Book Report: Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books

The Exhibit Hall at the NGS Conference looked to me like a child’s candy store. I especially could not resist the books & bought several that I am now enjoying looking at very closely. I purchased this hardcover book from Southern Historical Press:

Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 – 1757 (2nd Edition). 

Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc.

Table of Contents:

Forward

Map of Bertie Precinct 1722 – 1730

Deed Book A, 1720 – 1725

Deed Book B, 1725 – 1727

Deed Book C, 1728 – 1730

Deed Book D, 1730 – 1734

Deed Book E, 1735 – 1739

Deed Book F, 1739 – 1744

Deed Book G, 1744 – 1753

Deed Book H, 1753 – 1757

Index

I found my Lawrence & Ashley families in the deeds included in this helpful volume.


Lawrence

I am confident that these are ‘my’ Lawrence family. However, further research is needed to decide who is who.

1. Thomas Whitmell, Sheriff of the County, March 21, 1746. Directed by the General Court to sell land belonging to Lawrence Larson. The land was bordered, on one side, by the land of Robert Laurence. page 191. [I’m not sure which Robert Lawrence this is. My 6x great grandfather d in 1744 but it may refer to land he once owned. His son, Robert, was only 11 at the time of this record.]

2. James McDowall sold land to Joseph Hardy. 10 Nov 1747. A witness was Robert Laurence. page 192.

3. Wm Laurence was a witness to a land sale. 27 July 1757. page 255.[most likely son of Robert Lawrence. Needs further research.]

Ashley

I have two Thomas Ashleys, my 7th & 8th great grandfathers. I need to look closely to decide which man each of these references. Naturally, they both married women named Ann. Fortunately, the Sen & Jun & the Elder notations in some records help immensely.]

1. Thomas Ashley, blacksmith, & wife Ann to Edward Howkett (Hocutt), Se. Aug, 30, 1739. 60 pds. For 340 A. on Rawquiss Swamp. Tract granted to James Castlellaw by patent. Adj. Phillip Walston, Jonathan Stanly, Coll. Cullen Pollock. Wit: Michael Slaughter, David Ambros. NC Court Aug. 3, 1739 W. Smith, CJ. Deed Book F, 12.

2. Thomas Ashley witness to 2 deeds. 6 May 1734. Deed Book D, 92 & 93.

3. Thomas Ashley witness to Deed. 14 Oct 1735. Deed Book D, 299.

4. Thomas Ryan & wife Martha to Jacob Parrot. 1 May 1735. Land adjoining Thomas Ashley, Jun. Deed Book E, 14. Bell, M. B. (1963). Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina: Deed Books A - H, 1720 - 1757(2nd Edition ed.). Greenville, SC: Southern Historical Press, Inc., page 116.

5. Thomas Lovick of Carteret County to Thomas Ashley. Aug. 2, 1740. 40 pds. For 150 A. “…Thomas Lovick appointed Executor in Last Will and Testament of Laurence Larson Late of the County of Bertie… sell(s) unto Thomas Ashley…” Land on Blackwalnut Swamp adj. Hardy, Land granted Thomas Pollock and assigned to Laurence Larson by deed April 5, 1720. Wit: Robert Lovivk, James Carlee. Aug. Court 1740. Deed Book F, 139.

6. Thomas Ashley, Sen. To Thomas Ashley, Jun. Aug. 10, 1742. 100 pds. For 120 a. On Cashoke Creek adj Henry Van Luven. Wit: John Hill, William Ashley. Aug. Court 1742. Deed Book F, 317.

7. Thomas Ashley the Elder to Samuel Cook. May 13, 1747. 4 pds. For 50 A. At Blackwalnut Swamp adj. Thomas Ryan. Wit: H. Hunter, Richard Ashley. May Court 1747. Deed Book G, 31

8. Thomas Ashley, Sen., blacksmith, to Richard Lakey, carpenter. May 15, 1753. 100 A. On NS Blackwalnut Swamp. Adj. land of Thomas Ryan, Samuel Cook “which s’d Tract of Parcell with 50 acres which I sold to the s’d Samuel Cook in all one hundred and fifty acres was conveyed to me from John Lovick Executor of the Last Will and Testament of Laurence Larson Deceased as by deed bearing date (Aug. 2, 1740)…” Wit: Aaron Boulton, Ryan. May Court 1754. Deed Book H 99.


