It wasn’t a planned meeting, but was of great genealogical value even though cousin Raymond Ellis couldn’t hear a word I said.
The Situation
October 14, 2011, my husband and I were driving from Denver, Colorado to Wichita, Kansas so that I could attend a meeting about the search for members of the military who were still missing in action or who had been prisoners of war. I was to attend to see if I could learn anything further about my dad’s brother William (Howard) McCracken.
We decided to do some genealogy along the way stopping at a cemetery south of Holly, CO where my gg-grandfather Grant Ashby was buried. Then we meandered around before arriving at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, KS.
Ellis relatives & my gg-grandfather James William “Will” Thomas’ second wife, Belle (Tremain ?) Woodard, was also buried in the cemetery. We were talking about the fact that the latest address I had found for any of the older generation of Ellis family in that area was for Raymond Ellis, who literally lived next to the cemetery.
Rod asked if I wanted to stop in and see if they were home. We debated it and finally decided to go for it. Our timing was perfect. His wife had just arrived home, which was good as Raymond would never have heard us knock on the door.
Loss of Hearing
A few years earlier, Raymond, who is my second cousin once removed [his grandfather Joseph Andrew Ellis was a brother to my great-grandmother Rosa Isabella (Ellis) McCracken Apt], had suddenly completely lost his hearing. As he told it, he could hear one day and the next, he couldn’t. Thus, conversation was challenging. However, Raymond was excited to have company. Moreover, we were interested in discussing one of his favorite subjects – family history.
Raymond Ellis and his family
Genealogy Talk
You see, Raymond had collected family history for years, but never with a computer and never with intense research. He simply collected information from people, newspapers, etc. He had a long shelf of notebooks all full of genealogy.
We stayed and talked with him for at least two hours using small white boards or slates (that detail seems to have escaped me) to convey our questions. He would respond with great enthusiasm and energy. He really wanted us to stay longer or come back the next day. However, we had the commitment to be in Wichita early the next morning. So, that wasn’t possible.
So, Raymond reluctantly let us go, promising to copy and send me all of his information on the Ellis family. His wife Twila did not seem keen on the idea. However, he made good on his promise. I received two inches of paper that included a lot of family group sheets, newspaper articles, copies of records, and a few photographs.
It was not long after I received them that Raymond was moved to a nursing facility in Wichita. He passed on Valentines’ Day 2015. He was 85.
In the 1800s, when a women died due to complications of childbirth, it wasn’t uncommon for the baby to die as well. That is what we thought happened to Baby Alice. Until, we found out she had actually survived.
William Thomas “Bill” McCracken and his first wife Louretta Johnston, who died in childbirth
Marriage and Pregnancy
William Thomas McCracken was a brother to my great-grandfather Andrew Johnson McCracken. Family called him “Uncle Bill.” He was born in 1862 in Lee County, Iowa. He was still a boy when the family moved to Crawford County, Kansas. And, he moved with them again to Bates County, Missouri when his mother was ill.
Sometime after his mother died, William T., who everyone in our family called “Uncle Bill,” moved back to Crawford County. On July 15, 1886, he married a lovely young lady named Louretta F. “Ettie” Johnston. On May 9th of the following year, Louretta gave birth.
Photo Credit: Mitzi HutchersonLouretta (Johnston) McCracken Obituary. Source: The Girard Press via Newspapers.com
Wondering
A week later (May 16), Louretta died. She was a well-liked young lady of the community. A church at Garfield (Does anyone know where this neighborhood was?) cancelled Sunday School that week because so many people from the area were going to her funeral in Farlington.
Her obituary said that she left a daughter who was seven days old. But, what happened to the baby?
Family didn’t mention the little baby girl. The newspaper articles about the family didn’t mention the baby. Additionally, she didn’t show up with her father in census or other records. Cousin Mitzi, who is a direct descendant of Uncle Bill and his second wife Mary “Mollie” Belle Jaynes, and I speculated about what had happened to that little baby.
We wondered if she had also died. But, thought it was odd that there was no gravestone for her. We thought maybe she died soon after her mother and she was buried in the same grave. However, it seemed odd that her mother’s grave stone didn’t at least say “& Baby.”
Another option was that she had been adopted or simply taken by another family to raise. However, we didn’t even have a name to search. If she was with another family, we had no idea if she would use the name McCracken or the other family’s name. All we knew was that the baby was a girl born on May 9, 1887.
So, we kept digging around. I am not sure exactly how we figured out the mystery. However, we found out that the baby girl had lived!
Alive & Well
Apparently, Louretta’s parents, James Madison and Elizabeth Ann (Sutton) Johnston, had taken the baby, who we found out was named Alice May, to raise. It was possible that Alice was named after Louretta’s brother Solomon’s wife or more likely after the daughter Solomon and his wife lost a few years earlier.
In 1900 (don’t you hate that the 1890 census was lost), she was living with her maternal grandparents in northeast Missouri – Marion County near Quincy, Illinois. It is unknown what had taken them to that location as they had been living in Kansas around that time that Alice was born. Prior to that they had lived in Indiana, where Louretta had been born.
Louretta and her parents had come to Crawford County, Kansas between 1882 and 1887. The reason was likely because James’ parents Herndon and Mary Ann (Jones) Johnston had lived there since 1870.
Unlike his parents, who apparently stayed in Crawford County until their deaths in 1904 and 1917, James moved on again.
Alice’s Marriage & Child
June 11, 1904, Alice married R. L. “Bob” Ator in Pawnee, Oklahoma. At the time, Bob, at least, was living in Yale, Oklahoma. He had been there at least since the founding of the current townsite and is believed to have been involved in building the first house in Yale.
However, when Alice and Bob’s daughter, Mary Francis, was born on Halloween in 1907, they were living near Coffeyville, Kansas likely in the Round Prairie neighborhood.
By 1910, Alice, Bob, and Mary were all living in Payne County, Oklahoma, which contains the town of Yale. Her Grandfather Johnston and one of her uncle’s families were living nearby. It is unclear why they had moved to Kansas for a period of time.
Life in Oklahoma
In 1910, Yale had grown to 685 people, which was quite substantial given that the town, although started in 1895, hadn’t moved to the current townsite until 1902. At that time, Alice’s husband appeared to be the primary contact at Grimes Market, which regularly advertised that they had ice available.
