2007 News Casters - Castor Association of America

Transcription

NewsCaster
The
Castor Association of America
Volume XXV Issue 1
March 2007
"Tom should have been the General"
by Rosemary Pardoe
Before the War
In 1865, George Armstrong Custer said of his younger brother:
"Do you want to know what I think of him? Tom should have been
the General and I the Lieutenant."(1) Although the elder Custer's
heroic exploits in the Civil War are well known, it was Tom who was
the first person ever to be awarded two Medals of Honor for his
bravery during the War. Such a unique distinction should have resulted in ample book and article coverage in the ensuing years, but
until 2002 there had been nothing except for a few articles, none of
which concentrated specifically on recounting the story of his early
career in the War. Tom has tended to be seen merely as a henchman to his iconic brother, a role to which he would probably not
have objected strongly, for he adored and idolised him. In 2002,
Carl F. Day's biography, Tom Custer: Ride to Glory (Arthur H. Clark
Company), remedied the situation somewhat, but Tom's Civil War
years still demand further detailed investigation.
Thomas Ward Custer was born on March 15, 1845, in New
Rumley, Ohio, a small village near the West Virginia border. He
was the fifth son of the second marriages of Emanuel Custer and
Maria Ward Kirkpatrick. Their first two offspring having died in infancy, Tom arrived in a family which then consisted of older brothers George Armstrong (born in 1839) and Nevin Johnson (born
1842), plus and was fated to lose three brothers and a husband on
one tragic day in 1876. In 1860 the Custers moved north-west to
Tontogany, near Bowling Green, Ohio. They were an extraordinarily
close family and remained so throughout their lives. Even as adults,
the boys liked nothing better than to indulge in a light-hearted scuffle, and their practical jokes (in which father Emanuel also particiSecond Lieutenant Tom Custer (standing) with George Armstrong Custer and Libbie Custer
pated) were legendary. The handsome and flamboyant George
in the final months of the Civil War.
Armstrong (Autie) was hero-worshipped by all his siblings so it was
Reproduced courtesy of the Library of Congress.
predictable that, when the Civil War broke out and he graduated
with the West Point Class of '61 to begin active service in the Federal Army, his brothers should have wanted to follow
his lead. Nevin was the first to enlist, but an inopportune bout of rheumatism resulted in an early discharge, just a couple
of weeks later. Both Tom and Boston were too young, Tom being only sixteen: two years under the minimum age for
enlistment. It was typical of the Custer family that this did not stop him for long. His first attempt to join up failed when his
father had a word with the recruiting officer concerning his age, but Emanuel then seemingly bowed to the inevitable,
and to his son's determination. When Tom tried again, lying about his age as before, he was accepted.(3)
In the Western Theater
So it was that on September 2, 1861, at nearby Gilead, Tom Custer joined the 21st Regiment of Ohio Volunteer
Infantry; and seventeen days later he was mustered in at Findlay, Ohio, as a private in Company H.(4) The 21st Ohio, a
former three-month unit which reorganised that September as a three-year regiment, fought in the Western Theater as
part of the Army of the Ohio, and later in the Fourteenth Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. Tom shared a tent with
several other Tontogany boys, including Liberty P. Warner, whose letters home reflect camp life for the regiment at this
time. "In our mess," he wrote on October 29, 1861, from near Hazel Green, Kentucky, "we include J. Barstead, R. Buffum, C. Grundy, T. Custer, J. Bullis, Barbers 4 and self, all well and healthy... This is a hard place. I have become fully
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disgruntled with the profanity & vulgarity of the soldiery and do not fall in with it
all, not half as much as I did at home." From Bacon Creek, Kentucky, on January 3 and 10, 1862, Warner still had no action to report, but daily life was not too
uncomfortable: "Together we are a band of brothers, our 12"... "We have got a
nice little stove that can aford to keep us warm. And we have plenty to eat. We
draw rations of hard crackers, pickle pork, sugar, coffee, rice, salt, and occasionaly potatoes, beans, vinegar, etc. When we were on the mountains we drew
rations of milk when ever we come acrost any cows." In this letter, Warner
sketched the lay-out of his tent, with his bed and those of his eleven messmates (Tom's nearest the entrance), marked and numbered, all in a ring around
the central stove.(5)
From October 1861 until the end of 1862, the 21st Ohio participated in frequent but minor and relatively bloodless engagements in Alabama, Kentucky
and Tennessee. In March, for instance, they were rebuilding bridges burnt by
the Confederates near Murfreesboro (Tennessee); April found them in Huntsville (Alabama), acting as guard to the Provost Marshal of the city; and in July,
the detached Company H was clearing the railroad track near the Elk River
(Tennessee). Liberty Warner probably expressed the feelings of most of the
men when he wrote in May: "We are beginning to get tired of this thing. It has
hung on until we are now in fighting order and now we want to fight... If there is
any fighting, we are ready." But the final months of the year offered scant action
Second Lieutenant Tom Custer in late
for the 21st, who were stationed in the besieged city of Nashville, "shut out from
1864 or early 1865.
the world" and with little to challenge them: "I have been in 3 skirmishes and
have never fired a gun," Warner complained. Everything was to change in December.(6)
Meanwhile, Autie Custer was making a name for himself in the Eastern Theater. He was in the thick of things in
1862 during Major General George B. McClellan's Peninsula Campaign and, although McClellan's advance on Richmond failed, Autie was already acquiring a reputation for courage and opportunism. Nevertheless, he still had time for
some moments of reflection. During the siege of Yorktown in April, he was in a reconnaissance which came under fire
from enemy sharpshooters, and afterwards he wrote to his half sister: "The day before yesterday we buried our dead
slain in the skirmish, in the clothes they wore when killed, each wrapped in his blanket.... Some were quite young and
boyish, and, looking at their faces, I could not but think of my own younger brother." Back at home Tom's parents were
worried too. Emanuel wrote to Autie on April 18, saying that his wife "troubles hir self so much about you and Thomas
and she doant like to here of you being so venturesom."(7)
The 21st Ohio moved out of Nashville in December, and by the middle of the month they were camped near Murfreesboro, where, according to Liberty Warner, they were unable to resist the temptation of the flocks of robins that
roosted nearby every night: "As soon as it comes dark the boys slip the guard and with torch and shelalah they charge
on the devoted red breast, who stare at the torch untill they are nocked of[f] of the cane. Our mess had a pot pie of some
3 or 4 dozen of this species of songster." It was a pleasant interlude, but soon Tom and the rest of the regiment were
involved in "fierce and continuous" skirmishing in the days leading up to their first major fight.(8)
At the Battle of Stone's River (Murfreesboro) on December 31, Colonel John F. Miller's brigade, containing the 21st
Ohio, was in the centre of the Federal line. As "the battle raged with uninterrupted fury" around them, the officers and
men of the regiment "universally fought with desperation and bravery", according to their Colonel, James M. Neibling. At
one point they repulsed a bayonet charge. But when the hard-pressed units on the Army's right flank gave way, the brigade was forced back too. The next two freezing nights were spent on the field, both sides reforming and altering position, before action resumed on January 2. Once again the Northerners soon fell back in disarray, but then the enemy
attack began to lose momentum. Seizing the opportunity, and without waiting for authorisation from his superiors, Miller
ordered his brigade to charge across the river to support the beleaguered units. The 21st Ohio, Neibling reported,
"although...much impeded by the disorganized flight of infantry, artillery, and riderless horses...reached the opposite
bank of Stone's River and engaged the enemy. The struggle which ensued was desperate and bloody... The enemy was
completely routed, and night closed pursuit, leaving us in possession of [the] battlefield." It was a terrible victory. Neibling's losses were 24 killed, 109 wounded and 26 missing. Among the wounded was Liberty Warner, who was captured
and later paroled. His enthusiasm for a fight had quickly disappeared. A month after the battle, he wrote: "Oh, the scenes
of blood that I have seen. I wish that they could cease, not that I fear it, but it so hardens a person, a dead man seems
no more than a dead sheep or a log of wood."(9)
This was to be the only full-scale fight which Tom Custer saw with his regiment, for in April 1863 he managed to get
himself assigned to escort duty on the staff of Major General James S. Negley, the 21st Ohio's division commander.
Many years later, General Negley told Libbie Custer (Autie's widow) that he remembered Tom as "a splendid soldier"
and "bore testimony in unstinted words to the courage and fidelity of the lad". No doubt the high-spirited but hard-working
Tom had exactly the right character to appeal to Negley who was "a huge, handsome man who radiated good will without losing firmness."(10) For his part, Tom, the farmer's son, must have been delighted to be back in the saddle instead
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of slogging with the foot soldiers. He was in Negley's escort at the Battle of Chickamauga, but this was not, it would be
fair to say, Negley's finest hour. On September 20, the General chose to retreat to Rossville at a time when he was
needed to support the Federal left flank. Whether his judgment was impaired due to the physical illness which nearly
kept him from the battlefield that day, or whether he was only doing the best he could in view of the fact that he had lost
contact with most of his troops, the result was that he was immediately removed from duty until a Court of Enquiry could
consider his case the following January. The Court exonerated him of all blame but his days of active service were over.
(11)
Tom was probably lucky not to have been fighting with the 21st Ohio at Chickamauga. They did not retreat with Negley but stayed until the last, and were one of the final Federal units to withdraw. Armed with Colt revolving rifles, they
used up over 43,000 rounds of ammunition, but were eventually almost surrounded by the enemy and had to cut their
way out with a bayonet charge. Their casualties numbered nearly half the regiment: 28
Tom Custer was unwilling to
killed, 84 wounded and 131 captured or missing. Tom's friend from Tontogany, Liberty
give up the life of an orderly
Warner, would never write home again about drawing illicit milk rations or making robin
pie. He had recovered from his Stone's River wound only to be killed at Chickamauga
during the final stand on Snodgrass Hill.(12)
eneral Negley may have gone, but evidently Tom Custer was unwilling to give up the life of an orderly, and his
services were needed elsewhere, for he proceeded to serve in the escorts of a succession of generals over the
ensuing months. At Missionary Ridge and Chattanooga, from November 20, he was on the staff of Major General U.S.
Grant himself. Then, at the beginning of 1864, the 21st Ohio re-enlisted for a further three years as veteran volunteers.
After a furlough, during which he attended the wedding of brother Autie to Elizabeth (Libbie) Bacon on February 9 in
Monroe, Michigan, Tom spent only a short period back with his regiment before joining the staff of the Fourteenth Corps'
John M. Palmer for the Atlanta Campaign. He was with General Palmer in time for the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on
June 27. Following Palmer's resignation in early August over a ranking disagreement, Tom apparently stayed on at Fourteenth Corps Headquarters, under General Jefferson C. Davis, for the Battle of Jonesboro on September 1. He may then
have briefly joined the escort of Major General George H. Thomas, commander of the Army of the Cumberland, but
there is no clear evidence for this, and he certainly did not accompany Thomas to Nashville later that month after the
taking of Atlanta. Instead, Tom was with the Fourteenth Corps as it and the rest of William Tecumseh Sherman's forces
pursued John Bell Hood's Confederate army into Alabama. By late October, Sherman was at Gaylesville, and it was
here that Tom, who had risen to the rank of corporal on his January re-enlistment, received news of a much more significant promotion.(13)
Tom joins his brother
Considering the closeness of the "Custer clan" and the widespread nepotism in the armies of both the North and the
South, it is surprising that George Armstrong Custer, a brigadier general since June 1863 and newly in charge of a division, should have taken until now to secure a position for his brother on his staff. Perhaps a suitable occasion had not
presented itself, or perhaps Autie thought Tom was safer where he was. For whatever reason, it was not until the summer of 1864 that Autie began to make a serious attempt to obtain for Tom an officer's rank in his brigade. At first he was
unsuccessful: Colonel Russell A. Alger of the 5th Michigan Cavalry twice declined Autie's request that a suitable vacancy
for a second lieutenant in the regiment might be found for Tom. Alger preferred to promote from amongst his own sergeants, and no doubt also realised that Tom would immediately join Autie's staff so would not be much value to the regiment. Colonel James A. Kidd, however, was more amenable and his offer of a commission for Tom in the 6th Michigan
was received by Autie at the beginning of October. Autie wrote to Kidd on October 3 of his "sincere and heartfelt gratitude for this great favor", and the following day a letter was sent to George Thomas asking for Tom's transfer.(14)
So Corporal Tom Custer was mustered out of the 21st Ohio on October 23, and travelled to the Shenandoah Valley
where he took up his appointment as a second lieutenant in Company B of the 6th Michigan Cavalry on November 8. He
promptly joined his brother as an assistant aide-de-camp.(15) Autie's regiments had been constantly active that summer
and autumn fighting as part of Major General Philip H. Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah, whose purpose was to drive
Lieutenant General Jubal A. Early's Confederate forces out of the Valley. Sheridan's last great success of the season
was at Cedar Creek on October 19. Early was driven back and would make one final stand the following March at
Waynesboro, so when Tom arrived there was little for the cavalry to do until the spring, except to make a few forays in
search of partisans and enemy raiders, and to participate in one or two raids of their own.
There was a small battle at Lacey Springs on December 21, when Custer's division was surprised by a pre-dawn
enemy attack under the command of his old West Point friend Thomas Rosser, but it was quickly repelled with the loss
of only 2 dead and 22 wounded. Autie reported to Sheridan that his worst problem was the weather: during the expedition, 230 of his men were frostbitten.(16)
The quiet winter months gave Autie the chance to size his brother up, and he wrote to his father-in-law that "Tom,
with a little more experience will make a valuable and efficient aide." Libbie Custer had travelled from Washington to join
her husband a few days before Tom's arrival, and Long Meadow, the house near Winchester commandeered for the
Custers and division staff, was filled with a succession of visiting friends and relatives, plus the inevitable Custer dogs
and other animals.(17) Libbie wrote to her cousin on November 15: "Aut's brother Tom...is with us. Such an openhearted boy, he adds much to our family circle - for as such I consider the staff."(18) Tom was still only nineteen and
G
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photographs taken at this time show a very boyish, clean-shaven lad, slim like his brother. He had the same blue eyes
and light complexion, but his sandy hair was a little darker than Autie's famous golden locks. Earlier that year, when Tom
had re-enlisted as a veteran with the 21st Ohio, his height on the muster roll was given as 5'9", two inches taller than
when he first left home in 1861.(19)
Although in a later eulogy Libbie claimed that "[Tom] seemed to have come through unscathed by the coarseness of
his surroundings as an enlisted man", he had undoubtedly picked up some unsuitable habits amongst the rough and
ready men who fought in the Western Theater.(20) He had started drinking, sometimes to excess, which was a weakness that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Additionally, his conversation was not as refined as Libbie might
have preferred, and his taste for tobacco, acquired before the War, had been taken to extremes. Autie admitted that he
was "anxious concerning his conduct" for a while, but Libbie soon got to work.(21) "The amount of mothering and petty
tyranny I exercised was not in proportion to my years," she said, "but [Tom] submitted to it all as only brave and bigsouled men can do when assured of sincere, disinterested affection."(22) Tom adored Libbie, and, although she was
never quite so successful in influencing him as she was with her husband, it does seem that Tom, the uncultured farm
boy, made a concerted effort that winter to educate and refine himself: "He not only aimed to be a perfect soldier, but he
was determined to take up his studies, interrupted by his early enlistment... he bought himself school-books, and poured
over them with patience in the evenings."(23) The following year, Libbie felt able to report to her parents that "Tom is a
fine boy. He has improved so much."(24) Autie agreed: "He has quit the use of tobacco, is moderate in drink, is respected and admired by officers and all who come in contact with him."(25)
As for work, there was never any question of Tom's receiving preferential treatment from Autie. If anything the opposite was the case. As another member of the staff told Libbie: "If any one thinks it is a soft thing to be the commanding
general's brother, he misses his guess." Libbie wrote that on the occasions when "the General and his staff...were awakened by the news that required one of them to saddle and start off for night duty, Tom was the one selected. I never
heard that he even looked a murmur."(26) She was being a little economical with the truth here, for Tom had been
known to complain to her about "that old galoot" who grumbled at him for "every little darned thing just because I happen
to be his brother." Autie drew a sharp dividing line between business and pleasure. Libbie was constantly surprised at
the way he would "turn to Tom from a game of cards we were playing, or from a general family frolic in which we were all
participating, and give some necessary order in the changed tone and severely grave manner that necessarily belongs
to military directions." Family frolics could get a little rough: in December, Maggie Custer grumped to Libbie that Tom
pinched her so hard "He left a big blue mark on me last time."(27)
The 1865 fighting season began in earnest on March 2 when an attack by Custer's division on Jubal Early's remaining forces at Waynesboro resulted in the latter's complete collapse, and the capture of over 1200 men. Phil Sheridan
then moved his troops away from the Shenandoah Valley to join with General Grant and the Army of the Potomac in a
final push against Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia in and around Petersburg. At Dinwiddie Court House, on
March 31, Sheridan's cavalry faced the Confederate right flank under the command of Major General George E. Pickett.
Autie Custer's men were in support but before the day was out they were required to advance and hold a defensive line
as the other divisions were forced back. As night fell, the Federals had not succeeded in their aim of reaching the Southside railroad, but, thanks to Custer, nor had they been driven from the field. The next day, at Five Forks, they were able
to follow up with a frontal attack by cavalry supported by a fortuitous flanking manoeuvre from the infantry of the Fifth
Corps. The consequent Confederate rout precipitated the flight of Lee's Army from Petersburg and Richmond, with
Sheridan in hot pursuit as Lee attempted to link up with Joe Johnston's Army of TennesLibbie claimed that "[Tom]
see in North Carolina.
seemed to have come
At Waynesboro, Dinwiddie Court House and Five Forks, Tom Custer's performance was
through unscathed by the
everything his brother could have hoped for, and he was brevetted successively to first
lieutenant, captain and, eventually, major, for "distinguished and gallant conduct."(28)
coarseness of his surroundings as an enlisted man"
Two Medals of Honor
"The church was headquarters for Rooney Lee and Rufus Barringer on the morning of 3 April, 1865, and later served as
a hospital/headquarters for Phil Sheridan in the afternoon. The church faces north and the Confederate forces were
across the road facing south. Tom and the Union troops came up Namozine Church Road that ran to the right of the
church. That road intersected with Cousins Road directly north of the church." --- Carl Day
Tom was to exceed Autie's expectations on two occasions during the next few days. At Namozine Church, on April 3,
three regiments of enemy cavalry made a rearguard stand which elements of Custer's division had to dislodge. The
Northerners charged in front and flank and the Confederates broke. In the middle of their line the color-bearer of the 2nd
North Carolina lost his flag to a young man in the thick of the melee. It was Tom, discovering that a staff position could
be far more exciting than it sounded, especially when one's commander was George Armstrong Custer! Autie wrote to
Libbie the next day.
"Tom in the most gallant manner led the charge of the Second Brigade... [He] is always in the advance." For
the second time that month Tom had his horse shot from under him (the first was at Five Forks). As well as the
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color-bearer and flag, he took a dozen prisoners, including two or three
officers, and was to be awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions.(29)
Just three days later at Sailor's Creek, on April 6, Tom thought he saw an opportunity to add to his new collection of enemy colors. This was a much larger
fight than Namozine Church, involving both cavalry and infantry, but once
again the battle around Custer's regiments culminated in their charging to dislodge the enemy line. All previous efforts having failed, the mounted charge
was ordered and Tom was in the forefront as before. This time, though, the
opposition was stronger and there was a second line of breastworks behind
the first. Tom was in trouble but still determined to get his flag. One of Autie's
brigade commanders, General Henry Capehart, saw what happened next
and, twenty years on, described it to Libbie Custer:
"It was from the second line that he wrested the colors, singlehanded, and only a few paces to my right. As he approached the colors he received a shot in the face which knocked him back on his
horse, but in a moment he was again upright in his saddle. Reaching
Namozine Church
out his right arm, he grasped the flag while the color-bearer reeled. The bullet from Tom's revolver
must have pierced him in the region of the heart. As he was falling, Captain Custer wretched the standard away from his grasp and bore it away in triumph. For intrepidity I never saw this incident surpassed."(30)
Lieutenant Colonel Edward W. Whitaker, Autie's chief of staff, told Libbie that "Tom, on that day, fought like a
lion."(31) Autie was inclined to agree. When he wrote to his father-in-law soon afterwards, he said:
"Tom led the assault upon the enemy's breastworks, mounted, was first to leap his horse over the
works on top of the enemy while they were pouring a volley of musketry into our ranks. Tom seized
the rebel colors and demanded their surrender. The color-bearer shot him through face and neck...
So close the muzzle Tom's face was spotted with burnt powder. He retained the colors with one
hand, while with the other he drew his revolver and shot the rebel dead... I am as proud of him as
can be, as soldier, brother."(32)
Tom came racing back into the Federal lines, blood pouring from his face but waving what some sources have identified as the standard of the 2nd Virginia Reserve Battalion. Major John V. Allstrom of the 3rd New Jersey Cavalry saw
him and shouted, "For God's sake, Tom, furl that flag or they'll fire on you." As he galloped up to Autie, Tom yelled,
"Armstrong, the damned rebels have shot me, but I've got my flag"; then he turned and started back into the fight. His
brother told him to go to the rear to have his wound attended to, but Tom's blood was up and Autie could see that he
was all set to disobey, so he resorted to the extreme measure of threatening to arrest him. There was no way Tom could
defy this, so back to the surgeon he had to go.(33)
The next day, in a letter to Libbie, Autie admitted that he was extremely worried. The wound, he said, "is very near the
main artery", and "much like the mortal wound" a favourite color sergeant had received at Trevilian Station in June '64.
(34) According to Libbie's description, the bullet "had entered [Tom's] cheek and passed out behind his ear", but fortunately the injury was not as serious as it looked.(35) It appears that the musket ball had grazed along just under the surface of Tom's right cheek before coming out at the neck. Tom was not admitted to the field hospital at Burkesville until
Lee's Army surrendered three days later. He then travelled to the Cavalry Corps Hospital at City Point, arriving on April
11, and is recorded as having "left hospital without showing authority." A few days later, he was in Washington. Clearly
his injury was not a severe one, yet there was always a risk of infection and even good clean facial wounds often result
in scarring. Libbie recalled that, in 1866, Tom still bore "the scarlet spot on his cheek where the bullet had penetrated";
and it has been pointed out that one of the few post-War photographs showing the right side of his face reveals what
may be a scar.(36)
This would tie in with the narratives of the Arikara scouts on the Little Big Horn expedition eleven years later. To
them, the younger Custer was "Tom, the one with the scar on his face."(37)
For his second capture of an enemy flag Tom was awarded another Medal of Honor, which made him the first to receive this dual distinction since the Medal was inaugurated in 1862. In its entire history there have only been around
twenty double winners. During the Civil War, Medals of Honor were often given for the capture of Confederate colors,
and on occasion the flag in question was not so much captured as found lying on the ground after the fight. However, no
one could deny that young Custer deserved his, and that, as Libbie told her parents, "Tom is a hero."(38) It was a proud
twenty-year-old who presented his spoils to the War Department in Washington and received his first Medal in a ceremony on April 24.(39) Then he went home to recuperate and, as Libbie put it, "the black patch, planted in the midst of a
very new and downy beard, was an ornament in our eyes for all the time it covered his wound." He gave his red necktie,
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stiff with blood, to his parents as a memento.(40) On May 22, he was back in Washington for
his second Medal, and the next day he rode through the capital in the Grand Review of the
Union armies.(41)
After the War
Following the end of the War, Tom served as Autie's aide in Texas until January 1866,
when he travelled to Michigan and mustered out in Detroit on the 31st. Soon afterwards he
received a commission as a second lieutenant in the regular army, and later the same year
he joined the new 7th Cavalry as a first lieutenant.(42) Because this was one step higher
than his position in the volunteer army, his brevet rank was also eventually upgraded to lieutenant colonel. For the rest of his life he would wear his two Medals of Honor with pride at
every opportunity, though he showed a healthy Tom Custer with tendency not to take them
too seriously. Sometimes he would even allow a girlfriend to be photographed with them
pinned to her dress (43).
Throughout the next ten years Tom served, usually under his brother, in the 7th Cavalry. Tom Custer after the War,
He was a good officer, but when Libbie was not around he was prone to lapse into heavy
with what appears to be a
drinking and other bad habits. In February 1869, for instance, Autie wrote Libbie that "[Tom] scar on his right cheek.
is cuter than ever, but he is becoming more profane, and a little vulgar. I have not spoken to
him about it, but am leaving that pleasant duty for you."(44)
In 1865, Autie had written that Tom's "excellent judgment tells him when to press the enemy, and when to be
moderate. Of all my...officers he is quickest in perceiving at a glance the exact state of things. This trait frequently excites
comment." Someone once observed to E.A. Paul, the New York Times correspondent and friend of the Custers, that,
since Tom was in Washington that April, he might have been in Ford's Theatre on the 14th, the night of Lincoln's assassination. Paul replied with typical newspaperman's hyperbole: "Impossible. Tom would have taken in the situation at a
glance and the assassin would never have escaped."(45) There are some situations, however, where excellent judgment
and fast reactions are not enough, as was the case on June 25, 1876, when five companies of the 7th Cavalry were
wiped out to a man by the Sioux and Cheyenne, at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Tom was Captain of Company C by
this time, but may have been on detached staff duty. At any rate, his body was found a few yards from Autie's, while
nearby were the remains of another brother, young Boston (a civilian guide on the
expedition). Brother-in-law First Lieutenant James Calhoun, commander of Company L, was lying elsewhere on the field.
Tom Custer could only be recognised by means of a tattoo. He had been mutilated beyond all semblance of humanity; indeed his body seems to have been
singled out for particular brutalisation. There are a number of theories attempting
to account for this, one of the least far-fetched being that it was treatment reserved for those who "fought the longest and hardest", and that Tom, probably
after witnessing the death of his brothers, battled on "as a demon possessed."
Ironically, First Lieutenant Edward S. Godfrey, who identified Tom's mangled remains, had, like him, been a soldier in the 21st Ohio, back in 1861.(46)
Notes:
1. Elizabeth Custer and Arlene Reynolds, The Civil War Memories of Elizabeth Bacon Custer (University of Texas Press, 1994), p.138.
2. Jeffry D. Wert, Custer: The Controversial Life of
Miss Wadsworth, who is wearing his
George Armstrong Custer (Simon & Schuster, 1996),
Medals of Honor on her dress, 1875.
pp.17-18.
(From the "Medal of Honor Recipients Photo
3. Carl F. Day, Tom Custer: Ride to Glory (Arthur H. Clark
Albums" on the Hall of Heros web site)
Company, 2002), pp.29-31. Elizabeth Custer, "A Beau
Sabreur" (Uncle Sam's Medal of Honor, ed. Theodore F. Rodenbough, Putnam, 1887), reprinted in
Garry Owen Tid Bits VII (1993), p.16.
4. Tom Custer's Military Records (National Archives, Washington DC).
5. Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion (1908, Guild Press reprint 1996),
pt.3, p.1506. William F. Fox, Regimental Losses in the American Civil War 1861-1865 (1889, Guild
Press reprint 1996), p.316. Liberty P. Warner, "Tenting With Tom: Descriptives of life for a private
soldier in the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment", The Guidon, Vol.3, No.1 (October 1999),
pp.25-26. Liberty P. Warner, Letters of January 3 and 10, 1862, on the website of the Center for Archival Collections: http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/library/cac/ms0624.html.
6. Warner, Letters of March 29, April 19, early July, May 30 and November 13, 1862 (Center for Archival Collections web site).
7. Marguerite Merington, The Custer Story: The Life and Intimate Letters of General George A. Cus- Tom Custer when First Lieutenant, 7th Cavalry, wearing his
ter and His Wife Elizabeth (1950, University of Nebraska Press reprint 1987), p.29. Wert, Custer,
Medals of Honor.
p.49.
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 7
8. Warner, Letter of December 15, 1862 (Center for Archival Collections web site). U.S. War Department, War of the Rebellion: Official
Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Washington DC, 1880-1901, Guild Press reprint 1996) [OR], series 1, vol.20, pt.1,
p.438.
9. Ibid, pp.432,438. Fox, Regimental Losses, p.316. Warner, "Tenting With Tom", p.25. Warner, Letter of January 31, 1863 (Center for
Archival Collections web site).
10. Tom Custer's Military Records (National Archives). Custer, "A Beau Sabreur", p.16. Glenn Tucker,
Chickamauga: Bloody Battle in the West (1961, Morningside Press reprint 1992), p.65.
11. OR, series 1, vol.30, pt.1, pp.1043-1044.
12. Fox, Regimental Losses, p.316. Tucker, Chickamauga, pp.351-352,368. Warner, "Tenting With Tom", p.25.
13. Tom Custer's Military Records (National Archives). Tom Custer's Service Record in Garry Owen Tid Bits VII (1993), p.32 . W. Donald Horn, "Tom Custer's Civil War Wounds Considered", Little Big Horn Associates Newsletter, vol.24, no.3 (April 1995), p.6 (Tom
Custer to General David Hunter, 1866). Tom's supposed stint in the escort of General Thomas is noted by a number of writers, but
without anything approaching a verifiable date or location. In his Service Record it is listed as happening after his time with General
Palmer, but it's hard to see how it could have fitted in at this point.
14. J.H. Kidd, Riding with Custer: Recollections of a Cavalryman in the Civil War (University of Nebraska Press reprint 1997), Introduction p.xiii. General George A. Custer to General George H. Thomas, October 4, 1864 (Tom Custer's Military Records, National
Archives).
15. Tom Custer's Military Records (National Archives). Tom Custer's Service Record in Garry Owen Tid Bits VII, p.32.
16. OR, series 1, vol.43, pt 1, pp.674-677; pt.2, p.825.
17. Merington, The Custer Story, p.133. Wert, Custer, p.199. There is an oft-reprinted photograph of a typical group of Custer’s staff
and visitors around this time. Web address http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pardos/Winchester.html
18. Merington, The Custer Story, p.133.
19. Tom Custer's Military Records (National Archives).
20. Custer, "A Beau Sabreur", p.17.
23. Ibid.
25. Ibid, p.151.
27. Custer and Reynolds, The Civil War Memories of Elizabeth Bacon Custer, p.127. Day, Tom Custer: Ride to Glory, p.49.
28. OR, series 1, vol.46, pt.1, p.1115. Tom Custer's Military Records (National Archives).
29. OR, series 1, vol.46, pt.1, p.1258. Custer and Reynolds, The Civil War Memories of Elizabeth Bacon Custer, p.137. Merington,
The Custer Story, p.151.
31. Ibid.
32. Merington, The Custer Story, pp.150-151.
33. Horn, "Tom Custer's Civil War Wounds Considered", p.6. Custer, "A Beau Sabreur", pp.18,19. There is considerable uncertainty
as to whether the colors which Tom took at Sailor's Creek were actually those of the 2nd Virginia Reserve Battalion (Carl Day, "If You
Want to Know...", Greasy Grass [Custer Battlefield Historical and Museum Association], Vol.9, May 1993, p.10). Although often repeated, the authority for the identification seems to be a dubious one: D.A. Kinsley's Favor the Bold (1967). The attack of Custer's
troopers was against George Pickett's division which was facing roughly south-east. The 2nd Virginia Reserve Battalion was a mile to
the north, facing north-east, in Patrick T. Moore's brigade of G.W.C. Lee's division. There were essentially two separate battles being
fought simultaneously. The only way the 2nd Virginia Reserves could have been perceived as being in the second line of breastworks
encountered by Tom, was if this appeared to be
the case during the Confederate retreat, when
the forces from both sections merged. According to R.T.W. Duke, the lieutenant colonel of the
2nd Virginia Reserve Battalion ("boys between
sixteen and eighteen, and old men between
forty-five and fifty" from the defences of Richmond), this did not happen; although allowance
must be made for the fact that he was writing
George Armstrong Custer and staff, with friends
and family members, outside headquarters near
Winchester, Virginia, in early 1865. Tom Custer
is the first seated figure on the left (with the dog
on his lap). Immediately above him is Elizabeth
Custer, with George A. Custer to her left.
(Courtesy of Little Bighorn Battlefield National
Monument)
NewsCaster
March 2007
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 8
over thirty years after the War (R.T.W. Duke, "Burning of Richmond", Southern Historical Society Papers, Vol.25, Jan-Dec 1897,
pp.134-138). While it is possible that his statement, "about that time a squadron of cavalry rode up from the rear and we surrendered",
refers to Custer's men, it can hardly be made to accord with the descriptions of eye-witnesses to the events surrounding Tom's impulsive heroics. Far more likely, therefore, that Tom's opponent was the color-bearer of a different regiment.
34. Custer and Reynolds, The Civil War Memories of Elizabeth Bacon Custer, p.138.
36. Horn, "Tom Custer's Civil War Wounds Considered", p.6. Elizabeth Custer, Tenting on the Plains (1893, University of Oklahoma
Press reprint 1994), p.191. The photograph is not entirely convincing. Day, in Tom Custer: Ride to Glory (p.75), says that it "clearly
shows what appears to be a scar, or some minor soft tissue damage to his right lower jaw extending to a point just below the right
ear". However, this straight white line looks more like a scratch on the negative plate, and it in no way resembles the "scarlet spot"
described by Libbie. If the picture does, in fact, post-date Tom's Sailor's Creek wound, either of two dark shadows behind and in front
of the scratch could be the scar. A better case can be made for a group photograph taken in Texas, which definitely dates from late
1865 (e.g. Lawrence A. Frost, The Custer Album: A Pictorial Biography of General George A. Custer, University of Oklahoma Press,
1964, p.74). Here, Tom seems to have a distinct dark mark on his right cheek.
37. W.A. Graham, The Custer Myth: A Sourcebook of Custeriana (1953, Stackpole Books reprint 1995), p.28.
38. Merington, The Custer Story, p.165. Tom was awarded his Medals of Honor on April 24, 1865 (for Namozine Church), and May
22, 1865 (for Sailor's Creek) (Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army, Vol.1, 1903, p.348).
39. Tom O'Neil, "The Heroes in Washington", Garry Owen Tid Bits VII (1993), p.9. Both flags are now in the vaults of the Museum of
the Confederacy, Richmond, Virginia (Day, "If You Want to Know...", p.10).
40. Custer, "A Beau Sabreur", p.19. Custer and Reynolds, The Civil War Memories of Elizabeth Bacon Custer, p.138.
41. Day, Tom Custer: Ride to Glory, pp.79-80.
42. Tom Custer's Military Records (National Archives). Tom Custer's Service Record in Garry Owen Tid Bits VII, p.32.
43. Photograph in Frost, The Custer Album, p.146.
45. Ibid, p.151.
46. Graham, The Custer Myth, pp.345,376-77. Tom O'Neil, "Tom Custer: The Other Custer", Blackpowder Annual 1997 (Dixie Gun
Works), p.80. Godfrey's time with the 21st Ohio was while it was a three-month regiment. His enlistment ended on August 12, 1861,
so he did not actually serve with Tom then (William E. Moody, with Joseph E. Moody, "Soldier of Valor", Research Review: The Journal of the Little Big Horn Associates, Vol.15, No.1, Winter 2001, p.14).
I would like to thank Roger Young of The Guidon for his help in tracking down some sources of information for this
article. Reprinted with the permission of the author: Rosemary Pardoe.
Web Address http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pardos/TomCusterArticle.html
R e b e c c a W h o ? P r o j e c t U pd a t e
Winter doldrums? Has "cabin fever" set in? CAOA's solution: dig out the December News Caster from
your holiday mail, reread the article about the Rebecca Surname Study, and then brighten your winter by participating!
Thanks to Tom Rutter for his input - from his Blackberry because his power was out! He provided some
leads the same day he received his News Caster. Help us by following his lead and respond to the following:
share your list of the sources you have checked concerning Rebecca's maiden name. It is important to provide sources checked that did not yield a surname. It would also help if we knew you did not have any
sources and had some ideas on what sources you might think would help solve this mystery.
The study needs one or two volunteers with access to Ancestry.com's family trees to follow leads found in
the various trees.
If you have any questions or are willing to assist in the study please contact [email protected]
John Roose
H a v e y o u c h e c k e d o u r w e b pa g e l a t e l y —
T h e D N A P r o j e c t pa g e a n d R e b e c c a W h o
pa g e s h a v e b e e n u pd a t e d .
h t t p : / / r o o ts w e b . c o m / ~ c a o a /
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 9
F O U N D I N G O F G E R M A N T O W N , P E N N S Y LVA N I A
When the thirteen Mennonite families from Krefeld landed in Philadelphia on October 6, 1683 after a 75-day voyage,
they were greeted not only by William Penn but also by a young, 32-year old German lawyer, Francis Daniel Pastorius,
who had become a close friend with Penn since his arrival on August 20, 1683 on the ship America with about a dozen
people, among them his personal servants. When Daniel Pastorius, a well traveled scholar, had heard about Penn's
visits to the Rhineland in 1671 and 1677 to recruit a group of religious and affluent Pietists, he decided to associate himself with the group. But plans with the Frankfurt Land Company did not materialize. Instead, Pastorius became the leader
of thirteen more modest families, who wished to escape religious intolerance, and settle where they could lead a quiet
and God-fearing life, free from religious controversy and with the promise of liberty. That place was to be Germantown,
Pennsylvania. This information was extracted from an article written for the Indiana German Heritage Society Newsletter
by Betty Randall.
Richland County Records
SOME RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO MARRIAGES
Marriages Direct Index Grooms, Probate Court, Richland County, Ohio 1815-1899
FHL film 0388733 copied by Mary-Margaret Ward
Groom
Bride
Date
Vol:Page
Castor, Charles
Strong, Esther
13 February 1872
11:41
Caster, Daniel
McCrea, Mary
29 October 1846
05:40
Castor, George W.
May G.
23 May 1878
12:320
Caster, John
Diller, Ann
07 February 1822
01:94
Castor, John
Hanlin, Isabella
08 November 1860
08:354
Castor, Oliver P.
Shafer, Sarah J.
15 June 1887
14:388
Caster, Uriah
Huuter, Betsy
30 March 1824
01:137
Caster, Thompson
Gerard, Rachel
06 August 1840
03:317
Castor, Watson
Cornwall, Eleanor
10 January 1856
07:213
Custer, David
McCoy, Mary
10 April 1873
11:164
Kester, George
Swauger, Hester
31 December 1867
09:676
Kester, Isaac
Rockey, Elizabeth
06 November 1849
05:219
Kiester, Samuel
McCready, Esther
30 April 1850
05:193
Kester, Thomas S.
Getlings, Addie
09 September 1873
11:254
Kester, Thomas S.
Vanhorn, Anna
25 January 1876
12:116
Marriages Direct Index Brides, Probate Court, Richland County, Ohio
FHL film 0388731 copied by Mary-Margaret Ward
Groom
Bride
Date
Jones, Elija
Caster, Elizabeth
01 February 1846
Loettinger
Castor, Molly
20 September 1884
Gass, Cicero T.
Castor, Mary E.
30 April 1863
Brinely, Charles O.
Caster, Leona
23 December 1880
Godder, Cyrus C.
Castor, Maria
05 July 1835
Amsbaugh, Uzal H.
Caster, Samantha L.
13 December 1866
Stevens, Benton
Custer, Mary Jane
17 January 1864
From Ancestry.com, 14 January 2006:
Kiester, Samuel M.
Price, Margaret
Brown, Oliver G.
Castor, Elizabeth M.
Stevens, Benton
Custer, Mary Jane
Vol:Page
05:14
14:32
8:677
13:123
09:451
26 August 1869
11 September 1856
17 January 1864
From Richland County, Ohio Marriage Records 1813-1871 compiled by Mohican Area Genealogist Interested in
Computers, Richland County Chapter, Ohio Genealogical Society, Mansfield, Ohio 1993.
Groom
Bride
Date
Vol:Page
Robert, Charles
Castor/Caster Elizabeth 23 March 1847
05:43
Kennel, John
Castor, Jane
31 August 1843
04:158
Jones, Nathan
Castor, Margaret
25 Agust 1836
03:111
Goodall, Unis
Goodall, Cyrus C.
05 July 1838
03:214
Castor, Susan
Swasack, William
01 January 1846
05:3
NewsCaster
March 2007
Richland County Records,
Volume XXV Issue 1
continued
Some Richland County, Ohio Court Records
INDEX TO JOURNALS 1820-1850
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
FHL 1288415 Copied by Mary-Margaret Ward
Castor, Sampson
v.
Paul Castor et al
01:56
Caster, Uriah
v.
(not readable)
03:472, 378
Castor, Ben
v.
Thos. Taylor
05:210,217, 260, 265
Caster, Benjamin
v.
Wm Petersen
23: 380
Caster, B
v.
“
23:417
Caster, B
v.
“
23:450
Caster, Benjamin
v.
William Petersen
23: 462
Caster, B
v.
W Petersen
23:423
Caster, Benj
v.
Wm Petersen
23:604
Caster, Benjamin
v.
F Ft & C Rlw
27:57, 70, 81
Castor, Wm
v.
Amos Diller
07:677
Castor, John
v.
(unclear: E slate?)
08:115,269
Caster & wife
v.
Joseph Jarard
20:422
Castor, Sampson
v.
P & W Caster
11: 181, 390, 563
Castor, Sampson
v.
Paul Castor & William Castor
13: 92, 459
Castor, Sampson
v.
Paul & William Castor
13: 252
Castor, Paul Estate of
14:279
Castor, Sampson
v.
Paul Castor
14:305
Castor, Sampson
v.
Joseph Hildreth
14: 484
Adm of Paul Castor
15;27
Some Richland County, Ohio Land Records
GRANTEE DEED INDEX RICHLAND COUNTY, OHIO VOL. 1 NO. 1 1814-1855
FHL 388652 Copied by Mary-Margaret Ward
Grantee
Grantor
Vol:Pg Date Date Description
Deed Rec.
