Father
1811-1854
Benjamin Heacox shares a tombstone at Hice-Pershing with his wife, Margaret (Hice) Heacox, 1818-1908, who survived him by more than 50 years. This is a stone most likely erected after her death. The tombstone of their son, Robert, who died of typhoid fever while in service during the Civil War, is nearby.
Benjamin has presented a number of research challenges for his descendants --- and others (including me). He most likely is an older son, perhaps the eldest, of Benjamin Heacox Sr., a Connecticut native who settled in the neighborhood immediately across the river from Hice-Pershing --- in what eventually became St. Clair Township, Westmoreland County, prior to 1820 --- and married Elizabeth Yates. But descendants who have attempted to reconstruct the family of Benjamin Sr. and Elizabeth usually have not included Benjamin Jr. in the mix.
These were near neighbors of my ancestors, the Gasper Hill and Abraham Myers families, who no doubt could have filled me in on the Heacox family, too --- but neglected to do so.
Benjamin was by occupation a founder. There were iron foundries is this neighborhood from its earliest days and the 1845 Laurel Hill Furnace remains to remind us of that early industry.
The senior Benjamin became something of a mythic figure as years passed --- and he did live long, but not quite as long as his tombstone in Oak Hill Cemetery, Clay County, Indiana, suggests. The inscription on that stone states that Benjarmin Sr. was born Dec. 26, 1776, and died July 26, 1880, nearly 104.
Benjamin Sr. apparently was told that he was born on the day Washington crossed the Delaware during the Revolutionary War --- the night of Dec. 25-26, 1776. Benjamin most likely knew full well that the relevant part of the date was Dec. 26, not 1776, but seems to have joyfully added something like 20 years to his lifespan when he grew old to enhance the legend. His children believed his story, and inscribed the tall tale in stone.
Benjamin "Haycock" appears first in the 1820 census of Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County, as a man aged 16-26 with a wife, also aged 16-26, and two children, a boy and a girl, under 10 years of age. The family also is enumerated in 1830 and 1840 Westmoreland census records as near neighbors to my ancestors, who lived just north of the later (1865) village of New Florence.
By 1850, Benjamin and Elizabeth and their younger children had relocated in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, where both were enumerated as age 56, producing ca. 1794 birth dates for both. Elizabeth reportedly died in Clay County, Indiana, during 1859 --- not long after the family had resettled there.
Benjamin Sr. was enumerated in the 1880 census of Clay County --- just before his death --- as age 92, producing a birth year of 1788, still more than 10 years removed from the legendary 1776 eventually inscribed on his tombstone.
So far as Benjamin Heacox Jr. is concerned --- an 1811 birth date would mean that his parents were in the neighborhood of 17-18 when he was born, certainly possible. But my guess is that he actually was born a couple of years later, perhaps closer to 1815 (his age was given as 35 in the 1850 census of Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County).
Whatever the case, Benjamin Jr. married Margaret Hice ca. 1842. They and four young children were living with her widowed mother, Mary Hice, when the 1850 census of Fairfield (later St. Clair) Township, Westmoreland County, was taken. His occupation was given as "railroad contractor." My great-great-grandfather, Jacob Myers --- who lived nearby --- was a railroad contractor, too, so I'm guessing they may have worked together.
Benjamin and Margaret (Hice) Heacox had six children --- Robert, born ca. 1843; Elizabeth, born ca. 1845; Mary, born ca. 1847; George, born ca. 1849; Gibson, born ca. 1853; and Hiram, born ca. 1855 (perhaps posthumously).
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Elliott, Margaret Jane
Wife of James Elliott Jr.
(No further information; base of stone is buried)
Record of a tombstone for Margaret Jane Elliott is included in the Treasures of the Past inventory of Hice-Pershing Cemetery, but not among the Hice-Pershing memorials at Find A Grave.
Elliott is an old family name in East Wheatfield Township, where a James Elliott was among the earliest businessmen at Armagh, the township's (and Indiana County's) oldest village. But I was unable to link a family that might have included Margaret and James Elliott Jr. to any of those obscure lineages.
