Ancestors of Robert Anderson

Generation No. 1

1. Robert Anderson, born February 7, 1814 in Dunkard Creek, Whitely Twp, Greene, PA; died January 21, 1864 in Miracle Run, Batelle Dist, Monongalia, WV . He was the son of 2. James Anderson and 3. unk Hamilton. He married (1) Sarah Temple March 9, 1845 in Monongalia, WV. She was born September 2, 1821 in Whitely Twp, Greene, PA, and died June 3, 1872 in Miracle Run, Battelle Dist, Monongalia, WV. She was the daughter of Return Temple and Sarah Darr.

Notes for Robert Anderson:

1835-1864 - Robert Anderson and brother John Anderson extremely active in joint land ventures. The vast majority of the land transactions occurred on Miracle Run, although some activity occurred on Days Run, Monongalia County, WV.

"He located in the woods when but a young man and before he was married became the owner of a large tract of uncleared land, about seven hundred acres... He was a man of many good business qualities and possessed a thouroughgoing and frugal spirit." (Cyclopedia of Monongalia County, pp. 197-198, as quoted in "The Monongalia Story" by Earl L. Core, Volume III, p. 567.)

1840 - Monongalia, WV, Census shows Robert and John with two females. One could have been a sister, the older "may" have been their widowed mother, still living with them. (info from Susan Anderson Gregory, Seattle,WA)

6 Mar 1845 - Robert Anderson and Return Temple file $150 marriage bond assuring the intended marriage of Robert Anderson to Return's daughter, Sarah Temple. Monongalia bond #37.

13 Mar 1845 - Robert Anderson (age 31) and Sarah Temple (age 23), daughter of Return Temple, married by Reverend A. Haines, Monongalia County, WV. (Monongalia book A, page 84.)

6 Feb 1846 - Eliza Jane born, Miracle Run, Battelle Magisterial District, Monongalia County, WV.

30 Sep 1846 - Eliza Jane dies, 8 months old.

13 Jul 1847 - Emaline born, Miracle Run.

28 May 1848 - Emaline dies, 10 months old.

15 Apr 1849 - William Temple born, Miracle Run.

18 Sep 1851 - Hester Ann born, Miracle Run.

31 Jul 1853 - James Madison born, Miracle Run.

15 Feb 1855 - Corbly Ammons born, Miracle Run.

15 Feb 1857 - John Wesley born, Miracle Run.

2 May 1859 - Martin Luther born, Miracle Run.

19 Feb 1862 - John Anderson appointed Postmaster, Miracle Run, Battelle District, Monongalia, WV. He held this post until replaced by William Tuttle, Jr., on 19 Jan 1863. ("The Monongalia Story" by Earl L. Core, Volume III, p. 713.)

4 Mar 1863 - Sanford Return born, Miracle Run.

>>Ed. note: The dates for the death of Robert Anderson in official county records and those clearly displayed on his headstone are in direct conflict. Both agree that he was 49 years old at death, and the headstone is confirmed as his, because he is buried next to his wife Sarah (Temple) Anderson of the the correct dates. While his headstone is assumed to be correct, both dates are provided to prevent future confusion.

10 Mar 1863 - Robert Anderson (age 49) dies of "convulsions," Miracle run. Estate administered by wife Sarah. She remains on Miracle Run farm with children. (Death recorded in Book #1, pg 29, Monongalia, WV.)

21 Jan 1864 - Robert Anderson (age 49) dies (date per found headstone, Tennant Cemetery). Age is given at 49 yrs, eleven months, 14 days, which computes to previously known birth date of 7 Feb 1814.

Mar 1864 - Various filings made regarding appraisal, settlement of Robert Anderson estate. Interesting appraisal includes 29 hd of sheep, 31 hd of cattle, 5 horses, and 13 hogs. Monongalia estate book 8, pages 295, 594, 595.

17 Dec 1865 - son William Temple (age 16) marries Levina Masters (age 14). See notes for William Temple Anderson for continuation.

1870 - Hester Ann marries John L. Tennant, Miracle Run.

27 Feb 1872 - Sarah Temple Anderson makes last will and testament. Among the interesting provisions, Sarah wills her "Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine" to daughter Hester Anne Tennant, and her "Bureau" and "Prints Quilt to son Martin Luther. Sarah names "friend" (actually a cousin descended from Jane, her husband Robert's older sister) Corbly Ammons as executor. Later recorded as Monongalia WB 2-211.

