CHAPTER U; DESC'TS OF CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE.
CHAPTER U.
DESCENDANTS OF CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE.
(See Charts 6 and 25.)
Children of Capt. Albert Opdycke.
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
1 Henry. 1774. 1825. 1. Catherine . . .......... Bellbrook, Ohio. Miller.
2. Catherine Cummings.
2 Peter. 1777. 1844. Hannah Luce. Mercer Co., Ohio. Farmer.
3 Benjamin H. 1784. 1866. 1. Anna Cole. Bethlehem, Hunt- Farmer.
2. Nancy Bloom Alpaugh. erdon, N. J.
4 Albert. 1788. 1873. 1. Elizabeth Luce. Pulaski, Ohio. Farmer.
2. Elizabeth Harmon Gilson.
5 Margaret. (1880) Henry Couse. Newton, Sussex Co., N. J. Farmer.
6 Anna. d.... Richard Dildine. Columbiana Co., O. Farmer.
Margaret was married Jan. 7, 1797, to Henry Couse by Rev. Jacob Lenn, pastor of Stillwater Ref. Dutch Church; she lived to about 1880.
Anna's husband Richard Dildine was a son of Martha Hunt, who was a great-granddaughter of Ralph Hunt of Newtown, L. I.
1 HENRY OPDYCKE.
Born 1774 in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J.; moved to Sussex Co. After the death of his first wife he married (about 1802), in New Jersey, Catherine, daughter of Philip and Mary Cummings; she was born 1779 and lived to 1854. After the birth of his fifth child, Clarissa, Henry moved 1810 to Ohio, and settled in Greene Co., near Dayton. He had learned the trade of millwright, but never ran a mill until he built one for himself in Ohio. He owned the west portion of the land on which Bellbrook is built; the town was laid out in 1816 by Stephen Bell, Henry Opdycke and
412 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DES C'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
James Clancy; it was named Bellbrook, at the suggestion of Mr. Opdycke, for Mr. Bell and the numerous rivulets in. the neighborhood. The first Marshall of the town was Silas Hale, son-in-law of Mr. Opdycke. Henry Opdycke was about 5 feet 11 inches in height, and weighed 180 pounds. He was accidentally killed while digging a well near Bellbrook in 1825, at 50 years of age.
1802. June 14. Henry Opdyke of Hardwick, Sussex Co., N. J. buys 150 acres for 650 pounds. (N)
1810. Henry Opdyke of Hardwick lends money on land in Sussex Co. (N)
1799. Caty Opdyke of Sussex Co. dies. Letters adm. to " Hervey Opdyke. (N)
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
By 1st. wife:
10 Thomas. . .... d.... Rose Anna McBroom. Ohio & St. Louis, Mo. Doctor.
By 2d. wife:
11 Electa. 1803. d.... Henry McBroom. Montgomery Co., Ohio.
12 Mary Ann. 1805. 1887. 1. Israel Coon. Dayton, Ohio. Wagon-m'f'r. 2. Samuel Robbins.
13 Peninah. 1807. ..... Wesley McBroom. Hillsborough, Ind.
14 Clarissa. 1809. 1881. James Hale. Winchester, Ind. Farmer.
15 Martha. 1811. 1887. Joseph Johnson. Hellers Corners, Ind. Farmer.
16 Miriam. 1814. liv'g. Silas Hale. Bellbrook, Ohio. Grocer.
16 George H. 1816. 1837. Unmarried. Bellbrook, Ohio.
17 Louisa. 1819. liv'g. James Anderson. Dayton, Ohio. Farmer.
18 Emily J. 1821. liv'g. Jacob R. Hosier. Jeffersonville, O. Farmer.
19 Oliver Perry. 1823. liv'g. Mary McMullin. Dayton, Ohio. Shoe Dealer
Thomas was born in New Jersey, moved away with his father to Ohio in 1810; was a drummer boy in the War of 1812. Resided in Bellbrook until he had fitted himself to practise medicine, then moved to Centreville (about) 5 miles distant) to follow his profession; later moved to Chester, Ohio, and finally to St. Louis, Mo., where it is said he died totally blind. He married Rose Anna McBroom in Montgomery Co., Ohio; and had one son who was a soldier from Montgomery Co., in the Mexican War, was buried in the Gulf of Mexico, and is not supposed to have married. Thomas had also one daughter.
Electa (McBroom) had four children, all now deceased.
Mary Ann had seven children by her 1st husband, and four by her 2d husband.
Peninah (McBroom) had four children.
Clarissa (Hale) had ten children.
Martha (Johnson) had ten children.
Miriam (Hale) has ten children; among them is Mr. Henry H. Hale, an active merchant of Bellbrook, O., who is working upon the history of his Hale ancestors.
Louisa (Anderson) has eight children.
Fmily J. (Hosier) has six children.
CHAPTER U ; DESC'TS OF CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE. - 413
2 PETER OPDYCKE.
Born 1777, in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J.; married 1799 Hannah Luce in New Jersey; resided in Essex Co., N. J., for a time, and his son Henry C. was born there in 1808. He moved about 1810 to Ohio, and settled first in Columbiana Co., moved to Trumbull Co.,' and finally settled in Mercer Co., on 80 acres which he entered near Bremen,, afterward acquir ing 80 acres adjoining. Was a tall, spare man, with fair complexion, light hair and blue eyes. Died 1844. His descendants have been generally large and heavy, but not very tall.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
20 Albert. 1800. 1838. Rebecca Reeder. St. Mary's, Ohio.. Farmer.
21 Charity. 1802. Hamilton Major.
22 Martha A 1804. 1847. Henry W. Hinkle. St. Mary's, Ohio.
23 Lydia M. 1806. ..... John Inglewright. Buchaunan, Mich. Farmer.
24 Henry C. 1808. 1877. Eleanor Sunderland. Allen Co., Indiana. Farmer.
25 David. 1810. liv'g. 1. Rebecca, Dungan. Willowdale, Neb. Farmer.
2. Susan Gray.
26 Elizabeth. 1812. ..... William Ballinger. St. Mary's, Ohio. Farmer.
27 Jane H. 1814. d.... Isaiah Sheppard. ........ California.
28 Margaret C. 1817. ..... Paton Cooper. ....... . California.
3 BENJAMIN H. OPDYKE.
Born 1784; married 1st Anna Cole; 2d Mrs. Alpaugh, a widow whose maiden name was Nancy Bloom. By his grandfather's will in 1807 Benjamin H. received the homestead farm on the hill at Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J., and here he lived and farmed until his death in 1866 at the age of 82. Built a roomy and comfortable farm-house near the old log-house of his grandfather, and erected the tombstones over the graves of his father, uncle and grandfather in the old family burial-ground on the farm. In this plot is also the tombstone of his first wife. He was a successful and prosperous farmer, leaving five farms to his children by his will. He lies buried in the cemetery at Mt. Pleasant, N. J. His second wife died 1873, aged 82. Benjamin H. was a Democrat in politics, and a man of very strong convictions. Was tall and large, and was called "Big Ben " to distinguish him from his cousin Benjamin J. Opdycke who was called " Little Ben." These two were the only ones remaining in New Jersey, of the eight grandsons of old Benjamin (except William who died early); the other five having moved to Ohio and Illinois. The two Benjamins, dwelling on almost adjacent farms inherited from their grandfather Benjamin, and each living to over 80 years of age, were like brothers in feeling and action during more than half a century, constantly visiting or consulting each other.
414 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
By 1st. wife:
30 Albert. 1810. 1881. Sarah Case. Berwick, Penn. Grocer.
31 John H. 1812. liv'g. Elizabeth Apgar. Little York, N. J. Farmer.
32 Henry. 1818. 1841. Unmarried. Bethlehem, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
33 Benjamin. 1821. liv'g. Unmarried. Peoria, Illinois. Cooper.
34 Peter. 1826. liv'g. Jane Stires. Jetland, Hunterdon, N. J. Farmer.
35 Martha. .... 1861. Stephen Hull. Alexandria, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
Lambertville, N. J. Grocer.
36 Sarah Ann. . .. .. 1850. Ennis Bowlsby. Ohio.
36' Margaret. . . . . . 1850. William Creveling. Broadway, Warren, N. J. Farmer.
By 2d. wife:
37 Charles. 1831. liv'g. Amanda Fox. Valley, Hunterdon, N. J. Merchant.
38 Jane. 1833. liv'g. Ira C. Anderson. Glen Gardner, N. J. Farmer.
New Hampton, N. J. Merchant
39 George. 1835. liv'g. Sarah Ann Welch. Bethlehem, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
Peter has children; Emma, living, married Wm. Van Dorn, R. R. contractor in Philippsburg, N. J.; Jacob, unmarried, living in Jetland, Hunterdon Co., N. J.
Margaret married, 1836, William, son of John P., son of Peter, son of Johannes Creveling who was one of the first settlers in the Musconetcong Valley of N. J.
4 ALBERT OPDYCKE.
Born 1788 in Bethlehem; Hunterdon Co., N. J.; was only two years old when his father died. Arrived at manhood, he moved with his brother . Peter in 1810 to Columbiana Co., Ohio, and followed the blacksmith trade which he had learned in New Jersey, until the war of 1812 broke out. His brother being drafted and having a family, Albert took his place in the army and served at Fort Stephens on the Sandusky River, but was not in any battle. Saw some hard times, rations of 1 lb. of flour wet with water and baked on a board; sometimes sleeping on the ground at night; he would reach out from his blanket to measure the depth of the snow. Received in later life a pension for his military service.
After the war he went back to New Jersey, married, 13 Apr. 1816, his first wife Elizabeth Luce, and brought her to Hubbard Township,: Trumbull Co., Ohio; she died l Oct. 1817. Albert married 8 Jan. 1819 his second wife, who became the mother of all his children that attained to maturity. She was the widow of Samuel Gilson; her maiden name was Elizabeth Harmon, and she was born in Rupert, Vt., 12 Nov. 1788,-a direct descendant in the fifth generation from John Harman, who appears in Springfield, Mass., as early as 1644, and who died in that place in 1661. She died 7 Nov. 1852.
All of Albert's children were born in Hubbard Township, where he cut away the dense wilderness of heavy timber, farmed what he had cleared and
CHAPTER U ; DESC'TS OF CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE. - 415
did smith's work at odd times. In 1836, his six boys being now able to aid him, he thought to better the condition of his family by moving farther west, and settled near Pulaski, Williams Co. Again he braved the hardships of pioneer life. His new home was twenty miles from a Post Office; there were no schools, churches, mills, or any of the conveniences of life. With his habitual pluck Albert battled hard and faithfully, performing the labors and enduring the privations of the frontier. This was the third farm which he bad assisted to clear, as his share of hewing the great State of Ohio out of the wilderness.
Thrown upon his own resources at an early age, (having received nothing from his father's estate) he built up a self-reliant and courageous character which is yet spoken of by those who knew him. He took an active part in building school-houses and churches,-indeed in everything to improve society or advance civilization. Full of life and jollity, he was the moving spirit of every company in which he joined. He was employed to settle estates, was elected' County Commissioner several'times, and held other local offices. In politics he was an ardent Republican from the formation of the party; in religion, an active and sincere Methodist, rigid in his principles and prominent in his church, but of very generous feelings toward those who differed from him. At about the age of seventy, Albert, who had been a life-long user of tobacco, was moved, probably by some religious revivalist, to abandon the weed. The warnings of his doctor and friends, that so sudden and violent a change in his habits might prove fatal, were of small avail. He steadily replied that no matter what happened, he meant "to go to Heaven clean." In height he was 5 feet 10 inches; in weight, 175 pounds; was a fine-looking man. He died in 1873, at the ripe •age of 85 years.
His sons love to recall and relate the early incidents of their childhood. The "Tomahawkers," the red men of the forest, were frequently seen, and dreaded especially by the young. Wolves and bears were great pests to the sparse settlers. In a vast wilderness and without means, children, as well as parents, had to struggle in order to make both ends meet. Albert's boys were naturally industrious and readily. turned their hands to everything. After the day's labor was ended, when the evenings were long and the big fire roared in the fire-place, they surrounded the table, having a tallow candle for a light, and studied the few books at their command, the elder acting as instructor; or they engaged in some light labor for the general benefit. There was no school-house within ten miles when they first settled at Pulaski. They joined in building one of round logs, cutting out one log from two sides for windows, and covering the opening with greased paper; a large fire-place was made, to hold about half a cord of wood; for floor, logs split into puncheons; for ceiling, clapboards. Books were scarce and funds often lacking to buy them; when the eldest son wished to study
416 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
Algebra, his father sought a book for a long time and then accidently ran across one eighteen miles away.
Their life had pleasures and excitements of its own. In the Autumn, when the forest had parted with its green foliage, coon hunts were frequent the hunters when fatigued would throw themselves on the soft dry leaves and tell stories, while the moon cast her mellow light through the branches of the trees, until the yelp of the hounds again called them to the chase. One day the supposed coon proved to be a large black bear on a tree, sixty feet from the ground; but the boys, armed only with an axe and clubs, with the aid of the dog, drove Bruin from tree to tree and finally built a large fire and watched him until they could obtain a neighbor's gun, and then brought him to the ground at the first shot. Tying his legs together, they carried him home on a pole.
On another day there was heard a great crackling of sticks and brush, and pretty soon one of the hogs began to squeal about six rods from the cabin. The family started in haste and found the animal in the tight embrace of a large bear, who found he had got too near man's habitation and ran away.
