Notes

[NI0001] Johannes or John I was one of three brothers who emigrated from Birkenau, Germany in 1754 and landed in Philadelphia on November 7th of that year. The ship was named The John and Elizabeth, and it was commanded by Captain Peter Ham from Amsterdam. The ship's list indicates that both John and his brother George were probably illiterate, as there is a space on that document to leave their marks, and that they shared Cabin 63. The third brother is listed as "Adolph Flohri, " who was really their half brother and whose full name was Nicholas Adolph Flohri.

The brothers were preceded by the arrival in Philadelphia in 1733 of another Flory, Joseph, along with his wife and children. Although no evidence exists to link these two families together, there is a slight possibility that they may have been distantly related.

John I probably settled originally near Philadelphia, for there is a marriage record of a Johannes Flory to Christina Hahnin (aus Bechlob) on April 7, 1760 at the church repository at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. Their first child, Johannes or John II, was born in the city in 1761. In 1766, the family moved to Northampton County, Pa. Johannes was joined in that county by his brother Adolph in 1774. Both Adolph and his sons, John and David, served in the Revolutionary Army. John I, who was advancing in age, did not, although his son, John II did, albeit his enlistment was brief. Despite the presence of Adolph in the area for a period of time, it is Johannes or John I who was the ancestor of all of the known Northampton County Floreys.

Johannes was buried at the Old Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery in Easton, Pa. Unfortunately, there is no grave marker.

There are a respectable number of records about Johannes that survive today that are primarily church related. For example, he and his wife, Christina, were sponsors to the son (Johannes) of John and Elizabeth Krauss (?) on March 15, 1795 at the First Reformed Church of Easton. This pair may have been the Ludwig and Elizabeth Knauss who were sponsors to the birth of Johannes and Christina's son, Ludwig. Johannes and Christina were also the sponsors of several other children at their baptisms at the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Easton. These include:
(1) Catherine Hertfield on July 28, 1782 (b. 5/10/1782)-Parents John and Catherine Hertfield
(2)Samuel Hep on May 22, 1791 (b. 3/7/1791)-Parents Frederich and Maria Hep
(3) John Otto on Feb. 21, 1784-no parents listed
(4)Susana Wudringer on Nov. 12, 1796 (b. 10/24/1796) to Philip and Margaretha Wudringer

The name "Johanes Flora" appears on the list of communicants at this church on Aug. 16, 1770. On May 15, 1773, Johannes once again received communion, and his name was listed as "Johs Flore."

There are also municipal documents that carry his name--He appears on the tax lists of Northampton County (see "Tax Lists Northampton Co. 1774-1806") in 1779 as John Flora of Williams Township, in 1783 as John Flory of Williams Township, and in 1786 as John Flory. In the Pa Archives, series 3, v. 19, p. 85 ("Tax Lists of Northampton Co., 1772-1786") there is a reference to a John Flory of Williams Twp. in 1785, who is taxed 9.4 for 100 acres of land, 2 horses, and one cow. On p. 187, which reports the taxes billed in the township for 1786, this John Flory is charged 9.0 for the same property plus an additional cow.

A "John Flohrie" took the oath of allegiance to the state of Pa. on May 25, 1778 ("Oaths of Allegiance, Northampton Co., Pa. 1777-1784"). Had he not taken this oath, he could have been arrested when he appeared on the public streets.

On March 5, 1796, John Flory and Henry Sackrider inventoried the estate of Margaret Lerch, widow, who left two sons, Anthony and Peter (Abstract of Wills, p. 104, File Number 1727 for 1796). The settlement was made on Feb. 8, 1797.

John Flory's will, to which he affixed his mark, was dated April 2-, 1801 and probated on May 16 of the same year. It is readily available from the Northampton County Courthouse in Easton, Pa. In this will, he left all of his goods to his son Ludwig and his wife, Christina, with the proviso, as was common to the times, that Ludwig be responsible for the care of his mother. A transcript of this will follows:

"This is to say that my son Ludwig shall have two of the best horses and the
[?] for the horses, and the Wagon of the Windmill. And the other horses shall
be sold on the Public [?]. And my wife Christina shall have all the house holds
[sic] goods, And shall stay with my Son Ludwig her [?] time, and my wife shall
have two horses. Here unto have I set my hand and seal the Day and year
above written-----------
his
John (x) Flory
mark"

While records don't give a complete picture of a person, Johannes or John appears to have been religious, law-abiding, and conservative. He waited until he was settled in this country to marry and have children, and, once having migrated to Northampton County, he stayed there, unlike his half-brother, Adolph. It is not known what he did with his carpentry skills apart from having passed them along to his descendants. From indications in the tax lists, his farm, which he probably rented, would have been sufficient to provide basic maintenance for his family, but little more.

While we can only speculate, John's reasons for leaving Germany were probably economic. His father, Johannes, was not a wealthy man, and what little he had was undoubtedly given to John's eldest brother, George. Since there was little opportunity for him in Birkenau, John probably responded to the persuasions of an agent for The John and Elizabeth, who may have been recruiting passengers in the area. Although it is speculative at this point, John's older brother, Christian, may have immigrated to America in 1744, providing a precedent for the other brothers.

[NI0003] At the age of 20, John II was a private in the Revolutionary War army, attached to Captain John Wagner's Company of the Northampton County Militia, 4th Battalion, commanded by Stephen Balliat. His service, however, was extremely brief lasting from August 20, 1781 to Sept. 22 of that same year. From records in the Pa. Archives, it appears that John may have located a substitute. Despite the brevity of his service, a DAR marker appears on his grave, and several of his descendants have been members of either the DAR or the SAR.

John was a carpenter and cabinet maker, as were many of his descendents. He lived in Lower Saucon Twp. in Northampton County, Pa. until 1811, when he moved to Upper Mt. Bethel and purchased a farm there of 76 acres for $2433. He is buried at Stone Church Cemetery in upper Mt. Bethel along with his wife.

He is described in John Fremont Keve's family history, published earlier this century, as a fine cabinet maker. At the time of Keve's writing, a Mrs. Beck of Bangor, one of John's descendants, had in her possession a grandfather clock that he made along with a high tenoy.

John's move to Upper Mt. Bethel was a major event in the development of the Northampton Florys, all of whom descend from his father through him. John's brothers, George and Ludwig, left the county, and relocated in the Western part of Pennsylvania. From Upper Mt. Bethel, John's descendants fanned out into Bangor and Plainfield Township and then to other areas of the county including Nazareth and Bath. For many generations after, Northampton Florys referred to him as "the Founder of the Family."

Baptismal records at both Easton and Centerville indicate that he and his wife had at least fourteen children, although tradition gives them but thirteen.

[NI0006] George Flory's Will

In the name of God Amen I George Flory of the borough of Chambersburg County of Franklin and state of Pennsylvania make and ordain this as and for my last will and testament. To my beloved daugher Christiana Sophia I devise the one half lot of ground in the borough of Chambersburg bounded by main street and on which I now live with the buildings and improvements thereon for and during her lifetime. To my daughters Catherine Augusta and Lucretia Juliana I bequeath each one good bed and beding [sic] and as many other articles of household and kitchen furniture as will make them equal to what has been given to my daughter Henrietta Amelia and Caroline Maria who were married and when said named Catherine and Lucretia I [sic] have received their furniture all the rest and residue and remainder of my household and kitchen furniture and articles of personal property a said [sic] half lot of ground is bequeathed to my daughter Christiana I before named. The half lot of ground in said borough adjoining the half lot devised to Christiana S. I will and devise shall be sold and conveyed by my executors hereafter named on of the three acre lots of ground situated in Guilford Township adjoining lands of George Ludwig and which I purchased from Daniel Arnold. I devise unto my son William Flory his heirs and assigns as a compensation for working for me after he was twenty one years of age. The other lots of ground situated in Guilford Township containing about eleven acres of land I authorize and empower my executors to sell and convey within two years after my death the lot of ground on which the shop is built to be sold at same time all the shop tools I own bequeath to my son William Flory without charge. The money raised by selling said real estate after deducting expenses is to be equally divided among all my children share and share alike. My children are Frederick William, Christian Sophia [sic], Henrietta Amelia, Catharine Augusta, Caroline Augusta, Caroline Maria and Lucretia Juliana and after the death of my daughter Christian Sophia [sic] I order my dwelling house and the half lot of ground on which it is built to be sold by my executors and the proceeds are to be divided equally among my children who are then living and the heirs of such as are dead the heirs of each one who are dead are to receive the same share their parents would have received if living and for carrying this my will into effect I appoint my daughter Christiana Sophis executrix of my last will and testament. Witness my hand and seal this first day of December 1857.

George x Flory
his mark

[NI0011] On May 2, 1893, he was made executor to his father's estate, along with his brothers, Theodore and Hiram. His portion of the estate was given over to his wife, Isabella, although he was permitted the use of it during his lifetime.

On February 21, 1899 he served as a witness to the election of Ferdinand Dreisbach as Poll Assessor to the Upper District of Plainfield Twp. at the public house of John W. Steiner. Freeman's daughter, Nellie, married Ferdinand's son, John.

He died of cardiac dropsy after progressive paralysis. At the time of his death, he was a retired millsman at Pen Argyl Lumber Co. He resided at 645 William Street, Pen Argyl, Pa.

He went by the name of Frank, wore a mustache and a bowler hat, and owned a hunting rifle.

[NI0012] June 2, 1918. Leeth graduated from Pen Argyl High School on May 28, 1914 and received his BA degree from Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. on June 2, 1918. Originally he wanted become a minister, but he lost his faith in college. For the remainder of his life, Leeth was interested in historical studies of the Bible and made extensive notes on his readings. After graduation, he obtained his first teaching job in Bellefonte, Pa., where he stayed only a year.

On August 20, 1934, he married Wilhelmina Siegert of Yonkers, a former student of his at Yonkers High School of Commerce, where he taught English.

On June 10, 1942, Leeth's only child, Kenneth Ivan, was born. As a joke, Leeth told his mother, Isabella, whom he loved to tease, that his new son's name was Alowishes Obediah Napoleon Bonaparte Caruso Florey. For the first 8 years of his life, Ken was called "Al" for short by his parents.

In the late 1940's, Leeth, along with his family, began spending summers with his nephew, Ray, and his brother, Herbert, on Ray's farm in Plainfield Twp. After Ray's death, Leeth inherited the farm, to which he eventually retired in 1960 with his wife and mother-in-law, Wilhelmina Siegert.

No one was ever certain [including Leeth] about the origin of Leeth's first name, which may be unique. His middle name of "Ivan" may have come from the Mack family. Matilda Mack was his maternal grandmother. Along with his brother Herbert, he added an "e" to his surname, which his father had apparently dropped. The "e" spelling was the predominant spelling in Plainfield, but the Bangor Florys followed the more common practice of not using the letter.

Leeth's interests included astronomy, the Great Books Club, microscopes, the accordian, classical music [for which he taped numerous pieces off the radio], and amateur magic [an interest which he shared with his wife and two of their friends, Bill and Joanne Smith]. He did not read much in the way of poetry and fiction, despite his profession as an English teacher. His best friend from school was Walter Eckert, whose wife, Jean, became a friend of Leeth's wife, Wilhelmina.

Prior to marrying Wilhelmina, Leeth had been seeing a Margaret Kolb for several years. He used to visit her in Pen Argyl on weekends when he drove in to see his mother, Isabelle, who lived several houses away. When Leeth became involved with Wilhelmina, he drove down to Pen Argyl to break off the relationship. Margaret later married, got divorced, and remarried a William Naugle, who is still living at Fountain Hill in Bethlehem. She died around 1980.

Leeth always liked to laugh and have fun. He was an indefatigable tease, but extremely loyal to his friends and his family, caring for both his mother and his brother, Herbert, prior to their deaths, and assisting his mother-in-law and her family in Germany after WWII. Leeth, himself, was a veteran of WWI.

[NI0013] Kenneth Florey was born in Yonkers, New York, where he grew up in a lower-to-middle class neighborhood that was characterized by its ethnic diversity. At the end of Alder Street on Nodine Hill, where his parents' apartment was situated, stood a large steel water tower that served the entire city. It is still the most vivid memory he has of his birthplace.

Ken attended college at Lafayette in Easton, Pa. shortly after his father had retired and moved back to Northampton County where he had been born. Ken began his college career by majoring in chemistry, but, in his sophomore year, he switched to English, and, upon graduating with honors in 1964, he received the Frances E. March Fellowship for the Lafayette graduate with best potential for college English teaching.

He then went to Syracuse University, where he earned a Master's Degree in 1967 and a Ph.D. three years later. His only child, Katherine, was born in Syracuse to his first wife, Kitty, in 1971.

Upon receiving his doctorate, Ken obtained a position in the English department at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Ct., where he taught Anglo-Saxon, English Medieval Literature, and Greek Mythology. He expanded his interests and developed a program in African-American literature. He served as chair of the department for ten years and is still currently teaching there.

On August 20 of 1995, Ken married his second wife, Emmy van Beugen, in Old Saybrook, Connecticut in a ceremony where they faced the Long Island Sound on the deck of a historic mansion. Together, they enjoy antiquing, traveling, and the theatre. Ken's other interests include genealogy and the collecting of political and woman suffrage memorabilia. In this latter connection, he has been retained as an appraiser by the Connecticut State Library, the Connecticut Historical Society, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. He has published several articles on woman suffrage memorabilia, and parts of his collection have been displayed in "Playboy Magazine." He was recently featured on "Personal FX," a nationally syndicated television show devoted to antiques. He is currently serving as a commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Board of the town of Hamden.

Ken first began his interest in genealogy in 1994 when he was cleaning out his mother's estate after her death. Included among her belongings was a box of old photographs that came from her husband's family. Most of these photographs were of members of the Deats family, having been gathered up by Isabella Deats, Ken's paternal grandmother. Some of the photos were identified, some were not. Ken spent the next several months attempting to discover who the mysterious images were that had begun to haunt him. He had a genealogy of the Deats family that had been done in the 1960's to guide him, but he realized he did not have a counterpart for the Florey family, and some of the photos appeared to be of his Florey ancestors or their relatives. In attempting to construct one, he became fascinated with genealogy, and while he still continues to search to find names to attach to the anonymous people in the original photographs, his real interest is that of tracing his family line as far back as he can.

[NI0014] My brothers were told that the midwife delivered me on the back of her bicycle in a lunch box. I am not sure why they believed her since the date of my birth was April 1. My father had his own business that was first run from the apartment we lived in, the same place where he hid from the Germans during the war. In the crawl space under the hallway he had passed the time making soap and knitting. Even though my parents rarely talked of those days, we were told of the hungerwinter they had barely survived by eating tulipbulbs.

We were the only people on our block who owned a car. Although the car really was more of a covered motorcycle that fit two adults and one child, it made us think we were rich. As I became a teenager, my brothers' infamy in highschool was noticed by my parents and they sent me to a different school where my brothers were not known. It is still amazing that they turned into responsible adults.

Unfortunately, my father was not a healthy person, and, when he died, I decided I wanted to join my relatives who had emigrated to Australia. My mother suggested I learn English first and that's why I decided to be a nanny for the Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands. Given the disposition of the children it was fortunately only a temporary job. I then took another nanny job, but this time for an American family. It turned out to be a decision that changed the course of my life.

Two years later, when they returned to "the States," I accompanied them. Not long after, I went to practical nursing school. In 1972 I interviewed for a job at Yale-New Haven Hospital, never expecting that "Yale" would hire me. Since then I have learned that working at the hospital does not quite carry the same prestige as does teaching at the University with which it is affiliated. I met my first husband through a roomate. He worked as a research psychologist at the Medical School studying the effects of cocaine on people. During our 17 years of marriage, we often went to Cape Cod and Key West. I also went back to school and got a degree in Nursing and Biology. Two years after his death in 1993 from Multiple Sclerosis, I was lucky to find another lifepartner. In addition to both of us having busy careers we have managed to pack in five vacations in three years. After 25 years at Yale I am contemplating a new career and have started courses in education. I would like to work with children again and, besides, it would be nice to have summers off with my husband!

[NI0018] The witnesses for the baptism of their son Joseph at Stone church were Peter's sister Anna Margaret and Daniel Schoch, who were later to marry. The witnesses for baptism of his son John George Flory were George and Margaret Mann. Peter and his wife, Maria, Maria, were witnesses themselves for the baptism of Maria Corell, daughter of George and Susanna Corell on Sept. 10, 1820.

[NI0021] Jacob and his brother George left Northampton Co., and migrated to Lendhannock, Pa. in 1850 where they built a saw mill. The town became known as Florey Town. Later it was called Keiserville after Michael Keiser, who married Catherine Florey. Jacob and his family then moved to Beloit, Wisc.

[NI0024] There is confusion about date of birth and husband. She or her sister Lydia married Abraham Brodt. It was probably her.

[NI0026] Daniel was a short man and a carpenter. He loved his numerous grandchildren, and often entertained them with ghost stories.

[NI0036] According to the census of 1880, Catherine Gum (12) was a servant in the home of Alfred Houck (36). Theodore Florey was close to the Houck family--two of his children married Houcks, and Theodore and Catherine are buried on a joint plot with several members of the Houk family.

In 1904, Theodore provided bond for Ferdinand Dreisbach upon his election as supervisor in the township of Plainfield, Northampton County, Pa. The total of the bond was $1200--other guarantees were Ferdinand Dreisbach and Isaac Bitz. Dreisbach owned the farm that eventually was inherited by Leeth Florey, Theodore's nephew, from Raymond Deisbach, Ferdinand's son.

Theodore did hauling and hand work for Ferdinand Dreisbach throughout 1910, along with many other men from the area.

[NI0037] After Ebyann's death, husband Jacob married Arminda Happel Stauffer. Ebyann and Jacob are buried together at St. Peter's Cemetery in Plainfield.

In Jacob Florey's will, the spelling is Ebbyann. The name was pronounced
Ibby Ann (two words).

