Mary Mason1,2

Marriage*5 July 1728She married first Daniel Smith on 5 July 1728 in Medfield, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Province (New England).1,2 
(Wife) Death15 November 1749Mary became a widow when Daniel Smith died on 15 November 1749.3 
Marriage*26 March 1751She married second, as his second wife, Nathaniel Hawes Jr., son of Nathaniel Hawes and Sarah Newell, on 26 March 1751.1 

Family 1

Daniel Smith d. 15 Nov 1749

Family 2

Nathaniel Hawes Jr. b. 27 Dec 1701, d. c 1776

Citations

  1. [S1240] Raymond Gordon Hawes, The Edward Hawes Heirs : Edward Hawes, ca. 1616-1687, of Dedham, Massachusetts, and his wife, Eliony Lumber : and some of their descendants through eleven generations. Edward Hawes (ca. 1616-1687) was living at Dedham, Massachusetts, by 1648, where he married Eliony Lumber (ca. 1625-1688/9) that year. They had nine children, 1648/9-1666, all born at Dedham. Descendants lived in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and elsewhere. Descendants also spell their surname Haws. (Baltimore, Maryland: Gateway Press, 1996), Generation Three, pages 15-27. Hereinafter cited as The Edward Hawes Heirs.
  2. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Medfield Marriages, Volume 1, page 172. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  3. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Walpole Deaths, Volume 1, page 212.

Mary Mason1

b. 1750, d. 7 January 1813
Father*Jonathan Mason1
Birth*1750Mary Mason was born about 1750 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.1 
Marriage*She married Benjamin Morris, son of Morris Morris and Gwently Thomas.1 
Children*Mary and Benjamin had twelve children together.1 
Death*7 January 1813She died on 7 January 1813 in Bucks County at age 62.1 

Family

Benjamin Morris b. 1748, d. 2 Apr 1833

Citations

  1. [S2037] Edward Mathews, The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. (Landsdale, Pennsylvania: Arthur K. Thomas, 1884), Chapter XVI. The children of Gwently Thomas, pages 64-65, Benjamin Morris. Hereinafter cited as The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a.

Mary W. Mason1,2

b. 1849
Birth*1849Mary W. Mason was born in 1849 in Missouri.1 
Name VariationHer full name was Martha Washington Davis.2 
Marriage*She married James Davis.1,2 
Census US 1880*3 June 1880Mary W. and James Davis were enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 3 June 1880 in Jefferson, Scotland County, Missouri. James was 41 years of age and a farmer, and Martha was 31 years of age and keeping house. Five children were enumerated with the couple in 1880. Daisy S., James B. and George M. were ages 11, 9 and 6 years, respectively, and had all attended school within the census year; Charles W. was 4 years old; and Josephine was age 2.1 

Family

James Davis b. Dec 1838
Children 1.Daisy S. Davis1 b. 1869
 2.James B. Davis1 b. Nov 1871
 3.George M. Davis1 b. Mar 1874
 4.Charles W. Davis1 b. 1876
 5.Josephine Davis1 b. 1878
 6.Joseph C. Davis+1,3 b. 30 Jan 1882, d. 14 Jul 1953
 7.Nannie L. Davis4 b. Nov 1886

Citations

  1. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of James and Mary W. Davis, Year: 1880; Census Place: Jefferson, Scotland, Missouri; Roll: 736; Page: 184B; Enumeration District: 086. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S1769] Missouri, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1766-1988, online at www.ancestry.com, probate for George G Mason dated 17 November 1873 in Monroe County, Missouri, USA; deceased died about 1873, probably in Missouri, USA. Hereinafter cited as Missouri, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1766-1988.
  3. [S112] California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Joseph Clark Davis, mother's maiden name Mason, father's surname Davis, born on 30 January 1882 and died on 14 July 1953 in Los Angeles County. Hereinafter cited as California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997.
  4. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of James Davis, Year: 1900; Census Place: Colorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado; Page: 14; Enumeration District: 0026; FHL microfilm: 1240123. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.

Mehitable Mason1

d. 11 August 1692
Marriage*23 July 1685She married, as his first wife, Thomas Thurston, son of Thomas Thurston and Sarah Thaxter, on 23 July 1685 in Medfield.2,3 
Death*11 August 1692She died on 11 August 1692 in Wrentham.1,4 

Family

Thomas Thurston b. 11 Feb 1657/58, d. 15 Dec 1704
Children 1.Mehitable Thurston1 b. 1 Aug 1686
 2.Mary Thurston1 b. 16 Mar 1688, d. 30 Mar 1688
 3.Thomas Thurston1 b. 2 Nov 1689
 4.Ichabod Thurston1 b. 9 Aug 1692, d. 29 Aug 1692

Citations

  1. [S1321] Thurston Brown, Thurston Genealogies, 1635-1892, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. Available as a download only from a computer in the Family History Library. Reprint. Originally published: 2nd ed. Portland, Me. : B. Thurston, 1892. Includes indexes. A record of the descendants of all branches of the Thurston family in the United States. (Salem, Massachusetts: Higginson Book Company, 199_?), Person No. 5554, Thomas Thurston, pages 362-363. Hereinafter cited as Thurston Genealogies, 1635-1892.
  2. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Medfield Marriages, Volume 1, page 177. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.
  3. [S1321] Thurston Brown, Thurston Genealogies, 1635-1892, Person No. 5554, Thomas Thurston, pages 362-363, noting the date of their marriage as 03 July 1685.
  4. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org, Wrentham Deaths, Volume 2, page 502, her surname transcribed as "Thurstun."

Mollie Mason1

b. 14 November 1876, d. 2 November 1938
Father*Joseph M. Mason1 b. 1849
Mother*A. C. McNeese2 b. 1859, d. b 26 Jun 1900
Birth*14 November 1876Mollie Mason was born on 14 November 1876 in Tennessee.1 
Name VariationHer full name was Mary L. Mollie Mason3 
Name Variation and her death certificate, which is posted with her Find a Grave Memorial, reported her full given name as Mary and her husband, John Britt was the informant.1 
(Daughter) Census US 188014 June 1880Mollie was enumerated on the 1880 census taken on 14 June 1880 in the household of her parents in Healing Springs, Independence County, Arkansas. She was 2 years old.2 
Marriage*1900She married first Alford Arnold in 1900.4 
(Married Daughter) Census US 190026 June 1900She was enumerated as Mary L. Arnold, with her new husband, on the 1900 census taken on 26 June 1900 in the household of her widowed father in Mississippi, Crittenden County, Arkansas. She was 22 years old, and Alford was age 23 and worked as a farm laborer. They could both read and write.4 
Research Notes*We don't know how the marriage between Mary L. (Mason) Arnold and Alford Arnold ended, whether by annulment, divorce or death. What we do know is that Mollie married her second husband, using her maiden name, in 1902.4,5 
Marriage*4 May 1902She married second Harry H. Buskirk, son of Abraham W. Buskirk and Josephine F. Oakes, on 4 May 1902 in Crittenden County, Arkansas. Mollie was 24 years of age and Harry was age 50. They were married by James M. Dunavant, Justice of the Peace.5 
(Wife) Death2 April 1903Mollie became a widow when Harry Henderson Buskirk died on 2 April 1903 at age 54.6 
Marriage*2 January 1904She married her third husband, John Britt, son of Benjamin Britt and Ursula A. Britt, on 2 January 1904 in Poinsett County, Arkansas. Both reported their ages as 24 years and both resided in Harrisburg, Poinsett County. Their marriage was performed on the same day their license was issued by the Reverend A. J. Blakemore.1,7,8 
Death*2 November 1938She died on 2 November 1938 in Hillemann, Woodruff County, Arkansas, at age 611 
Burial* and was buried in Whitehall Cemetery, Woodruff County, Arkansas.1 

