Vol. 5 No. 2 - December 2001

Well, we finally made it. Here it is December, the Christmas season is upon us, and the New Year is right around the corner. This month also completes my first year as your editor of the newsletter. We have come a long way, a very long way. We have grown tremendously from 299 subscribers to over 555 strong in just twelve short months. If we hadn't lost subscribers along the way, we would be very close to doubling the amount from what we started the year with.

Each issue has contained information on various branches of the family. I tried to spread it across, but a lot depended on what was submitted by the subscribers. For all of you who submitted, I want to say thanks once again for your efforts.

Good news if you enjoy the newsletter. I have decided to stay on as the editor for another year. Even though it does take a fair amount of my time, it is something I enjoy doing. You can look forward to receiving it for at least the next twelve months with me being your editor. So, sit back, start reading and enjoy this issue of the family newsletter.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all!

Your Editor,

Gary R. Hawpe

CONTENTS:

1. New Subscribers -- Address Changes -- Invalid Addresses
2. Eliza Van Bibber: Yukon Mother of Many
3. Murder of Mrs. Lola Van Bibber Cobb
4. Glenn Ellen
5. Peter Schumacher
6. Excitement in Hanover
7. Family of the David Brawley Alexander and Barbara Cawood
8. Census Taker
9. Obituaries
10. Recent Deaths
11. Military News
12. Reunions
13. Notices
14. Unidentified Van Bibbers
15. Queries
16. Sound Off

This month we have twelve descendants of the family joining us as new subscribers to the newsletter. Four branches of the family have two new members each. My calculations tell me we now have 557 subscribers.

At Mica Creek, on the bank of the Pelly River in Canada’s south-central Yukon Territory, stands the old two-story log home of Ira and Eliza Van Bibber. Eight of Eliza’s 16 babies were born there.

Now the big house is silent. Only one of the children – Theodore, the youngest – lives there during the winter. Eliza sits alone by her window overlooking the Pelly, watching the deep, swift waters of the wide river slip by, as the many years of her life have slipped by. During warm summer days, she often sits outside, even closer to the river, on the seat from an overland stage sleigh which once was hauled by horses over the winter trail from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Even when the river is frozen by winter, she sits inside her snug home for hours, gazing upon the Pelly and remembering. Always she remains unperturbed, like a serene island in the midst of the ever-changing river.

Eliza is a Tlingit Indian of the Crow clan, granddaughter of Chief Conone of the Taku Tlingits in the Juneau area. Eliza’s mother, Alice, daughter of Chief Conone, was one of the five wives of Chief Jackson, Eliza’s father. Because another wife was jealous of Alice and threatened to kill her, Alice left Chief Jackson before baby Eliza was born, and joined other Indians making a long trek over to the Yukon River.

Eliza was born in the Aishihik Lake area, probably in the early 1880’s. There is no written record of her birth, but her family believes she is over 90.Indians making a long trek over to the Yukon River.

Eliza was born in the Aishihik Lake area, probably in the early 1880’s. There is no written record of her birth, but her family believes she is over 90. It was years after her birth that she and her mother registered in the white man’s records and were given the names Alice and Eliza.

When they came to Fort Selkirk, near the mouth of the Pelly River, there were no white men around the deserted site of the trading post, which had been sacked by the Chilkat Indians by 1852 and abandoned by the Hudson’s Bay Company.

In the nomadic way of the Tlingit people, she roamed widely with her mother and her stepfather, and later her half-brothers and sister, Susie, Peter and John. Through the Yukon and Pelly watersheds they hunted, fished and picked berries.

On one trek, when Eliza was very young, her family traveled up the Stewart River, then crossed over onto the Pelly. Eliza recalls that they were camped above Granite Canyon on their way down the Pelly, when she saw a white man for the first time. The little girl was deeply impressed by the stranger’s unfamiliar language and the pale color of his skin. That first encounter with white people remains vivid in her memory.

After Alice’s second husband died, she married Copper Joe, from Copper City on the Yukon River below Fort Selkirk, but they had no children. They lived mainly around Coffee Creek, where Alice died about 1921.

When Eliza was a young girl, she accompanied her mother and step-father to the Aishihik area to attend a potlatch, where, according to custom, her marriage was arranged. Eliza didn't wish to marry the man her parents had chosen. She slipped out of camp early one morning and returned with her uncle to the area of old Fort Selkirk. Several years later, she met and married Ira Van Bibber.

Ira and two of his brothers, Theodore and Pat, had left Chehalis, Washington, to join the stampede to the Klondike in 1898. There were originally from West Virginia.

After spending some time on the gold creeks, Ira and sourdough musher Tom Hebert hauled mail by dog team on the Yukon River between Whitehorse and Dawson City. Later Ira trapped and prospected in the Selkirk area and spent several years on the upper Pelly. In the early 1900's he met Eliza at Selkirk, and that was the beginning of their long adventure-filled life together.

Around 1908, Ira, Eliza and their baby, Leta, traveled to the headwaters of the Pelly and Ross rivers, then crossed the rugged MacKenzie Mountains to the head of the wild, little-known South Nahanni. With Eliza's cousin, Tommy Joe, they spent three years trapping and prospecting on the Nahanni. Their daughter May was born there above the spectacular, higher-than-Niagara, Virginia Falls.

Returning from the South Nahanni in 1911, Ira and Eliza settled on the bank of the Pelly at Mica Creek, about 40 miles above the Pelly's mouth. Here Ira built the big log house in which they raised their family, and trapped, fished and hunted in the Pelly and MacMillan watersheds, where Ira operated a big game guiding business. Van Bibber became a respected name throughout the Territory.

Eliza bore none of her 16 babies in a hospital. Some were born on traplines, some at hunting or fishing camps. Ira assisted at most of the births, and elder daughters Leta and May helped deliver the younger ones. Their first son, Abraham, was born near the head of Ross River, on the long trip back from the Nahanni. Dan was born at Tatimain Lake, and Archie at Beaver Lake. Alex, Helen and a stillborn baby were delivered at Mica Creek, and then John ("J.J.") entered the world at Russell Creek, below the forks of the MacMillan River. Pat was born at Mica Creek, and Kathleen at Selkirk. George arrived at Pelly Crossing, where the Van Bibbers lived for a time. Lucy, Linch, a baby who died at birth and "Dode" (Theodore) were born at the Mica Creek homestead.

Twelve of Eliza's children are still living, 11 of them in the Yukon. All the Van Bibber family have contributed greatly to the development of the Yukon; their exploits and remarkable experiences are both legion and legendary. Alex, for example, is highly regarded as a big game guide and outfitter and as a dog musher in the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Races. Lucy and Linch are well-known artists. "Dode" -- who lives with his mother during the winter -- mans a fire lookout tower near Whitehorse in the summer, and despite severe disabilities caused by a crippling disease, is known to have the keenest eyes in the forestry service.

The eldest son, Abe, died in the Northwest Territories about 1933, after traveling from Mayo to Great Bear Lake by dog team during the Eldorado uranium stampede. He drowned while running a net to catch fish for his dogs. Helen died at 14, after contracting tuberculosis in Dawson, where she was attending school.

Across Mica Creek, on a high hill overlooking the valley, their father, Ira, also sleeps, in the undisturbed peace of the Pelly.

Eliza is adored by her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although her fine brown features are etched with lines of hardship and sorrow, her twinkling eyes and beaming smile reveal a quick wit and cheerful nature. Despite her dignified bearing, she is friendly and enjoys a joke immensely.

