For my Witt family cousins, I thought I would share this post from the Witt Surname board at Ancestry. My 6th great grandfather Rev War Capt Elijah Witt is buried in the Witt Baptist Churchyard. Guess I will have to make that journey across the mountain at some point.

Witt Foundry Historical site
Donald Blaylock

The Witt foundry Historical site location pinpoint is now live on google maps. I added the Witt foundry location as well as the Witt Baptist church cemetery onto google maps today 8 Apr 2019. The location of the foundry was 100% confirmed by Mr. Jack F. , Jack grew up next to the foundry at a house directly across the train tracks from the site and the current Witt Baptist Church and Cemetery. Mr. Jack F. is also a deacon. At the Witt Baptist Church and he is currently being displaced from his home due to his property being taken for a new expansion of the industrial park in Hamblen County TN. , A new bus building Company from Holland is needing his land along Witt Road. According to Mr. Jack F. , The only remaining sections of the original foundry is a few concrete Piers which stand southwest from the adjacent railroad tracks between the creek bed and the R.R.tracks and across the road from Witt Baptist Church / Cemetery and that area. There is also a small wooden bridge that spans the creek but it was or is not safe to cross it. The creek banks are very much overgrown and approximately six feet deep, bottom line, access would be best taken by walking down the railroad tracks, if you get permission to park at a small automotive repair shop and/or a hardware lumber store that currently occupy that area north of the tracks.

Best regards
Don Blaylock
A descendant of Anna Witt Russell family

Rev War Capt Elijah Witt marker. He is my 6th great grandfather. Find A Grave Memorial 79562831

Martha Ann Rachel Witt-Hill

Normally I would post this on my family blog (http://larry-family-history.blogspot.com/), but this one has an interesting backstory about how it was discovered.

Martha Ann Rachel Witt-Hill (1846-1934) is my 3rd cousin, 5x removed. She married a Francis Patterson Hill in Alabama in 1865. She is buried in the Old Perry Cemetery in Moody, McLennan County, Texas (Find A Grave 33566368). Her obituary is a wonderful work of prose about her life. I have seen others like it during that same era. It reads:

Mrs. F.P. Hill Passes Away At Her Home in Hamilton.

On Thursday morning, November 22, at ten o'clock impressive rites were said at First Baptist church in Hamilton for Mrs. Rachel Hill, who passed away at the family home there on Wednesday morning at 11:30 o'clock. Services were conducted by Rev. Vernon Shaw, her pastor. Rev. John D. West, Rev M. Phelan of Hamilton and assisted by Rev. Odell Jameson, pastor of the First Baptist Church of this city. A great company of sorrowing relatives and friends passed by the bier at the alter following the services to bid farewell to this lovely aged woman, whose influence on earth, ever lifting the hearts of others to the Great Creator, Who she worshipped in thought, word and deed.

Grandsons of Mrs. Hill were privileged to act as pallbearers/ They were W/ Oscar Lewis, Emmett F. Hill, Roy Lewis, Frank Monroe, Ray McCauley, Truett Allen, Bill Hill and Hill Monroe.
Masses of beautiful flowers banked the altar and covered the casket, creating a fit setting for the sweet, frail form that slept so peacefully in the calm and rest of death. The flower bearers were Miss Lois Allen, Miss Roberta Allen, Mrs. Emmett Hill, Mrs. Oscar Lewis, granddaughters of Mrs. Hill; Mrs. Lillian Grimm, Miss Mae Harris.

Following the funeral services there the cortege left the church and proceded here where internment was made in Old Perry Cemetery, with rev. West and Moody friends in charge.
Mrs. Rachel Hill had made her home in Hamilton with her daughter, Mrs. Cleveland H. Martin, and husband since 1919.

Rachel Witt, aged 88 years, 16 days, was born in Randolph county, Alabama, November 5, 1846, and was converted in early life and joined the Missionary Baptist Church living true to the faith to the day of her death.

Mrs. Hill was the daughter and granddaughter of Baptist ministers who were pioneers of Christianity in Texas, Her father, Rev. W.C. Witt had part in the organization of what is now the First Baptist Church of Temple.

She, with her husband, F.P. Hill who met an accidental death in 1913 were charter members of Stampede Baptist Church, contributing libera;;y to the building and support of that church as long as they lived in that community. In her native state she was married to Francis P. Hill on Nov. 2, 1865. Seven years later the family moved to Texas and settled in Cass county, where they changed their residence to Bell county. Mr. Hill was summoned to his reward in 1913, and in 1919 Mrs. Hill moved to Hamilton to reside. Mrs. Hill was the mother of eleven children, ten of whom lived to maturity. The nine surviving children are J.F. Hill, Hamilton; W.F. Hill, Eddy; E.I. Hill; Tahoks; Dr. J.A. Hill, Canyon; Mrs. Belle Allen, Waco; Mrs. C.H. Martin, Hamilton; Mrs. E.R. McCauley, Moody; Miss Mary Hill, Alpine; Mrs. S.J. Munroe, Hamilton, all of whom, except Dr. J.A. Hill, of Canyon, were at the bedside when the end came. She is mourned by twenty-six grandchildren, also a brother and sister, W.C. Witt, of Bailey county, Texas, and Mrs. John Womack, of Ontario, California.

Out-of-town people besides near relatives here for the funeral were Rev. Shaw, Mr. Williams, Paul Colson, Misses Mae Harris and Katie Kinseym Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. Cleve Amsler, Mrs. Marion Witt, Mcgregorl Dr. J.R. Knight, Miss Kathryn Knight, Wayne Bateman, Eddy.

"May we, upon whom her mantle falls, hold high the banner of Christ that we too may have an abundant entrance to that House not made of hands, eternal in the Heavens".

Beautiful obit for sure. Now for the really neat part. While adding some additional information on this family, I stumbled across the Ancestry tree of  Patrinka51 in Sheffield, AL. 
She had this absolutely fabulous picture taken of Martha. The back story of how it was found is even more interesting. "Photo found by Beth Garland at Mary's Flea Market, Midwest City, Oklahoma."

A flea market in Oklahoma? Unbelievable! It pays sometimes to dig around other folks trees and it places you would not normally look for family heirlooms and photographs.

My best advice is to leave no family stone unturned. You never know what family treasures you will uncover.  Oh, yea, and the picture. It speaks for itself.

Rev Elijah Witt and Hannah Clark Photo Retouches

OK, I am going to admit something right now in public on my blog to the zillions of readers who inhabit this space from time to time - I am a junkie.

There I said it. Now I feel better. Oh wait I didn't tell you what kind did I?