Family 1

Alford Arnold b. Nov 1876

Family 2

Harry H. Buskirk b. 22 May 1848, d. 2 Apr 1903

Family 3

John Britt b. 17 Mar 1878, d. 17 Dec 1958

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Mollie Britt, Memorial# 73914264. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S23] 1880 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Joseph and A. C. Mason, Year: 1880; Census Place: Healing Springs, Independence, Arkansas; Roll: 47; Page: 303D; Enumeration District: 129. Hereinafter cited as 1880 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S2273] Nellie Stanley, compiler, "Benjamin Franklin Britt and Ursula Ann Britt Family Group Sheet", prepared on16 June 1990 (Rt. 9, Box 110-A, Jonesboro, Arkansas). Downloaded from the Find a Grave (www.findagrave.com) Memorial# 49929469 for Lucinda Elizabeth "Dollie" (Britt) Banks. Hereinafter cited as "Benjamin Franklin Britt and Ursula Ann Britt Family Group Sheet."
  4. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Joseph M. Mason, Year: 1900; Census Place: Mississippi, Crittenden, Arkansas; Page: 13; Enumeration District: 0117; FHL microfilm: 1240056. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S2270] Crittenden County (Arkansas) County Clerk, Marriage records, 1837-1952: marriage on 4 May 1902 in Crittenden County, Arkansas, of Mollie Mason, age 24, of Saint Thomas, Crittenden County, Arkansas, and H. H. Buskirk, age 50, of Saint Thomas, Crittenden County, Arkansas, marriage bond and license issued on 1 May 1902, referencing FHL Film# 1020228, Digital# 4174819, image# 880 of 976; on 74 microfilm reels, viewed online at www.familysearch.org, www.familysearch.org, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hereinafter cited as Marriage records, 1837-1952 (Crittenden County, Arkansas).
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Harry Henderson Buskirk, Memorial# 114074545.
  7. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, John Britt, Memorial# 73914256.
  8. [S2177] Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 2 January 1904 in Poinsett County, Arkansas, of John Britt of Harrisburg, Arkansas, age 24, and Mollie Buskirk of Harrisburg, Arkansas, age 24; bond and marriage license also issued 2 January 1904, referencing FHL Film# 1024548. Hereinafter cited as Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957.

Rebecca Mason1

Marriage*She married Elisha Chesebrough, son of Samuel Chesebrough and Abigail __?__.1 

Family

Elisha Chesebrough b. 4 Apr 1667, d. 1 Sep 1727

Citations

  1. [S471] Anna Chesebrough Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts (New York, New York: Press of T.A. Wright, 1903), Part I, Descendants of Samuel, pages 18-301. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of William Chesebrough of Boston, Rehoboth, Massachusetts.

Robert Mason1

d. 1700
Father*Robert Mason1 b. c 1590, d. 15 Oct 1667
Marriage*1659He married Abigail Eaton, daughter of John Eaton, in 1659 in Medfield, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Colony (New England).1 
Death*1700He died in 1700.1 

Family

Abigail Eaton
Child 1.Hannah Mason+1 b. 3 Sep 1676, d. 21 Aug 1750

Citations

  1. [S1254] William L. Mason, A Record of the Descendants of Robert Mason, of Roxbury, Mass.: including representatives of Dedham, Medfield, Northfield, Barre, Worcester, Sturbridge, Medway, Shrewsbury, Hubbardstown, Boston, Mass., New York City, Orange, N.J., Brunswick, Maine, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., downloaded from the Boston Public Library eBooks and Texts Archive at www.archive.org. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Burdick, Armitage & Allen, July 1891), pages 9-10. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of Robert Mason of Roxbury.

Robert Mason1

b. circa 1590, d. 15 October 1667
Birth*circa 1590Robert Mason was born circa 1590 in England.1 
Death*15 October 1667He died on 15 October 1667 in Dedham, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Bay Colony (New England).1 

Family

Children 1.Robert Mason+1 d. 1700
 2.John Mason1
 3.Thomas Mason1 b. c 1625, d. 21 Feb 1676

Citations

  1. [S1254] William L. Mason, A Record of the Descendants of Robert Mason, of Roxbury, Mass.: including representatives of Dedham, Medfield, Northfield, Barre, Worcester, Sturbridge, Medway, Shrewsbury, Hubbardstown, Boston, Mass., New York City, Orange, N.J., Brunswick, Maine, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., downloaded from the Boston Public Library eBooks and Texts Archive at www.archive.org. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Burdick, Armitage & Allen, July 1891), pages 9-10. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of Robert Mason of Roxbury.

Thomas Mason1

b. circa 1625, d. 21 February 1676
Father*Robert Mason1 b. c 1590, d. 15 Oct 1667
Birth*circa 1625Thomas Mason was born circa 1625.1 
Marriage*23 April 1653He married Margery Partridge, daughter of Captain John Partridge, on 23 April 1653.1 
Death*21 February 1676He died on 21 February 1676 in Medfield, Suffolk County. He and two of his sons were killed by the Indians in the attack on Medfield led by Monaco under King Phillip.1 

Family

Margarett Partridge b. c 1628

Citations

  1. [S1254] William L. Mason, A Record of the Descendants of Robert Mason, of Roxbury, Mass.: including representatives of Dedham, Medfield, Northfield, Barre, Worcester, Sturbridge, Medway, Shrewsbury, Hubbardstown, Boston, Mass., New York City, Orange, N.J., Brunswick, Maine, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., downloaded from the Boston Public Library eBooks and Texts Archive at www.archive.org. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Burdick, Armitage & Allen, July 1891), pages 9-10. Hereinafter cited as Descendants of Robert Mason of Roxbury.

