Everyday Life in Hamilton County, Illinois, Around 1900

A Personal Connection to the Past

Genealogy isn’t just about dates and documents—it’s about people. It’s about stepping into their world, imagining their struggles, and hearing their laughter echo through time. For me, tracing my family’s history has always been more than a research project. It’s personal.

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The source of much of this insight comes from a letter written by Opal Mezo Magill to Bertha White, which was shared with me by Bertha. Both Opal and Bertha are descendants of William C. Mezo and Martha Braden, my great-great-great-grandparents. Opal, writing from her own memories, recalls conversations with her great uncles and great aunts—people who were alive between 1850 and 1900. Their stories paint a vivid picture of daily life in Hamilton County, Illinois, at the turn of the century, from the hard work required to survive to the moments of joy that brought families together.

My great-great-great-grandparents lived in Hamilton County, Illinois, in the late 1800s. William C. Mezo and Martha Braden (mentioned in Opal Mezo Magill’s letter) were tenant farmers, making their living off the land. Their son, Moses Wesley Mezo, my great-great-grandfather, carried on that way of life, raising his daughter Nora Mezo, who in turn became the mother of my grandmother, Bertha Lawson Peterson. Though I never met them, their way of life still feels familiar.

Reading accounts like Opal’s letter is like opening a window to a world where life was slower, harder, and yet filled with the kind of grit and determination that seems almost legendary today.

Handmade Homes and Family Ingenuity

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Imagine a simple log cabin—two rooms, maybe three if they were lucky. The walls, worn smooth by generations of hands, held only the essentials. A cook table, a dish safe, a highboy for clothes, and barrels filled with flour and meal. Space was at a premium, so beds were stacked with trundle beds tucked beneath, ready to be pulled out at night.

The men of the family didn’t just farm; they built. Tables, chairs, and cupboards weren’t bought—they were made. And the craftsmanship wasn’t just practical; it carried a sense of pride. I like to think every piece of handmade furniture had a story, a fingerprint of the one who built it.

The Land Was Their Livelihood

There were no grocery stores stocked with endless choices—families lived by what they could grow, raise, trade, or make themselves. Honey was gathered from bee trees, and sweet sorghum was pressed from homegrown cane. Fruits and pumpkins were dried and canned in stone jars, sealed with wax chipped off long red sticks and melted to make an airtight seal.

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Milk cows were essential, providing fresh milk for drinking, butter, and buttermilk. The concept of "expiration dates" didn’t exist—milk was left to clabber naturally before being churned into butter. The idea of daily, fresh butter is enough to make anyone’s mouth water—though I imagine churning it by hand on a hot day might make you rethink store-bought options.

Meat didn’t come wrapped in plastic but from their own livestock. Fattened hogs, chickens, and eggs were both sustenance and currency, traded or sold for necessities like shoes and cloth. And forget memory foam mattresses—goose-down feather beds were the ultimate luxury, filled with feathers plucked from their own geese and ducks.

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And then there were smokehouses—filled with hickory-smoked pork, the scent hanging in the air like a promise of good meals ahead. Those who used tobacco? They grew it, dried it, and twisted their own.

Work, Play, and the Rhythm of Life

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Despite the backbreaking labor, there was always time for family, neighbors, and fun. Threshing, harvesting, and hay baling weren’t just chores—they were social gatherings. Dozens of cousins would show up, pitching in, swapping stories, and making even the hardest work more bearable.

And when the work was done? Music. Families with organs, violins, mandolins, or guitars would gather and play late into the evening, filling the night with melodies carried through the open windows of those small cabins.

Children found entertainment without screens—hide and seek, horseshoes, marbles, and ball games filled their days. I can almost hear the echoes of their laughter bouncing off the rolling farmland, see the dust kicked up by their feet as they chased each other in the twilight.

And the discussions? They were serious. Most parents were well-read, debating worldwide events, politics, and—perhaps most of all—the Bible.

Why the Past Still Matters

It’s one thing to know your ancestors lived in a certain place at a certain time. It’s another to imagine their hands kneading bread, their voices calling their children home at dusk, their boots stomping the dirt as they walked behind a plow.

I’ll never meet my great-great-great-grandparents, but I can feel them. In every wooden chair made by hand, in every jar of preserves sealed with wax, in every song played on an old violin late into the night.

Genealogy isn’t just about the past. It’s about the way the past lives on in us.

