1987 News Casters - Castor Association of America

Transcription

Pubb564c1.11
THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
March 1987
Vol.5 No.1
FAMILY
ORIGINS
We have started our newsletter each year
with a similar article, as an introduction
for the new members as well as a refresher
for our more familiar followers.
Many families of the surname Custer, Kester, Caster, Custard and
other similar variants share a common ancestral point, but this is not
In many cases, the family may be traced to Paulus
true in every case.
and Gertrude Kuster who came with some of their children to Germantown,
But there were a number of other
Pennsylvania between 1687 and 1691.
immigrants bearing the same or similar name, both before and after Paulus
And some families trace their origin to a name quite
and Gertrude.
different.
For example, in 1736, Hans Georg Gerster and his wife, Eve Gisin,
arrived in Philadelphia aboard the ship Princess Augusta which had come
Hans was born 1710 in Basel,
from Cowes, Isle of Wight, England.
Hans
and
Eve
married
in
1735,
and after their arrival in
Switzerland.
this country, they had a family of eight. Although their surname was
Gerster, it was soon pronounced Gaster or Garster in this country, and
By 1762, Hans had become John
was corrupted into Caster or Castor.
George Castor, and more frequently, George Castor. Most of his
descendants carry the surname Castor, although some are Caster. It is
said that other Gerster families came to America in 1748, 1749, 1768,
1803, 1804 and 1805, and most of their descendants are today either
Caster or Castor.
And then there was John de Castorer who was born 1748 in New
London, Connecticut. John married 1770 Anna Calkins, and they lived near
Spencertown, New York from where John enlisted in 1776 for the
After the war, they moved to Redfield, New York, and
Revolutionary War.
Their surname shortened to Caster, and
later to Ellisburg, New York.
their nine children were styled either Caster or Castor.
It appears that most of these families came from Germanic states
or from adjacent states, such as Holland or Switzerland. For the main
part, they were German speaking. As we learn more about their towns of
origin in Europe, we note a pattern of coming from along the Rhine River,
or the Moselle River which joins the Rhine.
Some of these German
speaking people did not come directly to America, but came by way of
England or some other intermediate point. In Colonial times, we find the
Germanic surnames of Mister and Kaster as being rather common in the
page -1-
Usually these names were spelled with a "K" but
Rhine Valley.
occasionally were recorded with a "C." The normal German spelling is
with the K, and the C was probably introduced in church records by
priests because of the Latin influence. German words and names do not
begin with the letter. C, and when we find words and names in German that
begin with a C, they are either words borrowed from another language, or
have been affected by a foriegn influence. Of course, when these German
immigrants came to America, their English speaking neighbors often
influenced the spelling of the name to begin with a C, which was more
normal for the English speaking people.
Let us consider the family of Paulus and Gertrude KUster who came
from Krefeld,'Germany between 1687 and 1691. They brought with them sons
Arnold, Johannes
and Hermanus, and perhaps a daughter Eva. The
descendants of son Arnold used the surname Custer or Custard generally,
although occasionally we find the use of the surname Kester. The
descendants of Johannes used the surname Kester with great consistency.
And Hermanus' descendants used the surname Custer consistently. Some of
Arnold's descendants who were known as Custard for a few generations,
transformed about 1800 to Castor or some variant of Castor. Such
variants were Caster, Kaster or Kastor. In a few isolated cases a few
decades later, there were a few changes of Custer to Caster or Castor -these seem to have occured among the descendants of Arnold's son
Nicholas.
The family of Paul and Mary (Garver) Custer is one such case.
Paul was born February 1778 in Bertie County, North Carolina, and later
settled in Wayne County, Indiana. Paul and Mary had ten children, seven
of whom remained Custers, and three of the boys became Casters, thus
starting a new strain of Caster.
All of these transformations seem
strange and unexpected to us today, but we have good evidence to document
many of these.
Conrad Custer/Custard of Brock's Gap, Virginia was a son of
Several of Conrad's children are well authenticated,
Arnold Kuster.
while the evidence of others is less certain. Some children used Custer,
others Custard, and the youngest, Joseph, seems to have used Kester.
Conrad's oldest son, Arnold, was killed by Indians (some question that he
was killed by Indians), leaving a widow and some young children. The
youngest two children were Noah and Arnold, and it is suspected strongly
that this Noah is the Noah Castor who settled later in Ashland County,
And we suspect strongly that Arnold is the Arnold Castor who
Ohio.
settled in Wayne County, Ohio (in a part that later became Holmes
Conrad's son Isaac died 1780 in Kentucky, and left descendants
County).
that used the name Kaster or Kastor. Another son of Conrad was Benjamin
who used the name Custard initially, but changed later to Castor. Sons
John and George were known as Custard, and several suspected descendants
of theirs used the name Caster or Castor (for example John Caster, Sr).
But there were many other immigrants in addition to Paulus and
Note that we are featuring a companion article which details a
Gertrude.
chronological list of immigrants and notes the documentation. Hopefully,
use of this list will lead us to more and better insights about the
origins of these related names. For example, it is now becoming evident
that KUster and KOster are probably the same name, KUster being the
German form aid KOster being the Holland or Dutch form. Another way of
stating this is that Mister is the Old High German form, and KOster is
the Low German form. It is said that KUster and Mister are derived from
the lower or lesser church offices, and is still applied today in Germany
to designate the person who takes care of the sacristy and church
Those of you who read the December 1986 issue of The
valuables.
News-Caster, page 72, remember the item about Laurens Janszoon KOster
inventing movable type in the year 1440 -- so, the name goes back a long
page -2-
time.
The surname Kaster in early European times was a noble name,
being first recorded in the year 1148. Count Julius of the Kaster family
is noted in 1231. There is a town in Germany called Julich, about twenty
miles from the village of Kaster. These towns are close to Krefeld and
Kaldenkirchen (see map on page 2 of the December 1984 News-Caster). It
is also said that this noble family died out. So, subsequent generations
of Kasters probably are not traceable to the family of nobility.
However, it is interesting that the name Kaster seems to be .a distinct
surname in Germany, but occurs in the same general area as many Kister
and K8ster families.
One wonders what commonality, if any, existed in
the days of antiquity.
The two dots over the letter "U" or "8" is called an umlaut, and
is frequently found in German, but is foreign to our English language.
The umlaut signifies a slightly different pronounciation. The umlaut "U"
is similar to "ue" and ..umlaut ";5" is similar to "oe" -. in fact, in
Germany, sometimes the "u" would give way to "ue" and "o" to "oe" and
this accounts for the variants Kuester and Koester. When the newly
arrived German immigrants pronounced umlaut U or umlaut O, their English
neighbors often had difficulty. Sometimes, they simply did not know how
to handle these foreign sounds. The results varied, and so we find new
variants - Kister, Keister, Kiester, Keaster, Cyster, etc.
It appears, in our present state of understanding, that the basic
surnames coming from Europe were Mister (and its Dutch equivalent,
KOster), Kaster, and Gerster. But read what Milo Custer (1) quotes from
Heintze's "Die Deutschen Familiennamen" by Cascorbi, revised edition,
Halle a. S 1933, page 315 -- and we find all sorts of derivative names,
such as Kusterman, Kusterjans, Kustersteffen, Hessekuster, Guster,
Kusterer, Kosterman, Altekoster, Lehmkoster, Kostering, and Kustner.
These many other German names boggle the mind.
Many families came to this country from Europe as Mister, Kaster,
Gerster, or some variant of these. Most came from Germany or
Switzerland; however, some have come from England, Ireland, Scotland,
Denmark, Sweden, Russia and other European countries. It is probable,
however, that they originally came from Germany or Switzerland.
(1) Milo Custer Custer Genealogies (1944), page XXX
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IMMIGRANT LIST -- THROUGH 1750
We have compiled a list of
brief abstract of the information
the comprehensive work Passenger &
with Mary K Meyer. To the best
Please let us know
chronologically.
next issue, we will continue the list
immigrants with sources noted, and a
known. Most of these have come from
Immigration Lists by P William Filby
of our ability, these are listed
if you can add to this list. In the
from 1751 through 1800.
John Costard
arrived 1623 or earlier in Virginia
Ship Passenger Lists: The South (1538-1825)
Carl Boyer, ed (1979), p 39 -- lived "at Mr
Edward Bennets Plantation."
Elizabeth Caster
arrived 1649 in Maryland
The Early Settlers of Maryland: an Index to
page -3-
names of Immigrants Compiled from Records
of Land Patents 1633-1680 in Hall of
Records, Annapolis, Md by Gust Skordas, ed
(1968), p 83
Andrew Coster
arrived 1653 in Virginia
"Cavaliers & Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia
Land Patents & Grants 1623-1666" by Nell
Marion Nugent, Vol I (1969), p 279
Hans Coster
or Jan Coster/Koster
arrived 1657 New Netherlands
"Deutsche Einzeleinwanderer and Familien in
Neu-Niederland" Jahrbuch fuer Auslanddeutsche
Sippenkunde Jahrgang I (1936), p 46
Ship Passenger Lists: New York & New Jersey
(1600-1825) Carl Boyer, ed (1978Y, p 16 -"von Aachen, Beverwyck 1657."
Scandinavian Immigrants in New York 16301674 by John 0 Evjen (1916), p 406 -- Jan
Coster of Aachen bought a lot in Beverwyck
in March 1661. In 1669 he was called Jan van
Aecken.
Cornelius Coster
Hendrik Koster
Jan Koster
arrived 1658 at New York
New World Immigrants: A Consolidation of
Ship Passenger Lists & Associated Data from
Periodical Literature by Michael Tepper, ed
(1979), p 125
(1600-1825) Carl Boyer, ed (19787, p 108 -Hendrik married Geertie van Schayck, daughter
of Goosen Gerritsz van Schayck (she married
second Johannes Lansing). Hendrik had been
hired by Seth Verbrugge on 25 Nov 1658 for
Goosen van Schayck to serve the latter at
Orange in the tailoring business and other
"affaires."
Elias van Ravesteyn was hired as a servant
for Jan Koster, a "rol an lademaker" (gunstockmaker) in New Netherland by the latter's
brother, Cornelius Coster, also a gunstockmaker at Utrecht [25 Apr 1658 Not. Westfrisins].
Hendrik Coster
(1979), p 129
page -4-
(1600-1825) Carl Boyer, ed (1978), p 111
Mary Caster
arrived 1662 in Maryland
The Early Settlers of Maryland: an Index to
names of Immigrants Compiled from Records
of Land Patents 1633-1680 in Hall of
Records, Annapolis, Md by Gust Skordas, ed
(1968), p 83
Jan Coster
arrived 1664 in New York colony
"Names of Dutch Who Swore Allegiance after
the Surrender of New York" Documents
Relative to the Colonial History of the
State of of New York Vol 3 (1853), p 75
Samuel Castor
arrived 1664 in Virginia
"Cavaliers & Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia
Land Patents & Grants 1623-1666" by Nell
Marion Nugent, Vol I (1969), p 450
Hendrick Coster age 32 arrived 1668 at New York colony
"Early New Yorkers & Their Ages" by Kenneth
Scott National Genealogical Society
Quarterly 57:4 (Dec 1969), p 279
John H Custer
& wife Louisa Greene
arrived 1687 or earlier in New York City
from Devonshire, England
History of the Early Settlers of Greater
New York by Richard E White
Paulus Kuster
Gertrude Kuster
Arnold Kuster
Johannes Kuster
Hermanus Kuster
arrived 1687-1691 at Philadelphia
The News-Caster Vol 2, No 3, Sep 1984, pp 1-5
"Paulus and Gertrude Kuster, Our Immigrant
Ancestors" by Chester E Custer
The News-Caster Vol 3, No 2, June 1985, pp
1-5, "Recent Research on the Families of
Paulus Kuster and Gertrude Doors" by Chester
E Custer
Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage Vol IX, No 3,
July 1986, pp 24-31, "The Kusters and Doors
of Kaldenkirchen, Germany and Germantown,
Pennsylvania" by Chester E Custer
Johannes Kusters
arrived 1691-2 in Pa
page -5-
(1979), p 434
Heinrich Bernhardt
Koster/Kuster
arrived 1689 at Germantown, Pa
Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 432
Wm I Hull William Penn & the Dutch Quaker
Migration to Pa (1935), p 409
from Blomberg (Lippe-Detmold), Germany to
Germantown, Pa in 1689; the first preacher in
German and English in Germantown.
Margaret Koster
Henry
with
with
with
with
with
Koster age 51
wife
son age 17
son age 13
dau age 10
dau age 6
Dietrich Koster age 36
with wife
with son age 11
with dau age 6
with dau age 3
arrived 1706 or earlier in Germantown, Pa
Wm I Hull William Penn & the Dutch Quaker
Migration to Pa (1935), p 401 -- she married
Cornelis Dewees/De Wees. Is she the daughter
of Paulus & Gertrude Kuster?
arrived 2 June 1709 England from Palatinate
and are presumed to have gone on to America
Immigrants to the Middle Colonies: a Consolidation of Ship Passenger Lists and
Associated Data from The New York Genealogical & Biographical Record Michael
Tepper, ed (1978), p 107 -- Henry was a carpenter, and belonged to Lutheran church.
arrived 2 June 1709 England from Palatinate
Immigrants to the Middle Colonies: a Consolidation of Shi. Passenger Lists and
Associated Data from The New York Genealogical & Biographical Record Michael
Tepper, ed (1978), p 109 -- Dietrich was a
Joyner, and he belonged to Lutheran church.
----------------
Fredrig Kister
with wife & 2 ch
Palters Kister
with wife & 3 ch
"The Embarkation Lists from Holland" by
Walter Allen Knittle Early Eighteenth Century
Palatine Emigration (1939), p 255
-------------------------
Johannes Peter Koster
arrived 1729 in Pennsylvania
"Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of
Allegience to the Province & State of Pa
page -6-
1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals 17861808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17
(1890), p 18
Georg Kuster
inhabited Philadelphia County before 1734,
100 acres in Hanover Township
Hans Georg Gerster
age 26
with wife Eve Gisin
arrived 1736 at Philadelphia aboard Princess
Augusta
arrived 16 September 1736, aboard Princess
Augustus, Samuel Merchant, Master, from
Rotterdam, last from Cowes
[later to be known as
John George Castor]
arrived 16 September 1736 on ship Princess
Augusta and same day took oath at the Courthouse in Philadelphia to the Government
Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I,
pp 162, 164 & 166
Lists of Swiss Emigrants in the Eighteenth
Century to the American Colonies Vol 2 (1925),
p 105
"Minutes of the Provincial Council of Pa"
Colonial Records Vol 4
(1851), p 72
Heini Gerster
wife Anna Weissen
children: Barbara,
Anna, Verona, &
Heinrich
arrived 1736 at Carolina
It
It
It
II
It
It
It
It
It
II
TI
II
II
Century to the American Colonies Vol 2 (1925),
pp 99 & 139
Frederick Kiester
arrived 1737 at Philadelphia
arrived 24 September 1737 on Ship Virginus
Grace, John Bull, Master, from Rotterdam,
last from Cowes
(1890), p 136
page -7-
Jacob Kuster
arrived 26 Sept 1737 at Philadelphia on ship
St Andrew Galley, John Stedman, Master, from
Strassburger Pa German Pioneers p 179 & 181
(1890), p 139
Vincent Kuster
arrived 5 Oct 1737 at Philadelphia, Pa on
bilander Townshead, Thomas Thompson, Master,
from Amsterdam, last from Cowes
Peter Kister
arrived 11 Sept 1738 at Philadelphia, Pa on
ship Robert & Oliver, of Dublin, Walter Goodman, Commander, from Rotterdam, last from
Dover
Henrich Kester
arrived 1741-1767 in Pennsylvania
C N Smith Emigrants from the Principality
Hessen-Hanau p 12
Thebis Kuster, wife
and children
Jerg Kuster, wife
and children
arrived 1742 in Pennsylvania from
Merishausen, Canton of Schaffhausen,
Switzerland
Steinmann List of 18th Century Emigrants
from the Canton of Schaffhausen p 191
"Zur schaffhauserischen Auswanderung" by
Ernst Steinemann Beitraege zur Vaterlaendischen Geschichte Part 13, Historischantiquarischen Verein des Kantons Schaffhauser (1936), p 95
"Pal-Index": A Surname Index of Eighteenth
Century Immigrants Charles M Hall (1979),
p 66
Pa German Immigrants 1709-1786: List Consolidated from Yearbooks of the Pa German Folklore Society Don foder, ed (1980), p 333
Georg Kiester
arrived 25 August 1742 at Philadelphia, Pa on
page -8-
brigantine Mary, John Mason, Master, from
(1890), p 227
Henr Kester
arrived 1742 at Carolina
"Emigrants from the Principality of HesseHanau, Germany 1741-1767" Germain-American
Genealogical Research Monograph No 6 by
Clifford Neal Smith (1979), p 3 -- applied
emigration to Caroline 1742, he was from
Wachenb[uchen?].
Martin Kiester
ship Phoenix, William Wilson, Captain, from
(1890), p 251
Eleanora Catharina
Koster
arrived 1747 in America
"A List of German Immigrants to the American
Colonies from Zweibruecken in the Palatinate,
1728-1749" by William J Hinke & John Baer
Stoudt, ed The Pa German Folklore Society
Yearbook Vol I (1936), p 115
p 63
Pa German Immigrants 1709-1786: List Consolidated from Yearbooks of the Pa German Folklore Society Don Yoder, ed (1980), p 303
Casper Kaster age 37
arrived 16 September 1748 at Philadelphia
on ship Patience, Capt John Brown
Strassburger Pa German Pioneers
Vol 1, p 384
page -9-
(1890), p 273
Casper Gerster
ship Paliena, John Bull, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes
Rupp Thirty Thousand Names , p 188
arrived 16 September 1748 on ship Patience,
John Brown, Master, from Rotterdam, last from
Cowes, did this day take the Oath to the
Government at the Courthouse at Philadelphia
Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 386
*************
WILL OF BENJAMIN KASTER, JR (1778-1870)
Until recently, our copy of the Benjamin Kaster's will was
incomplete, because the copy in the Will Book in the Register's Office in
Mercer County, Pennsylvania had a damaged corner and some of the text was
This past year, Roberta and Terry O'Connor visited Mercer
missing.
County Register of Wills and obtained a copy from the original (and
undamaged) will. They very thoughtfully sent a copy to the Association.
The full transcription is given here.
Will of Benjamin Kaster Mercer County, Pa Will Book 5,
page 531, probated 27 December 1871
I, Benjamin Kaster of Hickory township, Mercer county and state
of Pennsylvania, being advanced in years, but of sound and disposing
mind, and wishing to arrange my worldly affairs while I have the strength
and ability to do so, Do make this my last Will and Testament hereby
revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time heretofore
made.
I will and bequeath to my wife Catherine and to her heirs and
assigns forever, the one third of the farm on which I now reside, to be
run off in a convenient shape, so as to include the house and garden. I
also will her all the personal property in the house and on the farm, to
be used by her, and to be disposed of as she thinks proper.
I will and bequeath to my daughter Ann Coon, twenty acres of land
to be taken off the west part of the tract and running the whole length
thereof from north to south.
I will and bequeath to my daughter Phebe Downs twenty acres of
land to be taken off adjoining that given to Ann, and to run the whole
length of the tract from north to south.
I will and bequeath to my son Henry B Kaster the remainder of my
land about twenty five acres be the same more or less, and I order and
direct that the standing timber on the whole farm shall be divided in the
same proportion among all legatees, that I have given the land without
regard to where the timber stands, I also allow each of the children to
take possession of their respective shares as soon as the growing crop is
harvested, and to use and occupy the same, they paying their proportion
of all taxes, and rendering me the one third of the crops during my
lifetime and at my death to be theirs, their heirs and assigns forever.
Should any dispute or controversy arise about the division of the
page -10-
land or timber, or on any other matter connected with this will, I order
and direct that the same shall be referred to my friends Samuel Stambaugh
and Philip Stambaugh whose decision shall be final and conclusive against
all parties.
Benjamin Kaster
Signed published and declared by the above named Benjamin Kaster, as and
for his last Will and Testament, in our presents who have signed the same
as witnesses at Hickory this seventeenth day of June AD 1867
M C Trout
Daniel Zimmerman
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE CASTOR LENDING LIBRARY
The Association has accumulated several genealogical books that
may be borrowed by mail. We set forth our list of available books in the
September 1986 News-Caster, page 45. We list the books that have been
added in each News-Caster.
If you wish to have a complete and updated
list, please send a stamped self addressed envelope.
Rules and Instructions
1. The period of loan shall be four weeks. No penalty shall be incurred
for late return. If the initial period of loan proves to be inadequate,
please request additional time -- if no one has requested the item, then
additional time will be granted.
2. When returning the item, mail 4th class rate or book rate, and please
Also, please enclose reimbursement to the Library for the cost
insure.
of postage plus $.50 to cover mailing material and incidentals.
3. No more than two items shall be borrowed at one time.
The following have been added to the books available for loan.
Custer-McCoy Family Record Henry A Mullen (1951) 21pp
The Descendants of Jacob and Sarah Custer Chester E Custer (1973) 89pp
The Descendants of Nicholas Cain 1736-1986 Wayne R Cain and Shirley J
Evans (1986) 331pp
Koster - Americans in Search of their Prehistoric Past Stuart Struever
and Felicia Anonelli Holton (1979) 281pp
Quaker Miscellany: New Jersey Willard Heiss (1963) 36pp
Strasburg, Virginia and The Keister Family E E Keister (1972) 434pp
Publications of The Pennsylvania German Society Volume III (1970) 179pp
Publications of The Pennsylvania German Society Volume VII (1973) 299pp
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
DO YOU HAVE A BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE CASTOR LIBRARY?
page -11-
EARLY OHIO LAND PURCHASES
A recent book offered some interesting data about early Ohio land
purchases.
Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc of Baltimore has
published Early Ohio Settlers - Purchasers of Land in Southwestern Ohio
1800-1840 compiled by Ellen T and David A Berry (1986).
We have
extracted the following information. These are the original purchasers
of federal land under the U S Land act of 10 May 1800 at the Cincinnati
Land Office.
purchaser
, year
Benjamin Caster
1818
Cornelius Caster***1811
William Caster
1811
Abraham Custard
1818
William Custard
1805
William Custer
1810
Arnold Custor
1810
Conrad Kaster
1804
Conrad Kaster
1812
Conrad Kastor
1804
David Keaster
1831
George Keaster, Jr 1831
George Keaster
1831
George Keaster
1831
1831
George Keaster
1811
John Kestiter
George Kister
1805
*
**
***
date
residence
May 21
Sep 14
Dec 11
July 8
July 24
Dec 12
May 23
Sep 3
Aug 21
Sep 3
Nov 9
Nov 9
July 5
Aug 17
Aug 17
June 12
Mar 27
Montgomery Co
Champaign Co
Preble Co
Champaign Co
Kentucky
Champaign Co
Champaign Co
Montgomery Co
Preble Co
Montgomery Co
Montgomery Co
Montgomery Co
Montgomery Co
Montgomery Co
Montgomery Co
Butler Co
Montgomery Co
R T S* survey**
3 10 23
9 6 34
2 8 20
11
2
4
11
4
5
11
4
5
11
4
5
5 2 11
2 7 5
5 2 11
1 11 21
1 11 21
1 11 27
1 11 27
1 11 21
2 4 29
4 3 11
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
R = range; T = township; S = section
A = Miami River survey; C = survey between the Miamis
On further checking with The Auditor of the State of Ohio, it is
found that Cornelius Caster is actually Cornelius Carter.
If one wishes to obtain additional information (exact land description),
write to either (1) Land Office of the State Auditor, 88 East Broad St, P
0 Box 1140, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or (2) U S Dept of Interior, Bureau of
Land Management, Eastern States Office, 350 S Pickett St, Alexandria,
Virginia 22304.
Be sure to include the range, township, and section
numbers, as well as which survey.
Some of these are readily identified.
Benjamin Caster later
settled in Shelby County, Indiana and was usually known as Kaster.
William Caster is the son of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) and he lived
most of his life in Preble County. Abraham Custard, William
Custard/Custer, and Arnold Custor are sons of William and Anna (Smith)
Custer (175 - 1828). Conrad Kaster/Kastor is the son of Benjamin Castor
(1741-1826) and the father of the first mentioned Benjamin Caster. We do
not recognize David and George Keaster (or George Kister), and if anyone
does, please let us know. John Kestiter is an ancestor being studied by
Mrs Mary Porter, 820 Hunter Lake Drive, Reno, Nevada 89509.
* * *
* * * * * * * * * *
HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA
In the INTRODUCTION of our book Some Caster/Castor Genealogies we
mentioned one puzzlement about the early Castor settlement of Hamilton
page -12-
Several children of John Caster, Sr (George, Freelove,
County, Indiana.
Reason, Nancy and William) and of Noah Castor (Nathan, Susan, Uriah, Ruth
and Nancy) settled in Hamilton County about 1835, and they appear in the
1840 census of Wayne Township of Hamilton County or the adjacent Stoney
Creek Township of Madison County.
However, there was a James Caster
family that appears in the 1830 census of Hamilton County on page 246.
James was listed as 30-40 years of age (thus born 1790-1800), and the
other members of his family consisted of his wife, six boys and two
This family is not found in Hamilton County in the 1840 census.
girls.
Nor have we learned of any relationship of this family to other
Castor/Caster families.
Recently we reviewed Abstracts of the Will Records 1824-1901
Hamilton County, Indiana by Susan Bevelhimer (1981) and have found
several additional references to James Caster. We found the following:
James Caster was present at the estate sale of John Conner who died May
1826, and was among those who had a debt at the Conner Store; James
Caster was present at the Thomas Morris estate sale 20 December 1830;
James Caster was a debtor to the Jacob T Hire estate appraised 30 and 31
October 1833; James Caster was present at the Robert Dickson estate sale
14 November 1835; and James Caster was a debtor to the estate of Wilburn
Davis who died in September 1837. So, we have further evidence of James'
presence in Hamilton County spanning the years 1826 through 1837. Yet,
we have no clue as to who he is, or his family.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
QUERIES
Need proof that RACHEL KESSLER who married 30 October 1817 SAMUEL
HOUSTING BECHTELHEIMER in Montgomery County, Ohio was daughter of JOHN
and MARY (CUSTER) KESSLER. Also her siblings. Samuel's sister Catherine
married Christian Custer in Clermont County, Ohio. Rachel wa born 27
January 1799 in North Carolina, and died 1 October 1865 in Blackford
Write to Mrs Ruth Erhardt, Box 266, Bassano, Alberta
County, Indiana.
TOJ OBO CANADA
***
Need more information about Johannes Custer born before 1760
probably in Pennsylvania. He married 4 June 1780 Catherine Gohn in First
Reformed Church, York, Pa. Catherine was daughter of John Gohn and Anna
They settled 4 miles east of Fincastle, Virginia in
Rosina Crantrsdorf.
the Mill Creek Section. Johannes died 1837, his will was probated in May
1837 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Also seek information about Martin
Cross who in 1790 was in Lancaster County, Pa; married Margaret
died 1797 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Write to Mrs Daisy Shull, Rt
#3, Box 518, Ava, Mo 65608
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
AN 1844 SCHOOL NEAR GRANTSVILLE, MARYLAND
by Sara Stanton Jarrett
reprinted from The Glade Star June 1986
by permission of The Garrett County Historical Society
Oakland, Garret County, Maryland
continued from the December 1986 News-Caster, p 84
[Elma Arbitter of Decker, Michigan suggested this article]
page -13-
The school building may have been the one described by Jacob Brown, area
historian, as the first school house built in the county for the purpose
He estimated it was built 1817 or 1818. The
of teaching school.
building was located about one mile east of Little Crossings near the
National Road and near School-House Run. Brown describes it as being
built "of round logs" with a clap-board roof; the openings between the
logs were filled "with wood and clay mortar." He further noted that for
"a quarter" or three months each year, "a small school was taught" for
many years. Mr Brown tells of returning to the area in the late eighteen
hundreds to verify the spot where the school had stood.. (Brown's
Miscellaneous Writings, p 298)
The handwriting on the three sheets is generally done in lovely script,
which at times is very small and neat. In other places, the writing is
very large, bold and flowing. The attendance sheet shows that the school
term "commenced" on Tuesday, October 1, 1844 and ended on Friday,
December 6, 1844 for a total of 54 days, which covered ten weeks. Four
of the ten weeks, school was held for six days; the other weeks, pupils
attended for five days. Jeremiah had a column for each week headed with
the date and day of the week such as - Monday, October 7. Attendance was
noted with a tally mark in the week's column opposite the student's name;
absences were noted with an "0".
There were twenty-seven pupils listed on the roll. The first week only
eight attended Tuesday through Saturday.
Four students listed never
attended, while others attended only one of the ten weeks. The
attendance increased each week with a high of nineteen pupils attending
the last week of the term. Some of the older students would have been
needed at home to help complete the harvest, to butcher, to hunt and to
help with the general preparations necessary for winter.
