Who would you like to Meet?

 

2023 01 06  52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks   Week 1  

Who would you like to Meet?

 

One of my most distant ancestors is James MacWithey, who is reported to have been in the "War of Restoration."  This war was fought because the Highland Scots who were in favor of restoring the throne to King Charles' heir, his son, Charles II, whom they felt to be the rightful king of England and Scotland. King Charles had been murdered in 1649 by English Puritans. The English forces of Cromwell did not want this.  The Scots, fighting with the Clan Donald forces under Montrose and General David Leslie,  suffered two terrible defeats at the hands of Cromwell’s forces. The first was at the Battle of Dunbar which took place on September 3, 1650 outside the Scottish town of that name.           

"Although the English forces numbered about 11,000 and the Scottish forces numbered over twice than many, the English won a surprising victory. Three thousand Scots were killed in the battle and many were captured. They were forced to march, wounded, weak, and hungry, down into England where they were thrown into prison and eventually dispersed to Ireland, Barbados, Virginia and Massachusetts and sold as indentured servants. A group of approximately 150 of the Dunbar prisoners were loaded on the ship Unity two months later, on November 11, 1650, and sent to Massachusetts, arriving there in early 1651. A list of the prisoners on the Unity has not survived." (Margaret Quivey DeMarco)

The second major crushing defeat for the Scots occurred deep within English territory at the city of Worcester a year after the Battle of Dunbar, on September 3, 1651. Many Scots were killed and prisoners were captured.  It was the "Battle of Worcester." 

Most MacWithey researchers believe one of the two following hypothesis: 

First:  He may be the "Rory Machy" who was brought to Boston as a Scottish prisoner, captured by Cromwell in the Battle of Worcester. The ship was the "John and Sarah"  of London, John Greene, Master, sailed from Gravesend on December 8, 1651, and arrived in Boston on May 13, 1652. The name James MacRory does not appear on the John and Sarah list, but there was a Rory Machy on the list as well as an Alester Mackrore. 

This John McRory served eight years as an indentured servant, as ordered by Parliament on October 20, 1651, possibly at the Saugus Iron Works (Robert Rich, Master).  The MacRory's were (according to various modern sources) supposedly a sept of Clan MacDonald of the Isles, located in Inverness and the Outer Hebrides. Also possibly of the Clan MacCuithean.  

Adding some weight to this hypothesis is that some of the names mentioned in the earliest Dedham "court" records are also names of Scots that are on the ships manifest of the "John and Sarah."   The names of John MacIntosh and Daniel Makiah, James MacNab, Neil Makiah, William MacCain, James Grant, along with that of "Jeam Macarory" ( p. James MacWithey?) appear in those records.  In fact, James' son, John m. Johanna MacIntosh. 

A second hypothesis is that our James MacWithey is this man: 

James M’Rorie/Mackerory/Mackerwithey/M'Withee arrived in New England as a Scottish prisoner of war on a ship named Unity. The Unity sailed in November 1650 from Gravesend, England and arrived at Charlestown, Massachusetts early in 1651. It held a cargo of around 150 Scots deported as prisoners of war after the Battle of Dunbar. (MacWithey on Wikitree)  A James M'Rorie (M'Withee) was #71 on George S. Stewart's Captured at Dunbar List.  (Battle of Dunbar:  The second major crushing defeat for the Scots occurred deep within English territory at the city of Worcester a year after the Battle of Dunbar, on September 3, 1651. Many Scots were killed and prisoners were captured. Some of the men in this shipment were sent to the Saugus Iron Works, some were consigned to Thomas Kemble, a lumber merchant in New Hampshire, and others were indentured in and around the Boston area and outlying towns.)

More than likely, our James served his indenture in Boston or in one of the surrounding towns.    The Reverend John Cotten, a minister in Boston, referred to these men in a letter to the Lord General Cromwell on August 28, 1651, "The Scots, whom God delivered unto your hands at Dunbar, and whereof sundry were sent hither, we have been desirous (as we could) to make their yoke easy. Such as were sick of the scurvy or other diseases have not wanted physick and surgery. They have not been sold for slaves to perpetual servitude, but for 6 or 7 or 8 years, as we do our own. We treat these prisoners as we do our servants. They are indentured for a term of six to eight years, furnished a house (four to a house), and some land. They work three days per week for their benefactor and the rest for themselves. When they have repaid the cost of their passage, they are free."  We can only hope that this is the type of treatment which James received.  I also hope that James was in fact a single man, as the thought of a famly left in Scotland, and the inability of James to be able to connect with them again is heartbreaking. 

So why, if James arrived in 1751 or 1752, don't we see his name in early records?  

