The End Comes: Solomon & Polly Goss Rest Peacefully!

The son of Solomon and Olive (Scott) Goss left his childhood home and headed for greener pastures.  He left Washington County, Ohio about 1832 and headed for Hardin County, Ohio.  He lived there till after 1841 and followed his son Wesley to Iowa.

In 1860 we find Solomon living in Henry County, Iowa. 

Line 1, 2184/88, 1995/95, Sol Gofs, 72, M, Farmer, $4000, $800, PA. Mary Gofs, 65, F, born Ohio. Homer Gofs, 21, M, Farmer, 150, 200, born Ohio.

Line 4, Family 1924/96/ Mary Davis, 36, F, not known. Wilber Davis, 4, M, Iowa.

Source:  1860 U.S. Federal Census, New London Twp., Henry Co., Iowa, pg. 279, July 23, 1860, John S. Bartneff, enumerator, P.O. New London, Ancestry.com.   I do not know what relationship the Davis family if any to the Goss family.

The IA GenWeb for Henry County, Iowa has a transcription of a directory for some of the areas of Henry Co., Iowa for 1859-1860, by Watson Brown Publisher, transcribed by Pat Ryan White.  If you scroll down to New London and then a little further down you will find Solomon Goss listed in the township. 

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~iahenry/hendir1860maritosalem.htm

Solomon Goss (Jr.)  died 1 November 1864 and Polly passed about April 1865.  The Devol book by Jerry Devol featured in the last post, has him passing in Oskaloosa, Mahasaka Co., Iowa?  I have tried to verify the burials but with little success checking both Henry County and Mahaska County online sources.  Published records have yet to be searched. 

The interesting fact is that Solomon’s  probate and will are in Henry Co., Iowa?  

The estate file for Solomon Goss (Jr.) consists of the following documents: 

• Vol. G, pg. 560-561 – Proving of Will FHL#964924, Friday Dec. 8, 1865 December term.
• Vol. G, pg. 401 Notice of Publication ,
• Vol. G, pg. 485 Appt. of Administrator and Bond, FHL#964924:  Administration was granted to Charles F. Devol as Special Administrator on Nov. 11, 1865 November term.
• Probate Journal Vol. I, pgs. 8 to 12 Report of Sale of Real Estate, Full Record, Notice Proven FHL#964925;
• Probate Journal Vol. J, pg. 576 to 579 Report of Administrator;
• Vol. H, pg. 286-291 Inventory, Report of Appraisers, Report of Sale, Appt. of Regular Executor FHL#964924; March Term 1866, March 19th.  March 10, 1866 by C.E. Devol.
• Record of Heirs FHL#964934 Item 2;  W. Gofs, Daniel Goss, Homer Gofs, Eliza Sawtell, Harriet Maynard, Mary Adaline’s son Solomon B. Hare.  His wife Mary C. Gofs is mentioned in the will.
• Will Record Vol. B, pg. 124-125 FHL#965935.
• Deed of Conveyance by Executor to George Van Beck dated 12 of July 1866, sale of real estate.

Source:  Probate Records 1847-1868, Henry Co., Iowa, FHL films.  V. G-H 1865-1866, #964924; V. I 1866-1867 #964925; V. J-K 1867-1868 #964926 and Indexes to probate papers disposed of, no 1 964934 Item 1 and v. 2 1920-1937 Item 5964935.

The Will of Solomon Goss (Jr.)

Regular December Term 1865 Friday December 8th page 561

Will of Solomon Gofs dec’d

Know all men by the following that I Solomon Gofs of New London Henry County State of Iowa feeling many infirmities and old age coming on do desire to arrange my worldly businesf in the fear of God so as to give my wife and family as little trouble as possible when life shall cease I wish my body to be buried in a plain and Humble manner and after my funeral expenses and debts are all paid I wish my wife Mary C. Gofs – to have and to hold one third of my property personal and real estate what I may leave then wish Twenty dollars to be given to the Missionary Society of the M.E. Church – I then wish any remaining property to be equally divided between my remaining children with this consideration that Wesley Gofs has had one hundred Dollars the receipt is among my papers. And I wish it to be so arranged as to give my grand son Solomon Beverly Ware one half as much as one of my own children. Solomon Gofs –

The foregoing will of Solomon Gofs was this day Signed and acknowledged by the Testation in our presence and we at his request in his presence & into the presence of each other do sign the same as witnesfes – John P. Grantham, G. Thompson.

I Solomon Gofs of Henry County Iowa being as heretofore of sound mind & memory do hereby make the following change or alteration in my will within made by me on the 13th day of February 1860 to wit I hereby change the item of twenty five Dollars give to the Missionary Society of the M.E. Church so as to make it read Fifty Dollars instead of Twenty five. Witnefs my name the 29th of Jany 1861. Solomon Gofs.

The above change or alteration of the written will is this day subscribed in one presence by Solomon Gofs and we in his presence and at his request sign the same as witnefses date above. John P. Grantham, Francis White.

Notes:  Please understand that they use the spelling with the elongated “S” that looks like an “f” in this court clerk version of the original will.  The name is spelled “Goss.”  I try to write it as they did back then.

Summary page of the heirs (click on the photo to make it larger, remember to hit the back button to return to this post - see the list of films above and realize there is more detail in the films.  I am only showing a small portion of the estate file.  I started with the index and worked through the films at the Family History Library.

Record of Heirs Nov 1, 1864

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Additional Information:

Suggestions:  Here are two great sources for graves in Iowa.  One is from the WPA Work Project which was very helpful to me in the published version when I visited Iowa in 2003 and I am glad to see it is now on line: http://iowawpagraves.org/index.php 

The other is the Iowa Gravestone Photo Project:  http://iowagravestones.org/

A wish:  If someone has a picture of Solomon and Mary’s tombstone(s) and location I would be very happy to receive a copy and if they wish, post it here on this blog with their name as contributor.  

A Little about Mary “Polly” Coburn Devol Goss!

Mary or rather Polly was the wife of Solomon Goss (Jr.).  She was a member of the Devol family who were rather prominent in the Washington County, Ohio area. 

I promised to share a little of what I know of the Devol family.  My curiosity of course was always with Solomon and Olive (Scott) Goss and any leads on them.  However, I was also a little curious about where Polly came from.  On my trip to Ohio in August and September of 2011, I finally found the link for Polly to her parents.  I feel much better now!

Apparently I was not the only one that was confused with all the Polly Devol’s that I was finding.  A Robert McCargar wrote a letter on May 18, 1970 to a Mr. Devol in which he is discussing the identity of different Polly Devols.  Unfortunately the letter from Mr. Devol is not included in the correspondence of this file.

“There must be a least two Mary Coburn (Polly) Devols.  Polly #1, as described by you was born but the date is unknown m. Gilbert Devol. Jr. on March 25, 1790 and d. ca. 1802.  She had ten children. 

Polly #2…was born July 5, 1795, according to records in my family.  The Old Northwest Genealogical Quarterly, Vol. IV., p. 86 says that a Rev. David Young married Solomon Goss, Jr. and Polly Devol., Nov. 19, 1812.  Two independently written histories of the Goss family say that Mary Coburn Devol married Solomon Goss Jr. on that same date.  One of these historians says she died April 1865.  This Mary Coburn (Polly) Devol is certainly distinct from the one you describe.  She had eleven children, among them, one named Gilbert Devol Goss. (Polly #2 was my great, great, great-grandmother.) ”  Mr. McCargar was living in Ann Arbor at the time. 

Source:  Goss Family and other files:  FHL#940938 Items 4-5.

The Washington County Public Library in Marietta has an Annex for the genealogical and family history located down the street from the main library to the south.  It is on the corner.  See the links to the right for Ohio. 

The Main Library in Marietta, but not the genealogy annex

Mr. Jerry Devol, who passed in the late 1990′s, was quite the researcher having documented many of the cemeteries and the families in the area.  All his work is still housed at the library genealogical annex.  The Washington County Genealogical Society is also located there along with their holdings.  It is a really great archive. 

The Marietta Library Annex and Me!

They had in their possession a book titled Rhode Island Genealogical Register, Jan. 1983, Tiverton Wills.

Devol. Jonathan, of Ti, gentleman.  Will dated 6 Aug 1782, proved 2 Sep 1782, pg: 321-322. Mentions: Wife Mary Devol., Sons Gilbert Devol, Silas Devol presumable dec., Stephen Devol., Daniel Devol, Benjamin Devol, & Jonathan Devol Jr. The unnamed heirs of my son Silas Devol. Witn. Charles Hull, Philip Briggs, Thos. Howland.  Note:  The Gilbert Devol mentioned is Sr. I believe?

They also had a big book titled “Devol Early Settlers in Rhode Island (1639) and in Ohio (1788)” with the coat of arms on the front cover.  This book was researched and compiled by Jerry Barker Devol (same as the man mentioned above in the letter) and printed and published by Herbert Gordon Devol.  There are also file folders containing information about the families in the area. I tried Worldcat to search for this book and see where it might be housed and was surprised to see that there is another copy in the Marietta College Library but nothing else was suggested.  The Family History Library had Jerry Barker Devol titles but not this book exact book.  So you will have to call or contact the annex.  The volunteer who does a lot of the research for those who inquire is very eager to be of service.

