The Revolutionary Rose Family of Halifax County, North Carolina

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Don Taylor

Howell
by Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.One of my wife’s third great-grandmothers was Elizabeth (Rose) Vincent.

I have been unsuccessful in discovering a document that provides evidence for Elizabeth’s parents. Looking at other individual’s trees about 75% of other researchers suggest that her parents were William Rose (1759-1801) and Sarah Crawley (1752-1863).  Twenty percent suggest that Elizabeth’s parents were Elisha Rose Sr. (1753-1795) and Hannah Sellers (1758-1812). The final 5% suggest her parents were Elisha Rose and Pheroby Powell. A quick look at these other researcher’s trees failed to reveal a document that would provide evidence regarding Elizabeth’s parents. I’ll take a look at these possible parents for Elizabeth and try to determine what I believe to be correct. But first, I need to confirm what I think I know.

The 1850 Census finds Elizabeth Vincent as the 64-year-old head of household in Halifax, North Carolina. Living with her is her 25-year-old daughter, Nancy. Next door is John, one of her sons.

The 1840 Census shows Burkett Vincent as the head of the household. In the household is a female from 50 to 59 years old who I assume to be Elizabeth.

Likewise, the 1830 Census shows Burkett Vincent as the head of the household. In the household is a female aged 40 to 49 years old who I assume to be Elizabeth.

The 1820 Census Census shows “Perkit” (Burkett) Vincent as the head of the household consisting of a female age 45 and over. Elizabeth should have been about 34 years old, so I believe that Burkett had a first wife, who was the mother of his children enumerated in the 1820 Census.  This included

  • Two males under 10,
  • Two females under 10,
  • One female between 10 and 15 years old.

Other records indicate that Burkett had three boys born before 1920, William, John, and James.

That plus three previously unknown girls in the family suggest to me that Burkett had a first wife.

The Roses of Halifax County

The 1790 Census[i] All four reside in Edgecombe, Halifax, North Carolina.

  • Elisha Rose                 2 2 5-0-8
  • Wormley Rose           1-1-2-0-5
  • William Rose              1-2-3-0-6
  • Thomas Rose              1-1-2-0-0

The third number in the 1790 Census is, “Free white females including heads of families.” In 1790 Elizabeth Rose would have been about 4 years old. So, she would have fit into any of these four rose families.

During November 1786, Wormly Rose was charged with “begetting a baseborn child on the body of Francis Tyar.” Wormly was ordered to pay Francis the sum of 7 pounds “for the lying in expenses” and 5 pounds per year for the next 7 years.[ii]

Is it possible that this child was born in 1785 and was named Elizabeth?

The 1784 listing of Halifax County Taxables[iii] indicates there were 3 property owners with the Rose surname in Halifax County.

Name                          Acres

  • Elisha Rose                 230
  • Wm. Rose                   230
  • Wm. Rose Junr.          248

Next, it appears that the Rose family of Halifax County, North Carolina, was very involved with the Revolutionary War. There were at least seven involved according to

Revolutionary Pay Vouchers.[iv]

Name Date of Voucher DAR Connection
Amos Rose 23 Aug 1784 Not in DAR
Ann Rose 4 Sep 1781 Not in DAR
Elisha Rose 6 Oct 1785 Not in DAR
Samuel Rose 4 Sep 1781 Not in DAR
Samuel Rose 18 Sep 1781 Not in DAR
Samuel Rose Mar 1782 Not in DAR
Samuel Rose 18 Sep 1782 Not in DAR
Samuel Rose 4 Aug 1783 Not in DAR
Thomas Rose 16 June 1783 Not in DAR
William Rose 15 Feb 1781 A206765
William Rose 5 Oct 1781 A206187
William Rose 5 Oct 1781 Duplicate
William Rose 4 Aug 1783 Duplicate?

Whenever I see someone with a connection to the Revolutionary War, I immediately think of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Searching the DAR Database for the surname “Rose” and North Carolina yielded nine matches.  Four of the matches related to four William Roses. Two of those had notes. Both indicated that the line couldn’t be used for DAR purposes due to problems in the line or with the service of the individual. That left two William Roses, one Junior and one Senior.