Less than five feet tall, Eliza could stand beneath her husband's out-stretched arm without touching it. Ira always called her "Short," a nickname still used by her many friends, who agree that in stamina, courage and patience, she is a giant. It would take a remarkable person to walk in the petite prints of her wandering moccasins!

Her ties with the past and with the traditions of her Tlingit people and the Crow clan are strong. With obvious pride, she recalls her ancestral background and Tlingit legends, these memories mingling with those of her personal life.

As Eliza watches the Pelly flow by, she recalls trading posts, stampeders, steamboats and settlements that have vanished. She remembers traveling along the river with pack dogs, poling boats, rafts, sleds. Now she sees vehicles speeding along the Klondike Highway through what used to be wilderness. Cars, campers and huge ore trucks roll down a long hill and over a bridge about a mile from her door. But except for a handful of adventurers each summer, the 460-mile river itself is deserted.

Both Eliza and her river have seen many changes. There is sadness hidden deep in the brown eyes that watch the waters rush by. But like the everlasting Pelly, Eliza's memories live on for her, as she will always live in its legends.

ALASKA/magazine of life on the last frontier -- September 1973. Pages 22, 23 & 52.

Nicholasville Ky., Oct. 21 -- (Special) A Jessamine County man shot and critically wounded a women café operator early, telephone for three ambulances, then killed his wife and himself.

Sheriff Roger Williams reported Bradford Cobb, 54, fatally shot his wife, Mrs. Lola Van Bibber Cobb, and wounded Mrs. Margaret Askins, 47, operator of a Nicholasville café, the Tap Room, before committing suicide.

Shortly before 1 a.m. Cobb called his sister-in-law, Mrs. Shirley Cobb. She said Cobb told her: "Call three ambulances. I have killed one women and you will find her at the gate. I am going to kill my wife and by the time you may get here, I'll be dead myself".

Deputy sheriff Vince Hager was notified by the sister-in-law and he called Sheriff Williams. The authorities where enroute to the Cobb home on the Carrs Ferry road east of here in the Chrisman Mill section, when Cobb's son, Gene, arrived at the scene and found Mrs. Askins lying by a gate leading to the Cobb farm.

When Sheriff Williams, Deputy Hager and Coroner Frank Bishop arrived at the Cobb home they found the slain's women two-year old grandson sitting on a chair near the two bodies playing with the weapon---a 22 caliber pistol. There were still four cartridges in the gun. The sheriff said Cobb evidently reloaded three times.

The coroner said he questioned Mrs. Askins, but was unable to get a full statement from her. When asked where she was shot, she replied, "by the gate." Bishop said.

He reported the woman was asked if she had been in the Cobb house before the shooting and answered, "He took me out there."

Mrs. Askins was reported tonight to be in critical condition at Good Samaritan Hospital, Lexington. Hospital authorities said she was wounded in the left chest, right breast, left elbow and right little finger.

Sheriff Williams said Mrs. Cobb was apparently shot while in bed in the upstairs of the home. After shooting his wife, Cobb went downstairs in the kitchen, the officer added.

The wife followed her husband to the kitchen, Williams continued, where Cobb shot her again and then took his own life.

Coroner Bishop reported Mrs. Cobb had been shot six times, suffering wounds of the head and throat. Cobb was shot once in the head.

Mrs. Cobb had recently sued for divorce, seeking $10,000 from her husband, Williams said. The couple still lived together, however, he added.

Williams reported Cobb was connected to the café operated by Mrs. Atkins, but said he was not sure what the connection was.

Cobb was a member of the Methodist Church.

He is survived by a daughter Mrs. Henry Becknell, Nicholasville; a son, Gene Cobb, Nicholasville; two sisters, Mrs. Ora Pigg and Mrs. Steven Brumfield, Nicholasville; two brothers, Shirley and Hubert Cobb, Jessamine County, and five grandchildren.

Mrs. Cobb is survived by two daughters, Mrs. John Noe, Nicholasville, and Mrs. Emmett Evans, Columbus, Ohio; two sons, Gene Webb, U.S. Army, and Russell Adkins, Columbus, Ohio; an adopted son, John Proctor, Richmond, Va; two sisters, Mrs. Charles Hamilton, Ohio, and Mrs. Walker Hall, Greenup; four brothers, Charles, Harrison, Morton and Robert Van Bibber, all of Ohio, and four grandchildren.

Funeral services for both will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Guyn, Kurtz and Hager Funeral Home by the Rev. Max Brunton.

Pallbearers for Cobb will be Stuart, J.T. Price, Rice and Bobby Cobb and Vernon Stinnett.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Cobb will be Ronnie Evans, William Noe, Clyde Noe, Rollie Guilett, E. T. Noe and Jesse Teater.

The Herald-Leader, Lexington, Kentucky -- Sunday -- October 22, 1961

--------------------

Note: In January's edition of the newsletter Vol. 4 No. 3, the wife of Bradford Cobb was improperly identified. She was originally believed to be Laura Fain the daughter of James Van Bibber and Sarah Bradurn. It is now proven, she was actually Lola Van Bibber the daughter of Charles Van Bibber and Emma Lowder. Charles was the brother of Laura Fain and the son of James and Sarah Van Bibber.

--and--

Some think that the waters of Loch Raven cover a castle. This is almost true, but not quite. A castle did stand at one time close to the waters of Loch Raven's Hampton Cove and for a time could be seen rising to the southeast above the lake's shore. Now, however, only its ruins remain. This was Glen Ellen castle, built by Robert Gilmor III (1808-1874).

Robert Gilmor III was the son of William Gilmor and nephew of Robert Gilmor, Jr., the
renowned Baltimore art collector. He grew up at his parents' Baltimore County estate, the Vineyard, in Huntingdon near the present Waverly. It should be kept in mind that at that time the northern boundary of Baltimore City was Mulberry Street.

He attended Harvard University and graduated in the class of 1828, having as one of his classmates Oliver Wendell Holmes. His father being too ill to attend the graduation, he was joined by his uncle Robert, who apparently regarded him as a favorite nephew. After graduation he went to Paris as an attaché there in the American legation. He then continued his grand tour of Europe.

In England he visited the impressive residence of Sir Horace Walpole, Strawberry Hill, built in the Gothic Revival style then in vogue. He met Sir Walter Scott and was invited by him to visit his home in Scotland, Abbotsford, another Gothic Revival residence, built as a castle on a hillside above the river Tyne. Both of these residences so impressed him that he determined to build his own residence in America along these lines.

He returned to Maryland and married the beautiful Ellen Ward, daughter of Judge Ward of Baltimore. She was 21; he 24. In 1832 he purchased a large tract of land, about 900 acres, from Priscilla Ridgely White, daughter of Captain Charles Ridgely, which lay along the southwestern shore of Gunpowder Falls just north of the Ridgely's Hampton and Northhampton estates. Here he decided to built his home, a castle resembling Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford. He chose a similar setting, a wooded hillside overlooking a stream, Peterson's Run, which flowed down the valley and joined the Gunpowder.

According to the plat which he had drawn up, a copy of which is in the Baltimore County Courthouse, he divided his estate into two sections, giving each a name. The hilly and wooded section to the east he named Ravensrock. The fields to the west he named New Market. He decided to build his mansion on the western margin of Ravensrock. He named the place Glen Ellen after his wife and the beautiful little glen that graced the hillside there.

This estate would stretch today from the present lower dam over the Gunpowder to the eastern edge of Pine Ridge golf course.

For the mansion he employed as architect Alexander Jackson Davis of the New York firm of Towne, Davis, and Hastings, and over the next few years Davis supervised the construction of the castle. A projecting platform of stone and earth was erected on the hillside. Stone was quarried from the hill, and the castle built on this platform to a height of three stories.

