Category: Brick Walls

family research dead-ends

Licking County, Ohio Hoovers

Kris Hocker on 25 Sep 2009

I’ve recently been researching the Hoover families of Licking County, Ohio. If you’ve been following the Andrew Hoover family data that I’ve been putting up, you’ll have noticed that Henry2 Hoover (Andrew1) moved to Johnstown, Licking County, Ohio from Greene Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania (prior to that Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania) sometime between the 1810 census1 and 1815.2 Louella Hoover indicated in her research that Henry’s elder brother John might have also moved to Ohio. So, I’ve been following up on that premise…

Looking at the early census records (1820-1850), I put together the following table to help track the individuals/families through the years. I use it to help postulate relationships between people and “movements” around the county.

Head of Household 1820 1830 1840 1850
Franklin Township
John Hoover 45+
Charles Hoover 26-45
Newark Township
John Hoover 80-90 n/a n/a
Charles Hoover 40-50 40-50 60
Barbara Hoover 70-80 97
Jesse Hoover 20-30 33
Monroe Township
Emanuel Hoover 26-45 n/a
George Hoover 45+ 50-60 n/a
Samuel Hoover 16-26 30-40 40-50 n/a
Henry Hoover 45+ n/a
MM Hoover (Mahlon) 20-30 30-40 46
Mary Hoover 40-50 [60-70; James] 69
James Hoover 30-40 43
Anna Hoover 54
Saphrona Hoover 20-30
Elizabeth Hoover [70-80, E Pratt] 86
Hartford Township
John Hoover 45+ 60-70 70-80 83
Samuel Hoover 26-45 30-40 n/a
John Hoover Jr. 30-40 40-50 49
William Hoover 20-30
Harmon Hoover 20-30
Lois Hoover 72
Zenas Hoover 25
Licking Township
John H. Hoover 36
Thomas Hoover 28
Bowling Green Township
Isaac Hoover 16-26
Grand Township
Isaac Hoover 20-30
St Albans Township
Isaac Hoover 20-30
Madison Township
John Hoover 20-30
Etna Township
David Hoover 24

Franklin/Newark Townships

Looking at Franklin and Newark Townships, it’s possible to theorize that the John Hoover and Charles Hoover in Franklin Township in 1820 are the same men as the John and Charles in Newark Township in 1830, etc. The ages in subsequent census records match up nicely. Also, you could also hypothesize that Barbara Hoover (1840, 1850) is the widow of John Hoover, and possibly the mother or stepmother of Charles Hoover—especially as she is a member of his household in 1850. There is a female 45+ (1820) and 70-80 (1830) in John’s household, quite likely this Barbara. The Jesse Hoover is possibly a son of Charles Hoover. Although Charles doesn’t have any young males in his household in 1830, John does have a male 10-15 (Jesse would be 13). John and his wife, I would presume, were too old have had a child that age, so it is quite likely that it’s a younger family member—such as a grandson, living with them and helping them out.

It’s also possible to postulate that John Hoover of Franklin and Newark townships was the son of Andrew Hoover of Fayette County. John2 Hoover (Andrew1) was born circa 1744 in Germany, making him 76 in 1820 and 86 in 1830, matching the census ages of John from Franklin and Newark townships. He most likely died prior to 1840. There is a John George Hoover of Licking county who died in 1834, buried in the 6th Street Cemetery. However, he’s listed as a veteran of the Revolutionary War.3 Our Hoover did not fight in the war.4 So, it’s quite possible I’m completely out in left field about this John Hoover! That, of course, is the problem with theories. They may help create avenues of new research, but they’re also sometimes simply wrong.

There was a John H. Hoover, a miller, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1814 and came to Newark with his grandfather “when quite young.”5 His wife Sarah was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1814 and came to Newark in 1829. Her cousin was the wife of Charles Hoover—perhaps the Charles Hoover in the census records? This John would have been the correct age to be the male <10 in 1820 and 10-15 in 1830 in the household of John Hoover. Perhaps John H. Hoover’s father died in Pennsylvania and he went to live with his grandparents who went to Licking County before 1820?

