KEESE FAMILY
HISTORY
AND
GENEALOGY
FROM 1690 TO 1911.
By W. T. KEESE.
*
DEDICATED TO THE DESCENDANTS OF JOHN AND
ELIZABETH TITUS KEESE
CARDINGTON, OHIO
INDEPENDENT PRINTING Co.
1911
Bowne Mansion, Flushing, Long Island, Built in 1661
To List of Photos
(no fourth son and third daughter)
Bowne Mansion
Bowne Mansion Fireplace
Lydia Cook, Stephen R. Keese, Hannah Conlon
Richard Keese
John Keese
Quaker Meeting House
Old Arch Bridge, Keeseville
Stephen and Sarah Keese
Jonathon Keese
Phebe Keese
Hannah and Daniel Haines
William and Rebecca Keese
Laomi and Elizabeth Sibray
Jason and Lovina Keese
Willis and Eunice Keese
Nathan and Almira Keese
Isaac and Maggie Keese
Sarah R. Keese
John E. Keese
Matilda and Mahlon Paxon
Edwin and Loretta Smith
PREFACE
Brothers and Sisters, children of one family:
John and Elizabeth Titus Reese, our ancestors, were noble people, not warriors, not religious zealots nor enthusiasts, but Friends, a peaceable people, bred and brought up in the society where it was taught that “It is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong.”
To you this volume is dedicated. Accept it in love. I believe that it is correct, but not as full as I desired to have it, but is the best that I could do, and I sincerely thank all who have helped to make it what it is.
WILLIS T. KEESE,
Cardington, Ohio.
Death comes, life goes; the asking eye
And ear are answerless;
The grave is dumb, the hollow sky
Is sad with silentness.
Fireplace in Bowne House; Largest on Long Island
To List of Photos
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Introduction.
IN the early settlements of New York there were many Friends who came into Long Island and made settlements at Westbury, Jerico, Flushing and other places. Among those who came was a young man named John Keese. He came to Flushing some 200 years ago. There he made the acquaintance of a young woman (Friend) by the name of Mary Bowne. They were married about 1722. She was born in 1698, was the daughter of Samuel and Mary Bowne and granddaughter of John and Hannah Bowne, who built the house known as the Mansion house in those days, a picture of which graces the front page of this book: It was built in 1661 and is still standing, and is owned by lineal descendants of the Bowne family, I am told.
This historic building, with its quaint garb and furnishings, is shown to the public for the benefit of the Flushing Hospital. The cane is also shown here with which our venerable ancestor Thomas Bowne once killed a bear that attacked him in the woods.
In this house John and Mary Keese lived and here a son was born and named John Keese, who in this book will be designated as John Keese II When he was grown to manhood he went to Jerusalem, another settlement of Friends. There he married Elizabeth Titus in the year 1749 and they settled at Ninepartners, Dutchess county, New York.
There were eleven children born to this union, ten of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and married, and a number of them raised large families. There was no “race suicide” with them, but some of their descendants have failed in this respect in later years.
About 1790 this family migrated northward and settled in Clinton and Essex counties near Lake Champlain not far from where Keeseville now stands. A graphic description of this settlement, written by S. K. Smith, is given in full and will be of interest to many, I trust.
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Thomas Bowne.
Thomas Bowne was born and baptized in England in 1595. His son John Bowne was born and baptized at Matlock in Derbyshire, England, 3rd month, 1627.
Thomas Bowne came to America in 1649 with his son and family except one daughter. He died in Flushing, Long Island, in 1650. John Bowne returned to England but came back in 1651, landing at Boston. The family soon after removed to Flushing and settled there. On the 7th of 5th month, 1656, John Bowne and Hannah Feke were married at Flushing. They were among the first who embraced the principle of Friends in this country, for which they suffered much under the Dutch government. He having been sent a prisoner to Holland, was released after a time with an order to the provincial government not to molest peaceable citizens. He built a house at Flushing in 1661 in which they gave room to Friends to hold their monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings for many years. These peaceable meetings being held in his house incensed the populace against him, but his quiet perseverance and peaceful submission won the victory after much suffering. In 1676 he joined his wife in England, accompanied her in her religious service until 12th month, 1677, when she died in London.
His testimony concerning her given at her funeral at the Peel Meeting was remarkable for its tenderness and beauty. This was her second religious visit to England; she had made one to Holland also. In the Flushing Records are found the following minutes:
“John Bowne died at Flushing, Long Island, the 20th of 10th month, 1695, and was buried the 23rd, being about 68 years of age. He did freely expose himself, his house and his estate to the service of truth, and had a constant meeting at his house near about 40 years.”
The house is still standing, an historic monument of Flushing, and has been owned to the present time by his lineal descendants. It is now shown by permit to those wishing to see it in its old garb and with its old furniture.
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Keese Family History.
The following record of the family was copied from a writing on the fly-leaf of Aunt Hannah's Bible, written there by my grandfather, John Keese III. I have learned that the Bible has since been destroyed by fire near Bryant, Indiana:
“John Keese (I) married Mary Bowne of Flushing, Long Island, New York.
“John Keese (II) married Elizabeth Titus, of Westberry, L. I.
“John Keese (III), born 6th month, 27th, 1773, at Ninepartners, Dutchess county, New York. In 1790 I went with my parents to the north part of the state, Clinton county. The first part of the year 1800 was married to Hannah Rogers, daughter of Stephen and Lydia Rogers, of Vermont.”
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CHILDREN OF JOHN KEESE (III).
“Stephen R. Keese, born 8th month, 30th, 1801; married Sarah Gove and had thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to manhood and womanhood.
“Lydia R. Keese, born 8th month, 12th, 1803; married Lumas Cook, had two children, Samuel and Mary J.
“Titus Keese, born 10th month, 18th, 1805; married Martha Mitchner and had four daughters.
“Silva Keese, born 5th month, 20th, 1808, died 11th month, 23rd, 1808.
“Elizabeth Keese, born 9th month, 26th, 1810; married Otis Dillingham; had four children; resided in Washington Co., N. Y.
“Hannah Keese, born 9th month, 26th, 1812; married Chas. Conlin; had one child, died in infancy.”
Note by the author—The mother of these children, Hannah (Rogers) Keese, died near the first of the third month, 1813, about 30 or 31 years old. Soon after this John Keese moved to central Ohio, and by untiring industry he soon secured a home. In 1815 he married a second wife, Sarah Benedict; of this marriage there were six children, all of them passing to spirit life while their father still lived except Richard, who married and had five children, four of whom are still living. Richard Keese died 8th month, 11th, 1874, and their father, John Keese, died 2nd month, 12th, 1860, aged 87 years, 7 months and 16 days. An account of his death is given on another page.
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AN ACCOUNT OF MY ANCESTORS FARTHER BACK
The following was written in the Bible previously mentioned by John Keese in the year 1851, and copied from that book by his grandson, W. T. Keese, in the year 1881:
“My grandmother, Mary Keese, was the daughter of Samuel Bowne. The Mansion House (as it is now called and it is a good house) stands at the east end of Flushing, Long Island, and has stood about 190 years. (It was erected in 1661.) It was the place of their residence, inherited from his parents, John and Hannah Bowne. They built the house in part for a meeting house, also for the convenience of the family in entertaining Friends that came from a distance to meeting, and meetings were held in it for 40 years, and I think it has ever been a house of entertainment for Friends in the honor of the same name.
“But he, John Bowne, was persecuted by the Dutch, fined, imprisoned, and finally banished, sent to Holland for allowing Friends to hold meetings in his house. There his sentence was reversed and he was set at liberty. Hannah, his wife, became a minister and traveled much in America and twice crossed the ocean to Europe, where she labored extensively in England, Ireland and other parts of the Continent, and when all was accomplished that seemed to be required of her, she returned to London in peace and quietly resigned her breath, there among her friends who much lamented her loss, particularly her husband, who had accompanied her and took part in her labors in the latter part of her journey.
“Their son, Samuel Bowne, was also a minister and by some it seemed to be thought that his wife, Mary's equal was not to be found in America. I think she came over with William Penn.
“It appears from different accounts that many of my ancestors for four or five generations back were accounted of as among the worthys of that day in our society, but how is it now with us their descendants, how does the word or cause fare with us or many of us? As with the seed that fell by the wayside or on stony ground or among thorns.”
JOHN KEESE,
Cardington, Ohio, 1851
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Family of John (II) and Elizabeth (Titus) Keese.
(THE SECOND JOHN KEESE.)
The second John Keese was born in 1729 and was married 1749 to Elizabeth Titus of Westberry, L. I. They subsequently removed to Ninepartners, Dutchess Co., N. Y.
Elizabeth Titus was born in 1729, 8th month, 16th day.
CHILDREN.
Sarah Keese, born 11th month, 21st day, 1750, married Joseph Thorn.
Phebe Keese, born 11th month, 11th day, 1753, married to James Titus.
Samuel Keese, born 7th month, 4th day, 1756, married Sarah Franklin.
Stephen Keese, born 3rd month, 28th day, 1759, married Ruth Hall.
Richard Keese, born 7th month, 7th day, 1761, married Anna Hallock.
William Keese, born 9th month, 13th day, 1763, married Paumilia Allen and Jemima Bunker.
John Keese, born 5th month, 22nd day, 1765, died while young.
Elizabeth Keese, born 10th month, 16th day, 1768, married Henry Green.
Mary Keese, born 12th month, 27th day, 1770, married Peter Hallock.
John Keese (III), born 6th month, 27th day, 1773, married Hannah Rogers and Sarah Benedict.
Oliver Keese, born 9th month, 21st day, 1775, married Paulina Lapham.
Sarah, Stephen, John and Oliver were living in 1844. John only in 1851 (Signed) John Keese, Cardington, Ohio, 1851.
Note – This record was furnished by Lenore Keese Bannister, 400 Douglass St., Pasadena, California.
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Titus Family.
An extract of an account of the family of Titus, in the possession of Thomas Willis of Jerico, Long Island, N. Y.:
Edmond and Martha Titus are the parents of all of that name who are settled at or about Westberry, L. I. Their descendants are now much scattered. Edmond Titus was born in England about the year 1630; he came with his brothers when young into New England, and when grown to the state of manhood came to Long Island, and after a few years settled at
Westberry. Both were convinced of the principles of the people called Quakers, in the fore part of their time, and living in a strict and circumspect manner, were pious examples to their children and others.
They lived to an advanced age and their close appears to have been peaceful and happy. Ten of their children grew up, were married and all lived within twenty miles of one another and were all living when the youngest was sixty years old. Several of them became far advanced in age, and all lived and died in the faith their Godly parents had instructed them in.
The oldest son, Samuel, married Elizabeth Powel of Bethpage and had three children, Pheba, Martha and Samuel. Samuel married Mary Jackson of Jerusalem, had seven children, all lived and married and had several children. Five of Samuel's and Mary's children lived to advanced age. James was near 100 years old. Elizabeth, their eldest daughter, married John Keese, son of John and Mary Keese, of Flushing, L. I.
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FIRST CHILD.
SARAH KEESE, who was born 11th month, 21st, 1750, married Joseph Thorn of Dutchess Co., N. Y. A list of their descendants follows:
The first son, Stephen Thorn, had one son - Joseph, who died leaving one daughter-—and also three daughters—Ann K. Thorn, Cynthia Denier, who had five children, and Elizabeth Smith, who had three daughters.
The first daughter, Martha Wheeler, died leaving six living children and had one son dead who left three children. The six children were: Phebe Jerome, seven children; Alonzo Wheeler, three children; Pomelia Murphy; one child; Mary Handell, two children; William Wheeler; Alexander Wheeler, Stephen, Thorn, and Thomas.
The second son, Joseph Thorn, had three children: Edgar Thorn, six children; Sydmon Thorn, one child; Mary Knapp, four children.
The second daughter, Phebe Allen, died leaving four children: Mary Howland, one child; Salley Ann Allen; Joseph T. Allen, one child; Richard Allen, three children.
The third son, John Thorn, died leaving six children: Alanson Thorn, five children; Marie Northup, nine children; Catherine Sockett, eight children; Susan Gurnsey, four children; Sarah Hawkins, one child; Mary E. Thorn.
Third daughter, Ann Barnes, four children: Catherine Sleight, four children; Elizabeth Wheeler; Josephine Barnes; David Barnes, Jr.
Fourth daughter, Mary Angell, eight children: Augustus Angell, two children;
Sarah, Emma, Martha, Stephen, William, Henry, and Ephrain Jun Angell.