The Devol Book - it's very detailed!

Mary Coburn “Polly” is listed on page 127  under Gilbert Jr., here are some highlights: 

• III.  Mary Coburn “Polly”
• b. Marietta, Washington County, North West Territory, 5 Jul 1795
• d. Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa, __5 Jul 1795.
• m. Solomon Goss, Jr., Harmar, Ohio 19 Nov. 1812, by Rev. David Young, Vol. 4, page 86
• b.  Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania (?), 5 May 1788.
• d. Oskaloosa, Iowa, 2 Nov. 1864
• Son of Solomon, Sr. and Olive (Scott) Goss.
• Resident Fearing Township, Washington County, Ohio, 1830

On page 65 Polly’s father and mother are listed – Gilbert Devol and Mary Coburn:

• V. Gilbert, Jr. 10c
• b. Tiverton, Rhode Island, ______1766
• d. Point Harmar, Marietta, Ohio, 25 Apr 1812. Ref.: Western Spectator, Marietta, Ohio
• Buried Harmar Cemetery
• m. 1. Mary “Polly” Coburn, Washington County, North West Territory, 25 Mar 1790, by Benjamin Tupper.
• b. Sturbridge, Worcester County, Massachusetts, __ ___ 1770
• d.
• Daughter of Major Asa and Mary (McClure) Coburn.
• m. 2 Rachel Peek, Washington County, Ohio, 14 Jul 1803, by Rev. Nehemiah Davis,
• b. Connecticut 1786
• d.
• Rachel m. 2 Oliver Shute, Washington County, Ohio, 6 Oct 1821, by Rev. John McMahon
• b. New  Jersey, 1786.
• d.

The Devol book goes onto describe more about the life and activities of Gilbert Devol, Jr. with sources.  He was a blacksmith in Point Harmar (west of Marietta) and some of his work has survived.  

Polly’s siblings are and I believe these were the children of Mary Coburn from the same book:

Harriet Devol b. about 1795, d. about 1826, m. George Dunlevy 8 July 1812, b. 1776 in Virginia and died 28 Dec 1836, Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio.  He remarried to a Mrs. Eliza (Buell)  Buell, 20 April 1826.  Eliza was born 22 August 1798 and d in Indiana 26 March 1885.  She was the daughter of Timothy and Sarah “Sally (DeWitt) Buell.  Widow of Salmon D. (DeWitt) Buell. Both are buried in Mound Cemetery, Marietta, Ohio, Range 64, Lot 1.

 Clarissa Devol b. about 1791, Farmer’s Castle, Belpre, Northwest Territory m. Joseph Cook (III) 29 November 1812, born 20 July 1785 Long Plain, (Bristol Co.)  Massachusetts, d. 3 August 1823, Belpre, Washington Co., Ohio. Joseph was the son of Captain Joseph Jr. and Elizabeth (Barker) Cook.  Residence Wood County, Virginia then Belpre 1813.  Kept a tavern “Cook House.” They are buried in (Riverview) Cemetery, Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Mary “Polly” Coburn Devol – our subject in past posts and wife of Solomon Goss (Jr.).

Lucy b. 18 Dec 1797, Marietta, d. 17 January 1867, Danbury Twp., Ottawa Co., Ohio m. Isaac Rice 25 November 1816,  b. 7 May 1792, Brattleboro, Windham Co., Vermont and died 14 April 1845 Danbury Twp., Ottawa Co., Ohio.

Gilbert Devol III b. 25 March 1800, Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio and died 24 July 1871, Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio  m. Cynthia Goodwin 25 Mary 1823, she was born 6 April 1803 in Canada and died 8 June 1870 in Lancaster, Fairfield Co., Ohio. They had one child Sophia S. Devol who died after 1897 in Belpre, Washington Co., Ohio? 

With his second wife Rachel he had

Harrison Devol b. about 1804 in Washington Co., Ohio and died 29 May 1873 Staunton Twp., Miami Co., Ohio m. Jane Orr 11 June 1835,  b. about 1806 in Pennsylvania and died 6 January 1870 in Staunton Twp., Miami Co., Ohio

Benjamin Franklin Devol b. about 1809 Point Harmar, Washington Co., Ohio and died after 1870, Prairie Creek Twp., Vigo Co., Indiana, m. Sarah C. Turnham 16 December 1841, she was born before 1823 in Spencer Co., Kentucky and died about 1868 in Vigo Co., Indiana.  They had two children Athelinda b. before 1813 m. Myhew Rollins.  Austin Devol b. Feb 1813 and died after 1840, m. Elizabeth Blue 28 November 1838.

The book Abstracts of Wills and Administration of Estates of Washington Co., by Genevieve Mary Potts about 1946 is at the FHL in book and microfilm form, here is the book form FHL#977.198 P28p and I have run into it in other archives. This book is a good start to located estates for families and the Devols, Goss and many others are listed.  Be careful mistakes have been made in the transcribing so check the actual record in the probates of the county.

Contacting the Washington County Library Local History and Genealogy Annex is at this link. 

http://www.wcplib.lib.oh.us/locations.htm#hist

Don’t forget the Marietta College’s Special Collections and Digital Collection – Manuscripts and Documents of the Ohio Company in particular for land records regarding the families in the area.  The archivist I interacted with when I visited was very nice and very helpful.   http://digicoll.marietta.edu/oca/

The Washington County Historical Society is also very good and if you are doing any research in the area you need to contact them as well.  They have a lot of the old records from the courthouse.

Regarding the cemeteries in Washington County, Ohio.  I will write a post or two about this topic as regards to my visit there in 2011 with sources and photographs.  Mr. Devol mentions Harmar one of the oldest but it is right on the Muskingum River and has been flooded.  The other is another old cemetery the Mound.

Solomon Goss, a restless son: From Ohio to Iowa!

Let us study the migration of Solomon Goss (Jr.) from Ohio to Iowa. 

Why he decided to leave Washington County, Ohio I do not know.  The land of his father’s was in a hilly area and the land in Hardin was much flatter and it was probably much easier to farm.  I have seen and walked both areas (Hardin and Washington Co.) in my travels this past year of 2011, so I know the difference in the land is marked. 

Daniel his brother was living in Belpre which is 12 miles south of Marietta.   Elizabeth (Goss) Lake was living in Rainbow 12 miles to the west across the Muskingum River.  Noah was living in Knox County but he died in 1833. Levi was in Kent County, Ontario, Canada.  Lydia was in Knox County, Ohio with her family.  They were busy with their families.  It is fun to speculate!

In 1810 Solomon Goss was made the Executor of his father Solomon Goss Senior’s will.  In 1828 he followed through with this duty.  The only document that is listed in the index for the estate of Solomon Goss is the will.  Usually there are other documents like the appointment of an administrator, appraisement of personal possessions,  inventory, bonds, sale of inventory, settlements and more.  Why there is so little on this estate file is puzzling to me. 

Probate Index, Washington Co., Ohio

The son, Solomon is still in Washington County, Ohio in Fearing Township according to the 1830 U.S. Federal Census.  This census is statistical but it does shown him as head of household.   My last post dated January 5, 2012 covers this census.  It is titled  “The Family of Solomon and Polly Goss!”

Executor Notice!

I tried to find an obituary notice on Solomon Goss Senior instead I found this executor notice from the newspapers.  It was in the obituary binders of the Washington County Historical Society in Marietta.  They have alphabetical books filled with obituaries and it is a lot easier to find things than slogging through a newspaper.  See the link to the right to the historical society.  I am now a member and was very impressed with their dedication and enjoyed my visit in September of 2012. They are well worth a visit. 

The will of Solomon Goss Senior bequeathed to the son Solomon the land in Fearing Township, Washington County, Ohio and the son lives there till around 1832 when he sells it on April 4, 1832 to John Ludham (Leedham).  

In a  future post I will features this deed in more depth for it is truly wonderful and fits in more with the will and land of the father.  You can view this deed at the source below or contact the Register of Deeds at the courthouse in Marietta.

Source:  Washington County, Ohio Deeds, Vol. 22, pg. 324 FHL#941411. 

Once the land was sold, Solomon Goss (Jr.)  heads north to Hardin County, Ohio and settles on Section 10.

 “Solomon Goss settled on land now owned by Mrs. Nancy McLain, in Section 10, about 1831 or 1832, and after residing here about ten years he moved to Iowa. Mr. Goss was a man of character and integrity, of firm and established religious principles, and one of the organizers of the Pisgah Methodist Episcopal Church.” pg. 602

“Pisgah Episcopal Church – …The first class of this society consisted of Solomon Goss and wife, Uriah Williams, Mary Williams, …..etc.” pg. 611

Source:  History of Hardin County, Ohio pg. 602 and 611, Chicago, Warner & Beers & Co., 1883. 

Historic Map Works has an amazing collection of Atlases for many states and counties that you can view.  The 1879 shows where Nancy McLain’s and Alfred Spracklin’s land is located.  He was one of Peter Spracklins sons.  Peter died in 1845.

