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DeWitt Genealogy
Thomas
(Hartley?) (No!-See History)
Dewitt

Mary Magdalena
Buffington

version 56: 11 /30/ 09
(son of
John DeWitt

b.  Abt 1759 in France
d. 14 Jan 1820 in Mason Co., VA
     (now Jackson Co., WV)
(FindAGrave)



and

Nancy Culbertson)
b. abt 1770 in Westmoreland Co., PA (probably)
d. 15 Aug 1841
in  Jackson Co., V
A
    (now Jackson Co., WV) (FindAGrave)


Click on their names for their biographies.

Scroll down to view
Thomas and Mary's information.




(daughter of
Joel Buffington

  b. 1752-4 in Chester County,
        Pennsylvania / Hampshire County, VA
  d. 17 Mar 1821 in Buffington Island,
        Mason Co., VA  (Ref) (FindAGrave)
(See Buffington Island history section BELOW.)

and

Elizabeth Logan)
  b. 1754/1755 in Hampshire Co., VA ( Ref)
  d. ?
  (married 1768/1772 in West Pennsboro Township,
  Cumberland Co., PA) ( Ref)


(See Buffington Ancestry 1  (or my version)
or Buffington Ancestry 2)
or Joel Buffington Genealogy 3)


THOMAS INFORMATION

b. Before 16 Mar 1789 or probably 1791*

i
n PA according to daughter Lydia's 1880 census record
(It was probably Westmoreland, Co. PA)

* Note:
The 1789 date is calculated based on his
 tombstone inscription:

"died March 16 1879 aged 90 years"
as recorded by Don DeWitt, 1980. 
(See Grave Photos)

Ninety years earlier would be
16 Mar 1789 and he probably did not
die on his birthday, so then he was likely
born before the 16th of March.
 
However, this may not be accurate
because there were no children listed
with his parents in the 1790 census
which was taken on 14 April 1790.

Who do we believe? 
A tombstone or the US census?

--- see below regarding death date


Thomas and his family migrated to Muses Bottom in 1807.
Their story is described at:
Ohio River Migration.
They lived near Muses Bottom, Jackson Co, WV
for most of their lives: (See 1877 Map below)

d. 12? or 16? Mar 1879

Buried in Dewitt Cemetery,
at the junction of Rt 68 and
Murraysville Road (Co. Rd 4)
north of Ravenswood, Jackson Co., WV

See Grave Photos
or
(FindAGrave)

The 16th March deathdate taken from tombstone.
The 12th suggested by others: BDAY
and....
the Jackson County, WV
Death Resgister
(click to view entry #10)
shows
Thos. Dewitt died 3/12/1879,
88 years, at Muses Bottom

Gravestone shows died 3/16/1879, age 90y
Betty Briggs thinks that it may have taken two years
to produce his tombestone and the dates
may have gotten mixed up.

If this is true, then Thomas would have
been born in about 1791 which makes sense since
his father John was listed with no children in 1790.


See bottom for discussion of the name
Hartley as Thomas' middle name.

See bottom for discussion of bad dates
published for Thomas DeWitt's life.

To track the DeWitt family through their lives:

Where Did They Go?

Married
after 1807 and
before 1814
in Mason Co, Va
(now Jackson Co, WV)


MAGDALENA'S INFORMATION

b. 14 Nov 1797 in Hampshire Co., VA (Ref)
Also Abt 1797 based on 1850-1870 censuses
in Hampshsire Co.(W)VA

d. Abt 1886 (ref)
died in Murraysville, Jackson Co, MO
which is just up the road from the family home
at Muses Bottom.  She was living at Muses Bottom
in 1880.

She was buried in Jackson Co., WV MAYBE...
but she is not listed as being buried in
Dewitt cemetery where Thomas is buried.
However, others who were buried there from
the family after 1890 had no gravestone, so it
is a possibility that she was buried in Dewitt
cemetery.  Another possibility would be the
Buffington cemetery in Meigs Co, OH across
the Ohio river, but no listing seems to be available
for that site either.  (FindAGrave)

First name taken from 1880 census


The Buffington name started my genealogical
research right after I watched Roots on TV back
in the 1970s.  I was reading maps (for fun) one
day and discovered Buffington Island (ref) along
the Ohio River between Meigs Co. and Jackson Co.
WV.  We just HAD to go for a visit...

...and the rest is history. 

Once we visited the area we discovered a
genealogical bonanza of information in
the Jackson County library's genealogy
research room in Ravenswood, WV
... and eventually we found the
DeWitt Cemetery up near Muses Bottom.

You can see a map showing Buffington Island at: MAP

You can see Dewitt cemetery at: MAP2

Buffington Island ownership
(ref)
==========================

Originally called Amberson's Island
before 1797. On November 25 1797
the island was purchased by
Magdalena's father Joel Buffington
from John Pearce Duvall of Mason Co., KY
for the sum of five shillings.
The island was 150 acres and supported
an enourmous stand of virgin timber.
By 1807 Buffington Island had become
the predominant name for the island.

Magdalene (and her 7 other siblings)
inherited a portion of Buffington's
Island when her father Joel died on
17 Mar 1821.

Magdalene and her husband Thomas
sold their inheritance portion of
Buffington's Island to Magdalene's
brother Joseph of  Meigs Co, OH on
8 Aug 1835 for $300.

By 1835 he owned the island but
then Joseph and his wife Chloe
Harvey Buffington sold the island
to James Williamson of Jackson Co.,
for $2,300.

James was the owner of the island
during the civil war and of course during
the Morgan's Raid Battle in the
Buffington Island vicinity in Jul 1983.

Return to top


Children of Thomas DeWitt
Issue: Sex Born Birthplace Died Deathplace Married Date Children
Children of Thomas DeWitt (b. Abt. 1791  d. 12? or 16? Mar 1879) 
and Mary Magdalena Buffington (b. Abt 1797 d. Abt 1886) 
married bef 1814
(listed as Deuite in the 1850 census)
Thomas and his parents' family migrated to Muses Bottom in 1807.
Their story is described at: Ohio River Migration.

Nancy F 14 Sep 1814  in VA 8 Mar
1857
in Carroll Co, MO. (ref) Simon Madison
Lauck Sr.
(aka Loucks,
Lauch)

  b. 3 Dec 1812
    in Lebanon,
    Meigs County, OH
  d. 14 May 1901
    in Carroll Co., MO.
    He was buried
    in Bosworth,
    Carroll Co., MO in
    Big Creek Cemetery.
    (FindAGrave)

His parents were
Phillip Lauck
b. 17 Sep 1785
    Winchester, Frederick, VA
d. 1821 OH

and
Ruth Grover
b 1788

   Winchester, Frederick, VA

d. 1860 OH

Info from Cagle and
Allied Familes Family
Tree at ancestry.com.

Lauck Family Genealogy

Note: Simon
moved to Caroll Co,
Mo in 1844


1860 census:
Hurrican Twp,
Carroll Co, MO
8/31/60 pg 28
Simon age 46  b OH
Ruth J. age 21  b VA
Almira age 17 b MO
Thomas age 14
b MO

Joel age 11 b MO
Simon age 11 b MO
Daniel age 7 b MO
Cornelia age 5 b MO
Lucy age 3 b MO

1863:
Simon Madison Lauck
(age 51)
married
Rematha Leeds (age 21)
(ref)
b 8 Oct 1842
Terre Haute, Vigo Co. IN
d. 27 Jul 1915
in Mustang, Canadian, OK

1870 census:
Hurrican Twp,
Carroll Co, MO
8/18/1870 pg 18
Simon M. age 56 b OH
Remaha age 27 b IN
  (wife bec. of 1880
  census below)
Thomas age 25 b MO
Joel age 22 b MO
   (insane)

Cornelia age 16 b MO
Lucy age 14 b MO
William age 5 b MO
Sarah age 4 b MO
Mary age 2 b MO
male  3/12 b MO
  (Frederick from 1880)
Daniel age 18

1880 census:
Wood
Twp,
Carroll Co, MO
8/18/1870 pg 18
Simon M. age 56 b OH
Ramarthy age 37 (wife) b IN

Joel age 31 b MO
   (idiot)

William age 15 b MO
Sarah age 14 b MO
Mary age 12 b MO
Frederick
age 10 b MO
Dimow? (M)
age 9 b MO
Emily
age 6
Susan age 5/12 b MO

1900 census:
Ridge
Twp,
Carroll Co, MO
Simon M. age 87 b OH
Ramatha age 57 (wife) b IN

Bertha  b May 1880 age 20 b MO
Ora b Apr 1882 age 18 b MO
Orville, b Oct 1883 age 16 b MO
(ref)

Children of Rematha Leeds
and Simon
They married in 1863

William T. Sherman
  b: 3 Jan 1865
      in Hurricane Twnshp,
      Carroll, MO
Sarah Jane
   b: 5 Mar 1866
       in Bosworth, Carroll, MO
Mary Olive
   b: 12 Feb 1868
       in Bosworth, Carroll, MO
Frederick Grant
    b: 15 Mar 1870
        in Bosworth, Carroll, MO
Simon Madison
    b: 4 Jul 1872
         in Bosworth, Carroll, MO
Carie Bell
    b: 8 Aug 1875
        in Bosworth, Carroll, MO
Emily Rematha *
    b: 19 Dec 1876
        in Carroll, MO
Bertha May
    b: 12 Feb 1880
       in Bosworth, Carroll, MO
Ora Ellen
    b: 4 Mar 1882
        in Bosworth, Carroll, MO
Orville Asberry
     b: 13 Oct 1883
        in Bosworth, Carroll, MO

(ref)

There is a Laucks cemetery in
Portland, Meigs Co, OH
across the river from Muses
Bottom WV where the Dewitt
clan began.  (MAP)

30 Dec 1835

Date:
(WV Registry)

