Looking for information about Christopher LANCE (b ca 1742 in Sussex Co NJ, d 24 Nov 1842 in Jefferson Co OH) married on 5 May 1778 in Sussex Co NJ to Sarah JOHNSON (b ca 1751 in Sussex Co NJ, d 10 Mar 1833 in Wayne CO OH). They were the parents of Peter, Abraham, John, Susan, Catherine, William, Elizabeth, Henry, James (all born in Sussex Co NJ); Lucy (born probably in Washington Co PA ); and Sarah and Mary Polly (born in Jefferson Co OH). Looking for information about the parents and siblings of Christopher and Sarah.

Another fine example of a "more is better" information packed obit NJ Herald newspaper, Newton, NJ dated Weds, 9 June 1886 Mrs. Rachel A. HEDGES, whose death was announced in last week's paper, is entitles to more than a passing notice. The rare christian graces which characterized her long and useful life made their impress upon those with whom she mingled and have left precious memories to her family and friends whom she served and blessed as only a true woman could do. She was the fourth child of Jonathan and Sarah (ANDERSON) BALDWIN and was born in Newton, June 5, 1806, and was only five days short of being 80 years old at the time of her death. Her father was born in Elizabeth Town, N.J. about the year 1753 and was married to Sarah Anderson, of Hunterdon county, July 9, 1799. He died in Newton Dec. 19, 1819 and his wife August 12, 1822. Jonathan Baldwin was a tanner and currier and carried on an extensice and successful business where Mrs. James R. HULL now resides in Newton. Their family consisted of the following members: Matthias Frazier Baldwin, born April 2, 1800, died at Lesser Cross Roads, Somerset Co, NJ Sept. 28, 1874. His wife was Hannah JORALOMAN whom he married in 1821. John Anderson Baldwin, born July 5, 1802, and died April 1, 1814. William A. Baldwin, born Nov. 8, 1804, married Sarah HATHORN, of New York, January 28, 1828, and who died May 25, 1869. William A. resides in Newark at the advanced age of nearly 82 years, where he held the office of Sheriff and is now collector of the Customs, a position which he has held for many years. He is believed to be the oldest living native of Newton. Rachel Ann Baldwin, born June 1, 1806, married Dr. Stephen HEDGES, January 1824, and died May 31, 1896. Robert Mattison Baldwin, born May 12, 1809 and died Feb. 10, 1810. William A. Baldwin is the only survivor of the family. All the others died and were buried in Newton, excepting Matthias Frasier (sic) Baldwin, who died in Somerset county as above stated and was buried in the Bedminster cemetery. Dr. Stephen Hedges, the husband of the deceased, was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (WOODHULL) HEDGES, and was born at Chester, Morris county, Feb. 15, 1798. He studied medicine with Dr. Lewis CONDIT, of Morristown, and Dr. George HOPKINS, of Newton. He graduated from the college of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, in April 18189 and received his diploma. Dr. Hopkins died the same year, and young Dr. Hedges succeeded to his practice in Newton. He died August 10, 1845, just in the prime of his manhood and in the midst of his usefulness. The children of Stephen and Rachel A. Hedges were: Elizabeth, wife of the late George H. NELDEN, who died Nov. 26, 1878 leaving three children viz.: Mary H. (Nelden) who died April 25, 1886; John H. the present County Clerk of Sussex, and Lucy L. who is teaching at Morristown. Sarah, wife of Theodore LITTELL, of Morristown. Dr. Joseph Hedges, a practicing physician of Branchville. Mary, Frances and Julia, all residing in Newton and Emma, who died about two years ago. Mrs. Hedges had for many years been a consistent and devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and always manifested a deep interest in tis welfare. To her family she was all that the best of mothers could be, and in the community, where her example was always felt for good, her counsels and charities fell as noiselessly and gentle as the dews of heaven, bringing blessings upon those around her. Always feeling a lively interest in passing events she lived to do good and died as one whose life's work was well done. She was buried in the new cemetery in Newton on Thursday last, her funeral services being conducted by the Rev. A. H. Young, pastor of the Presbyterian church. Happy Hunting, Cathy DiPietro vdpcom@warwick.net listowner: NJSussex