The names of the pupils in the order they were listed are: Archibald
Thistle, Walter Engle, Elizabeth Hoye, Marium Hoye, Jeffery Shook,
Johnson Engle, Lydda Engle, Austin Garlitz, Sevilla Engle, Rebecca
Thistle, Virginia Singleton, Florissa Engle, Lydda Engle, Rebecca Engle,
Solomon Engle, _ler Zeabaugh, Michael Durst, Hannah Knoyer, William
Knoyer, John Smith, Andrew Thomas Sofar, Martha Ann Smith, Ara Ann,
Sevilla Royer, Matilda Royer. Of the names listed, the following family
names are also found on the 1840 census for Election District #3,
Allegany County, Maryland: Durst, Engle, Garlitz, Knoyer, Royer, Smith,
Thistle and Zeabaugh. The Custer, Durst and Engle families were
neighbors living in the Mt Nebo area and some of their descendants
continues to live in that area.
Lydda Engle (born 1838) had perfect attendance, while her sister, Rebecca
(born 1840) missed only two days. Their brother Solomon (born 1836) had
the best attendance for the boys - missing only seven days. They were
the children of Samuel and Elizabeth Shirer Engle, who had all of their
six children attending the 1844 school term. Walter their oldest child
was fifteen and was only able to attend for five days.
There were two Lydda Engles, both born in 1838.
The second was a
daughter of Eli and Elizabeth Shuck (Shook) Engle and a brother of
The three Durst pupils were children of Jacob and Mary
Johnson Engle.
(Poly) Knoyer Durst.
A second page of Jeremiah's contained proverb type sentences such as:
"Refrain from the allurement of vice."
"Beware of a man who regards not his reputation."
page -14-
"Contentment makes a man happy without a fortune."
Another page was headed as VOCABULARY.
The page titled COMPOSTION has some interesting sentences included; these
were probably used for the children to practice writing. Slates were
available in America about 1825. Paper and pen was available to Jeremiah
and perhaps a certain amount was also available to some of the children.
Following are the composition lines from Jeremiah's writing:
Gallileo invented the telescope.
The book lies on the desk.
An idle boy will be punished.
I may or can go to Boston.
If you study you will improve.
Depart thou from iniquity.
Do write with propriety, a knowledge of grammar is of
essential utility.
The greatest men of the present age sometimes have their
failings.
An ulcer is a running sore.
The Supreme Being conferred the power of speech on man.
The other pages are filled with poems apparently written by Jeremiah.
All areas of each page are covered attesting to the shortage of paper at
that time. Spaces are filled with individual letters or words written in
script, sometimes over and over.
How many years the Engle and other families sent their children to the
However, these early families
Little Crossings School is not known.
realized the importance of education. Recorded in 1862 among the Land
Rec6rds of Allegany County in Liber 19, page 749 and Liber 20, page 297
is noted the deeding of small parcels of land for the Engle School. Eli
and Elizabeth Engle deeded for $5.00 in 1862, 23 equal perches of "Lily
of the Valley" near their house to the Board of Commissioners of Public
At the same tiem, Samuel and Catharine Engle deeded for $5.00
Schools.
30 perches of "Mt Nebo" to the Public School Board. This was apparently
a joint effort of the two Engle families to have a school building nearer
their homes. This school was known as the Engle School for many years.
In 1860, the Maryland General Assembly had passed "an Act" with the
intention of establishing some type of uniform public school system in
However, the money was lacking and those able to pay
Allegany County.
were asked for $1.00 tuition per quarter term. About this time a school
law was passed to provide for the examination and certification of
teachers by the county school commissioners. The progress of raising the
level of quality education in Garrett County (after 1872), previously
Allegany County, was a slow, difficult process. In time high schools
were established - some in the early 1920s and Garrett County residents
were able to have quality education for their children. I graduated from
Northern High in 1954 and have always felt that I had an adequate public
education, for which I am grateful.
* * *
HAVE
A
* * * * * * * * * *
HAPPY
Drive friendly and safely.
EASTER
HOLIDAY
Hug a friend.
page -15-
Say a prayer.
HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT
by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White
2746 Wilderness Ct, Wichita, Ks 67226
In order to work effectively with Quaker records, a genealogist
should know some of the history and beliefs of the religion. In this
issue, a brief background of the Quakers, especially of how it applied to
Paulus Kuster and his descendants, will be presented.
The Religious Society of Friends was started by George Fox in
England's lake country (East Riding Yorkshire) in the seventeenth
century.
William Penn was a follower of George Fox and as Friends they
were severely persecuted. Because of this, Penn had strong motivation to
found a religious haven for Quakers on his grant of land in the new
world, which he inherited from his father.
Quakers believe that God is experienced through an inner light
within the person.
They do not practice any sacraments. They have no
written creed. Most kinds of Quakers have no ordained clergy. First day
(Sunday) worship is silent communion without any planned program. Any
one present who is led by the inner light may speak. As the Quakers
moved West, they were forced to worship in school houses, with
Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists, and they became "tainted" with
Protestantism.
A group of Quakers that worship together on a weekly basis is
called a Meeting. The Meeting is often identified by a local name. The
elders and other representatives of several adjacent meetings will
combine on a monthly basis to form a Monthly Meeting (MM). Again, these
are usually identified with a local name, such as Abington MM. They will
maintain a set of records for the members of the Monthly Meeting. These
records include births, intentions to marriage, marriages, deaths, and
transfers in and out of the meeting, and disciplinary matters. The
records often cite parental relations and names before marriage.
Obviously, these records are of great interest to genealogists. If great
distances separate the small weekly groups, then the weekly meeting will
assume a monthly meeting status.
A monthly meeting is held for the purpose of conducting business
and discipline. Several monthly meetings gather for the quarterly
meeting, and once a year the yearly meeting is held which includes a
number of quarterly meetings. Thus, the quarterly meeting covers a large
area, and the yearly meeting an even greater area. Do not assume that
Quaker yearly meetings follow the colonial or state divisions. Some
examples: the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting did not take in all
Pennsylvania monthly meetings; some of the western Pennsylvania monthly
meetings were under the Baltimore Yearly Meeting, as were many of the
Virginia monthly meetings; the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting took in some
of the New Jersey meetings; and until 1760, the yearly meeting alternated
years between Philadelphia and Burlington, New Jersey.
Early Friends burying grounds have few gravestones, as in 1706
the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting issued a directive that there be no
monuments affixed to graves. This was in the interest of simplicity and
as a result of the persecution that had been endured in England. Burials
were made as they occured so that there are no "family plots." Any
record of the burial was recorded in the monthly meeting records.
page -16-
Certificates of removal to another meeting are another thing
recorded at these meetings.
When a family wanted to move, the monthly
meeting granted them a certificate stating that they were members in good
This served as a letter of introduction to the meeting
standing.
receiving the new family. The certificate would name the family members,
state the monthly meeting to which they were going, and be dated. Upon
arrival at the new monthly meeting, the certificate would be again
recorded and dated, and note the meeting from which they came. These
entries in the records are invaluable to the genealogist in tracing the
migration of families.
In 1689, George Keith, a Quaker, came to New Jersey as a surveyor
of the colony.
When the Friends' Public School was established in
Philadelphia, he was appointed head master, a position which he kept only
a year. Being a former Presbyterian from Scotland, Keith began to preach
that the Quaker Church put too much emphasis on the "inner light" and
that the church should return to a more formal approach; including the
sacrament of baptism.
His strong temper and name calling of persons in
office caused the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in 1692 to disown him. He
then set up his own body called the Christian Quakers. This group soon
broke apart with many of the followers joining the Baptist Church and
Presbyterian Church.
Keith died in London around 1714, a member of the
Church of England.
The effect of George Keith on the family of Paulus Kuster and the
other Germans of Germantown must have been immense. Among those who
signed documents in favor of Keith were: Abraham Op den Graeff, Hermann
Op den Graeff, Thomas Rutter, Cornelis Siverts, David Scherkes, and Jacob
Those who signed testimony against Keith at the
Isaacs Van Bebber.
Burlington Yearly Meeting in 1695 were: Paul Wolff, Paul Kastner, Francis
Daniel Pastorius, Andries Kramer, Dirck Op den Graeff, and Arnold Kassel.
This may account for the fact that Paulus Kuster's sons Arnold and
Hermanus joined the Mennonite Church while Johannes and most of his
descendants were Quakers.
Hermanus' children remained close to the
Mennonite Church.
Arnold's children became Quaker, Lutheran, and
Baptist.
Sources:
Heiss, Willard, Genealogy May 1982, No. 69, "Quaker Burials"
Jones, Rufus M, The Quakers in American Colonies pp 437-458
Keith, Charles P, Chronicles of Pennsylvania Vol I, pp 213-242 and
Vol II, pp 517-542
Leach, Robert J, The Yearly Meetings of the Religious Society of Friends
Nieper, Lic Friedrick, Die Ersten Deutschen Auswanderer Von Krefeld Noch
Pennsylvanien pp 112-113
Rosten, Leo, A Guide to the Religions of America pp 121-132
Russell, Elbert, The History of Quakerism
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
EXPRESSION
OF
GRATITUDE
We take this opportunity to thank all our members who have
renewed their membership for 1987. Your continued support is what makes
We have the best of fans, and our hats are off to
this effort "tick."
Don't
forget
to
tell us what we are doing wrong, and what we are
you!!
doing right.
page -17-
FAMOUS
COUSINS
Sometimes we learn of a prominent Custer,
Caster, or Kester -- from the past or
present. If you know of some others,
let us know.
***
KENNETH EDWARD CASTER, born New Albany, Pa, 26 January 1908;
married in 1933.
He was educated at Cornell University, earning an AB
degree in 1929, MS in 1931, and PhD in 1933 in Geology and Paleontology.
He was a researcher at Paleontology Research Institute of New York
1935-1936.
He then associated with University of Cincinnati, becoming
Professor in 1940, and Emeritus Professor in 1978. He has been engaged
in research in the fields of invertebrate paleontolgy, paleozoic
stratigraphy, paleogeography, Southern Hemisphere historical geology,
early echinoderm history, and fossil arachnids. He is widely recognised
throughout the world in his fields.
He resides at 425 Riddle Road,
Concinnati, Ohio 45220.
[from American Men & Women of Science Vol II,
15th rild (1982), p 96]
***
ELIZABETH
BACON CUSTER, author; born (Bacon) in Michigan about
1844; married February 1864 General George Armstrong Custer and was with
him at various posts until his death 1876. Author: Boots & Saddle, or
Life in Dakota with General Custer; Tenting on the Plains; Following the
Guidon.
[from Who Was Who in America 1897-1942 Vol
Died 4 April 1933.
I, (1942)]
***
OMER NIXON CUSTER, banker; born Fayette County, Pa 25 December
1873, son of Hernon Kyle and Dorcas Anne (Nixon) Custer; educated in the
public schools of Fayette County, Pa; he married 24 December 1894 Olive
Frances Temple.
He was president of First Galesburg National Bank &
Trust Co, of Purington Paving Brick Co, publisher of Galesburg Register
Mail, president of Intra-State Telephone Co, Beatrice Creamery Co,
Abingdon Sanitary Mfg Co, Gazette Publishing Co, publisher of Hawkeye
Gazette [Burlington, Iowa].
He was County Treasurer of Knox County,
Illinois in 1906; postmaster of Galesburg 1908-1913; member of Illinois
State Industrial Commission 1917-1921; Illinois State Treasurer 1925-1927
and 1929-1930; chairman State Tax Commission 1930-1931. He was Trustee
of Lombard College in Galesburg. Republican. Presbyterian. Mason.
Rotary Club of Galesburg.
Home: 81 E Grove St, Galesburg, Illinois.
Office: 154 E Simmons St, Galesburg, Ilinois. Died 17 October 1942.
[from Who Was Who in America 1943-1950 Vol 2, (1950), p 141]
***
FREDERICK JACOB KOSTER, corporate executive, born San Francisco,
California 28 October 1868, son of John L and Berta Lisette (Wagoner)
He was educated in high school and under private tutors. He
Koster.
Their children: Jane, Ann,
married 12 March 1908 Ida Louise Field.
He began with Coos Bay Stave & Lumber Co, San
Lisette, & Louise.
Francisco in 1884; became superintendent 1887 with California Barrel Co,
Chairman of Law and Order Commission, San
and president since 1905.
Francisco 1916-1918; president of San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
1916-1918; member of executive committee San Francisco War Camp Community
Service 1917-1918; chairman resources and conversion section War
Industries Board (Calif, Nevada & Arizona) 1917-1918; member National
Foriegn Trade Council 1918-1921; chairman executive committee and
director Chamber of Commerce of US 1919-1920; member of European Relief
Administration 1921; chairman San Francisco Endorsement Council
1927-1939; president Californian Grape Control Board 1931-1932; president
California State Chamber of Commerce 1931-1932; director San Francisco
page -18-
Chapter of American Red Cross since 1926 and chairman 1937-1943; chairman
San Francisco Conference of Christians and Jews 1940-1944; etc.
Pacific Union Club, Bohemian Club, Olympic Club, San
Republican.
Francisco Golf and Country Club, and Commonwealth Press Club. Home: 1958
Vallejo St, San Francisco. Office: 5593 Geary Blvd, San Francisco. Died
18 November 1958, buried Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, California. [from
Who Was Who in America 1951-1960 Vol 3, (1963), pp 488-489]
***
FREDERICK EDWARD KESTER, physicist, born Eaton, Ohio 22 February
1873, son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Kester) Kester. He earned Masters
Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering at Ohio State University in
1895, and a Masters degree at Cornell University 1899, and a Doctorate in
He studied at University of Gottingen 1903-4. He married 8 June
1905.
1907 Tamar Daker Whitmyre; their children - Frederick Daker, Barbara (Mr.
Tom Page), William Henry, and Elizabeth (Mrs Robert Holmer). He was
assistant in physics at Ohio State University 1895-1898, instructor
1899-1901, assistant professor 1901-1907, associate professor 1907-1909.
He was professor of physics University of Kansas 1909--, chairman of
department until 1941, emeritus 1944. Fellow A A A S, American Physics
Society.
University Club (Lawrence, Kansas). Home: 1612 Louisiana St,
Died 31 March 1954.
[from Who Was Who in America
Lawrence, Kansas.
1951-1960 Vol 3, (1963), p 474]
***
GEORGE RAPHAEL KISTER, college president, born St Charles,
Missouri 20 December 1865, son of Henry and Regina (Walter) Kester. He
earned AB degree at St Mary's (Kansas) College 1884; studied at
Florissant (Missouri) Seminary 1884-1888, Woodstock College 1888-1891,
1896-1899 and received AM degree. Ordained Roman Catholic priest 1899;
instructor at Marquette College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1891-1896; director
of studies at St Mary's College 1902-1911, also trustee; president
Campion College, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 26 September 1911. Address:
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. [from Who Was Who in America 1961-1968 Vol
4 (1968), p 533]
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
KASTER
KLIPPINGS
***
Janice Horsman (daughter of late Erma Castor Morehous) of
Chandler, Arizona announces new grandson Zachary Ryan Horsman born 9
April 1986 son of John P and Susan Horsman, Bethesda, Maryland. Welcome,
Zachary!
***
Elsie Elizabeth Evans, daughter of the late Jacob and Iris
(Caster) Scholer, and Robert Finch married 15 January 1987 in Fontana,
They will spend their winters in Rialto, California, and
California.
summers near Portland, Indiana. Congratulations!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
MISCELLANY
***
Charles W Geelan of Normangee, Texas has been appointed Deputy
Grand Master of District 24 of Masonic Lodge. Charles is a serious,
professional retiree, and the Masons must have really chased him up a
tree! Congratulations, Charles.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
page -19-
FROM THE MAILBAG
***
The Castor Family Tour of Europe (organized by the Philadelphia
Castor families and Wastler Escorted Tours, Inc) still has some openings.
The tour will leave New York 21 August 1987 and visit Luxembourg,
Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and return to New York 6 September
1987.
Several from our Association have signed up -- Jack and Martha
Brown, Don Burkett Dr Bob Kaster, Chuck and Jean White, and Charlie and
Ann Scholer.
Leo and Phyl Wastler have developed a fantastic tour for
us.
And they have provided names and addresses of many Kuster families
in Germany and Switzerland. I will be writing to several of these Kuster
families in .the hope that some will be able to meet us during our tour.
,
Many of these Kuster families live in Kaldenkirchen, Krefeld, and Kempen.
Already we have invited Jean Kaster of Femack , France to meet us at
Luxembourg.
If anyone would like additional information, contact Leo
Wastler, P 0 Box 775, Mechanisburg, Pa 17055 (telephone 717/697-6368), or
contact Charlie Scholer, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469
(telephone 713/342-5033).
***
Delores Gucciardo of Little Rock, Arkansas spent the Christmas
Holidays in London! That must have been a delightful trip. She
recommends Wayne Cain's new book "The Descendants of Nicholas Cain
1736-1986."
The Association
has aquired a copy and placed it in the
Castor Lending Library.
***
Betty Randall of Hope, Indiana is one of our best
correspondents!!
She is always coming up with interesting historical
insights and family notes.
She mentioned a book entitled "Koster Americans in Search of their Prehistoric Past" by Stuart Struever and
Felicia Anonelli Holton (1979) 281pp.
This is an archeological book
about a "dig" in Illinois located on a farm owned by Theodore Koster,
thus the site had been named Koster. If you enjoy the archeology of the
early North American Indian, you can borrow this book from the Castor
Lending Library, as we have now added it.
Betty has obtained a copy from the DAR National Library a copy of
Custer-McCoy Family Record by Henry A Mullen (1951) 28 pages, and she has
We are adding this to the Castor
donated this to the Association.
Lending Library. Many thanks, Betty.
Betty also reports that her cousin (and Associaton member) Dr
Elizabeth "Libby" Mohr Jones has recently been succesful in adding
Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) as a supplemental line to her DAR
credentials.
The DAR has become more critical in accepting applications
in the past year, and the applications require more specific information.
If anyone desires help in applying on the basis of their ancestor
Benjamin Castor, both Libby and Betty have offered to help. Write to
either Elizabeth Mohr Jones, 122 Ulen Blvd, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 or
Betty Randall, 18420 East State Road #46, Hope, Indiana 47246.
Betty has volunteered to help Jack & Martha Brown for the 1990
reunion in Indiana! The Hoosier spark plugs are coming forth!
***
We wish to give special recognition to those sending donations
recently -- Paul D Castor of Kansas City, Missouri; Raymond A Castor of
Carter, Montana; Arlene (Mrs Richard W) Castor of West Jefferson, Ohio;
Orval R Fink of Manning, Iowa; Elma Arbitter of Decker, Michigan; Esther
H Pemberton of Central Point, Oregon; Darrell Caster of Albia, Iowa;
Carolyn Mettler of Chelan, Washington; Jack and_ Martha Brown of Windfall,
Indiana; and Ruby H Stanley of New Ross, Indiana. Many thanks,
Boosters!!
page -20-
***
Gini Ennis of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, reports a very full and
exciting 1986 - they vacationed in Hawaii, and the girls performed in
"The Music Man" which was produced by their school. Gini was named
"Teacher of the Year" at the High School where she teaches.
Congratulations, Gini.
***
NEW ADDRESS -- Mrs Dorothy Colbenson, 5288 South Manitou,
Littleton, Colorado 80123.
***
Orval R Fink of Manning, Iowa traveled in the Spring of last year
back along the route of some of his ancestors. He visited Richland
County, Ohio (Paul Castor 1784/85-1847); Finleyville, Pa (Benjamin Castor
1741-1826); and Brock's Gap, Virginia (Conrad Custard c1695-1772) -- and
he reports all of these to be beautiful country.
Orval has sent
additional family history obtained from his cousin, Frances Richardson.
Many thanks, Orval and Frances.
***
Jean M White of Wichita, Kansas has donated a copy of Some
Caster/Castor Genealogies to the Newberry Library in Chicago. She has
also donated a copy of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies and More
Caster/Castor Genealogies to the Midwest Historical and Genealogical
Society in Wichita, Kansas. Also, she has donated a copy of her Indiana
Genealogical Research Resources to the Castor Lending Library. Jean has
also donated some of their color photographs of the Brock's Gap area of
Rockingham County, Virginia taken last fall.
Let's hear a cheer for
Jean!!
***
Roy and Ann Caster of Union, Iowa further advise that the name of
the small cemetery just southeast of Union is the Bentley Cemetery. This
is the cemetery where Lucetta Estep Caster and Sophia Burch Caster were
buried.
***
Don Castor of Tampa, Florida reports
that former wife Betty Castor was successful
in her race for Florida Commissioner of Education. Betty has recently served as state senator from Tampa. Don has completed ten years
as Judge for Hillsborough County, and continues
to serve there. Don vacationed last summer in
the Canadian Rockies, and especially enjoyed
Banff and Lake Louise.
***
Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation of
Mandan, North Dakota has sent an interesting
42 page brochure detailing their plans for
rebuilding the Calvalry Post at Fort Abraham
Lincoln State Park. This is the calvary post
that was commanded by George A Custer from
September 1873 until the time of his death in
1876. The aforementioned Foundation is soliciting contributions for a very ambitious reBetty Castor
building program. Groundbreaking for Phase I
(which is the George and Libbie Custer Home) is scheduled for 17 May
1987, and a Ball the evening before. Anyone interested in borrowing this
brocure, please write to me. Perhaps there are several of you interested
If so, we suggest that you form a Fort
in following this activity.
Abraham Lincoln Committee, and keep the News-Caster advised of progress.
Let me know if you are interested in such a committee. If you show some
page -21-
interest in such a committee, the
contribution to the Foundation. This
activity.
If you wish to contact
Foundation, P 0 Box 836, Mandan,
701/663-3013).
Association will fund a modest
could be a very interesting Custer
directly -- Fort Abraham Lincoln
North Dakota 58554 (telephone
***
Nancy Parkes of Louisville, Mississippi writes a genealogical
column "Family Trees" for several newspapers in Mississippi. She invites
queries (free), and there are no area restrictions. Her address is Nancy
Parkes, P 0 Box 387, Louisville, Mississippi 39339. There is an offer
you can't refuse!
***
Margaret and Larry Little of Portales, New Mexico were in
Houston, and we were able to spend some enjoyable time visiting togethe'.
Mary Lou and Rod Spindt of Allison Park, Pa stopped by to visit. Also,
Jack and Rosemary Nowery of Denver, Colorado stopped in to say Hello.
Come on by, the latch string is always out!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
ASSOCIATION BUSINESS
***
We completed 1986 essentially in a "break even" financial
This is what we had set out to do. Had we ended the year with
position.
a surplus, we would have had to share the surplus with the IRS. Until we
achieve a tax exempt status, this will be our mode of operation.
REVIEW OF 1986 OPERATIONS
ACTUAL
BUDGET
REVENUES
Subscriptions
Directories
Book sales
Donations
Back copies
Reunion net proceeds
Library & services
Interest
$2,272.00
352.00
865.00
244.21
72.00
60.50
31.29
39.51
Subscriptions $1,680.00
Directories
160.00
Book sales
1,860.00
300.00
Other
Total
$3,936.51
Total
$4,000.00
EXPENSES
Newsletter
Postage
Book publishing
Supplies
Directory printing
Misc photocopies
Book purchases
Documents
Research
Advertising
Total
1,010.97
$702.88
985.08
162.09
129.03
125.62
308.70
160.64
294.20
57.82
$3,937.03
page -22-
Newsletter
1,050.00
Postage
750.00
Book publ.
1,200.00
Supplies & misc 630.00
Paid research
370.00
Total
$4,000.00
For the past two years, we have established a budget early in the year to
serve as a guideline for expenditures throughout the year. We intend to
achieve tax exempt status this year, however, we can not be certain of
Instead of a complete budget for 1987, we have projected what we
this.
can safely expect as revenues, and what we can expect to spend on a
minumum basis.
We believe that we should try to maintain our
expenditures at a minimum level until we can determine what the outcome
will be of our application for tax exempt status. This will not be known
for several months. When it is known what our fate will be, then we will
adopt a plan for operation that is consistent. The following projections
indicate that Nye can easily operate in this provisional manner.
PROJECTIONS FOR 1987
REVENUES
= 243 x 6 = $1,458
expected renewals
570
expected new members = 57 x 10 =
expected
expected
expected
expected
expected
expected
net from
net from
subscriptions
directory subscrip.
back issue sales
book sales
misc services
interest
Castor Cook Book
other fund raising
= $2,028
300
25
532
50
30
$2,965
total
EXPENSES
Newsletter (400 copies)
Directories
Postage
Supplies
Misc photocopies
Advertising
Book Purchases
Documents
Research
$1,225
150
700
250
150
65
Total
$2, 540
9
***
We have altered our organization somewhat, with the objective of
improvement and greater involvement by others. The organization has for
too long been a "one man band," and it is time for others to participate
in the governing.
We have established a board of six trustees (Martha
Brown, Jean Caster, Leland Caster, Jack K Castor, Orval Fink, and Jean
to oversee the operation of the officers, and to have the final
White)
say in matters of importance. We have three officers and provision for a
The president (Charlie Scholer) will continue to
fourth later on.
function as editor for another biennium. We also have a vice president
and treasurer (John F Caster), and a vice president and recording
secretary (Dorothea Schweiger).
Later, we hope to install an executive
As soon as we can complete the organizational details,
vice president.
we will move on to the formation of several committees for various
activities.
page -23-
***
The Third National Castor Reunion will be 18-19 June 1988 at
Adventureland Inn in Des Moines, Iowa. Terry O'Connor is Chairperson.
His address is 301 Village Circle, Altoona, Iowa 50009. His telephone
number is 515/967-3861.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to help, please
contact Terry.
***
Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana, Chairpeople for the
Fourth National Castor Reunion, will continue to research suitable
locations for the 1990 reunion to be held in Indiana.
***
Leland Caster urges you to send your favorite recipes to him for
inclusion in the soon-to-be-published Castor Cookin' Old & New -- he
would like to receive more recipes before the final deadline 15 April
1987.
So, let's get on the ball and send them to Leland L Caster, 1929
Bellpark Drive, Bremerton, Washington 98310
Let me emphasize that
Leland has put a tremendous effort into this project, and he deserves a
real accolade!!
Remember, this is a project that is designed to augment
our finances, and further promote our research and gain of knowledge.
Many thanks, Leland!
***
We have four (4) copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies left
for sale, $23 postpaid. We have twelve (12) copies of More Caster/Castor
Genealogies left for sale, $28 postpaid in the US, $32 postpaid in
Canada.
Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) is no longer available.
***
The Association can achieve more as we grow in numbers. Our
membership totaled 270 last year, and we have set a goal of 300 for 1987.
But if we top our goal substantially, we will have the funds to do much
more than initially planned. Let's make 1987 a banner year!! Tell your
friends about our activities, and suggest they join. We benefit in many
ways -- more funding, more information gained, and more ideas about our
activities. Let's go, gang!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
THE NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA four
times a year. Subscription to THE NEWS-CASTER is part of the membership
of the Association.
Membership dues are $10 per calendar year for the
first year, and $6 per calendar year thereafter. The Annual Membership
Directory is optional and is $2 additional. Membership is open to all
that are interested in genealogy and history. Officers for the 1987-1988
Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive,
Biennium are:
Richmond, Texas 77469; John F Caster, vice president and treasurer;
Dorothea Schweiger, vice president and •recording secretary. Trustees
are: Mrs Jack L (Martha) Brown; Mrs Huitt D (Jean) Caster; Leland L
Caster; Jack K Castor; Orval R Fink; and Mrs Charles L (Jean) White.
FRANK AND ERNEST ''by Sob Thayer;
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page -24-
Ti-Ave,
THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Vol.5 No.2
June 1987
IMMIGRANT LIST -- 1751-1800
We continue the list of immigrants with sources listed. This
list was started in the March 1987 issue, pages 3-10. Elizabeth
Campuzano of McNeal, Arizona points out that Margaret Koster, page 6 of
the March issue, is not the daughter of Paulus and Gertrude Kuster as I
had inquired, but is the daughter of Johannes and Elizabeth (Cassell)
Koster.
Margaret was born in America, therefore should not be included
in the list of immigrants. Thank you, Elizabeth Campuzano. In the next
issue (September) we will continue the list from 1801 through 1850.
Johann Philip Kuster
ship Edinburgh, James Russel, Master
"Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of
1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 17861808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17
(1890), p 337
Johann Phillibes Kuster arrived 16 Sept 1751 at Philadelphia, Pa on
ship Edinburgh, James Russel, Master
Ludwig Kuster
George Phillip Kuster
ship Neptune, from Rotterdam, last from
Cowes
Rupps Thirty Thousand Namess p 285
Ludwig Kuster
Jerg Phillips Kuster
ship Neptune, Capt John Mason, from Rotterdam,
last from Cowes
page -25-
(1890), p 363 [Ludwig], p 364 [Georg Philip]
Ludwig and Georg Philip were brothers, sons
of Ludwig and Susanna Kister of Durstel (near
Strasbourg), Alsace.
