Oliver Medaris (4) (John Thomas 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1) was born about 1759 in Middlesex County, Virginia in the area known as Dragon Swamp. He married Wilmuth Redd / Redmond about 1782 most likely in Chatham County, North Carolina.

There is debate as to which surname is correct for Wilmuth. There is no hard evidence of either name. The middle name of their eldest son John is a strong clue, but it too has been listed as Redmond in some charts and Redd which could be a shortening of Redmond. According to Charles Cabiac (credits 18) he believes that “Wilmuth’s surname was Redd (not Redmond) based on the fact that the Medarises lived in the northern part of Guilford Co., NC, near the Rockingham Co. line. The Redd family was an important pioneer family in that area, and there is a John Redd Boulevard just across the state line in Martinsville, VA. There are many Redmonds in NC, especially in the mountains, but the surname was not a common one in the piedmont section of the Tarheel State”. However, as we look through the descendancy of Oliver, we will see the name Redmond show up many times. Further research on the Redd and Redmond families will likely be required to solve this little mystery.

Oliver lived in Chatham County, North Carolina in 1782 and witnessed a deed there on 04 Nov. This deed was between John Gregory, father of Elizabeth Gregory, wife of Charles (4), and Gideon Goodwin. (Deed Bk. B, pg. 421) When the First Census was taken in 1790, Oliver and Wilmuth lived in Guilford County, North Carolina. Oliver owned some 300 acres in North Carolina along Troublesome Creek, next to his brother Charles (4).

Oliver later sold this land and moved to Clermont County, Ohio in 1804. They participated in a large movement of about 50 families to Ohio. It is said that the women went by way of “Flatboats” because of the Indian danger and the men went by wagon train. Oliver obtained land in “Union Township” where he and his family lived for 25 years. The land in Ohio was being granted for service in the Revolutionary War. There is no record of Oliver fighting in the revolution, but records are very incomplete. It is possible the land awarded in Ohio was given to Oliver by his brother Brvt Maj. John Medearis who received large areas of land in North Carolina and Tennessee as well.  It is also possible it was given to Wilmuth by her family.

(In a document titled:  North Carolina Revolutionary Army Accounts: Secretary of State, Treasurer’s & Comptroller’s papers, Part 10, Volume 11 – part 12, Volume 12; page 1349 is the following:  3200, Oliver Madares 13,10,-   3,4,4,) It is unclear what this listing is as I could only see a preview online.  If this is a true listing, it is the verification we have been looking for to prove Oliver’s participation as a Revolutionary soldier!

Oliver and Wilmuth had 9 Children:

  1. John Redd / Redmond Medaris (5) b. 1784 in Guilford County, North Carolina. John was married several times.
  2. Abraham Medaris (5) b. 11 May 1787, in Guilford County, North Carolina, d. 29 Dec. 1859. He married Charity Ellsworth.
  3. James Davis Medaris (5) b. 13 Feb. 1788 in Guilford County, North Carolina, d. 8 Feb 1878 Owen County, Indiana.  He married Levisa King.
  4. Newlilly (Lillie) Medaris (5) married John Lucas.
  5. Wilmuth Medaris (5) married Issac Steward on 11 Nov. 1825 in Clermont Co., Ohio. Issac is the brother to Amasa who married Regina below. Issac and Amasa are sons of John Steward, neighbors to Oliver.
  6. Sarah Medaris (5) b. 24 Oct. 1795, called Sally by her family, she married William Ellsworth.
  7. Talitha-Cumi Medaris (5) married John Emry on 27 July 1825 in Clermont Co., Ohio. (
  8. George Washington Medaris (5) b. 17 July 1796 d. 17 July 1881.
  9. Regina Medaris (5) b. 1797 in Guilford Co., NC. d.1861 in Miami Co., OH. She married Amasa Steward on 22 Aug. 1821. (See note above for Wilmuth and the Steward’s.)
  10. Elizabeth Medaris (5) b. 17 Mar 1803 in “Kent”, Guilford Co., NC, d.1876 in Shelby Co., Ohio. Married John Crumbough.

Oliver died in Ohio in 1829. He wrote his will on 08 August 1829. Wilmuth later lived with Abraham until she died on 19 May 1842. She is buried beside John Redd in Old Cemetery, near Plattsville.

(CR: 1790 Guilford Co., North Carolina; 1820 Clermont Co., Ohio)

(credits 20, 18 & 21, 73, 89, 91) 

Generation 5

John Redd / Redmond Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) was born in 1784 in Guilford County, North Carolina. John R. was married several times. His wives were Rachel Beezley, Sarah Barber and Sarah Curtis.

John moved north with his brother Abraham to Miami County, Ohio. He purchased property on 06 June 1802 in Central Ohio. He also purchased land on 02 July 1831 between the Miami and Little Miami Rivers in southwestern Ohio. The area where they lived later became Shelby County. John, Abraham and their sister Sarah, were among the organizers of the Antioch M.E. Church Society about 1820, now known as the Plattsville Methodist Church.  In April 1820, the first election in Green Township was held at the house of John R. Medaris.  The first Justices of the Peace, Henry Sturm & Chas Johnson were elected.

In 1819, John served with a group to lay out a new road described as follows:  “Beginning at or near the 5-mile-tree on the Mosquito creek road, thence to the county line on the east side of section 5, township 2, range 13, at the most proper point for a road to seat of justice of Logan County and make report of your proceedings to the next board of commissioners.”  John was later paid $2.00 for two days service.

On 07 Mar. 1820, the commissioners ordered that “all that part of Orange township that is east of the west tier of sections in the second township of Bath, 12th and 13th range, be erected into a new township, by the name of Green township and that the qualified electors of said township meet at the house of John Medaris, on the first Monday in April next, to elect township officers.”

In 1824, John built the first brick house in Green Township according to the Shelby County, Historical Society. He also built the first mill in Plattsville in 1824; a corn cracker.  “Plattsville, with a population of 134, is located near the center of Green township, on what was the old John R. Medaris farm.  The latter had it surveyed in 1844 by Johnathan Counts, and it was recorded September 26, 1844.  In 1849, an addition to the village was surveyed for J. R. Medaris, and this was recorded on July 4th of that year.”

John apparently died sometime in the 1870’s. He and Sarah are living next door to their son William in the 1870 Harrison, Franklin County, Kansas census. He is buried in Old Cemetery near Plattsville, next to his mother Wilmuth. (Credits 20, 18 & 21) (NOTE: see Oliver’s’ listing for debate of Redd vs Redmond)

John and Rachel’s children are:

  1. Wilmuth Medaris (6) b. 1808. She married Elisha Freeland.
  2. Oliver Medearis (6) b. 1811. He married Sally ????.
  3. Sarah Medaris (6) b. 4 Apr 1813 in Clark Co., Ohio, d. 26 Sept. 1887. She married William Robinson.
  4. Jane Medaris (6) b. 17 July 1817; d. 21 Mar. 1886. She married Minister Peter Sturm.
  5. John Wesley Medaris (6) b. 17 Jul. 1817 in Brown Co, Ohio
  6. Elizabeth Medaris (6) b. 1819 d. 25 Jan 1895. She married William David Fulks b. 6 Dec 1819, d. 7 June 1888. Both are buried at Osceola Grove Cemetery, Stark County, Ill. William is the brother of Levi who married Rachel Medaris, Elizabeth’s sister. He is the son of John and Catherine Creamer Fulks.
  7. Ann Medaris (6) b. 3 Feb. 1822, d. 22 Sept. 1899. She married William Liggett.
  8. Rachel Medaris (6) b. 26 Nov. 1826, d. 3 Nov. 1899. She married Levi Fulks.
  9. Matilda Medaris (6) b. 1827 m-1 George Pickelman m-2 George Shaw. both buried at Osceola Cemetery.
  10. Maria (Mariah) Medaris (6) b. 1828 m. Michael Gleich in 1848, in Shelby Co., Ind.
  11. William John Redmond Medaris (6) b. 1841 in Ohio. Married Parmela A. How.

(CR: 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860 Shelby Co., Ohio; 1870 Franklin Co., Kansas)
(credits 24, 39)

Abraham Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) was born 11 May 1787, in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 29 Dec. 1859 in Mound Township, McDonough County, Illinois. Abraham purchased land between the Miami and Little Miami Rivers in southwestern Ohio on 10 Oct. 1827. After moving into Shelby County, with his brother John, Abraham married Charity Catherine Ellsworth on 09 Oct. 1814 at Champaign, Ohio. She was born 07 Feb. 1795 in Harrison County, Virginia. They were organizers of the Antioch M.E. Church Society about 1820, now known as the Plattsville Methodist Church.   Charity was the daughter of John and Mary Richards Ellsworth.

Abraham and Charity had the following children:

  1. William Medaris (6) b. 11 Nov. 1815 and died in 1858. He married Sarah A. Prudence 19 Oct. 1843 in Shelby County, Ohio.  It does not appear that they had any children.  (CR: 1850, 1860 Miami Co., Ohio)
  2. David Tuttle Medaris (6) b. 19 May 1817 and died 13 Feb. 1905. He married Rebecca Frazier
  3. John Ellsworth Medaris (6) b. 1819 and died 1856. He married Mary Ann Wood.
  4. Mary Elizabeth Medaris (6) b. 1823 she married Hugh Underwood on 12 Jun 1846 in Shelby County, Ohio.
  5. Thomas Beecher Medaris (6) b. 25 Oct. 1826 and died 31 Jan 1919. He married Mary Helen Ingersoll
  6. Simeon Davis Medaris (6) b. 26 May 1830 and died on 28 Apr 1904. He married Elizabeth Kress.
  7. Wilmuth H. Redmond Medaris (6) b. 1832. She married 10 May 1864, to James I. Vannice.  
  8. Jacob Ellsworth Madaris (6) b. 4 Mar 1835 and died 23 Jan 1911. He married Sarah Buster.

Abraham died at the home of his son Thomas Beecher, after a 10-year battle with Cancer according to the 1860 Mortality schedule.  After Abraham’s death, Charity and some of the children lived with her daughter Wilmoth and her family in Gardner Township, Kansas. Charity died in 1896. Abraham and Charity are likely buried in the Old Cemetery near Plattsville.

(CR: 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850 Shelby Co., Ohio; 1870 Gardner Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 18, 20 & 21)

James Davis Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) was born 13 Feb. 1788 in Guilford County, North Carolina, d. 08 Feb. 1878 in Owen County, Indiana.  James purchased property in Ohio south of the Greenville Treaty line, east of the Ohio-Indiana state line and west of the Miami River in southwestern Ohio. He purchased this land 05 Mar. 1832. After moving with the family to Ohio, James married Levisa King on 4 Jan 1809 in Clermont County. Levisa was born 7 Jan 1790.

James and Levisa moved back to Guilford County, NC. James fought in the War of 1812 in Captain Robert McQuistian, North Carolina Artillery. After his father’s death in 1829, James and his family returned to Ohio to claim his inheritance. According to the 1830 Census records, James and Levisa had 10 sons and 1 daughter.

James and Levisa had the following known children, who were all born in Guilford County, North Carolina:

  1. Jonathan H. Medaris (6) b. 26 Dec 1809, d. 01 Sept. 1881. He married (1) Demaris Lucas (2) Sarah Ann King
  2. Ithamer Thomas Redmond Medaris (6) b. 25 Mar 1812, d. 01 Mar 1892 married Elizabeth Stone.
  3. Enorial (Riley) Medaris (6) b. 15 Sept. 1814, married Elizabeth Goodman
  4. Levicy (Jincy) Jane Medaris (6) b. 14 Nov 1816, she married Benjamin B. Howard on 21 Aug. 1839 in Owen County, Indiana.
  5. Dr. Salathiel Medaris (6) b. 4 Jul. 1818, married Mary Cobb in 1837.
  6. Douglas Medaris (6)
  7. Abraham Medaris (6) 19 May 1829 d. 5 Aug. 1890 in Owen County, Indiana. He married Sarah Elisabeth Bledsoe
  8. Massey Wesley Medaris (6) b. 19 May 1821. 
  9. Stephen Cyrus Medaris (6) b. 13 Mar 1823, d. 19 Jan. 1900, married Milly Coble.
  10. Nathaniel Davis Medaris (6) b. 21 Apr 1825, d. 1867. He married Nancy (Nicy) Ann Rogers
  11. James Douglas Medaris (6) b. 16 Mar 1827, d. 21 Apr 1903. He married Elizabeth Coble.

Levisa died 10 Apr 1838 and is buried in Old Plattsville Cemetery in an unmarked grave. After her death, James moved to Owen County, Indiana where he bought land in Montgomery Township. He married Mary Catherine Kimbrough Coble on 8 Dec 1839. Mary had 5 children from her first marriage (she was a widow). Mary was born on 24 Jun 1798 in North Carolina. Her children’s names were:

  1. Peggy Coble b. 4 Jun 1822 in NC,
  2. Elizabeth Coble 21 Nov. 1823 in NC,
  3. Milly Coble 23 May 1825 in NC,
  4. Sally Coble b. 18 May 1827
  5. David Coble b. 14 Aug. 1829 in Indiana. He married 1) Menervia E.???? who died June 27, 1875, aged 39 yrs, 9 mo, 22 da.   David died Mar 11, 1907, aged 77 y, 7 mo, 3 da. He is buried next to 2) Charolet M. Coble “w/o David” b. 21 Oct 1825; d. 06 Sep. 1899 at Age 73 Y 10 M 5 D. This is suspected to be his second wife.

Stephen (6) married Milly Coble, and Douglas (6) married Elizabeth Coble. An unusual Stepsibling marriage. James and Mary had one child between them named:

  1. Mary Jane Medaris (6) b. 27 Feb. 1841. She died on 22 Jun 1850.

James died in 1878, and Mary died in 5 Aug. 1899. James’s occupation was listed in the census as a Farmer and a Minister. James married many couples in Owen County. They are buried in Cuba Cemetery in Owen County, Indiana.

Supporting Documents

Deed Abstracts, Guilford County, NC

7 Aug. 1837 – JOHN NICKLES/NICHOLS to GEORGE PEGRAM for $ 100 – 100 acres on waters of Troublesome & Hogin’s Creek…begin at JOHN WARREN’s corner chesnut…N to JAMES D. MEADERIS’ corner black jack…E. along his line to a stake in a swamp…to chesnut tree in JOHN WARREN’s line…Wit: ITHAMER R. MEDDRI, WESLY THOMAS (jurat). Proved May 1838. (DB 24:124)

4 May 1838 – GEORGE PEGRAM to DANIEL PEGRAM for $ 100 – 100 acres on waters of Troublesome Creek…begin at JOHN WARREN’s corner…N to black jack JAMES D. MEDERIS’ corner now belonging to ARON YORKE…to chesnut in JOHN PEGRAM (jurat), JOHN F (?)EE. Proved May 1838. (DB 24:137)

(note: Daniel Pegram’s daughter Mary, married John 6, Charles 5) 

(CR: 1840 Owen Co., Indiana, 1830 Guilford Co., North Carolina; 1850, 1860, 1870 Owen Co., Indiana)

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 78, 201)

Newlilly (Lillie) Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) married John Lucas. John was b. 1784 in NC. His father immigrated to NC from England.

Newlilly and John had the following known children:

  1. Margaret “Peggy” Lucas (6) b. 25 Feb. 1809 in Clermont, Co., Ohio. She married David Redinbaugh in 1830. He was possibly b. 1804 in Hamilton County, Ohio.
  2. Lillie Lucas (6) married m. John Key, Shelby Co., OH, 1841, d. Shelby Co., OH, 1846, they had two sons.

Newlilly died in 1846.

 (credits 18, 22, 89, 91)

Sarah “Sally” Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) b. 24 Oct. 1795; d. 09 Oct. 1867. She married William Ellsworth in Ohio, on 21 Jan. 1819. William was b. 24 Mar. 1797 in Harrison County, Virginia, d. 14 Oct.1867. They settled in Shelby County, Ohio and William built and operated two Sawmills.  William was the son of John and Mary Richards Ellsworth.

Sarah and William had the following children:

  1. Thomas Haitt Elsworth (6) b. 20 Feb. 1821, married Jane McFarland.
  2. Thomas Milt Ellsworth (6) b. 20 Feb. 1821.
    • Unsure if this was twins or a name confusion but there are also two Sarah’s listed with this family.
  3. Joseph Chevraunt Ellsworth (6) b.01 Jan. 1823 and married Cynthia Wheeler. Joseph was a successful agriculturist residing on section 20, Forest City Township, Mason County, Illinois.
  4. William Elliot Ellsworth (6) b. 15 June 1825: d. 26 Mar. 1909 and married Harriett Ann Randall.
  5. Sarah F. Ellsworth (6) b. 30 July 1826, married Thomas Bird.
  6. Sarah Louise Ellsworth (6) b. 29 Oct. 1827, married Thomas G. Onstot.
  7. Samuel Rite Ellsworth (6) b. 19 Mar. 1830, married Catherine Elizabeth Baker.
  8. John Fletcher Ellsworth (6) b. 11 Feb. 1832, married Margaret Brodrick.
  9. James Medaris Ellsworth (6) b. 09 Mar. 1834, d. 17 Dec. 1901, married Adeline Brodrick.
  10. Bill Cris Ellsworth (6) b. abt. 1836, d. abt. 1836.
  11. Mary Ellsworth (6) b. abt. 1838.
  12. Frank Ellsworth (6) b. abt. 1840.

(credits 39, 201)

George Washington Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) b. 17 July 1796 in North Carolina, d. 17 July 1881 in Perry Twp., Shelby Co., Ohio. He was 14 years old when his family moved from North Carolina to Ohio. In 1833, he removed to Shelby Co. purchasing a farm of 80 acres in Perry Township where he remained until his death.

View a transcript of the Will of George Washington Medaris (Coming soon)

He married 1) Elizabeth Salter on 12 Dec 1819. She was born around 1800. Her name is spelled “Psalter” in some records. According to a biography of Charles F. Medaris, George was engaged in blacksmithing as a youth.

George and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. William Salter Medaris (6) b. 12 Dec 1821 in Clermont, Ohio. d. 7 June 1870 in Laporte, Indiana. He married Elizabeth Wickersham.
  2. Synthia Medaris (6) b. abt 1823 married James Pepper.
  3. Hester Ann Medaris (6) b. abt 1825 married George Jacob Bringle.
  4. Oliver Medaris (6) b. 1820 – 1825 (CR: 1840 Oglethorpe Co., Illinios)
  5. Lib Medaris(6) (f) b. abt 1826
  6. Levi White Medaris (6) b. 19 Dec 1826 in Clermont County, Ohio; d. 18 Nov 1916 in Bathurst, NSW, Australia.  He married Agnes Taylor.
  7. Elizabeth Medaris (6) b. abt 1827 married ???? Ensey
  8. Male (6) b. 1825 – 1830. Shows in 1830, 1840 Ohio Census, so far unidentified.
  9. Matilda Medaris (6) b. 1830 in Ohio
  10. Elijah G. Medaris (6) b. 1833 in Ohio.  He married Josephine Worby.
  11. Jesse Lee Medaris (6) b. 1836 in Ohio.  He married Calista Kline.
  12. Mary Ann Medaris (6) b. 06 Mar 1838 d.1 June 1920 married Nelson Van Buren Gaby.
  13. George W. Medaris (6) b. 1841 in Ohio

Elizabeth died in 1843 when she was only 40 years old.  After her death, Washington married 2) Matilda Ann McDavitt on 27 Aug. 1844.  Together they had nine children.  It is believed that Washington had 20 children in all.

George and Matilda had the following children:

  1. Manerva Medaris (6) b. 1847 in Ohio.
  2. Zachary Taylor Medaris (6) b. 1849 in Ohio, married Lucy Burton.
  3. Charles Fletcher Medaris (6) b. Feb or Apr. 20, 1851, in Perry Township, Ohio, married 1) America Jenny Harcourt, 2) Gertrude M. Tyson.
  4. Gideon Medaris (6) b. 1853 in Ohio, married Lorna Horde and they had: Abba J. Medaris (7) b. 1885 wed Edgar Watkins. (CR: 1910 Yakima Co., Washington)
  5. Thomas Medaris (6) b. 1856 in Ohio, d. 1922.  He married Flora or Dora ???? and they lived in Farmington, Iowa.
  6. Chimea Medaris (6) b. 1857 in Ohio, d. 1918.
  7. Ruth Medaris (6) b. 1858 in Ohio, married A. Dierdoff.
  8. Eli G. Medaris (6) b. 1861 in Ohio
  9. Martha S. Medaris (6) b. 1867, married Will Davis.

(CR: 1820, 1830 Clermont Co., Ohio; 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 Shelby Co., Ohio)

(credits 20, 39, 202, 208)

Regina Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) b. 1797 in Guilford Co., NC. d.1861 in Miami Co., OH. She married Amasa Steward, on 22 Aug. 1821 in Clermont, OH. He was b. abt 1797, in PA., d. Oct. 1858 in Miami Co., Ohio. 

Regina and Amasa had the following children:

  1. William M. Steward (6) b. abt. 1822
  2. Eliza Ann Steward (6) b. abt. 1824
  3. Elizabeth Steward (6) b. abt. 1827, married Samuel DeWeese Murphey. Elizabeth and Delilah were twins and after Elizabeth died her husband Samuel married Delilah!
  4. Delilah Steward (6) b. abt. 1827, married Samuel DeWeese Murphey, after her sister’s death.
  5. David Steward (6) b. abt. 1829
  6. Mary Steward (6) b. abt. 1830
  7. Amasa Maderia Steward Jr. (6) b. abt 1832, buried in Mason, Tenn.
  8. Nancy Jane Steward (6) b. abt. 1835
  9. Robert W. Steward (6) b. abt. 1837
  10. John W. Steward (6) b. 27 July 1841, d. 18 Jan 1932 enlisted 13 Sept. 1861 59th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Company I. 

(credits 73, 112)

Elizabeth Medaris (5) (Oliver 4) b. 1802 in Guilford Co., NC. d.1876 in Shelby Co., Ohio. She married John Baker Crumbough on 29 May 1823 in Shelby County, Ohio. John was born in Kentucky in 1800.

Elizabeth and John had the following children:

  1. Peter C. Crumbough (6) b. 1827
  2. Solomon Crumbough (6) b. 1824 KIA, War for Southern Independence.
  3. Wilmuth Crumbough (6) b. 1825
  4. James Watson Crumbough (6)
  5. Mary E. Crumbough (6) b. 1829
  6. William Crumbough (6) b. 1834 KIA, War for Southern Independence.
  7. Daniel H. Crumbough (6) b. 1835 killed when a wagon overturned after the horses became startled.
  8. Marcellus Crumbough (6) b. 1837 KIA, War for Southern Independence.
  9. Thomas D. Crumbough (6) b. 1841
  10. Sarah Crumbough (6) b. 1842
  11. Hannah J. Crumbough (6) b. 1844
  12. Samuel P. Crumbough (6) b. 1847

(credits 22)

Generation 6

Wilmuth Medaris (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1808. She married Elisha Freeland on 9 Aug. 1827 in Shelby County, Ohio. Elisha was born in 1802 in Kentucky. They had the following children: She had 11 children.

  1. John Freeland (7) b. 12 Aug. 1828; d. 02 Mar. 1889
  2. Sarah Freeland (7) b. 04 Apr. 1830; d. 27 Apr. 1830
  3. Rachel Freeland (7) b. 15 Nov. 1831
  4. Eliza Freeland (7) b. 31 Jan. 1835; d. 29 Jun. 1835
  5. Rufus Freeland (7) b. 02 Jul. 1837; 10 Jul. 1838
  6. Robert Freeland (7) b. 31 Jul. 1839 in Shelby Co., Ohio; d. 21 Oct. 1902 in Stark Co., Illinois. He married Lydia Rowell.
  7. James Freeland (7) b. 31 Jan. 1843
  8. Jacob Freeland (7) b. 08 Aug. 1847
  9. Lydia Freeland (7) b. 11 Mar. 1849; d. 09 Feb. 1873

One source states there were 11 children, if so the other two are unknown.

Oliver Medearis (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1811. He married Sally ????. They lived in Indiana in the 1830’s, Illinois in the 1840’s and in Richland County, Wisconsin in 1850.

    Oliver and Sally had the following children:

  1. Delilah Medearis (7) b. 1837 in Indiana
  2. John W. Medearis (7) b. 1839 in Illinois.  John enlisted into Co. D, 2nd Missouri Cavalry, “Merrill’s Horse Cavalry”.  He enlisted 01 Aug. 1862 at Glasgow, Missouri.  He is shown present in all rolls from Aug. 1862 until Dec. 1864 when he is in a Tennessee Hospital sick.  John died from disease at General Hospital, Memphis Tennessee, 01 Mar. 1865.  The cause of death was chronic diarrhea.  This disorder killed more men in the Civil War than did bullets and artillery.  His enlistment papers say he was born in Illinois.  He was 5′ 91/2″ tall. Dark complexion, black eyes and black hair.  He was unmarried and a farmer by trade.  He was 22 years old when he enlisted. His rank was Private at the time of his death.  He is buried at Miss. River National Cem. near Memphis, Tenn. Section I, grave 26.
  3. Evilina Medearis (7) b. 1841 in Illinois

(CR: 1850 Richland Co, Wisconsin; 1860 Independence Co., Arkansas)

(credits 00)

Sarah Medaris (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 4 Apr 1813 in Clark Co., Ohio, d. 26 Sept. 1887. She married William Robinson on 15 Feb. 1831. Sarah is buried at Osceola Grove Cemetery, Stark County, Ill. William’s great grandfather, John Robinson was a passenger on the Mayflower. 

