Keyser - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Albern Keyser of Niagara Co., NY and Kalamazoo Co., MI

MarcusPartlow — 2009-11-05 19:49:41Z

Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan & Van Buren Counties Michigan, Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1892.

Albern Keyser of Niagara Co., NY and Kalamazoo Co., MI
Names: Keyser, Lusk, Partlow, Engel, Parmalee

Page 721 +
ALBERN KEYSER. Among the prosperous and respected citizens of Kalamazoo County, we take pleasure in writing the life history of this gentleman, who is making his home on section ten Oshtemo Township. Conrad Keyser is the name of the father, and he was a native of Pennsylvania where he was born in 1795. His father came from Germany and participated in the Revolutionary War. He died when Conrad was seven years of age, and the lad was then bound out. After serving his employer one year, the neighbors took him away on account of ill treatment. He then worked out until 1812, when he enlisted in the war of that year, going as a substitute, and after serving his time he re-enlisted. He was taken prisoner by the British at Charlotte, on Lake Ontario, but was soon exchanged. From the army he went into Canada and worked in the woods. He was married to Miss Mary Partlow, a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Partlow, a Connecticut minister. The wife died when eighty-four years old, in 1884. She had a wonderful memory and could read well at eighty years of age. Mr Keyser did not remain in Canada long, but moved back to New York State and, settling in the western part, located on one hundred and twenty acres of timbered land and lived in that place until 1829, when he removed to the town of Cambria, Niagara County. He lived there a number of years, but previous to his death, which occurred in 1875, when he was eighty years old, he sold out and moved fifteen miles north of Detroit, Mich.
The subject of this sketch was born October 29, 1819, in Niagara County, N. Y.,and was one of a family of four sisters and six brothers. When twenty one years old, he left the parental roof and started out in life on his own account. September 20, 1840, in Niagara County, N. Y., Mr. Keyser was married to Hannah M. Lusk, a sister of John J. Lusk, of whom a sketch is written elsewhere in this book. He farmed in New York at first, but, in the year 1855, came to Michigan and, arriving here June 6, located in Texas Township, Kalamazoo County, on section 5. Finally he moved to his present location in Oshtemo Township on one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 10; he also owns twenty acres on section 14, in Almena Township, Van Buren County.
Five children have been born to our subject and his estimable wife, only one of whom is now living: Edward James, aged thirty-three years, is married to Rosa E. Engel, a daughter of John and Amelia Engel, farmers of this township. George W. was the name of the oldest son, who lost his life while engaged in his country's service. He enlisted in the Eighth Michigan Cavalry in 1862 and participated in a large number of battles, the most noted being Knoxville. He had a horse shot from under him at Pulaski and was consequently taken prisoner, but while on parole the war closed. He then went to work in the mills and lost his life by straining himself in lifting, causing hemorrhage of the lungs. Arabelle and Isabelle (twins) came next, and Charles. The second-named died in infancy; Arabelle was married, and died at the age of thirty-three years, leaving three children, who were reared by their grandparents and were Ida May, who married Mr. Parmalee and resides in Alamo; Maud and Claude (twins), aged fifteen years, and now living with their grandparents. Charles died when three years of age.” end

Gertrude Kayser or Gertrude Keyser 2nd wife of Edward

melanieostermann52 — 2009-10-24 17:02:17Z

Looking for info on Edward Keyser, brother of Clarence William Keyser and whose 2nd wife was named Gertrude. I have a photo with Connelsberg, PA written on back, but have no other info

John Keyser

melanieostermann52 — 2009-10-24 16:59:14Z

Looking for brother of William Chambers Keyser who lived in Reading, PA and had a small cattle farm in early 1900's.

