The Bolinger, Biebinger, Bushman, LaForge, Handley & Yancey Family Connection

Transcription

1 The Bolinger, Biebinger, Bushman, LaForge, Handley & Yancey Family Connection By Kenneth Bradley Yancey 2010

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3 Appreciation Many thanks to those who have contributed their time, memories and research that have made this presentation possible. Special Thanks to: Alice Handley Paul Yancey John & Margaret Yancey Pattie Blaum LaForge Emerson Beutel Corinne (LaForge) Douglass Ira LaForge Emily (LaForge) White William LaForge Karen Jackson Judy A. Yancey 3

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5 Introduction 5 It has been a great joy for me through the years, discovering bits and pieces about our family history. Collecting this information began in earnest in the early 1980s. My wife, Judy, and I and our four daughters, Jennifer, Wendy, Bonnie, and Sherrie moved from Richmond to Lynchburg, Virginia in While in Lynchburg several co-workers asked if I was connected to the Yancey family of Lynchburg. As it turned out I was more directly related to the Yancey family in Albemarle County, VA. But the knowledge came slowly in those days as computers and resources like Ancestor.com were not yet available. Many hours were spent searching microfiche films in libraries, visiting distant relatives, cemeteries and finding family facts one at a time. Much of the early Yancey family history was discovered in partnership with my uncle, John Handley Yancey and his wife Margaret who were retired and took the time to visit many out-of-the-way places. Together we merged our information and eventually discovered our Yancey family tree back to the 1600s in colonial Virginia. This section of family history, however, begins with the Bollinger, Biebinger, Buschmann and Handley connection that began in the 1840s and continued for a hundred years until the 1940s. During my college years my dad, Paul Thomas Yancey, asked if I would be willing to spend the summer in Ironton, Ohio assisting two great aunts; Emma and Alice Handley. I agreed and the assistance eventually took two summers. During the 1937 Ohio river flood, the Handley home at 161 South Third Street, Ironton, Ohio was severely damaged. The Handley sisters moved to the house next-door, leaving the original home to continue to deteriorate, until the house was condemned in the mid-1960s. My task was to move any furniture and other Handley family belongings to Emma and Alice's current home at 163 South Third Street. By the end of the second summer both houses had been sold, Emma died and Alice bought a home on Fifth Street. During these summer months however, I salvaged hundreds of letters, postcards and family pictures that had been saved by the Handleys. These items formed the foundation for the following history. Many of the pictures in albums were identified by Alice Handley and my father. Others were positively identified in the 1980s. At that time I had the good fortune of communicating with three Bolinger and Biebinger descendents in New Holland, Illinois. Ira, Emily, and William LaForge worked many evenings to answer my written questions, identify copies of photographs found at the Handley home and identify Bolinger, Biebinger and LaForge family members in group pictures that had been sent to the Handleys by relatives in New Holland over half a century earlier. Many of these records are now over 100 years old. Hopefully you will find in these pages a sense of the history and family relationships that go beyond the collection of birth, marriage and death dates. It is my desire to share with you the independence of action, the pursuit of freedom and the religious faith reflected in the lives of these pioneering ancestors. America has been a magnet for those seeking a new way of life, unbound by the traditions of the old world, with the prospect of rewards based on hard work, self-reliance and government by the people. As a ninth generation American the dream, struggle and sacrifice for such a free way of life is too often taken for granted. But I have discovered how this dream was indeed a motivating factor in the emigration of our ancestors from the old world to the new world. More recent generations have remained steadfast in the preservation of the freedom and opportunities pursued by immigrating ancestors. Many have farmed and helped feed a growing nation, others have served in public office and still others have served freedom through military service. We have quite a journey to retrace. The Yanceys, Maupins, Mullins, and Dumas have helped build America since the 1600 and 1700s. From France, England, Wales, and Germany our ancestors have been coming to America. We begin with the Bollingers, Biebingers, Handleys and allied families. Enjoy!

6 6 Dedicated to our family... so that throughout our journey our love of family past, present and future might increase.