"Ludwig Kuster and George Philip Kuster Who
Arrived on the 'Neptune"' by George H Custard
The News-Caster 3:2 (June 1985), p 5
Matheus Kester
(1890), p 374
Hans Enert Custard
H Henry Coster
arrived 19 Sept 1753 at Philadelphia, Pa
tt
tt
tt
It
tt
tt
tt
on ship Leathley, Capt John Lickley, from
Hamburg, cleared from Cowes
Vol 1, p 536-7-8
Michael Koster
ship Peggy, James Abercrombie, Captain, from
Vol 1, pp 637, 639 & 641
(1890), p 440
Lorentz Coster
arrived 22 Oct 1754 at Philadelphia, Pa
ship Halifax, Capt Thomas Coatam, from
Rotterdam, last from Portsmouth
Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 1, p 654
page -26-
Leonard Kister/Johann
Lenhart Kistner
Martin Kister/Kistner
arrived 26 Oct 1754 at Philadelphia
It
It
tt
It It
tt
Brigantine Mary and Sarah, Capt Thomas
Brodrick, from Amsterdam, last from Portsmouth
Vol 1, p 661-2-3
Philip Kiester
(1890), p 394
Heinrich Kuster
arrived 1758 at Lancaster, Pa
p 66
John Kuster
naturalized 1761 in Pennsylvania
"Naturalizations of Foriegn Protestants in
the American & West Indian Colonies" by
Montague Spencer Giuseppi, ed Publication of
The Huguenot Society of London Vol 24 (1921),
p 68
"Persons Naturalized in the Province of Pa
1740-1773" Pennsylvania Archives Second Series
Vol II, (1876), p 417
Jno Kuster
naturalized 1761 in Pa
Vol II, (1876), p 425
Johannes Koster
ship King of Prussia, Capt James Robinson,
from London
(1890), p 464
page -27-
Johannes Kiester
ship Hero, Ralph Forster, Captain, from
(1890), p 467
John Koster
with wife
arrived 1764 at Philadelphia, Pa
"Palatines & Servants Imported on the King of
Prussia" The Pennsylvania Genealogical
Magazine 27:1 (1971), p 58
Ludwick Koester
"Naturalizations of Foribgn Protestants in
p 129
Peter Kaster
"Naturalizations of Foriegn Protestants in
p 142
George Gerster
naturalized 1765 at Philadelphia, Pa
Vol II, (1876), p 461
Johan Dietrich Koster arrived 23 Sept 1766 at Philadelphia, Pa on
ship Chance, Charles Smith, Master, from
(1890), p 475
page -28-
Johannes Kister
ship Brittania, Alexander Hardy, Master, from
Rotterdam, last from Portsmouth
(same information as above, except for
Johannes Kistner)
Joseph Castor age 46
arrived 1767 St Pierre & Miquelon, Canada
"Familles Acadiennes Qui Sont Maintenant aux
Iles St Pierre et Miquelon Suivant le Recensement d'Icelles, Fait le 15 Mai 1767" by
Placide Gaudet Report Concerning Canadian
Archives 2:3, Appendix G. Ottawa (1905), p 174
Johannes Kuster
(1890), p 485
Johannes Gerster
wife Anna C Hanhardt
dau age 3 years
child: Johannes
arrived 1771 Carolina and/or Pa
Century to the American Colonies Vol 2
(1925), p 176
Jacob Kuster
arrived 24 Dec 1772 at Philadelphia, Pa on
Brig Morton Star, Georg Demster, Master, from
arrived 24 Dec 1772 at Philadelphia, on Brig
Morning Star, George Demster, Master,from
(1890), p 504
Nicholas Peter Coster
"Record of Indentures of Individuals Bound
out as Apprentices, Servants, Etc and of
page -29-
German & other Redemptioners in the Office
of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia,
Oct 3, 1771 to Oct 5, 1773" The Pa German
Society Prodceedings & Addresses Vol 16
(1905), p 312
William Coster
English Convicts in Colonial America Peter
Wilson Coldham, Vol I (1974), p 64
Joshua Coster
English Convicts in Colonial America Peter
Wilson Coldham, Vol I (1974), p 64
Christoph Kester
arrived 1782 in New York, New York
"Muster Rolls and Prisoner-of-War Lists in
American Archival Collections Pertaining to
the German Mercenary Troops Who Served with
the British Forces During the American Revolution" German-American Genealogical
Monograph No 3 by Clifford Neal Smith (197476), p 136
Friedrich Kuester
arrived 1782 in New York, New York
"Muster Rolls and Prisoner-of-War Lists in
American Archival Collections Pertaining to
the German Mercenary Troops Who Served with
the British Forces During the American Revolution" German-American Genealogical
Monograph No 3 by Clifford Neal Smith (197476), p 144
Henry A Coster
arrived 1784 at New York State
"Excerpts from 'Laws of the State of New
York' Vol I Albany 1886 - " Tree Talks
3:3 (Sept 1963), p 77
Hans Gerster
Hans Jacob Gerster
arrived 1792 at Carolina and/or Pa
Century to the American Colonies Vol 2
(1925), p 204
John Gerster
Jacob Gerster
It
Tf
It
page -30-
f
If
Century to the American Colonies Iria 2
(1925), p 204
John Gerster
Jacob Gerster
II
ff
IT
ff
t1
"List of Foriegners Who Arrived at Philadelphia 1791-1792" by Luther R Kelker The
Pennsylvania Magazine of History & Biography
24:3 (1900), p 338
John Gerster
Jacob Gerster
If
It
It
It
I/
TI
ship Columbia, Capt Wm Maley
Emigrants to Pa, :1641-1819: A Consolidation
of Ship Passenger Lists from "The Pennsylvania Magazine of History & Biography Michael
Tepper, ed (1978), p 252
Anne Catherine
Kosters
arrived 9 Feb 1793 at Philadelphia, Pa
on Brig Union
(1890), p 537
Christian Friedrich
Ludwig Kuster
Morris Custard
arrived 7 July 1795 at Philadelphia
on Concord from Hamburg
naturalized 1798 in Mississippi
Index to Naturalization Records, Mississippi
Courts, 1798-1906 Jackson, Miss (1942), p 192
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
GEORGE ARMSTRONG' CUSTER
An interesting article appeared in the National Geographic
Volume 170, No. 6, December 1986, pp 787-813, entitled "Ghosts on the
Little Bighorn, Custer and the warriors of the plains" by Robert Paul
Jordan.
page -31-
HENRY AND ELIZABETH (BURKETT) CUSTER
by Darlene Dickinson Hanson
RR #1, Box 65, Kirkman, Iowa 51447
Henry Custer born 22 April 1807 in Ashe County, North Carolina,
son of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Miller) Custer [John (4), Nicholas (3),
Arnold (2), Paulus (1)]. At the age of fourteen, he went to Virginia and
then to Clermont County, Ohio.
From there he went to Laudiam, Putnam
County, Indiana.
Henry married 18 June 1829 Elizabeth Burkett in Putnam
County, Indiana.
Elizabeth was born 26 February 1808 near Salem, North
Carolina, daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Hyre) Burkett. Soon after
their marriage, they moved to Fountain County, Indiana, opened up a farm
and remained there for sixteen years. While living in Fountain County,
Henry made two trips to New Orleans with flat boats, but suffered
financial losses.
In May 1852, they located in southwestern Missouri. Traveling
from Indiana to Missouri was difficult. They had to go to St Louis to
cross the Mississippi River. There were not many marked roads to travel
and they had to hunt their way of travel. For food during their trip,
they relied on wild life meat to supplement the staple food items they
had brought with them.
From the age of ten, Henry had used the rifle
with great accuracy.
He was a lover of hunting and a great sportsman.
They brought seeds and a plow with them. They made the journey with
horses and oxen, fording streams and picking their way across the
country.
They did not like southwestern Missouri. Letters from friends
in Iowa encouraged them to settle in Iowa. In October 1852, they arrived
in Mills County, Iowa, and settled in Shelby County, Iowa in the spring
of 1853.
At that time, Shelby County was occupied by only a few hardy
pioneers, and was a prairie nearly unexplored.
In March 1853, Henry bought 360 acres of government land in
section 3 of what is now Fairview Township. Henry erected a loghouse,
assisted by his son, Rudy, and son-in-law, Leander Hack, who had settled
two miles south of Henry in the fall of 1852. Henry and his sons broke
the prairie sod with teams of oxen.
The winter of 1857 was so severe and the roads and streams were
impassable, that they were unable to get to the mill for flour. The mill
was located 55 miles away at what is now Council Bluffs, Iowa. As their
breadstuff gave out, they ground ten bushels of buckwheat in their coffee
mill.
They had 300 bushels of wheat in the granery, but until it was
ground to flour, it was not usable.
Later, as the farm was developed and other improvements made in
the area, they were able to replace the loghouse with a substantial frame
dwelling.
Henry and Elizabeth lived out their days in this new frame
dwelling. The log cabin was torn down and moved away in 1890.
In May 1860, Henry and a fellow pioneer, William McGinnis, went
to Pikes Peak in Colorado with a team of oxen and a wagon. They joined
They each provided half of the
the rush to gold at Pikes Peak.
One night, on the way home in the fall, they stopped
provisions needed.
Henry took the gun and went to find food. When he
to make camp.
returned, he found his partner had left with everything! Henry followed
the trail and did catch up with him. After that, Henry never left sight
of McGinnis, and Henry always slept with his gun at his side.
On 5 May 1860, Henry and Elizabeth conveyed one acre of land in
section 3 to the district township of Rounds for the purpose of a school.
On this land was erected one of the earliest school houses in Shelby
County.
Henry was a small man. He was a consultant and helped people who
During the early days when the
Elizabeth was a midwife.
were ill.
page -32-
county was sparsely populated, friend or stranger could count on an
equally cordial welcome at the Custer home. Their religion was Dunker
(Church of the Brethren). The church was located about two miles east of
Harlan.
Elizabeth wore a black bonnet to church and a little white cap
at home.
Henry's education in books was limited, but he possessed some
of the most lofty and amiable traits of character. Strictly honest and
truthful, charitable and having a large and generous heart. He was a
loving husband and parent, a firm and true friend, a kind neighbor, and a
patriotic citizen.
Two of his sons, Henry, Jr and Jonathan, entered the
Union Army.
Jonathan died 20 February 1863 at Helena, Arkansas of red
measles.
Poltically, Henry was an old line Whig until the Republican
Party was organized, of which he became an ardent member.
While taking wheat to the mill at Council Bluffs to exchange for
flour, Henry slipped and broke his leg. After complications set in,
Henry died 28 August 1885 at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 6 days.
He was buried on his farm in Fairview Township. After Henry's death,
Elizabeth made her home with her youngest son, Benton, on the adjoining
farm.
Elizabeth died 27 October 1888 at the age of 82 years, and was
buried beside her husband.
Their children:
1. John Custer born 11 May 1830 in Indiana; died 14 may 1830.
2. Rudolf Custer born 12 June 1831 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 1
May 1859 Jane Abernathy in Shelby County, Iowa; died 27 November 1899,
buried at Fairview Township Cemetery, Shelby County, Iowa.
3. Mary Ann Custer born 9 October 1833 in Fountain County, Indiana; died
18 February 1834.
4. Elizabeth Custer born 13 March 1836 in Fountain County, Indiana;
married 22 September 1850 Leander Hack; died 14 May 1904, buried at
Marsland Cemetery, Marsland, Nebraska.
5. Benjamin Custer born 23 June 1837 in Fountain County, Indiana; married
29 March 1858 Sarah Elizabeth Teague in Shelby County, Iowa, married 19
February 1870 Catherine Turpin Moore; died 11 April 1919 at Herman,
Nebraska, buried at Pender Cemetery, Pender, Nebraska.
6. Twin to Benjamin died at birth.
7. Jonathan Custer born 27 October 1839 in Fountain County, Indiana; did
not marry, enlisted in Co A, 29th Regiment of Iowa Infantry, Union Army
at Harlan, Iowa; died 20 February 1863 at Helena, Arkansas.
8. Abraham Custer born 29 April 1842 in Fountain County, Indiana; married
28 March 1861 Angeline Roberts in Shelby County, Iowa, married second
Matilda Rickles; died 20 May 1927 at Naper, Boyd County, Nebraska.
9. Henry Custer, Jr born 26 May 1844 in Fountain County, Indiana; married
22 January 1865 Catherine Wright in Shelby County, Iowa; died 9 October
1926.
10. Catherine Custer born 21 January 1847 in Fountain County, Indiana;
married 11 June 1863 Lewis Waterbury in Shelby County, Iowa; died 13
September 1875, buried at Fairview Cemetery, Shelby County, Iowa.
11. Caroline Custer born 27 September 1849 in Fountain County, Indiana;
married 22 November 1866 Louis Shaffer; died 29 June 1936, buried at
Fairview Cemetery, Shelby County, Iowa.
12. Benton Clemons Custer born 14 February 1852 in Fountain County,
Indiana; married 1 January 1879 Laura Alice McGee at Oakland, Iowa; died
18 September 1937 at Harlan, Iowa, buried at Harlan Cemetery.
Sources:
History of Shelby County, Iowa (1889)
obituary of Henry Custer, Sr
The Plumb Tree by Eda Inez Custer Plumb
early Harlan, Iowa newspapers, family Bible records, & military records
* * *
* * * * * * * * * *
page -33-
CASTOR LOOKS BACK ON YEARS IN OTSEGO
by Liz Chamberlain
reprinted by permission of Zanesville (Ohio) Times Recorder
Pansy Castor, a long-time member of the New Concord community, is
a lady whose appearance and demeanor suggest to an observer that she is
much younger than her 88 years. Mrs Castor resides at the beautifully
appointed Helen Purcell Home in Zanesville. The view from her window is
She says she loves to watch the
picturesque with huge oak trees.
squirrels at play in the trees.
Pansy Lera McCall was born in Monroe Township. Her grandfather,
Mose McCall, and family lived in a house which stood on the Methodist
church parking lot site.
Her parents were Mr and Mrs R 0 McCall. She
had one sister, now deceased, and one brother, Rollin, former owner of
the dry cleaning shop in New Concord. Rollin and his wife live in New
Concord.
Pansy spent the early years of her life in Zanesville where she
attended Grant and Garfield schools. After the death of her mother, when
Pansy was nine years old, McCall moved the family back to Monroe
Township.
After several
Pansy then attended Upper Buker's School.
years, McCall remarried and the family again became Zanesville residents.
McCall worked for the Zanesville Rapid Transit which ran the streetcars
and later, on the buses.
Pansy attended Zanesville High School where her activities were
music oriented. Other activities were roller skating on sidewalks in the
summer and sledding in winter. After graduation in 1916, she worked as a
bookkeeper and typist for Ohio Fuel Gas Co where she remained until she
married Walter Castor in 1920.
Pansy and Walter had known each other since childhood. Their
families were friends and visited frequently. As teenagers, they would
see each other when Pansy visited her grandparents, but they never really
Walter went to the Army, serving with the occupation forces in
dated.
France and Germany after World War I. In August 1919, after his return
home, Walter was in Zanesville one day where he and Pansy happened to
Pansy said, "Each of us knew that was it." They
meet on the street.
were married January 1, 1920.
"Walter wanted to be free and be a farmer," said Pansy. They
bought a farm near Otsego and lived there for 20 years. Looking back,
Pansy remembers, "It was hard work, but raising a family there was nice."
The Castors did general farming, raising cattle, sheep, hogs and
During the Depression, eggs were 10 cents a dozen. "We ate
chickens.
lots of eggs and chicken," said Pansy. She canned most of their food
from the garden and farm animals.
Three children were born to Pansy and Walter Castor. Donald,
born in 1922, lives in New Concord and is proprietor of Zansville
Pottery. Bryce, born in 1924, lives in Fullerton, California. He
recently retired as manager of Metal Goods Steel Co. Janice Castor
Heston, born in 1926, lives in Columbus. There are eight grandchildren
and six great-grandchildren.
Speaking about life in Otsego, Pansy recalls, "Even though we
worked hard, we had lots of fun. The Otsego boys grew up with a baseball
in their hands and always had a good time. My husband was a catcher, so
no matter if the corn needed hoeing or hay needed harvesting, Saturday
afternoon we went to the game. There were no bleachers, so we sat on our
There was an unwritten law of no games on
blankets on the ground.
Sunday." On Sundays the Castors attended the Baptist Church where Pansy
played piano for 14 years.
page -34-
There were many relatives in the Otsego area which made social
activities frequent and numerous.
Pansy remembers, "Our farm touched
three other Castor farms -- an uncle's and two cousins'. We spent many a
long winter evening getting together with our children (a total of seven)
playing cards and eating. At one time, someone remarked that the Castors
and sparrows were taking Monroe Township."
Grange was another family activity and the winter months were
spent rehearsing a three-act play, "Practicing was a riot, but by
Memorial Day evening we were ready to present it to the public," said
Pansy.
Otsego School functions were central with the family. Both boys
were on the basketball team while they were in high school there. During
those years, Pansy became an active participant in Eastern Star at
Adamsville.
She continued her involvement in the organization to the
present.
In 1940, the Castor family moved to New Concord, Ohio, to embark
upon a new endeavor and different way of life. They opened Castor
Hardware in the building now occupied by Handschy-Graham-Taylor
Insurance.
Donald was a young man by that time. Bryce and Janice
attended New Concord Hich School where Bryce played basketball and Janice
enjoyed musical groups.
All children attended Muskingum College. The
two sons were in the military service during World War II. Bryce
finished his college education after the war and, upon graduation, took a
job in Denver, Colorado. Donald worked with his father at the store.
The family's first residence in New Concord was on the corner of
Montgomery Boulevard and Friendship Drive (then called Bloomfield Road).
In 1960, they built the house directly across the highway. Later, they
built another home two lots south of the Grange Hall. They had an acre
of ground and "could see around," said Pansy.
After a time, the hardware business would not support two
families, so Walter and Donald decided to buy the Zanesville Pottery.
Donald had become interested in the pottery business and liked it. The
store was located in the brick building on the north side of Route 40,
The business flourished, but following
just west of Baker's Motel.
construction of the freeway, the family located west of Norwich. A few
years ago, Donald and his wife, Jane, also opened the White Pillars
Christmas House on Route 40. Their son and daughter are now associated
with the business.
Pansy looks back over a busy life filled with a variety of
While the family lived in Otsego, she became a member and
activities.
served as president of the Extension Homemaker's Club. In 1936, she
attended the Farm Women of the World convention in Washington, DC with
5,000 women from many countries, some dressed in native costume. One of
the major events was a tea party on the White House lawn. She remembers
President Roosevelt greeting them from the portico.
After the move to Concord, the Castors were quickly absorbed into
"There were lots of activity when the children were in
the community.
school," said Pansy. They joined College Drive Presbyterian Church where
Pansy served on the flower committee, sang in the choir and, for a time,
was chairman of a circle. She was also president of the Garden Club and
the American Legion Auxiliary. "The auxiliary was an active group," she
During the war years, women of many organizations made scarves for
said.
and sent boxes of food to servicemen. Pansy became deeply involved with
her Eastern Star work in New Concord. She held 12 of the 16 offices in
the lodge and was secretary of the district in 1950. Walter joined the
"We felt it was important to be
lodge so they could be together.
together, especially when the boys were in the service," she said.
Walter was patron seven times, serving as Pansy's patron three times.
"During those years, we traveled widely and made a host of
page -35-
When they visited son, Bryce, and family in
friends," said Pansy.
Colorado, Pansy recalls, "I was fascinated by God's creation of
mountains, valleys, lakes, waterfalls and clear trout streams." They
went on a number of tours in the eastern United States and Canada. "It
was so enjoyable," she said.
Pansy remembers the New Concord trains: "I loved to hear the
train whistles.
You could hear the trains at night. One which went to
Norwich had to go up a grade. Sometimes, it would get stuck and another
engine would have to come to pull it up. The retired men always went to
the station to see who got on and off the train."
Not long after her husband's death in 1978, Pansy moved to
Evergreen Village.
In September 1985, she moved to the Helen Purcell
Home, Zanesville.
"There isn't any place I know of that one could like
as well as this," she said. "We are well entertained." Pansy enjoys
listening to music groups who perform and particiates in activities in
the craft room and organized games. Her hobby had been sewing, but Pansy
said her eyes and arthritis interfere. Now, she enjoys playing bingo
twice a week.
It is apparent that Pansy Castor has had the ability to adjust
comfortably to each phase of her many-faceted life. Of one outstanding
memory, she reflects, "We were so happy at the pottery."
"I feel I've had a pretty good life," she said. Pansy's
expression shows that she is also eagerly looking forward to tomorrow.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
MILITARY
RECORDS
Owen Perkins of Royal Oak, Michigan recently obtained the pension
records of Albert H Caster, Theodore Castor, and Timothy Caster from the
National Archives. Owen made a copy of these records and sent them to us
for our files.
Thanks very much, Owen, for your thoughtfulness. Owen
suggested that we list the military records that we now have, and this
list does follow.
Any one desiring a copy of any of these records may
have them for the cost of copying and postage. This will be less costly
and quicker than requesting the records from the National Archives.
In the December 1985 and March 1986 issues of the News-Caster, we
listed the military pension files Caster/Castor/Custer/Kester personnel
in the period 1861-1916 that are available from the National Archives.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Jacob Castor
John Castor/Castorer
Vincent Castor
Sgt Benjamin Custard
George Custard
Jacob Custard
Jacob Custard
John Custard
Joseph Kester
Peter Keister
Jacob Kuster
Penns Militia, Lower Mt Bethel Twp
of Northampton Co
New York Militia
Maryland Line
New York Militia
13th Virginia Regiment
Penn Militia, Lehigh Water Gap of
Northampton Co
Rockingham Co, Virginia
9th Virginia Regiment
Rockingham Co, Virginia
Northumberland Co, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Troops, Northampton Co, Pa
page -36-
WAR OF 1812
George Caster
John Castor
William Castor
William Castor
William W Custard
Conrad Custer
Benjamin Kaster
Penn Militia - Butler County
Ohio Militia
Vermont Militia
Ohio Militia - Preble County
New York Militia
Kentucky Militia
Penn Militia
CIVIL WAR
Albert H Caster
Benjamin Caster
Charles W Caster
Daniel Caster
Daniel H Caster (Sgt)
Jackson Caster (Capt)
(Samuel B J Caster)
James M Caster
John Franklin Caster
Lewis Caster
Co - 10 Mich Cav
Co F - 68 Ind Inf
Co
- 100 Ind Inf
Co - 194 Ohio Inf
Co a
H - 5 Ks Cav
Co
- 40 Ind Inf
Co
- 40th Ind Inf
Co B - 72 Ind Inf
Co A - 10 Mo Inf
Co
. 64 Ill Inf
Miles Caster
Co G •
, 11 Ind Inf
Perry W Caster
Co C - 40 Ind Inf
Robert Caster
Co F - 68 Ind Inf
Stephen L Caster
Co I - 85 Iii Inf
Theodore Caster
Co
- 191 Ohio Inf
Timothy Caster
Co K - 3 Mich Inf
William Caster
- 68 Ind Inf
Co
William A Caster
Co C - 75 Ohio Inf
Andrew J Castor
Co C - 149 Pa Inf
Conrad Castor
Co K - 26 Ky Inf
Crawford Castor
Co B - 1 Mo Cav
Daniel Castor
Co F - 20 NC Inf (CSA)
Francis L Castor
Co I - 6 Pa H A
George W Castor
Co I - 75 Ind Inf
(alias Washington Avery)
Henry A Castor
Co C - 57 NC Inf (CSA)
Henry H Castor
Co A - 9 Ill Cav
(CSA)
Henry M Castor
Co K - 4 NC Inf
Jacob Castor
Co I - 64 Ohio Inf
Jacob F Castor
Co C - 57 NC Inf (CSA)
James W Castor
Co B - 18 Iowa Inf
Co
John Castor (Sgt)
- 123 Ind Inf
John A Castor
Co K - 4 NC Inf
(CSA)
John H Castor (Capt)
Co A, F & G - 102 Ohio Int
John W Castor (Cpl)
Co G - 33 Mo Inf
Co D - 13 Iowa Inf
Lewis Castor
Co B - 1 Ind H A
Lewis H Castor
Co H - 5 Ks Cav
Noah Castor
Co D - 123 Pa Inf
Samuel Castor
Co I - 5 Mich Inf
Theodore Castor
Co D - 123 Ind Inf
Thompson Castor
William M Castor
Co B - 4 Pa Cav
(alias John Musser)
Co B - 126 Iii Inf
William S Castor
Co B - 18 Iowa Inf
William V Castor
page -37-
Elkanah Custard
gilliam W Custard
Benjamin Kaster
Enoch Kaster
Hiram Kaster
Isaac Kaster
Reuben Kaster
Sealy Kaster
Co
Co
Co
Co
Co
Co
Co
Co
A
A
B
G
F
C
K
K
- 91 NY Inf
- 91 NY Inf
- 107 Pa Inf
- 6 Iowa Cav
& G - 13 Iowa Inf
- 15 Ky Inf
- 19 Iowa Inf
- 150 Pa Inf
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Most people searching for Quaker records are referred to William
Hinshaw's Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy which is extracted
mainly from meeting records found at Swathmore College, Swathmore,
Pennsylvania and Guilford College, Guilford, North Carolina. The
encyclopedia consists of six volumes:
Volume I
-- the Carolinas
Volume II -- Philadelphia, Pa; Salem and Burlington, New Jersey
Volume III -- New York City and Long Island
Volumes IV & V -- Ohio
Volume VI -- Virginia
Hinshaw, however, did not finish his encyclopedia before his death.
Willard Heiss of Indianapolis, through the Indiana Historical Society,
published some of the Indiana and Illinois meetings from Hinshaw's
unpublished notes.
Heiss compiled six volumes of Indiana records.
Volumes I and II of Heiss comprise Volume VII of the encyclopedia. Roger
Boone published a book of corrections and additions to Heiss' Indiana
meetings.
The genealogist may ask, "Are these all the meeting records that
All the
This is probably true for North Carolina.
still exist?"
holdings at Guilford College were published in Hinshaw's encyclopedia.
There were many more meetings that existed in North Carolina, but their
records are now presumed lost. But there are many other Quaker meeting
records still available that are not recorded in the seven volumes of
Hinshaw's encyclopedia.
After William Hinshaw died, his widow donated his notebooks to
She paid to have the
Swathmore College where they were microfilmed.
records placed on cards and alphabetically filed by meetings, using the
same format found in the encyclopedia. This file is known as THE QUAKER
It includes meeting records as far west as Iowa, Oklahome,
INDEX.
Nebraska, and Colorado. Willard Heiss used this index to make typescript
copies of the records, and placed these in the lending library of his
When the library was discontinued the typescripts were
daughter-in-law.
placed in storage. About four years ago, Friends University in Wichita,
Kansas (they also hold the meeting records under the Kansas Yearly
Meeting) paid a substantial sum to obtain these records for their Quaker
collection in the Edmund Stanley Library. Another copy of these
typescripts is at the Allen County Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Also,
THE QUAKER INDEX has been filmed by the LDS Church and an index by
surname is available on microfilm number 0002,148.
page -38-
Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania hold some other
Pennsylvania meeting records and has reciprocated with Swathmore College
so that now each college holds a full set of Pennsylvania records, as
well as records from other states.
Another major source of Quaker records is the Hall of Records,
Annapolis, Maryland. They hold the records on microfilm which were under
the Baltimore Yearly Meeting, the Virginia Yearly Meeting and a few under
the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Generally, these include all the
Delaware meetings, Maryland meetings (including the eastern shore
meetings under the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting), most of the Virginia
meetings, all meetings located in what is now West Virginia, meetings in
southeastern and central Pennsylvania, and a few meetings from Ohio,
Indiana and Iowa. The records for southwestern Pennsylvania (originally
under the Baltimore Yearly Meeeting) are now at Swathmore College and are
believed not to be included in THE QUAKER INDEX.
A few meeting records, such as Hopewell Meeting in Virginia and
Kingwood Meeting in New Jersey, have been published separately. New York
meeting records not found in Hinshaw may be at the New York Yearly
Meeting Records Room, 221 East 15th Street, New York, New York 10003.
New England meeting records may be found at the New England Quaker
Research Library, P 0 Box 655, North Amherst, Massachusetts 01059.
Meetings in Upper Canada (Ontario) were formed from migrations of
Records exist for a few of these meetings and
people from the States.
are in the Archives of the Society of Friends, Friends Meeting House, 60
They publish the Canadian Quaker
Lowther Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.
The Ontario Archives in Toronto microfilmed these
History Newsletter.
records and they are available to the researcher in their reading room.
The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario also has some of the
meeting records.
Most of the meeting records mentioned above have been microfilmed
by the LDS Church and are in the Genealogical Library in Salt Lake City.
They can be rented through branch LDS libraries throughout the United
States by consulting the GLC (microfische catalog of holdings) at any of
Be sure to check under location headings as well
the branch libraries.
as "church records - Quaker."
A national society for Descendants of Early Quakers has recently
Among the charter members are two people who are descended
been formed.
Membership information may be obtained from the
from Johannes Kester.
national corresponding clerk, Miss Bonita Dell Miller, 3040 East 2nd
Street #11, Long Beach, California 90803.
Another source of Quaker family material is The Quaker Yeoman, a
quarterly published by James E Bellarts, Brookside Business Consultants,
Inc, 2330 S E Brookwood, Suite 108, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123.
Willard Heiss is working on the Handbook for Historians and
Genealogists for Quaker Research in the United States and Canada. This
is one of his retirement projects and will be a major contribution to
genealogical research.
Sources:
Genealogy, A Publication of the Family History Section of the Indiana
page -39-
Historical Society Willard Heiss, editor, No 76 (April 1983).
Quaker Genealogy at Friends University (pamphlet).
A History of the Mennonites in Ontario L J Burkholder, pp 251-257.
Quaker Records in Maryland Phebe R Jacobsen.
