Today in Family History - 27 Jun

My 5th great-grandfather Dirk Kuijper, Sr. (Thompson line) died on this day in 1825 in Twisk, Noord-Holland, Netherlands [1]. The location of his grave is not known.

References

[1] Death Records of Twisk, Netherlands. Record #14 (for 1825).

Today in Family History - 22 Jun

My 2nd great-grandparents Frank P. Pegoda and Lula Mae Burnett (Anders line) were married on this day in 1902 in Walker County, Texas [1, 2].

References

[1] Marriage Records of Walker County, Texas. Volume J, Page 231.

[2] Pegoda Family Bible, (publication information could not be located in the Bible). Marriage Certificate for Frank Pegoda and Lula Mae Burnett.

Today in Family History - 20 Jun

My 2nd great-grandmother Lula Mae Burnett (Anders line) was born on this day in 1885 in Clay County, Tennessee [1, 2, 3].

My 5th great-grandmother Precilla Boatwright (Anders line) was also born on this day in 1803 in Illinois [4, 5].

References

[1] Death Records of Solana County, California. Death certificate for Lula Mae Burnett.

[2] Pegoda Family Bible, (publication information could not be located in the Bible). "Births" page (children).

[3] Walker County, Texas Cemeteries, Volume 1, South Walker County, Walker County Genealogical Society, Huntsville, TX, 2000. Page 4, Bath (Possum Walk) Cemetery.

[4] Young, Patricia Gilleland and L. Richard Scroggins, The Tree and the Vine, Gilleland Branches from Texas Roots. Daniel Gilleland Bible, Births page.

[5] Holman, Norinne Holder, 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas, Volume 1 A-M, Armstrong Printing, Inc., Austin, TX, 2001. Page 326, Gilleland Cemetery.

Today in Family History - 18 Jun

My 7th great-grandmother Susannah Young (Anders line), wife of James Gilleland, Sr., reportedly died on this day in 1842 in Augusta County, Virginia. If you have any documentation for this part of the Gilleland family, please contact me or leave a comment.

Huntsville Elementary 1st Grade Class

Continuing the oddly timed class photographs from Huntsville Elementary, today's selection is my mother's 1st grade class in 1957-58. My mother is sitting in the first row, 3rd from the right.

Huntsville Elementary, 1st grade class, 1957-58
Huntsville, Texas, 31 Oct 1957

Huntsville Elementary Kindergarten Class

Today begins a series of grade school class photographs from the 1950s. This first photograph is for the Kindergarten class in 1956-57 at Huntsville Elementary School in Huntsville, Texas. My mother is in the 2nd row, 5th from the left near the center, with a bear on her shirt (the 2 kids near her on the left have their eyes closed). The picture was taken on Halloween, and obviously the kids are all dressed up. What an odd day for class pictures...

Huntsville Elementary, Kindergarten class, 1956-57
Huntsville, Texas, 31 Oct 1956

Today in Family History - 13 Jun

My 2nd great-grandparents Minard Vandermade and Jennie Vanderklok  (Thompson line) were married on this day in 1882 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan [1].

References

[1] Marriage Records of Muskegon County, Michigan. Book 2, Page 182. Marriage license for Meindert VanderMade and Janna Klok.

Pegoda Immigration and Mysteries

My 3rd great-grandfather John Pegoda was born in Prussia about 1812. He left Ruda, Germany on 15 Apr 1851 on the ship Magnet and arrived in Galveston, Texas on 25 Jun 1851. There is reportedly a ship manifest with this documented in the Galveston County courthouse. I have never had the chance to track down this primary documentation myself. By 1858, John had become an American citizen.

John's life is definitely shrouded in some mystery. The book "Walker County, Texas: A History" provides the most information I have found about John, but none of it is sourced. The name Pegoda was reportedly adopted in America, as implied by the article. But, to me, John's original name is not clear. Various records show it as Purgudy, Purugdy, and even Peagody. The article states it as Purugdy. (Is that German even?) This book also reports that John died on 01 Dec 1881, a date I have seen reported nowhere else. It is also ironic that the article reports twins Anna and Felix also died on that same day. I wonder if one of them is a typo?

Finally, John and Nancy's final resting place is not marked. They, and other Pegodas, are reportedly buried in Bath (Possum Walk) Cemetery in Walker County, Texas. I can only rely on family history that says they are buried there. Nancy's date of death is not even known.

If you have primary or secondary documentation for John or Nancy that I have not found yet, please contact me or leave a comment.

