Webster County, Kentucky Obituaries 1895

When local newspapers are not available, sometimes we can find items of interest in the papers in larger towns of the area.   Obituaries are always of interest, especially between the 1880 and 1900 census records. The source of each obituary is found at the end of the entry. 

Providence, Ky, Jan. 12, 1895:  Liner Sims, resident of Providence, was waylaid and shot to death last night. Age 30, unmarried. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sun., 13 Jan 1895, p. 1]  James E. Green surrendered and confessed to killing of Liner Sims. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Wed., 16 Jan 1895, p. 1]

Providence, Ky, Feb. 12, 1895:  Clinton S. Cosby, of Dixon, died suddenly there yesterday of heart failure. Age 22, member of Christian church and Knights of Pythias. [Louisville Courier-Journal, Wed., 13 Feb 1895, p. 3]

Sebree, Ky, Jul 11, 1895:  L.D. Rust died at his home, 5 miles west of Nebo this morning. Age 69, resident of this city several years. Buried in the cemetery at Hanson. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sat., 13 Jul 1895, p . 1]

Sebree, Ky, Sept. 11, 1895:  Henry Mooney, aged citizen of Dixon, fell from a wagon and died this morning, a nail having pierced his heart in the fall. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sat., 14 Sept 1895, p. 2]

Louisville, Ky, Sept. 15, 1895:  Mrs. Laura Towery, wife of G.H. Towery, attorney of Dixon, Ky, died at the Norton Infirmary yesterday after undergoing a severe surgical operation. Mrs. E.H. Wyatt was the embalmer. [Louisville Courier-Journal, Sun., 15 Sept 1895, p. 2]

Sebree, Ky, Nov. 21, 1895:  Much Hatchett of Providence died this morning from effects of an overdose of mean whiskey imbibed in Madisonville. [Owensboro Twice-A-Week Messenger, Sat., 23 Nov 1895, p. 1]

Published 27 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas !!

Published 24 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Letters to Santa Claus 1911

In December 1911, Letters to Santa Claus began to appear in the weekly Crittenden County, Kentucky newspaper, the Crittenden Record - Press. Below are letters written by children to their favorite red-clad friend.

14 December 1911

Dear Santa Clause [sic]:  I am a little girl 12 years old and I am so anxious for Xmas to come and I hope you will come and visit me before you get too tired, for I want so many things.  I want a nice doll and carriage, candy, apples, oranges, nuts and I would like to have a rain coat, but mama says I am asking too much but please don't forget my doll.  Oh!  Say, I wish I had some nice books. Well, I want so many things I will just let you decide. I will ring off. From your little friend, Verah Crider.

Dear Santa Clause:  I am a little girl 8 years old. I want you to please call at our place. I live at the foot of the Willson hill. I sure want a doll, candy, nuts and a lot of things, but I will be satisfied with what you want to bring me. Wishing you a merry Xmas, I am  your little friend.  Valna Crider.

21 December 1911

Mexico, Ky., Dec. 16.  Dear Santa Claus:   I am a little girl 5 years old and have light hair and blue eyes, I try to be good hope you will think of me, I would like to have a big doll and set of dishes, oranges, apples, bananas and all kinds of nuts and candy  I will go to bed early and shut my eyes tight, please come and don't forget my little sister and papa and mama. So I will close, from a little girl.   Ruth Bibb, Mexico, Ky.

Dear Santa Claus:  I am a little girl 9 years old and will be so glad when Xmas comes. If you don't give all of your presents away before you visit me, I want a doll, a pair of little scissors, candy, nuts, apples, oranges, and bananas. I like to read and you may bring me all of the good books you have to spare. I have a brother and a little sister and please don't forget them.  I will close, wishing you a merry Christmas.  Your little friend, Velma Fritts, Route 4, Marion, Ky.

Published 20 December 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

William A. Hayden 1826 - 1906

William A.

Hayden

Oct. 19,

1826

Oct. 15, 

1906

  

Another side of the tombstone has symbols for his membership in the Masons and I.O.O.F. On the reverse is information on Sarah A., wife of W.A. Hayden, born Aug. 16, 1834. No death date is given.  The tombstone is in Salem Cemetery, Livingston County, Kentucky and was photographed 13 October 2018.

