Helen Smith Gammon and the Peterman Heritage

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

HELEN SMITH GAMMON AND THE PETERMAN HERITAGE

A tribute to Helen Delores Smith (Hess) Gammon,

:

A pinnacle in Sullivan/Columbia County genealogy

Compiled by a fellow genealogy colleague Carol Brotzman
with her friends, Joyce Ingerson, Susan Messersmith, Daniel Guggisberg, Dick Shoemaker and Dan Thompson

January 2006

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Carol,

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

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

Susan

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

Carol,

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your interest.

Helen Smith Gammon,

It was dated March 24, 2004

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

Hi Daniel, I’m happy to meet you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’ve learned I have many ancestors who served in the militia in Philadelphia area during the Revolutionary War with George Washington and the other early settlers. Isn’t history interesting?

How interesting to have your DNA checked.

Helen S. Gammon

It was dated December 29, 2004

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

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

Helen Smith Gammon

June 3, 2001

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

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

A little about the Kohensparger’s from Helen

Carol,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Many questions, few answers.

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

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

Thanks

Helen S. Gammon

Thanks so much for the picture of the tombstone.

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

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

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

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

I've only known those facts about 10 years.

  Helen Gammon

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

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

James, John and Susannah.

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

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

Nancy R.Keeler, married Henry Kopensparger

Eliza Ann Keeler, married Daniel Keeler

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

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

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

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

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

( Edward Keeler & Sarah) Their children:

1. Maria Ann Keeler, married Fredeick Helig

2. John Stephen Keeler, married Florence Glidewell

3. Susan Jane Keeler, married Alfred Locelace

4, Hiram Gordon Keeler

5. Hester Rachel Keeler, married MR. Cook

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

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

8. Ida Melissa Keeler, b Sep 1868

9. Charles Judson Keeler

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

11.William Daniel Keeler, married Laura Reynolds

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

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

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

Susan Jane Keeler, married Thomas Mostellar

Frederick Roher Keeler

Thomas Jackson Keeler

Emily Keeler, married Newell Smith, later John Anders

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

Weaver/Diltz/Martin/Murray Ancestors & Allied Families

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

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

Carol,

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

Ella. Peterman

                                                JEFFERSON COLLEY PETERMAN

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

                                                Death???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex is fair, tall and thin like Jefferson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of about my size and looks, for I pass for a tolerably good looking man. Tells of Hiram stealing a dead body

for dissecting. I am a married man having taken one Anne Germond as a life partner a year ago last October.

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

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

Albany to try to get cured of his deafness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hiram's wife went with me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

two thousand passengers that had fasted so long.

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

   I consider a great blessing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

little girl called Ella, almost 6 years old.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

in some papers.

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

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

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

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

live when they had work. There are many burglaries.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

very sick but was recovering

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

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

but two children almost 7 years between them.

.

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

   Monday and one from Ira Viets in California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

nor the property.

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

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

3 born NY. Post Office: Albany, New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

had not had time to examine their merits.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

but rents and taxes with their living takes it all.

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

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

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

would not give it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16 and the youngest Grace is 10 years.

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

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

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

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

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

   you his photograph as I have two. He doesn’t look much like he did before he let the hair grow on his upper lip.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Ann gave these ages in 1867 too)

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

19 years old. Grace is now 12.

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

1871, June 12 (letter) no mention of Jefferson

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

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

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

undertaking has been accomplished.

Now Joyce sent me this one from Helen:

Hi Carol,

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

Joyce Ingerson, January 2006

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

CLARENCE PETERMAN

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

Joyce wanted to add this exchange of data regarding Peterman

Hi Susan,

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

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

be quite ambitious!

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

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

Note: census dates for Clarence Peterman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note: census dates for Clarence Peterman

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

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

Your friend,

Joyce Ingerson

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

Susan wrote:

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

Insert Joyce’s Adam Peterman also

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

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

December 18, 2003

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

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

Helen

More between Helen and Susan on Peterman

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

Susan

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

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

Helen

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

Insert Susan’s lineage here too

(Susan wrote to Helen)

Helen,

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

(Helen wrote to Susan):

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

I have more on Knouse if you want it?

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

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

I'd appreciate help!

Thanks,

Susan

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

Susan, (January 19, 2004)

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

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

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

Problem was finding if my cancer was estrogen positive so I

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

with monthly Aredia Drip to build up the bone loss.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I just spent $200 on prescriptions.

