In a message dated 7/18/98 1:52:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time, PAMERCER-D- request@rootsweb.com writes: > I will do look-ups for anyone for the following:Obits for the Mercer County > area from 1878-present. Hi Sandra I would be interested in more information about a look-up of an Obit. I recently found a small obit in the Butler Citizen from 2/21/1890 stating the death of my relative near Grove City. I am wondering if the newspaper in that area may have had a larger obit with more information. His name was Isaac Covert date of death 2-10-1890. Waiting to hear Gayle

I will do look-ups for anyone for the following:Obits for the Mercer County area from 1878-present. Cemetary inscriptions for Butler,Crawford,Lawrence and Mercer Countys. Federal Census for Mercer County from 1800's Family History's Please E-mail me for more information Thank You

Will the person that had the posting on here for the families of John Steen and Amy McCandless of the West Middlesex area of Mercer county please contact me. I lost your address and have some information concerning these people Sandy

Do any of these names mean anything to researchers of WEST, FREEMAN, MIZNER. or PERKINS anywhere in U.S ? James PERKINS married in IL 1861 to Mary Jane WEST believed to be a sister of William Freeman WEST. It's her family I need to reconstruct as she is the great great grandmother of my husband. She died before 1870 in Illinois and left three little children. We need to know her ancestors and siblings. WEST family members came to Mercer County and Rock Island County in Illinois 1840-1860 from Mercer County, Pennsylvania. I believe there is a connection with the FREEMAN and MIZNER families of PA and IL to our Mary Jane WEST PERKINS. William Freeman WEST, born in Mercer Co. PA 1841, was murdered in Rock Island County in 1876. He served in the Civil War, 13th I.V.I., as did Thomas J. WEST and Sylvester MIZNER. (Sylvester was killed in 1862 by bushwackers near Cassville MO while serving). Charles FREEMAN served in the 126th I.V.I. as did Andrew R. MIZNER also believed to have some relationship. Civil war description and murder story describe William F. WEST as being six foot 6 inches tall. Would anyone care to give me a source to pursue in Mercer Co. PA ? or any other location. Ruth J. Thompson <rujan@revealed.net> Rock Island County, Illinois

THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to help me with my never ending quest. Danni

If someone has access to the 1870 and/or 1880 Western Pa census index, I would appreciate it if they could do a look-up for three brothers: SCHRADER, Nicklas Christoph b. 1836 Germany; Hans Hinrich (Henry) b. 1840 Germany; & Christian Friedrich (Fred) b. 1843 Germany. Many thanks, Hans Schrader

Would someone be kind enough to tell me what township West Middlesex is located, to look up in the 1850 census. I am trying to find my gg grandfather Calvin Scott Greer and family. The only information I have is that he was born in West Middlesex, dates and parents unknown. I am new at this so any suggestions and information is welcomed and much appreciated. Danni

Hi Cousins; I am still looking at the circus books and there is an incredible amount of info on Dan Rice and his circus. I am having trouble organizing it so think I'll just post parts of 1 source at a time and not worry about trying to condense all of it into one posting. Meanwhile I found this and thought it intersting as it was something that circus people believed to be gospel and Dan Rice (as other did as well) fined the performer/worker if violated: Circus Superstitions �Never look back during a parade. �Never sit on the ringcurb facing out. �Never whistle in the dressing room. �Peacock feathers are bad luck. �Accidents happen in threes. �Elephants must always have their trunks up in pictures. �Hair from the tail of an elephant is good luck. (Often made into rings or bracelets....now I know why grandmother had a ring of this type!) More later; Patti

