A proper introduction should probably start with the observation that no one who knows me has ever called me “normal,” though the descriptions of why this is true vary wildly from observer to observer. For instance, I am probably the only person you will ever meet who has both a formal diagnosis of mental retardation (in kindergarten) and a current membership in the Triple Nine Society. Perhaps the most “normal” aspects of my life are my nuclear family and my employment. I have been married to the same woman since 1978 and we have three adult sons and five grandchildren. I have been employed as a research paralegal by the same firm or its predecessor since 1991. On the other hand, my interest in locating my kindred is motivated by both normal curiosity and a philosophical/religious belief that kindreds remain important units (for more explanation, see https://kingdomoftheheavens.net/what-i-believe-stated-simply/ ). At present, my major brick walls are:
William B. Fletcher (abt 1870, Pennsylvania-5 Aug. 1904, West Jordan Utah). My paternal grandmother’s father. My information about him comes from the Montana “delayed” birth certificate applications of my grandmother (Ethel Fletcher) and her older sister (Lydia Fletcher), and from William’s death certificate. None of this information speaks to William’s birth family, except that it appears he was born in Pennsylvania. I have tentatively identified him with William B. Fletcher (b. Nov. 1869, Hazelton, Luzerne Co., Pa.—d. ??), parents Joseph Fletcher (1830-1912) and Anne Burns (1836-1907), based on similarity of name, correct geography, and significant DNA overlap with seven (known at present) descendants of Joseph Fletcher’s father John Fletcher (1795-1865) or grandfather Peter Fletcher (1771-1824). But other people who have looked at Joseph Fletcher’s family have concluded that his son William, who simply seems to “disappear” from the records, died in infancy (though there seems to be no documentation of this).
William Bruce (1807+ 2 yr. to bef 1870) and his wife Elizabeth D__r_y or D__v_y (1813 + 2 yr to aft 1870), 3rd great grandparents on my father’s side, the parents of Salona Jane Johnson (born Bruce) (22 Jul 1838-10 Oct 1907). My only current sources of information for this couple are 1850, 1860 and 1870 US Censuses, the 1855 New York state Census, and Salona’s death certificate. From these, I know Salona’s information, including that she was born somewhere in “Canada,” Elizabeth’s first name (in all of the documents), that she was born in “Canada East” and the approximate year, and her maiden name in very poor handwriting on the death certificate. I also know the approximate year of William’s birth, although the sources disagree as to whether he was born in New York or “Canada East.” They emigrated from Canada to Jefferson County, NY, in 1844 or 1845.
Anne Burns (b. 9 Sep 1836 Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales, UK—d. 24 Mar. 1907 Philadelphia, PA), possible 2nd great grandmother, wife of Joseph Fletcher. Her parents may have been John Burn or Burne (1813-1893) and Mary Davis (1815-1901), as some have suggested, but the evidence they have posted is weak.
James “Texas” Brown (b. 8/28/1816, Wheeling, VA, now WV—d. 6/2/1904, Pittsburg, KS), a 3rd great grandfather on my mother’s side. Available records say when and where he was born but say nothing at all about his parents. Married Mary Sprouls (1829-1872), among others, and their daughter Elizabeth Brown-Gleason (1854-1939) was my ancestor.
John L. Knox (b. 26 Nov. 1820, “Indiana”—d. 23 Dec. 1863, “Indiana”), 3rd great grandfather on my mother’s side. His father may have been George Knox (b. 1790, Virginia or North Carolina maybe?—d. ??) about whom I know nothing else. His mother is unknown.
Melinda Flora Hicks (b. 1821, Indiana—d. 16 Jan 1901, Oklahoma), wife of John L. Knox. Some list her father as “NC Hicks” (b. abt 1795, North Carolina—Bef. 1830, Morgan Co., Indiana), although it’s not clear whether they are listing “NC” as his initials or as a suggestion of his state of origin. Her mother is unknown.
Sophia Allen Swayze (b. 1810, Maine—d. 28 Sep. 1886, Washburn, Marshall Co,., IL). A 3rd great grandmother on my mother’s side. Wife of Lewis Venutious Blackman (1810-1894). Nothing is known about her parents.
Sarah Ann Maxwell (b. 1825, Dromore, Down, N Ireland—d. ??), 3rd great grandmother on my father’s side. Wife of Samuel Dominice McCutcheon (1825-1891). Others list her parents as Samuel Maxwell and Matilda Sharp, both presumably born in Northern Ireland, but about which nothing else appears to be known. Whether she had siblings is also unknown.
John David Culbert (b. 1820, Gelncourse, Midlothian, Scotland, UK—d. Aug. 1860, Charleston, SC, USA), 3rd great grandfather, mother’s side. His father’s name may have been Hugh Culbert, thought to have been born in Ireland on an unknown date, parents unknown. His mother is unknown.
