Color Clustering: Top 25 Fourth Cousins

For more on Color Clustering & DNA, please visit my new website at: www.danaleeds.com 

For another look at how Color Clustering works with 4th cousins, I created a Color Cluster chart then added the test taker's top twenty-five 4th cousin matches. I was able to easily sort all but one of these 4th cousins into Color Clusters!

Original Color Cluster Chart (click here for Color Cluster Method)

Color Cluster chart for actual test taker.
Names changed for privacy.

This test taker's AncestryDNA 2nd & 3rd cousins fell into 4 Color Clusters, labeled C1 through C4, with three "unclustered" cousins.

• 2nd & 3rd cousins who are in more than one cluster are in red: Barbie, Ken, & Mark.
• 2nd & 3rd cousins who did not have shared matches with other 2nd & 3rd cousins are in "unclustered" columns: Lena, Sue, and Mike.

Color Cluster chart LABELED

Labeled Color Cluster chart

The test taker's four sets of great grandparents were identified from her research as follows:

• G1 - Bailey/Bowman (father's father's line)
• G2 - Stark/Dunn (father's mother's line)
• G3 - Hillard/Morris (mother's father's line)
• G4 - Washington/Manning (mother's mother's line)

I looked at each cousin's tree and did one of the following:

• Put a "NO" in the cell if there was not a tree and I couldn't easily identify to which cluster(s) the cousin belonged.
• Typed G1, G2, G3, G4, or a combination of those in the colored cell if the person had a tree and I could determine which surnames they fit in under OR if the genealogist had done research and discovered the relationship herself. (Note:  the "unclustered" cousin, Lena, was identified as belonging to G4.)

I then labeled the columns according to the cousins found in them: G1, G1, G2, G3/G4, G4, unclustered, and unclustered.

Adding 4th Cousins

Twenty-five 4th Cousins added into Color Clusters

Directly below this Color Cluster chart, I added the names of the first twenty-five 4th cousins. For each cousin, I looked at AncestryDNA's "Shared Matches" and determined which 2nd/3rd cousins they were matching. I colored in the appropriate cell and labeled the cell with the number of shared centimorgans (cM).

2nd/3rd/4th cousin Color Cluster chart

Above is the final chart which includes all of the 2nd/3rd cousins (sharing <400 cM) and, below it, the first twenty-five 4th cousin matches. A few things to note about the 4th cousins:

• Owen - at this point, Owen is still not in a cluster
• Mary & Bill - they both matched previously "unclustered" cousin Sue, so the three created a new cluster. We do not know what part of the family this cluster belongs to at this point
• Others - a few did not match any 2nd/3rd cousins, but when I opened their top match, they DID match a 2nd/3rd cousin, so I added them to that column

NOTE: Trees were not used to match the 4th cousins to the appropriate Color Clusters. The sorts were based only on shared matches. This Color Cluster method is  a quick, visual way to see how your cousins are related.

If you give this method a try, please let me know what you think and how it works for you.

Happy Sorting!

Color Clustering: Working with "4th Cousins"

Please see an updated version of this post and more on the Leeds Method of DNA Color Clustering on my new website, www.danaleeds.com

If you haven't read my first two posts about the Color Clustering (aka Leeds) Method, read the original posts:

• Color Clustering: Creating Color Clusters
• Color Clustering: Identifying "In Common" Surnames

An example of Color Clustering using Excel

I thought this method would be too messy to work with 4th cousins. But, I figured out yesterday how to make it work: I built my clusters based on the shared matches of 2nd and 3rd cousins and then I just sorted the "4th cousins" into these clusters!  

Here are the steps I used:

STEP 1: Create a Color Cluster chart (see first post)

Using all of AncestryDNA's predicted 2nd & 3rd cousins (who share less than 400 cM with the test taker), create a color cluster chart. (Note: If you are not comfortable with spreadsheets, you can use colored pencils and paper or whatever you have on hand!)

Example of test taker whose DNA sorted

into 4 Color Clusters plus one 

Unclustered (purple) match, Drew

Depending on which relatives have tested, Color Clustering often results in 4 columns which are related to the four sets of great grandparents. See the original post for examples and possible explanations of cases where there are not 4 columns created. 

Note: One match, Mona (red print), sorted into TWO columns. She most likely is related to the test taker through BOTH the yellow and orange families.

STEP 2: Identify these columns if possible.

In this case, we were able to determine the relationship of the test taker to the 4 clusters (C1 through C4). If you cannot identify some (or any) of these groups, you can skip this step.

STEP 3: Compare 4th Cousins Shared Matches to your Color Cluster Chart

Color Clustering using 4th Cousin Matches
(last 10 in grey).