Castor, Benjamin
William Castor
19:171 1838 1838 SW S30 T23 R19
Castor, Conrad
Thomas Glass
10:202 1829 1833 NW S22 T20 R16
Castor, Conrad
Martin Andrews
23:386 1837 1842 “Plymouth”
Castor, Conrad
U.S.
25:33 1834 1842 NW 23S 20T 16R
Custard, John
John Henry
09:197 1832 1832 “Vermillion”
8/10
Custard, John
Daniel Hoover
09:252 1832 1832 NW 18S 23T 19R
Custard, John
Richard Freeborn
10:283 1833 1833 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
John Henry
10:283 1833 1833 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
John Henry
09:197 1932 1832 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
Robert McMurray
09:197 1832 1832“ “Vermillion”
Custard, John
Richard Freeborn
10:283 1833 1833 SE 31S 22T 20R
Custard, John
John Henry
10:282 1833 1833 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
John Henry
09:197 1832 1832 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
Robert McMurray
09:197 1832 1832 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
John Henry
10:283 1833 1833 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
Richard Freeborn
10:283 1833 1833 “Vermillion”
Custard, John
William Houritt
14:531 1836 1836 NW 29S 20T 15R
Custer/Caster, Joseph Robert Gin
23:87 1841 1841 “Petersburg”
Castor, Paul
Wm. Jarrard
33:693 1849 1849 SE 31S 23T 19R
Castor, Paul
Moses Deckie
33:694 1848 1849 NE 31S 23T 19R
Castor, Paul
Jobe Mase
14:49 1835 1835 SE 30S 23T 19R
Castor, Paul
Moses Deckie
33:694 1848 1849 NE 31S 23T 19R
Caster, Tobias
Conrad Castor
25:30 1838 1842 NW 23S 20T 16R
Castor, Uriah
James Hunter
06:35 1829 1829 qtr N 1/2 26S 20T 16R
Castor, William
Joseph Jerrard
21:875 1840 1841 NEqtr 30S 23T 19R
Castor William
Jobe Mase
14:52 1835 1835 SWqtr 30S 23T 19R
Caster, Tobias
Conrod Castor
25:30 1838 1842 NWqtr 23S 20T40 ac
160 ac
40 ac
77+ ac
80 ac
10 ac
15 ac
10 ac
80 ac
10 ac
40 ac
10 ac
80 ac
Page 10
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 11
Early Settlers from Germantown, West to Today’s Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
from “Umstadt: The Rhine to the Skippack and Beyond” by Elizabeth Madison Coles Umstattd
1720 "The earliest date of land being purchased in the
vi-cinity of Fairview Village is in May 1720 when Thomas
Shute and James Steel directed a survey of 1,000-acres,
selling a portion of it to the following settlers: John Umstead [Johannes Umstat], Peter Bon, John Bull, Adam
VanFossen, Jacob Engle and Hugh Pugh”. (Worcester
Section 1, pg. 12)
1725 Bebber Township became Skippack and Perkiomen. A petition spearheaded by Heinrich Pannebecker,
supporting this move was signed by Klas Jansen, Johan
Umstat, Peter Bon, Henry Pannebecker, Hermanus
Kuster, Paulus Frid, Johannes van Fossen, Johannes
Friedt, Hans Tetweiller, Jacob Scheimer, Paul Friedt, Willem Weirman, Nicholas H__st, Henrich Kolb, Martin Kolb,
Jacob Kolb, Jacob Merckley, Arnold van Fossen, Isaac
Dubois, Huppert Kassel, John Pawling, John Jacobs,
Richard Jacob, Michael Ziegler, Christoph Dock, Hans
Volweiller, Valentin Hunsicker, Richard Gobel, Matthias
Teissen, Arnold vanVossen, Jacob Op de Graff, George
Merckle, Daniel Deesmont, and Peter Jansen. Heinrich
Pannebecker helped those who were unable to write their
names.
Johannes Umstat, Henry Pannebecker and Christopher
Dock petitioned the Philadelphia Court to have Skippack
Township laid out and surveyed.
Johannes Umstat's brother-in-law, Heinrich Panne-
becker, most likely did the surveying, since he laid out
most, if not all, the roads in "Philadelphia County." A petition stating the difficulties under which the constables,
collectors, supervisors of the highways, and other officers
had labored, asked that the boundaries be confirmed. Apparently Pannebecker signed for a few men who were not
able to write. Those who supported the petition were:
Klas Jansen
Johan Umstat
Peter Bon
Henry Pannebecker
Hermannus Kuster
Paulus Frid
Johannes Van Fossen Johannes Friedt
Hans Teweiller
Jacob Scheimer
Paul Friedt
Willem Weierman
Nicholas H__st Henrich Kolb
Martin Kolb
Jacob Kolb
Jacob Merckley
Arnold Vanfossen
Isaac Dubois
1728 In the spring, there was hostile Indian activity
which caused terror among those living in the Skippack
and Perkiomen region. On the 29th of April, the residents
peti-tioned Governor Patrick Gordon telling him that, due
to the Indian hostility, several families had fled their
homes – in some cases, the women “in Childbed” were
forced into the cold outdoors. There was no response
from the governor. In early May, just 5 miles from the
Skippack and Perkiomen Township border, a “Spanish
Indian” led 11 armed Indians in war paint as they went
NewsCaster
March 2007
Volume XXV Issue 1
house to house looking for food and liquor. Twenty German/Welshmen followed the Shawanese Indians and a
skirmish ensued. When hit, the Spanish Indian dropped
his Gun and Match Coat and ran into the woods. Much
was made of this giving the impression that the situation
was much worse than it actually was. Although later it was
discovered that five settlers and several Indians were
wounded, no one was killed. The Shawanese were on
their way to help the Delawares against the Flatfeet.
John Roberts, who was very upset; wrote a petition to
the governor requesting help. The first four signatures
were John Roberts, John Pawling, Hendrick Pannebecker
and William Lane. Of the 77 names that were listed – only
33 were signatures – the remainder were “X”.
Those who “signed” were:
John Jacobs,
Isaac Dubois,
Israel Morris,
Benjamin Fry,
Jacob Op den Graeff,
Johannes Scholl,
Richard Adams,
George Poger,
Adam Sellen,
Dielman Kolb,
Martin Kolb,
Gabriel Shouler,
Anthony Halman,
John Isaac Klein
Hans Detweiler,
William Bitts,
Heinrich Ruth,
Hupert Kassel,
Henry Teutlinger,
Christian Weber,
Gerhard In de Hoffen
Lorentz Bingaman,
Richard Jacob,
Hermannus Kuster,
Peter Bun,
Jacob Engers,
Hans Weierman,
Conrad Custer,
Jacob Marieke,
Christian Neuswanger,
Conrad Reiff,
Jacob Kolb,
Hans Ulrich Bergey,
John Myer,
Henrich Kolb,
John Fried,
Paul Fried,
William Smith,
Peter Rambo,
David Young,
Christopher Schmidt,
Harret Clemens,
Johannes Reichardt,
Matthias Tyson,
Peter Johnson,
Hans Joest Heijt,
Christian Allebach,
Hans Reiff,
Daniel Stauffer,
Abraham Schwartz,
Johann Valentine Kratz,
John Johnson,
Ulrich Heffelfinger,
Nicholas Haldeman,
Michael Ziegler,
Christian Stoner,
Johannes Garber,
John Haldeman,
Claus Jansen,
Nicholas Hicks,
Johannes Leisher,
Jacob Sheimer,
Michael Krause,
Peter Reiff,
George Reiff,
George Meyer,
Bastian Smith,
Edward In De Hoffen,
Christian Kroll,
Jacob Grater,
Jacob Stauffer,
Henry Stauffer,
Paul Friedt, Jr.
The plea for help was taken by horseback to the governor, in Philadelphia, who immediately set out for Manatawny. After finding a number of the homes deserted and
a group of Germans, ready to defend themselves, in a mill
near New Hanover Township. Governor Gordon commis-
Page 12
sioned John Pawling and Marcus Huling to organize the
settlers for the defense of the area. They were issued gun
powder and lead.
1730 By this time land sales had been made to:
Hendrick Pannebecker
Johannes Umstat
Dirck & William Renberg
Gerhard & Herman In de Hoffen
Gerhard Clemens
The Mennonite Meeting
Andrew Schrayer
Claus Jansen
Daniel Desmond
Johannes Kolb
Solomon Dubois
John Krey
Johannes Froedt
Reserved (to later be conveyed to
Ludwig Christian Sprogell,
Phila. merchant)
Total
404 acres
204 acres
300 acres
440 acres
100 acres
100 acres
100 acres
306 acres
150 acres
150 acres
500 acres
306 acres
123 acres
120 acres
3,303 acres
Anna Custer daughter of Conrad
BARKLEY FAMILY. Samuel Barkley, of Virginia, and a
veteran of 1812, settled in Jessamine County, and bought a
farm of 500 acres at the head of the Jessamine Creek, on the
Versailles and Nicholasville Pike.
He married Jane Singleton, of Virginia, and to them were
born seven children: Levi, Isaac, Frank, Mason, Samuel,
George and Joseph (deceased). Isaac Barkley, son of Samuel, was born May 5, 1819, and died August 2, 1874.
He married Miss Mary Bryant, November 18, 1832, daughter of Joseph Bryant, of Jessamine County, who died in 1836,
leaving two children: John C., who was a member of Morgan's brigade, discharged for disability, and was killed at his
home, in Missouri, by Bushwhackers; and Mary E., who died
October 30, 1835.
He married, for his second wife, Anna Custer, daughter of
Conrad Custer, of Jessamine County. She was born December 23, 1814, and died July 8, 1863. By this marriage
he had eight children: Lizzie (Mrs. Hugh McDowell), Maggie,
Anna (Mrs. Wm. Stelle, of Nicholasville), Samuel C., Joseph,
George, Mary (Mrs. Wm. Doty, of South Carolina) and Alice.
George Barkley was born May 3, 1851, and Joseph, September 11, 1848. They were educated at the common schools of
the county, and reared at home. In 1875 the two brothers
purchased the homestead property, which contains 335
acres, and are engaged in general farming. Their place is
situated on the Versailles and Nicholasville Pike, about three
miles from Nicholasville. Neither of the brothers are married.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/jessamine/
barkley.txt
Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 5th
ed., 1887, Jessamine Co.
Note: I have been unable to find Anna Custer in the archive
files. If you have any information on her please contact me at
[email protected] .
Thanks for your help --Patricia
NewsCaster
March 2007
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 13
R e s e a r c h i n g t h e D e s c e n d a n ts o f P a u l u s K ü s t e r
by Jean M. White
“Doing the History Eliminates the Mystery” is a great quote from Curt Witcher, head of the genealogy section of the
Allen County (IN) Public Library. If you read the history associated with your ancestors, you will better understand what
was going on at the time your ancestors lived, what events influenced them, and where you need to go to find their records. To better understand the life and times of Paulus and Gertrude Küsters, you need to understand the religious
aspects of the family. Paulus, a Catholic, married Gertrude Dohrs, a Mennonite. They were married in the Reformed
Church in Kaldenkirchen. This would have been a highly unlikely marriage because of their different religious backgrounds. And to further complicate matters their three sons who came to Pennsylvania were each a different religion Arnold was Reformed, Johannes was Quaker, and Hermanus was Mennonite. An excellent book documenting the religious upheaval in the Krefeld area is William Penn and the Dutch Quakers by William I. Hull. The book is online at:
http://www.libraries.psu.edu/do/digitalbookshelf/28366115/
Another stumbling block to research on the Küsters, is the fact that the entire family did not emigrate together. It is
known that Johannes came earlier than his parents and siblings. Johannes is listed on the first tax list of Philadelphia
County in 1693 and he also signed the petition for naturalization that same year. Meanwhile Paulus and Gertrude were
the sponsors at the baptism of twin grandchildren in Krefeld, Germany in December of that same year. No way could
they have been sponsors of the twins if they were living in Pennsylvania.
A note about the petition for naturalization that Johannes signed in 1693. It does not mean that he was naturalized
at that time. In fact the petition was turned down. Johannes lead the Petition for Naturalization in 1706 and it took until
1713 before Queen Anne confirmed it. By then both Johannes and Paulus had died, and since they were not citizens
their land could not be passed on to their descendants.
Another hangup in researching the early Pennsylvania families is the formation of the counties. While Bucks County
is an original county (formed in 1682), Montgomery County is not. Montgomery County was formed in 1784 from Philadelphia County. This means that any records before 1784 will found in Philadelphia County records. In fact if one gets
down to the formation of the townships in Montgomery County, one would find that Arnold’s land was in the northwest
corner of the county in an area that is now part of Pottstown (note on map which way is north).
If a researcher goes through a record, all information on the Kusters and Castors, etc. should be extracted. The idea
of a researcher looking for one particular item to the exclusion of other information on the family is both time consuming
and unrealistic. One does not always find what they are looking for, but many times other vital information is found in the
record.
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 14
Below is a list of films that can be ordered from the Family History Library at your local Family History Center. They
contain records that were not researched in the preparation of the Paulus book. There are a number of films of Orphan
Court records, which in Pennsylvania contain estate records where there was no will.
Castor/Custer/Kuster researchers can help the CAOA by letting the Archive Coordinator ([email protected])
know if you have already searched any of the following records and what you have found. If you haven't and would like
to help let her know what your plans are and let her know what you find.
Philadelphia County
Orphans' Court records 1719-1856 ; Index 1719-1938 Microfilm of original records in the Philadelphia City Hall.
The dockets are used as an index to the estates.
Orphans' Court index A-Z, 1719-1852 - FHL US/CAN Film [ 21843 ]
Orphans' Court dockets, v. 1-6, 1719-1763 FHL US/CAN Film [21844 ]
Orphans' Court dockets, v. 7-10, 1763-1775
FHL US/CAN Film [21845 ]
Orphans' Court dockets, v. 11 13, 1776 1786
Orphans' Court dockets, v. 14 16, 1786 1793
Orphans' Court estate papers, v. 1 2 (p.1 168), 1719 1746 FHL US/CAN Film [1289397 ]
Orphans' Court estate papers, v. 2 (p.168 end) v. 3 (p.1 103), 1746 1749 FHL US/CAN Film [1289398 ]
Orphans' Court estate papers, v. 3 (p.104 end) v. 4 (p. 1 256), 1749 1757 FHL US/CAN Film [1293510 ]
Orphans' Court estate papers, v. 5 (p.1 216), 1757 1761 FHL US/CAN Film [1293511 ]
Orphans' Court estate papers, v. 9 (p.68 217), 1770 1771 FHL US/CAN Film [1293514 ]
Orphans' Court estate papers, v. 47 (p.150 178), 1856; Miscellaneous packets 1770, 1776, 1779, 1780 FHL US/CAN
Film [ 1305779 ]
Orphans' Court estate papers, Miscellaneous packets 1780, 1801, 1822, 1824, 1825, 1842 FHL US/CAN Film
[ 1305780 ]
Tax and exoneration lists, 1762 1794 ; Minutes of County Commissioners, 1797 1801
Pennsylvania. Comptroller General (Main Author)
Philadelphia County (Pennsylvania). County Commissioners (Added Author)
Microfilm of original records in the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Taxes 1769, 1774 1776 Minutes of County Commissioners, 1797 1798 FHL US/CAN Film [ 1027056 Item 2 ]
Minutes of County Commissioners, 1798 1801 Taxes 1779 FHL US/CAN Film [ 1027057 ]
Taxes 1780 1781 FHL US/CAN Film [ 1027058 ]
Road docket, 1685 1870 Pennsylvania. Court of Quarter Sessions (Philadelphia County) (Main Author)
Microfilm of original records at the Philadelphia city archives.
Indexes to roads, streets, etc.
Includes petitions for laying out or opening up roads, streets, and bridges specifying desired routes and names of petitioners, reports of court appointed road viewers, etc.
Philadelphia city archives: 21.25
Indexes to road dockets 1702 1755, 1686 1838; Road docket, v. 9, 1685 1788; Road docket, v. 1, 1701 1740 FHL US/
CAN Film [ 966339 ]
Road docket, v. 2 4, 1740 1805 FHL US/CAN Film [ 966373 ]
Road petitions, 1699 ca.1800 Pennsylvania. Court of Quarter Sessions (Philadelphia County) (Main Author)
Microfilm of original records in Philadelphia city archives.
Dates listed are approximate only.
Includes papers in re opening of streets, roads, bridges, parks, filed by location; court's appointment of viewers and their
reports, etc.
Philadelphia city archives: 21.26
Road petitions Folio 1 7 1699 1763
FHL US/CAN Film [ 968419 ]
Road petitions Folio 8 16 1740 1795 FHL US/CAN Film [ 968420 ]
NewsCaster
March 2007
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 15
Deeds, 1683 1886 ; index to deeds, 1683 1916 Philadelphia County (Pennsylvania). Recorder of Deeds (Main Author)
Microfilm of original records in the Philadelphia County Courthouse, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Some records are difficult to read.
Philadelphia City Archives: 5.1
Grantor index to deeds v. C 1885 1908 FHL US/CAN Film [ 1318505 ]
Grantor index to deeds v. K 1683 1890 FHL US/CAN Film [ 1318516 ]
Grantee index to deeds v. C 1683 1884 FHL US/CAN Film [ 1318541 ]
Grantee index to deeds v. K 1683 1903 FHL US/CAN Film [ 1318551 ]
A list of names of the inhabitants of the county of Philadelphia with the quantity of land they respectively hold therein according to the uncertain returns of the Constable, 1734
Microfilm of records from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Note in record: The foregoing list of names of the Freeholders with the number of acres of land that many of them are
said to possess; many more there are inserted of whose lands there has not yet been any account given, the reasons
are entered against the respective lists of names and of the freeholders in your county of Philadelphia which makes the
number of inhabitants appear so few, but when the single men, journeymen and housekeepers that are not freeholders
be added to that number it then appears that there is taxable people in the county 2333 and in the city 1355 to equal
3688 signed by Jn. Hyatt.
A list of names of the inhabitants of the county of Philadelphia with the quantity of land they respectively hold therein according to the uncertain returns of the Constable, 1734
FHL US/CAN Film [ 20449 Item 16 ]
Montgomery County
Orphans' Court Dockets, 1784 1866
Microfilm of the original records at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Each volume has an index.
Orphans' Court Dockets v. 1 2 1784 1812
Probate records, 1784 1973
Micro reproduction of ms.
To use these records find the names of the person in the Estate Index, obtain the volume, page and block number of the
Preceedings Index, in the Proceeding Index you will find the volume and page number of each type of probate record for
which you are looking.
Estate index, surname C.
Estate index, surname K.
Proceedings index, vols. 1 2.
Proceedings index, vol. 7.
Proceedings index, vol. 8.
Tax Lists, 1785 1847 Montgomery County (Pennsylvania). Board of County Commissioners
Microfilm of the original records at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown,
Abington Township 1818 1841 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21607 ]
Cheltenham Township 1785 1834 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21609 ]
Douglas Township 1785 1834 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21611 ]
Franconia Township 1785 1833 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21613 ]
Frederick Township 1785 1835 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21615 ]
Gwynedd Township 1785 1833 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21617 ]
Hatfield Township 1785 1834 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21619 ]
Horsham Township 1785 1834 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21621 ]
Limerick Township 1785 1831 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21623 ]
Lower Merion Township 1786 1827 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21625 ]
Lower Salford Township 1785 1835 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21630 ]
Marlborough Township 1785 1834 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21632 ]
Moreland Township 1785 1824 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21634 ]
Montgomery Township 1785 1833 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21637 ]
New Hanover Township 1785 1829 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21639 ]
t,
.
e-
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 16
Norriton Township 1785 1833 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21641 ]
Pottsgrove Township 1807 1836 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21643 ]
Perkiomen Township 1814 1835 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21645 ]
Plymouth Township 1785 1833 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21647 ]
Springfield Township 1785 1837 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21649 ]
Towamencin Township 1785 1832 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21651 ]
Upper Dublin Township 1785 1834 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21653 ]
Upper Hanover Township 1785 1833 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21655 ]
Upper Merion Township 1789 1836 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21657 ]
Upper Providence Township 1785 1830 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21659 ]
Upper Salford Township 1785 1835 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21662 ]
Whitemarsh Township 1785 1828 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21664 ]
Whitpain Township 1785 1830 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21666 ]
Worcester Township 1785 1827 FHL US/CAN Film [ 21668 ]
Krefeld, Germany
Shield of Arms
Krefeld Germany History
Krefeld is located in Germany on the West bank of the lower Rhine River, not far from Holland. The area around Krefeld is rather flat and contains many backwaters left by the Rhine when it altered its course. The town is a beautiful mix
of the old and new, with a spacious plaza and pedestrian area at the center of the city joining three of the major cultural
facilities, the Seidenweberhaus (Silkweaver's House), the Municipal Theater and the Public Library. In addition, Krefeld
has three art museums and the Museum Burg Linn, a restored Medieval moated castle.
Of special historical interest to Americans is Philadelphia house, built in 1955 in memory of the 13 Krefeld Mennonite
families who in 1683 were the first Germans to immigrate to the United States. Krefeld's history dates back to the year
69 AD when it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. During the ensuing centuries the town assumed different names as it
was dominated by the Franks, the Earl of Moers, Prussia and Napoleon. It owes its modern name to the Mennonites
who came from France in the 17th century. These immigrants were recognized throughout Europe as skilled weavers of
silk and velvet. Even today, 8 out of 10 ties worn in Germany are manufactured in Krefeld. This is reflected in Krefeld's
official motto, "Stadt wie Samt und Seide" (A City Like Velvet and Silk).
PRE-PUBLICATION NOTICE :
Hans George Gerster, A Significant Providence
Dear Castor Clan,
A documented narrative on the life of Hans Georg Gerster of Gelterkinden, Canton of Baselland, Switzerland, who immigrated to Philadelphia in 1736, has just been completed by Richard J. Castor.
Its purpose is to place the historical information gathered on both continents over the years into an interesting and
more readable chronological form with demographics that better appreciate the historical background of his life’s experiences.
The 140 page book contains information from over 60 sources including earlier and more recent findings of Swiss research, The Frankford Historical Society, the Germantown Historical Society, and The Historical Society of Pennsylvania. New information about the unique influences that forged Hans’ life is presented, that helped create his life’s contributions to our world.
This book also contains many colored pictures depicting old scenes of his Swiss and American history compared to
the same sites today, photographs taken by the author, who also attended the 900th Anniversary Celebration of Hans
Gerster’s hometown of Gelterkinden in 2003.
This third volume of Castor history will replicate the same dimensions and approximate the red hardbound cover as A
Castor Family in America, Volumes I & II. Its Table of Contents is enclosed.
Cost of the book will be approximately $35 plus postage, dependant upon the number of requests that are made. The
limited copies printed will be made available when ordered later. Those interested in purchasing a copy or copies at a
later date, please complete the form below.
Note: Please share this information with other family members (children?) as our Castor Reunion Address List is outdated. Your sending updated addresses and e-mails would also be most appreciated, even if you are not interested in
the book. We are beginning to prepare an address list for the
275th Gerster/Castor Anniversary Reunion of 2011, under the direction of Mr. Robert G. Castor.
Contact Richard J. Castor for more information at [email protected] Phone: 607-739-1070
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 17
From The President
Spring has almost sprung, at least in Texas, and the CAOA Board
sprang into action and had its first meeting of the year on February
10th via conference call. Board members in attendance were myself, Vice President Gary Custer, Secretary Mary-Margaret Ward,
We Need Your Participation
Treasurer Joe Lacy, Archive Coordinator Patricia Caster, and Editor Alton Sissell. It was a pleasure to meet together.
The CAOA DNA Project is in desperate need of an
The most exciting decision we made was to produce a series
administrator. This valuable project has already
proven common ancestry between several lines
of new publications. Called “Workbooks,” these publications will be
where the paper trail had failed to do so. There is so
a useful compilation of information sent in by CAOA members
much potential knowledge to be gained and mysteries
along with research tools. Each Workbook will focus on a particuto be solved.
lar CAOA line or portion of a line. Our Archivist will compile the
genealogy of a line showing our ancestors and their offspring.
We really need a guiding light for this project. If
Documentation and sources sent in by the original CAOA member
you are willing to be more involved in CAOA by taking
contributors will be included. Aids, such as tables, will assist in
on this opportunity, please email: [email protected].
identifying missing information that needs to be researched.
These Workbooks will quickly show what information is
known about a line and what information is still needed, with suggestions on obtaining the missing information. The Workbooks will be great to carry along on research trips. We are hoping that the members who receive them will help fill in the blanks that are missing. By sharing, we can update the books
periodically, and it may help us tie families together. There will eventually be a Workbook for each of the 200+ lines that
CAOA follows.
In order to allow Patricia, our Archivist, the time needed to compile the Workbooks, the CAOA Board has voted to
discontinue providing lineage reports to new members, as of March 1, 2007. Lineage reports traced the ancestors of a
specific person, whereas, each Workbook will be applicable to multiple members. The Workbooks may be purchased as
a download, which may then be printed by the purchaser, or as a book. Since each line will be a separate publication,
they will become available as time permits.
Members who have joined CAOA before March 1, 2007 may choose between a lineage report or may purchase a
Workbook at a special price.
The Castor Association has several ongoing projects: The CAOA DNA Project, Archives Duplication Project, The
News Caster Scan Project, Benjamin Castor/Custard 1741 Book, the Data Entry Project, and our newest project, RebeccaWho. Each project is progressing nicely.
You are always welcome to get in touch with me if you have any suggestion or question. I would love to hear from
you.
Condolences from CAOA to:
Virginia B. Wass
Eulah Leona Custer 90, Wirt, Minn., died Friday, October 20, 2006 at the Grand Rapids Hospital. Eulah was born
March 15, 1916 in Woodriver, Ill. To Chester and Julia (Bales) Custer. She moved to Minnesota with her parents in July
1931. On Jan. 24, 1934, she married George Custer in Elk Point, S.D. They lived in Wirt where Eulah was a homemaker. She loved to sew her own clothes, make quilts and was famous for her big batches of homemade bread.
She is survived by three sons, Silver and Tim of Wirt, Minn., Robin of Bigfork; two daughters, Geraldine Marovich of
Cohasset and Virginia Wass of Bigfork; a brother, Hershel Custer of Willowbrook, Ill.; and a sister, Hilda Emmil of St.
Cloud, Minn. She has 10 grandkids, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by
many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband George; a son Chester; and her brother, Sam.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006, at 1 p,m, in Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, Minn. Visitation was
held one hour prior to the service. Burial was at Wirt Cemetery, Wirt, Minn.
Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, Minn.
PK.0.07.01.02.01.01.03.05.02.06-S
Philip J. Caster: His mother, Ada Iona Castetter, passed away on 22 January 2007. She was born on 1 December
1913. She married Percy St. Clair Castor on 12 September 1932 in Hamilton County, Indiana. JC.0.01.04.01.05.01-S
NewsCaster
March 2007
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 18
From The Archive Coordinator
The baton of Archive Coordinator was turned over to me seven years ago when Jean White and her husband Chuck
parked their van next to my house. It didn't take long to start unloading the boxes of books and files from their van. It
didn't look like a lot of stuff but . . . When the notebooks were unboxed it filled up the shelves that stood against an 8' x
10' area of the wall. When the files were unloaded they filled up a four drawer lateral file, a 5 drawer legal file and another 5 drawer letter size drawer file. There were boxes left over that had more loose files and no where to file them.
I had vision's of getting all of that data into my genealogy program so that I could start tying families together. When
I began we had about 120 different family lines that were unidentified.
Seven years later with a few families tied together, I have mixed emotions, even though a lot has been accomplished
with the help of long time members, new members, and volunteers. A little over a year ago several members volunteered to be on a team to help organize and duplicate the archives. We have done a great job because I have been able
to find the sources that are listed in the archive files.
However, I still felt like I am not getting anywhere with the files. I felt that I needed to examine how I was doing
things. I was being pulled into to many directions. I am responsible for sending each new member their lineage file. I
need to make sure the files are safe. By our bylaws there is to be a duplicate set of the archives. I want to tie families
together. I have to answer members and non-members queries. I want to get all of the data into my genealogy program
so that I can find peoples ancestors easier. . .
I began feeling overwhelmed in the last couple of years and have been getting behind with everything. I started to
give some serious thought about what I needed to do to be able to accomplish all of what I need to do. Member lineages
take a lot of time, and, at this point, I am about 18 lineages behind. Member lineages also only focuses on one person’s
needs. There is too much in the archives just to stand at a copy machine and make copies, and it would take a lot of
time. As an organization we are supposed to be publishing books and we
haven't published one in a long time.
See next page for one page
I had an idea, so, rather than talk about it, I decided to just go ahead and o u t o f a 9 0 + p a g e s w o r k b o o k
do it. I put together a workbook for myself to see what it would look like and f o r F K . 0 F r e d e r i c k K e i s t e r
how long it would take me to do it. I chose Frederick Keister because it
would contain the lineage of one of our new members and it is one of our smaller lines. I started the week after Christmas 2006, and was somewhat finished by the middle of February 2007. I say somewhat because it will never be a finished product because it is a workbook, and I will be updating it as new information comes to me. Also, the files are as
they are in the archives. My goal is not to make it pretty but to produce a book that will preserve the data in the archives
and give me an overview of what we have and don't have. I do have to caution you that the approximate two months it
took me to put it together, I was wearing many hats. Alton relieved me of one of the hats when he volunteered to become the Editor of the News Caster. As more volunteers come forth to take over some of my hats I will have more time
to work on the workbooks.
The board has voted to discontinue the member lineages so that I can work on the workbooks. New members who
joined before 1 March 2007 will have their choice of a lineage report or the workbook for a small charge. I would be
happy to talk with each new member to discuss which they would prefer. Please contact me at [email protected].
Now, I will put on my temporary DNA Project Coordinator hat to report that one of our members has volunteered
to have his DNA tested for an accurate definition of which Haplogroup the Paulus line belongs. Relative Genetics just
recently upgraded their Haplogroup Predictor. It resulted in the I1c Haplogroup that we were assigned being no longer
valid. I checked with one of the experts for the I1c Haplogroups and he confirmed that our DNA Haplotype does not fit
the I1c Haplogroup. He was not sure which group we belonged. After a long discussion with one of Relative Genetics
Molecular Genealogists, we decided that by doing an single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) test it could be determined
in which group the Paulus line belongs. A SNP mutation identifies a group who share a common ancestor far back in
time.
We really need some non-Paulus line tests to be done to help identify the other DNA Family lines. Our members
have been generous and we have enough money available to help pay for a test if that is one of the reasons why you
can't take the test. Please consider helping us to establish these lines, so far almost everyone who has tested is a PK.
Now, I will put on my temporary Online Membership Directory hat to say that I apologize for the online directory
being so out of date. I have been working on getting it updated, and we do have a volunteer who is willing to help me
out with it as soon as I can find the time to train her. Hope to have it done soon. Patricia
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 19
NewsCaster
March 2007
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 20
B r i c k Wa l l s
Vickey Sue (Caster) Wanless: I am looking for my Dad's (Victor Caster) maternal grandmother, Ruth Hazen. She
was married to Tobin Wood. I believe they were from Indiana or Illinois. His mother was Ida May Wood. Any help would
be appreciated.
Gretchen Slota: This brickwall concerns Nicholas Custard and his wife, Mary Morris. They are my 4th great grandparents. Nicholas (PK.0.01.01.06) is found on page 174 of the Descendants of Paulus and Gertrude Kusters book and in
the News Caster of June 1984 and March 1983. It seems as if the Nicholas who is found in Erie County, Pennsylvania
1790 census is most likely their son. I am familiar with two of Nicholas and Mary's children. Mary "Polly" who married
Thomas Crawford and Susannah who married [her] cousin Abraham. Both settled in Erie County, Pennsylvania and are
well known in the county records. Has anyone found other sources? I would love to know more about these ancestors.
Michael Gallagher: Looking for the military service and death date of George Custer and the birth and death dates
and locations of Mary Rhoades. Looking for the death date of their daughter Rebecca Custer born circa 1734 possibly in
Hanover Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Patricia Solomon: Trying to find a birth record for my grandfather Alvin Leroy Caster. He may have been born in Denver, Colorado on August 8, 1883.
Teresa Tucker: Who are William Custard's parents? He was born in 1810 in Ohio.
Patricia Perry: Descendants of John Caster who was born in 1789, son of Jacob Caster who was born circa 1736 or
1738 or 1744. I am trying to validate his relationship to John A. Caster who was born in September of 1830 and died 16
December 1908. John A. married Mary E. House on 7 November 1847. I would appreciate any help from NC Caster.
The DNA Project has definitely revealed that John Caster Sr. and William Custard 1810 are descendants of Paulus
Kuster 1644. John Caster Sr. is most likely a descendant of Arnold and his son Conrad. Now the fun begins as we now
examine Conrad and his sons as a possible father of John Sr. At this time we are still looking into where William Custard 1810 fits.
ADDRESSES/NEW MEMBERS
Albert, Frances G.
Custer, Lauran
Custer, Susan B.
Lucas, Charlotte A.
Phillips, Larry
Ramsey, Dr. Jerry V.
Schagunn, Connie
Wainwright, Sharon
Walker, Terri L.
Oldest Known: Stephen S. Kester 1868 OH.
Oldest Known: William Custer from Maryland
PK.0.01.01.04.09.05.04.03.03.02
IK.0.01.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?
Oldest Known: Cynthia (Castor) Spink 1776 NY-1812 NY
PK.0.01.04.02.07.02.02.05.03.04.0
HG.0.05.03.01.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?
May be from the PK.0.01.05 Paul Custer line
Oldest Known: Magdalena Kuster died c1790 PA
Only the Surname, Given
Name(s) and Lineage
Numbers will be provided,
to protect the privacy of our
members.
Please e-Mail the
Membership Chairman
for contact information.
C H A N G E S A N D C O R R E C T I O N S T O M E M B E R S H I P D I R E C T O RY
Only the Surname, Given Name(s) and Lineage Numbers will be provided, please e-Mail the Membership Chairman to
contact anyone listed below:
Begeal, Jeanne
Castor, Edward
Castor, Harold
Castor, Jack K.
Castor, Maurice “Vern”
Custer, Roy Jr.
Deitemeyer, Wanda
Dunbar, Richard
Elias, Robert
Gallagher, Michael
Harvey, Betty
Kaster, Kim Marie
Kuesters, Guido
PK.0.01.01.04.12.02.01.01.0?
JC.0.05.02.02.02.02
PK.0.01.01.11.09.01.05.03.01.01
PK.0.01.01.11.09.03.08.05.04
GC.0.0?.0?.0?.0?.01.05
PK.0.01.01.05.01.01.02.06.10.0?
PK.0.01.01.11.10.03.05.08.01.07
PK.0.01.01.02.01.03.01.02.01.02.04
PK.0.01.05.04.11.04.02.06.02.02
PK.0.01.03.06.04.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?
PK.0.01.04.09.01.06.02.10.01.01
PK.0.01.01.11.01.01.06.07.07.05.0?
AGK.0.04.04.02.04.11.02
Kuster, Diane
Lee, Sandra
Loescher, Dorothy
Maerk, Nadine
Shoemaker, Florence
Spangler, Norma
Sullivan, Pamela
Thomsen, Evelyn
Thurman, Geraldine
Tucker, Teresa
Verrone, Evelyn
Worthington, Beverly
CA.0.0a.02.03.02
PK.0.01.01.11.04.01.02.01.01.03.04
JN.0.02.02.01.05
PK.0.01.01.05.02.06.08.07.0?.0?
PK.0.01.01.11.10.04.07.09.0?
PK.0.01.01.05.01.01.02.06.03.04.02
PK.0.01.01.02.03.04.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?
PK.0.01.05.05.01.05.0b6.07.06.11
HI.0.0?.08.02.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?
WC.0.06.01.04.02.01
PK.0.01.01.11.08.08.02.03.02.03
PK.0.07.01.01.02.04.02.06.02.02.00a
NewsCaster
March 2007
INDEX to the March
2007 Issue
Abraham 20
Adams,
Richard 12
Albert,
Frances G. 20
Alger,
Russell A. 3
Allebach,
Christian 12
Allstrom,
John V. 5
Amsbaugh,
Uzal H. 9
Andrews,
Martin 10
Arikara 5
Bacon,
Elizabeth 6, 7, 8
Libbie 3
Bales Custer,
Julia 17
Barbers 1
Barkley,
George 12
Isaac 12
Samuel 12
Barringer,
Rufus 4
Barstead,
J. 1
Beagel,
Jean 20
Bergey,
Hans Ulrich 12
Bingaman,
Lorentz 12
Bitts,
Wiliam 12
Bon,
Peter 11
Brinely,
Charles O. 9
Brown,
Oliver G. 9
Bryant,
Joseph 12
Mary 12
Buffum,
R. 1
Bull,
John 11
Bullis,
J. 1
Bun,
Peter 12
Calhoun,
James 6
Capehart,
Henry 5
Caster,
Alvin Leroy 20
B. 10
Benjamin 10
Benj 10
Daniel 9
Elizabeth 9
Jacob 20
John 9, 10, 20
John A. 20
John Sr. 20
Joseph 10
Leona 9
P. 10
Patricia 17
Philip J. 17
Samantha L 9.
Thompson 9
Tobias 10
Uriah 9, 10
Victor 20
Vikie Sue 20
W. 10
Castetter,
Ada Iona 17
Castor, 14, 16
Ben 10
Benjamin 10, 17
Charles 9
Conrad 10
Cynthia 20
Conrod 10
Edward 20
Elizabeth 9
Elizabeth M. 9
George W. 9
Harold 20
Jack K. 20
Jane 9
John 9, 10
Margaret 9
Maria 9
Mary E. 9
Maurice "Vern" 20
Molly 9
Oliver P. 9
Paul 19
Percy St. Clair 17
Richard J. 16
Robert G. 16
Sampson 10
Susan 9
Uriah 10
Watson 9
William 10
Wm 10
Castors 13
Catholic 13
Clemens,
Gerhard
Harret
Cornwall,
Eleanor
Crawford,
Thomas 20
Custard, 17
John 10
Mary 20
Nicholas 20
Polly 20
Susannah 20
William 20
Custer,
Anna 12
Autie 2. 4
Boston 1, 6
Chester 17
Conrad 12, 14
David 9
Elizabeth 6, 7, 8
Emmanuel 1
Eulah Leona 17
Gary 17
George 17, 20
George Armstrong 1, 3, 4,
6, 7, 8
Geraldine 17
Volume XXV Issue 1
Hershel 17
Joseph 10
Julia Bales 17
Lauren 20
Libbie 1, 2, 3, 5
Maggie 4
Mary Jane 9
Paul 20
Rebecca 20
Robin 17
Roy Jr. 20
Silver 17
Sam 17
Susan 20
T. 1
Thomas Ward 1
Tim 17
Tom 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
William 20
Davis,
Elizabeth 19
Jane 19
Laban 19
Jefferson C. 3
Day,
Carl F, 7
Deckie,
Moses 10
Deesmont,
Daniel 11
Deitemeyer,
Wanda 20
Desmond,
Daniel 12
Detweiler,
Hans 12
Diller,
Amos 10
Ann 9
Dock,
Christoph 11
Christopher 11
Dohrs,
Gertrude 13
Dubois,
Isaac 11, 12
Solomon 12
Duke,
R.T.W. 7
Dunbar,
Richard 20
Dutch 13
Dyer,
Frederick H. 6
Early,
Jubal A. 3, 4
Elias,
Robert 20
Emiml,
Hilda 17
Engle,
Jacob 11
Engers,
Jacob 12
Findley,
Mary 19
Samuel 19
Freeborn,
Richard 10
Frid,
Paulus 11
Fried,
John 12
Paul 12
Friedt,
Johannes 11
Paul 11
Paul, Jr. 12
Froedt,
Johannes 12
Fry,
Benjamin 12
Fox,
William F. 6
Gallagher,
Michael 20
Garber,
Johannes 12
Gass,
Cicero T. 9
Gerard,
Rachel 9
German 9
Gerster,
Hans George 16
Getling,
Addie 9
Gin,
Robert 10
Glass,
Thomas 10
Gobel,
Richard 11
Godder,
Cyrus C. 9
Godfrey,
Edward S. 6
Goodall,
Cyrus C. 9
Unis 9
Gordon,
Parick 11
Graff…see “Op de Graf”
Grant,
U.S. 3, 4
Grater,
Jacob 12
Grundy,
C, 1
H_st,
Nicholas 11
Haldeman,
John 12
Nicholas 12
Halman,
Anthony 12
Hanlin,
Isabella 9
Harvey,
Betty 20
Hazen,
Ruth 20
Heffelfinger,
Ulrich 12
Heijt,
Hans Joest 12
Henry,
John 10
Hevener,
John 19
Ruth 19
Hetzel,
Betsy 19
Philip 19
Hicks,
Nicholas 12
Hildreth,
Joseph 10
Page 21
Hood,
John Bell 3
Hoover,
Daniel 10
George 19
Hannah 19
Horn,
W. Donald 7
Houritt,
William 10
House,
Mary E. 20
Huling,
Marcus 12
Hull,
William I. 13
Hunsicker,
Valentin 11
Hunter,
David 7
James 10
Huuter,
Betsty 9
In De Hoffen,
Edward 12
Gerhard 12
Herman 12
Indian/s,
Cheyenne 6
Delawares 12
Flatfeet 12
Shawanese 12
Sioux 6
Spanish 12
Ingle,
Jacob 11
Jacob,
Richard 12
Jacobs,
John 11
Jansen,
Claus 11
Klas 11
Peter 11
Jarard,
Joseph 10
Wm. 10
Jerrard,
Joseph10
Johnson,
John 12
Nevin 1
Peter 12
Johnston,
Joe 4
Jones,
Elija 9
Nathan 9
Kassel,
Huppert 3
Kaster,
Kim Marie
Kennel,
John 9
Keister,
Betsy 19
Elizabeth 19
Frederick 19
George 19
Hannah 19
Henry 19
James 19
James Jr. 19
Jane 19
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 22
Mary 19
Michael 19
Ruth 19
Kester,
George 9
Isaac 9
Kidd,
James A. 3
James H. 7
Kiester,
Samuel 9
Kinsley,
D.A. 7
Kirkpatrick,
Maria Ward 1
Klein,
John Isaac 12
Kolb,
Dielman 12
Henrich 11
Jacob 11
Johannes 12
Martin 11
Kratz,
Johann Valentine 12
Kraus,
Michael 12
Krey,
John 12
Kroll,
Christian 12
Kuster,
Arnold 20
Conrad 20
Diane 20
Gertrude 13, 20
Guido 20
Hermanus 11
Hermannus 11
Nicholas
Paulus 13, 20
Küester…see: Kuster
Lacy,
Joe 17
Lane,
William 12
Lee,
Robert E. 4
Rooney 4
Sandra 20
Leischer,
Johannes 12
Lincoln 6
Loescher,
Dorothy 20
Loettinger 9
Lucas,
Charlotte A. 20
Maerk,
Nadine
Marieke,
Jacob 12
Marovich,
Geraldine Custer 17
Mase,
Jobe 10
May,
G. 9
McClellan,
George B 2
McCoy
Mary 9
McCrea,
Mary 9
McCready,
Esther 9
McMurray,
Robert 10
Mennonite 9, 12, 13, 16
Merckle,
George 1
Merckley,
Jacob 11
Merington,
Marguerite 6
Miller,
John F. 2
Morris,
Israel 12
Mary 20
Meyer,
George 12
Morris,
Mary 20
Myer,
John 12
Neibling,
James M. 2
Negley,
James S. 2
Neuswanger,
Christian 12
O’Neil,
Tom 8
Op de Graff,
Jacob 11
Op den Graeff,
Jacob 12
Palmer,
John M. 3
Pannebecker,
Heinrich 11
Hendrick 12
Henry 11
Pardoe,
Rosemary 1
Pastorius,
Francis Daniel 9
Patricia…see: Caster,
Patricia 12, 17, 18
Paul,
E.A. 6
Pawling,
John 11
Penn,
William 9
Perry,
Patricia 20
Petersen,
W. 10
Wm 10
Phillips,
Larry 20
Pickett,
George E. 4
Pietists 9
Poger,
George 12
Price,
Margaret 9
Pugh,
Hugh 11
Rambo,
Peter 12
Ramsey,
Dr. Jerry V.
