Kastello Genealogy
Person Page 30

       

Benjamin S. Day1
M, b. 1791, d. 1854

Birth* 1791  1 
Marriage* 3 September 1813  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky, Principal=Katherine Onstott1 
Death* 1854  Dewitt, Dewitt County, Illinois1 

Family Katherine Onstott b. 22 December 1797, d. 1856
Children  1. Mary A. Day+ b. 25 Aug 1814, d. 18 Mar 18871
  2. Elizabeth Ann Day b. 20 May 1816, d. bt 1841 - 19101,2
  3. Edward O. Day b. 25 May 1818, d. 15 May 18841
  4. Rebecca Day b. 1821, d. 19051
  5. Carolyn Day b. 1824, d. bt 1850 - 19181,2
  6. H. Thomas Day b. 1830, d. bt 1862 - 19211,2
  7. George A. Day b. 1837, d. 18721
  8. John W. Day b. 28 Dec 1837, d. 15 May 19211
  9. J. Bruce Day b. 1845, d. bt 1874 - 19361,2

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Mary A. Day1
F, b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887

Father Benjamin S. Day1 b. 1791, d. 1854
Mother Katherine Onstott1 b. 22 December 1797, d. 1856
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 25 August 1814  1 
Marriage* between 1828 and 1860  Principal=Elijah Watt2 
Death* 18 March 1887  1 

Family Elijah Watt b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Children  1. James Watt b. 18331
  2. John Watt b. c 18361
  3. Samuel Watt b. 18391
  4. Thomas Watt b. c 18401
  5. George R. Watt b. 18431
  6. Catherine Watt b. 18451
  7. Charles T. Watt b. 18471
  8. Rolla R. Watt b. 18491
  9. Elizabeth Watt b. 18501
  10. Sarah Watt b. 18511
  11. Levi Watt b. 18521
  12. Albert Watt b. 18551
  13. Laura Watt b. 18591

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Elijah Watt1
M, b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903

Birth* between 1797 and 1817  Kentucky2 
Marriage* between 1828 and 1860  Principal=Mary A. Day2 
Death* between 1831 and 1903  2 

Family Mary A. Day b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Children  1. James Watt b. 18331
  2. John Watt b. c 18361
  3. Samuel Watt b. 18391
  4. Thomas Watt b. c 18401
  5. George R. Watt b. 18431
  6. Catherine Watt b. 18451
  7. Charles T. Watt b. 18471
  8. Rolla R. Watt b. 18491
  9. Elizabeth Watt b. 18501
  10. Sarah Watt b. 18511
  11. Levi Watt b. 18521
  12. Albert Watt b. 18551
  13. Laura Watt b. 18591

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
James Watt1
M, b. 1833

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1833  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
John Watt1
M, b. circa 1836

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* circa 1836  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Samuel Watt1
M, b. 1839

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1839  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Thomas Watt1
M, b. circa 1840

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* circa 1840  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
George R. Watt1
M, b. 1843

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1843  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Catherine Watt1
F, b. 1845

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1845  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Charles T. Watt1
M, b. 1847

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1847  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Rolla R. Watt1
?, b. 1849

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1849  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Elizabeth Watt1
F, b. 1850

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1850  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Sarah Watt1
F, b. 1851

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1851  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Levi Watt1
M, b. 1852

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1852  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Albert Watt1
M, b. 1855

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1855  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Laura Watt1
F, b. 1859

Father Elijah Watt1 b. between 1797 and 1817, d. between 1831 and 1903
Mother Mary A. Day1 b. 25 August 1814, d. 18 March 1887
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth* 1859  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Isaac Newton Onstott1
M, b. 5 November 1826, d. 7 November 1856

Father Henry Onstott1 b. 27 November 1804, d. December 1876
Mother Susanna Smick1 b. 9 August 1800, d. 11 December 1867
Pop-up Pedigree

Occupation*   Postmaster of Havana1 
Burial*   Havana, Mason County, Illinois1 
Note*   John N. Onstott,editor and publisher of the Petersburg Democrat, the local
organ of the Democratic party in Menard County,belongs to one of the old
and honorable families of the state,of which he is a native son,as he was
born at Havana,July 27,1853.His grandfather was Henry Onstott,and his
father was Isaac N.Onstott;both of whom were associated with the earlier
life of this region.
Henry Onstott came to Illinois from kentucky in 1828,and became one of the
pioneers of New Salem,and was the village cooper at the time that Abraham
Lincoln was one of it's residents.In 1847 henry Onstott moved to
Havana,where he continued work at his trade until the weight of years
compelled his retirement.His death occured at Forest City,Illinois,in
1877.During the war between the states,although too old to think of
entering the service,he supported the Union most loyally.His kindly nature
led him to make friends with children,and his shop was a favorite
gathering place for the little ones of the village,for they knew they were
welcome many happy hours spent playing with the shavings and bits of wood
and listening to the tales the pleasant-voiced cooper loved to tell his
little associates.While still living in Kentucky,which was his birth place
he married Susan Smick,who died at Havana in 1868,after which he resided
with his son,Thompson G,at forest City,Illinois.They were cumberland
presbyterians,and he was a charter member of the church of that faith in
the region of Petersburg,and became one of its elders.Henry and Susan
Onstott had the following children:Isaac N,who is mentioned below;Reverdy
Johnson,Thompson G,William H,who was first sargeant,Co.E,Twenty-seventh
Regiment,Illinois Volunteers,in the war between the states;saw heavy
fighting at Shiloh and Chickamauga and died at Kenesaw mountain from an
illness brought on by exposure;Elizabeth, who married Norman Walker,and
died in Forest City,Illinois,leaving two daughters;and Mary who died in
young womanhood.
Isaac N.Onstott was born in Kentucky in 1825,and was three years old at
the time of the family migration to Illinois.His educational advantages
were such as afforded by the local schools,and after the family moved to
Havana,from Petersburg,in 1847,he and his brother R.J. embarked in the
mercantile business there.Upon the recommendation of Abraham Lincoln,then
a member of Congress,and an intimate friend of the family,Isaac was
appointed postmaster of Havana.Later he was elected county clerk of Mason
County,and died while holding that office in 1856,at Havana,where he is
buried.in 1848 Isaac married Mary Goodman,a native of North Carolina,who
was brought to Illinois by her parents when she was still a child.Her
death occured in March 1875.Although she and her husband had three
children born to them,john Newton Onstott was the only one to reach mature
years.
A resident of Havana until 1875,john newton Onstott attended the village
schools and began the printers trade with the havana Voter,a paper which
was started in 1863,and suspended a year later for lack of support.He
worked on other papers in havana until after his mother's death in
1875,leaving his birthplace in the summer of that year to take a situation
on the Herald at Lincoln,Illinois.
After several years experience working as a journeyman job printer at
Lincoln,Mason city,springfield and Bloomington, Mr. Onstott finally came
to Petersburg,and engaged with the Democrat,of which he became one of the
publishers in 1883.For thirty-four years he was associated in the
publication of this paper with Fred wilkinson,a well known citizen and
public spirited official of Petersburg,but following the death of
Mr.Wilkinson,April 3,1917, Mr. Onstott became the sole editor and
publisher.he has been a member of the Illinois Press Association since
1885.
Mr. Onstott married in mason City,Illinois,February 3,1881,to Miss Ella
Montgomery,born July 1,1860;a daughter of jesse and Katherine Scott
Montgomery.mr.montgomery came to Illinois from indiana,and was a brick
mason by trade.He and his wife rounded out their three score and ten years
and lie side by side in the cemetery at Mason City.During the war between
the states mr.Montgomery served as corporal of company C, Eighty fifth
Illinois Volunteer infantry.of the four sons and two daughters born to
Mr.and Mrs. Montgomery only Mrs. Onstott and her brother,Otis
Montgomery,publisher of the Winona Illinois Index,survive.mr.and Mrs.
Onstott have two children:John Kirk,who married Florence Willheim,and
resides in St.louis,Missouri;and Lynn,who is a member of the office force
of the Petersburg Democrat.