Seeing the obits on here makes me jealous to find some from my Coursen relatives in Stillwater, NJ. Anyone have obits from Joseph Hurd Coursen (d. 1901) or Mary Elizabeth Shafer Coursen (d. 1911)? Always interested in any info on Shafer, Coursen, Hurd. Barb Frost, IL

>From the Sussex Independent, Friday, Feb. 28, 1902: "From our Newton Correspondent." "Howard Little is enjoying the possession of a beautiful sleigh. It is substantial in construction, and voluminous in capacity. Its color is a harmonious blending of pearl gray, pink and old gold. Two slender black swans necks gracefully droop over the front of the structure. Mr. Little is an antiquarian of rare and ripe research. His sleigh is named 'The Ararat.' It is said to have been constructed by a Mr. Noah, soon after his retirement from the boat business." Thought the above to be interesting! Does it help someone? Mona in Indiana

>From the Sussex Independent, 10January 1902: "Mrs. Carrie Frazee Martin, widow of Nathaniel T. Martin, died at her home in Plainfield, N. J., on Friday, January 3, aged about sixty eight years. Deceased was a daughter of the late Jotham Frazee of Plainfield, and was married about thirty five years ago to Mr. Martin, who was a son of the late Hymphrey Martin, of this township, and who, prior to his removal to Plainfield, resided for a number of years on what is now known as the Lydia Martin place, about a half mile from this borough, on the Hamburg road. Mrs. Martin is survived by two children, Miss Mara B., residing at home, and Walter, who holds a responsible position with the Swift Company at Porto Rico. The funeral services were held at her late residence in Plainfield on Monday." Mona in Indiana

>From the 10 January 1902 issue, Sussex Independent: "We are in receipt of a letter announcing the death of Mrs. Sarah Harden VAN SICKLE, which occurred at her home in Ottawa, Kansas, Oct. 10, 1901. The deceased was born in Wantage township, June 14, 1834, and in 1857 moved to Clarkson, Monroe County, N. Y., where she married the following year to Jacob H. Van Sickle. In 1876 they moved to Kansas, where she has resided ever since. She was the mother of six children, three of whom are still living. Deceased was the daughter of the late Demmon and Amy Rosenkrans Harden. Mrs. Catherine Harden, widow of James Harden, a brother of the deceased, still resides on the old homestead, near Unionville." Mona in Indiana

>From the NJ Herald, February 10, 1944: Mrs. Elizabeth Bross, 85, widow of Emory Bross, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Floyd Walker of 58 Merriam avenue, Saturday. She was the daughter of William Sargent and Catherine Case and, besides Mrs. Walker, she is survived by a son by a former marriage, Leslie Thomas of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Funeral services were held at the Luse and Smith Funeral Home Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock. Rev. Frank Stanton of Newton Baptist Church was in charge. Burial was in Deckertown Union Cemetery, Sussex. I hope this helps someone. Mona in INdiana

I tried again & it worked. It must be one of those mysterious net things. :>) Keep trying! It's worth it! Cindy

http://www.gate.net/~pascalfl/ I have been accessing this page for ages, it's great Nancy! However today it says I am forbidden access. Has this page been removed? Thanks, Cindy

Does anyone know if the records or tombstone inscriptions for the Andover Presbyterian Church have been printed? Or on a web site? thanks. Mona in Indiana

