LEE SCALF
Son of
John Scalf Sr. and Edeah Carlisle
Lee<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

NOTE: Following the previous posting of this chapter new information was received concerning the family of William Turner Scaff and William Littleton Scaff. William Turner Scaff was originally thought to have been a son of William Littleton Scaff of Greenup County, Kentucky. We have since learned that William Turner Scaff was the grandson of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis Scaff.

We have also received the pension file of Melsena Jefferson Scaff whose relationship to the family could not be determined previously. The pension file reveals that Melsena Scaff was the second wife of William Littleton Scaff and therefore, this chapter has been updated with this new information.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused but we felt it necessary to post this chapter as soon as possible in the event that a descendent could help us determine how Melsena Jefferson Scaff fit into the family. Many parts of this chapter have been left untouched; however, please read the chapter again as these changes have affected various paragraphs which the author will not be able to point out individually. If you have copied the previous chapter, please discard that copy and reprint the chapter.

In an attempt to research and compile the family of Lee Scalf, son of John Scalf, Sr. and Edeah Carlisle Scalf, the following information was obtained from various records and descendents of the SCAFF, SCALF and SEXTON families.

It should be noted that we are unable to confirm the family of Lee Scalf other than one son. The available records and supporting evidence suggest very strongly that William Littleton Scaff of Greenup County, Kentucky was the son of Lee Scalf. After many years of research by various researchers, records (if any exist) concerning Lee Scalf still elude us.

The fact that Lee Scalf was living in Russell County, Virginia in 1840 and missing afterwards on census records suggest to the author that Lee Scalf died before the enumeration of the 1850 census. This makes it very difficult to research the family of Lee because we have no names from census records, nor do we have a marriage record for Lee Scalf.

Further complicating the research it was believed by some researchers that two men by the name of William Scaff were living in Greenup County, Kentucky. One was stated as William Scaff and the other William T. Scaff. Since the original writing of this chapter, we have found evidence to confirm that only one William Scaff was living in Greenup County, Kentucky during 1850 – 1900. This was William Littleton Scaff, son of Lee Scalf.

Legend states that William T. Scaff was born 1850 and died 1918 and is buried at the Holley Cemetery in Greenup County, Kentucky. He was believed previously by descendents to have been the husband of Melsena/Melsina Jefferson Scaff.

Legend further states that William T. Scaff was Sergeant William T. Scaff killed in Germany in WWI; however, it has been confirmed by the widow's pension application of Melsena (Melsena) Jefferson Scaff that she was in fact married to William Littleton Scaff and not William T. Scaff as originally thought. Although William T. Scaff did exist, he was not born until 1886 and was a Sergeant in WWI. William T. Scaff was the grandson of William Littleton Scaff and his first wife Nancy Jane Antis. This William T. Scaff was not buried at the Holley Cemetery, however.

William Littleton Scaff, the subject of our focus, was born 1830-1840. There is a difference in age of nearly twenty years between these two men. William Littleton Scaff married Nancy Jane Antis, daughter of Hiram Antis. William T. Scaff was born 1886, the son of George Scaff and Ella. George was a son of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis Scaff.

Prior to the writing and posting of this chapter, a pension file for Melsena Jefferson Scaff was requested from the Washington, D.C. Archives. That file had not been received until after the posting of this chapter.

We begin first with the available information found for Lee Scalf son of John Scalf Sr. and Edeah (Edy) Carlisle Scalf.
 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION FOR
LEE SCALF

Lee Scalf, son of John Scalf, Sr. and Edeah (Edy) Carlisle Scalf, was born about 1810 or 1811 in either Floyd County, Kentucky or Russell County, Virginia. From the available records it appears that Lee Scalf died 1845-1850, probably in Russell County, Virginia.

From the statement of Patsy (Counts) Scalf wife of John Scalf, Jr., in Hawkins County, Tennessee in July of 1845, Patsy stated, Lee has 7 children. Lee Scalf was the brother-in-law of Patsy (Counts) Scalf and we assume that Patsy would have known the number of Lee's children.

However, Patsy also stated it had been some time since she had seen the family. Patsy was living in Hawkins County, Tennessee and Lee was living in Russell County, Virginia at this time. Although the two counties were in different states they were/are a short distance apart.

It is the opinion of the author that Lee Scalf did not marry until 1830-1833. Lee would have been 20 years old in 1830 if he were born 1810; however, he might have married at 18 which could then place his marriage date around 1828. If Lee married around 1828 he most likely did not have children until 1829 or1830. Therefore, Lee would not have sons old enough to be taxed on the following tax lists and the tax lists reveal that Lee was the only male in the home over 16 years old.

Lee first appears as head of house on the 1833 tax list of Russell County, Virginia further suggesting he married 1830-1833. His father, John Scalf, Sr. and two brothers, Brittan and John Jr. were also listed on this tax list; however, only the tax lists for Lee Scalf will be listed here. (See chapters on John Scalf Sr., John Scalf Jr., and Brittan Scalf for those tax lists)

Notes by the author will be listed in parentheses ( )

1833B - March 11
Scalf, Lea - 1 white male over 16    (Lee) 

1834B - Western District - February 10   
Scalf, Lee - 1 white male over 16 - 1 horse    (Lee)

Lee is missing from the 1835 tax list of Russell County but appears again on the 1836 tax list.

1836A - May 12  
Scalf, Lee - 1 white male over 16 - 1 horse    (Lee)

1837 - March 7
Scalf, Lea -1 white male over 16 - 2 horses    (Lee)

Lee is then missing from the 1838 tax list and appears again in 1839

1839B
Scalf, Lee - 1 white male over 16 - 4 horses     (Lee)

The last time Lee Scalf appears on the tax lists of Russell County, Virginia is the year 1840.; If the tax lists are correct, there were no sons in the home of Lee Scalf old enough to be taxed. Lee also appears on the census record of 1840 in Russell County, Virginia but is no longer found after this census.

The census records of 1840 reveal that Lee Scalf only had three children at home in 1840, one male and two females. The male was born 1835-1840 and therefore would not have been old enough to be taxed on the tax lists. If Lee married in 1828 or 1830 he certainly could have had seven children in ten years; however, we question where the other four children were living in 1840. It is not likely that Lee had children married at the time of the tax lists even if he married by 1828.

The only other explanation for the seven children listed by Patsy (Counts) Scalf, is that several children possibly had died by the time Patsy made the statement in 1845 or shortly thereafter. However, we would think that Patsy would have known about the deceased children if they had died before 1845 but if so, she failed to mention them in her statement.

Lee is listed on the 1840 Russell County, Virginia tax list along with the 1840 census. These are the last records found of Lee Scalf.

1840B - April 23
Scalf, Lea - 1 white male over 16 - 3 horses    (This would be Lee)

Note that Lee is taxed each year on one white male 16 or over. This indicates that Lee was the only male old enough in the home to be taxed. The 1840 census suggests that Lee only had one son living and again, not old enough to be taxed.

Lee then appears on the 1840 Russell County, Virginia census record. In the home is a female in the same age group as Lee and this was probably his wife. According to this census, Lee had two daughters born 1830-1840 and one son born 1835-1840. Lee then disappears from the records. Census records from all states have failed to reveal Lee Scalf after 1840. 

1840 Russell County, VA

Lee Scalf

We can estimate that there could have been one child born 1830-1835 and another child born 1835-1840. There could also have been two children born 1840-1845 and would correlate with Patsy's statement; however, one would assume if Patsy knew of these children, she surely would have known of the deaths of the children if they had died. A review of the other family members in the area also did not reveal any extra family members in the home. It should be noted that the name of Lee's wife is unknown and the children (if living) might have been with her relatives.

Patsy's family lived in Russell County, Virginia and according to Patsy's deposition in Hawkins County, Tennessee it appears Patsy did visit her family in Russell County, Virginia at various times. Therefore, we must assume that Patsy's statement was correct although we cannot confirm four other children.

Theoretically, if Lee had four older children he surely married around 1830-1832. If so, he could have had a child 1831, 1833, 1835, 1837, 1839, 1841 and 1843 or 1833, 1835, 1837, 1839, 1841, 1843 and 1845. This would correlate with Patsy's statement of 7 children. However, considering that Patsy said Lee had 7 children by 1845 we believe there should have been more children listed on the 1840 census if they were living but only three children appear in 1840.

This causes the author to wonder how long it had been since Patsy (Counts) Scalf had seen the Lee Scalf family when she made her statement in 1845. Patsy and her husband John Jr. moved to Hawkins County, Tennessee around 1838-1840 and may or may not have seen the Lee Scalf family after their move to Hawkins.

The tax lists of Russell County imply that Lee Scalf might also have been involved in the horse-droving business with his brother Brittan Scalf. However, this is only speculation based on the fact that Lee and Brittan owned several horses and were missing from the tax lists in the same year. It is also possible they were only gone from home to visit their Kentucky or Tennessee relatives. It was reported to Henry P. Scalf by the grandsons of Brittan Scalf that Brittan was involved in the horse business; however, we have no definite information that his brother Lee was involved.

Note that on the tax list of 1839 Lee owns four horses and Brittan owns two. Lee and his brother Brittan were both missing from the tax list of Russell County, Virginia in 1835, which indicates that both men might have been away from home at this time. However, the tax collector may simply have missed them that day or the page they were listed on could have been missing from the file.

In 1838 Lee is missing from the tax list and Brittan appears. In 1839 both appear again and in 1840 Brittan is missing but Lee appears. Brittan was charged with a debt of $39.00 in 1839. It has been stated in prior writings that Brittan ran into financial problems during this time. Brittan did not own more than two horses again until 1844. However, Lee owned four horses in 1839 and three in 1840.

This might suggest that both Brittan and Lee were in the business of buying and selling horses or they simply owned a few more horses than the average farmer. The average farmer owned one and sometimes two workhorses or mules, depending on the terrain of the farm to be worked and of course, the affordability of the farmer. Not very many folks in Appalachia owned saddle horses at that time; however, there were and still are a few horse farms nearby Russell County, Virginia.

If Lee and Brittan were partners in business, it would seem logical that both would be gone at the same time or even at different intervals either to buy or sell horses. It is unknown exactly what type of business Brittan was involved in concerning horses but it is stated in Chronicles of the Scalf Family that he was in the horse-droving business. 

Lee's brother Brittan Scalf appears on the tax lists of Russell County, Virginia until his death in 1845. We lost track of Lee after the 1840 census and tax lists of Russell County indicate that Lee Scalf had either died or left the area. We assume from the statement of Patsy Counts Scalf in 1845 that Lee was still living in 1845. However, Brittan was still living in July of 1845 when Patsy made her statement, but had died by October of that year. It is just as possible that Lee died near or at the same time as his brother Brittan.

Lee may have been killed in the same accident as his brother Brittan in late 1845. The grandsons of Brittan Scalf stated to Henry Scalf, author of Chronicles of the Scalf Family that their grandfather Brittan was killed by a falling tree while working on the road. If Brittan's brother Lee had been killed at the same time, this information may not have been passed on to the grandsons of Brittan or they simply failed to mention it.

According to records, we believe Brittan was killed around October of 1845, which would have been after the statement of Patsy Counts Scalf in July of 1845. Brittan's wife, Talitha Couch Scalf, moved her family over to Floyd County, Kentucky but we have no solid information on what happened to the family of Lee Scalf and some assumption has been interjected in these writings concerning this family.

In our search for Lee Scalf, a couple of families appear to fit the criteria to have been the family of Lee Scalf; however, upon reviewing the marriage bond and certificate of William Scaff of Greenup County, Kentucky, (courtesy of Virgil Scalf) the author is convinced that William Littleton Scaff of Greenup County was in fact the son of Lee Scalf.

A clue to the family of Lee Scalf came several years ago when Patsy Abel, a Sexton family descendent, emailed the author about the possibility of some family members in the home of her Sexton ancestors that might belong to our Scalf family. The name had been spelled SCAFF. This family was found living with the John Sexton family in Greenup County, Kentucky in 1850.

WILLIAM LITTLETON SCAFF
(SCALF)
Son of
Lee Scalf
William L Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf Sr.<Lewis Scalf 

We are deeply indebted to Virgil Scalf for his research at the Kentucky Archives in July 2006, where a marriage bond and license for William L. Scaff of Greenup County, Kentucky was found. This marriage record lends support to the theory of both the author and Virgil that this William Littleton SCAFF was in fact, William Littleton SCALF, son of Lee Scalf and grandson of John Scalf, Sr. and Edeah Carlisle Scalf.

Although we have no documentation specifically stating that William Littleton Scaff was the son of Lee Scalf of Russell County, Virginia, we believe that the following information strongly suggests that he was.

On the 1850 census of Greenup County, Kentucky is listed a John Sexton and wife Barbary. In the home are listed three SCAFF children. Information obtained on this family suggests there is a possibility that Barbary Sexton could have been the widow of Lee Scalf. However, it is just as possible that both Lee and his wife died and the Sexton family was simply caring for the children.

Reviewing the 1830 and 1840 census of Russell County, Virginia, we find there were several Sexton families living near the Lee Scalf family in Russell County, Virginia in 1830 and one family in 1840. Two Sexton families were living next door to John Scalf Sr. and John Scalf Jr. in 1830. These families were Charles and James Sexton.

At the enumeration of the 1840 census James Sexton had left Russell County and a Charles Sexton was found living near Lee and Brittan Scalf. The Russell County, Virginia census of 1820 reveals there was a Charles Sexton Sr. and a Charles Sexton Jr. There were also more Sexton families in 1820 than 1830 and 1840 suggesting this family had begun to move from the Russell County area 1830-1840.