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

Jefferson Peterman, son of James Peterman and Ann Batcheler-

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

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

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

maybe you could help.

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

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

married Anne Germond b 1826 (maybe Monroe Co..

where Ann took her family when she was cheated out of

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

Grace March 1857. b NY no more information.

Maybe connected to VIETS or VIETZ NY family since

Ann's oldest daughter, Emily Bartleson, married Chauncey

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

Son Hiram Abiff Peterman b April 25, 1822 d NY

to Lucinda Chapman. 2 children Martha and Jefferson Peterman

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

Martha lived with Chapman family in NY.

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

medical school -- both doctors in NY and Mich.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take care and stay healthy.

More on Chester Peterman from Helen to Susan

March 06, 2005

(Susan wrote:)

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

(Helen answered:)

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

times in Nordmont and she shared much Peterman information.

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

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

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

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

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

     son of Benjamin and Mary Turner Peterman

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

Children:

1. Harry Merton Peterman b Oct. 29, 1905

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

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

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

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

2. Harold Jay Peterman b June 19, 1907

maaar Edith Kilgus born Benton, PA

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

1950

From Helen to Susan

Helen, Hello again, (April 16, 2004)

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

we have had it's easy to be lazy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

can accept this quite easily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of my ancestors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since Benjamin died intestate with minor children, Clarence Franklin

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

decisions about agreements Benjamin Peterman made with father James.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helen Gammon

(June 12, 2005) Susan,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the obituary. She seems to be too young.

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

the computer.

Take care

Helen

Helen and Susan discuss the Revolutionary War relatives.

Friday, December 10, 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

Helen

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

July 11, 2005

Hi Susan,

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

Please keep in touch.

Helen


Still another interesting letter between these two ladies regarding obituaries

Helen was so happy to get.

December 10, 2004

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep in touch and thank for your prayers.

Love Helen

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

Susan,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rachel Robinson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

with the motor home.

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

More later

Helen

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

Helen,

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

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

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

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

Joel b Jul 1879 Benton mar Clara ____

Otto Cleveland b Oct 1884 Sarasota, Fla.

William Wilson b Mar 1890 Wilkes-Barre

Elmer E. b Feb 1893 Jamestown, NY

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

Earl Alexander   b Mar 1900 Detroit

Edwin S. b abt 1903

Ray - died at 7 months - 1881 or 1889

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

//

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

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

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

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

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

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

known any of their names.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ralph and Edgar all Benton.

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

and Grace Welliver; Nancy Ann Reifsnyder;

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

From Betty Fritz-Victory:

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

1, Hiram A. Peterman 69.

/

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

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

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

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

Rachel Peterman deceased.

/

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

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

/

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

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

Helen to Susan again regarding Peterman

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

Susan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Benjamin died while “girdling” a tree with fire — tied rags around the tree, doused with kerosene and burned it through. While sitting on a log, Ben didn’t notice how far the tree had been burned,

the tree fell on him killing him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her parents John Brown and Mary Brugler.

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

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

(now) Benton to North Mountain.

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

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

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

Had 15 or 20 children.

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

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

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

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

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

FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look for Jacob Peterman and Anne Colley with the Whiteman Bible

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

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

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

This should keep you busy.

Helen

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

Argus
Benton Township
Columbia County, PA
June 26, 1913

Deaths Here Recorded

Mrs. Benjamine [sic] Peterman

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

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

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

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

Mary Nora Sherwood Perry of Wickliffe,Ohio;

ohrose3809@aol.com.

wrote May 2000 to Joyce Ingerson

My grandmother, Nora Peterman Sherwood, had many siblings,

Romeo being only one.