And when I read stories like Opal’s letter, I don’t just see history. I see home

More Than a Reunion: How the Elmores Kept Their History Alive

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Connecting the Future

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Imagine it’s the early 1950s. The summer sun is beating down, and cars are pulling up to a park or fairground. Out spill generations of Elmores—some meeting for the first time, others picking up conversations as if no time had passed. Babies are being passed around, teenagers are trying to sneak away, and the elders are standing off to the side, quietly watching and remembering. There’s laughter, storytelling, and an unmistakable feeling of belonging. Tables are covered with homemade pies, fried chicken, and enough side dishes to feed a small army. Someone’s passing around old photographs—black-and-white faces staring back, daring the younger ones to ask, “Who was this?” The stories start flowing, about hardships, triumphs, wars survived, and farms built from nothing.

Genealogists often dream of uncovering long-lost family connections, finding a piece of history that ties generations together. Sometimes, these discoveries come through census records, land deeds, or DNA matches. But other times, the most meaningful clues are found in something more personal—the stories passed down, the gatherings held, and the memories recorded in newspapers.

Stories That Shaped Us: Remembering the Elmore Pioneers

The Elmore Family Reunions were more than just an annual event; they were a living record of the family’s history, a time when descendants of Missouri’s Elmore pioneers came together to celebrate their shared heritage. For decades, these reunions were well-attended, bringing in family members from all across the country to honor their ancestors, including Elisha Elmore, George W. Elmore, Jesse Elmore, and John Elmore, who settled in Missouri in the 1850s.

Each reunion was a blend of history and celebration—a time to enjoy homemade meals, share family stories, and remember those who came before. Programs featured congregational singing, historical reflections, and even love letters from the past, allowing younger generations to hear the voices of their ancestors in ways that went beyond names and dates on a family tree.

These newspaper records of Elmore reunions give us a rare glimpse into who attended, what stories were told, and how the family honored their past. They remind us that genealogy isn’t just about finding records—it’s about understanding the lives behind them.

The Elmore reunions were a testament to the power of family storytelling, and the memories they preserved continue to connect generations long after the last gathering ended.

A Love Letter from the past

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Not all stories told at these reunions were about war and hardship. Some were about love. During the 5th Annual Reunion, something special happened. Mrs. Tim Elliott, the granddaughter of Elisha and Isabell Elmore, stood up to read a letter. But this wasn’t just any letter—it was one written in 1849 by her grandfather, Elisha, to his sweetheart before they were married. Mrs. Elliott, the daughter of Noah Elmore and Arilla Jeffries, must have felt the weight of history in her hands as she read words written over a century earlier. This was her grandfather—not as an old Civil War veteran or a Missouri settler, but as a young man in love. I imagine silence fell over the crowd as she shared his words. Maybe some laughed at how different love letters sounded in the 1800s. Maybe others felt the deep connection between past and present, realizing that long before Elisha became the patriarch of a sprawling family, he was just a young man writing to the woman who would become his future.

These reunions weren’t just for the sake of tradition. They were living, breathing history lessons—through the voices of those who lived it. There were hymns sung together, reminding everyone of the faith that bound the family. There were sermons and benedictions, given by Elmore descendants who had become pastors. There were memorial services, honoring family members who had passed since the last gathering. And there were stories told, again and again, for the next generation. 

Though the reunions may no longer take place as they once did, the legacy they built is still alive in the stories we tell today. As long as we continue sharing, remembering, and reconnecting, the spirit of the Elmore reunions will never truly fade.

Houston Republican (MO)

Thu, Jul 13, 1950 ·Page 1

Betrayal or Survival? How Elisha Elmore Navigated the Civil War”

Introduction

A fictional depiction of 10th Missouri Infantry
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Elisha Elmore’s military service during the American Civil War is a compelling story of shifting allegiances, survival, and the chaos of war. From enlisting in the Confederate Army in 1862, to deserting in 1863, and then taking an Oath of Allegiance to the Union, Elmore’s story illustrates the complexities faced by soldiers from divided states like Missouri. His experiences, documented in multiple military records, reveal a man who endured illness, imprisonment, and political strife while navigating the turbulent wartime landscape.

Confederate Enlistment & Absence

The official records provide the specifics of Elisha Elmore’s brief Confederate service. On July 29, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, 10th Missouri Infantry (Steen’s Regiment) at West Plains, Missouri, under recruiter Simon Harris for a three-year term. His regiment, composed of Missouri men aligned with the Confederacy, was engaged in efforts to maintain Southern control over the region.

However, Elmore’s time in active service was short-lived. By November 14, 1862, he fell ill and was left behind at Clarksville, Arkansas, while his unit moved forward. No records indicate that he ever rejoined his regiment.

Marked as a Deserter

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As months passed without his return, Confederate records officially declared him a deserter. By March-April 1863, muster rolls noted: "Left sick at Clarksville, Nov 14, 1862. Now considered a deserter." On January 30, 1863, his desertion was formally recorded at Little Rock, Arkansas, and he was removed from the Confederate rolls.

