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Rosco Charles Mountz

Male 1886 - 1954  (~ 68 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Rosco Charles Mountz was born in Dec 1886 in Illinois (son of Dr. Albert Gallatin Mountz and Nancy Lillian Breckenridge); died on 25 Dec 1954 in Detroit, Wayne Co, Michigan.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 1920, St. Louis, Missouri
    • Residence: 1935, Laurens Co, Illinois
    • Census: 1940, Detroit, Wayne Co, Michigan

    Notes:

    1900 census, Petty Twp, Lawrence Co, Illinois
    1920 census St. Louis, St Louis Co, Missouri

    Census:
    Roscar C Mountz 31 1889 Illinois West Virginia Illinois
    Rosa Mountz 26 Illinois Illinois Illinois
    Myrin B Mountz 6
    Forest R Mountz 5 [5 1/12]
    Charlene M Mountz 2 [2 11/12]


    Census:
    Name: Roscoe C Mountz
    Respondent: Yes
    Age: 53
    Estimated Birth Year: abt 1887
    Gender: Male
    Race: White
    Birthplace: Illinois
    Marital Status: Widowed
    Relation to Head of House: Head
    Home in 1940: Detroit, Wayne, Michigan
    Map of Home in 1940: View map
    Street: Watson
    Farm: No
    Inferred Residence in 1935: Rural, Laurens, Illinois
    Residence in 1935: Rural, Laurens, Illinois
    Resident on farm in 1935: No
    Sheet Number: 13B
    Number of Household in Order of Visitation: 27
    Occupation: Maintenance
    House Owned or Rented: Rented
    Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: 36
    Attended School or College: No
    Highest Grade Completed: College, 1st year
    Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 48
    Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker in private work
    Weeks Worked in 1939: 48
    Income: 1000
    Income Other Sources: No
    Neighbors: View others on page
    Household Members: Name Age
    Roscoe C Mountz 53
    Mynon Mountz 26
    Fonest Mountz 24

    Rosco married Nora "Rosa" Stoltz in 1907 in Cauncey, Lawrence Co, Illinois. Nora was born on 3 Mar 1893 in Clairmont, Richland Co, Illinois; died on 12 Apr 1923 in Cauncey, Lawrence Co, Illinois; was buried in Chauncey Cem, Chauncey, Lawrence Co, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. Myron B Mountz was born on 19 Apr 1913 in Illinois; died on 12 Dec 1990 in Detroit, Wayne Co, Michigan.
    2. Forrest R. Mountz was born on 4 Dec 1915 in Illinois; died in Mar 1978 in Maryville, Nodaway Co, Missouri.
    3. Charlene M Mountz was born in 1917 in Illinois; died after 1930.
    4. Marjorie Mountz

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Dr. Albert Gallatin Mountz was born on 09 Nov 1849 in Maryland (son of John Whorley Mountz and Sophia S. Elvina Pugh); died on 21 Feb 1929 in Petty Twp, Lawrence Co, Illinois.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 1850, Allegany Co (District 7), Maryland
    • Census: 1870, Wheeling, Ward 6, Ohio Co, West Virginia
    • Census: 04 Jun 1900, Petty Twp, Lawrence Co, Illinois
    • Census: 1920, Petty Twp, Lawrence Co, Illinois
    • Research Notes: 01 Dec 2010, Sangamon, Christian Co, Illinois; relatives

    Notes:

    1900 census Petty Twp. Lawrence Co, IL; occupation: doctor


    Birth:
    some records have his b.d. as 1851 however, he is listed as 1 yr old in 1850 census.

    Census:
    Jno W Mountz 46 1804 Maryland physician 400
    Sophia Mountz 35 1815
    John D Mountz 21 1829
    Mary C Mountz 20 1830
    Maria Mountz 17 1833
    Clarissa Mountz 16 1834
    Lavinia Mountz 14 1836
    Geo W Mountz 13 1837
    Albert Mountz 1 1849


    Census:
    Anna Caldwell 29 1841 Maryland
    Mary Pugh 21 1849 Maryland
    Ida Mercer 15 1855 Maryand
    Albert Mountz 19 Maryland dentist


    Census:
    Mountz Albert G. 1851 48 m 18 yrs (1882) MD VA MD
    Lillian wife Jul 1865 IL KY IL
    Roscoe son Dec 1886 13 IL
    Verlie dau Oct 1887 12 IL
    Wilma dau Mar 1893 7 IL
    Lotta dau Apr 1896 4 IL
    Julia Aug 1898 1 IL

    Census:
    Albert Mountz 65 1855 Maryland Maryland Maryland Doctor
    Lillian Mountz 55 1865 IL KY IL


    Research Notes:
    Albert Mountz clearly came from Maryland and then to Virginia before reaching Illinois. There is a Mountz family also in Sangamon from Pennsylvania. Relationship, if any, is not determined.
    From census records looks like probably two brothers

    1 John G. Mountz 1833 PA PA PA (retail confections)
    census 1880 Williamsville Twp 3 Jun
    - Marigold Mountz 1861 IL KY KY
    2 Leslie 1871 PA PA PA
    Census 1900, 1910, 1920 Williamsville, Sangamon
    3 Nellie J. Mountz 1872 IL MO OH (m 1897)
    3 Homer Mountz 1900 IL PA IL
    census 1930 Springfield
    - Marie 1902 IL
    4 Robert 1924 IL
    4 Dorothy Jane 1928 IL
    3 Hascal Mountz 1903 IL PA IL
    census 1930 Springfield
    - Olive 1904 Indiana Indiana Indiana
    4 Cliffordine Mountz 1926 IL
    4 Norman Mountz 1927 IL
    3 Eugene Mountz 1906 IL PA IL
    3 Gwendolyn Mountz 1911 IL PA IL
    2 John J. Mountz 1878 IL

    1 Jacob P Mountz 45 1835 VA PA PA
    census 1880 3 Jun & 4 Jun 1900 Williamsville, Sangamon Co. Illinois
    - Ellen Mountz 32 1848 PA VA PA
    2 Walter J. Mountz 1869 PA VA PA
    census 1910 Apr 18 Williamsville, Sangamon
    - Lena Mountz 1879 IL Germ OH
    3 Paul Mountz 4 1906 IL
    3 George Mountz 11/23 May 1909 IL
    2 George J. Mountz 12 1868 PA VA PA
    2 Theophilus J. Mountz 10 1870 PA VA PA
    2 Mary E. (Minnie)Mountz 7 1873 PA VA PA
    2 Annie Grace Mountz 4 1876 PA VA PA
    2 Laura E. Mountz 2 1878 PA VA PA
    2 Lillian Mountz 1 1879 PA VA PA


    above outline taken from these census records:
    1930 Apr 14 South Loraine Avenue Springfield
    Homer D. Mountz 39 (married at age 23) IL
    Marie 28 IL
    Robert E.6 IL
    Dorothy Jane 2 IL

    1930 Springfield
    Hascal Mountz 27 1903 m 21 IL IL IL m age 21
    Olive Mountz 26 1904 1Indiana Indiana Indiana
    Cliffordine Mountz 4 IL 1926
    Norman Mountz 3 IL 1927

    1920 Williamsville Twp, Sangamon Co, 10 Feb 1920
    Leslie J Mountz 48 [49] 1872 PA unk (US) unk (US)
    Nellie Mountz 48 IL MO OH
    Homer Mountz 20 IL PA IL
    Hascal Mountz 17 IL PA IL
    Eugene Mountz 14 [4] IL PA IL 1906
    Gwendolyn Mountz 9 [8] IL PA IL