Solomon Goss appears on various tax lists and records in Hardin County, Ohio.  By 1839 Wesley, his son, appears as well!

1833 Tax Record, Congress District, Blanchard Twp., Chattle Property, Goss, Solomon.

1839 Wesley and Solomon Goss are listed again under Dudley Twp. Chattle List Wesley has 2 horses and 3 cattle while Solomon has 1 horse and 6 cattle.  A note on the tax document states that Wesley had gone to Iowa.

1840 only Solomon is listed under Congress Lands in Dudley R12 T5 S10 and 9 and he has paid.

In 1841 Solomon Goss is listed again under Dudley Twp. Congress Land same land description. 

Source:  Duplicate Tax Records 1821-1850, Hardin Co., Ohio, V. 584, 590, 1821-1833 FHL#506598, and  1838-1842 FHL#945852.

A patent is issued to Solomon Goss on 16 September 1834 for land in Hardin County.

Bucyrus was the land office – #6276 ASN OH 0840__.150, 40 acres. SWSE 3/ Section 5-N Twp. 12 E, Fract Section No, Meridian 1st PM. State of Oh, County of  Hardin, Issue date September 16, 1834. 

Source:  BML – Bureau of Land Management Website see link on right of this blog under Favorite Links – US where you can get  copy of this patent and more.

Actually, Solomon’s land in Hardin County was not that far from Peter Spracklin’s.  See the posted dated August 24, 2011 “Hardin County – Kenton, Ohio,” for the location and photos of Peter Spracklin’s land and Solomon Goss’s.  Please realize that the photographs are approximations of where the lands are located! 

Goss, Solomon Jr. R/12E/T58(S)/S3 Vol: U.S. Lands 18 Ranges North & South Vol 3, pg. 297 (Dec 21, 1837)

also R12E/T58(S)/S10 Vol: US Lands 18 Ranges North & South Vol 3, pg. 299 (Aug. 28, 1837)

Source:  Tract Books and Index for U.S. lands in Ohio but not including Virginia Military Dist., Connecticut Western Res., Fire Lands and Symmes Purchase, FHL#1992829 Index, FHL#196230 V3 Ranges 9-15.

While visiting  the Hardin County Genealogical Society in August of 2007, my cousin found in the stacks an account book from a store which lists the purchases made by customers for supplies.  Here I feature Solomon Goss and his son Wesley.  [Gofs is the written version of Goss using the long S.]

Pg. 94, Tuesday April 14, 1840 Solomon Gofs - 3 yrds Linen - 84 cents.

Pg. 109, Tuesday April 28th, 1840 Solomon Gofs – Ball and [ ] for $5.67.

Pg. 378 Saturday Nov. 14, 1840 Solomon Gofs bought indigo and tea for $1.00.

Pg. 504 Monday Feb. 22, 1841 Solomon Gofs bought for his daughter dishes and more for $4.03.  Below him there might be a Daniel Goss buying combs for 22 cents. 

Source:  Merriam & Carey Day Book, circa 1840, Hardin County Genealogical Society, Kenton, Ohio.

Solomon Goss (Jr.) and Polly are still in Hardin County, Ohio in the census for 1840 which again is statistical.  So this means he left Hardin County sometime after 1841 and was in Henry Co., Iowa by 1850.   In the previous post dated January 5, 2012 “The Family of Solomon and Polly Goss,”  I feature the 1830, 1840 and 1850 census for Solomon toward the end of the post.

******

Additional Notes:  If you seek out the will or any probate/estate files for Solomon Goss Senior you will only find the court clerk’s copy of the will.  The original was removed by some unknown person and never returned back in 1992.  I learned this on my trip to Marietta  in  September of 2011.   This was a terrible disappointment to me.  I was looking forward to seeing it. 

Some of the records of the county are housed at the Washington County Historical Society (WCHS), see the link to the right.  The WCHS is doing everything they can to preserve these records.  Please don’t take these precious documents, leave them for others to enjoy!!!

The Family of Solomon and Polly Goss!

Solomon Goss (Jr.)  was the 4th child and a second son of Solomon Goss and Olive (Scott) Goss.  He was about 6+ years old when his father left Luzerne County, Pennsylvania and headed west to Ohio. 

The use of the junior with his name is only to him to keep him separate from his father Solomon Goss senior.  I have seen it a couple of times in written documents where they are designated in this manner. 

Solomon Goss, the son, was born 5 May 1788 in Pennsylvania.   I do not have any bible or birth documents that give proof of these birth dates for Solomon’s children.  In some cases it is due to the destruction of records because of the Revolutionary war and the land squabbles in Pennsylvania.  I have tried to find these types of documents but so far I have not been successful. Instead I have relied on those who have gone before me like Flora Montanye Osborn did back in the 1950′s.  (She is in the list of categories to the right where I have written about her articles.)  

He must have made an agreement with his father about 1815 to stay on the land in Washington County, Ohio.  He appears only as a witness on deeds involving his other siblings regarding the land in Knox County, Ohio.   

Solomon Goss (Jr.) married on the 19th of November 1812 to Polly Devol (Mary Coburn Devol).

S. Goss and P. Devol Marriage

Polly was the daughter of Gilbert Devol Jr. and Mary Coburn.  Polly was born 5 July 1795 in Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio.  The Devol’s were a very large family and of some importance in the Marietta area.  Polly’s father Gilbert Devol was a son of Gilbert Devol Sr. and Anne.  Her mother was the daughter of Asa Coburn and Rhoda Baker.  I will talk more about the Devol family in a later post and share what I do know and give some ideas for seeking more information. 

Marriage Book 1

Source Marriage:  There are several sources for Washington County marriages. 

1) Ohio Marriages, Recorded in County Courts Through  1820: An Index, compiled and published by the Ohio Genealogical Society, 1996. The Goss listings are on pages 405-106.  

 2) Washington County, Ohio Marriages, 1789-1840, by Bernice Graham, Elizabeth S. Cottle and sponsored by the Marietta Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington County.  Goss names are on pg. 119-120.   This book is also at the FHL #977.198 V2g. 

3)  Washington County Marriage Records, Probate Court of Washington County, V1-3, Marietta, Ohio FHL#0941958.  NOTE: The Courthouse in Washington County has the books in a special room next door to the Probate Office where you get permission to research.  These records are copies of the books not the originals.  

Washington County Courthouse, Marrietta, Ohio

 The children of Solomon Goss and Polly [Coburn Devol] Goss:

1.  Eliza Goss born 4 Sep 1813  in Washington County, Ohio and died Sept. 1892.  She married a George Sawtell.

Line 32, 657, 686, George Sawtell, 45, M, Farmer, 7000, England, M. Eliza Sawtell, 36, F, born Ohio, M. John Sawtell, 18, M, Farmer, born Virginia, S. William Sawtell, 16, M, Farmer, Virginia, S. George F. Sawtell, 14, M, Virginia, S. Mary Sawtell, 12, F, Virginia, S. Gilbert Sawtell, 10, M, Virginia, S. Samuel Sawtell, 9, M, Virginia, S. Henry Sawtell, 9, M, Virginia, S. Ann Sawtell, 7, F, Virginia, S. Loisa Sawtell, 5, F, Virginia, S.  (next page) James Sawtell, 3, M Virginia.  Ellen Sawtell, 1, F, Virginia.

Source:  1850 U.S. Federal Census, 44th District, Ohio, Virginia, Sept 5, 1850, B. Kelley, NARA Film M432_966; page 46B; Image 99, Ancestry.com. Note:  This area of the 44th District is now in West Virginia in the county of Ohio. 

2.  Wesley Goss 16 March 1815 in Washington County, Ohio and died 10 October 1896 in Spencer, Clay Co., Iowa.    He died 10 October 1896 in Spencer, Clay Co., Iowa. He married Elizabeth Evans before 1837.  Elizabeth was born 26 Octobr 1816 very close to the Canadian border or maybe in Vermont?  She died 28 July 1901 in Spencer, Clay Co., Iowa.  Both are buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Clay County, Iowa.  They had 11 children.  Wesley was even more restless than his father moving around Iowa a great deal.  I will discuss him in a separate post. 

3.  Harriet Melissa Goss was born 9 March 1817 in Washington County, Ohio and died 12 December 1880 in Henry County, Iowa.  She  married a James W. Maynard.  According to the Iowa Gravestones Project online, Harriett is buried in Burge Cemetery, Henry Co., Iowa.  http://iowagravestones.org/gs_view.php?id=225868 There is a photo of the tombstone.

Line 217, 217 James W. Maynard, 40 M, Physician, 1000, Ohio. Harriett Maynard, 35 F. Emily Maynard, 12, F, Ohio. Olive Maynard, 11, F, Ohio, Marian, M, Iowa, James W., 3, M, Iowa, James M. Hare 1, M, Iowa.  

Source:  1850 U.S. Federal Census, New London, Henry Co., Iowa, August 24, 1850 by [D.B. Post], NARA Film M432_184, page 174B, Image 92, Ancestry.com.