Below the original Color Clustering, I wrote the names of the test taker's first ten "4th cousin" matches (in grey boxes). For each person, I opened the Shared Matches and looked to see which 2nd and 3rd cousin names they matched with and assigned them that color. Note: This is not proof that they are related to that branch of your family, but it is a strong clue! (I do not continue to add more columns; I am only determining which color cluster these matches match!)

STEP 4: Sort 4th cousins who do not have 2nd or 3rd cousin matches by looking at their shared matches.  

Showing 4th cousin, Teresa, had a shared
match that matched Mona so she was
assigned to both the orange & yellow clusters.
.

One 4th cousin match, Teresa (in red print), did not have a cousin within the 2nd and 3rd cousin matches. But, when I opened the shared matches of her closest match, she matched Mona. Since Mona is in the Orange & Yellow clusters, Teresa was assigned to both clusters.

Note: As with most techniques, this method works best when the branches of your family - especially your 4 sets of great grandparents - are completely unrelated. But, one of the neatest thing about this method is that your matches do NOT have to have FAMILY TREES and this will STILL WORK!!

Note: While the above example uses real data, the names have been changed for privacy. Also, this test taker had a single random person in a 5th column without a tree or any 2nd/3rd cousin matches. We have not identified this "unclustered" Purple match.

Happy Sorting!

Color Clustering: Identifying "In Common" Surnames

Please see an updated version of this post and more on the Leeds Method of DNA Color Clustering on my new website, www.danaleeds.com

After creating Color Clusters using the new Color Cluster Method (aka Leeds Method), the next step is to identify the surnames associated with these groups. (For creating Color Clusters, please read my original Color Clustering post.)

Note: This method is especially useful for people working with adoptees or other unknown parentage cases where they do not already know what surnames to concentrate on!

COLOR CLUSTERS: Identifying Common Surnames

STEP 1: Create Color Clusters and determine which clusters you need to work with (or work with all of them).

Actual data from an adoptee I worked with,
but names changed for privacy.

In this case, the adoptee identified the Blue Cluster as her biological mother's. We were trying to identify her biological father, so we concentrated on the Orange and Yellow Clusters. (The Green column did not have a cluster.)

STEP 2:  Determine which matches have trees and which do not and label.

Actual data from an adoptee I worked with,
but names changed for privacy.

I look at each match and see if they have a tree - whether attached or not attached! I then label them to indicate "tree" or "no tree."

STEP 3: List the "4th Gen" (great grandparents) surnames for each match with a tree. If they don't have 4th Generation matches, use grandparents or even parents.

Actual data from an adoptee I worked with,
but names changed for privacy.

To find the surnames, open the match's "pedigree and surnames" page and look at the surnames under the "4th Gen" column. If their tree is complete enough, you will see 8 surnames at this level - the match's great grandparents. In this example, both Gabby and Jamie have all 8 great grandparents listed on their tree along with their surnames.

STEP 4: Identify common surnames, if any, in each Color Cluster.

Actual data from an adoptee I worked with,
but names changed for privacy.

(I find this step truly amazing!) I have highlighted the shared surnames:

• Orange Cluster: Griffin & Bartles
• Yellow Cluster: Paulson, Austin, and Gray

STEP 5: Assign potential surnames to the Color Clusters, if identified, and use these clues to further your research!

Actual data from an adoptee I worked with,
but names changed for privacy.

At this point, you have clues as to what surnames you are looking for in each cluster. Continue your research using these clues!

You also might be able to look at first cousins or other "close family" matches to help label these clusters. (And, a big thank you to John Motzi for his help in refining this process!)

Happy Clustering!

Color Clustering: Creating Color Clusters

Please see an updated version of this post and more on the Leeds Method of DNA Color Clustering on my new website, www.danaleeds.com

Unsure of how other people were sorting their Shared Matches from AncestryDNA, I created my own method. This method is quick - it usually takes less than 10 minutes - and visually shows genetic connections while also "sorting" the matches into groups reflecting the test taker's great grandparents' lines.

Please test out this method and let me know what you think! Although I think it will be valuable for many genealogists, I think it will be especially useful for adoptees, Search Angels, and others who are trying to identify unknown, close relatives.

NOTE: For the examples below, all results are real, but the names are fictitious.

COLOR CLUSTERING: The Method

STEP 1:
Using AncestryDNA, list all of those they label as "second" or "third" cousins, but skip over any second cousin that shares more than 400 cM. 

STEP 2:
Assign a color to your first DNA match (for example, blue to Ralph.)

STEP 3:
Open the shared matches for that person (Ralph), and assign them each the same color in the same column (blue).

STEP 4: 
Find the first person who does not have a color assigned (Robert), and assign him a color in the next column (orange).