The census of 1850 Greenup County, Kentucky states that John Sexton was born in Kentucky around 1813. His wife Barbary was born in Virginia around 1808. The last child in the home (Barbary A Sexton) was also born in Kentucky but the other family members were born in Virginia. It was not uncommon for the families to move back and forth from Virginia to Kentucky. It appears from this information that the family had moved from Virginia to Kentucky where Barbary A. Sexton the last child in the family was born.

One of the Scaff children in the home of John Sexton and his wife Barbary is William L. SCAFF, age 11, born about 1839 by census estimation. Recall that the male child in the home of Lee Scalf in 1840 has an estimated birth date of 1835-1840.

William L. SCAFF had two sisters listed on this census as well. Aggy N. SCAFF age 18, born about 1832 and Patsy SCAFF age 16, born about 1834 by estimation. Aggy appears to fit the age of the female on the 1840 Russell County census of Lee Scalf born 1830 -1835. Patsy could have been the female born 1835 – 1840 considering that the census records could sometimes be off several years. Also, Patsy might have been named for her aunt Martha Patsy Counts Scalf. William Littleton Scaff later named a daughter Agnes as well, which may or may not be of significance.

It is possible that John Sexton was married prior to his marriage to Barbary and the two Sexton children could have belonged to a first marriage. Levi was born around 1842 if his age is correct on the census record and his sister Barbary A. was born about 1844 by estimation. Levi was also born in Virginia but Barbary A. was born in Kentucky. These two children were listed under the Sexton name. However, it should be remembered that the census enumerators did make mistakes in household names.

We also cannot confirm that John Sexton and the older female in the household (Barbary K. Sexton) were actually husband and wife. They may very well have been relatives; however, Patsy Abel believes that her ancestor (Barbary A. Sexton) the youngest child in the home was the daughter of John Sexton and probably named for Barbary K. Sexton who appears to have been John's wife.

Recalling the statement of Patsy Counts Scalf in July of 1845 in Hawkins County, Tennessee where she named the children of John Scalf Sr., we are left to believe that Lee Scalf was still living in 1845 and was living when John Sexton's children, Levi and Barbary A. Sexton were born if their ages are correct on the census of 1850.

John Sexton's wife from the 1850 census was Barbary K. Sexton. The fact that John Sexton had a daughter named Barbary suggests his wife Barbary was her mother; however, it was also common for family members to name children after relatives, neighbors and special friends so it would be difficult to determine if Barbary A. Sexton was the daughter of John and Barbary Sexton, or John Sexton and a prior marriage. Taking assumption a bit further, it is even possible that Barbary K. Sexton was the widow of Lee Scalf and married John Sexton and they were the parents of Barbary A. Sexton.

It is also possible that Lee Scalf and his wife divorced but if so, it would seem logical that Lee would appear somewhere in the records afterwards. The fact that Lee Scalf has not been found in the research of the past thirty to forty years strongly indicates that Lee Scalf died 1845-1850.

It cannot be determined with certainty that Barbary Sexton was the widow of Lee Scalf or that any of the children in 1850 belonged to her. The cholera/typhoid epidemic that hit the Hancock/Hawkins County, Tennessee area also hit Russell County, Virginia. It would be a very logical assumption that both Lee Scalf and his wife died in this epidemic and the Sexton family simply took the children in and moved to Kentucky. It is a matter of record that many families of Russell County, Virginia lost complete families to this epidemic. There might have been children of Lee that died in the epidemic as well if any were born 1840-1850. A number of theories could be produced here. However, theories will not serve as evidence of family relationship.

It is also a matter of record that a typhoid epidemic hit Greenup County, Kentucky 1850 – 1860 and we believe that John and Barbary Sexton from the 1850 census of Greenup County died in this epidemic. Neither John nor Barbary has been found after the1850 census. Two of the children from the 1850 census (William Scaff and Levi Sexton) were found living in the homes of other families in 1860 supporting the assumption that both John and Barbary Sexton had died. Patsy and Aggy Scaff also have not been found or at least not recognized as the same children from the Sexton home in 1850 and may have died as well.

The family of William Littleton Scaff was followed on census records as well as military, marriage and death records, and the information obtained is presented here. It is the opinion of the author that William Littleton Scaff of Greenup County, Kentucky was the son of Lee Scalf and grandson of John Scalf, Sr.

NOTE: Lines following the names from the 1850 census indicate the surname listed above them. These lines were listed on the 1850 census.

1850 Greenup County, Kentucky    5 September 1850   District #2

By 1860 the Sexton family above is missing from the census records but a William Sexton is found in the home of Jesse Kidde listed as domestic. It is believed that William Sexton was actually William SCAFF from the Sexton home in 1850. Our reasoning for this belief is due to the fact that there was no William SCAFF listed in Greenup County, Kentucky in 1860 but appears again in 1870.

It is very possible that Jesse Kidde/Kidd was a relative to Barbary K. Sexton and may or may not have been an uncle to William Scaff. The Kidde/Kidd surname was found in the Scott County, Virginia area as well. Scott County is a neighboring county of Russell.

It should also be noted that there were a large number of the Kizer/Kiser family living in Russell County, Virginia when Lee Scalf lived there and Barbary K. Sexton could also have been Barbary Kizer/Kiser Sexton if the middle initial represented her maiden name.

Barbary, wife of John Sexton, is listed on the 1850 census as Barbary K Sexton. The K could suggest an initial for her maiden name or a middle name. Very often an initial for the wife's maiden name is listed on the censuses but we have no way of knowing for certain at this time if this might have been the case.

The child Barbary A. Sexton is a direct ancestor of Patsy Abel who corresponded with the author several years ago. Patsy states Barbary A. Sexton's full name was Barbary Allen Sexton with Allen being a middle name used often in this family, and further suggesting that Allen might have originated from a surname connected to the family.

Information on the Kidd/Kidde family is listed here in the event that this family might have had connections to the Sexton/Scaff family. It is reported by Kidd descendents that George and Lydia Kidd had a son named Jesse. This appears to be the same Jesse living in Greenup County, Kentucky in 1860. His parents George and Lydia are in the home as well.

The Kidd family came from the Kanawha Valley area of West Virginia, which was also near Russell County, Virginia and was once part of Virginia before West Virginia was created in 1863. Their ancestor, William Kidd (Revolutionary Solider) received a land grant in Montgomery County, Virginia. Some members of the Kidd family were living in Tazewell County, Virginia at the time Lee Scalf was living in Russell County. According to descendents there were several members of this family in the horse business as well.

Levi Sexton, son of John Sexton was also living with another family in 1860 further suggesting that John and Barbary Sexton both had died. Levi was living in the home of William Swearingin. It appears that William Swearingin was likely the son of Clem Swearingin who was superintendent of a poorhouse in Greenup County in 1870 where we find the Thomas Jefferson family living in 1870 as well. Thomas Jefferson married Jerushia (Rushia) Lewis and they were the parents of Melsena/Melsena Jefferson Scaff.

The 1860 census of Greenup County suggests that Jesse Kidd/Kidde and his wife moved to Kentucky from Virginia and may have married in Kentucky. Jesse Kidde may have come to the area with his parents; however, he and his wife were both born in Virginia but the children were all born in Kentucky according to census records. Jesse's parents were also living in the home and their birthplace is listed as Virginia.

Although William is listed as William Sexton on this census, we feel very strongly this should have been William SCAFF.

 1860 Greenup Co. KY    22 June 1860       Hoods Run

HH# 318

HH # 452

Jesse Kidd was still living in Greenup County in 1870; however, neither William Sexton nor a William Scalf is listed in the home. William Scaff had married and was found as head of house in this year.

1870 Greenup     4 July 1870     Precinct #4

William Scaff was not found in 1860 and should have been with the Sexton family if they were living in 1860. The John Sexton family was not found in any state after 1850. This also suggests that the William Sexton in the home of Jesse Kidde in 1860 was most likely William Scaff.

Another reason we believe William Sexton in 1860 was actually William Scaff is the fact that Levi Sexton was found in another home in 1860 without a William Scaff being found in the area at all. The two men would later work together at the Iron Ore Mines in Greenup County. William Littleton Scaff enlisted in Co. C of the 20^th Kentucky Infantry in 1861.

Although John Sexton could have died and Barbary remarried, no records were found of a Barbary Sexton or Scaff in the area.

The next record we find of William Scaff is a military record. This record has been transcribed here: (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

 Name:  William Scoff
Enlistment Date:  25 September 1861
Distinguished Service:  Distinguished Service
Side Served:  Union
State Served:  Kentucky
Unit Numbers:  774   774
Service Record:  Enlisted as a Private on 25 September 1861

Enlisted in Company C, 20th Infantry Regiment Kentucky on 12 January 1882.
Received a disability discharge Company C, 20th Infantry Regiment Kentucky on 21 November 1862 in Jeffersonville, IN

William is listed twice on the rolls, once as William Scaff and once as William Scoff

ADJUTANT GENERAL ROLL

Roll of Co. C – 20^th KY Infantry

DISCHARGED

The military file of William Scaff was requested from the Archives and received during the writing of this chapter. The military file of William Scaff of Company C, 20^th Kentucky Infantry is believed to have been William Littleton Scaff. This belief is based on the age of William Scaff listed in the military file, which correlates with the age of William Littleton Scaff from census records of Greenup County, Kentucky. William was listed as William L. Scaff Co. C, 20, Regt. KY Inf.

William had been shot in several places, through the wrist and hand, the neck and leg on the left side. We originally assumed this was during battle; however, the pension file of Melsena Jefferson Scaff gives complete detail of what happened to William.

The call had come to fight and William was taking his gun from the stock as was the custom when the bugle blew.

A brief transcribed copy of some of the information in the military file is listed here, and links are also provided to the complete military file.

 LINKS TO MILITARY FILES

Card Numbers - Page 1

Casualty Sheet - 1

Casualty Sheet - 2 

Casualty Sheet - 3

Muster Roll - Card 1

Muster Roll - Card 2 

Muster Roll - Card 3

Certificate of Discharge for Disability

Enclosure Sheet (with middle initial "L")

Medical Statement of Disability - 1891

Order of Discharge for Disability

CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY FOR DISCHARGE FOR WILLIAM L. SCALF

Private William Scaff of Captain John Love/Lowe?  Company C of the Twentieth Ky Regiment of United States Volunteers was enlisted by Capt. Love/Lowe? On the Twenty fifth day of September 1861, to serve Three years; he was born in Greenup County in the State of Kentucky is Twenty Three years of age, five feet 9 ½ inches high, Dark complexion, Brown eyes, Brown hair and by occupation when enlisted a Farmer During the last two months said soldier has been unfit for duty 60 days.

Signature appears to be A. or F. Johnson, Capt.

I certify that I have carefully examined the said William Scaff of Captain Jno Love/Lowes? Company, and find him incapable of performing the duties of a soldier because of gun shot wound received at Battle of Corinth in left hand ball passing in about the center of the palmer surface passing through and coming out between the rows of carpal bones leaving his hand in a perfectly useless condition degree of disability one half – Genl Hospital No. 2 Evansville, Ind. November 17, 1862

Appears to be signed by Charles K. Maine, Surgeon

Discharged this 21^st day of September 1862 at Evansville, Ind.
J. K. Ekerman, Capt. Commanding the Post

Casualty sheet No. 2

Wm. Scaff, Pri. Company ___, Regiment 20, Arm, Inf., State, Kentucky

Nature of casualty, Wounded Slightly in the neck. Date of casualty, May 21^st

Report of Killed, Wounded, and Missing of the 20 Ky Regiment 22 Brigade 4, Division, Army of the Ohio – dated May 22, 1862 (signed W. Nelson, Brig. Gen.)

Signed by S. F. Brooks, Clerk

End file

Review of the military file of William Scaff confirms that the William Scaff found on the 1890 Veteran's Census of Greenup County, Kentucky was the same William Scaff listed above. The Veteran's Census record states that William was shot in the hand and this correlates with the military file of William L. Scaff whom we believe to have been William Littleton Scaff.

William's death and burial record was also found which listed his full name. His birth date correlates with the statement he made about being born in Eastern Virginia as well as the time of birth. Although William is listed in the military file as being born in Greenup County, Kentucky, we believe this was an error made by the clerk. William stated on one census record that he was born in Eastern Virginia.

Recall that Lee Scalf (believed to be the father of William Littleton Scaff) was living in the Western District of Russell County, Virginia in 1834 with no sons old enough to be taxed. The record below states that William Littleton Scaff was born December 15, 1835. We can assume by this record that his father Lee Scalf had moved to the Eastern District of Russell County, Virginia between February of 1834 and December of 1835. The area of Russell County was divided into Eastern and Western Districts. Natives living in the area simply called it Eastern or Western Virginia during that time.

Although property records would certainly be beneficial in determining the exact location where John Sr., Brittan and Lee Scalf lived the author has been able to determine the general vicinity where the Scalf family lived, which was located near Lebanon (Russell County) Virginia.

Transcribed copy of death record of William Littleton Scaff: (Link to copy of death record)

Pvt William Littleton Scaff
>Birth:  Dec. 15, 1835 – Virginia, USA
>Death:  August 27, 1913 at Seaman -Adams Co-Ohio, USA (Vol#1138-Cert#43715-Ohio Co. C 20 KY INF.)
BURIAL:  Locust Grove Cemetery
Peebles, Adams County, Ohio, USA - (Courtesy of Ohio Historical Society)

William Littleton Scaff was listed with Distinguished Service. He received his discharge in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

William Littleton Scaff then appears on the 1870 Greenup County, Kentucky census as head of house. Note that William's birth date is listed as December 15, 1835 on the military record. It is then stated on the 1900 census of Scioto County, Ohio that he was born in February of 1840. His calculated birth from the census is 1839.

