Geiszler Genealogy

With a common name like John Long, it would be easy to confuse two people as one. However, I'm 95% certain that my 3rd Great Grandfather John Long has two stones. Here's what I know about John W Long: b. 16 February 1805 in Lycoming, Pennsylvania d. 8 October 1870 in New Haven, Huron, Ohio The recorded family story by John's granddaughter Elizabeth Long (the family historian of sorts) is this: On 8 Oct 1870, John W. Long was stricken with a heart attack.  He did not die immediately so William, his third oldest son, was able to get home before he died. William had taken grain to the mill earlier in the day. In a letter from Elizabeth, she said her grandfather was buried in New Haven. The Cemetery is believed now to be called the New Haven Cemetery in Willard, Huron, Ohio. I found this stone in the cemetery: John W and Charles Long Gravemarker New Haven Cemetery Memorial # 97722636, Photographer  SavingRecordsForOurFuture The inscription is hard to read but the name does s...

Genealogy is kind of addicting. Sometimes, I get rather lost in the branches. As such, I run into mysteries that I can't seem to solve from the top down. I figured the genealogy community is awesome and may have ways to help me solve a mystery. Otherwise, perhaps a Karlsberger from Franklin County, Ohio might stumble upon my blog and help me solve this problem. My potential 3rd great-grand uncle George Paul Karlsberger was born on 10 August 1825 in Bavaria. Another researcher suggested his connection to my 3rd great-grandmother Anna Magaretha Karlsberger who married Christian or Christopher Hoppe. Margaretha was born 29 February 1824. There are no definitive records linking George and Margaretha. And Margaretha's parents were not recorded, though parents for George were suggested. As you can see, I am about to head down a twig on the tree that might be gnarled, or legitimate. George Karlsberger had six children born in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio to his wife Maria Elizabeth...

Last week, I shared all the rich knowledge that I learned from the Civil War Pension file for William James Townsend and his wife Mary Clabaugh of Franklin County, Ohio. This week, I'll recap all the questions the file generated. Marriage Certificate for William Townsend and Mary Clabaugh It seems that when one question is answered, more questions arise. Perhaps this makes me a sleuth. Perhaps this makes me a little too curious for my own good. Hopefully I can answer some of the questions on my list. Perhaps they'll forever remain unanswered. It's nice to know I have a To Do list that is never ending. QUESTIONS TO ANSWER: William Townsend Pension Application William's last name is spelled Townson. Later records change the last name to Townsend. Does this provide clues as to how his name was pronounced, or perhaps an earlier version of the spelling? Or is this simply a mistake? A W Shearer of Alton, Franklin County, Ohio was his attorney. (Question: how was Mr. Shearer ...

It all started with this grave marker. For the past 23 weeks, I've shared portions of my Great Grandfather William James Towsend (or Townson)'s Civil War Pension file. He served with the Ohio Infantry 143rd Regiment Company K. I'm so thankful for the genealogy blogging community pointing me in the direction of hiring a professional genealogist to go to the National Archives and look up the case file. Having the specific record citation for William and his wife Mary Clabaugh made the research easy. In a few short months, and for an expense far less than what the Administration charged, I had 38 scanned images of information to enlighten my understanding about a great-grandfather and his wife. Did I break down any brick wall? Short answer. Nope. Did I find out any new information to add to my family tree? Nope. Did I learn more about the story of William and Mary Townsend of Edwards Station, Franklin, Ohio? Yes. And isn't that what a family historian...

This is the last image in the series of files I received from my Civil War ancestor William James Townsend. As you can see, there was so much information contained in these files. If you come across a Civil War ancestor, be sure to check out their Pension files. Return of Check and Plate Destroyed for Mary Townsend Widow's Pension Paid @ $12 to June 4, 1916 Sept 23 1916 to the Chief, Finance Division: You are hereby notified that check #2540745 for $36 dated Sep 4 1916 in favor of MARY TOWNSEND post office GROVEPORT OHIO certificate # 320542 ACT APR Class Act April 19, 1908 Section 8 has been returned to this office by the Postmaster with the information that the pensioner died Aug 28 1916 and said check has the day been canceled. Very respectfully GUY O TAYLOR Disbursing Clerk  KNOWLEDGE GAINED: A check of $36, dated 4 Sep 1916 was returned to the Pension Office The plate that helped print checks for Mary Townsend was destroyed Essentially, the file was c...

Civil War Widow Pension: Mary Clabaugh Townsend This document is fairly straight forward. It signals that the end of the file is soon to be closed as Mary Townsend has died and a pension is no longer payable. 3-1081 PENSIONER DROPPED DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS Oct 3 1916 Certificate No. 320542 Class ACT OF APRIL 19, 1908 Pensioner Mary Townsend Soldier William J Townsend The Commissioner of Pensions. Sir: I have the honor to report that the name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at $12 to JUN 1 1916 has this day been dropped from the roll because of death August 28 1916 Very respectfully (signature) Chief, Finance Division KNOWLEDGE GAINED : - Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend died 28 August 1916. - Mary's final Pension payment was in 1 Jun 1916 for the amount of $12. - Mary had received the pension for 24 years (1892 - 1916) QUESTIONS: - How often were the payments made? -  The original amount was $16 because of Mary ($8) and four minor children ($8)....

