My great grandfather, James Quinter KEENER pursued genealogy in the mid 1900s. Occasionally I run across family information he typed up and I like to post it to the genealogy lists to share. I can not verify completely the information he wrote, but he loved the family history and I certainly am glad that he passed it on. For those interested in knowing more about my great grandfather, he was born in November of 1885 in Greene Co., PA, and died in May 1975 in Crafton, Allegheny Co., PA. He was married to Effie Pearl WOLFE of Preston Co., WV, in 1912. The family surnames included in his own genealogy were KEENER, MILLER, HOARD, JOHN, HEROD, LEWIS, TOOMBS, MCVICKER, BIGLER, DAVIES, GILLELAND, QUICK. Kelly McEntee San Rafael, CA ************************************************************** Written by James Quinter Keener THE FORDYCE FAMILY Catherine Miller 1805 - 1887 Catherine Miller was a sister to grandfather Asa Miller and was married to Justice Fordyce. They lived on a farm not far from Smithfield, Fayette Co. Pa. There may have been other children but the only record available is of Jerome, Benton, and John M. Fordyce, 1831-1859. None of these were ever married. Catherine died in 1887 and son Benton in 1905. They are buried in Fairview Cemetery, in the vacinity of Smithfield, Fayette Co., Pa. No record is available as to where Justice Fordyce is buried. The following information as to Benton Fordyce was obtained partly from Mr. Black, of Black's Restaurant, Smithfield, Pa: Benton evidently lived on the home farm during his entire life. From all reports he was rather eccentric but had a philosophy all his own. Some of his comments were; "keep your bodies from the doctors, your money from the lawyers and your soul from the devil." Speaking of his mother, "she had her up's and down's in life but mostly down's, but the look of contentment on her face after death convinced me she was in heaven." It is reported that he died from drinking too much cider from a rusty bucket, and previous to his death had provided $100.00 to be paid to a colored quartette from Uniontown, Pa. to sing at his funeral and on the way to the cemetery, the song being, "Will there be any Stars in my Crown." It is also reported that after his death the house was badly damaged by vandal's looking for money supposed to be hidden. A few gold coins were said to have been found in a lead pipe with the ends closed, and some paper money in the family bible. A quilt made about 1837 with Benton's name embroidered on it is in possession of Mr. & Mrs. Allen W. Sandidge of Mulberry, Kan. Is in very good condition after all the years. Jerome and John M. Fordyce went to California in 1850 and the following is a copy of a letter written to the Genius of Liberty, a newspaper published in Uniontown, Pa. at that time. Sebastophol, Sacramento Co. Calif. Sept. 3, 1859. Editor of the Genius: I will be under obligation to you if you will please announce the following sad news: My brother, Johm M. Fordyce, was murdered on the 19th. of Aug. by a Chinaman under the following circumstances. On Sunday morning about 6 o'clock a Chinaman called in and wished to sell some gold dust, having it in three packages. Two packages were weighed by deceased and paid for. The third package was presented and while deceased was stooping in the act of opening his safe to get some money the Chinaman stabbed him in the right side, inflicting a wound 5 or 6 inches deep, pene- trating the lungs. Deceased turned on the Chinaman with the knife in his side. The Chinaman seeing he was confronted drew out the knife and ran. There were no other persons present and the Chinaman escaped. The deceased lingered until the 21st. of Aug. when he died. He said, during his suffering, he could identify the perpetrator of the deed if brought to him. A number of Chinamen were brought to his bedside, but the right one was not brought. The deceased was a Mason and made in Fayette Lodge at Uniontown. He went to California in 1850 and visited his old home in 1854. In the fall of the same year he returned to this state where he remained until his death. His death caused much surprise as well as regret among his acquaintances here. He was buried with Masonic Honors. On the lid of his coffin a silver plate bore this inscription: John M. Fordyce died August the 21st. 1859, Aged 28 years. Yours truly, Signed Jerome Fordyce. At an unknown date Catherine Fordyce presented three cups and saucers to my mother and one set to each of the three daughter's of William L. Miller of Mulberry, Kan. Jean Keener Swartz and Lila Keener Lewis each own a set. One set was broken. When I was a young boy I remember my mother saying these cups and saucers were brought from California. No doubt John M. Fordyce brought them on his trip hom, 1854. **************************************************************