1741. Addison Manchester Elwell
Addison Manchester ElwellProblem: Was the date of death, 20 Jan 1883 or 29 Dec 1883, both reported by Charles G.B. Conger?
John Conklin BodleyAKA: John C. Bodley; Robert Guilinger lists, Conklin Bodley
3956. Infant Bodley
SEX: Male Child
1746. Casper Karliniski Conger
Casper Karlinski CongerPARENTS: Silas Conger and Hannah Titus
RESIDENCES: Moved in the 1850s to Salem, IN; then to South Bend, IN; in 1869 to Tehamah, Burt Co., NE; then in 1883 to a farm near Valentine, Cherry Co., NE.
RESIDENCES: As of 5 Apr 1896, Norden, Keya Paha Co., NE
COMMENT: As of Nov 1998, Robert Guilinger was unable to find any military record for Casper K. Conger at the National Archives.
RECOLLECTIONS:
This letter was written by Casper Karlinski Conger, dated April 5, 1896, Norden, Keya Paha Co., NE. State names that were spelled out in the letter have been abbreviated."My Dear Daughter Mary S. Sutherland:
I should have written before this but we have been very much afflicted with sickness as June had pneumonia... In regard to your ancestors, I will tell you what I can.About the year 1700 Benjamin Conger came from England to America and settled in NJ. He is the father of all the Congers in this country. He had one daughter, her name was Thea and he had three sons, one of them was named, Job, and from this Job Conger our family comes. This Job Conger settled in Albany County, NY where my father was born in the town of Bethlehem in 1800.
[Note: Readers of this letter should keep in mind that the information is based on the recollection and understanding of the writer. It does not necessarily accurately describe the family structure as genealogy researchers have come to understand it. The ancestral line for Casper, with birth dates, was: Caspar Karlinski Conger, 9 May 1827; Silas Conger, 7 Jan 1800; Uzziah Conger, 14 Jan 1758; Job Conger, Abt. 1725/1728; Job Conger, 9 Jun 1694; John Belconger, 8 Sep 1833. REH]
In the year 1700 Jonathan Hungerford came from Scotland to America, he also settled in Albany County, NY. He was the father of all the Hungerfords in this country.
In the year 1780, January 19th, Uzziah Conger and Mary Hungerford were married. They were my grandparents. So my father was Scotch-English and my mother was Hanna Titus, who I think was of English blood.
Your mother, Marietta Conklin, was English-Irish. Her father was born in CT of English blood. Her mother was of Irish blood and her maiden name was Kirkpatrick. You have no French blood in your veins, no hunuenot [sic] blood, as far as I know. That is about the way it is. You are Scotch-English on your father's side and on your mother's side Irish-English and still there is a small percent of Holland Dutch and a "very very" small part of gypsy blood in our family.
I hope you will understand just about how the matter is and if you want any further information about our family, the only one that can tell you anything more, so far as I know is Omar D. Conger of Washington, DC...he said his father, Silas Conger was born in Bethlehem, NY in 1800 and your mother's father, Charles K. Conklin, was born in Owasco County, NY, July 14, 1807. Died January 28, 1892 at Plymouth, OH."
(Source: Conger Confab, Vol. III, No. 11, Issue 149, September 1998 - it was not known who shared the letter with Editor Job Conger)
OBITUARY: Aged Pioneer Passes Away
C.K. Conger Prominent When Tekamah Was Young Dies at 96Casper K. Conger, who was an early pioneer in Tekamah, died at his home near Valentine, Nebraska, September 14, 1923, aged 96 years, 4 months and 5 days.
Mr. Conger's ancestors were among the Pilgrim fathers, a record of which he had in his family Bible dating back to 1700. He was of Scotch-English parents, born in Hannibal, Oswego County, New York, May 9, 1827.
In his school days he began to prepare himself for the ministry, but had to abandon his chosen profession owing to the death of his mother and engaged in farming. His uncle, Rev. Enoch Conger and brother, Rev. Delmar Conger, became prominent as Presbyterian ministers. The Conger family moved to Plymouth, Ohio, where on May 2, 1850 he was united in marriage to Marietta Conklin of English-Irish decent, as her forefathers came over on the Mayflower. Mr. Conger in the early fifties moved to Salem, Indiana and later to South Bend, Ind., where he engaged in business, also in farming.