I have accumulated a lot about this Peterman family

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

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

They married after James Peterman, Jr abandoned Susanna Hess

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

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

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

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

Susanna later married Joshua Savage, b 10 Nov 1809,

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

Joshua Savage

10 Nov 1809-18 Aug 1876

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

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

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

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

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

Their children were:

Mary Jane Peterman, b 1835, Ohio;

Elizabeth Peterman, , 18 Mar 1837, Ohio;

Sarah Ann Peterman, b 1839, Ohio;

Clarinda Josephine Peterman, b 30 May 1840, Ohio;

married 07 Jun 1844, Holmes, Ohio

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

Their children were:

Margaret E Peterman, b 1844, Ohio;

Andrew Jackson Peterman, b 1847, Ohio;

Milton Butler Peterman, b 1849, Ohio;

James Marion Peterman, b 1851, Ohio;

David Franklin Peterman, b 1853, Ohio;

Alice M Peterman, b 1857, Ohio;

Martha Matilda Peterman, b 01 Jan 1858, Ohio;

Romeo Cosper Peterman, b 1862, Ohio

These are census records on James Peterman, Jr

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

Roll: M432_696; Page: 145;

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

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

They also discussed Elijah Peterman

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

ELIJAH³ ^married ELIZABETH HESS, in 1862

Elijah Peterman

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

Elizabeth Peterman

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

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

The Morning Press
Bloomsburg, PA
June 5, 1931

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

The Morning Press
Bloomsburg, PA
Monday June 15, 1931

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

The Morning Press
Bloomsburg, PA
Monday June 19, 1931

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

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

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

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

Dec. 29, 1899.

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

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

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

GILBERT HESS and wife MARY conveyed to ELIJAH PETERMAN,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surviving Children of Elijah Peterman and Elizabeth Hess were:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Charles Ambrose Peterman,

son of Elijah Peterman and Elizabeth Hess,

grandson of James Peterman and Susannah Hess

Charles Peterman born May 1866, died 1919

Charles A Peterman

1866-1919

Waller Cemetery

Jackson, Columbia, Pennsylvania

Columbia County Historical & Genealogical Society Cemetery Books

Cemeteries of Northern Columbia County

Volume 1, page 148

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

Columbia County Court House, Bloomsburg, PA;

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

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

Enumerated 8 Jun 1900

Charley Peterman

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

Birthplace: Pennsylvania, Parents born in PA

Race:    White

Occupation:   Farmer

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

Born in PA, parents born in Germany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children of Charles A Peterman and Emma Della Schwinn

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Joyce and Helen discussed the Savage family too:

Research records of J Ingerson & Helen S Gammon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carol,

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

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

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

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

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

for the gold that was buried there years ago.

Helen G. April 14, 2005

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

Dick,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paternal:

1 Ann Batcheler married Josephus "Cephas" Bartleson.

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

3. Daughter Emily Esther Keeler married Hiram Smith

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

5. Helen Delores Smith

Maternal

1. Jacob Peterman and Anne Colley

2. James Peterman and Elizabeth Bartleson

3. Benjamin Peterman and Mary Turner

4. Abraham Peterman and Catherine Smith

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

6. Helen Delores Smith

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks again.

Helen Gammon

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks.

Helen S. Gammon

Carol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

through the cancer operations and the horrible time when it

matastized. The prendisone made a big difference from being

an invalid. Hope it continues to work.

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

Rochester? That is where Grandmother Ann took her family before

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

store in Albany was robbed

Now I have received messages from Daniel and Nola regarding Grace

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

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

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

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

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

NY from the census.

Thanks again

Helen G.

More form Helen regarding Potters:

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

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

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

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

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

Back to work

Helen G.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helen G.

Carol,

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

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

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

Then I found his death and obit in Sullivan Review.

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

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

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

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

Have you seen this line in your Potter pedigrees?

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

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

I think both were squatters before then.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take care.

Helen S. Gammon

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

Daniel,

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

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

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

After World War II my husband found employment in Allentown, Penna. and we moved there. I knew Johan Conrad Hess had settled very early in Northampton County so started spending hours at Easton Library and Northampton Historical Society. I found reams of information for the Hess Family. Never could find much for my Smiths. At that time I didn’t realize I was “doing genealogy” and needed to keep tract of my sources.

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

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

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

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

Today’s Date

Parents

Married - date

Children and sometimes the grandchildren with each.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A person really had to be tough then.

Till next time

Helen

Hi Daniel,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In another Cole deed the father gave exact measurements and descriptions of how and where his land was to be divided. Evidently the shape of each section or creek did not matter. I could not figure out his reason for the instructions. I wonder if the sons carried out his wishes or if they changed the boundaries.

When a man died in earlier times, every single thing he owned had to list to establish the inheritance tax down to 3 feet of rusted barbed wire. The complete value might only be $5. It amazes me how really poor people were at that time. In one interesting deed in Montgomery County the sons were instructed to maintain a road over their property to provide for the sister's cow to get a drink of water.

