caroline Co, Maryland
Will only lists brother
Samuel and unnamed wife
Land: Had land in Turkaloe Neck, Caroline Co, Maryland sold
by James' brother Samuel to William Webb of Caroline Co. on 20 Nov 1804.
4 acres. Purchased by James in 1784. (maybe)
Others: A Land record dated 16 Oct 1816 had a John Digains,
of Talbot County Maryland selling 44 acres in Kent Co, Delaware
and 16 acres in Caroline Co., Maryland to George Reed.
THE DWIGANS LINE FROM MARYLAND TO IOWA 1700-1900 SUMMARY
The family name Dwigans has been spelled various ways during the 200 year
period that this family has been researched. In one document the name
is spelled three different way for the same person, therefor, for the purpose
of this report the family name will be spelled Dwigans.
The first record of this family is reportedly found in LDS records for a
John Dwigans family that was living in Talbot Co, Maryland in Saint Peters
Parish in the year 1700. John was married to a Sarah and they had nine
children. (Family Group Sheet 1) The dates of birth for all the children
are listed so it is presumed that this family was living in Talbot Co during
the time indicated. The only indications of this family are rent and
land records dating from 1722 listing a John Dwigans purchasing 50 acres
of land for 2000 lbs of tobacco from Jeremiah Neale. This land was
located in Queen Anns County, Maryland and was part of a 300 acre tract called
Shandwells Additions lying on the East side of Tuckahoe creek. The
only other mention of this land is a hazy debt book record listing
the dwellers of Shadwells Addition to Robert Cory dated 1734, John Dwigans
being listed as one of the dwellers. It is not clear if John Dwigans
was paying rent on this 50 acres or sold it to Robert Cory.
The next listing of a Dwigans was found in the Maryland Historical Magazine
Vol 9, #4, Dec 1914, "A list of Accounts for quartering soldiers during the
French and Indian War 1757-1758: To Capt Henry Cassons (sp), Muster
Rolls. 27 days John Dwiggins, John Dwiggins Jr 27 days and Jas Dwiggins 27
days" Note: The Bill of Rights took away the governments power to quarter
soldiers.
These three Dwigans could have been John Sr and his two sons, however
John Sr would have been quite old in 1757 so this listing may have been for
his son John and his grandchildren John and James. Also listed in the
same magazine is a Samuel and Danl Dwigens, both corporals in the Battle
of Long Island 27 Aug 1776, Maryland 400 Hundred, Sixth Co, under Major Mordecai
Gist.
It should be pointed out that the Dwigans families had a certain affection
for the names; John, James and Robert. They not only called the males
in each generation John, James and Robert and neglected to attach Jr
or Sr to the names.
The next listing of Dwigans comes from research by Mrs William G. Holder,
Dayton, Ohio on the family of Robert Dwigans who probably lived in Talbot
Co., Maryland in the mid 18th century.
(Family Group 2) A Robert Dwigans is listed in the "Tuckahoe Hundred"
Talbot Co. Maryland in 1776, however no land record for a Robert Dwigans
has been found, a index listing was found in Queen Anns Co, Maryland but
the deed record was not found. This family, according to Holder, moved
to Guilford Co. North Carolina sometime after 1776 Robert Dwigans died in
Guilford Co, N.C. in 1789. As is listed on this family group sheet
a James, John and Robert were all children of Robert Dwigans of Guilford
North Carolina. The John of this family fits in with the John Dwigans
of Guernsey Co., Ohio. Holder has this John being born in 1779 and
marring a Margaret in 1839, which would have John being 50 when he was married.
More research needs to be conducted for this family in order to tie them
in with the Dwigans of Guernsey Co., Ohio.
The next listing of Dwigans is found in the bond records for Caroline Co.,
Maryland 1775, which lists Elizabeth Dwigans as administrator of Joseph Dwigans
deceased with sureties by James Dwigans and James Towers. Daniel and
Samuel Dwigans are listed as the nearest kin to Joseph.
The next family that appears is another John Dwigans of Caroline Co., Maryland
in the late 18th century. (Family Group 3) This family lived on a tract
called Lyford in Caroline Co. Maryland located in Tuckahore Neck, between
Denton, Maryland and Easton Maryland. John Dwigans obtained this land
from his father-in-law William Webb. Research has show that the Webb and
Dwigans families were related by more than one marriage. John Dwigans
son, John Hiram Dwigans obtained the land after John Dwigans Sr died in 1797.
Also listed at this time are the wills of two James Dwigans, one listing
a brother John and sister Ann Webb and one listing a brother Samuel. (Family
Group 4 and 5).
From this family a gap of 20 years is in the record. The only Dwigans
listed are John H. Dwigans and his brother Burnett Dwigans in the Maryland
census of 1800. In 1810 no Dwigans are found in the Maryland census,
unless the spelling is so far of that the name is under Wigans, Digans etc.
A James Dwigans is listed in Washington Co., Pa in 1810, however no other
record of this person has been found. It is believed that this is the
James Dwigans of Guernsey Co., Ohio. No Dwigans are listed in Pa or
Ohio in 1820 and it is not until 1830 when the Dwigans line can be picked
up in Guernsey Co and Clinton Co Ohio.
According to Holder and Clinton Co., Ohio records, the Robert Dwigans in
Clinton Co. Ohio is the son of the Robert Dwigans of Talbot Co, Maryland
and Guilford Co. North Carolina, as prior indicated, the records on this
family are suspect. More research must be done on this family as I
believe this family is the key to the Dwigans line.