The Raitt Family
My mother's maiden name was Raitt, and in taking up her history it becomes necessary to pass over to Scotland. The family as first known, lived in Dundee, where it is probable my grandparents were both born, but when is not known. Very likely, if their ancestry could be traced back, it would be found that many of them lived in Dundee for several generations past.
David Raitt, my grandfather, was married to Miss Lillis Angus, in Dundee, Scotland, in 1798. In a letter from Rev. James Brown D. D., whose mother lived just next door to them in Dundee, he speaks of them as follows: "They were both members of the Burgher branch of the Secession Church, and were of the same class as my grandfather's family; that is, what is known in Scotland as the middle class. They were almost universally an educated, intelligent and religious portion of the community. Mother always spoke of Mr. and Mrs. Raitt in the highest terms, as being intelligent, upright, godly people. Indeed the people composing the Secession Church at that time in both its branches, were among the most intelligent and godly people in Scotland. Your Grandfather's worldly circumstances were perhaps very nearly such as Agur desired; he had 'neither poverty nor riches.' He must have been in this regard, however, above common, for he had means enough to bring his family to this country, and it was a costly business in those days to come to America."
Grandfather left Dundee, Scotland, in the spring of 1802, and came to the United States, landing in Virginia. The voyage across the ocean was unusually lengthened out, there being long, continuous adverse winds. Instead of seven weeks, the time anticipated for the trip, it lasted eleven; and so the family before landing was reduced almost to the point of starvation. Provisions were only allowed to be taken on board the vessel for the usual time—seven weeks.
They first settled in Rockbridge County, Virginia, where it is supposed they lived about eight years. Grandmother, being of a kind, sympathetic nature, could not endure slavery; especially the auction block on which slaves were sold. Accordingly, about the year 1810, they removed to Belmont County, Ohio, and from thence in 1815, or near that time, to Guernsey County, Ohio, near Fairview. In 1817, with a horse and cart as their only conveyance, they made another and last move to Richland County, Ohio, settling down on a small farm of eighty acres, near Windsor. The country was new, and he, like others, had all the improvements to make. The log cabin was soon erected; using his foot, which was rather large, to measure the length of the logs, the measurement was not always very exact. The land, too, had to be cleared, and other out-buildings required were built. There must have been a great many privations and hard struggles endured to make a start and get things under headway in their new home—such as but few at the present time would be willing to undergo.
Grandfather never could manage a team with much skill, and, as a necessary consequence, he met with a great many mishaps. In Scotland he was a weaver by trade, and worked at the business, sometimes, in this country. He always kept up his broad Scotch, apparently not caring or trying to improve. On one occasion, while engaged in farm work, he came across a nice looking, good sized Indian turnip. He picked it up, looked at it for a moment, and then concluded to taste it and see if it were not good to eat. It looked very nice. In a very little time he said to one of his children who happened to be near, "Awa hame and tell your mither I'm pusioned." Any one who has made a similar trial of the virtues of the Indian turnip will understand the situation.
Grandmother was an active, sweet little Christian woman, beloved by all with whom she was associated in life. Her services as a midwife were in great demand, and for years she traveled in that line of business on horseback, over nearly all that region of country. While she was little of stature, grandfather was a large, tall, well developed looking man. They both lived to be well up in years, and in death they were not long divided. The promise was fulfilled in the case of each one of this wedded pair. "Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like a shock of corn cometh in his season." Their supposed feelings, when far advanced in life, may be well expressed in the lines below.
"I would not know
Which of us two will be the first to go.
I only wish the space may not be long
Between the parting and the greeting song;
But when, or where, or how we're called to go—
I would not know."
Her death took place January 10, 1856, in her eighty-third year. He died July 8th of the same year, in the ninetieth year of his age,—a difference of only about seven months in the time of death. They were both buried at Windsor, Ohio, near where they passed thirty-nine years of their lives. Their married life lasted nearly, if not altogether, fifty-eight years. They were members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, at Mansfield, Ohio. They sweetly rest from their labors.
Seven children were born to them—two sons and five daughters.
I. Margaret Raitt. Born in Dundee, Scotland, May 3, 1799. She was married to William Thompson, near Fairview, Ohio, December 5, 1816. Her history will be found in connection with that of her husband.
