GenerationNo 3
7. SILVINA3 DEVORSS (JOSEPH2, DANIEL1) was born Bet. 1810 - 1815 in Ross Co., OH. She married GEORGE SHANKS July 22, 1827 in Ross Co., OH. He was born Bet. 1800 - 1810.
Notes for SILVINA DEVORSS:
Name spelled Sylvania on marriage certificate. This was a common name in her mother's Ladd family.
Notes for GEORGE SHANKS:
In the 1830 census for Twin twp., Ross Co., OH George Shanks age 20-30, a female 15-20, and a male under 5 were listed next to Daniel DeVorss and his son William. George's brother John is on the same page.
George & Silvina were living on her father's land in Buchanan Co., MO in 1845, and near Rochester, MO about 1854 when some of her sister Ruth Ann's children came to live with them.
Child of SILVINA DEVORSS and GEORGE SHANKS is:
i. SON4 SHANKS, b. Bet. 1827 - 1830, Twin Twp., Ross Co., OH.
Notes for SON SHANKS:
This may be William M. Shanks who witnessed (in Buchanan Co., MO) the sale of Daniel DeVorss' OH land in 1846. Also a William M. Shanks signed papers for Joseph and William Mead to join the Cavalry during the Civil War. Joseph and William were living in Rochester, MO with the Shanks family (Silvinia Shanks was the sister of their mother, Ruth Ann DeVorss Mead.)
8. DANIEL3 DEVORSS (JOSEPH2, DANIEL1) was born Bet. 1810 - 1820 in Ross Co., OH, and died Bef. December 08, 1846 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married SARAH SHANKS March 10, 1844 in Buchanan Co., MO. She died Bef. April 09, 1849 in Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for DANIEL DEVORSS:
Birth date is guessed at because his father had 2 males and 2 females under age 10 in the 1820 census for Twin Twp., Ross Co., OH.
Called Daniel Jr., as his grandfather and uncle were also Daniels. A Daniel DeVorss Jr. was taxed in Buchanan Co., MO in 1840 for 1 horse or mule. A Daniel DeVorss (not his uncle) was taxed in 1842 for 1 horse or mule, and 1 cattle. It cannot be confirmed that these records are for this Daniel, as there were several in the family.
His father, Joseph, divided his land in half at his death (1845) and left Daniel and siblings John, Silvina Shanks, Ruth Ann Mead, and Mary Ann Doherty 80 acres to be divided equally.
On July 26, 1845 Daniel Jr. purchased 20 acres of land in township 57, section 25, range 36 from Hugh and Mary Jane Robertson. He also purchased land in township 57, section 19, range 35 and still owned money on it at the time of his death. Both pieces of property were sold to pay his debts.
An inventory of the estate of Daniel DeVorss Jr. was taken on October 14, 1846. One of the witnesses was W. C. McMunn. This inventory was filed December 8, 1846 mentioning a widow, but no children. Some of the buyers at the sale of his personal property were Abram Crouch, David McMunn, William McMunn and James DeVorss.
In May 1848 there is a payment from his estate to Sarah Devoss.
Buchanan Co., MO Probate record #766 for Sarah DeVorss shows infant sons Henry Shanks and Benjamin B. DeVorss are placed in guardianship of John J. DeVorss April 9, 1849.
Record #757 shows notice given by John J. DeVorss to resign his guardianship of Benjamin DeVorss & Henry Shanks, minors, February 12, 1853.
Notes for SARAH SHANKS:
Buchanan Co., MO Probate record #766 for Sarah DeVorss shows infant sons Henry Shanks and Benjamin B. DeVorss are placed in guardianship of John J. DeVorss April 9, 1849.
Record #757 shows notice given by John J. DeVorss to resign his guardianship of Benjamin DeVorss & Henry Shanks, minors, February 12, 1853.
Child of DANIEL DEVORSS and SARAH SHANKS is:
i. BENJAMIN B.4 DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1845, Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for BENJAMIN B. DEVORSS:
Buchanan Co., MO Probate record #766 for Sarah DeVorss shows infant sons Henry Shanks and Benjamin B. DeVorss are placed in guardianship of John J. DeVorss April 9, 1849.
1850 census Nodaway Township, Andrew Co., MO taken September 4:
Benjamin DeVorss, age 6, is living with Regin W. and Ami Brand.
Record #757 shows notice given by John J. DeVorss to resign his guardianship of Benjamin DeVorss & Henry Shanks, minors, February 12, 1853.
1860 census Bloomington Township, Buchanan Co., MO taken July 9:
Benjamin DeVorss, age 14, born OH, is living with J.T. and Beverly Frakes.
9. JOHN J.3 DEVORSS (JOSEPH2, DANIEL1) was born February 1816 in Twin Twp., Ross Co., OH, and died August 08, 1877 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married (1) SUSANNAH ROADRUCK/RODERICK June 24, 1838 in Tippecanoe Co., IN. She was born Abt. 1820 in OH, and died Aft. August 28, 1850 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married (2) MAGLIN ANN BATES February 24, 1855 in Buchanan Co., MO. She was born November 25, 1821, and died July 12, 1890 in Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for JOHN J. DEVORSS:
Census for Washington Township, Buchanan Co., MO, taken on September 30, 1850:
Page 20, Dwelling & family #237
John J. DeVorss age 34, farmer, value real estate 2500, born OH
Susan age 30 born OH
Lewis age 7 born MO
Sarah age 4 born MO
James age 2 born MO
Nash age 4/12 born MO
Land records for this man are difficult to sort out. There were several men named John DeVorss and at least two named John J.
John J. DeVorss was taxed in Buchanan Co., MO 1840 for 1 cattle, and in 1842 for 1 horse or mule, and 1 cattle.
United States of America Land grant certificate #1640 bought by John J. Devorss for 138.52 acres in Township 57, Range 35, section 30 - the South West quarter. His father's certificate was #1639. There was also certificate #2128 bought by John J. Devorss Junior for 18.29 acres in Township 57, Range 36, section 23. Eleven acres of this second tract of land was sold by John J. and Susan Devorss on January 21, 1845 to Scarlett W. Madding.
Book B, page 396. May 19, 1845. John J. Devorss and Susanna his wife and Daniel Devorss and Sarah his wife 42 acres being the East part of the South West quarter of Section 30 in Township 57 and Range 35.
John inherited 1/5 of one half of his father's land in 1845. On February 17, 1847 he and Susannah sold an undivided fifth part of the North half of the Northeast quarter of Township 57, Range 36, Section 36, to George W. Taylor and Daniel Hogan for $45.
Book D, page 206. On the 22nd day of December 1847. John J. Devorss from George W. & Nancy Taylor for the sume of #125 Lot #3 in Block #32 in the town of St. Joseph. John and wife Susan sold the south half of this lot to his brother Thomas L. Devorss on January 1, 1848. On March 24, 1848 Thomas sold the south half of the lot to another brother, James L. Devorss ($1 for promissory note of $75). It is thought that this whole lot was abandoned, possibly never lived on.
Book E, page 384. On the 7th day of November 1848. John J. Devorss from George W. Taylor and Martha Taylor his wife and Daniel and Sarah Ann Morgan for the sum of $200 the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Township 57, Range 36, Section 26 containing 40 acres.
Book E, page 384. On May 30, 1849 John J. Devorss from Stacy and Isabella Devany for $60 the southeast half of Township 57, Range 36, Section 23 containing 11 acres.
Book E, page 363. On the 30th day of ? 1849. John J. Devorss and Susanna his wife to Edward M. Badley for $71. The Southeast half of Fractional Section 23 in Township 57 and Range 36 containing 11 acres more or less.
Book G, page 247 March 19, 1850 John Devorss from Henson and Sarah Devorss for $100 one undivided fraction fifth part of the southwest quarter of township 57, range 36, section 36. This is land Henson inherited from his father. We know it was sold to this John because on April 16, 1850 John J. and Susan his wife sold it to Joseph Devorss (probably Joseph Hiram DeVorss, Henson's brother).
