Thomas Richardson of Standon

Today we are going to talk about Thomas Richardson of Standon or Thoms Richardson. He is the son of Thomas Richardson II of Westmill and the grandson of Thomas Richardson I of Westmill.

Thomas Richardson of Standon is my 12th great-grandfather.

Thomas Richardson of Standon short biographical details from the book The Wymans: First Wyman Generation

This is a person that I was struggling to verify information about. Luckily the UK is big on record keeping and thanks to the fact that Hertfordshire in England has their very own records database I was able to confirm the identity of Thomas Richardson who from now we will refer to as Thomas Richardson of Standon.

Birth: Aug 24, 1560 (1565??) – Standon, Hertfordshire, England
Death: Jan 7, 1633 – Westmill, Hertfordshire, England

The International Genealogical Index says that he was born on August 24, 1560, and died on January 8, 1633. It also states that he was married on August 24, 1590.

Here is an image, although not a clear one — proving his marriage in 1590 – August 24, 1590, to be exact.

First name(s)	Thoms
Last name	Richardson
Marriage year	1590
Marriage date	24 Aug 1590
Place	Westmill
Groom’s first name(s)	Thoms
Groom’s last name	Richardson
Groom’s parish	Stondon
Bride’s first name(s)	Kathren
Bride’s last name	Duxforde
Bride’s parish	West
County	Hertfordshire
Country	England
Record set	Hertfordshire Marriages
Category	Birth, Marriage, Death & Parish Records
Subcategory	Parish Marriages
Collections from	England, Great Britain

Notice the typos in the name. It’s not really as much a typo as a variation of the spelling. Look at this clearer image of his grandmother’s marriage registry (Thomas Richardson I of Westmill)

We spell May as May and they spell it, Maye. We spell July they spell it, Julie. February to them was Februarie. Obviously, in context, we know what they meant, but it’s just a perfect example of why it’s so hard sometimes to find certain information.

So while we know they are talking about Thomas Richardson of Standon, it can complicate things when we are trying to find out the details Thoms Richardson of Stondon’s life.

We know he married Katherine Duxford of Westmill, but they call her Kathren Duxforde of West.

Thomas Richardson married Kathern Duxford (Katherine Duxford) on August 24, 1590, in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England. Their marriage took place at the St. Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Westmill. This is also where he would later be buried.

We know for a fact this is his wife because a copy of his will still exists in the Hertfordshire, England archives to this day.

For clarification purposes, this Thomas Richardson’s mother is not Agnes. So if you find a record that says something else, then it is not a record that belongs to this Thomas Richardson who we are now referring to as Thomas Richardson of Standon. Thomas Richardson of Standon’s mother was Mary “Margaret” Champney and his father, who married his father, almost named Thomas Richardson.

This Thomas Richardson is not Sir Thomas Richardson. Sir Thomas has some association with Alphamstone, while our Thomas does not. If you come across a Thomas Richardson record that references Alphamstone, then that isn’t Thomas Richardson of Standon.

Westmill is a very tiny village in England. Today less than 300 people live there. It’s just north of London.

Together he and his wife had 7 children.

Elizabeth (1593)
John (1596)
James (1600)
Samuel (1602)
Ezekiel (1604 ???)
Margaret (1607)
Thomas (1608)

We know the names of his children from his will. His will lists the name of each child as well as the exact date of their baptism.

Elizabeth y^ daughter to Thomas Richardson baptized 13 Jan. 1593.
John son to Thomas Richardson baptized 7 Nov. 1596.
James, y” sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 6 Apr. 1600.
Samuel y® sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 22 Dec. 1602 [or 1604],
Margaret ye daughter of Thomas Richardson baptized 19 April 1607.
Thomas ye sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 3 July 1608.

Notice that their son Ezekiel who had gone off to America in 1630, wasn’t event acknowledged in the will.

Thomas’ will indicates he was a farmer of moderate means. He was a Husbandman when his will was created on March 4 in 1630 (31?).

A husbandman in England at that time period was a free tenant farmer or small landowner. The social status of a husbandman was below that of a yeoman. The meaning of “husband” in this term is “master of the house” rather than “married man” like we know it today.

Back then yeomen were farmers who owned land. Their wealth and the size of their landholding varied. Sir Anthony Richard Wagner, Garter Principal King of Arms, wrote that “a Yeoman would not normally have less than 100 acres and in social status is one step down from the Landed Gentry, but above, say, a husbandman.”

Often it was hard to distinguish minor landed gentry from the wealthier yeomen, and wealthier husbandmen from the poorer yeomen.

Landed gentry basically meant the lesser nobility in England. They basically consisted of Baronets, Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen.

So it went Landed gentry, then yeoman and then husbandmen — which is what Thomas Richardson of Standon was.

When he passed he left Katherine “my littell close of pasture called little hunnymease, containing half an acre”.

*** half an acre in Westmill today will cost you upwards of a million bucks.

After her death, he wishes it all to go to his son Samuel and his heirs.

John is to be paid 40 shillings for 3 years, after both his mother and father die.

James is to be paid 12 pence and his son Thomas will get 3 pounds, to be paid within 5 years of his and Katherine’s death.

In other words, after Thomas and Katherine are both dead, he wants Thomas to be paid 3 pounds within 5 years.

To his beloved with Katherine, he gives her all his movable goods for her life and thereafter they should go to his son Samuel who was named his executor. The will was witnessed by Richard Baker and Philip Baker.

You’ll also notice that in his will he leaves everything to Samuel and not John. Back then in England, they left everything to their eldest son. That means that John and James would have probably died prior to the creation of the will, sometime prior to March 4, 1630.

