BENJAMIN SCALF SR.
1765-1870
Son of Lewis Scalf (1745)

Benjamin Scalf, son of Lewis Scalf and his wife, Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf, was born May 10, 1764 in Johnston County, North Carolina according to his obituary. A copy of this was submitted to the author by Wendy Klosterman. Spelling and punctuation have been left as found in the article.

Herald Of Truth - Volume VII, Number 5 - April, 1870, page 62-63

Death notices should be written as briefly as possible, and when poetry is added, it should not exceed eight lines.

In Millersburg, Elkhart county, Ind., on the 8th of March 1870, BENJAMIN SCALF, aged 105 years 9 months and 28 days. He was born in Johnson county, North Carolina, May 10th 1764, and consequently was about 12 years old at the time of the Declaration of Independence. He moved to Illinois at an early day, and afterwards removed to this county, probably about 15 years ago. He retained his mental faculties until his death. He had been a member of the M. E. Church over 50 years, though he was 50 years old when he joined the church. He was peculiarly fond of speaking of his religious comforts and *christian enjoyments, which he enjoyed even unto the end.- (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

M. E. is an abbreviation for the Methodist Episcopal Church. The obituary states that Benjamin had joined around fifty years or more prior to 1870, and this calculates to at least the year 1820.

The obituary states he was born in Johnson County, NC; however, this should be JOHNSTON. This information also reveals that his father, Lewis Scalf, was living in Johnston County, NC during the time of Benjamin’s birth and may have married there.

Benjamin is believed to have been the second son of Lewis Scalf (born 1745). For identification purposes we will call him Benjamin Sr. Although no records have been found stating he was a senior, he did have a son named Benjamin and for identification purposes, the author has used senior and junior in these writings.

Little has been known through the years about the line of Benjamin Scalf, Sr. and very little documentation was found prior to these writings. Since the first posting of this chapter, a number of descendants have become involved in helping us put together the family of Benjamin Scalf, Sr., and for this we are very grateful.

We have been unable to find Benjamin listed on an 1800 census as head of house although we believe he might have been married at that time. His father, Lewis, and brother, John, were found living in Surry, a neighboring county, in 1800 and were heads of house in that year.

Benjamin was also not found in 1820 making it further difficult to determine the exact number of his children. His father Lewis and brothers, William and David, were living in Greenville County, South Carolina in 1820 and his brother, John, was living in Russell County, Virginia in 1820.

Following is a timeline of where Lewis Scalf and his sons were located in specific years:

1) 1745 - August 21, 1745, Lewis Scarf was born in Pasquotank Co. NC. Scalf appears to be spelled SCARLF on this record.(Pasquotank Births, Marriages, Deaths, Brands And Flesh Marks 1691-1797, Page 42, Raleigh, NC Archives)

2) 1779 - Tax list. Lewis Scalf in Cumberland Co. NC

3) 1784 - Tax list. Lewis Scalf in Johnston Co. NC.

4) 1787 - Lewis in Johnston County, NC State Census.

5) 1790 - Lewis is HOH in Edgecombe Co. NC census. Son, John Sr., married 1787 but not found as HOH in 1790. Believed to be in the home of his father at this time.

6) 1798 - Lewis and son, John Scalf, Sr., were found on a tax list of Surry County, NC. "At the age of 53 Lewis was in Surry County, North Carolina. His name appears there on a tax list in 1798. John Scalf, his son, was living on an adjoining farm." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

7) 1799 - Lewis is still in Surry Co. NC. "In 1799 Lewis Scalf again was listed on a tax list for Surry County." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

8) 1800 - Lewis Scalf is HOH on Surry Co. NC census.

9) 1800 - John Scalf Sr. (Son of Lewis) in Surry County census as HOH. Neither Benjamin, David, nor William was found as HOH in 1800.

10) 1805 - Lewis Scalf was taxed in Wilkes County, NC. "Shortly after 1800, however, Lewis moved to Wilkes County, North Carolina where he appears on a tax list in 1805. Lewis was farming 150 acres at this time and with him was his wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Sarah." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

11) 1806 - John Scalf, Sr., leaves North Carolina. "One son, John, left around 1806. He had been charged just prior to this with stealing a "light blue hog." John’s brother, William, went on his bond for $40 but John saw fit to leave the county before the trial came up." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

12) 1810 - Lewis was still in Wilkes County, NC. "Another tax list for 1810 shows Lewis was still residing in Wilkes County at the age of 65." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

13) 1810 - Lewis Scalf found as HOH in Wilkes Co. NC census.

14) 1810 - Benjamin and David (sons of Lewis) are also HOH in nearby Iredell Co. NC census.

15) 1810 - John Scalf, Sr. (Son of Lewis) is HOH Floyd County, KY census.

16) 1812 - David and Benjamin Scalf reported to have left North Carolina around this time. "Two other brothers, David and Benjamin, were in the area also. They both left about the year 1812 and went to Iredell County, North Carolina for a short stay. From Iredell County they soon moved with David going first to Greenville, South Carolina and later on over into, Tennessee. Benjamin, it appears, went directly to Tennessee and later migrated to Indiana where he lived to quite an advanced age." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

17) 1812 - Court record of Surry County records the following -"In the Surry County Superior Court Minutes of March, 1812 there is an entry indicating that Lewis and Elizabeth Scalf were paid to act as witnesses in the trial of Sarah Scalf for the murder of her infant son. Lewis and his wife had to appear in court to give evidence on behalf of the state as did his son, Benjamin, and Benjamin’s wife, Ceeley. They were all paid expenses for showing in court according to the records. The final result of the trial has never been learned. In the State Docket bock the records indicate that Lewis had been placed under a $200 appearance bond for himself and his wife to assure their being in court to give testimony in this case." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

18) 1814 -Elmer Scalf states that Lewis left North Carolina about 1814. "Lewis Scalf bought and sold land most everywhere he went. After he moved from North Carolina about 1814 he went to Greenville, South Carolina and bought land there." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

19) 1820 - Lewis Scalf is HOH in Greeneville Co, SC census.

20) 1820 - David and William, (Sons of Lewis) each are HOH in Greenville Co. SC census.

21) 1820 - Benjamin not found anywhere as HOH, but suspected to be in East TN. No 1820 East TN censuses survived.

22) 1820 - John Scalf, Sr., (son of Lewis) HOH in Russell Co, VA census.

23) 1830 - Lewis Scalf HOH in Habersham Co. GA census.

24) 1830 - William Scalf (son of Lewis) HOH Habersham Co. GA census.

25) 1830 - John Scalf, Sr. (son of Lewis) HOH Russell Co. VA census.

26) 1830 - Benjamin and David (sons of Lewis) both HOH in Washington Co. TN census.

27) 1840 - Lewis Scalf died around 1839-1840 in Habersham, Walker, or Franklin Co. GA. "It is quite possible that Lewis Scalf may have died in Franklin County, Georgia or even Jackson County, Georgia instead of Habersham County as many people have believed for years to be the case." (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf, online @ Scalf Family Website)

28)1840 - William (son of Lewis) HOH in Habersham Co census.

29) 1840 - John Scalf Sr. (son of Lewis) HOH in Hawkins Co. TN census.

30) 1840 - Benjamin Scalf (son of Lewis) HOH in McDonough County, IL census.

31) 1840 - David Scalf (son of Lewis) HOH in Sullivan Co. TN census.

32) 1848 - John Scalf, Sr. died 1848 at Greene County, TN

33) 1850 - David Scalf (Son of Lewis) living with son-in-law and daughter in Carter Co. TN.

34) 1850 - Benjamin Scalf (Son of Lewis) still living, but not found on any census with family or as HOH.

35) 1860 - Benjamin Scalf (Son of Lewis) living with son, Benjamin, in Elkhart, Indiana census.

36) 1860 - David Scalf (Son of Lewis) no longer found and assumed deceased.

37) 1870 - Benjamin Scalf (Son of Lewis) died March 1870 before the census enumeration.

Benjamin Scalf left the East Tennessee area 1830-1836 and moved to McDonough County, Illinois. Most, if not all, of Benjamin’s children followed him to Illinois. We believe Benjamin and some of his sons might have left East Tennessee around the same time and several daughters with their families followed; however, it is very possible they all left together as most families did in those days with the exception of Rebecca Scalf Hankle who followed 1860-1870. No doubt, they were following the land prices, and during the 1830’s land had opened up in these areas at very low prices.

By estimation from his obituary, Benjamin would have been born around 1765. His brother, John Scalf, Sr. was stated in DAR records to have been born around 1760-1762 and was the oldest son of Lewis Scalf. The author does not agree with this date due to the birth date of their father, Lewis, whose birth record states he was born 1745. If we accept the DAR record of John’s birth date this places Lewis-age around 14-16 years old when John Sr. was born, which is very unlikely for the time period involved.

Due to the birth date of Lewis Scalf, it is very unlikely that he married at the age of 15 or even 16 in a time period when men were not considered of legal age until they reached 21. It was not common for a man to marry under the age of 21 at that time and those that did, which were very few, required the signature of a parent. Since we have no marriage record for Lewis we cannot know for sure that he did not marry before age 21; however, the author believes that John Scalf Sr. was likely born at least 1765-1767 when his father, Lewis, was 20-22 years old, and Benjamin was likely born a year or two later. If Lewis Scalf did marry around 21 years old as was common, then John was likely born around 1766 or 1767 and would have been around 14 or 15 years old during the Revolutionary War. This seems quite young by today’s standards, but was not uncommon for the Revolutionary War.

If this is correct, this would place Benjamin’s birth date around 1767 or 1768; therefore, his age would calculate to around 102-103 years old when he died in 1870. This seems more logical to the author than the dates that have been suggested. Either way we know that Benjamin certainly lived a very long time.

The next son, David S. Scalf, appears to have been born around 1772 from census records. There would have been at least a 4-5 year span between Benjamin and David and certainly enough space for the birth of at least one child.

Due to the fact that Benjamin cannot be traced very well in the earlier time period, we have been unable to satisfactorily document most of his children and this leaves much to speculation. Benjamin likely married a little earlier than his brother David, but a marriage record for either brother has not been found. Had it not been for the pension file of John Scalf, Sr. we likely would have never known when John married as well. Many tragedies happened in the colonial days of this country that resulted in records being lost and/or destroyed.

If the younger males and females in the home of Benjamin in 1810 were his children, he had a total of four at that time; two daughters and two sons. However, in 1820 Benjamin is missing from the records and twenty years lapse before we find him again. It is likely that some of his children married and left home before he was again found on a census record; therefore, we may never know exactly how many children Benjamin had.

The fact that David and Benjamin were both living in Washington County, Tennessee in 1830 also causes much difficulty in separating their children. Another factor involved is the area. Washington County, Tennessee is located near Russell County, Virginia where their brother John lived, and some of John’s family also visited the family in Washington County, Tennessee and one son of John married there. A daughter of John and Edy Carlisle Scalf, Lydia Scalf, married Johnston Painter who was also from Washington County, Tennessee and likely lived there for a period of time. The records certainly suggest that the family did keep in touch.

The author has taken liberty in this chapter to present the children believed by the author to have been children of Benjamin Scalf and this may not be correct; however, we believe there is enough circumstantial evidence to support them being children of Benjamin and Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf.

There are also families in the Carter and Washington County, Tennessee area that have not been placed and although the author feels that most of them likely belonged to one or the other of these men, not enough evidence of any type has been found to comfortably place them with either David or Benjamin. They might also have been children of John Scalf, Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts Scalf; therefore, if we cannot find enough information to place these folks, a chapter will be written with the information found to date to elicit help from descendants in placing these folks.

Genealogy will always be a work in progress as long as there is life. Our hope is to guide those who follow the genealogy trail in resolving the mysteries concerning these families.

Benjamin was not found as head of house in 1800 and might have been one of the males in his father’s home at this time. We know that John Scalf, Sr. was married at this time and was head of his own household in 1800. Benjamin, David and William were not found as head of house and this leads us to believe that the other three males were Benjamin, David and William although the ages do not appear to correlate with Benjamin and David.

1800 Surry Co. NC:

Lewis Scalf

Assuming that the ages might have been misstated on this census at least one male 10-16, born 1784-1790 by estimation could have been William. William was born 1780 by estimation of other census records. The other male aged 16-26 was born 1774-1784 and could have been David, but his birth year on later census records estimates his birth date as 1772 and Benjamin was older than David according to his obituary, as well as census records.

We find Benjamin as head of house in 1810 Iredell County, NC.

1810 Iredell CO NC

SCALF, Benjamin

In analyzing this census, there are a number of things that are possible. First, it is possible that the female 26-45 years old was Benjamin’s wife and one of the males in the same age range was Benjamin.

Second, it is just as possible that the female 45 or older was Benjamin’s wife, Ceely Ann Keziah. Benjamin would have been around 40-45 years old if he was actually born 1765-1770 and the female 45 or older could have been 46 years old or older on this census. It was not unusual for a woman to be several years older than her husband, so this census could also be determined in this way.

Third, it might also be assumed that the female 45 or older, was Benjamin’s mother-in-law or any relative of either Benjamin or Ceely Ann living with the family. The same could be said for the other male 26-45 years old. We can certainly rule out the possibility of the male 26-45 being one of Benjamin’s brothers because they were all head of house in this year with their own families, unless Benjamin had a brother we know nothing about. To my knowledge, there has never been any information to suggest to researchers that another brother existed. We can probably rule out the possibility that the older female was Benjamin’s mother on this census due to the fact that a female was in his father’s home that was likely Benjamin’s mother. However, we must not forget that sometimes people were enumerated in their own home and then in the home of a family member in the same census year depending on what day the enumerator came around. Therefore, the earlier census records, especially before 1850, will be mostly speculation. The only factual thing about the 1790-1840 census records is the head of house, for they were the only family members named.

Last, there is the possibility that one of the males aged 26-45 could have been a brother to Ceely Ann and the older female 45 or older was his wife. Therefore, we also cannot confirm that the children were children of Benjamin and Ceely Ann because they may just as easily have been children of this male and older female.

We do know from Keziah researchers, along with our own research that the Keziah family was living in the same area at this time. We also believe that Sandifer Keziah, believed to have been Ceely Ann’s father, had died by this date and this makes it highly possibly that her mother was living with them at this time and possibly a brother of Ceely Ann.

Assuming that the female aged 26-45 was Benjamin’s wife, the other male aged 26-45 was a relative, the older female 45 or older was Ceely Ann’s mother, and the two younger males and females were children of Benjamin and Ceely, then they had four children by 1810 and the oldest child was born at least 1800 (plus or minus a few years), then Benjamin and Ceely Ann likely married 1795-1800. We also assume Benjamin was in his 30’s before he married. Due to the common age that was likely for Lewis Scalf when his first child, John Sr., was born, the author believes Benjamin was likely born at least 1768-1770; however, we can only speculate on all of this and the margin of error for speculation has no boundaries.

As stated above, assuming these were Benjamin’s children, we believe these children were Lewis, Benjamin Jr., Mahala and possibly Joanna.

The next record we have of Benjamin was found in the Surry County, North Carolina Court Minutes of 1812, which does reveal that Benjamin was married at this time. This record has not been reviewed by the author but is listed in Scalf Family History. Below is an excerpt from that book:

In the Surry County Superior Court Minutes of March, 1812 there is an entry indicating that Lewis and Elizabeth Scalf were paid to act as witnesses in the trial of Sarah Scalf for the murder of her infant son. Sarah used an alias, Caps, according to the record. Lewis and his wife had to appear in court to give evidence on behalf of the state as did his son, Benjamin, and Benjamin’s wife, Ceeley. They were all paid expenses for showing in court according to the records. The final result of the trial has never been learned. In the State Docket bock the records indicate that Lewis had been placed under a $200 appearance bond for himself and his wife to assure their being in court to give testimony in this case. (Scalf Family History, Chapter III, Lewis Scalf)

We have no knowledge of how, or if, this case was settled because there is no follow-up record. The term "alias" used in this record was simply to indicate that Caps was either Sarah’s maiden or married name, not that she was using an assumed name. This can be found in many of the old records concerning marital names. The word, alias was not a specific term for using an assumed name during that period as it is today, although the term sometimes indicated an assumed name was being used.

Note: A James Cap was living six houses away from Benjamin on this census. Sarah Scalf, daughter of Lewis, is believed to have married James Caps/Capps. This family might have been the family of James and Sarah Scalf Caps. If so, they had five children in 1810. From the ages of the children, it is indicated that James and Sarah married before 1800. The oldest children were being born as early as 1784 on this census which also complicates things even further. If Sarah had children as early as 1784 it would suggest that she was married around 1780-1784. For Sarah to have been married by 1780 she would have been born around 1759 if she was 21 at her marriage as was common for the time. Even if she was 16-20 she would have been born around 1764-1768 which would again complicates things if we believe that Benjamin was born 1767-1770. John Scalf Sr. was born at least 1766 or 1767. If this was Sarah Scalf Caps, she might have been born between John and Benjamin or between Benjamin and David. David is believed to have been born 1772; therefore, John would have been born 1766, Benjamin in 1768, Sarah in 1769 or 1770 and David in 1772.  If Sarah was born in 1770 she would have only been 14 when she married and although it was not impossible, it was very improbable for this early time period. It did happen much later, but it was rare in this time period. Not to say that it could not have happened, but the probability of it was rare. We also cannot forget that Elmer Scalf stated that Sarah was with her father in 1805 although we do not know on what reference Elmer might have found to base this on. It is just as possible that another daughter was with Lewis in 1805. We might be able to resolve some of these mysteries with further research before Lewis Scalf.

This appears to be the only census this family was found on. Nothing has been learned of Sarah Scalf Capps, although a number of the Capps/Caps family was found living in Grainger and Claiborne County, Tennessee along with the Scalf family and some of their marital ties. A connection to these families has not been established at this time.

It should also be noted here that one of the Caps researchers does not believe the family living nearby was actually Caps but was likely Cass instead.  This may be one of the reasons we have not learned much about Sarah Scalf Caps. The name might have been Sarah Scalf Cass instead of Caps.

1810 Iredell Co. NC

Cap, James

Benjamin Scalf married Ceely Ann Keziah (also spelled Koziah/Coziah/Coziahr). If they married at the common age of 21, they most likely married around 1785-1790. However, it appears from information thus far that they married 1795-1800. The Keziah family can be found in Washington County, Tennessee (spelled various ways) at the same time the Scalf families were living there and Sandifer Keziah appeared to have been in Washington County before the Scalf family.

Benjamin and Ceely Ann had a son, Lewis, born 1800-1805 who was living in Washington County, Tennessee and has often been mistaken for his grandfather, Lewis, by researchers over the years. Many researchers have thought that Benjamin and his father, Lewis, were in Washington County, Tennessee but this was Benjamin’s son, not his father.

Lewis (son of Benjamin) can be found with his first wife, Nancy Keziah (appears as Hoziah/Koziah in Washington Co.) on the 1830 census of Washington County, Tennessee. Lewis (Son of Benjamin) and Nancy Keziah married in 1829. Although no definite proof has been found, the author and Keziah family researchers believe that Nancy was a niece of her husbands-mother, Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf.

At first glance of the name Koziah on the Washington County, Tennessee records concerning Nancy, the name appears as Nancy HOZIAH on page 55 of the Washington County Marriages, Book 1. The name then appears on page 222 of the same book as Nancy Kozeah. The Koziah name is also found with numerous spellings such as Coziah/Coziar/Coziahr/Keziah/Kizziah/Casiah/Ceziar/Koziah/Hoziah, just to mention a few, and is very difficult to research. The K and C are interchangeable. The most correct spelling according to family researchers is KEZIAH.