Re: ELIZABETH KEYSER and Andrew Wood

jamessmoose — 2009-10-20 00:59:41Z

I am descended from the oldest son of Elizabeth Keyser and Andrew Wood who live in Phildelphia in the 1700s. This oldest son was George Wood who migrated to Kentucky about 1786. I know a lot about the descendents of George Wood but have been unable to trace Andrew Wood's ancestry. We believe he was born in 1726 and was of German origin. The original name we think was Holtz, German for Wood, and it was changed to Wood by his grandfather Johann Holtz. However, my mother who did the geneological work was never able to find any records of migration by anyone named Johann Holtz or any other Holtz that looked familiar.

Re: Does anyone have info on Rev. Christopher & Anna (Brumbach) Keyser

LoriBuzzo — 2009-10-12 14:28:41Z

Yes, I am Thomas Baxter Skidmore was my grgrandfather. I must ask where you got the Coil middle name? Everything I have ever seen (including the headstone on his grave) says Cyle.

Aaron Keyser Died 1864 Vicksburg, MS. line

jjkh1 — 2009-10-08 18:47:57Z

I am looking for the parents of Aaron and his brother Jesse. Aaron married Rebecca Brinker in Ohio 1850. I have info. to share from Aaron on, but need info. prior to his generation.

Re: Frederick Keyser & Katherine Hathaway--Burial Info, Norwalk, CT

Barbarasansob — 2009-09-29 20:11:56Z

Frederick Augustus Keyser, died 01/22/1928 at 10 Putnam, Norwalk, age 90 years 2 days, retired hatter, widower, born New York, NY on 01/20/1838 to Frederick Keyser (born and died New York) and Harriett Rockwell (born and died New York), bronc. pneumonia, 7 days, C.G. Bohanan, M.D., David W. Raymond, undertaker. Page 88 Norwalk Vital Records Deaths 1928. Katherine Ann Keyser, died 06/07/1914, age 66 years 9 months 22 days, at 11 West Ave., S. Norwalk, wife of Fred'k A. Keyser, born 09/15/1847 Rondont, N.Y., daughter of Andrew B. Hathaway, b. Norwalk and Laura Adams, b. Greenwich, cause of death neuralgia & dilated/fatty heart, William H. Stowe, M.D., D. W. Raymond, undertaker, pg. 99 Norwalk Bital Records Deaths 1914.

Hope this helps.

Re: Frederick Keyser & Katherine Hathaway--Burial Info, Norwalk, CT

CharlotteKeyser17 — 2009-09-25 12:53:29Z

Yes I need to know who Frederick's parents were and if they were from Switerland or Germany. and any info you have that goes further back. I think I have Katherine's info on her family pretty far back. Anything you have would be helpful. Thanks

Re: Frederick Keyser & Katherine Hathaway--Burial Info, Norwalk, CT

Barbarasansob — 2009-09-24 18:43:11Z

Charlotte, are you still trying to find info on Frederick Keyser's and Katherine Hathaway's parents? Please let me know; I may be able to help.

Re: Does anyone have info on Rev. Christopher & Anna (Brumbach) Keyser

bluetas76 — 2009-09-17 20:42:27Z

I don't have much information in regards to the Keyser's of Brumbach's but I noticed that you appear to be related to me through my ggg grandfather Samuel Coil Skidmore.

Samuel's middle name was Coil not Cyle. He was my ggg grandfather. He was married to Elizabeth Ann Keyser and they had the following children: Andrew Christopher Skidmore (1843-1843), Calvin Adolphus Skidmore (1844-1919), Marcellus Anderson Skidmore (1846-1887), Martha Ann Skidmore (1848-1911), Francis Osbern Skidmore (1849-1915), Pamily Skidmore (1851-1856), Charles Keyser Skidmore (1854-1871) Eugene Milton Skidmore (1856-?, Otis Saldin Skidmore (my gg grandfather, married to Annie Fleurs Price-these are the Skidmores portrayed in the play 'Oklahoma' 1859-1912) and Thomas Baxter Skidmore (1861-1911).