1. Martha or Mary
    Magdelene

  b. 11 Nov 1836
in Meigs Co, OH
  d. 1872
  m. John J Jenkins

2. Ruth Jane
  b. 11 Nov 1838 in Meigs Co, OH
  d. 12 Feb 1879

3. Phillip Harrison
  b. 29 Dec 1840
      in Carroll Co, MO
  d. 4 Sep 1848

4. Almyra Ann
  b. 21 Sep 1842

       in Carroll Co, MO

  d. 8 May 1918
       in Bosworth,
      Carroll Co, MO
      (FindAGrave)
  m Allen Henry

5. Thomas Henry

  b. 2 Mar 1845
       in Carroll Co, MO
  d. 7 May 1926 IL     (FindAGrave)
     buried Knifong Cem, MO
  m Susan Melvina Krouse
     (Death Cert)
     (FindAGrave)

6. Joseph "Joel" DeWitt
  (*twin to Simon)
  b. 22 Mar 1848
      in Carroll Co, MO
  d. 27 Aug 1929 (listed as "idiot")
  
      Listed as alive in 1926
      living in Bosworth, MO
      in brother Thomas' Obit


7. Simon Madison,  Jr.
     (*twin to Joel)
  b. 22 Mar 1848
      in Carroll Co, MO
  d. ? Mar 1861 in MO

8. Henry Clay
    b. 7 Mar 1850
      in Carroll Co, MO
    d. 4 May 1851 in MO

9. Daniel Webster
  b. 1 Jun 1852
      in Carroll Co, MO
     (twin to Nancy)
  d. Aft 1926
      Living with son Henry
       in KS in 1920
      died ? in MT
      Listed as alive in 1926
      living in Densmore, KS
      in brother Thomas' Obit
  m. Mary B Gist  b. ?  d. Bef 1920
   children:
    Henry  b. 1877 in MO
              d. Aft 1920

10. Nancy Isabel
  b. 1 Jun 1852
      in Carroll Co, MO
  d. 9 Jul 1852
      ?? not listed in any census
     (twin to Daniel)

11. Cornelia Josephine
  b. 9 Jun 1854
      in Carroll Co, MO
  d. 23 Feb 1936
  m.  John L Kinsey
      Listed as alive in 1926
      living in Bosworth, MO
      in brother Thomas' Obit


12. Nancy Matilda
  b. 20 Aug 1856
      in Carroll Co, MO
  d. 8 Oct 1859 or 1857
      ?? not listed in any census

13. Lucy Sephroma
  b. 20 Aug 1856
  d. 3 Oct 1940 Laclede, MO
   m William Henry Chinn
      Listed as alive in 1926
      living in Laclede, MO
      in brother Thomas' Obit

Information from Betty Briggs <bettyb @ flash.net> from Michael Anthony <daath @ ne.infi.net>
and full names and full birthdates from
Barbara Calkin (descendant of  Emily Rematha Lauck)
(ref)


Many more children (see 2 columns to left) are from different wife
Rematha Leeds.

Info from Cagle and Allied Familes Family Tree at ancestry.com.

Also confirmed by Barbara Calkin's family tree. (ref)

Lauck Family Genealogy



Joel
("Dr. Joel") 

(photos available)

M 29 Jan 
1816
Jackson,
Co., W(VA)
13 May 1890 buried Henry Cemetery, Reger, Sullivan Co. MO

(FindAGrave)
Rachel Ann Mairs
  b. 7 May 1823
      Jefferson City, OH
  d. 26 Feb 1912
      buried
Henry Cemetery,
      Reger, Sullivan Co. MO
     
(FindAGrave)

     dau of Joseph Mairs

     Go to REFS for Mairs
      information.

1842 in Jackson Co, WVA
1. Mary Magdeline (Thomas)
2. Joseph Culbertson
3. Thomas Byron
4. Margaret "Josephine"
     (McCullough)

5. William Henry Webster
6. Mark Pinkney
7. El Nora (Hart)

* Don DeWitt is a descendant.


Much more information
is available at Dr. Joel's website.


Lydia

































F 4 Oct
1819
VA

in IN by 1840
and through 1847
because all children were born in IN

in MO by 1880
(see far right column note ***)

17 May 1890

from Don Bowman
Descendants
of Richard Buffington
via
ancestry.com


Sullivan Co, MO.

(FindAGrave)
Daniel A. Rollins/Ruland/ /Roolin/Rowland
  b. 1813 in CT
  d. Aft
1850 & Bef 1880

other spellings:
- Roolin in Jackson Co,
   WV 1850 census)

- Ruland ?)
- Rowland in 1880)
- Rollins

In
1850, Daniel was listed as a plasterer by profession.

Alexander Dewitt was living with them in 1850 census.  A month later he was living with his parents. 

I can not find them in 1840, 1860 or 1870 but found widow Lydia in 1880....--> *** next column


Several Rollins lived in Jackson Co, VA in 1840, such as
  Rollins, Benjamin
  Rollins, Elijah
  Rollins, Isaac
  Rollins, James
  Rollins, John M
  Rollins, Jonathan

No Rowland or Roolin family was found.
(ref)


ancestry.com

A Daniel Rollins, born in 1820 in Va was living in 1870 in
Washington Ward 5, Washington, District of Columbia, but he was black.

20 Mar 1839

Date:
(WV Registry)

1. Thomas *
  b. Abt 1840 in IN from 1850 census
  d.
Aft 1850

2. Mary E **

  b.
Apr 1855 according to 1900
     census.

      (1852 in IN from
1880 census
        because
28 in 1880**
    
  d.
Aft 1920**
     (single as of 1920)

3. Lydia A (Paxson)***
  b. Abt 1847 in IN from 1850 census
      (1854 in IN from 1880 census
        because 26 in 1880**
  d. Aft 1880**
  m. Frances Marion Paxson
       b. 1853
       d. Aft 1900
     children:
      Mary T b. 1876
      John A. b. 1878 in WV
      Rachel A. b 1879
      Minnie M b. 1882
      Josie G  b. 1884
      Elnora b. 1886

* A 21 yr old Thomas F. Roolin who was born in IN, was living with Joseph Mckinster in IL in the 1860 census.

*** In June 1880, Lydia A (26 b in IN) and her husband Marion T Paxson (27 b OH) (sp?) were living in Bowman Township, Sullivan Co, MO with her mother Lydia Rowland (60 b WV) and sister Mary E Rowland (28 b IN), with children
Mary A (4) b WV
John L (2) b WV
Rachel A (7/12) b MO
The children's father was born in CT and mother was born in IN.

In 1910, a Lydia A Thompson (63) born in IN with parents both born in IN was the mother in law of Harry Jenkins (26) with wife Minnie H (21) were living in Long Creek Township, Macon Co, IL. Lydia has been married twice.

** On 28 Jun 1900 James D DeWitt (44) was living with his brother John C (42) with Mary Rowland (45) in Grant District, Jackson Co, WV

** In 1910, J Dallas Dewitt (65) was living with his brother John Dewitt (60) and cousin Mary Rowland (63) in Grant, Jackson Co, WV.  Mary's father was born in PA and her mother in WV. She was born about 1847 in IN.

** On 6 Jan 1920, John C Dewitt (69) was living  with his cousin Mary Roland (72) and servant Harvey Beltis (72) in Grant District (Milhoan Precinct).
It appears that they are still living in the DeWitt farm.

** A 18 yr old Mary A Rolin who was born in VA was living with Mary Walker in Richmond Henrico Co., VA in 1860 census

A John (29) and Lydia (27) Rollins were living in Jackson, Monroe Co, MO in 1860 with  children John, Oscar and Alice.  I am not sure if they are related but they are a Rollins living in MO.

John

M 22 Oct 1823
(taken from tombstone)
OH or VA*
(ref)

*Birthstate from his son's (James Dallas and John C) 1880 census record.
10 Oct 1849
(taken 
from tombstone)
DeWitt Cemetery. Muses Bottom,
Jackson Co., VA

As of 19-Aug 2008, his gravestone is one of about 5 still standing in the weed overrun cemetery found at the junction of route 68 and county route 4.

grave

(FindAGrave)
Mary A. Romaine
  b. 25 Apr 1825 OH*
  d. 14 Oct 1848
(taken from tombstone in DeWitt Cemetery Jackson Co. WV
(Last name ref)

grave

also listed in H.D. Somerville's History of Grant District in the Dewitt Cemetery section

*Birthstate from her son's (James Dallas and John C.) 1880 census record

(FindAGrave)
 Bef 1843 1. Julia Ann
     b. 27 Feb 1843
     d. 7 Sept 1843
         buried in DeWitt Cemetery
         Jackson Co., WV
         (ref)

grave

2. Dallas 'Dal' J.
    or James Dallas "Dal"
     b. abt 1844
     d. abt. 1920 (ref)
Rumored to be buried in
Dewitt Cem, Jackson Co, WV
but no marker.

Comments: Could these two boys be the John C and James D who lived with Thomas and Magdalene DeWitt from 1860-1880 and who are listed as grandsons in 1880?? I have a list that states that Dallas J Dewit was 18 in 8/18/1863 when he was a member of the 141st militia... so that would make his birthday in 1845... which is consistent with him being Dallas 'Dal'.

In 1850, Jas (James) was living with Thomas Dewitt and family in District 27, Jackson Co, VA.  James was listed as age 6 which suggests a birth in 1844.

In 1860, he was living at age 15 with uncle Alexander DeWitt at the home of Jesse Carney.

He mustered in in the JACKSON COUNTY HOME GUARD in
Murraysville, 8/18/63 in
Captain George L Kennedy's Company.
HE mustered out 5/30/65.

Captain George L Kennedy's Company of W. Va. State Troops, was mustered at Ripley, Ravenswood & Murraysville, August 1863 through October 1863.

(ref)

In 1880, James D. (30) was living with his grandmother Mary M. Dewitt in Jackson Co, WV.  He was born in WV and his father was born in WV and his mother was born in OH.

On 28 Jun 1900 James D DeWitt (44) was living with his brother John C (42) with Mary Rowland (45) in Grant District, Jackson Co, WV.  This document claims he was born Apr 1856 in WV.

