The New Hanover Lutheran Church was the first German Lutheran church in America as the historical marker below explains.   

1. JOHANN GEORG "GEORGE" (HANS JORG/JURG)¹ SOMMER  was born Abt. 1713 in Palatinate region of Germany and died Bef. April 26, 1787 in Toms Brook, Shenandoah Co., VA. He married MARIA MARGRETHA 1736 in Germany.

Notes for JOHANN GEORG (HANS JORG) SOMMER:

info on Summers family from Summers researchers:
     Jack Ott and Tom Fisher, http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~jackott/summers.htm;
     Marji Turner, compiler and researcher;
     Patricia Bevier, early documentation and corrections, richpatbev1@juno.com;
     Gene Cover, coverg@swbell.net;
     Clay Taylor, at RootsWeb.com, claytaylor@starband.net ; etc.;
     Judy Buss, at RootsWeb.com, dickbu@mans.com;
     other researchers as noted.

Per genealogical protocol, no attempt has been made to correct misspellings and punctuation in original documentation.

Sources:
     "The Ships & Oaths of Allegiance" transcription at RootsWeb.com;
     "A History of the Lutheran Church in New Hanover, Montgomery County, PA," compiled by Rev. J.J. Kline, Ph.D., 1910;
     "Pennsylvania German Church Records," Vol. II, pgs. 168 & 272, by Don Yoder;
     "Abstracts of Virginia's Northern Neck, Warrants & Surveys," by Peggy S. Joyner, p. 163;
     "Dunmore County, 1749-1781"; "A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia," by John W. Wayland, p. 651;
     "Pennsylvania Pioneers," by Ralph Strasburger & William D. Hinke, p. 238;
     1790 Census Records of State Enumerations, 1782-1785 VA;
     Others noted in document.

from Jack Ott's site:
      "Serious disagreement exists over the early origins of the German SOMMER/SOMMERS/SUMMERS family in America. The various differences result from documented evidence that lists more than one Johann George (Hans Jorg) SOMMER arriving in America from "the Palatinate" area of what is now Germany. Disagreement exists whether our ancestor arrived in Philadelphia aboard the ship "St. Andrew" in 1738 or on the ship "Brothers" in 1752. Passenger lists for both ships list a Johann George or ("Hans Jorg") SOMER/SOMMER. There is also question as to who his wife and children were; most sources list the earlier Johann George's wife as Maria Margaretha while the latter Johann George was married to Elizabeth. Documented evidence indicates that either: (1) both Johann Georg SOMMERS had a son named John or Johannes SOMMERS who settled in Middlebrook, Augusta County, Virginia, or (2), that one of them had two sons named John who settled there... The chart [and information] below reflects the most likely lineage based on overwhelming evidence."

from Summers genealogist Judy Buss at RootsWeb.com site:
     name also spelled Somer, Sommer, Somers, Sommers (German), Summers (anglicized to English);
     "Sommers" changed to "Summers" with birth of Paul, July 28, 1747;
     anglicized name entirely after American Revolution;
     all males' names begin with "John" [meaning German saint name like "Johann"] and middle name differentiates;
     "Johann arrived in Philadelphia, PA, 10/27/1738 aboard the ship 'St. Andrew' which sailed from Rotterdam, Holland. The name 'Hans Summers' appears on the ship's register,    'Johannes George Somer' on the arrival list. In an original handwritten list the immigrant signed his name 'Johann Georg Sommer.' This ship list indicated that Johann George came from the Palatinate area of Germany.
     "Records of the Lutheran Church New Hanover Twp., Falkner Swamp, Montgomery Co., PA include information on the family of George.
     "In 1766, George and his family followed the 'Great Wagon Road' south to Virginia where on 8/12/1766 he received a land grant for 442 acres on Toms Brook near the present site of Fisher's Hill, Shenandoah Co., VA.
     "George Sommer wrote a will on 6/19/1782 which is probably a rewriting due to his son Michael's death. The will was probated there on 4/26/1787."

From "Colonial Roads to 1750" by Dollarhide, the map at right shows the Great Valley/Wagon Road extending from the Lancaster area of Pennsylvania, southwest through Maryland, across the Potomac River, and then along the Shenandoah River through Virginia.  This was the route that our immigrant ancestor took in 1766 to the Toms Brook locale of what is now Augusta County, Virginia.

Some Summers genealogists attribute Johann George "George" Sommer's parents as Michael Somer, born 1685, and Catarine Eliza, born 1690. While this is an attractive theory-- since the names in the first three generations fit German patronymics--there is no documentation to prove this connection.

According to the 1738 arrival list of the St. Andrew, our ancestor George Sommer was from the Palatinate region of Germany.  On the map at right, the title for the Palatinate area in southwest Germany is marked in orange, Rotterdam in yellow upper left, Rhine River in dark gray.  Rotterdam was a major exit port for many emigrants from Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Switzerland, and the vast majority of emigrants from those areas would have travelled down the Rhine to reach Rotterdam.

Also from the Shenandoah County web site, the picture below right is another scenic view of the area.

George Sommer's will written in Shenandoah County, VA, June 19, 1782, and probated on April 26, 1787:

Fact 1: arrived in Philadelphia, PA 1738 aboard "St. Andrew";

Fact 2: 1787 will indicates children;

At right, is a picture of Toms Brook, taken near where the creek enters the town of Toms Brook, VA.

Fact 3: "Palatinate" refers to Rhine River valley in southwest Germany;

Fact 4: 1766 received grant of 442 acres on Toms Brook in Frederick Co., (now Shenandoah Co.) VA, from Thomas Lord Fairfax;

Fact 5: in "The History of Shenandoah County";

Fact 6: pictures of areas;

Children of JOHANN SOMMER and MARIA  are:

Notes for JOHN SUMMERS/SOMMERS:

from Jack Ott, Summers genealogist: "There are conflicting dates for the birth of John. Some sources indicate 1737, while others indicate 1740 and 1746. There are also questions whether or not this John Summers married Elizabeth Reidenauer. The conflicts are probably the result of more than one John (Johanne) Summers or Sommer being born in Germany at about the same time and appearing in western Virginia at about the same time. The information shown here reflects the information provided by the majority of researchers."

from Summers researcher Tom Fisher: "The maiden name of the wife of John Summers (d. 1803) is unknown, but she is definitely not the Elizabeth Reidannauer who married [a] Johannes Sommer in 1764 in Montgomery Co., PA.  She is also not the Margaret Elizabeth Reitenauer, daughter of George Reitenauer and wife Julianna,  b. 28 Jan 1751, m. 24 May 1774, d. 28 Dec 1812..."

according to Summers researcher Norma Jennings: "Our John Summers from Augusta County, Virginia, who died in 1803, has a will and other records, some in German, that confirm his large family, including Henry, our ancestor, married to "Polly." Our John is buried in St. John's Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA. He provided supplies to army during Revolution which makes him a patriot and qualifies descendents for DAR membership";

from the Court of Claims Book, Augusta Co., VA, April 30, 1782, p. 95:  A John Summers has a claim for supplies contributed to the Revolution and purchased by Col. George Moffet, Commissioner of the Provision Law for the County of Augusta 1780 for 96# flour L40. This is certified by John Moffett April 1781. 