Ref:History of Illinois pp.324 and 325.
. [Descendents of Johann Onstott]

The following letters are found in the Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln Vol. 1
pp. 66 & 94: to Isaac Onstot

Springfield, Oct. 14, 1849

Dear Isaac,
I have but a moment to say your letter is recieved, and that when a petition
comes to me in relation to your postmaster it shall be attended to at once. Give
my respects to your father and mother, and believe me ever.
Your friend,
A. Lincoln

Springfield, Nov. 6, 1858

Dear Isaac,
I have been absent on circuit seven weeks, only getting home to the election; so
that I could not answer your letter of the 16 of Oct. till now. I am for you;
and have written to the Department, that if the recommendations from your own
county place you on a very nearly equal ground with the best of your
competitors, I desire you to be appointed. I send the letter directly to the
Department thinking it may be best not to loose the time of sending it to you
first.
Your friend as ever,
A. Lincoln [Descendents of Johann Onstott] 
Residence* between 1826 and 1828  Kentucky1 
Birth* 5 November 1826  Lincoln County, Kentucky1 
Residence between 1828 and 1847  New Salem (Petersburg), Illinois1 
Residence between 1847 and 1856  Havana, Mason County, Illinois1 
Marriage* 1848  Principal=Mary Goodman1 
Occupation before 1856  County Clerk, Mason County, Illinois1 
Death* 7 November 1856  Havanna, Mason County, Illinois1 

Family Mary Goodman b. circa 1826, d. March 1875
Marriage* 1848  Principal=Mary Goodman1 
Children  1. Unknown Onstott d. b 18681
  2. John Newton Onstott+ b. 27 Jul 1853, d. 19 Jul 19451

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Mary Goodman1
F, b. circa 1826, d. March 1875

Birth* circa 1826  North Carolina1 
Marriage* 1848  Principal=Isaac Newton Onstott1 
Death* March 1875  1 

Family Isaac Newton Onstott b. 5 November 1826, d. 7 November 1856
Children  1. Unknown Onstott d. b 18681
  2. John Newton Onstott+ b. 27 Jul 1853, d. 19 Jul 19451

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Henry Onstott1
M, b. 27 November 1804, d. December 1876

Father Nicholas Onstott1 b. 25 February 1763, d. 1829
Mother Maria Sherfey1 b. 16 March 1768, d. 7 January 1858
Pop-up Pedigree

Religion*   Cumberland Presbyterians1 
Occupation*   Village cooper1 
Note*   John N. Onstott,editor and publisher of the Petersburg Democrat, the local
organ of the Democratic party in Menard County,belongs to one of the old
and honorable families of the state,of which he is a native son,as he was
born at Havana,July 27,1853.His grandfather was Henry Onstott,and his
father was Isaac N.Onstott;both of whom were associated with the earlier
life of this region.
Henry Onstott came to Illinois from kentucky in 1828,and became one of the
pioneers of New Salem,and was the village cooper at the time that Abraham
Lincoln was one of it's residents.In 1847 henry Onstott moved to
Havana,where he continued work at his trade until the weight of years
compelled his retirement.His death occured at Forest City,Illinois,in
1877.During the war between the states,although too old to think of
entering the service,he supported the Union most loyally.His kindly nature
led him to make friends with children,and his shop was a favorite
gathering place for the little ones of the village,for they knew they were
welcome many happy hours spent playing with the shavings and bits of wood
and listening to the tales the pleasant-voiced cooper loved to tell his
little associates.While still living in Kentucky,which was his birth place
he married Susan Smick,who died at Havana in 1868,after which he resided
with his son,Thompson G,at forest City,Illinois.They were cumberland
presbyterians,and he was a charter member of the church of that faith in
the region of Petersburg,and became one of its elders.Henry and Susan
Onstott had the following children:Isaac N,who is mentioned below;Reverdy
Johnson,Thompson G,William H,who was first sargeant,Co.E,Twenty-seventh
Regiment,Illinois Volunteers,in the war between the states;saw heavy
fighting at Shiloh and Chickamauga and died at Kenesaw mountain from an
illness brought on by exposure;Elizabeth, who married Norman Walker,and
died in Forest City,Illinois,leaving two daughters;and Mary who died in
young womanhood.
Isaac N.Onstott was born in Kentucky in 1825,and was three years old at
the time of the family migration to Illinois.His educational advantages
were such as afforded by the local schools,and after the family moved to
Havana,from Petersburg,in 1847,he and his brother R.J. embarked in the
mercantile business there.Upon the recommendation of Abraham Lincoln,then
a member of Congress,and an intimate friend of the family,Isaac was
appointed postmaster of Havana.Later he was elected county clerk of Mason
County,and died while holding that office in 1856,at Havana,where he is
buried.in 1848 Isaac married Mary Goodman,a native of North Carolina,who
was brought to Illinois by her parents when she was still a child.Her
death occured in March 1875.Although she and her husband had three
children born to them,john Newton Onstott was the only one to reach mature
years.
A resident of Havana until 1875,john newton Onstott attended the village
schools and began the printers trade with the havana Voter,a paper which
was started in 1863,and suspended a year later for lack of support.He
worked on other papers in havana until after his mother's death in
1875,leaving his birthplace in the summer of that year to take a situation
on the Herald at Lincoln,Illinois.
After several years experience working as a journeyman job printer at
Lincoln,Mason city,springfield and Bloomington, Mr. Onstott finally came
to Petersburg,and engaged with the Democrat,of which he became one of the
publishers in 1883.For thirty-four years he was associated in the
publication of this paper with Fred wilkinson,a well known citizen and
public spirited official of Petersburg,but following the death of
Mr.Wilkinson,April 3,1917, Mr. Onstott became the sole editor and
publisher.he has been a member of the Illinois Press Association since
1885.
Mr. Onstott married in mason City,Illinois,February 3,1881,to Miss Ella
Montgomery,born July 1,1860;a daughter of jesse and Katherine Scott
Montgomery.mr.montgomery came to Illinois from indiana,and was a brick
mason by trade.He and his wife rounded out their three score and ten years
and lie side by side in the cemetery at Mason City.During the war between
the states mr.Montgomery served as corporal of company C, Eighty fifth
Illinois Volunteer infantry.of the four sons and two daughters born to
Mr.and Mrs. Montgomery only Mrs. Onstott and her brother,Otis
Montgomery,publisher of the Winona Illinois Index,survive.mr.and Mrs.
Onstott have two children:John Kirk,who married Florence Willheim,and
resides in St.louis,Missouri;and Lynn,who is a member of the office force
of the Petersburg Democrat.