Book G, page 487. September 4, 1849. John J. Devorss as guardian of Benjamin B. Devorss sold the North half of the North East quarter of Section number 36 in Township number 57 of Range number 36 for $88 to James A. Anthony, for the benefit of said minor. This was land that was left by John J's father to his mother and after her death to his brothers Thomas and James. Benjamin is thought to be the son of another of John J.'s brothers, Daniel and wife Sarah Shanks. Thomas and James were still alive on this date, so perhaps an arrangement was made to provide for an orphaned nephew.
Book G, page 476. May 13, 1851. John J. Devorss from John B. C. Wilson for $1000, Lot #7 of block 37 in the town of St. Joseph. (John B.C. Wilson was living with Thomas F. Wilson and wife Mary DeVorss, d/o Daniel, in 1850. Mary's brother John J. DeVorss was living beside her, so this record may be for him. However, it is thought that Mary's brother died about 1850.)
Book I, page 136. September 10, 1851. John J. Devorss from Lewis Roderick for the sum of $800. The Northwest quarter of Township 56, Range 35, section 4 from Lewis Roderick, reserving out of said quarter section 2.23 acres by the said Lewis Roderick and wife to Benjamin Thorton. (Lewis Roderick is thought to be related to John J.'s wife.)
Book I, page 450. September 26, 1852. John J and Susannah Devorss, Thomas and Rebecca Devorss, and Daniel and Ruthann Spainhower sold to Mary Ann Doherty, in consideration of natural love and affection and $1, Lot #2 in block 55 in St. Joseph. (This lot belonged to James DeVorss, who may have died. Mary Ann was probably a widow. It is thought that James was not married and had no children, so his land may have passed to his siblings.)
Book E, page 302. February 18, 1858. John J. Devorss and Susannah Devorss his wife to Stacy Divanna for $300. The South West corner of the South West Quarter of Township 57, Range 35, section 30, to include 22 acres. One other parcel of land, the South East half of Fraction Section 23 in Township 57, Range 36, Section 23 containing 15 acres more or less. (Susannah died before this date and John had remarried. Book E appears to have land transactions from 1849, so this date may not be right.)
Book 35, page 424. October 17, 1865. John J. Devorss from Franklin Pettipiers and Elizabeth his wife and George K. Hall. The Southwest fractional part of Township 57, Range 35, Section 30. (The name Pettipier is found in this line several generations later.)
Center Township, Buchanan Co., MO census taken September 20, 1870:
Post Office Easton, page 1, Dwelling & Family #4
Deveres, John J. 54, farmer real estate 8000, personal prop. 1200, born OH
Mary Ann 48, keeping house, born KY
Bates, James ? 24, farmer, born KY
Deveres, John 21, farmer, born MO (may be John J.'s nephew, s/o Thomas)
James 19, farmer born MO
W. Allice 11, born MO, attended school within the year
Effie 9, born MO, attended school within the year
Anna Ella 7, born MO, attended school with the year
Grifford 5, born MO
On October 23, 1877, an inventory of John J. DeVorss' estate, taken by Samuel D. Cowan, W. B. Pyne, and James W. Fogg showed the following real estate:
1 tract of land Twp. 56, Range 35, Section 1 - 157.91 acres
1 tract of land Twp. 56, Range 34, Section 18 - 34 acres
Before John J. died in 1877 he had given small tracts of land to 3 of his children by his first marriage; Lewis, Sarah Jane Elder, and James Granville. When he died his 2nd wife went to court to prevent these three from inheriting any more of their father's estate. The court allowed money from the sale of his personal estate to go to Sarah Jane and the heirs of Lewis, but none to James Granville. When the second wife died in 1890 she left everything she had inherited from John J. DeVorss to James H. Bates, who was probably her son by a previous marriage. He subsequently sold all the land before he died in 1893.
In John J.'s probate records are the names of family and neighbors, some of whom are buried near him at Feuquay Cemetery; Samuel D. Cowan, W. B. Pyne, James W. Fogg, Posey Smith, James Dysart, James Smith, O'fallon Hix, James DeVorss, James Bennett, William Smith, and A. Feuquay.
More About JOHN J. DEVORSS:
Burial: Feuquay Cemetery
Notes for SUSANNAH ROADRUCK/RODERICK:
Ludwig Rothrock was born in Germany and married Susannah Norris. The name was spelled both as Roadruck, as on Susannah's and John J. DeVorss' marriage certificate, and Roderick. Descendants of Ludwig (Lewis in English) were in Ross Co., OH at the same time as the DeVorss family and were part of a wagon train that went to Tippecanoe Co., IN about 1829.
John and Susannah DeVorss went to Buchanan Co., MO not long after they were married in IN. In 1851 they purchased 163.79 acres from Lewis Roderick. It is not known how Susannah and Lewis Roderick were related, but she named a son Lewis.
Note: Lewis Roderick was born in VA and lived in Coshocton Co., OH. This is him in the 1850 census for Buchanan Co., MO: Page 088, household 0605 (taken 4 Oct 1850)
Louis Rhoderick 55 b. VA
Junus Rhoderick 48 b. MO
James Rhoderick 10 b. MO
Anthony Rhoderick 10 b. MO
Eliza Rhoderick 3 b. MO
Note: Living 2 households away from Lewis Roderick is H. P. Smith, whose daughter Adelene married John J. and Susannah DeVorss' son, James Granville.
Notes for MAGLIN ANN BATES:
Center Twp., Buchanan Co., MO 1880 census, National Archived T9-0675, page 443B:
Family & Household #81
Wm. P. Johnson 42 b. KY, farmer, father b. VA, mother b. KY
Lucy E. Johnson wife 45 b. KY, Keeping House, father b. VA, mother b. VA
Landon C. Johnson son 14 b. MO
Mary C. Johnson dau 9 b. MO
Nancy E. Johnson dau 7 b.MO
Abner C. Johnson son 4 b. MO
Hariet DeVorss 58 Keeping House, b. KY, father b. VA, mother b. KY (widow)
Ellen S. DeVorss dau 17 b. MO, father b. OH, mother b. KY
Effa D. DeVorss 16 b. MO, father b. OH, mother b. KY
Howard G. DeVorss 14 b. MO, father b. OH, mother b. KY
M. A. Cogdill 55 b. OH, father b. OH, mother b. OH (widow)
Note: No known relationship with Wm. P. Johnson. M. A. Cogdill is Mary Ann DeVorss Doherty Cogdill, a sister-in-law to Maglin (John J. DeVorss' sister). No clue as to why Maglin's name is written Hariet.
Magdalene Devorse is listed as a taxpayer in Center Twp., Buchanan Co., MO, Sparta Post Office in 1887, 1889, and 1890.
W. Alice Bennett, Ellen Hix, Effie DeVorss and Howard DeVorss are named as heirs in the final settlement of the estate of John J. DeVorss in 1879. (This date may be wrong as Ellen is listed as single in the 1880 census.)
James H. Bates (1854-1893) was the sole beneficiary of Maglin Ann Bates DeVorss' will. James was named administrator of Maglin's will but turned it over to Sterling Price Smith. The court named James Dysart and R. W. Bagby to help inventory the estate. James H. Bates is listed as a taxpayer in Center Twp, Buchanan Co., MO, Sparta Post Office from 1887 to 1894. His wife Margaret A. Bates is on the list of taxpayers from 1902-1906 in the same area.
In an enclosed area of Feuquay Cemetery are the graves of Maglin, husband John J. DeVorss, Griffeth H. DeVorss, James H. Bates (& his wife and children), Henry Smith and wife and children (including Sterling Price Smith who married Dora Dysart d/o James), and Mary Smith mother of Henry. Because of this, it is thought that Maglin was the daughter of Mary and the sister to Henry Smith. She probably married a Bates and had James H. Bates, who appears in the 1870 census with her and John J. DeVorss.