Fifth daughter, Elizabeth Ham, four children: Conrad Ham, Joseph Ham, Elizabeth and Sarah Ham. Five children living. Forty grandchildren. Seventy-four great grandchildren.
(An old record copied by, Lenore Keese Bannester.)
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SECOND CHILD.
PHEBE KEESE, born 11th month, 11th, 1753, married James Titus. They had four children, Elizabeth, Samuel, John and Stephen Titus. Their families are as follows:
Elizabeth Titus married James Borland. Their children: Andrew Borland, Phebe Keese Borland, James Titus Borland, John, Walter, and Elizabeth Borland.
Samuel Titus married Charlotte Briggs. Their children: Delano B., James, Ruth, Walter, Phebe Celma, Martha, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Charlotte Jane, and Samuel Titus.
John Titus married Phebe Sweet. Their children: Eliza Delia, Amanda, John Augustus, James Mott, and Phebe Ann Titus.
Stephen Titus, born 5th month, 29th, 1778, married Phebe Hare Marsh in the year 1813, died 2nd month, 23rd, 1846. Their children: Catherine Jane Titus, Mary Ann Titus, James Hamilton Titus, born 10th, 29, 1815, died 9th, 15, 1841, married Maria Carpenter. Their son, E. S. G. Titus, Bur. Ent., Dept. Ag., Washington, D. C. Phebe Marsh Titus.
James Barland's child, Phebe K. Barland, married Benjamin Holmes. Their children: Eliza R., Charlotte A. Holmes.
James Titus Barland married Cordelia Waggoner.
John Barland married Maria Lee.
Walter Barland married Chloe Snow.
Elizabeth Barland married John Jones. Their children:
Maria Jones, John B. Jones, Elizabeth B. Jones.
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THIRD CHILD.
SAMUEL KEESE, born 7th month, 4th day, 1756. Married Sarah Franklin, a relative of Benjamin Franklin. Had two children.
Posterity of Stephen and Ruth Keese to 1844.
FOURTH CHILD.
STEPHEN KEESE, born 3rd month, 28th, 1759 married Ruth Hull, born 1763, died 1813. Their children: John H. Keese, born 1782, died 1841; Elizabeth Keese, born 1783; Sarah Keese, born 1785; Tidsmon Keese, died when nine months old; Ruth Keese, born 1789; Samuel Keese, born 1793; Phebe Keese, born 1796; Mary Keese, born 1798; Anna Keese, born 1801; Pamelia Keese, born 1805.
John H. Keese married Mary Smith in 1805. Their children: Franklin Keese; Deborah S. Keese, born 1812; Hull Keese, born 1814, died at two months; Stephen S. Keese, born 1818; Ruth H. Keese, born 1820; Charles W. H. Keese, born in 1822.
Elizabeth Keese married Benjamin Smith in 1803. Their children: Mary Smith, born 1804; Stephen K. Smith, born 1806, died 1894; Ruth Smith, born 1808; Abigail Smith, born 1810, died when 18 years old; Phebe Smith, born 1811; Sarah H. Smith, born 1812, died 1820; Samuel P. Smith, born 1814, died 1824; Thomas Smith, born 1819; Eliza P. Smith, born 1820; Hannah Smith, born 1822; Benjamin Franklin Smith, born 1824, died 1894.
Ruth Keese married Arden Barker in 1810. Their children: Sarah and Eliza Barker both died in infancy; John H. was born in 1814; Hannah P., born 1817, died 1825; Phebe Barker died at 2 years of age; Stephen Barker; Pamelia, who died in infancy, and Jane Barker, born in 1822.
Sarah Keese, born in 1785, married James Rogers in 1814. Their children and the dates of their birth are as follows: Deborah, 1815; Henry H., 1817; Mary, 1819; Samuel K., 1821; James W., 1823; and Sarah Ann Rogers, 1829.
Samuel Keese was married in 1815 to Hannah Rogers of Marshfield, Mass., who was born in 1794. They had two children, Stephen, who died at the age of 2, and John Keese, born in 1819.
Phebe Keese was married in 1824 to Char1es Cromwell and they were the parents of Samuel, William, Phebe Ann, John, and Charles C. Cromwell.
Mary Keese married Danie Merrit in 1824 and became the mother of Titus Merrit, born in 1827, Anna Marea Merrit, Henry Merrit, Franklin Merrit, Phebe F. Merrit, born 5th month, 15th, 1834; Elizabeth and Nehemiah Merrit.
Anna Keese was united in marriage in 1824 with James Brown, and to this union five children were born: Mary, Stephen, Isaac, James, and Abigail Brown.
Pamelia Keese was married in 1824 to Sylvenus Brown and gave birth to Sylvenus Brown, who had five children, Edwin, Samuel, Hannah, and Sarah Ann Brown, the latter having four children.
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Grandchildren of Stephen and Ruth Keese.
Deborah S. Keese married Abraham Orvis, and they were the parents of Emma Ruth Orvis, born 1840, Franklin K., born 1942, and Edwin Howe Orvis, born 1844.
(note: the following paragraph has several typographical errors in the original that have not been corrected; e.g. probably should read “Henry Wing”; Tim Strand, 2/2000)
Stephen Wing married Rute Wing, John Wing,. Samuel, ry Wing, Charles Wing, Georgh Smith. Their children: Hen- who died at 2 years, and Phebe Elizabeth Wing.
Stephen K. Smith married Jane Keese in 1839. Their children: Juliet Smith, born 1844: Samuel Smith, born 1846; Oliver Smith, born 1849; Pauline Elizabeth Smith, born 1850, and Burret Smith, born 1852.
Thomas I. Townsend married Eliza P. Smith in 1842. Their children: Eugene Townsend, Helen Mary Townsend, Thomas Townsend, Martha Louise Townsend and Marshall Townsend, who was born in 1852.
John I. Puller married Deborah Rogers and they had one child, Sarah Abby Puller.
Zaccheus Wing married Mary Rogers. They had two children, James Henry and Esther Wing.
John H. Barker married Eliza D. Barker. Their children: Hannah P., Caleb, Margaret Jane, and Ruth Barker.
Nathan Lapham married Jane Barker. Their children: Arden B. Lapham, Ruth, Edwin, Joseph, and Catherine Lapham, who was born in 1855.
John Keese married Jemima Harght, who died after becoming the mother of Jacob W. Keese, who died. in infancy, and Eliza Hannah Keese.
Stephen Keese married Harriet ------ in 1844, and they were the parents of Charles Edwin, born 1846, died 1850; Mary H., born 1849; Louise Ruth, born 1850; Augusta, born 1851; Clark, born 1854; Ruth N., born 1858; and William Keese, who was born in 1861.
Wilson Brown married Ruth H. Keese. Died in 1855. Their children: Charles Brown, William Brown.
Charles Keese died in Maine unmarried.
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FIFTH CHILD.
RICHARD KEESE, who was born 7th month, 7th, 1761 and who died 6th month, 27th, 1821, married Anna Hallock - who was born 8th month, 11th, 1768 - in the year 1784. Their children: Ruth Keese was born 3rd month, 21st, 1785; William, born 9th, 25th, 1786; Mary, born 9th, 13th, 1788, died 1810; Anna, born 11th, 1st, 1790, died 1833; Elizabeth, born 12th, 29th, 1792; Richard, born 11th, 23rd, 1794; Oliver, born 8th, 27th 1796: Peter, born 5th, 22nd, 1798, died 1875; Hannah, born 8th, 1st, 1800; Guli Elma, born 7th, 1st, 1802; Persis, born 9th, 1st, 1804, died 5th, 21st, 1825.
Ruth Keese married Timothy Earl of Massachusetts in the year 1806, 1st month. Their children: Anna K. Earl, born in 1806; Richard K., born 1809; Edward, born 1811; Perses, born 1813, died 1820; Sarah, born 1816, died 1831; and Mary B., born in 1819. Timothy Earl died 3rd month, 23rd, 1819.
Ruth Earl, his widow married his brother, Henry Earl, in the year 1821. Their children: Lydia Earl, born 1822; Timothy and Thomas, born in 1823; and Oliver K., born in 1824.
William Keese married Lydia Hoag 1st, 2nd, 1812. Their children: Robert E. Keese, born 9th month, 13th, 1812; Anderson, born 2nd, 11th, 1815; Mary B., born 9th, 19th, 1817; Anna G., born 10th, 26th, 1821; Elizabeth E., born 3rd, 30th, 1823; Lydia, born 1st, 11th, 1827, died 5th month, 1830; Persis, born 6th month, 18th, 1829, died 11th, 21st, 1830; William R., born 10th, 5th, 1831, died 6th, 11th. 1832. Lydia, wife of William Keese, died 12th month, 7th, 1831. He married Hannah Earl of Leicester, Mass., 6th month, 13th, 1833.
Mary Keese married William Bowron 1st month, 1st, 1807. Their child, Joseph Bowron, was born 4th month, 1st, 1810. Mary, wife of William Bowron, died 6th month, 12th, 1810.
Anna Keese married Joseph Lopham of Danby, Vermont, 8th month, 3rd, 1806. Their children: Eliza Lopham, born 3rd month, 29th, 1810; Richard A., born 11th month, 22nd, 1815; Cynthia A., born 7th, 28th, 1818; George, the date of whose birth is unnoted; Nathan, born 10th month, 24th, 1820; Oliver K., born 4th month, 1st, 1823. Anna, wife of Joseph Lopham, died 10th month, 24th, 1833.
Elizabeth Keese married George Irish 10th month, 4th, 1821. Their children: Abigail Irish, born 5th month, 18th, 1822; Hannah, born 12th, 7th, 1823; Presis K., born 5th, 11th, 1825; George, born 8th, 30th, 1827; Richard K., born 5th, 3rd, 1829; Guli Elma, born 12th, 16th, 1830; Henry, born 8th, 29th, 1832; Oliver, born 5th, 20th, 1835.
Richard Keese married Lydia Hurlbut of Vermont, 9th mo., 17th, 1817. Their children: Gulia A. Keese, born 1st mo., 13th, 1820; Phebe H., born 2nd, 21st, 1823; Richard, born 11th, 18th, 1825, died 10th, 25th, 1826; Richard Henry, born 7th, 12th, 1827; James born 6th, 10th, 1829; Lydia, born 10th, 8th, 1832, died 10th, 29th, 1836; Hurlbut born 8th, 27th, 1835; Ellen Mary, born 11th, 20th, 1838, died 7th, 23rd, 1841.
Oliver Keese married Mary S. Fisk of Keeseville 7th month, 10th, 1823. Their children: Mary P. Keese, born 11th month, 11th, 1825, died 1898; Oliver, born 7th, 9th, 1830, died 1888; Anna, born 2nd, 28th. 1832, died 8th, 27th, 1832; Josiah Fisk, born 11th 8th, 1836; Phebe L., born 3rd, 29th. 1839; Elizabeth F., born 9th, 14th, 1841, died 1st, 17th, 1843.
Peter Keese married Mary D. Thorn of Dutchess county in the year 1826. Their children: Samuel P. Keese, born 12th, 23rd, 1827, died 1890; Phebe Ann, born 12th, 30th, 1830, died 8th mo. 27th, 1831; Richard, born 7th, 14th, 1833; Mary D., born 7th, 23rd, 1835, died 1861.
Mary D., wife of Peter Keese, died 8th month, 10th, 1835. He afterwards married Melinda A. Ferris in 1838. Their children: Julia Anna, born 1847, and Sidmon, born 1848.
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Descendants of Peter Keese.
Born 5th month, 22nd, 1798.
Samuel T. Keese, born 12th month, 23rd, 1827, married Caroline Merrit of Poughkeepsie. Their children, Mary T. and William Keese, died.
Caroline Keese, wife of Samuel Keese, died in 1865, he married Phebe Merrit of Brooklyn. Their children were born as follows: Zayde B. Keese, 1866; Herman, 1867; Grace W., 1869; Louise W., 1870; George M., 1872.
Richard P. Keese married Anna Hawxhurst of Rahway, N. J., in 1867. Their children: Percy Keese, born 1868; Pauline S., born 1870; Frank H., born 1874.
Sidmon T. Keese, son of Peter and Malinda Ferris (his second wife) was born 10th month, 18th, 1880, married Mary Anderson in 1865. They had a son, Sidmon T. Keese, born 1866.
Julia S. Keese married William Roden Duff of Costa Rica, in 1874. Their child, Agnes Duff, was born in 1875. William Roden Duff died in 1875 and Julia, his wife, married William Lamatum Duff of Memphis, Tenn., in 1880. Their child, Lee Calhoun Duff, was born in 1881.