II. Jane Raitt. Her birth took place in Dundee, Scotland, March 10, 1801. She was my mother, and was married to Adam Thompson, near Fairview, Ohio, November 1, 1821. Her history will be found in connection with the statement of my father, Adam Thompson.
III. James Raitt. He was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in May, 1803. He is said to have been a stirring, active, lively boy. He was married to Sarah Cobean, in Mansfield, Ohio, in 1828 or 9. He was a farmer for several years near Windsor, Ohio; later, a short distance east of Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio. For many years he was an elder in the United Presbyterian Church, at Mansfield. He sustained the reputation of a straightforward, godly, conscientious man, and was well respected in the community in which he lived. He had strong attachments to his own church and always manifested a deep interest in efforts for the up-building of the cause of Christ. In personal appearance Uncle Raitt was a tall, portly, fine looking man, with usually a very pleasant smile on his countenance. Aunt Sarah's death took place near Mansfield, in 1844 or 5. Three children were born to them—all daughters, and all born near Windsor, Richland County, Ohio.
1. Elizabeth. Born June 17, 1830. She was married to James Boals, who lives near Ontario, Richland County, Ohio. Mrs. Boals died in March, 1886, and was buried at Ontario. They had five children. One is dead. The names of the living are Sarah E., Maggie E., James Arthur and Charles.
2. Nancy Lillis. She was born October 13, 1833. She was married to James Coulter, near Mansfield, Ohio, in 1861. Mr. Coulter was born in Pennsylvania, May 6, 1833. He is a farmer near Ontario, Ohio. Three children have been born to them—daughters, all born near Mansfield, Ohio.
(1). Olive. Born October 26, 1862.
(2). Cora. Born January 13, 1864. She was married to B. B. Gray, May 30, 1887. They have three children, Mossie, Hazel and Violet.
(3). Ella. Born April 14, 1866.
Mr. and Mrs. Coulter are members of the United Presbyterian Church, at Ontario, Ohio.
3. Sarah Jane. Born near Mansfield, Ohio, July 14, 1836. She was married to Samuel Barnes. He is a carpenter. He lived several years at Fairfield, Iowa, where his wife died in 1894, and where she was buried. He now lives at Washington, Kansas. Five children have been born to them.
(1). James Frank. He is married.
(2). Georgia Ann.
(3). Margaret Letitia.
(4). Fannie.
(5). Guy.
Uncle James Raitt was married a second time, to Letitia Johnston, near Lexington, Ohio, June n, 1846. He removed to Mansfield, Ohio, when advanced in years, where he lived a retired life until his death, which took place May 1, 1885. He was buried in the Cemetery at Mansfield. For the last few years of his life he was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Aunt Letitia is now my only living aunt, and resides at No. 7 North Mulberry Street, Mansfield, Ohio. She is well up in years and is a faithful devoted member of the United Presbyterian Church where she has her home. She doubtless feels trustfully, with the Psalmist, that when the resurrection morn arrives, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."
IV. Margery Gow Raitt. She was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, October 18, 1805. Of her early life but little is known. She was married to James Short, near Windsor, Ohio, in 1825. He was born near Noblestown, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1787. His education was quite limited, but he was fond of reading and kept well posted on the leading questions of the day. He was in the war of 1812. He came west, as it was then called, in 1820, and located near Mansfield, Ohio; then only a military fort. Soon after his marriage he sold his property near Windsor, on the Black Fork, and moved onto a newly purchased farm near Ashland, Ohio, where he resided until his death. Uncle Short was remarkable for his genial qualities of mind, and for his kindliness of heart to every one. He was very pleasant in his social life, a good neighbor, kind and sympathetic in his family, and a truly pious, godly man. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, at Savannah, Ohio. His death took place at his nice, comfortable home, February 19, 1861. He was buried in the Cemetery at Ashland, Ohio.
Aunt Short was a woman of strong convictions respecting right and wrong, and never swerved from them. She was a close student of the Bible, quite able in prayer, and a great reader. Having purchased Henry's Bible Commentary in 1859, she commenced reading it in course, and had nearly read it through at the time of her death—a period of about five years. Her seat in the house of God was seldom vacant, although living a distance of six miles from the church of her choice. She was thoughtful of the sick and those burdened with care, and was ever ready to give a helpful hand as a nurse. She was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence, and excelled as a conversationalist. All her daughters—three in number—were made life members of the Ashland County, Ohio, Bible Society. While she was naturally strong in both body and mind, yet the death of her husband seemed such a severe stroke to her that she never fully recovered from it. After a little more than three long, weary, lonely years, from the time of her husband's death, the messenger came to her, June 9, 1864, and she was at rest. The prayer of our precious Savior was answered. "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory." She was buried by the side of her husband, in the Ashland Cemetery. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church. They reared a family of six children.