Randall,
Betty 9
Reformed Church 13
Reichardt,
Johannes 12
Reiff,
Conrad 12
George 12
Hans 12
Peter 12
Renberg,
Dirck `12
William 12
Reynolds,
Arlene 6
Rhoades,
Mary 20
Robert,
Charles 9
Roberts,
John 12
Rockey,
Elizabeth 9
Rosser,
Thomas 3
Ruth,
Heinrich 12
Rutter,
Tom 8
Schagunn,
Connie 20
Scheimer,
Jacob 1
Schmidt,
Christopher 12
Scholl,
Johannes 12
Schrayer,
Andrew 12
Schwartz,
Abraham 12
Sellen,
Adam 12
Shafer,
Sarah J. 9
Shawanese Indians 12
Sheridan,
Phil 4
Philip H. 3
Shoemaker,
Florence 20
Shouler,
Gabriel 12
Shute,
Thomas 11
Singleton,
Jane 12
Sissell,
Alton 17
Slota,
Gretchen 20
Smith,
Bastian 12
William 12
Solomon,
Patricia 20
Spangler,
Norma 20
Sprogell,
Ludwig Christian 12
Stauffer,
Daniel 12
Henry 12
Jacob 12
Steel,
James 11
Stevens,
Benton 9
Stoner,
Christian 12
Strong,
Esther 9
Sullivan,
Pamela 20
Swadley,
Susan 19
Swasack,
William 9
Swauger,
Hester 9
Swiss 16
Taylor,
Thos. 10
Teissen,
Matthias 11
Teutlinger,
Henry 12
Teweiller,
Hans 11
Tetweiller,
Hans 11
Thomas,
George H 3
Thomsen,
Evelyn 20
Thurman,
Geraldine 20
Geri 23
Tucker,
Glenn 7
Teresa 20
Tyson,
Matthias 12
Umstadt 11
Umstat,
Johan 11
Johannes 11
Umstatt,
John 11
Umstattd,
Elizabeth Madison Coles 11
Umstead,
John 11
Van Fossen,
Arnold 11
Adam 11
Johannes 11
Van Horn,
Anna 9
Van Vossen,
Arnold 11
Verrone,
Evelyn 20
Volweiller,
Hans 11
Wainwright,
Sharon 20
Walker,
Terri L. 20
Wanless,
Vicki Sue 20
Ward,
Mary-Margaret 9, 10
Warner, 7
Liberty P. 1, 2, 3, 6
Wass,
Virginia 17
Virginia B. 17
Weber,
Christian 12
Weierman,
Hans 12
Willem 11
Weirman,
Willem 11
Welshmen 12
Wert,
Jeffry D. 6
Whitaker,
Edward W. 5
White,
Chuck 18
Jean M. 13, 18
Witcher,
Curt 13
Wood,
Ida Mae 20
Tobin 20
Worthington,
Beverly 20
Young,
David 12
Roger 8
Ziegler,
Michael 11, 12
COMING SOON — CAOA Workbooks
Check our CAOA Website: http://caoa-gen.org/
after April 1st for additional information on the new Workbooks. The Workbooks contain compiled information we
have received since 1983. It may contain information that you may not have received in your lineage reports. The
first two books FK.0 Frederick Keister an Isaac Kester are nearly completed.
Volume XXV Issue 1
Page 23
FROM THE EDITOR
This is the first issue that I have had the privilege to
take the lead in content, style and presentation. I wish
to express my thanks to the board members for their
articles. In particular, I wish to thank Patricia Caster,
for her mentorship, patience and understanding.
I eagerly solicit the membership for articles on their
families. Your family stories and photographs deserve
to be seen by all of the Castor Association of America
membership. Sharing your research efforts, trials and
struggles will assist all of us in finding our missing ancestor. Please e-Mail me with your articles, ideas on
what we can research and publish, suggestion on improvement in content.
In order to protect the privacy of our members in
the newsletter, we are not publishing addresses and
telephone numbers for new members and for additions/
corrections to the 2006 membership directory. Please
E-mail the Membership Chairman to obtain complete
address/phone number/e-Mail address for members
listed in the New Members or Changes/Corrections to
the Membership Directory.
Alton Sissell, Editor
CAOA INCOME/EXPENSES
Ordinary Income/Expenses
Income
Gaylord Castor Fund
General Fund
Publication Fund
Reimbursed Expenses
Total Income
100.00
5237.15
267.90
219.10
5824.00
Expense
NewsCaster
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Total Expense
Net Ordinary Income
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Total Income
2313.34
630.03
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30262.73
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107.15
107.15
2868.57
Articles Needed for Future Issues of
the News Caster — If you haven't seen
an article on your ancestor please let
the Editor know and/or send in an article today.
The Castor Association of America is a non-profit corporation
dedicated to the preservation of family history
for all variations of the family surname.
Caster Castor Coster Custard Custer Gerster
Kaster Kastor Keister Kester Kiester Kistard
Kister Koester Koster Kuester Kustard Kuster Kusterd Küster
http://www.rootsweb.com/~caoa
Officers
President………………....…..……...Teresa Tucker
Vice President…….....….…..….….….Gary Custer
Secretary………………….…Mary-Margaret Ward
Treasurer……………………..……..…….Joe Lacy
Appointed Positions
Archives Coordinator…...………..…..Patricia Caster
Editor…………………………...……...Alton Sissell
Publications Manager……...…..………Buck Custer
Historian………………………….…...Phillip Castor
Web Site Coordinator ..……….……...Geri Thurman
Library………………...…………….Patricia Caster
CAOA Queries [email protected]
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5050 CR 236
Liberty Hill, Texas 78642-3730
Membership and Change of Address [email protected]
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438 Hiway 74
Twin Falls, ID 83301-0300
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PO Box 955
Windsor, CA 95492-0955
CAOA DNA Project
[email protected]
The News Caster is published quarterly by the Castor Association of
America. Past issues may be ordered from the Treasurer for $5 an issue.
In this Issue
Tom should have been the General ............................................................................ 01-08
Rebecca Who? Project Update ........................................................................................08
Founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania...........................................................................09
Richland County Records ............................................................................................ 09-10
Early Settlers from Germantown ................................................................................. 11-12
Anna Custer daughter of Conrad.......................................................................................12
Researching the Descendants of Paulus Küster ......................................................... 13-16
Krefeld Germany History ...................................................................................................16
Hans George Gerster, A Significant Providence................................................................16
From the President ............................................................................................................17
Condolences from CAOA ..................................................................................................17
From the Archive Coordinator............................................................................................18
Frederick Keister Workbook example................................................................................19
Brick Walls....................................................................................................................... 20
Changes and Corrections to Membership Directory ..........................................................20
Addresses/New Members .................................................................................................20
Index to the March 2007 Issue .................................................................................... 21-22
From the Editor..................................................................................................................23
CAOA Income/Expenses ...................................................................................................23
Please ask before you use it —All material published by the Castor Association of America including the News
Caster, information on the CAOA web site, books, or materials in any other form, including materials developed from the
CAOA Archives, may be used only with the express written Permission of the Castor Association of America.
The Castor Association of America
1815 Billingshurst CT
Orlando, Florida 32825-8438 USA
Dated Material
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PERMIT #422
NewsCaster
The
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Abraham Lincoln Custer
PK.0.07.01.01.02.04.02.06
Abraham Lincoln Custer
was born 25 February 1863,
Norristown, Montgomery
County, Pennsylvania, the
son of William and Mary
Elizabeth Custer . He died 21
November 1903 also in Norristown. Abraham married
Amelia Adams. Amelia was
born in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, the daughter of William
and Elizabeth Adams.
Amelia Adams and Abraham Lincoln Custer
Obituary
A
braham Custer, aged about 40 years, residing on Airy Street, below Arch, died at Charity Hospital at 2
o’clock on Sunday morning, of injuries received at Swedes Furnace on Saturday morning. During the fire
the flames burned through the heavy wire cables used to operate the iron carriages which were run to the
top of the stack. One of these carriages suddenly descended, and Mr. Custer, who was foreman in the stock room, was
struck and badly injured about the abdomen. Deceased was a son of William Custer. He leaves a widow and two children.
Norristown Daily Herald\Monday, November 1903
Their children:
1. Charles Custer born 1893 in Norristown; died 2 December 1898 in Jeffersonville, buried at Riverside Cemetery,
Norristown, Pennsylvania.
2. Florence “Flora” Custer, born 21 Aug 1885 Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; married Ira Worthington at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Norristown, Pa. On 11 July 1906; died 11 Feb 1965 Forestville, Prince Georges
County., MD. Her son Joseph George Worthington Sr. born 2 Nov 1908 Norristown, Montgomery County., Pa died 19
Jul 1974 Washington D.C. Lived in Coral Hills, MD at time of death. His son Joseph George Worthington Jr born 7 Jun
1930 married Beverly Joyce Post born 29 May 1934
3. Ellen J Custer born 1898 at Jeffersonville; married 12 November 1919 James Joseph Mc Granahan at St Patrick’s
Catholic Church, Norristown, later divorced.
Amelia’s second marriage was to George W. Weaver in 1908.
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 26
Elizabeth Custer’s Grandson Travels to Nebraska
By Alton Sissell, editor
This article was obtained from my great uncle’s journal. He was a railroad telegrapher in the northwestern corner of the
state of Nebraska.
I, Wade Alfonzo Hack, born on a farm, near the small town of Corley, Iowa, Shelby County, Iowa, July 27 1886. No
Doctor, my Great Aunt Caroline (Custer) Shaffer, was Mid-wife. My father was Louis Andrew Hack and my mother was
Margaret Jane Beatty. My grand parents were Leander Johnathon Hack and Elizabeth Custer.
We lived on an 80 acre farm, owned by a Mrs. Carter. I started to school in the fall of 1891 with sister Mabel. We
walked one mile and a quarter. It was a small country school taught by Maude Carter, daughter of the woman who
owned the farm on which we lived. The school was overcrowded and I sat on a little box near the rear wall. I was 5
years old. Dad had a good crop in 1891, but unable to sell. They were paying only 8 cents a bushel for ear corn. Most
all of the farmers used corn for fuel. It was cheaper than coal. Grandfather Leander Johnathon Hack had bought a farm
near Belgrade (Nance County.) Nebr. and moved there a few years before we left Iowa. Dad visited them in the fall of
1891 - took me along (do not remember much about it). On the visit Dad decided to move to Nebr. He rented the Frank
Main's farm 3 miles north of Belgrade, Nebr. and Dec 1891 we left Corley, Iowa (never returned) even for a visit.
Farmed in Nance County. Nebr. the years of 1892-93-94. all three years
were bad. No rain, hot winds burned up everything burned up by July 4th. In
Mother did the cooking
the mean time, a family by the name of Charlie Morris ( whom Dad had known
for the whole caravan.
in Iowa ), came to our place. Traveling by team and covered wagon. On their
way back to North west Nebr. He had been out to north west Nebr. some years before. Taken a homestead, proved
upon it, then sold out to August Wendt ( father of Ferd Wendt ). Morris went to Kansas. Did not like it down in Kansas
and was on his way back to north west Nebr. Stopped to see Dad. Talked Dad into coming out west with him. Thus ,
on Sept 1, 1894, Dad, Mother, Mabel, myself and Maude and Cecile, in a covered wagon, drawn by a team of horses
(named Deck and Frank) cow tied to rear end of wagon, followed by a young calf, 1 doz. black hens and a rooster in a
box tied to the side of the wagon. Mother's sewing machine, cook stove, one set bed springs, two straw ticks, bedding
dishes etc. We were on our way.
When we arrived as Cedar Rapids, Iowa Dad decided the calf was going to be to much bother so sold it to a butcher
for $2.50. We camped at Greely-Ord-Brewster and another smaller place I do not remember. This small town was
where we went into the vast sand hills. We traveled days without seeing anyone. Some water holes were so stagnant
we could not use water. Good thing we kept healthy.
Mother did the cooking for the whole caravan. It was hard work for her. Our fair was mostly pancakes, molasses and
coffee. Spread an oil cloth on the ground and all gathered around ( like a picnic ) . Sat on the ground. Occasionally a
gust of wind would whirl by while eating, putting sand, grass and what not in your grub. You ate it and did not grumble.
Nothing of any importance happened on our trip across the sand hills. After what seemed like endless days, we arrived
at Hay Springs, Nebr. Glad to get back to civilization.
We kept moving west and camped on Bordeaux Creek east of Chadron, Nebr. Moving out of Bordeaux Creek we
headed for Pine Ridge. Camped over night at the Henry Wohler's farm and on Sept. 21, 1894 made our last camp at
Gene Stetson's saw mill in the canyon between the old Ferd Wendt place and where Roscoe Royal now lives. Charlie
McHenry was living there at that time. I remember some of the fellows who came to our camp that evening. Tom
Mchenry, Frank Pierce, Jim Andrews, Byron Arnold who was operating a saw mill for Gene Stetson and was steam engineer at that time. Also, John Diehl, Charlie McHenry, Joe Gould, Ferd Wendt and several others but do not recall their
names.
We spent the fall of 1894 and early winter in a log house about two miles southeast of where we had camped, known
as the Candee place. Mable, Maude and I started to school, walking the two miles to a log school house, just across the
canyon west from where Rosco Royal now lives. (The school was torn down years ago). We only had school for 4
months. Those years, short of funds. Our first teacher was Mrs. Kate Gillette, then the next four months term (fall of
1895) was taught by Mrs. Niram Poole (nee Snow), next Bertha McCoy and finally, Chas W. Jones.
We moved to the homestead four miles east of Belmont, Ne. March 1, 1895. Our house was a hole dug in the hill
side, roofed with wood slabs,, logs, and covered with dirt. There was a small addition built of native lumber, added on to
the east end of this dug out, had a door and one sash window on the east side and north side. The dug out part of the
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 27
NewsCaster June 2007
house was walled with native boards, the floors were of the same material. Our furniture consisted of a home made table, and benches for seats.
We did not have a well. Had to carry water from a well a quarter of a mile up hill. Mother carried most of the water.
Pioneering was a tough life. Yes, we went hungry many times, and no warm clothes, we were cold in the winter, especially going to school. I remember we three, Mabel, Maude and I went to school one morning all barefooted. It was one
of those Indian summer days in the fall. Think it was about Oct. first. Warm just like summer. We did not have any
shoes. That afternoon it clouded up and started to snow. By the time school let out at four o'clock, there was two inches
of snow on the ground. There we were, two miles from home, barefooted, two
inches of snow to walk through. We started out. After a while our feet got
Our house was a hole
numb with cold, and we made it to the dug out. How we ever lived or stayed
dug in the hill side. . .
healthy I will never understand. We ate many a meal just plain boiled potatoes
and salt.
Dad would go to the timber one day (Lots of government land in those days) to get a load of dry wood. Bring it
home, cut it up into cook stove lengths. This was done the second day, and on the third day haul it to Marsland and
trade it for a sack of flour, a little sugar and salt. (Flour was 75 cents a sack.) The years were dry ones, Dad did manage to raise a few spuds. One year he raised a double wagon box full of turnips and rutabagas. That was the year
mother fattened a pig on cooked rutabagas. (Where she got the pig I do not remember). But I do remember the meat
and lard was as yellow as gold. That year we planted an acre of sorghum cane it done pretty good. When it was ready
to harvest, Dad made a couple of long wooden knives. Mabel and I took these knives and stripped the leaves off the
cane stalks. Dad detasseled and cut the cane stalks down and piled them up in neat piles. This done, we loaded the
cane in the wagon and hauled it to an old cane mill owned by an old quack Dr. named Harrington, who lived one mile
south of us. It was a crude affair, out in the open, and the power used was a horse. (By standing a hand wringer on
end would give you some idea what it was like). The cane was run through the rollers and juice squeezed out. The juice
was conveyed to the boiling pans by an open wooden trough, except where the horse had to step over the trough, a
board was nailed over it. (A very sanitary operation). The boiling pans were made of 2X8 native planks with tin bottoms.
These were placed over a pit dug in ground and walled up with rocks. Pans placed on top of pit. Fire built, we were
ready to boil the juice down to syrup, along with the dust, sand, horse manure, flies, bugs and what have you. Do not
remember how long it took to finish the syrup but when it was all done we had 5 gallon of slightly scorched sorghum
syrup with all ingredients. Dad made us kids some wooden paddles and we licked the syrup pans after syrup was taken
out. Lord we were sick but recovered. It was a hard life in the 1890's.
School term either four months in fall or four months in the spring. Our home on the homestead was a two room dug
out , no windows. Front room used as kitchen, dining room, four pane window in north. Door opened east. table home
made - Home made benches for seats. I could go on and on but why? Came to Denver Mar 8. Wayne rented basement apt. at 1200 Detroit, Mar 10, 1957. We moved in. Do not think it was good for him to try to make a home for me.
Old people become burdensome and interfere with their children's way of life. Not to much more to write. If you find this
after I have gone into orbit, and do not care to have it around, burn it.
Wade A. Hack
Elizabeth (Custer) Hack 1836-1904
PK.0.01.04.02.04.02.04
Elizabeth Custer was born 13 March 1836 in Fountain County, Indiana, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Burkett)
Custer. Elizabeth married 22 September 1850 Leander Alexander Hack in Fountain County, Indiana. Leander was born
29 November 1829 in Warren County, Kentucky, son of William and Susan (Penner) Hack. They went to Shelby County,
Iowa in 1852. Leander was a farmer. They later settled in Marsland, Nebraska. Elizabeth died 14 May 1904. Leander
died 6 October 1909 at Marsland. They were buried at Marsland Cemetery, Marsland, Nebraska.
Their children:
1. William Hack born 4 March 1853 at Oakland, Iowa; married 6 June 1880 Elen Jewel in Shelby County, Iowa.
2. Lydia Hack born 14 September 1854 at Oakland, Iowa; married 23 December 1871 Albert Chase in Shelby County,
Iowa; died 12 September 1911.
3. Lewis Andrew Hack born 19 December 1857 at Walnut, Iowa; married 19 December 1883 Margaret Jane Beatty; died
24 June 1937 at Belmont, Nebraska.
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 28
4. Nevada Hack born 2 May 1860 at Oakland, Iowa; married 17 April 1878 Francis Marion Anstine in Shelby County,
Iowa; died 14 August 1935, buried at San Francisco, California.
5. Jonathan Perry Hack born 11 January 1863 at Oakland, Iowa; married 12 January 1890 Henrietta Mae Clark; died 2
June 1920 in Platte County, Nebraska, buried at Main Cemetery, Belgrade, Nebraska.
6. Rudolph Hack born 25 July 1865 at Walnut, Iowa; married 3 January 1897 Musa Main at Belgrade, Nebraska; died 10
January 1945 at Belgrade, Nebraska, buried at Main Cemetery.
7. Rosella Hack born 22 November 1868 at Harlan, Iowa; married Martin E Flynn; died 29 July 1932 at Anaheim, California, buried at Belgrade, Nebraska.
8. Anne Hack born 15 February 1870 at Harlan, Iowa; married Albert Chase; died 1 February 1916.
9. Harriet "Hattie" Hack born 20 April 1872 at Harlan, Iowa; married 13 January 1894 David C Lowe; died 8 September
1929 at Fremont, Nebraska, buried at Belgrade Cemetery, Belgrade, Nebraska.
10. Oscar Hack born 6 May 1874 in Shelby County, Iowa; married 7 June 1904 Mary Frances Krejei near Belmont, Nebraska; died 1 August 1956, buried at Marsland Cemetery, Marsland, Nebraska.
Sources:
letter Darlene Dickinson Hanson -- 20 Feb 1987
Charles Wilson Castor 1870-1943
Charles Wilson Castor was born 21 March 1870, in
Hamilton County, Indiana. He was the son of Samuel
B. and Frances A. (Wilson) Castor. Charles married
Grace H. Trittipo about 1892. (Family records show
marriage date of 5 December 1896). Grace was born
19 July 1876 and was the daughter of Samuel L. and
Salinda Jane (Kimberlin) Trittipo. Charles and Grace
lived in Wayne Township, Hamilton County, Indiana.
Charles was a farmer. He died June 1943 in San Antonia, Texas and is buried at Crownland Cemetery, Noblesville, Indiana.. Grace died 9 October 1946 in California and a marker is also in Crownland Cemetery.
Their children:
Marvyn Samuel Castor was born 24 March 1898. He
married Gladys Bateman, who was born in Mission, Texas. One daughter, Ruth Joan Castor was
born 1 November 1924 in Tampa, Florida and died
3 October 1925, in San Antonio, Texas.
Audrey Roberta Castor was born 4 January 1907. She
married Robert Orr Jr. They had a son Robert Orr
III. She married Robert House (West) Brown on 24
November 1941 and had a daughter Audrey Sandra Brown who was born 18 September 1942. She
divorced Robert in 1945 and married Leonard
Leutz. Audrey died 15 December 1968 and is buried at Austin, Texas.
Fletcher Charles Castor was born 18 January 1909.
He died 10 October 1912 in Mercedes, Hidalgo
County, Texas and is buried at Crownland Cemetery, Noblesville, Indiana.
NC.0.01.01.03.03
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 29
B i o g r a p h y A r n o l d A l l a n C u s ta r d
AACU.0
One of the most successful veterinary surgeons of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, is Dr. Arnold Allan Custard,
of Jeanette, Pennsylvania, a member of an old Pennsylvania family and himself for many years identified with the life of
that region. His grandfather, who also bore the name of Arnold Allan Custard, was born at Clintondale, Clinton County,
Pennsylvania, and received his education in the local public schools. He engaged in farming all his life in that place and
also carried on a large lumber business. He married Martha McCadden, and they were the parents of the following
children: Richard, Amelia, George, Josephine, Fannie, Kreasy, Delinda. All of these, with the exception of the last
named, are deceased, and Delinda is now the wife of Dr. Litzell.
The first Arnold Allan Custard was a very prominent member of the community in his day, a staunch Democrat, and
who always took an active interest in public affairs. He was a power in politics and was recognized as one of the most
influential citizens in that part of the State. The father of Dr. Custard was George Custard, a native of Clinton County
born in 1834. Like his father he received his education in the local public school, and devoted himself to farming for
practically his entire life. He also carried on the lumber business, established by his father, and developed it to very large
proportions, being one of the most successful men in that part of the country or indeed the State. He was a man of
remarkably strong character and vigorous and attractive personality, and took a leading part I the affairs of the
community where he resided so long. He was a natural leader of men was looked up to and admired by all his fellow
citizens. Like his father, he was a very ardent Democrat, and was regarded as one of the principal figures in politics in
the county. A Methodist in religion, he attended consistently the church of that denomination at Clintondale and took an
active interest in its work, serving it in the capacity of trustee for a number of years. He was prominent in the social life
of the place and was a member of the A. O. O. F. He married Sarah Allan, a daughter of David and Annie Allan, of
Baldeagle township, Clinton County, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of the following children: Arnold Allan, of
further mention; Martha, who became Mrs. John Keister, and is now deceased; Frank, who is engaged in the rubber
business at Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Nelson, who is now a resident of Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, where he is engaged in
business; Jeannie, who is now Mrs. William Krape, of Clintondale. Mr. Custard died in the year 1886 and was survived
by his wife until 1909, when her death occurred at the venerable age of ninety.
Born June 6, 1848, in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Arnold Allan Custard received his early education in the
local public schools of that county. He later took a course of veterinary surgery with Professor Benjamin Straw, of
Clintondale, and after qualifying for work in this line began active practice at Rockhaven, Clinton County. There he met
with marked success and remained for about ten years, but in 1904 removed to Jeannette, Westmoreland county, since
which time he has continued his practice in that flourishing community. He is a man who always keeps abreast of the
latest developments of his profession, and accordingly took a special course at Atchison, Kansas. Later he also studied
at the Detroit Veterinary Dental College and received a diploma from that institution in 1904. Dr. Custard’s practice is a
very extensive one and not only covers the whole of Westmoreland county, but frequently extends into the adjacent
counties, his reputation being of the highest wherever he has practices at all. He has even on occasion been called as
far as Clearfield county and his practice may be said to extend over a rough circle with a radius of about two hundred
miles. On reason for this extensive practice is to be found in the fact that Dr. Custard is the only veterinary in the region
who has made a special study of veterinary dentistry. In addition to his general practice, Dr. Custard takes charge of the
veterinary work of Harvest & Walker, of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, a concern with eighteen different plants and
which uses some one hundred and eighty head of horses. He also has charge all horses of Diamond Ice Company of
Braddock, Pennsylvania, another large concern. Dr. Custard is a very public-spirited man and an active participant in
the general affairs of the community. In politics he is an Independent, allying himself with no party organization, and in
religion he is a Presbyterian, attending the church of that denomination at Jeannette. He takes a very active interest in
church matters and is one of the most prominent members of the congregation. He is also a member of the Patriotic
Order Sons of America. On December 11, 1903, Dr. Custard was united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth (Boyd)
Hawn, a daughter of Thomas Boyd, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and widow of James Hawn.
Source:
Old and new Westmoreland by John Boucher and Fenwick Y. Hedley; American Historical Society, New York, New
York, 1918, Vol. III, pg 244.
Does any of our readers know the family history of Arnold Allan Custard? Please send any information to the
Archives Coordinator, listed inside back cover.
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 30
O b i ta r i e s r e c e i v e d f r o m J o L i g g e t
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Loraine C. Kester
**************************
Wabash Valley Obituary: Loraine C. Kester, 89, of Sullivan died at 7:56 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29,2002, in Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes. She was born July 31, 1913, in Knox County. Her husband, John Kester preceded her in
death. Survivors include one son, Lonnie Joe Kester, one daughter, Sandra Kay Crews; five grandchildren ad four greatgrandchildren. Graveside services are 10:30a.m. Wednesday in Bethel Cemetery in Freelandville, with Dr. Patrik Larracey officiating. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Banks& Brust Funeral Home. Terre Haute, Indiana Tribune-Star
Robert L. Kester
**************************
Robert L. Kester, 84, of Brazil died at 2:50 a.m. Friday, July 11, 2003, in Clay Health & Rehabilitation Center. He
was a teacher and coach. He was born Feb. 25, 1919, in Brazil to Charles Kester Sr. and Dora Bell Moore Kester. Survivors include his wife, Ernestine Snell Kester, of Harmony, whom he married July 29, 1950; two daughters, Sharman
Kester Woll of Brazil and Shari Kester Voeltz and her husband , Donnie of Jefferson, Wis; two grand-daughters, Jamie
Woll Judson and her husband, Steve and Julie Woll, all of Brazil; nieces and nephews, Janie Steele and her husband,
Stephen of Avon, Greg Steele and his wife, Rachel, Kimberly Steele and Jennifer Pennington and her husband Aaron,
all of Indianapolis and Dr. Daniel Cheek and his family of Terre Haute. He was preceded in death by his parents, four
brothers, Ernest, Wayne, Ray and Charles Jr. Kester; and three sisters, Reva Cheek, Helen Patrick and Ruth Maurey.
In 1937, he graduated from Staunton High School and worked for a local mining company hauling coal. In 1939, he was
employed by McAlman Construction Co., building the section of US 40 from the Blue Bonnet Restaurant to the Staunton
Road. In 1939, he Indiana State Teachers College and attended until he was drafted in the Army on Dec. 29, 1941. On
April 22, 1942, he was shipped overseas and assigned as a special troop member with the 127th Regimental Combat
team 32nd Infantry Division, spending 3 ½ years in the South Pacific. Being discharged on Oct. 13, 1945, he immediately
enrolled back in college and graduated in 1948 with a bachelor of science degree in industrial arts and physical education. In 1956, he worked at Twiggs Air-Craft Industry. He began teaching in Plymouth and later went to Whitewater in
Franklin County. In 1963, he returned to Staunton High School as a shop teacher and guidance counselor. He earned
his master’s degree in administration and guidance after 18 years at the high school, retiring in 1981. During his teaching career he was a basketball and baseball coach from 1954 to1956 at Van Buren High School, an industrial arts and
driver’s education teacher for 18 years at Staunton. He was a drummer and was the first recipient of the John Phillip
Souza Award in Clay Count. He enjoyed hunting and since his retirement he raised and trained bird dogs. He was a
member of Penile United Methodist Church, Clay County Retired Teachers Association . ISU grand Society of Sycamores, American Legion Post 2, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127, Clay County 4-H Council and the 4-H Horse and
Pony Club. He was the first leader of the 4-H Dog Obedience Club and the Clay Quail Club. Services are 2p.m. Tuesday in Lawson-Slack Funeral Home, with the Rev. John Fischer officiating. Burial is in Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre
Haute, with graveside military rites by American Legion Post 2an VFW Post 1127. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Monday.
Terre Haute, IN Tribune-Star, Saturday July 12, 2003.
William W. Harlan
*************************
Warren W. Harlan, 86, of Prairie Creek died at 7:18 p. m. Thursday, July 18, 2002, in Terre Haute Regional Hospital. He was a farmer. He was born Oct. 10, 115, in Prairieton to Otto V. Harlan and Flora P. Kester Harlan. Survivors
include his wife, Joy Laybold Harlan, whom he married July 25, 1942; two sons and daughters-in-law, Vernon and Emma
M. Harlan and Dennis and Vicki S. Harlan, all of Prairie Creek; one daughter Loretta Harlan of Crawfordsville; two
grandchildren, Jared Harlan and Spence Harlan; two stepgrandchildren, Tim Winters and Brye Winters; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Allison Winters and Jacob Winters. He was preceded in death by his parents. H received the Indiana Prairie Farmer Master Farmer Award in 1985, and the Terre Award for Outstanding Service in Agriculture in 1989.
He was a member of Prairie Creek First Baptist Church, was former director of Growers Co-op for 18 years, was former
director of Vigo County Farm Bureau Co-op for 19 years, formerly served on the board of directors of Wabash Valley
Fair Association, formerly served on the New Harmony Cemetery board of directors, and previously served with the Prairie Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Services are 1 p.m. Monday in DeBaun Springhill Chapel, with the Rev. Ray Dyer
officiating. Burial is in New Harmony Cemetery. Visitation is 11 a.m. until services Monday. Memorial contributions may
be made to Prairie Creek First Baptist Church or Prairie Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
Terre Haute, Indiana Tribune-Star, Sunday, July 21, 2002
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 31
Dorothy Rose Price
Dorothy Rose Price, 95, of Cory died at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002, in Terre Haute. She was an elementary school teacher for 49 years in Cory and later was a teacher and assistant principal at Eastside Elementary in Brazil,
retiring in 1976. She was born Oct. 12, 1907, in Perry Township to Rudolph B. Kester and Goldie Shaw Kester. Her husband, Russell Price, whom she married October 1935, died in 1972. Survivors include two sisters, Delores Sparks of
Terre Haute and Jo Staggs of Mount Shasta, Calif.; two brothers, Gerald Kester and his wife, Valda of Cory and Bill Kester and his wife, Shirley of Tampa, Fla.; two sisters-in-law, Francis Price of Florida and Betty Kester of Terre Haute;
and several nieces and nephews; including Kermit Sparks and Vickie Hoffmann. She also was preceded in death by her
parents; two brothers, Kermit Kester and Harold Kester; one sister, Jackie Dishon; and one nephew, Robert Sparks.
She was an 1927 graduate of Indiana State Norman School and received her master’s degree from Indiana State Teachers College in 1958. She was a member of Cory United Methodist Church, a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa
Soroity, eastern Star of Riley, Rebekahs of Cory, secretary and treasurer for many years for the Cory Volunteer Fire Department ad treasurer of the Cory apple festival until 1996. Services are 11a.m. Monday in Schoppenhorst Funeral
Home in Clay city, with the Rev. Curtis Hurley officiating. Burial is in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Cory Volunteer Department. Envelopes will be available
at the funeral home. Terre Haute, Indiana Tribune-Star, Thursday, November 8, 2002.
Louise Thomas
Louise Thomas, 89, of Farmersburg died at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, in Miller’s Merry Manor in Sullivan. She was a homemaker. She was born Oct. 3, 1912, in Vigo County to Homer Kester and Myrtle Turner Kester.
Her husband, Loren Thomas, died earlier. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Karen Thomas of
Farmersburg; two stepsons, Gerald and Rosemary Thomas and Garnett Thomas; two grandchildren, Darek and Elaine
Thomas and Michael Thomas; and two great-grandchildren Logan Mark Thomas and Spencer Thomas. She also was
preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Hubert Kester, Forest Kester and Vaughn Kester; one sister, Margaret
Rittmeyer; and several nieces and nephews. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Eastern Star at Prairie Creek. Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Monday in Farmersburg Westlawn Cemetery, with the Rev. Dick Jones
officiating. Cremation is scheduled. There is no visitation. DeBaun Funeral Homes assisted with arrangements Terre
Haute, Indiana Tribune-Star, a second Obituary appeared in the Terre Haute, Indiana.
Tribune-Star on Saturday, October 5, 2002.
S h e l b y C o u n t y I o w a V i ta l R e c o r d s
Early Marriages Recorded in Marriage Register A 1853-1889 Page 1 to 118 in Shelby County, Iowa
1858 Benjamin Custer
1859 Rudy Custer
1861 Abram Custer
1863 Lewis Waterbury
1865 Henry Custer
1866 Lewis Shaffer
1870 Benjamin Custer
Sarah E. Tague
Jane Abinnath
Mary Angeline Roberts
Catherine Custer
Miss Catherine Wright
Caroline Custer
Catherine L. Moore
29 Mar 1858
1 May 1859
27 Mar 1861
11 Jun 1863
20 Jan 1865
23 Nov 1866
19 Feb 1870
DEATH:
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
Alice J.
Alva Floyd
Clara Opal
Elizabeth
Glenn Dale
Grace
Henry
Herbert Earl
8/05/1888
9/08/1967
10/17/1959
10/27/1888
3/30/1975
9/29/1946
10/09/1926
11/20/1943
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
CUSTER
Ira Evert
Jasper N.
Kate
Laura Alice
Lenard
Leroy
Rudy Edward
9/15/1888
12/15/1880
2/27/1969
2/05/1946
11/19/1901
3/18/1962
12/02/1962
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 32
To b i a s C a s t o r N C . 0 . 0 3 . 0 1 . 0 1
s o n B e r n a r d L . a n d g r a n d s o n B e r n a r d T.
1.Tobias Castor was born 2 October 1840, in Ashland County, Ohio. He was the son of Tobias and Sarah
(Miller) Castor. At the age of fourteen, in 1855, he accompanied his parents in moving from Ohio to a farm
near Vinton, in Benton County, Iowa.
Tobias married Catherine M. Hunt on 22 October 1858 at Vinton, Iowa. Catherine was born 2 June 1843, in
Coshocton, Ohio. She was the daughter of Jacob S. and Susan Ann (Christy) Hunt. Tobias and Catherine
settled on a quarter section, on 3 November 1862, in Saline County, Nebraska.
They farmed under adverse conditions, and Indians raided their farm I 1864, burning everything. In 1873,
C. D. Wilber and Tobias laid out the town of Wilber, Nebraska. In 1877, they moved to Wilber.
Tobias was active in community affairs, and served as county treasurer, and later as county clerk and surveyor. Tobias also worked for the Burlington Railroad Company, in securing right-of-way, and became head
of that department in 1879. He also engaged in the mercantile business in 1879, and opened a store in
Wilber, followed by stores at Indianola, in 1880, and Benkelman, in 1881.
He divorced Catherine sometime after 1879, and re-married Mary Ann “Mollie” (Remington) Cooper, on 24
January 1889, at Sioux City, Iowa. They then, located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Tobias was a delegate to the
Democratic National Conventions of 1876, 1884, 1888, 1892, and 1896.
He died on 12 December 1901, near Lincoln, Nebraska. He is buried at the Castor homestead, on the Big
Blue River, near Wilber, Nebraska.
1.Bernard L. Castor was born 14 October 1859, in Vinton, Iowa. He married Katherine A. Grimes on
14 October 1880. Bernard died at Denver, Colorado, on 6 January 1923.
2.Bernard Tobias “Bud” Castor, the son of Bernard L. and Katherine A. (Grimes) Castor, was born
26 January 1894, at Wilber, Nebraska. (The headstone shows b. 24 January).
He served in the US Army Air Force (part of the Signal Corps at that time) during World War I,
and was trained as a pilot.
He married Alice Labuzan on 7 June 1919, at Galveston, Texas.
During World War II, Colonel Castor was in command of the air base at Savannah, Georgia.
Near the end of the war, he served for a period n China. In 1948, he returned to Washington D.C. to
be processed for retirement.
Bernard and Alice divorced shortly thereafter. Alice died on 11 September 1971, at Lexington,
Kentucky.
He married Mrs.
Julia Rogers
Lipscomb on 27
March 1950, at San
Antonio, Texas, and
they lived in San Antonio.
Bernard died on
19 June 1969 at Fort
Sam Houston, and
was buried at Fort
Sam Houston National Cemetery, San
Antonio.
Julia was born on
6 November 1902
and died on 17 May
1972. She was buried next to Bernard ,
in Section 25, grave
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 33
Custers Victimized by Counterfeiter
Thanks go to Alexander Hall for sending us this wonderful document.
November Session 1856
Montgomery County, The Grand Inquest Of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania inquiring for the County of Montgomery
upon their matter and affirmation respectively do present that David Hampton late of the County aforesaid yeoman in the
first day November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six at the county aforesaid and within the
jurisdiction of this court unlawfully did pass alter and publish and attempt to pass alter And publish as true a certain false
forged and counterfeit note purporting to be issued by the Girard Bank for the sum of ten dollars signed by C S Baker
president and W L Schafer cashier payable to J Reeves or bearer on demand and dated the eight day of July in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six. The Girard Bank aforesaid then being a bank within the commonwealth Incorporated in pursuance of an act of the General assembly which said false forged and counterfeit note partly
written and partly printed is in the words and figure following to wit
The said David Hampton then and there well knowing the said note to be as aforesaid false forged and counterfeit with
intent to defraud one Mary Custer contrary to the form of the act of assembly in such case made and provided and
against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
And the Inquest aforesaid
Upon there oaths and affirmations aforesaid do further present that the said Francis M Lewis and Charles Moore afterwards to wit on the first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six aforesaid at the
county aforesaid and within the jurisdiction of this court unlawfully did pass alter and publish and attempt to pass alter
and publish as true a certain alter false forged and counterfeit note purporting to be issued by the Girard Bank for the
sum of ten dollars signed by C S Baker president and W L Schafer cashier payable to J Reeves or bearer on demand
and dated the eighth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six The Girard Bank aforesaid there being a bank within this commonwealth incorporated in pursuance of an act of the General Assembly which
said false forged and counterfeit note partly written and partly printed is in the words and figures following to wit
The said David Hampton then and there well knows the said note to be as aforesaid false forged and counterfeit with the
intent to defraud one Peter Custer contrary to the form of the act of Assembly in such case made and provided and
against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Geo W Roger
Dist Atty
Witnesses:
Mary Custer
Sarah Custer
Peter Custer
Wm L Oakford
49
November Session 1856
Commonwealth v David Hampton
A
Passed Counterfeit Money
Who are Mary Custer, Sarah Custer and Peter Custer? I was not able to find
them in the archive files. Patricia
True bill
John Wood
Foreman
Nov 12 1856
Deft plead, Guilty
Geo W Roger
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 34
R e t u r n t o C u s t e r ’s G r o v e
By Alton Sissell
Two years ago, I traveled to Iowa, trying to
locate Custer’s Grove and Hacktown. (See
NewsCaster, Vol XXIV, Issue 4, Winter issue,
page 1). The communities did not survive the
pioneer’s westward journey. Fairview township had absorbed the communities which
eventually became Corley, Shelby County,
Iowa. I stopped at the Corley General Store
and asked about Hacktown and the proprietor
did not recall that community. He suggested
that I go to the Harlan public library and
search their genealogy collection.