[NI0038] According to his nephew, Theodore Ernest Florey, Hiram's marriage with his wife was not a happy one and did not last long. He left her and moved in with a woman whose first name was Elizabeth, with whom he stayed the remainder of his life. A carpenter by trade, he also rented out horses. He was also in business with his nephew, Wilmer O. Florey, whose truck read "W.O. Florey. Hiram was a very large man.

[NI0040] Was a trollyman in Pen Argyl for the Slate Belt Trolley line.

[NI0041] Nellie was married to John Dreisbach in Bath, Pa on July 2, 1898 by Rev. George Lisberger. Both were living in Miller, Pa (which may be an old name for Plainfield) at the time. Lisberger baptized Nellie the following year on April 23.

On March 11, 1900, Nellie gave birth to Raymond Dreisbach in Plainfield Twp., her only child. Ray was baptized on May 5 by George Lizberger.

In June of 1912, Mrs. Evans, a neighbor, broke into her house and stole potatoes from the basement. She was caught in the act, first by Nellie and then by her son, Raymond. Although the incident was relatively innocuous, it did frighten her and anger her husband, who wrote to his father about it.

Nellie was close to her mother, Isabella, and, according to her brother, Leeth, tended to purchase items that were similar to hers.

[NI0042] Florence was known as "Gertrude." With her husband William, she owned a cabin at Elk Lake, Pa.

[NI0043] In 1941, Herbert was institutionalized after a sleepless night, during which he took a pistol outside, fired it, and said, "If I can't sleep, no one can sleep." He was released under the supervision of his brother Leeth and stayed in Plainfield Twp., Pa at the farmhouse of his nephew, Raymond Dreisbach. He spent the rest of his life gardening and cooking. He periodically visited his brother Leeth at his apartment in Yonkers, NY. He was well liked and a hard working individual. Early in his life, he had been trained in electronics.

Herbert died of stomach cancer after confinement at Leeth's apartment in Yonkers. During his illness, he told Leeth that a woman in black had come to visit him and would return.

[NI0045] Leota was very close to her mother, Rosie, who lived with her. She spent the last four years of her life under home care, supervised by a neighbor and friend, Vivian Pensyl.

[NI0047] For many years, John Dreisbach, the only child of Ferdinand and Kate Dreisbach, was a school teacher in a stereotypical little red schoolhouse that was just up the road from his house in Plainfield township (now called "Heimer Road"). The schoolhouse still stands, but it has been changed into a private residence, and nothing of its early character, including its original red color, remains.

[NI0048] In the 1920's, Ray played the stock market, and invested heavily in the Bangor bank that he was working for. Although he paid off part of the debt, he still owed $2,000 at the time of his death.

The late 1940's involved the beginnings of summer and holiday visits by his uncle Leeth Florey and family. Previously, Ray lived alone with his other living uncle, Herbert. Although a banker, Ray was given the persona of a backwoods farmer named Hiram by Leeth, who may have subconsciously derived the name from his own uncle, Hiram Amsy Florey. Ray liked Kix Cereal and cracked wheat bread, which he ate every day. He smoked Phillies Cigars and refinished much of his house by sanding and staining the extensive woodwork. Both the sanding and the smoking may have contributed to the lung cancer, which caused his death. Before the official diagnosis, he tried to cure himself of a rasping cough by drinking Geritol, a brand that he previously had made fun of.

When he discovered that he had lung cancer, he committed suicide by stuffing his garage door with rags and turning on the engine of his 1930's Plymouth. At the time, he worked for a bank in Wind Gap, Pa., whose president was A.W. Greensweig. Ray was a diligent worker, and never took a day off, even for vacation. In his will, he left all his possessions, including his house, to Leeth Florey, his uncle, who was his closest living relative.

[NI0052] Bruce taught chemistry at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, N.Y.

[NI0053] Jay had asthma about 5 or 6 years before he died. He also developed emphasema, but he kept it from his wife, telling her it was part of his previous condition. He was an occasional writer and contributed several stories to "Boy's Life," the magazine that was associated with the Boy Scouts. He was an avid stamp collector and part-time dealer. He had to sell much of his collection to pay for medicine prior to his death.

[NI0055] Wilhelmina was the oldest child of three in an immigrant family. Her brother was named Paul and her sister, Louise. Her mother had had a previous child, Sophie Louise, in Germany, who died during the influenza epidemic in 1918. Wilhelmina's father, Paul, was a baker, who invented both the glass door and inside light for home ovens. Despite renewing his patent on the inventions, he never received a cent in royalties, and for years his family, in protest, never bought an oven with these options.

During her husband's life, Wilhelmina [or "Billie" as she was known] was primarily a housewife, although she did work occasionally for the U.S. Census and Office Help Temporaries. In general, she shared her husband's interests, including magic, Great Books, and the accordian.

She moved with Leeth to Pennsylvania upon his retirement. When he died in 1963, she began to become very active in women's issues, became a member of a feminist support group, and developed life-long friendships with people in that group. At this time, she began working for Joseph Capazola, who owned Bangor Slate Company. She also became friendly with Fran Doyle, for whom she worked as a tax preparer.

In Billie's final years, she became adored by all who knew her. She joined Fran Doyle in a real estate company venture, and befriended many of the agents, who sought her out for advice.

She died on October 22, 1994 at the home of Fran Doyle in Bethlehem, Pa. She had bone cancer, which was brought on by an earlier bout with breast cancer. The date of her death was the anniversary of her husband's death, a man whom she loved deeply.

[NI0065] Was known as W.O. Florey, and he had that name painted on the side of his truck. He was in the construction-carpentry business, following the lead of his ancestors.

[NI0240] Floyd was born in Plainfield Twp., Pa. He attended Washington and Lower Mt. Bethel Township schools. He attended East Stroudsburg State College; he received his Bachelor's degree from Lehigh in 1909; and he did graduate work at Columbia and NYU.

He was a principal of Aspinwall and Carnegie High Schools, both in Allegheny Co., Pa. 1910-12, taught in the Panama Canal Zone 1912-14, and became supervising principal at Sharpsburg High Schoo in Allegheny Co., Pa., in 1914.
During WWI, he was a YMCA secretary in France for 18 months and organized the 90th Division of the YMCA, forerunner of the present USO centers. After a year's teaching at Pittsburgh's 5th Avenue High School, he served as Dean of the Pennington School for Boys in 1921-3.

He was principal and assistant superintendent at Irvington, NJ from 1924-9, and organized several civic and community groups at Promised Land Lake. He was president of the church board of trustees 1949-1954 until the congregation's first sanctuary was built. He retired as assistant superintendent of Irvington, NJ Schools and was an organizer of Promised Land, Protestant Community Church, Pike County, PA.

Floyd was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Plainfield Twp., Northampton Co., PA. He was a 50 year member of Bangor Lodge, F&AM. He was SAR 2810. He moved to Nazareth, Pa. in 1972 and died at his home. He was survived by six step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren.

[NI0241] In addition to being a schoolteacher, Amandus was also a carpenter and cabinet maker and was in business with his son, Calvin. His 5 wives caused much comment in his family. His one arm was cut of at the elbow--still, he was able to work in the fields as well as any farmhand, according to his granddaughter-in-law, Pauline Florey. He lost this arm in a corn threshing machine.

[NI0254] Eliminated the "e" in "Florey." Thought it was superfluous.

[NI0264] Information about Clyde Flory, his wife, children and grandchildren supplied by Clyde Flory.

[NI0270] She died in a Jewish hospital in Philadelphia called Medico-Chi-Ango. She was buried in Broadheadsville, PA because of her last request to be buried next to twin brother who died very young.

[NI0283] His marriage to Pauline was the second for both of them (her first was to a man named Fabel). Calvin was inducted into service Nov. 26, 1943 and was discharged Aprill 11, 1946. He was attached to Hq. Co. 301 Fighter Wing and served in the South Pacific. He was in army intelligence.

[NI0429] Excerpts from the

HISTORIC HOMES and INSTITUTIONS
AND
GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF

THE LEHIGH VALLEY
PENNSYLVANIA
VOL. I

Under the Editorial supervision or John W. Jordan, LL.D. of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and Edgar Moore Green, A.M., MD. of Easton3 Pa. and George T. Ettinger, Ph.D., of Muhlenerg College, Allentown, Pa.

New York, Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1905 page 482-484


SOLOMON FLORY. The expansion of the trade interest of a city and its growth and substantial development depend upon the energy, activity and keen foresight of its representative men - they who can comprehend the business situation of the present and also understand the condition which points to future conditions. It is to this class that Solomon Flory belongs, and he stands today as one or the representative men of Bangor, having for many years been an active factor in trade circles. He established and developed two of the most important industrial concerns of the city, and he still has important and profitable business interests. His life has been a busy and useful one, his aim being to use his time to the best advantage, and while he has prospered in his undertakings he is also a representative of that class of American man who while advancing individual success also promote the general welfare.

The Flory family has long been established in Pennsylvania. The grand-father of Solomon Flory, John removed from Bucks county to Northampton county at an early date, and followed the occupation of farming, residing in Upper Mount Bethel township. To him and his wife were born the following named children: John; Jacob, George and Peter. All.of the sons, with the exception of Peter, were farmers, and he followed blacksmithing.

Peter Flory, the father of Solomon Flory, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Siselach, and they became the parents of the following named children: William, Absalom, Simeon, Solomon, Harriet, Polly and Rebecca. Of this number only Polly, Solomon and Simeon are now living.

Solomon Flory, whose name introduces this record, was born in Upper flaunt Bethel township, Northampton county, August 15, 1829, and in his early life followed agricultural pursuits, with which he became familiar in his boyhood days. Later he removed to Plainfield township, where his attention was directed to the butchering business. There he remained until 1872, at which time he removed to Bangor, Pennsylvania, remaining an active repre-sentative of commercial and industrial interests in this city until 1901, when he retired from business life, having: in. the meantime steadily advanced to a position prominent among the substantial. citizens of the northern part of the county~ On locating in Bangor~ he continued to. conduct a meat market, and also began dealing in coal and wood. He further extended the field of his operations by engaging in the milling business and for thirty years conducted his market and for fifteen years his mill, thus taking an active part in supplying needed commodities to the citizens of this place. In 1880 he began the manufacture of machinery on a vary small scale, employing but three workmen, but his enterprise soon developed an industry of larger proportions and one which became very profitable. In 1883 he turned the grist mill over to his son Milton, and later gave the machine shop to the charge of his son Samuel. Both enter-prises have grown far beyond the expectations of both himself and his sons. In the machine shop today three hundred and twenty five men are employed. The business has been organized and incorporated, and is a most prominent factor in the industrial life of the city. The plant covers about four acres of ground, and is located along the tracks of both the New Jersey Central and the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroads. All kinds of mining and quarry machinery are manufactured, and the output is shipped to various sections of the country. The enterprise is conducted under the name of the S. Flory Manufacturing Company, of Bangor The grist mill has also expanded. greatly, being one of the paying industries of the city. It was established in 1868, remodeled in 1890, and rebuilt and enlarged to its present extensive proportions in 1900. It is operated by both steam and water power, the former being seventy five horse power, and The latter ninety-five horsepower. The capacity of the mill is one hundred and fifty barrels every twenty four hours. The product of the mill is one of very superior grade, as is attested by the large local demand and the extensive shipments made. Solomon Flory not only established these enterprises upon a successful basis, but has also been the promoter of other enterprises of importance, showing him to. be a man of great natural business ability and of marked resources. He has been engaged in the slate development. He was a director and stockholder of the First National Bank of Bangor for several years, and is now the owner of considerable real estate in Danielsville, which he has upon the market and for which he is finding a ready sale. In public affairs he has been quite prominent and his fitness for leadership has occasioned his selection for many public offices in his town. He has been elected to the position of chief burgess and of councilman, and in the discharge of his duties has ever manifested the same promptness and fidelity which characterized his business career. Bangor, in other ways, has also been greatly benefitted by his efforts. He has erected as many as fourteen dwellings in one year here, and has opened up many of the quarries which are now being profitably worked, selling these as an advantageous opportunity was presented. He began life at the very bottom round of the ladder, and step by step has climbed upward; Iris is a business record which any man might envy, not alone on account of the success he had achieved, but also because of the unassailable reputation he has gained. He has never incurred an obligation that he has not discharged or made an engage-ment that he has not met, and b his business associates is held in the highest regard.

Mr. Flory was first joined in wedlock to Miss Sarah A. Bruch, and to them were born the following children: Benjamin, now deceased; Susanna, Christian, Samuel, Enos, who has also departed this life; Kate, deceased; and Miton. For his second wife Mr. Flory chose Miss Susan Albert. No family to this union.

[NI0430] The following excerpt about William Siselach Flory is taken from Ruth Flory's "My First Ninety Years."

"My memories of Grandmother and Grandfather Flory are very limited for Grandma died when I was six and Grandpa when I was eight. Also they lived on Sixth Street, near Monmouth Street, in Stroudsburg, which in those days meant a thirty-minute drive each way with horse and buggy.

"The recollection I have of Grandmother is of a very short, slightly stooped, happy old lady who always had plenty of her homemade cooking on hand. Grandpa was a tall, erect man with beautiful white hair. He was a tinsmith by trade, and also had a store in which he sold parlor heating stoves and ranges which were used in cooking. This was the William Flory Store on Main Street near Seventh, not the Flory and White Stove Store on the corner of Sixth and Main Streets.

"As a captain in the Civil War, Grandpa fought in several battles and is said to have recruited two companies of men from this area. Following the Civil War, he became a lay Methodist minister, preaching at camp meetings and churches. This activity took him away from home for days at a time, leaving Grandmother in charge of the family. I can just remember Aunt Lizzie, my father's maiden sister, taking me, a five-year-old with Grandma and the family to hear Grandpa preach at one of the camp meetings regularly held beyond the Hauserville Chapel on the road to Minisink Hills. These meetings, then, were a vacation for many families, who erected their tents on the permanent wood floors, cooked their own meals and spent the week enjoying themselves as they listened to the programs. One of the favorite speakers there, as well as at other camp meetings, was my grandfather.

"Although I knew my Flory Grandparents such a short time, I do have fond memories of them. I can only imagine how many stories I would have had, had I known them longer."

[NI0431] She and her husband lived north of Beersville, Moore Twp., Northampton Co., PA.

[NI0433] According to Roger Heimer, there was another Simeon Flory born to Simeon's parents; apparently the first Simeon was stillborn.

[NI0455] Katherine died during flu epidemic in Wilkes-Barre, Pa, and was buried at Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, Bradford Co., Pa. Katherine and Benjamin were married in Scranton (at the time it was Luzerne Co.).
Ben was probably born in New Castle Upon Tyne in England. His occupation was that of head tin smith of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Sayre, Pa. He served during the Civil War. He died of pneumonia in Sayre, and was buried, along with his wife, at Tioga Point Cemetery.

[NI0476] Ellen's parents were very poor and she was raised by Maie Rutt. Ellen is buried near the plot of Samuel Heimer where Roger Heimer will be buried.

[NI0524] The following information was provided by John Marcinkowski from a letter from the family:

Lesley graduated from West Point in 1919. His assignments before WWII included duty as an instructor at West Point, service in Washington, the Coast Artillery School at Point Belvoir, Va., and an assignment with the US military mission in Brazil. He was an artillery brigade commander during the war. He was a principal organizer of the U.S. military government in Austria after WWII. He was founder, trustee, and honorary president of the American Austrian Society of Washington. His military decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal and a Legion of Merit.

After his retirement from the Army as an Army Brigadier General in 1949, he settled in the Washington area, where he became the executive director of the Bethesda-based operations research office of Johns Hopkins University. In 1961, that office organized as the Research Analysis Corp. in McLean, Va., and he served as executive assistant to the president until retiring in 1963.

He last resided at the Fairfax Retirement Home at Ft. Belvoir, Va. He had heart ailments and gastrointestinal hemorrhaging. He died at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He was survived by his second wife, 5 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

[NI0528] Benjamin is a very elusive character, and less is known about him than any other child of Solomon. There is reference in the 1910 census to a widow, Eliza Flory, living with her son Charles, 34. Perhaps this is Benjamin's widow, as the age of Charles is approximately that of Benjamin's own son with the same name. Benjamin must have died relatively young. If Charles was living with his mother at the age of 34, he may never have married.

[NI0580] Milton Flory was probably the most successful business man of all of Johannes' descendants. His house and the dam that he built to serve his grist mill ("Flory's Dam") were even the subject of several post cards at the turn of the century.

He started out in the butcher business with his father, but he took a position in the grist mill of Jacob Deibert. He later bought the business, refurbished and expanded it, and built the aforementioned dam. He also developed the Bangor Electric Company and served as its president, and instigated the Bangor Gas Company, where he also became president. He was a member of the board of directors of the First National Bank of Bangor.

[NI0583] Harry was president and manager of the Blue Mt. Water Co. of Nazareth. He was a member of the Kiwanis and the Pennsylvania Welfare Board.

[NI0585] Ruth was a graduate of the Conservatory of Music, Ithaca, NY and while there was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota Sorority. She was a public school music director and a Girl Scout Leader

[NI0586] Peter attended Staunton Military School. He is president of the Black Millwork, Inc., Midland Park, NJ and also president of Ocean Parks, Inc (condominiums), Jupiter, FL.

[NI0587] Barbara attended Pennsylvania College for Women for two years and then graduated from Paterson State Teacher's College with a B.A. degree.

[NI0588] Virginia has an associate of arts degree from Centenary College for Women and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Elmira College. She was Junior Gold Champion of N.J. for two years and was active in sports. Along with her husband, she is owner of R.B. Bronon.

[NI0603] Eric served in the Navy as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer. He graduated from Yale with an Engineering degree. He is a pension and financial consultant in Wayne.

