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Patricia Caster has created a beautiful new web page for THE CASTOR
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA at:
http://users.cwnet.com/maverik/castor/index.htm
You will enjoy the new format. Please send Patricia any links or
further information you think will be helpful to our members.
All best wishes, Grace
Grace Custer Ebneter
Peachtree City, GA
http://members.tripod.com/~EbneterG/index.html
Norma,
I'm not exactly sure what article you are referring to. As a matter of fact,
I'm not sure at all!! I think you may have me mixed up with someone else.
Happy Hunting,
Tracey :)
Dear Lynda,
Your records from the census, birth, death, wills, land deeds, taxes,
etc., are as you are aware more reliable than newspaper articles or
historical sketches. I was sent a lot of information on Paul and Sarah
Ball Custer which was proven to be mythical many years ago, but it is
fascinating to see where the misinformation is coming from and that
there are people still relying on some of this information today when we
can check the census, wills, and other more reliable records. Everything
sent in to the Family History Library by contributors is not factual and
everything in historical sketches and newspaper articles is not
accurate, but there may be clues which will lead to more reliable
records.
Best wishes with your research, Grace
Grace Custer Ebneter
Peachtree City, GA
http://members.tripod.com/~EbneterG/index.html
Norma,
Your article was very interesting. I'm taking the time this evening to digest
it all and compare to the notes, census records etc, that I have. By chance,
are you also descended from this line? Is this the article from the Boswell
News by Ross Blansett which you mentioned previously? Do you have a
publication date? Thanks so much for taking the time to pass this information
along. All of this "chat" has me motivated to dig in again and make another
attempt at finding the truth in some of the conflicting dates I have on these
folks. Lynda Katonak
Dear Norma,
Your information is so interesting and I really appreciate the complete
accounts you sent today for Frederick and where the reference to the
English Paul came from. I always worry that new researchers will see a
scrap of information and jump to the conclusion that this is a
document. You and I have learned that there is a lot of misinformation
out there. It is interesting to trace down some of the mistaken
genealogy to see where it originated and we certainly have a lot of it
in our Custer family, but we also have some great factual documents such
as wills, land deeds, baptism records, etc to help us sort everything
out. I have decided that I need to add word for word documents to all my
own Custer genealogy rather than just the references to them. This may
take the rest of my life <smile>
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season, Norma.
Love and all best wishes, Grace
Grace Custer Ebneter
Peachtree City, GA
http://members.tripod.com/~EbneterG/index.html
Frederick Custer, a native of Maryland, came to this county (Somerset) in
1795, and settled in Conemaugh township. He died in 1838. His children
were Elizabeth, Jacob, Mary, Frederick, William, John, Michael, Catherine,
Margaret, Nancy, Sarah, and Hannah. Samuel J. Custer who now resides in this
township, is a grandson of the early settler mentioned above. Mr Custer
enlisted in August 1861 in Company F, 54 Feg't Penn'a.Volunteers, and served
until discharged in June 1865. Entering the service as a Private, he was
promoted to a Sergeant. He was taken prisoner at High Bridge, Virginia.
Frederick came to Somerset Co. about 1795, according to Welfley and
settled in a part of Quemahoning Twp. that later became Conemaugh Twp. In a
little roadside cemetery near Hollsopple, and American flag flutters over
the grave of Frederick Kuster, a veteran of Rev. War. The flag is put on
each year by VFW Post 8861 of Hollsopple. He may have been a drummer boy in
the Rev. War.
History is not always reported accurately. "The Newscaster", v.XIII, #3,
Sept 1995, pg. 46. The dates are based on tombstones that were worn, and
dates may not be accurate, according to Coleman. Welfley gives Frederick's
date of death as 1838, but this is incorrect as evidenced by 1840 census
rec.
The grave may have gone the way of other fragile bits of history in this
country. Mrs. Spangler moved to a house near the cemetery about 1989, and
she says 'noticed the graveyard just casually." But as she began to poke
around the battered stones and to decipher old dates and names, her interest
was aroused. About 16 years before during a snowstorm, a snowplow pulled off
the road and parked right on top of the cemetery. It broke many of the
stones and fence too. In addition to the Kuster grave, the cemetery
contained also those of his wife, Elizabeth, who died in 1837, and their
three sons, William, Michael and Frederick Jr., and Frederick Jr.'s wife,
also named Elizabeth. The plain brown stones have no markings, and some were
broken at the time of the snowploy accident. It is believed that Kuster, Sr.
came to Conemaugh Twp. between 1790 and 1800 from Lancaster Co. When he died
in 1841, he had 11 living children and six grand children.
The cemetery was probably located on the 250 acres he owned. After he
died, the land with its house and barn and cabin house was sold to Joseph
John's, founder of Johnstown, for $1500. The cemtery is located two miles
off Route 403 N. on the road to Seanor, about 20 miles from Somerset.
