Death information from Riley County KS cemetery records FHL # 978.128 R1 V3j
A probable son for this couple is buried in that same cemetery. He is:
James Peter Harper, born 2 Jun 1912, died 28 Jul 1977. Need further information.
Marriage: Riley Co KS marriages FHL# 978.128 V22r Vol 2-3 Book e page 412
Birth date given by Muriel Bourke is 11 Nov 1875.
Census: 1920 Riley Co KY Swede Creek Twsp ED 129 Sheet 8A Feb 1920 140/142
Harper, Chas. E. head M W 44 married KS KY IN
Esther E. wife F W 39 married KS Sweden Sweden
Dorothy M. dau F W 13 single KS KS KS
Malvaina dau F W 11 single KS KS KS
C. Eldred son M W 9 single KS KS KS
James P. son M W 7 single KS KS KS
Ruth M. dau F W 5 single KS KS KS
George W. son M W 3 3/12 KS KS KS
Census: 1930 Riley Co KY Swede Creek Twsp ED 81 Sheet 5A pg 199 111/114
Harper, Charles E. head M W 54 married at age 31 KS IL IN
Esther E. wife F W 50 married at age 27 KS Sweden Sweden
C. Eldred son M W 19 single
James P. son M W 17 single
Ruth M. dau F W 15 single
G. William son M W 13 singleDeath: Riley Co KS cemeteries FHL # 978.128 V3ce 2000 Fancy Creek-Randolph, Riley Co KS
Harper, Charles E. 1874 - 1963
Harper, Charles Eldred 1910 - 1990
Harper, Esther J. 1880 - 1970
Harper, James Peter 2 Jun 1912 - 28 Jul 1977
Father of Dale, Jeanne, Jack, Larry, Vickie. Grandson Peter Nordmark.
Death information from Riley County KS cemetery records FHL # 978.128 R1 V3j
Name also given as Esther E. Nardmark.
Served in the Civil War.
Per Warren Harper, name was James NICHOLAS Harper. This appears on photograph he has in his possession.9th KS Calvary refer file # 293.7 James M. Harper Co K 9th Ks Calvary died in 1921.
21 Sep 1913: Homecoming for James Harper at his home in Stockdale (near Manhattan) Kansas.Birthdate also given as 3 Nov 1852. Source unknown.
Birthdate from Muriel Bourke given as 14 Apr 1824. This must be a typo, as all census records focus on the 1840 time period. Will keep the 1842 birthdate as given.
The parents of Nancy J. Ethington are not known as of this date (May 2004). She is especially important because she is found as a 9 year-old girl living with Batson Dennis and his wife May Mary Ann Callender in the 1860 census. May Callender and Batson Dennis were married in Henry County KY, and May may be related to Sarah Ann Callender, wife of William Ethington.
Information on her comes from Jan Shoemaker in the following e-mails:
Message #1:
Good afternoon, I am Mary Shoemaker and am doing research on The Dennis family. I found a Nancy J. Ethington living with my gg/father Batson Dennis & wife Mary Ann Callender Dennis in the 1860 census. They lived in Valley twp. Nemaha County, Kansas. Nancy J. was listed as being 9 years old and born in Illinois at the time. Am trying to find the connection bet. my Dennis line and the Ethington line. Could you please help? Thanks much Mary
Message #2:
Hi hal, SO SORRY about last night. Got called away for the evening. Didn't get home until 10:00 (central time) Would this be ok with you??? I am going to Kansas to met with a gal named Deb Davis. She is a decendent of my g/father Jesse Self Dennis as I am. I am in hopes she might be able to fill in somewhat on this Nancy J. Ethington. I looked this situation over again, and found that Batson Dennis wife passed in the year 1861 so I bet he gave this little girl to someone else to raise. The question is, WHO? If Deb knows nothing about this, I will search around in Seneca, Ks. for this little one. Maybe some records will show up. Would like to wait and talk with you after I met Deb. Let me know if this is ok with you, and I will call you at the # you sent me. MaryMessage #3:
-----Original Message-----
From: jan shoemaker [mailto:jantiqueusa@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 11:01 PM
To: harold Ethington
Cc: jantiqueusa@yahoo.com
Subject: EmailHi Harold, got only this at Seneca, Ks. Hope it might be helpful in your research. I found these two in the 1880 census, Grant, Riley, Kansas under James M. Harper. It said that her father & mother were born in Illinois. I don't always believe what they put in this spot on the census but maybe this time it is right. Also, I hope you are able to read this one!! Mary
Comments by HDE:
There are three documented interactions between the Dennis family and the Ethington family. They are:1. James Ethington, brother to Fielding, marries Dolly Dennis in Woodford Co KY in 1813. They have 6 daughters and lived in Trimble Co KY.