William C. Mason1

b. February 1888
Father*Joseph M. Mason1 b. 1849
Mother*A. C. McNeese1 b. 1859, d. b 26 Jun 1900
Birth*February 1888William C. Mason was born in February 1888 in Arkansas.1 
(Son) Census US 190026 June 1900William C. was enumerated on the 1900 census taken on 26 June 1900 in the household of his widowed father in Mississippi, Crittenden County, Arkansas. He was 12 years old.1 

Citations

  1. [S34] 1900 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Joseph M. Mason, Year: 1900; Census Place: Mississippi, Crittenden, Arkansas; Page: 13; Enumeration District: 0117; FHL microfilm: 1240056. Hereinafter cited as 1900 United States Federal Census.

William D. Mason1

ChartsDescendants of Nicholas Boulton, The Immigrant
Marriage*13 March 1820He married Mary Ann Bolton, daughter of John Bolton and Margery Pratt, on 13 March 1820 in Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.1 

Family

Mary Ann Bolton b. 2 Oct 1795

Citations

  1. [S451] Massachusetts Vital Records to the Year 1850 - NEHGS, online at www.newenglandancestors.org. Hereinafter cited as Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 - NEHGS.

Pleasant Massey1

b. 1824
Birth*1824Pleasant Massey was born in 1824 in Indiana.1 
Marriage*before 15 February 1845He married Rachel Beeson, daughter of Zachariah Beeson and Hannah Thornburg, in Indiana before 15 February 1845, the date Rachel was disowned at the Springfield Meeting of Friends for marrying contrary to discipline.1,2 

Family

Rachel Beeson b. 18 Jun 1825

Citations

  1. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Pleasant and Rachel Massey, Waltz, Wabash County, Indiana; Roll: M432_178; Page: 366A; Image: 144. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S1424] U.S. Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935, online at www.ancestry.com, Springfield Monthly Meeting, Wayne County, Indiana, Records, page 122. Hereinafter cited as U.S. Quaker Meeting Records, 1681-1935.

Almina Masters1

b. 1859
Father*William B. Masters1 b. 1834, d. Dec 1871
Mother*Mary E. Sidner1 b. 18 Jul 1838, d. 16 Feb 1916
Birth*1859Almina Masters was born about 1859 in New Jersey.1 
(Daughter) Census US 187011 June 1870Almina was enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 11 June 1870 in the household of her parents in the area of the Toulon Post Office, West Jersey, Stark County, Illinois. She was 11 years old and had attended school within the census year.1 

Citations

  1. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William B. and Mary E. Masters, Year: 1870; Census Place: West Jersey, Stark, Illinois; Roll: M593_278; Page: 482A. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.

George Masters1

b. 1857
Father*William B. Masters1 b. 1834, d. Dec 1871
Mother*Mary E. Sidner1 b. 18 Jul 1838, d. 16 Feb 1916
Birth*1857George Masters was born about 1857 in New Jersey.1 
(Son) Census US 187011 June 1870George was enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 11 June 1870 in the household of his parents in the area of the Toulon Post Office, West Jersey, Stark County, Illinois. He was 13 years old and had attended school within the census year.1 

Citations

  1. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William B. and Mary E. Masters, Year: 1870; Census Place: West Jersey, Stark, Illinois; Roll: M593_278; Page: 482A. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.

Nancy Elizabeth Masters1

b. April 1862, d. 1943
Father*William B. Masters2 b. 1834, d. Dec 1871
Mother*Mary E. Sidner3,2 b. 18 Jul 1838, d. 16 Feb 1916
Birth*April 1862Nancy Elizabeth Masters was born in April 1862 in New Jersey.1,4 
(Daughter) Census US 187011 June 1870Nancy E. was enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 11 June 1870 in the household of her parents in the area of the Toulon Post Office, West Jersey, Stark County, Illinois. She was 8 years old and had attended school within the census year.4 
Marriage*5 June 1881She married first, as his first wife, Willis L. Godfrey, son of Hugh Y. Godfrey and Frances E. McCance, on 5 June 1881 in Stark County, Illinois.5,1,2 
Divorce*Nancy and Willis were divorced.6,7 
Marriage*30 April 1891She married second George B. Kerr, son of Gustavus Adolphus Kerr and Deborah Clark, on 30 April 1891 in Columbus, Platte County, Nebraska.8,1,6 
(1st Wife) Illness9 January 1897Long before alcoholism was recognized as a disease, her former husband, Willis L. Godfrey, was likely a serious alcoholic. The newspaper describing the events of his suicide on the evening of 9 January 1897 in Peoria, Illinois, began their story by reporting that his wife, Mary Jane Lovitt, who was not named in the article, had separated from him and had been living in La Harpe for the past year with her brother, Willis Harris Lovitt, his wife, Mary, and their family. It was also not mentioned that Willis and Mary Jane's mother, Leah (Stamets) Lovitt, also resided with her son's family in La Harpe in 1897.

The news article, returning to the evening of January 9, reported that Godfrey had gone into a saloon in Peoria and called for a drink. When he was unable to pay for it, he and the bartender exchanged words, and Godfrey threw his coat on the bar and left the saloon. No one witnessed what happened next, although the supposition was that Godfrey went straight to the Illinois River and plunged in. Eleven weeks later, on Sunday, March 21, his body was found floating in the river and was identified by friends.

Godfrey was twice married. His first wife, Nancy Elizabeth Masters, who was not named in the article, secured a divorce, remarried and was living in Monroe, Nebraska; his second wife, as stated above, was living in La Harpe. Godfrey had been employed on several roads as a brakeman, but could not keep a job "due to his dissipated habits." The article concluded with the newspaper's editorial judgements that, "His evil ways dragged him down and when he did not have the price of a drink of whiskey he went to the river and drowned himself. This sad history is but the old story of the dreadful power of the demon rum."9,10 
(Wife) Death29 March 1913Nancy became a widow when George B. Kerr died of stomach cancer on 29 March 1913 at age 57.8 
(Daughter) Death16 February 1916Her mother died, after a long illness, at Nancy's home in Albion on Thursday morning, 16 February 1916, at age 77.11,12 
Death*1943She died in 1943 at about age 811 
Burial* and was buried with her husband in New Hope Cemetery, Monroe, Platte County, Nebraska.1,8 

