Gloria June Diener Autry

Gloria June Diener Autry               1934 – 2014

Autry-2015-09-02.jpgHaving joined the Santa Barbara Symphony only two years after its founding 61 years ago, violinist Gloria Autry passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014, just two weeks before what would have been her last professional concert. She had announced her plans to retire at the end of this season. Her inimitable devotion to her musical family at the Symphony, as well as her innumerable other civic and musical contributions, makes her passing all the more deeply felt.

Maestro Nir Kabaretti has said on many occasions that Gloria always arrived at the rehearsals incredibly well prepared. She missed only one concert last year, following a fall that would have sidelined most professional musicians for months.

Gloria was ever smiling, never complaining and always offering other musicians and fellow Santa Barbarans her support, assistance and overwhelming generosity of spirit.

Gloria would most probably have wanted us to celebrate her life in music and remember her “glorious-ly” playing her violin. The same violin she played when she began with the Santa Barbara Symphony in 1955.

Gloria will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Gloria June Diener Autry went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 3, 2014 after suffering a massive heart attack. Her passing came with no warning and was a complete surprise to all.

Gloria was born to George and Freda Diener in the San Bernardino area on March 10, 1934. The family was completed by a sister, Nancy, two years later.

Gloria began violin lessons at the age of seven after falling in love with the sounds of an orchestra and particularly the violins. She progressed rapidly and attended the All State California High School Symphony in Santa Barbara at the age of 13. Gloria acquired the chair of Concert Mistress one year at All-Cal. At the age of 17 she married Roger Leon Autry, another violinist she had known through her church as well as various musical groups. The couple taped their own wedding music (violin duets) for the ceremony that took place at the First Christian Church in San Bernardino. They began their married life in a little house on the chicken ranch owned by Roger’s parents. Their son, Stephen, was born in 1953. Upon graduation from mortuary college, Roger, Gloria and little Stephen moved north where Roger took a job at Welch-Ryce Funeral Chapel in Santa Barbara. Very early on the couple looked for an orchestra to join. Gloria contacted Stephan Krayk whom she had met during her All California Symphony days. In 1955 she and Roger joined what is now the Santa Barbara Symphony. Beverly was born into the family in 1956. Gloria continued as principal second violin through the years until 2010 when she stepped down from the position, but not from the symphony. She was scheduled to retire from the Santa Barbara Symphony on May 18, 2014 after 59 consecutive years. Gloria was planning a celebration dinner the morning of her passing.

While most known for her musical talent, Gloria had many things that made her life complete. She was known by friends and family as a fantastic seamstress. She could make anything from a Stretch and Sew men’s leisure suit to a stuffed elephant, to beautiful quilts and clothing. She was a Deaconness and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church for many years. She also sang in the choir and played many violin solos during worship services. She grew beautiful gardens, kept the lawn weed-free and painted the house when needed. She co-authored the Color Coded Allergy Cookbook which published in 1982. She has enjoyed several years as a member of the Sansum Clinic Auxiliary. Gloria leaves several projects she planned to work on after her retirement. Among them are several quilts, family history and scrapbooks.

Gloria was a giver. Her giving spirit was a gift from God to all of us. Her faith in Jesus and His sacrifice for us was something she never doubted. We miss her but will be reunited in the courts of heaven.

Gloria is survived by: Sister-Nancy Smith-Grandview Washington, Son-Stephen Autry-San Luis Obispo, Daughter-Beverly Curren and her husband Roger-Santa Barbara; Granddaughter-Kristen Pluhar and her husband Jesse-Ventura, Granddaughter-Holly Curren-Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Granddaughter-Melody Curren-San Luis Obispo

Visitation may be made at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel at 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, Monday, May 12, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Gloria’s life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 736 W. Islay Street, Santa Barbara at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

Flowers may be delivered to Calvary Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. to noon, or donations may be made at www.musicacademy.org or www.the symphony.org. Arrangements entrusted to Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels.

Vivian “Vie” Marie Hapeman Obern

Vivian ‘Vie’ Marie Hapeman Obern: 1921 – 2015

Restored Hope House, Championed Trails, a Dedicated Volunteer


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Have you ever walked or biked the Obern Trail or enjoyed a trail in the local hills? Or perhaps you toured the Historic Thomas Hope House? Or even more, you learned about some of the history of the De la Guerra Wedding party from the Fiesta Parade. Perhaps you viewed or participated in an event at the Santa Barbara Presidio put on by the Trust for Historic Preservation? These all have been possible due to the dedication of Vivian Obern.

Vivian and George Obern moved to Santa Barbara in 1947 with their young son, Vaughn, when George was hired by UCSB as public information manager. As they became active in community affairs, Vie participated in many youth organizations. She taught Sunday school and led Cub Scouts for Vaughn and Girl Scouts at Vieja Valley School for her daughter, Dale. She served on the Santa Barbara Area Council of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). One of her major achievements was initiating a project to build a seven-mile bikeway in Goleta and helping to raise the millions of dollars needed to construct it. The bike path was named the Obern Trail in their honor.

Vie’s interest in California history was inspired by Pearl Chase, and she became known as one of Pearl’s Girls. When the house Thomas Hope had built in 1875 was condemned, George and Vivian’s interest in history inspired them to purchase the house for their 25th wedding anniversary in 1965. They restored Hope House, and it is now a county historical landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Their daughter and her husband, Greg Hoeffliger, eventually moved in and raised four daughters there.