Letters of Administration were issued to Jacob Custer and John Hammer 28
April 1841, and this tends to support accuracy of Frederick's deathdate read
from tombstone. All heirs of Somerset Co., except Elizabeth who lived in
Westmore land Co., PA.
Final accounting of the estate was in 1848. There were 12 shares in the
estate. It is possible that Frederick had 17 children. Obituary of John
Custer noted that he was a one of a family of 17 children.
Norma Rice
12929 16 Mile Road
Rodney, MI 49342
nbrice(a)!net-port.com
Jim S. -
Frederick Custer, a native of Maryland, came to this county (Somerset) in
1795, and settled in Conemaugh township. He died in 1838. His children
were Elizabeth, Jacob, Mary, Frederick, William, John, Michael, Catherine,
Margaret, Nancy, Sarah, and Hannah. Samuel J. Custer who now resides in this
township, is a grandson of the early settler mentioned above. Mr Custer
enlisted in August 1861 in Company F, 54 Feg't Penn'a.Volunteers, and served
until discharged in June 1865. Entering the service as a Private, he was
promoted to a Sergeant. He was taken prisoner at High Bridge, Virginia.
Frederick came to Somerset Co. about 1795, according to Welfley and
settled in a part of Quemahoning Twp. that later became Conemaugh Twp. In a
little roadside cemetery near Hollsopple, and American flag flutters over
the grave of Frederick Kuster, a veteran of Rev. War. The flag is put on
each year by VFW Post 8861 of Hollsopple. He may have been a drummer boy in
the Rev. War.
History is not always reported accurately. "The Newscaster", v.XIII, #3,
Sept 1995, pg. 46. The dates are based on tombstones that were worn, and
dates may not be accurate, according to Coleman. Welfley gives Frederick's
date of death as 1838, but this is incorrect as evidenced by 1840 census
rec.
The grave may have gone the way of other fragile bits of history in this
country. Mrs. Spangler moved to a house near the cemetery about 1989, and
she says 'noticed the graveyard just casually." But as she began to poke
around the battered stones and to decipher old dates and names, her interest
was aroused. About 16 years before during a snowstorm, a snowplow pulled off
the road and parked right on top of the cemetery. It broke many of the
stones and fence too. In addition to the Kuster grave, the cemetery
contained also those of his wife, Elizabeth, who died in 1837, and their
three sons, William, Michael and Frederick Jr., and Frederick Jr.'s wife,
also named Elizabeth. The plain brown stones have no markings, and some were
broken at the time of the snowploy accident. It is believed that Kuster, Sr.
came to Conemaugh Twp. between 1790 and 1800 from Lancaster Co. When he died
in 1841, he had 11 living children and six grand children.
The cemetery was probably located on the 250 acres he owned. After he
died, the land with its house and barn and cabin house was sold to Joseph
John's, founder of Johnstown, for $1500. The cemtery is located two miles
off Route 403 N. on the road to Seanor, about 20 miles from Somerset.
Letters of Administration were issued to Jacob Custer and John Hammer 28
April 1841, and this tends to support accuracy of Frederick's deathdate read
from tombstone. All heirs of Somerset Co., except Elizabeth who lived in
Westmore land Co., PA.
Final accounting of the estate was in 1848. There were 12 shares in the
estate. It is possible that Frederick had 17 children. Obituary of John
Custer noted that he was a one of a family of 17 children.
-----Original Message-----
From: CASTOR-D-request(a)rootsweb.com <CASTOR-D-request(a)rootsweb.com>
To: CASTOR-D(a)rootsweb.com <CASTOR-D(a)rootsweb.com>
Date: Wednesday, December 09, 1998 9:33 PM
Subject: CASTOR-D Digest V98 #35
Peter Custer Baptism Record Saint Luke's Reformed Church Upper
Providence Township, Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania 1760 Father
Jonathan Custer.
Source: Family Tree Maker's Family Archives Birth Index: Southeastern
PA, 1680-1800 from John T. Humphrey CD #196
Grace Custer Ebneter
Peachtree City, GA
http://members.tripod.com/~EbneterG/index.html
Catherine,
I meant to pick up an application. The dues
are $10 a year. I'll try to round one up tomorrow
and let you know. If you want to give me your
address, I'll have one sent to you too.
Carol
Saturday December 5, 1998
Kammeyer Opera House
Jewett, Ohio
We, my husband Frank and myself, arrived around 6:15 p.m.
A few gentlemen in Civil War attire were out on the
porch. They greeted us as we made our way to the door.
A very unseasonably warm evening for Dec.