Family 1

Willis L. Godfrey b. 9 Jun 1857, d. 9 Jan 1897

Family 2

George B. Kerr b. 27 Aug 1855, d. 29 Mar 1913

Citations

  1. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Nancy Elizabeth (Masters) Kerr, Memorial# 29718222. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  2. [S1701] Illinois, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1800-1940, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 5 June 1881 in Stark County, Illinois, USA, of Willis L Godfrey, age 24, born about 1857 to Hugh Y Godfrey and Francis E McCance, married Nancy E Masters, age 20, born about 1861 to William B. Masters and Mary E. Henderson, referencing various Illinois County Courthouses, Marriage Records, and we note here that the source, identifying Henderson as Nancy's mother's surname, when her surname was Sidner, was an error, and because the actual record was not attached to the transcription of the marriage, we have not determined the source of the error. Hereinafter cited as Illinois, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1800-1940.
  3. [S1598] New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of William B. Masters, son of Paulis E. Masters, and Mary E. Sidner, age 18, born about 1838, daughter of Daniel Sidner, on 19 January 1856 in Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, referencing FHL Film# 000584582. Hereinafter cited as New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965.
  4. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William B. and Mary E. Masters, Year: 1870; Census Place: West Jersey, Stark, Illinois; Roll: M593_278; Page: 482A. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Willis Leaming Godfrey, Memorial# 227007267.
  6. [S1824] Nebraska, U.S., Select County Marriage Records, 1855-1908, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 30 April 1891 in Columbus, Platte County, Nebraska, USA, of Nancy Godfrey, age 29, born about 1862 in New Jersey, daughter of Wm Masters and Mary Sidner, and George Kerr, age 35, born about 1856, son of G. A. Kerr and Deborah Clark, recorded in Platte County, referencing State Library and Archives, Nebraska State Historical Society, Lincoln, Nebraska. Hereinafter cited as Nebraska, U.S., Select County Marriage Records, 1855-1908.
  7. [S1701] Illinois, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1800-1940, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 21 June 1894 in Peoria County, Illinois, USA, of Willis L Godfrey, age 38, his second marriage, born about 1856 in Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, to Hugh Y Godfrey and Frances E McCance, married Mary J Isom, age 42, her second marriage, born about 1852 in Ohio to Evan J Lovitt and Leah "Slummontes", referencing Peoria County Courthouse; Peoria, IL, USA; Peoria County Marriages, 1825-1915; Collection Title: Peoria County Marriages, 1825-1915, citing Marriage Register 1891-1895, Certificate# 1950.
  8. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, George B. Kerr, Memorial# 29706301.
  9. [S2362] Willis L. Godfrey 1897 Suicide, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, The Quill, (La Harpe, Illinois), Thursday, 25 March 1897, page 1, article title reads "W. L. Godfrey Suicides", and crediting the Peoria, Illinois, papers of the previous Tuesday, reported the tragic death of Willis L. Godfrey, whose wife had been making her home in La Harpe, with her brother W. H. Lovitt and family, for the past year; on the evening of January 9, Godfrey, "the unfortunate man", went into a saloon and called for a drink; being unable to pay for it a few words passed between the bartender and Godfrey, when the latter threw his coat on the bar and left the place; the supposition is that he went straight to the river and plunged in; last Sunday his body was found floating in the river and was identified by friends; he was twice married; his first wife secured a divorce, is married again, and is living in Monroe, Nebraska; his second wife, as stated above, is living here; he had been employed on several roads as brakeman, but could not hold a job owing to his dissipated habits; his evil ways dragged him down and when he did not have the price of a drink of whiskey he went to the river and drowned himself; this said history is but the old story of the dreadful power of the demon rum. Hereinafter cited as Willis L. Godfrey 1897 Suicide.
  10. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Leah (Stamets) Lovitt, Memorial# 54448293, from the news article about her 87th birthday celebration posted on her memorial page.
  11. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Mary Elizabeth (Sidner) Godfrey, Memorial# 29660171, reporting her place of death as Monroe, Platte County, Nebraska.
  12. [S2364] Mary E. (Sidner) Masters Godfrey 1916 Obituary, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Albion News, (Albion, Nebraska), Thursday, 24 February 1916, page 1, death of Mary Elizabeth (Sidner) Godfrey, born July 18, 1838 in Sussex County, New Jersey, and died after a long illness on Thursday morning, February 17 at home of daughter, Mrs. Nancy Kerr; married William B. Masters, four children, three survived, eventually located in Lafayette, Illinois where Masters died December 1871, she married again, 1878, to Henry Godfrey and in 1883 they removed to Monroe, Nebraska where he died July 28, 1896, she then lived with her children. Hereinafter cited as Mary E. (Sidner) Masters Godfrey 1916 Obituary.

Paulis E. Masters1

Family

Child 1.William B. Masters+1 b. 1834, d. Dec 1871

Citations

  1. [S1598] New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of William B. Masters, son of Paulis E. Masters, and Mary E. Sidner, age 18, born about 1838, daughter of Daniel Sidner, on 19 January 1856 in Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, referencing FHL Film# 000584582. Hereinafter cited as New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965.

William B. Masters1

b. 1834, d. December 1871
Father*Paulis E. Masters2
Birth*1834William B. Masters was born about 1834 in New Jersey.3 
Marriage*19 January 1856He married Mary E. Sidner, daughter of Daniel Sidner and Rebecca A. Decker, on 19 January 1856 in Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey.4,2,1 
Census US 1870*11 June 1870Mary E. and William B. Masters were enumerated on the 1870 census taken on 11 June 1870 in the area of the Toulon Post Office, West Jersey, Stark County, Illinois. William was 36 years of age and a farmer with real estate valued at $100, and Mary was 32 years of age, unable to write, and keeping house. Their three children were enumerated with them in 1870. George, Almina and Nancy E. were ages 13, 11 and 8 years, respectively, and all had attended school within the census year.3 
Death*December 1871He died in December 1871 in Illinois at about age 375 
Burial* and was buried in West Jersey Cemetery, West Jersey, Stark County.6 

Family

Mary E. Sidner b. 18 Jul 1838, d. 16 Feb 1916
Children 1.George Masters3 b. 1857
 2.Almina Masters3 b. 1859
 3.Nancy Elizabeth Masters1 b. Apr 1862, d. 1943