Vivian served on many historical and trails committees as a dedicated volunteer. She was appointed by governor Ronald Reagan to the State Recreational Trails Committee, and she also served on the Board of Directors of the National Trails Council, as a member of the County Riding and Hiking Advisory Committee, president of the Therapeutic Riding Academy, secretary of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee of La Purísima Mission State Historic Park, and chair of the County American Revolution Bicentennial Committee. During 1976, she and George participated in the reenactment of the De Anza expedition of 1776 by riding their horses almost 400 miles from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. In 2001, George and Vie rode in a carriage in the Rose Parade with a group representing the Spanish period of California. She was also a Courthouse docent as well as president of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War (DUV).

Vivian ‘Vie’ Marie Hapeman Obern

Click to enlarge photo

Courtesy Photo

Vivian ‘Vie’ Marie Hapeman Obern

The family was also involved with Old Spanish Days Fiesta. Vie supported George in his numerous activities with Fiesta and the Carriage Museum. When George was El Presidente in 1977, the whole family rode in Fiesta’s famous Friday afternoon parade, El Desfile Histórico. Vie continued actively with the parade, supervising floats for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation as well as organizing the De la Guerra Wedding Party group. She and George represented De la Guerra parents of the bride until 2005. Vivian continued this tradition through 2013, when she was also named Honorary Grand Marshall. Dale and her daughter Natalie’s family, Kevin, Ashlin, and Westin, continue the tradition of the De la Guerra Wedding Party. Look for five of Vie’s great-grandchildren riding in the carriage for the De la Guerra Wedding Party this year!

Vivian’s love for horses and riding the trails inspired her to become a founding member and executive secretary of the Santa Barbara Trails Council. She and George wrote five newsletters per year, sending out news of local trails as well as state and national trails for about 20 years. The Trails Council has continued to grow and preserve trails.

She became a member of Santa Barbara’s Sage Hens in 1967. This women’s trail-riding group explores area ranches, complete with campouts. Vie’s creative costumes and songs added to the nightly festivities. She became known for her “necklace” of yearly badges, her bear costume, dressing up as Cleopatra when her granddaughter Aimee attended and dyed her “gram’s” hair jet black, the macaw feather hat, and rousing song lyrics for member celebrations, as well as her watercolor scenes from the many ranches they visited. Her spirit of fun and love of trails has passed to Dale, who continues her tradition of riding with the Sage Hens.

Vie’s passion for history led to her involvement with the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation. She served on the Board of Directors, as secretary as well as two terms as president. She and George donated countless hours to the Trust, making adobe bricks, painting inside the chapel, organizing Presidio Day, gathering donations of items and funds, building floats, and loving every minute. In 1998, the S.B. Trust presented George and Vie with the Pearl Chase Historic Preservation and Conservation Award. The Trust for Historic Preservation also created the George and Vivian Obern Preservation Stewardship Award in their honor.

Among Vie’s many recognitions are two PTA Honorary Life Service Awards (1968 and 1976), Santa Barbara County Women of Achievement (1981), and Soroptimist Women of Distinction (1989). In 1989, she was chosen as Santa Barbara’s Woman of the Year. The Santa Barbara National Horse Show honored the Oberns for their commitment to Santa Barbara’s horse community (1996), and they also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Principia College (1996) and the Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award from the California Trails and Greenways Conference (1997).

Vie is survived by her children Vaughn Obern, Dale Obern Hoeffliger (Greg), and Reade Obern (Nancy), as well as her four granddaughters Aimee Hoeffliger Pier (Stacy), Natalie Hoeffliger Goodwin (Kevin), Allison Hoeffliger, and Megan Hoeffliger. She has six great-grandchildren, Thatcher and Porter Pier, Ashlin and Westin Goodwin, and Addison and Levi Hoeffliger, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Vivian’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2-4 p.m., at the Unitarian Society Church at 1535 Santa Barbara Street. Parking is available at the First Church of Christ Scientist, 120 East Valerio Street. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Vivian’s name to the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (123 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101), Santa Barbara Trails Council (PO Box 22352, Santa Barbara, CA93121 or at sbtrails.org), The Principia (Annual Fund Office, 13201 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131 or principiagiving.org), or the Care Committee of the First Church of Christ Scientist (120 E. Valerio St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101). Vivian loved to dress in costumes, so guests are invited to wear attire suitable to their affiliation with Vie in such organizations as Fiesta, Trails, de Anza,DUV, Sage Hens, and so on.

Alberta June Schneider Ablitt 1910-2013

Alberta June Schneider Ablitt

June 8, 1910 – May 18, 2013

The founder of Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners and longtime Santa Barbara resident Alberta Ablitt  died May 18, 2013. Her father, Albert Schneider, was a German immigrant who came to the United States through Ellis Island at the age of 13. June was a member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and was a registered member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Born June 8, 1910 and raised in Portland, Oregon, Alberta Schneider Ablitt moved to Santa Barbara with her husband, Neil Ablitt, in 1949. That same year they purchased an existing dry cleaning business, then called St. Paul Dye Works, now Ablitt’s Fine Cleaners.Before moving to Santa Barbara, the Ablitts had started Gordon’s Cleaners in Seattle in 1930. “We were newly married, we were in a Depression, and my husband didn’t want to continue working for my father in his dry-cleaning business.” Recalling those times, Alberta Ablitt noted that “during World War II dry cleaning was considered a vital industry, and we were given extra gas ration, etcetera.”Once in Santa Barbara, starting with a boiler, a flatwork ironer, and a vintage dry cleaning machine, Neil and Alberta worked diligently, building the business on a shoestring.By 1955, Ablitt’s was rated in the top 3 percent of cleaners in the nation by the National Institute of Dry Cleaners, based in Silver Springs, Maryland.By the early 1960s, the Ablitts wanted to retire, and since the next generation showed no interest in joining the business, they decided to sell. They sold their business to Russell Krapft, an engineer from General Motors, but kept the building and property. Krapft operated the business successfully until 1978, when he sold and retired to West Virginia.In January 2002, the Ablitts’ youngest daughter, Sasha, took over the business and implemented the installation of two 90-pound Green Earth dry cleaning machines. Ablitt’s is still the only Green Earth cleaner in Santa Barbara, although there are other environmentally conscious dry cleaners. Green Earth is a silicon solvent considered more earth-friendly than the more traditional perchloroethylene and petroleum solvents. There are no disposal or Environmental Protection Agency regulations for Green Earth cleaning.The Ablitts became close friends with many of their employees and customers. “It was hard work, but we had a good feeling of accomplishment, and people appreciated what we were doing,” said Alberta Ablitt.She watched Santa Barbara evolve throughout the years. “It’s a lot busier, more people, everyone’s in a rush,” she said. “We lived near Toro Canyon, and sometimes driving home after work we would see only a few cars. Today it’s gridlock at that time of day.”