A John Summers/Sumers is also listed as a Revolutionary participant in "Virginia Revolutionary Public Claims" Vol. 1, compiled and trans. by Janice L. Abercrombie and Richard Slatten, Iberian Pub. Co., Athens, GA, p. 98; and The Library of Virginia, Revolutionary War Service Claims index Augusta Co., Certificates: 1, lists III, p. 8 (on line).

from "DAR Patriot Index," Vol. III, Centennial Edition, 1990, Part 3, SUMMERS: SOMERS, SOMMER, SUMMER: (1) 'John b 12-13-1746 d 5-13-1803 VA md Ellizabeth Reidnauer; PS VA,' and (2) 'John : b 12-  -1746 d a 7-28-1806 VA m X Sol VA.'

Concerning John Summers' Revolutionary War service, the Summers researchers listed above are convinced that our ancestor was a participant.  However, there is much controversy about which John, son of Johann George Sommer, is being referenced in which legal record.  Researchers are convinced that the information contained at the DAR is inaccurate as to the two men from Virginia named John Sommer/Summers (both sons of Johann George Sommer).  The inaccuracies are understandable since both had the same name, were of roughly the same age, living in the same area, and married to women named Elizabeth.  From a thorough analysis of church records in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the wills in the first two generations of this Sommer/Summers family, researchers now know that the John Summers, b. 1746-d. 1803, did not marry Elizabeth Reidnauer.  His wife was an Elizabeth, but her last name is unknown.  The second John Summers who died in 1806 was actually born in 1737, and he was the one married to Elizabeth Reidnauer. 

To further complicate the issue, "A History of Shenandoah County Virginia," by John W. Wayland p. 651 says: "George Summers, immigrant of Flemish origin, settled on the Shenandoah river, 1766. His name appears in the Virginia census of 1783 of Shenandoah as George Sommer. His son, John Summers served under Gen. Muhlenberg, settled near Middlebrook, Augusta County Va and had 15 children, who scattered from North Carolina to Oh.  His son, Samuel Summers was an Indiana judge."  As Patricia Bevier explains:  "The John Summers who had a son named Samuel was the older John, (1737-1806) If Wayland is correct, that would mean that John (1746-1803) was the PS, [private soldier]. So we can't be certain which John was the PS.  I, too, believe that John (1746-1803) was most likely the soldier.  He is 9 years younger, so he would have been age 30-37 during the war.  His brother would have been age 39-46."  In other words, while both sons of Johann George Sommer named John Summers from Virginia participated in the Revolution, at this point, we cannot prove which John is being referred to in the various national and state records.

St. John's Cemetery (2004), Middlebrook, Augusta Co., VA, is pictured at right.  In the background is the St. John's Lutheran Church.  Melody Summers Hull and husband Thomas Hull met with church members there in September of 2004.

 from Summers researcher Judy Buss--dickbu@msn.com at RootsWeb.com site [my enumeration]:

1. land and tax records for John Summers in Augusta Co., VA, in 1782, 1788, 1790;

2. August Co. Deed Book records transactions for 1781, 1789, 1802, 1803: on p. 277: "John Summers, Francis Hull, Henry Rinehart, and Robert Harris had survey made to establish land lines, especially of Francis Hull's land which adjoined the other men named. This was done for their posterity so there would be no fights after they had all gone to the 'room of silence.' The witnesses were Henry Menger, Christian Hess, Frederick Hull. Every signature on this document, with the exception of Robert Harris, is in German."

3. Deed Book for 1809, Augusta Co., VA, son Henry Summers and his wife Polly, sons Jacob and David, etc., shown transacting land deals in March and June; also in September of 1818;

4. Augusta Co., VA Will Book 9, p. 281, April 26, 1803, proved June 27, 1803; written originally in German and translated, signed in German: "...to wife Elizabeth; son John (already provided for), daughters Mary Doame, Barbara Hull, Elizabeth Pect, to sons David, Henry, Jacob, to children not before named, viz. Margaret, Catharine, Eve. Executors, Daniel Peck (Beck), Daniel Hull, Test: Jno. Young, Frederck Henger, Christian (X) Baird."

5. Will (as above) published in 'Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, 1745-1800. Extracted from the Original Court records of Augusta County' by Lyman Chalkley, Vol. III, p. 224.

6. "Johannes (John) Summers is buried at St. John's Church near Middlebrook, VA. His name is listed by Dorothy Weaver as John Tobin Summers, Dec., 13, 1740-May 13, 1803. He is next to his wife Elizabeth in Row 5." Also in "Here Lyeth" by Dorothy Weaver, 3rd Ed., 1999, p. 12.

7. Johannes and wife Elizabeth appear in earliest records of St. John's Church in births, baptisms, and sponsorships. "St. John's Church Register German Reformed & Lutheran Augusta Co., VA" compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner, Portsmouth, VA, 1995. pp. 7,9,11,13,14.

At left is the stone for John Sommers/Summers, 1746-1803, in the oldest part of St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA. photo courtesy of Jack Ott;

from Marji Turner:
     "The younger John Summers, subject of this chapter and son of Hans George Summers, is found in the same church records as being born 13 December 1746. This son would most likely have been too young to have married Elizabeth Reidennauer in 1764 as he was barely 18 then. He did marry a lady named Elizabeth, surname unknown. They had a first child named John (Jr.) born 17 September 1775, in Virginia. John Jr.'s date of birth is given on his tombstone. This younger John Summers wrote his will on 26 April 1803, naming his 10 children. The last child, Mary Eva was born 1795. His tombstone in St. John's Cemetery in Augusta County Virginia gives his birth 13 December 1746, and death 9 May 1803. His wife, Elizabeth, is buried beside him. Her stone says born 28 January 1742 (? hard to read) death 1832. [Patricia H. Bevier]
     "It is now believed by a number of researchers including Dale Harmon, Daniel Bly, Tom Fisher, and Jack Ott after examining many records that it was the [older] John (1737-1806) who married Elizabeth Reidennauer.

     "In the book that has the listing of St. John's Cemetery near Middlebrook, Augusta Co, VA, entitled "Here Lyeth" by Dorothy Weaver, John Summers listing appears as John 'Tobin' Summers, and his date of birth is listed incorrectly as 1740, instead of 1746. It is unknown among researchers where the "Tobin" originated. Pat Bevier has personally seen and photographed the tombstone and states at that time she was able to read the 1746. There is no 'Tobin' on the tombstone. "

from Patricia H Bevier regarding tombstone of John Summers:
     "The stone was worn, but I could make out the 1746. I have been to that cemetery twice. Of course I was looking for that stone and took the trouble to get the correct date. The person who read for "Here Lyeth: would not have.

 

from Marji's compilation:
     " On 26 Apr 1803, will was written, probated 27 June 1803, Augusta Co., VA, he [John] gives the land to sons David, Jacob & Henry, [also] the place he lives on and the one purchased for 600 pounds, and the sons are to get twice the amount as the daughters. David, Henry, & Jacob can use the land for two years in order to pay off the debts, and the sons who got the land were to pay each of the other children their inheritance every two years beginning with the oldest, starting eight years after he dies. Daniel Peck and Daniel Hull are executors, signed 'Johns Sommer.'

     "On 26 June 1809, David, Jacob, & Henry sell the land they inherited, one tract purchased by son David adjoining land of George Dull, Samuel MCClintic [sic] & Peter Hanger containing 191 acres; one by Jacob adjoining land owned by Frederick Hanger, Andrew Thompson, Peter Wineman and Daniel Hull, 164 acres; one by Daniel Hull containing 117 acres adjoining land of Jacob Summers, William Cale, & Frederick Hanger; and one containing about 16 acres to Frederick Hanger adjoining his own land, William Cole & Summers land."