NJ Herald newpaper, Newton, NJ dated Weds, 5 May 1886 (scorecards will be available in the lobby) Samuel L. Bevans Will A suit that has been watched with considerable interest by the people of Port Jervis and in the over-the-mountain district, has just been disposed of in the Orange county (NY) courts by Judge C. F. Brown. It was the suit of Hannah J. RUNDLE, of Montague township vs. Chas. F. VanIGWEGAN and others, as executors of the estate of Samuel L. BEVANS, deceased. The following is a history of the case as given by the Port Jervis Gazette: In the year 1864 Samuel L. Bevans resided near Hainesville in Montague township on the homestead farm of his father, and in that year was married to Miss Hannah SHAY, a well-known and respected resident of that township. The marriage did not prove to be a happy one and we find that in the following year the couple separated, Bevans taking up residence in Indiana, leaving his wife behind. After remaining in Indiana about two years Bevans obtained a divorce in the courts of that State from his New Jersey wife and came east, taking up residence in Port Jervis. He went into business there and prospered, and about the year 1870 married Miss Lavinia WALKER, a highly respected young lady of that village. He continued to live with her up to the time of his death, which occurred in June, 1883. He bequethed his property to his nephew, Will Bevans, of that village, in trust of his wife. His second wife died a few months after his decease. After the marriage of Mr. Bevans to Miss Walker, his first wife, Miss Shay, was married in 1874 to Peter V. RUNDLE, of Hainesville. At the time of her second marriage to Rundle, Mrs. Bevans, nee Shay, informed the minister who married her that she was divorced from Bevans. Upon the death of Bevans, Mrs Rundle was informed by her counsel that the Indiana divorce obtained by Bevans was not legal and that she was entitled to her dower in her first husband's estate. She accordingly brought suit to recover her dower right and acting on the suggestion of her counsel (she had borne children to Rundle in the meantime) she was again married to Rundle in order to legitimize her children. This second marriage to Rundle was performed after the suit was commenced. Councel for Will Bevans, the heir of Samuel L. Bevans, contested the suit on the ground that the late Samuel L. Bevans had obtained a divorce from his first wife and that in any event she was stopped by her marriage with Rundle from her drawing her dower right in his estate. A vast amount of testimony and a large amount of documentary evidence was submitted. Judge Brown holds that Mrs Rundle was the only lawful wife of Samuel L. Bevans at the time of his death; that the Indiana divorce obtained by him from his first wife is absolutely void; that Mrs Rundle is entitled to dower right in all his property and that the fact of Mrs Bevans marrying Rundle was a matter over which the court had no control, and that no act of hers could create a lawful divorce, and concluded that the plantiff must have judgement with costs. Mr. Bevans left an estate valued at about $20,000 and under this decision Mrs Rundle will be entitled to half of the personal and a third of the real estate. Bevans left no children by either Mrs Rundle or his second wife. It will thus be seen that both husband and wife were married a second time and that the second marriage of each is declared illegal. Probably this case will be appealed. Probably, Cathy DiPietro listowner NJSussex-L

New Jersey Herald - Newton, NJ dated Weds.7 April 1886 (the comments in () are mine) SWAPPING WIVES - Indignation and surprise were depicted on every face at Barton's Bluff, this State, on Friday last, when it became known that two well-known citizens had exchanged or traded wives. Peter DeWITT and Henry J. VAIL were the men who, it was said, had decided that wives or jack-knives could be swapped at will. A well-known farmer who usually employs DeWitt during the summer months, to help him on his farm, drove up on Friday evening to speak with him. He was met by Mrs. Vail, who said: "He hasn't come home yet." "What are you doing here?" inquired the astonished farmer. Mrs. Vail told him (oops) that she and Mrs. DeWitt had changed places, and that DeWitt had given Vail $80 in addition. Several neighbors who heard of the trade a few hours later (gee, that well-known farmer works fast) called to investigate matters. All concerned acknowledged it and appeared satisfied (hmmm). A warning has been sent ("don't try this at home?") for them to leave the place inside of 24 hours. DeWitt had been married three years and was the father of one child, who died. Vail has been married a little over a year (so the $80 was for extra wear and tear?) although he was a widower before he married his present wife. Both men were good friends (indeed.) Sorry, I couldn't resist the comments but all other text is as it appears in the paper. No, I don't know where Barton's Bluff is - does anyone? Happy Hunting, Cathy DiPietro