I am a family history "picture" junkie. Now that's better and I'm glad that is now out in the open. I'm told it is a good thing to air these sort of things out.

Now on a serious note, I have always received great pleasure in seeing and collecting pictures of my family, cousins and such. I never worry about an original or that sort of thing, but the electronic kind work just for me.

But the real treat is a picture of an ancestor. Now that is the ultimate family history experience. These are the people who are responsible for me being here. Their DNA is in me and  they have touched my life like no other ever can.

In the 35 years I have been doing research I have put a premium on locating a picture of my ancestors and I get to brag a bit, I have done quite well. If you would like to see some of my handy work, you can view the collection in my public family tree at Ancestry at http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/6838/family.

I have pictures of all four of my grand parents, all eight of my great grandparents, seven of my 16 great-great grandparents, and the ultimate prize five of my 32 great-great-great grandparents.

My latest two 3rd great grandparent picture acquisitions came as a result of my public tree and a leaf hint at Ancestry. In February 2011 I got one of those cute little leafs at Ancestry. When I opened that bad boy up and saw the hint I had tears in my eyes. For the first time ever I was seeing a picture of my 3rd great grandparents Rev. Elijah Witt and Hannah Clark-Witt. Wow, was I ever blown away. I knew there had to be a story here so I wrote the person who posted the photo Angela Beth Jameson. She responded with the following:

The Witt/Clark families are in my husband's ancestry and my father-in-law is in possession of the Witt Family Bible, which has a publishing date of 1849. Elijah and Hannah Witt are my husband's 3rd great grandparents, as well. The picture was inside the Bible, along with handwritten information about births, marriages and deaths of immediate family members, starting with the marriage of Elijah Witt and Hannah Clark. The Bible is very old and falling apart, so I have to be very careful with it.
_________________________

This is what is written in the Bible under the Marriages heading (spelling/grammar faithful to the writing):

Elijah Witt and Hannah Clark was marriade Oct the 19th-1848

Rachel E. Witt daughter of Elijah & Hannah Witt was marriad to Mike Custer Sept the 10th 1868 (Rachel Elizabeth)

MA Witt Maride to AE Dobbs December the 30-1879 (Mary Agnes)

Marthy An Witt was mariade to JS Brown Nov 17-1880 (Martha Ann and James Stevens Brown---this is my husband's line)

JC Witt Son of E and H Witt was marriad to Henrettah Lang 1882 (Not 100% sure of spouses name---ink is faded)(John Christopher Witt)

SF Witt daughter of E and H Witt was marriad to CW Bush nov 15-1883 (Sarah Forest)
_______________________

Under the Births heading:

Elijah Witt was born Dec the 15th 1824

Hannah Clark was born August the 7th-1830

Rachel Elizabeth Witt was born january the 26th-1850

Nancy Michael Witt was born January 28-1852

John Christopher Witt was born February the 8th 1854

Mary Agnes Witt was born Sept the 16th-1856

Marthy An Witt was born july the 22 1860

The infant was born Feb the 24 (?not sure it's a 4) 1865
(Note: After closer inspection and looking at death dates, I believe the death date is supposed to be Feb 2 and what I couldn't make out was a scratch out mark...and the year is 1863, not 1865. There is a crease right at the top of that number, as well as an ink spot, which is why I thought it was a 5. Hopefully, I am correct with a 3!)
Hannah (unreadable) Witt was born January 26-1864

(Note: I think the middle name for Hannah (daughter) is Rebeccah, but I'm not 100%.)
Sarah Forest Witt (no date)
_______________________

Under the Deaths heading:

Nancy Michail Witt Departed this life Sept the 30th-1861 She was The daughter of Elijah & Hannah Witt

The infant daughter of Elijah & Hannah Witt Departed This life February the 2nd 1863

Mr. E. Witt Died Dec. 30, 1898
___________________________

Then there is the picture Rev Elijah Witt and Hannah Clark-Witt. It is in pretty good shape considering its age. Here is that lovely picture below.

Rev. Elijah Witt and Hannah Clark-Witt of Tennessee/Texas. Picture courtesy of Angela Beth Jameson and family.

Angela wrote:

The picture is on a cardboard that is stamped "Cabinet Portrait""T.B. Latham, Court Square, Union City, Tenn." There is no date on the picture.

As you can see it needed some work and since I'm handy at photo digital restoration I went to work on the picture and also made singles of them. So here for the first time are the digitally restored singles of Elijah and Hannah.

Rev. Elijah Witt of Tennessee digitally restored by Larry Van Horn



Hannah Clark-Witt of North Carolina digitally restored by Larry Van Horn

Rev. Elijah Witt was a Methodist minister who was born 15 December 1824 in Henry County, Tennessee, to Rev John D. Witt (1802-1851) and Rachel Meek (1802-1827). He died 30 December 1898 in Center Point, Kerr County, Texas and is buried in the Center Point Cemetery.

3rd great grandfather Elijah married Hannah Clark who was born 7 Aug 1830 in Anson County, North Carolina, to Christopher Clark (1791-1853) and Elizabeth Wilson (1789- ). She died 8 Jul 1908 in Center Point, Kerr County, Texas and is also buried in the Center Point Cemetery.

They were married 19 Oct 1848 in Henry County, Tennessee.

They were the parents of seven children:

1. Rachel Elizabeth Witt (1850-1948) married Michael Custer.
2. Nancy Mitchell Witt (1852-1861)
3. John Christopher Witt (1854-1925), a private in the Texas Ranger Frontier Battalion married Henrietta Elizabeth Lange. These are my second great grandparents.
4. Mary Agnes Witt (1856-1953) married Adam Everett Dobbs.
5. Martha Ann Witt 91860-1938) married James Steven Brown.
6. Infant Witt (1863-1863)
7. Sarah Forrest Witt (1864-1949) married Columbus Washington Bush.

So if you are related to any of the above, I would love to hear from you. Maybe you haven some pictures you can share with me.

Was William Witt’s Wife Mildred Daux?

Speaking of William Witt (who was suppose to be a French Huguenot, see my previous post), I have seen Daux as the maiden name of his wife for as long as I have been in genealogy. One of my Witt cousins even passed along in a personal letter to me in 1981 that William Witt's wife was Mildred Daux (I've also seen Elizabeth). Since Walter Daux only had two daughters (see below) and there were no other Daux's in the area, where did Elizabeth/Mildred Daux come from? Thin air!

Again to quote Bob Baird on his website at http://genfiles.com/Witt/Mildred_Daux.htm :

"His wife has variously been claimed to be a woman named Mary, Elizabeth Daux, and Mildred Daux. The fact is that we have not one single record of her – her name appears in no records, and therefore any name we assign to her is pure speculation.