Ref:History of Illinois pp.324 and 325.
. [Descendents of Johann Onstott]

Henry Onstott married Susan Smicks to them was born 3 sons: Tom, John, and
Issac. Tom wrote a book called "Early Pioneers of Sangamon and Menard", 1906. It
can be found in New Salem, Illinois or in library in Springfield, Illinois.
Henry Onstott was buried in Havana, Illinois. He lived in Tennessee and Kentucky
moving to Illinois to a place called Sugar Grove. He moved to Petersburg,
Illinois in 184?. He was buried in Forest City, Illinois.


HENRY ONSTOTT

Our present subject was a Kentuckian by birth, having been born in Gerrard
county in 1805. He moved to sugar Grove in 1825 and can well be called a
"Sucker" by adoption large number of settlers came to Sugar grove and Salt Creek
about that time. Ben Davis lived on the creek and the place was called Davis's
Ferry. David Onstot settled on the Smoot farm, where he built a mill and ground
corn for the settlers. He lived there until after the deep snow and then moved
to Taney County, Missouri, because he said this country was getting to thickly
settled for him, although there were not five houses within as many miles.

William Sampson was another brother-in-law, who lived and died in the same
community, and who had a family of eight boys and two girls, who are now all
dead but two boys.

When Henry Onstot first settled in Sugar Grove, near where Greenview now stands,
there was a band of Indians camped on Salt Creek about four miles north, who
often came to the Grove, for milk or something to eat. Sometimes when the men
were off at work the Indians would become saucy and the women finally became so
frightened that they would not stay at home alone. One day the men, to the
number of about twenty, with their maple stock rifles, went down to the creek
and gave the Indians their orders and they behaved themselves after that.

Henry Onstot moved to Old Salem in 1831 and was identified with that historic
village until that town, was moved to Petersburg in 1840. The deep snow is what
all the old settlers' date back to. It commenced snowing in December and snowed
until February, the snow averaging six deep feet. A man could catch a deer any
place as they would mire down and get so poor that many of them perished from
hunger. Onstott kept a hotel and after that ran a cooper shop. In the winter
time he would go to Beardstown, which was then a great pork market, and oversee
the shop there. It was thirty-five miles distant but was only a good days walk
for Mr. Onstott. In 1840 he moved his house down to Petersburg. It was only a
log house but it was weather boarded and looked like a frame house. I saw it a
few weeks ago and it looked as if it might be good for fifty years.

Onstot was a whig in politics and a Cumberland Presbyterian in religion. In
looking over some of his old papers a few months ago I found a church letter
which was given to him by Elihu Bone, of Rock Creek Church, in Oct. 1842, when a
church was being organized in Petersburg. Thinking it might be prized as a relic
I took it to the old Salem Chautauqua and showed it to Rev. Archer, pastor of
the Presbyterian Church. "I want that", said Archer, "I will have it framed and
hung it in the cumberland tent at the Chautauqua grounds, where hundreds of
people read it." It was only a little scrap of paper but it was the foundation
of the Petersburg Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Onstott moved to Mason County in 1846 and lived in and around Havana for
twenty-two years and was widely known. His shop was always full of children and
many of the middle-aged people of Havana remember the cooper shop and the kind
old man who always had a pleasant word for them. In 1868 Mother Onstott died and
then he came and made his home with me in Forest City. I had a good home and
with a noble wife and loving children we made the last ten years of his life as
comfortable as possible, and when the end came we tenderly took his remains to
Havana and laid them beside those of his wife and two children, one son and one
daughter.

He had not an enemy in the world but made friends wherever he went. The old
settlers often speak of Henry Onstott. In all questions that came before him he
would ask, is it right? And then at that point was settled no power could move
him from it. I recollect once an old Baptist deacon wanted him to make some
whiskey barrels but he would not do it. He thought the whole liquor traffic a
sin against God and humanity and never he thought, word, or deed sanctioned it.
He and Dr. Allen organized the first Sunday school in Old Salem and in 1840 they
organized one in Petersburg. In 1847 he and Mrs. Hancock organized the first one
in Havana.

Our father came to spend his declining days with us, and for a number of years
was a central figure, and we all vied with each other to make his last days
pleasant, but the end came and our father whose home was in the west room was
not, "for God took him" in 1876. Kind friends bore him gently away to the Havana
Cemetery, where by the side of mother and Isaac, Mary Ann and William, he gently
sleeps.

Ref: History of Mason County, by Thompson Gains Onstot, pp. 351, 352, 353, &
354.

The following is copied from a post card on which is pictured the interior of
Onstot's residence, New Salem State Park, Lincoln's New Salem, Illinois:

Henry Onstot, cooper, built a two-room house in the spring of 1835. Later he
added the frame lean-to. This was Onstot's third home in the village. He built
his first home and first cooper shop in the eastern portion of town about 1830,
upon his arrival in New Salem. From 1833 to 1835 the Onstot's lived at the
Tavern, which they operated after the Rutledges moved to Sandridge. Onstot
erected his second shop while operating the Rutledge Tavern in 1834. A year
later he built his residence to the west and lived there until 1840. Abraham
Lincoln and Isaac Onstot, the eldest son, were friends and often studied
together here by the light of the fire kindled by the cooper's shavings.

The Saturday Evening Post, March 4, 1961, in an article by Paul Horgan on the
early life of Abraham Lincoln entitled Citizen of New Salem shows a picture of
the henry Onstot coopershop, now a part of the New Salem State Park. Quoting
from this article:

"The hungry-minded storekeeper came to his teacher with a taste for reading
already well developed. He was never without a book, walking by the river or
through the woods or along the single street. A boy who watched him said that
when night came, he read by the aid of any friendly light he could find.
Sometimes he would go to Onstot the cooper's shop and scrape up shavings and
other scraps of wood lying about and make a fire, and by the light afforded read
far into the night."