4.  Gilbert Devol Goss  was born 28 September 1820 and died in about October of 1838 in Washington County, Ohio.  He was only 18 when he died.  He didn’t marry. 

5. Milton Goss was born 29 December 1823 in Washington County, Ohio.  Date of death unknown.

6.  Solomon Goss (III) was born the 22 of June, 1825.  He was a twin.  Unfortunately he did not survive and died in July 1825. 

7.  Olive Goss was born the 22 of June, 1825.  The other twin.  She died in July 1825 as well. 

8.  Mary Adaline Goss was born 15 August 1826 in probably Fearing Township, Washington County, Ohio.  She probably died before the 1850 census was enumerated for Henry Co. because her husband and children were living with her father Solomon Goss and family in 1850.  She married a Jacob Hare on 6 October 1846.  They had at least two children:  Solomon B. and James.  Later little James would be living with the sister Harriett in Virginia Iowa – See Harriett’s section above.  

This link for the IA GenWeb Project and lists Henry County marriages 1830-1850 and has Harriett’s marriage which would need to be checked with the actual records at the courthouse: 

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~iahenry/hmarr1836_1850.htm

9.  Leroy Swormstedt Goss was born 7 September 1828 in Fearing Township, Washington County, Ohio.  My information has his death in May of 1851 probably in Iowa, however, he is not showing in the Mortality Schedules and in the 1850 census?? 

10.  Terry Goss was born about 1828 in Ohio according to the 1850 census for Henry Co., Iowa.  Terry is a mystery.  I cannot find him in any census after the 1850?  Could his name “Terry” be a nickname?

Note:  Terry and Daniel Goss are listed as being on the McCully Wagon Train to Oregon in 1853.  Terry would have been 25 years old.  Daniel would be 23, certainly old enough to go on an adventure.   There is a book available for sale at the website link and a list of the members of the wagon train.  

11.  Daniel Goss was born 18 November 1830 in Washington County, Ohio and probably in Fearing township because his father was there in the 1830 Census.  He is found in the “History of Henry County” page 653 in New London as a carpenter in 1879.  This history is at Internet Archive. 

Daniel is listed in the 1850 U.S. Federal Census for Henry Co. with his father and mother. 

I have found in the census for 1860 in Minnesota a Daniel Goss that I think is this Daniel.  I did not have his wife or children in my records so this is an interesting development and when you compare it with the other information it gets more interesting and I get this feeling that if Daniel did go on the wagon train, why is he back in Iowa in 1854?  Did something happen?

Page 231, Line 38, 2015, 1867, Daniel Gofs, 29, M, Carpenter, $300, born Ohio. Mary J. Gofs, 28, F, born Vt. Warren D. Gofs, 7, M, Iowa. pg. 232, L. A. Gofs, 3/12, M, Minnesota.

Source:  1860 U.S. Federal Census for Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota, 4th Ward, enumerated [Oct] 7th, 1860,by Wm. L. Chapman, pg. 231 and 232, NARA Film M653_570, pg. 941, Image 498, FHL#803570, Ancestry.com.

There is a Daniel Goss in the 1854 Iowa State Census for New London, Henry Co., Iowa with 1 male, 2 females in the family, at Ancestry.com.   The statistic are not quite right but if you compare the other census you begin to see a trend.

In the 1870 U.S. Federal Census for New London Henry County, Iowa

Line 21, 341, 323, Goss, Daniel, 38, M, W, Carpenter, $800, $550, Ohio. Goss, Mary J, 36, F, W, Keeping house, Canada, father of foreign birth, Goss, Warren J, 14, M, W, at. home, Iowa. Goss, Lena, A, 10, F, W, at home, Minnesota. Goss, Nella, 6, 7, W, Iowa.

Source:  1870 U.S. Federal Census, New London, Henry Co., Iowa, pg. 40, P.O. Mt. Pleasant, 27 July 1870 by Mason Bayles, #299. NARA Film M593_395, pg. 299A, Image 603, FHL# 545894, Ancestry.com.

12.  Homer Goss was born 13 November 1838 (maybe 1837) in Ohio.  Homer’s story is a little sad.  His sister Harriett applied to the court 4 May 1868 requesting that a guardian be appointed for her brother ”…a Lunatic.”  As a result a John P. Grantham was appointed his guardian.  Homer appears with his parents in the 1860 census which I will discuss in a later post.  Who is this Mr. Grantham?

Source:  Probate Court, Henry Co., Iowa, Guardianship of Homer Goss, Lunatic, May 4, 1868, Vol. J, pgs. 484, 492, 512 FHL#964926.   

This child is suspect:

13.  Mary Goss was born abt 1842/43 in Iowa. Note:   Polly the mother would be 44 years old so I am doubting this is her child?  She is the last one listed for the family in the 1850 Henry Co., Iowa census for Solomon Goss? I do not know her relationship to the family?   See below.

The Census

The first census that really shows Solomon Goss (Jr.) is the 1830 Federal Census for Fearing, Washington, Ohio.  Even though it is statistical you can try to fit the family members to the census. 

• FWMales Under 5 – 1  (Could be Leroy)
• FWMales 5-9 – 1   (Probably Wesley but he would be 15 or Gilbert Devol?)
• FWMales 40-49 – 1  (Solomon the father)
• FWFemales under 5 – 1 (Mary A.)
• FWFemales 10-14 – 1  (Harriett)
• FWFemales 15-19 – 1  (Eliza)
• FWFemales 30-39 – 1 (Polly the mother)
• FWPersons under 20: 5
• FW Persons 20-49: 7
• Total 7

Source:  1830 U.S. Federal Census, Fearing, Washington, Ohio, pg. 354, NARA Roll M19-141, FHL #0337952.

Here is the statistics for the 1840 U.S. Federal Census for Hardin County, Ohio for Solomon Goss.  Please notice that he left Washington County, Ohio and moved to Hardin County, Ohio.  This census proved harder to fit the family to the statistics and I am not sure I did a a very good job!

• FWMales Under 5 – 1  (Homer would be 2 years old.)
• FWMales 5 thru 9 – 1  (Daniel but I have him at 10 years?)
• FWMales 10-14 – 1   ( Terry Goss be 12, Leroy would be 12)
• FWMales 50-59 – 1   (Solomon head of this family)
• FWFemales 10-14 – 1  (Mary Adaline would be 14 years)
• FWFemales 15-19 – 1   ????
• FWFemales 40-59 – 1   (Polly Devol mother and wife)
• FWPerson under 20 – 5
• FWPerson 20-49 – 1
• Total 7

Source: 1840 U.S. Federal Census, Dudley, Hardin County, Ohio, Roll #401, Page 153, FHL#0020167,  Ancestry.com

The following information from the 1850 U.S. Federal for Solomon Goss. 

Line 20, 79, 79, Solomon Goss, 62, M, Farmer, 1500, Ohio. Mary Goss, 51, F, Ohio. Terry 22, M, farmer, Ohio. Daniel Goss, 20, M, farmer, Ohio. Homer Goss, 13, M, Ohio. Jacob Hare, 30, M. Carpenter, Ohio. Solomon B. Hare, 2 M, Iowa. James, 6/12, M, Iowa. Rachel Barnett, 16, F, Ohio. Mary Goss 7, F, Iowa.

Source:  1850 U.S. Federal Census, New London, Henry Co., Iowa, pg. 164, NARA Roll #M432_184, Ancestry.com.

Please note that I made a mistake in the last post titled “Mary Follows her Brother Solomon Goss to Iowa!” regarding the 1850 Census.  I made the correction in the post.  I had Mary living with her brother and she wasn’t.  The correct information for the 1850 Census for Solomon Goss (Jr.) is indicated above.

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I have had the good fortune to visit the Family History Library in Salt Lake City on several occasions and I discovered a source for this family that is reflected above in the children’s information.  I have added the census to it and I will let you decide.   

Source:  Goss Family & Other Files – Philip Goss immigrant ancestor, born 1664, LDS Film #940938 Items 4-5)

This is a exchange of letters and family histories regarding the Goss, Devol, Spracklin and Cooley surnames and others around 1970-1973 with various repositories in Washington Co., Ohio. 

The information I have shared here on Solomon Goss and Polly Devol’s children and Wesley Goss was contained in the family history of the “Goss-Reynolds Family Genealogy” a part of this series of correspondences. It was written by a Gertrude Smith, of Pittsburgh, who was the daughter of Lois (Goss) Smith, a great-granddaughter of Polly.  The history was donated by a Robert S. McCargar whose paternal grandmother was Addie (Goss) McCargar.  More of this file will be shared in the appropriate place in future posts.

page 1 of the Goss-Reynolds History: 

Solomon Goss, Jr., married Nov. 19, 1812 [Mt.Harmon] [Point Harmar] O., to Mary Colburn Devol.  Died Nov. 2, 1864. Mary Colburn Devol – Born July 5, 1795, died April 1865. 

