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)

Separated but Not Forgotten: A Sister’s Search for Family

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Nancy Peterson Harper: The Daughter Who Searched for Answers

Nancy Jane Peterson was born on January 29, 1881, in Astoria, Illinois, to John Robert Peterson and Julia Ann Perkins. As the eldest child, she lived a very different life from her younger half-brothers. By the time tragedy struck in 1897, Nancy was already living away from her father and his new family, working in Rich Hill, Missouri.

She wasn’t there when John and Mary lost everything at Stinking Creek or when pneumonia took their lives in Nevada, Missouri. She wasn’t there when her brothers—George, Robert, and newborn Roy—were left alone, orphaned, and separated into different homes. But she didn’t forget them.

At some point, Nancy learned the truth about what happened, and unlike her younger brothers—who were too small to remember—she carried the weight of that loss. But she didn’t let it end there.

In 1910 and 1911, Nancy took action. She placed newspaper ads, searching for her lost brothers. She wanted to know where they had gone, what had happened to them. And she succeeded—she found out what happened to at least two of them.

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Nancy eventually built a life for herself in Los Angeles, California, where she married Martin E. Harper around 1906. Her married life was not perfect—by 1930, Martin was institutionalized for medical reasons, and Nancy was supporting herself as a janitress—but she persevered. She lived independently for decades, relying on her strength and resilience.

She never moved back east, never returned to Missouri. Whether it was for health, opportunity, or simply because California became home, she remained there for the rest of her life.

Nancy passed away on June 13, 1952, at the age of 71, from a heart attack. She was cremated, and her final resting place is unknown.

Her life was one of survival, separation, and determination, but also one of hope. She didn’t just lose her family—she searched for them. And while she may not have been able to reunite with them all, she found answers, something few orphans of her time could say.

Her story is not just one of loss—it’s one of endurance, strength, and never giving up.

Sources:

Robert Peterson’s Biography (Unpublished family account, 20th century)

Nevada Daily Mail (Nevada, MO), February–June 1897

U.S. Census: 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940 (Los Angeles, CA)

Nancy Jane Peterson Harper’s Death Certificate (1952, Los Angeles, CA)

Pierce Brothers Mortuary Records (Los Angeles, CA)

Social Security Applications and Claims Index

Fort Scott Monitor (Fort Scott, KS), December 7, 1910

La Plata Home Press (La Plata, MO), May 11, 1911

Macon Times-Democrat (Macon, MO), May 18, 1911

The Lost Peterson Orphans: A Family Torn Apart in 1897

A Story That Sparked a Journey

John and his family, c. 1895

In 1996, my grandmother, Bertha Lawson Peterson, handed me a copy of a story written by my great-uncle Robert Peterson, an older brother of my grandfather, Roy Peterson.

The moment I read it, I was hooked. It was a story filled with tragedy, survival, and unanswered questions, the kind of mystery that demands to be solved. My great-uncle Robert wrote about the deaths of their parents in 1897, how he and his siblings were separated as orphans, and the struggles they faced. It was heartbreaking, but something about it didn’t sit right.

Not everyone believed my great-uncle Robert’s account was accurate. Some details seemed uncertain, and there were gaps that left me wondering: Was he right? Could I prove or disprove his version of events?

I didn’t know it at the time, but that single story would change everything for me. It was the spark that ignited my obsession with family history research, sending me on a path to uncover the truth—one newspaper article, one record, and one discovery at a time.

Now, I want to share that journey with you.

📖 Click here to read the original, unedited story by my great-uncle Robert Peterson.

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A Family’s Lost Past: The Mystery of the Peterson Orphans

Uncle Robert’s story is one of tragedy, survival, and unanswered questions. He wrote about how his parents, John and Mary Peterson, set out on a journey west in search of a better life, only to be met with illness, disaster, and separation. But the details don’t always add up, leaving behind a mystery that still lingers.

Before marrying Mary Thompson, John was a widower with his daughter, Nancy. His first wife, Julie Perkins, had given birth to Nancy in 1878, but little is known about their life together.

