County Line Cemetery

I've always thought of County Line Cemetery as a family cemetery - probably because we're related to so many people buried in that cemetery. County Line Cemetery sits on the boundary between Franklin and Williamson County, Illinois. The Baptist church is in Williamson, the cemetery in Franklin. The last time I was there was the summer after my grandmother died, when we took a crazy family trip to southern Illinois and visited the cemetery.

When I was younger, my grandmother would go down every year around Memorial Day, and I'd go with her. We'd put flowers on the graves, but I wasn't savvy enough to ask the right questions. It was surely a missed opportunity.

Looking at the list of burials found on Find a Grave, I see tons of relations.

• Armes: related by blood. 
• Beasley: related by marriage, including Elvira Edwards Beasley, my 3rd great-aunt
• Blades: not related, but at least one of them was one of my mom's best friends growing up.
• Butzek: Anthony (1907-1943) and Stella M Edwards (1912-1989)- my maternal grandparents.
• Cardwell: related through marriage
• Davenport: Louisa Lavina Edwards Davenport - another 3rd great aunt
• Edwards: there's a lot of them, including my great-grandfather George Elmus Edwards (1880-1923), two of my grandmother's siblings - Hazel and George Everett, my great-great grandfather, Hugh Richard Edwards (1855-1928) and his wife Martha Rains Edwards (1854-1936), my 3rd great-grandfather Hugh H Edwards (1824-1907) and his wife Mary Hilton Edwards (1825-1894), my great-grandmother Olive Isabelle Pogue Edwards (1893-1959)
• Finney: related by marriage
• Fletcher: related by marriage
• Jordans: related by marriage
• Parker: related by marriage
• Rains: including my 3rd great-grandfather John Rains (1832-1917) and his wife Elizabeth Armes Rains (1832-1900)
• Rotramel: related by marriage
• Summers: related by marriage
• Williams: related by marriage

There are 588 memorials listed on Find a Grave. It is 82% photographed. I can likely look through the other names not listed above and find a connection to each of those people. And that's why it feels like a family cemetery!!

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This week's #52Ancestors prompt is At The Cemetery

The Family Business

This week's prompt for #52Ancestors is Family Business. This is an interesting topic for some people. However, it is somewhat boring for my family, as they were mostly either farmers or coal miners. 

Here's my paternal line:

• Father: George Robert Martin. He was the first generation to leave the mines and worked in a factory for his entire life.
• Grandfather: George Michael Martin (1900-1973). COAL MINER. He was crippled in a mine accident and I don't remember him ever working as I grew up. 
• Great-grandfather: Michael Philip Martin (1876-1923) COAL MINER. Killed in a mining accident.
• Great-grandfather: Robert Halliday (1867-1933), COAL MINER. He was in the mines in County Durham, England at an early age and was involved in union activities in Iowa. 
• Great-great-grandfather: Frank Martin (1824-1905). COAL MINER and plasterer.
• Great-great-grandfather: Wenzil Kausilik (1854-1933), COAL MINER. 
• Great-great-grandfather: John Halliday (1838-after 1910). COAL MINER.
• Great-great-grandfather: Alexander Clark (1834-1912), COAL MINER.
• 3rd great-grandfather: John Halliday (1816-1843) COAL MINER. Died in Coal mining accident. "Fell out of the loop while about to descend the staple."
• 3rd great-grandfather: John Hutchinson (1829-1874) COAL MINER. Found dead at bottom of shaft. Accused of throwing himself down the shaft. 
• 4th great-grandfather: John Halliday (1781-1854) COAL MINER but died of "natural decay."

Here's my maternal line:

• Grandfather: Anthony Martinek/Butzek (1907-1943) COAL MINER. Killed in mining accident.
• Great-grandfather: Anton Martinek (1875-?) COAL MINER.
• Great-grandfather: George Elmus Edwards (1880-1923) FARMER.
• Great-Great-grandfather: Hugh Richard Edwards (1856-1928) FARMER.
• Great-great-grandfather: Josiah Pogue (1848-1900) FARMER.
• 3rd Great-grandfather: Hugh H. Edwards (1821-1907) FARMER.
• 3rd Great-grandfather: John Rains (1832-1917). FARMER.
• 3rd Great-grandfather: Benagie McClerran (1831-1899) FARMER.
• 4th Great-grandfather: Hugh H. Edwards (1795-1834) FARMER. 
• 4th Great-grandfather: John Rains (1800-1854) FARMER.
• 4th Great-grandfather: Moses Armes (1787-1862) FARMER. 
• 4th Great-grandfather: Richard Hilton (1776-1865). FARMER.