In 1870, his birth calculates to 1844 and in1880 it calculates to 1835. This is a common finding on census records.

From the Kentucky Marriages online we find that William Scaff married Nancy Jane Antis 22 January 1863 in Greenup County, Kentucky. On a trip to the Kentucky Archives, Virgil Scalf found the marriage record along with the surety bond for William and Nancy. The marriage license reveals that William Scaff was born in Russell County, Virginia.

We know of no other William Scalf/Scaff in the family of John Scalf, Sr. that might have been born in Russell County, Virginia or at least none that have not been accounted for: therefore, it is the opinion of the author that the marriage record of William Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis confirms that this William Scaff was the son of Lee Scalf.

Transcribed version of Marriage Bond for William Littleton Scaff (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf) (Original marriage bond at the following links) Part 1 & Part 2

State of Kentucky
Greenup County

William Scaff hereby certifies the Marriage solemnized between himself and Nancy Jane Antis on the ___ day of January 1863 at the house of Hiram Antis in Greenup in said County.

 He is single aged 23 years, born in the County of Russell, State of VA; his father was born in VA, and his mother was born in VA.

She is single aged 18 years, was born in the County of Grant, state of Ohio. Her father was born New York, and her mother was born in KY.

Dated at Greenupsburg, Greenup County this 20^th day of January.

                           His
Attest: Wm. Cruin (?) Clk              William  x  Scaff
By S. Reed DC                    mark

The date above is faded on the marriage bond but due to the date it was signed we believe it should be 20 January 1863.

This family was found on the 1870 and 1880 Greenup County, Kentucky census. William and Nancy were the parents of five children in 1870.

Evidence for assumption that William Scaff was the son of Lee Scalf:

   1)   William stated he was born in the County of Russell, state of VA on his marriage license.
2)   William stated he was born in Eastern Virginia on the 1870 census. The eastern district of Russell County, Virginia was known to natives as Eastern Virginia.
3)   William Scaff was found in the home of John Sexton in 1850 listed as born in Virginia. The fact he was living with the Sexton family indicates that at least one parent was deceased.
4)   No other William Scaff/Scalf in the family of John Scalf Sr. has been found to meet the criteria to fit with the Lee Scalf family.

We have followed the family of William Littleton Scaff from census, death, military, and cemetery records of Greenup County, Kentucky and Adams County, Ohio.

We first find William Littleton Scalf on the 1850 census of Greenup County, Kentucky in the home of John and Barbary Sexton. He is then missing in 1860 as William Scaff but believed to have been the William Sexton listed in the home of Jesse Kidd/Kidde. William appears to have two sisters in the home, Aggy N. Scaff and Patsy Scaff.

1850 Greenup County, Kentucky    5 September 1850    District #2

1860 Greenup Co. KY    22 June 1860       Hoods Run

HH# 318

William then joined the 20^th Regiment Kentucky Infantry in 1861 and was wounded and discharged. He married Nancy Jane Antis in 1863 and was found as head of house in 1870 in Greenup County, Kentucky.

1870 Greenup County, KY     30 June 1870       Lynn P.O.     Precinct #3

Levi Sexton, son of John Sexton was also living in Greenup County in 1870. Levi Sexton and William Scaff were both employed at the Iron Ore Mines at this time.

1870 Greenup County, KY     30 June 1870       Lynn P.O.     Precinct #3

By 1880, William and Nancy had nine children in the home and one of the children was also married. David Lewis is listed as William's son-in-law.

David Lewis was the husband of Lillian Scaff, daughter of William and Nancy. (Greenup County, KY Marriages)

David L. Scaff was the only child of William and Nancy we have been unable to find a marriage record for and we cannot determine at this time if David ever married.

 From the pension file of Melsena Jefferson Scaff, we find that William Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis Scaff divorced in 1877 in Greenup County, Kentucky. (Courtesy of Washington D. C. Archives) 
  (Link to divorce decree)

William then married Melsena Jefferson in Scioto County, Ohio in 1878. (Marriage License Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs, g-grandson) (Link to Marriage License)

A copy of the marriage license for William and Melsena was also found in the pension file of Melsena Jefferson Scaff.

Although William and Nancy divorced and William remarried, he continued to live with Nancy in Greenup County, Kentucky where they were listed on the 1880 census. The pension file states that William was indicted for adultery while living with his ex-wife in Greenup County. No details of the outcome of this charge were listed in the pension file. William was living with Nancy in 1880 in Greenup County, Kentucky.

William stated consistently when he applied for his pension that he had remained a widower since the death of his wife Nancy and had never remarried. William might have been afraid he would not receive the pension if he admitted he was remarried. We can only speculate as to why William would deny his second marriage but the records suggest there were problems between the two families concerning the marriage.

1880 Greenup Co. KY    7 June 1880     Precinct #3    Liberty

In 1890 a Veteran's roll was taken that also serves as a census. The 1890 census records were burned and none exist, so we have relied on the Veteran's Census to find William Scaff in 1890. The census roll of this William Scaff was taken at Liberty and Pine Grove Precinct in Greenup County, Kentucky. It is the opinion of the author that this was William Littleton Scaff and that he was most likely still living with Nancy at this time. On the 1880 census of Greenup County, William and Nancy were living at Liberty Precinct. The 1890 Veteran's Roll was taken at Liberty and Pine Grove Precincts.

Veteran's Census Roll of 1890 (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)   (Link to Veteran's Census Roll)

1890 Veteran's Schedule (Served as a census) Greenup Co. KY – Liberty and Pine Grove Precinct

Nancy Jane Antis Scaff died 1892 in Greenup County, Kentucky. (Pension file of Melsena Jefferson Scaff, courtesy of Washington D. C. Archives)

We believe it was probably after Nancy died that William began living with his second wife, Melsena Jefferson Scaff. The pension file states that they lived on the Brushy Fork of Tygart Creek in Greenup County, Kentucky in 1896.

The pension file also reveals that William had gotten into a fight with his sons while at a family picnic on Tygart Creek. No details of the fight were given but apparently something happened that caused William to leave Greenup County. It was stated that he left in order to evade the law.

The file states that Melsena remained in Greenup County. We find that Melsena did remain in Greenup County until 1900-1910. Melsena moved to Scioto County, Ohio and was found living in the same township as William's son, George in 1910.

By 1900, William was found in Adams County, Ohio living in the home of his daughter Anna and her husband Elmer Wickerham. SCAFF appears as SCOTT on this census due to the fading of the letters ff on this census. The author believes that this has caused the name to appear as Scott in a number of instances on the census records.

Adams County was formed on July 12, 1797 from parts of Hamilton and Washington Counties, when the area was known as the Northwest Territory. Our county was named after John Adams, the second President of the United States. Portions of our county were used in forming Scioto County in 1803, Highland County in 1805, Pike County in 1815, and Brown County in 1818. Our neighbors to the south are Mason and Lewis Counties in Kentucky. The county seat is West Union, but other major towns include Manchester, Peebles, Seaman and Winchester. (Ohio GenWeb - http://www.rootsweb.com/~ohadams/)

Adams County is located in southern Ohio, 45 miles east of Cincinnati and 90 miles south of Columbus.

1900 Adams Co. OH        11 June 1900       Franklin Township

William Scaff was still living in 1910 in the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Adams County, Ohio. Note the township has changed from Franklin to Wayne.

1910 Adams CO, OH       27 & 28 April 1910     Wayne Township

William Littleton Scaff died August 27, 1913 in Adams County, Ohio and is buried at Locust Grove Cemetery in Adams County. (Death Record - Courtesy of Ohio Historical Society)

George Scaff, son of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was living in Scioto County, Ohio in the home of Ellie Scott as a boarder on this census. Ellie would become the wife of George before his death.

1910 Scioto Co. OH        15-16^th April 1910       Wayne Township

Living near Ellie Scott in Scioto County, Ohio was Melsena Jefferson Scaff.

1910 Scioto Co. OH        16 – 18 April 1910       Wayne Township

Note the two townships of both Adams and Scioto County above.

One county history of Scioto states that Scioto County is on the Ohio River and separated from Greenup County, Kentucky by a bridge. However, several other county histories do not mention this.

One record in the pension file of Melsena concerning William's military history lists the residence of a witness as Sciotoville. William's residence was listed on several documents as Portsmouth (Scioto Co) and several documents list Seaman, Ohio.

 LILLIAN SCALF
 Daughter of
William Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis
Lillian<William L<Lee<John Scalf Sr.< Lewis Scalf

Lillian Scaff was born about 1862 in Greenup County, Kentucky. Lillian married David Lewis 9 June 1878 in Greenup County. (Kentucky Marriages)

 We have no further information on Lillian's family.

  GEORGE W. SCAFF
 Son of
William Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis
George<William L<Lee<John Scalf Sr.<Lewis Scalf

George W. Scaff, son of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was born about 1864 or 1865 in Greenup County, Kentucky according to census records. However, Find A Grave Online Cemetery Records list that George was born March 2, 1859 and died September 21, 1915 in Portsmouth (Scioto Co) Ohio.

From the death certificate of George W. Scaff:

George Scaff was born March 2, 1859 in Kentucky and died September 21, 1915 at the age of 56 years, 6 months and 19 days old. His occupation was Laborer. George died from Pulmonary Tuberculosis and is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Scioto County, Ohio (Portsmouth). His father is listed as William Scaff born in Kentucky and his mother's name is listed as unknown.  The informant was Ella Scaff. George is listed on the death certificate as married at the time of his death. George is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Scioto County, Ohio. (Ohio Death Certificate 51481, Courtesy of Ohio Historical Society) (Link to Death Certificate)

George was married to Ella at the time of his death in 1915.

George married first to Sarah Ellen Holley, 21 January 1888 in Greenup County, Kentucky. (Kentucky Marriages)

It appears that Sarah Ellen Holley Scaff had died for George was found living in the home of Elbin (Eggons?) in 1900 in Greenup County, Kentucky. He was listed as widowed. Sarah might have died in childbirth to their son Ernest who appears to have been the last child born.

Also living in the home of Elbin Eggons was Ella Sparks. We do not know if there was family relationship among these folks or not. The surname appears to be Eggons on this record but could also have been anything else as this census appears to be faded in places and is difficult to read.

1900 Greenup Co. KY    26 June 1900       Kenton Furnace - Township District 3

Living in the same district and township as George in Greenup County, Kentucky was Melsena/Melsena Jefferson Scaff.

1900 Greenup Co. KY    4 July 1900    Kenton Furnace Township    Precinct 3

George left Greenup County, Kentucky between 1900 and 1910 and was found in Scioto County, Ohio living in the home of Ellie Scott on the 1910 census. George married Emma Ellen (Johnson) Scott at some point before he died; however, we have no marriage record. Virgil Scalf found the following information online:

Emma Ellen Johnson - b. May 22, 1882. She married 3 times:  1. Simon Scott 2. George Scaff & 3. Frank Jackson. She died in Portsmouth, OH. Feb. 26, 1942.   Her mothers maiden name was Margaret (or Martha) Buckney. (Internet Post)

It does not appear that George and Sarah Ellen Holley Scaff had very many children before Sarah's death. However, since George and Sarah married during the time we have no census records there could have been children born and died before the census listed them. George was married in 1888 and widowed by 1900.

Recent information received from the granddaughters of William Turner Scaff reveals that their grandfather, William Turner Scaff, was the son of George Scaff and Ella. We are uncertain who Ella might have been but we believe she was Sarah Ellen Holley due to the birth date of William.

William Turner Scaff was born 1886 according to his death certificate and this would have been two years before George married Sarah Ellen Holley if their marriage date is correct. We believe William's brother George Jr. was born about 1889 and Rosabell their sister was probably born 1890 or 1891 although census calculations suggest 1892. The death certificate of their brother Ernest states he was born 1892. The 1910 census calculates at birth date of 1892. Ernest was the last child listed on census records.

In 1910 Scioto County, Ohio living in the same town and district as George Scaff is Melsena/Melsena Jefferson Scaff. Recall that Melsena had been a close neighbor in 1900 Greenup County, Kentucky.

1910 Scioto Co. OH        15-16^th April 1910       Wayne Township

Note that Melsena stated she was a widow in 1910. Her husband, William Scaff, was still living in 1913. William stated on census records and to the Bureau of Pensions that he was a widow and had remained a widow after his wife died in 1892.

1910 Scioto Co. OH   16 – 18 April 1910   Wayne Township

WILLIAM TURNER SCAFF
Son of
George Scaff Sr. & Ella
William T<George Sr<William L<Lee Scalf<John Scalf Sr.<Lewis Scalf 

William Turner Scaff, son of George Scaff and Ella (probably Sarah Ellen Holley) was born August 21, 1886 in Greenup County, Kentucky according to his death record. William Turner Scaff served as a Sergeant in WW I.

A post from one of the granddaughters of William T. Scaff is listed below. The author of this post corresponded with the author on this family and eventually the mystery was solved concerning the parentage of William T. Scaff.

This man was my grandpa, he was born in Kentucky in August 1886-87 he is thought to have been born William T. Scott then in the 1900 census it shows him as William T. Scaf at the age of 13. Then again on his 1917 draft card it states him being Willie T. Scaff / William T. Scaff he was in the state of Illinois, where he Married my grandma Ellen Hargreaves, then went to war, is the story we got. The 1920 records state that my grandma was divorced at the time. Then in the 1930 census the family states that they were in Mobile, Alabama. I do know that my grandpa did live with my mother and father for some years in Citronelle, Mobile, Alabama. Also that he passed away there In August of 1955 and is buried in the Mobile National Cemetery. Their race is stated as White. I would greatly be thankful to anyone that might have information on this family.