In 1910, J Dallas Dewitt (65) was living with his brother John Dewitt (60) and cousin Mary Rowland (63) in Grant, Jackson Co, WV

On 6 Jan 1920, John C Dewitt (69) was living  with his cousin Mary Roland (72) and servant Harvey Beltis (72) in Grant District (Milhoan Precinct).
It appears that they are still living in the DeWitt farm. It appears that James had died or was living elsewhere.


3.  Virginia Jemima
     b. Abt Apr 1848
     d. Aft 27 Apr 1910
     m. William D. Lagrange (ref)
        b.  Jan 1840 in OH
         d, Aft
27 Apr 1910
        Abt 1870 in WV
     children

        Ada Ethel
              b. Abt 1871 in WV
              d. Aft 1880
           William C
              b. Abt 1873 in WV
              d. Aft 1880
            John B
              b. Abt 1876 in MO
              d. Aft 1910 (iving in
            St. Clair
              b. Aft 1880
              d. Bef 1900?
           
Unknown
              b. ?
              d. Bef 1900
        Ima (Sima?)  (male)
              b. Abt Jun 1883 in CA
              d. Aft 1900

In 1900 census, they had had 6
children and 4 were still alive.

Earlier years:

Living in
- VA in 1850 (with Thomas)
- VA in 1860 (with Thomas)
- WV in 1870, (with husband)
- Carrol Co, MO in 1880 and
- in Fresno Co, CA in 1900 and 1910 (Selma City)
 
Comments: Information about Virginia, John and Dallas also in records of Jackie Ryland.

Virginia and William's children were Ada Ethel, William, John and St. Clair.

Living with Thomas DeWitt (her grandfather) and family in 1850 at age 4.

Living near grandfather Thomas DeWitt in 1870 in Grant Township, Jackson Co, WV.

no children in 1870
except Martin Morrisly
b 1858 in OH
Living near Lagrange family also (probably William's parents Omie & Elizabeth?)

Living in Bates Township, Carroll Co, MO, on 1 Jun 1880 with first two children.

since son John B was born in MO, they must have moved to MO before 1876.

In 1900, they were living in Fresno, CA.  Since son Ima was born in CA in 1884, they must have moved to Fresno before that date.

In 1910, William and Virginia were still living in Fresno, CA alone.


4. John Calvin 
     b. abt 1848 (maybe May 1848)
     d. abt 1930 (ref)

Comment: The Jackson Co WV  1880 census states that John C. was listed as a grandson of Mary M Dewitt, surviving wife of Thomas.


Could John C, be John and Mary A (Romaine) DeWitt's son John Calvin?
(see above.)

John and Mary died in 1848-1849 quite young perhaps of an infectious disease. Since John Calvin was born sometime between 1844-1848, maybe John Calvin went to live with his grandparents Thomas and Magdalena DeWitt and thereby showed up as age 2 in 1850 census, 12 in the 1860 census,  20 in 1870 census and 27 in 1880 census?

In 1880, Jno C. (27) was living with his grandmother Mary M. Dewitt in Jackson Co, WV.  He was born in WV and his father was born in WV and his mother was born in OH.

On 28 Jun 1900 James D DeWitt (44) was living with his brother John C (42) with Mary Rowland (45) in Grant District, Jackson Co, WV.  This document claims John was born May 1858 in WV.

In 1910, J Dallas Dewitt (65) was living with his brother John Dewitt (60) and cousin Mary Rowland (63) in Grant, Jackson Co, WV

On 6 Jan 1920, John C Dewitt (69) was living  with his cousin Mary Roland (72) and servant Harvey Beltis (72) in Grant District (Milhoan Precinct).
It appears that they are still living in the DeWitt farm.

I can not find John after that except for an ancestry.com OneWorldTree ref that suggests he died in 1930.

So... his ages in
1850: 2
1860: 12
1870: 20
1880: 27
1900: 42
1910: 60
1920: 69

So he definitely was not born in 1858 as the 1900 cenus suggests.  That is why I have given him a maybe birthday of May 1848.

He is rumored to be buried in
Dewitt Cem, Jackson Co, WV
but no marker.

Culberson
(name taken from tombstone)

(aka Culbertson)
 

M 3 Apr 1827
(taken from tombstone)
Jackson
Co, WV?
6 May 1844
(taken from tombstone)

(FindAGrave)
grave

Buried in DeWitt Cemetery. Muses Bottom

Jackson Co., WV

As of 19-Aug 2008, his gravestone is one of about 5 still standing in the weed overrun cemetery found at the junction of route 68 and county route 4.

-- -- Comments:
#1 His name listed here is taken from the spelling on his tombstone which I visited in 1981 and have a photo of.
He was probably named after his mother's family Culbertson, so the tombstone engraver may have made a mistake.... or

#2 If Culberson was born in April, how was Alexander born in October?)

Alexander C(ulbertson?*)

Living with  parents in 1850 census AND
Daniel and Lydia Rollins in 1850 census in Jackson Co, VA

listed as Alex Dewill in 1860 where is living in-laws Jesse and Sarah Carney on 23 Jun 1860 in Jackson Co, VA

Living in Mill Creek Township, Jackson Co, WV in
1870
with wife Miriam, and children.

* I have seen at least one reference where Culbertson was Alexander's middle name.  I was unable to contact the ower of the claim.
M 5 Oct 1827
(ref)

1860 census
age 54

Meigs Co, OH


In Pioneers of Jackson
County - Part 6
LOWER SANDY VALLEY


"A man maned Dewitt is said to have lived, and died, in the lower house. Jeff Dawkins said Alex Dewitt, married Miriam Carney, sister to
Joe Howes wife, lived there in 1850. "

1850 census lists him as born in Ohio.
1 June 1874

(46y, 8 mo)
Buried in
Mt. Calvary Cemetery
(aka  Harpold  Cemetery)
near Ripley,
Jackson Co.,
WV  (ref)

(from John A. House's "Some Early City, Village and County Burying Grounds" found in the library in Ripley, WV.)

Apparently because he married a Carney he was buried here as this cemetery which is where many Carneys are buried.


I visited the cemetery in August 2008 but was unable to locate his grave.
Many stone were unreadable however. 

(FIndAGrave)

Miriam Carney
(ref)
  b. ? Mar 1828,
      Jackson Co. WV
  d. Aft 1900 **
I have no info on where Miriam is buried.

dau of
Jesse Carney
 
b. 23 Feb 1797
  d. 31 Jul 1879

    his parents Thomas Carney 
    Mary (Polly) Parsons

and
Sarah M. Greene
  b. 1799 (51 in
1850)
  d. April 16, 1869

who are also buried in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. (ref)

her parents: John and
Jemima Smith Green




Called Miram and living with her parents and sister Frances (16) in
1850 next to brother Enoch (24) and family (Martha J (26)

Alex Dewitt and Miriam were living with her parents in
1860.

Living with Alex in 1870.
and children Theodore, Thomas, Magdalene, Frances and Genova  in Mill Creek Township, Jackson Co, WV.  Next door lived Enoch Carney and family. Enoch was Miriam's brother and family. He is also buried in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. (ref)

Called Miram and living with son Theodore and children in 1880 in Ripley, Jackson Co, WV.



Miriam's parents Jesse and Sarah Carney had the following children (and maybe others)

- Malinda b 1812
    married Peter Thomas

- Hannah (b 1815)
    maried Levi Casto (b 1810)
(?  Levi and Hannah (35) were living next door to Jesse and Sarah in
1850
IF Hannah was dau of Sarah , that would make Sarah 16 when gave birth to Hannah bec Sarah was 51 in 1850.

- Weedon (Weeden) b 1818
   married Catherine ? (1825)
   1850 census
    d. 6 Mar 1882 
        or 27 Mar 1881
    married Catherine M Hoffman
    25 May 1840

A Thomas Carney b 1820
He was 30 and wife Eliza (28) lived near Jesse in 1850.  Some list him as a son of Jesse.  Thomas was born abt 1820, so he could be.


Jemima (b 1820s)

 (A Jemima Green (12) in 1850 census and living next door to Jesse and Sarah
Sarah's mother was Jemima Smith Green)

- Enoch b 1825-6
  married Martha J b 1824

- Miriam (b 1828) (see above)

- Frances( b. 3 Jun 1833)
    married
Thomas Buffington  
               DeWitt (see below)







?? - Mercy "Mizraim' "Massy"
is sister of Jesse, not daughter
b. 10 Mar 1799
d. 17 Aug 1875 (ref)
   married Joseph B Stout


Spencer (b 1805) is brother of Jesse, not son.

    married Sally Hyde


from: his sketch taken from "Pioneers of Jackson County", by John House, it appears in the section "Heart of Mill Creek"
(ref)




**
In 1900, mother of Frances,
Miriam Carney Dewitt (72) was living with daughter Frances with her husband Lewis Young.
Grant District, Jackson Co, WV.

16 Jan 1851
Jackson
Co, VA
(WV Marriage
Register)



License
(WV
Marriage
Register
)
1. Theodore H. (ref)
   b. 5 Dec 1851 in W(VA)
(ref)
   d. 23 Mar 1914 in WV
       (possible Obit: 27 Mar 1914)
       (WV Death Reg 1)
       (WV Death Reg 2)

   m. Mary E Wheaton
          Marriage License
          11 Mar 1889 (WV Resgistry)
        b. 12 Nov 1867 (ref)
        d. 25 Dec 1921
(ref)
          both parents born in OH

            Theodore and Mary buried
            in Ravenswood Cem,
            Jackson Co, WV (ref)

grave
Theodore

grave
Mary

        m. Aft 1880

     children:
        Wade H 
          b. 5 Aug 1890
             10 Sep 1890?
             (WV Birth Registry-W.H.)
          d. 1960 (ref)

          Married 28 April 1915
          License 26 Apr 1915
          (WV Register)

             Esther B Long
              b. 1889 
(ref)
              d. 1951 (ref)
             dau George Long &
                Emma King
            Wade & Esther buried in
            Ravenswood Cem, Jackson
            Co, WV (ref)

grave

        Fancis Myrtle
          b Apr 1892
       
     (WV Birth Registry-unamed)
           d. ?
           m. Albert E Hopp
                b. 1891
                d. 1979
           children
              Gloria F Hopp
               b. 1925

        Geneva
          b. Apr 1897 WV
          d. Aft 1910


        Richard H
           b. 1899

           d. (not listed 1900)

        John C
           b. 1902 WV

           d. Aft
1930
           Living in Detroit MI
           area in 1920-30

        Fay E.
           b. 30 Oct 1903

           d. Aft
1920

     living on 18 Jun 1900 in
    
Lincoln Dist.,Tyler Co.,
     District 84, WV

     living in 1910 in
     Ravenswood, Jackson Co, WV

     Wade was working for
      Ford Mo. Co
      5 Jun 1917 (WWI Draft Reg)
      Living with wife, mother
      and sister
      Living in Detroit.

