Keech - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Margaret A Keech

gdpreece1 — 2012-05-14 10:23:55Z

Leslie from Canada/Brian.
Cannot open your message re my post about my lost cousin MargaRET .can you resend direct yo my e add which is gdpreece@btinternet.com
Thanks Graham

Re: Margaret A Keech

gdpreece1 — 2012-05-12 15:37:21Z

Thanks for that conformation, all I need now is for info as to where the family is now, which I hope will come from The post. We children from her uncles marriage just have no idea why contact was lost all those years ago and would love to find Margaret.

Re: Keech family from Bridport, Dorset

almbertclay — 2012-05-12 05:43:50Z

this is Bert Clayton

Anyone researching The KEECH line.

Bert Clayton

Re: Margaret A Keech

DJKeetch — 2012-05-11 20:27:35Z

The marriage between Margaret A Keech and George Evans was registered Q2 1962 at Bedwelty RD

Margaret A Keech

gdpreece1 — 2012-05-11 18:56:30Z

Looking for lost cousin Margaret Evans née Keech.. Born 1937 in Souyh Wales Married a George?Evans in 1962.Her mother was Ada, née Preece,
Born 1900.

Need contact info for Nora & Kevin

pmsnds — 2012-04-13 01:25:46Z

Nora & Kevin both have researched Keech family for years. I no longer have either's email. I would like to touch base with both again.
My email is pmsnds@ bellsouth.net

Re: Keech- Oersh

pmsnds — 2012-04-11 02:25:52Z

Contact me Sally, I'd like to go over "our family". Hopefully you're on the Keech email. Frank is my GG grandfatjer.
I'm stuck on Franks wife Margurete which I've found with many spellings. On top of that the marriage license is Maggie. Her maiden name Oersh. Her family is from Switzerland.

Re: Keech's in Michigan from the LDS 1880 Census Index

PamBaar — 2012-04-09 20:42:53Z

I have after a break of quite a few years decided to start putting some of this together again. I see in the 1930 Census that Margurete or Marguerite Keech (Oersh) is from Germany as both her parents are . I've done some searching and haven't found anything. I can't even bring up anything with last name of Oersh. I've seen information that she was born 1/21/1879 and immigrated 1891.

Re: Looking for UK Keeches

VivienParsons — 2012-03-07 15:03:57Z

Hi, I have just picked up your message. My 4 x great grandfather William Fowles married a Susan Keetch on 10 Mar 1808 in Newchurch, Isle of Wight. Without going there, it is going to be difficult to get any further back, but I wondered if you had had any success with your research on the family?

Many thanks

Vivien

Re: Sarah Keech and Barnabas Douglass

bdoug44 — 2012-02-23 20:24:11Z

thanx jody you are exactly right

Re: Sarah Keech and Barnabas Douglass

bdoug44 — 2012-02-23 20:21:36Z

also my five great grandfather barnabus douglass was married to a susquehannock squaw indian. don't know her indian name or her americanized name, either.....eddie anderson family has our copy of the family tree, which goes back that far..uncle terry douglas loaned it out and never got it back. also we come from the lloyd line. still don't know if we are from red or black douglasses.....

Re: Sarah Keech and Barnabas Douglass

bdoug44 — 2012-02-23 20:02:07Z

the old john douglas farm encompasses the original douglass cemetary known in america, whom i am a descendant. i have visited this cemetary three times in my life. have pictures on disc. uniontown, pennsylvania. lasy date is 1676, first dates are from the indian slabs at the front of the cemetary. the largest kfour-way keystone marker is since missing....i think it's cambria or centre county...there were 4 barnabus's, i believe,....

Re: Keech's from PA

johnnyach — 2012-02-11 20:37:44Z

I am also interested to find out more on the history of the keech family in the coatesville area, Ray keech would have been my great uncle, brother of harvey lee keech sr. My name is jonathan keech of coatesville pa.

Joshua Keech at Cattaraugus County, New York

NJMcLean — 2011-10-24 03:51:28Z

Martha J. Dunbar was married to a Joshua Keech in Cattaraugus County, New York about 1880-1885. Joshua was born about 1852-1853. Martha was the daughter of Selah Dunbar and Sophronia Stocking, from East Otto.