Have you read deeds regarding the man's wife? Most gave her the right to remain in his house so long as she did not remarry. If she did marry she only got one-third. I learned the Penna.-Dutch people used a different solution. When the father got older and the oldest son married, they built a smaller house on the land for the father and mother, then the son moved with his wife into the usual larger house with more bedrooms so he could raise more sons to help with the farm work. That seems to have worked for many years. I love to read old deeds.

People tell me I have many, many tales in my head that I should write down to pass on to others. I also like to go to story telling times, especially in Tennessee. Did I tell you I was a proofreader many years? Maybe I'll get a recorder and just tell the stories.

Right now I'm hoping to live long enough to finish Grandmother Ann's letters and correct some of the mistakes in my genealogy records.

Wish me luck.

Helen G.

Helen sent me some more on her Hess lines May 7, 2005

Things are going quite well at the present. Since the Arimidex stopped working

and I had the Falsodex injection I have felt stronger and better than in a long

time. I had another blood test yesterday and will see the Dr. Wed. so will know

more then.

I have a copy of a very old Hess Pedigee made by Mrs. Ellis (Minnie) Remely

that states:

Children of George Hess and Susanne Remely were Margaret married George

Hunter, Nancy Hess mar Boyd Cole, Clarence Hess mar Reka/Reba? Harvey,

Alfred Hess married ____ Fritz.

If this is correct it would be Jerrimias Hess1 wife Anna; Johann Conrad Hess2

wife Anna Maria Best; Johann Wilhelm/William Hess3 wife Anna Catharine

Goddard Hess; John Hess Sr.4 wife Charity Cole; John Hess Jr.5 wife Nancy Spencer;

George C. Hess6 wife Susanna Remely; Alfred Hess7 wife Fritz

This is the only Alfred Hess I have in my file.

You said you were working on my family -- which line? I am trying to clean up

the notes on my Keelers. When I match/merged I made duplicate notes for many

of them. Also for some of those I worked on 15 years ago I now have learned

more and am bringing those up to date.

I'll let you pass on my information as I get too involved with new contacts since

I have so much to share and just don't feel up to it at this time.

Hope this helps.

Helen Gammon



Now Helen writes me about her Keeler’s, I had asked her about the spelling of Eliza Angeline’s daughter’s married name.

Hi Carol, (December 26, 2004)

Yes, I am that Helen Smith Gammon.

Henry was married to Nancy R. Keeler, daughter of John Keeler Jr. and Sarah Ann "Sally" Bartleson, daughter of

Cephas Bartleson and Ann Batcheler.

Emily Esther Keeler, sister of Sally was my great-grandmother. She married Hiram Newell Smith.

Elizabeth Bartleson, sister of Cephas, married James Peterman: my other grandfather.   Both Elizabeth and Cephas died.

James Peterman and Ann Batcheler-Bartleson then married and had three sons.

Through this marriage Ann became both my paternal AND maternal Grandmother.

Ann Peterman wrote letters from 1841 to 1871 to her stepson, William Bartleson Peterman of Sugarloaf Twp., Columbia Co. I have copies of those letters.

Please list one of these names on your subject line. I nearly deleted your message without reading it since I've been getting so many spams.

Where do you live? I am in Arizona.

Helen S. Gammon

Carol,

I shall use Heim instead of Helm since I don't remember where I found that name. (Eliza Angeline Keeler married William H Heim)

A little explanation. I started keeping my records when I was in high school. Didn't realize I was doing genealogy or that I needed

to name the source.

My mother was first married to Norman Brittain Hess.  They had 6 children most born in Nordmont. He died and she married Ernest

Romeo Smith, son of John R. Smith and Mary Turner who came from N.Y. to Nordmont. I have no information for their ancestors.

Hiram N. Smith married Emily Esther Keeler, daughter of John Keeler Jr. and Sarah Ann (Sally) Bartleson. My parents divorced and more or less deserted the family. I did not know much about them. My mother could talk faster than I could write. Or she would switch subjects and I got confused. How I wish we had had tape recorders then because I am sure she had all this information in her mind.

When I retired in 1985 my son was living and working in Arizona. He wanted me to move there. I kept my home in Whitehall, Lehigh Co., a few years. I have a motor home, which I drove back and forth spring and fall for 17 years. I learned about the Mesa Family History Center and all their records and I was "hooked." I spent days there copying their records. What a gold mine.