He seemed to move easily from job to job and knew a vast majority of the people in town. In 1912, he was painting and hanging wallpaper, which was likely in high demand due to the growth of the town. However, the next year oil was discovered in the area and he secured a job working there for $75 per month. The next year, he was working in plumbing and gas fitting. It seems he may have also still been working in the oil fields or with the search for more oil.
During this time, Alice had multiple instances where she was ill. Her illness has not been discovered. However, in May 1915, she returned from the hospital in Oklahoma City and was reportedly in much better health.
Source: The Yale Record via Newspapers.com
Alice’s Death
In early September 1915, Alice was in seemingly good health when she left for Dewey, Washington, Oklahoma for a visit. She had made the trip before as her aunt and uncle lived in Dewey, about 80-90 miles from Yale.
The trip went fine until September 7 when Alice developed a terrible pain in her side. A doctor was called and he did everything he could. However, she died the following day. The doctor concluded she had a “broken artery.”
The newspaper headline stated, “Old Citizen Succumbs.” She was 28.
Did She Ever See Her Father?
The question that remained open was “Did she ever know her real father?” A newspaper article from four years after her death answers that in part. Bob and daughter Mary stopped in Farlington to see Alice’s father. They were returning from Sheridan, Montana where they had moved after Alice’s death. It is also documented that when Alice was living near Coffeyville that she went to Farlington. The assumption would be that she went to see her father.
Afterward
Bob and Mary then moved to Richmond, Virginia. In 1926, at age 44, Bob committed suicide.
Mary lived to be 90 years of age, marrying twice. She divorced her first husband on the basis of adultery. She had no children.
Sometimes it only takes one record or DNA to break down a genealogy wall. That is the case for the parents of Mathias Matteer.
The Challenge
It took quite a bit of research before figuring out that Louisiana, wife of Lemuel McCracken who family said was a Johnson, was actually a Matteer. I learned her father was Mathias (sometimes spelled Matthias) Matteer and her mother was Mary Rodgers. And, there I was stuck with both family lines.
Rodgers is a common name and research of the name is challenging in general. Different spellings are Rodgers and Rogers. It is also possible that the “s” is left off the name.
Researching the Matteer family also had huge challenges, as related names are spelled Matteer, Mateer, Mutter, Mitter, Mater, Matter, Motter, Mutter, etc. Basically, if a name is spelled
M
<any vowel>
<one or two t’s>
<one or two e’s, although another vowel may substituted>
followed by an “r”
the person might be related. Of course, they also might not. And, people with the various spellings can sometimes be found living in the same area or be in the same family.
DNA
When records get challenging, sometimes DNA can provide the breakthrough that you need. But, sometimes it doesn’t. With the Matteer family, quite a few DNA matches showed up leading me to believe that George Matter and Christina Karmindy were Mathias’ parents. Hence, they would be Louisiana’s paternal grandparents.
Yes, it was a different spelling that Mathias used. However, Mathias’ children used the spelling Mateer, which was also different than the spelling used by their father.
George ad Christina were in the right area in Pennsylvania and had ties to the French-German border area, which Mathias claimed. There was just one problem. I could not find any records that showed George and Christina to be Mathias’ parents.
The Breakthrough?
I went back to re-look at the Matteer family this week. I searched high and low with no luck. Then, I decided to look at the family tree on Family Search. I usually ignore it preferring to focus only on records because anyone and everyone can update Family Search’s family tree. In my experience, far too many entries are full of errors.
Anyway, I looked at Mathias Matteer and in the sources was a record that had not come up in other searches on the site or any other site.
The record information states:
Matheus Matter
Birthdate: 22 May 1806
Event: Baptism
Event Date: 6 Oct 1807
Event Place: Berrysburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, United States
There was some additional source information and down below was the following information:
Georg Matter Sr: Father: M
Christina Matter: Mother: F
The only question I had was whether the names listed actually came from the record or from the family tree on family search. The logical option is to review the actual record. Well, I couldn’t look directly at the record as it isn’t available online or through loan to a family search library.
To see the actual record, I would be required to go to Saint John’s Lutheran Church near Berrysburg, Mifflin Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania where the original record is held. Alternately, I could go to the Family Search’s library in Salt Lake City
Well, since I am located almost precisely in the middle between the two, but nowhere close to either location, seeing the actual record was not possible in the short-term. Thus, I turned to researching if the parent information came from the actual record. The answer was that it did indeed come from the record. My experiments with other records where the image was available confirmed the answer. Thus, I feel confident that this record confirms that Georg Matter and Christina Karmindy were Mathias Matteer’s parents.
The Next Generation
Now that my third-great grandparents in this family line were known, the obvious question was, “Can I find my fourth-great grandparents for this family line?” The answer was “Yes, to some degree.”
Georg’s father was Jacob Matter. His full name was possibly Johannes/Hans Jacob Matter. However, he used “Jacob” as his name. I can confirm that Jacob was married to Anna Maria Wendling. However, Georg’s christening record lists his mother as Margaretha Wandlin. Now, Wandlin could easily be a different spelling of Wandling. However, Anna Maria and Margretha sound like two different women. Was it simply mis-heard or an error? Or, did Jacob have an earlier wife? This will require additional research.
Christina’s parents were Johannes “John” and Juliana Karminie. At this point, I only have Juliana’s given name.
Visual
The following image shows the ancestors of Louisiana (Matteer) McCracken. In the image, the people in
Blue boxes were previously known.
Green boxes are new and are considered verified as an ancestor.
Yellow boxes have some information that lead me to believe they are likely the parent of the later generation. However additional work is required to move them to verified status.
Louisiana Matter’s Family Tree. Relationships shown are to me.
Details on the Newly Found Ancestors
Georg Matter & Christina Karmindy
Georg Matter
Birth Oct 30, 1753, New Holland, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Death Jun 7, 1823, Annville, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Christina Karmindy
Birth 1769, Pennsylvania
Death Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
George & Christina’s Marriage 29 Apr 1793, Annville, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Jacob Matter & Anna Maria Wendling
Jacob Matter
Birth Nov. 17, 1722, Alsace, France (An area along the border with Germany,
at times it was France and at times Germany).
Immigration 1751
Death May 20, 1790, Quitapohila, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Anna Maria Wendling
Birth March 25, 1726
Death August 31, 1809, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
Jacob & Anna Maria’s Marriage 1751, Altdorf, Alsace Lorraine, France
It appears that Jacob Matter may have fought in the Revolutionary War. I have seen records and read stories. However, more research is needed to confirm that the records match our actual ancestor.