Martha left Joshua about 1897, had resided at Napoli. She died at Mansfield in 1937. Joshua was still alive in 1920, living with married son Fay Keech at Hinsdale, Cattaraugus County, NYS.

Joshua and Martha had five sons and one daughter- Fay Keech born 1885; Charles born 1887; Robert born 1889; Frank born 1892; Arthur born 1897, and Gladys born 1895.

Who were Joshua's parents? I am totally stumped.

I have other Keech's from Cattaraugus County but can find no connection to Joshua.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks from Nora

Mary Keech - Pennsylvania

RandallMcDaniel44 — 2011-09-25 21:42:37Z

I recently purchased some old paper items. One of the items is a receipt for a purchase of a cemetery lot in the Cemetery of the Merion Hall and Cemetery Association in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. Mary Keech made the purchase on December 7, 1903.

If this is one of your ancestors, please contact me.

Randy
Webster, Texas

Re: Sarah Keech and Barnabas Douglass

jodyromero1 — 2011-07-24 21:42:54Z

Rich,

I have information regarding that family. Sarah and Barnabas had six children and lived out their lives in western Pennsylvania near the town of Cherry Tree in what is now Indiana County.

There children were: John Douglas, Johnathan B. Douglas, Margaret Douglas, Barnabas Douglas, William George Douglas, and Mary Douglas.

I hope this information is helpful to you. I would be happy to see what information you have gained as well.

Jody Romero

Sarah J Ketch/Hatch (7 Sept 1835 - 17 Jul 1867) - New York

jane08823 — 2011-07-07 13:53:05Z

Looking for information about this woman, who was my great-grandmother, and her father's family. Her middle name is given as either Jane or Jemima. She married Joseph S. Lane(1835-1900)on 14 Jun 1855 in Ulster County. She gave birth to son Albert Lane in 1858, her only child. I know that her mother's name was Phoebe Van Benschoten and her father was Daniel Ketch/Hatch. He was born around 1800 and died at a young age, about in 1840. I know nothing about the family he came from, but assume they were living in NY in the early 1800's.

Re: Sarah Jane Keech (abt 1837 - abt 1867) - New York State

jane08823 — 2011-04-06 13:53:10Z

Dylan,

Just yesterday I finally found more information about Sarah Jane Keech. Turns out her last name was at least sometimes given as Hatch. I've updated the information in my Every or Avery/Lane family tree. If you have trouble accessing it, let me know and I'll send you a new invitation.

Your cousin Jane

Re: Keech / Keach

Joyce_Hummel40 — 2011-03-25 21:35:06Z

Yes, that is what I have. I have that Thomas Ham and Rebecca had 8 children, George B., Jonathan G., James, Cynthia, Thomas, Betsy, Polly, and Rebecca Ham.

Re: Keech / Keach

KellyMatthewSmith — 2011-03-25 19:11:50Z

Hi - Do you know who Thomas Ham's mother and father are? I am trying to build a Ham family tree and can't place him. In the marriage record to Lucy it refers to him as "Junior" so would he be the son of Thomas and Rebecca(unknown)Ham, parents of Jonathan G. Ham? Please let me know and if you have any other information on the Hams I would appreciate it. I am related to Emma Louella (Ham) Smith. Thanks. KMS

Re: Alfred B. Keech in New York, Michigan, Oklahoma and Wisconsin-

tenabhood — 2010-12-26 23:46:58Z

MY GRAND FATHER WAS ALFRED C. KEECH, HE MARRIED CAROLINE
RATHABER

Keech Indian??

scott3471 — 2010-11-14 05:08:35Z

Anybody have any evidence of a Keech member who had Indian blood???

William Keech, born in PA, lived in CT

maggi258 — 2010-09-07 01:54:58Z

Hello,

I am looking for more information on William Keech, who was born in PA abt 1864. He married Elizabeth B Robertson from Baltimore, MD in abt 1895 and they had 2 children, Elizabeth and Mabel, both born in CT.