HI Cousins; This answers the question that I posted recently regarding if there was a circus community in W PA...the below proves that my sweet 90 yr. cousin was right. Now I'll research these folks and will atempt to locate more info on their circuses. If any of this rings a bell with you, please contact me. Gaylene of Houston sent the following to me: . . All info from Samuel P. Bates, "History of Erie Co., PA," (Warner, Beers, 1884). "Girard Borough Square, Monument, etc. The public square of Girard was a gift from Joseph Wells, one of the owners of the land, when the village was laid out. It is sorrounded by a number of fine buildings, but its principal objects of interest are the soldiers' monument, and the Dan Rice residence, which occupies, with grounds, a full block on the north side. The monument is a splendid shaft of marble, designed by the celebrated Chicago sculptor, Leonard Volk, inclosed by an iron railing, and dedicated November 1, 1865. It cost $6,000, the whole of which was paid by Dan Rice. The Dan Rice property embraces two and a half acres, inclosed on three sides by a heavy brick wall, and ornamented with statuary, walks, arbors, and the choicest of trees, shrubbery and flowers. The mansion itself is a large frame building. Within the inclosure is a fine conservatory, and a brick barn which cost $26,000. The cost of the wall around the grounds was $3,000. Dan Rice's first purchase in Girard was in 1853, when he bought a piece of land with building on the northwest side of the square, from Col. John McClure, for $18,000. In 1856 he moved there, and from that date continued to add to his purchase until he had possession of the entire square, at a total cost of about $60,000. Financial embarrassments lost to Dan Rice this estate, and the present owners are the estate of Avery Smith, John Nathans and Dr. G. R. Spalding. Miscellaneous . . . The adoption of Girard as the residence of Dan Rice had the effect of drawing other caterers to the public amusement there, and in course of time it became known far and wide as a "show town." Among the famous showmen who made it their residence were Dr. James L. Thayer, who started as an employe of Rice's; Charles W. Noyes, one of his pupils; Abe Henderson, Agrippa Martin and Seymour Pease, all at one period owners or part owners of extensive circuses. No less than five shows have been organized in the borough, viz., Dan Rice's, Thayer & Noyes', Rice & Forepaugh's, Anderson & Co.'s and G. R. Spalding & Co.'s. Dan Rice wintered his shows there from 1856 till the spring of 1875. Denman Thompson, the popular comedian, is a native of Girard Township. Frank Drew, Sr., the famous comedian, claims Girard as his home. Charles Stow, the editor and poet, has been a resident of the borough since 1867, and spends each winter there with his family." More later...... Patti Waldo Swaim

I am trying to find any information (birth & death) for my Grandfather William Samuel Sprong born 04/10/1896 in Sheakleyville or Hadley. He died and is buried in Denny Cemetary in Crawford County. I have his Death Cert. which just says birth in PA but my Aunt says its one of those 2 places. The big mystery is his father George Sprong was supposed to have been born in Hadley or Stoneboro. I don't know when he was born or when he died or where. He was suppose to have been a Police Officer we think. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank You Jim Young

Hi Cousins; This is the latest CIRCUS UPDATE! (a very kind Lister sent this to me and from what I have gleaned from the circus books I got yesterday evening at my local library this is the same Dan Rice from Girard. He is known as 1 of the most famous clown in "Clown Hall of Fame" and put himself in the main act of the Dan Rice Circus....I guess being the owner of the circus gave him that privilege! <grin>) here goes: "Dan RICE days in Girard PA will be July 31, Aug 1 this year. Dan RICE was a circus man and it was his costume that the caricature of Uncle Sam was based on. Dan RICE made and lost 3 fortunes and came to Girard during the peak of his career in the 1850's. Dan RICE was associated with Agrippa MARTIN of the Girard area and it was on his farm that the animals were housed in the winter. This farm is now owned by friends of mine and I have some MARTIN family history written by a woman who was born there in 1875. The brick wall with stone collums that surrounded the Dan RICE estate was not for keeping the animals in, in fact I recall reading info that Dan RICE never actually lived at what was called the Dan RICE estate. Eventually the wall was torn down and I have some of the stone collum because my grandfather was a contractor hired by the town to do the job." by Pat. As more comes in I'll share it until someone asks me to stop! I am trying to condense some of the Dan Rice info (from the circus books) and will post it soon. happy trails; Patti Waldo Swaim