My family and I visited New Salem State Park, in April of 1993. The village was
fascinating to say the least. The only original building in the village was the
Onstot's cooper shop. All the others had been duplicated, including Onstot's
home. Henry's original home is still standing, it is located in Petersburg. It
is the house right behind, the Other Sayer's Antigue Shop. The home has been
added on to, and plastered over. But the original lof frame is still there. [Descendents of Johann Onstott] 
Birth* 27 November 1804  Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 15 September 1824  spouse-death; Lincoln County, Kentucky, Principal=Susanna Smick1 
Residence* before 1828  Kentucky1 
Residence between 1828 and 1847  New Salem, Illinois1 
Residence between 1847 and 1868  Havanna, Mason County, Illinois1 
Residence between 1868 and 1877  Forest City, Illinois1 
Death* December 1876  Forest City, Livingston County, Illinois1 

Family Susanna Smick b. 9 August 1800, d. 11 December 1867
Marriage* 15 September 1824  spouse-death; Lincoln County, Kentucky, Principal=Susanna Smick1 
Children  1. Tom Onstott b. c 1826, d. a 18281
  2. Levi Onstott b. 22 Aug 1826, d. 8 Oct 18271
  3. Isaac Newton Onstott+ b. 5 Nov 1826, d. 7 Nov 18561
  4. John Onstott b. c 1828, d. a 18301
  5. Thompson Gains Onstott b. 30 Jul 1829, d. 4 Mar 18521
  6. Reverdy Johnson Onstott b. 20 Jul 1830, d. 29 Oct 19141
  7. David Allen Onstott b. 5 Jul 1832, d. 11 Nov 18331
  8. Mary Ann Onstott b. 7 Aug 1834, d. bt 1835 - 19281,2
  9. Elizabeth Onstott+ b. 20 Nov 1836, d. 1 Feb 18851
  10. William H. Onstott b. 6 Jan 1843, d. 8 Nov 18631

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
John Newton Onstott1
M, b. 27 July 1853, d. 19 July 1945

Father Isaac Newton Onstott1 b. 5 November 1826, d. 7 November 1856
Mother Mary Goodman1 b. circa 1826, d. March 1875
Pop-up Pedigree

Education*   Havana village schools1 
Note*   JOHN N.ONSTOTT THE SOUTHBEND TRIBUNE JULY 20,1945

Funeral services for John N.Onstott,aged 92,who died Thursday in the home
of his son,John K.Onstott of 729 Russell street,Mishawaka,will take place
at 8 p.m. today in the Hay Funeral home,South Bend.Friends may call in the
funeral home after 5 p.m. today until the services.Adena L.
Goetz,deaconess of the Immanuel methodist church,will officiate and burial
will be Saturday in Mason City cemetery,Mason,Ill.The son John
K.Onstott,is the only survivor.
Mr. Onstott was for 60 years editor and publisher of the Petersburg
Democrat,in Petersburg,Illinois.Four years ago after the death of his wife
and his retirement from the business because of poor health,he came to
Mishawaka from Petersburg.Although in failing health for the last four
years,death was attributed to shock resulting from a fall last Monday in
his son's home.Born in Havana,Illinois,july 27,1852, Mr.Onstott would have
been 93 years old next Thursday. [Descendants of Johann Onstott]

ILLINOIS STATE JOURNAL JULY 20,1945

RETIRED MENARD PUBLISHER IS DEAD WAS WITH PETERSBURG PAPER 60 YEARS..

Petersburg,July 19,Jon N. Onstott,publisher of a Petersburg newspaper for
60 years and at one time beleived to have been the oldest active newspaper
editor in the United States,died Thursday at the home of his son,John
K.Onstott in Mishawaka, Indiana. He had been in failing health but death
was attributed directly to shock recieved in a fall last Monday.He would
have been 93 years old had he lived until next week.
Mr. Onstott was born in havana and became connected with the Petersburg
Democrat,weekly newspaper,in 1880.He became publisher in 1917 and
continued in that capacity until the death of his wife in 1940, when he
retired to make his home with his son.
On his 87th birthday anniversary Mr. Onstott displayed a packet of letters
which had been written to his father, Isaac Onstott,by Abraham Lincoln.
Isaac Onstott studied grammar and arithemetic with Lincoln by the light
shavings at the cooper shop of Henry Onstott, grandfather of the editor.
Mr. Onstott is survived only by his son.Another son,Lynn,died in 1936. [Descendents of Johann Onstott]

 
Residence* between 1853 and 1875  Havana, Mason County, Illinois1 
Birth* 27 July 1853  Havanna, Mason County, Illinois1 
Occupation between 1862 and 1863  Printer with the Havana Voter1 
Occupation between 1863 and 1875  Printer in Havana1 
Occupation 1875  The Herald in Lincoln, Illinois1 
Occupation after 1875  Journeyman job printer in Lincoln, Mason city, Springfield and Bloomington1 
Occupation after 1875  The Democrat in Petersburg, Illinois1 
Marriage* 3 February 1881  spouse-death; Mason City, Mason County, Illinois, Principal=Ella Montgomery1 
Occupation 1883  Publisher with The Democrat, Petersburg, Illinois1 
Affiliation* 1885  Illinois Press Association1 
Occupation* between 1917 and 1940  Editor and publisher of the Petersburg Democrat, Petersburg, Illinois1 
Cause of death (Fact* 16 July 1945  Shock from a fall1 
Death* 19 July 1945  Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, Indiana1 
Burial* 21 July 1945  Mason City Cemetary, Mason, Mason County, Illinois1 

Family Ella Montgomery b. 1 July 1860, d. circa 1940
Marriage* 3 February 1881  spouse-death; Mason City, Mason County, Illinois, Principal=Ella Montgomery1 
Children  1. John Kirk Onstott
  2. Lynn Onstott d. 19361

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Ella Montgomery1
F, b. 1 July 1860, d. circa 1940

Father Jesse Montgomery1
Mother Katherine Scott1
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 1 July 1860  1 
Marriage* 3 February 1881  spouse-death; Mason City, Mason County, Illinois, Principal=John Newton Onstott1 
Death* circa 1940  1 

Family John Newton Onstott b. 27 July 1853, d. 19 July 1945
Children  1. John Kirk Onstott
  2. Lynn Onstott d. 19361

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
John Kirk Onstott1
M

Father John Newton Onstott b. 27 July 1853, d. 19 July 1945
Mother Ella Montgomery b. 1 July 1860, d. circa 1940
Pop-up Pedigree

Residence*   St. Louis, Missouri1 
Death*    
Birth*    
Marriage*   Principal=Florence Willheim 

Family Florence Willheim

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Lynn Onstott1
M, d. 1936

Father John Newton Onstott1 b. 27 July 1853, d. 19 July 1945
Mother Ella Montgomery1 b. 1 July 1860, d. circa 1940
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth*    
Death* 1936  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Susanna Smick1
F, b. 9 August 1800, d. 11 December 1867

Birth* 9 August 1800  1 
Marriage* 15 September 1824  spouse-death; Lincoln County, Kentucky, Principal=Henry Onstott1 
Death* 11 December 1867  Havana, Mason County, Illinois1 