7 Early Bolinger History Our story begins with Frederick Bolinger (Bō -ling-er), his wife Catherine and their sons, George, John, Jacob and Peter who immigrated to America around 1834/1835. Within a few years, if not before, Frederick purchased land in Pike County, Ohio as reflected on the Public Land Purchase document approved by President Martin Van Buren on August 1, (See next page). Prior to coming to America, Frederick served in the army of Napoleon. During the Napoleonic wars, it was not uncommon for Napoleon to draw troops for his army from the various territories he conquered. By 1807 Napoleon ruled virtually the entire European continent, except for Britain. This is a likely time that Frederick Bolinger, age 18, was placed in the service of Napoleon s armies as were thousands of other men from the various German states. One reflection of his service is found in the History of Logan County-1886 (Illinois) as recorded in the entry for his son, John Bolinger. However that recollection stated that Frederick served eight years in the army under Napoleon and covered such military actions as the crossing of the Alps to the Battle of Waterloo, his service ending with the final overthrow of Napoleon. However, Napoleon marched his troops over the Alps and through the St. Bernard Pass in mid-winter of His defeat at Waterloo was not until 15 years later on June 18, So if the eight years service is correct Frederick would have been actively engaged in the 1812 ill-starred campaign against Russia. He would have witnessed the burning of Moscow, being one of the few survivors of the disastrous retreat that followed. The entry in the History of Logan County-1886 also recorded that Frederick fought in the battle of Waterloo (1815), his service ending with the final overthrow of Napoleon would have provided Frederick eight years of forced military service for a foreign power. As he began raising a family, which included at least four sons out of the first five children, the desire to avoid the prospect of forced military service for his sons may have been a factor in emigrating from Germany to America. In 1850 the Bolinger family was still living in Pike County, Ohio as reflected in the 1850 federal census below. The History of Logan County-1886 also records an entry for Jacob Bolinger, son of Frederick and Catherine. Jacob s birth date is recorded as December 26, 1833 and it is noted that his family immigrated before Jacob was two years of age. However the census indicates that his brother Peter, 14, was also born in Germany. All this leaves their exact arrival date a mystery, but all the recollections point to the mid-1830s arrival and by 1839 Frederick was purchasing farmland, and Catherine had given birth to an American-born daughter, Catherine. The Bolinger family became friends with the family of Conrad Biebinger, who arrived in America with a brother and three of his sons December 31, In 1848 Conrad married Christina Bolinger, an older daughter of Frederick s who had recently come to America. Thereafter, two of Frederick s sons, John and Jacob also married into the Biebinger family. John Bolinger married Ann Elizabeth Biebinger in 1853, and Jacob Bolinger married Francis Biebinger in Ann and Francis were born in Germany to Conrad and his first wife Maria Keck. In the early 1870 s John, Jacob & Catherine Bolinger moved their families to New Holland, Illinois. Following Conrad s death Christina, the older Bolinger sister, married Charles Bushman and settled in Ironton, OH. 7

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9 In September 1888, John Bolinger, son of Frederick, and by then a resident of New Holland, Illinois since 1871 died of Typhoid Pneumonia. The following February his wife, Ann Elizabeth (nee Biebinger), wrote her half-sister, Elizabeth (nee Biebinger) Handley of Ironton, Ohio about John s death. The letter is reproduced below and on the following page. It is interesting to note that while Ann Elizabeth addresses Elizabeth as Sister Lizzie, later in the letter Ann writes about sending a photo of myself and husband for your Mother. While Conrad Biebinger was the father of both Ann Elizabeth and Elizabeth, they had different mothers. Moreover, the reason for sending the picture of her husband for Elizabeth s Mother was that John Bolinger and Elizabeth s mother, Christina Bushman (nee Bolinger) were brother and sister. Remarkably Ann s letter, misdated 1888 instead of 1889, and the picture of John, marked on the reverse for Mrs. C. Bushman were found separately in the Handley home in the 1960s. John Bolinger 4/5/1829-9/17/1888 The reverse side of the above picture of John Bolinger 9

10 The handwriting of this letter matches the handwriting on the reverse of John s picture, For Mrs. C. Bushman. So she did send the picture for her husband s sister as promised. The picture was found in the Handley family album, and the letter was found among other items from the Handley collection discovered in the mid-1960s. Frederick & Catherine Bolinger s Children & Spouses: Christina Bolinger m. Conrad Biebinger m. Charles Bushman George Bolinger John Bolinger m. Ann Elizabeth Biebinger Jacob Bolinger m. Francis Biebinger Peter Bolinger Catherine Bolinger m. William Wendell Christina Bolinger 12/27/ /27/