      Mary and some children
      living in Royal Oak, MI
      in
1920

2. Charlotte (ref) *  
      b. 1854  
      d. 5 Aug 1855
          buried in Dewitt Cemetery,
          Jackson Co, WV
grave

3. Thomas
     b. 18 Aug 1854
     (WV Birth Registry)
     d. Aft 1880

4. Nancy E. (ref)
     b. 1858 (age 2 in 1860)
     d. Bef 1870?


5. unamed child?????
     b. 1861 (ref)
       ?? see comment below
     d. ?


6. Magdalene (Maggie)

     b. 1861
     (WV Birth Registry-unnamed)
     d. Aft 1880

7. Frances (Fannie)
     (ref)
     b. Sep 1864
     d. 1944
     m. Lewis O. Young
          19 Dec 1880
          (Marriage License)
         b. Nov 1844 VA
         d. 
4 Aug 1926 Erie, PA
      children:
         Charles E b 1881
         Tudor H. b 1884
         John C b 1886
         Oscar Jennings b 1898 d 1994
  **    In 1900, mother of Frances,
         Miriam Carney Dewitt (72)
         was living with them.
      Lewis was living with Dewitt
      family in 1880. (See below.)


8. Fedelia Genevia (Geneva)
     Generosa (in 1870) 
     (ref)
     b.19 Mar 1868
     (WV Birth Registry)
     ?? see comment below
     d. Aft 1880


9. G. (male)
     b. Mar 1869
     (WV Birth Registry)
     d. ?
==============
Comment: 
* = buried in DeWitt Cem.

In (ref) Unamed child,
Fedelia G., and G are listed as children.

Unamed child may be  Magdalene.



--------------------
The list above comes from the Census Listings or (ref)
--------------------
In 1860 census, pg 63
Alex 33
Miriam 31

Theodore 8
Thomas 4
Nancy E. 2
Dallas 15 (farm laborer)
(son of John DeWitt)
living on property of Jesse and Sarah Carney

--------------------
In 7 July 1870 census, pg 6,
 
Mill Crk Twnshp, Jackson
 
  Co, WV)
Alexander 41
Miriam 39
Theodore 18

Thomas 13
Magdalene 9
Frances 5
Geneva 1

--------------------
In 1880 census,  pg 25,
 
East Ripley District)
Theodore 27 (head)
Miram 48
Thomas 23
Maggie 18
Fanny 16
F Genevra 11
Lewis Young 35

--------------------
1920 in Royal Oak,
Oakland Co, MI
Wade H DeWitt
  wife Esther
  also Mary Dewitt 52
     Myrtle 27
     John 18
     Faye 16



Zadock
or
Jadock
Hannibow
(ref)

Zadock on marriage license
Jackson County, WV
Death Resgister

M 1830-1835 ? ?


? Amanda Campbell
b. ?
d. Aft 1859

The Jackson County, WV
Death Resgister

(click to view entry #36)
shows
Frances (Carney) Dewitt
(see below:
wife of Thomas B Dewitt)
died  Aug 1859,
age 25 years, 
as reported by her sister-in-law
Amanda Dewitt.

Was that Amanda the wife of Jadock?

There are no other known women who would have been sister-in-laws to Frances who had the name Amanda.

Also, (entry #35) Amanda was a reporter of the death of nephew Jesse Dewitt who was the son of Thomas B and Frances Carney Dewitt
(as Aunt Amanda Dewitt)
See Jesse below.


After
31 Dec 1850
Jackson
Co, VA

License
(WV
Marriage
Register
)

Comment: Such an unusual
name.  It does not seem to
fit all within the other family
names.

Information 
from Betty Briggs
bettyb23@earthlink.net
from Michael Anthony <daath@ne.infi.net>

However, ANOTHER Zadoc
is listed as a son of Lydia Dewitt Robinson, who is a sister of Thomas DeWitt. A 37 yr old Zadoc Robinson lived in Meigs Co, OH in 1870.  His 28 yr old wife was Mary J.

Also.. however... see comment on the left about death of Frances Dewitt in 1859.

And of course, see marriage license in 1850!

We just don't have proof that Zadock is a son of Thomas.


Thomas Buffington, Sr.

(photos available)

I can not find him in the 1860 census. I checked every page of the Jackson Co, VA 1860 census and he is not listed.

He may have been on his way to Missouri.  His first child with his second wife was born in 1862 in MO and since his 2nd wife was born in MO, I assume they were married in MO.

His brother Joel was living in MO in 1860.  His sister Nancy had lived in MO but died in 1857.

M 27 Mar 1832
(ref)
Wheeling,
W(VA) (ref)

1850 census lists him as born in VA.
21 Oct 1891 (ref) Selma, Fresno, CA. (ref)

buried in Mendocino Cemetery,
Selma, CA

(FindAGrave)
Frances
Carney

  b. 3 Jun 1833
  d. 31 Aug 1859
    in Jackson Co, WV
(ref)

Buried in Dewitt Cemetery,
Jackson Co, WV
(FindAGrave)

The Jackson County, WV
Death Resgister
(click to view entry #36) which
shows that
Frances Dewitt died  Aug 1859,
25 years,  as reported by her sister-in-law Amanda Dewitt.

Also, (entry #35) Amanda was a reporter of the death of nephew Jesse Dewitt who was the son of Thomas B and Frances Carney Dewitt
(as Aunt Amanda Dewitt)

Was Amanda the wife of Zadock?


dau of Jesse Carney and Sarah M. Greene who are  buried in the Harpold Cemetery, Ripley, Jackson Co, WV

She is the sister of Miriam who married Alexander C. DeWitt (see above)



22 Mar 1854 1. Alexander (ref)
  b. 22 Mar 1854
  d. ?

2. Nancy Ellen (Ely)
  b. 2 Feb 1855 in VA
  d. 5 Aug 1918 in Callaway, MO
   m. David Allen Ely
        b. 11 Dec 1854 MO
        d. 26 Sep 1933 KS
        children:
          Mary Frances
 
            b. 11 Jul 1881 MO
             d. 2 Mar 1973 KS
             m. Joseph Arthur Fleming

          Dixie
 
             b. 7 Apr 1883 MO
 
             d. 18 Apr 1958 CO
 
             m. Arch Rene Belisle

          Esther
 
             b. 10 Feb 1885 MO
 
             d. 13 Apr 1966 KS
 
             m. Thomas B Edwards

3. Jesse (ref)
    b.4 Dec 1857
    d. 26 Jul 1859
    (
The Jackson County, WV
     Death Resgister)

    buried in Dewitt Cemetery
    Muses Bottom, WV

    Jess s/o T.B. and F. Dewitt,
    d. July 26 1859, aged 1y7m22d

    FIndAGrave

  Madelain
(aka Madlain) McCullough

  b. 20 Feb 1841 in MO
  d. 6 Feb 1927 in CA
(photos available)

Living with son Thomas B
and daughter Viola
in 1900 in Selma, Fresno Co, CA

Living with son-in-law Harry Say, and daughter Mary (47),
with grandson Harry Jr (16)
in Selma, CA in 1910.

Her father was John McCullough
Her mother was Elizabeth Bell


She died in Los Angeles, CA while visiting Ella Atkins.

Buried in Mendocino Cemetery,
Selma, CA

(FindAGrave)

She is buried in Mendocino Cemetary in Selma, CA)

2 Jan 1862
in MO?

Their first child was born in 1862 in MO and since Madelain was born in MO, I assume they were married in MO.
1. Mary Elizabeth "Mamie"
    (Say)

  b. 30 Oct 1862 (ref) in MO
  d. 19 Sept 1949
  m. Harry or Henry Say

2. Luella Edith "Ella"
    (Atkins) ***

  b. 20 Mar 1864 (ref) in MO
  d. 19 Nov 1951
  m. Joseph Garnet Atkins

3. William Henry
  b. 20 Sep 1865 (ref) in MO
  d. 6 Aug 1925 (FindAGrave)
  m. Rosie Dunham

4. Oscar K.

  b. 20 Mar 1867 (ref) in MO
  d. 20 Sep 1941
  m. Rosa Agnes Sohn

5. Florence
   (Culwell/Boles)

  b. 7 Jan 1869 (ref) in MO
  d. Aft 1930
  m1. J. J. Culwell
  m2. John William Boles
        b. ?
        d. Bef 1930
   Widowed
   Florence Boles living
   with Thomas B & wife
   in 1930 in Selma, CA.

6. Viola (Pettus) ****
  b. 8 Mar 1872 (ref) in MO
  d. 20 Jun 1934
  m. Robert Milton
       Pettus
  Viola living with mother
   in Selma, Fresno Co, CA
   in 1910.

7. John Aldo
  b. 3 Feb 1874 (ref)
      in Adair Co, MO
  d. 24 Nov 1948 in Merced, CA
  m. Anna Cora McMurtrey
       b. 17 Nov 1881 in CA
       d. 29 Jan 1972 in Merced, CA
  John called Aldo in 1880, 1910
  1920 and 1930
  Lived in CA 1910-1948
  no children mentioned in
  1910-1930

8. Alta
  b. 16 Jun 1875 (ref) in MO
  d. 22 Mar 1876

9. Sharon
  b. 25 Dec 1876 (ref) in MO
  d. 3 Nov 1945
  m. Frances ?

10. Thomas Buffington
  b. 29 Jan 1880 (ref) in MO
  d. Aft 1930
  m. Anna E. Lohan
       b. Abt 1887 in CA
  Living in Fresno, CA with Anna
  in 1920.  Listed as T.B. DeWitt
   No Children.
  