Another email from Donna and Kyanne:

Ok so far all the information that you are sending us is our family!!! Dorothy did pass away as a very young child around 3 years of age. I remember my mama talking about her. Also we have the copy of our Grandpa's draft card too. All of our lives our mama talked about living in the state of Washington. She dearly loved it there!! Yes Katherine, My Grammy, and Nellie Kent were sisters. I have a date of death on both of them. Katherine is stated as Dec.31, 1955 in Mobile, Alabama and Nellie Kent is stated as April of 1941 in Mobile Alabama. but then if my Grammy Katherine died in 1955 why wasn't she on the 1930 census records? That does have to be around the right year for her death because my older brothers and sisters remember seeing her. They were born in the 40's. I am just wondering where she is in the 1930 census??  But you have my family history. It seems so strange to see someone else with all this information on our family. We are so Thankful for all of this information to back up what we have been told about for all of our lives. Oh also the insight on some of the information that we had wondered about for years!! Like my uncle Donald being born in Washington. I do know that my mother spoke of being in Washington and being VERY happy there. I am just trying to remember if she talked about her father being there with them or if maybe she was calling some one else her father at the time? I know that she did talk about the time that her father being gone to war and his dog died of what they said was heart break from not having her father around. She also told us about how her father was hurt in and missing in action in the war. They did not know if he was alive or died for a while?? That is just a story that she told us as we grew up…(Donna Carlton-Davis)

From an email dated 10-18-06, the following information was received: 

My sisters and I have located our oldest brother that remember our grandpa William Turner Scalf/Scaff. He has told us a lot about our William and his family. He has told us that our William Turner was one of Nancy Jane Antis-Scaff and William Littleton Scaff's son. The Turner middle name was from a family that was closely related to the Antis family. Also that our William followed his brother/family into Illinois. Hiram Scaff for one. One of our sisters was named after Nancy Jane our great grandmother. Well she was Nancy June our sister that is but our brother stated that our mother was going to name our sister Nancy Jane after her grandmother but wanted to put a little twist to it and named our sister Nancy June instead. (Mahala (Donna) and Kyanne)

Kyanne Eastman and Donna Carlton-Davis worked with the author on this part of the family for a good while trying to sort through legend versus fact in order to solve the parentage of their grandfather William Turner Scaff. We thought the mystery had been solved when an older brother told them what he could recall of their grandfather. Their brother did recall William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis and thought that they were the parents of William Turner Scaff. However, Kyanne recently received the death certificate for her grandfather from Biloxi, Mississippi, which solved the mystery of the parents of William Turner Scaff. Recently, Donna informed the author in an email of this information:

Dear Margaret,
This is brand new news for us. This is my grandpa's Death cert. and this actually shows my grandpa's parents name!!!! I have to say that we were shocked when Kyanne received this today to read that his parents names, NOT saying that my brother was wrong on the information about our grandpa following his family to Illinois but that he was young and was remembering what he was told. Also Hiram Scaff was my grandpa's family but an Uncle instead of brother. On this cert. it names George and Ella as my grandpa's parents. This information came straight from my grandpa being that his information on his death cert. is from his Military records. WOW!! We were totally blown away with this news!! But, we want to get all the information straight for all our records and now it seems to be totally full filled. SO, instead of being William Littleton Scaff/Scalf son our William Turner Scaff/Scalf is his grandson. By proof of the Death Cert. and from Proof of the U.S. Military records. WOW!! (Donna Carlton-Davis)

We cannot say with certainty that Sarah Ellen Holley was the mother of William Turner Scaff due to the fact his mother was named Ella on the death record. However, Ella was often used as a short name for Ellen. William Turner Scaff was born 1886 according to his death certificate but George and Sarah Ellen Holley were not married until 1888. It should be noted that the online marriage index was a transcribed copy and it is possible that the actual marriage date may different than what was transcribed. The marriage license of George and Sarah Ellen Holley Scaff may reveal a different date.

We feel sure that the mother of William Turner Scaff was not the second wife of George because George remarried after 1900 long after William Turner Scaff was born.

William Turner Scaff registered for the draft in 1917 at the age of 30. William was working and living in Evanston, Illinois at this time. (Link to draft registration card)

William was married and had three children in 1917.

NAME:  William Scaff
AGE:  30
ADDRESS:  519 Dempster Evanston, IL 
DATE OF BIRTH:  August 21, 1886
PLACE OF BIRTH:  Greenupsburg, KY, U.S.A.
OCCUPATION:  Laborer
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:  Traders Bld. Mat. Co. Evanston
MARITAL STATUS:  Married
DEPENDENTS:  Wife and three children
RACE:  Caucasian
RANK:  Pvt. J Co. 27^th Infantry
COUNTRY:  U. S. A.
HEIGHT-TALL/MEDIUM:  Tall
WEIGHT: Medium
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Dark Brown
DISABILITY:  No
SIGNATURE OF REGISTRAR:  Morris K. Wilson
PLACE OF REGISTRATION:  Ward 2, Evanston, IL
DATE: June 5, 1817
Hand written signature: Willie Scoff
Printed Signature: William T. Scaff (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

William Turner Scaff and Nellie Hargreaves applied for a marriage license on 2 January 1912 and were married 3 January 1912 in Evanston (Cook Co) Illinois. He was 22 and she was 21. (Marriage License courtesy of Kyanne Eastman)  (Link to Marriage License)

Nellie was also known as Ellen and Helen (See email from Donna Carlton-Davis above) Nellie Hargreaves, wife of William Turner Scaff, was first found in the home of her parents in Cook County, Illinois in the city of Evanston.

1900 Cook Co. IL      11 June 1900     City of Evanston

Nellie/Ellen was then listed as Helen on the 1910 census of Cook Co. Illinois.

1910 Cook Co IL       21 April 1910     City of Evanston

Nellie's mother Katherine Hargreaves reported she had five children with five living in 1910.

Nellie/Helen/Ellen Hargreaves was still single in 1910 according to the census record above. She was living in Cook County, Illinois.

By 1920, Nellie Hargreaves Scaff and William Turner Scaff had divorced. She was listed as Nellie on this census. Her parents were living next door to her in 1920.

1920 Cook Co. IL      2 January 1920     Evanston   Ridgeville Township

William Tuner Scaff was found living with the Arnoll or Knoll family in 1920 at Ridgeville District in Cook County, Illinois. He is listed as divorced.

Anna Arnoll? Knoll? was the keeper of a rooming house. Everyone in the home except Mary were boarders. They were living next door to a Clark family.
 

1920 Cook Co. IL   7 January 1920     Precinct 1   Ridgeville District

At some point between 1920 and 1930 William and Nellie reconciled their differences and lived in the state of Washington where their son Donald T. Scaff was born. They were then found in 1930 living in Citronelle (Mobile Co AL) in the home of Ellen's father, Alfred or Albert W. Hargreaves.

Katherine Hargreaves, mother of Ellen, did not appear on the 1930 census. We have no idea why Katherine was not listed on this census. Her granddaughters state she did not die until 1955. Her death is stated by a g-granddaughter who had her death date listed, Katherine's death date is stated as Dec.31, 1955 in Mobile, Alabama.

 1930 Mobile Co. AL     2 April 1930     Citronelle

A cemetery record for William T. Scaff reveals that he achieved the rank of Sergeant while in service in WW I. William was born 21 August 1886 and died 8 August 1955 in Citronelle (Mobile County, Alabama)

William Turner Scaff is buried at the Mobile National Cemetery. (The following record courtesy of his granddaughter Kyanne Eastman)

Name:  William T Scaff
Veteran's Rank:  SGT
Branch:  US Army
Last known address:  1202 Virginia Street Mobile, AL 36604
Birth Date:  21 Aug 1886
Death Date:  8 Aug 1955
Veteran Service Start Date:  23 Feb 1918
Veteran Service End Date:  5 Mar 1919
Interment Date:  12 Aug 1955
Cemetery:  Mobile National Cemetery
Buried At:  Section 8 Site 205
Cemetery URL:  http://www.interment.net/data/us/al/mobile/mobnat/index_rsl.htm

We believe that legend has confused this William T. Scaff with William Littleton Scaff causing descendents to believe he was the husband of Melsena Jefferson Scaff. It was thought by descendents that her husband was a military man who was killed in Germany in WWI. William Turner Scaff was born and probably raised in Greenup County, Kentucky but left the area when he was older going to Illinois where he met and married Nellie Hargreaves. He was in fact a Sergeant in WWI but was not killed during the war. William Turner Scaff had an uncle who lived in Illinois and this is most likely what prompted him to go there.

GEORGE SCAFF JR.
 Son of
 George Scaff and Sarah Ellen Holley
George Jr<George Sr<William L<Lee<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf 

George Scaff, Jr. son of George W. Scaff and Sarah Ellen Holley was born about 1889 in Greenup County, Kentucky. Find A Grave online states he was born March 18^th but no year is given.

From his death certificate, George Jr. was born March 18, 1889 and died February 20, 1934. George was buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth (Scioto Co) Ohio. He was working at a shoe factory at the time of death. The cause of death was acute myocarditis with alcohol and emphysema as an underlying factor. His father is listed as George Scaff and his mother was Sarah Holley.
(Link to death certificate)

George Scaff Jr. married Eva Hoffman Clark. From the 1920 census of Scioto County, Ohio we find that George's wife had been married to a Clark prior to her marriage to George, and a stepson Lawrence was living in the home. We believe that Eva was married to Isaac Clark prior to her marriage to George. In the 1910 Scioto County, Ohio census is listed an Isaac and Eva Clark. They have a son Lawrence in the home that appears to be the same Lawrence listed in the home of George and Eva in 1920.

1910 Scioto County, Ohio

The 1910 census states that Eva and Isaac had been married for 16 years. This was a first marriage and they had 3 children born with 3 living. Isaac's employment was stated as street.  Their son Harry was employed at the shoe factory.

1920 Scioto County, Ohio    6 January 1920    Wayne Township

We have no further information on this family.

ROSABELL SCAFF
Daughter of
George Scalf, Sr. & Sarah Ellen Holley
Rosabell<George Sr<William L<Lee<John Scalf Sr<Lewis Scalf  

Rosabell Scaff daughter of George Scaff and Sarah Ellen Holley was born around 1892 (census estimation) in Greenup County, Kentucky. No further information is known of Rosabell.

ERNEST SCAFF
Son of
George Scaff, Sr. & Sarah Ellen Holley
Ernest<George Sr.<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf 

Earnest Scaff, son of George Scaff, Sr. and Sarah Ellen Holley was born November 29, 1892 in Greenup County, Kentucky and died at 5:50 a.m. on August 16, 1935 at the age of 42 years, 8 months and 18 days old in Portsmouth (Scioto County) Ohio. Ernest died of diabetes mellitus.

He is buried at Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth (Scioto Co) Ohio. His wife is listed as Birdie or Bertie on the death certificate. He was employed as a truck driver for Frank Seymore. Charles D. Scaff gave the information for his death certificate. We believe Charles was a son of Ernest. Ernest was divorced at the time of his death. (Death Certificate courtesy of Virgil Scalf) (Link to death certificate)

Note that the death certificate for Ernest states his mother was Sarah George. However, his brother George Scaff Jr. states his mother was Sarah Holley. We have no explanation for this difference unless the informant for Ernest did not know the maiden name of his mother.

No further information is known.

  JOSEPHINE SCAFF
 Daughter of
  William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis
Josephine<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Josephine Scaff, daughter of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was born about 1866 in Greenup County, Kentucky. She married Wesley Brown 19 June 1886 in Greenup County. (Kentucky Marriages)

 No further information is known of this family.

   ALICE SCAFF
Daughter of
William Littleton Scaff & Nancy Jane Antis
Alice<William<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Alice Scaff, daughter of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was born about 1869 in Greenup County, Kentucky. Alice married James Scott. We believe that Nannie Scott on the census below was Nancy (Nannie) Alice Scaff Scott. The ages from the 1870 Greenup County, Kentucky census and the 1900 Vermillion County, Illinois census calculate close enough for this to have been Alice.

1870 Greenup County, KY     30 June 1870       Lynn P.O.     Precinct #3

In the home of James Scott is D.L. Scaff born about 1878. This appears to be David L. Scaff, son of William Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis. The middle initial in David's name suggests it might have also been Littleton for his father.

1900 Vermillion Co IL   1 June 1900     Oakwood Township

HIRAM SCAFF
Son of
William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis
Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Hiram W. Scaff son of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was born April 1870 in Greenup County, Kentucky according to the 1870 census of Greenup County and died January 23, 1940 in Chicago (Cook Co) Illinois. (1870 Greenup Co. KY census and Illinois Death Records-# 0002284)

Hiram was found in Adams County, Ohio in 1900. Hiram had married by the enumeration of this census. His wife's maiden name is unknown. Hiram was followed on the census records through 1920.

We believe that Manervia Scaff who died in Urbana (Champaign Co) Illinois February 12, 1920 was the wife of Hiram Scaff. Hiram and Minerva were living at Urbana in Champaign County, Illinois when the 1920 census was enumerated in January of that year. Minerva died just one month later. (Illinois Death Records #0005438)

On the 1910 census, Minerva stated they had been married 16 years. This places their marriage date around 1890-1894, probably 1892 or 1893. Their first child was born around 1894. She also stated they had seven children with seven living. By 1920 they had three more children making a total of ten children when Minerva died. Wilbur, the youngest child would have been around 15 months old when his mother died.

Hiram was found living with his son Carl in 1930.

1900 Adams Co. OH        9 June 1900     Franklin Township

1910 Ford Co. IL       12 May 1910       Patton

1920 Champaign Co. IL 8 January 1920    Urbana City/Township

LENA M. SCAFF
Daughter of
Hiram Scaff & Sarah Minerva Pearson
Lena<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Since the posting of the chapter of Lee Scalf, a descendent of Lena Mae Scalf has submitted information concerning her family. This information is listed, courtesy of Robert Collins.