Through all this primitive life, the boys surmounted their disadvantages, managed to keep pace with their growing facilities; and four of them, called ' to the office of winter school-master, were able to perform the duties of the post with credit.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
40 John. 1819. liv'g. Harriet C. Baird. Pulaski, Ohio. Farmer
41 Hiram. 1821. liv'g. 1. Annet M. Hart. Russell, Kansas. Farmer
2. Mary W. Dagget.
42 Elizabeth. 1823. l iv'g Oliver H. Patch. Denver, Col.
43 Albert H. 1825. 1862. Eliza Dawson. Pulaski, Ohio. Farmer
44 Heman A. 1825. liv'g. Mary J. Markel. Bryan, Ohio. Farmer
45 Henry H. 1828. liv'g. Unmarried. San Diego, Cal Farmer _
46 Emerson. 1830. 1884. Lucy Wells Stevens. N. Y. City. Merchant
19 OLIVER PERRY OPDYKE.
Born 1823; married Mary McMullin; is a shoe dealer in Dayton, Ohio. He is the only living son of Henry. As Oliver Perry's son George H. has no children, the male line of descendants of Henry Opdycke will probably become extinct.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
190 George H. 1845. liv'g. Mary Harvey. Dayton, Ohio. Shoe Dealer
191 Harriet. 1847. 1864. Unmarried. Dayton, Ohio.
192 Annie L. 1849. 1882. Unmarried. Dayton, Ohio.
20 ALBERT OPDYKE.
Born 1800; married Rebecca Reeder; took up 80 acres along the State Road, near St. Mary's in Auglaize County, Ohio; died 1838.
CHAPTER U ; DESC'TS OF CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE. - 417
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
200 Hannah. 1828. liv'g. James A. Rice. Carrollton Station, O. Farmer.
201 William. 1830. liv'g. Annie Cremer. Dayton, Ohio. Tobacco Buyer.
202 Catherine. 1832. liv'g. Jeremiah Barnes. Dayton, Ohio. Farmer.
203 Francis. 1834. liv'g. Elizabeth Hager. Arcanum, Darke Co., O. Farmer.
Hannah (Rice) has six sons and three daughters living.
William has children: Flora; Emma; Jennie; Ella;-all living at Dayton, Ohio.
Catherine (Barnes) has three sons and five daughters living.
Francis has children: Anna; Olive; Albert; William; Edith; Clara ; Elmer ; Sylvia.
24 HENRY C. OPDYKE.
Born in Essex Co., N. J., 1808; came with his parents to Mercer Co., Ohio, when a child: while young, was a cabinet maker; married Eleanor Sunderland of Auglaize Co., Ohio, in 1832; remained three years after marriage in Mercer Co., Ohio. In 1835 moved to Cedar Creek Township, Allen Co., Indiana, and entered a tract of 160 acres of Government land at $1.25 an acre. It was a dense forest, and there was not a foot of land cleared or a house built in the township. He helped to raise the first log-house in the township, on the bank of St. Joseph River. Lived on his farm 43 years, until his death in 1877.Was honest, industrious, and beloved by all his neighbors; died without an enemy. Was a member of the Methodist Church; a Democrat in politics; was 5 feet 10 inches in height and weighed 170 pounds; bald-beaded, like most of the men of his family. Raised a family of eight girls and two boys, all of whom married.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
240 Hannah J. 1837. 1870. W. C. Hursh. Spencerville, Ind. Miller.
241 Mary Ann. 1840. liv'g. 1. J. Disler.
2. Alex. Sterling. Fort Wayne, Ind. Farmer.
242 Paulina. 1842. liv'g. T. H. Murray. Spencerville, Ind. Mechanic.
243 Martha E. 1844. liv'g. Martin Mondy. Urbana, Indiana. Miller.
244 Minerva. 1846. 1886. Wesley Lindsey. Leo, Indiana. Farmer.
245 Isabella. 1848. liv'g. Samuel Grosh. Auburn, De Kalb, Ind. Miller.
246 Mahettabel. 1850. 1880. J. W. Baird. Larwill, Indiana. Lawyer.
247 David F. 1852. liv'g. Maggie K. Keyes. Leo, Indiana. Farmer.
248 Harriet A. 1854. liv'g. J. W. Crawford. Cedarville, Ind. Farmer.
249 Albert W. 1856. liv'g. Jennie A. Myers. Leo, Indiana. Farmer.
David F. has furnished a copy of his father's family record. Has children: Claude C., 1876; Ethel E., 1879; George H., 1883; Harry W., 1885; -all living.
Albert Willard has child Grover C., born 1884, living.
25 DAVID OPDYKE.
Children. Birth. Death . Married . Residence. Occupation.
250 Andrew J. 1836. liv'g. Mahala Terrill. Shasta Co., Cal. P. M. & Farmer.
251 Levi. 1837. liv'g. Mary Ann Skinner. Bedford, Taylor, Ia. Farmer.
252 Hannah J. 1838. liv'g. Thomas A. Culton. Willowdale, Neb. Farmer.
253 Arminda. 1840. 1880. Alfred J. Wagoner. Jefferson Co., Neb. Farmer.
254 Rebecca. 1841. liv'g. Levi Anno. Dallas Co., Texas. Farmer.
255 Eve Anna. 1842. liv'g. James Sweeney. Antelope Co., Neb. Farmer.
418 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
Andrew Jackson was in the Union army about one year, and was wounded at Lookout Mountain, for which he now receives a pension. Has children; David; William; Foster; Paul R.;-all living and married.
Levi was in the Union army more than three years; has children: Jam es Perry, 1858, farmer; Icephena, 1864-both married and living in Taylor Co., Iowa.
30 ALBERT OPDYKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
300 Sarah E. 1834. liv'g. Alonzo Baker. Pontiac, Michigan. Farmer.
301 Benjamin. 1836. liv'g. Mary U. Kelsey. Port Col den, N. J. R. R. Conductor
302 Martha H. 1839. liv'g. Lewis H. Conover. Beach Haven, Pa. Ins. Agent.
303 Jane K. 1841. liv'g. William Freas. Berwick, Pa. Physician.
304 Ann Maria. 1843. 1870. Daniel Sult. Berwick, Pa. Carpenter.
305 Joshua F. 1848. liv'g. 1. Ada B. Young. Berwick, Pa. Book-keeper
2. Dora A. Thompson.
306 William B. 1853. liv'g. Alice Pursel. Wilkesbarre, Pa. Clerk.
The first five of the above were born in New Jersey; the last two in Penn sylvania.
Benjamin is a conductor on the Delaware & Lackawanna Railroad; has assisted the author with the Warren County, N. J., Opdykes, descendants of William's son John. He has children: Elizabeth K., 1867; William J. 1874;-both living in Port Colden, Warren Co., N. J.
Joshua F. has been 18 years in the store of the Jackson & Wood Manufacturing Co. at Berwick, Penn., always in charge of a department and sometimes in full charge. His sister Jane (Mrs. Dr. Freas) also resides at Berwick; another sister, Martha (Conover), is three miles above at Beach Haven; their brother William B. is 30 miles above at Wilkesbarre. Joshua F. writes that he is "ready to join in a grand family round-up at Coney Island." He has child Samuel B., born 1873, living.
William B. has children: Pursel, 1877; Paul, 1886;-both living.
31 JOHN H. OPDYKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
310 William. 1837. liv'g. Unmarried. Little York, N. J. Farmer.
311 Henry. 1839. liv'g. Jane Martin. Little York, N. J. Farmer.
312 George. 1841. liv'g. Salina Horner. Baptisttown, N. J. Farmer.
313 Sarah. 1843. liv'g. Watson Rittenhouse Kingwood, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
314 Mary E. 1845. liv'g. Jeremiah Case. Kingwood, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer
315 Elizabeth. 1848. liv'g. Israel Ulmer. Baptisttown, N. J. Farmer
316 John. 1850. liv'g. Sellida Stires. Midvale, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer
316' Benjamin. 1852. 1866.
317 Wesley. 1854. liv'g. Unmarried. Doylestown, Pa. Horse Trader
318 Samuel. 1856. liv'g. Annie Ceaders. Little York, N. J.
319 Jane. 1860. liv'g. Unmarried. Little York, N. J.
Henry has children: Clarissa A., 1862, married William S. MCCrea, of Pattenburg, N. J.; William J., 1863; Frank, 1864; Steward H., 1870; - all living at Little York, N. J„ except the first.
CHAPTER U ; DESC'TS OF CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE. - 419
George has children: Elizabeth; Ella; Anna.
John has children: Barton S.; Lizzie M.
Samuel has child, Leroy, born 1883, living at Little York, N. J.
37 CHARLES OPDYKE.
Is Postmaster at Valley, N. J.; owns the store, and a handsome new house there in which he resides, and much other real estate; owns and runs the saw mill and lumber yard; is a very active and successful business man.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
370 Geo. Emerson. 1858. liv'g. Unmarried. Valley, Hunt'n Co., N. J. Lumber.
371 Anna E. 1864. liv'g Unmarried. Valley, Hunt'n Co., N. J.
372 Jane. 1865. liv'g. Unmarried. Valley, Hunt'n Co., N. J.
George Emerson is Constable, assists his father in the umber business and saw mill, and deals in live-stock; is six feet tall and muscular.
39 GEORGE OPDYKE.
Lives on the old homestead farm of his great-grandfather Benjamin Opdycke, which has come down to him in a direct line. Including George's daughter, there have lived on this farm five generations of the family. George preserves the old parchment deed for the original purchase of this hill-farm by his great-grandfather Benjamin. In the comfortable New Jersey farm-house, on top of this First Mountain of the Blue Ridge, through which far below glide the Lehigh Valley R. R. trains by a mile of tunnel, the author was invited to sit down to one of the most appetizing dinners he has ever enjoyed. Mrs. George Opdyke was a daughter of Robert Welch who owned one of the best farms in the rich and beautiful Musconetcong Valley,- which runs for thirty miles along the north base of First Mountain.
The author has himself been a farmer; at various times too, for health or business or pleasure, it has been his fate to travel much both in his own country and in the old world, not by rail only, but in the more primitive manner which alone reveals home life. Visiting the continent of Europe before railroads were general, he has travelled over 1,500 miles by carriage, stage, or on foot, become acquainted with the natives and talked with them in their homes.. In America he has, in saddle and in carriage, explored over 2,000 miles, from Maine to Colorado and Texas. His experience has resulted in the conviction that the American farmer is the most independent and fortunate of all men. This conviction was formed long before the author had discovered that five generations of his ancestors had been farmers and that most of their descendants have been and still are following the same occupation. George Opdyke has only one child.
390 Bessie. 1861. liv'g. Howard Case. Valley, N. J, Merchant.
420 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
40 JOHN OPDYCKE.
Is a retired farmer, living at Pulaski, Ohio; an influential, energetic and well-informed man, and has contributed his interesting experience of early pioneer life in Ohio. He is a Republican from head to foot; measures 5 feet 11 inches; weighs 175 pounds; had a commission as 2d Lieutenant from Gov. Todd, War Governor of Ohio, but was not called into active service.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
400 Emerson B. 1848. liv'g. Sarah A. Roth. Pulaski, Ohio. Eng. & Farmer.
401 Anna B. 1854. liv'g. Thomas R. Carroll. Defiance, Ohio. Wholesale Grocer
402 Charles. 1862. liv'g. Cora Lockhart. Pulaski, Ohio. Farmer.
Emerson B. has children: Anna W., 1878; John Garfield, 1881; Waldo Emerson, 1883; Bessie M., 1886;-all living.
41 HIRAM OPDYCKE.
Enlisted in 1864 in the Union army and remained till the War closed. His initiation began with General Sherman on his Atlanta Campaign. He left Ringgold May 13, 1864, and marched and camped out every day till Sept. 1st. At the battle of Gainesborough (which let Sherman into Atlanta) half of his company were killed or wounded; it seemed that if a person raised his hat he could catch it full of bullets. The Regular Troops made two unsuccessful attacks before Hiram's regiment was called upon to charge. Then he lay encamped about a month. General Hood started for the Union rear but was followed and chased over the Coosa River into Alabama. The Union troops went back to Atlanta and started for Savannah and the ocean. Hiram was one of "General Sherman's Bummers " who marched and camped and lived on the country. In Savannah they captured cannon enough to pay General Sherman's army, if sold at the price cannon were worth. A blockade runner came up in the night to Savannah, but when morning came she saw the stars and stripes floating and the cannon loaded with medicine for rebels. Then Hiram, in Sherman's army, crossed the Carolinas, on to Richmond, and wound up his campaign at the grand review of Washington City. He is living in Russell, Kansas.
Hiram married his second wife in 1867. His children are:
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
By 1st. wife
410 Albert E. 1846. liv'g Sada Beck. Pella, Marion, Ia. Farmer
411 John B. 1848. liv'g Sophia Cummings. Montpelier, Ohio. Farmer:
412 Addie E. 1850. liv'g Sam. C. Bothwell. Neno, Wisconsin. Grocer:
413 Hiram. 1855. liv'g. Paulina Mercer. Montpelier, Ohio. Farmer
414 Benjamin F. 1858. liv'g. Unmarried. Russell, Kansas. Dry Gds. Clerk
415 Lucy. 1860. liv'g. James Weaver. Montpelier, Ohio. Jeweller:;
By 2d. wife
416 Heman. 1869. liv'g. ................. Russell, Kansas.
417 Wilber. 1871. liv'g. ................. Russell, Kansas.
CHAPTER U ; DESC'TS OF CAPT, ALBERT OPDYCKE. - 421
43 ALBERT H. OPDYCKE.
Cleared a farm at Pulaski, Ohio, and was just beginning to reap the fruits of his labor when he was striken down by death about the beginning of the war. He was a man of unexceptionable habits and of good appearance; height about 5 feet 10 inches ; weight 160 pounds ; in politics a Republican ; in religion a Methodist.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
430 Eliza M. 1852. liv'g. Jacob Faber. Pulaski, Ohio. Farmer.
431 Henry H. 1857. liv'g. Mary E. Shaffer. Pulaski, Ohio. Farmer.
432 Willis A. 1859. liv'g. Mary Crum. Melvern, Kas. Farmer.
Henry H. has children: Edna B., 1882; Grace P., 1886;-both living.
Willis A. has children: Clara F., 1881; Goldie V., 1882; Lawrence H., 1884; -all living.