Hannah Keese married Elias A. Huelburt of Vermont 11th month, 28th, 1822. Their children: Mary, born 5th, 10th, 1825; Nathan, born 5th, 12th, 1827; Richard K., born 7th, 5th 1829, died 9th, 13th, 1832; Helen K., born 9th, 4th, 1831; Elias Neilson, born 6th, 7th, 1834, died 8th, 1st, 1835; Elias A., born 2nd, 24th, 1837; Anna K., born 4th, 12th, 1840; Cynthia, born 6th, 2nd, 1843.
Guli Elma Keese married Silas Arnold of Peru in the year 1823. Their children: Elisha Arnold, born 9th, 15th, 1825, married Charlotte McLean; Mary Ann Arnold, born 12th, 24th, 1832, married Winston Watson.
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Marriages of the Grandchildren.
Anna K. Earl married Samuel H. Colton of Worchester Mass., in 1830 and died in the spring of 1842, leaving no children, having buried one aged 7 days.
Edward Earl married Ann Buffum of Rhode Island 1st mo., 10th, 1835. Their child, Ann B. Earl, was born in 1837.
Mary B. Earl married Jonathan L. Slocum of Providence, R. I., 9th month, 1840. Their child, Edward E. Slocum, was born in 1841.
Robert E. Keese married Sarah H. Burton of Dutchess county, 4th month, 27th, 1836. Their children: Lydia P. Keese, born 3rd, 21st, 1837; Caleb B., born 9th, 8th, 1839, died 3rd, 5th, 1840 Emma, born, in 1847.
Anderson Keese married Alma E. Hallock of Erie, Pa., 11th month, 5th, 1843.
Mary B. Keese married Jonathan Battey of Starksboro, Vt., 1st month, 1st, 1839.
Eliza Lapham married Caleb D. Burton 1830, died 1840.
Richard A. Lapham married Margaret Hoyle in 1843. Their child, Anna Elizabeth Lapham, was born 4th, 1st, 1844.
Cynthia A. Lapham married Horatio Nelson Peabody. They had a son, George James Peabody.
Nathan Lapham married Jane R. Barker.
Julia A. Keese married John P. Nelson of New Orleans, La., 9th month, 5th, 1839, died 5th month, 23rd, 1841. Their child, Julia K. Nelson, was born 7th month, 10th, 1840.
Phebe H. Keese married Joseph R. Barnum 5th, 18th. 1845.
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Descendants of Oliver Keese.
Born 8th month, 27th, 1796.
Mary P. Keese, born 11th month, 11th, 1825, married Walter Doty of Northumberland, N. Y. Their children: Mary Sophia, T. K., Lorraine K., and John Doty.
Oliver Keese, born 7th month, 9th, 1830, married Jane Field of Keeseville in 1853. Their children: Oliver Keese, born in 1854, died 1878; Jennie, born in 1855, died in 1864; Susan, born in 1858, died in 1860, William K, born in 1861, died in 1864; George P. Keese, born in 1867, married and had one son, Oliver, who lives in California; Louise M. Keese, born in 1872, married William Barker and had one daughter, Dorothy, 1904.
Phebe Lorraine Keese married Robert Trivett of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Their children Myra J. Trivett, born 1st month, 23rd, 1865, married Robert Barley, had one child; Mary L. Trivett, born 4th month, 1866, died 7th month, 11th, 1866; Isabel Trivett, born 5th month, 1867, died 8th month, 11th, 1867.
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Descendants of Hannah Keese,
Who Married Elias Hurlbert.
Mary Hurlbert married L. M. Ames Aug. 27th, 1845. Their children: Charles Frederick Ames, born 1846, died 1852; Harriet Ames, born 1849; Elias Hurlbert, born 1851; Samuel, born 1854.
Nathan Hurlbert married Annie Reichum in 1859, had one child who died in infancy.
Helen Hurlbert married Henry E. Smith in 1856. Their children: Gertrude Mauneng, born 1858, Alice Earl born 1860, Anita Brewster 1862, Hattie born 1862, Howard born 1867, Frederick born 1870.
Elias Hurlbert married Mary L. Smith. Their two children, Florence Hurlbert and Baby Hurlbert, died in infancy.
Anna Hurlbert married Howard Brewster in February, 1876. Their child, Henry, died young.
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Marriages of the Grandchildren
Of Silas and Hannah Hurlbert.
Hattie Ames married R. D. Boughton, Jr., in 1876. Their child, Helen Mary, was born in 1881.
Elias D. Ames married Eleanor Bushnell in 1876. Their children: Joseph Bushnell, 1878; Frederick W., born 1880, died 1887; Samuel, born 1882.
SIXTH CHILD.
WILLIAM KEESE, born 9th month, 13th, 1763, died 11th month, 23rd, 1836. Married Pamelia Allen, born 2nd month, 23rd, 1769. Their children:
Eunice Keese, born 2nd month, 9th, 1797, married Jonathan Macomber in the year 1822. Their children: Richard Macomber, born 10th, 2nd, 1824; William, born 2nd, 26th, 1826; Willits, born 8th, 13th, 1827; Pamelia, Hannah, Matilda, John, and Margaret Macomber.
Kesiah Keese, born 5th month, 5th, 1800, died 11th month, 10th, 1864, married Nathaniel Hanson in the year 1840. Their child, Caroline Hanson, was born 4th month, 8th, 1843.
The wife of William Keese died and in the year 1810 he married Jemima Bunker, born 11th month, 22nd, 1778, died 4th month, 16, 1844. Their children:
Gulia Keese, born 4th month, 25th, 1810, died 11 month, 7th, 1830. Married Henry Rogers.
Elizabeth Ann Keese, born 3rd month, 26th, 1812, married William Shepherd of Saratoga in 1838. Their child, Caleb William Shepherd was born in 1841.
Willits Keese, born 11th month, 26th, 1813, died 2nd month, 1st, 1888, married Caroline Barker in 1835. Their children: Gulielma Keese, born 1836; Caroline, born 1838; Rebecca B., born in 1840; William B. Keese, born 1845.
Pamelia Keese, born 9th month, 6th, 1817, died 3rd month, 18th, 1898, not married.
Catherine Keese died in eleven months.
William Keese, born 12th month, 18th, 1819.
Jemima Keese, born 12th, month, 30th, 1823, not married.
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SEVENTH CHILD.
JOHN KEESE, died while young.
EIGHTH CHILD.
ELIZABETH KEESE, born 9th month, 16th, 1768, daughter of John and Elizabeth Keese of Long Island, married Henry Green of Peru in 1788, died 12th month, 2nd, 1801. Their children:
Mary Green, born 2nd, 1st, 1789, died 1801.
Phebe Green, born 6th, 1st, 1791.
Jane Green, born 3rd, 27th, 1792.
John Green, born 1st, 18th, 1798.
Stephen Green, born 1st, 14th, 1797, died 9th, 27th, 1822.
Sarah Green, born 1st, 5th, 1799, died 2nd, 2nd, 1819.
Calif Green, born 12th month, 11th, 1800.
Jane Green married Samuel Peasley in the year 1813. Their children: Henry Peasley, born 7th, 7th, 1814; Jane M. Peasley, born 12th, 15th, 1816, died 3rd, 24th, 1824; John Peasley, born 12th month, 13th, 1816, died 7th, 8th, 1820; Enoch Peasley, born 3rd, 15th, 1821. Jane Peasley, wife of Samuel Peasley, died 6th month, 26th, 1822.
John Green married Sarah Hayworth in 1821. Their children: George Green, born 6th month, 10th, 1819; Jane Green, born 9th month, 30th. 1822; Elizabeth Green, born 1st month, 25th, 1825; Henry Green, born 2nd month, 8th, 1827, died 12th month, 29th, 1827; Richard Green, born 12th, 3rd, 1828; Mary Green, born 3rd, 12th, 1833; Margaret Green, born 2nd, 22nd, 1834; John Green, Jr., born 3rd, 17th, 1837; Sarah Ellen Green, born 1st month, 2nd, 1839.
Phebe Green married Jacob Bowron and was the mother of ten children: Elizabeth, Caleb Fletcher, Henry, Joseph, Jacob W., Stephen, Mary, Sarah, Mary F., and Phebe J. Bowron.
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Marriages of the Grandchildren
OF ELIZABETH AND HENRY GREEN.
Elizabeth Bowron, daughter of Jacob and Phebe Bowron, married James Nichols in the year 1827. They had a daughter and son, Lydia Nichols, born in 1828, and James Nichols in 1831. Elizabeth, wife of James Nichols, died in the year 1832.
Henry Bowron, son of Jacob and Phebe Bowron, married and had one daughter, Phebe Bowron.
Jane Green, daughter of John and Sarah Green, married Geo. Parks of Keeseville.
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NINTH CHILD..
MARY KEESE married Peter Hallock in the year 1792; she died. 8th month, 31st, 1831. Their children:
Elizabeth Hallock, born 10th, 7th, 1793.
Joshua Hallock, born 12th, 12th, 1795.
John Hallock, born 2nd, 2nd, 1798.
Jeremiah Hallock, born 2nd, 10th, 1800.
Isaac Hallock, born 8th, 17th, 1802.
Phebe Hallock, born 10th, 31st, 1803.
George Hallock, born 5th, 15th, 1804.
Sarah Hallock, born 4th, 30th, 1808, died 1831.
Addison Hallock, born 6th, 8th, 1811.
Mary Ann Hallock, born 6th, 18th, 1814, died 9th, 8th, 1831.
Elizabeth Hallock married James Jackson in the year 1811. Their children: Peter Hallock Jackson, born 5th, 25th, 1812, died 3rd, 18th, 1813; Richard Titus, born 9th, 10th, 1813; George H., born 8th, 14th, 1815; Daniel, born in 1817. Elizabeth Jackson, wife of James Jackson, died in the year 1819.
Joshua Hallock married Elizabeth Stafford in the year 1819. Their children: Alma E. Hallock, born 2nd, 17th, 1820; Mary K., born 12th, 10th, 1821; Peter, born 9th, 28th, 1823; Sarah Ann, born 2nd, 8th, 1826; Emily K., born 2nd, 14th, 1829; Delia T., born 2nd, 18th, 1833; John Keese, born 3rd, 21st, 1835; Fritz Green, born 8th, 10th, 1840; William Henry Hallock, born 1st, 31st, 1843.
John Hallock married Melissa Griffith in the year 1818. The names of their children are as follows: Sylvia Hallock, born 9th month, 6th, 1819; Thursia, Jemima K., Nancy, Mary Ann, Elisha Arnold, Jane Ann, Isaac, Melissa, and they lost two that died young.
Jemima Hallock married James Ricketson in the year 1822. Their children: Caroline E. Ricketson, born 11th, 29th, 1828; Melissa, born 3rd, 3rd, 1831; Mary, born 6th, 10th, 1833; Lydia, born 8th, 30th, 1835; Phebe Ann, born 11th, 7th, 1837; Peter K., born 12th, 1st, 1840, and Jemima K. Ricketson, born 11, 18, 1842.
Isaac Hallock married Abigail Smith, of Peru. Their children: Mary Elizabeth, Julia Ann, Richard, Phebe, Sarah, Melissa, Addison, and Isaac Hallock.
Phebe Hallock married Stephen Ricketson in the year 1826. Their children: Ann P. Ricketson, born 3rd, 10th, 1827; Marietta, born 4th, 29th, 1829; Sarah H., born 9th, 13th, 1833.
George Hallock married Polly Calkins and had one daughter, Lydia Ann Hallock. Polly Hallock died and he married Mary Gilford, who bore him one son who died young. After Mary's death he married Amanda Sheldon of Willbourough, and they had two sons, George P., and Charles Hallock.
Addison Hallock married Maria Brockway of Peru in 1838. They had a child, Minerva Hallock.
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MARRIAGES OF THE GRANDCHILDREN.
Alma E. Hallock married Andrew Keese 11th month, 11th, 1843. They had three children.
Sylvia Hallock married ----- Paine in the year 1835. They had two sons.
Thursa Hallock married ----- Wright. Had a son and a daughter.
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TENTH CHILD.
JOHN KEESE (III), born 6th month, 27th, 1773, married Hannah Rogers in 1800. Their children:
Stephen H. Keese, who married Sarah Gove. Their children: Jonathan G., Hannah H., Elizabeth D., Jason E., Willis T., Nathan R., Isaac H., John E., Matilda E., Loretta M.