Four daughters and two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Conger: Mrs. Mary Sutherland, Tekamah, Nebr.; Mrs. Carolyn Hawks, Chloride, Ariz.; Mrs. Evelyn Ludwick, and Mrs. Florence Caister in Los Angeles, Calif.; Chas. M. Conger, Cody, Wyo. and Chester W. Conger, Riverside, Calif., all of whom are left to mourn the passing of a loving and devoted father.
Mr. Conger came to Nebraska with his family from South Bend, Ind. locating in Tekamah, May 6, 1869, and engaged in the hotel business in the old block house, where for a time it was the stage station on the Omaha - Sioux City route, and he was the express agent and postmaster. Later he sold the hotel and bought a farm northwest of Tekamah where Mrs. Conger passed away September 17, 1879, which caused Mr. Conger to sell his farm and return to Tekamah. In the spring of 1883 he was married to Miss Maria Norris of Flint, Michigan and later in that year he moved to a farm near Valentine, Nebraska. Two daughters were born to this second union, Mrs. Jane Weich and Mrs. Margaret McCormick, both whom survive their father and were with him during his last illness their mother having passed away November 9, 1913.
The burial of Mr. Conger was made at Valentine much to the disappointment of his many old time friends in Tekamah, where his activity and wholesome influence for the uplift of humanity left monuments to his memory. He was the founder of the Presbyterian church in this city in 1869 and contributed a good share of the funds to erect the first church building in Tekamah.
Mr. Conger was also an active factor in organizing the Masonic lodge in Tekamah in November 1869 and was its first worshipful master. He was a Knights Templar Mason before he left South Bend, Ind., and became a charter member in organizing Mount Calvary commandry in Omaha, the first in Nebraska.
Mr. Conger was the first chairman of the town board of trustees in its re-organization after the Civil War, which had caused the little hamlet to become almost de-populated and had let its municipal charter lapse which was granted in 1855 by the territoral legislature.
He was also an active factor in organizing Techamah's Cemetery in 1874 which has since become such a beauty spot. He had frequently expressed his desire to be laid to rest there beside his two wives and many friends.
The Masonic lodge in Tekamah had expected to confer special honor at the burial of its first master, but since interment occurred in Valentine, Monday, floral offerings were sent to that city for the funeral as silent tributes of respects
for the worthy old pioneer.
(Source: undated obituary clipping, p. 692, Conger Confab - furnished by Robert Guilinger)
Marietta ConklinNAME-CONFLICT: Marietta Conkling by Charles G.B. Conger; Marietta Conklin by Casper Karlinski Conger in a letter of 5 Apr 1896 to his daughter, Mary S. Sutherland.
DEATH: 17 Sep 1879 at the Conger farm home northwest of Tekamah, Burt Co., NE.
3961. Florence Conger
Florence CongerNAME-RESIDENCES: Mrs. Florence Caister of Los Angeles, CA in the Sep 1923 obituary of her father.
Maria Louisa NorrisSPOUSE: Maria L. Norris was the 2nd spouse of Casper Karlinski Conger.
3963. Jane Boden Conger
Jane Boden CongerQUESTION: Was Boden her middle name or her married name? Charles G.B. Conger
lists it as the middle name.
1748. Sabria Marissa Conger
Sabria Marissa CongerAKA: Might have been called, Marissa.
Murray Charles MarkleNAME-CONFLICT: Murry Charles Markle by Charles G.B. Conger.
1750. Albina Leslie Conger
Albina Leslie CongerAKA: Called, Bina
DEATH: 3 Aug 1916, as listed in CFA II, p. 271.
RECOLLECTIONS: Albina Leslie Conger Butler wrote daily in her diary from 1891 until her death in 1916.
