Genealogy

Letters

📜 Archivist’s Introduction (1978 – Dorothy Thurston)

This collection of letters was first preserved and shared within the family
by Dorothy (Darcy) Thurston in 1978. Her introductory letter provides
important context for how these materials were originally transcribed.


Read Dorothy Thurston’s introduction →

Thank you to Dorothy Thurston for originally transcribing these letters. Thank you to my mom and grandmother, Beatrice Helen (Ruppel) Shengulette and Nellie Avis (Stage) Ruppel, respectively, for providing a lot of the stories in the clickable notes. Thank you to my wife, Kathryn Marie (English) Shengulette who has mastered ancestry.com search engines and extrapolating facts.

In bringing the letters to the internet, I have more dynamic tools at my disposal than Dorothy did with her word processor back in the 20th century. Notes from Dorothy are in green. We continue to do research on the people mentioned in the letters. Where he have additional information, the person’s name – or similar identifier, like “ma” – appears in blue. You can hover over the blue text and see some of the details from our research. If there is a lot of detail, you can carefully click in the hover text on the “View Full Profile” link to open a new tab with all the notes.

The people for whom we have some information are broken into three groups: Family, Extended Family and Others. The Family category is limited to my direct ancestors and their siblings.

There are two entries in the list that predate the others by 20 years. These were not part of the collection found by Dorothy Thurston. They are letters from Samuel T. Wood to Mary Elizabeth (Ganoung) Wood. Samuel was a latecomer to the Civil War, but while enlisted he contracted an illness that led to his death (shortly before my great-grandmother Helen was born). Mary submitted his letters to a broker while seeking his pension, and we later recovered them via military records requests. These are not fully transcribed… yet; the PDFs are really hard to read.

Letters Archive

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Family

John Ganoung Margery Ganoung Mary Ganoung Sarah Ganoung Sarah Ganoung* Catharine Joline Mary Knapp Bert/AJ Stage Charly Stage Clara Stage Ed Stage Freddie Stage Ida Stage Isaac Stage John Stage John Stage Kate Stage Maria Stage Emma Stage Mary Stage Nellie Stage Sarah Stage Tessie Stage Stella Stage Charles Wood George Wood Helen/Ella Wood Herb/Bert Wood Mate Wood Jane Wood Samuel Wood Kate Wood Harry Wood

Extended Family

Nancy Arney John Carey Helen Colegrove Guy Coontz Hazel Coontz Jesse Coontz Willis Coontz Grace Ford Cora Funk Bert Ganoung Liss/Lissa Ganoung Dan Hendrickson Thank Knights Louie Knowlton Lynn Knowlton Chloe Lattin Helen Mekeel Levi Mekeel Mahala Merritt Elisha Nash Mabel Nash Bert Owen Sam Owen Harrison Redding Renzo Redding Charley Reynolds Edith Reynolds Will Reynolds Will Reynolds Will Saylor John Seeds Arad Smith Charley Smith Louisa Smith Ada Stage Maude Stage Blanche Stage Lib Stage Elma Stage Elmer Stage Emery Stage Everett Stage Florence Stage Leigh Stage Stella Stage Henry Tensler Fanny Torpy Tom Whiteside Andy Willoughby Cecil Willoughby Finley Willoughby Johnny Willoughby Belle Wood Homer Wood Eveard Wood

Others (77)

Burr Bailey Eunice Brewster Bert Buck Frank Buck Leon Buck Emma Campbell Goldie Campbell Charles Capell Will Capell George Clark Edy Cogswell Della Cook Lottie Corkwell Hattie Coveney Sadie/Saley Culver Emma Darling Stephen Darling Marthy Davis Perry Dawson Sophie Doty Freem Dyke Rubie Dyke Reuben Dyke Frances Faulkner Susan Faust Lyman Frost Stillman Frost Mary Gee Maria Hart L Hecathorn George Hecathorn Lura Higley Lucy Higley Esther Holly Lottie Hyatt Agata Kelley Min Kellogg Andrew Knowlton Ella Lanigan Maggie Lanigan Mary Lanigan Winnie Lanigan Morgan Lawless Flora Love Jennie McKinley Doctor Miller Guy Milspaugh Kate Mix Orris Mudge Horace Packer Andy Rentschler Clara Reynolds Bennett Reynolds George Ridgeway Walter Roe Adele Rowley Ed Rundell Addie Shaller Kate Smith Orson Smith Carrie Smith* Bessie Straight Ammi Taylor Em Taylor Daisy, the bird Fred, the bird Andrew Thetge Loutie Thetge Louie Thetge Dennison Thomas Ruth Van Loon Charles Vanhart Rose Vanhart Walter Watkins Sallie Willoughby Ed Wood Clay Yoakam