I found the Ralph Keeler of Connecticut book of genealogy. I also have received several copies of pedigrees from Keeler descendents where I found many mistakes. I have spent hours and days researching in courthouses, etc. and still do not know exactly which records are correct since I found mistakes in the courthouse records as well.

I have met and interviewed many Keeler relatives. I have boxes of notes I now doubt I shall ever get typed into my records.

One book at Dushore has my mother listed as the daughter of James Peterman, her cousin. Her father was Abraham. I think too many people believed they knew facts that they really didn't.

My grandmother, Emily Esther Keeler's second husband was John Andrew according to courthouse records. Her tombstones has

Emily ANDERS written in stone.

I also saw a tombstone in Lancaster County -- that person died Feb. 31. I believe many people had no or very little education. School was not that important then. My mother only went to third grade but she continued to read and educate herself. Her brother could barely sign his name.

I wish you were my neighbor.

Helen S. Gammon

Now back to her Peterman’s

Carol,

I have had correspondence with two people regarding Grace Peterman born in Albany County, later lived NY City.

Thought I would send a message I sent to Harold J. Ward in MO. and Nola Martin in Indiana as an example of Grandmother Ann

Peterman's letters. Her son, Jefferson Colley Peterman, remained in the Rochester/Albany area when the family pioneered to Michigan with others from Monroe Co., NY.

I have not been able to find more about Jefferson except for census records. I was hoping you might have access to New York records.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Helen G.

Carol,

Here are some bits from Grandmother Anne's letters:

Jefferson Peterman married ANNA GERMOND (not German)

Oct. 10, 1840 at Third Presbyterian Church, Albany, NY.

1850 Census Albany 4th Ward

1860 Census Albany 10th Ward Albany City

1870 Brooklyn Ward 6, New York

Ann's letter Feb. 6, 1843

Brother Alexander Peterman was learning the gunsmith business. He is fair and slim as Jefferson who works in a jeweler's store in Rochester in the National Hotel opposite the courthouse.

The store was owned by Mr. Hood in Albany and was robbed in October 1859. You may be able to find a newspaper article describing it.

August 1850 Jefferson's wife is a splendid woman tall and genteel with black hair and eyes, and everything is in fine style. His quarters is furnished with mahogany tables and chairs at $4 apiece and a marble slate table. The carpet in that room was $1.50 per yard in New York where they went to purchase their furniture.

April 14, 1852 Jefferson has 3 girandoles to set on his mantelpiece that cost $10. A lady brought Ella a dress from London. She went to the

World's Fair, and a milliner sent her a new hat from New York.

Jan. 26, 1867 letter: Jefferson lives in New York at No. 67 Nassau St. where he has a shop (jewelry repair). His wife and two daughters live in New Jersey just opposite New York City, Booklyn.

March 26, 1867 letter Grace the youngest is 10 years old. Jefferson boards at an Eating House and sleeps in the shop. A rich gentleman took such a fancy to Ella he insisted on sending her to a Ladies' Academy where she will stay a year. He will pay all the expenses. She is 18 and has always been kept at school, is well learned in all common branches.

Jan. 14, 1868 letter. Jefferson lives at 257 Clinton St., Brooklyn.

Sept. 1, 1869 Jefferson quit the jeweler business

June 26, 1870 letter Grace is now 12 years old

Will you please send me records showing the names, dates, places, etc. of how you are related to Grace? Perhaps I can pick up a few hints to learn where they were in Brooklyn.

Do you have access to New York records?

If you type in Google     Hiram Abiff Peterman    there are pictures of

Dr. Hiram Peterman and his wife, Dr. Ami Peterman from a photographer's

shop at Battle Creek, Michigan. Also some pictures of his medical clinic.

Thanks

Helen Smith Gammon

hsmithg@earthlink.net

Helen sent me this May 21, 2005 on the Keeler family.

Hi Carol,

I stumbled on a record I searched many years to find and want to pass it on when you work on the Keelers. There were many rumors about a boy who Daniel Keeler and Elizabeth Keeler-Keeler raised. That someone brought him home from the Civil War since he didn't have a family was one story. In the census records he was listed as a son, grandson, etc. I wonder if he may have been related to the Keelers.