Alberta enjoyed gardening, playing bridge and volunteered as a pink lady at the hospital In 1980 she enrolled in the School of Massage. She earned her license in Therapeutic Swedish Massage. Music and dance had been an important part of her life. She enjoyed dancing with a folk dance group and she performed a tap dance at her granddaughter’s wedding in 1990. She was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed playing hymns. An avid participant in the Self-Realization Fellowship of Santa Barbara, Alberta Ablitt spent much of the last 40 years in meditation, a practice that she claimed was part of her secret to longevity. “I also believe I lived a pretty healthy life,” she explained. “No excesses, except maybe Self-Realization Fellowship.”

Borrowed mostly from the Santa Barbara Independent on the anniversary of her 102nd birthday, June 8, 2010.

Thompson, Theodore Perry, Pvt. – Co. I, 4th IA Infantry

Theodore Perry THOMPSON was born 28 Jun 1846, in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. His parents were the Joseph C (b. ca 1805, PA) and Nancy FULTON (b. ca 1806, PA) THOMPSON, enumerated in the same 1860 census household in Corydon, Wayne Co, Iowa as 13-yr old Theodore P Thompson. In Civil War records Theodore P Thompson of Corydon is shown as enlisting in Co I, 4th IA Inf.

Three THOMPSONs, Theodore and two older brothers, from Corydon, Wayne Co, IA fought as part of Company I, 4th Iowa Infantry:

Thompson, William W. Age 24. Residence Corydon, nativity Pennsylvania. Enlisted Aug. 2, 1861. Mustered Aug. 31, 1861. Died [of measles] Dec. 26, 1861, Rolla, Mo.

Thompson, Theopolis. Age 22. Residence Corydon, nativity Pennsylvania Enlisted Sept. 1, 1861. Promoted Sixth Corporal Feb. 16, 1863; Fifth Sergeant April 14, 1863; Fourth Sergeant Sept. 11, 1863. Died of fever Jan. 17, 1864, Adams General Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.

Thompson, Theodore P. Age 18. Residence Corydon, nativity Pennsylvania.Enlisted March25, 1864. Mustered March 25, 1864. Mustered out July 24, 1865, Louisville, Ky.

William Thompson may be the “Wallace Thompson” (b. ca 1837 PA) enumerated in the Corydon 1860 census.

Theopolis is enumerated with the Joseph and Nancy Thompson family in the Corydon 1860 census.

Company I of the 4th IA was actually organized and enrolled in Wayne County Iowa in 1861. Theodore enlisted and was mustered in as an 18-year old private on 25 Mar 1864. According to the NPS Soldiers and Sailors Database online, from Dec 1863 to May, 1864, the regiment was doing duty at Woodville and other points in Alabama.

In 1864, the regiment participated in these battles, assignments and engagements: Claysville, Ala. March 14; Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8; demonstration on Resaca May 8-13; Battle of Resaca May 14-15; ; operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5; operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2; Assault on Kenesaw June 27; Nickajack Creek July 2-5; Chattahoochie River July 6-17; Battle of Atlanta July 22; Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25; Ezra Chapel, Hood’s second sortie, July 28; flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30; Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1; Lovejoy Station September 2-6; Pursuit of Hood into Alabama October 1-26; Snake Creek Gap October 15; Ships Gap October 16; March to the sea November 15-December 10; Griswoldville November 22; Ogeechee River December 7-9; and the Siege of Savannah December 10-21.

In 1865, the regiment took part in the Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865; reconnoissance to Salkehatchie River, S. C., January 25; Salkehatchie Swamps, S. C., February 3-5; South Edisto River February 9; North Edisto River February 12-13; Congaree Creek February 15; Columbia February 16-17; Lynch’s Creek February 25-26; Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 20-21; the occupation of Goldsboro March 24; Advance on Raleigh April 10-13; Occupation of Raleigh April 14; Bennett’s House April 26; and the Surrender of Johnston and his army April 17-26.

The Regiment then joined the March to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 19, and participated in the final Grand Review in D. C. on May 24. It moved to Louisville, KY in June, and did duty there till July when the 4th Iowa Infantry was mustered out July 24, 1865. Theodore P Thompson was mustered out with his regiment.

This researcher has no knowledge in which of the above events Theodore personally took part; but it is likely many.