Well, he would not have attended church or been allowed to marry or hold land until the end of his indenture. In the book, A New England Town - The First 100 Years, Kenneth A. Lockridge mentions a group of Scots who came to Dedham, "Thus a group of 6-8 Scotsmen settled in the 1660's without subscribing to the covenant. They were not warned out; They paid taxes, worked and even married in the community just as any townsmen, but they were, by implication, second class citizens." (P.81)  Perhaps they were considered second class because of having been indentured servants. 

And why is he so often referred to as James McRory McWithee?  The dual surnames of James  caused considerable problems in the research. A researcher wrote to the Scottish Genealogical Society and the Scots Ancestry Research Society in regard to the surnames, but was referred to the Scottish Tartan Society.  Dr. Micheil MacDonald's (an expert in Gaelic and clan histories) immediate reply stated that James had used both his Patronymic surname and his Clan surname. This was common practice among the Highlanders in Scotland.   

His Patronymic name in Gaelic was MacRuaidhri which is approximately MacRory in English, and his Clan surname was MacCuithien or MacCuidhean, which is equivalent to MacQuithy or MacWithy in English. The MacCuitheans lived near Storr on the Island of Skye. “Ruariadh Duadh Maccuithean was story teller to Lord MacDonald” about 1500, for which he had free lands for his services. “Campbell obtained one of his West Highland tales from Donald MacCuidhean.” In Kilmuir Parish,  MacQueen’s Township, there is a place called Baile Mhic Cuithein.

James MacRory appeared on the Dedham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts tax list dated February 11,  1661

He also appears in Dedham, Massachusetts records on March 11, 1662/3: "At a meeting of selectmen of Dedham on March 11 1662/3 "James makurwitha moue for a parcell of Land beyond John Makintoches to the Value of 2 acres and 1/2 due to Rich Everit for purchase Land intendinge to build a hovse vpon it."

That same year, James was charged 2 shillings by the town as he was one of several inhabitants of Dedham who were "deffective in there highway work."  (Exact Date not given)

The next record of James is in 1662 when he married Mary Everitt: Joshua Fisher, "Clerke of ye Writts".   "James Makarory & Mary Eueritt was married 9 month, 62." Dedham Vital Records."   In 1662, the 9th month was November. (The RECORD OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS, AND INTENTIONS OF MARRIAGE, IN THE TOWN OF DEDHAM.  VOLUMES 1 & 2, 1635-1845, p. 8.  "James Makarory & Mary Euritt was married 9 month, 62.)

That he married Mary Everitt is again shown in the land records of Dedham.  She was born on September 28, 1638, and was 24 years old at the time of her marriage.  Her father, RIchard Everett, was one of the founders of Dedham.  Her mother was Mary Winch. 

At a meeting of selectmen of Dedham on March 11 1662/3 "James makurwitha moue for a parcell of Land beyond John Makintoches to the Value of 2 acres and 1/2 due to Rich Everit for purchase Land intendinge to build a hovse vpon it "(ibid 4:61) 

Mary MacRory was received into the Dedham church on the first day of the eighth month, 1665. Their infant daughter, Mary was baptized 15 days later. (Apparently James MacRory was not a member of the church for he was referred to as "Mackrory" --not "Brother Mackrory" in the records. Church members were referred to as "Brother" and "Sister." The same pattern can be seen in other families. The English wives became church members and had their children baptized, while the Scottish husbands usually did not -- at least in the beginning. It must be remembered that the Scots were either Presbyterians or Catholics.) 

At another meeting on 26 dec. 1665 "James Mackrorey coming and desireing the grant of 5 acres of vpland vpon the gift of his Father in lawe Richard Euered (Everett). being a right of land by him purchased of Danll Mackiah. who purchased the same of Thomas Jordan.. this his request is granted and Lieft: Fisher Robt Fuller and John Farington are deputed and empowered to laye it Out to the said James somewhere neere his house according to thier best discretion. 

His wife, Mary (Everett) Mackerwithey died on 13 June 1670, most like from complications o childbirth, as their daughter Margaret was born 10 days before and only survived another seven days after her mother’s death.

James Mackerwithey then married Patience Cubby on February 20,1670/1.  (There is an uncertainty regarding this marriage. There is not a death record for Patience Mackerwithey, nor any marriage record for a third marriage with Experience______, but all subsequent birth records listed Experience Mackerwithey as the mother. It is believed by many researches that James only married twice- first to Mary Everitt and second to Patience or Experience Cubby. 