William appears on the 1900 census with his family, but is not with them on the 1910 census, however his wife Elizabeth is still listed as married. Elizabeth is listed as a widow on the 1920 census and she is residing in PA.

Any additional info is much appreciated!

Thank you,
Laura

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

marilynmartin3478 — 2010-07-17 02:56:42Z

The bible was the property of the Darwin Barker Library, Freedonia, N.Y. I got a copy of the Keech page from NEHGS, New England Ancestors.org in Boston, Mass. NEHGS is online and will reprint anything you want for a fee. Oh, by the way, the original Abraham Keech in N.Y. was born in Smithfield, R.I.-from an obit in early American
newspapers. Glad this was a help.

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

M_MacKeachan — 2010-07-16 16:18:06Z

Do you know where Abraham Keech's bible is now ?? I would LOVE to get copies of the family data written in it !!!

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

M_MacKeachan — 2010-07-16 16:15:48Z

Thank you !!! : )

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

marilynmartin3478 — 2010-07-16 03:06:28Z

re:George,Charlotte,Mercy and Briggs-In the Abraham Keech bible, Otswego, N.Y. Charlotte Keech b Sept. 3, 1824, Mercy Keech b Sept. 6,1814 dau of Abraham and Naomi, m Wm. Armstrong, she d.Oct 29, 1858, Martha Briggs wife of Isreal Keach d. Oct 15, 1862 aged 67 yrs, Charlotte K. Stillwell d May 26, 1901......There was a George Keech who married a Charlotte in Foster, R.I. and in 1826 a Charlotte Keech was granted a divorce in R.I. Hope this helps

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

M_MacKeachan — 2010-07-15 23:57:43Z

(quote) married to Johanna Keyes who was born about 1770-1775. Johanna Keyes was the daughter of Nathan Keyes Sr. and his wife Johanna KEETCH, the latter born about 1752. Johanna is another Keech sister from the same family (daughter of 1730 George).(unquote)In the "Compendium of Early Mohawk Valley Families" by Maryly B. Penrose there is a Keetch family listed, living in Montgomery County. The head of household is listed as George KEETCH -- 3 males over the age of 16, 3 males under the age of 16 and 4 females. I bought this book several years ago because I truly believe that George Keetch who lived in the Mohawk Valley of New York and was recorded in the 1790 US Census is a major piece of the Keach/Keech/Keetch puzzle .... and just maybe I will someday be able to connect George Keetch to George Keach for sure.

As for other spelling variations and where George Keetch came from, right now it is still only a theory. But a theory that makes some sense if one considers some seemingly random coincidences. (quote) There is only one son listed for Henry Neff and his wife Johanna Keyes but I am sure there were others. The Keyes surname also shows up as Keys, Kees, Keese, Kies or Kee and was apparently originally McKee (out of Killingly, Connecticut).(unquote) Killingly, Connecticut is where my maternal grandfather was raised. Rev. Stanley Jordan KEACH (1916 - 1996) has said that our family is Scottish, but did not explain where or how. So is it a mere coincidence that there is a family named, "McKee" from the same small town where there were Keaches ? Maybe. Then again, I have seen "Mac" and "Mc" attached to vaious spelling of Keach/Keech/Keich, etc ... "Mac" is Scottish and "Mc" is Irish, although nowadays they are used interchangably.

I chose the name, "MacKeachan" because I believe that is where the connection goes. The Scottish Sept, "MacKeachan" belonged to the Clan Donald of Ranald, whose lands were on the Highland West coast ... a boat ride away from Eastern Ireland. Others may disagree or at least hold their opinion in reserve for further proof. It may take my entire lifetime to find that proof, but a have been acquiring a huge file of these "coincedences" !