  Living in Selma, Fresno Co,
  CA in 1930 with sister
  Florence Boles. No Children.

 


Comment: see his
father's website at 

Thomas Buffington, Sr.

for more details on
the entire clan.

***
Jackie Ryland is a
descendant.


****
Greg Veneklasen is a
descendant.

Lucinda


F 1832-1837
based on ages in 1860 and 1870 census
Jackson Co.
W(VA)
 Aft 1870

maybe 1870
 ? Not married Comment:
1) She is listed as idiotic in the 1860 census when she was 23.(ref)  Living with parents on 4 Aug 1860 in Murraysville, Jackson Co., WV

2) She is listed as idiotic in the 1870 census when she was 38 and living with her parents.

Henry
Sherman


(served in Jackson Co. Home
Guard=JM)
Union
Army
21--164-JM-Pvt)

Living with parents on 4 Aug 1860 in Murraysville, Jackson Co., WV
M 14 Feb
1837
Jackson Co.
VA
11 Apr 1910



at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Minnie Booth in Milan, MO

grave

(FindAGrave)

Buried Henry Cemetery, Reger, Sullivan Co. MO
Minerva Jane Milhoan
  b. 22 Nov 1842 in
      Belmont Co, OH
      (ref)
      youngest child of
      John & Elizabeth
 
    Starkey Milhoan
      (ref)
  d. 20 Jan  1929
     
buried Henry Cemetery,
      Reger, Sullivan Co. MO
    
(FindAGrave)

She was 8 in 1850 census (ref)

Minerva Milhoan's siblings were:
John
Henry
William
Peter
Phoebe
Lemuel Elizabeth
Samuel
Joshua
(ref)

also
(ref)

Thre is a  Howell Cemetery near Murraysville, WV near where all the Dewitts originated. 

The cemetery contains many Milhoans and is found on Milhoan Ridge Road.

MAP
NOTE: map says cemetery is on Murraysville Road.  It is on Milhoan Ridge Road.. not Murraysville Road.
18 Dec 1861
in Murraysville,
Jackson Co WV

(WV Marriage Resister)

husband from Jackson Co, and wife from Putnam Co


HSD Obit says 1861

Also: ref



Marriage License
12 Dec 1862
Jackson Co

(WV Marriage Resister)
1. Mary Magdalene
  b. 8 Jun 1863 (ref)
  d. 8 Oct 1865 (ref)


2. Lydia Alma
   (McClaskey)
  b. 9 Jan 1865
    in Ravenswood, 
    Jackson Co.,WV
  d. 22 Apr 1958
      in O'Fallon, IL (ref)
  m. Daniel McClaskey

3. Minnie Haggard
    (Booth)
  b. 13 Aug 1866 (ref)
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  d. 23 Jun 1928
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  m. 27 Apr 1884
  Thomas Hartley Booth (ref)

4. Armada B(elle?)
    "Mamie" or "Belle"
    Armanda or Armedia
    (Wood)
  b. 12 Apr 1868 (ref)
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  d. 17 Feb 1900
  m. Thomas Elsworth Wood
     b. 10 Mar 1863  WI
      d. 28 Jan 1950
      Kirksville, MO

5. Anna Jane
   (Hall)
  b. 9 Jul 1871
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  d. 3 Jun 1946
  m. Mandley Trussel Hall (ref)
     b. 5 Jan 1874 (ref)
     d. 27 Feb 1941

6. Thomas Henry
  (T. Hartley? see (ref))
  b. 11 Oct 1873
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  d. 1 Aug 1960
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  m. Waneta Mount Howell (ref)
  on 29 Mar 1898
  in Milan, Sullivan Co, MO (ref)
        b. 14 Aug 1878  73? (ref)
        d. 23 Oct 1952
  both buried in Oakwood Cem,
  Milan, Sullivan Co.,  MO
  Children are: (ref)
  - Grace Valetus (Lafaver)
     b. 5 Jan 1899 (ref)
  - Durward Graydon
     b. 19 May 1900 (ref)
  - Pius Paul
     b. 17 Mar 1902 d. 24 Nov 1971
  - Vernice May (McCully)
     b. 14 May 1905 (ref)
  - Thomas Wayne
     b. 27 Sept 1907
     d. Sep 1991
  - Waneta Corrine (Downing)
     b. 5 Oct 1910
     d. Aft 1920
  - Noel Kenneth
      b. 14 Mar 1913 (ref)
  -Doris Minerva (Helms/Chapman)
      b. 19 Jul 1915
      d. ?
  -Jacob (Jay) Henry
     b. 13 Nov 1918
     d. 5 Jul 1998

7. Shirley Peter
  b. 24 Nov 1875 (ref)
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  d. 12 Apr 1971
     Shatto Cem, Milan MO (ref)
  m. Abt 1898
     Mary Elixabeth
        "Lizzie" Caldwell
     b. 21 Oct 1878 (ref)
     d. Aft 1930
    - Truman
       b.
14 Mar 1913
       d. Apr 1981
    - Lyle Vinson
       b.
28 Jun 1915
       d. 7 Jul 2003
  Lived in Sullivan Co, MO in 1930

8. Leonard Joseph
  b. 14 Sep 1877
    in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  d. 15 Mar 1968
      in Nevada, MO
  m. Abt 1914
     Sadie Sarah Leach
     b. 5 Dec 1890 (ref)
     d. 11 Aug 1977
   -  Leonard Burl
        b. 1915
        d. 1916
    - Martha
        b. 1917
        d. Aft 1930
    - Josephine
        b. 1918
        d. Aft 1930
    - Dortha
        b. 1922
        d. Aft 1930
    - Bruce
        b. 1924
        d. Aft 1930
  Lived in Sullivan Co, MO in 1930

9. Emma (ref)
  b. 8 Jun 1880 (ref)
    in Sullivan Co., MO
  d. Abt 1892
    in Sullivan Co., MO
  d. Bef 11 Apr 1910
      (from HSD Obit)
  m. --

10. Ray G, (foster son)
  b. 8 Jun 1892 (ref)
      in Milan, Sullivan Co., MO
  d. 22 Feb 1960
       in Ogden, IA
  m.
4 Oct 1919
     Mildred Catherine Wilson


(from Sullivan Co History)
and
Bob's Family Genealogy
with links for
Henry Sherman and
Minerva Milhoan DeWitt

through the
Milhoan family
and Patricia Shumate Lewis'
McGlaughlin Genealogy

-----------------------

from Henry S DeWitt obit
9 children total with
3 children preceding
HSD in death:
Mary,
Emma and
Mrs. T.E. Woods

In 1870 census, this family was living next door to Jefferson Swanger and near Joseph Mairs and Zacariah Shatto.

Phoebe Ann

Living with parents on 4 Aug 1860 in Murraysville, Jackson Co., WV

Living in North Salem, Linn Co, MO on
8 Aug
1870
16 Jun 1880

Living as a widow with sons Joseph C, Willis, and Fred Larkins in 1900
in Keytesville, Chariton Co, MO

Listed as
Phebie Larkin
in 1870

Phoeba Larkins
in
1880

Phoeba Larkins
in
1900
F Jul 1842 Jackson Co.
W(VA)


1850, 1900 census lists her as born in VA.
23 Jul 1911
(ref)
Kirksville, Adair Co, MO  in Highland Park
Cemetery

(FindAGrave)
John Boles Larkins
b. Abt 1836 in PA
d. Bef 1900 MO


Several John Larkins served in the Civil war but none served in a Missouri regiment. I am not sure if he did, and if he survived.

A James Larkins family lived in Muses Bottom Jackson Co, WV in 1860.  I do not know who he is.

1880 census states both of his parents were born in PA.  He was 45 on 16 Jun 1880.

Listed as John B Larkin in 1870
census

John was previously married to Letitia McKee on 16 Dec 1854 in East Liverpool, Columbiana, OH
She died in 1856.  They had one son Elwood Oliver Larkins born in 1854.  Elwood was living with John and Phoebe (2nd wife) in 1870.

John's father was Henry Larkens and Mary Oliver.  They lived in Portland, OH in 1860
 
19 Sep 1860

in WV since they were living in WV 1 month earlier

Living in OH in 1863 when son Thomas was born.

Living in MO after 1866 in North Salem, Linn Co, in
1870 and 1880


1. Thomas B
  b. Abt 1863 in OH
  d. Aft 1910
2. John B
  b. Abt 1866 in MO
  d. Aft 1880
3. Elnora B (also Ellen in
1870)
  b. Abt 1868 in MO
  d. Aft 1880
4.
Joseph C.
  b. Aug 1868 in MO
  d. Aft 1900
5. Mary A
  b. Abt 1870 in MO
  d. Aft 1880
6. Willis
  b. Jul 1877 in MO
  d. Aft 1900
7. Effie L
  b. Abt 1879 in MO
  d. Aft 1880
8. Fred (last child)
  b. 10 Aug 1885 in MO
  d. Aft 1900

11 children at least

An unnamed son (Fred) was born 10 Aug 1885 and he was Phoebe's 11th child.  At the time they lived Kirksville, Adair Co, MO

Mr. Larkins was 49 and employed in the Fence Business

This is from the Birth Certificate Record for this son at: Ref

Comment: Marriage data from Rowley-King Genealogy
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
CONTROVERSIAL:
These people are sometimes listed as children of Thomas at (ref) (ref2)
Dallas James
(James Dallas?)
(James D?)

In 1850
Jas 6yrs old

In 1860
Dallas J 16

In 1870
James D 24

In 1880
James Dallas
30
grandson!!!

M 1844 Jackson Co.
W(VA)


1850 census lists him as born in VA.
Aft 1880

1920?

burial in
DeWitt
Cemetery
Jackson Co,
WV

(FindAGrave)

? Comment: I do not think Dallas James is a son of Thomas, but a grandson. Perhaps Dallas , son of John and Mary A (Romaine) DeWitt (see above.) 