Oh boy, I thought, this is going to be real nice. We
checked in with Isabel Wallace, got our raffle ticket,
bought a different raffle ticket for a Harrison Co.
throw that depicted Gen. George among others. (Clark Gable)
The program we were given had two pictures on it
of Pres. Abraham Lincoln meeting McClellan's staff.
Gen. George Custer to far right, one I haven't seen before.
We took our seat and realized we didn't know a soul
there. "Don't look now but General George Custer
is coming down the stairs" I said to my husband. Then
came Abraham Lincoln and Gen Terry and a few
others of Custer's Troops. This composed the head table
with the addition of Mrs. Elizabeth (Libbie) Custer.
What manners! (wish we could get them back) The Gen.
went and got all of his wife's food and beverages. Also
did refills for Pres. Lincoln. When it came time for the
cake, the Gen. got out his trusty sword. And I got a
picture! The Gen. gave a talk on when he was a lowly
2Lt and Capt. back under McClelland. How he got into
going aloft in hot air balloons and how his quick
advancement in rank was owed to McClelland.
He was definitely a McClelland man!
Gen. & Mrs. Custer were portrayed by Steve &
Sandy Alexander of Monroe, Michigan. He gave
me his calling card!!!!! It says -- Genl. G. A. Custer
Abraham Lincoln was portrayed by Jame Dague
of Triadelphia, WV. His part of the program included
being sworn in as Pres. and giving some of his speeches,
the Gettyburgh Address being one.
An auction of many donated articles with Custer's image
was raffled off after the program. There was also a few
personal displays of Custer memorabilia. A very rare
expensive rifle with Custer etchings on it seems to be of
interest to many. We left with a small wooden plaque
with Custer's image and dates lazered in.
Looking forward to joining The Custer Memorial Assoc.
and attending more of their functions. The Assoc.
has a June & Dec. event each year.
Carol & Frank (5th cousin, 5 times removed from Gen. Geo.)
Thank you Brian for being a most careful researcher. This is the kind
of information we need. Historical sketches can be full of errors as
you have pointed out. Research based on documentation may also have
errors, but the documents may be verified. Milo Custer, Donald M.
Custer, and Chester E. Custer have contributed greatly to the
documentation of the Paul and Sarah Martha Ball Custer family.
Sincerely, Grace
--
Grace Custer Ebneter
Peachtree City, GA
http://members.tripod.com/~EbneterG/index.html
>clipping from Boswell News by Ross Blansett.
> The little Custer Cemetary, near Foustwell, Somerset county, have
>memorial slabs bearing the following names and dates: (as I read this it
>makes the statement that Paul Custer was "of a prominent family of noble
>English blood" which was one of your questions - do you have this clipping?
>if not, I'll copy it.It is long.......) Ruth L. Steach
>
> Frederick Custer, a native of Maryland, came to this county (Somerset)
in
>1795, and settled in Conemaugh township. He died in 1838. His children
>were Elizabeth, Jacob, Mary, Frederick, William, John, Michael, Catherine,
>Margaret, Nancy, Sarah, and Hannah. Samuel J. Custer who now resides in
this
>township, is a grandson of the early settler mentioned above. Mr Custer
>enlisted in August 1861 in Company F, 54 Feg't Penn'a.Volunteers, and
served
>until discharged in June 1865. Entering the service as a Private, he was
>promoted to a Sergeant. He was taken prisoner at High Bridge, Virginia.
>nbrice(a)net-port.com
First, I would be very interested in seeing the full text of this clipping.
I have most recently visited this family plot in August, but in 1998, the
inscriptions are very difficult to read.
There is a Blanset descendant line for the Custers, William J Blanset m
Julia Custer (Philip B, John Jr, John Philip) 1846-1891.
Second, there are many factual errors in the portions quoted above. Most of
these seem to be lifted from the 1906 "History of Cambria Co" sketch of
Jacob P Custer (Jacob, John Jr, John Philip) 1844-1915. Someone else has
already spotted the "English family" comment. I very heartily discount this
sketch of having any practical info. It also identifies Frederick as being
from Maryland, as mentioned above, but his father John Philip identifies
himself as being of Strassburg (Franklin Co PA), and his likely marriage
record is at Christ Lutheran in Upper Tulpehocken, Berks Co.
The Frederick described above was the son of John Philip, and was listed in
the 1800 Somerset census. However, he died in 1841 (I've seen the
tombstone), it was his son Frederick Jr who died in 1838.
At least the data for Samuel J Custer (Jacob, Frederick, John Philip)
1826-1899 does seem correct, his tombstone at the Hoffman Cem in Paint Twp
does bear the inscription "Sergeant Cp G. 54th Pa. Inft.", but I have not
yet seen the above passage giving the detail of his service.
Like I said before, I'd love to see the full text of these articles. I also
have a contact on the Blanset line that I haven't received descendant info
from yet, I'll check back with them.