Lydia R. Keese, who married Leumas Cook. Their children: Samuel and Mary Jane Cook.
Titus Keese, married Martha Mitchner. Their children: Sarah Aim, Lydia, Mary, and Gulia Keese.
Silvia Keese, who died 11th month, 28th, 1803.
Elizabeth Keese married Otis Dillingham. Their children are: John, Hannah and Deborah Keese.
Hannah Keese, who married Chas. Conlin. They had one child, Jane Lydia Conlin.
Lydia R. Keese, a daughter of John Keese by his first wife, was born 8th month, 12th, 1803. She married Leumas Cook; she died 5th month, 2, 1891, and he 4th month, 30, 1893. They had two children: Samuel Cook, born in 1831, and Mary Jane Cook, born in 1833.
Samuel Cook married Fidelia Norris 1st, 5th, 1854. Their children: Ella F., born 10th, 28th, 1854; Alice, born 10th, 30th, 1856; Harry, born 6th, 22nd, 1860; and Seldon, 1st, 31, 1873.
Mary Jane Cook married Richard J. House. Their children: Emalyne L., born 4th, 7th, 1852; Edward L., born 12th, 27th, 1853; Nathan Willis, born 1st, 14th, 1856, died 11th, 26th, 1857; Caroline, born 8th month, 1858, died 8th month, 1858; Catherine Sophia, born 9th, 8th, 1860, died 8th 10th, 1863; Mary Josephine, born 4th month, l3th, 1864, died 1st, 14th, 1905; Andrew Foye, born 12th, 8th, 1867; George Herbert, born 9th, 3rd, 1870.
Emmalyne L. House married Isaac Struble. Their children are Frances, Charles, and Robert.
Mary Josephine House married Major B. W. Leavelle and they had two daughters, Mary and Marjorie.
Andrew Foye House married Gertrude Barto.
George Herbert House married Susan Cora Adair. Their children, Robert Adair, Forest Cook, and Jack, all died young.
Lydia Cook, Stephen R. Keese, Hannah Conlon
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Richard Keese
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JOHN KEESE married a second time in 1815, his wife being Sarah Benedict of Alum Creek settlement, Morrow county, Ohio. They had six children, all of whom passed to spirit life while their father yet lived except Richard, who married and had five children. John Keese died 2nd month, 12th, 1860, aged 87 years, 7 months and 16 days.
Following is a record of the children of John Keese by his second wife, Sarah Benedict, who died 6th month, 5th, 1841;
Esther, born 5th, 4th, 1816, died 5th, 7th, 1833.
Ann, born 9th, 25th, 1817, died 3rd, 8th, 1818.
Oliver, born 8th, 15th, 1819, died 6th, 5th, 1841.
Richard, born 9th, 21st, 1821, died 8th month, 11th, 1874.
Ann Eliza, born 7th, 12th, 1824, died 7th, 9th, 1859.
Samuel T., born 6th, 2nd, 1827, died 11th, 22nd, 1851.
Ann Eliza Keese married William Fisher in 1342.
Richard Keese married Gulielma M. Tabor, 12th, 25th, 1847. Their children: Sarah Evelyn, born 10th, 16th, 1848; Isaac Wilfred, born 8th, 24th, 1850; Samuel John, born 11th, 26th, 1852; Willits Hanson, born 6th, .14th, 1855, died 4th, 19th, 1870; Cynthia Eliza Lenore, born 7th, 14th, 1857.
Sarah Evelyn Keese married 5th month, 15th, 1901, Dr. L. L. Benson.
Isaac Wilfred Keese married 8th month, 6th, 1871, Katie Hance. Their children: Eva Lilore, born 9th, 22, 1872; Sada Lenore, born 7th, 14th, 1874; Winifred, born 4th, 7th, 1881.
E. Lilore Keese married William H. O'Bryan, 9th, 22, 1895. Their children: William Cedric, born 4th, 26, 1897; Lyndall, born 2nd, 13, 1901; Elizabeth, born 8th, 13, 1903; Elise, born 2nd, 18th, 1906.
Sada L. Keese married Leon N. O'Bryan, 7th month, 22, 1898. Their children: Lowell Putman, born 9th, 7th, 1899; Douglas, born 5th, 7th, 1902.
Winifred Keese married Norman Samuel Abbott, 7th month, 26th, 1908.
Samuel J. Keese married Everetta Abbott 9th, 11th, 1889. Their children: Richard Abbott, born 10th, 5th, 1890; Marjorie June, born 6th, 21st, 1892; Harriet Elma, born 2nd, 12th, 1899; Annette, born 11th, 14th, 1905.
Cynthia Eliza Lenore Keese married Louis H. Bannister, 7th month, 10th, 1907.
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ADDRESSES.
Lenore Keese Bannister, 400 Douglas St., Pasadena, Cal.
Eva Keese Benson, 363 Ashtabula St., Pasadena, Cal.
W. L. Keese, Los Angeles, Cal.
S. J. Keese, Los Angeles, Cal.
Leon N. O'Bryan, Sampont, South Dakota.
William H. O'Bryan, Los Angeles, Cal.
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John Keese
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ELEVENTH CHILD.
OLIVER KEESE Was born 9th month, 21st, 1775, died 1st month, 6th, 1850; married Paulina Lapham 2nd month, 11th, 1803. Their children:
Nathan L. Keese, born 10th, 1st, 1803.
Eliza Keese, born 8th, 18th, 1806.
Anna Keese, born 9th, 27th, 1808.
Cynthia Keese, born 11th, 28th, 1811, died 5th, 14th, 1858.
Maria Keese, born 12th, 3rd, 1813, died 5th, 2nd, 1881.
Jane Keese, born 1st, 3rd, 1816, died 7th, 16th. 1853.
Phebe Keese, born 2nd, 21st, 1819, died 1st, 20th, 1841.
John T. Keese, born 4th, 18th, 1824.
Gulielma Keese, born 2nd, 24th, 1828, died 1st, 9th, 1835.
Nathan L. Keese married Ruth Rogers, 3rd, 27th, 1825. Their children: Anson Keese, born 1827; Phebe, born 1829, and Henry, born 1833. Benjamin Lose, Charles Keese, Alice Keese and Winifred are also descendants of this family.
Eliza Keese's descendants are Oliver K. White, who has six children who live in Michigan, one named Oliver K. White; Eliza J. Moss and Maria H. Taft, who has two boys.
Anna Keese married Hosea White and had three children -- Phebe Southwick, Silas White and Cynthia Kimble. Cynthia Kimble's daughter, Elizabeth has three boys.
Cynthia Keese married Elisha Arnold, 4th, 16th, 1835, by which union two children were born, Oliver K. Arnold and Eliza J. Arnold. Oliver K. Arnold has a daughter, Mary E. Ballenger. Cynthia was married the second time to John J. Gurnsey, 12th, 9th, 1852. By this union she had two daughters, Susan K. Gurnsey and Pauline Lapham Gurnsey. The last named daughter had four children, Gurnsey Ellis, Pauline E. Ellis, Arthur H. Ellis, and Florence E., who died.
Maria Keese married Jonathan Hill, 4th, 24th, 1856. She died in 1881 and is buried in Buffalo. They had no children but took Pauline Guernsey when two years old and brought her up as their own child.
Jane Keese married Stephen Smith, 9th, 5th, 1839. They had five children: Samuel K. Smith, Juliett, Oliver K., Burrett, and Elizabeth. Samuel K. Smith's children, Agnes, Roland, Pauline and Katherine, all live in Peru. Oliver K. Smith had two children, Edward and Jane.
Phebe Keese married Lorenzo Orvis, 2nd, 25th, 1840, and died in 1841, having given birth to one daughter, Phebe H. Orvis, who lived in Flushing and died about 1898.
John T. Keese married Lucinda Kelly and begot one son before his death—Philip Keese, who had two daughters, Bessie and Alice Keese.
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Obituary of John Keese III.
John Keese was born in Dutchess county, New York, the 27th of the 6th month, 1773. In 1790 be removed with his parents to Clinton county, New York, where he married and settled upon a farm, and became prosperous in business and about the year 1810 engaged in the lumber trade, which at that time was very remunerative. Having been very successful in this business the two previous years, he embarked largely in it in 1812, and had just entered Quebec with a large raft of ship timber when war was declared between the United States and Great Britain. A proclamation was issued for all American citizens to leave the province within ten days. Here he was placed in a critical situation. It was impossible for him to make immediate disposition of his lumber, and to leave it would result in the loss of his whole estate; to stay would subject him to a heavy penalty and imprisonment. He chose to risk the latter. After the time had expired he applied to the provost and succeeded in getting an extension of time, but when this term had expired he had accomplished but little in the settlement of his business. He then applied to Parliament and to the Governor, who promised him protection, and gave him permission to stay and attend to his business, and promised him a passport when ready to return to the States. But the man to whom he had contracted his lumber took advantage of the times, refused to abide the contract, and would only buy at reduced rates and on a credit. When his bonds became due he repudiated them, on the ground that the transactions were contraband. His loss by this fraud was not less than $16,000; thus, after having encountered great hardships and many perils in this enterprise, he was made penniless in a moment. While passing down Lake Champlain with his raft, a violent storm arose and broke his raft, and he and his men narrowly escaped with their lives. Several weeks elapsed before the timbers could be collected together although a hundred men were in his employ. Had it not been for this accident the lumber would have been delivered and pay received before the declaration of war. He returned home and gave up his whole estate to his creditors - he reserved nothing, not even his pocketknife.
Soon after this event - as one calamity often succeeds another - his wife suddenly died. Thus, stripped of worldly goods and his bosom companion, he resolved to seek a home in the Western world. Assisted by his friends, he procured a horse and saddle, and with a few shillings in his pocket; set off for Delaware county, Ohio, where he arrived in the autumn of 1814. Here by untiring industry he secured in a short time a home. In 1815 he married his second wife, and in their rude forest cot., constructed without boards or nails, many happy days were spent
In 1821 the lands around Cardington, the site of which place was then a wilderness, were thrown into market, by purchase from the Wyandotte Indians. By the munificence of his friends at the East, and the sale of his lot in Peru township, be was enabled to purchase 160 acres of this land, which he selected on account of its superior quality of soil and timber, about three miles west of Cardington, and which, by labor and frugality, soon became to himself and family a comfortable home.
In 1832 his daughter Esther, aged 16 years, died while at school, near Wilmington, Ohio. She was amiable and talented, and he keenly felt the loss. In 1841 his son Oliver died. In 1843 he buried his beloved wife. This stroke was severely felt by him; being more than twenty years her senior, he had arrived at an age when the companionship of a bosom friend is of inestimable worth. In 1849 his son Titus died. In 1852 his youngest son, Samuel T., died, on his passage home from California, and his remains were buried beneath the waves of the Pacific Ocean. In 1844 his daughter Elizabeth died in New York. In 1859 his youngest daughter, Ann Eliza Fisher, died under very distressing circumstances, which are well known to the public. This trying event he bore with Christian fortitude and resignation.
Three children by his first wife, viz., Stephen R. Keese of Indiana, Lydia Cook and Hannah Conlon, of Cardington, and one by his second wife, Richard Keese, with whom he lived, survive him.
As he declined he became more and more childlike - and may we not say Christlike, being happy, cheerful, and contented, social, pleasant and courteous, free from the petulance and childishness so often the attendant of old age. He set low value upon his own virtues and attainments; he was kind and submissive, always contented with his lot
He was deprived of privileges of a literary education when young, and greatly felt his loss in this respect. He seemed an astronomer by nature, and without the aid of any works on astronomy he acquired a correct knowledge of the movements of the heavenly bodies; and when about sixty years of age, he invented an apparatus for taking a correct map of the heavenly bodies, and also calculating longitude by the fixed stars. He found afterward that he was anticipated in this last invention by a German astronomer, although he had previously no knowledge that such a method had ever been suggested. While In these investigations he frequently became so much absorbed as to be apparently unconscious of anything passing around him. He constructed several models for improvement in machinery, which evinced great ingenuity. One for planting corn, two rows at a time, and in check hills, and several for windmills, on different plans, and continued these efforts up to the week of his death.
When young he acquired the art of surveying, and was much engaged in its practice in the early settlements of northern York. He surveyed large portions of Essex county, including the region of the Adirondack mountains, the place made memorable as the residence of “Old John Bowne.” In these surveys he encountered great hardships, privations and personal danger. He was often away for months beyond the limits of civilization and the abodes of men.