Monroe Township

It’s a bit easier in Monroe Township. Henry Hoover (45+, 1820) is the son of Andrew Hoover of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He died in Johnstown, Monroe Township on 23 Sep 1823. Emanuel Hoover is his son and Mahlon and James Hoover are his grandsons. Mary Hoover is Emanuel’s widow. This family is well documented. That leaves George Hoover (45+, 1820), Samuel Hoover, Anna Hoover, Saphrona Hoover, and Elizabeth Hoover to ponder.

George Hoover is of the correct age to have been the eldest son of Henry2 Hoover, born in Maryland in 1771—age 49 in 1820 and 59 in 1830. He, perhaps, died prior to 1840, leaving a widow—Elizabeth? Elizabeth Hoover was living in the household of Eli Pratt in 1850.6 According to that record she was 86 years old, born in Maryland. A female 70-80 is in Eli Pratt’s household in 1840, quite likely the same Elizabeth Hoover.7

So, who was Samuel Hoover?  Possibly a son of George Hoover? The 1800 Wharton township census records of George Hoover include 3 males age <10 (born 17900-1800). Samuel would fit right into the family. So, this is one possibility. It needs much more research to prove, however. Anna Hoover could possibly be Samuel’s widow. The 1850 census record for Anna states that she was born in Maryland.

Hartford Township

In Hartford Township, the senior most Hoover is John Hoover (45+, 1820). Lois Hoover is his wife—they’re listed together in the 1850 U.S. census.8 John is of the correct age to be a son of John2 Hoover (Andrew1). However, at this point there is no proof of any relationship. Unfortunately, people of the same surname in the same location are not always related.

Samuel, John and William are quite possibly sons of John of Hartford Township, while Harmon and Zenas may be grandsons. I saw a post on a message board that stated Samuel Hoover and his wife Phebe sold their farm in Hartford Township in 1839—moving out of the county prior to 1840?9

Conclusions

Census records alone don’t prove much of anything—especially since the pre-1850 records only provide the name of the head of household, not the household’s members. So, I can only speculate that the members of those households are, in fact, Hoovers, are related to the head of the household, and that there is some relationship between households of the same name within the same jurisdiction.

That said, there is sufficient evidence to convince me that it would be worthwhile to dig for more records. I could possibly learn more about John2 Hoover (Andrew1) and George3 Hoover (Henry2, Andrew1). Considering how little I currently I know about these family members, I believe follow-up is definitely warranted.

Do you have information on these Licking County Hoovers? Are you looking for information on these families? Drop me a line and let me know. I’d love to collaborate.

Update (11/14/2016): John Hoover of Franklin and Newark Townships was born in Germany and came to the US about 1775. He was indentured to Jacob Hoover of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and served in the Revolutionary War in the Pennsylvania line. He and Barbara had 14 children, the eldest of whom was 53 on 27 March 1838. Per his pension file, John and Barbara married about 1784 in Chester County about twenty miles west of Philadelphia.

