Author: Kris Hocker

Tombstone Tuesday: Martin Hocker (1768-1862)

Kris Hocker on 6 Oct 2009

Gravestone of Martin HOCKER (1768—1862)

Gravestone of Martin HOCKER (1768—1862)

Martin HOCKER, son of Johann “Hans” Adam HACKER and Maria Elisabetha WEIDMAN, was born 21 Oct 1768 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and died 25 Apr 1862 in Derry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, aged 93 years, 6 months and 4 days. He was buried in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church cemetery in Hummelstown, Derry Township, Dauphin County. Hockersville in Derry Township was named after Martin.

He married twice, first on 22 Mar 1799 to Christiana BEINHAUER, daughter of Peter BEINHAUER and Christina STOBER, and second in 1809 to Barbara SMITH. Martin and Christiana had five children: John Peter, Catharine, Johannes “John”, George, and Christiana. Martin and Barbara had nine children: Elizabeth, Martin, Mary, Jacob, Susannah, Sarah, Anna, Barbara, and Magdalena.

Tombstone Tuesday: John W. Force

Kris Hocker on 29 Sep 2009

John C. FORCE (1870-1890)

John C. FORCE (1870-1890)

John W. FORCE, the oldest son of Martin S. and Delilah N. (HAMILTON) FORCE, was born 23 Jan 1785 and was killed in action on 9 Nov 1918 in the Argonne Forest, France during World War I. He served in Company H, 314th Infantry, 79th Division.

Licking County, Ohio Hoovers

Kris Hocker on 25 Sep 2009

I’ve recently been researching the Hoover families of Licking County, Ohio. If you’ve been following the Andrew Hoover family data that I’ve been putting up, you’ll have noticed that Henry2 Hoover (Andrew1) moved to Johnstown, Licking County, Ohio from Greene Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania (prior to that Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania) sometime between the 1810 census1 and 1815.2 Louella Hoover indicated in her research that Henry’s elder brother John might have also moved to Ohio. So, I’ve been following up on that premise…

Looking at the early census records (1820-1850), I put together the following table to help track the individuals/families through the years. I use it to help postulate relationships between people and “movements” around the county.

Head of Household 1820 1830 1840 1850
Franklin Township
John Hoover 45+
Charles Hoover 26-45
Newark Township
John Hoover 80-90 n/a n/a
Charles Hoover 40-50 40-50 60
Barbara Hoover 70-80 97
Jesse Hoover 20-30 33
Monroe Township
Emanuel Hoover 26-45 n/a
George Hoover 45+ 50-60 n/a
Samuel Hoover 16-26 30-40 40-50 n/a
Henry Hoover 45+ n/a
MM Hoover (Mahlon) 20-30 30-40 46
Mary Hoover 40-50 [60-70; James] 69
James Hoover 30-40 43
Anna Hoover 54
Saphrona Hoover 20-30
Elizabeth Hoover [70-80, E Pratt] 86
Hartford Township
John Hoover 45+ 60-70 70-80 83
Samuel Hoover 26-45 30-40 n/a
John Hoover Jr. 30-40 40-50 49
William Hoover 20-30
Harmon Hoover 20-30
Lois Hoover 72
Zenas Hoover 25
Licking Township
John H. Hoover 36
Thomas Hoover 28
Bowling Green Township
Isaac Hoover 16-26
Grand Township
Isaac Hoover 20-30
St Albans Township
Isaac Hoover 20-30
Madison Township
John Hoover 20-30
Etna Township
David Hoover 24

Franklin/Newark Townships

Looking at Franklin and Newark Townships, it’s possible to theorize that the John Hoover and Charles Hoover in Franklin Township in 1820 are the same men as the John and Charles in Newark Township in 1830, etc. The ages in subsequent census records match up nicely. Also, you could also hypothesize that Barbara Hoover (1840, 1850) is the widow of John Hoover, and possibly the mother or stepmother of Charles Hoover—especially as she is a member of his household in 1850. There is a female 45+ (1820) and 70-80 (1830) in John’s household, quite likely this Barbara. The Jesse Hoover is possibly a son of Charles Hoover. Although Charles doesn’t have any young males in his household in 1830, John does have a male 10-15 (Jesse would be 13). John and his wife, I would presume, were too old have had a child that age, so it is quite likely that it’s a younger family member—such as a grandson, living with them and helping them out.