Four years later on 18 Oct 1869, Theodore married Mary Lois SEMPLE, daughter of Charles (b. ca 1818 PA) and Jemima (b. ca 1822 PA) SEMPLE. In the 1870 census the newlyweds are enumerated living in the same Corydon household as Charles and Jemima. By the 1880 census, the TP Thompson family had moved within the county to South Fork, with their first 3 known children.

By 1895 the family had migrated to Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas. The 1895 Kansas state census does not list first known child Delia/Della, who would have been ~19, nor 2nd child Gann who would have been ~17, but does list 4 children between the ages of 3 and 14. With the family lives a man likely Theodore’s father in law, C [sic: Charles?] Semple. The family remained in Garnett for the 1900 census in which Theodore owns his home; and wife Mary is shown to have borne 10 children, of whom only 5 survive. Four are still at home in this census: Charlie, b. Jun 1881; Edith b. Jun 1883; Glenn b. Dec 1885; and Lois M, b. Oct 1892.

Wife and mother Lois Mary Semple Thompson passed away in July 1907 1909 and is buried at Garnett Cemetery, Anderson County Kansas in plot: “Addition 2, Block 8, Lot 10”. It is likely that Theodore migrated west sometime soon after Lois’ death. This researcher has been unable to find him in the 1910 census, according to family: because he was in a veterans’ hospital [possibly Kansas Soldier’s Home and Hospital?] in Dodge City KS at that time.

What is known is that, by 1917, Theodore was listed in the Santa Barbara (CA) City Directory: “Thompson, Theo P residence: 521 State.” Since a son was living at the same address, it is understandable that, following his death on 22 April 1919, Theodore Perry Thompson was buried in the Santa Barbara Cemetery, Santa Barbara County, California.

Sources: all sources accessed in Mar/Apr 2015:

Family information.

Ancestry.com databases esp: 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900 US Census; KS State Census1895; City Directories; Civil War databases.

Familysearch.org databases esp: IA Births and Christenings

<http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/27531275/person/5009614312/story/8ecb8192-89a3-487a-9602-10fd256ad06f?src=search>

<http://trees.Ancestry.com.au/tree/27531275/story/3cff52fa-94cc-454e-b508-e1f1f3cb1a05>

<https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/4th_Regiment,_Iowa_Infantry>

<http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=1CC1EAD8-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A>

<http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UIA0004RI>

<http://iagenweb.org/civilwar/books/logan/mil306.htm>

<civilwarIndex.com < http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyia/4th_ia_infantry.html>

<http://www.santafetrailresearch.com/research/fort-dodge.html>

<http://www.kansastravel.org/fortdodge.htm>

-ct/Mar-Apr2015

Dunn, John, Pvt., Co. K, 1st TN Cavalry

John DUNN was born on 14 March 1843 in Shelby, Cleveland County, North Carolina. He was

John Dunn and family. John, Reba and Sarah Jane

John Dunn and family. John, Reba and Sarah Jane

the fourth of eleven children of Samuel Marion DUNN and Julia Ann BLANTON.

John married Sarah Jane SWATZEL on 4 February 1877, in Albany, Greene County, Tennessee. Sarah was born on 16 December 1855 in Greene County, Tennessee, and was the daughter of William H. SWATZEL and Julia Ann BLANTON.

Sarah was John’s second wife; his first marriage was to Anna BABB on 15 January 1866. Anna died on 4 November 1876, and is buried in Babb’s Valley Cemetery in Greene County, Tennessee.

John and Sarah raised twelve children of their own, as well as three children from his previous marriage to Anna.

Children of John and Anna:

  • William P. DUNN, born 23 July 1867 in Greene County, Tennessee; died 1923.
    · James J. DUNN, born 16 February 1872 in Tennessee.
    ·         Abselem Thomas DUNN, born 18 October 1876 in Greene County, Tennessee; died 14 February 1940 in Greene County, Tennessee. Abselem married 1) Sophia BABB, and 2) Mary Elva BALL.Children of John and Sarah:
    ·         Samuel Marion DUNN, born 21 November 1877, in Greene County, Tennessee; died 5 June 1955, Urbana, Illinois. Samuel married 1) Rebecca WEEMS, 2) Jennie Mae KNIGHT.
    ·         Julia Ann DUNN, born 11 August 1878, in Newmansville, Greene County, Tennessee; died 8 May 1957, Colton, San Bernardino, California. Julia married Andrew Johnson HALL on 13 September 1902.
    ·         Georgie Florence DUNN, born 9 November 1880, in Greene County, Tennessee; died 1881, in Tennessee.
    ·         John Walter DUNN, born 3 May 1882, in Greene County, Tennessee; died 13 February 1952, Bristol, Virginia. John married Lula Mae MUMPOWER.
    ·         Charles Edy DUNN, born 9 October 1885, in Greene County, Tennessee; died 14 October 1887, in Greene County, Tennessee.
    ·         Nina Josephine DUNN, born 6 January 1888, in Tennessee; died 9 February 1936, in Riverside, California. Nina married James O. PATTERSON.
    ·         Bertie Charlotte DUNN, born 9 November 1891, in Greene County, Tennessee; died 27 March 1917, in Greene County, Tennessee.
    ·         Mary Barton DUNN, born 30 November 1889, in Tennessee; died 3 March 1891, in Tennessee.
    ·         Dolly Myrtle DUNN, born15 January 1894, in Greenville, Greene County, Tennessee; died 11 February 1979, in Loma Linda, California. Dolly married Harry Franklin WHITE.
    ·         Jodie Lee DUNN, born 5 May 1896, in Newmansville, Greene County, Tennessee; died 13 May 1925, in Greene County, Tennessee. Jodie married David Clark SAULSBURY.
    ·         Bonnie Lucille DUNN, born 30 April 1898, in Greene County, Tennessee; died 30 March 1979, in Tennessee. Bonnie married Wilis James HOLT.
    ·         Reba Clyde DUNN, born 17 May 1901, in Greene County, Tennessee; died 4 August 1987, in Pasco, Franklin County, Washington. She married Isaac Lee SWANAY on 2 October 1917. Reba and Isaac are buried in Olivewood Cemetery in Riverside, California.Like his father Samuel, John was a shoemaker by trade. But at the age of 19, John enlisted as a Private in Co. K, 1st Tennessee Cavalry, from 12 July 1862 until 5 June 1865. He was captured in Newnan, Georgia, on 31 July 1864, and held at Andersonville Prison. Fortunately, he was one of the lucky survivors who made it out alive, unlike his father-in-law William Swatzel. John served in this unit with his father and brother Philip. All three filed for pensions.