Comments from Bulletin Board:

My name is Robert Collins. I am descended from William Littleton Scaff through his son Hiram and Hiram's daughter Lena. Lena married Clarence Merle Collins. I am happy to provide you additional information on Hiram, Lena and her subsequent Collins descendants. (Scalf Family Website)

Lena Mae Scaff, daughter of Hiram Scaff, was born March 12, 1894 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Sidney, Champaign County, IL. Lena was married three times:

1) Clarence Merle Collins on April 3, 1912 in Adams County, OH. Clarence died June 25, 1944.

2) Otis Claud Carson (1881 - 1955) on April 10, 1955

3) Jimmy Wesley Brown (1897 - 1980) on February 9, 1957.

Lena died December 16, 1975 in Champaign County, IL from cerebrovascular accident. (Link to death certificate) (Courtesy of Bob Collins)

1920 Champaign CO IL     14 January 1920   Ubana Township

1930 Vermilion IL      12 April 1930     Vance Township

1940 Warren CO IL   8 April 1940   Kent

Robert Collins has provided us with a descendent chart of his family. A link to this chart is provided below.

LINK TO FAMILY PHOTOS OF LENA MAE SCALF – (Courtesy of Bob Collins) 

  1) Clarence Merle Collins, husband of Lena Scaff. (Clarence Merle Collins)  
  2) Clarence Collins and Lena Scaff wedding photo (Wedding photo) 
  3) Lena Scaff and son, Elmer Collins (Lena & Elmer)

LINK TO DESCENDENT CHART OF LENA MAE SCALF COLLINS  (Courtesy of Bob Collins)

CARL SCAFF
Son of
Hiram Scaff & Sarah Minerva Pearson
Carl<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Carl Salisbury Scaff, son of Hiram Scaff and Sarah Minerva Pearson was born 13 August 1896 in Peebles (Adams Co) Ohio and died April 1970 in Urbana (Champaign Co) Illinois. Carl married Regina Rosette Samuelowitz. (Ancestry.com – Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

Regina was born 8 January 1897 in Ohio. Carl and Regina were married 31 August 1920. (SS Index and Database from Ancestry - Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

Name: Carl Salisbury SCAFF
Surname: Scaff
Given Name: Carl Salisbury
Sex: M
Birth: 13 Aug 1896 in Peebles, Adams County, Ohio, USA
Death: Apr 1970 in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois, USA
Title: SSN Application
Father: Hiram Scalf born 13 Apr 1870 in Greenup County, Kentucky.
Mother:  Sarah Minerva Pearson born 3 Feb 1876 in Pike County, Ohio.

Carl also registered for the draft of WWI. We learn from his draft card that Carl was discharged from the U. S. Naval Hospital August 29, 1918 due to heart trouble.

LlNK TO DRAFT CARD (Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

Carl and Regina had two children at the enumeration of the 1930 census. The oldest child was born around 1921 in Illinois. Carl and Regina made their home in Champaign County, Illinois. Carl's father Hiram was living with Carl and Regina at the enumeration of the 1930 census in Champaign County, Illinois.

1920 Champaign Co. IL 13 January 1920    Urban Township

1930 Champaign CO IL   9 April 1930     Urbana

1940 Champaign CO IL   16 April 1940     Urbana

 CLARA SCALF
Daughter of
 Hiram Scaff & Minerva ____
Clara<Hiram<William<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Clara Scaff, daughter of Carl and Minerva Scaff was born May 1899 in Ohio. She married Theodore R. Carpenter. This family was found only on the 1930 census of Champaign County, Illinois. A stepson Wilbur is listed in the home on this census. Wilbur is listed as the brother of Clara on the 1920 census of Hiram and Minerva. We believe this is the same Wilbur Scaff and appears to be the son of Clara. (See the 1930 census of Hiram and Minerva Scaff)

1930 Champaign CO IL    11 & 12 April 1930    Urbana

WILBUR SCAFF
Son of
Clara Scaff
Wilbur<Clara<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Photo of Wilber Scaff

Wilbur Scaff, son of Hiram and Minerva Scaff was born January of 1920 in Illinois. Although Wilbur is listed on the 1920 census of Champaign County, Illinois as the son of Hiram and Minerva, he appears to have been the son of their daughter Clara. However, we cannot confirm this at this time. This is based solely on the statement from the 1930 Census of Champaign County, Illinois listed above.

PAUL HERMAN SCAFF
Son of
Hiram Scaff & Sarah Minerva Pearson
Paul<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

 Paul H. Scaff, son of Hiram and Minerva Scaff was born 1901 in Ohio. On the 1910 census, he is listed as Paul. It was originally thought that Paul on the 1910 census was the same person as David on the 1920 census; however, an obituary for Paul was found revealing that he was Paul H. Scaff. Therefore, it appears that Daniel could have been either David or Daniel listed on the 1920 census.  

Paul Lee Scaff, listed on the 1915 Kansas state census, appears to be the nephew of Daniel Scaff and the son of Hiram and Sarah Minerva Pearson. Paul is missing from his father's home in the 1910 census and probably lived with his uncle for several years. Later, in the 1920 census, Paul is back home with his parents.

1915 Johnson CO KS State census

Obituary:

Service for Paul H. Scaff, 79, of Brereton, were held at 11 am, Wednesday in Oaks Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Steve Baker officiated. Visitation was held from 6-8 pm. He died at 12:51 pm Sunday June 13, 1982, at Graham Hospital.

He was born Oct. 1, 1902, in Pebbles, OH, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Scaff. He married Hannah Rogers Pemble, Dec. 13, 1933, in Crown Point, IN. She died March 7, 1973.

Survivors include one brother, Merle of Waukesha, WI, eight grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge 784, and Temple Baptist Church, both of Canton. He was also a member of Indiana Harbor Lodge 686, AF&AM, Highland, IN.

Burial is in Norris Cemetery.

--------------------------------------------

Hannah Rogers married (?) ____ Pemble and later married Paul H. Scaff on December 13, 1933 in Crown Point, IN.

Birth: 1888 - Death: Mar. 7, 1973 

She was the daughter of Samuel and Martha J. Rogers.

Her siblings were:
Thomas Walton Rogers, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Rogers Fothergill, Mary Ann "Polly" Fall, Martha "Mattie" Wynn and half-brother, Richard "Dick" Rogers.

Note: wife of Paul H. Scaff Burial:
Norris Cemetery
Norris
Fulton County
Illinois, USA
(Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)  

  DANIEL (David?) SCAFF
Son of
Hiram Scaff & Sarah Minerva Pearson
Daniel<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Daniel Scaff, son of Hiram and Minerva Scaff was born about 1905 in either Illinois or Ohio depending on which census you are reading. We have no further information on Daniel.

RETHA SCAFF
 Daughter of 
Hiram Scaff & Sarah Minerva Pearson
Retha<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Retha Scaff, daughter of Hiram and Minerva Scaff was born about 1907 in Ohio according to the 1910 census.

MYRLE EDWARD SCAFF, SR.
Son of
Hiram Scaff & Sarah Minerva Pearson
Myrle<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf   

Myrle Scaff, son of Hiram and Minerva Scaff was born 5 Jan 1909 in Illinois. Myrle died 7 Nov 1988 at Delafield, Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Myrle married 31 Aug 1931 to Mildred Nickell. Mildred was born 18 Nov 1912. We have no date of death for Mildred and do not know if she is still living.

1930 Waukesha CO WI       17 April 1930      Waulesha

Children of Myrle Scaff and Mildred Nickell:

  1) Myrle Edward Scaff Jr. Myrle Jr. married 3 Jun 1949 to Audry Mae (Maiden name unknown)
  2) Robert Earl Scaff. Robert married 3 Feb 1950 to Arlene Evelyn (Maiden name unknown)
  3) Richard Paul Scaff. Richard born 13 Mar 1936 – died 18 Jun 1936.

We have no further information on this family.

EARL SCAFF
Son of
Hiram Scaff and Sarah Minerva Pearson
Earl<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Earl Scaff, son of Hiram and Minerva Scaff was born 25 Feb 1911 in Illinois and died April of 1979 Waukesha, Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Earl married Eleanore Hattie Schlei 15 Jun 1935. Eleanore was born 26 May 1914. (Link to photo of Earl and Eleanore)

1930 Waukesha CO WI       17 April 1930      Waulesha

Children of Earl Scaff and Eleanore Schlei:

  1) Nancy Carol Scaff. Nancy married Dale Nesta 10 Sep 1955. (Link to photo of Nancy Carol Scaff)    
  2) Sandra Jean Scaff. Sandra married Gary Muench.
 

ELMER DALE SCAFF
Son of
Hiram Scaff & Sarah Sarah Minerva Pearson
Dale<Hiram<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Dale Scaff, son of Hiram and Minerva Scaff was born about 1915 (census estimation) in Illinois. No further information. Link to photo of Elmer Scaff

  PEARLIE AGNES SCAFF
 Daughter of
William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis
Pearlie Agnes<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

 Pearlie Agnes Scaff daughter of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was born about July 27, 1870 in Greenup County, Kentucky. Pearl married John Wesley Stone on 20 May 1889 in Greenup County. (Kentucky Marriages) This family was followed on the census records of 1900, 1910, not found in 1920 and found again in 1930.

John Stone died before the enumeration of the 1930 census and Pearl was living with her daughter Garnett Stone and son-in-law Leonard Stone in 1930. It is possible that Pearl might have been living with another child in 1920 and missed on the 1920 census. We believe that Pearl's middle name (Agnes) might have been for William's sister Aggy Scaff in the home of John Sexton in 1850 Greenup County, Kentucky. Pearl Agnes Stone died on November 6, 1944 from congestive heart failure. (Link to death certificate)

1900 Greenup Co. KY    22 June 1900       Mag. Dist. 2

1910 Greenup Co. KY    23 April 1910       Mag. Dist. 3

1920 census of this family missing.

1930 Greenup Co. KY    18 April 1930       Thompson Precinct

ELENORA SCAFF
Daughter of
William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis
Elenora<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Elenora Scaff daughter of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was born about 1874 or 1875 (census estimation) in Greenup County, Kentucky. Elenora married Enoch Stone 20 May 1889 in Greenup County. (Kentucky Marriages)

(Link to Enoch Stone death certificate)

Elenora and Enoch were found on the 1910 through 1930 censuses of Greenup County, Kentucky. They were the parents of eleven children.

1910 Greenup Co. KY    24 April 1910       Magisterial Dist. #3

1920 Greenup Co. KY    5 February 1920     Mag. Dist. 3 Shultz

1930 Greenup Co. KY    7 April 1930     Bucky Precinct

HOWARD STONE
Son of
Enoch Stone and Elenora Scaff
Howard<Elenora<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

 Howard Stone son of Elenora Scaff and Enoch Stone was born about 1903 (census calculation) in Kentucky. The only information we have for this family is obtained from the 1930 census of Greenup County, Kentucky.

1930 Greenup Co. KY    7 April 1930     Bucky Precinct

DANIEL LATON SCAFF 

Son of

William Littleton Scaff & Nancy Jane Antis

Daniel<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis

Daniel L. Scaff, son of William Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis, was born August 5, 1877 in Greenup County, Kentucky and died November 13, 1960 in Franklin County, Kansas. In the 1880 Greenup County, Kentucky census, Daniel was found in the home of his parents. He married Nellie Harter. For a period of time Daniel and Nellie moved to Swister County, Texas but moved back to Illinois before 1915. Nellie was born January 27, 1880 and died June 21, 1960.

1880 Greenup Co. KY    7 June 1880     Precinct #3    Liberty

Daniel was found living with his sister Nannie Alice Scaff Scott and brother-in-law James in Vermillion County, Illinois in 1900. Daniel was listed as 22 years old on this census but should have been 24 according to the 1880 Greenup County census where he was 4 years old.

1900 Vermillion Co IL   1 June 1900     Oakwood Township

1910 Swisher CO TX     5 May 1910     Justice Precinct 4

Paul Lee Scaff, listed on the 1915 Kansas state census, appears to be the nephew of Daniel Scaff and the son of Hiram and Sarah Minerva Pearson. Paul is missing from his father's home in the 1910 census and probably lived with his uncle for several years. Later, in the 1920 census, Paul is back home with his parents.

1915 Johnson CO KS State census

WWI Registration Card

Name: Daniel Laton Scaff
Age: 41
Home Address: Springhill, Johnson, Kansas     (Link to original document)
Date of Birth: August 5, 1877
Nearest relative: Mrs. Nellie Scaff
Address: Springhill, Johnson, Kansas
Present Occupation: Farmer
Height: Medium
Build: Medium
Color of eyes: Grey
Color of Hair: Brown
Date:  September 12, 1918

1920 Johnson CO KS      23-24 January 1920    Spring Hill

1930 Johnson CO KS      18 April 1930    Spring Hill

ANNA BELLE SCAFF
Daughter of
William Littleton Scaff & Nancy Jane Antis
Anna Belle<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

 Anna Belle Scaff daughter of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis was born about 1878 in Greenup County, Kentucky. Anna married Elmer Wickerham and this family lived in Adams County, Ohio. Her father, William Littleton Scaff was living in the home in 1900 and 1910 in Adams County, Ohio.  

Anna Belle Scaff Wickerham died 1956 in Adams County, Ohio. She is buried beside her husband, Elmer Wickerham (March 27, 1876 – April 20, 1944) in Locust Grove Cemetery in Adams County, Ohio. There is a considerable number of the Wickerham family buried here that are most likely relatives.  