Hope this helps,

Tori

Henry Keyser married to Elizabeth King

jjkh1 — 2009-09-12 03:13:25Z

I am looking for the date of birth and death for Henry Keyser and who his parents were. He was married to Elizabeth King and they lived in Worcester, Montgomery, PA in the 1830 Census

Searching for answers

jjkh1 — 2009-08-25 03:21:26Z

I am still looking for info. on Jesse Aaron Keyser born June 8,1827 in Montogomery Co PA. He married Rebecca Brinker Dec. 18 1850. They had 8 children. He died Aug. 5 1864 in Vicksburg MS.. I need to know who his parents were. I am stuck here. Any hints or helps out there?

Susan Angeline K. (Heimback) Keyser - 12.01.1953 Obit

d11175 — 2009-06-13 15:40:14Z

Obit appeared in Pottstown Mercury. Stated she died Sunday.

d/o Thomas and Emma (Kulp) Heimback
Husband: William H. Keyer, Obelisk, deceased.
Surv by 6 children & 8 brothers (Names listed)
34 grandchildren / 8 great-grandchildren (Not named)

Church: Keelor's Reformed, Obelisk
Interment: Keelor's cemetery

Leave a message if interested in this obit. I am not related - posted for other researchers. (Obit appeared on the same page as some of my research.)

Keyser family in Kentucky, Indiana and possibly NY.

sranuio34 — 2009-05-29 04:11:05Z

Searching for the family of Perlina Keyser and James Keyser. Perlina Keyser was born in Kentucky in 1820 and died in Angel's Camp California in 1900. Her brother James was born in about 1825 in Indiana. Perlina married David Selkirk who was originally from Cayuga Co New York. All 3 are listed in the census of 1850 in Benton, Wisconsin in Lafayette County.

Keyser Family South Philadelphia

2009-02-24 16:19:47Z

am looking for information on great grandparents, Victoria Wilmer Keyser and Samuel Keyser...lived in South Philadelphia...had 12 kids

KEYSER John D 1925-2000 section 104

t42DFWNat — 2009-02-12 17:06:38Z

KEYSER John D 1925-2000 section 104

I photographed this gravestone in the DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, Dallas Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records. This is one of the 201,088 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com .

If you know more about this person please reply here, instead of contacting me because this is most likely not my family.

KEYSER Amy DEVITO 1965-2001

t42Moore — 2009-01-23 14:16:44Z

KEYSER Amy DEVITO 1965-2001

I photographed this gravestone in the Moore Cemetery, Arlington,Tarrant Co., Texas. Feel free to use this picture for your personal records. This is one of the 200,300 cemetery photos free at http://teafor2.com .

If you know more about this person please reply here,instead of contacting me because this is most likely not my family.

Gertruida Elizabeth Keyser, South Africa

rutherfo — 2009-01-10 21:27:22Z

I am searching for information on my great grandmother, Gertruida Elizabeth Keyser, she was married to P.F.R. Lamprecht, she died 1967.

Re: William Edward Keyser, Peter Augustus Keyser Question

NancyKiser — 2008-07-08 20:40:13Z

Kathleen,

I misspoke when I said the lab could use hair to extract DNA. A genetic scientist at the FTDNA lab told me it is so difficult to extract DNA from hair (even if the roots are attached) that they will not even try. There may be other labs that do this, but I don't know which ones.

Nancy

Re: William Edward Keyser, Peter Augustus Keyser Question

NancyKiser — 2008-07-07 20:08:06Z

Yes, I have been told that the lab can also use hair to extract DNA, but I think the process is more expensive. I will contact the lab and find out how much.

Re: William Edward Keyser, Peter Augustus Keyser Question

NancyKiser — 2008-05-28 14:18:44Z

Thanks, Kathleen. I am so sorry to hear about your brother's death. Do you have any other brothers or male cousins named Keyser who might be willing to get their DNA tested?

Sincerely,
Nancy Kiser

Re: Kiser - Heath connection

NancyKiser — 2007-08-24 14:22:34Z

Hi, Bud,

Do you belong to the Keyser/Kaiser/Kiser etc DNA Project hosted by Family Tree DNA? If not, can you send me the values for your 12 markers? My email address is nancy_kiser@hotmail.com.

