I have started up a new website called Southern Illinois Pioneers, which will encompass all the families who settled Illinois before Illinois became...I have started up a new website called Southern Illinois Pioneers, which will encompass all the families who settled Illinois before Illinois became a state. In addition, there will be pages that explain the challenges the pioneers faced.

I was particularly motivated to start this site because I discovered that my mother is a direct descendant of at least eight of the pioneers. Show more

I came across Margaret Elizabeth Bond's death date, tonight. Margaret is the wife of Jacob Lewis Mansker. I was reading through Jake's military file...I came across Margaret Elizabeth Bond's death date, tonight. Margaret is the wife of Jacob Lewis Mansker. I was reading through Jake's military file on Fold3.com, and came across Ed Mansker's request to be reimbursed for Margaret's funeral expenses. It gives her death date as 22 Jan 1921. Her grave marker gives her death year as 1920, however, this is clearly in error. Show more

I think I have discovered Elizabeth Bartley's parents. They are likely John P. Bartley and Peggy Devoss. If this is correct, Elizabeth Bartley is...I think I have discovered Elizabeth Bartley's parents. They are likely John P. Bartley and Peggy Devoss. If this is correct, Elizabeth Bartley is the niece of Ohio Governor, Mordecai Bartley, and unlike Margaret Elizabeth Bond's claim, this claim is provable. Show more

Jacob Lewis Mansker actually had an interesting military career. After deserting Capt. Swanwick's Company H, 22 IL US, INF on 2 Sep 1862 at...Jacob Lewis Mansker actually had an interesting military career. After deserting Capt. Swanwick's Company H, 22 IL US, INF on 2 Sep 1862 at Florence, Alabama, he returned home and joined the US Navy at Cairo, Illinois.

During his service, he was a Seaman aboard six different ships; USS General Lyon, USS Potomac, USS Ohio, USS Great Western, USS Kickapoo, and USS Chocura. Show more

Hmmm Don't remember this one. Rose gave me her old photos. This one must have been one she missed. Anyway I have the others.

I had all of these postcards deciphered and have copies on my computer

In reality, this is Hiram and Caroline Pettit according to Mr. Shelton.