North Carolina Genealogical Reference pp 480-481 (good map of meeting
locations on page 481).
Guide to Research in Quaker Records in the Midwest Willard Heiss.
The Genealogical Helper December 1960, "Major Repostitories in the US"
Fred Tolles and Lyman Riley.
Genealogical Research: Methods and Sources American Society of
Genealogists, Volume 1, page 213.
In Search of Your Roots, A Guide for Canadians Seeking Their
Ancestors Angus Baxter, pp 40-41, 103-104.
New York State Area Key Florence Clint, pp 98-100.
A List of All the Friends Meetings in Indiana Willard Heiss.
Inventory of Church Archives, Society of Friends in Pennsylvania,
Pennsylvania Historical Survey WPA.
A History of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Canada Arthur Dorland
New York City Church Archives Society of Friends John Cox, Jr, New
York Historical Survey (WPA)
National Society Decendants of Early Quakers Charter Membership
Booklet
*************
September 1986 News-Caster, page 45. We list the books that have been
Rules and Instructions
please request additional time -- if no one has requested the item, then
additional time will be granted.
2. When returning the item, mail 4th class rate or book rate, and please
insure.
of postage plus $.50 to cover mailing material and incidentals.
3. No more than two items shall be borrowed at one time.
The Dyer Settlement - The Fort Seybert Massacre by Mary Lee Keister
Talbot (1937) 64 pp
Indiana Genealogical Resources & Library Survey by Jean M White, 141 pp
The Odyssey of Johann Castor - A Genealogy of the Kastor Family by Robert
H Peterson (1972), 57 pp
National Geographic Vol 170, No 6, December 1986, "Ghosts on the Little
Bighorn" by Robert Paul Jordan. Twenty-six pages of recent findings at
page -40-
the battle site.
Record of the Castor-McDonald Reunion 1909-1941, Hamilton County, Indiana
facsimile made and donated by Beatrice C Harper (1987), 71 pp
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
QUERIES
***
Seeking information about the parents of James Porter. James
married Rachel Daniels in Grayson County, Virginia on 14 August 1823. Is
Joseph Porter of Wilkesboro area of North Carolina the father of James?
Anyone having information please contact Harold L Porter, P 0 Box 1270,
Ceredo, West Virginia 25507
***
Would like to contact any descendants of Henry Keister
(1803-1882) and John Keister (1795-1863). Both were born in Pennsylvania
(probably in Northumberland County). John (and perhaps Henry did, too)
lived in Montgomery County, Ohio for a period, then both settled in
Warren County, Indiana. Please write to Mrs Ruth Doutt Ingertson, 3336-A
Rowena Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90027-2932
***
Searching for Dwight L Kaster who served in the 413th Signal
Company in the U S Armed Forces in Okinawa in 1945. The 413th Signal
Company is planning a reunion, and want to contact Dwight L Kaster. Army
records show Dwight's next of kin residing in Lincoln, Nebraska and Los
Angeles, California.
Anyone having information please contact Colangelo
"Coe" Forino, 472 Nova Scotia Hill Road, Watertown, Connecticut 06795
***
Interested in George Custer of East Donegal Township, Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania, late 1700s to early 1800s.
Did three of his
daughters marry Hackenberger brothers?
(Anne Custer married Abraham
Hackenberger, Mary Custer married Samuel Hackenberger, Elizabeth Custer
married Peter Hackenberger). Please contact Roberta Monk Holsclaw, 7472
Mount Sherman Road, Longmont, Colorado 80501
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
KASTER
KLIPPINGS
***
Mr & Mrs Joe I Castor of Lapel, Indiana celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary 1 December 1986. Mr Castor and the
former Frances Louise Gatewood were married
1936 in the country home of Arza Stern with
the Rev 0 F Lydy officiating. Mr Castor is
the son of the late Ernest M and Rose (McDole) Castor. They have one daughter, Nancy
Burris and two grandchildren.
***
Robert Alonzo "Lonnie" Castor died 18
February 1987 in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, aged 65.
Robert served in the US Coast Guard during
World War II. Robert was the son of the
late Rev Thomas Edward Castor of Wichita.
* * *
* * * * * * * * * *
page -41-
Joe & Frances Castor
THE FAMILY OF LEONARD AND MARIA CATHERINE (KERES) KESTER
This is a follow-up to the article that appeared in the December
1986 News-Caster pp 65-70.
We have recently received a brief research
report from the Northampton County Historical Society in Easton,
Pennsylvania.
They have found a baptismal record of still another child
of Leonard and Catherine Kester.
On page 13 of the records of the
Reformed Church of Upper Mount Bethel Township the baptism of Sarah,
child of Leonard Koster and Catharine, is noted having occurred 6
September 1778, birth 8 August 1778, sponsors were Jacob Reimel and
Sarah.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
SOME NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CEMETERY READINGS
by A Gordon Carter, 626 Humber Road
Peterbourough, Ontario K9J 1H3, Canada
The following readings were made 24 October 1986 in Northampton
County, Pennsylvania.
Lower Mount Bethel Township has two cemeteries of
interest.
One is the Good Sheperd Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Across the highway from it is a very large cemetery, and it is called
Three Church Hill Cemetery, or by some simply Church Hill Cemetery.
The Good Sheperd Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery has the
following stones:
Christianna Kester died Nov 15, 1867
aged 81 years
Aaron Kester born March 1816, died Jan 5 1843
aged 27 years
We have not identified the lineage of these Kesters.
Three Hill Church Cemetery has the following stones which are
identified with the family of Adam and Anna Christiana (Kester) Teel.
Anna Christina Kester was a daughter of John Michael Kuster (see page 70,
December 1986 News-Caster).
Sacred to the memory of
Christiana Teel
consort of Adam Teel
who was born March 12 AD 1765
and departed this life April 10 1838
aged 73 years 29 days
Adam Teel
who was born April 12 1760
and departed this life
February 26, 1840
aged 79 yrs 10 months
and 14 days
Sarah Teel
daughter of
Adam and Christina Teel
who was born
Feb 2nd 1797
and departed this life
December 11, 1838
aged 41 years 10 months and 22 days
William
son of George and Elizabeth Teel
born Sept 14, 1835
died July 7, 1851
aged 15 years 9 months 20 days
Isaac B Teel
born Jan 26, 1831
died Apr 23, 1858
aged 27 years 2 months 28 days
page -42-
George Teel
1802-1861
[stone is flat, partially buried]
George E & Katie
Teel
May 18 18(2?)4
In memory of
Elizabeth
wife of George Teel
born June 1(7?) 1813
died Aug 16 1859
aged 46 years 2 months
During the search for information
from these tombstones, I found that several
had been dusted with chalk so that they
might be read more readily or accurately.
Others had been defaced by orange spray
paint to depict jack-o-lanterns (Halloween
was just a week away). Transverse lighting can produce a better image and gets results without defacing the stones, and does
not encourage further vandalism.
The object of the technique is to
cast the main face of the stone in shadow
and then shine a strong light across the
face at a very low angle so that shadows
are formed in the carved depressions. At
one short interval each day, the sun may
do this naturally, however waiting all day
to get the picture is time consuming and
it would take weeks to cover an entire
cemetery.
When the sun is behind the stone,
a mirror can be placed to reflect the sunlight across the face of the stone. When
the sun is shinning on the face of the
stone, a large screen such as a tarpaulin
can be held by an associate while the mirror is used to bring the reflected sunlight onto the stone face.
When the day is overcast, one of the high powered portable
flashlights that are now available can do the job, but not as well as the
For the very intrepid, the flashlight works very well in the
sunlight.
dark!
Marcile Bates of Santa Rosa, California has provided additional
information about the Adam and Christina (Kester) Teel family.
Anna Christina Kester born 23 April 1762, daughter of John
Michael and Eva Barbara Kuster (tombstone gives date of birth as 12 March
Christiana married Adam Teel/Diel/Thiel. Adam was born 12 April
1765).
Adam was affluent, and wrote with a beautiful hand. They lived in
1760.
Lower Mount Bethel Township of Northampton County, Pa. Christina died 10
April 1838, aged 73 years and 29 days. Adam died 26 February 1840 aged
79 years 10 months and 14 days. They were buried at Three Church Hill
Cemetery, Lower Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pa.
Their children:
1. Frederick Teel born 24 May 1784; married Eva Galp; died 27 May 1852.
2. John Teel born 1786; married Marie.
3. Elizabeth Teel born 25 September 1788 in Lower Mount Bethel Township;
married 8 May 1808 Peter Gruber at the First Reformed Church, Easton, Pa;
page -43-
died 27 March 1862 in Center Township, Butler Co, Pa, buried at Zions
Cemetery on Route 68 near Petersville, Butler County, Pa.
4. Michael Teel born 10 November 1790; married 19 March 1818 Margaret
Emrod in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa; died 13 January
1831.
5. Jacob Teel married Elizabeth
6. Nicholas Teel born 23 November 1794; possibly ill or handicaped.
7. Sarah "Sally" Teel born 2 February 1797; died 11 December 1838, buried
at Three Church Hill Cemetery.
8. Barbara Teel born 5 September 1799; married Peter Holland.
9. George Teel born 27 October 1802; married 2 May 1829 Elizabeth Bowers;
died 1861, buried at Three Church Hill Cemetery.
10. Leonard Teel born 20 October 1805; died 28 January 1833, buried at St
Peter's Reformed Church, Northampton County, Pa.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
FAMOUS
COUSINS
Sometimes we learn of a prominent Custer,
Caster, or Kester -- from the past or
present. If you know of some others,
let us know.
***
CECIL WILLIAM CASTOR, Jr, born 9 October 1925 in Detroit,
Michigan, son of Cecil W and Odessa (Pratt) Castor. Cecil married 28
August 1948 Virginia Scott, they have three children and live in Ann
Arbor, Michigan. He earned his Doctorate in Medicne at the University of
Michigan in 1951, and recieved his diploma in Internal Medicine in 1958.
From 1955 to 1967, he advanced from instructor to associate professor of
internal medicine, and was named Professor of Internal Medicine at
University of Michigan Medical School in 1967. His research has been in
the field of rheumatology, and has received numerous awards, among them:
Institute of Geigy Rheumatism Award, 15th International Congress
Rheumatol France 1981; and Fellow American College of Physicians. [from
American Men & Women of Science Vol II, 15th edition (1982), p 97]
***
HERMAN CECIL CUSTARD, born 19 August 1929 at Cleburne, Texas. He
married in 1955 and has three children. He received at Baylor University
a BS degree in Chemitry in 1957, and a PhD degree in 1962. He joined the
Mobil Research and Development Corporation in 1962. His field of study
has been dipole moments, electrochemistry of membrane systems, an
physical chemistry of electolytic solutions. He lives in Dallas, Texas.
[from American Men & Women of Science Vol II, 15th edition (1982), p 468]
***
ROY BERNARD KESTER, educator, born Cameron, Missouri 11 September
1882, son of Julius B and Jessie M (Corn) Kester. He earned AB degree at
Missouri Wesleyan College 1902, studied at Colorado College, Colorado
Springs 1906, studied at University of Chicago 1907, earned BCS degree at
University of Denver 1911 and MA degree 1912, earned PhD degree at
Columbia 1919, received LLD degree at Baker University 1941. He married
Isadora S Van Gilder (died 1918) - daughter Nancy; married second 1929
Instructor of mathematics Missouri Wesleyan Academy and
Edith Case.
College 1902-1905; taught East Denver High School and University of
Denver 1907-1915; was with Columbia University School of Business 1915--,
professor accounting 1922-1949, professor emeritus 1948-1965. Part time
public accounting practice in Denver 1911-1915, admitted to practice as
CPA 1914, consulting accountant since 1917, in charge of research and
page -44-
publications for National Association of Cost Accountants 1925-1928.
Member Colorado State Board CPA 1914-1915, president 1915. President of
American Accounting Association 1925, etc. Republican. Episcopalian.
Mason (Shriner). Columbia University Club. Men's Faculty Club of
Columbia University.
Author: Principles of Accounting 1917-1939;
Advanced Accounting 1918-1947; Accounting Applications in Business and
Industry 1921; (with S B Koopman) Fundamentals of Accounting, 2 volumes
1921, 1923.
Home: Tubbs Spring Drive, Weston, Connecticut. Died 21
October 1965. [from Who Was Who in America 1961-1968 Vol 4 (1968), pp
524-525]
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
JOHN G KESTER ASKS, "TOO MANY LAWYERS?"
Reader's Digest April 1987, pages 153-160, features an article
entitled "Too Many Lawyers?" written by John G Kester.
This was
condensed from "The Washingtonian" February 1984. We have ordered some
reprints from Reader's Digest.
Anyone desiring a single copy may have
one for $1 -- write to C E Scholer, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond,
Texas 77469.
John G Kester was born 18 June 1938 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He
earned a BA degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1959, and graduated
from Harvard Law School magna cum laude in 1963. He was elected to Phi
Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. He was admitted to the bar in 1964. He
served as Law Clerk to Mr Justice Black, US Supreme Court, from 1963 to
He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, 1969-1972,
1965.
and as Assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of defense,
He was awarded Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service,
1977-1978.
Department of the Army, 1971, and Department of Defense Medal
Distinguished Public Service, 1979. He has served many committees, both
He is a member of the law firm
in the public and private sector.
Williams and Connolly in Washington, DC. [Martindale-Hubbel Law
Directory, Vol II, p 1577B (1987)]
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
FROM THE MAILBAG
***
Donations have been received from Lewis E Caster of Whittier,
California; Mrs Ellen Moss of Whittier, California; Ed and Augie Geisler
of Hamilton Square, New Jersey; Edwin Caster of Floral City, Florida;
Marilynn Miller of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Stanley and Carolyn Mettler of
Chelan, Washington; and Hope Spratlin of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Many
thanks, Boosters!
***
New Addresses: Mr Elmer R Castor, N 12073 Lakeland Road, Waupun,
Wisconsin 53963-9602; Mr N Stephen Castor, 1304 Sweet Road, East Aurora,
New York 14052; Mrs Persis E Hart, Wesley Manor, 5012 E Monslick Road,
Louisville, Ky 40219; Gini (Mrs Frank) Ennis, 1502 6th Ave, Sterling,
Illinois 61081; Mrs Carl Keever, 1111 Houghton #103, Katy, Texas 77450.
***
Hubert A Lowman of Arroyo Grande, California relates a very
Before we recite his observation, let us explain
interesting discovery.
that his wife, Martha, is a descendant of John Caster, Sr (1754-1822) who
we believe to be a grandson of Conrad Custard (c1695-1772). We quote
from Hubert's letter:
"Jean White's articles on Quaker marriage records continue to be
page -45-
of interest.
I note that the 1710 marriage certificate from Germantown,
Pa, contains the names of 4 [actually 5] of the name of Potts as
witnesses [see p 73 of the December 1986 News-Caster]. Thus, if Martha
really descends from the Krefeld immigrants thru Conrad Custard, then her
and my ancestors were friends and neighbors at Germantown. The Widow
Elizabeth Pott arrived in Philadelphia in 1683 with 6 of her 7 children,
just the year after the founding of the Pennsylvania colony. Her
headright adjoined the manor of Letitia Penn. Elizabeth's oldest child,
a married man, had remained in Wales -- but he soon died and his orphan
children were sent to join the others in this country. John Potts, a son
of one of the orphans, founded Pottstown, Pa, and built Pottsgrove, a
stone mansion at the edge of town which is now a State Historical
Monument having served briefly at Washington's headquarters. All the
several sons of John Potts were ironmongers, and John's son Isaac Potts
owned Valley Forge.
The Continental Army spent the winter at Valley
Forge at Isaac's invitation, and Isaac moved to town for the winter so
Washington could use his house as his winter headquarters. David Potts,
a son of Elizabeth, was an ancestor of President Theodore Roosevelt, also
of Eleanor Roosevelt (but not of FDR). Another son of Elizabeth, Jonas
Potts, was sheriff of Germantown per records of 1701 and 1706, and he was
an ancestor of President Richard Nixon, as well as my own ancestor."
Hubert adds in a post script, "Elizabeth 'Pott' is correct. In
France the name was Pot, changed to Pott in Cheshire. The family were
Quakers and fled to Wales because of persecution and later to
Pennsylvania for the same reason.
The Widow Elizabeth remarried in
Philadelphia and all her children added the 's' at the end of the name, a
patronymic meaning they were sons of Pott."
***
Doris Mohr Kaster of Fairland, Indiana sends a news item from the
Franklin Township Informer (of Marion County, Indiana) dated 26 February
1987, offering congratulations to Catherine G Castor, daughter of Mr &
Mrs Charles Castor, who was recently inducted into the Indiana Eta
Chapter of Alpha Chi, an honor society for scholarship. Catherine Castor
is a senior at the University of Indianapolis majoring in accounting.
Catherine is a graduate of Franklin Central High School.
***
Gordon and Lois Carter of Peterborough, Ontario were vacationing
in Texas in February, and dropped by to say Hello. Gordon showed us his
map of Northampton County, Pennsylvania that he obtained from the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. If you are doing genie work
in Pennsylvania, you may want to obtain a county map from PA DOT. They
are 36" x 49" showing roads, political boundaries, cemeteries, etc. Cost
is $1.50 each, postpaid. Ask for a standard edition and specify county.
They are good! Philadelphia County is not available. Address is PA DOT,
P 0 Box 2028, Harrisburg, Pa 17105.
Also, Gordon recently visited the Uxbridge-Scott Historical
Society of Uxbridge, Ontario in the quest for Kester information. While
there, Gordon left a copy of the December 1986 News-Caster. Allan
McGillivray, Curator of the Society, has written to us with the following
excerpt from the 3 April 1873 edition of the Uxbridge Journal: "Mr
George Kester, one of the earliest settlers of the Township of Pickering,
and now eighty-eight years of age, has the largest family of any man his
it consists of one hundred and ten living
age in Canada.
great-grandchildren, all of whom are living in the Province of Ontario.
A grandson of the old gentleman, who lives near London [Ontario], a few
days ago paid him a visit, and found him hale and hearty, and proud of
his long list of descendants." This refers to the George Kester, page 67
of the December 1986 News-Caster.
page -46-
***
Elizabeth Campuzano of McNeal, Arizona gave some helpful advice
for the Immigration List (see page 25). Elizabeth and her daughter spent
the latter part of May in Spain in genealogical research. We hope you
made many interesting discoveries.
***
Richard and Arlene Castor of West Jefferson, Ohio, are ready for
They sent the nice article to us about Pansy
springtime gardening!
Castor (see page 34, this issue) from the Zanesville Times Recorder!
***
Lynda Bloom-DeGroot of Elgin, Illinois has obtained a copy a
Thomas Castor's will probated 20 June 1835 in Allen County, Indiana.
Lynda explains that the will, when copied into the Will Book, was
mistakenly copied as Thomas Carter, however, the index gives it as Thomas
Castor, and the children's names do match the names of children from
We believe this is the will of Thomas Castor. Great
other sources.
Lynda also sent a copy of a biographical sketch of Eli
research, Lynda!
Hodgson, grandson of Elizabeth Castor Hodgson, from the "History of
LaSalle County, Illinois."
***
Patricia Ostwald of Boulder, Colorado writes an interesting
She points out that there is real confusion about the ancestry
letter.
of Susannah Adams, wife of Conrad Custard (c1695-1772). We will try to
feature a future article on this subject, and hopefully put this one to
Also, she puts forward an explanation why some sources report
rest.
Conrad's death 1771, and others 1772. Seems that a 1772 court record was
wrongly filed in the 1771 book -- thus some abstracters have probably
overlooked the 1772 date, and assumed it to be 1771. Another point she
raises is that Arnold (father of Conrad) Kuster's land in Manatawney
tract is not in present day Berks County, Pa, as we have reported, but in
Montgomery County, Pa. We are glad that someone is keeping us honest!
***
Nancy Parkes, P 0 Box 387, Louisville, Miss 39339, is a new
Nancy writes a genealogical column,
member and a Kester descendant.
"Family Trees," which has a very wide circulation in the state of
She offers a FREE service, which some of our readers will
Mississippi.
Nancy prints genealogical problems sent to her, and her
wish to use.
readers answer directly to the queriers. There is no area restriction -she explains most of her queries comes from California and Texas.
Welcome, Nancy.
Here is another tip from Nancy. Have you ever been stumped by a
nameplace that you couldn't find on the maps or other sources? When that
happens, write to United States Board on Geographic Names, 523 National
Center, Reston, Virginia 22092 -- they will help you.
***
Ruby Stanley of New Ross, Indiana, will join the Gerster/Castor
European Tour in August. Welcome, Ruby! One of the events now added to
the tour is a visit to St Kastor's Church (built 836 AD) in Coblenz,
It is not too late to join the Tour!! If interested, contact
Germany.
Wastler Escorted Travel, Inc P 0 Box 775, Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055 or
telephone 717/697-6368.
***
The Gerster/Castor (of Philadelphia) family has started a
newsletter, and their first issue was published in April 1987. They plan
Those interested should write to
to publish two editions each year.
Steve Castor, Editor, 5681 Middle Road, Horseheads, New York 14845. The
next issue will be published in September 1987, and the charge is $3.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
page -47-
***
The 1987 Membership Directory will soon be mailed to those who
have ordered a copy. If you have not yet ordered a copy, and wish to do
so, please let us know and send $2. Membership presently stands at 273.
***
The Board of Trustees has now formulated and approved the Bylaws
for the Association.
Anyone wishing to have a copy, please write and
request.
Our charter was recently approved by the State of Texas. Our
next effort will be to formulate and submit our application for tax
exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service.
***
The Third National Castor Reunion will be 18-19 June 1988 at
Adventureland Inn in Des Moines, Iowa. Terry and Roberta O'Connor are
Chairpersons, and arrangements are proceeding well. A program is
presently being developed. The program will be set forth in the December
News-Caster, and more details explained then.
***
We need to form a Nomination Committee. In the event that the
General Meeting at the Reunion next year does not produce nominations for
all of the offices in the election, it will be the function of the
Committee to provide a nomination for any office without a nomination.
Anyone serving on the Nomination Committee should be in attendance at the
Reunion in Des Moines.
Please contact C E Scholer if interested in
serving.
***
Leland Caster has completed gathering, editing and typing Castor
Cookin' Old & New -- and Leland thanks all of the contributors that have
shared their favorite recipes. Fantastic job done by Leland Caster!! We
have begun discussions with a print shop, and plan to have the cookbooks
ready for shipping sometime in July.
We have priced the book at $9
postpaid in the USA, and we are ready to accept your orders.
***
We have four (4) copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies left
for sale, $23 postpaid.
We have ten (10) copies of More Caster/Castor
Canada.
***
If you wish to place a Query in the News-Caster, please submit
them in writing. There is no charge.
***
If you have information to share with the Association, be sure
We do like to know the sources of the information.
and send it in.
Thanks to all!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
of the Association.
Biennium are:
Dorothea Schweiger, vice president and recording secretary. Trustees
page -48-
1113hect t•
THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Vol.5 No.3
September 1987
We continue the list of immigrants with sources listed. This
list was started in the March 1987 issue, pages 3-10, and continued in
the June issue, pages 25-31. In the next issue we will conclude the list
from 1851 through 1900.
John George Kuster
arrived 6 Oct 1802 at Philadelphia
ship Devotion, Capt Wm Waters, from Amsterdam
Jacob Garster
"Naturalized in 1802" Laurel Magazine 14:3
(Aug 1974), p 7
Samuel Gender
with wife
Johannes Gerster
ft
It ft
It It
It
ft
ship Commerce, Nathaniel Ray, Captain, from
Amsterdam
Abraham Coster
Friderick Coster
arrived 15 Nov 1803 at Philadelphia, Pa
9
9
9
9 9 9 9
ship Favorite, John Alften, Captain, from
Amsterdam
1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 17861808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, vol 17
(1890), p 607
page -49-
Johannes Gerster
Jacob Gerster
arrived 27 Aug 1804 at Philadelphia, Pa
tf
it
It
tt
tt
tt
ft
on Rebecca, Capt David Low, from Amsterdam
Jacob Weber
wife Elisabeth Weber
stepson Christian
Koster
son Everhard Weber
dau Elisabeth Weber
if
It
ft
11
It
11
if
If
it
ft
ft
it
It
if
ft
if
If
it
ft
If
ft
it
ft
ft
ft
ft
on ship Maria Elisabeth, Capt Henry Hutchison,
from Tonningen
1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 17861808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, vol 17
(1890), p 616
Mr Gerster
Mrs Gerster
with 3 children
under 14 years
Charles Henry Coster
ft
tt
tt
ft
ft
it
It
sailed from Texel 4 Aug 1805 on American Ship
The Liberty, Capt Sidney H Burrough, from
Amsterdam -- the Gersters were from Gelterkinden, Switzerland
declared intention of naturalization
23 July 1810 at Philadelphia, Pa. He was
from Holland.
Philadelphia_ Naturalization Records ed by
P Wm Filby (1982), p 110
US: Index to Records of Aliens' Declarations
Vol 2; Letter C
Albert H Kaster age 30
arrived 1812 at New York State
British Aliens in the United States During
the War of 1812 by Kenneth Scott (1979),
p 142
Fred'k Caster
declared intention to naturalize 27 Sept 1813
at Philadelphia. He was from Holland.
Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by
P Wm Filby (1982), p 89
Vol 3, p 87
page -50-
Christian Keister
arrived about 1820, perhaps in Baltimore, Md
from Hesse, Germany, settled in Darke County,
Ohio in 1838
A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio
The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago (1900) p 290
John Kister
arrived 1823 at New Orleans, La
aged 55
US:Passengers Who Arrived in the US 1821-1823
p 307
Casper Jurgen Koster
age 24
admitted a citizen 17 June 1828 at Charleston, SC, was from Loxstedt, Hanover, was a
grocer in Charleston
South Carolina Naturalizations 1783-1850
compiled by Brent H Holcomb (1985), p 18
Casper Juger Koster
"Federal Naturalization Oaths, Charleston,
SC 1790-1860" The South Carolina Historical
Magazine 66:3 (July 1965), p 187
Lewis Keister
naturalized 1832 in Allegheny County, Pa
"A List of Immigrants Who Applied for
Naturalization Papers in the District Courts
of Allegheny County, Pa" Western Pa Gen Soc,
Vol 1 (1978), p 46
•
Carsten Kuster
Elise Kuster
arrived 1832-1849 in North America
11
If
11
It
11
,,
"Pas Schicksal der Bremer Auswanderer-Listen"
Norddeutsche Familienkunde 1:4 (Jul-Aug 1952)
p -98
RIP
Christian Koster
"Hessian Emigrants to America in the Year
1832" by Kurt Guenther Germanic Genealogist
No 14 (1978), Parts II, 111:1833-34, p 374
Anthony Keister
declared intention to naturalize 9 Oct 1834
at Philadelphia, Pa. He was from Germany.
P Wm Filby (1982), p 321
page -51-
Gerh Jos Koster
"Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 JahrhundertAuswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk
Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur
westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (19641966), p 299
Henry Koester
naturalized 1834 in Maryland
Frederick County, Maryland, Naturalizations
1799-1850 by Raymond B Clark, Jr (1974), p 24
A Adelheid Koster
Joh Herm Koster
John Caster
naturalized 1836 in Canada
Upper Canada Naturalization Records (18281850) by Donald A McKenzie, p 102
Fenne Adelheid Koster
Jacob Kester
notice of intended naturalization 5 Oct 1837
at Charleston, S C (Jacob Koster naturalized
10 Jan 1840 at Charleston, SC)
Chris Kester
naturalized 26 May 1841 at Charleston, SC
page -52-
•••
John Christopher Kester notice of intended naturalization 26 May 1841
at Charleston, SC (Jno C Koster naturalized
13 Nov 1844 at Charleston, SC)
Lewis Caster age 23
Index of Spanish Citizens Entering the Port
of New Orleans Between Januar 1840 &
December 1865 by harles R Maduell, Jr(1966)
p 14
---
Heinrich Anton Kosters
Theodor Koster
with sister
arrived from Westphalia about 1842, settled
first in Syracuse, New York, then 1856 in
Omaha, Nebraska [see letter George E
MacVeigh - 27 April 1987]
arrived 1844 at Texas
"Deutsche Einwanderer in Texas (USA) 1844"
By Ferdinand A Von Schwedler Genealogie 9:5
(May 1968), p 156
1860 census Texas, Comal Co, New Braunfels,
p 174, #31-31
Theodor Koester 43 Dr. of Medicine Frankfurt
Sophie
34
Hanover
ft
Texas
Emma
12
Elsie
10
Anna
2
ft 1/12
William
ft
11
1870 census Texas, Comal Co, New Braunfels,
p 117, #109-110
Theodore Koester 53 Physician Prussia
ft
Sophie
44
22
Texas
Emma
"
Elsie
"
20
tt
Harry
10
Mary
9
ft
ft
ft
ft
Christian R Kesster
(or Kessler?)
declared intention to naturalize 26 Aug 1844
at Philadelphia, oath of allegience 10 April
1848. He was from Switzerland.
P Wm Filby (1982), p 331
page -53-
Vol 11, p 120
Cord Heinrich Koester
arrived 23 December 1844 at New Orleans, La
tt
Christian Koester
tf
Dederick Koester age 17
Martha Koester
aboard ASTRACAN from Bremen. They came from
Klenkendorf, near Gnarrenburg, Hanover. They
settled in Benton County, Missouri.