STEP 4:
Open the shared matches for that person (Robert), and assign them each the same color in the same column (orange).

STEP 5:
Continue steps 3 & 4 until all of your shared matches have at least one color assigned to them.

COLOR CLUSTERING: Analyzing the Results

4 Columns/No Overlap:

If your results show 4 distinct clusters, like below, without any overlap, your sort is likely showing matches to your 4 sets of great grandparents.

Less than 4 Columns:

If your results show less than 4 clusters, it is likely these clusters represent 3 of your 4 sets of great grandparents and that you have no matches at the 2nd/3rd cousins levels who have tested for the 4th set of great grandparents.

Some Overlap:

If your results show 4 clusters but some of your matches have been assigned more than one color (for example, Herbert & Stacy are both blue and orange), your sort is likely showing either your 4 sets of great grandparents, but also showing you that two of these results (i.e. blue & orange) are on one side of your family. Or, the overlapped clusters (blue & orange) might belong to one set of great grandparents and, in this example, you are missing matches for 1 set of your 4 sets of great grandparents.

Lots of Overlap

In this real example, there is a lot of overlap between all of the clusters except the yellow and brick red clusters. All of the overlapping clusters are on the maternal side of this test taker and visually show a lot of cousins marrying cousins resulting in pedigree collapse. The paternal mother's side is represented by both the yellow and brick red clusters. The paternal father's side has no cousins matching at the 2nd/3rd cousin levels. So, even though there are a lot of clusters and matches, this sort represents only 3 of the 4 sets of great grandparents for this individual.

 A special thank you to everyone who allowed me to access their DNA and gave me feedback!

Please be aware: Your results may vary! This new method is still in its infancy and more test cases are needed to see how it works in various situations.

TIP: When I say "2nd and 3rd cousins," I am using the categories Ancestry has used to define them. The 3rd cousins appear to go down to 90 shared cM which works out well for this process.

TIP: If you chart is "too messy," look at the shared cM of your top matches and take off any that are above 400 shared cM. Then redo the chart. Hopefully, it'll be a lot "cleaner!"

Happy Clustering!

Immersed in DNA

I have been immersed in DNA for the past few months! I am ready to start blogging again, but here's a quick update:

January/February: Worked with an adoptee to locate his biological father.

with Blaine Bettinger in Austin "immersed" in DNA

May: Attended a 2-day workshop with Blaine Bettinger in Austin and learned how to do Visual Phasing, use some advanced DNA tools, and more! 

June: Started working with other "unknown parentage" cases and DNA Detectives as a "Search Angel" (meaning without charging).

with CeCe Moore at GRIP in Pennsylvania

July: Spent a week at GRIP in Pennsylvania taking "Advanced Genetic Genealogy" with CeCe Moore, Blaine Bettinger, Dr. Tom Jones, and genetic counselor Brianne Kirkpatrick of WatershedDNA.

Come hear me speak on "Only Half My Genes: The Search for a Biological Father"

August: This weekend, I will be giving my first presentation - based on DNA and adoption - outside of my local genealogical society. If you're near Huntsville, Texas, I hope you can come and join us! My presentation is at 11:30 on Saturday morning. The event is the Frances Sprott Goforth Memorial Genealogy Weekend and you can find a flyer by clicking here.

I am excited about the field of Genetic Genealogy and where it is headed!

The 1828 Will of Peter Close's Relict: Catharine Elizabeth Close

Yesterday, I shared the 1810 will of my 5th great grandfather, Peter Close of Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. Peter's wife, Catharine Elizabeth Close, wrote her will in 1828. Who were the people listed in her will?

Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, Will of Catharine Elizabeth
Close dated 1828. Probate packet retrieved by a friend in
Sep 2015 from Pennsylvania Archives in Harrisburg. 
Entire Probate Packet is attached to FamilySearch Family Tree.
Search for "Peter Close Sr" who died 1810 in Mifflin County,
Pennsylvania, then look at "memories"
for his wife, Catharine Elizabteh Close.

• Peter Close - Peter & Catharine's son
• Henry Close - Peter & Catharine's son
• Adam Close - Peter & Catharine's son
• Elizabeth Longwill - Peter & Catharine's daughter, believed to be married to her second husband, William Longwill
• Susannah Riley - "my daughter" - note that she was NOT listed in Catherine's husband's will; Susannah is believed to be a daughter of Thomas Mifflin and, by this time, was married to Matthew Riley/Reighley, who Peter listed as a "good friend" in his 1810 will 
• Mary Bridge - "granddaughter" - this is her daughter, Elizabeth's, daughter with her first husband, George Bridge (Mary had at least 3 brothers and no known sisters)
• Eliza Close - "Peter's daughter" - (Eliza had at least 5 brothers and no known sisters)
• Catharine Elizabeth Close - "granddaughter"/"Adam's daughter" - Adam had at least one other daughter at this time; perhaps she was bequeathing teaspoons to her because she was her namesake
• John Gilliland - witness; unknown relationship
• Alex [?] McGott[?] - witness; unknown relationship