Family Henry Onstott b. 27 November 1804, d. December 1876
Children  1. Tom Onstott b. c 1826, d. a 18281
  2. Levi Onstott b. 22 Aug 1826, d. 8 Oct 18271
  3. Isaac Newton Onstott+ b. 5 Nov 1826, d. 7 Nov 18561
  4. John Onstott b. c 1828, d. a 18301
  5. Thompson Gains Onstott b. 30 Jul 1829, d. 4 Mar 18521
  6. Reverdy Johnson Onstott b. 20 Jul 1830, d. 29 Oct 19141
  7. David Allen Onstott b. 5 Jul 1832, d. 11 Nov 18331
  8. Mary Ann Onstott b. 7 Aug 1834, d. bt 1835 - 19281,2
  9. Elizabeth Onstott+ b. 20 Nov 1836, d. 1 Feb 18851
  10. William H. Onstott b. 6 Jan 1843, d. 8 Nov 18631

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Thompson Gains Onstott1
M, b. 30 July 1829, d. 4 March 1852

Father Henry Onstott1 b. 27 November 1804, d. December 1876
Mother Susanna Smick1 b. 9 August 1800, d. 11 December 1867
Pop-up Pedigree

Cause of death (Fact*   Illness brought on by exposure1 
Milit-Beg*   first sargeant,Co.E,Twenty-seventh Regiment,Illinois Volunteers,in the war between the states1 
Note*   John N. Onstott,editor and publisher of the Petersburg Democrat, the local
organ of the Democratic party in Menard County,belongs to one of the old
and honorable families of the state,of which he is a native son,as he was
born at Havana,July 27,1853.His grandfather was Henry Onstott,and his
father was Isaac N.Onstott;both of whom were associated with the earlier
life of this region.
Henry Onstott came to Illinois from kentucky in 1828,and became one of the
pioneers of New Salem,and was the village cooper at the time that Abraham
Lincoln was one of it's residents.In 1847 henry Onstott moved to
Havana,where he continued work at his trade until the weight of years
compelled his retirement.His death occured at Forest City,Illinois,in
1877.During the war between the states,although too old to think of
entering the service,he supported the Union most loyally.His kindly nature
led him to make friends with children,and his shop was a favorite
gathering place for the little ones of the village,for they knew they were
welcome many happy hours spent playing with the shavings and bits of wood
and listening to the tales the pleasant-voiced cooper loved to tell his
little associates.While still living in Kentucky,which was his birth place
he married Susan Smick,who died at Havana in 1868,after which he resided
with his son,Thompson G,at forest City,Illinois.They were cumberland
presbyterians,and he was a charter member of the church of that faith in
the region of Petersburg,and became one of its elders.Henry and Susan
Onstott had the following children:Isaac N,who is mentioned below;Reverdy
Johnson,Thompson G,William H,who was first sargeant,Co.E,Twenty-seventh
Regiment,Illinois Volunteers,in the war between the states;saw heavy
fighting at Shiloh and Chickamauga and died at Kenesaw mountain from an
illness brought on by exposure;Elizabeth, who married Norman Walker,and
died in Forest City,Illinois,leaving two daughters;and Mary who died in
young womanhood.
Isaac N.Onstott was born in Kentucky in 1825,and was three years old at
the time of the family migration to Illinois.His educational advantages
were such as afforded by the local schools,and after the family moved to
Havana,from Petersburg,in 1847,he and his brother R.J. embarked in the
mercantile business there.Upon the recommendation of Abraham Lincoln,then
a member of Congress,and an intimate friend of the family,Isaac was
appointed postmaster of Havana.Later he was elected county clerk of Mason
County,and died while holding that office in 1856,at Havana,where he is
buried.in 1848 Isaac married Mary Goodman,a native of North Carolina,who
was brought to Illinois by her parents when she was still a child.Her
death occured in March 1875.Although she and her husband had three
children born to them,john Newton Onstott was the only one to reach mature
years.
A resident of Havana until 1875,john newton Onstott attended the village
schools and began the printers trade with the havana Voter,a paper which
was started in 1863,and suspended a year later for lack of support.He
worked on other papers in havana until after his mother's death in
1875,leaving his birthplace in the summer of that year to take a situation
on the Herald at Lincoln,Illinois.
After several years experience working as a journeyman job printer at
Lincoln,Mason city,springfield and Bloomington, Mr. Onstott finally came
to Petersburg,and engaged with the Democrat,of which he became one of the
publishers in 1883.For thirty-four years he was associated in the
publication of this paper with Fred wilkinson,a well known citizen and
public spirited official of Petersburg,but following the death of
Mr.Wilkinson,April 3,1917, Mr. Onstott became the sole editor and
publisher.he has been a member of the Illinois Press Association since
1885.
Mr. Onstott married in mason City,Illinois,February 3,1881,to Miss Ella
Montgomery,born July 1,1860;a daughter of jesse and Katherine Scott
Montgomery.mr.montgomery came to Illinois from indiana,and was a brick
mason by trade.He and his wife rounded out their three score and ten years
and lie side by side in the cemetery at Mason City.During the war between
the states mr.Montgomery served as corporal of company C, Eighty fifth
Illinois Volunteer infantry.of the four sons and two daughters born to
Mr.and Mrs. Montgomery only Mrs. Onstott and her brother,Otis
Montgomery,publisher of the Winona Illinois Index,survive.mr.and Mrs.
Onstott have two children:John Kirk,who married Florence Willheim,and
resides in St.louis,Missouri;and Lynn,who is a member of the office force
of the Petersburg Democrat.

Ref:History of Illinois pp.324 and 325.
. [Descendents of Johann Onstott] 
Birth* 30 July 1829  Lincoln, Clay County, Kentucky1 
Death* 4 March 1852  Kenesaw mountain1 
Marriage* 18 March 1852  Principal=Sarah Louise Elbswith1 

Family Sarah Louise Elbswith b. between 1814 and 1838, d. between 1857 and 1926

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Reverdy Johnson Onstott1
M, b. 20 July 1830, d. 29 October 1914

Father Henry Onstott1 b. 27 November 1804, d. December 1876
Mother Susanna Smick1 b. 9 August 1800, d. 11 December 1867
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 20 July 1830  New Salem, Menard County, Illinois1 
Marriage* 17 January 1865  Mason County, Illinois, Principal=Martha H. Hudson1 
Death* 29 October 1914  1 

Family Martha H. Hudson b. between 1824 and 1848, d. between 1870 and 1936

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Elizabeth Onstott1
F, b. 20 November 1836, d. 1 February 1885

Father Henry Onstott1 b. 27 November 1804, d. December 1876
Mother Susanna Smick1 b. 9 August 1800, d. 11 December 1867
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 20 November 1836  New Salem, Menard County, Illinois1 
Marriage* 18 March 1869  Principal=Joseph Norman Walker1 
Death* 1 February 1885  Forest City, Livingston County, Illinois1 