11 Christina Bolinger, born in Württemberg, Germany on December 27, 1824, was the child of Frederick and Catherine Bolinger. Christina s parents immigrated to America in the mid-1830s with their sons: George Born in 1826; John Born April 5, 1829; Jacob Born December 26, 1833; Peter Born in Christina remained in Germany until the age of 23, applying to emigrate from Wuerttemberg, Germany to America in The 1900 Census indicates that Christina arrived in America in When she arrived she was greeted by a younger sister, Catherine, the first of this Bolinger family to be born in America in The 1850 Census shows that by mid-august 1850 Christina had married Conrad Biebinger and given birth to two daughters Catherine, age 1, and Mary, age 2 months. This would place her marriage to Conrad in the same year as her 1848 arrival in America. Conrad Biebinger, born in 1807, had also come to America from Germany. Conrad arrived on the ship, Iowa, Dec. 31, His first wife, Maria Keck, whom he married in Germany gave birth there to: Ann Elizabeth Born June 4, 1827 Jacob Born in 1830 Francis Born Feb John Born in 1837 Frederick Born June 1, 1838 Eva Margaetha Born 1842 and Adam Born Oct Following Christina s marriage to Conrad Biebinger, two of Christina s younger brothers married two of Conrad s daughters from his first marriage. John Bolinger, married Conrad s oldest daughter, Ann Elizabeth Biebinger in 1853 and Jacob Bolinger, married Francis Biebinger in By 1850 Christina s family Christina Bolinger Biebinger Bushman December 27, December 27, 1901 included 6 step-children and two daughters by Conrad, Catherine and Mary. Two additional children were born to this marriage, namely, Caroline Biebinger in 1851 and Elizabeth Biebinger in 1852, the year her father was naturalized. (See next page) Conrad died April 18, 1855 and only his and Christina s younger daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth were recorded in the 1860 Census. By 1860: Christina had remarried to Charles Henry Bushman, an immigrant from Saxony, Germany; Caroline was 9; Elizabeth 8; and two children from Christina s and Charles marriage, Christine 3 and Charles Jr. age 1 had been born. A third child, Mary Ann was born in Caroline and Elizabeth were only 4 & 3 respectively when their father, Conrad, died yet they kept the name Biebinger even though they were raised, 11 for the most part by Christina and their stepfather, Charles Bushman. Elizabeth and Caroline Biebinger would remain close to the Bolinger family and their stepbrothers and stepsisters from Conrad s first marriage as evidenced by many letters and visits between them. Likewise, Elizabeth and Caroline would remain close to their Bushman stepbrother and stepsister, Charles Jr. and Mary Bushman. Christina and Charles resided for a Charles Henry Bushman, Sr. & wife Christina Bolinger Biebinger Bushman few years in Scioto County, Ohio but for most of their 46 year marriage they resided in Lawrence County, in the city of Ironton, Ohio. Most of the Bolinger/Biebinger clan moved west to farm in Illinois, but Christina and Charles Bushman, Caroline, Elizabeth, Charles Jr. and Mary remained in Ironton. Caroline never married. Elizabeth married John Conrad Handley. Charles, Jr. married Rosella Snyder, and Mary Ann married William W. Sexton and moved to KY.

12 Conrad Biebinger s record of Naturalization in This record of Christina Bolinger s first husband was found in the belongings of Christina & Conrad s daughter, Elizabeth (nee Biebinger) Handley at the Handley home on South Third Street, Ironton, Ohio in 1963/64. The original document has been retained in the Handley collection. 12

13 Charles Henry Bushman Sr. - Record of Naturalization in 1857 This record of Christina Bolinger s second husband was also found in the belongings of Christina s daughter, Elizabeth (nee Biebinger) Handley at the Handley home on South Third Street, Ironton, Ohio in 1963/64. Charles immigrated to America in 1852 and was married to Christina 46 years. The original document was given to Fred Beutel, great-great-grandson of Charles Henry Bushman. 13

14 Caroline ( Carrie ) Biebinger Born May 15, 1851 Elizabeth Biebinger Born March 4, 1852 Charles H. Bushman, Senior & wife Christina Charles Henry Bushman, Jr. Born March 5, 1859 Mary Ann Bushman Born March 30, 1862 Sisters Caroline & Elizabeth (Biebingers) & half sister Mary Bushman in Ironton. Christina s grave marker in, Woodland Cemetery, Ironton, OH with the Handley family, resting between her husband Charles and daughter, Caroline Biebinger. 14

15 Conrad Biebinger s Family Christina Bolinger s Family Father: Peter Biebinger Mother: Anna Elisabetha Defren Home: Mutterstadt, Pfalz, Bayern, Germany Children: Conrad Biebinger* b. 9 Nov 1807 Peter Adam Biebinger b. 14 July 1810 Anna Elisabetha Biebinger b. 16 May 1812 Franciska Biebinger b. 26 Nov 1814 Peter Biebinger* b. 22 Apr 1819 *Immigrated to U.S 31 Dec 1846 Ship - Iowa Conrad s 1st Wife: Maria Katherina Keck Marriage: 10 June 1829 Mutterstadt, Pfalz, Bayern, Germany Children: All born in Germany Ann Elizabeth Biebinger* b. 4 June 1827 Jacob Biebinger* b 26 July 1829 Franziska Biebinger* b. 26 Mar 1834 Johann Biebinger* b. 27 Jun 1837 Frederick Biebinger* b. 1 Jun 1838 Eva Margaetha Biebinger b. 30 Jun 1842 Adam Biebinger b. 2 Oct 1843 *Immigrated to U.S 31 Dec 1846 Ship - Iowa *Immigrated to U.S. in 1851 Conrad s Second Wife: Christina Bolinger Marriage: 3 October 1848 Pike Ohio Children: All born in America Catherine Biebinger b Mary Biebinger b Caroline Biebinger b. 15 May 1851 Elizabeth Biebinger b. 4 Mar 1852 Father: Frederick Bolinger* b. 1788/89 Mother : Catherine Bolinger* b. 1800/01 Home: Germany Children: All but Catherine born in Germany Christina Bolinger b. 27 Dec 1824 George Bolinger* b John Bolinger* b. 5 Apr 1829 Jacob Bolinger* b. 26 Dec 1833 Peter Bolinger* b Catherine Bolinger* b. 2 May 1839 *Immigrated to U.S. 1834/5. *Immigrated to U.S Christina s 1st Husband: Conrad Biebinger Conrad Immigrated to U.S Christina Immigrated to U.S Marriage: 1848 in Ohio Children: All Born in America Catherine Biebinger b Mary Biebinger b Caroline Biebinger b. 15 May 1851 Elizabeth Biebinger b. 4 Mar 1852 Christina s 2nd Husband: Charles Henry Bushman* Born: 17 July 1828 Saxony, Germany Children: All born in America Christine Bushman b Charles H. Bushman, Jr. b. 5 Mar 1859 Mary Ann Bushman b. 30 Mar 1862 * Immigrated to U.S