It’s also possible to postulate that John Hoover of Franklin and Newark townships was the son of Andrew Hoover of Fayette County. John2 Hoover (Andrew1) was born circa 1744 in Germany, making him 76 in 1820 and 86 in 1830, matching the census ages of John from Franklin and Newark townships. He most likely died prior to 1840. There is a John George Hoover of Licking county who died in 1834, buried in the 6th Street Cemetery. However, he’s listed as a veteran of the Revolutionary War.3 Our Hoover did not fight in the war.4 So, it’s quite possible I’m completely out in left field about this John Hoover! That, of course, is the problem with theories. They may help create avenues of new research, but they’re also sometimes simply wrong.

There was a John H. Hoover, a miller, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1814 and came to Newark with his grandfather “when quite young.”5 His wife Sarah was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1814 and came to Newark in 1829. Her cousin was the wife of Charles Hoover—perhaps the Charles Hoover in the census records? This John would have been the correct age to be the male <10 in 1820 and 10-15 in 1830 in the household of John Hoover. Perhaps John H. Hoover’s father died in Pennsylvania and he went to live with his grandparents who went to Licking County before 1820?

Monroe Township

It’s a bit easier in Monroe Township. Henry Hoover (45+, 1820) is the son of Andrew Hoover of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He died in Johnstown, Monroe Township on 23 Sep 1823. Emanuel Hoover is his son and Mahlon and James Hoover are his grandsons. Mary Hoover is Emanuel’s widow. This family is well documented. That leaves George Hoover (45+, 1820), Samuel Hoover, Anna Hoover, Saphrona Hoover, and Elizabeth Hoover to ponder.

George Hoover is of the correct age to have been the eldest son of Henry2 Hoover, born in Maryland in 1771—age 49 in 1820 and 59 in 1830. He, perhaps, died prior to 1840, leaving a widow—Elizabeth? Elizabeth Hoover was living in the household of Eli Pratt in 1850.6 According to that record she was 86 years old, born in Maryland. A female 70-80 is in Eli Pratt’s household in 1840, quite likely the same Elizabeth Hoover.7

So, who was Samuel Hoover?  Possibly a son of George Hoover? The 1800 Wharton township census records of George Hoover include 3 males age <10 (born 17900-1800). Samuel would fit right into the family. So, this is one possibility. It needs much more research to prove, however. Anna Hoover could possibly be Samuel’s widow. The 1850 census record for Anna states that she was born in Maryland.

Hartford Township

In Hartford Township, the senior most Hoover is John Hoover (45+, 1820). Lois Hoover is his wife—they’re listed together in the 1850 U.S. census.8 John is of the correct age to be a son of John2 Hoover (Andrew1). However, at this point there is no proof of any relationship. Unfortunately, people of the same surname in the same location are not always related.

Samuel, John and William are quite possibly sons of John of Hartford Township, while Harmon and Zenas may be grandsons. I saw a post on a message board that stated Samuel Hoover and his wife Phebe sold their farm in Hartford Township in 1839—moving out of the county prior to 1840?9

Conclusions

Census records alone don’t prove much of anything—especially since the pre-1850 records only provide the name of the head of household, not the household’s members. So, I can only speculate that the members of those households are, in fact, Hoovers, are related to the head of the household, and that there is some relationship between households of the same name within the same jurisdiction.

That said, there is sufficient evidence to convince me that it would be worthwhile to dig for more records. I could possibly learn more about John2 Hoover (Andrew1) and George3 Hoover (Henry2, Andrew1). Considering how little I currently I know about these family members, I believe follow-up is definitely warranted.

Do you have information on these Licking County Hoovers? Are you looking for information on these families? Drop me a line and let me know. I’d love to collaborate.

Update (11/14/2016): John Hoover of Franklin and Newark Townships was born in Germany and came to the US about 1775. He was indentured to Jacob Hoover of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and served in the Revolutionary War in the Pennsylvania line. He and Barbara had 14 children, the eldest of whom was 53 on 27 March 1838. Per his pension file, John and Barbara married about 1784 in Chester County about twenty miles west of Philadelphia.