More About MAGLIN ANN BATES:
Burial: Feuquay Cemetery
Children of JOHN DEVORSS and SUSANNAH ROADRUCK/RODERICK are:
27. i. LEWIS R.4 DEVORSS, b. Bet. 1838 - 1842, Buchanan Co., MO; d. Bef. May 07, 1875, Buchanan Co., MO.
28. ii. SARAH JANE DEVORSS, b. May 1843, Buchanan Co., MO; d. March 13, 1927, Buchanan Co., MO.
29. iii. JAMES GRANVILLE DEVORSS, b. June 18, 1846, Buchanan Co., MO; d. March 18, 1924, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO.
iv. GEORGE WASHINGTON DEVORSS, b. May 1850, Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for GEORGE WASHINGTON DEVORSS:
Called Nash. No further record of him after 1850.
Children of JOHN DEVORSS and MAGLIN BATES are:
30. v. WILLIANE ALICE4 DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1859, Buchanan Co., MO.
vi. EFFIE DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1861.
Notes for EFFIE DEVORSS:
In the final settlement of John J. DeVorss' probate, so probably not married in 1879.
There is a marriage record for E. DeVorss to Louis LaJoy 1893 Buchanan Co., MO.
vii. ANNA ELLA DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1863; m. O' FALLON HIX.
Notes for O' FALLON HIX:
The only clue to the name of Ellen DeVorss' husband is that Ellen Hix is named in the estate of John J. DeVorss as a heir, and there was an O'fallon Hix at the sale of John's personal estate.
The O'fallon and Hix families were prominent in St. Louis, MO, and some of both families went to Chariton Co., MO and were associated with each other there.
viii. GRIFFETH HOWARD DEVORSS, b. 1866; d. March 26, 1885, Buchanan Co., MO.
More About GRIFFETH HOWARD DEVORSS:
Burial: Feuquay Cemetery
10. THOMAS L.3 DEVORSS (JOSEPH2, DANIEL1) was born Abt. 1821 in Ross Co., OH. He married (1) LUCINDA PRATER June 02, 1844 in Buchanan Co., MO. She was born Abt. 1824 in OH. He married (2) REBECCA REEVES Aft. 1850 in Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for THOMAS L. DEVORSS:
Buchanan Co., MO 1850 census:
Thomas DeVorss age 29 born OH
Lucinda DeVorss age 26 born OH
J. W. age 1 born OH (this is probably inaccurate)
Thomas was left an equal share of the south half of his father's land with brother James. Thomas and his first wife, Lucinda sold his half of the land in 1849. Since his mother owned the land by will until her death, she would have died by this date. About 1855 Thomas sold the other half, which he would have inherited on the death of his brother James. There are several land transactions for Thomas , but nothing after 1855 and nothing more is known about him.
Child of THOMAS DEVORSS and LUCINDA PRATER is:
i. J. W.4 DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1849, Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for J. W. DEVORSS:
This may be the John DeVorss (spelled Devires) in the 1870 census with John J. DeVorss, who would be his uncle. This John was listed as age 21 born in MO, and does not fit anywhere else in the family.
11. RUTHANN3 DEVORSS (JOSEPH2, DANIEL1) was born March 25, 1822 in Ross Co., OH, and died December 31, 1854 in Gentry Co., MO. She married (1) AARON MEAD January 01, 1836 in Tippecanoe Co., IN, son of JUDAH MEAD and MEHITABLE ROCKWELL. He was born Abt. 1813 in Tioga, NY, and died Abt. 1848 in Wayne Township, Buchanan Co., MO. She married (2) DANIEL WEBSTER SPAINHOWER Abt. 1849 in Gentry Co., MO, son of JOHN SPAINHOWER and ELIZABETH. He was born March 12, 1814 in Casey Co., KY, and died August 19, 1895 in Gentry Co., MO.
More About RUTHANN DEVORSS:
Burial: Old Brick Cemetery near Albany,Gentry Co., MO
Notes for AARON MEAD:
Was taxed $.31 in Buchanan Co., MO 1842.
Land records in Buchanan Co., MO:
Book A, page 60. On the 8th day of January 1841. Aaron Mead to Frederick Maymore for the sum of $80. The South West quarter of Section 25 in Township 57 and Range 36.
Book B, page 202. On the 27th day of February 1845. From Laurent Chironze to Aaron Mead for the sum of $80. 160 acres being the Northeast quarter section of section 14 in township 56 range 36. Recorded 17 Mar 1845.
Notes for DANIEL WEBSTER SPAINHOWER:
Married first to Mary Ann "Polly" Canaday February 2, 1837 in Montgomery Co., IL. Her father was Robert C. Canaday who died May 31, 1847 in Gentry Co., MO. Polly died in 1848. Her brother, Caleb Sapp Canaday married Elizabeth Spainhower
Gentry Co., MO census taken September 16, 1850:
Page 209A, Family & Dwelling #215
Daniel Spainhower 36, farmer born KY
Ruthann 31, born OH (sister Mary Ann DeVorss Doherty is on page 209, #206)
Isaac Meed 14, born ? (son of Ruth Ann's 1st husband Aaron Mead)
Sarah 13, born IL (twin, daughter of Polly Canaday)
Elizabeth 13, born IL (twin, daughter of Polly Canaday)
Nancy C. 11, born IL (Nancy Caroline, daughter of Polly Canaday)
Joseph 10, born MO (son of Ruth Ann's 1st husband Aaron Mead)
Robert H. 7, born IL (Robert Henry, son of Polly Canaday)
William B. 5, born MO (son of Ruth Ann's 1st husband Aaron Mead)
Lewis B. 3, born MO (Levi B., son of Polly Canaday)
William T. 3, born MO (William Taylor, son of Polly Canaday)
Aaron T. 2, born MO (son of Ruth Ann's 1st husband Aaron Mead)
Married 3rd a Rebecca who is also buried at Old Brick Cemetery near Albany, MO.
Note: Another record shows Daniel's parents as John Henry Spainhour and Sarah Davenport and his wife as Martha Meade.
More About DANIEL WEBSTER SPAINHOWER:
Burial: Old Brick Cemetery near Albany, Gentry Co., MO
Children of RUTHANN DEVORSS and AARON MEAD are:
i. ISAAC4 MEAD, b. Abt. 1836, Tippecanoe Co., IN; d. August 15, 1862, Macon Co., MO; m. SARAH ANN WOOLERY, May 24, 1857.
Notes for ISAAC MEAD:
Died of wounds suffered at the Battle of Kirksville (MO) during the Civil War.
ii. JOSEPH DEVARCE MEAD, b. March 10, 1840, St Louis Co., MO; d. February 17, 1902, Los Angeles, CA; m. MARGARET ELIZABETH SNODGRASS, August 17, 1873, Denver Co., CO.
iii. WILLIAM B. MEAD, b. February 23, 1845, Wayne Twp., Buchanan Co., MO; d. May 01, 1931, Denver Co., CO; m. MINNIE ELMER, November 03, 1874, Denver Co., CO.
iv. AARON THOMAS MEAD, b. Abt. 1848, Wayne Twp., Buchanan Co., MO; d. Los Angeles, CA.
Children of RUTHANN DEVORSS and DANIEL SPAINHOWER are:
v. JAMES WILSON4 SPAINHOWER, b. July 26, 1850; m. MILDRED DAWSON.
vi. JACOB RAPHAEL SPAINHOWER, b. April 30, 1852, Gentry Co., MO; d. October 1935, Gentry Co., MO.
12. MARY ANN3 DEVORSS (JOSEPH2, DANIEL1) was born Abt. 1826 in Ross Co., OH. She married (1) ROBERT E. DOHERTY April 15, 1841 in Buchanan Co., MO, son of WILLIAM DOHERTY and ELLEN BRADFORD. He was born October 24, 1817 in TN, and died Abt. 1852. She married (2) JACOB COGDILL June 14, 1853 in Buchanan Co., MO. He was born Abt. 1832 in MO, and died Abt. 1868.