[NI0604] Karen graduated from Penn State in 1966 with a BS degree. She taught school and completed graduate units to hold a permanent California teaching certificate. She is a technical data manager in pediatric cancer research at the California Medical Center.

[NI0608] Served in the Army in 1917. Had a BS degree from Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA. He was a merchant in Bangor.

[NI0610] George was in the US Navy. He earned a BS degree from Williams College, Williamstown, MA and a doctorate from Cornell Medical School, Ithaca, NY. He was a physician at Owego, NY.

[NI0611] Hayden has an AB from Princeton University and an MS and Ph.D. from Lehigh University. Was a professor of biology at Lehigh.

[NI0793] Samuel was a railroad clerk, farmer, salesman, miller. He and his wife resided in Bangor.

[NI0795] Allen was a carpenter. He and his wife resided in Bangor. They were members of Trinity Lutheran in Bangor.

[NI0805] Oscar and his wife resided in Pen Argyl, Pa. Both are buried in St. John's Cemetery, Bangor. He probably signed his name "O.W." and he may have been a witness to Jacob Florey's will.

[NI0808] Hartzell record shows that her name was Mollie. May have been a nickname

[NI0828] Levan was handicapped by deafness until the hearing aid became popularly distributed in 1933. He then found himself, and managed Traders Flour and Feed Co., and built it up to a plant that employed 9 men. He became the owner in 1940 and the business continued to grow. He was a member of the SAR, and lived with his wife in Bangor.

[NI0837] Robert had a heart transplant in 5/5/1937 and died of a liver problem resulting from hepatitis received at time of the operation.

[NI0838] Information about Ron Stenlake and his brothers furnished by Ron Stenlake, who went to Lafayette College around the same time as I did. We were both members of Kirby Social Dorm.

[NI0888] While it is impossible at this point to determine from whence Christina Sophia derived her first and middle names, it is interesting to speculate. Her grandmother's name was Christina and one of her aunts was named Sophia. Her father, George, may have wanted to remember them both in the same child.

[NI0891] In 1854, Benjamin Trexler sold property in Chambersburg, Pa, which was deeded over by him and "his wife" Henrieta. Additionally, this document carries the signature of "Henrietta A. Trexler."

The 1870 Allegheny Co., Pa census shows: "Monaghan, Henrietta age 51 born PA. Trexler, John age 19 born PA." Relationship not stated. Both are enumerated at the same address.

The newspaper obituary for Henrietta Monaghan on 12 July 1896 in Allegheny Co. gives her age as 78 and her birthplace as Chambersburg, Pa. It mentions that the funeral is to take place at the residence of her son, John Trexler. She is buried in Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA.

[NI0902] Died at early age and never married

[NI0948] After Amandus' death, she went to live in Phillipsburg with a daughter named Elsie.

[NI0971] Roberta earned a R.N. Diploma from the Reading Hospital of Nursing, Reading, Pa. Donald is a geologist at Cleveland Cliff Iron. Served in Korean War. Graduated from Lehigh in 1951 with a B.S. degree and from U. of Wisconsin in 1956 with an MA.

[NI0977] Lorraine received her BS Degree in 1953 in Education from Kutztown State and an MA in 1960 from Lehigh. She is a teacher in Bethlehem. George earned his Ph.D. from Muhlenburg in 1941 in business. He is a CED Administrator at Mack Truck

[NI0981] Althea graduated in 1954 from Bryant College in Business Administration. She is a teacher's aide in the Bethlehem school district. She and her husband, Stephen, are members of First Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem. Stephen graduated in 1954 from Moravian College in Bethlehem with a BS degree in education. He later received an MS degree from Temple. He currently is an English teacher for the Bethlehem district.

[NI0989] Howard graduated from Glenville State Teachers College, WV with a BS in Education. He is a teacher for the Somerville School district.

[NI1058] Theodore graduated from Pittsburgh University with a degree in Business Administration and was in the U.S. Marines. He is treasurer of Black Millwork, Midland Park, NJ

[NI1061] Graduated from Bergen Community College in Ridgewood, NJ and is a clerk at Black Millwork in Midland Park, New Jersey

[NI1066] Peter attended Colgate Universiy for three years and part-time for 1 year. He was president of a bowling league and treasurer of River Edge Club.

[NI1109] Barbara and Eric are members of St. David's Episcopal Church in Wayne. Barbara graduated in 1974 from Penn State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Home Economics

[NI1114] Mark graduated from Amherst in 1965 and received his MBA from Howard Business School in 1968. He is a CPA in partnership at Arthur Young & Co.

[NI1128] Janes went to Bradford Junior College, and received a BS Degree from Cornell Nursing School, NY Hospital. She was a nurse at NY Hospital, NYC.

[NI1132] George was a graduate of Lehigh University. He received a Masters Degree, June 1980 in geology at Miami University, Oxford, OH.

[NI1133] Carolyn graduated from St. Lawrence University in June, 1980 with a BA Degree in Psychology.

[NI1134] Attended St. Lawrence University where he majored in economics.

[NI1135] Attended Owego Free Academy in Owego, NY

[NI1136] Mary has a BA from Northland College, Ashland, WI and an MS from the University of Wisconsin.

[NI1198] The marriage record of John Trexler in Pittsburgh's St. Mary's Church indicates that he was born in Chambersburg, the son of the late Benjamin Trexler and of Henrietta Flory. An undertaker by trade, John was a partner in the firm of Trexler and Fullerton, whose Pittsburgh office served as the forerunner of the Allegheny Co. morgue before one was formally established by the county. John is buried in Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh.

[NI1242] Took care of her sister Adele, who was Amandus' previous wife.

[NI1246] She graduated from Stoudsburg High School in June, 1938 and took one year of Post Grad courses.

[NI1249] Married at East Stroudsburg Methodist Church by the Reverends Wm. H. Barton and Virgil Megill.

[NI1464] Adolph Flohri settled in Mt. Bethel Township of Northampton County, Pa. on June 18, 1774. By June 4, 1787, he sold his land and was living in Botecourt, Va. Records seem to indicate that he may have been living in Virginia at the time he sold his Pa. holdings. He moved to Wythe County, Va. in 1791, where he took up over 300 acres of land, and 88 more in 1796 (see below). He willed his property to his sons, John and David, in 1819, who, along with him, had served in the Revolution.

His name appears as "Flohri" and "Flor" on ship lists of the "John and Elizabeth" on which he came to Philadelphia in 1754. He was apparently literate, unlike his two brothers. Nevertheless, on his will of 1819. he leaves his mark rather than his signature.

There are several records of his presence in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, where it appears that his name is sometimes listed as Adam. Perhaps transcribers could not understand his accent, perhaps translators of the German script misread the name, or perhaps Adolph was also known as Adam. One of his descendants has joked that the family goes back to Adam.

In the records of the first Reformed Church of Easton, an Adam Flori and his wife, Catharina, were sponsors of Daniel Achenbach, son of Philip and Maria, at his baptism on Nov. 18, 1781 (b. Oct. 17, 1781). A Philip Acheback was on the ship the John and Elizabeth with Adolph.

Adolph Flory took the oath of allegiance to the state of Pennsylvania before Samuel Rea on Dec. 27, 1777. He was also, along with Philip Schuch, witness on April 27, 1784 to the will of Nicholas Fell, husband of Margaret and father of Henry, Mary Magdalin, and Catreeny. Fell was from Mt. Bethel Township (see Abstract of German Wills in Marx Library, Easton Pa).

In the Pa. Archives, series 3, vol. 26, p.77 (Northampton Warrantees of Land 1730-1898), Adolph Florey is listed as having 16 acres of land on June 18, 1774.
He does not appear on county tax lists to the extent that his brother Johannes Flory does (Book C, Vol. 70, page 236 of the Department of Internal Affairs of Harrisburg lists the holding as 39 acres). However, in "Tax Lists of Northampton County," p. 132, an Adam Florah is listed twice under Mt. Bethel, an area where Adolph lived. No tax figure is given, only the name.

He appears several times in the Pa. Archives for his military service. In the 6th series, vol. 3, p.809, he is listed among the "Class Roll of Male White Inhabitants of the 8th Co. of Militia in the 5th Battalion of Northampton for 1785 under Capt. Peter Meddagh as Adolph Flora, class 4. John Flora, probably his son, is listed as class 6. In series 5, vol. 8, page. 92, Adolf Flory is listed on the class roll as class 6 in the 2nd battalion for 1782 under Capt. John Lyle, with David as corporal. An Adulf Flory served under Capt. Lyle in 1781 (series 5, vol 8, 163).

Perhaps the most intriguing reference to Adolph's military career is recorded in Pa Archives, series 3, vol 6, p. 767. Under the heading of "Tour Fines" for the second battalion under Samuel Rhea (presumably the same Rea who took his oath of allegiance) appears the name of Adolph Flora, who apparently was fined
100 pounds sterling. It's difficult to imagine Flora paying such a steep fine.

Mary B. Kegley in EARLY ADVENTURERS ON THE WESTERN WATERS VOL II: THE NEW RIVER OF VIRGINIA IN PIONEER DAYS 1745-1800, by Green Publishers, Inc. Orange, Virginia writes

"Adolph Flora and his two sons, John and David, are listed in the 1810 census when all were over age 45. Adolph wrote his will on March 1, 1819, and it was probated on June 8th of the same year (Wythe County Will Book 2, page 276). He devised to his son John the lands they both resided on. Son David was to have the lands where he lived, and a line was to be run by Francis J. Carter, separating the lands of John and David. David was to have life interest and then his heirs were to have his lands, although David had already sold some of the lands to his brother John. Daughter Christina Grabill was to have $100. Daughter Katherine Flora was to have money and all other personal property, as well as the unimproved tract of land adjoining the heirs of Joseph Honaker, deceased. Son John was to support Katherine, and if that were done, then John Flora and John Draper were to act as her guardians. After her death the land was to go to John Flora and his heirs. The Negro man Jacob was to have his freedom. Son John Flora and John Draper were to act as executors.
"An appraisment of Adolph Flora's estate listed among other things $383.45 in silver, a still valued at $45, 4 cows, 7 young cattle, pots, pails, corn, wheat, 8 !/2 yards of broadcloth, a bee stand, a bed, a chest, and a bay horse."

Wythe County Deed records show that Adolph Florey [sic] received 380 acres of land from John and Elizabeth Lowthain on Macks Run (Alexander Mack's Land, east and south of the Draper Homestead) of New River on Sept. 12, 1791. On the same day, he also received 45 acres in the same area from the Lowthains. In 1796, he obtained 88 acres on entry on treasury warrant.

In a Viriginia tax list of 1800 in the district of James Newell, Commissioner, an Adolph Flora is listed with "one male over 16, 1 slave, and three horses."
In 1810, he is listed on a Wythe Co., VA list with "1 male over 45, 1 female over 45, and 2 slaves."

[NI1466] On a film in the Decatur Historical Society of PA Records (V237-9), David's birth is listed at Faulkner Swamp Church, Lower Hanover Twp., Philadelphia (now Montgomery Co.). He was baptized there on Oct 14, 1759.

On June 8, 1819, David Flora (Florey) made the following declaration: That he was 60 years old, and that he enlisted in the service of the United States in the year 1781 in a company commanded by Captain Baker attached to Colonel Moore's regimen who commanded the 1st Pa. Regiment. He enlisted in Berk's County, and served 18 months at one time and was in a few skirmishes in the lower part of South Carolina. Afterwards he was under Colonel Butler who commanded the regiment and Captain Dunn who commanded the former company. Flora stated that he was in reduced circumstances and in need of his country's assistance. He had no proof of his service, except a sworn witness, John Florey (Wythe County Order Book, 1815-1820). It is not clear in the transcript why David's Northampton Co. service was not mentioned.

On August 8, 1826, David Flora was granted the administration of the estate of Eve Flora deceased (Wythe County Order Book, 1822-1826, Sept. 13, 1825).

The lands of the Flora family were sold in 1829 with John and Joseph Draper getting a large portion and Samuel and William Sloane getting the remainder. By this date, Daniel and George Flora, sons of David, were living in Cincinatti. Joseph Flora married Lydia Neff, daughter of George Neff of Wythe County, and moved to Fountain County, Indiana.

[NI1467]
In 1829 John and Mary came with their family to Illinois, reaching their destination in the latter part of December. John moved his family and effects in four wagons drawn by horses, and at length reached John's Hill. Decatur had just been laid out, and Springfield was a market at that time. Some of the older members of John's family had come to IL in 1825, namely David, Henry, Cynthia and Emily Florey.

The winter of 1829 was the year of the big snow. Everyone living in the area at that time were called "The Snowbirds". They suffered all the experiences and hardships of pioneer life, having to go to Springfield and St. Louis to trade, and they ground their hominy by scooping a hole in the end of a log and making a sweep to pound the corn.

John rode to Vandalia, the state's capitol at that time, along with Jacob Myers and Allen Travis to register their land. Even though the land was rich, there was danger in Central Illinois, and all three men felt the fear that came with seeing Indians. On February 10, 1830, John entered land from the government, 240 acres @ $1.25 per acre in Long Creek Township, in section 26.

John built a log cabin and the family lived in true pioneer style, dressing in buckskin and wearing coonskin caps. Their beds were made on poles inserted between the logs, and clapboards were placed upon these. There were thirteen children in the family, hence the household was a large one. In Virginia the father owned a saw and grist mill, but after coming to the West he carried on agricultural pursuits.

In 1831-32 trouble with the Indians flared up into what is known as the Black Hawk War. Several of John's family served in this war.

January 9, 1833 John entered another 80 acres of land from the government, for a total of 320 acres. He became well-to-do, and, although he had served in the Revolutionary War and was granted a pension, he would never draw the money.

The church in which Anna Aston taught her subscription school was built on land which John Flora had entered from the government, and which was owned by his daughter, Virginia, at the time the church house was erected.

John Flora died 18 July 1850. After John's death Mary Ott Florey lived with her youngest daughter, Virginia Greenfield, until her death on January 26, 1861. Both John and Mary are buried in Florey Cemetery in Long Creek Township, Macon Co. which is a short distance east of the village of Long Creek, a tiny cemetery which may be seen on the north side of the road. It is not easy of access and it is easy to overlook. The land for this cemetery was given by Israel, a son of John Flora; and it was in this graveyard that John Flora was laid to rest. He died at the advanced age of 90 years. In this small and infrequented spot rest the remains of at least 12 veterans of five different wars--the American Revolution, the Black Hawk War, the Mexican War, Civil War, and the World War I. It is interesting to note that a veteran of the last named war is a great-grandson of the veteran of the first named war.

On Jan 26, 1861, Mary Flora was laid to rest beside her soldier husband in the little cemetery on the hill. As one stands beside the graves of these pioneers you can see the little stream winding its way around the foot of the bluff.

On May 2, 1971 the DAR dedicated a marker at the grave of John Flora for his Revolutionary service.

John's will was held by the Macon County Clerk, but it has been lost. It either was filed in the wrong place, or someone has taken it. You can no longer obtain copies of John's will.

Excerpts from John Flora's Will:

The land where I reside to be divided half and half on a line
north and south between wife Mary (south half) and son Israel,
(north half). Mary's half for her lifetime, then to daughter
Virginia. Daughter Sevana shall be paid $100 after my decease,
if not paid before, as her legacy. It is understood that Henry
Florey, David Florey, Jonathan Florey, George Quarry and Mary
Ann, his wife, Elisha Quarry and Mary, his wife, Robert Stewart
and Catharine, his wife, Emanuel Clover and Rhoda, his wife,
John Draper and Amy Draper, his wife, Jacob Black and Eleanor,
his wife, David Stewart and Sarah, his wife, have each received
the sum of $100 toward their legacies.

Further, I wish it to be known that the four children of my
first wife, Elizabeth, (viz.) Geroge, Elizabeth, John, and
Adam received from me the sum of $200, making in all the
sum of $800, which sum my wife, Elizabeth received as a legacy
from her father Adam Breidinger, which is $100 more than the
children of my present wife receives.

Further, it shall be understood that my son Israel receives
half the land as his legacy.

I nominate and appoint my wife, Mary, my son, Israel, and my
son-in-law, Elisha Quarry, to be executrix and executors of
this my last will and testament.

Dated 6th of January 1842.
John Florey

John Stickel, Sr.
John Stickel, Jr.
Daniel Know? : Witnesses

Israel Florey and Elisha Quarry app't exectors, Sept 17, 1850

[NI1489] There is some confusion as to how many marriages John Flora had. His marriage certificate to Ella Long, his last wife, indicates that this was his third. Census and other records verify previous marriages to a Malinda Rector and a Polly Ann. The 1850 census for Warren County, Kentucky, lists a "Jno Flora"
as "21/farmer/born in Kentucky/cannot read or write," living with a woman named "Mary," age 24 and a girl named Melvina, age 16. This Melvina is, obviously, his sister. Mary may have been his wife, and she is listed as such in this genealogy. There is a possibility, however, that this Mary could also have been his sister (named Mary) rather than his wife, although the age of the Mary listed in the census is about four years older than that of the sister. If Mary was his wife, the marriage certificate to Ella Long is incorrect, and John had four wives. Furthermore, the birth of John's child, Jesse H. on August 1, 1852, about a year prior to his marriage to Malinda, also suggests Mary was a wife, not a sister. Still, researchers need to know that the issue of the number of wives of John (Jiles) Flora has not been fully clarified.

[NI1499] Stephen Baden Flora's family mainly lived in Smiths Grove, Warren County Kentucky, except for brief sojourns (1953-4, 58, in Cheshire, England; 1959 in Cincinnati, Ohio for a few months, and 1960-61 in Cheshire, again). He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a double major in History and Mass communications in 1973. He spent several years trying to join the National Park Service. Instead, Steve ended up joining the United States Coast Guard in October 1976 and, with that Service, served five months in Petaluma, California ("Two Rock Ranch") after two months of bootcamp at Camp May, New Jersey.