William A. Hayden married America Finch 1 December 1846 Christian County, Kentucky. [1]  Several sons were born to this couple: Robert M., born 5 July 1848, died 11 March 1890 and buried Salem Cemetery; [2] Dr. J.V. Hayden, born 21 May 1850, died 14 May 1930 and buried Salem Cemetery; [3] William O. Hayden, born 30 January 1850 Missouri, died 14 October 1927 and buried Salem Cemetery.[4]

William and America Hayden and their family were living in Pope County, Illinois in 1850.[5]  By 1860, the Hayden family had moved to Crittenden County, Kentucky.[6]

William A. Hayden's second marriage was to Sarah Ann Threlkeld on 30 November 1858 in Pope County, Illinois.[7] According to her death certificate,[8] Sarah Ann,  daughter of Thomas Threlkeld and Liddie Owen, was born in Crittenden County.  Sarah Ann outlived her husband by 17 years.

William A. Hayden's obituary[9]  gives quite a lot of information about his life. He was born in Trigg County, Kentucky and later moved to Salem. He had been a member of the Christian church for over 30 years and, at the time of his death was an Elder in the church. Prior to this he belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian church.  He was survived by two sons, Dr. John Hayden and Mr. Octavus Hayden. The funeral service was in the Christian church and was conducted by the Rev. J.S. Rowe.  His remains were laid to rest in the Salem cemetery by the Masons.

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[1] Kentucky County Marriages 1783-1965, Christian County 1846, Ancestry.com.

[2] Find A Grave Memorial #50594251, R.M. Hayden, Salem Cemetery, Salem, Kentucky.

[3] Kentucky Death Certificate #12182 (1930), J.V. Hayden died Jefferson County, Kentucky, Ancestry.com.

[4] Kentucky Death Certificate #23562 (1927), William O. Hayden died Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky, Ancestry.com.

[5] 1850 Pope County, Illinois, Roll M432_125, p. 268B, dwelling 290, family 290, Ancestry.com.

[6] 1860 Crittenden County, Kentucky West Half of the county, Roll M653_363, p. 313, Ancestry.com.

[7]  Judy Foreman Lee and Carolyn Cromeens Foss. Pope County, Illinois Marriage Books A-E 1813-1877, Vol. 1, (Evansville, IN: Evansville Bindery, 1990), 63.

[8] Kentucky Death Certificate #18955 (1923), Sarah Ann Hayden, born 18 August 1834; died 17 June 1923, Ancestry.com.

[9] "One of Salem's Oldest Citizens Passes Away at His Home in Salem Monday Evening," Crittenden Record-Press (Marion, Kentucky), Fri., 19 October 1906, p. 1.

Published 18 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

John B. Signaigo - From Genoa to Smithland

During the mid-1800s, Smithland, Kentucky was a virtual melting pot of people born in foreign countries. The local population included people from Ireland, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Isle of Guernsey, Nova Scotia and other countries.

In December 1847, John B. Signaigo came to the United States from Genoa in the Kingdom of Sardinia and settled in Smithland.[1]  He first appears on the 1848 Livingston County tax list with 1 white male 21+ and one store valued at $400.  1850 Livingston County census shows the Signaigo family living in Smithland and John B. Signaigo's occupation was given as grocer.[2] Living with the family was James Zanone, who was also from Genoa and a grocer.

Signaigo leased part of lot #19 at the corner of Level and Water (Riverfront) Streets for his store. In August there was a tremendous storm which uprooted trees and  sank steamboats Dover and Caldonia at the wharf in Paducah. Considerable damage was also done to the Patterson House in Smithland.[3] As a result of the storm, the building housing Signaigo's grocery was partially destroyed. Samuel W.  Patterson, who owned the property, agreed to lease the lot to Signaigo for 10 years if Signaigo would erect a 2-story frame house and use and occupy the property himself. [4]

Shortly after settling in Smithland, Santinos, infant son of John B. and Frances Signaigo died and the next year, in 1849, their infant daughter, Mary, also died. Both are buried in Smithland Cemetery. They had at least three more children, all born in Smithland. They were Frank A., Elizabeth and Mary.