Brian Cartwright
Carol and Frank,
Thank you for your interesting description of the Birthday Party. Do you know
how to find information on membership in The Custer Memorial Association?
Thank you,
Catherine, first cousin three times removed to the
General.
Would you please identify the Paul Custer connected to Frederick Custer
who is said to be of English descent. I realize that there were Custers
who came from Germany, Switzerland, Holland, and Ireland and probably
other places as well. Do you have a date, marriage, children, death,
etc. reference for this Paul Custer or is this just a quote from a
newspaper?
Sincerely, Grace
Grace Custer Ebneter
Peachtree City, GA
http://members.tripod.com/~EbneterG/index.html
Donald M. Custer in his research quotes Isaiah Krider, a great great
grandson of Paul (Arnold, Paulus), as saying: "It is easy to understand
why these so called English Custers all talked the German language if
you know their origin." (Descendants of Paul and Sarah Ball Custer"
page 3)
--
Grace Custer Ebneter
Peachtree City, GA
http://members.tripod.com/~EbneterG/index.html
Norma Rice/Ruth Steach,
In a message dated 98-12-08 03:21:05 EST, you write:
<< Is this the Frederick Custer that is referred to in queery ... >>
Yes, that is the same Frederick Custer. I have not seen the Blansett's
clipping from the Boswell News. Would be interested.
Lynda Katonak
LKatonak(a)aol.com
<<clipping from Boswell News by Ross Blansett.
The little Custer Cemetary, near Foustwell, Somerset county, have
memorial slabs bearing the following names and dates: (as I read this it
makes the statement that Paul Custer was "of a prominent family of noble
English blood" which was one of your questions - do you have this clipping?
if not, I'll copy it.It is long.......) Ruth L. Steach>>
Is this the Frederick Custer that is referred to in queery from >I'm
descended from >John's son Frederick through his daughter Sarah Custer who
married Samuel >Hummel, their daughter Sarah Jane Hummel who married William
Layton, their >daughter Luella Layton who married James Steckman, their
daughter Diana
>Steckman who married George Engle, who are my parents. Brian has more and
>better data than I on the line so I'm always interested in picking up
>information, especially documentation. Lynda Engle Katonak
clipping from Boswell News by Ross Blansett.
The little Custer Cemetary, near Foustwell, Somerset county, have
memorial slabs bearing the following names and dates: (as I read this it
makes the statement that Paul Custer was "of a prominent family of noble
English blood" which was one of your questions - do you have this clipping?
if not, I'll copy it.It is long.......) Ruth L. Steach
Frederick Custer, a native of Maryland, came to this county (Somerset) in
1795, and settled in Conemaugh township. He died in 1838. His children
were Elizabeth, Jacob, Mary, Frederick, William, John, Michael, Catherine,
Margaret, Nancy, Sarah, and Hannah. Samuel J. Custer who now resides in this
township, is a grandson of the early settler mentioned above. Mr Custer
enlisted in August 1861 in Company F, 54 Feg't Penn'a.Volunteers, and served
until discharged in June 1865. Entering the service as a Private, he was
promoted to a Sergeant. He was taken prisoner at High Bridge, Virginia.
nbrice(a)net-port.com
-----Original Message-----
From: CASTOR-D-request(a)rootsweb.com <CASTOR-D-request(a)rootsweb.com>
To: CASTOR-D(a)rootsweb.com <CASTOR-D(a)rootsweb.com>
Date: Sunday, December 06, 1998 5:24 PM
Subject: CASTOR-D Digest V98 #34
Hi Everyone, Just a suggestion> It would help locate notes about
"an" ancestor if we would change the title to reflect the content
of the note. In this case it would be: "siblings of John Phillip
Custer"
Thanks Patricia
Brian L. Cartwright wrote:
>
> ----------
> >
> > Response to Jim S.: Who are siblings of John Phillip Custer, b. 1731, d. 13
> > Jul 1812? Tobias Custer lineage
>
> I have George, Anna m Jacob Hollinger, Andrew, Abraham
>
> However, I don't have John linked as a son of Tobias.
> Here's a link to mt site which has descendants of John in Somerset Co, has lots of notes that discuss his possibilities for parents.
>
> www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/8556
>
> Brian Cartwright
Hello:
I am looking for information regarding the Wickliff family that several
Kasters married about 1880-95 in Shelby County, Indiana. My William Henry
Kaster b. 20 Oct 1859 m. 22 Nov 1884 Mary Alice Wickliff b.5 Nov 1863 daughter
of General Marion Wickliff and Sarah Jane Howery. Family story is that Mary
Alice was half Native American from her mother. Have not been able to prove.
Does anyone know this family? (Wm and Mary were my husband's grandparents.)
Thanks for the help
Charolette