William Rose, Sr. DAR Ancestor #A206765

  • Birth Ante 1733
  • Death: Post 1785 – Halifax Co., North Carolina
  • CLARK, STATE RECS OF NC, VOL 15, PP 493, 664; PENSION OF ISAAC CARPENTER, *S8168; NC REV WAR PAY VOUCHERS ##180, 2506, #8424, ROLL #S.115.121
  • Service Description:    1) WAGON MASTER
  • 2) REIMBURSED FOR SERVICES RENDERED

William Rose, Jr. DAR Ancestor A206187

  • Birth Ante 1759
    Death Ante 2-13-1801 Warren Co. Georgia
  • Service Source: NC REV WAR PAY VOUCHERS #2507, ROLL #S.115.121
  • Service Description:    1) PAID FOR SERVICES RENDERED
  • 1st wife Sarah Crowley b. ____; d 2 June 1808 at Warren Co. GA

I was very surprised to not see the other five people I found in revolutionary pay vouchers not a patriot in the DAR database.

That said, the DAR Database gave me hints and suggestions regarding 13 individuals, some of whom were potential parents for Elizabeth. However, nothing in the DAR trees provided clear parentage for Elizabeth. From what I’ve found, her parents could still be any of the three suspected parental sets.

  • William Rose (1759-1801) and Sarah Crawley (1775-1863),
  • Elisha Rose Sr. (1753-1795) and Hannah Sellers (1758-1812), or
  • Elisha Rose and Pheroby Powell (died 1794).

Followup

Next time I’ll search for other aspects of the 18th Century Rose Family of Halifax County, North Carolina. Continue reading →

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S. F. Auto Death – 23 Dec 1919

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Don Taylor

Montrans in the News – S. F. Auto Death – December 23, 1919

Montran Monday
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.

 

This week’s entry for Montran Monday is from the Stockton Daily Evening Record (Stockton, CA) dated 23 December 1919.

 

              S. F. AUTO DEATH
                          —–
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23.—One man was killed and four others suffered severe injuries in an automobile accident today near the Hunter’s Point dry dock. E. W. Montran, 45, was killed. Antone G. Garra and J. Mintus are seriously injured. W. W. Parker suffered a fractured skull and internal injuries.

The automobile skidded on a wet place in the street and overturned according to reports received by police. 

Discover you family history through historical newspapers at Newspapers.comNone of my records saw an E.W. Montran previously. So, I was able to add him to my records. E. W. Montran, born about 1874, died 23 Dec 1919 in San Francisco, California. A quick look at City Directories for San Francisco and Stockton for 1919 did not find any Montrans.

In the “California, Death Index, 1905-1939,” via Ancestry.Com, I learned that an Ernest W. Mottram died in San Francisco on 23 December 1919.

Further searches for E. W. Montran found one during the 1910 Census in Missouri and nothing after that. Additionally, the search for Ernest W. Mottram didn’t find anything of interest. So, I’m not sure if this is a Montran or a Mottram. Certainly, further, more in-depth, research should be considered for the future.

Source:

Stockton Daily Evening Record (Stockton, California) · Tue, Dec 23, 1919 · Page 2. “S. F. Auto Death” via Newspapers.Com.

Future Actions:

Determine if the person who died on 23 December 1919 in San Francisco, CA, was E. W. Montran or Ernest W. Mottram.

Endnotes:

[i] Montran Monday – My grandmother’s father was John Montran. She used the surname, as a young child and again when she began in show business. The name is uncommon and most of the Montrans I see in the newspapers are my grandmother during her early vaudeville career. However, with the constant flow of newly digitized material, I often learn of new articles which contain the Montran name. I pay attention to the finding and try to determine a possible relationship of any Montrans to Donna’s father, John Montran.

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Donna in the News – Special Act on Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Don Taylor

25 November 1925

Vaudeville – Jewel Review

 “Donna in the News” is my reporting of newly discovered newspaper articles and advertising regarding my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran and aka Donna Darling). I am always excited when I find a new venue for my grandmother’s exciting show business career of the 1910s and 1920s.