    21 Jun 1900 Williamsville, Sangamon
    Leis J Mountz 29 Jan 1871 m 3 yrs PA PA PA
    Nellie J Mountz 29 1871 IL OH OH
    Homer D Mountz 1 IL 1900

    1910 Williamsville Sangamon
    Leslie J Mountz 40 1870
    Nellie Mountz 38 1872
    Homer Mountz 10 1900
    Haskell Mountz 7 1903
    Eugene Mountz 4 1906



    1880 Williamsville Twp 3 Jun <<
    John G. Mountz 47 1833 retail confections PA PA PA
    Marigold Mountz 19 1861 IL KY KY
    John J. Mountz 2 1878 IL


    1880 3 Jun Williamsville
    Jacob P. Mountz 45 1835 VA PA PA carriage maker
    Ellen Mountz 32 1848 PA VA PA
    Walter J. Mountz 12 1868 PA VA PA
    George J. Mountz 12 1868 PA VA PA
    Theophilus J. Mountz 10 1870 PA VA PA
    Mary E. Mountz 7 1873 PA VA PA
    Annie G. Mountz 4 1876 PA VA PA
    Laura E. Mountz 2 1878 PA VA PA
    Lillian Mountz 1 1879 PA VA PA


    4 Jun 1900 Williamsville, Sangamon IL
    Jacob P Mountz 65 1835
    Ellen Mountz 52 1848
    Walter J Mountz 32 1868
    Minnie Mountz 27 1873
    Grace Mountz 24 1876
    Lilli Mountz 21 1879

    18 Apr 1910 Williamsville, Sangamon
    Walter J Mountz 41 [42] 1868 PA PA PA
    Lena Mountz 31 IL Germany OH
    Paul Mountz 4
    George Mountz 11/12 [0]


    5 Jun 1900 Stonington Christian Co.
    S.S. Mountz 52 1848 PA
    Jennie Mountz 39 1861 Ohio
    John J. 1 IL 1899

    Albert married Nancy Lillian Breckenridge on 25 May 1885 in Christian Co, Illinois. Nancy (daughter of Alexander Breckenridge and Martha Harriet Barnhill) was born on 12 Jul 1864 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 26 Jul 1932 in Sumner, Lawrence Co, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Nancy Lillian Breckenridge was born on 12 Jul 1864 in Sangamon Co, Illinois (daughter of Alexander Breckenridge and Martha Harriet Barnhill); died on 26 Jul 1932 in Sumner, Lawrence Co, Illinois.

    Notes:

    Married A.G. Mountz, widower of her sister Elizabeth. They were living in Chauncy, Illinois in 1904.

    Event: 1920 Census 1920 IL, Lawrence Co, Petty Township 3
    Event: 1910 Census 1910 IL, Lawrence Co, Petty Township 4
    Event: 1900 Census 1900 IL, Lawrence Co, Petty Township 5
    Event: 1880 Census 1880 IL, Sangamon Co, Cooper Township 6
    Event: 1870 Census 1870 IL, Sangamon Co, Cooper Township 7

    Notes:

    Married:
    Name: Albert G. Mountz
    Gender: Male
    Spouse Name: Lillian Breckinridge
    Marriage Date: May 25, 1885
    Marriage County: Christian
    Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film # 0987611.


    Name: Albert G. Mountz
    Gender: Male
    Spouse Name: Lillian Breckinridge
    Marriage Date: May 25, 1885
    Marriage County: Christian
    Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film # 0987611.

    Children:
    1. 1. Rosco Charles Mountz was born in Dec 1886 in Illinois; died on 25 Dec 1954 in Detroit, Wayne Co, Michigan.
    2. Verlie Mountz was born in Oct 1887 in Illinois; died after 1919.
    3. Wilma Mountz was born in Mar 1893 in Illinois; died after 1921.
    4. Charlotte Mountz was born in Apr 1896 in Illinois; died on 17 Apr 1970 in Lawrenceville, Lawrence Co, Illinois.
    5. Zula Mountz was born in Aug 1898; died on 16 Mar 1938 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  John Whorley Mountz was born in 1804 in Maryland; died on 05 Apr 1855 in Allegany Co, Maryland.

    John married Sophia S. Elvina Pugh on 11 Nov 1848 in Allegany Co, Maryland. Sophia was born in 1815 in Maryland; died after 1850. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Sophia S. Elvina Pugh was born in 1815 in Maryland; died after 1850.

    Notes:

    Married:
    Name: John Mountz
    Gender: Male
    Marriage Date: 11 Nov 1848
    Spouse: Sophia S. Pugh
    Spouse gender: Male
    State: Maryland
    County: Allegany


    Name: John Mountz
    Gender: Male
    Marriage Date: 11 Nov 1848
    Spouse: Sophia S. Pugh
    Spouse gender: Male
    State: Maryland
    County: Allegany

    Children:
    1. 2. Dr. Albert Gallatin Mountz was born on 09 Nov 1849 in Maryland; died on 21 Feb 1929 in Petty Twp, Lawrence Co, Illinois.

  3. 6.  Alexander BreckenridgeAlexander Breckenridge was born on 31 Oct 1828 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky (son of Preston* Breckenridge, Sr and Catharine* Moler); died on 26 Jul 1919 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 01 Aug 1860, Sangamon Co (District 16), Illinois
    • Census: 26 Jul 1870, Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 08 Jun 1880, Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 11 Jun 1900, Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 28 Apr 1910, Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois

    Notes:

    Residence: Living with his parents in 1850.
    Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois, 1860 - shows Alex, M.H., Catherine, Alice, P.H.
    1880 census of Cooper, Sangamon Co, Illinois - shows Alex, Martha, Harden, Lillian, Charles, Robert.
    Cooper Township, Sangamon Co, Illinois, 1900

    Marriage performed by R.C. Guthier, M.G. . (Their marriage record found in Book 3 1851-1855 DAR V25d p 25; license # 557; 18 May 1852)
    Alexander and Martha had a total of eight children, two of whom died in infancy.

    death record:
    BRECKENRIDGE ALEXANDER
    M/W UNK Cert # 0024349
    death date 1919-07-26 SANGAMON SPRINGFIELD
    date filed: 19-07-27

    Census:
    Breckenridge Alex 30 1830 Kentucky
    M.H. 25 (wife) 1834 IL
    Catherine 6 1854 IL
    Alice 4 1856
    T.H. (female) 5/12 (Mar 1860)



    Census:
    110
    Brackenridge C 31 1831 farmer 5200 900 KY
    Elizabeth 32 1838 IL
    Flora 12
    Willie 6
    John 4

    111
    Brackenridge, Alex 42 1828 farmer 5000 2000 Kentucky
    Martha 37 1833 Illinois
    Elizabeth 16 1854
    Alice 14 1856
    Hardin 10 1860
    Lillian 8 1862
    Charley 8 1862
    Robert 3 1867
    Martha 2/12 1870 (May)

    Census:
    residence 130
    Alex Breckenridge 1828 KY KY KY
    Martha Breckenridge 1833 47 yrs IL KY KY
    Harden 20 1860 laborer IL
    Lillian 17 1853 IL
    Charles 15 1855 IL
    Robert 12 1858 IL

    residence 127
    Breckenridge C 49 1831 farmer KY VA VA
    Elizabeth 49 1831 IL KY KY
    William 16 1864 IL
    George 8 1872 IL

    p 278B

    Breckenridge men are brothers
    wives are sisters.