Thomas Richardson of Standon and Katherine Duxford of West mill were married 24 Aug. 1590.

Elizabeth y^ daughter to Thomas Richardson baptized 13 Jan. 1593.
John son to Thomas Richardson baptized 7 Nov. 1596.
James, y'' sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 6 Apr. 1600.
Samuel y® sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 22 Dec. 1602 [or 1604],
Margaret ye daughter of Thomas Richardson baptized 19 April 1607.
Thomas ye sonne of Thomas Richardson baptized 3 July 1608.

Catherine the wife of Thomas Richardson buryed the x*** of March 1631.
Thomas Richardson was bui*yed the viii daye of January 1633.

It would naturally be supposed that the will of Thomas Richardson would
be found in the Commissary Court of Essex and Hertfordshire, but the
Archdeaconry Court of Huntingdon, or that portion in the Hitchin Reg-
istry, had jurisdiction over part of Hertfordshire, and included 77 parishes.

The original will of Thomas Richardson of West Mill, Herts, found at
Hitchin, reads : .

March the 4'^'^ Ano domini 1630. In the name of God Amen I Thomas )

Richardson of Westmill in the County of Herts, husbandman, being sick /

in bodye but of good an perfect memory thanks be to God doe make and
ordeyne this my laste will in manner and forme following, firste. I bequeath
my soull unto the hands of God my maker and Redeemer by whose merits
I only truste to be saved, and my body to be buryed in the i^lace of Chris-
tian buryall and Touchinge my temporall goods I doe dispose of them as
followeth.

First. I gyve unto Katherine my wife duringe the tearme of her natu-
rall life my littell close of pastm-e called little hunnymeade cont half an
acre and after her decease I give the same to my sonn Samuell and his
heyers for ever.

Item. I give to my sonn John forty^ shillings to be payed to him within
the space of three yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Katherine
my now wife by my executor.

Item. I give to my sonn James Twelve pence.

Item. I give to my sonn Thomas three pounds to be payed to him with-
in the space of fyve yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Kathy-
rine my now wife.

Item. I gyve unto Katherine my wife all my movable goods to use for
and during the terme of her life and after her decease I gyve the same
unto my sonn Samuel whom I doe ordeyne and make my sole executor.
In Witness whereof I have sett my hand and Seal the daye and yeare
above sayd.

Sealed and declared vSig™ Thomas

in the presence of us [mark] Richardson

Richard Baker.

Philip Baker,
proved 31 July 1634 at Hitchin presented by son Samuel Richardson."

The three brothers, Ezekiel, Samuel and Thomas Richardson, are known 
as such by the will of Ezekiel, who names the other two as his brothers. 

Ezekiel, evidently the oldest, was the first to come to New England, and 
was a planter in Charlestown in 1630. His departure previous to the 
making of the will, perhaps against his father's wishes, or possibly having 
received his share of his father's small estate, maj' account for the name of 



Ezekiel not appearing in the will. His baptism is not found at "West 
Mill, as are the baptisms of Samuel and Thomas. 

Ezekiel probably came with Winthrop, he and his wife becoming mem- 
bers of the Charlestown church, 27 Aug., 1630. 

Thomas Richardson, baptized at West mill, 3 July, 1608, had wife Mary, 
who joined the Charlestown church, 21 Feb., 1635-6, and he joined, 18 
Feb., 1637-8. 

Samuel presented the will of his father for probate ^t Ilitchin, England, 
31 July, 1634. He had previously married ; and had baptized, at West 
Mill, a son Samuel, 3 July, 1633, and a daughter Elizabeth, 22 May, 1635. 

Samuel Richardson's name does not appear in the Tithe Book of West 
Mill after 1635. Against Over Green, where he (and also his father, 
Thomas) lived, is written " none." It was, therefore, after that date he 
and his brother Thomas sailed for New England, with their families ; and 
we find, on 1 July, 1636, the brothers were on a committee to lay out lots 
of land in Charlestown, for hay. There is no record of the birth or bap- 
tism of a daughter Elizabeth to Samuel in Woburn, but the will of his 
wife Joanna, in 1666, mentions a daughter Elizabeth, who was probably 
the one baptized at West Mill, 22 May, 1635. 

Doubtless the register of the parish of Standon, which is but a few 
miles south of West Mill, would, if it existed, give further particulars of 
the Richardsons, or at least of Thomas who married in 1590 ; but the ear- 
liest entry to be found is 1671. Braughing, just east of West Mill, has 
a register which begins in 1563, but it gives no items of the Richardson 
name. Great and Little Hormead, north-east of West Mill, was the 
home of some of the Wymans in the past, but there are no traces of 
the Richardsons there. Just east of this locality is the border of Essex, 
and there are many of the name in that county, though the name is com- 
mon in aU the counties of England. From Nazing, Essex, about ten miles 
from West Mill, came John Eliot, the apostle, and many of the settlers of 
Roxbury, Mass.

St. Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Westmill, where Thomas was married and buried has been around for a thousand years. The church still stands to this day.

It has the oldest bell in Hertfordshire, it’s 600 years old and still rings. Below you’ll find a video about the effort to rebuild the roof. Searching for roofing companies near me. Call Overson Roofing in Arizona.

He made a will on 4 Mar 1630/31 at Westmill, Hertfordshire, England.1

Thomas RICHARDSON357, 9G Grandfather. Born abt 1565-70. Buried on 7 Jan
1633/4 in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England. Will dated on 4 Mar 1630/1 at Westmill,
Hertfordshire, England. Will proved on 31 Jul 1634.