William Henry Anders Family

Below is a photograph of the William Henry Anders family from 1902. William was the brother of my 2nd great-grandfather Robert Lee Anders. His wife, Susan Catherine Anders, is related to me through a different branch of the family tree. Catherine was the sister of my 3rd great-grandfather James W. Anders. William and Susan were first cousins.

The William Henry Anders Family, 1902
Nannie, William Henry, Ludelia Viola, James Short,
and Susan Catherine Anders

Today in Family History - 09 Jun

My 5th great-grandfather Daniel Gilleland, Sr. (Anders line) was born on this day in 1795 in Virginia [1, 2].

References

[1] Young, Patricia Gilleland and L. Richard Scroggins, The Tree and the Vine, Gilleland Branches from Texas Roots. Daniel Gilleland Bible, Births page.

[2] Holman, Norinne Holder, 170 Years of Cemetery Records in Milam County, Texas, Volume 1 A-M, Armstrong Printing, Inc., Austin, TX, 2001. Page 326, Gilleland Cemetery.

Today in Family History - 08 Jun

My 2nd great-grandfather Robert Lee Anders was born on this day in 1863 in Montgomery County, Texas [1, 2].

References

[1] Anders Family Bible. Owned by Roy Jacob Anders, Sr. and Georgia Effie Florene Pegoda. "Family Register" page.

[2]  Walker County, Texas Cemeteries, Volume 3, Walker County Genealogy Society, Huntsville, TX, 2007. Page 78, Adickes Addition to Oakwood Cemetery.

Mary Ann Anders Photograph

Below is a photograph of Mary Ann Anders (17 May 1835 - 25 Jun 1921). It was given to me by Gladys Weatherford Chatham. Mary is my 3rd and 4th great-grandaunt - she was the sister of my 3rd great-grandfather James A. Anders, Jr. and my 4th great-grandfather John Demostinie Anders. She was a citizen of the Republic of Texas.

Mary Ann Anders
from the collection of Gladys Weatherford Chatham

Dr. Traylor Letter #14

Date: 13 Jul 1863

Today we have the extant final letter from Dr. John Randolph Traylor, Sr. to John Hill. A great deal of time has passed since the last letter (more than 2 years). It is not clear if letters had been sent but are no longer extant or if none were sent. I find the latter doubtful. I would imagine that quite a number of letters have been lost to the ravages of time.

In this letter, we see a sense of urgency among Dr. Traylor and his family to leave Louisiana. The family lacks information about friends and relatives in the war. He talks of moving to the area around Austin and passing through Waverly on his way (where John Hill lives). This is a trip he would indeed soon take, but only as far as Waverly. It is already Jul 1863 and John would die in Waverly on 16 Mar 1864.

Dr. Traylor mentions Mrs. White; this is the step-mother of his daughter Mary Louise. Dr. Traylor also mentions his poor health, but it is not known why his health was poor. He is only about 56 years old at this time.

Then Dr. Traylor reports the death of his son Francis Marion at the Battle of Chancellorsville - killed instantly by shrapnel. But, he reports another son Randolph to still be alive. And, this is something to note. In the last letter, Dr. Traylor seemed despondent about seeing his sons again. There is a report in the family that Dr. Traylor committed suicide because he thought all of his sons had died in the War. But, he was in poor health. It is impossible to know the entire story. The death of Dr. Traylor may always remain a mystery.

Finally of note, Dr. Traylor mentions whooping cough in their area.

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Transcription:

                             Marion, La July 13 / 63

Col. John Hill

Waverly, Walker Co. Texas

Dear Sir,

C.T. Powell starts for your place tomorrow morning. By whoom [sic] I send you the money for the note of Mayo $804.25 after paying the collecting fees. The money has been collected for some two months I have had no opportunity to send it until now.

You will have heared [sic] before this reaches you of the fall of Vicksburg & Port Hudson & see the necessity of our getting away from this place. We have not heared [sic] certainly the particulars of the surender[sic] of Vicksburg in which we were so much interested we know nothing of the fate of our friends. There has been no news from there for more than two months. We can only hope that they are all living. The report is that the whole garison [sic] was paroled the officers going out with there [sic] side arms on we do not know that there is anything certain about it further than that it has surrendered.