    Census:
    Breckenridge, Cornelius Mar 1831 69 m 45 yrs, KY KY KY
    Elizabeth May 1839 61 5 children, 3 living, IL NH KY
    Mounty Bancroft Feb 1879 21 (laborer) IL WV IL
    (John and Mary deceased by 1900)

    two residences away: brother Alexander and wives were sisters
    Breckenridge, Alexander Oct 1828, 71 m 48 yrs KY KY KY
    Martha H. wife Aug 1833 66 m 48 9 children, 4 living IL PA KY
    Fay cousin male Jun 1889 10 IL IL MO
    May grand-dau Sep 1891 8 IL IL MO

    Census:
    144 Hege John 51 1859 PA PA PA m 26 yrs. farmer general farm
    Annie B. wife 41 1869 PA PA PA 3 births, 3 liv
    Ella E. dau 18 1892 PA PA PA
    Myrtle dau 15 1895 PA PA PA
    Fred L. son 12 1898 PA PA PA
    Breckenridge, Cornelius boarder 78 1832 KY KY KY own income

    146 Mountz Goldie head female 25 1885 wid IL OH IL general farm
    Thrall son 5 1905 IL IL IL
    Kenneth B. 1 10/12 1909 IL IL IL
    Breckenridge, Alexander grandfather, grandpa 81 1829 widowed KY KY KY own income

    Alexander married Martha Harriet Barnhill on 25 May 1852 in Sangamon Co, Illinois. Martha (daughter of Felix* Harder (Hardin) Barnhill and Elizabeth* McClain) was born on 19 Aug 1833 in Kentucky or Wayne Co, Illinois; died on 18 May 1904 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  Martha Harriet Barnhill was born on 19 Aug 1833 in Kentucky or Wayne Co, Illinois (daughter of Felix* Harder (Hardin) Barnhill and Elizabeth* McClain); died on 18 May 1904 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 8 Jun 1880, Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 11 Jun 1900, Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois

    Notes:

    1860 Sangamon Co, Census - Precinct 16
    1870, 1880, 1890 Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co.

    Census:
    residence 130
    Alex Breckenridge 1828 KY KY KY
    Martha Breckenridge 1833 47 yrs IL KY KY
    Harden 20 1860 laborer IL
    Lillian 17 1853 IL
    Charles 15 1855 IL
    Robert 12 1858 IL

    residence 127
    Breckenridge C 49 1831 farmer KY VA VA
    Elizabeth 49 1831 IL KY KY
    William 16 1864 IL
    George 8 1872 IL

    p 278B

    Breckenridge men are brothers
    wives are sisters.


    Census:
    Breckenridge, Alexander head
    Martha H wife Aug 1833 66 m 48 yrs. 9 children 4 living
    IL PA KY

    Fay Jun 1889 Male (can't read relationship) 10
    May grand-dau Sep 1891 8

    two doors from
    Cornelius Breckenridge May 1831 69 KY KY KY
    Elizabeth May 1839 61 m 45 5 children 3 liv, IL NH KY
    Mounty Bancroft

    Children:
    1. (child) Breckenridge was born in 1853 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died in 1853 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    2. Elizabeth Catherine Breckenridge was born on 28 Mar 1854 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 15 May 1883 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    3. Felix Harder Breckenridge was born on 17 Apr 1887 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois; died in Oct 1970 in Granite City, Madison Co, Illinois.
    4. 3. Nancy Lillian Breckenridge was born on 12 Jul 1864 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 26 Jul 1932 in Sumner, Lawrence Co, Illinois.
    5. Charles Alexander Breckenridge was born on 1 Mar 1865 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died in 1932 in Granite City, Madison Co, Illinois.
    6. Robert Carroll "Bob" Breckenridge was born on 1 Nov 1867 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 7 Jul 1956 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Edinburg Cem, Edinburg, Christian Co, Illinois.
    7. Martha Breckenridge was born on 22 Apr 1870 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 3 Jul 1872 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    8. (child) Breckenridge was born in 1871 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 02 Mar 1871 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.


Generation: 4

  1. 12.  Preston* Breckenridge, SrPreston* Breckenridge, Sr was born on 5 Aug 1807 in Paris, Bourbon Co, Kentucky (son of Capt Alexander* Breckenridge, Sr and Mary* "Polly" Chadd, (of Maryland family) ); died on 25 Jul 1880 in Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried on 25 Jul 1880 in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 1830, Nicholas Co, Kentucky
    • Census: 1840, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 27 Nov 1850, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 31 Jul 1860, Sangamon Co (District 16), Illinois
    • Possessions: 1864, Cotton Hill, (District 8), Sangamon Co, Illinois; Tax assmt list
    • Will: 25 Jul 1880, Sangamon Co, Illinois; probate

    Notes:

    His father was 65 years old when he was born.
    Residence: Carlisle, Nicholas Co, Kentucky, 1827, 1830, 1840
    Sangamon County, Illinois, 1834-1847 - farm settled by him, in the northeast corner of Cotton Hill Township, 3 1/2 miles west of Breckenridge.
    Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illlinois 1850-1860
    1850 Sangamon Co., IL P. 504/282 Dwelling 2169 Family 2169
    Enumerated 27 Nov 1850 by Inv. E. Aderson
    Breckenridge, Preston M 42 b KY Farmer $5000
    , Lucy F 35 b IN
    , Alex M 22 b IL
    , Hugh M 20 b IL
    , Cornelius M 19 b IL Attended School
    , Joseph M 18 b IL Attended School
    , Elmore M 16 b IL A. S.
    , Theophilus M 14 b IL A. S. (Cleophas)
    , Catherine F 13 b IL A. S.
    , Elizabeth F 10 b IL A. S.
    , Mary F 10 b il A. S.
    , Preston M 8 b IL A. S.
    , Jane F 6 b IL A. S.

    1860 Census of Springfield, Sangamon, shows Preston, Preston, Mary, Elizabeth, Jane, David, Lucy, Elma (25 m) and Elma's wife Susanna and their daughter Leonor. Also with them are: William Tourrence, 12/m; Margaret Tourrence 16/f, and Eliza Tourrence 13/f.

    Preston was living with son Cleophas and family in Sangamon Co, Illinois 1870-1880
    1870: Village of Breckenridge, named in honor of Hon. Preston Breckenridge, its village plat being recorded in May 1870, being described as the "north half of the northeast quarter of Section Five, township fourteen, range three." A post office was established shortly after the village was laid out, Alexander Breckenridge being the first postmaster.

    Source: (Jerry Donly Papers; family group sheets on Preston Breckenridge and his children; "A History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois." received from yoko@pclink.com - Roger Carroll Breckenridge.)