3 Jun 1872 - Sarah Temple Anderson dies at age 50, Miracle Run, Monongalia, WV.

12 June 1872 - Previously mentioned will of Sarah Temple Anderson filed for record. Monongalia WB 2-211.

12 Jun 1872 - Peter A. Tennant designated as the legal guardian of James M., Corbly A., John W., Martin Luther, and Sanford Return, the surviving Robert Anderson children under the age of 21. (Peter Androus Tennant was a cousin descended from Robert's older sister, Eleanor Anderson and husband Robert McCord, and was Justice of the Peace at about this time.) Monongalia FR A-311.

14 Jun 1872 - per the will of Sarah Temple Anderson, cousin Corbly Ammons named as executor of estate. Monongalia FR A-311.

Mar 1873 - Estate divided among heirs as the result of a chancery suit by William T. Anderson.

More About Robert Anderson:

Burial: Tennant Cemetery, Miracle Run, Monongalia, WV

Fact-1: Dates are per found headstone

More About Sarah Temple:

Burial: June 5, 1872, Tennant Cemetery, Miracle Run, Batelle Dist., Monogalia, WV

Fact-1: Dates are per found headstone

Religion: Quaker (as a child)

More About Robert Anderson and Sarah Temple:

Marriage: March 9, 1845, Monongalia, WV

Marriage Bond: March 6, 1845, #37, Monongalia, WV

Generation No. 2

2. James Anderson, born Abt. 1760 in Ireland; died Abt. December 1833 in Ripleys Run, Whitely Twp (now Perry Twp), Greene, PA. He married 3. unk Hamilton Abt. 1779 in Ireland.

3. unk Hamilton, born Abt. 1763 in Ireland; died Aft. 1832 in Monongalia, WV (?).

Notes for James Anderson:

c. 1760 - James Anderson born, Ireland

c. 1779 - James Anderson (age about 20) marries unk Hamilton, Ireland.

c. 1780, Hamilton, Sr. born, Ireland. (birth date based on 1860 census for Benton County, IA - info from Susan Anderson Gregory, Seattle, WA)

c 1805 - James had emigrated to Shawangunk Township, Ulster County, NY, by about this time. (info from Susan Anderson Gregory, Seattle, WA)

>> Locator note: Area is 10-15 miles NW of Newburgh, NY.

c. 1805 - Catherine born. (NY?)

13 Oct 1811 - Oldest son, Hamilton, marries Leah McCord, Reformed Dutch Church, New Paltz, Shawangunk Township, Ulster, NY. (info from Pat Mitchell, Dallas, TX)

12 Aug 1813 - Oldest daughter, Eleanor, marries Robert McCord (brother of Leah McCord), Reformed Dutch Church, New Paltz, Shawangunk Township, Ulster, NY. (info from Pat Mitchell, Dallas, TX)

10 Sept 1813 - (tentative entry, not confirmed) a "James Anderson" enlists in Captain James De Forest's Company of Detached Riflemen, Lt. Col, Abraham J. Hardenbergh's Regiment of Detached, Militia, State of New York. (info from Pat Mitchell, Dallas, TX)

4 Nov 1813 - (tentative entry, not confirmed) same "James Anderson" is discharged after 1 month, 26 days service. States that "residence is 170 miles from place of discharge". States residence is Greenbush, Renselair, NY. (see next note)

>>Ed. note: The previous entry, although not conclusive, is interesting in that is is for the same time frame (within days) and the same regiment as Robert McCord (husband of James Anderson's oldest daughter, Eleanor), who had enlisted from Shawangunk, Ulster, NY. While the entry states a residence of Greenbush, this is not likely because Greenbush was actually a military cantonment and a major discharge site toward the end of the War of 1812. As a coincidence, it is 170 miles round trip from Greenbush to Shawangunk, Ulster, NY, "our" James Anderson's supposed residence at this time.

c. 1813 - based on age differences between first children and later children, James may have remarried at about this time. Births start again in 1814.

7 Feb 1814 - Robert born, Dunkard Creek, Whitely Twp, Greene, PA. (doubtful, see next note)

>>Ed. note: Robert's birth in Whitely Twp is based on family tradition. New information suggests he may have been born in Shawangunk Township, Ulster County, NY, and Dutch Reform Church records there reportedly show James Anderson bringing in Robert on Feb 1814 for baptism, no name recorded for mother. (info per Pat Mitchell, Dallas, TX)

c. 1816 - James Anderson and family may have removed to Greene County, PA, by about this time.