 

"It is extremely unlikely that she was a Daux. We know that Walter Daux had only two children, the daughters Anne and Susannah – one of whom was William Witt’s mother. He had no sons and there is no sign of anyone else named Daux in the area."

 

You can get the full story at the link above. While you are prowling around also check out Bob's material on the Daux family at the links below:

 

The family of Walter Daux, father-in-law of John Witt I (Some Thoughts on Walter Daux) :- http://genfiles.com/Witt/Daux.htm

 

 In Search of the Ancestry of Walter Daux is a similar paper but adds some information on a brief search for his father Richard Daux in England. :-  http://genfiles.com/Witt/Witt_Daux.htm

 

 

Attention: Witt Family Researchers: Do you have Guillaume Witt the Huguenot in your family tree? Read On Please!

When I first started doing genealogy back in the 1970s, a great grand Aunt - Edna Witt Bless shared her (our) Witt genealogy with me. I was a newbee at genealogy and really didn't have a clue what the heck I was doing in my new hobby. Since Aunt Edna was a big wig in the Huguenot Society (National Society Secretary-Treasure) ,I just new I had hit a Witt family genealogical gold mine thanks to her family research.

Well as time went along I began to doubt this whole Huguenot thing as I dug deeper into her research.

But I was not the only one who had doubts. Robert W. Baird has really dug into this Witt family myth and published a research analysis on "Were the Witts Huguenots?" online on his wonderful website Bob's Genealogy Filing Cabinet (http://genfiles.com). If you have this Huguenot myth in your Witt family tree right now (and a ton of Witt trees at Ancestry do), please use the click thru link above to Bob's website and get the straight skinny. Do yourself and your family a favor and get rid of this myth once and for all.

So how did this all happen? To quote Bob, "The founder of this Huguenot Society, Mary Latham Norton, was a descendant of William Witt who apparently assumed that William Witt was a Huguenot and an otherwise undocumented settler of the Manakin settlement. She relentlessly promoted that view in the society’s documents and in a number of other publications. She was, however, unaware of the Witt records in Henrico and Charles City County and thus did not realize that John Witt of Charles City County was the immigrant and that his sons were born in Virginia. Nonetheless, the Huguenot Society persisted until quite recently in listing “Jean” and “Guillaume” Witt among the “authenticated founders” of the Manakin settlement, claiming that they arrived in Virginia about 1700 from France. Although the Huguenot Society has abandoned this stance it remains a very difficult myth to dispel, despite the fact that there is not a shred of evidence to support it."

"Were the Witts Huguenots? Probably not. They were almost certainly English citizens, born in England, and members of the Church of England."

Unfortunately, not everyone has gotten the word as William Witt was still included in a 2008 publication as an acceptable ancestor for membership in the Huguenot Society per a recent Google search on this subject.

Finally, as it turns out, I did get my Huguenot ancestor - old Nicolas Martiau, my 13th great grandfather, the Father of Yorktown, Virginia.

Naval action between the Huguenot fleet and the French Royal fleet, aided by English and Dutch ships, during the Capture of Ré island

A Witt Family Cousin Makes it to the Bigtime!

The large Witt clan, whose homeplace was between Camp Verde and Center Point, gathers for a portrait in the early 1900s. Shown here, seated in front, from left, are: Gerald Witt’s great-great grandmother, Nancy Hamilton Witt (1826-1909), infant Prentice Witt (Gerald’s father), Maude Witt Surber (holding one baby, with two other unnamed children), and, at far right, James Monroe Witt (1835-1935) and his wife, California “Callie” Asbury Denton (1849-1926), who came to Kerr County with her siblings and mother’s family, the McFaddins, when she was a toddler. At rear are, from left (holding Prentice), Hulda Mills Witt, Fred Witt, James Witt, Joseph Denton Witt, James Surber and William Witt. (Picture link courtesy of the West Kerr Current) My cousin, Gerald Witt in Kerr County, Texas, has had an interesting article published about him, his research and his portion of the Witt family on the West Kerr Current website - click here for the whole story. It is a great article about a super genealogy cousin. Congradulations cuz on a job well done.

Was Guillaume (William) Witt a Hugenot? Not!

It is a family history legend that has been around for decades. Unfortunately since the marriage of the internet and genealogy, this genealogical myth has spread like a bad Trojan or virus across the net even after authoritative genealogy information and sources have been published disbuting it.

This is one myth that will just not die! Don't believe me, just do a search in the public trees on Ancestry.com for “Guillaume” Witt, and you will see dozens have this myth in their lineage. It is easy to copy someone else's tree on Ancestry, but not as easy to do a bit of genuine genealogical research to prove what you have posted.

So for those cousins who have not been as wise as they should, here is the digest version of the evidence with links so you can investigate the story of the Witt Hugenot myth on your own.

From noted Witt family researcher, Robert W. Baird and his most excellent website at website at http://www.genfiles.com/Witt/witt.htm here is a bit of his thoughts on this myth.

"Were the Witt’s Huguenots? By Robert W. Baird [i]

"Probably not. The claim that the Witts were Huguenots was first made in print in 1924 by the Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin. No evidence was offered other than the proximity of the brothers John and William Witt to the Huguenot settlement at Manakin. Manakin was located on the south bank of the James River a few miles southwest of the land the Witt brothers bought in 1715. A few hundred Huguenots settled there in 1700, others elsewhere along the river. In fact, there are no Witts listed among the Huguenot settlers of that community (or any other). Nor are any Witts found among any naturalization records before or after the settlement. While there was a scattering of Huguenots among the earlier settlers of the area, there is no indication at all that the Witts were French.

"The Huguenot Society created a myth that William Witt (whom we believe to be the son of John Witt the immigrant) was known as “Guillaume Witt” and immigrated from France to Virginia about 1700. In fact, he never lived in a Huguenot settlement, never appears in any record as French, is never mentioned in the Huguenot parish records, and signed his own name “William Witt”. Some third-generation Witt children did indeed marry children of Huguenots, but this fact is more easily explained by the assimilation of Huguenot descendants into the local population. It is worth noting that the early Huguenot Society publications did not mention any of the Witt records of Henrico and Charles City County, thus apparently were based on the assumption that the Witts arrived in Virginia about 1700."

You can read the rest of Bob's research on this matter at http://crossedbrushstudio.com/windowsintoourpast/Vol8/witt.htm

[i] Copyright © 2001-2003 Robert W. Baird, All Rights Reserved from - Bob’s Genealogy Filing Cabinet.

