Ruth Higgins

Notes:

Said to be the daughter of Israel Higgins and Ruth Brown.

Ruth married Abner Stocking on 5 Feb 1749 in Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut. Abner (son of George Stocking and Mercy Savage) was born on 1 Apr 1726 in Middle Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut; died about 1806 in Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Benjamin married Dimmis Shailor in Aug 1789 in Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut. Dimmis was born before 1772; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Dwight lists her as the "dau. of Benjamin STOCKING of Chatham, Ct., and Dimmis SHAILER." The book "Early Connecticut Marriages" by Frederick Bailey shows 'Benjamin Stocking & Dimmis Shailor Aug 1789' in Haddam, Middlesex County, Ct.

Hannah married Ansel Strong on 25 Oct 1810 in Onondaga County, New York. Ansel (son of Benjamin Strong and Susan Trowbridge) was born on 23 Oct 1789 in Middle Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut; died about 1876 in Vesper, Onondaga County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):A biography of Hezekiah Strong indicated that their were five (5) children in the "parental family," whereas Benjamin Dwight lists only four sons. It appears the fifth child was daughter Cordelia, listed as a descendant by Robert Strong, the historian of the Strong Family Association of America.

Notes:

Dwight lists him as "a farmer in Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., Wis., m. Pamela FULLER, sister to his father's second wife." (Dwight, p 194).

Reuben was the first deacon of The First Baptist Church of West Allis, which was organized by Elder Richard Griffing in 1836, the first organized religion to establish itself in the area. The church struggled its first few years, trying to hold firm in its existence, but, finally, in May 1841 the 37 charter members voted to disband and reorganize in North Greenfield (now West Allis). On June 2, 1841, delegates met at the home of Eber Cornwall and established the Baptist Church of Greenfield. In its early years the church formed a circuit of three nearby churches under one pastor. Services were held in Cornwall's home, then in a schoolhouse and later in a building on land owned by Reuben Strong, the first deacon of the church. A church building was finally erected in 1869 at South 83rd Street and West National Avenue under the leadership of Rev. Enoch Underwood. When the Madison Division of the Northwestern Railroad was built through West Allis in 1883, the building was relocated to south 84th Street and West Mitchell Street.(http://www.firstbaptistwestallis.org/history.html)

(Research):
Census Information:

1850 Census
Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Greenfield, 17th District
Enumerated 1 Aug 1850
968-997
Beecher (sic) STRONG 36 $1500 Farmer NY
Pamelia STRONG 37 NY
Jane STRONG 14 Wisc
Ansel STRONG 11 Wisc
Mary STRONG 9 Wisc
Angela STRONG 7 Wisc
Harriet STRONG 5 Wisc
Myrin STRONG 4 Wisc
Coly STRONG 2/12 Wisc

1860 Census
Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, Greenfield Twp
Enumerated 1 Jun 1860
Page 3
16-16
Wallace and Jane Cross and family
17-17
Reuben STRONG 46 Farmer 8000 NY
Pamelia STRONG 47 NY
Ansel STRONG 21 Farmer 1000 Wisc
Angelina STRONG 17 Wisc
Harriet STRONG 16 Wisc
Myron W STRONG 14 Wisc
Coley M STRONG 11 Wisc

(Note: Ansel appears ALSO to be listed on the 1860 Nebraska Territory Census, living with his Uncle Hezekiah Strong in Nemaha. He is shown as an 18 year old Mail Carrier born in Wisconsin. There is not a date on the Nebraska territory census, so it is possible it was taken later than June, and Ansel was counted twice).

1870 Census
Wisconsin, Milwaukee County, Greenfield Twp
Enumerated 2 Jun 1860
Page 5 Stamped 61
41-38
Wallace and Jane Cross and family
42-39
Reuben STRONG 56 Farmer $10,850 $1000 NY
Permelia STRONG 57 Keeping House NY
Myron STRONG 24 M Wisc
Mary LEONARD 18 F Domestic Wisc

1880
Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Greenfield
Reuben STRONG Head 65 NY Farmer Ct Ct
Permelia STRONG Wife 67 Ny Ct Ct
Arthur N JOHNSON Gson 8 MI Wi Wi
Philena REYNOLDS Niece 21 Wi Wi Ct

Reuben married Pamelia Fuller on 8 Jul 1835. Pamelia was born on 3 Mar 1813 in Tully, Onondaga County, New York; died on 19 Dec 1898 in North Greenfield, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; was buried in Honey Creek Cemetery, West Allis, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Dwight lists him as "a farmer in Clayton, Wis., m. Sophia THOMPSON." (Vol. I, p 194).