WILL TRANSCRIPTION by Dana Leeds [names are in bold]

The last Will and Testament of Catharine Elizabeth Close
of Armagh Township Mifflin County and State of Pa[?]
I, Catharine Elizabeth Close, considering the uncertainty
of this mortal life, and being in sound mind and
memory, (blessed be Almighty God for the same) do
make this my last will and testament in the
following manner viz.. and in the 1^st [?] I will
that all my just debts and funeral expenses be
paid by my three sons, Peter, Henry, and Adam Close.
each a share and share alike. 2^nd I give and bequeath
to my daughter Elizabeth Longwill the bed and bedding
I now lie on. 3^rd I give to my daughter Susannah Riley
one bed and bedding, and my sons Peter and Adam to
pay her in the year eight-teen hundred and thirty one
eighty dollars each. 4^th I give and bequeath to my grand
daughter Mary Bridge a calico quilt, looking glass, stew
kettle, coffee mill, spinning wheel, Reel, Copper tea kettle[?]
half of the linen shirting, [?] of the ?? ??
sheep[?], and one hive of bees, a small pewter dish and
half of the pewter spoons 5^th I give and bequeath to my Grand
daughter Eliza Close (Peter’s daughter) three silver tea spoons,
also to my Grand daughter (Adam’s daughter) Catherine Elizabeth
Close, three silver tea spoons. 6^th I give and bequeath
The remainder of house hold and kitchen furniture, Two
Cows and five[?] sheep, equally to my three sons, Peter
Henry & Adam. I also bequeath at my decease two bonds[?]
I hold against Peter and Adam to be given up to them.
Of the above house hold furniture, I give and bequeath
to my son Peter, a Coverlet ([?] ball pattern) ---
Thereby appoint my son’s Peter Henry and Adam to be my
Executors of my last will and testament, revoking all
former wills by me made. In witness whereof I set
my hand and seal this Eleventh day of May
in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hund[?]
and twenty eight
     Witness Present        Catharine Elizabeth [her X mark] Close [seal]
     John Gilliland
     Alex [?] McGott[?]

Who are the People in Peter Close's 1810 Will?

My 5th great grandfather, Peter Close, wrote his will on 27 June 1810 in Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. When the 1810 census was taken, reportedly on 6 August 1810, Peter's widow, Catherine, is enumerated as head of household. The first document in Peter's probate file was filed on 14 August 1810. So, Peter Close apparently died between 17 June and early August 1810.

I have transcribed Peter Close's will, though I would appreciate any assistance with a few words I'm having difficulty with! [See the transcription at the end of this post and look for the question marks.] Ten people were mentioned in his will. Who were these people? And how were they related to Peter Close? [I have made all of the names bold in the transcription.]

Armagh, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, Will of Peter Close dated 1810. Probate
packet retrieved by a friend in Sep 2015. Trying to get more information for citation.
Entire Probate Packet is attached to FamilySearch Family Tree. Search for "Peter
Close Sr" who died 1810 in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, then look at "memories."

• Peter Close - the deceased
• Catharine Close - his "loving wife"
• Matthew Reighley [also Riley] - "land adjoining...on the south side"; "my good friend"; possibly later married Catharine's possible daughter with Thomas Mifflin, Susannah
• Peter Close [Jr] - oldest son (~24 years old)
• Henry Close - son (~15 years old)
• Adam Close - son (~12 years old)
• Elizabeth - "daughter" (~30 years old, married to George Bridge)
• John Smith - "my good friend"
• William[?] [illegible?] - witness
• Matthew Longwill [also Longwell] - witness; about 13 years later (~1823), Peter's son, Adam, married Matthew's daughter, Catharine - my 4th great grandparents!