At another meeting on 26 dec. 1665 "James Mackrorey coming and desireing the grant of 5 acres of vpland vpon the gift of his Father in lawe Richard Euered (Everett). being a right of land by him purchased of Danll Mackiah. who purchased the same of Thomas Jordan.. this his request is granted and Lieft: Fisher Robt Fuller and John Farington are deputed and empowered to laye it Out to the said James some where neere his house according to thier best discretion (ibid 4:107-108). 

At a town meeting held on 1 Jan 1678/9, John Bacon Sr. and Thomas Metcalf were chosen a committee "to vew a porsel of land for John Pigge and for Jams Macarory: and to make returne to the propriators: of this town the 10th day of march next; and on 10 mar 1678/9 the town "Granted to Jams Macarory to the quantity of 2 or 3 Acres of lande to be set out by John Bacon and Ser Tho Metcolf neere ajoyning to his lot (ibid 5:76, 80)

In 1680, his father-in-law, Richard Everett, divided his life estate and left seven acres to James Mackerwithey, with the remainder being left to Mary’s children. (Dedham wills)

After 1700, James doesn't appear in the records but his son James, Jr. does.  This indicates that James Sr. died between 1700 and 1709.  

I would love to sit down and talk with him about his home in Scotland, his family, etc.  I would also ask about his military service there and about the travel over to America.  He would be able to tell me about his family and children, about their life here in America.  So much history he could tell me!  I especially would like to find out anything about Patience and if James left a family back in Scotland when he was captured. 

Donna E. Mohney

January 6, 2023 

2022 Week 39 Road Trip Westward Ho! in an Old Plymouth

Sometimes it is nice to let other people tell the story.  And this is one of them.  (Sometime, I will tell the story of my road trip with my aunt Ladeen.  But this time, I'll let her tell about a trip with her  Grandmother Martha Alice Benton Godley and her Aunt Velma Leavelle Wallace!

Westward Ho!   (1950)

Ladeen, Nettie Ida, and Lavonne

Evelyn and Velma, Buddy, Aubrey, Alton and Travis

Grandmother Leavelle, Lavonne, and I were going back to California by bus, after spending the summer in Pennsylvania.  Aunt Velma got to calculation what three bus tickets would cost. With our bus money and some of hers, she bought a '38 Pontiac in 1950. (Ladeen's note: Wasn't she spunky?!)  

1939 Plymouth 2 Door

I was 15 and Lavonne 13. I grew up on a tractor and knew how to shift and drive. Daddy would let me take the tractor to the store when I was so small, I'd have to jump off the seat to engage the clutch and the brakes. I had also driven my boyfriend's hot rod quite a bit, but I had no license. Aunt Velma was the only legal driver, but off we went across the country. We kept going until we got to relative's homes. (No motels)

We ate out of a picnic basket except at relative's houses. I have a tendency to go to sleep every time I'm in a moving vehicle. I guess I come by it rightly. Aunt Velma fought sleepiness a lot. I talked her into letting me drive. As soon as I got behind the wheel, she'd wake up. Sometimes she spread a quilt on the grass on the side of the road to take a nap and that was very boring to us. Perhaps that's when I nagged her into letting me drive. Lavonne and I wrote down every "Burma Shave" advertisement and collected a leaf from every state. I wish I'd kept them!

When we got to relatives' homes, they gave their spare beds to the adults, and we kids slept on the floor. We made pallets with quilts-no egg crate foam or air mattresses. I woke up sore and stiff one morning-at least I must have complained that I was, and someone said, "Ladeen's a woman now if it bothers her to sleep on the floor." That made it almost worth the pain.

Aunt Velma insisted I not go over 50 MPH and I didn't. She insisted we stop for gasoline every hundred miles. I'm sure by then someone had to go to the bathroom anyway. She even let me drive at night, she told me to wake her up and let her drive through the towns. She'd be sleeping so good, I'd sneak right on through the towns. It seemed a shame to wake her up.

We visited Alabama kin folks, East Texas kin folks, and I think Uncle Aubrey and Aunt Grace lived in Oklahoma then and we may have visited them too. I wish I had kept a diary. The main thing I remember about visiting in Mt. Aire, N.M. at Uncle Alton and Aunt Francis' home, is she made enchiladas, with a fried egg right on top, I loved them.

Aubrey

Aubrey

Aubrey and Grace

Alton

Francis

The only trouble we had with the old car is, we had to get the radiator flushed out once out in the desert. And another day we had a flat. First you hope someone will stop, then you're afraid they might. Sure enough, two drunk sailors came by. Thank the Lord Aunt Velma already had the tire nearly fixed. We got in and took off. (My, wasn't she self-sufficient.) She kept the tire iron out and put it beside her between the driver's seat and the door. After some slick maneuvering on her part, we finally lost the sailors who had followed us!  I'm not sure how long the trip took, but we all enjoyed it.