We have now only to speak of the last moments of our venerable Friend. On the 9th inst., he left his home with his little granddaughter to make a social visit to some of his relatives and friends in Peru township, near South Woodbury, a distance of about twelve miles. The night of the 10th, and the greater part of the day of the 11th he spent at the home of a brother-in-law, A. L. Benedict, and seemed very cheerful, reciting many of the scenes and adventures of his early life. The night of the 11th he spent with a sister-in-law, Esther Levering, and from there on the 12th, it being Sabbath, he went to the Friends meeting at Alum Creek, where he sat in great apparent devotion till its close. After meeting he went home with a friend, Daniel Osborn, to dine. In the afternoon he complained of pain in the region of the heart; a cordial was administered and he felt relief, and took a light dinner. Toward evening, the pain returning, his friends thought it best to remove him to A. L. Benedict's. He said, smiling, it made but little difference where he was. While putting on some over-clothes a tremor came over him, and his sister-in-law said that he was too ill to go. He replied that his head felt so badly that he did not think he knew anything. He seemed to be sinking down, and was helped on a lounge, where he soon ceased to breathe, having attained the patriarchal age of nearly eighty-seven years. His remains were numerously attended to their final resting place in the family burying ground, on the 14th, by his friends and neighbors.
(This article was published in the Cardington Independent at the time of his death, which was 2nd month, 12th, 1860.)
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The Old Quaker Meeting House, Erected 1695, Flushing, N.Y.
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Bi-centennial Held May 29, 1895.
ONE of the oldest places of worship in the United States is the ancient Quaker meeting house in Flushing, built in the days of Fox and Penn, it is all gray and lichen grown. Erected in 1695, it has withstood the vicissitudes of time, the desecration of the British soldiers—who used it for a stable— and the unceasing stress of wind and weather. It is a simple wooden structure and in an excellent state of preservation. It is square, with a quaint pyramidal roof, both roof and sides being covered with shingles. Heavy wooden shutters are fastened with heavy iron bars. The building is put together in the most primitive manner with large hand made iron nails and spikes. The beams and timbers of the framework were hewn from solid logs with an ax. It is marvelous that after two centuries the wood is still in such a perfect state of preservation. It probably was well seasoned at the time the meeting house was erected.
The upper part of the building was used as a schoolroom in bygone days. With the exception of a new roof, put on a hundred years ago, and an occasional coat of paint since, the ancient landmark is exactly the same as it was two centuries ago.
The first meetings of the Society of Friends in Flushing were held in private houses at as early a date as 1648 though no regular body existed until 1660. From the erection of the old Bowne house in 1661 until 1695, the meetings were held there and in the adjoining grounds, when the crowds were too great to gain admittance in the house. Immense oak tables still stand in the Bowne house kitchen that were used by the Quakers in their weekly meetings in that house. John Bowne also opened the doors of his home to the outlawed Quakers, leading them from their secret hiding places of worship in the woods to the shelter of his house. He was banished from the colony for his rash act and went to Holland. He pleaded the cause of Quakers so well that he soon returned with an order for the tolerance of the despised and persecuted people—an order based upon the enlightened principles which had been applied previously in the controversy with the New Amsterdam Lutherans and Jews. The word he brought was: “The conscience of men ought ever to remain free and unshackled.”
One of the most important events connected with the meeting was the visit of George Fox in 1672. So great was the crowd that flocked to hear him that the meeting was held near the Bowne house under the shade of two large oak trees. These trees lived until 1841. Samuel Bowne Parsons, the celebrated horticulturist of Flushing, estimated their age at five centuries. Fox's visit to Flushing strengthened the society and led to some important accessions. One of the most noted gatherings in the ancient meeting house was on the occasion of the visit of the English Quaker, Samuel Bownas. He spoke to two thousand people. The Dutch, who were then settlers of New Amsterdam, or New York, and surrounding country, were bitterly opposed to the Quakers and when the Dutch sheriff heard that Bownas was at the Flushing meeting house he procured a warrant to arrest him. Upon entering the building the sheriff walked up to the gallery where Bownas was preaching, read aloud the warrant, and declared the Quaker under arrest. The members present appealed to him to allow Bownas to remain until the meeting was over. The sheriff and his posse took seats in the back of the house to wait.
Being unaccustomed to the silent meetings of the Quakers, they said to each other in audible whispers, “Why does he not preach?” Another said, “He is a prisoner and he does not dare.” Bownas heard the remark and rose to his feet and delivered an extempore sermon of such rare eloquence and feeling that the officers were touched. After the meeting they left the building without attempting to place their prisoner in custody.
After bearing all kinds of persecution for their religious belief, the Quakers lived in peace and harmony among themselves for over one hundred years, but the spirit of truth and progress became rampant in this peaceful organization and the liberal party, headed by the noted Quaker, Elias Hicks, of Jerico, Long Island, split from the main body of the Quakers in the year 1828. This was a severe and heart-breaking rupture. Families and friends were separated, husbands against wives, parents against children.
When the final separation came the orthodox or conservative side of the split left their seats in the meeting house and walked out of it, never to return, leaving relations and friends. Touching scenes were enacted on all sides—parents, trying to keep their children, wives their husbands. As one elderly woman left the meeting house with her husband and children, she passed her eldest and dearest daughter, who remained seated with her husband, a radical in the house. Agonized at parting with parents, brothers and sisters, the younger woman rose to join them, but her mother firmly held her hack, saying, “No, Mary, stay; thy place is with thy husband.”
Among the many stormy events of Quaker life there is none that so nearly touches the heart as this episode. After sixty-seven years of separation the opposing factions joined together in celebrating the bi-centennial of the building of the meeting house, on May 29, 1895, the two factions—Orthodox and Hicksite Quakers, as they call themselves—met together in the quaint old building, the sorrow of the old tragedy of separation grown dim with years, and almost forgotten by the younger generation. The scene of so many historic events is still the same and the staunch old house gives promise of another century, when it may see old feuds and strifes wiped away forever, and the universal peace, for which Quakers had long preached and worked, established among the nations of the earth.
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The Old Arch Bridge, Keeseville, N.Y.
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THE UNION.
Early Settlement by the Friends in Peru.
Other historic sketches have appeared from far more able and scholarly pens than I have any pretensions, setting forth the unsurpassed scenery, beauty and fertility of this highly favored valley of the lake. It is surrounded by mountains, except on the northeast, which precludes all chance for destruction by cyclones and tornadoes. Out of the hillsides are gushing the purest of waters, which, finding their level in Lakes George and Champlain, move on to the great northeastern watery thoroughfare by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to be lost in the sea. The purity of the atmosphere, fanned by the fresh breath of verdant and lofty hilltops, the sparkling waters, clear as crystal, are a mighty safeguard against a multitude of diseases prevalent in other places. Under these favorable influences the fruit of the valley is higher colored and better flavored, and commands better prices in city markets than fruit from any other quarter. It embraces all the varieties of apples, pears, plums and grapes, with thousands of bushels annually of small fruit, which are shipped to city markets.
The first settlement of Peru by Friends was on Zephaniah Platt's 17,983 acre location, situated on the west side of Lake Champlain, 44½ degrees north latitude, surveyed by Josiah Thorp, and completed Aug. 6th, 1787, comprising lots of 412 acres each, the south line commencing near the terminus of the Little Ausable, at the lake shore, running due west to Elkanah Watson's Patent. Zephaniah Platt's second location of 12,000 acres was bounded, north by the south line of the first location, the south line, running through Keeseville westward, it was surveyed by William and John Keese, of Dutchess county, New York, in 1788, who also later made subdivisions in the great location. Said Keeses selected each a lot of 412 acres, and returned to Dutchess county.
The March following (1789), William returned upon the ice from Whitehall to what is since called Peru Landing, with axe, gun, and some provisions, and built a log house on his chosen spot, still known as the old William Keese farm. He cleared a piece, put in some wheat, and girdled more for Indian corn planting. He said he had no occasion to speak a loud word during the entire season, as his companions were those named in the sheet let down by the forecorners to Peter, and their “tameness was shocking to see.” He returned in the fall to Dutchess county and married a wife in March 1790. William and wife returned accompanied by his father and mother, John and Elizabeth Keese, and three other brothers, Richard and family, Oliver and John. Stephen and family came soon after their father. Oliver and John settled on adjoining lots west of William, running to the river, and built east of the road, by Richard Lapham's. Richard Keese dropped down by a spring contiguous to the mammoth pine grove, securing most of it, leaving a will that it should not be cut sooner than ten years after his demise, which became of inestimable value. Richard was a man of perseverance and forecast, assisting many settlers by letting cows to double at four years, and later, with one John Andersen, built up Keeseville.
Captain Edward Everitt, and Abednago Ricketson, with their families, settled at the foot of what is since called Hallock Hill, and here in the unbroken, howling wilderness the smoke of the campfires was heralded aloft to greet the passing clouds with the announcement of civilization. Henry Green and wife, daughter of John Keese, settled at the Union, near where the horse shed now stands. Peter Hallock and wife, daughter of John Keese, settled over the river west of the Union. Thus tent after tent was pitched, accessible only by a line of marked trees. Here the reverberation of the woodsman's axe, and the terrific howls of savage beasts of prey filled the chapter of joy and grief. Their younglings and small stock were a constant prey unless securely fastened by night, and were then often taken. Wild game, maple sugar, wild fruit, nuts, roots, fish and greens of the forest were in great requisition for subsistence, and gathered by the children.
A great snow storm late in the spring caused straw beds to be emptied to save the cattle's lives. Captain Everitt said he worked a whole day for one-half bushel of corn. Taking it on his shoulder he went to Peru Landing by marked trees. There he found John Cochran and Jack Hayes had landed, and a son born to Cochran. Everitt resumed his journey by marked trees to Plattsburgh mill, and returned next day by the same route. He was obliged to dig up a portion of his seed potatoes to eat. Major Southmaid, of Jay, left a record that once a month he shouldered a bushel of corn, went by said line of marked trees to Plattsburgh mill, and returned next day, a distance of twenty-five miles. John Haff and family came in 1793, took an entire lot, 412 acres, and settled where Schuyler Haff, a grandson, now lives. As late as 1794, there was no road except a winding track bushed out to the lakeshore, by which, with sledge and oxen they hauled in their goods to their settlement, the Union.
A piece of worship for these isolated Quakers was part and parcel of their very being. A site around which they had clustered and lived in such unity and dependence upon each other and upon the God of all nations and races of men was the one thing needful. A rude structure was built opposite Geo. P. Beadleston's, of split logs for floor, roof and benches. Here in simplicity and in truth were offered up oblations, thanksgiving and prayer to the All Father and Mother God, in the love and spiritual union.
There is a secret tie that binds
Congenial minds together,
A silent mingling heart, with heart
In part unknown to either.
And this sweet influence may be felt
When not a word is spoken,
And to the outward sense there seems
To be no sign or token.
And those who never met before
May meet and then be parted,
Although no word may pass between
Feel they are kindred hearted.
And such spirits meet and join,
In converse with each other;
How free the interchange of thought—
No feelings there to smother.
In removing the enormous growth of timber, huge piles were set on fire, which by night lighted up the ethereal regions with transports of joy, inspiration and surprise to groups of beholders. The ashes were applied to crops, and later sold for potash. Roads began to be opened, one to the lake shore and one through where Peru now stands, where one John Cochran subsequently built a saw and grist mill. The road was continued on by Salmon river to Plattsburgh. Some time later, there was a lumber road opened by one Rogers from Schroon through Pokamoonshine to the Union settlement, where there was a small store, a blacksmith and shoe shop. The old, rude meeting house in which one Benjamin Earle taught school, being burned, and other families arriving, another larger one was built of much the same material, on the William Keese farm, and was used for dwelling, church and school house. The school was taught by Benjamin Sherman, of Rhode Island, who was the clerk of the meeting.
Although mostly descendants of the Puritan stock, the Friends did not imitate the example of their predecessors by placing a cannon on the roof of their sanctuary, by which to demolish their red brethren of the primeval forest. But they gave them freely, both hand and heart, as brethren of the same common Father, reciprocating hospitalities. A semi-monthly mail was had by an equestrian.
Yearly the society increased by the arrival of Bucks, Benedicks, Thews, Southwicks, Davises, Barkers, Earls, Bakers, Smiths, Bankers, Jacksons, Arnolds, Shermans, Woods, Fishers, Osborns, Nicholses, Hallocks and Hoags. These, mostly Quakers, with four or five families at the lake shore, composed the settlement of Peru in 1799, whose central point was the Union. Judge DeLord, a French nobleman of great talent and ability, a refugee from the horrors of St. Domingo, built the old mansion and settled in the Union and made potash. Afterwards he sold to James Rogers, who moved with a large family from Marshfield, Mass. On meeting days were seen short breeches, silver knee and shoe buckles. Stephen Keese settled on a large farm, where Solomon Clark now lives, and built grist and saw mill and called the place Goshen.
