Ancestral Sightings contains notices and brief mentions of Wayne County residents found in out-of-county and out-of-state resources. These "stray" notices are important as an announcement of a birth, marriage, death or other event may not have appeared in a Wayne County paper or book. Please send us your contribution to this page! **No notice is too small.** A one-line mention may be the solution to someone's brick wall.
These sightings and profiles of former Wayne County residents come from various books, newspapers and articles published in other states. Many states "Out West" published books with short biographies about their local residents, telling where they originally came from. Occasionally these contain important genealogical information. Michigan and Ohio genealogical journals are another source to look for the stray Wayne County record. The persons whose short bios and info appear below may or may not be your ancestors, but it's worth scanning through them to check out migration patterns out of Wayne County for clues as to where your own families' relatives went and when.
Contributed by an anonymous donor, from the DAR lineage books:
Mrs. Ivanona Hagood Richardson.
DAR ID Number: 42080
Born in Augusta, Georgia.
Wife of Joseph G. Richardson.
Descendant of Lieut. Jarvis Mudge.
Jarvis Mudge, (1724-1810), was appointed lieutenant 1775 of the 5th company, Col. Goose Van Schaick's New York regiment. He was born in Hebron, Conn.; died in Wolcott, N. Y.
An excellent resource for determining where a person came from are land records and patents of the Western states, which often state the county of residence of the purchaser. Bill Stout contributed this find:
"First Land Owners of Oakland County, Michigan", published by the Oakland County Genealogical Society, 1981. We find the following on page 49 for Springfield Twp.
Name: James Stout, Residence: Wayne Co., NY, Sec. 32, Acres 40, Date of Patent 12-09-1836.
"James STOUT was the son of the Amos STOUT and Katherine DRAKE, and the brother of the John Stout who appears in the census records in 1820 and after living in Wayne Co. Katherine DRAKE is the sister of Amos DRAKE and Permelia DRAKE. James STOUT is named as the executor of his grandfather William DRAKE's will."
The following sketches and sightings were contributed by an anonymous donor "In Memory of E.E.".
From: History of the State of Nebraska, Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A.T. Andreas, Proprietor, Copyright 1882
A. J. MILLER, stock-raiser and farmer, located at O'Fallon's Bluffs, Neb., in the spring of 1858, and worked at various occupations; went to Salt Lake City and remained until 1859, then went into general merchandising at Coldwater, sixty miles west of Kearney, Neb., and remained until 1868, when he located at North Platte, Neb. He hauled lumber from Cherry Creek, twenty miles above Denver, Colo., fully three hundred miles, and built the first house in North Platte, where he opened a general stock of merchandise October 9, 1866, and continued until the fall of 1872. He opened a livery stable in 1874, and continued in the same until 1877. He then moved four and one half miles southwest of North Platte, and opened what is known as the Elkhorn Ranch. It contains 1,280 acres of land. He owns 100 head of horses, forty of which are very fine blooded stock, consisting of the breeds of Canadian, Black Hawk, Gold Dust, Hambletonian, Cays, etc. He has also some fine cattle. His farm is nicely watered, and contains a large amount of the meadow land. He was born in Marion, Wayne County, N. Y., August 14, 1836. His parents moved to Cayuga County, locating at Auburn, N. Y., He went to Southern Illinois in 1856; spent one summer in Kansas City, etc. He married in Auburn. N. Y., March 15, 1865, to Miss Catharine M. Welty, of the latter city. They have two children--William S. And Nellie Louise. He is a member of the Capitol Lodge, No. 3, of Omaha, A. F. & A. M., and has been a member of the County Commissioners. [Lincoln County]
A. B. NOBLE, merchant and Postmaster, P. O. Vesta, was born and reared in Wayne County, N. Y., and removed to Whiteside County, Ill., where he remained in connection with the farming industry till the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted his services in Company E, Forty-six Illinois Volunteers, and remained in active service till 1864, when he was honorably discharged, on account of disability. After the war, he came west, and settled in Nebraska, 1866, and has been actively identified with the agricultural and mercantile industries of this locality since. In 1865, he was married to Miss Belmina Cline, who was born in Ohio and reared in Illinois. In 1875, he married again, M. Theresa, sister of his former wife. He has a family of four children -- Iola Belmina, Victor A., Flora and Freddie. Mr. Noble has been the incumbent of his present office since January, 1873. [Johnson County]