SALE OF LAND FROM GEORGE SUMMERS TO JOHN SUMMERS
Frederick County, Virginia, Deed Book Series, Volume 5, Deed Books 15 and 16, 1771-1775, Book 15, page 100 & 101 - (3 August, 1771 and recorded 7 August, 1771):
     "This Indenture made this third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-one between George Summers and Margaret his wife of the county of Frederick and colony of Virginia of the one part and John Summers of the county aforesaid of the other part, Witnesseth that the said George Summers and in the consideration of the sum of five shilling, current money of Virginia, to him in hand paid by the said John Summers at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained and sold and by these presents doth grant bargain and sell unto the said John Summers a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the county and colony and bounded as follows. Beginning at one black oak 2 hickory in the old patent line thence N 52 and 82 poles to a black oak and two white oaks thence S 57 and 200 piles crossing Toms Brook to a white oak and one black oak on a hillside thence N 34 and 72 poles to two white oaks and one red oak thence crossing Toms Brook N 56 and 227 poles to the beginning in which bound is contained 120 acres of land it being a part of four hundred forty two acres of land granted to John Summers by his patent bearing date the 12th day August 1766 the said John Summers and all houses building orchards way water courses, profits commodities Hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said premises hereby granted or any part thereof belonging or in anywise appertaining and the reversion and revisions remainder and remainders rents quits and profit thereof. To have and to hold the land hereby conveyed and all singular other the premises hereby granted with the appurtenances unto the said John Summers and to his executors administrators and assigns from the day before the date hereof for and during the fall term and time of one whole year from thence next ensuing fully to be complete and now yielding and paying therefore the rent of one Peppercorn Lady day next if the same shall be lawfully demanded to the intent and purpose that by virtue of these presents and of the statue for transferring these into possession the said John Summers may be in actual possession of the premises and be thereby enabled to accept and take a grant and release of the reversion and inheritance thereof to him and his heirs. In witness whereof the said George Summers and Margaret his wife hath hereunto set their hand and seals the day and year first above written.

George Summers (LS)

Margaret (x) Summers (LS)"

LEASE OF LAND
Shenandoah County, Virginia Deed Book Series, Volume 1 Deed Books A, B, C, D 1772-1784, Pages 303 - (4 Dec, 1779 and recorded 24 Feb, 1780):
      "This Indenture made this Twenty seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine. Between John Summers of the county of Shenandoah in Virginia of the one part and Peter Black of the aforesaid county of Shenandoah and state of Virginia of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Summers for & in consideration of Five Shillings current money of Virginia to him in hand paid by the said Peter Black at or before the Sealing & Delivering of these presents the receipt he doth hereby acknowledge hath granted bargained & sold & by these presents doth grant bargain & sell unto the said Peter Black all that tract or parcel of land situated lying and being in the same county of Shenandoah & bounded as followeth Beginning at a Black Oak & two Hickories in the old of George Summers thence N 52 & eighty two to a Black Oak & two White Oaks thence S 57 & two hundred poles crossing Thomas Brook to a White & a Black Oak on a hillside thence N 34 & 72 poles to 2 White Oaks and a Red Oak thence crossing said Thomas Brook N 56 & two hundred & twenty seven poles to the beginning containing one hundred twenty acres of land the same being a part of a greater tract containing four hundred & forty two acres of land granted to George Summers by deed granted from the Proprietors office dated the 12th day of August in the year 1766 and by the said George Summer conveyed the above part of one hundred & twenty acres of land to the said John Summers by deed of lease & release bearing date the fourth day of August in the year 1771 duly recorded in Frederick county if relation thereunto may more fully appear and all Houses Buildings Orchards Ways Waters Water Courses Profits Commodities Hereditaments & Appurtenances whatsoever to the said premises hereby granted or any part thereof belonging in any wise appertaining the reversion & reversions remainder & remainders rents quits & profits thereof. To have and to hold the lands hereby conveyed & all & singular other the Premises hereby granted with the appurtenances unto the said Peter Black & to his Heirs Executors Administrators & assigns from the day before the date hereof for & giving the full term & time of a whole year from thence next ensuing fully to be completed & ended quitting & paying therefore the rent of one Peppercorn on Lady day next & the same shall be fully demanded to the intent & purpose that by virtue of these presents & of the statute for transferring uses into possession the said Peter Black may be in actual possession of these premises & hereby enabled to accept & take a grant & release of the reversion & inheritance thereof to him & his heirs. In witness whereof the said John Summer hath hereunto set his hand & seal the day & year first above written.
Sealed & Delivered Johannes Sommer (LS)
in the presence of } her
Alexander Hite Elizabeth (X) Summers (LS)"

At a court for Shenandoah county on Thursday the 24th of February 1780. This lease from John Summers & Elizabeth his wife to Peter Black acknowledged. She being first privately examined and ordered to be recorded.  TEST Jno. Marshall (LS)

AUGUSTA COUNTY, VIRGINIA - "CHALKLEY'S CHRONICLES"; Vol 3, PP 220 - 229, Page 281:
26th April, 1803. John Summers (German) will--
To wife, Elizabeth; son, John (already provided for); daughters, Mary Doame, Barbara Hull, Elizabeth Peck, ditto; to sons, David, Henry, Jacob; to children not before named, viz: Margaret, Catharine, Eve.
Executors, Daniel Peck. Daniel Hull.
Teste: Jno. Young, Frederick Henger, Christian (mark) Baird.
Proved, 27th June, 1803. Executors qualify.
Name: John Summers
Date: Apr 26, 1803
Location: Augusta Co., VA
Notes: This probate record was originally published in "Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, 1745-1800." Extracted from the Original Court Records of Augusta County" by Lyman Chalkley.
Description: Decedent
Book date: WB9-281
Prove date: Jun 27, 1803

Burial: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA

Fact 1: buried in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA: 1 mile east of Middlebrook Rd., on a turn off from road, which leads to Bethel Church, Augusta Co., VA;

Fact 2: Revolutionary War patriot; listed in DAR Patriot Index-Centennial Edition;

Fact 3: recorded in Dorothy Weaver's book "Here Lyeth";

Fact 4: John and Francis Hull owned land next to each other, went to the same church, served on a jury together, buried in the same cemetery; both served in Revolution; both from Germany;

Fact 5: confirmed in Lutheran Church, April 29, 1755;

Notes for ELIZABETH:

from Summers researcher Linda Houser, linhouse at nque.com, at RootsWeb.com site and interesting possibility:

       "...According to a family history sent by Glenn & Rosemary Wilson in June 2002, her (Elizabeth's) maiden name was Hull. As there were Hull and Hall families in the Augusta County area near the Summers', it is a possibility that the information is correct. Hull burials in the St. Johns Cemetery, Augusta Co., VA are very near those of Elizabeth and John."

More About ELIZABETH:

Fact 1: buried in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA; 

The photo below, courtesy of Jack Ott, shows the family plot at the St. John's Cemetery.  John Summers' is the middle stone; wife Elizabeth Summers' is on the right; daughter-in-law Rebecca Engleman's, who married John's son David, is on the left.