Greetings Folks, I found this very informative obituary in the New Jersey Herald dated Thurs, 23 Jan 1919: Richard VAUGHAN, who passed away at his residence in Lafayette on the 10th inst., was the second son of Jacob and Luzilla (SNOVER) VAUGHAN, who resided near what is now known as "Vaughan's Cemetery" in Sparta township. He was born January 7th, 1837, and was thus exactly eighty-two years of age. His grandfather, Richard Vaughan, came to this place from Knowlton in Warren county, then a part of Sussex county. He was the second son of the Rev. Daniel Vaughan, whose first wife was Dinah WATKINS. The Rev. Daniel Vaughan, according to Morgan Edwards history of the Baptists of New Jersey, was a native of Hunterdon county and was for many years pastor of the Knowlton Baptist church, which was located in the old cemetery, now known as the "Union Brick Cemetery" near Blairstown. He was born June 17th, 1746 and died May 29th, 1810, and is buried in the cemetery. The tombstone of his first wife records the names of their eleven children. Subsequently, Mr. Vaughan married a Mrs Hannah OGDEN nee REED, by whom he had seven children. The inscription on the tombstones are most interesting and include some quaint verses expressing Christian sentiments. Richard Vaughan was born November 16th, 1774 and married Mary SWAZY, by whom he had five daughters and one son, Jacob, the father of Deacon Vaughan, who died last week. For some years Mr. Vaughan taught school in the vicinity of Lafayette but subsequently purchased the farm now owned by his son, Judson. In 1872, he married Hannah Jane, daughter of James C. BEVANS and Sarah ROSENKRANS, of Peter's Valley. Mrs. Vaughan died in March, 1909, in the home where Mr. Vaughan has resided since his retirement from active farming. During the greater part of his life Mr. Vaughan has been a Deacon of the Lafayette Baptist church, which he served with unusual loyalty and devotion. He is survived by three sons, Elmer E., of California; James A., formerly of Newton but now of Franklin, and Judson V., of Lafayette. Also by three sisters, Mrs. Mary MABIE, of Hamburg; Mrs Sarah WILSON, of North Church, and Mrs Lenora MORRIS, of Burdette, NY, also by one brother, John, of Newton. Throughout his life Mr. Vaughan was a staunch Democrat byt never sought office for himself or figured actively in political affairs. Hope this helps someone, Cathy DiPietro listowner NJSussex

I have some Decker's in my tree from Sussex County, as follows: Isaac Decker born 1785 in Sussex Co., NJ - married Hannah Elizabeth McCollum Children Aaron Decker - born 1811 in Sussex Co, NJ, Abigail Decker - born 1814 in Jefferson Creek Ohio, and Stephen Overton Decker - born Feb. 8, 1817 in Jefferson Creek Ohio. Aaron married a Deborah Oliver in Guemsey Co, Ohio in April 1836. They then moved from Ohio to Ft. Scott Kansas (Bourbon County). Perhaps these are some of the Decker's that left Sussex Co. to Ohio that Cyndi is looking for? Have no idea whom the parents of Isaac Decker were..... Pam

Hello all, My wife and I went to the Peter's Valley Art show in where else Peter's Valley, Warren County yesterday. The Warren County Historical Society had an exhibit there with a number of old photographs with the names "Decker", "Van Campen", and others on them. They were also selling books with these names as well, which looked to be pretty interesting. For those of you who are interested the show is today too, rain or shine 10-5, and cost $5 each for admission we thought it was well worth it. ---Mark

Am seeking information regarding my first cousin, Joyce Elaine Miller, born in either Bayonne or Jersey City, Hudson County, NJ. She is the daughter of William Henry Miller and Loretta Miller, and I last visited her at her house near Lake Wawayanda. It's been a long time and she's a missing piece of the family puzzle. Thanks in advance for any help. Regards, Karen Isley Seiferth Florida

Dear Sheryl, There were a few Countrymans in the Minisink area in the 1750s. In the Walpack Dutch Reformed Church in Sussex Co., NJ, on 4 Oct 1747 "Rachel", the daughter of Hendrick Countryman and Arriaentje Keyser, was baptized. On 7 May 1750 in the Machackemack Dutch Reformed CHurch in Port Jervis, Orange County, NY, Joseph, the son of John Hoeper and Maria Bishoff, was baptized. The godparents were Martin Feber and his wife, Anna Maria Conterman. In the Walpack CHurch on 19 Jul 1752 Jacobus, the son of Adam Dingeman and Maritje Van Garden, was baptized. The witnesses were Jacobus Van Garden and Maria Elisabeth Contryman. At Walpack on 26 Dec 1753 were married Pieter Conterman, young man born in Germany and living at Palmyskill, and Catharina Hover, young woman, born in Germany and living at Walpeck. You are probably aware that Hank Z. Jones, Jr. writes up an immigrant GONDERMAN family on pages 294-297 of his volume I of "The Palatine Families of New York". Dorothy On Sat, 23 Sep 2000, Butch & Sher wrote: > > > > WILLIAM COUNTRYMAN /CONTERMAN, 1755 > > > > Sussex Co., NJ Listers, > > > > Again, still, I find myself against the infamous "Brick Wall". > > Can anyone help me? > > > > > > > In Lower Smithfield, Northampton Co., PA area there was a family by the > > name of COUNTRYMAN/CONTERMAN who were involved with the Moravians and the > > Indian troubles of the 1750's. > > > > > > Names I have found in Moravian and other records of the time include > > WILLIAM, FREDERICK, HENRY, ARRIAENTJE, ANDRES, MARGARET, CATHERINE, EVA > > MARIA, PETER, RACHEL, ELIZABETH, JOHN. > > > > > > Has anyone ever run across any of these names in their research of the > > area, especially WILLIAM COUNTRYMAN? > > > WILLIAM was in the area in 1755 and then dissappears. He may have > crossed > > the Delaware into northwestern New Jersey after Indians burned down his > house. Was that > > a popular decision among the Blue Mountain inhabitants who had been > > harrassed by Indian troubles in the area? > > > > > > My ancestor, CONRAD GONTTERMAN/COUNTRYMAN, shows up in Sussex County, NJ > > by 1764. I am hoping to connect him to the Lower Smithfield group. > > > > > > Thank you, > > > > > > Sheryl Gunderman Robinson > > > Horseheads, NY > > >