2. May (Mary ) Callender, married Barton Dennis in Henry Co KY in 1818. They are found in Nemaha County with Lewis Ethington family.
3. James W. Ethington, son of Lewis Ethington, married 2 Jan 1851 Mary Ann Dennis in Crawford Co IL.Need to test the theory that Nancy J. Ethington is the daughter of James W. Ethington and his wife Mary Ann Dennis. We know that James died early, do not know what happened to Mary Ann, but Nancy J. is found with Barton Dennis and May Callender in 1860. Nancy J. was born in 1851-53, shortly after James' marriage to Mary Ann Dennis.
============== C H R O N O L O G Y ===============================
1851: 2 Jan 1851 James W. Ethington, son of Lewis Ethington, is married to Mary Ann Dennis
in Crawford County IL.1851: 3 Nov 1851 Nancy Jane Ethington is born. Birthdate from Harper family. Not substantiated, but note that it is almost exactly
nine months after the marriage date. Will accept this date until proof to the contrary. Muriel Bourke family records show birthdate of 2 Nov 1851.
1853: Jan 1853 James W. Ethington's estate is settled in Crawford Co IL. His wife is not mentioned. Assume that they are both dead
at this date.
8 Feb 1855 Crawford Co IL Probate record # 1 (Book A) page 514:At this day Lewis Ethington adm of the estate of James W. Ethington dec'd produced to the court a sale bill of the personal estate of said dec'd amounting to the sum of $92.95 which is ordered to be filed by the court and said adm charged with amount of said sale bill. It appearing to the satisfaction of the court that James W. Ethington late of the county at the time of his decease was a housekeeper; the head of a family and left no widow, and his only child Nancy J. Ethington resided with him at that time, it is ordered by the court that said adm pay over to the guardian of said Nancy J. the amount of the proceeds of the sale bill of the personal estate of said dec'd(making $92.95 see amts page 513) remaining in his hands after paying funeral expenses and expenses of administration, the same being on account of what said Nancy J. is allowed out of her said father's estate exclusive of creditors.
1859: Census Nemaha County Kansas Richmond Twsp pages 2 and 4 (not a federal census) FHL # 1654575:
Ethington, Joseph settled in twsp March 1858, 1 person
Ethington, Lewis settled in twsp April 1858, 5 persons
Ethington, Hezikiah settled in twsp March 10, 1858, 3 persons
1860: Census date: 5 Jul 1860
Seneca PO, Richmond, Nemaha, KS territory
Dwelling 239 Etherton, Lewis age 60 (born 1800) M Farmer born VA
Cinderilla age 53 (born 1807) F born KY
Sally age 19 (born 1841) F born IL
George age 17 (born 1843) M born IL
Nancy age 13 (born 1847) F born IL
John age 11 (born 1848) M born ILDwelling 237 Etherton, Joseph age 25 (born 1835) M Farmer born IN
Mary age 15 (born 1835) F born ILDwelling 224 Evington, Joseph age 22 (born 1838) M Farmer born KY
Mary A. age 16 (born 1844) F born ILDwelling 402/365 of Seneca PO, Valley` Township, Nemaha County KS census date: 17 Jul 1860
Dennis, Batson age 65 (born 1795) M Farmer born KY
May A. age 69 (born 1791) F born VA
Ethington, Nancy J. age 9 (born 1851) F born ILDwelling 463/366 page 0
Dennis, Batson Jr. age 23 M IN Farmer $100 $250
Dennis, Nancy J. age 25 F IN
Here we see that Lewis Ethington, grandfather of Nancy Jane Ethington,
is living in the same county, and served by the same post office as is Nancy Jane,
living with the Batson Dennis family.