TRANSCRIPTION OF WILL OF PETER CLOSE

In the name of God Amen I Peter Close considering the weak
State of my body and knowing the uncertainty of life but
perfectly sound in mind to make and ordain this my last
Will and testament Viz that my body be Decently and in
Christian like manner buryed and I do dispose of my Real
and personal estate that God has been pleasd to bless me
with in the following manner. Viz To my loving wife
Catharine Close I do give the full pai[?] and management
of the place that is on the north side of the Creek and the
cleard land adjoining Matthew Reighley on the south side
as lond [long] as she lives and I do give her all the fruit that
may grow on the place each year as long as she lives to Dis
pose of for her own use and in the manner she sees proper[?]
further I do give her two cows six sheep two beds and
beding and my kitchen and house furniture and all my
Stock and farming utencils shall be kept on the place
for the use of the farm and family until my youngest
Son comes to age and then if the see proper[?] after the
old woman shall have taken her shear the Remainder
of the stock shall be equally Divided betwixt my two
Sons Henry and Adam Close. And if there is any thing
made on the place than is necessary for the support
of the family, it is to be put to use for my son Henry
Close and my son Adam Close shall have one years
Schooling and a half And to my oldes son Peter Close
I do give that part of the place and the two fields that
is Cleard on it to make what improvements he sees
proper where he now lives until his mother’s Death
at which time my three sons shall make an equal
Divide of all the land that is at their mother’s Death
the Divide is to be made if the can so agree and if the
cannot agree to Divid the land then it shall be put
to public sale and Divide the money shear and shear
alike equal and each one of them after so Dividing sha
ll pay to my Daughter Elizabeth thirty three Dollars
and thirty three cents so that she Receive on hundred
Dollars to be paid at three several[?] times my son peter
Close shall pay his qota [quota?] of thirty three Dollars and thir
ty three cents on month after the old woman[?] Death
and in ten months after that Henry Close shall pay
his qota [quota?] of thirty three Dollars and thirty three cents
[page 2]
and one year after that Adam Close shall pay his qota [quota?]
of thirty three Dollars and thirty three cents and if
either of the boys should Die under age with a [?]
[?] heir his part of the estate both Real and person
al shall be equally Divided betwixt the two surviv
eing boys and I Do appoint my loving wife Catharine
Close and my good friends Matthew Reighley and John
Smith my executors to see this my last will and
Testament Duly executed agreeable to the Real interest
and meaning and I Do make void and of none effect
all former wills in witness where of I have set my
hand and in presence of these undersigned witnesses
Do declare this to be my last will and testament
made and signed this twentyseventh day of June
in the year of our Lord Anna Dom 1810
            Peter [his x mark] Close
and in presents of
and by the reques of
the testator Do sign
our names as witnesses
to the above being            Wm [?] [signature]
the last wills and              Matthew Longwill [signature]
testament of peter
Close of Armagh
township Mifflin
county and state
of pennsylvania

The Certification Question

Over the past few years, I've considered becoming a certified genealogist more often. About six months ago, I decided to go "on the clock" and start the actual process this summer.

free image from www.clipart-library.com

In pursuit of this goal, I took the BU (Boston University) genealogy course this past fall. I also took other classes, watched webinars, read articles, and listened to podcasts. Although I would have participated in many of these learning experiences anyway, I took part in some of these specifically with the goal of certification in mind.

Since I've started this journey, genealogy has become more of a job and less of a passion for me. Although I often enjoy it, it's become a part of my day I feel I "have to" do instead of something I want to do.

I recently realized how much stress this is causing me and joy it is stealing from me. So, I have decided not to pursue certification at this time.

A few things I've learned in the process:

• I prefer helping others informally with their research then doing it formally and writing a research report
• I enjoy blogging and want to do it more consistently 
• I LOVE teaching through presentations and want to pursue more of these opportunities

I still hope to become certified in the future. But, for now, I am happy to concentrate on the parts of genealogy I love: researching, blogging, and teaching! 

The Children of Anton & Mary (Reuter) Karbach / Koerbach

Anton & Mary (Reuter) Karbach (or Koerbach), my third great grandparents, immigrated from Germany to Ohio in about 1853. Although a passenger list has not been located, they probably arrived with their three oldest daughters: Mary Magdalena "Lena," Margaret, and Katherina. In Ohio, Mary gave birth to at least four more children: Theresa, Christina, Karl/Charles, and Mary. According to the 1900 U.S. census, Mary Karbach had a total of 10 children, so 3 of them probably died as infants or young children and their names and dates/places of birth are not known.

Photo of Anton & Mary (Reuter) KOERBACH/KARBACH with their granddaughter,
Mary Ann (March) LORETZ who was born in 1871. Photo circa 1876 when Mary
March,  Margaret's daughter, was about 5, Anton was 53, and Mary was 46.
Photo from Charles Wilke; used with permission.

Of the seven known children, Charles (1863-1871) died as an 8-year-old boy and Katherina (1852-1879), who died at the age of 27, appears to not have married or had any children. Five daughters married and had children. But, as daughters, their children did not carry the Karbach/Koerbach.

The five daughters who married and had offspring were:

• Mary Magdalena "Lena" (1848-1938) who married (1) Reinhard KAECHLE and (2) John Henry SPRINGER. Lena & Reinhard are my second great grandparents.
• Margaret (1849-1939) who married Madardus "John" MARCH.
• Theresa (1854-1925) who married Charlie KOLLMORGAN.
• Christina (1859-1942) who married Joseph Byron GAHAGAN.
• Mary (1865-1939) who married Benjamin Bernard WIDMAN and possibly a second husband with the surname of Fredrickson. 