By chance at the Sullivan County Court House I found a Guardianship record. Also learned there were three brothers -- only Joseph lived with Daniel. I'd like to know the background of their lives with Joseph Gansel since both Joseph and

Henry Traugh chose a different guardian when they had a voice.

Guardianship Records Sullivan County, Penna.

Page 230 Sept. Term of Court 1866

Minor children of MATHIAS H. TRAUGH, Sept. 25, 1866. Petition of Henry

Traugh, Joseph Traugh, Franklin Traugh under the age of 14. Appointed Joseph

Gensel as guardian for sum of $300 each. Bond filed. May 30, 1877 Joseph A.

Traugh, now above the age of 14 makes choice of DANIEL KEELER as his guardian and Daniel Keeler was duly appointed by the Orphans Court Docket

No. 2. page 120. June 30, 1877 citation to Joseph Gansel to file and settle his

account or Guardian Record. Orphans Court Doc. No. 2 page 122. Final account

of Joseph Gensel for Joseph Traugh Examined and filed Dec. 17, 1877.

HENRY TRAUGH now above the age of 14 makes choice of A. F. Marshal his guardian, appointed by Court. Doc. No. 2 page 132. Final account of Joseph Gansel of Henry Traugh presented and filed Jan. 25, 1878. March 1, 1878 confirmed May 30, 1878 final by Court.

Helen G.

I am fairly sure she sent this to Bob Sweeney, and I was copied on this data that should never be left out!

Helen Gammon provided us with some excerpts from Alexander Colley's diaries starting in 1859. Helen has recently finished transcribing Alexander Colley's diaries, which are being printed and bound into a book for the Columbia County Historical Society. Alexander was the son of Jonathan Colley. He was a schoolteacher, surveyor, justice of peace, post master, mill owner/operator, and served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Columbia County. Colley Street in Benton was probably named for this man. As a surveyor, he wrote about the weather each morning. Draw your own conclusions...

1859    Jan. 5 Snowed 16 inches, good sleighing; Jan. 12 Now 18 inches, Feb. 3 Snow 2 feet



1861    Feb. 8 Snow 2 feet 8 inches; Feb. 12 Thawed most of the snow & ice, creek high



1863    Feb. 22 Snowed 9 inches, froze hard, sleighs running, Feb. 23 Snow 11 inches in all



1865    Jan. 28 Coldest night of the year, clock stopped at 12 a.m.



1868    Feb. 25 Snowed 2 1/2 inches now 55 inches; 3 p.m. still snowing, very cold blustery day. Mar. 7 Snowed all night, Mar. 9 now 68 inches, snow drifted bad, sugar making at 11 a.m. Feb. 8 Snow 18 inches, Feb. 12 Clear, thawed, spoiled sleighing very much,



1870    Mar. 11 A very cold night, clear, muddy, W. L. Cole buried two children. Mar. 12 The funeral did not bury yesterday, today they bury three. [See The Writings of William Heacock, under FEATURES]



1873    Jan. 25 Snow in all 41 inches; Jan. 26 Now 43 inches; Jan. 27, 2 inches more; Jan. 28 Now 47 inches; March 16 Snow 73 inches; March 22 Snowed 7 feet, 84 inches; Mar. 25 Snowed 6 1/2 inches, now 7 feet 11 inches (95 inches); Mar. 27 Snowed 1 1/2 inches; Mar. 29 Rain.



1874     Mar. 7 Snowed 8" - 43 1/2 inches; Apr. 6 snowed 2 inches now 4 feet of snow.



1875    Jan. 31 Snowed 13 inches in January; Feb. 11, Last night snowed 6 inches, morning snow, 3 inches, 4 feet in all; Feb. 19, Snow 1 1/2 inches; Feb. 20, Snowed last night and this day, 3 inches, now 4 feet, 5 inches; Mar. 1, Snow 7 inches in all; Mar. 20 Snowed 2 inches; Mar. 21 Morning snow 1/2 inch, (some baptizing done today); Mar. 24 Snow 2 inches, Mar. 25 Snowed last night; April 13 Snowed all day, 6 inches; April 19 Snowed, April 23, Snow; April 30 Snow, the mountain is white with snow, May 1 Rain some.

Now for Helen’s “Snider family connections”:

Helen posted the following query on the Sullivan genweb board showing her relationship to Snider.