Notes for MARY ANN DEVORSS:
Grantor Land Records, Buchanan Co., MO, Book I, page 450:
On the 26th day of September 1852. John J. Devorss and Susanah Devorss his wife and Thomas Devorss and Rebecca Devorss his wife of the County of Buchanan and Daniel Spainhower and Ruthann Spainhower his wife of the County of Gentry. To Mary Ann Doherty in consideration of natural love and affection which they have for the party of the second part and for the further consideration of the sum of one dollar. Lot number two in Block number fifty-five in the town of St. Joseph.
This lot had been purchased by James L. Devorss from Joseph Rodidoux and Angelique Robidous his wife on November 14 1850. It is possible that James died unmarried and the lot fell to his siblings, John J., Thomas, Ruthann DeVorss Spainhower, and Mary Ann DeVorss Doherty.
Mary Cogden age 45 born OH was living with Sarah Merril in 1870. Sarah would have been Mary Ann's niece, d/o of John J. DeVorss, Mary Ann's brother. They were living next to John J. DeVorss in Center Township, Buchanan Co., MO. Since Sarah was a recent widow with small children, Mary Ann may have just been helping out.
Center Twp., Buchanan Co., MO 1880 census, National Archived T9-0675, page 443B:
Family & Household #81
Wm. P. Johnson 42 b. KY, farmer, father b. VA, mother b. KY
Lucy E. Johnson wife 45 b. KY, Keeping House, father b. VA, mother b. VA
Landon C. Johnson son 14 b. MO
Mary C. Johnson dau 9 b. MO
Nancy E. Johnson dau 7 b.MO
Abner C. Johnson son 4 b. MO
Hariet DeVorss 58 Keeping House, b. KY, father b. VA, mother b. KY (widow)
Ellen S. DeVorss dau 17 b. MO, father b. OH, mother b. KY
Effa D. DeVorss 16 b. MO, father b. OH, mother b. KY
Howard G. DeVorss 14 b. MO, father b. OH, mother b. KY
M. A. Cogdill 55 b. OH, father b. OH, mother b. OH (widow)
Buchanan Co., MO 1883 Pensioners on the roll:
Certificate number: 180343
Name: Mary A. Cogdell
Post: St. Joseph
Cause for: dep. mother
Monthly rate: 8.00
Original date: Mar 1868
Note: Pension records for the Civil War show Samuel B. Doherty, relative M. A. Cogdill.
Notes for ROBERT E. DOHERTY:
Age 11 when he moved to Clay Co., MO with his family. In 1836 Robert and his older brother, William Taylor Doherty, and Samuel and Peggy Doherty Gilmore went to Missouri Territory (later Nebraska Territory in 1854) to teach the Indians. A letter was written by Robert to his brother Joseph Bradford Doherty in Clay Co., MO from the "Ioway Mission" December 15, 1838. This was probably the Iowa Indian reservation west of White Cloud, KS.
Robert had returned to MO by 1841 living first in Faucett, Buchanan Co., MO, a small town south of St. Joseph.
Charged a poll tax only in Buchanan Co., MO 1842.
Was a witness to the will of his wife's grandfather, Daniel DeVorss, 1844 Buchanan Co., MO. The hand writing on the original will looks the same as Robert's signature.
In the History of Andrew and DeKalb County, Robert E. Doherty was appointed Justice of the Peace for Washington Township. Goodspeed's states that, "Robert E. Doherty, brother of the Honorable John F. Doherty, was an early resident of the county, and among the first lawyers admitted to the DeKalb bar, having been licensed to practice in 1847. He read law in Clay County, but practiced principally in the courts of DeKalb where he acquired a fairly lucrative business. He left the county many years ago." (Robert's father, William, died 1823 in Clay Co., MO.)
The 1850 census for Gentry Co., MO, page 209, line 32:
Robert E. Doherty age 31, circuit clerk, born TN
Mary Ann age 24, born OH (sister Ruth Ann DeVorss Mead Spainhower lived nearby)
Samuel, age 8, born MO
Thomas age 2, born MO
Robert age 2/12, born MO
Note: Nothing is known of the fate of these children, but Mary Ann qualified for a pension as a dependent mother in 1868, so one of them probably fought in the Civil War.
Grantor Land Records, Buchanan Co., MO, Book I, page 450:
On the 26th day of September 1852. John J. Devorss and Susanah Devorss his wife and Thomas Devorss and Rebecca Devorss his wife of the County of Buchanan and Daniel Spainhower and Ruthann Spainhower his wife of the County of Gentry. To Mary Ann Doherty in consideration of natural love and affection which they have for the party of the second part and for the further consideration of the sum of one dollar. Lot number two in Block number fifty-five in the town of St. Joseph.
This lot had been purchased by James L. Devorss from Joseph Rodidoux and Angelique Robidoux his wife on November 14 1850. It is possible that James died unmarried and the lot fell to his siblings, John J., Thomas, Ruthann DeVorss Spainhower, and Mary Ann DeVorss Doherty.
In the probate records for Robert's father-in-law, Joseph DeVorss, under notes and accounts on hand uncollected, Robert E. Doherty is marked "insolvent & dead".
Notes for JACOB COGDILL:
1850 Bates Co., MO census:
Jacob Cogdell 20 b. MO, living with Elihu Irwin 36 b. Indiana, and family.
1860 census Warsaw City, Benton Co., MO: (page 367, 804-798)
Jacob Cogdell 28, laborer, $100, b. MO, cannot read or write
Mary Ann Dority 33, b. OH
Samuel 18 labour, b. MO, attending school
Thomas 12 b. MO, attending school
Robert 10 b. MO, attending school
Silas Cogdell 5 b. MO, attending school
Children of MARY DEVORSS and ROBERT DOHERTY are:
i. SAMUEL B.4 DOHERTY, b. Abt. 1842, MO; d. Bef. 1868, Civil War.
Notes for SAMUEL B. DOHERTY:
Was a Sgt. in the Civil War, Company I, 11th MO Cavalry, Union Forces.
ii. THOMAS DOHERTY, b. Abt. 1848, MO.
Notes for THOMAS DOHERTY:
There is a Thomas Doherty in the 1870 census for Ozark Twp., Webster Co., MO.
iii. ROBERT DOHERTY, b. Abt. 1850, MO.
Child of MARY DEVORSS and JACOB COGDILL is:
iv. SILAS4 COGDILL, b. Abt. 1855, MO.
13. ANNA3 DEVORSS (DANIEL2, DANIEL1) was born Bet. 1816 - 1820 in Ross Co., OH. She married ABRAHAM CROUCH February 15, 1833 in Vermillion Co., IL. He died Bef. November 20, 1847 in Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for ANNA DEVORSS:
It is thought that Anna's father and mother were living with her grandparents in 1820 Twin Twp., Ross Co., OH. There were 2 children under age 10, one female and one male with them.
Notes for ABRAHAM CROUCH:
Attended an estate sale for Daniel DeVorss Jr. in 1846. In Daniel's probate records a petition to sell real estate filed November 8, 1848 shows a debt due to the estate from the "estate of Abram Crouch deceased for ten dollars and 18 3/4 cents".
Probate records in MO Book A, page 204, show that Ann Crouch was the admx. for Abram Crouch, securities were Daniel DeVorss, and David McMunn. There was a Mary Crouch age 8 living with Daniel DeVorss in 1850 in Holt Co. MO. A 9 year old Mary Crouch was also shown in the 1850 census of Buchanan Co., MO with Thomas F. Wilson and Mary (DeVorss) Wilson.
Child of ANNA DEVORSS and ABRAHAM CROUCH is:
i. MARY4 CROUCH, b. Abt. 1842, MO.