(Link to Elmer Roscoe Wickerham death certificate)

The Wickerham family remained in Adams County, Ohio.

1900 Adams CO, OH    11 June 1900       Franklin Township

1910 Adams CO, OH    27 & 28 April 1910    Wayne Township

1920 Adams CO, OH    2 February 1920  Wayne Township

1930 Adams CO, OH    14 April 1930   Wayne Township

We have no further information on the families listed above. We believe that Patsy Scaff in the home of John Sexton (1850 Greenup Co. KY) was a sister of William Littleton Scaff and Martha might have been her given name using Patsy as a short name for Martha as was common at that time. We have found no further information on Patsy after 1850.

We also believe that Aggy N. Scaff in the home of John Sexton was a sister of William Littleton Scaff. Her given name might have been Agnes Nora or Nora Agnes. It also could have been Elnora Agnes. William Littleton Scaff named one of his daughters Elenora Agnes and might possibly have been for his sister Aggy.

We have not been able to find information on Aggy after the 1850 census of Greenup County, Kentucky. It is possible that both Patsy and Aggy died in the epidemic that hit Greenup County along with John and Barbary Sexton. However, it is also possible there could be descendents of these women that can fill in the missing pieces.

GOLDA LEE WICKERHAM
Daughter of
Elmer Wickerham & Anna Belle Scaff
Goldie<Anna Belle<William L<Lee<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Golda Lee Wickerham, the daughter of Elmer Wickerham and Anna Belle Scaff, was born September 25, 1897 in Adams County, Ohio. Goldie married Phillip Winters. Goldie died November 9, 1941, and Phillip died December 6, 1966. (Link to Golda Lee Wickerham death certificate)

1920 Brown CO OH      8 & 9 January 1920       Eagle Township

1930 - Golda and Phillip Winters were not found in the 1930 census.

MELSENA JEFFERSON SCAFF
Second Wife of
William Littleton Scaff
William L.<Lee<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

When this chapter was previously posted the author had requested the widow's pension file for Melsena Jefferson Scaff in order to try and sort out the mystery surrounding the marriage of Melsena Jefferson Scaff. The pension file was received just a few days prior to Christmas in 2006.

In the pension file, Melsena states that the correct spelling of her name was MELSENA. Melsena could neither read nor write and one of the clerks who took her information spelled the name for her and she signed the affidavit with an X. Since this was an official document, this will be the official spelling of her name throughout these writings.

Melsena Jefferson was born June 16, 1858 in Old Town (Greenup Co) Kentucky (Declaration of Widow's Pension, courtesy of Washington D. C. Archives) (Link to Declaration of Widow's Pension)

Melsena was the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Jerushia (Rushia) Lewis Jefferson. Melsena appeared in the home of her father in 1860 at two years old.

1860 Greenup Co. KY    27 June 1860       Harels Run

By 1870, Thomas Jefferson and his family were listed as inmates in a poorhouse. Clem Swearingin was the superintendent of the poorhouse. Melsena was not listed in the poorhouse with her family on this census and we have not been able to find her in 1870. Melsena would have been 12 years old in 1870.

1870 Greenup Co. KY    3 June 1870   Greenupsburg    Precinct #1.

Melsena then appeared on the census record of 1880 Greenup County, Kentucky in the home of her parents again. She stated she was married on this census but her husband was not in the home. The pension file of Melsena Jefferson Scaff reveals that she was in fact married at the time of the 1880 census enumeration.

Melsena Jefferson married William Littleton Scaff September 19, 1878 in Scioto County, Ohio. (Marriage record, Pension File of Melsena Scaff courtesy of Washington D.C. Archives)
 (Link to Marriage Record)

1880 Greenup Co. KY     4-5 June 1880    Liberty   Precinct #3

In 1900 Melsena was found as head of house with three children in the home. She stated on the 1900 census she had been married for 24 years, which would estimate a marriage date of 1876 at the age of 18. However, her actual marriage date was 1878 according to her marriage license. Her oldest child on the census Euell Scaff was born about 1883 (census estimation). Melsena states she had nine children on the 1900 census of Greenup Co. KY with seven living. This correlates with the number of children stated by Melsena to the Bureau of Pensions. She stated she had nine children by William Scaff.

1900 Greenup Co. KY     4 July 1900  Kenton Furnace  Precinct #3

Living nearby is:

Rebecca Johnson – HOH- widow - born April 1852 had 9 children with 7 Living. We believe Rebecca Johnson might have been Rebecca Jefferson before her marriage (sister of Melsena). A grandson, Joseph Johnson is in the home of Thomas Jefferson on this census, as well as two granddaughter's Anna and Louella Johnson.

George and Nancy Lewis are also living nearby. He was 40 yrs old and born 1860 (Probable relative of Jerushia Lewis Jefferson) A George Lewis also made a statement in support of Melsena's pension. However, this George could have been the brother of Melsena.

Henderson Lawson is living nearby with wife Mary and granddaughter Florence Holly and stepson Andrew Holly. This appears to be Mary Holley, mother of Thomas Andrew Holley. Andrew is listed in the home as a stepson to Henderson Lawson indicating that his mother had remarried. Florence, the granddaughter was the daughter of Thomas Andrew Holley and Louisa Adeline Scaff.

Recall that George Scaff son of William Littleton Scaff married Sarah Ellen Holley. The relationship to this family (if any) is unknown.

1900 Greenup Co. KY     4 July 1900  Kenton Furnace   Precinct #3

Melsena was then found living in Scioto Co. Ohio in 1910. Melsena stated she was a widow on this census. We have no explanation as to why Melsena is listed as a widow on this census.

George Scaff, son of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis Scaff, was also living in Scioto County in 1910. Both Melsena and George left Greenup County, Kentucky where they were living in the same township and district in 1880 and are now living in the same township in Ohio. William Littleton Scaff was living in his daughter's home in Adams County, Ohio. Melsena was head of house and George was boarding at the home of Ellie Scott.

 1910 Scioto Co. OH   16 – 18 April 1910   Wayne Township

 1910 Scioto Co. OH        15-16^th April 1910       Wayne Township

Due to the fact that her husband never appeared in the home on any census with Melsena presented some confusion in sorting out exactly who Melsena married.

Legend passed down to descendents stated that she married William Scaff and that he was killed in WWI. The wife of a descendent had also posted the birth and death date of Melsena's husband at Find a Grave online as 1850-1918 stating that he was buried in Holley Cemetery in Greenup County, Kentucky. The author recently found out that this was a mistake and there is no marker in the Holley Cemetery with this name or these dates. This, however, was an honest mistake for the wife of the descendent believed this to be correct due to legend and had unknowingly added this information online.

William T. Scaff was also believed to have been the William who married Melsena Jefferson, which posed another problem in researching this line. William T. Scaff did exist but was not born until 1886 (Greenup County, KY) and was a Sergeant in WWI. However, he was not killed in the war but had left Greenup County, Kentucky and moved to Illinois where he married Helen/Ellen Hargreaves. He was also 28 years younger than Melsena.

The fact that Melsena never appeared on a census with her husband and the only William Scaff found in Greenup County, Kentucky was William Littleton Scaff married to Nancy Jane Antis, coupled with legend caused much confusion in determining exactly whom Melsena Jefferson married. Adding to the mountain of confusion, Melsena then states on the 1910 census of Scioto County, Ohio that she was a widow but according to legend, her husband did not die until 1918.

An Internet post from a family forum relates the following concerning Melsena and her husband, William Scaff.

Birth:  Jul. 28, 1850
Jackson County
Ohio, USA

Death: Feb. 10, 1918, Germany

All I know he was station in Germany
got killed there in World War I
this is Youel Scaff Father he is buried beside his wife Melzenia Scaff.

Burial:  Holley Cemetery

York, KY - Mudlick
Greenup County
Kentucky, USA

Record added: Apr 10 2003

It is also reported that Melsena had a son William Thomas Scaff who left Greenup County, Kentucky and moved to Missouri. In the pension file of Melsena Jefferson Scaff, her daughter Louisa Scaff Anderson qualified as administrator of the estate of Melsena after her death. Louise was required to list the children of Melsena in this report. Louise reported that Melsena had a son Thomas Jefferson half blood of Missouri. This was not Thomas Jefferson Scaff. Melsena's son Thomas carried the Jefferson name, which suggests he may have been before her marriage.
(Link to estate administration of Louise Scaff Anderson)

From the pension file we find that William Littleton Scaff married Melsena Jefferson 1878 in Scioto County, Ohio. William married first to Nancy Jane Antis in Greenup County, Kentucky around 1863. William and Nancy divorced 1877 in Greenup County, Kentucky. In the next year (1878) William and Melsena were married in Scioto County, Ohio. (Link to divorce decree)

Melsena filed for a widow's pension under the service of William Scaff from Co. C of the 20^th Kentucky Infantry (Union) in the Civil War. Melsena filed the application in 1931.

A transcribed copy of the application card for pension filed by Melsena Jefferson Scaff is listed below. (Link to card)

 NAME:  William Scaff
WIDOW:  Melsina
SERVICE: C 20 Co Kentucky Infantry 1861 – 1862
DATE OF FILING:
ENROLLED:  June 2, 1861
APPLICATION NO:   46? -469 (appears to be 46.469)
CERTIFICATE NO:  119235
STATE:  Not listed
WIDOW Filed:  May19, 1931
APPLICATION NO:  1699608
CERTIFICATE NO. A-7-21-32
STATE:  KY
(Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

Melsena and William did not appear to live together in either Kentucky or Ohio until after the death of Nancy Jane Antis Scaff in 1892. (Death date of Nancy Jane Antis Scaff from pension file of Melsena Scaff, courtesy of Washington D. C. Archives)  (Link to statement of R.O. Tener)

William remained with Nancy after their divorce at least until 1880 (see 1880 Greenup Co. KY census) and the author is of the opinion that he was probably there in 1890 when he was enumerated on the Veteran's Roll in Greenup County (See Veteran's Roll listed above under William Littleton Scaff)

The enumeration of the Veteran's Roll was taken in Pine Grove and Liberty Precincts. William and Nancy lived in Liberty Precinct and this is the basis for the belief by the author that they may have still been together in 1890. However, William was charged with living in adultery in Greenup County, Kentucky. The year of this charge is unknown as well as the outcome.
Link to statement of charge - Page 1 & Page 2

Thomas Holley made a statement in 1931 that she is the woman that lived here with William Scaff about 35 years ago and that they were considered man and wife by the neighbors here at that time and that William Scaff got into trouble here and had to leave here and he went to Ohio about 30 years ago and left his family here but Melsena Scaff was his wife until he died but he never lived here after that with his family as he was afraid of being arrested, but he would come and see them and also that Melsena Scaff had several children by William Scaff.  
Link to statement of Thomas Holley 1931 - Page 1 and Page 2

It was stated by Thomas Holley in 1932 that William and Melsena lived together about 40 years ago on the Brushy Fork of Tygart Creek in Truitt, Kentucky. This estimates to the year 1892, which was the year Nancy Jane Antis Scaff died. (Statement of Thomas Holley 1932)

According to witnesses, which Melsena had to provide in support of her pension claim, William Scaff left Greenup County, Kentucky around 1896 when he got into a fight with his sons at a family picnic on the Brushy Fork of Tygart Creek in Greenup County. According to witnesses this is where William and Melsena lived until he left the area. No details of the fight or what caused it were stated. The informant stated that William went to Ohio to evade the law. It is unknown what might have happened that caused William to evade the law. However, we are assuming that a fight would not be cause enough for William to leave Greenup County.

B. E. Secrest filed another document with the Veteran's Administration June 7, 1932 in support of Melsena's pension. Mr. Secrest stated that William had been indicted for living in adultery in Greenup County, Kentucky. Statement of B. E. Secrest 1932 - Page 1 & Page 2

William was then found in Adams County, Ohio living with his daughter Anna Bell Scaff Wickerham and her husband, Elmer. This is where William remained until his death in 1913.

George, son of William and Nancy Jane Antis Scaff followed his father to Ohio. George was found in Scioto County in 1910 as well as Melsena who was living in the same township as George Scaff in Scioto County.

William Littleton Scaff applied for his Civil War pension while living in Ohio. Numerous documents were provided in the file regarding this. William did receive his pension at the rate of $40 per month.  He also re-applied many times to have this amount raised. In all of the documents where William was asked if he was married, his reply was no. (Statement of William L. Scaff 1898)

We can offer no explanation for this statement for William was certainly married to Melsena until he died. Note however that Melsena also stated she was a widow on the 1910 census of Scioto County, Ohio.

Melsena stated to the BOP (Bureau of Pensions) that she received the news of the death of her husband William Scaff from his son who had been told by a daughter. We assume this daughter was Anna Belle Scaff Wickerham. We also assume that George was the son who most likely told Melsena of his father's death. Melsena stated she was unable to attend the funeral.
Link to statement of Melsena - Page 1 & Page 2.

Melsena was questioned over and over by the BOP about her marriage to William Scaff because William had stated to them that he had remained a widower. Apparently, the BOP was confused between the marriages of William and Nancy Jane Antis and the marriage of William Scaff and Melsena Jefferson. Records were requested by the BOP from both Kentucky and Ohio requesting a divorce record for William and Melsena. The BOP thought William and Melsena had divorced. The responses were all the same from Greenup County, Kentucky and Scioto County, Ohio. No divorce existed for William and Melsena in their offices.

Melsena began the task of applying for the widow's pension in 1931 and received the pension in1932. She died August 2,1940 in York (Greenup Co) Kentucky and is buried at the Holley Cemetery in Greenup County, Kentucky.