A 15 year old Dallas is listed as living with Alexander DeWitt in 1860 census and identified as a farm laborer. A 16 year old Dallas is listed as living with Thomas in 1860 census.... Did he get counted twice at different times of the year?

Dallas J was a member of the 141st Militia on 18 Aug 1863

James D Dewitt appears in the 1870 Cenus at age 24 and living with Thomas DeWitt. 

In 1880 James D is living at age 30 with his grandmother Mary M DeWitt

From JACKSON COUNTY HOME GUARD (ref)

Thirteen companies of militia, commonly known as home guards, were organized in Jackson County for local defense during the Civil War. These companies often saw much hard and dangerous service in numerous actions against Confederate guerrillas in the area, especially the several bands known as Moccasin Rangers. In July and August 1863, they also operated against several groups of Gen. John H. Morgan's Confederate cavalrymen escaping through the county after their defeat at the Battle of Bluffington Island, Ohio, July 19, 1863. Many members of the home guards were killed or wounded in the line of duty during the war.

In the following Roster of Jackson County Home Guards, it will be noted that many men served in several companies, often simultaneously. The company of the soldier is indicated by the Captain's name in parenthesis, thus (Rowley) for Captain Joseph V. Rowley's Company. Abbreviations listed in the Roster of Jackson County Union Soldiers are also used here. Soldiers who also served in the Union army are indicated by an asterisk (*) preceding their surnames. Ages are usually taken from the 1860 Census of Jackson County.

DEWITT, Dallas J., private, 16; (Kennedy); he mustered in Murraysville, 8/18/63; mustered out 5/30/65

*DEWITT, James D., private, 16; (Kennedy); he mustered in Murraysville, 4/5/63; Volunteered Union Army, (No Date);

Kennedy refers to:
Captain George L Kennedy's Company of W. Va. State Troops, was mustered at Ripley, Ravenswood & Murraysville, August 1863 through October 1863.

analysis:  Dallas and James could be the same person.


Virginia F abt 1846-7 Jackson Co.
W(VA)

Living near grandfather
Thomas DeWitt in 1870.


no children in 1870
except Martin Morrisly
b 1858 in OH


Aft 1910
William Lagrange
b. Abt 1840 in OH
d. Aft 1910

Living in Fresno CA in 1900 with son Ima.

In 1910, William and Virginia were still living in Fresno, CA alone.
Bef 1871

Living in Bates Township, Carroll Co, MO, on 1 Jun 1880 with first two children.

since son John B was born in MO, they must have moved to MO before 1876.

Since son Ima was born in CA in 1884, they must have moved to Fresno before that date.




1. Ada Ethel
  b. Abt 1871 in WV
  d. Aft 1880

2. William C
  b. Abt 1873 in WV
  d. Aft 1880

3. John B
  b. Abt 1876 in MO
  d. Aft 1880

4. St. Clair
     b. Aft 1880
     d. Bef 1900?

5. Unknown
     b. ?
     d. Bef 1900

6. Ima
      b. Abt Jun 1884 in CA
      d. Aft 1900

Comment: Virginia shows up in the 1850 census as 4, and 14 in the 1860 census.  Her supposed mother Mary Magdalene DeWitt would have been 49 when she was born.

Jackie Ryland's family history notes includes Virginia as a daughter of John DeWitt (see above.) and provides her marriage and family information.

John C.(alvin?) 

In 1880
he is 27 and a grandson!!!

M abt 1848 Jackson Co.
W(VA)

1850 census lists him as born in VA.
Aft 1880

1930?

burial in
DeWitt
Cemetery
Jackson Co,
WV

(FindAGrave)
Did not marry.
Comment: The Jackson Co WV  1880 census states that John C. was listed as a grandson of Mary M Dewitt, surviving wife of Thomas.

Could John C, be John and Mary A (Romaine) DeWitt's son John Calvin?(see above.)

John and Mary died in 1848-1849 quite young perhaps of an infectious disease and since John Calvin was born sometime between 1844-1848, maybe John Calvin went to live with his grandparents Thomas and Magdalena DeWitt and thereby showed up as age 2 in 1850 census, 12 in the 1860 census,  20 in 1870 census and 27 in 1880 census?


Notes:


The data shown above for Thomas DeWitt have been gathered from family sources.  Another major resource is the The Jackson County Pioneers Project created by Betty Briggs.  Most of the (refs) above are linked to her website.  Information has also been gathered from the Rowley-King genealogy book that I first found in the Ravenswood, WV public library in the 1970s.  

Information about
Thomas Buffington DeWitt has been provided by Buff and Joe Huntsman and Greg Veneklasen.

Henry Sherman Obit:
Milan Standard 28 Apr 1910   (Henry Sherman DeWitt)
Obituary Henry Sherman DeWitt was born Feb 14, 1837, in Jackson Co, WV, died Apr 11,  1910 in Milan, MO at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Booth, age seventy three  years, one month, and twenty seven days...   Dec 18, 1861, he was united in married to Minerva Jane Milhoan.  To  this union were born nine children, three of whom had gone before: Mary  Magdalene, Emma, and Mrs. T.E. Woods.  There survive him his widow six  children, Mrs. Daniel McClaskey, Mrs. Hartley Booth, Mrs. Trussell Hall, Thomas  Sherley, and Leonard...
Thanks to Cheryl Gallagher for the transcription. 


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Return to DeWitt Genealogy
 

Miscellaneous Information
  • Thomas DeWitt's middle name
    • The nice thing about an internet website like this is that a large number of people read it and compare it to their research.  And sometimes they challenge you to re-examine your beliefs as seen in # 1 and #3 above.  A much less profound issue is my claim that Thomas DeWitt had a middle name of Hartley.  In previous versions of this Ancestry I have included this middle name.  Over the last few years at least two seasoned researchers have asked about my source for the name as it does not show up on any public records or his gravestone.  So I checked through 20 years of "stuff" and came to the conclusion that since about 1981 I have been using this middle name based only upon some family records passed on to me by Jackie Ryland (great granddaughter of Thomas Buffington DeWitt) . In July 1981 she passed to me information that had been written on a roll of butchers paper by Ella Atkins and Florence Boles (daughters of Thomas Buffington DeWitt)) in the late 1940's to early 1950's. As I examined my notes taken in Ravenswood, WV near the Dewitt Cemetery where Thomas Dewitt is buried, I found that in the 1840 Census of Jackson County, WV, a Thomas Hartley lived near Thomas Dewitt.  Perhaps this is the source of the Hartley name that somehow became inserted into Thomas Dewitt's name. .... Anyway, since this sort of thing sends out disturbing vibrations throughout the genealogical researcher world, I am withdrawing the Hartley middle name until something more reliable shows up. A Hartley genealogy can be found here: HARTLEY but I do not see a Thomas Hartley who lived in Thomas Dewitt's area in 1840.

    • New Note: 11/9/01:  In the The Jackson County Pioneers Project created by Betty Briggs, I have found that she also refers to Thomas DeWitt as Thomas Hartley DeWitt.  SO I have requested any information as to her source.  She has also posted this information in the database at the Church of Latter Day Saints: HARTLEY
    • New Note: 7/25/03: 
      • A Thomas Hartley married Susan Carder in Jackson Co. WV.  This was found in the Pioneers of Jackson County - Part 6: LOWER SANDY VALLEY.  (Do a Find for Carder Family and the Hartley Family) .  He lived in this area in the 1840s-1860s.  There is no mention of interactions between Thomas Hartley and John DeWitt.
      • There is another Thomas Hartley person named Thomas Hartley Booth.  He married a daughter of Henry Sherman DeWitt, a son of Thomas DeWitt.  Perhaps this is a source of confusion?
      • IF Thomas had a middle name of Hartley, he would have been named that in Pennsylvania when his father John DeWitt lived near the Culbertsons.  So looking in West Virginia for a reason to give Thomas a middle name of Hartley is inappropriate.  However looking in WV for the source of confusion isnt, since most of the known history of John DeWitt and Thomas DeWitt comes from the WV records.


Life and Times of Thomas DeWitt
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  • Inaccurate published information:
    • The following was published in the History of Adair, Sullivan, Putnam and Schuyler Counties of Missouri, 1888. page 794.   From the History of Sullivan County, Missouri Vol. II
      • Joel DeWitt, M.D., a resident of Bowman Township, was born in Jackson County, W. Va., in 1816, and is the son of Thomas and Mary M. Buffington DeWitt.  The father was of French origin, born in Pennsylvania in 1780, and a farmer by occupation.  At the age of sixteen he left the Keystone state and went to Jackson County, W. Va. where he spent his last days, dying in 1862.
    • Commentary: As far as I can tell the 1780 and 1862 dates are inaccurate.  I have seen the French origins reference in several family typed histories.  Could this be the source of the French origins idea?  The age of 16 concept for him moving to VA, would put him moving around 1805, assuming he was actually born in 1789. 
  • 1789:
    • Thomas DeWitt is born to John and Nancy DeWitt in Pennsylvania.  (Maybe not... see below.)
  • 1790:
    • In the 1790 census for Westmoreland Co, PA in Hempfield Township, John Culbertson and a John Dewit were listed next to each other which I assume means they lived next to each other. (Westmoreland Co, is county 11 below.)  The date was 14 April 1790.  So I guess what had happened is that John DeWitt fell in love with Nancy Culbertson, and married her. Then they settled down in the house next to her father. John DeWitt was listed as living with one female who we can assume was Nancy.  If the date was 14 April, 1790,  and their first son Thomas is said to have been born in 1789, why was he not listed as an infant when the census was taken in 1790?   Perhaps Thomas was not born in 1789?  There is obviously more to the story than was passed down through the years. (Click on Culbertson to see my new CulbertsonAncestry website.)
    • 1790 Map of Pennsylvania Counties:
      • County 13 is Fayette Co., county 12 is Washington Co., county 11 is Westmoreland Co.  and county 9 is Bedford Co.
1790 Pa Co Map