Citations

  1. [S1701] Illinois, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1800-1940, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage on 5 June 1881 in Stark County, Illinois, USA, of Willis L Godfrey, age 24, born about 1857 to Hugh Y Godfrey and Francis E McCance, married Nancy E Masters, age 20, born about 1861 to William B. Masters and Mary E. Henderson, referencing various Illinois County Courthouses, Marriage Records, and we note here that the source, identifying Henderson as Nancy's mother's surname, when her surname was Sidner, was an error, and because the actual record was not attached to the transcription of the marriage, we have not determined the source of the error. Hereinafter cited as Illinois, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1800-1940.
  2. [S1598] New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of William B. Masters, son of Paulis E. Masters, and Mary E. Sidner, age 18, born about 1838, daughter of Daniel Sidner, on 19 January 1856 in Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, referencing FHL Film# 000584582. Hereinafter cited as New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965.
  3. [S37] 1870 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of William B. and Mary E. Masters, Year: 1870; Census Place: West Jersey, Stark, Illinois; Roll: M593_278; Page: 482A. Hereinafter cited as 1870 United States Federal Census.
  4. [S1598] New Jersey, U.S., Marriage Records, 1670-1965, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Wm B Masters of Warren County and Mary E Sidner of Newton on 19 January 1856 in Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, referencing FHL Film# 001294804.
  5. [S2364] Mary E. (Sidner) Masters Godfrey 1916 Obituary, online at Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s, at www.newspapers.com, Albion News, (Albion, Nebraska), Thursday, 24 February 1916, page 1, death of Mary Elizabeth (Sidner) Godfrey, born July 18, 1838 in Sussex County, New Jersey, and died after a long illness on Thursday morning, February 17 at home of daughter, Mrs. Nancy Kerr; married William B. Masters, four children, three survived, eventually located in Lafayette, Illinois where Masters died December 1871, she married again, 1878, to Henry Godfrey and in 1883 they removed to Monroe, Nebraska where he died July 28, 1896, she then lived with her children. Hereinafter cited as Mary E. (Sidner) Masters Godfrey 1916 Obituary.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, W. B. Masters, Memorial# 100777413. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.

Sarah Masterson1,2

Marriage*She married John Wood.1,2 

Family

John Wood
Children 1.Abigail Wood+1,2 b. c 1645
 2.Nathaniel Wood3 b. 25 Feb 1651/52

Citations

  1. [S896] Revised by Robert S. Wakefield, Mayflower Families through Five Generations: Volume 15, James Chilton and Richard More. Note: Volume 2, Parts I and II (1975), Chilton and More, were revised and replaced in 1997 by this Volume 15, Chilton and More. (Plymouth, Massachusetts: General Society of Mayflower Descendants, 1997), Person# 15, Samuel Leonard, pages 20-21. Hereinafter cited as James Chilton and Richard More of the Mayflower (Five).
  2. [S1139] Manning Leonard, Memorial: Genealogical, Historical, and Biographical, of Solomon Leonard, 1637, of Duxbury and Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and some of his descendants, downloaded from the Boston Public Library eBooks and Texts Archive at www.archive.org. (Southbridge, Massachusetts: Manning Leonard, 1896), #2., Samuel Leonard (Solomon), pages 34-36. Hereinafter cited as Solomon Leonard, 1637, of Duxbury and Bridgewater.
  3. [S1187] Ruth Wilder Sherman, "The Mary Atwood Sampler: More About Mary (Wood) (Holmes) Bradford of Duxbury and Plymouth, Massachusetts", New England Historical & Genealogical Register, Volume 144, pages 23-28 (January 1990): John and Sarah (Masterson) Wood, pages 25-26. Hereinafter cited as "Mary Atwood Sampler."

Nancy Ann Matchett1,2

Marriage*She married Hugh Barrett.1 

Family

Hugh Barrett
Child 1.Elizabeth Barrett1 b. 1795, d. 15 Sep 1848

Citations

  1. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, in two volumes, with indexes in Volume II. Warning: In this researcher's opinion, the information in these volumes often proves to be inaccurate. At the same time, the information presented has provided us with valuable clues for pursuing future research strategies in our attempt to establish a factual history of our Heaton family. (Tempe, Arizona: published for the author by Graphics of Tempe, 1999), Volume I, Chapter 6, pages 190-191. Hereinafter cited as Heaton Families II.
  2. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Elizabeth (Barrett) Heaton, Memorial# 53448669. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.

Alfred B. Mathews1

b. 5 October 1858, d. 11 November 1950
Father*Joseph Mathews1,2 b. 4 Mar 1823, d. 17 Oct 1906
Mother*Louisa Bitting1,2 b. 3 Jun 1833, d. 24 Nov 1919
Birth*5 October 1858Alfred B. Mathews was born on 5 October 1858 in New Britain, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.1,2,3 
Marriage*1 December 1885He married Emma Conard, daughter of Benjamin Conard and Caroline Schuyler, on 1 December 1885 in New Britain, Bucks County.4,2 
(Husband) Death13 March 1938Alfred became a widower when Emma (Conard) Mathews died on 13 March 1938 at age 74.5,6 
Death*11 November 1950He died on 11 November 1950 in his home at 121 Harvey Avenue, Doylestown, Bucks County, at age 921,3 
Burial*14 November 1950 and was buried on 14 November 1950 in Beulah Cemetery, New Britain.1,3 

Family

Emma Conard b. 21 Jul 1863, d. 13 Mar 1938

Citations

  1. [S1814] Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Alfred B Mathews of 121 Harvey Avenue, Doylestown, Bucks County, certificate# 92057, age 92, widowed, farmer, born on 5 October 1858 in New Britain, Pennsylvania, died on 11 November 1950 in at home Doylestown, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USA, parents Joseph Mathews and Louisa Bitting, informant George B. Mathews, burial on 14 November 1950 in Beulah Cemetery, New Britain. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968.
  2. [S2091] Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England, online at www.ancestry.com, #1033. Joseph Mathews, Sixth Generation, page 155. Hereinafter cited as Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Alfred B Mathews, Memorial# 61793163. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  4. [S1816] Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968, online at www.ancestry.com, marriage of Alfred Mathews of New Britain, Bucks county, age 27, farmer, son of Joseph and Louisa Mathews, and Emma Conard of New Britain, Bucks County, age 22, daughter of Benjamin and Caroline Conard, married on 1 December 1885 in New Britain, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USA, referencing Film# 000927058. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968.
  5. [S1814] Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Emma C Mathews, certificate# 30600, age 75, married, wife of Alfred Mathews, retired, born on 21 July 1866 in Pennsylvania, died on 13 March 1938 in New Britain, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USA, parents Benjamin Conard and Caroline Schuyler, both born Pennsylvania, informant Alfred Mathews, New Britain, burial on 16 March 1938 in Beulah Cemetery, Bucks County.
  6. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Emma C Mathews, Memorial# 61793162, reporting her year of death as 1958 which is incorrect; Emma died in 1938 as recorded on her death certificate and also on her gravestone, of which there is a photo on her Find a Grave memorial page.

Benjamin Mathews1

Marriage*He married Letitia Meredith.1 

Family

Letitia Meredith
Child 1.Joseph Mathews+1 b. 4 Mar 1823, d. 17 Oct 1906

Citations

  1. [S1814] Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Joseph Mathews, certificate# 96578, age 83, married, farmer, born on 4 March 1823 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, died of heart disease on 17 October 1906 in New Britain, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USA, parents Benjamin Mathews and Letitia Meredith, informant Emma C. Mathews, burial on 20 October 1906 in New Britain. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968.