Steve was trained as a Radioman ("Sparks") at Petaluma. From June 1977 to the end of his enlistment in October 1980, he was stationed at Portsmouth Communications Station (NMN) on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp on the Virginia/North Carolina border in Chesapeake County, Virginia. In January 1980 Steve was at sea for a month on the USCGC TANEY (the first American ship to get on the move at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941).

Steve joined the U.S. State Department in March of 1981, and, after some initial training in Washington, D.C., found himself in Baghdad, Iraq for a two-year assignment. He met his future wife, Dianne Gambrill, there in January of 1983. He left Baghdad in July of that year and arrived in London in October for a three-year assignment. He and Dianne were married there in December, after she had resigned from the Australian Foreign Service.

In February of 1984, he made his first trip to Australia to meet his new in-laws, the first of many trips since. On June 25, 1985, Steve and Dianne's first child, Christie Maree Flora, was born in London. In September of 1986, the family moved to Doha, Qatar to start a three-year posting. In November of the following year, their second child, Robert Baden Flora was born in Sydney, Australia; and in September of 1989, their third child and second daughter, Elizabeth Sarah Flora was also born in Sydney.

In March 1990, the family moved to Rome, Italy to begin a three-year tour. In June of 1993, he left Rome, and in August he arrived in London with his family to begin a four-year tour. Most recently, he and his family moved to Copenhagen to begin a new posting.

While in London, Steve, a descendant of Adolph Flohri of Birkenau, became very interested in genealogy. Writing several articles for the Flory Newsletter published in Washington State, he became acquainted with several other descendants of the three Flohri brothers who immigrated to America in 1754. He organized an e-mail group and contacted a German genealogist, Sabine Schleichert on their behalf. Together, the group managed to discover what they had all been searching for, the European origins of their ancestors.

[NI1507] The US Census for 1900 records a William Bowers as being born in Jan. 1863 when Polly's son was born and living in Clinton County, PA. His wife was Lillian Bowers, born Sept 1866. Their children were as follows: Esther A., b. Oct. 1886; Harry, b. Sept. 1888; Richard, b. Sept. 1890; William R., b. Sept. 1891; Sherman, b. Sept. 1894; Mollie B., b. Aug. 1896; and Sarah, b. Dec. 1898.

[NI1938] HENRY FLORA

"Henry Flora, Jr., is a native Kentuckian and a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Miller) Flora, both of whom were natives of Virginia, the former having been born in 1792, and the latter in 1784. They were united in marriage in the county of Botetourt, on the 6th day of September, 1819, and to them were born four children, three of whom lived to be grown: Amanda (Miller), John W., and Henry, Jr. Adam Flora followed the vocation of a farmer; his death resulted from an injury received from a falling tree. He was the son of John Flora, a native of Germany [sic], and one of the early settlers of the Virginia Colony. Henry Flora, Jr., was born on a farm, where he grew to manhood. His education is almost enirely practical. At the age of twenty-one years he began to make his own way in life; his resources were limited to health, strength and will force, and it may be said of him that he has been the "architect of his own fortune;" he is now the proprietor of a fine tract of fertile land, which he has improved with a comfortable dwelling, barns, orchards and other conveniences. He was married, in 1846, to Miss Sarah J. Miller of Warren County. To this union have been born seven sons, five of whom are living, viz: Thomas C., James H., William A., John W. and James C., and four daughters, one of whom is yet living, Sarah C. Sarah J. (Miller) Flora was born in Warren County, Ky., on the 28th of June, 1825; she is a daughter of David Miller, who was a native of Virginia. She is a consistent and acceptable member of the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Flora is a Republican."

"History of Kentucky," by Perrin and Battle,1886

[NI2045] Around 1720, he is listed in Wamboldt records as having an income of 11 gulden a year from two gardens.

[NI2046] Of the three brothers who migated to America in 1754, Johann George or George is by far the most elusive. To date, no verifiable fact has surfaced to indicate his presence in America, a presence that must have been exceedingly short, for he is listed as having attended a baptism in Birkenau in 1758. It is possible that George came to America merely on a scouting expedition to see if it was a suitable place tp bring his family.
Town records indicate that he bought a house in Birkenau from a Conrad Brauer in 1761, an "old house, according to court records, one that was rather inexpensive. It was an unusual age to buy a this type of house (he was 43), and the purchase is, perhaps, evidence that he had left the town for a period of time and he needed a new residence for his family. The character of the contract was altered by the government in 1764, and he brought a lawsuit in 1766 over a dispute about the property's borders.

[NI2120]
The following is extracted from "Past and Present of Warren and Fountain Counties, Indiana", a book edited by Thomas A. Clifton and published in 1913 by B.F. Bowen and Co., Indianapolis, IN (pages 377-378):

Daniel Florey

Daniel Florey was born in Logan Township, Fountain County, Indiana, on November 13, 1834. He was the son of Joseph and Lydia (Nave) [Nave was later changed to Neff] Florey. The father of the subject came from Wythe County, Virginia, to Fountain County, Indiana, in 1834, and settled on a farm which he bought from a Mr. Paxton, who had entered it from the government, and here the elder Florey devoted the rest of his life to farming and stockraising, being well-known among the pioneers of this locality. His [Joseph Florey's] family consisted of eight children, all now deceased but one.

Daniel Florey married in March, 1862, Sarah Caroline Voliva, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Voliva and Dorcas (Taylor) Voliva. These parents came from North Carolina to Fountain County, Indiana, in 1832, in a one-horse cart, accompanied by two ladies who walked all the way. They settled in Richland Township, one mile from Newtown, and there the father spent the rest of his life, dying in 1852, his widow surviving many years, passing away in 1897. They [Thomas Jefferson Voliva and Dorcas Voliva] were the parents of ten children, namely: Susan, Elizabeth, Louisa, Mary Jane, Benjamin, Sabrina, all deceased; Thomas lives in Midland, Texas; Sarah Caroline who married Mr. Florey of this sketch; John lives in Bloomington, Indiana; Melissa lives in Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

Five children were born to Daniel Florey and his wife, namely: Cora married Orange Palin, and they live in Richland Township; Carrie married Frank Martin, and they live in Logan Township; the third and fourth children died in infancy; Hollis is at home.

Politically, Daniel Florey was a democrat but he was not a public man. He was a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred on May 20, 1912, when past seventy-seven years of age. He was a man who was always highly respected for his clean character and upright life.

[NI2123] Family tradition has it that Hollis Florey, sister to Orange's first wife, Cora, had some degree of retardation and that she had always lived with Orange and Cora.
After Cora died, Orange felt that he should marry Hollis for appearance sake.

[NI2163]
"The Stuart Family is of Scotch ancestry. The ancestors of David H. Stuart settled in Virginia at an early day. William Stuart, the father of David H., moved from eastern to western Virginia, and settled in Wythe County, VA. He afterwards moved to TN, where he remained until his death. His son, David, who had been born in VA, moved with his father to TN in 1823. In 1829 David emigrated to Illinois. He made his first location in Decatur Twp. David Stuart served as a private in the Black Hawk War in 1831-1832. The company was mounted rangers, and became part of the fifth regiment. He was in the disastrous battle known as "Stillman's Defeat".

"After a short time he entered eighty acres of land from the Government on what is now Sec. 13, in Whitmore Twp., Macon Co., IL. This was in the same general area that David Florey, (John's son), and John & Cynthia (Florey) Draper settled.

"David married Sarah Florey on November 8, 1832 in Macon Co. By this marriage there were five children born, three sons and two daughters. Two sons and one daughter survived the parents, Oliver L., John T., and Mary, wife of Edward M. Kile. The year following the birth of his son, O.L., David moved his family to Sec 13, Whitmore Twp. Indians still lived in the neighborhood, and the county was just awakening to civilization. For a number of years, he had to haul his grain to Springfield, and he and his family experienced all the difficulties and trials of pioneer life. David's farm comprised 40 acres of timber land and forty acres of prairie, and upon it a small log cabin had previously been erected. Mr. Stuart at once began it's development and there carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred June 23, 1857.

"David Stuart left his family a priceless heritage of a good name. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Church, and through his connection with the Good-Templar Lodge he did effective service in the cause of temperance. He alway took an active part in politics, and in early life was a supporter of Whig priciples, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks. In an early day he served as Constable of Macon County for a number of years. The cause of education found in him a warm friend and he helped to organize the schools and lay out the roads in this locality. His wife was also a member of the Methodist Church. Both David and his wife, Sarah, are buried in Union Cemetery which is adjacent to the Union Church, three miles southwest of Oreana, in Section 22 of Whitmore Township in Macon County."

Sources: History of Macon County, Illinois, 1880

[NI2165]
JOHN T. STUART

The following was taken from "The History of Macon County, Illinois, 1880," pp. 502-03

John T. Stuart, a worthy representative of one of the early pioneer families of this county, who owns and operates one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 13 and 18, Whitmore Township, was born on the farm which is still his home, July 23, 1836.

Our subject has no other home than Macon County, and is familiar with the history of its progress and upbuilding for a period of fifty-six years. In his early days there were no public schools and he attended the subscription schools, which were held in a log house on section 13, Whitmore Township. School was in session for only three months during the year and during the remainder of the time, as soon as he was old enough, Mr. Stuart worked on the farm. He remained upon the old homestead until after his father's death and then took charge of the farm, caring for his mother until she was called to the home beyond. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of good land, and has a neat and valuable farm, upon which he carries on stock-raising in connection with the cultivation of cereals adapted to this climate.

On the 19th of July, 1860, Mr. Stuart was married to Miss Minerva A. Young, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Shaw) Young. The lady was born in Crawford County, Ohio, April 2, 1841, and came to this county with her parents in 1849. By her marriage, she became the mother of ten children, namely: Adda, wife of Charley Hedges, a farmer residing in Nebraska; Sadie, a successful school teacher of the county; William, a farmer of Maroa Township; Emma, who is also teaching school; Amanda, at home; Samuel, Frank, Robert, James, and David, who died October 26, 1864.

Mr. Stuart is a public-spirited and progressive citizen and one that has taken an active interest in all that pertains to the upbuilding of the community and the promotion of the general welfare. His fellow- citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve in public office, and for twelve years he has filled the position of Constable and for fifteen years served as School Director. In politics, he is a Republican and always votes with that party, for, according to his judgment, its principles are those best calculated to promote the interests of the majority. Himself and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and are active workers in the Master's vineyard.

Decatur Daily Herald, Thursday, July 21, 1910, page 6

Prominent Oreana Couple Observe Their Golden Wedding Anniversary

OBSERVE THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Stuart of Oreana Entertain Their Friends

SCORES OF FRIENDS ATTEND

Couple Have Lived On Same Farm During Entire Married Life.

OREANA, July 20 -- Mr. and Mrs. John Stuart celebrated their
fiftieth anniversary Tuesday by giving a reception at their home, three
miles east of Oreana, to their relatives and friends from 2 to 5 p.m.
John Stuart and Minerva Young were united in marriage July 19, 1860,
near Argenta, Ill. They have lived their entire married life on the same
farm where they now reside. They have eight children living as follows:
Mrs. Adda Hedges of Seward, Neb.; Mrs. Amanda Evans of Marion, Ind.;
Samuel Stuart, of St. Benedict Iowa; Mrs. Sadie Livingston, of Decatur;
William Stuart and Miss Emma Stuart of Oakley, and Frank and Robert Stuart,
who reside near home. All but the three first named and their families
were present at the reception.
There were five persons present at the reception who attended the
wedding fifty years ago. They were Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Stuart, of Oreana,
who celebrated their fiftieth anniversary 6 years ago. Mrs. Mary Kile and
Mrs. Ada Young of Decatur, and Fred Stackhouse, of Argenta. Refreshments
were served during the afternoon and a most pleasant time was enjoyed by
all present. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart were the recipients of many valuable
presents.
The guest present from a distance were, Dr. and Mrs. A. M. Kile, of
Hopedale; Mrs. Mattie Scott and daughter, Irene, of Lohriville, Ia.; Mrs.
Bellie Lakin, of Bangor, Mich.; Mrs. Alta Corbett and children, of Pana;
Miss Lalah Augustus, of Urbana; Mrs. J. C. Peck of Cerro Gordo; Mr. and
Mrs. G. W. Betzer and daughter, and Miss Sadie Kile, of Decatur.
Other guest present were Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Ealder, Mrs. Sarah
Stackhouse, Mrs. William Zion, Mr. and Mrs. William Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs.
W. E. Hartman, Mrs. Ada Bowman and Miss Laura Williams of Argenta; Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Mathias, of Forsyth; and Mrs. R. Kirby and daughters, Mrs.
Grant Kirby and daughters, Mrs. H. E. Dickey and daughter Miss Lulu, Mrs.
S. Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Betzer and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Reed and children, Mrs. J. Mitchell and children, Mr. and Mrs. N. S.
Larson, Mr. and Mrs. John Reed and children, Miss Edith Hartle, Mrs. Grace
Adams, Mrs. L. Querry, Mrs. Nettie Welton and children, Missess Carrie
Stuart, and Carrie Dunkel and Levi Griffin, Adrian Hanks and Frederick
Baugh, all of near Oreana.



Decatur Daily Herald, Thursday, July 21, 1910, page 6

Prominent Oreana Couple Observe Their Golden Wedding Anniversary

OBSERVE THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Stuart of Oreana Entertain Their Friends

SCORES OF FRIENDS ATTEND

Couple Have Lived On Same Farm During Entire Married Life.

OREANA, July 20 -- Mr. and Mrs. John Stuart celebrated their
fiftieth anniversary Tuesday by giving a reception at their home, three
miles east of Oreana, to their relatives and friends from 2 to 5 p.m.
John Stuart and Minerva Young were united in marriage July 19, 1860,
near Argenta, Ill. They have lived their entire married life on the same
farm where they now reside. They have eight children living as follows:
Mrs. Adda Hedges of Seward, Neb.; Mrs. Amanda Evans of Marion, Ind.;
Samuel Stuart, of St. Benedict Iowa; Mrs. Sadie Livingston, of Decatur;
William Stuart and Miss Emma Stuart of Oakley, and Frank and Robert Stuart,
who reside near home. All but the three first named and their families
were present at the reception.
There were five persons present at the reception who attended the
wedding fifty years ago. They were Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Stuart, of Oreana,
who celebrated their fiftieth anniversary 6 years ago. Mrs. Mary Kile and
Mrs. Ada Young of Decatur, and Fred Stackhouse, of Argenta. Refreshments
were served during the afternoon and a most pleasant time was enjoyed by
all present. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart were the recipients of many valuable
presents.
The guest present from a distance were, Dr. and Mrs. A. M. Kile, of
Hopedale; Mrs. Mattie Scott and daughter, Irene, of Lohriville, Ia.; Mrs.
Bellie Lakin, of Bangor, Mich.; Mrs. Alta Corbett and children, of Pana;
Miss Lalah Augustus, of Urbana; Mrs. J. C. Peck of Cerro Gordo; Mr. and
Mrs. G. W. Betzer and daughter, and Miss Sadie Kile, of Decatur.
Other guest present were Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Ealder, Mrs. Sarah
Stackhouse, Mrs. William Zion, Mr. and Mrs. William Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs.
W. E. Hartman, Mrs. Ada Bowman and Miss Laura Williams of Argenta; Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Mathias, of Forsyth; and Mrs. R. Kirby and daughters, Mrs.
Grant Kirby and daughters, Mrs. H. E. Dickey and daughter Miss Lulu, Mrs.
S. Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Betzer and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Reed and children, Mrs. J. Mitchell and children, Mr. and Mrs. N. S.
Larson, Mr. and Mrs. John Reed and children, Miss Edith Hartle, Mrs. Grace
Adams, Mrs. L. Querry, Mrs. Nettie Welton and children, Missess Carrie
Stuart, and Carrie Dunkel and Levi Griffin, Adrian Hanks and Frederick
Baugh, all of near Oreana.

Decatur Daily Herald, Thursday, July 21, 1910, page 6

Prominent Oreana Couple Observe Their Golden Wedding Anniversary

OBSERVE THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Stuart of Oreana Entertain Their Friends

SCORES OF FRIENDS ATTEND

Couple Have Lived On Same Farm During Entire Married Life.

OREANA, July 20 -- Mr. and Mrs. John Stuart celebrated their
fiftieth anniversary Tuesday by giving a reception at their home, three
miles east of Oreana, to their relatives and friends from 2 to 5 p.m.
John Stuart and Minerva Young were united in marriage July 19, 1860,
near Argenta, Ill. They have lived their entire married life on the same
farm where they now reside. They have eight children living as follows:
Mrs. Adda Hedges of Seward, Neb.; Mrs. Amanda Evans of Marion, Ind.;
Samuel Stuart, of St. Benedict Iowa; Mrs. Sadie Livingston, of Decatur;
William Stuart and Miss Emma Stuart of Oakley, and Frank and Robert Stuart,
who reside near home. All but the three first named and their families
were present at the reception.
There were five persons present at the reception who attended the
wedding fifty years ago. They were Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Stuart, of Oreana,
who celebrated their fiftieth anniversary 6 years ago. Mrs. Mary Kile and
Mrs. Ada Young of Decatur, and Fred Stackhouse, of Argenta. Refreshments
were served during the afternoon and a most pleasant time was enjoyed by
all present. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart were the recipients of many valuable
presents.
The guest present from a distance were, Dr. and Mrs. A. M. Kile, of
Hopedale; Mrs. Mattie Scott and daughter, Irene, of Lohriville, Ia.; Mrs.
Bellie Lakin, of Bangor, Mich.; Mrs. Alta Corbett and children, of Pana;
Miss Lalah Augustus, of Urbana; Mrs. J. C. Peck of Cerro Gordo; Mr. and
Mrs. G. W. Betzer and daughter, and Miss Sadie Kile, of Decatur.
Other guest present were Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Ealder, Mrs. Sarah
Stackhouse, Mrs. William Zion, Mr. and Mrs. William Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs.
W. E. Hartman, Mrs. Ada Bowman and Miss Laura Williams of Argenta; Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Mathias, of Forsyth; and Mrs. R. Kirby and daughters, Mrs.
Grant Kirby and daughters, Mrs. H. E. Dickey and daughter Miss Lulu, Mrs.
S. Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Betzer and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Reed and children, Mrs. J. Mitchell and children, Mr. and Mrs. N. S.
Larson, Mr. and Mrs. John Reed and children, Miss Edith Hartle, Mrs. Grace
Adams, Mrs. L. Querry, Mrs. Nettie Welton and children, Missess Carrie
Stuart, and Carrie Dunkel and Levi Griffin, Adrian Hanks and Frederick
Baugh, all of near Oreana.