At the same site is the comments from another noted Witt family researcher Mr. Wayne Witt Bates.

"Faulty rationale begets faulty Tradition. And that's what happened here. However sincere, the faulty Witt tradition can be traced back to "Year Book No. 1," dated 1924, of the Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia.

"THE OLD WITT TRADITION WAS FLAWED IN THREE MAIN AREAS
1. William Witt d1754 was not the immigrant, but son of John Witt and wife Ann Daux ; and William Witt was not born in Southern France but in Charles City Co., VA (in order to be with his parents).
2. John Witt was the immigrant and he was imported as a "headright" (plantation owner paid his way) from England, not France (per Land Patent records).
3. Five sons attributed to William Witt d1754 (Lewis, Charles, William, Abner, and David) were not his sons but his grandsons.

a. Lewis & Charles were sons of Benj. Witt d1774 of Buckingham Co., VA
b. William, Abner, and David were sons of John Witt d1782 of Amherst Co., VA

"QUOTING FROM FAULTY RATIONALE IN HUGUENOT BOOK NO. 1
"In 1756, Land Deed of Prince Edward Co., VA of Benjamin Witt (son of William d1754), have as witnesses the names of his brothers, Charles Witt and Lewis Witt."

"And in 1781, Amherst Co., will of John Witt Sr. (son of William d1754), his brothers William Witt Jr., Abner Witt, and David Witt are witnesses

"The first known entry for William Witt (d1754) and his brother John Witt (d ca 1751) was in 1715, when they bought (jointly) 300 acres (known as Young Men's Adventure) from Charles Hudson in Henrico Co (that part now Goochland Co). The deed said that the WITT brothers were from Charles City Co., VA, the county of residence for the immigrant John Witt & wife Ann Daux per Charles City County court records.

"No reason to believe that William Witt (d1754) and his brother John Witt, Jr (d before 1751) came from England .

"Every reason to believe that they were sons of immigrant John Witt/Whitt and Ann Daux who were married after 1670 in Charles City Co., VA, per court records. Further, importation of John Witt to the Charles City County area supported by Land Patents.

"No documentation to support the old Witt tradition which has been published in books, such as

1. Vol. IV, "Compendium of American Genealogy,” by Virkus.
2. Vol. 2, " Virginia Soldiers of 1776,"by Burgess
3. Year Book No. 1 published in 1924 by The Huguenot Society Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia.

"By tradition, this Richard Witt /Whitt was named Richard Oney Witt. By tradition, he was left on doorstep of William Witt d1754 of Charles City, Goochland and Albemarle counties, VA. There is no documentation or association with William Witt d1754 to support this "adoption" tradition."

So if you want to get the real deal on our Witt family, check out the Ancestry.com public tree posted by our cousin Gerald Witt at
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/pedigree.aspx?tid=25451428. You will get an accurate lineage to get you started properly in your Witt family research.

You will find the absolute best researched information on our colonial Witt familiies at our cousin Robert Baird's website at http://www.genfiles.com/Witt/witt.htm. This is a must visit website if you want to get through the bad stuff and get an accurate genealogy for you Witt line. There is also info on the Daux family via this link.

So if you have made it this far, please help once and for all get rid of the Guillaume Witt myth from your family tree. Time to get that lineage right and share the joy of the real history of our Witt colonial ancestors.

Gerald Witt Rewrites Some of Our Witt Family History

Tombstone of Rev War Captain Elijah Witt (1756-1806)

For many years now, I like many before me and many even today have traced their Witt family lineage from Joseph Nathaniel Witt who married Sarah Earls to what was believed to be his parents Joseph Witt (1752-1819) who died in Jefferson County Tennessee. His wife and the supposed mother was Sarah Kimbrough. This is how things have been for many many years. My great Aunt Edna Bless based her DAR line on this family link.

Back in 2002, my cousin Gerald Witt in the hill country of Texas, uncovered evidence that proved conclusively this this link was wrong. Needless to say that was a earth shattering find and it turned two whole generations of our Witt family lineage upside down. After looking at the evidence that Gerald uncovered, it has now been proven that Joseph Nathaniel Witt is the son of the brother of the fore mentioned Joseph above -- Rev War Captain Elijah Witt and his wife Nina Jarnigan Hutchison. See information presented for child number 2 listed below.

After Gerald concluded his research he prepared a research paper on the 12 Children of Elijah Witt, which he shared with me and he has given me permission to post here on this family blog. So if you are still one of the dozen or so Ancestry family trees that have the original link I mentioned above reflected on your tree, and you are wondering why my and a few other trees on Ancestry show Joseph N. Witt's father to be Captain Elijah Witt, I present to below cousin Gerald Witt's Twelve Children of Elijah Witt. Any further use of this material anywhere should be credited to him as he is the one who deserves full credit. We are just the messenger here on my blog.

Elijah served as a private (DAR Ancestor #A127232) in the militia in Washington County, North Carolina during the Revolutionary War.

From the DAR GRS database:-
Service Source: NC REV WAR PAY VOUCHERS #893, ROLL S.115.135
Service Description: 1) PAID FOR SERVICES RENDERED.

There is a great write up on the three sons of Charles Witt (Elijah, Caleb, and Burgess) service during the Rev War at
Bob's Genealogy Filing Cabinet. The write up on Elijah indicates that he did serve as a Captain of a militia company "guarding the frontiers of North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina”

In 1801, Elijah and his son Daniel were riding horseback and the horse became frightened, throwing Elijah against a tree, killing him. Daniel was also thrown, but escaped uninjured.

The Twelve Children of Elijah Witt

The following is found on page 17 of the Jefferson County Tennessee Guardians Report Book 1: “Sarah Witt, Guardian An inventory of the Estate real and personal of Elijah Witt and Piety Witt minors returned by Sarah Witt, Guardian for said Elijah and Piety this 15 day of July 1808-Twenty bushels of wheat, one bushel of corn- The real estate is undivided and is supposed to contain thirty three acres to each of those minors, but no emolument hitherto received. Signed Sarah Witt, guardian. Sworn to in open court July 19, 1808”. We know from land records that the heirs of Elijah Witt have 400 acres of real estate. And, if each heir is to receive thirty-three acres-simple math indicates twelve heirs are involved.

The following is found on page 5, Jefferson County Tennessee Deeds Book N. Registered August 28, 1815. “Witness that whereas Elizabeth Witt one of the children and heirs of Elijah Witt, deceased, in her lifetime intermarried with James Luster and the said Samuel House having purchased of the said James Luster the right and claim that the said James Luster and Elizabeth his wife had or may hereafter have to two tracts or parcels of land containing two hundred acres in each tract, being undivided tracts belonging to the estate of the said Elijah Witt, deceased, it being one twelfth part of said tracts or parcels of land.”