Maybe this book would help your research. Let me know if I can do a quick look up for you.

Related Posts:

• A First Timer at the NGS Conference
• NGS Conference - A Great Day of Learning & Sharing
• NGS Conference - More to Learn

Patrick Coyle; From Ireland to CT

Patrick Coyle

20 May 1841 Ireland – 21 June 1925 CT

Son of Michael Coyle & Mary Cunningham

My Great Great Grandfather

Patrick Coyle

Patrick Coyle was the son of Michael Coyle & Mary Cunningham.[1] He had at least 3 siblings: James, Margaret & Michael; all born in County Cavan, Ireland.

Patrick married Margaret Brady, daughter of Thomas Brady & Catherine Gibney, on 11 February 1870 in County Cavan, Ireland.[2]

The family lived in a gate keeper’s cottage on Moat’s Lane. There were three houses in a row and they were alike; built from field stone with slate roofs. Each house usually had three rooms, side by side, all entered from the outside. In the kitchen there was a back door which led to a lean-to where animals resided. These animals had access to the kitchen for warmth. The outside of the Coyle house was part of the stone wall that encircled the property. The small house was covered with climbing roses which gave it a charming look. The Coyle house was located at the entrance to the manor house which was a two story wood frame house, surrounded by fields. There were 50 or 60 acres to the estate. [3]

Oldest son, Michael Coyle, left Ireland in May 1885 for New York City. Patrick was the next to leave Ireland, arriving in New York City on 19 October 1885. He came aboard the ship S. S. Circassia. The ship’s passenger list shows Patrick to be a 45 year old farmer. [4]^,[5]  The next year the rest of the family left Ireland.  Margaret Brady Coyle came to the United States with a party of seven other family members. The group arrived at the Port of New York on 21 May 1886. The boat was called the City of Berlin.[6] The Coyle family settled in Waterbury, CT.

Patrick & Margaret had 11 children, 4 born after they arrived in the USA. Patrick Coyle became a naturalized citizen of the United States on 24 October 1896 in the District Court of Waterbury, Connecticut.[7]

Patrick was a minor player in the family. Margaret was the driving force behind the family. She ruled her children with a firm hand and ran a small grocery store. Patrick was usually a day laborer. In 1910 Patrick and his wife were on Ridge Street in Waterbury, Connecticut.  He was a laborer in a cemetery.[8] In 1920 Patrick and Margaret were living on Woods Street in Waterbury. ^[9]  They also had a home in Milford, CT.

Patrick Coyle died on 21 June 1925.[10] A newspaper article said:

News has been received here of the death in Milford early yesterday morning of Patrick Coyle, formerly of this city.  Mr. Coyle died at his home, 178 Broadway, Wildmere Beach, Milford.  For 40 years Mr. Coyle was a resident of Waterbury, leaving this city three years ago to take up a summer residence in Milford.  He spent his winters in Florida. Besides his wife, he leaves 10 children.  Michael, Bernard and Thomas in Texas, Patrick in Florida, William in California.  James, Katherine, Margaret, Mrs. B. W. Kelly and Mrs. William F. Cass of this city.  The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at 10:30 from the house to St. Gabriel’s Church, Walnut Beach.  The burial will be in the Catholic cemetery, Milford.[11]

Patrick & Family:

1 Patrick Coyle b: 20 May 1841 Moate, Cavan, Ireland, d: 21 Jun 1925 Milford, New Haven, CT

... + Margaret Brady b: Abt. 1855 Killykeen, Cavan, Ireland, m: 11 Feb 1870 Granard, Cavan, Ireland, d: 22 Nov 1934 in Waterbury, New Haven, CT

......2 Michael Coyle b: 24 Nov 1870 in Moate, Ireland, d: Unknown

...... + Mary Jo Mullane b: 3 Aug 1867 Ireland, m: 9 Nov 1895 NY, d: 17 Dec 1927  NY

......2 Bernard Coyle b: 13 Feb 1872  Cavan, Ireland, d: 8 Nov 1946 New Haven, CT

...... + Maria d: Bef. 1930

......2 Catherine Coyle b: 23 Dec 1873  Cavan, Ireland, d: 15 Oct 1952 New Haven, CT