14. JOHN J.3 DEVORSS (DANIEL2, DANIEL1) was born Bet. 1816 - 1820 in Ross Co., OH, and died Aft. June 15, 1849 in Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for JOHN J. DEVORSS:
It is thought that John J.'s parents were living with his grandparents in Twin Twp., Ross Co., OH in 1820. There were two children under 10 with them, one male and one female.
The only known record of this man's existence is a land record in Buchanan Co., MO.
"On the 15th day of June 1849, John J. Devorss, said son of Daniel Devorss, from Daniel Devorss and Harriet Devorss his wife for the sum of $50. Lot #2 in block 39 in the town of St. Joseph. Taking only the south half of said lot the north half having been conveyed by us to Thomas Wilson."
Daniel DeVorss had purchased this lot on July 1, 1844 and his son Levi purchased Lot #1. Daniel's daughter, Mary/Polly, married Thomas F. Wilson. Thomas and Mary appear in the 1850 census, but not John J. (There is another John J. DeVorss in the census, but it is not this one.) Daniel and Harriet were in Holt Co., MO in 1850 with a Robert Theodore DeVorss age two born MO, and Jane Wilson age 64 born PA. It is only speculation that Robert Theodore was the son of John J. (Robert's death certificate says he was an orphan raised by his grandparents.)
Child of JOHN J. DEVORSS is:
31. i. ROBERT THEODORE4 DEVORSS, b. May 08, 1847; d. November 03, 1914, Gibbon, Buffalo Co., NE.
15. LEVI3 DEVORSS (DANIEL2, DANIEL1) was born November 24, 1824 in Ross Co., OH, and died April 30, 1886 in Forbes, Holt Co., MO. He married MARGARET A. MCMUNN October 19, 1848 in Buchanan Co., MO, daughter of WILLIAM MCMUNN and REBECCA BROWN. She was born September 19, 1833 in Ross Co., OH, and died December 25, 1908 in Forbes, Holt Co., MO.
Notes for LEVI DEVORSS:
Levi was about 5 when his father moved to Tippecanoe Co., IN. They were in Buchanan Co., MO by 1840.
He purchased lot #1 in block 39 in St. Jospeh, MO from Joseph and Angelique Robidoux on July 1, 1844. His father purchased lot #2. On August 9 1849 Levi purchased 22.61 acres in township 57, range 35, section 19, from his father Daniel and wife Harriet. He apparently owned some land with his father because Levi and Margaret DeVorss and Daniel and Harriet DeVorss sold 40 acres in twp. 57, range36, section 35, on November 20, 1849.
On August 23, 1850 Levi and Margaret sold lot #1, block 39 in St. Joseph to David H. McMunn. The 1850 census shows them living with her parents in Holt Co., MO. The relationship between Margaret McMunn DeVorss and David McMunn is not known. However, David appears in the 1850 Buchanan Co. census next to John J. DeVorss, Levi's cousin (not his brother).
1850 Holt Co., MO census page 068, Family #206, 38th District: (father is family #204)
William McMunn 39 b. OH (Levi's father-in-law)
Rebecca 34, b. OH
George 15, b. OH
William C. 10 b. MO
Devorse, Levi 25, b. OH
Margaret 17 b. OH
In 1851 Levi purchased the land that he would lay out in 1869 as the town of Forbes in Holt Co., MO. The idea of locating a town at this point was prompted by the presence of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs railroad, which was completed to this point in the summer of 1868. Levi donated some land to the railroad. The original house of the town was the farm residence of Levi and Margaret. It was at the foot of the bluff at the north extremity of the village. The first building erected after the laying out of the town was a small store erected by William Herron, on what was afterwards Devorss' addition to the original town. William Herron married Margaret DeVorss' widowed mother, Rebecca Brown McMunn. Levi was the first post master of Forbes (originally called Elm Grove Post Office). Also built in 1869 was a school building. In 1879 a new structure was built for the school and Professor A. G. Young, M. D., was principal, assisted by Mrs. Young. This was not Levi's daughter, but A.G. Young's first wife.
1860 Holt Co., MO census:
Devorss, Levi, 35, b. OH
Margaret A., 25, b. OH
Rebecca C., 7, b. OH
Mary F., 5, b. OH
Lucretia, 4, b. OH
Armstrong, Eliza J., 45, b. Iowa
1870 Holt Co., MO census, Nodaway Twp. taken July 22, page 214, Dwelling #277, Family #273:
Devorss, Levi 45, farmer, real estate 8000, personal property 2000, b. OH
Margaret 36 b. OH
Mary F. 14 b. MO
Lucretia 13 b. MO
George 8 b. MO
Julia 1 b. MO
McMunn, Edward 13, b. MO
Devissiry, Daniel 24, laborer, b. MO
In 1882 the businesses of Forbes, MO included:
J. A. Ross & Co. general merchandise (husband of Levi's daughter Leucretia)
J. R. Wilson general stock (thought to be related to Levi's son George's wife)
Dr. A. G Young drugstore and physician (husband of Levi's daughter Mary)
Levi DeVorss founder of the town, capitalist and hotel keeper.
More About LEVI DEVORSS:
Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery
Notes for MARGARET A. MCMUNN:
Said to have had 9 children.
The McMunn family was from Ross Co., OH. Margaret's parents married there November 17, 1831. David H. McMunn married Rebecca Ann Ferrill on March 24, 1835. Both of these men were associated with the DeVorss family in Buchanan and Holt Co., MO. (Daniel H. McMunn is in the 1840 census in Ross Co., OH in Twin Township.)
Margaret's father was William C. McMunn born March 1, 1810 and died in October 1852 in Holt Co., MO. He is buried at the Oregon (MO) Cemetery. After her father's death Margaret's mother married William Herron, who died November 28, 1888 age 67. He is buried at Forbes, MO. Rebecca Brown McMunn Herron died at her home February 8, 1904 at the age of 91. In Holt Co. records she is recorded as an original occupant of the site where Forest City, MO stands.
More About MARGARET A. MCMUNN:
Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery
Children of LEVI DEVORSS and MARGARET MCMUNN are:
32. i. REBECCA CREIGHTON4 DEVORSS, b. December 25, 1854; d. 1938.
ii. MARY F. DEVORSS, b. Bet. 1855 - 1856; d. November 27, 1941, Holt Co., MO; m. DR. ADELBERT GILBMAN YOUNG, Aft. April 02, 1881, Holt Co., MO; b. April 10, 1852, Kankakee Co., IL; d. December 20, 1936.
Notes for MARY F. DEVORSS:
The book "Gone Home" from Holt Co., MO says Mary was born October 1854. This is probably inaccurate. She was age 5 in the 1860 census and age 14 in the 1870 census. Her sister Rebecca's birthdate was December 25, 1854.
More About MARY F. DEVORSS:
Burial: Forbes Cemetery
Notes for DR. ADELBERT GILBMAN YOUNG:
Was married first to Laura E. Larkin, daughter of B.F. Larkin, who died April 2, 188l in Holt Co., MO. They had one child who died soon after. Dr. Young and Mary DeVorss Young were living in Forbes, MO in 1889 when he was postmaster. They were in Denver, CO in 1908, but were back in Forbes, MO in 1915 when he became postmaster again.
1920 census Forbes Twp., Holt Co., MO, T625, R918, ED138, p. 8A, #144, Jan. 16-18:
DeVorss, Julie, Head, 51 b. MO, Deputy Postmaster, father b. IN, mother b. OH
Young, Dr. G, brother-in-law, 67 b. IN, father b. IN, mother b. IL, Postmaster
DeVorss, Mary, sister 65 b. MO father b. IN, mother b. OH, trained nurse
More About DR. ADELBERT GILBMAN YOUNG:
Burial: Forbes Cemetery
iii. LEUCRETIA DEVORSS, b. Bet. 1856 - 1857, Holt Co., MO; d. January 05, 1898, San Antonio, TX; m. JOHN A. ROSS, December 06, 1874, Holt Co., MO; b. January 25, 1853, Harrison Co., OH; d. August 29, 1914, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO.