Children 

	Born	Died	Married
Eliza Goss	Sept. 4, 1813	Sept. 1892	George Sawtell
Wesley	Mar. 16, 1815	Oct. 1896	Elizabeth Evans
Harriet Melissa	Mar. 9, 1817	Dec. 1880	Jas. W. Maynard
Gilbert Devol	Sep. 28, 1820	Oct. 1838
Milton	Dec. 29, 1823
Solomon 3rd	June 22, 1825	July 1825	Twin
Olive	June 22, 1825	July 1825	Twin
Mary Adaline	Aug. 15, 1826	July 1851	Mr. Hare
Leroy Swarmstedt	Sep. 7, 1828	May 1851
Homer	Nov. 13, 1838
Daniel	Nov. 18, 1830

Gertrude Smith does not give her sources.  Mr. McCargar thought it was probably her mother Lois (Goss) Smith and the sister Edith (Goss) Crary who provided the information. Terry is not mentioned in their list.  Mary Goss, the 7 year old, is also not listed although they are in the 1850 Census with Solomon Goss and Polly. You can compare what I have above with what is listed by Mrs. Smith. 

Warning:  My interest in Solomon Goss (Jr.) and his family was to see if he would lead me to more information about his father and mother Solomon and Olive (Scott) Goss.  I do not claim that I know this family well and the research is by far not done to my complete satisfaction, so please take what I have written and doublecheck it and draw your own conclusions. 

In the next posts I will describe more of my finds regarding Solomon Goss (Jr.).   

Mary Follows her Brother Solomon Goss to Iowa!

Some time around 1845 Mary Goss moves to Mt. Pleasant, Henry County, Iowa. 

Iowa County Map

Once again Mary gets involved with land transactions on her own.  What follows are two deeds, one in 1845 and another in 1850. I have transcribed them from the film of the court clerk’s books to the best of my ability. 

GM [Teas & wife]
To M. Gofs
Deed

This Indenture, made and entered into this twenty fifth day of February in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty five between George W. Teas and Sarah S. his wife of the County of Henry and Territory of Iowa of the first part and Mary Gofs of the same place of the second part.  Witnesfeth that for an in consideration of the sum of Twenty five dollars to them in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged the said party of the first part has this day bargained and sold and doth by these presents bargain, sell and convey unto the said party of the second part Lot No (5) five in Block No. (13) thirteen in the Town of Mount Pleasant situated in the County and Territory aforesaid. Together with all and singular the hereditainments and appurtenances thereunto belonging to have and to hold unto her the said Mary Gofs her heirs and afsigns forever and the said George W. Teas doth covenant to warrant and will forever defend the title to the above described Lot – In witness whereof the said party of the first part have hereto set their hands & seals. George W. Teas (Seal), Sahar S. Teas (Seal) 

In the presences of John P. Grantham.

Territory of Iowa, Henry County [Sct.] I John P. Grantham, Deputy for E. Killpatrick Clerk of the District Court for said County do hereby certify that George W. Teas & Sarah S. Teas his wife whose names are subscribed to the above deed of conveyance and who are known to me as parties thereto personally appeared before me and acknowledged the execution thereof to be their voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein expressed. And the said Sarah S. Tease having the contents of the said deed explained to her acknowledged apart from her husband that she relinquished her right of dower in the real estate therein described without compulsion or under influences of her said husband.  (Seal) Given under my hand and seal of the Office the 25^th day of February A.D. 1845.  John P. Grantham Deputy for E. Killpatrick Clerk. Record 25^th February A.D. 1845 John P. Grantham RHC.

Deeds:  Henry Co., Iowa Feb. 15, 1845, Vol. D, pg. 517 FHL#964769.

 Five years pass and Mary is once gain involved with land!

Gofs
To
Stockton
Deed

This indenture made this Sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and Fifty Between Mary Gofs of the county of Henry and State of Iowa of the first part – And Thomas I. Stockton of the County and State aforesaid of the second part.  Witnefseth, That the said part of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of Four Hundred & Seventy five dollars to her paid by the said part of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has granted, bargained, sold, released and conveyed – And by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, release, and convey to the said part of the second part, & to his heirs and assigns.  Forever all of two certain pieces or parcels of Real Estate situate, lying and being in the county of Henry and State of Iowa and known designated and described, as follows, to wit – The East half of the South East quarter of Section 25 – Township [15] North of Range 7 West containing 80 acres, more or lefs.  Also Fifteen acres off of the South side of the North half of the West half o the South East quarter of Section Twenty one, Township 15 north of Range seven West containing in the whole 95 acres be the same more or lefs. Together with all the privileges and appurtenances to the said Real Estate in any were appertaining and belonging; To Have and To Hold the above granted premises: to the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns to his other’s use and behoofs Forever – And the said party of the first part for herself & her heirs does convenant with the said part of the second part & to his heirs and assigns that she is lawfully secured in fee of the afore granted premises.  That they are free from all encumbrances – That the said party (page 148) of the first part, has good right to sell and convey the same to the said party of the second part, as aforesaid. And that she will and her heirs & executors, shall Warrant and Defend the same to the said part of the second part and to his heirs and assigns against the lawful demands of all persons, In Testimony whereof the said party of the first part, has hereunto set her hand and seal, the day and year first above written, signed, sealed and delivered in the presences of John P.Grantham N. Lathrop.  Signed Mary Gofs (seal)

State of Iowa, Henry County SS:  On this day personally appeared before me, the undersigned clerk of the District Court for said county Mary Gofs who is personally known to me to be the identical person described in, and who executed the foregoing Deed of conveyance as grantor therein and acknowledges the signing and sealing as the same appear thereto to be her free and voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein expressed.  (Seal) Given under my hand and seal of the court affixed at Mt.Pleasant the Sixteenth day of October A.D. 1850.  John P. Grantham, clerk of said court.  Recorded 16^th Oct. A.D.1850.  W.M. Snyder [R….Cl]

 Source:  Deeds Henry Co., Iowa, Book J, pg 147, FHL#964771, Oct. 16, 1850.

UPDATE January 5, 2012 – This is not correct – Mary is not living with her brother Solomon in 1850. 

In the 1850 U.S. Federal Census, Henry County, Iowa we find Mary living with her brother Solomon Goss (Jr.). in Henry County, New London Twp., pg. 164, Roll M432_184, Ancestry.com.

Solomon Goss, Jr. age 62 born 1787, bp Ohio; Mary Goss, age 51, est by 1798, bp Ohio; Leroy Goss, age 22 est. 1827, bp Ohio; Daniel Goss age 20, est. 1829, bp Ohio; Homer Goss age 13, est. 1836, bp Ohio; Mary Goss age 7, est. 1842 born in Iowa; Mary Goss, age 65, 1784, born Pennsylvania. 

She is on her own living in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. 

Line 14, 342, 342, Goss Mary, 65, F, 300,  Pennsylvania,

Source:  1850 U.S. Census, Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa, NARA Film M432_184, page 183A, Image 109, 27th Day of August 1850, A. B. Porter, Asst Marshall, Ancestry.com.

The 1854 Iowa State Census for Henry County shows statistics and I believe it is Mary Goss.  She is living in Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa and is listed as head of household (Line 30, Roll IA_121, Ancestry.com).

We follow with the 1856 Iowa Census for Mary Goss and find her at 70 years old.

pg. 476 – Salmon C. Rodgers age 20 M. married, 0 yrs in state, Born Ohio, Farmer, Voters, Militia. Sarah L. age 19 Female married, 0 years in state, born Ohio, Mary Goss age 70, Female in state 10 years, born PA.  Roll IA_56 Family #182, Ancestry.com

The Rodger or Roger family may be a link back to Ebenezer Goss, younger brother to Solomon Goss and his descendants but at this time I do not know that link for I have not studied the Roger’s family that closely. 

Getting old is never easy and on the 12 September 1857, Solomon Goss (Jr.) was made the guardian for Mary Goss in a document titled:  Inquest of Insanity. 

Upon satisfactory proof being made to the court that Mary Goss is incapable of taking care of herself or her property and by reason of her physical debility could not be brought to the court ordered that Solomon Goss, by appointed guardian of the said Mary.  Whereupon the said Solomon Goss gave Bond in the penal sum of sixteen hundred dollars with [ ] Maynard as security approved by the court, and was duly sworn and confirmed according to law. Ordered that said guardian, give notice of his appointment in the courthouse and other public places in the county.  

Source:  Probate Records, Henry County, Iowa, Vol. D, pg. 311 FHL#964922

Not long after on April 13, 1859 a brief note appears in the court books regarding the estate of Mary Goss.

On application to that effect and cause therefor being shown, it is ordered by the court that Solomon Goss be and he is hereby appointed administrator of Mary Goss deceased.  Therefrom the said Solomon Goss gave bond in the penal sum of eight hundred dollars with H. W. Maynard as security, which was approved by the court and he was duly sworn according to law.  It is also ordered by the court that the said administor give notice of his appointment by posting up notices, at the courthouse and two other public places in the county.  And said Administrator is authorized to sell so much of the said personal property as he may deem proper, and in said terms as to him may seem best.  It is further ordered by the court that Isaac P. [Cove], Francis Alter & James H. Stephens be and they are hereby appointed appraisers of the personal property of said estate.

There was only 3 pieces of paper regarding the estate of Mary Goss, there are no dates on these next two pieces. 