Photo labeled "Christina, Margaret, Theresa, & Mary" and are probably
positioned in that order.  Photo shared by Charles Wilke & used with permission.

Four years ago, I was thrilled to find a tree by a cousin, Charles Wilke, who had shared photos and documents on MyHeritage regarding our Koerbach family. I had never seen any photos of these family members! At the beginning of this post, you can see the only photo I've seen of my third great grandparents: Anton and Mary Koerbach. Charles also had this photo of 4 of the 5 sisters who had children; unfortunately, the sister missing is "my" Lena (Koerbach) Kaechle. 

Are you related to the Koerbach family? I'd love to talk! Please leave a message or email me at drleeds@sbcglobal.net 

Meeting Lisa Louise Cooke... Again

Four years ago, I met Lisa Louise Cooke when she presented at Houston Genealogical Forum (HGF). At the time, I was a little awe struck; I'd been listening to Lisa's podcasts and she was  a genealogy "superstar" to me.

Since then, I've continued to listen to her podcasts, watch her videos, read her books, and implement the techniques she's taught me. 

Lisa Louise Cooke and Me, April 2018, Houston Genealogical Forum

Last weekend she presented another all day seminar at HGF. This time, I felt like I was meeting a friend, though it seemed a little strange that the hours and hours of conversations we'd had were one-sided and she didn't know me like I knew her. At lunch, she sat at our table and I enjoyed spending time talking with her, instead of just listening to her. She is as friendly, gracious, and knowledgeable in person as she is online.

My favorite presentation last weekend was "Google Books: The Tool You Should Use Every Day!" She shared wonderful examples of articles, and even photos, she'd discovered in her own research. In my next post, I'll share a couple of my discoveries.

Who Was Franky's Father? Part 2: Another Will

In my last post, I shared how a Princess Anne County, Virginia, 1791 marriage record provided evidence that Willoughby Randolph's wife, Franky, was likely the daughter of William Thornton. Another document I've discovered is the 1794 will of William Thornton of the same county. It lists his "daughter Franke Randolph" along with other children. This will provides additional evidence that William Thornton was Franky's father.

Lee County, Virginia, "Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983," "Will Book, Vol. 2,
1795-1807," will of William Thornton,  signed 18 December 1794, page 3 [page numbering inconsistant];
database,  image 307, ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 March 2018).

Family members listed in William Thornton's will:

• daughter Franke Randolph
• daughter Betty
• daughter Polley Spier
• son William
• son Freddrick
• wife Salley Thornton
• daughter Cloye [Chloe?]

Sadly, four slaves were also mentioned:

• negro woman called Fan
• negro woman Dinea
• negro girl called Hanner [Hannah?]
• negro boy Charles

Lee County, Virginia, "Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983," "Will Book, Vol. 2,
1795-1807," will of William Thornton,  signed 18 December 1794, page 3 [page numbering inconsistant];
database,  image 308, ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 19 March 2018).

Land mentioned:

• "to my son William Fifty acors Land that I bought of Berry"
• "to my son Freddrick Fifty achors of land that I bought of Kinner Collens"

Interestingly, two of the three witness were females:

• Tho[ma]s Holstead
• Betty Coath [her mark]
• Keziah Chappel [her mark]

All of these people and pieces of land need to be further researched. And, I'm making progress on my Virginia research!

Who Was Franky's Father? Part 1: A Marriage Record

Virginian Willoughby Randolph (1765-1822) mentions his wife, Franky, twice in his will. On many Ancestry trees, Franky's maiden name is listed as Thornton and her father's name as William Thornton. But, I have not found anyone who documents these relationships.

Willoughby and Franky's first child, William Randolph (my 4th great grandfather), was born on 4 November 1792 in Virginia. Willoughby and Franky were likely married around 1792.

Ancestry.com > Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983 > Princess
Anne County > Index to Wills and Marriages, 1754-1799 > image 2192,
1791 marriage of Willoughby Randolph and Frankey Cummings.

I found this card stating that Willoughby Randolph and Frankey Cummings had married on 28 December 1791 in Princess Anne, Virginia. Based on date and place, this appears to be the correct couple. But, Frankey's surname says Cummings, not Thornton. If the other trees are correct, was Frankey previously married?

Wingo, Elizabeth B., Marriages of Princess Anne County, Virginia : [1749-1821]
(Norfolk, Virginia: E. B. Wingo publisher, 1961, 84; digital image, Internet
Archive (https://www.archive.org : accessed 16 Marcy 2018).