On 15 September 1915, John died in Afton, Greene County, Tennessee. He is buried in Union

Headstone of John & Sarah Dunn

Headstone of John & Sarah Dunn

Temple Cemetery in Greene County, Tennessee. Sarah died on 18 July 1921, and is buried next to her husband.

Links:

Regiment Info: http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UTN0001RC01

John Dunn’s WikiTree Profile: http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Dunn-5467

 

Contributor’s Genealogy Blog: Heart of the Family  https://www.thefamilyheart.com

Stewart, John Francis, Cpt., Co. G, 138th NY Infantry aka: 9th NY H. Artillery

 

John Francis Stewart was born in Cayuga County, New York on 8 Sep 1836, the 2nd son of at least 5 children born to Agnes (b. ca 1813 Albany Co, NY) and Vanrensler STEWART (b. ca 1812 Oneida Co, NY). In the 1850 census, John 14, his parents and siblings lived in Granby, Oswego County, with his possible grandparents, John F and Hannah Stewart.

On 20 Dec 1860, in Fair Haven, Cayuga Co, NY, John married Julia F BROWN (b. 21 Dec 1839 Fair Haven – d. Hannibal, MO on 11 Nov 1909). The couple had at least seven children, from the first known child, Jeannette (aka: Jennie in censuses) descends the family line to the member of Laura Belle Stoddard Tent 22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865.

At Wolcott, Wayne County, New York, on 25 August 1862, at age 26, John F. Stewart enlisted in the Union Army. He was actually mustered in as a Corporal, for a 3 year tour of duty in Company G of the NY 138th Infantry. The 138th then became the NY 9th Heavy Artillery Regiment on 15 Dec 1862; and, as of that date, John was promoted to Sergeant. On 16 October 1864, he was transferred to Co. D, NY 9th H.A. as a 2nd Lieutenant, and by 14 Nov 1864, promoted to 1st Lt. On 4 Feb 1865 John was once more promoted, to Captain. He was mustered out at that rank on 6 July 1865 at Washington, D. C.

During his service, the regiment assignments and battle records included: Garrison duty in the Defense of Washington, D. C., till May, 1864, during which time the regiment built and garrisoned Forts Mansfield, Bayard, Gaines and Foote. Relieved from garrison duty, the regiment was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac in the field May 18, 1864. The NY 9th Heavy Artillery then participated in: Rapidan Campaign May-June. North Anna River May 26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Totopotomy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Bethesda Church June 1-3. Before Petersburg June 18-19. Siege of Petersburg June 18-July 6 Jerusalem Plank Road, Weldon Railroad, June 22-23. Moved to Baltimore, Md., July 6-8. Battle of Monocacy, Md., July 9. Sheridan’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign August 7-November 28 . Near Charlestown August 21-22. Charlestown August 29. Battle of Winchester September 19. Fisher’s Hill September 22. Battle of Cedar Creek October 19. Duty at Kernstown till December. Moved to Washington, D. C., December 3; thence to Petersburg, Va. Siege of Petersburg, Va., December, 1864, to April, 1865. Fort Fisher, Petersburg, March 25, 1865. Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. Assault on and fall of Petersburg April 2. Amelia Springs April 5. Sailor’s Creek April 6. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army. Expedition to Danville April 17-27. Duty there and at Richmond till June. Moved to Washington, D. C. Corps Review June 8. Consolidated to four Companies June 27, 1865, and transferred to 2nd New York Heavy Artillery.

This researcher has no knowledge in which specific engagements Cpl/Sgt/Lt/Captain Stewart participated; but likely it was most of them.

Following the war, John, Julie and Jeannette migrated to Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan where John farmed for at least four years and the births of four children. By June 1880, the family resided in Parson Creek Twp, Linn Co, Missouri and their last known child, Artemos, b. MO, was two years old.

By Jun 1900 John, Julia, and their youngest son were living on Chestnut St in Hannibal, Missouri. John died in Hannibal on 11 Dec 1909. Julia survived him for almost 12 yrs. According to her death certificate, Julia is buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hannibal, MO.

Sources: All sources accessed in Mar 2015.

Application for membership in DUV

Ancestry.com, esp. Censuses: 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900.

familysearch.org, esp NY databases, 1865 NY State census, Michigan births.

Missouri’s Sec of State Pre- and Post-1910 death certificates online.

Fold3.com, Civil War Databases for NY 9th H.A.

<http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UNY0009RAH>

<http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyny/9th_ny_artillery_heavy.html>

<http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyny/rosters/9th_ny_artillery_heavy_roster.pdf>

 

ct: Mar 2015

Campbell, William Cunningham, 2nd Lt., Co. B & G, 52 IN Infantry

 

William C Campbell was born in Rising Sun, Ohio County, Indiana on 8 Oct 1840, the 5th child – and 2nd son – of the 10 known children of Alexander (b. ca 1798 KY) and Sophia (b. ca 1812 VT) CAMPBELL.