Estate of Mary Goss dec.  On this day Solomon Goss administor of the Estate of Mary Goss dec’d filed his report of the condition of said Estate showing a balance of in his hands subject to order of distribution of $26.88 which report is approved by the court. 

Followed by the Inventory and report:

Solomon Goss administor of the Estate of Mary Goss dec’d and makes the following report which is filed same [        ].

To Cash left by the deceased $25.00. To cash for personal property as the appraisement $76.13, Total $104.13.  One note given by [Chas A of W. Viney] dated June 25, 1858 given the day after date drawing [oper cent Int.]  $200.00.  One note given by Daniel Goss dated Jan 26, 1857 due one year after date with 10 per cent int from date for $200.00.  Jany. 29th 1861 Probate fees paid $3.00, 5 percent commission $19.20.  My share of the Estate being 1/5th $19.20.  Bal. cash in my hands $76.73. 

Said balance [  ] due to the following heirs as follows:  Daniel Goss (brother of Deceased) 1 share $19.19.  Heirs of Lake Deceased 1 share $19.19.  Levi Goss 1 share $19.19.  Heirs of Lydia Spracklin deceased 1 share $19.19.    Source:  Henry Co., Probate Records, Vol. D pg. 395, 528, 602, FHL#964922.

If we study the dates we can determine that Mary passed sometime between September of 1857 and 1859.  She outlived her two sisters and we know from this probate file that Daniel and Levi are still living.  Again there is no mention of David. 

Where Mary is buried in Henry County is unclear.  I cannot find her at this time, but I assume she is buried there because Solomon (Jr.) and his wife Mary are still living there according to the 1860 census for Henry County, Iowa. 

I ponder what Mary would have been like.  Finding her in the records is very unusual for a woman, but very rewarding.  Her bond with her brother Solomon must have been strong for what would have compelled her to leave her home in Washington County to travel to Hardin County and then onto Iowa?

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Note:  When I visited Iowa in April of 2003 I traveled to and did research in several repositories like the State Historical Society for Iowa which has two offices, one in Iowa City and the main one in Des Moines.  I was at both for several days.  The Iowa Genealogical Society is also excellent and located in Des Moines near the Archives.  I traveled mostly through the southern part of Benton County and the north part of Iowa County my emphasis was on finding Daniel Spracklin, Lydia’s son.  Another stop was the Iowa County Genealogical Society which was in the basement in the tiniest room I have ever seen at that time, but they have moved since.  See the links on the sidebar.

Mary Goss, School Teacher!

Mary Goss was a school teacher.  She is mentioned in the History of Washington County. 

“Mary Goss taught a small school of young children in an old log barn.”  History of Washington Co., Ohio, pg. 688,  C. Williams & Bros, 1881.

She was a daughter of Solomon and Olive (Scott) Goss and was born 4 March 1785 probably in the area that Connecticut claimed ownership of which we know as Luzerne County.  The area eventually went under the ownership of Pennsylvania in 1786.  

Again for Mary Goss, the actual date of birth comes from the manuscripts of Flora Montanye Osborn, a cousin of mine.  Flora is a descendant of Levi Goss, a younger brother.

1.   ”Additions to the Cooley Family,” The Detroit Society for Genealogical Research Magazine, Vol. VII, No. 1, Sept-Oct, 1943.  This magazine can actually be found in a large public library, or the Family History Library.  You can contact the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library.

2.  ”Keziah Cooley Goss Chapter of the D.A.R., May 3, 1942, Yearbook 1943-1944, FHL#940938 Items 4-5.” 

3.  Notes of Flora Montanye Osborn DAR Goss Family File: Flora writes: “I have a song book which states “From Mary Goss of Washington Co, Ohio to Mary Goss of Lenawee Co., Mich.”)   

Note:  The Mary Goss of Lenawee Co., Michigan is a daughter of Levi and Sophia Rummersfield who married Joseph Rice Flora’s grandparents.

Mary’s father, Solomon Goss, deeded land to her just like he did to her brother Noah and her sister Elizabeth (Goss) Lake.  Date of deed 19 April 1815:

Deed of Solomon Goss of Fearing Twp., Washington Co., Ohio to his second daughter Mary Goss (Gofs) for $100 (50 acres). Witnesses were Simon Porter and Solomon Goss, Jr. and Joel Tuttle JP. Description of the land: ” …certain tract or parcel of Land, Situate and being in said State of Ohio in the Fourteenth Range and Sixth Township of the United States Military land so called, containing fifty acres being part of a tract of four hundred and fifty acres of Land deeded to me by Zaccheus Biggs the 28th July 1802, Refference thereto being had, butted and bounded as follows beginning at the South East corner of a Tract of land this (day) deeded to Elizabeth Lake, Thence West Twenty Four Chains to Lands this day deeded by me to Levi Goss, Thence South Twenty Chains 83 1/3 Links, Thence East Twenty four Chains, Thence North Twenty Chains 83 1/3 links to the place of beginning….”

Source:  Knox County, Ohio Deeds, Vol. B-C, pg. 274-275, FHL#314037.

Not too many years later Elizabeth Lake husband Andrew decided to sell their share of the land in Knox County to Mary.  Here is a transcription of that deed to the best of my ability in being able to read the interesting spellings and legalese. 

Andrew Lake
Deed to
Mary Goss
Rec’d for Record
Jany 5^th 1818
 

To all people to where these Presents shall come.  Greetings:  Know ye, That we, Andrew Lake and Elizabeth his wife of Washington County and State of Ohio, for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred Dollars, lawful money to use in hand  before the ensealing hereof  well and truly paid by Mary Goss of the same County and State.  The receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, and ourselves therewith fully satisfied and contented. Have given, granted, bargained, sold, alien, conveyed & confirmed and by these Presents do freely fully and absolutely give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, convey and confirm unto her the said Mary Goss, her heirs and assigns forever, a (page 6 ) certain tract or parcel of land situate and being  in the said [County] of Ohio, in the fourteeth range and tenth Township of the United States Military land (so called) containing fifty acres being part of the tract of land containing four hundred and fifty acres, deeded to Solomon Goss on the 28^th of July 1802 by Zaccheus Biggs.  The land hereby conveyed abutted and bounded as follows:  Beginning at the north east corner of said tract of four hundred and fifty acres running thence West four chains to lands belonging to Noah Goss.  Thence south twenty chains 33 1/3 links: thence East 24 chains; thence North 20 chains 33 1/3 links to the place of beginning, being the said land conveyed to said Elizabeth Lake by Solomon Goss, April 19, 1815. 

To Have and to Hold the said granted and bargained premises, and all the appurtenances, privileges and commodities to same ___ anywise belonging to her the said Mary Goss, her heirs and assigns forever to her and their only proper use, benefit, and behoof forever in fee simple and we the said Andrews and Elizabeth Lake for ourselves, heirs, executors and administrators, do convenant to and with the same Mary Goss her heirs and assigns that before the ensealing hereof ___ she true sole and lawful owners of the above bargained premises and are lawfully seized and possed of the same in their own proper as a good perfect and absolute estate of Inheritance in fee simple have full forever and authority to sell and convey the said bargained premises, in manner as aforesaid, and furthermore do convey and engage the above demised premises to the said Mary Goss___  and assigned against the lawful claim or demands and persons or persons whatsoever forever hereafter to Warrant, secure and defend by these presents.

In Witness thereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 26^th day of December, in the year of our Lord one hundred and sixteenth.  Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the presences of Geo. Dunlevy, Elizabeth Cogswell.  Signed Andrew Lake (Seal) Elizabeth Lake (Seal)

The State of Ohio Washington County ss.  At Marietta, Dec. 26 A.D. 1816.  The above named Andrew Lake and Elizabeth Lake his wife the signers and sealers of the above instrument personally appeared and acknowledged the same to be their free and voluntary act and deed before me and the said Elizabeth being examined freely and apart from her said husband relinquished all right to dower and other estate in the fee conveyed by said Deed.  Certified mg. Aug 28^th, 1817 Sardius …….. State of Ohio Washington County ss.  I George Dunlevy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and said County do hereby certify and make know that Sardius…who hath signed his name to the annexed certification was at the —– his signing and certifying the matters and things in the same certification and was act this being is an acting Justice of the Peace within and forever duly elected, commissioned and qualifying agreeable to the said State and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all things by him, this certificate – as well in Courts of Justice as Elsewheres.

In testimony Whereof I do hereunto set hand and affix my official seal at Marietta in said County this first day of December A.D. one thousand eight hundred and seventeen.  Geo. Dunlevy, Clerk. (Seal).

Source:  Deed Book 1, 1843 Recorders Office, Knox County Annex, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, 2011.

Mary appears years later as a witness on a deed in 1835 involving land being sold to Peter Spracklin.  Her brother Solomon Goss (Jr.) is also a witness.  

Wine Rood. Grantor, to sell land in Dudley Twp. to Peter Sprantlen Grantee of Hardin Co., Ohio. Description: “…The east half of the south east quarter of section No. Twelve (12), in Township No. (5) Five, south of Range No. 12 Twelve in the District of Delaware containing 80 acres more or less…(Signed by Wine Rood and witnessed by Solomon Goss and Mary C. Goss 1834).