1. Marshall. Born near Windsor, Ohio, October 6, 1826. He received a good common school education at home, after which he spent a year in study at an academy at Edinburg, Wayne County, Ohio. He was employed a short time as clerk in a dry goods store in Norvvalk, Ohio; but the gold excitement of California, in 1850, so captivated him, that he was found with a large company of other young men, and some older ones, on his way to California, via steamer from New York City, landing in the winter of 1850-51. Many of his companions, after a few years, returned; but he, after working for a time at the mining business, concluded to remain in California, entered into the fruit-raising business, and for many years kept the Forest House, near Yreka, Siskiyou County, where he now resides. His sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Woods, made her home with him for some time previous to her death.
2. Lillis Ann. Born near Windsor, Ohio, February 22, 1828. Her education, outside of the common Public Schools, was obtained at the Vermillion Institute, Hayesville, Ohio. While at home she faithfully performed her own part of household duties. Her marriage, with James Brown, took place at her father's home, near Ashland, Ohio, April 30, 1857. He was born in Hancock County, West Virginia, (opposite Steubenville, Ohio,) August 3, 1830. He was the son of Robert and Sarah (Ledlie) Brown. They lived for a good many years, after their marriage, near Lexington, Ohio, engaged in farming and in sheep-raising. A few years ago they moved to Cedarville, Ohio, where they now reside, and near which he still owns a good farm and gives careful attention to its interests. He is an elder in the United Presbyterian Church, in which both he and his wife have for many years been active, prayerful members. After years of toil and close attention to household duties, cousin Lillis enjoys the quiet of home life, reading with great delight, a portion of the time, the precious truths of the divine Word, affording her the highest degree of pleasure. While some of the infirmities of age have already come upon her, yet she realizes that, "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Four children have been committed to their care—all born near Lexington, Ohio.
(i). Robert Marshall. Born April 3, 1858. He was married to Miss Lillie White, near Beloit, Kansas, March 23, 1882. They now live at Yreka, California. He is carrying on the fruit farm business for his uncle, Marshall Short. They have two children, Bessie Olive, born in April, 1886, and Helen, born in February, 1892.
(2). Mary Elizabeth. Born July 5, 1859. She spent some time, a few years ago, with her uncle, Marshall Short, at Yreka, California. She now keeps house for her brother Grant, near Lexington, Ohio.
(3). James Short. Born August 30, 1861. He was married to Florence Gregg, at Lexington, Ohio, September 6, 1888. Two children have been born to them, Vaughney Mae, born December 23, 1889, and Grace Emily, born July 7, 1896. He is a farmer near Cedarville, Ohio. They are both members of the United Presbyterian Church.
(4). David Ulysses Grant. Born September 4, 1864. He lived several years with his Uncle, Marshall Short, at Yreka, California. He lives at present on a farm near Lexington, Ohio.
3. Mary Jane. Born near Ashland Ohio, October 16, 1830. Her higher education, which was quite extensive, was obtained at the Vermillion Institute, Hayesville, Ohio, and at Olome Seminary, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. She taught quite satisfactorily several District Schools in Ohio; and later, three or four terms near Yreka, California. In 1868, she, in company with her cousin, Jennie Thompson, took a trip by steamer to California, to visit her brother, Marshall Short, whom she had not seen for many years. She had previously given close attention to art studies, and had become quite skillful as an artist. She was married to Amos Woods, at Placerville, California, May 8, 1872. He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1826, where he also spent the early years of his life. He was an artist and photographer. From the time of his marriage unil 1879, he carried on his business at Maryville, California. He then moved to Oakland, where he continued to prosecute his business until his death, in April, 1887. He was buried in the beautiful Cemetery at Oakland, California. They had no children. Since 1891 she lived with her brother, Marshall Short, at the Forest House, near Yreka, California, where her death took place, after quite a lingering illness, October 25, 1897. Her remains were taken to Oakland for interment and laid at rest beside the body of her husband. We trust she sleeps in Jesus.