16 Elizabeth Biebinger Handley Elizabeth Biebinger, the daughter of Conrad Biebinger and his second wife, Christina, was three years old when her father died. She was raised by her mother and step-father Charles Henry Bushman. She married a young baker shortly after he arrived in town to establish a bakery. The bakery flourished and the Handley family of Ironton began to grow. Their first child, Laura Catherine, was born October 22, Laura was to become the first musician in the family, talented in both the piano and the violin. Momma Handley also raised her nephew, Clarence F. Bushman. Clarence was the son of Charles H. Bushman, Jr., Momma Handley s half-brother on the Bushman side. Clarence s mother died of Typhoid fever in 1899 leaving her husband Charles with 7 children, four of which were under 10 years of age. Several of the children were placed in an orphanage in Cincinnati. Clarence was welcomed by Momma Handley and raised in Ironton. Momma Handley March 4, November 13, 1932 Laura Catherine Handley 1877 Next came Emma Maria born on February 19, Emma was a student of music and studied at the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. Emma Maria Handley 1885 In addition to being a talented musician Emma was quite an artist and a a number of her paintings and sketches survive in the Handley collection. Emma did posterity a little trickery by shaving years off baptism and death records to make herself and others appear a bit younger. Modern day access to Census data however found her out. The Handleys third daughter, Alice Elizabeth Handley 1887 Alice Elizabeth was born April 12, Alice was musically talented like her sisters, eventually performing in musical events through- out the Ironton community. 16 Clarence Frederick Bushman September February 4, 1951 Throughout the years Clarence would be a key family member and many of the letters and posts that survive reflect his efforts to keep in touch with everyone. Railroading was to be his lifelong occupation and his adult years, except for his service in WWI, were spent in West Virginia. Momma Handley loved to keep house and garden and tend to her grandchildren. Laura Catherine was the only daughter to marry. Emma (Em) and Alice (Al), and Clarence would remain single. Laura married Thomas Jackson Yancey in This marriage completed the connection between the Bolingers, Biebingers, Bushmans, Handleys and Yanceys. Over the years the spelling of Bollinger/Boulinger became Bolinger and Buschmann became Bushman.

17 John Conrad Handley In the early 1700 s August Friedrich Händle and his wife Margarethe were settled in the village of Grossbottwar in the district of Ludwigsburg, just 26 km northnortheast of the city of Stuttgart, Germany. On July 7, 1756, twenty years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence in America, a son, John Conrad, was born. He grew up to be a farmer and member of the Lutheran Church. At some point the spelling of his name changed from Händle to Händlen. At the age of 24 John Conrad Händlen married Maria Catherina Bopp on October 31, 1780 and their only child, Johann Friderich, was born August 12, Within 6 months Maria died. Conrad remarried July 2, 1782 to Maria Friedrica Künz. To this marriage 10 additional children were born, bringing John Conrad a total of 11 children as follows: The Lutheran church in Grossbottwar where generations of the Handley family were married, baptized, and confirmed. The church dates from 1279 and appears today as it did in 1854 when the Handleys left for America. Papa Handley September 1, November 13, 1932 Johann Friderich Aug. 12, 1781 George Adam July 1, 1783 Juliane Aug. 26, 1784 John Conrad July 16, 1786 Christoph Adam Nov. 25, 1787 Maria Magdalena Sept. 15, 1789 Johannes Nov Johann Adam May 3, 1793 Johann Christoph May 1, 1795 Johann Gottlieb Nov. 19, 1798 Maria Margaret Dec. 1, 1800 Johann Gottlieb Händlen, at age of 26, married Anna Maria Möhle on August 14, 1826 and like his father before him had 11 children. They were: Caroline Friedrica Jan. 24,1826 Johann Conrad* Jan. 22, 1827 Catharina Rosina Aug. 30, 1828 George Adam* Apr. 8, 1830 Marie Dorothee Mar. 13, 1832 Infant Died at Birth* Feb. 10, 1834 Johann Gottlieb Jan Johann Christoph Aug 4, 1837 Christine Elizabeth Sept Johann Jakob* July 15, 1842 Johann Conrad Sept. 1, 1843 Four of these children* died at an early age, but the seven surviving children, together with their parents, set sail for America in The Händlen family arrived December 1, 1854 in New York, NY. 17 Their ship, the Palestine docked in America after a six-week trip across the Atlantic from London. The Family came inland by riverboat and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. John Conrad was eleven. He received his education in Cincinnati and later moved to Ironton, Ohio and engaged in the bakery business with his brother Christopher. The business was to be known as Handley and Bro. The bakery was located in the same building that Papa Handley was to raise his family. John Conrad. married Elizabeth Biebinger around 1877 and together they had three daughters: Laura Catherine, Emma Maria, and Alice Elizabeth Handley. Laura Catherine Handley Age 11 Emma Maria Handley Age 4 Alice Elizabeth Handley going on 2