    BRECKENRIDGE, PRESTON,
    son of
    Alexander and 2nd Mary Chadd Breckenridge
    was born Aug. 5, 1807, near Paris, Bourbon county, Ky. The name of Breckenridge originated in a singular manner. In one of the wars in Scotland between the Protestants and Roman Catholics, a family by the name of McIlvain participated on the side of the Protestants, who were defeated. Some of the McIlvain brothers saved their lives by taking refuge under a low shrub, called brack, which grows on the ridges in the Highlands of Scotland. This circumstance so impressed them, that they determined to give themselves a new name, hence Brack-on-ridge. As Protestants, the Breckenridges took part in some of the wars in Ireland at a later period, in which the great, great grandfather of Preston was a leader. The Protestants being again defeated, two of the Breckenridge brothers fled to America. One of them settled in Pennsylvania, and the other in Virginia. Their first names are not preserved, but the descendants of the one who settled in Pennsylvania have retained the original spelling: Brackenridge. The brother who settled in Virginia raised a family, among whom was one son Alexander, who had a son Robert, who had a son John, who had two sons, Robert Jefferson, known as the late Rev. R. J. Breckinridge, D. D., of Kentucky, and Joseph Cabell, the latter whom was the father of John C. Breckinridge, ex-Vice-President of the United States. The first Alexander also had a son George, who had a son Alexander. He was twice married, and the eldest child by the second wife was Preston, whose name heads this sketch.

    Preston Breckenridge married Catherine Moler in her home in Nicholas Co. Ky., Nov. 17, 1827. She was born in that county Aug. 30, 1804. They had four children born in Kentucky, and the family moved to Sangamon county, Ill., arriving Oct. 1834, in what is now Cotton Hill township, east of Sangamon river, where eight children were born, one of whom died in infancy.

    The Breckenridges purchased approximately 300 acres of land in section 1, Cotton Hill Township, which had been owned originally by Joseph and Lydia Moore, for $2,000.00 in cash. The deed was recorded on December 19, 1834.

    They erected a log cabin between the present Russell Simpson home and Leslie Simpson home. From a model made by Cleophas Breckenridge in 1888, which is in the Russell Simpson home, it appears to have started as one log cabin to which anothers attached, doubling its size; later a bevel siding addition was made across the front with a recessed porch on one side. This bevel siding is also from the first floor level up with a window indicating this area was used, and a wood shingle roof. There are three chimneys, four doors, two front and two back, and eight windows. It is a little over half again as wide as it is deep, according to the model, but the actual dimensions are unknown.

    Preston Breckenridge remembers that the fall of 1834, when he came to the county, was dry, and continued dry through the winter; that May 12, 1835, a great rain storm set in, and rain continued to fall for about forty days and nights, which seriously interfered with plowing and planting that but very light crops were put in. When the rain ceased, and hot weather set in, the stagnant water and decaying vegetation poisoned the atmosphere, and chills and bilious diseases prevailed to such an extent that in many case there were not enough well persons to take care of the sick and bury the dead. that year has ever since been spoken of as the wet and sickly summer and fall.

    The wheat crop looked well in the fall of '34, but it nearly all froze out, and in 1835, '6 and '7, the wheat crop was a total failure, and wheat bread was so scarce that a biscuit became an object of interest, so much that women would senm to the children when visiting took place between the families.
    The difficulty of obtaining food during the winter of 1835 and '6 was very great, there being nothing for bread in Central Illinois except for frost-bitten corn. Good crops were raised in the southern part of the State, and those who couy for it went there for corn. That is believed to have been the origin of calling the southern part of the State Egypt, and not because of any unusual darkness prevailing there."

    Source: [History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois, "Centennial Record," by John Carroll Power, Springfield, Illinois: Edwin A. Wilson and Co., 1876
    pages 136 - 138.]

    While primarily a farmer, Preston Breckenridge also erected a carding machine and the first water mill on the South Fork of the Sangamon River at Cascade; it was known as Breckenridge Mill, later as Torrence's Mill. He could look at a tree and correctly estimate the board feet of lumber in it. It was from this mill that the oak timbers came for construction of the South Fork Church of Christ in 1852, timbers which are in the original building still in use today. Preston is also recorded as being at a revival meeting in Robert Bell's barn in 1851.

    The weather was an important matter to the early settlers as most were farmers. 'The Sudden Change' occuring in 1836 was recalled by many in the 'History of the Early Settlers of Sangamon County, Illinois' in 1876.

    "Mr. Preston Breckenridge expressed the opinion that the velocity of the cold wave, given in another part of this sketch, is too slow. He thinks it must have moved at least seventy miles an hour, judging from his present knowledge of the subject. He had just taken his dinner, and was sitting near a window, between one and two o'clock in the afternoon, in view of a pool of water, ten or twelve inches deep. He heard a terrific roaring sound. Suddenly the rain ceased and it became quite dark. The first touch of the blast scooped all the water out of the pool. Some pf it returned, but in a moment it was blown out again, and scattered as frost and ice, leaving the pool empty and the bottom frozen dry. He says it had been raining slowly all the fore part of the day, and so warm that he thinks a thermometer would have stood as high as forty degrees above zero, possibly higher, and that the first touch of the tempest would have brought it down to zero in a second of time." (from Powers' History, cited above)

    .....In all, the couple had twelve children, one daughter who died in infancy and is buried with her mother on February 4, 1847, in the family cemetery on the original homeplace. One would suspect that both died at the time of childbirth. They rest in an above ground vault which is unusual for this part of the country. It was Catharine's death which is believed to have caused the start of the plot.

    In the early 1900's, her son, Cleophas Breckenridge, recalled the time that followed. "When I was a boy," said Breckenridge, "about ten years of age, in the summer of 1846 or 1847, I lived with my father upon the same farm which I now own in Cotton Hill Township in this county. We were very poor. My father was above the average in intelligence, but he had a large family, and was in debt, so that while we had enough to eat, we lived very plainly. My mother had died a short time before I was ten years old, and my father in those days was doing the best he could to be father and mother both to us children." (In the same book, neighbor Moses Martin recalls a temperance meeting at the newly built South Fork School House in 1847): "Mr. Lincoln asked if anyone had anything to say for or against the movement, and Mr. Preston Breckenridge rose up and spoke of the importance of parents taking an interest in the matter. The wife of the said Breckenridge had recently died, and he pointed to his motherless children and spoke of his anxiety for them, and as he spoke, the tears ran down his face. Afterward at various times and places the said Preston Breckenridge held Washingtonian meetings and I went with him and acted as secretary and helped enroll the signers of the pledge." (above quotes from 'The Lincoln Legion', by Louis Albert Banks. New York, New York: The Mershon Company, 1903).


    Preston Breckenridge was one of the representatives of Sangamon county in the State Legislature of 1851 and '2. Abraham Lincoln was a candidate before the convention, but Mr. B. beat him. Mr. B. was a member of the Sangamon county Board of Supervisors for 1873.

    In 1851 and 1852 Preston Breckenridge served as a Representative of Sangamon County in the Illinois State Legislature. He claimed to have beaten Abraham Lincoln for the nomination of the Whig Party for that post. His son, Cleophas, recalled that Lincoln attended to his father's legal business on numerous occasions. Preston added to the farm: forty acres in 1858 and 161 more acres in 1866. He also served on the Sangamon County Board of Supervisors in 1873. The village of Breckenridge was named in his honor, its plat being recorded in 1870, and in the 1970's, a street in Springfield bore his name too. He continued to farm and saw four sons enter the Civil War on the side of the North. Hugh, Joseph, and Preston Jr. enlisted in Company B, 10th Illinois Cavalry, and Joseph and Preston Jr. lost their lives. Cleophas enlisted in Company D, 33rd Illinois Infantry, and though wounded, recovered.