After a nice visit in California, Aunt Velma sold the car to Uncle Buddy to pay her way back to Pennsylvania. Maurice hot-rodded the car and blew the engine out a short time later.

If any of you remember any details, I don't remember, if there are things that I've forgotten or aren't accurate, please write or email me. 

Mainly I want to keep the memory of my auntie and Grandmother alive. 

(Written by Maryon Ladeen Lindbeck Ring)

So who are these people?  

Grandmother Leavelle is Nettie Ida Godley Leavelle.  Lavonne is Marlita Lavonne Lindbeck Taylor, Ladeen's sister.  Aunt Velma is Mary Velma Leavelle Wallace.   Uncle Aubrey is John Aubrey Leavelle, son of Nettie Ida and Grace is his wife, Grace Beavers Leavelle. Uncle Alton is Wilbur Alton Leavelle, another of Nettie Ida's sons, and Francis Martin is his wife. Uncle Buddy is another son, Elvin  Rufus Leavelle and. Maurice is Travis' son. (Uncle Buddy was my grandmother, Evalyn's twin.)

Evalyn and Elvin (Buddy)

And what is the world were Burma Shave Signs?  Burma-Shave was an American brand of brushless shaving cream, famous for its advertising gimmick of posting humorous rhyming poems on small sequential highway roadside signs. One of them was: Cheer up, face – the war is over! Burma-Shave. Small signs would be posted along the edge of highways, spaced for sequential reading by passing motorists. 

Other examples were: 

Every shaver / Now can snore / Six more minutes / Than before / By using / Burma-Shave; 

Does your husband / Misbehave / Grunt and grumble / Rant and rave / Shoot the brute some / Burma-Shave; 

Past / Schoolhouses / Take it slow / Let the little / Shavers grow / Burma-Shave; 

Slap /The Jay/ With /Iron / Scrap/ Burma-Shave; 

The last signs were in 1963 but the method of using consecutive signs to entice people continues. 

The road trip sounds like fun but a little scary.  We sure couldn't get away with that type of trip now!

Donna Evalyn Mohney

December 8, 2022

2020 Week 27: Solo: How about a "solo" name? Singleton

 Solo:

Let's see- I don't have a Singletary but I do have a Singleton.  My aunt Margaret Ethel Mohney (1/21/1933-9/6/1967) was the youngest daughter of my paternal grandparents, Valentine Edward and Margaret Annetta Book Mohney.  I have no memories of her as she died when I was only 8, but her family has been very important in my life and that of my family.  Aunt Margaret was, like my dad, born in Lowellville, Mahoning County, Ohio.  She grew up, attended school, appears to have loved animals, and I'm sure, helped care for the house and yard. 

Donald, Dorothy, Margaret

Rusty, Maggie

Willis, Margaret, Dorothy

Gladys, Margaret and Donald

Gladys, Grace, Dorothy, and
Margaret

Rusty, Willis and Margaret

The 1940 Census enumerates her family as living on Struthers-Lowellville Road in Poland, Mahoning County, Ohio: (Her brother, James is already married but living with the family at the time.

1940 United States Federal Census

Name: Margaret Mohney    Age: 7   Estimated birth year: abt 1933

Gender: Female    Race: White        Birthplace: Ohio

Marital Status: Single                    Relation to Head of House: Daughter

Home in 1940: Poland, Mahoning, Ohio

Street: Struthers Lowellville Road   Sheet Number: 14B

Attended School or College: Yes

Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 1st grade

Household Members: Name Age

Valentine E Mohney 49

Margaret A Mohney 44

Warren S Mohney 22

Gladys M Mohney 29

Wayne V Mohney 18

Eugene M Mohney 16

Grace M Mohney 15

Dorothy A Mohney 12

Willis R Mohney 10

Margaret Mohney 7

Donald Mohney 2

James B Mohney 21

Anna V Mohney 25

The 1950 Census enumeration shows the family has become much smaller with most of the children married or moved from home.  They are back in Pennsylvania living at RD #1, Enon Valley. 

1950 United States Federal Census

Enon Valley  RD1

Residence Date: 1950

Home in 1950: Little Beaver, Lawrence, Pennsylvania, USA

Household Members Age Relationship

Valentine Mohney   59 Head   Worked 48 hours as a Conductor on the Railroad

Margaret Mohney 54 Wife

Margaret E Mohney   17 Daughter   born PA

Donald Mohney   12 Son born Ohio

She graduated from Wampum High School, Wampum, Pennsylvania.   