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Then comes the journey north. Most likely in late 1896, John, with his second wife Mary, loaded up a covered wagon and set out for Nevada, Missouri. While attempting to cross Stinking Creek, disaster struck—the family lost their wagon and nearly all of their belongings. However, John was able to save the horses and later sold them, giving the family a small amount of money to start over.

Life in Nevada was hard. The family took refuge in a schoolhouse, where a neighbor, Mr. Wiswold, found them and took them in. Then, the biggest tragedy struck. In February 1897, John fell ill with pneumonia and died. 

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The very next day, Mary also succumbed to the same illness, leaving behind their three young sons. Their newborn, Roy, was just six weeks old at the time. A young woman discovered Mary with baby Roy, moments from death. Was Mary truly alone in her final hours?

John and Mary were buried in a potters field in Deepwood Cemetery. The Peterson children were now orphans, but their story didn’t begin or end there. Nancy, the eldest, had already been separated from the family before their deaths. Sent away as a young girl, she lived with relatives, unaware of the heartbreaking fate that awaited her parents and younger brothers. When she finally learned of their deaths, her world had already changed. She had lost not just her parents but also the siblings she barely knew.

The story of the Peterson orphans was one of separation, survival, and unanswered questions. After their parents, John and Mary Peterson, died just one day apart in 1897, their three youngest children—George, Robert, and six-week-old Roy—were separated, each sent to a different home. Their older sister, Nancy, had already been living away from the family and only later learned of their deaths, setting her on a heartbreaking search for her lost brothers.

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What happened to the Peterson orphans?

Each of them took very different paths in life. Click below to follow their journeys:

🔗 Nancy Peterson Harper’s Story – The daughter who survived a tragic childhood.
🔗 George Monaghan’s Story – The mystery of the brother who disappeared.
🔗 Robert Peterson’s Story – From orphaned to reunited—his unexpected journey.
🔗 Roy Peterson’s Story – The youngest Peterson, raised by a woman who wouldn’t let him go.

 Sources:

Robert Peterson’s Biography (Unpublished family account, 20th century)

Nevada Daily Mail (Nevada, MO), February–June 1897

The Pittsburg Daily Headlight (Pittsburg, KS), February 15, 1897

1880 U.S. Census (Schuyler County, IL)

George H. Peterson Probate Records (1895, McDonald County, MO)

Strikeouts & Setbacks: The Story of Baseball’s Forgotten Underdog

The Tragic and Tumultuous Life of Harry Samuel Hay: A Baseball Star Who Never Made It to the Big Leagues

The story of Harry Samuel Hay is one of talent, misfortune, and unfulfilled potential. His journey from a small-town baseball phenom to a struggling minor league pitcher—and eventually to an uncertain post-baseball life—is a narrative pieced together largely from newspaper records, city directories, and census data. 

Through these sources, I have reconstructed his career, family life, and ultimate fate, shedding light on the struggles he faced both on and off the field.

Early Life and Family Hardships

Harry Samuel Hay was born on November 24, 1878, in Union Mills, Indiana to James Stark Hay and Luticia Eller Hay. Harry's life was marked by baseball success, controversy, personal struggles, and a tragic end. His journey from small-town independent baseball to near-professional fame provides a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century baseball and personal hardship.

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A Father Who Disappeared

Harry Hay’s early life was shaped by one of the biggest mysteries in his family history. His father, James Stark Hay, abandoned his family around 1892 and started a new life in Michigan, leaving Harry and his siblings without answers. This information, confirmed through documentation and DNA connections, suggests that Harry never knew what became of his father. The loss of a stable paternal figure may have influenced Harry’s struggles with authority, discipline, and personal responsibility throughout his life.

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A Rising Star in Independent Baseball

By the early 1900s, Harry Hay had developed into a formidable underhand pitcher, a style that made him a standout in independent and semi-professional baseball. He was frequently compared to Rube Waddell, a famous major league pitcher known for his eccentric behavior and immense talent.

Newspaper reports from 1907-1908 paint a picture of a brilliant but erratic pitcher who could dominate a game but often found himself in controversy or trouble. Some key highlights of his baseball career include:

Rise as a Pitcher: 1905-1908

Harry Hay’s baseball career took off in the mid-1900s when he became known as a formidable underhand pitcher. He played for several teams across Indiana and the Midwest.  His ability as a pitcher was frequently praised in newspapers, and he quickly gained a reputation for his unique delivery. However, his temper and struggles with consistency often held him back from progressing further in professional baseball.