More About LEUCRETIA DEVORSS:
Age at death (Facts Pg): 37
Burial: Forbes Cemetery, Holt Co., MO
Notes for JOHN A. ROSS:
Son of Margaret Ross of Mt. Olive, OH. Owned a business in Forbes, Holt Co., MO. Sold and went to St. Joseph, MO, then moved to TX for health reasons.
More About JOHN A. ROSS:
Age at death (Facts Pg): 62
33. iv. GEORGE BURNS DEVORSS, b. January 29, 1861, Holt Co., MO; d. February 26, 1942, Colorado Springs, El Paso Co., CO.
v. JULIA ANN DEVORSS, b. January 08, 1869, Forbes, Holt Co., MO; d. April 15, 1937, Forbes, Holt Co., MO.
Notes for JULIA ANN DEVORSS:
Never married. Lived in the home of her parents until she died.
1920 census Forbes Twp., Holt Co., MO, T625, R918, ED138, p. 8A, #144, Jan. 16-18:
DeVorss, Julie, Head, 51 b. MO, Deputy Postmaster, father b. IN, mother b. OH
Young, Dr. G, brother-in-law, 67 b. IN, father b. IN, mother b. IL, Postmaster
DeVorss, Mary, sister 65 b. MO father b. IN, mother b. OH, trained nurse
1930 census Forbes Twp., Holt Co., MO, T626 R1189, ED7, p. 4B:
Devorss, Julia A., 61 b. MO, father b. IN, mother b. OH
When Julia died, Russell DeVorss (a grandson of Levi's) and his family came back from Colorado Springs, CO to Forbes, MO to take care of the farm. They lived for a time in Julia's (Levi's) house and Russell's children went to school in Forbes. When the farm was sold to settle the estate they moved back to Colorado Springs.
More About JULIA ANN DEVORSS:
Burial: Forbes Cemetery
16. MARY/POLLY3 DEVORSS (DANIEL2, DANIEL1) was born Abt. 1828 in Ross Co., OH. She married THOMAS F. WILSON June 12, 1845 in Buchanan Co., MO. He was born Abt. 1820 in KY.
Notes for THOMAS F. WILSON:
On the 19th day of May 1849 Daniel and Harriet DeVorss sold to Thomas F. Wilson the north half of lot #2, block 39, in the city of St. Joseph, MO for $75. (They sold the south half of the lot to son John J. DeVorss.)
Census Washington Township, Buchanan Co., MO taken September 2, 1850:
Thomas F. Wilson, age 30, carpenter, value of real estate $500, born KY
Mary Wilson age 22 born OH
Mary Wilson age 3, born MO
J.B.C. Wilson age 29, farmer, born KY**
Henry Wilson age 20, carpenter, born KY
There was a Jane Wilson (age 64 born PA) living with Mary DeVorss Wilson's father, Daniel, in Holt Co., MO in 1850.
**John J. DeVorss (1816-1877) purchased Lot #7 in Block 37 in St. Joseph, MO in 1851 from John B. C. Wilson. Also, Henson DeVorss (1818-1900) sold land in 1850 to John B. C. Wilson.
Child of MARY/POLLY DEVORSS and THOMAS WILSON is:
i. MARY4 WILSON, b. Abt. 1847.
17. ELIZABETH JANE3 DEVORSS (DANIEL2, DANIEL1) was born Abt. 1834 in Indiana. She married JOHN FLETCHER August 09, 1849 in Buchanan Co., MO. He was born Abt. 1825 in Indiana.
Notes for JOHN FLETCHER:
1850 census Washington Twp., Buchanan Co., MO, Page 025, family 0144:
John V. Fletcher age 25 born Ia
Eliza Fletcher age 16 born Ia
William Fletcher age 3 born Ia
John Fletcher age ? born MO
William Fletcher age 20 born Ia
(The abbreviation "Ia" is thought to stand for Indiana in this census.)
Child of ELIZABETH DEVORSS and JOHN FLETCHER is:
i. JOHN4 FLETCHER, b. Abt. 1850, MO.
18. JOHN3 DEVORSS (DANIEL2, DANIEL1) was born Abt. 1837 in Iowa or Indiana, and died February 1866 in Holt Co., MO. He married MARY ELLEN MAGERS December 25, 1861 in Holt Co., MO. She was born June 24, 1844 in Knox Co., OH, and died March 06, 1906 in Forest City, Holt Co., MO.
Notes for JOHN DEVORSS:
May have been a step-son, son of Harriet, who used the DeVorss name. After he died Levi DeVorss, his brother or half-brother, became guardian of his children.
Notes for MARY ELLEN MAGERS:
Came with her parents to Holt Co., MO in 1853. After John died Mary remarried John H. Snyer on April 2, 1868 and had 3 more children.
Children of JOHN DEVORSS and MARY MAGERS are:
34. i. LEE4 DEVORSS, b. Bet. 1861 - 1866, MO.
35. ii. MARY LEONA DEVORSS, b. Bet. 1861 - 1866.
19. JOSEPH HIRAM3 DEVORSS (JOHN D.2, DANIEL1) was born December 29, 1816 in Pickaway Co., OH, and died April 20, 1902 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married (1) REBECCA ENGLISH Abt. 1836 in Pickaway Co., OH, daughter of JOHN ENGLISH and MARY. She was born July 18, 1816 in OH, and died July 28, 1887 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married (2) MARY E. MYERS January 1891.
Notes for JOSEPH HIRAM DEVORSS:
Living next to his father in the 1840 census for Perry Township, Pickaway Co., OH: Joseph Devauss age 20-30, one female age 15-20, one male under age 5.
An 1893 biography said he came to Buchanan Co., MO in 1841 and lived in a log cabin with his parents. Three years later he built a house on the southwest quarter of Section 31. He was a carpenter, a Circuit Rider for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a Democrat.
Just before the Civil War his property was confiscated and his house burnt down. He took his family to Rushville, MO for 2 years and then returned to rebuild his house, where he lived until about 1886.
Census for Washington Twp., Buchanan Co., MO taken 28 Aug 1850:
Page 11, Dwelling 125, Family 125
Joseph DeVorss age 34, farmer, real estate value $1000, born OH
Rebecca age 31 born OH
John age 10 born OH
Mary age 10 born OH
Davis age 3 born MO
Hiram age 1 born MO
Census for Rushville, Rush Twp, Buchanan Co., MO taken 19 Jun 1860:
Dwelling 177, Family 177
Joseph DeVorss age 46, carpenter, value real estate #250, value pers. $175, born OH
Rebecca age 39 born OH
David age 12 born OH
Mary Ann age 16 born OH
Hiram age 10 born MO
Susan age 7 born MO
Mary Jane age 5 born MO
Frances age 1 born in MO
Joseph Hiram DeVorss' will is dated December 26, 1901 and lists wife Mary, sons David and Hiram, daughters Susan Sparks, Margaret Morrison, Rebecca Woodall, Fannie Acres, Marnie Coberger, and grandchildren Joseph W. DeVorss, Elmer DeVorss, Henry Sparks, Fannie Sparks, Mamie Morrison (married Danforth), Ethel Morrison, Otho Morrison, George Woodall, Mamie Woodall, Nellie Woodall, Frank Acres, William Acres, Bernard Coberger, Verdoe Coberger, and Minnie Sowash.
More About JOSEPH HIRAM DEVORSS:
Burial: King Hill Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO
More About REBECCA ENGLISH:
Burial: King Hill Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO
Children of JOSEPH DEVORSS and REBECCA ENGLISH are:
i. JOHN4 DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1840.
ii. MARY ANN DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1844.
36. iii. G. DAVID DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1847, Buchanan Co., MO; d. 1932.
37. iv. HIRAM DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1849, Buchanan Co., MO; d. May 29, 1909.
38. v. SUSAN A. DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1853.
39. vi. MARGARET JANE DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1854.
40. vii. FRANCIS DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1859.