Sarah and William had the following children:

  1. Eliza Robinson (7) b. 10 Jan. 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio. She married William Cook, 02 Sept. 1860 in Gentry County, Missouri. 
  2. Sarah Jane Robinson (7) married ???? Swearingen
  3. David Robinson (7) married Lydia Hornback
  4. Thomas Robinson (7)
  5. John Henry Robinson (7)
  6. Elizabeth J. Robinson (7)
  7. Margaret Isabell Robinson (7) b. Sept. 1849 married on 14 Feb. 1864 to Martin Vanburen Medaris (7) in Stark Co. Illinois. 1st cousins (John Wesley 7, John Redd 6, Oliver 4)

(credits 39 & FTM)

Jane Medaris (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 17 July 1817; d. 21 Mar. 1886. She married Minister Peter Sturm on 15 Mar 1837 in Shelby Co., Ohio. They had the following children:

  1. Sarah R. Sturm (7) b. 1838, married George Ludlam on 21 Feb. 1856
  2. Margaret “Polly” Sturm (7) b. 23 Dec. 1843, in Illinois.  married (1) Wallace Dunn b. ca. 1850; possibly married (2) Spencer S. Elston on 7 April 1861.
  3. Melissa F. Sturm (7) b. 1850
  4. Catherine R. Sturm (7) b. abt 1856

(One list states that Jane died in Stark Co., Ill in 1860.)

(credits 00)

John Wesley Medaris (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) was born in Brown Co., Ohio on 17 Jul. 1817. He married Sirrelda Barnett.  John died on 01 Jan 1890 and is buried in Snareville Cemetery, Wyoming, Illinois.  In 1850 they were living in Perry Township, Brown County, Ohio.

John and Sirrelda had the following children:

  1. Martin Vanburen Medaris (7) b. 18 Sept. 1840 in Ohio.
  2. Aurora “Lowell” Medaris (7) b. 27 Apr 1842 in Brown Co., Ohio, died 15 Nov. 1935 in Nebraska. Married John D. Vernon.
  3. William B. Medaris (7) b. 09 Mar. 1844 in Brown Co., Ohio.
  4. Alexander Medaris (7) b. 26 Aug. 1846 in Brown Co., Ohio, d. 05 Mar. 1878.
  5. Eliza Wiley Medaris (7) b. 23 Mar. 1849 in Brown Co., Ohio. d. 25 May 1890 in Nebraska. She married Lewis Winters.
  6. James Lewis Medaris (7) b. 27 Jun. 1850 in Stark Co., Illinois, d. 1932.
  7. Joseph S. Medearis (7) b. 17 Dec. 1853 in Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, d. Jun 1933 at Dawson County, Nebraska. He married Isabelle Horrocks.
  8. Franklin Medearis (7) b. 21 Jul. 1856 in Stark Co., Illinios.
  9. Ann Eliza Medaris (7) b. 01 Mar. 1859 in Stark Co., Illinios, d. 16 Jan. 1933. She married Charles Wilbur Hanchett.
  10. Francis J. Medaris (7) b. 28 May 1862 in Stark Co., Illinois, d. 01 Jun. 1879 in Toulon Township. She had no children.
  11. Sarah A. Medaris “Sadie” (7) b. 03 Jul. 1865 in Stark Co., Illinois, d. 26 Dec. 1919 in Wyoming, Illinois.

(CR: 1840 Shelby Co., Ohio; 1850 Brown Co., Ohio; 1860 Stark Co, Illinios)

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, & 32, 54, 95)

Ann Medaris (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 3 Feb. 1822, d. 22 Sept. 1899. She married William Liggett (mentioned in History of Stark County Ill.) b. 20 Jun 1806, d. 23 Apr. 1875. Both are buried at Osceola Grove Cemetery, Stark County, Ill.

They had the following known children:

  1.  J. M. Liggett (7) b. 2 May 1846
  2. W.R. Liggett (7) b. 3 Feb. 1853
  3. Francis J. Liggett (7) b. 30 May 1854

(credits 39)

Rachel Medaris (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 26 Nov. 1826, d. 3 Nov. 1899. She married Levi Fulks b. 24 Oct. 1824 in Shelby Co. Ohio, d. 16 June 1915 in Stark Co., Ill. They were married 10 Nov. 1844 in Brown Co., Ohio. Both are buried at Osceola Grove Cemetery, Stark County, Ill. Their son Levi is buried next to them.

Levi is the son of John and Catherine Creamer Fulks. He traveled west with his small family and his brother’s family in the spring of 1850. His brother William David Fulks was married to Elizabeth Medaris the sister of Levi\’s wife Racheal.

Rachel and Levi had the following children:

  1. Eliza Jane Fulks (7) (twin) b. 30 Oct. 1848. She married John Fry on 22 July 1865
  2. Sarah Ann Fulks (7) (twin)b. 30 Oct. 1848. She married a Mr. Curry
  3. William David Fulks (7) b. 29 Dec 1850, d. 23 Jan 1931. married Eva Elizabeth Harris 1873
  4. Felix Morgan Fulks (7) b 6 Sept. 1853, d. 9 Dec 1941 m Sarah E. Robinson
  5. Elizabeth Ellen Fulks (7) b. 30 June 1858. She married Henry F. McMannus on 15 May 1877.
  6. Mary Catherine Fulks (7) b. 10 June 1860 in Stark Co., d. 4 Dec 1945, married William A. McCormick 25 Dec 1877.
  7. John Francis Fulks (7) b. 13 May 1862. Moved to Kansas
  8. Emma F. Fulks (7) b. 3 Nov. 1864, d. 1955 m William F. Johnson
  9. Levi Fulks Jr. (7) b. 9 Mar 1867, d. Jul. 1964 m Florence H. Hall

This Obituary for Rachel was taken from The Stark Co. News the 6th of Nov. 1899.

Copied here by Donald Fulks (credits 85)

Rachel Medaris Fulk was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, October 25th, 1826 and died at her home near Bradford, November 3rd, 1899, aged seven-three years and nine days. On November 10th, 1844 she was united in marriage to Levi Fulk in Brown County Ohio, and they with their little family removed from there to Illinois in the fall of 1850, and settled in what was then and is yet called Hunter Settlement in the south part of Bureau County. They lived there for two years and then removed to Osceola township this county in the vicinity of where she and her family have lived for more than forty years. In her early life she was classed among the Methodist Episcopal’ s and held to this belief through life. She was kind wife, mother, and neighbor, ever ready to minister to the wants of those in distress. To Mr. and Mrs. Fulk were born ten children-six daughters and four sons-eight of whom with the aged father are left to mourn the death of one who has been to them all that a wife and mother could be.

(credits 39, 85)

William John Redmond Medaris (6) (John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1841 in Ohio. He married Parmela A. ????. They lived in Harrison, Franklin County, Kansas in 1870.

William and Parmela had the following children:

  1. Sara Ella Medaris (7) b. 1864, d. 1946
  2. Laura Melvill Medaris (7) b. March 1866 in Kansas
  3. Ida Estella Medaris (7) b. 1869, d. 1872
  4. Flora Rebecca Medaris (7) b. 1871, d. 1872
  5. Jessie Lee Medaris (7) b. 1873, d. 1876
  6. William A. Medaris (7) b. July 1880 in Kansas

(CR: 1870, 1900, 1910 Franklin Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 39)

David Tuttle Medaris (6) (Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 19 May 1817 in Ohio and died 13 Feb. 1905 in Centerville, Linn County, Kansas. He married 1) Rebecca W. Frazier on 06 Sept. 1838 in Shelby County, Ohio. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Beulah Norcross Frazier. 

Rebecca died 15 Feb. 1893.  David then married 2) Mary Ann Frazier, four months later on 06 June 1893 in Mound City, Linn County, Kansas. Mary was Rebecca’s sister. Mary was b. 1825 in Ridgeville, Warren Co., Ohio and d. 20 March 1894.

David was a farmer and lived in Shelby County, Ohio until about 1855 when they moved to Knox County, Illinois. Then they moved to McDonough County, Illinois leaving there in 1866 to move to Linn Co., Kansas where they lived near Centerville. Many of their children lived near Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas. In addition to the raising of thoroughbred horses, cattle and hogs, David was a wood cutter, a country doctor and a holiness minister.

David married a third time to 3) Trissa ???? McNabb, widow of Henderson McNabb of Sheridan Township. They were married in 1895.

David and Rebecca had the following children:

  1. Mary Elizabeth Medaris (7) b. 16 Sept. 1839, d. 05 June 1915 in Centerville, Linn Co., Kansas. She married John Crozier.
  2. Joseph B. Medaris (7) b. 1841 in Sidney, Shelby Co., Ohio, d. 02 May 1864 in Bushnell, McDonough Co., Illinois. Joseph enlisted in the Army 07 Oct. 1861 in Bushnell, McDonough County, Illinois. He was a Sgt. Co. F, 55 Illinois Infantry, USA. He was Killed in Action. Specifics of his death are not yet known.
  1. Sarah Jane Medaris (7) b. 11 Feb. 1843 in Shelby, Ohio, died 20 Apr. 1930. She married John B. Spicer.
  2. John S. Medaris (7) b. March 1840 in Ohio. He married Alice ????. 
  3. Sylvester Perry Medaris (7) b. 26 Aug 1846, married Abarella Boyd.
  4. Charity Arabeth Medaris (7) b. 06 May 1848 in Ohio, d. 05 July 1918 in Garnett, Anderson Co., Kansas. She married Charles Edward Adams.
  5. Thomas Darwin Medaris (7) b. 16 Apr. 1851 in Shelby Co., Ohio, d. 04 Mar. 1940 in Fowler, Otero Co., Colorado.
  6. Calvin Kidder Medaris (7) b. 1852 in Shelby Co., Ohio, d. 1923 in Linn Co., Kansa. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Calvin was called by his middle name “Kidder”. He never married and lived with his parents. His nieces Cora and Bertha (daughters of Thomas) lived with Kidder in the 1900 census. Kidder owned his farm and in 1900 also had a boarder, Fred Adams born in August of 1881 in Kansas. Fred worked on the farm. In 1910 Kidder was still living in Linn County, Kansas but there was no one else living with him. Kidder still operated his farm in 1920 and his widowed sister, 75-year-old Sarah Spicer, now shared the home with him. (CR: 1900, 1910 Linn Co., Kansas)

(CR: 1840, 1850 Shelby Co., Ohio; 1860, 1870 McDonough Co., Illinios; 1900 Linn Co., Kansas)

(credits 107, 122, 193)

John Ellsworth Medaris (6) (Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 1819 and died 1856. He married Mary Ann Wood in Shelby County, Ohio. I show a date of 29 Sept. 1840 but doubt this is correct given the children’s date of birth.

John and Mary have the following children in the Ohio census.

  1. Marcellus Medaris (7) b. 1846 in Ohio.  He married Caroline Bundy.
  2. Sarah Medaris (7) b. 1849 in Ohio.
  3. Henrietta Medaris (7) b. 1851 in Ohio
  4. Sally Ann Medaris (7) b. 1854 in Ohio.

    After John’s death, Mary married 2) Isaac Stoker 16 May 1858 in Shelby County, Ohio. Isaac was previously married to Sarah Tunks.

(CR: 1850, Shelby Co., Ohio; the children of John are listed under Isaac Stoker in 1860 Shelby Co., Ohio)

(credits 00)

Thomas Beecher Medearis (6) (Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 25 Oct. 1826 and died 31 Jan 1919. He married Mary Helen Ingersoll, b. 27 Apr. 1835 in Ohio; d. 07 Nov. 1917. Thomas and Mary are buried in Gravette Cemetery, Benton County, Arkansas. Thomas fought in an Illinois Regiment during the Civil War. His specific regiment is not known, he shows in the 1862 military census of Illinios.

Thomas and Mary had the following known children:

  1. Charles M. Medearis (7) b. 1862 in Illinois.  
  2. Hattie Medearis (7) b. 1863 in Illinois.  She married Milton F. Mills, 24 Jan. 1889 in Garnett, Anderson Co., Kansas. Milton was born in 1845, married in Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas.
  3. Mary  Medearis (7) b. 1865 in Illinois.
  4. Reuben Abraham  Medearis (7) b. 1868 in Illinois; d. 1941. He married Aurilda Jane Ozbun (Osborn).

(CR: 1860 McDonough Co., Illinois; 1870 Mason Co., Illinios; 1880 Harrison Co., Iowa, 1900 Logan Co., Oklahoma)

(credits 193)

Simeon Davis Medaris (6) (Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 26 May 1830 and died on 28 Apr 1904. He married Elizabeth Kress on 29 Jul. 1857. Elizabeth was b. Nov 1836 and died 1920, the daughter of Jacob and Mary Ann Spellman Kress.

Simeon and Elizabeth had the following known children:

  1. Charles F. Medaris (7) b. July 1858 in Illinios. He married Francis ????, b. July 1863. 
  2. Jacob L. Medaris (7) b. Oct. 1861 in Illinois.  He married Helen B. ????, b. July 1863 in Illinois.
  3. Holly A. Medaris (7) b. April 1863 in Illinois.  He married Delosa P. ????, b. June 1867 in Ohio.  Her maiden name as possibly Wheeler.
  4. Stephen Medaris (7) b. 1866 in Illinois.
  5. Sarah Medaris (7) b. 1868 in Illinois.
  6. Jane Medaris (7) b. 1869 in Illinois.
  7. William Henry Medaris (7) b. Aug. 1870 in Illinois.  He married Minetta Rayburn.
  8. Sherman Medaris (7) b. Feb. 1877 in Kansas. He married Mayme ????.

(CR: 1900, 1910 Labette Co., Kansas, 1870 Logan Co., Illinois)

(credits 00)

Wilmuth H. Redmond Medaris (6) (Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 1832. She married 10 May 1864, to James I. Vannice.  
They had the following known child:

  1. Elmer Vannice (7) b. 1865

(CR: 1870 Gardner Township, Johnson Co., Kansas)

Jacob Ellsworth Madaris (6) (Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 4 Mar 1835 and died 23 Jan 1911. Jacob fought in Company B, 47th Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. He enlisted at Bushnell on 05 Oct. 1864.  His records show him as “Drafted” on 04 Oct. 1864.  After the war he married Sarah Buster.

Jacob and Sarah had one known child. There may be others.

  1. Marcellus Madaris (7) b. Oct. 1869.  He was arrested for burglary and sentenced to 2 years in a prison in Rusk Co., Texas.  He was convicted on 19 Dec 1885 and pardoned on 20th Mar. 1886 by Gov. John Ireland.  It is unclear how much time he actually served.  He was 15 at the time and living in Sherman, Grayson County, Texas.  He is described as 5’3″, 90 lbs., Light complexion, grey eyes and light hair.

(CR: 1870 Gardner Co., Kansas)

(credits 239)

Jonathan H. Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 26 Dec 1809, d. 01 Sept. 1881. He married 1) Demaris Lucas on12 Dec 1832 in Shelby County, Ohio. Demaris died in 1834 and Jonathan purchased property in Northwestern Ohio on 08 Oct. 1835.

Jonathan remarried to 2) Sarah Ann King on12 Nov. 1837 and they had the following children:

  1. Malinda Jane Medaris (7) b. 19 Aug. 1838 in Shelby County, Ohio. She married John Thomas Breeden
  2. Jason Taylor Medaris (7) b. 05 Oct 1840 in Spencer, Owen County, IN, married Sophia E. Galloway.
  3. Jane E. Medaris (7) b. 05 Mar. 1841 in Owen Co., Indiana; d. 29 Mar. 1904 in Ringgold Co., Iowa. She married Abihu T. Anderson.
  4. Dr. Stephen Davis Medaris (7) b. 16 Mar 1845 in Owen County, Indiana.
  5. Johnathon Wood Medaris (7) b. 01 Oct. 1847, d.  02 July 1875. John was married to Frances Mull.
  6. Charles H. Medaris (7) b. 1850, d. 10 Nov. 1905.  He married (1) Alice J. Harcourt, (2) Fannie Reburger. 15 March 1890, Charles and a friend of his, Jesse Smith, were riding a buggy while both were intoxicated. Smith was thrown from the buggy and down a steep embankment killing him.  Charles escaped with minor injuries.
  7. Noah Medaris (7) b. 25 Oct. 1853, d. 15 May 1928. He married Martha Jane Corbett.
  8. Thomas Houston Medaris (7) b. 14 May 1859, d. 25 Sept. 1875

(CR: 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870  Owen Co., Ind.)

(credits 18, 78, 90, 168, 221) 

Ithamer Thomas Redmond Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 25 Mar 1812, in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 01 Mar 1892 in Franklin Township of Owen County, Indiana.   Ithamer married Elizabeth Stone. She was b. 16 Feb. 1812, d. 10 Mar 1898. He was buried in Andrew Livingston Cemetery. 

In 1850 he is living in Washington, Owen County, Indiana. 1860 he is in Beech Creek, Greene County, Indiana. Ithamer shows in the 1880 Indiana census as I. Thomas Madaras. He shows on earlier deed records as Ithamer R. Meddri.

Ithamer and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. Mary A. Medaris (7) b. 1840 in Indiana
  2. Francis Louise Medaris (7) b. 20 Mar. 1841 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 09 Nov. 1875 in Owen County, Indiana. Married William Thomas Sparks.
  3. Indiana A. Medaris (7) b. 1843 in Indiana
  4. Samuel N. A. Medaris (7) b. 1845 in Indiana, d. 1922 in Oregon. He married Annie McMahan.
  5. Rufus D. Medaris (7) b. 1848 in Indiana
  6. William Worth Medaris (7) b. 1850 in Indiana.  Married 1) Elizabeth ????.  2) Lavina ????.
  7. Merty Medaris (8) b. 1878 in Indiana.
  8. Elizabeth A. Medaris (7) b. 1852 in Indiana

Supporting Documents

The following obituary for Ithamer appeared on Mar. 24, 1892.

Ithamer Medaris was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, near Greensboro, in 1811, and died March 1, 1892, in Owen County, Indiana.  When 18 years of age Ithamer Medaris and his brother Johnathon, came to Ohio, where the remained a year or two.  His father and family joined him a little later.  Ithamer returned to North Carolina, where he married Elizabeth Stone.  After two years he returned to Ohio and remained one year and then came to Indiana, in 1838, and followed farming and boating for a livelihood.  Eight children were the result of their marriage, four boys and four girls, two sons and two daughters and the widow still living to mourn his death.  He was always a Democrat and was loved by all who knew him.  He was not a member of any church, but believed in the Saviour and his God.  His illness dated back to last August. He was ready and willing to die, and expressed great hope in meeting his Savior.

S.N. Medaris

(CR: 1840, 1850 Owen Co., Indiana; 1860 Green Co., Indiana, 1880 Owen Co., Indiana)

(credits 00, 78, 111)

Enorial (Riley) Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 15 Sept. 1814 in NC., married Elizabeth Goodman on 02 July 1840 in Gibson Tenn. Eno was listed as a carpenter in the 1860 Franklin Co. Ill. census.

Eno and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. Nancy A. Medaris (7) b. 1846 in Illinois.
  2. Margaret Lucinda Medaris (7) b. 1852 in Kentucky, she married James Franklin LaRowe and lived in Randolph and Perry counties, Illinois.
  3. John A. Medaris (7) b. 1858, Illinois.

(CR: 1860 Franklin Co., Illinois)

(credits 19, 126)

Levicy (Jincy) Jane Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 14 Nov 1816, she married Benjamin B. Howard on 21 Aug. 1839 in Owen County, Indiana. Between the years of 1850 and 1860, Jincy and Benjamin settled in Keytesville, Chariton County, Mo. It is in this same town that some of their descendants reside to this very day.

Levicy and Benjamin had the following known children:

  1. William W. Howard (7) b. 1840 in Ind.
  2. James D. Howard (7) b. 1842 in Ind.
  3. Pleasant E. Howard (7) b. 1844 in Ind.
  4. John W. Howard (7) b. 1846 in Ind.
  5. Franklin  Howard (7) b. 1852 in Ind.
  6. Mary E.  Howard (7) b. 1856 in Ind.

(CR: 1850 Lawrence Co., Indiana)

(credits 18, 174) 

Dr. Salathiel Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 4 Jul. 1818.  Salathiel is a curious and mysterious ancestor.  It is almost certain that he attended Medical School in Clermont County, Ohio.  Salathiel was married at least 4 times. Most of Salathiel’s wives died shortly after the birth of their children. It appears that Salathiel left his children with some of his deceased wives’ families. He must have divorced his 3rd wife Sarah Elizabeth Hollomon because on 19 December 1858 she married T. Shadres Edrington and she took her child by Salathiel, Nancy J. Medaris with her and they are found living with her mother and husband in the 1870 census.

             Jerry Wilson, descendant and contributor #111, speculates that after his discharge from Military Service, he lived very near his Dyer in-laws until his death. “I have always been told his last daughter, Ella B. Medaris lived with her Dyer grandparents after her mother, Acenith Dyer and father’s death.”

            Salathiel left a rather large estate, about $1800, which was settled by his Dyer in-laws.  No will has been found. 

            Salathiel was Assistant Surgeon for the 15th Regiment, Kentucky Cavalry, USA.  He was discharged on 23 Apr. 1863 because of his age. Salathiel married (1) Mary Cobb in 1837. She died prior to 1850 and Salathiel relocated to Obion County.  

Salathiel and Mary had the following children:

  1. Mary Medaris (7)
  2. J. N. Medaris (7) b. 1843. A male who in the 1870 census is living with N.J. Holoman age 28 and his wife Mary Holoman age 27. Possibly J. Nathan. See note below *.

Salathiel married (2) Nancy Jane Osburn on 23 Nov 1851 in Obion County, Ohio. He married (3) Sarah Elizabeth Holloman. Their license was issued 03 Feb. 1854. 

Salathiel and Sarah had the following children:

  1. James S. Medaris (7) b. 15 Aug. 1852 in Tennessee, he married Sarah A. Carter.
  2. Nancy J. Medaris (7) b. 1854 in Tenn.  She married Thomas Chalmers Finley, Sr.

These children are in the 1870 census living with N.J. Holoman age 28 and his wife Mary Holoman age 27.

Salathiel then married (4) Acenith Ella Dyer on 07 Jan. 1855 and they had the following child:

  1. Ella B. Medaris (7) her mother died shortly after her birth, and she was raised by her maternal grandparents. She married Lemuel Jasper Chowning.

There were other children born to Salathiel and one of his many wives. The two children listed below were mentioned in the memoirs of Dr. James Henderson Medaris. It is uncertain as to their birthdates and therefore their maternity.

  1. John Medaris (7)
  2. Nathan* Medaris (7) 

(CR: Salathiel 1850 Obio Co., Tennessee, 1860 Weakley County, Tennessee) (Children’s listings: 1860 Obion Co., Tennessee)

(credits: based on a brief biography by Jerry Wilson 111, 143)

Abraham Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4)19 May 1829 d. 5 Aug. 1889 in Owen County, Indiana. He married Sarah Elisabeth Bledsoe b. 1833 in Putnam County, Indiana, d. 30 Oct. 1906. She was the daughter of Joel and Judy Runyan Bledsoe. They were married 11 Aug. 1850.

On 22 May 1849, Abraham bought 2 parcels of land from his father, James D. These two parcels are located in Jennings Township, Owen County, IN. These two parcels were sold on September 26, 1851. Elizabeth purchased land October 31, 1861, in Jefferson Township, Owen County, Indiana.

Abraham and Sarah had the following children:

  1. Sarah Emmeline Medaris (7) b. 22 Sept. 1852
  2. Mary Jane Medaris (7) b. 1854/5 Owen Co., Indiana d. 1934 in Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana.
  3. Levisa Ann Medaris (7) b 6 May 1855, d. 10 March 1931
  4. Juda Melvina Medaris (7) b. 6 Oct. 1857, d. 1868
  5. Francis Marion Medaris (7) b. 14, Feb. 1859
  6. Polina Isabel Medaris (7) (twin) b. 1862
  7. William Washington Medaris (7) (twin) b. 1862
  8. Phillip Vorhees Medaris (7) b. 1865, d. June 1892
  9. Maria Alice Medaris (7) b. 4 July 1867, d. 17 November 1939.
  10. Margaret Priscilla Medaris (7) b. 1870, d. 1955, married Oren Foster, buried at Pleasant Bethel Cemetery.
  11. Ella May Medaris (7) b. 22 Nov. 1872, d. Feb. 1945
  12. Laura Etta Medaris (7) b. 26 Jan. 1877, d. 16 Aug. 1968, married (1) Albert Cruse, (2) Frank Engel.