Military and Political Controversy

"By early 1863, the Union Army aggressively sought to control Confederate desertions and suspected rebel sympathizers in Missouri. Elisha, now in Union custody at Rolla, found himself entangled in this crackdown. Union records regarding his imprisonment suggest that his detention may have had more to do with wartime corruption and shifting allegiances than any concrete military violation." Correspondence from Houston, Missouri, dated February 7, 1863, states:

"Elisha Elmore, who is represented as a prisoner in Rolla, complains of great wrong from Union people, by Federal officers and soldiers in being thus imprisoned. He says Tate, Taylor & others visited him with a file of soldiers, took him, and detailed him with bond of $1500 as a result. They are holding him, he says, for the sole purpose that they force money from him. A hard case of wrong & cruel Union men."

This letter, forwarded to Major General Samuel R. Curtis, raised concerns about the improper treatment of men like Elmore. Another letter from Major Wm. Barr states:

"One man by the name of Elisha Elmore, my men sent him here to Rolla. Please release him for he is a Union man. I have seen for further support to inquire of persons who reside in your town & have been in the army. He is not the proper sort unjustly. Union citizens have suffered at the hands of those men near Rolla."

These records indicate that Elmore may have been a victim of wartime chaos, accused of being a Confederate by some and defended as a Union supporter by others. Ultimately, his Oath of Allegiance to the Union secured his release, though under strict conditions.

Union Allegiance: A Forced Oath?

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Within days of being officially marked as a deserter, Elmore appeared in Union custody in Rolla, Missouri, on February 2, 1863, where he was required to swear an Oath of Allegiance to the United States. The exact timeline of his movements between November 1862 and February 1863 remains unclear. It is possible that he was already in Union custody before January 30, 1863, and that the Confederate Army only formalized his desertion after realizing he would not return.

The oath stated:

"I solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign; that I will bear true faith, allegiance, and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution, or law of any State Convention or Legislature to the contrary notwithstanding; and further, that I will well and faithfully perform all the duties which may be required of me by the laws of the United States."

The circumstances surrounding this oath suggest that Elmore may have been captured by Union forces or sought protection after being left sick in Clarksville. His name appeared in Union military correspondence, indicating that he was imprisoned in Rolla and that several appeals were made for his release. Some officials claimed he was a Union man being unjustly held, while others accused Union soldiers of corruption, extortion, and mistreatment of civilians like Elmore.

A War-Torn Region: How the War in Missouri Shaped Elmore’s Fate

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Elmore’s predicament was not unique—Missouri was deeply divided, with shifting loyalties that forced men like him to make life-altering decisions. Understanding the brutal nature of the war in Missouri provides context for why his imprisonment and oath-taking unfolded as they did. South-Central Missouri, was a volatile and contested region during the Civil War, where loyalties were often blurred. Guerrilla warfare was rampant, with Confederate partisans and bushwhackers frequently clashing with Union troops. Union forces, determined to secure critical supply lines, stationed troops at Rolla, Houston, and Salem, the very locations where Elisha Elmore’s name appears in military records. These posts guarded the Southwest Branch of the Pacific Railroad and the Wire Road, both essential for moving troops and supplies westward.

Commanders such as Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Weydemeyer and Colonel John M. Glover were tasked with maintaining order in the region, often dealing with deserters, divided civilian allegiances, and ongoing guerrilla attacks. The brutal nature of the war in Missouri meant that justice was often swift—Confederate prisoners were sometimes executed without trial, especially in Rolla, where Union officers struggled to maintain control.

For Elmore, navigating this landscape must have been perilous. As a Confederate deserter, he would have been viewed with suspicion by both sides. Whether Elmore made his way to Union lines willingly or was taken into custody remains unclear, but his presence in Rolla placed him within the expanding reach of Union forces. His decision to take an Oath of Allegiance may have been an act of survival in an environment where one’s past actions could easily lead to imprisonment—or worse.

Conclusion: A Soldier’s War-Torn Journey

A new beginning
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Elisha Elmore’s Civil War experience was not one of a traditional soldier who fought from enlistment to war’s end. Instead, his journey was defined by illness, desertion, and a forced allegiance shift. Whether he originally enlisted in the Confederate Army out of loyalty or necessity is unclear, but his decision to leave and later swear allegiance to the Union suggests a pragmatic approach to survival in a divided state.