Research on the Keziah name leads us back to Surry County, North Carolina to the 1810 census. On the 1810 Surry County census, a Jodwick and a William Coziah are found. The name Jodwick should be Lodwick or Ludwick according to a Keziah researcher. Recall that Lewis Scalf had lived here in 1800. Lewis Scalf and wife Elizabeth, Benjamin and wife Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf, were also summoned to appear in court there in 1812.

According to a Keziah researcher, the Keziah family was in Washington County, Tennessee as early as 1782. A Sandifer Kesiah was listed in a deed of land to James Ray (Old Book A, page 38-39, 10/24/1782, NC grant #242 to James Ray 190 acres on a branch of Cherokee Creek adj. Sand’fr Kesiah and Mr. Pinson - Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, County Court Volume 1, 1778-1779 Washington Co. NC-TN. Washington County, TN Deeds 1775-1800 by Loraine Rae, 1991 Southern Historical Press)

Sandifer Kesiah is also listed in the Revolutionary Army Accounts. A copy of this is posted and shows that Sandifer received payment in Washington (then Sullivan County, North Carolina) from the State of North Carolina.The pay vouchers were signed by Landon Carter and E. Williams. Sandifer received one pound-eleven shillings on June 12, 1782, and sixteen shillings on November 12, 1783. The pension record for Sandifer Kesiah has been requested, if one exists. This record of payment shows that Sandifer was drawing a pension for his service. (See copy of Pay Vouchers & Army Accounts Index)

UPDATE October 2010: A pension file for Sandifer Keziah was requested and the author was informed that none exists.

The area of Washington County that Sandifer Kesiah lived in was also a part of North Carolina before it became Tennessee. Parts of Surry County, North Carolina were taken to create Washington District, which later became Washington and Sullivan County, Tennessee. Several changes took place concerning the North Carolina/Tennessee boundary which is very confusing to researchers. Without going into the land changes of Tennessee, the author can only direct that a study of Tennessee land versus North Carolina be undertaken to understand these boundary changes. Otherwise, one might lose an ancestor that did not move from the area but the record is recorded other than where one thinks it should be. Depending on the year in question, the record could be recorded in North Carolina or Tennessee as well as Virginia because Virginia and North Carolina both claimed the land that is now East Tennessee at one time. Washington County was also Washington District before it was Washington County. Districts were created before counties and were called Militia Districts. Again, this depends on the years in question.

My Keziah correspondent states that Sandifer Kesiah was the father of Lodwick Coziah who was found on the 1810 Surry County, NC census. A William Coziah is also found on the same census as head of house and was most likely Lodwick’s son due to his estimated age. The estimated birth date of Sandifer Kesiah is around 1737, just eight years prior to the birth of Lewis Scalf (1745). Sandifer’s son Lodwick’s estimated birth date is around 1765-1774 and would fit in the birth range of Benjamin Scalf and his brother David. If Ceely Ann was born 1767-1770, she was most likely a sister of Lodwick and daughter of Sandifer Kesiah. This is only speculation according to the birth date of her husband, Benjamin Scalf. No documented evidence has been forthcoming as to the actual birth date of Ceely Ann Keziah/Coziah.

The fact that the Keziah family was in Surry Co. NC while Benjamin and Ceely Ann were in Iredell (neighboring counties) along with the fact that Sandifer Kesiah went to Washington County, Tennessee around 1782, and the Scalf family later arrived in Washington County as well would certainly lend support to the theory that she could have been part of the Sandifer Kesiah family especially, when considering the birth date of Benjamin Scalf compared to the birth date of Sandifer’s son, Lodwick, who was most likely Ceely Ann’s brother.

My correspondent on the Keziah family is an enrolled member of the Tuscarora Nation. Although it has not been determined with absolute certainty at this time which tribe the name descends from, there is strong evidence that it may descend from the North Carolina Tuscarora. Many of these Natives blended in among the settlers and other tribes in the area after the Indian Wars.

The link to the history that was listed here previously has been removed due to a dead link.

Sandifer Kesiah has been documented in:

County Military Rosters of VA
Mecklenburg Co. NC Militia records of 1767
1772 land grant in Edgefield Co. SC.
Treasurer and Comptrollers Papers, Revolutionary War Pay Vouchers.
Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, 1778-1779 Washington County, NC/TN.
1790 Rutherford County, NC Federal Census
1791 Petition to form Buncombe County, NC. br> 1795 Buncombe County, NC Court records
Pulaski County, KY tax and census records 1799-1809

According to my correspondent, If Ceely Ann Keziah was the daughter of Sandifer Keziah she could be a descendant of the Tuscarora, Cherokee, or both. One must remember that many of the tribes intermingled and married into each other’s tribes and Native Indian research is a difficult task due to the lack of records. Native Indian records consist of their history passed down through the tribe through their historians, and unless or until, they ended up in the white population, no conventional records will be found. The traveling patterns of David and Benjamin, and the close ties to family do seem to suggest that there was a tribal pattern here. However, again this is only speculation.

The name, KE SI HAH appears on the Henderson Roll of 1835 and listed in North Carolina. "The 1835 Henderson Roll is a census of over 16,000 Cherokee residing in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina to be removed to Oklahoma under the treaty of New Echota (1835)." (Vol. 1, Eastern Cherokee Rolls)

This name may, or may not, be related to the surname Keziah/Koziah/Kesiah. The author is not familiar with the Cherokee language, and cannot say for certain. In English version it would appear to be related. A student of Cherokee language may be able to determine if these names are related.

For help in researching the Scalf/Keziah line, a study of the history of North Carolina and the movements of the Scalf and Keziah families from North Carolina to Tennessee and then to Indiana and Illinois would be a good idea. Research is ongoing on this and I have received much help from one of the Keziah descendants. A study of the names in the counties of North Carolina where our Scalf family is found has revealed that they were very much tribal oriented. Many of the marital connections are found in the same counties of North Carolina and in other states with the Scalf family. A study of the marital connections of the Scalf family and their movements are ongoing at this time.

The Keziah family and the Scalf family were in Surry County, North Carolina and then in Washington County, Tennessee at the same time. Some of these families moved on to the Indiana and Illinois areas together. The Keziah family is found in Indiana as early as 1820 and then in Illinois. One of Benjamin’s sons, Benjamin Jr., can be found in Elkhart, Indiana as early as 1835. Lewis Scalf, son of Benjamin, can be found in McDonough County, Illinois, as well as the Keziah family and the spelling in these areas is Coziahr.

A William Koziah found in Washington County, Tennessee in 1830 could have been the father of Nancy Koziah. The Lewis Scalf family (son of Benjamin) moved on to McDonough County, Illinois 1830-1840 where Nancy Keziah Scalf died and Lewis remarried to the widow, Ruth Osborne. Benjamin Scalf Sr. is also found in McDonough County, Illinois as early as 1836. Further research into the Keziah family concerning the Native Indian ancestry is still ongoing and updates will be listed as new information is found.

With permission from Kevin Wolfe, the following information is listed from an obituary. This obituary documents that this Koziah/Coziah/Kesiah family was known to have been Native Indian. However, in no way does this mean that our Keziah line is Native Indian, but it does confirm the fact that some of the Keziah family was Native Indian. This Keziah family member and my correspondent on the Keziah family are two known Keziah family members that are Native Indian.

This is presented only to show that there is documentation to confirm the Native Indian ancestry in the Keziah family. It is unknown if Thomas Kesiah was related to Ceely Ann Keziah at this time. Kevin also does not know if his Kesiah family has any connection to Sandifer Kesiah/Keziah, possible father of Ceely Ann Koziah.

Mr. Thomas Kesiah, the Indian survivor of his generation, of Benekee [Abenaki -NL] tribe of Canada, has passed to his long home. A soldier and pensioner of the war of the rebellion, his Grand Army badge and flag draped casket bore testimony to his faithful Americanism. His romantic life in camp at many places in this state; as a traveler on the Mississippi River, an expert weaver of Indian baskets at many summer resorts (Saranac Lake, Saratoga Springs, Glen Falls, Catskill Mountains and Greenwood Lake and other places) made for him a life rich in remembrances. Perhaps the climax of romance was reached when his wife, Margaret Kesiah, dressed in men’s clothes, stealthfully accompanied him to the front, in the war of the rebellion, where, after discovery of the ruse, she remained and assisted in nursing sick and wounded soldiers. He understood and used the Indian dialect fluently when conversing with Mrs. Kesiah. He was fond of music, a good singer, most kindly and sympathetic and gentle in his home. He will be long remembered and cherished by those as fortunate as to have known him intimately. He made his home for some time past with Joseph Coddington of Monroe, N.Y., whose wife was a grand niece and a daughter of his niece, Mrs. David Ball of Greenwood Lake, N.Y., who with her children Thomas, Fred, George, Harold, Minnetta and Emmett are his surviving relatives. (Contributed by: Kevin M. Wolfe, Jul-1999, Published: Monroe Gazette, February 7, 1919)

As stated previously, an 1820 census of East Tennessee does not exist; therefore, we cannot confirm that Benjamin was in the area in 1820. He does appear in 1830 in Washington County, Tennessee. He appears to have four sons and one daughter on this census. Recall that he had two sons and two daughters in 1810 Iredell Co. NC, if in fact they were his children. Twenty years had lapsed between these censuses and if they were his children they likely married and are not listed here. If they were his children, he had nine children by 1830 and no doubt, there were more that had married and left home before this census.

The following children are believed to have been children of Benjamin and Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf.

1) Mahala Scalf - born 1798-1804.
2) Lewis Scalf - born about 1805 in North Carolina.
3) Joanna Scalf -dates unknown at this time, but possibly 1800-1810.
4) Benjamin Scalf Jr. - born 1810 -1815 South Carolina and died July 14, 1889 in Elkhart, Indiana.
5) John R. Scalf - born about 1815 and died 1872 in Putnam County, Missouri.
6) Isaac Scalf born in Tennessee about 1822. Died in Collin County, Texas 1889.
7) Rebecca Scalf -born 1823 in Tennessee and died 1880-1900 in Illinois.
8) Jonah Scalf -born in Tennessee October 5, 1825 and died September 25, 1894 in Iowa.
9) Elizabeth Scalf - born 1827 -1836. Died 1860-1870.

It is also possible that Malinda Scalf Cash was a daughter of Benjamin and Ceely Ann, but Malinda remained in Carter County, Tennessee and did not move to Illinois, although the fact that she remained in Tennessee certainly does not mean she was not a daughter of Benjamin Sr. However, the author believes she was likely a daughter of David Scalf. We believe Malinda died 1860-1870 for she is missing from records after 1860.

Benjamin Sr. was in Illinois by 1836 and his son, John R. Scalf, said he left home due to disagreements with this step-mother. John left home at the age of 15 and this would have been around 1830. From this statement we know that Benjamin had remarried and the 1830 census does suggest that he had a wife aged 40-50 on the 1830 census; however, either they divorced or she died because Benjamin was in McDonough County, Illinois by 1836 and there was no female in his home in 1840.

The 1830 census below shows four sons in the home. It is possible the sons were John R., Benjamin Jr., Isaac and Jonah. Lewis had married in 1829 and was head of house in 1830.

1830 Washington CO TN

SCALF, Benjamin

Recall that there were two young males in Benjamin’s home in 1810. The author believes that one of them was his son Lewis that married Nancy Keziah in Washington County, Tennessee and was head of house there in 1830. The other male in 1810 may, or may not have been Benjamin Jr. These two boys appear to have been the oldest sons of Benjamin. Benjamin Jr. moved on to Indiana where he married in 1835 and was enumerated there in 1840. The author believes he left Washington County, Tennessee 1830-1835. If he was in the home of Benjamin in 1830 and son Lewis married in 1829 and was head of house in 1830, then one of the males in 1830 was probably John R. Scalf. The other two males might have been Isaac and Jonah.

We believe that Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf died before the enumeration of the 1830 census and Benjamin had remarried. The oldest female on the 1830 census is younger than the female from the 1810 census and this suggests there was another daughter that had married by 1830. The author believes this was Mahala Scalf. Marriage records of Washington County, Tennessee reveal that Mahala married there and was in her own home by 1830.

A letter from Mrs. Roy E. Scalf was written in response to what Elmer Scalf listed in his book, Scalf Family History. Elmer listed John Scalf of Putnam County, Missouri as the son of John Scalf, Jr. Mrs. Scalf did not agree that this was possible. The author agrees with Mrs. Scalf due to the fact that John Jr. and Martha Patsy (Counts) Scalf did not divorce. Therefore, it is unlikely that John Scalf of Putnam County, MO was a son of John Jr. and Patsy.

Several years ago, the author became acquainted with Jean Scalf Grier while researching the family of Archibald Scalf, son of Jesse Scalf from East Tennessee. Jean sent me copies of letters of correspondence from various researchers she had corresponded with in search of her family. Jean was searching for a John Scalf, a son of Archibald Scalf, and in her research she met several other researchers with someone named John in their line. She received a letter from Mrs. Roy (Catherine) Scalf whose husband was a grandson of John R. Scalf of Putnam County, Missouri. Below are excerpts of one of the letters from Mrs. Scalf:

Excerpt from letter of Mrs. Roy E. Scalf:

“Now I’ll try to explain as briefly as possible about Roy’s grandfather John Scalf, what I learned many years ago from my father in law, all was handed down by word of mouth. There are no written records. John Scalf left home at age 15 -trouble between him and stepmother. He never returned home. He was working for a man with family. This man was dyeing and begged John to marry his wife and take care of her and their children. John was against doing this but finally consented. I think history gives it he married about 1840. It must have been before his 20^th birthday as my father-in-law said John was 19 -the woman 29. He married somewhere in MO.

Next we know they had 2 sons -both in Iowa, John Wesley -born 1844 and Benjamin Franklin, born 1846. She dies when or shortly after Benj. was born. We do not know who she was but I learned while back home (Putnam Co. MO) (Unionville) that she was buried by first husband -so not knowing names, no way to find cemetery record. John, lost and despondent started to roam. He left his two sons with a Mr. Young in east part of Putnam Co. MO. Made his way to CA Gold Fields. Some said he struck it rich.

“He finally came back to MO to sons and took land in Putnam Co. although at that time it was called Dodge Co. I only today received papers showing he took 40 acres in 1850 -so did not know until today that he had returned by 1850. One abstract that we had (Roy and I owned at one time land that had belonged to his grandfather. It was dated 1852 so this is land he bought later on).
On with story: After John tired of prospecting or claim ran out - whatever the reason he took a boat - came in around ‘The Horn,’ my father in-law said. Was somewhere in PA waiting on a train for journey back to MO. He had 4 hours wait. While waiting he saw an old gentleman across from the depot - he was sitting on his porch in a rocking chair, looking at a paper. John was drawn to the old fellow and evidently there was an attraction to John, for the old fellow would lower his paper and peer over his spectacles at John. This went on for quite a while and about the time John had made his mind up to go talk to the old fellow, he heard the train in the distance and not wanting to miss the train he remained until train arrived, boarded it and was on way home. The memory of the old gentleman haunted John. He couldn’t seem to get him out of his mind. Now John takes land.

“Then in Feb. 1856 he married Ann Eliza Tate of Linn Co. MO. They are married at Unionville MO. They had 4 daughters and one son - My father-in-law, James Allen Scalf, born April 5, 1861. Then between 1861 and 1870 John’s brother Lewis and Matt come to MO. In their talks John speaks of the old fellow he had been drawn to in PA. Brothers learn the location and tell John. ‘My God John, that was your father!’ John was crushed and could never seem to get over it. John dies in late 1871 or early 1872 - Date on tombstone -1815-1872 -but stone was put up when my husband was a young man. Court records show administrator appointed Jan. 1872.

“Now while back in Unionville MO last couple of years I went to library and found census records. Because of episode of PA my father in-law always thought his ancestors were from PA. Not so according to 1860 & 1870 census. Following is what I found.rdquo; (Courtesy of Jean Scalf Grier)

Catherine goes on to list the census records of Lewis Scalf and his son, William, along with marriages of McDonough County, Illinois. Catherine was correct in what she believed and the marriages of Illinois, along with census records, support her belief as will be shown in the sections of Benjamin’s children. However, Catherine states two brothers of John and names them as Lewis and Matt. No one named Matt has been found at this time.

It is possible that William, son of Lewis, was the person that she thought was Matt because William and Matilda Jane also moved over to Missouri around the same time as his father, Lewis. However, her father-in-law stated to her and her husband, "two brothers. Therefore, we cannot discount that there might be another brother that did not remain in Missouri but left. Catherine wrote another letter mentioning Matt and an excerpt is listed here:

That coupled together with stories my father-in-law told and retold of his uncle Lewis being there in MO of his uncle Matt moving on -or going back home. Uncle Lewis stayed awhile as is proven by the 1860 census. (Letter from Catherine Scalf to Jean Grier, 1983, Courtesy of Jean Scalf Grier)

The author has determined that Matt might have been a name not used on records by this brother as he has not been found. This might have been a middle name or a first name.

Benjamin left East Tennessee and was found listed on the Illinois Public Land Purchase Records of 1836 in McDonough County, Illinois.

Illinois Public Land Purchase Records (Internet)

Name: SCALF, BENJAMIN
Section: NENE
Price: 125
Total: 3698
Date: 21 January 1836
Volume: 698
Page: 143
Type: FD
Sect: 03
Township: 04N
Range: 04W
Meridian: 4
Acres: 2958
Corr-Tag: 0
ID: 007603
SocStat:
Blank:
Reside: 000

Illinois Public Land Purchase Records

Benjamin was then found as head of house in 1840 McDonough County. Note that the oldest male (Benjamin) is still the same age as he was on the 1830 census of Washington County, Tennessee. This was not at all uncommon on the early census records. He should have been 70 - 80 on this census. The other older male (assumed son) on this census was born 1825-1830 and could not have been the John Scalf Mrs. Roy Scalf was talking about because John was born 1815. He was likely in the home in 1830 Washington County, Tennessee, but had moved on by 1840.  In fact, John married Malinda Wood/Woods in 1837 Lewis County, Missouri. (Missouri Marriages)

Although it is only an opinion, the author feels that John and some of his brothers left Washington County, Tennessee around the same time and their father either left with them or followed. Due to his age at the time, the author believes that Benjamin and his sons left Washington County, Tennessee together and likely around 1834-1836.

1840 McDonough CO IL

It cannot be determined at this time if these children were sons of Benjamin or grandsons. Lewis Scalf, (probable son of Benjamin) is also in McDonough County during this time. Note that another son has been born since the 1830 census if the ages were correct and they most likely were not since this son should have been on the 1830 census if born 1825-1830. This could be the same son born 1820-1825 on the previous census. However, the male born 1820-1825 on this census appears to be the same male born 1820-1825 on the previous census and most likely the one born 1825-1830 is another child born during 1830 or after.

In the Bureau of Land Management Records is a land patent for Benjamin Scalf patented in November of 1840 for 29.58 acres in Quincy (McDonough County), Illinois. He also lived in this area until around 1855 when he then moved over to Elkhart, Indiana to live with his son, Benjamin Jr. We know the land patent owner was not the son, Benjamin Jr., because he had been living in Elkhart, Indiana after his move from Tennessee and married Eleanor Thomas there in 1835. (See copy of Land Patent).