Graduation Photo

She lived for three years in Youngstown, working at the Stambaugh Thompson Co.'s North Side store and living with a sister, probably Grace.  (She was working there when her father died as Stambaugh's sent flowers to his funeral.

Van and Margaret, with her nephews, Butch and Denny

She met and married Van Buren Singleton on 24 March 1956.  He was born 4 Mar 1930 in Gem, Braxton, West Virginia, son of Raymond and Edith (Wine) Singleton. 

Miss Mohney Plans May Rite

Engagement

Engagement Photo

   Miss Margaret E. Mohney, daughter of Mrs. Margaret A.   Mohney 119 1/2 Madison Avenue and the late V. E. Mohney   will be married to Van Buren Singleton, son of Mrs. Edith   Singleton, Gem, W. Va. and the late Raymond Singleton, at   a  family wedding at Evergreen Presbyterian Church on   May   27 a t 2:30 pm. An open reception will follow in the   church parlor.  Miss Mohney is with Stambaugh-Thompson Co. Her fiance is with General Motors, Inc. Fisher Body     Division in   Lansing, Michigan.

Van and Margaret Wedding

In 1959, they were living at 317 North Fairview Avenue Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan.  They moved to Michigan as Uncle Van was working in the Fisher Body Division of General Motors, Inc. 

They had 3 children, Diana Lynne, Mary Ellen and Darryl Rae.  

Diana, Van, Margaret, Mary Ellen and Daryl

They moved to 936 Reo Road, Lansing.    Aunt Margaret was a member of the Emanual Baptist Church. She became pregnant again in 1967 but it resulted in a tubal pregnancy.  She died on 6 September 1967 from complications of the tubal pregnancy and surgery.  

Lansing State Journal   Thursday Sept. 7, 1967    Margaret Singleton

Mrs. Margaret E. Singleton, 34, of 936 Reo Road, died in a local hospital Wednesday. 

A resident of Lansing for 11 years, she was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, Van B; a son, Daryl R, two daughters, Mary Ellen and Diana L. all at home; her mother, Margaret Mohney of New Galilee, PA.; six brothers, Warren S. Mohney, Youngstown, Ohio; James B. Mohney of Battle Creek, Wayne V. Mohney of Canfield, Ohio; Eugene M. Mohney of Waitsburg, Washington; Willis R. Mohney of Spokane, Washington, Donald E. Mohney of North Lima, Ohio; three sisters, Mrs. Gladys M. Sutherland and Mrs. Grace M Chaberd, both of Youngstown, Ohio; and Mrs. Dorothy A Cook, of New Galilee, PA. 

Services will be held in the Estes-Leadley Colonial Chapel at 8 p.m. Thursday with further services in the King Funeral Home, Youngstown.

Newspaper Unknown:   Singleton, Mrs. Margaret E.   938 Reo Road, age 34, died at a local hospital, Sept. 6, 1967. She had been a resident of Lansing for 11 years, coming here from Youngstown, Ohio, a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and graduated from Wampum High School, Wampum, Ohio. Surviving are her husband Van B., one son Daryl R., 2 daughters, Mary Ellen and Diana L., all at home; mother, Mrs. Margaret A. Mohney of New Galilee, PA 6 brothers, Warren S. Mohney, Youngstown, Ohio; James B. Mohney, Battle Creek; Wayne V. Mohney, Canfield, Ohio; Eugene M. Mohney of Waitsburg, Wash.; Willis R. Mohney, Spokane, Wash.; Donald E. Mohney, North Lima, Ohio; 3 sisters, Mrs. Gladys M. Sutherland and Mrs. Grace M. Chaberd both of Youngstown, Ohio, and Mrs. Dorothy A. Cook of New Galilee, PA.  Religious services will be conducted by Rev. Harry L. Wainscott of Immanuel Baptist Church at the Estes Leadley Colonial Church at 8 p. m. Thursday evening, further funeral services will be at the Kings Funeral Home, Youngstown, Ohio.

Youngstown Vindicator, Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio     Thursday, September 7, 1967

Mrs. Van Singleton

Mrs. Margaret Singleton, 34, of 936 Reo Road, Lansing, Mich., a former Youngstown resident, died at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Lansing Hospital of complications following surgery.

Mrs. Singleton was born Jan. 21, 1933, in Lowellville, a daughter of V.E. and Margaret A. Book Mohney.  She graduated from high school in Wampum, Pa., and lived for three years in Youngstown, working at the Stambaugh Thompson Co.'s North Side store and living with a sister. She moved to Lansing, Pa. in 1956 following her marriage to Van Singleton.