Abraham, Sarah, Juda and Phillip are buried in Pleasant Bethel Cemetery, Owen Co., IN.

(CR: 1860, 1870, 1880 Owen County, Ind.)

(credits 18, 78) 

Massey Wesley Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 19 May 1821, in North Carolina, He married Catherine Hudling who was b. 1824 in North Carolina. 

Thay had the following known children:

  1. Mary E. Medaris (7) b. 1843 in Indiana
  2. William Evans Medaris (7) b. 1845 in Indiana.
  3. Thomas M. Medaris (7) b. 1848 in Indiana.

(CR: 1850 Lawrence Co., Ind.) 

(credits 203)

Stephen Cyrus Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 13 Mar 1823, d. 19 Jan 1900. He married (1) Milly Coble, his stepsister, on 16 Oct. 1843 in Owen County, Indiana. She was b. 23 May 1825 in Indiana: d. 29 July 1879 in Owen County, Indiana.

Stephen and Milly had the following children:

  1. William Hastings Medaris (7) b. 6 June 1848. d. 1933
  2. Dr. James Henderson Medaris (7) b. 07 Nov. 1851, d. 11 Nov. 1923. He married Samilda Dorcas Davis
  3. Sara Katherine Medaris (7) b. 21 Feb. 1854, married Ruben Spear.
  4. Minerva Jane Medaris (7) b. 12 Jun 1856, married W. S. Williams on 17 Mar 1880.
  5. Mary Hesteline Medaris (7) b. 31 Oct. 1858 (twin), married Miles Homer Perkins.
  6. Martha Emiline Medaris (7) b. 31 Oct. 1858 (twin), d. 13 July 1939. She married John H Laymon on 07 April 1889.
  7. Laura Indiana Medaris (7) b. 29 Dec 1861, d. 05 Feb. 1941. She married Frank McCormick on 25 Feb. 1881
  8. Ada Ellen Medaris (7) b. 1 Jun 1864, d. 27 Nov. 1959.  She married Dr. William H. Rice on 20 Apr 1885
  9. Stephen Cyrus Medaris (7) b. 12 Sept. 1867, d. 19 Nov. 1947. He married Pluma Laymon

Milly Coble Medaris died on 29 July 1879. She died in Owen County, Indiana and is buried in Cuba Methodist Cemetery.  Stephen then married (2) Amanda Long on 31 July 1881 and they had the following children:

  1. Della Julitza Medaris (7) b. 1 Jul. 1882 in Owen County, Indiana.  She married James Porter Noanes (Naanes/Nantz) in Owen County, Indiana on May 13, 1900.
  2. Effie Louise Medaris (7) b. 30 Oct. 1885 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 26 March 1978.  She married Charles A. Brown on 03 Nov. 1906 in Owen County, Indiana. She married 2) Walter Van Sant and they had four children. Effie Medaris Brown Van Sant is contributor #22 to our family tree.
  3. Ledoska May (Dossie) Medaris (7) b. 25 Dec 1888 in Owen County, Indiana.  She married Roy E. Waggoner, b. 24 Nov 1888; d. 05 Mar 1978.

Stephen was a cattle buyer.  He is buried in Cuba Methodist Cemetery next to Millie. Amanda died on 07 June 1928 in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was 80 years old. She was buried in Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, Indiana of Owen County at the side of her brother, Jonathan Long. The following obituaries appeared on 07 June 1928.

“Mrs. Amanda Madaris Dies“

“Mrs. Amanda Madaris age 80 years, step mother of S. C. Madaris and Mrs. W. H. Rice of this city, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Effie Van SAnt, at Indianapolis Thursday. She is survived by three daughters and seven step children.

Funeral services will be held at the Spencer Christian church, Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by the Rev. Wiley S. Hastings.”

“PIONEER WOMAN IS DEAD”

“Mrs. Amanda Medaris Who Died At Indianapolis, Brought Here For Burial Saturday“

“At a very early day Johnathan and Malinda Long came from Ohio and settled near what is now called Patricksburg and began the great task of life. They reared a family in an unbroken forest. It is said that where they chose to build their first cabin which was to be their home the only sunlight to penetrate to the earth was when the first tree was cut down to build this home.

They experienced the hardships of a pioneer but by their sturdy and determined efforts they made for themselves a home where four sons and six daughters grew to manhood and womanhood and among this number was Amanda the sixth of this large family who was born March 30th, 1848. And as recalled by many, this was yet in the days of the spinning wheel, the loom and planting corn by hand and she like all other girls of that time did her part willingly at these tasks. Naturally, she was of a jolly nature, always seeing the beauty in a healthful life and always tried to make others happy with whom she was associated.

She was united in marriage to Stephen Medaris, July 31, 1880 and to this union were born three daughters, now Mrs. Della Wall, of Chicago; Mrs. Effie VanSant of Indianapolis and Mrs. Dossie Waggoner of Darlington, Indiana.

For more than a quarter of a century she resided in the community near Cuba, Indiana and was favorably and well known to all. Her natural, genial disposition won for her a place in the hearts of the people and her presence brought sunshine to the home of sorrow or distress. With willing hands she was always ready to soothe the fevered brow and keep vigil by the bedside of a sick friend or neighbor.

In 1889 a Christian Church was organized and called Mill Creek Chapel, situated north of Spencer. She with her husband were charter members and by their efforts a building was erected. She was a member that could be depended upon, always there, ever ready for service, and superintended the Sunday School for a number of years. The memory of the work did by her is cherished by many yet living today.

The husband died in 1900 leaving the wife and daughters on the farm. In 1912 she moved to Indianapolis and has since made her home with her daughters. To them she was a guide in their youth, a counselor in their ripening years and was a friend to all she knew when others failed.

She not only loved her home but she loved her church home as well and took membership in the nearest church of her choice where she could attend and be inspired by its influence.

The more we reflect on the life of this one, the more entirely are we convinced that no influence is so lasting in the community as the Christian life she lived and the kind deed done by her willing hands.

Having lived a useful life for four score years, 2 months, 7 days, she departed from this life at the home of her daughter, Effie, 4312 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, June 7, 1928. Besides the three daughters she leaves 15 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 7 step children, and 3 brothers, 1 sister and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services conducted by Rev. W. S. Hastings, Christian Church, Spencer. Interment in Riverside Cemetery, Hensley & Cure, Gosport, Indiana, Undertakers.

Card of Thanks

We desire to thank all those who assisted in any way in our bereavement of the death and burial of Mother. –The Family.

(CR: 1850, 1860, 1870 Owen Co., Ind.)

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, & 32, 78, 90, 201)    

Nathaniel Davis Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 21 Apr 1825, d. 1867. He married Nancy Ann Rogers on 11 Dec 1845 in Owen County, Indiana. Her name is listed as “Nicy” on the marriage bond. They are buried in Cuba Cemetery in Owen County, Indiana.

Nancy died around 1859 possibly from complications related to the birth of Houston.  After her death the children were spread out with other family members to be cared for. The clue to these children’s parentage was in the census records. Listed under the families of James D., Abraham and Jonathan H., their ages were out of order with the other children. This slight out of sequence hint helped solve the mystery of the children of Nathaniel and Nancy. It is suspected that there are other unidentified children between Lucinda (1852) and Nathan D. (1857). They are possibly listed with their aunt, Levicy, and I suspect they will be found as more census records are located.

Nathaniel and Nancy had the following children:

  1. Zurilda C. Medaris (7) b. 1846 or 47 in Indiana, lived with her uncle Abraham, after the death of her mother.
  2. Nancy J. Medaris (7) b. 1847 in Indiana, lived with her uncle James D., after the death of her mother.
  3. Jonathon W. Medaris (7) b. 1851 in Indiana, lived with his uncle James D., after the death of her mother.
  4. Lucinda Ann Medaris (7) b. 12 July1852 in Ownes Count, Spencer, Indiana; d. 29 Sept 1927 in Cherry County, Cody, Nebraska. She married (1) James Deal, (2) Edward Stout.
  5. Nathan D. Medaris (7) b. 1857 in Indiana, lived with his uncle Abraham, after the death of his mother.
  6. Houston Medaris (7) b. 1859 in Indiana. Lived with his uncle Jonathan after his mother’s death.

(CR: 1850 Owen Co., Ind)

(credits 00, 111, 168)  

James Douglas Medaris (6) (James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 16 Mar 1827 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 21 Apr 1903 in San Diego, San Diego County, California. James was a minister and performed many marriages in Owen County, Indiana. James married Elizabeth Coble on 24 Jun 1841 in Owen County, Indiana. Elizabeth was James’ stepsister, and sister to his brother Stephen’s wife Milly Coble. Elizabeth was born 21 Nov 1823 in Spencer, Owen County, Indiana and died 17 Nov 1904 in San Diego, San Diego County, California.

James D. and Elizabeth moved from North Carolina to Spencer Ind. and the deed to their land was signed by Martin Van Buren in 1840.

James and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. Mary Jane Medaris (7) b. 1858 in Indiana.  She married Charles Ring in 1871.
  2. Sarah Mina Medaris (7) b. 1854 in Indiana.  She married Jacob Alexander Ring in 1872.  In 1891 Sarah Mina Ring died from a complicated childbirth leaving her husband with 3 small children. The 3-week-old baby, Mina, was cared for and raised by their uncle and aunt, Thomas and Alice.
  3. Louvisa A. Medaris (7) b. 1856 in Indiana.  She married Alexander Ring in 1877.
  4. Melinda Alice Medaris (7) b. 1859 in Indiana.  She married Thomas Ring.
  5. Emma Medaris (7) b. 1863 in Indiana married D. S. Mull.

The Ring boys (with Medaris wives) moved to St. John Kansas in 1885. Charles, Jacob and Alexander did not stay there long, all three were great carpenters and they headed west with their families and were employed in the contracting and building of the huge Coronado Hotel on Coronado Island, San Deigo, Ca.  from 1888 to 1894. The other brother Thomas stayed in Holton, Kansas to be a merchant and made it their home.

(CR: 1860, 1870, 1880 Owen Co., Indiana, 1900 San Diego, California)

Findagrave: James Douglas Elizabeth Coble

(credits 00, 111, 206)

William Salter Medaris (6) (George W 5, Oliver 4) b. 12 Dec 1821 in Clermont, Ohio. d. 7 June 1870 in Laporte, Indiana. William married Elizabeth D. Wickersham on 04 Aug. 1849 in Laporte, Indiana. Elizabeth was b. 2 Feb. 1821 in Virginia, d. 30 Mar 1890 in LaPorte, Indiana.

In 1838 William S. Medaris manufactured wagons in New Durham, Indiana. William sold his wagon shop in 1850 to William B. Webber. In 1852, Capt. Joseph Davis and his son, Caleb Davis, built a steam sawmill in New Durham township, a mile and a quarter north of the village of New Durham. In the year 1854 or 1855, it was sold to William S. Medaris, who moved it to a point near the railroad.  In 1860, a boy named Landon was drowned in a pond near Medaris’ mill.  In 1880 it was written that the pond no longer contained water but was dry.

William and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. Charles E. Medaris (7) b. 21 Aug. 1850 in Laporte, Ind, d. 26 Feb. 1925 in Westville, Ind.   He married1) Alice ????.  
  2. Franklin Elmore Medaris (7) b. Oct. 1852 in Laporte, Ind. He married d. 1933. He married Mary E. Flynn on 22 Dec 1880
  3. John Milton Medaris (7) b. Nov. 1853 in Pinhook, Indiana, d. 10 Mar. 1937 in Michigan City, Ind. He married Martha Ellen Lucas.
  4. James A. Medaris (7) b. 1856.
  5. William F. Medaris (7) * Twin b. 1859, d. 1941 in New Durham Township, Indiana. He never married.
  6. Mary J. Medaris (7) * Twin b. 1859, d. 1932. She never married.
  7. Albert Medaris (7) never married.
  8. Hiram Medaris (7) b. 1864, d. 1931. He never married.

(CR: 1850, 1860 Laporte Co., Ind.)

(credits 20, 39, 89)

Hester Ann Medaris (6) (George W 5, Oliver 4) b. abt 1825 married George Jacob Bringle on 4 Jan 1852 in Pike County, Illinois.

Hester and George had the following children:

  1. George Albert Bringle (7) b. 23 Nov. 1852
  2. William Oliver Bringle (7) b. 27 Aug. 1854
  3. Frances Tenoia Bringle (7) b. 27 Dec 1856
  4. Clara Bringle (7) b. 22 Dec 1858 (Twin)
  5. Emma (Emily) Bringle (7) b. 22 Dec 1858 (Twin)
  6. Effie Ann Bringle (7) b. 23 Oct. 1863
  7. Marshall Bringle (7) b. 27 Nov. 1866
  8. Ada Bringle (7) b. 24 Feb. 1868 (Twin)
  9. Ida Bringle (7) b. 24 Feb. 1868 (Twin)
  10. Nora Bringle (7) b. 27 Aug. 1872

(credits 87)

Levi White Medaris (6) (George W 5, Oliver 4) b. 19 Dec 1826 in Miami Township, Clermont Co., Ohio. d. 18 Nov. 1916 at 141 Keppel St Bathurst, NSW, Australia.  Levi moved to the gold fields of Bathurst, Australia during the Goldrush era of 1856.

Levi married Agnes Taylor, 07 April 1859 in Manse of St. Stephen, Bathurst, NSW, Australia.  Agnes was b. 07 July 1840 in Perthshire, Scotland; died 09 Nov. 1932 in Bathurst, NSW, Australia. She was the daughter of Andrew and Catherine Boag Taylor.

Levi and Agnes had the following children:

  1. Elisabeth Medaris (7) b. 11 Feb 1860 in Bathurst, NSW, Australia; d. 1902 in Taralga, NSW, Australia.  Elizabeth married William Richard Williams.
  2. Catherine Ester Medaris (7) b. 01 Feb 1862 in Bathurst, d. 09 Dec 1862 in Bathurst.
  3. William Edward Medaris (7) b. 16 Oct 1863 in Bathurst. He married Mary O’Connor.
  4. Andrew G. Medaris (7) b. 30 Apr 1865 in Bathurstt. He died 1928 in Bathurst.
  5. John Medaris (7) b. 20 Mar 1867 in Bathurst, d.1934 in Bathurst. John married Mary Medaris.
  6. James Levi Medaris (7) b. 09 July 1870 in Bathurst. He married 1) Mary L. Atkins 2) Fannie Bastable.
  7. George Medaris (7) b. 08 Aug 1872 in Bathurst.
  8. Frank Bathurst Medaris (7) b. 03 Dec 1874 in Bathurst, d. 05 Mar 1881 in Bathurst.
  9. Margaretha Medaris (7) b. 15 Sept 1877 in Bathurst, married Claude Limonaire in 1916
  10. Sydney Medaris (7) b. 23 Nov 1879 in Bathurst.
  11. Oliver Cromwell Medaris (7) b. 08 Oct. 1881 in Bathurst NSW Australia, d. 24 Nov. 1940 in Ashfield NSW Australia.  He married Alice May Jeannie Wright.
  12. Thomas Burkam Medaris (7) b. 09 Jan 1884 in Bathurst. He married Janet M. Toohey, in 1908.

(credits 202)

Elijah G. Medaris (6) (George W 5, Oliver 4) b. 1833 in Ohio.  He married Josephine Worby.  In 1870 they lived in Lake Township, Berrian County, Charlotteville P.O., Michigan. Elijah owned a sawmill and had several employees.  The value of his property was listed as $10,000. 

Elijah and Josephine had the following children listed in the 1870 census.

  1. Lona Medaris (7) b. 1863 in Michigan.
  2. Churchill Medaris (7) b. 1867 in Michigan.

(credits 00)

Jesse Lee Medaris (6) (George W 5, Oliver 4) b. 1836 in Ohio.  He married 1) Alice Tolliver, on 13 Sept. 1860 in Porter County, Indiana.  
    Jesse and Alice had the following children:

  1. Henry Lee Medaris (7) b. 1864 in Michigan.

    It is unknown what happened to Alice, but Jesse married 2) Calista Kline on 25 Dec. 1868 in Marshall County, Indiana.  She was born 1850 in Ohio.  Jesse lived in Michigan in the mid 1860’s along with his brother Elijah. In 1870, he was employed as a “Sawmill Man” in Bourbon Township, Marshall County, Indiana.

(cr: 1870 Marshall Co., Indiana)

Mary Ann Medaris (6) (George W 5, Oliver 4) b. 6 Mar 1838 d.1 June 1920 married Nelson Van Buren Gaby on 16 Sept. 1855. Mary was born in Shelby Ohio, died in Chicago Ill.

Mary and Nelson had the following children:

  1. George Sylvester Gaby (7) b. 15 Feb 1856, White County, IN, d. 17 April 1941, Allen County, IN. Married Mary R. Cochran
  2. Timothy Oliver Gaby (7) b. 05 Nov. 1857, Noble County, IN, d. 1945, Porter County, IN. Married Myrtle ????
  3. Arvesta Jane Gaby (7) b. 05 June 1859, Noble County, IN, d. 23 Jan. 1861, Noble County, IN
  4. Mary Ceceila Gaby (7) b. 24 Nov. 1862, d. 10 May 1922, Chicago, IL. Married Will Ormsby.
  5. William Nelson Gaby (7) b. 14 Nov. 1865, Noble County, IN.
  6. Emma Annabell Gaby (7) b. 25 Aug. 1867, Noble County, IN, d. 12 Feb. 1957, Chicago, IL. Married Joseph Marion Harkless, June 25, 1888, Albion IN (later divorced)

(credits 116)

Charles Fletcher Medaris (6) (George W. 5, Oliver 4) b. 20 Feb 1851 in Perry Township, Ohio; d. 01 Mar 1931 in Conover, Miami County, Ohio. Charles married America Jenny Harcourt, 23 Jan. 1875 in Miami Co., Ohio. She was the daughter of Francis A. and Martha S. McDavitt Harcourt.  Charles was killed 01 Mar 1831 when a buggy he was riding in was struck by Grover Hubbard of Piqua, Ohio.  Grover was driving drunk at the time.  Charles is buried at Fletcher Cemetery, Fletcher, Miami County, Ohio. (Findagrave)

Charles and America had the following known children. There are likely more between 1876 and 1885.

  1. Percy Harcourt Medaris (7) b. 15 Feb. 1876; d. 03 July 1953 in Pueblo, Colorado. He married Maud M. ????, likely in Colorado. 
  2. Fay Medaris (7) b. 25 Dec 1885 in Brown, Miami, Ohio. (cr: 1900 Brown, Miami, Ohio; 1910 Green, Shelby, Ohio; 1930 Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio)
  3. Earnest Rex Medaris (7) b. 14 Mar 1887 in Brown, Miami, Ohio.  He served in Co. B, 324 Field Artillery.  He enlisted 26 Dec 1917 in Troy, Ohio.  He transferred to Bakers and Cooks 24 Mar 1918, then to Chemical Warfare Service until his discharge 11 Jan 1919.  (cr: 1900 Miami Co., Ohio; 1910 Garfield Co., Colorado; 1917 York, Nebraska; 1942 Detroit, Michigan)

America died sometime after the birth of Rex. Charles remarried 2) Gertrude Mae Tyson, daughter of George William and Mary Ellen Warner Tyson. Gertrude was b. 27 Dec. 1873 in Fletcher Township, Miami County, Ohio; d. 02 Mar 1937 in Auglaize Co., Ohio.  She is buried at Fletcher Cemetery, Fletcher, Miami County, Ohio. (Findagrave)

Charles and Gertrude had the following children:

  1. Clarence Elwood Medaris (7) b. 02 Dec. 1897 in Ohio; d. Mar 1959 in Ohio.  He is buried at Fletcher Cemetery, Fletcher, Miami County, Ohio. (Findagrave)  He married Zelma E. ????.  Zelma was b. 30 Sept 1901; d. 18 Feb 1991. (Findagrave)
  2. Lloyd G. Medaris (7) b. Aug. 1899 in Ohio.
  3. Charley Edgar Medaris (7) b. 09 Dec. 1901 in Conover, Brown Twp., Miami Co., Ohio; d. 21 Aug. 1967 in Belvidere, Illinois. He is buried in Belvidere Cemetery. About 1921 Charles enlisted in the Regular Army. On 22 Sept. 1942 he enlisted again in the Army Reserves in Chicago, Illinois. He married Ruth Cecelia Lorenz on 02 Dec. 1943 in Belvidere, Boone Co., Illinois.
  4. Ruth P. Medaris (7) b. 28 Jun 1904 in Miami Co., Ohio; d. 01 July 1911 in Miami Co., Ohio at the age of 6.  She is buried at Fletcher Cemetery, Fletcher, Miami County, Ohio. (Findagrave)
  5. Jean A. Medaris (7) b. 29 Jan 1908 in Miami Co., Ohio; d. 13 Feb 1999 in Miamisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio.  She married Dr. Riley Lawrence Hardacre on 24 Dec 1931. 

Biographies from Miami County, Ohio

Page 491, 1880 History Miami Co

C. F. MEDARIS, farmer; P.O. Conover; was born in Shelby Co., Ohio, Feb. 20, 1851, and is a son of Washington Medaris, who was born in South Carolina in the year 1796; his boyhood days were spent on the farm, receiving only a limited education; at the age of 14 years, he, with his parents, emigrated West, locating in Batavia, Clermont Co.,Ohio; at 22 he engaged in blacksmithing, which he continued working at during life; in 1833, he removed to Shelby Co. purchasing a farm of 80 acres in Perry Township, where he now resides, at the advanced age of 84. Near 1821, he married Elizabeth Psalter, who was a native of Clermont Co., Ohio, and died in Shelby Co., about 1840 or 1841. He married, for his second wife, Matilda A. McDavitt, of Miami Co. Mr. Medaris was raised on the farm, and received an ordinary education; he came to this county in December, 1868, where he has since resided. Jan. 23, 1875, his nuptials with Miss America H. Harcourt were celebrated; she was born on the farm where she now resides; they have one child – Perry H., born Feb. 15, 1876. Mrs. Madaris is a daughter of Francis A. and Martha S. (McDavitt) Harcourt; Francis A. is a native of England, and immigrated to America about the middle of the nineteenth century; Mrs. Harcourt was born in Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1825, and immigrated to Miami Co., about 1832, where she has since resided.

(CR: 1860 Shelby Co, Ohio; 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930 Miami Co, Ohio)

(credits 238)

Thomas Medaris (6) (George W. 5, Oliver 4) b. 1856 in Ohio, d. 1922.  He married Flora or Dora ???? and they lived in Farmington, Iowa. 

They had the following known children:

  1. George Medaris (7) b. 20 June 1877 in Farmington, Iowa, d. 20 Aug. 1956 in Farmington, Iowa from Diabetes.  He married Genevieve Estelle Marmion in 1905. 
  2. Cassie Medaris (7) b. 1879 in Farmington, Iowa.
  3. Elery Medaris (7) b. 1883 in Farmington, Iowa.
  4. May Medaris (7) b. 1886 in Farmington, Iowa.
  5. Edna Medaris (7) b. 1889 in Farmington, Iowa.

(CR: 1880 Van Buren Co., Iowa)

(credits 00, 208)

Generation 7

Malinda Jane Medaris (7) (Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 19 Aug. 1838 in Shelby County, Ohio. She married John Thomas Breeden on 05 June 1862 in Owen County, Indiana. He was born on January 8, 1834, in Maryland. His father was Thomas Breeden and his mother was Nicea Greeves.

John and Malinda had the following children:

  1. Jonathan Haston Breeden (8) b. 1863, d. 1949. He married (1) Lenora Baxter (2) Mary Larson.
  2. Sarah Lucretia Breeden (8) b. 11 Nov. 1866, d. 10 Dec 1866 at 26 days old
  3. Jacob G. Breeden (8) b. 1868, d. 1948. He married Ida G Sparks in 1890.
  4. Hannah Oma Breeden (8) b. 12 June 1872 in Greene County, Indiana, d. 05 Nov. 1932.  She married Walter Howard Burch on March 4, 1897.
  5. Emma Orlettie Breeden (8) b. 08 Mar 1878, d. 15 Mar 1941. She married Robert P. Weaver on February 24, 1898. 

Malinda Jane Medaris Breeden died on August 30, 1908. She was 70 years and was buried in the Greene County Chapel Cemetery in Beech Creek Township.

Malinda’s obituary as found in the “Bloomfield News” dated September 1908:

Malinda (Medaris) Breeden was born Aug. 19, 1838, in Ohio, moved to Spencer, Indiana, in 1839.

Malinda Medaris was converted in a Methodist revival conducted by Reverend William Zarling and joined the Methodist Protestant church at the age of fifteen. She placed her membership in the M. E. church at the Greene County Chapel at the time of her marriage where it remained until her death.

She was married to Rev. John T Breeden June 5, 1862. To them were born five children, two sons and three daughters and fourteen grandchildren survive her. She was also a mother to two children by J. T. Breeden’s first wife, likewise a mother to Perry Edwards for whom she cared since he was a child three weeks old.

Deceased died at her home in Beech Creek township Sunday, August 30, aged seventy years and eleven days. She was a long and patient sufferer, having been an invalid for almost eight years.