Benjamin Scalf Sr. is not found in 1850 when he should have still been in McDonough County, Illinois. However, he may have been living with another child on the 1850 census of McDonough and was missed. Benjamin Sr. is then found on the 1860 Elkhart, Indiana census in the home of his son, Benjamin Jr. and wife, Eleanor Thomas. Benjamin Jr. was found in Elkhart, Indiana in 1850, but his father has not been found on any of the 1850 censuses at this time. This copy of the census comes from Barbara Bowman, a probable descendant of this line who has worked diligently in help solve some of the puzzles of this line.

1860 Elkhart CO IN            29 May 1860          Clinton Township

At the enumeration of the 1870 census, enumerated in July, Benjamin Jr. was living with his son William, and Benjamin Sr. may have been in the home when he died in March of 1870. The census was enumerated in July after Benjamin Sr. had died.

1870 Elkhart CO IN

If the census records of 1810 and 1830 reflect the children of Benjamin Scalf, Sr., then he had at least nine children. However, it is very likely there were more due to the fact that Benjamin’s family is missing in 1820. There is a twenty-year lapse in time between the 1810 census and the 1830 census and certainly enough time gone by for children to have married without us ever knowing who they were.

The author has taken liberty to add children to this chapter that may, or may not, have been children of Benjamin Scalf, Sr; however, there it appears logical that these were Benjamin’s children. If these children are not children of Benjamin and anyone has information to support this, please contact our website so we can place these folks in their proper line.

MAHALA SCALF
Daughter of
Benjamin Scalf & Ceely Ann Keziah
Mahala<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Mahala Scalf is believed to have been a daughter of Benjamin Scalf, Sr. and Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf. We first find Mahala in the Washington County, Tennessee marriages where she married William Moon or Moore September 2, 1825. This was a short marriage because the marriage records show Mahala Scalph married James Moore on March 8, 1827 in Washington County, TN.

It should be noted that William might have been William Moore and not William Moon. The name Moon might be Moore instead due to the handwriting of the clerk. The author has spent many years trying to determine if the name was Moon or Moore without success. Research into the Moon family has also not revealed a Mahala Moon that correlates with our Mahala Scalf. (Mahala Scalf & William Moon Marriage Data)

Either William died or they divorced because Mahala then married James Moore in Washington County, Tennessee on March 8, 1827. (Mahala Scalf & James Moore Marriage data)

Research of the 1830, 1840 and 1850 census records of East Tennessee does not reveal James and Mahala Scalf Moore. It is unknown where they might have moved to after their marriage, but we have not been able to find them in Tennessee. It is possible that they did move to Illinois as did Benjamin Scalf, Sr. and the rest of the children.

Mahala Moore then married Fielding Hankins in 1862 McDonough County, Illinois. (Illinois Statewide Marriages, online)

Groom                         Bride                                        Date                County

Hankins, Fielding L.   Moore, Mahala Mrs.                 1862-12-02     McDonough

Neither Mahala nor Rosanna was found in 1860 in Illinois or the surrounding area. Mahala Moore was found in York County, SC but this Mahala Moore had been living in York County in 1850 and we don’t believe this was the same person as Roseanna Moore in Pike County, Illinois in 1850. Mahala’s family in York County, SC appeared to remain in the York County, area after she was gone from census records and she appeared there in 1850 while Roseanna appears in Illinois 1850. Rick stated that her name was listed on records as Roseanna and Mahala. We will need to find the records that she signed for her children’s marriages to confirm that this is the same person.

Rick stated that his ancestor, Wilkins Osborn, was a son of Joseph Osborn and Mary C. Moore, daughter of Mahala. Wilkins Osborn married Sarah Moore Johnson. Sarah had been married to Joseph Johnson prior to her marriage to Wilkins and Joseph was killed in the Civil War. Their marriage is recorded in the Illinois Statewide Marriages. Sarah was a daughter of Mahala.

NOTE: Given the inaccuracies of census records, this confusion is easily understood. However, Wilkins was actually the son of Joseph Osborne and Mary C. Elkins (not Moore). The Moore that was the daughter of Mahala was Sarah Ann Moore. (See the section for Sarah Ann Moore, below) Additionally, the attempts to connect Mahala Scalf Moore to Roseanna Moore lead to incorrect assumptions and have been deleted from this chapter. Both Mahala Scalf Moore and Roseanna Moore had sons named Mark; however, Roseanna’s other children do not match the children of Mahala Scalf Moore. I have added extensive information about the descendants of Mahala - listed below - using records that were not available when Margaret Fleenor composed this chapter, which should clear up previous confusion. - Stephen L. Scalf

According to the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index

Groom                         Bride                                        Date                County

	Johnson, Joseph        Moore, Sarah A.                          1861-05-19     McDonough

	Osborn, Wilkins T.    Johnson, Sarah Ann, Mrs.           1869-12-09     McDonough

Mahala was then found in the 1870 Canton, Lee County, Iowa in the home of her son, Martin Moore. Fielding Hankins had apparently died by 1870. See the section for Martin V. Scalf, belowMahala was not found after the 1870 census; however, Martin was found living in Sullivan County, Missouri, just across the river from Iowa. We believe that Mahala died between 1870-1880, probably in Canton, Iowa and is probably buried there.

As stated previously, James Moore and Mahala Scalf were married on March 8, 1827. They had four children.

1) Martin V. Moore, born in 1834 in Illinois.
2) Sarah Ann Moore, born 1835 in Illinois.
3) James Levi Moore, born on August 9, 1845 in Tennessee, McDonough County, Illinois and died on May 28, 1927 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois.
4) Julia Ann Moore, born in 1847 in Illinois.

Martin V. Moore
Son of
Mahala Scalf & James Moore
Son<Mahala<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1870 Lee CO IA                     18 June 1870    Canton  Van Buren Township

#82

1880 Sullivan CO MO          28 June 1880      Jackson Township

Martin was then found in Washington County, Arkansas in 1900.

1900 Washington Co. AR     6 June 1900          Lees Creek Township

By 1910 Martin was in Crawford County, Arkansas and Susan had died. He had remarried to Viola _____.

1910 Crawford Co. AR       30 April 1910          Whitley Township

SARAH ANN MOORE
Daughter of
Mahala Scalf & James Moore
Sarah<Mahala<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Sarah first married Joseph Johnson on May 9, 1861. They had two daughters: Rebecca born in 1862, and Mary Jane, born in 1864. Joseph died in 1865. Rick Linsky stated Joseph died during the Civil War. No further information on this family.

Sarah then married Wilkins T. Osborne on December, 9, 1969 in McDonough County, Illinois. Because of previous confusion between Mary C. Osborne and Sarah Ann Osborne, I will include the 1860 Franklin County Illinois showing Wilkins’ family when he was 10:

1860 Franklin CO IL              1860         T 5 SR 2 E

The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1860-1920 lists the marriage of Joseph Osborn and Mary C. Elkins (not Osborn/Osborne) on December 6, 1848 in Franklin, Illinois.

Sarah and Wilkins had three children. Wilkins died on September 29, 1877, just one year after their youngest son was born, leaving Sarah, a young widow, to care for three children, the oldest, Josie, just 10 years old. The three children were:

1) Josie Isabelle Osborne, born March 10, 1867 in McDonough County, Illinois and died on January 22, 1946 in Richwoods Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
2) John R. Osborne, born on September 15, 1872 in McDonough County, Illinois and died on November 19, 1922 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.
3) Joseph Henry Osborn, born on December 25, 1876 in Havana, Mason County, Illinois and died on August 25, 1959 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.

JOSIE ISABELLE OSBORNE
Daughter of
Sarah Ann Moore & Wilkins T. Osborne
Josie<Sarah<Mahala<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Garland was born on April 27, 1959 in Ellisville, Fulton County, Illinois to Samuel Thomas Sivley and Elizabeth White. In the 1870 Havana, Mason County, Illinois Census, Garland (Sibley), age 11, was found in the home of James Dailey, occupation listed as "Work on Farm."

The Illinois Marriage Index shows Garland marrying Alice Josephine Trotter on February 8, 1880 in Fulton County, Illinois. According to the 1870 Havana, Mason County Illinois Census, Alice was born in 1860. It is unknown at this time whether she died or Garland divorced her, but just two years after this marriage, Garland married Josie Osborne. Because Alice’s middle name was Josephine, many researchers have confused records listed as "Josie Sivley" as referring to her; however, both the 1870 and 1880 Census lists her as Alice, not Josie. This, coupled with the known marriage date for Garland to Josie Osborne, clarifies to whom the records refer.

Garland was a steamboat captain and owned two steamers, the G. M. Sivley and the Josie Sivley. In a newspaper article (name and date unknown), Garland swore out a warrant for Archie J. Ellison, charging him with embezzling $500. At that time, Mr. Ellison was the captain of the Josie Sivley. Another article in the Waterways Journal (date unknown) reported that there was a three-way trade battle going on between the G. M. Sivley, the Diamond Jo Line, and the St. Louis and Clarksville Packet Co., operating on the Illinois River.

Another article (paper’s name and date unknown) entitled Capt. Sivley Elopes stated: Capt. G. M. Sivley, owner of Sivley steamers, eloped at Peoria a few days ago with a Miss Sherbe of Peoria. Sivley left his wife and two children, takeing the woman and $2,000 in cahs. He left his wife the steamer G. M. Sivley and barge and in the safe on the boat was $1,000. The mention of "two children" is confusing. Garland did not actually marry Lucy Sherb until August 13, 1908 in St. Joseph, Berrien County, Michigan. There were a total of five children born to Josie and Garland. We can only speculate that at the time Garland left, only the two youngest, Daisy and Oreal, were still at home. However, at the time of Garland’s marriage to Lucy Sherb, only the oldest daughter, Ethel Mae, was married. Iva and Susan did not marry until 1910.

According to census records, Lucy was born between 1881 and 1885. Because the 1900 Census also lists a month for her birth, September 1881, this may be more accurate. Her parents were Marcus Sherb and Katherine Jane Bartels. No other information is available about her at this time.

On August 21, 1931 another article reprinted in the Mason County Democrat 90 years later (in 2021) stated: Captain G. M. Sivley, former well known Illinois riverman, boat owner and master of excurions boats on this river, took his own life at his rooming place in Memphis, TN, on Thursday.

Garland’s and Josie’s five children (all daughters) were:

1) Ethel Mae Sivley
2) Iva Lee Sivley
3) Susan Pearl Sivley
4) Daisy Venus Sivley
5) Oreal Gladys Sivley

LEWIS SCALF
Son of
Benjamin Scalf & Ceely Ann Keziah
Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Lewis Scalf, son of Benjamin and Ceely Ann Keziah Scalf, was born about 1805 in North Carolina (probably Wilkes or Iredell County) and married Nancy Coziah/Keziah in Washington County, Tennessee September 12, 1829. (Washington County Marriages, Book 1, page 55 and page 222- Washington County, Tennessee Courthouse). (Marriage Record of Lewis Scalf and Nancy Keziah)

In order to confirm that Lewis Scalf and John Scalf of Putnam County, Missouri were brothers and sons of Benjamin Scalf, we list the following:

Mrs. Della Rae Marvin wrote the following information in a letter concerning John Scalf of Putnam County, Missouri when Henry Scalf wrote the book, Chronicles of the Scalf Family. Mrs. Marvin thought that John came from Pennsylvania. Please see Chapter XIV of Chronicles of the Scalf family for the complete letter.

Excerpt from Chronicles of the Scalf Family

Years later, when John’s brother, Louis came to Missouri he told a story that explained the attraction of the old man to John and caused John much sorrow as the years went by. Louis brought the news that the old man reading the newspaper on the porch of that little house was none other than John’s own father whom he had not seen since he left his home in Pennsylvania in his youth. (Paragraph #7, Putnam County, Missouri Scalfs, Chapter XIV, Chronicles of the Scalf Family)

We believe that this information, along with Mrs. Roy (Catherine) Scalf and our own research confirms that Lewis and John R. Scalf of Putnam County, Missouri were brothers. We do not, however, believe that Pennsylvania was the area that John might have seen his father in, but was likely Elkhart, Indiana.

We know that Lewis had arrived in McDonough County, Illinois by 1836, for he patented 40 acres of land in September of that year. His father, Benjamin, was in McDonough County earlier and had patented land in January of the same year. From these land patents we know that Benjamin Scalf, Sr., left Washington County, Tennessee at least by January of 1836 and possibly before.

Illinois Public Land Purchase Records

Name: SCALF LEWIS
Section: NESE
Price: 125
Total: 5000
Date: 06 September 1836
Volume: 698
Page: 143
Type: FD
Sect: 03
Township: 04N
Range: 04W
Meridian: 4
Acres: 4000
Corr-Tag: 0
ID: 009163
SocStat:
Blank:
Reside: 000 (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

Purchaser: SCALF LEWIS
Residence of Purchaser: Unknown
Social Status:
Aliquot Parts of Lot: NESE
Section Number: 03
Township: 04N
Range: 04W
Meridian: 4
County of Purchase: McDonough

1830 Washington CO TN

SCALF, Lewis

Lewis and Nancy were then found on the McDonough County, Illinois census in 1840. At this time they had four children; two males and two females.

1840 McDonough CO IL

SCALF, Lewis

Lewis then patented another 40 acres on November 3, 1840 in Quincy (McDonough County), Illinois. (Land Patent)

In 1846, Lewis appeared on the tax list of McDonough County along with Jonah Scalf. (1846 Tax List)

Lewis appeared again on the tax list of 1846 but Jonah is not listed in this year, possibly indicating he was no longer in McDonough County. Benjamin was also missing from this tax list; however, Riley Bloyd, who later married a daughter of Lewis and Nancy, was listed on this tax list. The author believes the name was likely Boyd and not Bloyd. This was probably an error due to the handwriting of the enumerator. (1847 Tax List)

Wendy Klosterman checked the records in the counties these families lived in and reports that Benjamin sold his land to his son, Lewis, on February 3, 1847. Although we can only speculate, this might have been when Benjamin moved over to Elkhart, Indiana to live with his son, Benjamin Jr., or he might have gone to live with another child. He was not found on the 1850 census at all so we have no information concerning Benjamin Sr., until he appears again in 1860 living in the home of his son, Benjamin, Jr., in Elkhart, Indiana. His obituary suggests he moved to Elkhart, Indiana about 1855. If this is correct, Benjamin might have been anywhere in 1850 and living with someone we don’t have a name for yet.

Email from Wendy:

As I found on the internet, Benjamin bought land in January 1836, and Lewis bought land on September of that same year. They were not given their land, but bought it from the Federal Government. In Feb. 3, 1847 Benjamin sold his land to Lewis. Margaret, on the 1861 Platt map I sent you I found Lewis Scalf, he is in section 3. Then I have a copy of Lewis selling his land to a Darell Jenkins in December 1850. On January 30, 1860, Lewis and Ruth sell land to Edward Darnell for $450.00. The writing is hard to distinguish. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

In 1850, Lewis and Nancy are listed as head of house and living in McDonough County, Illinois. They have seven children in the home and a son-in-law, Riley Bloyd. Scalf is misspelled on this census as Calve. Note the gap in the births of the children between 1834 and 1842. This might indicate there were more children that possibly died. If the ages of the children are correct on this census, there is enough space for at least two, and possibly three, more children to have been born.

Living three homes away from the Lewis Scalf family is Eliji and Rebecca Bloyd, 40 and 35 years old respectively. They may or may not be relatives of Riley Bloyd.

1850 McDonough CO IL               1 October 1850

Recall that Lewis and Nancy had two boys and two girls in 1840. The two boys were likely William and Elijah. One of the girls was probably Mary J., but the other girl does not appear on the 1850 census. It is possible that the female in 1840 that is missing in 1850 was Celia Elizabeth Scalf found in the marriage records of McDonough County.

Celia Elizabeth Scalf married Augustine Borden September 15, 1853 in McDonough County, Illinois. Illinois Statewide Marriages, License No. 333. (Illinois Marriage Index)

(Marriage License for Augustine Borden and Celia Elizabeth Scalf)

Celia Elizabeth Scalf appears only one time in the records and we are unable to determine where she fits into the family.

The David Jenkins family was living next door to Lewis in 1840 and was still living there in 1850. Also, in 1840, Benjamin was living on the other side of David Jenkins but he does not appear there on the 1850 census.

Lewis was then found on the 1855 State census of McDonough County. He would have been 55 years old at this time. This is a Militia census and Lewis and four of his sons were listed. These were probably Elijah, James, John and Henry.

1855 McDonough CO State Census                 3 July 1855                Township 4

Nancy Keziah Scalf died between October of 1850 and April of 1851 for the marriage records of McDonough County reveal that Lewis Scalf married the widow, Mrs. Ruth Osborne, on April 17, 1851.

Scalf, Luis  Osborn, Ruth Mrs.  04/17/1851  106  McDonough (Illinois Marriage Index)

Ruth Osborne Scalf was living in the home of William Smith in October of 1850. In the home was her daughter Matilda and son, Joseph Osborne.

Wendy Klosterman made a trip to McDonough County and sent us the following information concerning Lewis and Ruth:

I traveled back to McDonough County IL today (it was a nice day by the way). I found out who Ruth Osborn Scalf’s first husband was, James Osborn, and he died in Missouri. An Elizabeth Jones gave oath. I have a copy of her wedding certificate to Lewis Scalf. They were married in April 17, 1851. I could not find birth records for our group or death records as they didn’t have to report these happenings until 1880’s. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Note: I have a copy of Lewis selling his land to a Darell Jenkins in December 1850. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Wendy found a deed stating that Lewis sold his land to Darrell Jenkins and the census lists a David Jenkins as a neighbor to both Benjamin and Lewis in 1840. The name might have been misread on one or the other documents, or Darrell might have been a son of David Jenkins.

1850 McDonough CO IL                     16 October 1850 

We speculate that Nancy Keziah Scalf might have died in childbirth to the last child, Lydia. According to the 1850 census, Lydia had not been born at the enumeration of the 1850 census enumerated in October of 1850; however, Lydia then appears on the 1860 census of Putnam County, Missouri in the home of her father Lewis and his second wife, Ruth Osborn Scalf. Lydia is listed on the 1860 Putnam County, Missouri census with an estimated birth date of 1849.

Joseph Osborn, age 14, is found in the home of Lewis and Ruth in 1860 and was the son of Ruth and her previous husband, James Osborn.

By 1860, Lewis and Ruth moved over to Putnam County, Missouri where John R. Scalf was living.

1860 Putnam CO MO               21 September 1850           Jackson Township

Living between John R. Scalf and Lewis Scalf in Putnam County, Missouri in 1860, is William and Matilda Osborne Scalf, son of Lewis and Nancy Keziah Scalf. Matilda was the daughter of Ruth (Smith) Osborne Scalf. William and Melinda Smith from the 1850 McDonough County, Illinois census are living on the other side of Lewis and Ruth. Other families in Putnam County, Missouri previously in McDonough County were the Nobles, Caves and Dixon families.