    Preston died July 26, 1880, and his remains are in Breckenridge Cemetery on the land he settled in 1834 and on which his great-grandson, Preston Russell Simpson, resides. Unwilling to divide his debt-ridden acres into many small parcels for each of his living children, as he feared all would fail, he willed his land, and debts, to his sixth son, Cleophas. Some feathers must have been ruffled according to this letter addressed to Mrs. W. Camlage (Cleophas' sister), in Pawnee County, Larned, Kansas dated Oct. 5, 1881.

    "Mrs. Camlage,
    If yo want to brake your Pa will, you will haft to do it be-fore July no-ets. He was wirth $27550.00. He owed $14000.00. And you sea how much Cleopas is worth. If you want to consult about it you must not get a Springfield Lawyer.
    Yours Truly, Cod"

    We do not know who "Cod" was, but apparently nothing came of it as the Notice of Final Settlement was published in the "Morning Monitor" in early 1883.


    _______________
    After Catherine died he remarried LUCY ROBB on 29 March 1849 in Sangamon Co, Illinois. Lucy was born 19 July 1816 in Acworth, New Hampshire, daughter of David Robb and Diane Farr. They lived in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. In, the Robbs and their six children had settled two miles south of the village of Breckenridge. Lucy died 18 Nov 1854 at the age of 38, also to be buried in the family cemetery. Preston was now left with thirteen living children to raise.


    Their children were:
    1. David "Daniel" Breckenridge, born December 28, 1850 Sangamon Co, Illinois and died after 1900 in Indiana. In 1860 and 1870 he was living with father. At some point before marriage resided near Cedar Hill, Dallas Co, Texas.
    He married Margaret (maiden name unknown). She was born in July 1859 in Utah. Where they were married is not known, but they were living in Indiana when they died.

    2. Lucy D. Breckenridge, born August 13, 1854 in Sangamon Co, Illinois. She married William H. Hunter on 13 October 1874. William Hunter was born December 10, 1848 in Muskingum Co, Ohio. William's grandfather, Charles Hunter, was born and married in Scotland; came to America, and settled in Muskingum Co, Ohio. His eldest son, William, was the father of William H. Hunter, the latter of whom, with his wife, reside in Cotton Hill Township.
    Their children were:
    i. Allen Hunter, who was born 7 Oct 1872 and died 9 Oct 1873, age of 1 year, 2 months.
    ii. William Hunter who was born 3 Dec 1875 died 24 July 1876, age 8 mos, 15 days
    The children were buried at Breckenridge Cemetery in Cotton Hill.

    COURT RECORDS:
    Thursday July 29, 1880
    Estate of Preston Breckenridge, Deceased:
    Cleophas Breckenridge this day filed in Court an affidavit of decease of Preston Breckenridge which is examined by the Court and ordered to be filed and recorded and is as follows to wit:
    State of Illinois
    Sangamon County
    Cleophas Breckenridge being duly sworn deposes and says that Preston Breckenridge late of the County of Sangamon and State of Illinois is dead and that he died on or about the 25th day of July A.D. 1880 after having made and published his ill and testament and that his personal estate will probably amount to the sum of $2000, that said Preston Breckenridge left at the time of his decease no widow and Alexander Breckenridge, Hugh Breckenridge, Cornelius Breckenridge, Elmore Breckenridge, Cleophas Breckenridge, Catherine Randolph, Mary Richton, Elizabeth Abell, Jane Gamage and David Breckenridge, Lucy H

    Friday August 24, 1880:
    Estate of Preston Breckenridge, deceased.
    And now at this day comes Cleophas Breckenridge, Executor of the Estate of Preston Breckenridge, deceased, and presents to the Court an Inventory of said Estate and the appraisement Bill which are examined by the Court approved and ordered toe filed and recorded.

    OBIT:
    Copy of the Obituary of Preston Breckenridge from the Sangamon Monitor

    Gone to Rest, Preston Breckenridge, Born Aug 5 1807; Died Sun July 25, 1880

    Life's toils being or'r he retires to rest
    No sound will disturbe his slumbers;
    His work well done and among the blest
    He's one of God's chosen number

    Another workman in life's vineyard has wrapped the mantle of a well spent life around the imperfections of nature and gone into the presence of God to deliver up life's stewardship. For 73 years he has been constant in season and out of it, bve in voice for the truth as he understood it, courageous in deeds for his race when duty whispered action. However differeing, and honestly as men may from the sentiments on any subject which interests mankind, there was none who knew the man who would dare question his earnestness nor doubt his actions and utterances as other than the result of candor and conviction.
    Preston Breckenridge was in many respects one of the most remarkable men of his age. He belongs to a family of whom one has said "to feel the grandeur of the Breckenridg family you must be thoroughly acquainted." Preston Breckenridge was onf the uncultivate members of the family. He had great force of character from native worth and implanted principles without cultivation. His native good sense was immense and had he been educated and scholarly, he would have been one of the giants of his day. For forty-six years he has been the center of marked characters in this county. Always ready to express his sentiments and being s intensely Democratic in his theory of government and catholic in his views of man's relation to God, that it lead him at times to be victimized into affililiation with those whose sinister motives misled him and his earnestness in effort became lost to the good of the world.
    His presence was always an assurance that good-nature and kindness should prevail, if he had the indexing. He was kind and courteous, and would uter his sentiments regardless of friend or foe, and totally indifferent to the size of the man, tally or physically. His figures of speech were crude but forcible, his language plain but emphatic, and his courage to say or do doubted least by those who knew him best. He had no man-fearing spirit when he attempted a religious duty, he never quailed in the presence of an antagonist to his temperance principles, and fearned nothing in uttering his convictions politically. For the possession of these qualities he commanded the respect of his neighbors, however they honestly differed with him, and he woujld go out of his way to show his admiration for an opponent whom he believed earnest in his belife, and who might doal him the hardest blows in defending his sentiments.
    It was to his earnest effort that we are indebted for many of the good things we enjoy as a people in the county.
    But he has passed away, and paid the debt - in peace and is home - which human nature must liquidate in some way. His name lives in the annals of the county and his memory will be preserved by all who appreciate the life, and the virtures,d courage of an honest man. His remains were interred at the family burial ground on the ?rn y, and the services conducted by the Rev. A.J. King of this city, who was his bosom friend.
    Preston Breckenridge was born near Paris, Ky., was married in 1827 and returned to this state in 1843, settling on the farm where he died in Cotton Hill Township in this county. He was the father of eleven children and grandfather to a largemily of that name in this county and other points west. He was the second cousin to John C. Breckenridge, Vice-President of the United States under President Buchanan. He was a member of the State Legislature of this State in 1852, beathing Abraham Lincoln for the nomination of the Whig party, upon which ticket he was elected. He was also a member of the Sangamon County Board of Suprevisors for one or more terms. He took great interest in the meetings of the Old Settlers and was one of the principal parties interested in keeping up the association.

    Breckenridge Cemetery:
    A Large Monument.
    on West Side: Breckenridge
    Alexander Breckenridge Oct 31 1828 - July 26 19?
    Martha, his wife. Aug 19 1933 - May 18, 1904
    on East Side: Elizabeth Mountz, daughter March 28, 1854 - May 15 1883
    Infant son 1853
    Children of A & M Breckenridge
    Infant 1892 - son of R.C. & A.E. Breckenridge

    B Large Monument
    on West Side: Cleophes C. Breckenridge
    Lillian T. Breckenridge
    on North Side: Infant son July 2 1880
    on South Side: from 1861 to 1865, C.C. Breckenridge, Co. D. 33 Reg D.V.
    (Sleep Solider Sleep Thy Warfares O'er."