During her long illness she read a chapter in the bible every day that she had the strength to do so and the day of her death she read the fourth chapter of James.

For many months she has been anxious to go home and had prayed often that Jesus would come and take her home where there is no sickness, sorrow, pain or death. Just before she died she lifted her hands and eyes heavenward and said “Glory to God” and peacefully, calmly and sweetly went to sleep to wake no more on earth.

The remains were laid to rest at Greene County Chapel. She leaves a host of friends to mourn her loss.

Stanford Aug. 31, 1908″

(credits 90)

Jason Taylor Medaris (7) (Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 05 Oct 1840 in Spencer, Owen County, IN., d. 05 Apr 1909 in Kalispell, MT. He is buried at Conrad Cemetery.  Jason married Sophia E. Galloway on 25 Dec 1858.  She was b. 15 Sep 1842 in Spencer, Owen, Indiana, d. 26 Dec 1905, Kalispell, Montana. She is the daughter of William Harrison and Sarah Ann Lawson Galloway. Jason was a Minister of the Gospel.

Photo Courtesy of Arleta Galloway (credits 114)

Jason enlisted in the Union Army in Company A, 79th Illinois Infantry.

Pictured are:

  • Standing L-R: Enola, Frederica, Jonathan, Sarah.
  • Seated: Jason, Curtis and Sophia.
  • Daisy is in front. This photo was taken abt. 1890.

Jason and Sophia had the following children:

  1. Winfield Scott Medaris (8) b. 11 May 1861, Spencer, Owen, IN, d. 08 Feb 1862.
  2. Enola Ellen Medaris (8) b. 09 Dec.  1862, Charleston, Coles, IL, d. 23 Sep 1945, married George Newton Mackie 05 Feb 1889.
  3. Frederica Maybelle Medaris (8) b. 04 May 1868, Mt. Ayr, Ringgold, IA, married Floyd Benton Smith, 04 May 1889.
  4. Jonathan Edward Medaris (8) b. 25 May 1871, Caledonia, Ringgold, IA, married Emily M. Sharp, 11 Dec 1892.
  5. Sarah Adella Medaris (8) b. 19 May 1874, Caledonia, Ringgold, IA, married (1) William Albert Glendenning, 31 Dec 1892 (2) Ervin Alfred Chilsom.
  6. Daisy Medaris (8) b. 03 Sep 1878, Caledonia, Ringgold, IA, married Peter E Verhage 16 Sep 1900.
  7. Curtis Ames Medaris (8) b. 30 Mar 1882, Redding, Ringgold, IA, married Bertha Holbrook, 09 Dec 1904.

(CR: 1860 Edgar Co., Illinois; 1880 Ringold Co., Iowa)

(credits 114)

Jane E. Medaris (7) (Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 05 Mar. 1841 in Owen Co., Indiana; d. 29 Mar. 1904 in Ringgold Co., Iowa. She died at the age 61 yrs 24 days. She married Abihu T. Anderson on 22 Dec 1859 in Owen County, Indiana. Abihu died 24 Aug. 1908. They are buried in Ringgold Cemetery, in Lotts Creek Township, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Jane and Abihu had the following children:

  1. William H. Anderson (8) b. abt. 1861 in Indiana.
  2. Melinda Ora Anderson (8) b. abt. 1868 in Indiana.
  3. Emmett Richard Anderson (8) b. abt. 1863 in Indiana.
  4. Charles Anderson (8) b. bet 1865 and 1866 in Indiana
  5. Sarah Emma Anderson (8) b. Mar. 1870 in Indiana
  6. Molly Anderson (8) b. abt. 1874
  7. Laura Anderson (8) b. abt. 1879 in Iowa.

(credits 235)

Dr. Stephen Davis Medaris (7) (Jonathan H.6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 16 Mar 1845 in Owen County, Indiana. Stephen enlisted on 10, Oct. 1861 into the Federal Army, Company A., Fifty-Ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged 09 May 1862 for reason of physical Disability. Stephen attended school for about a year and then rejoined the army in Company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served 6 months and was again discharged.

At the time of his enlistment, Stephen was 18 years old, 5 feet 9 1/2 inches tall, dark complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He was born in Owen County, Indiana and was a farmer. He had a scar on two toes on his right foot. He would be at the siege of New Madrid, Missouri and Island No. 10 from March 1 to April 8 of 1862 during his service in the 59th. He was mustered in at Gosport, Indiana by Major Carpenter for 3 years. He spent some time in a hospital in Hamburg, Tennessee during April of 1862 and was discharged in Louisville, Kentucky on May 15, 1862.

In 1865 after teaching two terms of school, Stephen began the study of Medicine. He opened his own practice in 1868.

Stephen married Sarah E. Hutson and they had the following children:

  1. Nora E. Medaris (8) b. 1875
  2. Dr. Charles Edward Medaris (8) b. 01 Jan. 1877 in Indiana; d. 14 Oct. 1965 in Illinois.  He married Nellie V. Finley.
  3. Thomas A. Medaris (8) b. 1879
  4. Dr. William Oliver Medaris (8) b. 23 May 1885 in Indiana; d. Mar 1976 in Loves Park, Illinois.  He married Mabel S. Tansy.
  5. Walker A. Medaris (8) b. 22 Aug. 1880 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 02 Sept. 1938 in Rochester, Indiana.  He married Edna Armstrong.

Stephen died 27 Dec 1891 and is buried in the Cuba Cemetery in Owen County, Indiana. Sarah died 7 Dec 1897.

(CR: 1880 Owen Co., Ind.)

(credits 18, 78, 90)

Johnathon Wood Medaris (7) (Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 01 Oct. 1847, d.  02 July 1875. John was married to Frances Mull.

Johnathon and Frances had one known daughter:

  1. Nova Medaris (8) b. Oct. 1871 in Indiana. She married Edward W. Admire, 01 Mar. 1888, in Owen Co. Indiana.

(credits 247)

Noah Medaris (7) (Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 25 Oct. 1853, d. 15 May 1928. He married Martha Jane Corbett on 7 Nov. 1875.  She was the daughter of John and Ann Tipton Corbett (Corbit).  Martha was b. April 1856 in Ohio.

    Noah and Martha had the following children:

  1. Alma Medaris (8) b. 1879 in Indiana
  2. Dailey Blaine Medaris (8)
  3. Lucretia Medaris (8)
  4. Dollie Ellen Medaris (8)
  5. Pressley Medaris (8)
  6. Mahala Medaris (8)
  7. Hasting Dillon Medaris (8)

Supporting Documents

The following article appeared in “O. C. Dem” 31 May 1928.

One hundred and two years ago Jonathan H. Medaris a young man living in the state of North Carolina, with his father, hearing of the wonderful opportunities there were in Indiana, a new state just lately admitted into the Union, decided to emigrate to that new country, and with his father and brothers started on the long journey over the almost trackless forest.
When they reached near what is now Sidney, Ohio they remained there two years, when the father and family came on to Indiana, leaving Johnathan behind. He remained in Ohio, until the next year when he, with his young bride, joined the family a few miles north of Spencer. He soon acquired forty acres of land, and with his wife began building a home.
To this union sons and daughters were born, and Noah, the subject of this sketch, being the fourth son, was born October 25, 1853. Like all boys of his time, life was mostly spent out in the woods with axes and grubbing hoes clearing land that they could raise the necessities of life. By this healthful occupation breathing the pure invigorating air and basking in the sunshine, Noah developed a strong constitution, and until a year ago was well preserved for a man of his age.
In 1885 he married Martha Jane Corbett. To this union seven children were born. Mrs. Alma Sink, of Gosport, Daily Blaine, deceased, Miss Lucretia, at home, Mrs. Dollie Ellen, Meridith, Ohio, Pressley, at home, Mrs. Mahala Housel, of Indianapolis, and Hasting Dillon, also of Indianapolis.
In August 1889, he, with his wife, united with the church at Mill Creek Chapel, which was just organized, and known as a Christian church, to which he was a faithful member for a number of years. He had high ideas of a Christian life and seeing so few live up to the standard, by which he measured a Christian, he almost gave up and seldom attended church services after the death of his wife on March 24, 1911.
Noah acquired a common school education. Was a constant reader of the daily papers and was well posted on the current events of the day. He seemed to have a rough exterior, but within was a good true heart. He lived the characteristics of his ancestors. He could not do enough to aid a friend, but seldom, if ever, did he forget a insult or injustice. He was an agriculturist and advanced ideas years ago that are now being practiced. He has spent his entire life of 74 years, 6 months and 25 days on the farm on which he was born, except about six years spent on the farm now owned by P. B. Hendershot. He was a quiet, unassuming man, seldom taking part in community affairs, but was not opposed to public improvement if the public was really benefited. He departed from this life May 15, 1928.
Besides the sons and daughters named he leaves six grandchildren, a number of relatives and friends that will miss him, but most of all he will be missed by the sons and daughters who have so faithfully and lovingly given to him all the care and attention that children could do for a parent.

(CR: 1880 Owen Co., Indiana)

(credits 78) 

Francis Louise Medaris (7) (Ithamer 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 20 Mar. 1841 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 09 Nov. 1875 in Owen County, Indiana. Frances married William Thomas Sparks, b. 29 Aug. 1839 on Monroe County, Indiana; d. 08 Apr. 1897 in Monroe County, Indiana.

Thomas and Francis had the following children:

  1. Allen S. Sparks (8)
  2. Mary Sparks (8) married Charles Thompson, brother to Hugh.
  3. Sarah “Sissy” Sparks (8)
  4. Amanda Jane Sparks (8) b. 03 June 1867 in Hendricksville, Indiana, d. 30 Jan. 1953 Madison, Wisconsin. Amanda married Joel Manson Burch, who was b. 02 Dec. 1868 in Monroe County, Indiana, d. 23 Sept. 1957 Owen County, Indiana. They were married 04 Aug. 1883, and they had eleven children.
  5. Millie Sparks (8) married Hugh Thompson, brother to Charles.
  6. Ida G. Sparks (8) b. 07 Aug. 1868. She married Jacob G. Breeden. Jacob was the son of Rev. John Thomas and Melinda Jane Medaris Breeden.
  7. Cora Sparks (8)
  8. William T. Sparks (8) b. 1874

(credits 218)

Samuel N. A. Medaris (7) (Ithamer 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 1845 in Indiana, d. 1922 in Oregon. He married Annie McMahan on 09 Jan. 1890 in Owen County, Indiana. Samuel moved to Oregon sometime before 1908. Samuel was apparently employed by the Forest Service in 1908 and was part of a tree planting group.

Samuel’s is buried along a remote mountain road in the Coast Range of Oregon. It is located just west of his son, Lyman’s grave (about 6 miles). Samuel’s grave is located on Ten Mile Creek which empties into the Pacific Ocean about 10 miles south of Yachats. His grave is surrounded by a wood fence, put there in recent years and is marked by a pile of stones and a wood marker.  The marker has the following information: S N A Medaris Died 1922. It sits 7.5 miles up from Highway 101 on Ten Mile Creek Road.  This is the area that Samuel was living in at the time of Lyman’s death.  I suspect that the grave is on or close to land that Samuel homesteaded.  There are no homes close by at the present time.  It is, however, a beautiful spot up in the coast hills.

Samuel and Annie had the following children:

courtesy of Chris Andrew. (credits 149)
courtesy of Chris Andrew. (credits 149)
  1. Lyman Medaris (8) b. abt. 1897 in Spencer, Owen County, Indiana, d. 1916 in Oregon. At the age of 19, Lyman traveled from Owen County, Indiana to visit with his father who was living on the Oregon Coast.  Most accounts say that Lyman had only recently arrived from the “east” to be with his father.  On or around January 15, 1916, he started a trek from Samuel’s cabin, over the ridge to a small community where he could catch a stage and/or receive mail. Unfortunately, he left at a time when the central Oregon coast was experiencing colder than normal temperatures and heavier than usual snowfall. Caught in an unusually bad snowstorm he missed the trail down the east slope of the ridge and became lost. Lyman perished from exposure on a ridge top near Klickitat Mountain.  A search was mounted, but Lyman’s body was not found until April 16. The searchers buried Lyman where they found him, in a grove of hemlock and fir trees on the ridge top.  The Forest Service later placed 4 concrete markers around the grave and a sign to mark it. Lyman’s grave is located in the Siuslaw National Forest just south of Klickitat Mountain. Klickitat Moutain is about 15 miles southeast of the small town of Yachats (pronounced ya-hots).

    The photo at right shows the tree that Lyman was found sitting against. Lyman’s name, along with the dates of his death and discovery were carved on this tree by the searchers.  The scar in the bark is all that remains of the carving as it is now unreadable. Two of the stone markers of Lyman’s grave are visible in the picture. The photo at left shows the current marker cared for by the Forestry Dept. of Oregon. 

The Oregonian, Portland, Oregon
Thursday, 23 March 1916, pg 20

Lost Boy Thouht Alive
Search For Youth Who Disappeared in January Proposed.

Eugene, Or., March 22.–(Special.)–  Lyman Medaris, aged 18 years, who was lost in Western Lane County during the deep snow in January, is believed to be still alive by C. E. Stevens, of Reed, who has written to parties in Eugene declaring that while in the mountains recently he found tracks of a shoe without nails, the tracks fitting a description of the shoes worn by Medaris.

Mr. Stephens says that he has never known anyone in that locality to wear shoes without nails.  He propses to organize a searching party.

  1. John R. Medaris (8)
  2. Beulah Medaris (8) married Harry B. Strother on 03 Jan. 1913 in Marion County, Indiana.

(credits 149)

William Worth Madaris (7) (Ithamer 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 13 Nov. 1849 in Indiana; d. 16 Dec. 1920 in Linton, Greene County, Indiana.  He married 1) Elizabeth ????.  

    He and Elizabeth had the following known child:

  1. Merty Medaris (8) b. 1878

    Elizabeth may have died young as William married 2) Lavina Martha Hamm.  She was the daughter of Charles E. and Mary J. Brown Hamm and was b. 30 Nov. 1972 in Indiana; d. 13 Mar. 1919 in Linton, Greene County, Indiana.

    They had the following children:

  1. John Raymond Madaris (8) b. 10 Nov. 1893 in Linton, Green County, Indiana. It is possible that John was the son of Elizabeth, but it is not for certain. He appears to have died young.  His WWII Draft Registration lists his address as: “248 W. Vincennes, Linton, Indiana.  His occupation was with “Faithorn, RFD 1, Crete, Will County, Indiana”.
  2. Press A. Madaris (m) (8) b. 30 Apr. 1901 in Indiana; d. Dec. 1978 in Indiana.  He lived in Bloomington, Indiana in 1942 and was listed as a contact for John Raymond Madaris on his Draft Registration. His brother listed him as “Percy” on the card, he shows as Pressie in some of the census records.  His granddaughter states his name was Press. 
  3. Zelma Oliver Madaris (8) b. 20 Mar. 1903 in Bloomington, Indiana; d. Jun 1972 in Bloomington, Indiana. She married Lonnie Hamm.

(CR: 1880 Greene Co., Indiana)

(credits 248)

James S. Medaris (7) (Salathiel 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 15 Aug. 1852 in Tennessee; d. 23 Jan. 1926 in Texas. James married Sarah A. Carter, on 21 Dec. 1876.  She was b. 09 Sept. 1858; d. 24 May 1907.

James was the first postmaster of Dale, Texas. This family is buried at Bunton Cemetery in Dale, Texas.

James and Sarah had the following children.

  1. Sarah Eunice Medaris (8) b. Jun 1878 in Texas; she married ???? Tyler.
  2. Willie Medaris (8) b. 23 Feb. 1880; d. 22 May 1880.
  3. Pearl L. Medaris (8) b. Sept 1884 in Texas
  4. James S. Medaris (8) b. May 1887 in Texas.

(credits 00, 143)

Nancy J. Medaris (7) (Salathiel 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 1854 in Tenn.  She married Thomas Chalmers Finley, Sr.  They had five children.  Two children did not live long apparently, as they do not turn up on census records, only Kentucky birth records.  Thomas was a Deputy Marshall and died very young.  

  1. Unknown (8)
  2. Unknown (8)
  3. Unknown (8)
  4. Unknown (8)
  5. Thomas Chalmers Finley, Jr. (8) born in Kentucky.

After Thomas’ death Nancy married ???? Kelley, who was a widower as well, with children.   They had no children of their own.

(credits 278)

Sarah Emmeline Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 22 Sept. 1852, Married Benjamin Mast 13 June 1878, d. 1930 in Owen Co., They are buried in Pleasant Bethel Cemetery in Owen County, Indiana.

Sarah and Benjamin had the following children:

  1. Marion Mast (8) b. Sept. 1880
  2. Emerson Mast (8) b. 17 Mar. 1879, d. 31 Aug. 1955. He is buried in Worthington Cemetery, section 8, lot # 122
  3. Otis Mast (8) b.21 June 1884. According to his obituary, Otis shot himself in March 1955 and is buried in Worthington Cemetery, sec 8, lot #150 in an unmarked grave at the foot of his brother Emerson.
  4. Grover Mast (8) b. Oct. 1887
  5. Gerald Otto Mast (8) b. 04 Dec. 1889; d. 11 July 1951. He worked in Chicago and died there. He was buried outside of Chicago in Dolton, Illinois.
  6. Nova Mast (8) b. Sept. 1892
  7. Ethel Mast (8) b. 7 Oct. 1894, married Cletis Jean.

(credits 39, 78, 254) 

Mary Jane Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 1854/5 Owen Co., Indiana d. 1934 in Evansville, Vanderburgh, Indiana. She married (1) Henry Pierce Rhoderick b. 1842 in Owen Co., Ind. d. 1901. They were married 6 Aug. 1871. They had the following children:

  1. Elizabeth Marie Rhoderick (8)b. 1872.
  2. Abraham Rhoderick (8)
  3. John Rhoderick (8)
  4. Ord Rhoderick (8)
  5. Otis Rhoderick (8)
  6. John Rhoderick (8)

She then married Julian Koester, 23 November 1892 and they had the following children:

  1. Christina Koester (8)
  2. Otto Koester (8)

She then married (2) Andrew Hamilton.

(credits 78)

Levisa Ann Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 06 May 1855, d. 05 Feb. 1931.  Levis married Benjamin Frank Hummel on 10 Oct. 1875 in Owen County, Indiana. He was the son of Augustus and Elizabeth Eisenour Hummell.  Levisa and Benjamin both lived in Worthington, Indiana at the time of their deaths. Levisa die in their home on the corner of Crist and Center Streets. The house was torn down in the late 1990’s. Frank died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes.  They are both buried at Vincennes.   

Levisa and Benjamin had the following children:

  1. Lillie Edith Hummel (8) b. 18 July 1876 Owen, Co. In., d. 20 Sept. 1876 in Owen Co. In.
  2. Edward Melvin Hummel (8) b. 06 Jan. 1878 Owen Co. In., d. 23 Feb.1956 in Vincennes, In. (was on th USS Arizona the day before it sunk) US Marine as far as I know, never married, hated women, got dishonorable discharge for being drunk when Pearl Harbor was attack. Buried in Vincennes next to his parents.
  3. Nancy Elizabeth Hummel (8) b. 24 Feb. 1880 Owen Co. In., d. Dec. 4, 1955, in Good Samaritan Hospital, cancer, buried next to her husband in Vincennes. Married Samuel D. Spencer, b. 20 Sept. 1869, d. 07 Jan. 1941. They were married in 1897.
  4. Charles “Floyd” Hummel (8) b. 17 May 1895 in Owen Co. In. and killed in the US Marines on 27 Aug. 1917 at Camp Doniphin, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was killed in Howitzer training when a shell blew up and blew section of the barrel that decapitated him. He was in Battery B, 14th US Field Artillery.
  5. Effie Arlene Hummel (8) b. 08 March 1897 in Jasper County, Illinois (only child born there) d. 23 Feb. 1981 in Vincennes, Indiana. She married 1) Roland Parrish Walker son of Lafe Walker of Wabash Co. Illinois, on 21 Sept. 1915 in Vincennes.  After the death of Roland, Effie married 2) Arley Riggins, a widower from Marco, Indiana, an old friend of the family.
  6. Olive Isabel Hummel (8) b.  20 Jan. 1886 in Owen, d 15 Dec. 1947 in Evansville, Indiana. She married Levi Cox.  They are buried in Vincennes.
  7. Archie Allen Hummel (8) b. 20 July 1883 Owen Co. In., d. 20 Dec. 1954 in Crawford Co. Illinois. He married Eva Ada Parker, b 18 Aug. 1890 in Crawford Co. Ill. She was daughter of John Jefferson and Laura Frances Hulsey Parker.
  8. Ike Hummel (8) b. abt 1885. Possibly short for Eisenhour, Benjamin’s mother’s maiden name.
  9. James David Hummel (8) b. 7 Nov. 1888 in Owen Co. IN., died 4 July 1972 in Vincennes, Indiana. He sometimes used a middle name of DeRoy. He married 1) Olive Turner of Jasper Co. Illinois. She died in 1915 and Jim remarried to 2) Martha Ferrel, 3) Anna Massey Deal 4) Maggie “Bessie” Thompson Harrison.  Jim Hummel and Bessie married in Washington, Indiana.
  10. Sara “Ella” Hummel (8) b 28 Oct. 1891 in Owen Co. In., d. 02 Oct. 1973 in Aurora, Indiana. She was married to ???? Brown and had children.

(credits 78)

Francis Marion Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 14, Feb 1859, married 5 March 1888, to Martha Ashby, d. 1947.

Francis and Martha had the following children:

  1. Rose Medaris (8)
  2. Harley Medaris (8)
  3. Herman R. Medaris (8) d. 16 Jan. 1995 in Bartholomew County, Indiana. He married Nora Krebbs.
  4. Nord Medaris (8) (twin)
  5. Cord Medaris (8) (twin)

(credits 78)

Polina Isabel Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) (twin) b. 1862, married on 8 March 1883 to George Sappenfield, they are buried at Lutheran Cemetery, Waveland, IN.

Polina and George had one child:

  1. Edgar Sappenfield (8)

(credits 78)

William Washington Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) (twin) b. 1862, married on 29 September 1886 to Sarah Hummel and they had one child:

  1. Fred Medaris (8) born February 12, 1895, Bloomington, Ind. Fireman-engineer. Enlisted in U.S. Regular Army January 29, 1917, Bloomington, Ind. Trained at Columbus Barracks, Ohio; and Fort Michie, N. Y.; assigned to 23rd Company, Coast Artillery Corps. Accidentally wounded Ft. Michie, N. Y. Discharged June 25, 1918. Died October 26, 1919, Bloomington, Ind., from effects of accidental wounds received while in service. Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, Ind. Survived by widow Inez Barlow Medearis, Albany, Ind.

(credits 78)

Maria Alice Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 4 July 1867, d. 17 Nov 1939. She married on 23 April 1887 to Stephen Rice Campbell. As store owners, the neighborhood became known as Campbellsville after this family.

Stephen and Maria had 7 daughters:

  1. Fannie Evaline Campbell (8)
  2. Jesse Pearl Campbell (8)
  3. Eula Campbell (8)
  4. Esther Campbell (8)
  5. Mollie Campbell (8)
  6. Ruth Campbell (8)
  7. Wilma Campbell (8)

The following obituary appeard for Maria Alice:

Well-Known Smith Township Woman Dies Suddenly; Is Survived by Seven Daughters

Mrs. Maria Alice Campbell, 72 years old, a well-known resident of Smith City, died suddenly at 6 o’clock last night at her home six miles northwest of Worthington.  Coroner Sam Rotman, who conducted an investigation, said that death was caused by a heart attack.

Mrs. Campbell was born July 4, 1867, in Owen County, the daughter of Abram and Elizabeth Bledsoe Medaris.  She attended the rural schools of Owen county and on April 23, 1887, she was married to Stephen R. Campbell.  They began housekeeping on the farm where she died and she spent the remainder of her life there.  For many years her husband operated what was known as Campbell’s store in Smith township.  He died Aug. 28, 1932.

Mrs. Campbell was a member of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.  She is survived by seven daughters, Mrs. Paul Stewart, Mrs. Albert Franklin and Mrs. Paul Ingersoll, all of Worthington; Mrs. James Noel of Clay City, Mrs. Roy Buskirk and Mrs. Wayne Markie of Indianapolis and Mrs. Ray Poe of Jasonville; two brothers, William and Frank Medaris of Bloomington; three sisters, Mrs. Ella Lenitz and Mrs. Margaret Foster of Indianapolis and Mrs. Laura Engles of Galena, Ill.;  11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

       Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.  The arrangements are in charge of the Myers funeral home at Worthington.

(credits 78) 

Ella May Medaris (7) (Abraham 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 22 Nov. 1872, d. Feb. 1945, married Oct. 1897 to William Marion Lenta. They are buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ella and William had 4 children:

  1. Hazel Ruth Hardin (8)
  2. William Dale Lentz (8)
  3. Robert Molt Lentz (8)
  4. James Albert Lentz (8)

(credits 78)

William Evans Medaris (7) (Massey Wesley 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 12 Nov. 1846 in Lawrence, Indiana; d. 01 Jun 1926 in Hammond, Indiana. He married Eliza H. Kipplinger in 1876, most likely in Indiana.  