Family Joseph Norman Walker b. between 1819 and 1849, d. between 1874 and 1934
Child  1. Unknown Walker

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Joseph Norman Walker1
M, b. between 1819 and 1849, d. between 1874 and 1934

Birth* between 1819 and 1849  2 
Marriage* 18 March 1869  Principal=Elizabeth Onstott1 
Death* between 1874 and 1934  2 

Family Elizabeth Onstott b. 20 November 1836, d. 1 February 1885
Child  1. Unknown Walker

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Unknown Walker1
F

Father Joseph Norman Walker b. between 1819 and 1849, d. between 1874 and 1934
Mother Elizabeth Onstott b. 20 November 1836, d. 1 February 1885
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth*    

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Mary Ann Onstott1
F, b. 7 August 1834, d. between 1835 and 1928

Father Henry Onstott1,2 b. 27 November 1804, d. December 1876
Mother Susanna Smick1,2 b. 9 August 1800, d. 11 December 1867
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 7 August 1834  New Salem, Menard County, Illinois1 
Death* between 1835 and 1928  2 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Unknown Onstott1
?, d. before 1868

Father Isaac Newton Onstott1 b. 5 November 1826, d. 7 November 1856
Mother Mary Goodman1 b. circa 1826, d. March 1875
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth*    
Death* before 1868  1 

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Jesse Montgomery1
M

Occupation*   Brick mason1 
Residence   Indiana1 
Milit-Beg*   Corporal of company C, Eighty fifth Illinois Volunteer infantry1 
Burial*   Mason City Cemetary, Mason, Mason County, Illinois1 
Death*    
Birth*    
Residence*   Illinois1 
Marriage*   Principal=Katherine Scott 

Family Katherine Scott
Marriage*   Principal=Katherine Scott 
Children  1. Otis Montgomery
  2. Unknown Montgomery
  3. Unknown Montgomery
  4. Unknown Montgomery
  5. Unknown Montgomery
  6. Ella Montgomery+ b. 1 Jul 1860, d. c 19401

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Katherine Scott1
F

Marriage*   Principal=Jesse Montgomery 
Burial*   Mason City Cemetary, Mason, Mason County, Illinois1 
Death*    
Birth*    

Family Jesse Montgomery
Children  1. Otis Montgomery
  2. Unknown Montgomery
  3. Unknown Montgomery
  4. Unknown Montgomery
  5. Unknown Montgomery
  6. Ella Montgomery+ b. 1 Jul 1860, d. c 19401

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Otis Montgomery1
M

Father Jesse Montgomery
Mother Katherine Scott
Pop-up Pedigree

Occupation*   Publisher of the Winona Illinois Index1 
Death*    
Birth*    

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Unknown Montgomery1
F

Father Jesse Montgomery
Mother Katherine Scott
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth*    

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Unknown Montgomery1
M

Father Jesse Montgomery
Mother Katherine Scott
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth*    

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Unknown Montgomery1
M

Father Jesse Montgomery
Mother Katherine Scott
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth*    

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Unknown Montgomery1
M

Father Jesse Montgomery
Mother Katherine Scott
Pop-up Pedigree

Death*    
Birth*    

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Florence Willheim1
F

Marriage*   Principal=John Kirk Onstott 
Death*    
Birth*    

Family John Kirk Onstott

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Levi Onstott1
M, b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896

Father Nicholas Onstott1 b. 25 February 1763, d. 1829
Mother Maria Sherfey1 b. 16 March 1768, d. 7 January 1858
Pop-up Pedigree

Burial*   St. Joseph King Hill Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri1 
Marriage*   Principal=Judith Belle Ball 
Birth* 14 February 1808  Clay, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Death* 27 October 1896  St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri1 

Family Judith Belle Ball b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Children  1. James Samuel Onstott b. 24 Dec 1837, d. 9 Sep 19101
  2. William Henry Onstott+ b. 12 Mar 1840, d. 7 Apr 19261
  3. Benjamin Franklin Onstott b. 9 Feb 1842, d. 8 Feb 19301
  4. Robert Spencer Onstott b. 31 Jul 1844, d. 27 Dec 19191
  5. Mary Catherine Onstott b. 2 Jun 1846, d. 28 Mar 19161
  6. Jasper Newton Onstott b. 29 Mar 1853, d. May 19151
  7. Martha Ann Onstott b. 12 Jul 1856, d. 18 Sep 19011
  8. John Thomas Onstott b. 6 Jul 1858, d. 28 Apr 19361

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
William Henry Onstott1
M, b. 12 March 1840, d. 7 April 1926

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Milit-Beg*   Private in Co.G.43 Regiment, Missouri Infantry1 
Burial*   Onstott plot, Walnut Grove Cemetary1 
Note*   WILLIAM HENRY & ELIZA JANE RHUDY ONSTOTT

William Henry Onstott was born March 12, 1840, in Gerrard Co, Kentucky. He was
the second child of eight born to Levi and Judith Belle Ball Onstott. He moved
to St. Joseph, Missouri, with his parents, when he was four years old. During
the Civil War, William enlisted as a private in Co.G.43 Regiment, Missouri
infantry and served four years. William married Eliza Jane Rhudy, daughter of
Peter and Amanda Delia thompson rhudy; on Dec. 6, 1866 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
From this union came eleven children.

In 1971, Anna Wynkoop Onstott, wrote the following history: The Lives of Eliza
Jane Rhudy, 1845-1920 & William henry Onstot, 1840-1926.