Johannes “John” Karminie & Juliana
Johannes “John” Karminie
Birth March 4, 1737, Germany (specific location needs to be verified)
Death Sept 1781, Annville, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
John & Juliana’s Marriage Sept. 5, 1758, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
It appears that John Karminie may have fought in the Revolutionary War. I have seen records and read stories. However, more research is needed to confirm that the records match our actual ancestor.
Even More Research
There is a lot to research to prove in the children of these people and learn more about their lives.
People have listed more generations for these families. In the case of the Matter family, I have found information claiming to go back to the early 1600s to Jacob’s great-grandparents. I’m going to have to sharpen my German research skills as naming conventions and map changes over the years can be quite challenging.
Mud Island doesn’t sound like a very exciting place. However, it was home to a fort that served the country for nearly 200 years. The fort has been known as Mud Island Fort, Fort Island Battery, and Fort Mifflin. Family history is intertwined with the early days of the fort. And, as a bonus, the fort has plenty of ghost stories.
Origin
Philadelphia was a wealthy port city. However, it was unprotected in part because Quakers were opposed to military involvement. Then, in the 1750s plans were created for a fort on Mud Island just below Philadelphia. However, the plan was never executed.
The building of a fort on Mud Island was begun in 1771. It was funded by Pennsylvania to protect the Delaware river and regulate traffic on the Delaware River. Six designs were completed by a British man. They were reviewed and the preferred plan was quite elaborate. It was far too expensive to build than the funds allocated would allow.
Lucerne96: This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License. Via Wikipedia.
A redesign was required and the designer quit the project in frustration. The project continued for about a year before being abandoned as it had neither the required leadership nor the funds required. Only the east and south stone walls had been completed.
Facts & Figures
Names of Fort: Fort Island Battery, Mud Island Fort, Fort Mifflin
Location: Mud Island (a.k.a. Deep Water island), Delaware River near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania across the river from Ft. Mercer, New Jersey.
Size: 84 acres
Map Hints: Today it can be found next to the Philadelphia International Airport
Key dates:
1771 – Build began
1772 – Abandoned due to funds
1776 – Continental Army took control and continued to build it
1777 – The Battle of Mud Island
1794 – Rebuilt
1812+ – Activated to protect Philadelphia during the War of 1812
1824 – Fort Delaware built and Ft. Mifflin was abandoned as a protective fort
1863 – 1865 Civil War POW Camp
1917+ – Ammunition depot
1942+ – Coast Guard units, Anti-aircraft
1962 – Decommissioned
Years Actives: 1776 – 1962
Wars Supported: Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, WWI, WWII
Today: National Historic Landmark, owned by the City of Philadelphia
Revolutionary War
With whispers of a revolution against Great Britain being spread throughout the land, the Continental Army took control of the abandoned property and worked to complete the fort.
During this period of time, John McGinley, Rod’s 6th-great grandfather, who was a blacksmith, received payments from Congress for work done on gun carriages. A payment of £62/19/4 1/2 was made at the end of February 1777 and and other payment of £52/7/0 was made to John McGinley only two weeks later. Although not confirmed, the record implies that other payments were made previously.
Although it is possible that these gun carriages were of the type that were mobile, it is very likely that they were for the cannons that were being placed at the fort on Mud Island. It is also likely that it was paying John McGinley for a contract which was completed by many men, as those payments were quite substantial.
The fort was not created with nearly the number of guns in the original plan. It opened with 200 men and a small number of large guns.
Contributor Names: Nicole, Pierre, -1784; Montrésor, John, 1736-1799. Created / Published 1777 Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Preparations
John McGinley, First Lieutenant
In preparation of battles to come, men were called to join the militia. In August, 1777, John McGinley was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in Captain Samuel Massey’s Company (First Company) in Colonel Jehu Eyre’s Philadelphia Artillery Battalion, which was a part of the Pennsylvania Militia. John’s brother-in-law Joseph Fry was a Captain-Lieutenant in the same company.
This was not the First Company’s first call to duty. The Memorial of the First Company of Philadelphia Militia Artillery, 1779, indicates that the unit was first called into service in July 1776 when they were sent to Amboy, Elizabethtown and other locations to fend off the British military. That December, the company was called to support General Washington. They were present when the patriots defeated the British at Trenton and Princeton.
No supporting records have been identified to indicate if John McGinley was a part of this initial action. However, he was the primary signatory of the memorial. He may have, however, been speaking for the company historically and not his personal history with the unit.
The Task At Hand
The men at the fort on Mud Island, those at Fort Mercer, and others nearby were tasked with holding off the British long enough that Washington could get his men to Valley Forge where they planned to spend the winter.
A group of men patrolled the river, attempted to disrupt the operations of the British on the Delaware, and raided British positions along the river. Meanwhile, the soldiers placed chevaux de frise obstacles in the Delaware River that were capable of piercing ships that dared to cross their path. The soldiers left gaps between the obstacles for safe passage of friendly ships. However, only a very limited number of American patriots were trusted with information regarding the safe navigation route.
If the British attempted to dismantle the obstacles placed in the Delaware, they would be in direct view of the soldiers at the fort and would be easy targets.
Occupation of Philadelphia
Col. Jehu Eyre’s artillery men were involved in the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, although Capt. Massey’s Company was directed to Chester and worked to stop an advance in that location. The men assisted in slowing the advance of the British toward Philadelphia.
On September 26, the British reached their objective of occupying Philadelphia. This was a huge win for the British. However, they desperately needed supplies – food, winter clothing, ammunition, etc. if they were going to hold Philadelphia and confront George Washington’s Army while they were exhausted and vulnerable following recent battles.
The ships with supplies were in the Delaware and ready to approach Philadelphia. However, the fort on Mud Island with about 400 men and Fort Mercer in New Jersey stood between the ships and the occupying forces.
The Siege of Mud Island
The attack of Mud Island, Fort Mercer, Billingsport, and other defensive positions along the Delaware River began immediately after the occupation of Philadelphia began. The patriots at Mud Island were outnumbered four to one by the British and had to contend with 250 British ships trying to make their way to Philadelphia.
First Company Activities
The First Company joined the defense of the river arriving from a short-term assignment supporting General Armstrong. During September and the early days of October, the First Company was stationed at Billingsport, NJ, which was just slightly down river from Mud Island. Today, you will find it directly across the river from the Philadelphia International Airport.