44. HEMAN A. OPDYCKE
Born in Trumbull Co., Ohio, 1825; moved with his parents in 1836 to Williams County. He thus passed his whole childhood and youth where school advantages were limited, but nevertheless fitted himself to take charge of a district school, spending the winter months in teaching and the summer on the farm. He caught the gold fever, and in 1854 set sail from New York for California, where he spent ten years on a ranch; returned home in 1864, bought a small farm near his father's old homestead at Pulaski, and married Mary J. Markel in 1865. In 1884 he retired from the farm to his present home at Bryan in the same County. He has one child:
440 Ella D. 1868. liv'g.
45 HENRY H. OPDYCKE.
Is a man of good habits and fine appearance; height 6 feet; weight 160 pounds; in politics a Republican; in religion inclined to skepticism. He is a graduate from the medical department of the University of Michigan. Assisted in surveying lands for the Government in Iowa. Was in the war, served in the South-west and had command of a Battery. Has been farming at Melvern, Kansas, until recently; is now a successful dealer in real estate at San Diego, California; is unmarried.
422 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESCTS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
46 EMERSON OPDYCKE.
Born 7 Jan. 1830; died 25 Apr. 1884; married, 3 Mch. 1857, Lucy Wells Stevens.
The farm where he was born lay in Hubbard Township, Trumbull Co.,Ohio, but while he was still a child the family removed to the north western corner of the State, as has been related in the sketch of his father Albert, which contains also some account of the frontier adventures and hardships amid which the boy's early years were passed. Exercise and coarse wholesome food were plentiful, and opportunities for schooling, if rare, were eagerly enjoyed. He acquired a constitution of uncommon strength, and education sufficient to awaken and constantly to stimulate his intellectual curiosity. Although there was little leisure in his life, he remained a student throughout its whole course. In his later years he became much interested in the natural sciences, but history and biography attracted him most, and an early knowledge of the exploits of the first Napoleon warmed his imagination, and fostered in him a taste for strategy. He took keen delight in contests of strength and skill, played chess well, and was continuously beaten at draughts by only one man, the old uncle who taught him the game.
Although just and kind, his father had to use some little strictness governing so large a family, and even as a boy Emerson learned thoroughly the first duty of a soldier,-obedience. At the invitation of his only sister Elizabeth, who had married and was living in Warren, Ohio, he left the farm at the age of 17, and went to live with her in his native county. Here he learned the trade of saddle and harness-making in his brother-in-law's shop, and also. served as a dry-goods clerk. Although he often wished to try his fortunes in a wider field, so long as his mother lived he never violated her wish to keep him near home; on her death, however, he made two sea voyages to California, crossing the Isthmus once at Panama and once by the Nicaragua route. He spent two years in a San Francisco book store, and also visited the mining fields, where, at the cost of many blisters, he dug just enough gold to form the wedding ring of the wife to whom he was already betrothed. She was the youngest daughter of Benjamin Stevens, - one of the early settlers of Warren, and a direct descendant in the, fifth generation from Nicholas Stevens, who came from England and settled at Taunton, Mass., about 1640.
Returning to Warren in 1857, he married and settled there in business. His only child was born in the following year, and received from him the
CHAPTER U ; DESC'TS OF CAPT. ALBERT OPDYCKE. - 423
name Leonard Eckstein, in honor of his wife's only brother, who had been named in honor of a maternal uncle, Leonard Case of Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest grandson of Leonhard Eckstein,- who came to America from Nuremberg, Germany, in 1748, and whose ancestors have been traced near that city back to 1550.
Warren was a town of much intellectual activity. Garrison and Emerson occasionally lectured there, and book clubs and debating societies were zealously maintained. Under these favoring conditions the period of the young man's life that immediately preceded the War of Secession, was one of important growth. In some respects however he matured slowly, and when it came, the call for volunteers was answered by him not only with patriotic alacrity but with all the fresh enthusiasm of youth. On hearing of the battle of Bull Run, he at once enlisted as a private soldier, and served. throughout the struggle. His most intimate letters gave ample proof that the cause was to him a holy one, and even in the dull routine, the weariness, the suffering, the wild excitement of war, he never lost his sense of the great principles that were fought for, or his gladness at being able to aid in their establishment.
After a month spent in receiving, he was mustered into the service, 26 Aug. '61, as first lieutenant of a company that he had been largely instrumental in raising, and passed the next four months in various camps of instruction. His commanding colonel had been a teacher at West Point, and formed all his regimental officers into a class, in which Lieut. Opdycke held the first rank in military scholarship. Such was his success in these studies, that he was soon detailed to drill the officers of the brigade to which he belonged, and in January '62 received commission as captain of his company in the 41st Ohio. At the Battle of Shiloh, in the following April, Capt. Opdycke acted as major of the 41st, and led an important charge of the regiment, carrying its colors in person and receiving two slight wounds. The 41st lost more than one third of its number in this action, and its charge was publicly complimented by the Commander of the Army.
Under orders from the Governor of Ohio, Capt. Opdycke recruited and took command of a new regiment, the 125th Ohio, and was mustered in as its colonel, 1 Jan. '63. He took part in the movements against Chattanooga in the summer of this year, and was among the first to enter the town. The histories of the War show his share in the campaigns of the West, but parts of his account of the Battle of Chickamauga, taken from letters written a few days afterwards, may be of interest.
* * * "We could not retire to this ridge, because the enemy in much heavier force were within two hundred yards and firing as they advanced upon us. We were in a long open field. and the Rebel line, which was longer than ours, appeared very formidable; our men fired splendidly. Gen. Wood ordered ° Forward !' and I gave the order, ' 125 th Ohio, fix bayonets.'
424 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
The steel rattled in answer, and the bayonets were fixed for close quarters. I then rode to the front of the colors, a rod or two, and ordered the charge. Barney (Col. Opdycke's favorite horse) galloped forward, and the 125th came after, with a yell that rose above the din of battle; - the Rebs were soon in disorder, with their backs toward us. We halted after going about 400 yards, and lay down along a little rise of ground, upon which was a prostrate fence. This ridge rose gradually into a wooded hill, about 150 yards to my right. The other regiments of the brigade soon came up, and formed on my right, except one, which formed on my left. Then everything was quiet and still as the tomb; but presently another line more formidable than the first, appeared in the distance, advancing upon us. The terrible grandeur of this advance is beyond the reach of my pen; and the whole vast mass seemed moved by a single mind; their step was proud and in perfect order. Many of my men and officers looked at me as if to say, `Colonel, can we stay here and live?' I cheered them as well as I could by words and looks, and soon the fire swept over my ranks, and my men returned it at my command. On came the line, now beginning to look a little ragged, but the fire became heavier. My color sergeant was disabled by a ball through his shoulder; another sergeant seized the standard, but soon fell. A color corporal raised it, but he too fell, to rise no more. Still another held it to the breeze, and its staff was shot in two a second time. The regiment to my left fled, and soon after the one posted to my right retired. When this one left, my Company A rose and faced to the rear. I caught their eyes, and said, `Back to your posts until I order'you away.' They obeyed instantly, and every man that was alive and not wounded, seemed as firm as a rock. The enemy were on the same ground just vacated by the regiment to my right. They occupied the wooded hill, and gave us a destructive enfilading fire. Numbers fell dead, and many were seriously wounded. * * * Lieut. Clark coolly remarked, ` They can kill us, but never whip us.' I need not tell you that I was proud of the 125th.
"I looked back for aid, but none was to be seen. I then retired my regiment to the ridge. * * * While we were doing this, some regiment dashed obliquely through my right wing, and caused a little confusion; but the ranks were immediately closed, and took position as directed by Gen. Wood, who said, taking me by the hand, `Colonel, that charge was a grand thing, and if I live it shall be made official, and go into history.' During the day our new position was repeatedly assaulted in the most terrific manner. The Reserve Corps in part was placed on the hill, on a prolongation of our line, to the right. They had a fierce encounter, * * * All the rest of the old line was wiped off, and their generals fleeing to Chattanooga. You will readily see that if the enemy could now destroy Wood, they could attack Thomas's corps in the rear, as well as in the front; turn the Reserve Corps, and place themselves between Chattanooga and our army. This would ensure the destruction of the proud Army of the Cumberland. Hence the desperation with which our position was assaulted until evening.
"Longstreet's sharp-shooters climbed into some trees a little to my right oblique, and, in addition to the terrific musketry, sent-special compliments to Barney. One ball cut through my blouse, and others grazed Barney, warming his nose and ears; an insult that he resented. by prancing about and shaking his head. Late in the afternoon two pieces of the 18th Ohio Battery were placed at my command. I went to them myself, and soon had them in position, pointing out to the gunners where I wanted them to send the grape and canister. I asked two artillery officers to come up to the guns, that I might show them where to direct the fire to the greatest effect. They did not comet
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"By remaining on horse I constantly kept myself informed of the enemy, and so was able to direct my fire, to the front or right-oblique as was most needed. When the powder smoke shut out the view, I could readily tell the proper direction to fire by noticing the point from which the balls came about me. All the time the deafening roar of all arms (for miles in extent) was filling the arched heavens with sound. It was grand, but terrible; ** * Generals Thomas, Granger, Garfield, and Wood were a little to my rear; they said the position must be held. I said to my men, 'I am ready to die right here, and I hope you are all with me.' Their looks and actions seemed to reply, I We will stand or fall by our colonel;' and during the whole battle only one man of the 125th left the ranks without orders ! This is a record of which I may well be proud." Two days later:
"Yesterday was quiet. Our ambulances went out under a flag of truce, and brought in a large number of our wounded. Orderly Briggs was with them. He was severely wounded in the foot; the wound gangrened, and his leg was amputated just above the knee. I sent him my love to-day; they say he is in fine spirits and declares the Rebels can't kill him in one day. He wishes his friends at home not to know that he has lost a leg, (his mother is ill, I believe); he says, 'Tell them I was wounded a little in the foot. * * * (The poor fellow died soon afterwards.) * * * To our great joy Lieut. King is also here, severely but not dangerously wounded; he fell as if dead, and the battle raged over him for hours; musket balls, canister, and grape ploughed the ground closely and entirely around him; * * * He could only crawl about to the protection of trees, but the rebel sharp-shooters took off his boots, and kicked him from the trees, that they might occupy them themselves. He says the fire was awful, and in front of the 125th the rebel dead lay thick. They took off his sword, while he swore at them for their rascality,-all the time reasonably expecting to die at every moment" Still later:
"Yesterday was a very sad day to me. I got permission and visited the hospitals, to see my poor wounded comrades. They were very glad to see me, and when I praised them for their bravery and told them how honorable were their wounds, the tears would start from their manly eyes. I found only two who were suffering severely, and they passed to heaven to-day. One of them was shot through the base of the brain, the ball carrying away, the left eye. The doctor said that he was delirious; I knelt down close to his right eye, and putting my hand upon his, asked, 'Williams, do you know me ?' He answered distinctly, "Yes, it's our Colonel.' 'What colonel ?' asked the doctor. 'Col. Opdycke,' he replied, and then he began talking of our charge' upon the enemy, and soon became incoherent. The other man, who died to-day, had a terrible wound through the chest, through which he breathed. Three others had a leg amputated above the knee, but they did not seem to suffer much. * * * Four of my wounded men died today, and I am afraid I shall lose more, as there are so many severely wounded men in the regiment. My heart was heavy with sorrow for these heroic souls, but the Nation must be saved at any cost."
In this action Col. Opdycke's regiment lost one third of its number in killed and wounded. Not long afterward he was placed in command of four additional regiments, forming a demi-brigade.
At the battle of Chattanooga, which was fought 25 Nov. '63, he led his command in the storming of Missionary Ridge, and had two horses shot under him in the ascent. In the Atlanta Campaign, his command was the first to reach the crest of Rocky Face Ridge. At Resaca he received a severe wound from a spent ball, which tore a ragged hole quite through the left
426 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
arm, and lodged in his sleeve next the heart. He fainted from loss of blood and was taken from the field, but returned to the front as soon as ligatures could be applied. Disregarding the surgeons' advice, he remained at the head of his command through all the following six weeks, during which although not concerned in any general engagement, his regiment was almost constantly in the advance, skirmishing with the enemy, and suffering daily losses. On the 27th of June '64, he led two other regiments besides his own in one of the three fierce but unsuccessful assaults on Kenesaw Mountain.
In August '64 he was assigned to the command of the 1st Brigade, 2d Division, 4th Army Corps, and subsequently secured the transfer to it of his old regiment, the 125th Ohio. On the advance of Hood's army to the Tennessee river in the following autumn, the 4th Corps was sent back from Georgia to help defend that line. At Spring Hill, 29 Nov., Col. Opdycke held the left of our line which resisted Forrest's and Cheatham's attaches, and prevented their gaining possession of the turnpike. After this, perilous day and night he commanded the rear guard in our retreat to Franklin, This village is 18 miles from Nashville and on the southern side of the Harpeth river, which at this point makes a bend nearly half enclosing the town. Hasty breastworks were thrown up by the troops first arriving on the morning of the 30th, under Gen. Cox, the flanks resting on the river above and below the village, and thus completing its enclosure. The Columbia Pike, on which the enemy were rapidly advancing, crossed our line at Carter's Hill, the highest elevation in the immediate neighborhood, and the key to the entire position. Bringing up the rear guard in the retreat from Spring Hill, Col. Opdycke observed and reported the rapid movements of the enemy and their evident intention to attack full force. After some cannonading and musketry, during which his horse was shot under him, his brigade was retired towards our main army. When it came within 500 yards of our works, it found the other two brigades of the division to which it belonged stationed in an isolated position on the open plain. Col. Opdycke urged that no good could result from troops being thus " left out in the air." As his brigade was taking its proper position in reserve a little to the rear of Carter's Hill, his division commander said to him, "Now Opdycke, fight when and where you think best." This and a direction to hold his brigade in readiness, (given him by the general commanding the line, before the battle opened), were the only orders received by Col. Opdycke until the close of the fight.