Children of JOHN SUMMERS/SOMMERS and ELIZABETH are:

Children of MARGARETHA SOMMERS and ANDREW YEAGER are:

Children of JOHANN SOMMERS and NANCY ZUMWALT are:

More About JOHANN PAUL SOMMERS:

Burial: Old Stephenson Place, Enon, WV

Children of JOHANN SOMMERS and ELISABETH HULL are:

Children of MARY SOMMERS and JOHANN SCHWARTZ are:

Notes for HENRY SUMMERS:

2nd wife Julia Rudy King;

children: Benjamin, Joseph, Henry, Susan, Eliza E., Sampson King;

before Aug. 11, 1858, when 74, married a 3rd time to Margaret;

from Tucker's "History of Randolph County," on page 132, recorded as buried in the Heaston (Old Winchester) Cemetery, Winchester, IN, listed as 'Henry Summers, born in Augusta County, VA, July 15, 1784 and died August 10, 1871, 87 years';

The Heaston/Old Winchester Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, is where Henry Summers is buried: "Henry Summers, born in Augusta County, VA, July 15, 1784 and died August 10, 1871, 87 years."

More About HENRY SUMMERS:

Burial: Heaston Cemetery, Winchester, IN;

Fact 1: 1st wife Mary Ann (Polly) Horn; 2nd Julie King; 3rd Margaret Whelan;

Fact 2: in Randolph Co., before 1834; Samson King Summers, son, born that year in RC;.

Fact 3: Charles, born 1806 VA, son of H and Polly;

Fact 4: Henry and wife Mary came to Dayton, Ohio, with son Charles;

Fact 5: recorded in Tucker's "History of Randolph County," p. 132, as 'Henry Summers, born in Augusta County, VA, July 15, 1784, and died August 10, 1871, 87 years,' buried in Old Winchester/Heaston Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph County, IN:

Fact 6: 1820 census for Botetourt Co., VA;

More about MARY "POLLY" HORN:

info on parents from Patricia Stahler, DAR member and Summers-Horn family historian:

daughter of Charles Horn and Elizabeth, Charles's first wife;

Charles Horn married first to Elizabeth, mother of Mary/Maria "Polly" Horn, b. January 10, 1787, as recorded in "Some Records of Old Hunterdon County 1701-1838," by D'Autrechy, p. 131;
married second to Mary Stout, June 12, 1787, in Hunterdon Co., NJ, as in "New Jersey Marriages, Colonial Era, 1665-1800"; mother of other children: Peter, George, Anna, Rebecca, John, Christian, Elizabeth, Catherine;
Charles is a Revolutionary Patriot--lived in Hunterdon County during Revolution, furnished supplies: 3 bushels of wheat, Quartermaster Dept., document, Hunterdon, NJ, voucher #134 dated August 23, 1780, recorded in "Certificates and Receipts of Revolutionary New Jersey, vol. II, " by Stratford & Wilson, p. 235;
in "Hunterdon County, New Jersey Taxpayers, 1778-1797, by TLC Genealogy, 1990, p. 85, Charles listed in Alexandria 1785, '86, '89, '90;
in "A Seed-Bed of the Republic, Early Botetourt," by Stoner, 1962, p. 392: 'By their deed dated August 11, 1802, and recorded in Deed Book No. 8, page 38, of the records of Botetourt County, Daniel James and Thomas Bandy granted to Matthew Pate, Charles Horn, Abner Howell...James Howell, Trustees of the Blueridge Meeting House [Baptist], a tract of land near the county line, containing 2 acres and 64 poles, upon which to erect a meeting house and for use as a burial ground...';

in Botetourt Co., VA Will Book E, p. 315---expenses of estate of Charles Horn paid November 18, 1824;
 

Children of HENRY SUMMERS and MARY HORN are:

Children of HENRY SUMMERS and JULIA KING are:

More About DAVID SUMMERS:

Fact 1: 2nd spouse Juliana Palmer, married Oct. 10, 1831;

Child of DAVID SUMMERS and REBECCA ENGLEMAN is:

More About JACOB SUMMERS:

Fact 1: buried at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Floyd Co., IN;

More About CHRISTIANA VENIS:

Fact 1: buried at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Floyd Co., IN;

Children of JACOB SUMMERS and CHRISTIANA VENIS are:

Children of MARY SUMMERS and PETER HUFF are:

At right, descendents John Phillip Summers and Dorothy Summers Ayers at the gravestone of Charles Summers, Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph Co., IN.

Notes for CHARLES SUMMERS:

Obituary in Winchester, IN, unidentified newspaper, April 1895:

       "Charles Summers was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, October 29 1806 - and was the eldest of a family of fourteen children. He was the son of Henry and Mary (Horn) Summers, both of whom were also natives of Virginia. Until he was 21 years of age he was engaged in cultivating the fertile valley of the James River, and hunting wild game in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, frequently climbing the rugged rocks to the summit of the peaks of Otter. In 1827 he left the valley of his birth, accompanied by his brother, and walked to Dayton, Ohio, and was there engaged in digging the canal connecting Lake Erie and the Ohio River. After its completion he was engaged as Captain on the canal boat., "The Alpha," running from Dayton to Cincinnati. In 1829 he returned to Virginia, again traversing the entire distance on foot. He returned to Dayton, Ohio, in 1830, accompanied by his parents. In the early spring of 1831 he made his first trip to this county and at that time purchased the wilderness, out of the ashes of which, with an iron nerve and an unconquerable will, he was to build his much loved home. After making his purchase he returned to Dayton, Ohio, and while there cut and sold wood for 25 cents a cord, and by that means, with unseasoned toil and a manly heart, he paid for his new forest home. On February 28, 1833, he was married to Miss Susan Ludy, and in the following year he removed with his young wife to his home in the Hoosier forest, where he remained and resided to the time of his death. He there built from the timbers of the wild forest a small cabin without windows, save small openings made by cutting out pieces of logs. Their heating and cooking was done by means of a large fire place, in pots and dutch ovens. For 17 years, irrespective of storm or sunshine, he was engaged as a teamster, conveying merchandise and produce between the then small villages of Richmond, Winchester, Eaton, Dayton, and Cincinnati. At such times as he was not thus employed, he chopped and hauled two cords of wood per day to Winchester. Nor was he alone the builder and the gatherer of the honey for this busy and happy little hive, for his loving wife was ever busily engaged in the care of her little family, and drawing and crystallizing into sugar the golden sweets of the maple. The country being so sparsely populated, he was compelled to go to Richmond, a distance of 25 miles to mill. Mr. Summers bought his first iron nails, and paid for them, and his first taxes, with coon skins. He donated and hauled the timber used in the construction of the first church in Winchester. This pioneer, yet happy little home, was not to be without its days of cloud and sunshine, of joy and sorrow, for on the 15th day of September, 1847, death, the great and inevitable destroyer came, filling the then happy home with gloom, claiming as Its own that dear and loving wife and devoted mother, leaving to the care of her bereaved companion, her small family, the younger of whom was a babe of but 14 days old. To their happy union there was born seven children: Elvina, John, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, Mary Magdaline, Charles Wesley, and David, all of whom survive him, save Mary. In June 1848 he was married to Miss Rebecca Ludy, a sister of his former wife, who accompanied him on his journey of life, sharing his pleasures and sorrows until September 25, 1887, when, she too, departed this life. As the fruits of this marriage was born one child, Elzenia, who also survives him. Mr. Summers died April 20, 1895, having arrived at the ripe old age of 88 years, 5 months., and 20 days. He leaves surviving him to mourn his loss, one brother, one sister, three sons, two half brothers, and four daughters, twenty-nine grandsons and daughters, and seventeen great grandsons and daughters."