I asked him if there was a cemetery located nearby. He said yes, the Corley cemetery was located just behind the store, across
the Nishnabotna River. Take the dirt road on
your left, follow the curvy road up the hill and
look for the boots on the fence posts. They
will lead you to the cemetery. I followed his
instructions and found my third great grandparents Henry B. Custer and Elizabeth
Henry Custer Sr. Tombstone 1807— 1885
Burkett, buried there in the Custer family plot.
Alton Sissell
Darlene Hanson
Henry had donated the land for the Fairview
Township cemetery, later renamed the Corley Cemetery. It has also been referred to as the Custer cemetery. The following Custer’s are buried there: Allie J. 1868 — 1888, Cinthia 1859 — 1861, Clara 1894 — 1894, Elizabeth 1808 —
1888, Henry 1807 — 1885, Jane 1841 — 1916, Jasper N. 1867 — 1880, Mary A. 1846 — 1880, Perry B. 1869 — 1870,
and Rudy 1831 — 1899.
The adjacent family plot, to the west, was my Hack family. The daughter of my second great grandparents was buried there. I took some photographs of the headstones and knew
that I had to return and do research in the Harlan, Iowa, library.
As I turned to leave, to the north was a view of the Henry Custer
Sr. farm. The fields freshly plowed and prepared for spring planting.
In October 2006, I had the opportunity to return. I spent six
hours in the genealogy research room of the Harlan Shelby
County, Iowa, Library. I was able to photocopy county histories
on Henry Custer and H. P. Hack. I was also ,able to photocopy
plat maps of the Custer and Hack farms. There was also an old
township map showing the locations of Custer Grove and Hacktown. As I finished my research, I decided to take one last look in
the stacks. I discovered a Nishnabotna Genealogy Society notebook, which was full of Pedigree Charts and Family Group
Sheets. About ¾ of the way through the notebook, I found a
Pedigree Chart, prepared by Darlene Hanson, which listed my 3rd
great grandfather, Henry B. Custer. I had found a “cousin”.
Elizabeth Custer nee Burket 1808-1888
I located a local phone book, in the library, and called the Hanson’s located in Harlan. Darlene answered the phone and I told
her, “I think we are cousins”. She was having computer troubles
and the technician was due at any time and she asked me to call
her back. I returned my call about two hours later and she said, “I
have found your family in my records”. She invited me to her
home.
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 35
I rushed over to her home
and she invited me into her
kitchen. There on her kitchen
table was the results of her genealogy research. Several 3”
binders and pictures were on the
top of the table. She showed me
the Family Group Sheet on my
family and I. Also, we reviewed
Henry B. Custer’s Family Group
Sheets. I only had half an hour
to visit and spend the time introducing myself to Darlene. As I
prepared to depart, I asked Darlene if I could leave some money
and have her photocopy the
Henry B, Custer binder at the
local library. She said, “You are
my cousin and if you promise to
return my binder, you may take it
home with you”. I was very surprised and extremely grateful
that she would consider letting
me take her genealogy work.
I returned her binder in January
2007 and Darlene invited me to
visit the next time that I was in
Harlan, Iowa. My wife and I planned a return in March 2007. We arrived in late March. Darlene and her husband, Gilbert took my wife and I on a tour of the Corley, Iowa area and to see the Henry Custer Sr. home place. We also saw
Benton C. Custer’s home place.
Henry Custer’s farm and southern acreage
We then traveled several miles south and west. We were headed for the site of Hacktown, Iowa, located on
the Nishnabotna river
bottom. There are no
farmhouses or barns
located on the land
where “Hacktown” was
located. There was only
plowed farm fields being
prepared for spring
planting.
What a great visit I’ve
had, from accidentally
finding my 3rd great
grandfather’s gravesite
to visiting his farm.
The Fairview (Custer)
cemetery is located on
the hillside, on the
southeastern corner of
the Henry Custer farm.
Site of Hacktown, Iowa
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 36
W i l l i a m C u s ta r d M o n u m e n t
By Teresa Nyquist Tucker
In the September 2006 newsletter, in the article ‘Document and Preserve,’ I wrote about William Custard’s (18101895) grave site in the Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Texas and the descendants’ intentions to preserve it.
The Custard plat has several tombstones, all in poor condition. We know from old records that William Custard is buried there, but no tombstone marked the grave. The plans were to erect a monument to this Republic of Texas citizen and
preserve the other tombstones in the Custard plat. The first phase has been accomplished. William Custard’s grave is
now marked by an impressive gray granite monument.
As William Custard’s great, great grandson, David Martin, was digging around in the area where William is buried, he
found the base of a tombstone broken off far below the surface. He also found a footstone covered by earth with an engraved “C.” We feel positive this is the resting place of William. It appears that William’s grave originally was marked by a
tombstone.
Gathering contributions from several other Custard descendants, David arranged to have the memorial made. We put
as much history as possible on the monument. In a sense, it is also a cenotaph, since most of William’s children listed on
the monument are buried elsewhere.
The monument turned out very nice. The simply shaped gray granite is aesthetically pleasing and the design appropriate for this old section of the cemetery. The next phase of this ongoing project will be to preserve the broken tombstones that are extant in the plat by piecing them together and bracing them. The original tombstones are made of limestone and are much the worse for wear, so the last step will be to put some kind of clearly engraved markers by the original tombstones.
Contributors to the project so far: 2x great grandchildren: William H. Custard of Oak Hill, Texas; David Martin of
Spring,Texas; Donald Ray Martin of St. Louis, Missouri; Mary Lee Marx Nyquist of Burnet, Texas. 3x great granddaughters: Sharon Custard Wilson of Seattle, Washington; Kristin Reich Burkland of Austin, Texas ; Teresa Nyquist Tucker of
Liberty Hill, Texas; 4x great granddaughter Christie Travelute Ammirati of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
SOLDIER
WILLIAM CUSTARD SERVED NINE MONTHS
WITH THE ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS.
1841 APR 15 – JUN 4 IN CAPT. THOMAS GREEN’S
COMPANY UNDER THE COMMAND OF MARK B. LEWIS
IN SEARCH OF HOSTILE INDIANS
AT THE HEADWATERS OF THE COLORADO RIVER.
1841 JUL – SEP 1 IN CAPT. ELI CHANDLER’S COMPANY
AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MR. RAYFORD
IN AN EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS.
1842 MAR WILLIAM CUSTARD AND WILLIAM BELL
JOINED CAPT. WASHINGTON D. MILLER/
THOMAS GREEN’S COMPANY TO REPEL
THE MEXICAN ARMY OF GENL. RAFAEL VASQUEZ.
1842 DEC 30 WILLIAM CUSTARD AND WILLIAM BELL
DEFENDED AUSTIN IN THE ARCHIVES WAR.
1843 JAN 1 WILLIAM BELL WAS AMUBUSHED
SOUTHEAST OF WALLER CREEK BY INDIANS.
HE WAS KILLED AND SCALPED.
“HIS BODY WAS BROUGHT TO TOWN AND LAID
TO REST IN THE OLD CEMETERY.”
NEXT TO WILLIAM BELL IS BURIED HIS WIFE,
MARY ANN BELL. ON HER OTHER SIDE IS BURIED
WILLIAM CUSTARD, HER SECOND HUSBAND.
ERECTED BY DESCENDANTS IN
2007
Back of tombstone. Republic of Texas military activities of William Custard and his associate, William Bell. William Custard married William Bell’s widow.
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 37
WILLIAM CUSTARD
BORN c. 1810 IN OHIO
DIED SEPTEMBER 12, 1895 IN HUTTO, TEXAS
CITIZEN AND SOLDIER OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
WILLIAM CUSTARD CAME TO TEXAS ABOUT 1839.
RECEIVED 320 ACRE LAND GRANT.
OWNED TOWN LOTS AND BUILDINGS
USED FOR GOVERNMENT AND COMMERCE
IN THE HEART OF AUSTIN.
SERVED AS A CARPENTER, STONE MASON, AND
SOLDIER OF THE REPUBLIC of TEXAS.
TEXAS FARMER AND BUSINESSMAN.
DEFENDED AUSTIN DURING INDIAN HOSTILITIES,
VASQUEZ CAMPAIGN, AND THE ARCHIVES WAR.
CHARTER MEMBER OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AUSTIN.
IN 1882 BEGAN BUYING LAND IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY.
FEBRUARY 3, 1844 MARRIED MARY ANN BELL.
AFTER HER DEATH, MARRIED
CLARINDA “CLARA” STANFIELD IN 1855.
5x great grandson Jude Tucker standing
beside newly erected tombstone in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Texas. Jude (9
years old) was participating in an Oakwood
Cemetery workday coordinated by the organization Save Austin Cemeteries in
March.
William & Mary
Known Children:
Dan c. 1845
William c. 1847
Mary c. 1849
Walter Allen c. 1851
Son 1854
William & Clarinda
Known children:
Susan c. 1856
Charles c. 1864
Daughter c. 1857
Hiram W. c. 1867
Catherine 1857
Clark c. 1869
Clara Cornelia 1859 Lula 1871
Betty c. 1861
Ellen 1873
Daniel c. 1862
Samuel c. 1875
Seth 1864
Who is William Custard’s Father?
William Custard was born about 1810 in Ohio. William left
Ohio before 1839 to settle in Travis County, Texas.
William married 3 February 1844 Mary Ann Bell. They had four
children. After Mary died 1 October 1851, William married 22
May 1855 Clarinda Stanfield in Travis County, Texas. Clarinda
was born in 1838 in Tennessee. William was a farmer, a carpenter and stone mason.
He died 12 September 1895 in Williamson County, Texas, and
is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Travis County,
Texas.
There is a story that part of a Custer family in Ohio broke away
from the others and started using the name Custard. There may
be some truth to it since it is reported that Lula E. Custard and
Hiram Custard started using Custer before they died. [from former CAOA Member Alice M. Maxwell]
Front of tombstone. Wood braces hold
tombstone in place as cement foundation
dries.
A DNA test of a descendant matches the Paulus; Conrad; Arnold DNA Family. If you are from the this Paulus line please
check your files for a William who might be this William.
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 38
Biographies: Shelby County Custers
HENRY CUSTER PK.0.01.04.02.04.02
Henry Custer (deceased), late of Fairview Township, was one of the pioneers, having come to Shelby County
in the spring of 1853. He was born in Ash County, North Carolina, April 22, 1807, and is a son of Emmanuel Custer, who was also a native of North Carolina. When Henry was fourteen years of age his parents removed to
Ohio and settled in Clermont County, where he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one years he went to
Putnam County, Indiana, where he was afterward married to Miss Elizabeth Burket, who was born near Salem,
North Carolina, and was a daughter of Abraham Burket, who came with his family to Indiana when Mrs. Custer
was eighteen years old. Mr. Custer resided in Indiana until the spring of 1852, when he emigrated with his family
to western Iowa, which a short time before was an unexplored prairie, and at the time of Mr. Custer's settlement
was occupied by a few hardy pioneers. They made the journey with horses and oxen, fording streams, and picking their way across the country, as there were but few roads laid out at that early day. Mr. Custer first located
in Mills County, where he remained until the following March, when he came to Shelby County and entered 360
acres of government land in section 3 of what is now Fairview Township; there he began the task of making a
home in the new country when there were but six families in the south part of Shelby County. He first erected a
log house, assisted by his son Rudy and son-in-law Leander Hack, who had settled two miles south of Mr. Custer's place the preceding fall. Mr. Custer and his family passed through all the hardships and privations incident
to frontier life. During the severe winter of 1857, owing to the impassable roads and streams, they were unable
to go to mill. Their breadstuff giving out the family ground ten bushels of buckwheat in an ordinary coffee-mill,
at the same time having 300 bushels of wheat in the granary. They were obliged to travel a distance of 110 miles
to mill.
During the early days when the country was sparsely settled, the friend or stranger received an equally cordial
welcome at Mr. Custer's home. As the country grew and improved the log house was replaced by a substantial
frame dwelling, a portion of which was removed from the old town site of Simoda. Mr. and Mrs. Custer lived
upon this farm to the end of their days. They were the parents of eleven children -- John and Mary Ann died in
childhood; Jonathan died while serving his country in the late civil war at Helena, Arkansas; Catherine,
(deceased); Rudy, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Abraham, Henry, Caroline and Benton C. still survive. Politically Mr.
Custer was formerly an old-line Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party he cast his vote in support of its issues. He departed this life August 27, 1885; his wife survived him until October 28, 1888.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 487-488
Contributor: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
HENRY CUSTER, Jr. PK.0.01.04.02.04.02.09
Henry Custer, Jr., is a genuine pioneer of Shelby County, having come here in 1853. He was born in Fountain
County, Indiana, May 26, 1844, and is a son of Henry Custer, whose sketch will be found on another page of this
volume. He was nine years old when his father removed to this county, settling at Custer's Grove; here he grew
up on the frontier, spending his youth in driving an ox-team and breaking prairie, both in Iowa and Nebraska.
His education was very limited; he attended six weeks of a term of school taught by John Davis. During the late
Civil War he was one of the first to go to the defense of the nation; he enlisted in the fall of 1862 in the Twentyninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served ten months. He was in the line of battle at Columbus, Kentucky. He
was honorably discharged and returned to his home in Shelby County. Mr. Custer was married January 22,
1865, to Miss Catharine Wright, a native of Putnam County, Missouri, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary
(Cochran) Wright, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. Thomas Wright settled on Honey Creek, in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, in 1851, and died in 1852. His widow came to Shelby County in 1862, and died here in
1865. After his marriage Henry Custer lived in Fairview Township one year, and then came to Harlan Township.
He settled on his present farm in 1881; this place contains 160 acres of land which Mr. Custer has greatly improved. Mr. Custer and wife are the parents of eight children, two of whom are deceased -- Samantha, Dewey,
Mary, Carl, Leroy, Jesse, Pearl. Jasper N. and Perry are not living. Mr. Custer votes with the Republican party,
and is a member of the G. A. R., Harlan Post, No. 197. He is a member of the Anti-horse-thief Association of Fairview Township, No. 27. He owns a pair of mules he has worked twenty-one years; one animal is twenty-six years
old and the other is thirty-three. Mr. Custer is a wide-awake, energetic farmer, and all his surroundings show his
thrift and wise management. He is plain of speech and manner, is a close observer, and is honored and respected by all who know him.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 393-394
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 39
BENTON CLEMONS CUSTER PK.0.01.04.02.04.02.12
Benton C. Custer is one of the successful and enterprising citizens of Fairview Township. He was but a babe
when his father, Henry Custer, whose history will be found on another page, came to this county; here he has
lived for thirty-five years; his youth, spent amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, was occupied in farm
work and in attending school. Arriving at the age of manhood he was married January 1, 1879, to Miss Laura
McGee, who was born at Big Grove, Pottawattamie County, Iowa; she is a daughter of William and Eda (Huff)
McGee; the father is a native of Indiana, and the mother of Illinois. Our subject came to his present farm, which
is a portion of the old homestead farm, in 1879; he now owns 320 acres of well-improved land, consisting of rich
bottom lands and timber. Custer's Grove is on this farm. He built his present house in 1878; it is a fine frame
building of modern style, and well furnished; it is well located on an excellent building site, surrounded by a
grove of native trees. Mr. Custer is engaged in general farming, making a specialty of the better breeds of stock.
He and his wife are the parents of five children -- Grace E., Gertrude G., Eva E., Eda Inez and Glen Dale. He is a
Republican, and a strong one. Though but a young man he has gained an enviable reputation in the county, and
is one of her best citizens.
Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 440
P e n n s y l v a n i a V i ta l R e c o r d s
Baptised
Parents
Child
7 May 1836
Jacob Custer
Catherine (Wenz) Custer
Sarah
b.7 Feb 1836
18 April 1819
Daniel Custard
Magdalena Custard
Male child
29 May 1710
Kornelis de Wees
Margret Loftes (Koster)
Johannis
3 Mar 1773
Kester Samuel
1st Child
4 Sep 1711
Kornelis de Wees
Margriet Koster
Catrina
Witnesses
The parents
Selle, Maria wife of
Gerret ten Huerin
Where
Vol-
Menallen Township, Adams Co.
II-345
Midwife records, Montgomery Co.
III-124
Dutch Reformed Church Bensalem, Bucks Co.
I-112
Diary John Dyer
Plumstead, Bucks Co.
At Shepack
II-13
I-115
Source: Pennsylvania Vital Records, Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. 1983
Alonzo Milton Custer
PK.0.01.05.01.01.05.05.04
Alonzo Milton Custer, son of Mark and Mary Elizabeth
(Morehead) Custer Jr., was born on 11 April 1857, in
Sandyville, Jackson County, West Virginia or Virginia. He
died 28 July 1927 in Sheridan Lake, Colorado.
Their children:
1. Nellie Mae Custer was born Sep 1881. She married a Mr. Copenhaver.
2. George Henry Custer SR. was born 4 Aug 1884.
3. Hollie W. Custer, was born 6 Nov 1887.
Alonzo’s brothers and sisters were:
1. Leander S. Custer born about 1851 in Virginia.
2. Theodore Custer born 30 Aug 1853 in Virginia.
3. Commodore Custer born 30 Aug 1853 in Virginia.
5. Mark Henry Custer born 7 Oct 1859
6. Selina Custer born abt 1861
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 40
C u s t e r D e a t h s i n C h e s t e r C o u n t y, P e n n s y l v a n i a
Thanks to Jean White for sharing the url of http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/hi480/riggtown.htm#rod for the following information. (LIDDID's added by the CAOA Archive Coordinator.)
PK.0.07.01.01.02.02.07.02 Custer, George W. a white male died at age 40. He was born in the USA and was married.
He worked as a stove moulder. He died on 26 February 1895 in Spring City (Queen & Cedar Sts.) from diptheria. He was
ill for 3 weeks.(Register of Deaths for Chester County (1893-1907) Vol 1, page 38).
Possible son of PK.0.07.01.01.02.02.07.02.04 Custer, Ira B., a white male child born on 4 April 1907 in Spring City
(Main Street). He died 1 hour later from pressure on brain. (Register of Deaths for Chester County (1893-1907) Vol 3,
page 35).
Is he the child of Ira B. and Sara A. (Matz) Custer? They married in July of 1905 at St. Paul's Reformed Church in Pottstown. Reverend Frank P. Lares officiated. They lived at 50 North Main Street in Spring City, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Ira B. Custer (1882) was the son of George W. and Sarah (McFarland) Custer.
PK.0.07.01.01.02.02.07.02.09 Custer, Clarence a white male child died age 5. He born in the USA. He died on 24 February 1895 in Spring City (Queen & Cedar Sts.) from diptheria. He was ill for 2 weeks. (Register of Deaths for Chester
County (1893-1907) Vol 1, page 38).
PK.0.07.01.01.02.02.07.02.10 Custer, Naomi a white female child died at age 2. She born in the USA. She died on 31
January 1895 in Spring City (Queen & Cedar Sts.) from diptheria. She was ill for 1 week. (Register of Deaths for Chester
County (1893-1907) Vol 1, page 38).
Who is Custer, George a white male. [No other information given.] (Register of Deaths for Chester County (1893-1907)
Vol 2, page 47.)
Where in the
World have you
been?
Bonnie and I drove the Alaskan
Highway and continued past
Fairbanks to cross the Arctic
Circle on May 14th, 2007.
Our trip totaled 47 days and
13,195 miles from our home in
Orlando and back.
Buck Custer
Past CAOA President
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 41
Early Ohio Settlers
Survey
Range Township
Section
Caster, Benjamin
(A)
1818
May 21
Montgomery
03
10
23
Caster, Cornelius
(C)
1811
Sept. 14
Champaign
09
06
34
Caster, William
(A)
1811
Dec 11
Preble
02
08
20
Custard, Abraham (C)
1818
July 08
Champaign
11
02
04
Custard, William
(C)
1805
July 24
Kentucky
11
04
05
Custer, William
(C)
1810
Dec. 12
Champaign
11
04
05
Custor, Arnold
(C)
1810
May 23
Champaign
11
04
05
Kaster, Conrad
(C)
1804
Sept. 03
Montgomery
05
02
11
Kaster, Conrod
(A)
1812
Aug. 21
Preble
02
07
05
Kastor, Conrad
(C)
1804
Sept. 03
Montgomery
05
02
11
Survey (A): Miami River Survey, Ranges I-VIII: Land lying east of a meridian drawn from the mouth of the Great Miami River. Hamilton, Butler, Shelby, Warren, Montgomery, Miami, Preble, Logan and Darke Counties (may be all or only apart of each county) – all in
Ohio.
Survey (C ): Between the Miamis, Ranges IV-XV: Lands lying north of the northern boundary of Range III. Greene, Clark, Champion, Shelby and Logan Counties (all or a part of each county) – all in Ohio.
Purchasers of Land in Southwestern Ohio, 1800-1840; Compiled by Ellen T. Berry & David A. Berry; Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co.,
Inc. 1986
Obituary: Geraldine “Gerri” Custer
Geraldine “Gerri” B. Custer, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, went to be with Our Father in Heaven on June 28,
2006. She passed away in her home with her family present. She was born in Pine City, Minnesota on March 13, 1934
to Raymond and Hilma Galles. She was raised in Minnesota and graduated college from Hamline Univesity in St. Paul,
Minnesota. She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Leslie L. Custer and children, Tracy
Custer-Cervantes and husband Joe, Bradley Custer and wife Luz, Blake Custer and wife Denise, Gerri is also survived
by her seven grandchildren, Katlynn, Kendall, Cody, Caleigh, Cole, Megan, and Luke. Geri will be remembered most for
her extraordinary love and commitment to her family and friends. She always lived her life being faithful to the Lord and
showing great care and generosity toward others. Her personal courage and her willingness to accept even the unexpected events that happened in life will always be cherished. She and her husband met in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming
and have always shared fond memories of that area. She dedicated her life to being a supportive Officer’s wife and
mother, which took her many places in the United States and Europe for over thirty years. A Private Graveside Service
will be held to celebrated (sic) Gerri’s life on Monday, July 3, 2006 at 11:15 AM at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Cancer Therapy & Research Center (CTRC), 7979 Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78229.
Many thanks to all the individuals that expressed continued prayer, support and care to both Gerri and her family. Gerri
will be forever remembered and loved. Please visit www.mem.com to leave the family a tribute. Sunset Funeral Home.
San Antonio Express-News Sunday July 2, 2006 Thanks to Sandee Lacy for sending us this information.
Even though we are following 200+ lines only 38 of them are represented by our members. We
would like to feature a story, query, tidbit, picture or idea about those 38 lines. If you have an idea
for a story please contact the Editor at [email protected] and let us know them.
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 42
C u s t e r / C r a t e r / Wa g n e r
Grist and Merchant Mill 1846-1921
David Y. Custer bought ten acres from his father, Jacob Custer, in 1838. It had been the home
of Jacob Shantz, deceased, until that year. Since Jacob Custer was identified as “of Limerick Township” and did not move to the property, it would seem that the purchase was made explicitly for
David. There was no know mill or commercial use of the property before that time.
David was “of Coventry Township” [PA] in the deed recital and had a property adjacent to the
Shantz land. Taxes do not show a mill on this property until 1856, but an 1854 deed from Jacob S.
Worman to Custer mentions a race and dam on
Custer’s property and gives
Custer the right to raise the
waters of Pigeon Creek
one foot to gain power for
“the said Grist and Merchant Mill.” A newspaper
clipping written in 1969
sets the date of the building
at 1846. Being called a
“merchant” mill indicates
that it had the capacity to
store large amounts of
ground grains, unlike a
custom mill that milled on
demand.
Little information was
Custer/Wagner Mill, Miller post-card
found for the Cutser years
of operation. By the time the 1883 Breou Farm Atlas was printed, the mill, listed as a grist and saw
mill, is accounted to Henry Crater. Since Henry Crater is found on the 1873 map in a house very
near to the Custer mill, and in 1883 is owner of a larger portion of land with the mill, it is highly possible that he was the managing miller before he owned the property.
The Crater family is found in Montgomery County before coming to East Coventry and a kinsman. Levi Crater, had been a miller in East Pikeland Township before the Civil War. Henry Crater
operated the mill until 1898 when it was sold to Samuel Thomas Wagner.
As Coventry Mill, it operated on both a custom and merchant basis until 1921 when Keith Morrison bought it and turned it into a poultry operation, hatching and raising chicks for sale. He sold it to
Paul Detwiler in 1956 who continued the broodery sixteen more years.
The Custer Merchant Mill is near Parker Ford village, but before the Keizer/Parker Mill. The general store in the village was at one time operated by a Custer, possibly of this same family. The mill
building was demolished in 1979 for the widening of Bethel Church Road.
Source: Estelle Cremers and Pamela Shenk. Coventry The Skool Kill District: A Basic History of
the Three Coventry Townships 1700-1850 (Morgantown, Pennsylvania : Masthof Press 2003)
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 43
D a v i d Y. C u s t e r 1 8 1 5 - 1 8 9 5
PK.0.07.01.02.01.01.01
David Y Custer was born on 16 January 1815 in Limerick Square, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He is the son
of Jacob and Catherine (Yerger) Custer. David married 10 December 1837 Esther A Rambo at Trappe, Rev J Warpole
officiated. Esther was born 29 January 1815, daughter of George and Ann (Fox) Rambo.
In 1840, they were in Coventry Township of Chester County, Pa. In 1843, David sold land for the Brethren Meeting
House at Parkerford, Pa for $110. They lived in Lower Pottsgrove Township in 1880. David was a miller. He also was a
surveyor, and served the community at Justice of the Peace. He was very active in civic affairs.
David died 19 February 1895. Esther died 18 December 1904. They were buried at Trappe Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Their children:
1. Joseph Warren Custer born 12 September 1838 in Chester County, Pa; married 10 March 1863 Elizabeth Buckwalter; died 2 May 1887 in Pottstown, Pa.
2. Elizabeth Ann Custer born 21 August 1841; died 25 November 1856, buried at Trappe Lutheran Church Cemetery.
3. Jacob Rambo Custer born 27 November 1845 in Chester County, Pa; married 1 December 1879 Ella A White; died
22 February 1915 in Chicago.
Sources:
1. Descendants of Hermanus Kuster\by Donald M Custer, p 13
2. 1840 census Pa, Chester Co, Coventry Twp, p 304
3. 1850 census Pa, Chester Co, E Coventry Twp
6. 1880 census Pa, Montgomery Co, Lower Pottsgrove Twp, #240-248
7. Notes of Vivian F Taylor, Norristown, Pa
8. Bauern Freund; 27 December 1837 - David Custer and Miss Esther Rambo both of Limerick were married 10 December 1837 at Trappe by Rev J Warpole.
9. Augustus Lutheran Church; Trappe, Pa
married 7 December 1837 David Y Custer and Esther Rambo,
both of Limerick Twp
baptized Joseph Warren Custer, son of David and Esther
born 12 Sept 1838
baptized 16 June 1839 - sponsors: parents
baptized Elizabeth Ann Custer daughter of David and Esther
born 21 August 1841
baptized 16 May 1842 - sponsors: parents
10. Montgomery County Register of Wills #24147 - Esther Custer, Pottstown, died 18 December 1904. Elizabeth Custer,
executrix.
Montgomery County Deed Book 124, p 34 - Indenture 20 May 1861, Abel Rambo, David Y Custer and Abraham Reiner,
executors of will of James F Rambo late of Upper Providence, to Englebert Perxotte of Upper Salford Twp, land in Boro
of Trappe, Upper Providence Twp...whereas James Rambo died leaving a widow, Rebecca, and two minor children
Emma M and Abraham R... recorded 23 May 1861.
Chester County Historical Society - Obituary in Pottstown Ledger dated 20 Feb 1895: David Y Custer, aged 80 years
and 24 days, died this Tuesday morning at 11:15 at his home on 888 Queen St, Pottstown. He had been ill over three
weeks with pneumonia resulting from a cold which it is supposed he contracted in making a trip to Augustus Lutheran
Church, Trappe, of which congregation he was a member, on Sunday a few weeks ago. Deceased was a son of Jacob
Custer, a prominent citizen in his day who resided near Limerick Square, Montgomery County, where his son David Y
was born. Of the family, there is yet surviving Peter Y Custer of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.
David Y Custer was a miller by trade and conducted his occupation successfully many years at Lawrenceville (now
Parker's Ford), Chester County. He was also Justice of the Peace two or three terms and acted as surveyor and conveyancer; also held other positions of trust and honor, and was generally a useful, honorable and highly esteemed citizen. His wife, a sister of the late professor, Abel Rambo, of Trappe, survives him. She was 80 years old in January.
They were parents of three children - the late Professor J Warren Custer of Pottstown whose widow Mrs Elizabeth Custer still resides there, Elizbeth who died young and Jacob R Custer Esq an eminent lawyer of Chicago.
Squire Custer moved to Pottstown about 26 years ago. He made the survy for the expansion of Pottstown which
was accomplished in 1888 a great deal of the credit of that important step in the progress of the town was due to his efforts, in preparing plans made and securing names of children of citizens to petition to court asking for the....
NewsCaster
June 2007
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 44
F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t — Te r e s a Tu c k e r
Hello fellow Castor Association of America Members. It has been a quiet quarter for the Association. Personally, I have
been watching the cycle of life and death, ancestors and descendants in the making. In May, my granddaughter celebrated her first birthday. At her party were various other adorable little people, wide-eyed, sucking contentedly on pacifiers. When they got tired of toddling they would hold up their arms to be picked up, wiggling down when they wanted to
wander. Fortunately for them, the crowd consisted of doting friends and relatives between the ages of five and eightyseven so they wanted for nothing during the extravaganza. Any banana, toy, or piece of cake was theirs for the asking,
whether by grunt or gesture. New little buds on the family trees.
I also experienced the laying in the ground of two admirable men, pillars of their families. Both in their eighties, I’d
known them since I was a teenager. Each had been influential at some time in my life, though in very different ways.
Each had lived full lives and died loving and loved. Then there were the unexpected deaths. One was a genealogy
“cousin” who simply collapsed and died at the age of 37. Another died suddenly in the hospital within two weeks of her
husband’s death. Both were in their sixties. Their children had come to grips over the past year that their father had terminal cancer, but their mother’s death was swift and stunning.
And so, I’ve been witnessing the growth of family trees and unalterable final history. As genealogists, whether formally
or casually, we remember ancestors and descendants. They are a part of a personal family tree, a community forest, an
even bigger ecosystem of county, state, and country. Each person shapes the tree and ecosystem they are part of, making each entity what it is.
As genealogists, we set out to understand, to see, and to preserve the origins and history of each little bud, leaf, and
branch. We research, record, and share. A good example of that is the project the library in Burnet, Texas is doing. A list
of World War II veterans and civilians was compiled, and then each person on the list was contacted and asked to give
an interview. Specific questions asked by the interviewer are answered, and the session is recorded on cassette tape.
Then a volunteer transcribes the interview. The transcription is put into booklet form, and a copy is given to the interviewee, a copy stays at the library, and a copy goes to the Admiral Nimitz, National Museum of the Pacific War
(www.nimitz-museum.org) in Fredericksburg, Texas. As my small contribution to the project, I set up interviews for my
parents-in-law and my husband’s uncle and aunt. Now, I will transcribe their recorded interviews. Unlike the grand scale
of WWII depicted in history books, these fascinating stories share the attitudes and daily lives of those who lived it, those
who were a small piece of the grand scale.
The Castor Association of America does its part to preserve the histories of our families. Our Archivist, Patricia Castor,
has been working to achieve our goals of preservation and sharing. Through her hard work, CAOA has published our
first workbook, Isaac William Kester Sr. c. 1773-1845 Workbook. It is available at the website www.lulu.com. She will
soon have two more workbooks ready for publications, one on Frederick Keister and one on Benedict Custer. Lulu.com
allows these publications to be bought as a book, a CD, or as an e-book.
Patricia also reports that she has returned recently from Salt Lake City where she spent a week of researching our
CAOA lines. She gathered information that she feels might tie some families together. I look forward to her report on
that!
We have received the test results back for another CAOA member who descends from John Caster Sr. that is one
marker off matching Paulus. This test helps define the different sons of John Caster Sr.
One last thought on doing our part to preserve family history. Last year I heard a speaker give a talk on writing your
own obituary. At first, this might seem rather morbid, but after reading the obituaries in the funeral programs of those
who passed on this spring, I can see the wisdom in it. Some of those left behind to write the obituaries and funeral programs were inexperienced, too devastated or busy with funeral preparations to think clearly about what to say about
their loved one’s life. The results were that major life events and things that the deceased would have wanted to be remembered were left out. How many times have we as genealogists read an obituary that we know is inaccurate or misspelled? Writing your own would help set facts straight and it just might be your last chance to put in your two cents
worth! Writing my obituary is on my “to do” list.
Teresa Tucker,
CAOA President
N e w M e m b e r s - M e m b e r U pd a t e s - C o r r e c t i o n s
Correction on page 18 2006 Membership Directory:
Marjorie Lampley
JD.0.01.04.17.03.05.01
Catherine Custer Burke PK.0.01.04.09.02.05.07.03.01.01
[email protected]
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 45
INDEX to the June 2007 Issue
Abinnath,
Jane 30
Adams,
Amelia 25
Elizabeth 25
William 25
Allan,
Annie 29
David 29
Frank 29
Jeannie 29
Martha 29
Nelson 29
Sarah 29
Ammirati,
Christie Travelute 36
Andrews,
Jim 26
Anstine,
Francis Marion 28
Arnold,
Byron 26
Baker,
C.S. 33
Bateman,
Gladys 28
Beatty,
Margaret Jane 26, 27
Bell,
Mary Ann 36, 37
William 36
Boucher,
John 29
Boyd,
Sarah Elizabeth 29
Thomas 29
Brown,
Audrey Sandra 28
Robert House (West) 28
Burke,
Catherine Custer 42
Burket,
Abraham 38
Elizabeth, Miss 38
Burkett,
Elizabeth 27, 34
Burkland,
Kristin Reich 36
Buckwalter
Elizabeth 43
Carter,
Maude 26
Mrs. 26
Caster,
Benjamin 41
Cornelius 41
John, Sr. 42
Patricia 42, 43
William 41
Castor,
Alice Labuzan 32
Audrey Roberta 28
Bernard
L. 32
Bernard T. 32
Bernard Tobias “Bud” 32
Bud 32
Catherine M. Hunt 32
Charles Wilson 28
Fletcher Charles 28
Frances A. Wilson 28
Julia Rogers Lipscomb,
Mrs. 32
Katherine Grimes 32
Marvyn Samuel 28
Phillip 43
Ruth Joan 28
Samuel B. 28
Sarah Miller 32
Tobias 32
Cervantes,
Joe 41
Tracy Custard 41
Chase,
Albert 27, 28
Clark,
Henrietta Mae 28
Chandler,
Capt. Eli 36
Cheek,
Dr. Daniel 30
Reeva 30
Christy,
Susan Ann 32
Cochran,
Mary 38
Cooper,
Mary Ann Remington 32
Copenhaver,
Mr. 39
Crater
Henry 43
Levi 43
Custard,
Abraham 41
Amelia 29
Arnold Allan 29
Betty 1861
Catherine 37
Charles 37
Clara Cornelia 37
Clara Stanfield 37
Clarinda Stanfield 37
Clark 37
Dan 37
Daniel 37, 39
Delinda 29
Ellen 37
Fannie 29
George 29
Hiram W. 37
Josephine 29
Kreasy 29
Lula 37
Magdalena 39
Mary 37
Mary Ann Bell 37
Richard 29
Samuel 37
Seth 37
Sharon 30
Susan 37
Walter Allen 37
William 36, 37, 41
William H. 36
Custer,
Abraham 38
Abraham Lincoln 25
Abram 31
Alice J. 31
Allie J. 34
Alonzo Milton 39
Alva Floyd 31
Amelia 25
Benedict 47
Benjamin 31, 38
Benton C. 35, 38
Benton Clemens 39
Blake 41
Bonnie 40
Bradley 41
Buck 40, 43
Carl 38
Caroline 31, 38
Catherine 31, 38, 39, 42
Charles 25
Cinthia 34
Clara 34
Clara Opal 31
Clarence 40
Commodore 39
David Y 42, 43
Denise 41
Dewey 38
Eda Inez 39
Elizabeth 26, 27, 31, 34,
38
Elizabeth Ann 43
Elizabeth Burkett 27, 34
Ellen J. 25
Emmanuel 38
Eva E. 39
Flora 25
Florence 25
Gary 43
George 40
George Henry Sr. 39
George W. 40
Geraldine Galles 41
Gerri 41
Gertrude G. 39
Glen Dale 39
Glenn Dale 31
Grace 31
Grace E. 39
Henry 27, 31, 34, 35, 38,
39
Henry B. 34, 35
Herbert Earl 31
Hollie W. 39
Ira B. 40
Ira Evert 31
Jacob 39, 42, 43
Jacob Rambo 43
Jane 34
Jasper N. 31, 34, 38
Jesse 38
John 38
Jonathan 38
Joseph Warren 43
Kate 31
Laura Alice 31
Laura McGee 39
Leander S. 39
Lenard 31
Leroy 31, 38
Leslie L., Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
41
Luz 41
Mark Henry 39
Mark Jr. 39
Mary 33, 38, 39
Mary A. 34
Mary Ann 38
Mary Elizabeth 25
Naomi 40
Nellie Mae 39
Pearl 38
Perry B. 34, 38
Peter 33
Peter Y 43
Rudolph 28
Rudy 31, 34, 38
Rudy Edward 31
Samantha 38
Sarah A. Matz 40
Sarah 33, 39
Sarah McFarland 40
Selina 39
Theodore 39
Tracy 41
William 25, 41
Custor,
Arnold 41
Davis,
John 38
Detwieler
Paul 43
De Wees,
Catrina 39
Johannis 39
Kornelis 39
Margret Loftes (Koster)
39
Margriet Koster 39
Dickinson,
Darlene 28
Diehl,
John 26
Dishon,
Jackie 31
Dyer,
John 39
Ray, Rev. 30
Fischer,
Rev. John 30
Fox
Ann 43
Flynn,
Martin E. 28
Galles,
Geraldine 41
Hilma 41
Raymond 41
Gillette,
Mrs. Kate 26
Gould,
Joe 26
Green,
Capt. Thomas 36
Grimes,
Katherine A. 32
Hack
Ann 28
Elizabeth Custer 27
H. P. 34
Harriett “Hattie” 28
Jonathan Perry 28
Leander 38
Leander Alexander 27
Leander Johnathan 26
Lewis Andrew 27
Louis Andrew 26
Lydia 27
Mabel 26
Nevada 28
Oscar 28
Rosella 28
Susan Penner 27
Wade Alonzo 26, 27
William 27
Hampton,
David 33
Hanson,
Darlene 34, 35
Gilbert 35
Harlan,
Dennis 30
Emma 30
Flora P. Kester 30
Jared 30
Joy Laybold 30
Loretta 30
Otto V. 30
Spence 30
Vernon 30
Vicki S. 30
Warren W. 30
Hanson,
Darlene Dickinson 28
Harrington,
Dr. 27
Hawn,
NewsCaster
June 2007
Shari 30
James 29
Shirley 31
Sarah Elizabeth Boyd 29
Valda 31
Hedley,
Vaughn 31
Fenwick Y. 29
Wayne 30
Hoffman,
William Isaac, Sr. 42
Vickie 31
Kiester,
Huerin,
Martha 29
See: Ten Huerin
Mrs. John 29
Huff,
Kimberlin,
Eda 39
Salinda Jane 28
Hunt,
Koster,
Catherine M. 32
Margret Loftes 39
Jacob S. 32
Margriet 39
Susan Ann Christy 32
Krape,
Hurley,
Jeannie 29
Rev. Curtis 31
Mrs. William 29
Jewel,
Krejei,
Elen 27
Mary Frances 28
Jones,
Krews,
Chas. W. 26
Sandra Kay 30
Rev. Dick 31
Labuzan,
Judson,
Katherine A. 32
Jamie Woll 30
Lacy,
Stephen 30
Joe 43
Kaster,
Lampley,
Conrad 41
Marjorie 42
Conrod 41
Lares,
Kastor,
Frank P., Rev. 40
Conrad 41
Laybold Kester,
Keister,
Joy 30
Frederick 42
Leutz,
Kester,
Leonard 28
Betty 31
Lewis,
Bill 31
Francis M. 33
Charles Jr. 30
Mark B. 36
Charles Sr. 30
Litzel,
Delores 31
Dr. 29
Dora Bell Moore 30
Lowe,
Dorothy Rose 31
David C. 28
Ernest 30
Main,
Ernestine Snell 30
Frank 26
Flora 30
Musa 28
Forest 31
Martin,
Gerald 31
David 36
Goldie Shaw 31
Donald Ray 36
Harold 31
Matz,
Helen 30
Sarah A. 40
Homer 31
Marx,
Hubert 31
Mary Lee 36
Isaac William 47
Maurey,
Jackie 31
Ruth 30
Jo 30
McCadden,
John 30
Martha 29
Lonnie Joe 30
McCoy,
Loraine C. 30
Bertha 26
Louise 31
McFarland,
Margaret 31
Sarah 40
Myrtle Turner 31
McGee,
Ray 30
Eda 39
Reeva 30
Laura 39
Robert L. 30
William 39
Rudolph B. 31
McGranahan,
Ruth 30
Joseph 25
Samuel 39
McHenry,
Sandra Kay 30
Charlie 26
Sharman 30
Tom 26
Miller,
Sarah 32
Washington D., Capt. 36
Moore,
Catherine L. 31
Charles 33
Moore Kester,
Dora Bell 30
Morehead,
Elizabeth 39
Morris,
Charlie 26
Morrison
Keith 43
Nyquist,
Mary Lee Marx 36
Teresa 36
Oakford,
Wm. L. 33
Orr,
Audrey Roberta Castor 28
Robert III 28
Robert Jr. 28
Patrick,
Helen 30
Penner,
Susan 27
Pennington,
Aaron 30
Jennifer 30
Pierce,
Frank 26
Poole,
Mrs. Niram Snow
Post,
Beverly Joyce 25
Price,
Dorothy Rose 31
Francis 31
Russell 31
Rambo
Abel 43
Abraham 43
Emma M 43
Esther A 43
George 43
James F 43
Rebecca 43
Rayford,
Mr. 36
Reich,
Kristin 36
Remington,
Mary Ann 32
Reiner
Abraham 43
Reeves,
J. 33
Rittmeyer,
Margaret 31
Roberts,
Mary Angeline 31
Roger,
Geo. W. 33
Royal,
Volume XXV
Roscoe 26
Schafer,
W. L. 33
Shaffer,
Lewis 31
Caroline Custer 26, 31
Shantz
Jacob 43
Shaw,
Goldie 31
Sissell,
Alton 34, 43
Snell Kester,
Ernestine 30
Snow,
See: Poole.