......2 Maria Coyle b: 29 Jan 1876 Cavan, Ireland, d: 21 Dec 1885

......2 Patrick J Coyle b: 28 Dec 1879 Moate, Cavan, Ireland, d: 30 Jun 1954 FL

...... + Nancy Guilette b: OH, m: 1925 St Petersburg, Pinellas, FL

......2 Margaret Coyle b: 16 Apr 1881  Cavan, Ireland, d: 30 Jul 1972 Waterbury, CT

......2 Thomas A Coyle b: 21 Aug 1883  Cavan, Ireland, d: 13 Sep 1962 Los Angeles, CA

......2 James J Coyle b: 16 Apr 1887 Waterbury, CT, d: 13 Oct 1955 Waterbury, CT

...... + Madeline Herbst b: 10 Nov 1892 CT, m: 7 May 1912 NY, d:  1948 New Haven, CT

......2 Bridget Coyle b: 21 Dec 1888 Waterbury, New Haven, CT, d: 21 Apr 1943

...... + Bernard William Kelly b: 25 Apr 1894 Waterbury, CT, m: 27 Apr 1925

......2 Maryanne Coyle b: 7 Mar 1891 Waterbury, CT, d: 29 Mar 1977 New Haven, CT

...... + William F. Cass b: 20 Sep 1893, m: 27 Nov 1918, d: 19 Mar 1959

......2 William Paul Coyle b: 29 Jun 1894 New Haven, CT, d: 16 Sep 1963 California

...... + Lauretta Niail b: 1891 CT, m: 1 Oct 1912 New Haven, CT, d: 12 May 1960 CA

---

[1] Baptismal record for Patrick Coyle, 20 May 1841, Register 33a, Page 30, Ballymachugh Roman Catholic Church, Cavan Genealogy, Johnston Central Library, Farnham Street, Cavan, Ireland.

[2] Marriage Record for Patrick Coyle and Margaret Brady, 11 February 1870, Roman Catholic Chapel of Carrick, Ballymachugh Parish Records, Register 33b, Page 7, Cavan Genealogy, Johnston Central Library, Farnham Street, Cavan, Ireland.

[3] E-mail letter from Robert J. Coyle to author, 15 November 1998.

[4] New York Passenger List, Microfilm #1027358, Family History Library, Item #1294; S. S. Circassia, October 1885.  Passenger: Pat Coyle.  Photocopy of page given to author by Kathleen G. Coyle, Arizona and by Robert Coyle, Oregon.

[5] Immigration Record from Castle Garden Immigration Center for Pat Coyle, 19 October 1885, www.castlegarden.org. 

[6] New York Passenger List, Microfilm #1027363, Family History Library, May 1886.  Passengers: Margaret, Bridget, Kate, Patrick, Maggie and Thomas Coyle with Margaret and Barth Brady. Photocopy of page given to author by Kathleen G. Coyle, Sun City West, Arizona and by Robert Coyle, Florence, Oregon.

[7] Patrick Coyle, Naturalization Record, 24 October 1896, Volume 9, Page 400; District Court in Waterbury, Connecticut. 

[8] 1910 US Census, Waterbury, New Haven, CT, Microfilm Roll #T624, Roll 141, Page 97A; ancestry.com.  Patrick Coyle family.

[9] 1920 US Census, CT, New Haven, Waterbury, SD 38, ED 433, Sheet 12B. Patrick Coyle family on Wood Street.

[10] Certificate of Death for Patrick Coyle, 21 June 1925, Connecticut State Department of Health. 

[11] Patrick Coyle, Newspaper Funeral Notice.  Photocopy from Kathleen G. Coyle given to Robert J. Coyle and given to author.

This prompt comes from Amy Johnson Crow at her blog, No Story Too Small. She suggests we “write once a week about a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, a research problem — any that focuses on that one ancestor.” 

Memorial Day – Remembering Our Family’s Soldiers

Manassas Battlefield

According to the US Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs: In 1966, Congress & President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

Veterans’ Day honors all veterans but Memorial Day is for those soldiers who gave their lives in American wars. Here are a few of my family’s soldiers who answered the call to service and never came home again.