Nancy

Re: Keyser Family

TysonCKinsell — 2008-05-26 10:58:39Z

Robert:

Were you aware of and did you attend the 1988 tricentennial reunion of the KEYSERS in Philadelphia. I was Chairman of the event and we had attendance by about 350 - 400 including at least three KEYSER descendant families from Australia.

Our first ancestor was Dirck Keyser who arrived from Amsterdam Holland in 1688 - settled in Germantown, Pa.

Would like to hear from you. I'm in Forked River, NJ.

Tyson C. Kinsell
tckinsell@comcast.net

Re: Keyser Family

TysonCKinsell — 2008-05-26 10:47:18Z

As you may see, I haven't opened this iuno account for a long time. My preferred address is: tckinsell@comcast.net.

Reply to this address and I will send some of my KEYSER information.

Your name and location please.

Thanks,
Tyson C. Kinsell

Re: Kiser - Heath connection

BudnAnne — 2007-08-24 14:15:34Z

Nancy, I am a Keiser (all variants) with a 12 marker DNA. My ancestor was Nicholas Keyser who came from Europe in early 1700's. Would you like to match? Thanks.

Bud Keiser

Re: Kiser - Heath connection

BudnAnne — 2007-08-24 14:46:30Z

Nancy, Yes I am, but keep me in mind. Thanks.

Bud

Thomas Everton Keyser

cheeziweave — 2008-12-11 00:19:58Z

I am looking for Thomas Everton Keyser. He lives in Baltimore MD. He is the son of Pearl Keyser from Middlesex Co. VA. He may be my half-uncle and related to the Waller family from Gloucester VA.

Daniel Keyser

fasulshe — 2008-04-29 20:40:14Z

I am looking for descendants of Daniel Keyser b.1795, married Mary/Polly Springer b.1796-8. Not sure of their children but have in my records: David b. 1817, Reason/Rezin b. 1826, Jacob b. 1834 married Martha ?, Moses b. 1837 married Margaret ?.

Re: KEYSER/DOVEL/RINEHEART/LESAGE family record and the strange exhumation of CARL/CHARLES KEYSER of Page Co., VAi

annebroaddus13 — 2007-12-16 13:04:19Z

i would love to have an e-mail copy of this.my lineage in the kiser family is ,charles,joseph,joseph,james,allen,mattie,thelma

Re: Keyser Family

radnana52 — 2007-11-21 02:39:02Z

The Lena Shugart mentioned was my grandfather's sister. I have some pictures that I believe are of the Keyser's. I realize this is an old posting but thought I'd give it a try.

George Kizer

kimmiracle45 — 2008-11-30 03:06:50Z

Looking for a connection on this family.
The 1910 Census shows the family living in Clearfork, Tazewell County, VA.

Kizer
George, age 58, 4th marriage, married 11 years, born in VA, both parents born in VA, occupation - laborer, odd jobs

Martha, age 49, born in OH, father born in NC, mother born in OH, occupation - ? dress, private family

McKinley (step-son), age 13, born in VA, father born in KY, mother born in OH, occupation - laborer, odd jobs

Re: Keyser family of Lincoln and Logan County, WV

ssds921 — 2008-04-21 19:56:37Z

Scott,

Ruth Elizabeth Keyser Vinson was my grandmother. My grandfather's (Winfield Vinson) middle name was Scott. Could we be related?

deb

Re: Keyser Family

martesdal — 2007-10-18 16:47:33Z

I would like to obtain more information about Keyser.

John Keyser (b. 18 Sept 1762 - 1763 d. 1826 in New York City), was thought to have been born Michael De Keyser, youngest son of Dircke De Keyser of Amsterdam.

He came to the US New York City around 1783, married Anne Smith, and had three children. He married a second time to Elizabeth Carr around 1800. A son, Benjamin, (my great great grandfather) was born 5 September 1813 in New York City. He moved to Jersey City. One of the children, William H. (great grandfather) married Mary A. Klein.