[NI2221]
Henry, the oldest son of John & Mary Ott Florey, was an early pioneer of Macon County, Illinois. He arrived between 1825-1827. Most likely he came with his brother David and sister, Cynthia Draper. Henry settled in Decatur Twp.

In June 1829 he was appointed as a judge for an election for three Justices of the Peace and two Constables. Henry was commissioned a J.P. for Macon County July 3, 1829.

On Apr 5, 1830 he entered 160 acres of land in Decatur Twp. in Section 13 & 14 from the government. He had to go to Vandalia, Il, which was the capitol at that time, to register his land.

After the death of John Draper, Henry was appointed as co-administrator of John's estate on Oct. 8, 1834, along with John's widow, Emily Flora Draper.

Henry died sometime between Oct. 8, 1834 and April 4, 1835. Henry's wife, Maria, didn't remarry. She lived with her son, Alfred, and later with her daughter, Henrietta Tuttle. Maria is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Macon County. It is unknown where Henry was buried.

[NI2223]

John and Cynthia Draper were among the early settlers in Macon County, Illinois, arriving about 1825 with David, Henry, and Emily Florey. Macon County had not yet been established and was almost an unbroken wilderness. There were two settlements along the Sangamon River. The settlement on the north was known as the Stevens' settlement and comprised settlers from New York, Virginia and Ohio. The one on the south was known as the Ward Settlement and comprised settlers from the Carolinas and Tennessee. The feelings between the two settlements were not very friendly, and fights were not uncommon.

John and Cynthia first settled on Stevens Creek in what was later to become Hickory Point Township. There they remained for about a year, after which John bought out an Indian trader, who lived about twelve miles northeast of Decatur in Whitmore Township.

Cynthia died just three years after arriving in Illinois. Her death was the first non-Indian death to occur in the area. She left four small children ranging in ages from six years to a new baby. Cynthia's two youngest children were the first white births to occur in Whitmore Township.

Later in the same year of Cynthia's death, John married her sister, Emily. John died six years after Cynthia in 1834. It is unknown where Cynthia and John were buried.

[NI2234]
Jonathan Florey was born August 9, 1809 in Wythe Co., VA. He was married October 1, 1829 in Wythe Co., VA to Esther Steele, who was born February 6, 1811. They moved to IL with the largest party of the John Florey family in December 1829. To Jonathan & Esther two known children were born: Caroline in 1832 and Holbert in about 1837. Esther died February 8, 1844 and is buried in Union Cemetery, Macon Co., IL.

On November 16, 1844, Jonathan married Mary Walker. Mary died August 22, 1847 and is buried in Union Cemetery. There are no known children of Jonathan and Mary.

Six years after his wife's death, Jonathan went to CA with a group of men to seek gold. They departed March 25, 1850. Jonathan left his daughter, Caroline, and his son, Holbert, with his parents. Just four months after Jonathan left, his father, John, died. Jonathan is listed on the 1850 census for Jacksonville, Tuolumne Co., CA. He came back with some money about 1853.

"Mr. Jonathan Florey returned from California on Saturday last. He left the vicinity of Sonora on the 17th April. He looks as if California supplied him with all the necessities of life."
Schoaffs Family Gazette, Decatur, IL, Fri morning, Aug 5, 1853, p.2, col 2.

Jonathan married again on December 28, 1854 to Margaret Shepherd. He bought some land in 1856. This marriage evidently didn't work out as they are separated by the 1860 census. Margaret is living with Mary Draper Greenfield and Jonathan is living in Linn Co., KS, with his son, Holbert. Caroline had gotten married in 1857.

I have found no evidence of a divorce between Jonathan and Margaret. Although Jonathan did marry again. We find him next in Cass Co., MO where on Nov 6, 1864 he married Mary E. Back. Jonathan and Mary had one daughter, Melissa Ann Florey. Jonathan died in 1867. Holbert also died in Cass Co., MO in 1867. He had married Annie VanRiper, a sister to the man that Melissa married.

When Melissa was older she wrote a letter to her aunt, Mrs. Virginia Florey Greenfield in Macon Co., IL.

Sept 21, 1885
Mrs. Greenfield
Longcreek, IL

Dear Aunt,
I have been intending to write to you ever since I heard of you but have been so busy that I haven't had time to write. I am attending the normal school at Warrenburg and am kept very busy with my lessons.

Mr. Carver told me about you and other relatives but only told me your address.

I wrote to Uncle Dave Florey twice in the summer got an answer to one, and I answered that but did not receive an answer. I would be very glad to hear from all of my relatives. I have never known anything of Pa's relatives at all would be very glad to learn.

Mr. Carver said that Pa had a daughter and that she was married and had grown children in Ill. I didn't know that I had a sister on Pa's side. Ma has been dead for 12 yr, ever since I was 8 yr old and of course didn't know anything of them.

Pa's name was Johnithan Florey, he had a son by the name of Holbert but has been dead a long time. I don't know how long I shall attend the school here would like to graduate in the 2 yr course but don't know whether I can stay or not. With this I will close hoping to hear from you and others real soon. Tell my cousins Uncles Aunts and all to write.

I shall expect to hear from you and others soon. I remain as ever Your Niece Melissa H. Florey

P.S. Direct your letters to Warrensburg, Johnson Co, MO, Lissa H. Florey

Melissa was married on Sept 18, 1889 in Harrisonville, Cass Co., MO to George N. VanRiper. Nothing further is known about Melissa. I did find that she & her husband moved to the state of WA.


________________________________________________________________
The following article contains information of note about Jonathan Florey, son of John.

TRIP OF J.A. DRAPER AND SILAS PACKARD

TO THE GOLD FIELDS OF CALIFORNIA

J.A. Draper of Mt. Zion and Silas Packard of Decatur are the only known survivors of a memorable expedition from Decatur, Ills., to the gold fields of California in 1850.

Around then the little village of Decatur was exhibited a great deal of enthusiasm over the lively preparations that were being made in Springfield and other neighboring towns for an overland trip to the newly discovered gold fields. Word came from Springfield that several parties would start from there, and soon many Decatur people had the "gold fever" bad. It did not take long to organize a party here. J.A. Draper, Silas Packard, Edward Packard, Mason Packard, Uncle Johnnie Hanks, John Sawyer, Samuel Powers, Hosea Armstrong, Judd Metlins, Jonathan Florey, William Stewart and Samuel Hudson were the promoters and others to the number of sixty were soon making hurried preparations for the long, tedious and dangerous expedition.

Mr. Draper, who is now the second oldest man born in Macon county, in order in complete his part of the preparations, rode a pony to Perryville, Ind., where he traded the pony for a team of mules, paying the difference in cash. It was then that he learned about the stubbornness of mules. He says he had to lead, drive, ride and pull them back to Decatur, but finally arrived in fairly good condition. It required only a few more days to complete the arrangements and the wagon train started.

There were fifteen wagons in the train each drawn by four mules. The wagons were filled with provisions, camping outfits, rifles, shot guns, plenty of ammunition; also water and, to use Mr. Draper's expression, a certain sort of amber colored fluid which they thought would be useful in case of snake bites while crossing the wild and unsettled prairies.

On March 25, 1850, which was J.A. Draper's birthday anniversary, the reins were drawn over the backs of sixty mules and the start was made midst the tears and cheers of friends they were leaving in the little village of Decatur, to face the hardships and dangers of crossing the plains, deserts and mountains of the far west.

Mr. Draper gives the following account of the trip: "We traveled about twenty-five miles the first day, camping for the night west of what is now the village of Illiopolis in Sangamon county. Mud was plenty and deep here, there and everywhere and slow progress was made. It took us three weeks to reach Quincy. Here we crossed the Mississippi river on ferry boats, without accident, and proceeded to St. Joe, Mo., where we went into camp. We stayed there for seven days, partly to rest, but more particularly to wait for grass to start, for it was now toward the middle of May. We amused ourselves with hunting and fishing.

On the way from St. Joe to Fort Kearney, Neb., we met many large and small bands of Indians every day. The Indians were inclined to be friendly, but were amazed at the sight of so extensive a wagon train.

Jonathan Florey was inclined to be a little slow and was therefore always far in the rear. He wore a bright necktie of many colors. This caught the eye of the Indians and they surrounded him and made signs and in other ways gave Mr. Florey to understand that they wanted that necktie. He took it off and gave it to them. They were greatly pleased and allowed him to go on unmolested.

Arriving at Fort Kearney we camped for the night and in the morning started out on the trail that was to lead us to Fort Laramie, Wyo. This trail, starting from what is now North Platte, Neb., followed the North Platte river to Fort Laramie.

On this trail we passed over the bad lands in northwestern Nebraska, and when within twenty-five miles of the Wyoming line passed around and through what is known as Scott's bluff. The formation of this bluff is a remarkable freak of nature. It is composed of sand, which seems to have become petrified and shaped by the continued action of water away back in the ages. Its elevation is 300 feet above the level of the plain. Its base is 200 feet in diameter, and at the height of 200 feet there is a table 40 feet wide. Above this is a conical or funnel shaped pyramid 100 feet high, smooth and round as a top. There are embedded in the outer surface of this remarkable bluff fossil shells of many varieties, also turtles of enormous size, which have become petrified. All of this proves conclusively that the formation of this bluff was caused by the action of water, which enveloped the mountains and hills of that country at some period in the history of the world.

After leaving Scott's bluff Indians were numerous. The water was bad, even dangerous for man or beast to drink, but our provisions were holding out well and the ground had become dry so that we were making about thirty miles a day. It was 300 miles from Fort Kearney to Fort Laramie and we were only ten days in reaching the latter fort. On leaving Fort Laramie we proceeded in the usual northwesterly direction for our next objective point, which was Fort Hall, situated in eastern Idaho, 300 miles from Fort Laramie. The trail took us over a rough and mountainous country, consequently our progress was slow. On reaching Fort Hall we camped for a day, visited the fort and gazed with admiration that was only equalled by our astonishment at the wonderful and beautiful scenery which presented itself in all directions. At Fort Kearney the Packard brothers and I took the lead, and by the time Fort Hall was reached we were seventy- five miles ahead of the main body.

The regular route or trail from Fort Hall was south to Salt Lake, thence southwest to what is now known as Carson City, on the line between Nevada and California, but there was another route known as the Sutton cut off trail, established by a man of that name, and who was the first to discover gold in California, at Columbus, while engaged in digging a mill race. After some discussion as to the better route of the two, the Packard brothers and I took the Sutton cut off route, while the others, then far in the rear, took the old route by Salt Lake. Three days later we reached the regular trail, having saved a distance of 100 miles. However, this Sutton cut off route was considered dangerous, for the Indians were more hostile. We gave them notions and otherwise humored them, which they seemed to appreciate. At least we met with no serious trouble.

After reaching the old trail we traveled about 300 miles along the Humboldt river before reaching the great American desert. Here we camped and rested for the day, and about sundown, having supplied ourselves with water, we started to cross the desert, which is about forty miles wide. I took the lead and by morning was far ahead of the Packard brothers, they having turned off the regular trail to find water for their mules, which had become almost frantic from thirst caused by the heat of the sand over which they had to travel. While on the desert we abandoned the wagons and packed the mules with all they could carry. This was the custom of all the overland wagon trains, because it was impossible to haul a wagon over the mountains beyond the Carson river. We found abandoned wagons all along the route across the desert.

About 9 o'clock the nest morning I discovered the Carson river near where Carson City is now located. After quenching my own thirst, I filled a vessel with the pure mountain water and hastened back to find the Packard brothers. They were found after traveling about five miles. They were very thirsty and water never tasted better to them. After reaching Carson river we all took a long rest, not starting out again till the next day. Then we crossed the river and began to climb the Sierra Nevadas. It was then July, but in many places on these mountains there was snow from ten to twelve feet deep.

On our arrival at Weaversville we went to mining, making from $4 to $5 a day, but we were not satisfied with this and went on to Marysville. We stayed there for some time and then went ot Downeyville, where we remained all the rest of the time we were in California.

Mr. Sawyer and I started home in the fall of 1852, having been gone two and a half years. We went to San Francisco and came home by water. Arriving at New Orleans we traded our gold dust and quartz for currency. We arrived in Decatur Jan. 19, 1853.

After Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Draper returned home Silas Packard and the others remained for some time. Mr. Packard had intended coming back with Draper. In telling why he happened to stay in California he said:

The snow was three or four feet deep on the mountains when we started. We had to walk about three miles up the mountain. Each had from ten to fifteen pounds of gold to carry, besides provisions, and it was hard climbing; but by night we had got down to where the oak leaves were half size. The sun was shining bright and there was no longer any signs of snow. We were as tough as greyhounds and walked about thirty miles that day. We stopped for the night at a tavern, and next day we were so stiff and sore that it took us till 2 in the afternoon to walk eighteen miles to the stage road.

There Draper and Sawyer took a stage for Marysville. I went a mile off the road to see Dick Piatt of Piatt county, who owed me $1,000 and the others were to wait for me at Marysville. When I got there they had taken a boat for San Francisco and left word for me to follow. I didn't like it very well when I found they had gone off and left me, and as Piatt couldn't get the money for me right then I waited. Piatt offered me $10 a day to stay for ten days and work for him, saying that at the end of that time he would have the money for me. I worked for him ten days and got the money. He wanted me to keep on working for him, so I staid with him for a year, getting $100 a month, while the most he paid his other men was $50 a month.

I quit of my own accord at the end of the year, but remained in California another year. I had intended starting for home on the Golden Age, but two others who were to start two weeks later induced me to stay and go to the Golden Gate. I was glad I remained, for the Golden Gate caught fire and was burned and two or three hundred passengers were drowned. Dick Piatt is up on the Sacramento river now and doing well.

Mr. Packard is 72 years old and enjoys excellent health. Mr. Draper is 74 years old and is strong and healthy. He visits Decatur frequently. He and Silas Packard have always held each other in high regard, born of the intimate relationship that existed between them in that memorable trip across the plain. Both possess in a marked degree that strong social and congenial disposition which makes men companionable.

Sunday Review, Decatur, Illinois, Sunday Morning, March 16, 1902. p. 19

[NI2236]
"Mrs. Mary Ann Querry was born in Virginia, January 4, 1810, and remained at home until her marriage in October, 1830, when she became the wife of George W. Querry, a native of the Old Dominion and a carpenter by trade. He died on his farm in this county some eighteen years ago. Their children were Lucretia J., wife of John Shaffer, of Blue Mound Township; Louisa Ann; Armena Maranda and John Wesley, who died in childhood; Mrs. Rosanna Terry of Arkansas; William, of Renwick, Iowa; James, who died in 1861; Angeline, deceased, wife of George Martin; Emeline, deceased; Virginia, wife of Jack Booker, of Blue Mound; and Joseph, who married Clara Frey and operates the home farm for his mother. Joseph has a little daughter, Nellie May. Mrs. Querry is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, as was her husband. For sixty-four years she made her home in this county, and has been an eyewitness of all the changes that have transformed it from an unbroken tract of land, uninhabited, into one of the best counties of the State."

History of Macon Co., IL, 1880, p. 638

[NI2238]
Israel was the 12th child of John & Mary Ott Flora. He was born 7 May 1812 in Wythe Co., VA. He was only a young teenager when he came to Macon Co., IL. Yes, there were still Indians in the area when Israel came to Macon County.

Israel married Elizabeth Bell on 19 Sep 1833 in Macon Co., IL. I have no information on Elizabeth's parents at this time.

In the Illinois State Archives has in their card file:

Florey, Israel commissioned 2nd lieutenant in Macon Co Battalion 5/25/1832, Ex Record 1818-1832, V. 1, p. 358
Florey, Israel commisioned Capt. of the 48th Reg 6/28/1843, Exec record 1843-1847,
V. 4, p. 60

Israel inherited 1/2 of his father's land, which would have been about 160 acres. Then Israel entered land from the government in 1852. Another 80 acres, so Israel was quite an extensive land owner. But through some poor investments or disastrous speculations, he lost considerably. During 1840-1847 Israel was a laborer for Rd. Dist. #13. Israel was a farmer until about 1860, when he is listed on the census as a cooper and living in Decatur.

It is unknown when or where Israel & Elizabeth died. Although Israel is still listed on the 1865 State Census in Decatur, there is no age group that would fit Elizabeth. In the History of Macon Co, 1880 it says that Israel died in Urbana, Champaign Co., OH. After extensive research by several people, no evidence has ever been found that Israel did die in OH. Most of his family was either still in Macon Co. (or the surrounding area) or had gone "West" to CA or OR. 1865 in Decatur is the last known trace of him anywhere.

Israel and Elizabeth had either 10 or 12 children. There are two stones for children in Florey Cemetery that are old and very worn but they appear to say they were the children of "I. & E. Florey". I will list them here as I believe that is what those stones say, " Infant Daughter, Died Feb. 11, 1847" and "Mary C., born 2 Oct 1851, died 2 Nov 1851." One reason some people doubt that these children is that it would have made Elizabeth having four children in 2 years. But two of them are twins, and I see no reason why the other two couldn't have been twins, also.