Eight pieces of artillery were on Carter's Hill, and in front there stretched an open and unobstructed plain for 1,000 yards; beyond this lay a large wood. It was a bright and pleasant afternoon, when Hood emerged from the forest, with his army,-more than double our own numbers,-heavily massed against Carter's Hill. Our two brigades in front were soon struck, and
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after a sharp passage of arms, were driven in confusion. They could not reach our works much in advance of the enemy. Our line began to give way at the Columbia Pike; the gap opened wider and wider; men, horses, and caissons rushed wildly down the hill, back toward the bridges. The enemy crossed our works, and the destruction of our army seemed inevitable. At this moment Col. Opdycke gave the order, "First Brigade, forward to the works." His veteran regiments moved up the hill, and into the breach. Although taken by surprise, the victorious enemy fought desperately with bayonets and clubbed muskets,-but in vain. The charge restored the line. Eight cannon were retaken and worked by the officers and men of the 1st Brigade, who captured also 600 prisoners and ten battle flags, and left others on the ground to be picked up by the soldiers of other brigades that were rallied to assist Col. Opdycke's command. The unexpected reverse seemed to madden the enemy, and Gen. Hood again and again hurled his masses in determined assault against the hill; but, although the battle waged until about 10 P. M, our line remained unbroken.
In a letter two days after the battle, Col. Opdycke wrote: "after darkness shadowed the awful scene, * * * the blazing guns seemed to be millions; finally the enemy yielded and ceased firing. I stepped over the front of our works to see the effect. I never saw their dead and wounded lie so thickly heaped one upon another; the carnage was awful. I saw Gen. Cox during the battle with his hat off, rallying the stragglers under a terrific fire, * * * and I never worked so hard since I was born, as I did in trying to force the stampeded men back to the works, to help my own invincible brigade. I broke my pistol, using it as a club, and then got off my horse, took a musket, and absolutely drove them. * * One of the rebel sharp-shooters, who is now a prisoner, says he took deliberate aim at me six times. He enquired my name after he was taken."
Col. Opdycke was credited with having saved the day, not only by his division and corps commanders, but also by Gen. Thomas, the commander of the army, who at once telegraphed to Washington a special request for his promotion. Official justice was done him however only at the close of the war, when he was raised to the rank of brigadier general, and finally to that of major general by brevet, the last commission reading, °° To date from the 30th day of November 1864, for gallant and important services at the Battle of Franklin." Had his charge not been made successfully, our army must have been completely overwhelmed, and there would then have been no adequate force to oppose the Confederate advance to the Ohio river.
In the Battle of Nashville, which followed and was made possible by that of Franklin, Col. Opdycke's brigade assaulted the enemy's line effectively, clearing its front on each of the two days of the battle, and capturing three guns, one flag, and 200 prisoners, including 14 officers. As a part of the corps to which it belonged, it then pursued the enemy 100 miles through almost continual rain, snow, or frost. A large number of prisoners were taken, and the pursuit continued to the Tennessee river.
428 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
Gen. Opdycke took part in the subsequent movements of the Army of the Cumberland, and after Lee's surrender, was stationed at New Orleans where he was assigned to the command of his division.
Always setting before himself the highest standard of duty, he was not lax in his requirements of others, but in spite of this strictness his personal popularity with those that fought under him was unbounded, and soldiers who had complained of his severity as a disciplinarian, gladly acknowledged after their first battle that it was the habit of precision acquired from his drill that kept them together under fire. In studying to select healthy and convenient camp-sites, in enforcing order and cleanliness, and in striving to reclaim the drunken and dissolute, he was ever watchful for the welfare of his men, and on inspection day as well as in action they were sure to merit first praise. Although disregard of his personal safety was habitual with him whenever necessary to give an example to others or to obtain information for himself, a spirit of bravado was wholly foreign to his nature, and custom never dimmed his consciousness of the dangers of battle.
Having no taste for a life of military inactivity, he resigned from the service in January '66, and soon afterwards settled in business in New York City as a member of a large wholesale dry goods firm. A special partner in this firm was his kinsman, the Hon. George Opdyke, between whom and Gen. Opdycke there had arisen a warm friendship which continued until death. In all that depended upon individual ability and exertion his business success was phenomenal, but his money gains were not correspondingly large, and the last years of his life were chiefly devoted to the study of the history of the war, upon which subject he published several articles. The last of these he prepared and delivered as a lecture before the Historical Society at Harvard College, and it has since been printed in the third volume of the Century °° Battles and Leaders of the Civil War."
His religious and political beliefs were at no time narrow, and advancing years only increased the liberality of his views, and sharpened his zest for truth on whatever side of a question it was to be found. He was of a joyous disposition, and quick to share the happiness of others; babies and dumb animals clung to him by instinct. One of his most notable traits was his singular power of attracting the confidence and affection of those about him. Arising from no art or effort on his part, but being the natural response to the sincerity and sweetness of his character, the trust and love that he aroused were never lost.
In person he was six feet tall, erect in carriage, and quick in movement. His complexion was fair and rosy, and the habitual expression of his face was happy and almost youthful. A brighter smile and a heartier laugh than his are rarely met. He had a rich bass voice, and as a young man was very fond of singing. His hair was hardly touched with gray at the time of his death, and he preserved to an unusual degree his youthful elasticity both of mind and body.
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His portrait given by us is made from a photograph taken four years before his death at the request of the War Department, for preservation among its collection. The signature below it dates from about the same time, while that placed at the head of this sketch is copied from one written at the time of his marriage. There survive him his widow and his only child.
460 Leonard Eckstein. 1858. liv'g. Unmarried. N. Y. City. Lawyer.
The Joshua Opdycke, whose descendants are given in the following chapter, married Mary Dusenbury as told on pages 235 and 280. Since those pages have gone through the press a closer examination of the 1818 record quoted on page 281 makes it evident that Joshua's father Benjamin had lost his first wife, the mother of his children, when he married Joanna,-who must have had children, Mary, Henry, and others, by a former husband Dusenbury.
CHAPTER V.
DESCENDANTS OF JOSHUA OPDYCKE.
(See Charts 6 and 26.)
Children of Joshua Opdycke.
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
1 Benjamin J. 1783. 1869. 1. Catherine Snyder. Bethlehem, Hunt's, N. J. Farmer &
2. Margaret S. Mixel. Drover.
2 John. 1786. 1849. Ann McIntyre. New Village, Warren, Miller &
N. J. & Utica, Ohio. Farmer.
3 George. 1788. 1865. Susan Groff. Alleghany Co., N. Y. & Farmer. West Jersey, Stark, Ill.
4 William. 1791. 1832. Mary Hess. Bethlehem, Hunt'n, N. J. Blacksmith.
5 Theodosia. ..... 1860. 1. John Hardy. Bethlehem, Hunt'n, N. J. Carpenter.
2. Henry Staats. Bethlehem, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
6 Sarah. .......... John Henderson. Ohio. Farmer.
1 BENJAMIN J. OPDYCKE.
Born 1783; married 1806 his cousin Catherine Snyder, who died 1854 aged 69; married 1857, 2d, Mrs. Margaret Mixel, a widow, sister of his first wife. He was a drover as well as farmer, and made fourteen trips to Ohio for cattle; was an honest and successful man, and respected by his neighbors; was of medium stature and called " Little Ben," to distinguish him from his taller cousin and neighbor Benjamin H. who was called " Big Ben." He lived and died on the farm, at Valley in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J., which he received by the will of his grandfather Benjamin,- " the plantation where Ware and Waterfield now live "in the language of the will.
430 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
The parchment deed, for the original purchase of this farm of 151 1/4 acres in 1766, is now in the possession of the widow of Benjamin, son of Benjamin J.; as are also the homestead and the family record. On this farm Benjamin J. erected a neat and comfortable farm-house, an excellent type of the residences of thriving New Jersey farmers. Here he died in 1869, aged 86 years, and was buried at the New Stone Church in Union Township. His will is on the Hunterdon Co. Records, bequeathing his two farms and personal estate equally among his living children by name. He had eleven children who grew to maturity, and of whom ten married and three are still living.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.,
10 Mary Ann. 1809. 1883. Charles D. Potts. Ohio. Farmer.
11 Joshua. 1811. 1882. Rebecca Skeen. N. J. and Ohio. Tailor.
12 John. 1812. 1887. Martha A. Patterson. Easton, Penn. Ins. Agent.
13 George. 1814. 1888. Rose Ann Green. Penns Manor, Pa. Farmer.
14 Margaret. 1816. 1876. Samuel Van Sickle. Titusville, Pa. Oil Business
15 Benjamin. 1817. 1886. 1. Lucinda Case. Bethlehem, N. J. Farmer.
2. Elizabeth Smith.
16 Catherine. 1820. liv'g. Aaron Dalrymple. Frenchtown, N. J. Farmer.
17 Henry. 1822. liv'g. Susan Case. Hamden, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
17 William. 1824. 1846. Unmarried.
18 Washington. 1827. 1880. Mary J. Abernethy. Phila. Pa. Druggist & Doctor.
19 Jackson. 1828. liv'g. Evalina De Puy. Phila. Pa. R. R. Office
Joshua was a farmer and tailor; moved to Mt. Liberty, Knox Co., Ohio and there married; returned to Valley, New Jersey; was injured by an accident on the railroad, and died 1882 in indigent circumstances. Had a daughter Catherine; another daughter who married a Chamberlin of Asbury, N. J.; and. two sons, names not known.
George married 1841 a daughter of John Green, a wealthy farmer of Penn's Manor, Bucks Co., Pa. George lived and died at Penn's Manor, near Tullytown, where he had a good farm of 160 acres. He was thrifty, prosperous and much respected; of quiet disposition; and, like his father, short in stature. His widow is living; their children, William and Barclay died young and unmarried.
Penn's Manor is named for William Penn, who had here an ale brewery, and acquired from the Indians a tract of 3,000 to 5,000 acres on the Delaware River opposite Trenton, lying between the river and the turnpike, and running from Morrisville to Tullytown. Relic-hunters often carry away mementos from the old buildings on this tract.
Henry's wife, Susan Case, is deceased; his children all reside with their father on his farm at Hamden, Hunterdon Co., N. .J., and are: Margaret; Elisha; George.
Washington was born on his father's homestead farm in Bethlehem; became a. physician and druggist at Yardleyville, N. J.; married 1857 Mary Jane, daughter of Dr. H. H. Abernethy of Easton, Pa. Washington moved in 1860 to Philadelphia where he continued his profession and busi-
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ness. His widow now resides in Jersey City, where her sons are prominent socially. Their children are: William M., 1858, R. R. bookkeeper; Edward H., 1862, R. R. auditor; Charles A., 1864, clerk in N. Y. silk-store; Harry G., 1870; Howard, 1873; Lyman H., 1876;-all unmarried and living with their mother in Jersey City.
Jackson was born at Bethlehem; married in 1857; farmed in Hunterdon; engaged in the wholesale commission produce business in New York City under the firm name of Opdycke, Van Lieu & Co.; is now in the office of the Pennsylvania R. R. at Philadelphia, and resides in that city. His son Charles E. has furnished information, and the family record of his grandfather Benjamin J. Jackson has children: Clara L., 1859; Charles E., 1863, mathematical instrument maker; Louis A., 1873; -all living in Philadelphia, unmarried.
2 JOHN OPDYCKE.
Born 1786 in Bethlehem Township, Hunterdon Co., N. J.; inherited in 1807, by the will of his grandfather Benjamin, seven acres, a grist-mill and water-power, in Bethlehem. This mill is the one which was afterward long owned, run and partly rebuilt by Esq. Sylvester H. Smith, and since his death run by his son Simeon Smith. John Opdycke learned the trade of millwright, built several flour-mills during his life and ran the last one for some time.
In 1810 he married Ann McIntyre, of Broadway, Warren Co., N. J., and soon afterward moved to Warren County, where he remained until after the birth of all his eleven children, residing in a large stone house which is still standing on the Morristown turnpike, 1 1/2 miles from New Village. In 1835 he moved with his family to Ohio, and bought a large and rich farm on Licking River, about three miles from Utica, the line of Knox and Lick ing Counties running through the farm. Here he lived until his death in 1849.
He was noted for his industry and integrity; was a good-looking man, of medium size, and was never sick until a few years before his death, when he was attacked by cancer of the throat which terminated his life at the age of 63. He had double teeth all around, which is considered to show a very strong constitution. Was very fond of music and his home was never with out several musical instruments, which his sons played. In harvest time, after the day's work was done and supper was over, his work-hands would dance an hour every evening before retiring. He always had more applications from farm-hands than he needed, while his farmer neighbors often lacked help. No cards were played and no liquor was kept on his place. He and his wife were both very fond of company, "and associated with only the best; " they seldom ate a meal without one or more of their friends being with them.
432 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
His wife's ancestors deserve mention. About the beginning of the 18th century Capt. Cornelius Van Horne, his brother Abram and half-sister Lena, came from the Province of New York to Hunterdon Co., N. J. Abram purchased 3,000 acres and built before the Revolution the old White House Tavern, or Washington's Headquarters, (still standing and in possession of Abram's descendants), from whose plastered white stone walls the town of White House took its name. During the Revolution, Abram Van Horne was appointed Forage-master to collect provisions for Washington's army wintering at Morristown; he stored the supplies in his large barn, which building was also used by Washington for lodging Hessian prisoners; and later served during fifteen years (1792-1807) for church worship Abram's brother Captain Cornelius Van Horne left a large estate, as shown by his will at the office of the Secretary-of-State, Trenton; his tombstone White House is standing, inscribed "died 1744 aged 49." His son Cornelius built in 1757 the stone Van Horne homestead at White House. Capt. Cornelius left seven sons and three daughters. Among his sons was Hon. Thomas Van Horne, born 1722, died 1774, married Jane Ten Eyck; settled on a tract of 1,000 acres on the North branch of the Raritan River, N. J. ; in 1757 sold this land and bought a farm in Mansfield Township, now Warren Co., and moved upon it; was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, one of the Associate Judges of the County, and in 1'772 was elected to the Colonial Assembly. Thomas' daughter Jemina, born 1759, died 1852, married John McIntyre in 1780. One of their children, Ann McIntyre, born 1790, married John Opdycke; she died 1867.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.,
20 William M. 1810. 1851. 1. Margaret Sellers. Utica, Ohio. Merchant.
2. Marcia Wheaton.
21 Cornelius M. 1814. liv'g. Eliz. McCasland. Santa Barbara, Cal. Mines. Farm
22 Jacob V. 1818. liv'g. Catherine Young. Pagosa Springs, Col. Hotel & S
23 Sarah. 1823. liv'g. W. H. Norway. Santa Barbara, Cal. Real Estate:
24 Jemima. 1826. liv'g. Daniel Browne. Kewanee, Ill. Farmer.
25 Catherine. 1831. liv'g, Jacob Frank Andrews. Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Banker.
In addition to the above, four children died in infancy.