The following sentence indicates only eleven heirs. Jefferson County Tennessee Deed Book S, page 545. Harmon M. Witt sells his undivided interest in 400 acres of land to Eli Witt on March 23, 1833. The deed goes on to say that Eli Witt pays $120.00 to Harmon M. Witt for his one-eleventh interest in the 400 acres.

Evidently, one of the children of Elijah died without issue between 1815 and 1833. I have two candidates—Viney (Lavinia) and Elijah. I have found neither listed in later records.

I have divided the children into two groups-the children who did not require a guardian at the death of Elijah. And the younger children who were required by law to have a guardian. I have placed seven children in the first group. The birth dates of some of the children are know and they will be listed. The children may or may not be listed by order of birth, since all dates are not known.

Many believe that the first wife of Elijah Witt was Nina Hutchison, but I have not found this marriage. However, I do have clues. A Daniel Hutchison witnessed the will of Charles Witt, the father of Elijah Witt in Halifax County Virginia. Elijah Witt named a son Daniel. And Joseph Witt, the son of Elijah Witt named his first son Hutchison Witt.

1. Noah Witt, born 16 March 1776 and was living in Jefferson Co. TN when the 1850 census was enumerated. In the census he was 74 years of age, which would agree with his birth year of 1776. He was born in Virginia. He was first married to his first cousin, Millie Maze. After her death he married Jane (Smith by some accounts) who is listed with him in the 1850 census. She is 56 years of age and born in South Carolina. A Noah Witt is one of the administrators of the will of Elijah Witt and I feel strongly that Noah Witt, born 1776 is a son of Elijah Witt.

2. Joseph Witt, born circa 1777 and married Sarah Earls in Jefferson Co. Tennessee on 25 April 1797. Noah Witt was bondsman for Joseph Witt. I think this is added proof that Joseph Witt is a son of Elijah Witt. His birth date is only a guess using his marriage date as a base. This Joseph Witt has long been listed under the children of Joseph Witt, who died in Jefferson Co. in 1819. The following land record provides ample proof to move this Joseph Witt to the children of Elijah Witt. Jefferson Co. Deed book R, page 381-“An indenture made on 21 January 1824 between John Witt and Eli Witt, you find the following: “Witness that the said John Witt doth convey and confirm unto Eli Witt all the right title and claim that Joseph Witt the father of said John had to two certain tracts of land lying on the waters of Long Creek, it being part of the property of Elijah Witt, deceased.” I think this is strong proof that Joseph is the son of Elijah Witt. Added evidence is the court case of March 1801 where Elijah not only delivers Joseph Witt to court, but also pays his court cost. Since, this is my line I have studied this very carefully before I changed ancestors from Joseph Witt to Elijah Witt.

3. John Witt, born 18 April 1780 in Virginia and married Eleanor Penny, 18 June 1800. I did not find this marriage in the Jefferson Co. records. He later moved to Pope Co. Illinois. While living in Pope Co. he sells his undivided interest in land belonging to Elijah Witt to Eli Witt. In Jefferson Co. TN Deed Book R. page 381, you find the following buried in the text. “And John Witt one of the children and heirs of Elijah Witt, deceased.” I think this statement proves the relationship.

4. Elizabeth (Betsy) Witt, born circa 1782 married James Luster 31 January 1793 in Jefferson County Tennessee. The only proof I have found for this child is as follows: Jefferson County Tennessee Deeds Book N, page 5, registered August 28, 1815. “Witnessth that whereas Elizabeth Witt one of the children and heirs of Elijah Witt, deceased, in her lifetime intermarried with James Luster”. James Luster sold his rights to Elizabeth’s one twelfth part of Elijah Witt’s property to Samuel House of Madison County, Mississippi Territory. I assume that James and Elizabeth Luster were living in Madison County, Mississippi Territory in 1815. This would later become Madison County, Alabama.

5. Anne Witt, born circa 1784 and married William Bottom on 15 July 1806 in Jefferson County Tennessee. Her birth date is backed in using her marriage date. Very little is known about Ann Witt. She appears on the list of buyers at the sale of personal property of Elijah Witt, on 15 May 1806. This would be two months before her marriage to William Bottom. Not great proof, but the best we have at this time to place Ann Witt as a child of Elijah Witt.

6. Eli Witt, born 15 August 1785 and died 12 October 1851. Eli Witt is enumerated in the 1850 census of Greene County, Illinois as a 65 year old farmer with wife Nancy aged 60 and both were born in Tennessee. He married Nancy McNeely on 13 July 1806 in Jefferson Co. TN. Samuel House was either the bondsman or minister at their wedding. The best proof that Eli Witt is an heir of Elijah Witt is found in the Jefferson Co. Tennessee Minute Book (Circuit Court) 1810-1816, page 91.”Tuesday July 16th 1811. An obligation from Noah Witt, Guardian of Harmon Witt and one of the Administrators of Elijah Witt, deceased for himself and the said Harmon Witt both heirs of Elijah Witt deceased and Eli Witt and Samuel House also heir of said Elijah, deceased to Christopher Bullard was proven in Open Court wherefore it is admitted to record, let it be registered and it is ordered by court that the same be certified to the County of Giles Tennessee State.” The preceding statement leaves little doubt that Eli Witt is a son of Elijah Witt.

7. Mary Witt married Samuel House in Jefferson Co. TN on 10 February 1807. The strongest evidence that Mary Witt is an heir of Elijah is found in the Jefferson Co. Tennessee Minute Book (Circuit Court) 1810-1816, page 91. Read the quote above regarding Eli Witt. The quote also tells us that Mary Witt House is alive in 1811 and is still married to Samuel House. Otherwise, Samuel House would not be an heir.

This completes my discussion of the seven heirs of Elijah Witt, who required no guardian when Elijah Witt was killed in early 1806. This is a work in progress and much more research is required. This is the beginning not the end.

The following is the five children who required guardians at the time of Elijah Witt’s death in 1806. Much work needs to be done to better develop the lives of these children. I have divided the children into three sub groups. Noah Witt was the guardian for Harmon Witt. William Maze was the guardian for Viney and Daniel Witt. Sarah Witt was guardian to Elijah and Piety Witt. I think Elijah and Piety were the children of the marriage of Elijah Witt and Sarah Bottom. They were married 26 December 1797. And, Sarah Witt is the guardian of her own two children.

