free discussion group at: http://www.egroups.com/group/Paotingfu M.Adams started this discussion group after great response to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article about Rev. Frank Simcox and his familles death at Paotingfu due to the Boxer Rebellion. Sylvia M. Coast

In a message dated 7/6/00 2:06:53 AM Pacific Daylight Time, PAVENANG-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: << "Frank Edson Simcox was born in Bullion, Venango Co., Pa, the son of Shedrick Simcox and Sarah L. Anderson Simcox. His wife was May Gilson of Mercer Co., near Grove City. Her parents were Thomas and Margaret Ketler Gilson. Margaret was a cousin of Isaac Ketler. >> Does anybody know who the Parents of Thomas Gilson were? My Margaret (Peggy) Thompson Steen (b. c1795) m. as her 2nd Husband John Gilson (or McGilson) sometime after her 1st (William Steen) was killed in the Mexican war in the 1840's. Peggy m. John Gilson sometime before 1865 since there is a Deed in that year from Jesse H. Steen (Peggy's son) & Susannah, his wife, for 30 acres in Allegheny Twp., Venango Co., Pa. to Margaret Gilson. At that time both Peggy Thompson Steen Gilson & Jesse H. Thompson were residents of Alleghent Twp. I would be grateful for ANY clues! For a family of supposedly 18 children (most of whom were raised by others after their father died) the Steen/Thompson Clan is amazingly hard to get a handle on! Thanks. Sincerely, Sharon Lantzy Wygant SURNAMES: Anderson, Como, Hasselor, Heintz, Kingston, Lamer (Leamer, Lehmer), Lantzy (Lenzi), Lydick (Leidig), McAnulty, McCullough, McLane (McLain,McLean, McLene), O'Cain, Patton, Robertson/Robinson, Shankle, Simpson, Sitter, Steen, Stuchell, Thompson (Thomson), White, Wygant.

This information comes from The Evening News, Franklin, Pa July 28, 1900 and from research of others. I only have info on Frank Simcox, at this time. I will check at the library on Friday. Frank Edson Simcox 30 Apr. 1867 - 30 June 1900 married 07 June 1893 to May Gilson 05 Feb. 1868 - 30 June 1900 Paul Gilson Simcox 1894 - 30 June 1900 Francis Raymond Simcox 1896 - 30 June 1900 Margaret Simcox 1899 - 30 June 1900 [The children were aged 6 years, 5 years and six months.] Rev. Frank E. Simcox was aged 30 years [sic]. He attended local schools [in the Bullion area, probably] and later went to Grove City College to prepare for the ministry. He graduated and then attended Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny. He had been in China about seven years and was to return to this country that summer. Besides his parents, three brothers and three sisters survived; John and Horace, New Castle; Lev, Bullion; Mrs. A. W. Raymond, Grove City; Mrs. Eckles, Chicago; Mrs. Austin, Bullion. Mrs. W. S. Whitaker of Franklin was also a relative. Sylvia M. Coast

"Frank Edson Simcox was born in Bullion, Venango Co., Pa, the son of Shedrick Simcox and Sarah L. Anderson Simcox. His wife was May Gilson of Mercer Co., near Grove City. Her parents were Thomas and Margaret Ketler Gilson. Margaret was a cousin of Isaac Ketler. The three Simcox children who were also killed with the parents and other missionaries were: Paul Gilson Simcox, Francis Raymond Simcox and Margaret Simcox." Does anyone have the birth dates and places on Frank, wife and children? Also who were Frank's siblings. I have his parents and sister Elizabeth. Were there any others? Helen

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/Venango?read=2141 Surname: Carner ------------------------- I have a greatgrandmother Virginia Lee whose father was, maybe a DR. in civil war. Need any help. Thanks Bob