Eliza Jane Rhudy and William Henry Onstott were married December 6, 1866 near
St. Joseph, Missouri.
They had eleven children; four girls and seven boys, the five oldest were born
on a farm on Contrary Creek, seven miles south of St. Joseph. The rest were born
after they moved to Kansas in 1881,to a farm near Iowa Point, a thriving river
town.
The original farm of 80 acres was bought during the fall of 1880 and the down
payment,$500 in gold, had been delivered in a sack covered with straw in the
bottom of a farm wagon. Sometime later 80 more acres were added on the east and
20 more acres were added on the north.
The house was located in the middle of the farm. It had only three rooms, but
later an addition of four large rooms, two up and two down, made more space for
their growing family. Still later a portion of the original building was moved
away and a large storage room and a big pantry were added. A cellar was dug
underneath these rooms, that had only an outside entrance, there were three
large bins in the pantry; one was for flour, one for sugar, and the other for
cornmeal and assorted dry products. There were lots of shelves that reached
clear to the ceiling and an enclosed cupboard space.
A screened-in porch, 10x28, extended from the front hallway west past the
kitchen door. This was a wonderful area for work as well as for play.
Since his folks had wanted to retire for several years, Pa was anxious that
Oliver would marry and take over the farming. He was the only one left at home
and the rest had other interests.
When Hettie's husband, Jim Thorpe, died she and Robert, age four, came to live
with her folks. Hettie and my mother were the same age, and we always adored
her. I was invited to come for Sunday dinner and meet oliver's parents. So I
went home with him after church and found a real friendly welcome as well as a
good dinner. I was teaching fifth and sixth grades in the Highland School and at
end of the term we were married may 19, 1912. We spent our honeymoon at the
Onstott home. The corn planting had been finished on the Friday before, and on
Saturday oliver went to St. Joseph and exchanged the suit he had bought for one
he liked better.
Hettie and Robert had moved to her home in Highland, and Alice(the youngest
daughter)and her husband came to help the folks move to town. Alice was so
efficient and I felt out of place.
We went to St. Joseph early in the week to buy furniture. A square dining table
that could be extended to seat fourteen people, twelve heavy dining room chairs,
a large straight chair with matching rocking chair and an old rocking chair made
up our purchases. We had bought a 9x12 Wilton Velvet rug at a closing-out sale
for $19,and we had it for 50 years. I already had a sewing machine, dishes,
linens, etc, but the things that Pa and Ma left behind we found very useful.
The family was moved from Missouri in a farm wagon pulled by a team of horses.
The distance was 35 to 40 miles and took a whole day.
The Missouri River was out of its banks at Elwood and crossing this flooded
bottom land was very dangerous. Pa attached the clevis that held the
double-trees to the wagon tongue, in such a way that he could release it at once
if it were necessary to free the horses. This would give them a chance to swim
away and save themselves. The live-stock had been driven across the railroad
bridge which was high and dry. The attendant at the bridge objected to this, but
finally let them go.
Ma must have been a real pioneer woman, judging by the many things she did that
I have been told about. She was always good to help a neighbor in illness and
when her children would find her gone when they got up in the morning, they
would know that someone had came for her during the night. Sometimes she would
report the arrival of a new baby.
If the floors were to be covered, she had to weave the carpet lengths that were
sewed together. First the carpet rags were torn in strips, sewed together, and
rolled into a ball that could be handled at the loom. All of this was done in
the old part of the house that had been re-located. She also wove carpets for
others. Straw was placed under the carpet when it was tacked to the floor. One
time army worms were in the straw. They came out on top the carpet and it had to
be taken up at once.
Soap was made out of doors in a big iron kettle. Even when correct measurements
of waste fat, lye, and water were made, it took a whole day. The next day the
hardened soap was cut in pieces, then dried and stored. Milk produts, poultry,
gardening, home butchered meat, canned and dried fruits took a lot of hard work.

Ma had special butter and egg customers at iowa Point. The boys delivered these
things for her, and she always had some money on hand in a sugar bowl in the
cupboard. This came in handy many times.
It took a lot of sewing to clothe such a large family but I know most about her
fancy work. She had made many quilts. One was a beautiful silk and wool
patchwork quilt that had "1908" embroidered on a large patch in the middle. The
patches were all outlined with silk embroidery thread in bright colors and fancy
stitches. Oliver claimed this quilt and I'm sorry that we used it for a light
weight cover. Eventually it fell to pieces. Ma did so much fancy work in spite
of her hands being so crippled.
After the children were grown this condition grew worse. It was called
rheumatism. After much suffering she went to hot Springs, Arkansas where she
took treatments for several months without any relief. At that time with help
she could get in a buggy and ride where she wanted to go by using a cane to walk
with.
One evening on the way home, the approach to a bridge caved in, letting the team
fall through. The buggy stayed on the bridge. Pa got Ma out of the buggy and
stood her on the ground, she stepped backwards and fell in a hole, breaking her
hip. Nothing was done to repair it but eventually she walked again but always
used one or both crutches.
She was this way when I first met her and she had been crippled for sometime. I
always wanted to help her but I didn't know what to do. She was always kind to
me and made allowance for my short comings which were many.
Pa was born March 12,1840.Before his marriage he had served 4 years in the army
during the Civil War, but I never heard him talk much about it.I guess he
thought it was too old a story.
I am told that at one time he wore a full beard which made him look much older
and cranky. He was 6 feet 2 inches tall, but was never fat. Several accidents
did not keep him down long, not even when he fell out of a cherry tree after he
lived in Highland.
Pa was a very patient man, especially when he was helping Ma do things. He was
hard of hearing and sometimes he was misunderstood because of it.
The farm was his pride and joy and he made trips back and forth, even helped
some with the work. He bought an Overland car, which he got along with well and
sometimes he would bring Ma with him. I was embarrassed with "rummy" lemon pie
one day and I asked him if he would like my recipe? He laughed and said that
he'd have to take it in a bucket.
He was always proud to bring visiting relatives out to the farm and they always
remembered where "Lizzies" chair sat by the north window in the living room. For
some reason he changed cars but the Ford was always too quick for him. He had
several close calls but nothing too serious.
Fred Onstott's oldest daughter Pearl came from Washington to help the folks.I
don't remember how long she was there but we all got acquainted with her and
liked her very much.
When Pa was living alone, we invited him to come and spend the winter of 22-23
with us. We moved his wood heating stove, his bed, dresser, and table into our
downstairs bedroom. We wanted him to feel at home. This room was across the hall
from family activities and could be a refuge when he wanted one. He seemed happy
to be there.
Early in February he contracted pneumonia from which it seemed he would never
recover. He would have me call Oliver to wait on him and we did everything we
could to please him. This helped him to improve fast and soon he wanted to
return to his home. We helped him get a handy man to stay with him who cleaned
well and cooked nourishing food. The man tired of the job and quit.
The next winter Pa wanted to come back to us but we couldn't have him. Doris was
born in September and we needed the downstairs bedroom.
Hettie had taken care of Ma during her lingering illness when she passed away
February 2,1920 at 75 years of age. She was there again to take care of Pa when
he passed away April 6,1926 at the age of 86.Funeral services were conducted
from the home. Both were buried in the Onstott plot beside Vernon and Oscar's
(Olivers twin brother) graves in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, only a short
distance from the old Onstott home.
The church that they helped to build and support had been disbanded and the
names of the members had been transferred to the Highland Presbyterian Church.
The building had been sold and the lumber in it was used elsewhere.
The school house that stood beside it is now a corn crib. The cemetery is only a
short ways from the road through a narrow strip of timber. It is located in a
beautiful clearing and the grounds are well tended. We always went there on
memorial Day.
Pa and Ma celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1916 with a large
family gathering. Pictures of the group have faded badly. Their family was large
and eight of their nine living children had children of their own. There were 35
grandchildren, and they can well be proud of their heritage. [Descendents of Johann Onstott] 
Residence* between 1840 and 1844  Kentucky1 
Birth* 12 March 1840  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Residence after 1844  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 6 December 1866  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky, Principal=Eliza Jane Rhudy1 
Death* 7 April 1926  Highland, Doniphan County, Kansas1 

