Louisiana’s Name Mystery
Washington County, Ohio
1850
In 1850, Louisanna was living with her husband James, his father Isaac, and their two children (Mary A. and Louis) in Watertown Towhship of Washington County, Ohio.
At that time, Mathias Matteer was living on 28 acres of improved land with his children Lucette B, Margaret, Hannah, William, Francis, Charles, Melissa, and Sarah C. in Union Township of Washington County, Ohio. Mathias’ wife Mary is listed in the 1850 Mortality Schedule, meaning that she had died in the past 12 months. The record indicates that she had died in September of liver complications and her headstone shows September 21, 1850 as her date of death. The death year must have been 1849 since she was listed in the mortality schedule and given Matthias remarried in September 1850.
Matthias Moves West
In 1851, Matthias and his family moved to Lee County, Iowa. There is no evidence that Louisiana and James moved with them. Neither are listed in the 1854 or 1856 Iowa census.
What Happened to James
There are claims that James died as early as 1850 or 1851, but I have yet to find evidence of a death date for James.
I have seen references to the sale of properties by James and Louisiana as late as 1857. However, these records do not appear to be online and I have not been able to confirm them.
The only thing that is known is that Louisiana is single and in Lee County by 1859. She did not appear to have any children between 1850 and 1859. If she did, they do not appear with her in 1860.