18 Laura Handley Bro. Chris Handley Momma Handley Papa Handley Emma Handley Alice Handley The Handley Home and Bakery at 161 and later 707 South Third Street & Madison, Ironton, Ohio. Handley Bro., Stationary postmarked Handley Bros. check to Goldcamp Milling Co. dated 1893 Quarter size store coupons Good for one loaf of Bread. The coin size metal coupons were made by H. Rice of Dayton, Ohio.

19 Left: Emma age 4, Alice under 2. Above: Em age 10 and Alice 8 Below left to right: Emma Handley, 18 and friend, Ironton Scior; Laura Handley, 25 and future husband Thomas Jackson Yancey; and Alice Handley, 16 Below right: Papa Handley, Thomas Jackson Yancey and Alice Handley-1918 Ohio River Flood in Ironton, Ohio. Far Left: Alice Handley Middle: Clarence F. Bushman (raised by Momma Handley) and Emma Handley Picture was tinted by Emma. Below: Handley properties on Madison Street following the 1937 Flood. 19

20 Emma Handley Alice Handley The Handley sisters became musicians, each excelling in piano and violin. Laura taught piano and is seen carrying her violin in the picture of the Handley & Bro. bakery (p. 18). Years later she would teach piano in Newport, KY and her students included her son, Paul Thomas Yancey and grandson, Kenneth B. Yancey, whose first piece was Tennessee Waltz. Emma and Alice, referred to by many as Em and Al, remained in their hometown of Ironton, OH. Both were active in the Women s Music Club and performed frequently. Em studied at the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati for a period. In addition a number of her watercolor paintings and charcoal sketches are retained in the Handley collection. Laura Handley The 1900 Census for Ironton, OH records Laura as having the occupation of music teacher for three years since age 19. Three years following the 1900 Census Laura, age 25, would marry Thomas Jackson Yancey, age 26 and eventually relocate to Newport, KY. For more on Laura and her family see page Alice was also accomplished in the piano and violin, and was the longest surviving member of the Handley family. She suffered from asthma, but had a humor that overcame many difficulties. Once in the mid- 1960s when I was complaining to her about the need to move to a nicer home, she looked me in the eye and totally disarmed me with the comment, You have pretty teeth when you are angry. She and Emma were born at 707 South Third St. in Ironton. The street number changed to 161 South Third St. but the family location never changed. After the 1937 Ohio River flood, Em and Al moved from 161 to 163 South Third and remained there until Alice sold the family property in the 1960s. Alice s last years were spent on South Fifth St.

21 Papa Handley and TJ getting about Ironton Momma Handley overseeing spring cleaning Thomas Jackson (TJ) Yancey, the Handley s only son-in-law was always a strength for Momma & Papa Handley Grandsons Paul and John Yancey and sister, Winifred enjoying Ironton. 21

22 Laura Catherine Yancey Laura Catherine Handley, born October 22, 1877, was the first child of John Conrad Handley and Elizabeth Biebinger. Laura grew up in Ironton, Ohio the oldest of three sisters and the only one to marry. On February 5, 1903 The Ironton newspaper, the Irontonian, reported: Miss Laura Handley and Mr. T.J. Yancey will be united in marriage at 8 o clock this evening at the home of Mrs. William Sexton in Covington Kentucky. They will leave this city this morning for Covington and after the ceremony they will return to Ironton where they will take up their residence on Madison street. Miss Handley is a daughter of Mrs. John Handley of south Third street and too much in praise of her qualities can not be said. She is accomplished to a degree of excellence and especially is this true in music. She is possessed of a rare beauty which with a natural and easy grace makes her very attractive. Mr. Yancey s home is at Brent, KY., but for some time past he has been serving the C. and O. as night operator at Russell, Ky. He is a splendid young man in every way and altogether worthy of his bride. Countless friends of both will join the Irontonian in an expression of congratulations and good will. The reference above to the home of William Sexton was the home of Laura s Aunt Mary (Bushman) Sexton, her mother s half-sister. Laura s mother, Elizabeth Biebinger, was the daughter of Conrad Biebinger and his wife, Christina. Later in life Christina married Charles Bushman. From this second marriage Mary was born. Pictured to the right is Laura and TJ at their residence on Madison Street near the home and bakery of Papa and Momma Handley. TJ worked for the Cincinnati and Ohio railroad as a telegraph operator. His work was located across the Ohio River in Russell, Kentucky in the M&S Cabin. The picture on page 23 is of TJ and Laura at the M&S Cabin in 1904, the year after they were married. 22