Israel gave mightily through his sons in the Civil War. Most of his sons fought in this conflict and two sons died young as a result of diseases from the war. Andrew Jackson was wounded at Ft. Donelson. William Franklin and Albert Ross were the only two who were not in the Civil War. Albert was too young at the time and William Franklin may have had a bad leg.

[NI2241]
Catharine Florey Stuart
Robert

Nothing much is known about the life of Catharine Florey Stuart. Her family migrated to Macon County, Illinois along with the main body of Floreys in 1829. All of their children were born in Wythe County, VA, except their youngest daughter, Emeline, who was born in Macon Co.

Both Catharine and Robert are buried in Florey Cemetery.

[NI2248]
"Mrs. Virginia Greenfield, who resides on section 6, Long Creek Township, is a native of Wythe County, VA. Her father, John Flora, was a native of Pennsylvania. In 1829 she came with the family to Illinois, reaching their destination in the latter part of December.

"Mrs. Virginia Greenfield, who is numbered among Macon County's pioneer settlers, was not quite five years of age when she came with her parents to Illinois. At that time Indians were still living in the neighborhood. The long prairie grass waving in the wind looked like the undulations of the ocean. There were deer, wolves and all kinds of game that were used for food. Mrs. Greenfield attended the subscription schools for a short time, and became familiar with all the ways of the household, learning to spin and weave and care for a home. She remained with her parents until their death, caring for them in their old age as they had done for her in her childhood. In February, 1851, she became the wife of Ambrose Greenfield, a native of Ohio, who when a young man came to Illinois, and in Decatur enlisted for the Mexican War. His wife now receives a pension in recognition for his services. They continued to reside upon the old Flora homestead, where their marriage was celebrated, and Mr. Greenfield carried on farming and stock-raising. He was an industrious and enterprising man, a good citizen and a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a supporter of the Democracy. He passed away June 22, 1890, at the age of sixty-four.

"Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield were born the following children: Martha Ellen, who became the wife of David Chamberlain, and died at the age of twenty-one years, leaving one daughter, Minnie, who was reared by her grandmother, but is now married; Drusilla Jane, who was the wife of Ringold Martin, of Missouri, and died, and her two children, Bertha Ella and George A., are living with Mrs. Greenfield; Mathias C., who operates the home farm; Sabra Ann, wife of J.S. Vowel, a farmer of Mt. Zion Township; John William, a farmer of Dade County, Mo.; Walter, who married Elsie Myers and follows farming; and Charles, who completes the family. The children were all born and reared upon the old homestead and have been provided with good educational advantages. The family is one highly respected and widely known throughout the community. Mrs. Greenfield has led a life in harmony with her professions, and her many excellencies of character have won her the love and esteem of all."


History of Macon Co., Illinois, pgs 638-670

[NI2554] Jessica Philipena Crowley had a brother, Cornelius Crowley, who was the grandfather of Dorothy M. Scott. Although Dorothy is technically not in the Flory/Flora bloodline, she has contributed considerable research to this area. I have, therefore, asked to her contribute this biography.

". . . . I was born in 1920 [and] lived on Long Island, NY until my children from my marriage to a physician were grown. At that time, I left a career in graphic arts to enter the field of antiques and collectibles in the New Hampshire White Mountains and opened shops in Franconia and Littleton. On retirement, I moved to Sarasota, Florida and began to pursue, in earnest, the hobby I had enjoyed off and on since the birth of my first child. I worked as a volunteer in the Selby Library Genealogy and Special Collections Room aiding visitors in their research as I continued my own.

I presently live near Duke University where my older daughter is an Assistant Professor of Medicine. Having access to the libraries at Duke has been a boon as I continue to pursue the endless path back to the beginnings."

[NI2585] Ruth Flory is the first known descendant of the Flory brothers of Birkenau to have passed the century mark, which she did on Monday, March 1, 1993. Even at the age of 100, she was able to participate in a seminar at her alma mater on "The History of ESU: Seen Through the Eyes of Women." A graduate of East Stroudsburg University (where she was class salutatorian), she taught for 43 years at the J.M. Hill Elementary School in East Stroudsburg. Her hobbies are her vegetable garden, her china painting and her many church activities. A religious woman, she ascribes her longevity to her faith. She is also the author of "My First Ninety Years," a series of reminiscences about growing up in Monroe County.

[NI2748] FLOREY, Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson Florey was the fourth child of Israel and Elizabeth Bell Florey. Nothing is known about his early years, until he answered his country's call. At the age of 21, he enlisted in Co A, 8th Ill Inf. on 25 July 1861, along with his brother, Robert. On the muster rolls he is listed as a private, 5' 7" tall, black hair, black eyes, dark complexion, single, native of Long Creek, Macon Co., IL and his occupation was a cooper. Andrew, who always went by the nickname of "Jack" was wounded at Ft. Donelson.

His certificate of discharge on August 15, 1862 states, "A musket ball passed through the face fracturing very badly the lower jaw in two places and very much disfiguring and crippling the action of the jaw and mouth. Degree of disability, Total." He was also wounded in the hip. His death certificate states he had a badly dislocated hip joint.

After a time of recuperation, Jack re-enlisted Feb. 24, 1863, and was mustered in July 3, 1863. After serving a little ove 2 1/2 years, he was mustered out of the service as a Sgt. on Feb. 23, 1866.

Jack returned to Decatur, where on October 3, 1867 he married Arthusa Mandell Nicholson, daughter of Jeremiah J. and Lucinda (Logan) Nicholson of Moultrie Co., IL, all native of Garrard Co., KY.

Jack and Arthusa stayed in Decatur only a short while, and then started their treck "West". They were in Jacksonville, IL in 1869 where their only child, John Andrew, was born. Shortly after John's birth, they moved on to Salina, KS. While living in Salina, in 1871, Arthusa took their son and moved back to her
father's home in Moultrie County. Jack only stayed in Salina a couple of months after Arthusa left, and then moved on to Rooks Co., KS

The Rooks Co., Postoffice book shows that a postoffice was established 24 Mar 1875 and disbanded 24 Feb 1879 in Floreyville. The first postmaster was Andrew J. Florey.

Land records show that Jack received a patent to 160 acres of land in Paradise Twp., Rooks Co., KS, September 20, 1879. The records don't show that he paid any fee for the land, so he must have homesteaded it. In order to obtain a patent one must live on the land for five years and improve it.

Jack sold his land, even before he actually receiving the patent. He received $500 and Arthusa received $500 from the sale. Arthusa signed a deed in Decatur, and Jack signed a deed in Rooks Co.

In June of 1878, Andrew J. returned to Decatur for a visit. A mention was made of it in the newspaper, June 22 & 26, 1878).

Decatur Daily Republican Newspaper, Sat., June 22, 1878, p. 3, Col. 4:
"Among the callers at the REPUBLICAN office to-day was
Mr. A. J. Florey, of Rooks County, Kansas, who has come
to pay a visit to the home of his boyhood, after an
absense of nine years: "Jack" as he is familiarly
known, looks as though the west agrees with him. We
are glad to learn that he is prospering."

A.J. Florey, of Floreyville, Kansas was listed as a subscriber to the Decatur Daily Repbulican newspaper, June 26, 1878.

After Jack sold his land in Kansas, he next moved on to Delta, Colorado, and in 1883 to Eagle Point, Oregon.

Andrew married for a second time on Dec 25, 1885 in Jackson Co., OR to Etta Amarantha Nye. Andrew drew a pension from his military service, but on his pension application he said he had never been married before no other children except the ones he had with Etta.

Jack was appointed as postmaster in Eagle Point, Jackson Co., OR, and served in that position for 19 years. He also bred thoroughbred horses as an avocation.

Jack's first wife, Arthusa, also married for a second time. After the death of her second husband in 1911, who was also a Civil War veteran, Arthusa Nicholson Jenkins, who was now going by the name "Della", applied for a widow's civil war pension. She stated that she had been married previously. Affidavits were taken from both Andrew and Della in which both admitted they had never obtained a divorce. Jack said he thought that Arthusa had obtained one, and Arthusa (Della) stated in her affidavit that she thought that Jack had gotten a divorce. Della's application was denied.

[NI2753]
FLOREY, Henry T.

"DIED - In Santa Clara, Cal., of consumption, on Friday Jan 31, at 1 o'clock pm in the thirty first year of his age, Henry T. Florey.

"Henry T. Florey was the fifth son of the late Israel - or more correctly - Israel De Fleury, of the De Fleurys of France. His father, at one time was a wealthy land owner in this county, but through disastrous speculations his children were thrown upon their own resources, and at the age of twelve Henry entered the Gazette office, as an apprentice to the printing business. After staying in the office for about 2 yrs at the age of fourteen he enlisted as a recruit in the 21st Regiment Ill. Infantry, at that time under the command of Grant. Enduring all the privations and dangers of a soldier's life without a murmer, he was with the regiment at the battle of Chickamauga, where, upon retreat of the regiment, he was urged to fly. "I'll die first", said this boy hero - and reloading and firing, he stood until surrounded and made prisoner. The admiration for his bravery was such that he was not harmed by his captors; he was sent with other prisoners to Richmond and from there, from prison to prison until he reached Andersonville, where for fifteen months he endured the horrible privations with which we are all too familiar.

"Towards the close of the war, through an exchange of prisoners, he was released with a constitution ruined forever. Upon his return home, being then but eighteen years old, he entered the land agency business in Vicksburg, Miss. in company with his brother, Robert, who died of consumption twelve years ago. After his brother's death, Henry removed to Beulah, Miss., the town's name being changed to Floreyville in his honor.

"There while applying himself to the study of law he was proprietor of the Floreyville Star, a weekly newspaper and for several years was clerk of the circuit and county courts, in the bitter political contest of 1876, being the only Republican elected to office on the entire ticket.

"His health failing after trying the southern climate, about two years ago he settled up his affairs in Miss. and went to Calif. From the first his health failed rapidly, and although he attempted to engage in business in San Francisco, he was obliged to resign all hope of health. Going to Santa Clara, where two of his sisters reside, he was watched over with all the tender solicitude of sisters who idolized him, and all that wealth and affection could be to turn aside death was done. But Andersonville had done its work.

"His last words to his sisters who were with him were: "Are you afraid?" Upon her reply, "No", he turned, and looking from the window for the last time on earth, upon the pleasant world, he closed his eyes and without a struggle passed away. A truer gentleman, a kinder son or brother never closed his eyes upon earthly scenes. With a brilliant, well stored mind, with a kindly courtesy, and a gently reserve which made him thoughtfully regardful of others - while being intimate with few - he was loved and respected by all with whom he came in contact. "Brave and gentle always" writes his sister "he thought of others even in his last moment".

"Thus passed away in early manhood one whose ambition even as a boy, aimed high, whose logical mind, trained by extensive reading and travel, together with his manners, full of dignity, fitted him for the highest positions in life. And the gentle breezes of Santa Clara valley sigh above the grave where lies buried the hopes of many loving hearts."

Decatur Daily Republican, Nov., Feb. 17, 1876

[NI2758]
I always heard stories of how Grampa John Florey used to take off for weeks or months at a time. He would disappear, and then one day, come walking up the road like he was just coming home from work. None of his kids ever knew where he went for so long. And of course there were stories among the family that he had been on a drunk or that he had a girl friend somewhere. Gramma Letta and the two younger boys would have to move in with one of her older sons or daughter. Gramma never said anything about this.

Since I have gotten into genealogy, I learned that Grampa John's parents separated when he was only about 2 years old. His mother came back to IL and his father moved on to OR. Both his parents married again. Grampa John never knew his dad.

From depositions given by his parents, I learned that Grampa John found out where his father was living in OR in 1911. I believe that it is possible that he went to OR to visit his father and his half brothers and sisters. Since his mother was still living, he probably didn't say anything to anyone about where he was going so as not to hurt his mother. Of course this is speculation on my part, but it makes good sense.

[NI2804]
Decatur Herald, Wednesday, May 29, 1912, page 2

MRS. MINERVA STUART

Mrs. Minerva Stuart died Tuesday morning in her home three and one
half miles southeast of Oreana. The cause of her death was apoplexy. She
was in her usual health up to Tuesday morning. After breakfast she
complained of a severe pain in her head and became unconscious about 6:30
and died an hour later. She was born April 2, 1841 in Crawford county,
Ohio, near Bucyrus. When she was 8 years old, she came to Illinois with
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Young, and settled on a farm north-west of
Argenta. She was married to John T. Stuart, July 19, 1860. Eight of the
ten children born to this union are living: Mrs. Ada Hedges of Seward,
Neb., Mrs. Sadie Livingston of Forsyth, W. S. Stuart of Oakley, S. H.
Stuart of St. Benedict, Ia., Mrs. Amanda Evans of Decatur, Frank Stuart
of Cerro Gordo, Robert G. Stuart of Argenta, and Miss Emma Stuart.
Funeral arrangements have not been made, pending the arrival of the
children from a distance.

[NI2807] MRS. CHARLES HEDGES (Information below provided by Sandra Wagner)

Mrs. Ada Stuart Hedges was born in Macon County, Ill., on June 7, 1861.
She attended school and grew to womanhood there. She taught five terms of
school in her home neighborhood.
On December 30, 1891, she was married to Mr. Charles Hedges of Steward,
Nebr., formerly of Macon County, Ill. To them were born three daughters,
all still living: Mrs. Elsie Rolfsmeier and Mrs. Emma Matzke, both of
Milford Nebr., and Miss Ida Hedges, living at home. There are also four
grandchildren living. Mrs. Hedges has four brothers and two sisters
living, one brother, Frank Stuart, of Decatur, Ill., was able to come to
the funeral.
Mrs. Hedges was converted and joined the church when she was a small
girl. Her father was superintendent of the Sunday School. Like most of
the children in those pioneer days, she often walked to Sunday School
barefooted, carrying her shoes under her arms until she got to church. But
she seldom ever missed attending the Sunday School. Even in her later life
when she was not able to get to church and Sunday School because of poor
health she always took the Home Quarterly and studied her lesson as
faithfully as though she were going to teach a class. On last Thanksgiving
Day she asked her daughter to sing her favroite hymn: "Nearer My God to
Thee." One of the prize possessions of her family is a small old hymn book
giving the words but not the music of the hymns. She was a devout
Chrisitan all her life and knew the consolation of the abiding Christ. Her
favorite chapter was John 14.
In 1919 her health broke and she had never been well since that time.
She went to her heavenly rest and home on Wednesday morning, Jan. 27th.
Well may it be said of her: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
Funeral services were held Saturday with Rev. C. W. McCaskill
officiating. Burial was in Seward cemetery.
CARD OF THANKS
We wish to thank our many friends and neighbors for their many acts of
kindness, sympathy and floral offering during the illness and at the death
and funeral of our kind, dear wife and mother.
Chas. Hedges and Ida.
Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Rolfsmeier
Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Matzke
and family

[NI2808] Decatur Review, Tuesday, March 05, 1929, page 19

MRS. JOSHIAH LIVINGSTON


Mrs. Sadie E. Livingston, wife of Josiah A. Livingston, 1270 North Church
street, died at 10:50 o'clock Tuesday morning at the Decatur and Macon
County hospital. She was sixty-six years old last September. Her death
was caused by a complication of diseases. She had been in the hospital
since Saturday evening.
Mrs. Livingston's maiden name was Sadie Elizabeth Stuart. She was
born near Oreana Sept. 2, 1862. The family moved to Decatur from Forsyth
several years ago. She was a member of the United Brethren church and had
a great many friends in the city. She is survived by her husband and
one son, Albert S. Livingston of Decatur. She also leaves four brothers
and three sisters, Samuel Stuart of St. Paul, Minn., William Stuart of New
Richland, Minn., Robert Stuart of Long Prairie, Minn., Frank Stuart of
Decatur, Mrs. Charles Hedges of Seward, Neb., Mrs. Amanda Evans of New
Richland, Minn., and Miss Emma Stuart of Argenta. The body was taken to
Leon A. Monson, funeral director and prepared for burial.
Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed.

[NI2810] William S. Stuart Dies Funeral to Be Tuesday (information provided by Sandra Wagner)

Funeral services for William S. Stuart, who died at 11:45 a.m.
Thursday in a hospital at Waseca, Minn., will be held at 3 p.m. tomorrow in
Moran & Sons Chapel, with burial in Wheeler cemetery. The body was to
arrive in Decatur today.
Born Dec. 23, 1865 near Oreana, Mr. Stuart was married Feb. 8, 1891 to
Isabelle Funk who died in 1901. He was married in 1913 to Mrs. Mabel
Metcalfe, who survives. He farmed near Oakley until 1918, when he moved to
New Richland, Minn. He continued to farm there until his health failed.
Besides his wife Mr. Stuart leaves six children, John W., Melvin M.,
Russel H. and Homer E. Stuart, all of Decatur, Miss Pearl Stuart of South
Bend, Ind. and Edwin Stuart of New Richland, Minn. He also leaves two
step-children, Lucile Tollison and Dow Metcalfe; three brothers, Samuel of
St. Paul, Minn; Frank of Decatur, and Robert of Long Prairie; and one
sister Mrs. Amanda Evans of Kasson, Minn. and six grandchildren.

[NI2811] Decatur Daily Review, Monday, October 31, 1939, page 2

Hold Services Tuesday for Miss Emma Stuart


Funeral services for Miss Emma J. Stuart, former rural school teacher
who died Sunday on her 71st birthday, well be conducted at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday in the Monson funeral home with burial in Union Hill
cemetery. Friends may call at the chapel. She died in the home of a
nephew, Melvin Stuart, 1224 North Van Dyke street, of complications.
Miss Stuart was born near Oreana, Oct. 30, 1867, the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. John Stuart. She taught school in Macon county for many years.
A member of the United Brethren church, Miss Stuart leaves a sister,
Mrs. Amanda Evans, Kasson, Minn., and four brothers, William Stuart, New
Richland Minn., Samuel Stuart, St. Paul, Minn., Frank E. Stuart ,Decatur
and Robert G. Stuart, Long Prairie, Minn.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Monson
chapel. Burial will be at Union cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral
home after noon today.