41. viii. REBECCA DEVORSS, b. Aft. 1860.
42. ix. E. ROANN DEVORSS, b. Aft. 1860.
20. HENSON3 DEVORSS (JOHN D.2, DANIEL1) was born March 06, 1818 in Pickaway Co., OH, and died September 11, 1900 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married (1) SARAH ROBERTSON January 20, 1848 in Buchanan Co., MO, daughter of ELIJAH ROBERTSON and MARY HARRINGTON. She was born September 11, 1828 in Vigo Co., IN, and died October 24, 1871 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married (2) SARAH MCMILLAN November 19, 1874 in Buchanan Co., MO, daughter of ELI MCDANIEL.
Notes for HENSON DEVORSS:
Purchased lot #5, block 30 in the town of St. Joseph, MO for $100 from Joseph & Angelique Robidoux in 1844. He sold this lot in 1846 for $300. For this transaction he appeared before John DeVorss, a Justice of the Peace and his father.
When his father died he inherited 1/5 of his property. Land records show (Book G, page 247) that Henson and wife Sarah sold one undivided fraction fifth part of the southwest quarter of section 36, township 57, range 36 to John Devorss on March 19, 1850. A later record (Book Q, page 179) shows this John to be Henson's cousin, John J. DeVorss, as John J. and Susan Devorss his wife resold one undivided fifth part of the southwest quarter of section 36, township 57, range 36, to Joseph Devorss on April 16, 1850. Henson also inherited 1/5 share of lot numbers 3, 4, & 5 in St. Joseph. He sold his share on May 18, 1850 to John B. C. Wilson. (This man was living in 1850 with Thomas F. Wilson and wife Mary DeVorss, d/o Daniel, Henson's uncle.)
Another land record dated March 3, 1865 shows Henson bought lot #4 in block 63 in the original town of St. Joseph.
The 1850 census for Buchanan Co., MO has Henson 31 born OH, Sarah 21 born IN, Julia age 1 born MO (Judith Ann?), Henry Sparks age 8 born MO, and William DeVorss age 20 born OH (Henson's brother).
Henson was a juror in 1859 on a case that brought national attention. During the time that the southern states were threatening to secede from the union, a band of men from Missouri chased a wagon transporting slaves from MO to Kansas. The driver of the wagon was caught and jailed. The legislature of Kansas hired the best legal talent in the country to defend him and the trial lasted 3 days, but after only a few moments of deliberation the jury returned a verdict of guilty. The case was appealed to the U. S. Supreme Court, but while pending a party of Kansans broke the wagon driver out of jail and escaped back to Kansas.
The 1860 Slave Index of Buchanan County, MO lists:
Hensen DeVorss 1 slave, a black male 9 years old
H. DeVorss owned 2 slaves, a black female age 28 and a 1 year old black male
Wayne Township, Buchanan Co., MO census taken August 21, 1860:
Page 132, Dwelling & family 880
Hensen Devorss age 40, farmer, value real estate 10,500, personal 3243, born OH
Sarah age 31, born IN
Judith Ann age 11 born MO
Mary F. age 9 born MO
Lousia J. age 7 born MO
Martha A. age 5 born MO
City of St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO census taken January 1870:
Page 487, Dwelling 67, family 90
Henson DeVorss age 52 born OH
Sarah age 42 born IN
Mary F. age 20 born MO
Louisa age 18 born MO
Martha age 15 born MO
Willian age 6 born MO
Amanda Goren age 30 servant born MO
E. Lindsay Express agent born MO
Jas Spencer clerk born O
Henson was known to have had a farm located about where Highway 59 intersects with Parker Road at the southwest side of St. Joseph, MO. Hanson Devorse is listed as a taxpayer in Wayne Twp., Buchanan Co., MO in 1891, 1892, and 1893.
In 1904 H and Danl Devorss living in Washington Twp., Sta D, St. Joe, and in 1906 H Devorss living S St. Joseph, R R 2. It is not known if this was Henson's family.
More About HENSON DEVORSS:
Age at death (Facts Pg): 82 yrs, 6 mos., 5 days
Burial: King Hill Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO
Notes for SARAH ROBERTSON:
Sarah's father, Elijah Robertson, was a witness to the will of Daniel DeVorss in 1844. Daniel was Henson DeVorss' grandfather.
More About SARAH ROBERTSON:
Burial: King Hill Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO
Children of HENSON DEVORSS and SARAH ROBERTSON are:
i. JUDITH ANN4 DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1849, Buchanan Co., MO; m. TAYLOR BRUMBECK, Bef. 1870, Buchanan Co., MO.
ii. MARY FRANCIS DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1851, Buchanan Co., MO; m. JAMES EWING, November 05, 1874, Buchanan Co., MO.
43. iii. LOUISA J. DEVORSS, b. May 15, 1853, Buchanan Co., MO; d. December 29, 1910, Buchanan Co., MO.
iv. MARTHA A. DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1855; m. EPHREM A. LAYAND, January 07, 1878, Buchanan Co., MO.
v. WILLIAM DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1864.
Notes for WILLIAM DEVORSS:
There is a W. R. Devorss listed in the Buchanan Co., MO, Wayne Twp. Anna Post Office in 1894 and 1895.
21. JOHN3 DEVORSS (JOHN D.2, DANIEL1) was born June 20, 1826 in Pickaway Co., OH, and died May 04, 1903 in Jamesport, MO. He married (1) LOUISA WIGLESWORTH 1847 in Buchanan Co., MO. She was born Abt. 1829 in OH, and died April 13, 1861 in Grundy Co., MO. He married (2) MARTHA ANN ASHBROOK PHILLIPS June 1861, daughter of WILLIAM ASHBROOK and MARY KEITHLY. She was born August 29, 1827 in Logan Co., OH, and died January 25, 1899 in Grundy Co., MO. He married (3) REBECCA ANN SANDIGE 1899.
Notes for JOHN DEVORSS:
1850 census for Washington Township, Buchanan Co., MO, dwelling #0582:
John DeVorss age 22 born Iowa
Louisa DeVorss age 20 born OH
William DeVorss age 1 born KY
More About JOHN DEVORSS:
Burial: Antioch Cemetery, Grundy Co., MO
Notes for LOUISA WIGLESWORTH:
Gravestone says Loueasy wife of John Devorss.
Francis Wiglesworth's will dated October 31, 1868 left a promisory note to the children of Louisa. William DeVorss (the oldest) was the guardian of the estates of Rosana, Francis, James W., Laura Jane, Cordelia, and John T. DeVorss (minors).
Notes for MARTHA ANN ASHBROOK PHILLIPS:
Married first to Lewis Phillips.
More About MARTHA ANN ASHBROOK PHILLIPS:
Burial: Antioch Cemetery, Grundy Co., MO
Children of JOHN DEVORSS and LOUISA WIGLESWORTH are:
i. WILLIAM FRANKLIN4 DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1849, Buchanan Co., MO; d. 1866, MO.
44. ii. FRANCIS MARION DEVORSS, b. December 15, 1851, Jamesport Twp., Davies Co., MO; d. September 12, 1919, Jamesport, Mo.
45. iii. JAMES HENRY DEVORSS, b. May 03, 1853, Davies Co., MO; d. March 08, 1880, Grundy Co., MO.
46. iv. ROSANNA DEVORSS, b. January 16, 1855; d. Grundy Co., MO.
47. v. LAURA JANE DEVORSS, b. February 24, 1857, Davies Co., MO; d. November 30, 1888, Grundy Co., MO.
48. vi. CORDILIA DEVORSS, b. February 04, 1859, Davies Co., MO.
49. vii. JOHN THOMPSON DEVORSS, b. April 03, 1861; d. January 05, 1918, Grundy Co., MO.
Children of JOHN DEVORSS and MARTHA PHILLIPS are:
50. viii. HULDAH ANGELINE4 DEVORSS, b. July 04, 1862, Davies Co., MO; d. June 12, 1946, Jamesport, Mo.