The obituary of Melsena states that she died in August of 1940 at the age of 89 years old. She would have been born around 1851 according to this statement; however, she was only 2 years old in 1860 in her parent's home. Melsena stated to the Bureau of Pensions that she was born June 16, 1858. At the time of her death she should have been 82 years old.

Obituary of Melsena Jefferson Scaff from forum posting by Herschel Skaggs:

Mrs. Melsennie Scaff 89 life long resident of Greenup County and a widely known resident of York, KY died Friday Aug. 1940 at the home of a daughter Mrs. Harvey Anderson of York. She had been in failing health the last year and bed fast the last two months. Mrs. Scaff was a daughter of Thomas and Rucia Lewis Jefferson. Her husband William Scaff died 20 years ago. Besides the daughter whose home she died, Mrs. is survived by two other daughters and a son. Mrs. Preston Lacy of Cannel City, KY. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at Roberson Funeral Home, Fullerton with Rev. William Mosely officiating. Burial will be in Holley Cemetery at Truitt, KY. The body is at the funeral home.

The death certificate of Melsena states she was born June 12, 1860 in Kentucky and died at 7:00 a.m. on August 2, 1940 in York (Greenup Co) Kentucky. Her parents are listed as Thomas Jefferson and Ruchia Lewis born in Kentucky; however, we believe Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia. Melsena died of Mitral Valve regurgitation and is buried at the Holley Cemetery in Greenup County, Kentucky. Charles Lawson (grandson of Melsena) was the informant. (Pension file courtesy of Washington D.C. Archives) (Link to Death Certificate)

A list of her children has been compiled from her obituary and Scaff researchers. Notes added by the author.

Children of William Scaff and Melsena Jefferson:

1)   Louisa Adeline Scaff born March 13, 1881 Greenup Co. KY – died February 14, 1966 in Pike Co. KY. Louisa had a daughter, Florence Holley before her marriage. Florence was born 1897. Louisa then married Charley Lawson 16 October 1897 in Greenup Co. KY. Louisa and Charley had two sons, Charles born 1899 and John born 1901. Louisa married second to Samuel Harvey Anderson born February 16, 1879, died December 1956. Harvey was the son of Samuel Finley Anderson and Mary Holley. (Kentucky Marriages)   Link to photo of Samuel Harvey and Louisa Scaff Anderson (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

2) Ewell Scaff married Mary Elizabeth Hicks. Ewell/Youel was born January 23, 1883 and died July 19, 1934, buried at Holley Cemetery York, Kentucky. His wife, Mary Hicks Scaff was born March 11, 1891 and died (unknown). She is buried at Siloam Cemetery at Greenup Co KY. (Cemetery Records Online @Find A Grave)

3) James Butler Scaff born March 14, 1885 and died June 28, 1956 at Worthington (Greenup Co) KY. (KY Death Cert. 56-13990) J. B. married Effie Davis.

4) William T. Scaff. Born 1890 – 1895. (Reported to be a son of Melsena – not proven). Author's note: Recently proven to be a son of George Scaff and grandson of William Littleton Scaff and Nancy Jane Antis Scaff.

5) Mary J. Scaff born October 1891 in Portsmouth, Ohio. Note: (Census states she was born in KY). Mary married Preston Lacy (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

6) David Scaff September 3, 1893, died October 11, 1918, buried at Greenlawn Cemetery Portsmouth (Scioto Co) Ohio. (Death Certificate)

7) Bertha Scaff - born 1894 - Married Raymond Klegg/Clegg. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Melsena reported that she had nine children with seven living. Thomas Jefferson would replace William Turner in the lineup above and confirms the statement of Melsena that she had nine children with seven living.

List of the living children of Melsena Jefferson Scaff by her daughter Louisa Scaff Anderson from the pension file after the death of Melsena in 1940:

     1) Louise Anderson, York, Kentucky – Daughter
  2) Butler Scaff - Ashland Kentucky - Son
  3) Mrs. Mary Lacy – Ashland Kentucky – Daughter
  4) Bertha Clegg – Cleveland, Ohio – Daughter
  5) Thomas Jefferson – Missouri – Son – half blood

Melsena's son David had died 1918. Her son Youel had died in 1934. The total children correspond to the number living as stated by Melsena but two of the seven children had died by 1940 when this statement was taken. Her deceased parents were also listed. Link to statement of Louisa Scaff Anderson - Page 1 & Page 2

The death certificate of James Butler Scaff (son of Melsena) states Melsena's name as MALVINIA.

LOUISA ADELINE SCAFF
Daughter of
William Scaff & Melsena Jefferson
Louisa<William L.<Lee<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Louisa Adeline Scaff, daughter of William Littleton Scaff and Melsena Jefferson was born March 13, 1881 in Greenup County, Kentucky and died February 14, 1966 at Pike County Hospital in Waverly, Ohio. She is buried at Beaver Chapel Cemetery in Beaver, Ohio.

Louisa Scaff had a daughter Florence Holley born 1897. Her father was Thomas Holley. Link to photo of Florence Holley

Louisa married first to Charles Lawson, Sr. Charles was born 16 February 1879 in Greenup County, Kentucky and died 8 December 1956 in Beaver, Ohio. He is buried at Beaver Chapel Cemetery in Beaver, Ohio.

Louisa and Charles Lawson were the parents of two children, John and Charles.

Louisa married second to Samuel Harvey Anderson. Harvey was born February 16, 1879 in Greenup County, Kentucky, the son of Samuel Finley Anderson and Mary M. Holley. Harvey and Louisa were the parents of seven children.  

 (Link to photo of Samuel Harvey and Louisa Scaff Anderson) (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Louisa and Harvey were the grandparents of Herschel Skaggs who has provided us with information on this line of the family. Herschel is a g-grandson of William Littleton Scaff and his second wife, Melsena Jefferson Scaff.

OBITUARY OF LOUISE SCAFF ANDERSON:

Mrs Louise Anderson, 85 of Rt. 2, Beaver died at 11.50 a. m. Monday Feb 14-1966 in Pike County hospital following several years of failing health. Born Mar.13-1881 in Greenup County Ky. She was a daughter of William and Malsina} Melsennie Jefferson Scaff. Her husband Harvey Anderson preceded her in death Dec 8 or 18,1956 She was also preceded by three sons and one daughter. Surviving are six daughters Mrs. Nannie Skaggs of York Ky. Mrs. Elizabeth Musick and Mrs Sarah Oliver of Rt.2 Beaver. Mrs Crecie Watkins of Benton Harbor, Mich. Mrs. Bertha Nickells of New Concord Oh, and Mrs. Florence Gray of Portsmouth Oh. Two sons Finley Anderson of Rt.3 Waverly and Charles Lawson of Portsmouth and two sisters Mrs. Mary Lacy of Canal City Ky. Mrs. Bertha Clegg of Cleveland Oh. 53 grand children 65 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren. Mrs. Anderson was a member of the Enterprise Baptist Church at Greenup Ky. Funeral services are scheduled to be held at 1 pm. Thursday at the A.H. Boyer funeral home with Rev. Calvin Hays Officiating Burial will follow in Beaver Chapel Cemetery. (Internet Posting – Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

The family of Louisa and Harvey were followed on the 1910 through 1930 census records.

1910 Greenup CO KY        April 22, 1910        District 5

John Lawson - Son of Charlie & Louisa Scaff  (Link to picture of John and half sisters - Elizabeth & Lucrese Anderson)

1920 Greenup CO KY    28 January 1920      Leatherwood 
 

 The middle initial in Harvey's name appears to be an H on this census; however, his name was Samuel Harvey Anderson.

1930 Greenup CO KY    7 April 1930     Kenton

CHARLES LAWSON, JR.

Son of

Louisa Scaff & Charles Lawson, Sr.

Charles Lawson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Charles Lawson, Jr., son of Louisa Scaff and Charles Lawson, Sr., was born about 1899 in Ohio. We have no further information on Charles.

JOHN LAWSON

Son of

Louisa Scaff & Charles Lawson, Sr.

John Lawson<Louisa Scaff<William Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

John Lawson, son of Louisa Scaff and Charles Lawson, Sr., was born about 1900 in Ohio (Census records). We have no further information on John.

NANNIE ANDERSON

Daughter of

Louisa Scaff & Samuel Harvey Anderson

Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr<Lewis Scalf 

Nannie Anderson, daughter of Louisa Scaff and Harvey Anderson, was born November 10, 1902 in Greenup County, Kentucky, the first born child of Louisa Scaff and Samuel Harvey Anderson. Nannie died in York, Kentucky at the age of 79 on July 4, 1982. She is buried at Quillen Cemetery, Lynn, Kentucky.

Nannie married first to John W. Moore October 21, 1920 in York, Kentucky. He was the son of Edward and Julia Moore. Herschel Skaggs, son of Nannie, lists a birth date for John around 1888 in Carter County, Kentucky and died September 23, 1944 in a mining accident at the Fort Branch Mines in Thacker, West Virginia. Herschel also states that John's granddaughter gave his birth date as March 21, 1900.

Nannie married second to Neal Skaggs August 3, 1922 in Grand Rapids (Kent Co) Michigan. Neal was the son of James Skaggs and Lydia Gillum. Neal was born October 17, 1896 in Elliott County, Kentucky and died September 17, 1974 in York (Greenup Co.) Kentucky.

Obituary of Nannie Anderson Skaggs: 

The Ashland Daily Independent, 7-5-1982

Greenup Mrs. Nanie Anderson Skaggs, 79,of York, died Sunday Morning at her residence after an extended illness born nov.10, 1902,in Greenup County. She was a daughter of the Late Harvey and Louise Scaff Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband Neal Skaggs. She was a member of Brushy Enterprise Baptist Church. Surviving are five sons, Elmer Skaggs of Route 6, Portsmouth, Ohio, Herschel Skaggs of Larue, Ohio. James, Ralph, and Carl Moore, all of York. Six daughters; Mrs. Louise Saylor of Portsmouth, Ohio, Mrs. Lorence Blair of Williamsport, Ohio, Mrs. Josephine Howard And Betty Howard both of York, Mrs. Pauline Spurlock of Prospect, Ohio, Mrs. Wilma Fritz of Ashland; four sisters, Mrs Lizzie Musick of Chillicothe, Ohio. Mrs. Sarah Oliver of Beaver, Ohio, Mrs. Bertha Nichols of Zanesville, Ohio, Mrs. Creasie Watkins of Florida; 77 grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore by the Rev. Harley Johnson. Burial is in Quillen Cemetery at Lynn. Visitation is from 7 to 9 tonight, .2 to9 p.m. Tuesday, and until the funeral hour on Wednesday.
(Internet Posting - Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Child of Nannie Anderson and John Moore:

 
  1) Carl Vernon Moore, born July 26, 1921, Greenup County, Kentucky and died January 9, 1993 at Kenton, Ohio. Carl married Bertha Mae Cole, Ohio. Bertha was born January 16, 1923 and died July 4, 1974, Greenup County, Kentucky.

Obituary of Carl Vernon Moore:

Ashland Paper:  Carl Moore 71, of Ada, Ohio, formerly of Big White Oak died Saturday at his home. Mr. Moore was born July 26, 1921 in Greenup County a son of the late John Wesley Moore and Nannie Anderson Moore Skaggs. His wife Bertha Cole Moore preceded him in death. He was of the Baptist faith. Surviving are seven sons, Frank Caplinger of Columbus, Ohio, Carl David Moore of Kenton, Ohio, Denver C. Moore and Gary L. Moore both of Ada, Ohio, Michael Dale Moore and Elder Dennis Moore both of Newark, Del, and Daniel L. Moore of Dunkirk, Ohio. Four daughters; Phyllis Jarvis of Portsmouth, Ohio, Debra Kay Horn of Palatka, Fla., Diane Smith of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Brenda Fay Stapleton of Buckeye Lake, Ohio. Four brothers; Elmer Skaggs of Rubyville, Ohio, James Skaggs and Ralph Skaggs both of York, and Herschel Skaggs of Load; Six sisters, Lorence Blair, Wilma Fritz, and Louise Saylor, all of Portsmouth, Ohio. Josephine Howard, Betty Howard both of York and Pauline Spurlock of Prospect, Ohio; 45 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Apostolic Church on Big White Oak by Elder Dennis Moore. Burial will be in Bradley Cemetery, now called Darby Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 9 today at Reed Funeral Home in Greenup and One hour before the service Wednesday at the Church. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Obituary of Bertha Mae Cole Moore:

July 4, 1974 – Mrs. Bertha Mae Cole Moore, 51, of York, died Thursday evening at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Moore was born January 16, 1923 in London, Ohio; a daughter of the late John Wesley and Sarah Nichols Cole. She was a member of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. Surviving are her husband Carl Moore; seven sons, Frank, Carl David, and Gary Lee Moore, all of Columbus. The Rev. Michael Dale and Rev. Dennis Eugene of Morehead and Denver Clayton and Daniel Lewis Moore both at home. Five daughters; [Mrs.?] Elmer Horn of Millport, Ohio; Mrs. Larry Withem of Columbus, and Misses Debra Kay, Diana Lynn and Brenda Faye Moore, all at home. A brother, Sam Cole of Kenton, Ohio; Two sisters, Mrs. Bryson Gibson of Ubana, Ohio, and Mrs. Clara Harmon of Belefonte, Ohio. 16 grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Big White Oak Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ by Rev. James Boggs. Burial will be in Bradley Cemetery at York. The body has been taken from Rigg Funeral Home in Greenup to the residence, where friends may call. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Obituary for Neal Skaggs:

Neal Skaggs 77, of York Greenup County, died September 17, 1974; at his residence following an illness of several months; Mr. Skaggs was born October 17, 1896 in Elliott County, Kentucky; a son of the late James and Margaret Gillum Skaggs. Surviving are his wife Nannie Anderson Skaggs, Four sons, Elmer Skaggs of Rubyville, Ohio, James and Ralph Skaggs both of York, Herschel Skaggs of La Rue, Ohio, a step son Carl Moore of York, six daughters, Mrs. Louise Saylor of Portsmouth, Ohio, Lorence Blair of Williamsport, Ohio, Mrs. Josephine Howard and Betty Howard both of York, Mrs. Pauline Spurlock of Prospect, Ohio, Mrs. Wilma Fritz of Greenup, a brother Charles Jack Skaggs of Flatwoods, a sister Nola Estep of Florida, 77 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Load Enterprise Baptist Church by Rev. Earnest Burton. Burial was in the Quillen Cemetery at Lynn under the direction of Robertson Funeral Home of South Shore.  (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Children of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs:

   1) Paul Morris Skaggs.
  2) Elmer Lee Skaggs.
  3) James Samuel Skaggs.
  4) Margaret Louise Skaggs.
  5) Lorene Skaggs.
  6) Sarah Josephine Skaggs.
  7) Herschel Wayne Skaggs.
  8) Ralph Cornelius Skaggs.
  9) Gladys Pauline Skaggs.
   10) Betty Christine Skaggs.