1861: Death of May Callender note from Mary Jan Shoemaker to HDE:I am going to Kansas to met with a gal named Deb Davis. She is a decendent of my g/father Jesse Self Dennis as I am. I am in hopes she might be able to fill in somewhat on this Nancy J. Ethington. I looked this situation over again, and found that Batson Dennis wife passed in the year 1861 so I bet he gave this little girl to someone else to raise. The question is, WHO? If Deb knows nothing about this, I will search around in Seneca, Ks. for this little one. Maybe some records will show up.
1867: Marriage LicenseMarriage License: Nemaha County Kansas returned and filed 26 Dec 1867
You are herby authorized to join in marriage James (middle initial not recognizable) Harper of Riley County aged (not clear)year,
Nancy J. Ethington of Nemaha County aged 16 years and of this license you will make due return to my office within thirty days.
State of Kansas
County of Nehama
I Thomas Rice do hereby certify that in accord and with the authorization of the within license I did on the 25th day of December
A.D. 1867 at J. W. Dennis House in said county join and unite in marriage James M.(?) Harper and Nancy J. Ethington.
Witniss my hand and seal this day and year above written.
- Thomas Rice
Baptist Minister
1870: Census Riley Co Kansas FHL# 978.128 X2da 1870 119/121 Grant Twsp
Harper(?) James 26
Nancy 18
Mary 11875: Census Riley Co Kansas FHL # 978.128 X2d Grant Twsp 14/14
Harper, James 35 M W Farmer In IL
Harper, Nancy I 22 F W IL
Harper, Mary E. 6 F W KS
Harper, George W. 1 M W KS1 Nov 1875
Heirs of Lewis Ethington, grandfather of Nancy Jane Ethington, are listed in his Worth Co MO estate settlement (see his notes). He shows one Nancy Jane Ethington of Washington County Kansas as one of his heirs.1880: Census Riley County Kansas ED 262 Sheet 7 Line 48 Page 395 Granr Twsp 5 Jun 1880
Harper, James M. W M 36 Farmer IN VA KY
Harper, Nancy J. W F 27 wife IL IL IL
Harper, Mary E. W F 11 dau KA IN IL
Harper, Geo. W. W M 6 son KA IN IL
Harper, Charles E. W M 4 son KA IN IL
Harper, Herbert F. W M 2 son KA IN IL
Harper, Minnie B. W F 8/12 (Sept) daughter KA IN IL
Foley, Patrick W M 47 Ireland farm labor
1900 Census 22 Jun 1900 Sherman Twsp Riley County Kansas 115/115
Harper, James head W M Apr 1842 age 58 Wd IN VA VA
Harper, William W. son W M Mar 1886 age 14 KS IN KS single at school
Hunn, Charles M. son in law W M June 1862 age 37 NY PA PA married 10 years
Hunn, Mary A. E. daughter W F May 1868 age 32 KS IN KS married 10 years, 0 children born, 0 children livingNote the presence of son William W. Harper, born Mar 1886, not previously known
due to the absence of the 1890 census. Note also that James identifies himself
as a widower. However, we know that Nancy was living with her daughter Bertha
in the 1930 census (Illinois). Daughter Mary A.E. Hunn states that she has
not had any children born to her in her. She and Mr. Hunn have been married
10 years.1905: Census Riley County Kansas Sherman Twsp page 1
Harper, James 63 IN
Harper, George 29 KS
1910: Census Riley Co KS Grant Twsp 48/49
Harper, James M W 67 Wd IN PA KY (living alone, has "own income")
1920: Census Sherman, Riley, KS 207/211
Hunn, Charley M. Head M W 57 Married NE
Hunn, May wife F W 50 married KS IN IL
Harper, James Father in Law M W 77 Wd IN VA VA1921: Polk City Directory St Joe MO
Harper, Nancy A. ("A."), boarding at 1438 N 13th, page 2761926: Polk City Directory St Joe MO
Harper, Frank H. Harper Bros Disposal Co home Duncan corner 3rd
Harper, Geo Harper Bros Disposal Co Lawrence Kansas1928: Polk City Directory St Joe MO
Harper Bros Disposal Co Frank and George Harper Duncan corner 3rd Telephone 6-1286
1930 (sometime prior to the 1930 census)We see that Nancy Jane Ethington has married a Mr. Smith as noted by this comment from Ruthanne Harper:
"I found a letter addressed to Nancy Smith in St. Joseph, Missouri from her grandaughter, who happened to be Uncle Ed Harper's daughter. I talked to Eithel today and she verified it was Uncle Ed's daughter - she had met her. However, Eithel was not aware Nancy Harper had married Smith. You may remember I called her Nancy Smith - for some reason that name stuck in my mind.