Line 15
HH # 1103/173

1860 Putnam Co. MO                  21 Sept. 1860           Jackson Township

Note: On January 30, 1860, Lewis and Ruth sold land to Edward Darnell for $450.00. The writing is hard to distinguish. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Lewis and Ruth are then found in Marion County, Missouri. Lewis-daughter, Lydia A. Scalf, married Wilson R. (Rice) Boyd on May 13, 1869 in McDonough, Illinois. (Illinois Marriages) Lydia and Wilson are in the home with Lewis and Ruth in 1870. (Marriage Certificate of Lydia Scalf and Wilson Boyd) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

1870 Marion MO                      28 June 1870             Fabius Township

History of McDonough County, Illinois:

In 1832, Joseph Smith made the first settlement in what is now Mound township, on section 18, where he remained until the spring of 1837. (History of McDonough County, Illinois)

According to the History of McDonough County, The Smith and Osborne families were very early settlers. The Osborne family can also be found on earlier census records of North Carolina.
Stephen Osborne, in 1826, also made settlement in the neighborhood of Mr. Carter, where he remained but a short time when he went to Knox County, and passed out of the knowledge of those left here. William Osborne is believed to have been the first to make settlement in what is now known as Scotland township, he camping out all the summer of 1828, on the banks of the water-course since known as Camp creek, from this circumstance. This Osborne was not what may be truly termed a settler, but rather in the light of a temporary inhabitant. (History of McDonough County, IL)

The above information shows a relationship of the Osborne and Smith families very early on in McDonough County, Illinois.

Lewis and Ruth were not found after the 1870 census of Putnam County, Missouri. Lewis would have been around 75 years old in 1880 if he was born 1805. He might have died before the enumeration of the 1880 census. Ruth was also not found after 1870 and could have died, or possibly remarried. Several of Lewis-sons had moved to the area by 1883.

A Jesse Scalf was found on the 1865 Clay County, Illinois State Census that cannot be placed with any of the families and might be another son of Benjamin Scalf, Sr., that we have not heard about. We are still researching this Jesse Scalf. According to the ages of his children, he probably married 1850-1855; however, no marriage record was found on the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index. Jesse was born 1825-1830 and might have been the brother of Lewis that was mentioned in a letter as being the brother that moved on or went back home although the brother was named Matthew in the letter. Matthew might have been a middle name for Jesse. Jesse was not found before or after this census.

1865 Clay CO State Census                3 July 1865          Songer

SCALF, Jesse

WILLIAM SCALF
Son of
Lewis Scalf & Nancy Keziah
William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

William Scalf, son of Lewis Scalf and Nancy Koziah/Keziah was born about 1831 in Washington County, Tennessee (Census estimation). In his pension application, William stated he was born August 12, 1825 in Washington County, Tennessee. William died October 30, 1908 at Nara Visa New Mexico. His daughter-in-law stated he was buried there in a country cemetery. (Pension file of William Scalf, courtesy of James Monger)

William married Matilda Jane Osborne. Matilda was born January 24, 1837 and died April 25, 1899 at Wellman (Washington Co. Iowa). She is buried at Wassonville Cemetery. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman) (Death Certificate of Matilda Jane Smith-Osborn-Scalf) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

William and Matilda Jane Osborn were married March 21, 1853 in Macomb (McDonough County) Illinois (Illinois Statewide Marriages-License number 291) Matilda was the daughter of James and Ruth (Smith) Osborne. Ruth Smith Osborne married William’s father, Lewis Scalf, after the death of William’s mother, Nancy Keziah Scalf. Riley Bloyd/Boyd signed the consent for Matilda’s mother, Ruth. (Marriage Document of William Scalf and Matilda Osborne)

William appears to have been the first child born to Lewis Scalf and Nancy Keziah Scalf. The 1840 census of McDonough County, Illinois estimates his birth 1830 -1835 and the 1850 census suggests he was born in 1830. Since Lewis and Nancy married in September of 1829, William was most likely born 1829-1831.

We believe William was the male age 5-10 in the home in 1840.

1840 McDonough CO IL

SCALF, Lewis

In 1850 William is at home with his parents. His age is listed as 20 on this census.

1850 McDonough CO IL                 1 October 1850

Riley Bloyd, husband of William’s sister, Mary Jane Scalf, signed an affidavit for consent of Ruth Osborne for the marriage of her daughter, Matilda Jane to William Scalf. (Marriage consent - Riley Bloyd) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

By 1860, William and Matilda, as well as the William Smith family, had moved over to Putnam County, Missouri near William’s father, Lewis Scalf, and his uncle, John R. Scalf.

The Civil War was brewing at this time and in 1864 William enlisted as a Private in Co. G of the 137^th Illinois Volunteer Infantry on 23 May 1864 at Wellman (Washington County) Iowa. He was honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois 24 September 1864.

William first applied for his pension October 17, 1892. He was 63 years old at this time. The following information was obtained from his pension application submitted by James Monger.

In his pension application, William states he was born August 12, 1825 in Washington County, Tennessee and that his places of residence were as follows: Illinois 8 years; Iowa 3 years; Missouri 3 years and Oregon 2 years. Census records reveal that William lived in Illinois for at least 10 -15 years but he may have forgotten this in his later years.

William then states that he married Matilda Jane Osborn March 20, 1853 in McDonough County, Illinois by Justice Lewis of Marion, Illinois. He stated no certificate was given but the marriage was recorded in McDonough County. A marriage license for William and Matilda was found by Wendy Klosterman recorded in McDonough County, Illinois and the marriage is also listed in the Statewide Marriages of Illinois on the Internet.

William stated he had not been married before and lists the names of his and Matilda’s children.
1) James M. Scalf - born December 22, 1853
2) Daniel M. Scalf - born August 5, 1857
3) Irene B. Scalf - born June 16, 1867

The names of the above children correspond to the children found on the census records; however, William did not mention having a son, William, who was the oldest child. William, son of William and Matilda, is listed on the 1860 census. This William was confused by earlier researchers and listed as a son of Jonah Scalf. This also confused the author when compiling these families and was listed as Jonah’s son. However, this William was not the son of Jonah Scalf. Jonah’s son, William, married Lauretta Griffin and William’s son, William, married Esther Smeltser.

1860 Putnam MO              21 September 1860          Jackson Township

William and Matilda were not found in 1870 but were found again in 1880.

William’s description from the pension papers is 5 feet -3 inches tall with a dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair, and was a farmer. As was common with military pension applications, neighbors and friends gave depositions in support of the pension. One of the neighbors was J. D. Booth. William’s son, Daniel, married Winnie Booth, a neighbor girl who lived on a connecting farm. According to information from Wendy Klosterman, J. D. Booth was actually T. D. Booth, the father of Winnie Booth that married William’s son, Daniel.

Email to the author:

As for Winnie, her father is T.D. Booth a wealthy land owner around Wassonville/Wellman. I have come across his name many times on land deeds and Platt maps. He owned large tracts of land beside the Scalf farm. In fact I think that T.D. Booth and Thurman D. Booth are one of the same as they have both names on the Wassonville Cemetery map and have them buried in the same spot. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Mr. Booth stated that he had known William for 10 years and that William had worked for him at different times. He also stated he knew that William was not able to work more than half-time and since he had the grip last winter he was not able to do much.

Another neighbor, B. F. Van Clear stated, He worked with him about seven years ago until he got so he wasn’t able to work and his son had been keeping him ever since then. He also stated that William was a physical [w]reck. William was allotted a pension in the amount of $20 per month commencing on 18 March 1907.

William Scalf died 30 October 1908 at Nara Visa New Mexico at the home of his son Daniel and wife Winnie Booth Scalf. Daniel and Winnie were living about 14 miles from Nara Visa New Mexico. Winnie stated that William was buried about -miles from her house in the country graveyard. Winnie Booth Scalf cared for her father-in-law until his death.

Matilda Jane Osborne Scalf died April 15, 1900 according to information given by Winnie Booth Scalf in the pension papers. However, a death record for Matilda was found by Wendy Klosterman stating that Matilda Jane Scalf died April 25, 1899 at the age of 62 years, 4 months and 1 day old. She was born in Illinois and died at Lime Creek Township in Washington County, Iowa. She is buried at Wassonville Cemetery, one mile north of Wellman, Iowa.

Children of William and Matilda Osborne Scalf:
1) William M. Scalf - William was born 1852 or 1853 in Illinois. William died March 28, 1930 in Covina, CA. He married Esther Smelzer July 15, 1883 in Knox County, IL. Esther was the daughter of James Smelzer and Melissa Robertson. (Illinois Statewide marriages, Vol. 00F, Pg. 0089, Lic. No. 00006749)
2) James Scalf - James married Katherine Ida Farley November 9, 1882 in Wellman (Washington County) Iowa.
3) Daniel Scalf - Daniel married Winnie Booth.
4) Mary Irene Scalf - married first to William Whetstine November 8, 1882 in Wellman (Washington County) Iowa. She married second to John Wesley Carr March 25, 1894.

William and Matilda were living at Lime Creek Township in Washington County, Iowa in 1880.

1880 Washington CO IA          17 & 18 June 1880              Lime Creek Township

William and Matilda were still living at the same address at the enumeration of the 1895 state census of Iowa.

1895 Washington CO IA State Census                             Lime Creek Township

Matilda Jane Scalf died four years after the enumeration of the 1895 state census. Her husband survived her by nine years. William was living with his son Daniel in 1900 at Lime Creek Township.

1895 Washington CO IA State Census                             Lime Creek Township

1900 Washington CO IA             2-4 June 1900               Lime Creek Township

William was living with his son, Daniel, in 1905.

1905 Washington CO IA State Census                      Wellman

William Scalf, son of Lewis and Nancy, died three years after the enumeration of the 1905 state census.

WILLIAM M. SCALF
Son of
William Scalf & Matilda Jane (Smith) Osborn Scalf
William M<William M<Lewis<Benjamin<Lewis Scalf

William M. Scalf, son of William M. Scalf and Matilda Jane (Smith) Osborn Scalf, was born 1852 in Illinois. William died March 28, 1930 in Covina, CA.

William M. Scalf was listed with his parents in 1860 Putnam County, Missouri. However, William was gone from the home by 1870. His father did not list him as a child in his pension affidavit. William would have been around 17 or 18 years old in 1870.

1860 Putnam MO      21 September 1860                Jackson Township

We have no knowledge of where William was until his marriage to Esther Smelzer.

William married Esther Smelzer on July 15, 1883 in Knox County, IL. Esther was the daughter of James Smelzer and Melissa Robertson (Illinois Statewide marriages, Vol. 00F, Pg. 0089, Lic. No. 00006749)

Esther was born 1861 in IL and died1915 in Covina, CA. (Illinois Marriage Index)

We next find William and Esther in Union County, Iowa on the state census. They were living in Lincoln Township. Note that their first child on this census appears to be named Cassie; however, her headstone in California reveals that her name was Carrie. We believe the handwriting of the enumerator caused her name to appear as Cassie. William’s brother, James Madison, also named a daughter Carrie.

1895 Union CO IA State Census                                Lincoln Township

By 1900, William and Esther had moved to California and were found on the 1900 census of San Diego County. Esther’s name appears on this census as Esta and the oldest child, Carrie, appears as Esta Cassie. Fannie, the second child from the 1895 census is missing on this census but appears again in 1910.

1900 San Diego CO CA             13 June 1900                              National Township

In 1910, William and Esther are living at Los Angeles County. Carrie had died in 1908 and Fannie is in the home again. They also have a son, Lester. Esther stated she had three children born with two living. William’s brother, James Madison, named a son Merton Lester. (Cemetery Marker of Carrie L. Scalf)

1910 Los Angeles CO CA              30 May 1910                        Rowland Township

Esther died in 1915 at the age of 54.  William, Esther and Carrie are all buried at Oakdale Memorial Park in Covina (Los Angeles Co.) California. (Find a Grave Memorial)

William was not found on the 1920 census, but both William and his son, Lester, were listed on the 1922 Los Angeles County Voter’s Registration list. William’s occupation was Rancher at this time and his son was listed as Laborer and Workman. We don’t know if William owned a ranch, or worked for someone else at this time. William was listed again on the 1924 Voter’s Registration, but his son was not listed. (1922 Voters Registration) (1924 Voters Registration)

William was not found on the 1930 census. He died in 1930 at the age of 78 and is buried at Oakdale Memorial Park with his wife Esther and daughter, Carrie. We have no further information on Fannie.

LESTER E. SCALF
Son of
William M. Scalf & Esther Smelter
Lester<William<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Lester E. Scalf appears on the 1922, 1934, 1936 Los Angeles County Voters Registration and the 1940 and 1942 San Bernardino County Voters Registration.

U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
Name: Lester E.Scalf
Birth Year: 1901
Race: White, citizen (White)
Nativity State or Country: California
State: California
County or City: Los Angeles
Enlistment Date: 3 Jan 1942
Enlistment State: California
Enlistment City: Los Angeles
Branch: Air Corps
Branch Code: Air Corps
Grade: Private
Grade Code: Private
Term of Enlistment: Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component: Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expire while in the Federal Service.
Source: Enlisted Man, Regular Army, after 3 months of Discharge
Education: 4 years of high school
Civil Occupation: Tractor Driver* or Truck Driver, Heavy or Chauffeur or Truck Driver, Light An asterisk (*) appearing after a job title indicates that a trade test for the particular occupation will be found in the United States Employment Service Manual or Trade Test
Marital Status: Married
Height: 65"
Weight: 132

JAMES MADISON SCALF
Son of
William Scalf & Matilda Jane Osborne
James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

We are deeply indebted to Wendy Klosterman of Iowa, a great-granddaughter of James Madison Scalf and Kathrine Ida (Farley) Scalf for her generous help on these families.

James Madison Scalf, son of William Scalf and Matilda Jane Osborne Scalf, was born December 1853 according to the 1900 Washington County, Iowa census.

Family Bible records submitted by Wendy Klosterman list his birth date as December 22, 1852. His father stated in his pension application that James was born December 22, 1853; however, his father was quite elderly when he gave this information.

James Madison Scalf married Kathrine Ida Farley November 9, 1882 in Wellman Washington County) Iowa. Kathrine was the daughter of John R. Farley and Susanna Dobbs Farley.

(Bible Records of James Madison and Kathrine Ida (Farley) Scalf) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Email from Wendy Klosterman:

Here is a little history on Kathrine Ida Farley, James-wife. Her father came to Iowa from Virginia/Ohio (the family moved frequently) with his brothers. They bought land and all had a trade. Isaac Farley was a lawyer and Judge here in Iowa, John and his wife were wagon maker and she was a seamstress, Sylvester bought large tracks of land as did his brothers. They even purchased some from the U.S. government. It is a fact that Jesse James and his gang came through Wassonville/Daytonville/Wellman area frequently. What is rumored is that they stayed with the Farley boys, as they were roughens too. One of the James gang is buried in Wassonville cemetery, plus Wassonville was home to the Underground Railroad. They hid the slaves in the caves in the quarries and in the Wassonville cemetery. Isaac took supplies to John Brown in Kansas for that uprising. All the Farley men were against slavery. Kathrine’s father enlisted twice in the Civil War. Kathrine was a late in life child. Many of my Aunts and Uncles thought she was an only child when in fact she had quite a few siblings (found in census). A couple of them were married before she came to be. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

(Photograph Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

The marriage record for James and Kathrine lists the following information:

Marriage license No: 140
Date of License: November 9, 1882.
Marriage consent given by: Wm. Scalf and Bride’s parents.
Full Name of Groom: James Scalf
Residence: Wellman, Iowa
Occupation: Farmer
Age next Birthday: 27
Race or Color: White
Place of Birth: Illinois
Father’s name: W. Scalf
Mother’s maiden name: Matilda J. Farley
No. of groom’s marriage: Second
Full name of Bride: Catherine Farley
Place of Residence: Wellman, Iowa
Age next birthday: 17
Race or color: White
Place of birth: Iowa
Father’s name: John R. Farley
Mother’s maiden name: Susan Cobb
No. of bride’s marriage: First
Where and when married: Bride’s residence in Washington Co. Iowa Nov. 9, 1882.
Date of return: November 9, 1882
Date registered: November 11, 1882
By whom certified: J. D. Matthews, Justice of the Peace.

(Marriage License of James Madison Scalf and Kathrine Ida Farley) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

The marriage record of James and Kathrine states that this was a second marriage for James and the first for Kathrine. We do not know at this time who the first wife of James might have been or what might have happened to her. Note that under the heading of Parents names; mother’s maiden name is Wm. Scalf and Matilda Farley. Since Kathrine’s father was a Farley, we believe the clerk got confused and listed James’ mother, Matilda Smith Osborn, as Farley also.

Kathrine’s name was spelled (KATHRINE) in her Family Bible and this is the spelling that will be listed in these writings with the exception of the spellings on the census records and these were copied as they appeared on the records.

Kathrine was born July 10, 1866 in Iowa, the daughter of John R. Farley and Susana Cobb. Wendy Klosterman reports that Kathrine’s parents came to Iowa in the late 1840’s and Kathrine was born around Wassonville. Her father operated a Tailor Shop and a Wagon Shop in town.

James and Kathrine were the parents of five living children. These children and their spouses are listed here from the Bible of Kathrine Ida (Farley) Scalf. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)
1) Carrie Arminda was born December 29, 1883 in Iowa. She married Emanuel Whetstine March 27, 1901. Carrie died November 29, 1906 at Roswell, New Mexico from tuberculosis. She is buried at Roswell, NM.
2) Susana Matilda was born August 12, 1886 in Iowa. She married Albert Lantz October 21, 1903.
3) Viola was born September 10, 1888 in Oregon. She married Charles Perrin June 26, 1906.
4) Lettie Leona was born May 18, 1893 in Iowa. She died November 14, 1893.
5) Merton Lester was born June 1, 1903 in Iowa. He married first to Lydia Miller April 10, 1925. Lydia Miller Scalf died July 13, 1953. He married second to Grace King (deceased). Merton married third to Lydia Leverne Rhodes born October 17, 1916. She died December 10, 1999. Merton and Lydia Leverne married December 10, 1958. They had two girls; Dorothy Leverne Scalf and Barbara Jane Scalf. Merton Lester Scalf died March 19, 1979. He had a stroke earlier. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

On the 1900 census, Kathrine stated she had four children with only three living. Lettie Leona was born 1893 and died 1893. James stated on this census that they had been married for 17 years; however, they would have been married around 18 years according to their marriage date of 1882.

Photograph of James Madison Scalf and son, Daniel, when they worked for the railroad in 1892. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

This picture, the James Madison Scalf family, was taken in 1906 when James & Kathrine Scalf was in Roswell, NM. They are the older couple standing on the steps in the background. The little boy is Merton Lester Scalf, the father of Ethel Scalf, and the grandfather of Wendy Klosterman. James and Kathrine traveled to Roswell, New Mexico with their daughter Carrie Arminda Scalf Whetstine and her family sometime after the enumeration of the 1900 census because of her health. Carrie had tuberculosis, and she died there in 1906 and is buried in Roswell, NM. Carrie had married in 1901 and had only been married five years when she died. Her children traveled with her, but a family member of her husband came down and took them back to Wellman, IA. James and Kathrine also returned to Iowa.

James Madison Scalf died July 8, 1932 at the age of 79 years, 6 months, and 15 days old at Wellman, Iowa from carcinoma of the bile duct. He is buried at Wassonville Cemetery in Washington County (Wellman) Iowa. His death certificate is listed in Book 5, page 236 of the Washington County, Iowa death records. (Death Certificate of James Scalf)  (Death Certificate of James Madison Scalf) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Obituary of James Madison Scalf:

Gospel Herald - Volume XXV, Number 19 - August 11, 1932 - page 415.

Scalf, James Madison was born to William and Matilda Scalf on Dec. 22, 1852, in Hancock Co., Ill.; died July 8, 1932, at his home in Wellman, Iowa; aged 79 y. 6 m. 18 d.
On Nov. 9, 1882, he was married to Kathrine Farley. This union was blessed with 4 daughters and 1 son. Two daughters preceded him in death. Surviving are the widow, 1 sister, 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. His last illness began about last Christmas and gradually grew worse till the end. In February, 1932, he united with the Mennonite Church, to which he was faithffaithful. His testimony of peace with God and his willingness to submit to His plan assures us that our loss is his eternal gain. The funeral was conducted by Abner G. Yoder and Edward Diener. Interment in the Wassonville Cemetery. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

The family of James Madison Scalf and Kathrine Ida Farley were followed on census records through 1930. We first find James and Kathrine on the 1895 Washington County, Iowa State Census, living at Lime Creek Township.

1895 Washington CO IA State Census                                 Lime Creek Township

1900  Washington CO IA            June 1900                Wellman

Note that Kathrine stated in 1900 that she had four children born with three living. She had three children in 1895. James and Kathrine married 1882 and Carrie was born December of 1883 according to the 1900 census. Susana was born August of 1886; therefore, we believe Kathrine had a child that died between Carrie and Susana.

1905 Washington CO IA State Census

In 1910 Kathrine stated she had five children born with three living.

1910 Washington CO IA         13 May 1910                  Lime Creek Township

1915 Washington CO IA State Census                               Wellman

1920 Washington CO IA       7 January 1920                Lime Creek Township

1930 Washington CO IA       10 April 1930                  Lime Creek Township

1940 Washington CO IA       4 April 1940                      Lime Creek Township

 SUSANNAH MATILDA SCALF
Daughter of
James M. Scalf & Catherine Ida Farley
Susannah<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Susana Matilda Scalf, daughter of James Madison Scalf and Kathrine Ida Farley, was born August 12, 1886 in Iowa. (Bible record courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

She married Albert Lantz October 21, 1903 in Iowa. Albert was the son of Gilbert and Madeline Lantz. Albert and Susana only had one daughter, Helene Frances Lantz (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

1910 Washington CO IA            29 April 1910                      English River Township

1920 Washington CO IA       9 January 1920                English River Township

1925 Washington CO IA State Census

1930 Washington CO IA       24 April 1930            Lime Creek Township

1940 Washington CO IA        4 April 1940            Lime Creek Township

1950 Jasper CO IA               18 April 1950            Kellogg Township

At some point after 1950, Albert and Susie moved to Oregon where Albert’s parents and some of his siblings lived. According to her death certificate, Susie died on 26 May 1966 in Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon. (Death Certificate of Susie Scalf Lantz)

Both Susie and Albert were buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Medford, Jackson County, Oregon.

Helene Frances Lantz married Glenn Smith Hasty on 26 Jun 1938 in Waverly County, Iowas. He was born on 23 May 1907 in Kalona, Washington County, Iowa and died on 1 Dec 1972 in Selma, Josephine County, Oregon. Helene died on 6 June 1986 ( in Cave Junction, Josephine County, Oregon. Both are buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Medford, Jackson County, Oregon. (Courtesy of Stephen Scalf)

VIOLA OLEY SCALF
Daughter of
James M. Scalf & Catherine Ida Farley
Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Viola Oley (also known to family as Ollie) Scalf, daughter of James Madison Scalf and Kathrine Ida Farley, was born September 10, 1888 in Oregon. (Bible record of Kathrine Ida (Farley) Scalf, courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Viola married Charles Perrin June 26, 1906 in Oregon. James and Kathrine moved their family to Oregon where James was a lumberjack and Kathrine was the camp cook at that time (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

PERRIN FAMILY

Seated - (L to R) Sarah Ellen Perrin Brown, Martha Ann Perrin Spear, Mary A. Cassell Perrin, Thadeus Robert Perrin, Emma Mae Perrin Allen & Minnie Alnora Perrin Blumenstein.
Standing - (L to R) Charles Porter Perrin, Jonathan Robert Perrin, William Henry Perrin, Wesley Levi Perrin and Stephen I. Perrin.

Willis Perrin, grandson of James and Kathrine, was living in the home on the 1930 census. He was the son of Charles and Viola Scalf Perrin, daughter of James and Kathrine.

1910 Washington CO IA      18 May 1910                  Lime Creek Township

1920 Washington CO IA        12 January 1920                Lime Creek Township

MABEL LAVENA PERRIN
Daughter of
Viola Oley Scalf & Charles Perrin
Ida<Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Mabel was born on 1 Jun 1907 in Wellman, Washington County, Iowa. She married Charles Alvin Carter on 26 Jun 1922. Charles was born on 23 Jan 1903 in Liberty Township, Keokuk County, Iowa and died on 28 Apr 1937 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. After his death, Mabel married Albert Samuel Ginn, born on 31 Dec 1912 in Lucas County, Iowa and died on 5 Jan 1991 in Des Moines, Iowa. Mabel died in Des Moines on 28 Aug 1984.

Children of Charles Alvin Carter and Mabel Lavena Perrin:
1) Alvin Charles Carter, born in Wellman, Iowa on 2 Nov 1923 and died in Des Moines, Iowa on 10 Aug 1987. There is no record of his ever marrying.
2) Carroll "Sam" Lester Carter, born in Wellman, Iowa on 27 Jun 1929 and died in Des Moines Iowa on 16 Aug 1990. He married Dorothy E. Erb on 26 June 1954 in Jackson, Kansas City, Missouri. She born in Des Moines, Iowa on 16 Jan 1930 and died in Des Moines, Iowa on 10 Mar 2018. They had two daughters, Janet Marie Carter(married Minear) and Kelly D. Carter(married Kevin D. Henry on 4 Apr 1992).

IDA IRENE PERRIN
Daughter of
Viola Oley Scalf & Charles Perrin
Ida<Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Ida Irene Perrin, daughter of Viola Scalf and Charles Perrin, was born about 1904 in Iowa (Census). Ida married Earl Michael Adams on 22 Jun 1926 in Washington County, Iowa. Earl was born on 17 Dec 1902 in Wapello, Louis County, Iowa to Jesse John Adams and Utica Selena Boyer, and died on 4 Jan 1963 in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition to their other children, Ida and Earl had three still born children: Richard Dean Adams - 24 Jul 1929; Marion Adams - 1930; and Doris Jean Adams - 21 Oct 1931, and so they do not appear on any census records. There is a tombstone for "Adams Babies" bearing all three names in the Wapello Cemetery, Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa. (Adams Babies - Headstone)

Earl and Ida were found on the following census records, with Earl not showing in the 1950 census. About 1950, Ida married Wayne Chester Floyd, born on 8 Jun 1912 in Gentry County to James W. Floyd and Mary E. Mevin, Missouri and died on 15 Oct 1964 in Des Moines, Iowa.

1930 Washington CO IA       16 April 1930                     Daytonville

1940 Iowa Census               19 April 1940                     Lee Twp, Des Moines, Polk, Iowa

1950 Iowa Census                7 April 1950                     Polk County, Iowa

VIRGINIA LAVENA ADAMS
Daughter of
Ida Irene Perrin & Earl Michael Adams
Virginia<Ida<Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Virginia Lavena Adams was born on 16 July 1926 in Wellman, Washington County, Iowa and died on 3 Aug 2006 in Des Moines, Iowa. She married Howard Raymond Luing about 1944. Howard was born on 22 May 1925 in Baxter, Jasper County, Iowa and died on 9 Feb 1970 in Riverside County, California. They had two daughers: Marlene K. Luing (married Sutton) and Linda Darlene Luing (married Kennel) born on 20 Feb 1948 in Des Moines, Iowa and died on 10 Dec 2021 in Des Moines, Iowa.

BETTY JEAN ADAMS
Daughter of
Ida Irene Perrin & Earl Michael Adams
Betty<Ida<Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Betty Jean Adams was born on 4 Nov 1927 in Wellman, Washington County, Iowa and died on 6 Jan 1997 in Des Moines, Iowa. She married Arthur Lee McIntosh. He was born on 30 Aug 1904 in Uniontown, Bourbon County, Kansas and died on 26 Mar 1965 in Des Moines, Iowa. They had three children: Donna E. McIntosh; Larry McIntosh, married Heidi L. Rodberg around 1997; and Rick McIntosh.

BEVERLY EILEEN ADAMS
Daughter of
Ida Irene Perrin & Earl Michael Adams
Beverly<Ida<Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Beverly Eileen Adams was born on 7 Jan 1933 in Wellman, Washington County, Iowa and died on 12 Jan 1997 in Madrid, Boone County, Iowa. she married Robert J. Gustin, born on 22 May 1928 in Guthrie Center, Guthrie County Iowa and died on 21 Jan 1987 in Bagley, Guthrie County, Iowa. They had three daughters: Roxanne (married Bowman), Kathy (married Brant), and Melissa (married Jerry Efkamp); and two sons: Carroll Gustin and Howard E. Gustin.

MARLYN DUANE ADAMS
Son of
Ida Irene Perrin & Earl Michael Adams
Marlyn<Ida<Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Marlyn Duane Poker Adams was born on 12 Jan 1935 in Wellman, Washington County, Iowa and died on 25 Jan 1995 in Guthrie Center, Guthrie County, Iowa. He was the Mayor of Panora, Iowa at that time. He married Doris Lorraine Duke on 2 Jul 1955 in Papillion, Sarpy County, Nebraska. Doris was born on 20 Feb 1936 in Guthrie County, Iowa to Rex Duke and Lorraine Addeline Wells and died on 17 apr 2018 in Ankeny, Polk County, Iowa. they had four children: Robert E. Adams; Rhonda R. Adams (married Flanery); Brenda Lee Adams (married Craig Woody); and Beverly J. "Buff" Adams (married Sheley).

WILLIS PERRIN
Son of
Viola Oley Scalf & Charles Perrin
Willis<Viola<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Willis Perrin, son of Viola Scalf and Charles Perrin, was born about 1914 in Iowa. He was living with his grandparents in 1930 Washington County, Iowa. We have no further information on Willis.  

1930 Washington CO IA        10 April 1930                     Lime Creek Township

MERTON LESTER SCALF
Son of
James M. Scalf & Catherine Ida Farley
Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Merton Lester Scalf, son of James Madison Scalf and Kathrine Ida Farley, was born June 1, 1903 and died March 19, 1979. Merton married first to Lydia Miller April 10, 1925. Lydia Miller Scalf died July 13, 1953. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Merton married second to Grace King (deceased). They had no children. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Merton married last to Lydia Leverne Rhodes born October 17, 1916. She died December 10, 1999. Merton and Lydia Leverne married December 10, 1958. They had two daughters, Dorothy Leverne Scalf and Barbara Jane Scalf. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

This picture was taken in Roswell NM when the older couple in the picture - James Madison and Kathrine Ida Scalf - was there to help the oldest child, Carrie Arminda Scalf Whetstine when she had tuberculosis. Merton Lester Scalf, their youngest child, is in the far front. The other two gentlemen, no one knows who they are. Carrie died in New Mexico, her children were with her, but part of the Bell family came and took them back to Iowa. This picture was taken in 1906. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Child of Lydia Miller:
1) Louisa Katheryne Miller born April 12, 1920. Louisa died in a car accident in Savannah Georgia in March of 1983.

Children of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller Scalf:
1) Carolyn Bernice Scalf born 9-25-1925 at her grandparent’s home in Johnson County, IA.
2) Ethel Viola Scalf born January 7, 1927.
3) Iva Ellen Scalf born July 20, 1929. She died February 9, 2000 from cancer.
4) Calvin Lester Scalf April 8, 1931.
5) Doris Leora Scalf February 1, 1934.
6) Evelyn Mae Scalf April 16, 1936.
7) Daniel James Scalf April 19, 1938.
8) George Edward Scalf born August 9, 1941.

Merton and his first wife, Lydia Miller, were found on the 1930 census of Washington County, Iowa.

1930 Washington CO IA      11 & 12 April 1930                   Lime Creek Township

1940 Washington CO IA       15 April 1930                Lime Creek Township

LOUISA MILLER SCALF
Daughter of
Lydia Miller
Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Louisa Katheryne Miller (Scalf), daughter of Lydia Miller, was born April 12, 1920. Louisa died in a car accident in Savannah Georgia in March of 1983. No further information on Louisa.

CAROLYN SCALF
Daughter of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
Carolyn<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Carolyn Scalf, daughter of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born 9-25-1925.

ETHEL SCALF
Daughter of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
Ethel<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Ethel Scalf, daughter of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born January 7, 1927.

IVA ELLEN SCALF
Daughter of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
Iva<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Iva Ellen Scalf, daughter of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born July 20, 1929. Iva died February 9, 2000 from cancer.

CALVIN LESTER SCALF
Son of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
Calvin<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Calvin Scalf, son of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born April 8, 1931.

OBITUARY:

Calvin Lester Scalf, 74, 109 15th St. East, Wellman, died Monday, April 25, 2005 at his home of lung cancer. Memorial Service: 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the Wellman Baptist Church. Surviving in addition to his wife, Nelle, are two daughters, Carrie Marshall of Lone Tree and Donna Logsdon of Marion; a son, Edward Scalf of Highridge, MO; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; and 8 brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three sisters. Calvin was born April 8, 1931 in Wellman the son of Merton and Lydia (Miller) Scalf. He married Nelle J. Hayes on May 26, 1951 in Wellman.

Calvin worked for Buckwalter Motors, Inc. as the service manager for 40 years, until his retirement in 1993. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Calvin was a member of the Wellman Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Calvin loved his family and his church. Military Rites by the Wellman American Legion. Memorials may be made to Washington County Hospice or to the Wellman Baptist Church. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Eastern Iowa.

DORIS LEORA SCALF
Daughter of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
Doris<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Doris Leora Scalf, daughter of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born February 1, 1934.

EVELYN MAE SCALF
Daughter of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
Evelyn<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Evelyn Mae Scalf, daughter of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born April 16, 1936.

DANIEL JAMES SCALF
Son of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
Daniel<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Daniel James Scalf, son of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born April 19, 1938.

GEORGE EDWARD SCALF
Son of
Merton Scalf & Lydia Miller
George<Merton<James<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

George Edward Scalf, son of Merton Lester Scalf and Lydia Miller, was born August 9, 1941. George died November 1, 2010.

DANIEL MARTIN SCALF
Son of
William Scalf & Matilda Jane Osborne
Daniel<William<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Daniel Martin Scalf, son of William Scalf and Matilda Jane Osborne, was born about 1858 or 1859 in Illinois, probably McDonough County.

Daniel married Winnie Booth, daughter of T. D. Booth June 4, 1883 in Washington County, Iowa. Daniel was 26 years old and Winnie was 18.  (Marriage License Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)  (Daniel Scalf & Winnie Booth Marriage Certificate)

This picture was taken from the Wellman, Iowa Centennial Book. William Whetstine was Mary Irene Belle Scalf’s first husband. In the picture, William Whetstine, Daniel Martin Scalf, James Madison Scalf and Ed Banks who lived with Daniel and Winnie Scalf as hired help. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

1895 Washington CO IA State Census                 Lime Creek Township

1900 Washington CO IA        2-4 June 1900                  Lime Creek Township

1905 Washington CO IA State Census                   Wellman

1910 Union CO NM        28 & 29 April 1910          Precinct 20    Ione

1920 Shannon CO MO    9 February 1920                  Montier Township

1930 Kearny CO KS      12 April 1930                   Southside Township

EDITH N. SCALF
Daughter of
Daniel M. Scalf & Winnie Booth
Edith<Daniel<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Edith Scalf, daughter of Daniel Martin Scalf and Winnie Booth, was born about 1888 in Iowa. Edith graduated from Wellman High school in 1906. She married Clement Charles Berry and they were the parents of at least six children. (Census records)

1920 Shannon CO MO       9 February 1920                           Montier Township

The Clem Berry family arrived in Kansas from New Mexico.

1925 KS State Census

1930 Kearny CO KS         12 April 1930                        Southside Township

JAMES VIVIAN SCALF
Son of
Daniel M. Scalf & Winnie Booth
James<Daniel<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

James Vivian Scalf, son of Daniel Martin Scalf and Winnie Booth, was born August 23, 1891 (WWII Registration Card) in Iowa and died June 28, 1971 in Solano, California. James married Leola Jane Belen on November 21, 1919 in Shannon, Missouri.

Children of James V. Scalf and Leola Jane Belen:
1) Thelma F. Scalf
2) Gladys Pauline Scalf

WWI Registration Card
Name: James Vivian Scalf
Age: 25
Home: San Acacio, CO  (Link to Original Document)
Date of Birth: August 23, 1891
Present Occupation: Farming
Employer’s Name: Self
Height: Medium
Build: Medium
Color eyes: Light Blue
Color hair: Brown
Date: June 5, 1917

1920 Shannon CO MO        9 February 1920                         Montier Township

1930 Kearny CO KS           12 April 1930                     Southside Township

1940 Hamilton CO KS        20 April 1940                     Syracuse

Apparently, James and Loeta Scalf obtained a divorce, but by 1940, they were both remarried. Pauline is living with her father when the census was taken on April 20, 1940; however, she is living with her mother, sister, and step father when the census is taken a few days later on May 1, 1940.

1940 Finney CO KS           1 May 1940                       Garden City

After staying with her mother for a few days, Pauline was moved again. This time she is living with an older couple, J. A. and A. S. Warner. At this time, we do not know the relationship between Pauline and this couple. However, she is back in the same county as her father. James V. Scalf.

1940 Hamilton CO KS         May 1940                            Syracuse 

MARY IRENE BELL SCALF
Daughter of
William Scalf & Matilda Jane Osborne
Mary<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Mary Irene Scalf, daughter of William Scalf and Matilda Jane Osborne, was born June 16, 1867 and died October 15, 1943. (Headstone information, courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Mary Irene married William Whetstine November 9, 1882. William died November 30, 1893. (Bible records of Kathrine Farley Scalf, courtesy of Wendy Klosterman) (Marriage Document)

After the death of William, Mary Irene married John Wesley Carr March 25, 1894. (Bible records of Kathrine Farley Scalf, courtesy of Wendy Klosterman) John was born October 16, 1864 and died January 22, 1954. (Headstone marker of Mary Irene and John Wesley Carr, courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)  (Cemetery Marker)

Mary Irene and William Whetstine were the parents of two sons before William died; Charles Monroe Whetstine born about 1886, and Daniel Harrison Whetstine born about 1889. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Mary and John were the parents of three sons; William Carr born January 1895, Arthur Carr born July 1899 and George F. M. Carr born 1903. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

Due to marriage and death date, Mary Irene and her first husband were not found on census records. She was found with her second husband, John Wesley Carr in 1895 Washington County, Iowa, living at Lime Creek Township. They were followed on census records through 1930.

In 1900, Mary Irene stated she had 6 children born with 4 living. It is undetermined if the two deceased children were from the first or the second marriage.

1895 Washington CO IA State Census                   Lime Creek Township

1900 Washington CO IA         June 1900                     Lime Creek Township

1905 Washington CO IA State Census                        Kalona Post Office

In 1910, Mary Irene stated she had 7 children born with 5 living. We believe there was another child born to John and Mary that died.

1910 Washington CO IA         13 May 1910                       Lime Creek Township

1920 Washington CO IA          13 January 1920                      Lime Creek Township

1930 Washington CO IA          5 April 1930                           Lime Creek Township

>1940 Washington CO IA          16 April 1940                           Lime Creek Township

CHARLES MONROE WHETSTINE
Son of
William Whetstine & Mary Irene Belle Scalf
Charles<Mary<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Charles Monroe Whetstine, son of Mary Irene Bell Scalf and William Whetstine, was born March 24, 1886 in Iowa. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman) We have no death date for Charles.

Charles married Velma (maiden name unknown) Whetstine. She was born July 3, 1896. They were married August 11, 1913. Information on Velma was contributed by Wendy Klosterman.

I came across an obit on Velma Whetstine who married Charles Whetstine (son of Mary Irene and Charles Whetstine) in South English, IA on Aug. 11, 1913. Velma was born on July 3, 1896. They had nine children Raymond, Harold, Clifford, Austin, Charles, Evelyn, Ruby, Marvel, and Helen. I talked with some of my older friends, and they remember some of the children. They lived in Wellman, Richmond, and Kinross. Evelyn married a Trent (no first name yet). She lived in Wellman most of her life working at the turkey plant. Raymond lived in Chicago at the time of his mother’s death. Harold lived in Cosgrove, IA (near Wellman). Clifford lived in Midland, TX. Lt. Charles Whetstine was stationed in Ft. Benning, GA. Ruby married a Clark and lived in Inglewood, CO. Marvel married a Correll and lived in Colorado Spring, CO, and Helen married an Abbott and lived in Iowa City, IA. Velma died in a car accident near Hills City, KA in April of 1957. A date was not given, but the paper came out on April 6, 1957. She was driving her and her son Austin when she lost control of the car on a bridge due to slush and ice and crashed into the bridge banister. Austin lived, with only minor injuries. She was 61 at the time of her death. She was preceded in death by three children. I’m not sure if they died in infancy. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

WWI Registration Card
Name: Charles Monroe Whetstine
Age: ;32
Home: Wellman, Washington CO, IA (Link to Original Document)
Date of Birth: March 24, 1886
Present Occupation: Farming
Employer’s Name: J.D. Adams
Nearest relative: Velma E. Whetstine
Height: Medium
Build: ;Medium
Color eyes: Blue
Color hair: Light Brown
Date: September 12, (1918)

1920 Washington CO IA          16 January 1920                          Lime Creek Township

1930 Iowa CO IA          4 April 1930                           Greene Township

DANIEL HARRISON WHETSTINE
Son of
William Whetstine & Mary Irene Belle Scalf
Daniel<Mary<William<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Daniel Harrison Whetstine, son of Mary Irene Bell Scalf and William Whetstine, was born April 28, 1889 (WWI registration card) in Iowa. Daniel’s wife was Ina (1920 census). We have no further information on Daniel. Daniel and Ina had five children found on the 1920 and 1930 census records. There might have been more children.

WWI Registration Card
Name: Daniel H. Whetstine
Age: 28
Home: Wellman, Washington CO, IA (Link to Original Document)
Date of Birth: April 28, 1889
Present Occupation: Brick Layer helper
Employer’s Name: Will Perrin
Dependents: Wife and two children
Height: Medium
Build: Medium
Color eyes: Blue
Color hair: Light Brown
Date: June 5, 1918

1920 Washington CO IA           2 January 1920                       Lime Creek Township

1930 Washington CO IA          9 April 1930                        Lime Creek Township

MARY JANE SCALF
Daughter of
Lewis Scalf & Nancy Koziah
Mary<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Mary Jane Scalf, daughter of Lewis Scalf and Nancy Keziah was born about 1832 in Washington County, TN. (Census records)

During her research Wendy found an article stating that Mary Jane died May 28, 1878 of typhoid fever in McDonough County, Illinois and is buried at Brown’s Cemetery in Hancock County, IL. However, Riley Bloyd’s wife on the 1880 census is listed as Mary J. with an estimated birth date of 1830. It cannot be determined at this time if this was the same Mary Jane Scalf mentioned in the article Wendy found, or if the death date was a misprint in this article. This might also have been a second wife named Mary J. If this was not a second wife, Mary Jane might still have been living in 1880.

Mary Jane Scalf married Riley Bloyd October 4, 1849 in McDonough County, IL. (Illinois Statewide Marriages, Internet) (Illinois Statewide Marriages)
Name: Mary Jane Scalf
Spouse: Riley Bloyd
Date: 4 Oct 1849
County: McDonough
State: Illinois
Source: Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT
Microfilm: 1320670 item 8

In 1850, McDonough County, Illinois, Mary Jane and Riley were living in the home of her parents, Lewis and Nancy Keziah Scalf.

1850 McDonough CO IL          1 October 1850

Note: Although it may not be significant, Riley and Mary Jane named a daughter Mahala. This daughter might have been named for Mahala Scalf Moore.  

1880 Hancock CO IL        4 & 5 June 1880                     Hancock Township

JAMES SCALF
Son of
Lewis Scalf & Nancy Hoziah
James<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

James Scalf, son of Lewis Scalf and Nancy Keziah, was born 1840-1845 in McDonough County, Illinois. James and his wife, Susan, along with their daughter, Nancy, were living with his brother, John, at Deep Water in Henry County, Missouri in 1870. James married Susannah Coziar (Keziah) December 4, 1862 in McDonough County, Illinois. (Marriage License) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

1870 Henry CO MO          9 September 1870                       Deep Water

In 1880, James and Susanna had moved back to McDonough County and were living at La Moine Township. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was in the home.

1880 McDonough CO IL        7 & 8 June 1880                La Moine Township

In 1895, James and Susanna had moved to Decatur County, Kansas. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was not in the home and was likely married at this time.

1895 Decatur CO KS - State Census          1 March 1895                   Sherman Township

James and Susanna were still living at Decatur County, Kansas in 1900 and remained there throughout their lives. 

1900 Decatur CO KS          27 June 1900                Sherman Township

1905 Decatur CO KS - State Census          1 March 1905                         Sherman Township

We believe James died 1905-1910. His widow, Susanna, was living with their daughter, Nancy Elizabeth and her husband, James Hatch, in Decatur County, Kansas in 1910.

1910 Decatur CO KS          15 April 1910                          Olive Township

1920 Decatur CO KS          20 January 1920                     Olive Township

ELIZABETH NANCY SCALF
Daughter of
James Scalf & Susan Coziahr
Elizabeth<James<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Elizabeth Nancy Scalf, (or possibly Nancy Elizabeth) daughter of James Scalf and Susanna Coziar, was born April 29, 1864. We have managed to piece a small amount of information together on these families through census records and internet searches.

A marriage date for James and Nancy was found through an Internet search:

3 Nov 1886 James H. Hatch m. Nancy E. (Elizabeth) Scalf in Oberlin, Decatur, Kansas
Decatur Co., Kansas Marriage Record Index: (Courtesy of Joyce Zachman)

We believe that Susanna Coziar (Keziah) was from the same Keziah family as Ceely Ann and Nancy Keziah Scalf. The Keziah/Coziar families were in Washington County, Tennessee at the same time the Scalf families lived there and moved to Illinois, then over to Missouri, Iowa, and Kansas.

Benjamin Scalf married Ceely Ann Keziah. His son, Lewis, married Nancy Keziah (spelled Koziah in Washington County, TN). We believe Susanna Coziar was also related to both Ceely and Nancy and likely the spelling was the same depending on the region it is found in. In Illinois the name was found as Coziahr and Coziar.

In 1895 James and Elizabeth had two children; Orpha and May. They were living at Sherman Township in Decatur County, Kansas. They were then living at Olive Township in the same county 1900 through 1930.

1895 Decatur CO KS State Census          1 March 1895                    Sherman

1900 Decatur CO KS          6 June 1900                         Olive Township

1905 Decatur CO KS State Census          March 1, 1905                        Olive

Nancy stated in 1910 that she had four children with two living. The census calculates that Orpha was born January 1889 and May was born July 1891.

It appears that James Scalf died 1905-1910 for his widow, Susanna Keziah Scalf, was living with her daughter and son-in-law in 1910 and 1920.

1910 Decatur CO KS          15 April 1910                   Olive Township

1915 Kansas State Census          Olive

1920 Decatur CO KS       20 January 1920      Olive Township

We believe that Susanna had likely died by 1930 for she was not found as head of house or living with her daughter. In 1930 Charles and Edna Sutton, children of Harvey Sutton and May Hatch Sutton, were living with their grandparents at Oberlin in Decatur County, Kansas.

1930 Decatur CO KS          4 April 1930                       Olive Township

ORPHA T. HATCH
Daughter of
James Hatch & Elizabeth Scalf
Orpha<Elizabeth<James<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Orpha Hatch, daughter of James H. Hatch and Elizabeth Scalf, was born January 1889 (1900 Decatur Co. KS census)

Orpha married first to Charles W. Rozell in McCook (Red Willow County) Nebraska on June 30, 1909. (Internet post, courtesy of Joyce Zachman)

Several internet posts by Joyce Zachman are listed below:

POST:

There is a James Rozelle in SSDI, b. 28 Jan 1911, d. May 1960, SSN issued in NE and a William Victor Rozelle, b. 22 May 1913 Kansas, d. 13 Jun 1954 Riverside Co., CA (CA Death Index) (Courtesy of Joyce Zachman)

These may or may not be children of Charles and Orpha.

Orpha then married second to James Otis Dugger in Republican City, (Harlan County) Kansas October 4, 1916.;

POST:
Jgzachman  Posted: 29 Dec 2008 4:40PM
Classification: Query

“I am not related to the Hatch family. I have a business & a hobby that sometimes melds together -antiques and genealogy. I have recently come across a framed marriage certificate that I would like to get to the correct family. I do not own the certificate; it is on loan to me by an antique auctioneer. It is a certificate for Charles W. ROZELL & Orpha T. HATCH who married 30 Jun 1909 in McCook, Red Willow, Nebraska.

“I did a cursory research on both families to see if I could locate a descendant. I believe that there are none. However, perhaps someone in your group might have an interest in it.
“I can locate Orpha with her family in the 1895 & 1905 Kansas State Censuses & the 1900 US Census, in Olive, Decatur, Kansas. And, I found Orpha & Charles in the 1910 US Census in Olive, Decatur, Kansas. I cannot locate them after that census.

“Orpha T. HATCH (b. Jan 1889 KS), was the daughter of James H. HATCH (b. Jul 1866 IL) and Nancy Elizabeth SCALF (b. Apr 1864 IL), who married 3 Nov 1886 in Oberlin, Decatur, Kansas.

“James HATCH & Nancy Elizabeth SCALF had one other daughter, whose full name, I believe, was Bulah Elizabeth Maye (Mary?) HATCH (b. Jul 1891 KS). Maye married Harvey SUTTON on 14 Dec 1907 in Oberlin, Decatur, Kansas. They had two children: Averil (dau) b. c1908, Charles B. b. c1910. It seems that Bulah Maye and her daughter, Averil, must have died before the 1920 census; her husband, Harvey is remarried and living in Colorado. He eventually has three more children. Their son, I believe, is Charles Bazil SUTTON, b. 27 Feb 1910 NE, d. Jun 1978 Oberlin, Decatur, KS. SSN issued in CO. Charles Bazil SUTTON enlisted WWII in Denver, CO; b. NE 1910; lives in Decatur Co., KS; married; Concrete-Mixer Operator* or Earth-boring Machine Operator or Highway Construction Machine Operator An asterisk (*) appearing after a job title indicates that a trade test for the particular occupation will be found in the United States Employment Service.” (Zachman)

(Post by Joyce Zachman: Post submitted by Robin Sutton Oram, granddaughter of Charles B. SUTTON, to Rootsweb, 6 Jul 1998.)

I am looking for information about Charles Bazil SUTTON, born 1912 near Marion, Nebraska. His father’s name was Harvey Sutton, mother Maye HATCH. They lived in Oberlin Kansas from 1914 until ? He was my grandfather.

Another post by Joyce on 6 Aug 1998.

I am still searching in vain for information on my grandfather Charles B. Sutton. His father’s name was Harvey Sutton. Charles had two half-brothers: Mark from Denver Co. and Lyle from California. Charles was born in 1910 moved to Kansas when he was 2 years old. Charles died in 1978 in Oberlin, Kansas. (Robin Sutton Oram)

Joyce also states: I have not contacted Robin Sutton Oram, as the post she made was 10+ years ago. If anyone is interested in the marriage certificate, they can contact me directly and I’ll arrange it for them. However, it needs to be no later than January 4th, as the auctioneer will place it for auction at that time.

Sincerely,
Joyce Zachman

An attempt to contact these folks failed as these posts were considerably old when found by the author.

1910 Decatur CO KS          15 April 1910                       Olive

From the information posted by Joyce Zachman we find that Orpha married Otis James Dugger, son of W. R. Dugger and Naomi Beckham October 4, 1916 at Republican City (Harlan Co.) Kansas. We do not know if Orpha’s first husband, Charles Rozell, had died or if they had divorced.

4 Oct 1916 Orpha (HATCH) ROZELLE, age 27, b. KS, resident of Republican City, d/o J. H. Hatch & Lizzie Schalf, married in Republican City, Harlan, KS to Otis DUGGER, age 24, b. AR, resident of Republican City, s/o W R Dugger & Naomi Beckham. (Internet post, courtesy of Joyce Zachman)

1920 Phillips CO KS          2 January 1920                       Long Island

In 1930 James and Orpha were living at Olive (Decatur Co) Kansas next door to her parents, James and Elizabeth. Orpha’s children from her marriage to Charles Rozell, (James and William) were also in the home. Orpha and her second husband, James Dugger, also had two children at this time, Hazel and Haskell.

1930 Decatur CO Kansas          4 April 1930                    Olive

 MAY HATCH
Daughter of
James H. Hatch & Nancy Elizabeth Scalf
May Hatch<Elizabeth Scalf<James<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

May Hatch (Possibly named Beulah May Hatch), daughter of James Hatch and Nancy Elizabeth Hatch, was born July 1891 in Decatur County, Kansas. (Census)

May married Harvey Sutton December 14, 1907 at Oberlin (Decatur Co) Kansas. (Courtesy of Joyce Zachman)

14 Dec 1907 Harvey Sutton m. Mary (Maye) Hatch in Oberlin, Decatur, Kansas
Decatur Co., Kansas Marriage Record Index: (Courtesy of Joyce Zachman, Internet post)

I am looking for information about Charles Bazil SUTTON, born 1912 near Marion, Nebraska. His father’s name was Harvey Sutton, mother Maye HATCH. They lived in Oberlin Kansas from 1914 until? He was my grandfather. (Post of Robin Sutton Oram, granddaughter of Charles B. SUTTON, to Rootsweb, 6 Jul 1998) (Joyce Zachman)

Another post on 6 Aug 1998: (Joyce Zachman)

I am still searching in vain for information on my grandfather Charles B. Sutton. His father’s name was Harvey Sutton. Charles had two half-brothers: Mark from Denver Co. and Lyle from California. Charles was born in 1910 moved to Kansas when he was 2 years old. Charles died in 1978 in Oberlin, Kansas. Robin Sutton Oram (b. Jan 1955) listed in whitepages.com in 2002, 11323 Lyons Hwy, Sand Creek, MI 49279-9728 (Robin Sutton Oram post)

Excerpt from post of Joyce Zachman:

Between 1908 & 1910, Harvey Sutton & James H. Hatch were subscribers to the Oberlin Herald Newspaper. (Courtesy of Joyce Zachman)

Harvey and Bulah (Beulah) were found living at Red Willow Township in Danbury County, Nebraska in 1910. They were then found living at Olive Township in Oberlin (Decatur Co) Kansas in 1915. Their daughter, Averil/Averill (?) was two years old in 1915 and six years old in 1915. Their son, Charles, was 2 -in 1910 and four years old in 1915.

1910 Danbury CO NB          28 & 29 April 1910                   Red Willow

1915 Kansas State Census     Olive

Harvey and Maye were not found in 1920 or 1930; however, their children, Averil/Averill (?) were found living with their grandparents, James and Elizabeth in 1930, indicating that one or both of their parents had died. The spelling Averill is what the name appeared to be on the census; however, this is likely inaccurate.

I believe this woman’s full name is Bulah Elizabeth Mary (Maye?) Hatch the sister of Orpha T. Hatch. Does she die between 1910 and 1920 because Harvey Sutton is remarried and in 1920 US Census for Hale, Yuma, Colorado, he is living with a new wife and her parents? Their children, Averil J. & Charles B. are not with him. As a minor footnote, Harvey Sutton appears on the 1930 census in Casper, Natrona, Wyoming, while his 2nd wife and their 2 children are still living with her parents now in Wray, Yuma, Colorado. (Courtesy of Joyce Zachman, internet post)

Harvey enlisted for WWII at Denver Colorado. Joyce Zachman found this information in her search:

Enlisted WWII in Denver, CO; b. NE 1910; lives in Decatur Co., KS; married; Concrete-Mixer Operator* or Earth-boring Machine Operator or Highway Construction Machine Operator An asterisk (*) appearing after a job title indicates that a trade test for the particular occupation will be found in the United States Employment Service. (Courtesy of Joyce Zachman, internet post)

Charles Sutton, son of Harvey and May, died 1978 in Oberlin (Decatur Co) Kansas. Charles was born 1912 near Marion, Nebraska (Courtesy of Robin Sutton Oram, Rootsweb post)

1930 Decatur CO KS          4 April 1930                       Olive Township

We have no further information on these families.

JOHN SCALF
Son of
Lewis Scalf & Nancy Hoziah
John<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

John Scalf, son of Lewis Scalf and Nancy Keziah, was born about 1843 in McDonough County, Illinois. John was head of house in 1870 Henry County, Missouri, but did not appear to be married at this time. His brother James and sister-in-law Susanna Coziar Scalf was living in the home with their daughter, Nancy Elizabeth.  Julia Webster (relationship unknown) was also in the home.

1870 Henry CO MO          9 September 1870                  Deep Water

In 1880, Hancock County, Illinois, John was head of house and was married to Martha. Martha was born November 14, 1852 and died January 8, 1883. (Cemetery Inscriptions, Bear Creek Cemetery, online)

We have no marriage record for John and Martha, but by estimation of their child, Lenora, (aka Nora) from the 1870 census, we believe they likely married 1870-1874.

1880 Hancock CO IL          21 June 1880                    Hancock Township

John and Martha also had a son, Ansill F. Scalf, born August 6, 1880 and died February 26, 1881. Ansill and his mother, Martha, are buried at Bear Creek Cemetery in Henry County, Missouri. John had a brother named George and on the Illinois deaths online, an Ancel George Scalf is listed. We believe this was John’s brother, George, and Ansill/Ancel was probably the namesake for his brother, George. (Bear Creek Cemetery Record of Ansill F. Scalf and Martha Scalf)

John and Martha were not found in 1900, but by 1910 their daughter, Lenora (Nora), had married William Webb and they were living in Henry County, Missouri. William and Nora had four children in the home, along with Nora’s father, John.

1910 Henry CO MO          25 April 1910                Walker Township 

On the 1915 Kansas State Census, William and Nora were living in Barber County, Kansas. Nora’s father, John, was still living with them. John was now listed as 73 years old. William and Nora had twins, Elza and Elsie.

1915 Barber CO KS (State)          1 March 1915              Kiowa Township

In 1920, Nora Scalf Webb was found living in Woods County, Oklahoma with her son, Elza Webb. Two of the daughters of Nora and William Webb were also in the home. Her father, John, was still living with them and listed as 75 years old.

1920 Woods CO OK          19 January 1920               Fritzlen Township

Interestingly, the 1920 census states that John died January 18, 1920, one day before the enumeration of this census. He is listed on this census as 75 years old. However, John would have been around 78 years old if he was born 1842.

LEONORA BELLE SCALF
Daughter of
John Scalf & Martha A. ___
Leonora<John<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Lenora (Nora) Belle Scalf, daughter of John Scalf and Martha (maiden name unknown) Scalf, was born about 1877 in Illinois. (Census calculation)

Nora married William W. Webb. (Census) We have no marriage date at this time.

William and Nora were the parents of four children according to census records. Nora stated in 1910 that she had five children born with three living; however, there are four children on census records.

We believe Nora’s mother had died by 1910, and her father was living with the family in Henry County, Missouri. He remained with Nora’s family until his death in Oklahoma in 1920. (See section of John Scalf)

1910 Henry CO MO          25 April 1910                Walker Township

1915 Barber CO KS (State)          1 March 1915                Kiowa Township

1920 Woods CO OK          19 January 1920                Fritzlen Township

GEORGE SCALF
Son of
Lewis Scalf and Nancy Keziah
(George<Lewis<Benjamin Sr<Lewis)

George Scalf, son of Lewis Scalf and Nancy Keziah, was born about 1845 or 1846 in McDonough County, Illinois. George married Abigail (Abbie) Kepple and this couple was found on the 1880 McDonough County, Illinois census under the spelling of SKELF.

We are indebted to Wendy Klosterman for her diligent research on these families. Wendy’s search has provided us with information from the county records that has enabled us to compile these families. An excerpt is listed here from Wendy’s email dated January 24, 2005:

James F. Scalf married Jennie F. Ingram on March 15, 1896, in Colchester (McDonough County, IL). His parents were George Scalf and Abbie Kepple. James was born in Ladue, Missouri. Jennie’s father’s name was Ira Ingram and her mother’s name was Amelia Box.  Jennie was born in Illinois. This is a first marriage for both and both were 22 years of age. (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

From this information, a check of the McDonough County Illinois census of 1880 reveals that George and Abigail were living in La Moine Township when the census was enumerated on June 17, 1880. One son, James, was in the home.

1880 McDonough CO IL      17 June 1880     La Moine Township

George and Abigail’s son James, mentioned above in the email from Wendy, arried Jennie Ingram. James was listed on the marriage records as born in Missouri but the census states Illinois. Illinois would seem more likely because his parents were living in McDonough County, Illinois and did not move to Missouri until after his mother died and his father remarried. However, it is possible that his parents had been visiting in Missouri when he was born.

In 1888, twin boys were born to George and Abigail. George Arthur and Charles Artie Scalf were born April 11, 1888 in La Moine Township (McDonough Co.) Illinois. (Birth record courtesy of Wendy Klosterman) Abbie might have died in childbirth for she was not with George in 1900 and he is listed as widowed.

Death records online list two men named George Scalf. One is named Ancel George and he died in 1923. The other is simply George Scalf. It is possible that one of the men might have been the son, George.

George was living with the Potts family in 1900 in Knox County, Illinois at Galesburg Township. We have no information concerning what relationship the Potts family might have been to George, if any at all. George was widowed at this time.

George married Margaret Jane Rhodes in McDonough County, Illinois December 25, 1882. (Marriage License)

We cannot confirm that this was the same George Scalf; however, we have found no other George Scalf of this time period. If this is correct, Margaret also was deceased by 1900 for George was listed as widowed in at this time. Leona Scalf Robison, great-granddaughter of George was living with a Clara Rhodes in 1930 on the Gage County, Nebraska census. We have not been able to determine if Clara might have been a relative of Margaret Jane Rhodes.

1900 Knox CO IL     8 June 1900     Galesburg Township

In 1910 George was living with William Crum and his wife in McDonough County. We have no information on this family.

1910 McDonough CO IL   6 May 1910     Lamoine Township

George was found on the 1920 census of McDonough County living at the County Inmate Home.Note that his age is 64 on this census. His age estimated at 65 in 1900.

1920 McDonough CO IL          3 January 1920           Scotland Township
(County Inmate Home)

From the Illinois deaths online, a death record was found for a George Scalf who died in McDonough County, Illinois May 11, 1923. We believe this is the same George Scalf listed in the County Inmate Home in

Last Name   First Name     Middle Name    Sex/Race   Age    Cert No    Death Date         County                     City                              Date Filed

SCALF       GEORGE                                    M/W       Y-85   0000154   1941-05-10        MCDONOUGH       SCOTLAND TWP 		  - -

(Illinois Statewide Deaths 1916 - 1950)

JAMES FLEMMING SCALF
Son of
George Scalf and Abigail Kepple
James F<George<Lewis<Benjamin Sr< Lewis

James Flemming Scalf, son of George Scalf and Abigail (Abby) Kepple, was born 23 August 1875 in Missouri according to his WW I Draft Registration Card. The Social Security Index lists a birth date of 28 Aug 1874 and a death date of January 1963 in Nebraska. This indicates that George and Abigail Scalf were either visiting or living in Missouri when James was born.

James married Jennie Ingram March 18, 1896 in Colchester (McDonough County) Illinois. Jennie was the daughter of Ira Ingram and Amelia Box. Witnesses to the marriage were C. F. Calliham and E. J. Calliham. (Marriage No. 1418, State of Illinois, page 135 of Marriage Register - Filed March 20, 1896 - Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

James F. Scalf and Jennie Ingram marriage document:  (Front of document)  (Back of document) (Courtesy of Wendy Klosterman)

By 1910, James and his family were living in Gage County, Nebraska and his wife is listed as Sophronia J. Scalf. Although Jennie’s name is listed as what appears to be Jennie F. on the marriage record and on the 1900 Knox County, Illinois census record, this might have actually been an S instead of F.

James was employed as a railroad worker in 1900 Knox County, Illinois and a farmer in 1910 Gage County, Nebraska. He is then listed as a railroad worker in 1920 Gage County, Nebraska. His occupation on his marriage license was listed as Laborer at Pottery. It appears that James and Jennie were in Iowa around 1897 or 1898 as Myra Leona, their first child, was born in Iowa during this time.

By 1899 the family had moved back to Illinois where Lloyd was born. James states that he was born in Missouri on several census records but then states Illinois and Kansas on others. His father might have been in those states at various times.

James was required to register for the draft of World War I and we find James-birth date and middle name from his draft registration card. (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

WWI Registration Card
Name: James Flemming Scalf
Age: 43
Home Address: 803 South 6th, Gage, NE (Link to Original Document)
Date of Birth: August 23, 1875
Employed: Section Foreman, Beatrice, Gage, NE
Nearest relative: Wife, 803 South 6th, Beatrice, Gage, NE
Height: Tall
Build: Medium
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Black
Date: September 12, 1918

James and Jennie were followed on census records through 1930.

1900 Knox CO IL     9 June 1900     Galesbury Township

1910 Gage CO NE     19 April 1910    Elm Township

Leona, daughter of James and Sophronia is listed twice on the census records of 1920 Gage County, Nebraska; once in the home of her parents in 1920 and again in the Hospital Complex. Leona was employed by the hospital at Beatrice (Gage County) Nebraska.

1920 Gage CO NE     11 January 1920   Midland Township

1930 Gage CO IL      16 April 1930    Ward 1        Beatrice

1940 Lancaster CO NB        22 April 1940        Lincoln

James Flemming Scalf and his son Lloyd are buried at Fairview County Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Michelle McGee from her mother’s records)

We believe that James and Lloyd’s family members might also be buried there.

MYRA LEONA SCALF
Daughter of
James F. Scalf & Sophronia (Jennie) Ingram
Myra Leona<James<George<Lewis<Benjamin Sr< Lewis

Myra Leona Scalf, daughter of James F. Scalf and Sophronia (Jennie?) Ingram Scalf was born about 1877 in Illinois.

We have no marriage record for Myra but census records reveal that she married Truman Robison. Estimating from the birth of her first child Meredith, we believe she married Truman Robison 1920 - 1923. Meredith was born about 1923 according to the 1930 census. Myra and Truman had four children listed on this census with Opal being the last child. We believe there were probably more children.

Myra and her family were living with her parents in 1930 at Beatrice (Gage Co.) Nebraska. We have no further information on this family.

1920 Gage CO IL      15 January 1920     Ward 4        Beatrice

A total of 14 assistants were living in the hospital complex.

Leona was home with her parents in 1920 and probably married shortly afterwards. Leona and her husband, Truman, were living with her parents in 1930.

1930 Gage CO IL      16 April 1930    Ward 1        Beatrice

LLOYD SCALF
Son of
James F. Scalf and Sophronia (Jennie) Ingram
Lloyd<James<George<Lewis<Benjamin Sr< Lewis

Lloyd Scalf, son of James F. Scalf and Jennie Sophronia or Sophronia Jennie Ingram was born December 19, 1899 in Knox County, Illinois. (WWI Registration Card courtesy of Virgil Scalf).He died January 18, 1960 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (SS Index courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

We find Lloyd listed in his parents’ home from 1900 through 1920. The following information was submitted in an email from Stephen Scalf concerning Lloyd:

Lloyd Steven Scalf, b. 19 Dec 1899 in Knox Co., Illinois, d. Jan 1960 in Nebraska where he had been a foreman at Abel Construction. Dates are confirmed by Social Security Index. (Courtesy of Stephen Scalf)

Lloyd married Ella Mary Truman in February of 1945 in Nebraska. Ella was born 25 September 1917 in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Henry Truman. We do not have her mother’s name at this time. (Courtesy of Michelle McGee)

Ella had six siblings: 1) Emmett Truman, married Evelyn Cater/Carter, Ruby May Truman, Geraldine Truman (married Bill __), Thomas Truman, and Beulah Maxine Truman. Beulah was adopted by the Crum family and became Annis Jeanette Crum. (Courtesy of Michelle McGee)

Interestingly, George Scalf, grandfather of Lloyd Scalf, was living with a Crum family in McDonough County, Illinois in 1910. We have no information on the Crum family at this time.

WWI Registration Card
Name: Lloyd Scalf
Age: 18
Home Address Beatrice, Gage, NB (Link to Original Document)
Date of Birth: December 19, 1899
Employed: Section man, Burlington Railroad
Nearest relative: Sophronia Jane Scalf
Height: Medium
Build: Slender
Date: September 12, 1918

Name: Lloyd Scalf
SSN: 507-10-7554
Born: 19 Dec 1899
Died: Jan 1960
State (Year) SSN issued: Nebraska (Before 1951)

Emails were passed between a descendant of this family and the author when it was discovered that the descendant was inquiring about Lloyd and Ella. Listed below is one of those emails:

“Hello, I don’t mind at all, you can email me any time. Here is all the info I have accumulated on my mom’s family. Her father was Lloyd Scalf, born December 19, 1899 in Knox County Illinois, and died January 18, 1960 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was married in February of 1945 to her mother Ella Mary Truman born Sept. 1917 in Wichita, Kansas and passed away in Leeds, Utah in September 1960 while taking her 6 children to California. She died and was buried in Leeds, Utah. The children where then sent back to Lincoln, Nebraska to live with family. I can’t find anything on either of them except Lloyds-death record. The 6 children; Sandra Jane 1948, Henry James 1942, Barbara Kay 1954, Thomas Lee 1956, Leroy Steven 1958, and Patricia May 1959. In January 1960 Lloyd died and then in September 1960 Ella died. The siblings were split up and I have only found 1, Patricia. My mom was Sandra. I am looking for info on the rest of this family. Any info you could help me get will be greatly appreciated.”

Thank you for contacting me.
Michelle

Excerpt from another email from Michelle:

The children were brought back to Nebraska and lived with Truman relatives. The Shultz family adopted two of the children. (Courtesy of Michelle McGee)

Michelle states a death date for Lloyd of April 1960, but the Social Security Death Index lists a date of January 1960.

Children of Lloyd Scalf and Ella Mary Truman:
1) Henry James Scalf born 1942
2) Sandra Jane Scalf McGee born 1948 (deceased)
3) Barbara Kay Scalf born 1954
4) Thomas Lee Scalf born 1956
5) Leroy Steven Scalf born 1958
6) Patricia May Scalf Adams born 1959

(Courtesy of Michelle McGee, daughter of Sandra Jane Scalf McGee and granddaughter of Lloyd and Ella Truman Scalf)

1940 Lancaster CO NB        22 April 1940        Lincoln

LAWRENCE LARRY W. SCALF
Son of
James F. Scalf & Sophronia (Jennie) Ingram
Lawrence<James<George<Lewis<Benjamin, Sr< Lewis Scalf

Lawrence Scalf, son of James F. Scalf and Sophronia Jennie Ingram, was born about 1905 in Illinois. (1930 Denver CO census)

Lawrence was found with his wife, Lillian, living in Denver County, Colorado in 1930.

1930 Denver CO CO         7 April 1930          Denver

1940 Los Angeles CO CA      8 April 1940       Los Angeles

JOANNA SCALF
Daughter of
Benjamin Scalf & Ceely Ann Keziah
Joanna<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Joanna Scalf, possible daughter of Benjamin Scalf Sr. and Ceely Ann Keziah, cannot be documented as a daughter of this couple; however, I will list here all the information found at this date concerning Joanna and hopefully, the reader will find more information in their search that will eventually document her.

Elmer Scalf wrote the following statement:

Jonah had a sister, Joanna Scalf that married ______ Maine. They went to California also. (Letter from Elmer Scalf to Margaret Fleenor, 1990)

Unfortunately, Elmer did not say how he knew this or if he had found this on some type of record.

Barbara Bowman, another correspondent sent copies of some information she had concerning Joanna. This information is written on a page that appears to have come from a Bible record in the marriage section. On one side of this page the death date of Joanna Jackson is 1876. Two Jackson children are listed on the left side of the page and are likely children of Joanna Jackson. A search on the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index revealed that Joanna Scalf married Samuel Jackson.

Groom       Bride      Date       Vol.  Page  Lic. No.   County

Jackson, Samuel   Scalf, Johanna  10/29/1870   00D/0167  00000263  Fulton (Illinois Statewide Marriages)

In the late 1990’s I corresponded with a Hankle/Hinkle descendant and she stated that she was told that -_____ Maine was Frank Maine and he married one of the Scalf girls-but she had believed it might have been a first or second marriage for Rebecca Scalf that married James V. Hankle or that one of her sisters married Frank Maine, she wasn’t sure. This came to her through correspondence with other researchers and she knew nothing about the Scalf family other than James V. Hankle married Rebecca Scalf. Of this much she was sure.

Joanna Jackson died October 14, 1876. (Courtesy of Barbara Bowman family records)

Children of Samuel Jackson and Joanna Scalf:
1) Daniel Marion Jackson Born April 11, 1872. (Courtesy of Barbara Bowman family records) It appears that Daniel married Wilhelmina G. Wilkes January 24, 1901 in Cook County, Illinois. This might not be the same Daniel M. Jackson; however, he is the only Daniel M. Jackson found in the Illinois marriage records online. (Illinois Statewide Marriages, License No. 321254.5)
2) Wm. Marine (?) Marion (?) Jackson Born February 22, 1874. (Courtesy of Barbara Bowman family records) There are too many William Jacksons in the Illinois Statewide marriages to determine which one he might be; however, marriages for these families can be found at the URL address listed in this chapter for the Illinois Statewide Marriages. (Record of Jackson Children and Death of Joanna) (Courtesy of Barbara Bowman)

Interestingly, only Joanna’s death is listed in this family record and there is no marriage date. The above birth dates of David and William Jackson correlate with the marriage of Joanna to Samuel Jackson for they were married in 1870. According to Barbara’s record, Joanna died 1876. If this is correct, Joanna only lived six years after her marriage and only had two children during that time, so she obviously could not have married Mr. Maine after her marriage to Samuel Jackson.

Joanna is not listed on any records with the Benjamin Scalf family and appears only in Illinois on the marriage records and disappears afterwards; however, she probably came to Illinois with the family of Rebecca Scalf Hankle. Rebecca came to Illinois after the enumeration of the 1860 census and before the enumeration of the 1870 census. It has been stated that she left East Tennessee around 1862 and this may be correct. At this time, we have no further information on Joanna.

BENJAMIN SCALF, JR
Son of
Benjamin Scalf Sr. and Ceely Ann Koziah
Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Benjamin Scalf, Jr., son of Benjamin Scalf and Ceely Ann Keziah, was born about 1815 in North Carolina according to the 1850 and 1860 Elkhart, Indiana census. Elmer Scalf states that his birth date was February 26, 1814. (Chapter XIV, Scalf Family History.) A reference for the birth date from Elmer has not been found.

Benjamin Jr. married Eleanor Narcissa Thomas in Union County, Indiana on September 24, 1835. Eleanor was the daughter of Samuel Thomas of Virginia and granddaughter of Benjamin Thomas and Margaret McClain Matthews. Benjamin and Eleanor were found on the 1850, 1860 and 1870 Elkhart, Indiana census records.

We know from records that Benjamin Scalf, Sr., had left Washington County, Tennessee sometime between 1830 and 1836 and moved to McDonough County, Illinois; however, we cannot establish exactly when his son, Benjamin, left the area of Washington County or whether he went directly to Indiana or Illinois. We do know that Benjamin, Jr. married in Elkhart, Indiana by September of 1835 and we assume he had gone directly to Indiana and probably did not go to Illinois as his father did.

In 1840 Benjamin and Eleanor had two sons.

1840 Elkhart CO IN

SCALF, Benjamin

Benjamin and Eleanor had four sons at the enumeration of the 1850 census.

1850 Elkhart CO IN      23 August 1850     Jefferson Township

Their son, Louis, on the 1850 census, is listed on the 1860 census as William L., as can be seen below. Albert, the son of Benjamin Jr., had married and is in his own home in 1860 as head of house.

William L. Scalf married Mary Fissenhizer on October 18, 1866 in Elkhart County, Indiana, Book 2, page 520 of the Elkhart County, Indiana marriages.  

The same marriage records also show that William L. Scalf married Charity Walters on January 3, 1861 in Book 1, page 563. William married Charity Walters first and after her death, he married Mary Fizzonhizer/Fissenhizer. The name is spelled Rizenhizer in Chronicles of the Scalf family and Scalf Family History. We have no knowledge as to which spelling is correct.

On the 1850 and 1860 census of Elkhart, Indiana, Benjamin has a son named Francis. Francis is gone in 1870 and no records have been found for this Francis Scalf. Chronicles of the Scalf Family lists this son as Francis Marion Scalf born June 23, 1841, Union County and died Nov. 2. 1868. Henry had no further information on this Francis Scalf in his book. Elmer Scalf then lists the same information in Scalf Family History. However, we have been unable to find information that correlates with this Francis Scalf and neither author listed any sources for their information.

However, information for Francis Frank M. Scalf, son of Henry B. Scalf was found and his full name was Francis M. Scalf, also known as Frank. We believe the information concerning Francis Scalf and Francis Marion Scalf has been confused. Elsie Payne Archer helped Henry with his research on the Scalf family, but Henry did not state whether Elsie found the information on Francis Marion Scalf or not.

Virgil then checked the Indiana Marriages and found the following:

The marriage records of Elkhart, Indiana 1850-1920 show that a Francis Marion Scalf married Ester McCloughen on January 25, 1904 in Book 13, page 268. If this is the son from the 1860 census, then this would have been a second wife for Francis was born about 1841 according to the census and probably married before 1904 since he would have been around 63 in 1904. (Email from Virgil Scalf)

Neither the Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, nor Iowa marriage records online show a marriage for a Francis or Francis Marion Scalf other than Francis M. Frank Scalf, son of Henry B. Scalf. Henry and Elmer Scalf state that Francis Marion Scalf died 1868; therefore, if Benjamin Jr. had a son named Francis Marion that was born and died at the time indicated, he would have been around 27 years old at this death and one would think he would have married before that time. Also, if he died 1868 he could not have been the Francis Marion that married Esther McCloughen. It is possible that he never married; however, as stated above, the author believes there has been some confusion concerning Francis Marion Scalf.

A letter from Ray W. Scalf, 812 Durant Street, Lansing, Mich., to Mrs. Elsie Payne Archer, Springfield, Illinois, dated March 19, 1957, states:

My grandfather was Samuel Albert Scalf, brother of Louis, of Ligonier, Indiana, and Henry of either Elkhart or Goshen, Indiana. My grandfather moved to Harbor Springs, Mich., in 1876, where I was born in 1889. Father (William) had two brothers, Benjamin and Harvey, and sister, Ella (Orpha E.). Benjamin’s two granddaughters live in Arlington and Falls Church, Virginia, and one in Michigan. Ella has children in Newport News, Virginia.

In 1850, Benjamin Franklin Scalf and family were residents of Elkhart County, Jefferson Township, Indiana, for they were enumerated there that year. Benjamin Franklin Scalf died July 14, 1889. His widow survived until July 5. 1899. (Chronicles of the Scalf Family, Chapter XIV)

Louis, mentioned by Ray Scalf, was William Lewis/Louis Scalf, son of Benjamin Scalf, Jr. Samuel Albert and Henry B. were brothers of William Louis/Lewis Scalf. Ray did not mention a brother, Francis, or Francis Marion, which suggests that Ray had not heard of this brother. It could be possible that Francis died in 1868 and was not mentioned by the family, or he might have left home early and was not mentioned, as was the case with Arch Scalf, son of Jesse Scalf of East Tennessee. Some descendants had not heard of Arch because he left East Tennessee early in life and was only mentioned to a few grandchildren in that line and others had never heard the name. However, we believe that Francis Scalf, son of Benjamin Scalf, Jr., was actually John Francis Scalf and is discussed under the section titled, John Francis Scalf.

1860 Elkhart CO IN    29 May 1860    Clinton Township

As can be seen, Henry’s age is off on this census and Mary was born after the 1850 census was enumerated, so she most likely was born in 1850 instead of 1849. The years between the birth of Henry and Mary also suggest that there may have been children that died.Benjamin Sr. is listed as 95.; Eleanor is stated as being born in Ohio or at least an O is used and I’m assuming Ohio. She was listed as being born in NY on the 1850 census and on the 1870 census she was born in Virginia. Louis, on the 1850 census was actually, William Louis. Living two doors down from Benjamin and Eleanor was son, Albert, and his wife Malinda. Benjamin Sr. is living in the home of his son on this census. He was now 95 years old.

Benjamin Jr., was no longer head of house in 1870 and he and his wife were living with their son, William Lewis Scalf. His father, Benjamin Sr. had passed away in March of this year.

1870 Elkhart CO IN       29 July 1870     Clinton Township

1880 Elkhart CO IN    1 June 1880     Clinton Township

Neither Benjamin nor his wife Eleanor was found after the 1880 census and we assume they had both died; however, we have no information to confirm their death, or where they might be buried.

WILLIAM LEWIS SCALF
Son of
Benjamin Scalf & Eleanor Narcissus Thomas
William<Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

William Lewis Scalf, son of Benjamin Scalf, Jr. and Eleanor Thomas, was born about 1836 in Union County, IN and died 1900 -1910. (Census estimations)

William Lewis Scalf married first to Charity Walters January 3, 1861 in Elkhart, Indiana. Charity died July 12, 1863 in Union County, IN.  We have found no children for William and Charity at this time and Henry Scalf states there were no children of this union in Chronicles of the Scalf Family under Miscellaneous Families.

Indiana Marriages 1811-1959
Groom: Wm Lewis Scalfe
Bride: Charity Walters
Date of license: 29 Dec 1860
Date of marriage: 03 Jan 1861
Digital folder number: 4540477
Number of images: 1

William married second to Mary Regina Fizzonhizer October 18, 1866 in Elkhart, Indiana.;

Indiana Marriages 1811-1959
Groom: William L Scalf
Bride: Mary Fizzenhizer
Date of license: 18 Oct 1866 County of license: Elkhart
Date of marriage: 18 Oct 1866
Place of marriage: Elkhart, Indiana
Digital folder number: 4540478
Number of images: 1

William is buried at the Millersburg Cemetery, Kosciusko Co, IN. Mary is buried in Goshen, IN. Chronicles of the Scalf Family, Chapter XIV

Children of William Scalf and Mary Fizzonhizer:
1) Oscar D. Scalf - married Mae Jennings December 25, 1895, Elkhart, Indiana. (Indiana marriages, online)
2) Elizabeth Scalf married James Harrison Cary 9/20/1892 in Cook County, Illinois. (Illinois Statewide Marriages, Internet)
3) Anna Berdina Scalf was born July 21, 1884.

1870 Elkhart CO IN       29 July 1870     Clinton Township

William Louis Scalf named a son, Oscar, probably for his brother Oscar D.

1880 Elkhart CO IN    1 June 1880     Clinton Township

 
1900 Elkhart CO IN    16 June 1900     Clinton Township

William Lewis Scalf died 1900-1910 and his widow was found as head of house with their daughter, Anna, and their granddaughter Vera, daughter of their son Oscar.

1910 Elkhart CO IN    19 April 1910    Clinton Township

Mary and Anna moved to California and were listed on the San Diego County Voters Registration in 1916. Mary is listed on the San Diego and Alameda County Voters Registration from 1916 through 1918.

1920 Alameda CO CA    5 January 1930    Oakland

SARAH ELIZABETH SCALF
 Daughter of
William Lewis Scalf & Mary Regina Fizzonhizer
Elizabeth<William<Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Elizabeth Scalf, daughter of William Lewis Scalf and Mary Regina Fizzonhizer was born about 1870 in Indiana. (Census calculation)

She married James H. Carey September 20, 1892 in Cook County, Illinois. (Illinois Statewide Marriage Index)

Groom                  Bride                     Marriage Date      License No.      County

Carey, James H    Scalf, Elizabeth     1892-09-20          00189218          Cook

Elizabeth and her husband, James, moved to Memphis (Shelby Co) Tennessee where they were enumerated in 1900. Elizabeth died June 9, 1921 and James was head of house in 1930.

James and Elizabeth were living in the home of Benjamin Talley/Tolley/Tulley in Shelby County, TN in 1900. The name could be any of the three names listed above, but appears to be Talley. Mr. Talley was a contractor by occupation and James might have been working for him.

1900 Shelby CO TN        1 June 1900                    Memphis

By 1910 James and Elizabeth were in their own home and still living in Shelby County, TN. It does not appear that James and Elizabeth had any children. None were listed on any of the census records.

1910 Shelby CO TN     20 April 1910        Memphis

1920 Shelby CO TN     9 January 1920       Memphis

(Sarah Elizabeth Cary - Obituary)

1930 Shelby CO TN     4 April 1930         Memphis

OSCAR DEWEY SCALF
Son of
William Lewis Scalf & Mary Regina Fizzonhizer
Oscar<William<Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Oscar Dewey Scalf, son of William Louis Scalf and Mary Regina Fizzonhizer, was born April 6, 1873 at Millersburg, Indiana and died December 30, 1843 at the age of 70 years, 8 months and 24 days old from coronary occlusion. His wife gave the information for his death certificate. Oscar was a bookkeeper for a manufacturing business by occupation. His father was listed as Luis Scalf, born in Virginia and his mother was listed as Mae Fizenhaizer born in Germany. Oscar was living at Norwood (Hamilton Co) Ohio when he died and had been a resident for 30 years. (Death Certificate of Oscar Dewey Scalf - Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959
Groom: Oscar D Scalf
Bride: E May Jennings
State of license: 24 Dec 1895
County of license: Elkhart
Date of marriage: 25 Dec 1895
Place of marriage: Goshen, Elkhart, Indiana
Digital folder number: 4540481
Number of images: 1

In 1900 Oscar’s family was living in the home of Sarah Waldro. Oscar and Mae had one child, Vera, at this time.

1900 Noble CO IN     23 June 1900     Orange Township

Apparently Oscar and his wife were separated in 1910 for Oscar was living at the Munroe Hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio at this time. He might have been working there. His wife was not found in 1910, but appears again in 1920 in the home in Ohio. Vera, their daughter was living with her grandmother, Mary FIzzonhizer in 1910 Elkhart, Indiana.

1910 Hamilton OH     16 April 1910    Cincinnati

WWI Registration Card
Name: Oscar Dewey Scalf
Age: 45
Home: Hamilton, OH (Link to Original Document)
Date of Birth: April 6, 1873
Employed: Section man, Burlington Railroad
Nearest relative: Mary Scalf - mother
Height: Medium
Build: Medium
Color eyes: Blue
Color hair: Black
Date: September 12, 1918

By 1920, Oscar and his family were living in Hamilton County, Ohio. Their daughter, Vera, was again with her parents.

1920 Hamilton CO OH   16 January 1920   Columbus Township

Vera J. Scalf died March 31, 1927. (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf) (Death Certificate)

Oscar and Mae were still living in Hamilton County, Ohio in 1930

1930 Hamilton CO OH   17 & 18 April 1930  Columbus Township

1940 Hamilton CO OH      25 April 1940       Norwood

ANNA BERDINA SCALF
;Daughter of
William Lewis Scalf & Mary Regina Fizzonhizer
Anna<William<Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Anna Berdina Scalf, daughter of William Lewis Scalf and Mary Regina Fizzonhizer, was born July 21, 1884 and died July 31, 1975 (SS Index). She was a school teacher and may have never married. There is some speculation that Anna married Lloyd D. Botts in Elkhart, IN; however, we have found that Berdina Scalf, daughter of Frank Scalf married Lloyd Botts and not this Anna.

Anna moved to California with her mother by 1916, where they appeared on the San Diego County Voters Registration in 1916. Later, they moved to Alameda County, CA and appeared on the Alameda County Voters Registration in 1918. Mary and Anna Scalf were members of the Democratic Party. Anna is listed on the San Diego and Alameda County Voters Registration from 1916 through 1944. (CA Voter’s Registration list)

1920 Alameda CO CA            5 January 1930            Oakland

In 1930 and 1940, Anna was boarding with the Rounds family in Alameda County, California. We believe her mother died 1920-1930.

1930 Alameda CO CA            14 April 1930            Piedmont

1940 Alameda CO CA            April 1940             Piedmont

On May 1, 1952, Anna Scalf is listed onboard the Hawaiian Pilot that was sailing from Honolulu, Hawaii to San Francisco, CA. (Passenger List)

Anna Scalf was also listed onboard the R.M.S. Franconia that sailed from Liverpool, England on July 29, 1954 and arrived in Quebec, Canada on August 6, 1954. (Passenger List)

Anna died July 31, 1975. (Social Security Index)
Name: Scalf, Anna B
Social Security #: 558662994
Sex: Female
Birth Date: 21 Jul 1884
Birthplace Indiana
Death Date: 31 Jul 1975
Death Place: Alameda

SAMUAL ALBERT SCALF
Son of
Benjamin Scalf & Eleanor Narcissus Thomas
Samuel<Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Samuel Albert Scalf, son of Benjamin Scalf, Jr. and Eleanor Thomas, was born October 23, 1837 in Elkhart, Indiana and died May 29, 1924 in Harbor Springs, Emmet County, Michigan.

(Death Dertificate of Samuel Albert Scalf)

(Death Dertificate of Malinda Inbody Scalf)

He married Malinda Imbody October 25, 1859 in Elkhart, Indiana. (Indiana Marriage Index 1811-1959) She was the daughter of Adam Imbody and Orpha Tanehil. Samuel Albert Scalf is buried in Harbor Springs, Michigan. (Chronicles of the Scalf Family, Chapter XIV)

Groom: Samuel A Scalf
Bride: Malinda Inbody
Date of license: 23 May 1859
County of license: Elkhart
Date of marriage: 25 Oct 1859
Place of marriage: Elkhart, Indiana
Digital folder number: 4540477
Number of images: 1

Children of Samuel Scalf and Malinda Imbody:
1) William H. A. Scalf was born June 17, 1860. He married Elizabeth Rodle/Roddle.
2) Orpha Eleanor Scalf was born June 16, 1865. Orpha married H. H. Hile.
3) Benjamin Scalf was born June 12, 1868.
4) Harvey A. Scalf was born May 11, 1872.

Civil War Record
Name: Samuel Scalf
RESIDENCE: Goshen, Indiana
Enlistment Date: 15 Feb 1865
Side Served: Union
State Served: Indiana
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 15 February 1865.
      Enlisted in Company E, 152nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 15 Feb 1865.
      Mustered Out Company E, 152nd Infantry Regiment Indiana on 30 Aug 1865 at Clarksburg, WV.

(Michigan Land Certificate)

1860 Elkhart CO IN    29 July 1860      Clinton Township

1870 Elkhart CO IN    2 July 1870     Ward 1        Goshen

1880 Emmet CO MI     18 June 1880     Friendship Township

1884 Emmitt CO MI State Census      Friendship

1890 Emmett CO MI, Veterans Schedule

1900 Emmet CO MI     12 June 1900     Little Traverse Township

1910 Emmet CO MI     19 April 1910    Little Traverse Township

Malinda Imbody Scalf died November 26, 1913, and Samuel was living with his son and daughter-in-law in 1920.

1920 Emmet CO MI     5 & 6 January 1920    Little Traverse Township

WILLIAM H.A. SCALF
Son of
Samuel Albert Scalf & Malinda Imbody
William H.A<Samuel A<Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

William H. A. Scalf, son of Samuel Albert Scalf and Malinda Imbody, was born June 17, 1860 in Elkhart, Indiana and died August 28, 1928 in Harbor Springs, Emmet County, Michigan. William married Susan Elizabeth Rodle. We have no marriage date for this couple. Only one child appears on census records with William and Susan. This was Ray W. Scalf. A nephew, Elmer Roddle, was living in the home with the family in 1910 Emmet County, Michigan. Susan stated in 1900 that she had one child born, with one child living.

(William Scalf Death Certificate)

1900 Elkhart CO IN    5-6 June 1900    Benton Township

Sometime after the 1900 census, William moved his family to Emmet County, Michigan. We believe his wife’s family was from Michigan. The census lists her birthplace as Michigan.

1910 Emmet CO MI     16 April 1910    Little Traverse Township

1920 Emmet CO MI     5 & 6 January 1920    Little Traverse Township 

William H. A. Scalf died August 28, 1928 and his widow is head of house.

1930 Emmet CO MI     7 April 1930      Little Traverse Township

1940 Emmet CO MI     22 April 1940      Harbor Springs

RAY W. SCALF
Son of
William H.A. Scalf & Elizabeth Rodle
Ray W<William<Samuel<Benjamin Jr<Benjamin Sr<Lewis Scalf

Ray W. Scalf, son of William H. A. Scalf and Susan Elizabeth Rodle, was born May 4, 1889. (WWI registration card)

In 1910, Ray was with his parents. By 1917, he had registered for the draft of WWI and the draft card did not indicate that he was married at this time.

WWI Registration Card
Name: Ray W. Scalf
Age: 28
Home: Harbor Springs, MI (Link to Original Document)
Date of Birth: May 4, 1889
Employed: Section man, Burlington Railroad
Nearest relative: Mary Scalf - mother
Height: Medium
Build: Medium
Color eyes: Blue
Color hair: Medium
Bald: Yes
Date: June 5, 1917

Ray W. Scalf married Madge Densmore August 21, 1912 in Emmet County, Michigan. On December 16, 1913, Madge gave birth to a daughter she named Vinian Irene Scalf. For reasons unknown, on February 21, 1914, Ray and Madge gave Vinian up for adoption and she became the daughter of Herman and Katherine Fetz. Vinian was then named Frances Elizabeth Fetz.

The author was contacted by Bob Scalf of Knoxville, Tennessee after he had heard from a descendant of this family. The descendant asked if we could assist him in finding his line and Bob informed him we would certainly try. Virgil and I went to work on this and found information that corresponded with what the descendant knew. We were able to place this family in the proper position and these are the results of that search. With his permission, this is an email from the son of Vinian Irene Scalf (aka as Frances Elizabeth Fetz).

“Following is what we know re my mother:

“Born Dec. 16, 1913 as per birth certificate from Emmet County, Michigan in town of Petosky. Born to Ray W. Scalf & Madge Irene Scalf, unknown maiden name, & both of Petosky, Mi. as per PROBATE COURT, Emmet Co. Mi. 0n 21 Feb. 1914, establishing the Scalf’s as the natural parents & directing the adoption of their daughter, Vinian Irene Scalf, my mother, by Herman Fetz and his wife, Katherine Fetz, both of Petosky also. On that day, my mother’s new/adopted name became Frances Elizabeth Fetz. Herman’s middle name was Joseph & Katherine’s middle name was Louise. Katherine’s maiden name was BEACH. Mothers’ birth certificate certifies DOB of 16 Dec.1913 to parents Herman Fetz & Katherine Fetz and is authenticated on 19 Aug. 1966, by State Director of Public Records. That’s what the record search will show today. However, a deeper search of the Emmet Co. Probate Court records, referenced above, will show what actually transpired at the times reported. Michigan was a state which hid adoption records from appearing on birth certificates.

It was rumored that Ray and Madge were medical students struggling with the cost of medical school, etc., as the reason for their adopting Vinian to the Fetz; however, the family has not found for certain what happened. (Courtesy of Richard Martin)

Madge was at home with her parents in 1910.

1910 Emmet Co. MI     21 April 1910    McKinley Township

Ray and Madge were found on the 1920 census of Cheboygan County, Michigan with their son, Ray E. Scalf. Ray E. Scalf was born about 1917.

1920 Cheboygan CO MI      7 & 8 January 1920      Cheboygan

In 1930, Ray and Madge had moved from Cheboygan County and were living in Kent County, Michigan. Madge’s parents were in the home with them in 1930.

1930 Kent CO MI     25 April 1930       Gaines Township

1940 Montcalm CO MI       6 & 7 May 1940     Greenville

Michigan, Death Records
Name: Madge I Scalf [Madge I Densmore]
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Married
Birth Date: Apr, 1893
Birth Place: St Johus, Michigan
Death Date: 13 May 1947
Death Place: Lansing, Ingham, Michigan, USA
Death Age: 54
File Number: >022051
Father: Emery C Densmore
Mother: Effie Densmore

ORPHA ELENORA SCALF
Daughter of
Samuel Albert Scalf & Malinda Imbody
Orpha<Samuel<Benjamin, Jr.<Benjamin, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Orpha Scalf, the daughter of Samuel Albert Scalf & Malinda Imbody, was born June 15, 1865 and died October 6, 1941 in Hampton, Virginia. Orpha married John Henry Hile in Emmet, Michigan on July 8, 1883. John Hile died May 9, 1911

Orpha married a second time to Joseph W. Ready.

Children of John H. Hile and Orpha Scalf:
  1) Benjamin Hile
  2) Minnie Hile
  3) Florance Grace Hile
  4) Ira Henry Hile - born June 18, 1890 in Michigan and died April 20, 1963 in Virginia. (Death Certificate)
  5) Harvey Harmon Hile
  6) Esther A. Hile
  7) Rose O. Hile
  8) Orpha Eleanor Hile
  9) Esmeranda Hile
  10) Marian Elizabeth Hile

(Photograph - Internet)

1900 Warwick CO VA       6 June 1900      Newport News