Billingsport was a small earthen fort with a very small number of cannons. It was the “outpost” at the southern end of the defense of the Delaware River outside Philadelphia. The company’s role there was one of delay tactics. They placed and protected the chevaux de frise and other river obstacles along with minor artillery support. They were to delay the British in their move northward on the Delaware River.
When they were told to abandon the location, the men took all the ammunition and other items that could be readily moved northward. Those items that could not be moved were disabled or destroyed, including the forts cannons.
The First Company then assisted directly in the defense of Mud Island by manning guns at the fort. The men worked tirelessly despite shelling by the British, shortages of ammunition and other supplies, and other harsh conditions.
Increase In Intensity
The men at Mud Island held on for six long weeks despite the siege being led by the very man who had designed the fort. It seems his motto must have been, “What he hath built, he shall destroy.”
Operations on the Delaware River @ Philadelphia October-November 1777 Unknown (Engraving); Centpacrr (Digital image), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The attacks on Mud Island increased in intensity on November 10, 1777. This continued until November 15, when the fort received the greatest bombardment of the Revolutionary War. The British had managed to get over 200 cannons pointed toward the island fort. It is said that during the first hour of fighting that day, 1000 cannon balls were propelled toward the fort. Refusing to give up, the soldiers retrieved British cannon balls from walls of the fort and sent them flying back toward the British ships. Later that day, the British got so close to the island that they threw grenades from the ships’ crows nests.
Exhausted, out of ammunition, and having over half of the soldiers wounded or killed, the decision was made that it was time. Thus, after nightfall, the patriots abandoned the fort, making their way across the river to Fort Mercer. The last men to leave set what little was left of the fort on fire, but left the fort’s flag flying. This is interpreted as meaning that the British may have won the battle, but the Americans were not surrendering.
Success in Losing
Although the British gained control of the fort or what was left of it, the American soldiers had held the British long enough for Washington to get his troops to Valley Forge. Thus, preventing the British from achieving their objective of attacking Washington’s Army before winter. Therefore, although the fort was mostly destroyed and landed in the hands of the British, the work of the men at the fort was deemed a success.
If Mud Island had fallen sooner, the British likely would have been able to engage Washington’s troops before they reached Valley Forge. Some say that a battle before the troops had a chance to rest and recuperate at Valley Forge could have changed the outcome of the Revolution.
Post-Occupation
Rebuilding
After the patriots regained control of Philadelphia in late June 1778, work began to rebuild the fort on Mud Island. Colonel Bull was in charge of construction on the Island and other locations along the Delaware. Over 100 workers, including carpenters, stone masons, ditch diggers, and ironsmiths worked to restore the fort. Others, such as, wheelbarrow makers, merchants, and bakers, supported the effort.
During the re-building of the fort, John McGinley was a superintendent of the blacksmiths and supervised the ironsmiths under the control of Colonel Bull.
On Duty
In March 1779, Colonel Thomas Proctor’s artillery company was sent to the fort as a part of an effort to enforce an embargo and keep the British from re-entering the area. A great deal of tension rose between local entities and the Continental Congress. After spending April on the island and other nearby locations, Col. Proctor’s artillery company was diverted elsewhere.
It was decided that Pennsylvania state militia would handle duties on the island. It was agreed that they would receive Continental Army pay. Thus, on April 23, 1779, the Supreme Executive Council requested Col. Eyre to send two companies to take over operations at the fort and other defense locations along the Delaware River. Col. Eyre’s documents indicated the First Company was sent to Billingsport. The company was now led by Captain John McGinley who had been promoted when Captain Samuel Massey stepped down. His brother-in-law Joseph Fry served as conductor.
If the company was sent to Billingsport, they were quickly moved to Mud Island. On May 12, 1779, Captain McGinley was the primary signer of a memorial to the executive council complaining of poor pay, mistreatment, and lack of supplies. The memorial stated that the company was at Mud Island.
Later that month, it was requested that the Board of War allow a “4 pounder” to be loaned to the fort and delivered to Capt. McGinley until one expected to be sent from Lancaster to the fort arrived.
At the end of the month, the paymaster sent £601/5/0 to cover the pay of the company. It stated that Capt. McGinley received “regular pay,” which may imply a rate more like standard military pay. He was also paid for coal to be used in the work at the fort.
More Work To Do
The fort was full of activity. The focus that summer was on repairing the fort, maintaining the river defenses, and artillery drills. However, day to day activities were far less intense than what the company had encountered two years earlier. The conditions were, however, less than ideal as it was extremely hot and humid with many men experiencing fevers.
Summer Break
On June 27,1779, Capt. McGinley’s company was relieved from duty on Mud Island. The next day, the company marched to the State House in a show of support for the Supreme Executive Council’s committee’s regulations on the pricing, sale, and transport of goods. After assuring the Supreme Executive Council of their support, they proceeded to the college where the committee was meeting where they stated their support for efforts to reduce the price of goods.
The company’s service for the remainder of the summer is a bit unclear. They definitely continued to serve. It is possible that they worked in Philadelphia. However, records imply that at least some of McGinley’s company returned to Mud Island or BIllingsport for the remainder of the summer.
In August, Capt. McGinley’s workers had not been paid for a month. They refused to continue working, especially since they were only getting £1 per day. An advocate for the men who served under him, Captain McGinley made the decision that the men should be paid the going rate for iron workers in Philadelphia and in the Continental Army as it seems he had been led to believe would occur.
Insufficient Pay
Therefore, Capt. John McGinley advanced pay to his men of £8 per day from his personal funds. When Capt. McGinley presented a bill to Col. Bull for reimbursement of the pay he advanced the workers and the cost of supplies (180 bushels of coal) that he had procured for the work of his company, Col. Bull refused to pay. In August 1779, Capt. McGinley wrote to the Supreme Executive Council requesting payment of the same.
Request for Payment. Source: Pennsylvania Archives
Despite Capt. McGinley’s attempt to get reimbursed for the amount he had paid his men for their work while they were in garrison at the fort, he was limited to the rate of £1 per day as the Supreme Executive Council felt that was fair pay since others had accepted this amount for their work. Thus, John McGinley lost a considerable amount of his own money while serving in the militia.
MEMORIAL OF THE FIRST COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA MILITIA ARTILLERY, 1779
(Written as Recorded)
To His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esq*, President, and the Honorable Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Memorial and Petition of the first Company of Philadelphia Militia Artillery, Commanded by Colo. Jehu Eyre, and now stationed at Fort Mifflin.
