Emeline (Morton) Lord (abt. 1824 - 1900)

Born about 1824 in Vermont, United States

Ancestors

Daughter of Chester Morton and Anna (Comstock) Morton

Wife of Isaac M. Lord — married 1844 in Galena, Jo Daviess, Illinois, United States

Descendants

Died 1900 at about age 76 in Superior, Douglas, Wisconsin, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Stewart Clarke [send private message]

Biography

From the History of Grant County Wisconsin ^[1]:

• 'ISAAC LORD (deceased); was born in Parsonsfield, Me., in 1803. He was engaged in the boot and shoe business in Maine, and came from there to Platteville in 1839. He was married, in 1843, in Elizabeth, Ill., to Miss Emaline Morton, daughter of Chester Morton, a native of Massachusetts. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Lord purchased land in Platteville and vicinity, and also in La Fayette Co., and in the spring of 1854, he went on a farm at what is called the West Plat Mound, and was engaged in farming there till the fall of 1870; then removed to the village of Platteville, where he resided till his death, Aug. 16. 1877. He left two children-Isabel, now Mrs. Minard Mills, of Plymouth Co., Iowa, and Purl, who is reading law with S. W. Bell.'

From the Lord genealogy by my great grandfather Isaac Purl Lord (1858-1942), Issac's and Emeline's son:

"Isaac Lord, the third child of Ammi Ruhami Lord and Mary Durgin Lord, grew up at East Parsonfield, ME, was a trader along the Maine Coast and a laster in the manufacturing business. He started west in 1832 or '33 and it is presumed from the large amount of Texas scrip (paper money which could be located on Texas lands) that he planned going to Texas and take up lands.

"Transportation in those days was by way of the Ohio River and when he reached St. Louis, he learned of the tremedous excitement in the lead fields in southwest Wisconsin and northwest Illinois, surrounding Galena, Illinois. Mississippi river packets northbound were loaded to capacity by supplies for the thousands who were rushing into that section. These packets towed alongside flat bottom barges also loaded, and Galena on the Fever River, a tributary of the Mississippi, was the destination of most of them. The packets on return trips were loaded with lead which had been smelted in the lead fields. Isaac located first at Galena, but later went to Platteville, Wisconsin, 27 miles distant, which point was the center of great activity and very rich in lead ore. Here, he became a smelter, following this line until about 1846 or 1847.

"He arrived by packet at Galena and at once became interested in lead mining. He later built and operated lead smelters. He located at a point named Plattevulle, Wisconsin, 27 miles north of Galena, in 1834, also in the lead fields very rich in ore.

"He and Emeline Morton were married January 18, 1844, and shortly after moved into the prairie country surrounding Platteville, where they made their home on the Lord farm of 640 acres. This farm was located a short distance from Belmont, the territorial capitol of Wisconsin, where the Legislature met and laws were enacted. Judge Dunn, a jurist of note, was one of their neighbors and many others relatted to the Capitol were also neighbors. Isaac Purl Lord tells in these notes that his mother Emaline had often related circumstances of members of the legislature on their way to Belmont, being snowbound at her home for several days and nights and the times they had while shut in.

"This entire country was very beautiful and the view from this farm was much like a panorama and especially in the summertime when the rolling prairie lands covered with waving grass extended as far as the eye could reach. It swept away from Belmont Mount, the Lord mound and Sugar Loaf mound in all directions, with slight undulations as far as the eye could reach (a distance of 18 to 25 miles) covered in early times with waving grass, but today every foot is under cultivation of one thing or another. The finest dairy section in the world, with great barns, silos and fine homes.

"Transporation of lead and other products of that land were hauled overland by ox teams as there were few horses. The roads were along the higher lands, but always near springs of clear cold water. All roads led to Galena, the only outlet from that section. From there, down the Mississippi River to St. Louis and New Orleans.

"After Isaac and Emeline had been on the farm a few years, the 1849 GOLD RUSH to California came and almost everyone left for the gold fields. There was no business nor money. Those were trying times! It required great force of character to withstand all of the vicissitudes; yet, notwithstanding the terrible conditions, Isaac and Emeline persevered and became, among others, leaders in that section. Isaac held to his political beliefs a steadfast Democrat, and through his sympathy with the South during the Civil War was termed a "Copperhead." He was a man of tremendous physical power - standing over 6 feet and weighed 200 pounds.

"Lives of the pioneers were not altogether pleasant -- particularly for the women. Houses through the country were miles apart, no roads, and the only means of transportation was by rough lumber wagon, drawn by oxen. But those hardy women carried on, raised families, cooked and sewed, tended garden, helped in the fields, mile and above everything, had hot meals ready on time -- be it for one man or many.

"Imagine Emeline Lord's feelings when her kitchen door opened and six Indians walked in, sat on the floor and indicated by signs they wanted food. She started cooking and continued until they left. At another time, Isaac and a neighbor hid in a cave for days until a band of Indians left the country.