    C Large Monument
    Lucy Robb, wife of Preston Breckenridge, Sr.
    Died Nov 18, 1854 aged 38 yrs 4 months
    Catherine Moler, wife of Preston Breckenridge, Sr. (above-ground vault)
    Died Feb 4, 1847 Aged 42 yrs 6 months 1 day
    Preston Breckenridge, Sr.
    Died July 25, 1880 Aged 72 yrs 11 mons 20 days

    ___

    Event: Biography
    Note:

    In Bourbon County, Ky., near Paris, the late Preston Breckenridge was born August 5, 1807, and in Nicholas County the eyes of Catherine Moler opened to the light, August 30, 1804. This couple were united in marriage at the bride's home November 17, 1827, and spent a few years of wedded life in the county where their marriage took place. They then removed to this county, arriving in October, 1834, and at once taking up their residence on the farm now owned and operated by their son, our subject. The faithful wife and mother died February 4, 1847, and the father subsequently married Lucy D. Robb, who survived until November 18, 1854. Mr. Breckenridge lived until July 26, 1880, reaching a goodly old age. His first marriage was blessed by the birth of seven sons and five daughters. He was a near relation of Hon. John C. Breckenridge, whose connection with politics is well known and belongs to the annals of history.
    6
    Event: 1850 Census 1850 IL, Sangamon Co 7
    Event: 1880 Census 1880 IL, Sangamon Co, Cotton Hill Township 8
    Event: 1860 Census 1860 IL, Sangamon Co, Springfield Precinct 16 3
    Event: 1870 Census 1870 IL, Sangamon Co, Cooper Township 9

    Father: Alexander Breckenridge b: 16 MAY 1743 in VA, Augusta Co
    Mother: Mary Chadd b: ABT 1776 in VA, Washington Co


    ______________
    Subj: Re: Moyers & Breckenrides
    Date: 8/9/99 9:48:18 PM Central Daylight Time
    From:BhthuesonTo:Lumoto

    Dear Sherry,
    Thanks a bunch for sending all that info on Preston Breckenridge and family. I did have some of it; some of it I didn't. I had the picture of Preston Breckenridge, but now, because of your sending it, I have it on disk.
    By the way, Roger Carroll Breckenridge's email address now is: rogerb@pclink.com.

    Thanks for all your help.

    Barbara

    Census:
    Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1 1811-1815
    another daughter? Mary Jane "Jenny" is already married and listed in Nicholas County with her Husband and young daughter.

    Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59: 1 Mary 1771-1780
    Free White Persons - Under 20: 1
    Total Free White Persons: 2
    Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 2

    also son Preston:
    Preston Breckenridge
    Name: Preston Breckenridge
    Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Nicholas, Kentucky
    Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 Hugh and Alexander
    Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 Catherine
    Free White Persons - Under 20: 2
    Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
    Total Free White Persons: 3
    Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 3

    (looks like they omitted to register Preston, himself)

    also son Washington:
    Name: Washington Breckenridge
    [Washington Breckinridge]
    Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Nicholas, Kentucky
    Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 Washingtgon
    Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 Melinda
    Free White Persons - Under 20: 1
    Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
    Total Free White Persons: 2
    Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 2

    also daughter and son-in-law
    Name: Michael Wilson
    Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Nicholas, Kentucky
    Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
    Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
    Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1 Mary Jane "Jenny)
    Free White Persons - Under 20: 2
    Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
    Total Free White Persons: 3


    Census:
    Name: Preston Reinhard
    [Preston Breckenridge]
    Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Sangamon, Illinois
    Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 Cleophas 4
    Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 3 Elmore 6; Joseph 8; Cornelius 9
    Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2 Hugh 11; Alexander 12
    Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1 Preston
    Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 Catharine 2
    Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1 Catharine
    Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
    Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
    Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
    Total Free White Persons: 9
    Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 9


    Census:
    Breckenridge, Preston 42 5,000 KY farmer
    Lucy 35 Indiana
    Alex 22 Farmer IL
    Hugh 20 IL
    Cornelius 19 IL
    Joseph 18 IL
    Elmore 16 IL
    Theophilus 14 IL
    Catherine 13 IL
    Elizabeth 10 IL
    Mary 10 IL
    Preston 8 IL
    Jane 6 IL



    Census:
    2285/2302
    Preston Breckenridge 52 1807 farmer 16000, 600 KY
    Preston 18 1842 IL
    Mary 19 1841
    Elizabeth 20 1840
    Jane 15 1845
    David 10 1850
    Lucy 5 1855
    Elmer 25 male farmer IL 1835
    Susana 21 1839
    Leanor 1 1859

    2286/2302
    Cornelius Breckenridge 20 farmer 2000 100 KY
    Elizabeth 25 IL
    Elizabeth 2 IL



    Possessions:
    Breckenridge, Preston,
    location: Cotton Hill
    income: 490
    Rate of Tax 5



    Will:
    Sangamon County Probate Case Files Index
    1821-1885
    BRECKENRIDGE, PRESTON 7/25/1880 2957


    http://genealogytrails.com/ill/sangamon/probate_1821-85.html
    Copies of probate case files found in this index may be obtained by mail or telephone. Inquiries should be made directly to the Illinois Regional Archives Depository (IRAD) at the University of Illinois at Springfield.

    Probate case files show the court term; the names of the estate, judge and court clerk; the petitions, bonds, oaths, and letters of estate administrators, executors, guardians and conservators; the court's approval of estate inventories, appraisement bills, petitions to sell property, reports of sales, accounts, reports of receipts and expenditures, and final reports; and the orders and decrees of the court. The record may also show the names of heirs, claims against the estate, and recordation of wills.

    Call or write:

    Illinois Regional Archives Depository
    LIB 144
    University of Illinois at Springfield
    One University Plaza, MS BRK 140
    Springfield IL 62703-5407
    Telephone: (217) 206-6520

    Preston* married Catharine* Moler on 17 Nov 1827 in Kentucky. Catharine* (daughter of Joseph* Moler, Jr. and Elizabeth* Welty) was born on 30 Aug 1804 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky; died on 4 Feb 1847 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 13.  Catharine* MolerCatharine* Moler was born on 30 Aug 1804 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky (daughter of Joseph* Moler, Jr. and Elizabeth* Welty); died on 4 Feb 1847 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Property: 26 Jun 1885, Nicholas Co, Kentucky

    Notes:

    She is listed as Catherine Breckenridge in the Will of her brother, Allen Moler.

    Residence: Carlisle, Nicholas County, Kentucky 1830-1840
    Sangamon County, Illinois, 1834-1847

    She died at the age of 42 years, 6 months, one day. She was buried in an above-ground vault. Also buried in the Breckenridge Cemetery is Elizabeth Moler of Kentucky, age 44 years, who died on the same day as Catherine, 4 Feb 1847. Elizabethas buried in a masoleum, along with an infant daughter buried with her. Catherine's relationship to Elizabeth is undetermined, but best guess is sister-in-law.


