[Sometimes you just have to skip a generation in your research to find the answer to the question. If you do so, it is important to have a clear reason and a clear explanation of how any why you skipped the generation. Such is the case for my Blanchard study. The family oral story was that the Blanchards have been in Maine “forever.” I was asked to find out exactly when they came to Maine.]
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My search began with Edward E Blanchard, who married Priscilla Newcomb in 1925. I then began following him and his ancestors back in time. In 1920, he was living with his widowed mother and four siblings in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine.
Further research found that his father Frederick W Blanchard died in 1918.
In 1910, the 9-year-old Edward was living with his parents, Frederick W and Minnie Blanchard in South Portland, Maine.
In 1900, Frederick is living in South Portland with his wife Minnie and three of his children. (Edward hadn’t been born yet.)
In 1887, Frederick and Minnie were married. It was Minnie’s first marriage, but Frederick’s second marriage.
The 1880 Census was particularly difficult to interpret. Frederick was living with his uncle, Charles H. Blanchard and his Charles’s wife Miranda. Also living in the household was Elizabeth Blanchard, a 79-year-old widow who is listed as a “boarder.” Next door, is 81-year-old Myra Blanchard. Of course, both Charles and Myra are listed as “Head” of their respective households. Sadly, the 1880 census is the first census which identifies the relationships of people in a household to the Head and the 1870 census won’t shed any more light on to the relationships.
The 1870 Census shows the Charles H Blanchard household including his wife Miranda, 4-year-old Fred, and three other children. Also living with them is 70-year-old Elizabeth.
The 1860 Census shows Charles and Miranda living in Cumberland, Maine, apparently with three children. Next Door to them is Cyrus and Elizabeth Blanchard with a 16-year-old boy, Melville G Blanchard, who I tentatively assume to be their son.
Looking closer at Cyrus Blanchard’s life, he was apparently married three times. First to Apphiah Young in 1816, Apphiah died in 1841. His second marriage was to Sarah Staples. Sarah died in 1848. His third marriage was to Elizabeth Mills. This would be the Elizabeth we see him with in 1860. It also fits the age of the Elizabeth in the household of Charles H Blanchard in 1870 and 1880. Elizabeth would be Charles’s step-mother.
Cyrus and Elizabeth also show up in the 1850 Census with what appear to be four children. Charles, Nancy, Albion, and Sarah.
So, if, in fact, Frederick’s uncle is Charles and Charles’ father is Cyrus, then Frederick’s grandfather must be Cyrus. We may not know the name of Frederick’s father, which might be Melville, Albion, or something entirely different, but we do know his grandfather’s name.
I believe that Cyrus was born in 1791 in old North Yarmouth, Cumberland County, (Maine) and that his father was Ebenezer Blanchard, born 1760 in Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. So, Ebenezer would be the first of Edward Blanchard’s direct ancestors to live in Maine.
There is more research to do. The leap of faith between Frederick and Cyrus need much more to confirm. Also, there were many other Blanchards in Cumberland County long before Ebenezer came to Cumberland County. There was a Samuel Blanchard who sold ¼ of an island in Casco Bay to an Ebenezer Blanchard in 1762. Also, according to the 1870 census to the agricultural schedule, there were 7 farmers with the surname Blanchard farming in Cumberland Center, Cumberland County. Basically, you can hardly turn around without encountering another Blanchard in Cumberland Center or Yarmouth; there are hundreds of them. So, lots more research to do on this family.
Oh, by the way, it appears that Ebenezer was the son of Daniel Blanchard born 1727 in Weymouth, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, a known patriot of the Revolution.[i]
Today I remember my ancestors that served in the military.
I know of 64 relatives who served in the military, ten of whom are my direct ancestors. Six of those 10 served in the Revolutionary War and two served in the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR – Union).
My Grandfather – Clifford Durwood Brown (1903-1990) (aka Richard Durand, aka Richard “Dick” Brown) 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.
2nd Great Grandfather – John William Manning (1846-1888)
Civil War – GAR
29 Aug 1863 – Enlisted at 17 years of age into the 45th Regiment of Kentucky. His father, Enoch Mannin, gave his consent for young John William to enlist.
Between May and June of 1864 he was captured by the South (Morgan).
He mustered out on 30 Dec 1864.
3rd Great Grandfather – Enoch Mannin (1823-1907)
Civil War – GAR
29 Aug 1863 – Enlisted 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 Leattettsburg, KY.
5th Great Grandfather – Reuben Fowler (1753-1832)
Revolutionary War Veteran. Service time unknown (by me).
6th Great Grandfather – John Maben 1753-1813) Revolutionary War (DAR – Patriot # A072838) Private – 1st Claverack Batt, 9th Regt.