Sparks,
Delores Kester 31
Kermit 31
Robert 31
Staggs,
Jo Kester 31
Stanfield,
Clara 37
Clarinda 37
Steele,
Greg 30
Janie 30
Kimberly 30
Rachel 30
Stephen 30
Stetson,
Gene 26
Straw,
Proffesor Benjamin 29
Tague,
Sarah E. 31
Ten Huerin,
Gerret 39
Maria 39
Thomas,
Derek 31
Elaine 31
Garnett 31
Gerald 31
Karen 31
Logan Mark 31
Loren 31
Louise 31
Mark 31
Michael 31
Rosemary 31
Spencer 31
Thurman,
Geri 43
Travelute,
Christie 36
Trittipo,
Grace H. 28
Salinda Jane Kimberlin 28
Samuel L. 28
Tucker,
Jude 37
Teresa 42, 43
Teresa Nyquist 36
Turner Kester,
Issue 2
Page 46
Myrtle 31
Vasquez,
Rafael, Genl. 36
Voeltz,
Donnie 30
Shari 30
Ward,
Mary-Margaret 43
Warpole
Rev. J.
Waterbury,
Lewis 31
Weaver,
George W. 25
Wendt,
August 26
Ferd 26
Wenz,
Catherine 39
Wees,
See: De Wees
White,
Ella A 43
Jean 40
Wilbur,
C. D. 31
Wilson,
Frances A.
Sharon Custard 36
Winters,
Allison 30
Brye 30
Jacob 30
Tim 30
Wohler,
Henry 26
Woll,
Jamie 30
Julie 30
Sharman Kester 30
Shari Kester 30
Wood,
John 33
Worman
Jacob S.
Worthington,
Ira 25
Joseph George Jr. 25
Joseph George Sr. 25
Wright,
Catherine, Miss 31, 38
Mary Cochran 38
Thomas 38
Yerger
Catherine 43
Volume XXV Issue 2
Page 47
Editor
I apologize for the delayed delivery of this issue of
the News Caster. This had been a busy time for
me, and I got a late start in developing the story
lines. I do encourage all members to share their
family stories and genealogies of their Casters, with
all various spellings, with the Castor Association.
We want to provide you with the latest genealogies
and updated family stories.
I am on the road doing Custer/Kuster family history research and will publish the results in future
issues. This includes visits to Fort Hays, Kansas,
where General Custer was stationed for three years
and a visit to Custer, South Dakota.
I appreciate the support that I have received from
Patricia Caster and Teresa Tucker and hope that I
am providing you with the newsletter that has value
to you.
Alton
Workbooks available
Two new workbooks are available online at
http://www.lulu.com —search on “Castor” and
look for Castor Association of America
IK.0 Isaac William Kester Sr. Workbook
Isaac William Kester Sr. was born c 1775 in Tennessee or Kentucky. He died in Lawrence County,
Arkansas in 1843
BT.0 Benedict Custer Workbook
Benedict Custer was born in 1640 in Switzerland.
Three if his ggg grandsons arrived in New York in
1845. They were Stephen Custer, Ursus Custer and
Johannes Custer.
*FK.0 Frederick Keister will be done very soon.
Surfing the Web
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints is revising its web site: http://www.familysearch.org, to
allow much more data to be accessed. The have
added: World Vital Records, Kindred Konnections, Godfrey Memorial Library, Heritge Quest and Revolutionary
War records to the free access sites at your local Family
History Center.
Kister Koester Koster Kuester Kustard Kuster Kusterd Küster
Officers
Appointed Positions
5050 CR 236
Liberty Hill, TX 78642-3730
Membership and Change of Address
[email protected]
438 Hiway 74
PO Box 1205
Sonoma, CA 85476-1205
Joe Lacy, Treasurer
302 County Road 6720
PO Box 955
CAOA DNA Project
[email protected]
The News Caster is published quarterly by the Castor Association of America. Past issues may be ordered from the Treasurer
for $5 an issue.
In this Issue
Abraham Lincoln Custer 1863-1903 .................................................................................25
Elizabeth Custer’s Grandson travels to Nebraska ...................................................... 26-28
Charles Wilson Castor 1870-1943.....................................................................................28
Biography of Arnold Allan Custard.....................................................................................29
Obituaries: Loraine Kester - Robert Kester - William Harlan ...........................................30
Dorothy Rose Price - Louise Thomas............................................................................31
Shelby County Vital Records .............................................................................................31
Tobias Castor , son Bernard L and grandson Bernard T. ..................................................32
Custers victimized by Counterfeiter ...................................................................................33
Return to Custers’ Grove ............................................................................................. 34-35
William Custard’s Monument ....................................................................................... 36-37
Biographies: Shelby County Custers ........................................................................... 38-39
Pennsylvania Vital Records ...............................................................................................39
Alonzo Milton Custer .........................................................................................................39
Custer Deaths for Chester County Pennsylvania ..............................................................40
Where in the World have you been? .................................................................................40
Early Ohio Settlers.............................................................................................................41
Obituary: Geraldine “Gerri” Custer.....................................................................................41
Custer/Crater/Wagner Grist and Merchant Mill 1846-1921................................................41
David Y. Custer 1815-1895 ...............................................................................................41
From the President ............................................................................................................44
New Members—Member Updates—Corrections...............................................................44
Note from the Editor ..........................................................................................................46
CAOA Contacts .................................................................................................................47
Dated Material
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
ORLANDO FL
PERMIT #422
News Caster
The
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Who is William Custer?
B o r n i n G a r r e t t C o u n t y, M a r y l a n d c i r c a 1 8 5 0
William Custer is a mystery. He and many of his descendants lived in and around Barton for many generations.. His
DNA shows that he is not from the Paulus Kuster DNA Family. He and his wife Elizabeth Broadwater are not found in the
census records. Only one child is known, a son, Charles William Custer. Patricia –[email protected]
Descendants of William Custer
Generation One
1. William1 Custer was born about 1850, probably in Garret County, Maryland. He married Elizabeth Broadwater
before 1868.
Children of William1 Custer and Elizabeth Broadwater were:
+ 2
i. Charles William2 Custer was born on 20 Feb 1868 in Garrett County, Maryland. He married Mary
Catherine Clark on 28 Oct 1891 in Barton, Maryland.
Generation Two
2. Charles William2 Custer (William1) was born on 20 Feb 1868 in Garrett County, Maryland. He married Mary
Catherine Clark on 28 Oct 1891 in Barton, Maryland. He died on 13 Apr 1934 in Frostburg, Maryland, at age 66.
+ 3
4
5
6
+ 7
+ 8
+ 9
+ 10
+ 11
12
13
+ 14
Children of Charles William2 Custer and Mary Catherine Clark were as follows:
i. James William3 Custer was born on 8 Nov 1890 in Moscow, Maryland. He married Carrie Viola
Klipstein on 25 Aug 1912.
ii. John Harrison Custer was born on 4 Oct 1892 in Maryland. He died on 30 Nov 1902 at age 10. He
was buried at the Laurel Hill Cemetery, in Moscow, Allegany County, Maryland.
iii. Archie Thomas Custer was born on 11 Mar 1895 in Maryland. He died before 15 Dec 1979.
iv. Bessie Elizabeth Custer was born on 9 May 1897 in California. She married William Taylor about
1915. She died on 28 Sep 1993 at age 96.
v. Alice Lulu Custer was born on 7 Oct 1899 in California. She married (--?--) Riley about 1917.
vi. Virginia Amandy Custer was born on 2 Jun 1902 in Maryland. She married (--?--) Schmeig about
1920.
vii. Clinton Rosevelt Custer was born on 17 Jul 1904. He married Evelyn Fazenbaker.
viii. Ralph Edgar Custer was born on 28 Oct 1904. He married Lena Inella Smith in Apr 1938. He and
Lena Inella Smith were divorced on 2 Apr 1947.
ix. Ethel Jane Custer was born on 14 Jan 1908 in Reynolds, Allegany County, Maryland. She married
Stanley Fazenbaker about 1916.
x. Katie Ellen Custer was born on 29 Jul 1910. She married Buck Miller about 1928.
xi. Charles David Custer was born on 25 Jul 1912 in Barton, Allegany County, Maryland. He married
Ollie Ellen Tichnell on 30 Apr 1936; He was living in Barton, Allegany County, Maryland at the time.
He died on 2 Jul 2005 in the Sacred Heart Hospital, in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland, at
age 92. He was buried on 6 Jul 2005 in the Rest Lawn Memorial Gardens, in LeVale, Maryland.
xii. Daisy Rosella Custer was born on 29 Jul 1918 in Mill Run, Allegany County, Maryland. She married
James William Thomas about 1936.
News Caster
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 42
Generation Three
3. James William3 Custer (Charles2, William1) was born on 8 Nov 1890 in Moscow, Maryland. He married Carrie
Viola Klipstein on 25 Aug 1912. He died on 14 Dec 1979 in Keyser, West Virginia, at age 89. His wife, Carrie died
at age 67 on 23 Jan 1953.
Children of James William3 Custer and Carrie Viola Klipstein were as follows:
15
i. William Raymond4 Custer was born on 17
Oct 1913 near Barton, in Allegany County,
Maryland. He married Dorothy Ball circa
1933. They had three daughters. He died
on 4 Jul 1952 in Chesapeake Bay at age
38.
16
ii. Harold Vernon Custer Sr. was born on 18
Feb 1915 in Barton, Allegany County,
Maryland. He married Ruth Naomi
Washington, daughter of Richard Madison
Wash ington and Martha Belle Morgan, on
17 Aug 1940 at 980 Mass Avenue NW,
Washington, D. C. They had a son and a
daughter and three grandchildren. He died
on 22 Oct 2005 in Sunrise, Mount Vernon,
James William Custer and Carrie Viola Klipstein April 1943
Alexandria, Virginia, at age 90. He was
buried on 25 Oct 2005 in the Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Maryland.
17
iii. Earle Courtney Custer was born on 25 Jun 1916 in Morrison, Allegany County, Maryland. He
married Elsie Rowe about 1938. They had two sons and two daughters. He died on 5 Nov 1971 in
Clinton, Maryland, at age 55.
18
iv. Wilber Wesley Custer was born on 26 Feb 1918 in Morrison, Allegany County, Maryland. He
married Jean (--?--) about 1938.
19
v. Elwood Cecil Custer was born on 11 Mar 1920 in Morrison, Allegany County, Maryland. He married
Mildred Arlene Brinkman on 10 May 1848 in Leesburg, Virginia. They had one son and three
daughters.
20
vi. Carrie Madeline Custer was born in 1922. She died in 1925. She was buried in the Laural Hill
Cemetery, in Moscow, Allegany County, Maryland.
21
vii. Elbert Ellsworth Custer was born on 31 Dec 1925 in Morrison, Allegany County, Maryland. He was
baptized at the age of five.
7. Alice Lulu3 Custer (Charles2, William1) was born on 7 Oct 1899 in California. She married (--?--) Riley about 1917.
22
Children of Alice Lulu3 Custer and (--?--) Riley are:
i. (--?--) Riley was born about 1918.
4
8. Virginia Amandy3 Custer (Charles2, William1) was born on 2 Jun 1902 in Maryland. She married (--?--) Schmeig
about 1920.
23
24
25
Children of Virginia Amandy3 Custer and (--?--) Schmeig are as follows:
i. Adeline4 Schmeig was born about 1920.
ii. Thelma Schmeig was born about 1922.
iii. Jenny Schmeig was born about 1924.
9. Clinton Rosevelt3 Custer (Charles2, William1) was born on 17 Jul 1904. He married Evelyn Fazenbaker.
26
Children of Clinton Rosevelt3 Custer and Evelyn Fazenbaker were:
i. John Gilbert4 Custer was born circa 1931. He married (--?--) (--?--) about 1951. They had one son
and two daughters. He died on 21 Feb 1977 in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland.
10. Ralph Edgar3 Custer (Charles2, William1) was born on 28 Oct 1904. He married Lena Inella Smith in Apr 1938.
He and Lena were divorced on 2 Apr 1947. He died on 3 Nov 1977 at age 73.
27
Children of Ralph Edgar3 Custer and Lena Inella Smith are as follows:
i. Delores Ellen4 Custer was born on 7 Sep 1938 at Ethel Custer Fazenbaker's house in Barton, Allegany
Volume XXV Issue 3
28
29
30
Page 43
News Caster September 2007
County, Maryland. She married Rollin Edwin Garrett. They had one son and two daughters.
ii. Rachel Marie Custer was born on 24 Sep 1940 in Westernport, Allegany County, Maryland. She married
Weltie Melvin Minnich on 11 Oct 1958 in Maryland, Virginia. They had one daughter. She married James
Rhinehart on 31 Dec 1963 in Timberville, Virginia. They had one daughter. She married Steve Eckard on
1 Oct 1988 in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
iii. Ralph Edgar Custer Jr. was born on 9 Aug 1942 in Mill Run, Barton, Allegany County, Maryland. He
married Linda Lewis on 22 May 1964 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He married Carolyn Burner on 19 Jun 1977
in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He also went by the name of Buck. In 2005 he was living in Harrisonburg,
Virginia.
iv. Judy Ann Custer was born on 20 Sep 1944 in Keyser, West Virginia. She was raised by Fred and Pearl
["Sister"] Spitzer from the time she was 6 months old. She married Donald Lee Whitman on 25 Aug 1967
in Amherst, Ohio. They had two daughters. In 2005 she was living in Amherst, Ohio.
11. Ethel Jane3 Custer (Charles2, William1) was born on 14 Jan 1908 Reynolds, Allegany County, Maryland. She married
Stanley Fazenbaker about 1916. She died on 6 Dec 1996 at the Moran Manor Nursing Home, in Westernport,
Allegany County, Maryland, at age 88. She was buried in the Frostburg Memorial Park, in Frostburg, Maryland.
31
32
33
Children of Ethel Jane3 Custer and Stanley Fazenbaker were as follows:
i. Stanley W.4 Fazenbaker was born about 1917.
ii. Dorothy Fazenbaker was born about 1919. She married (--?--) Foutz about 1937.
iii. James O. Fazenbaker was born on 27 Oct 1927 in Firm Rock. He married Phylis Spiker about 1947.
They had one son and three daughters. He died on 18 Feb 1998 in the Egle Nursing Home, in
Lonaconing, Allegany County, Maryland, at age 70.
14. Daisy Rosella3 Custer (Charles2, William1) was born on 29 Jul 1918 in Mill Run, Allegany County, Maryland. She
married James William Thomas about 1936. They had three daughters and four sons. She died on 27 Mar 2001
in the Sacred Heart Hospital, in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland, at age 82. She was buried on 30 Mar
2001 in the Laural Hill Cemetery, in Moscow, Allegany County, Maryland.
Endnotes
1. Membership application of Lauran Custer, Castor Association of America, File: WCus.0.0?.0?.0?.0?.0?, received 16 December
2006.
2. US Census 1900 Maryland Allegany County
Barton T623_604 p12A ED 104 705-713
Custer Charles W Self
M Feb 1867 MD MD MD
Custer Mary C
Wife
F Nov 1872 MD MD MD
Custer James W
Son
M Nov 1891 MD MD MD
Custer John H
Son
M Oct 1893 MD MD MD
Custer Archie T
Son
M Mar 1895 MD MD MD
Custer Bessie E
Dau
F May 1897 MD MD MD
Custer Alice
Dau
F Oct
1899 MD MD MD
Charles was a coal miner. They have been married for 8 years and have 5 of 5 children living. unknown repository.
3. Castor Association of America, Custer, Application.
4. Lauran Custer, "Ancestor File of William Custer WCus.0", Received July 2007. Held at (Castor Association of America Archives,
Archive Coordinator, PO Box 955, Windsor, California 95492-0955).
5. Custer, "Ancestor File of William Custer WCus.0."
DNA Project News
Ancestry.com is taking over the Relative Genetics DNA Projects. After reading everything I could find I have decided to wait
and see what happens. Ancestry has said that the DNA Project database will be open and free to the public and that personal
information will remain hidden. If someone wants to contact you they will need to go through them. This is to protect your privacy. It is yet to be known if I will still be able to be the project manager. I hope to know about that soon. Ancestry will be offering DNA testing in the future. For those who would like to have their DNA tested you will be able to test through Ancestry or
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA). Contact me at [email protected] for further details.
A while back Relative Genetics changed the I1c Haplogroup to E3a, E3b and G Haplogroups for our Paulus Kuster DNA
Family. After several discussions with their technical support people, I decided to see if one of our members would take the
test that determines the Haplogroup. One member did and it has proved that the Paulus DNA Family is from the I1 Haplogroup.
The Haplogroup defines what part of the world your DNA Family had it roots. A good site to view each Haplogroup along with a
map is http://www.dnaheritage.com/ysnptree.asp. Click on the I for the I1 group and the R for the R1 group.
News Caster
September 2007
T h e St o r y o f t h e D i n i n g F o r k
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 44
by Alton Sissell
I was given a book this past month that was going to be discarded by our local library. The librarian told me
that I might be interested in the book, as there were Custer’s mentioned in the index. The title intrigued me, how did
the “Dining Fork” and the Custer family get connected? I discovered that the Dining Fork was the name of a river
valley created by the Tuscarawas River, in the southern part of Carroll and northern part of Harrison Counties, Ohio.
The following vignettes are extracted from Joseph T. Harrison’s book, The Story of the Dining Fork, published in
1927, by C. J. Krehbiel Company.
“The boys of the Dining Fork had an honorable record in the Civil War. The most conspicuous was General
George A. Custer who fell in 1876, in the last of the Indian battles, with his entire command, including his brothers
Thomas and Boston, his nephew, Reid, and his brother-in-law, Lieut. James Calhoun, who had married his sister
Margaret, or Emma, as we knew her at school. As an adventurous and dashing cavalry officer he ranked perhaps
next to General Phil. Sheridan at the close of the war, when he had attained the rank of Major General, and was accredited with taking more guns, prisoners and colors than any other officer of equal rank in the Civil War.
While the General was born in New Rumley, Ohio, located at the head of a valley (Irish Creek) next east, and
almost parallel to the Dining Fork, his father Emanuel Custer, a blacksmith, resided on the ridge between the two and
his children, Nevin, Thomas, Boston and Emma all attended the Creal School, where I attended, when a small boy.
George A. Custer, or “Armstrong”, as he was called among the neighbors, and my Uncle William C. Harrison,
were room-mates at Hopedale College in Harrison County, and he had several letters from him during his career a
West Point and during the war, but none of them seem to have been preserved. The only time I ever saw him, which
must have been shortly before he left for West Point, was in New Market, where I was with my Mother, and she
called to my attention a young man who rode his horse to the residence of John Giles, whose family were relatives,
and dismounted, tied the horse and went into the Giles home. Mother said, ”That is Armstrong Custer”, I remember
his uniform and the shining buttons which seemed to me the finest suit of clothes I had ever beheld.
During the war he was our hero among the boys at home. We took pride in the fact that he had been brought
up in our neighborhood and that we knew him and his family. We read eagerly everything we could find about him.
His brother “Tom” saw service in the Civil War and I think was
a Colonel at its close. Following the war he achieved distinction in Indian campaigns, and was at one time the captor of
Rain-in-the-Face, a warrior, who after his escape, was one of
the chiefs in the last Custer battle”.
Harrison’s book also has a discussion of the hair
length of General Custer, worn in his last battle. The historic
painting by Cassily Adams, entitled “Custer’s Last Fight”, is
depicts General Custer wearing long, curly, reddish blonde
hair. The author had purchased a photograph taken of General Custer, during the Philadelphia Centennial of 1876,
which showed General Custer’s short hair. There is also a
photograph of General Custer in the frontispiece of the book,
Boots and Saddles by Elizabeth B. Custer, showing the General with short hair. She further states, “ I lost a little wig that I
had worn at a fancy dress ball, made from the golden rings of
curly hair cut from my husband’s head after the war, when he
had given up wearing long locks”.
There is also a discussion of the color of the horse
that General Custer rode into battle. “The only survivor of the
battle was a large bay horse named Comanche. In perhaps
the best account ever published about the battle, in Century
magazine, (1892), volume 43 at page 369, Lieutenant Edward S. Godfrey, of the 7th Calvary battalion commanded by
Major Reno, states, During this march on the left we could
see occasionally the battalion under Custer distinguished by
the troop mounted on gray horses, marching at a rapid gate”.
“Thomas Custer and Nevin J. Custer were bigger
boys when Joseph Harrison attended the Creal School. Tom Custer easily comes to my mind as the leading spirit
among them, for he always had a kind word for the little boy, and it is pleasure to remember him. He was the adventurer who climbed the trees in the late autumn season in the Creal orchard and shook off the apples for us. He also
took care of the small boy in the toboggan slides in the lane to the south of the schoolhouse. His device was a long
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 45
board, of tolerable width, which turned up slightly at the front end, and with him at the head to steer; the other boys
sat behind him in the order of their sizes, and at the extreme rear end sat the smallest of the boys. The grade was
steep enough to cause the board with its freight to go down the hill with great velocity, but as the mid-roadway was
lower than the sides, there was no way for it to get off the track, but it frequently caused a “spill” at the foot of the hill.
Such exercise was pretty hard on clothing, and Tom kept within his desk an old pair of trousers, which he pulled on
over his others for such sport. In the old game called “town-ball, Tom’s feats as a batter, frequently drove the ball
clear off the only level ground there was to play upon, and it would be occasionally found at the foot of the hill or in
the woods. In those days it was the custom to “bar the teacher out” at the holiday season if he did not treat the scholars.
On one of these occasions, Tom Custer called the
scholars together when the teacher was not present, and commenced preparations for the ceremony. The first thing was to
secure the door from the inside so that it could not be opened
from the outside. To accomplish this the long bench seat was
lifted so that the upper end fell below the cross piece at the top
of the door, and at the lower end it was held from being pushed
down by the poker, which had been heated in the old cannon
stove, and burned through the floor. As a preliminary to all this,
he had asked the small boys to sit still in their laces at the side
of the room, with the promise that if they did so, they would all
get candy. Then when all the windows had been fastened, but
one on the lower and highest part of the house, Tom got out
first and helped the small scholars down to the ground. No key
could then open the door, and the teacher had to capitulate before he could resume teaching.
Nevin J. Custer had difficulty in making the signs on the
blackboard, used in Apothecaries weight, to the satisfaction of
William Foster, teacher, and he was called upon frequently to
describe what he meant by the rude figures which he drew,
some of which looked like pictures of bugs. Boston Custer was
the youngest of the boys and was frequently the envy of other
boys of his age in his ability to stand on his head or execute a
handspring”.
Where in the World have you been?
Custer and His Indian Scouts
Photo found at: http://www.generalsandbrevets.com/ngc/
custer22.htm
Alton Sissell and General Custer (Mark McLain)
in Custer, South Dakota
Change of Address / New Members
#187 Richard Keister
Sun City Center , FL
33573-8028
New Members:
#680 Coleen R. Pullen
#684 Mary Jane Troegel
#682 Jo Lee Potts
#691 John P. Caster
#683 Adelia Hanson
Reinstated:
#681Darlene Hanson
E-Mail Change:
Michael Gallagher
Paula Hubbard
Fayetteville, NC
28311
Houston, TX
77036-4003
Bradenton, FL
34203-3962
Springfield, MO
65810
Stillwater, OK
74074-2240
Harlan Iowa
51387-1810
[email protected]
[email protected]
June 2007
News Caster
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 46
Battle of the Little Big Horn—History in Paint
By Alton Sissell
Two of the books, in my Custer library, have color
plates in them depicting General Custer and his 7th Cavalry’s “Battle of the Little Big Horn”. Roy Bird’s book In His
Brother’s Shadow has Custer’s Last Fight, painted by Casilly
Adams. Evan S. Connell’s book Son of the Morning Star
has four plates: Custer’s Last Fight, 1876 by FTeodore
Fuchs; Custer’s Last Fight, 1896 by Otto Becker; Battle of
the Big Horn,1889 by Kurz and Allison; and Custer’s Last
Stand, 1899 by Edgar S. Paxon. I wanted to include these
paintings in our newsletter. To view them, type the URL
shown below the picture.
The painting of Casilly Adams
The original painting was made by a Civil War veteran, Cassilly Adams, in 1884. It was financed by others,
including John C. Furber, a St. Louis bar owner; a tour with
the painting flopped, and all 16 feet 9 inches by 9 feet 6
inches of it painted on a wagon canvas, ended up back in
Furber's saloon. Even there, the rather crude, rawboned
work proved no match for the opulent celebrations of female
anatomy found in most contemporary bars. Furber's saloon
failed, the creditors pounced and, in 1890, Cassilly Adams'
painting of the Little Bighorn was either bought or seized as
a creditor's asset by the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association.
The painting was given to the 7th Cavalry during a
ceremony at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1895. It was moved to
Fort Grant, Arizona, briefly and then placed in storage. In
1934, Adams’ painting was discovered, badly damaged, in
storage at Fort Bliss, Texas and was sent to the Works Progress Administration for restoration. In 1938, the painting
was returned to Fort Bliss. A fire at the Fort Bliss officers
mess destroyed the Adams painting.1
Custer’s Last Fight by Casilly Adams
http://www.mainehistory.org/rum-riot-reform/1865-1919/exhibits/
rrr-71b.html
The painting of Otto Becker
In 1889, one F. Otto Becker of Milwaukee was hired
to paint a smaller, 24” by 40”, version of the Adams work for
a color lithograph. It is in Becker's canvas that the strange
shields appear and Custer gains something of a beer
drinker's paunch. Yet Becker based his background on an
actual photograph taken from the ridge where Custer and his
men were found by burial parties. The completed painting
was cut into eight sections to allow several lithographers to
work at once on preparation of color plates. In 1936, Becker
reassembled the eight pieces of his painting and painted
over the seams to restore it to its original state.2
Research by artist, Harold von Schmidt, points out
Custer’s Last Fight by F. Otto Becker
http://www.billingsgazette.com/newdex.php?
display=rednews/2002/06/22/build/local/62-custer.inc
flaws in the paintings, which shows that the artist was not at
the scene of the battle. “I felt it was important to give the
viewer a sense of what the troopers were experiencing as
their individual deaths pressed in upon them. The Red
Horse drawings, so illusive before, became in an unexpected way a revelation. All those drawings of tepees, row
after row, page after page, had at first been confusing, annoying. Now, considering the fight from the troopers' viewpoint, their cumulative image filled me with an awesome
sense of the size of that village. It had been fully visible to
Custer and his men on the ridge, stretching out for more
than three miles and in some places bellying more than a
half-mile wide – one of the biggest encampments ever assembled. Details of dress and equipment turned up elsewhere. The first big surprise came in discussions at the Military History Division of the Smithsonian. It turned out that
cavalrymen were not issued blue shirts during this period,
though virtually every applicable painting and literary work
mistakenly assumes that they were. Civilian blue shirts
seem to have been worn by nearly all officers of the 7th Cavalry, and "hickory" shirts of fine blue or brown checks were
sometimes worn by men of all ranks. The issue shirt, however, was a loose-fitting, light-gray pullover, with three metal
buttons. Uniforms in general were of inferior material, and
Battle of the Big Horn Lithograph by Kurz & Allison 1889 go to http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/picam
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 47
equipment was outdated. Trousers in those penny-pinching
days had suspender buttons but no suspenders. The issue
headgear, a bizarre black hat that could be rigged up to present a Napoleonic appearance, was described by one officer
as "the most useless, uncouth rag ever put on a man's
head." Troops often bought civilian hats, black or gray, of
felt or straw, found on the march from traders. The men altered or improved on basic issue in many ways. They would
reinforce the inside and cuff of their pants legs with canvas.
They would fashion homemade cartridge belts of canvasmore efficient than the issued leather pouches. Old Civil War
gear was also used: jackets, vests, forage caps. Regulations of 1877 at Fort Lincoln, Nebraska, forbade use of civilian clothing for the 7th Cavalry. Before that, just about anything went in the way of clothing. Regimental officers, right
up to Custer, were even more casual in their dress than
enlisted men.
They were a jaunty, self-confident lot, and favored
buckskin suits, often double breasted, or just the jacket
alone worn over blue, wide-collared civilian shirts with bibs,
white trim and a mess of buttons. The notion that the Indians rode in a huge circle pumping lead into a knot of troopers becomes absurd after a visit to the battlefield. Most Indians must have ridden within a short distance of the ridge,
then fought, on foot. Except for occasional individual dashes
up the ridge, the Indians said they did not move up it in force
until they thought all the troopers were dead.”3
The painting of Kurz and Allison
"There are many little incidents connected with this
fight, but I don't recollect them now. I don't like to talk about
that fight. If I hear any of my people talk about it, I always
move away." The "fight" that the Sioux warrior Red Horse
referred to was the defeat of the 7th Cavalry, led by Lt. Col.
George A. Custer, by assembled bands of Sioux and Northern Cheyenne camped along the Little Bighorn River on
June 25, 1876. Red Horse's statement was made to military
authorities eight months later.
The painting of Feodor Fuchs
Feodor Fuchs gave the world its first color lithograph
Battle of the Big Horn by Kurz and Allison from the Library of
of the event in 1876. It is a splendidly Teutonic show, with
Congress
soldiers all at full gallop, firing a perfect volley at only slightly
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/picamer/paWestern.html
less disciplined Indians. Fuchs featured an isolated figure of
an unruffled Custer, omnipresent saber about to split the
It had already become uncomfortable for an Indian
skull of a feathered chieftain, in full gallop across the foreground while behind him his troopers charge and fall in pre- who had fought that battle to remember those "many little
incidents." So subterfuge has clouded the events of that
cise military formation.
bloody Sunday in the wilds of what is now southern Montana. Indians feared reprisals. Survivors of the elite 7th Cavalry groped painfully for excuses, scapegoats, anything to
salvage their shattered pride. It is sometimes assumed that
there were no white survivors. There were none in the five
companies that rode north with Custer after he divided his
command, but though the other seven companies who
fought four or five miles south of Custer suffered heavy
casualties, most lived to describe what went on in their section and to speculate about what went wrong with the campaign.
Custer’s Last Charge by Feodor Fuchs at Library of Congress
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/picamer/paWestern.html
The painting of Paxon
Edgar S. Paxson's large painting, 5 by 9 feet, some
20 years later, shows six identifiable officers and virtually
every Indian leader in the fight, all miraculously converging
in the same place at the same time. Paxson did all later students of the battle a large favor by writing General Edward
S. Godfrey, a survivor and member of the burial parties, to
ask what arms, uniforms and equipment were actually used
in the battle. Godfrey's reply is the best and most concise
information on this subject that we will probably ever have.
The earliest paintings place Custer smack-dab in the middle
of the scene, often in the foreground. This is naive, poster
News Caster
September 2007
like treatment is forceful and dramatic, putting a large event
on a small stage. Around the turn of the century, as reproduction and printing techniques improved, the old frontal approach began to look out of date. Correspondingly, as the
reality of the Custer fight dimmed to legend, its graphic image
shifted, too. The gallant figure, with his short barreled pistols
and handful of brave, gore-splattered troops, began to recede into the distance. A more sophisticated, more nostalgic
concept of the battle appeared. The wild, swirling Indians
became foreground figures, as Custer and his men faded in a
soft blue haze. There are estimates that more than 1,000
depictions of the fight have been made.
Custer’s Last Stand by Edgar Samuel Paxon
http://www.art-prints-on-demand.com/a/cody-whitneygallery-of-w.html
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 48
and unnatural. twilight fell over the field. The Indians
swarmed in the distance like stinging ants. They said afterwards that they couldn't see more than ten feet, and several
times Indian killed Indian in the smoke and confusion.
Custer was not killed by arrows. According to Lieutenant Godfrey, "He had been shot in the left temple and left
breast. There were no powder marks or signs of mutilation."
This emphasis on the lack of powder burns and mutilation
was meant to dispel rumors that Custer had committed suicide and had been horribly mangled by the Indians. We'll
never know for sure, but it must be kept in mind that the Indians did not know whom they were fighting, and that any mutilation would have been a random thing.
Most of the dead troopers, some 212, found with
Custer, were mutilated, however, for Plains Indians believed
that an enemy arrived in the spirit world in the same physical
condition he left this one, and so the dismembering of the
freshly killed implied a special vindictiveness.
Aside from scalping and the shooting of bullets and
arrows into the bodies by the warriors themselves, most ritual
mutilation was done by women who had lost family relatives
in recent combat. Mention of suicide among the troopers is
almost as taboo today as 127 years ago. But one old western cavalryman has said, "It was understood by every soldier,
trapper and mountaineer, who knew the habits of the wild
Indians that he should save the last shot for himself and take
his own life rather than be captured." Custer's troops did just
this, according to several Indian accounts. The Northern
Cheyenne warrior, Wooden Leg at first thought it was whiskey found in some canteens that explained why soldiers
"...went crazy. Instead of shooting us, they turned their guns
upon themselves," he noted.
Custer's command was under strength, as were
many units in those days. A number of enlisted men were
recent recruits, often German and Irish immigrants who had
never fought Indians and had trouble staying on a horse. The
average age of a private was almost 30, but experience was
lacking. Many officers openly despised each other. Some
fought bravely right to the end, but they were facing a total
force of up to 2,000 Sioux and Northern Cheyenne.
The noise alone must have been overwhelming:
shrill blasts of eagle-bone whistles carried by most of the
warriors, high-pitched war cries, shouts, the dull roar of
horses' hooves, shrieks of wounded men and horses, the
rattle of gunfire and the ceaseless deadly whirr of arrows - a
dissonant cacophony of death. Custer's fight was probably
over in little more than half an hour. Two days after the
death of Custer and his men, burial parties attempted to identify the dead.3
The terrain offered the Indians excellent concealment, and there is every indication that they used it. The
position of Custer and his men, scattered up the slope, was
totally indefensible. It is unlikely that anyone would have
been standing, except to get somewhere else fast. The troopers' only chance for cover was to shoot their horses for
breastworks.
The theory that the soldiers were outgunned does
not hold up. The whole Indian village contained only a small
number of repeating rifles and little ammunition. That the cavalry's defeat was caused by the malfunction of their Springfield '73 carbines is equally dubious. Some did jam, but these
same weapons, taken from fallen troopers, gave the Indians
their most effective firepower. But it was here that the arrow,
as in the time when the Akkadians first used it to defeat the
Sumerians around 2500 B.C., was again the deciding
weapon. This was the last time it won a historic battle. Metaltipped Indian arrows rained on the desperate men and animals struggling on the ridge.
Sources: 1, 2. Custer’s Last Fight, Billings Gazette by Ed
The soldiers, exhausted from hard marching and
Remmick; billingsgazette.com
little sleep, sweat-stained and covered with alkali dust,
3. Smithsonian Article, Appeared in June, 976,
looked out at massive clouds of dust and gun smoke rising in
by Eric von Schmidt
the heat. These clouds became so dense that an eerie
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 49
J o h n C a s t e r S r. D N A F a m i l y U pd a t e
The DNA Family of John Caster Sr. now has results from five DNA tests. These tests are for descendents of four of his seven sons. Two of
the tests have different values for the marker DYS 635 than the other three tests. These differences help us to identify the DNA of each line.
The chart below shows the marker DYS 635, one out of forty, which is a mismatch to the DNA Family of Paulus Kuster. Only four John
Caster Sr. descendent lines shown because two of the men tested are brothers and are a 100% match.
Line
Sons & Descendents of John Caster Sr. 1754
DYS 635
# of mismatches
Line 1
Paulus Kuster 1644
22
1
01 George 1784 / Thomas 1817 / Harvey 1851
21
2
05 Thomas 1792 / John 1836 / Charles 1874
22
1
3
10 Sampson 1805 / 07 George 1841 / John 1874
22
1
0
4
10 Sampson 1805 / 10 John 1859 / William 1887
23
1
1
Base
1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
1
1
Looking at the column for DYS 635 you can see that lines 2 and 3 match the Base DNA Family of Paulus. You can also see that lines 1 and
4 are not the same as each other and not the same as the Base DNA Family of Paulus. When comparing one line against another you can
see that they are either a perfect match or they have one mismatch. With one mismatch it is most likely that they have a common ancestor
from one to seven generations back. You can see from this chart that all of the lines are six or seven generations apart.
# of Generations to
Line 1
John Caster Sr.
7
Line 2
6
Line 3
6
Line 4
6
How do these mismatches help us? Without more testing, there is no way to know when the mutation occurred. Let’s take a look at Sampson
and his descendents.
From the chart on the right you can see that Sampson, his son George, his grandson John,
his g-grandson and his gg-grandson all have the same value of 22 for DYS 635. This indicates
Sampson
there were no mutations found in this line.
George
John
John
William
Son of John
Son of William
GSon (22)
GSon (23)
The same does not hold true for his son John. The mutation may have occurred with John. If
it did not occur with John, it would have had to occur with John’s son William. The only way to
prove it would be to find descendants of John’s other son’s Homer, James or Virgie and see if
they have the value of 23 for DYS 635. If they all had a value of 22 for DYS 635 it means that
the John and his sons did not have the mutation and that it had to occur with one of their sons.
New DNA Family for Custer Lines
A New Custer DNA Family has been identified. A descendant of
William Custer’s test results establishes a new DNA Family. This
line designated as WCus.0 is in the R1b Haplogroup giving us 3
Haplotypes from this group. See the article about William Custer in
this issue for more details on this family.
The darkest areas in the chart on the right, indicate where the R1b
Haplogroups are most prevalent. They arrived in Europe from West
Asia about 35,000 to 40,000 years ago.
News Caster
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 50
N e w s f r o m Ye s t e r y e a r
From: St. Louis Globe-Democrat (St. Louis, MO) Wednesday, July 12, 1876; pg. 2; Issue 53; col B
A DEATH SONNET FOR CUSTER BY WALT WHITMAN
I.
From far Montana’s canons,
Lands of the wild ravine, the dusky Sloux, the lonesome stretch, the silence,
Haply, to-day, a mournful wail---haply, a trumpet note for heroes.
II.
The battle-bulletin,
The Indian ambuscade---the slaughter and environment,
The cavalry companies fighting to the last---in sternest coolest heroism.
The fall of Custer, and all his officers and men.
III.
Continues yet the old, old legend of our race!
The loftiest of life upheld by death!
The ancient banner perfectly maintained!
O lesson opportune---O how I welcome thee!
As, sitting in dark days,
Lone, sulky, through the time’s thick murk looking in vain for light, for hope,
From unsuspected parts, a fierce and momentary proof,
(The sun there at the centre, though concealed, electric life for ever at the centre,)
Breaks forth a lightning flash.
IV.
Though of the sunny, flowing hair, in battle,
I erewhile saw, with erect head, pressing ever in front,
Bearing a bright sword in thy hand,
Now ending well the splendid fever of thy deeds,
(I bring no dirge for it or thee---I bring a glad, triumphal sonnet;)
There in the far Northwest, in struggle, charge and saber-smite,
Desperate and glorious---ay, in defeat most desperate, most glorious,
After thy many battles, in which, never yielding up a gun or a color,
Leaving behind thee a memory sweet to soldiers,
Thou yieldest up thyself.
***
From: Independent Statesmen (Concord, NH) Thursday, September 14, 1876; pg.407; Issue 51; col C
An Ex-Confederate’s Story about Custer
The Washington Star relates the following interesting estimate of General Custer from a Confederate stand-point: At
Brandy station, Pleasanton, after retreating slowly all day, made a stand, and there was very sharp and stubborn fighting
all the day. In a charge made directly at the station upon a light battery that was cutting up our men with shrapnel very
severely, I was unlucky enough to be cut off from my command, and discovering my misfortune too late to remedy it, I
put spurs to my horse and galloped, through mistake, directly into the ranks of a squad from a regiment whose troops
were made up of deserters from the confederate army. I was treated outrageously, literally stripped of everything, and
was about to be shot, when General Custer rode up with his staff and body-guard. Seeing him in his gaudy hussar
jacket with the Austrian knot of rank on the arm, I supposed him to be one of our officers, and hailed him. He came up to
me, and seeing my pitiful condition and being informed that my captors had threatened to shoot me, called his orderly,
saying, ”Here, orderly, this man is a fellow-being and not a brute; have him put under guard at headquarters.” And then
turning to an aid, he said, ’Put those men under arrest.” I remained under guard at Custer’s headquarters during the
whole of the retreat, and was treated most nobly and kindly by the general and all around him. I never met a man so
young who, to my mind, bore the stamp of the hero so visibly impressed on his countenance, and though daring and
dreadful in a charge and in the heat of combat almost merciless, his mild, gentle, kindly, manner to me when the fight
was over plainly shows what a vast amount of human kindness, beat beneath that brave dragoon’s breast. To him, I
owed my life, while still an enemy, and to his memory I humbly add my testimony to these noble attributes which those
who have ever met him know he possessed to so remarkable a degree.