(Research):Census Information:

1850 Federal Census
Wisconsin, Winnebago County, Clayton
26 July 1850
258-266
Benjamin STRONG 32 Farmer 1200 NY
Sophia STRONG 27 NY
Benjamin F. STRONG 5 Wisc

The adjoining home is that of Alfred HUBBARD and Rhoda STRO
NG

1860 Federal Census
Wisconsin, Winnebago County, Clayton, Weenah P.O.
26 July 1860
Benjamin STRONG 42 Farmer 2100 1000 NY
Franklin STRONG 14 Wisc
Julia STRONG 8 Wisc
George STRONG 5 Wisc
Mary STRONG 33 New York

It APPEARS that Sophia died sometime after 1850, most likely sometime after 1855 when George was born. It also noteworthy that there is now a seven year old Sylvester STRONG listed. The relationship between George and Mary STRONG, age 33, is not known. She might be a second wife, or might be a relative that came to help him with his children. It is unusual that she is listed last in the household, and not immediately following his listing.

1870 Federal Census
Wisconsin, Winnebago County, Clayton, Winchester P.O.
18 June 1870
Benjamin STRONG 52 Farmer 2200 600 NY
Eliza STRONG 47 Keeping House NY
Sylvester F. STRONG 17 Works on Farm WI
Geo. STRONG 15 Works on Farm WI
Charles STRONG 11 At School Wi

It appears that Benjamin was remarried to Eliza, most likely prior to the birth of Charles Strong. However, if Charles is actually 11, then both Eliza and Charles should have been listed in Benjamin's household at the time of the 1860 census. Perhaps Charles is a stepson. It is also interesting that 17 year old Sylvester Strong was missing from the 1860 census. He was either inadvertantly left off that census, or he might actually also be a son of Eliza from a prior marriage, and a stepson to Benjamin.

Finally, this is the household at the time of the 1880 Census:

Benjamin STRONG Self M Male W 62 NY Farmer CT CT
Eliza. A. STRONG Wife M Female W 56 NY Keeping House NY MA
Charles A. STRONG Son S Male W 20 WI R.R. Laborer NY NY

Source Information: Census Place Clayton, Winnebago, Wisconsin
Family History Library Film 1255452 NA Film Number T9-1452 Page Number 28B

Family/Spouse: Sophia Thompson. Sophia was born about 1823 in New York; died before 1860. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

"a farmer in Bristolville, O., m. Betsey KAGY." (Dwight, p 194).

There was not a David Strong listed as paying personal property taxes in Trumbull from 1822-1834. A William STRONG was on this list, beginning in 1829, but his relationship to David is not known.

William, born ca 1790 in Massachussetts, is listed on the 1850 Trumbull County census. He is married to a Polly, born ca 1905 in Ohio, and they are the parents of Eliza (20), Electa (18), James (16), Tyrza Ann (8), Allen (7), and Milo (4), all born in Ohio.

David B. Strong registered a Cattle Marking June 25, 1841: Crop of right ear and hole in same.

On an 1841 plat of Bristol, David Strong's land was adjacent to land owned by the KAGY, ECKSTINE, and MAYHEW families. He appears to have owned the same plat of land from 1841 through 1890. On the 1900 plat of Bristol, it appears that this land had been transferred to Austin E. ULRICH.

Jan 1, 1846, indenture of apprenticeship between John REEL, David B. STRONG and Leah CLAY, age 9. John REEL, guardian of Leah CLAY, does bind Leah CLAY unto David B. STRONG until she reaches the age of 18, to learn the trade of housekeeping. Upon expiration of apprenticeship, David will provide Leah CLAY with a new bible, at least two suits of common wearing apparel, one cow, one bed, and one spinning wheel. (Historical Collections of Bristol Township, Bristolville, Ohio Thomas J. Kachur 1989, p. 72, xerox copies provided by the Trumbull County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society).