According to Threlfall’s GMC50358, “THOMAS RICHARDSON was born about 1565-70. On
24 August 1590 [Threlfall gives this date as 25 August on p. 536] at West Mill, Hertfordshire,
he married Katherine Duxford of that parish. The marriage record states that he was of Standon,
which is the next parish to the south. She was the daughter of Richard and Joan Duxford, and
was born about 1565-70. They settled down in West Mill.

“Katherine was buried 10 March 1630/31 [Threlfall gives this date as 1631/32 on p. 536] at
West Mill. Thomas was buried there 7 January 1633/4. An abstract of his will follows.”

Thomas Richardson’s son Ezekiel had been comprehensively documented in Anderson’s
GMB359 where it is noted that “Samuel Richardson and Thomas Richardson, brothers of
Ezekiel, arrived in New England by 1635; Francis Wyman and John Wyman, sons of Ezekiel
Richardson’s sister Elizabeth, also came to New England [Sarah Hildreth Anc 25-27].”

Thomas Richardson and Katherine Duxford are ancestors to U.S. Presidents Bush, Coolidge,
Hoover (probably), and Pierce,360 and to suffragist Susan B. Anthony.281

Gary Boyd Roberts, Ancestors of American Presidents: First Authoritative Edition, Santa
Clarita, CA: Carl Boyer, 1995 (published in cooperation with the New England Historic
Genealogical Society).

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It would naturally be supposed that the will of Thomas Richardson would be found in the Commissary Court of Essex and
Ilertfordshire, but the Archdeaconry Court of lluntingdon. or that portion in the Hitchin Registry, had jurisdiction over part of
Tlertfordshire, and included 77 parishes.
The original will of Thomas Richardson of West Mill, Herts, found at Hitchin, reads:
March the 4th Ano domini 1630. In the name of God Amen I Thomas Richardson of Westmill in the County of Herts,
husbandman, being sick in hodye but of good an perfect memory thanks be to God doe make and ordeyne this my laste will in
manner and forme following, llrste. I bequeath my soul1 auto the hands of God my maker and Redeemer by whose merits I
only truste to be saved. and my body to be buryed in t.he place of Christian buryall and Touchinge my teniporall goods I doe
dispose of them as followeth.
First. I gyve unto Katherine my wife (luringe the tearme of her naturall life my littelI close of pasture called little
hunnymeade cont half an acre and after her decease I give the same to my sonn Samuel] aud his heyers for ever.
Item. I give to my sonn John forty shillings to be payed to him within
the space of three yeares next ensueing the decease of me and Katherine
my now wife by my executor.
Item. I give to my sonn James Twelve pence.
Item. I give to my sonn Thomas three pounds to be payed to him within the space of fyve yeares next ensueing the decease of
me and Kathy-
rifle my now wife.
Item. I gyve unto Katherine my wife all my movable goods to use for and during the terme of her life and after her decease I
gyve the same unto my sonu Samuel whom I doe ordeyne and make my sole executor. In Witness whereof I have sett my hand
and Seal the daye and yeare above sayd.
Sealed and declared Sigm THOMAS
in the presence of us [mark] . RICHARDSON
Richard Baker.
Philip Baker.
proved 81 July 1634 at I-Iitchin presented by son Samuel Richardson.” He was married to Katherine DUXFORD on 13 Jan
1593 in , West Mill, Herts, England. (1288)

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Bluffs/2806/d1841.htm

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Valentin Assel

My mother’s grandmother was a lady named Emma Marie, who she loved dearly. It is for this reason I began to look into the maternal side of my family tree.

This led me to Valentin Assel, the first member of his family line to come to America from Germany.

Valentin Assel was born on March 1, 1860 in Essen, Germany. Today it’s a huge city with a population of more than 500,000; making it the 9th largest city in Germany.

Valentin Assel came to America in 1887.

A few years after coming to America, at the age of 30, he met and married Arnstena Wilhelmina Good (Gote?). Together they had at least 7 children.

William Paul
Michael John
Pauline
Anna
Hilda
Emma Marie
Emil

On October 01, 1910 Valentin Assel official became a US citizen.

Valentin Assel died on April 05, 1923 in Monessen, Pennsylvania. He was buried at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (find a grave).

William Alexander Richardson

William Alexander Richardson, my 2nd great-grandfather was born in Tennessee on January 12, 1874. He’s the son of John Durk Richardson.

His father, originally from North Carolina, had moved to Tennesse during his time in the American Civil War. He was in Unit 9 Tennessee Cavalry Company E.

After the war was often he married William’s mother and they began having babies, 6 in all, which is nothing compared to William who would eventually have 10 of his own children.

A few years after William Alexander was born the entire family picked up and moved to Wise, Texas which is where William would spend the rest of his life.

William Alexander Richardson married Ada Mae Sheppard on October 11, 1896, in Wise County, Texas. Together they had at least 10 children who lived.

Rubin Nemon Richardson 1898–1960
Roy Lee Richardson 1900–1977
Bertha Mae Richardson 1902–1991
Henry E Richardson 1904–
Etta Lorene Richardson 1904–1954
Evelyn Nancy Richardson 1906–1954
George Elton Richardson 1908–1976
Sue Odett Richardson 1911–1987
William Dalton Richardson 1913–1971
Lawrence Durk Richardson 1916–1995

In 1918 he was 44 years old and he registered for the draft for WWI. That seemed rather old for me so I decided to do some research on why someone of his age would be required to register for the draft.

The US entered WWI on April 6, 1917. On May 18, 1917, Congress passed the Selective Service Act authorizing the draft. At first, it was just males from 21 to 30 that were required to register for military service. However later at the request of the War Department, Congress amended the law in August of 1918 to expand the age range to include all men from 18 to 45.

So basically that meant William Alexander fell within the age range for the draft of WWI, albeit just barely.

I don’t seem to find any records to show that he was actually drafted to fight in the war though.

William Alexander Richardson, a retired farmer, passed away on October 25, 1971. His death certificate from that time indicates that he was a retired farmer, and it was during this process that mortuary fridge installation took place.

You might also notice that on his death certificate it lists his name as William Alex instead of his full name of William Alexander. During his life, he has been known as William Richardson, William Alexander, William Alex, W.A. Richardson, William A. Richardson, Alexander Richardson, Williams A. Richardson, and A.R. Richardson.

His WW1 voter registration card lists him as William Alexander Richardson, while his death certificate lists him as William Alex. The social security administration lists him as William A. (460-86-8458)

Obituary for William Alexander Richardson

Final rites were held Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. in the Chapel at Hawkins Funeral home for Mr. W.A. Richardson. Mr. Richardson was born Jan. 12, 1874, died Oct 25, 1971. Mr. Joe Dukin, Church of Christ Minister from Allison, Texas, officiated. Mr. Richardson is survived by four sons and two daughters. L. D. Richardson, Paradise, Texas, Pete Richardson, Paradise Texas, George Richardson, Bridgeport, W. D. Richardson, Waurika, Okla., Sue Bollinger, Burbank, California, Bertha Davidson, Brownsville, Texas, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren are the survivors. Interment was in West Side Cemetery, Bridgeport.

Elsie Jane Hoag

June 22, 1927 – April 26, 2018

Elsie Jane Hoag was born on June 22, 1927, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, to Robert Thomas Hoag (1900–1961) and Emma Marie Assel (1905–1988). She grew up during the Great Depression, an era that shaped her resilience and resourcefulness. Elsie passed away peacefully on April 26, 2018, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 90, having spent her final years living with her eldest daughter.

Marriage and Family
On June 5, 1948, Elsie married Raymond Wegley in Pennsylvania. Their marriage was a partnership built on love and devotion that lasted until Raymond’s passing on December 4, 1992.

Raymond and Elsie Wegley

Elsie never remarried, remaining a faithful and loving widow for 26 years, a testament to her enduring loyalty and commitment.

Together, Elsie and Raymond raised four children, who were the heart of their lives:

Thomas Eugene Wegley (born June 13, 1949)
Karen Marie Wegley (born January 26, 1951)
Raymond Junior Wegley (born December 11, 1952)
Robert Thomas Wegley (born September 27, 1954)

Elsie’s family grew to include 12 grandchildren, each of whom she cherished and doted upon.

Career and Interests
In addition to her roles as a wife and mother, Elsie was a hardworking woman. She spent many years employed at a glass plant in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, where she worked alongside her husband and one of her daughters. This shared work experience strengthened their family bonds and reflected her enduring commitment to supporting her loved ones.

Standing 5 feet 4 inches tall, Elsie was a petite yet strong woman, embodying the qualities of determination, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.

Later Years
Elsie lived independently until 2016, when she moved to Houston, Texas, to be cared for by her eldest daughter. Surrounded by her family, she spent her final years in comfort and peace.

Legacy
Elsie Jane Hoag Wegley’s life was a reflection of dedication, love, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the values she instilled in them. She remains fondly remembered as a wife, a mother, a diligent worker, and a pillar of her family.

Alex Jessy Richardson

Alex Jessy Richardson was also known as Jake to his friends and family. He also has gone by the name of AJ.

Alex Jessy Richardson was born on July 5, 1935 in Paradise, Texas. His father was Rubin Nemon Richardson and Mary Vivian Phillips. He was my great uncle.

On October 26, 1970 he married Anita Gayle Neeld in Galveston, Texas. They lived in Pasadena, Texas before moving to Duncan, Oklahoma in the mid 1980’s. He lived there the rest of his life.

Together they would have 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters.

Alex
Bobby
Jana
Lisa
Lori
Renita

He died on November 7, 2007 in Duncan, Oklahoma and was buried in Comanche, Oklahoma. (find a grave)

Duncan Banner Newspaper published is obituary on Sunday November 11,2007.

ALEX “JAKE” JESSY RICHARDSON, 72, of Duncan, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, at his home in Duncan.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the City Heights Baptist Church in Duncan, with Rev. Jimmy Green officiating. Burial will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery under direction of Comanche Funeral Home.

Jake was born July 5, 1935 in Paradise, Texas, to Rubin and Mary Phillips Richardson.

He married Anita Neeld on Oct. 26, 1970, in Galveston, Texas, and they made their home in Pasadena, Texas.

They moved to Duncan in the mid 1980’s, where they have lived ever since.

Jake owned and operated A.J.R. Construction, doing cement work and constructing metal buildings. He enjoyed playing pool and loved playing the guitar.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Richardson of the home; two sons, Bobby Richardson and his wife Jolyn of Roosevelt, Utah, and Alex Richardson of Duncan; four daughters, all of Duncan, Lisa Thomas and her husband Mike, Lori Bates and her husband Tim, Renita Hackler and Floyd, and Jana England; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; six sisters, Kittie McReynolds, Pat Scifres and Betty Heard, all of Weatherford, Texas, Ada Sellers of Azle, Texas, Bille Reed of Stigler, and Bobbie Heberling of Spokane, Wash.

Jake is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and seven sisters.

Jonathan David Richardson

John David Richardson (Jonathan David) was my 5th great grandfather. He appears to have been born and died in Moore, North Carolina. He is also known as Jonathan David Richardson on some official documents.

Sometimes I swear it would probably be easier to find your family members if you just had a list of every person who lived in the town at that time and be like, yeah that’s my guy.

I mean really how many people could possibly have been living in Moore, North Carolina in 1800? Turns out the answer to that question is 4,767 people lived in Moore, NC in 1800.

If you step back to the 1790 Census specifically for Moore County, North Carolina, we find that there are a few Richardson’s. Keep in mind there were a few typos so these names might not be exact.

Fagan Richardson
William Richardson
Drury Richardson
David Richardson

Unforutenly for us, it only tells us that this David listed is the head of household and is living with 5 (free white) females. Since our John David would be 5 at the time, this makes me think that’s not a David Richardson from my family tree. But then again, we don’t know so I’m going to write this one off as a dead end and move to the next clue.

Now let’s go with what we do know to be true. John David was a loyal military man.

We know he was in the Moore County Regiment, Fourth Company during the war of 1812 and appears on the NC 1812-1814 Muster Rolls.

This is a verifiable fact using database NC 1812-1814 Muster Rolls. This database contains indexes to the North Carolina (U.S.A.) portions of the 1790-1870 U.S. Federal Censuses as well as indexes to 1812-1814 Muster Rolls, the 1840 Pensioners Lists, the 1890 Veterans Schedules, and other early censuses. Information contained in these indexes can include name, state, county, township, year of record, and name of record set.

John Richardson fought in the Civil War. He was a farmer and enlisted on March 13, 1862, in Moore County, North Carolina. He fought on the side of the Confederacy.

This is another verifiable fact which comes from at least 16 sources, but mostly from Historical Data Systems, comp.. American Civil War Soldiers [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA.

He served our country from April 9, 1862, to April 9, 1865, under the 48th Infantry Regiment North Carolina. He fought in many battles including …

Fought on 25 Jun 1862 at King’s School House, VA.
Fought on 27 Jun 1862 at Gaines’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 31 Aug 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 12 Sep 1862 at Frederick, MD.
Fought on 13 Sep 1862 at South Mountain, MD.
Fought on 14 Sep 1862 at South Mountain, MD.
Fought on 15 Sep 1862 at Maryland.
Fought on 15 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 15 Sep 1862 at Harper’s Ferry, WV.
Fought on 17 Sep 1862 at Frederick, MD.
Fought on 17 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 18 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 19 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 20 Sep 1862 at Sharpsburg, MD.
Fought on 2 Dec 1862 at Winchester, VA.
Fought on 13 Dec 1862 at Fredericksburg, VA.
Fought on 1 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 3 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg, PA.
Fought on 6 Aug 1863.
Fought on 14 Oct 1863 at Bristoe Station, VA.
Fought on 9 Nov 1863 at Culpepper, VA.
Fought on 10 Nov 1863 at Culpepper, VA.
Fought on 27 Nov 1863 at Payne’s Farm, VA.
Fought on 15 Feb 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 30 Mar 1864 at Fort Harrison, VA.
Fought on 4 May 1864 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 5 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 6 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 7 May 1864 at Charlottesville, VA.
Fought on 9 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 10 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 12 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at Wilderness, VA.
Fought on 15 May 1864 at Spotsylvania Court House, VA.
Fought on 20 May 1864 at Little River, VA.
Fought on 22 May 1864 at Hanover Junction, VA.
Fought on 23 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at Mechanicsville, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at North Anna River, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at Hanover Junction, VA.
Fought on 24 May 1864 at Hanover Court House, VA.
Fought on 31 May 1864 at Turkey Bend, VA.
Fought on 1 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 2 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 3 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 4 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 11 Jun 1864 at Gaines’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 11 Jun 1864 at Cold Harbor, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at Riddle Shop, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at White Oak Swamp, VA.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864.
Fought on 15 Jun 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 22 Jun 1864 at Malvern Hill, VA.
Fought on 16 Aug 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 17 Aug 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 20 Aug 1864 at Weldon Railroad, VA.
Fought on 21 Aug 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 21 Aug 1864 at Globe Tavern, VA.
Fought on 24 Aug 1864 at Reams’ Station, VA.
Fought on 25 Aug 1864 at Reams’ Station, VA.
Fought on 26 Aug 1864 at Reams’ Station, VA.
Fought on 9 Sep 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 30 Sep 1864 at Fort Harrison, VA.
Fought on 1 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 2 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 7 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 27 Oct 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 27 Oct 1864 at Burgess’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 4 Nov 1864 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 15 Dec 1864 at Belfield, VA.
Fought on 5 Feb 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 6 Feb 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 7 Feb 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 15 Feb 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 15 Feb 1865.
Fought on 25 Mar 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 25 Mar 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 25 Mar 1865 at Fort Stedman, VA.
Fought on 31 Mar 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 1 Apr 1865 at Point Of Rocks, VA.
Fought on 1 Apr 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 2 Apr 1865 at Hatcher’s Run, VA.
Fought on 2 Apr 1865 at Petersburg, VA.
Fought on 2 Apr 1865 at Burgess’ Mill, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Hospl., Richmond, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Richmond, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Sutherland’s Station, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Amelia Court House, VA.
Fought on 3 Apr 1865 at Appomattox River, VA.
Fought on 4 Apr 1865 at Appomattox Court House, VA.
Fought on 5 Apr 1865 at Nottoway, VA.
Fought on 5 Apr 1865 at Paynesville, VA.
Fought on 5 Apr 1865 at Amelia Court House, VA.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at Farmville, VA.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at Sayler’s Creek, VA.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at Amelia Court House, VA.
Fought on 7 Apr 1865.
Fought on 12 Apr 1865 at Salisbury, NC.
Fought on 13 Apr 1865 at Raleigh, NC.

He married a lady by the name of Nancy Perry. Together they had at least 9 children. They might have married in 1819 (still looking for documents to confirm this).

Sarah Sallie (1821-1891)
Rosana (1822-1880)
Angelica (1824-1880)
Thomas (1826-1898)
Enoch Spinks (1828-1910)
Catharine (1830-?)
Eliza A (1833-1880)
Deborah Debby (1840-1900)
Lydia (1842-1870)
Margaret Roseanne (1843-1885)

Thanks to the 1850 US Federal Census we know that he was 57 at the time, so is birth year was about 1793. He was family # 998 and lived in Moore, North Carolina at the time of that census. Nancy, his wife was 50 at the time.

These were the people who lived in his household at the time of the 1850 US census.

John Richardson	57
Nancy Richardson	50
Rosanna Richardson	31
Angelica Richardson	29
Catharine Richardson	21
Eliza Richardson	16
Deborah Richardson	14
Lydia Richardson	8
Sallie Moore	25

Interesting to note, despite the fact that he fought on the side of the Confederacy, which fought to preserve slavery, he himself didn’t seem to own any slaves prior to the war, even though farmers often did.

In the 1830 census, he had a total of 6 free white persons living in his household, and no slaves or free colored.

In 1840 you find the same thing, he lives with his wife and children – no slaves.

Total Free White Persons	6
Total All Persons – Free White, Free Colored, Slaves	6

Something else that caught my attention – he, his wife, and his eldest three children couldn’t read or write. However, Eliza, Deborah and Lydia could – his 3 youngest children.

I wanted to know more about John David’s wife Nancy. We know her first name from the US census records. But I thought if we could find the death certificate of one of the children, we might be able to identify their mother’s maiden name.

The problem is, death certificates in the 1800s were rare. So I’m also search for birth and christening records. I’ll keep you updated with what I am able to find.

Sarah Sallie (1821-1891)
Rosana (1822-1880)
Angelica (1824-1880)
Thomas (1826-1898)
Enoch Spinks (1828-1910)
Catharine (1830-?)
Eliza A (1833-1880)
Deborah Debby (1840-1900)
Lydia (1842-1870)
Margaret Roseanne (1843-1885)

Raymond Edward Wegley

My grandfather, Raymond Edward Wegley, was born on December 15, 1925, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He died on December 4, 1992, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, just before his 67th birthday.

My grandfather fought in World War II in the US Navy. He served on the USS Earl K. Olsen.

He joined the war on November 29, 1943, at the age of 17 and was officially discharged on April 28, 1946.

His brother John W. Wegley entered service the month before on February 19, 1943. But he went into the army. Why my grandfather chose the Navy instead of the army like his brother, I don’t know.

He was a Sergeant First Class and was awarded several medals for his service to his country.

Two years after he got out of the military he married my grandmother, Elsie Jane Hoag on June 5, 1948, in Pennsylvania. Together they would have 4 children, three boys and only one girl (my mother).

Thomas Eugene (June 13, 1949)
Karen Marie (January 26, 1951)
Raymond Junior (December 11, 1952)
Robert Thomas (September 27, 1954)

My grandfather Raymond retired from Bartlett Collins glass factory in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and this photo was taken on his last day of work in April of 1989.

Just 3 years later he would die in his sleep of a heart attack on December 4, 1992.

He was buried in Sapulpa, Oklahoma at the Green Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Frederick Wegley

Frederick Wegley is my great-grandfather. He was born on August 20, 1887, in Kane, Pennsylvania, and died on November 28, 1950, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Frederick Wegley married Tillie Blanch Edwards on February 4, 1920, when he was 32 years old. They married in Huntington, West Virginia.

Together, they had at least six children, including my grandfather, Raymond Wegley.

John Wesley (1923-1982)
Betty Ann (1924-2010)
Raymond Edward (1925-1992)
Ruth Minerva (1928-?)
Dora Mae (1930-1970)
Gretta Laura (1935-?)

Frederick Wegley, along with his sons John Wesley and Raymond Edward, served in World War I and World War II.

Here is a blurry copy of his WW1 draft registration card, which tells us that he is of medium height, slender build, with light brown hair and light grey eyes.

It also says he was employed as a laborer doing woodworking for a manufacturing company. It also reveals he was in the national guard in the infantry division for 1 year prior to this form being filled out (June 5, 1917) at which time he was 29 years old.

At 54 years old he filled out another draft card to join the fight during WWII. Notice on the document he lied and say he was 52, born in 1889, not his actual year of birth of 1887.

These two documents tell us a little more about the man. He was 5 foot 7 1/2. Again we learn he has brown hair and grey eyes, and his complexion is described as “ruddy,” as compared to shallow, light, dark, light brown, etc.

This was signed on April 27, 1942. Fred’s eldest son, John Wesley, would join the war on February 19, 1943, almost a year later. Then, his youngest son, Raymond, would join on November 29, 1943, when he was only 17.

So the father lied and said he was younger so he could join the war and fight for his country, and his son would lie and say he was older to do the same.

Fred died in 1950 and was buried in a grave in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where his youngest son was living at the time.

His wife Tillie would die in 1984 and would be buried nearby.

Now here is something interesting … notice his gravestone said his year of birth was 1889. But we know from countless census records he was actually born two years earlier. Well actually now that I examine the records more closely, I don’t know for sure.

The 1900 census tells us that he was 12 years old at the time and he was born in August of 1887. 1900-12 actually puts him born in about 1888
In the 1910 census however he was 21 at the time and it says he was born “about 1889”.
In the 1920 census it tells us he was 30 at the time and that means he was born about 1890. During this census he was still living with his parents and was a box maker and a window and glass factory.
In the 1930 census it tells us he was 39 years old and that he was born in about 1881.
The 1940 census tells us he was 50 years old and that he was born in 1890.