Do you have any knowledge of military personnel in Sullivan County during the Civil War period? My grandmother Emily Esther Keeler-Smith-Anders/Andrews had a child before her marriage named WILLIS BERT SNIDER, born in 1864.

Clayton Keeler, another cousin, years ago told me the family story was that the father was HOWARD SNIDER, a military man from Phila. Perhaps he was with an outfit about the time of the uprising in Columbia County during the Civil War. Family members told me the soldiers never got to Sullivan County, so did not find the deserters.

Any suggestions? Thanks

Helen S. Gammon

Editor's Note: We actually now have further information on this Issue of the Snider connection. It comes from Lynn Franklin's Civil War Draft Records for Sullivan County. There you will find Edward B. and Howard K. Snider listed under the names for Davidson Township. Let's now quote Joyce Ingerson on February 19, 2006 with respect to this information:

I was going through the Civil War draft candidates listed on Sullivan County web site, Helen Gammon and I were forever curious about EB Snider for the potential father of Emily Keeler's illegitimate son, Willis Bert Snider, b Jun 1863. d 05 Apr 1930. See Census entry below.
Willis Snider married Blanche Hess, daughter of Shedrick Samuel Hess & Sarah Amanda Hunter. Just to refresh your memory, Blanche Hess was the sister of Norman Brittain Hess. Norman Hess was the first spouse of Martha "Ella" Peterman. When Norman Hess died, Ella married Ernest Romeo Smith, who was Helen Smith Gammon's estranged father.
I am referencing the 1860 US Federal Census for Davidson entry, as follows:
1860 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson
Enumerated 25 Jun 1860
Head of Household: E B Snider
Age in 1860: 21
Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
Occupation: Gentleman
Real Estate: 3000
Household : Mrs A Snider, age 48;
Emily, age 19; A Leroy, (f) age 22, servant;
Melissa Hess, age 15; Mary Hunter, age 18;
Elias Dodson , (m) age 25. All born in PA
Post Office: Eldredsville
Roll: M653_1184; Page: 734, family visitation- 26/22
Immediate neighbors: Samuel Sperry, age 49; Cyrus Larish, age 37
We believed that this EB Snider was the prime candidate.
This is the draft entry:
CIVIL WAR DRAFT RECORDS
Sullivan County, PA
Consolidated Draft Registry
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
1863
National Archives
Washington, D. C.
BOOK 2
Davidson Township
Snider Edward B. 24 W F S P
This was Helen's response to me:

Sent: Friday, November 08, 2002 12:35 PM Subject: Re: Snider
However, the 21 year old E. B. does make sense. Emily Esther Keeler was only 17 at the time and she could have lied about her age to get the job. I'd like to learn more about that SNIDER family. And there is a possibility E.B. was in service during the Civil War so it could all add up with Clayton's uniform. I wonder if this E.B.'s mother may have run a boarding house to have that many servants.
... Helen S Gammon

I believe, it all fits. Emily Keeler's son, Will Bert Snider, was born in 1863. Edward B ( EB ) Snider was drafted in 1863.
Joyce Ingerson

Willis Snider committed suicide because he lost everything in the crash of the stock market. His mother Emily drowned herself in the creek. Many of them must have been depressed.

Bert Snider's wife's name is LENNA, not Lena.

I wonder if Henry J. Smith, employee of Willis Snider, is a relative.

Helen Gammon

She was always thinking and sharing that great wealth of knowledge! Now Helen and Joyce exchanged more on Snider

1910 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson Twp > District 131

Enumerated 5 May 1910

Name: Willis B Snider

Age in 1910: 47, married x1, 20 years

Estimated birth year: abt 1863

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White

Gender: Male

Occupation: Lumberman, own job

Spouse: Blanche, age 39, married x1, 20 years, 6 children, 5 alive

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White

Others in home: Bert, son, age 19; Dolly, daughter, age 18; Pearl, age 11;

Marie, daughter, age 9; Ernest, son, age 2; Abraham Kilmer, age 45, laborer.

All born in PA

Series: T624; Roll: 1421; Page: 257A; Enumeration District: 131; Part: 1; Line: 1.