Santinos Signaigo

Infant son of J.B. & F.  

died 30 Apr 1848

Mary Signaigo

Infant daughter of J.B. & F.

died 14 July 1849

The Signaigo family last appears on the 1870 Livingston County census before moving to St. Louis, Missouri. It was there that John B. died in 1873[1] and Frances died in 1894.[2] They, along with their children, Frank A. Signaigo, Elizabeth Signaigo Collins, and Mary Signaigo, are all buried in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis.

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[1] Livingston Circuit Court Order Book M:504,  26 May 1849, Intention to become a citizen, John Signaigo.

[2] 1850 Livingston County census, Roll M432_210, p. 383B, Ancestry.com.

[3] "Storm on Saturday - Steamers Sunk," Fayetteville Observer (Fayetteville, Tennessee), Tues., 19 August 1851, p. 1, Newspapers.com.

[4]  Livingston County Deed Book 1:470, Samuel W. Patterson to John B. Signaigo, 26 August 1851.

[5]  Find A Grave Memorial #47212531, (https://findagrave.com), accessed 28 Nov 2018. John Baptiste Signaigo.

[6]  Find A Grave Memorial #47212514, (https://findagrave.com), accessed 28 Nov 2018, Frances Weyer Signaigo.

Published 13 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog,  http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Francis M. Wood 1830 - 1876

Farewell

Francis M. Wood

Born

Feb. 22, 1830

Died

Jan. 28, 1876

A loving husband  a father dear

A faithful friend lies buried here

Buried Mt. Zion Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 24 October 2012.

Francis M. Wood was enumerated in the household of Josiah O . and Eliza Wood on the 1850 Smith County, Tennessee census. [1] By 1860, F.M., as well as his parents, had moved to Crittenden County.[2] It was in Crittenden County that F.M. Wood married Elizabeth Bristow on 14 April 1859.[3] Witnesses to the wedding ceremony were Presley Cruce and Dr. Anthony Hodge.

F.M. Wood was appointed administrator of the estate of his father, Josiah D. Wood,  on 14 August 1865.[4] 

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[1] 1850 Smith County, TN census, N. of Cumberland and East of Caney Fork Rivers, Roll M432_896, p. 298, image 92, Ancestry.com.

[2] 1860 Crittenden County, KY census Roll M653_363, p. 436, F.M. Wood, Ancestry.com.

[3] Brenda Joyce Jerome. Crittenden County, Kentucky Marriage Records Vol. 1  1842-1865 and Abstracts of Wills  Book 1  1842 - 1924, (Evansville, IN: Evansville Bindery, 1990), 77.

[4] Crittenden County, KY Administrator Bond Book 1853-1865, p. 517.

Published 11 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Livingston County, Kentucky Naturalizations 1851

A person became a naturalized citizen of the United States after having first filed his intention to do so and disavowing all allegiance to a foreign power. In Kentucky, the intention was filed in county or circuit court and recorded in the court order books (court minutes).  The information in the declarations may vary, but usually includes the name of the person, when he filed his petition for naturalization, and to whom he formerly vowed allegiance. The following naturalization declarations are abstracted from Livingston Court Circuit Court Order Books L and M and Livingston County Court Order Book L. 

This day Michael Nefzgar personally appeared in Court & produced a certificate showing that he had on the 2d Monday & 14th day of October 1839 in the County Court of Allegany County, Maryland made declaration of his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and having declared on oath that he would support the Constitution of the United States & be true & faithful to the Commonwealth of Kentucky ... & renounces ... all allegiance to any foreign Prince, Potentate  State or Sovereignty whatever & particularly to the King of Byon [sic] Germany whereof he was a subject   And having produced Satisfactory evidence of his having always behaved as a man of good moral character & attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States ... Therefore the said Michael Nefzgar is  hereby admitted & declared to be a citizen of the United States. [Mon., 7 July 1851, County Court Order Book L, p. 26]