Humbly Sheweth,
That your Petitioners and Memorialists, again call’d out in defence of this State, being ever willing to exert ourselves in behalf of the United States, and this in particular, and to support as much as in us lies, the Virtuous Cause of Freedom and Independency, have once more chearfully stepped forth in obedience to the Laws of our Country, to act in a Military Capacity.
Nevertheless, we humbly beg leave to represent to your Excellency and this Honorable Board, the Circumstances and Grievances attending ourselves and many of our worthy fellow Countreymen, who having uniformly conducted themselves hitherto, are with us, Still determined to exert their utmost Efforts.
In the Month of July, 1776, We were first call’d forth to Amboy, Elizabethtown, &c, to endeavor to repeal the force of a formidable British and Hessian Army then landed, or landing, on Staten Island. We chearfully attended the call, and associated to stem the Current of their violent Determinations to destroy and ravage this Country; at the same time leaving our families at every risque of distress and hardships, and at the mercy of the disaffected, Inimical, or self Interested; and, we might presume to say, the most Obnoxious part of the Community. Upon the return of most of us, (for some died, were killed by accident, or taken prisoners) We found every necessary and convenience of life greatly enhanced in price, and ourselves Caluminated and despised; as having justly merited our loss of Business, &c, by being too forward in takeing an Active part, and bearing Arms. But it was at that time borne with patience, in expectation of redress.
In the month of December following, when the British Army were attempting by crossing the Jersey State to take possession of this City, we were exhorted on the Commons (by a General at that time much in esteem) to turn out again and support the Army of his Excellency, General Washington, with the most Solemn assurance that those who turn’d out might expect to receive satisfaction & redress in the premises, and Delinquents proportionally pay for their refusal. We, with a number of virtuous Citizens and Countrymen, rushed forth, notwithstanding the Inclemency of the Season, and the Services then perform’d, thro’ the Assistance of Divine Providence, and the abilities of our Excellent Commander in Chief in the Defeat of the British and Hessian forces at Trenton and Princeton, are too recent to be recapitulated, and will remain a lasting Memorial of Virtue, Prudence, and Success.
After a Series of Hardships unusual to Citizens in private life, and not common to Soldiers in the Field, we return’d, and found those persons we left behind had again taken Advantage of our Absence, and enormously advanced the prices on every thing; this was encreasing the distress of the Associators, who were treated at the same time with Indignity and Contempt. We had Arms in our hands, and knew the use of them; but instead of avenging ourselves, or retaliating on our Innate and Worse of Enemies, we patiently waited the Interference of the Legislative Authority. We were amused by the promises of Fines, Penalities, &c, on the Delinquents and that the Virtuous, Voluntary Militia would be put on a respectable Footing; but we cannot help observing, that the Militia are Viewed in the most disrespectful light, and few of the Fines then mentioned, or afterwards enacted, but what are artfully evaded so as not to comply with the true End and Intention of such Imposition.
The Spring, and part of the Summer in the year 1777, pass’d without any Material Circumstances respecting the Militia, except the Law in that Clause provided whereby it was enacted, that Substitutes might be allow’d in Case the rightful Persons did not appear. By this Law, the Designing or disaffected Secur’d themselves by hiring Substitutes, many of whom were not worthy of the Charge as not being Citizens; others deserted, whilst their Employers, by staying behind, were reaping advantage at our Expence, and amassing Fortunes.
Your Petitioners, apart of the Sufferers (and some of them among the foremost) were, in Sept’ and part of October, in the year 1777, in public Service as Militia, station’d at Billingsport, while many of our wives and families were in this City, then in possession of the Enemy. Several have lost their All; and when we return’d (as we thought) happily to the City last year, Shortly every Article of life or Convenience was rais’d upon us, Eight, ten, or twelve fold at least; and many of us are at a loss to this day what Course or Station of Life to adopt to Support ourselves and Families.
The Honorable House of Assembly during their last session, have been pleas’d to Enact a Supplement to the Militia Law impowering heavy Fines upon Delinquents not forming in Militia, or when call’d out on service, which we are Convinced was expected to answer the purpose Intended; but when we consider that Men in these Exorbitant Times can acquite more by Monopolizeing, or by an under Trade, in one Day, than will defray all their Expenses of Fines or Penalties in a whole year, We humbly presume the Midlin and poor will still bear the Burden, and either be totally ruin’d by heavy Fines, or Risque the starving of their Families, whilst themselves are fighting the Battles of those who are Avariciously Intent on Amassing Wealth by the Destruction of the more virtuous part of the Community.
These weighty Circumstances being duly considered, Your Petitioners most humbly pray your Excellency and this Honorable Board to state the Facts, and use your Interest with the Honorable House of Assembly at their next Session; either to enact a Law whereby every Delingquent, not turning out in Militia when Legally call’d forth may be fined in proportion to his Estate; or otherwise, take of all the Fines and Penalties, and leave it to the Militia who obey the Call to Compell every able Bodied Man to join them in some Station, lest when the Militia are call’d forth, by leaving such numbers of Disaffected in their Rear, they, by pursuing their usual Methods, render our Situation worse than making us prisoners of War.
And your Petitioners and Memorialists, as in Duty Bound, will Ever Pray.
Signed at Fort Mifflin, May 12th, 1779.*
John McGinly, Cpt of Artilary,
(followed by the signature of members of the company, including Joseph Fry, conductor)
Iudorsement.
1779, rec’d May 20th. Petition of the first Compy of Militia* Artillery now at Mud Island, Philadelphia County.
*See Col. Rec., Vol. XI, P. 776.
Source: Pennsylvania Archives, First Series Vol. VII, p. 392-395.
Ft. Mifflin
Before becoming governor, Thomas Mifflin, who had been a Major General in the Continental Army and who was involved with state government, ordered repair of the fort on Mud Island. It was during this period that the citadel structure, blacksmith shop, barracks, and cave-like casemates (bomb shelters) were built.
Although the fort had at times been called Ft. Mifflin. It had also been called by other names. When the government took control of the fort in 1795, it was officially named Ft. Mifflin.
Over the coming years, officer’s quarters, a guardhouse/prison, blacksmith shop, hospital, and mess hall were built. And, it was staffed with two companies at least until 1800 to protect Congress who was meeting in Philadelphia.
War of 1812
During the War of 1812, the fort’s role was to defend Philadelphia. As such, both artillery and infantry were stationed on the island. At the time, it had at least 37 “heavy guns.” However, the fort saw no action during the war.