Besides her husband, she leaves three children, Diana, Mary Ellen, and Daryl, all at home; her mother, of New Galilee, Pa; three sisters, Mrs. Gladys Southerland and Mrs. Grace Chaberd, both of Youngstown, and Dorothy Cook of New Galilee; and six brothers, Warren and Wayne Mohney both of Youngstown, Donald of North Lima, James of Battle Creek, Mich., Willis of Spokane, Wash., and Eugene of Waitsburg, Wash.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the King Funeral Home, where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in New Wilmington, Pa

Funeral Booklet

Aunt Margaret was buried next to her parents in Fair Oaks Cemetery, New Wilmington, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. 

Many times when a family member dies, the rest of the family loses track of the "in-law."  We were so very lucky that Uncle Van made sure his kids stayed involved with their mom's side of the family.  He moved back to Ohio, transferring to the General Motors' Lordstown plant, where he worked until it closed and he retired. 

From 1987, Uncle Van and his children have lived in Diamond, Milton Township, Mahoning County, Ohio.

On 30 Oct 1970 Uncle Van married Sandra Rummel in Mahoning County, Ohio. They divorced 23 July 1975. 

On 16 Jul 1977, Uncle Van and Frances E Snyder are married in Portage County, Ohio.   This marriage added two more kids- Frances' daughters, Rose and Jackie, from a first marriage.  Uncle Van and Aunt Francis have been more a part of the Mohney family's lives than some of our "blood" relatives.  I have memories of them at nearly every important event in our lives:  Graduations, birthdays, cookouts, weddings, baby showers, and many more.  I still have the baby outfit that Frances crochet for my son, Shaun. And every year, the Christmas card from them is the first to arrive.  

Van and Francis Singleton with Lynda Mohney

I don't remember when but Uncle Van and Aunt Frances bought a cabin across from my dad's hunting cabin.  He had gone hunting with dad, and we had all gone up to camp together.  It was nice having them just across the driveway when we went up.  (Last year, at 90 years of age, he was crawling under that cabin as he and my dad (age 84) were replacing or repairing something- furnace?)  

Donna Evalyn Mohney

December 7, 2022

2022 Week 18 (May 3-9): Social: Ladeen Goes to Camp Meeting

 This story was sent to me by my Aunt Ladeen several years ago.

Grandmother Leavelle is Nettie Ida Godley Leavelle, my greatgrandmother. Ladeen is my mother's sister, Maryon Ladeen Lindbeck Maxwell Ezell Ring Ring. They (and many of that side of the family) were Seventh Day Adventists. Part of the social and religious facets of the SDA religion was “Camp Meeting.”

Maryon Ladeen Lindbeck

The camp meeting is a form of Protestant Christian religious service that originated in England and Scotland as an evangelical event in association with the communion season. Camp meetings offered community, often singing and other music, sometimes dancing, and diversion from work.  The Soquel SDA Campground was founded in 1879. It is now part of Yosemite National Park

Well-shaded by pine and fir trees, Soquel Campground provides primitive campsites that can accommodate small trailers and tents. The campground consists of two loops on the banks of Willow Creek with sites located along Willow Creek. Soquel Campground is located in the Highway 41 Corridor of the Bass Lake Ranger District. This area is known for the Nelder Grove of giant sequoias. And is in Madera County, California, within the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Giant Sequoia at Nelder Grove

Aunt Ladeen mentions being a “child bride.” She was married to Eugene Maxwell

Eugene Maxwell, Donald and Lynda (Lindbeck) Mohney,Ladeen (Lindbeck) Maxwell
At Don and Lynda's Wedding on June 19, 1958

"Camping Out With Grandmother"

Grandmother Leavelle announced she wanted me to take her to Camp Meeting. I had only been camping once before in my whole 17 years of life! It sounded like an adventure. I picked her up in a souped up hot rod. (I was a child bride. My husband of 8 months got drafted and was stationed in Germany.) We wrangled Grandmother's foot locker into the car. Somewhere between Fresno, CA, and the Soquel SDA Campground, we bought the groceries we would need for the week. (It actually included 2 weekends - 9 days.)

Grandmother must have been at least 67 or 68. How she slept in a tent on an army surplus folding cot, I can't imagine! My back didn't like it and I was only 17!

She was like an Army Sargent! We were up, had breakfast and off to the 1st preaching service by 6:30 AM. I soon learned the early speakers were the "cream of the crop"

Nettie Ida Godley 

Photos of Nettie Ida Godley Leavelle

GM urged me to join the mass choir. That was truly a thrilling experience. I could imagine it was almost like being in heaven and singing with the angels! It really impressed me to look out over the vast sea of faces and see how many people there were, just in that area, of like faith. (Plus, there were kids and young people meeting in other big tents. The adults were in a huge auditorium.