I am told that it wasn’t uncommon to estimate things back then when you knew for sure. But every time, it is different, so I’m not sure what to say about it.

The 1900 census and the WW1 draft registration card says August 1887. So for now we’ll keep it at that.

John Wesley Wegley

June 29, 1858 – December 15, 1927

John Wesley Wegley was born on June 29, 1858, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and passed away on December 15, 1927, in Shade, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, at the age of 69.

His death certificate confirms that he succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage caused by high blood pressure—a stroke. The document also identifies his parents as Joseph Wegley and Eva Berkible, offering vital details for genealogical distinction, as another man named John W. Wegley lived during the same period but was married to a Sarah Wegley.

John married Helen Elizabeth “Bessie” Swanson, originally from Sweden, and together they had six children:

Minerva Pearl (1887)
Frederick (1890)
Ruth Leona Victoria (1893)
Clarence John Leroy
Raymond Walter (1900)
Howard

By 1910, the family lived at 507 Biddle Street in Kane, Pennsylvania, a residence that would remain their home through the 1920 census. In 1910, John was listed as a pumper for oil wells, while in 1920, he was recorded as a grocer. Despite inconsistencies in his reported age—50 in the 1910 census and 62 in 1920—his wife Bessie aged more consistently, from 44 in 1910 to 54 in 1920. Their children also appeared in the records, although there are occasional transcription errors, such as their daughter Ruth being listed as “Rush” in the 1920 census.

The home at 507 Biddle Street, built in 1890, remains standing today. It is a two-story, 2,258-square-foot single-family home, notable for its six bedrooms and history as a converted two-apartment property. In recent history, it was sold at a public auction in 2013 for $19,000, despite an average home value in the area of approximately $150,000. The house retains its historic charm but reflects the challenges of maintaining older properties.

John Wesley’s life and work reflected the industrious spirit of his time. He was literate, owned his home, and worked various roles to support his family. After his death in 1927, he was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Kane, Pennsylvania, where his legacy endures through the descendants and stories of his family.

Jonathan George Wegley

Jonathan George Wegley was born on September 3, 1836, in Somerset Pennsylvania. He died on March 1, 1892, in Lockington, Shelby County, Ohio. We know this date of death from his gravestone.

Jonathan George Wegley is my 2nd great grand uncle

Jonathan George Wegley married Sarah Circle in Mercer County, Ohio on November 21, 1857, when he was 21 years old. Together they had at least 11 children.

George Wegley (1859 – 1862)
James E Wegley (1860 – 1937)
Mary C. Wegley (1863 – 1932)
Emanuel Wegley (1864 – 1936)
Fredrick Wegley (1866 – 1951)
Joseph Wegley (1867 – 1946)
Eva Jane Wegley (1869 – 1939)
infant Wegley (1870 – 1870)
Adeline (Sarah) Wegley (1871 – 1948)
Daisy May Wegley (1876 – 1940)
Olive Alta Wegley (1884 – 1960)

Here is the death certificate for his son Fredrick Wegley. This shows us that we have the right family – Jonathan Wegley and Sarah Circle.

Jonathan George would have one son (Joseph) that would go on to be mayor of Williston, North Dakota and another son who ran a local watering hole or gathering place. Only problem was that it seems the area was “dry” and he was caught or at least accused of selling liquor. He would later be acquitted. Here is the text from the local paper at the time about the incident.

‘Grand Forks Herald’, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 8 Nov 1907

Williston, N. D., Nov. 7 – A warrant has been issued for Fred Wegley, a brother of the mayor, the charge being the illegal sale of intoxicating liquors in what is commonly known as “Wegley’s Pig,” the joint in the lower regions of the concrete building on East Broadway. The warrant was issued this morning and is now in the hands of the sheriff, who will serve it as soon as the defendant can be found, the understanding being that he has left the city temporarily.

‘Grand Forks Herald’, Grand Forks, North Dakota. 10 June 1909

Williston, N. D., June 9 – Fred Wegley has been acquitted. The jury in the case was out just three minutes this morning when it returned a verdict of not guilty. This case has attracted attention for the last year and a half on account of the accused being a brother of Former Mayor Joseph Wegley, who has the reputation of being the man who cleared Williston of blind pigs, and it was asserted that the mayor was protecting his brother and allowing him an exclusive righty to conduct a “pig”.

The accused was tried three times before justices of the peace and each time found not guilty, and then was indicted by the grand jury, on which indictment he was just found not guilty.

The outcome of the case convinces Wegley’s friends that the case was only a piece of spite work on the part of those opposed to Mayor Wegley to throw suspicion on the sincerity of his administration.

Here’s a crazy story about how he became mayor in the first place.

Fact: First North Dakota mayor accused of horse rustling

Williston’s first mayor, William Denny, did a lot to make it the state’s fastest-growing city during the first decade of the 20th century, growing from 763 people in 1900 to 3,124 in 1910, a rate of more than 300 percent. Denny was also suspected of being the ringleader of a large horse-rustling organization.

Denny established the first bank in Williston when he arrived in February 1899. He also had a large ranch on which he raised horses and Hereford cattle. He had connections in Montana where large numbers of horses were brought to his ranch and sold to him at $10 to $30 a head. Because northwestern North Dakota was rapidly filling up with homesteaders, Denny was able to sell each of the horses to the settlers for $150. Initially, most Williston residents considered Denny a shrewd businessman.

In June 1904, Denny was elected mayor and went to work to provide electricity and running water for the residents. He ran unopposed for re-election in 1905, and later that year, Denny was arrested, convicted and sentenced to prison for being the fence of a large horse-stealing enterprise in Montana. He appealed to the North Dakota Supreme Court for a retrial, which was granted to him since key pieces of evidence against him had disappeared. With the major evidence missing, a new trial never occurred, and Denny was set free.