As the settlement increased a place of worship for the whole people became apparent and an organization under the auspices of the New York yearly meeting was formed, which furnished means to pay for a site, and helped to build a large and commodious house in 1802. It had galleries to seat its hundreds, and folding partitions. They recognized the right of women to an independent public character officially transacting business, monthly and quarterly, relative to their own sex. Cases of delinquency were judged by their peers holding sisterly correspondence with other bodies, reporting by representatives yearly to New York yearly meeting of women all matters relative to their own sex, instituting inspection as to the moral status of its members, namely:
Are Friends careful to attend all our meetings for worship and discipline? Do they perform their promises and pay their just debts? Are they clear of tale bearing and detraction and of all other unbecoming behavior? Are Friends' children, and all others under their care, instructed in school learning to fit them for business? Do they discard the use of wine at marriages and funerals? Are those in indigent circumstances amply provided for?
The disciplinary interrogatories for the male members were in accordance with the above, excepting, “Are any in the habit of frequenting taverns, attending immoral places of diversion, holding a wager, and dealing in prize goods?” Friends were earnestly advised to discourage the system of war, and in no case to appeal to civil authorities for the redress of grievances. Differences must be referred to members chosen from the body. If any member should extend his business beyond his ability to manage, he is advised early to lay the subject before competent Friends for advice, assistance and recovery. All matters interesting both sexes were considered by a joint committee. No decision reached by vote, but referred for consideration. Both sets of representatives, with credentials to New York yearly meeting, were alternately aided by William and Stephen Keese, with some Friends in Vermont; each had a large thorough brace carriage, no nut or screw, with bolts. It took from four to five weeks to make the round trip. They were gladly received everywhere by Friends on the route. It afforded them an opportunity to receive and communicate news, get acquainted, and frequently to select wives and husbands. Friends were bound by no creed or set belief, but left the aspiring of intellect—logically and scientifically—to investigate every shade and idea to its reasonable result. They recognized the scriptural declaration that there are a diversity of gifts bestowed upon the children of men to profit withal, amongst which are those of seer, the spiritual vision of knowledge, of prophecy, and of healing by the laying on of hands, diversity of tongues, and withal charity to covet spiritual gifts. These are the safeguards and mighty pillars of the great temple of civil and religious liberty.
Time having arrived for payment for lands, it was made by hauling wheat to Albany and selling it at forty cents per bushel. Companies of men went together, carrying their daily supplies.
Friends were alive to the education of their children. Many were placed at the academy in Dutchess county, New York. Later a large academy was built opposite John Green's, where boys, on the first floor, were taught by C. Stoddard, Elihu Marshall, Samuel Rogers, and others; and on the second floor girls were taught by Mary Rogers, Phoebe Keese, and others. On mid-week meeting days teachers walked abreast -- the school by twos marching behind their representative teachers in and out of the church. In 1874 there were numbered, of children and youths, seventy first cousins of the Keese stock. As Friends do not believe in original sin, that where there is no infraction of a known law there is no transgression, hence they accord to their children a birthright membership and religious training, to whom the blessed Jesus likened the supernal heavens.
An article appeared in the Plattsburgh Republican over the signature of “W,” of such artistic beauty, graphically depicting the scenery of our Union valley, that we make an extract, namely:
“Whenever Archbishop Hughes, whose graceful taste, poetic fancy and elegant culture enabled him to enjoy such a scene, visited the little church perched on the acclivity of the western mountain, he habitually sought a particular rock from which he could best contemplate the magnificent spectacle, and as he gazed on it in rapture he would exclaim that in splendor and loveliness it surpassed all the views he had beheld in his varied wanderings.”
John Haight and other travelers, in crossing Hallock Hill, when first enraptured by the sight, have exclaimed “Behold Elysium! Glory to nature's God in the highest."
Said paper also contained a eulogy upon the character and superior ability of Edward Hallock, which, with the single exception of his mammoth house, literally belonged to Richard Keese. Said Hallock was an extremist, and failed in every undertaking excepting breeding disturbances in society, and died in an insane asylum, the result of a mischievous life. Furthermore, Fitzgreen Hallock, the exquisite poet and author of the immortal ode to Bozzaris, was brother of Peter and Anna Hallock— wife of Richard Keese—and no kin to said Edward.
In 1828-9 several English Friends of orthodox proclivities came to New York, namely: Annah Braithwait, Joseph John Gurney, Robert Lyndsley, Benjamin Scabao and Anna Robinson. They drew from the treasury of the Friends in New York by the thousands, paid an enormous sum for a span of horses, carriage and harness in proportion, and sent out advertisements for a series of meetings, sowing dissension broadcast. On being admonished by Elias Hicks and other plain Friends, they said they did not come to learn the gospel of them. With their ecclesiastic shears they severed the society from top to bottom in 1832, fulminating disownments, claiming all the property and all religion, instituting suits for property on the ground of membership that they failed to take by storm, joining and mingling freely with any society that would reiterate the foul charges of “Infidel and No Devil Quaker!” At length the decisions were reversed by the court of chancery, “that membership had nothing to do with the right of property—that the prior right belonged to the creators of the fund and should go to their posterity to the latest generation.” All offers were rejected by the orthodox for equitable adjustment of property until after the chancery decision.
Among those Friends that ministered at the altar, were Anna White, David Harkness, Jemima Keese, Elizabeth Irish, Samuel Keese, Catharine R. Keese (whose graceful endowments fitted her for any sphere) and Ruth Hoag. The existing members of the Friends are Seth Hoag and wife, Ephraim Hoag, George Hallock, Elwood Sherman and wife, Nathan Lapham and family, Richard Keese and family, Mary Brown, the Greens, Mary S. Doty and S. K. Smith and family, whose membership has been transferred to Saratoga Quarterly meeting. Orthodox members are, Jemima Ricketson, Platt Arthur and wife, Cynthia Keese, David Hallock, Elihu Hoag and family, whose membership is transferred to Vermont Friends. Meetings are still held, when ministers of Friends come among us.
In industrial matters, particular attention was paid to best breeds of neat stock. Peter Keese bred the Durham; W. A. Keese, the Herefords; Arnold, the Devons; Smith and G. Hallock bred a cross between Durham and Herefords, of which were some of the best animals of that day. A pair of twins, broke by Sherbenaw, took the first ($100) premium at the United States Fair at Boston, in 1856. They were taken through England, Ireland and Scotland for a show. The last accounts of them they were on their way to France and Germany. They would obey every word of command. Their difference could not be detected by strangers. For years the Smiths raised and broke matched oxen that took the first premium. Among them were a number of twins, and one yoke, six years old, is now on the stock farm in Vermont, perhaps the best in the state.
S. K. SMITH.
Note—The above article was published in the Keeseville paper in the year 1879.
William Keese married Mary Bowne of Flushing, Long Island. Their children: William Bowne Keese, born at Fishkill, 12th month, 7th, 1780; John Dobson Keese, born at Fishkill, 9th month, 20th, 1782; Charles Tillingfast Keese, born in New York, 3rd month, 25th, 1789; George, died at 26 years of age; Theodore Keese, born in New York, 11th month, 24th, 1800.
William Bowne Keese had six children. He was an Episcopal clergyman. One John Keese in this line was on General Washington's staff.
Note—The above was procured by Mrs. L. H. Bannister of Mrs. John Keese, who lives in Pasadena, Cal. I insert it, hoping that some one can explain it. It seems a little odd that William and John Keese should have both married Mary Bowne. It is left for future biographers to answer.
W. T. Keese.
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WHILE I WAIT, NEED I BE IDLE?
The following poem was sent to the Independent by Joshua Morris, of Thonotosassa, Florida, and was written by one of his old schoolmates of the Weston district, west of Cardington. The poem was composed in November 1884, by Mrs. S. A. Worth, of Hesper, Iowa. Mrs. Worth, fifty years ago, was a Miss Sarah Ann Keese, and lived with a widowed mother on the farm now owned by Geo. S. Coomer.
I am waiting for thy coming—
Waiting, watching day by day;
Listening to thy every message,
Thankful for thy long delay.
Yet I know that thou art coming,
Slowly, surely, hour by hour;
Oft thy wings seem hovering o'er me,
Kind, but fearful in thy power.
While I wait must I be idle?
Need I lie with folded hands,
Only sighing, feebly, sadly,
As I wait thy dread commands?
Waiting, must I needs be idle?
Using not my one lone gift
To while away the painful moments
And my drooping soul uplift.
Not myself alone I think of,
Cheerful do I try to be;
Moments thus may sweetly pass with
Those who kindly care for me.
Those who watch me while I'm waiting
Needs must feel the time seems long,
Weary, sad—but it must seem brighter
When my heart is filled with song.
Song that seeketh not expression
Through the medium of sound,
But through tender tints and shadows,
Soft as those in nature found.
Busy were our mothers always,
Working on from morn till night;
Always had their knitting ready
For the quiet, warm twilight.
Thus they waited for the lighting
Of the cheerful evening lamp;
Thus they waited for thy coming
Till Life's night grew dark and damp.
Thus I'm waiting for thy coming,
Busy almost every hour;
Though the body's well nigh helpless,
Hands and mind retain their power.
Oft my soul is filled with visions
Soft as palpitating light;
Hushed my very breath to catch them,
As they float before my sight.
Tender lights, mysterious shadows,
Real and ideal form;
Softly breathing, full of sweetness,
Brilliant, yet subdued and warm.
Real and ideal blended,
Harmonized with beauty rife;
Tints of color born of heaven,
Glowing with the warmth of life.
Nay, I'll not ignore this power;
Thus the only gift I have
Held in trust, this heavenly blessing,
I would use it while I live.
I would work with patient pleasure
To the last - beyond earth's strife;
Thus I'd wait for thee to waft me
Gently to the higher life.
“Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.”
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Stephen R. Keese and Sarah H. Keese
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Stephen R. Keese.
Stephen B. Keese, born 8th month, 30th, 1801, in Clinton county, New York. His mother died ere he reached his twelfth year and Stephen went to live with his uncle, William Keese, where he remained until his father married again, then he came on to Ohio and helped to clear up two farms in what is now Morrow county, one located on the east bank of Alum Creek, some ten or twelve miles southeast of Cardington, the other three miles northwest, near Weston meeting house. He labored hard and diligently until he was twenty-four years old.
Then he took a trip in the fall of 1825 back to the scene of his childhood, and to see his girl that he had left behind him, Sarah H. Gove, daughter of Jonathan and Hannah Gould Gove, of Lincoln, Vermont. She was a blithe lassie five years his junior, well formed and intelligent, with auburn hair. Stephen had made this journey mostly on foot and as the journey was a long one he got work during the winter and spring, and they were married 5th month, 14th, 1826. There is a little incident connected with their wedding which I will relate as told to me by my mother.
They were both members with Friends, but Father's membership was in Ohio, a long way off, and no very good way of traveling, and it cost fifty cents to send a letter if it weighed over one-half ounce. Friends did not approve of a marriage by a priest or a civil officer, but only in the regular way in meeting and parents were liable to be dealt with if they allowed a marriage to be consummated in their presence, so to get around bringing her mother and father into trouble they arranged to have the Justice of the Peace to come to the house while her parents were gone to midweek meeting, and in the presence of her younger sisters and an aunt the knot was tied and all trouble was avoided, and the young couple soon set out on their wedding trip to Ohio.
I do not know how they got from Vermont to the lakes, but they arrived in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, early in June. There he heft his wife with friends and walked home, a distance of some fifty miles. I will let Richard Wood, an old friend of the family, tell this part of the story in his own way. In writing a paper for a pioneer meeting he makes mention of this wedding trip, as follows: “Stephen Keese left his bride at Upper Sandusky and walked to his father's house and procured a horse and saddle to bring his wife home, but, neglecting to let down the upper bar, the horn of the saddle caught on the bar and broke the girth, and Stephen broke down and cried, but the repairs were soon made and he returned for his bride. Then after seeing her safely mounted, he took the rein and led the horse proudly home.”
They rented a house and commenced the struggle of life. It appears that these young people did not gain much wealth while living in Ohio. The times were dull and wages low; 50 to 75 cents per day was about all a man could command. He said that children came faster than money. I don't believe that he wished to complain of the presence of children in the home, but he wanted a home of their own to put them in. Father loved his children and six were born to them in the eleven years they lived in Ohio, one pair of twins, one of whom died in infancy.