Private – Capt Hawley, Col Van Ness; Albany Co.Mil/New York
6th Great Grandfather John Parsons, Sr (1737/1738-1821)
Revolutionary War (DAR – Patriot# A088240
Lieutenant – Second LT in Capt Samuel Wolcott, 10th Co, 1st Berkshire Cnty Regt of MA Militia.
Lieutenant – Also LtCap Elijah Daming, Col Ashley
6th Great Grandfather – Wicks Weeks Rowley (1760-1826)
Revolutionary War (DAR – Patriot # A09932
Private – New York Militia
6th Great Grandfather – Samuel Wolcott (1736-1802)
Revolutionary War (DAR Patriot # A127434
Captain – 10th Co, 1st Regt, Berkshire Co Militia; Col Hopkins Regt to Highlands.
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
First Flag of New England
1686-1707
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.
Finally, My Uncle Russell Kees fought in Korea.
My stepfather, Edgar Jerome Matson fought in World War II
My step great-grandfather Sammy Amsterdam served during World War I.
Thanks to the wonderful records on the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) website, I knew that my wife’s 4th great-grandfather, William Price was a descendant of the patriot, William Price, Sr. I also knew that William was born on 14 Feb 1762 in Martin County, North Carolina and that he died in Martin County. With his birthday coming, I thought I’d research more.
Nothing is known about his childhood. According to the DAR information he married circa 1778, at the age of 16. Other research found that his wife was probably Mary Brown. I suspect that he and Mary were married somewhat after 1778 because, apparently, their first child, Hardy Brown Price wasn’t born until 1789. All of their children were born in Martin County, North Carolina.
Courtesy: Wikipedia
Their first daughter, Cherry, (my wife’s 3rd great-grandmother) was born in 1793. About 1795 another daughter, Rebecca was born.
The DAR lineage report indicated that both his parents, William and Martha, died 27 Jan 1800. I’m quite certain that that is not the case. I found William Price, Sr. Will and it was dated 27Jan 1800. He mentions that he was weak of body but provides for his wife in the will.
In 1802, a third daughter Roxanne was born and in 1805 a fourth daughter, Mary was born.
Some records indicate that about 1816, William’s oldest son, Hardy died at the age of 27 and the following year, they had another child named Hardy B. Price. I find this unlikely as Mary would have been well into her 40s. So, either there was a second wife, named Mary, or the reports of Hardy’s death are incorrect. We do know that Hardy was dead in 1843 as his heirs are mentioned in William’s will. It possible that a first Hardy had two children before dying at age 27 or that a second Hardy was born and had two children and died before dying before age 26. In either event, this is an area that requires more research.
Daughter Rebecca died about 1829.
The 1830 Census indicates that he, at age 67, was living with a young woman and three children under 10, a boy and two girls. It is not clear who this was yet. His daughters Roxanna and Mary both had a boy and a girl living in 1843, so it is possible that it was one of them living with him. Again, this is an area that additional research would clarify the situation.
In 1837 his daughter Cherry died.
Guilford flag (North Carolina)Source: North American Vexillological Association
The 1840 Census indicates that William was a Revolutionary War Pensioner. There were several William Prices that fought in th™revolution. Certainly his father did. There is another William Price who married a Mary Butler of Kingwood, Preston Co. Virginia (Now WV), who some researchers appear to confuse with the Martin County William Price. This is an area for future research to solidify this William’s Revolutionary War service.
William Price’s will in August of 1843 is silent regarding regarding William H Price (III) so it appears that child, if he existed — and I’m not sure that he did — died before 1843 without issue.
William Price’s will indicates the following children:
Hardy Price (Dec.)
Cherry Bryan (Dec.)
Mary Johnson
Rebecca Bryan (Dec.)
Roxana Bryan
There are many grandchildren mention including Evelina Bryan and Joseph Bryan whose mothers are not identified. Note that it appears that three of Williams four daughters married Bryan men.
William died sometime between August 1843 (when he signed his will) and January 1847 (when his will was probated). He asked to be buried in the family cemetery.
Although some land is passed through the will, it appears that much more of his land was passed via sales. I have several records of land transfers that I need to go through in the future.
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Last Will & Testament – William Price – 22 August 1843
Amanuensis by Don Taylor
Probated – January Term 1847
North Carolina
Martin County
Martin County Wills Records
1810-1868, Vol. 02 Image 196 (Pg 326) – Cropped
Thanks to Family Search
Know all men by those present that I William Price being in sound mind and memory thanks be to God for the same but knowing the uncertainty of death do make and ordain this my last will and testament as follows:
1st I commend my soul to Almighty Good my body to be entered in a descent christian like manner in the family Grave yard.