Grandmother bought me a book at the book sale. The title is "Lift Him Up." I still have it. I've never forgotten that Camp Meeting and the theme of the book. While by my mistakes in life, I haven't always "lifted him up," I know he forgives. He has kept calling me back to him. I am so thankful for that! I learned to love Camp Meeting. They always have classes on health, money management, marriage counseling and parenting, etc . I never miss a chance to attend Camp Meeting - if at all possible. And I am my own army Sarjent. Yes~I set my alarm and go to the early service.

Written by Ladeen Lindbeck Ring

Aunt Ladeen passed away in June of  2022, and is dearly missed. Born on 27 March 1935 in Arlington, Riverside County, California.

Donna Evalyn Mohney  

December 8, 2022

2020 Week 13 (Mar. 25-31): Nearly Forgotten

Nearly Forgotten:  Grandpa's First Wife and Son  

My grandfather, Valentine Edward Mohney, died in 1954, several years before I was born.  He and my grandmother, Margaret Annetta Book Mohney, had 10 children and my dad was the baby of the family.  I knew all of my uncles and aunts, some better than others.  Or so I thought.  

My mother and I began doing some genealogical research.  We were in Ridgeway, Elk County, PA and decided to stop at the courthouse and look for information on the Mohneys.  We were looking through marriage records and found one for Grandfather Valentine Mohney.  However, surprise, it was not the record of marriage to Grandma.  It was an earlier marriage to Clara C. Mercer.  Her brother, Banfield B, (Ben) Mercer, was married to Valentine's sister, Mary Elizabeth (Mayme) Mohney. 

Valentine Edward Mohney

Marriage License of Valentine Edward Mohney and Clara C Mercer

Valentine and Clara were married, in St. Mary's, Elk County, PA, on April 1, 1912 by E,E. McKelvey.  Clara was living with her parents in Cheerful, PA when she delivered their son, Elmer Edward Mohney on 21 September 1912.  Elmer was stillborn.  He was buried the next day at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Shippenville, PA.  

Death Certificate of Elmer Edward Mohney

Clara had uremic poisoning following the childbirth and died 23 September 1912.  She was buried on 26 September 1912, also at Pleasant Hill Cemetery

Death Certificate of Clara C. Mercer Mohney

I am assuming that she was living with her parents due to the fact that Valentine was working in the logging camps or on the railroad.  Was he able to be there for the childbirth?  Did he get to see his son? Or provide support to Clara through her short illness?  So many questions.  

The biggest question though is why didn't he tell his family about Clara and Elmer?  His children were surprised to learn that Valentine had been married to Clara, and one aunt, in particular, refused to believe it.  

 Week 14 (Apr. 1-7, 2020): Water   Our ancestors traveled by water, built towns near water, and powered machines with water. 

I never realized what a big part water played in the lives of my Western Pennsylvania ancestors until recently.  I've been trying to tighten up some loose ends and am adding background (some of it from these articles.) 

My ancestral Van Eman line: 

George Van Eman

Nicholas Van Eman m. Mary Wilson

Nicholas Van Eman II m. Catherine Riddle

Catherine Van Eman m. Adam Morrow

George Van Eman Morrow m. Margaret McConahy

Sierra Nevada Morrow m. James Preston Book

Margaret Annetta Book m. Valentine Edward Mohney

Donald Edward Mohney m. Nettie Lynda Lindbeck

Donna Evalyn Mohney

One of the first ancestors who relied upon water was Nicholas Van Eman II. 

Nicholas Vanemon II was born March 30, 1767 and died April 24, 1832.  He married Catherine Riddle on April 11, 1793.  He and his first wife left Washington County, Pa around 1800 to settle in New Castle, Lawrence County, PA.  In his father's will, Nicholas was given the land his parents lived on, " I give and bequeath unto my son Nicholas that tract of land on which I now live that at the death of his mother, he shall enjoy the same to his own proper use and benefit together with 10 half johannas to pay the consideration money for deed and land "

He bought 100 acres of land and rebuilt the old John Elliot gristmill.  The land was located on the west bank of the Neshannock River in New Castle (about the present North Street.).   Elliot, in the "insturment of Writting" (i.e. Deed) states that: 

"Whereas I, William Elliott, now of Mercer County in Pennsylvania, did in the last of Spring or first part of the summer in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred Verbally sell to Nicholas Vaniman a lot of Ground situate on the Shenango River (or Creek) and bounded on said River or Creek to the Westward, Newcastle Town on the East and was & is adjoining Cornelius Hendrickson on the Lower side and the same year (to wit) the twenty first day of July in the said year One thousand eight hundred I the said William Elliott made & signed an Instrument of Wrighting which was intended by me to Operate as a legal conveyance of all my right in the Law and in Equity of in and to said Lot for the use benefit and Interest of said Nicholas Vanemon His heirs & assigns and said Nicholas Vaneman since he has the right to said Lot has sold & transferred by an Instrument in Writing the Right to said Lot of Ground together with all rights and Advantages appertaining thereto to Thomas Holidy."  This deed wasn't filed legally until 5 November 1810. and probably was only for a small lot if it only sold for 17 dollars.