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. II, p. 271 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)
RECOLLECTIONS: Albina Leslie Conger
The family of Silas Conger, 1800, moved to Steuben county, Indiana and settled on a farm near Salem Center, Steuben Co., IN.Albina Leslie Conger, a daughter of Silas, was born on 27 Mar 1837 at Groton, Erie Co., OH. She married Seymour Stevens Butler on 25 Nov 1858. He was the son of Jesse and Fannie Stevens Butler, who came to Steuben county, Indiana from North Hero, VT in 1849.
Albina and Seymour Butler lived on the Butler homestead with Seymour's parents until 1867 when they bought their own place close to Salem Center. Seymour was drafted and served as a Private in Co. K, of the 29th Indiana Regiment of the Union Army in 1864. He served 8 months until a substitute was found to take his place. He returned to his farm and his growing family.
The couple had eight children, 4 of whom survived childhood: Roelif (Ruly), b. 7 Jun 1860; Loren, b. 2 Mar 1869; Silas Ora, b. 9 Sep 1871 and Fred H. Butler, b. 15 Sep 1873.
Seymour Stevens Butler died on 19 April 1882 at the age of 50.
Albina continued the farm with the aid of her sons.
Ruly married, Dora Spears, and their eight children were born in Albina's home before they purchased another place nearby. Loren, never married and Ora married Lou Stoddard after Albina's death. Fred H. became a telegrapher with the railroad and married (1) Blanche Woodford. They were the parents of Mildred and Don Butler (the father of my husband, Fred A. Butler). When Blanche died, 28 May 1907, Grandmother Albina opened her home and Mildred and Don lived on the farm until Fred H. married (2) Mae McClellan on 4 Oct 1910. There was no issue.
In 1891, Albina (Conger) Butler began her 25 years of daily diary entries to record the comings and goings of her family and her neighbors. The diaries sketch a picture of a small town in northeast Indiana at the turn of the century. Albina (Bina) recorded births, marriages and social activities of a farm community, "the Burg," as she called Salem Center, Indiana. Someone wrote in the diary everyday even if "Grandma" was ill. The diary continued until 4 days before her death on 3 Aug 1916 at the age of 79 years.
A copy of the earliest diary, 1891, is at the Fort Wayne, IN library. The rest of them, 1892-1916 were loaned to her grandson, Don Butler, in Riverside, CA while copies were typed and indexed. They were returned to her namesake granddaughter, Emily Albina (Bina) Butler Cool, born on 31 Jan 1891, who lived in Salem Center, Indiana. The diaries were later given to Emily's son, Kay Cool, and then to his daughter, Janet (Mrs. James Persey). Her last known address in 1979 was: 1620 Cresent Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
Another descendant is: Kathleen Conger Petty: P.O. Box 56, Toledo, WA 98591. She is a descendant of Albina's brother, Pembroke Conger.
Don Woodford Butler, born 3 Mar 1902, lived at: 3477 Sunnyside Drive; Riverside, CA. He had many happy memories of Grandma Butler and the farm. He was 89 years old at the time this was written.
(Written by: Betsy A. Butler; 6240 Riverside Ave.; Riverside, CA 92506 - p. 677-678 of Conger Confab - furnished by Robert Guilinger)
RECOLLECTIONS: Some Diary Entries
The following excerpts from the diary of Albina (Conger) Butler pertain to her brothers, Casper Karlinski, 1827; Pembroke Sommerset, 1839; Selwyn LeRoy, 1841 and (Silas) Delmar, 1855. Mentioned often were her sisters: Nancy Bodley and Marissa Markle.20 Apr 1891, It has been a nice warm day. Vina and I have done a large washing. Vina and I went over to see Lige tonight after supper. He says he feels the best that he has since he has been sick. Cal Myers came today, to help build slat and wire fence. Loren got done plowing, down on the Marsh tonight. Ruly has gone to Turkey Creek to Regulators meeting. It is nine years today since Seymour (husband) died. Oh how long the time seems since he went away. I don't think, or when I do think of that day -- I can't think of it as I do of the other days of my life that are passed but "that" day seems like a horrid nightmare. I can't describe it.