"During the Blackhawk Indian War in Wisconsin, settlers were always apprehensive and careful to safeguard their homes. At one time, Emiline told that bands of Indians were scattered all over the prairies, that Father went afoot in the night across the country 27 miles to Galena for supplies, sleeping the following day and returning with meat, flour, coffee and other necessities the next night in order to be not seen by the Indians. Another time when Mother was away from him, Jim Ashmore, a neighbor three miles distant, came and told Father that Indians were planning to kill him. The two men took provisions and went into a cave, where they stayed until the Indians left.

"Galena continued to be the market place for anything the farmers had to sell, and as the falls came on the route across the prairie became dotted with farm wagons loaded with oats, wheat, dressed hogs, etc. The parade would start at two or three o-clock in the morning, driving all day -- then giving the team a few hours' rest and returning in the night. Gradually, the prairies settled up and friendships were formed as close as relatives. Small towns were built, schools and churches were established.As time went on, Isaac and Emeline became one of the prominent families and the Lord farm was known for miles around. Isaac acquired other farms, also several business properties in Platteville, Wisconsin. Later, they retired from active farming and bought the James Vineyard and estate of 10 acres and large colonial house joining Platteville, where they lived until he died.

"When William Woodbury came west, he lived with Isaac and Emeline on the farm for several years. Isaac helped him make a start."

The Morton Family removed from Vermont to the west and located at Ypsilanti, Michigan and later to the present site of Chicago, then a small trading post. Later the family moved to northwest Illinois, where they remained. They died at Elizabeth, Ills.

Edward (note: I don't know who Edward is, or whether my GGF meant to write 'Chester.' SC) was a Presbyterian minister who secured a pastorate at one time. Emeline has related that when they moved into the country, there were no sides to the house -- only the roof -- and that the calf was tied under the wagon to keep it away from the cow. There were no fences nor any barns nor anything to make them of.

THE WILL OF ISSAC LORD (ABSTRACT)

His will, dated 6 August 1877, was drawn up twelve days before he died, on his deathbed. It is 15 pages long. Roughly, the terms are these:

$3,000 (it’s hard to read) to Isaac Purl (a minor), which IL has loaned to LesterMcDavid. The security for the loan is in IL’s possession. He makes it clear it’s for Purl’s sole use. (like $5,820,000 today).

To brother Cyrus, $1,000 in bonds and securities to hold in trust for their sister Julia Lord. All interest and dividends tobe paid out to her annually. At her death,the principal descends to all her children equally. (Principal sum is like $1,940,000today).

To Emmaline, the residue of personal estate after debts, etc.

To Lemuel Washburn, O. F. Griswold, & Frank Huntington, as trustees, all the real estate. They are to manage the properties, rent them out. The net income is to go to Emmaline until Purl attains the age of 21, if she doesn’tmarry and Purl continues to live with her. If they are not living together, then ½ of the income to Emmaline and the other half for the support and education of Purl. After Purl turns 21 and until the age of 25, half to Purl and half to Emmaline if still a widow. At 25, or if he marries before then, the trustees are to convey the Lafayette farm to Purl, fee simple absolute.

As to rest of the real estate, the trustees are to either rent out the propertiesfor income, or sell the properties – the proceeds are to be invested and theincome to go to Emmaline for the rest of her life. After her death, the income is to go toIsabell Mills and her children, share and share alike. Improvements can be made to the properties withIsabell’s consent. In no way is MinardMills to receive a penny of his estate, as he has already given Minard muchmore than a just proportion of the estate.

After death of Minard Mills, the whole of the residue of personal and real estate isto go to Isabell and children, share and share alike. There are elaborate precautions to prevent Minard from profiting from the estate.

If the Lafayette farm reverts to the estate (perhaps in the event of the death ofPurl), it goes to Isabell and her children.

The three trustees are appointed executors.

Witnessed by the three trustees. No family membersare present.

Probate inventory taken at:

Personal property: $8,000 (like $15,500,000 today).

Real Property: $30,000 (like $58,200,000 today).

Debt $300 (like $582,000 today).

Total Estate Net Worth: $37,700 (like $73,100,000 today).

The probate of the estate went on for nearly thirty years, with drama from the outset. Upon the outset of probate, the estate was valued at $37,750 (like $73M today, according to (measuringworth.com). His heirs contested the will, declaring it invalid because Issac was so ill he was incapable of making a sound decision, and that he was under "influence" of others (presumeably the three trustees and executors named in the will). The drama went on from there. See the attached probate records if you're interested.

Sources

1. ↑ The History of Grant County Wisconsin, Western Historical Publishing, Chicago, July 1881, Town of Platteville, Biographical Sketches, Page 950

• First-hand knowledge by Clarke-15504, entered June 19, 2020.

• Wisconsin, Wills and Probate Records, 1800-1987 (https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/9088/007708555_00382/944267)

DNA Confirmation

Parentage confirmed by 8 Ancestry DNA matches between Clarke-15504 and Clarke-15505 with cousins descended from Chester and Anna Morton, Emily's parents. I will focus on one - a triangulated match between Clarke-15504, Clarke-15505 and 4th cousin jmglkg (26 centimorgans shared across 2 DNA segments). The most recent common ancestors shared by all are Chester Morton and Anna Comstock .