Hi: I could use some help if anyone has any available. I'm looking for the will of Isaac Ramsey. He and his wife, Barbra Keener Ramsey, lived and raised their family in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. He was born in 1817 and supposedly died in 1866, however I find him listed as living in the 1870 Mill Creek, Mercer County Census records. I'm trying to prove that he was the father of James Alexander Ramsey (my Great-Grandfather). Does anyone have access to a death index or cemetery records? I don't want you to do the research for me, I just need to find a source where the information may be located? If you know of a book or microfilm record that might help, please let me know. I'll try and get the book on interlibrary loan and send for the microfilm. Thanks - Becky Ramsey Family Group Record ========================================== Husband: Isaac RAMSEY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------ Birth: Apr 16 1817 Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Census: 1820 Census: 1830 Census: 1840 Springfield Township, Mercer County, PA Census: 1850 Mill Creek Township, Mercer Co., PA Census: 1860 Mill Creek Township, Mercer Co., PA Death: Oct 26 1866 per IGI files Census: 1870 Mill Creek Township, Mercer Co., PA Marriage: Aug 9 1838 Mercer County, Pennsylvania Father: Daniel George RAMSEY (b 1776) Mother: Susannah WISE =========================================== Wife: Barbara KEENER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- Birth: Nov 9 1822 Taylor County, Kentucky Death: Jun 25 1894 Father: George KEENER Mother: =========================================== Children =========================================== 1 M Daniel Keener RAMSEY Birth: Sep 25 1839 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- 2 M Cathan RAMSEY Birth: Jul 21 1841 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania Death: Jul 7 1842 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------- 3 M Isaac RAMSEY Jr. Birth: Jan 25 1843 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania Death: Mar 2 1899 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 F Susannah RAMSEY Birth: Apr 29 1844 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 M John RAMSEY Birth: Sep 26 1846 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania Death: Jan 12 1883 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - 6 M Peter RAMSEY Birth: Aug 11 1848 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania Death: Nov 3 1856 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 M George RAMSEY Birth: Feb 3 1851 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 F Elizabeth Barbara RAMSEY Birth: Jan 7 1854 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9 M William Henry RAMSEY Birth: Jul 25 1856 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - 10 M James Alexander RAMSEY Birth: Mar 6 1858 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania Census: Aug 9 1860 Mill Creek Township, Mercer Co., Pennsyvania Census: 1900 Salome Township, Taylor County, Kentucky Census: 1910 should be in Missouri Census: 1920 should be in Arkansas Death: Aug 8 1922 Marshall, Searcy, Arkansas Burial: Marshall, Searcy, Arkansas Spouse: Sarah Alice SANDERS (m Dec 24 1878) Spouse: Edith Mabel MCALPINE (m Jan 9 1901) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 11 M Jacob Franklin RAMSEY Birth: Aug 15 1860 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 12 F Mary Madalane RAMSEY Birth: Sep 14 1862 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --- 13 M Charles Washington RAMSEY Birth: Sep 9 1866 Mercer Co., Pennsylvania ======================================== FAMILY NOTES NOTES: Isaac RAMSEY ~~~~~~~~~~ Census: LDS film # 020550 1840 Census for Springfield Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania Page #188 Jacob Ramsey 1 male, age 30-40 (this would be Jacob - brother of Isaac) 1 male, age 5-10 (a son) 1 female, age 40-50 (a wife or a sister) 1 female, age 10-15 (a daughter) 1 female, age 5-10 (a daughter) 3 females, <5 (daughters) Jacob G. Ramsey was born in 1805. He would be 35 years old in this census which makes him the male, age 30-40. ------------------------------------------ Isaac Ramsey 1 male, age 20-25 (this would be Isaac) 1 male, age 15-20 (could this be a brother?) 1 male, age 5-10 (a brother or brother-in-law?) 1 male, age <5 (his son, Daniel?) 1 female, age 15-20 (his wife, Barbara) Isaac and Barbara married in 1838. Their son Daniel was born in 1839 and would be the male listed as less than 5 years of age. As for the other 2 males listed in the home, I can only surmise that they may be younger brothers or brothers-in law. ~~~~~~~~~~ Census: 1850 Census for Mill Creek Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania Dwelling # 262, Family # 265, Pages 268,269. August 3, 1850 Isaac Ramsey, age 33, farmer, born in PA. Barbara, age 28, born in PA. Daniel, age 10, born in PA Isaac, age 7, born in PA. Susana, age 6, born in PA. John, age 4, born in PA. Peter, age 1, born in PA. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- NOTES: James Alexander RAMSEY Census: 1860 Census Mill Creek Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania Isaac Ramsey, age 48, farmer, born in PA. Barbara, age 37, born in PA. Daniel, age 31, farmer, born in PA. Susanna, age 16, born in PA. John, age 14, born in PA. George, age 8, born in PA. Elizabeth, age 6, born in PA. William, age 4, born in PA. James, age 2, born in PA. George Keener, age 63, born in PA. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- James would have been 8 years old at the time of his father's death in 1866. -------------------------------------------- Marriage record reads: Ramsey, James, age 21, born in Pennsylvania; both parents born in Pennsylvania Sanders, Sarah A., age 21, born in Taylor Co., KY, both parents born in Taylor Co., KY Bondsman: B.E.W. Sanders Marriage performed by: Rev. F. O. Parker at the home of E. T. Sanders Witnesses: John Overstreet, Church Sanders and Maggie and Frank Ramsey Date: December 24, 1878 Recorded in Marriage Book 8, page 623 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOURCES: LDS film # 444764. LDS film # 805139. International Genealogical Index (R) 1994 Edition Version 3.06. F#: 458932. LDS Film No. 447986 LDS film no. 442686 LDS film no 442651 LDS film # 804139. LDS film # 020550