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

M_MacKeachan — 2010-07-15 23:04:20Z

Where do I start ? (quote)3. Mercy Keech married to a Thornton, possibly Jeremiah of Unadilla, Mercy born about 1754, was still alive on 1850 census @ Oneonta, Otsego County, NY..,living with Edmund Marble and his wife Charlotte nee Thornton- Charlotte a daughter of Thomas Thornton and his wife Olive Keyesâ€¦I donâ€™t know how Mercyâ€™s husband was related to Thomas Thornton, could they have been brothers? Someone has posted info online that name of Thomasâ€™ mother, or Charlotteâ€™s mother was same elderly Mercy, but she was NOT mother of Thomas, she born 1754, he born 1764. I suspect her husband (Jeremiah?) and Thomas were brothers.(unquote)

I have been waiting patiently for someone to mention the name, "Charlotte" in any Keach/Keech/Keyes/Keis ...etc.. family for a clue of a connection. I do not have irrefutable proof, but I know certain things to be true: the same Keach family has been found with various spellings and there is a naming pattern. The later being why I assume that because I know of 4 generations of "George" KEACHs "George" Keech (1730 from NY) is most likely related. The furthest I have documents for that link together is George Keach (b. about 1808 or earlier) who married Almira Briggs (1811 - 1852 R.I.). When I found where Almira Briggs Keach was buried I found a "Charlotte" Keach a few headstones away, with the inscription, "Wife of George". This Charlotte Keach was born in 1782 ( and was 48 in the 1830 Cranston, R.I. Census). It is unlikely that the same George Keach that was married to Almira Briggs was also married to Charlotte ... unless George Keach lied (or forgot) about when he was born -- which is not impossible, since I have 3 different PLACES he said he was born. However, this George Keach died in 1872, so if he was born earlier than 1808 it was probably not as far back as Charlotte because that would have made him 90 years old when he died. (Again, not impossible, but unlikely).

As for "Charlotte" .... if there was a Charlotte Thornton and a Thornton married a Keech and a Keis, then somewhere at sometime there was most likely a Charlotte Keach in that same family line. So, it is possible that Charlotte Keach, "wife of George", who died in 1849 and was buried in the East Greenwich, R.I. cemetery (close to Almira Briggs Keach, 1811 - 1852 R.I), was somehow related to Charlotte Thornton.

Now I am going to read the updates on this post and most likely post again !

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

NoraMcL — 2010-07-14 03:57:29Z

My Keech's are defintely Keech's and not Keyes. All kinds of documentation back to 1830's.

Nora

Re: New info for Keech families & Others of Mohawk & Amsterdam

janineksimpson — 2010-07-14 03:51:24Z

Hello,

Could it be that your James Keech is James Keyes m Jane Thompson and daughter Margaret Kees or Keyes?
Margaret then married Ira Richhart.
I have Ira and Margaret in Indiana in my family tree.

I enjoyed your post concerning the names Keech, Kees, Keyes, McKee which is what has me wondering the above.

Re: KEECH, Isaach and Jennie, Harlen Park, Wayne, Michigan

omasan_1 — 2010-06-20 23:07:58Z

Forgot to mention, William's mother was listed as Sarah Fields on his marriage certificate, and father was Charles Shanks, except he spelled it Schenk that time.

Re: KEECH, Isaach and Jennie, Harlen Park, Wayne, Michigan

omasan_1 — 2010-06-20 23:05:23Z

That is an interesting question. I don't have a clue why they would be guardians. He is my mystery man, still trying to find out more on him, especially when he died, so far no luck.
I did find Jennie Keech on 1930 census, listed as widowed, from Canada, so wonder if Isaach died and was taken back to Canada for burial.
Will keep hunting.
Thanks for the info you sent.
Oma

Re: KEECH, Isaach and Jennie, Harlen Park, Wayne, Michigan

NoraMcL — 2010-06-20 21:55:54Z

I will bet this is Isaac Keech and his wife Jennie Price from Maidstone, Essex County, Ontario. Isaac was the son of Barton Keech 1847-1929 and Nancy Traxler 1850-1934. I wonder why they were guardians for William Charles Shanks- who was his mother? Could she have been a Keech?