23 Thomas Jackson Yancey Thomas Jackson Yancey was born October 20, 1877 in Moscow, Ohio the first son of John Hampton and Susan Burris Yancey. TJ, as he was known by all the family, was named after Thomas Stonewall Jackson, under whom his father served during the Civil War. As a native son of Ohio, chances are TJ was a more desirable name than that of a Confederate General. TJ moved with his family to Brent, Kentucky where he shared with his dad, the task of building the family home. Eventually TJ became a telegraph operator for the Cincinnati and Ohio Railroad (C&O). At the time of his marriage to Laura Catherine Handley, he was working for the railroad at the M&S Cabin just across the Ohio River from Ironton, Ohio in the small railroad community of Russell, Kentucky. Pictured below are TJ and his bride Laura at the M&S Cabin in 1904, the year after they were married. TJ and Laura were both 27. Several years later TJ narrowly missed injury when a train derailed and plowed into a similar signal tower near Monmouth Street in Newport, KY. TJ started to jump from the second floor but held on instead. In the above picture TJ is wearing his diamond studded Masonic pin, awarded to him as President of his Lodge. Once in Newport, TJ and Laura opened their own gas and electric lighting business using part of their residence at 707 Monmouth Street as their store front. Their second son, John Handley (Han) was born in Newport, August 16, The rapid transition from gas to electricity no doubt hastened TJ s return to the C&O where he served a total of 40 years. TJ, ever the builder, moved his family of four to 947 Washington Avenue in July How much of the house was built by him is not known, but his son Paul often recalled how TJ poured the cement for all the columns that encircled the front porch and the stairs & porch over the garage. Newlyweds TJ and Laura Yancey out to inspect the M&S Cabin in Russell Kentucky Yancey Home 947 Washington Ave. Newport, KY

24 In 1905, Laura gave birth to a son Thomas on August 3rd, but the baby died four days later on August 7th. Two years later on November 9, 1907 at 7:45 am a son, Paul Thomas, was born. He was a healthy young boy who grew up to love Ironton. In July 1911 TJ and Laura moved to Newport, Kentucky, where TJ apparently interrupted his C & O career to open his own venture, the T.J. Yancey Gas and Electric Fixtures business. The business was located at 707 Monmouth Street in Newport. A second son, John Handley was born a few weeks later on August 16, 1911 at 4:50 a.m. This corner house at 10th & Washington Avenue Newport, Kentucky served as the Yancey residence from 1916 until Laura s death in The home eventually included several rental apartments. One, a third floor unit, was rented to son, Paul & his wife, Virginia, during World War II, while Paul was in the Navy. Virginia and son, Ken, lived in the third floor apartment. Years later Paul & Virginia with their children Ken and Judy rented the rear second floor apartment during a strike at Paul s work at General Electric in Evandale, Ohio. Above: TJ outside of his residence and storefront at 707 Monmouth St. Newport, KY. Below, wife Laura at the service counter among the many gas light fixtures. Mother and Winifred, at seven months, May 25, The first public building wired for electricity was the Thomas Jefferson Building, home of the Library of Congress, in By gas lighting was rapidly giving way to electric lighting and TJ eventually returned to what was to be a 40 year career with the C & O Railroad. The Monmouth St. venture was fairly short-lived, so TJ, Laura, Paul & John moved to a new home at 947 Washington Avenue. Paul was 8 and Han was 5 at the time of the move and shortly after their arrival in their new home Winifred Elizabeth was born October 9, and died just over a year later on November 2, To the left is baby Paul at 8 months. Above is Paul at 2½ with his dad on the town dump in Newport watching the kite.