This week’s article is from page 4 of the Kenosha News (Kenosha, WI), dated 25 November 1925.

VAUDEVILLE ON THANKSGIVING.
——-
Special Act to Accompany Feature Picture, “The Pony Express.”

A special vaudeville act will be given on Thanksgiving Day at the Orpheum theater in conjunction with the feature picture, “The Pony Express.” The act will be Donna Darling and girls in “Her Little Jewel Revue.” There will be singing, dancing and special scenery.

The picture which starts Thursday for the rest of the week has one scene on the mammoth location set near Cheyenne, Wyoming, that was directed by Vice-President Charles G. Dawes. The vice-president extended the range of his versatility when he assumed the role of motion picture director. Aided by an occasional word from James Cruse, the producer, and Betty Compson, who has the featured feminine role in this epic production, the general appeared to enjoy the experience, shouting “Camera” like a veteran.

Thanks to this new posting at Newspapers.com, I learned that on Nov 26, 1925, in Kenosha, Wisconsin at the Orpheum Theater, Donna Darling and girls presented the “Little Jewel Revue.” I was able to add another venue for Donna’s “Little Jewel Revue” tour.

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Ancestor Sketch – Ezra Clugston Sanford

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Don Taylor

Brown/Sanford Line
By Don Taylor

Contemporary writers said Ezra was a “remarkably muscular man, possessed of great nerve and quickness of perception.”[i] They also said he was “a mechanic, a respectable member of society, a kind husband and parent, a good neighbor and an honest man.”[ii] Wow.  What great things were said about my 5th Great-Grandfather, Ezra Clugston Sanford.  He is definitely an ancestor that I would have loved to have met in person. He sounds amazing.

Ancestor #200 – Ezra Clugston Sanford (1763-1813)

List of Grandparents

  • 6 – Grandfather: Richard Earl Brown
  • 12 – 1st Great-grandfather: Arthur Durwood Brown(1869-1928)
  • 25 – 2nd Great-grandmother: Marion Sanford(1846- c. 1895)
  • 50 – 3rd Great-grandfather: William M Sanford(1824-1915)
  • 100 – 4th Great-grandfather: Ezra Gay Sanford(1792-1855)
  • 200 – 5th Great-grandfather: Ezra Clugston Sanford (1763-1813)
  • 400 – 6th Great-grandfather: Amos Gilbert Sanford (1733-1777)
  • 800 – 7th Great-grandfather: Samuel Baldwin Sanford (1703-1758)*
  • 1600 – 8th Great-grandfather: Samuel Sanford (1680-1729)*
  • 3200 – 9th Great-grandfather: Samuel Sanford (1643-1691)*
  • 6400 – 10th Great-grandfather: Thomas Sanford (Immigrant Ancestor) (1607-1681)* 

* Italicized individuals were newly added as a result of my research into Ezra Clugston Sanford. Their information and relationships have not been confirmed.

Birth

Ezra Clugston Sanford was born 22 April 1763 in Newtown, Fairfield County, Connecticut. He was the fourth of ten children born to Amos Gilbert and Mary Cluckstone (Clugston) Sanford. Newtown was a thriving town of nearly 2000 people when Ezra was born.

In 1763 the Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years’ War and France ceded New France (Canada) to Great Britain. Just days after Ezra’s birth, Chief Pontiac of the Odawa people, along with 17 other nations, began attacking the British Fort Detroit in what become known as “Pontiac’s War.”

Childhood

Ezra was baptized in the First Congregational Church in Newtown, CT on 8 May 1763.

Siblings of Ezra Clugston Sanford

Name Birth Married Death
David Clugston Sanford 1757 Hannah Rowlin 1836
Elizabeth Sanford 1759 Isaiah Honeywell 1809
Caleb Clugston Sanford 1761 Lucinda Pike 1783
Samuel Clugston Sanford 1765 Miss Rand 1832
John Sanford 1767 Miss Russ ?
Annise Sanford 1770 ? ?
Mary Dianta Sanford 1772 ? 1851
Amos Sanford 1774 Betsey Pardee 1831
Gurdon Sanford 1776 ? ?