 

 

 

from Tucker's "History of Randolph County," p. 357:

       'CHARLES SUMMERS, farmer, P.O. Winchester, was born in Augusta County, VA, October 29, 1806, and is a son of Henry and Polly Summers, also natives of Virginia. He was brought up on a farm and attended school in a log cabin, and sat on slab seats. He came to Dayton, Ohio, in 1827, and some time afterward returned to Virginia. He came back to Dayton, in 1830, and in 1831 came to this county and selected a choice farm, which he still owns and occupies. He returned to Dayton, Ohio, after making the purchase, and there he married Miss Susan Ludy February 28, 1833, and the following year he brought his young wife to the Hoosier forest. He built a small cabin in the woods and cut out a piece of one log to admit the light. For seventeen years he hauled goods from Cincinnati and Dayton, and at such times as he had no hauling to do he would chop and haul two cords of wood to Winchester per day. Mr. Summers bought his first nails and first tobacco (dog leg) in Winchester with coonskins; he also paid his taxes with coon hides. He donated the timber for the first church in Winchester. He had to go to Richmond to mill, and distance of twenty-five miles. Mr. Summers did a vast amount of hard work. He cut (from the stump) and split 1,400 rails for George Hiatt for seven bushels of wheat, which was then worth 37 cents per bushel in currency. This he accomplished in seven days, besides going two miles to get some corn cracked also. Where can there be found a man who can do as much at the present time? In those days, they had no stoves, but cooked in pots and Dutch ovens. Mr. and Mrs. Summers had seven children of whom six are living--Elvina, John Elizabeth, Sarah A., Charles W. and David. Mrs. Summers died September 15, 1847, and he again married, in June, 1848, this time to Miss Rebecca Ludy, a sister of his former wife. They had one child--Elzina. Mr. S. now owns 113 acres of valuable land, which is underlaid by a stratum of gravel from two and a half to three feet beneath the soil. Although Mr. Summers has worked very hard, it was not for self only, for he has always liberally assisted schools and churches, and has ever been ready and willing to aid the poor and needy.'

 

 

 

From the obituary and biography, above, Charles Summers walked twice from his home in Augusta/Botetourt County, VA, to the Dayton, OH, area, once in the 1820s and again in the 1830s to bring his family to Ohio.  His most likely route was to take Virginia's Great Valley Road (also called  the Great Migrant Road) south until at Lexington, VA, he headed northwest on Zane's Trace to the Ohio River.  After crossing, he probably took the secondary path to Dayton, OH.  The map left shows this route in orange.

 

In the 1820s, Charles helped dig the canal system which linked Lake Erie with the Ohio River.  The map at left shows the entire Ohio system  "After its completion he was engaged as Captain on the canal boat, 'The Alpha,' running from Dayton to Cincinnati."  That route is marked in violet. "The Alpha" was the first canal boat to use this part of the system.

 

More About CHARLES SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Fact 1: buried between two wives Susannah and Rebecca Ludy; all three on same stone; sec. 8 next to road.

Fact 2: met Susan Ludy in Ohio;

Fact 3: on 1874 White River Twp., RC, IN, plat map, sec. 21 SW quarter and sec. 28 NW quarter 80 acres (almost 1/2 mile due east of present day Fountain Park Cemetery on south side of road);

Fact 4: In 1865 directory for Randolph County, White River Twp;

Fact 5: pictures;

Occupation: lumberman and teamster

More About SUSANNAH LUDY:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Fact 1: died 9 days after David's birth;

Fact 2: sister Rebecca married Charles after Susannah's death';

Fact 3: picture;

**For Ludy information, go to the Ludy genealogy page.**

More About REBECCA (MARGARETH) LUDY:

Burial: Fountain Park cemetery

Children of CHARLES SUMMERS and SUSANNAH LUDY are:

i. ELVINA SUMMERS, b. December 11, 1833, near Dayton, OH; d. August 23, 1921, Winchester IN.

ii. JOHN D. SUMMERS, b. July 15, 1836, Greenville Pike, Winchester, IN; d. April 10, 1924, Greenville Pike, Winchester, IN; m. MARGARET ELLEN ROOSA, February 08, 1872; b. 1854; d. 1933.

More About JOHN D. SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park cemetery

Cause of Death: paralytic stroke

Occupation: truck gardener, fruit farmer

More About MARGARET ELLEN ROOSA:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

iii. ELIZABETH SUMMERS, b. January 27, 1839, one mile SE Winchester, IN; d. July 08, 1918, Winchester, IN.

iv. SARAH ANN SUMMERS, b. July 07, 1841; d. 1917.

v. MARY MAGDALINE SUMMERS, b. April 29, 1843; d. June 02, 1875.

vi. CHARLES WESLEY SUMMERS, b. August 10, 1845, White River Twp., Randolph Co., IN; d. April 13, 1922, Winchester, IN.

vii. DAVID SUMMERS, b. September 06, 1847; d. July 14, 1930, on a farm near Winchester, IN.

Child of CHARLES SUMMERS and REBECCA LUDY is:

viii. EVEANN ELZENA SUMMERS, b. September 26, 1850; d. April 28, 1938, Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN.

 

Children of BENJAMIN SUMMERS and EDDIE NICKEY are:

Notes for SAMPSON KING SUMMERS:

Tucker's "History of Randolph County, Indiana," page 357 says that he had 8 children, 7 living - Keturah E., William W., Sheman, Cynthia A., Columbus M., Carl H., & Herman O:

       'SAMSON SUMMERS, farmer, P.O. Winchester, was born in this county October 24, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Julia Summers. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He has lived in various places, and served in the war three years, in Company H, Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy Station. He was mustered teamster at first, and it was only by his own request that he went into battle. H was married, April 3, 1859, to Miss Maria Coats, by whom he has had eight children, seven living--Keturah E., William W., Sherman, Cynthia A., Columbus M. Carl H. and Herman O. Mr. Summers owns 43 acres in White River Township and 200 acres in Missouri.'

More About SAMPSON KING SUMMERS:

Military service: Co. H, 84th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Civil War

Occupation: farmer

Children of SAMPSON SUMMERS and MARIAH COATS are:

Children of ELIZABETH SUMMERS and ROBERT CURRY are:

Children of MARY SUMMERS and HENRY LUDY are:

Children of DAVID SUMMERS are:

Children of DAVID SUMMERS and SARAH ENGLEMAN are:

More About JACOB (JR.) SUMMERS:

Fact 1: occupation: miller;

Fact 2: buried in Wolfe Cemetery, Floyd Co., IN;

Children of JACOB SUMMERS and CYRENE HICKMAN are:

Children of JOSEPH SUMMERS and ELIZABETH UTZ are:

Notes for ELVINA SUMMERS:

See obituary, below, from Winchester paper. Her husband, Jacob, is her father's brother, making Jacob her uncle.