Could you please send me the information that you have on the Keyser Family?

Re: Keyser family of Lincoln and Logan County, WV

amyeisenhardt — 2008-03-25 01:54:32Z

Salt Rock, WV is in Cabell County. The Cabell County Courthouse is in the town of Huntington. Hope this helps you.

Re: Conrad KEYSER/KEISER/KISER

bdkeyser — 2008-02-18 23:46:34Z

Records that I have found list Conrad's wife as Nancy Christ. His father would have been Conrad Sr. b.1777 Conrad b. 1808 would be my 4G uncle. He was a brother to my GGG grandfather Jacob. I have further info. Contact me if you are interested.

Re: Conrad KEYSER/KEISER/KISER

bdkeyser — 2007-08-21 14:37:05Z

I believe that the Conrad b.1808 was a brother to my GGG Grandfather Jacob Keyser. According to census records only 2 Keysers were still in the area. Conrad Sr. and John. From what I can gather from family records (mostly oral) Conrad Sr. was probably their father. I have records farther back but have not been able to completely make this link. Have you found anything since this posting?
Thanks
Brian Keyser

Keysaer/Keyser/Kiser

bkeysaer — 2008-03-07 03:54:32Z

There is a Nelson Keysaer listed in the Rockingham County Va. marriage records for 1837. He is my 3rd Great Grandfather, I was wondering if he is connected to the Kiser's or the Keyser's in the area. Also does anyone have more info about him.

Re: Keyser family of Lincoln and Logan County, WV

scottielu — 2008-01-08 13:36:46Z

Hi
This is from rootsweb, so its not guaranteed but James Fletcher Cummings was the son of Adam Cummings and Louisa Fry. His Grandfather was Adam Cummings/Hulda Adkins.
The James D Cummings I am researching is another son of Adam and Hulda.
-Scott

Re: Keyser Family

jkw0714 — 2007-08-08 15:08:11Z

Hi. I am looking for information on my paternal great grandparents, Elizabeth Jennie Keyser and George Washington Kline (or Cline) who were married in July of 1877 in Shenandoah, VA. Also looking for information on a Native American connection.

Thank you.

Re: Keyser Family

jkw0714 — 2007-08-08 15:08:06Z

Re: KEYSER/DOVEL/RINEHEART/LESAGE family record and the strange exhumation of CARL/CHARLES KEYSER of Page Co., VAi

tslahetka — 2007-09-07 21:50:21Z

I am the great grand-daughter of Calvin Monroe Dovel, and the mysterious Annie May Fultz ... would be very interested in this documentation. Please e-mail me directly with any information you can provided at tslahetka@hotmail.com.

Thank You!

Re: Keyser family of Lincoln and Logan County, WV

cacacacatm — 2008-01-08 01:52:09Z

im not sure how it fits but my mom always said we were related to the keysers. my mom was marie cummings thompson from the logan lincoln co. cummings. her father was james fletcher cummings / m / dosia brooks and his hather was adam cummings/m/ hulda adkins can u link these carlene

Re: Does anyone have info on Rev. Christopher & Anna (Brumbach) Keyser

kilpatrickcrew — 2008-03-23 03:35:51Z

Hi. My name is Shelley and I'm also from that line. I have a little info but not much. Samuel and Elizabeth were my gr gr gr grandparents. I have Samuel Skidmore being born on April 6, 1821, married on Dec 25, 1841 and dying on May 18, 1891 in Texas. His parents were Andrew Skidmore and Elizabeth Taylor Stonestreet. I don't have hardly any information on Elizabeth Stonestreet. I do have Andrew as being born May 10 1779, married on March 17 1806 and and dying on Sept. 24 1863. He was born in Ruddle,Pendleton Co, Va and he died in Seneca Creek, Pendleton, WV

please feel free to email me kilpatrickcrew@gmail.com

Re: William Edward Keyser, Peter Augustus Keyser Question

KGKK — 2008-05-28 02:13:05Z

Hi Nancy,
I just wanted to let you know that my brother Keith died unexpectedly last year. I'm not certain if he had a chance to submit a DNA sample. I will try to find out if my sister-in-law knows. Kathleen