Sources

1. Company Muster Rolls, Confederate 10th Missouri Infantry, July 29 - October 31, 1862; September - December 31, 1862; March - April 1863
2. Confederate Service Record, Official Record of Desertion, January 30, 1863
3. Parsons’ Brigade Records, Missouri Volunteers
4. Union Oath of Allegiance, February 2, 1863, Rolla, Missouri
5. Union Military Correspondence, February 3-8, 1863 (Letters regarding Elisha Elmore’s imprisonment)
6. Civil War in Pulaski County, Missouri (Historical analysis of guerrilla warfare and Union strategy)
7. Joseph Weydemeyer and Col. John M. Glover’s Reports, Rolla District, 1862-1863

The Life and Legacy of Elisha Elmore

Elisha Elmore: A Pioneer of Texas County, Missouri

My Elmore ancestors (starting with my with grandmother, Bertha Lawson Peterson

Elisha Elmore was a man of resilience and deep familial ties, a pioneer who left Morgan County, Tennessee, in search of new opportunities on the western frontier. His wife, Isbell Ball Elmore, was also born in Tennessee, and together they embarked on a journey that would take them westward. The couple has not been found in the 1850 census, which suggest they were still in transit at the time of enumeration.  By 1851, the couple had settled in Crawford County, Missouri, where their first child was born.  By the late 1850s, Elisha and his family had established their home in Texas County, Missouri, where he would remain for the rest of his life. Like many settlers of his time, Elisha sought land, stability, and a future for his family in the rugged yet promising landscape of the Ozarks. Over time, he became an integral part of his community, leaving behind a legacy that his descendants continue to honor today.

Early Life and Family

Elisha and Isabell starting their life in Missouri
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Born on November 11, 1820, in Morgan County, Tennessee, Elisha Elmore grew up during a time of westward expansion and increasing migration into frontier territories. His wife, Isbell Ball Elmore, was also a Tennessee native, and together they ventured west in search of new opportunities. By 1851, the couple was living in Crawford County, Missouri, where their first child, George Malon Elmore, was born. Their migration from Tennessee to Missouri likely occurred between 1850 and early 1851, as they have not been located in the 1850 census. By the late 1850s, they had settled permanently in Texas County, Missouri, where they raised a large family. Their children included George Malon (1851), Martha Angeline (1854), William Henry (1857), Dewitt Clinton (1861), Noah Francis (1863), Jesse Tennessee (1866), and Jackson Theodore (1870).

Elisha Elmore became a long-term resident of Roubidoux, Texas County, Missouri, appearing in multiple census records from 1860 to 1900. As a settler in a border state fraught with division during the Civil War, he found himself caught in the political and military turmoil of the time. In 1862, at the age of 42, his life took a dramatic turn when he became involved in the war—an event that led to his enlistment in the Confederate Army, subsequent desertion, and an eventual oath of allegiance to the Union. His decision to switch allegiance was not uncommon among Missourians, many of whom were forced to navigate shifting loyalties during the war.

Elisha Elmore’s Military Service

A fictional depiction of 10th MO Infantry
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In July 1862, Elmore enlisted in the 10th Missouri Infantry (Confederate), also known as Steen’s Regiment, at West Plains, Missouri, under Simon Harris for a term of three years. However, his service was short-lived. By November 14, 1862, he was recorded as left sick at Clarksville, Arkansas, and his name appeared on muster rolls as absent. His condition did not improve, and by January 30, 1863, he was officially recorded as a deserter at Little Rock, Arkansas.

Soon after his desertion, on February 2, 1863, Elmore appeared before a Union provost marshal in Rolla, Missouri, where he was required to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. By taking this oath, he formally renounced his Confederate service and pledged loyalty to the Union. Whether this was a strategic decision for survival or a change in conviction remains unknown, but it marked a significant shift in his wartime journey.  Click here for more on Elisha's military story.

Life After the War

Following the Civil War, Elmore returned to Texas County, where he resumed life as a farmer and family man. Despite the challenges of war and Reconstruction, he continued to be an integral part of his community, appearing in census records through the late 1800s.

On February 18, 1897, his wife Isabell "Ibbie" Ball Elmore passed away near Roby, Texas County, Missouri. Their marriage had lasted nearly five decades, and together they had raised a large family. Her death marked a profound loss for Elisha, as they had shared the challenges of frontier life, war, and rebuilding in its aftermath. However, he remained active in his community and faith.

Later Years and Legacy

Elisha Elmore, affectionately known as "Uncle Lisha," was widely respected in his community. By the time of his passing on October 9, 1903, at the age of 84, he had become one of Houston, Missouri’s oldest and most well-known citizens. He was described in his obituary as a highly regarded man, respected by all who knew him. His legacy extended through his four sons, one daughter, and numerous grandchildren.

His final resting place is Pilot Knob Cemetery, Texas County, Missouri, where his legacy lives on in the descendants who still honor his contributions today.

 

Lessons in Genealogy: Revisiting the Past with Fresh Eyes

Unraveling the Mystery of Joel Webb’s Wife: Was She Really Nancy?