William and Eliza had the following children:

  1. Oscar Franklin Medaris (8) b. 09 Aug. 1877, d. 07 Jan. 1941.  He married Ida May McKinney.
  2. Katherine Medaris (8) b. July 1879 in Bedford, Lawrence Co., Indiana; She married John McClellan, who was b. 1889; d. 1929.
  3. Ralph Frank Medaris (8) b. 29 June 1888 in Indiana; d. 14 Jan 1951 in Hammond, Lake Co., Indiana.
  4. Harry Evans Medaris (8) b. 22 Feb. 1890 in Indiana; d. 25 Oct. 1949.  He married Dorothy C. Vandyk, 06 Jan. 1923. 
  5. Wilbur Doyle Medaris (8) b. 16 May 1892 in Bedford, Indiana.  The 1900 Census and his WWII applications state his birthdate is 1894.  The 1920 and WWI applications state 1892.  He married Jennie French, and they lived in Hammond, Indiana in 1930.

(credits 203)

William Hastings Medaris (7) (Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 06 June 1848 in Wayne County, Indiana, d. 1933. He married Ruth Temprance Jeannette Melick on 29 April 1869 in Owen County, Indiana. Ruth was b. 16 Jan 1848 in Owen County, Indiana.  

William and Ruth had the following children:

  1. Cora “Minnie” Dell Medaris (8) b. 29 Oct. 1869 in Indiana; d. 19 Nov. 1917. She married Ambros Ooley.
  2. Charles Elwood Medaris (8) b. 1872 married Eva Kennedy on 14 Oct 1899 and died in 1946 and is buried in Dixon Cemetery in Greene County, Indiana.
  3. Lessie Mertis “Annie” Medaris (8) b. 15 April 1873married Mathew Yocum on 22 February 1894 and she died in 1946.
  4. Ora Lee Medaris (8) b. 30 Sept. 1874
  5. Stephen Curtis Medaris (8) b. 27 Mar 1875, d. 3 Feb. 1903 in Alabama.
  6. Martin Luther Medaris (8) b. 31 Jan 1877
  7. Thomas Elmore Medaris (8) b. 10 Jan. 1879 married ???? Foxworthey.
  8. Kathie (Katie) Charlett Medaris (8)
  9. Martha Ethel Medaris (8) b. 15 Mar. 1882, d. 1905
  10. William Ray Medaris (8) b. 04 Oct. 1885, married Ollie Dune in 1903.
  11. Jesse Roy Medaris (8) 19 Sept. 1888 in Owen County, Indiana.  He married Loretta Mary Wolfe. 

Ruth died on 10 May 1897 at the age of 49 years old. She was buried in Dixon Cemetery. Dixon Cemetery is just south of Worthington, Indiana. William remarried to (2) Carrie B. Knight on 6 Sept. 1899. Carrie was b. Dec 1869. Together they had only one child. The child died in infancy, presumably soon after birth. A gravestone in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Marshall Township of Lawrence County, Indiana simply reads “Infant daughter of W. H. and Carrie Medaris 1902”. Carrie died in 1915, at the age of 46. She was buried in Fish Cemetery in Shawswick Township of Lawrence County, Indiana.

After Carrie’s death, William married (3) Kitye Alice Kern, on 05 Sept. 1917 in Lawrence County, Indiana.

The following article appears in the Lawrence and Monroe Counties, Indiana history.

William H. Medaris

    The subject of this sketch is one of those strong, self-reliant and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to seem to be born leaders of their fellow men.  Not that Mr. Medaris courts that distinction, for he is entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy in whatever he undertakes naturally places him at the head of the crowd and he has been a potent factor in the development of Lawrence county, hwere he has long maintained his home and where he is well known to all classes for his honorable and industrious life, in both private and public.

    William H. Medaris was born in Owen county, Indiana, and is a son of Stephen and Millie (Coble) Medaris, the former a native of Guilford county, North Carolina, and he mother of a native of South Carolina.  The father’s death occurred in 1898, and the mother’s in 1880.  They were the parents of nine children, three sons and six daughters, namely:  James H., who is a successful doctor in Helena, Alfalfa county, Oklahoma; Sarah Katherine married a Mr. Speer and is living in Oklahoma; Mrs. Minerva Jane Williams, deceased; Mary and Martha are twins.  Mary married a Mr. Perkins and lives in Indianapolis, while Martha married a Mr. Layman and lives in Marion, Indiana; Mrs. Louisa McCormick, of Oklahoma; Ada Ella is the wife of Dr. W. H. Rice, of Spencer, Indiana; Stephen was a farmer in Owen county, Indiana, and the father of the subject of this sketch.  The subject’s father was married the second time in 1882 to Amanda Long, to which union were born three children:  Mrs. Della Naaus, of Owen county, Indiana; Mrs. Effie Brown, of Indianapolis, and Miss Dossie, also of Indianapolis.

    William H. Medaris received his education n the common schools of Own county and after completing his education he engaged in teaching school for five years and also taught music for several years with splendid success in both departments.  Since then he has devoted his attention unremittingly to agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of one hundred acres of fine land in Marshall township, to the improvement of cultivation of which he is giving his attention.  Besides farming, he also runs a dairy, supplying milk products to a large line of patrons of Bedford.  His place is well improved and in all efforts, he has made he has been characterized by strict attention to his business affairs and shrewd judgment in the management of his interests.

    At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Medaris married Ruth Temperance Melick, their marriage occurring in 1869.  Mrs. Medaris died on May 10, 1987, and on September 6, 1899, Mr. Meadris married Carrie B. Knight, who is proving to him a devoted helpmeet in the fullest sense of the term.  To the subject’s first union were born the following children:  Mrs. Minnie Belle Ooley, of Owen county, Indiana; Charles E., a farmer in Lawrence county; Mrs. Lizzie Annie Yocum, of Daviess county, Indiana; Steven Curtis, deceased; Martin Luther, a farmer in Lawrence county; Thomas E. is an engineer in the Eli Lilly medicine factory at Indianapolis; Martha E., deceased; Jesse Roy is a conductor on the street railway in San Francisco, California.

    Religiously, Mr. Medaris is a member of the Christian church, in the advancement and prosperity of which he is deeply interested, while, fraternally, he belongs to Lodge No. 514, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Freedom, Owen county, Indiana.  Mr. Medaris is regarded by all as being one of the foremost citizens of his section of the county, having established a firm reputation for honesty of purpose in all his dealings with his fellow men, and by being the advocate of clean and wholesome principles in the home, society and politics.  Because of his excellent character and splendid business ability, he has earned and enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him.

(CR: 1880 Owen Co., Indiana)

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, & 32, 54, 90, 121)

Dr. James Henderson Medaris (7) (Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 7 Nov. 1851 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 11 Nov. 1923 in Helena, Oklahoma. He married Samilda Dorcas Davis, on May 20, 1875, in Spencer, Indiana.  She was b. 10 Nov 1853 in Owen County, Indiana.  He is buried in Cuba Cemetery in Owen County, Indiana.

Dr. Medaris and family migrated from Indiana to Kansas, to what is now Helena, where he was a practicing physician for many years.

James and Samilda had the following children:

  1. Loura May Medaris (8) b. 01 Sept 1866, in Owen County, Indiana; d. 12 Nov 1953 in Udall, Kansas.  She married John Branson Van Wye.
  2. Gertrude Bell Medaris (8) b. 17 Aug. 1878 in Catarac, Indiana, d. 19 Jan. 1960 in Enid, Oklahoma.  She married Alvin McCall.
  3. Ada Ellen Medaris (8) b. 29 Sept 1880 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 30 Aug 1971 in Helena, Oklahoma.  She married Guy Tricillian Johnson.
  4. Metta Agnes Medaris (8) b. 03 Aug 1886 in Kansas; d. May 1984 in Boulder, Colorado.  She married Franklin W. Bull.
  5. James Vernon Medaris (8) b. 03 Jul 1890 in Kansas; d. 23 Feb 1923 in Trinchera, Las Animas County, Colorado.  He married Nida Arlene Young.
  6. Una Clare Medaris (8) b. 22 Nov 1896; died 1900 of diphtheria when she was 4 years old.

(CR: 1880 Owen Co., Indiana; 1900 Woods Co., Oklahoma)

(credits 00, 111, 201)  

Sara Katherine Medaris (7) (Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 21 Feb. 1854, married Ruben Spear on 31 Dec 1876. They lived near Durango, Colorado. 

Ruben and Sara had the following children:

  1. Winfield Spear (8)
  2. Serenus Spear (8)
  3. Roscoe Spear (8)
  4. Grace Spear (8)
  5. Junie Spear (8)

(credits 169)

Mary Hesteline Medaris (7) (Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 31 Oct. 1858 (twin), married Miles Homer Perkins on 18 Feb. 1882 in Owen County, Indiana. Miles was b. 30 Sept. 1859 in Spencer, Owen Co., Indiana; d. 01 June 1937.

Miles and Mary had the following children:

  1. Ada Alice Perkins (8) b. 15 Apr. 1883 in Greenfield, Hancock County, Indiana; d. 24 My 1883. She married Hubbard Hiner Moreland on 10 Oct. 1903 in Marion County, Indiana. Hubbard owned a Coal Company and delivered coal with a horse drawn wagon. He was b. Sept. 1882 in Kentucky.
  2. Curtis Paul Perkins (8) b. 25 Sept. 1896; d. 28 Jun. 1944. Curtis married Martina Taylor in Rock Island, Illinois. Curtis was a career soldier in the US Army.
  3. Carrie Perkins (8) b. 18 Aug. 1883; d. 21 May 1918 in her late 20’s.
  4. Lucille Perkins (8) b. 28 Aug. 1891; d. 08 May 1961. She married Ira J. Johnson.

(credits 251)

Stephen Cyrus Medaris (7) (Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 12 Sept. 1867, d. 19 Nov. 1947. He married Pluma Laymon on 07 Apr. 1889 in Owen County, Indiana.

This family lived in Washington, Owen County, Indiana.

Stephen and Plum had the following children:

  1. Ralph Medaris (8) b. 1892
  2. Ruth Medaris (8) b. 1893, married ???? Parrish.
  3. Fred L. Medaris (8) b. 1901
  4. Mary M. Medaris (8) b. 20 Jan. 1903; d. 1973.
  5. Blanch L. Medaris (8) b. 1905
  6. Claude N. Medaris (8) b. 1910

(cr: 1910-1930 Indiana)

(credits 00, 218) 

Lucinda Ann Medaris (7) (Nathaniel Davis 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) was born 1272 Jul 1852 in Ownes County, Spencer, Indiana, and died 29 Sep 1927 in Cherry County, Cody, Nebraska. She married 1) James M Deal on 20 Jul 1874 in Owens County, Indiana, son of Jacob and Sarah Smith Deal. He was born 25 May 1845 in North Carolina and died 19 Jan 1889 in Indiana.

Lucinda is buried in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Southeast Edge of Cody Nebraska.

Lucinda and James had the following known children:

  1. Thomas Wesley Deal (8) born 20 Apr 1875 in Spencer, Indiana; died 19 May 1946 in Louisville, Nebraska. Thomas married 1) Ethel Leona Orcutt on 23 Feb. 1902, in Rulo, Nebraska. She was the daughter of William and Julia Hopkins Orcutt born 02 Aug 1885 in Rulo, Nebraska, and died 20 Oct 1941 in Louisville, Nebraska.  He married 2) Claudia Carpenter in 1897. She was born 1878 in Iowa and died 1901 in Missouri.  He married 4) Leona Owens in 1944 in Louisville, Nebraska.

Thomas was a Section Foreman for the Burlington Railroad for most of his life. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, at the Springfield, Nebraska Lodge. In 1905 he purchased 2 Gold Mines, in Lawrence County, South Dakota, near Spearfish, South Dakota. They are on the mining site of Iron Creek. His grandson [Mason Lancaster]. 

  1. Edward L. Deal (8) born 26 Nov 1877 in Spencer, Indiana; died 1951 in Iowa. He married Verdie Ann Setzer 28 Dec 1904 in Iowa; born 28 Dec 1879 in Catawba County, North Carolina; died 1968 in Iowa.

Lucinda married 2) Alvah Daniel Stout in March 1888 in Rulo, Nebraska. He was born in Pennsylvania.

Lucinda and Alvah had the following children:

  1. James Edward Stout (9) born 21 Jul 1884 in La Plata, Macon County, Missouri; died 20 Jul 1960 in Valentine, Nebraska.  He married Laura Ellen Roberts on 04 Jul 1906 in South Dakota. She was born 07 May 1886 in Valentine, Nebraska, and died 04 Nov 1961 in Valentine, Nebraska.
  2. Lenora Elma Stout (9)

(credits 168)

Melinda Alice Medaris (7) (James Douglas 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 1859 in Indiana.  She married Thomas Ring, 28 Oct. 1880, in Holton Kansas.

Melinda and Thomas had one son:

  1. Wayne Lafayette Douglas Ring (8) b. 19 Mar. 1889 at 401 East Third, St. John, Kansas, d. 26 April 1953. He married Martha Jane Morgan on 04 Nov. 1911.

Supporting Documents

St. John News

16 Aug. 1979

Rings helped start circle of settlement

by Helen Schlobach

My paternal grandfather, Thomas Ring, came to Holton, Kansas from Ohio in 1878 at the age of 20. He learned the Marcantile and Livery Stable business while residing in Holton. He became a close friend of Colonel Wm. F. (Buffalo Bill) Cody, who often visited him in later years. He married my grandmother, Malinda Alice Medaris of Spencer, Indiana of Oct. 28, 1880 and in 1885, they moved from Holton to St. John, Kansas, where they resided at 401 East Third Avenue until their death.

Shortly after coming to St. John in 1885, Thomas Ring went into the Mercantile business on the south side of the square, which he conducted until the fall of 1904. In 1905, his wife was seriously injured and the care of her became his chief responsibility, but he found opportunity to conduct a Real Estate and Insurance business in St. John and vicinity.

He took unusual pride in civic activities and, with others, he worked in setting out the trees, some of which still remain in our beautiful City Park. He was a charter member of St. John Lodge No. 539, I.O.O.F., organized on May 8, 1902. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ring were members of the United Methodist Church in St. John.

My father, Wayne D. Ring, born in 1889, was their only child. but in 1891, Mr. and Mrs. Ring took the five-week old daughter of J.A. Ring and his wife into their home when the mother died and reared her as their own. J.A. and Thomas were brothers and had married sisters, hence, the double tie of blood relationship. The baby brought up as, their daughter. Mina (Dot) Ring, married Harry E. Vedder, son of Fred S. Vedder, one of the financial backers of the young town of St. John.

There were four Ring boys and five Medaris girls. The four Ring boys married Medaris girls and the fifth Medaris girl married D. S. (Sig) Mull. whose daughter, Lois, married Percy O. Seevers, a member of another Pioneer family. Thomas Ring’s brothers were all builders and contractors in and around St. John in the early 1900’s.

My maternal grandparents, John A. and Jeannette Russell Morgan, with several of their younger children. came to St. John from the coal mine areas of Pennsylvania around 1903. He worked in the building trade, both as a carpenter and bricklayer and helped build the J.H. Tudor building as well as many of the other homes in the Northwest part of town.

One daughter, Nina, mar-ried J .H. Hammitt, an early day photographer and longtime typesetter and printer for the St. John News. One son, Jim, a building contrac-tor, constructed several of the first brick homes on south Main in the early 1920’s. He married Lena Tudor, daughter of J.H. Tudor, an early day merchant, who, for many years, was associated in the Mercantile business with John A. Lynch.

The youngest of their 13 children, Martha. and my father, Wayne D. Ring, were married on Nov. 4, 1911, and their union was blessed with five sons and five daughters. The eldest daughter, Jeannette, died March 28, 1948 and the fourth son, Max died Feb. 21, 1979. Eight children remain: Helen (Mrs. Paul Schlabach) of Refugio, Texas; Alice (Mrs. W.T. Coan) of Kennedy, Texas; Darlene (Mrs. Cleo Bartlett) of St. John. Ks.; Barbra (Mrs. Galen Atterbery) of Enid, Okla.; Thomas M. of Onyx, Cal.; Wayne D. of Lemon Grove, Cal.; Loren of Stafford. Ks; and Jack. D. of Paradise Valley, Az.

Wayne and Martha Ring were both well known in the St. John community. They were both school teachers after graduating from high school. Wayne graduated in 1907, the first year of the four-year high school and Martha graduated in 1910. Wayne was a farmer-stockman, sales clerk, and, the last six years of his life, served as County Clerk of Stafford County.

Each day of his public life was filled capably and generously even though he was a victim of arthritis for 25 years. Wayne and Martha’s love and friendship went out to all who needed them and, at their passing in 1953 and 1954, their children were left with many fond memories of devoted parents who not only provided the necessities of life, but left them with a spiritual courage and fortitude surpassing any monetary inheritance.

Wayne and Martha were concerned with other young people as well as their own and worked constantly for the good of the town’s education, music, athletics, drama and schools. To them, the Alumni Association and the Alumni Banquet was the highlight of each year as they looked forward to reunion with their classmates.

St. John, Ks., will always be “HOME” to the Ring family and we are proud of our early settlers who helped bring the city of St. John from a barren prairie without a railroad to the beautiful shady spot it now is. We appreciate the present St. John people who worked so diligently to bring back the memories of our heritage. Like the pioneers, their efforts and devotion shall never be forgotten.

(credits 206)

Percy Harcourt Medaris (7) (Charles F. 6, George W. 5, Oliver 4) b. 15 Feb. 1876; d. 03 July 1953 in Pueblo, Colorado. He was in Company K (Piqua) 3rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish American War.  He married Maud M. ????, likely in Colorado. 
    They had one child:

  1. Leland H. Medaris (8) b. 05 Jan 1925 in Colorado; d. 22 Jan 2008 in Yerington, Lyon, Nevada.

Jean A. Medaris (7) (Charles F. 6, George W. 5, Oliver 4) b. 29 Jan 1908 in Miami Co., Ohio; d. 13 Feb 1999 in Miamisburg, Montgomery Co., Ohio.  She married Dr. Riley Lawrence Hardacre on 24 Dec 1931.  He was born 01 July 1907 in Brown, Franklin, Ohio; d. 20 Jul 1981 in Marshfield, Wisconsin.  He was the son of Jeremiah and Myrtle F. McFarland Hardacre.

    Riley and Jean had the following children:

  1. Jerry Medaris Hardacre (8) b. 28 Jan 1934 in Ohio
  2. John Allen Hardacre (8) b. 17 Apr 1938 in Ohio.

George Medaris (7) (Thomas 6, George W. 5, Oliver 4) b. 20 June 1877 in Farmington, Iowa, d. 20 Aug. 1956 in Farmington, Iowa from Diabetes.  He married Genevieve Estelle Marmion in 1905.  She was b. 19 Nov. 1878 in Missouri, d. 07 May 1940 in Farmington, Iowa.

George and Genevieve had the following children.

  1. male infant (8) b & d 1906.
  2. Paul Stanly Medaris (8) b. 18 Aug. 1907, d. 27 Feb. 1987.  He married Elsie May Matthies.
  3. Doris Medaris (8) b. 1909.  She married Ted Batten.
  4. Gladys Medaris (8) b. 1911.  She married Harlon Hasenclever.
  5. male infant (8) b & d 1913.
  6. Forest Medaris (8) b. 1916.  WWII Navy veteran.  He married Peggy ????.
  7. female infant (8) b. & d. 1920.
  8. Lewis Eugene (8) b. 1923.   WWII Navy veteran.  He married Mable Towery.

(credits 208)

Charles E. Medaris (7) (William Salter 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 21 Aug. 1850 in Laporte, Ind, d. 26 Feb. 1925 in Westville, Ind.   He married1) Alice ????.  

Charles and Alice had the following known children:

  1. Webster Medearis (8) b. 1876 in Ind.
  2. Sarah Medearis (8) b. 1878 in Ind.

Franklin Elmore Medaris (7) (William Salter 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. Oct. 1852 in Laporte, Indiana, d. 1933. He married Mary E. Flynn on 22 Dec 1880. She was b. Sept. 1858, d. 1937. They are both buried at Pin Hook Cemetery, Laporte, Indiana.

Franklin and Mary had the following children:

  1. Franklin Elmore Medaris Jr. (8) died in infancy
  2. Arthur Glenwood Medaris (8) b. Oct. 1882 in Laporte, Indiana, d. 1961. He married Lottie Hood
  3. Flora Medaris (8) died in infancy
  4. Lina Mae Medaris (8) b. 06 July 1886 in Laporte, Indiana, d. 1961. Married Robert Dahne.
  5. Donald Merle Medaris (8) b. 06 May 1899 in Laporte, Indiana. He married Mary Alice Worch. They had no children.
  6. Floyd McKinley Medaris (8) b. 4 May 1895 d. 10 Oct. 1961 Portland, Oregon. Married Florence ????. We owe a great deal of our early research to Floyd. He called himself “The Informant” and his correspondences with Douglas Willis details a lifetime of genealogy research. Floyd lived in California but died in Oregon while traveling. He is buried in the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

(credits 18, 20, 89)

photo credit: Lorraine Cooper

John Milton Medaris (7) (William Salter 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. Nov. 1853 in Pinhook, Indiana, d. 10 Mar. 1937 in Michigan City, Ind. He married Martha Ellen Lucas on 29 Oct. 1879 at the M.E. Methodist Church. Martha was b. 25 Mar. 1861, d. 01 Apr. 1937 in Michigan City, Ind.

John and Martha had the following children:

  1. Grace Medaris (9) b. 24 Sept. 1880 in Laporte, Indiana, d. 04 June 1952 in South Bend, Ind.  She married John Donaldson Parker.
  2. Clara Medaris (8) b. Aug. 1884 in Laporte, Ind., d. 10 Feb. 1891 in Laporte, Ind. of Diphtheria.
  3. Ella Medaris (8) b. 11 Nov. 1889 in Laporte, Ind., d. 18 July 1980 in Detroit, Michigan. She married Alfred Snowden Gardner b. 16 Dec. 1879 in England, d. 04 June 1963 in Detroit, Michigan.

John and Martha are buried at Pin Hook Cemetery, near Laporte, Indiana.

(credits 18, 20, 89)  

Elisabeth Medaris (7) (Levi White 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 11 Feb. 1860 in Bathurst, NSW, Australia; d. 1902 in Taralga, NSW, Australia.  Elizabeth married William Richard Williams on 19 Dec. 1887 in Bathurst. William was b. 1862 in Young, NSW, Australia; d. 1902 in Taralga, NSW, Australia.

Elizabeth and William had the following children:

  1. Emily F. Williams (8) b. 1891
  2. Margaret R. Williams (8) b. 1893
  3. Ethel May Williams (8) b. 1895
  4. Alfred S. Williams (8) b. 1897
  5. William A. Williams (8) b. 1898
  6. Frank B. Williams (8) b. 1899
  7. Walter S. Williams (8) b. 1900
  8. Un-named Williams (8) b. 1902

(credits 202)

William Edward Medaris (7) (Levi White 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 16 Oct. 1863 in Bathurst. He married Mary O’Connor in 1885, in Bathurst. 

William and Mary had the following children:

  1. William Edward Medaris Jr. (8) b. 1886 in Bathurst, Australia. He married Stella E. Whittaker.
  2. Francis  James Medaris (8) b.30 Apr. 1888 in Bathurst, Australia. He married Elma Clementina Rosewarne.
  3. Mary E. Medaris (8) b.1892 in Bathurst, Australia.
  4. Harold B. Medaris (8) b.1897 in Bathurst, Australia.
  5. Ellen M. Medaris (8) b. 1890 in Bathurst, Australia.

(credits 202)

James Levi Medaris (7) (Levi White 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 09 July 1870 in Bathurst. He married 1) Mary L. Atkins in 1898. She died in 1899.  He married 2) Fannie Bastable in 1904, in Waterloo. 

James and Mary had one child:

  1. Grace T. Medaris (8) b.1898 Bathurst, Australia.

(credits 202)

Oliver Cromwell Medaris (7) (Levi White 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 08 Oct. 1881 in Bathurst NSW Australia; d. 24 Nov. 1940 in Ashfield NSW Australia.  He married Alice May Jeannie Wright, the daughter of Richard Mountstephen and Keziah Peck Wright, on 15 Mar 1902 in Annandale.  Alice was b. 1881 in Annandale, d. 17 July 1940 at 33 Queens Rd, Five Dock, NSW, Australia.  She was buried 18 July 1940 in Rookwood Crematorium. 