Touchstones Mentioned

Havana RenamedHavana Renamed The Village of Havana, NY, officially changed its name to Montour Falls in 1893 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montour_Falls,_New_York Woman in BlackWoman in Black Classic urban legend about a darkly-clad woman who appears mysteriously in windows or dimly lit areas, generally scaring lone pedestrians. One reference indicates it was still a thing (or became a thing again) in 1906. Of course, there's the Daniel Radcliffe film from 2012. https://shermanroom.omeka.net/oldposts Johnstown FloodJohnstown Flood 2208 people died when the South Fork Dam on the Conemaugh River failed on Friday, May 31, 1888. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnstown_Flood PensionPension Samuel T. Wood mustered in at Elmira, NY on February 25, 1865. He mustered out at Elmira, NY on May 3, 1865. General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattoz on April 6, 1865. That's about a month and a half in barracks without seeing battle. Unfortunately, early in his enlistment he contracted the illness that eventually took his life shortly before his last child, my great-grandmother Helen, was born. Through a 2025 military records request we learned that Mary (Ganoung) Wood eventually was awarded the pension. Poverty HillPoverty Hill Poverty Hill is now Prospect Road in Mansfield, PA. Thanks to Joyce M. Tice's great site. https://www.joycetice.com/books/1957ch02.htm Pickle HillPickle Hill See Joyce Tice's site. https://www.joycetice.com/articles/hills.htm The Cigar ShopThe Cigar Shop The young ladies in this crew all seem to work at a cigar factory. From Google AI - In the 1890s, Mansfield, PA (Richland County), was a major hub for cigar production, featuring 17 active factories and producing millions of cigars annually. Key industry figures included Hautzenroeder & Company, which was the largest employer, and JA Rigby, who expanded from distributing to operating factories, sourcing tobacco from as far as Cuba. Washington Court House RiotWashington Court House Riot From Wikipedia - On October 16, 1894, a crowd gathered outside the Fayette County Courthouse with intent to lynch William "Jasper" Dolby, a black man who had been convicted of sexually assaulting a white woman. Ohio Governor William McKinley called out the militia to subdue the crowd. On October 17, the crowd rushed the courthouse doors and was warned to "disperse or be fired upon." They ignored the warning and continued to batter the doors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Court_House,_Ohio#1894_riot 1893 Chicago World's Fair1893 Chicago World's Fair Held May 1, 1893 – Oct 30, 1893. It would be fascinating to see the prize-winning photo. https://worldsfairchicago1893.com/ Old Village Churchyard (song)Old Village Churchyard (song) Popular English folksong that emerged in the mid-1600s. There are hundreds of versions, but John Stage presents a version in one of these letters. It's curious because his wife passes in November, but he's mourning her loss months earlier. Was she out of the home for the last months of her life?

Under Investigation (65)