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Genealogy is a puzzle, and sometimes, the pieces we think fit perfectly turn out to be misplaced. My great-great-grandfather George H. Peterson married Nancy Webb, the granddaughter of Joel Webb, and for years, I believed Joel’s wife was Nancy Estes—a widely accepted assertion among researchers. However, as I trace my paternal lineage and piece together my Webb and Estes ancestors' migration patterns, I’ve had to reconsider that assumption. Upon closer scrutiny, I found compelling evidence that Nancy may not have been Joel Webb’s wife at all. Instead, another name has emerged: Fanny Estes."

I thought I had hit a roadblock in proving the identity of Joel Webb’s wife. Now, that roadblock has taken a new turn. It appears to be Fanny Estes rather than Nancy Estes.

Revisiting the Will of Elisha Estes

It is easy to accept commonly held beliefs in genealogy, especially when multiple researchers cite the same information. For years, it was assumed that Nancy Estes was Joel Webb’s wife because of her ties to the same families found in his migration path. However, when I took a closer look at the 1819 will of Elisha Estes (Roane County, Tennessee)—a document I was already familiar with—I realized that it does not name a daughter Nancy Webb at all. Instead, it lists Fanny Webb.

The will includes several daughters (spelling may be off):

"A closer look at Elisha Estes’ will."

• Elizabeth Crumbless
• Wilmouth Mullican
• Jenney Neighbors
• Susanna Estes
• Fanny Webb
• Mary Brister

Since Nancy does not appear in the will, I now have to consider the possibility that Joel Webb’s wife was actually Fanny, not Nancy. This is a critical distinction because Fanny was commonly a nickname for Frances, but not for Nancy. Now, the challenge is to confirm whether Fanny Webb was the same person previously believed to be Nancy or if a mistake had been made in previous research.

What This Means for Webb Family Research

 If Fanny Webb was actually Frances Estes, then some of the past assumptions about Joel Webb’s wife need to be reconsidered:

• Did Joel Webb’s wife appear in census records as Frances Webb?
• Are there land or probate records listing Joel and Frances (Fanny) Webb together?
• Could earlier Estes family documents confirm that Fanny and Nancy were different people?

While this discovery does not change the broader connections between the Webb, Estes, Mullican, Brister, and Neighbors families—who frequently appeared together in land records, wills, and migration patterns—it does shift the focus of research to confirming records for Fanny (Frances) Webb rather than searching under the name Nancy.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Revisiting Assumptions

This finding serves as a valuable lesson in genealogy: just because something is widely repeated does not mean it is correct. By going back to the original sources, questioning assumptions, and avoiding reliance on secondhand information, we can uncover details that change the narrative of our family history.

It is also a reminder that even the best researchers make mistakes. No matter how respected or thorough someone’s work is, we must verify information for ourselves. Anyone reading my blog should take that same approach—use my research as a guide, but always confirm the facts independently.

Moving forward, my research will focus on confirming whether Fanny Webb was indeed Joel Webb’s wife and whether she was the same person as Nancy (Nany) Estes or someone entirely different. Genealogy is a process of constant discovery, and this is one more step toward uncovering the truth.

Have you ever found an error in your family research that changed everything? How did you go about correcting it? Share your experiences in the comments!

 

From Orphan to Overcomer: A Story of Grit

A Rocky Start: A Name and a Family in Flux

Roy F. Peterson’s life was a remarkable journey of resilience, adaptation, and determination. From his tumultuous childhood to his hardworking adulthood, Roy faced challenges that could have broken a lesser man, yet he persevered.

Roy F. Peterson

Born in Nevada, Missouri, on January 1, 1897, Roy Peterson’s life began in tragedy. His parents, John Robert Peterson and Mary Thompson, died of pneumonia just days apart when Roy was only six weeks old, leaving him and his three older siblings orphaned. With no immediate family able to take them in, the children were separated, each facing an uncertain future.

Ora Crane (seating) and Liza Hull

Roy’s infancy was shaped by Ora Crane, a young woman who took him in and raised him as her own. At the time, Ora was married to Gilbert Grummons, and Roy was initially known as Roy Grummons. This was a period of relative stability, but it wouldn’t last. On February 1, 1906, Gilbert Grummons died in a tragic train accident, leaving Ora a widow with Roy in her care. Just five months later, on July 2, 1906, she married Archie Berryhill in Kansas. After this marriage, Roy took on the surname Berryhill, and for much of his youth, he was known as Roy Berryhill.