U.S. Federal Census Records

  • Charles Hoover and John Hoover households, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Franklin Township), Page 33; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 93
  • Emanuel Hoover and George Hoover households, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 48; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • Samuel Hoover household, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 47; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • Henry Hoover household, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Johnstown, Monroe Township), Page 47; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • Isaac Hoover household, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Bowling Green Township), Page 40; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • John Hoover and Samuel Hoover households, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 55; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • MM Hoover and Mary Hoover households, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 457; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Samuel Hoover and George Hoover households, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 457; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Charles Hoover household, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 393; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • John Hoover household, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 403; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • John Hoover, John Hoover, and William Hoover households, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 483; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Samuel Hoover household, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 482; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Barbara Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 158; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Charles Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 198; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Jesse Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 194; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • MM Hoover and James Hoover households, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 370; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Samuel Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 372; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Saphrona Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Johnstown, Monroe Township), Page 377; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover and Harmon Hoover households, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 367; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover Jr. household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 364; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Isaac Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Grand Township), Page 288; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Isaac Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (St Albans Township), Page 340; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Madison Township), Page 188; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 238, Dwelling 987, Family 999, Line 2-3; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702.
  • John Hoover Jr. household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 233, Dwelling 924, Family 936, Line 18-19; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702.
  • Zenas Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 233, Dwelling 925, Family 937, Line 20-25; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702.
  • Eli Pratt household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 205, Dwelling 538, Family 543, Line 6; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • Mahlon Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 204, Dwelling 519, Family 525, Line 12-21; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • James Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 204, Dwelling 519, Family 525, Line 22-32; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • Anna Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 195, Dwelling 387, Family 392, Line 7-10; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • Charles Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 7, Dwelling 90, Family 99, Line 24-29; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702; household includes Barbara Hoover, age 97
  • Jesse Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 4, Dwelling 54, Family 59, Line 36-40; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • L.J. Dunning household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Etna Township), Page 314, Dwelling 2049, Family 2087, Line 23; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 703

My Hoover Research

Kris Hocker on 2 Apr 2009

In researching my Hoover family line, I’ve always hit a brick wall at my great-great-great-grandfather Christian Hoover. He seemed to appear almost from nowhere. Family history regarding Christian and Caroline (Kinnard) Hoover was vague and sometimes contradictory. Here’s what the older family members recall about the Hoover family, specifically regarding Christian:

  1. Christian was one of seven brothers who immigrated to this country from Germany, through Holland, in 1817 and settled in York County.
  2. The Hoover family came from southern Pennsylvania and moved northward.
  3. Christian was born in 1826.
  4. Christian was the son of one of the seven brothers.
  5. Christian cleared his land of trees and built a log house and barn along the road from Karthaus to Driftwood.
  6. Christian was a self-taught veterinarian, horse breeder, and trader.
  7. Christian and his first wife, Caroline Kinnard, had 4 sons: Reuben, Samuel, Simon, and George.
  8. Christian and his second wife, Mary Conaway, had 1 daughter: Edith.

I was able to verify points #7 and #8 through my research in census reports, vital records and the estate records of both Caroline (Kinnard) Hoover and Christian Hoover.

I have a picture of a house that I’m told belonged to Christian Hoover and deeds of sale for property in Covington township, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania after Christian’s death in 1888. The property is referred to as the “Dodge lands” from warrant 5404, but that’s the best I can identify/locate the property.

The closest I’ve come to locating parents for Christian was when I found a census record for 1850 for the Philip Hoover household in Plum Creek township, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania.1 The family is listed as follows:

  • Philip Hoover, 48, M, Farmer, 1500
  • Hannah, 48, F
  • Christopher, 25, M, Farmer
  • Mary Anne, 23, F
  • John T, 21, M, Farmer
  • Margaret, 19, F
  • Barbara, 17, F
  • Wm, 15, M, Farmer
  • Jacob, 13, M
  • Ralston, 11, M
  • Sarah, 8, F
  • Samuel M., 5, M

Philip’s son Christopher is the correct age to be my Christian. The death certificate of Simon Hoover, son of my Christian Hoover, lists Christian’s birth place as Armstrong county. Additionally, Christian’s wife Caroline (Kinnard) Hoover was the daughter of Thomas and Maria (Fisher) Kinnard of Armstrong county.2  So, I have circumstantial evidence that Christian is the son of Philip and Hannah, but no real proof—no baptism or marriage record, no mention of siblings or parents in any of the information on Christian.

To further frustrate me, in the late 1870s Philip sold his property in Armstrong county and moved west with his son Jacob to Kansas where he died and was buried in 1882. The likelihood of his having left estate papers naming Pennsylvania heirs is slim. Jacob, meanwhile, continued his westward migration until the family finally settled in Aberdeen, Grays Harbor, Washington. Jacob married Julia Ann Rupert, I believe daughter of Isaac/Israel Rupert and Christina (___).

I know little on the other children of Philip and Hannah (Thomas) Hoover. Mary Ann may have married a Fisher and died in Kansas. William may have been in the 62nd 63rd Regiment, Company C G during the Civil War with his brother Ralston, who died on 18 Jun 1862 at the Baltimore Cross Roads in Virginia.3

However, if Christian is the son of Philip and Hannah (Thomas) Hoover, then points #1, #2, and #4 are not quite correct. I was far luckier in researching Philip than I have been with Christian. There is a manuscript at the Pennsylvania State Library by Luella Schaumberg Hoover entitled “Some Descendants of Andrew Hoover.” Her research was invaluable to fleshing out Philip’s ancestry.

Philip’s grandfather (George) and great-grandfather (Andrew) immigrated to the United States in 1754 along with the rest of the Andrew’s family. They first settled near Leitersburg, Frederick county (now Washington county), Maryland. Then about 1769 moved to Fayette county, Pennsylvania.4

So, yes they came to Clearfield county from the south, but not from York county.5 They came to this country some 63 years before the family’s estimate and Christian was most likely not the son, but the great-grandson and great-great-grandson of the immigrants.

Update! Additional research has shown that Christian’s grandfather George Hoover was the son of Michael Hoover, not Andrew Hoover. While I don’t have a year of immigration, tax records put them in Derry Township, Dauphin County by 1758. They remained there through at least 1763 when Rosannah Hoover was baptized. The family moved south, settling near Hagerstown, Maryland by 1773—and, ironically, near Andrew Hoover’s family—for some time before moving west to Bedford (now Somerset) County in the spring of 1773, then Westmoreland County by 1779. George and, likely, his sons, moved north again about 1800 to Armstrong County to land on Crooked Creek in Plum Creek Township. Unlike many Huber/Hoover families, this family did not practice the Mennonite faith. They were Lutherans.

Monday Madness: Seeking Smith Family Information

Kris Hocker on 23 Mar 2009

My Smith family relations have always been a mystery. My grandparents don’t know much about what happened to them. I’ve tried researching them, but do you know how many William and James Smiths there are? Talk about overwhelming…

I was going through some papers—looking for something completely unrelated, of course—and came across some letters from my great-aunt Bonnie (Isabella Bonnington Hocker Ruder) to my grandfather and grandmother. In the letters she refers to our Smith relations and some of the problems we’ve had trying to figure out what happened to them. I thought I’d share the contents of some of them and what I’ve learned about my Smiths.

October 29th

Dear Bill and Ruth,

Searched for this all day yesterday, Aunt Bess [Elizabeth Marion (Smith) Lutz] had just a few papers, and I have just a few. Grandma Cochran’s [Elizabeth “Eliza” Craig (Bonnington) Smith Cochran] wedding license, a letter to uncle Lew asking the whereabouts of Willies [William “Willie” Smith Jr.] family, good thing you said you thought it was silver paper, address in mother’s writing no date for Willie:

Mr. John Norwood
70 Rue Massacre
Méaulte, Somme, France

Went under name of John Norwood since 1915. Spoils your dog tag theory. Also found a grave receipt for Paxtang Cemetery #23 in Range A in Hillside Lawn dated Feb. 26th 1905. Back marked Wm. Smith lot and receipt in Grandma’s name.

I had always been told he was buried in a lot given by someone. Now I’m wondering if Jim could have been buried in Paxtang. I always thought it was funny they would have to have a lot given to them, they weren’t poor.

I know Aunt Bess tore up a lot of papers. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop her.

Peter Bonnington
6 Belfield Ave.
Musselburgh
Scotland

Last address 1940, Grandma’s brother [Peter Bonnington Jr.]. Just found a picture of French children on name Jacqueline other name cut off.

Hope this is what you are looking for.

Love,
Bonnie

The story I always heard was that William “Willie” Smith Jr., born 28 Mar 1892,  enlisted in the army during World War I under the assumed name of John Norwood. He allegedly left a wife and child at home in Pennsylvania, but married a French woman after the war and remained in France. Nothing was said about a divorce prior to his second marriage, but it might just have been one of those things that was not discussed.

This next letter discusses Willie’s brother James (Jim):

Dear Bill and Ruth,

Decided to take a day off from fixing up and got Grandma’s papers out. Sending a copy of cemetery deed for one grave lot. Now maybe Jim’s lot is the one next because A. Bess always said someone gave them a lot, but Grandma must have paid for this one.

As for Jim, Rev. Roddy, Olivet minister [?] him, in fact he always went after him when he went off. He married a girl, had a son James, never lived with her. Amelia was her name. He claimed the child wasn’t his but A. Bess said it was the spitting image. So somewhere we have a Smith cousin in U.S.A and at least 2 in France. Great world.

Bonnie

So, apparently these Smith relatives were nothing to write home about, but I’d like to find out more information about them if possible. Here’s what I know:

WILLIAM1 SMITH Sr. was born 25 Sep 1851 in Greenburn, Whitburn district, Linlithgowshire, Scotland, son of James Smith and Isabella Aitken[1,2]. He died 23 Feb 1905 of pneumonia at his home on 1314 Howard Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.[3] He was buried 26 Feb 1905 in Harrisburg cemetery, according to his death certificate, but in Paxtang cemetery according to family. The mystery surrounding the grave site concerns William. To this date we’re not sure where he’s buried; family word-of-mouth says it’s at Paxtang cemetery, but not with the rest of the family because a cemetery lot had to be given to the family by a family friend when he died.

William was a ship’s engineer on the English ship Lady if Khirs. He was discharged from his ship on the 22nd of January 1882 after a voyage to Calcutta. He filed a declaration of intent to become a U.S. citizen in Berks county on 20 Sep 1886. He became a U.S. citizen on 12 Jan 1893 in Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.[4] He owned and operated a ice factory on Howard street. The family lived at 1347 Zarker Street in 1910, likely behind the icehouse.

He married Elizabeth “Eliza” Craig Bonnington on 12 Dec 1882 in The Manse, Uphall Parish, Linlithgowshire, Scotland.[5] Elizabeth was born 2 Oct 1866 in Colinton, Edinburgh, Scotland, daughter of Peter Purvis Bonnington and Elizabeth Buchanan.[6] She died 18 Oct 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was buried after 19 Oct 1946 in Paxtang cemetery.[7]

William and Elizabeth had the following children in Scotland and the U.S.:

  1. Elizabeth2 “Lizzie” Smith was born 17 Jun 1884 and died  17 Jun 1884, age 8 hours, of Atalectasis Pulmonium in Straiton, Liberton Parish, Lasswade, Edinburgh, Scotland.[8]
  2. James Smith was born 22 Jun 1785 in Straiton, Liberton Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland.[9] He may have died in 1905 and been buried in Paxtang Cemetery, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. James allegedly married a woman named Amelia (___) and fathered her son James, but he never lived with them.
  3. Elizabeth Marian “Bess” Smith was born 31 Oct 1887 at No. 3, Straiton, Liberton Parish, Edinburgh, Scotland.[10] She died 3 Jan 1973 in Willow Grove, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. She married Frank Lutz 7 May 1917 in Elkton, Maryland.
  4. William M. Smith Jr. was born 4:45 p.m. 28 Mar 1892 in Harrisburg, Dauphin county Pennsylvania.[11] He allegedly married twice, once in Pennsylvania, fathering at least one child, then again under the name John Norwood in France, possibly fathering a daughter named Jacqueline and additional children. He most likely died in France.
  5. Isabella Aiken Smith was born 11 p.m. 4 Apr 1893 in Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.[12] She died 21 Jul 1962 in Harrisburg.[13] She married William Howard Hocker 13 Oct 1914 in Harrisburg.[14]
  6. Robert Thomas Alexander Smith was born 7:20 p.m. on 7 Apr 1899 at Harrisburg.[15] He died 12 Nov 1970 in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania and was buried in Paxtang Cemetery in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.[16]

Footnotes:

  1. William H. Hocker and Isabella A. Smith, Application for Marriage, Dauphin County Marriage Book F: Page 153, Dauphin County Clerk of the Orphans Court, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  2. William Smith and Elizabeth Bonnington marriage extract, Register of Marriages, Parish of Uphall, County of Linlithgow; General Register Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, 28 Aug 2001.
  3. “Registration of Death – William Smith,” 22 May 1905, Harrisburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, Book H, Number 790, Collection of Kristen Hocker.
  4. William Smith entry, Dauphin County Citizens Register Book, 1891-96, Volume 7: Page 202.
  5. William Smith and Elizabeth Bonnington marriage extract, Register of Marriages.
  6. Eliza Craig Bonnington, birth certificate no. 81 (1866), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland; extracted 28 Aug 2001, extract no. 236828.
  7. Elizabeth Cochrane, death certificate, no. 90063 (1946), Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Statistics, New Castle.
  8. Elizabeth Smith, death certificate no. 48 (1884) General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland, extracted 6 Sep 2001, estract no. 62233.
  9. James Smith, birth registration, no. 89 (1885), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland, extract no. 259559.
  10. Elizabeth Marian Smith, birth registration, no. 195 (1887), General Records Office, New Register House, Edinburgh, Scotland, extracted 9 Aug 2002, extract no.259560.
  11. Smith family bible record.
  12. Smith family bible record.
  13. Isabella A. Hocker, Death Certicifate File number 065720-62 (1962), Pennsylvania Department of Health, Vital Statistics, New Castle.
  14. William H. Hocker and Isabella A. Smith, Application for Marriage, Dauphin County Marriage Book F: Page 153, Dauphin County Clerk of the Orphans Court, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
  15. Smith family bible record.
  16. Robert T. Smith, obituary, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 14 Nov 1970, page 12.

James BUCHANAN

Kris Hocker on 17 Mar 2009

I’m seeking information on James Buchanan, husband of Sarah “Sally” Craig, and possibly the son of John Buchanan and Mary Irvine(?). I’d like to prove/disprove that the James Buchanan who was married to Sarah Craig was the son of John and Mary (Irvine) Buchanan,  identify a birth place, and prove/disprove that he also married Margaret Tatlock

James BUCHANAN was born circa 1812/22 in Ireland and he may have died 17 Apr 1888 in Shotts, Lanarkshire, Scotland of bronchitis. In various census records, he was listed as a coal miner and ironstone miner. About 1845, James married Sarah CRAIG. She was born circa 1809 in Ireland and died sometime between 1851 and 1861 in Scotland.

James and Sarah had two children that I know of:

  1. Elizabeth Buchanan (1845/7—13 May 1828) married Peter Purvis Bonnington. Scottish census records place Elizabeth’s birth place most consistently in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
  2. Sarah Buchanan (ca 1847—?)

The 1851 Scottish census found him in Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland with his wife Sarah, daughters Elizabeth and Sarah, and widowed mother Mary, living at #9 Barnhall Row. He was a coal miner. All the family was listed as born in Ireland. I’m fairly certain that this is, indeed, my James Buchanan.

I believe the 1861 Scottish census found him in Bathgate, Linlithgow, Scotland with his daughter Sarah. He was listed as being a coal miner. Both father and daughter were listed as born in Ireland. Daughter Elizabeth was living with a family in High Church, Edinburgh, Scotland, working as a dairymaid. According to this census, Elizabeth was born in Shotts, Lanarkshire, Scotland.

I may have found him in Shotts, Lanarkshire, Scotland in 1871 and 1881. Unfortunately, while the birth place matches and he’s still a miner, the ages do not match. Additionally, neither daughter is living with him. Instead he’s living with what would be a second family—wife Margaret Tatlock and children: Mary, Catherine, James, William, and John. I think this may be the same James Buchanan, but I need more proof before I can say for certain.

Do you know anything about this Buchanan family? If so, please add a comment.

John Hocker

Kris Hocker on 12 Mar 2009

John Hocker was born on 12 Nov 1781 in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, presumably the eldest son of Frederick and Catharina (Fuchs) Hacker.1,2 He was christened on 18 Nov 1781 in Emanuel Lutheran Church, Brickerville, Warwick township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, sponsored by Johannes Zieger and wife Barbara.3 John died in Reamstown, Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1847; he was 65.

John Hacker appears on the census for Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1810, 1820, and 1830. 4,5,6  On 20 Mar 1812, John-with his brother-in-law, Michael Klein-petitioned the court to award an inquest on his father’s estate.7  John subsequently refused his rights his father’s farm, in favor of his younger brother George.8

John first married about 1804 Salome/Sarah Moser, daughter of Johan Adam Moser (8 Nov 1746-26 Jan 1823) and Christina Prunner (5 Nov 1752-5 Nov 1823), in Pennsylvania. 9 Salome was born on 9 Aug 1783 in Pennsylvania and christened in Muddy Creek Lutheran Church, East Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.10 Salome/Sarah died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, sometime before 1823, possibly as early as 1807. She is referred to as deceased in both her father and mother’s estate documents of 1823.11 She was buried in the Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Reamstown, Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.

They had the following children:

  1. John Hocker Jr. was born about 1804, probably in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania and may have died sometime after Aug 1896 in West Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was likely a farmer in West Cocalico township, Lancaster Pennsylvania. And he may have been the John Hocker who married on 25 Oct 1832 Rebecca Bucher, daughter of Jacob Bucher.
    1. Susanna B. Hacker (ca 1833-?)
    2. John B. Hacker (Jan 1839-1929)
    3. Isaac B. Hacker (5 Mar 1855-24 Jul 1921)
  2. George Hocker was born about 1805, probably in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was still alive in 1828, but nothing more is known about him.
  3. Lydia Hocker was born about 1807, probably in Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. She was still alive in 1828, but nothing more is known about her.

Sometime before 1823, John married second Susanna Moser, daughter of Johan Adam and Christina (Prunner) Moser, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. Susanna was born 3 Aug 1781.12,13 Susanna died in Durlach, Clay township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on 29 Nov 1863; she was 82.14

John and Susanna may have been married as early as 1811, and quite possibly had a son and two daughters, all born between 1811 and 1820. These children are not mentioned in the will of their grandfather Adam Musser as John’s three children with his first wife are named, because their mother Susanna was still living and therefore she was their grandfather’s direct heir.15

Susanna (Moser) Hacker was listed on the census for Elizabeth township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1850, living with Samuel Weich’s family.16 She was listed on the census for Clay township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania in 1860, living with Samuel Wike’s family.17 Samuel’s wife Sarah was likely the “Sara Hacker,” daughter of John and Susanna, born 22 Mar 1822 and baptized at Salem Lutheran church in Reamstown on 1 Jan 1826.18

Johan George Hacker

Kris Hocker on 28 Feb 2009

George2 Hacker (Johan Adam1) is another Hacker/Hocker family member I’ve had some difficulty finding information on.

Johan George Hacker was the fifth son of Johan Adam and Maria Elisabetha (Weidman) Hacker. He was born 9 October 1766 and christened 12 October 1766 in the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Brickerville, sponsored by Lorenz Haushalter and wife (his uncle and aunt).1 He died 12 September 1846 and was buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery.2 This is all William Wingeard found on George.

I managed to find reference to him (most likely) in the 1814 Lancaster county will of Christopher Miller (Mueller) of Cocalico township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.3 In the will, George Hacker is named as his son-in-law, husband to Christopher’s daughter Christina. This tells us who he married, but doesn’t provide much additional information. Christina is buried in the Emanuel Lutheran Church cemetery with her husband.

Census records don’t show George until 1810 when he is included in the list for Cocalico township.4 He is in Lebanon township in 1820, living alongside Christopher Miller, possibly his brother-in-law.5 I have been unable to find him either 1830 or 1840 U.S. Federal census records. Christopher Miller, however, is back in Lancaster county, in Elizabeth township in 1830 through 1850.