The family of a James Elliot Jr., age 25, and wife, Margaret, age 23, was enumerated in the 1850 census in Hice-Pershing neighborhood of East Wheatfield Township, near the families of both Hugh Hice and Daniel Pershing. Their children were John, age 6; Ellen, 3; and Isabella, 6/12.
I have been unable to locate this family, or what might have remained of it, in subsequent census years in Pennsylvania or elsewhere.
It seems likely that this is the Margaret Jane Elliott buried in Hice-Pershing, but much remains to be discovered.
(No further information; base of stone is buried)
Record of a tombstone for Margaret Jane Elliott is included in the Treasures of the Past inventory of Hice-Pershing Cemetery, but not among the Hice-Pershing memorials at Find A Grave.
Elliott is an old family name in East Wheatfield Township, where a James Elliott was among the earliest businessmen at Armagh, the township's (and Indiana County's) oldest village. But I was unable to link a family that might have included Margaret and James Elliott Jr. to any of those obscure lineages.
The family of a James Elliot Jr., age 25, and wife, Margaret, age 23, was enumerated in the 1850 census in Hice-Pershing neighborhood of East Wheatfield Township, near the families of both Hugh Hice and Daniel Pershing. Their children were John, age 6; Ellen, 3; and Isabella, 6/12.
I have been unable to locate this family, or what might have remained of it, in subsequent census years in Pennsylvania or elsewhere.
It seems likely that this is the Margaret Jane Elliott buried in Hice-Pershing, but much remains to be discovered.
Elder, William A.
Son of J.C. and J.A. Elder
Died Dec. 6, 1881
Aged 25 Years, 21 Days
William was a son of John Caldwell and Julia Ann (Dillon) Elder who most likely buried their son --- and his younger brother, Charles A., a year earlier --- here because they were living nearby at the time. John and Julia were Indiana County natives whose families lived nearer the village of Armagh. Charles Elder died Dec. 17, 1880.
During April of 1886, John, Julia and several of their children joined their son and brother, Phillip, at Julesburg, Colorado, and during 1887 they homesteaded east of Holyoke, in Phillips County, Colorado. Julia died in Colorado on Sept. 28, 1901. John then retired and returned to Pennsylvania, living the rest of his life among his children. He died 16 November 1916 reportedly while staying with his daughter, Rosa, at Downington, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
A more complete account the the family may be found here in a report prepared by Victor Elder.
Died Dec. 6, 1881
Aged 25 Years, 21 Days
William was a son of John Caldwell and Julia Ann (Dillon) Elder who most likely buried their son --- and his younger brother, Charles A., a year earlier --- here because they were living nearby at the time. John and Julia were Indiana County natives whose families lived nearer the village of Armagh. Charles Elder died Dec. 17, 1880.
During April of 1886, John, Julia and several of their children joined their son and brother, Phillip, at Julesburg, Colorado, and during 1887 they homesteaded east of Holyoke, in Phillips County, Colorado. Julia died in Colorado on Sept. 28, 1901. John then retired and returned to Pennsylvania, living the rest of his life among his children. He died 16 November 1916 reportedly while staying with his daughter, Rosa, at Downington, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
A more complete account the the family may be found here in a report prepared by Victor Elder.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Elder, Charles F.
Son of J.C. & J.A.
Died Dec. 17, 1880
Aged 11 years, 4 months, 19 days
Charles was a son of John Caldwell and Julia Ann (Dillon) Elder who most likely buried their son --- and a year later his older brother, William --- here because they were living nearby at the time. Both were Indiana County natives whose families lived nearer the village of Armagh. William Elder died 6 December 1881 at age 25 and was buried by Charles's side.
During April of 1886, John, Julia and several of their children joined their son and brother, Phillip, at Julesburg, Colorado, and during 1887 they homesteaded east of Holyoke, in Phillips County, Colorado. Julia died in Colorado on Sept. 28, 1901. John then retired and returned to Pennsylvania, living the rest of his life among his children. He died 16 November 1916 reportedly while staying with his daughter, Rosa, at Downington, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
A more complete account the the family may be found here in a report prepared by Victor Elder.