Obituary taken from Winchester, IN, unidentified newspaper, August 1921--"Mrs. Elvina Summers--Elvina, oldest daughter of Charles and Susan (Ludy) Summers, was born near Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1833, departed this life August 23, 1921, at the ripe old age of 87 years, 8 months and 12 days.  On the 14th of Feb. 1836, she came with her parents to the then virgin forest near Winchester, where they built their home and where she lived until her marriage to Elijah Thomas in1854, who was called to leave his young wife, Oct. 4, 1854. One little daughter, Laura E., came to her from this union, who has lived close to her mother and has ever been her comfort and companion and who has ministered to her every need with tenderest care."

death notice from Winchester newspaper--"... was married to Jacob Summers. To this union were born four children, Anna Jane, John E., Alva J., and Sarah E., all of whom are living except Alva J., who departed this life Oct., 1915.  Jacob Summers was called to the great beyond July 26, 1881, since which time she has lived a widow.  She leaves to mourn their loss three daughters, Laura E. Barker, Anna Jane Jones, of Winchester, Sarah E. Gruntsman of Palliard, Ark., one son, John E., of Anderson, three brothers, John D., Wesley and David and one half-sister, Mrs. Elzena Troxell, all of Winchester, and many other relatives and friends, among whom are nineteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.  About 60 years ago Mrs. Summers united with the German Reform Church. During her declining days she was often heard to pray and said she was going to her home in heaven. She was a kind, affectionate mother and was always industrious and sympathetic.

"Dearest mother, thou has left us,

Death has claimed thee for its own;

Thou are gone to join the angels,

In that bright and happy home.

We are left without a mother

We no more to have her care

If we cherish the advice she gave us

We'll meet her on that other shore.

       "The family desires in this manner to thank the friends and neighbors for their many acts of kindness during the sickness and death of their dear one."

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery Winchester, IN

Fact 1: father born in VA; mother born in MD;

Fact 2: 1st marriage to a Thomas, one daughter Laura; 2nd marriage to Jacob, her uncle;

Fact 3: buried beside Jacob Summers section 8; unnamed on stone; picture at right;

Notes for JACOB SUMMERS:

See above, Generation #4, Jacob Summers, son of Henry.

**Children  for ELVINA AND JACOB SUMMERS  are listed above in Generation # 4 under Jacob Summers (12).**

Child of ELVINA SUMMERS and ELIJAH THOMAS is:

Children of ELIZABETH SUMMERS and JOAB PIERCE are:

Children of SARAH SUMMERS and ISRAEL BAKER are:

More About MARY MAGDALINE SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About HARVEY WYSONG:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Child of MARY SUMMERS and HARVEY WYSONG is:

More About CHARLES WESLEY SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About LYDIA A. CASANDREW BROWN:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of CHARLES SUMMERS and LYDIA BROWN are:

Notes for DAVID SUMMERS:

Obituaries from Winchester paper, about July 15, 1930--"David Summers--David Summers, age 82, died Monday morning about 3 o'clock at his home on Elm street, following an illness of two months. The body was brought to the Fraze funeral home where it was prepared for burial, and returned to the home Tuesday morning. Surviving are the widow, Elmira Summers, one son, Walter, at home, and two daughters, Mrs. A. J Kabel and Mrs. A. H. Burke, both of Winchester. Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial was made in Fountain Park cemetery.  David Summers, the son of Charles and Susan Summers, was born on September 6, 1847, on the farm adjoining Winchester, Indiana, died July 14, 1930, having lived here 82 years, 10 months and 8 days. When but fourteen days old his mother was taken away by death and the child was cared for by the kind hands of Polly Ludy, of Winchester, Indiana, until he was about one year old when his father was married again to his mother's sister, Rebecca Ludy whose motherly care and interest could only have been surpassed by his own mother.  Today, of the 8 children of his father's family, only one, Mrs. Elzena Troxell, survive. Two brothers and four sisters having preceded him in death.  October 15, 1872, he was united in marriage to Elmira Rowe, and to this union was born four children, one of which, Charles, died in infancy. Two daughters and one son are left to comfort the lonely heart of the mother.  For nearly 58 years Mr. and Mrs. Summers live in this community, 15 of which they lived on the home place with his father, then building on the present site where the remaining 43 years were spent until separated by the death of the husband.  "Here in this community they lived together, sharing the pleasures and hardships and trials of pioneer life: here they reared their children and have seen all the great improvements of 58 years.  When but a youth he was converted to Christ, a very vivid experience and a deep, ever abiding faith established. In the early history of the Christian church here, he became a member of it. The weakness of the human flesh is considered, but even in his declining days, when he realized he was nearing the crossing over, he leaves with his beloved wife and children the comforting thought that he was "prepared to go.  In passing of David Summers another of Randolph County's pioneer men has gone. He was a kind-hearted neighbor, a devoted husband and father.  Among those of his nearest kindred who are left here for a while is the faithful wife, one son, Walter Summers, two daughters, Mrs. Celia Kabel and Mrs. Ella Burke, one sister, Mrs. Elzena Troxell, four grandchildren, all of Winchester, Indiana, with there are other relatives and friends whose sympathizing hearts share with the family their loss..." 

More About DAVID SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Notes for ALMIRA ROWE:

Obituary from Winchester paper, about August 13, 1935--"Mrs. Almira Summers--Mrs. Almira Summers, 88 years old, died at her home on Elm street at 8 o'clock Monday evening after an illness brought on by general infirmity.  Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. A. H. Burke of Richmond; a son, Walter at home; two sisters, Mrs. W. U. [Almanda] Davis and Frank [Ella] Davis, both of Winchester; five brothers, Frank Rowe of Richmond, Harvey Rowe of Muncie, Oliver Rowe of Harrisville, John and Harry Rowe of Winchester; four grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Funeral services will be held at the home at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. John Watson in charge. Interment will be in the Fountain Park cemetery.  The Fraze funeral home has charge of the funeral."

More About ALMIRA ROWE:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of DAVID SUMMERS and ALMIRA ROWE are:

More About EZRA TROXELL:

Military service: Co. F, 84th Indiana Volunteers, GAR

Child of EVEANN SUMMERS and EZRA TROXELL is:

Notes for HENRY SUMMERS CURRY:

134 Indiana Regiment during Civil War

More About HENRY SUMMERS CURRY:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of HENRY CURRY and NANCY WRIGHT are:

More About ALONZO E. LUDY:

Burial: Fountain Park cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of ALONZO LUDY and SARAH MCDONALD-CHANDLER are:

Children of MARGUERITE LUDY and WILLIAM LENKENSDORFER are:

More About HENRY H. SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About RACHEL ELIZABETH ROWE:

Burial: Fountain Park, Winchester, IN

Fact 1: listed on husband Jacob's stone; picture;

Child of HENRY SUMMERS and RACHEL ROWE is:

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Children of ANNA SUMMERS and JOHN JONES are:

Children of SARAH SUMMERS and WILLIAM HOOVER are:

Children of GEORGE SUMMERS and EMALINE TAYLOR are:

37. CARL MCKINLEY⁶ SUMMERS (JOHN ELSWORTH⁵, JACOB⁴, HENRY³, JOHN² SUMMERS/SOMMERS, JOHANN GEORG (HANS JORG)¹ SOMMER) was born November 13, 1896 in Cold Water, OH, and died July 06, 1962 in Anderson, IN. He married LOIS LEAR DECKER January 19, 1918 in Madison Co., IN, daughter of DAVID DECKER and LILLIAN STEVENS. She was born December 05, 1897 in Frankton, IN, and died January 01, 1947 in Anderson, IN.