Lancaster county tax records show a George Hacker in 1791, his status “freeman.”6  I’m assuming that this is Johan Adam’s son George as Adam’s brother Johan George had moved his family to Erdenheim (outside Philadelphia) in 1763 and Frederick’s son George (Johan George’s nephew) was an infant.

He is listed in 1796—1799 tax records together with Frederick, his brother. In 1800, he’s listed separately, but in 1801—1803 they are listed together again. In 1805, George is listed as having 10 acres valued at $600, having 1 saw or grist mill. George, the miller, is also listed in 1806, 1807, and 1808.  There my tax records end.

In 1817 George purchased land in Lebanon county with his brother-in-law Christopher Miller.7 On 21 July 1816, George and Christina had a child, Joseph, baptized in Shaefferstown at St. Luke’s church, and sponsored baptisms at Shaefferstown in 1815 and 1817.8 In November 1817, George sponsored a child’s baptism at Salem Lutheran church in Lebanon.9

However, that’s where the trail goes cold. I have nothing on him, including the births of other children, tax records, or land transactions, until his burial at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Adam Howdyshell/Houdeshell

Kris Hocker on 22 Feb 2009

I am struggling to locate Adam and Mary (Sine) Howdyshell and their sons, Adam, Jr., Daniel, Isaac, John W. and George Westfall after the Civil War. Census records place them in Hardy County, Virginia (West Virginia) in 1860, but not in 1870 or 1880. The sixth son, James Benjamin turns up in Pennsylvania in 1870, but there is no indication that the rest of his family moved north, too.

UPDATE: I’ve located Adam Howdyshell living with his son George W. Houdeshell in Bear Creek, Henry County, Missouri in 1880. I haven’t located them in 1870, yet. Adam Jr. and Isaac Howdyshell were living in Newton Township, Licking County, Ohio in 1870. Daniel and John W.’s whereabouts remain a mystery.

UPDATE: I’ve located Adam Howdyshell/Houdeshell Jr. in 1880 in Elm Creek township, Morris county, Kansas. His sons Daniel and John appear in the 1900 Elm Creek township, Morris county, Kansas census; Daniel in the 1910 census for the same location; and Daniel’s son Samuel in the 1920 census, same location.

Christopher Hocker/Hacker

Kris Hocker on 22 Feb 2009

I am looking for information on Christopher HOCKER (original spelling: Hacker). He was born ca. 1776 at Erdenheim, Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, to Johann George HOCKER and Margaretta WEIDMAN. Christopher married Catherine DAUB 10 Apr 1799 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

However, sometime around 1808, finding himself deep in debt, Christopher apparently fled Pennsylvania and his wife. He wound up in Ohio, where he married again and raised a family. I do not know who he married or where they lived. They had at least one child – George Washington HOCKER, born 16 Aug 1814, Ohio – who returned to Pennsylvania and married Elizabeth SCHEETZ, born Nov 1820, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Christopher/Christian Hoover

Kris Hocker on 22 Feb 2009

Christopher HOOVER is also giving me some trouble. According to family “legend,” Christopher came to Pennsylvania with seven brothers. However, according to his sons’ census records, Christopher was born in Pennsylvania. While I have been able to locate Christopher’s sons – Reuben, Samuel Thomas, Simon Edward, and George from 1870 to 1920 – and his wife Caroline KINNARD in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania in 1860 in census records, so far there’s been no sign of Christopher.
I have been “collecting” Hoovers from the 1850 census. Unfortunately, since I do not know the names of Christopher’s parents or siblings or his approximate date of birth, this has not proven fruitful.

UPDATE: With estate records for Thomas KINNARD of Armstrong county, I’ve been able to tie my ancestress Caroline KINNARD to both the Caroline in Jefferson county and to Thomas’s family. According to these records, Thomas’ daughter, Caroline, was married to Christopher HOOVER and the couple was in Jefferson county ca 1865. This gives me hope that I’ll be able to tie Christian/Christopher to the family of Philip HOOVER, also of Armstrong county.