Our family’s Civil War Soldiers, Union:

§ Thomas Jefferson Mark 1840 – 1863, 118 Reg., Co E OH Volunteer Infantry
§ John Mark                      1842 – 1862, 16 Reg., Co C OH Volunteer Infantry
§ David Ritter                   1842 – 1863, 16 Reg., Co A OH Volunteer Infantry


Our family’s Civil War Soldiers, Confederate:

§ James P Brown 1844 – 1862, Pvt Co E, 22nd Reg, MS Volunteers
§ Martin Penn Brumfield 1837 – 1862, 9th LA Infantry, Co I, Rifles
§ Burrell T Fortenberry 1820 – 1863, Pvt 9th LA Calvary


Our family’s World War II Soldier:

Guy Eugene Mark

· Guy Eugene Mark 1923 – 1945, Killed & buried in Guadalcanal

Related Post:

• Ohio Civil War Genealogy Journal

My Great Grands – Who lived longest?

I have been reviewing the information about my direct ancestors for 52 weeks/52 ancestors. That review inspired me to compare my great grandparents. 

• Who lived the longest? 
• Which branch of my family lived longer?
• Were they contemporaries? 
• Would they have met each other?

My father’s grandparents:

Jasper P Brown                 1865- 1950         85 years               Average life span: 85

Rose Brumfield                 1867 – 1948         81 years

Thomas K Mark                 1879 – 1975         95 years              

Regina Gruissy                  1879 – 1959         80 years

I know these two couples met. My father told me his Mississippi grandparents visited Ohio when he was a boy. It is logical that they would have met the Ohio folks [who were a dozen years younger] during the visit.

My mother’s grandparents:

Leopold Gartner               1860 – 1948         88 years               Average life span: 65

Fannie Edelstein              1860 – 1908        47 years

Michael Coyle                   1870 – unknown

Mary Jo Mullane              1867 – 1927         60 years

These two couples lived in New York City but it is unlikely that they ever met. Because of the times and their religious differences [Roman Catholic & Jewish] they both disowned their children when they married.

Lifespan:

This data is incomplete because I do not know when Michael Coyle died but a quick look shows my father’s grandparents were longer lived than my mother’s grandparents. Just an interesting note to history.

Esther Barbara Wolf Gruissy; Disabled?

Esther Barbara Wolf Gruissy

16 May 1840 OH – 8 December 1915 OH

My Great Great Grandmother

Esther Barbara (Wolf) Gruissy was the daughter of John Frederick Wolf & Esther Barbara Shaffer. She was one of nine children. Her siblings were: Sarah, Susan, John W S, Joseph, Margaret Ann, Justina, Samuel & Frederick. John Wolf was a stone mason. In 1850 Esther and her siblings lived in Franklin Twp., York, PA with their oldest sister and brother in law, in a house next door to their parents.[1]

Esther married Augustus Ceaser Gruissy, son of Christian Gruissy & Mary Grorisclauss. She was the second of his three wives. They were married 6 December 1868 in OH.[2]  They had five children, two of whom grew to adulthood. Augustus and family were in the Village of West Lebanon, Paint Twp., OH in the 1870 census[3]. Augustus was working as a carpenter. In 1880 the Gruissy family lived in Wadsworth Township.[4]  Augustus was a peddler. Five daughters were living at home.The census report indicated Esther was either “Maimed, Crippled, Bedridden, or otherwise Disabled.”  I don’t know what disabilities she had. In her letters she talks about many activities & does not sound bedridden or crippled. 

 

1902 from Esther B Gruissy to daughter Regina Gruissy

I am very fortunate to have copies of letters written between Esther & her daughter, N. Regina (Gruissy) Mark. Esther’s handwriting is rough and her spelling is very poor but she writes about family members and daily chores such as chopping wood and canning fruit. Watch for some of those letters in future posts.

Esther is buried in SpringGrove Cemetery in Medina with her husband. Her obituary is brief.