The first floor was a partial basement containing some bedrooms, storerooms, and kitchen with an open hearth fireplace for cooking. At the kitchen end, across from the fireplace, was a stairway leading down to a windowless cellar that served as a springhouse and may also have functioned as an icehouse.

The second floor, the main floor, at the south end contained a large drawing room that stretched the entire width of the house, about 43 feet. Parallel to this were three rooms: an entrance hall, a ballroom, and a library.

The entrance hall, about 20 by 12 feet, had a large oak door opening onto the drive that ran parallel to the house.

The ballroom was octagonal in shape and about 20 feet in diameter. It was crowned with a dome that rose to the height of the third story and was lighted by a lantern window above the roof. Just below the dome, at the level of the third story, a gallery for musicians surrounded the ballroom.

The library, about 20 by 20 feet, ended on its west side with a large semi-hexagonal stained glass window overlooking the valley.

From the ballroom, a hall stretched the length of the house with a door to the outside at the north end. Along the hall to the left was the wide stairway, then the dining room, above the kitchen. To the right were bedrooms.

The third floor comprised bedrooms on either side of a central hall. In the original plan by Davis, the bedrooms would have been the same height as the rooms of the second floor. But here they are compressed in height with dormer windows projecting from the sloping slate roof.

Several towers rose above the house. The northwest tower undoubtedly served as a chimney for the kitchen below. Several other towers on the opposite side of the house must also have functioned as chimneys for the fireplaces in the rooms below. The tallest and most impressive tower, the southwest, about 65 feet in height, contained a spiral stairway leading to a lookout at its top, from which the valley to the west, south, and north could be viewed.

This valley, New Market, was squared off into fields, orchard, vegetable garden, and barnyard. Alongside Peterson's Run a millrace led to the grist mill (or mills, as tax records indicate). But the most important section of this valley lay between the vegetable garden and the barnyard, a series of paddocks for horses. Gilmor had a passion for horses and equestrian sports. For several years he was the publisher of a sports magazine, The American Turf Register, devoted largely to horses. He had a racetrack, possibly two, that lay beside Gunpowder Falls, along the northern edge of Ravensrock. He rode about the country in a coach and four. And he ornamented his home with paintings of horses, some by well known artists. As a country squire and gentleman farmer, what he had in mind to operate was before all else a horse farm.

Ravensrock, the other half of the estate was quite hilly and largely wooded. It probably served as a hunting preserve with trails for riding.

In addition to the mill(s) and barns several other buildings lay about the estate. North of the castle stood a stone and wood carriage house with entrance onto the road that led past the mansion. Its basement served as a stable with stone floor and stalls for horses. Across the valley, near Old York Road to the west, stood a guest house designed as a Greek Temple. The entrance to the estate off Old York Road had a gatehouse, we are told, beside a picturesque half-broken arch. The remains of a stone structure in the orchard area can still be seen at low water in Hampton Cove. It was possibly a building housing a cider mill. One can still see traces of a stone-paved road leading from it to the mansion. He also had a dairy. Although we know that Gilmor had slaves, we are not sure of their number or of the location of the slave quarters.

At Glen Ellen, Robert and Ellen Gilmor raised 11 children: 9 boys and 2 girls. Three of the boys attained public renown. The eldest, Robert, IV, became a well-known Baltimore judge. William became a railroad president. But the most famous was the glamorous Harry, the famous Confederate cavalry colonel who in 1864 led his battalion across Baltimore County to burn down the railroad bridge over the Gunpowder River at Magnolia.

After the death of Robert, III, in 1874, the Glen Ellen estate was divided among his heirs. Harry was given the portion containing the castle and lived there until his death in 1883. His father's grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoyed their stays in the castle, especially during summer vacations, as noted by his grand-daughter, Ellen Gilmor Buchanan. What child would not enjoy living in a castle?

The castle and its grounds were sold in 1883. The last one to own them was Henry (Christian) Brack.

To supply Baltimore City with water, a dam was erected in the 1880s across the Gunpowder, following the suggestion of Robert's son William, who had acquired the Summerfield estate across the river. He also suggested the name for the resulting lake, Loch Raven. In 1914 a larger dam was erected and enlarged in 1923 to a height of 240 feet above sea level. The spreading lake gradually flooded the New Market portion of the Glen Ellen estate and came within a few hundred feet of the castle. Since the latter relied on a septic system and was so close to the reservoir, it could no longer be used as a residence. Parts of it were removed to adorn other houses elsewhere, most notably the Parker's home The Cloisters on Falls Road. After its timbers were removed for recycling elsewhere, its walls were tumbled down in 1930. Only its foundations mark its outline today. An inglorious end for a once glorious castle.

Peter Schumacher was born in 1622 and was the son of Arnold Schumacher and Agnes Rosen. It is assumed that Peter was born in Dollendorf, Germany since his family left that part of the land and settled in Kreigsheim, Germany.

Like his father Arnold, Peter was born during difficult times. At his birth, the Thirty Year's War had already been a common way of life for the past four years. Throughout his childhood, Peter witnessed the devastation of the land and the loss of life from friends and family.

As a youth and as a young man, he witnessed first hand the persecution of religious beliefs. His own family was forced to sell all their possessions and leave the country because of their religious beliefs. It is admirable for such a person as Peter Schumacher who faced severe adversity to remain a peaceful individual. One can only imagine the moral character of his parents who taught him to love life more than anything. Even after all the struggles he experienced, Peter never sought revenge for the evils that prevailed him. There is no doubt that Peter became stronger by rising above his adversaries rather than being driven to revenge his circumstances.

The exact year that Peter arrived in Kreigsheim is not known. We do know that he previously "lived on the magistrate's estate in Hangelar and had no property of his own" prior to moving to Kreigsheim (Germantown Crier, Vol. 9, number 1, titled From Kreigsheim to Pennsylvania). However, after much travel, Peter and his mother and his siblings arrived in Kreigsheim.

The people of Kreigshiem were mostly farmers. In fact, they were some of the most successful farmers in Europe. They had learned to grow crops in all types of climatical conditions. It is probably a safe assumption to say that Peter was also a farmer in this region.

The town of Kreigsheim had a small group of Dutch living within the city limits. It is believed that Peter was part of this group. Many references assume that the Schumacher family was Dutch. Whether this is true or not, one can only assume that he had some ties with the Dutch since he is recorded as living within the Dutch community of Kreigsheim.

Peter married Sarah Hendricks. This marriage resulted in at least four children: Peter Jr. (born 1667), Mary, Frances, and Gertrude. Very little is known about the marriage and the relationship that Peter and Sara had. However, it is a fact that Sara died prior to reaching the shores of America.

In 1657, two Quaker missionaries, William Ames and George Rolfe, traveled to Kreigsheim to preach the gospel. Their message resulted in the conversion of eight families, including Peter's family. As Quakers, they received unfavorable reactions by the community. Over the next ten years, Peter and his brother George, who also converted to Quakerism, endured many persecutions for their belief. In 1660, George and Peter both refused to bear arms and faced fines. George lost bedding worth seven rix dollars and Peter lost goods worth two guilders. In 1666, Peter lost a cow for his beliefs. However, through all the struggles, Peter and his brother remained faithful members of the Quaker faith.

On August 26th, 1677, William Penn visited the Kreigsheim Quakers. Because of the religious differences within the community, Mr. Penn delivered his speech to the Quakers in a barn just outside the city limits. During his speech Mr. Penn spoke about new lands across the ocean; lands that did not persecute you for what you believed; a land with much promise and prosperity for future generations to come. One can only imagine how Peter must have felt during that speech. Finally, a chance for him and his family to live the way they believe without having to face criticism from his community.