Nora

KEECH, Isaach and Jennie, Harlen Park, Wayne, Michigan

omasan_1 — 2010-06-15 02:40:19Z

Seeking any information on Isaach and Jennie, who are listed as guardians for William Charles Shanks. They are listed on his Navy papers as beneficiary for his death insurance, in 1908. William Charles Shanks was my Grandfather-in-law, and having trouble finding anything on him. The last census I have is 1930 in Wayne CO, Michigan, but he isn't on the SSDI, at least haven't found him yet. Just got the info on the Keech family today, when I got his military records. Seems he was in a little trouble in Indiana, also, was in the Indiana Reformatory about 1916 for 2 to 4 years, well he fathered children in 1913, 1915, 1918 and 1920, so it must have been for the 2 years.
Any help greatly appreciated. Haven't been able to find Jennie and Isaach anywhere on census.

Re: Sarah Jane Keech (abt 1837 - abt 1867) - New York State

jane08823 — 2010-04-25 23:35:30Z

Hi Dylan,

I know who you are, though you probably don't know me. Your dad is my cousin - we are in frequent contact, we met in person last year, and he has told me about you. My father Burton was Hilda's younger brother.

To answer your question - I have followed up on all kinds of leads and have not been able to find out anything more about Sara Jane Keech. Maybe you'll have better luck.

I have your email address and will send along an invitation from this site to take a look at the Every/Lane family tree I put together. Don't feel obligated if you aren't all that interested.

Jane Lane Lowenstein

Re: Sarah Jane Keech (abt 1837 - abt 1867) - New York State

DylanAJones — 2010-04-25 22:37:04Z

Hi I also am looking for information on Sarah. Did you have any luck? Her son Albert married my great grandmother Jane Avery. Jane Avery gave birth to my grandmother Hilda Lane.

Thanks,

Dylan

Re: Looking for UK Keeches

niamhaine1 — 2010-03-27 19:09:52Z

This is an old thread, but I'm researching the Keech family in the Isle of Wight (probably Shalfleet). Respond if either of you are still there and I'll fill you in with more details.

Re: Keech children in Ontario, Canada 1902-1912

NoraMcL — 2010-02-09 14:14:45Z

Hi Mike, your grandfather was Ezra Albert Keech who died in Watertown, NYS in 1989. Ezra was married twice. Do you know the names of your father's siblings and any children that Ezra had with his second wife Dorothy Cousins?

Ezra was the son of Thomas Wesley Keech and Amarilla Hawley.

Keech men seem to be long lived, most live into their 80's and 90's. My Dad will be 84 this August.

You and I are related three ways- this comes from the Keech side plus the Hawley side. I am not sure how and why the half part- we are fourth cousins, sixth cousins, and half sixth cousins once removed.

Nora (nee Keech)

Re: Keech children in Ontario, Canada 1902-1912

MikeKeech1 — 2010-02-09 12:50:58Z

My fathers name was Donald Wesley Keech. He was born in North Bay, Ontario in 1927. That is the town next to Barrie. His mothers maiden name was Florence Cousins. Many of my relatives live in the Kingston area in athe town of Moscow. And some in Toranto-Niagara Falls area, but I never have met them.

Re: Keech family -NC

brendasbaird — 2010-01-13 06:14:30Z

I know the Keech'es on the coast of NC. They are decendents from Levi, Lorenzo and Henry. 3 brothers I was told came from England.

Re: Clarence Howard Keech

marilynmartin3478 — 2010-01-10 15:56:07Z

Thanks, Is your family tree on Ancestry? I would like to see the family names since the Keech family seems to use the same names generation after generation.

Re: Clarence Howard Keech

karrielohr — 2010-01-10 00:26:02Z

my great grandfather was a clarence keech, my fathers middle name is Howard, so there must be a connection there, any questions please email me at karrie3373@aol.com

Re: Keech children in Ontario, Canada 1902-1912

sec729 — 2009-12-31 07:22:11Z

Thanks so much. This is really exciting. You have it right -- I am Hattie's grand daughter from Donald & Thelma Coleman. All the names you mentioned are falling into place in my mind. Wiley is a new name for me.

Yes, I would like to commuicate directly; and, no, I don't know how to find your address.

Happily,
Susan

Re: Keech children in Ontario, Canada 1902-1912

sec729 — 2009-12-31 05:35:12Z

Error: Joanna's brother may have been Charlie, who was married to May. I think Edgar, Arthur, & Walter ("Weedly") were Joanna's nephews.