Writing out the above ancestors and their occupations brought home the fact that the coal miners were mainly on my Paternal side and that ALL the coal miners were immigrants from Eastern Europe, England, and Scotland. The farmers on my mother's side were all from families that have been in the United States since the 1700s (or before). 

The Edwards Siblings and their Marriages!!!

 

This blog post was originally written ten years ago and I refreshed it for the #52Weeks Blog Challenge Prompt - Siblings.

My 3rd great grandfather HUGH H. EDWARDS was born in Kentucky in 1821 and married in Simpson County, Kentucky about 1848 to MARY HILTON. They are listed in the 1850 Simpson County, Kentucky census with their three-month-old daughter, Mary Jane. The couple moved to Williamson County, Illinois sometime between 1851 and 1856. 

Hugh and Mary had eight children, five of whom were daughters. Their daughters' marital trails proved to be interesting, complex, and confusing, partly because they married each other's husbands! Below is what I think is the tale of their marriages, with their brothers thrown in for good measure. [The underlined are the men who married more than one sister.]

Mary Jane Edwards was born June 1850 in Simpson County, Kentucky. She married Rufus Parker on 8 April 1866 in Williamson County, Illinois. Mary Jane died on 2 October 1907, freeing up her husband Rufus to marry her sister Jemima.

Jemima Edwards was born December 1851 in Simpson County, Kentucky. She married 1) David Winton Dunn, on 5 June 1879 in Williamson County, Illinois. They likely divorced by 1899 (Dr. Dunn went on to marry once or twice more). 2) James Davenport, on 20 June 1899 in Williamson County, Illinois. (He was husband of deceased Louisa A. Edwards) 3rd: 1908 Rufus B Parker (He was the husband of the deceased Mary Jane Edwards.) Jemima married two of her late sister’s husbands and collected Civil War Widow's pensions from both.

Louisa A. Edwards was born in 1859 in Williamson County, Illinois. She married 1) James Forbes 16 May 1878 in Williamson County, Illinois. 2) James Davenport, 24 December 1888 in Williamson County, IL. Louisa appears to have died before 1899, leaving her husband James free to marry her sister Jemima.

America Elvira Edwards was born in 1861 in Williamson County, Illinois. She married Samuel Minter Beasley on 25 February 1863 in Williamson County, Illinois, and died in June 1917. She appears to have had only one husband, and he appears to have married only one sister. Her brother Henry Scott Edwards did, however, marry a family connection.

Lucy Margaret Edwards was born in June 1872 in Williamson County, Illinois. She married Robert Summers on 25 October 1893 in Williamson County, Illinois. Lucy died on 14 November 1930, having had only one marriage.

Lest you think the boys didn't have some interesting marriages....

Richard Edwards was born in May 1856 in Williamson County, Illinois. He married Martha S. Rains, 6 June 1875 Williamson County. She was the daughter of John Rains and Elizabeth Armes.

Sylvester Edwards was born on 18 March 1861 in Williamson County, Illinois. He married Sarah F. Rains, about 1886 in Williamson County. She was also the daughter of John Rains and Elizabeth Armes. Sylvester and his brother Richard married sisters. Sarah died about 1896 and Sylvester married a second time.

Henry Scott Edwards was born in March 1870 in Williamson County, Illinois. He married Nora Beasley on 4 April 1894 in Williamson County. Nora was the daughter of Wilburn Beasley, who was the brother to the above Samuel Beasley who married Elvira Edwards.

Why did these siblings do so much intermarrying? They lived in a small area of Williamson County, likely attending the same schools and churches. As a close-knit family, they didn't look far for spouses. 

Musical Husbands - or how the Edwards girls married each other's husbands!

My 3rd great grandfather was HUGH H. EDWARDS. He was born in Kentucky in 1821 and married in Simpson County KY 1848-1849 to MARY HILTON and they are listed in the 1850 Simpson County Kentucky census with their first child, M.J. Edwards, 3 months old. Hugh and Mary moved to Williamson County, Illinois sometime between 1851 and 1856.

Hugh and Mary had 8 children, 5 of whom were daughters. The daughter marital trails proved to be quite interesting, complex and confusing, partially because they married each other's husbands! Below is what I think is the tale of their marriages.