4. John. Born near Ashland, Ohio, in 1833. He and I attended the Ashland Academy together the summer of 1847. He was making good progress in study, but after a time was taken sick with some kind of fever: he partially recovered, but took a relapse, resulting in his death, in August, 1847. He was buried in the Ashland Cemetery, the students wearing the usual badge of mourning and marching in sorrowful procession to the grave. Thus when apparently preparing for life's work, death comes and the accountability must be rendered. It is well to seek the Lord in early life.
5. David Raitt. Born near Ashland, Ohio, April 23, 1835. He had a good common school education and was regarded as a champion speller in old "spelling-school" times. He pursued higher educational work at the Academies at Ashland and Hayesville, Ohio, and finally commenced college studies at Oberlin ; but the gold fever set in and he soon abandoned college life. At the age of eighteen he went to his brother, Marshall, in California, became interested in the mining business, and has since devoted his whole life to prospecting for gold and silver, and in mining enterprises. He is now located in South Dakota, near Deadwood. His post-office address is Central City, South Dakota.
. Elizabeth. Born at the old homestead, near Ashland, Ohio, May 8, 1841. Her advanced education was obtained at Ashland; Olome Seminary at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, under the care of Mrs. Rev. John French; and at the Vermillion Institute, Hayesville, Ohio, where she graduated March 22, 1865. Her marriage to Rev. James Patterson Finney was solemnized at Hayesville on the evening of the day on which her graduation took place. Her husband was born at Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio, February 27, 1837. He is the son of William and Jane (Patterson) Finney. Mr. Finney obtained his college education at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1861. His theological studies were pursued at the Allegheny Seminary of the United Presbyterian Church. He was licensed to preach by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Mansfield, April 19, 1865, and ordained in Indiana by the Presbytery of Wabash, November 15, 1866. His work in the ministry has been very extensively that of the home missionary, and largely in Northwestern Kansas. He and his devoted wife know well what it is to put up cheerfully with all kinds of accommodations, when such are as cheerfully given, and are the best that can be afforded. He held the position of stated supply, at Jamestown, Kansas, from 1867 to 1871. He was settled as pastor at Unity, Adams County, Ohio, from October, 1871, to August 23, 1876. (For his connection with the "Finney tragedy," in 1877, see statements under the head of Mrs. Sarah Finney.) He returned to Kansas in June, 1879, having charge of the Hopewell congregation until the fall of 1890, when he removed to Tarkio, Missouri, for the purpose of giving all his children the opportunity of a good college education. Rev. J. P. Finney has been quite successful in his ministerial work, whether as pastor or home missionary. His life work has certainly not been in vain. Since his removal to Tarkio, he has been engaged the greater portion of the time in ministerial labor, in which he takes great delight.
Mrs. Finney has ever proved herself an efficient worker in the church, and a wise counselor in the household. She has for many years been an active, deeply interested member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and a decided friend of female suffrage. With the saloon and its upholders she has but little patience and no sympathy. Her children are very much attached to her, as well they may be, since she has so devotedly given herself to their true and highest interests, both for this life and the life to come—the home below and the home above.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Finney.
(1). Minnehaha. Born at Pittsburg, Indiana, January 24, 1867. She has given close attention to educational work, from the elementary principles until she closed her college career. She graduated in the High School at Beloit, Kansas, in 1886, in a class of fifteen, receiving one-half the first honor. She delivered the salutatory address and was given a scholarship in Adrian College, Michigan. After teaching school successfully for a few years, she entered Tarkio College, at Tarkio, Missouri, in 1888, and in three years graduated in the scientific course—in June, 1891. Again the honor was accredited to her of delivering the salutatory address. The following year she taught in the Public Schools at Red Oak, Iowa. In the fall of 1892 she went to Knoxville, Tennessee, to teach in the College for the Freedmen in that city. This position she filled quite acceptably and creditably to herself for two years. In 1894 she was appointed by the Board of Foreign Missions of the United Presbyterian Church as a missionary to Egypt. This appointment was accepted, and, making all necessary arrangements without delay, she sailed from New York, October 15, 1894, in company with others, for her new field of labor. Upon her arrival in Egypt she commenced at once the study of the Arabic language, anxious to be ready to enter fully on her work in that needy field, at an early day. A portion of her time from the first was taken up as teacher of the English language. She has since made commendable progress in acquiring the language of the country, and is now engaged as principal of the girls' school at Monsoura, Egypt. Her work is very important and far-reaching. May she have abundant success in her labor of love for the Master.