I missed the Post Gazette article about the Simcox family who were slain in China in 1900, but there was one also in the Allied News of Grove City recently. Mike Adams of Grove City, and the Grove City Historical Society hope to publish a book on the subject. I have the Simcox story on file at Franklin Public Library and there is an article prepared by Byron Calvin Allen of Ohio, a Simcox researcher, formerly Wesley, PA which includes "The Tragedy of Pao-ting-fu." written by Isaac Ketler who was president of Grove City College. Ketler first conducted an academic school in the Stone Church [Scrubgrass Pres. church in Scrubgrass Twp., Venango Co.] in 1873-1874. Frank Edson Simcox was born in Bullion, Venango Co., Pa, the son of Shedrick Simcox and Sarah L. Anderson Simcox. His wife was May Gilson of Mercer Co., near Grove City. Her parents were Thomas and Margaret Ketler Gilson. Margaret was a cousin of Isaac Ketler. The three Simcox children who were also killed with the parents and other missionaries were: Paul Gilson Simcox, Francis Raymond Simcox and Margaret Simcox. Sylvia M. Coast

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=425 Surname: Smalley ------------------------- Oil City Derrick 26 Jan 1895 William Smalley Wm. Smalley, aged 34 years, died at his residence in Siverlyville on Thursday morning. His disease was consumption and his death was not unexpected. For years he has been an employee at the paraffine woks of the Imperial refinery, and was an industrious as well as a respected citizen. He leaves a wife and family, who have the sympathy of all who know them. The funeral services will be held at the house at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. Rev. Deets will officiate. The interment will be in Grove Hill cemetery.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=424 Surname: Shontz, Baker, Bills ------------------------- 27 June 1913 Shonts, Mrs. Esther 66 died at home at McPhersons Corners, Pinegrove twp 20 June. Children Henry, Hill City: Ezra, McPhersons Corners: Mrs. Jennie Baker, Pearl, Titusville: Mrs. Lolla Bills, Coal Hill. Burial in President Cemetery.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=423 Surname: Shontz, Barner, Bills ------------------------- Venango Daily Herald 23 June 1913 Shontz, Esther Ann, died at McPhersons Corners on Friday. Interment in President Cemetery. Her husband is deceased. Children Zephaniah, Ezra, Henry, Mrs. Jennie Barner and Mrs. Lottie Bills.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=422 Surname: Williams ------------------------- The Spectator May 4, 1882 WILLIAMS--Died--At his home in Frenchcreek township,Venango Co., Pa, on Tuesday, April 25th, 1882, Elijah S. Williams, aged seventy years, one month and one day. Mr. Williams was born in the State of New York, March 24th, 1812. In 1822 he came with his father to Franklin, shortly afterward he removed with his parents to Frenchcreek township to the place on which he resided until the time of his death. For sixty years he was a resident of Venango county and could tell many an interesting story of the early days, when the county was almost a wilderness. He was s man of sound judgement, genial disposition, and always ready to help a neighbor in time of need. For many years he had been consistent and highly respected member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He leaves a wife and ten children, all grown to adult age. In his death they mourn the loss of a good husband and kind father, while his large circle of friends will miss a generous neighbor. We commend his sorrowing family to the God of the widow and the fatherless for consolation in their bereavement, and for preparation to meet him in that Haven of Rest prepared for the righteous. "For godly sorrow worketh repentence to salvation not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world worketh death."

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/Venango?read=2137 Surname: Williams ------------------------- Did your R H Williams leave French Creek township and with his brothers move to Kansas in 1884?

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/Venango?read=2136 Surname: Rudy, Schock ------------------------- Looking for family members of this family of Ethel Rudy b. Sept. 23, 1907 d. 1857 and Raymond Schock. Their children were Raymond, Barbara, Martha, David, John. Would like some info. on this family.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/Venango?read=2135 Surname: Simcox ------------------------- There was a facinating article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about a Frank Simcox (wife May)last Friday (6/30/2000). The couple and their children died during the Boxer Rebellion in China on June 30, 1900. Reverend Frank Simcox had been sent by Presbyterian church of Clearfield. The article states that he was a native of Bullion, Venango County. Does anyone know how Frank Simcox connects into the Shadrach Simcox line? I am the g,g grandaughter of Robert Simcox born 1839 who moved to Illinois. Thanks to Dawna for the excellent Simcox history.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/Venango?read=2133 Surname: Collingwood, McQuiston, McMillen ------------------------- Sher: I found the following on the Venango County Civil War Monument: 4th. Regiment, Company K-D. McMillen Company I-J. McMillen, Jr. & A. McMillen These are only soldiers that died in the Civil War. Hope this helps. Karen