1. Mary Jane Edwards, Born June 1850 in Simpson County, Kentucky. Mary Jane married Rufus Parker, 8 April 1866 in Williamson County, IL. Mary Jane Parker died 2 October 1907 thus freeing up her husband Rufus to marry her sister Jemima.

2. Jemima Edwards, Born December 1851 in Simpson County Kentucky. Jemima married (I believe) 1st: David Winton Dunn , 5 June 1879 in Williamson County, Illinois. I believe they were divorced before 1899 (Dr. Dunn went on to marry once or twice more). 2nd: James Davenport, 20 June 1899 in Williamson County, Il. (Husband of deceased Louisa A. Edwards) 3rd: 1908 Rufus B Parker (husband of the deceased Mary Jane Edwards.)

3. Louisa A. Edwards. Born 1859 in Williamson County, Illinois. Louisa married 1st: James Oliver Williams 16 August 1879 in Williamson County, Illinois. 2nd: James Davenport, 24 December 1888 in Williamson County, IL. Louisa appears to have died before 1899 thus freeing her husband James up to marry her sister Jemima.

4. America Elvira Edwards. Born 1861 in Williamson County, IL. Elvira married Samuel Minter Beasley 25 February 1863 in Williamson County, Illinois. She died June 1917. She appears to have only had one husband and he appears to have married only the one sister. (See below for Henry Scott Edwards.)

5. Lucy Margaret Edwards, Born June 1872 in Williamson County, Illinois. Margaret married Robert Summers 25 October 1893 in Williamson County, IL. She died 14 November 1930 with only one marriage.

Lest you think the boys didn't have some interesting marriages....

1. Richard Edwards, b. May 1856 in Williamson County, Il. Married Martha S. Rains, 6 June 1875 Williamson Co. IL. She was the daughter of John Rains and Elizabeth Armes.

2. Sylvester Edwards, B. 18 March 1861 in Williamson Co. IL. Married Sarah F. Rains, about 1886 in Williamson Co. IL. She was the daughter of John Rains and Elizabeth Armes and the sister of Richard's wife. Sylvester later married someone named Mandy Edwards. Unsure who she was (apparently married previously to a Mr. Rogers.)

3. Henry Scott Edwards, B. March 1870 in Williamson Co. IL. Married Nora Beasley 4 April 1894 in Williamson Co. IL. I believe that Nora was the daughter of Wilburn Beasley, who was the brother to the above Samuel Beasley who married Elvira Edwards.

It would be interesting to understand why all these family intermarriages occurred. Apparently this was a close knit group to say the least.

Hugh Richard Edwards

Hugh Richard Edwards, usually known as Richard, was my 2nd great-grandfather. He was born in Williamson County, Illinois 11 May 1856 and lived his entire life in Williamson County. Richard's parents were Hugh H. Edwards and Mary Hilton. Richard was born the first child born to the family after they made their move from Simpson County Kentucky, to Illinois sometime around 1855.

Richard lived the quiet life of a southern Illinois farmer. He appears to have worked hard, raised a family and didn't make waves during his lifetime. Typically people like Richard don't leave a lot of records behind and Richard is an example of that.

In 1860 Hugh R. is listed as aged 5 and in school. His grandparents, Richard and Mary Hilton live next door. None of the Edwards family can be found in the 1870 census and his grandparents would have been dead by this time. A number of other folks who should be in the 1870 census are missing too so I believe they were either skipped in the enumeration or there is a section missing. I've checked through various web sites and have had no luck finding them even doing a page by page search in case they were mis-indexed.

Richard marries on 6 June 1875 to Martha Rains, daughter of John Rains and Elizabeth Arms. It appears as though Richard lied about his age on the marriage license. He lists himself as being 21 which would have made him born in 1854. However most other records list his age as 1856 including the 1860 census which was taken close to his birth date. For men under 21 at this time, parental approval was required. It is possible their first child Laura was born in December of 1875 so perhaps Martha was pregnant and the family disapproved? (Martha's birth year has been given variously as 1875 and 1876.) It would be interesting to know why he appears to have lied about his age.

One other possible thing happened during this decade. There is a record of Richard Edwards and Pleasant Finny being brought up on charges of Petit Larceny. This was noted in the Marion Monitor in April 1877. The case was continued and no further information was easily found. This is an intriguing tidbit in the otherwise apparently staid life of Richard Edwards. (NOTE: Petit larceny is defined as stealing another person's personal property - usually valued under $50.)