In the book titled The Settlement of Germantown by Samuel W. Pennypacker, he states:

"The climax of the story of the Quaker meeting at Kreigsheim is given by Croese. He says that having nothing of their own to lose, and hearing of the great plenty in America, and hoping to gain a livelihood by their handiwork, they in the very year that preceded the war with the French 'wherein all that fruitful and delicious country was wasted with fire and sword' forsook the cottages which could scarcely be kept standing with props and stakes, and entered into a voluntary and perpetual banishment to Pennsylvania, where they lived in the greatest freedom and with sufficient prosperity."

This must have been a feeling of rebirth for the trodden down Quakers. With renewed spirits Peter pressed forward to the day when he and his family would enjoy the rich blessings of freedom. Thus, Peter and George sought to prepare themselves and their families for the trek across the ocean to the new "promised land". However, their troubles were not over.

In 1679, two Quaker women were preaching Quakerism to the annoyance of the clergy. One of the women distributed a religious tract which was published in 1670 titled "The Warning". Peter and his brother George were two of five people who subscribed to it. They were persecuted for this subscription.

By 1682, preparations were already under way for the voyage to the "new world". Francis Daniel Pastorius was influential in obtaining tracts of land and a ship to sail to America for the first few Quakers. Peter was also assisting with the preparations. In Samuel W. Pennypacker's book, he states:

"He (Francis Daniel Pastorius) presented and sent his books to his brother, John Samuel, and after many letters obtained the consent of his father, together with two hundred rix dollars, and thereupon wen to Kreigsheim, where he saw Peter Schumacher, Gerhard Hendricks, and Arnold Kassel, and made ready for the long journey." (The Settlement of Germantown, page 56)

In 1683, Francis Daniel Pastorius and 12 other families sailed to Pennsylvannia to begin their new life. Peter Schumacher and his family did not leave with this group. It is believed that he continued to help others prepare for the journey as he endured further hardships placed upon him by the government.

"On August 11, 1684, an official in Hochheim reported to the Alzey government concerning the Quakers in Kreigsheim, reckoning the taxable possessions of Peter Schumacher at 450 florins and of George Schumacher's widow at 626 Florins." (Germantown Crier, Vol. 9, number 1 titled From Kreigsheim to Pennsylvannia).

On May 8th, 1685, Peter visited the government of Hochheim to which Kreigsheim belonged. He "sought permission to leave the country and go to Holland, with their possessions. (Germantown Crier, Vol. 9, number 1 titled From Kreigsheim to Pennsylvannia)

On August 26th, 1685, Peter entered into an agreement with Dirck Sipman, of Crefeld, "to proceed with the first good wind to Pennsylvania, and there receive two hundred acres from Herman Op den Graeff, on which he should erect a dwelling, and for which he should pay a rent of two rix dollars a year." (The Settlement of Germantown, Samuel Pennypacker, page 118-119).

This must have been a joyous reunion for Peter. Finally, he was going to America to live the life of his dreams. It was a celebration for all of the trials that he surpassed and endured. As one who looks back over the course of his years, Peter was now 65 years old. Having endured many persecutions he looked to the future for a new beginning with dreams of peace in his heart for worshipping God in his own way and among a community with the same beliefs.

The journey would not be easy. Peter and his family would have to take leave of their home in Kreigsheim and travel to Holland and then on to London where they would find a ship to take them to America. Having sold most of their belongings to pay for the cost of the trip, they began their quest of freedom.

"Oct. 12, 1685, having crossed the sea in the "Francis and Dorothy" there arrived in Germantown Peter Schumacher with his son Peter, his daughters Mary, Frances, and Gertrude, and his cousin Sarah; Gerhard Hendricks with his wife Mary, his daughter Sarah and his servant Heinrich Frey, the last named from Altheim, in Alsace." (The Settlement of Germantown, page 118-119)

The voyage to America was not easy. Some lost their lives to illnesses while others suffered from being sick. However, Peter and his family patiently endured the voyage and arrived safely on the shores of America. In order to help the reader understand the difficulty, in which these brave souls endured, I offer the following passage from Samuel W. Pennypacker's book. This passage is from a letter written by Francis Daniel Pastorius on March 7, 1684.

"Concerning my journey hither, on the tenth of June, I sailed from Deal, with four men servants, two maids, two children and one young lad. We had on the whole way mostly unfavorable wind, much storm, and tempest. Also the foremast broke into two pieces, so that we reached here in not less than ten weeks; but sat cito, si sat bene.-considering that it seldom happens that any arrive much more promptly. The people from Crefeld, who reached here October 6th, were just ten weeks on the sea, and the ship that started from Deal with ours, was fourteen days longer on the way and some of the people died. Certain people from Crefeld also between Rotterdam and England lost a grown daughter, whose loss however was replaced by the birth of two children. Upon our ship no one died and no one was born. Almost all of the passagers were seasick for several days, but I, when not more than four hours out was upset by other accidents, for the two carved lions over our ship's clock stuck me right on the back, and on July 9th, during a storm at night, I fell so violently upon the left side that for some days I was obliged to keep my bed. There are two accidents I especially recall to me the first fall, which was passed down to all posterity, by our early progenitors in Paradise; also many of those which I have experienced in this sad valley of my exile per varios casus, etc., but praised be the fatherly hand of divine mercy which so often upholds and restrains us, so that we do not quite fall into abyss of evil. Gorg Wertmuller also fell heavily. Thomas Gasper was badly hurt. The English maid had the erysipelas and Isaac Dilbeck, who otherwise, according to external appearances, was the strongest, lay below longer than anyone else. I had also a little ship-hospital, as I alone of the Germans had taken my berth among the English. How a companion aboard was careless, and how our ship was made to tremble by the repeated attacks of a whale, I related in detail last time. The fare aboard was very bad. We lived medice ac modice. Every ten persons received each week three pounds of butter; daily four cans of beer, and two cans of water; at noon every day in the week, meat, and fish three days at noon, which we had to dress with our own butter; and every day we had to keep enough from our dinner to make our supper upon. The worst of all was that our meat and fish were both so salty and so strong smelling, that we could scarcely half enjoy them. And if I had not prepared myself at the advice of good friends in England, with various kinds of refreshments, it might very likely have gone badly with me." (The Settlement of Germantown by Samuel W. Pennypacker, pages 82 and 83)

Upon their arrival, they faced more challenges. With a hope of freedom, they still needed a place to reside. According to the agreement with Dirck Sipman, Peter met with Herman Op Den Graeff for his new start in America. Herman Op Den Graeff would later become the father-in-law of Peter's son, Peter Jr. This was probably a joyous reunion for both Peter and Herman. One can only imagine the discourse that took place during this reunion. Talks about their journey to America, the trials that they endured, the possibilities of prosperity in the new land, and their gratefulness to their God for keeping them safe were all possible topics of discussion.

It is not known how or where Peter and his family spent their first night in America. One can only assume that he spent it with Herman and his family. While freedom burned within Peter's heart, he new that his new life would be just the beginning. And, being 65 years of age, Peter knew that this new life would be short lived for him, but that his children and his descendants would finally enjoy the peace that he and his forefathers had dreamed about all their lives.

The next few years, Peter built a dwelling on the land that Herman Op den Graeff had provided and became a farmer to support his family. The following is the location of the land that Peter bought from Herman Op den Graeff.