(2). William Herbert. Born March 2, 1869, at Manhattan, Kansas. While at home, and not otherwise engaged, he took hold of farm work, in which he felt a special interest. After giving careful attention to Public School work for a number of years, in 1889 he went to Tarkio, Missouri, and at once entered on college studies, in the institution located at that place. He was a diligent student and pleasant with his associates. After a course of study requiring six years, he graduated at Tarkio College, June 13, 1895. For a year after his graduation he engaged in business of different kinds, as opportunity afforded. In the fall of 1896 he entered the Theological Seminary at Xenia, Ohio, having chosen the ministry as his life work. He is an earnest, devoted Christian, active in Christian effort in his younger years. And may we not truly hope that when his work on earth is ended, that very many precious immortal souls will have been given him by the Master as a crown of rejoicing.
(3). Roscoe Raitt. Born August 13, 1871, at Mansfield, Ohio. Though his life on earth was brief, there are many precious memories left behind, especially in the family circle, where he was most intimately known and greatly endeared. His death took place at Beloit, Kansas, February 4, 1885, and he was buried in the Cemetery at that place.
"Prayers of love like rain-drops fall,
Tears of pity are cooling dew,
And dear to the heart of our Lord are all,
Though called from earth when their years are few."
4). Sarah Jane Pearl. Born at Unity, Adams County, Ohio, July 15, 1873. Her Public School education was obtained in Kansas. On the removal of her parents, in the fall of 1890, to Tarkio, Missouri, she entered Tarkio College with the view of taking a regular course of study. She has been a faithful student, carries a genial smile on her face, indicative of her own state of mind and helpful to others. This is on the principle that it makes us happy to see and make others happy around us. She finished her college work, with credit to herself in many ways, in June, 1896. Since her graduation she has been engaged in teaching in the Public Schools of the county. What her life work may be we have not been informed. Possibly she does not yet know herself, as it lies largely in the future. I would humbly suggest this as her life motto: "Always abounding in the work of the Lord."
(5). Dwight McDill. He was born at Unity, Adams County, Ohio, May 27, 1876. He is blessed with a strong, vigorous constitution, with apparently perfect health—built for exercise in bodily strength. He had in his younger years considerable experience in farm work. Living as he did in Kansas he never saw a saloon until he was over fourteen years of age—when his father moved in 1890 to Tarkio, Missouri. He is at the present time (1897) a student of Tarkio College, and will probably take a full college course. The Finney family are all members of the United Presbyterian Church. All the children have had the opportunity of a good college education. Thus they, with well developed, well trained minds, should be prepared to take hold of life's work and make a grand success of it. Mr. and Mrs. Finney are anxious for their children to make the most of life, to do well in both temporal and spiritual things, and to be helpful to others, whether in joy or in sorrow.
V. Barbara Raitt. Born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in 1807. She was married to William Hall and lived for some time in Western Pennsylvania. Her health having given way, she came to her parents' home, near Windsor, Ohio, to spend a few weeks and see if her health would not improve. In this she was disappointed, and in a little time her death took place. She was buried in the Olivesburg Cemetery. Nothing later is known of her husband. They had no children.
VI. David Raitt. Born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1811. He died at his father's home, near Windsor, Ohio, August 1, 1833, aged twenty-two years and three months. But little is known about him. He is favorably and highly spoken of by his most intimate friends. How soon our relatives pass away and are forgotten. "The place thereof shall know it no more."
VII. Nancy Willison Raitt. She was the youngest member of the family, and was born in Belmont County, Ohio, April 15, 1814. Concerning her life in her early years I have no information. She was married to John Francis, near Windsor, Ohio, by Rev. James Johnston, of Mansfield, April 31, 1835. He was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, November 22, 1803. He was a farmer for many years near Windsor, Ohio, and afterward at Kirkwood, Warren County, Illinois. In business he was an upright, fair-dealing Christian man. He acted in the capacity of a ruling elder in the United Presbyterian Church for many years, and was faithful in the performance of the duties of his office.