You will perceive the necessity of everyone who has any thing to take care of getting away from this place. But the question is when shall we go. It would be useless to stop any where near this place, we should probably have to move again soon. If we could do it I would be glad to make our move do [sic]. I have thought of Austin & country around but do not know whether or not we shall be able to subsist there until we can make supplies. There is still another dificulty[sic]. I have no money, between 50 & 60 Bags of Cotton unsold. Move we must. If we go out about Austin through Waverly would be about as nearaway [sic] as we could go. Mrs. White is now willing to move. We are all going to fix up to that end. I have thought of the trinity country but there has been such a tide of emigration to that section that I fear it will not do for us. If we could get supplies I think it would be besto [sic] for the presend [sic] to go out beyond Austin until the war is over. Where best to go I do not know. I shall be there [sic] main dependence which is a very bad one. My health is very poor, all our mail [sic] friends are in the Army. Gus has joined a company & gon [sic].

You have no doubt heared [sic] of the sad fate of Marion's fall at Fredericksburg rather at Chancellorsvill. He was killed instantly by a piece of shell. It appears almost accidental but it was God's will & we have no wright [sic] to (?). It is said that C. Griffin fell at Vicksburg.

We hear from Randolph occasionally through him from your boys. We hear the cannon booming almost constantly in the direction of Vicksburg. We have some troops in the swamp. I do not think it is there & it is too good to hope that the report of the fall of Vicksburg is not true.

Our crops in this country are above an average. I think we plant nothing but corn, peas & potatoes &C. We do not know that we can make any disposition of them when gathered. The health of the neighborhood is good. There is whooping cough just at us. I suppose that we can not avoid getting it. This leaves us well except Miss Marthy Fuller. She has been quite sick for 10 or 12 days but is better. Love & best regards to all.

             Yours truly

                   John Traylor

Dr. Traylor Letter #13

Date: 02 Jun 1861

In today's letter from Dr. John Randolph Traylor, Sr. to John Hill, we see a great deal of pessimism concerning the Civil War. He mentions that his step-son Pink (Thomas Pinkney White, son of Dr. Traylor's second wife Susan Fuller) had tried to enlist for one year, but that the military would take nothing less for than the duration of the war. So, Pink had come home. But, Dr. Traylor feels that since his sons Marion and Randolph have enlisted for the duration of the war, he will never see them again. (I am not sure who "Jack" is that is referenced in the same sentence.) Unfortunately, as we will see in the next letter, Marion would die in the war.

Most of the other commentary regards John Hill's financial deals and other small talk. We also see a mention of Dr. Traylor's daughter Katie (Sarah Kate).

Images:

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Transcription:

                           Marion, June 2nd 1861

Col. John Hill

Waverly Texas

Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 6th May was rec'd a fiew [sic] days since it was in company

with one of the 18th April from Katie.

I was glad to here [sic] that your healths were good. It is a great blessing to be well, when surrounded with such fearfull [sic] times.

The note of Mayo which was taken in place of the returned draft I have placed in the hands of an attourney [sic] for collection. Though I think it very doubtfull [sic] whether there will be any Courts in the State to decide Civil suits for some time to come. You have no doubt learned through the public press that the courts in N. O. are only held to decide criminal caces [sic]. There [sic] example will in all probability be followed in the country.

I will attend to your directions regarding the business of Mrs. Jackson.

I will also submit the controversy with Cole to arbitrators though it is much against my feelings to do so. He has no more just claim to that land than the man that never heard of it. It however will perhaps be the easiest way to get rid of it & I do not believe you can be looser.

Pink has got home. He had inlisted [sic] for twelve months, but as the call for such turns [sic] was filed [sic] & they would take no more for a less turm [sic] than the war he came back. (Marion, Randolph & Jack have inlisted [sic] for the full term of the war. I never expect to see them again, for I have no hope that it will terminate until total ruin shall have sweped [sic] over the length & bredth [sic] of our once happy land.)

The tone of the northern papers shows in what spirit it will be conducted. Like all civil wars it will be bloody cruel & devastating. Oh! That petty (?) councils had prevailed.

Katie writes me that she owes about $9000.00 dollars. I fear I shall not be able to pay all of it until I make another crop.

Our crops are tolerable promising. Corn is beginning to suffer a little for rane [sic] but we have had a late shower today (the 3rd) and a promise of more. Our cotton is backward but, there is full time for that. If nothing hapens [sic] to prevent you may look for me about the first of July.

    Give my love to all

Truly yours

              John Traylor

I have written to Katie of this date

Today in Family History - 04 Jun

My 6th great-grandfather Hendrik van Schaeck (Thompson line) died on this day in 1813 in Enkhuizen, Noord-Holland, Netherlands [1].