Sarah has a son, William Norway, in San Francisco; her other children, Ada and Rose, are deceased; her husband has been County Surveyor, and is now in the real estate business at Santa Barbara.
Jemma is a widow, her husband having been killed in the Union army at the battle of Shiloh.
Catherine married in Jan. 1, 1857, has been a widow since 1862, and is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. W. M. Nagle, at Dennison, Texas; has a son, Jacob F. Andrews, aged 28. She has contributed much interesting information concerning her branch.
3 GEORGE OPDYKE.
Born 1788 in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J.; inherited in 1807, under the will of his grandfather Benjamin, "part of the plantation on Great
CHAPTER V ; DESC'TS OF JOSHUA OPDYCKE. - 433
Road east and north of Imley's line ."He is known to have lived upon the farm where John P. Wene now lives, on the hill just across the road from the farm and residence of Benjamin H. Opdyke, on what was part of the large hill farm of old Benjamin. In 1811, he married in Warren County Susan Groff, who was born in 1791, and died in 1887 at the age of 96 years at the residence of her daughter Mary at Toulon, Ill. George remained in New Jersey (in Hunterdon or Warren County) until 1829, and then moved to N. Y. State and settled near Cayuga Lake. In 1850 he removed to Illinois and purchased a good farm near West Jersey, Stark County, where he resided until his death in 1865.
He was the father of fourteen children, of whom thirteen grew to maturity, ten married, and nine are still living. He was a member of the Methodist Church; a Republican in politics; fond of jesting; was blind the last year of his life. All his sons changed the spelling of their name to Updyke; and their children so write it still, although George himself always wrote his name Opdyke. Weighed 175 pounds, but was of medium stature; his descendants have been long-lived, strong and tall, some measuring six feet in height.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
30 William. 1815. 1877. Ellen Ann Crusan. Bible Grove, Mo. Farmer.
31 Joseph. 1816. 1865. Unmarried. Stark Co., Ill. Farmer.
32 Benjamin. 1818. liv'g. Lucinda Doreaner. Andover, N, Y. Farmer.
33 Francis. 1820. liv'g. Jemima Williamson. Andover, N. Y. Farmer.
34 Joshua. 1822. liv'g, Unmarried. Galva, Stark, Ill. Mason.
34' Lydia. 1824. liv'g. David Oziah. Toulon, Stark, Ill.
35 John. 1828. 1849. Unmarried.
35' Matilda. 1829. 1887. Charles Campbell.
36 Periam. 1832. 1844.
36' Sarah J. 1834. liv'g. John E. Smith. Toulon, Stark, Ill. Merchant.
37 Eliza A. 1836. liv'g. David Colwell. Exeter, Neb. Farmer.
38 George. 1838. liv'g. Sarah Brown. Wyoming, Stark, Ill.
39 Susan. 1841. liv'g. . Anderson.
39' Mary C. 1844. liv'g. William Folk. Toulon, Stark, Ill. Farmer.
Joseph went to California and accumulated wealth; returned to Stark Co., Illinois, about 1860, and paid a visit to his New Jersey cousins, who remember his belt filled with gold coin and his large package of gold dust and ore.
Benjamin has children: Joseph; Andrew; Sarah Jane; Columbus; Eliza; Eva; Rachel; Martha.
Francis has children: Huron; Martha Jane; Charles.
Eliza A. (Colwell) moved to Missouri 1885; and to Fillmore Co., Neb., 1887; has two daughters and one son living.
George has child, George, born 1873, living.
4 WILLIAM OPDYCKE.
Inherited 17 1/2 acres in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J., under the will of his grandfather Benjamin, 1807; did not receive more, because he had been taught the blacksmith trade, and in those days a trade was considered
434 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
as worth a farm. William's little plot of land lay near the mill of his brother John and just across the road from the farm of his brother Benjamin J. Here William lived, following his trade in his shop close by until 1832, when he died aged 41. His blacksmith books, neatly kept and showing his accounts against all the old settlers of the neighborhood, are carefully preserved by his son William, who still resides upon the little tract where his father died 57 years ago.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
40 Barbary. 1818. 1884. Jacob Vliet. Bethlehem, Hunt'n, N. J. Farm er
41 William. 1822. liv'g. Unmarried. Valley, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer
42 John. 1827. liv'g. Annie Alpaugh. Pepack, N. J. Farmer
William. is still farming his father's 17 1/2 acres at Valley, N. J., to which he has succeeded in adding 8 acres more; has always lived on this little homestead, unmarried, independent and contented; for years past has lived entirely alone with his dog. Is a man of good sense and disposition, tall, unambitious, careless of his personal appearance: A good wife would have been a blessing to him.
John has children: Lydia, unmarried; Arabella, married Ellis Tiger, farmer;-both living in Pepack, N. J.
12 JOHN OPDYCKE.
Born 1812 in Bethlehem, Hunterdon Co., N. J.; left home when a boy of 16 years and went to Easton, Pa., as a clerk for P. S. Michler in the milling, distilling, coal and wood business. Married Martha Ann Patterson. Resided in New York City 1864-9, engaged in the commission whiskey, flour and grain business with E. S. Dalton under the firm name of E. S. Dalton & Co., at 2 Water Street; then moved to Easton, Pa., and was with E. H. Shawde & Co., stock and bond brokers, real estate and ins. agents. Was an active business-like man and furnished information concerning his branch. Died Sept. 1887.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
120 Catherine. 1839. liv'g. R. B. Youngman. Easton, Pa. Prof. Laf. College
121 Mary E. 1841. liv'g. Benj. F. Patterson. Pottsville, Pa. Clergyman.
122 George. 1845. 1880. ................. Easton, Pa. Clerk.
123 John F. 1846. liv'g. Sarah Smith. N. Y. City. Merchant.
124 Ann B. 1849. liv'g. ................. Easton, Pa.
125 Margaret. 1852. liv'g. ......... ........ Easton, Pa.
126 Harry S. 1855. liv'g. Stella Shulz. Philadelphia,. Pa. Salesman.
John F. is one of the firm of Wagner, Kellam & Co., wholesale grocery business at 76 Murray St., N. Y. City. He has children: Lilian, 1876; Elizabeth, 1881; - both living.
Harry S. has child Harry P., born 1882, living.
15 BENJAMIN OPDYCKE.
Born 1817 on his father's homestead in Bethlehem, where he remained all his life, an industrious and neat farmer; after his father's death, he con-
CHAPTER V; DESCTS OF JOSHUA OPDYCKE. - 435
tinned to cultivate the farm and occupy the house, which is now occupied by his widow and her son. Benjamin was of medium stature and retiring disposition. He had children:
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
By 1st wife
150 Sarah Cath. 1868. Martin Frace. Bethlehem, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
151 Alexander. 1850. liv'g. Mary Smith. Valley, Hunt'n, N. J.
By 2d wife
152 Oscar. 1868. liv'g. Unmarried. Valley, Hunt'n, N. J. Farmer.
Alexander has children: Edgar, 1872; Flossy, 1873; Claude, 1879; all living.
20 WILLIAM MCINTYRE OPDYCKE.
Resided at Utica, Ohio, where he had a store and post-office, with a branch store at Sciotoville, Ohio. Took a railroad contract at Sciotoville and moved to that place, selling out his Utica business. Was fond of politics and ran once for Sheriff of Licking County on the Republican ticket; the Republicans being then in a minority, he was defeated, although the majority against him was small. Was a, very intelligent man; witty, like both his brothers, and much beloved by all who knew him. His health was vigorous and his weight 1.75 pounds, although he scarcely ever ate meat and in fact ate so lightly that he had generally finished his meal before all at the table had been waited upon. One evening at Sciotoville he ate more heartily than usual and later took some ripe currants from a bush in his garden; he died from cholera the next afternoon, July 1, 1851, aged 41 years. His widow is living with her daughter Mary. He had children:
By 1st wife: Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
200 John Calvin. 1839. liv'g. ........... Knox Co., Ohio. Farmer.
By 2d wife
201 Julia C. 1846. 1873. J. H. Wise. Booneville, Mo.
202 Mary. 1848. liv'g. Unmarried. Minneapolis, Minn.
John Calvin's first wife and her only child are deceased; he has married a second wife, from Kentucky; his address is Mt. Vernon, Ohio.
21 CORNELIUS M. OPDYCKE.
Born 1814 in his father's large stone house near New Village, Warren Co., N. J. From childhood he was very fond of music. When his older brother William was taking lessons on the flute, Cornelius being young was not allowed to learn, but was so eager that he would climb up on the roof of the porch and lie down under the window to hear the evening music lesson of the class. By the time that William could play well, Cornelius was equally proficient, and would continually borrow his brother's instrument until his father, on a trip to Easton one day, bought him a fife. Cornelius soon
436 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
mastered that and earned $2.00 a day playing at " mustering; " he had an excellent voice and even taught singing-school.
He was 21 years old when his father in 1835 moved with his family to Ohio, overland, camping out on the road, and all enjoying the trip. This was the first experience in a kind of life that Cornelius saw much of in later years.
In 1849, Cornelius came to New York, purchased a large supply of provisions, put them on board a staunch sailing vessel, and started Feb. 16, around the Horn to California. There were many passengers; they had sometimes trade winds and sometimes calms; stopped eight days at Rio Janeiro where they visited the Emperor's Garden and enjoyed the beautiful country; then were six weeks doubling Cape Horn, and stopped again at Valparaiso eight days. Here a large party, who had been shipwrecked were taken on board, which was unfortunate as they had the cholera among them, and eleven of the crowded passengers were buried in the ocean and five more on landing. The ship reached San Francisco Sept. 26, after a voyage of 7 1/2 months.
San Francisco then contained only six or eight buildings and these all of wood. There were 700 tents on the beach and 300 vessels of all nations in the harbor. These vessels could not get away as the sailors had fled to the mines; and many ships were drawn up into low water, the masts taken down, and people were living in the hulls. But all were sanguine and happy.
Cornelius could not obtain his goods from the vessel because the sailors ran away for the mines on the night of arrival. On the security of his bills of lading he obtained three months provisions from a merchant whom he had known in New York, and with four "other Ohio boys " he started, on a small vessel for Stockton. Here he loaded the supplies on a wagon for the party. While hunting with a new rifle, he was injured in the head by an explosion and was laid up several weeks in a tent, but recovered without a physician. They settled at Hawkin's Bar on the Treolumna River, and, after watching others, went to work with a racker and succeeded in three months very well for greenhands. Then "some boys," from Sullivans Creek, near Sonora, invited them to move there where the mines were richer, which they did. Cornelius started for San Francisco to get the goods he had left on the ship. These had been discharged two months and he had to pay $2.00 a month storage on each package, large or small. A stove-pipe hat in a box cost him $4.00 storage; so he put his foot on it, threw it, into the bay and never wore one afterward. He returned with his goods on a vessel to Stockton and there paid 50 cents a pound to haul them by wagons to Sullivans Creek; the carting took two weeks as the rainy season bad set in and the roads were bad.
A fair house had been completed at Sullivans Creek and the seven com-
CHAPTER V ; DESCTS OF JOSHUA OPDYCKE. - 437
panions had a jolly time, with plenty of provisions and a good cook. They were all hunters, shot plenty of deer and grisly bear, and lived well, selling their surplus provisions at fabulous prices. Their mining was very successful and they concluded to set up an engine to pump water out of their claims. So in May, 1850, Cornelius started for San Francisco, walking 75 miles to Stockton with $11,000 in gold dust in his belt. Sleeping in a tent on the road at night, in his blankets, he was wet to the skin by a pouring rain, but reached Stockton the next day and took a small boat down to San Francisco. Here he bought an engine, boiler and pump for $9,000, but had to pay $8.00 each for store-boxes in which to pack the machinery, and $16.00 a day for a man to pack, go along, set it up and run it. Lumber was $400 a thousand. Cornelius met a man on the beach with some traps among which was a lot of nails which Cornelius bought (30 pounds) for $1.00 and sold on his return to Stockton for $30. He moved his machinery by a sailing vessel to Stockton, but had to wait four days for help to load it on wagons, then paid $1.00 "a lift," and could only get it done on Sunday as every man was engaged other days in mining. After a long time he reached Sullivans Creek. This was the first engine ever set up in the mines of California.
A steamer, on which he could not get passage, had started from New York two days before Cornelius left there, and had taken over ten months to reach California through the Straits; but it now soon "made more money than it could haul," carrying passengers at $30 a head to Sacramento, making the round trip in twenty four hours and sometimes having 1,000 people on board. The next year opposition steamers were put on and the fare came down, and in 1852 passengers were carried free when both steamers started at once.
Returning to the cabin on Sullivans Creek, the mining was pushed more successfully with the aid of the engine. There were no laws then in the mines and so the miners made districts, and laws for the district, allowing each man 16 feet square for a claim. They elected an Alcalde. or Justice of the Peace, before whom all cases came without appeal. If he said "hang up," up the offender went. Judge Lynch was the best judge ever known in the mines; tools were safe night and day: All were happy and made money.
In 1852 Cornelius sold out his mine and returned, by steamer via Panama and New York, to his home in Ohio. But after a few months he was not satisfied and returned by the Isthmus to San Francisco, which he now found quite a large city. He travelled much in Oregon, Arizona and the desert of New Mexico. At Crescent City some white man had killed an Indian and the tribe took their usual revenge by killing a ranchman. The citizens caught the guilty Indians, brought them back to Crescent City, and called a meeting. It was unanimously voted to hang. A wagon was procured, four Indians were pulled out to a place where the butchers hung their
438 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
meat, ropes were placed around their necks, and the wagon drawn away to let them drop. Cornelius was present. He did some mining in Arizona and sent seven tons of ore to Boston for assay, but the Indians were bad and the climate so hot that water would sizzle on a rock as if on a hot stove. He thought it the hottest place he had ever read of "except one," and concluded he would get a long way from it. So he returned by steamer through Nicaragua, to New York and then to Ohio.