"This is a long windy way of saying, I may be a lot more successful finding a death certificate. I will keep you posted.
"At least there is a ray hope!
-Ruthanne Harper
1930: Polk City Directory St Joe MO
Harper Bros Disposal Co Frankd and George Harper Duncan Corner 3rd telephone 6-1286
1930: Census, 22 Apr 1930 Loraine Village Keene Twsp Adams County IL 29/29
Rust, Bertha head F W 42 Wd KS IL KS
Walker, LeRoy son M W 19 Single IL MO KS
Walker, Russel Son M W 18 Single IL MO KS
Walker, Herold Son M W 16 Single IL MO KS
Smith, Nancy Mother F W 89 Wd KS KS KS
6 Aug 1936: Death
This date given to Muriel Bourke as death date. She thinks it may have come from family records that were destroyed in a hurricane ("A shed in the back yard that was destroyed in a hurricane...") No further documentation on date or place.===================== E N D O F C H R O N O L O G Y ===========================================
Telcom Thurs 20 May 2004 with Warren Harper (308) 493-5444 and Ethel Woods at (816) 322-7823
Ethel:
"Grandma Nancy separated from James. The family lost her for a while. Finally found her in a hospital or rooming home in St. Joe MO. Esther and Ruth (age about 8 years, or about 1922) went to St. Jo and got her. Took her to Topeka at Aunt Mae (Mary Elizabeth's) home.
"I remember seeing Grandma Harper (Nancy) at Uncle Herbert Frank Harper's home in Kansas City MO. She was on the porch smoking a clay pipe.
"Grandma Nancy Harper died at the age of 101 (about 1951) at the home of Uncle Herbert Frank Harper 2011 Spruce Ave in Kansas City MO."
From Eithel Wood got from her father:
"Nancy Jane DENNIS Harper was born Nov 3, 1842." It appears that Nancy Jane took Dennis as her surname. Perhaps she was adopted by the Dennis family she lived with as as young girl. - HDENov 3 1842 + 101 and 6 months = May 1943 death date. - HDE
Eithel says that Nancy Jane may be buried in Mt Washington Cemetery between Kansas City MO and Independence MO. Thinks that Herbert Frank and his wife Anna might be buried there also.
31 Jul 2004:
Checked this day (conference call with Eithel and myself) with Greg Morgan, record keeper at Calvery and Foreest Hill Cemetary on Troost Ave and E. 67th st. in Kansas City MO. He has no record of eigher a Nancy Jane Harper, or a Herbert Frank Harper. He suggests that we try the (Older) Elmwood cemetery on E 12th St. and Elmwood in Kansas City MO. Placed a call to them (816) 231-0373. Waiting for return.1 Sep 2004:
Telcom with Richard Stewart, sexton of Elmwood Cemetery in KC MO. He has no record of Nancy Jane Ethington Dennis Harper, or any variation thereof. He recommends that we try the (older still) Union Cemetery, sexton "Rusty" at (816) 472-4990 . Called Union Cemetery, left message this date.