> > WILLIAM COUNTRYMAN /CONTERMAN, 1755 > > Sussex Co., NJ Listers, > > Again, still, I find myself against the infamous "Brick Wall". > Can anyone help me? > > > > In Lower Smithfield, Northampton Co., PA area there was a family by the > name of COUNTRYMAN/CONTERMAN who were involved with the Moravians and the > Indian troubles of the 1750's. > > > > Names I have found in Moravian and other records of the time include > WILLIAM, FREDERICK, HENRY, ARRIAENTJE, ANDRES, MARGARET, CATHERINE, EVA > MARIA, PETER, RACHEL, ELIZABETH, JOHN. > > > > Has anyone ever run across any of these names in their research of the > area, especially WILLIAM COUNTRYMAN? > > WILLIAM was in the area in 1755 and then dissappears. He may have crossed > the Delaware into northwestern New Jersey after Indians burned down his house. Was that > a popular decision among the Blue Mountain inhabitants who had been > harrassed by Indian troubles in the area? > > > > My ancestor, CONRAD GONTTERMAN/COUNTRYMAN, shows up in Sussex County, NJ > by 1764. I am hoping to connect him to the Lower Smithfield group. > > > > Thank you, > > > > Sheryl Gunderman Robinson > > Horseheads, NY

Hi, Folks... I've added the record of marriages of the Harmony Presbyterian Church to my web site. This record covers the years from 1832 to 1883. You'll find the record beginning at http://raub-and-more.com/harmonymarriages.html. Jan Reuther

I'm looking for the parents/family of Peter DECKER. In 1850 he was living in Huron Co., OH w/ his wife, children & in-laws Simon WESTFALL & Esther BRINK. Peter Decker's wife was Jane Westfall b. July 26, 1806 (according to DRC records of Sussex Co., NJ), Peter was listed as age 44 so also a birth year of c1806 NJ, children were: James age 19 (b. 1831) NY & Cornelia A. age 16 (b. 1834) NY . Simon WESTFALL was age 67 b. NJ & his wife Esther Brink was 60 b. NJ. She might be the Esther bap.14 SEP 1790 in Machackemeck the d/o James Brink & Arrientje Rosenkrans. As for Simon, there were so many Simon Westfalls that I just don't know! My interest is convoluted. Also next door to them was Jacob V. COURTRIGHT b. 1799 Beaver Co., PA, s/o my John Courtright. Jacob was married 2x, 1st wife unknown "possibly" to Lydia Jane Westfall, sister to Jane Westfall Decker. Jacob's children were: John b. 1827 , Lydia b. 1832, William b. 1835, & Jacob b. 1837. Jacob's 2nd wife was Margaret , probably the widow of Alfred Willoughby. If anyone knows anything abt these folks I'd love to hear it! The Courtrights are a major brick wall for me. I've been rsearching them for over 6 years & only in the past few months was informed my line was all wrong. I have hundreds of Courtrights & related families in my files, but none so far connected to "my" line. I know that the WESTFALL, DECKERS & Courtrights were as think as fleas on a dog (to quote a friend ). Any & all clues appreciated. Thanks, Cindy