25 Visits to New Holland, Illinois Before proceeding further we need to take time to reflect on the closeness of the family as reflected in the many letters, postcards and visits made between the family in New Holland and the family in Ironton, Ohio and Newport, Kentucky. It was the trips west or east that provided the subject matter for much of the written correspondence and the pictures taken that give us a glimpse of the times. From these pictures and correspondence we can get a sense of the strong family connection between the Bolingers, Biebingers, La- Forges, Handleys and Yanceys. As photography developed, pictures were initially taken in studios and sent by mail. As personal cameras came into use, visits to New Holland provided perfect occasions to record the good times of summer vacation trips. My father s (Paul Thomas Yancey) first trip to New Holland was in September of 1909 when he was 22 months old. On that occasion a photographer must have been called to the home of Jacob and Francis Bolinger to capture the visit of the Handleys and the Yanceys. That picture is found on the next page and we find Paul at the center of the picture. Another stop that summer was at the home of David and Mary Catherine LaForge. Paul s first visit to the LaForges is recorded on page 28. Sometime later Jacob and Francis had the photographer return to their home for a group picture of the growing New Holland clan. Most of the family was engaged in farming and, of course, weather played a key role providing good or better crop harvests. Corn was one of the main crops and Jacob Bolinger often wrote about harvest conditions and market prices. By 1918 someone had a new camera. A few of those pictures follow. Jacob Bolinger New Holland-1918 In a letter to his niece Elizabeth Handley, Jan. 5, 1919, Jacob noted that the war (WWI) was over. Ira LaForge gained 40 lbs in the Army and William LaForge was still in France. His nephew Frank Bolinger sold 7,000 bushels of corn at $1.40/ bushel. Eggs were high at $.55/ dozen, as was butter at $.80/lb. Farmers were upset that they had to pay $ a bushel for corn shucking yet they got $2.50/bushel for wheat,.80 for oats and $3-4 for potatoes. Two people in town died of flu. 25 Frederick Biebinger Brother of Francis (Biebinger) Bolinger It appears that Frederick who came to America with his father Conrad in 1846 served as a farmhand for the Bolingers, following his sister s, marriage to Jacob in This relationship, which began in Ohio and continued in Illinois became a life long occupation except for the Civil War. In his will he asked to be remembered for serving as a Corporal throughout the Civil war in Co. B, 56 Regiment & Co. H, 126th Regiment of the Ohio Volunteers. Paul Yancey & Virgil Beaver enjoying the creek Laura Yancey, Paul s mother, looking on.

26 26 New Holland, Illinois. September 1909 at the Home of Jacob and Francis Bolinger. Pictured left to right: Francis (Biebinger) Bolinger, Laura (Handley) Yancey, Jacob Bolinger, Catherine (Bolinger) LaForge, Elizabeth (Biebinger) Handley, Lena Bolinger. Little boy in the center is Paul Thomas Yancey, born November months. As we have already discovered Francis (Biebinger) Bolinger and Elizabeth (Biebinger) Handley were half-sisters (Same father, but different mothers). In addition Jacob Bolinger, Francis husband, was the brother of Elizabeth s mother, Christina Bolinger, so uncle Jacob was not only Uncle, but brother-in-law as well to Elizabeth Handley. Visitations from relatives in Ironton, OH and Newport, KY were frequent.

27 Just a few more bits and pieces... Jacob Bolinger and Francis Biebinger married in Ohio in Their children: 1. Mary Catherine Bolinger married David H. LaForge 2. Nora Bolinger married George Blaum 3. Melissa Bolinger married William Bunn 4. Alice Bolinger never married 5. Lucretia Bolinger never married 6. John Bolinger married Wilzora Douglas 7. Lester Bolinger never married 8. Lena Bolinger never married In an effort to bring this task to a close I have not done justice to the families of John Bolinger, brother of Jacob, nor of Catherine Bolinger Wendell, sister of Jacob, both New Holland families. The strongest tie seemed to be between Jacob and his sister Christina Bolinger Biebinger Bushman back in Ohio, and the connection between John and Jacob s wives who were sisters, namely Ann Elizabeth and Francis Biebinger and their half sister, my great grandmother, Elizabeth Biebinger Handley in Ohio. * * * * * * * * * This presentation has pictures of most of the Bolinger brothers and sisters, and all of the LaForge and Handley and Yancey connections. Sadly Melissa Bolinger died in 1920 as mentioned on page one of the letter below written by her father Jacob Bolinger at age 86. Although I never found a picture of Melissa that I could identify in the Handley collection, I did find the picture below of some of the Bunn children that I have included 27

28 28 New Holland, Illinois September Home of David H. and Catherine LaForge. Pictured Left to right: Lena Bolinger, Ira LaForge, Emily LaForge, Laura Yancey (seated), Carl Hindahl (neighbor), Dorcus LaForge, Mary Catherine (Katie) LaForge, Paul Thomas Yancey( little child on the chair), Grace LaForge, David H. LaForge, Elizabeth Handley, William LaForge, and Catherine (Kathryn) LaForge. No trip to New Holland was complete without a visit to the La- Forge's and a meal prepared by Mary Catherine (Katie) LaForge. Paul Yancey often remarked about the grand spread of food at Aunt Katie s house and more recently Mary (White) Fletcher, daughter of Emily (LaForge) White recalled how Aunt Katie s dinning room table stretched all the way to the window to accommodate visitors and family alike. The identities of those in the picture were positively identified in 1983 by Ira and William LaForge and Emily (LaForge) White.

