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Ralph Twist Breckenridge

Male 1885 - 1938  (~ 53 years)


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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Ralph Twist Breckenridge was born in Jan 1885 in Sangamon Co, Illinois (son of Preston Parish Breckenridge and Mary Anna Twist); died on 18 May 1938 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Rochester Cem, Rochester, Sangamon Co, Illinois.

    Notes:

    BRECKENRIDGE RALPH T N/S UNK cert# 0000413
    death date: 1938-05-18 SANGAMON SPRINGFIELD - -


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  Preston Parish Breckenridge was born on 2 Dec 1858 in Sangamon Co, Illinois (son of Joseph Breckenridge and Sarah Jane Matthew); died on 27 Sep 1936 in Rochester, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried on 29 Sep 1936 in Rochester Cem, Rochester, Sangamon Co, Illinois.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 1860, Christian Co, Illinois
    • Census: 1880, Cooper Twp, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 1900, Rocester, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Census: 05 Apr 1930, Rocester, Sangamon Co, Illinois
    • Death: 24 Sep 1935, Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois

    Notes:

    Preston was residing with his mother in 1876.
    A miller at Rochester. He received a common school education and attended the high school at Taylorville for two years. He then went to Iowa where he engaged as a clerk in a store for about one year. He then came back to Breckenridge, Sangan County, Illinois December 1880. In July 1881 he, with William B. Hicks, leased the Rochester mill for a term of one year. At the expiration of said one year, they bought the Rochester mill, and also leased the Athens mill for a term of three years. They are now prepared to do a milling business which demands the patronage of the county, and are supplying the neighboring towns with flour not to be excelled by any other mills. He is also a member of the Good Templars at Rochester and in politics a Republican. (History of Sangamon County)
    He married Anna Twist in Sangamon Co on 20 Aug 1883.

    Court records:
    Saturday, March 13, 1880
    In the Matter of Preston Breckenridge, Minor Heir of Joseph Breckenridge:
    And Now at this day comes Robert E. Berry and presents to the Court his Final Settlement as Guardian of said Preston Breckenridge and asks the Court to affirm the same. And it appearing to the Court that the said Preston Breckenridge has arrid at lawful age and he being present in Court and he having executed said report of being content with the same, it is ordered that said Final report be approved and ordered to be filed and recorded. And it further appearing to the Court that said Robert E. Berry paid over to said Preston Breckenridge the balance found due him by said report. And it is ordered that said Robert E. Berry be discharged from all further duties and liabilities as Guardian of said Preston Breckenridge.
    Preston married Anna Twist in Sangamon Co on 20 Aug 1883.

    The following obits were received from Richard (Rick) Lanham; LanhamCA@aol.com. They were found in the Bible of Calista, who was a good friend to Rick's grandmother, Maggie Nina Merritt Gregory. The two ladies met at teachers' college and knew each other until Calista died. She had never married, and her good friend inherited her Bible which included some photos (mostly unidentified) and newspaper clippings on the Twist family.

    BRECKENRIDGE, P. P. -- Of Rochester, died at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, 1936, at St. John's hospital, age 77 years. Survived by wife, Anna Twist Breckenridge; one son, Ralph; a daughter, Miss Calista, both at home. C.L. Jones, Rochester, diring.

    P. P. Breckenridge, Rochester Farmer Many Years, Dies
    -----
    P. P. Breckenridge, a farmer and contractor in and near Rochester most of his life, died at 1:30 p.m. yesterday at St. John's hospital. He was 77 years old. Mr. Breckenridge operated a farm for many years. Several years ago he retired from ing and moved into Rochester, where he was a contractor. He was related to the early pioneer Breckenridge family. Survivors are his wife, Anna Twist Breckenridge; one son, Ralph, and one daughter, Miss Calista, both at home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
    -----
    "Sept. 28, 1936" typed at top of clipping
    FATHER LOCAL TEACHER DIES
    -----
    P.P. Breckenridge, 77 of Rochester, father of Miss Calista Breckenridge, a teacher in the Junior High School, died at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at St. John's hospital at Springfield.
    Mr. Breckenridge has resided in or near Rochester practically all of his life. He operated a farm for many years. Several years ago he retired from farming and moved into Rochester, where he was a contractor. He was related to the early pioneer Breckenridge family. Surviving are his widow, Anna Twist Breckenridge; one son, Ralph, and one daughter, Miss Calista, both at home. Although definite arrangements are incomplete it is probable the services wil be held Tuesday.
    ----
    "Sep. 29, 1936" written in pencil at top of clipping.
    P. P. Breckenridge Funeral Services To Be Held Today
    -----
    Funeral services for P. P. Breckenridge, Rochester, who died Sunday at St. John's hospital, will be held at 2 p.m. today at the residence. Rev. J. W. Cavitt will officiate and burial will be made in Rochester cemetery. Mr. Breckenridgs 77 years old, retired from farming several years ago and moved into Rochester, where he was a contractor.

    death record: BRECKENRIDGE PRESTON PARISH
    M/W Y-77 cert # 0040880
    1935-09-24 SANGAMON SPRINGFIELD - -

    Census:
    Joseph Brockenridye 27
    Sarah J Brockenridye 21
    Preston P Brockenridye 2


    Census:
    Boarder
    Wiggington J.W. 45 farmer KY KY KY
    Malissa 35 wife IL KY KY
    Conner Francis f 19 niece single IL KY KY
    Jordon Warden 20 boarder single laborer IL KY KY
    Breckenridge P.P. 21 boarder single prentice to miller IL KY IL

    Census:
    Breckenridge, Preston B Dec 1858 41 m 17 yrs IL KY IL farmer
    Annie M Oct 1862 37 2 children 2 liv IL IL IL
    Ralph T Jan 1885 15 IL IL IL at school
    Calista Dec 1886 13 IL IL IL at school

    Census:
    Breckenridge, Preston head 500 rent 71 m at age 24 no emp
    Mary A, wife, 63, m at age 20 no emp
    Ralph 44 single bookeeper, ice company
    Calista 43 single teacher public sch

    Died:
    Name: Preston Parish Breckenridge
    Birth Date: 20 Dec 1858
    Birth Place: Breckenridge, Illinois
    Death Date: 27 Sep 1936
    Death Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
    Burial Date: 29 Sep 1936
    Burial Place: Rochester, Sangamon, Illinois
    Cemetery Name: Rochester
    Death Age: 77
    Occupation: Retired Farmer
    Race: White
    Marital Status: M
    Gender: Male
    Residence: Rochester, Sangamon, Illinois
    Father Name: P B Breckenridge
    Father Birth Place: Breckenridge, Illinois
    Spouse Name: Mary Anna
    FHL Film Number: 1766170

    Preston married Mary Anna Twist on 20 Aug 1883 in Sangamon Co, Illinois. Mary was born on 22 Sep 1862; died on 28 Nov 1941 in Sangamon Co, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Mary Anna Twist was born on 22 Sep 1862; died on 28 Nov 1941 in Sangamon Co, Illinois.

    Notes:

    death record BRECKENRIDGE ANNA F/W Y-79 cert# 0001039
    1941-11-28 SANGAMON SPRINGFIELD - -

    Children:
    1. 1. Ralph Twist Breckenridge was born in Jan 1885 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 18 May 1938 in Springfield, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Rochester Cem, Rochester, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    2. Calista Breckenridge was born on 8 Dec 1886 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died in 1956 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Rochester Cem, Rochester, Sangamon Co, Illinois.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  Joseph Breckenridge was born on 17 Jul 1832 in Nicholas Co, Kentucky (son of Preston* Breckenridge, Sr and Catharine* Moler); died on 29 Nov 1862 in Christian Co, Illinois; was buried .

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Census: 1860, Christian Co, Illinois
    • Will: 31 Oct 1862, Sangamon Co, Illinois; probate
    • Military: Bef 1863, Co E Infantry, 114th, Illinois

    Notes:

    He was living with parents in 1850.
    On 28 March 1855 he married Sarah Jane Matthews, performed by John Cooper. Sarah was born April 30, 1839 in Cumberland Co, Kentucky. She was one of 11 children of Joseph Matthews and Tabitha Rutherford. (Their marriage record found in Book 351-1855 DAR V25d p 97; license #1466; 19 Mar 1855)
    Sarah and Joseph had two children. One died in infancy. Preston was born 2 Dec 1858. and resided with his mother in 1876.
    Joseph enlisted in Army in September 1862 in Co E, 114th Illinois infantry for three years. He was taken sick at Camp Butler, and died at home, November 29, 1862. Preston was 4 years old. Robert E. Berry was named guardian.

    BRECKENRIDGE, JOSEPH CPL E 114 IL US INF COTTON HILL

    Sarah remarried Thomas Pike 11 Aug 1864 and they resided in Christian County, Illinois, two miles west of Edinburg. He was the son of John Pike and Mary Moon. He had previously been married to Elizabeth Baker and had two children.

    Sangamon Co Probate Case File #1601 10/31/1862

    Census:
    Joseph Brockenridye 27 KY
    Sarah J Brockenridye 21 IL
    Preston P Brockenridye 2 IL


    Will:
    Sangamon County Probate Case Files Index
    1821-1885
    BRECKENRIDGE, JOSEPH, 10/31/1862 CASE NO. 1601

    Military:
    Corp., 114th Illinois US Inf Co. E

    Name: Joseph Breckenridge
    Residence: Cotton Hill, Illinois
    Enlistment Date: 8 Nov 1862
    Rank at enlistment: Corporal
    State Served: Illinois
    Survived the War?: No
    Service Record: Enlisted in Company E, Illinois 114th Infantry Regiment on 18 Sep 1862.
    Mustered out on 31 Oct 1863 at Christian County, IL.