"Lot No. 14 West Side of Germantown Avenue. Approximate boundaries Germantown Avenue almost Chelten Avenue on the south and north to Rittenhouse Street. West to Wissahickon Avenue." (Germantown Crier, Vol. 3, No. 2, September 1951, titled Annals of the Shoemaker Family of Germantown by Benjamin H. Shoemaker, 3rd.)

To help the reader understand the conditions of the land, I offer portions of a letter written by Joris Wertmuller on March 16th, 1684. It was reproduced in Samuel W. Pennypacker's book, The Settlement of Germantown Pennsylvania.

"The city of Philadelphia covers a great stretch of country, and is growing larger and larger. The houses in the country are better built than those within the city. The land is very productive, and raises all kinds of fruits. All kinds of corn are sown. From a bushel of wheat, it is said, you may get sixty or seventy, so food is the land. You can keep as many cattle as you wish, and there is provender enough for them and as many swine as you want, since there are multitudes of oak trees, which produce an abundance of acorns to make them fat, and other wild nuts.

You find here householders who have a hundred cows and innumerable hogs, so that a man can have as much pork as he wants. There are all kinds of wild animals, such as deer, roes, etc; all kinds of birds, some tame and others wild, by the thousand, together with an exceptionally great quantity of fish. The land lies in a good climate and is very healthy. You seldom see mists or fogs. There are many great and small rivers that are navigable, beautiful springs, fountains, mountains and valleys. The farmers or husbandmen live better than lords. If a workman will only work four or five days in a week, he can live grandly. The farmers here pay no tithes nor contributions. Whatever they have is free for them alone. They eat the best and sell the worst.

You can find as many wild vineyards as you wish, but no one troubles himself to look after their safety or take care of them. The vines bear so many bunches that from one vine many hundred bottles of wine should be made. Handicraftsmen earn here much money, together with their board and drink, which are very good. The natives or Indians are blackish like the heathen, who through Germany and Holland have disappeared. They are stronger and hardier than the Christians, and very mild. They go almost entirely naked, except that they cover their loins. They use no money, except kraaltjes and little shells like those one finds on the bridles of the train horses in Holland."

Signature of Peter Schumacher

The Settlement of Germantown Pennsylvania,

by Samuel W. Pennypacker, page 118

While getting established in the New World, Peter took on many community responsibilities. He assumed such roles as a member of the jury, and spent time working as a Bailiff.

Because Peter was the first in our lineage to migrate to America, he did not speak English. The assumption that he did not speak English is based upon the following:

"Several of the early documents in the Peter Shoemaker family are written in low German or Dutch. However, most of Peter's neighbors in Germantown were Crefelders and as Crefeld has been under Dutch jurisdiction, most of the Crefelders spoke Dutch." (Germantown Crier, Vol. 3, No. 2, September 1951, titled Annals of the Shoemaker Family of Germantown by Benjamin H. Shoemaker, 3rd.)

At the age 85, Peter passed away, leaving a great legacy for his descendants. Like his father, he too suffered much for the comforts of his descendants. The life he led was surely one of admiration. He conquered his adversaries through patience and perseverance. His courage to seek change for the good of his family resulted in the peace and tranquility of a new life in America. The sacrifices that he suffered will never be forgotten as he was one the firsts Shoemaker Pioneers of America.

Peter Schumacher Jr. was born in the year 1667. His father was 45 years of age at the time of his birth. Peter was born after the Thirty Year's War in Crefeld (or Krefeld), Germany. He was brought up in a religious family of the Quaker faith. One can only imagine the moral character that his father had taught him. He never knew his grandfather, as Arnold Schumacher died before he was born.

When Peter Jr. arrived in America he was only 18 years old. Although he was a young man at the time, he had already witnessed the persecution for religious beliefs at first hand. He was 10 years old when William Penn gave his speech to the Kreigsheim Quakers. He was old enough to witness the persecutions that his father endured when he subscribed to the religious tract titled "The Warning".

Peter Jr. followed in his father's footsteps. He learned about farming and took an interest in community affairs. Although there are very little writings about Peter Jr., one can only visualize that he was well respected within his community. During his life, he held the offices of Bailiff and Burgess.

The officials of the Borough were a Bailiff (the chief executive), four burgesses and six committeemen who together made up the General Court. There was also, a recorder, a clerk, a sheriff and a constable. The officials imposed taxes and elected their own successors. The General Court had authority to admit new settlers and to establish new laws for the Borough. The bailiff and the two oldest burgesses, in point of years, were Justices of the Peace. The bailiff and three burgesses, together with the recorder, sat as a Court to hear civil cases every six weeks. The records of the General Court 1691 to 1707 are written in Dutch and German…Some of the laws passed by the General Court of Germantown were as follows:

All residents had to clean in front of their property and remove the weeds. If after notice was given, the condition persisted a fine of two shillings was levied.

Cattle had to be fenced in with a fence at least five feet high.

Wandering chickens could be chased, but not killed.

Citizens could not sell liquor to the Indians.

On the 19th day of March of each year, all the people were to assemble, then the laws and ordinances were read to them." (Germantown Crier, Vol. 3, No. 2, September 1951, titled The Legal System of Germantown, 1683-1951, by Frank Rogers Donahue, Jr.)

He also served as juror on some occasions, and he learned the trade of a "turner". (A turner is one that makes articles using a lathe.)

In 1697, Peter Jr. married the daughter of Herman Op den Graeff. The following is taken from the Abington Meeing Records:

"Whereas Peter Shoemaker Jr and Margaret Op de Graeff both of Germantown in y'county of Philadelphia. Having proceeded according to the good order used amongst friends; in declaring their intentions of marriage did upon the Sixth day of the Second Month 1697. At the publique meeting house of friends in Germantown, accomplish their marriage, many friends being present as witnesses…"

This must have been a romantic union as Peter Jr. lived on the land that was sold to his father by his father-in-law: Herman Op den Graeff. In speculation, one can only romanticize that Margaret and Peter Jr. had feelings for each other from the time that they were small children. And, while living on the same property, their affection for one another grew even stronger in their early adult life.

This marriage brought forth 9 children: Peter III, Isaac (born Jan. 15th, 1711), Mary, Margaret, Sara, Daniel, Elizabeth, John, and Agnes.

Peter Jr. continued to serve his community. In the Abington Meeting records it states that on Decemter 30, 1701, "it was found good to start a school in Germantown, and Arent Klinken, Paul Wolf, and Peter Schumacher Jr. were appointed as overseers to collect subscriptions and arrange with a teacher." The teacher they chose was Francis Daniel Pastorius. Pastorius was now reaching his 51st year and was highly respected among the people. His legacy was well known among the people and he was well educated, having written many books during his lifetime. He studied law and French at the University of Strasburg. It is no doubt that Peter Jr. was well aquatinted with Pastorius, and was probably the best of friends, as all of Peter Jr's children were taught by the famous Francis Daniel Pastorius.

In another Abington Meeting the following was recorded:

On the Twelfth month on the 31st day, 1703, we find that "Peter Schumacher and Isaac Schumacher shall arrange with workmen that a prison house and stocks be put up as soon as possible."

Throughout his life, Peter Jr. sought only to serve his God, family, and fellowmen. At the age of 74, Peter Jr. left this life, leaving a great example for his descendants to follow. With the gift of freedom at his side, Peter Jr. learned the value of education, being true to one's belief, and serving his community. His ideals were passed on to his children who also grew to be well respected among the people. He was the first generation to experience how joyous life can be in a world where freedom of religion prevails. His life was a monument to his forefathers' dreams, and the hopes of his children's children.