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 51
From: The Liberator (Boston, MA) Friday, September 25, 1863; pg. 155; Issue 39; col B
A story was published some days since, representing a Col. R.C. Hill of North Carolina, as telling Gen. Custer, under a
flag of truce at Fredericksburg, that “there would soon be peace,” adding certain reasons in support of this prophecy.
The whole of this statement turns out to be false. The Richmond Sentinel of the 16th inst. Publishes a card from Col.
Robert C. Hill, of the 48th North Carolina Regiment, in which he says that he had an interview with Gen. Custer, as
stated, on the 18th of August, but that it had reference to picket firing opposite Fredericksburg, and nothing at all was said
as to peace. Col. Hill adds:
“I am opposed to peace on any terms short of a submission of the federals to such terms as we may dictate;
which, in my opinions, should be Mason and Dixon’s line as boundary, the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi below
Cairo, full indemnification for all the Negroes stolen and property destroyed, the restoration of Fortress Monroe, Jefferson, Key West, and all other strongholds which may have fallen into their possession during the war. If they are unwilling
to accede to these terms, I propose an indefinite continuance of the war until the now existing fragments of the old Union
break to pieces from mere rottenness and want of cohesion, when we will come in as the only first-class power on the
Western Hemisphere, and take possession of the pieces as subjugated and conquered, provinces.”
***
From: The Natchez Courier (Natchez, MS) Tuesday, October 06, 1863; Issue 3; col B
General Custer’s Peace Story Refuted.
As we have previously published the peace article alluded to, we give the following “last Ditch” reply:
[From the Richmond Sentinel, Sept 10.]
LETTER FROM COLONEL HILL.
Taylorsville, Va., Sept. 13, 1863.
Editor of the Sentinel: -- I observe in your issue of Saturday an extract from the New York Triune, in which the
correspondents of that villainous sheet represent Colonel R. C. Hill as telling them, under flag of truce, at Fredericksburg,
that “ there would soon be peace.” The whole of this statement is false. On the 18th of August I held an interview with
Brigadier General Custer, of the Michigan Cavalry with reference to picket-firing opposite Fredericksburg, my design being to spare the inhabitants of that ill-fated city the annoyance of being fired at, whenever they made their appearance,
and, perhaps, the more serious inconvenience of being shelled. This was accomplished. Much was said that had no
connection with the business which caused the meeting; some of the officers accompanying General Custer said much
that they had better retain; all of which was noted and preserved for future use.
The officers of my staff, as well as myself, were very reticent, and observed unusual caution in our conversation.
On the contrary, General Custer and staff, all mere youths, branched out extensively, and tried to show us how much
they knew.
I must request that you will not copy extracts concerning me from the paper which represents Beauregard as
frantic on the retreat from Corinth; Price as having resigned with a view to taking the oath; Holmes as having died of delirium tremens, and Jeff. Davis as being under guard in Richmond, to prevent him from running away; and, last of all,
representing me as entertaining “peace sentiments.” I had not intended before to make a declaration of my sentiments
on this subject, but this occurrence forces me to declare myself.
I am opposed to peace on any terms short of a submission of the Federals to such terms as we may dictate;
which, in my opinion, should be Mason and Dixon’s Line a boundary, the exclusive navigation of the Mississippi below
Cairo, full indemnification for al the negroes stolen and properly destroyed, the restoration of Fortress Monroe, Jefferson,
Key West, and all other strongholds which may have fallen into their possession during the war. If they are unwilling to
accede to these terms, I propose an indefinite continuance of the war until the now existing fragment of the old Union
breaks to pieces from mere rottenness and want of cohesion, when we will step in, as the only first-class power on the
Western Hemisphere, and take possession of the pieces as subjugated and conquered provinces.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Robert C. Hill
Colonel 48th North Carolina Regiment.
***
From: The Wisconsin State Register (Portage, WI) Saturday, August 05, 1876; Issue 23; col F
WHAT THE SIOUX SAY.
Their Story of the Custer Slaughter.
St. Paul, Minn., July 31.—Brevet Lieut. Co. J. S. Poland, captain of the Sixth Infantry, commanding the military
station at Standing Rock agency, under date 24th July, reports to Adjat. Gen. Ruggles as follows:
Sir— I respectively report the following as having been derived from seven Sioux Indians just returned from the
hostile camp, July 21, some of whom were engaged in the battle of June 25, with the Seventh Cavalry. Their account is
as follows: The hostiles were celebrating their greatest of religious festivals, the Sun Dances, when rumors brought news
of the approach of cavalry. The dance was suspended, and a general rush followed, mistaken by Custer perhaps for
retreat, for the horses, equipment, and arms. Major Reno first attacked the village at the south end and across the
News Caster
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 52
Little Big Horn. Their narrative of Reno’s operations coincide with the published account: How he quickly confronted and
surrounded; how he dismounted, rallied in the timber, remounted, an cut his way back over the ford and up the bluffs
with considerable loss, and the continuation of the fight for some little time, when runners arrived from the north end of
the village or the camp with the news that the cavalry had attacked the north end some 3 or 4 miles distant. The Indians
about Reno had not before this the slightest intimation of fighting at any other point. A force large enough to prevent
Reno from assuming the offensive was left, and the surplus available force followed to the other end of the camp, where
finding the Indians successfully. Driving Custer before them, instead of uniting with them, they separated into two parties
and moved around the flanks of his cavalry. They report that Custer crossed the river, but only succeeded in reaching
the edge of the Indian camp. After he was driven to the bluffs, the fight lasted perhaps an hour. The Indians have no
hours of the day, and the time can only be given approximately. They report that a small number of cavalry broke
through the line of Indians in their rear, and escaped, but were overtaken within a distance of five or six miles, and all
killed.— I infer from this that this body of retreating cavalry was probably led by the missing officers, and that they tried to
escape only after Custer fell. The last man that was killed, was killed by two sons of a Santee Indian, Red Top, who was
a leader in the Minnesota massacres of ’62 and ’63.
After the battle the squaws entered the field to plunder and mutilate the dead. General rejoicing was indulged in,
and a distribution of arms and ammunition hurriedly made. Then this attack on Reno was vigorously renewed. Up to the
attack the Indians had lost comparatively few men, but now they say their most serious loss took place. They give no
idea of numbers, but say there were a great many. Sitting Bull was neither killed nor personally engaged in the fight. He
remained in the council tent directing operations. Crazy Horse, with a large band, and Black Moon, were the principal
leaders on the 25th of June. Kill Eagle, Chief of the Blackfeet, was at the head of some twenty lodges of this agency.
He was prominently engaged in the battle of June 25, and afterward upbraided Sitting Bull for not taking an active personal part of the engagement.
Kill Eagle has sent me word that he was forced to fight; that he desires to return to the agency; and that he will
return to the agency if he is killed for it. He is reported to be actually on the way back to go to his father and agent and
make confession and receive absolution for his defiant crime against the hand that had gratuitously fed him for three
years.—He is a truly shrewd chief, who must have discovered “He who fights and runs away May live to fight another
day.”
The Indians were not all engaged at any one time. Heavy reserves were held to repair losses and renew attacks
successively . The fight continued until the third day when runners, kept purposely on the look out, hurried into camp
and reported a great body of troops (Gen. Terry’s command) advancing up the river. The lodges having been previously
prepared for a move, a retreat in a southerly direction followed, toward and along Rosebud mountain. They marched
about fifty miles, went into camp and held a consultation when it was determined to send into all the agencies reports of
their success, and to call upon them to come out and share the glories that there were expected to be in the future.
We may expect an influx of overbearing and impudent Indians, to urge by force, perhaps, an accession of Sitting
Bull’s demands. There is a general gathering in the hostile camp from each of the agencies on the Missouri river, Red
Cloud and Spotted Tail, as also the Northern Cheyennes and Arrapahoes. They report for the especial benefit of their
relatives here that in the three fights they had with the whites they have captured over 400 stand of arms, carbines and
rifles, revolvers not counted; ammunition without end, some sugar, coffee, bacon, and hard bread. They claim to have
captured from the whites this summer over 900 horses and mules. I suppose this includes operations against soldiers,
Crow Indians, and Black Hills miners.
The general outline of this Indian report concurs with the published reports. The first attack of Reno’s began well
on in the day, say the Indians. They report about 300 whites killed, but do not say how many Indians were killed. A report from another source says the Indians obtained from Custer’s command 592 carbines and revolvers. I have, since
writing the above, heard from the returned hostiles, which they communicated as a secret to their particular friends here,
information that a large party of Sioux and Cheyennes were to leave Rosebud Mountain, or hostile camp, for this
agency to intimidate and compel the Indians here to join Sitting Bull. If these refuse, they are ordered to “soldier
them” (beat them) and steal their ponies. Very respectfully,
J. S. Poland,
Captain Sixth Infantry, Brevet Lieut. Col.,
***
For the September 2008 News Caster
Wanted: Stories—Pictures—Articles—Reunion Notices—Scanned Documents—Queries—Obituary
Notices—Marriage Records—Birth Records—Data that doesn’t add up
About: Your Custer/Kuster—Coster/Koster ancestors
Send to [email protected] or to Alton Sissell, Editor (address page 63)
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 53
From: Daily Evening Bulletin (San Francisco, CA) Monday, July 31, 1876; Issue 97; col D
THE GALLANT CUSTER
A Talk with his Father – Some Interesting Reminiscences – His Younger Brothers.
This is a pleasant inland town of perhaps six or seven thousand inhabitants, on the river Raisin, at the place made historic by the Battle of the Raisin. In the heart of the little city, on one of its quiet, shaded streets, is a plain brown cottage, of
wholly unpretending appearance, the house of the parents of General G. A. Custer. It is like ten thousand little cottage houses
in the land, in its simplicity as well as n its rural attractiveness; but to-day it is the point toward which millions of sympathetic
hearts are turned in sharing with its inmates a national sorrow. Approaching, I saw sitting on the porch a venerable looking man,
whom I readily took for E. H. Custer. As he rose in a dignified and courteous way to receive the approaching stranger, I felt a
misgiving at stating the object of my intrusion – for such it seemed to me to be. He did not look like one inclined to talk much,
even for newspaper celebrity, on an occasion like that which had brought me more than two hundred miles to see him.
As he had laid aside a New York paper, in which, a I found, he had been reading the first full and connected account of
that terrific struggle on the Little Big Horn River, he said: “You already know all that we know.”
“And are there no incidents of interest connected with his boyhood growing out of his military tastes?”
“Nothing that I think of.”
“Have you any sons left except Brice Custer of Columbus?” [A well-known railroad conductor, who is the General’s half
brother, and who was present during a subsequent portion of our interview. –Rep.].” “I have our other son, who resides on a farm near here.”
Continuing the interview, Mr. Custer, while seeming reluctant to speak of the exploits of his sons, stated the following
facts as to the three sons and the son-in-law who fell in the affair of last week. They were all born in New Rumley, Harrison
county, Ohio. George Armstrong Custer, known to his acquaintances always by his second name, Armstrong, was sent to the
public schools from the time he was four years old until he reached his teens, when he came to Monroe and resided with a sister, and attended an academic institution here for a while, after which he returned an taught school in his native county, and also
attended a select school at Hopedale. When about seventeen years of age his anxiety to go into the army was such that he
mentioned it to his father in connection with a wish that he could get an appointment as cadet at West Point. “I thought it was a
crazy notion,” says the old gentleman, “for Bingham (Congressman) wasn’t of my party, and I wouldn’t think of his making the
appointment”.
But young Armstrong was in earnest, and he wrote a letter to John A. Bingham, then in Washington, and gave such a
history of himself, his age, tastes and all, that his politics seem not to have been thought of. At the earliest opportunity young
Custer called upon Mr. Bingham at his home in Cadiz, and after some conversation, Bingham said, “Well, Custer, I think you will
pass muster;” and so, not long after, the father was taken by surprise to learn that his son had actually received the appointment.
“Was your son here after his recent visit to Washington?” I inquired.
“He stopped here from the morning train until evening only.”
“How did he appear to feel?”
“He seemed in as good spirits as ever.”
“Did he seem to anticipate any trouble in the approaching war on the plains?”
“None at all. I remember he told me that Bloody Knife had sent him word he was going to take his scalp, and he
laughed as he said it.”
The public has already been made familiar with the fact that there went down in that awful combat two brothers and a
brother-in-law along with General Custer. The brother-in-law, James Calhoun, enlisted as a private from Cincinnati during the
war of the rebellion, and served with great bravery. He afterward moved to Indiana, where a widowed mother now resides.
Three or four years ago he married the only sister of General Custer, and she and Mrs. Custer have been almost constantly with
their husbands on the frontier. They are now at Fort Lincoln, and the family are anxiously looking for their return to Monroe.
Lieutenant Calhoun was a distant relative of the family of John C. Calhoun.
Boston Custer, the youngest of the brothers who fell on that bloody field, was not in the military service, but, being there
as a civilian, went into the conflict by the side of his brothers. Captain Thomas W. Custer was 31 years of age when he fell. He
volunteered in the was of 1861, when he was but 17 years of age. He served in the Army of the Cumberland, and afterward in
the Army of the Potomac, always with the greatest gallantry, capturing several rebel flags, for which he received two or three
medals. Once, in getting away with the flag of the enemy, he was shot through the cheek. After the war closed he entered the
regular service, where his appointment was the reward of a brilliant military record.—Monroe, Mich., Correspondence of the Cincinnati Commercial.
News Caster
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 54
PK.0.02.05.03.01.03.10 Stephen D. Kester 1826-1901
Stephen D Kester was born on 15 September 1826 in Erie Co., New
York, son of William and Mary (Southwick)) Kester. Stephen went to Miami
County, Ohio with his parents in 1838. He moved to Wabash County, Indiana
in 1852. Stephen worked in a saw mill on Eel River for about four years. On
1 April 1855 he married Eve Lowman. She was born on 21 July 1833 in Clark
Co., Ohio. Her parents were John and Cynthia (Hugel) Lowman. About 1856,
Stephen and his brother, Alonzo, bought an 80 acre farm, which they farmed.
Soon after, Stephen bought Alonzo's interest in the farm. Later, Stephen
added another 26 acres. The family lived in Chester Township. Stephen
died 9 May 1901 and was buried at Concord Cemetery, Wabash County, Indiana; his age shown on the tombstone was 74 years, 7 months and 24 days.
Eve died 4 August 1909 in Wabash Co., IN and was buried at Concord
Cemetery.
Their children:
1. Sarah S J Kester; born about 1857 in Indiana; married 15 November 1874
Michael H Towey, lived in Pleasant Township.
2. Mary Etta Kester; born 14 Apr 1861 in Wabash Co., Indiana died 23 Mar
1928 in Wabash Co., Indiana
3. Arthur C Kester; born 1865; married 5 January 1890 Emma L Klutz (1868-1927) in Wabash County, Indiana (Marriage
Book 11, p 486); died 1910, buried at Concord Cemetery, Wabash County, Indiana.
Sources:
1.
2.
3.
Letter Mrs. Paul Kester -- 12 Feb 1986
History of Wabash County, Indiana (1884), p 294
Cemetery Records for Pleasant, Chester, and Paw Paw Townships, Wabash County, Indiana; compiled
by Lester H Binnie (1970)
4.
1860 census Indiana, Wabash Co, Chester Twp, p 367, #953
Stephen Kester 30 farmer
New York
Eve
"
26
Ohio
If you can identify any
Sarah "
3
Ind
the people in the group
5.
1870 census Indiana, Wabash Co, Chester Twp, p 2, #29
picture, to the right,
S B Caster
44 farmer
NY
E "
36 (f)
Ohio
please let me know.
SA "
13 (f)
Ind
Patricia
ME "
9 (f)
"
AC "
4 (m)
"
6.
1880 census Indiana, Wabash Co, Chester Twp, ED 183, p 1, #8
Stephen D Kester
53 farmer
NY NJ RI
Eve
"
50 wife
Oh Oh Oh
Maryetta "
19 dau
Ind NY "
Arthur C "
14 son
" " "
7.
1900 census Indiana, Wabash Co, Chester Twp, ED 112, p 7, #144
Stephen D Kester Sep 1827 farmer
York State NJ RI
Eve
"
July 1833 m 45yrs, 3-3 Ohio
Pa Oh
CAOA Application of Alan Welch
of
I was binding up some of the loose papers in the archive when I found the pictures of Stephen, the farm and the reunion with a book of Missouri Census Records. I have bound them together because they were held together with rubber bands. Somehow though I don’t think the
pictures belong with the book. If anyone knows about these pictures please let me know so that I can properly identify them and put them
where they belong. Patricia [email protected]
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 55
News Caster
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 56
Obituary leads to a name correction
I received an obituary for Richard Ralph Kaster from Terry O’Connor
along with some census records he had found for Virris Kaster and
William H. Kaster. I found William Henry in the archive files. Virris was
no where to be found. I went online to see the census image enlarged
and sure enough Virris was the son of William Henry. His birth information match James who was listed as the fifth child of William Henry
and Alice. I looked more closely at the census image and I could see
how the name could be interpreted as James. I have corrected the
name of James to that of Virris F.
William Henry’s file is missing from the archives; any information
would be greatly appreciated.
From the census records I was able to piece together his descendants.
Name
Born
PK.0.01.01.11.01.01.06.07
h William H Kaster
1859
w Alice M Wickliff
1864 married 17 January 1885
d Lilly J
1885
d Minerva B
1887
d Eltha D
1889
s Horace D
1890
s Virris F (not James) 1893 married Lue Ada //
d Unie V
1894
s Floyd Vance
1896 married Hazel Wilfong
s William E
1898
PK.0.01.01.11.01.01.06.07.05
h Virris F
1893
w Lue Ada //
1895
s h Russell L.(R?)
1917 married Edith Porter
d Dorothy M
1920
PK.0.01.01.11.01.01.06.07.05.0?
h Russell L.(R?)
1917
w Edith Porter
1919
s Richard Ralph
1939 twin
s Russell V
1939 twin
s Bob
1941 (estimated)
d Barbara
1943 (estimated)
I was unable to find any of William Henry’s family in the 1910 census
records.
Patricia [email protected]
Des Moines Sunday Register July 2007
RICHARD R. KASTER
Richard Ralph Kaster, age 67 of Des Moines
and formerly of Knoxville, passed away on
Thursday, July 19, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on
Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at Greenwood Cemetery in rural Marion County, Iowa. Visitation will
be held on Monday at Williams Funeral Home
in Knoxville from noon until 8 p.m. with the
family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Condolence
messages may be sent to the family at
www.williamsfhknoxville.com
Richard was born in Knoxville, Iowa on October 22, 1939. He was the son of Russell L and
Edith (Porter) Kaster. Richard grew up in Knoxville and lived with his grandparents, Virris “V.
F.” and Lue Ada Kaster. He was a 1957 graduate of Knoxville High School.
Richard moved to Des Moines in 1964 and
continued living there until his death. He
worked as a loan officer for many different loan
companies, banks and law firms until his retirement in 1999. Richard continued to work part
time as a driver for Armadillo Express until his
death. Richard attended Highland Park Christian Church in Des Moines. He enjoyed collecting antique automobiles, reading political biographies and watching black & white movies.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Julie
Estlick and her husband Mike of Fort Collins,
Colorado; one son, Doug Kaster of Des
Moines, Iowa; his former wife Judith Kaster of
Fountain, Colorado; one brother Bob Kaster
and his wife Meljean of Marana, Arizona; one
sister Barbara Smith and her husband Al of
Hendersonville, North Carolina; one aunt Dorist
Dykstra of Knoxville; one uncle, Ralph Porter
and his wife Dorothy of Knoxville and several
neices, nephews and cousins. Richard was
preceded in death by his parents, grandparents
and twin brother, Russell V. Kaster.
N e w s C a s t e r S c a n P r o j e c t U pd a t e
Thanks to Wanda Deitemeyer, Alton Sissell and Patricia Caster all of the past issues of the News Caster have been
scanned. Almost all have been transformed into pdf format and combined into pdf file for 4 issues per year. Indexing the
issues will take quite a while. Patricia [email protected]
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 57
F r o m t h e P r e s i d e n t — Te r e s a Tu c k e r
Oral history is made of myths, legends, facts, truth seen from a certain perspective, misperceptions, mistakes, and
sometimes downright lies. I love oral history because it imparts information beyond just nonbiased facts, revealing an
event, place, or person from somebody’s personal vantage point - which is also the very reason it has to be carefully
verified. In the best case scenario, you’ll end up with a piece of factual history as it uniquely affected a particular real live
person.
When I first began researching my Custard family history, all I had was oral history. Unlike other branches of the
family, not one photo or other piece of physical evidence about the Custards had been handed down to us. I suspect that
when my great-great grandmother, Susie Townsend Martin, died as a young woman with three small children, any
memorabilia she might have had was disposed of by the wicked stepmothers I had heard about. Or perhaps photos and
papers had been given to other surviving relatives.
Last week I got a call from Custard cousin, Jackie Jackson, who offered to let me copy some letters from a now deceased cousin she had corresponded with in the 1990s. I was thrilled to get the letters which I scanned, saved on my
computer, and burned to CD to share with other researchers. I haven’t had a chance to even read them yet, but I know
they’re chock full of facts, truths, mistakes, personal view points, and all of the other things I listed in the first sentence of
this article. I can’t wait to get at them.
As cousin Jackie and I chatted, I took notes. We discussed the fact that little was known about Great Grandmother
Clarinda Stanfield Custard’s later life and death. No one had found her in the later censuses or, perhaps, no one had
looked. Jackie said that Clarinda was supposed to have lived with her youngest son, Clark, who was also called “Doc.”
They supposedly lived in Matagorda County, Texas. She might have been buried there or in Burk-Burnett, Texas.
This was news to me. First, according to my records, Clark didn’t survive childhood, and, second, I’d never heard of
anyone called Doc Custard. Nor had I heard of any Custards in Matagorda County. However, I followed her lead and
within a few hours found “Clara” and “Dock Custar” living in Matagorda County. The census information confirmed that
these were Clarinda and Clark. This was exciting.
I was still puzzled about why my records said Clark had died young. Going back to my transcribed census records I
found Clark in the 1870 census with his family, but not in the 1880 census record. I flipped over to view the original census. Holy cow! Clark was on the original census, and in the transcription process I had left him out of the long list of children. I was guilty of a careless mistake that had hindered my research. Thankfully, I had a copy of the primary source
and referred to it. That’s an example of how rumors get started! “Clark, who would have been 12 years, isn’t in the 1880
census, so he must have died…” Being human we make mistakes, but being good researchers we copy and double
check our primary sources!
As I wade through my new hints and clues, I’ll check out which can be documented and enter them into my records.
The things that can’t be documented I’ll keep separate or clearly labeled “Oral History” in my genealogy program and
records. There are some tantalizing tidbits I can’t wait to follow-up on.
Yes, oral history is made of myths, legends, facts, truth seen from a certain perspective, misperceptions, mistakes,
and sometimes downright lies. As family history researchers, we’ve probably run across all of these at one time or another. Like archaeologists sifting through dirt and sand, we have to be able to separate, recognize, and validate the true
tidbits of history from the junk. If we don’t, we’re writing fiction not history. Since we’re after a clear picture of who our
ancestors were and, therefore, who we are, we want to be diligent in recording and documenting accurately.
Jackie called me again a few days later. She had found a letter in the bottom of the box. “You won’t believe this,”
she said, “but it has William Custard’s parents listed in it.” I sharply drew in a breath, thinking “my brick wall has been
knocked down!” But, my research experience and cynicism quickly warned me, “It’s oral history, it’s only oral history. You
need to find proof.” I can’t wait to begin excavating!
I feel so fortunate that, as a member of the Castor Association of America, I have the resources of the CAOA to aid
me in this search. Our archives and newsletters are full of documented research and oral history to help us along the
way.
Thank you, members, for sharing your information and DNA. Thank you, board members, for the many volunteer
hours you spend administering and managing our organization. Here’s wishing us all happy digging this fall.
Teresa Tucker,
CAOA President
O n l i n e D i r e c t o r y U pd a t e
I need your help. It has been a long time since I have been able to update the CAOA Online Directory. I have lost
track of who needs to be updated. Please check it out and let me know if you have any changes that need to be made to
your entry. If you need instructions on how to get to the directory send me an email at [email protected]
News Caster
September 2007
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 58
A n c e s t o r s a n d D e s c e n d a n ts o f S a m u e l H o w e l l
By George Castor Martin
New Jersey 1913
Samuel Howell, fifth son of Jacob Howell and Sarah Vernon was born 6 February 1718. He was a hat manufacturer and
dealer in general merchandise and sold his wares at the sign of the “Beaver” on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He married Ann Evans of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Their second child Hugh Howell was born 2 April
1747. He manufactured gun powder for the Revolutionary Army. He married Hannah Haydock.
Their daughter Mary was born on 2 December 1783 in Westown, Chester County, Pennsylvania. She married Thomas
Burrage on 12 December 1812.
Their daughter Hannah was born on 11 June 1818. She married Joseph Mills in 1837.
Their daughter Mary Elizabeth was born on 19 February 1838. She married George Mathias Castor on 12 July 1854.
He was born on 25 December 1830. He died on 16 May 1880 and she died 17 March 1891.
They had four children.
1. The Honorable George A. Castor
2. Mary E. Castor who married Lemuel Ball of Wissinoming.
3. Morton who died young
4. Nellie Mills Castor who was born on 3 April 1864. She married first Dr. Richard Allen Martin on 6 December
1883 first. He was born on 2 October 1858 and died 17 March 1890.
They had two children.
1. George Castor Martin born 30 March 1885
2. Richard Allen Castor born 14 October 1886.
Nellie married second William H. Allardyce of Galveston, Texas, New York City and then New Jersey.
This is an unidentified line. If you have any information on them please let me know. Thank you! Patricia
[email protected] or [email protected]
Jotham E. (Jody) Custer 1929—2006
From Barbara Ketels, Eldora, Iowa
Visitation and Memorial Services for Jody Custer, 77, will be held today, August 20, 2006. Friends are welcome
to visit with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. at the home of Roger and Carole Custer, 1115 McDuffie Drive, Jefferson, Iowa.
The public is invited to attend a 6:30 p.m. Masonic Service, followed by a 7:30 p.m. Memorial Service, both at SliningerRossow Funeral Home in Jefferson. Private burial of his remains will be at a later date in the Jefferson Cemetery.
Jotham Edwin (Jody) Custer, 77, a longtime Jefferson area farmer and photographer died Wednesday, August 16, 2006,
at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, Iowa.
Jody was born in Jefferson on March 30, 1929, to William Custer and Mabel (Wolf) Custer. He graduated from
Jefferson High School in 1946 and served in the United States Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge in 1953. He
farmed many years in Greene County’s Bristol and Greenbrier townships. Jody also was a professional photographer,
specializing in baby and wedding photos. He operated Custer Studios in rural Jefferson for many years.
He also was a noted horticulturist in Iowa and a lover of chrysanthemums. He served as the first vice-president of the
Chrysanthemum Society in 1964 and headed the chrysanthemum exhibition at the society’s 1966 convention. He received the Iowa Horticulture Society’s 1973 Certificate of Merit Award in recognition of his efforts, and in 1982 was honored for his outstanding contribution to Iowa horticulture with the society’s Honor Award. He also played a key role in the
creation and development of the Iowa Arboretum near Luther, Iowa, contributing land, developmental funds and volunteer time. Charles Hall, retired horticulture department chair at Iowa State University and horticulture historian said,
“Today the Iowa Arboretum as a central Iowa showplace is a tribute to Jody’s continuing support.
Jody was also known for opening his decorative gardens and ponds at his rural home for public tours, especially
during holidays. He was a 50-year member of Morning Star Lodge #159 .F. & A.M., Jefferson, York Rite Bodies, and ZaGa-Zig Shrine. Over his lifetime, Jody was active in the Farlin Christian Church, Jefferson Central Christian Church and
Jefferson First Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jacob E. Custer; sister in-law
Lorada Custer; and brother in-law William Dodson. He is survived by his sister, Mary Catherine (Custer) Dodson of Fort
Worth, Texas; nephews Billy Dodson and wife Sheryle of Fort Worth, Texas; Roger Custer and his wife Carole, and Tom
Custer and wife Laine, all of Jefferson; niece Karen (Dodson) Greene and husband David Crow of Dallas, Texas, and a
number of great nieces and nephews.
The family suggest memorials in his honor to the Jefferson Bell Tower Foundation for the Mahanay carillon bell
purchase program.
From Des Moines Sunday Register, Sunday, August 20, 2006, Page 8B
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 59
From the Members
These are my GG Grandparents Miles and
Miriam Jane (Davis) Kester. The three girls are
my G Grandmother Sarah Elizabeth (in the middle) and her two sisters Sylvia Ellen and Emma.
Any help locating more pictures or the Miles Kester family bible would be greatly appreciated.
Sharon Wise [email protected]
PK(E).0 Reiner Kuster 1542-1616
PK(E).0.0? Johannes Kusters 1576-1650
PK(E).0.0?.04 Arnold Kusters 1606-1678
PK.0 - PK(E).0.0?.04.07 Paulus Kusters 1644-1708
PK.0.02 Johannes Koster 1670-1708
PK.0.02.05 Hermanus Kester 1703PK.0.02.05.04 John Kester 1739-1806
PK.0.02.05.04.08 Peter Kester 1781-1814
PK.0.02.05.04.08.04 Daniel Kester 1809-1881
PK.0.02.05.04.08.04.01 Miles Kester 1835-1936
A New Direction for the News Caster
Since articles that have been submitted by the members have all been published, it will be necessary to dig into the archives. The goal is to
include articles on the lines of the current members of the CAOA if possible.
Each issue will now have a main theme which will focus on the following:
•
•
•
•
Surnames beginning with Ca or Ka (De Castorer falls into this group)
Surnames beginning with Cu or Ku and Co or Ko
Surnames beginning with G or Ke or Ki
Open Issue
The order of each theme determined by pulling them out of a hat is:
•
•
•
•
December: Surnames starting with G, Ke or Ki
March: Surnames starting with Ca or Ka or DeCastorer
June: Open issue
September: Surnames starting with Cu or Ku and Co or Ko
The main theme articles will include, in order of priority, photos and articles from the members, biographies from the archives, obituaries,
lineages from the archive database and other interesting articles.
Each issue will also include items for the other themes that do not fall into the main theme or the main theme articles. This will include
items sent in by members and information found in the archives. This may be cemetery listings, indexes for military, birth, death, marriages
and other research materials.
Remember the News Caster is your newsletter, without you help, suggestions and input it will just be a listing of what is in the archives. If
you feel you can’t write the article, send in the information, and it will be written. Remember, too, that pictures really help to tell the story.
Alton
News Caster
September 2007
News Caster September 2007 Names Index
Adams
Cassily 44, 46
Allardyce
William H. 58
Allison 46, 47
Beauregard 51
Becker
Otto 46
Ball
Dorothy 42
Lemuel 58
Bingham 53
John A. 53
Mr. 53
Binnie
Lester H.
Bird
Roy 46
Black Moon 52
Bloody Knife 53
Brinkman
Mildred Arlene 42
Broadwater
Elizabeth 41
Burner
Carolyn 43
Burrage
Hannah 58
Mary 58
Thomas 58
Calhoun
James 44, 53
John C. 53
Lieutenant 53
Caster 63, 64
A. C. 54
Charles 49
E. 54
George 49
Harvey 49
John 49
John P. 45
M. E. 54
Patricia 56, 63, 64
S. A. 54
S. B. 54
Sampson 49
Thomas 49
William 49
Castor 63
George A. 58
George Matthias 58
Mary E. 58
Mary Elizabeth 58
Morton 58
Nellie Mills 58
Phillip 63
Clark
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 60
Mary Catherine 41
Connell
Evan S. 46
Coster 63
Crazy Horse 52
Crow
David 58
Custard 57, 63
Clark 57
Doc 57
William 57
Custer 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 58, 63
Alice 43
Alice Lulu 41, 42
Archie T. 43
Archie Thomas 41
Armstrong 44
Bessie E. 43
Bessie Elizabeth 41
Boston 44, 45, 53
Brice 53
Buck 63, 43
Brice 53
Carole 58
Carrie Madeline 42
Charles David 41
Charles W. 43
Charles William 41
Clinton Rosevelt 41, 42
Daisy Rosella 41, 43
Delores Ellen 42
E. H. 53
Earle Courtney 42
Elbert Ellsworth 42
Elizabeth B. 44
Elwood Cecil 42
Emma 44
Emmanuel 44
Ethel 42
Ethel Jane 41, 43
G. A. 53
Gary 63
Gary L. 63
General 44, 45, 46, 50, 51, 53
George A. 44, 47
George Armstrong 53
Harold Vernon, Sr. 42
Jacob E. 58
James W. 43
James William 41, 42
Jody 58
John Gilbert 42
John H. 43
John Harrison 41
Jotham E. (Jody) 58, 64
Judy Ann 43
Katie Ellen 41
Laine 58
Lauran 43
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 61
Lorada 58
Mabel (Wolf) 58
Margaret 44
Mary C. 43
Mary Catherine 58
Mr. 53
Mrs. 53
Nevin J. 44, 45
Rachel Marie 43
Ralph Edgar 41, 42, 43
Reid 44
Roger 58
Thomas 44
Thomas W. 53
Tom 44, 45, 58
Virginia Armandy 41, 42
Wilbur Wesley 42
William 41, 43, 49, 58, 64
William Raymond 42
Davis
Jeff. 51
Miriam Jane 59
Deitemeyer
Wanda 56
Dodson
Billy 58
Karen 58
Mary Catherine 58
Sheryle 58
William 58
Eckard
Steve 43
Estlick
Julie 56
Mike 56
Evans
Ann
Fazenbaker
Dorothy
Ethel Custer 42, 43
Evelyn 41, 42
James O.
Stanley 41, 43
Stanley W. 43
Foster
William 45
Foutz 43
Gallagher
Michael 45
Fuchs
Feodor 46, 47
Furber 46
John C. 46
Garrett
Rollin Edward 43
Gerster 63
Greene
Karen (Dodson) 58
Godfrey 47
Edward S. 44, 47
Lieutenant 48
Hanson
Adelia 45
Darlene 45
Harrison
Joseph 44
Joseph T. 44
William C. 44
Haydock
Hannah 58
Hill
Colonel 51
R. C. 51
Robert C. 51
Howell
Ann 58
Hannah 58
Hugh 58
Jacob 58
Mary 58
Samuel 58, 64
Sarah 58
Hubbard
Paula 45
Hugel
Cynthia 54
Jackson
Jackie 57
Kaster 63
Alice 56
Barbara 56
Bob 56
Dorothy M. 56
Doug 56
Edith (Porter) 56
Eltha D. 56
Floyd Vance 56
Horace D. 56
James 56
Judith 56
Julie 56
Lilly J. 56
Lue Ada 56
Meljean 56
Minerva B. 56
Richard R. 56
Richard Ralph 56
Russell L. 56
Russell V. 56
Unie V. 56
Virris 56
Virris F. 56
Virris “V. F.” 56
William E. 56
William H. 56
William Henry 56
Kastor 63
Keister 63
Richard 45, 63
Ketels
News Caster
September 2007
Barbara 58
Kester 63
Alonzo 54
Arthur C. 54
Daniel 59
Emma 59
Eve 54
Eve Lowman 55
Hermanus 59
John 59
Mary 54
Mary Etta 54
Maryetta 54
Miles 59
Miriam Jane (Davis) 59
Mrs. Paul 54
Paul, Mrs. 54
Peter 59
Sarah 54
Sarah Elizabeth 59
Sarah S. J. 54
Stephen 54, 55
Stephen D. 54, 55, 64
Sylvia Ellen 59
William 54
Kiester 63
Kill Eagle 52
Kistard 63
Kister 63
Klipstein
Carrie Viola 41, 42
Klutz
Emma L. 54
Koester 63
Koster 63
Johannes 59
Kuester 63
Kurz 46, 47
Kustard 63
Kuster 63
Paulus 41, 43, 49
Reiner 59
Kusterd 63
Kusters
Arnold 59
Johannes 59
Paulus 59
Kusterd 63
Küster 63
Lacy
Joe 63
Lewis
Linda 43
Lowman
Cynthia (Hugel) 57
Eve 54
Martin
George Castor 58
Nellie Mills 58
Richard Allen 58
Volume XXV Issue 3
Susie Townsend 57
McLain
Mark 45
Miller
Buck 41
Mills
Hannah 58
Joseph 58
Mary Elizabeth 58
Minnich
Weltie Melvin 43
Morgan
Martha Belle 42
O’Connor
Terry 56
Paxon 47
Edgar S. 46
Edgar Samuel 47, 48
Poland
J. S. 51, 52
Porter
Dorothy 56
Ellen 56
Ralph 56
Potts
Jo Lee 45
Pullen
Coleen R. 45
Rain-in-the-Face 4
Red Cloud 52
Red Horse 46, 47
Red Top 52
Remmick,
Ed 48
Reno 52
Major 44, 51
Rhinehart
James 43
Riley 41, 42
Rowe
Elsie 42
Ruggles
Gen. 51
Schmeig 41, 42
Adeline 42
Thelma 42
Jenny 42
Schmidt
Eric 48
Harold von 46
Sheridan 44
Sissell
Alton 44, 45, 56, 63
Sitting Bull 52
Smith
Al 56
Barbara 56
Lena Inella 41, 42
Southwick
Mary 54
Page 62
Volume XXV Issue 3
Page 63
Spiker
Phylis 43
Spitzer
Fred 43
Pearl 43
Spotted Tail 52
Stanfield
Clarinda 57
Taylor 41
Terry
Gen. 52
Thomas
James William 41, 43
Thurman
Geri 63
Tichnell
Ollie Ellen 41
Townsend
Susie 57
Towey
Michael H. 54
Troegel
Mary Jane 45
Tucker
Teresa 57, 63
Vernon
Sarah 58
Von Schmidt
Eric 48
A Dilemma Has Emerged
In the past members names and addresses have
been published in the News Caster when they join
and when they have a change of address. In the
past it was an acceptable thing to do. Due to the
current worry of identity theft and other possible
ramifications of having the names and addresses
made public it was decided not to include them in
the News Caster any more.
What are your concerns and thoughts
It would be very helpful to know what each of you
feel about this situation and what the solution might
be for members to be able to contact each other
and be kept up to date on address changes.
Please let us know what you think about this dilemma and how we might solve it.
Send an email to [email protected] or send
a letter to President Teresa Tucker.
We would love to hear your comments
The Castor Association of America is a
non-profit corporation dedicated to the
preservation of family history for all variations of the family surname.
Caster Castor Coster Custard Custer Gerster Kaster
Kastor Keister Kester Kiester Kistard Kister Koester
Koster Kuester Kustard Kuster Kusterd Küster
Officers
Appointed Positions
Editor…………………………..……...Alton Sissell
Historian……………………………...Phillip Castor
5050 CR 236
Membership and Change of Address
[email protected]
438 Hiway 74
2214 Clay Street
Membership Dues, Book Purchases, News Caster Issues
[email protected]
Joe Lacy, Treasurer
302 County Road 6720
Articles/Suggestions for News Caster [email protected]
PO Box 955
CAOA DNA Project
[email protected]
The News Caster is published quarterly by the Castor Association of America. Past issues may be ordered from the Treasurer for $5 an issue.
In this Issue
Who is William Custer? .................................................................................. 41-43
DNA Project News ...............................................................................................43
The Story of the Dining Fork .......................................................................... 44-45
Change of address/New Members.......................................................................45
Where in the World Have You Been? ..................................................................45
Battle of the Little Big Horn - History in Paint ................................................. 46-48
John Caster Sr. DNA Family Update....................................................................49
News From Yesterday.................................................................................... 50-53
Stephen D. Kester .......................................................................................... 54-55
Obituary Leads to a Name Correction..................................................................56
From the President ...............................................................................................57
Ancestors and Descendents of Samuel Howell ...................................................58
Jotham E. (Jody) Custer.......................................................................................58
From the Members ...............................................................................................59
Index............................................................................................................... 60-63
Dated Material
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
ORLANDO FL
PERMIT #422
News Caster
The
Vol XXV Issue 4
December 2007
PK.0.02.06.03.03.10 Isaac Masters Kester 1813-1884
From the Archives — Photo’s from David C. Kester
The photo is of the eleven children of Isaac Masters Kester and
his wife Mary Winner. It was taken
on 7 July 1896 in Gepburnia, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, the day
they buried their mother Mary
(Winner) Kester. The people we
know in this photo for sure are:
Back row, first on the left, my great
great grandfather, Jesse Warren
Kester. Seated, first on the left,
Ellis W. Kester and seated on the
ladder on the far right is Samuel
Lewis Kester. Seated on the
ground first on the left is James
Elias Kester. I believe the others
are: back row L-R, Jesse, Isaac
Moore Kester, William W. Kester
and Amos or Benjamin. Seated L-R,
Ellis, Susan (Kester) Parker, Mary
Ellen (Kester) McCracken, Amos or
Benjamin and Samuel. Seated on
the ground L-R, James, and John
Patton Kester.