David's first wife, Betsy, died on June 15, 1851

David Strong married Leanora A. Sherman one month after Betsy died, on July 15, 1851 in Ashtabula County. The fact that he had four small motherless children at home was likely the reason for the brief courtship.

By the time of the 1870 census, David's three oldest boys had moved away from home. Daughter Ella had died. Ralph, who would have only been around 12 years old, was working on the farm of his Uncle Hezekiah B. Strong in Nebraska, and since 11 year old Charles had not been listed on the 1860 census, he most likely was only age 9 or 10.

David and Leanora were divorced after the 1870 census, but remarried prior to the census of 1880.

David and Leanora died within weeks of each other in early 1894, as can be seen from the brief obituary below from the "Historical Collections of Bristol Township, Bristolville, Ohio" by Thomas J. Kachur, 1989, p. 209, xerox copies provided by the Trumbull County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society:

STRONG, David B., m. Mrs. Leanora A. (Sherman) STRONG Mar 16, 1876. Leanora was the step-mother of H.A. Strong of Warren. David d. Mar. 30, 1894, and she d. Apr 8, 1894.

OBITUARY WESTERN RESERVE DEMOCRAT, APRIL 6, 1894, PAGE 8, COLUMN 2 OAKFIELD

David Strong, an old pioneer of Bristol, died at his home, Friday, March 30. Funeral services were held Sunday. The relatives of the deceased desire, through the columns of the DEMOCRAT to extend their earnest thanks to the friends and neighbors who so kindly leant their assistance during Mr. Strong's sickness and death. The choir has their special gratitude for their part rendered in the funeral service. (Courtesy of William Billig).

The Strong Estates were probated in Trumbull County, Ohio (Estates no. 1060 and 1065).

David's personal goods and chattel were appraised on April 17, 1894, and determined to be worth $96.20. His estate consisted of 1 Bay Mare, 1 Bay Colt, 1 Buggy, 1 Cow, 18 Chickens, Wood, 1 old sleigh and wagon, 1 set of old bobbs, contents of blacksmith shop, a tool chest with tools, household furniture and potatoes. When these items were sold, $127.06 was raised. $59 was used to pay A.E. Miner for David's Casket and Burial Robe, with the balance being used to pay debts incurred in settling the estate.

Rhodene Frederick also found a reference to the probate proceedings in 1892 in nearby Geauga County for a David B. Strong. Copies of these records indicate this was another David B. Strong, a resident of Huntsburgh Township, and husband of Dorcas Strong. Their children were listed as Mrs. Mary E. Johnson and Ms.? S. Johnson.

(Research):Census Information:

Per 1850 OHIO CENSUS:
(David was a farmer, with $800 in property)
District 143?, Bristol Township
Enumerated on 22 August 1850
#1056-1084
Strong, David B age: 31 born: NY
Strong, Betsy Ann age 31 born: VA
Strong, John A age 8 born: Trumbull Co, OH Attended School
Strong, George age 6 born: Trumbull Co, OH Attended School
Strong, Henry age 4 born: Trumbull Co, OH Attended School
Strong, Hannah age 2 born: Trumbull Co, OH

1860 OHIO CENSUS,
Trumbull County Bristol Township
Enumerated on 24 August 1860
#1418-1379
Strong, David age 40 M Farmer born in NY
Strong, Leonora age 28 F born in Ohio
Strong, John age 18 M Printers Apprentice born Ohio
Strong, George age 16 M born Ohio Attended School Strong, H
enry age 14 M born Ohio Attended School
Strong, Francis age 7 M born Ohio Attended Schol
Strong, Ella age 4 F born Ohio
Strong, Ralph age 2 M born Ohio
Strong, Mary age 12 F born Ohio Attended School (Shown as Hannah on the 1850 census)

1870 OHIO CENSUS
Trumbull County
Film Roll #1271 Page #45:
Bristol Township,
Enumerated 4 August 1870

#62-63
STRONG David B 52 m NY Farmer
(RP $2800, PP $825)
STRONG Leanora A 40 f OH Keeping House
STRONG Frank A 17 m OH At Store?
STRONG Charles A 11 m OH At School
STRONG Fred A 9 m OH At School
STRONG Alice M 5 f OH At School