13 Jul 1891, Toledo, OH, Here at Delmar's. Nancy and I came over here this morning. It has been a splendid day, just warm enough to be comfortable in the house but the sun was hot. I am getting my share of strawberries, I think, for we have them every meal. We had the "best" potatoes for supper. Delmar went calling this afternoon, had a business meeting this evening but we put in a good long evening of visiting when he got home. He showed us some relics that he got in different places when he went to Europe.
13 Aug 1891, Today it looked some like rain. It is getting so dry they can hardly plow. Vina and I picked 22 quarts of blackberries today. When we got back to the Burg I got a letter from Selwyn and he has got his pension. Gets $12 a month, drew pay from June 4, 1890, and he just got a letter from Pembroke and he has got his pension too. I am so glad. Selwyn needs it so bad I expect he nees it worse than Pembroke.
13 Nov 1891, Ruly packed a barrel to send to Neb to Selwyn - we put in a large candy pail of Apple Butter and a small candy pail of Sweet Apple Jell, a bushel of walnuts and about three pecks of Hickory nuts - a few dried apples - a few dried peaches - and then all the green apples he could get in. I am going to send some Apple Butter to Delmar and Nancy (Bodley) tomorrow.
12 Jul 1904, (Was the first time Bina mentioned her brother, Casper (C.K.). It seems he never wrote, but later his two younger daughters did. Bina wrote, "Pembroke is going to start for CK's tonight. Selwyn is going to take him to Inman, (Neb).
17 Jul 1904, Selwyn went to Inman this morning and got Pembroke, he found CK quite well and he does considerable work too, does all his chores with his wives [sic] help. His two girls (Jane and Margaret) was away to school.
(Source: Conger Confab, p. 678 - furnished by Robert Guilinger)
Seymour Stevens ButlerBIRTH: North Hero and Grand Isle, Franklin Co., VT have both been suggested as the place of birth. They are small villages about 12 miles apart. Perhaps he was born on a farm between the two places.
OCCUPATION: Farmer
MILITARY: Served as a Pvt. in Co. K, 29th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.
Problem: Was the date of death, 19 Apr 1882 or as listed by Charles G.B. Conger, 20 Apr 1882?
3974. Infant Butler
SEX: Female child .
3978. Loren Weaver Butler
Unmarried.
3979. Silas Ora Butler
Silas Ora ButlerAKA: May have been called, Ora.
3981. Sidney Marissa Butler
Sidney Marissa ButlerProblem: Was the date of death, 23 Jun 1878 or as listed by Charles G.B. Conger, 28 Jun 1878?
1751. Pembroke Sommerset Conger
Pembroke Sommerset CongerMILITARY: Served at a Private in Co. A, Ind. Hvy. Artillery, 16 Mar 1863 to 10 Jan 1866, during the Civil War. Received a pension in 1890.
ERROR: CFA I lists the date of death as 1913 and 1918. The 1913 date is in error. He died on 6 Aug 1918 according to pension records.
PENSION: DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR; BUREAU OF PENSIONS; WASHINGTON, D.C. January 2, 1915Sir: Please answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below. The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your widow or children. Use the inclosed envelope, which requires no stamp. Very respectfully, s/ G.M. Saltzgaberg, Commissioner
[There is a circular date stamp: U.S. Pension Office; L; APR 3 1915]
PEMBROKE S CONGER
KANSAS CITY MO
583641 ACT MAY
414 OLIVENo. 1. Date and place of birth? Answer. Oct. 8, 1839 Erie Co. Ohio
The name of organizations in which you served? Answer. A. 1st Ind. Heavy ArtilleryNo. 2. What was your post office at enlistment? Answer. Salem Center Steubenal Co. Ind.
No. 3. State your wife's full name and her maiden name. Answer. Susan Elizibeth (Zimmerman) Conger
No. 4. When, where and by whom were you married? Answer. Sept 12, 1867,
Edwardsburg, Mich. Reverent Edward AllenNo. 5. Is there any official or church record of your marriage: Yes
If so, where? Answer. With above named MinisterNo. 6. Were you previously married? If so, state the ... Answer. No
No. 7. If your present wife was married before her marriage to you state the name of her former husband, the date of such marriage ... Answer. No
No. 8. Are you now living with your wife, or has there been a separation?