I am hoping that someone from my branch of the Kester’s will be able to help identify their descendant correctly.
David C. Kester 25 January 2001
Isaac Masters Kester was born 23 December 1813, in Columbia County, PA. He was the son of Samuel and Sarah
(Masters) Kester. Isaac married Mary Winner , about 1840. Mary was born 22 March 1819, in Lycoming County, PA.
She was the daughter of Abraham and Rachel (Warner) Winner.
Isaac and Mary had a farm of 62 acres in Columbia County. In 1847, they located in Bell Township, of Clearfield
County, PA. Isaac bought 150 acres near Lumber City and build a home and improved the land. Several years later, he
sold this farm and bought 10 acres (later known as the David Young farm), where he lived the rest of his life. Isaac and
Mary were members of the West Branch MM in Clearfiled (sic) County. Isaac died 19 October 1884. Mary died 5 July
1896. They are both buried at Friends Cemetery, at Grampion (sic), PA (West Branch Meeting).
Children of Isaac Masters Kester and Mary Winner.
1. Ellis Winner Kester was born 14 August 1840, I Columbia County. He married Mary Jane Young.
2. Samuel Lewis Kester was born 2 November 1841, in Columbia County. He married Alice Wall on 20 October 1865.
He died 30 January 1927 in Penn Township, Clearfield County, PA. He is buried at the West Brach Meeting.
3. Jesse W. Kester was born 19 October 1842, in Columbia County. He married Mary E. Smith. His 2nd wife was
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 62
News Caster
December 2007
Clementine (Hoover) Bell. Jesse died 15 November 1900 in Greenwood Township,
Clearfield County, and is buried at the Friends Cemetery at Grampian.
4. William Winner Kester was born 21 October 1845 , in Columbia County. He did
not marry and died 17 February 1917 in Clearfield County.
5. Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Kester was born 16 February 1848. He married Elizabeth Kester, of Columbia County.
6. Susan E. Kester was born 30 October 1849, in Clearfield County. She married
John Kester Parker in 1847_. She died 4 February 1930.
7. Amos H. Kester was born 29 July 1851, in Clearfield County. He married Catherine “Kate” Johnson about 1885.
8. Isaac Moore Kester was born 1 November 1853, at Lumber City, PA. He married
Lydia Lucinda Bloom 21 August 1879, in Clearfield County, PA. He died 21 April
1923 and is buried at McNaul Cemetery, Pike Township, Clearfield County.
9. Mary M. Kester ws born 2 November 1855, in Clearfield County. She married
William Webster
Daniel S. McCracken on 19 April 1880. Their children were Frank and Bessie.
Samuel Lewis Kester
Cynthia Dora (Kester) Webster
10. John Patton Kester was born 9 March 1859, in Clearfield County. He married
James Elias Kester
7 July 1896 in Gepburnia,
Mary Ella Jordan. He died 22 February 1933.
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
11. James E. Kester was born 6 July1862, in Clearfield County. He married Blanche
Luther, the daughter of Martin H. and Sarah M. (Brisbin) Luther. He was a photographer and lived in Brockaway, PA.
They had a son Luther Kester.
MCUS.0 Michael Custer 1795-1869
Generation One
1. Michael Custer1 was born in 1795 in Botetourt County, Virginia. He married Rebecca Jones in 1815 in Franklin
County, Tennessee.
Michael died on 18 May 1869 in Alabama. (He may have died in Tennessee.)
Children of Michael1 Custer and Rebecca Jones were:
+ 2
i. Hugh Lee Custer2
Generation Two
2. Hugh Lee Custer2 (Michael1) was born either in 1825 or 1826 in Tennessee. He married Elizabeth Virginia Franklin Holcomb on 12 Nov 1865 in Cherokee County, Texas.
Children of Hugh Lee2 Custer and Elizabeth Virginia Franklin Holcomb were:
+ 3
i. Leodosia Alberta Custer3
Generation Three
3. Leodosia Alberta3 Custer (Hugh2, Michael1) was born on 28 Aug 1868 in Logansport, De Sota Parish, Louisiana.
She married Julius Caesar Baker on 30 Sep 1886 in Mansfield, De Sota Parish, Louisiana.
Leodosia died at age 35 on 10 Jun 1904 in Mansfield, De Sota Parish, Louisiana.
Children of Leodosia Alberta3 Custer and Julius Caesar Baker were:
4
i. Glen Courtney4 Baker was born on 13 Oct 1895 in Mansfield, De Sota Parish, Louisiana. He married
Berta Mae Ferguson on 28 Dec 1920 in Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas.
Glen died at age 55 on 12 Jun 1951 in Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas.
Source:
1. Membership application of Mary Joan Baker, Castor Association of America, File: MCUS.0.0?.0?.0?.0?, received 15 August 2007.
I am in the process of trying to identify this Michael Custer for our new member Mary Troegel. So far I have not been able to find
him in the archive files. If you have any information please let me know.
[email protected] or PO Box 955 Windsor, CA 95492-0955 Patricia Caster CAOA Archives Coordinator
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 63
F r o m : H i s t o r y o f J a c k s o n C o u n t y, I o w a
W. M . K e i s t e r 1 8 4 0 - / /
W. M. Keister, retired farmer; P.O. Box Bellevue; born in Virginia in 1840; came to Iowa in 1847 and engaged in farming
thirty-two years, six miles from Bellevue; moved into town and built a red brick residence on the bluff back of the town,
commanding a fine river view. As a public man, he has the confidence of the people; has been elected to all the offices
in the township; is a member of the City Council. His wife was born in Germany and came to America at the age of 1
year; they were married at Andrew, Jackson Co., May 16 1864, and have two children —Hattie C. and Myron B.
G e o r g e W. K e i s t e r 1 8 2 6 - / /
George W. Keister, retired farmer, Sec. 5; P.O. Bellvue. He is among the leading and enterprising farmers of Jackson
County. We find none more worthy of representation in her history than George W. Keister, of Jackson Township. He
was born in Rockingham Co., Va., Nov. 24, 1826. In early life, he received a liberal education in his native county. In
1847, he removed with his parents to Jackson Co.,; settled in Andrew, where they lived until the following year, when
they removed to Bellevue Township, where they resided until their death, April 12, 1852. Mr. Keister, in company with
four others, started for California overland with an ox team. They arrived in Placerville, August 8, and he went to Beg
Bar on the middle fork of the American River, where he engaged in mining, with fair success, until the winter of 1853,
when he returned to this county. May 17, 1855, he married in Jackson Township this (Jackson) county, Miss Mary R.
McMurphy, daughter of Archibald and Rispa McMurphy, natives of New York, who settled in this county in 1854, and are
now honored residents of Rochester, Minn. Mr. Keister and wife are members of the M. E. Church. Their children were
Nettie B., born April 1, 1856; (she was educated at Mount Vernon, Iowa; March 15, 1877, she married Richard C. Ross;
they live in Bellevue, where he is and has been engaged in the mercantile business several years); Elizabeth, born Aug.
26, 1857; (she is now attending school at Cornell College, Mount Vernon); George W., born Feb. 10, 1859; (he is also
attending school at Mount Vernon); Charlotte R., born March 3 1861; Charles C., Nov. 20, 1862; Mary A., April 2, 1864;
Benjamin B., Oct. 4 1865; Fannie B., May 15, 1867; Harry C., April 31, 1868; Walter W., April 26, 1870, died Oct. 2,
1876; Nellie May, born Jan., 10, 1875; Archie J., Feb. 9, 1877. Mr. Keister is, at present writing, Trustee and Steward of
the M. E. Church, a position he has filled about six years. He was Clerk of Jackson Township for over eleven years; is
the present School Treasurer in the district wherein he resides, an office he has filled to the general satisfaction of all
concerned a number of years. In politics, Mr. K. is a Democrat, though he is no politician, and has never taken part in
the personal strife and vituperation so common during political campaigns, and looks to principles rather than party politics. He is a public-spirited man, always ready to assist with the time and money any enterprise that promises to be of
advantage to his township and county, and has always taken an active part in the promotion of the religious and educational interests. His farm embraces 280 acres, well located, and possessing many of the natural advantages. In 1865,
he completed his house, which is a massive stone structure, and is, without doubt, one of the finest farm residences in
Jackson Co. Being a man of study and progressive ideas, he has applied the best practical results of his knowledge to
improved methods of farming, and to furnishing his house with the appliances and comforts of the best social life. His
parents, William K. and Elizabeth Keister, were natives of Virginia. They came to this county, as before stated, in 1847,
and were honored residents until their death, which occurred, his in 1858, and hers in June, 1874. They were members
of the M. E. Church. Previous to his coming to this county, he was a Captain of a militia company in Virginia. Their children were Martin B., now a Methodist minister at Sioux City, Iowa; George W., whose name heads this sketch; Mary,
now deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Snodgrass, Collins Co., Texas; William M.; Susan, now Mrs. B. Sisler. In addition to his farm, Mr. Keister owns city property in Hutchinson, Kan., and in Bellevue, Iowa.
I have not been able to find the above two men in the archive files. I was not able to find George’s parents either.
William K. and Elizabeth (—?—) Keister -came to Iowa in 1847
Their children:
1. Martin B. Keister a Methodist minister at Sioux City, Iowa;
2. George W. Keister -came to Iowa in 1847
3. Mary Keister now deceased;
4. Elizabeth Keister wife of Joseph Snodgrass, Collins Co., Texas;
5. William M. Keister -came to Iowa in 1847
6. Susan Keister wife of B. Sisler
I believe the two men are brothers from the information given in George’s sketch. Any help would be appreciated.
Patricia [email protected]
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 64
News Caster
December 2007
CR.0 Christian Keister 1806-1882
From the CAOA Archives
Christian Keister was born about 1806 in Hesse, Germany. He was orphaned early in life, and had to fend for himself .
He came to America when he was still a boy. He first located in Baltimore, Maryland, working in railroad construction.
In 1838, he married Catherine Burgin, also an immigrant from Hesse, Germany. Judge Armstrong officiated. Catherine was born about 1820.
In October 1838, they came to Darke County, Ohio, and bought a farm of forty acres in Washington Township. Only
ten acres of the forty had been cleared, and a small, partially erected cabin stood on the farm. Here they farmed for the
next forty-five years.
Christian took part in in the local school administration. Christian and Catherine were members of the Reformed
church. Catherine had been reared as a Lutheran.
Christian died 2 February 1882 at the age of 75. Catherine died 13 or 18 December 1886 at the age of 66. They were
buried at Snell Cemetery (along State Highway 571) near Hill Grove, Darke County, Ohio.
Their children:
1. Catherine Keister born October 1839; married 1858 or 1859 George Wise; died 1921, buried at Greenville Cemetery, Greenville, Ohio.
2. Lewis Keister born about 1842; enlisted 11 August 1862 in Company K, 94th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was taken
prisoner 1 September 1862 at Lexington, Kentucky by General Kirby Smith's forces, was exchanged and rejoined
his regiment at Christmas 1862, contracted measles in April and died 10 May 1862 at Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
3. Philip Keister born 1 September 1844 in Darke County, Ohio; married 1871 Fannie F Keefawver; died 10 February 1913, buried at Greenville Cemetery, Greenville, Ohio.
4. Louise Keister born 26 January 1847 (or 1846?); married 25 November 1866 William Henry Harrison Martin; died
31 May 1923 aged 76y 4m 5d in Union City, Ohio.
5. Susanna Keister born 1849; married 17 March 1872 Eli Cook; died 1930, buried at New Lisbon Cemetery, Union
City, Indiana.
6. Lovina Mary Keister born 18 February 1852; married 14 December 1873 Samuel S Staudt; died 20 September
1926, buried at New Teegarden Cemetery, Darke County, Ohio.
7. Henry Keister born about 1854; died 6 January 1860 at age 5 years, 6 months, 1 day, buried at Snell Cemetery.
8. Amelia "Millie" Keister born 21 December 1858 in Washington Township of Darke County; married February 1891
J Edward Oliver; died 31 January 1927 in Greenville, buried at Greenville Cemetery, Greenville, Ohio.
Sources:
1. A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio\The Lewis Publishing Comapny, Chicago (1900), p 290
2. Obituary of Louise Keister Martin
3. Obituary of Mrs. Amelia Kester Oliver; Greenville Advocate March 12, 1927 - Saturday
4. 1850 census Ohio, Darke Co, Washington Twp, p 453, #191-191 Christian Krester
5. 1860 census Ohio, Darke Co, Washington Twp, p 183, #820-835 Christian Keister
6. 1880 census Ohio, Darke Co, Washington Twp, ED 73, p 25/375, #239-239 Christian Kester
7. 1880 census Ohio, Darke Co, Washington Twp, ED 73, p 25/375, #243-243 Philip Kester
8. letter Mrs Michael Deeter - 24 June & 5 Oct 1987
CR.0.03 Philip Kester 1844-1913
From: Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio
One of the most progressive and successful agriculturists of Greenville township, Darke county is Philip Kester, who
owns a valuable farm of one hundred and thirteen acres pleasantly located a mile and a half west of the city of
Greenville. His method of farm management show deep scientific knowledge combined with sound practical judgment
and the results show that "high class" farming as an occupation can be made quite profitable.
A native of Darke county Mr. Kester was born near Hill Grove in Washington township September 1[?] 1844 and is a
son of Christian and Catherine (Burgin) Kester, who were born in Germany, but became acquainted after their emigration to America and were married in this county, the ceremony being performed by Judge Armstrong in 1838. The father
was left an orphan at an early age and had to depend upon his own efforts to ------ a livelihood. During his ------- he
came to the United States and first located in Baltimore, Maryland, where he found employment for a time at railroad
building. From that city he came to Darke county, Ohio in October 1838 and purchased a farm of forty acres in Washington township, only ten acres of which had been cleared, while a small cabin had been partially erected on the place.
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 65
Here he and his wife began housekeeping and it continued to be their home for forty-five year, during which time they
were reasonably prosperous, accumulating a handsome competence by years of incessant toil. The father was a man of
exceptional character, fully enjoyed life, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He took an active interest in
educational affairs and was officially connected with the schools of his district. In politics he was a Republican. Both he
and his wife held membership in the Reformed church, though she was reared Lutheran. He died February 2, 1882,
aged seventy-five years and she passed away December 13, 1886, aged sixty-six years. In their family were eight children, namely, Catherine who is now the wife of George Wise of Darke; Philip, our subject, the next in order of birth;
Louisa, who is the wife of W. H. H. Martin, of Darke; Susanna, who is the wife of Eli Cook; Lavina who is the wife of S. S.
Staudt; and Millie, the wife of Edward Oliver; all of these are residents of Darke county; and Lewis and Henry. Lewis
enlisted August 11, 1862 in Company K Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service until taken prisoner by General Kirby Smith’s forces. He was soon paroled and sent home, and after being exchanged rejoined his regiment at Christmas 1862, but in April of the following year he was taken ill with the measles and died, in a hospital at Mufreesboro, Tennessee, May 10, 1863, at about the age of twenty-one years. Henry died in 1860 at the age of six years.
Philip Kester’s educational advantages were such as the common schools of Washington township afforded during his
boyhood. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age, and then he began his life for himself as
a farmer, purchasing forty-eight acres of land north of Greenville in Greenville township, which he operated for four
years. On selling that place he bought eighty acres of land in Washington township, where he carried on farming for
seven years, and when he disposed of that property he moved to Greenville, where he lived for four years. In 1887 he
located upon his present farm in Greenville township, to the cultivation and further improvement of which he has since
devoted his energies with most gratifying results.
In 1871 Mr. Kester married Miss Fannie F. Keefawver, daughter of George and Keziah (Rahn) Keefawver, and by this
union were born three children; Lewis Ulysses, Elmer E. and Rolla G. The second son, Elmer E. married Effie Finard
and has one child, Esther, and they reside in Jackson township, this county.
Politically, Mr. Kester is a Republican, and he gives his support to every enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit, being one of the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of this community. In the summer of 1900 he
made a trip to Europe, visiting all the principal cities and points of interest, including the Paris Exposition.
Source: A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio; Compendium of National Biography; Chicago; The Lewis Publishing Company; 1909
From the CAOA Archives
Philip Kester born 1 September 1844 in Washington Township, Darke County, Ohio, son of Christian and Catherine (Burgin) Keister.
He bought a 48 acre farm in Greenville Township of Darke County about 1867 and farmed until about 1871.
He married 27 April 1871 Fannie E Keefawver in Darke County, Ohio. Fannie was born November 1853 in Adams
Township of Darke County, Ohio, daughter of George and Keziah (Rahn) Keefawver.
Philip sold his farm in Greenville Township, and bought a 80 acre farm in Washington Township and farmed until
about 1878. He sold this farm and moved to Greenville for four years.
In 1887, he located on another farm in Greenville Township. In the summer of 1900, Philip traveled throughout
Europe, and visited the Paris Exposition.
Philip died 10 February 1913. Fannie died 21 May 1937. They were interred at Greenville Cemetery, Greenville,
Ohio.
Their children:
1. Lewis Ulysses Kester born 1873; died 1953, interred at Greenville Cemetery.
2. Elmer Elsworth Kester born 13 July 1875; married 27 June 1897 Effie Finnarn, married Virgie ________; died
1947, interred at Greenville Cemetery.
3. Rolla G Kester born 1879; married about 1911 Sadie _____; died 1938, interred at Greenville Cemetery.
Sources:
1. A Biogrpahical History of Darke County, Ohio\The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago (1900), pp 290-291
2. Obituary Mrs. Fannie E. Kester Greenville Daily\May 22, 1937 - Saturday
3. Obituary Fanny Kester Greenville Daily\May 26, 1937 - Wednesday
1880 census Ohio, Darke Co, Washington Twp, ED 73, p 25/375, #243-243 Philip Kester
1900 census Ohio, Darke Co, Greenville Twp West Pct, ED 55, p 8/143, #160-161 Philip Keister
1910 census Ohio, Darke Co, Greenville Twp Philip Kester
letter Mrs Michael Deeter - 5 Oct 1987
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 66
News Caster
December 2007
I n d e x o f A n c e s t o r L i n e s G. . . , K e . . . , o r K i . . .
Starting with this issue we will be featuring archive data for ancestor lines whose surnames begin with G, Ke or Ki in
future December News Casters . It is our hope that you will contribute articles, pictures and information for these future
issue. It is also our hope that you will check your records to see if you have any information on these lines that have
been featured to help us tie families together.
The following index is a list current CAOA members’ ancestors. On page 69 you will find an index of other G, Ke or Ki
lines we have information for in the archives.
If you would like to see more information about any of these lines please let the editor know.
Member Lines
YOB
YOD
Notes
HG.0 Heini Gerster
1688
Left Switzerland in 1736 –settled in the Carolinas
LK.0 Ludwig Kister
1688
1770
Born at Zinswiller near Oberbronn; his descendants came to America
FK.0 Fredrick Keister
1730
1814
?born in Palatinate? arrived Philadelphia 1737 age 7 —settled in Virginia
PH.0 Phillip Kester
c1732 b1814 Seems to have lived in Virginia most of his life.
HI.0 Heinrich Kister
b1739 b1785 Emigrated from Switzerland before 1758; settled North Carolina
IK.0 Isaac Kester
1770
1843
Born in Tennessee or Kentucky, first found in Louisiana Territory
HBK.0 Henry Keister
1774
1837
Probably son of George or Peter Keister—lived Union Co, Pennsylvania
JOK.0 John Kester
1791
PT.0 Peter Keister
1813
HRK.0 Hiram Keister
1838
Served in War of 1812 in Pennsylvania Militia
1891
Is he the son of Jacob Kister from Fairview Township in 1820-30
Had a brother named Hezekiah
JOS.0 Josiah "J. R." Kester
Help needed with Unknowns
Source: The Butler Family; Albert Wilmot Rook 1901; Seattle
Charles C. Kiester married Rosalia E. Butler on 7 October 1888. They lived in Traver, California
1.James Armel was born on 25 September 1889.
2.Gladys Everil was born on 28 April 1891 and died on 6 June 1891
Rosalie Kiester married second, Frank Hurrell on 4 February 1899
Source: Annals of Tazewell County, Virginia From 1800 to 1922; John Newton Harman, Sr. Tazewell, VA; Vol I; 1922
Florence J. Whiteley (James S., William, David), born October 19 1872; married George W. Keister.
1. Louisa G. Keister married C. B. Jesse
1. Vera Jeanette Keister
2. Blanchard O. Keister
3. Margaret E. Keister married T. E. Duncan
4. Virginia Keister
5. Walter J. Keister
6. Gertrude Keister
Also found on another page is the marriage of Mary E. Custard to James C. Peery on October 24. (Year not given)
Source: German-American Genealogical Research Monograph #6; 1979
Subjects who have applied for emigration from Hessen-Hanau, Germany 1741-1767
Name: Henr[ich] Kester from Wachenb[uchen?] to: Carolina year: 1742
Source: KY Court of Appeals; Deed Book Vol III; KY Records Series Vol 8; Michael L. Cook & Bettie A. Cook; 1979
P 121 Indenture. May 26 1815. Elizabeth Guthry. Susan Shepherd and Margaret Hamilton. Of Baltimore. Maryland. To
John Kester of Shelby County, Kentucky. For $35.00. a tract of land in Shelby County, on the waters of Elk Creek. Beginning at the most eastwardly corner of Daniel Stark’s survey. Thence southwest. And containing 35 acres. Being a part
of a tract heretofore conveyed by Adam Shepherd to Daniel Stark. Signed by Robert Wickliffe as attorney in fact for the
grantors. Recorded by the Kentucky Court of Appeals. May 26. 1815
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 67
H G. 0 H e i n i G e r s t e r 1 6 8 8 - / / S w i t z e r l a n d
Heini Gerster was baptized 15 January 1688. He is the son of Hans Joggi Garster and Barbara Jausslin. Heini is a
familiar form of Heinrich which is equivalent to Henry in English. Joggi is a familiar form of Jacob. Heini married Anna
Weissin. Anna was baptized 20 October 1695, daughter of Hans Weis and Anna Buser (Hans and Anna were married
28 January 1679) of Thurnen. Heini and Anna lived in Thurnen, Canton of Basel,
Weissin is the feminine
Switzerland. They left Switzerland in 1736 to go to the Carolinas in America. They paid an
version of Weiss or Weis
emigration tax on 1300 pounds of material, and also paid a fee for manumission. It is
believed they went to New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina where a Swiss colony had
been established in 1705 by Christoph von Graffenried. There is a Craven County record in 1748 of Henry Caster
paying taxes. Gerster seems to have evolved into Garster, Caster, or Gaster in America. This is similar to the well
known case of Hans Georg Gerster who came from Gelterkinden to Pennsylvania in 1736, and was soon known to be
John George Castor. Apparently the English speaking colonists in America were not well equipped to handle German
names, and a change in the pronounciation of the name resulted.
Henry and Anna had four children in Switzerland before leaving, Barbara, Anna, Verena, and Heinrich. They appear
to have had one more child in America, Jacob.
We do not know when Henry Caster died. His wife, Anna, appears to have survived him and married Frederick Listler.
We suspect that Litsler is a corruption of Lutzler, and Frederick Litsler is perhaps another Swiss immigrant -- Lutzler is a
name found in the same area of Basel. The 1759 Rowan County (North Carolina) tax list shows Fredk Letcher in the
proximity of the residences of Casters, Treeces, and others associated with the lineage, and it is assumed this is
Frederick Litzler. A land grant was made to Frederick Leslier 7 January 1761 on [Dutch] Second Creek, and this further
places Frederick in the same area. Frederick died a short time before 14 July 1767, the date that his will was probated in
Rowan County. In 1768, Anna conveys the same land grant obtained by Frederick Litsler to her son, Jacob. Anna died
a short time before 4 November 1783, the date that her will was probated in Rowan County. Her will names Henry
Garster, Barbara Garster alias Care, Annah Garster alias Mills, Frone Garster alias Wallis, and Jacob Garster. Jacob
Children of Heini and Anna
1. Barbara Gerster/Garster baptized 20 March 1718 in Switzerland; married Captain Benjamin Beverett, married second
Joseph Carr.
2. Anna Gerster/Garster baptized 21 January 1720 in Switzerland; married William Mills of Onslow County
3. Verena "Frone" Gerster/Garster baptized 13 June 1724 in Switzerland; married Andrew Wallace, may have married
second Nicholas Rimer.
4. Heinrich/Henry Gerster/Garster/Gaster/Caster baptized 13 April 1727 in Switzerland; married Wilmouth _______; died
4 December 1804 in Moore County, North Carolina at the age of 78.
5. Jacob Garster/Caster born in North Carolina; married Christina _________; died August 1809 in Rowan County, North
Carolina.
Source:
Over the Mountain Men, Their Early Court Records in Southwest Virginia; Anne L. Worrel 1983
—John Custard married in Franklin County, 2 June 1801 Elizabeth Hudson, daughter of Eliza Beth (Elizabeth?) Hudson.
—David Custer married in Franklin County, 9 December 1799 Zaney Nowini, daughter of Elizabeth Campbell.
Page 14
—Lodewick Keester (Koster) married in Franklin County, 1 August 1789 Mary Boom, daughter of Jacob Boom.
Page 25
—David Cress married in Grayson County, 28 November 1815 Deborah Kester.
Page 27
—Peter Kester married in Grayson County, 25 March 1806 Hannah Davis.
—Richard Kester married in Grayson County, 3 April 1799 Phebe Brown.
Page 56
—Eli Kester, deceased, appraisel of estate, June 1841 in Grayson County.
2008 Dues are due on 1 Janury 2008
Watch for your Renewal Form in the Mail.
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 68
News Caster
December 2007
LK.0 Ludwig Kister 1688– 1770
Ludwig Kister was born 29 November 1688 at Zinswiller near Oberbronn, son of Johannes and Maria Susanna (—?—)
Kister. He was baptized 3 December 1688 in Oberbronn. He was confirmed at age 14 years. He married 1717 Maria
Susanna Schneider at Oberbronn. Maria Susanna Schneider was born 9 November 1695. Maria Susanna had been
living at Asswiller before her marriage. Ludwig was a shoemaker, as was his father. They lived at Durstel (about 36
miles northwest of Strasbourg, and 6 miles east of the Sarre River), Alsace, France. The area is known as "Crooked
Alsace." The people speak German, Lorraine dialect. Ludwig died 12 July 1747 and was buried the 15th. Maria
Susanna, widow of Ludwig, died 12 August 1770 and was buried the following day in the churchyard. Ludwig and Maria
Susanna had five sons and three daughters.
Children of Ludwig and Maria Susanna
1. A first son may have been baptized in Oberbronn (this record has not been searched).
2. Johann Jacob Kister baptized 16 February 1721; married 13 May 1751 Maria Christian
Entzmenger in Durstel, Alsace, France.
3. Johann Ludwig Kister born 18 September 1723, baptized 19 September 1723; married 4
November 1748 Eva Christina Antoni at Bettwiller parish Durstel; married second Catharina
________; died between 11 December 1786 and 19 January 1787 in Lehigh Township,
Northampton County, Pa.
4. Maria Christina Kister baptized 29 December 1728;
5. Maria Elisabeth Kister baptized 31 March 1731.
6. George Philip Kister born 25 September 1733, baptized 27 September 1733; married Anna
Maria Tetisman Old Goshenhoppen 30 October 1755 Lutheran Church, Montgomery County,
PA.
7. Johann Martzloff Kister born 26 August 1737, baptized 28 August 1737; married Rachel Dieter
about 1768; died 1834.
FK.0 Frederick Keister 1705– 1814
Frederick was born in 1730 possibly in Palatinate. In 1737 he arrived with his parents in Philadelphia aboard the ship
Virtuous Grace, when he was seven years old. By 1753 he was living in Rockingham County Virginia. In 1755 he married Hannah Dyer, daughter of Roger and Hannah (Green) Dyer.
Frederick served in the Colonial Wars and the Revolutionary War.
He died in 1814
Children of Frederick and Hannah
1.James Keister born 1756, married Elizabeth Jane Davis, die 12 June 1834.
2.Hannah Keister born c1757, married George Hull c1786, died 1837
3.Sarah Keister born 1762, married Burton Blizzard, December 1780, died 17 March 1837
4.Esther Keister married Adam Hull, died 1836
5.Mary Keister born ??, married Gabriel Kyle 1797
6.Frederick Keister Jr. born 1774, married Anne E. Propst 1791; married Malinda Grim 3 June 1851 in Highland County,
VA, died 1857
7.George Keister born 5 February 1776, married Susannah Peck 18 February 1800; married Mary Ann Jordon 12 October 1843, died 18 July 1854.
8.Elizabeth Keister born ??, married Henry Hull.
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 69
PH.0 Philip Kister c1732 – b1814
Philip Kester/Custer/Kister born about 1732. Philip Custer married Elizabeth Levi 2 January 1776 at Linville Creek
Baptist Church, Rockingham County, Virginia. If this is a marriage of this Philip, then she is his second wife and not the
mother of his children. Philip is known to have lived in Rockingham County, Virginia. He received a grant of 140 acres
in Rockingham County on Mill Creek, a Branch of the North River of the Shenandoah in 17 April 1788. It appears that he
moved with his children to Montgomery County, Virginia in 1799, and is living with his son, Philip, in 1810. Philip left a
will in Montgomery County, Virginia, which was proved in November 1814.
Children of Philip and (—?—)
1. Philip Kester/Keister born 7 June 1753; married Maria Catherine (surname unknown) around 1777; died in 1817.
2. John Kester.
3. Polly Kester married (name unknown) Bumgardner.
4. Rebeckah Kester married (name unknown) Dedrecks/Deitrick.
5. Peter Kester/Keister born 1760-1765; married Elizabeth (surname unknown); died after 1830.
Index of Other Ke—Ki—G Lines found in the Archives
Other Ke-Ki-G Lines
ADKE.0 Adam Keister
Adam Keister
ADK.0 Adam Kester
CHK.0 Charles Kester
CR.0 Christian Keister
CKI.0 Christoph Kister
CKIST.0 Conrad Kister
DK.0 Daniel Kester
DE.0 David Kester
DAK.0 David Kister
FW.0 Frederick William Kister
GKE.0 George Kester
GK.0 George Kester
HAKE.0 Harold Kester
HG.0 Heini Gerster
HKA.0 Heinrich Kaister
HKE.0 Henry Keester
HEK.0 Henry Kester
HY.0 Henry Kister
HAK.0 Henry August Kester
HK.0 Henry F. Kester
JAK.0 Jacob Kester
JKI.0 John Keister
JKE.0 John Kester
JKS.0 John Kister
LWRK.0 Lawrence Kister
LKE.0 Lewis Keaster Sr.
LEK.0 Lewis Keister
MI.0 Michael Kester
NK.0 Noah Keister
PKE.0 Paul Kester
PKT.0 Paul Kester
PKES.0 Peter Keister
PEK.0 Peter Kester
PTRK.0 Peter Kester
SK.0 Samuel Kester
SKE.0 Samuel Kester
TKE.0 T. Kester
YOB
1782
1819
1791
1842
1806
1832
1788
1822
1799
1765
1863
1739
1807
1907
1688
1670
1803
1760
1780
1847
1800
YOD
1847
1876
1882
1923
1830
1938
1795
1980
1740
1831
1850
1872
1918
1882
1795
1749
1765
1784
1863
1817
1826
1833
1825
1818
1749
1781
1759
1762
1762
1800
1812
1871
1860
1855
1832
1832
1895
Notes
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 70
News Caster
December 2007
HI.0 Heinrich Kister b1739 – b1785
Henry Kester/Heinrich Kuster\born between 1727 and 1739 in Germany. He emigrated to America from Rothekirch
(Rotenkirken near Einbeck) in Hanover (Niedersachen). He married 7 March 1758 Maria Eva "Eve" Rieckertin at the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, Lancaster, Pa. Henry died between 1783 and 1785. Eve died prior to
1790.
Children of Heinrich and Maria Eva
1. Henry Kester. Is this the Henry Kuster who died 1828 in Bainbridge, Lancaster County?
2. Johan Ludwig Kuster/Kister born 19 February 1761 in Lancaster County; married Elizabeth _______ about 1784; died
1799 in Newberry Township, York County, Pa.
3. Adam Kester born 1 June 1765; married 18 March 1783 Margaret Wagoner; died 8 May 1821.
4. David Kester born between 1766 and 1768. Is this the David Kister who married Elve Epley?
5. John Kester. Is this the John Kuster appearing on the tax rolls of 1772 in Rapho Twp of Lancaster County?
6. Anna Kester born 20 November 1765 ; married Andrew Fertinbaugh/ Fortenbaugh about 1783; died 20 June 1844 in
Newberry Township, buried at Millers Burial Ground.
7. Eve Kester married ______ Baker (may have married Samuel Herman - see family group sheet by Marjorie Deal and
letter from Nola Marquardt 26 Dec 1991).
8. George Kister born 1759/1762; married Ann/Anna Schenk about 1779; died 10 February 1843.
Census of 1783, York County - Henry Keester, of Newberry
Township, 4 horned cattle, 4 horse, 7 sheep, 150 acres, 1 house, 1 barn; valuation L300.12.6, tax L3.8.11
T
he following books are in the Library and can be requested. I will be willing to do a search for information. Send
email or letter to the Archive Coordinator at [email protected]
Author/Compiler
Compiled notes from Reunion
Donald E. Kester
Title
Castor-Gerster 250th Family Reunion
Cavalryman In Blue Colonel John Wood Kester
Das Gersterbuch
N. Stephen Castor
Gerster/Castor Family Homeland Tour, A Journal of the
Great Rebellion, The (A Kiester Family Chronicle)
Heckert/Keister/Dyer Pioneer Families of West VA
W. D. Walter
Keister Descendants, History of Walter &
Keister Descendents. Chart, Frederick
Keister Family, Lineage of the
Keister Family, Strasburg, VA & The
Philip L. Keister
Keister Family, The [Phillip]
Keister House, Lives & Letters from
Donna Kiester Gibson
Keister/Kiester Road
Jackson Ambrose Kiester
Keisters (Kiesters/Kisters) in America, A Gen. Of Some
Donald Henry Strale
Kester & Ann Wood, Some Ancestors of William
Harriet Evelyn Wallace
Kester Genealogy, Matthews Utter
John E. Hunt
Pound and Kester Families 1904 [Folder with copies of pages from the book. Paac taking to Vallejo for repair or discard it.----no need to keep the pages since we have the book]
Donald Henry Strahle & others William York Kester & Eliza Jane Buckins of Philadelphia & Roanoke
Learn about the CAOA Library by going to our website at: http://www.rootsweb.com/~caoa/libindex/library.htm
Library books are only loaned out to members of the CAOA. An initial deposit of $25.00 is required. The Treasurer upon receipt of
your deposit will inform the CAOA Librarian of your request.
You are responsible for the cost of shipping and return of the book. The shipping cost will be deducted from your deposit. You may
request a refund of your remaining deposit at any time or leave it until you wish to order another book.
Only one (1) book will be sent at a time. If you would like more than one book, the remaining books will follow as each borrowed
book is received by the Librarian.
Make Checks or Money Orders (please No Cash) payable to The Castor Association of America and send it with your request to the
Treasurer.
Please feel free to email the CAOA Librarian at [email protected]
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 71
HBK.0 Henry Keister c1774 – b1837
Henry B Keister was born about 1774-1775, probably son of Peter Keister or George Keister. Henry married
Catharine (—?—). Catharine was born about 1780-1784. Henry operated a saw mill. They lived in Hartley Township of
Union County, Pennsylvania. Henry died intestate shortly before 20 April 1837:
Children of Henry and Catherine
1. George H Keister born 1794-1800; married Elizabeth (surname unknown); died before 1852.
2. Susan Keister born 1794-1800; married James Clark; died before 1852.
3. Jacob born 1800-1802; married Catherine (surname unknown); died before 1837.
4. Peter Keister born about 1805; married Rebecca (surname unknown); died before 1852.
5. Henry Keister Jr born about 1809; married Catharine (surname uknown); died 1881.
6. Mary Keister born about 1810; died before 1852.
7. Samuel Keister born 1810-1820; married Catharine (surname unknown); died 1844
8. John Keister born about 1813; married Magdalene (surname unknown)died after 1880.
9. Elizabeth Keister born about 1815; married Daniel Shively.
10 Noah Keister born 1815-1820; minor child in 1837.
11. Sarah Keister born 1815-1820; minor child in 1837; married Charles Klingler before 1852.
Whereas my late husband Henry Kister decd intestate and the Administration of the goods & chattles rights & credits of right belongs to me, but considering the burden of the Administration and selling the Estate, I do release my right of
Administration to the same. Witness my hand the 20th day of April 1837.
Test
her
Samuel Roush
Catharine X Kister
mark
We the undersigned Heirs of Henry Keister Decd do assign over our priviledge of Being Administrator Of the Said
Estate of our Father Henry Keister deseasd that any person may have the priviledge of administering on sd Estate of the
Said Deseasd this 28th day of April AD 1837.
his
George X Keister
mark
Peter Keister
Samuel Kister
Henry Keister Jr
John Kister
20 December 1837
The petition of John Smith administrator of Henry Kister late of Hartley township decd was presented to the Court stating --That the said Intestate left ---- eleven children to wit: George, Jacob, who died leaving a widow Named Catherine &
four minor children to wit Jesse, Debby, Noah and Judy; Peter, Henry; Samuel; John ; Susan, now the wife of James
Clark; Mary; Elizabeth Shively; Noah and Sarah, the two last whereof is yet in their minority. That the
personal estate of the said intestate is insufficient for the payment of his debts as the account and statement herewith ------ appears. And that the said intestate died seized in his domain as of fee, of and in a certain tract of land situate in
the township aforesaid, adjoining Penns Creek and land of Brooks, George Kister and land belonging to the heirs of
John Williams decd containing one hundred and two acres and five eighths of an acre more or less-- And a certain other
tract of unimproved land situate in the twonship & County aforesaid adjoining lands of Michael Gearhart,
George Kister & heirs of John Williams containing forty six acres more or less -- And a certain other tract of Mountain
land adjoining his other land containing one hundred and three acres and thirty two perches -- Your petitioner therefore
humbly prays your honorus to grant him an order to make sale of the said ------- and tracts of land aforesaid with the
sppurtenences, for the payment of debts and maintenance and education of minor children of the said intestate -- and he
will pray etc. A statement exhibiting a true account of the Inventory and appraisment of the
intestates personal ------- and also a Just and true account of all the intestates debts come to his knowledge
The land was sold to Daniel Shively and Smuel Kister for the sum of One thousand and five dollars. The final distribution was made at the May 1847 Court.
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 72
News Caster
December 2007
IK.0 Isaac Kester a1775 – 1843
Isaac William Kester Sr. was born between 1770-1780 in either Tennessee or Kentucky, according to his children on
later census. His first child was born between 1800 and 1810. He must have married before 1800. We do not know her
name.
He is first found on a petition in the St. Genevieve District 88, Louisiana Territory in 1806.
He is found on the tax list of Lawrence County, Arkansas in 1816. He moved to Union Township, Lawrence County
circa 1817 where served on a jury that year. He is listed on the Lawrence County Administrators Notice for 30 August
1822 as the administrator of the estate of John Bradberry, deceased.
He married second Nancy Gray 26 September 1833 in Lawrence County, Arkansas.
Isaac or Isaac, Jr. bought two parcels of land from the federal government in 1834 and 1835. This land combined was
about 80 acres and lay in Sections 18 and 20, Township 19-N, Range 4-W, which is now in Sharp County, Arkansas.
Isaac Kester, Sr. appears on the Lawrence County, Arkansas tax lists from 1828 to 1837. The 1830 Lawrence
County, Arkansas census lists him as a male 50-60 years old. His wife is 20-30 years old and he has nine children, five
sons and four daughters.
He died in 1843 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. On 16 December 1843 Lemuel Beasley was appointed administrator.
Nancy died 4 October 1845 in Lawrence County. Ferguson Booth was appointed her administrator. Her heirs were
listed as: Sarah Jane Winstead, William Gray, Riley Gray, Nelson Gray and (?)(should be Josiah) Kester; all residing on
Spring River, Lawrence County, Arkansas.
Children of Isaac and (—?—)
1. Isaac William Kester, Jr. was born between 1800-1810 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. He married circa 1833 Union
Everett in Arkansas. They were living Marion County, Arkansas in 1843. Isaac died between 1843-1850 in Marion
County, Arkansas.
2. Frederick Kester born 1810-15; married Mary “Polly” Humphreys 10 December 1831 Lawrence County, Arkansas;
died 1833 Lawrence County, Arkansas.
3. Arnold Kester born 1810-15; married Dolly (--?--); died February 1843 Lawrence County. Arkansas.
4. Elizabeth Kester born 1810-15; married Joseph Brewer 29 May 1841 Lawrence County, Arkansas; living Lawrence
County, Arkansas 1843.
5. William Kester; living Marion County, Arkansas 1843.
6. daughter born 1821-1830
7. duaghter born 1821-1830
8. son born 1826-1830
9. Susan Kester born 1826-30; living Marion County, Arkansas 1843.
Children of Isaac and Nancy
10. Josiah Kester born 1841; fought in the Confederacy; married Amanda (--?--) about 1881; died 1928 Claremore,
Oklahoma.
Isaac William Kester Sr. c1755-1843 Workbook is available online at www.lulu.com. Search on Isaac or Kester.
T
he following files are in the archives. They cannot be loaned out. I will be willing to do a search for information.