[NI2812] MRS. AMANDA EVANS
RITES HELD SATURDAY (Information provided by Sandra Wagner)

Funeral services were conducted last Saturday afternoon at the Dibble
funeral home in Kasson for Mrs. Amanda Evans, who passed away Dec. 3 at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Carrol Morris in Ripley. Death followed an
illness of three weeks after she suffered a stroke.
Amanda C. Stuart was born on Sept. 12, 1869 in Macon County, Ill. and
was 78 years, 2 mo. and 21 days old at the time of her death. She attended
schools there, and on Jan 13, 1900 was married to James S. Evans. They
make their home at Marion, Indiana from 1900 to 1913, when they moved to
southern Minnesota.
She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Garrol Morris; three sons, Carl
Evans of Kasson, Howard Evans of Albert Lea, and Homer Evans of Spokane,
Wash; two brothers, Robert Stuart of Long Prairie and Frank Stuart of
Decatur, Ill., and 18 grandchildren.
Rev. H. Foster officiated at the funeral services, at which Mrs.
Dibble sang, "The Old Rugged Cross". Interment was in St. Peter cemetery
at new Richland. Pallbearers were three grandsons, Carol Morris, Charles
and Virgil Evans; two sons, Carl and Howard Evans, and one son-in-law,
Garrol Morris.
Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Robert Stuart
of Long Prairie and Mrs. Leonard Hanson and son of Albert Lea.

[NI2814] Decatur Herald, Monday, May 11, 1959, page 7


FRANK E. STUART, 84 ILL TWO YEARS, DIES

Frank Edward Stuart, 84, of 414 E. Marietta St., died at 9:05 a.m.
yesturday in his home, after an illness of two years.
He was a lifelong resident of Macon County and had lived in Decatur 38
years. He was a farmer until 1921 when he became custodian of the
Standard Office Building and and the Congregational Church. He retired in
1949.
He was born in Argenta on May 29, 1874, the son of John and Minerva
Young Stuart. He was a member of the United Brethren Church there.
He married Nellie Reed in Argenta on Jan 24, 1900, and she died in
1925.
He then married Minnie Lawler in Bloomington on Feb. 12, 1927. She
died in 1953.
He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Opal Morville, Decatur; one son,
Herman, Decatur; four stepsons, John Lawler, Decatur; Earl Lawler,
Elmhurst; Dale Lawler, Springfield; Woodrow Lawler, Topeka, Kan.; two
stepdaughters, Mrs. Vera Damery, Blue Mound; Mrs. Mae Koch, Decatur; 11
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Monson Funeral Home
with burial in Union Cemetery near Oreana. Friends may call after 5 p.m.
today.

[NI2815] Notes for Robert Garfield Stuart:
ROBERT STUART, FORMER ARGENTA RESIDENT, DIES (Information provided by Sandra Wagner)

Robert G. Stuart 75, a former resident of Argenta, died Feb. 28 in
Long Prairie, Minn.
A son of John and Minerva Stuart, he was born in Argenta June 5, 1878.
He married Mary Shank in 1903 and they moved from Argenta about 1915.
He leaves his wife, three daughters, Mrs. Cora Lanzendorf and Mrs.
Lelah Swanson, both of Clarissa, Minn; Mrs. Thelma Kintop, Swansville,
Minn; one son Eddie of Minneapolis, a brother, Frank R. Stuart of
Decatur; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mrs. and Mrs. Roy Morville and son, Warren Dale, and Herman Stuart,
all of Decatur, attended the fureral services for Mr. Stuart in Long
Prairie. Burial was in Clarissa.

[NI2819]
WALLACE, Julia A. (Stuart)

Funeral services for Mrs. Jula A. Wallace, who died Sunday morning, will be held this morning at 11 o'clock in Mt. Zion, burial in Long Creek Cemetery.

Mrs. Wallace was born in Wythe County, Virginia, September 8, 1821, and was 90 years and six months of age at the time of her death. She was one of the very oldest settlers of this part of the country, coming to Illinois with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stuart, in November, 1829, and on account of the extremely deep snow all settlers who came to Illinois in that year were termed, "The Snowbirds". They settled near the place known as the Old Trading House, which was northeast of where Decatur is now located. A few months later they moved to Macon county and some 82 years, or practically all her life, was spent in Macon county.

Her grandfather served in the Revolutionary war and while she could tell many interesting incidents repeated and handed down to her from those times the more vivid and lasting impressions were the ones made during their early days in Illinois. Those first years were memorable in many ways, and more especially on account of the hardships they were obliged to undergo and the bitter toil made necessary on account of the unsettled condition of the country. During their first year when they were snowbound for quite a length of time, they knew what the pangs of hunger were and while they could trap deer and had sufficient meat, it was impossible to get to the trading place for meal, and as necessity is ever the mother of invention, they were forced to grind their grain between rocks, which was the only flour they had for several weeks. Yet as the years went by all of these hard experiences lost their rough edge and the many thrilling and interesting tales she told in her later years of these time.

She was married to Robert Wallace January 23, 1845, who died May 16, 1904. Of the 59 years of their lives spent together, they lived more than 50 years on the old homestead eight miles east of Decatur. That is, east of where Decatur is now located, for in those primitive days Springfield was the nearest trading point of any moment. It was no unusual thing for Mr. Wallace to drive to Chicago for the sale of his stock and grain.

Mrs. Wallace leaves four children--Mrs. J.P. Nicholson and Mrs. Sarah E. Bryant of Decatur, Mrs. Lewis Myers of Mt. Zion and Mrs. M.D. Kizer of Dallas, Texas. Besides these four children who survive her she had one son and two daughters deceased. She had a remarkable line of descendants, the majority of whom are still living, there having been seven children, twenty-eight grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Decatur Review, Tues., March 19, 1912

[NI2833]
"Thomas J. Draper, a highly esteemed farmer residing on section 15, Mt. Zion Township, is living in the neighborhood of his birthplace, for he was born in this township, March 3, 1855. His father, John A. Draper, was one of the first white children born in Macon County, the year of his birth being 1828. Thomas Draper acquired his education in the schools of Macon County, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, having followed that business throughout his entire life. He started out for himself at the age of twenty-one years empty-handed, but he has made the most of his opportunities, and is now a successful agriculturist.

"In 1885, Mr. Draper was married to Miss Luella S. Stewart, who was born in Macon County, and died in 1887, her remains being interred in Mt. Zion Cemetery. September 24, 1889, Mr. Draper was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary P. Wonacott, also a native of this county. Her father, John R. Wonacott, was one of the brave boys in blue of the late war, and is now deceased. Her mother, Margaret J. Blaney, is still living and makes her home in Mt. Zion.

"Socially, Mr. Draper is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He has been identified with the Republican party since becoming a voter and is a staunch advocate of its principles. His wife holds membership with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Their home is a pleasant one, situated on section 15, Mt. Zion Township, where Mr. Draper operates one hundred and sixty acres of good land. They are pleasant, companionable people, who hold an enviable position in social circles, and their sterling worth and many excellencies of character have gained for them the high regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances."

History of Macon Co, Illinois 1880, p. 556

[NI2839]

I was born June 20, 1936, the third daughter of Andrew Jackson Florey and Helen Christine Webster, in Highland, IN, which is in the NE corner of IN. My father worked in a newspaper office in Gary, IN. He operated the printing presses. Later he graduated to setting type.

In the early years we lived in several towns around Hammond and also in Hammond. In 1942 we moved to a small farm near Crown Point, IN. It was only five acres, but we managed to raise a lot of our food. We had chickens, rabbits and goats, and a huge garden. It took a lot to feed a family of nine. We kids worked in the garden most of the summer, and took care of the animals. Mom was always canning. This home had none of the modern conveniences, such as running water (only when you pumped it), no bathroom, electric lights, etc.

I attended grade school in a small country school about 5 miles from Cedar Lake, IN. I didn't like school very much. I liked the learning part, but I was a very shy child, and didn't socialize very well.

My Mom's parents lived in Beardstown, IL, and on one of her visits to see them, she found a nursing home that was for sale and she bought it. She had always wanted to be a nurse, but her father wouldn't allow it, as it wasn't the proper thing for a young lady to do. All of us kids moved to Beardstown with Mom, but Dad stayed in Crown Point for a while. Eventually he moved also.

I graduated from Beardstown High School in 1954. My sister, Betty, was dating Orville Hageman, and she introduced me to his older brother, Jack. I married Jack later that same year, after dating for three months. Betty later married Orville.

Jack was really a "jack-of-all-trades". He was a welder, carpenter, police officer, but what he really excelled at was in teenagers' entertainment. We owned & operated a billiard hall in the 1960's, and in the 1970's we built, owned and operated a roller skating rink. We did quite well there, but it was very strenuous. When you have 200 kids on roller skates and you are responsible for them, it gets very nerve wracking. So, we sold the business in the late 70's.

Then we went to buying houses, remodeling them, and re-selling them.

We are the parents of four grown children. Five born, but Lejune was born premature and died shortly after birth. Our oldest daughter, Patricia, "Patty," is an RN, and works in home health care. Our son, Jack, is a MSgt with the State Police and works in investigations. He is also a very good carpenter. He built his own brick home. Jack is also a deacon in our church, First Christian Church of Beardstown. Our third child, and second daughter owns and operates a restaurant in nearby Virginia, IL, and has a very good business. Our youngest daughter has a home for handicapped foster children. She especially likes to take medically fragile children. They just adopted one of the little girls who has been in their home since she was just a couple of weeks old.

After raising four children, and being a stay-at-home Mom, and helping to care for some of my grandchildren, while their parents continued their education, I took some computer and accounting classes at college, hoping to find some employment. Well, God had other plans for me. I didn't find the accounting job I was looking for, I gradually got more and more involved with Developmentally Disabled people, both physically and mentally. I am now self-employed and contract with the IL Department of Mental Health to provide services to DD clients in nursing homes. This wasn't the job I had envisioned, but I am very happy with this type of work. These people have very little, and anything you do with, or for them is very much appreciated. It is very rewarding work.

About five years ago, I got interested in genealogy, and started working on my mother's family. They had lived here in Cass Co. for several generations, so it was an easy place to start. This hobby has grown until it fills all of my spare time.

[NI2855] Anna's father was Peter Jacob and her grandfather was Veith Jacob, who was from the town of Mumbach, a small hamlet near Birkenau. Anna had two brothers, Peter and Johann Martin, along with four sisters, Christina, Anna Margaretha, Maria Magdalina, and Anna.

[NI2863] Johann Christian Flohri left Birkenau sometime after 1733, when he was confirmed by the town church. While there are no further known records concerning him in Germany, a Christian Flory is listed as an immigrant to Philadelphia in 1744. It is very possible that this Christian was the Johann Christian of Birkenau. If so, it would have been his emigration that would have given his brothers at least some of the inspiration to leave Birkenau ten years later.

[NI2865] Peter was involved in several interesting land transactions in 1712. On April 11 of that year, he sold his house to his son Johannes and his wife for 175 florin.
On May 15 of that same year, he bought another house by a millstream for 121 florin from Anna Jost.

If Johannes passed this house along to his eldest son upon his death in 1751, George would have had property valued at approximately the cost of a round-trip ticket to America.

[NI2869] On February 19, 1752, Peter Flohri borrowed 150 florin from Wambold magistrate Leonhard Krauss at 5% interest, giving as his surety his house and 1/2 acre along "Thorn Way." Since Peter's brother, Johann, had died the year before, and since Peter, like Johann, was a carriage maker, Peter may have needed the money to purchase the business from his brother's heir(s).
His name appears several times in the Wambolt archives.
On April 8, 1709, he, along with Lenhard Jost and Hans Paul Schab (son of Hans Schab) were fined 1 gulden each for playing hazard games on Easter Monday after havint received communion on Easter Sunday.
Around 1720, he was listed as receiving an income of 4 gulden a year for retailing brandy.

[NI2904] According to a German family tradition, Hans Flohri and his wife, Apollonia, came to the town in the laste 1640's or early 1650's. Birkenau had been devastated by both disease and the effects of the Thirty Years' War. Accordingly, the mayor sent out for skilled workmen, and Hans came as a carpenter.
Despite his skills, Hans is listed as a farmer in town records. That he possessed carpentry skills, though, is indicated by the fact that his descendants became the town's wagon makers. When his great grandsons Johannes and Adolph migrated to America in 1754, they both founded a long line of carpenters and farmers.
It is not known how many other children Hans had, but he was the father of at least one other son. In the town of Hohensachsen, which lies about four miles south of Birkenau, the local kirchenbuch lists a marriage there on January 1, 1664 between a Hans George Flori and an Anna Sibilla Westhofen. the couple had at least four children, Hans (Dec. 7, 1665), Hans Jacob (Jan., 12, 1668), Philip (Sept. 7, 1669), and Caspar (July 30, 1671). That this Hans George was the son of Hans of Birkenau is indicated by the church records, which list one other contemporaneous Flori, Marcus, who may also have been Hans' son. At some point, both Hans George and Marcus left Hohensachsen for parts unknown, as their deaths are not recorded in church records.

In 1655, Birkenau records indicate that Hans was worth about 200 gulden, about average for the town, but only a little above poverty level. The relative income situation for his descendants changed very little, and this may have been the primary reason for his great grandchildren, George, Johannes, and Adolph emigrating to America.

Town records record one other Flori in Birkenau, a Lorenz Flori, who was prosecuted in 1561 for stealing meat from a neighbor's wife. there is no other reference to this Lorenz, and the next municipal record to any Flori in the town is to the 1655 appearance of Hans Flori at a town meeting. It is within the realm of possibility that this Lorenz was related to Hans--perhaps he was his grandfather. Still, all of this is within the realm of speculation.

[NI3030] DEATH OF MRS. W. S. STUART (Information provided by Sandra Wagner)

Mrs. Isabella Stuart, wife of W. S. Stuart, died at the family
residence northwest of town on Monday evening, June 24th of heart trouble.
The deceased is survived by a husband and five children as follows: John,
Melvin, Pearl, Russell, and Homer; a father M. C. Funk, two brothers, W.
R. and Thomas Funk and two sisters, Mrs. George Hiser and Mrs. Linnie Funk.
The funeral was held from the Fairview church Wednesday afternoon.
Rev. A. L. Bingamm delivered the funeral sermon, and the interment was at
the Wheeler cemetery. The pall bears were J. H. Minick, David Strohm, Otis
Veech, Simon Hiser, Edward Baker, and Jesse Funk.

[NI3032] Decatur Daily Review, Monday, February 02, 1925, page 4

MRS. NELLIE B. STUART

Mrs. Nellie B. Stuart, wife of Frank E. Stuart, died at 3:25 o'clock
Monday morning at the family residence, 414 East Marietta street. She
would have been foury-seven years old in June. Her death was caused by a
complication of diseases that confined her to her bed for the last two
years.
Mrs. Stuart was born in Oakley township June 8, 1878, and had lived
there most of her life before moving to Decatur four years ago. She and
Frank E. Stuart were married Jan. 24, 1900. She is survived by her husband
and two children, Herman Stuart and Mrs. Roy Morville. She also leaves
nine brothers and three sisters: Albert, John, Byron and Mark Reed,
all of Decatur, Ralph Reed of Bushnell, Ill., Homer Reed of Oshkosh, Wis.,
Melvin Reed of Blue Island, Ill., Lee Reed of Wesley, Ia., Roy Reed of
Oreana, Mrs. Fern Beaman of Decatur, Mrs. Fannie Bullock of Forsyth and
Mrs. Mae Elkins of La Verne, Ia. She was a member of the Church of the
Brethren at Decatur.
The body was removed to the Monson undertaking establishment and
prepared for burial.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the
Church of the Brethren. Burial in the Union cemetery.

[NI3052]
FLOREY, WILLIAM


"William Florey died at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at his home east of the city. For weeks it has been known that he had but a short time to live. He suffered from gangrene, caused by brutal treatment received at the hands of masked robbers. During the past few months his life was one of misery and death doubtless came as a welcome release.

"Mr. Florey was 74 years old and he was a native of Virginia. He came with his parents to this state when but 14 years of age. He was never married, and during his many years of residence in this county has lived on the farm where his last days were spent. He leaves two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. C.A. Tuttle of this city, Mrs. M. Culver of Portland, Ore., and A. Florey of Maroa and Fred Florey of Portland.

"The arrangements for the funeral have not yet been completed.

"On Saturday, Dec. 22, 1894, William Florey was the victim of an outrage that was fiendish in its cruelty. The affair shocked the entire community beyond expression and is even now referred to with a shudder. For over fifty years Mr. Florey had lived had lived alone in the little cabin on his farm of eighty acres near the house of Frank Spangler and just east of the Dr. H.C. Johns residence. He was a young man when he first took up his abode there, and Decatur was little more than wilderness.

"Why he chose to lead such a lonely, retired life no one knew, though it was frequently hinted that in early youth he had been crossed in love. However that may be, the old man seemed very contented to live alone with his gun and his cat as his only companions.

"On that dark, stormy December night the old man sat watching the hole in the kitchen floor where the cat had disappeared.. Presently she came back, her soft fur dripping wet. The old man went to the door to look out at the driving storm. The moment the door opened Florey was grabbed by a masked man and forced back into the house. Then ensued a terrific struggle, Florey tore the mask from the man's face, but was knocked down with a billy for his pains. He struggled to his feet, but was twice beaten to the floor. Then calling to his two companions, who were evidently afraid of being recognized, the first man drew a gunny sack over the old man's head and the three proceeded to tie his hands and feet.