Gruissy - At the home of her daughter, Mrs. T. K. Marks, in Sharon. Aug 11, Mrs. Ester [sic] Gruissy, aged 70 years. Funeral, Aug. 14 at the house; burial at Spring Grove, Medina.[5]

Esther, Augustus & Family:

1 Augustus Ceaser Gruissy b: 16 May 1840 OH, d: 8 Dec 1915 Stark, OH

... + Esther Barbara Wolf b: 14 Jun 1836 Little York, York, PA, m: 6 Dec 1868 Stark, OH, d: 11 Aug 1906 Medina, OH

......2 Rephenia C Gruissy b: 04 Apr 1870 OH, d: 17 Jan 1943 Norton Twp., Muskegan, MI

...... + Willis L. Nichols b: Jan 1869 OH, m: Abt. 1891, d: 16 Aug 1940 MI

......2 Algedena Gruissy b: 17 Oct 1871 OH, d: 1871 OH

......2 John Andrew Gruissy b: 7 Sep 1872 OH, d: 1878 OH

......2 Sarah Barbara Gruissy b: 22 Jun 1874 OH, d: 22 Jun 1874 OH

......2 Nancy Regina Victoria Gruissy b: 31 Jan 1879 Sharon, Medina, OH, d: 24 May 1959 Wadsworth, Medina, OH

...... + Thomas Kenneth Mark b: 19 Jul 1879 Wooster, Wayne, OH, m: 28 Jan 1903 Medina, OH, d: 12 Feb 1975 Wadsworth, Medina OH

---

[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Franklin Township, York, Pennsylvania; James T Williamson family.

[2] Marriage Record for Augustus Gruissy & Esther B Wolf;   Family History Center Microfilm #897630. Page 82. 1868 - 1872 Marriage Records in Stark County, Ohio.  Augustus Gruissy and Esther B. Wolf married on 6 December 1868.

[3] 1870 United States Census, Village of West Lebanon, Paint Township, Wayne County, Ohio, Line 27, Page 28. The August Gurnsey family.

[4] 1880 United States Census, Wadsworth Township, Medina County, Ohio, T767Roll48, Volume 44, E.D. 199, Sheet 41; Line 26; National Archives, Pittsfield Region, Mass. Augustus Gruissy family.

[5]  "Died." Medina County Gazette August 17, 1906: 8; Mrs Ester [sic] Gruissy. Medina Co Library OH; microfilm #26.

Forget Me Not: Two Obituaries for Lucreta D Smith; Walthall Co MS Pioneer

 ‘Mrs. Smith Final Rites 

Conducted Here Wednesday’

"Funeral services for Mrs. Marshall Smith, 94, of Tylertown, were Conducted Wednesday at 2:30 p. m. from the Lexie Baptist Church. The reverend B. B. Harper, pastor of the Lexie Baptist Church, of which Mrs. Smith was a member, and the reverend W. F. Hutson, Bogalusa, La., officiated at final rites for the native and lifetime resident of this county.

Mrs. Smith died at 4 a. m. Tuesday morning following an illness of a month. Until just recently, she had enjoyed good health and had maintained her own home. Her husband preceded her in death 11 years ago.

Mrs. Smith was born February 18, 1863, in old Pike county. She was the daughter of William Dort Smith, and Crettie Dykes Smith. She was married to Henry Marshall who died in 1946.

The Walthall county pioneer citizen was survived by four sons, Watterson Smith, Murray Smith both of Lexie; Marshal Smith and C. W. Smith, Tylertown; six daughters, Mrs. Dixie Holmes, Lexie; Mrs. Era Smith Porter, Tylertown; Mrs. Myrtis Quinn, Columbia; Mrs. Euna Holmes, Lexie; Mrs. Hattie Simmons, and Mrs. Velma Holmes, Tylertown. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

Pallbearers included: Duane Smith, Kermit Quin, Toxie Holmes, Griffen Smith, Wendell Holmes, and Eldon Holmes.

Funeral arrangements were completed by Hartmans of Tylertown with internment in the Tylertown cemetery."

Source: Magee, Zuma Fendlason. Selected Obituaries from Louisiana (Washington & Tangipahoa Parishes) and from Mississippi (Pike, Walthall & Marion Counties). Volume II. Franklinton, Louisiana: Privately printed, 1976. From Franklinton Library, LA.

Lucrettie Smith, 71

"Lucrettie Smith was born May 10^th, 1825; she died November 14^th, 1896, aged 71. She was the wife of W. D. Smith and the mother of fourteen children, fifty-three grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren. She joined Silver Creek church in 1851 and was baptized by Eld. Jesse Crawford; she remained there until 1891 and then drew her letter and went into the organization of Centerville Baptist church, where she remained a faithful member until death. She was a devoted Christian, a good companion, and an affectionate mother. Funeral services were conducted by Eld. W. J. Fortenberry and she was buried in the family cemetery."