Dan SmithDan Smith Somebody known to both Samuel and Mary Wood, who is "attached" to Sarah Rockwell and is in the Elmira barracks with Samuel. Mary UnknownMary Unknown Samuel "what Mary thinks or says dont make eny diference to me" in his March 16, letter. It seems the most important Marys to Samuel (other than his wife) would be his sister (Mary Jane Mekeel) and his sister-in-law (Mary Jane Wood, married to Stephen). No way to confirm based on lack of context. Sarah RockwellSarah Rockwell Her "man", Dan Smith, is at the Elmira barracks with Samuel. Doc KelloggDoc Kellogg Some relation to Min.His wife was buried September 15, 1885. Mrs WickhamMrs Wickham Neighbor of Sarah Owen. Found various census records for the Wickhams but no one living "next door" to any Owens yet. Mrs NortonMrs Norton Lura Thetge is staying with her baby in April of 1889 in Mansfield. Rose NewhartRose Newhart Laid off from the stripping room in late March/early April 1889 Nellie MonkNellie Monk Converted and baptized, late March/early April 1889 Mrs ShawMrs Shaw A woman for whom Mary E Wood sews in late March/early April 1889. Says "she don't sit up yet" so perhaps she just had a baby. Mr BarnesMr Barnes Paid Mary E Wood that half dollar (he owed her?) Unknown ClarkeUnknown Clarke Baby is very sick Ed UnknownEd Unknown Told Aunt Saley that she was snooping around as while she picked up "enough to keep house with". Mrs DunhamMrs Dunham dies ~04/89 Mate is living with some set of Dunhams Grace LenaGrace Lena Staying with ME Wood in May 1889 ShalersShalers Next sewing job in May 1889 Msst WhiteMsst White Won't pay ME Wood for work in May 1889 Frank LongbothamFrank Longbotham 1889-05-12 letter from ME Wood enlisted his help get money from Msst White. The 1860-1880 Federal census narrows the search to two Frank Longbothams. Don't have any further context to choose one. Anna MyresAnna Myres Left Mansfield for Greenwood to work April-May 1889 Fred LambFred Lamb "Bert, your horse barn has moved way down to Fred Lamb's" (after the Johnstown flood). Lambs Creek named after the Lamb family? Mrs Man/MannMrs Man/Mann ME Wood has to go to her house to sew in July of 1889 due to broken machine. Clint UnknownClint Unknown Current occupant (July 1889) of a house once occupied by Kate (Wood) Reynolds and her family. Need to know a trail of Reynolds' family locales. Maria TompkinsMaria Tompkins She's recently deceased in Mate's Sep 1, 1889 letter from Havana (Montour Falls) Dayton's FolksDayton's Folks Dayton's folks got a boy, so somebody just had a baby ON JULY 4, 1889. C'mon, we gotta be able to find a Dayton born in Mansfield on that date (... unless he didn't make it). SadeSade Mentioned with Edy Unknown (from the people list). If we ever find Edy... Any chance it's Sadilla Culver Dyke? I think they're in the area in 1889. Chet BaileyChet Bailey Tied to Mrs Bailey, but perhaps not married and she's Mrs Burr Bailey. ME Wood does work for him for a week in Oct 1889. Clarence CholesClarence Choles mid-Oct 1889 asked how Bert Stage was getting on out there (in Ohio) Elmer UnknownElmer Unknown It's an Elmer that Bert knows (from either OH or PA) who has moved to Iowa twice, second time in late 1889. There is no record of Elmer Stage living in Iowa. I don't have enough to go on here. Mrs DeckerMrs Decker Lives on Poverty Hill Ede UnknownEde Unknown Not the same as Edy Unknown, as the latter is mentioned twice in the same Jan 10, 1890 letter Unknown CogsmierUnknown Cogsmier Recent sewing client of ME Wood (1890-01-10). Lives up a hill. Got Religion in 1889Got Religion in 1889 Baptist Revival was big here: Mell Strait, John Bixley, Fent Allen, Bill Willson, Wellt Smith, Bill Lorenc, Gill Welch, Kate Smith, Dan Wood Mr DavisMr Davis Recently married in Jan 1890 and setting off to work his farm on Pickel Hill Ant Jessey SmithAnt Jessey Smith ME Wood stayed with her while she had the grip. Sat Jan 18- Thr Jan 23, 1890. The duration of the stay makes me think it's a road trip to NY. Mrs JakeMrs Jake Stayed with ME Wood while she was sick, Sat Jan 