Aunt Nancy was a kind, thoughtful, pious and devoted mother. A pleasant, happy Christian home was the desire and aim of her life. In these things she seems to have had at least fair success. At the last, especially, Christ was very precious to her as her Saviour. She died, after a lingering, painful illness of several months, August 30, 1889. The deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Francis occurred very closely together—only thirty-three days apart. His death took place October 2, 1889. They were buried in the Kirkwood Cemetery. They were both members of the United Presbyterian Church. They had five children born to them—all born near Windsor, Richland County, Ohio.
1. David Raitt. Born March 21, 1837. After spending some time in general educational work, he took up the study of medicine, with the view of making it his chosen profession in life. He graduated at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New York City, in 1866. He entered the marriage relation with Mary Jane Wallace, near Ashland, Ohio, September 16, 1863. She was born August 8, 1839, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Francis practiced medicine for several years at Paxton, Illinois, and at one or two other places, when he finally located at Mansfield, Ohio, near his old home, and where he now resides. He has a good practice and stands high in the medical profession. They have no children. They are both members of the Presbyterian Church, and are pleasant socially.
2. Mary Ann. Born January 26, 1839. In addition to usual Public School studies, she spent several sessions at Vermillion Institute, at Hayesville, Ohio. She has also taken a Chatauqua course of study, since she closed her seminary work. She was married to Rev. William Marshall Richie, near Windsor, Ohio, June 11, 1862. He was born near Mansfield, Ohio, May 16, 1832. He graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1857. After taking a regular theological course of study in the United Presbyterian Seminary, at Allegheny, he was licensed to preach, by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Mansfield, April 9, 1861. He was ordained to the work of the ministry, September 11, 1862, by the Presbytery of Frankfort. His work was largely in the pastorate, as will appear in what follows:
He was pastor at Hanover, Pennsylvania, from September, 1862, to June 20, 1865; at Crawfordsville, Iowa, from April 26, 1866, to June 21, 1871; at Paxton, Illinois, from October 27, 1872, to April 10, 1877; at Spring Hill, Indiana, from May 2, 1877, to April 2, 1879. He was stated supply for a short time at Martin, Michigan. He was pastor at Marshalltown, Iowa, for a brief period, and also at Burchard, Nebraska, where his labors commenced May 23, 1884. His closing regular work in the ministry was at Birmingham, Iowa, where he was stationed as stated supply. Though his changes have been frequent and his pastorates short, yet in many respects he has done a good work for the Master. For several years his wife has been in delicate health. She has been helpful to her husband in Christian efforts, as her health and strength permitted. They have no children. His home at present is at Ledyard, Iowa.
3. James. Born August 10, 1848. He has been in the farming business all his life; first near Windsor, Ohio, but for several years at Kirkwood, Illinois, and recently at Bancroft, Iowa. He has also been in the stock business. He has lived a quiet, peaceable life. Unmarried. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.
4. Lillis Jane. Born September 22, 1850. She was a kind, thoughtful daughter while her parents lived, in sickness and health, relieving their sorrows as far as possible, and administering to their varied wants. Since their death she has, until recently, kept house for her brother James, on the farm near Kirkwood, Illinois. Her health has not been vigorous. She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. She now lives at Bancroft, Iowa.
5. John Pressly. His birth took place January 17, 1856. He was married to Miss Sarah Melissa Day, at Kirkwood, Illinois, September 25, 1877. He assisted for several years in farm work and in carrying on the stock business, on his father's farm at Kirkwood, Illinois. His home has for several years been at Pawnee City, Nebraska. He has been engaged in various kinds of business, as the way opened up. Latterly he has held the position of clerk in a store. He holds the office of ruling elder in the Second United Presbyterian Church at Pawnee, Nebraska, and takes an active part in things tending to promote the interests and progress of the church. His wife is also an interested member of the United Presbyterian Church. Three children have been born to them.
(1). Virgie Bell. Born October 24, 1878. Her facilities for excellent educational work, at Pawnee, are good, and may we not hope she will improve them. As the only living child she will be a source of great pleasure and comfort to her parents, especially if she shows herself worthy, as we trust she will.
(2). John Arthur. Born January 24, 1881. Died January 5, 1886.
(3). Alpha May. Born October 12, 1888. Died December 2, 1891. They were both buried at Burchard, Nebraska.
"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child." Parents enjoy the childish prattle of their children, and when death comes how sadly they feel!
From Thompson and Given Families With their Ancestral Lines and Present Branches, by Rev. Samuel Findley Thompson; Brown & whitaker, Printers, Hamilton, Ohio; 1898