Melissa (Unknown) Lewis (abt. 1832)

For Samuel George, 1805-1855- "Children + Indiana connection" Posted 01 May 2016 by clau192

"Because Samuel did not have a will, there was a lengthy probate proceeding. Records state he died in Indiana and, in fact, the executor of the estate documents expenses traveling there, probably to work out which state's laws governed the distribution of property that was in Wisconsin. Heirs in law were identified, and payments made to, William S. George; Malissa George Lewis (spelled Melissa in the probate record), Eliza Jane George (she is identified as a single daughter but has married Jacob Cline just after her father died); Priscilla George (who is living with Selby and Sarah Harney); and two minors specifically mentioned - Artesmia Wood whose guardian is Sarah George, and Mary Jane Wood, whose guardian is Samuel Wood. This implies there may have been another daughter who was no longer living. (The other heirs who were minors would have James W, Mary A and Margaret F.)

There is an interesting link to Lawrence County, Indiana that may support accepting that the Samuel George living there in 1827 and married to Polly Taylor is this, Samuel George. Selby and Sarah Harney seem to have moved with this family from Lawrence County, Indiana where they were in the 1830 census, to Wisconsin where they are documented in the 1850 census, and back again to Indiana when Malissa and her husband Joseph Lewis moved in the late 1850's.

Samuel and Polly George were in Lawrence County, Indiana in the 1830 census with a daughter. Since we know Malissa was born abt 1832, this would indicate another older daughter - again who may have been the mother of the two Wood children identified as heirs with guardians.

Claudia Lewis 3x great granddaughter of Samuel George 1 May 2016

Update August 2018: There is a Wisconsin marriage record between Artemesia George & Samuel Wood 18 Dec 1851 in Lafayette Co. This is probably the eldest daughter.

Update October 2018: In 1850, there is an Alexander Evans age 10 living with Samuel in Lafayette County. His mother is Mary George, married to Calvin Evans in 1822 in Lawrence County Indiana. Mary could be Samuel's sister. Alexander ends up in Lawrence County Indiana where he lives until 1912. In his obituary, it is noted that he was born on the George farm west of Oolitic, but the family moved to Illinois when he was four. Research seems to indicate this may be to Effingham County, Illinois."

Thanks, James

Talk soon, -Wade