Answer. Wife deadNo. 9. ... name and date of birth of all your children, living or dead.
Answer.
Elma A Conger (illegible single word) 1868
(illegible single name) Conger Feb 1 1871
Elsie Conger June 26, 1876
Mary Conger Mar 27, 1878
Edna Conger Dec. 8 1879
Floyd Conger Nov. 17 1883Date (blank) (Signature) Pembroke S Conger
(Furnished by Robert Guilinger)
PENSION: 3-1081; PENSIONER DROPPPED; DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR; BUREAU OF PENSIONS
[Handwritten in upper left corner: P./40 8/4/19; In Finance files]AUG 24, 1918
Certificate No.: 583641
Class: ACT OF MAY 11, 1912
Pensioner: (blank)
Soldier: Pembroke S. Conger.
Service: A India. H.A.The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
I have the honor to report that the name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at $30, to May 4 1918, has this day been dropped from the roll because of death Aug. 6, 1918.
Very respectively, s/ illegible; Chief Finance Division.
(Furnished by Robert Guilinger)
Susan Elizabeth ZimmermanERROR: She died on 13 Feb 1913, not 1910.
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. II, p. 704 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)
3986. Edna Pearl Conger
Edna Pearl CongerNEVER_MARRIED: Unmarried.
1752. Selwyn Le Roy Conger
Selywn LeRoy CongerNAME-CONFLICT: Selwin L. Conger on marriage record.
BIRTH-QUESTION: 19 Nov 1841, Richmond Co., Ohio, per CFA I, p. 459. It is possible that he was born in Richmond, Wayne Co., IN since he was in an Indiana outfit during the Civil War and his wife was born in Indiana.
MILITARY: Served as a Private in Co. A, Ind. Hvy. Artillery, from 24 Oct 1862 to 24 Oct 1865, during the Civil War. Received a pension in 1890.
ERROR-MARRIAGE: A marriage date of 5 Dec 1856 has been listed. This is in error. The marriage record clearly reads, "Sixth day of December 1866." at Steuben County, IN.
MARRIAGE: Selwin L. Conger to Laura H. Cutler
Be it remembered that heretofore, to-wit: on the 5th day of December A.D., 1866, the following Marriage License was issued, to-wit:Indiana, to-wit: Steuben County, ss:
TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING:
Know Ye, That any person legally authorized by law to solemnize Matrimony is hereby licensed to join together as Husband and Wife Selwin L. Conger and Laura H. Cutler and for so doing this shall be his sufficient authority.IN TESTIMONY WHEROF, I Henry Linder Clerk of the Steuben Circuit Court, hereunto subscribe my name, and affix the seal of said Court at Angola, Indiana, this fifth day of December 1866.
s/Henry Linder, Clerk.
by C.F. Kinney Depty.
Be it further remembered, that afterwards, to-wit: on the 24th day of January 1867, the following Certificate of Marriage was filed in my office, to-wit: Indiana, to-wit: Steuben County, ss:
This certifies that I joined in marriage, as Husband and Wife, Selwin L. Conger and Laura H. Cutler on the Sixth day of December 1866.
s/Rev. A. Kellogg.
State of Indiana, Steuben County, ss:
I John B. Parsall, Clerk of the Circuit Court within and for the County of Steuben, and State of Indiana, do hereby certify the foregoing to be true and correct copies of the Marriage License and Certificate of Marriage of Selwin L. Conger to Laura H. Cutler as the same now appears upon the Marriage Record now on file in my office.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto subscribed my nmae and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Angola, Indiana, this 25th day of March 1898.
s/John B. Parsall
Clerk Steuben Circuit Court.
(Source: Pension records of Selwyn LeRoy Conger - furnished by Robert Guilinger)
PENSION: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, DC March 12, 1898.[Note: Upper left corner below was hard to read. REH]
West Div.