Most_All Our Koester Cousins Marjorie M
Rector (1974Y
More Koester_ Cousins Marjorie M Rector (1975)
tt
It
it
It
ft
ft
ff
tt
It
tt
it
It
It
It
tt
ft
It
If
It
Gerhart Koster age 25 arrived 1845 New Orleans, La
it
wife Adelheid
"New Orleans German Ship Register" Balkan
and Eastern European American Genealogical &
Historical Society Quarterly 3:3 (June 1,
1966), p 13
ft
Stephen Coster
It
ft
It
naturalized 1845 at Mobile County, Ala
"Naturalization Entries 1833-1871: Court
Minute Books, Mobile County, Ala" by Arthur
D Crigler Deep South Genealogical Quarterly
4:2 (Nov 1966), p 771
Pedro A Coster age 28 arrived 1845 at Key West, Florida
"List of Passengers, Kew West, Florida 18371868" Deep South Genealogical Quarterly 6:3
(Feb 1969), p 152
Nicholas Koster age 36 naturalized 1845 in Missouri
"Declarations to Intention to Become an American Citizen 1838-1849, Found in the Circuit
Court of the City of St Louis, Missouri"
St Louis Genealogical Society Quarterly 4:1
(March 1971), p 19
Charles Kester
(Karl Kieschner)
declared intention to naturalize 20 April 1846
at Philadelphia, oath of allegience 9 Oct 1848
He was from Germany.
P Wm Filby (1982), p 331
page -54-
Vol 11, p 128
Gerh Koster
wife Adelheid Hewing
child: M A
child: Elis
J C C Keister
arrived 1846 in Texas
"Ship Lists - Arrivals in Texas in the 1840's"
by Mr & Mrs Robert B Battaglia Our Heritage
20:2 (Jan 1979), p 65
J C Kuester
A New Land Beckoned: German Immigration to
Texas 1844-1847 by Chester W Geue & Ethel
Hander Geue (1972), p 114
Phillip Kuster
and female
applied Oct 1847 at Horb, Wuerttemburg
for emigration to North America
The Wuerttemburg Emigration Index Vol I, by
Trudy Schenk, Ruth Froelke & Inge Bork (1986)
Joh Koster
westfaelischen _Familienforshung 22-24 (19641966), p 217
Is this the same Johan Bernard Heinrich Rosters
who arrived 1847? Bernard was born 14 April
1823 in Metelen, Wesphalia -- settled first in
Cincinnati, Ohio, then in 1855 in Omaha, Nebr.
[see letter of George E MacVeigh - 27 Apr 1987]
Jos Koster
page -55-
Jos Koster
Jan F Koster age 31
Antje Koster age 25
Willem Koster age 6
Frederick Koster age 3
arrived 1847 at New York, New York
It
ft
It
It
ft
ft
ft
It
It
It
ft
tt
ft
rt
It
If
It
it
Dutch & German Ships: Passenger Lists 18461856 by Edward Prins (1972), p 27
W Bern Heinr Koster
child: Elis
child: Joan Theodor
child: Clemens Bern
child: Joan Henr
Friederick Koster age 26 arrived 1848 at Baltimore, Md
Elizabeth Kuster age 47 arrived 1848 at New York, New York
If
ft
n
it
ft
ft
ft
Charles Kuster age 21
tt
”
II
ft
tt
It
ft
Robert Kuster age 7
Christian Kister
naturalized 1848 at Somerset County, Pa
Naturalization Records 1802-1854 Somerset
County, Pa by William L Iscrupe (1979), p 8
Henry Koester
declared intention to naturalize 4 Oct 1849
at Philadelphia, Pa. Oath of allegience
6 Oct 1851. He was from Germany.
P Wm Filby (1982), p 342
Herman Koster age 21
naturalized 1849 at Mobile, Ala
page -56-
5:4 (May 1968), p 197
Peter Kester age 30
A Cath Kester age 24
of Rilzebuttel
arrived 15 Dec 1849 at Galveston, Texas
from Hamburg on vessel bark Hamburg-Knollen
Ship Passenger Lists, Port of Galveston,
Texas 1846-1871 p 32
Martin Kester/Kister
naturalized 1843-1851 in Indiana
An Index to Indiana Naturalization Records
Found in Various Order Books of the Ninetytwo Local Courts Prior to 1907 pp 81 & 83
*************
WILL OF THOMAS CASTER
We mentioned in the previous issue that
Lynda Bloom-DeGroot located the will of
Thomas Caster in the Probate Court of
Allen County, Indiana. We have now received a copy from the Probate Court.
The Court has mistakenly copied the name
as Carter instead of Caster. We include
some background information for Thomas.
Thomas Caster came from Virginia. In 1792-3 he served in the
He later settled in Dayton,
military' in - Kanhawa County, Virginia.
Montgomery County, Ohio in 1797 and built the first log cabin in Dayton.
He married second Mrs Reddon. They
He married first Mary Stanberg.
moved about 1810 to Clinton County, Ohio. Later in 1831 they moved to
Thomas' will was probated 20 June
Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.
1835 in Allen County, Indiana. Evidently,
Thomas was a widower at the time of his death.
Children by first wife:
1. Elizabeth Caster born 5 May 1796 in Virginia; married 1813 Joel
Hodgson in Clinton County, Ohio, moved from Clinton County, Ohio to
She was a widow living in LaSalle
Tazewell County, Illinois in 1831.
Elizabeth died 3 April 1875, buried at the
County, Illinois in 1855.
Dillon Cemetery, Tazwell County, Illinois.
2. Vincent Caster
3. James Caster born about 1810 in Ohio,; married Nancy C
4. William Caster born 18 March 1811 in Clinton County, Ohio; married
; died 7 May 1873 in Daviess County, Missouri, buried at
Mary A
Black Cemetery.
Stevenson (children: Margaret & Isaac)
5. Maria Caster married
6. Nehemiah Caster, appears to have died before J835.
7. Crawford Caster born 12 May 1818 in Clinton County, Ohio; married 6
December 1844 Mary Ann Crabill, married 22 January 1857 Samantha Hinton;
died 5 November 1881 in Daviess County, Missouri.
8. Rachel Caster
Children by second marriage:
9. Jacob Caster; married 19 November 1840 Zerald Ryno in Kanawha County,
page -57-
Virginia.
10. Jane Caster born about 1826 in Ohio
Sources:
George Hodgson and His Descendants by Eli Hodgson and Zimri Hodgson
(1885), Chapter VIII, p 33; Chapter XVI, p 49
Information from Bobbie McKenzie, Beatrice Fortson, Carolyn Mettler and
Lynda Bloom-Degroot.
Allen County, Indiana Will Book
, p 20-22
Thomas Carter [Caster] of Allen County in the State of Indiana do
make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and
making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.
First.
I direct that my body be decently intered and that my
funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and
situated in life and as to such worldly estates as it has pleased God to
intrust me with I dispose of the same in the following manner to wit:
I direct first that all my just debts and funeral expenses be
paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first monies that
shall come to the hands of my executors from any portion of my estate
real or personal. I also direct that a fair valuation or appraisement be
made by three disinterested neighbors of all my said estate including my
household furniture, and after being signed with their names that a copy
of the same be given by them to each of my executors. I also direct that
my two sons James & William shall have the land now belonging to me to be
equally divided between them with a strait line drawn from the canal
feeder to west back line so as to give each one an equal number of acres,
and I direct that James my son shall have the lower south and William my
son shall have the upper north, and I also direct that my two sons James
and William shall pay all just debts and claims or demands that is now or
may be against me when deceased and I also direct that my two sons James
& William each one an equal share of the debts or lawful claims that is
now or may be against me when deceased. I also direct that Jacob my son
shall have one hundred dollars, and dirct also that Jane my daughter
shall one hundred dollars. I also direct that Crawford my son shall have
one hundred dollars, to be paid to them by James and William when they
arive at the age of twenty one years. I also direct that my son Vince
shall have fifty dollars to be paid to him at the end of two years after
I also direct that Rachel my
my death by sons James and William.
daughter shall have ten dollars to be paid to her in one year after my
death by sons James & William.
I also direct that Maria my daughter
shall have one hundred dollars to be paid to her as follows, to wit:
fifty dollars to be paid to her in one year after that time to be paid by
It is my will that whatsoever I have
my two sons James & William.
presented to Maria now that she shall have it exclusive of what I have
granted to her in this last will. It is my will that my daughter Jane
shall have one bed and bedding at my death, the bed formerly known as her
It is my will and I direct that all the remainder of my
mothers bed.
personal property after my death that it shall be equally divided between
my two sons James & William. It is may will that Elizabeth my daughter
shall have ten dollars paid to her by my two sons James & William when
Provided always that the true meaning of this will and
demanded.
testament is that my real estate that is now willed to my two sons shall
not nor cannot be conveyed away to any persons until the conditions of
this will is complied with or otherwise freehold security be given to
said heirs in a bond of five hundred dollars each for payment of said
I hereby make and ordain my worthy and
heirs as this will directs.
esteemed Sons, James & William Carter [Caster], Executors of this my last
page -58-
will and testament.
In witness Whereof I Thomas Carter [Caster] the testator have set
hereunto my hand and seal this the twelfth day of November in the year of
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
his
Thomas X Carter [Caster]
mark
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Thomas Carter
[Caster] as his last will and testament in the presence of us who have
hereunto subscribed our names as witness thereto in the presence of the
said testator and in the presence of each other.
his
Philip X Klinger
mark
his
Jeremiah X Hudson
mark
Moses Swartz
State of Indiana, Allen County, sct
Be it remembered that on the 20th day of June 1835 personally
came before me Allen Hamilton Clerk of the Probate Court of the County of
Allen, Phillip Klinger, of lawful age and on his solemn oath that he said
Thomas Carter [Caster] sign seal publish and declare the within as his
last will and testament, that he was at the time of making and publishing
the same of sound mind memory and understanding: that he the said Klinger
signed the said will as one of the witnesses in the presence of the said
Carter [Caster] and at his request.
his
Philip X Klinger
mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me at my office 20 June 1835.
Allen Hamilton Clerk P C
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
FORT ABRAHAM LINCOLN BALL & CUSTER HOME GROUND-BREAKING
MAY 16 & 17, 1987 -- MANDAN, NORTH DAKOTA
report by June Elizabeth Magnusen, Lake Forest, Illinois
We arrived late in the afternoon, the day of the Ball and drove around
Bismark and Mandan.
The Missouri River runs between the cities and the
Fort is due south of Mandan. We were able to see the convention center
from our hotel, and we noted people arriving dressed in costumes of all
sorts.
I had brought along a long dress and so decided to wear it,
needless to say there was a variety of dress.
Upon entering the hall we were in with many of the men dressed in 7th
Cavalry uniforms and ladies in Period dress. It was an exciting time.
The hall was decorated with a huge American Flag and sparkling lights.
The Bismark Elks Chorus was singing, when we arrived. There were wagons,
page -59-
tents, guns, and flags of that period set up at one end of the room. A
slide show featured pictures of Custer and men of that time as well as
old scenic views of the area.
Promptly at 8:15 the Colors were posted by
the North Dakota Army National Guard and the
National Anthem was sung. Then the Grand
March began and it was led by the President
of the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation and
the First Vice President and the Director of
North Dakota Parks and Recreation and their
wives. Next came a couple portraying Lt Col
George Armstrong Custer and Libbie, his
wife. Following this anybody who was anybody in North Dakota marched around. It was
fun watching the Grand March as I had never
seen one. Two by two, then four by four,
and eight by eight, and on and on they went
after which they started ball room dancing everyone joined in, Dave and I included.
No one else was introduced and so I do not
know if any other Custer cousins were there.
It seemed mainly to be a local event, but we
danced the night away and met a few people
and had a real good time.
The next day was to be the Custer Home
Ground-Breaking event, and a big program
"CUSTER & LIBBIE"
was planned to begin at 2 PM, with re-enactments, drills, music, and speeches. We awoke
to rain, the "all day" kind. We decided to drive on towards the Black
Hills.
After the event, I spoke with a lady at the Foundation who
attended, and she said it was very short and held inside -- not room for
many. Finally they were able to get two shovelfuls dug for the
ground-breaking and thus ended the event.
The project is laid out in four major areas: Phase I - Cavalry Post;
Phase II - On-A-Slant Village; Phase III - Infantry Post; and Phase IV Natural Environment. They hope to complete this by 1989.
[Editor's note: For those interested in learning more of this project,
write to Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, P 0 Box 836, Mandan, North
Dakota 58554.]
*** * * * * * * * * * *
The Methodist Church of Homer, Illinois
June Elizabeth Magnusen of Lake Forest, Illinois has sent some
pictures and historical background of this church in Homer, Champaign
County, Illinois. Her great great grandparents, George and Rachel
(Allen) Custer provided the land on which this beautiful church stands.
The Methodist Church of Homer was organized in 1839, and the
parish served nine different preaching sites. The parish was called the
"Urbana Missions" and their first parsonage was located in Urbana. In
1853, the Old Homer Society separated from the Urbana Missions. Church
services were then held in the school house at Homer. In 1866, George
page -60-
and Rachel Custer deeded the land to
the church trustees, on which a
brick church was built at a cost of
$7000, it was dedicated that same
year. This church served the congregation until it was torn down and
replaced by the present building.
The corner stone of the present
building was laid 31 July 1902. The
parsonage was completed in 1912.
Our notes for the family of
George and Rachel are as follows:
George Washington Custer Jr
[George-5, Paul-4, Conrad-3, Arnold-2
Paulus-1] born 6 November 1801 in
Virginia, son of George and Margaret
(Myers?) Custer. George, with his
parents, about 1820 moved to a farm
near Washington Court House, Fayette
County, Ohio George married Rachel
Allen. Rachel was born 25 April 1812 in Fayette County, Ohio, daughter
of David and Nancy (Squire) Allen. They lived in Fayette County, Ohio.
George was a farmer. Their first six children were christened 5 May 1844
by Reverend Jacob Martin of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Fayette
County, Ohio. Nancy Margaret was
christened 20 September 1846 by Reverend Martin. Between 1846 and 1850
they left Ohio with his father's family in search for more land, and
after journeying by covered wagons
through semi-wilderness, settled on
farms 18 miles west of Danville in
Vermilion County, Illinois. George
died 30 June 1879 at his farm.
Rachel died 25 July 1886. They were
buried at Davis Cemetery east of
Homer, Illinois.
Their children:
1.David Allen Custer born 27 July
1832 in Ohio; died 25 January 1854.
2. Samuel Martin Custer born 7 October 1835 in Ohio; married Almira/Myra
T Rucker, was living in South Pasadena, Calif 1912; died 13 Jan. 1913.
3. George Washington Custer born 18
Feb. 1838 in Fayette County, Ohio;
married Margaret McCoy; died 18 Nov.
1918 at Homer, Illinois.
4. Vance Harrison Custer born 11 May
1840 in Ohio; married Martha E Noble
of McLean, Illinois, he was a police
magistrate of Danville, Illinois; died 13 December 1917.
5. Seaman Willis Custer born 15 January 1842 in Ohio; married Ellen
Conkey; died 25 February 1902.
6. Jacob Warington Custer born 16 December 1843 in Ohio; married Eliza
McCoy; died 30 August 1932.
page -61-
7. Nancy "Nannie" Margaret Custer born 11 May
1846 in Ohio; died 5 February 1928.
8. Mary Elizabeth Custer born 12 January 1849;
married Dr William Hess; died 1 October 1850.
Sources:
Custer Genealogies by Milo Custer (1944), p 20
Custer-McCoy Family Record by Henry A Mullen
(1951), pp 3 & 7
1850 census Illinois, Vermilion County, Dist
#21, p 261, #96
George Custer 48 farmer
Va
Rachel "
40
Ohio
David
18
et
Samuel
15
It
George W et
12
et
et
Vance
10
It
Seaman et
8
Jacob
6
et
Nancy
4
letter June Magnusen
20 Feb 1985
ft
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
HEINRICH ANTON KOSTERS
information provided by George Edward MacVeigh
9313 Renshaw Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Heinrich Anton Kosters, born 22 February 1817 in Metelen,
Westphalia, Germany, is an immigrant ancestor and great grandfather of
member George Edward MacVeigh. George is kindly sharing this information
with us. Heinrich came to America about 1842, and soon was known as
Henry.
Heinrich's father was Johann Herman Kosters. Johann was born
about 1770 in Coesfeld, Westphalia. Johan married 25 October 1808 Anna
Maria Adeiheid Helling at Metelen. Anna had been born 3 October 1782 in
Metelen, daughter of Jurgen Henrich Helling and Anna Gertrud Terloge.
Johann and Anna Kosters were the parents of four children, all born in
Heinrich Anton born 22 February 1817; Joan [Johann] Bernard
Metelen:
Hermann born 7 October 1819; Anna Maria Carolina born 17 November 1820;
and Joan [Johann] Bernard Heinrich born 14 April 1823. The Kosters were
members of Saints Cornelius and Cyprianus Catholic Church in Metelen, and
the births and baptisms of the children were recorded there. Heinrich
received his early education in Metelen, and when 15 years of age, went
to Holland to learn the trade of cabinetmaker and painter.
After his arrival in America in 1842, Henry found his way to
Syracuse, New York, where on 14 September 1847 he married Barbara Suiter.
They were married in St Mary's German Catholic Church. Barbara was born
1818/9, daughter of Mathias Suiter of Manilus, New York and Magdalena
Barbara presented a daughter to Henry -- Maria Magdalena Kosters
Klein.
was born 9 July 1848 in Syracuse. Tragedy next struck the family. Maria
Magdalena died 18 December 1848, and Barbara died 18 November 1849. They
were buried at old St Mary's Cemetery on Renwick Avenue. The cemetery
was later removed in 1945 and most graves were placed in the new St
page -62-
Mary's Cemetery in DeWitt (suburb).
1
Henry married 7 May 1850 Magdalena Woll in St Mary's Catholic
Church, Syracuse. Magdalena was born 3 September 1829 in Bischmisheim,
Saarland, Prussia, daughter of Johann Nikolas Woll and Carolina
Linkhauer. Magdalena had arrived in Syracuse early in 1850 to visit an
uncle.
Henry and Magdalena moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1856. Henry
became a master painter and decorator. Henry died 19 March 1907 at the
age of 90. Magdalena died 17 January 1917. They were buried at St Mary
Magdalene Cemetery in Omaha. Henry and Magdalena were parents of
fourteen children:
1.Xeno Kosters, born 12 April 1851 in Syracuse; died 14 November 1852.
2. Anna Mary Kosters born 30 December 1852 in Syracuse; died 1860/64 in
Omaha, Nebraska.
3. Julia Kosters born 12 March 1854 in Syracuse; married 24 July 1889
John D Thomas, married about 1909
Leach, married third John G
Limbaugh and later divorced; died 2 November 1935 in Omaha.
4. Edward Kosters born 2 September 1855 in Syracuse; did not marry; died
18 July 1922 in Newark, Ohio.
5. Charles Martin Kosters born 12 September 1856/7 in Omaha, Nebraska;
married 25 April 1881 Emma Lewis; died 27 February 1901 in Omaha.
6. Henry A Kosters born 28 March 1859 in Papillion, Nebraska; married
about 1879 Hattie Roach; died 30 March 1948 at Kansas City, Missouri.
7. Frank William Kosters born 15 November 1860 in Papillion; married
about 1886 Genora E
; died 16 June 1952 in Omaha.
8. Amelia S "Molly" Kosters born 5 May 1862 in Papillion; did not marry;
died 1 May 1906 in Omaha.
9. Mary Carolina Rosters born 10 May 1864 in Omaha, Nebraska; married 8
June 1886 Alois J Peters; died 15 February 1941 in Omaha.
10. George Benjamin Kosters born 28 January 1866 in Omaha; died 25
February 1866.
11. Sarah Elisabeth Kosters born 21 May 1867 in Omaha; did not marry;
died 24 June 1919 in Omaha.
12. George Joseph Kosters born 24 February 1870 in Omaha; married Ethel
; died 16 May 1943 in Richmond, Virginia.
13. Katherine Kosters born 16 September 1872 in Omaha; married 1892 Ed J
Greene, married 1914 Henry L Beard; died 4 January 1968 in Omaha.
14. Anna Florentina Kosters born 29 March 1876 in Omaha; married 9
October 1900 Henry S King; died 9 October 1871 in LaJolla, California.
In 1847, Henry's youngest brother, Johann Bernard Heinrich
Kosters, immigrated to America. He went by Bernard, and spelled his name
Koesters. Bernard married 1852 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a girl named
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was also born in Westphalia, and immigrated to
America in 1849.
Elizabeth was born October 1829. Bernard and family
located in Omaha, Nebraska, arriving there 24 June 1855, one year earlier
than brother Henry.
They traveled from Cincinnati by steamboat. The
steamboat also carried their household effects. At some point north of St
Joseph, Missouri, the boat was "snagged," and sank. The Koesters saved
only a few pieces of their furniture.
Bernard bought a lot at 1019
Harney Street, and the family lived in a tent while building their home.
Bernard was a house painter. Bernard died 9 September 1905. Elizabeth
died 11 September 1906. They were buried at St Mary Magdalene Cemetery,
Omaha. Bernard and Elizabeth's family consisted of four children:
1. Joseph B Koesters born 10 October 1853/4 in Cincinnati, Ohio; married
about 1882 Mary Baumgartner; died 17 December 1937 in Omaha.
page -63-
2. Frank H Koesters born September 1860 in Omaha; probably did not marry.
3. Caroline Koesters born about 1865 in Omaha.
4. Anna Koesters born about 1868 in Omaha.
One daughter married Oscar Pfeiffer and lived in Council Bluffs, and the
other daughter had died before 1900.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
MORGAN & JEFFERSON COUNTIES, VIRGINIA
Lloyd Ambrose, Rt #10, Box 254, 31 Old Summit Road
Greene, Rhode Island 02827 has kindly shared this
information with us. He is particularly interested
in the AMBROSE and ROTRUCK/ROTHROCK families. Anyone able to share information with him on these
families, please contact him.
1850 census Virginia (now W Va), Morgan
#21 John Custer
32 saddler
Martha
24
Emaly
3
Jonathan ►►
1
Jane Ring
26
►►
►►
#461 Lewis Bechtol 35 farmer
Rachel
32
►►
12
Sarah
James
9
6
Mary
Eliza 9
4
Emily
2
Henry Custer
26
►►
►►
►►
►►
1860 census Virginia, Morgan Co,
41 saddler
#330 John Custer
Mary E
24
Emily F
13
J Albert ►►
11
William H ►►
9
5 (m)
J C
T V
3 (f)
1
Mary V
Co, Distr #42, Bath, p 85
Berkeley Co, Va
Morgan Co, Va
Bath, Morgan Co, Va
►►
Va
Va
►►
►►
►'
►'
►►
►►
'►
Va
►►
►►
►►
►'
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
►►
35
#420 P F Custer
31
Susan ►►
3 (f)
M C
Henry Householderl4 serving
J Householder
11 (f)
►►
#481
61 farmer
John Cooper
50
Nancy
►►
Elizabeth Eversole 14
9
William H Custer
Va
it
►►
►►
Va
►►
Va
#545 Philip F Custer 33 farmer
30
Susan
H C Householder 14 (m)
2 (f)
M C
page -64►►
►►
If
Marriage Records Morgan County, (West) Virginia - 1820-1865
Nov 16, 1831 Jacob Smith - Elizabeth Kester
Bondsmen:
Jacob Smith, Aburdie Gustin
June 11, 1834 James Rankin - Catherine Custar
Bondsmen:
James Rankin, Peter Freshour
May 25, 1836 Peter Freshour - Mary Kuster
Bondsmen:
Peter Freshour, William Harmison
April 16, 1844 John Custer - Martha Casler
John Custer - Jonathan Casler
Bondsmen:
June 14, 1852 Henry Custer - Ann Eliza Bechtol
June 1, 1854 John Custer - Mary E Vannosdall
March 13, 1860 Phillip F Custer - Susan Householder
Graveyard History of Morgan Co, (West) Virginia
Bethel United Methodist Church
Anna Mary Michael Custer 27 Dec 1870 - 1 Nov 1962
1871 - 1900
Albert W Custer
1899 - 1900
Harry T Custer
Union Chapel Church Cemtery
1852
1926
William Custer
1941
Fanny Custer
1860
Greenway Cemetery (outer circle)
John Custer
1819 - 1901
Mary E Custer
1835 - 1892
Iona May Custer 1882 - 1929
1858 - 1932
Mary V Custer
John C Custer
1855 - 1926
1861
1956
Annie E Custer, wife
Della F Custer, dau of J C & A E 3 July 1891 - 1 Jan 1892
Greenway Cemetery (section A)
1869 - 1951
C T Custer
Florence Custer, wife
1872 - 1915
Freda V Custer, dau ofCT&FM 2 Jan 1910 - 3 Nov 1911
- 16 Aug 1907
Melvin C Custer, son of C T & F M 31 May
Maud E Custer, dau of C T & F M 29 July 1903 - 25 May 1904
11 June 1902 - 26 June 1902
Pearl Custer, dau of C T & F M
31
May
1907
- 16 Aug 1907
Rhoda Marie Custer
Greenway Cemetery (first addition)
Clarence Calvin Custer 1897 - 1969
1899 - [no date]
Edna L Kerns Custer
Coolfont Cemetery
Martha Custer, wife of John 2 Oct 1852, 31y 1m
Mary J Custer, dau of J & M 15 June 1845, 4m 9d
Algernon W C Custer, son of J & M 16 June 1845, 6m 18d
Tombstone Inscriptions, Jefferson County, West Virginia 1687-1980
Edgehill Cemetery, Charles Town, W Va
William L Custer 1915 - 1975; Mary H 1917 - [no date]
; Margaret J 1853 - 1914
Lafayette R Custer 1854 - 19
Juanita June Custer 1889 - 1968
1892 - 1947; Fannie R 1893 - 1956
Forrest L Custer
1975 - 1975; Garland P 1876 - 1955
Jamie Lane Custer
page -65-
1824 - 1901; Annie E 1871 - 1949
Randolph Custer
Elmwood Cemetery, Shepherdstown, W Va
Jacob Custer
27 Jan 1869 - 21 March 1893
Sarah A Custer 20 Dec 1916, 94 years
(Robert E Keller on same stone 31 May 1855)
Edith Custer
1891 - 1953
Episcopal and Masonic Cemetery, Middleway, W Va
Alcinda Frances Custer Brillhart 15 Apr 1836 - 13 Aug 1918
Jacob Custer
1843 - 1920
Frances A Custer 1846 - 1925
Grace C Custer 1888 - 1913
Myrtle C Custer 1884 - 1910
Union Cemetery, Middleway, W Va
Mary Custer
27 Sep 1801 - 8 March 1885, 83y 5m
Jacob Custer
28 Aug 1869, 56 years
Personal Records of Lloyd Ambrose:
Amanda Rothrock, born 24 July 1842; died 21 May 1928; married Rev
Samuel Kester born 16 August 1842, died 14 January 1910.
Anna Elizabeth "Annie" Ambrose born 1861 in Morgan County,
Virginia; married 1878 John C Custer; died 7 September 1956. John C
Custer born 1855; died 26 August 1926. They were buried at Greenway
Cemetery, Berkeley Springs, W Va.
Personal Records of Lloyd Ambrose for the descendants of John C Custer
and Annie Elizabeth Ambrose:
1. Bertha V Custer born 10 December 1879 in Morgan County, W Va; married
a Miller, lived in Oldtown, Md; died 8 April 1949.
2. A Grace Custer born 28 January 1881 in Morgan County; married a
Yonker; died 8 February 1926 on a visit home to Morgan County.
3. Bessie Rae Custer born 19 March 1883 in Piedmont, Mineral County, W
Va; married a Kesecker, lived in Morgan County; died 30 June 1914.
4. Dora M Custer born 27 April 1886 in Morgan County; married Chester
Huhn.
5. Alvin Boyd Custer born 7 December 1887 in Morgan County; lived in
Washington, DC, Herdon, Virginia, and Morgan County; died 22 April 1981.
6. Jessie R Custer born 27 December 1889 in Morgan County; married a
Folk.
7. Rilla Marie Custer born 5 February 1893 in Morgan County; married
George Mehlfelt, lived in Washington, DC; died 19 September 1957.
8. Clarence Calvin Custer born 19 January 1897 in Morgan County; married
21 February 1920 Edna Louise Kerns at Berkeley Springs, W Va; died 11
November 1969.
9. Elsie Victoria Custer born 15 October 1899 in Morgan County; married
1919 Ray Roscoe Rice; died 28 August 1982.
10. Della F Custer born 3 July 1891 in Morgan County; died 1 January
1892.
11. John Ralph Custer born 23 October 1901 in Morgan County; lived in
Arlington, Virginia.
[Editor's note: John Custer (1819-1901) is probably the son of Finley and
They lived in Morgan County, Virginia. Finley and Mary
Mary Custer.
were the parents of Henry Custer (see 1850 census above) who married June
1852 Ann Eliza Bechtol, and sometime before 1860 located in Wabash
County, Indiana. Does anyone know the ancestry of Finley Custer?]
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
page -66-
There is a well kept secret in genealogical research. One of the
best libraries I have worked in is not on most lists of major
genealogical resource centers.