"The old man was reputed to have a vast sum of money concealed about the house, and the men at once began searching for it. Seventy-five dollars was all they could find. They demanded that he tell them where his treasure was concealed, and on his refusal they began preparing to torture him. They heated the kitchen stove red hot. They stripped the old man and held him over the stove. Still he refused to tell where his money was. Then they sat him down on the glowing stove. There was a cry of agony and the sickening odor of burning flesh, and the man finally told them to look in the corn crib. Leaving him bound and writhing on the floor they searched the corn crib and found $475. This did not satisfy them and they returned. Sure that he had still more money they renewed their torture. Mr. Florey was again roasted on the red hot stove and at last told them his money was in the chicken house. There they found $1,060 in gold. This was still not enough and the torture was resumed, but the old man protested he had no more. At 4 o'clock Sunday morning they left him bound, burned and bleeding on the kitchen floor. Hours later he freed himself, dressed his own wounds, but would not allow a physician to call and he did not make his troubles known till several days later.

"The perpetrators of the outrage were never discovered and probably never will be.

"The old man's death yesterday was the result of injuries inflicted by the fiends who tortured him."

Decatur Review, Thurs, Oct 29, 1896, p. 6

[NI3114]
JEREMIAH P. NICHOLSON
(Husband of Catharine Wallace)

"The death of Jerry P. Nicholson occurred at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the family residence, 430 West Decatur Street. The end came peacefully as he slept. He was conscious and able to recognize members of his family until a short time before his death. Mr. Nicholson was stricken with partial paralysis last October, and since then he had not been able to leave his home. He had an iron constitution and rallied from the shock and was able to be up and around the house part of the time, although he never ventured down town.

"At first it was thought that he could not live more than a few days, but he would get better and show improvement for two or three days and then grow worse again. Last Wednesday he was able to be up and around his room and seemed brighter than usual. That night he experienced another attack and he was not able to leave his bed again.


POWER IN POLITICS
"Jerry P. Nicholson in his day was the most popular man in Macon County. He was a power in local politics and was the only man in this county to twice hold the office of sheriff after the law made it impossible for a sheriff to succeed himself. He was first elected sheriff in 1894. From 1906 to 1910 he served as a depty under Sheriff R.A. McGorry, and at the close of the latter's administration. Mr. Nicholson became a candidate for sheriff. At first many of his friends advised him not to attempt it. No other man had ever been able to get that office a second time, and it looked like an impossibility. Mr. Nicholson insisted that if his friends would stand by him he could succeed. He had many influential friends and they assured him that if he was bound to make the race, they would do what they could for him. It was a hard fight, for there were other men in the race who were also popular and hard workers, but Mr. Nicholson won. The office of sheriff of Macon county is the most renumerative in the county and no candidate ever has a walk-away. To be able to "come back" after sixteen years showed that Mr. Nicholson was able to retain his oldtime popularity.

WAS A FARMER
"Before coming to Decatur in 1887, Mr. Nicholson was a farmer in Long Creek Township, and at one time represented that township on the board of supervisors. After his first term as sheriff expired, he was street superintendent under Mayor C.F. Shilling. He had also been in the livery business and in the insurance business. When engaged in farming in Long Creek township, he dealt extensively in cattle, and he rode horseback all over central Illinois buying up cattle to feed. In this way he gained an extensive acquaintance and made friends that he always retained.

"Mr. Nicholson was born March 10, 1840 near Lancaster, Garrard county, KY. His father, John Nicholson, brought the family to Illinois in 1851. The trip was made overland, the family coming in two wagons. John Nicholson was of Revolutionary stock of Virginia, they having moved to Kentucky at the close of the war. The family had owned slaves, and John Nicholson owned one by inheritance, but he became an abolitionist, and his children agreed with him. That was one of the reasons the family left Kentucky. For ten years after coming to Macon county the family resided in South Wheatland township, and John Nicholson was the only man there to vote for Freemont for president.

IN CIVIL WAR
"Later the family moved to Moultrie county and Jerry P Nicholson was working on a farm there when the Civil war broke out. He was among the first to answer the call for volunteers and enlisted in Company A, Eighth Illinois, the first Illinois regiment to be mustered into the service. It was commanded by Colonel Richard J. Oglesby. While fighting in the south Jerry Nicholson met some of his cousins who were on the opposite side and during a cessation of hostilities they had some warm arguments over the causes of the war. After three years of service Jerry P. Nicholson returned to Macon county and resumed his farm work. He and Miss Julia Wallace of Long Creek township were married Jan 26, 1865. They continued to reside in Long Creek township until their removal to Decatur in 1887. John Nicholson died in Long Creek township in 1877.

" Jerry Nicholson was loyal to his friends and charitable toward his enemies. He was a man of wide experience and was well posted. He was better posted than most any other man on the unwritten history of Macon county, things that happened here in the early days. Active in the business, political and official life of the county up to within a very few years of his death, he possessed a world of information that was hard to learn from any other source and he was usually appealed to when information concerning early events in this county was sought. Always a keen observer and posessing an excellent memory, his stories of the early days were always interesting.

"Mr. Nicholson was a member of Dunham post, 141, G.A.R. lodge no. 312, A.F.& A.M. Macon chapter no. 21, R.A.M., and ? commandery No 9 Knights Templar.

FUNERAL TUESDAY
" He is survived by his wife and the following children: Miss Mina Nicholson, Miss Julia Nicholson, Robert Nicholson, Ira C. Nicholson, Corydon C. Nicholson, and Lester Nicholson all of Decatur. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. James Durning of Mt. Zion, who is eighty-two years old, and three brothers, John Nicholson of Luciene, MO, Charles Nicholson of Bellingham, Wash., and Robert Nicholson of Kinman, Ind. all younger than Jerry.

" The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the family residence, 420 West Decatur street, and will be under the auspices of the Masons. The interment will be in Greenwood."


The Decatur Review - Feb. 26, 1917 - p. 6

[NI3303] Hattie's christened name was Mary Luise Hedwig Hendricks. She was nicknamed Hetla from which came the English Hattie. Her father anglicized the family name to Hendricks.

[NI3873] William Redmond Florey graduated from high school in Oregon City, Oregon and then attended O.I.T. school in Portland.
He was an asphalt paving foreman for his father, T.R. Florey. He was also employed as a truck driver for Steve Wilson Logging and Rogue Valley Oil. He retired from Rogue Valley Oil in 1992.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1945-1948. From 1955 to 1968 he was a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol, also volunteering as a pilot for Mercy Flights for several years.
He enjoyed flying, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.

[NI4035] The only reference to Johann George Flohri junior in Birkenau records is to that of his being a witness to a baptism there in 1765. The priest who recorded the name may have confused it with the name of George senior's son Johannes.
If not, this younger George was probably born outside the city, as there are no church records in Birkenau that record his birth. Nor are there marriage or death records for him.
If there was such a person, he may have been the issue of an earlier marriage for his father.

[NI4040] Virginia Severns' parents were both born in the central Illinois area. Her father's parents came from southern Indiana and, before that, North Carolina and Ohio. Virginia's mother's father was born east of Decatur, IL in LaPlace. Her mother was born in Iowa, but her parents lived in Peoria and Tazwell Co. at the time that they were married. The families came to Illinois from Kentucky and Ohio.

Virginia is the eldest in a family of seven, five daughters and two sons. They were spaced out over eighteen years. Her middle sister died in 1994 of a rare blood disease triggered by a viral infection. She had just had her 45th birthday a few days before. Viginia's youngest sister was born when Virginia was eighteen, and when the sister was a little over two year's old, Virginia herself gave birth to her first daughter. She now has two daughters and one son. She divorced soon after her son was born, and she went on to raise the children alone. She briefly remarried in 1974-5, and spent most of that time in North Hollywood, California. She insisted that she and her husband return to Illinois that fall, when she felt she needed to do so because of family obligations. Her father died that November, and her soon-to-be x returned to California.

After that she returned to as much of a life as she could that was similar to what she had before the California "episode." She even changed her name back to Drennan after her second divorce. About that time in January of 1977, during one of the coldest winters that she could remember (it was below 32 degrees for 3 months and below zero for about 6 weeks), she began to work for the University of Illinois Library. It was 20 below on her first day of work. She was promoted to a higher classification, but she had to return to her previous class back at the library, because she was not prepared for the work required. She decided, therefore, before she ever found herself in that position again, that she would get some additional education. She attended the local junior college, Parkland, which is in Champaign, Illinois, and received her Associate's Degree in 1987. During that time, she did not attend summer classes, and, consequently, she became quite bored. She had been gathering information about her family, and she decided that she could employ the spare time that she had been using for classwork to do some general research.

Virginia worked in the University of Illinois Library Main Building and in the Reference Library, the Newspaper Library, and the Rare Book/Illinois History Library. She found that it was easy to use her lunch break to find the information that she needed. She also used the Champaign County Genealogy Society and the Decatur Genealogy Society to find additional information about her family. She describes herself as fortunate to have easy access to so many resources. It gave her a good start, because she did not need to do much traveling. She was also fortunate to have met Mary Wilking in Decatur, who gave her much information on the Flory/Flora/Florey family line. During this time, just after she had begun her research, she began to look for other sources of contact. A self-described "loner," she finds it difficult to join in groups. One of the groups that she did manage to attend was an adult singles organization at a local church. That is where she met her husband, Buddy Gene Severns.

[NI4106] There is no known record of Hans George Flori's birth. However, the fact that he is the son of Hans of Birkenau is indicated by the church records of Hohensachsen listing the banns for his mariage to Anna Sibilla Westhofen on Jan. 12, 1664. Hohensachsen is a scant 3-4 miles from Birkenau.
It is not known where has was born. He could have been born in Switzerland, or he could have been born in Birkenau prior to 1637 when the first records were kept.

[NI4114] At this point, there is no proof that Marcus Flori of Hohensachsen was the son of Hans Flori of Birkenau. The presence, though, in Hohensachsen of Hans George Flori, the son of Hans, suggests that Marcus may have been his younger brother. "Flori" is a relatively rare name in 17th Germany and Hohensachsen was a very small town. The chances that two unrelated Floris of approximately the same age would find themselves in the same small area are remote, at best. Still, this relationship could be a broader one than that of siblings--perhaps Marcus was a cousin. At any rate, the identification of Marcus Flori with Hans of Birkenau has to be regarded as tentative at best.

The name "Marcus," in general was a very rare name throughout all of Germany in the 17th century and did not come into fashion until much later. A Marcus Fluri was born in Solothurn, Switzerland on June 3, 1650 to a Hans Fluri and a Magdalena Ruetti. This Hans is not the Hans of Birkenau as the local church registry records his death within the town. However, it is possible that his son, the Swiss Marcus, did emigrate to Birkenau. There is no marriage or death record of this Marcus within the town, indicating that he left the area when he was a young man.

The Swiss Marcus is about the same age as the Marcus of Hohensachsen. Considering the rare nature of both the Christian and surnames and the extremely rare possibility that two men of the same approximate age would end up with the same combination of names at the same time, it is intriguing to speculate that both are one. There is no historical proof, however, to indicate that this is the case. If such proof could be found, it would suggest that Hans of Birkenau is somehow tied to the Swiss Fluri family of Solothurn, who, incidentally, were Catholic, not Huguenots.

[NI4154] He was a farmer and fruit grower. He was buried in Isabel Cemetery, located in Kansas.

[NI5109] Billy Thomas Flora and his brother, Harold Wayne Flora, were raised by their maternal grandparents, Harry and Helen Runner.

[NI5122] Bonnie, Kenneth, Frances, Harold, and Amy were brothers and sisters who refused to be separated. Harold and Murell Flora adopted all of them.

[NI5211] He was never named. His mother said that he would have been named "Brodus," but E.G. Young gave the name "Roy" to the local newspaper that printed the obituary.

[NI5228] Jordan and his brother, Jon, were born nine weeks premature and he weighed 3 lbs. 3 oz. at birth. His brother weighted 2 oz. more.

[NI5409] Anna Margaretha Flori, who married Philip Watring on February 24, 1789 in Easton, Pa., is one of three late 18th century women with the name of Flori who apparently lived in Northampton County, Pa. and who have not hitherto appeared in any Flory genealogy. The other two were Sophia Flori, who married Nicholas Dietz on Sept 20, 1798 in Easton, and Catharina Flori, who married Peter Schneider on February 17, 1801 in the same city.

Evidence, however circumstantial it may be, points to Johannes Flori and Christina Hahn as parents. Johannes and Christina were credited by Bunderman with four children: the first, Johannes, was born in Philadelphia on October 16, 1761. The others were Ludwig, born in Northampton County on May 9, 1768, Elizabeth, born in Northampton County on July 23 in an unspecified year (the church records are obscure but probably some where in the early 1770's), and their last child, John George, born in Northampton County on July 4, 1777.

There simply weren't any other recorded Floris in Northampton County at the time who could have been parents to these women other than Johannes and Christina. And the records of Northampton County, both religious and civil, are comprehensive enough to pick up virtually any family that was not merely passing through. It is unlikely they were Adolph's children. He had left the county for Virginia in 1787, and it is improbable that he would have left three daughters behind. Moreover, one of the children that he did take with him was named Catherine, and he would not have given the same name to two separate daughters. There is a possibility that the women were children of George, the third brother, a possibility that is made more tantalizing by the fact that one of the women, Sophia Flori, named one of her sons George Flory Dietz. There is no record of a George or his wife living in the county, however. In all likelihood, George Flori, Johannes' brother, returned to Germany within a year or two of his arrival here and could not have fathered these three women. Moreover, while the name George Flory Dietz suggests that the mother, Sophia, was naming her child after a relative named George Flory, local practice indicates that only the child's middle name was relevant. It was common for a woman to give her non-first born son her surname as a middle name. The first name would come from another source, often from the child's godfather.

These women could have come from outside of Northampton County and have been descendants of Floris other than Johannes. Still, the likelihood of three "imported" Floris to Northampton County during such a short period is highly improbable considering the rarity of the surname "Flory."

Still, the question arises, if these women were Johannes' children, why weren't their births recorded? Johannes and Christina appear often enough in the church registry of The First Reformed Church of Easton to indicate that they took their religious obligations seriously. It is unlikely that they would have neglected to baptize even one of their children, let alone three.

The answer, at least in part, to this objection involves a re-examination of the birth entries of those children for whom we have records. Johannes and Christina's first child, Johannes, was born in 1761, and their second recorded child, Ludwig, in 1768. Not only is there is a gap of seven years in which they could have had other children, it is more than likely that they did. Most couples of the period tended to produce children early in the marriage rather than later, and the 1760's would be the very years where we would expect to see children from Johannes and Christina. The reason why we don't have records for children from this period is that Johannes and Christina had not as yet moved to the stability of Northampton County. We don't know where they were and how many children they may or may not have had. At this point, lack of records does not mean lack of children.

In fact, it seems likely that Elizabeth, whom Bunderman suggests was born in the 1770's, was herself born during the 1760's before Ludwig, whom Bunderman recognizes as Johannes' second child. The entry in the church registry that Bunderman's sources used as evidence for the traditional 1770's dating comes from a confusing time in church records (1771-1776). The church was without a pastor, and the entries are difficult to decipher. On a July 23 sometime between 1771 and 1776 (no specific year was listed in the registry), Johannes and Christina had a child (no name given). The fact that this child presumably survived childhood is indicated by the facts that it had godparents (John Ries and his wife, Sophia) and that their are no death records for any Flori child in the registry near this time.

There is no evidence in the records whatsoever that this unnamed child was Elizabeth Flori. In fact, despite Bunderman's authority, it probably wasn't. The first known record we have for Elizabeth Flori anywhere is that of her marriage to Peter Hill on Sept. 18, 1787. That she was the daughter of Johannes and Christina is indicated by the fact that they were godparents to her first child. However, if Elizabeth were born in the 1771-1776 period, she would only be 11-16 at the time of her marriage. Given that most women at this time married between 21-25, she was probably born around 1762-1767, the time of the Johannes-Christina Diaspora.

If Elizabeth was not the unnamed child born to Johannes and Christina in the 1770's, who was? A likely candidate would be the above mentioned Catharina Flori, whose marriage in 1801 suggests that she, more than Elizabeth, was probably born in the 1770's.

Anna Margaretha Flori probably also was born prior to 1768. Her marriage date of 1789 opens that up as a possibility. Moreover, church records indicate that a Margaretha Flori, single, was a godparent, along with a John Ludwig Knaus, at the baptism of Johann Ludwig Doebler in Easton on Nov. 18, 1781. Assuming that she would have been at least 16 at the time to be given this responsibility, her birth date should be placed at 1765 or even earlier. In all likelihood, she was the second of Johannes and Christina's children.

The only one of the Flori women who doesn't fit into this construct is Sophia. At the time of her death in Northampton County on July 26, 1843, church records indicate that she was 73 years, 1 month, 1 day old, which places her birth at June 25, 1770. This was a time when Johannes and Christina definitely were living within the county. Why wasn't her birth recorded if she was their child?

The answer is that church records for 1770 are faulty. A new pastor, the Reverend Mr. Pithan was in place from October in 1769 to April of 1771, and he only listed three births as having occurred during this period, none of which took place in 1770. That this was due to neglect on his part rather than a lack of fecundity on the part of his parishioners is shown by the fact that his predecessor, the Rev. Frederick L. Henop, recorded 18 births in the parish during the ten months in 1769 that he was still in place. Sophia's baptism in 1770 was not listed because no one's baptism in 1770 was recorded.

To sum up, it is most probable that Anna Margaretha was conceived prior to the family move to Northampton County, that Sophia was born at a time when there is a gap in the church records, and that Catharina was born at a time that was mistakenly assigned to Elizabeth, who was probably born in the 1760's. All four women, thus, are likely daughters of Johannes and Christina and have so been placed.

[NI5567] In 1728, there was a quarrel in Birkenau about emigration taxes. One of the examples cited in a supplicant's petition about the question was that of Peter Flori, who paid a tax of 2 gulden for his son Marcus to emigrate in 1686. Marcus had to be younger than 16, otherwise he would have acted on his own behalf. His share of the property was worth about 20 gulden.

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