For two or three years past a large brick building has been used as a gambling and tippling shop, and so long have the best citizens been trying, in various ways, to rid themselves and neighbors of this intolerable nuisance. -- Several indictments have been found against the dramsellers, but somehow they have managed to evade their just punishment from the law. The establishment had come to be a favorite resort of many fathers, husbands, and interesting young men engaged in the various mills and work-shops of the town. Every pains had been taken by the proprietors to make it attractive to the young and thoughtless. But fortunately a certain lady mistook the "Nine Pin Alley" for the Postoffice, (being in a similar building nearby,) in which she caught a glimpse of certain obscene paintings hanging along the Alley. The report of this exhibition was the beginning of war. A few resolute women, asking no favors of the "lords of creation," but feeling a grievous burden of women's wrongs, called a Council of Ladies, and quickly decided upon a plan of operations. They selected for their Captain the daughter of Col Boone, famous for his victories in the Black-Hawk War, and grand-daughter of Daniel Boone, Kentucky's boasted pioneer. And she was a Captain of the first blood, sure. They first issued and posted their notices that this nuisance must be suddenly removed, and that the building, with it's contents, would be entirely destroyed, by armed force, if necessary, on the 24^th inst., between the hours of one and two o'clock P.M. "Brag & Holdfast" had made various threats of shooting the woman who dared strike the first blow: that the dangerous guns were all ready, &c. But these threats served only to rouse the indignation of the injured wives and mothers. As soon as the hour arrived some sixty women, armed with sledge-hammers, crowbars, and battle-axes, assembled on the common, then marched boldly up to the liquor ship in battle array. A gentle rap on the door was given by the Captain, but admittance being refused by a strong lock she plied the sledge-hammer, when the doors and windows immediately gave way to the well directed blows of the Light Infantry. When the decanters were well broken, and the whiskey and brandy barrels were emptied and destroyed, the brave Captain gave the following toast, vis: "Where is the man with the 'dangerous gun' --- his powder is wet and his courage has failed."

Then they commenced breaking in the sides of the building, and pulling out, with large ropes, some ten feet square of brick at a time, till the whole building fell in one mass of ruins. A multitude of the - so called - sterner sex offered their assistance, but none was received till the building, with its contents, was well nigh ruined. It was the work of the ladies, and to them the praise belongs. It was evident, however, that they had the approbation of nine-tenths of the lookers on. When the work was thoroughly done the company marched up before the door of the Postoffice, and passed the following resolution. Vis:

Reso'ved, That we, the ladies of Hanover, watchful of the character and welfare of our fathers, husbands, and sons, will put a decided veto upon the future sale of intoxicating liquors in our town, as a beverage, and will totally demolished - as we have done this day - the first liquor shop know to be established in our town.

Three cheers were then given to the ladies of Hanover, a large flag hoisted, and several cannons fired, when the crowd gradually dispersed. The ladies have offered to give a list of their names if it would accommodate those threatening to prosecute.

B.M. MUNN

Secretary, pro tem.

Taken from the fourth column on page 1, of the April 29, 1856 Edition, of the Galena (Illinois) Daily Advertiser. A similar Editorial appears in the Northwestern Weekly Gazette, May 6, 1856. Edition.

Isaac VanBibber and Sarah Davis
  John VanBebber and Margaret Chrisman
    Gabriel VanBebber and Barbara Carlock
      Marlena VanBebber and John McCrunnell Cawood
        Barbara Cawood and David Brawley Alexander

1. David Brawley2 Alexander (Mitchell Cummings1) was born June 05, 1850 in Claiborne, Co., TN, and died March 03, 1920 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN. He married (1) Barbara Cawood Bef. 1876, daughter of John Cawood and Marlena VanBebber. She was born February 15, 1854 in TN, and died October 27, 1887. He married (2) Ester Charity Carr August 11, 1889 in Claiborne Co., TN, daughter of Benjamin Carr and Sarah Sharp. She was born January 13, 1868, and died January 27, 1915. He married (3) Louisa Smith Aft. 1915, daughter of William Smith and Lucy Pearson. David and Barbara are both buried in the Alexander Cemetery, Claiborne Co., TN.

Children of David Alexander and Barbara Cawood are:

2 i. Robert Lee3 Alexander, born April 14, 1875 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; died April 06, 1935 in Nashville, TN. He married Lucy L. Sharp December 23, 1897 in Claiborne Co., TN; born January 1872 in TN; died July 28, 1937 in Nashville, TN.

3 ii. Oscar Huffaker Alexander, born 1876 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; died Abt. 1950 in Warm Springs, Meriwether Co., GA. He married Clara Simmons.

4 iii. James Madison Alexander, born February 28, 1878 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; died December 16, 1911 in Claiborne Co., TN.

5 iv. Rufus Edward Alexander, born September 27, 1879 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; died April 14, 1909 in Claiborne, Co., TN.

6 v. John Mitchell Alexander, born November 15, 1883 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; died April 15, 1962 in LaFollette, Campbell Co., TN. He married (1) Nora Ausmus 1908; born December 21, 1891 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; died July 06, 1920. He married (2) Cora Bell Rogers Aft. 1920 in Claiborne Co., TN; born September 02, 1891; died January 04, 1970.

7 vi. William Hayes Alexander, born August 16, 1885 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; died September 18, 1949 in Middlesboro, Bell Co., KY. He married Luna Crate Pruett January 03, 1917 in Speedwell, Claiborne Co., TN; born January 03, 1891 in Claiborne Co., TN; died April 13, 1970 in Middlesboro, Bell Co., KY.

CENSUS TAKER
(Author Unknown)

It was the first day of census, and all through the ;
The pollster was ready . . . a black book in hand.
He mounted his horse for a long dusty ride;
His book and some quills were tucked close by his side.
A long winding ride down a road barely there;
Toward the smell of fresh bread wafting, up through the air.
The woman was tired, with lines on her face;
And wisps of brown hair she tucked back into place.
She gave him some water . . . as they sat at the table;
And she answered his questions . . . the best she was able.
He asked of her children. Yes, she had quite a few;
The oldest was twenty, the youngest not two.
She held up a toddler with cheeks round and red;
His sister, she whispered, was napping in bed.
She noted each person who lived there with pride;
And she felt the faint stirrings of the wee one inside.
He noted the sex, the color, the age . . .
The marks from the quill soon filled up the page.
At the number of children, she nodded her head;
And he saw her lips quiver for the three that were dead.
The places of birth she 'never forgot';
Was it Kansas? or Utah? or Oregon . . . or not?
They came from Scotland, of that she was clear;
But she wasn't quite sure just how long they'd been here?
They spoke of employment, of schooling and such;
They could read some and write some . . .though really not much.
When the questions were answered, his job there was done.
So he mounted his horse and he rode toward the sun.
We can almost imagine his voice loud and clear;
"May God bless you all for another ten years."
Now picture a time warp . . . it's now you and me;
As we search for the people on our family tree.
We squint at the census and scroll down so slow;
As we search for that entry from long, long ago.
Could they only imagine on that long ago day;
That the entries they made would effect us this way?
If they knew, would they wonder at the yearning we feel;
And the searching that makes them so increasingly real?
We can hear if we listen the words they impart;
Through their blood in our veins and their voice in our heart.

James Taylor VanBiber Sr., M.D., Independence, died Thursday, March 9, 2000, at his home.