    Property:
    Her children heir of her brother Allen Moler whose will was written 26 Jun 1885 Nicholas Co, KY, probated 12 Mar 1894 Nicholas Co, KY
    "Fifth: I will and bequeath that the Remainder of the proceeds of the sale of said real estate herein before spoken of after deducting the Five Hundred Dollars ($500) willed and bequeathed to my step-son Thomas S. Bramblett be equally dividied between the legal heirs of my sister Catherine Breckenridge Decd. who died a resident of the State of Illinois, the said heirs or heir of said Catherine Breckenridge to receive together that portion which would have fallen to the parent had he been now living."

    note: do not have probate but descendants of Catherine who were probable heirs:
    1. Alexander Breckenridge
    2. Hugh Breckenridge - died bef 1880; so perhaps his heirs.
    3. Cornelius* Breckenridge
    4. Joseph Breckenridge, d. 1862; so perhaps his heirs
    5. Elmore "Elmer" Breckenridge
    6. Cleophas C Breckenridge
    7. Catharine Breckenridge Randolph d. Aft 1876 - unknown if she inherited or her children
    8. Elizabeth "Bet" Breckenridge Abell
    9. Mary Breckenridge Rishton
    10. Preston Breckenridge, Jr; d 1865 - died single in Civil War. No heirs
    11. Jane Breckenridge Kalmadge
    12. (infant) Breckenridge d 1847 as an infant; no heirs


    Buried:
    Catherine Moler Breckenridge, wife of Preston B.
    42 yrs 6 mo 1 d

    one daughter who died in infancy and is buried with her mother on February 4, 1847, in the family cemetery on the original homeplace. One would suspect that both died at the time of childbirth. They rest in an above ground vault which is unusual for this part of the country. It was Catharine's death which is believed to have caused the start of the plot.

    Also listed in Findagrave at Breckenridge Cem is Elizabeth Moler, d 4 Feb 1847, same day as Catherine with notation "44 yrs buried with infant daughter."

    Children:
    1. 6. Alexander Breckenridge was born on 31 Oct 1828 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky; died on 26 Jul 1919 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    2. Hugh Breckenridge was born on 9 Dec 1829 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky; died before 1880 in Illinois.
    3. Cornelius* Breckenridge was born on 12 Mar 1831 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky; died on 1 Feb 1915 in Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Edinburg Cem, Edinburg, Christian Co, Illinois.
    4. Joseph Breckenridge was born on 17 Jul 1832 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky; died on 29 Nov 1862 in Christian Co, Illinois; was buried .
    5. Elmore "Elmer" Breckenridge was born on 4 Nov 1834 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 6 Jul 1906 in Forest City, Sarpy Co, Nebraska; was buried in Forest City Cem, c/o Holy Sepulche Cem, Gretna, Sarpy Co, Nebraska.
    6. Cleophas C Breckenridge was born on 7 Aug 1836 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 11 May 1912 in Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    7. Catharine Breckenridge was born on 19 Jun 1838 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died after 1876.
    8. Elizabeth "Bet" Breckenridge, (twin) was born on 13 Jan 1841 in Breckenridge, Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 3 Jan 1932 in Taylorville, Christian Co, Illinois; was buried on 5 Jan 1932 in Oak Hill Cem, Taylorville, Christian Co, Illinois.
    9. Mary Breckenridge, (twin) was born on 13 Jan 1841 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 11 Aug 1924 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co, Iowa.
    10. Preston Breckenridge, Jr was born on 11 Dec 1842 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 8 Aug 1865 in Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    11. Jane Breckenridge was born on 9 Feb 1845 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 13 Feb 1935 in Pawnee Co, Kansas; was buried in Larned Cem, Larned, Pawnee Co, Kansas.
    12. (infant) Breckenridge was born in Feb 1847 in Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 4 Feb 1847 in Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.

  3. 14.  Felix* Harder (Hardin) Barnhill was born about 1800 in Kentucky or New Hampshire or Pennsylvania (son of John* Barnhill and Nancy Anna* Hardin (or Harder)); died after 1845 in Wayne Co, Illinois.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Residence: 1818, Barnhill, Wayne Co, Illinois
    • Other-Begin: Apr 1829, Wayne Co, Illinois
    • Census: 1830, Wayne Co, Illinois
    • Census: 1840, Wayne Co, Illinois

    Notes:

    Although history of Wayne co said Felix was older, he was older of the three brothers that they talked about, Felix, John and Andley. However, the book also mentioned Jefferson was grandson. His census records had him b 1817 or 1818. Felix was at 1800 or 1801 from his census records. Jefferson said his parents were from SC; but Katherine and Martha said their father was from KY or PA - not SC. Had to be an older brother that the article didn't include. Perhaps he had died early on and not in the picture.

    Birth:
    Martha Barnhill Breckenridge stated in 1900 census he was born in PA
    Katherine Barnhill Breckenridge stated he was born in NH.

    both girls said he was born in Kentucky in 1880 census

    age: 1840 census states he was bet 30 thru 39
    or 1791 to 1810.
    age 1830: (1791-1800)
    We know from Wayne Co, History that he was the oldest. Audley was the youngest of at least 3 and born 1804, John older than him (abt 1802)


    Residence:
    History of Wayne County
    "During the year 1818 there was added to those first comers as given above, ... Felix and John Barnhill...."
    pg 47)

    Barnhill Twp: J. Felix and H. Barnhill in 1818 in Section 6"

    Felix H. and John Barnhill made a deed to the county for the original town of Fairfield.

    Mills and Factories:
    the manufacturing industry of Fairfield are few and mostly unimportant, being confinded chiefly to mills. Hardin Barnhill built the first mill in the town in a very early day. It was a horse mill, and stood just across the street from Mr. Thomas Cooper's residence.
    pg 183


    Other-Begin:
    History of Wayne County
    In Jul of the same year (1829), Felix H. Barnhill was granted letters upon the state of John Barnhill, deceased.
    pg 90



    Census:
    Name: Felie H Brockus
    [Felix H Barnhill]
    Home in 1830: Wayne, Illinois
    Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1 (1816-1820) son 1
    Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 3 (1801-1810)
    Bro1? , Bro2? Bro3?
    Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1 (1791-1800)
    Felix
    Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 (aft 1825) dau1
    Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1(1801-1810) Mrs. Felix
    Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 1(1761-1770) Anna

    Free White Persons - Under 20: 2
    Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 5
    Total Free White Persons: 8
    Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 8

    It looks like they have two children, a boy over 10 and a girl less than 5.
    Looks like they are living with one of their mothers with three sons 20 to 29 (1801-1810) and
    Felix is the 1800 slot.

    based on 1840 census, Felix is b 1801; so 29 yrs old
    wife is same or younger

    Census:
    1840 Wayne Co Census:
    Barnhill, Felix H. 000 301 000 0000 221 001 000 0000
    (Martha named son Felix Harder)

    male: 15-20 3 (1820-1825) ?, ?, ? (one son over 10 in 1830 - where were the other two?)
    30-40 1 (1800-1810) Felix
    female: <5 2 (aft 1835) Katherine Eliz L 1838; ?
    5-10 2 (1830-1835) Martha 1833; ?
    10-15 1 (1825-1830) ? (was less than 5 in 1830)
    30-40 1 wife (maybe Mary - Martha and Katherine both had a Mary)

    Three missing males, four missing females.
    Sarah would fill one of the females. Her age is unk.

    Felix* married Elizabeth* McClain about 1819 in Wayne Co, Illinois. Elizabeth* was born about 1800 in Kentucky or Illinois; died after 1840 in of, Wayne Co, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 15.  Elizabeth* McClain was born about 1800 in Kentucky or Illinois; died after 1840 in of, Wayne Co, Illinois.