Family Eliza Jane Rhudy b. 21 October 1846, d. 21 February 1920
Marriage* 6 December 1866  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky, Principal=Eliza Jane Rhudy1 
Children  1. Hettie Delia Onstott+ b. 27 Nov 1867, d. 28 Feb 19661
  2. Annie Alimo Onstott b. 4 Oct 1869, d. 9 Apr 19611
  3. Frederick Onstott b. 4 Jul 1871, d. 27 Mar 19551
  4. Emma Belle Onstott b. 16 Feb 1873, d. 14 May 19611
  5. Charles Benjamin Onstott b. 26 Mar 1877, d. 20 Apr 19651
  6. William Adolph Onstott+ b. 25 Sep 1879, d. 23 Jul 19471
  7. Cleora Alice Onstott b. 29 Jan 1882, d. 27 Jan 19681
  8. Oscar Orden Onstott b. 2 Sep 1884, d. 5 Feb 18871
  9. Oliver Oden Onstott+ b. 2 Sep 1884, d. 30 Mar 19821
  10. James Alton Onstott b. 12 Feb 1887, d. bt 1919 - 19781,2
  11. Harvey Vernon Onstott b. 1 Aug 1890, d. 21 Feb 19121

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Eliza Jane Rhudy1
F, b. 21 October 1846, d. 21 February 1920

Father Peter Rhudy1
Mother Amanda Delia Thompson1
Pop-up Pedigree

Burial*   Onstott plot, Walnut Grove Cemetary1 
Birth* 21 October 1846  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 6 December 1866  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky, Principal=William Henry Onstott1 
Death* 21 February 1920  Highland, Doniphan County, Kansas1 

Family William Henry Onstott b. 12 March 1840, d. 7 April 1926
Children  1. Hettie Delia Onstott+ b. 27 Nov 1867, d. 28 Feb 19661
  2. Annie Alimo Onstott b. 4 Oct 1869, d. 9 Apr 19611
  3. Frederick Onstott b. 4 Jul 1871, d. 27 Mar 19551
  4. Emma Belle Onstott b. 16 Feb 1873, d. 14 May 19611
  5. Charles Benjamin Onstott b. 26 Mar 1877, d. 20 Apr 19651
  6. William Adolph Onstott+ b. 25 Sep 1879, d. 23 Jul 19471
  7. Cleora Alice Onstott b. 29 Jan 1882, d. 27 Jan 19681
  8. Oscar Orden Onstott b. 2 Sep 1884, d. 5 Feb 18871
  9. Oliver Oden Onstott+ b. 2 Sep 1884, d. 30 Mar 19821
  10. James Alton Onstott b. 12 Feb 1887, d. bt 1919 - 19781,2
  11. Harvey Vernon Onstott b. 1 Aug 1890, d. 21 Feb 19121

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Judith Belle Ball1
F, b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866

Marriage*   Principal=Levi Onstott 
Burial*   St. Joseph King Hill Cemetery, St. Joseph, Missouri1 
Birth* 20 August 1816  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Death* 27 December 1866  St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Kentucky1 

Family Levi Onstott b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Children  1. James Samuel Onstott b. 24 Dec 1837, d. 9 Sep 19101
  2. William Henry Onstott+ b. 12 Mar 1840, d. 7 Apr 19261
  3. Benjamin Franklin Onstott b. 9 Feb 1842, d. 8 Feb 19301
  4. Robert Spencer Onstott b. 31 Jul 1844, d. 27 Dec 19191
  5. Mary Catherine Onstott b. 2 Jun 1846, d. 28 Mar 19161
  6. Jasper Newton Onstott b. 29 Mar 1853, d. May 19151
  7. Martha Ann Onstott b. 12 Jul 1856, d. 18 Sep 19011
  8. John Thomas Onstott b. 6 Jul 1858, d. 28 Apr 19361

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
John Thomas Onstott1
M, b. 6 July 1858, d. 28 April 1936

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 6 July 1858  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* between 1875 and 1908  Principal=Pauline Peabody2 
Marriage* 18 April 1883  St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri, Principal=Losa Loraine Butler Parker1 
Death* 28 April 1936  Saratoga, Santa Clara County, California1 

Family 1 Pauline Peabody b. between 1854 and 1874, d. between 1875 and 1958

Family 2 Losa Loraine Butler Parker b. between 1845 and 1867, d. between 1888 and 1956

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
  2. [S119] Unknown author, WFT.
Martha Ann Onstott1
F, b. 12 July 1856, d. 18 September 1901

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 12 July 1856  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 27 December 1870  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky, Principal=William Fugate1 
Death* 18 September 1901  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky1 

Family William Fugate b. between 1825 and 1855, d. between 1875 and 1942

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Jasper Newton Onstott1
M, b. 29 March 1853, d. May 1915

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 29 March 1853  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 6 November 1906  Deming, Luna County, New Mexico, Principal=Elizabeth Parker1 
Death* May 1915  Deming, Luna County, New Mexico1 

Family Elizabeth Parker b. between 1851 and 1888, d. between 1910 and 1976

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Mary Catherine Onstott1
F, b. 2 June 1846, d. 28 March 1916

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 2 June 1846  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 27 February 1866  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky, Principal=Christopher Columbus Sherfey1 
Death* 28 March 1916  Raisin, Fresno County, California1 

Family Christopher Columbus Sherfey b. between 1821 and 1847, d. between 1871 and 1934

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Robert Spencer Onstott1
M, b. 31 July 1844, d. 27 December 1919

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 31 July 1844  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 29 February 1876  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky, Principal=Victoria Rice1 
Death* 27 December 1919  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky1 

Family Victoria Rice b. between 1837 and 1859, d. between 1881 and 1947

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
Benjamin Franklin Onstott1
M, b. 9 February 1842, d. 8 February 1930

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 9 February 1842  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 19 December 1865  St. Joseph, Marion County, Kentucky, Principal=Mary Solmone Rice1 
Death* 8 February 1930  Asotin, Asotin County, Washington1 

Family Mary Solmone Rice b. between 1827 and 1851, d. between 1870 and 1939

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.
James Samuel Onstott1
M, b. 24 December 1837, d. 9 September 1910

Father Levi Onstott1 b. 14 February 1808, d. 27 October 1896
Mother Judith Belle Ball1 b. 20 August 1816, d. 27 December 1866
Pop-up Pedigree

Birth* 24 December 1837  Lancaster, Gerrard County, Kentucky1 
Marriage* 15 October 1873  Andrew, Marion County, Missouri, Principal=Lucinda June Williams1 
Death* 9 September 1910  Wilson, Nodaway County, Missouri1 

Family Lucinda June Williams b. between 1832 and 1856, d. between 1878 and 1944

Citations
  1. [S44] Unknown author, Descendants of Johann Onstott.


       

Compiler:
Jill Kastello

This page was created by John Cardinal's Second Site v1.9.7.
Site updated on 25 June 2006 at 6:41:01 PM from Kastello; 4,002 people