2nd The negro girl Hannah I trust my daughter Cherry at her marriage after my death it is my will and desire that said negro Hannah increase except one boy by the name of Luke, be equally divided between the children of my daughter Cherry and these being from my Daughter Cherry being dead it is my will wish and desire that the increase of said negro Hannah she being dead also be equally divided between Robt. Rebecca, Martha, John & Benjamin Lewis Bryan children of said Cherry after my death and to make said division I do nominate and appoint Jno P. Turner Robert Bryan and same. Saml A. Long to do the same.
3rd The negro girl Silva I let my daughter Rebecca have at her marriage and my daughter Rebecca being dead and said nigro also best said nigro silva having an increase it is my will and desire that Jno Bryan, husband of my said daughter Rebecca have said negros to him and his heirs forever.
4th the negro girl Liza I let my daughter Roxana have at her marriage it is my will and desire that my daughter Roxana have said girl and increase her life time and after her death. I give said nigros to her (sasfue?) children.
5th The negro boy thisosehilus which was sold and the profits equally divided between my daughter Mary and her two children Joseph and Martha remain so forever.
6th I give unto my grand daughter Evelina Bryan one nigro girl by the name of Hannah, should the said Evelina Bryan die without a lawful heir it is my will and desire that the said nigro Hannah be sold and increases of (???) and the proceeds rising from the said sale be equally divided among my heirs.
over
Martin County Wills Records
1810-1868, Vol. 02 Image 197 (Pg 327) – Cropped
Thanks to Family Search
7th I give unto my grandsons Benjamin F Price and Hardy B. Price, sons of my son Hardy B Price one hundred dollars each before the property I have on hand is divided.
8th I give unto my grandson, Joseph R. Bryan our tract of land said land I bought of B. F. & H, M. B. Price containing forty acres more or less and all its improvements thereon forever.
9th It is my will and desire that the nigros I have not given away after my death to be equally divided between my heirs in the following manner (viz) one fifth to Hardy B Price heir, one fifth to the Cherry Bryan heirs, One fifth to Rebecca Bryan children, one fifth to Roxana Bryan her lifetime and after her death to her children, one fifth to Mary Johnson her lifetime and after her death to her children leaving and giving my executions forever to appoint commissions to allot and divide said nigros between said heirs according to the above statement.
10th I give unto my daughter Mary Johnson one track of land known as the Johnson Tract containing fifty acres more or less running south with the fence to her and her heirs forever also one negro woman by the name of Ninny to her and her heirs forever.
11th It is my desire that the balance of the land I have not otherwise disposed of except the family graveyard be sold and equally divided between my son Hardy B Price and the heirs of daughters Rebecca, Cherry, & Roxanna in like manner, as the negros.
12th I give to unto my grandson Joseph R Bryan one bed and furniture.
13th It is my will and desire that my Executor sell at public auction my perishable estate and after paying my land debt the balance with what monies or land that I may have to be equally divided between the heirs of my son Hardy B. Price and the children of my daughter Rebecca and the children of my daughter Cherry and Roxana and Mary in like manner as the nigros.
14th It is my will and desire that my Executors retain in their hand, if not applied for property before the part of any estate which I give unto my daughter Roxana and her heirs seven years if not adopted for in that time then to be equally divided between my other heirs.
15th It is my will and desire my executors retain in their hands the property which I given unto my grand children until they arrive to the age of twenty one or married, I do hereby constitute and appoint my friends Archibald Stanton and William R Brown Executors to this my last will and testament revoking all others that I may have made prior to this date. In witness where of I have (??ents) set my hand and seal, this the twenty second day of August One Thousand Eight Hundred and forty three.
Signed: William Price {Seal}
Signed in presence of us
Bryant Bennett
Jos. Waldo
A Great Lineage:
Ann Debora Long’s mother was
Martha Ann Bryan, whose mother was
Cherry Price, whose father was William Price (The subject of this posting). His father was
William Price, whose father was
John Price.
Veterans Day – 11/11/2013 – The Howells & Darlings
General Frank Alton Armstrong
Official USAF Photo
The Howell/Hobbs line has had many in the military. Certainly, the most famous of them is Greybeard’s 1st cousin, Frank Alton Armstrong. During World War II, Col. Armstrong led bombing missions over Germany, which were the basis for a book, movie, and a TV program, “Twelve O’Clock High.” After VE day, he flew many additional missions over Japan. After the war, General Armstrong pioneered a nonstop air routes from Alaska to Norway and Alaska to New York.
In terms of direct ancestors in the Howell/Hobbs line has three veterans that I have identified so far.
Robert Bryan (1736-1794) – Revolutionary War – 5th Great Grandfather.
James Ashley Hobbs (1844-1920) – Civil War (South) – Great-Grandfather.
Peter Fletcher Howell (1842-1924) – Civil War (South) – Great Grandfather
Robert Bryan (1736-1794) – Revolutionary War – 5th Great Grandfather.