Re: William Edward Keyser, Peter Augustus Keyser Question

KGKK — 2008-05-28 02:13:03Z

Re: William Edward Keyser, Peter Augustus Keyser Question

KGKK — 2008-07-07 19:40:11Z

Hello Nancy,
I spoke with my sister-in-law re the DNA issue. She said she was unaware of any DNA testing for genealogy. I wonder if they could use anything other than a saliva/mucosal sample? I might be able to get a strand of hair or something else.
The other thing that just came to mind, I'll check with my niece about the possibility of a baby hair sample from my other brother who died when he was only 39. She also does genealogy and would probably be willing to provide the sample if it exists (maybe in the baby book).
In any case, I'll let you know.
Kathleen

Re: William Edward Keyser, Peter Augustus Keyser Question

KGKK — 2008-05-28 15:41:45Z

Hi Nancy, I do have a male first cousin in Texas (my father's brother's son), and as I understand it, he also has a son. Both are named Raymond Lee Keyser. They are the only males left in our immediate family line. Unfortunately, I don't know where he lives in Texas, and don't know how to contact him. He does have a daughter who has done some research, but I lost contact with her several years ago. The last I knew, she lived in Ohio.

I wish I could be of more assistance. Keith and I were both researching our family. We'd hit a wall in the Keyser line, and had talked of the DNA project, but I hadn't heard anything more from him about it.

If you are able to contact my cousin Lee, I would appreciate it if you would let me know. Thanks so much. Kathleen

Re: Keyser Family

bkeyser04 — 2007-10-04 18:58:54Z

If your looking for info on a Henry Keyser, try looking up Priest River, Idaho because that is where a Henry Keyser (which is my relative) and another 3 or 4 families pionered and built up the town along with the Nacarrato's (which are my Italian side of family..)

There are numerous Keyser's out there. My grandfather was Elmer "Butch" Keyser and he had a couple brothers that lived in Priest River as well.

Re: Keyser family of Lincoln and Logan County, WV

keithvgolf — 2008-10-03 07:10:53Z

Hi
Winona (Winnie) and Jefferson Davis Vance are my grandparents. The others are of course my grand aunts and uncles, of which I remember some as a boy in the 60's(I was born in 1955), I was most familiar with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Winfield as they had a dairy in Vinton County, Ohio a short piece from a small tobacco farm owned by Winona and JD. Daddy and Uncle Walt installed Winnie's and JD's first indoor bath and toilet at that farm in 1964. Still remember those farm road truck rides with Granddaddy and riding Uncle Winfield's mules and sled. Also being really mean and shoving my Brother Eric next to a barbwire fence which of course he grabbed for and slashed his hand. Also Hounddogs which would get snake bit and their leg would swell to the size of a soccer ball, but not die.

Winona and JD (also known as "five", don't ask me why) had 11 children which have all passed except for an aunt (I believe in Tucson) Great Uncle Wattie, I think died in action in WWI and was my father's name sake and had twin brother Waltie . There was only one other boy, Uncle John, and the others, all girls. The twins served together as Sergeant's in Japan in WWII, as train officials and both retired as train dispatchers from the C&O.