Still he was not satisfied. In company with another, he purchased 5,000 sheep and started overland to California. This was a big undertaking, as the Indians were bad and the desert was to cross. They bought 5,000 more sheep in Missouri, employed 26 men and loaded four wagons with provisions. It took over one year to reach the Rio Grande in Mexico, and the sheep were dying at the rate of ten a day. Cornelius sold out to an Indian agent in Mexico and took the Butterfield stage for home. This was the Overland Mail Route to San Francisco; the horses were driven on a run, night and day, and at each station other teams were ready to change on the instant. A man, on a good horse or mule, rode alongside for "side driver;" armed with a big black-snake whip which he used freely, the driver on the stage merely holding the lines land keeping the horses in the road. Frequently thus seven miles were driven in 28 minutes. In Texas, between two stations, the Indians chased his stage, but the side-driver piled on his whip and the Indians were distanced to the next station where there was a guard.
Cornelius again became restless, bought a fine span of mules and a light wagon and started for California across the plains, taking his sister Sarah with him, and loading with the best provisions of all kinds. In Missouri they were joined by another party, consisting of a man with his wife and child, who were also well equipped for the journey. They took a cow for milk, and camped out on the road, killing deer and antelope, finding abundant trout in the mountain streams, and enjoying themselves immensely. On the arrival at Green River they sold their surplus provisions, selling cheese for 50 cents a pound which they had bought at Booneville, for 10 cents, and other articles in proportion. They stopped some time at Salt Lake City, a handsome place with streets, and cobblestone gutters down which ran nice streams of water. Brigham Young invited them to call at his house and introduced them to his wife, a very pleasant woman; Brigham denied that he had any other but this one wife. Cornelius found the water of the Lake so salt that a sleeping child, laid on it, slept as if in a bed; he tried to bathe in it, but could not wade out far enough to cover his arms without being thrown off his feet. Late in the Autumn of 1861 he arrived at Sacramento, took a house, and was doing well. But in Feb., 1862, there was a heavy rain, the city levee broke, the streets were flooded five to ten feet deep, and horses and cattle were drowned. His house was turned over and almost covered with sand, and everything in it was lost. He obtained
CHAPTER V ; DESC'TS OF JOSHUA OPDYCKE. - 439
another house and occupied it eight days when another flood came. Then he placed his team on board the steamer and went to San Francisco, and from there to Santa Barbara, where his sister was married. He remained there four years and then returned by the Isthmus to New York and Ohio. His next trip was to Kansas where he had some property. He was in Fort Scott at the time of Gomere's raid and John Brown's raid. Then returned to Ohio to take care of his sick and aged mother, and remained with her until her death three years afterward.
On this trip East he brought with him several thousand dollars in greenbacks which he had bought in California for 35 cents on the dollar, as paper money did not circulate there. After he had settled up the estate in Ohio and returned to New York in 1868 for the Pacific, he had his money in greenbacks which were not worth more than 60 cents on the dollar in California. He went to see A. T. Stewart and asked if he could not buy something that he could sell in California, so as to save the percentage on the. currency. Mr. Stewart studied awhile and advised to take a good article of bleached muslin, which he would select and send down in good boxes to the steamer. Cornelius agreed, carried the merchandise with him to California and sold it there at such a price that his greenbacks were turned into gold without any loss of premium.
Cornelius had in 1868 married Elizabeth McCasland of Warren Co., N. J., and now he settled down in Santa Barbara, that beautiful city by the sea with "the finest climate in the world," and destined to be one of the richest cities in California. He has been "a rolling stone," but has not failed to "gather moss " on his way, and in his comfortable home he represents the Opdycke legion on the Pacific coast. He has no children.
22 JACOB VAN HORNE OPDYCKE.
Born in Warren Co., N. J., 1818; married Catherine Young. Was a very robust young man until he travelled West from Ohio to St. Louis to see the country, when he was . attacked with malaria which frequently recurred afterwards, although after every hard spell of sickness he seemed to recover much of his old vigor and strength. Was ambitious in early life to go to West Point, but did not succeed and this was always a source of regret to him in after-days.
Jacob V. is a farmer but has always devoted most of his attention to horses, cattle, sheep, &c.; used to take horses from Ohio to the New York market, sometimes making much money, sometimes losing as much.
Was fond of argument and of politics. While he lived in Missouri he ran for some office and ascribed his defeat to the opposition of one man for whom he had often worked politically and whom he had assisted in getting office; the next time this man was nominated, Jacob took the stump, can-
440 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
vassed the County and defeated him. But this disgusted Jacob with politics. Is not a church member, but at one time carried a bible in his pocket, for some years, to study that he might argue,- indifferent which side he took.
Moved to Benton Co., Missouri, in 1858. During the Civil War he was taken prisoner, and with some others was almost divested of his clothing and driven for days under the lashes of whips. Several hundred dollars were taken from his pockets. One night, when the guard was asleep, the prisoners stole away. Jacob and one or two others reached home in safety but the rest were killed. At home his silver money had been concealed, under the ashes in the fire-place; his paper money had been wrapped in woolen yarn by his wife, who pretended to be knitting with the ball under; her arm as she followed the raiders who were searching her house. Jacob lost most of his live-stock by this raid. He sold out and moved to Warrensburg, Mo., in 1864. The same year, moved to Warsaw, Benton Co., Mo., and lived there 15 years. In 1880 settled in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where he has resided ever since, engaged in the cattle business and now; keeping a hotel. The springs are 60 feet in circumference; the water is 80 feet deep, has a temperature of 141°, and the flow from the main spring is, 100 barrels per hour. The altitude of the place is 7,095 feet. Jacob is a well built man, of medium height and weight.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
220 Mary. 1848. liv'g. Truman E. Pomeroy, Jr. Norwalk, Ohio. Teacher.
221 Cornelius W. 1852. liv'g. Unmarried. Pagosa Springs, Col. Cattle.
222 Jacob. 1861. liv'g. Unmarried. Pagosa Springs, Col. Ranchman.
223 Daisy. 1866. liv'g. Ed. McIntire. Chromo, Col. Carpenter.
30 WILLIAM UPDYKE.
Eldest son of George Opdyke, was born 1815, near Asbury, Warren Co., N. J.; lived with his father until 18 years of age, and then moved to Allegany Co., N. Y., and settled near Andover. While residing there, he was married to Ellen Ann Crusan. In 1847 moved westward and settled near West Jersey, Stark Co., Ill., where he lived 19 years, cultivating the soil. In 1866 moved to Scotland Co., Mo., and there died 1877. Was about 6 feet in height, weighed 175 pounds and possessed remarkable strength; was very particular in doing a piece of work and taught his children that, "What is worth doing is worth doing well." His hair was black and straight, but became quite silvery before his death; his eyes were blue, his complexion light, his beard heavy; unlike his father in politics, he was a Democrat. Was very successful in agricultural pursuits and took delight in raising fine horses, cattle and sheep. About a year before his death, he became a member of the Christian Church. He was the father of nine children, seven of whom are still living. Two of his sons are as tall as was their father.
CHAPTER W ; DESC'TS OF AMON UPDIKE. - 441
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
300 Wm. Uriah. 1845. liv'g. Jane Johnson. Kirksville, Mo. Stock Dealer.
301 Juliette. 1848. liv'g. Levi Coan. Princeville, Ill.
302 Catherine M. 1850. liv'g. Joseph T. Salisbury. Bible Grove, Mo. Farmer.
303 Delbert D. 1854. liv'g. Isabelle Orr. Energy, Mo. Bee Keeper.
304 Mary Alma. 1857. liv'g. Unmarried. Kirksville, Mo. Teacher.
305 Thomas Jeff. 1859. liv'g. Unmarried. Kirksville, Mo. Teacher.
306 Charles W. 1866. liv'g. Unmarried. Kirksville, Mo. Teacher.
William Uriah has children: Bessie, 1876; Olva, 1881; both living.
Delbert D. has children: Nellie May, 1880; Celia, 1884;-both living.
Thomas Jefferson is a graduate of the State Normal School at Kirksville, Missouri; has been principal of the public school at Winston, Davies Co., Mo. Press notices that "Principal T. J. Updyke is doing good work at Winston" accidentally caught the eye of a friend of the Genealogy, and led to a correspondence, in which Thomas Jefferson has restored to the family tree the descendants of his grandfather George, who have long been lost to the knowledge of their Opdycke relatives.
CHAPTER W.
DESCENDANTS OF AMON UPDIKE.
(See Charts 6 and 27.)
Children of Amon.
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
1 Samuel. 1773. 1850. Jemima Lewis. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
2 Rebecca. 1774. (1840.) Thomas Tucker. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
3 Edith. 1776. (1836.) Unmarried.
4 Sarah. 1778. (1856.) Unmarried.
5 Mary. 1781. (1835.) John Nichols. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
5' Amelia. 1783. 1864. Unmarried.
6 John. 1786. 1814. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
6' Jane. 1787. 1868. Unmarried.
7 William. 1789. 1848. Amelia West. Bedford Co., Va. Gunsmith.
8 Daniel. 1791. 1868. Nancy Bennett. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
9 Phebe. 1792. 1867. John Allen. Lynchburg, Va.
1 SAMUEL UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
10 Sarah. 1801. (1875.) Jacob Warner. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
11 Hannah. 1802. liv'g. Stephen Updike. Bedford Co., Va. Blacksmith.
12 William. 1804. 1882. Elizabeth Updike. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
13 Elizabeth. 1807. 1885. Thomas Sheppard. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
14 John. 1811. liv'g. Rebecca Updike. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
15 Samuel. 1813. liv'g. Matilda McConnehey. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
William and John married daughters of their father's brother William.
442 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
7 WILLIAM UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
70 Elizabeth. 1816. 1852. William Updike. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
71 Rebecca. 1817. liv'g. John Updike. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
72 Selina. 1819. 1875. Pleasant Howell. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.,
73 Jordan. 1821. liv'g. Lucy Howell. Franklin Co., Va. Miller.
74 Susanna. 1823. liv'g. James Barker. Pittsylvania Co., Va. Farmer.
75 Phebe. 1826. 1882. Richard Arthur. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
76 Amon W. 1828. 1865. Lecky A. Hogan. Pittsylvania Co., Va. Farmer.
77 Frances. 1834. liv'g. Charles W. Hogan. Campbell Co., Va. Farmer.
8 DANIEL UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
80 Joel. 1815. 1867. Nettie H. Wilks. Bedford Co., Va. Merchant.
81 Hannah. 1817. liv'g. Benj. B. Witt. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer
82 Thomas. 1819. 1846. Sarah Turner. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
83 Amon. 1821. liv'g. Caroline Cressy. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
84 Martha. 1824. liv'g. Wesley Hackworth. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
85 Christopher. 1826. liv'g. Louisa Pullen. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
86 Emily. 1828. 1863. William E. Martin. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
87 Patra C. 1830. liv'g. Wm. H. Woodford. Bedford Co., Va. Mill & Farm.
87' Elizabeth. 1832. 1880. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va.
88 Garnett. 1834. 1861. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
89 Wm. Daniel. 1837. 1862. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va. Carpenter.
Joel had son, Gustavus B., 1866, living.
12 WILLIAM UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence.
120 John T. 1836. 1862. Unmarried.
121 Amelia. 1837. 1886. James Overstreet. Bedford Co., Va.
122 Edith. 1840. ... . G. W. Creasey. Bedford Co., Va.
123 Amon Jr. 1848. ..... Isabella White. Bedford Co., Va.,
124 Nathan. 1850. ..... Rosa Woodford.
14 JOHN UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation:
140 William A. 1838. liv'g. Mary Jane Hunt. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
141 Jemima E. 1840. liv'g. John B. Cundiff. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
William A. has children: Rebecca F., 1871; Sarah A., 1872; Eliza B. 1875; Rufus J. B., 1876; Alexander A., 1881; Amon O., 1884; Ruthie J., 1886; -all living.
15 SAMUEL UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
150 Samuel M. 1849. liv'g. Florence L. Wilson. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
151 George W. 1851. liv'g. Mary E. H. Paine. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
152 Thos. Jeff. 1853. liv'g. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer
153 Hannah M. 1857. liv'g. Unmarried.
154 Mary Alice. 1860. liv'g. Unmarried.
73 JORDAN UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
730 Abner. Killed in Civil War. Unmarried. Franklin Co., Va.
731 Wm. Jordan. 1850. ... .. Nannie Wilks. Roanoke City, Va. Machinist:
732 Daughter. . . . . ...... James Link. Franklin Co., Va. Millwright.
733 Daughter. ..... ... ..
734 Daughter. ..... ... ..
CHAPTER W ; DESC'TS OF AMON UPDIKE. - 443
76 AMON W. UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
760 Maria C. 1853. liv'g. Miles W. Owen. Danville, Va. Lumber.
761 Lewis G. 1856. liv'g. 1. Mary E. White. Pittsylvania Co., Va. Farmer.
2. Nannie H. Short.
762 John T 1858. liv'g. Unmarried. Pittsylvania Co., Va. Farmer.
763 Emily J. 1860. liv'g. A. A. White. Pittsylvania Co., Va. Farmer.
764 Wm. Daniel. 1862. 1883. Unmarried. Pittsylvania Co., Va. Gunsmith.
Lewis G. has children: Mary E., 1878; Lillie A., 1882; Emma B., 1883; -all living.
82 THOMAS UPDIKE.
Children. Birth, Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
820 Judith A. 1844. liv'g. John R. Dearing. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
821 Martha J. 1846. 1878. John E. Stewart. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
83 AMON UPDIKE.
Was a private soldier in Co. C. 28th Virginia Infantry, Hunton's Brigade, Picket's Division of the Rebel army; was said to have fired the last gun at the second battle of Cold Harbor, and was thus complimented by General Picket: "Updike of the 28th Regiment is the bravest and coolest man I ever saw." He was at the time one of Picket's select Sharp-Shooters. Is a very quiet man, and a Methodist class leader for the past 30 years; is yet living.