Died Dec. 17, 1880
Aged 11 years, 4 months, 19 days
Charles was a son of John Caldwell and Julia Ann (Dillon) Elder who most likely buried their son --- and a year later his older brother, William --- here because they were living nearby at the time. Both were Indiana County natives whose families lived nearer the village of Armagh. William Elder died 6 December 1881 at age 25 and was buried by Charles's side.
During April of 1886, John, Julia and several of their children joined their son and brother, Phillip, at Julesburg, Colorado, and during 1887 they homesteaded east of Holyoke, in Phillips County, Colorado. Julia died in Colorado on Sept. 28, 1901. John then retired and returned to Pennsylvania, living the rest of his life among his children. He died 16 November 1916 reportedly while staying with his daughter, Rosa, at Downington, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
A more complete account the the family may be found here in a report prepared by Victor Elder.
Butler, S. Orville
Son of G.W. & D.C. Butler
Died May 28, 1889
S. Orville most likely was the second child of George W. and Delilah "Lila" Catherine (Lynn) Butler, although he is not listed in lineages put together by Butler descendants. The Treasures from the Past listing confuses the issue a little by interpreting his mother's initials as "A.C.," but that most likely is a misreading of "D.C." George Butler was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Fulcomer) Butler, also buried at Hice-Pershing.
George W., born 19 July 1859 in Indiana County and married Delilah "Lila" Catherine Lynn on 22 June 1886 in Indiana County. Their first recorded child, according to online lineages, was Willa May, probably born during 1887; and their second, Stella M., born during 1891. S. Orville fits into a slot between the two and probably died not long after birth. Their other two children were Myra Lynn, born 1899; and Edward George, born 1903.
The family moved from Indiana County to Johnstown ca. 1903 and George died there on 30 December 1910. Lila lived until 8 January 1940. Both are buried in Grandview Cemetery at Johnstown.
Died May 28, 1889
S. Orville most likely was the second child of George W. and Delilah "Lila" Catherine (Lynn) Butler, although he is not listed in lineages put together by Butler descendants. The Treasures from the Past listing confuses the issue a little by interpreting his mother's initials as "A.C.," but that most likely is a misreading of "D.C." George Butler was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Fulcomer) Butler, also buried at Hice-Pershing.
George W., born 19 July 1859 in Indiana County and married Delilah "Lila" Catherine Lynn on 22 June 1886 in Indiana County. Their first recorded child, according to online lineages, was Willa May, probably born during 1887; and their second, Stella M., born during 1891. S. Orville fits into a slot between the two and probably died not long after birth. Their other two children were Myra Lynn, born 1899; and Edward George, born 1903.
The family moved from Indiana County to Johnstown ca. 1903 and George died there on 30 December 1910. Lila lived until 8 January 1940. Both are buried in Grandview Cemetery at Johnstown.
Dorney, Phebe (Phoebe Hill)
Wife of Abraham
Died June 28, 1878
Aged 66 years, 9 months, 25 days
Phebe (or Phoebe) lived with her husband, Abraham, and their five children just across the Conemaugh River from Hice-Pershing in the compact neighborhood of Fairfield, later St. Clair, Township, Westmoreland County, just upstream from the later village of New Florence (incorporated in 1865).
She was a daughter, perhaps the eldest child, of John and Elizabeth Hill and a granddaughter of neighborhood pioneers Gasper and Phoebe Hill, all of whom quite likely are buried in Hice-Pershing as well. A calculation based upon her age at death results in a birth date of 3 September 1811. She probably was born not far from where she died.
Census records suggest that Phoebe's marriage to Abraham Dorney, member of a pioneer Indiana County family, occurred ca. 1838. Their five children were: Isaac Dorney, born October 1839, died 1910, buried Armagh Cemetery, Indiana County; James Dorney, born ca. 1843; Benjamin F. Dorney, born October 1845, died 1913, buried Armagh Cemetery; Lavenia Dorney, born ca. 1849; and Elizabeth Dorney, born July 1854, died 1934, buried Armagh Cemetery.
Abraham Dorney still was living in the family home near New Florence when the 1880 census was taken, but has not been found in census records thereafter. He probably died during the periord 1880-1900 and was buried in Hice-Pershing Cemetery, too, but that conjecture cannot be confirmed.
Phoebe (Hill) Dorney's youngest brother, Josiah C. Hill, is buried in Salem Cemetery, Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa.
Died June 28, 1878
Aged 66 years, 9 months, 25 days
Phebe (or Phoebe) lived with her husband, Abraham, and their five children just across the Conemaugh River from Hice-Pershing in the compact neighborhood of Fairfield, later St. Clair, Township, Westmoreland County, just upstream from the later village of New Florence (incorporated in 1865).
She was a daughter, perhaps the eldest child, of John and Elizabeth Hill and a granddaughter of neighborhood pioneers Gasper and Phoebe Hill, all of whom quite likely are buried in Hice-Pershing as well. A calculation based upon her age at death results in a birth date of 3 September 1811. She probably was born not far from where she died.
Census records suggest that Phoebe's marriage to Abraham Dorney, member of a pioneer Indiana County family, occurred ca. 1838. Their five children were: Isaac Dorney, born October 1839, died 1910, buried Armagh Cemetery, Indiana County; James Dorney, born ca. 1843; Benjamin F. Dorney, born October 1845, died 1913, buried Armagh Cemetery; Lavenia Dorney, born ca. 1849; and Elizabeth Dorney, born July 1854, died 1934, buried Armagh Cemetery.
Abraham Dorney still was living in the family home near New Florence when the 1880 census was taken, but has not been found in census records thereafter. He probably died during the periord 1880-1900 and was buried in Hice-Pershing Cemetery, too, but that conjecture cannot be confirmed.
Phoebe (Hill) Dorney's youngest brother, Josiah C. Hill, is buried in Salem Cemetery, Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Conley, Kate
Died Sept. 21, 1873
Aged 19 years, 11 months
The conjectural inscription above is based upon the Treasures of the Past inventory of Hice-Pershing. The same death date is given at the Find A Grave Hice-Pershing memorial listing for Kate, but that listing apparently derives from Treasures of the Past and a date of birth, 21 October 1853, has been calculated and added.
Kate's tombstone is in the foreground here of a generic photo added to the Hice-Pershing Find A Grave site by Sue Lackey.
The stone also shows up at left, in the middle distance, of this photo, also Sue Lackey's. The tombstones of Kate's aunt, Elizabeth Myers, and uncle, George Myers, also are evident some distance to the right of her tombstone. They may be buried in the same row, perhaps separated by other unmarked Myers graves.
Kate (or Catharine) was the only child of Phoebe Myers, youngest daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Hill) Myers, and an unknown father whose surname was Conley (or Connolly). They apparently were married after 1850, since she assumed his surname, but by 1860 he had died or departed. The Myers family lived across the Conemaugh River from Hice-Pershing in what became St. Clair Township, Westmoreland County.
Kate appears first by name in the will of her grandfather, Abraham Myers, dated 23 March 1858. In that will he makes bequests to his daughter, Phoebe "Connolly," and his granddaughter, Catharine "Connolly." Catharine was to receive $100 under terms of the will.
Kate was enumerated as Catharine in the 1860 census entry for the St. Clair Township home of the Myers family, by this time headed by her uncle, George Myers. Her age was given as 6 and she had attended school within the year. The census taker apparently assumed, or was told, that both Kate and her mother were using the surname Myers.
She was enumerated, again in the household headed by her uncle, in the 1870 census, but this time as "Kate" Myers, age 16. Her mother, also enumerated as Myers, remained a resident of the family home, too.
During 1875, two years after Kate's death, her mother married George W. Osborn, some 10 years her junior. They lived for a time in Bedford County, then moved to Johnstown, Cambria County, ca. 1888, apparently just prior to the great Johnstown flood. The remainder of their lives were spent in Johnstown. Phoebe died 27 February 1910 and was buried in Johnstown's Grandview Cemetery.
Aged 19 years, 11 months
The conjectural inscription above is based upon the Treasures of the Past inventory of Hice-Pershing. The same death date is given at the Find A Grave Hice-Pershing memorial listing for Kate, but that listing apparently derives from Treasures of the Past and a date of birth, 21 October 1853, has been calculated and added.