Information from Paul Seals, sexton of the New/Old Norreigh Cemeteries, and the Curless
Cemetery in Loraine IL telcom Sunday 3 Apr 2005:Found grave of Tom Rust 1890-1918, and his wife Bertha Rust Strickler 1885-1947 in the
New Loraine Cemetery, Near Flag Pole Circle, to the South.Mr. Seals did not find any grave for Nancy Harper, or Nancy Smith. He did find graves
for Rankin Smith 1862-1940 and Richard Smith 1865-1955. Neither of these two individuals
could be husband of Nancy since she was widowed in 1930.Mr. Seals will check the Curless cemetery more closely for Smith.
end Seals Info.
Telcom with Ruth Ann Harper and Eithel Wood Sat 2 Apr 2005:Ruth Ann has a letter written by Georgia Osborn to her grandmother Nancy Jane Harper SMITH. Date not yet determined. She will get me copy of letter. From this we learn that Nancy Jane DID marry a SMITH, and that name is what she probably died under. Could be in Illinois, where she was living with daughter Bertha in 1930. See that census.
Information from Muriel Bourke to HDE 31 Mar 2005:
The oldest record I have listing her as Nancy Jane Ethington is my mother's bride's book from 1945, where she is merely a name on the family tree. The other information I have is a photocopy of a typed list of the "Harper Family Record' It has the names and birthdates for the siblings and parents of James Martin Harper followed by:
James Martin Harper born April 14, 1824
Nancy Jane Ethington born November 2, 1851
James Martin Harper and Nancy Jane Ethington were married December 25, 1867
(names and dates of birth for their children)
James Martin Harper died June 29, 1921.
Nancy Jane Harper died August 6, 1936.The list had handwritten notes by two people. One had labeled James Martin's parents as parent's as grandparents, the other, which I believe to have been my aunt Edythe's writing, labels James Martin and Nancy Jane as "my grandparents."
I do not know the origins of the list. I believe that the information might have been copied from a family Bible that was handed down to my aunt. If that is the case, the Bible was lost in a hurricane that destroyed a shed owned by a grandson she lived with briefly.
I do note that the listing for Nancy Jane's death used the name Harper, so I am still confused by the name Smith in the census. Such a specific date seems to indicate that, if she was not still living with my grandmother Bertha, there was contact between Bertha and whomever Nancy Jane was living with.
- Muriel Bourke
The birth year for Bertha and her
twin Bert should read 1884.
Telcom Friday 7 May 2004 with Andrew Mortinson, friend of Josh Ethington. Said that Josh was killed in a diving accident on 21 Jul 2001. He left a wife, a son Cody age 8, and a daughter Kim age 4.
Andrew Mortinson: (801) 572-2922
From Andrew Mortinson to HDE 5 Feb 2005:
just assumed you were who I talked to in early June/2004.His name is
Joshua Andrew Ethington, not John,and yes his older brother is Sean who is
one year older(he is 30-31 and now lives in So. Calif and is an attorney).
He is also married.Josh was born march 1, 1975 in Ann Arbor, MI and died
July 21, 2001. His dads name is Paul and I believe his mother's name is
Bonnie, not sure on mother's first name. Josh died with some friends cliff
diving into a not so wide river.Josh was married and left his wife and 2
kids behind. We were best friends younger in San Diego, Ca. I moved to SLC
and the Paul Ethington family(Josh was 13 I believe) moved to Hemet, Ca.
Josh's dad was a minister for the baptist church I believe and quit when
Josh died. He became a minister because in (1969???) I believe, he was
working with his dad on a car and the car fell on his dad. His dad(I think
his name was Virgil) was dying, he had many broken bones and internal
injuries. He promised God at that point he would give his life to him if
God spared his dad, Paul was only a teenager at this time. He kept his
promise and became a minister until Josh died. He is not a minister any
more.Josh was only 26 and he died. There isn't a day that goes by that I
don't think about Josh and what he is doing, if there is in fact an after
life.I could gt any number you wanted because my father is a Fed.
Prosecutor and has a right to find basic info. It's just I don't like to
ask him for any favors. He doesn't much like me.Any way, if you find any
contact info. out please let me know. Thanks for writing back, best of
luck.Andrew.