Re: Keech children in Ontario, Canada 1902-1912

NoraMcL — 2009-12-31 05:09:04Z

Joanna died Dec. 27, 1966 at Camden East at age 95 years. Many Keech's are very long lived, which is awesome!

You must descend through her daughter Hattie who married John Coleman? Joanna was the daughter of Wiley Keech and his second wife Harriet McMullen- Wiley has always had a very special place in my heart because I have often wondered if my own Keech ancestor (Hiram born 1856) was his son from Wiley's first marriage to Ellen surname unknown. Never any proof.

Joanna had 2 brothers and one sister: a baby boy born Dec. 18, 1873, I don't have a date of death for him, but believe he died as an infant; her sister Tressa Jane was born April 5, 1879, married Alonzo Jackson and only had one son (Paul) who died as a baby, as far as I know; Joanna's other brother was Charles Wellington Keech born Oct. 23, 1875, married Willa May Fenwick in 1899. Charles and Willa May had 3 sons and a daughter and I think in one of your messages you thought one of Charles' sons (Edgar?) was a brother to Joanna but he would have been her nephew.

Would you like to contact me directly? Do you know how to find my e address?

Thanks from Nora

Re: Keech children in Ontario, Canada 1902-1912

sec729 — 2009-12-31 04:43:37Z

My great grandmother was Johanna Keech Bell of Enterprise, Ontario. She was married to David Wilson Bell, who owned a hotel there. She had a brother, Edgar, and a sister, Tress. Their son's name was Walter and he owned a saddle shop in Enterprise. I think Granny was about 96 when she passed away in the late '70s or '80s

Re: Why Nebraska for Mahala? Why Atchison Co MO for marriage?

mcompton58 — 2009-11-18 20:40:59Z

Hi Judy,
Ok, I read your message again and I talked to my aunt last night. First I think, is that Elax Cleveland and his family, including his mother Mahala, didn't leave Missouri til 1917. I have them in the 1900 and 1910 census still in Missouri and I know my Mom Wilma Edith who was born in 1918 was the first child born in Nebraska. The 1920 census actually shows her as William E., but if you look at the original it's very smudged. Elax's brother Jimmie is shown as Jimmie G. in the Missouri 1910 census with his mother Mahalie and his wife Bertha in Jefferson, Cedar Co.

After talking to my aunt and refreshing my memory, no one remembers why Elax moved to Nebraska.By the time they moved, his father and his older brother had both died. Mahala was living with Elax's younger brother James Daniel (Uncle Jimmy to us) with his wife Bertha in Missouri.

It actually appears that Elax and Jimmy and their families moved to Nebraska at the same time. The 1920 census shows Jimmie and his wife Bertha renting in Elmwood, Cass, Nebraska. Mahala by that time is living with Elax and his family in Humansville, perhaps because Jimmy was in a rented house or maybe even rooms.I'll check in my original research material for the property info in Missouri. That might give us more clues.

My aunt had no memory of why James Daniel would be in northern Missouri, but could only remember the family story that he rode with Quantril's raiders in the Civil War. I'll check more and get back to you again.
Marilyn

Re: Why Nebraska for Mahala? Why Atchison Co MO for marriage?

mcompton58 — 2009-11-17 20:54:03Z

Hi Judy,
I'm so glad you're planning a research trip! When do you plan to go? I have some info that a researcher did for me in Missouri on James Daniel. I think I've shared all or most of it already, but if you think any of it would be of use I'll forward copies to you. You can email me at mgalecompton@comcast.net and we'll connect.