25, 1890. Edd SwanEdd Swan Mansfield Neighbor. Brings wood while ME Wood is sick in Jam 1890. Kate OrsonKate Orson Helped out while ME Wood was sick in Jan 1890. Mate Wood works for the Orsons starting March 30, 1890. Helen Unknown(/Orson?)Helen Unknown(/Orson?) Came along with Kate Orson in Jan 1890 to help while ME Wood was sick. Elder PalmerElder Palmer He, or rather his house, comes up as a reference point to say where ME Wood is living in late Feb 1890. Pension Agent AllcottPension Agent Allcott ME Wood is considering using him in Feb of 1890. Mrs SwanMrs Swan pension agent Allcott was working to have Mrs Swan as a client in Feb 1890 Birt IvesBirt Ives Feb 27 1890 letter says he and his people are moving to Seattle or may have already moved. Mrs MyresMrs Myres Recently married again (Apr 1890). Possible connection to Anna Myres? Bo BalenBo Balen Has been very sick but is getting better as John Stage writes his letter in April 1891. Uncle Bill DartUncle Bill Dart Gets doctor for Ida Stage in July 1891. BettieBettie Aug 1891 - giving Ida "some blocks for your quilt." (Helen's quilt) Sallie BollinSallie Bollin Looks well in Aug 1891 Related to Bo Balen. I don't believe they live by a Balen AND a Bollin. Wm GrovesWm Groves Ran the mill before "Gorg". Uncle HenryUncle Henry Uncle to Emma Darling, In Oct 1891 he's connected to the machinations of ME Wood's pension request. Henry UnknownHenry Unknown In the context of Emma Darling's Oct 1891 letter, he's connected to her Uncle Henry. Rosa WhitingRosa Whiting Nov 1891 - she works for the Redding family in Ohio. Frank UnknownFrank Unknown Dec 1891 - Aunt Helen and Frank sat up while Ida was sick. Aunt Helen is not familiar Aunt Helen Stage (because she's in NY/PA at this time, Ida even asks of her in the letter). So, a different Aunt Helen with an association to a Frank. Mrs AnkromMrs Ankrom Neighbor of Ida. No doubt tied to Mr. Ankram from John Stage's letter. Em BaggarEm Baggar Buried on Dec 9, 1891, Darbyville. Clarence UnknownClarence Unknown Not Clarence Choles (a PA person). Possibly the postman - Dec 1891. James Grable and Rick WhitesideJames Grable and Rick Whiteside late 1891 Rick sells his farm to James in or near Mt Sterling, Madison Co., OH. Matee RipleyMatee Ripley May/Jun 1893 - ME Wood spent a week at her place. AdeAde Jun 21 1893 - friend of Mate Wood? Tomana LandisTomana Landis 1894-07-?? takes Ida Stage to a dance. It's an unusual first name; I thought we'd have more luck. Mollie Polling Mollie Polling Aug 1894 - Ida is making her a dress. I am more than a little skeptical of Balen, Bollen, Polling as separate last names (versus spelling transcription errors). ThorntonsThorntons Aug 1894 - Stella is working for the Thorntons.Apparently she's there during the week and has weekends off to come home. Stella is 16 at this point. List of the August 1894 dead in OhioList of the August 1894 dead in Ohio Crick Davis, Clint Bertrand's wife, Ola Wheeler, Mollie Winfough, Clara Wandell Minnie UnknownMinnie Unknown Aug 1894 - She came up to wherever Ida was and shopped for Clara and Andy's kids (and had their photo taken). Minnie tied to Clara and Andy Willoughby. Wes UnknownWes Unknown Nov 1894 - Bert Stage paid Wes money for something related to an Ohio deed that Elmer Stage is trying to handle for him while apparently working against Lib and Henry Tensler. Unknown DarlingUnknown Darling Nov 1894 - This is probably a Darling we already know (Emma, Henry, etc.) Bert sends money to Wes related to his Ohio deed. Wes gets it to Lib Tensler and Lib pays ? Darling, all without Elmer's knowledge. Elmer is not happy about all this. Ohio Housing Transactions JJan 1895Ohio Housing Transactions JJan 1895 Ed - assuming Edward T Stage, so far - has moved in the hous Wher Ken Clark lived. Ken moved in the saWmil house. Eds Son-en-law - The Edward T Stage assumption breaks down a little here as Ed's only son-in-law would be Henry Tensler, and he has using Henry's name in earlier letters - moved in Jims Harpers house Wher Harper lived and Harper moved hear.