References

[1] Death Records of Enkhiuzen, Netherlands. Record #135 (1813).

Dr. Traylor Letter #12

Date: 05 Apr 1861

Today's letter from Dr. John Randolph Traylor, Sr. to John Hill deals primarily with financial concerns and small talk about farming.

Images:

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Transcription:

                        Marion Apr 5th 1861

Col. John Hill

Waverly, Texas

Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 11th March has been received. I am sorry; to here [sic] that Katie's health is bad. It is a consolation to know however, that her disease is one more of annoyance than danger.

As respect the Cole controversy, I believe I once before stated to you all the particulars.

When he caled [sic] on me to get a map of the land in order that, he might look at it. I showed him the map you left me for the benefit of Mrs. Bryant. That map I have never since been able to find & have sometimes thought it was in company with his lost deed. The one you sent with the Power of Attorney (and which was identical with it in so far as his purchais [sic] & the 1/4 in dispute is concerned) is the one since used. After showing him the map & telling him that you said "there was 1960 acres in round numbers" I then as he says truly "plased[sic] my finger on the disputed 1/4" & said Mr. Cole here is a 1/4 section detached from this tract, which Mr. Hill will sell with or without it, & advised him to look at it, saying that you told me it was the best land you had. He says I "bosted [sic] on it" & I told him that I had never seen it. Now it appears to me that any man of ordinary judgment would have known that it was not offered with the other at $6000.

He says I told him that $6000 would purchais [sic] all south of a certain line. If I said so it was in reference to the 1960 acres offered at that price. If the 1/4 section was to be sold with or without the other tract, no one would suppose it would be at the same price. $6000 was the only amt, mentioned. I think, perhaps it would be as well to leave it to arbitration as there is no prospect of selling land in this country soon.

Fact, Maclin paid his 1st note about 1st March that is he paid $811.00 which was sent to F & S in a fiew [sic] days, they say to me that they have acknowledged to you. There was a mistake in the time I counted interest of $18.15 which has been since paid.

I took Mayo's draft payable 20th March for the amt due from him. It was returned for non payment a fiew [sic] days since. But for the rane [sic] this morning I should have sent, today to get his note or the money. I shall send tomorrow if he does not pay, sue immediately.

I have written to Mr. Lupo giving him the direction you desire. I sent the note of Phelps & Lupo for allowans [sic]. The attoumey [sic] says Mrs. Phelps denies that it is a furm [sic] note says it never went to the use & benefit of the firm.

It sounds a little strange to here [sic] you speak of planting cotton so early. Allmost [sic] every day of week before last we had frost.

I have a pretty [sic] good stand of corn & had commensed [sic] planting cotton but the rane [sic] stoped [sic] me. It is now raning [sic] very hard.

I am planting about 200 Acres of my best land in cotton & about the same in corn 70 acres in Oats.

This leaves us all well. Dr. White starts to the City tomorrow. I shall send this by him to be mailed in the city. Love to all.

               Respectfully & Truly yours

                            John Traylor

Today in Family History - 02 Jun

My 3rd great-grandmother Loretta Josephine Jones (Anders line) was born on this day in 1864 in Raleigh, Wake, North Carolina [1, 2, 3].

References

[1] Death Records of Walker County, Texas. Death certificate for Loretta Josephine Jones.

[2] Walker County, Texas Cemeteries, Volume 2, North Walker County, Walker County Genealogical Society, Huntsville, TX, 2004. Page 130, Riverside Cemetery.

[3] Pegoda Family Bible, (publication information could not be located in the Bible). "Births" page (children).

Today in Family History - 01 Jun

My 2nd great-grandfather Robert Lee Anders died in on this day 1928 at his home in Huntsville, Walker, Texas [1, 2, 3]. R. L. suffered a stroke on the back porch of his house in Huntsville which lead to his death. He was buried at Oakwood Cemetery, Adickes Addition in Huntsville [1].

References

[1] Walker County, Texas Cemeteries, Volume 3, Walker County Genealogy Society, Huntsville, TX, 2007. Page 78, Adickes Addition to Oakwood Cemetery.

[2] Anders Family Bible. Owned by Roy Jacob Anders, Sr. and Georgia Effie Florene Pegoda. "Deaths" page.

[3] The Huntsville Item, Huntsville, Texas. 07 Jun 1928; Page 1.