51. ix. JOSEPH DEVLIN DEVORSS, b. September 13, 1865, Davies Co., MO; d. 1939, Grundy Co., MO.
52. x. LAURA EMMA DEVORSS, b. November 26, 1867, Davies Co., MO; d. May 11, 1951.
22. WILLIAM THOMAS3 DEVORSS (JOHN D.2, DANIEL1) was born June 22, 1829 in Pickaway Co., OH, and died January 19, 1917 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married MARY FRANCIS SMITH September 08, 1853 in Buchanan Co., MO, daughter of POSEY N. SMITH. She was born January 02, 1838, and died July 04, 1880 in Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for WILLIAM THOMAS DEVORSS:
Living with his brother, Henson, in 1850.
1860 Wayne Twp., Buchanan Co., MO census taken August 21:
DeVorss, William 29 value real estate 6660, value personal prop. 1706, born OH
Mary F. 21 born MO
Octavia 5 born MO
Phidelia 3 born MO
William Gladston 29 stone mason born Scotland
Lucy A Scott 20 born MO
Posey S. Combs 4 born MO
1870 City of St. Joseph, south half of 4th Ward taken January:
DeVoree, Thos 42 livery stable, value real estate 5000, value personal prop. 5000, born OH
Mary F. 33 born MO
Octavia 15 born MO
Fidilia 13 born MO
Franky 10 born MO
August 7 born MO
Annie 5 born MO
John 4 born MO
Although poorly transcribed, this entry in the 1880 census for St. Joseph, MO is probably this family:
DeVorse, William age 57 born OH, both parents born OH
Mary age 52 born MO, both parents born KY
Alice age 25 born MO
Fred age 19 born MO
Adam age 16 born MO
Served as a constable and deputy sheriff. Conducted a livery barn on Fifth Street near Edmond, St. in Joseph, MO. In later years was associated with his son A. F. DeVorss in the tin and hardware business.
More About WILLIAM THOMAS DEVORSS:
Burial: Mount Mora Cemetery
Notes for MARY FRANCIS SMITH:
Father was the first Sheriff of Buchanan Co., MO.
More About MARY FRANCIS SMITH:
Burial: Mount Mora Cemetery
Children of WILLIAM DEVORSS and MARY SMITH are:
i. OCTAVIA4 DEVORSS, b. January 08, 1855, Buchanan Co., MO; d. March 01, 1930; m. REV. JAMES W. KEITHLY, 1881, Buchanan Co., MO.
More About OCTAVIA DEVORSS:
Burial: Mt. Mora Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO
53. ii. PHIDELIA DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1857, St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO; d. Aft. 1917.
iii. FRANCIS NIXON DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1861; d. Abt. 1912, Buchanan Co., MO; m. MARY/MAYME CLARK, 1886, Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for FRANCIS NIXON DEVORSS:
Resided at 620 Francis Street, St. Joseph, MO in 1890. Vice President and general manager of the Richardson Dry Goods Co., in St. Joseph, MO.
More About FRANCIS NIXON DEVORSS:
Burial: Mount Mora Cemetery, moved to Kansas City
Notes for MARY/MAYME CLARK:
Mayme C. DeVorss, widow of Frank N. was living at 717 N. 10th in St. Joseph, MO in 1913. She then moved to New York.
iv. ANGUS FRED DEVORSS, b. October 21, 1863, Buchanan Co., MO; d. May 13, 1924, Buchanan Co., MO; m. LYDIA SAXTON, 1892, Buchanan Co., MO.
Notes for ANGUS FRED DEVORSS:
Had a tin and hardware business on South Eight Street, St. Joseph, MO.
More About ANGUS FRED DEVORSS:
Burial: Mt. Mora Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO
v. ANNIE DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1865; d. Bef. 1917.
vi. JOHN DEVORSS, b. Abt. 1866; d. Bef. 1917.
23. MARTHA/MARY3 FORD (ANN2 DEVORSS, DANIEL1) was born April 06, 1818, and died March 12, 1844 in IN. She married ANDREW CROUCH April 13, 1843 in Tippecanoe Co., IN.
More About MARTHA/MARY FORD:
Age at death (Facts Pg): 25 yrs., 11 mos., 6 days
Burial: Harshbarger Cemetery, Montgomery Co., IN
Child of MARTHA/MARY FORD and ANDREW CROUCH is:
i. WILLIAM4 CROUCH, b. March 09, 1844; d. March 16, 1845.
More About WILLIAM CROUCH:
Burial: Harshbarger Cemetery, Montgomery Co., IN
24. SUSAN3 FORD (ANN2 DEVORSS, DANIEL1) was born Bet. 1820 - 1826 in OH. She married ANDREW SUMMERS November 08, 1840 in Tippecanoe Co., IN.
Notes for ANDREW SUMMERS:
An enumberation of children over age 5 in Lauramie and Randeolph Townships, Tippecanoe Co., IN, taken in 1848 shows this:
Parent or guardian Andrew Summers
Mary Summers age 6
Michael Athay age 9 (surname difficult to read)
Daniel Ford age 12 (Daniel was also listed with his father)
Child of SUSAN FORD and ANDREW SUMMERS is:
i. MARY4 SUMMERS, b. Abt. 1842.
Notes for MARY SUMMERS:
An enumeration of children over age 5 in Lauramie and Randolph Townships in Tippecanoe Co., IN, taken in 1848, shows Mary Summers female age 6 with Andrew Summers.
25. SARAH3 FORD (ANN2 DEVORSS, DANIEL1) was born August 11, 1825 in OH, and died May 12, 1847. She married ANDREW CROUCH July 17, 1845 in Tippecanoe Co., IN. He was born Abt. 1819 in OH, and died Abt. 1871.
More About SARAH FORD:
Age at death (Facts Pg): 21 Yrs., 9 mos., 1 days
Burial: Summers Cemetery, Tippecanoe Co., IN
Notes for ANDREW CROUCH:
Andrew married sisters Mary or Martha and Sarah Ford and then Rebecca Collins on March 20, 1851, all in Tippecanoe Co., IN.
More About ANDREW CROUCH:
Burial: Summers Cemetery, Tippecanoe Co., IN
Child of SARAH FORD and ANDREW CROUCH is:
i. MARY4 CROUCH, b. Abt. 1846.
Notes for MARY CROUCH:
Middle name may have been Emily.
26. SAMUEL3 DEVORSS (WILLIAM2, DANIEL1) was born Bet. 1826 - 1828 in Ross Co., OH, and died Aft. November 15, 1850 in Buchanan Co., MO. He married MINERVA G. SHIRLEY November 01, 1849 in Buchanan Co., MO. She was born Abt. 1829 in IN.
Notes for SAMUEL DEVORSS:
There is no proof that Samuel was the son of William.
Samuel and Minerva were listed twice in the 1850 census in Buchanan Co., MO. On November 15 they were listed in Wayne Township (dwelling #1244) next to Edy DeVorss (dwelling #1243). Edy born ca 1810 OH was listed in the will of Daniel DeVorss in 1844 as Edee, but his/her relationship to the family is not known. It is possible, but not proven, that even though Edy was recorded as a male in the 1850 census, she was really the widow of William DeVorss.
Samuel and Minerva were also listed in the 1850 census in Buchanan Co., MO in Washington Township (dwelling #0123. Joseph Hiram DeVorss, son of John D., was listed at dwelling #0125.
Samuel died intestate. The administrator (December 26, 1850) was Minerva G. DeVorss with Richard Shirley and James Black as securities. On October 5, 1852 the estate remained unadministrated and Minerva had remarried.
Notes for MINERVA G. SHIRLEY:
After Samuel died Minerva, called Mae, married Joseph Scott on April 4, 1852 in Buchanan Co., MO.
Child of SAMUEL DEVORSS and MINERVA SHIRLEY is:
i. JOSEPH4 DEVORSS.
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