    Notes:

    Re: McCLAINs of MADISON CO KY
    By Sandra Gorin December 02, 1999 at 08:04:06

    In reply to: Re: McCLAINs of MADISON CO KY
    10/10/99

    Hi - as a Gorin descendant and historian here in the area of Mammoth Cave- no McClains are ever shown to have owned the cave. I know the author of the Longest Cave book, and have done extensive research into the cave ... name just doesn't appear! Sandi
    http://www.genealogy.coaker.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/mcclain/1045/


    HISTORY OF THE MAMMOTH CAVE.

    As told to me by Mrs. Nancy Maria Barnhill Whitson my Mother in law. (by Marie T Jentzech Whitson; wife of Edward Whitson, son of James Edward Whitson and Nancy Maria Barnhill) Healdsburg, California. April 18, 1922.

    "Sometime before the Southern war, just exactly when I can not tell, There were two Brothers by the name of McClane. They came from Europe some where and setteled in Kentuckey, and became very wealthy in real-estate, and I have heard from one of there Granddaughters, that they owned nearly one half of the State of Kentucky. This might have been exagurated, never the less they owned much very much.

    As the snake were rather plentiful and dangerious in Kentuckey it was in the Winter time when men dug for Saltpeter, and on one of these ocasions these two McClane Bros. punched a hole into the side of a Hill. When they discovered that it was a large cavity, they made investigations and by letting themselves down in the cave by a rope, they discovered that it was a very large Cave, and found many curiosities on there first visit into the Cave, among which was an Indian woman who sat in a stone arm chair - or a stone that was shaped thus. With her knitting basket on her arm and her needle work in her hands, On close inspection they found that she was dead and petrefide, the two brothers were so amaised over it, that they desided to take the Indian woman out of the Cave and put her on Exebition, and in doing so they were much disapointed when they saw this woman fall to pieces as soon as she got into the open fresh air. As time went on many investigating parties were taken into the Cave, as it was on the land owned by the McClane Bros. They found so many Indian relics and curiosities, that they were assured that at some time the Cave must have been the home of a prominent Indian Chief - There was a large apartment like a dineing room in the center of which was a large stone table, around it were stone chairs just like the one the woman had died in, at the head of the table was a chair somewhat larger than the rest, as though it was a Chief! Chair, from the ceiling hung earth shaped like icidles and various ornaments adorned the walls. There was a river in the Cave with very clear water and in it were fishes without eyes, and many other things I have now forgotten as time rolled on. They found the Cave to be about five miles long and had several enterences. On one accasion while a party of explorers were in the Cave, One of the McClane Bros. Strayed away from the rest of the party and got lost. It tuck them three days to find him, he was almost dead from exposure and hunger when they found him perfectly nude haveing burned up one piece of clothing after another after his torch had burned out. Now all this happened and much more up to fifty years before the Southern war broke out- when the McClane Bros decided to leave Kentuckey I can not remember the given of either of the McClane Bros. But they bothe liberated there negro slaves they hac many and sold all there land - the Cave was sold to two men - who?s names I do not remember althou I have been told, these men were pardners in the agreement of buying the Cave. The deed of the Cave was made out to these two men, by the McClane Bros. And all that was paid down at that time was $25.00. These men were to make regular payments, but never did so. The McClane Bros. Had so much of this worlds goods they did not bother them about it and the full amount is still due. They settled again in Illinois these McClane Bros. One of them had eight children. He was my husbands Great- great grandfather, in some way he received the news that one of the men to whom they sold the Cave was dead - Now comes a case of curcumstancial evidence. It seams that one of these two men was a mean sort who wanter to get the Cave in his own name but could not persuade his pardner to sell - so one day the two men were seen going into the cave - only one came out again and that was the mean one - a week went by - and neighbors began to asked where the other pardner was (the good man) but could find out nothing. Thus a searching party went forth, and found him down in a gulch where they believed the mean pardner had thrown him from the Bank above. And it killed him, as the good man had no relatives there was nothing done about it and the mean man got the cave in his own posesion. I understand that the presant owners of the Cave are his decendents- One of the Daughters of my husbands Great Great Grandfather McClane who setteled in Illinois, who?s name was Elizibeth maried an enterpriseing young man after whom the Town of Barnhill, Ill. was named he built homes and induced people to come there and live - his daughter the oldest married James Whitson - that marrage tuck place in Fairfield or Springfield - Mrs. Nancy Maria Barnhill Whitson brought her husband and one child to Cal. Just about the end of the war 1853 - of that family there are four children liveing - Mrs. Murphy in Oregon. Frank Whitson in Sunsmure Cal. Geo. Whitson Alameda Cal. And Ed Whitson of Healdsburt Cal - who is my husband -

    This is about all I can tell you about the Mammouth Cave. Mrs. Marie T. Jentzech Whitson, 426 Nort St Healdsburg Cal.

    The births as I know them - McClane came from Europe - Elizibeth McClane his daughter - married Barnhill. Nancy Maria Barnhill his daughter was born in Barnhill Ill - married either in Springfield or Fairfield Ill. I can?t tell the place was not far from Barnhill - to James Whitson who was born in Monrow Co. Kentuckey. About 40 years ago Grandma Whitson recieved a letter from a Lawyer in Fairfield of Springfield Ill. asking her to sign a paper - but I could not induce her to do so - The Lawyer was doing some recearch work and came across the unpaid deed of the Cave - said if she would sign - he would fight the case for half - but she was not interested and distroied the letter. I do not know what year Henry went back- he married into the Turney family- Mrs. Ed. Whitson."


    Darrah3591

    Darrah3591 originally shared this to Hopkins Rashall Family History
    19 Nov 2013 story

    Story of the Mammoth Caves, Kentucky with some genealogy of the McClanes and Barnhills and Whitsons
    18 April 1922 Healdsburg, California
    keith_m_andrews

    keith_m_andrews added this to Keith Andrews family tree
    10 Dec 2013

    http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/48457769/person/20202690678/media/1?pgnum=1&pg=0&pgpl=pid|pgNum

    Children:
    1. (Felix son 1) Barnhill was born in 1820 in Wayne Co, Illinois; died after 1840 in of, Wayne Co, Illinois.
    2. (Felix? son 2) Barnhill was born about 1821 in Wayne Co, Illinois; died after 1840 in of, Wayne Co, Illinois.
    3. (Felix? son 3) Barnhill was born about 1825 in Wayne Co, Illinois; died after 1840 in Wayne Co, Illinois.
    4. Nancy Maria Barnhill was born in Oct 1829 in Barnhill, Wayne Co, Illinois; died on 30 Jan 1908 in Healdsburg, Sonoma Co, California.
    5. (Felix daughter 2) Barnhill was born about 1831 in Wayne Co, Illinois; died after 1840 in of, Wayne Co, Illinois.
    6. 7. Martha Harriet Barnhill was born on 19 Aug 1833 in Kentucky or Wayne Co, Illinois; died on 18 May 1904 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    7. Sarah Barnhill was born about 1836 in Wayne Co, Illinois; died after 1900.
    8. Katherine* Elizabeth L. Barnhill was born on 29 May 1838 in Fairfield, Wayne Co, Illinois; died on 30 Jan 1904 in Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Edinburg Cem, Edinburg, Christian Co, Illinois.