Last night I came across another record. This is a marriage index, so I will try to get the original. But, it quite clearly states that Frankey Cummings was the daughter of William Thornton "who consents for her." Apparently this was Frankey's second marriage. Martin Cummings, listed as a surety for the marriage, was likely a relative of Frankey's previous husband.

There is only one Willoughby Randolph listed in the 1800 U.S. census. This "Willobough" Randoph was enumerated in Surry County, North Carolina, which is very close to Lee County, Virginia where Willoughby is living a few years later. Therefore, I conclude that Willoughby Randolph's wife, Frankey, was the daughter of William Thornton.

A Patch On His Lapel

I have written a lot about one of my immigrant ancestors, Joachim Peters. He and his wife, Henriette, left "Germany" in 1859 with their six children and emigrated to America. My dad recently noticed that Joachim, shown in the photo below, had a patch on his lapel. As he studied the photo of his great, great grandfather, Joachim became a "real person" in his eyes. Look into his eyes. Do you see the man who left behind everyone but his wife and children to find a better life in America? 

Photo of Joachim Peters (1815-1894) 

Here's what my dad wrote:

Did you every happen to notice that Joachim has a patch on his lapel? Makes you think how much he gave up. How much effort and expense did it really take him to get to America? 

I wonder how much the trip aged him; aged all of them. His eyes are almost hollow sockets, but his eyes have a piercing stare and his jaw is set with determination. Did he always look this way?

It takes hardy stock to make pioneers. He did not just take the risk on his own, but put his whole family in jeopardy betting years of hardships so that one day they would all have a good future. Not only Joachim and his wife and children, but also for us, his descendants. 

I guess we all owe a debt of gratitude to him and all our other fathers' fathers and their fathers as well. So here is to patches on your lapel, dear Pa Pa. Sleep tight and watch over all of us, your children.

I'm glad I noticed the patch. And now, probably for the first time, I see Joachim as a real person, this earthly father of ours. Someone who would get down on his knees in the middle of the ocean and give thanks to our Heavenly Father for his love and, with the hope that He would see him and his family safely home to America. 

An 1822 Will Opens New Doors (Part 2)

A few days ago I shared the cover and first page of the 1822 will of Willoughby Randolph of Lee County, Virginia. Here are the second and third pages, along with a transcription, which include additional names and places for me to research.

[Note: In my transcription, I have put the names of people and relationships in bold print.]

Lee County, Virginia, "Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983," "Will Book, Vol. 3,
1800-1832," will of Willoughby Randolph, signed 16 February 1822, unpaged, second page;
database,  image 74, ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 March 2018). 

Lee County, Virginia, "Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983," "Will Book, Vol. 3,
1800-1832," will of Willoughby Randolph, signed 16 February 1822, unpaged, third page;
database,  image 74, ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 March 2018).

[page 2]

I leave all the Remainder of My lands from Joseph

Brooks line south of Walling Ridge to my line and

Henry Friets in the hickery Valley by the name of the long

Field to be Equely divided a mong my three sons the

Tilable land with the untilable Equally and in full

Proportion so as for my Son Willoughby Randolph to

have the East end of the tract of land whare on I now

live with the springs of water to him and his heirs forever

also two Clay banks Coalts & one saddle and bridle and

Rifle gun to him and his heirs for ever --------------------------

Itom I give and bequeath unto my son James Randolph

one spring of water at the head of the long bottom whare

James Southern Now lives with his Equeal proportion of the

above mentioned lands to him and his heirs forever-----------

also one bay filley to him and his heirs forever ------------------

Itom I give and bequeath unto my son Brooks Randolph

the [?]owing spring of water and the spring of water at

the head of the low gap of walling Ridg by the Road side

leading to Mulberry gap with his full Proportion of the above

mentioned land tillable and untillable to him and his heirs

forever ----- also the Chance of one Coalt that the blase Mare

is Now with fold with I also give and bequeath unto

my wife Franky Randolph the above mentioned blase Mare

to her and her heirs forever ----------------------------

and my will and desire is that if Either of the three boys

should depart this life before they come to lawfull age

or has a lawfull heir for thair part of the land to be

Equeally divided between the other two boys and their

Heirs forever --------------------------------------------

[page 3]

Itom I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Salley Fitts

two hundred dollars out of the price of the tract of land

whare on she now lives to her and her heirs forever ---------

I lieve all the Remainer of my Estate to be sold and all

my jest debts to be paid and all that is owen to me

carefully collected in and the money Equeally divided

Between my two daughters Lovey Muncey and Polley

Fletcher and if their should be any over two hundered

dollars a piece the balance to be Equally divided among

my three Daughters Lovey Muncey Polley Fletcher and

Salley Fitts and their heirs forever -----------------------

Constitute nominate and appoint William

Randolph and William Weaver to be my whole and sole

Executors of this my last will and testament utterly

Disanuling and Revokeing all other Wills and testaments

By one made Ratifying and Confirming this to be my last

Will and testament by me made and to the truth I

have hereunto set my hand and fixed my seal

this 16 Day of February in the year of our lord

1822                                                                       Willoughby Randolph

signed sealed and Pronounced                  [signature and seal]

to be my last Will and testament             

in the presents of ---

test

James Gilbert [signature?]

test

James Southern [signature?]