29 Dec 1817 - James Anderson purchases 52 acre tract from Zech Piles & wf. Susanna in Whitely Twp, Greene County, PA. Tract had originally been patented by Stephen Gapen on 6 Jan 1792 as "Riplys Valley," had been conveyed to Zechariah Piles on 30 Nov 1803. Land description included the state line as the southern property line and also mentions adjoining lands belonging to Hamilton Anderson (actually purchased at same time) and Robert McCord, with the latter also witnessing the deed. These mentions of eldest son Hamilton Anderson and Robert McCord, the husband of eldest daughter Eleanor Anderson, help confirm land is for "our" James Anderson. (Greene deed 4:595, and also listed in chain of title, Greene deed 8:284.)

1817 - James Anderson is listed as paying 85 cents tax on 50 acres of land, one cabin, two horses, 2 cows, and one dog. Greene taxes 1817.

>>Ed. note: Hamilton Anderson purchased 52 acres of adjoining land on deed dated same day from same seller. Referred to in Greene deed 5:465 chain of title, but apparently not recorded.

>>Locator note: Shown on USGS 7.5' topo quad "Blacksville" and is on Henflint Road .8 mile north of mouth of Riply's Run, and is generally located 10 miles NW of Morgantown, WV, and 4.5 miles due E of Blacksville, WV. Site is directly on the Greene County, PA, line with Monongalia, WV. Riplys Run drains south across the state line into Dunkard Creek. Exact location is 39 degrees, 43' 38.8" N; 80 degrees, 7', 57.6" S. Site is in present Perry Township, which was formed from the southern half of Whitley Township in 1842.

c. 1818 - John born, Whitely Twp, Greene County, PA.

1818 - James Anderson is listed as paying 70 cents tax on 50 acres of land, one cabin, one horse, 2 cows, and one dog. Greene taxes 1818.

1819 - James Anderson is listed as paying 68 cents tax on 50 acres of land, one cabin, one horse, one cow. Greene taxes 1819.

1820 - Census for Whitely Twp (now Perry Twp), PA lists James Anderson household as having 2 males under 10, 1 male over 45, 1 female under 10, 1 female 10 and under 16, 2 females 16 - 26 yrs, 1 female 45 and upwards, of which 1 male is engaged in agriculture. Neighbors include son Hamilton Anderson, Robert McCord, and George Ammons.

c. 1820 - Eliza born, Whitely Twp, Greene County, PA

>>Ed. note: Assuming mother unk Hamilton was born circa 1763, she would have been 57 years old if Eliza was born in 1820 or later. This suggests that either the Eliza and John birth dates are incorrect, or that James Anderson possibly married a second time. (See 1813 note on this issue) Also of note, James' 1832 will lists Eliza -before- "younger sons Robert and John." Robert had been born 7 Feb 1814.

26 Dec 1822 - A survey of 5 acres is made for a land warrant for a James Anderson in Greene County, PA.

before 1824 - Jane marries David Ammons. The Solomon Ammons family were neighbors.

26 Mar 1832 - James makes last will and testament. (Later recorded as Will #740, WB 2:24, on 6 Jan 1834). Will mentions children (presumably in order of birth) as eldest son, Hamilton Anderson, daughters Nellie McCord, Mary Piles, Catherine Ammons, Jane Ammons, Eliza Wade, and younger sons Robert and John. The will directly charges Robert and John to "keep their mother in good an descent clothing, bed and boarding during her natural life," thus indicating that their mother was still living at this time.

c. 1832 - Mary marries Elisha Piles, possibly a son or relative of Zechariah and Susanna Piles, who had sold the Ripley Run farm to father James Anderson in 1817.

1833 - James Anderson is listed as paying $1.09 tax on 50 acres of land, two horses, 2 cows, and two cows. Greene taxes 1833.

circa Dec 1833 - James Anderson (age about 73) dies, Whitely Twp, Greene County, PA.

>>Ed. note: Neither the James Anderson grave or that of his wife have been located as of this writing. Clay District, Monongalia, WV, is a likely area for future research. This area contains the mouth of Ripley Run and the settlements along Dunkard Creek, his likely place of worship.

5 Jan 1834 - Will #741 for James Anderson, "decd," is filed for record, implying that James had died in late 1833, or the very first few days in 1834. (will actually entered on 6 Jan 1834) Greene WB 2, pages 24:25.

1834 - James Anderson is listed as paying 80 cents tax on 50 acres of land, one horse, 2 cows. (It is not clear whether this entry should have read "heirs," based on filing of will in entry above.) Greene taxes 1834.