Dr. VanBiber was born Dec. 2, 1919, in Oil Hill, Kan. He grew up in Andover, Kan., and attended Wichita State University. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1944. He served two years as a captain in the U.S. Army, stationed in Puerto Rico. In 1949, he opened his practice in Pediatrics in Independence. He retired from active practice in 1989. He was very active in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for many years, serving as an elder and high priest in several congregations and church organizations. Since 1984 he had been affiliated with Restoration Branches of the Church of Jesus Christ and was a member of Center Restoration Branch. He was active in professional community organizations, including the Independence Kiwanis, where he had been past president, American Medical Association, Missouri State Medical Association, Staff of Chilren's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City Medical Society, Diplomat of American Board of Pediatrics, Medical Staff of Independence Regional Hospital, Medical staff of St. Mary's Hospital of Blue Springs, medical staff of the Medical Center of Independence, consulting staff of Bates County Hospital at Butler, Mo., and High Priest Quorum of Restoration Branches Church of Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, E. Maxine VanBiber; a grandson, Shawn; and a great-grandson, Tyler.

His survivors include his wife, Clara Van Biber; four sons, Dr. James T. Van Biber Jr., Independence, Dr. John C. Van Biber, Reno, Nev., Dr. Joseph R. Van Biber, Blue Springs, and Dr. Jeffery M. Van Biber, Butler; two daughters, Judith C. Van Biber Meikle, Lee's Summit, and Janet S. Van Biber McCully, Independence; a sister, Darlene Wight, Kansas City; 13 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a stepson, Dennis Halfhill, Tallahassee, Fla.; two stepdaughters, Tyra Cundiff and Pam Dull, both of Independence; and five stepgrandchildren.

Memorial services will be 7 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Springs Restoration Branch, 5555 Valley View Road, Blue Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Hospice at Kansas City or the Center Restoration Branch Lunch Partners, 709 W. Maple, Independence, Mo. 64050, Center Branch Church of Jesus Christ. Arrangements are under the direction of Speaks Suburban Chapel.

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Peter VanBibber, Jr. and Marguery Bounds
  Ellinor VanBibber and Peter VanBebber
    Peter VanBibber and Catherine Ridenour
      Olive VanBibber and Thomas Ives Fulfer
        Jacob Sampson Fulfer and Harriet Archer
          Texanna Fulfer and John Johnson Dorris
            Berlin A. Dorris

--and--

Isaac VanBibber and Sarah Davis
  Peter VanBebber and Ellinor VanBibber
    Peter VanBibber and Catherine Ridenour
      Olive VanBibber and Thomas Ives Fulfer
        Jacob Sampson Fulfer and Harriet Archer
          Texanna Fulfer and John Johnson Dorris
            Berlin A. Dorris

BERLIN DORRIS

Berlin A. Dorris, 74, 313 Tulane, passed away Wednesday. He had been a resident of El Paso 39 years, and was a retired building contractor.

Survivors: wife, Mae Dorris, El Paso; son Eckhart Dorris, El Paso; daughter Mrs. R. J. Plass, North Hollywood, CA; sisters, Mrs. G. L. Massey, Clovis, NM; Mrs. Gene Hammel, Dallas TX; Mrs. Joe Paget, Lake Charles, LA; Mrs. Wheaton Brewer, San Francisco, CA; brother Cletus D. Dorris, Clovis, NM; Thomas J. Dorris, West Columbia, SC; Cone Dorris, Salinas, CA; grand-children, Robert and Gayle Plass, both of North Hollywood, CA.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Saturday, in the Harding-Orr & McDaniel, Montana Ave Chapel. Rev. Glenn J. Bixler officiating. Burial will be in Restlawn. Arrangements by Harding-Orr & McDaniel, Montana Ave.

Final rites were scheduled for 1 p.m. today (Wednesday) for Charles Elliott Van Bebber, 80, who died in a Ukiah hospital Sunday.

A native Californian, he had lived at 370 East San Francisco in Willits for many years. He was a retired state highway employee.

Rev. John Foster of the Willits Methodist church will conduct the services. Odd Fellows Lodge No. 277 of Willits will assist at the interment in the Willits cemetery.

Surviving are Van Bebber’s widow, Nina, a daughter, Ila P. Johnson of Fort Bragg, three sisters, Bertha Cleveland of Ukiah, Nellie Snow of Redding, and Anne Talbot of San Louis Obispo; and four brothers, Fred, William and Jim of Willits, and Ray of Montana.

The Willits News, Willits, CA

Wednesday, November 22, 1961

Note: Charles Van Bebber descends from four branches of the VB family but only one was listed.

RECENT DEATHS:

Isaac VanBibber and Sarah Davis
  Martha VanBebber and George Yoakum, Sr.
    Isaac Yoakum and Mary Davis
      Aaron Alvice Yoakum and Lucinda Elizabeth Duke
        John Marcellus Yoakum and Louisa Birchfield
          Millard W. Yoakum and Charlotte H. Cheek
            Roy Alvis Yoakum and Lola Campbell
              Doyle Quinton Yoakum

DOYLE QUINTON YOAKUM

Doyle Quinton Yoakum, 61, Raymore, MO, passed away November 27, 2001, at his home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, November 30, at E.K. George & Sons Belton Chaper, 611 Chestnut. Burial in Belton Cemetery. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Thursday, at the Belton Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Mr. Yoakum was born March 10, 1940 in Middlesburg, KY. He was a truck driver since 1986. He was a member of the Coleman Baptist Church, Peculiar, MO.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lola Campbell Yoakum and twin granddaughters. He is survived by his wife, Linda Yoakum of the home; his children, Tamela Miller, Lee's Summit, MO, Jennifer Yoakum, Belton, MO, Joseph Yoakum, Rollesville, NC, Alma Dick, Cincinnati, OH and Annette Dresher, Florence, KY; his father, Roy Alvas Yoakum, Kansas City, MO; sister and brothers, Helen Campbell, Butler, KY, Kenneth Yoakum and David Yoakum, both of Kansas City, MO; and 12 grandchildren, (Arr: E.K. George & Son, Belton, MO)

--------------------

DOVER -- Roxanne Elaine VanBeber-Finlay, 47, Dover, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2001, at a Topeka hospital from an apparent ruptured aneurysm of the brain.

Mrs. Finlay had worked several years for the Thompson-Hayward Chemical Co. in Kansas City, Kan., and she was an accountant in the adjutant general's office of the state of Kansas in Topeka at the time of her death.

She was born Feb. 12, 1954, in Kansas City, Kan., the daughter of Clarence Irvin and Agnes Eugenia "Jean" Crabb VanBeber. She was reared in Kansas City and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1972.

Mrs. VanBeber-Finlay attended Victoria Tabernacle in Kansas City, Kan., and First Assembly of God Church in Topeka. She was a member of Dover Federated Church in Dover.

She married Phillip Andrew Finlay on April 24, 1976, in Kansas City, Kan. He survives.

Other survivors include a daughter, Vanessa Mae Finlay, at home; two sons, Jeffrey Barrett Finlay and Andrew Kyle Finlay, both at home; her father, Clarence Irvin VanBeber, Kansas City, Kan.; and two sisters, Debby Marmon and Sue Russell, both of Bonner Springs.

Mrs. VanBeber-Finlay was an organ donor to the Midwest Transplant Network. Services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Victory Assembly of God Church in Bonner Springs. Later services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Dover Federated Church in Dover. Burial will be in the Carbondale Cemetery in Carbondale. Mrs. VanBeber-Finlay will lie in state from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Carey Funeral Home in Burlingame, and an hour before each of the services in the churches Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roxanne Finlay Memorial Fund for the education of her children and sent in care of the Kansas State Bank at Overbrook, Kan., 66524.