29 Sisters Grace and Katharine LaForge Below are postcards from each to cousin Laura Handley Martling LaForge Brother of Grace & Katharine Mary Catherine Bolinger b.1859, the first child of Jacob and Francis Bolinger married David H. LaForge b.1860, the child of Martling R. LaForge and Catherin A. Thorn. Their 8 children were as follow: 1. Martling D. LaForge b.1881 m. Martha Zimmerman. Ch: 1 2. Grace LaForge b m. James Peters Ch: 3 3. Catherine LaForge m. 1st Julius Duginger Ch:2 m. 2nd Oscar Smith 4. Garrett LaForge b Emily LaForge b m. George White Ch;2 6. William M. LaForge b.1893 m Bertha Straub Ch:5 7. Ira Y. LaForge b m Beulah B. Beaver Ch: 1 8. Dorcus LaForge b m Bessie Gallagher Ch:1 Only Garrett who died at age 1 is not pictured herein. 29

30 Pictures from other New Holland visits Beulah and Corinne LaForge, TJ, Laura, Paul and John Handley Yancey Mary Catherine LaForge 1937 William & Bertha LaForge & twin boys, William & Wayne TJ Yancey and David H. LaForge Brothers Ira LaForge & William LaForge served in World War I. According to Jacob Bolinger, Ira gained 40 lbs and William served in France. 30 A Honeymoon trip east. Newlyweds Ira and Beulah LaForge stop in Ironton, to see the Handleys and were greeted by Alice Handley A reflection on family history is never quite complete. The desire to keep adding bits and pieces is like the need to add a final jewel to a crown. But however incomplete this presentation may be I hope it renews the memories for some and carries the legacy of generations past to future generations. Our ancestors created and worked the farms that helped feed the nation. They defended America in times of need. Their brows were wet with honest sweat. Some came from distant lands to raise a family and when called to do so stood firm for America. Their faith in God and endurance during difficulty should be our model and our inspiration.

31 Francis Biebinger Bolinger & Elizabeth Biebinger Handley Taken in an Ironton, OH studio on a trip east by Francis to see her sister Elizabeth in September 11,

32 32

33 Picture taken at the Home of Jacob and Francis Bolinger about 1912 Pictured Left to Right: Front Row: 1. Boy (Seated - Holding Hat)? 2. Omar Bolinger. 3. George Blaum, Jr. (Kneeling - Holding Hat) 4. Ira LaForge, Son of David and Catherine LaForge 5. William LaForge, (Kneeling - Holding Hat) Son of David and Catherine LaForge 6 Emerson Bolinger, 7. Dorcus LaForge, Son of David and Catherine LaForge Dog is Queenie, Second Row: 8. Katherine Blaum Kohl - Dark Dress/White Blouse, 9. Cora Blaum, 10. Lena Blaum Brown, 11. Nora Blaum (Toots), 11b Fern Blaum Schrader, 11c Flora Blaum Merry 12. Arthur Blaum, 13. Emily LaForge White, Daughter of David and Catherine LaForge 14. Frances Bolinger (we called Mother), 15. Jacob Bolinger (we called Pops), Third Row: 16. Margaret Blaum Burmns - White Blouse - Dark Skirt, 17. Anna Blaum ( Harry s wife with baby - Gilbert), 18. Face only - Aunt Kate Bolinger Wendell - Uncle Will Wendell s second wife, who was sister of Jacob Bolinger, 19. Nora (Bolinger) Blaum - Daughter of Jacob & Francis, 20. Mary Catherine LaForge - My Mother, 21. Frank Bolinger - Son of John and Elizabeth (Biebinger) Bolinger, 22. Nora Bolinger - Wife of Frank Bolinger, 23. John Bolinger - Son of Jacob & Francis Bolinger, 24. Grace (LaForge) Peters - Daughter of David and Catherine LaForge, 25. David H. LaForge-Ira s father David & Catherine LaForge, Jacob Bolinger &Emily LaForge White s baby - Mary (White) Fletcher Back Row: 26. Uncle Will Wendell with beard, 27. Harry Blaum - rear/top of head, 28. Lena Bolinger - Daughter of Jacob and Francis 29. George Blaum Sr. - showing only top of is head, 30. Frederick Biebinger - Brother of Francis Bolinger- Standing on Porch, 31. Lester Bolinger - son of Jacob & Francis- Standing on Porch Picture Identifications were made jointly by Ira & William LaForge and Emily (LaForge) White in 1983 & Pattie Blaum LaForge

34 This booklet was prepared by Kenneth B. Yancey, great grandson of Elizabeth Biebinger Handley, with the assistance and contributions of those listed on page 3. The responsibility for any errors is fully mine. I am happy to share with family members my records of which this presentation is only a portion. Any updates or contributions from family members are welcome. Sincerely, Kenneth B. Yancey 6108 Union Village Drive Clifton, Virginia kenandjudyyancey@verizon.net 34