In the year 1836 they decided to go to Indiana, where there was government land they could enter. They borrowed $100 of a friend (Samuel Howell, I think) with which to purchase the land. Father went on in the spring to clear some land and build them a house to live in. Mother remained in Ohio until autumn, then she and four of the children came out in a covered wagon. She left my sister Elizabeth with her grandmother in Ohio. One Thomas Edmondson furnished the conveyance. The road was bad, through the woods, and it took four good horses to draw the wagon, and then they stalled several times in the mud. She brought two good cows and a pony that 'my brother Jonathan and one John Frame rode and walked by turns, and drove the cows. And they were all glad to join Father in their new home in the woods. It was a small cabin with a wide porch on the north side. In this cabin I was born, and some of the other children. There was an addition built to it later on to meet the needs of the growing family, and school was held in it, taught by Ellis Davis. About the year 1862 a frame house was built and the cabin abandoned.
On this farm they lived until all their eleven children matured and married, then the home was sold. In the spring of 1882 they went on an extended visit to their children in Iowa and Nebraska, where Father died at the home of their daughter, Hannah Haines, 1st month, 5th, 1883, and mother died in the year 1891, 9th month, 20th, and their remains rest peacefully in the cemetery near Franklin, Nebraska. Some of Father's writings are given on another page.
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Jonathan G. Keese
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Phebe A. Keese
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Hannah R. Haines and Daniel L. Haines
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William G. Keese and Rebecca A. Keese
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Laomi Sibray and Elizabeth D. K. Sibray
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Jason E. Keese and Lovina O. Keese
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Children of Stephen and Sarah Keese.
FIRST SON—
JONATHAN G. KEESE, who was born 10th month, 17th, 1827, married Phebe A. Jones, 1st month, 2lst, 1856, who was born 1st month, 1st, 1836. He died 9th month, 12th, 1863, site 12th month, 6th, 1892. Their children: Sarah Annetta, born 3rd month, 15th, 1858; Celestine, born 1st, 7th, 1860, died 9th, 13th, 1862; Esther Leanna, born 2nd, 19th, 1864.
Sarah Annetta Keese married Frank Pillsbury, 4th month, 8th, 1882. Their children: Myra May, born 12th, 23rd, 1883; Mabel Esther, born 7th, 27th, 1890; Lawrence Keese, born 8th, 10th, 1892.
Esther Leanna Keese was united in marriage with Benjamin Ferguson 11th month, 25th, 1891. One child, Phebe Mane, was born 9th, 3rd, 1892.
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FIRST DAUGHTER
HANNAH R.KEESE, who was born 8th month, 29th, 1829, married Daniel L. Haines 10th month, 17th, 1852, who was born 11th month, 1825. Their children: Rosanna T., born 11th, 20th, 1855; Alveretta, born 11th, 11th, 1857; Elwood D., born 7th, 9th, 1860; Isaac M., born 10th, 2nd, 1862; Elnora, born 8th, 21st, 1869, died 9th, 24th, 1882; Jonathan U., born 1st, 19th, 1872, died 2nd, 24th, 1879; Stephen H., born 12th, 26th, 1867, died 3rd, 24th, 1868.
Rosanna Haines married Frank Kimberling 8th month, 4th, 1878. Their children: Arthur R., born 1st, 31st, 1880; Shirley B., born 8th, 19th, 1883; Clyde H., born 5th, 10th, 1886; Hulda M., born 6th, 9th, 1889; Lottie F., born 1st, 26th, 1892; Altie P., born 11th, 26th, 1895.
Alveretta Haines married Charles Scott 4th month, 19, 1877. Their children: Laura Belle, born 4th, 18th, 1879; Lily, born 11th, 6th, 1880, died 11th, 7th, —; Grace Alice, born 3rd, 18, 1883; Edna May, born 5th, 15th, 1885; Earle Keese, born 6th, 18, 1888; Hazel 1tuthana, born 12th, 26th, 1890; Ethel Maude, born 5th, 29th, 1893; Charles Harold, born 11th, 29th, 1896; Ralph Luman, born 1st, 5th, 1900.
Elwood B. Haines married Myrtle M. Craig 1st month, 5th, 1893. Their children: Edith Fern, born 9th, 27th, 1893; Gladys, born 8th, 30th, 1896; Edna May, born 6th, 4th, 1899.
Isaac M. Haines married Florence A. Craig 1st month, 27th, 1886. Their children: Fred, born 12th, 17th, 1886; Hazel, born 6th, 2nd, 1892; John, born 7th, 7th, 1900.
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SECOND SON—
WILLIAM G. KEESE, born 12th month, 4th, 1831, married Rebecca Ann Harter 1st month, 21st, 1858. Their children: Nathan Orlando, born 7th, 15th, 1859; Wilburn Malchi, born 3rd, 27, 1861; Sarah Catherine, born 11th, 30th, 1862; Emma C., born 4th, 20th, 1866.
Nathan Orlando Keese married Anna Adaline Luers, 2nd month, 14th, 1894. . Their children: Royal Raynona. born 3rd, 9th, 1895, died 3rd, 3rd, 1899; Harold Augustus. born 6th, 20th, 1896; Earl Wm., born 3rd, 20th, 1900; Minnie Elsie, born 7th, 9th, 1902; James Callanan, born 4th, 30, 1.904; Arthur Luers, born 9th, 24th, 1909.
Wilburn Malchi Keese married Maggie Bell McClaren, 7th month, 3rd, 1889. Their children: Burley, born 4th month, 5th, 1890, died 4th, 5th, 1890; Eva Lida, born 9th, 3rd, 1894, died 2nd, 24th, 1895; Evan Leonard, born 3rd, 2nd, 1896; Clarice K., born 7th, 23rd, 1898, died 4th, 12th, 1909; Bernard, born 2nd, 10th, 1904.
Sarah Catherine Keese married James S. Dunning, 9th month, 18th, 1887. Their children: Erma A., born 8th, 26th, 1888; Virgil E., born 2nd, 12th, 1891, died 9th, 23rd, 1898; Efner H., born 12th, 31st, 1892, died 11th, 24th, 1898; Ruth E., born 5th, 21st, 1894; Grace M., born 3rd, 16th, 1896, died 9th, 17th, 1898; Almon K., born 9th, 8th, 1898, died 2nd, 3rd, 1900; Frank E., born 9th, 26th, 1901; Twins, born 6th, 18th, 1905, died 6th, 23rd, 1908; Charles S. born 3rd, 17th, 1907.
Emma C. Keese married F. O. Simpson, 12th month, 14th, 1885. Their children: Maud A., born 2nd, 27th, 1889; Lulu R., born 8th, 27th, 1890; Pearl A., born 8th, 14th, 1892; Alta M., born 3rd, 20th, 1896; Willis V., born 9th, 15th, 1904; Leonard O., born 12th, 23rd, 1906; Cecilia J., born 12th, 21st, 1908.
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SECOND DAUGHTER—
ELIZABETH D. KEESE, who was born 10th month, 4th, 1833, married 9th month, 11th, 1.853, to Loammi Sibray, who died 3rd month, 16th, 1900. Their children: Mary F., born 7th, 25th, died 9th month, 8th, 1854; Elvin O., born 9th, 1st, 1856, died 10th month, 29th, 1859; Pluma E., born 11th, 1st, 1858; Eva L., born 12th, 7th, 1861; Wm. Willis, born 12th, 19th, 1862; Lily Belle, born 9th, 29th, 1864; Alvin Vance, born 9th, 11th, 1867.
Pluma Sibray married Charles A. Collier, 4th month, 14th, 1878. Their children: Orville Raymond, born 2nd, 28th, 1881; Everett Roscoe, born 3rd, 12th, 1885; Mary Elizabeth, born 11th, 1st, 1891; Gladys Pearl, born 12th, 31st, 1895.
Eva Lenore Sibray married Isaac Foss, 2nd month, 21st, 1881. Their children: Lillie Rae, born 12th, 30th, 1881; Charles L., born 7th, 7th, 1883, died 10th, 18th, 1908; Stella Mae, born 5th, 30th, 1886, died 8th, 13th, 1886; Arthur Loammi, born 7th, 6th, 1887; Hannah Elizabeth, born 7th, 23rd, 1889; Francis Lemuel, born 2nd, 13th, 1901; Caro Lenore, born 3rd, 11th, 1903.
William Willis Sibray married Jessie A. Botkin, 9th month, 30th, 1891. Their children: Lillian Agnes Constance, born 2nd, 5th, 1894; Donald Loammi, born 2nd, 13th, 1898; Janet Elizabeth, born 12th, 19th, 1906.
Lillie Belle Sibray married Edward A. Grogg, 10th month, 4th, 1886. Their children: Daisy May, born 5th, 11th, 1888; and Edwina June Grogg, age not known to writer.
Alvin Vance Sibray married Vandilla Brennan, 1st month, 11th, 1890. Their children: Therma Lee, born 1st, 22nd, 1891; Lilla V., born 11th, 17th, 1893; Thella May, born 6th, 15th, 1897; Hilma, age not known.
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THIRD SON—
JASON E. KEESE, who was born 11th month, 6th, married Lovina Odell, 4th month, 14th, 1861. He died 7th month, 1st, 1906. Their children: Volney A., born 1st, 21st, 1862; Lyda Ellen, born 2nd, 17th, 1864; Jonathan G., born 7th, 15th, 1866; Hannah A., born 6th, 24th, 1868; 0. Theresa, born 2nd, 18th, 1871; Ida F., born 3rd, 22, 1877; Myrtle, born 11th, 4th, 1880; Alfred H., born 10th, 6th, 1882.
Volney A. Keese married Sarah Lutes, 2nd month, 26th, 1893. Their children: Vessie, born 3rd, 1st, 1894; Arthur, born 1st, 9th, 1896; Bernice, born 10th, 22nd, 1899.
Lyda Ellen Keese married S. Douglas Green, 6th month, 15th, 1887. Their children: Charley, born 7th, 7th, 1888; Ethel, born 7th, 17th, 1890; Myron, born 1st, 7th, 1892; Grace, born 4th, 10th, 1895; Ruth, born 7th, 24th, 1899.
Jonathan G. Keese married Bertha Dunn, 2nd month, 19th, 1896. Their children: Ada Marne, born 1st, 7th, 1898; Carrie Lucile, born 10th, 26th, 1900, died 3rd, 20th, 1903; Raymond Alfred, born 1st, 27th, 1904; Lester Gove, born 9th, 20th, 1905; Beulah Leanna, born 8th month, 1908.
Hannah A. Keese married Robert Mann, 3rd month, 25th, 1889. Their children: Mayme M., born 2nd, 4th, 1890; Claude, born 9th, 4th, 1894; Leroy, born 5th, 24th, 1896; Ida, born 8th, 14th, 1900.
O. Theresa Keese married. Charles Bill, 8th month, 28th, 1892. Their children: Homer, born 11th, 26th, 1893; Maurice, born 7th, 28th, 1895; Mary, born 6th, 4th, 1897; Robert, born 4th, 9th, 1900; Florence Alma, born 10th, 25th, 1909.
Ida F. Keese married Rev. Leroy Galleher, 10th month, 9th, 1907.
Myrtle Keese married Adelbert Helsebeck, 2nd month, 27th, 1907. One child died in infancy, and Alice Fern was born 10th, 23rd, 1911.
Alfred R. Keese married Tillie Olena Tostenson, 3rd month, 8th, 1911.
(NOTE: there is no "Fourth Son" or "Third Daughter"; the following ordinals should be reduced by one)
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Willis T. Keese and Eunice M. Keese
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FIFTH SON—
WILLIS T. KEESE, who was born 1st month, 15th, 1838, married Martha J. Paxton 10th month, 18th, 1864. Their children: Francis D., born 7th, 15th, 1865; Mary Johanna; born 4th, 1st, 1867, died 6th, 11th, 1868; Philip Elmer, born 11th, 13th, 1869, died 5th, 5th, 1873.
Again married, 6th month, 26th, 1882, to Eunice M. Breese.
Francis D. Keese marries Cora Harmen, 12th month, 28th, 1892. Their child, Ada, was born 10th, 6th, 1893.
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Nathan R. Keese and Almira W. Keese
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SIXTH SON—
NATHAN R. KEESE, who was born 12th month, 24th, 1839, married Almira White, 11th month, 21st, 1862. He died 4th month, 15th, 1901. Their children: Lilburn M., born 8th, 22nd, 1864; Leanna May, born 7th, 12th, 1866.