William was mustered, as a single, 21-yr old Private, into Company B of the 52nd Indiana Infantry Regiment, on 1 Feb 1862 at Versailles, Indiana. The regiment participated in: the siege and capture of Fort Donelson -Feb 12-16; and then garrisoned at Fts. Henry and Helman until April 18, when it moved to Pittsburg Landing TN. Next came the siege of Corinth, MS -April 29-30; after which the regiment marched to Memphis for duty.

There were several engagements during that time frame; and further operations against guerillas in Tennessee and Arkansas by September 30, 1862. The regiment was later ordered to Vicksburg, where it accompanied Sherman’s army on the Meridian raid, participating in the engagement at Jackson.

On Feb 27, 1864, as part of a re-organization of the regiment, those veterans who opted to stay with the unit were furloughed for just over a month home in Indiana; this likely would have included WCC. The veterans returned to the “new” Indiana 52nd “veteran regiment” in April via KY, TN, and to Arkansas in time for the fight at Lake Chicot.

On 27 Feb 1864, William Cunningham Campbell was transferred into Company G in the “new” IN 52nd Infantry, this time with the rank of Sergeant. However, according to the Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Indiana, Volume 2, by W.H.H. Terrell, page 520, WCC had been commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on 1 Jun 1865; though the Remarks in that listing state, “mustered out as 1st Sergeant with Regiment.”

Prior to the Regiment’s final Muster-Out at Montgomery, AL on 10 Sep 1865, the Indiana 52nd Infantry had traveled through at least seven states for duty as garrison, scouting, and/or engaging the enemy in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is unknown to this researcher exactly which engagements William C Campbell personally experienced.

Following the war, on 3 Oct 1866 – at Wirt, Jefferson Co, IN – William, 25, married 24 yr-old Mary A “Mollie” WARD, (b. 11 Oct 1841 Madisonville, OH; d. 8 Mar 1880, Pueblo, Pueblo Co, CO); minister W Y Monroe, of the Liberty Baptist Church officiated.

William and Mary had at least five children including Nettie, b. 8 Jul 1869 in Versailles, Ripley Co, IN, from whose line descends the member of Laura Belle Stoddard Tent 22 of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865.

William, Mary and their new family of at least 4 children lived in Indiana until sometime between 1872 and 1878, when daughter Mary was born in Colorado. Their last known child, Willis, was born in Feb 1880; his mother Mary died on 8 Mar 1880 and is buried in Pueblo Pioneer Cemetery, Pueblo, CO.

Before the June 1880 census was taken, William had moved his five motherless children, aged 12 to 3 months, to Wellington, Sumner County KS. William is not only found with his family in that census, but also, as a Farmer boarding with the Kimble family in neighboring Palestine, KS. Sometime ca 1890 William married Margaret Angie GRISWOLD; in May 1891, she and William had their only known child, son Frank G.

William’s wife Angie died on 11 May 1909, followed 4 years later, on 18 Aug 1913, by William Cunningham Campbell. Both are buried in the same plot, 7-133, of Sunset Cemetery in Manhattan, Riley Co, Kansas.

Sources: all sources accessed in March 2015.

Application for Membership in DUV.

Ancestry.com, especially Census: 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910.

Familysearch.org esp. Indiana Marriages: <https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-18261-66833-28?cc=1410397>

<http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Campbell&GSfn=Mary+&GSbyrel=all&GSdy=1880&GSdyrel=in&GSst=7&GScnty=291&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=37101559&df=all&>

<http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=87163296&ref=acom>

<http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=87162904>

<http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=D235848A-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8AC6F5D926A>

<http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyin/52nd_in_infantry.html>

<http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyin/officers/52nd_in_infantry_officers.pdf> Page 520

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/52nd_Indiana_Infantry_Regiment>

 

-ct/Mar 2015

Ragan, George Z., Cpl., Co. C, 129th IL Infantry

George Z Ragan was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania about 1828. The 1830 federal census for Beaver County shows only one R?G?N: an Alexander REGAN in Big Beaver Twp, whose family consisted of six persons: 2 of them were males under the age of 5. One of those boys may have been George. It appears this same Alexander is enumerated as a RAGAN in East Huntington Twp, Westmoreland Co. PA in the 1840 census. This may be George’s birth family.

In Mercer County, Ohio on 20 Dec 1848, ~20 yr old George Z Ragan was married by Justice of the Peace A. Stansbery, to ~15 yr old Charity STOUT, daughter of David Stout, By 4 Oct 1850, George and Charity were living in Jefferson Twp, Logan Co, OH with their first child, James, born either Jan or Jun 1850. Prior to the Civil War, the family had grown to at least 4 children, the 4th was George David, b. Illinois 31 Oct 1860, from whom the line descends to the member of Laura Belle Stoddard Tent 22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865.

On 12 Aug 1862, George joined Co. C of the newly organized 129th Illinois Infantry Reg’t for a period of 3 years. He is described at that time as a resident of Livingston County, IL, 32 yrs of age, 5′ 9 1/2″ tall, light hair, blue eyes, dark complexion, married, farmer, with nativity: Beaver Co. PA. He was mustered into the company at Pontiac IL, as a Private, on 8 Sep 1862.