U.S. Federal Census Records

  • Charles Hoover and John Hoover households, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Franklin Township), Page 33; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 93
  • Emanuel Hoover and George Hoover households, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 48; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • Samuel Hoover household, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 47; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • Henry Hoover household, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Johnstown, Monroe Township), Page 47; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • Isaac Hoover household, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Bowling Green Township), Page 40; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • John Hoover and Samuel Hoover households, 1820 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 55; National Archives micropublication M33, roll 94
  • MM Hoover and Mary Hoover households, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 457; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Samuel Hoover and George Hoover households, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 457; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Charles Hoover household, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 393; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • John Hoover household, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 403; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • John Hoover, John Hoover, and William Hoover households, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 483; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Samuel Hoover household, 1830 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 482; National Archives micropublication M19, roll 134
  • Barbara Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 158; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Charles Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 198; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Jesse Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 194; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • MM Hoover and James Hoover households, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 370; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Samuel Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 372; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Saphrona Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Johnstown, Monroe Township), Page 377; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover and Harmon Hoover households, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 367; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover Jr. household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 364; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Isaac Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Grand Township), Page 288; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • Isaac Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (St Albans Township), Page 340; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover household, 1840 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Madison Township), Page 188; National Archives micropublication M704, roll 408
  • John Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 238, Dwelling 987, Family 999, Line 2-3; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702.
  • John Hoover Jr. household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 233, Dwelling 924, Family 936, Line 18-19; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702.
  • Zenas Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County Ohio (Hartford Township), Page 233, Dwelling 925, Family 937, Line 20-25; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702.
  • Eli Pratt household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 205, Dwelling 538, Family 543, Line 6; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • Mahlon Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 204, Dwelling 519, Family 525, Line 12-21; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • James Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 204, Dwelling 519, Family 525, Line 22-32; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • Anna Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Monroe Township), Page 195, Dwelling 387, Family 392, Line 7-10; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • Charles Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 7, Dwelling 90, Family 99, Line 24-29; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702; household includes Barbara Hoover, age 97
  • Jesse Hoover household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Newark Township), Page 4, Dwelling 54, Family 59, Line 36-40; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 702
  • L.J. Dunning household, 1850 United States Census, Licking County, Ohio (Etna Township), Page 314, Dwelling 2049, Family 2087, Line 23; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 703

Tombstone Tuesday: Edwin and Ida Cramer

Kris Hocker on 22 Sep 2009

Edwin and Ida Cramer gravestone

Edwin and Ida Cramer gravestone

Edwin H. (also Edward) CRAMER, son of Lot Irvin and Lucy Dale (GAULT) CRAMER, was born Jan 1872 and died in 1933. In Jul 1904, he married Ida Mae HOOVER, daughter of Samuel Thomas and Victoria (WALKER) HOOVER. Ida was born May 1885 and died in 1961. The couple was buried together in the Advent Cemetery in Pine Glen, Burnside Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania.

Tax Record Definitions

Kris Hocker on 18 Sep 2009

I found these definitions listed on the Chester County [PA] Archives website and found them very helpful. So, I thought I’d share them.

Types of tax records:

  1. return – a list of persons with taxable property without an assigned value listed
  2. assessment – a list of persons with taxable property which includes the assigned values, also may include the amount of various types of property (land, including types of land; cattle, sheep, horses, etc.)
  3. rates – a list of persons with the amount of tax assigned to that individual

Types of individuals listed in tax records:

  1. landholder – someone who holds land by deed or lease
  2. inmate – a married or widowed, landless individual who may own taxable property (like a horse)
  3. freeman – single, free man at least 21 years of age
  4. nonresident landowner – the owner of unoccupied land

I find this list particularly helpful. I’ve always wondered at the definition of “inmate” and how old a man had to be before he was officially “of age” and therefore could be listed in tax records.  Can I also assume he couldn’t own property on his own (without a guardian) until he was 21? If you know, please leave a comment.

Tombstone Tuesday: Clarence G. Hoover

Kris Hocker on 15 Sep 2009

Clarence G. HOOVER (1895-1902)

Clarence G. HOOVER (1895-1902)

Clarence G. HOOVER, son of Samuel Thomas and Victoria (WALKER) HOOVER, was born 24 Mar 1895 in Pine Glen, Burnside Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania and died 1 Apr 1902, also in Pine Glen. He was buried in Advent Cemetery.