William Henry Denny Jr. was born in New Auburn, Minn., on March 17, 1870, to William Sr. and Marian (Joslyn/Josline) Denny. William Sr. was a gunsmith, and the family moved to the larger town of Glencoe soon after William Jr.’s birth. In 1885, William Jr. attended Anoka Business College and after graduating two years later, “worked at various stores in St. Cloud.” In the fall of 1889, he traveled to Montana and found work as a ranch hand on the Diamond G Ranch, which was owned by J. D. “Dad” Williams. Also working for Williams was “Dutch Henry” Jauch (pronounced Yaw), who later organized “the largest horse stealing operation in eastern Montana.” He also traveled to a lot of places and this made him knowledgeable about various cultures. You can visit sites like https://drifttravel.com/10-spanish-cities-for-a-new-life-culture-jobs-and-amenities/ to learn about different cultures.

Williams found Denny to be trustworthy and asked the youngster to drive horses to central North Dakota to be sold. On his drives, Denny established friendships in Benson County, and he developed a romantic interest in Kate Huffnail, a school teacher in Minnewaukan. He moved to Minnewaukan in 1897 and, in July, went to work for the Benson County State Bank. After working for a couple of years, learning how to operate a bank, Denny began exploring new opportunities. Seeing that the Great Northern Railway had reached Williston in 1898 and that it was about to establish branch lines from there to towns in the northwestern part of the state, he knew that settlers were soon to follow. Williston did not have a bank, and the town was ideally located, near the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. In 1898, Denny contacted Charles Hilton Davidson, a wealthy Canadian real estate dealer, and Thomas L. Beisaker, a Fessenden banker, who also owned a number of other banks in North Dakota and Minnesota, and the two men agreed to finance the establishment of a bank in Williston. When the Williams County State Bank opened on Feb. 19, 1899, Denny was named cashier and manager. Feeling financially secure, he married Kate on March 8. From the money Denny was making at the bank, he began purchasing land, between Williston and the Montana border, on which to raise cattle and horses for races as he also like to gamble a little bit and that’s why visiting the slotvibe casino is a good choice for him too. His plan was to buy horses brought in from Montana and sell them to the homesteaders who were coming into northwestern North Dakota. Denny also began selling real estate and, in 1903, established the town of Trenton on his property. On Feb. 3, 1904, Williston was incorporated as a city, and four months later, the newly elected councilmen chose Denny as mayor. According to Joseph Wegley, Denny’s successor as mayor, Williston was a wild-west town. Wegley wrote, “There were eleven saloons or blind pigs on Main Street and lots of them in the alleys … blind pigs prevailed and ruled the city.” Wegley also pointed out that Denny was in support of the saloons. In 1905, Denny was re-elected, and he sent out bid proposals for the construction of city waterworks and an electrical plant. Besides serving as mayor, he also was kept busy buying and selling horses. On Oct. 26, law officers from Montana went to Denny’s ranch and discovered stolen horses. Denny and Art McGahey, the man who delivered the stolen horses, were arrested. Denny’s lawyers pointed out that the lawmen had presented insufficient evidence, and the arrest was rescinded. Suspicion that Denny was the fence and possibly the kingpin of a large horse-rustling organization surfaced in September when Jack Teal, a Montana lawman, and George Hall, the stock inspector for the Montana Stockmen’s Association, arrested a horse thief. When the thief tried to escape, he was shot and killed. Teal and Hall went through the dead man’s belongings and discovered a letter that named Denny as the “chief fence” for stolen horses. This information was corroborated by George Miller, a saloon owner whose establishment had recently been robbed by horse thieves. He told Hall and Sheriff William Griffith about an incident in which Tom Ryan, who had injured his writing hand, had Miller write a letter to Denny. “Ryan was the major rustler in eastern Montana now that Jauch had disappeared.” The letter stated that Ryan was having McGahey deliver horses to Denny. Miller agreed to work with the lawmen. To make certain that the horses had been delivered, he went to the mayor’s ranch, posing as Ryan’s friend. Denny confirmed to Miller that the horses had arrived and had been sold. Denny also told Miller to tell Ryan to stop visiting his bank because “Montana authorities were breathing down his neck.” Armed with this additional evidence, law officials returned to Denny’s ranch in mid-November to arrest him, but he was gone. He had been tipped off and fled to Benson County. The lawmen located Denny in Churchs Ferry and arrested him, but they were unable to take him into custody because the district judge, John Cowan, issued a habeas corpus decree declaring Denny needed to appear in court before he could be detained. A trial was scheduled for August 1906, but Montana authorities did not believe justice would be served. In December 1905, Montana’s governor, Joseph Toole, made a request to Elmore Sarles, governor of North Dakota, that Denny be extradited, and Sarles agreed. However, Denny’s lawyers were able to get the extradition order rescinded. At his trial on Aug. 9, 1906, Denny was found guilty of selling stolen horses and sentenced to three years in prison. However, Denny’s lawyers appealed to the North Dakota Supreme Court for a retrial. The letters showing Denny’s involvement disappeared, before the court met on Oct. 11, 1908, and the court ordered a retrial. Since the prosecution no longer had their most important evidence, a new trial never occurred, and Denny no longer feared conviction. Although Denny was basically free, “he was a broken man and he never recovered.” He resigned his positions at the bank and as mayor. Denny remained in Williston and sold real estate until the 1930s, when he lived in Montana and California for short periods of time. He returned to Williston where he died on July 9, 1936.