?, No 6 ?-052
Selwyn L. Conger
Co. A ? Reg't Ind. H.A.SIR: Will you kindly answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below? The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your family. Very respectfully, /s illegible
Commissioner.
Mr. Selwyn L. Conger
Inman,
Neb.No. 1. Are you a married man? If so, please state your wife's full name, and her maiden name. Answer: Yes. Laura Helen Conger - Laura Helen Cutler
No. 2. When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer: Dec 6th 1866 - at Orland Steuben Co. Indiana. by Rev. A. Kellogg
No. 3, What record of marriage exists? Answer: A Marriage License and certificate of marriage on record in office of clerk of Steuben Circuit Court - in Angola Steube Co Indiana.
No. 4, Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce. Answer: No
No. 5, Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth. Answer: Yes -
Laura Ethel Conger Born Feb 6th 1868
Clarence Payson Conger " May 28th 1869
Grace Albina Conger " Jun 10th 1875
Emery Lee Conger " Sept 18th 1876Date of reply, March 29th, 1898.
s/ Selwyn L. Conger
(Signature)
(Source: Pension Records of Selwyn L. Conger - furnished by Robert Guilinger)
PENSION: 3-1018; Act February 6, 1907; PENSIONER DROPPED; United State Pension
Agency; Des Moines, IA;
West Feb 23/10FEB 10 1910
Certificate No. 617052
Class INVALID
Pensioner Selwyn L Conger
Soldier (blank)
Service A 1 Ind H AThe Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
I have the honor to report that the name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at $12, to 4 Oct, 1909 has been dropped because of death Dec. 29, 1909.
Very respectfully,
s/W.V Will???
United States Pension Agent.
(Source: Pension Record of Selwyn L. Conger - furnished by Robert Guilinger)
Laura Helen CutlerHEALTH_HISTORY-EDUCATION: Laura Helen Cutler was a deaf mute. She was educated in the Indiana School for the Deaf and Dumb, where she learned sign languange.
COMMENT: She was a wonderful mother.
PENSION: 3-1018; PENSIONER DROPPED; DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR; BUREAU OF PENSIONS.AUG 6 1917
Certificate No. 701765
Class Act of April 19, 1908
Pensioner Laura H. Conger
Soldier Selwyn L. "
Service (blank)The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
I have the honor to report that the name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid at $20, to Apl 4, 1917 has this day been dropped from the roll because of death Apl 16, 1917
Very respectfully,
s/illegible
Chief, Finance Division.
(Source: Pension Record of Selwyn L. Conger - furnished by Robert Guilinger)
1753. Silas Delmar Conger
Silas Delmar CongerAKA: Called Delmar in obituary of his brother, Casper.
CHURCH_AFFILIATION-OCCUPATION: Presbyterian minister. Son, Ledlie wrote,
"Father's first church, Presbyterian, Holdredge, Neb. -- two churches in Toledo, Ohio, where I was born, then Columbus Grove, Ohio and last, except for several mission churches, Portsmouth, Ohio. Am enclosing the program of the "One Hundredth Anniversary" of his church there."My father 'built' two churches in Toledo after the one he had in Columbus Grove. Wound up living in Mother's old family home at Clyde, Ohio, preaching in several mission churches nearby. He died in his study with pen in hand, writing a sermon."
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. I, p. 468 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)
RESIDENCES: Toledo, OH on 13 Jun 1891 when his sister, Albina, was visiting and wrote in her diary.DEATH: Silas Delmar Conger died in his study with pen in hand, writing a sermon.
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. I, p. 42a - Maxine Crowell Leonard)
RECOLLECTIONS: Ledlie William Conger sent a letter written by his father, Silas Delmar Conger, to his wife, Mary, dated 5 Aug 1916, in which he recounts the events that took place at the time of the funeral of his sister, Albina (Bina) at Salem Center, Steuben Co., IN. Apparently he conducted the funeral services. Excerpts of the letter:"Helmer, Ind. (Steuben county) -- Just think -- Ora drove to Angola and back this forenoon, to Ruby's and back this afternoon, and now he starts for Angola the second time -- over 80 miles in just a few hours. I tell you, an auto is a wonder. Ora is a slow driver, too -- safe. (Ora Butler, his sister's son?)