Tombstone Tuesday: George and Lovey Houdeshell

Kris Hocker on 8 Sep 2009

George and Lovina (Force) Houdeshell

George and Lovina (Force) Houdeshell

George W. HOUDESHELL, son of Benjamin and Phoebe (MAYES) HOUDESHELL, was born 28 Dec 1868 in Snow Shoe, Snow Shoe Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania and died 29 Nov 1941 in Philipsburg, Rush Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Advent Cemetery in Pine Glen, Burnside Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania on 2 Dec 1941.

George married on20 Jun 1890 Lovina Caroline FORCE, daughter of Jefferson and Susan (MULHOLLAN) FORCE. Lovina was born 28 Jan 1872 in Pine Glen, Burnside Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania and died 28 Oct 1964 also in Pine Glen. She was buried in Advent Cemetery with her husband on 31 Oct 1964.

Tombstone Tuesday: Susan Mulhollan Force

Kris Hocker on 1 Sep 2009

Susan Mulhollan FORCE (1841-1917)

Susan Mulhollan FORCE (1840-1917)

Susan MULHOLLAN, daughter of John and Emily (BOILEAU) MULHOLLAN, was born 14 Jul 1841, according to her death certificate and 17 Jul 1840, according to her gravestone. She died 17 Oct 1917 in Pine Glen, Burnside Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania. She married Jefferson FORCE on 22 Mar 1857. Jefferson was born 9 Dec 1883 and died 20 Oct 1910. The couple is buried in the Advent Cemetery in Pine Glen.

Jacob H/K HACKER

Kris Hocker on 30 Aug 2009

Jacob H./K. Hacker was born 26 Aug 1838 in Pennsylvania, most likely Lancaster County, and died 16 Feb 1906. He was buried in Bowman’s Cemetery in Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania1 Jacob was a farmer.

About 1870, Jacob married Sarah M./A. (___). She was born 6 Feb 1849 and died 26 Jul 1921. She too was buried in Bowman’s Cemetery.2

The couple had seven children, six of whom were still living in 1900:

  1. Franklin K. Hacker was born in Dec 1870 and died in 1952. He was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.3 Frank married Maggie Rishel. The couple had five children: Amos R., Florence M./R., Ernest G., Franklin, and Jacob.
  2. Amanda K. Hacker was born about 1872. She married John S. Turner. The couple had at least one child, a daughter named Anne.
  3. Jacob Hacker was born in Feb 1879. He was a meter reader for a trolley company in 1910.4
  4. Emma Hacker was born Dec 1883. She may have married Frank Crall.
  5. Annie K. Hacker was born May 1886. She married William I. Mull on 3 Dec 1904 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
  6. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hacker was born Nov 1888. She worked in a cigar factory in 1910.4
  7. Lottie Hacker was born 27 Aug 1892 and died 11 Nov 1895. She was buried in Bowman’s Cemetery with her parents.

I am looking for information on this family so that I can determine whether or not they fit into my HACKER/HOCKER family .

Footnotes

  1. “Jacob R. HACKER gravestone,” Bowman’s Cemetery, Ephrata Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 8 April 2002.
  2. “Sarah M. HACKER gravestone,” Bowman’s Cemetery, Ephrata Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 8 April 2002.
  3. “HACKER gravestone,” Cedar Hill Cemetery, Ephrata Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Photographed by Kris Hocker, 8 April 2002.
  4. Sarah HACKER household, 1910 United States census, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (Ephrata Borough), Enumeration District (ED) 45, Sheet 2A, Dwelling 28; National Archives micropublication T624, roll 1353.

Fayette County Hoover Tax Records, cont.

Kris Hocker on 26 Aug 2009

In my last post, I went over what I found in the German Township, Fayette County tax records during my recent trip to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In this post, I’m going to address what I found in the Union and Tyrone Township tax records.

If you recall, I had this information for the township before the trip:

Union Township

  • Andrew Hoover (1785—1788)
  • Henry Hoover (1785—1789)
  • George Hoover (1787—1789)
  • Jacob Hoover (1787—1788)
  • John Hoover (1787—1789)

These tax records, given the timeframe, most likely, refer the sons of Andrew1. I don’t believe his grandsons would be of age in 1785.