Hi All, Looking for two names, possible maiden name of my gr gr grandmother. Were there any THOMPSON or MERRITT families in Mercer in the early 1800's? TIA Dee

Hi Mercer. Would someone please list the cemeteries that are around Wilmington in Mercer Co. I was told that our ancestors: John Steen and his first wife, Amy (Anna) McCandless are buried in a cemetery there. Does anyone have any info. on these two families? Thanks, Rosalie

Cousins; I have just gotten off the phone with my new found sweet elderly 2nd cousin (who is having a good memory day) in Erie (no I still have gotten to my errands yet) and got some info on Dan Rice, so here goes: He was a wealthy (cute how my cousin kept stressing this point) man in Girard who had a traveling circus which wintered in Girard. His estate had a big brick wall around it (I guess to keep the animals in or was it to keep the curious out?) and he was well know to all in the community. Cousin Annette (Waldo) said that she remembered this as a child (she was born in 1911) and there is a memorial to Dan Rice there in Girard which used to be across the street from the American Legion but when a drunken driver hit it they relocated it to a nearby hotel. Does anyone who more of this Dan Rice, the name of his circus (if I can get the name I can query the Circus Museum in Baraboo, WI), the memorial or locale of it? What is the date of Dan Rice Day?I have been sent suggestions (from some very kind helpful Listers) to check some local newspapers in Youngstown and some websites in Crawford CO and Trumbull CO, OH of which I plan to do later today! Will post any info I locate. happy trails on da hunt; Patti (Waldo Swaim) >>>>> We are but a bundle of our ancestory �. Ralph Waldo Emerson (an ancestor of mine)

Hi Rooters, Listers and Cousins; In response to my query I posted regarding my G. Aunt Martha (Mattie) Waldo Chapman and her husband Wm. Chapman's involvment with the circus I have received the following info: "Contact the Girard PA area chamber of commerce & see if they have anything on the Circus information...I seem to remember a statue or plaque or something there and remember sometime ago[no idea when it was!]there was an article in a newspaper about a circus involved with Girard PA....At one time there was a bar in Conneaut named "The Circus Bar" and the man that owned it was from a circus---that was in the paper too but don't ask me when...." Do any of you know of this? Is there a Girard Chamber of Historical Society? I find this to be very interesting as my family lived in the Girard area from about 1840-1900 then they moved to Erie City so I bet this had something to do with all the WALDO circus folks! Also am still looking for info on my Gr. Uncle Wm. Chapman [was the Circus Legal Adjuster that my Aunt Martha (Mattie) Waldo married]. Are there any CHAPMAN's out there that have him in their tree? Also wonder what newspaper that would have been? If I can find out I'll contact them for copy of article. Is the statue still there? Or the Bar? If I am overlooking the obvious, please forgive as I am still a newbie and have lots to learn! I am always open for suggestion and very thankful for all the help you all have provided me! happy trails; Patti :) P.S. Gosh, I didn't know it was so late this morning and I have a zillion errands to run. This genealogy research gets ahold of me and the day is gone before I know it <grin>! Do any of you have that prob as well?

I am looking for the address (if still in business) of the Reinsel Funeral Home in Farrell, Pa. Could you please help me? Lola

Does anyone have access to the actual records of this cemetery? "Tom" has found who I was looking for in "Mercer Cty, Pennsylvania Cemetery inscriptions". Now I need what details are available. Do anyone know what funeral homes are/were located in Fredonia 1932-80?. Or have any other suggestions? What newspaper might have obits? What local library/archive might have old telephone books/city directories? I am trying to locate living descendents. Hans Schrader President, German Genealogy Group Member info sent upon request

Subject: Mercer Cty cemetary look-up Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: AOL 3.0 for Windows 95 sub 49 I tried to send this directly, but it bounced. Would greatly appreciate it if you could check for: Schrader, Edward born July 1875 Schrader, Ilda or Hilda born Apr 1879 (his wife) These people lived in Fredonia in the 1950s. No further info is available. Any other ideas on how to locate them or descendents would be appreciated. Thanks so very much for your efforts. Hans Schrader

It has been some time since I last posted my search for information concerning my James Munnell line. James was born in Washington Co. in 1776 but moved early to Mercer Co. There he had landholdings and married Martha Elder. They eventually settled in Scott Twp which is now part of Lawrence Co. Any help in locating land, cemetery and/or will records will be appreciated. Harry