"This forenoon I walked over an old familiar road on which I had not been since I was a boy here, 53 years ago. Mary, every foot of it brought up something or other in connection with my youth.
"I saw the place where we stripped sugar cane. Where I laid down flat on my stomach to get a drink of water at a spring and Greenwood (?) jumped into the sand close to the spring and splattered me from head to foot, and I jumped up and said, 'I'll kill you with my fist!'
"I stood at the gate where Ma bade goodby to three of my brothers as they started for war. Stepped inside of the old school house which I attended 55 or 56 years ago. Saw the place in the school house where I was made to sit with a girl for mis-conduct, and it almost killed me. Saw the corner, where, on a last day, I made a boat (?) of green limbs. Saw the square hole in the ceiling when one time the girl teacher and we little children imagined we saw a war.
"Went to the old swimming hole. Went to the little lake in which brother Casper lost a son -- an adopted son. Went to the hill where we used to slide down hill more than half a hundred years ago and where the farmers forbade us telling us that we were making the hill too slippery. Etc., etc., etc. I have lived fifty years today. The above places are where I have never been since I was here.
"I went into the house (now abandoned) where Ma died. Went up the old cave. Looked over into the field where Pa buried a bit stove (stone?). Last night at dusk I strolled over the fields. Before I knew it I had gotten over to Conk (Conklin) Bodley's old house.
"In the house - Bina's - are Bina (Ruby's girl), and Mary, a neighbor girl. They had just finished washing the dishes. I am sitting out here in front writing. Mary, Loren is as good a pure gold. I never saw a more faithful man. I don't see one mean thing in him."
"Monday morning, August 7. [1916] The funeral is over. Bina is gone. It is lonesome here, O, so lonesome! Saw many people at the funeral yesterdasy whom I used to know. Came from everywhere. I wrote and read the obituary. Jessie Mansfield Emmerson was there and inquired about you. One of her daughters did all the singing at the funeral, it was beautiful. She is a great singer. Kate and Florence did not get here until just before the funeral.
"I never saw such a funeral as yesterday -- everyone had an automobile. I had been thinking that we would start about 12 noon so we could get to the church in good time for the funeral at 2:30, but we did not start until about 2:15. You know we are several miles from the church but we got there in ample time. I wish that you, Ledlie and Ruth could have been here. Many invited you.
"Mary, I once used to dispise Salem Center. I tell you, all in all, it is one of the finest counties in this world. It is "wonderful" here. "Everybody" is "rich". The soil is exceedingly productive. I wish I owned Pa's old farm her. I'd be rich. There isn't a farm in Northern Indiana finer."
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. I, p. 468 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)
RECOLLECTIONS:
On 1 Jun 1971, Ledlie Conger wrote to your compiler [Maxine Leonard], addressing her as follows:
"Dear Coputorized Cousin, Half-fifth three times removed: Indeed you may use my father's letter to my mother of which you write, or parts of it that you feel would be proper to print or publish."My father, by the way, had 13 years of college and seminary training and read in the original text Greek, Latin and Hebrew. He spoke Latin fluently and taught me the trick, as well as to read Cesar, Cicero and Virgil scanning like we all read an English newspaper. I had the fun of utterly confunding my various instructors. At 81 I have completely forgotten 'the trick' as well as Frence, but remember a bit of German so that I could, on need, get along, just a bit. Dad should have been a Roman Catholic but it was Presbyterianism he chose as a medium to expound.
"As for my health, only yesterday my heart specialist, Dr. Hooten, after a thorough annual examination, cardiograph, x-rays, gives me complete assurance that I'm equal to a 20 year old youngster and can go to Mexico City, altitude 7500, and right now, or soon, to Yugoslavia and the Greek Isles."
Ledile Conger at this time was illustrating Ante-Bellum Georgia mansions for a publication.
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. I, p. 355-356 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)
Mary Louise BardshawAKA: Bardshar; Mary Louisa Bardshar by Charles G.B. Conger