J. B. SILVIS, photographer, artist, Elkhorn Station, Douglas P. O., was born in Lockhaven, Pa., in 1834. At the age of fifteen, in 1849, he left his native State for California, going up on an overland trip, which he completed the same year, and for twenty years there, was very successfully connected with mining operations. In 1859 he began the study of his profession, in consequence of injuries received that incapacitated him form active service in the mines, and has been actively connected with it until his retirement in 1882. In 1870, he came to Nebraska, conducted the Union Pacific Railroad photograph car through the entire route. In the meantime taking an active part in agricultural and stock industry, of which he owns some valuable farms in this locality. The Waterloo stock farm of 255 acres, the Riverside farm of 255 acres, and Silvis Park of 30 acres, all at Waterloo, and his residence on the Sunny Side farm at Elkhorn Station. He has just began the breeding and introduction of fine stock of horses and cattle, chief among which is the thorough bred horse Redbuck, and his imported short horned bull, Duke of Oxford. Mr. S. has always taken an active interest in the growth and development of the social and industrial life of this locality, since coming here. In his public life, he has always declined accepting office. During the late civil war, he entered into it with the true spirit of a soldier, and returning to his native State, he enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in 1861, and remained in active service till the end of the war, when he was honorably discharged as veteran of Company F., Fifteenth. In 1862, he was taken prisoner for nine weeks. He remained in Andersonville prison, but was exchanged and joined his command again immediately. In 1873, he married Miss Alice V. Allen, who was born and reared in Wayne County, N. Y. They have one daughter. [Douglas County]
The following sketches and sightings were contributed by an anonymous donor "In Memory of E.E.".
From: William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A.T. Andreas, Proprietor, Copyright 1883
F. L. POUND, merchant, Ionia, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., May 15, 1844. Removed to La Salle County, Ill., in 1860. Enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry in August, 1862; was discharged in June, 1865, when he returned to Odell, Ill. He came to Jewell County, Kan, in 1870, and took a homestead nine miles from Mankato. Is now doing business in Ionia, in same county in a room 34x50 feet, two stories high, built in 1882. Held office of Justice of the Peace and Notary Public. Is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity. He was married in Illinois in 1868, to Miss Susan M. Downing, of Lyman, Mass., now deceased. His second marriage was to Miss Libbie Winslow, of Pontiac, Ill., February 8, 1874. He is the father of three children - Florence B., Ora and Lottie. [Jewell County]
JOHN WATSON, farmer, P. O. Belleville, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1818, and was raised there on a farm until eighteen years of age; thence to Erie County, remaining a short time, then emigrated to Ohio, and in 1838 landed in Calhoun County, Mich., remaining there two years. Then for a number of years was changing around from Michigan to Illinois, thence to Indiana, and then to Erie County, Pa., and in 1858 emigrated to Iowa, remaining there until 1871. Then came West and located in Republic County, taking a homestead on Section 2, Township 2, Range 3, which he has lived on, and has improved the most of the land, has added 40 acres, making a farm of 200 acres; has from 10 to 12 acres of forest trees planted, a good orchard, apples, and a nice lot of small fruits, with about 200 peach trees; raises a good many hogs, some cattle, and has done well since he came here. The first two years lived in a sod house 16x24 feet, then put up a good frame house. Was married in 1843 at Springfield, Erie Co., Pa. to Miss Mary Symonds. They have six children, viz., S. H., Mary J., George R., John, Edgar, Franklin. Mr. Watson is a shareholder in the Republic County Corporative(sic) Store, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. [Republic County, Freedom Twp.]
JAMES C. CARPENTER, blacksmith and wagon maker, was born in Wayne County, N.Y., December 11, 1832, and reared in Jackson County, Mich. In 1852 he crossed the plains engaging in mining in California two years. He then returned to Michigan and soon afterwards moved to Dallas County, Iowa, where, at the breaking out of the late civil war, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-ninth Iowa Infantry, serving until the close of the war. Was at the siege of Vicksburg, doing guard duty at Corinth, and afterwards along the railroad in Tennessee. Was with Sherman in his march to the sea, going thence with Kilpatrick's command north, through the Carolinas. After his discharge he returned to Iowa, where he remained until 1870, when he moved to Kansas, locating on a farm near Council Grove, to which place he removed about 1875, and engaged in general blacksmithing and wagon and plow making, which he has since carried on. He does a business of $4,000 per year, employing from two to four men. He is also interested in thoroughbred horses, having one Hamilton and one Clydesdale stallion, and other stock. He has also been engaged in farming during the past two years. He was married in Polk County, Iowa, September 2, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth Fenner. They have two children -- Jesse and Ida. He has been Treasurer of the School Board several years and is now a member of the City Council of Council Grove. Is a member of the A.O.U.W. Lodge and Select Knights of the same order at Council Grove. [Morris County]
AMOS SANFORD, P. O. Severance, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., September 18, 1835. He is the son of Orren Sanford and Dortha A. Gates Sanford, both natives of New York. He was educated in Jefferson County. N. Y. He began life as a brickmaker, having worked at his trade for twelve years. He married in Coldwater, Mich., December 26, 1858, Miss Mary A. Pointer, who was born in Williams County, Ohio, December 28, 1839, a daughter of Henry Pointer and Sarah Jones Pointer, both natives of Ohio. In 1868 he came to Kansas and engaged in farming for four years. He then opened a hotel and livery stable in Severance which he pursued for ten years. He then bought a tract of land near Severance and improved a fine farm on which he now resides. Three children have been born to the family, Alice F., Addie E. (deceased), and Amos E. Mr. Sanford belongs to the Republican party. [Doniphan County]
NELSON MERCHANT, farmer, P. O. Media, was born at Lyons, Wayne County, N.Y., May 24, 1830, and was reared on a farm. In December, 1857, he came to Franklin County, and pre-empted 160 acres in Hayes Township on which he still resides. He owns 320 acres in this County, all improved, and is quite an extensive farmer and breeder of stock. He was Justice of the Peace at this place for sixteen consecutive years, Assistant-Assessor of Franklin County for several years, Engrossing Clerk in the State Legislature in 1868, and Sergeant-at-Arms in the State Senate in 1869 and 1870. Mr. Merchant served in the Kansas State Militia during the war. He was married in Wayne County, N.Y., January 29, 1851, to Julia A. Griffith, and they have a family of six children--Herschel N., Lydia E., Nettie L., Foster P., Clarence M., and Charles. [Franklin County, Hayes Twp]
ROBERT S. SEE, farmer Section 27, P. O. Salina, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., September 28, 1840. When five years of age was taken by his parents to Shiawasse County, Mich., where he was reared and educated. Soon after moved to Canton, Fulton Co., Ill., where he worked in the machine shops for some time. In 1861 he enlisted in Company L., Seventh Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, and was discharged in June, 1862, on account of disability; re enlisted in the spring of 1864 and participated in the battles of Spanish Fort, Fort Blakeley, an others of less importance, and was discharged July 13, 1865. He returned to Fulton County, Illinois, where he remained for one month then came to Kansas and settled in this county and is engaged in farming. Married in Macomb, McDonough Co. Ill., November 14, 1865, to Miss Sarah A. Bennett, a native of Fulton County, Ill.; born February 3, 1846. By this marriage they have six children; Charles A., Carrie E., Cora A., Lillia A., Sarah E. and Gracey G. Mr. See is a Republican. [Saline County]
JOHN M. CARY, merchant, Brookville, born in Wayne County, N. Y., August 20, 1830, and was raised and educated in Saratoga County, N. Y. In 1849 immigrated to Weston, Mo., he engaged in the drug business for some time, and in 1850 moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and remained there a short time. He then went to California, where he engaged in mining until 1852 with satisfactory results. He then returned to his native State and engaged in civil engineering for one and a half years, when he located at Troy, N. Y., engaged in the wholesale hardware trade for twenty-five years. In 1877 moved to Los Angeles, Cal., and kept a hotel for two years. He then came to Kansas and first located at Ellsworth, engaged in merchandising. In 1882 settled in Brookville and engaged in the present business. Married in Wayne County, N. Y., February 19, 1852, Miss Julia A. Ireland, a native of New England, born in 1826. They have two children - Louis C., and Delia E. [Saline County]
M. B. KELLOGG, salesman, born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1843, - son of Rodney Kellogg and Hariet (Bailey) Kellogg - married in 1867, and has one child, Marjone (Marjorie?). Came to Kansas in 1865, and located at Leavenworth, engaged as a salesman for two years. In 1867 he went to the Indian Nation, and remained one year. In 1868 was employed by E. H. Durfee, at his Trading Post, where the city of Wichita now is; was appointed Postmaster that year, being the first Postmaster at Wichita. Was employed as salesman until 1873, when he was elected Register of Deeds, and held that office for four years. In the spring of 1878, he engaged in the grocery business with S. E. Joslin; continued in the firm of Joslin & Kellogg until 1881, when Mr. Joslin retired from the firm, Mr. Kellogg continuing the business until 1882, when he closed it out, and engaged as salesman for A. Hess's grocery house. Was in the War of the Rebellion, enlisted in1861, Seventeenth Regiment New York Volunteers, Company I. Was in the battles of Fredricksburg, Mine Run, Melvin Hill, Chancellorsville, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburgh, Williamsport, and the Battle of the Wilderness, and others of his command. In the spring of 1863, he was transferred to the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regular New York Volunteers, and in 1864 was veteraned. Was taken prisoner in May, 1864, at the Battle of the Wilderness; was held at Linchburgh, Danville, Va., Andersonville, Ga., Florence, S. C., and at Goldsboro, N. C. Was paroled in February, 1865, at Wilmington, N. C., and was mustered out of the service July, 1865. Is a member of Wichita Lodge No. 99, A., F. & A. M., and of Chapter No. 33. Is a member of the Knights of Honor. Is a member of Garfield Post No. 25, G. A. R. [Sedgwick County]
J. B. BESACK, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., July 18, 1836. At the age of sixteen he removed to Whitley County, Ind., and taught school for two years, and then worked at his trade of printer in Columbia City. In 1855 he removed to Jasper County, Iowa, and started the first paper in that county, and was engaged in the business in that county for fifteen years; also published papers in Guthrie and Shelby counties, Iowa. In 1875 he removed to Tecumseh, Neb., and rented the office of the Chieftain; which he published for a year. From Tecumseh he removed to Clay Centre, sic Kan., and published the Dispatch for a short time. In October, 1876, he bought the Republican, of Washington, Kan., and removed to that place, where he has resided since. [Washington County]
HON. GEORGE H. MILLER, Superintendent of the State Institution for the Education of the Blind; took charge of the Institution in 1875. He was born in Lyons, Wayne County, N. Y., August 31, 1835. His parents moved to Calhoun County, Mich., about 1837, in which county he received his education. In 1851, he located in Adrian, Mich., where he engaged in mercantile business, clerking the first three or four years, then engaging in business on his own account. In 1865, be removed to Kansas, locating in Leavenworth, where, under the firm name of Miller & Stevens, he operated a steam-heating and house-fitting business, until appointed to his present position. He was married in Adrian Mich., in 1858; to Miss Julia A. Stowers, formerly of Pittston, Penn. They have two children - Fred and Clara. Mr. Miller was elected Postmaster of the Legislature in 1875 serving one term. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic fraternity, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. [Wyandotte County]
HENRY C. SCOTT, farmer, Section, P. O. Burlingame. Our subject was born in Bradford County, Pa., April 17, 1831, and is the son of Asahel Scott and Melinda (Sherman) Scott. He grew up on a farm. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-Third Regiment New York Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following engagements: - Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and numerous skirmishes. His rank was that of Corporal and he was discharged in June, 1863. He came to this State in 1870, and settled in Burlingame, and engaged in carpenter work until recently, when he came to the farm. He was united in marriage in Smithfield, Pa., November 11, 1863, to Miss Olive A. Niles, who died in Burlingame, July,1870. He was again married in Wayne County, N. Y., September 12, 1882, to Miss Nellie S. daughter of George T. Russell. He had three children by his first wife - Clinton S., born January 23, 1865; Earnest F., born December 1, 1866; and Willard W., born October, 20, 1868, died in July, 1872. Mr. Scott is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. [Osage County]
CHARLES W. BENNING, contractor and builder, came to Kansas, January 16, 1863, and located in Atchison where he has resided since. He is a member of the City Council of Atchison, and was City Marshall of the same city, in 1877-8. He is a member of Friendship Lodge, No. 6, I. O. O. F., and Golden Cross Lodge, No. 7, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Benning was born in Clyde, Wayne County., N. Y., May 12, 1851, and resided there until his 12th year, when his parents removed to Atchison where they reside at present. Mr. Benning has but few equals and no superiors in his business calling, and as a politician he is one of the most popular in the city of Atchison. He was strongly urged to become a candidate for the office of Sheriff of Atchison County, at the last general election, but with his usual modesty declined, preferring to give his personal attention to his rapidly increasing business. He has a bright future before him, and will yet be heard of in the political arena. [Atchison County]
J. W. ALGER, Section 22, P. O. Douglass, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., April 25, 1837; was reared in his native State, and married Miss Ruth Reeves. They have three children - Annie E., Charles R. and Ethel T. Located in Butler County in 1870. [Butler County]
ERI BENNETT, merchant, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1844; emigrated with his parents to Knox County, Ill., there working with his father at the wagon-master's trade. In 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry, Company F, and served three years; was in the famous march with Sherman to the sea, serving as a scout most of the time. After coming out of the army he returned to Knox County, and there learned the miller's trade; then in 1871, he came to Kansas and took a claim in Summit Township, Howard County, and improved the place, engaging in farming until the summer of 1881; health failing, he then engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. Binns, of Sedan. In the fall of 1882, went to Chautauqua Springs and laid out forty acres in town lots, and these were known as Binns & Bennett's Addition to Chautauqua Springs. He then put up a store building, and put in a stock of goods and has a good trade; the business is carried on under the firm name of Binns & Bennett. The subject of this sketch expects to erect a steam flouring mill in the near future. Mr. Bennett is a thorough business man, and has been successful in all his business moves. He came to Kansas and settle eighty miles from a railroad point. In October, 1871, was married to Miss E. L. Allen, of Monmouth, Ill.; they have four children -- Sylvia F., W. Elmo, Walter A. and Edwin D. [Chautauqua County]
W. H. POST, farmer, Section 3, P. O. Girard, was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1829. Received a business education, and was raised on a farm. Went to LaSalle County, Ill., in 1853, where he remained on a farm fifteen years, then to Marion County, Ill., where he remained on a farm three years. Came to Kansas, in 1871, and located on his present home of 300 acres, and has since devoted his time to raising grain and stock. Has 100 acres in pasture; fine ponds and wells. His farm is under hedge and wire fence. Has a good assortment of fruits of all kinds. Was elected County Commissioner in 1882. Came into office January 1, 1883. Was married to Miss Cordelia M. Diven, of New York State, in 1854. Have three children--Emma J., Annie and William D. [Crawford County]
Wayne County Family Bios Section