More About CARL MCKINLEY SUMMERS:

Burial: Frankton, F.O.O.P. Cemetery, IN

Fact 1: operated harvest store on SR 9 south of Anderson;

Fact 2: picture; occupation: molder in foundry; part-time house painter;

Fact 3: cause of death; pneumonia followed by heart attack;

Fact 4: 2nd wife Alpha Canterbury;

Notes for LOIS LEAR DECKER:

Obituary in Anderson newspaper:

       "LOIS AND HER HUSBAND CARL WERE REMODELING THEIR RESIDENCE, 4 MILES EAST AND 1 1/2 MILES SOUTH OF ALEXANDRIA (NEAR GILMAN), AND HAD JUST FINISHED COMPLETELY VARNISHING A NEW FLOOR, WHEN TRAGEDY STRUCK. CARL HAD LEFT TO GET A NEW DOOR AND LOIS WAS CLEANING UP DEBRIS. SHE IS SAID TO HAVE THROWN SOME LEFT-OVER VARNISH IN THE STOVE WHICH CAUSED AN EXPLOSION. SHE MANAGED TO DRAG HERSELF TO THE BACKYARD AND EXTINGUISH THE BURNING CLOTHING. THE HOUSE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND LOIS WAS TAKEN TO ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL WHERE SHE DIED THE NEXT DAY OF SEVERE BURNS OVER MOST OF HER BODY.

      "THE BODY LIED IN STATE AT HER DAUGHTER'S, DOROTHY AYERS, HOUSE - 2800 FAIRVIEW ON JANUARY 3RD. THE FUNERAL WAS ON THE 4TH AT PILGRIM HOLINESS CHURCH, 24TH DELAWARE, WITH REV. G.R.BATEMAN, PASTOR, AND REV. FLOYD GOING, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, IN CHARGE. THE BURIAL WAS AT THE ODD FELLOWS CEMETERY IN FRANKTON."

from Lois Lear's cousin Daisy Dwiggins Field in Sept. 4, 1978 letter:

       "Uncle Dave [Decker] and his family resided in the community [Frankton] also and I spent quite a bit of time visiting with them in my youth. Although most of the children were much older than I, there were some nearer my age and Lear and I hit it off well. In those happy days of childhood there were no shadows to presage her tragic death by fire in later years."

 

More About LOIS LEAR DECKER:

Burial: Frankton, F.O.O.P. Cemetery, IN

Fact 1: killed in fire at home in kitchen; loved to read;

Fact 2: picture;

**For more Decker genealogy, go to the Decker page.**

 

 

Children of CARL SUMMERS and LOIS DECKER are:

47. i. JOHN PHILLIP SUMMERS, b. June 01, 1921, Orestes, IN.

48. ii. DOROTHY ROBERTA SUMMERS, b. November 03, 1918.

49. iii. CENIA GENE SUMMERS, b. February 03, 1924, Frankton, IN; d. Terra Haute, IN.

50. iv. CARL MARK SUMMERS, b. December 23, 1931, Madison Co., IN.

From left to right, John Phillip Summers, Dorothy Roberta Summers Ayers, Cenia "Peggy" Summers Frazier, Carl Mark Summers with his son William Summers

Notes for CHARLES DAVID WYSONG:

Charles David Wysong was raised by his uncle John Summers and aunt Margaret Roosa after the death of his mother, Mary Magdaline Summers Wysong, 6 days after his birth.

More About CHARLES DAVID WYSONG:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About MARGARET T. ANDERSON:

Burial: Fountain Park cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of CHARLES WYSONG and MARGARET ANDERSON are:

More About CHARLES OLIVER SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About BESSIE BANCROFT:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of CHARLES SUMMERS and BESSIE BANCROFT are:

More About JOSEPH EDISON SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of JOSEPH SUMMERS and GRACE HARMON are:

Notes for REBECCA MORIAH CELIA SUMMERS:

Obituary of Celia Summers Kabel from Winchester, IN newspaper, September 1934--"On July 11, 1876 there came to bless the home of David and Almira Summers a daughter Celia, whose entire life was spent near the place of her birth.   When a girl she attended the Winchester public schools, when a young woman she assisted her mother with the work on the farm, in her mature years she was the queen in her own home, where her smiles ever beamed on her loved ones, ever the brightest when the world was frowning, her unalterable love supporting them amidst times of sorrow.  On October 12, 1902, she was united in marriage to Alonzo J. Kabel, this happy union being blessed with one daughter, Olive, now Mrs. A. Eugene (Mike) Cover.  With a patience that never tired, and a self-denial that never ceased, she cheerfully sacrificed for her family her own comforts and pleasures. Her love for them was without a flaw. Her simple, useful, beautiful life expressed in the highest degree the fruit of the Spirit.  She was a woman of high ideals, appreciative, affectionate, and was never so happy as when doing something for others. Hers as a nature rare and sweet and was animated by the highest ideals of life and love.  For many months she had suffered intense agony, but made a brave effort to rally and stay yet awhile to comfort her daughter and companion, but her frail body was weary and saying: "I will have to give up and go". She breathed her last sigh in a prayer for her loved ones.  In her last days she looked over into the beautiful land to which she was bound. She glimpsed the loveliness and joy soon to be hers, and on September 6th, 1934, soon after the sun had sunk below the horizon she passed into the blessedness of those who find the way of life following Jesus, the Christ, and there her soul reposes in peace and happiness on the bosom of her God.  She leaves to mourn their loss a devoted companion, one daughter, Olive, son-in-law, an aged mother, one brother, one sister, besides other relatives and a host of friends."

More About REBECCA MORIAH CELIA SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Cause of Death: cancer

Religion: Quaker

Notes for ALONZO J KABEL:

Obituary from "Winchester Journal Herald," December 6, 1955--'Lon' Kabel, 79, Dies at Hospital in Winchester--Alonzo J (Lon) Kabel, 79, well-known Winchester man, died Tuesday at 5 A.M. at the Randolph County hospital, where he had been a patient for the last 11 days. He had been seriously ill the past four days.  The family home is at 109 1/2 East Franklin street, Winchester.  Mr. Kabel, for 50 years affiliated with the Western Union, was born March 5, 1876 at Huntsville, the son of John and Rebecca Mendenhall Kabel.  He retired a few years ago. Mr. Kabel was a former member of the K. of P. lodge and attended school in Winchester. He was of the Quaker faith.  Survivors are the widow, Charlotte; one daughter, Mrs. A. E. (Mike) Cover; one brother, Philip, director of the Randolph County welfare department, and three grandchildren, two of whom are in the army.  Pending arrival of one of the grandsons in the service, funeral services have been tentatively set for Thursday at 2 P.M. at the Maynard and Walker mortuary. Officiating will be Revs. Kenneth Pickering and Herbert Boase. Burial will be in Fountain Park cemetery.  Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday after 3 P.M.'

More About ALONZO J KABEL:

Burial: December 08, 1965, Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Occupation: Western Union telegraph operator

Religion: Quaker

Child of REBECCA SUMMERS and ALONZO KABEL is:

More About ELLA M. SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Notes for AUSTIN H. (OTT) BURKE:

From "Winchester News-Gazette," June 29, 2002, reprinted from 1913 newspaper--'A. H. Burke at 233 W. Washington St., is a manufacturer of cement blocks, bridges, etc. He deals in lime and cement. He makes silos and plazas to order. He is a expert in these lines and also employs adequate mechanics. Persons who have contracted for dealings with him say he is always satisfactory. His prices are reasonable and his work is guaranteed to be perfect.'