Note:  Peter Sprantlen’s name is spelling very different here but it is still the Peter Spracklin who is the father-in-law of Lydia (Goss) Spracklin sister to Mary Goss. 

Source:  Hardin County, Ohio Deeds, Vol. A, pg. 366-368 (373-375), FHL# 913819,

Jump ahead two more years to 1837 and Mary Goss appears in the deed records.   This time it is in Knox County, Ohio.  In this deed she is the grantor and she is selling land to John Spracklin of Knox County. 

Deed: Mary Gofs of Union Twp., Washington Co., sold land to John Spracklin of Knox Co. on Jan. 24, 1837 and recorded in August 12, 1837. The deed was for $250. Witnesses were S. Bartlett and Andrew Lake. Description of Land: ” …following described lots a parcel of land to wit, one tract situate in said State of Ohio, in the fourteenth Range and Sixth Township of the United States Military lands, so called, containing fifty acres, bounded as follows beginning at the South East corner of a tract of land deeded the 19 of April 1815 by Solomon Gofs to Elizabeth Lake, hence that 24 chains to lands deeded to same day by Solomon Gofs to Levi Gofs, hence South 20 chs 38 1/3 links, thence East 24 chains, then North 20 chs 83 1/3 links to the place of Beginning, likewise one other tract of fifty acres deeded by Elizabeth and Andrew Lake to me 26th Dec 1816 situate in the aforesaid Military lands in Range 14, Township Sixth, both of these tracts were conveyed to Solomon Goss by Zacheus Biggs on the 28th of July 1802, being a part of four hundred and fifty acres conveyed by said Biggs to the said Solomon Gofs on that day.” 

Source:  Knox County, Ohio Deeds, Vol. R. pg. 354, FHL #314044.

Mary will follow her brother Solomon Goss (Jr.) and his family to Iowa.

Noah Goss, A Mystery!

Noah Goss is sort of a mystery, at least he is to me.  I have tried to learn more about him, a son of Solomon Goss and Olive (Scott) Goss.

Noah Goss was born 24 June 1782 which means he probably was born in what is presently called Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  This is the area around Wilkes-Barre that was under the ownership of Connecticut at the time and the land squabbles between Pennsylvania and Connecticut were still going on.   The Revolutionary War was ending so it might have been safe for Solomon and Olive to be living in the area?  

The only record I have found on Noah’s birth is from the information on his tombstone in the Green Valley Cemetery in Knox County located next to his sister’s tombstone - Lydia (Goss) Spracklin.  It states he was 51 years old at his death.  His death date is 18 July 1833 and the age at his death is 51 years.  This means he was born about 1782.

Noah Goss Tombstone

 

As you can see from his tombstone it is standing, but it is damaged and there is evidence that it is flaking.  Someone fixed it for you see at the base what looks like a circular line of new cement.  Fortunately, his grave stone has been recorded and published.  Find A Grave has another photo and description of his tombstone.   

 

Noah Goss more detail

 

Noah Goss

 

The actual date of birth comes from the manuscripts of Flora Montanye Osborn “Additions to the Cooley Family,” The Detroit Society for Genealogical Research Magazine, Vol. VII, No. 1, Sept-Oct, 1943.  This magazine can actually be found in a large public library, or the Family History Library.  You can contact the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library or  seek out the “Keziah Cooley Goss Chapter of the D.A.R., May 3, 1942, Yearbook 1943-1944, FHL#940938 Items 4-5.”

 

Where Flora found this information is unclear.  I suspect she might have learned of these dates through her family connections because she cared for several of the elderly children of Levi Goss, Noah’s younger brother.  Believe me I have tried to find  her sources but have not been able to locate her actual research files which I had hoped might be at some archive in the Ann Arbor area of Michigan? I know that she was a member of the Detroit Society for Genealogical Research but they don’t seem to have her files? Flora did a lot of research on the Goss family back in the 1940′s and is the great-granddaughter of Levi Goss.  She died in 1951 and is buried in the Rice Cemetery near Milan, Michigan.  I will post more on Flora and her work at a later time.

 

As far as I know, Noah did not marry.  If he did it is not recorded in Washington County or in Knox County, Ohio marriage records or indexes which I have studied on several occasions.

 

Ohio Historical Society Reading Room

 

The circumstances of his death would be interesting to know.   I have not been able to find an obituary notice or article about his death either in the newspapers or the abstracted newspaper publications of  Knox County, Ohio.   The newspapers in Ohio are a tough record to search as I learned on my visit there in August of 2007 and again in 2011.  A lot of issues are missing.  There is the fact that they just didn’t publish death information like obituaries until much later.  Still I gave it a valiant try and if you have ever done newspaper research you know it can be slogging work!  I also checked the county abstracted published newspaper books and did not find anything that was of significance. 

 

An estate file has not been found for Noah Goss in Knox County, Ohio where he died.  I have looked at the probate indexes at the Knox County courthouse annex on two occasions and studied the microfilms done by the Family History Library and have had no luck. 

 

What little I know of Noah has come from two deeds that he was involved with. 

 

One is when his father Solomon Goss sold to him the land in Knox County, Ohio and the other is when Noah turned around and sold it to a Stephen Minton.

 

Deed dated  October 2nd, 1815:  Deed of Solomon Goss of Fearing Twp., Washington Co., Ohio selling land to Noah Goss his eldest son in Knox Co., Ohio for $200 (100 acres). Witnesses were Simon Porter and Solomon Goss Jr. and Joel Tuttle JP. Description of Land: ” …certain tract or parcel of Land, Situate and being in said State of Ohio, in the Fourteenth Range & Sixth Township of the United States Military Lands so called, containing one hundred acres, being part of a – tract of Land deeded to me the said Solomon Goss by Zaccheus Biggs July 28th, 1802, Refference thereunto being had, and is butted and bounded as follows, beginning at the North West corner of the tract, Thence Running East Forty eight Chains, Thence South Twenty Chains 83 1/3 Links Thence West Forty eight Chains to the West line of said Tract, Thence North Twenty Chains 83 1/3 Links to the place of beginning.” Knox County, Ohio Deeds, FHL#314037, Vol. B-C pg. 276.  

 

S. Goss to son Noah Goss: Deed

 

 

Deed Dated:  Dec. 15, 1815:  Deed in which Noah Goss sold his land to Stephen Minton of Morris Twp., Knox Co., Ohio on Dec. 15, 1815 recorded in Dec. 16, 1815 and witnessed by Benjn Hillman and Benj. Barney also JP. Description of the land: ” …certain tract or parcel of land, situate and Being in the said State of Ohio in the Second Section, Fourteenth Range and Sixth Township of United States Military Lands so called, containing one hundred acres, being part of a tract deed to Solomon Goss by Zaccheus Biggs July the 28th 1802, Reference thereunto being had – And butted and bounded as follows, Beginning at the North West corner of said tract, thence running East forty eight chains, Thence South Twenty chains 83 1/3 links, Thence forty eight chains to the West line of said tract Thence North Twenty chains & Eighty three & 1/3 links to the place of beginning. To Have and To hold the said….”  Knox County, Ohio Deeds FHL #314037, Vol. B-C pg. 320.

 

Solomon Goss (Sr.) prepared a series of deeds for all but one of his living children in 1815.  They are recorded in Knox County, Ohio deeds.  Normally in a deed, relationships are not stated, but much to my delight they are in these deeds.   

 

 

 

U.S. Military Lands: Land Deeded to his Children!

All of Solomon Goss and Olive’s children received land, not as you would think in Washington County, Ohio where he settled after about 1797 but rather in Knox County, Ohio.  Knox County is in the middle of Ohio, about 1 hour north of Columbus, Franklin County,  and south of Mansfield, Richland County.  The county seat is Mount Vernon.  Apparently, the Ohio Company Associates had some of this land in their holdings?  I discovered this when I was studying the holdings of the Special Collections of the Marietta College, Digital Collections, Ohio Company Associates.   Another website has the Donation Lands http://www.washogs.org/donation_lands.html   Solomon Goss (Jr.) inherited the land in Fearing Twp., Washington County, Ohio at his father’s death and therefore, he did not get any land in Knox County.  You will see that he is a witness in some of these deeds of his siblings. 

Somehow, Solomon Goss secured this land from Zaccheus Biggs on July 28th, 1802.  On April 19, 1815 he deeded the land to Elizabeth Lake and her siblings.  These deeds that are in the Knox County Recorders office state his relationship to his children “eldest daughter Elizabeth Lake, wife of Andrew Lake of Union Twp., Washington County.”  This is a wonderful find and a dream, most deeds are not that specific regarding the relationship of the children.   The land is west of Mount Vernon, in Knox County. 