Kate's tombstone is in the foreground here of a generic photo added to the Hice-Pershing Find A Grave site by Sue Lackey.
The stone also shows up at left, in the middle distance, of this photo, also Sue Lackey's. The tombstones of Kate's aunt, Elizabeth Myers, and uncle, George Myers, also are evident some distance to the right of her tombstone. They may be buried in the same row, perhaps separated by other unmarked Myers graves.
Kate (or Catharine) was the only child of Phoebe Myers, youngest daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Hill) Myers, and an unknown father whose surname was Conley (or Connolly). They apparently were married after 1850, since she assumed his surname, but by 1860 he had died or departed. The Myers family lived across the Conemaugh River from Hice-Pershing in what became St. Clair Township, Westmoreland County.
Kate appears first by name in the will of her grandfather, Abraham Myers, dated 23 March 1858. In that will he makes bequests to his daughter, Phoebe "Connolly," and his granddaughter, Catharine "Connolly." Catharine was to receive $100 under terms of the will.
Kate was enumerated as Catharine in the 1860 census entry for the St. Clair Township home of the Myers family, by this time headed by her uncle, George Myers. Her age was given as 6 and she had attended school within the year. The census taker apparently assumed, or was told, that both Kate and her mother were using the surname Myers.
She was enumerated, again in the household headed by her uncle, in the 1870 census, but this time as "Kate" Myers, age 16. Her mother, also enumerated as Myers, remained a resident of the family home, too.
During 1875, two years after Kate's death, her mother married George W. Osborn, some 10 years her junior. They lived for a time in Bedford County, then moved to Johnstown, Cambria County, ca. 1888, apparently just prior to the great Johnstown flood. The remainder of their lives were spent in Johnstown. Phoebe died 27 February 1910 and was buried in Johnstown's Grandview Cemetery.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Butler, Emma (Emmeline) L.
Daughter of S. & E.
Died Feb 10, 1880
Aged 15 Yrs, 7 Mo., 20 Days
Both the 1939 Blaine Helman inventory of Hice-Pershing inscriptions (above) and a more contemporary inventory include Emma L. Butler's tombstone. The Helman inventory, as reproduced at Find A Grave, gives her date of death as Feb. 10, 1880.
The more recent listing of Hice-Pershing Cemetery inscriptions agrees on much of the tombstone information, but gives the date of death as 10 September 1880.
Adding the age at death agreed upon by both transcribers to the birth date provided in the Stewart volume strongly suggests that the Helman information is correct and the later reading inaccurate.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Butler, William
Son of S. & E.
Died August 22, 1861
Aged 2 Days
The 1939 Blaine Helman inventory of grave markers at Hice-Pershing Cemetery, replicated at Find A Grave, included a memorial for little William, infant son of Samuel and Elizabeth Butler. This marker was not visible when a 21st century inventory was made, however.
An account of the life of Richard Butler, William's brother (Stewart, Prof. J.T., "Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Her People, Past and Present," Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1913, Volume II, Page 1123), lists William as next to the youngest of Samuel's and Elizabeth's 10 children, states that he was born 20 August 1861 and that he "died young."
Died August 22, 1861
Aged 2 Days
The 1939 Blaine Helman inventory of grave markers at Hice-Pershing Cemetery, replicated at Find A Grave, included a memorial for little William, infant son of Samuel and Elizabeth Butler. This marker was not visible when a 21st century inventory was made, however.
An account of the life of Richard Butler, William's brother (Stewart, Prof. J.T., "Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Her People, Past and Present," Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1913, Volume II, Page 1123), lists William as next to the youngest of Samuel's and Elizabeth's 10 children, states that he was born 20 August 1861 and that he "died young."
The same biography states that there was another son, Henry, born 2 November 1851, who also died young. If Henry is buried at Hice-Pershing, there seems to be no record of a permanent marker..
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Butler, John C.