Oliver and Alice had the following children:

  1. Mountstephen John Medaris (8) b. 12 June 1902 in Annandale, NSW, Australia; d. 11 Sept. 1942 in Ryde, NSW, Australia.  He married Ethel West.
  2. Agnes Marguarite Medaris (8) b. 1904, married Delmore Keith Brown in 1926.
  3. Thelma G. Medaris (8) b. 1906, d. 1906.
  4. John Hunter Medaris (8) b. 1912, he married Neo Elexere Dwyer in 1936, in Canterbury.
  5. William Kenneth Medaris (8) b. 04 Oct. 1916, Petersham, NSW, Australia; d. 25 Nov. 2000, Canberra ACT, Australia. He married May “Sue” Rowley in 1944, Canterbury, NSW, Australia.
  6. Maise Edna Medaris (8) b. 06 Jan. 1914, d. 12 Mar. 1987.  She married Edward James Ernest Wyatt, 27 Oct 1934. She died 12th Mar 1987. Edward was b. 15 Feb. 1912, d. 09 Mar. 1990.
  7. Jean Mildred Medaris (8) b. 1921, married Leonard Charles Clark in 1939 in Drummoyne.

(credits 202)

Martin Vanburen Medearis (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 18 Sept. 1840 in Brown County, Ohio; d. 07 Nov 1925 in Warren County, Iowa. He married Margaret Isabell Robinson, on 14 Feb. 1864 in Stark County, Illinois. Margaret was the daughter of William and Sarah Medaris Robinson.  Martin and Margaret were first cousins.  They are buried in Wharton Cemetery, Worth County, Missouri.

Martin and Margaret had the following children:

  1. David A. Medearis (8) b.1865 in Illinois; d. 02 Mar 1918 in Putnam County, Illinois. He married Florence Mary ????
  2. William Francis Medearis (8) b. 1867 in Illinois; d. 1949 in Iowa. He married Nellie Ann Ressler.
  3. L. Z. Medaris (8) b. 1870 in Missouri; d. 1961 in Stark County, Illinois.  He married Laura E. Davis.
  4. Jannie Elizabeth Medearis (8) b. 23 July 1872 in Worth County, Missouri; d. 14 Jun 1947 in Warren County, Iowa. She married Tirey Siden Bridges, on 06 Mar 1901.  Tirey was born 26 Aug 1875 in Missouri; died 25 Apr 1962 in Grant City, Worth County, Missouri. They are buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Lucas County, Iowa.  (Findagrave: Jannie; Tirey)
  5. Louie Henry Medearis (8) b. 12 May 1876; d. 24 Mar 1881 of Lung Fever (Pneumonia).  He is buried at Wharton Cemetery, Worth County Missouri.  (Findagrave)
  6. Emery Martin Medaris (8) b. 1878 in Missouri, d. 1962 in Iowa.  (Findagrave)
  7. Minnie Belle Medaris (8) b. 29 Jun 1881 in Worth Co. Missouri, died 8 Jan 1954 in Williamson, Iowa. Minnie married Arthur Medearis, her cousin.
  8. Louisa Medaris (8) b. Sept. 1884 in Nebraska
  9. Rosa C. Medearis (8) b. 08 Sept 1884 in Nebraska; d. 01 Mar 1907 in Illinois at the age of 22.  She married Edward A. Carver.
  10. Solomon A. Medaris (8) b. Mar 1888 in Illinois; d. 1908 at age 20.

Supporting Documents

THE CHARITON LEADER
Chariton, Iowa
Tuesday, November 17, 1925

MARTIN MEDEARIS

Martin Medearis was born in Sidney, Ohio, on September 19, 1840, and passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. T. C. Bridges, near Lacona, Iowa, Nov. 7, 1925, at the age of 85 years, 1 month and 20 days.

He moved with his parents to Stark county, Ill., when quite young and on Feb. 14, 1864, was married to Margaret Isabelle Robinson, and to this union nine children were born. His wife and four children, Henry Longsworth, Rosa C. Carver, Solomon A. and David, preceded him in death.

The five who are living are W. T., of Carter, S. D.; T. Y., of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada; Jennie E. Bridges, Emery Medearis and Mrs. Minnie C. Medearis of Lacona, Ia. Besides his children, he is survived by eighteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.

He has been in poor health for over two years and almost helpless for more than a year. Though he suffered greatly, he endured bravely and said he wanted to go home. All was done for him that human hands could do but death claimed him.

The funeral was conducted by Elder Wm. J. Hughes, who spoke words of comfort to the mourning family, neighbors and friends, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Mt. Zion cemetery.

Findagrave:  Martin; Margaret

CR: 1850 Brown County, Ohio; 1860 Stark County, Illinois; 1880 Worth County, Missouri; 1910 Marshall County, Illinois; 1920 Harrison County, Missouri

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, & 32, 39, 54, 80)

Aurora “Lowell” Medaris (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 27 Apr 1842 in Brown Co., Ohio, died 15 Nov. 1935 in Nebraska. Married John D. Vernon 13 Mar 1859. They had the following children:

  1. Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Vernon (8) b. 1861, d. 1953. Married Oscar L. Damon.
  2. John Elmer Ellsworth Vernon (8) b. 1863, 1942. Married Josephine Roberts.
  3. William Vernon (8) b. 1873, d. 1891.
  4. Winfred Vernon (8) b. 1879, d. 1958. Married Zela Platt.
  5. Lura Maud Vernon (8) b. 1881, d. 1969. Married Grace Edwards.

 (credits 18, 95)

William B. Medaris (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 9 Mar 1844 in Ohio. Married to ?????

  1. Thomas Medaris (8)
    1. William Medaris (9)
      1. Glenn Medaris (10) b. 1 May 1915, died 5 Jul. 1989 in Mo. married Naomi ????
      2. Edward Medaris (10)

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, & 32, 54)

Alexander Medaris (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 26 Aug. 1846 in Ohio, died 5 Mar 1878. He married Harriet A. Barber. Harriet was born in England. Alexander is buried at Snareville.

Alexander and Harriet had the following children:

  1. James Oscar Medearis (8) b. 1869 in Illinois, d. 15 Oct. 1928.
  2. Joseph Manuel Medearis (8) b. 1871
  3. Arthur Medearis (8) b. 18 Feb. 1877

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, & 32, 54)

Eliza Wiley Medaris (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 23 Mar 1849 in Brown Co., Ohio. d. 25 May 1890 in Nebraska. She married Lewis Winters on 26 Aug. 1868. Lewis was b. 31 Dec. 1839; d. 17 Feb. 1916 in Nebraska.

Eliza and Lewis had the following children:

  1. Della Winters (8)
  2. Mary Winters (8)
  3. Adaladge Winters (8)
  4. Nellie Winters (8)
  5. Elizabeth Winters (8)

(credits 18, 95)

James Lewis Medaris (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 27 Jun 1850 in Stark Co., Illinois, died 29 Jun 1932 in Illinois.

Married 1st- Nancy Sturm. He and Nancy had the following children:

  1. Nellie Belle Medaris (8) b. 17 Sept. 1885. She married ???? Brittingham.
  2. Roy A. Medaris (8) b. 1882 and died 3 Mar 1956. Roy married Mae E. Mix b. 1886, d. 20 Apr 1940. They are both buried at Osceola Grove Cemetery, Stark County, Ill. They had the following children:
    1. Raymond Medaris (9) b. 1919 and died 5 Feb. 1920
    2. Leo Medaris (9)
    3. Gracie Medaris (9) She married ???? Durand.
  3. Blanche Medaris (8)
  4. Willie Medaris (8) He died in a drowning accident at the age of 2.

Married 2nd- Sinnta Lacy Davis b. 1856 and died 1951. He and Sinnta had the following children:

  1. Earl Medaris (8) b. 18 Feb. 1890 and died 12 May 1967. He married Margaret ???? and they had no children.
  2. Frank Medaris (8) b. 18 Jan 1895 and died 29 Jul. 1969. He married Marie Forbes. They had two children.
  3. Walter Medaris (8) b. 11 Mar 1897 and died 11 Oct. 1965. He married Julia Carlson and they had three children. Walter is buried at Snareville Cemetery in Stark County along with his parents.
  4. Wilber Medaris (8) b. 6 Aug. 1900 and died 20 Jun 1987. He married Olive Sturm, and they had two children.
  5. Arnold Medaris (8) b. 3 Sept. 1903 and died Dec 1966. He married 1) ???? ????, they had one daughter. He married 2) Irma Smith and they had 5 children.

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, 32, 54)

Joseph S. Medearis (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 07 Dec 1853 in Toulon Township, Stark County, Illinois; d. June 1933 at Dawson County, Nebraska.  He was married twice. His first wife was Isabelle Horrocks, who was born 1858, in Whitefield, Stark Co., Illinois; died 26 Nov 1899 in Sumner, Dawson County, Nebraska.  She was the daughter of William and Francis Clark Horrocks who were both born in England.  Joseph and Isabelle were married on 12 Sept. 1875 in Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois.  

Joseph and his two brothers James and Franklin moved first to Worth Missouri, where his second son Orange was born. Then they moved to Nebraska.

Joseph and Isabelle had the following children :

  1. Oliver Henry Medearis (8) b. 02 Jan 1877 in Illinois; d. 07 July 1967 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.  He married Clemmie Laura Bent.  
  2. Orange Grove Medearis (8) b. 05 Apr. 1880, Worth Missouri; d. 15 Mar. 1967 in Mullen, Nebraska. Married Anna Christina Dorothy Lorenzen
  3. Jerome Medaris (8) b. 15 Mar 1883 in Vesty, Nebraska; d. 17 Jan. 1967 in Los Angeles, California.   He married Johanna Thedin.
  4. Andrew Medearis (8) b. 22 Dec. 1889 in Dawson, Nebraska; d. 02 Jan. 1899 in Custer County, Nebraska. He was the victim of a Smallpox epidemic. He is buried in Kingsbury Cemetery, in Custer County, Nebraska.
  5. Hazel May Medaris (8) b. 22 Nov. 1891 in Dawson County, Nebraska; d. 19 May 1987 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington.  She married Ira N Kelly.
  6. Hattie Medaris (8) b. Dec 1893 in Sumner, Dawson County, Nebraska; d. 07 Aug 1932 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.  She married August Edward George, 02 Nov 1912 in Buchanan, Missouri.  August was born 13 Aug 1893 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa; died 12 Apr 1975 in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada.
  7. John Medaris (8) b. 05 July 1895 in Dawson Nebraska.  He registered for the draft in WWI but disappeared before 1920.
  8. Florence Medaris (8) b. 11 May 1898 in Dawson Nebraska; d. 03 Feb. 1899 in Sumner, Nebraska.  She is buried in Kingsbury Cemetery, in Custer County, Nebraska.

        He then married his second wife Cora Kirby and they had the following children:

  1. Boyd Walter Medearis (8) b. 25 July 1904 in Kearny, Nebraska; d. 19 Apr. 1978 in Schuyler, Colfax County, Nebraska. He married Merle Schmidt, the daughter of William and Edith Guidinger Schmidt.
  2. Josephine Medaris (8) b. 05 July 1906 in Kearny, Nebraska; d. 21 Feb. 1980 in Neillsville, Clark County, Wisconsin. She married 1) Deitrick Herman Krehmeyer, 12 Feb 1924 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa.  Deitrick was born 26 Jun 1895 in Denver, Colorado.  It is unclear what happened to Deitrick, but she married 2) Carl M. Almquist.  Carl was born 11 Dec 1917 in Nebraska; died 24 Feb 1981 in Neillsville, Clark County, Wisconsin.
  3. David Franklin Medearis (8) b. 03 July 1908 in Kearny, Nebraska; d. 11 Mar. 1976 in Garland County, Arkansas. He married Catherine ????.
  4. Catherine Medearis (8) b. 25 Nov. 1910 in Lexington, Nebraska; d. 27 Oct. 1982 in Franklin, Nebraska. She married Gerald Parriott, who was born 31 Aug 1907 in Nebraska; died 31 Mar 1984 in Nebraska.
  5. Harold Kenneth Medearis (8) b. 12 Apr. 1913 in Lexington, Nebraska; d. 21 Nov. 1991 in Council Bluff, Iowa. He married Francis Josephine Rice on 22 Mar. 1952 in Freemont, Nebraska. She was b. 16 June 1918 in Council Bluff, Iowa.
  6. Imogene Barbara Medearis (8) b. 26 Nov. 1918 in Willow Island, Nebraska; d. 29 July 1994 in Nevada. She married was married twice.  1) Dewain Durnell, born 20 May 1913 in Nebraska; died 17 Aug 1993 in Axtell, Nebraska. 2) Fred M. Bishop, b. 1914.  She married Fred on 14 Mar 1964 in Santa Clara, California.
  7. Evelyn Pearl Medearis (8) b. 03 Sept. 1921 in Dawson County, Nebraska; d. 21 Jun 1999 in Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas. She married Harry W. Scott Jr., 02 July 1946 in Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas.  Harry was born 19 Nov 1920 in Liberal, Seward County, Kansas; died 26 Mar 2009 in Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas.
  8. Howard Frederick Medearis (8) b. 29 Mar. 1923 in Willow Island, Nebraska; d. 14 Aug 1992 in Elmwood Park, Cook County, Illinios. He married Evelyn ????.

    The years 1889 – 1899 were rough in Nebraska and we see this in the family listings above.  A smallpox epidemic broke out in southwestern Iowa and eastern Nebraska in 1989-1899. Iowa’s State Board of Health offered its encouragement and limited support. The epidemic threatened to cover the state. By the late 1890s the board was waging war against disease on a number of fronts. It was encouraging improvements in sanitary and water systems and the development of a new diphtheria vaccine. It was up to the local boards to have the ultimate responsibility for ending a smallpox outbreak. The state board provided education and support to prepare carefully for epidemics and be ready to act when they happened.

     Other epidemics occurred elsewhere in the state. The Fremont County epidemic began in mid-November 1898. The Hamburg- Nebraska City epidemic probably arrived via a Missouri River steamboat. In June 1889 the Chicago & North Western Railway epidemic occurred. It was an example of smallpox spreading from trains carrying immigrant passengers. This epidemic spread from one end of the state to the other. Two individuals died.

CR: 1860-1870 Stark County, Illinois; 1880 Worth County, Missouri; 1900 Dawson County, Nebraska; 1910 Buffalo County, Nebraska; 1920 Dawson County, Nebraska; 1930 Buffalo County, Nebraska

(credits 54, 223)

Franklin Medearis (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 21 Jul. 1856 in Stark Co., Illinois; d. 13 Apr. 1935 in Palisade, Nebraska. He married Mary Ann Burne who was b. Oct. 1860 in Illinois; d. 11 Oct. 1924 in Palisade, Nebraska.  They were married in 1881. Her parents were born in Ireland. Franklin and Mary moved to Palisade, Nebraska, around 1883.

Franklin and Mary had the following children:

  1. Frances Medearis (8) b. Aug. 1882 in Illinois. She married Mr. Kerr
  2. Anna Medearis (8) b. 21 Oct. 1884 in Nebraska; d. 16 Mar. 1971 in Palisade, Nebraska. She married ???? Parker.
  3. Charles Medearis (8) b. 15 Mar 1889 in Nebraska, killed in action in WWI on 18 Dec. 1918.
  4. Edward Lee Medearis (8) b. Sept. 1894 in Nebraska; d. 1963 in Nebraska. Married Blanche Seidel. They lived in McCook, Nebraska. Edward is buried at Memorial Park (Longview) Cemetery, Red Willow County, Nebraska.
  5. Elna Leola Medearis (8) b. Sept. 1894 in Nebraska

Franklin, Mary Ann, Charles and Anna are buried in the Palisade Cemetery, Hitchcock County, Nebraska.

(CR: 1880 Stark Co., Illinois)

(credits 54, 147) 

Ann Eliza Medaris (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1 Mar 1859 in Stark Co., Illinois. d.16 Jan 1933. She married Charles Wilbur Hanchett, b. 20 Nov. 1863, Stark Co. Illinois, d. 17 July 1923. They were married 15 Jul. 1883.

Ann and Charles had the following children:

  1. Earl Melvin Hanchett (9) b. 14 Feb 1884. He married Tillie McCray
  2. Herbert Lyman Hanchett (8) married Bernice Blickenstaff
  3. Harry Roberts Hanchett (8) married Mare Myars
  4. Wilda Lawrence Hanchett (8) married Fred Counter
  5. Wilna Florence Hanchett (8) married Clarence Cochran
  6. Myrtle Hepsey Hanchett (8) married Herman Wenger

(credits 18, 39, 95) 

Sarah A. Medaris (7) (John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 3 Jul. 1865 in Stark Co., Illinois and died 26 Dec 1919 in Wyoming, Illinois. Called “Sadie” by her family, she had a son by Albert Barton.

  1. Albert Barton Jr. (8) b. 10 Nov. 1886.

She married Thomas B. Shaw on 29 Nov. 1887, and they had the following children:

  1. Clarence Shaw (8) married Minnie ????
  2. George W. Shaw (8) married Mae Van Dyke
  3. Annie Shaw (8) married Ray McManus
  4. Orville Shaw (8) married Carrie Manor

(credits 18, 95) 

Mary Elizabeth Medaris (7) (David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 16 Sept. 1839 in Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, d. 05 June 1915 in Centerville, Linn Co., Kansas. She married John Crozier, 20 Feb. 1876 in Centerville. John was b. 01 Jan. 1829 in Tyrone, Ireland, d. 11 Jan. 1904 in Osawatomie, Franklin County, Kansas. 

John had six children when he and Mary married. She was 35 at the time of their marriage. The older girls probably helped with the running of the home since in 1880 they were a family of 10. By 1910 Mary was a widow and was living with her sister, Sarah Spicer, who was also a widow. Mary’s son, Ernest, lived with the two women.

John was a member of Co. H, 6th Regiment, Kansas State Militia where he served as a private.

Mary and John the following children:

  1. Ernest Medaris Crozier (8) b. 24 May 1878 in Bush City, Anderson County, Kansas, d. May 08, 1954, Los Angeles County, California. He married Clara Belle Medaris Stephens abt. 1912 in Linn County, Kansas. She was the daughter of Thomas Darwin (7) and Anna McCollum Medaris. (See Clara’s link for her family).
  2. Arthur Calvin Crozier (8) b. 27 April 1880 in Bush City, Anderson County, Kansas. He married Nelle Lowman in 1906 in Kansas. Nellie was born in 1883 in Kansas. Arthur was a farmer in 1910 – 1920, Chase County, Kansas. In 1930 they made their residence in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas.
  3. George Tuttle Crozier (8) b. 06 Dec. 1886 in Bush City, Anderson County, Kansas, d. Bef. 1930, California. He married Ester Vandiver about 1911. She was born 1894 in California, d. bef 1930 in California. In 1920 George and his family lived in Wilmington Precinct, Los Angeles County, California, on a farm. They had one hired man who lived in their home, 29-year-old Leon F. Martin who had also been born in California.

(credits 107, 193)

Sarah Jane Medaris (7) (David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 11 Feb. 1843 in Shelby, Ohio, died 20 Apr. 1930. She married John B. Spicer on 25 Apr. 1861 in McDonough Co., Illinois. John was b. 1835 in Maryland, d. 24 Mar. 1908.  In 1880 John and Sarah lived in Walnut Grove, McDonough, Illinois.

John and Sarah had an adopted daughter:

  1. Jennie Medaris Spicer (8) b. 1882. She married ???? Sanders.

(credits 107, 193)

John S. Medaris (7) (David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. March 1840 in Illinois according to the census records, Indiana according to this military records. He married Alice ????, who was b. Sept. 1852. John enlisted in the Federal Army on 25 May 1861 and served as a Sargent, Company A, 14th Illinois Infantry.  He was discharged from the army on 20 August 1862 due to disability.  John was described as light complexion, brown eyes, gray hair.  He was an engineer by trade, and they ran a family business in Denver, Colorado.   

John was admitted to the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers in Leavenworth County, Kansas.  He spent most of his later years there until his death on 24 January 1916 from pneumonia.  John is buried at the hospital cemetery in Leavenworth County, Kansas, sec. 31, row 6, grave #5274.

    John and Alice had the following children:

  1. Arthur Medaris (8) Was the City Health Inspector for Denver, Colorado in 1916.
  2. ???? Medaris (8) married ???? Walstean.  They had one child:
    1. Terrell Walstein (9) b. Dec. 1889 in Iowa.  The grandson was living with his grandparents in 1900.
  3. Minnie E. Medaris (8) b. Apr. 1876 in Indiana.  She married Curtis Sawdey in 1896. They had two children:
    1. Burr R. Sawdey (9) b. Oct. 1891 in Iowa.
    2. Curtis Sawdey (9) b. Mar. 1900 in Colorado.
  4. Nellie C. Medaris (8) b. Oct. 1878 in Indiana.  She worked for the family business as a Book Binder.
  5. Allie Medaris (8) (twin) b. Sept. 1882 in Kansas.  She worked for the family business as a Saleswoman.  She married ???? Alsop and had one known child:
    1. Richard Alsop (9) b. 1906 in Kansas.
  6. Hallie Medaris (8) (twin) b. Sept. 1882 in Kansas.  She worked as a Stenographer for the family business.

(cr: 1900 Colorado)

(credits 00)

Sylvester Perry Medaris (7) (David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b.  26 Aug. 1846 in Shelby, Ohio. He married Abarella Boyd in McDonough County, Illinois on 01 Sept.1872. Abarella was the daughter of John Boyd, a Union soldier who was sent to Andersonville Prison in Georgia during the War for Southern Independence. Abarella was b. Dec. 1854 in Illinois.

In 1900 Sylvester and Abbie were living on a rented farm in Pottawatomie Township, Franklin County, Kansas. The only child still at home was Charles who also worked on the farm. Sylvester and Abbie had been married for 27 years and had four children, 3 of them still living. In 1910 Sylvester, Abbie and son Charles were living in Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas.

Sylvester and Abbie had the following children:

  1. Leon Arthur Medaris (8) b. 12 Oct. 1873 in Palmer, Missouri; d. 31 Mar. 1951 in Stella, Newton County, Missouri of Throat Cancer. Leon was a Postmaster in McDonald County, Missouri. He was married to Florence ????.
  2. John Alfred Medaris (8) b. 04 Mar. 1876 in Missouri, d. 21 June 1938 in Salinas, Monterey County, California.  He married Beulah May Martin, 15 Jun 1913.  They had the following known child:
    1. Fred Perry Medaris (9) b. 22 Jan. 1915 in Crestone, Sagauche County, Colorado; d. 23 July 1983 in Fresno, California.  He married Elizabeth Charlotte Shaw, 15 Mar 1947.
  1. Charlie K. Medaris (8) b. Apr. 1881 in Kansas

(CP: 1880 Anderson Co., Kansas; 1900, 1910 Franklin Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 107, 193)

Charity Arabeth Medaris (7) (David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 06 May 1848 in Ohio, d. 05 July 1918 in Garnett, Anderson Co., Kansas. She married Charles Edward Adams, Oct.17,1871 in Illinois. Charles was born July 28,1846 in Mercer County, Kentucky, d. 23 Dec. 1929 in Garnett, Anderson Co., Kansas.

Charity and Charles had the following children:

  1. Carrie Francis Adams (8) b. 1873, d. 12 Feb. 1941. She married Henry Kelley.
  2. Infant Adams (8) b. 1875, d. 23 Feb. 1875.
  3. Lulu Rebecca Adams (8) b. 22 Feb. 1877, in Centerville, Kansas, d. 08 Nov. 1951 in Garnett, Kansas.  She married Elmer E. Warbritton, 31 July 1898.
  4. Stella Adams (8) b. 19 Jan.1879 in Linn Co, Kansas, d. 06 Oct. 1952. She married Curtis M. Warbritton.
  5. Jennie Adams (8) b. 1886. She married John D. Waite, 27 Oct. 1907 in Garnett, Kansas.
  6. Fred W. Adams (8) b. 24 Aug. 1881 in Garnett, Kansas, d. 09 June 1955 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
  7. David Oscar Adams (8) b. 11 Sept. 1886, d. 10 Sept.1937 in Phillips, Nebraska.
  8. Earl Adams (8)
  9. There was one other child who died in infancy.

(credits 105, 107, 193)

Thomas Darwin Medaris (7) (David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 16 Apr. 1851 in Shelby Co., Ohio, d. 04 Mar. 1940 in Fowler, Otero Co., Colorado.  He married (1) Hannah Jane Spicer who d. 17 Nov. 1891. He then married (2) Anna McCollum abt. 1876. Thomas lived at 810 Rudd Ave., Canon City, Colorado in 1930.

Thomas and Anna had 3 children:

  1. Clara Belle Medaris (8) b. 1877, married on 13 Nov. 1899 to Isaac Stephens.
  2. Cora Maude Medaris (8) b. 06 March 1881 in Centerville, Kansas, d. 22 April 1976. She married James L. Stephens.
  3. Bertha Mae Medaris (8) b. 11 Dec.1885, Sedgewick Co., KS; d. 15 Jan. 1973, Canon City, CO. She married Otis W. Witcher on 12 Nov. 1902 in Garnett, Kansas. Otis was b. 1880, died in Canon City, Colorado.