Jennie Mathews1

b. 29 July 1866, d. November 1884
Father*Joseph Mathews1 b. 4 Mar 1823, d. 17 Oct 1906
Mother*Louisa Bitting1 b. 3 Jun 1833, d. 24 Nov 1919
Birth*29 July 1866Jennie Mathews was born on 29 July 1866 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,1 
Death*November 1884 and died in November 1884 at age 18.1 

Citations

  1. [S2091] Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England, online at www.ancestry.com, #1033. Joseph Mathews, Sixth Generation, page 155. Hereinafter cited as Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England.

Joseph Mathews1

b. 4 March 1823, d. 17 October 1906
Father*Benjamin Mathews2
Mother*Letitia Meredith2
Birth*4 March 1823Joseph Mathews was born on 4 March 1823 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.1,2,3 
Marriage*1 January 1857He married Louisa Bitting, daughter of Alfred Bitting and Gainor Mathias, on 1 January 1857.1,4,3 
Death*17 October 1906He died suddenly from heart disease while sitting in a chair at his home in New Britain, Bucks County, on 17 October 1906 at age 831,2,3 
Burial*20 October 1906 and was buried on 20 October 1906 in New Britain Baptist Church Cemetery, New Britain.3,2 

Family

Louisa Bitting b. 3 Jun 1833, d. 24 Nov 1919
Children 1.Alfred B. Mathews5,1 b. 5 Oct 1858, d. 11 Nov 1950
 2.Letitia Mathews1 b. 3 Jul 1864
 3.Jennie Mathews1 b. 29 Jul 1866, d. Nov 1884
 4.Thomas Mathews1 b. 10 Mar 1868

Citations

  1. [S2091] Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England, online at www.ancestry.com, #1033. Joseph Mathews, Sixth Generation, page 155. Hereinafter cited as Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England.
  2. [S1814] Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Joseph Mathews, certificate# 96578, age 83, married, farmer, born on 4 March 1823 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, died of heart disease on 17 October 1906 in New Britain, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USA, parents Benjamin Mathews and Letitia Meredith, informant Emma C. Mathews, burial on 20 October 1906 in New Britain. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Joseph Mathews, Memorial# 28851687. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Louisa M Mathews, Memorial# 28851688.
  5. [S1814] Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968, online at www.ancestry.com, death of Alfred B Mathews of 121 Harvey Avenue, Doylestown, Bucks County, certificate# 92057, age 92, widowed, farmer, born on 5 October 1858 in New Britain, Pennsylvania, died on 11 November 1950 in at home Doylestown, Bucks, Pennsylvania, USA, parents Joseph Mathews and Louisa Bitting, informant George B. Mathews, burial on 14 November 1950 in Beulah Cemetery, New Britain.

Letitia Mathews1

b. 3 July 1864
Father*Joseph Mathews1 b. 4 Mar 1823, d. 17 Oct 1906
Mother*Louisa Bitting1 b. 3 Jun 1833, d. 24 Nov 1919
Birth*3 July 1864Letitia Mathews was born on 3 July 1864 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.1 

Citations

  1. [S2091] Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England, online at www.ancestry.com, #1033. Joseph Mathews, Sixth Generation, page 155. Hereinafter cited as Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England.

Mary Ann Mathews1

Marriage*She married Jonathan Bitner.1 

Family

Jonathan Bitner
Child 1.Rachel Bitner+1 b. 11 Apr 1818, d. 10 Jun 1854

Citations

  1. [S44] Roy Henry Heaton, (Miles City, Montana). "Heaton Family Pedigree Chart - Eleven Generations", prepared by hand in 1941. Warning: In this researcher's opinion, some of the information and the dates, particularly, in this pedigree chart often prove to be inaccurate. At the same time, the information presented was a good place for us to start, and has provided us with valuable clues for pursuing future research strategies in our attempt to establish a factual history of our Heaton family. Hereinafter cited as "Heaton Family Pedigree Chart - 1941."

Thomas Mathews1

b. 10 March 1868
Father*Joseph Mathews1 b. 4 Mar 1823, d. 17 Oct 1906
Mother*Louisa Bitting1 b. 3 Jun 1833, d. 24 Nov 1919
Birth*10 March 1868Thomas Mathews was born on 10 March 1868 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.1 

Citations

  1. [S2091] Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England, online at www.ancestry.com, #1033. Joseph Mathews, Sixth Generation, page 155. Hereinafter cited as Genealogy of the descendants of John Kirk, born 1660, at Alfreton, in Derbyshire, England.

Abel Mathias1,2

b. 1768, d. 11 April 1850
Birth*1768Abel Mathias was born about 1768.3 
Marriage*He married Sarah __?__.4,3 
Will*25 September 1835Abel Mathias of Hilltown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, prepared his will dated 25 September 1835 and began by appointing his wife, Sarah, Executrix, and son, John, Executor, of what was described as his last will and testament.

He gave and devised to his son John Mathias the plantation on which he then lived in the said township of Hilltown containing about 80 acres of land, be the same more or less, to him and to his heirs and assigns forever, subject only to the reservations hereinafter mentioned for his widow.

He reserved for the use of his widow, one room, her choice, in his dwelling house with privilege to her and her attendants to use and occupy to same, and as much of the kitchen, cellar, garden, barn, stabling and water as she may choose at all times with full and free privilege of access to and from. And he further directed his son John to pay to her $20 within three months of his decease and the sum of $20 semiannually thereafter during her life and shall further give to her or order as much good flour, meat, butter, milk, fruit and vegetables as shall be necessary for herself and for such person or persons as shall attend her in time of sickness. He further gave his widow such of his beds and bedding with the appurtenances and all such articles of household and kitchen furniture as she shall choose, with sufficiency of firewood fit for her use and convenient to her dwelling.

He gave to his daughter, Elizabeth McKinstry, the sum of $200 to be paid to her or her heirs at the expiration of one year after the decease of his widow.

He ordered and directed that his Executor, or the survivor of him, shall at the expiration of one year after the decease of his widow, pay to the Trustees of the Baptist Church in Hilltown $200 to be vested and kept by them and their successors in some safe and productive fund, the interest thereof to be paid annually to his daughter Gainor or her attorney in fact, and that her receipt alone, or that of her attorney, shall be a sufficient discharge, and that neither the principal nor the interest shall be subject to the control of, nor the payment of, any of the debts of her present husband, Alfred Bitting, but upon the demise of her said husband, or a divorce being obtained, the devise shall be paid to her or her heirs, and in case of her demise before either of those events shall take place, then the money to be paid to her heirs.

He gave to his granddaughter, Juliet Evans, $200, to be paid to her at the expiration of one year after the death of his widow, if she be the survivor, but if she should first die, then to her child or children, if any, but if none, then the legacy to lapse.

He gave to his grandson, Amos M. Heaton, a good feather bed with bedsteads together with such covers and appurtenances as are necessary for the winter season.