Born 14 January 1848, Indiana County, Pennsylvania; died 4 March 1904, St. Louis
A Find A Grave memorial for John C. Butler, born 24 January 1849, died 4 March 1904, based upon a 1939 transcription of grave marker inscriptions by Blaine Helman, has been created by Sue Lackey for Hice-Pershing Cemetery. A newer transcription of inscriptions, found here, does not list John. He is almost certainly buried here, but the marker found in 1939 may have vanished or have become obscured.
John died in St. Louis, as the city of St. Louis death certificate (above) shows, but Colorado often is cited as his place of death by family members. It seems likely to me that John was indeed a resident of Colorado and perhaps was in St. Louis on business when he died. Note that he had been a resident of the city for only six days (the duration of his illness was 5 days). His occupation was given as "mining business."
The following report from The Indiana Weekly Messenger stares that has body was being returned to the "east" for burial and the death certificate confirms that, noting that the body's destination was Nineveh, There is some confusion about John's birth date. Family members and the death certificate give the date as 14 January 1848, which probably is the accurate date. John's middle name apparently was Cromwell.
JOHN C. BUTLER
Indiana Weekly Messenger, Wednesday, 9 March 1904, Page 1
John C. Butler, who was born near Seward, died in St. Louis Friday of pneumonia, aged 45 years. Deceased was engaged in business there and is survived by his mother, Mrs. Samuel Butler, of Seward, and these brothers and sisters: Alexander, Morrellville; George, Seward; Samuel, California; Mrs. Robert Mack, near Seward; and Mrs. Joseph Mack, near Armagh. It was decided to bring the body east for interment.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Butler, Samuel
This photograph of Samuel Butler's tombstone in Hice-Pershing Cemetery was taken from the media file of Donald Buncie's Buncie-Forsha Family Tree at Ancestry.com. He credited the photograph to Bill Trimble.
SAMUEL BUTLER
Son of William and Sarah (Dias) Butler
Husband of Elizabeth (Fulcomer) Butler
Born 25 October 1818; Died 29 April 1899
RECENT DEATHS:
Samuel Butler Sr.
Indiana Progress, Wednesday, 3 May 1899, Page 1
Mr. Samuel Butler, Sr., of East Wheatfield township, died on Saturday morning, aged about 79 years. He was one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of the neighborhood. His wife and the following children survive him: Samuel and John, of California; Mrs. R.G. Mack, Mrs. Jacob W. Mack and George Butler, of East Wheatfield township. Interment was made Tuesday in Hices graveyard, in East Wheatfield township.
Although some of the dates and locations cited in it are in error, the following excerpt from a biography of Samuel and Elizabeth Butler's son, Richard, provides more general information about the family (Stewart, Prof. J.T., "Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Her People, Past and Present," Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1913, Volume II, Page 1123):
RICHARD BUTLER
RICHARD BUTLER, deceased, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in East Wheatfield township, Indiana county, is a member of one of the best-known families of that township, where he was born Nov. 22, 1849, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Fulcomer) Butler.
Samuel Butler, father of Richard Butler, was born Oct. 24 (Oct. 25), 1818, and spent his life in agricultural pursuits in East Wheatfield township, where he accumulated 300 acres of land, built a handsome residence, and made numerous other valuable improvements. He became one of the leading farmers of his section, and in his death, which occurred April 28, 1897 (April 29, 1899), East Wheatfield township lost one of its best citizens. He was buried in the Lutheran cemetery (actually Hice-Pershing Cemetery) in (East) Wheatfield township, having been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church at New Florence. His widow, who was born Dec. 11, 1821, is a daughter of George Fulcomer, and still survives at the advanced age age of ninety-one years, being tenderly cared for by her daughter-in-law, with whom she makes her home. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. To Samuel and Elizabeth Butler were born children as follows: Alexander, born July 23, 1846; John, Jan. 24, 1848 (died in Denver, Colo); Richard; Henry, Nov. 2, 1851 (died young); Sarah Jane, Sept. 16, 1853 (married Robert G. Mack); Catherine Ann, Sept. 20, 1855 (married Jacob W. Mack, of West Wheatfield township); Samuel, Aug. 11, 1857 (resides at Los Angeles, Cal.); George Washington, July 19, 1859 (married Lila Lynn, and died in 1910, at Johnstown, Pa.); William, Aug. 20, 1861 (who died young); and Emmeline, June 20, 1864 (died at the age of sixteen years).