Building and Re-building
The following buildings were built or renovated in the years between the War of 1812 and the Civil War:
1836 – Renovations of barracks and officer’s quarters
? – A second floor was added to the barracks
1815-1816 – A building was added to be a guard house and prison.
1819 – A building was added outside the fort walls, which had a mess hall on the first floor and a hospital on the second floor.
1800s – Mud Island was connected to the western bank of the Delaware
1820 – Moved to secondary status after Fort Delaware was built, but maintained staff
1836 – Barracks and officer’s quarters renovated
1837 – The hospital and mess hall building was altered to be a meeting house.
1837 – An artillery shed for cannons was added
1839 – The guard house became an arsenal.
1840s – The officer’s quarters were enlarged with a two-story kitchen area.
1842 – A store house was added.
Civil War
During the Civil War, Fort Mifflin served as a military prison. Poor conditions awaited Confederate, Union, and civilian prisoners alike. Not only was the prison overcrowded, there were damp cells, poor ventilation, standing water, and raw sewage added to the misery.
A prisoner of note was a Union soldier who was hung for killing an officer that went to arrest him for desertion. He had gone home to recuperate without permission. It is unclear why he opened fire on the officers that came to his home. He was eventually arrested and brought to the fort. He wrote letters to President Lincoln trying to gain his freedom. However, he also led an attempted escape of a large group of prisoners. After that, he was held in solitary confinement. Eventually, he was hung for his crime. One article reported that people paid to witness the hanging. Whether there is truth to that story is unknown.
Civilians also ended up in the miserable conditions the fort had to offer. One group of civilians arrested were from Columbia County, Pennsylvania. Leadership in the county claimed that they were being drafted at a higher rate than others. But, their actions upset the government, which thought they might be starting an armed uprising. One hundred people were arrested. Forty-four of the people were held at Mud Island for being a part of the “Fishing Creek Confederacy,” which helped men evade being drafted and helped them defect. It was said to have been created by the Knights of the Golden Circle
The Confederate POWs were housed in casemates, bomb shelters. The largest one was said to have at one time held 216 POWs simultaneously. Forty-two escapes and three prisoner deaths were recorded at the fort during the Civil War era.
WWI
After the Civil War, the Army Corps of Engineers out of the Philadelphia District Office were responsible for the fort. The following enhancements were made:
1867 – A large Gunpowder Magazine was built
1870 – Work began on the High Battery, but was not finished
1876 – Built a casemate for torpedoes going into the Delaware
Then, in 1904, a portion of the fort was dismantled and all weaponry was removed.
However, when the United States got involved in World War I (WWI) the fort, which had not had a garrison since 1866, was modernized. The barracks, hospital, and commander’s house, were upgraded. However, the fort would not be filled with soldiers as it took on a different role during the war.
The fort became a part of the Fort Mifflin Naval Ammunition Depot. Millions of pounds of ammunition were stored at the fort. In support of the fort’s role in the war, a small railroad was created that connected the fort to the Army Corps of Engineers Depot and the Naval Ammunition Depot.
Ammunition continued to be stored at the fort after the war. However, its proximity to Philadelphia created concern. Thus, in 1929, the ammunition was removed from the fort and the fort was restored, at least in part, per the original plans.
WWII
During WWII, the fort was again put into service. Several anti-aircraft guns were also located at the fort to protect the Naval Ammunition Storage Depot and the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Battery H of the 76th Coast Artillery Regiment guarded the fort for a short time. The 601st Coast Artillery Regiment took over from them when they were to be deployed.
The Fort As It Stands Today
The federal government decommissioned the fort in 1954 after 183 years of service. However, the Army Corp of Engineers still operates on the grounds, but outside the walls of the fort making it the only active military base that pre-dates the founding of the country.
Following the closure of the fort, the City of Philadelphia obtained ownership of the site. Efforts were made to restore the fort. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark.
Buildings and other features still existing include:
Hospital and Mess Hall (c. 1820/1836)
Marble slab with John Adams and John McHenry’s names, (c. 1798)
Quartermaster’s House (c. 1843)
Bastion and casemates (late 1700s)
East Wall with pock marks from the 1777 Siege still showing (1772)
Water Battery Remnants
High Mortar Batteries (c. 1871)
Guard House & Prison/Arsenal (c. 1816)
Citadel/Commandant’s House (1798)
Torpedo Casemate (c. 1875)
Casement #11, where William Howe was held
Artillery Shed (c. 1837)
Blacksmith Shop (c. 1790s)
Powder Magazine (c. 1809/1867)
Soldiers’ Barracks (c. 1797)
Officer’s Quarters (c. 1814)
Several of these features can be seen in the photograph of Fort Mifflin.
Its Haunted History
The Blacksmith
It is said that a hammer hitting an anvil can be heard near the blacksmith shop and that the door keeps opening on its own. If you go inside, all is quiet.
Man Lighting Lamps
A man is seen on the barracks building balcony in the evening lighting the lamps that once hung there.
Revolutionary War Soldier
A Revolutionary soldier takes visitors on tour. Dressed in costume? Nope. And, no one on staff matches the description.
The Screaming Lady
The woman who screams is said to be Elizabeth Pratt. The story told and her life story don’t quite align. However, Elizabeth and two of her children died at the fort and are buried there. It is believed they all died of yellow fever although the story told has the daughter dying of typhoid fever and the mother committing suicide.
The Faceless Man
Stories about this entity vary. However, it is believed to be William Howe. He was wounded in the Civil War and when the hospital was full went home to heal. Not understanding the situation, men were sent to arrest him. He fired shots at them. Unknown to him, he killed one of the men. He was brought to the fort where he was held in an underground room. On August 26, 1864, William Howe became the only man ever hung at the fort. Note: In 2006, this room, which was thought to have originally been for making and storing explosives, was discovered. It was confirmed to be where this man was kept because he wrote his name on the wall.
Sad Man
He walks down the road by the gates.
Other Various Observations
Smells of bread and fire
Voices of people and even barking of dogs
Being physically touched, pushed, pulled, etc.
Shadowy figures
Problems with electronics
Afterward
John McGinley’s Additional service
John McGinley continued to serve off and on at least through 1785. In 1780, he filled the role of Captain Lieutenant of the James Pearson’s company (5th Company) of the artillery battalion of Philadelphia Militia commanded by Lt. Col. Joseph Marsh. In 1782, John was listed as Capt. Lt. on an address from officers of the Philadelphia Militia to James Potter, Major-General of the militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. And, in 1785, he was the captain Lieutenant of the Fourth Company of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Mark’s artillery battalion.