Source: Williams, E. Russ. Abstracts of Obituaries from the Minutes of the Magee's Creek Baptist Association (Mississippi and Louisiana), 1882 - 1924. Monroe, Louisiana: Privately printed, 1978, page 44. From the Louisiana Archives, Baton Rouge, LA. 

1 William Dorten Smith b: 14 Jan 1818 Pike, MS, d: 16 Nov 1906

... + Lucreta Dykes b: 10 May 1825 LA, d: 14 Nov 1896 MS

......2 George Smith b: 06 Dec 1840 LA, d: 26 Jan 1921 MS

...... + Jane Smith

......2 Clara A. Smith b: Abt. 1843 MS

......2 William L. Smith b: 06 Apr MS, d: 15 Apr 1928 MS

...... + Seletia E b: 09 Jun 1852, d: 16 Jan 1902 MS

......2 Henry J. Smith b: 24 May 1847 MS, d: 15 May 1914 MS

......2 Jarrett Rankin Smith b: Abt. 1849 MS, d: 1934

...... + Florence

......2 Isaac Franklin Smith b: Abt. 1854 MS

......2 LucindaSmith b: Abt. 1856 MS

......2 Jasper D. Smith b: Abt. 1858 MS

......2 Lucreta Dykes Smith b: 18 Feb 1863 MS, d: Abt. 1957 MS

...... + Henry Marshall Smith d: 1946

......2 Murrey Smith b: Abt. 1866 MS

... + Lucretta Dykes

......2 Cinderilla Smith b: 1856 MS

...... + Thomas Dolphus Bickham

Augustus Ceaser Gruissy; Botanical Medicines for Sale

Augustus Ceaser Gruissy

16 May 1840 OH – 8 December 1915 OH

My Great Great Grandfather

Augustus C Gruissy, Esther B Wolf & grandson, Ray Nichols

AugustusCeaser Gruissy grew herbs, made herbal medicines, advertised in the newspaper and peddled his wares. One of his cures was called Queen Oil.

After many years’ experience and innumerable tests, I find this remedy will cure more cases of Sore Mouth, Sore Throat, Diphtheria, Quinsy, Pain in the Side, Breast, Back or Stomach, Cramp of Colic, than any other medicine in use. Will cure Neuralgia, Rheumatism, Croup, Asthma, Sprains, Toothache, Burns and Frosted Feet. It is mild and pleasant, and safe for either age or sex. DIRECTIONS, For sore throat, diphtheria and quinsy, take from 8 to 10 drops on sugar several times a day and keep the pains well bathed with the same; for cramp colic and other pains, take from 10 to 20 drops on sugar every half hour until relieved.  Sold by A. C. GRUISSY, West Lebanon, Ohio.  Price 50c & $1.00 a bottle.  Every bottle warranted.[1]  

Augustus was the son of Christian Gruissy & Mary Grorisclauss, both born in Switzerland. Christian married twice & was the father of 11 children. In 1840 & 1850 Christian and family were in Sugar Creek, Stark, OH.[2]^,[3]

Augustus was married three times. First he married Mary Ann Everett. They were married 21 Feb 1861 in OH.[4] They had four daughters. Family stories say this wife ran off with another man. His second wife was Esther Barbara Wolf, daughter of John Franklin Wolf & Elisabeth Burkholder. They were married 6 December 1868 in OH.[5]  They had five children, two of whom grew to adulthood. His third wife was Ellen, who had been married before. They were married c 1908 in OH. They had no children together.

The Gruissy name is very difficult to research because it is spelled differently in almost every record.

Augustus and family were in the Village of West Lebanon, Paint Twp., OH in the 1870 census[6]. Augustus was working as a carpenter. In 1880 the Gruissy family lived in Wadsworth Township.[7]  Augustus was a peddler. The census report indicated Esther was either “Maimed, Crippled, Bedridden, or otherwise Disabled.”  Five daughters were living at home. Esther died in 1906.

In 1910 Augustus was on Walnut Beach City Road in Sugar Creek, Stark County with his third wife, Ellen J. (Stoner) Gruissy. Augustus was 69 at that time.  He was in the “medicine” trade. He owned a farm. He and Ellen had been married about two years.[8] Augustus died in 1915. Family stories hint that he was killed by his third wife because he was going to change his will to omit her. He was found dead by the wood pile with a stack of wood on his head and back.