Butler, Elizabeth (Fulcomer)
This photograph of Elizabeth Fulcomer Butler's tombstone in Hice-Pershing Cemetery was taken from the media file of Donald Buncie's Buncie-Forsha Family Tree at Ancestry.com. He credited the photograph to Bill Trimble.
ELIZABETH (FULCOMER) BUTLER
Daughter of George and Catharine (Cline) Fulcomer
Wife of Samuel Butler
Born 11 December 1821; Died 3 March 1913
GRIM REAPER'S HARVEST
Mrs. Elizabeth Butler
The Indiana Progress, Wednesday, 5 March 1913, Page 4
Mrs. Elizabeth Butler, widow of Samuel Butler, and one of the pioneer residents of East Wheatfield township, died at the Butler home on Sunday at the age of 92 years. Since the death of her husband in 1899, Mrs. Butler has resided with the widow of her son, Mrs. Richard Butler, on the old homestead. She was a lifelong resident of the county and located in East Wheatfield township when it was practically a wilderness. She enjoyed excellent health all of her lifetime until within two weeks before her death, when she fell, sustaining injuries which hastened the end. She leaves the following children: Alexander of Johnstown; Samuel, of Los Angeles, Cal.; Mrs. Robert G. Mack, of East Wheatfield; Mrs. Jacob W. Mack, of West Wheatfield. A number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren are living also. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon and interment was made in Hice's graveyard in East Wheatfield township.
RECENT DEATHS
Mrs. Elizabeth F. Butler
Indiana Weekly Messenger, Wednesday, 12 March 1913, Page 1
Mrs. Elizabeth Fulcomer Butler, aged 90 years, 2 months and 21 days, died at the home of Mrs. Richard Butler, in East Wheatfield township, on March 3. The deceased was the widow of Samuel Butler and had made her home in Indiana county since she was four years of age. Mrs. Butler's death was due to a stroke of paralysis. She is survived by the following children: Alex. Butler, of Morrellville; Samuel Butler of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. J.W. Mack, of Clyde; and Mrs. R.G. Mack, of East Wheatfield. Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon of last week by Rev. Spangler, of the New Florence Lutheran Church, and interment was made in the Heice Cemetery.
Although some of the dates and locations cited in it are in error, the following excerpt from a biography of Samuel and Elizabeth Butler's son, Richard, provides more general information about the family (Stewart, Prof. J.T., "Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Her People, Past and Present," Chicago: J.H. Beers & Co., 1913, Volume II, Page 1123):
Samuel Butler, father of Richard Butler, was born Oct. 24, 1818, and spent his life in agricultural pursuits in East Wheatfield township, where he accumulated 300 acres of land, built a handsome residence, and made numerous other valuable improvements. He became one of the leading farmers of his section, and in his death, which occurred April 28, 1897 (actually 1899), East Wheatfield township lost one of its best citizens. He was buried in the Lutheran cemetery (actually Hice-Pershing Cemetery) in (East) Wheatfield township, having been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church at New Florence. His widow, who was born Dec. 11, 1821, is a daughter of George Fulcomer, and still survives at the advanced age age of ninety-one years, being tenderly cared for by her daughter-in-law, with whom she makes her home. She is a member of the Lutheran Church. To Samuel and Elizabeth Butler were born children as follows: Alexander, born July 23, 1846; John, Jan. 24, 1848 (died in Denver, Colo); Richard Henry, Nov. 2, 1851 (died young); Sarah Jane, Sept. 16, 1853 (married Robert G. Mack); Catherine Ann, Sept. 20, 1855 (married Jacob W. Mack, of West Wheatfield township); Samuel, Aug. 11, 1857 (resides at Los Angeles, Cal.); George Washington, July 19, 1859 (married Lila Lynn, and died in 1910, at Johnstown, Pa.); William, Aug. 20, 1861 (who died young); and Emmeline, June 20, 1864 (died at the age of sixteen years).