Visiting Ft. Mifflin
Although I have been to Philadelphia multiple times, I have yet to visit Ft. Mifflin as our family history in the Philadelphia area touches many branches. It is, however, near the top of our list for a future visit.
Featured Image: Surfsupusa, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Her mom dies and her dad travels for work. She is an only-child and lives with her grandparents, who raise her as a sophisticated city girl only to fall in love with and marry a country boy who lives half-way across the country. This requires leaving everyone she knows and changing her religion. Then they move to Canada, but return. Over the years they have a large family. And, when they are grown, her dad who has worked all over the eastern half of the country moves in with her. All these changes had to change her perspective on life — a lot!
Blanche Klinefelter on the porch in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Image made clearer using Gemini AI
The Early Years
Blanche Mabel Klinefelter was born September 27, 1887 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Judge Sharpless and Emma (Ackermann) Klinefelter. On December 30, 1888, when Blanche was only 15 months old, her mother died in childbirth along with Blanche’s brother Daniel.
Blanche’s father worked in construction and later was a superintendent of large building projects. His work took him all over the eastern half of the country. Read more about Judge Sharpless Klinefelter.
Thus, Blanche lived with her grandparents, Joseph Gazzan & Caroline (Stetler) Klinefelter in the East Liberty/East End area of Pittsburgh. She grew up at 5612 Harvard St.; however, the home no longer exists.
Her father would visit when able. However, he remarried in 1896 to Lois Campbell. He had two daughters with her: Carolyn Elmina and Hortense Lucille. Now, she had to share her father with her half-sisters and his wife in addition to with his work. Although Blanche knew her half-sisters, they lived in Ohio. Thus, it wasn’t like having true sisters that lived in the same household. Besides, the older of them was nine years her junior.
Despite all of this churn, Joseph and Caroline made sure that Blanche grew up to be a cultured young lady. She graduated 8th grade at the Highland School in the East End neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, she received a watch that could be worn on a chain or that could be pinned to a dress.
By this time, Pittsburgh was a very fast-growing metropolis. By 1900, Pittsburgh had just over 320,000 inhabitants and in the next 10 years the population would grow to over half a million.
Marriage
In early September 1905, Blanche accompanied her grandparents to Denver Colorado. Joseph made the trip to attend the National Encampment of G.A.R. (the Grand Army of the Republic) that was held the week of September 4. Read more about Joseph Klinefelter and G.A.R.
At the same time, Herbert Thomson was also traveling. He lived in Nebraska; however, he was returning from Alberta, Canada, where he owned property.
As fate would have it, Blanche and Herbert ended up in the same location at the same time. They met at the train depot in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Herbert was thirteen years her senior, but Blanche and Herbert hit it off.
Blanche’s grandparents thought he would be a good catch for Blanche because he owned land. One thing led to another and Herbert decided to make a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He ended up proposing and they married approximately three months after they first met.
The Wedding
W A Stanton is the Baptist Minister who married Herbert Thomson and Blanche Klinefelter
On December 6, 1905, Blanche and Herbert were married in the parlor of the Shady Avenue Baptist Church. It is unknown how many guests attended the wedding. However, the invitation appears to indicate that it was a formal affair. Of interest is that her grandparents names are on the invitation and not her father’s name although he was most likely in attendance as her half-sisters signed as witnesses to the wedding. Her grandparents also sent out formal announcements of the wedding.
The photograph of the pastor must have been given to Blanche and Herbert at their wedding. It was one of several gifts. They later stated that the gifts that they had received were “useful, handsome, and valuable.”
The Wedding Dinner
Following the evening wedding, a six-course dinner was served at a nearby hotel. The most likely location was the Hotel Schenley as it was just over two miles from the church and would have provided an elegant dinner.
Based on their station in life, menus of that era, the location, the time of year, etc., Grok AI suggested the following as a possible menu. I am sure that this is NOT the menu for their wedding dinner, but it gives a hint of what it might have been like.
“Hors d’Œuvres Blue Point Oysters on the Half Shell Celery Hearts · Queen Olives · Radishes · Salted Almonds Amontillado Sherry
Potage Cream of Green Turtle (a warming, celebratory classic for December gatherings) or Consommé with Julienne Vegetables and Fine Herbs Bread Sticks · Toasted Points
Poisson Broiled Shad à la Maître d’Hôtel (fresh Pennsylvania river fish, simply prepared and hearty) or Filet of Sole with Lemon Butter Cucumbers in Cream · Small Parisienne Potatoes Rhine Wine or Sauternes
Entrée Guinea Hen or Chicken Breast à la Maryland (breaded, fried crisp, served with cream gravy, corn fritters, and bacon—a substantial, festive Pennsylvania favorite) Asparagus Hollandaise · Green Peas
Rôti Roast Philadelphia Capon with Watercress and Currant Jelly (local poultry, roasted to perfection—symbolizing home and family pride) or Saddle of Lamb with Mint Sauce Mashed Potatoes · Glazed Sweet Potatoes · Cauliflower in Cream Sauce · Buttered String Beans Claret or Champagne (poured generously for toasts to the bride—raised as a daughter by her grandparents—and the couple’s new life together)
Entremets & Dessert Roman Punch (iced rum-citrus sherbet to refresh the palate) Bride’s Cake (a tall, richly fruited cake with marzipan, white icing, and sugared winter fruits/flowers—cut amid cheers and well-wishes) Charlotte Russe with Preserved Fruits Neapolitan Ice Cream · Petits Fours · Meringues Assorted Fancy Cakes · Fresh Fruit Compote Cheese (Roquefort and others) & Crackers Demi-Tasse (black coffee) · Liqueurs · Cigars for the Gentlemen”
Grok went on to suggest that a small orchestra may have played music while the guests ate, visited, and possibly danced in the seasonally decorated ballroom
Arrival in Nebraska
Once married, Blanche left her life in the bustling city behind and moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Herbert’s farm outside Palmyra, Nebraska. Herbert and Blanche arrived in Palmyra via train with Blanche in all her city finery.
Even if Blanche had visited farms or had other knowledge of them, nothing could have really prepared her for life on the farm, where the closest town had just over 300 people. The roads were dusty, the prairie wide-open where you could see for miles, and wild animals were abundant. It was quite a change.