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Query Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/Venango?read=2132 Surname: Rembold, dolittle ------------------------- John Conrad Rembold born 1838 died 1925 Lived in Cranberry, Venago Co Effie Dolittle lived in Cranberry

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=420 Surname: Beatty, Wygant, Stokes, Winkler, Ragan, Shoffstall, Proper, McCullough, Tracy, Beightol, Bowser, Weston ------------------------- Obit Abstract Venango Citizen Press Feb. 11, 1914 Ira Beatty, 79, many years a resident of Cooperstown, died Friday (Feb. 6) at home of his daughter Mrs. Peter Stokes of Dempseytown where he had lived since his wife's death 3 years ago. Survived by children Charles, Marvin, Leonard, Mrs. Edward Winkler of Franklin; Mrs. Victor Regan of Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Cassius Shoffstall and James of Cooperstown; Mrs. R. C. Proper of Wallaceville; Mrs. Peter Stokes of Dempseytown. Obit Abstract Venango Citizen Press March 29, 1911 Mrs. Phoebe Beatty, wife of Ira Beatty, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Cassius Shoffstall, in Jackson Twp, Wednesday, March 22nd. The deceased was born in Cooperstown, June 3, 1843, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tobias Wygant. She was united in marriage 51 years ago to her husband, who survives, with the following children: Jonathan, Leonard, Marvin, Charles and Mrs. Ella Winkler of Franklin; Mrs. Elzina Stokes of Dempseytown; Mrs. Bertha Proper of Wallaceville; Mary of Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Susan Shoffstall of Jackson Twp., and James of Cooperstown; also by her aged father and the following brothers and sisters: John J. of Oil City; Townsend and Jonathan of Cooperstown; Mrs. Lydia Hart of Canal Twp.; Mrs. Maria Rodgers of Sharon. Interment in Baker Hill Cemetery. Obit Abstract Venango Citizen Press Aug. 21, 1935 Jonathan Beatty, 71, died at the Franklin Hospital on Thursday. He was born in Hydetown, a son of Ira and Phoebe Beatty. Surviving are his widow, Annie E., 3 brothers: Leonard, Marvin and Charles and 4 sisters: Mrs. E. A. Winkler and Mrs. Alzina Stokes, Mrs. Bertha Proper and Mrs. Mary Ragan. Obit Abstract Venango Citizen Press June 1, 1938 Leonard L. Beatty, 77, of Franklin was found dead in bed this morning at home 341 Liberty. Born 6 Oct 1860 in the Cooperstown district; son of Ira and Phoebe Beatty. Children: Mrs. Mary McCullough, Ralph, Earnest H., Henry A., all of Franklin. Siblings: Charles, James, Marvin, Mrs. Ella Winkler of Franklin; Mrs. Elsina Stokes of Dempseytown; Mrs. Mary Ragan of Toledo, Ohio. Obit Abstract Wed. June 12, 1940 Venango Citizen Press Marvin M. Beatty, 70 of Cooperstown, died Thursday at home in Valley Extension; born April 30, 1870, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Beatty; married Mrs. Anne Tracy, Dec. 28, 1898, she died 7 years ago; survived by a daughter, Mrs. Edward Beightol; 2 brothers: James and Charles Beatty of Franklin; 3 sisters: Mrs. Edward Winkler of Franklin; Mrs. Aldine Stokes of Wallaceville and Mrs. Mary Rogan of Toledo, Ohio; 2 grandchildren: Marion and Kenneth Beightol; 3 step-daughters: Miss Ethel Tracy of Franklin, Mrs. F. W. Bowser of Mt. Carmel and Mrs. R. W. Weston of Burlington, N.C.; Burial in Franklin Cemetery.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=419 Surname: ROYDES, NEELY, SHAFFER ------------------------- APRIL 17,1976 FRANKLIN Miss Florence M. Roydes of 1122 Otter St. a retired employee of Hough Manufacturing Co. died at 10:45 P.M. Tuesday in Franklin Hospital where she had been a patient since April 7. Born Dec. 18,1902 in Kaneville,Pa.,she was the daughter of William H.And Myrdith Neely Roydes.Miss Roydes attended Public schools in Rouseville and Rocky Grove. She was at Hough Manufacturing for 40 years. She retired in 1960. She was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Franklin. She is survived by two sisters Dorthy Roydes and Mrs. Paul (Maude)Shaffer both of Franklin and several nieces. She was proceeded in death by one brother William D. Roydes.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=418 Surname: ROYDES, STRONG, WILSON, STEVENSON, REYNOLDS, CARR, TARR, KITNER, PROPER, FEELY, PORTER, BERGEN, ROYDES, BANEY, ROMER ------------------------- Funeral of Mrs.Emma Roydes DIED 1915 The funeral of Mrs.Emma Roydes was held at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon at the church at Cherrytree. Rev. L.Strong of Diamond officiating. Music was rendered by the following with Mrs.Maude Wilson at the organ:Morris D.Stevenson,Mrs.H.W. Stevenson, Mrs.L.Reynolds,T.C. Carr, Miss.Fannie Tarr,Mrs.Emma Kitner,Miss Mary Proper,Miss Hazel Feely,Alvey Feely,and Miss Grace Porter. The choir sang "We Shall Meet Beyond The River" and "Asleep in Jesus" and Morris D.Stevenson sang the solo "ALL the WAY MY SAVAVIOUR LEADS ME" There was a large attendance of relatives and friends and many floral tributes. The interment was in the Cherrytree cemetary. The pall bearers were August L. Bergren,Fred Roydes,Harry Baney,Conrad Romer,Fred Feely And Edward Stevenson