In 1780, Ezra’s uncle, Thomas Sanford, built a house at 71 Riverside Road in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown which stands today and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[iii]

When Ezra turned 21 in 1784, another Treaty of Paris was ratified—this time to end the Revolutionary War.

Marriage

Ezra married Mercy Gay on 11 October 1786 in Sharon, Litchfield County, Connecticut. The couple had four or five children.

Children of Ezra and Mercy (Gay) Sanford

Name Birth Death
Electa Sanford 1790 – Litchfield Co., CT ?
Ezra Gay Sanford 1792 – Litchfield Co., CT 1855
Sally Sanford 1796 – Pownal, VT 1881
Lucy Sanford 1799 – Pownal, VT 1870

The 1790 Census indicates that Ezra is living with three females in Litchfield. One is his wife, and one is his daughter Electa. That leaves one unknown female. That female could be anyone, including another child. Ezra and Mercy were married in 1786 and had Electa in 1790. However, a four-year gap between marriage and their first child is longer than I would expect. As such, I believe that this unknown female in the household is a daughter born about 1788 and who died before 1800. (See: Ezra Sanford in the Early Censuses for details.)

Adult

Ezra, Mercy, and children moved to Pownal, Bennington County, Vermont in February, 1792.[iv]

1800 Census – In the 1800 Census. Ezra is the head of a household consisting of 3 males and 4 females. There is one unknown adult male in the household and one female that was there in 1790 that is not listed, but the other members of the household are enumerated as expected.

Ezra Sanford 1 – – 2 – | 2 1 – 1

Ezra Sanford in the 1800 Census

  • 1809 – The Vermont Gazette (Bennington, Vermont) on 17 July 1809, Page 3, indicated that Ezra was living in Pownal but had mail waiting for him at the post office.
  • 1810 Census – The Ezra Sanford household is still in Pownal, with Ezra and Mercy with four children, Ezra (Jr.). Electa, Lucy, and Sally/Sarah.
  • 1812 – The Vermont Gazette (Bennington, Vermont) on 11 May 1812, Page 4, indicated that Ezra was living in Pownal and was a commissioner in the probate of Leah Barber’s estate. \

Death & Burial

  • Ezra Clugston Sanford died on 22 June 1812 at the age of 50 years and 2 months in Pownal, Bennington County, Vermont. He was buried in the Towslee Cemetery in Pownal.

Will & Probate

I wrote about Ezra’s estate previously.  Please see:

Events by Location

Newtown Township, Fairfield County, Connecticut – Birth, Baptism.

Sharon, Litchfield County, Connecticut – Marriage, 1790 Census.

Pownal, Bennington County, Vermont – 1800, 1810, Death, Burial.

Further Actions / Follow-up Research

  • Research the Sanford family of Newtown, CT, and learn about their support of the Revolution.
  • Research the Sanford family of Newtown, CT, and learn about their education.
  • Research death dates and marriages of Ezra’s siblings.
  • Determine death information regarding Electa Sanford (1790-?)
  • Determine property that may have been owned by Ezra Sanford in both Connecticut and Vermont. Check for tax records also.

————–  Disclaimer  ————–

Continue reading →

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Veteran’s Day – 2019 – Remembered Ancestors

Posted on November 11, 2019 by Don Taylor

Today I remember my ancestors that served in the military. I served during Vietnam and my ancestors served during every generation and many of our wars – Korea, both World Wars, the Civil War, the War of 1812, Revolutionary War, the French and Indian War, and even peacetime. I know of seven ancestors who served during the Revolution and three who served during the Civil War for the Union.

Korean War

My Uncle – Russell Kees (1927-2016) fought in Korea.