Though he had no memory of his biological parents, Ora Crane was the only mother Roy ever knew. She provided him with love, security, and a sense of belonging. However, tragedy struck again in 1908 when Ora died suddenly. At just 11 years old, Roy was once again left without a mother. This loss must have been deeply traumatic, as it severed the only maternal bond he had ever known. Just two years earlier, in 1906, Ora’s husband, Gilbert Grummons, had died tragically in a train accident under suspicious circumstances. The instability caused by his death likely impacted Ora’s ability to provide for Roy, making her untimely passing even more devastating.

Archie Berryhill’s second wife, who became Roy’s stepmother, was not as kind or nurturing. According to family accounts, she treated Roy poorly, making his adolescence all the more difficult. It was a stark contrast to the warmth Ora had given him, reinforcing the instability of his childhood.

Meanwhile, Roy’s older brother, George Monaghan Peterson, had been placed with another family and eventually embraced their surname, Monaghan. Unlike Roy, George had no connection to his Peterson roots and fully assimilated into his new identity. Roy, however, struggled with his shifting surnames and never truly belonged to any one family until adulthood.

An Early Life on His Own

By his teenage years, Roy was already fending for himself. In 1914, at the age of 17, he left home to “see the world.” He attempted to hop a freight train in Silvis, Illinois, but a sudden jolt sent him tumbling beneath the wheels. His right arm was mangled and had to be amputated several inches below the shoulder. It was a life-altering event, yet Roy never let it define him.

  

Roy Visit's to California looking for his sister

In the following years, he continued to make his own way, working various jobs despite his disability. According to family stories, he completed his high school education in Macon, Missouri, a significant achievement given his unstable upbringing.

Reuniting with Family: A Brother Lost and Found

Roy and Robert. Date Unknown (1920s?)

Despite the hardships of their early separation, Roy reconnected with his brother, Robert Peterson, as early as 1917—just ten years after their parents' passing. Though they had been raised apart, their reunion marked the beginning of a renewed bond, proving that even in the face of separation, family ties could be rediscovered and strengthened.

Marriage, Work, and Family Life

Roy & Bertha with their first child

On March 28, 1920, Roy married Bertha Ellen Lawson in Vada, Missouri. The couple moved frequently in the early years of their marriage, as shown by the birthplaces of their children. They lived in Howell County, Texas County, and Shannon County, Missouri, before relocating to Arkansas and eventually Washington State.

Roy proved himself to be a hardworking man, taking on jobs that required skill and precision despite his missing arm. The 1940 census lists him as a timekeeper for the WPA State Mineral Survey in Madison County, Arkansas. Given the nature of the mineral survey, his role likely involved recording data, overseeing schedules, or keeping track of equipment and workers. It’s remarkable to think that a man with one arm was working in an industry often associated with physical labor and fieldwork.

By the 1940s, Roy and his family spent time in Colorado, where he worked as a welder for Woeber Auto Body & Manufacturing Co. A 1944 letter from his employer described him as a “first-class welder” and noted that his missing arm never affected his determination or ability to get the job done.

A New Start in Washington

In early 1945, Roy and his family relocated to Tacoma, Washington, where he worked as a welder at Todd Pacific Shipyard. The shipyard, previously known as Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp., was a major contributor to the U.S. Navy during World War II. Roy’s ability to secure work in such an industrial environment—despite his physical limitations—was a testament to his perseverance and skill. The 1945 Tacoma City Directory lists Roy and Bertha living at 280 Omak, Tacoma, WA, confirming their presence in the area before moving on to Yakima.

At the end of the 1940s, Roy and Bertha moved to Yakima, Washington, where they put down lasting roots. The 1950 census lists Roy as an automobile mechanic, working in a repair garage. Though he later retired, he remained active in the community. He eventually became a fire insurance inspector, a job that likely suited his attention to detail and knowledge of machinery.

Roy in front of the garage he managed with his 3 sons (sitting/keeling/leaning on ground)

Roy working in his home shop (Yakima, WA)

In later years, Roy was a member of the X Handicapped Club, an organization that supported individuals with disabilities,

 Lasting Legacy

Roy Peterson passed away on January 22, 1972, in Yakima, Washington, at the age of 75. He was survived by his wife, Bertha, and their children: Meribell, Nora, Hazel, Velma, Charles, Olen, and a still-living son. He left behind 38 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren at the time of his passing, a testament to the large family he built despite his difficult beginnings.

Roy’s life was one of constant adaptation. From losing his parents as an infant to surviving a devastating injury, from changing names multiple times to raising a large family, he never allowed hardship to dictate his path. He may have been passed between families as a child, but as an adult, he created a family of his own—one that remembers him not for his struggles, but for his perseverance, work ethic, and resilience.