PAUL MORRIS SKAGGS
Son of
Nannie Anderson & Neal Skaggs
Paul Skaggs<Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr<Lewis Scalf 

Paul Morris Skaggs, son of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs was born July 16, 1923 in Greenup County, Kentucky and died January 27, 1973 at Greenup County. Paul married Bernice Irene Yates. Bernice was born September 1923 in Greenup County and died August 20, 1992 in Greenup County, Kentucky.

Paul was killed in an unfortunate backhoe accident on Saturday, January 17, 1973:

Backhoe mishap kills Greenup man Saturday. A 49-year old Greenup County man was accidentally killed Saturday in an accident involving a backhoe while cleaning out his barn. Paul Morris Skaggs, 49, York, was killed when a shear pin on the backhoe broke and pushed Mr. Skaggs against the ceiling of the barn. Greenup County Coroner Herb Green ruled the death accidental. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Ashland Paper:  Funeral services for Paul Morris Skaggs, 48, York, who died Saturday, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ by the Rev. James Boggs. Burial will be in Quillen Cemetery at Load. Mr. Skaggs was born July 16, 1923 in Portsmouth, Ohio, a son of Neal and Nannie Anderson Skaggs. He was a veteran of WWII, serving with the U. S. Army and was a recipient of the Purple Heart and Silver Star. He was an employee of Richard Gotte, Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Surviving in addition to his parents is his wife, Mrs. Bernice Yates Skaggs. Three sons; Paul Skaggs, Jr. of Wixon, Michigan, Charles Arthur Skaggs of Homer, Michigan, John Neal Skaggs at home. Five daughters; Irene Holbert of Load, Mrs. Mary Margaret Edward of Homer, Michigan, Mrs. Lois Gayle Spriggs of South Shore, Mrs. Wanda Lee Wireman of Lloyd, and Virginia Ruth Velkly of Newport. Five brothers; Carl, James, Ralph Skaggs all of York, Elmer Skaggs of Rubyville, Ohio, and Herschel Skaggs of Marion, Ohio. Six sisters; Mrs. Lorence Blair of Chillicothe, Ohio, Mrs. Josephine Howard and Betty Howard both of York. Mrs. Wilma Fritz of Encoe, and 13 grandchildren. Friends may call at the residence where the body has been taken from the J. B. Wright funeral home in Greenup. Paul was later moved to the Skaggs cemetery in 1992.

After the death of Paul, Bernice remarried to Lee O. Taylor. Bernice died August 19, 1992.

8-20-1992 – Ashland Paper: 

Bernice Irene Taylor 68, of Big White Oak Road, York, died Thursday at her home. Mrs. Taylor was born September 14, 1923 in Greenup County, a daughter of the late John Wesley and Rena Dale Yates. Her first husband, Paul Morris Skaggs, preceded her in death. She was a member of the Greenup Church of God. Surviving is her husband, Lee O. Taylor. Two sons; Paul Skaggs of Nova, Michigan and John Neal Skaggs of York. Five daughters; Irene Holbert of Load, Margaret Sears of Homer, Michigan, Gayle Spriggs of South Portsmouth, Wanda Wireman of Greenup, and Ruth Velkly of Holland, Michigan. Seven brothers; Clyde Yates of Arcadia, Florida, Charles Yates, Paul Yates, Bennie Yates, and Delmis Yates, all of Albion, Michigan, Donald Yates of Hillsdale, Michigan, and Homer Yates of Tennessee. Two sisters; Mary Jones of Ypsilanti, Michigan and Carol Saylers of Springport, Michigan; 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday at Greenup Church of God by Joe Browning, Minister. Burial will be in Skaggs Cemetery. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

Children of Paul Morris Skaggs and Bernice Irene Yates:

  1) Paul Skaggs, Jr.
  2) Charles Arthur Skaggs.
  3) John Neal Skaggs.
  4) Irene Skaggs Holbert.
  5) Mary Margaret Skaggs Edward.
  6) Lois Gayle Skaggs Spriggs.
  7) Wanda Lee Skaggs Wireman.
  8) Virginia Ruth Skaggs Velkly.

ELMER LEE SKAGGS

Son of

Nannie Anderson & Neal Skaggs

Elmer Skaggs<Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr<Lewis Scalf

Elmer Lee Skaggs, son of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs, was born February 24, 1925 at Greenup County, Kentucky and died October 18, 2002 at Rubyville, Ohio. Elmer married Ruby James. Ruby was born December 28, 1929 at Carter County, Kentucky and died July 14, 1995 at Portsmouth (Scioto Co.) Ohio. Both Elmer and Ruby are buried at Universal Cemetery in Rubyville, Ohio. (Obituary of Elmer Lee Skaggs)

Elmer and Ruby were the parents of twelve children:

  1) Richard Skaggs.
  2) Robert Skaggs.
  3) Joe Skaggs.
  4) Mark Skaggs.
  5) Chester Skaggs.
  6) Helen Skaggs Stoneking.
  7) Judy Skaggs McGeary.
  8) Susan Skaggs Brant.
  9) Barbara Skaggs Collier.
   10) Rose Skaggs Lambert.
   11) Rachel Skaggs Brant.
   13) Waynetta Skaggs Keaton.

Greenup County News:

Elmer L. Skaggs, 77, of Rubyville, Ohio died Saturday, October 19^th at his residence. Mr. Skaggs was born February 24, 1925 in Greenup County, a son of the late Neal and Nannie Anderson Skaggs. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Ruby James Skaggs, a son, Richard Skaggs, three brothers; James Skaggs, Paul Skaggs, Carl Moore, three sisters; Margaret Saylor, Loren Blair and Wilma Fritz, and a grandson, two great-grandchildren. He was retired from the former New Boston Coke Co. in New Boston, Ohio and of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are four sons, Robert Skaggs of Marion, Ohio, Joe Skaggs, Mark Skaggs, Chester Skaggs, all of Rubyville. Seven daughters; Helen Stoneking of Flensburg, Minnesota, Judy McGeary of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Susan Brant of Sandusky, Ohio, Barbara Collier of Little Falls, Minnesota, Rose Lambert of Franklin Furnace, Ohio, Rachel Brant of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Waynetta Keaton of Rubyville, Ohio, two brothers; Ralph Skaggs of York and Herschel Skaggs of Load, three sisters; Josephine Howard and Betty Howard, both of York, and Pauline Spurlock of Prospect, Ohio. 23 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 22 at Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore by Rev. Kelly Cinerski and Rev. Quentin King. Burial was in Universal Cemetery at Rubyville. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

JAMES SAMUEL SKAGGS

Son of

Nannie Anderson & Neal Skaggs

James Skaggs<Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr<Lewis Scalf 

James Samuel Skaggs, son of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs, was born July 30, 1927 in Greenup County, Kentucky and died August 2, 1998 at York (Greenup Co.) Kentucky. James married Mary Bellamy. James and Mary were the parents of thirteen children.

   1) John Franklin Skaggs.
  2) James W. Skaggs.
  3) Rondal Skaggs.
  4) Earl Skaggs.
  5) Lester Skaggs.
  6) Vernon Skaggs.
  7) Darrell Skaggs.
  8) Roger Skaggs.
  9) Terry Skaggs.
   10) Mary Linda Skaggs Skiorski.
   11) Delores Skaggs Hoag.
   12) Kathy Skaggs Stone.
   13) Rebecca Skaggs Castillo.

 Obituary of James Samuel Skaggs:

James Samuel Skaggs, 71, of York, KY, Greenup County, died Sunday August 2, at his home. Mr. Skaggs was born July 27, 1927 in Greenup County, Kentucky, a son of the late Neal and Nannie Anderson Skaggs. He was preceded in death by a son, John Franklin Skaggs. He was a retired car man and helper with CSX Railroad, A Korean War veteran and a member of Plum Fork Church at Maloneton. Surviving is his wife, Mary Bellamy Skaggs, eight sons; James W. Skaggs of Larue, Ohio, Rondal Skaggs of South Shore, Earl Skaggs and Lester Skaggs both of York, Vernon Skaggs of Westerville, Ohio, Darrell Skaggs of Delaware, Ohio, Roger Skaggs of Sciotoville, Ohio, and Terry Skaggs of Prestonsburg.

Four daughters, Mary Linda Skinorski of Boca Raton, Florida, Delores Hoag of Gatesville, Texas, Kathy Stone of Fort Worth, Texas, and Rebecca Castillo of Mobile, Alabama. Three brothers, Elmer Skaggs of Rubyville, Ohio, Ralph Skaggs of York, and Herschel Skaggs of Load. Three sisters, Josephine Howard and Betty Howard, both of York, and Pauline Spurlock of Prospect, Ohio and 25 grandchildren. The funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. today August 6 at Plum Fork Chapel Church by the Rev. Glen Newsome and Rev. David Stevens. Burial will be in Friendship Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by members of James L. Flannery American Legion post 276 of South Shore. Roberson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

MARGARET LOUISE SKAGGS

Daughter of

Nannie Anderson & Neal Skaggs

Margaret Skaggs<Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr<Lewis Scalf 

Margaret Louise Skaggs, daughter of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs, was born April 22, 1929 in Greenup County, Kentucky. Margaret died Tuesday, January 18, 1994 at Portsmouth, Ohio. Margaret married Charles E. Saylor. Charles died 1981. Both Charles and Margaret are buried at Collier Memorial Gardens in South Portsmouth, Kentucky.

Margaret and Charles were the parents of two daughters:

1) Shonda Saylor Mason.

2) Camilla Saylor Chamberlain.

Obituary for Margaret Louise Skaggs Saylor:

Margaret Louise Saylor of Portsmouth, Ohio died Tuesday, January 18, at Ohio State University Hospital at Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Saylor was born in Greenup County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Neal and Nannie Anderson Skaggs. Her husband, Charles E. Saylor died in 1981.

She was a retired Nurses Aid and a member of Lakeside Christian Baptist Church in New Boston, Ohio. Surviving are two daughters, Shonda Mason of Portsmouth and Camilla Chamberlain of Hillard, Ohio. Four brothers, Elmer Skaggs of Rubyville, Ohio, James Skaggs and Ralph Skaggs both of York, Herschel Skaggs of Load, and five sisters, Lorence Blair of McDermitt, Ohio, Josephine Howard and Betty Howard both of York, Pauline Spurlock of Prospect, Ohio, and Wilma Fritz of Portsmouth, Ohio. The funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday January 23 at Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore by the Rev. Gerald Penix. Burial was in Collier Memorial Gardens at South Portsmouth, Kentucky. (Courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

LORENE SKAGGS

Daughter of

Nannie Anderson & Neal Skaggs

Lorene Skaggs<Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Lorene Skaggs, daughter of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs, was born January 29, 1931 in Greenup County, Kentucky and died November 24, 1997 at McDermott (Scioto Co.) Ohio. Lorene married Woodford Blair. Lorene was buried at Hager Cemetery, Lucasville, Ohio.

SARAH JOSEPHINE SKAGGS

Daughter of

Nannie Anderson & Neal Skaggs

Josephine Skaggs<Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf, Sr<Lewis Scalf 

Sarah Josephine Skaggs, daughter of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs, was born September 18, 1932 at Greenup County, Kentucky. Josephine married Hargest Hager Howard April 1949 at Greenup County, Kentucky. He was born January 21, 1926 at Greenup County, Kentucky, the son of Buris and Essie Howard. Hargest died January 23, 1986 at York (Greenup Co.) Kentucky.

Children of Sarah Josephine Howard and Hargest Hager Howard:

1) Kenneth Howard.

2) Steven Howard.

3) Amett Howard.

HERSCHEL WAYNE SKAGGS

Son of

Nannie Anderson & Neal Skaggs

Herschel Skaggs<Nannie Anderson<Louisa Scaff<William L. Scaff<Lee Scalf<John Scalf<Lewis Scalf 

Hershel Wayne Skaggs, son of Nannie Anderson and Neal Skaggs, was born May 23, 1935 at Greenup County, Kentucky. Hershel married Phyllis Marie Webb December 12, 1953 in Greenup County, Kentucky.

Herschel and Phyllis are the parents of three boys and one daughter. (Family photo – courtesy of Herschel Skaggs)

We are indebted to Herschel for his continuing efforts to preserve the Scaff/Scalf family history and in working with us to solve the mystery of the descendents of Lee Scalf. Very little information has been found over the years to help us determine what might have happened to Lee after the 1840 census of Russell County, Virginia.

The web site below was created by Herschel Skaggs and provides numerous pictures and documents for the Scaff and Skaggs families.