A tragic incident is connected with Vaneman's misfortune that is worth preserving. The miller whom Vaneman employed to run his mill, a man named Crane, was naturally a little anxious about the property.  Being on the ground on the day when the great ice flood came tumbling and rolling down the creek, he was standing near the old-fashioned tub wheel, and peering into the mill to see what damage had been done, when a sudden rush of ice made everything crack around him. Eagerly bending forward and pointing with his finger toward the impending wreck, he exclaimed, "The old mill is all gone to h__l!"  In his excitement he lost his balance and fell into the wheel, which was in rapid motion, and was killed. His body was soon after recovered and laid out in one corner of the the mill, which after all the apparent danger, was only injured to a small extent.  After his remains were laid out, a watch-dog was placed inside as a guard, the mill was locked and the corpse left until the next morning. 

It is said that Vaneman would on no account consent to have the dead body in his dwelling, which is why it was left in the mill.  Vaneman was a member of the Presbyterian Church and perhaps he objected to Crane's use of profane words. Crane had no relations to bury his body or take charge of his property Crane, it appears, had no relatives, at least not in this portion of the country, and so all that he possessed was buried with him. This consisted of the clothes he wore, a pocket knife, a pipe and tobacco, and a few pieces of silver amounting to between one and two dollars. His remains were placed in a rough box of oaken boards, and buried on the summit of Shaw's hill. There was no burial ground at the spot chosen, but as the only burial place was on the west side of the Shenango, and unapproachable by reason of the flood (there being then no bridges over the stream), his remains were interred in the most suitable place they could find, under the circumstances. The place has no stone to mark it and the locality is known to very few persons. This incident occurred, probably, in 1807.   Seth Rigby who lived more than seventy years sough of town was of the opinion that Crane's body had been exhumed later by some youths who were desirous of obtaining the money buried with him.

Nicholas Vaneman left New Castle in 1808 or 1809, selling the mill, water-power, and land to James Gillespie. He moved to Wayne Township about 1808/9 (near Chewton), where he  put up a new mill on Mill Run or Big Run   Nicholas Vaneman of Mercer County purchased 400 acres of land from Thomas Beard of Beaver County on Sept. 24, 1805 for $700.

The property was on the east side of Big Beaver "creek", about one mile above the mouth of the Connoquenessin' Creek, adjoining the lands of Moses McCullum, James McCrearer, and Thomas Beard.

The mills were frame, and  the grist-mill had one run of "Country Stone".   His wheel was 18 feet in diameter and "overshot'.  He evidently didn't plan well, for moving down the stream further, he could have had a fall of 30 or 40 feet.  He operated the mill until one of his sons took over.  It did a fair "corn cracking business", but was never a very good mill.  The land was "Academy Land" and was originally settled by Lewis Kirkendall.  (Academy Lands were 5000 acres granted to the trustees of Washington Academy in 1787, the sale of which was to become part of the funding of Washington and Jefferson College.)  

A pair of "Laurel Hill Stones" with just enough machinery to set them in motion was all there was to it. At first there was nothing to grind but corn, and no bolting cloth was necessary. The only sieve in town, or within several miles,  was one Jesse DuShane had made of a deerskin, and perforated with a hot iron. This was frequently borrowed and often went the rounds of the neighborhood, sometimes going several miles away. Soon the settlers began to raise wheat, and Mr. Vaneman introduced a rude belt. It was operated by a turning a crank by hand. The miller carried the grist up a pair of stairs and put it into a hopper from which it ran to the bolt below, and thus became flour and bran in the process."

The North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania Tax List in 1815 shows Nicholas with 300 acres 1 horse  2 cows 1 grist mill 1 saw mill  post of Proffit.

Tax records of 1827 show that he owned 310 acres of land, 2 horses, 3 cows, a gristmill, and a sawmill. 

About 1809, his wife Catherine passed away.  He and Catherine had 8 children.  He married 2nd. Margaret Catherine Lusk and had 8 more children.

A couple of other ancestors also made use of the water in supporting their families. 

But I'll save them for later!

Donna E. Mohney