Piecing Together the Past: An orphan's Search for Family

Early Life and Family Tragedy

Robert Peterson, date unknown

Robert Peterson was born on October 12, 1895, in Thompson, Madison County, Arkansas. He was the son of John Robert Peterson and Mary Thompson, who struggled to provide for their family. In 1896, the family embarked on a difficult journey from Madison County, Arkansas, to Nevada, Missouri, in search of a better life. However, disaster struck when they lost their belongings while crossing Stinking Creek in Missouri. Stranded and impoverished, they took refuge in a schoolhouse before being helped by a kind neighbor, Mr. Wiswould.

In early 1897, Robert's father fell ill with pneumonia, and his pregnant mother endured extreme hardship. Tragically, both parents died within days of each other. His mother gave birth to a baby, Roy Peterson, six weeks before passing away. The orphaned children were left to the care of strangers.

Orphaned and Taken in by Strangers

Martin R. Peterson, No relation, Date unknown

After the death of his parents, Robert Peterson was taken in by Martin R. Peterson and his wife Matilda, a couple who had no known familial connection to him. The 1900 Census recorded him as "Robertson Peterson", listed as their grandson, while the 1910 Census recorded him as their son. Martin and Matilda were originally from Sweden, and Martin worked as a tailor, a trade Robert would later adopt as his own.

His younger brother, Roy Peterson, was raised by Ora Crane, a local woman who later married Archie Rose Berryhill. His older brother, George Monaghan Peterson, was sent to the St. Louis Children’s Home Society and later adopted by John H. and Stella Monaghan. Their half-sister, Nancy Jane Peterson Harper, was working as a domestic servant in Rich Hill, Missouri, at the time and was unaware of their parents' deaths until later.

Reconnecting with Family

Despite being separated from his siblings, Robert reconnected with his brother Roy Peterson by 1917, as evidenced by a Houston Republican newspaper article stating that Robert and Roy traveled from Oklahoma to Texas County, Missouri, to visit Roy’s stepfather, Archie Berryhill.

Robert and Roy remained close for many years:

• In January 1918, they were listed as new merchants in Vada, Missouri, and entertained a Christmas gathering by showing 19 reels of moving pictures.
• In April 1918, they were reported traveling together to Licking, Missouri.
• In 1919, Robert moved to Versailles, Missouri, and was reported married at that time.
• In 1931, he visited Roy and his family on Roy’s birthday in Texas County, Missouri.

In 1930, Robert placed an ad in The Pineville Herald (Pineville, MO), seeking information on his parents' relatives, believing they had lived in Pineville 30–35 years earlier. This search may have led to him reconnecting with family members in Madison County, Arkansas.

Around 1935, Robert and Roy moved to Madison County, Arkansas, where they met their maternal aunt Martha Thompson, their mother’s twin sister. Through her, Robert most likely learned more about his family’s history and may have gained access to family letters and recollections, which shaped his understanding of his early life.

Marriages and Children

Robert Peterson married three times throughout his life:

Two of Robert and Elva's children

1. Elva Vivian Dusky (Married August 5, 1917, in Versailles, Missouri; divorced December 1926)

   • Children:
     • Frances Marie Peterson (1921–2005)
     • Margurette Lucille Peterson (1922–2012)
     • Geraldine Peterson (1924-2012)
     • Paul Ruben Peterson (1926–1990)
   • Elva filed for divorce in December 1926, and may had already left by November 1925, she and their children were recorded visiting her Dusky family.

2. Marie Arberry (Married May 28, 1936, in Washington County, Arkansas)

   • They lived in Springdale, Arkansas, where Robert worked at Bon Ton Cleaners.

3. Bertha Ellen Lawson Peterson (Married November 15, 1974, in Yakima, Washington)

   • Bertha was the widow of Roy Peterson, Robert’s brother.

Career and Business Ventures

Robert followed in the footsteps of his foster father, Martin Peterson, and became a tailor. Throughout his life, he opened and worked at various tailoring and dry-cleaning businesses:

• May 1934 – He planned to open a cleaning and pressing shop in Willow Springs, Missouri, though it may have never opened or closed quickly.
• October 3, 1935 – He opened Pete’s Tailor Shop in Huntsville, Arkansas, in the Walden Building.
• February 1936 – He was working at B-Neat Cleaners in Huntsville, Arkansas, indicating he either closed his shop or changed the business name.
• 1942 – He worked at Bon Ton Cleaners in Springdale, Arkansas, as documented on his WWII Draft Registration.

Later Years and Legacy

Robert and Roy Peterson

Robert Peterson eventually settled in Yakima, Washington, where he lived for many years until his death. His WWII Draft Registration in 1942 confirmed that he was still living in Springdale, Arkansas but would later relocate.

On February 22, 1981, Robert Peterson passed away at Eden House Nursing Home in Yakima, Washington, due to chronic urinary tract infection leading to sepsis. He was buried in Tahoma Cemetery in Yakima, Washington. His death certificate listed his parents as John Peterson and Mary Thompson and confirmed his occupation as a tailor.