5 Jan 1834 - Will #741 for James Anderson, deceased, is filed for record in Greene WB 2, pages 24:25. (entered on 6 Jan 1834)

1835 - James Anderson is listed as paying 38 cents tax on 50 acres of land. (It is not clear whether this entry should have read "heirs," based on filing of will in entry above.) Greene taxes 1835.

1836 - (Tax roles missing for Greene County, PA.)

1837 - Tax roles list "Anderson, James, heirs, 50 acres of land," then being crossed out, followed by notation "Transferred to Jeremiah Snider. Greene taxes 1837

7 Oct 1837 - Four years after the death of their father James, sons Robert and John sell the 52 acre Whitely Twp farm to Jeremiah Snider for $244.00, and become very active in numerous land transactions in Greene County, PA and Monongalia County, WV. Deed continues to mention adjoining lands of Hamilton Anderson and Robert McCord. (Greene deed 8:284)

More About James Anderson:

Emigration: Abt. 1805, Ireland to Ulster, NY, by about this time

Residence-1: Abt. 1805, Shawangunk Twp, Ulster County, NY

Residence-2: 1817, Ripleys Run, Whitely Twp (now Perry Twp), Greene, PA

Will: March 26, 1832, Greene County, PA

Will Proved: January 6, 1834, Greene County, PA

More About James Anderson and unk Hamilton:

Marriage: Abt. 1779, Ireland

Children of James Anderson and unk Hamilton are:

i. Hamilton Anderson, Sr., born Abt. 1780 in Ireland; died Aft. 1860 in Shellburg, Canton Twp, Benton, IA; married Leah McCord October 13, 1811 in Reformed Dutch Church, New Paltz, Shawangunk Twp, Ulster, NY; born 1795 in New York; died Aft. 1860 in Shellburg, Canton Twp, Benton, IA.

Notes for Hamilton Anderson, Sr.:

13 Oct 1811 - Hamilton Anderson married Leah McCord, Reformed Dutch Church, New Paltz, Ulster, NY.

2 Sep 1814 - (tentative entry, not confirmed) a "Hamilton Anderson" enlists as a drummer in Captain George H. Stantons's Company of Artillery, 11 Regiment New State Artillery.

3 Dec 1814 - (tentative entry, not confirmed) same "Hamilton Anderson" is discharged after 3 months, 2 days.

>>Ed. note: The previous entry, although not conclusive, is interesting in that Robert McCord (husband of James Anderson's oldest daughter, Eleanor), and possibly James Anderson himself had also enlisted. While not confirmed as our "Hamilton Anderson," the similarities in name, approximate age, and state of residence are interesting and merit further research.

29 Dec 1817 - Hamilton Anderson purchases a 52 acre tract of "Ripley Valley" farm from Zechariah Piles. Later referred to in Greene deed 5:465 "chain of title" narrative, but original deed apparently not recorded.

1817 - Hamilton Anderson listed as paying 50 cents in taxes on 50 acres of land, one horse, one cow, and one dog. 1818 and 1819 tax entries remain the same. Greene taxes 1817-19

1820 - Census for Whitely Twp (now Perry Twp), PA lists Hamilton Anderson household as having 1 male under 10, 1 16 to 45 yrs, 3 females under 10, , 1 female 26 to 45, of which 1 male is engaged in agriculture. Neighbors include father James Anderson, Robert McCord, and George Ammons.

1821 - In an entry of unknown significance, George Ammons is listed as having 50 acres, one cabin, one horse, one cow, and one dog, -- but that the land was transferred to Hamilton Anderson. This entry does not seem to be supported by any known recorded deed. Greene taxes 1821.

1821 - In a related entry, Hamilton Anderson is now listed as having 100 acres of land, one cabin, two horses, three cows, and two dogs, along with the notation, "transferred from George Ammons." As stated previously, this entry which results in his holdings being almost exactly doubled and adding a cabin, is not supported by any known recorded deed. Greene taxes 1821.

9 Feb 1826 - Hamilton Anderson & wf Leah sell 12 acre tract of 52 acre farm to neighbor Solomon Ammons for $20. Mentions adjoining lands of Solomon Ammons, Jeremiah Snider, and Robert McCord. Witnessed by Jeremiah Glasgo and Robert McCord. Greene deed 5:465.

9 Feb 1826 - Hamilton Anderson & wf Leah sell remaining 40 acres to Jeremiah I. Snider for $137.62 1/2 cents. Mentions adjoining lands of Solomon Ammons and Robert McCord. Witnessed by Jeremiah Glasgo and Robert McCord. Greene deed 5:467.