Twin boys Waltie Joseph and Wattie Albert married only sisters Rheabal and Louella Jarrell(Hamlin) Thus the old joke in WV about brothers marrying sisters;)Wattie and Louella had three live boys, of which I am one and Uncle Walt and Aunt Rheabal had two live daughters(our double first-cousins) of which one is Aimee Vance Cartwright married to Marshall Cartwright. My mother Louela Vance (1921) and Aunt Rheabal Vance(1919) and Aimee and Marshall live in Barboursville. I have daughter Cynthia (18) and namesake son Jefferson Davis Vance (14)

Of course my Father Wattie Vance(1918-2004) was very familiar and loving with all Family mentioned in your message as they grew up during the "Great" depression in Brady WV. Brady is on the north side of the Gyuan river and you can drive in from Ranger. The old West Virginia school maps from the sixties actually show Brady. The Hatfield/Vance cemetary is there but nothing else,where lies Wattie Keyser, Winona-JD and Ruth-Winfield,I believe Albert-Nancy and I think others listed in your message. Brady, founded by Albert Keyser, later taken over by JD Vance(Mason County, WV)(he sold the mineral rights in the twenties for around $200) was a community of about 150 during the depression and they survived by cutting cross ties, moonshine, wacky backy and listening to Grand ole opry at Winnie's and JD's. It is my understanding that Granddaddy JD was track foreman over an african-american gang and Daddy kept time. JD was small in stature and Winnie was a large boned woman. I attempted a tree many years back and already have all your threads of the Keyser's and Cummings listed, but not much more. The tree is in storage. Even less for the Vances except JD's father was Joseph and I have pictures from the forties of Granny Vance (JD's mother) at a reunion in Lincoln county. The farmhouse in Vinton, Ohio had large old portraits of I believe the Cummings and Keysers, but those scoundral Vance sisters abscounded with them when Granma Winnie Vance passed in 1966. It is also legend that Uncle Bob Keyser killed a man in a pool game brawl in the thirties/forties vanished and was never heard from again. Any idea? Also, I believe to remember visiting Great Uncle Dol's house in Logan County, and he was supposedly sherriff during the moonshine war's and his porch was riddled with bullet holes.Any Truth?

Oh well, that is about all the history, I know, as I grew up in Summers County, Hinton, WV and we were the only Vances. Always tried to tie our line of Vances to the infamous "Uncle Jim Vance" Brother to wife of Elias Hatfield fame, but never any luck. As you know there are many Vance families in WV. Vance is a uniquely American name with only a smattering of others in Australia, Canada and Great Britian. Most Vances reside in WV OH and Ken, but San Diego is home to the largest big city population.

The problem about researching these hill families, is that many of the county courthouses burned with records. On my mothers side, it is somewhat more fruitful as one branch (Lovejoys) is a Mormon family and they have heavy research.

Have a geneolgist friend who is a member of the DAR and my four family names Keyser, Vance, Jarrell and Cummings (yes, My mothers, Mother Docia Jarrell was a "Hamlin" Cummings)are all referenced as fighting in the revolution. Have never taken money or effort to draw a line, which is supposedly required for membership for my daughter. You would be surprised how few people know their four family names.

Hope you have found this interesting and I appreciate any additional info you may provide.

The way this economy is going we might meet up again someday in Brady, just tryin' to survive.

Keith Vance, San Diego, CA

Peck, Bishop, Powell, Friend

JohnCBassSr — 2007-11-08 18:14:58Z

These lines have Keyser ties:

Hey Ya'll,
Here is my Mother's genealogy as far as I know so far. My GGGGgrandparents were George and Elizabeth Peck Bishop. I knew the parents of Elizabeth were Corad and Catherine Peck. I've recently learned that the father of Catherine was Israel Friend. Conrad Peck1 and Catherine Friend Peck were among some of the first settlers in Bedford County, PA. (now Fulton Co.). They had lost much, including children, to Indian attacks. They were some of the Founders of Tonoloway Primitive Baptist Church in 1752. Early Church members had to have Sentries posted at the doors in case of attack. Israel Friend is my GGGGGGgrandfather. My other GGGGGGgrandfather is the Rev. Joseph Powell, 1st. Pastor of Tonoloway Church from 1765 until his death in 1804. Rev. Joseph Powell and Rachel rose Powell were the parents of Mary, who married Jacob Bishop. They were the parents of George Bishop. Any of ya'll connected to my lines? John C. Bass,Sr. in S.E. Mississippi.