  • 1805:
    • Thomas moves to Virginia with his parents according to him moving when he was 16, assuming he was born in 1789.... however... see below.
  • 1807:
    • The first settler at Muse's Bottom, Virginia, was John DeWitt (some of the old settlers pronounce it Doo-it), who built the first cabin, in 1807. (from "Pioneers of Jackson County", by John House, where it appears in the Section "Lower Sandy Valley".) 
    • (Across the river in Ohio, there is also a DeWitt Creek across from Muses Bottom. (Did you see DeWitt Cemetery ?... It was not used for a few more years.))
  • 1810:
    • Thomas is living with his parents in Mason Co., VA... maybe... see below:
    • A John Dewit shows up in the 1810 census of Mason Co., VA (which later became Jackson Co, VA and then in 1863... West Virginia.) with the following household mix:
1810 censusClick to see entire record for John
    • Note: If you try to find John Dewit in the ancestry.com 1810 census database, they have him cataloged as John Dinet.  On 4/14/04 I requested that they fix this error.
    • From the Mason Co, VA 1810 Census
      |FREE WHITE MALES |FREE WHITE FEMALES
      | 10 16 26 | 10 16 26
      Head of Household |to to to to 45 |to to to to 45
      PG# LN# LAST NAME FIRST NAME |10 16 26 44 up |10 16 26 45 up
      377A 6 Buffington Joel . 2 . 1 1 . 1 1 1 1
      377A 7 Buffington Abraham 2 . . 1 . 2 . . 1 .
      377A 8 Buffington Jacob 2 . . 1 . 1 . . 1 .
      377A 20 Dewit John . 1 1 1 . 2 1 . 1 .
      • males:
        • (10-16): 1,
        • (16-26): 1,
        • (26-45): 1 and
      • females:
        • (0-10): 2,
        • (10-16): 1,
        • (26-45): 1 
      • (Would this be: males: John, Jr, Thomas, John Sr. and females: Lydia & Nancy E.., Margaret or Martha, and mother Nancy??   It seems that one son, and two daughters are not present because by 1810 the following sons had been born: Thomas, John Jr., Alexander C., and the daughters: Margaret, Martha, Lydia, Nancy, Charlotte.)
      • Note also that in the same area, Jacob and Abraham Buffington were living along with their father Joel Buffington.  Of course, Jacob and Abraham's sister, Magdalena, married John Dewitt's first son Thomas Dewitt.
    • Again by 1810, Virginia's counties had moved around.

1810wvmap

  • 1820:
    • by 1820, Virginia's counties had moved around.
1820wvmap
  • In 1820, three Dewitt families are found in the Mason Co, VA census.
1820
  • Who are Thomas and John Duett? 
    • This John is probably not our John because John Dewitt has been listed as dying on 14 Jan 1820 which would have been before this census.
    • Thomas above is probably our John's first son Thomas (1789-1879) who would have been 31 in 1820.  By 1820 he had had one son Joel (b 1816) and two daughters Nancy (b 1814) and Lydia (b 1819).  His wife Mary Buffington would have been 23 in 1820.  There are discrepancies with their family status and the census listing.  Thomas should have been listed in the 4th column, not the 5th.  There is another female in the 16 to 26 range, but that could have been household staff or visiting niece?
    • John above is probably John's son John (1792-1840). John Jr. would have been 28 in 1820.  He married Catherine Derenberger in 1818 in Wood Co, Va which is the county north of Mason Co.  It is somewhat confusing to see that another male and female in the same age range were living with him, but that could be staff or relatives as is often seen later in the century when names are included in census records.
    • Also in Mason Co, was Nancy (Culbertson) Dewitt who would be the widow of John Dewitt, Sr., who died on 14 Jan 1820 and of course the mother of Thomas and John, Jr.
1820 Nancy
                                       |FREE WHITE MALES       |FREE WHITE FEMALES
| 10 16 16 26 | 10 16 26
Head of Household |to to to to to 45 |to to to to 45
LAST NAME FIRST NAME |10 16 18 26 44 up |10 16 26 45 up
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Duett Thomas |1 . . 1 . . |2 . 2 . .
Duett John |. . . 2 . . |. . 2 . .
Duett Nancy |. 1 . 1 . . |. 1 1 1 1



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  • 1830
    • Thomas Duett is listed with 4 male children and 2 female children along with a wife less than 40 and himself older than 40, living in Mason Co, VA.  A John Duett is also listed.
       
                                 |       MALES                            |       FEMALES
                                 |      of 5   of 10  of 15  of 20  of 30 |       of 5   of 10  of 15  of 20  of 30
        Head of Household        |under under  under  under  under  under | under under  under  under  under  under
        FIRST NAME LAST NAME     | 5      10    15     20     30     40  
|   5    10     15     20     30     40
       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         John     Duett         
| -       1     1      -      2      1   |   -     -      1      -      -      1
         Thomas   Duett         
| 2       1     1      -      -      1   |   -     1      1      -      1      -
1830 census
    • The Thomas Duett males could be: Joel(<15), John (<10), Culbertson (<5) and Alexander (<5) plus Thomas (but he should be 40 to 41 if born in 1789.)
    • The Thomas Duett females could be: Nancy (<10), Lydia (<15), and Magdaline (<40)
    • Who is John Duett?   Probably Thomas's younger brother John who would be 38, but this shows 5 children living with he and his wife, Catherine Derenberger.  The problem is that they supposedly had no children (See Children of John Dewitt, Sr.) but they could be staff or relatives as is often seen later in the century when names are included in census records.
  • 1831:
    • On March 1, 1831, the General Assembly of Virginia granted a petition requesting the formation of a new county including rich and fertile lands from Kanawha, Mason and Wood counties occupied at the time by some 3,500 settlers. The new county was named Jackson in honor of then President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. (From Jackson County History page)
  • 1835:
    • Property Sale: 8 Aug 1835 Jackson County, Virginia (ref)
      • At this time, Magdalena Buffington Dewitt sold her share of Buffington Island that she inherited when her father died 17 Mar 1821.  He left equal shares of Buffington Island to his children and in 1835 they all sold their shares to sibling Joseph iby 1835.
        • Originally called Amberson's Island before 1797. In November of 1797 th e island was purchased by Joel Buffington from John Pearce Duvall of Mason Co., KY. By 1807 Buffington Island was becoming the predominant name for the island. Joel died in 1821 and he left his estate to all of his children includin g Magdalena Buffington DeWitt. Magdalena's brother Joseph, began to purchase his siblings shares in th e island and by 1835 he owned the island but then Joseph and his wife Chloe Harvey Buffington sold the island to James Williamson of Jackson Co., for $2,300. [REF]
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  • 1840:  Jackson Co, Virginia
1840

  • Thomas Dewitt (40-50) with wife (40-50), and daughter (<5: Lucinda), and additional males
    • 1 each: (30-40: ?)  (20-30: Joel?)   (15-20: John?)   (10-15: Culberson? or Alexander?) and
    • 2 each (5-10: Thomas Buffington and Jaddock?) and (<5: Henry Sherman)
  • A complete listing of the Jackson county census in 1840 can be found at: LISTING
  • In 1840, Virginia counties:
1840 wvmaps
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  • 1850
    • Thomas DeWitt and family in Jackson Co, Virginia (West Virginia now) in the 1850 census



Note: Son Alexander also living with Daniel Roolin and his wife Lydia (Dewitt who was a daughter of Thomas) on 13 Aug 1850 census in 27th Enumeration Distric of Jackson Co, VA (See below.)


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  • 1850
    • Lydia DeWitt Roolin (Rowland) and family in Jackson Co, Virginia (West Virginia now) in the 1850 census
    • (Enumeration District 27, 13 aug 1850) (Ancestry.com pg 41/144))

Rollins 1850

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  • 1860:
    • Thomas Dewitt Family in 1860 in Jackson Co, VA
    • 4 Aug 1860, page 174, Post Office: Murrysville
    • Thomas Dewitt (65), Magdelena (62), Lucinda (23), Henry (22), Phoebe A. (18), Dallas (16)*, Virginia (14)*, John C. (12)*--- Note:  Dallas living with Alexander DeWitt (below) in June of same year.
    • * These are not children, ... they are grandchildren.  They are children  of John and Mary Romaine DeWitt who died just before 1850.
    • This family was living near Lydia Robinson, who was Thomas's sister.

1860
See note below Alexander about other male Dewitts in 1860


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  • 1860:
    • Alexander (33) and Mariam (31) Dewitt Family in 1860
    • 23 Jun 1860 in Jackson Co, VA
    • listed as Alex Dewill in ancestry.com
    • living with in-laws Jesse (54) and Sarah (54) Carney
    • Children: Theodore (8), Thomas (4), Nancy E (2) and nephew Dallas (15) (son of John DeWitt and Mary Romaine)

alex


NOTE: I can not find any other male DeWitt's other than the Thomas and Alexander Dewitt families in Jackson
County, Virginia in 1860. 
  Thomas' daughter Nancy (Lauck) died in MO in 1857. 
  Thomas' son Joel was living in MO. 
  Thomas' daughter Lydia (Rowland) has not been found in 1860.
  +++++ still seeking info.
  Thomas' sons John had died in VA in 1849.
  Thomas' sons Culberson had died in VA in 1844. 
  Thomas' sons Alexander was living with his family in Jackson Co, VA. (See above)
  Thomas' son Thomas Buffington has not been found in 1860 in VA or elsewhere.  +++++ still seeking info.
  Thomas' daughter Lucinda (never married) was living with parents in Jackson Co, VA.
  Thomas' son Henry Sherman was living with parents in Jackson Co, VA.
  Thomas' daughter Phoebe (Larkins) was living with parents in Jackson Co, VA.