Deed in which Solomon Goss of Fearing Twp., Washington Co., sold land in Knox. Co., Ohio to his eldest daughter Elizabeth Lake, wife of Andrew Lake of Union Twp. of Washington Co., on April 19, 1815 and recorded Oct. 2, 1815. Witnessed by Joel Tuttle JP, Simon Porter and Signed by Solomon Goss Sr. Description of the land: ” …certain tract or parcel of Land, Situate and being in said State of Ohio, in the Fourteenth Range and Sixth Township of the United States Military Lands so-called, containing fifty acres being part of a tract of four hundred and fifty acres Deeded to me the said Solomon Goss by Zaccheus Biggs which is dated July 28th 1802, Refference thereunto being had and is butted and bounded as follows, beginning on the North East corner, Thence West Twenty four chains to Land this day deeded to Noah Goss, Thence South South Twenty chains 83 1/2 links, Thence East twenty four Chains, Thence North twenty chains 83 1/3 links to the place of beginning…” Source:  Knox County, Ohio Deeds, FHL#314037, Vol. B-C, pg. 273-274.

I will go into more detail in later posts about this land Solomon Goss, the father purchased.

The Lakes: Rainbow Cemetery, Washington Co., Ohio!

Getting to Rainbow Cemetery is a little confusing.  You have to cross the Muskingum River and that is a little tricky because there are no direct bridges that take you directly to the area where the cemetery is located.  

Rainbow Cemetery Sign

Because I was headed for Beverly to the northwest, I took the route from Marietta north and northwest on Hwy 60 to the town of Lowell.  We turned left at New Bridge Street/McClain Street and went up over the bridge  and over the river.  Right after the bridge we turned left again heading southwest on Muskingum River Road.  You are doubling back because you have to follow the Muskingum river which meanderings along.  The road will become Township Road #32 for a couple of miles.  It travels close to the river and follows the railroad tracks which you will cross several times and they are bumpy. 

The road will curve around in a big arc taking you and turning you northwest again.  Hmmm…maybe this arc is why they called it Rainbow?  Just when you think you have messed up and missed the cemetery you will find the small white sign to the right next to the railroad tracks.  It is about 4 miles from the bridge. (See photo above.)

The road into Rainbow Cemetery! Go to the right!

You turn right and cross the railroad tracks onto Rainbow Cemetery Road and drive through what looks like people’s driveways.  The cemetery is located back and behind them.  The car is pointing in the opposite direction and leaving the road.  Go right over the railroad tracks!

Rainbow Cemetery off in the distance!

You can actually see it from the road as you start to curve around but it is in the distance to your right.  If you come the other way through Marietta crossing the bridge and up and around remember directions are reversed. 

My hubby and I actually visited the cemetery twice.  The first time we could not find the tombstone for Archibald and Mary (Bird) Lake!!!! 

Something like the Bermuda Triangle occurred!! I swear it wasn’t there the first time.  Well it was there for here is a photo I took on our first visit and you can see it in the distance (see photo below). 

Rainbow Cemetery Overview!

Click on the photo to make it larger.  Zero in on the turquoise flowers on the right of the tombstone in the foreground third over, then go diagonally back from that and there is the tombstone for Archibald and Mary in front of a rounded dome-shaped stone in the distance. You can tell because it has all the plaques on it.  Sigh…it pays to be persistent, HA!  (Don’t forget to click the back arrow to get back to this blog!)

Entrance to Rainbow Cemetery

 

Find A Grave has a nice listing for this cemetery and tombstone photos as well.  Interment has some as well.  If you go to Washington County, I would go to both the Washington Historical Society and the Washington County Public Library Annex which has the genealogical selections and is down the street from the main library.  They have a different mix of records for the cemeteries. 

 

Here is an overview of the Archibald and Mary (Bird) Lake tombstone which has Elizabeth and Andrew’s information as well. See my previous two posts for more detail.  Sorry about the rain spots!

 

Lake Tombstone Overview!

 

Archibald and Mary (Bird) Lake, Andrew’s Parents!

Andrew Lake’s parents were Archibald Lake and Mary Bird.  They came from England to Newfoundland and from there they move to New York staying there for some time.  Archibald decided to migrate and settled in Washington County about 1789.  They lived at Campus Martius because the Indian issue had not yet been settled until about 1795 when they moved to Rainbow north of Marietta.

There was a  town and area called Rainbow north of Marietta and still is but there isn’t much there today according to the President of the Washington County Historical Society.  I came upon this very interesting blog called “Historical Marietta: and the article was about the settlement of Rainbow apparently taken from the newspapers.

http://historicalmarietta.blogspot.com/2011/04/first-settlement-of-rainbow.html

Archibald and Mary had the following children:  1) George, 2) James, 3) Thomas (1760-1854), 4) Andrew, 5) William, 6) Sally, 7) Margarette. 

One of the history books about Washington County states there were 8 children?  The plaque on the tombstone makes this claim as well?

“Among the first settlers of Rainbow were Archibald and Mary Lake, who located on the place now owned by Israel Devol. Archibald Lake married Mary Bird, of London, and being a seafaring man, removed to New Foundland, where he was employed in the fisheries, which at that time were very profitable, as the strict observance of Lent in Catholic Europe caused a great demand for fish. When that place came into the possession of the French he moved his family to New York and worked in the ship-yards. During the Revolution, when General Washington evacuated the city of New York, the Lake family followed the army up North river, where Mrs. Lake served as matron, first at Fishkill, and then at New Windsor hospital. Mr. Lake was appointed a deputy commissary to the hospital, and ranged the adjacent country in search of provisions for the sick. More than once did Mrs. Lake receive the personal thanks of General Washington in recognition of her valuable services. After the army was disbanded Mr. and Mrs. Lake returned to New York. After the war, shipbuilding being a poor business, and Mr. Lake accidentally hearing of the Marietta colony, decided to emigrate to the west. Accordingly, in 1789, he removed to Marietta. His family consisted of eight children, of whom three sons, James, Thomas and Andrew, were young men. The spring after their arrival the small-pox broke out, and during the terrible pestilence Mrs. Lake heroically served as nurse, and her superior knowledge of the art of nursing, in all probability, saved many a valuable life. Probably one of the first Sunday-schools in America was taught by her, in 1791, at the Campus Martius. Being early converted she felt it to be her duty to care for the souls, as well as the bodies, of those with whom she was wont to be associated. She collected in her little room on Sabbath afternoons the children who were wont to indulge in all sorts of amusements upon the holy day. After the conclusion of the service by Rev. Mr. Story she held Sunday-school, giving the youth instruction from the Bible and the Westminster catechism. She was peculiarly adapted to impart religious instruction to the children, and hence her work was crowned with merited success. April 27, 1795, the Lake family became residents of Rainbow. Mrs. Lake died the next year after her settlement, and her husband did not long survive.” History of Washington County, Ohio, H.C. Williams & Bros., 1881, pg. 609.

Archibald was born 1 July 1720 and Mary Bird was born 1728 in England. 

There is a tombstone with a plaque in the Rainbow Cemetery in Muskingum Township north of Marietta which I visited. This plaque was provided by the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Marietta Chapter.  See the Marietta Times article of Wednesday October 22, 1975 ” Mary Lake’s name was a household word,” for more information. (I found a copy at the Washington County Library Annex in the cemetery records.)

Mary (Bird) Lake and Archibald Lake - DAR Plaque

Mary died a couple of years before her husband 27 April 1796.  Archibald died on 1 July 1798. It is interesting that his name is spelled using  ”Archibold” in some places.

Archibald is also on the base!

I suggest that if you are a descendant of this family go directly to the DAR Library Online Research and click on the membership tab and type in this National number #263167.  From there you can do other searches.  You will have to pay if you decide to make a selection.  I have visited the DAR Library on several occasions and conducted these searches in person.  Yes, I have paid for the results for other surnames but not Lake.  I have found it very worthwhile.   

Another link about Mary Bird Lake:  http://kansasdar.org/johnhaupt/women.htm

Another plaque for Archibald!

Andrew was appointed the administrator of his father, Archibald’s, estate on 25 June, 1800 and the Inventory was completed 7 October 1800.   All that was contained in the file for the estate was the granting of the Administration to Andrew and a short  inventory of the personal possessions of Archibald Lake.  Apparently Archibald had no will.  I have not studied deeds for this family there is always the possibility of partition deeds (selling the land) and gift deeds to the children. 

“At a Special Court of Probate held at Marietta in & for the County of Washington on the 25^th Day of June 1800, came Andrew Lake & prayed that Administration should be committed to him on the Estate of Archibald Lake late of said County deceased.  Administration was then upon committed to him of Bonds taken for 1,000 dollars. Bondsmen Joseph Wood and William Stacey. Appraisers Joseph Barker & [Sardins] Stone.”

 Source:  Probate Index FHL#946211, Administration Granted Vol. 1, pg. 38, Inventory Vol. 1, pg. 41-42 FHL#946211. 

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Note:  When I was planning my trip to Ohio I discovered that Union Twp. was missing from the Washington County maps of the townships of today.  It was dissolved in 1877. Here is a link to a Washington County Blog that might help with the History of the Townships.  This will cause confusion with land research and pinning down a location.   

Try Wikipedia for a current crude map of the townships as of today:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_County,_Ohio 

Historic Mapworks has more detail with their maps.  http://www.historicmapworks.com/Browse/United_States/Ohio/