I'm trying to remember what my grandmother (Elax's wife) said about moving to Nebraska, but all that comes to mind is that Elax, Amanda (grandma), the older children born in Missouri, and Elax's mother Mahala Catherine (Trent) left Missouri and moved to Nebraska. I know the farm in Missouri was deeded to James Daniel's oldest son when he was just a child, so whether there was a falling out or whether the one farm wasn't big enough to support two families, I'm not sure. My Mom's younger sister (Elax's youngest child) is still very active so I plan to call her tonight and see if she remembers anything else.I had planned to visit her before the end of the year to hear more "stories" since she's probably the only one left who might remember. My Grandmother didn't speak much of Elax's family. I got the impression that something "not quite right" had happened that she didn't approve of. Perhaps James Daniel's divorce or lack of? She did hint of James Daniel's having a family before he married Mahala. Mahala was quite ill for years after they moved to Nebraska and I don't think my Grandmother was as patient or nice as she could have been. Of course she had no choice about her mother in law living with her either.
Anyway, more later and I will talk with my aunt and go over the rest of my notes and let you know. Also, you mentioned an article/booklet on the Trents, can you let me know what that is and if it's available anywhere?

Marilyn

Why Nebraska for Mahala? Why Atchison Co MO for marriage?

WALLING — 2009-11-15 10:04:03Z

Hi, Marilyn --
I would love the chance to just chat with you. But in the meantime, could you answer these questions for me. This is in the context of my trying to find a divorce record for Clarissa and Daniel Keech.

Now Mahala and Daniel were married in July 1865 in Atchison Co, MO. I have no idea why Daniel would have been in that part of Missouri.

I know that even by 1900 Mahala and her sons, including Elax Eleveland, were in Cass County, Nebraska. Do you know why they were in Nebraska, i.e., why did they leave Missouri? And more important, why did they go to Cass County, Nebraska? In the 1900 census, Mahala is in Cass County, NE in a 3 person HH (consisting of her and teenage sons Cleveland and James). Do you know how soon after Daniel died that Mahala and her children left for Nebraska?

My mom and sister and I are going to go on a genealogy jaunt to try to find the divorce record of Clarissa and Daniel. I'm trying to figure out how and where Daniel and Mahala met so that I can try to figure out where Daniel might have been divorced. Of course this assumes that he and Clarissa were actually divorced!

I believe that John Trent (father of Mahala) got married for either the 2d or 3d time in 1864 in Putnam County, Missouri, but that's way up in the northern tier of Missouri but considerably east of Atchison County where Mahala and Daniel got married a year later.

The article/booklet I read on the Trents states, "Unfortunately, the Civil War crossed the lower portion of Missouri and the upper portion of Arkansas with a vengence. John Trent led his family to safety from the fighting although this trek northward in winter weather was full of hardships. For three years, Jesse [Trent, son of John] and [Jesse's wife] Louisa were in Nebraska while John Trent and the younger children were in Iowa with his daughter and son-in-law, Linnie and Salem Fine. It was during this time that he [John Trent] met Sarah Ann Johnson in Putnam County, Missouri. The couple married 8 March 1864 and John returned to live in Missouri. Although Linnie and Salem Fine returned to the Southwest Missouri - Northwest Arkansas area, John and Sarah Trent went to Cedar County, Missouri as did Jesse and Louisa Trent. . . ."

If you look at a map, you can see that Atchison County, Missouri is the most NW county in Missouri and right across the river from Nebraska, although Cass County NE is a tad north of where Atchison County MO is.

On the other hand, perhaps Daniel and Clarissa met back in SW Missouri. I have searched and searched and never found Daniel in the 1870 census. His daughter Bettie Elizabeth gets married in 1871 in Barry Co MO, & in 1874 he & Mahala (then of Newton Co MO) redo a deed to note their April 1871 sale of land in Barry County. Naturally Barry County is one of those counties where the courthouse burned!

Now again if you look at a map, you can see that the most NW part of Newton County MO borders the most SE part of the most SE county in Kansas (now Cherokee County, but in 1860 McGee County). In 1860 Daniel and Clarissa must have been living right on the KS/MO border -- they were at Crawford Seminary which was 5 miles east of what is now Baxter Springs KS. What I'm suggesting with this scenario is that perhaps Daniel never really moved for quite a spell -- that he remained in the Baxter Spring KS/Newton Co MO area.

Ultimately, why did Daniel and Mahala get married in Atchison Co Missouri? How long had Clarissa been gone? [The answer to that question I'm pretty sure is for at least some months since Clarissa was apparently in Denver as early as December 1864].

Well, this has gone on for far too long. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Judy