1880 OHIO CENSUS
Trumbull County

Daniel (sic) B. STRONG Self M Male W 66 NY Farmer CT CT
Lenora STRONG Wife M Female W 48 OH MA MA
Allie M. STRONG Dau S Female W 15 OH NY OH

Source Information:
Census Place Bristol, Trumbull, Ohio
Family History Library Film 1255070
NA Film Number T9-1070
Page Number 38B

Trumbull County, Ohio Directory, 1889-90
D. B. Strong
Bristolville Bristol OH

David married Elizabeth "Betsy" Ann Kagey on 16 Mar 1841 in Trumbull County, Ohio. Elizabeth (daughter of John Kagey and Mary Gochenour) was born on 9 Oct 1819 in Virginia; died on 15 Jun 1851 in Bristol Township, Trumbull County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

David married Leanora Arline Sherman on 15 Jul 1851 in Jefferson Township, Ashtabula County, Ohio. Leanora (daughter of Albert A. Sherman and Sarah Richmond) was born on 18 Jul 1832 in Ohio; died on 8 Apr 1894 in Bristol Township, Trumbull County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

"a farmer in Butler, Johnson Co., O (sic): m. in 1843 Caroline STOCKING (dau. of Hezekiah STOCKING and Abigail HUBBARD)." (Dwight, p 194).

The census listing for Hezekiah and Caroline from 1850 through 1880 follow. It is noteworthy that 1850, 1860 and 1870, Hezekiah had either a niece or nephew living with him. Hezekiah's biography, which also follows, indicates he was a prosperous man. Perhaps he was helping family members who were struggling to provide for their families. Or perhaps it was his pioneering spirit that attracted his relatives to his home.

HEZEKIAH B. STRONG one of the prominent early settlers of Nebraska, and who probably arrived here before anyone in this locality now living, has for the last twenty-two years been a resident of Todd Creek Precinct, and is the owner of a valuable farm embracing 185 acres of highly cultivated land with commodious and substantial buildings. He at one time owned a much larger acreage, but has sold off considerable.
Our subject arrived on the soil of Nebraska the 7th day of August, 1856, nearly eleven years before it was admitted into the Union as a State. He had made the journey overland from Wisconsin with teams and crossed the Missouri River on a flatboat. He settled first in Richardson County, near the present site of Falls City, but a year later changed his location to the present site of Nemaha City. There he purchased land, paying $1,000 for 160 acres, in Buchanan's Addition, taking all he could secure. That land he improved, making two miles of fence the first year. He held the property five years, in the meantime erecting buildings, setting out twenty acres of forest trees and two or three acres of fruit. In company with his wife and daughters, he put up one of the finest barns then in the county. This farm is now owned by Thomas Kean, and lies three miles southwest of Nemaha.
The neighbors of Mr. Strong at the time of his coming here were few and far between, and Indians roamed over the country, but aside from stealing whatever they could lay their hands upon, they did not molest the settlers, who were thankful to get off thus easily. Mr. Strong finally took up his residence on the Nemaha River, purchasing a tract of land in 1865, where he. began the building up of a homestead which he has disposed of. He was the founder of the town of Butler's Mills, and operated the first flouring-mill in that locality, grinding corn for people at Beatrice, and turned out the first bag of flour in the county.
It will be seen that Mr. Strong was one of the leading men of this section of country, and it is quite natural that he should be one of the first appointed Postmaster, which office he held for two years at Butler, and was succeeded by a Mr. O. M. Holmes. He was also the first Station Agent for the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, and as such was in the employ of that company a period of five years. In the meantime he steadily proceeded with the improvement of his land, and in the fall of 1881 finished one of the finest residences in this part of the county. This is a large, two story, frame structure, conveniently arranged, finely finished and handsomely furnished. The main barn corresponds entirely with the residence, and the sheds and cattle pens afford ample shelter for stock. Mr. Strong is largely interested in the breeding of road horses, and has one of the finest Hambletonian stallions in the State. He also has a three-year-old mare of the same breed, which is very valuable. His cattle are the Short-horns and his swine the Poland-China. The farm is enclosed with hedge fencing, and the fields which are not at present under cultivation are rich in good pasturage. About sixty acres of valuable timber add to the importance of the property, while the waste is utilized for fuel.
The subject of this sketch was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., Jan. 30, 1822, and lived there with his father until a lid of thirteen years. About 1835, leaving the Empire State, he emigrated to Wisconsin, making the journey via the first lake steamer set afloat. A few years afterward our subject sold the first peaches and apples ever marketed on the streets in the State of Wisconsin. He lived there about four years, then went East, and was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Stocking, a native of his own county, and soon afterward returned with his bride to Milwaukee. Later they settled on the Whitewater River in Jefferson County, where Mr. Strong became owner of a valuable tract of land.
To Mr. and Mrs. Strong there were born three children--Emma, Edward B. and Ella, all of whom are deceased. Ella married Peter Wright, and became the mother of three children, one of whom, a son, Carlton, is still living, and makes his home with his grandfather, attending school. Mrs. Caroline (Stocking) Strong was born Feb. 19, 1820, and was reared to womanhood in her native county, living there with her parents until her marriage. Site received a common-school education and that careful home training which fitted her for her subsequent duties in life.
Mr. Strong cast his first Presidential vote for J. K. Polk, being then a member of the Democratic party, but soon after the organization of the Republicans, considered he had reason to change his views and for the last thirty-two years has been one of the warmest supporters of Republican principles. After the outbreak of the late Civil War, he enlisted in Company H, 8th Kansas Infantry, being mustered in in November, 1862, and serving as a non-commissioned officer. He was at the battles of Perryville, Crab Orchard, Murfreesboro, and various other engagements and skirmishes, and at the end of his term of enlistment received his honorable discharge in March, 1863.
Ansel Strong, the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut, in about 1785, and upon reaching manhood was married to Miss Hannah Stocking. They removed to Onondaga County, N. Y., where they spent the remainder of their days, the death of the father taking place about 1865 (sic), after he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The mother died about 1826. The parental family consisted of five children.

From BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF JOHNSON & PAWNEE COUNTIES NEBRASKA http://www.rootsweb.com/~neresour/OLLibrary/pbjp/pages/bajp0044.htm (published bet. ca 1878-1890?)

(Research):Census Information:

1850 Census
Wisconsin, Jefferson County, Cold Spring
5 September 1850
859-893
H.B. STRONG 28 M Farmer NY
Caroline STRONG 29 F NY
Emma STRONG 4 F Wisc
Adeline STOCKING* 19 F Wisc
H.J. PRINTUP 30 M Farmer NY
*Adeline is most likely the sister or niece of Caroline

1860 Census
Nebraska Territory, Nemaha County
539-505
STRONG, Hezekiah 38 M Hotel Proprietor $4000 $900 NY
STRONG, Caroline 39 F NY
STRONG, Emma 14 F Wisc.
STRONG, Ellen 6 F Wisc
OPELT, Edward 14 M Race: HB Missouri
STRONG, Ansel* 21 Mail Carrier $150 Wisc.

*Ansel is most likely the son of Hezekiah's older brother, Reuben, and was from Greenfield, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1870 Census
Nebraska, Johnson County, Todd Creek Township, Tecumseh P.O.
5 July 1870
99-83
STRONG, H.B. 47 M W Farmer $6800 $800 NY
STRONG, Caroline 50 F W Keeping House NY
STRONG, Ella 16 At School Wisc
STRONG, R.B. 12 M W Works on Farm Oh (Parents foreign born)
WRIGHT, Petri 22 M W Farm Laborer Wisc

Note: Hezekiah Strong is an Uncle of R.B. (Ralph) Strong, age 12. The census incorrectly indicates that Ralph's parents are foreign born. The enumerator probably meant to check that Petri Wright had parents that were foreign born

1880 Federal Census
Horatio (sic) STRONG Self M Male W 58 NY Keeps Hotel Ct Ct
Caroline STRONG Wife M Female W 60 NY Keeping House Ct Ct
Willis WRIGHT Gson S Male W 4 NE WI WI Source Information: Census Place Elk Station, Johnson, Nebraska
Family History Library Film 1254751 NA Film Number T9-0751
Page Number 735D

Hezekiah married Caroline Stocking about 1843. Caroline (daughter of Hezekiah Stocking and Abigail Hubbard) was born on 19 Feb 1820 in New York; died after 1880. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]