Augustus Ceaser Gruissy is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina with his second wife, Esther Barbara (Wolf) Gruissy.

 

Augustus C Gruissy & Esther B, his wife

Augustus & Family:

1 Augustus Ceaser Gruissy b: 16 May 1840 OH, d: 8 Dec 1915 Stark, OH

... + Mary Ann Everett m: 21 Feb 1861 Wayne, OH

......2 Margaret Jane Gruissy b: 26 Dec 1861 W Lebanon, OH, d: 8 Mar 1946  Wayne, OH

...... + Seth Benner Morrison b: 24 Mar 1861 Parker City, PA, m: 24 Oct 1880 in

Medina, Ohio, USA, d: 18 Apr 1952 Wooster, Wayne, OH

......2 Caroline Louise Gruissy b: 23 Oct 1863 Sugar Creek, Stark, OH, d: 15 Apr 1936 Seville, Medina, OH

...... + Peter Jonathan Moore b: 14 Mar 1857 OH, m: 30 Jul 1882 Medina, OH, d: Feb 1929 OH

......2 Mary Magdalene Gruissy b: 23 Nov 1865 Stark, OH, d: 10 Jul 1917 Findlay, Hancock, OH

...... + Albert F. Lutz b: Feb 1856 OH, m: 03 Jul 1889 OH, d: 1935

......2 Matilda Catherine Gruissy b: 26 Feb 1868

...... + Stanford

... + Esther Barbara Wolf b: 14 Jun 1836 Little York, York, PA, m: 6 Dec 1868 Stark, OH, d: 11 Aug 1906 Medina, OH

......2 Rephenia Cathern Gruissy b: 04 Apr 1870 OH, d: 17 Jan 1943 Muskegan, MI

...... + Willis L. Nichols b: Jan 1869 OH, m: Abt. 1891, d: 16 Aug 1940 MI

......2 Algedena Gruissy b: 17 Oct 1871 OH, d: 1871 OH

......2 John Andrew Gruissy b: 7 Sep 1872 OH, d: 1878 OH

......2 Sarah Barbara Gruissy b: 22 Jun 1874 OH, d: 22 Jun 1874 OH

......2 Nancy Regina Victoria Gruissy b: 31 Jan 1879 Sharon, Medina, OH, d: 24 May 1959 Wadsworth, Medina, OH

...... + Thomas Kenneth Mark b: 19 Jul 1879 Wooster, Wayne, OH, m: 28 Jan 1903 Medina, OH, d: 12 Feb 1975 Wadsworth, Medina OH

... + Ellen J. Gruissy b: Abt. 1848 OH, m: Abt. 1908 OH

---

[1] Newspaper clipping from unknown paper.  ‘Queen Oil made by A. C. Gruissy’ Given to Colleen B. Pasquale, February 1977, by Genevieve (Brown) Wieland Schaperjahn.

[2] 1840 US Census, Sugar Creek, Stark County, Ohio; Christian Gruissy.

[3] 1850 US Census, Sugar Creek, Stark County, Ohio; Christian Gruissy family.

[4] Wooster. Wayne County marriages; Augustus Gruessy and Mary Ann Everett; 21 Feb 1861  Volume 5 page 238.

[5] Marriage Record for Augustus Gruissy & Esther B Wolf;   Family History Center Microfilm #897630. Page 82. 1868 - 1872 Marriage Records in Stark County, Ohio.  Augustus Gruissy and Esther B. Wolf married on 6 December 1868.

[6] 1870 United States Census, Village of West Lebanon, Paint Township, Wayne County, Ohio, Line 27, Page 28. The August Gurnsey family.

[7] 1880 United States Census, Wadsworth Township, Medina County, Ohio, T767Roll48, Volume 44, E.D. 199, Sheet 41; Line 26; National Archives, Pittsfield Region, Mass. Augustus Gruissy family.

[8] 1910 United States Census, Sugar Creek, Stark County, Ohio, T1272 Roll135(Soundex) Roll 1232( Census, Volume 166, ED 240, National Archives, Pittsfield Region, Mass. Augustus Gruissy family.