The will further stated that Abel had duly considered the situation and circumstances of the several members of his family with the view to making a just and honest distribution of his estate amongst them and, having done so, his will debarred, or prohibited, any one of them from obtaining, under any pretense whatever, anything more than was herein before directed, but if any claim should be made of his Executors, it shall be considered as part of the legacy herein expressed.

His will further stated that if his widow should survive his son John, it was his will that she should act solely as Executrix.

His will directed that, after the payment of all his just debts and funeral expenses, and the several legacies named, that the residue and remainder of his estate, shall be the property of his son John, his heirs and assigns, together also with all and singular such property as shall be left by his widow at the time of her decease, he also gave to his son John, his heirs and assigns.

He revoked all other wills he had made and, in front of witnesses John H. Anderson, William R. Dickerson and James R. Dungan, Abel Mathias declared the document to be his last will and testament, and signed and sealed his name on 25 September 1835.5 
Codicil*22 April 1843He prepared a codicil to his will dated 22 April 1843, stating that he, Abel Mathias of Hilltown Township, the testator in the foregoing will, did make and publish the following as a codicil to be added thereto and to be considered a part thereof.

Viz, his granddaughter, Juliet Evans, to whom a legacy of $200 was left in the said will, having lately deceased, he hereby revoked that legacy and distributed, gave and devised, as additional sums, the said $200 to members of his family also listed as beneficiaries in his will, as he described in the codicil as follows:

To his daughter, Elizabeth McKinstry, the sum of $75 to be paid to her or her heirs by his Executors in one year after the decease of his widow.

To the Trustees of the Baptist Church in Hilltown, and their successors, he gave and devised $75 to be paid by his Executors in one year after the decease of his widow, to be held by such church in trust for the sole and separate use of his daughter, Gainor Bitting, upon the same trusts and conditions in all respects as were expressed in his will with regard to the bequest of $200.

To his grandson, Amos M. Heaton, he gave and devised $50 to be paid to him in one year after the death of his widow, or if she should die before his arrival at the age of 21 years, to be paid to him at his attaining that age.

And whereas a claim may possibly be made against his estate by his daughter, Gainor, or in her right, for the amount of certain legacies once in his hands, but which have been paid but not receipted for, he hereby directed that any amount so claimed, if recovered, together with all cost and expenses incurred by his Executors in attending to said claim, shall be deducted from the principal sum herein and in his will devised in trust for said Gainor, and be accounted as so much paid thereof.

Abel signed and sealed his codicil in the presence of witnesses George Hart and John B. Pugh on 22 April 1843.5 
Death*11 April 1850He died on 11 April 1850 at about age 823 
Burial* and was buried in Hilltown Baptist Churchyard, Chalfont, Bucks County.3 
Probate15 October 1850His will was proved on 15 October 1850 in Bucks County when Letters Testamentary were granted to his son John Mathias as sole Executor. John had duly affirmed that he would well and truly administer the goods and chattels, rights and credits of the estate according to law and would diligently and faithfully regard, and well and truly comply, with the provisions of the law relating to collateral inheritances. The other named executor in the will, Abel's widow, had renounced her appointment.5 
Inventory*3 January 1851 On 3 January 1851 the inventory of the estate of Abel Mathias, late of Hilltown Township, Bucks County, amounting to $250.29, was filed with the probate court by John Mathias, sole Executor, the other executor named in the will having filed her renunciation.6 

Family

Sarah __?__ b. 1770, d. 26 Aug 1858
Children 1.Eliza Mathias+1,2 b. 26 Oct 1798, d. 5 Sep 1854
 2.Gainor Mathias+5
 3.______ Mathias+5
 4.John Mathias5

Citations

  1. [S2025] Joy Heaton Tucci, "Heaton Researcher Joy Heaton Tucci Email Messages," online at e-mail address to LHB, multiple dates, with an attachment of one page believed to be from An Historical Account of Some of the Welsh Settlers of Hilltown and New Britain by Reverend Joseph Mathias with Additional Facts by Edward Mathews made in 1876 found on the Turner-Toce Ancestry Tree published by Marianna Toce. Hereinafter cited as "Heaton Researcher Email Messages."
  2. [S2040] An Historical Account of some of the Welsh Settlers of Hilltown and New Britain by Rev. Joseph Mathias with Additional Facts by Edward Mathews made in 1876, online at https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/tree/12624405/…. It was found as a one-page hand-written fragment attached to an Ancestry tree. It is not known if the original source was hand-written, and the page copied directly from it, or if the page is a hand-written transcription. Therefore, the information may or may not be correct and should be questioned until further information becomes available. Hereinafter cited as An Historical Account of some of the Welsh Settlers of Hilltown and New Britain.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Abel Mathias, Memorial# 55325144. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  4. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Sarah Mathias, Memorial# 55325151.
  5. [S1614] Pennsylvania, Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993, online at www.ancestry.com, will of Abel Mathias, #8876, dated 25 September 1835, with codicil dated 22 April 1843, and proved 15 October 1850, Bucks County Wills, Volumes 13-14, 1847-1859, pages 332-334, images 165-166 of 684. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993.
  6. [S1614] Pennsylvania Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993, online at www.ancestry.com, probate of Abel Mathias, #8876, Bucks County Register Docket, Vol 004-005, 1839-1870, page 165, image# 105 of 402, inventory filed on 3 January 1851 amounting to $250.29.

Ashbel Mathias1

b. 1788, d. 26 February 1826
Birth*1788Ashbel Mathias was born about 1788.1 
Marriage*14 January 1817He married Ann Thomas, daughter of Eber Thomas and Zillah Thomas, on 14 January 1817.1 
Children*Ashbel and Ann had two daughters, Elinor and Mary.1 
Death*26 February 1826He died on 26 February 1826 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, at age 38.1 

Family

Ann Thomas

Citations

  1. [S2037] Edward Mathews, The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. (Landsdale, Pennsylvania: Arthur K. Thomas, 1884), Chapter XI. The children of Mannesseh Thomas, page 48, Eber Thomas. Hereinafter cited as The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a.