I first heard about this place at the
National Genealogical Society Convention that I attended in Indianapolis
in 1982.
A couple of women were talking about a wonderful library they
had visited that had open stacks. Being used to having to order all the
books out of the back room and hoping they contained what I wanted, I
immediately started listening to their conversation. When I found that
it was located where I would be traveling in the fall, I asked the ladies
for more information. They said that the library contained many old and
rare books that were not available most places, and that they had most of
the available federal census records, and military records from the
National Archives including confederate soldiers records.
I was able to spend three days browsing the shelves of this
library and still didn't get through the book collection and never even
touched the microfilm collection.
There was an entire room of family
histories, and three rooms of books arranged according to state. The
copy machine was handy for quick documentation of information, although
the librarian had to approve the book to be copied. The librarians were
helpful and courteous.
When I told the librarian I was new to the
library, she gave me a tour and showed me where everything was. If you
ever have been in an unfamiliar library, you know what a help it would be
to have someone show you all the sources and procedures. They do ask
that only pencils be used in the library and that books be laid flat on
the table to prevent damage to the collection.
While I was there a group of school children came in, and the
librarians had to scurry around to set up extra tables and help the
children find what they were looking for. They were only there a short
time, but each child had something he was looking for. After they had
all left, and there was quiet once again, the librarian heaved a sigh of
relief, and I overheard her say, "If I didn't feel that it is so
important to expose children to family history, I wouldn't put up with
all this!" Most librarians wouldn't!
The only problem I had, was getting to this library. The first
day, since I didn't know my way around the city, I decided to take a
Well, the cab driver who was first in line at the hotel refused to
taxi.
take me, as he wanted only fares to the airport. This caused him to get
in a fist fight with the next cab driver in line as it is against the
rules to refuse a fare. I quickly ducked back into the hotel and waited
for a while before obtaining another cab to the library. When I wanted
to come back, I called for a taxi and I waited and waited and nothing
So I called again. About this time one of the patrons at the
happened.
library offered to take me back to my hotel, but this time the cab did
show up.
Needless to say, I braved the traffic and one-way streets, and
drove our rental car the next two days.
The well kept secret is the Clayton Library in Houston, Texas
which is a part of the Houston Public Library, but housed in a separate
building southwest of the downtown area. They are open Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5 and on Wednesday from 12 to 9.
page -67-
This is the library where much of the work on the "Castor" families has
been done.
*************
NEW MEMBERS
Mr Eugene Bevers
...Lydia Ann Castor Bevers
1521 West 5th
(1885- ? ); Charles Castor(1853-1940); Job M
North Platte, Neb 69101 Castor(c1829- ? ); Samuel Castor(1799- 1853);
James Kaster(1776-1847); Benjamin Castor (1741
-1826)
Mrs Patricia M Cassell Margaret Waterbury Flegler(1924-1985); Stanley
P 0 Box 854
Waterbury(1896-1969); Charles Waterbury(1875Pickens, S C 29761-0854 1969); Catherine Custer Waterbury(1847-1875)
Henry Custer(1807-1885); Emanuel Custer(17691840); John Custer(1736-1812); Nicholas Custer
(1706-1784); Arnold Kuster(1669-1739); Paulus
Kuster(c1644-1708)
Mrs Michael Deeter
Millard D Rust(1929-1950); Millard Kester Rust
22802 El Vaquero
(1901-1973); Viola Martin Rust( ? - ? ); Louise
Mission Viejo, Ca 92691 Keister Martin(1847-1923); Christian Keister
(c1806-1882)
Mrs James Emerson
26 N Mercer Ave
Sharpsville, Pa 16150
George L Brokaw(1875-1971); George W Brokaw
(1849-1934); ...Jane Custard Brokaw(17521850); William Custard(1729-1826); Conrad
Custard(c1695-1772); Arnold Kuster(1669-1739);
Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)
Mrs Geraldine H Emmons Faybert P Hardee(1905- ? ); Alice Caster
3613 Dexter, #7D
Hardee(1881-1959); William W Caster(1827- ? );
Fort Worth, Texas 76107 John Caster(1804- ? ); Henry Caster(c1774- ? )
Jacob Caster( ? - 1809)
Mr Leo Clark Kaster
200 Railroad West
Afton, Iowa 50830
Elihu Rufus Kaster(1888-1970); James McClelland
Kaster(1862-1943); ... Robert Kaster
Mrs Karen Kester
c/o Mrs Joyce Cowles
2016 Avenue G
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627
Mrs Patricia A Ostwald
600 Juniper
Boulder, Colo 80302
); Charles
Hattie Kistler St Clair(1900Kistler(1867-1927); Sarah Rankin Kistler(18281889); Delilah Humble Rankin(1795/1800-1833);
Elizabeth Cain Humble(c1776-1833); Elizabeth
Custer Cain(1751-1818); Arnold Custer(c17181759); Conrad Custer(c1695-1772); Arnold Kuster
(1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)
also ... Delilah Humble Rankin(1795/1800-1833);
Uriah Humble(1770-1833); Conrad Humble(c17341791); Charity Custer Humble(c1715- ? ); Conrad
Custer(c1695-1772);
page -68-
Mrs Evelyn Sass
15209 SE Tribbetts
Portland, Ore 97236
Mr Charles H Schmoll
3510 N E 155th St
Seattle, Wash 98155
Sampson Piersol Barris(
); Elizabeth
Piersol Barris(
); Susannah Castor
Piersol(1766-1837); Benjamin Castor(1741-1826)
William Schmoll(1891-1961); Elizabeth Emrey
Schmoll(1865-1936); Catherine Custer Emrey(18361883); Samuel Custer(1794-1858); Peter Custer
(1761-1832); Jacob Custer(1731-1804); Peter
Custer(c1700-1769); Hermanus Custer(1681-1760)
Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)
Mrs Mildred H Spencer Carmen Lee Kester(1889-1969); Charles Lyman
3824
53rd
Kester(1859-1935); Samuel Kester(1835/6- ? );
Des Moines, Iowa 50310 George Kester(c1807- ? )
Lucille Wilson
Susan A Spencer(1881-1921); Wm G Spencer(18422701 Clark Towers Ct #167
1923); Sarah Kester Spencer(1808-1893);
Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 Samuel Kester( ? - ? )
LATE RENEWALS
Mr Jack L McAdams
P 0 Box 363
Kirksville, Mo 63501
Dolly Carey McAdams(1915); Jessie Castor
Carey(1890- ? ); Charles Castor(1853-1940);
Job M Castor(c1829- ? ); Samuel Castor(17991853); James Kaster(1776-1847); Benjamin Castor
(1741-1826)
Mrs Sheryl Ullrey Sato Virginia Patterson Ullrey(1920); Bessie
1517 W Burrel
Morris Patterson(1891-1946); George L Morris
Visalia, Cal 93291
(1859-1951); Austin Morris(1833-1861); Phoebe
Castor Morris(1804/10-before 1860); ? Conrad
Custard/Castor(c1765-c1828)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
QUERIES
***
Seeking information about JOHN ADELBERT "DEL" KEISTER, born 4
March 1857 in Butler County, Iowa. He married 25 February 1877 ARVILLA
ELIZABETH MULKINS in Greene, Butler County, Iowa. They had six
daughters: Icy Belle born 1877, Brenda Spray born 1880, Verna Dell born
1883, Vera Fay born 1885, Lura Grace born 1889, and Cora Zell born 1893
-- all born in Butler County, Iowa. John Adelbert Keister left home
(Webster City, Iowa) about 1899 in the company of another woman and was
never heard from by the family again.
Seven years later, Arvilla
divorced him and remarried. What happened to John Adelbert Keister?
Please contact Ruth Doutt Ingertson, 3336-A Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, Cal
90027
***
Seeking information about ALFRED BION "BYRON" KEISTER, born 28
July 1861 in Greene, Butler County, Iowa, son of William A and Mary Jane
(Miller) Keister.
He left home at age 15 and never contacted his family
again.
Where did he go? Please contact Ruth Doutt Ingertson, 3336-A
Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, Cal 90027
***
Seeking information about the parents, brothers and sisters of
WILLIAM L CASTOR (1814-1893), shoemaker and tailor, who resided in
page -69-
North East Ward, Reading, Pennsylvania in 1850. He married LOUISA A
They had six sons -- William Dorsay Castor (1 Nov
DORSAY (1823-1887).
1848 - 14 Dec 1891); Ellis L Castor (born 15 Feb 1857); George W Castor
(born 1843); Edward M Castor (born 1846); Thomas D Castor (born 1861);
and Jesse M Castor (born 1853). Please contact Richard W Castor, 345 S
51st Ave, Bellwood, Illinois 60104
***
Wish to exchange information on CONRAD CUSTARD/CASTER born about
1765, died about 1828, probably married to an ELIZABETH. He was in Mason
County, Kentucky by 1794.
Children: George, Sarah, Benjamin, Hannah,
unknown female, Conrad, Peter?, and Phoebe. Please contact Sheryl Ulirey
Sato, 1517 W Burrel, Visalia, California 93291
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
KASTER KLIPPINGS
***
Chuck and Jean White of Wichita, Kansas, have been rushing from
one graduation to another -- in May, Chuck, Jr received his Masters
Degree at Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs;
Anne received her Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and Art History at
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; and Mary graduated from Wichita High
School Southeast! Congratulations to all!
***
Albert Wesley Caster of Austin, Texas, died 13 September 1986,
aged 87 years. Albert was born in Tarrent County, Texas, son of the late
William Wesley Caster and Ida Gertrude Fortner. Albert was a descendant
of John Micheal Kuster (c1725-1801).
Albert was a Certified Public
Accountant and practiced many years in Austin. Albert is survived by his
widow, Clemmie Appling Caster, of Austin.
***
Ada Naylor Carter died 15 April 1987 at the age of 92 at Creston,
British Columbia, mother of member A Gordon Carter, and descendant of
John Michael Kuster (c1725-1801).
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
FROM THE MAILBAG
***
We have received donations from the following Association
Boosters -- Geraldine H Emmons of Fort Worth, Texas; and Patricia M
Also, we have received from Becky Scholer
Cassell of Pickens, S C;
Keever a gift of a dozen large notebook binders and several smaller ones.
.
***
Marilynn Miller of Reynoldsburg, Ohio has been doing some good
research on the Custard family of Fairfield County, Ohio. The Custards
(Jacob) and Raders (Nicholas) came to Fairfield County from Rockingham
County, Virginia -- Jacob came about 1806 or so. Marilynn has sent some
census data, and provides the following readings from various cemeteries
in Fairfield County, Ohio.
Parrett-Custard Cemetery in Richland Township of Fairfield County -John Custard
d 10/28/1900
age 82y 10m 12d
wife Mary Ann
d 11/8/1901
age 82y 6m 5d
Infant 4/16/1858
page -70-
John d 12/5/1850 age 13y 4m
Mary A d 9/1/1844 age 1y 6m
Rebecca d 1841
Peter Custard
[there is some question on this date,
d 5/2/1 887 age 85y 11m and will be checked again sometime]
Mary E dau of Peter & Sarah Custard
d 7/19/1856 age 10y 3m 20d
George Custard
d 6/21/1912
b 3/15/1848
wife Lydia
d 3/2/1909
b 10/7/1847
Catherine wife of Jacob Custard
d 1 2/1/1831
b 1754
Rebecca wife of Peter Custard
d 7/1/1834 age 24yrs
Sarah Custard
d 3/5/1882 age 76y
Joseph Custard
d 1/16/1880
wife Sarah
d 3/3/1882
1 2/3/1832
Anna daughter of J & G. Callahan Custard
d 7/16/1821
15yrs
Clara daughter of F & M Custard
age 7m 12d
d 1/19/1878
Rosannah wife of A Thomas
b 1759 [something wrong with these dates?]
d 1871
West Rushville Cemetery, Richland Township, Fairfield County
Marion Custard - father - 1843-1917
Martha Custard - mother - 1841-1922
Sherman Custer 1870- 19_
Rosa Custer 1870-19
Earl W Custer 1903-1922
Greencastle Cemetery, Bloom Township, Fairfield County -Elizabeth Custer, dau of George B & S G, 23 Sep 1856, 41 years
Lithopolis Cemetery, Bloom Township, Fairfield County -Clara Custer dau of A W & S J, 20 Mar 1862, 1y 7m 14d
Mary Louisa Custer dau of A W & S J, 16 Dec 1885, 29y lm 23d
Andrew W Custer 27 Dec 1860, 33y 2m 27d
Sarah J Custer wife of Andrew W 8 June 1904, 77y Om 5d
Pauline Custer dau of George B & E J, 24 Oct 1856-8 Mar 1888
Monroe L Custer son of George B & E J, 27 Aug 1852-17 Feb 1853
page -71-
Emma E Custer dau of George B & E J, 15 Sep 1860-14 Oct 1860
Custer - 3 infants, 2 sons, 1 dau 3 July 1853
George B Custer 27 Jan 1879, 79y 5m 11d
Sarah Courtright Custer wife/George B 26 Aug 1847, 34y 2m 23d
Elizabeth Leach Custer wife/George B 1825-1901
Ann Custer wife of John 5 Nov 1883, 79y Om 8d
Many thanks Marilynn!!
***
Hope Spratlin of Edmonton, Alberta sends us greetings and an
interesting census reading she came across -1870 census Alabama, Escambia County, Pollard Best (Beat?)
Cane Caster
55 minister
Va
I,
It
Nancy
45 housewife
Daniels "
19 laborer
Fla
II
George ,,
15 at school
If
Solomon if
12 at school
It
Sarah
11 at school
Thank you, Hope.
***
Carolyn Scott of Auburn, Washington recently joined. Her son,
David Michael Kester, is a descendant of John Michael Kuster. We include
the notes for William Kester, great grandson of John Michael Kuster.
3.2.8
William Kester born 1827 in Ontario, Canada, son of John Michael
and Susannah (Johnson) Kester. William married 16 October 1847 Catharine
Yake.
Catharine was born about 1830 in Ontario, Canada, daughter of John
and Sarah (Long) Yake.
About 1860, William and son Washington walked
from the Stouffville area to East Nissouri Township in Oxford County,
Ontario, where the family later settled on lot 10, concession 10.
William died 28 July 1871.
Their children:
1. Washington Kester born 1849; married Elizabeth Creighton; died 1914.
(Washington was in partnership with A J Young, they owned a general store
in Thamesford, Ontario, which was destroyed by fire, dissolving the
partnership.
Washington built another store and later his son, Fred,
joined him as a partner. Washington was a justice of the peace.)
2. Wellington Kester born about 1850; married Elizabeth Cameron.
(Wellington graduated as a medical doctor and practiced in Mount Elgin
and Ingersoll, Ontario.
In failing health, their son, William Cameron
Kester, died before graduating from law school.)
3. Wilmot Kester born 26 February 1860 at Stouffville, Ontario, Canada;
married 28 November 1889 Frances Maria Conklin at Conde, Spink County,
South Dakota; died 21 July 1943 at Corvallis, Oregon, buried at Fircrest
Cemetery, Monmouth, Oregon.
4. Willis Kester born 5 December 1862; died 12 July 1864.
5. Arville Kester born March 1865; married Edward Layton Bartlett; died
September 1942.
6. Ada Kester born about 1866; married
Henderson.
Sherlock.
7. Arminto Kester born about 1867; married
8. Adaline Kester born about 1868; married John Lake (had two sons and
two daughters); died 5 December 1941, buried at Dorchester, Ontario.
9. William Kester born April 1870; married Minnie Day (had two daughters
and two sons); died 1964.
page -72-
***
Anne Baines of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada has updated her
findings on her Kester ancestor. Her ancestor is a granddaughter of John
Michael Kuster, and the notes are as follows -3.3
Anna Marie "Mary" Kester born 6 July 1782, daughter of Leonard
and Catherine (Keres) Kester.
Mary married Peter Sheufelt. Peter was
born 22 July 1765 in Albany Township, Albany County, New York, son of
Johannes and Sarah (Freer) Zufelt. Peter died 19 February 1853 at Armow,
Bruce County, Ontario.
Their children:
1. Lydia Shewfelt born 1801 at Hamilton, Ontario; married Thomas Smith
Noble; died in Mariposa Township, Ontario.
2. Leonard Kester Shewfelt born 6 May 1802 at Hamilton, Ontario; married
Mary Ann Thompson; died 3 October 1894 at Manitou, Manitoba.
3. Catherine Shewfelt born 1806 at Hamilton, Ontario; married Peter
Wrightman/Rykman.
4. Jacob Shewfelt born 1807 at Hamilton; married 1 January 1837 Emmaline
Humphrey/Umphrey, married 9 November 1864 Mrs Ann Lakin.
5. John Shewfelt born 1812 at Hamilton; married 11 March 1839 Esther
Wilson.
6. Mary Ann Shewfelt born 1812; married 22 January 1844 John Hume in West
Brock, Ontario County, Ontario.
7. Joseph Shewfelt born born June 1820 in Brock Township, Ontario;
married 12 November 1850 Agnes Robinson in Kincardine Township, Bruce,
Ontario; died 4 April 1902 in Archibald, Manitoba, buried at Kingsley
Cemetery.
8. Charity Shewfelt born 1822 in Brock Township; married 18 November 1850
Thomas Brocklebank in Kincardine Township, Bruce, Ontario.
9. James Shewfelt born 1823 in Brock Township; married 14 February 1843
Sophia Proof in West Brock Township, Ontario, Ontario.
10. William Shewfelt born 1826 in Brock Township; married 4 October 1858
Catherine Robinson in Kincardine Township, Bruce County, Ontario; died 21
December 1910 in Kincardine Township,
11. Lucinda Shewfelt born 1826 in Brock Township; married 11 March 1845
Charles Smith in Brock Township, Ontario, Ontario; died 18 June 1859 at
Armow, Ontario.
12. Elizabeth Shewfelt born 10 October 1827 in Brock Township; married 13
April 1848 Benjamin Woodward in Brock Township, Ontario, Ontario; died 19
December 1885 in Mariposa Township, Victoria, Ontario.
Anne has sent some other helpful information -Dickson Hill Cemetery, Markham Township, Ontario
Mrs Mary Kester, wife of Jacob Kester, died 8 March
1854, age 45 years 9 months
extracts from County Marriage Registers of Ontario, 1858-1869
Halton County Sarah Jane Caster, 23, of Boston, Canada, d/o
Hiram and Ann, married 22 Jan 1867 Robert Oliver, 23, Caledon,
Canada, s/o Robert and Sarah.
Huron County Catherine (Castor?) married 1858 John Shoults
Reference - 1:17
Ontario County Caroline Castor, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob, married
1867 William Dunkeld. Reference - 3:35
Elizabeth Kester, Pickering, d/o Cornelius Johnson, married
1865 Joseph Monkhouse. Reference - 2:45
Ira Castor, Uxbridge, s/o Jacob, married 1859 Martha Ann Todd
Reference - 1:81
page -73-
Peel County Robt B Castor of Streetsville, s/o Solomon, married
1866 Isabela D Leslie. Reference - 91
Simcoe County Elenor Caster of Tecumseth, d/o Thomas, married
1864 Manassah Webster. Reference -1:172
Robert Caster of Tecumseth, s/o Henry, married 1866 Susan
Meredith. Reference - 2:3
York County Angeline Castor, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob married 1861
Thomas Howard. Reference - 1:339
Eliza Kester, Markham, d/o Phillip, married 1859 John Manley.
Reference - 1:195
Elizabeth Kester, Uxbridge, d/o William, married 1869 William
Darland. Reference - 3:94
Enoch Kester, Pickering, s/o Jacob, married 1861 Irena Vanzant
Reference - 1:321
Hiram Kester, Markham, s/o Jacob, married 1863 Maria Forsyth.
Reference - 2:31
Irena Caster, Markham, d/o Philip, married 1858 Isaac Conner.
Reference - 1:33
James Kester, Pickering, s/o George, married 1861 Elizth
Miller. Reference - 1:321
Joseph Kaster, Markham, s/o Philip, married 1860 Clarissa
Vanluvan. Reference - 1:237
Lydia Kester, Markham, d/o Jacob, married 1862 Elias Hamilton.
Reference - 1:417
Maria Kester, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob, married 1868 Robert Millard
Reference - 2:349
Matilda Kester, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob, married 1859 George
Pearson. Reference - 1:411
Rachel Kester, E Gwillimbury, d/o George, married 1862 Henry
Barker. Reference - 1:411
Thank you, Anne.
***
Roberta Monk Holsclaw of Longmont, Colorado, has been doing some
good research in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She has abstracted the
following from Saint John's Evangeligal Lutheran Church, Maytown,
Records Books I and II. 1767-1887
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Baptisms, Communions, Marriages, Burials Frederick S Weiser, editor
[Genealogical Society Film #1,306,273]
Book I
Baptisms
parents
name
Johannes Kuster Michael
p 11
Elisabeth
born/baptized sponsors
25 July 1807
parents
8 Jan 1809
6 May 1804
8 Jan 1809
Magdalena Kuster Elisabeth
Anna Kuster
Elisabeth
25 June 1800
8 Jan 1809
p 16
Rebecca Kuster Michael
Elisabeth
14 Oct 1814
5 Dec 1814
parents
p 18
Elisabeth Kuster Michael
wf. Elisabeth
7 Oct 1815
2 Jan 1817
parents
page -74-
p 19
Henry Kuster
p 20
Elisabeth Kuster Michael
wf. Maria
25 Apr 1818
12 July 1818
Christina Klug
Henry
wf. Barbara
1 Jan 1816
24 Jan 1819
Henry Klug
ditto
15 Apr 1818
24 Jan 1819
p 22
Michael
15 Dec 1816
Henry Kuster
wf. Elisabeth
parents
Henry Kuster
wf. Elisabeth
ditto
Michael Kuster Michael
wf. Maria
16 Mar 1820
18 June 1820
Mary Ann Kuster Michael
wf. Maria
24 Feb 1821
24 June 1821
p 26
Joseph Kuster
Michael
Mary
16 June 1829
9 Aug 1830
parents
p 27
Hanna Kuster
Michael
Mary
9 Oct 1830
30 May 1831
parents
parents
Marriages
p 30 John Kuster of Maytown & Nancy Krider of Donegal Twp 6 Apr 1830
Confirmations
p 34 28 May 1803 Michael Kuster age 27; Elisabeth Kuster age 27 wife
of Michael
p 36 26 Sept 1812 Catharina Kuster age 14
p 37 22 Apr 1820 Anna Kuster age 18, daughter of Michael
p 38
28 May 1829, at Maytown, Mary Kuster
Book II
Baptisms
born/baptized sponsors
name
parents
parents
Henrietta Kuster Michael & Mary 3 Dec 1834
p 2
19 Feb 1835
Kuster
Many thanks, Birdie!!
***
Carter of Peterborough, Ontario sends additional
Gordon
information for the Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester family [see page
6$ of December 1986 News-Caster]. At the time of that article, we did
not know of the children of Magdalene Kester. Gordon Carter has recently
received the following information from Mary Lou Bacon of Grand Blanc,
Michigan -Magdalene Kester born 23 December 1793 in Northampton County,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester.
Magdalene married John Boyles. John was born 29 May 1794 in New Jersey.
John died 23 June 1885.
They lived in Markham, Ontario, Canada.
page -75-
Magdalene died 13 November 1886. They were buried at Boyles Cemetery,
Markham, Ontario.
Their children:
1. Sarah Boyles born March 1815; died 25 November 1816.
2. George Boyles born March 1820 in Markham, Ontario.
3. Rachel Boyles
4. Catherine Boyles born 1824; died 31 December 1885.
5. John Boyles born 1826.
6. Mary Boyles born January 1829; died 25 September 1892.
7. Leonard Boyles born 1832.
8. Elizabeth Boyles born 1834.
9. Jane Boyles born 1838.
10. Ann Boyles born 22 August 1839; died 24 December 1892.
***
Ruth Doutt Ingertson of Los Angeles recently sent to us many of
the Kester/Keister/Caster entries in the International Genealogical Index
(IGI) that is maintained by the Mormon Church (LDS). These are available
all across the country in the many branch libraries of the Mormon Church.
They list various records of birth, christening, marriage, wills, etc by
name of the individual. Ruth's very generous donation of her abstracts
has prompted me to ask others of you to help abstracting these valuable
aids to our research.
If you are willing to spend a few hours reading
these on microfiche, and copying the information for us, please write to
me.
I will outline an assignment for you, and explain what needs to be
done. This will eliminate unnecessary duplication.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
ASSOCIATION _BUSINESS
***
Leland Caster's Castor Cookin' Old & New is now printed and ready
for delivery!!! Get your orders in now. There are 121 pages (5 1/2" x 8
1/2") of wonderful recipes submitted by our members -- some are modern,
some are old recipes, some are old remedies -- all indexed. Leland and
the members have done a great job!! Don't miss out. They will make good
Christmas gifts, too. Only $9 postpaid.
***
We have two (2) copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies left for
sale, $23 postpaid.
We have six (6) copies of More Caster/Castor
Canada.
Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) is no longer available.
***
Membership now stands at 288!! Thanks for everyone's support.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
of the Association.
Biennium are:
page -76-
gR. CCi
fuhmhect
THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
December 1987
Vol.5 No 4
We' continue the list of immigrants with sources noted, and a
brief abstract of the information known. This list was started in the
`March 1987 issue, pages 3-10, continued in the June issue, pages 25-31,
and in the September issue, pages 49-57. In the next issue, we will
continue the list.
August Custer
Af
declared intention to n?.Turallze
8 Oct 1850
P Wm Filby (1982), p 121
Vol 3, p 297
Ernst Custer
arrived 1850 at San Francisco, California
San Francisco Passenger Lists by Louis J
Rasmussen, Vol 2 (1969), p 81
ti
Herman Koster age 35
8:4 (May 1971), p 414
Joseph Koster
declared intention to naturalize 2 Sept 1850
P Wm Filby (1982), p 344
US: Index of Records of Aliens'
Declarations Vol ?, p 198
age -77-
Wilhelm Kister
Reconstructed Passenger Lists for 1850:
Hamburg to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile
and the United States by Clifford Neal Smith
Vol I (1980), p 32
Ludolph Koester
wife Auguste Walther
with baby
ft
It
It
It
If
Vol II (1981), p 21
Dorothea Kuster age 22 arrived 30 Nov 1850 at Galveston, Texas
on vessel bark Solan from Bremen
of Mulhausen
Ship Passenger Lists, Port of Galveston,
Texas 1846-1871 p 42
E H Geue New Homes in a New Land p 98
arrived 1850 at Quebec, Canada
Heinrich Koester
If
If
?I
It
ft
with wife, with child
age 3
Vol II (1981), p 7
Christian Kuester
arrived 1850 at Quebec, Canada
Vol II (1981), p 7
S Koester/Dedrich
Herman Goster
declared intention to naturalize 26 may 1851
P-Wm Filby (1982), p 342
Peter Caster
8:4 (May 1971), p 416
page -78-
S Koster
'Henry F Kester
wife Justina
son Henry C
dau-in-law Christina
arrived 1851 San Francisco, Cal
San Francisco Passenger Lists by Louis J
Rasmussen, Vol 2 (1969), p 111
arrived 6 July 1852 in New York from Hesse,
Germany
The History of Darke County, Ohio W H Beers
& Co, Chicago (1880), p 746
Anton Koster
with family
arrived 1852 or 1854 in America
"Die Auswanderung aus dem Herzogtum Nassau
(1806-1866)" by Wolf-Heine Struck
Mrs Charles Kester
"Scotch Immigrants in Knox County, Illinois"
Knox County Genealogical Society Quarterly
2:1 (Jan 1974), p 13
Christion Kuster
naturalized 1852 in Somerset County, Pa
Herman Koster
8:4 (May 1971), p 417
Frederick Kester
Andreas Kuster & female
(born 3 Dec 1799)
Franz Joseph Kuster
(born 16 Jan 1830)
Ludwig Kuster
(born 4 Aug 1833)
Barbara Kuster
(born 12 Dec 1833)
Andreas Kuster
(born 22 Jan 1840)
:Karl Kuster
(born 2 Nov 1841)
.(continued page 80)
applied Sept 1853 at Horb, Wuerttemburg
The Wuerttemburg Emigration Index Vol I, by
page -79-
Paul Kuster
(born 17 June 1843)
Friedolin Kuster
(born 31 Aug 1844)
Phillip Jacob Kuster
Phillip Kuster
applied Nov 1853 at Horb, Wuerttemburg
The WuerttembUrg Emigration Index Vol I, by
Elisabeth Kuster age 23 arrived 1854 at New York
New York Passenger Arrivals 1849-1868 Silvia
4
Nimmo, ed (1983), p 62
Jean Kuster age 20
arrived 1854. at New York
New York Passenger Arrivals 1849-1868 Silvia
Nimmo, ed (1983), p 49
Henry Kuster
Johann Koster age 32
arrived 1854 at Baltimore, Md
"Passengers on Ship Goethe Arriving in
Baltimore, Md April 22, 1854" by Edna A
Kanely Maryland Genealogical Society
Bulletin 21:2 (Spring 1980), p 99
Angel Caster age 40
Index of Spanish Citizens Entering the Port
of New Orleans Between January 1840 &
December 1865 by Charles R Maduell, Jr(1966)
page 15
H Kuester
with wife & child
New Homes in a New Land: German Immigration
to Texas 1847-1861 by Ethel Hander Geue
(1970), p 97
1870 census Texas, Calhoun Co, Indianola,
p 395, #229-237
Henry Kuster 43
Hanover
If
Emma
30
Nassau
Texas
Annie
11
page -80-
1870 census Texas, Galveston Co, 3rd Ward of
Galveston, p 256, #429-395
Henry Custer 40 Soda Manufacturer Prussia
It
37
Mary
"
If
Henry
Texas
14
II
It
Emma
11
n
William .1
9
ft
Carolin .•
6
sr
Anna
"
4
tt
II
Mary
1
*
* * * * * * * * * *
THE ANCESTRY OF SUSANNAH ADAMS
information provided by Patricia A Ostwald
600Juniper, Boulder, Colorado 80302
Susannah Adams was the wife of Conrad Custard/Custer
Her ancestry has been a point of confusion. Patricia
c1695-1772).
stwald has made available to Krefeld Immigrants and Their Descendants a
ppy of "The Addams Family in America" by Addams S McAllister which was
icrofilmed by the LDS Genealogical Library, film #441,492. McAllister's
riginal manuscript is at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. A
ranscription appears in two parts in Volume 3 Number 1 Spring 1986 and
Aume 4 Number 1 Spring 1987 issues of Krefeld Immigrants and Their
ascendants which is published by Links Genealogy Publications, 7677
mline Way, Sacramento, Ca 95823. We are reporting here the pertinent
dnts to Susannah's ancestry.
For further references and details, we
tcommend the aforementioned transcription.
Susannah was the oldest daughter of Richard and Gertien (op den
aeff) Adams. Richard had married twice, first (probably in 1698) to
Ttien op den Graeff, and second to Alse
. Gertien was the
dest daughter of Abraham op den Graeff. Gertien and Richard had nine
ildren, and Alse and Richard had one child. Alse perhaps is Elsie
thers who married 22 December 1726 a Richard Adams at Christ Church in
iladelphia.
Alse Adams died in 1769/70. The children of Richard Adams
e as follows -Gertien's children:
Susannah Adams married Conrad Custer/Custard; died between 28 June
40 and 1 February 1747/8. [Note by P A Ostwald: Susannah was alive 28
ae 1740 -- she made her mark as wife of Conrad Custer when the land of
s father Arnold was sold by the heirs. Recorded in Deed Book 32, p 90
rristown, Pad
Catherine Adams married John Morris.
Mary Adams married Israel Morris.
Margaret Adams married Paul Casselberry; died 1749.
Elizabeth Adams married Thomas Bull, married second 18 April 1751
mas Rossiter. •
Ann Adams married James Umstatt; died 1794, buried at Old Mennonite
ore Yard on the Skippack.
Abraham Adams born about 1707; died 5 April 1738, buried at St James P
hurch of Perkiomen, Evansburg, Montgomery County, Pa.
William Adams born July 1705; married Ann Lane; died 26 May 1773 in
caster County, Pa.
Isaac Adams married (Edith?)
page -81-
Alse's child:
10. Hannah Adams married Owen Evans
Of the above, Conrad Custard, Thomas Bull, Paul Casselberry, John Morris,
and Ann Lane Adams were associated with the St James P F Church of
Perkiomen, and probably Israel Morris and Owen Evans as well. [Editor's
note: Records of this church may provide interesting information about
the family of Conrad Custard.]
The ancestry of Richard Adams has not yet been established. He
may or may not have been related to Richard Adams of Upper Heyford,
Northamptonshire, England, who purchased 500 acres in Pennsylvania from
William Penn in 1681, or he may or may not have been related to Robert
Adams of Bedwell, Oxfordshire, England, who also bought 500 acres in
Pennsylvania from Penn in 1681. [Note by P A Ostwald: After having read
the aforementioned deeds, it is not very likely that Richard Adams is
related to either of these Englishmen.
The deeds refer to a Richard
Adams who was alive after the time of death of Susannah's father, in 1747
-- it is more likely that Susannah's father was of Welch origin.] It
appears that there is no valid basis for believing that Richard Adams was
related to the Presidents Adams.
Abraham op den Graeff came to America in 1683 from Krefeld,
Germany, and lived in Germantown, Pennsylvania. The marriage book of the
Reformed Church of Krefeld records his marriage in 1679 to Trintgen
Jansen of Gladbach (Trintgen is a derivative of Katharina). He was a
It is probable that Gertien was born in Krefeld. The
linen weaver.
children of Abraham op den Graeff are as follows (not listed necessarily
in order of birth) -1.Gertien op den Graeff married before 10 October 1698 Richard Adams.
2. Isaac op den Graeff married Mary
3. Margaretha op den Graeff born about 1692; married before 27 August
1709 Thomas How.
4. Anneken op den Graeff married 16 Feb 1710/11 Herman in de Haven.
5. Jacob op den Graeff born in Germantown; married 29 April 1712 Anneken
in de Haven; died September 1750.
Abraham op den. Graeff gave 91 acres to Richard and Gertien Adams, 10
October 1698, presumably as a wedding gift. This land today is along one
side of Crefeld Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Germantown, Pennsylvania.
Abraham op den Graeff arrived in America 13 October 1863 with his
brothers, Herman and Dirck, and sister, Margaretha. The brothers had
bought 11 June 1683 from Jacob Teilner 2000 acres in Pennsylvania, a
part of which was around Germantown and the remainder along the
They were the children of Isaac op den Graeff, who was born
Perkiomen.
28 February 1616; died 17 January 1679. Isaac was one of 18 children
born to Herman op den Graeff of Alderkerk and Grietje Pletjes. Herman
and Grietje married 16 August 1605. Herman was born 26 November 1585 in
Herman was a delegate to the 1632 Mennonite Convention in
Alderkerk.
Dordrecht and there signed the Confession of Faith. Herman died 27
December 1642 at Krefeld.
Abraham op den Graeff signed in 1688 the protest against slavery.
Abraham was a Burgess of Germantown, and a member of the Pennsylvania
He was immortalized by Whittier in his poem "The Pennsylvania
Assembly.
Pilgrim."
page -82-
The ancestry of Susannah Adams is briefly diagramed here.
Richard Adams
Susannah
Herman op den Graeff
--Isaac op den Graeff
riessen Pletjes
Grietje Pletjes
Alet Gotls
-.Abraham op den Graeff—
Grietgen Peters
Grertien op den Graeff--
Irintgen Jansen
[Editor's Note: In the past, we have relied on Genealogical and Personal
_History of Buck's County, Pa by Davis, p 77-81, for information about the
adaks family and the ancestry of Susannah (Adams) Custard. Also, we have
-used
The Richard Adams Family in America by Fredd Eugene Castleberry. It
.now appears that these sources are unreliable in connection with the
'ancestry of Richard Adams, father of Susannah. We especially wish to
draw attention to this for those whom we have sent information from these
sources. Also, we erred in the June 1985 News-Caster, p 21, in stating
that Susannah was the daughter of Richard and Alse (Opden Graff) Adams -we should have stated daughter of Richard and Gertien (op den Graeff)
Adams,]
* * * * * * * * * * * *
CASTOR COOKIN' OLD & NEW
Leland Caster's cook book is ready for delivery!! Place your
orders now for this 121 page cook book featuring Caster - Custer - Kester
recipes from yesteryear and present. Find out about the favorite recipes
of some of the other members! Price is $9 postpaid. Just the Christmas
Gift you have been looking fort
ERRATUM
In Vol 5, No 3, September 1987, top of page 62 -- we made a
"mistake!
We stated that Mary Elizabeth Custer married Dr William Hess.
Not so -- it was her sister, Nancy "Nannie" Margaret Custer who married
Dr William Hess.
page -83-
THE CASTOR FAMILY TOUR 1987
LUXEMBOURG - AUSTRIA - GERMANY - SWITZERLAND
August 21 to September 6, 1987
First, let us explain that this tour was organized by Dick and
Diana Castor of Horseheads, New York and was operated by Wastler Escorted
Travel, Inc of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Our Association was not
involved in the genesis or conduct of the tour, but several of the tour
members were from our Association. The credit and applause for such a
wonderful tour goes entirely to Dick and Diana Castor, and Leo and Phyl
Wastler.
There were 37 tour members, most of which were descendants of
Hans Georg Gerster who arrived in Philadelphia in 1736. His name soon
changed to John George Castor. He has left many descendants in America
Hans Georg Gerster was raised in Gelterkinden, Switzerland, the
today.
town of his father, also Hans Georg Gerster. Gelterkinden is a small
town in the Canton of Basel. The tour was designed to visit Switzerland,
homeland of the Gerster family, and also many other points of general
interest in Luxembourg, Austria and Germany.
The Wastlers engaged a local historian and a local archivist to research
further the background of the Gerster
family. Also, the Wastlers obtained the
names and addresses of many present day
Gerster families, and made these availWe were
able to the tour members.
encouraged to correspond with some of the
Gerster families, and invite them to a
Castor/Gerster dinner party in Basel.
Many invitations
The letters did fly!
were accepted, and several friendships
were established by mail well before the
The Wastlers also spread
tour started.
the word about the party among conventional publicity channels, and 189 people
HANS & GERTA GERSTER
attended the dinner party in the ballroom
OF GELTERKINDEN
of the International Hotel in Basel on 29
Kathi and Mario Studer of nearby Liestal helped with
August 1987.
translation. It was a wonderful Castor/Gerster gala!
The following day, a visit was made to Gelterkinden to::-view the
church where Hans Georg Gerster no doubt attended. And later an outdoor
church service was attended at nearby Tecknau. This was an additional
opportunity to meet and talk with the local Swiss people -- all very
friendly and hospitable.
But there were many other highlights of the tour. The
German-Austrian Alps were spectacular, and we saw the Eagles Nest of the
Colorful and neat farms of
infamous Adolf Hitler and his friends.
Austria, Germany and Switzerland were compared. The Black Forest was
In Austria, we visited a real, working salt mine, and wore the
peaceful.
protective garb of the salt miners. The mighty and spectacular Cathedral
of Cologne -- truly awesome as well as beautiful. The quaint,
picturesque buildings and homes of Rothenburg gave a backdrop for many
memorable pictures. Heidelburg was every bit as colorful and gorgeous as
page -84-
he pictures suggest. The
eligous history of Worms
as evident in the several
_hunches visited. In Salzurg, we were treated to
ozart's music in a little
alace theatre. We were
n the land of castles.
re were afforded a tour of
;he Mad King Ludwig's Neu;chwanstein castle at
;chwangau. And while we
floated down the Rhine
from Mainz to Koblenz,
ye viewed two dozen cas:les on the hills overlooking the Rhine -- even
castle on an island of
the river! The vineyards
Seen (a vast number!) were
JACK BROWN, BOB RASTER, DON BURKETT,. MARTHA
astonishing - many on such
BROWN AT SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
.steep hillsides that cultivation would seem impossible.
Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana had corresponded with
Guido KUsters of Krefeld, Germany. Guido arranged to meet the Browns in
Cologne, and stayed
overnight to allow for
more visiting. Guido is
a young man serving a
year and a half in the
German Army, but looks
forward to returning to
his civilian life as a
securities broker in a
bank. Guido is a handsome chap who has mastered English well. He
presented to the Browns
a beautiful book about
Krefeld (both English
and German).
We have
ordered 'a copy of this
book which is of interest to many of us who
trace our ancestry back
MOLLY HENRY, JACK HENRY, gg JOYCE HENRY
to Paulus and Gertrude
AT GELTERKINDEN
Custer from the Krefeld
area, for the Castor Library.
The evening in Luxembourg was pleasantly spent visiting with our
friends, the family of Jean Raster of Femack, France. Jean was
- - undergoing medical treatment that day in the city of Nancy, and was not
able to join us.
However, his wife, Monique, and son, Jean Francoise,
and daughter, Anne, and cousins, Pierre and Anne Filine did join us for
- dinner.
Jean has been a member for four years, and is our "ambassador to
France."
page -85-
DICK CASTOR SHOOTING THE ALPS
RUBY STANLEY & MARGARET LARSH
In Mainz, we happened to meet Wilhelm and Irmgard Castor and
their daughter, Ute. They lived but two blocks from our hotel in Mainz,
and they with Uncle Josef Castor and Aunt Beatrix Castor, joined us after
dinner for a pleasant evening. Our European "cousins" were all very
friendly and warm, just
as were our American
cousins.
Dick and Diana
Castor report that Helga
Gerster of Seltisberg
(just outside Basel),
Switzerland, has visited
them at Horseheads, New
York on October 4th.
Helga grew up in Gelterkinden, where her father
For
was the physician.
the Gerster/Castor party
in Basel, Helga gave
each of the Americans
a beautiful genealogical
chart of the Gerster
family going back to
Jakob Gerster who was
born in 1540.
Dick and
Diana were joined by Don
& Evelyn Winslow, Steve,
ESTELLE CASTOR, BOB KASTER, & BETTY CASTOR
page -86-
Phil, Beckie, Jeffrey, Jonathan and Belinda Castor to
greet cousin Helga.
After such a successful
and satisfying experience as
this tour, it was inevitable
that we began to think that
f.
the Association should organize such a tour for 1989. And
so we have talked with the
Wastlers about such a tour.
In fact, we have talked to
them about two tours in 1989.
Jean M White of Wichita,
MONIQUE KASTER, PIERRE FILINE, ANNE
that one
Kansas suggested
KASTER, & JEAN FRANCOIS KASTER
tour should cover points of
interest in Pennsylvania and
Virginia. The other tour will be for Germany and Switzerland. We have
prepared a questionaire and enclosed it with this News-Caster. The questionaire covers three subjects: (1)
your interest in the 1988 Reunion
in Des Moines, Ia, (2) your interPennsylvaniain the 1989
est
Virginia Tour, & (3) your interest
Germany-Switzerland
in the 1989
Please give us the benefit
Tour.
of these questionaires -- it will
help us immensely in our planning.
We will report our visits to
St Kastor Church in Koblenz, and St
Castor Church in Karden, in the
next issue of the News-Caster. We
have received a book describing the
church in Karden, and this has been
added to the Castor Library.
BRUCE, JEAN & CHUCK WHITE
We expect to plan two
fun-packed, fulfilling and
exciting tours in 1989.
The Wastlers are expert
escorts, and will exert
extra effort to provide
what we want. Those who
are interested, please
send your suggestions and
requests for specific
sights to see or places
We will give
to visit.
every possible consideration to your requests.
Certainly we want to visit
Krefeld and Kaldenkirchen,
and the Shenandoah Valley
of Virginia. Tell us what
else you would like to see. VERNON G CASTOR, PAT A DEVINE, & BILL CASTOR
page -87-
MARCELLUS J KESTER 1830-1913
Charles L Byer, 11 North Srent Drive, Pensacola, Florida
32506-5846 recently acquired an obituary of Marcellus J Kester from The
United Daughters of the Confederacy. The ancestery of Marcellus is as
follows: Conrad Kester-5, Joseph Kester-4, Conrad Custer-3, Arnold
Kuster-2, Paulus Kuster-1. Our thanks to Charles Byers for contributing
this.
Monroe Watchman Union, West Virginia - 17 April 1913
Hon. M J Kester
"Mr Kester is dead." This 'was the news which shocked and grieved
the people of Monroe County last Saturday morning. To the most of us it
was almost wholly unexpected.
Since the death of his lamented wife on
the 16th of last August, Mr Kester had never been quite his former self,
but the sinking of his faculties was so gradual and he was still so
active for one of his years that his death at this time was not looked
for.
Last Saturday morning he suffered, at his home near Pickaway, an
attack of acute indigestion which, complicated with heart disease, ended
his life at 5 o'clock the next morning, April 13.
Thus passed to his eternal reward one who for 46 years has been
one of Monroe county's most valuable and honored citizens. His
friendship has been a boon to thousands. In the history the county has
made since the close of the civil war his name and work are writ large.
Marcellus J Kester was born in Harrison county, Virginia-(now
West Virginia) November 23, 1830 and died on April 13, 1913. The span of
his life was therefore 82 years, 4 months and 21 days. He was a son of
Conrad and Elizabeth (Lowther) Kester, both sprung from pioneer families
of Harrison county.
He was well educated, 'studied law, was admitted to
the bar, and formed a law partnership with the late Judge John J Jackson,
subsequently for many years Judge of the Federal Court for the District
of West Virginia.
He was in active practice when the great war between
the States broke out. Following his convictions, he joined the
Confederate army, enlisting in the 26th Virginia Cavalry, General W L
Jackson's Division.
He served with gallantry throughout the four years
of war.
Broken in fortune, in 1867 he came to Monroe county. Mr Lewis
Callaway was then County Clerk, and needing assistance, gave Mr Kester
employment in the Clerk's Office.
There he served with the utmost
efficiency until the adoption of the Flick amendment restored to
Confederate soldiers the right to vote and hold public office.
Immediately thereafter, in 1872, Mr Kester was elected Clerk of Monroe
Circuit Court and re-elected in 1878, retiring January 1, 1885. He was
appointed a Commissioner in Chancery and filled tha4 station under all
the Judges of our Circuit Court until Judge Herndon's election in 1906.
It has been frequently said by eminent lawyers of this and othee states
that there was never a more competent and highly efficient Master
Commissioner than Mr Kester.
His work as Clerk of the Court also was
ideal.
The value of his services to this county during a crucial period
of her history is inestimable.
In 1894 Mr Kester was elected to represent Monroe county in the
House of Delegates, and in 1896 was re-elected to the same honorable post
of duty.
As a legislator he served well and faithfully and further
strengthened himself in the public esteem.
Mr Kester was one of the
founders of the Bank of Monroe and its President from its organization
until his death.
He owned an excellent farm of about 160 acres 3 miles
northeast of Union and there had resided for many years.
On May 29, 1856, Mr Kester married Miss Lorraine E Dilworth of
Barbour county.
After 56 years of life together with mutual love and
page -88-
7ust undimmed, she went before him into the paradise of God last August.
vo sons, splendid, brilliant boys, had preceded them to the grave years
)fore, Richard and John. At Mr Kester's request, Mr and Mrs Charles a
3adle moved into his residence last November, keeping house and
They were with him to the end, as was Mr Paris
-ightening his cares.
,over, who had long been with him.
Now shall we say Farewell to our old Friend? It is not only that
r Kester has been so large a factor in this county that he will be
issed, but his blithe and cheery temperament, the kindliness of his
eart and his readiness to help those in need all bring home tows the
ang of parting. He was a gentleman of.fine mind and natural courtesy.
e had a vast fund of information, had read widely and was conversant
ith almost every topic. His charities were many but unobtrusive. His
haracter was upright and singularly free from narrowness or spleen. He
as a Democrat from sincere conviction but numbered among his staunch
riends many of those of the opposite political faith. For 34 years he
as a member of the M E Church South and Recording Steward of Union
ircuit.
Mr Kester is survived by two brothers, Messrs J B of Clarksburg,
)st Virginia, and Newton C Kester of Staunton, Virginia, and three
isters, Mrs Dora V Skaggs and Mrs Amanda E Kiger of Lewisburg, and Miss
glen Kester of Weston. The first and last named were prevented by
Liness from coming hither to attend the obsequies, but the others were
The funeral took place from the residence at 11 o'clock last
Ll there.
)nday morning, the services being conducted by Rev G R Fringer assisted
Revs R B Hudson and T B Stewart. Followed by a large throng of his
3ighbors, the remains of the deceased gentleman were brought to Union
id bid to repose in Green Hill Cemetery by the side of his wife and
)unger son.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
A LETTER FROM EMMET CASTOR OF DYESVILLE, OHIO
TO SEWARD CASTOR OF KIMBALL, NEBRASKA -- AUGUST 16, 1886
provided by Beverly Cross, Box #93, Baxter, Iowa 50028
Emmet recorded in 1886 a comprehensive Caster Family
Record which has helped many in the search of Caster
This letter was written to the
family history.
grandfather of Beverly's husband, Glen Richard Cross.
ar Cousin,
Yours of July 30 received last Sat evening. I. had [been] to
ddleport all week attending the teachers institute which accounts for
not getting it sooner. However it did not take me long to see what
s inside, Thanks for that lovely picture and the antelope hair too. I
ver saw any before. Wish I had something to send you in return!
I am well as usual and hope you are the same. It has just rained
good shower which we needed badly. Corn looks tolerably well. We had
put 20 tons of hay this year. Wheat was very good averaging about 25
per acre, We had 228 bu on 10 acres. But we put 200 lbs of bonedust
each acre.
Had 132 1/2 bu of oats on 3 1/2 acres. Straw about as
;h as my head. Our sheep in this part of the country are dying. Don't
)w what is the matter. Melons are plenty.
I must tell you about the Salvationists. While in Middleport I
v a band of them, about 30 in number. They begin their worship about
;k in the evening.
They meet at their hall. Then the two captains
.king backwards lead the procession [in] the streets, all singing and 3
page -89-
or 4 beating tamborines. When they get tired of that, they fall on their
knees and take it turn about, praying. Then they sing a verse or two
before they rise.
Then they go to their hall again inviting all the
people to follow them.
Their hall has a stage at one end on which all
the members are seated.
Then they speak to the crowd explaining that
they are right for "God says, Go ye into the hedges and highwaysand
worship God."
Then they sing and beat tamborines and each gives his
experience.
Then pray and take up a collection. Then repeat and etc
etc. On the whole it is a very odd form of religious worship. They are
mostly street and persons who have ruined their character. Maybe you
have them there but for fear you have not I send you the above
information.
W C Merritt began our school one week ago today. I do not go as
we have too much work to do. I have a school engaged to commence Nov 1st
and continue for 4 months at $1.00 per day. Guess it is a pretty hard
school.
Dyesville Dramatic Club gave an exhibition Saturday night, about
300 present.
Admission 10 and 15 cents. Receipts $36.00 which goes
toward completing the church at that place in which the exhibition was
held.
They go to Rutland next Saturday night. We now have a good store
at Dyesville, kept by Mr Murphy.
There has been two weddings lately in our immediate vicinity and
everybody are waiting and waiting for 2 or 3 more. But it isn't me and
glad I am of it. I can have more fun with all of them together than with
any certain one. Do, please don't ask what my girl's name is, for it is
as much one as another.. Have received several letters from Nellie
[Castor] and am always glad to hear from her. Dell [Castor] has not
written any.
I sent Nellie one of my pictures and she promised me hers in
return.
Thank you for the name of the baby and more so for the date of
the birth. [Probably refers to Glenneverre.] There is nothing much to
write.
Farmers feel a great deal more encouraged
Not much going on.
than they did this time last year. Nearly everybody wants to buy young
cattle.
Ernest F Bolen, whose picture I sent you, was here Saturday
night.
He says the baby Evart goes just whereever he pleases, and does
about as he pleases. He, and our baby, Stella, are just the right size
to need watching all the time. I left the stair door open today and she
went to the top of the stairs before we noticed her. It is a wonder she
didn't fall and kill herself.
Ma met with a peculiar accident last eve. She was milking and
the cow kicked her on the end of the thumb, mashing it so badly that it
turned black.
She cannot use it much today. I have not killed any game
for so long that I don't know whether I cound
squirrel or not.
Nellie told me what a good marksman you were. Write soon if you think
this worth answering. Will try and think of more next time.
as ever, Your friend and Cousin
Emmet Castor
Tuesday noon
Guess I can think of a few questions to ask, as my letter has not
been mailed yet. 1st what county is Kimball in? How large a town is it?
Is it on any stream?
I was looking on a map for it this morning, but
failed to find it. I suppose you do not have any fruit there. We have
had plenty of apples all season and peaches are now getting ripe.
Pa has been plowing for wheat this forenoon. It looks like it
would rain anytime.
Very cloudy. Reckon you heard of the cyclone that
visited this part of the country last spring. It's track of desolation
still can be seen and probably can be for a great many years. A great
page -90-
many houses were blown down and scattered over the neighboring country.
Two persons were killed in this township and a great many injured. Every
piece of timber in it's track was destroyed. White oak two and three
feet in diameter were broken off all the way from 2 to 50 feet high. I
saw one sugar tree which stood on the farm of Jackson I Wood. It was
over 2 feet in diameter and probably 70 feet high. It had been twisted
off at the top of the ground, and carried top foremost for the distance
of about 200 yards ploughing huge furrows as it went. A stone mantel
belonging to the house of Mrs McComa's and estimated to weigh 2000 lbs
The foundation stones from under the school
was carried several feet.
They had- been under the house so long that
were carried several feet.
they were almost covered up.
Horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and etc were killed by the
dozens. It looked curious to see chickens walking around without
feathers on them, sheep with rails through them, which were stuck in the
Hickory trees, 2 feet through with the bark peeled off, leaves
ground.
singed on the trees, many trees without a leaf. I might write all day,
but I know I am getting troublesome. So will close.
Excuse poor writing. Yours,
E Castor
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
JOHN CASTOR OF NEW YORK
We have given some description of John Castor (also known as John
de Castorer) and his family in the June 1984 News-Caster, pages 8-11.
This included his declaration given in court in 1832 about his
Revolutionary War service. Until recently, we knew very littly about his
We now have some information about Cynthia and her
daughter, Cynthia.
family, which follows:
Cynthia Castor born 21 January 1776 in Spencertown, New York,
daughter of John and Anne (Calkins) Castor. Cynthia married about 1792
Elijah Spink in Spencertown, Columbia County, New York. Elijah was born
1768, and lived in Jefferson County, New York. They located in Jefferson
Cynthia died 27 April 1812 in Ellisburg, Jefferson County, New
County.
York. Elijah disappeared in 1813, and was not heard from again.
Their children:
1. Elijah Spink, Jr married Wilhelmina Vincent in Jefferson County.
2. John Spink married Lucinda
3. Samuel Spink married 1829 Edith Consol (she died in 1830), married
1831 Edah Consol (1814-1860 in Michigan).
4. Orsemus Spink married 1 May 1832 Harriet Bishop (23 Dec 1808 - 17 Feb
1885 in Michigan).
5. Ruth Spink.
6. Hannah Spink.
7. Emeline Spink.
8. Eliza Spink born 3 January 1803.
Sources:
letter from Mrs John W Spink to Ethel S Joyner - 24 June 1983
If anyone has additional information, we would be interested in receiving
it.
Please notice that we are now making available for loan from our
Castor Library the Association Notebook for John Castor of New York and
his Descendants -- see pages 95-96.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
page -91-
"LIVES AND LETTERS FROM KIESTER HOUSE"
This is the title of a book about to be published. Donna Kiester
Gibson and Emma Lou Kiester Holtz have over 200 letters of the Civil War
days.
These letters were written by Jacob Shaffer Kiester and William
Henry. Harrison Kiester, brothers from near Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania,
who served in the 103rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
Donna and Emma have written a family record and selected many of these
letters to reflect the times and torments of the Civil War.
The Kiester family organized their first reunion for July 4th
this past year, and more than 200 descendants attended. The report of
the reunion and publication plans appeared in the July 11, 1987 edition
of the BUTLER EAGLE, Butler, Pennsylvania. Our member, Jane Gallagher of
Renfrew, Pennsylvania alertly and kindly sent the news item to us. We
have ordered a copy of the book to be placed in the Castor Library. And
Emma Lou Holtz, one of the authors, has recently joined the Association.
Kiester House was a stagecoach inn and country tavern on the
route between Pittsburgh and Erie. The home and business was owned by
Jesse and Margaret Kiester. Their children, George Philip, Jacob
Shaffer, William Henry Harrison, Winfield Scott, James Madison, Amelda
and Emma, were all born in Kiester House. The authors are descendants of
Winfield Kiester.
The brothers enlisted in December 1861, and their company
gathered in Camp Orr in Kittanning, then continued through the Allegheny
Valley and on to Virginia and Washington, DC. Henry became the cOmpany's
The brothers re-enlisted in December of 1863. Soon
first lieutenant.
after, they were captured by the Confederate forces and taken to Libby
Prison, and later to Andersonville. Henry did manage to escape, but was
Henry was paroled in February 1865.
recaptured in North Carolina.
Shaffer never left prison, and died 23 November 1864 in South Carolina.
JACOB SHAFFER KIESTER
WINFIELD SCOTT KIESTER
We are looking forward to receiving this interesting book, and
believe it will be a significant addition to our Castor Library.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
page -92-
Most people have heard of the bicentennial anniversary of the US
Constitution, but there is another important bicentennial anniversary
this year.
The Ordinance of 12 July 1787 established the Territory of
the United States Northwest of the River Ohio. It preceeded the US
Constitution by five months. Commonly known as the Old Northwest
Territory, this land eventually became the states of Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and the part of Minnesota east of the
Mississippi River.
Claims to this land had been made by the colonies of New York,
Most of this land had been
Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
ceded to the federal government prior to the ordinance with the exception
of the Virginia Military District and the Fire Lands of the Western
Reserve.
Virginia retained the area in southwestern Ohio between the
Scioto and Little Miami Rivers to grant land land in payment to
Virginians who had fought in the Revolutionary War. Connecticut granted
land in the area of present day Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio to
.compensate persons who had lost property when New Haven, Greenwich,
Fairfield, Norwalk, and New London, Connecticut were burned by the
British near the end of the Revolutionary War.
The ordinance contained some new ideas that were quite different
from the set up of the governments in the colonies which had previously
It included a Bill of Rights (the US Constitution
claimed the land.
didn't get one until amended in 1791) which included the following six
rights: 1. Freedom of religion.