If you've read this far through the Civil War Pension file of my great grandfather William James Townsend (or Townson), thank you. If you're just finding this series, feel free to click on the Civil War Pension label to read more. The Pension Application for William and his widow was approved. Today's post shares the schedule of payments for Mary and her children. I can't imagine how $8 for Mary and $2 per child for a total of $16 per month was able to provide enough support for the family. However, Mary was planning on using the money to off set the cost of purchasing a smaller home after the death of William. Perhaps that was enough and she would continue to take in washing and odd jobs throughout the remainder of her life. Civil War Pension Schedule for Mary Townsend and children Act of June 27, 1890 Widow's Pension Claimant Mary Townsend P.O. Edward County Franklin, State Ohio        Soldier William J Townsend Rank Private, Co K Regiment 133” Ohio Vol Infy  ...

I can not believe I'm approaching the end of the documents in the Civil War Pension file regarding William James Townsend of Franklin County, Ohio. After Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend submitted her application and supporting affidavits, her pension was accepted and she began receiving a pension until her death in 1916. This application was to obtain the pension funds that stopped at the death of William up until a Widow's Pension was approved. Application for Accrued Pension for Mary Townsend APPLICATION FOR ACCRUED PENSION. (Widows) State of Ohio, County of Franklin SS: On this 4 th day of December, 1889, personally appeared Mary Townsend, who, being duly sworn, declares that she is the lawful widow of William J Townsen, deceased; that he died on the 13 th day of November, 1889 that he had been granted a pension by Certificate No. 413380 which is herewith returned; that he had been paid the pension by the Pension Agent at Columbus up to the 4 day of September, 1889; after which d...

I have been posting various documents found in the Civil War Pension file for William James Townsend. William served in Company K, 133rd Regiment of the Ohio Infantry Volunteers during the Civil War. William did not serve long because he became blind after a surgical treatment for an illness he contracted in the service. William died in 1889 and Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend sought to obtain a Widow's Pension. Last week, I shared a affidavit from 19 year-old Charles Kleinline. Today, I have one from Mary E Kleinlien, aged 45. General Affidavit by Mary E Klineline for Civil War Widow's Pension belonging to Mary Townsend State of Ohio County of Franklin, SS In the matter of Pension Claim No. 422.500 of Mary, widow of Wm J Townsend late of Co. “K”, 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inft Vol. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Mary E Kleinlein aged 45 years Citizen of the town of Edwards Station County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be repu...

The Civil War Pension file for William James Townsend has a lot of affidavits to attest to the situation of William's widow Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend. The next of which was provided by Charles E Klineline. General Affidavit provided by Charles E Klineline for Mary Townsend, widow of William James Townsend. State of Ohio County of Franklin, SS In the matter of Pension Claim No. 422.500 of Mary, widow of Wm J Townsend late of Co. “K”, 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inft Vol. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Charles F Kleinline aged 19 years Citizen of the town of Edwards Station County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I have been acquainted with claimant ever since I can remember. I know that she owns a house and lot: that is worth perhaps three hundred dollars: and that she owns a small amount of household goods: has...

Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend had another person provide a witness affidavit for her Widow's Pension claim of 1890 after the death of her husband William James Townsend in 1889. This statement is from her daughter Nancy E (Townsend) Miller. What is interesting in this statement is that Nancy doesn't exactly say that Mary is her mother, unless the statement "The claimant is the first person I ever called" is lingo for, she's my mother. Ida does not make any mention of a potential relationship. But Nancy seems to hint at it. Nancy Townsend Miller Affidavit for William Townsend Pension State of Ohio County of Franklin, SS In the matter of Pension Claim No. 422.500 of Mary, widow of Wm J Townsend late of Co. “K”, 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inft Vol. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Nancy E Miller aged 24 years. Citizen of the town of Reece's Station County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be reputable and entitled t...

As you may recall, I hired a Professional Genealogist to go to the National Archives and make a copy of the Civil War Pension file for my relative William James Townsend. For the most part, the experience was wonderful, and a great value (less expensive and substantially faster than the NARA fulfillment time). However, this is one time example of the need to be careful when scanning records for yourself or if you're hired. I'm not disappointed, because I am able to determine the person's name in the documentation. However, I really like to have a full scan of each document. You never know what else is hidden. Witness Statement regarding the birth of Ethel May Townsend, Midwife's name not scanned. State of Ohio County of Franklin, SS In the matter of Pension Claim No. 422.500 of Mary, widow of Wm J Townsend late of Co. “K”, 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inft Vol. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Reca Yous aged 65 years. Citizen of th...

Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend needed to provide a number of witness statements about her living conditions after the death of her husband William James Townsend who had served in Co K 133rd Regiment of the Ohio Infantry Volunteers during the Civil War. William had died in 1889 living Mary to care for four young children through her efforts to take on day labor.  This witness statement is Ida Jane Sanborn. Ida also lives in Edward's Station... possibly near to Mary. Now, here's what I know that Ida does not reveal in her statement. She says she was working for Mary in 1884 for Samuel Townsend was born. Samuel is her brother and Mary is her mother. It's possible that Mary needed witnesses for the births of her children and only had family witnesses due to the poverty her family lived in with a blind farmer for a husband. It's possible that Ida could not say, "This is my mother and I was a witness to my brother Samuel's birth" because of these affidavits stating t...

The contents of the Civil War Pension file are about to become a little more interesting. The next series of posts will be those willing to attest to the events in Mary's life. These witnesses could be neighbors, family members, or care providers (as in this case). MUCH research will need to be done with regards to these persons to see if any more relationship connections can be made or more historical context can be found to better understand the life of William James Townsend and his wife Mary Clabaugh. General Affidavit from Jennie Tewell, Midwife State of Ohio County of Franklin } SS. In the matter of Pension Claim No. 442.500 of Mary, widow of Wm J Townsend late of Co. “K” 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inf't Vol. Personally came before me a Notary Public in and for said County and State Jennie Tewell aged 37 years No. 462 Poplar Ave. Citizen of the town of Columbus County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly swor...

Last week, I posted the first affidavit from Mary Townsend. It seems she had to reapply for a Pension in 1890, after initially applying in 1889 after her husband William James Townsend's death. State of Ohio County of Franklin } SS. In the matter of Pension Claim No. 422.500 of Mary Townsend widow of William J Townsend late of Co “K”, 133rd Reg't, Ohio Infantry Vols. Personally came before me a __________ in and for said County and State, Mary Townsend aged 44 years. No. ___________ St. Citizen of the town of Edward Station County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relations to aforesaid case as follows: I am the claimant above named my husband William J Townsend did no serve in the military or naval service of the United States after his discharge from Co. “K” 133rd Regt. Ohio Inft. Vols. On August 20, 1864.  PROBLEM... Unfortunately, the bottom of the letter was not scanned by the person I ...

This installment of William James Townsend's Civil War pension file opens the  voice of Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend to me to an extent. I do not know if she wrote her affidavit. However, this is her testimony and I feel like she's speaking to anyone who would listen, not knowing that someday a great+ granddaughter would hear. Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend's statement for Widow's Pension   State of Ohio County of Franklin } SS. In the matter of Pension Cliam No. 422.500 Mary Townsend widow of William J Townsend late of Co “K” 133 rd Reg't, Ohio Inft Vols. Personally came before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, Mary Townsend, aged ___ years, NO. St. Citizen of town of Edwards Station County of Franklin State of Ohio well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I am the claimant named above I am not able to furnish Public or Church record of the dates of Births of my...

In case you didn't know, Civil War Pension files are potentially filled treasures. One of which is a certificate of marriage for the ancestors I've been featuring... William James Townsend and Mary Clabaugh. What's interesting is there are two certified copies of the marriage record. The only thing that is different in the date  and the signature of the person completing the certificate verification. Certificate of Marriage for William Townsend and Mary Clabaugh Marriage Certification The Sate of Ohio, Franklin County, SS. I Certify that I this day solemnized the MARRIAGE of William Townsend with Mary Clabaugh Witness my Hand, This 10 day of November A.D. 1864 W.W. Kile J.P. THE STATE OF OHIO, FRANKLIN COUNTY, SS } PROBATE COURT I, CHARLES G. SAFFIN, Judge of the Probate Court within and for the County of Franklin, State of Ohio, do herby certify that the foregoing is a full and correct copy of the CERTIFACTE OF MARRIAGE of the parties therein named, as the same appears of ...

It seems that Mary (Clabaugh) Townsend of Franklin County, Ohio had to file a second Widow's Pension in 1890 following the one completed in November 1889 following her husband William James Townsend's death. (click here for previous pension file ) DECLARATION FOR WIDOW'S PENSION Act of June 27, 1890 This Must be Executed Before a Court of Record or Some Officer Thereof Having Custody of its Seal. State of Ohio, County of Franklin, ss: ON THIS 5th, day of July, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety personally appeared before me, a Deputy Clerk of the Common Pleas court, the same being a Court of Record within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mary Townsend, aged 43 years, a resident of the Town of Edwards Station, County of Franklin, State of Ohio, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of William J Townsend who enlisted under the name of William J Townsend at Groveport Ohio on the 2nd day of May A.D. 1864, in as a private of Compa...