World War II

My stepfather, Edgar Jerome Matson fought in Europe during World War II

1928-1931 – Peacetime Service

Clifford (Dick) Brown – 3rd from left, back row – Corozal (Panama) Basketball Champions – 1928.jpg

My Grandfather – Richard Earl Brown (aka Clifford Durwood Brown, aka Richard Earl Durand) (1903-1990) My maternal grandfather “Dick” served in the Army. Little is known about his peacetime military service.
In 1928, he was in the army stationed in Panama. He was a member of the base’s champion basketball team (See: Article).
In 1930, he met my Grandmother in Panama.  It appears that he was discharged in 1931.

World War I

My step-grandfather Sammy Amsterdam served during World War I.

Civil War – Grand Army of the Republic

My 2nd great-grandfather – John William Manning (1846-1888).
On 29 Aug 1863, John enlisted in the GAR, at the age of 17, into the 45th Regiment of Kentucky. His father, Enoch Mannin, gave his consent for young John William to enlist. Sometime between May and June of 1864 he was captured by the South (Morgan).
He mustered out on 30 Dec 1864.

My 3rd great-grandfather – Enoch Mannin (1823-1907)
On 29 Aug 1863 – Enoch enlisted (at the same time as his son John) in the 45th Regiment of Kentucky.
Between May and June of 1864, he was captured by the South (Morgan)
He was discharged on 29 Dec 1864 at Catlettsburg, KY.

My 2nd great-grandfather – Asa Ellis Roberts (1835-1887)
On 15 Aug 1861, Asa Joined the Union – Company I, 31st Regiment, Illinois Volunteers for 3 years. He was discharged early due to chronic pericarditis.

War of 1812

My 4th great-grandfather – Jacob Lawson (1800-___)
2nd Regiment (Lillard’s) East Tennessee Volunteers.
Was a private in Captain Waterhouse’s Company Tennessee Volunteers Florida.

15 Star flag War of 1812

My 3rd great-grandfather – John Calvin Roberts (1795-1873)
John C. Roberts was a veteran of the War of 1812, serving in Captain Chiles & Lieutenant Conway’s Company of Tennessee Militia. He enlisted Sep. 20, 1814 at Kingston, TN and was discharged there on May 1, 1815, serving 224 days. He received a pension for his War of 1812 military service.

Revolutionary War

My 5th great-grandfather – Silas Taft (1744-1822)
Serviced under Capt. Bezaleel Taft and Col. Nathan Taylor.

My 6th great-grandfather – John Maben (1753-1813)
(DAR – Patriot # A072838) Private – 1st Claverack Batt, 9th Regt.
Private – Capt Hawley, Col Van Ness; Albany Co. Mil/New York

My 6th great-grandfather – John Parsons, Sr (1737/1738-1821)
DAR – Patriot# A088240
Lieutenant – Second LT in Capt Samuel Wolcott, 10th Co, 1st Berkshire Cnty Regt of MA Militia.
Lieutenant – Also Lt. Cap. Elijah Daming, Col Ashley.

My 6th great-grandfather – Wicks Weeks Rowley (1760-1826)
(DAR – Patriot # A09932)
Private – New York Militia

Minute Man – Lexington, Massachusetts

My 6th great-grandfather – Stephen Taft (1710-1803)
Stephen was a Lieutenant of Massachusetts Militia. He was a Minute Man at the Lexington Alarm.

My 6th great-grandfather – Samuel Wolcott (1736-1802)
(DAR Patriot # A127434)
Captain – 10th Co, 1st Regt, Berkshire Co Militia; Col Hopkins Regt to Highlands.

My 7th great-grandfather – Grover Buel (1732-1818)
Revolutionary War (DAR – Patriot # A016639
He was a soldier of the Dutchess Co. New York Militia 6th Regiment.
He received Land Bounty Rights

French and Indian Wars

Colonial Ensign

My 8th great-grandfather – Samuel Wolcott (1679-1734)
“He commanded a military company.”
According to “The Family of HENRY WOLCOTT” by Chandler Wolcott. See: https://archive.org/details/wolcottgenealogy00wolc “He probably served in either King Williams War 1688-1697 or Queen Ann’s War (1702-1713). These wars were the first two of the four French and Indian Wars, which pitted New France against New England.

I know I have more to discover and more to learn about their service, but 18 known ancestor Veterans is a great beginning.

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