(CR: 1880 Anderson Co., Kansas; 1900 Linn Co., Kansas; 1920 Los Angeles Co., California)

(credits 107, 193)

Marcellus Medaris (7) (John Ellsworth 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 08 Feb. 1846 in Ohio; d. 18 Apr. 1903 in Springfield, Ohio.  He married Caroline Bundy in Piqua, Miami, Ohio on 15 Jan. 1871. Caroline died 07 Mar. 1936 in Yakim, Yakima County, Washington.

After Marcellus’ death, Caroline moved to Washington State with her seven children. All became quite wealthy after purchasing many fruit ranches and other businesses in the valley.

Marcellus and Caroline had the following children:

  1. John Franklin Medaris (8) b. 01 Aug. 1872 in Ohio; d. 11 June 1935 in Yakima, Washington.
  2. Pearl Lewis Medaris (8) b. 17 Apr. 1875 in Ohio; d. 17 Dec. 1956 in Yakima, Washington.
  3. Clemmie Medaris (8) b. 1876 in Ohio apparently died young.
  4. Flavilla Medaris (8) b. 26 Sept. 1877 in Ohio; d. 15 Nov. 1926 in Washington.
  5. Glenna Medaris (8) b. 26 Feb. 1880; d. 13 Aug. 1961.
  6. Elby Marcellus Medaris (8) b. 07 Aug. 1882; d. 03 July 1938.
  7. William Foraker Medaris (8) b. 15 Apr. 1885; d. 07 June 1938 in Yakima, Washington.
  8. Mary Getha Medaris (8) b. 07 May 1888; d. 20 Apr. 1979.

(CR: 1870 Mason Co., Illinois; 1880 Miami Co., Ohio; 1910 Okanogan Co., Washington)

(credits 00, 230)

Reuben Abraham Medearis (7) (Thomas Beecher 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 1868 in Illinois; d. 1941. He married Aurilda Jane Ozbun (Osborn), who was b. Apr. 1871; d. 1943. They are buried in Gravette Cemetery, Benton County, Arkansas.  

Reuben and Aurilda had the following known children:

  1. Thomas E. Medearis (8) b. May 1895 in Oklahoma.
  2. Lottie Medearis (8) (twin) b. Mar. 1900 in Oklahoma
  3. Dottie Medearis (8) (twin) b. Mar. 1900 in Oklahoma

(CR: 1900 Logan Co., Oklahoma)

Charles F. Medaris (7) (Simeon Davis 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. July 1858 in Illinios. He married Francis Kress, b. July 1863.

Charles received injuries while employed in setting a curbing around the office building of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway Company. According to the report, the crew had dug a ditch along the curbing and several of the curbstones were placed along the edge of the ditch in preparation of their placement. Charles was placing a curbstone and one that had been left standing, fell on his leg causing permanent injury.

Charles and Francis had the following known child:

  1. Clarence Lee Medaris (8) b. Jan. 1881. 

(CR: 1895, 1900, 1910 Labette Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 181)

Jacob L. Medaris (7) (Simeon Davis 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. Oct. 1861 in Illinois.  He married Helen B. ????, b. July 1863 in Illinois. 

Jacob and Helen had the following known children:

  1. Helen I. Medaris (8) b. Aug. 1897 in Illinois.
  2. Irene Medaris (8) b. 1898

(CR: 1900, 1910 Labette Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 181)

Holly A. Medaris (7) (Simeon Davis 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. April 1863 in Illinois.  He married Delosa P. ????, b. June 1867 in Ohio.  Her maiden name as possibly Wheeler. 

Holly and Delosa had the following known children:

  1. Darwin Addison Medaris (8) b. 18 Feb. 1888 in Parsons, Kansas.  He married Burzillia N. ????.  Darwin worked for John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance, in Chicago, Illinois in 1942.

(CR: 1900 Labette Co., Kansas)

(credits 00, 181)

William Henry Medaris (7) (Simeon Davis 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. Aug. 1870 in Illinois.  He married Minetta Rayburn, b. 11 April 1873 in Altamont, Kansas. This family was listed in the 1910, Washington State Census. Minetta was the daughter of Josiah and Lucretias McMillon Rayburn.

William and Minetta had the following children:

  1. Melda M. Medaris (8) b. 25 Nov. 1895 in Kansas.
  2. Josiah Wilfred Medaris (8) b. 28 Feb. 1899 in Parsons, Labette County, Kansas; d. 02 Dec. 1903.
  3. Wilber Medaris (8) b. 14 Sept. 1900.

 (CR: 1900 Labette Co., Kansas, 1910 Clark Co., Washington)

(credits 00, 181)

Sherman Medaris (7) (Simeon Davis 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. Feb. 1877 in Kansas. He married Mayme ????, b. 1880 in Kansas.

Sherman and Mayme had one child listed in the 1910, Washington State census:

  1. Elfleda Medaris (8) b. 1902 in Kansas

(CR: 1810 Clark Co., Washington)

(credits 00, 181)

Generation 8

Dr. Charles Edward Medaris (8) (Stephen Davis 7, Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 01 Jan. 1877 in Winn County, Indiana; d. 14 Oct. 1965 in Rockford, Illinois.  He married Nellie V. Finley, 03 Mar.1904.  She was b. abt. 1875 in Kansas.  In 1910 Charles and family was in Kirksville, Missouri, where Charles was attending school.  This family lived in Rockford City, Winnebago County, Illinois in 1920 and 1930. 

    Charles was a graduate of American School of Osteopathy, Kirksville, Missouri.  He practiced at the Masonic Temple in Rockford, Illinois.

    On his WWI draft registration, Charles listed Nellie’s middle initial as “V”.  It had been listed on census records as “B” and “O”.  He also lists his home address as “1712 Camp Avenue, Rockford, Winn County, Illinios”.  

Charles and Nellie had one child:

  1. Dr. Florence Medaris (9) b. 1909 in Missouri.

Supporting Documents

Owen County (Indiana) Leader; October 28, 1965

DR. C. E. MEDARIS, 88, SUCCUMBS, FORMER OWENITE

Dr. Charles E. Medaris, 88, Rockford osteopathic physician, died October 14 in Rockford Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. He had continued his practice until shortly before his death. Mr. Medaris, who lived at 407 James Ave., Rockford, Ill., was a member of the American, Illinois and District Osteopathic Associations and in 1960 received the Andrew Taylor Medallion of Honor, for highest service to his profession from the Academy of Applied Osteopathy. He was president of the Illinois group of 1918-1919. Dr. Medaris was a former resident of Jordan Village in Owen County and was the son of the late Dr. Stephen Medaris and Sarah (Hudson) Medaris. Mr. Medaris is a cousin of Mrs. Clarence Steel, of Spencer. He was a charter member of the Rockford Rotary Club, a mason, a ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church and a member of the first Presbyterian Church.

Three years ago, Dr. Medaris and his osteopath daughter, Dr. Florence Medaris of Milwaukee, Wisc., hiked more than 90 miles through the Canadian Rockies taking color slides and movies. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Florence Medaris; and his brother, Dr. Will Medaris and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial was in the Willwood Burial Park. A memorial in his name has been established at the First Presbyterian Church. 

Morning Star (Rockford, Illinois); Wednesday, September 21, 1970

Mrs. Nellie Medaris Dies; Mother of Golf Champion

    Mrs. Nellie V. Medaris, 85, 407 James Ave., wife of Dr. Charles E. Medaris, Rockford osteopath, died at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rockford Memorial Hospital after a three month illness.
    Mrs. Medaris was a member of First Presbyterian Church and for many years had served as choir mother for the church.
    She was a former member of Rockfords Woman’s club, Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine and the Women’s Auxiliary of the National and Illinois Osteopathic Associations.
    Mrs. Medaris was born Feb. 20, 1875, in Everest, Kan., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cary Finley. She had lived in Rockford 48 years, coming here from Kirksville, Mo.
    She and Dr. Medaris were married March 30, 1904.
    Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Dr. Florence Medaris, Milwaukee, Wis., the first Rockford Morning Star Women’s City golf champion.
    Services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday in Burpee-Wood Funeral Home, 420 N. Main St. Rev. Hal B. Lloyd, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, will officiate.
    The Burial will be in Willwood Burial Park.  There will be no visitation.

(cr: 1910 Missouri, 1920, Illinois, 1930 Illinois)
(credits 00, 218)

Dr. William Oliver Medaris (8) (Stephen Davis 7, Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 23 May 1885 in Indiana; d. Mar 1976 in Loves Park, Illinois.  He married Mabel S. Tansy on 26 Dec 1907.  She was born 15 Nov. 1885 in McCutchanville, Indiana, the daughter of John and Mary Emma Sarlis Tansy.

    Dr. Medaris was a doctor of Osteopath and a prominent citizen in Rockford Illinois for many years. 

William and Mabel had the following children:

  1. John S. Medaris (9) b. 11 July 1909 in Indiana; d. 14 Feb. 1996 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
  2. Mary Ellen Medaris (9) b. 1919 in Illinois
  3. Betty Jane Medaris (9) b. 09 Mar 1926 in Illinois; d. 23 Mar. 1999 in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Walker A. Medaris (8) (Stephen Davis 7, Jonathan H. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 22 Aug. 1880 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 02 Sept. 1938 in Rochester, Indiana.  He married Edna Armstrong, 01 Jan 1910 in Grant, Indiana.

     Walker and Edna lived in Cedar Rapids Precinct 1, Linn, Iowa in 1910.  In 1915 they lived in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.  1919 they lived in Peoria, Illinois, then settled into Rockford, Illinois by 1920.
     His WWI draft registration describes him as 5′ 8-1/2 inches tall, medium build with blue eyes and brown hair.

Walker and Edna had the following children:

  1. Wendell A. Medaris (9) b. 1912 in Iowa
  2. Pauline H. Medaris (9) b. 1915 in Wisconsin.  She married Earle Anderson.
  3. Charlotte Medaris (9) b. 1923 in Illinois

Supporting Documents

Rockford Register-Republic,
Rockford, Indiana
Saturday, September 3, 1938

Walker Medaris Dies Friday at Rochester, Ind.

Rites Here Sunday for Former Local Man and County Board Member

     Walker A. Medaris, 58, a former Rockford resident and former member of the Winnebago board of supervisors, died Friday at Rochester, Ind., from acute dilation of the heart following a brief illness of influenza and bronchial pneumonia.
     While a local resident from 1919 to 1932, Mr. Medaris was engaged in the printing business as manager of the Thrift Press and was active in civic affairs.  He was president of the Rockford chapter of the Isaac Walton league from 1926 to 1932 and did much to interest sportsmen in restocking streams in northern Illinois with game fish.
     Mr. Medaris was born in Owen county, Indiana, Aug. 22, 1889.  He served as an assistant supervisor on the Winnebago county board from 1931 to 1935, and after leaving Rockford in 1932 resided in Rockton, Ill., for three years.
    During the last three years he represented the Econ-O-Col Stoker division of the Cotta Transmission company of Rockford for the state of Indiana and resided in Rochester.
    Surviving are his widow, Edna; one son, Wendell; two daughters, Mrs. Earle Anderson of Rockton, and Charlotte, at home; his mother, Mrs. Sarah E. Medaris of Marion, Ind.; two brothers, Drs. Charles E. and Will O. Medaris, both of Rockford; and several nieces and nephews.
    Mr. Medaris served in the United States army medical corps in the Philippine expeditionary forces during the insurrection from 1899 to 1902.
     A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday at the Burpee-Wood funeral home, 420 North Main street.  Rev. John Gordon, pastor of Second Congregational church, will officiate and burial will be in Willwood cemetery.

Zelma Oliver Madaris (8) (William Worth7 ,Ithamer 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 20 Mar. 1903 in Bloomington, Indiana; d. Jun 1972 in Bloomington, Indiana. She lived in Stockton Indiana in 1910.  She attended Browns Business College.  

    She married Lonnie Hamm and they had two children:

  1. Nola Doris Hamm (9) was born 24 Sept. 1923 in Bloomington Indiana; d. 02 July 2002 in Bloomington, Indiana.  She married Boyd Jordan Skeen and they had 2 children.  She worked as a bookkeeper.  
  2. Harold Lonnie Hamm (9)

Cora “Minnie” Dell Medaris (8) (William Hastings 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 29 Oct. 1869 in Indiana; d. 19 Nov. 1917. She married Ambros Ooley on 20 Sept. 1895.  He was b. 29 Sept. 1865; d. 22 Sept. 1923; the son of Samuel and Bishaba Carpenter Ooley.  They are buried in Adel Cemetery, Spencer, Owen Co., Indiana.    

Minnie and Ambrose had the following children:

  1. Orestes Ooley (9) b. 07 Feb 1897 in Indiana; d. bef 1900
  2. Lillian Bishaba Ooley (9) b. 05 Oct 1900 in Indiana; d. Mar 1974
  3. Samuel Ivanhoe Ooley (9) b. 01 May 1905 in Owen Co., Indiana; d. 27 Dec 1959 in Dayton, Ohio; he is buried in Riverside Cem., Spencer, Owen Co., Indiana.

Stephen Curtis Medaris (8) (William Hastings 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 27 Mar 1875, d. 3 Feb. 1903 in Alabama. Curtis married Emma Florence Franklin. They were married on September 14, 1898, in Owen County, Indiana.  Emma was b. 28 May 1878 in Indiana. She was born to William Marion and Esther Ann Maners Franklin.

Curtis and Emma had three children.

  1. Clarence Odell Medaris (9) b. 18 Nov. 1899, in Greene County, Indiana; d. 16 Feb. 1961 in Monroe County, Indiana.  He married 1) Margaret Long, 2) Zulla M. Williams Litten, 3) Anna Mae Weaver 
  2. Dessie Cleathel (9) b.  13 May 1901. She married Rex Fox on 07 Mar 1926.
  3. Floney Ruth (9) b.  21 Sept. 1903, d. 16 Nov. 1953. She married Charles Gardner.

 Stephen’s obituary was printed in the Bloomfield News, Friday, February 13, 1903:

“This community was shocked Saturday morning when word was received from Alabama that Curtis Medaris was dead. He left here over a year ago in good health. His remains arrived at Worthington Saturday night accompanied by his wife and two children, and were taken to the home of his sister, Mrs. Mat Yocum. His remains were laid to rest beside his mother in the Dixon cemetery Monday.” 

At the time of Curtis’s death Clarence was 3 years and 4 months, Cleathel was 2 months shy of her second birthday, and Emma would have been about two months pregnant with Floney. More work is being done to determine what they were doing in Alabama and why he died so young.

Emma remarried a few years later to Charles T. Hess on February 25, 1906.

Emma died on August 11, 1914, just two days after giving birth to the twins Wayne and Wandy Hess.  The twins also died on August 11, 1914, at only two days old. Emma was only 36 years old when she died in Monroe County. Wayne and Wandy were buried with Emma. With the twins at her side in the single casket, they were laid to rest in Knightridge Cemetery in Monroe County.

(credits 90, 274)

Martin Luther Medaris (8) (William Hastings 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 31 Jan 1877, he married Stella Donica.  Martin was a veteran of the Spanish American War.  He was a farmer in Lawrence County, Indiana.

Martin and Stella had one child:

  1. Ralph Medaris (9) b. 10 Apr 1908 in Bedford Indiana. Married Evalena Hazel Himburg on 24 Feb. 1928.

(credits 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 31, & 32, 54)

Jesse Roy Medaris (8) (William Hastings 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 19 Sept. 1888 in Owen County, Indiana.  He married Loretta Mary Wolfe on 01 Oct. 1921.  

    Jesse left home when he was 16 in a “dissatisfactory manner” according to his father.  Jesse was the subject of an FBI investigation in March 1921, on suspicion of Draft Evasion.  It appears the charges were never founded but the report does give us some information on Jesse.  Loretta may be Jesse’s second wife, as in the report, his father states in March 1861, that “during the last year he had received several letters from subject’s (Jesse’s) wife, one of which was an inquiry relative to Subject’s whereabouts and informing Mr. Medaris that subject left her and ran away with another woman.”  Later in the report, his father states that “subject served three years in the United States Army but did not know what Company Subject was in”.   They later received a copy of the draft record from the “Local board for San Matao County, California”.

Later, Jesse was a conductor on the street railway in San Francisco, California.

Jesse and Loretta had the following children:

  1. Jesse Robert Medaris (9)
  2. Charles Medaris (9)
  3. Francis Medaris (9)
  4. Ruth Medaris (9)

Loura May Medaris (8) (James H. 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 01 Sept 1866, in Owen County, Indiana; d. 12 Nov 1953 in Udall, Kansas.  She married John Branson Van Wye on 28 Nov 1894 in Woods County, Oklahoma.  John was b. 09 Oct 1969 in Missouri; d. June 1939 in Helena Oklahoma. 
    Loura and John had one daughter:

  1. Lois Fae Van Wye (9) b. 15 Sept 1898 in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma; d. 21 Nov 1984 in Hutchinson, Kansas.

(credits 201)

Gertrude Bell Medaris (8) (James H. 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 17 Aug. 1878 in Cataract, Indiana, d. 19 Jan. 1960 in Enid, Oklahoma.  She married Alvin McCall on 04 Dec 1901, in Alvaretta, Oklahoma Territory.  Alvin was b. 23 Nov 1873 in Waukee, Iowa; d. 11 Feb 1959 in Enid, Oklahoma.

Supporting Documents

Narrative by Harold McCall

Gertrude followed her father in the study of medicine. She studied for three years in Medical School in Kansas City. However, on one of her vacation visits to Helena, she met the young bachelor, Alvin McCall. Romance had its way; the young farmer persuaded the young student to forsake her medical career to become his wife and homemaker. Alvin McCall and Gertrude Medaris were married in the year 1901. Alvin had traveled 40 miles on horseback to Alva, O. T. for the marriage license.

Soon the excitement of Mining Exploration led the Alvin McCall family to Cripple Creek, Colorado. But after a brief stay they returned to their farm NE of Helena. On this farm, I, Harold McCall, was born. Now there was a need for more land, so Alvin traded for 160 acres S of Helena and built a home there. Their third child, Dortha, was born on this farm. This place became “HOME” to all of us. It was here the A. McCall family lived and associated with neighbors, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents on both the Medaris and McCall sides of the family. My parents lived on this place until 1948 when they moved to Helena.

During A. McCall’s active years he engaged in wheat farming, custom threshing, cattle raising, and in the buying and selling of cattle. As he grew older, my father enjoyed recalling times past when hauling wheat by wagon to Enid was a two day trip which required an overnight stay in the wagon yard. He often entertained the family with his store of good Irish “Pat and Mike” stories. My mother was busy as a farmer’s wife, but she was also active in the Highland Art Club, the Helena Study Club, and the Garden Club. My parents were members of the Good Hope Church of Christ and in later years of the Helena Church of Christ. Their resting place is in the Good Hope Cemetery.  To recall the pioneering spirit that pervaded their lives and the lives of other Alfalfa Co. pioneers is an inspiring and worthwhile experience.

Harold E. McCall, Son, “Our Alfalfa County Heritage”

Getrude and Alvin had the following children:

  1. Helene Altrude McCall (9) b. 30 Aug. 1903 in Helena, Oklahoma; d. 13 May 1989.  She married Floyd Merble Bachman.
  2. Harold Evans McCall (9) b. 28 Feb. 1906 in Helena, Oklahoma; d. 16 May 1983.  He married Laura Thompson.
  3. Dortha McCall (9) b. 02 May 1908 in Helena, Oklahoma; d. 11May 2005 in Sun City, Arizona.  She married 1) Ernest Brown, 2) Richard Gregg, 3) Worden Thralls, 4) Joe Addleman.

(credits 201)

Ada Ellen Medaris (8) (James H. 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 29 Sept 1880 in Owen County, Indiana; d. 30 Aug 1971 in Helena, Oklahoma.  She married Guy Tricillian Johnson on 25 Dec 1899.  Guy was b. abt. 1872 in Iowa; d. 05 July 1953 in Helena, Oklahoma. 
    Ada and Guy had two children:

  1. James Kelso Johnson (9) b. 1904
  2. Katy Johnson (9) b. 1907; d. 02 Feb 1995 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

(credits 201)

Metta Agnes Medaris (8) (James H. 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 03 Aug 1886 in Kansas; d. May 1984 in Boulder, Colorado.  She married Franklin W. Bull.  Franklin was b. 1878 in Huntsville, Illinois; d. 1962. 

Metta and Franklin had two children:

  1. Henry N. Bull (9) b. 20 Jun 1906 in Helena, Oklahoma; d. 25 Oct 1998.
  2. Howard H. Bull (9) b. 1909 in Helena, Oklahoma.

(credits 201)

James Vernon Medaris (8) (James H. 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 03 Jul 1890 in Kansas; d. 23 Feb 1923 in Trinchera, Las Animas County, Colorado.  He married Nida Arlene Young on 01 Jan 1914 in Helena, Oklahoma.  Nida was b. 02 Sept 1892 in Hutchinson, Kansas: d. in Tulare County, California.  They had 3 children:

  1. Wilma A. Medaris (9) b. 06 Nov 1915 in Helena, Oklahoma.  She married Jay Henry Stephens.
  2. Donna V. Medaris (9) b. 1917
  3. Mildred B. Medaris (9) b. 1919

(credits 201)

Oscar Franklin Medaris (8) (William Evans 7, Massey Wesley 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 09 Aug. 1877, d. 07 Jan. 1941.  He married Ida May McKinney. She was b 25 Sept. 1881, d. 14 Aug. 1938.  Oscar and Ida May are both buried at Floral Park Cemetery in Indianapolis, In.

Oscar and Ida had the following children:

  1. Pauline Rachel Medaris (9) b. 05 March 1903 in Bedford, Lawrence, Indiana; d. 13 Apr 1998 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.
  2. Lorene Dorothy Medaris (9) 05 Aug 1904 in Bedford, Lawrence, Indiana; d. 24 July 1987 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.  She married Albert A. Heckman on 15 Mar 1924 in Marion, Indiana.
  3. Paul Wayne Medaris (9) b. 08 Nov. 1909 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana; d. 26 Aug 1992 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana. He served in the US National Guard, Field Artillery during WWII. He enlisted 17 Jan 1941 at Franklin, Indiana.
  4. Wesley Dencil Medaris (9) b. 14 July 1914; d. 1975 in Indiana.  He married May Isabell Goff on 31 Aug 1946 in Conway, Carroll Co., New Hampshire.  She was born about 1914 in Somerville, Massachusetts. May was the daughter of Ralph Percy and Georgiana Benner Goff.
  5. Wilbur Louise Medaris (9) b. abt 1919 in Indiana.
  6. Katherine Francis Medaris (9) b. 25 July 1920 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana; d. 10 Jun 1977 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.
  7. Oscar Henry Medaris (9) b. 30 Dec. 1925 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana; d. Mar 1985 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.

Supporting Documents

Bloomington (IN) Telephone, Jan 3, 1919, p. 1.

MURDER TRIAL FROM BEDFORD
Prisoner Shot an Unwelcome Visitor In His Home

An interesting murder case comes to Bloominton for trial from Bedford at
the next term of our court–a man killing a friend because he found him in
his home without permission at an unexpected hour in a somewhat
compromising situation.

Oscar Medaris is the prisoner at the bar and the victim was a fellow
workman by the name of Taylor. He had suspected him for some time of being
a caller on his wife in an informal manner, always selecting the time when
the husband was absent. One evening Medaris decided that he would also
take part in the game and, quitting work sooner than usual, walked into his
own home about 5 o’clock to find Taylor in the same room with his wife in a
position that was not entirely in keeping with the formalities of good
society. So he drew a ready revolver from his pocket and shot Taylor
through the lower part of the body, the wife in the meantime begging for
mercy. Taylor tried to get away but only succeeded in running out of the
house when he fell dead.

The defense will be the unwritten law, and Medaris will testify that Taylor
had alienated his wife’s affections and had been making a habit for some
time of calling at his home when sure he was away at work. Today Judge
Miers appointed Prosecutor Lowe of Bedford to represent the state and Mr.
Lowe’s theory is that there are two sides to the case. Both men concerned
are workingmen of Bedford and had long been friends.

Bloomington (IN) Daily Telephone, Apr 28, 1919, p. 1.

UNWRITTEN LAW CASE ON TRIAL
Oscar Medaris Faces Jury for Slaying Home Wrecker

A Monroe County jury will decide in the next few days if a man has right to
kill another man who has ruined his home and then bragged about it. This
“human triangle” case started this morning before Judge Miers and there is
a great interest manifest.

The case was venued here from Lawrence County. The man on trial is Oscar
Medaris. He killed Howard Taylor. The defense will claim that Taylor had
illegal relations with Mrs. Medaris and then bragged about it to some of
his fellow workmen. They carried the news to Medaris who killed Taylor as
he was leaving the Medaris home.

Medaris is being defended by Attorney Robert Mellon and Fred Fletcher of
Bedford and R. G. Miller of this city. The state’s case is in the hands of
S. B. Lowe, prosecutor of Lawrence County, Marshall Woolery, a former
prosecutor of that county, and Austin East, prosecutor of Monroe and Owen
counties.

The jury in the Medaris case is: H. C. McNeeley, John Myres (sic), J. T.
McConnell, Sam Buskirk, Silas Wisley, Walter Baugh, Cornelius Robertson,
Ben Roberts, Josh Waldrip, Richard Tomey, Scott Pauley, James W. Davis.