North Carolina
“Don’t Tread on Me” Flag
“Robert Bryan … assisted in establishing American Independence, while acting in the capacity of Private, N.C. Militia. Several Ladies have DAR Numbers for him. Per – Sara Long Johnson)
Robert Bryan died 3 April 1784. We do not know his burial location.
DAR Ancestor #A016279
Sources: Martin County Heritage – [Biography] 89 – John Bryan Family by Sara Long Johnson.
Daughters of the American Revolution: Member # 517846 – Ancestor # A016279
– – – – – – – – – – – – –
David Swazey (1762-1828) – Revolutionary War – Fourth Great Grandfather.
Fort Mercer (New Jersey)
Revolutionary War Flag
David Swazey of Sussex fought in the Revolutionary War. His service was as a private under various Captains including McKinney, Hazelet, Henry, Bonnel, and Captain Ribble. His pension number is S*W6111
David Swayze died on 2 March 1838. He is buried in New Salem Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, Salem, Perry County, Ohio (Plot: Old Section Row 8 ( Ruth ) / 15th stone from tree line.)
James Ashley Hobbs (1844-1920) – Civil War (South) – Great-Grandfather.
North Carolina Civil War Flag
James A. Hobbs enlisted, for the Civil War in Co. G 3rd Reg. N.C. Calvalry (12-1-1862) (41st State Troops) at Camp Badger as a Pvt., age 20, residing in Martin County. Present or accounted for until transferred to Co. A, 17th Reg, NCT (2nd organization) 9-23-1863.
Pvt. James Hobbs with the 17th NCT, whose home was Hamilton, NC was admitted to Hospital No 4, Wilmington, NC, on 12-6-1863; retd to duty 2-9-64. He was admitted for catarrtius, which is an inflammation of the nose or throat. It must have been really bad to keep him hospitalized for two months. He was in Ward 8, bed 162.
Applied for clothing 2nd quarter 184, issued 6-21-64. Present or accounted for through 10-1864. Sept-Oct absent. Division Provost guard service. Pt. J.A. Hobbs appeared on “Roll of Honor” of his organization. (Resolutions ratified by General Assenbkt 12-20-1862)
COMPANY G, the “Scotland Neck Mounted Riflemen,” from Halifax County, had six commissioned, seven noncommissioned officers, and 108 privates; total, 121. Atherton B. Hill, who was made Captain 9 October, 1861, was succeeded by Benj. G. Smith promoted from Second Sergeant. First Lieutenant, Norfleet Smith; Second Lieutenants, George A. Higgs (afterwards promoted to Captain), Theodore B. Hyman, and John T. Savage.
James Ashley Hobbs died in December 1920. We do not know where he was buried.
Source: Martin County Heritage – (Biography) 418 – James Ashley Hobbs by Hazel Armstrong Valentine.
Peter Fletcher Howell (1842-1924) – Civil War – Great Grandfather
Flag of Lee’s Army of
Northern Virginia
1861 – Peter Fletcher Howell enlisted on 23 October at the Sussex Court House in Virginia.
1862 – In May he was promoted to full 4th Sergeant.
1862 – In August he was Transferred to Company G. Virginia 61st Infantry Regiment.
1862 – In July he was promoted to full 2nd Sergeant.
1864 – In July he fought at “The Crater” where Sargent Peter Howell captured the regimental flag of the 2nd Michigan Regiment. He was with Mahone’s regiment and his participation at “The Crater” confirms oral history that he probably did participate in a “turkey shoot” of US troops.
1865 – In Feb he was promoted to full 1st Sergeant.
1865 – He mustered out on April 9th at Appomattox, VA.
Peter Fletcher Howell died on 27 October 1924. He is buried in Cedarwood Cemetery, Weldon, Halifax County, North Carolina, USA. Please consider leaving virtual flowers and a note on his Find-a-Grave virtual marker.
Sources: Ancestry.Com — Historical Data Systems, comp.. U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2009.
Original data: Data compiled by Historical Data Systems of Kingston, MA from the following list of works.
The Daily Dispatch: August 3, 1864., via Perseus system at Tufts University.
Robert Harry Darling (1907-1969) – World War II – Maternal Grandfather
US Navy Flag
Robert Harry Darling, aka Harry, served in the US Navy during World War II. Little is known about his service as many records of service were lost in a fire. We do know enlisted in the Navy on 23 November, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Utah, when he was 36 years old for two years. He served at the Navel Training Center, San Diego and the US Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA.
Oddly enough, he was honorably discharged on 08 Sep 1944, less than a year into his enlistment as a Seaman 2nd Class. (So, he received one promotion.)
Robert Harry Darling died on 22 January 1969. He is buried in Cadillac Memorial Gardens-East, Clinton Township, Macomb County, Michigan, USA.