Defeating the Cincinnati Reds Twice (1907)

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  In two now-legendary games, Harry Hay pitched for the Dunkirk team against the Cincinnati Reds and emerged victorious both times. The first game took place on July 1, 1907, with Dunkirk defeating the Reds 12-7. 

• In a second matchup later that summer, Hay once again led Dunkirk to victory, this time with a score of 4-2. These wins were so impressive that rumors began circulating that Hay had played for the Reds, though no record exists of him officially joining the team. Newspapers continued to mention him as a former Red, even though it appears he may have had a tryout but never officially made the roster.

A Rollercoaster of Team Changes

Between 1907 and 1908, Hay played for multiple teams, including: 

• Auburn (1905)
• Hartford City (1906)
• Dunkirk (1907)
• Van Wert (1907-1908)
• Beardstown (1909-1910)

His talent made him highly sought after, but his temperament and personal struggles often led to quick departures.

The American Association Considered Signing Him (December 1907)

• Reports from Indianapolis newspapers stated that the American Association (a higher-level professional league) had its eyes on Hay, but managers had concerns about his "remarkable natural ability" being offset by his lack of fielding skills and a difficult temperament.

The Final Years in Baseball

• By 1914, Hay was still pitching in minor leagues. One remarkable game, reported in the Logansport Pharos-Reporter, described him pitching a 21-inning tie game between Kankakee and Streator, one of the longest games ever played in the Illinois-Missouri League.

 

A Troubled Personal Life

Harry Hay was not just known for his baseball skills—he was also notorious for financial troubles and legal issues.

• Board Bill Arrests

In June and July 1907, Harry was arrested twice for failing to pay his board bill in different towns. In one case, the team manager had to step in and pay his debt so he could continue traveling with the team. The Decatur Daily Democrat even wrote that Hay had a "habit of overlooking small accounts", implying that this wasn’t an isolated incident.

• Bar Fights and Assaults

In July 1906, after a game in Portland, Indiana, Hay was attacked with a beer bottle outside a restaurant, causing a major team brawl. The attackers were never arrested, and reports suggested that the team had not instigated the fight.

• Marriage to Bertha Jones (1907)

On May 28, 1907, Harry married Bertha Jones of Dunkirk. While newspapers praised Hay’s talent on the field, family lore suggests that Bertha’s family disapproved of the match. Ironically, after both Harry and Bertha passed away, her siblings would ultimately take in their children.

• Struggles with Alcohol

Several reports mention that Hay’s greatest weakness was alcohol, often referred to as "John Barleycorn" in newspapers. One article stated that Hay could be a dominant pitcher—if he could stay sober.

 

Life After Baseball

After his baseball career faded, Harry Hay's life took a tragic turn. By the 1920s, he was nearly disabled by rheumatism and relied on his wife’s factory job for financial support. 

• By 1913, Harry was working as an erector (assembler) for M. Rumely Company, a manufacturer in LaPorte, Indiana. The 1920 census listed his occupation simply as a laborer in a shop. In 1923, city directories recorded him as a general laborer, maybe indicating that he struggled to find stable employment after baseball.

• Bertha Jones Hay passed away on August 12, 1923, due to complications from an injury she sustained at work. Though no official record confirms this, family lore suggests that Harry sued his wife’s employer for damages, a claim supported by a 1924 newspaper report of his lawsuit against the Kumpfy-Kab Company in LaPorte. He won the case and was awarded $3,289 in compensation.

A Tragic End

• Following Bertha’s death in August 1923, Harry’s health rapidly declined. By early 1924, he was almost completely disabled, unable to work, and relied on his mother, Luticia Hay, for care. While family lore suggests he may have suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), his official death certificate lists chronic nephritis (kidney disease) and chronic mitral regurgitation (a heart valve condition) as the causes of death.