CJOnline.com -- The Topeka Capital Journal, Topeka, Kansas -- August 21, 2001

Note: If anyone can identify Clarence Irvin VanBeber, the father of Roxanne, please let me know so I can tie this line into the family. (GRH)

--------------------

Violet R. Land, born May 1, 1927, Hamilton, OH, daughter of Albert Saunders and Mary VanBever of Knox Co., KY [both deceased], died Sept 2, 2001, at her home in Barbourville, Knox Co., KY. She married Arthur W. Whitman, October 1946, and Jerry G. Land in 1969.

She leaves behind eight children born to her and Arthur. Cheryl Barhke of TN, Harold Whitman of TN, Belinda Jolly of TN, Connie Louckes of TN, Lonnie Whitman of MI, William Whitman of TN, Deborah Crocker of TN, and Walter Whitman of KY. She was blessed with 27 grand-children, and many great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Angel Land, stillborn in 1969, Arthur in 1988, Jerry in 1985, another daughter, Violet Deatherage in 2000, and a brother Arthur Saunders of MI.

Hampton Funeral home was in charge, burial in Warfield Cemetery, Barbourville, KY.

MILITARY NEWS:

Isaac VanBibber and Sarah Davis
  John VanBebber and Margaret Chrisman
    Isaac VanBebber and Mary Martin
      Isaac C. VanBebber and Sarah McWilliams
        Louisa VanBebber and John Wesley Wilson
          Charley Monroe Wilson and Maggie Lee Ashton
            Joy Opal Wilson and Cleburn Monroe Brown
              Betty Jean Brown and Allen Lee Hawpe
                Teresa May Hawpe and Danny Leo Green
                  Thomas David Green

MARINES SET SAIL FOR AFGAN WAR ZONE

Corporal Thomas D. Green, one of more than 2,000 U.S. Marines set sail Saturday (Dec.1) from San Diego and were expected to be on station in the waters off Afghanistan by Christmas.

The 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Camp Pendleton left San Diego Bay aboard a trio of amphibious ships for the four-week voyage to the Arabian Sea, or any other part of the world where they are needed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The task force is led by the USS Bon Homme Richard, an amphibious assault ship similar to an aircraft carrier that serves as a base for the nearly 30 helicopters and Harrier attack jets; the other ships are the USS Pearl Harbor, which Corporal Green is serving aboard, and USS Ogden.

The 13th MEU, nicknamed "The Fighting 13th," accelerated its early-autumn training program in the weeks following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in anticipation of departing before the holidays.

Corporal Green who graduated from Emmett High School, Emmett, Idaho in May 1998 , joined the U.S. Marines in August of the same year.

--------------------

John VanBibber and Chloe Staniford
  Miriam VanBibber and John Reynolds
    Ellicott Reynolds and Elizabeth Howell
      Elizabeth VanBibber Reynolds and James Richard Smith
        Percy Howe Smith and Angeline Burlingame Middaugh
          Raymond Percy Smith and Violet Louise Mathews
            Kenneth Ray Smith and Kristine Marie Kyllo
              Anthony Ray Smith

Anthony Ray Smith was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on December 14, 2001 at Quantico, Virginia. In attendance were his proud parents, Kenneth and Kristine Smith.

The VanBibber/Parker family reunion will be held at the Sunset Farm Cabins (Great Smokey Mountains) Whittier, North Carolina on June 7^th thru the 9^th, 2002. This branch of the Van Bibber family descends from Elsa Curtis Van Bibber and Helen Ethel Luttrull of Evansville, Indiana. Anyone who would like to meet this part of the family are welcome to attend.

If you will be in the area or would like to attend please contact Esther Beckwith.

Gary, here is a URL for a Wonderful WV article on the historic excavations (Reynolds homeplace and cemetery) at Marmet.

Unfortunately it didn't have all the photos like the artifacts and aerial photos.

I will also send you a copy of the magazine.

I also have the draft excavation report. Five individuals in the cemetery had shovel shaped incisors. Two of the burials thought to be Van Bibber and James had shovel shaped incisors and the other three were not thought to be associated with the Reynolds family. This is a trait generally associated with American Indians and Asian populations but also can appear in very low frequencies in European populations. There were no teeth in John Reynolds grave and we couldn't really match up another grave with Miriam.

There is a marriage record for a Lide Van Bibber to George W. Atkins on January 22, 1882 in Miegs County, Ohio. Can anyone identify Lide Van Bibber and the names of her parents? What happened to the family of George and Lide Atkins?

I am a subscriber to the newsletter and would like to know if there is a gedcom file that has the ancestors of Olive Van Bibber Boone? I am a descendent of Alfred Hosman and Mary Boone. Their son John B. Hosman married Elizabeth Gilmore and had two children Victor Hosman and Hope Bell Hosman. Hope was married two times….1st to a ? Bonner and 2nd to John Edward Gash.

My other query is to find anyone with information about Victor Hosman.

I am Barb Mills oldest son. I truly enjoy the unbelievable amount of work and time you put into keeping the family together. You see, I know how important this is because I was fortunate enough to live on the hill in Mason county with my mother's brother, Mick, for two years. Know matter how long or how far away I go I'll always call West Virginia home. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you. God Bless and have a wonderful Holiday! Robert Mills A.K.A. Bobby Bailes

The newsletter came through GREAT! What a wonderful job! You get better each time. Thanks from all us. -- Reita Burress

It worked. Great job and many thanks for taking over the Newsletter, I look forward to it and enjoy it very much. Thanks again……Ronnie

Thanks, Wow, the newsletter looked great and I was surprised to see the photo I sent you. Your inquiry and newsletter has renewed my interest in following up with my family and helped me feel a connection to so many people I've never met. Pretty amazing. I am thrilled with your idea of identifying everyone's connection to help locate cousins. What a huge undertaking. You are gift to the whole family. God Bless.

Sandi

Whatever you did this time it came in great, just like past issues. I want to thank you so very much and am amazed at your promptness. Thanks too for making the correction of the mislabeling of Alphonso and Albert G. Boone, also for plugging the Boone Society Reunion in 2002. You are doing an outstanding job on the newsletter and we appreciate your efforts.

Arlene

Thank you so much for all the hard work and the many hours you spend on the newsletter. I may not write each month, but I always look forward to reading the many stories and it is very much appreciated by this Van Bebber descendant.

Barb Thomas

Just wanted to thank you for sending me the newsletter and to let you know it came through ok. I look forward to seeing what you are able to gather and compose for us to read. I did get some good information about Mariah Walraven and still feel we will get what we need on Isaac Van Bibber. Again thanks for all your hard work and please keep up the good work

Jim Van Bibber

I received the newsletter just fine, pictures and all. Thanks for such an outstanding job.

Dan McMurray

USA (Ret)

Susan

Subscribers: The following is the URL to the Van Bibber Pioneers website. I recommend everybody saving it as one of their favorites.

Just wanted to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. Also to thank you for the Thanksgiving treat (The Newsletter). What a way to wind down after dinner. Being able to read the newsletter and relax.

Thanks for all your efforts and they are much appreciated.

Chuck Van Bibber

Marla and I really appreciate the information that is included in the VB Newsletter each month, especially the lineages. We add these to the notes of the proper families and cite the newsletter and/or submitter as the source for other Claiborne County, TN researchers to pursue further. While we only include information prior to 1910 we find this newsletter a very necessary resource for the VanBEBBER lineage and their extended families...thanks Gary and the many contributors.

The editor reserves the right to edit contributions to the newsletter.

Editor of the Van Bibber Pioneers Electronic Newsletter:

Owner of the Van Bibber FTM database -- 41,201 names