The township records on microfilm start in 1810. I looked at records from 1810 through 1825, specifically for any Hoover listed. Here’s a summary of what I found:

  • George Hoover (1810—1825)
  • Philip Hoover (1810, 1815)
  • John Hoover (1810—1811, 1814—1815)

George Hoover first appears as a farmer in 1810 and is listed as such through 1825 when I stopped browsing the records. If I’m reading the records correctly, it appears he had 50-60 acres of land and usually 2 horses and 2 or 3 cattle. In 1824, the tax records also state that he had 1 dog.

I believe that this George Hoover is the son of Andrew2 (Andrew1). George Hoover died intestate on 20 May 1847.[1] According to his estate papers, he resided on the same tract of land in Union Township all his life—a tract that was devised to him by his father Andrew Hoover. His daughter Elizabeth, co-executor of the estate with her brother John, received a patent for the property on 25 Oct 1848.[2]

Philip is listed as a laborer in 1810 and 1815, but there is a note in 1815 that he had “come of age.” John is listed as a plasterer in 1810, 1814, and 1815, but in 1815 there is the note that he has “come in.” It appears that neither John nor Philip owned property.

I believe this John Hoover may be the son of George3 (Andrew2, Andrew1). John Hoover is listed as an heir of George Hoover in George’s estate papers in 1848. John Hoover is listed as being age 45 in the 1850 US Census for Union Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.[3] Also in his household:

  • Elizabeth Hoover, age 52, female, born in Pennsylvania
  • Anice Hoover, age 42, female, born in Pennsylvania
  • Mary Hoover, age 19, female, born in Pennsylvania
  • Jane Carr, age 16, female, born in Pennsylvania
  • Martha Smith, age 9, female, born in Pennsylvania

George’s estate provides an idea on who these females are. Elizabeth Hoover, George’s daughter, was co-executor of the estate. “Anice” is likely Ann, George’s heir, probably a daughter. Mary Hoover was the daughter of Rosanna Hoover, deceased, and granddaughter of George Hoover.[4] Jane Carr was the daughter of Mary Hoover, daughter of George Hoover, and deceased wife of William Carr.[5] Martha Smith may be the daughter of Sarah Hoover and her husband Mark Smith, who were listed as heirs of George.

Also included in George’s estate was his daughter Catharine Hoover, wife of Joseph Downer. Catharine had died prior to the settling of her father’s estate, but her seven children were named: Aaron Downer, John Downer, Jemima Downer, Nathaniel Downer, Joseph Downer, Ann J. Downer, and Adventure Downer. Joseph Downer and his children were in Muscatine, Iowa at the time the estate was settled in 1850, but I’ve been unable to locate them there in census records.

The Philip Hoover is a mystery. It’s possible that he was a son of George3 Hoover. George2 Hoover (Andrew1), George3‘s uncle, had a son Philip who died in Bullskin Township in 1793 and this George also had a grandson named Philip (Christian3, George2, Andrew1). So, the name is not unheard of within the family.

Tyrone Township

I decided to examine Tyrone township tax records because Andrew Hoover purchased land in Tyrone township from John Waller in 1775 and a “widow” Hoover listed in the township during the 1800 US Census. Figuring it was possible Andrew died sometime before 1800, I hoped I might be able to get his wife’s name or perhaps names of his children from the tax records.

I found no Hoovers in the township records for 1799. But in 1801 there were two: Henry Hoover, single, and Sarah Hoover, owner of 1 horse and 1 cattle. The two Hoovers do not appear in subsequent records through 1810.

So, we now know of a Sarah Hoover, most likely a widow, and a Henry Hoover, quite possibly her son, in Tyrone township in 1800/01. Unfortunately, the records do not provide enough information to be able to definitively tie them to our Hoover family.

Footnotes

  1. Fayette County Orphans County Docket, Vol. 4: 259, 369
  2. Fayette County Warrant Book H-46: 603; and Fayette County Warrant Book C-112: 22
  3. John Hoover household, 1850 United States Federal Census, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Union Township, page 166 dwelling 259, family 266; National Archives micropublication M432, roll 779.
  4. Mary Hoover petitioned to have John Hoover as her gaurdian, stating she was the daughter of Rosanna Hoover, a daughter of George Hoover.
  5. Fayette County Orphans Court Docket, Vol, 4: 369; Jane asks for John Hoover a guardian. She was the only heir of her mother.