The Nebraska Reception
Upon arrival in Nebraska in mid-December, Herbert’s parents, Arthur Reid and Margaret (Ronald) Thomson held a reception at their home for their youngest son and his new bride. The event included a four-course dinner.
Grok AI suggested that the menu for this dinner would be quite different than the wedding dinner
Herbert & Blanche (Klinefelter) Thomson’s Family in 1915
“Soup / Starter Scotch broth (thick barley soup with root vegetables—carrots, turnips, onions—from the cellar, bits of mutton, beef, or chicken from the farm, and perhaps pearl barley …). Served with homemade bread, oatcakes/bannocks (simple flat oat breads baked on the stove), or biscuits. Side of homemade pickles, relishes, or canned beets for contrast.
Main Course / Roast … chicken, goose, or pork (fresh from the farmyard or hog-killing season—…. Stuffed with sage-onion dressing; served with rich gravy (pan drippings thickened with flour/milk), mashed potatoes (creamed with butter), candied sweet potatoes or glazed carrots, boiled cabbage or turnips …, and green beans or corn (canned/dried from harvest).
Sides / Vegetable Course Additional hearty accompaniments: Scalloped or creamed corn (Midwest staple), coleslaw or simple cabbage slaw (vinegar-dressed), applesauce (from stored apples), and more rolls, oatcakes, or cornbread passed around. Perhaps a small dish of buttered parsnips or onions if available.
Dessert Homemade pie (apple from stored fruit, pumpkin from preserved squash, or mincemeat with preserved fruits/meat…). Or shortbread cookies (buttery oat shortbread, a direct Scottish touch), spice cake, or fruitcake (spiced preserved fruits). Served with strong black coffee, fresh milk/buttermilk, or tea—warming for winter.”
Grok depicted the scene as was typical of rural family life in the early 1900s – no frills, but plenty of food and fellowship.
Herbert & Blanche (Klinefelter) Thomson’s Family in 1915
Big Changes
Blanche likely missed the fancy houses, places of culture, and nice stores. However, it is said that Blanche missed wearing large hats, fancy gloves, and hooped skirts more than anything else. None of them were of any use on the farm. Not all city women could make this transition. One must assume that Blanche was open to accepting a new perspective and that she must have really loved Herbert!
In addition, despite having half-sisters, Blanche grew up effectively as an only child. Her father was also an only child and her grandfather only had one living brother who lived hundreds of miles away. Thus, it must have been quite a shock when she met Herbert’s large family. Big family gatherings happened frequently and were quite contrary to the small family of which she was accustomed.
In the coming days and years, Blanche would experience the Presbyterian religion. Leaving behind the Baptist Church, she would become very active in the Palmyra Presbyterian Church. Read more about the Palmyra Presbyterian Church.
Besides family size, location, and religion, Blanche had to deal with culture shock of a different type. She came from a family where many recent generations were from German immigrant families; whereas, Herbert’s family was Scottish through and through.
Klinefelter Family 1809
Her Roots
Over time, Blanche adapted to country living. However, she kept in touch with her family back in Pennsylvania and was very proud of her roots – the Klinefelters, Ackermanns, Stetlers, McGinleys, and, of course, William Hurrie, the famous bell ringer who rang the Liberty Bell when the Declaration of Independence was read. Read more about William Hurrie.
During the next several years, various members of the family visited. During these visits, Blanche asked her relatives to write down pieces of their family history. Her grandmother Caroline Klinefelter gave her an autograph book, which she used to record family history. When the Freedom Train came to town, Blanche was responsible for making it known that the family descended from William Hurrie. Read more about the Thomson family and the Freedom Train.
Canada
For two years around 1920, Herbert and Blanche embarked on a new journey when they moved to Herbert’s property near Stettler, Alberta, Canada. There Blanche experienced a new country. Although the town was thriving, it was quite remote. The 160-acre farm was three miles north of the northeast corner of the village of Stettler, which lies over 140 miles northeast of Calgary.
Although their stay was short, Blanche and Herbert brought home a wonderful souvenir of their time in Canada – their seventh child, May Viola, who was born during their stay.
The following two photos are both marked as being taken in 1928. However, they do not appear to be from the same year. The first photograph was taken when they were on a later trip to Stettler. George Ackermann is included in the photo. He is a relative of Blanche in her mother’s family, who was visiting from California.
In Canada 1928. Herbert, Blanche, and family. Plus George Ackermann. Retouched by Gemini AI.
Herbert and Blanche (Klinefelter) Thomson’s Family
After the experiment of living in Canada, the family returned to Palmyra where they stayed with the exception of trips to the north land.
Blanche and Herbert’s House in Palmyra, Otoe, Nebraska many years later. Photo was taken in 2024.
Dad Moves In
After their Canada adventure, Blanche and Herbert returned Nebraska and farmed for many years. In 1945, Blanche’s father Judge who was 81 and a widower, moved in with Blanche and Herbert. Over the years, Judge had divorced Lois and remarried to Martha Edward, who had subsequently died. Therefore, Judge moved into one of the rooms that Blanche and Herbert’s children had vacated when they became adults.
The following year, with Herbert’s health declining and Judge in his eighties, the three of them moved into Palmyra. They lived across the street from Taggart Park.
In 1948, change happened again when Herbert died. Blanche was well able to take care of herself and her home. Her father continued to lived with her.
Later that year, Blanche’s oldest son Alexander James Thomson and his wife Donna Isabelle (Van Allen) Thomson made a trip to Canada. While they were gone, Blanche cared for the oldest four children, making sure that they made it to school each day. Virginia had been born, but wasn’t in school yet. So, she stayed with her mother’s brother and his wife. Rachele wasn’t born until they returned from the trip. Thus, she got to go along.
In 1951, Blanche made her last known trip to visit Canada.
5-Generations: Judge Klinefelter; Blanche (Klinefelter) Thomson; Alexander Thomson; James Thomson; and James’ 3 children
Blanche died June 21, 1964, only weeks after taking a five generation photo that included Rod and his siblings. Blanche had been looking forward to celebrating her father’s 100th birthday. To honor her father, she planned to present family members with a family history booklet that included her father’s ancestors. The booklet was finished by family and a page added to honor Blanche, the beloved mother of eight, grandmother of 25, and great-grandmother of at least 12 at the time of her death. It also honored her role as family historian.
Use the audio recording below to hear Blanche talk about her life.
Just know – all that change throughout Blanche’s life had to have changed her perspective in multiple ways!
Afterward
Her father died in August at age 100 and her son Alexander died a few days later.
Marriage