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=417 Surname: ERSKINE, MALLEY, TARR, CAUVEL, FEELY, RUSSELL ------------------------- CHERRTREE,JULY 9,1906 The funeral for the late Mrs.Hannah Roydes was conducted in the Presbyterian Church at this place on Tuesday afternoon July 3,1906 The sermon was preached by Rev.George Erskine of Dempseytown,from Psalm 17:15 "I shall be satisfied when I awake with the likeness" Hymns sung by the choir were: "Gathering Homeward one by one." "Thy Will be Done" "ALL the Way My Saviour Leads Me" and "Sweet Bye and Bye". The pallbears were neighbors who had known her many years- Calvin Malley, C.S. Tarr,James Cauvel,Russell Cauvel,D.F.Feely and Charles Russell. In my notice of her death last week the printer made me say she had forty-six grandchildren ,which should of been sixteen. The date of her marriage was also incorrect. It should have read 1852.

Posted on: Venango Co. Pa Obituaries Forum Board URL: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Pa/VenangoObits?read=415 Surname: ROYDES ------------------------- AWFUL SUFFERING OF THE LATE MRS.ROYDES Died June 30,1906 Lived Alone and was Stricken With Paralysis-Lay Out Doors Some interesting details as to the cause of the death of the late Mrs.Hannah Roydes, notice of whose demise was given in yesterday's Hearld were received by her friends here yesterday. She lived alone back from the road beyond Cherrytree. Some time the later part of May she was going to the spring for water when she received a stroke of paralysis. She was unable to move. By degrees after being out doors; at least two nights, she suceeded in getting back to the house. For at least five days she was without food. During that time one of her sons came to visit her, but received no response to his knocking he decided that she had gone visiting. She heard him at the door but could not respond. At last her daughter came to visit her, and finding no traces of her mother ,decided something was wrong. She entered the house and found the woman suffering from sickness and lack of attention. She was able to tell what happened. She said she placed the tea-kettle in such a position that if it rained some water might enter it with which she could quench her thirst. They found it where she directed them and in the same position. This would indicate that she was conscious all the time. As a result of the stroke and the exposure she expired Saturday evening.