The Regiment first moved to Louisville KY, and on 3 Oct marched in pursuit of Bragg (on his attempt to invade Kentucky.) It was then attached to the 38th Brigade, 12th Div, Army of the Ohio, and marched to Bowling Green, KY and on, in November to Mitchellville for garrison duty until December. Early in 1863, George was discharged. According to the National Park Service Civil War Soldiers Database, George was discharged as a Corporal; an 1863 draft registration states he had been discharged on 19th Feb 1863; on page 539 of the 1900 Revised Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois, Volume 6 is the statement that George Rugan [sic: Ragan] was “Disch. Jan. 19, ’63, as Serg’t”.

The first Census following the war shows the George and Charity family in 1870 residing in Ward 2, Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, with George -45, working as a “Stone Mason” and six children from James 19, Aramintha -18, and Rinaldo -14 born OH; George -10 and Sarah -7 born IL; and Charles W 5 born in Iowa.

The 1900 Census shows widowed Charity living in Mason Twp, Marion Co, Missouri with son Joseph, born Jun 1876 in Missouri. The migration pattern seems to be OH 1848 through 1856; Illinois from 1860 through 1863 (but probably through the Civil War); Iowa at least in 1865; and finally MO by 1876. I’m unable to find the family in Missouri in the 1880 census.

On Oct 23 1888 a civil war “Invalid” [medical] application for pension was filed from MO, and awarded to George Ragan: Application #676 993, Certificate #532 583; on Mar 2 1897, a Widow’s pension was filed from MO following George’s death: Application 650 994, Certificate 493 723.

George Ragan, Civil War Veteran, died in Hannibal, Marion County, MO. The contract for a Headstone to be provided by the government, was found on ancestry.com: “10 Jun 1903 – Lee Marble Works – George RAGAN, Corpl Co C 129 Ill Inf – died Feby 22 – 1897 – Cemetery: Antioch – at: Hannibal Mo”. George’s widow Charity Ragan survived him for slightly more than eight years; she died in Hannibal on Oct 9, 1908.

Sources: all sources were accessed in March and April 2015.

Application for Membership in DUV

Ancestry.com: esp: Census: 1830 through 1900; Headstones for CW Soldiers; CW Pension Cards.

Familysearch.org – OH County Marriages 1789-2013.

<http://www.ilsos.gov/isavital/marriageSearch.do>

 

<http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1666 CW Draft Registrations

 

<http://www.civilwarindex.com/armyil/rosters/129th_il_infantry_roster.pdf> Page 539

<http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers-detail.htm?soldierId=56B3A7C5-DC7A-DF11-BF36-B8A>

<http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battle-units-detail.htm?battleUnitCode=UIL0129RI

 

-ct/Mar-Apr2015

Sigafus, James Monroe, Sgt., 8th Battery, WI Vol. Light Art. G.A.R. Lysander Cutler Post #55, Wausau, WI

JamesMSigafus_Portrait

James M. Sigafus

My Civil War Veteran, James Monroe Sigafus, a native of Wayne County, Pennsylvania was born to Michael Sigafus, Sr. and Katherine Ann Spinner on February 21,1837. After receiving a limited education, in 1854, at age 16, he traveled to Marathon County, Wisconsin where he worked in lumbering and in1860 married Miss Augusta Schwartz.

In November, 1861, shortly after the Civil war broke out and the first call for volunteers was issued, Sigafus enlisted in the 8th Wisconsin Light Artillery as a private. He was almost 24, 5’11” in height with green eyes. The battery was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland and bore a conspicuous part in many memorable engagements, including the battles of Stone River, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Dalton, and Resaca, as well as various skirmishes and battles during the campaign to Atlanta. The latter battle fought at Nashville. The battery was under the leadership successively of Rosecrans, Thomas, and Sherman. Sigafus was wounded slightly in the battle of Stone River but with that exception, escaped unhurt. On Jan. 20, 1865, after almost 4 years at the front Sgt. Sigafus received an honorable discharge and began the next exciting chapter of his life.

After spending a short time in Illinois, on April 20, 1865, Sigafus went west to Colorado with his wife and an ox team to seek his fortune. Proceeding from Denver to the mining regions of the Georgetown district, he gained his first practical knowledge of mining and he loved it. But, after one year of prospecting on Bear and Clear Creeks in Jefferson County and not meeting much success, he purchased a cattle ranch of 160 acres on Bear Creek, 28 miles west of Denver. There in 1867, their daughter and only child Effie was born. They resided here until 1871, with Sigafus engaging in farming, gardening, and stock-raising. They then moved to South Park, bought a 920 acre hay ranch, raised stock and hauled hay to the mountain mining camps for another five years. In 1876, the family moved to Colorado Springs and for the next two years he engaged in freighting between Colorado Springs and Leadville.

The saying back then, “Once a miner, always a miner,” proved true for Sigafus. In 1878, he sold his ranch in South Park, and during the winter of that year “grub-staked” George W. Belt, who the following April discovered the famous Robert E. Lee Mine near Leadville, which yielded nearly $13,000,000. Sigafus sold his 1/3 interest in February 1881 for $1,000,000 which today would amount to an amazing $23,255,813!!!.

Even so, he remained connected with mining interests in Leadville and Southwestern Colorado. He served as a Director of the First National Bank and the Gas Company in Colorado Springs while also sponsoring the J.M.Sigafus Hose Co. #3 for the Fire Department.

Now a multi-millionaire, Sigafus retired from active business to enjoy his accumulated wealth. He took his wife and Effie on a 4-month pleasure trip through Florida and the West India Islands.

In 1882, wanting to find a suitable husband for his beautiful daughter, Sigafus disposed of his various holdings in the wild west of Leadville and moved his family to dignified Tarrytown, New York.