Mitchell Commercial

Mitchell Indiana Thursday, May 8, 1919page 3

Unwritten Law Wins.

 Oscar Medaris, of Bedford, on trial in Monroe Circuit Court last week, for the murder of Howard Taylor, of Lawrence county, was acquitted by a jury which said that “the defendant was insane at the time of such act, and acquit him on the sole ground of insanity excited at the time of such act of killing.”  It was the old story of the “unwritten law,” Medaris having shot Taylor who kept company with Mrs. Medaris.  Attys. Robert G. Miller, Robert Mellon and Fred Fletcher defended Medaris. – Bloomington Star.

(credits 203)

Harry Evans Medaris (8) (William Evans 7, Massey W. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 22 Feb. 1890 in Indiana; d. 25 Oct. 1949.  He married Dorothy C. Vandyk, 06 Jan. 1923.  She was b. 21 Jun 1901; d. 30 Jan. 1974 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

    Harry and Dorothy had the following children: (some are not listed and are still listed as living)

  1. Virginia Medaris (9) b. 1923
  2. Harry Eggburtis Medaris (9) b. 18 Jul 1927 in Kent, Michigan; d. 09 Dec. 2003 in Sacramento, California.  He married Phyllis Jane VanAllsburg.  They had the following children: (several are not listed and are still listed as living).
    1. Rick Eggburtis Medaris  (10) b. 01 Mar. 1949; d. 04 Nov. 1969 in Khanh Hoa, Vietnam.

Arthur Glenwood Medaris (8) (Franklin Elmore 7, William Salter 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. Oct. 1882 in Laporte, Indiana, d. 1961. He married Lottie Hood and they lived at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Arthur and Lottie had one daughter:

  1. Elizabeth Jane Medaris (9) married Kenneth Robinson. They lived at White Bear Lake in Minnesota.

(credits 89)

Lina Mae Medaris (8) (Franklin Elmore 7, William Salter 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 06 July 1886 in Laporte, Indiana, d. 1961. She married Robert Dahne. Lina and Robert had the following child: 

  1. Russel Everett Dahne (9) b. 17 Mar. 1909 in Laporte, Ind., d. 08 Jan 1995 in South Bend, Ind. He married Mary Louise Sandy on 04 July 1936 in Walkerton, Ind.

(credits 89)

Grace Medaris (8) (John Milton 7, William Salter 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 24 Sept. 1880 in Laporte, Indiana; d. 04 June 1952 in South Bend, Indiana.  She married John Donaldson Parker on 20 June 1901 in Laporte, Indiana. John was b. 18 Sept 1869 in Rolling Prairie, Indiana: d. 02 Feb. 1944 in South Bend, Indiana. 

Grace and John had the following children: 

  1. Baby Boy Parker (9) b. 18 Apr. 1902, d. 19 Apr. 1902 in Laporte, Ind.
  2. Gladys Marguerite Parker (9) b. 24 Mar. 1903 in South Bend, Ind., d. 04 July 1981 in South Bend, Ind.  Gladys married Howard Six in 1935 in Goshen, Ind.  Howard was b. 01 Sept. 1901, d. 26 Mar. 1981 in South Bend.
  3. Donald Byron Parker (9) b. 16 Nov. 1905 in South Bend, Ind., d. 26 Dec. 1992 in Niles, Michigan.
  4. Robin Edmund Parker (9) b. 16 July 1908 in South Bend, Ind., d. 26 June 1963 in South Bend. He married Marcedus Anderson.
  5. Mildred Eleanor Parker (9) b. 25 Oct. 1910 in South Bend, Indiana; d. 27 Aug. 2006 in Mishawaka, Indiana. She married Edward Nels Larsen on 14 Sept. 1941 in South Bend. Edward was b. 15 Apr 1909 in Granger, Ind., d. 13 June 1982 in South Bend, Ind.
  6. Ruth Catherine Parker (9) b. 23 July 1917 in South Bend, Ind. She married Leroy Vergane Holtz in Jan. 1943, at Cavalry Temple Church in South Bend.  Leroy was b. 26 Sept. 1919 in Michigan City, Ind., d. 13 June 1996 in Niles, Michigan.
  7. Walter Woodrow Parker (9) b. 23 July 1917 in South Bend, Ind.

 (credits 89)

William Edward Medaris Jr. (8) (William Edward 7, Levi White 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 1886 in Bathurst, Australia. He married Stella E. Whittaker in 1910.

William and Stella had the following children:

  1. William Edward Medaris III (9) b. 1915
  2. Harold William Medaris (9) b. 1913
  3. Keith O’Connor Medaris (9) b. 1911
  4. (Living) (9)

 (credits 202)

Francis James Medaris (8) (William Edward 7, Levi White 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b.30 Apr. 1888 in Bathurst, Australia; d. 09 Oct. 1967 in Bathurst, Australia. He married Elma Clementina Rosewarne.

Francis and Elana had the following children:

  1. Kenneth James Medaris (9) b. 16 Oct. 1922.  He married Doren Alice Gavin. 
  2. Edward James Medaris (9)

 (credits 202)

Mountstephen John Medaris (8) (Oliver Cromwell 7, Levi White 6, Washington 5, Oliver 4) b. 12 June 1902 in Annandale, NSW, Australia; d. 11 Sept. 1942 in Ryde, NSW, Australia.  He married Ethel West, the daughter of Fergus Frederick Packard and Emily Parker West, 22 Sept. 1923.  Ethel’s lineage has been traced back to the Earl of Annesley in Ireland. Ethel was b. 01 Feb. 1905 in Sydney, Australia; d. 04 Jan 1986 in Central Coast, Australia. They had they following children:

  1. Living (9)
  2. Leonard Norman Medaris (9) b. 04 Apr. 1924.
  3. Living (9)

(credits 202)

David A. Medaris (8) (Martin Vanburen 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b.1865 in Illinois; d. 02 Mar 1918 in Putnam County, Illinois. He married Florence Mary ???? who was b. 1872 in Illinois.

David and Florence had the following children:

  1. Williard Medaris (9) b. 1889 Ill.
  2. Thomas Harrison Medaris (9) b. 1891 in Ill.
  3. Minnie O. Medaris (9) b. Dec 1892 in Iowa; d. 1908 in Illinois.  She is buried in Putnam Cemetery, Putnam County, Illinios.  (Findagrave)
  4. Bertha Medearis (9) b. 1902 in Illinois

David’s second wife was Nettie Perry.

Findagrave: David

CR: 1880 Worth County, Missouri; 1910 Putnam County, Illinois.
(credits 39, 80)

William Francis Medearis (8) (Martin Vanburen 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1867 in Illinois; d. 1949 in Iowa. He married Nellie May Ressler, 14 Nov 1898 in Jefferson, Greene County, Iowa. Nellie was born 1878 in Pennsylvania and was the daughter of Reamer and Rebecca Ressler.  William is buried in Newbern Cemetery in Warren County, Iowa. 

William and Nellie had the following children:

  1. Margaret Beatrice Medearis (9) b. 1898 in Iowa; d. 1968.  She married 1) George Everett Kemp on 21 July 1921 in Miles City, Custer County, Montana.  George died before 1930 and Margaret married 2) Harry Kahones.  Margaret and George had one child:
    1. Eva Agnes Kemp (10) b. 1923 in Montana. She married George Hoffman, 04 Aug 1941 in Glendive, Dawson County, Montana.
  2. Ruth Medearis (9) b. 1902, d. 1905
  3. Verl Joseph Medearis (9) b. 05 May 1903 in Kossuth County, Iowa; d. Apr 1976 in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana.  He married Patsey Lenore Bauer, 31 Mar 1948 in Ennis, Madison County, Montana.  They lived in Kalispell, Montana.  According to Newspaper articles Virgil was arrested for stealing horses in 1935.  He served 4 years and afterwards went by Joseph Medearis. 
  4. Ervin “Sandy” Medearis (9) b. 1905 in Iowa. He married Hulda Hermanson, 02 Dec 1933 in Miles City, Custer County, Montana.  Hulda was born about 1915 in South Dakota; died 17 Nov 1958 in Wenatchee, Chelan County, Washington.  She was the daughter of Valentine and Mary Hermanson, who were both born in Finland.
  5. John Henry Medearis (9) b. 22 Apr 1907 in Kossuth County, Iowa; d. 15 Dec 1987 in Ismay, Custer County, Montana. He married Minnie Ann Paulson, who was born 30 Nov 1923 in South Dakota; d. 28 Oct 1985 in Ismay, Custer County, Montana.  Minnie was the daughter of Hans and Mathilda E. Paulson.  Hans was born in Norway.
  6. Blanch Medearis (9) b. 1808 in Minnesota; she married Harry Wells, 17 Jun 1930 in Forsyth, Rosebud, Montana.
  7. Ray H. Medearis (9) b. 31 July 1910 in South Dakota; d. 07 Feb 1978 in McAllen, Hidalgo County, Texas.
  8. George Washington Medearis (9) b. 25 Oct 1912 in South Dakota; d. 06 Mar 1981 in Bangor, Butte County, California.  He married Wanda Josephine Kenyon, born 03 Oct 1934 in Butte, California; d. 29 July 1994 in Oroville, Butte County, California.
  9. Wayne Blair Medearis (9) b. 02 Mar 1916 in Winner, Tripp County, South Dakota; d. 28 Jan 2011 in Grapevine, Dallas County, Texas.  He married Ida Krien about 1960 in California. She was born 18 May 1919 in North Dakota; d. 15 Sept 2012 in Westerly, Washington County, Rhode Island.
  10. Abel D. Medearis (9) b. 17 Dec 1917 in South Dakota; d. 14 Jan 1977 in Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska.  He married Twyla Wave Kappelman, 25 Sept 1943 in Winner, Tripp County, South Dakota.  Twyla was born 29 May 1922 in Winner, Tripp County, South Dakota and died there on 06 Aug 1988.  she was the daughter of August and Josie M. Kappelman.
  11. Norman D. Medearis (9) b. 26 Aug 1920 in South Dakota; d. 06 Jun 2001 in Needles, San Bernardino, California.  He married May Ethel Holmes, 17 May 1949 in Carter County, Montana.

Cr: 1880 Worth County, Missouri; 1920-1940 Tripp County, South Dakota

Findagrave:  William

(credits 39, 80)

L. Z. Medaris (8) (Martin Vanburen 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1870 in Missouri; d. 1961 in Stark County, Illinois.  He married Laura E. Davis in 1894. Laurel was born Feb 1879 in Pike County, Illinois; d. 11 Aug 1961 in Winnebago County, Illinios.

L. Z. and Laura apparently divorced before 1930.  Laura remarried to Lewis Zimmerman.

LZ and Laura had the following children:

  1. Charles Francis Medaris (9) b. 24 Jan 1897 in Stark County, Illinois; d. 16 Jun 1970 in Winnebago, Illinois.  He married Pearl E. ????.
  2. Grace Medaris (9) b. Jan 1898 in Illinois.
  3. Eldon G. Medaris (9) b. 14 Sept 1903 in Illinois; d. 04 Feb 1992 in Winnebago, Illinois.  He married Floris Eliza Boss. 25 Jun 1930.
  4. Cecil Medaris (9) b. 1905 Ill.
  5. Irene Medaris (9) b. 1907 Ill

(credits 39, 80, 282)

James Oscar Medearis (8) (Alexander 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1869 in Illinois, d. 15 Oct. 1928. He married 1) Alice Righthouse, who d. 16 Feb. 1900, four days after her son was born.

  1. Harold Oscar Medearis (9) b. 12 Feb. 1900 in Henry Ill., d. 18 Oct. 1968 in Peoria, Ill.  He married Ferol Mae Rowlett.

James married 2)  Lillie ???? and they had the following children:

  1. Lizzie Medearis (9)
  2. Alvin Medearis (9)
  3. Harold Medearis (9)
  4. Orvil Medearis (9)
  5. Lillie Mae Medearis (9)
  6. Helen Medearis (9)
  7. Hazel Medearis (9)
  8. Clarence Medearis (9)

(CR: 1910 Mayes Co., Oklahoma)

(credits 39)

Joseph Manuel Medearis (8) (Alexander 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 1871. He married Mary Ethel Malory, b. 1879.

Joseph and Mary had the following children: 

  1. Williard Joseph Medearis (9) b. 1899
  2. Oliver Medearis (9)
  3. Florence Medearis (9)
  4. Mildred Medearis (9)
  5. Glenn Medearis (9)
  6. Dorothy Medearis (9)
  7. Lyle Medearis (9)

(credits 39)

Arthur Medearis (8) (Alexander 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 18 Feb. 1877 in Marshall County, Illinois; d. 19 Nov. 1955 in Williamson, Lucas County, Iowa. He married Minnie Belle Medearis, his cousin, on 22 Nov. 1900. Minnie was born in Worth County, Missouri on 29 June 1881; d. 08 Jan 1954 in Williamson, Iowa.

Arthur and Minnie had the following children:

  1. Alfred Jessie Medearis (9) b. 1903 in Illinois; d. 1961 Iowa.  He married Ocean Irving, 01 Jan 1930 in Chariton, Iowa.  She was born 1909 in Iowa; d. 1961 in Iowa. She was the daughter of Clinton and Dellah Irving.
  2. Harvey Thomas Medearis (9) b. 13 Apr 1905 in Illinois; d. Jan 1971 in Lucas County, Iowa. He married Bertha Frances Goerny, on 11 Dec 1926 in Chariton, Iowa.  Bertha was born 24 Oct 1907 in Iowa; died 1987.
  3. Raymond Howard Medearis (9) b. 19 Aug. 1912 in Chariton, Iowa; d. 02 Sept 1981 in Graham County, Arizona. He married Mary Elizabeth Irving, on 21 Nov 1936 in Chariton, Iowa.  Mary was born 1918 in Warren County, Iowa.
  4. Arthur Eugene Medearis (9) b. 14 July 1921 in Illinois; d. 27 Jan 1988 in Wayne County, Iowa.  He married Mae Bell Jackson, who was born 03 Jun 1924 in Decatur County, Iowa; died 19 Feb 1982 in Wayne County, Iowa.  She was the daughter of Walter Evert and Edna Mae Jackson.

(credits 39, 80)

Oliver Henry Medearis (8) (Joseph 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 02 Jan 1877 in Illinois; d. 07 July 1967 in Tucson, Pima County, Illinois.   He married Clemmie Laura Bent, daughter of Fred Lincoln and Martha ???? Bent.  Clemmie was born 19 Nov 1881 in Nebraska; d. 26 May 1931 in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, unfortunately from suicide.  Oliver and Clemmie are buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona. 

    Oliver worked for the railroad in Arizona.

He and Clemmie had one child:

  1. Mildred S. Medearis (9) b. 04 Jun 1906 in Nebraska; d. 04 Oct 1919 in Tucson, Arizona from typhoid.  She is also buried in Evergreen Cemetery.  

CR: 1880 Worth County, Missouri; 1900 Dawson County, Nebraska; 1910-1940 Pima County, Arizona

Findagrave Oliver; Clemmie; Mildred

(credits 54)

Orange Grove Medearis (8) (Joseph 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 05 Apr. 1879, Worth Missouri; d. 06 Mar. 1967 in Mullen, Hooker County, Nebraska.  He married Anna Christina Dorothy Lorenzen on 22 Apr 1904 in Lexington, Dawson County, Nebraska.  She was b. 14 Jul. 1885, Clinton, Iowa; d. 22 Nov. 1968, in Mullen, Nebraska.  Anna was the daughter of Ludwig William and Hannah Pitrina Redena Lassen Lorenzen.  They were both from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Orange and Anna are buried in Cedarview Cemetery, in Mullen, Hooker County, Nebraska.

Orange and Anna had the following children:

  1. Howard Peter Medearis (9) b. 2 Feb. 1905; d. 17 Jan. 1991 in Yamhill County, Oregon. He married Frieda Avis Clinbell, who was born 16 Mar. 1915 in Custer County, Nebraska; d. 13 Aug 1998 in Yamhill County, Oregon. She was the daughter of James E. and Cora M. Clinebell.  Howard and Frieda were married on 24 Nov. 1938 in Hemingford, Nebraska.  After their deaths, both of their ashes were spread over the Sand Hills in Nebraska.
  2. Louise Ann Medearis (9) b 02 Jul. 1906 in Nebraska; d. 26 July 1950 in Nebraska.  She married Jesse E. Mullanix.
  3. Elsie Isabelle Medearis (9) b. 8 Aug. 1907 in Nebraska; d. 12 Mar. 1927 in Nebraska. She was just 19 years old.
  4. Carl August Medearis (9) b 20 May 1909 in Nebraska; d. 08 Jan 1966 in El Paso County, Colorado.  He married Margery M. ????.
  5. Launce Elford Medearis (9) b. 25 Nov. 1921 in Thedford, Nebraska; d. 04 Nov. 1999 in Aurora, Adams, Colorado.  He served as a Corporal in the US Army during WWII.

CR: 1880 Worth County, Missouri; 1900-1910 Dawson County, Nebraska; 1920 Thomas County, Nebraska; 1930-1940 Hooker County, Nebraska

Findagrave:  Orange; Anna

(credits 00, 54)

Jerome Medearis (8) (Joseph 7, John Wesley 6, John Redd 5, Oliver 4) b. 15 Mar 1883 in Vesty, Nebraska; d. Jan. 1967 in Mineral, Nevada.  He is buried in Los Angeles Co., California. He married Johanna Thedin who was b. 10 Aug. 1882 in Winchester, Vials Co., Wisconsin.  She d. 27 Sept. 1947 in Lancaster, Los Angeles Co., California. Jerome reportedly was a part of the Buffalo Bills Wild West Show team.  He then traveled to Montana, where he lived in Glendive and Savage.  Jerome and Johanna had the following children:

  1. Maria F. Medearis (9) b. abt. 1915 in Montana; d. bef 1930.
  2. Hadley V. Medearis (9) b. 18 Jun. 1917 in Montana; d. 19 May 2001 in Valencia, Los Angeles Co., California.  He married Viola Clara Greene.
  3. Robert O. Medearis (9)  b. abt. 1919 in Montana; d. 24 Feb. 1942 in the battle of Corregidor, Philippines, during WWII, after being left behind by MacArthur.  He never married.  He was in the 429th Sig. Aviation Unit, US Army.  Robert is buried at Corregidor, Philippines in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

CR: 1900 Dawson County, Nebraska; 1910 Dawson County, Montana; 1920 Richland, Montana; 1930 Kings County, California; 1940 Los Angeles, California

(credits 00, 54)

Clara Belle Medaris (8) (Thomas Darwin 7, David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 28 Oct. 1877 in Linn County, Kansas. She married on 13 Nov. 1899 to 1) Isaac Stephens, in Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas. Isaac was a farmer in Linn County, Kansas. Thomas Darwin Medaris lived with his daughter and family in 1900 but had moved by 1910. Isaac died before 1920.

Clara Belle and Isaac the following known children:

  1. Jesse Lee Stephens (9) died before 1910.
  2. Dwight Stephens (9)
  3. Eva D. Stephens (9) b. 1906

Clara married 2) Earnest B. Crozier.  He was the widower of Mary Elizabeth Medaris (7).

Clara and Earnest had the following children listed in the 1920 census of California.

  1. Jack A. Crozier (9) b. 1913
  2. Marie D. Crozier (9) b. 1914

This family lived in Princeton, Kansas in 1930.

(CR: 1920 Los Angeles Co., California)

(credits 124)

Cora Maude Medaris (8) (Thomas Darwin 7, David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 06 March 1881 in Centerville, Kansas, d. 22 April 1976. She married James L. Stephens in 1902 in Centerville, Linn County, Kansas.

Cora and James had the following children:

  1.  infant son (9) b. 13 July 1902, d. 26 July 1902. The child is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Linn County, Kansas.
  2. Dwight Medaris (9)
  3. Velma Waunita Medaris (9) married ???? Higby.

Cora’s Obit

Cora Maude Medaris was born March 6, 1881 in Centerville, Kansas. Her husband, James L. Stephens, whom she married in 1902, died in May 1942. She is survived by a son, Dwight Stephens and a daughter, Velma Waunita Stephens Higby. Cora died April 22, 1976.

(credits 213)

Bertha Mae Medaris (8) (Thomas Darwin 7, David T. 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 11 Dec.1885, Sedgewick Co., KS; d. 15 Jan. 1973, Canon City, CO. She married Otis W. Witcher on 12 Nov. 1902 in Garnett, Anderson County, Kansas. Otis was born 1880 in Canon City, Colorado, d. 1966 in Colorado. Otis was the son of Taliaferro and Mary Hardin Witcher. 

Bertha and Otis had the following children:

  1. Mildred Ethel Witcher (9) b. 03 July 1906, in Denver, CO. She married John Owens.
  2. T. Otis Witcher (9) b. 25 July 1909, in Canon City, CO; d. 02 Nov. 1989. He married Edna Ann Madill.
  3. Helen Bertha Witcher (9) b. 25 Oct. 1915, in Cotopaxi, CO; d. 23 May 1964, in Denver, CO. She is buried at the Cotopaxi Cemetery.
  4. Ruth Lois Witcher (9) b. 30 Jan. 1919, in Cotopaxi, Colorado; d. 05 Apr. 2003 in Canon City. She married James William Lee in 1937, in Canon City. She is buried in Cotopaxi Cemetery.
  5. Harold Thomas Witcher (9) b. 13 Jan. 1921, in Lomita, CA. He married Marian Louise Meigs.
  6. Alice Mae Witcher (9) b. 23 Sept. 1923, in Cotopaxi, CO; d.  29 July 1989 in Indiana. She married Wallace Harold Tompkins.
  7. Betty Jane Witcher (9) b. 22 Sept. 1926, in Canon City, Fremont Co., CO; d. 16 July 1997, in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. She married 1) John Jardin, 2) James Arthur Dodge.

Bertha Mae, Otis and Helen Bertha Witcher are buried at Cotopaxi Cemetery, Fremont County, Colorado.

(credits 124)

Clarence Lee Medaris (8) (Charles F.7, Simeon Davis 6, Abraham 5, Oliver 4) b. 24 Jan. 1881; Died in Harris County, Texas 27 Jan. 1959.  He married Laura Emily ????.  In 1918, this family lived in Fort Worth city, Texas when Clarence filled out his WWI draft card.

    Clarence and Laura had the following children:

  1. Clarence Lee Medaris Jr. (9) b. ?; d. 05 Dec. 1985 Grazoria County, Texas.  He married Irene Matilda Hobbs.  This family lived in Harris County, Texas.
  2. Martin Medaris (9) b. 1901 in Kansas.  1910 census states “Marvin”.
  3. Elaine Medaris (9) b. 1904 in Kansas.
  4. Hellen Medaris (9) b. 1907 in Kansas
  5. Fremont Medaris (9) b. 1909 in Kansas

(cr: 1910 Oklahoma)

Generation 9

Clarence Odell Medaris (9) (Stephen C. 8, William Hastings 7, Stephen C. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) b. 18 Nov. 1899, in Greene County, Indiana; d. 16 Feb. 1961 in Monroe County, Indiana.  He married 1) Margaret Long on 12 Mar 1917. After they divorced, he married 2) Zulla M. Williams Litten on 12 Jan 1919.

Clarence and Zulla had one child:

  1. Odell Francis Medaris (10) was born on 08 Dec.1919; d. 09 Sept 1995. He married 1) Lucille Ramon, 01 Oct. 1938. They had no children.  He married 2) Irene Kenney, 22 Jan 1945, and they had one child.  He married 3) Mildred Helen Bue.  She died 10 July 2006.  Odell and Mildred had one child:
    1. David Daniel Medaris (11) b. 20 Aug. 1952; d. 04 Feb. 2009. 

It is not known what happened to Zulla, after the couple divorced. Clarence married 3) Anna Mae Weaver b. 11 Dec 1909. Clarence and Anna had 5 children all born between 1935 and 1951.

Anna Mae died in Monroe County, Indiana, 01 Apr 1991.  Odell and Anna are buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Bloomington. Their grave site is next to Anna Mae’s parents’ grave.

(credits 90, 274)

Lorene Dorothy Medaris (9) (Oscar F. 8, William E. 7, Massey W. 6, James Davis 5, Oliver 4) 05 Aug 1904 in Bedford, Lawrence, Indiana; d. 24 July 1987 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana.  She married Albert A. Heckman on 15 Mar 1924 in Marion, Indiana.  Albert was the son of George Melvin and Martha Elizabeth Burdette Heckman.  He was born about 1902 and died 09 Mar 1935 in Marion Co., Indiana.

Lorene and Albert had the following children:

  1. Frances May Heckman (10) b. 14 Dec 1924 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana; d. 06 Apr 1997 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana.
  2. Virginia Heckman (10) b. 04 Nov 1926 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana; d. 22 Nov 1978 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana.
  3. Charles E. Heckman (10) b. 08 July 1928 in Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana; d. 31 May 1995 in Anaheim, Orange Co, California.

To be continued, watch for updates !