• On May 3, 1924, at 10:15 AM, Harry passed away at his mother’s home at 502 Jackson Street, LaPorte, Indiana, at the age of 45 years, 5 months, and 9 days. His mother, Luticia, served as the informant on his Indiana death certificate, confirming his parentage and birthplace.

• Despite his struggles, newspapers across the country continued to refer to him as a former Cincinnati Reds pitcher, demonstrating how deeply the rumors of his playing days had taken root.

Burial and Legacy

• On May 5, 1924, Harry Hay was laid to rest in Union Mills Cemetery, alongside his wife Bertha Jones Hay and their infant daughter Aletha Marie Hay (1917.) His death marked the end of a life filled with baseball triumphs, personal turmoil, and ultimate hardship.

• Though he never officially played for the Reds, his victories over them in 1907 cemented his place in local baseball history, and even in death, his name remained tied to the team

• Obituaries Conflicted on His Baseball Career
• Many newspapers across the country, including The Atlanta Journal, The Sacramento Union, and The Omaha World-Herald, published obituaries claiming Harry Hay was a former major league pitcher.
• These reports were likely based on confusion, as Harry had gained fame by defeating the Reds, not by playing for them.

Final Thoughts

Harry Samuel Hay’s life was one of great talent, missed opportunities, and personal struggles. From his father’s mysterious disappearance to his turbulent baseball career, financial troubles, and tragic end, his story is a compelling reminder of how fame, talent, and hardship can intertwine.

Though he never officially played for the Cincinnati Reds, his legacy in independent baseball and his battles both on and off the field make him an unforgettable figure in early baseball history.

Harry's story is one of perseverance. From dominating local baseball teams to facing personal and financial hardships after the sport, his life was both extraordinary and deeply human. While his baseball dreams may not have led to Major League stardom, the legacy he left behind in local sports history—and in the memories of his family—ensures that his name won’t be forgotten.

Sources

• Multiple newspaper articles (1906-1924) from the Decatur Daily Democrat, Van Wert Bulletin, Indianapolis Star, The Cincinnati Enquirer, Logansport Pharos-Reporter, and others.
• Family documentation and DNA research confirming James Stark Hay's disappearance and Harry’s lack of knowledge about his father’s fate.
• Legal records from the Kumpfy-Kab Company lawsuit (1924).
• Obituaries from newspapers across the U.S., including The Atlanta Journal, The Sacramento Union, and The Omaha World-Herald.

Am I Related to a Historical Figure? The Joys and Pitfalls of Genealogy

Uncovering Famous Names in the Family Tree: The Joys, Pitfalls, and Unsung Heroes

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Researching family history is always an adventure, but nothing sparks curiosity quite like finding a

famous name among our ancestors—whether they’re direct forebears or distant relatives. For me, the thrill of genealogy has led to possible connections to Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and a confirmed connection to Daniel Boone through a great-aunt, Zilpha Lawson. While these discoveries are exciting, I’ve also learned that tracing famous relatives comes with both joys and pitfalls—and that the real heart of genealogy lies in the everyday people who paved the way for us.

The Excitement of Finding a Famous Connection

There’s something undeniably thrilling about realizing that a well-known historical figure might be in your family tree. It’s the kind of revelation that makes history feel personal—suddenly, the stories in textbooks aren’t just events of the past but part of your family’s journey. Imagine knowing that a distant uncle helped draft the Declaration of Independence (John Hancock) or that an innovator like Benjamin Franklin shares a branch on your tree. Even with my confirmed link, although through marriage, to Daniel Boone, a man who opened the frontier to settlers, it’s fascinating to think about how these figures shaped the country we live in today.

These discoveries also open the door to a deeper understanding of history. Instead of reading about Franklin’s inventions or Boone’s expeditions from a distance, I can explore how their lives intersected with the places, events, and movements that shaped my own family’s past. This makes history more personal and meaningful.

The Pitfalls: Myths, Assumptions, and the Burden of Proof

Of course, finding a famous name in the family tree isn’t always as simple as it seems. Genealogical myths and mistaken assumptions are everywhere—many families have long-held stories of being related to someone famous, only for deeper research to reveal gaps or misinterpretations. False connections are often repeated in online trees, and the further back you go, the harder it is to separate fact from fiction.