This tiny area in New York was know as “Millionaire’s Colony” since it was home to 61 multimillionaires including John D. Rockefeller, Jay Gould and my Sigafus. Tarrytown was the wealthiest place of its size in the world. This was the Gilded Age and the many castles-mansions built in the Hudson River Valley by these tycoons and self-made millionaires reflected their abundant wealth.

Daughter Effie married James E. Bird, the only child of James and Elizabeth Olmsted Bird. Effie’s father-in-law, James Bird was a successful architect/builder who had designed the Tarrytown (NY) Christ Episcopal Church – often called Washington Irving’s church – which of course, was where his son and Effie were married. Although he did not serve in the Civil War, I feel he made a significant contribution to the cause by designing the Foster Memorial AME Zion Church. Probably the oldest Negro church in New York, it also served as a stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves on their way to Canada. Both churches still play an active role in the community and are on the National Registry of Historic Places and Landmarks.

So, it was only fitting that after acquiring 45 acres of property with one of the finest views of the Hudson River, Sigafus called on Bird to design and build his new residence. The 4-story castle, completed in 1884, was built to resemble a French chateau with piazzas 12 feet wide around the entire building. There was said to be more terra-cotta in this house than in any other in the United States. For years, Sigafus delighted in providing the residents of Tarrytown with spectacular fireworks displays every 4th of July.

Despite living a now privileged life, mining was still in his blood and just 4 years later he acquired his first holdings in New Mexico. Sigafus’s good fortune continued with the North Homestake Mine at White Oak proving a source of considerable revenue. After selling the property in 1895 at a good figure, he focused on the Good Hope Mine in San Bernardino, California that he had purchased in 1889. He was familiar with the area since the family had frequently wintered in San Diego County. In addition to the gold mine, he erected a substantial residence on the 600 acre property. He worked the mine till the mid-1890’s taking out $5,000 – $10,000 gross monthly during peak periods. His eventual sale of this property resulted in a landmark court battle that made it all the way to the Supreme Court. Sigafus prevailed in court and his case set the precedent for mining law.

The Sigafus castle in Tarrytown was sold in 1902 when the family made the permanent move to California. Although castles had once been commonplace in Tarrytown, by 1971 it was one of the very few that had survived the passage of time. That’s why when it was totally destroyed by fire, it was viewed by the community as a tragic loss.

James Monroe Sigafus passed away on July 13, 1910 doing what he loved. As he was visiting his mine, Sigafus was overcome by the summer heat of the San Bernardino County desert and died right there. His obituary appeared in many newspapers throughout the country and highlighted the passing of one of the last great miners.

He is buried in the GAR Memorial at Historic Evergreen Cemetery in Riverside, CA.Graphic_tombstone_JamesMSigafus_S-SBacon

His wife, daughter and son-in-law rest nearby.

James Monroe Sigafus proudly served his country in the Civil War. He followed his dreams, made and lost several fortunes and clearly lived quite an exciting life. There are many more interesting stories about my amazing Civil War Veteran, but I’ll leave that for another day.

 

 

 

Sellers, Henry, Pvt., Co. G, 2nd 101st PA Infantry

Henry Sellers was born on 15 March 1831, in Littlestown, Adams County, Pennsylvania. He was the fourth and final son of Abraham Sellers and Elizabeth Mous Sellers. On 31 March 1857, he and Belinda Catharine Schwartz were married by the Reverend Jacob Sechler at the United Church of Christ in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Henry enlisted in the Union Army on 28 February 1865 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and on 13 March 1865 was mustered in as a Private into Captain Norris’ Company, 2nd 101st Pennsylvania Infantry, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In the Pennsylvania Archives records, he was described as 5’ 8” tall, with a dark complexion, dark eyes, and black hair. He was a 35-year-old lumber merchant. He and Belinda had two small children at home when he entered into military service.

The 2nd 101st Pennsylvania Infantry was formed as a result of the defeat and subsequent imprisonment of the original 101st Pennsylvania Infantry at the Battle of Plymouth, North Carolina, which began on Sunday 17 April 1864 and ended on Wednesday 20 April 1864. There, the Union troops, numbering less than 3,000, were faced with Confederate forces between 12,000 and 15,000 strong. The Union prisoners, known as the “Plymouth Pilgrims”, were kept overnight in a field, and the following morning they began their march to Tarboro, NC where they would board the trains and head deeper south to Prisoner of War Camps. The imprisonment which followed resulted in 40% of the 101st being buried in Southern graves. An additional 10% would die shortly after being paroled or arriving home.

In the spring of 1865, Union soldiers from the 2nd 101st Pennsylvania, including Henry Sellers, began arriving at Roanoke Island to fill up the depleted ranks of the 101st. The plans were to form 8 new companies and combine the men of the original 101st already there into 2 companies, with a total of 10 companies. However, this re-organization never was totally effected, due to the war’s end. The men were mustered out on 25 June 1865, at New Bern, North Carolina, and Henry returned home, in ill health, to resume his life in Pennsylvania. He and Belinda had 5 more children, including William Henry Sellers. From this child descends this line to the member of Laura Belle Stoddard Tent 22, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865.

Henry’s family physician, Dr. J. S. Kemp, declared in an affidavit that he began treating Henry in the autumn of 1865, for malaria and chorea, accompanied by nervous prostration. His last illness commenced April 12, 1887, when a barrel fell on his arm, resulting in a severe bruise, which led to erysipelas, and finally in blood poisoning. Henry died four days later, on 16 April 1887, at age 56. He is buried with his wife and two of his children at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Littlestown, Adams County, Pennsylvania.