Lewis Gates made declaration for purpose of becoming a citizen of the U.S.   He was born 6 Jan 1820 in department of Marielle [sic] in Kingdom of France  that he left France in June 1842 and landed at Charleston, South Carolina on the 24th day of Aug 1842 and is now a subject of Louis Phillip King of France and has been since his birth  ... now being desirous to become a citizen of the U.S. renounces allegiance & fidelity to any & every foreign Prince, Potentate, State & Sovereignty ... particularly to Louis Phillip. [signed] Louis Gates.  [Livingston County Circuit Court Order Book L, p. 436,  19 September 1845] Lewis Guitch [sic] appeared in Court & produced a certificate showing he had on the 19th September 1845 in the Circuit Court of this county made the necessary declaration to become a citizen ... Lewis Gates, alias Guitch declared a citizen of the U.S. [Livingston County Court Order Book L, p. 28, 7 July 1851]

James Zanone, age about 32 years, about 6 feet high, blue eyes and of fair complexion, slightly marked with the small pox, an alien, came in Open Court and made the following declaration - Came to the United States on or about the 17th of July 1842 from Genoa in Sardinia and is bonafide his intention to become a citizen of the U.S. and renounce forever all allegiance to any foreign Prince, Potentate particularly Charles  Albert who was then and to Victor Emanuel now King of Sardinia. [signed] James Zanone. [Livingston County Circuit Court Order Book M, p. 503, 26 May 1849]  Zanone appeared in Court and produced a certificate showing his intention to become a citizen of the U.S. ... having produced satisfactory evidence of his having always behaved as a man of good moral character ... declared to be a citizen of the United States. [Livingston County Court Order Book L, p. 27, 7 July 1851]

John Signaigo, an alien, is about 41 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches high with dark hair & eyes & of dark complexion came into Court & upon his oath made declaration of his intention to become a citizen of the United States. He came to America on or about the [blank] day of December 1847[1] from Genoa in the Kingdom of Sardinia. [signed] John (X  his mark) Signaigo. [Livingston County Circuit Court Order Book M, p. 504, 26 May 1849] John Signaigo appeared in Court and produced a certificate showing that he had on the 26th day of May 1849 made declaration of his intention to become a citizen of the U.S. And having declared on oath that he would Support the Constitution of the U.S. and be faithful to the Commonwealth of Kentucky ... and he renounced allegiance & fidelity to any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty and particularly to Chas. Albert who was & to Victor Emanuel who is now King of Sardinia ... declared to be a citizen of the United States. [Livingston County Court Order Book L, p. 27,  7 July 1851]

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[1] Year is overwritten; could be 1827 instead of 1847.

Published 6 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/

Sally Terry 1820 - 1869

Sally

Wife of

B.B. Terry

Born

Jan. 25, 1820

Died

May 14, 1869

Buried Hurricane Cemetery, Crittenden County, Kentucky. Tombstone photographed 28 September 2018.

Blake B. Terry married Sarah Terry, widow, 9 January 1845 Crittenden County. The bondsman was Richard Elson.  [1]

Sarah's first marriage was to Henry C. Terry on 22 March 1838 in Livingston County, Kentucky. Giving permission for the license to be  issued were John Terry, father of the bridegroom,  and Richard Elson, father of the bride.[2]  In 1847, Blake B. Terry was appointed guardian for Amanda C. Terry, infant  heir of Henry Terry dec'd.[3]

B.B. and Sarah Terry, along with children Amanda C., Mary A., Gustavus A., James T., Mary H. and Zachery Terry, are found on the 1850 Crittenden County census.[4]

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[1] Brenda Joyce Jerome. Crittenden County, Kentucky Marriage Records, Vol. 1  1842-1865, (Evansville, IN: Evansville Bindery, 1990), 9.

[2] Joyce M. Woodyard. Livingston County, Kentucky Marriage Records Vol. 1 (Oct 1799-July 1839),(Smithland, KY: n.p., 1992), 157.

[3] Crittenden County, Kentucky Court Order Book 1:149, 14 September 1847.

[4] 1850 Crittenden County, Kentucky census, Dist. 1, Roll M432_197, p. 214B, image 243, Ancestry.com.

Published 4 Dec 2018, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/