Thornton (his mark) Randolph

Sharing Coppenbarger Photos with Cousins

I've recently reached out to several fairly close DNA matches on Ancestry. One turned out to be a second cousin once removed. Our common ancestors are Josiah Randolph Coppenbarger (1844-1934) and Elizabeth (Bennett) Coppenbarger (1849-1914) who are my great, great grandparents and his great grandparents.

We've been exchanging photos so both his family and mine have seen new Coppenbarger photos. I'm sharing the photos on my blog so other family members might discover them, too.

Please get in touch with me if you're related! You can leave a comment or email me at drleeds@sbcglobal.net !

PHOTOS FROM MY FAMILY (I also pointed him to my blog.)

Our common ancestor, Josiah, with his grandson, Vernon Coppenbarger.

PHOTOS FROM MY NEW COUSIN (posted with permission)

1937 "Quitting the Farm" flyer
for Edward Bennett  Coppenbarger (1886-1940)

1928 image of Vernon, Edna, and Tempa (sisters, but not sure which is which) with their parents Winnie (Stout)
and Edward Coppenbager, a son of Josiah Randolph Coppenbarger

An 1822 Will Opens New Doors (Part 1)

When my Great Aunt Beulah first introduced me to genealogy twenty years ago, I was an eager student. While researching our Randolph family, I quickly discovered a tree which took our family back several generations. I excitedly showed her my work...and she explained that was NOT the right way to do genealogy. She taught me I couldn't just accept unsourced information from other people's trees. Instead, I needed to rely on actual documents.

Lee County, Virginia, "Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983," "Will Book, Vol. 3,
1800-1832,"  will of Willoughby Randolph, signed 16 February 1822, unpaged, cover;
database, image 73, ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 March 2018).

I quickly "trimmed" those people from my tree, and I am thankful she taught me that lesson so early in my genealogy pursuit. However, I've also pretty much avoided researching my Randolph family.

A few days ago, though, I found an image of my 5x great grandfather's 1822 Lee County, Virginia, will on Ancestry. It provided me with wonderful information including a child I did not have on my tree. The beautifully "misspelled" words, though spelling wasn't standardized at that time, and seeing his wife's name, "Franky," really touched me. And, now I have many other records I need to pursue and people I need to research.

Lee County, Virginia, "Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983," "Will Book, Vol. 3,
1800-1832," will of Willoughby Randolph, signed 16 February 1822, unpaged, first page;
database,  image 74, ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 8 March 2018).

I'm going to share this three-page will, one page at a time, along with my transcription. I will put the names of any people and relationships who are mentioned in bold print.

If you are related to the Randolph family or anyone listed in this document, or if you have any corrections or information which might be useful to me, please contact me so we can talk! You can leave a comment or email me at drleeds@sbcglobal.net

In the name of god Aman I Willoughby Rando

-lph of the State of Virginia and County of Lee being

weak in body and sick and of disposing mind &

Memory and in perfect sences thanks be to god for

the same I do here in Make and ordain this to be

My last Will and testament --------------------------------

I tom I give and bequeath unto my wife Franky

Randolph a childs part of all my moveable

Estat to her and her heirs for ever also all the

Corn pork and bacon and fat for this Insewing year

I tom I give and bequeath unto my son William Randolph

one hundred & ten acres of land being on the south

side of Wallings Ridge it being the land and plantation where

James Muncey & Jeremiah [C or B]en? now lives to him and his heirs

forever also one hundred acres of land settled by head

write in panted [painted?] Valey state of tenesee haukens County

to him and his [heirs inserted] forever ---------------------------------

I tom I give and bequeath unto my son Thornton

Randolph the west End of the tract of land whare on

he now lives from Joseph Brooks line south of wallings

Ridge Comeing down the Road and branch lead to James

Burtons sink[?] of branch and leaveing out that spring of water

at the head of the low gap[?] going to Mulberry and when the

line comes down said branch untell it gets to a sugar Camt[?] hollow

to leave said Road to the west so as to take in the house and

lot with the little orchard and two springs by the house and

along the foot of the stoney hill in the paster to my line

and James Burtons to him and his heirs forever -------------------

Note: Hawkins County, Tennessee and Lee County, Virginia shared part of a border.