Send email or letter to the Acrchive Coordinator
Author/Compiler
N. Stephen Castor
CAOA Archive Coordinator
unknown
John G. Kester
Title
Gerster/Castor Family Homeland Tour, A Journal of the
Keister, Henry B. 1774-1837
Kester, Henry (Kuster, Henrick)
Kester/Keister George
Kester/Keister, George of Union Co, Pa
Kester/Kister, Henry 1772-1850
Weser, Wolf, Winnebago and Westward (The Romberg, Ahlswede, Patzlaff, Kester, Knoke, Giebel and
Allied Families of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest )
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 73
JOK.0 John Kester 1791 – //
John Kester was born in 1791 in Pennsylvania. He was drafted at Allentown for service in War of 1812 and served
from Northampton County from 10 September 1814 to 22 December 1814 in Captain John Shaffer's Regiment Pennsylvania Militia. John married Margaret (—?—) (there may have been a previous marriage). Margaret was born about
1790 in Pennsylvania. In 1853 they were living in Briar Creek Township of Columbia County, Pa. John was a farmer
and laborer.
Children of John and Margaret
1. William Sloan Kester born 6 August 1824 in Columbia County, Pa; married about 1846 Margaret (—?—), married
about 1855 Rebecca Dietterick, married about 1858 Lucinda Harter; died 8 November 1913 in Laketon Township, Muskegon, Michigan.
2. Margaret Kester born about 1826.
3. Adam Kester born about 1828; married Emeline (—?—) . He died in Michigan.
4. Mary Ann Kester born about 1832.
Sources:
1820 census Pa, Northampton Co, Lehigh Twp
p 249 John Kester 1M 16-26 1F 16-26 2M -10
p 250 John Kester 1M 16-26 1F 26-45 1M -10
1F -10
1F 10-16 2F -10
1830 census Pa, Northampton Co, Lehigh Twp,
p 109 John Kester 1M 30-40 1F 20-30 1M 15-20
1F
-5
1840 census Pa, Columbia Co, Briar Creek Twp,
p 198 John Kester 1M 40-50 1F 50-60 2M 10-15 1F 15-20 1F 10-15
1850 census Pa, Columbia Co, Briar Creek Twp, p 148, #39-40
John Kester 59 laborer
Pa
Margaret "
60
"
Margaret "
24
"
Adam "
22 mason
"
Mary Ann "
18
"
1860 census Pa, Columbia Co, Briar Creek, Twp, p 615, #1122-1122
Jno Kester
69 farmer
Pa
M "
71 (f)
"
James Doyle 4
"
Mary Kester 27
"
Custard Family Monument Dedication
By Teresa Tucker
Guest drummer, Gillis
Bartles, and descendant,
David Martin, dressed in
uniform like William Custard might have worn.
On October 28, 2007 about 50 guests and descendants
of William Custard (1810-1895) and his wives, Mary Ann
Bell Custard and Clarinda Stanfield Custard met at the
Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Texas to dedicate a gray
granite monument to the family.
The United States and the Texas flags were presented
by an Honor Guard in Republic of Texas dress. Speakers
were descendants David Martin and Teresa Tucker.
Guest speakers were John Homman representing the
Sons of the Republic of Texas and Dale Flatt representing Save Austin Cemeteries. To commemorate the family
as citizens of the Republic of Texas, musket salutes were
sounded by the Honor Guard members, Terry Ayer, Texian Legacy Association; Tom Green, Sons of the Republic of Texas member; Marvin Morgan; Steve von Roeder;
and David Martin.
John Homman of the
Sons of the Republic of
Texas commemorating
the Custard Family at
the monument dedication.
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 74
News Caster
December 2007
P T. 0 P e t e r K e i s t e r 1 8 1 3 – 1 8 9 1
Peter Keister was born about 1813 in York County, Pennsylvania, died 5 Nov 1891 Decatur, Macon Co., IL buried at
Boiling Springs Cemetery, Hickory Point Twp., Macon Co., IL. Is Peter the son of Jacob Kister who was enumerated in
Fairview Township in 1820 and 1830 census? Peter married about 1838 York Co., PA Susana Fetrow born 1818 York
Co., PA died 4 Mar 1901 buried at Boiling Springs Cemetery, Hickory Point Twp. Macon Co., IL daughter of Abraham
and Mary // Fetrow. They located 1849 in Macon County, Illinois.
Children of Peter and Susanna
1. Mary Keister was born in 1839 and died in 1841.
2. John F Keister born 16 May 1843 died 12 Jan 1918 buried Boiling Springs Cemetery Hickory Point Twp, Macon Co.,
IL married Nancy Weaver born 1854 died 26 Dec 1925 buried Boiling Springs Cemetery Hickory Point Twp, Macon Co.,
IL
3. Julius Keister born 1847 died 4 Dec 1898 Decatur, IL married Matilda "Tillie" Good born 17 Feb 1849 died 11 Dec
1929 daughter of Peter Good (born 2 Dec 1808 died 11 May 1892) and Catherine (Zorger) Good born 5 Feb 1812 died
19 Aug 1881
1840 census Pa, York Co, Fairview Twp
p 190 Peter Kester 1M 20-30
1F 20-30 1F -5
1850 census Illinois, Macon Co.p131
Peter Kister 35 M Farmer 500 PA
Susan Kister 32 F
PA
John Kister
7 M
PA
Julius Kister 3 M
PA
1860 census Illinois, Macon Co, p 123
Peter Keister 47 M Farmer 3000 450 PA
Susan Keister 43 F
PA
John Keister 17 M
PA
Julius Keister 12 M
PA
Also living with them were Mary Reynolds 19 IL; Susan Hollmon 12 O; Jacob Keller 26 PA
1870 census Illinois, Macon Co, Hickory Point p 467
Peter Keesler 57 M W Farmer 9000 400 PA
Susan Keesler 53 F W Keeping House PA
Martha ____oo_ 19 F W Servand Girl
PA
(indexed as Keester)
Who is this Peter?
1880 census Illinois, Macon Co, ED 157, p 12
John F Keister 37
Pa
Nancy "
31 wife
"
Charley "
13 son
Ill
Mary "
10 dau
"
Franklin "
3 son
"
Harriet "
1 dau
"
Jacob Billett 31
Pa
Julius Keller 18
Ill
Anna Strope 15 adopted
"
1870 census Illinois, Macon Co, Hickory Point p 467
Peter Keister 57 M W Farmer 5000 600 PA
Susan Keister 52 F W Keeping House PA
John Keister 27 M W Farmer —- 800 PA
Nancy Keister 21 F W Keeping House PA
Charlie Keister 2 M W
IL
Mary Keister 2m F W
IL
(unreadable) 35 M W working on farm PA
1880 census Illinois, Macon Co, ED 154, p 16
Julius Keister 32
Pa
Tillie "
31
"
John "
10
Ill
Emma "
8
"
Peter "
6
"
Norman "
4
"
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 75
HRK.0 Hiram Keister 1838 – //
Hiram Keister was born 15 January 1838 in Butler County, PA. He had a brother Hezekiah, who was born 13 August
1830 in "Clarion" (Clarion County was formed in 1839 from Venango and Armstrong Counties) County, PA and later
lived in Wisconsin. Hiram moved to Jackson County, IA in 1859. Hiram married Jane (surname unknown) about 1863.
Jane was born in PA. Did Jane die between 1870 and 1880? Did Hiram have another brother, James C. Keister, born
Children of Hiram and Jane
1. William Keister born 1863 IA.
2. Millie Keister born 1870 IA.
1860 Census Brandon Twp., Jackson County, IA; p. 393 Hiram Kiester
1870 Census Brandon Twp., Jackson County, IA; p. 379 Hiram Keister
1880 Census Jackson County, IA; ED312; p.6. Hiram Kiester
As you can see by now that for the oldest ancestor of each line we have very little information. I hope to be putting workbooks together for each of these lines in the next year. Any new information would be greatly appreciated. Any help in researching these G-Ke-Ki ancestors would even more appreciated.
Speaking of the workbooks, I thought I would have the FK.0 Frederick Keister workbook done by now. As life
would have it I found a lot more information. I finally have the information in the workbook and now have to put the
finishing touches on it. I hope to have it done by the end of the year. —Patricia
JOS.0 Josiah “J.R.” Kester //-//
Josiah "J.R." Kester was born 3 October 1840 in Lawrence County, Arkansas. (The 1900 census shows his birth as
Nov 1841.)He is found in the 1850 census living with George H. Wells and his family in Union Township, Lawrence
County, Arkansas. His age is given as 11 years old.
He married Arrena W. (—?—) before 1882. She was born c April 1869 in Alabama.
He and his family are found in the 1900 Census living in Union Township, Lawrence County, Arkansas. He was a
farmer and his oldest son was helping him with the farm. There are twelve children and two nieces living with him and
Arrena. His parents were both born in Kentucky.
Arrena’s father was born in Georgia and her mother was born in Alabama. The two nieces were born in Mississippi
and their father was born in Georgia and their mother was born in Alabama, which may indicate that they are the children
of Arrena’s sister, name unknown.
He died on 24 October 1929 in Oakwood, Dewey County, Oklahoma.
Children of Josiah and Arrena W. (—?—)
1. William Isaac Kester was born on 11 July 1881 in Van Buren, Arkansas and he died on 17 February 1966 in Stilwell,
Adair County, Oklahoma. He married Bessie Yarbrough before 1920.
2. John W. Kester was born c May 1883 in Arkansas.
3. Aerefa A Kester was born c September 1885 in Arkansas.
4. Ada Kester was born c July 1887 in Arkansas.
5. Josiah R. Kester was born c 1880 in Arkansas.
6. Nathaniel J. Kester was born c 1891 in Arkansas.
7. Tempie B. Kester was born c 1893 in Arkansas.
8. Elijah J. Kester was born c 1894 in Arkansas.
9. Nancy J. Kester was born c January or c June 1896 in Arkansas.
10. Susie A. Kester was born c January 1898 in Arkansas. (twin)
11. Arrena A. Kester was born c January 1898 in Arkansas. (twin)
12. Benjamin R. Kester was born c April 1900
Nieces:
1. Mary J. Willix was born c October 1880 in Mississippi.
2. Minnie V. Willix was born c December 1882 in Mississippi.
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 76
News Caster
December 2007
Articles in the News Caster for Ke—Ki—G
Mon
Apr
Apr
July
July
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Oct
Dec
Jun
Mar
Jun
Dec
Dec
Dec
Jun
Jun
Mar
Mar
Sep
Sep
Sep
Sep
Sep
Sep
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jun
Mar
Mar
Mar
Mar
Mar
Year
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1983
1984
1984
1985
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1986
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
1987
page
1
1
10
10
4
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
19
6
11
5
65
72
81
31
38
7
10
47
49
54
56
56
60
78
88
92
102
102
102
4
26
27
36
42
43
44
45
6
7
8
12
19
Given
Surname
Kester
Gerster
John
Kester
Johannes
Kester
Nathan
Kester - Kastor - Caster
Hans George
Gerster
Casper
Gerster
Jacob
Gerster
John
Gerster
Samuel
Gerster
Johannes
Gerster
Jacob
Gerster
Johannes
Gerster
Mr. & Mrs.
Gerster
Lewis
Kester
Lewis
Keister - Custard
Joseph
Kester - Custard
Philip
Kister
Kester
Abraham L
Keister
Lorne
Kester
Hans Georg
Gerster
Kester
Kester
Gerster - Castor
Benjamin
Kaster
Benjamin
Kaster
Joseph
Kester
Vaughn
Kester
Paul
Kester
Paul
Kester
Wilhelm
Kister
Marcellus J.
Kester
Kiester
Peter
Kester
Richard
Kester
Eli
Kester
Joseph
Kester
Matheus
Kester
Leonard
Kister
Joseph
Kester
Sarah
Kester - Koster
Anna Christina
Kester
Roy Bernard
Kester
John G
Kester
Fredrig
Kister
Hans George
Gerster
Peter
Kister
Conrad
Kester
Frederick Edward Kester
Title
Family Origins
Family Origins
Queries: John Caster/Kester Sr.
Johannes Kester
Book: Early German Immigrants
Wayne Co Ohio Land
Family Pioneer
families
1861-1916 Military Pension List
Reunion
Veteran War 1812
House Letters
Revolutionary War
purchase
Note
News Caster
Mon
Sep
Sep
Sep
Sep
Dec
Dec
Jun
Mar
Mar
Mar
Sep
Dec
Jun
Jun
Mar
Mar
Sep
Dec
Dec
Jun
Mar
Mar
Mar
Sep
Sep
Jun
Mar
Jun
Jun
Mar
Sep
Sep
Sep
Dec
Dec
Mar
Mar
Mar
Mar
Sep
Dec
Jan
Jun
Mar
Mar
Sep
Dec
Jun
Mar
Mar
Sep
Sep
December 2007
Year page
Given
1987 49 Jacob
1987 49
1987 65 Magdalene
1987 72 William
1988 85 Phillip
1988 90 Johannes
1988 33 Matthias
1988 4 John William
1988 26 William
1988 27 Michael
1988 80 George
1989 89 James W
1989 46 William
1989 47 William Porter
1989 9 Jackson
1989 15 Abram
1989 53 Sarah Wood
1990 74
1990 84
1990 33
1990 4
1990 11 Benjamin H
1990 14 Phillip
1990 66 Mary Helen
1990 70
1991 22
1991 5
1997 34
1997 36 Uriah
1997 8 George
1997 46
1997 47
1997 48 Isaac
1998 70 Rosa A.
1999 67 Benjamin
1999 6 Isaac
1999 13 Joseph
1999 14 Emma
1999 14
1999 50 Conrad
2000 66 Conrad
2000 25 Emma
2001 35 Noah
2001 7
2001 13
2001 41
2002 8
2002 5
2002 3
2002 15 Byron E "Gus"
2003 30 Paul
2003 37 Emma
Vol XXV Issue 4
Surname
Garster
Keister
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Gerster
Kester - Kirsten
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Keister
Keaster
Kester
Kester
Gerster - Castor
Keaster
Keister
Kester
Keister
Kester
Keister
Kester
Kester
Keister
Kester Sr
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kester
Kistard
Kester
Keister
Kester - Custerd - Custard
Kessler
Keister
Kester
Kester
Kister
Kester
Kester
Keister
Title
Immigrant List
Immigrant List
wire Barbara
will
Wedding anniversary
death
Confederate Military Roster
Land/Marriage Records
Renunion
Families in PA
Dr.
Book-Heckert-Keister
Quaker Obits
Indiana Land Grants
Back issue index (partial)
1827-1910 Mary
1777-1838
Queries
Book Review-Calvrymen in blue
Arkansas
Dr.
Arkansas
Arkansas
Land Patents
1783-1863
see Mar 2001 p 15
headstone
Mary & her children
Kesiter's Survive
1933 Reunion
powder horn
Pioneers
Captain
Note
Page 77
Vol XXV Issue 4
Mon Year page
Dec
Dec
Dec
Dec
Jun
Sep
Sep
Jun
Jun
2004
2004
2004
2005
2005
2005
2005
2006
2006
68
68
69
57
28
54
52
24
26
Page 78
Given
News Caster
Surname
Elizabeth
Isaac
Kister
Keister
Kester
Kester
Kister
Peter
Peter
Peter Smoke
Keister
Keister
Kiester
Adam
Title
December 2007
Note
Mill
saw Mill
Co. K
Index?
If you have any of these issues it would be very helpful if you could look up the articles and provide a small description
about what is in the article. Is it a census record; family history; list of tax payers; obituary; or . . . If you make copies of
these pages you can fill it in the Notes column and send it to:
Archive Coordinator Patricia Caster PO Box 955, Windsor, California 95492-0955
N e w s C a s t e r I s s u e s t o b e Av a i l a b l e a t w w w. l u l u . c o m
S
ince all of the issues of the News Caster since 1983 have be digitized and converted into PDF files it is time to make them available
to everyone.
Each file will be searchable and will contain one Volume comprised of
four issues. Each volume will be available from www.lulu.com (search on
Castor). [Keep checking Lulu to see what is there]
Three shipping options will eventually be available, download the file
and save to your hard drive, ship a printed copy or ship it on a CD. The
download file is $3, the printed copy is $15 and the CD copy is $15.
Since the issues are offered as volumes you will not be able to purchase a single issue.
The issues will be made available as soon as possible since one step
is left and that is to make each volume searchable. Hopefully this can be
completed by the end of the year.
At this time there is no index for the any of the volumes. Anyone that
provides an index for two or more issues will receive a free volume of
their choice.
As indexes are created they will be added to each volume and added
to a single overall index for all volumes. If you have purchased a volume
you will be able to request the index when it becomes available.
Not long ago we offered the News Casters free to Libraries of your
choice for the cost of postage. As you can see from the chart on the left
we still have some hard copy issues left. Now is the time to get those
missing issues from your collection just for the cost of postage. Send
your list to the Treasurer and you will be notified about the cost of postage. As soon as it is received your copies will be mailed to you. Requests will be filled in the order they are received.
Index one or more volumes and
receive a free volume of your choice.
Indexes are Important How many times have you looked at a
book thinking “I know I will find something in this book” only to find out
there is no index.
It is the same with newsletters. We just do not have enough volunteers
to help us index the News Caster.
Please consider helping with this project. Even if you just want to index
one or more articles about your ancestors that would be a big start.
Please contact me and we can work together to get the News Casters
indexed. Patricia Caster [email protected]
Available Issues:
Vol
Year
Mar
1
1983
soon
2
1984
soon
3
1985
soon
4
1986
soon
5
1987
13
4
6
1988
14
11
19
7
1989
10
56
59
58
8
1990
30
73
229
63
9
1991
39
24
53
10
1992
57
48
34
11
1993
64
45
29
12
1994
45
33
32
13
1995
39
71
21
14
1996
19
12
10
15
1997
72
64
16
1998
72
92
73
77
17
1999
12
81
64
55
18
2000
20
57
68
58
19
2001
35
39
52
38
20
2002
5
29
54
33
21
2003
34
4*
2
22
2004
2
23
2005
24
2006
5
Jun Sep Dec
14
11
13
5
Lulu
2
* In 2003 the June/September issues were combined.
News Caster
December 2007
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 79
D N A P r o j e c t U pd a t e
By Patricia Caster DNA Project Coordinator
My wait and see position on FTDNA vs Ancestry has changed. With approval from the board FTDNA
(Family Tree DNA) will be our testing site. Their site is at www.ftdna.com. At this time I do not know if you
can view the project results without ordering a test. I have sent a note to find out.
Their companion site at www.ysearch.org allows you to search by surname. At this time it does not group
the results by project but by surname. I have sent in a suggestion for them consider it.
You can always view the results at our website at http://www.rootsweb.com/~caoa where they are
grouped by DNA Families.
I will be contacting each of our members who have taken the test to discuss whether or not they wish to
leave their results at ancestry. For my personal ones I have decided to add them to ysearch and remove
them from ancestry.
I have several new tests to add the site and hope to have them there by the time you receive this newsletter. Some of them will be from non-members who belong to the FTDNA Custer project. (I have been coadmin there for awhile)
If you have any questions please send me a note at [email protected] —Patricia
Magdalena Kuster and Philip Firebaugh—Query
Searching for parents, siblings of Magdalena Kuster, born in Lancaster Co., PA, died 1790 in Elk Lick Twp, Bedford
(later Somerset) Co., PA. She married 14 March 1780 in Paxton / Paxtang Twp, near Middletown, Lancaster (later Dauphin) Co., PA to Philip Firebaugh / Feuerbach (Source: Lancaster County Church Records of the 18th Century, Vol 5,
page 135. Authors: Robert L. Hess and F. Edward Wright).
Children:
Jacob Firebaugh b: between 1780 AND 1790
Phillip Firebaugh b: 1782 in Lancaster (later Dauphin) Co., PA
John Firebaugh b: June 1785 in Elk Lick Twp, Bedford (later Somerset )., PA
Elizabeth Firebaugh b: 1786 in PA
David Firebaugh b: June 1787 in Elk Lick Twp, Bedford (later Somerset ) Co., PA
An approximate age for Magdalena is not known, but Philip Firebaugh / Feuerbach was born about 1744. Assuming
that Magdalena would have been at least 15 by the birth of her first known child in 1780, she could have been born anytime between 1740-1765.
"The Firebaugh-Fierbaugh Family in America" by John Franklin Fierbaugh (privately published, Rocky River Ohio
1981) FHC film # 1033751 indicates Magdalena died 1790 in Elk Lick Twp, Bedford (later Somerset) Co., PA, where
Philip is found on the 1790 census. As there is only one female in the household, which would account for daughter
Elizabeth, Magdalena died before the census date of February 1790. Philip remarried in 1795 to Barbara Hendricks.
The 1800 census of Allegany Co MD indicates Philip Firebaugh was living in Sandy Creek Twp, where he died in
1809. His near neighbor was Emanuel Custer, enumerated here as Custin. Philip's descendants married into the Friend,
Little and Miller families living nearby.
The Firebaugh genealogy indicates Barbara and the children went to Ohio before 1810. There is no 1810 census of
Ohio. However, the 1820 census shows Barbara Hendricks Firebaugh living in North Township, Harrison County Ohio.
Whether or not a coincidence, John and Jacob Custard (sic), were in the same area during that time."
Terri Walker [email protected]
Caoa-gen.org email glitch
Just recently I became aware of a glitch in our email addresses. The emails were getting to the inboxes but
were not forwarded to the officers. If you have sent email to our caoa-gen.org addresses in the last six
months please let us know and we will try to answer your questions or take care of address changes.
I am truly sorry that I did not catch this sooner. In the future if you suspect we did not receive you email
please drop the President a note and we will check it out right away. Patricia
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 80
News Caster
December 2007
The Christmas Hope
Hello, Fellow CAOA Members. First
down to business.
In the stillness of the night
Dues: January is Membership ReTheir hooves shuffled in the straw.
Rough hairy sides raked against the stable wall.
newal time. Please remember to send
the Treasurer your dues for 2008.
Over in the feedbin, cushioned in the hay,
Lulu.com: Visit www.lulu.com to
Swathed in clean soft blankets
The new little one lay.
see and buy CAOA publications. Old
newsletters, family line compilations are available there. This is a
In the midst of stable stock,
very convenient way to own your own personal copy of these great
In shadow of the timber,
resources. For any of our publications on lulu.com you are able to
For base mankind a hope began to glimmer.
order them as a book or a CD or simply download to your computer.
Creator, creation, bonded by God’s might,
Earn Free Publications: See page 78 to see how you can earn
Firstborn, He’d lead from grave
free back issues of the news letter and be of great service to your
To never-ending light.
Association.
Write a Synopsis: On pages 76-78 is a list of past newsletter
He was weak - a human infant.
articles. Please read at least one of these articles and then send a
He was powerful - creator God.
synopsis of it to the Archive Coordinator by email or snail mail. A fun
He was joyful - to redeem a people.
volunteer opportunity.
He was sad - not all would follow where He trod.
Officer & Board Member Reports: Vice President Gary Custer Guiltless from forever, our guilt He took and bore.
reminds that the new year brings membership renewal time. TreasHis flesh destroyed, He rose from death;
Perfected flesh He wore.
urer Joe Lacy reports that CAOA continues to be financially sound.
Archives Coordinator Patricia Castor reports that the new Frederick
Quiet lay the darkened night,
Keister Workbook is a little late because she found new information
Songs of angels now at rest.
in the archives but it will soon be found on lulu.com. Editor Alton SisMother Mary held him close to nurse at breast.
sell and Archivist Patricia are collaborating to bring us several newsJoseph watched intently, awed at this newborn.
letter issues chock full of archive records as well as the usual newsGod’s love poured out to man,
letter articles. Publications Manager Buck Custer states everything
His Word in fleshly form.
continues status quo in his department.
Project Reports: DNA Project: Until now, we have used the
Teresa Nyquist Tucker
company Relative Genetics for our DNA testing. Recently Relative
Genetics was bought by the ever expanding Ancestry.com. To maintain better control over our results, we are switching from Relative Genetics to Family Tree DNA. Patricia will contact
those of you who have had testing to explain further or you may email her at [email protected].
Jing, jing, jing. Jing, jing, jing… I can hear it faintly as I write this. And as you read this, I can hear it clearly,
“Jingle all the Way!” Christmastime is here with all its busyness and sharing.
In this last newsletter of the year, as the holidays fly past, and before the New Year springs into being, I want to
say thank YOU for being a member of the Castor Association of America.
I wish you joy. Teresa
Emily Kaster 1905-2007
P K . 0 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 11 . 0 4 . 0 1 . 0 2 . 0 1 . 0 2 . 0 7
The Castor Association of America Board expresses their condolences to Mary Margaret
Ward, Secretary, for the recent death of her Mother Emily (Kaster) Moore.
E
mily Kaster Moore, age 102, died Tuesday, 13 November 2007 in Winfield, Kansas.
Daughter of Clark Kaster and Amelia Buch, Emily was born on April 21, 1905. Emily
had six siblings: Ann, John, Sleamon, Reuben Fletcher, Hattie, and Press. She was the
only surviving family member of her immediate family.
Emily married David Earl Moore in 1929 in Newkirk County, Oklahoma. He died in 1970.
Emily is survived by her daughter, Mary-Margaret (Moore) Ward and her husband, Lauren
and their son Patrick and daughter Lindsay.
Emily joined the Castor Association of America in 1983 and was a member for 19 years.
She had to withdraw in 2002 because of her health. See News Caster Vol XXIII Issue 2
June 2005 for a wonderful article about Emily and her life.
News Caster
December 2007
INDEX
Antoni
Eva Christina 68
Armel
James 66
Armstrong
Judge 64
Ayer
Terry 73
Bartles
Gillis 73
Baker 70
Berta Mae Ferguson
62
Glen Courtney 62
Julius Caesar 62
Mary Joan 62
Beasley
Lemuel 72
Bell
Clementine Hoover
62
Mary Ann 73
Beverett
Benjamin 67
Billett
Jacob 74
Blizzard
Burton 68
Bloom
Lydia Lucinda 62
Boom
Jacob 67
Mary 67
Booth
Ferguson 72
Bradberry
John 72
Brewer
Elizabeth 72
Joseph 72
Brown
Phebe 67
Buckins
Eliza Jane 70
Butler 66
Rosalia E. 66
Brisbin
Sarah M. 62
Burgin
Catherine 64, 65
Buser
Anna 67
Campbell
Elizabeth 67
Care
Barbara 67
Carr
Joseph 67
Caster 67, 76, 83
Anna 67
Barbara 67
Heini 67
Heinrich 67
Henry 67
Jacob 67
John 76
Patricia 62, 78, 79,
80, 83
Verena 67
Castor 70, 72, 76, 77,
78, 83, 84
John George 67
N. Stephen 70, 72
Phillip 83
Clark
James 71
Susan 71
Cook
Bettie A. 66
Eli 64, 65
Michael L. 66
Susanna Keister 64
Cress
David 67
Custard 73, 76, 77, 83
Jacob 79
John 67, 79
Mary Ann Bell 73
Mary E. 66
William 73
Custer 69, 79, 83
Buck 80, 83
David 67
Emanuel 79
Gary 80, 83
Gary L. 83
Hugh Lee 62
Leodesia Alberta 62
Michael 62, 84
Philip 69
Rebecca Jones 62
Virginia Elizabeth
Franklin Holcomb 62
Custerd 77
Davis
Elizabeth Jane 68
Hannah 67
Deal
Marjorie 70
Dedrecks 69
Deeter
Michael, Mrs. 64, 65
Deitrick 69
Dieter
Rachel 68
Dietterick
Rebecca 73
Duncan
Margaret E. Keister
66
T. E. 66
Dyer 70
Hannah 68
Hannah (Green) 68
Roger 68
Entzmenger
Maria Christian 68
Vol XXV Issue 4
Epley
Elve 70
Everil
Gladys 66
Ferguson
Berta Mae 62
Fertinbaugh
Andrew 70
Fetrow
Abraham 74
Mary 74
Susana 74
Finard
Effie 65
Finnarn
Effie 65
Flatt
Dale 73
Fortenbaugh
Andrew 70
Gaster 67
Heinrich 67
Henry 67
Garster [also see
Caster and Gerster]
67
Annah 67
Barbara 67
Frone 67
Hans Joggi 67
Heinrich 67
Henry 67
Jacob 67, 77
Verena “Frone” 67
Gearhart
Michael 71
Gerster [also see
Caster and Garster]
67, 70, 72, 76, 77, 83
Anna 67
Barbara 67
Casper 76
Hans Georg 67, 76
Heini 66, 67, 69, 84
Heinrich 67
Henry 67
Jacob 67, 76
Johannes 76
John 76
Matthias 77
Mr. 76
Mrs. 76
Samuel 76
Verena “Frone” 67
Gibson
Donna Kiester 70
Giebel 72
Good
Catherine (Zorger)
74
Matilda “Tillie” 74
Peter 74
Graffenried
Christoph von 67
Gray
Nancy 72
Nelson 72
Riley 72
William 72
Green
Hannah 68
Tom 73
Grim
Malinda 68
Guthry
Elizabeth 66
Hamilton
Margaret 66
Harman
John Newton 66
Heckert 70, 77
Herman
Samuel 70
Holcomb
Elizabeth Virginia
Franklin 62
Hollmon
Susan 74
Homman
John 73
Hoover
Clementine 62
Hudson
Eliza Beth 67
Elizabeth 67
Humphreys
Mary “Polly” 72
Hull
Adam 68
George 68
Henry 68
Hunt
John E. 70
Hurrell
Frank 66
Jausslin
Barbara 67
Johnson
Catherine “Kate” 62
Jordan
Mary Ella 62
Jordon
Mary Ann 68
Kaster 83
Amelia Buch 80
Ann 80
Benjamin 76
Clark 80
Emily 80
Hattie 80
John 80
Press 80
Reuben Fletcher 80
Sleamon 80
Keefawver
Fannie E. 64, 65
Fannie F. 65
Keziah (Rahn) 65
Keesler
Peter 74
Page 81
Susan 74
Keester 74
Henry 69, 70
Lodewick 67
Keister [also see
Kester] 70, 72, 77, 83
Abraham L. 76
Adam 78
Amelia “Millie” 64
Anne E. (Propst) 68
Archie J. 63
Benjamin B. 63
Blanchard O. 66
Catharine 71
Catherine 64, 71
Catherine Burgin 64
Charley 74
Charlie 74
Christian 64, 65, 69,
84
Elizabeth 63, 68, 69,
71
Emma 74, 77
Esther 68
Fannie B. 63
Fannie E. Keefawver
64
Franklin 74
Frederick 66, 68, 75,
80, 84
George 66, 68, 71
George H. 71
George W. 63, 66,
84
Gertrude 66
Hannah 68
Harriet 74
Harry C. 63
Hattie C. 63
Henry 64, 66, 71,
72, 75, 84
Henry B. 71, 72
Hezekiah 66, 75
Hiram 66, 75, 84
Jackson 77
Jacob 71
James 68
James C. 75
Jane 74
John 74
John F. 74
Julius 74
Lewis 64, 69, 76
Louisa G. 66
Louise 64
Lovina Mary 64
Magdalene 71
Margaret E. 66
Martin B. 63
Mary 63, 68, 71, 74
Mary R. McMurphy
63
Millie 65, 75
Myron B. 63
Nancy 74
Vol XXV Issue 4
Nellie May 63
Noah 69, 71, 77
Norman 74
Peter 66, 71, 74, 78,
84
Philip 65, 69, 70
Phillip 64, 77
Rebecca 71
Samuel 71
Sarah 68, 71
Susan 63, 71, 74
Susanna 64
Tillie 74
Uriah 77
Vera Jeanette 66
Virginia 66
W. M. 63, 84
Walter J. 66
Walter W. 63
William 75
William K. 63
William M. 63
Keller
Jacob 74
Julius 74
Kessler
Mary 77
Kester [also see Keis
ter] 61, 70, 72, 76, 77,
78, 83
Ada 75
Adam 69, 70, 73
Aerefa A. 75
Alice Wall 61
Amanda 72
Amelia 64
Amos 61
Amos H. 62
Anna 70
Anna Christina 76
Arnold 72
Aerefa A. 75
Arrena W. 75
Benjamin 61, 77
Benjamin Franklin
“Frank” 62
Benjamin H. 77
Benjamin R. 75
Blanche Luther 62
Byron E. “Gus” 77
Catherine 65
Catherine (Burgin)
64
Catherine “Kate”
Johnson 62
Charles 69
Christian 64
Clementine Hoover
Bell 62
Conrad 76, 77
Cynthia Dora 62
Daniel 69
David 69, 70
David C. 61
Deborah 67
Page 82
Dolly 72
Donald E. 70
Eli 67, 76
Elijah J. 75
Ellis 61
Ellis W. 61
Ellis Winner 61
Elizabeth 62, 69, 72,
78
Elmer E. 65
Elmer Ellsworth 65
Emeline 73
Emma 77
Esther 65
Eve 70
Fannie E. 65
Fanny 65
Frederick 72
Frederick Edward 76
George 69, 77
Harold 69
Henrich 66
Henry 65, 69, 70, 72
Henry August 69
Henry F. 69
Isaac 66, 72, 77, 84
Isaac Masters 61, 84
Isaac Moore 61, 62
Isaac William 72
Jacob 69
James E. 62
James Elias 61, 62
James Doyle 73
James W. 77
Jesse 61
Jesse W. 61
Jesse Warren 61
Jno 73
Johannes 76, 77
John 66, 69, 70, 73,
76, 84
John G. 72, 76
John Patton 61, 62
John W. 75
John William 77
John Wood 70
Joseph 76, 77
Josiah 72
Josiah “J.R.” 66, 75,
84
Josiah R. 75
Lavina 65
Lewis 65, 76
Lewis Ulysses 65
Lorne 76
Louisa 65
Luther 62
Lydia Lucinda Bloom
62
M. 73
Magdalene 77
Marcellus J. 76
Margaret 73
Mary 61, 73
Mary Ann 73
News Caster
Mary Ella Jordan 62
Mary Ellen 61
Mary E. Smith 61
Mary Helen 77
Mary Jane Young 61
Mary M. 62
Mary (Winner) 61
Matheus 76
Michael 58, 69, 77
Mr. 64
Nancy J. 75
Nathan 76
Nathaniel J. 75
Paul 69, 76, 77
Peter 67, 69, 74, 76
Philip 64, 65, 69, 84
Phillip 65, 66, 77
Polly 69
Rebeckah 69
Richard 67, 76
Rolla G. 65
Rosa A. 77
Roy Bernard 76
Sadie 65
Samuel 61, 69
Samuel Lewis 61, 62
Sarah 76
Sarah Masters 61
Sarah Wood 77
Susan 61, 72
Susan E. 62
Susanna 65
Susie A. 75
T. 69
Tempie B. 75
Vaughn 76
William 70, 72, 77
William Isaac 75
William Porter 77
William Sloan 73
William W. 61
William Winner 62
William York 70
Kiester 66, 70, 76, 83
Charles C. 66
Donna 70
Hiram 75
Jackson Ambrose 66
Peter 71
Peter Smoke 78
Rosalie 66
Kister 70, 77, 78, 83
Catharina 68
Catharine 71
Christoph 69
Clark 71
Conrad 69
David 69, 70
Debby 71
Elizabeth 70, 71
Frederick William 69
Fredrig 76
George 70, 71
George Philip 68
Heinrich 66, 70, 84
Henry 69, 71, 72
Isaac 78
Jacob 66, 71, 74
Jesse 71
Johann Jacob 68
Johan Ludwig 70
Johann Ludwig 68
Johann Martzloff 68
John 69, 71, 74
Judy 71
Julius 74
Lawrence 69
Leonard 76
Ludwig 66, 68, 84
Maria Christina 68
Maria Elisabeth 68
Maria Susanna 68
Mary 71
Noah 71
Peter 71, 74, 76
Philip 69, 76, 84
Samuel 71
Sarah 71
Susan 71, 74
Wilhelm 76
Kisters 70
Knoke 72
Koster 83
Lodewick 67
Sarah 76
Kuster 83
Elizabeth 70
Henrick 72
Heinrich 70, 72
Henry 70, 72
Johan Ludwig 70
John 70
Magdalena 79
Kyle
Gabriel 68
Lacy
Joe 80, 83
Leslier
Frederick 67
Letcher
Fredk 67
Levi
Elizabeth 69
Listler
Frederick 67
Litzler
Frederick 67
Luther
Blanche 62
Martin H. 62
Sarah M. (Brisbin)
62
Lutzler 67
Martin
David 73
Louisa 65
Louise Keister 64
W. H. H. 65
William Henry Harrison 64
December 2007
Marquardt
Nola 70
Masters
Sarah 61
McCracken
Daniel S. 62
Mary Ellen Kester 61
McMurphy
Archibald 63
Mary R. 63
Rispa 63
Mills
Annah 67
William 67
Moore
David Earl 80
Emily (Kaster) 80, 84
Mary-Margaret 80
Morgan
Marvin 73
Nowini
Zaney 67
Oliver
Amelia Kester 64
Edward 65
J. Edward 64
Millie Kester 65
Parker
John Kester 62
Susan Kester 61
Patzlaff 72
Peck
Susannah 68
Peery
James C. 66
Pound 70
Mary Custard 66
Propst
Anne E. 68
Rahn
Keziah 65
Reynolds
Mary 74
Rieckertin
Maria Eva “Eve” 70
Rimer
Nicholas 67
Roeder
Steve von 73
Romberg 72
Rook
Albert Wilmot 66
Ross
Nettie B. Keister 63
Richard C. 63
Roush
Samuel 71
Schenk
Ann 70
Anna 70
Shaffer
John 73
Shepherd
Adam 66
Susan 66
News Caster
December 2007
Shively
Daniel 71
Elizabeth 71
Sisler
B. 63
B., Mrs. 63
Susan 63
Sissel
Alton 80, 83
Smith
John 71
Kirby 64, 65
Mary E. 61
Snodgrass
Elizabeth Keister 63
Joseph 63
Stanfield
Clarinda 73
Stark
Daniel 66
Staudt
Lavina 65
Lovina Mary Keister 64
S. S. 65
Samuel S. 64
Strahle
Donald Henry 70
Strale
Donald Henry 70
Strope
Anna 74
Tetisman
Anna Maria 68
Thurman
Geri 83
Treeces 67
Troegel
Mary 62
Tucker
Teresa 73, 83
Von Graffenried
Christoph 67
Von Roeder
Steve 73
Wagoner
Margaret 70
Wall
Alice 61
Wallace
Andrew 67
Harriet Evelyn 70
Verena “Frone” Garster 76
Verena “Frone” Gerster 76
Wallis
Frone 67
Walter 70
W. D. 70
Ward
Lauren 80
Lindsay 80
Mary-Margaret 80, 83
Mary-Margaret (Moore) 80
Patrick 80
Warner
Rachel 61
Weaver
Nancy 74
Webster
Cynthia Dora (Kester) 62
William 62
Weis
Hans 67
Weissin
Anna 67
Wells
George H. 75
Whiteley
David 66
Florence J. 66
James S. 66
William 66
Wickliffe
Robert 66
Williams
John 71
Willix
Mary J. 75
Minnie V. 75
Winner
Abraham 61
Mary 61
Rachel (Warner) 61
Winstead
Sarah Jane 72
Wise
Catherine 65
Catherine Keister 64
George 64, 65
Wood
Ann 70
Worrel
Anne L. 67
Yarbrough
Bessie 75
Young
David 61
Mary Jane 61
Zorger
Catherine 74
The March issue of the News Caster will be
featuring surnames beginning with
CA, KA or D. We are already working on it
Now is the time to contribute “Your Story”,
“Your Query”, or “Your Favorite Photo”
Vol XXV Issue 4
Page 83
Kister Koester Koster Kuester Kustard Kuster
Kusterd Küster
Officers
Appointed Positions
5050 CR 236
Membership and Change of Address [email protected]
438 Hiway 74
2214 Clay Street
Joe Lacy, Treasurer
302 County rd. 6720
PO Box 955
CAOA DNA Project
[email protected]
The News Caster is published quarterly by the Castor
Association of America. Past issues may be ordered
from the Treasurer for $5 an issue.
In this Issue
PK.0.02.06.03.03.10 Isaac Masters Kester 1813-1884................................................61-62
MCUS.0 Michael Custer 1795-1869.................................................................................. 62
W.M. Keister 1840-// - George W. Keister 1826-//........................................................... 63
CR.0 Christian Keister 1806-1882 - CR.0.03 Philip Kester 1844-1913 ......................64-65
Index of Ancestor Lines G…-Ke…-Ki — Help needed with Unknowns ........................... 66
HG.0 Heini Gerster 1688-// Switzerland ............................................................................ 67
LK.0 Ludwig Kister 1688-1770 —- FK.0 Frederick Keister 1705-1814............................ 68
PH.0 Philip Kister c1732-b1814 —- Index of Other Lines G…-Ke…-Ki........................... 69
HI.0 Heinrich Kister b1739-b1785 —- G…-Ke…-Ki books in the CAOA Library ............. 70
HBK.0 Henry Keister c1774-b1837 ................................................................................... 71
IK.0 Isaac Kester a1775-1843........................................................................................... 72
JOK.0 John Kester 1791-// — Custard Family Monument Dedication............................. 73
PT.0 Peter Keister 1813-1891........................................................................................... 74
HRK.0 Hiram Keister 1838-// —- JOS.0 Josiah “J.R, Kester //-//..................................... 75
G…-Ke…-Ki Articles in the News Caster .....................................................................76-78
DNA Project Update — Query Magdalena Kuster and Philip Firebaugh.......................... 79
Presidents Message.......................................................................................................... 80
Emily (Kaster) Moore 1905-2007 .................................................................................... 80
Contacts............................................................................................................................ 83
Dated Material
Please ask before you
use it —All material published by the Castor Association of America including the
News Caster, information on
the CAOA web site, books, or
materials in any other form,
including materials developed
from the CAOA Archives,
may be used only with the
express written Permission
of the Castor Association of
America.
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
ORLANDO FL
PERMIT #422

2007 News Casters - Castor Association of America

Transcription

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