8. Harmon Witt was born 16 November 1788. He married Miriam Skeene on 23 December 1807. Harmon Witt is named in the Jefferson Co. Tennessee Minute Book (Circuit Court) 1810-1816, page 91l as an heir of Elijah Witt. In 1833 Harmon Witt sold his undivided interest in 400 acres of land (Jefferson Co. TN Deed Book S, page 545). This farther proved his descent from Elijah Witt. Harmon Witt is definitely a heir of Elijah Witt

9. Viney Witt. I site the following evidence for both Viney Witt and Daniel Witt. Jefferson Co. TN Guardian Report Book 1, 1805-1832,Page 12, William Maze Guardian, 11th July 1807 “William Maze Guardian for Viney Witt and Daniel Witt reports that there has come into his hands of the property of the said Viney Witt three pounds of picked cotton, about forty pounds of cotton in the seed, thirteen bushels and a peck of corn, one bushel and peck of wheat about seventeen hands full of broke flax and two bushels of corn this fall, about thirty bushels flax not broke. Also of the property of Daniel Witt the same quantity of the same property as stated above this returned to court the second day of the Oct. session 1807. Signed William Maze I assume that Viney is the nickname for Lavinia. No other record has been found for Lavinia, but the guardianship proves her relationship to Elijah Witt.

10. Daniel Witt was born 22 July 1790 and married Ingabo Skeene on 3 April 1813 in Jefferson County, Tennessee. From the family Bible: Daniel Witt was born 26 July 1790, Ingabo was born 14 October 1794. Daniel Witt died 8 October 1877 and Ingabo Witt died 7 June 1863. These dates have not been documented. Daniel Witt is a son of Elijah Witt and I point to the guardianship of Viney and Daniel to William Maze for proof.

11. Elijah Witt is a son from the marriage of Elijah Witt to Sarah Bottoms. Jefferson Co. Tennessee Guardian Report Book 1 1805-1832 page 17, “Sarah Witt, Guardian. An inventory of the estate real and personal of Elijah Witt and Piety Witt minors returned by Sarah Witt, Guardian for said Elijah and Piety this 15 day of July 1808- Twenty bushels of wheat. One bushel of corn. The real estate is undivided and is supposed to contain thirty three acres to each of those minors but no emolument hitherto received”. Signed Sarah Witt. No other record has been found regarding this Elijah, the son of Elijah Witt.

12. Piety Witt married Silas Gentry on 18 April 1814. This is the only record that I have found on Piety Witt. Let’s assume that Piety is the second child of this second marriage. Her brother, Elijah could have been born in 1798 and she could have been born in 1799. Little is know regarding Piety, however Silas Gentry bought the undivided interest in the 400 acres from several of Piety’s brothers and sisters.

As of October 21, 2002 these are the children of Elijah Witt. Their names were taken from primary records, but I have not found all the records. I welcome others to make additions and corrections.

Thanks you cousin Gerald for sharing your work with the rest of us.

Dr. William Law Van Horn and Family - Update

Picture (L-R): Mattie Parry Mallory-Van Horn, Willie Law Van Horn (infant), Dr. William Law Van Horn

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana (Page 429-430). A complete family group sheet has been posted on our website (link on the right of this page). Dr. William Law Van Horn is the second great grandfather of the Family Roots and Branches Blog author Larry Van Horn.

William L. Van Horn, M.D. Ph.M., of Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana, is the eldest of ten children of T.D. and Margaretta (Law) Van Horn, and was born in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, October 28, 1857.

His father (Thaddeus Damascus Van Horn, see below) was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi, and his mother was a native of Missouri. When but a small boy T. D. Van Horn was taken to Tallahassee, Florida, where he grew to manhood and received his early education.

During the year 1843 he married Miss Mary Ann Faust, who became the mother of four children: James Faust, Thaddeus Damascus; Mary Permelia and Thaddeus Damascus; James Faust and Mary Permelia now surviving.

In 1851 T. D. Van Horn moved to New Orleans and became the manager of the New Orleans Crescent, the leading whig paper of the South. His first wife dying in 1853, he married Miss Margaretta Law, August 12, 1856. He was the manager of the Crescent until the breaking out of war, when he was commissioned by Governor Moore as aid-de-camp on the staff of the Third brigade of the state troops ans was by him assigned to duty on Colonel Scott’s staff, and afterward aid-de-camp on the staff of General Wheeler.

After the war he assisted in the re-establishment of The Crescent of which he was business manager until the close in 1869. In 1870 he organized the Lafayette bank of New Orleans and was elected cashier, which position he resigned two years later, when he was elected cashier of the Metropolitan bank, retained that position for sixteen years and a half, and then resigned. He is now cashier and bookkeeper of the New Orleans States, one of the leading persons of the city.

He is a very popular and highly respected citizen, and in one way or another has been connected with many important interests and institutions in the Crescent City. As a Mason, he is widely known having taken the thirty-second degree. He has held all of the offices in his lodge of which he is a life member.

Dr. William L. Van Horn began life for himself at the age of sixteen as an apprentice of the drug trade in New Orleans, and at the same time began the study of medicine. He became a student of medicine and pharmacy at the Tulane University of Louisiana, in 1876, and graduated there from both branches in 1879, and during that year began practicing his profession in New Orleans, Louisiana. A year later he removed to Columbia (Caldwell Parish), Louisiana, where he has built up a lucrative practice, in connection with which he conducts a profitable drug business.
He was married in 1880 to Mary Francis, daughter of Judge R. D. Bridger, of Columbia, Louisiana, who bore him one son and one daughter, both of whom are now dead. Mrs. Van Horn died at Pineville, Louisiana, in 1883, the family having recently removed to that place.

After her death the Doctor returned to Columbia, Louisiana., and in January, 1886, married Miss Mattie Parry Mallory, of Panola County, Texas. By this marriage he has had five children: William L., Mattie R., Oliver H., Marguerite Lillian and Vannah Elliot.

Family of Dr. William Law Van Horn (1857-1897)
Picture:
Front Row (L-R): William Law Van Horn, Mattie Rosebud Van Horn, Mattie Parry Mallory-Van Horn, Oliver Herbert Van Horn. Back Row (L-R): Vannah Elliott Van Horn, Marguerite Lillian Van Horn.

The Doctor has acquired considerable property, being the owner of an elegant residence and a large store and business house in Columbia, and of 160 acres of good land situated in a suburb of that town. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Knights of Pythias and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His professional standing is first class, and his skill as a physician and surgeon is recognized throughout north Louisiana. He is the leading practitioner of Columbia and the parish of Caldwell.