Eliza Mathias1,2

b. 26 October 1798, d. 5 September 1854
ChartsDescendants of Robert Heaton of Yorkshire, The Immigrant
Father*Abel Mathias1,2 b. 1768, d. 11 Apr 1850
Mother*Sarah __?__3 b. 1770, d. 26 Aug 1858
Birth*26 October 1798Eliza Mathias was born on 26 October 1798, probably in Hilltown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.4,5 
Name VariationAlthough she almost always appeared in records as Eliza, her full name was Elizabeth Mathias.6 
Marriage*1818She married first Edmond R. Heaton, son of Robert D. Heaton and Mary Owen, in 1818.7,1,2 
Census US 1820*7 August 1820Eliza's husband, Edmond R. Heaton, was enumerated as Edward R. Heaton on the 1820 census taken on 7 August 1820 in Hilltown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His household consisted of three individuals: one free white male between the ages of 16 through 25 whom we believe was Edmond; one free white female between the ages of 16 through 25 who was likely Eliza; and one free white female under the age of 10, likely the couple's first child, a daughter. Eliza's father, Abel Mathias, was enumerated two households below Edmond's on the same census page.8 
Occupation*1820Her husband established a successful grocery business in the city of Philadelphia in 1820.7 
(Wife) Death20 July 1826Eliza became a widow with two small children when Edmond R. Heaton died on 20 July 1826 at age 32, leaving his widow with two small children.9,10,11 
Marriage*She married second Nathan McKinstry, son of Samuel McKinstry and Mary Horner.4 
(Elder Daughter) Will25 September 1835Elizabeth's father, Abel Mathias of Hilltown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, prepared his will dated 25 September 1835 and began by appointing his wife, Sarah, Executrix, and son, John, Executor, of what was described as his last will and testament.

He gave to his daughter, Elizabeth McKinstry, the sum of $200 to be paid to her or her heirs at the expiration of one year after the decease of his widow.6 
(Elder Daughter) Codicil22 April 1843Elizabeth's father prepared a codicil dated 22 April 1843 to his will dated 25 September 1835, in which Elizabeth had been named a beneficiary, stating that he, Abel Mathias of Hilltown Township, the testator in the foregoing will, did make and publish the following as a codicil to be added thereto and to be considered a part thereof. Because his granddaughter, Juliet Evans, to whom a legacy of $200 was left in the said will, having lately deceased, he hereby revoked that legacy and distributed, gave and devised, as additional sums, the said $200 to members of his family also listed as beneficiaries in his will, as he described in the codicil.

To his daughter, Elizabeth McKinstry, the sum of $75 to be paid to her or her heirs by his Executors in one year after the decease of his widow.

To his grandson, Amos M. Heaton, Elizabeth's son, he gave and devised $50 to be paid to him in one year after the death of his widow, or if he should die before his arrival at the age of 21 years, to be paid to him at his attaining that age.6 
(Wife) Death5 January 1852Eliza became a widow for the second time when Nathan McKinstry died on 5 January 1852 at age 70.12 
Death*5 September 1854She died on 5 September 1854 at age 555 
Burial* and was buried with her second husband in Plot 46 of Doylestown Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Doylestown, Bucks County.5 

Family 1

Edmond R. Heaton b. 1794, d. 20 Jul 1826
Child 1.Amos Mathias Heaton+4 b. 18 Oct 1825, d. 24 Mar 1886

Family 2

Nathan McKinstry b. 21 Apr 1781, d. 5 Jan 1852

Citations

  1. [S2025] Joy Heaton Tucci, "Heaton Researcher Joy Heaton Tucci Email Messages," online at e-mail address to LHB, multiple dates, with an attachment of one page believed to be from An Historical Account of Some of the Welsh Settlers of Hilltown and New Britain by Reverend Joseph Mathias with Additional Facts by Edward Mathews made in 1876 found on the Turner-Toce Ancestry Tree published by Marianna Toce. Hereinafter cited as "Heaton Researcher Email Messages."
  2. [S2040] An Historical Account of some of the Welsh Settlers of Hilltown and New Britain by Rev. Joseph Mathias with Additional Facts by Edward Mathews made in 1876, online at https://www.ancestry.com/mediaui-viewer/tree/12624405/…. It was found as a one-page hand-written fragment attached to an Ancestry tree. It is not known if the original source was hand-written, and the page copied directly from it, or if the page is a hand-written transcription. Therefore, the information may or may not be correct and should be questioned until further information becomes available. Hereinafter cited as An Historical Account of some of the Welsh Settlers of Hilltown and New Britain.
  3. [S748] Find a Grave website, which often provides cemetery and tombstone photos, and sometimes personal biographies, that may be obtained from the site, online at www.findagrave.com, Sarah Mathias, Memorial# 55325151. Hereinafter cited as Find a Grave website.
  4. [S17] 1850 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Nathan and Eliza McKinstry, Doylestown, Bucks, Pennsylvania; Roll: 759; Page: 339b. Hereinafter cited as 1850 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Eliza (Heaton) McKinstry, Memorial# 129186249.
  6. [S1614] Pennsylvania, Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993, online at www.ancestry.com, will of Abel Mathias, #8876, dated 25 September 1835, with codicil dated 22 April 1843, and proved 15 October 1850, Bucks County Wills, Volumes 13-14, 1847-1859, pages 332-334, images 165-166 of 684. Hereinafter cited as Pennsylvania Wills and Probate Records, 1683-1993.
  7. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, in two volumes, with indexes in Volume II. Warning: In this researcher's opinion, the information in these volumes often proves to be inaccurate. At the same time, the information presented has provided us with valuable clues for pursuing future research strategies in our attempt to establish a factual history of our Heaton family. (Tempe, Arizona: published for the author by Graphics of Tempe, 1999), Volume I, Chapter 18, page 663. Hereinafter cited as Heaton Families II.
  8. [S468] 1820 United States Federal Census, online at www.ancestry.com, household of Edmond R. Heaton, his name written as Edward R., and his surname transcribed by Ancestry as "Heuton", Hilltown, Bucks, Pennsylvania; Page: 284; NARA Roll: M33_99; Image: 301. Hereinafter cited as 1820 United States Federal Census.
  9. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Edmond Heaton, Memorial# 55715103, recording his date of death as 20 July 1826.
  10. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, Volume I, Chapter 18, page 651, reporting his date of death as 20 July 1826.
  11. [S45] Dean Heaton, Heaton Families II, Volume I, Chapter 18, page 663, reporting his date of death as 23 July 1826.
  12. [S748] Find a Grave website, online at www.findagrave.com, Nathan McKinstry, Memorial# 71575896.

Elizabeth Mathias1

b. 12 September 1765, d. 28 August 1803
Father*Thomas Mathias1
Birth*12 September 1765Elizabeth Mathias was born on 12 September 1765.1 
Marriage*12 October 1786She married, as his first wife, Isaac Morris, son of William Morris and Ann Griffith, on 12 October 1786.1 
Death*28 August 1803She died on 28 August 1803 at age 37.1 

Family

Isaac Morris b. 1764, d. 13 Sep 1843
Children 1.Mathias Morris+1 b. 12 Sep 1787, d. 9 Nov 1839
 2.Justus Morris1
 3.William Morris1

Citations

  1. [S2037] Edward Mathews, The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a, downloaded from the Family History Library at www.familysearch.org. (Landsdale, Pennsylvania: Arthur K. Thomas, 1884), Chapter XVI. The children of Gwently Thomas, pages 62-64, William Morris. Hereinafter cited as The Thomas family of Hilltown, Bucks County, Penn'a.