A person was not bound to support a
church in which he did not believe. 2. Trial by jury, writ of habeas
corpus, no cruel and unusual punishment, and no excessive bail. 3.
Schools to be forever encouraged.
4. Public access to rivers and
streams. One could own the land on both sides of a river or stream, but
he did not own the river, so therefore could not control the access to
it.
5. Established the mechanics for dividing the territory into states.
6. No slavery or involuntary servitude within the territory.
The genealogist should be aware of the sections of the ordinance,
and laws which soon followed, on military duty, settlement of estates,
and marriage.
All males 15-50 were subject to military duty, and males
over 50 were included if the territory was invaded. Each male was to
furnish his own arms and munitions. The law of primogeniture to settle
intestate estates, used in Virginia, would not be in effect. After the
widow's dower right, the rest of the estate was to be divided equally
among the children.
Marriages could be performed by a judge of the
general court, court of common pleas, ministers, or by Quaker doctrine.
Males seventeen and over and females fourteen and over could marry, but
they had to get the father's consent if under twenty one for males and
eighteen for females.
A certificate of marriage was to be recorded in
the county where the marriage was performed.
The Northwest Ordinance became the last piece of major
legislation passed by the Continental Congress.
Arthur St Clair was
appointed the first governor of the territory. By 1798 the Territory had
the five thousand free male inhabitants needed for the second stage of
government.
On May 7, 1800 the territory was divided in two and the
page -93-
Northwest Territory became the land lying east of the treaty line of
1795, from the Ohio to Fort Recovery, and a line drawn from the fort to
the international boundary.
The area west of. the line became Indiana
Territory..
The treaty line referred to is the line set up at the Treaty
of Greenville signed by General Anthony Wayne and twelve Ohio and Great
Lakes Indian tribes after the Battle of Fallen Timbers. This treaty
cleared two thirds of the present State of Ohio of Indians, resulting in
a
flood of settlers. By 1803, Ohio had obtained the required number of
settlers to become a state.
NORTHWEST TERRITORY 1787
OHIO ADMITTED 1803
The remaining land in the territory became Indiana territory with
Vincennes the capital and William Henry Harrison becoming governor.
However, by 1805 Congress formed Michigan Terriory with Detroit as the
capital and William Hull, governor. Four years later in 1809 Illinois
Territory was broken off from Indiana Territory.
Kaskaskia was the
capital and Ninon Edwards the governor.
INDIANA ADMITTED 1816
ILLINOIS ADMITTED 1818
In. 1816, Indiana became the nineteenth state and in 1818 Illinois
the twenty-first.
The northern part of Illinois Territory was added to
Michigan was not settled as rapidily as the other
Michigan Territory.
page -94-
territories, so it was not until 1837 that
Aichigan became a state. The sesquicentennial
3f the statehood of Michigan is being celebrated this year. The remaining land became
a part of Wisconsin Territory. Henry Dodge
was the first governor of Wisconsin Territory
and the capital was Madison. Eleven years
later in 1848 Wisconsin became the thirtieth
state. The small remaining portion became a
part of Minnesota Territory with St Paul as
the capital and Alexander Ramsey as governor.
It was not until 1858 when Minnesota became
the thirty-second state that the last bit
of the Old Northwest Territory entered
statehood.
MICHIGAN ADMITTED 1837
Sources:
The Old Northwest, Pioneer Period 1815-1840 by R Carlyle Buley (1950)
.Territorial Governors of the Old Northwest by Dwight G McCarty (1910)
The Old Northwest by B A Hinsdale (1888)
Indiana Sources for Genealogical Research in the Indiana State Library by
Carolynne L (Wendel) Miller (1984)
Indiana Historical Society Old Northwest Bicentennial Conference, South
Bend, Indiana (June 1987)
Collections of the Illinois State Historical Library, Law Series Volume
I, The Laws of the Northwest Territory 1788-1800 edited by Theodore
Calvin Pease
The Northwest Ordinance 1787 A Bicentennial Handbook ed. Robert M Taylor,
Jr (1987)
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
September 1986 News-Caster, page 45., We list the books that have been
please request additional time.
a. When returning the item, mail 4th class rate or book rate, and please
insure.
)f postage plus $.50 to cover mailing material and incidentals.
iedburg-Kaster Rheinische Kunststatten Series by Ludwig Theissen (1957),
9 pages.
Description and history of small town Kaster in Germany Titten in German.
ucks County (Pa) Tombstone Inscriptions, Hilltown Township by Frances
ise Waite (1984), 210 pages
arty Settlers of Solesbury Township, Bucks County, Pa by Eastburn Reeder
page -95-
(1971), 126 pages
In Search of Your German Roots by Angus Baxter (1987), 122 pages
The German Pietests of Provincial Pennsylvania by Julius Friedrich Sachse
(1895) reprint, 504 pp
John Castor/de Castorer of New York, & Descendants Castor Association
Notebook
800 Jahre Stiftskirche, St Castor, Karden 1183-1983 [in German - title
translated = 800 Years, St Castor Church, Karden 1183-1983] (1983), 131
pages. As time permits, we will translate this very interesting book.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
QUERIES
***
Need information about Elfrida COMBS SHEARER who divorced John
Wesley SHEARER in 1882; married second John 0 LAITY in 1883; married
third George S WATKINS in 1884. Also desire information about Virginia
Shearer WATKINS who married 1899 Clifton GRIGG in Tuscarora, Elko County,
Will exchange family information. Please write to Herb Shearer,
Neveda.
904 LaPuente Drive, Bakersfield, Cal 93309
***
We are looking for Barbara BEASLEY who in 1980 lived at 424 East
Center St, Manteca, California 95336. She is a great granddaughter of
Josiah and Irene (AIRENA) KESTER of Pennsylvania. Anyone knowing
Barbara's present address, please write to Mrs Ellen K Browne, P 0 Box
694, Folsom, La 70437
***
Desire information about Eva CUSTER, daughter of Paulus and
Gertrude (Doors) KUSTER of Germantown, Pa, and wife of Gottshall
GOTTSHALL.
Please contact Kenneth S Heiser, 27 Hillside Road, Mount
Holly, New Jersey 08060
***
Seek proof , that Frederick DIEHL (born 8 November 1722, died 19
January 1813 in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa) was the
father of Adam TEEL/DIEHL who was born 12 April 1760 and married
Christine KOESTER, daughter of Michael KOESTER. Please write Marcile D
Bates, 3610 Cypress Way, Santa Rosa, Cal 95405
***
Seek information about Edwin Augustus CASTOR (1836-1894), married
first Augusta BUCKIUS (1837-1900), married second Samantha W GRAHAM
(1843-1894).,
Also seek information about their children: Hiram Charles,
b. 1866; Harry Garsed, b 1868; Frank Graham, b 1870; Edna, b 1871,
married Dr Paul ROBINSON of Indianapolis; John Wilkinson, b 1874; Jesse
Webster, b 1876; and Walter Dyre, b 1883. Seek information about Ellen
Castor GARSED (1838-1917) and her daughter, Nellie Garsed NEUKOM. Please
write to Donald J Castor, 90 Thomas Ave, Bethpage, New York 11714
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
RASTER KLIPPINGS
***
Our member Alice B Bullard of Spokane, Washington reports the
passing of her two older brothers: Everett F Curtis of Puyallup,
Washington, died 30 January 1987; and Verlin Curtis of Amarillo, Texas,
died 8 June 1987.
page -96-
***
Kenneth L Peterson of Rogers, Arkansas died 11 May 1987, aged 75,
survived by his wife, Miriam (Caster) Peterson. Miriam is the daughter
of the late Charles Thomas Caster of Hardin County, Iowa. Miriam
continues to live in Rogers, Arkansas.
***
Emmett and Evelyn Kirby of Champaign, Illinois, celebrated their
30th wedding anniversary 6 October 1987. Emmett is the great grandson of
Naomi (Castor) Applegate. Congratulations!!
***
Dorothea Schweiger of Lenexa, Kansas reports a new granddaughter
-- Kathleen Theresa Schneck arrived 10 August 1987, Falls Church,
Virginia.
***
Laura Elizabeth Scholer born 15 October 1987 in Hot Springs,
Arkansas, daughter of Gregory and Janet Scholer -- grandparents Charles
and Ann Scholer.
* * *
* * * * * * * * * *
NEW MEMBERS
address
Mrs Betty Azevedo
6448 North Thorne
Fresno, Calif 93711
ancestral line
Goldie Castor Hervey(1902-1978); Homer Castor
(1874-1960); Harvey Castor(1851-1922); Thomas
Castor(1817-1887); George Castor(1784-1876);
John Caster Senior(1754-1823)
Mr John Mark Brimacombe
4155 Bowen Road
Toledo, Ohio 43613
Kenneth C Castor(1920); Sesel 0 Castor
Mrs John Brooks
2205 Indian Village Blvd (1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906);
Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(1784Fort Wayne, Ind 46809
1876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3)
Mr Donald J Castor
90 Thomas Ave
Bethpage, NY 11714
William Wilkinson Castor, Jr(1891-1937); William
Wilkinson Castor(1859-1903); Edwin A Castor
(1836-1894); Hiram Castor(1809-1886); Samuel
Castor(1777-1855); Frederick Castor(1739-1800);
John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797)
Mr Harold E Castor
Robert B Castor(1893-1966); Robert B K Castor
2019 Oakmont St
(1868-1936); Howard Castor(1835-1909); George
Philadelphia, Pa 19152 Johnston Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor(17661835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George
Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797)
Mr James Richard Castor Kenneth C Castor(1920); Sesel 0 Castor
4683 Lambeth Way
(1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906);
Holt, Michigan 48842
Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(17841876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3)
Dr Kenneth C Castor, Jr Kenneth C Castor(1920); Sesel 0 Castor
2810 Knightsbridge P1
(1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906);
Fort Wayne, Ind 46815
Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(17841876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3)
page -97-
Dr Richard J Castor
5681 Middle Road
Horseheads, N Y 14845
Norman R Castor(1905-1958); Norman Stephen
Castor(1875-1964); Howard Castor(1835-1909);
George J Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor
(1766-1835); George Castor(1736-1811); John
George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797)
Mr Roderic E Castor
10440 Scenic Blvd
Cupertino, Cal 95014
Earl H Castor(1904-1986); Henry Castor( ? - ? )
Theodore Castor(1836-1920); Mathias Joseph
Castor(1804- ? )
Mr Vernon G Castor
Norman S Castor(1889-1957); Robert B K Castor
2844 Longshore Ave
Philadelphia, Pa 19149 Johnston Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor(17661835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George
Mr William H Castor, Jr William Henry Castor(1891-1954); Robert Bertram
753 E Lark Drive
Keys Castor(1868-1936); Howard Castor(1835-1909);
Bare Foot Bay
George Johnson Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor
Florida 32958
(1766-1835); George Castor(1736-1811); John
George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797)
Mr Donald Craig Custer Walter Wilson Custer(1911-1965); Paris James
1534 Robinson Road
Custer(1886-1966); --- Paulus Kuster(c1644Washington CH, Oh 43160 1708)
Miss Marianne Dillow
304 Oak
Anna, Illinois 62906
Frank M Dillow(1919-1983); Frank E Dillow(18941978); Emma Hensley Dillow(1865-1952); Mary
J Custer-Hensley(1843-1870/75); John Louis Custer
(c1816-1887); John Custer(1784-1863); Johanes
Kuster(c1760-1837); Johann George Kuster
Mrs Robert G Duff
P 0 Box 192
Cantonment, Fla 32533
Annie M Railey Floyd(1902-1974); Ida May Custer
Railey(1873-1909); John Wesley Custer(1827-1903);
Daniel Custer(c1800?- ? ); ? John Custer(c17601837)
Mr Kenneth S Heiser
Samuel J Heiser(1909-1978); Katie Gotshall
27 Hillside Road
Heiser(1871-1950); Absalom Gotshall(1838-1917);
Mount Holly, N J 08060 Adam Gotshall(1813-1889); William Z Gotshall
(1784-1875); Gotshall Gotshall(1753-1824);
William Gotshall( ? - ? ); Eva Custer Gotshall
( ? - ? ); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)
Mary E Castor Henry(1916Mr John D Henry III
); Edwin H Castor
204 Vinewood
(1895-1984); Horace W Castor( 1870-1966);
Longview, Texas 75604 Thomas Ellwood Castor(1840-1926); Thomas Castor
(1810-1884); John Castor(1773-1813); Jacob
Castor(1742-1815); John George Castor/Hans
Georg Gerster(1710-1797)
also ----Thomas Ellwood Castor(1840-1926);
Sarah Kester Castor(1807-1879); William Kester
(1777-1812); John. Kester(1744-1825); Paul
Kester(c1706-1745/50); Johannes Koster(16701708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)
• Mrs Emma L Holtz
Henry B Kiester(1883-1965); Winfield Scott
• RD #2. Box 2186
Kiester(1851-1935); Jesse Kiester
• Harrisville, Pa 16038 George P Kiester(1749- ? )
page -98-
Mr Olin F Joyner
P 0 Box 11
Mannsville, NY 13661
Marvin Joyner(1881-1978); Medora Castor Joyner
(1853-1924); William Castor(c1811-1891); John
Castor(1771-1865); John deCastorer(1748-1835)
Mrs Karen Kester
c/o Mrs Joyce Cowles
2016 Avenue G
Ft Madison, Iowa 52627
Edward Todd Kester(1959); Robert A Kester
(1916-1977); Max Kester(1886-1958); Watson S
Kester(1852-1907); Robert Kester(c1824-1910/15);
John Kester(1779-1845); John Kester(1774-1825);
Paul Kester(c1706-1745/50); Johannes Koster
(1670-1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)
Mr Frederick A Keister Everett E Keister(1887-1964); Samuel F Keister
(1849-1923); John Keister(c1825- ? ); Jacob
242 South Main St
Germantown, Ohio 45327 Keister(1796-1860); Peter Keister(1759-1842);
George Kester( ? -c1790)
Mr & Mrs Jack E Kester Charles Waldo Kester(1896-1960); Oliver Elmer
Kester(1875-1929); Charles Washington Kester
7605 Windham Road
(1847- ? )
Tipp City, Ohio 45371
wife's line - Ruby Redmond(1903);
Bertha H Custer Redmond(1884-1970);
Herrn Guido Kikters
g 17
An der Alten Bur
D-4150 KREFELD-HULS
WEST GERMANY
Mrs Carra N Lindsey
26 Mt Pleasant
Amherst, Mass 01002
Jakob Kiisters(1919); Julius Kiisters(18791953); Peter Johann Misters(1835- ? ); Peter
Godfried Custers(1802-1841); Paptis Hermann
Custers( ? - ? )
Lucy E Custer Nendick(1857-1938); Paul Custer
(1822-1898); Christian Custer(1780-1852); John
Custer(1736-1812); Nicholas Kuster(1706-1784);
Arnold Kuster(1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c16441708)
Mrs Richard Regedanz, Jr Kenneth C Castor(1920); Sesel 0 Castor
2218 Lynn Ave
(1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906);
Fort Wayne, Ind 46805 Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(17841876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3)
Mr Ray R Rice, Jr
Elsie Custer Rice(1899-1972); John C Custer
4600 Ranch Lane
(1855-1926); John Custer(1819-1901)
Bloomfield Hills, Mich 48013
Mr Harmer C Weichel
Julia R Coester Weichel(1880-1951); Julius
350 Thomas Blvd, #202 Coester(1848- ? )
Hamilton, Ohio 45013
Mrs Evelyn C Winslow
P 0 Box 13
Clarksburg, NJ 08510
Norman S Castor(1889-1957); Robert B K Castor
Johnston Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor(17661835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
***
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!
Have a joyous holiday, hug a friend, and drive safely
page -99-
***
FROM THE MAILBAG
Because of so many items covered in this issue, there
has not been enough space to allow all the mail to be
reported -- we will try to catch up in the next issue.
•***
We have received donations from the following Association
Boosters -- Ellen K Browne of Folsom, Louisiana; Lowouida Duff of
Cantonment,. Florida; Berdena Brady of Hillsboro, Oregon; Jack and Martha
Brown of Windfall, Indiana; Jean M White of Wichita, Kansas; Donald J
Castor of Bethpage, New York; and Frances R Richardson of Crofton,
Maryland. Thank you, Boosters!!
***
NEW ADDRESSES -- Robert E Custer formerly of Anderson, Indiana
now resides at 1150 Field Ave, Canon City, Colorado 81212. William 0
Caster formerly of Athens, Georgia now resides at 208 John Paul Avenue,
Statesboro, Georgia 30458-5593. Larry Schmidt formerly of Chappell Hill,
Texas now occupies a beautiful 1884 home at 911 Church St, Navasota,
Texas 77868.
***
June and David Magnusen of Lake Forest, Illinois traveled to Fort
Lincoln, Mandan ,
Abraham
North Dakota for the Custer Ball and
Ground-breaking ceremonies this past May (see page 59 of September
News-Caster for her report). George A Custer and his troops were
stationed at this fort ,just prior to his famous last campaign in the
Black Hills of South Dakota. While there, June and David drove to the
Black Hills of South Dakota.
But before leaving North Dakota they
noticed a sign along the highway which read "STAY IN NORTH DAKOTA, CUSTER
WAS HEALTHY WHEN HE LEFT."
***
Hubert and Martha Lowman of Arroyo Grande, California returned
from a 7,300 mile motor trip which included a visit to Fryburg Cemetery
in Holmes County, Ohio, where Martha's great great grandfather, McDonald
Castor, rests.
Hubert shares with us this picture of the monument. The
monument, and other records, are somewhat confusing as to his first name,
birthdate and date of death.
His first name is variously recorded as
McDaniel, McDonal and McDonell, but Hubert asserts that it undoubtedly is
• McDonald (and we agree), the maiden name of his mother. Date of death on
the monument is given as Feb 6, 1874; however courthouse records and a
newspaper obituary state February 2, 1874. The birthdate of April 29,
1790 computed from the monument does not agree with family records found
in Missouri which give May 28, 1790. On the back of the monument appears
the record of Matilda Castor, daughter of McDonald, and again the record
of birth on the stone, Oct 17, 1819, does not correspond to family
records found in Missouri, which give her birth as Oct 27, 1820. Hubert
believes the information on the back was cut by a different stone cutter
at a different time, as indicated by a change in style. Hubert concludes
that this monument was erected many years after McDonald's death by his
three spinster daughters, possibly to replace soft sandstone, individual
markers that were showing the wear of time and no longer completely
legible -- thus the introduction of errors. A short time later, when
Matilda died, her record was added on the back of the monument, and
perhaps her birthdate was guessed in the absence of a family record.
•When the last two sisters, Nancy Jane and Sarah Ann, died, no one
bothered.
Immediately to the left of the monument is a small sandstone marker,
•badly deterioted, apparently of George B Castor, probably died in
page -100-
December, day not readable, probably 1871, followed by age at death but
Who was this? McDonald's brother George died in Indiana
not readable.
in 1876, and McDonald's son George died 1850 according to the information
on the large monument. We still have much to understand in Holmes
County, Ohio.
***
Jean M White of Wichita,
Kansas has learned that to obtain a complete listing of the
Quaker holdings in the LDS Library in Salt Lake City, one
should look in the author/title
section of the GLC under "Society of Friends.". We also want
to mention that Jean's article
on searching Quaker records in
the June 1987 News-Caster has
been published in Coffey County
Footprints [Kansas) September
1987. Jean has recently returned
from the Shenandoah Valley of
Virginia, where she has solved
one of the inconsistencies of
Milo Custer's book -- it appears
that George Custer, aged 104
years, of Pendleton County was
in part a myth. More on this
next issue. Way to go, Jean!
***
Ellen Browne of Folsom, Louisiana has recently read The Civil War
- Stran g'e & Fascinating Facts by Burke Davis. Among the "facts" was that
following the surrender of General Robert E Lee to General Ulysses S
Grant at the home of Wilmer McLean in Appomattox, the home was looted for
souvenirs, and the hapless owner was powerless against the urges of the
many soldiers. General Sheridan "bought" the table on which the
surrender terms were written, and donated it to the wife of General
Custer -- it is now in the Smithsonian Institution. General Ord received
the table on which Grant and Lee signed the terms and it is now in the
care of the Chicago Historical Society.
***
Charles L Byer of Pensacola, Florida sends the following
information:
From LDS microfilm #163,929 - Harrison County, West Virginia Cemeteries
Brick Church Cemtery, Bridgeport, WVa
Sallie Kester dau
W H Kester
of W H & Ella Kester
born 31 Dec 1849
born 27 Oct 1879
died 18 June 1883
died 22 June 1888
Jackson Cemetery, East End, Clarksburg, WVa
Earl C Kester son ofJB&MGKester
died 11 July 1872 age 5 mos. 27 days
Johnston Cemetery, Johnston, WVa
•
Elizabeth Caster wife of Vincent Caster
died 19 Oct 1861
age 25 yrs 8 mos 27 days
Graveyard of Wm Martin, Booths Creek, Clay Dist, WVA
Rebecca J Kester
born 16 Sept 1810
died 1 April 1886
page -101-
From LDS microfilm #1,036,934 - 15th item
Clarksburg (WVa) Telegram 28 December 1931
Wilma J Kester
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 tomorrow
(29th) at the home of Mr and Mrs John W Kester, 217 Edison Ave,
Nutter Fort for their 17 month old daughter, Wilma Jean Kester,
who died at 12:20 yeaterday (27th) of infantile ailments. Place
of interment has not been determined. Beside parents, child is
survived by a brother, Edward, 6, at home.
Clarksburg (WVa) Telegram 29 December 1931
Wilma J Kester -- John M (sic) Kester - Wilma Jenne (sic) Kester
was 17 months old died on Sunday, burial in the Stonewall Park
Cemetery.
From LDS microfilm #022,065: cemetery readings of Somerset County, Pa
Union Cemetery, Somerset Borough
page 43 - (vault) Henry Kuster
page 53 John J Keister Sept 2, 1886 - Jan 13, 1911
Killed in wreck on the Great Northern RR Idaho when the
the train, on which he was fireman, jumped the track and
plungOd into the Pend D'Orville River, where he sleeps
beneath seventy-four feet of water.
Gebhard
son ofJri&EJKuster
died Aug 27, 1881
Charlotte
wife ^f 0
died Dec 11, 1873
aged 66 yrs 11 mos 17 das
Christian Kuster
died March 18, 1860 aged 52 yrs
John H Keister 1850-1924
Eliza J (Kister) his wife
1860-1927
From OVER THE MOUNTAIN MEN, THEIR EARLY COURT RECORDS IN SOUTHWEST
VIRGINIA by Anne L Worrel (1983)
page 9 - John Custard married 2 June 1801 Elizabeth Hudson, dau
of Eliza Beth (Elizabeth?) Hudson in Franklin County.
- David Custer married 9 Dec 1799 Zaney Nowini, dau of
•
Elizabeth Campbell in Franklin County.
page 14 - Lodewick Keester (Koster) married 1 Aug 1789 Mary Boom,
dau of Jacob Boom in Franklin County.
page 25 - David Cress married 28 Nov 1815 Deborah Kester in
Grayson County.
page 27 - Peter Kester married 25 Mar 1806 Hannah Davis in
Grayson County.
- Richard Kester married 3 Apr 1799 Phebe Brown in
Grayson County.
page 56 - Eli Kester, deceased, appraisal of estate, June 1841,
in Grayson County.
From MARYLAND MARRIAGES 1778-1800 by Robert Barnes (1979), page 130
Adam Kuster married 9 Oct 1792 Kiara Shoen, Frederick County,
Maryland, First German Evangelical Reformed Church.
John Kuster married 27 Oct 1789 Elizabeth Willjard, Frederick
County, Md, First German Evangelical Reformed Church. From
PENNSYLVANIA VITAL RECORDS, Vol III Penna.. Geneal. Mag & the Penna. Mag.
of Hist. and Bio. (1983)
page 57 - Marriages by John Hutchinson, Pastor, Presbyterian
Cong., Mifflintown and Lost Creek, Pa - William Henry married
Maria Custard 1 Aug 1814; page 59 - Samuel Custard married
Mrs Ann Douglas 20 June 1820.
page 124 - Midwife's Records 1816-1826, Montgomery County, Pa
17 March 1819 - a male to Daniel and Magdalena Custard
page -102-
9 Nov 1821 - a female to Daniel and Magdalena Custer
page 157 - Marriage Docket of Samuel Mater, JP, Greentownship,
Columbia Co, Pa 1822-1835 - 25 Dec 1828 Jahn T Parker and
Rachael Kester.
page 183 - Graveyard inscriptions of Christ Episcopal Church
(Old Swedes), Upper Merion Township, Montgomery Co, Pa
Amos Custer who departed
Ann Custer wife of Amos Custer
this life June 5th AD 1824 and daughter of Benin Ramsey &
age 33 yrs, 6 mos, 1 da
Ann his wife, departed this
life Sept 28th, 1818
.aged 34 years 9 mo 1 da
Many Thanks, Charles!!
***
Berdena Brady of Hillsboro, Oregon attended the Hutchison - May Garrigus Reunion Picnic July 25th this year.. She has been doing a lot of
volunteer work at the Veterans Hospital of Portland. She also hosted two
great grandsons for three weeks! And she likes the BART System of the
Bay Area!
•***
Dr Bob and Joan Kaster of San Jose, California vacationed during
-11-. 0ctober'on the island of Maui, Hawaii -- Aloha!
***
Sue Purkiss of Longview, Washington, reports that she attended
? the Harve Castor Family Reunion in Anderson, Indiana last September 13th.
There were approximately 100 in attendance, and everyone had a lovely
time!
***
Ray Castor of Carter, Montana was feted at a retirement party 17
October 1987! Many happy days in retirement, Ray and Jane!
***
Judy Deeter of Los Angeles has been helping us with obtaining
International Geneagical Index readings and also federal census readings.
Many thanks, Judy.
Anyone else willing to read census for us? Let us
know if you are.
•
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
BE SURE TO ORDER YOUR COPY OF CASTOR COOKIN' OLD AND NEW -- just $9
postpaid. An excellent addition to your own cooking library, and just a
dandy Christmas Gift, too.
Let's support the Association, and order
now!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
***
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has granted Tax Exempt Status
to our Association as a publicly supported foundation 509(a)(1) under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code until the end of 1991.
Our status will be reviewed again by the IRS at that time for
determination of final status. Your donations to the Association are tax
deductible as described in section 170 of the Code. We have also been
granted exemption by the State of Texas from sales tax and franchise tax.
. 4 ***
It is time for renewal of memberships. Renewal is still $6 per
-calendar year.
We do expect to consider raising the renewal rate at the
next reunion business meeting, but this would affect renewal rates for
!1989 and later.
We have not raised our rates during the first five
page -103-
years.
We have enclosed a QUESTIONAIRE with which you can renew. Please
take the time to complete this questionaire, as it will help us in our
planning of the reunion in 1988 and two field trip tours in 1989. Also,
we have provided space for your nominations of trustees and officers -election will take place at the reunion 19 June 1988.
***
Leland Caster's cook book. is ready for delivery!!! GET THEM
WHILE THEY ARE HOT!!
Just $9 brings to your door (by post) Castor
Cookin' Old and New with 119 pages of culinary delight. They make
excellent Christmas gifts!
-t
***
Mark your your new calendar -- June 18 & 19, 1988 for the Third
National Castor Reunion in Des Moines, Iowa -- to be held at The
Adventureland Inn.
Host & Hostess -- Terry & Roberta O'Connor of
Altoona.
Master of Ceremonies -- Jack K Castor of San Rafael,
California. Welcome Committee Chairpersons -- Roy & Ann Caster of Union.
Sales Committee Chairpersons -- Darrell & Dorothy Caster of Albia7.
M4 ke Murray of Des Moines. Registration -Osburne of
Muscatine.
The Reunion will be preceeded by a trustees and officers
meeting on Friday, June 17th, and welcoming of guests will start Friday
afternoon.
Chuck and Jean White will present a slide show Friday evening
of the 1897 Castor Tour of Europe. Saturday will feature introductions,
nominations, luncheon, a guest speaker, business meeting, and a luau
dinner in the Adventureland Park. On sunday, duplication of old
photographs will be done by Chuck White in the morning. A program about
our ancestors of Iowa will be presented.
Sunday Luncheon will be
followed by a discussion of our publication plans of our next book about
Paulus and Gertrude Kuster. Election of Trustees and Officers. Sunday
afternoon, a genealogy class will be conducted by Jean M White. A
Farewell Dinner will be followed by a few closing remarks. Don't miss
this Gala!! We want to visit with you!
***
We have formed a committee to compile a book about Paulus and
Gertrude (Doors) Kuster, and the families of their children and
grandchildren (and possibly it will include the families of their great
grandchildren).
If you are interested in serving on this committee,
please request details from Charlie Scholer, and a questionaire and other
information will be supplied.
Present committee members are: George
Custard, Elizabeth Campuzano, Elizabeth Custer, Wayne4,Cain, Jean White,
Chester Custer, Dorothea Schweiger, Addie Ludwig, and Patricia A Ostwald.
***
If you have suggestions or questions about our 1989 field trips,
write to us -- help us design what you want.
* * * * * * * * *. * * * *
of the Association.
Biennium are:
page -104-

1987 News Casters - Castor Association of America

Transcription

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