His skill and integrity have both been recognized by the parish and town by his election twice to the office of coroner of the parish and councilman of the town of Columbia, also by the various insurance companies. He was elected by the New York Life Insurance company, the Mutual Life of New York, the Pennsylvania Mutual of Philadelphia, the Equitable Life of Massachusetts and the Endowment Rank, Knights of Pythias, as their medical examiner in Caldwell parish. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church south.

Mattie Parry Mallory-Van Horn
























Dr. William Law Van Horn and Family

Husband Dr. William Law Van Horn (41)
Birth* 28 Oct 1857 New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Marriage* 12 Feb 1880 Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Marriage* 23 Jan 1885 Mattie Parry Mallory (47) (b. 17 Jan 1866, d. 31 Oct 1942); Panola County, Texas
Death* 9 Jun 1897 Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas

Father* Captain Thaddeus Damascus Van Horn (42) (b. 20 Oct 1820, d. 5 Apr 1905)
Mother* Margaretta Law (55) (b. 2 Apr 1840, d. 3 Jun 1918)

1st Wife Mary Frances Bridger (53)
Birth* 22 Nov 1857 Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Death* 16 Jul 1883 Pineville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Burial* __ Jul 1883 Columbia Hill Cemetery, Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

Father* Honorable Robert Dixon Bridger (57) (b. 25 Apr 1835, d. 7 Feb 1890)
Mother* Mary Frances Redditts (4954) (b. 13 Jan 1838, d. 1 Sep 1870)

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Two Known Children to Dr. William Law Van Horn-Mary Frances Bridger
M Thaddeus Robert Van Horn (54)
Birth* 19 Sep 1881 Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Death* 7 Jun 1882 Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Burial* __ Jun 1882 Columbia Hill Cemetery, Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana

F Infant Van Horn (56)
Birth* circa 1883 Louisiana
Death* circa 1883 Louisiana

2nd Wife Mattie Parry Mallory (47)
Birth* 17 Jan 1866 Panola County, Texas
Marriage* 23 Jan 1885 Panola County, Texas
Death* 31 Oct 1942 Munsey Park, Nassau County, New York
Burial* __ ___ ____ Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Square 3 Plots 152/153/half 154, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana

Father* Dr. William Wesley Mallory (4775) (b. 1830, d. before 1870)
Mother* Rosannah Margaret Parry (4776) (b. 1836, d. after 1880)

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The Five Known Children of Dr. William Law Van Horn-Mattie Parry Mallory

M Willie Law Van Horn (39)
Birth* 1 Dec 1885 Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Marriage* 26 Apr 1909 Jessie Witt (40) (b. 10 Jun 1890, d. 26 Feb 1979), daughter of Private John Christopher Witt (79) and Henrietta Elizabeth Lange (80); Kerr County, Texas

Son: 7 Aug 1911 Witt Lange Van Horn (34); Medina City, Bandera County, Texas
Son: 30 May 1913 Victor Clark Van Horn (44); Medina County, Texas

Divorce* 21 Nov 1914 Jessie Witt (40); Bandera County, Texas
Marriage* __ Jun 1916 Bertha Mae Bowers (8647) (b. 19 Jan 1892, d. 30 Jan 1965); Longview, Gregg County, Texas

Daughter: 3 Aug 1917 Mattie Elizabeth Van Horn (8648); Tarrant County, Texas

Death* 20 Feb 1960 U.S. Navy Hospital, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
Burial* 23 Feb 1960 Seaside Memorial Park, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas

F Mattie Rosebud Van Horn (49)
Birth* 14 Oct 1888 Louisiana, United States.
Marriage* 10 Sep 1904 Robert McCulloh Eckols (9616) (b. after 10 Oct 1883, d. 7 Oct 1904); New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Marriage* 12 Nov 1907 Walter Brashaer Capron (4928) (b. Oct 1885, d. 8 Jan 1921), son of Joseph Capron (8517) and Sarah L. [--?--] (8518); New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana

They had one child a daughter: Helen Loraine Capron (4929) b. 16 Jul 1909 ; New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana; d. 28 Feb 1999, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co, Virginia. Married Malcolm Field Pratt (date and location unknown). He was born 12 Mar 1898 in Somerville, Norfolk Co, Massachusetts and died 11 Mar 1959, location unknown.

Mattie Rosebud Death: __ Feb 1960, location unknown

M Oliver Herbert Van Horn (50)
Birth* 28 Nov 1889 Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Marriage* 14 Dec 1911 Alma Marie Clerc (9617) (b. 31 Oct 1893, d. 26 Dec 1966), daughter of Emile H. Clerc (9623) and Marie A. Cazentre (9624); New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana

Son: __ ___ 1914 Leslie Andrew Van Horn (9618); New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana

Marriage* __ ___ 1928 Cleoma Myrtle Eckols (4952) (b. 13 Jul 1909, d. 22 Feb 1984),daughter of Elizabeth [--?--] (27992); San Antonio, Bexar County,
Texas

Daughter: 13 Oct 1931 Yvonne Cleoma Van Horn (6626); Bexar County, Texas

Death* 12 Jun 1953 Houston, Harris County, Texas
Burial* __ Jun 1953 Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Square 3 Plots 152/153/half 154, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana

F Marguerite Lillian Van Horn (51)
Birth* 8 Jan 1892 Louisiana, United States.
Marriage* 4 Nov 1912 Mayo Walter Black (9619) (b. 11 May 1888, d. between 1918 and 1920); New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
Marriage* aft 1920 George William Lamb (4953) (b. Dec 1873 d. Jan 1966)
Death* 20 Oct 1982 Pinellas County, Florida

M Vannah Elliot Van Horn (52)
Birth* 17 Dec 1895 Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Louisiana
Marriage* after 5 Jun 1917 Susan Edna Drake (4945) (b. 25 Aug 1917 1888, d. 21 Dec 1965); San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Son: 10 Apr 1927 Lt. Colonel Vannah Elliott Van Horn Jr. (4946); San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Death* 29 Mar 1942 Mexico City, Districto Federal, Mexico.
Burial* __ Apr 1942 Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana

30 Year Search is Over - Family Picture Found - Finally!

After a 30 years search I have finally found a picture of my second great grandfather - Dr. William Law Van Horn. My cousin Judy Van Horn-Cross in Houston, Texas, is the genealogy angel that provided the missing piece of our family history. This picture now completes a collection of family pictures that spans seven generations of Van Horn ancestors and their spouses starting with my son - Loyd.