Documenting Family History

Robert is particularly significant to family history because he documented the tragic story of his parents' deaths. His written biography of John and Mary Peterson, preserved by family members, offers a firsthand perspective on the hardships his family endured. While some details may have minor inaccuracies, his account remains an invaluable record that helped later genealogical research uncover missing details.

His search for family connections, including his 1930 newspaper inquiry, allowed him to piece together his family’s fragmented history. Through his efforts, later generations were able to rediscover the Peterson family’s origins, making Robert’s story an essential chapter in the family’s genealogy.

Separated by Tragedy, Lost to Time: The Search for a Missing Orphan

A Child Left Behind

George was just five years old when he lost everything.

His father, John Robert Peterson, had been struggling with pneumonia when he passed away in Nevada, Missouri, in 1897. His mother, Mary Thompson Peterson, died the very next day. She left behind a newborn son, Roy, and one other younger brother,  Robert, just three years old.

What happened next would shape the rest of George’s life. The three brothers, suddenly orphaned, had no one to take them in together. George was sent to the St. Louis Children’s Home Society, an orphanage where children were often placed out for adoption or sent westward to new homes. Robert and Roy were taken by different families.

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For a child who had just lost his parents, and his brothers being put in an orphanage must have been terrifying. He had been with his family one moment, then a few weeks later, he was alone in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers. He had no way of knowing what would happen next, whether he would ever see his brothers again—or even if anyone would come for him at all.

The trauma of those early days is something we can only imagine. But George’s story didn’t end in the orphanage. He wouldn’t stay lost forever.

 A New Name, A New Life

In mid-1898, when George was six years old, a couple from Missouri took him in. Their names were John H. and Stella Monaghan, a childless couple who had the means to provide for a young boy. They gave him a home, a new life—and a new name.

The Monaghans moved west, first settling in Montana before relocating to Spokane, Washington. By 1910, George was listed in the census as their son, fully integrated into their household. This census was the last time "Peterson" appeared in his records, and with it, any easy connection to the family he had once known.  George Peterson became George Monaghan, a name that would follow him for the rest of his life. 

For Robert and Roy, who had remained Petersons, finding their lost brother would have been nearly impossible. If they had searched, they wouldn’t have even known what name to look for.

Becoming a Man of the West

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By the time George reached adulthood, he had fully embraced life in the Northwest. He worked outdoors, in the forests and mountains, taking jobs that kept him moving between Montana, Idaho, and Washington.

In 1917, he registered for the World War I draft in Jocko, Montana, listing his occupation as a packer for the U.S. Forest Service. It’s easy to imagine him in that role—navigating rough terrain, carrying supplies into the wilderness, working with others who carved out a living in the vast landscapes of the West.

He was a veteran of World War I and after the war, George continued to make a life for himself. In 1929, he married Alda Marie Jernberg Buerline, a woman with a daughter from a previous marriage. The family settled in Washington, and Alda’s daughter, Inez, even took George’s surname, becoming part of the new life he was building.

In 1931, George and Alda had a son, George D. Monaghan Jr.

But despite starting a family, George’s life remained one of movement. By 1940, he was living in Lemhi County, Idaho, working as a miner. His marriage to Alda ended sometime before 1945, and from that point forward, George remained in Idaho.

A Quiet Ending in Idaho

In 1945, George married Grace Nagel Manfull, a longtime resident of Salmon, Idaho. The two lived together in a small log cabin on Bar Hill, a place Grace kept spotless despite its simplicity. Their life together was quiet, far removed from the past that had shaped George’s early years.

On April 18, 1952, George Monaghan Peterson passed away in Salmon, Idaho. His obituary confirms his death and notes that he had been ill for some time. A year later, in 1953, Grace passed away as well.

For decades, George’s life story remained separate from his birth family’s history. His brothers, Robert and Roy, never found him. But through research, through records scattered across time and place, his story has finally been brought home.

The brother they never found has been found at last.

Sources:

• Robert Peterson’s Biography (Unpublished family account, 20th century)
• Nevada Daily Mail (Nevada, MO), February–June 1897
• U.S. Census: 1910 (Missoula, MT), 1920 (Spokane, WA), 1930 (Spokane, WA), 1940 (Lemhi County, ID)
• World War I Draft Registration Card (1917, Sanders County, MT)
• Marriage Record: George Monaghan & Alda Marie Jernberg Buerline (1929, Washington)
• Marriage Record: George Monaghan & Grace Nagel Manfull (1945, Idaho)
• Salmon Recorder Herald (Salmon, ID), April 24, 1952 (Obituary)