>>Ed. note: 1826 out sales only add up to original 52 acre purchase made in 1817.

1826 - Hamilton Anderson and family may have left Greene County at about this time.

1860 - Census shows Hamilton (age 80), wf. Leah (age 65), and son Hamilton (age 30) & wf. Samantha J. living in one household, in or near Shellburg, Canton Twp, IA . 1860 census, page 72, lines 27-30.

More About Hamilton Anderson, Sr.:

IGI Record: Film Number 1761119

More About Hamilton Anderson and Leah McCord:

Marriage: October 13, 1811, Reformed Dutch Church, New Paltz, Shawangunk Twp, Ulster, NY

ii. Eleanor Anderson, born Abt. 1795 in Ireland; died Aft. 1840 in Monongalia, WV; married Robert McCord August 12, 1813 in Reformed Dutch Church, New Paltz, Shawangunk Twp, Ulster, NY; born Abt. 1794; died Aft. 1823.

Notes for Eleanor Anderson:

Marriage date is somewhat speculative. A Robert McCord married a "Jane" Anderson at the noted date and place. It is possible Eleanor Anderson's actual first may have been "Jane." (info from research by Pat Mitchell, Dallas, TX)

Notes for Robert McCord:

12 Aug 1813 - Robert McCord marries Eleanor Anderson, daughter of James Anderson, at Reformed Dutch Church, Paltz, Shawangunk Twp, Ulster, NY.

8 Sep 1813 - Almost exactly one month after his marriage, Robert McCord enlists in Capt Joseph Deyo's Company of Light Infantry, Lt. Col, Abraham J. Hardenberghs' Regiment of Detached, Militia, State of New York.

9 Nov 1813 - Discharged and returns home to Shawangunk Twp, Ulster, NY, after 2 months, 2 days active service.

1817 - Robert McCord listed in deeds as neighbor of James and son Hamilton Anderson on Riplys Run, Whitely Twp, Greene County, PA.

1817 - Robert McCord pays 37 cents tax for 50 acres of land and one cow. Greene taxes - 1817.

More About Robert McCord:

Military service: Bet. September - November 1813, War of 1812

More About Robert McCord and Eleanor Anderson:

Marriage: August 12, 1813, Reformed Dutch Church, New Paltz, Shawangunk Twp, Ulster, NY

iii. Catherine Anderson, born Abt. 1805; died September 14, 1895 in Greene County, PA; married Solomen Ammons.

iv. Jane Anderson, born October 1807 in NY; died November 3, 1860 in Clay District, Monongalia, WV; married David Ammons Bef. 1824; born July 1799; died October 6, 1865 in Clay District, Monongalia, WV.

More About David Ammons and Jane Anderson:

Marriage: Bef. 1824

v. Mary Anderson, born Bet. 1809 - 1819; died 1836 in PA; married Elisha Piles Abt. 1832.

Notes for Elisha Piles:

May be a son of Zechariah Piles who had sold the Ripley run farm to Mary Anderson's father, James Anderson in 1817.

More About Elisha Piles and Mary Anderson:

Marriage: Abt. 1832

1 vi. Robert Anderson, born February 7, 1814 in Dunkard Creek, Whitely Twp, Greene, PA; died January 21, 1864 in Miracle Run, Batelle Dist, Monongalia, WV ; married Sarah Temple March 9, 1845 in Monongalia, WV.

vii. John Anderson, born 1816 in Ripleys Run, Whitely Twp (now Perry Twp), Greene, PA (?); died Aft. 1869 in Miracle Run, Batelle Dist, Monongalia, WV; married Margaret Tennant November 18, 1843 in Monongalia, WV; born Abt. 1825; died Aft. 1869.

Notes for John Anderson:

1835-1864 - John Anderson and brother Robert Anderson extremely active in joint land ventures. The vast majority of the land transactions occurred on Miracle Run, although some activity occurred on Days Run, Monongalia County, WV.

1852 - John Anderson listed as a Justice of the Peace, Battelle District, Monongalia, WV.

1856 - John Anderson listed as a Justice of the Peace, Battelle District, Monongalia, WV.

1866 - John Anderson listed as a school commissioner, Battelle District, Monongalia, WV.

More About John Anderson and Margaret Tennant:

Marriage: November 18, 1843, Monongalia, WV.

Marriage Bond: Bond #35, Monongalia, WV.

viii. Eliza Anderson, born Aft. 1820 in Ripleys Run, Whitely Twp (now Perry Twp), Greene, PA (?)/Greene Co., PA; married unk Wade.