Here is the lineup of pictures we now have for our family history:

1. William Loyd Van Horn
2. William Larry Van Horn - Gayle Hennington-Van Horn
3. Warner Lee Van Horn - Gloria Ann Schmidt-Van Horn
4. Witt Lange Van Horn - Iris Jeanette Hurt-Van Horn
5. Willia Law Van Horn - Jessie Witt-Van Horn
6. Dr. William Law Van Horn - Mattie Parry Mallory-Van Horn
7. Captain Thaddeus Damascus Van Horn, Confederate ADC - Margareta Law-Van Horn

Thanks Judy for helping our search and special thanks to my Dad for all his help and legwork. And here is the final missing photo that Judy passed along.

Family Group Record -- Willie Law Van Horn-Jessie Witt

This is the family record of one of my paternal great grand parents - Willie Law Van Horn and Jessie Witt.

One of my fondest stories about Great Grandpa Willie Law Van Horn was told to me by my Grand Aunt Elizabeth Tansik several years ago. And I have been able to dig through some original records and find that there is probably a pretty good grain of truth to all this as well.

After Willie's father died in 1897, tutorships were established for him and his four siblings in Columbia, Caldwell Parish, LA. One year (1898) after his death, Mattie and the family dug up great-great grandfather William, boarded a train and moved to New Orleans, were Dr. William was reburied in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 down in the Garden District. Mattie settled into a home at 916 Eleonore in New Orleans.See this link to learn more about Willie's family.

It was the intent that each of the Van Horn children would all go to college. It was Dr. William and Mattie's hope that they would follow their father's footsteps.

All this worked out fine for all the kids except my great grandfather Willie. Seems he was a bit of a "hell raiser." All he ever wanted to be was a cowboy (see picture below). We do know that in 1905-6 he was working as an electrician in New Orleans and living at home with his mother. And according to my Grand Aunt Elizabeth we also know that he spent way to much time on Bourbon Street in notorious French Quarter raising hell and drinking.

Great grandfather Willie Law Van Horn in front of the family home -- 916 Eleanor Street, New Orleans. Is he heading out for a night in the French Quarter?

Evidently Grandpa Willie raised hell one time to many and one morning or late evening after he returned home his mother Mattie kicked him out of the house. This was circa 1907. Guess the cowby urge took hold and he traveked west into Texas Hill Country. On April 26, 1909, married Jessie Witt in Kerr County, Texas. But even Jessie (all the grandchildren called her "Gata") wasn't enough to tame Willie.

According to one family member (my Aunt Deen) Gata told her that her mother and dad were farmers, and Willie did not care anything for that life style. Gata would not leave her mother and dad, so Willie left her and they got a divorce.

On the hearing date for their divorce proceeding (November 21, 1914), Grandpa Willie was a no-show and the judge had no choice but to grant Gata the relief she was asking for in her divorce petition. The marriage was dissolved.

After their divorce Willie wrote many a letter trying to get back together. These were the letters that I saw as a kid that were up in the crawl space above the closet in her old home at 1702 West Mayfield in South San Antonio. Unfortunately no one in my family now knows what has happened to them. Boy what I wouldn't give to have copies of those letters. I am sure it would fill in quite a few holes I have in the family timeline.

After many years of searching I finally found information on Willie's military services during World War I. He entered service on December 8, 1917, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and was discharged in June 1919 with a rank of Sergeant First Class. He did serve in the European Theater between 1918-1919. Evidently he was exposed to mustard gas during this time as he was treated for that conditions after the war in San Antonio area military hospitals.

In January 1939, he went to work for the Corpus Christi Police Department and retired from that job in January 1954.

The rest of the story is presented in the family group record below.

Husband: Sgt 1st Class Willie Law Van Horn (39)
Birth: 1 Dec 1885 Louisiana
Marriage: 26 Apr 1909 Kerr County, Texas
Death: 20 Feb 1960 U.S. Navy Hospital, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
Burial: 23 Feb 1960 Seaside Memorial Park, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas

Father Dr. William Law Van Horn (41) (b. 28 Oct 1857, d. 9 Jun 1897)
Mother Mattie Parry Mallory (47) (b. 17 Jan 1866, d. 31 Oct 1942)

Wife: Jessie Witt (40)
Birth 10 Jun 1890 Bexar County, Texas
Marriage 2nd: after 29 Jan Walter Franklin Roberts (189) (b. 1878, 1920 d. 21 Jul
1935); San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Death: 26 Feb 1979 Local Hospital, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Burial 28 Feb 1979 Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Father Private John Christopher Witt (79) (b. 8 Feb 1854, d. 22 Jun 1924)
Mother Henrietta Elizabeth Lange (80) (b. 18 Aug 1866, d. 2 Jul 1943)

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Two Known Children for Willie Law Van Horn and Jessie Witt

M Witt Lange Van Horn (34)
Birth 7 Aug 1911 Medina City, Bandera County, Texas
Marriage 5 Nov 1931 Iris Jeanette Hurt (35) (b. 24 Apr 1912, d. 23 Feb 1981),
daughter of James Ira Hurt Sr. (4705) and Johanna Himena Schneider(4706); M.E.
Church South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Son: Living Warner Lee Van Horn (4)
Daughter: Living Norma Deen Van Horn (38)
Divorce 1935 Iris Jeanette Hurt (35)
Death 30 Sep 1982 Lytle Nursing Home, Lytle, Atascosa County, Texas
Burial 1 Oct 1982 Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

M Victor Clark Van Horn (44)
Birth 30 May 1913 Medina County, Texas
Marriage 12 Mar 1938 Helen Marie Ferguson (199) Living, daughter of Norman Edward
Ferguson (224) and Florence Mabel Weatherby (225); Houston, Harris County, Texas.
Daughter: Living Jerilyn Kay Van Horn (200); San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Daughter: Living Judy Rae Van Horn (204); San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Son: Living Jack Clark Van Horn (208); San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Daughter: Living Janet Faye Van Horn (214); San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Death 12 Apr 1986 San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Burial 15 Apr 1986 Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

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Second wife and family of Sgt 1st Class Willie Law Van Horn (39)

Wife Bertha Mae Bowers (8647)
Birth 19 Jan 1892 Arkansas
Marriage __ Jun 1916 Longview, Gregg County, Texas
Death 30 Jan 1965 Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
Parents Unknown, we have no picture and burial information.

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One Known Child

F Mattie Elizabeth Van Horn (8648)
Birth 3 Aug 1917 Tarrant County, Texas
Marriage 24 Jun 1950 Frank Joseph Tansik (8649) (d. 21 Dec 1975)
Daughter: Living Katherine Ann Tansik (24199); Nueces County, Texas
Son: Living Franklin Joseph Tansik (24198); Nueces County, Texas
Death 30 May 1987 Travis County, Texas