In the 1880 census, Richard and Martha are living in the Northern Township and have two children including George Elmus, my great grandfather. Richard is a farmer. In 1900 they are living in Northern Township and still farming. This census lists his birth date as May 1851. It is unclear why it lists this at such an early date. Richard and Martha have 6 living children, having lost two early on. Richard is still farming, along with his two sons George Elmus and Lee.

The 1910 census shows that Richard owns his farm, free of mortgage. It says he can read and write, however, he clearly made his mark on his marriage license so I don't believe this to be true unless he has picked up some reading and writing through the years.

In 1920, Richard is still living on his owned farm listed with no occupation so at this point he appears to have retired. This census does state he can't read or write so the 1900 census was probably an error. His sons George Elmus and John Marshall live nearby as does his brother Scott and various Arms family members.

Richard Edwards died 24 June 1928. His death certificate lists his birth date as May 11, 1856. He died of Pulmonary Tuberculosis. His son George Elmus had died in 1923 of Tuberculosis. Although there are sanatoriums where TB patients are sent, it appears in the case of both Richard and his son, that they remained at home during their illness.

It is unclear as to whether a will was left - more research would need to be done but I believe the land in that area stayed in the family for some time. Richard left behind few records living a quiet farming life.

George Elmus Edwards

George Elmus Edwards was my Great-grandfather. He was almost always called Elmus - sometimes G.E. but very rarely seems to have been called George.

The mystery of George Edwards starts with his birth. Both his daughter Stella and his sister Gertie state unequivocally that George was born 7 February 1880 in Corinth, Williamson County, Illinois. Search of birth records only uncovers one Edwards birth certificate that date and it lists the birth name as John Edwards. Parents were correctly listed as Richard Edwards and Martha Rains. Almost all other records support this birth date as the correct birth date for George Elmus. The outlier is the 1900 Census which lists Elmus Edwards birth date as July 1882. All other records, including draft registration, two marriage records, and 1880, 1910 and 1920 census list 1880 as the correct birth date. His tombstone also lists 1880 as his birth date. Two other pieces of this mystery. His brother Marshall was born most likely in October 1882. He is sometimes called John Marshall. And my grandmother swears that her father was the oldest... which isn't true. He had an older sister born in 1876 shortly after Richard and Martha's 1875 marriage.

So why the confusion? John was the name of Martha's father. Often times, the oldest son is named after one of the fathers. It is unclear where the name George Elmus came from. Few Georges.... Martha had a brother George. Maybe they got him home and realized he didn't really look like a John.

George lived with his parents in the 1880 census in Williamson County, aged 4 months old. He lived with his parents in 1900 in Williamson County. In September 1907 George married Amanda Williams. He was 27 years old. There is no immediate record of the disposition of that marriage and there does not appear to have been any children. But we find George marrying again in March 1910 to Olive Isabel Pogue. The following children were born: George Everett, Stella Mae, Hazel Lucille and Ruby Laura. Hazel was burned to death at about age 5 while combing her hair in front of the fire. George Everett died at aged 28 apparently from a combination of TB and alcoholism. Ruby Laura, later known just as Laura, moved to Chicago and married Charles Kroll. Stella Mae, my grandmother, married Anthony Butzek in Chicago and moved back to southern Illinois where Anthony was killed in a mining accident.

George registered for the military draft in 1918. He was 38 years old which probably explains why he was not drafted. It lists him as being of medium height, medium build, blue eyes and light hair.

George and Olive lived all their relatively short married life in Williamson County. George farmed and apparently played a fiddle in a family band at local square dances. He served a short term as a Justice of the Peace in Thompsonville, serving alongside Thomas J. Wall.

George supposedly died at home from complications of tuberculosis 12 March 1923. No record of his death has been found. Since he had TB it has left me to wonder if he died elsewhere in a TB sanatorium? More searching will need to be done on that. When he died George Elmus did leave property to his children:

• 320 acres to George Everett, along with a house brought from Pittsburg.
• 120 acres to Stella Mae Edwards - and a house brought from Pittsburg.
• 40 acres and home place (house and barn) to Ruby Laura Edwards. The house burned down and Laura sold the property to her half-brother Richard Eugene Kehder in 1947 for $10/acres.

The above is a bit of a puzzle regarding the house brought from Pittsburg. Were they talking about the same house or were there two? Was the house brought from Pittsburg the homeplace or was there another house that was the home place? George Elmus was a farmer so it seems unlikely that he had enough money to have all that acreage plus three houses.

George Elmus Edwards lead a fairly unremarkable life as a farmer in southern Illinois. He lived a short life - only 43 years.