Even if a connection is plausible, proof is everything in genealogy. Without well-documented sources—such as wills, land records, or verified family links—it’s easy to fall into wishful thinking rather than solid research. That’s why I approach my Franklin and Hancock connections with caution—while the links are possible, I want to make sure I follow the right trail, not just an exciting one.

Another challenge is avoiding the trap of focusing only on famous names while overlooking the everyday ancestors who were just as important. It’s easy to get swept up in big discoveries, but every person in a family tree played a role in shaping the next generation, whether they were an explorer, a farmer, a teacher, or a soldier.

The Unsung Heroes: Honoring the Non-Famous Ancestors

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For every Daniel Boone, John Hancock, or Benjamin Franklin, there were thousands of lesser-known individuals who worked just as hard to carve out a future. They may not have made it into history books, but they laid the foundations for the generations that followed.

Take Zilpha Lawson, for example. She may not be as well known as her Boone relatives, but her life and marriage to Larkin Barnes helped carry the Boone legacy forward through their children, including James C. Barnes, who moved westward in Texas. Likewise, the Lawsons, who lived and worked on the frontier, played their part in the movement of settlers that shaped the expansion of Missouri.

Even those whose names we barely know—women who raised large families in harsh conditions, men who farmed and built communities, soldiers who fought in wars without recognition—were just as crucial to our story. Without them, there would be no family tree to research, no legacy to uncover.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Balance Between Fame and Family

Discovering famous ancestors or distant relatives can be exhilarating, but genealogy is ultimately about honoring all those who came before us. The thrill of connecting with history through well-known figures like Franklin, Hancock, and Boone is real, but so is the value in uncovering the lives of those who lived in quiet determination, shaping the world for future generations.

If you’re tracing your own family tree and stumble across a notable name, embrace the excitement but follow the evidence. And while doing so, don’t forget the everyday heroes in your lineage—because, in the end, it’s their resilience and hard work that truly brought us here.

Daniel Boone: The Pathfinder of the American Frontier

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Few figures in American history embody the spirit of the frontier like Daniel Boone. Born in 1734 in Pennsylvania, Boone became one of the most famous pioneers of early America. He played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States, particularly through his exploration and settlement of Kentucky. In 1775, Boone blazed the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap, allowing thousands of settlers to move westward, shaping the course of American history.

Boone’s accomplishments were remarkable, but his journey was not without struggles. As a frontiersman, he faced constant danger from both nature and conflict, particularly with the Shawnee, who resisted the encroachment on their lands. In 1778, he was captured by the Shawnee and adopted into their tribe, only to escape and warn settlers at Boonesborough of an impending attack. Boone also experienced financial hardships, losing much of his land due to legal disputes and poor investments, despite his significant contributions to westward expansion.

In his later years, Boone left Kentucky and moved to Missouri, then part of Spanish-controlled Louisiana, where he was granted land and continued to live as a hunter and explorer. However, even in Missouri, he faced land disputes after the U.S. took control of the territory. He died in 1820 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic figures in American pioneer history. Over time, books and stories exaggerated some of his adventures, making him a folk hero whose legend grew far beyond his real-life exploits.

Boone’s influence extended beyond his own exploits—his descendants and relatives played important roles in shaping frontier communities. Zilpha Lawson, daughter of Jacob and Mary Lawson, married Larkin Barnes, a descendant of Daniel Boone. Their son, James C. Barnes, eventually moved to Texas, continuing the westward migration pattern that Boone had helped establish decades earlier.

The Boone connection in the Lawson family history is a fascinating reminder of how early American families interwove their legacies through marriage and migration. Just as Boone paved the way for settlement, his descendants and those connected to his lineage, like Zilpha Lawson and her son James C. Barnes, carried forward the pioneer spirit, moving westward in search of new opportunities.

Sources: 

• Robert Morgan's Boone: A Biography (a book I am reading.)
• Online sources are available for further research:
• The Filson Historical Society.
• Missouri State Archives – Daniel Boone’s Final Years & Land Grants.
• National Park Service – Cumberland Gap & Boone’s Wilderness Road