Children. Birth, Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
830 Nathaniel B. 1847. liv'g. Hopie J. Martin. Bedford Co., Va. Wood M'f'r.
831 James T. 1849. liv'g. Irene W. Scott. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
832 Elizabeth A. 1851. liv'g, James T. Sweeney. Campbell Co., Va. Farmer.
833 Mary J. 1853. liv'g. C. G. Mitchell. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
834 Sarah C. 1855. 1872. Unmarried.
835 Daniel E. D. 1858. liv'g. Ellen V. Gregory. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
836 Martha A. 1860. liv'g. W. H. C. Cundiff. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
837 Amon T. 1863. liv'g. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va. Printer.
Nathaniel B. Updike was a Confederate soldier for the last 15 months of the War, a member of Co. I, 1st. Virginia Junior Reserves, and was appointed regimental drill-master by Col. R. T. W. Duke; was entitled to a Lieutenant's commission but would not accept, neither would he wear bars on his collar. All of the Updikes from this County, who were in the Southern Army, were very valiant soldiers; none aspired to office above Lieutenant; six of them lost their lives in the Rebel cause. Nathaniel B. resides at Lone Gum, Bedford Co. He has contributed the sketch of his great-grandfather Amon Updike (page 282, see also page 237), and has also written as follows:
"Amon's descendants, the Bedford County Updikes, are tall, muscular, fair-complexioned, generally sandy or red-haired, honest, free-spoken, candid, seldom meddlesome, not quarrelsome but not cowardly: have never sought office, but on the contrary have many of them declined preferment. We have no Politicians, no Lawyers, nor Clergymen in our branch, although they are generally well informed. Every adult that I am acquainted with, (and that embraces nine-tenths of the name in the County) can read and
444 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
write. There has never been an idiot or a lunatic of the name; and but one was ever arraigned before a Court and he was acquitted by the first answer of the first witness of the prosecution; this was over 40 years ago. There are none of them wealthy, but they generally live well, and at home. There are seventeen families of Updikes living in Bedford, three in Pittsylvania, and one in Franklin County, of an average of about six or seven in a family. It seems to be a point with them to own their homes; 14 of the 17 Bedford families own their homes, if I am correctly informed. They are all of the Southern Methodist, or Missionary Baptist faith in religious opinion. I have spent this week travelling and collecting the records, but now have to make a trip to Pittsylvania Co. before I can complete the Bedford County branch. We are scattered over about 500 square miles, and I have mail only once a week. I have family pride enough to prompt me to my uttermost exertions."
Nathaniel B. has children: Oliver L., 1870; Robert Wm., 1871; Beatrice E. C., 1872; Julia B., 1874; Clara P., 1876; Walter A., 1878; Florence H., 1880; Franklin B., 1881; Sarah E., 1883;-all living.
James T. has children: Lora May, 1878; Orban Douglas, 1880; Malva, 1882; infant, 1886;-all living.
Daniel E. D. has children: Ollie Thurman, 1885; Ola Pearl, 1886; - both living.
85 CHRISTOPHER UPDIKE.
Is a prominent man in Bedford Co.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
850 John M. 1851. liv'g. Fannie Skinnell. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
851 Henry T. 1853. liv'g. Missouri H. Skinnell. Bedford Co., Va. Teacher Artist. 852 Garnett P. 1855. liv'g. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
853 Lacky A. 1858. liv'g. Wm. J. Farley. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
854 William D. 1861. liv'g. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va. Farmer.
855 Virginia L. 1866. liv'g. Unmarried. Bedford Co., Va.
CHAPTER X.
DESCENDANTS OF RUFUS UPDIKE.
(See Charts 6 and 28.)
Children of Rufus.
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
1 John. 1791. 1848. Mary Elizabeth Day. Loudoun Co., Va. Farmer.
2 Samuel. ..... d. Ury ........ Rosseau, Morgan, Ohio.
3 Amos. .. d. . Sarah Updike. Rappahannock Co., Va.
4 Eden. 1798. liv'g. 1. .... Potts. Rosseau, Morgan, Ohio.
2. Malinda Updike.
5 Margaret. ..... d. . . .... Carter. Wood Co., Ohio.
6 Phebe. . . ... d. Joseph Humphrey. Morgan Co., Ohio. Blacksmith.
7 Nancy. ..... 1885. James Bowls. Morgan Co., Ohio.
8 Sarah. .. . .. d. . . . Lynn. Roseau, Morgan, Ohio.
All these were large and robust men and women. Their descendants have all been remarkable for muscular strength and great endurance; they
CHAPTER X ; DESC'TS OF RUFUS UPDIKE. - 445
have been supporters of various churches, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and Campbellite; all those now living are thrifty, well-to-do, owning real estate, not one a day laborer, and only one on a salary.
Samuel had children: Mason, Susan and Mahala, (all unmarried and living now together prosperously on Mason's farm in Malta, Morgan Co., Ohio); Pamelia, (who married Col. E. T. Best, a farmer of Loudoun Co., Va., and had four children); Eden, (who had by 1st wife two daughters married and living in Morgan Co., Ohio, and by his 2d wife had two children, and moved to Missouri); Franklin, (living in Missouri); Townshend; Harman.
Eden is now living, aged 90. He never was sick and never in his life took a dose of medicine. He had four children by his 1st wife; his 2d wife was a daughter of his father's brother John. His children are: Elizabeth; Susan; Thebe; Amanda; Mary.
Margaret had four or five children. After her husband's death she moved to Wood Co., Ohio.
Phebe "tipped the beam at 400 pounds and was worth her weight in gold." She had five children, most of whom married and have numerous descendants at Malta, Morgan Co., Ohio; all large and sturdy.
Nancy (Bowls) had no children. After her husband's death, she moved to Morgan Co., Ohio.
There may have been a fifth daughter, named Jane, who also married a Carter, and went to Tuscarawas Co., Ohio.
1 JOHN UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
10 James G. 1817. liv'g. 1. Susan E. Miller. Buffalo Forge, Rock- Merchant.
2. Rebecca J. Agner. bridge Co., Va.
11 Albert G. 1820. liv'g. 1. Hannah P. Crawford. Bland Co., Va. Farmer.
2. Mary Agnes Smith.
12 George W. 1823. liv'g. Pamelia Nichols. Chester Hill, Morgan, O.
George W. has children: George A.; Flora; Minnie; Wilber; Willard; Della.
3 AMOS UPDIKE.
Married a daughter of his father's brother Daniel, and settled in Rappahannock County, Va., where he reared a large family. He was a famous bear and deer hunter, and killed a huge 400 pound bear in a hand-to-hand en counter. Comfortably seated by his huge log-fires in his rudely constructed but hospitable domicile, he could tell many entertaining stories to his visitors, of his romantic and perilous adventure with wild animals in the Blue Ridge mountains. He is said to have moved finally to Wood Co., Ohio.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
30 Rufus. .... d. . . Malinda Newlon. ........ Farmer.
31 Susan. .... liv'g. Christ Samtmyers. Bairdstown, Ohio.
32 Elizabeth. .... liv'g. Unmarried. Bairdstown, Ohio.
33 Mahala. .... liv'g. Caleb Warley. Bairdstown, Ohio.
34 Emily. .... liv'g. David Elliott. Bairdstown, Ohio.
446 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
10 Captain JAMES GLENN UPDIKE.
From Historical Encyclopedia of Virginia.
"Was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Oct. 23'd, 1817. His father was born in Loudoun Co., his mother in Westminster, Maryland, and both died in Loudoun Co., the former in 1848, the latter in 1849. In Jan., 1850, J. G. Updike came to Rockbridge Co., and in this County on the 18th of June, 1850, Susan E. Miller became his wife. She was the daughter of James and Sarah E. Miller, both natives of Rockbridge Co. Susan E. Updike died. 1862, leaving three children,-John Bolivar, Charles Shannon and James Miller Updike.
"The second marriage of James G. Updike was solemnized in Feb. 1867, when Rebecca J. Agner became his wife. She was the daughter of Andrew and Leanah Agner, both natives of Rockbridge Co. She died 1879, leaving to him three children, George Andrew, born 1868; Mary Lou, born 1870; and Albert Sydney, born 1872.
"James Glenn Updike, the subject of this sketch was Captain of the Rockbridge Grays' in the Confederate States service, and was ordered by Gov. Letcher to report for duty, April 16, 1861. The company was ordered to Harpers Ferry and in the organization of the Army became Company H, 4th Va. Inf., and the colors company of the regiment. This company formed part of the famous `Stonewall Brigade,' 1st Div. of the Army of Northern Virginia. Capt. Updike remained in active service from April 18th, 1861, till June 12th, 1862, when ill-health, caused by exposure and hard service in the Valley campaign of the year, forced him to resign, after which he served the Confederacy in Rockbridge Co. as Chief Collector of Tax in kind, and Captain of the `Home Guards' until that Government ceased to be.
"Since the war Capt. Updike has been Clerk of Rockbridge County Court for several years, has served 14 years as a Magistrate, is a Judge and Commissioner of elections, and is Chairman in the County School Electoral Board. He is a merchant and farmer in Natural Bridge District, and Postmaster at Buffalo Forge."
He is no longer Postmaster at Buffalo Forge, having been removed under the late Administration for the grave charge of being an `offensive partisan' or in other words a Republican. He was a strong Union man up to the hour of Secession. His Company the "Rockbridge Grays " was organized, armed and equipped nearly two years prior to the war, and be was its, commander. It was composed of 100 good men and was regarded as one of the best drilled and disciplined Companies in the State, and was among, the first ordered into service by Gov. Letcher.
Thus situated he was necessarily forced to respond to the order, or, be branded as a traitor and a coward. He did not hesitate a moment but obeyed the order; and was soon in Harpers Ferry. He was in many uncomfortable situations but never got exactly in the way of but one bull and that only knocked him off duty for about one week; and he can truthfully say that his hands personally are clean of blood through the war. It seemed to be his misfortune, when near the enemy, always to be placed in some hazardous position, with his command; this happened so frequently that he suspected the Adjutant was imposing on him when he would order
him to take his company and go to such a point and hold a position until relieved. So in an interview with Gen. Jackson one day, he took the opportunity to ask him if this was done through his orders. Stonewall Jackson replied in his short curt manner:-" Yes Sir; through my orders;" and after a few moments added; -" Captain, I have confidence in all my officers, but I know you." This was all he said, and it was some minutes before Captain Updike saw the point in it. He never after complained of any hard duty he was assigned to perform.
We will relate another compliment passed upon him. He had in his company an Irishman by the name of Edward Heffron. Ned was a good soldier when sober, but would get drunk on every opportunity, and be boisterous and disorderly; consequently he was frequently in the Guardhouse; this caused Ned to be prejudiced against his Captain. Upon one occasion a group of soldiers were discussing the merits of the different officers of the Regiment, and Ned being present was appealed to for his opinion. Ned's reply was;-"Captain Updike is not only the best officer in the Regiment, but he is the best officer in the Brigade, and the d--est." Then there followed a strong expression of Ned's personal grievances.
A strange incident occurred at the first Battle of Manassas, or "Bull Run," immediately after the terrible charge made by the Stonewall Brigade across an old field, which resulted in the Federal Army taking a sudden notion to go back to Washington City instead of on to Richmond. When the battle was over, Capt. Updike retraced his course in order to find what men in his Company were killed or wounded. On his route a wounded Federal soldier begged of him a drink of water " for God's sake." The Captain cut the strap of a canteen from a dead soldier and gave water to the wounded man, who seemed in great agony and said he knew he must die. Captain Updike ripped the boot from the foot of the sufferer, tied a handkerchief tightly around the wound, and told him if he would give his name and address, a letter would be sent through the lines to his friends. The soldier said his name was Opdyke (or Updike) from Delaware; the Captain replied that his own name was Updike, but the wounded man looked up incredulously and evidently did not believe this; he did not give his first name or post-office. The Captain had to leave and hurry on, but in about an hour something impelled him to go back there,- probably it was the name,-and he found the poor fellow dead; he was a fine-looking man, with black hair and eyes and rather dark complexion. On that fatal day, Capt. Updike lost of his Company 21 men killed and wounded, very nearly one-third of the number in action,-65 in line.
Capt. Updike's health has recently forced him to decline an almost unanimous nomination by his County Convention, as a candidate for the House of Delegates. He has contributed a description of the general characteristics of the Virginia Updikes, which appears under the heading of their common ancestor John Updike (page 238).
448 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
Children. Birth. Death. Residence. Occupation,
By 1st. wife:
100 John B. 1851. 1880. Unmarried. Rockbridge, Va. Comms'r Int. Rev.
101 Charles S. 1855. liv'g. Unmarried. Low Moor, Alleghany Co., Va. Merchant.
102 James M. 1858. liv'g. Unmarried. Rockbridge, Va. Merchant.
By 2d wife:
103 George A. 1868. liv'g. Unmarried. Rockbridge, Va.
104 Mary L. 1870. liv'g. Unmarried. Rockbridge, Va.
105 Albert S. 1872. liv'g. Unmarried. Rockbridge, Va.
Charles S. graduated at Eastman College, New York.
11 ALBERT GALLATIN UPDYKE.
Married 1st Hannah Paxton Crawford, only child of William Crawford of Rockbridge Co., Va.; she died of consumption, at the birth of her first child who survived her but a few months. Four years after her death, he, married 2d Mary Agnes Smith, of Greenbrier Co., West Va., youngest daughter of Congressman Ballard Smith. Albert G. left Loudoun Co., Va., in 1847. He writes from Mechanicsburg, Bland Co., Va. as follows:
"I presume you are engaged in a similar work to that begun by myself, in reminiscences and biographical sketches of the lives of our family, of whom I feel proud. All, so far as I know or have heard, in character stand untarnished by heinous crimes and scandal. I have never heard of one of the Virginia branch of the family being arraigned under charge of felons; very rarely does one ever sue, or suffer himself to be sued; nearly all are in comfortable or affluent circumstances. They are a frugal, provident, industrious, and law abiding people, originally of the Quaker persuasion, though lately of various orthodox creeds; not ultra partisan politicians; exercising the rights of a true citizen, without fear, favor, or affection. A majority are of the Jeffersonian faith and affiliation, yet a respectable minority honestly subscribe to the governmental policy of the Republican party. They are not aspirants for political favor or distinction, but have served in many useful stations when the positions sought them: Whilst. they set some claim to the F. F. V., yet none have the LL. D. or M. C. affix or prefix."
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
110 Mary Gray. ..... liv'g. F. I. Suiter. Bland Co., Va. Farmer;
111 Junius M. 1859. liv'g. Unmarried. Bland Co., Va. Merchant
112 Lelia O. 1862. liv'g. John Wiley Thorn. Bland Co., Va. Farmer:
113 Alice Lee. 1863. liv'g. Amos W. Tieche. Bland Co., Va. Merchant
114 Favius I. 1866. liv'g. Unmarried. Tazewell Co., Va. Engineer
115 Ida Effie. 1868. liv'g. Unmarried. Bland Co., Va.
116 Agnes G. 1870. liv'g. ........... ...... Bland Co., Va.
117 Albert F. 1872. liv'g. ....... .......... Bland Co., Va.
Mary Gray has four sons; her husband was for many years Sheriff of Bland County, and is a farmer at Hunting Camp.
Junius M. is of the firm of Updyke & Robinet of Pt. Pleasant, Bland County.
Lelia O. has one daughter; her husband is now Sheriff of Bland County; and a farmer at Kimberling Creek.
Alice Lee has two children; her husband is a Swiss merchant and farmer at Pt. Pleasant.
CHAPTER Y ; DESC'TS OF DANIEL UPDIKE. - 449
30 RUFUS UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence.
300 John W. liv'g. ...... Little. Washington, Ohio.
301 George. . . liv'g. . .... ....... Toledo, Ohio.
302 Henry. . . . liv'g. Harriet Haskell. New Baltimore, Wood Co., Ohio.
303 Frank. .... liv'g. ................ Orient, Pickaway Co., Ohio.
304 William. .... liv'g.
305 Samuel. . . . liv'g.
306 Smith. .... liv'g.
307 Mary. .... liv'g. George Bailer. South Perry, Hocking Co., Ohio.
CHAPTER Y.
DESCENDANTS OF DANIEL UPDIKE.
(See Charts 6 and 29.)
Children of Daniel..
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
1 John. 1800. 1848. Eurie Waters. Rappahannock Co., Va. Farmer.
2 Nancy. 1801. 1858. Benj. McDougal. ................ Ohio. Farmer.
3 Sarah. 1803. liv'g. Amos Updike. Bairdstown, Wood, Ohio.
4 Hannah. 1805. liv'g. Unmarried. Rappahannock Co., Va.
5 Edith. 1807. 1841. Joseph Updike. West Leipsic, Ohio. Lumber.
6 Ruth. 1809. liv'g. Baronet Grimsley. Rappahannock Co., Va.
7 Daniel. 1814. liv'g. 1. Rebecca Ann Odor. Bentonville, Warren Co.,Va. Farmer.
2. Penelope Johnson.
8 Lydia. 1817. liv'g. Cornelius Hoff. Rappahannock Co., Va.
Sarah married a son of her father's brother Rufus.
Edith. married a son of her father's brother John.
1 JOHN UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married.
10 James. .... .... Mary Carpenter.
11 Frank. .. .... Anna Carpenter.
12 Ann.
13 Elizabeth
7 DANIEL UPDIKE.
See his reminiscences, given under the head of his grandfather John Updike (page 238).
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
70 Alice R. 1846. liv'g. Larken Lake. Bentonville, Va. Farmer.
71 Marshall J. 1851. liv'g. Elzorah V. Updike. Bentonville, Va. Farmer.
72 Sarah T. 1852. liv'g. John B. Grant. Bentonville, Va. Farmer.
73 Vallona R. 1853. liv'g. Burrel T. Partlow. Rappahannock Co., Va. Farmer.
74 George W. 1854. liv'g. Eliz. F. Updike. Bentonville, Va. Farmer.
75 Cora P. 1859. liv'g. Samuel B. Updike. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
76 Edgar D. 1860. liv'g. Sarah M. Updike. Bentonville, Va. Farmer.
Four of the above married a son and three daughters of Samuel Updike of Bentonville (see Chapter Z, 9).
450 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESC'TS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
Marshal J. has children: Roeburn, 1874; Ernest, 1877; Dorcy, 1878; Mercedes, 1880; Zorah, 1882; Cleveland, 1885; all living.
George W. has children: Moselle, 1877; Keene, 1880; Samuel, 1882;- all living.
Edgar D. has child: Edgar Elice, 1856, living.
CHAPTER Z.
DESCENDANTS OF JOHN UPDIKE JR.
(See Charts 6 and 30.)
Children of John Jr.
Children Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
1 Euphemia. 1797. d.... John Beavers. South Perry, Ohio. Farmer.
2 Amy. 1798. 1826. John Newlon. Hocking Co., Ohio. Farmer.
3 Asa. 1800. 1881. Ruth Brown. Front Royal, Va. Hotelk'p'r.,
4 Israel. 1802. 1869. Eleanor Brown. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
5 John. 1804. 1848. Mary D. Warner. South Illinois.
5' Thurza. 1806. d. young.
6 Elizabeth. 1809. 1880. James Campbell. South Perry, Ohio. Farmer.
6' Daniel. 1811. d. young. Unmarried.
7 Joseph. 1813. liv'g. 1. Edith Updike. West Leipsic, Ohio. Saw-mill
2. Malinda McDougal. & Farm.
8 Malinda. 1815. d.... Eden Updike. Rosseau, Ohio. Farmer.
9 Samuel. 1817. liv'g. Angeline Brown. Bentonville, Va. Farm & Mills.
Daniel was drowned in the Kanawha River.
Euphemia (Beavers) left 5 children, now living in Ohio and Indiana.
Elizabeth (Campbell) left 7 children, now living in Ohio and Kansas:
Malinda married Eden, son of her father's brother Rufus Updike.
John had sons; John, and James.
3 ASA UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation
30 Mary A. 1822. liv'g. 1. Hiram Feagans.
2. William Grant. Rappahannock Co., Va. Miller:
31 Mellvilla. 1826. liv'g. Gibson Grant. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
32 La Fayette. 1828. liv'g. E. V. Maddox. Browntown, Warren, Va. Merchant,
33 Abraham. 1830. 1867. Unmarried. ............ .......... Merchant .
34 La Venia. 1830. liv'g. Algretus Head. Albermarle,Va. . Farmer.
35 Fielding W. 1833. 1880. Mary A. Updike. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
36 Franklin. 1835. liv'g. Eveline Updike. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
37 John Byrd. 1838. liv'g. 1. Alice Maddox. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
2. Genoa Compton.
Fielding W. and Franklin married daughters of their father's brother Israel Updike.
Mary A. has four children.
Mellvilla (Grant) has nine children.
La Venia (Head) has three children.
CHAPTER Z ; DESC'TS OF JOHN UPDIKE. - 451
4 ISRAEL UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
40 George W. 1825. liv'g. Mary E. Bagerly. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
41 John J. 1826. liv'g. Eliz. Rudacilla. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
42 Eveline. 1829. liv'g. Franklin Updike. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
43 Amon. 1831. liv'g. Louisa Bagerly. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
44 Mary A. 1832. 1885. Fielding W. Updike. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
45 Julia A. 1840. 1861. ................ Warren Co., Va.
Amon had children: Ashby, farmer, married Louella Bagerly; William, farmer; Nice, farmer; Hansome; Wesley; Eugene; Tilden; Triphene; Maria;-all of Warren Co., Va.
7 JOSEPH UPDIKE.
Married 1st Edith, daughter of his father's brother Daniel Updike; she died 1841. Married 2nd Malinda McDougal and moved to Ohio. He and his son James B. are the firm of Updike & Son of West Leipsic, Putnam Co., Ohio, engaged in running saw-mills and manufacturing building material. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighed 200 pounds when young; has been and is still a man of great strength and endurance; is very ingenious with machinery and tools, and makes anything needed in running his business.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
By 1st wife
70 Euphamy E. 1841. liv'g. Unmarried. Washington, Rappahannock
Co., Va.
71 Edith R. 1841. liv'g. A. J. Morran. Edgerton, Williams Co., O. Farmer.
By 2nd wife:
72 James B. 1846. liv'g. S. F. Todd. West Leipsic, O. Saw-mill & Farm.
73 Eliza V. 1848. 1865.
Edith R. (Morran) has had six children.
James Burrel Updike was a Private in Company B. 150 Regiment Ohio Nat.Guards, and was with that Regiment in 1864 in Washington City, when Gen. Early came up on 7th Street and tried to come into the city but was driven back. He is engaged with his father in the lumber business at West Leipsic, Ohio. Has taken a warm interest in the Genealogy, and furnished facts and recollections (page 240). Has children: E. V.; 1868; C. N., 1869; Harley M., 1872; Archie M., 1875;-all living at home.
9 SAMUEL UPDIKE.
Has a farm, grist-mill and saw-mill, at Bentonville, Warren Co., Va.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
90 Elzorah V. 1850. liv'g. Marshall J. Updike. Bentonville, Va. Farmer.
91 Rudolph J. 1852. liv'g. Sarah E. Murphy. Bentonville, Va. Architect.
92 Samuel B. 1856. liv'g. Cora P. Updike. Browntown, Va. Farmer.
93 Elizabeth F. 1858. 1883. George W. Updike. Bentonville, Va. Merchant.
94 John Byrd. 1860. liv'g. Pauline Updike. Browntown, Va. Farmer.
95 Sarah M. 1862. liv'g. Edgar D. Updike. Bentonville, Va.
96 Zorelda W. 1867. liv'g. Unmarried. Bentonville, Va.
452 - 6TH-9TH GEN. OF DESCTS OF HOLLAND FAMILY.
Elzorah, Samuel, Elizabeth and Sarah married sons and a daughter of Daniel Updike, of Bentonville (see Chapter Y, 7).
John Byrd married a daughter of his cousin Franklin Updike.
Zorelda W. is the youngest child of the youngest child of the youngest child of John Updike, the ancestor of the Virginians. She writes:
"All the Updikes here have a strong family resemblance; my father Samuel, and his brothers Joseph and Asa, have been much alike in appearance. My three brothers measure 6 feet and 1 inch and weigh from 165 to 185 pounds; my two sisters and I measure 5 feet 7 inches, and my deceased sister was of the same height. We are about the average Updikes in size. The members of our families have all kinds of hair and eyes; from the very lightest hair to the very blackest; blue, brown, black, grey, and green eyes. My brother John B. married a granddaughter of his uncle Asa Updike, who married my mother's sister Ruth Brown. Uncle Asa's son married a daughter of Uncle Israel Updike and Eleanor Brown. My brother Rudolph married the daughter of Grafton Murphy who was the brother of my mother's mother. They were high blood. My mother's father was Rudolph Brown, and he was the son of Abraham Brown and his wife Mary Jennings. There.is said to be a 'Jennings fortune' waiting for the heirs of that family; also a fortune belonging to the family of the mother of my grandfather John Updike, Sarah Brown. Sarah Brown's mother was twice married, once to a Brown and once to a Carker."
32 LA FAYETTE UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
320 Thomas. 1857. liv'g. Mary Ann Beanes. Loudoun Co., Va. Merchant.
321 Ruth B. 1859. liv'g. Stephen M. Boyd. Warren Co., Va. Miller.
322 Asa Byrd. 1860. liv'g. Mary V. Leach. Warren Co., Va. Hotel keeper.
323 Turner A. 1863. liv'g. Unmarried. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
324 Flora V. 1868. liv'g. Unmarried. Warren Co., Va.
325 Charles H. 1870. liv'g. Unmarried. Warren Co., Va.
326 William L. 1872. liv'g.
327 John N. 1875. liv'g.
35 FIELDING W. UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.,
350 Fielding W. 1858. liv'g. Loo Ward. Albemarle Co., Va. Farmer.
351 Ellen. 1860. liv'g. John Johnson. Albemarle Co., Va. Physician
352 Abraham. 1862. liv'g. Unmarried. .. Texas. Carpenter
353 Robert. 1865. liv'g. Annie Nemo. Charlottesville, Va. Mason.
354 Asa Byrd. 1868. liv'g. Unmarried. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
355 Walter. 1869. liv'g. Unmarried. Richmond, Va. Mechanic.
356 Eston. 1870. liv'g. Unmarried. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
357 Rosie. 1875. liv'g. ............ Milton School, Va.
358 Dora. 1877. liv'g. ............ Warren Co., Va.
36 FRANKLIN UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
360 Charles F. 1864. liv'g. Annie Brown. Warren Co., Va. Med. Student
361 Pauline. 1865. liv'g. John Byrd Updike. Browntown, Va. Farmer.
362 Burch. 1867. liv'g.
363 Margarene. 1869. liv'g.
CHAPTER Z ; DESC'TS OF. JOHN UPDIKE. - 453
40 GEORGE W. UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
400 Virginia. .... .... Gideon Atwood. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
401 Thomas. .... .... Julia Updike. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
Thomas married a daughter of his father's brother John J.
41 JOHN J. UPDIKE.
Children. Birth. Death. Married. Residence. Occupation.
410 George. . . . .... Sarah Geer. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
411 Randolph. .... ....
412 Laura. .... ... 1. ...Fox. Winchester, Va. Farmer.
2 .. Spade.
413 Francis. .... . . . S. Cook. Bentonville, Va. Smith.
414 Julia. .... . ... Thomas Updike. Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
415 Alice. .... .... ... ............ Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
416 Causata. .... .... ................ Warren Co., Va. Farmer.
417 John. .... d .. . ................ Warren Co., Va. Farmer.