    Sources: Illinois: Roster of Officers and Enlisted Men
    ___

    Regiment: 114th Infantry Regiment Illinois
    Date of Organization: 18 Sep 1862
    Muster Date: 3 Aug 1865
    Regiment State: Illinois
    Regiment Type: Infantry
    Regiment Number: 114th
    Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 2
    Officers Died of Disease or Accident: 4
    Enlisted Killed or Mortally Wounded: 45
    Enlisted Died of Disease or Accident: 159
    Regimental Soldiers and History: List of Soldiers

    Regimental History
    ILLINOIS
    ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH INFANTRY
    (Three Years)


    One Hundred and Fourteenth Infantry. - Col., James W.
    Judy; Lieut.-Cols., John F. King, Samuel N. Shoup; Majs.,
    Joseph M. McLane, John M. Johnson. This regiment was organized in the months of July and August and was mustered into the U.S. service at Camp Butler on Sept. 18, 1862. Cos. A and D were from Cass county, B, C, E, G, H and I from Sangamon county, and Cos. F and K from Menard county. The regiment left Camp Butler for Memphis, Tenn., Nov. 8, arrived on the 16th, and remained there about 10 days on picket duty. On May 2, 1863, it joined in the movement to the rear of Vicksburg; was engaged in the
    battle of Jackson, losing 5 men killed and wounded; arrived in the rear of Vicksburg on May 18 and participated in the siege, with a loss of 20 men in killed and wounded. On the surrender of Vicksburg the regiment was ordered to move against the Confederate Gen. Johnston, who retreated to Jackson Miss., and during the siege of that place the loss of the regiment in killed and wounded was 7 men. It was then ordered to Oak Ridge, Miss., and while doing picket duty there had several skirmishes with the guerrillas, 1 man being killed and 2 men captured while on duty. On Feb. 5, 1864, the regiment left on a scout and engaged the enemy at Wyatt, Miss., thus enabling the cavalry to cross the Tallahatchie at New Albany. In June it went out again and engaged the enemy at Guntown, in which action it lost 205 in killed, wounded and missing out of 397 men. On July 13 the brigade to which the regiment was attached was surprised by the enemy near Harrisburg, Miss., but after a sharp engagement the Confederates were repulsed, the regiment receiving the thanks of the brigade commander on the field for the gallant and effective charge made by it. The regiment lost
    40 men in killed and wounded. It was in the battle of Nash-
    ville, made several charges during the engagement, and lost 15 men in killed and wounded. In March, 1865, it embarked for Spanish Fort, Ala., and was engaged during the siege of that place. The regiment was mustered out on Aug. 3, 1865.


    Source: The Union Army, vol. 3

    Battles Fought
    Fought on 14 May 1863 at Jackson, MS.
    Fought on 19 May 1863 at Vicksburg, MS.
    Fought on 20 May 1863 at Vicksburg, MS.
    Fought on 10 Jun 1863.
    Fought on 15 Jul 1863 at Tupelo, MS.
    Fought on 2 Oct 1863.
    Fought on 10 Jun 1864 at Brice's Cross Roads, MS.
    Fought on 13 Jul 1864 at Tupelo, MS.
    Fought on 14 Jul 1864 at Tupelo, MS.
    Fought on 15 Jul 1864 at Tupelo, MS.
    Fought on 15 Dec 1864 at Nashville, TN.
    Fought on 16 Dec 1864 at Nashville, TN.

    ____

    Died:
    Findagrave shows death date as Oct 31 1863, as well as showing military - Il Inf Co E. death date discrepancy.


    Buried:
    Corp 114th Illinois US Inf Co. E

    Joseph married Sarah Jane Matthew on 28 Mar 1855. Sarah was born on 30 Apr 1839 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died after 1876. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Sarah Jane Matthew was born on 30 Apr 1839 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died after 1876.

    Notes:

    she married 2nd Thomas Pike, 11 Aug 1864, Sangamon Co.

    Children:
    1. James E Breckenridge was born about 1857 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 17 Dec 1857 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried in Breckenridge Cem, Cotton Hill, Sangamon Co, Illinois.
    2. 2. Preston Parish Breckenridge was born on 2 Dec 1858 in Sangamon Co, Illinois; died on 27 Sep 1936 in Rochester, Sangamon Co, Illinois; was buried on 29 Sep 1936 in Rochester Cem, Rochester, Sangamon Co, Illinois.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  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. 9.  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. 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. 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.