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Pershing, Henry H. (Grave Unmarked)
HENRY H. PERSHING
Pershing, Edgar G., "The Pershing Family in America," Philadelphia: George S. Ferguson Co., 1924, Page 143
Henry H. Pershing, the eldest son of Daniel and Eliza (Hice) Pershing, was born on his father's farm February 16, 1828. His boyhood and early manhood were spent on the farm and his education was gathered in the public schools of the neighborhood. In 1851 he married Catharine Henry, a daughter of one of his father's neighbors. Shortly after his marriage he immigrated to Moline, Illinois, where he lived for fourteen years and conducted a general store. All of his children were born there. His wife died at Moline in 1865, and he moved back to Pennsylvania where he engaged in general merchandising, at New Florence, for some years. Later he moved to Denver, Colorado. He died in 1902 (sic --- actually 1899) while visiting his sister, Mrs. Emma Rogers, at Nineveh, Indiana County, Pa., and was buried in Hice's Graveyard.
HENRY PERSHING
The Indiana County Gazette, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 1899, Page 4
Henry Pershing, of New Florence, aged 72 years, died of heart failure on Tuesday evening of last week, after an illness of 12 hours. He was a brother of Rev. J.N. Pershing, of New Florence.
HENRY PERSHING
The Indiana Progress, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 1899, Page 1
Mr. Henry Pershing, of near New Florence, died suddently on Tuesday evening last week of heart trouble, aged 72 years. The deceased was ill only 12 hours. He was a brother of Rev. J.N. Pershing, of New Florence. His wife died a number of years ago but two daughters and one son survive the father. Interment was made at New Florence.
Friday, September 13, 2013
A Johnstown Flood victim
Although occupancy of a grave at Hice-Pershing Cemetery was temporary, the little graveyard along the north shore of the Conemaugh did contain for a time the remains of a victim of the great 1889 flood at Johnstown, some 12 miles upstream.
The great flood occurred on May 31, 1889, when massive rains resulted in collapse of the compromised Lake Conemaugh dam, high above Johnstown, and a massive flood swept down the river valley. In all, an estimated 2,200 people died. Hundreds of bodies washed downstream, were recovered and buried temporarily near where they were found.
At old Nineveh village and the newer Nineveh Station (now Seward), two miles upstream from Hice-Pershing on opposite sides of the river, approximately 250 bodies had been recovered. A few were identified, claimed and shipped elsewhere for burial. But 206 remained. Undertakers worked around the clock and physical characteristics, clothing and accessories of the unknowns were carefully noted.
Twenty-four were buried in the old riverside cemetery at Nineveh village, on the north bank; 182, near Nineveh Station on the south bank, where there was no cemetery but an acre of ground was purchased hurriedly for that purpose and trenches dug.
During late November, after colder weather arrived, those bodies were raised and transported back to Johnstown for burial, most in the field of the unknowns at Grandview Cemetery.
The bodies near Nineveh Station were raised first, transported by rail to Johnstown, then hauled by wagon to Grandview. Nine of these victims had been identified before burial, 11 were identified upon reaching Johnstown; and 162 were buried as unknowns.
Next, the bodies in the old Nineveh cemetery were raised, the body exhumed at Hice-Pershing brought to join them, then all 25 were taken across the river to Nineveh Station for shipment to Johnstown. Of the 25, one was known before burial, one was identified upon exhumation and 23 were buried as unknowns.
Odds are, the remains recovered from Hice-Pershing now are among the unknowns at Grandview, high above Johnstown and safe from the waters of the Conemaugh.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Introduction
Time has not been kind to Hice-Pershing Cemetery, now sandwiched between the vast coal-fired Conemaugh and Seward generating stations on the north shore of the Conemaugh River in East Wheatfield Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
What apparently began during the late 18th century as the family burial ground of Revolutionary War veteran Johann Heinrich Heiss (anglicized to John Henry Hice), grew to include the dead of neighboring families on both sides of the river, including my own Myers and Hill ancestors, from the Westmoreland County side.
Daniel Pershing's once-grand home had pride of place near the cemetery when 19th turned to 20th century and the neighborhood was richly agricultural. Now all that's left is the gravetard in a scrap of timber on the downslope to the river.
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