Children of John and Magdalena Buffington Dewitt
  All of Thomas's brothers (Alexander (1825) and John(1840)) had died by 1860.
    (Alexander and John had no children.)
     Thomas' sister Margaret (Rardin) had died in Jackson Co, VA about 1823.
     Thomas' sister Martha (Rardin) was living with her family in Jackson Co, VA
     Thomas' sister Nancy (Sherman) had died in Jackson Co, VA about 1834-38.
     Thomas' sister Lydia (Robinson) was living with her family in Jackson Co, VA
     Thomas' sister Charlotte (Hall) was living with her family in Jackson Co, VA
     Thomas' sister Phoebe (Sherman) was living with her family in Jackson Co, VA





 

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  • 1870:
    • Thomas (78) and Magdaline (74) DeWitt Family in 1870 in Grant District, in Jackson Co., WV
    • 18 Aug 1870, page No. 6, Post Office: Jackson Court House,
    • Children: Lucinda (38) and James D (24) * and John C (20)* -- * These are not children, ... they are grandchildren.  They are children  of John and Mary Romaine DeWitt who died in 1850.
    • Living next door was John D. Robinson and Lydia Barrows Robinson.  John's mother was Lydia DeWitt Robinson, wife of John Robinson, She was a sister of Thomas DeWitt.

1870
The big land owners in 1870 in this area according to the 1870 census were:
(You can see most of these people on the Enlargement Map below! 
Follow the road through Muse Bottom from bottom to top.)
  • James Morgan (Value = $4,000)
  • Isaiah Morgan (Value = $9,000)
  • Thomas Coleman (Value = $75,000)
  • William M. Roberts (Value = $20,000)
  • Philip Polk (Value = $4,000)
  • John Robison (Value = $250)- his wife Lydia was daughter of Thomas Dewitt
  • Thomas Dewitt (Value = $15,000)
  • Philip Williams (Value - not given)
  • Jacob Howell (Value = $11,000)

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Below is a map from 1877 that shows where Thomas and  his family lived just north of Muses Bottom, WV in 1877.
(Click on the image to see a BIG view.)
This map was obtained from: David Rumsey Map Collection
1877

Thomas Dewitt, in the enlargement map would be our Thomas Dewitt.  It is not clear who T. Dewitt was.
  • Thomas had a son Thomas Buffington DeWitt (1832-1891) but he was living in Sullivan Co, MO in 1870 with his second wife Madelain McCullough.
  • Thomas had a son Alexander DeWitt (1827-1874) who had a son Theodore DeWitt (1852-1914) but Theodore was living further south in Ripley, WV in 1880. However, he COULD have been living next to Thomas DeWitt when this map was created in 1875?  In 1870 Alexander was alive and the family including Theodore lived in Mill Creek Township, WV (see immediately below).  When Alexander DeWitt died in 1874, it is not clear what the family did. 
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  • 1880:
    • Later in 1880 the direct neigbors to Thomas DeWitt's wife Mary are shown below and were
      • Philip D. Williams (on map above)
      • John Polk (living in T. Dewitt home?) --- or could be living with father-in-law Philip Williams, and the T Dewitt house could be abandoned?
      • Mary DeWitt
      • John Brandywine (not on map)
      • Phillip Polk (on map) [He is father of John Polk above.]
      • William M. Roberts (on map)
1880 neighbors
You can see the area in the 1877 map above, today at Yahoo Maps: MusesBottom.
or in the section below about Dewitt Cemetery: Cemetery



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  • 1870:
    • Alexander (41) and Miriam (39) Dewitt Family in 1870
    • 7 Jul 1870 in Mill Creek Township, Jackson Co, WV
    • Children: Theodore (18), Thomas (13), Magdalene (9), Frances (5), Geneva (1)

alex

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  • 1870:
    • John B Larkin (33) and Phebie (28) (Dewitt) Family in 1870
    • 8 Aug 1870 in North Salem, Linn Co, MO
    • Children: Elwood? (16)- (he is son from first marriage), Thomas (7), John B. (5), Ellen (3), Joseph (1)


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  • 1920:
    • Wade H DeWitt (29) [grandson of Alexander C Dewitt] and wife Esther (29)
    • 24 Feb 1920 in Royal Oak Township, Oakland Co, MI
    • next door was
      • widowed Mary DeWitt (52)
      • with daughter Myrtle (27), son John (18) and daughter Faye (16)
      • Note: the children are consistent with Mary being Mary Dewitt, wife of Theodore DeWitt [son of Alexander Dewitt]
    • What is amazing here, is that the author of this website, Donald DeWitt, grew up a a mile away from Royal Oak, MI!
1920


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  • 1900:
    • On 28 Jun 1900, James D Dewitt (44) was living with his brother John C Dewitt (42) and with their cousin Mary Roland (45) in Grant District, Jackson Co, WV
    • It appears that they are still living in the DeWitt farm.

1900


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  • 1920:
    • On 6 Jan 1920, John C Dewitt (69) was living  with his cousin Mary Roland (72) and servant Harvey Beltis (72) in Grant District (Milhoan Precinct), Jackson Co, WV
    • It appears that they are still living in the DeWitt farm.
1920 John


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  • Dewitt Cemetery grave site photos taken by Don DeWitt in 1981.
Located at the junction of Rt 2 and Murraysville Road
north of Ravenswood, Jackson Co., WV (See map below photos of graves.)
The tall grave stone in the background is the marker for Thomas DeWitt

grave1
This side of the grave stone faces away from the Ohio River.  It has Thomas' death date and
age.  (See below.)  (Photo take April 1981.)

A closer view of Thomas Dewitt grave marker.
grave
This side with DEWITT at the base faces the Ohio River.
(Photo take April 1981.)


There was actually nothing on this side other than the
DEWITT on the second base. 
There is a poem on the side to her left.
(Photo take April 1981.)
Not a prayer....
just trying to read lichen encrusted,
100 year weathered inscriptions!


tombstone inscription:

"THOMAS DEWITT
DIED
MARCH 16 1879
AGED
90 YEARS"


(Photo take April 1981.)

On the side to the right of the view above
is found the following poem:


Death data side.
(See photo at left.)
(Photo take April 1981.)
2008 data poem side

Forget not the dead
Who have loved, who have left
Who bend o'er us now
From their bright homes above
But believe never doubt
That God who bereft us
Permits them to mingle
With friends they stil love
Repeat their fond words
All their noble deeds cherish
Speak pleasantly of those
Who left us in tears
Other jobs may be lost
But the names shall not perish
While time bears our feet
Through the valley of years.

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Where is this cemetery?
(Cemetery Map) See FindAGrave.com website for this grave.

At the junction of Rt 2 and Murraysville Road
north of Ravenswood near Muses Bottom, Jackson Co., WV

map
(Topozone is now part of Trails.com)

Across the Ohio River in Ohio, there is a DeWitt Run (a creek). 
I wonder who this creek was named after?  Probably Thomas or his father John.

map
(Topozone is now part of Trails.com)


Satellite view: YahooMaps 

You can also see an 1877 map of the area above: 1877

See FindAGrave.com website for this grave.

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1880

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Return to top Theodore
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  • 1900:
    • Phoeba DeWitt Larkins Family in 1900.
    • 20 Jun 1900, Keytesville Twnshp, Chariton Co, MO
    • Phoeba (57) (head and widowed), and sons: Joseph C (31) Willis (22), and Fred (14)


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BUFFINGTON ISLAND INFORMATION

  • In addition, the neighboring county across the Ohio River is Meigs County where the Buffington clan lived.
    • The Meigs County Genealogy website is found here: MEIGS
    • Buffington Island History:
      • Originally called Amberson's Island before 1797.  In November of 1797 the island was purchased by Joel Buffington from John Pearce Duvall of Mason Co., KY.  By 1807 Buffington Island was becoming the predominant name for the island.  Joel died in 1821 and he left his estate to all of his children including Magdalena Buffington DeWitt.  Magdalena's brother Joseph, began to purchase his siblings shares in the island and by 1835 he owned the island but then Joseph and his wife Chloe Harvey Buffington sold the island to James Williamson of Jackson Co., for $2,300.  The really exciting history about the island occured during the Civil War in 1863 when the Confederate general, John Hunt Morgan battled with the Union forces in the area in Ohio around the island. (Ref: Buffington Island by Sue Proctor Miller, Jackson County History Vol 13, No. 1, Jan 1981.)
      • Buffington Island Monument
    • Buffinton Island
    • Heidelberg College Archaeological Project about Buffington Island Battlefield
  • "According to Joel Buffington's gravestone record he was born ca 1744.
    He was born in Virginia and married Elizabeth Logan ca 1772. She was
    affectionately known as Lady Buffington. They had 9 children."
    "Joel lived in Hampshire Co., VA during the Revolutionary War. During
    the War he spent 7 hears hauling freight between Virginia and
    Baltimore. Since Joel was a Quaker and did not endorse participating in
    combat this was his way of assisting in the war effort. Joel and
    Elizabeth were still in Hampshire Co. as late as 26 June 1792 as
    evidenced by a deed for 150 acres on Abraham Creek on Allegheny Mountain
    to William Vandiver. They were " of Hampshire Co". They also sold land
    there to John Johnston which was recorder 18 May 1795. It may be that
    about this time they moved on westward. Probably the inheritance of
    land from their father urged them on to the Ohio River area. Joel is
    listed in the History of Meigs Co., OH, as being among the first
    settlers of Sterling Bottom at Portland, OH. He became a large land
    owner, not only because of his inheritance, but also in his own right.
    HE purchased an island of 150 acres of fertile land in the Ohio River
    from the Duvals in 1787, so he must have visited this part of the
    country before he moved his family. This buying of the island was
    hailed as a "considerable transaction". It was thereafter called
    Buffington Island, a name which clings to it today. It is located a few
    miles above Ravenswood, WV, near Sherman. The land in the vicinity of
    the Island along the Ohio shore was called "Buffington Fields", and
    there was a boat landing named Buffinton. The Island became a gracious
    home for the Buffington family for 50 years." (ref)
  • Buffington Island Battlefield Park (ref) (ref2)
  • The Battle of Buffington Island in the Civil War
  • Battle information: REF
  • Location of Park: PARK
  • The Longest Raid of the Civil War book about the battle on Buffington Island by Lester V. Horwitz (Info)
  • book



Mairs information from the Seitz geneology website
also: Benjamin Mairs
and Joseph Mairs

Return to DeWitt Genealogy

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