1920 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 159

Enumerated 14 January 1920

Name: Willis B Snider

Age: 56 years

Estimated birth year: abt 1864

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White

Able to read: Yes

Able to Write: Yes

Home owned: Own

Sex: Male

Marital status: Widow

Occupation: Farmer

Others in home: Pearl, daughter, age 20, clerk in grocery trade;

Marie S, daughter, age 19; Ernest R, son, age 10. All born in PA

Roll: T625_1653; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 159

1930 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Laporte > District 13

Enumerated 2 Apr 1930

Name: Willis B Snider

Age: 67

Estimated birth year: abt 1863

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Father's birthplace: PA

Mother's birthplace: PA

Race: White

Occupation: Retail merchant for general store

Others in home: Marie Mingle (corrected Menges), daughter, age 29, married age 28, teacher, Public school.

Born in PA

Roll: 2150; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 13

Children of Willis Bert Snider & Blanche Hess

1.      Bert Edward Snider

2.      Dollie Snider, married Horace C Edgar, Marriage License Docket 1913-1920 Sullivan County, PA- # 969, 22 Dec 1913, LaPorte, Sullivan, Pennsylvania

3.      Pearl Snider, married 06 Dec 1920 to T Grant Buck,

4.      Sarah Marie Snider married S L Menges

5.      Ernest Snider

6.      Kathryn Snider married Leon Kelly

Williamsport Sun Gazette (Williamsport, Pennsylvania) 24 May 1967

Sponsors Banquet The Women's Society of World Service of Eagle Evangelical United Brethan sponsored a Mother and daughter banquet recently. Mrs. Horace Edgar and Elaine Thomas paid tribute to the mothers and daughters. Mrs. Martha Steiger was master of ceremonies. Participating were Mrs. Walter Glace, Mrs. Robert Steiger, Dollie Edgar, Mark Steiger, and Robert Kimble, Mrs. Robert Thomas and Mrs. Roy Way were co-chairman of the event. Mrs. Walter Stull planned the decorations.

Williamsport Sun Gazette (Williamsport, Pennsylvania)

August 4, 1973 City Hospital News

Discharged: Mrs. Dollie Edgar

                  Name: Dollie Edgar

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 18 Jan 1892

Last Benefit: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Died: Jun 1977

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

Name: Horace Edgar

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 13 Jul 1888

Died: Sep 1972

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

Name: Pearl S. Buck

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 14 Jan 1899

Died: 4 Sep 1996

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

Grant Buck

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 17 Jul 1897

Died: Sep 1972

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (Before 1951)

Ernest Snider

Last Residence: 17701 Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Born: 21 Mar 1908

Died: Apr 1986

State (Year) SSN issued: Pennsylvania (1951-1952 )

This is an exchange of letters between Helen and Joyce regarding the Keelers and the Sniders.

Response from: Helen S. Gammon, Friday, November 08, 2002

To: Joyce Ingerson, Friday, November 08, 2002

Re: Snider

However, the 21 year old E. B. does make sense. Emily Esther Keeler was only 17 at the time and she could have lied about her age to get the job. I'd like to learn more about that SNIDER family. And there is a possibility E.B. was in service during the Civil War so it could all add up with Clayton's uniform. I wonder if this E.B.'s mother may have ran a boarding house to have that many servants.

I cannot find him (E. B.Snider) again in later census films for Sullivan nor in Columbia Counties. Maybe, he died in Civil War. What is so interesting is that Willis Bert Snider named his first son Edward Bert Snider, which fits.

This creates a bit of a problem. Edward Bert Snider was NOT the son of Willis Snider. He was the son of Blanche Hess and Bert Karns before she married Willis. Another fence-post kid. Didn't go by Snider/Snider until he started to school. One good thing for most of the people in that area -- they were forgiving enough to accept those children and raised them as their own. Maybe I should mention there might have been resentment there on Bert Edward's part.

Here is another story from a local cousin

Bert was a very mean and cruel man to his wife Lenna (Fiester) Snider -- so bad the whole town knew it. They had no living children. E.B. Snider would have been 39 years old to be Bert Edward's son. But maybe Blanche had a "crush" on E.B. to choose his name.

No Snider has turned up for Willis Snider's father, so E.B. is a better guess.

1870 United States Federal Census > Pennsylvania > Sullivan > Davidson

Enumerated 16 Jun 1870

Name: Fred R Keeler

Estimated Birth Year: abt 1838

Age in 1870: 32

Birthplace: Pennsylvania

Race: White

Gender: Male