Lilburn M. Keese married Nancy J. Atkinson. Their child, Burton E., was born 4th, 30th, 1887.
Leanna May Keese was married to S. Maynard Ramsey, 12th month, 29th, 1885. Their children: Dullard M., born 8th, 12th, 1886; Millard .M., born 12th, 31st, 1888; Orlena P., born 11th, 19th, 1890; Ordena E., born 6th, 10th, 1893; Ertena, born 2nd, 27th, 1896; Hillard Ray, born 10th, 15th, 1898; Lovena S., born 3rd, 17th, 1902; Nathan Robert, born 9th, 26th, 1904; Chas. Everett, born 5th, 29th, 1907, died 2nd, 4th. 1908; Harold, born 9th, 20th, 1911.
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Isaac H. Keese and Maggie B. Keese
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SEVENTH SON—
ISAAC H. KEESE, who was born 3rd month, 8th, 1844, married Maggie Brayton, 1st month 10th, 1878. Their children: John Earle, born 9th month, 4th, 1878, died 9th, 20th, 1887; Harry Gove, born 3rd, 25th, 1881; Walter Folsom, born 7th, 29th, 1888.
Harry Gove Keese married Myrtle May Chamberlain, 7th month, 28th, 1901. Their children: Bonnie Beatrice, born 8th, 15th, 1902; Gladys Karral Bernice, born 2nd, 26th, 1904.
Walter Folsom Keese married Ella O'Kane, 5th month, 5th, 1909.
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Sarah R. Keese
John E. Keese
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EIGHTH SON—
JOHN E. KEESE, who was born 12th month, 11th, 1845, was married to Sarah R. Tyrrell, 12th month, 24th, 1868. He died 3rd month, 6th, 1878, and she 4th month, 28th, 1903. Their children: Stephen Royal, born 10th, 1st, 1869, died 7th month, 1896; Eva Lucina, born 10th, 16th, 1871; Nora Jane, born 8th, 16th, 1873; Tilla Almira, born 10th, 21st, 1876.
Eva Lucina Keese married James Perrin, 3rd month, 21st, 1895. Their children: Charles Earle, born 4th, 19th, 1896; James Eber, born 12th, 20th, 1897.
Nora Jane Keese married Grant Mason, 1st month, 5th, 1895. Their children: Leander Tarlton, born 10th, 22nd, 1895, died 12th, 8th, 1895; Florence L., born 2nd, 18th, 1897; Leanna Pearl, born 1st, 28th, 1899; Irene Elizabeth, born 2nd, 7th, 1901; Katha Amy, born 7th, 7th, 1902; John Keese, born 9th, 27th, 1909.
Tilla Almina Keese married Bert Lee, 12th month, 25th. 1902. Their child, Eunice, was born 10th month, 8th, 1903.
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Matilda E. Paxon and Mahlon I. Paxon
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FOURTH DAUGHTER
MATILDA ELLEN KEESE, who was born 10th month, 23rd, 1848, married Mahlon I. Paxson, 2nd month, 22nd, 1866. She died 2nd month, 2nd, 1876. Their children: Florence Estella, born 9th, 20th, 1867; Nathan Orlando, born 1st, 4th, 1870, died 7th, 29th, 1871; Nealy Pearl, born 10th, 5th, 1872; Addison Fremont, born 1st, 19th, 1876, died 1st, 19th, 1876.
Florence Estella Paxson married David Kelly, 1st month, 6th, 1884. Their children: Mary Ethel, born 6th, 7th, 1885; Verna Matilda, born 3rd, 30th, 1887; Marion Francis, born 7th, 25th, 1889; William Edward, born 8th, 2nd, 1891; Monna Juanna, born 10th, 6th, 1893; James Ulric, born 8th, 6th, 1895.
Nealy Pearl Paxson married George Lanning, 12th month, 10th, 1890. Their children: Esther May, born 8th, 19th, 1891; Frederick, born 3rd, 19th, 1893; Sarah Ellen, born 2nd, 8th, 1896; Anna, born 5th, 29th, 1900; Zella, born 8th, 9th, 1904; Franklin, born 4th, 11th, 1910.
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Edwin E. Smith and Loretta M. Smith
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FIFTH DAUGHTER—
LORETTA M. KEESE, who was born 7th month, 28th, 1852, was married to Edwin Smith, 5th month, 28th, 1873. She died 8th month, 15th, 1881. Their children: Ora Belle, born 5th, 28th, 1874; Esta Alice, born 4th, 20th, 1876.
Ora Bell Smith, record not known.
Esta Alice Smith married and has two boys by former husband, names not given. For her second husband she married a Mr. Polly, date not given.
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Writings of Stephen R. Keese.
SKETCHES OF REAL LIFE. 8th month, 30th, 1881.
This is hot weather.
Seeing that this is my 80th birthday,
I would I could write a pleasing lay;
I will eighty leaves turn back of my life,
And speak of a true man and wife.
With their firstborn, a son,
Eighth month, 30th, in the year one thousand eight hundred and one;
In a log house in the woods,
And but little of this world's goods.
South, low ground, at foot of the hill a good spring,
On the wild trees wild birds did sing;
On the north rolling high ground,
Timber cleared off, soon orchard was found;
On the west dense, wild wood,
Where sugar was made pure and good;
On the east, a road on the bank of the Ausable river,
Always thankful to the great giver.
The river wound among the hills,
On it were factories and mills;
It ran northeast through a pine plain,
And emptied into Lake Champlain.
O, it lay between Vermont and York state,
Long and narrow, but the commerce on it was great.
At the tenth and eleventh years of my age,
My father was in the lumber trade engaged;
He thought, no doubt, to have made good speculation,
But it proved a source of tribulation;
For he lost a good farm,
On it a frame house and barn.
His last raft was wrecked on Lake Champlain,
But all hands the shore did gain;
As soon as possible he gathered the wreck,
And then he sailed into Quebec.
And pretty soon a war was declared,
And then hard with him it fared;
His lumber under bonds to be sold,
To be paid for in currency, silver and gold.
When the bonds were due,
They did not wish to rue;
But said the acts were contraband,
For there was to be war in the land.
He know at home there would be debts to pay,
He would do his best to pay, rather than to run away;
That sent him home a poor man,
Disappointed in every plan.
He came home, Mother died soon after,
And that was a sad disaster.
Winter came on cold, and deep the snow,
And one cold day to Quaker meeting we did go
With fine horses and fine sleigh;
In meeting a press gang took horses and sleigh,
Buffalo robes and blankets away.
After meeting, best teams gone, poor left,
Friends got home the best they could,
Some on foot and some on sleds of wood,
Some of the rich dependent on the poor,
To be taken to their own door.
Us motherless ones, five in number,
We parted there asunder, but not suffered to fall under.
Friends took us to their homes and warmed us by their fires,
And satisfied all reasonable desires.
But our home was to pass away,
For there were many debts to pay;
But he freely gave up all
Of his goods, oxen and cows in the stall.
Now my uncle William had a servant true,
He said, if our horses are gone, I go, too;
I know it's cold, but I know where they stay,
And I will be with them before another day.
So soon, dinner over, and a knapsack,
With bread and cheese on his old back,
And he was off on the war track,
His name was Slighter, but he was no fighter.
Horses and all, he truly found,
And plenty of snow was on the ground;
He drove the horses where command said go,
Over glare ice, and through deep snow.
And if anything could be had,
The horses were well fed,
And at night he was right glad,
If he could get his robe and blankets for a bed.
Other horses got sore shoulders,
And were killed to feed poor soldiers;
What did they care for the true owners,
They were conscientious, forced donors.
Time rolled on,
Mother's Hannah, father John,
Four years past, I was fifteen,
My brother and I with some movers were seen,
Going to the then far west Ohio,
Over rough and smooth, high and low.
It would be a long road,
Each of the six wagons, a heavy load.
Twenty-six persons in all,
Count great and small,
Able bodied ones, a chance for walking,
And we enjoyed social talking.
We lay one night in a forty mile woods,
Nothing disturbed us or our goods;
We had a good wood fire,
A supper of food desired.
One of those days, my birthday fifteen,
The other, Azor Oborn, he was sixteen,
And that night was the two between,
Pleasantly jargoned.
After six weeks the desired place we did gain,
And no accident whereof to complain,
My brother Tytus and I found our father,
He was burning brush in the clearing,
And did not see us till we got in hearing.
He had married a second wife,
And begun again married life.
The following was written a few days before his death.
As now on my death bed I lay,
I have something more I wish to say:
Old creeds will have to pass away
Before we'll see the millennial day.
I have labored all I could for progression
On earth for truth as well as education,
But have not always met with approbation;
Neither did Jesus in that generation.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
For I soon will bid you all adieu;
Let every one be honest, kind and true,
For I am going another world to view.
For me do not shed a tear
I feel I have nothing to fear,
For I go with conscience clear
To dwell in a brighter sphere.
Six children I have over there
Who will a place for me prepare
And with them heavenly blessings share
With many other dear ones there.
My wife and seven more are left awhile to stay,
Then they, too, must pass away,
And we hope to form a happy band
In the realms of spirit land,
And to progress forevermore
On that calm and peaceful shore.
My wife and I are old and gray
And do not know how long here we'll stay.
Bury me plainly and decently when I die
And let not a stone tell where I lie,
Plant some tree (pine or cedar) o'er my head,
My body will nourish it when I'm dead.
I do not like to see costly white stones
Watching over mouldering flesh and bones;
I like to see a thrifty tree in the stone's place.
I think it would be no disgrace,
A good tree over every grave;
For coming generations money would save.
When a tree should die or likely to;
Let it then be carefully taken away decay,
It will not be unjust or cruel
To let the poor have them for fuel.
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POSTOFFICE ADDRESSES
OF THE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF STEPHEN R. AND
SARAH H. KEESE.
FIRST FAMILY—
Sarah Annetta K. Pillsbury, 4913 W. 24 Pl., Morton Park, Cicero P.
O., Illinois.
Esther Leanna K. Ferguson, Cardington, Ohio.
SECOND FAMILY—
Hannah R. K. Haines, Franklin, Nebraska.
Rosanna H. Kimberling, Franklin, Nebraska.
Alvaretta H. Scott, Aline, Oklahoma.
Elwood D. Haines, Orleans, Nebraska.
Isaac M. Haines, Franklin, Nebraska.
THIRD FAMILY—
Rebecca H. Keese, Sanders, Montana.
Nathan O. Keese, Hebron, Iowa.
Wilburn M. Keese, Audabun, Iowa.
Sarah C. K. Dunning, Sanders, Montana.
Emma C. K. Simpson, Hill City, South Dakota.
FOURTH FAMILY—
Elizabeth D. K. Sibray, Orosa, California.
Pluma E. S. Collier, Orosa, California.
Eva L. S. Foss, Danville, Arkansas.
William W. Sibray, 7937 Tioga St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Alvin V. Sibray, Manton, Michigan.
Lilly B. S. Grogg, Fellows, California.
FIFTH FAMILY—
Lovina O. Keese, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Volney A. Keese, Gilman, Iowa.
Lydia E. K. Green, Gilman, Iowa.
Jonathan G. Keese, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Hannah A. K. Mann, Laurel Iowa.
Olive Thresa K. Bill, Sheffield, Illinois.
Ida F. K. Gallaher, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Myrtle K. Helsebeck, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Alfred R. Keese, Green Mountain, Iowa.
SIXTH FAMILY—
Willis T. Keese, Cardington, Ohio.
Francis D. Keese, McGrew, Nebraska.
SEVENTH FAMILY—
Almira W. Keese, Cardington, Ohio.
Lilburn M. Keese, Marion, Indiana.
Leanna May K. Ramsey, Cardington, Ohio.
EIGHTH FAMILY—
Isaac H. Keese, Visalia, California.
Harry G. Keese, Visalia, California.
Walter F. Keese, Berkley, California.
NINTH FAMILY—
Eva L. K. Perrin, 222 John St., Marion, Ohio.
Nora J. K. Mason, Cardington, Ohio.
Myra A. K. Lee, 314 Patterson St., Marion, Ohio.
TENTH FAMILY—
Mahlon Paxson, Bluffton, Indiana.
Florence P. Kelly, Pennville, Indiana.
Nealy P. Lanning, Partridge, Kansas.
ELEVENTH FAMILY—
Edwin E. Smith, Springfield, Oregon.
Ora B. S. Grant,
Esta A. Polley, Walterville, Oregon.
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