More About AUSTIN H. (OTT) BURKE:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of ELLA SUMMERS and AUSTIN BURKE are:

Notes for JAMES E. WYSONG:

Obituary from Winchester Journal Herald, April 24, 1970--"Winchester - James E. Wysong, 63, retired farmer residing on R.R. 1, died Thursday afternoon at his home after a five-year illness. He was a member of the Main Street Christian Church here.  Survivors include the widow, Eva; a son, Charles W. of Winchester; a daughter, Mrs. Shirley A. Nash of Muncie; a sister, Mrs. Mary A. Miller, and a brother, Robert Wysong , both of Winchester, and five grandchildren.  Services for Mr. Wysong will be at 3 P.M. Saturday at the Fraze Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Merriman and the Rev. Marcell Thornburg officiating. Burial will be in Fountain Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M. Friday and from 9 to 11 A.M. Saturday.

More About JAMES E. WYSONG:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Notes for EVA I. WILLIS:

From "Winchester News Gazette," August 7, 2001--'Eva Wysong, 99--Eva I. (Willis) Wysong, 99, of Bloomingsport Rd., Winchester died Monday, Aug. 6, 2001 at Randolph Nursing Home.  She was born May 22, 1902 in Randolph County to the late Henry L. and Mary E. Hiatt Willis. She was a graduate of Huntsville School and Muncie Business College. Wysong served as deputy treasurer of Randolph County and filled the unexpired term of treasurer. She was affiliated with Winchester business firms as a bookkeeper and cashier. Wysong was also a sales clerk for Mary's Shoppe and Jo's Shop. She was a member of the Main Street Christian Church and was an elder Emeritus and a member of the Neighborly Extension Homemakers Club.  Survivors include one daughter, Shirley (husband Ron) Nash of Winchester; five grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Wysong; one son, Charles Wysong; and one brother, Loren Willis.  Funeral services are 11 A.M. Thursday at the Main Street Christian Church, Winchester with Dr. Kenneth Rickett officiating. Burial is at Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester.  Visitation is 5-8 P.M. Wednesday at Thayer Funeral Home, Winchester.  Memorial contributions may be made to Main Street Christian Church.'

More About EVA I. WILLIS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of JAMES WYSONG and EVA WILLIS are:

Notes for OLIVE KABEL:

Obituary from the "Winchester (IN) News Gazette," May 29, 1993--'Olive Kabel Cover, 89, 229 W. Washington St., Winchester died Friday, May 28, 1993 at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie after a brief illness.  She was born July 12, 1903, in Winchester, the daughter of Alonzo J Kabel and Celia Summers. She was a homemaker.  She was a member of the Friends Church in Winchester, a charter member of the Quaker Girls Sunday School Class, United Friends Society of Women, a life member of Sigma Phi Gamma sorority and a past member of the Order of Eastern Star.  Survivors include her husband, A.E. "Mike" Cover; three sons, John W. Cover and his wife Beverly of Albuquerque, NM, Robert K. Cover and his wife Margaret of Albuquerque, NM, and A. Eugene Cover and his wife Linda of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 P.M. at the Thayer Funeral Home in Winchester with Rev. Ralph Lohman officiating. Burial will be in the Fountain Park Cemetery. 

Note by Gene Cover: "Olive Kabel Cover was a follower of Jesus Christ and she wore the yoke of Christ with joy as she served her Master and fellow man. She had a strong sense of family and always enjoyed hearing and talking about her family. I remember many visits to the country to get cream for the Saturday afternoon ice cream making which turned out to be visits to cousins (Dwiggins, Kabel, Wright). She was joyfully dutiful in visiting those who were sick and in the hospital and in comforting those who were grieving the loss of loved ones. She never spoke an unkind word about anyone. Love abounded in her home. There are autobiographical notes by her in a "Grandmother's Book" recorded in June 1992; John, Bob and Gene have copies."

More About OLIVE KABEL:

Burial: June 01, 1993, Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Cause of Death: congestive heart failure

Education: high school

Hobbies: quilting, needle work, Cookbooks, Gardening

Occupation: bookeeper, J.C.Penney, Poland China Hog Registry

Religion: Quaker

Notes for ALVA EUGENE COVER:

Obituary from "The Winchester (IN) News Gazette," March 19, 1997--'A.E. (Mike) Cover, 92, a former resident of Winchester, died Sunday, March 16, 1997, at the Mission Manor Nursing Home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He was born Oct. 5, 1904, in Cairo, Ill., the son of Willis E. and Mary Ann (Hartley) Cover.  He came to Indiana in 1925 and worked as a plumbing, electrical and heating contractor. He was a member of the Winchester Lions Club, and the Order of Eastern Star. He was a member of the Winchester Masonic Lodge 56, F&AM for more than 50 years and was a Past Master and the recipient of the Award of Gold. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason of the Valley of Fort Wayne.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Olive Kabel Cover, in 1993. They were married 61 years.  Survivors include three sons, John W. Cover (wife Beverly) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Robert K. Cover (wife Margaret) of Bent, New Mexico, and A. Eugene Cover (wife Linda) of Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 A.M. at the Thayer Funeral Home in Winchester with Rev. Max Huffman officiating. Burial will be in the Fountain Park Cemetery in Winchester.'

Note by his son, Alonzo Eugene Cover:  "Mike Cover came to Winchester, Indiana shortly after his graduation from high school in 1923. His sister, Lola, and her husband, Braudice Byron LeMay, were living in Winchester at the time where BB was a Jewel Tea salesman. Mike had been living with his brother, Earle, in Cairo, IL after the death of his father in 1921. He lived in the same house in Winchester from 1931 until the death of Olive in May 1993. Mike lived with Gene and Linda Cover in Houston for 2.5 years and then moved to a nursing home in Albuquerque in October 1995 where he was living at the time of his death."

More About ALVA EUGENE COVER:

Burial: March 22, 1997, Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Cause of Death: pneumonia, respiratory failure, also prostate cancer

Education (2): high school

Hobbies: music boxes, reading, baseball, trains

Occupation: plumber & electrician, Ford mechanic, V-8 canning plant mechanic during WW II

Religion: Quaker

Marriage Notes for OLIVE KABEL and ALVA COVER:

Marriage notice from Winchester paper, December 26, 1931--"Miss Olive Kabel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J Kabel, of South East street, and A. Eugene Cover, also of this city, were united in marriage at noon Christmas day at the local Friends Church with Rev. Frederic E. Carter, pastor, performing the single ring ceremony in the presence of a few relatives and friends. Immediately following the ceremony the couple went to Muncie, where a lovely dinner was served at the home of Mr. Cover's sister, Mrs. Braudice LeMay and family. The bride is a graduate of Winchester high school, completed a business course here and is at present bookkeeper for the J. C. Penney Company. She is a member of the Quaker Girls and also of the Business and Professional Womans club. Mr. Cover is a graduate of the Cairo, Ill, high school and has been employed as auto mechanic at the Randolph County Sales Company here for the past six years. The couple will reside in the Mrs. F. A. Chenoweth home on South East street."

Children of OLIVE KABEL and ALVA COVER are: