William L. LATTA (1757 – 1813)  is Alex’s 6th Great Grandfather, one of 128 in this generation of the Miner line.

William L. Latta was born in 1757 in Londonderry, Ireland.  He married Elizabeth RANKIN c. 1784 in Ireland.  His parents were Samuel LATTA and Mary McCOBB. William died in Washington County Pennsylvania in 1813.

Elizabeth Rankin was born in 1765 in  Hastrough, Donegal County, Ireland.  Her parents were Samuel RANKIN and Jennie EDMONSTON. She died from a fractured thigh 23 May 1846 in Crawford County PA at the age of 82. (see the letter written by her son ) and is buried in the Seceder Cemetery, Meadville, Crawford, PA.

Children of William and Elizabeth:

	Name	Born	Married	Departed
1.	Samuel Latta	1784 Airsty, Donegal, Ireland	Martha Martin Greensville, Mercer Co., Pa	1 Mar 1853 Hanover, Jefferson, Indiana
2.	James Latta	3 Dec 1786 Donegal Ireland	Isabelle Nichols 17 May 1816 Ross, Ohio	29 Sep 1865 Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa
3.	Thomas Latta	6 Feb 1789 Donegal Ireland	Isabelle Foster5 Feb 1811 Cumberland, Pennsylvania	10 Sep 1877 Carroll County, Ohio
4.	Moses Latta	26 Mar 1791 Donegal Ireland	Nancy McGraw 25 Mar 1814 Pennsylvania	11 Dec 1884 Frankfort, Ross, OH
5.	Mary Latta	26 Jul 1793 Airsty, Donegal Ireland	William Thompson 30 Dec 1813 Crawford, Pennsylvania,	2 May 1878 Greenville, Mercer Co., PA Burial in Old Seceder Cemetery, Jamestown, Mercer, PA
6.	William LATTA	17 Oct 1795 Donegal Ireland	Jane McCONAHEY 17 Jan 1822	Most say 16 Nov 1846 Cincinnati, OH, but living in Rock Bluff, Nebraska in 1860
7.	John A. Latta	9 Mar 1801 Crawford County PA	Mary McConahey (Jane’s sister) 2 Jan 1834 South Shenango, Crawford, PA	1 Nov 1884 Herman, Washington, Nebraska
8.	Elizabeth Latta	1802 Crawford County PA	William McElhaney 1820 Crawford, PA	1888 Crawford, Pennsylvania

31 Oct 1800 – William L Latta landed in New York .  Evidently members of the family came to America in the 18th century, for he settled near Philadelphia where he had relatives.

1801 – William went to Crawford Co., Pa.  on land had had been seded by the Shenango Indians in 1795 and first opened for settlement in 1796.   Conneaut Township in Crawford County, PA.  was formed in 1800.  Conneaut was the Indian term applied to the lake in Sadsbury Township. It signifies “The Snow Place,” and was so called, it is supposed, from the fact that the snow on the frozen lake lingered long after it had disappeared from the surrounding land.   Some of the early settlers were William Latta, Thomas Rankin and Samuel Potter.  See Crawford County, Pennsylvania for details

William Latta, also a native of the Emerald Isle, was a hatter, settled near Penn Line and after a few years removed from the township.

27 Apr 1805 – William Latta, secured 200 acres under contract.  William Latta lived there until his death.  Four of his sons, William, Samuel, John and Thomas, were also there, and made improvements, then departed.  ”  The following statement shows the condition of the Population tracts in 1812, when the company closed its business-the number of the tract, name of settler, date of contract, number of acres, contracted for and its final disposition. Each tract contains an area slightly exceeding 400 acres.  Tracts 706 and 707, William L LATTA, April 27, 1805, 100 acres each, settled under contract.

2 Dec 1809, William L. Latta was admitted by the Court of Common Pleas in Meadville, Crawford County, PA, as a citizen of the United States.

  COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Crawford County, To Wit:

Be is known, That at a Court of Commons Pleas, held for said County at Meadville on the first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nine, before the Honorable Jesse More, Esquire, President of his associates Judges of the same Court.

WILLIAM LATTA, a native of Ireland, came into Court praying to be admitted a citizen of the United States; and having, to the satisfaction of the Court, made the proofs and complied with the requisitions required by law, was allowed to take the usual oaths and make the rouisite renunciations, which he forthwith did, and there upon was admitted by the Court a citizen of the United States.

Certified at Meadville under my hand and seal of office as Prothonotary of the same Court this Second day of December in the thirty third year of Independence.  A.D. M….., 1809.

WILLIAM McARTHUR,
Prothonotary.

William Latta settled at Penn Line.  Latta built the first framed building, a barn, erected in the township.

The Pennsylvania Population Company offered to settlers 400 acres of land in consideration of eight years settlement and the projection of certain improvements.   The large number of abandonments and assignments are particularly noticeable in this township. Pioneer privations were severe and continuous. The labor of clearing the timber was extremely arduous, and the soil was often found too low and wet to produce crops. In consequence, most of those who settled here either sold their claims for the small price they would command or abandoned them entirely and left the country. Difficulties with the Land Company also arose, and increased the discontent and emigration. Many were without means, but did not remove until they were literally starved out. In more than one instance planted potatoes were dug up and greedily devoured by these primitive settlers.

Thomas wrote the following letter to his brother Moses when their mother Elizabeth died in 1846.  It is addressed to Mr. Moses Latta, Frankfort, Ross Co., Ohio, and the postmark reads Malvern, Ohio June 8, 1846.  It was not enclosed in an envelope, but sealed, and a big 5 mark on it instead of a stamp.

Dear Brother:

I have very unpleasant news to communicate at this time.  Our aged mother is no more.

She departed this life on the 23d of last month [23 May 1846], after an illness of about seven weeks.  About the seventh of April, at night, she was sitting as usual after the rest was in bed, and by some unknown cause in rising to go to bed she fell and dislocated her thigh.  They wrote to us shortly after, but the letter was long coming, and although Eliza and I started the second day after it came to hand, we did not get there until the 16th of May.  At this time she suffered no pain, but was reduced to a state of extreme debility, having taken no food for two weeks.  We stayed from Saturday until Thursday and seeing no material change we left her, not knowing how long she might linger; and it appears by a letter received yesterday that she continued as we left her until Saturday morning, when she came worse and continued to sink gradually until six o’clock she expired.  Considering her great age the case is not extraordinary, but death comes when it will, is unexpected, and we ought to improve every instance of the kind as a warning to ourselves to watch and be ready, for in such an hour as we think not we may be called to give our account, and there is no discharge in that war.

When I arrived in Shenango (Pa.) I found brother William had started with all his family (except [our ancestor] Robert) for the neighborhood of Madison, Ind. with a design of getting up the cooleage business there in the barrell line, expecting to make a fortune and pay off all his debts in a short time.  He went from Shenango in very low circumstances, and left a number of his friends to suffer on his account.  Young William Thompson has undertaken to redeem his father’s place, and it is thought will get through with it with a little assistance from his friends.  William McElhany and his son are working at iron mills below Greenville, so that I did not get to see them.  Brother John has left his old station, and rented the old Allen farm.  He gets along hardly enough.  He is involved some on William’s account.  I saw a letter that came from brother Samuel while I was there.  He appears to be prospering in the world very fast.  He sold 72 tons of hay the last winter, which brought him about 700 dollars in cash, beside 16,000 pounds of pork at 3 1/2 cents per pound, and that all fattened on the produce of 16 acres of corn, leaving enough to winter 30 stock hogs.  Your Paint Creek bottoms will scarcely beat that.  Aunt Catherine went to Iowa this spring.  It appears by a letter I received from there lately that she is very much pleased with that country.  Talked of selling out at Washington and purchasing there.  Uncle John and family were well, and well pleased with the country.  We have an extraordinary fine season fast.  Our old neighbor Mr. Hardesty, died this spring.  I will add no more, but that our own family and all our friends are well as far as I know.  Give my respects to William and family, and all our friends in your neighborhood.

Wishing the blessings of God to rest on you, I remain your brother,

THOMAS LATTA.

Children

1. Samuel Latta

Samuel’s wife Martha Martin was born 12 Nov 1790. Martha died 31 Mar 1849 and his buried at Carmel Associate United Presbyterian Cemetery, Hanover, Jefferson County. Indiana,

Samuel lived in Greensville, Mercer Co., PA, 20 miles from his father’s home.  In 1838 moved to a farm near Madison, IN where his brother (our ancestor) William also moved. For a time lived near Lattaville, Ross Co., Ohio, where several of his brothers resided. He and Martha had 9 children.

From a letter from Elizabeth’s brother Thomas to another brother Moses telling of the death of their mother on 23 May 1846.

I saw a letter that came from brother Samuel while I was there.  He appears to be prospering in the world very fast.  He sold 72 tons of hay the last winter, which brought him about 700 dollars in cash, beside 16,000 pounds of pork at 3 1/2 cents per pound, and that all fattened on the produce of 16 acres of corn, leaving enough to winter 30 stock hogs.  Your Paint Creek bottoms will scarcely beat that.

Residence 1850 – Republican, Jefferson, Indiana

Children of Samuel and Martha:

i. William R Latta b. 22 Jun 1814 Pennsylvania; d. 4 Nov 1862 in Jefferson Co., Ind. burial Carmel Associate United Presbyterian Cemetery , Hanover, Jefferson County, Indiana,.

In the 1850 census, he still living at home with his father and brothers.

In the 1860 census, he was still farming in Republican, Jefferson, Indiana with his sisters Eliza, Mary and Martha.

ii. Robert Latta b. 1814 Pennsylvania Still living with father in 1850 census; m. Mary Smith (b. 1840 England) of Kalamazoo, Mich.

Had one son Bourney Latta who died at six years of age and was buried beside his father in Carmel Cemetery, Jefferson Co., Ind.

In the 1880 census, Mary was living with her sisters-in-law Eliza and Mary Latta in Hanover, Jefferson, Indiana.

iii. Eliza J Latta b. 1823 Pennsylvania; d. 09 Jul 1896 in Indianapolis, Indiana; Unmarried.

In the 1870 and the 1880 census, Eliza was living in Hanover, Jefferson, Indiana with her sister Mary and sister-in-law Mary Latta from England.

iv. John G. Latta b. 1823 Pennsylvania; d. 1873 in Cow Creek, Douglas, Oregon; Burial: Juniper Haven Cemetery, Prineville, Crook County, Oregon, Plot: Block P Lot 98 Space 3; m. 6 Aug 1867 Cass County, Nebraska to Emily Jane Lemon (b. Nov 1849 in Marshall, Indiana – d. 11 Dec 1907 in Micas, S L P, Mexico)

John and his brother Thomas went to Oregon in 1852.    During the latter part of the trip Thomas with others rode forward for help, as provisions were low.  He was 48 hours in the saddle without food.  Died shortly after from exhaustion and mountain fever. John had a cattle ranch near Prineville OR and was a prominent man there.

v. Mary Latta b. 1827 Pennsylvania In the 1870 and 1880 census, Eliza was living in Hanover, Jefferson, Indiana with her sister Mary and sister-in-law Mary Latta.  Had a remarkable intellect

vi. Thomas Latta b. 1829 Pennsylvania d. 1852 Oregon Trail

vii. Matthias Latta b. 1831 Pennsylvania; Aft. 1850 census

viii. Martha Latta b. 8 Mar 1832 Pennsylvania; d. 6 Feb 1863 Carmel Associate United Presbyterian Cemetery, Hanover, Jefferson County, Indiana,

ix. James Latta d. 1848 New Orleans of smallpox

2. James Latta

James’ wife Isabelle Nichols was born 22 Apr 1790 in Faquier, Virginia. Her parents were Samuel Nichols (1746 – 1824) and Elizabeth Edmonton (1750 – 1841). Isabelle died 30 Oct 1853 in Grandview, Louisa, Iowa of pneumonia and buried in the family lot in Grandview Cemetery, bought and laid out by her husband.

James was a mechanic and woolen manufacturer, who carried on farming in Louisa County, Iowa. It is pronounced as low-WHY-zuh (and not as loo-WHEEZE-uh).  Settled in Crawford Co., Pa. in 1801.  Before 1816 he moved near Lattaville, Ross Co., Ohio.  In 1840 he went to Grandview, Louise Co., Iowa where he bought 2500 acres of land.  Lived near Muscatine, Iowa.

James died at Burlington, Iowa Sep 29, 1865 of heart disease. He had gone to Burlington to pay his taxes and was found dead in a hotel in the morning. Buried in the Grandview Cemetery.

In the 1850 census, James and Isabelle were farming in Fredonia, Louisa, Iowa.

Children of James and Isabelle all born in Ross Co., Ohio.

i. Elizabeth Eliza Latta b. 8 Mar 1817 in Lattaville, Ross, Ohio; d. 28 Mar 1883 Kingston, Des Moines, Iowa buried Hawkeye Cem, Huron Twp, Des Moines, IA; m. 20 Aug 1843 in Louisa, Iowa to Thomas Sheridan (b. 28 Apr 1809 in Ohio – d. 11 Jan 1871 in Louisa, Iowa,) [__?__]His parents were John Sheridan and Catherine [__?__]. Thomas and Eliza had ten children born between 1847 and 1863.

Elizabeth went to Louise County, Iowa with her parents in 1840.

In the 1860 census, Eliza and Thomas were farming in Huron, Des Moines, Iowa with six children and two hired hands. They were prosperous with $14,000 real estate and $5,000 personal property.

ii. Samuel Nichols Latta b. 31 May 1818 in Lattasville, Ross, Ohio; d. 11 May 1880 – Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Kansas; m1. 30 Jul 1840 Louisa, Wisconsin Territory to Sarah Ann Thompson (b. Mar 1823 Ohio – d. 29 Dec 1905 Grandview, Ohio); Her parents were William Thompson (1791 – 1847) and Mary Nichols (1785 – 1857). Samuel and Sarah had ten children but divorced before 1860; m2. 18 Jan 1863, Leavenworth, Leavenworth, KS to Nina Matilda Youst ((b. 23 Oct 1833 Pennsylvania – d. 21 May 1916 in Trumansburg, Tompkins, New York) Matilda had a child, Harry Iriwn, born in 1855 from a prior marriage. Samuel and Nina had three children.

Two of Samuel and Sarah’s baby names were quite creative. Buena Vista Latta (b. 1848) and Sirra Nevada Latta (b. 1851)

In the 1860 census, Samuel was living in Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Kansas Territory with a son, two daughters and his future wife and stepson Matilda and Harry Irwin. He was rich with real estate appraised at $100,000 and personal property of $10,000.

In the same 1860 census, Sarah was back in Grandview, Louisa, Iowa with three daughters.

Samuel Nichols Latta was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 1, 1820 He had merely a common school education, until after he acquired the age of manhood, when he studied law, attended law school, and  graduated at the Cincinnati College in 1849 and was admitted to practice in the supreme courts of Ohio and Iowa, where he practiced law until he removed  to Kansas in April, 1855. On removing to Kansas, he purchased a ” claim ” adjoining the city of Leavenworth.

During the summer of 1855, he was recognized as a leader of the Free State party, and, in the fall of that year, was elected a member of the convention which framed the Topeka constitution. The Free State Party, on the adoption of that constitution by the people, determined on a thorough organization, and the election of  state officers. Judge Latta was a member of the state convention, and was nominated for, and elected, and again re-elected, one of the supreme  judges of the State; but as Kansas was not admitted under that constitution, the bench was never organized for official business. The same year (1855)  General James H. Lane came to Leavenworth to address the people, and the border ruffians assailed him, with threats of his life. Lane laid his revolver upon his table as he commenced speaking, and Judge Latta and  others organized a force for his protection; and, amid cries of “hang him,” “kill him,” triumphantly sustained the freedom of speech in defiance of an almost overpowering opposition, in which courage and nerve prevailed over brute force. When Lawrence was assailed in what was known as the Wakarusa war, in the fall of 1855, he was the first to rally in its defense, and, by his influence largely, a force was raised at Leavenworth to help succor the historic city. In all the memorable engagements between the free-state and border-ruffian forces, in the conflicts of 1855-6-7, Judge Latta’s  influence and personal efforts were recognized as a power in the defense of the right.

Judge Latta’s house located at 500 Broadway, Leavenworth, Kansas. Originally built in 1860 , this two-story Georgian-style home features stucco pediment with lonic columns.    This home features a secret door leading from the dining room to the original butler’s pantry.

After Samuel died, Nina used the home as a boarding house.

After the success, of the Free State and Republican party, in 1860, on the accession of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, this patriotic statesman, recognizing the services of Judge Latta in behalf of freedom, appointed  him agent of the Indians of the Upper Missouri, in which capacity he had charge of the seven tribes of Sioux Indians, the Arickarows, Mandans, Growvouts Assinibones and Crows, extending up the Missouri river from Fort Randall, Dakota, to near Fort Benton, Montana, holding the office from 1861 till  the fall of 1866. Judge Latta sub-divided his “claim” into what is known as Latta’s Addition to the city of Leavenworth, and sold the lots, as well as dealing largely in other real estate. He expended large sums in building dwellings and business houses in the city, and, in the early period of Leavenworth’s history, contributed largely to its growth and prosperity.

In 1871 he was elected to the House of Representatives from the city of Leavenworth, and reelected in 1873. He was married in Louisa County, Iowa, in July 1840, to Miss Sarah Ann Thompson, daughter of William Thompson. By this marriage he had six children: Edward T., a stock dealer in  Leavenworth, Kansas; Belle, married to Dr. D. W, Overholt, a prominent physician of Louisa county, Iowa, Mary Ann, married to Clark J. Hanks, a prominent and influential citizen of Leavenworth; Eliza, married to James Crow, of Leavenworth, a merchant; Anna, married to Benjamin Hanks, a substantial citizen of Leavenworth county.  Judge Latta divorced Sarah Ann Thompson in 1860.  He was again married in January 1863 to Mrs. Nina  M. Irwin (Yost) (b. 23 Oct 1833 PA – d. 21 May 1916 in Trumansburg, Tompkins, New York,)  by whom  he has three children: Samuel N. Jr., who died in July, 1865; William Bell  and Nina Lee Maud surviving, still quite young [1879] but promising children.

iii. William Henry Latta b. 31 Aug 1819 in Ross, OH; d. 6 Jun 1851 in Louisville, Jefferson, KY, buried Grandview Cemetery,  Louisa, Iowa. One son Clark Latta born in 1845.

iv. James A Latta b. 8 Jun 1821 in Ross, OH; d. 11 Apr 1884 in San Pasqual, San Diego

Raised bees and joined by his nephew, William G. Latta, son of John Briggs Latta who, when James died, found the title imperfect so he filed on it. James d. single.

In the 1880 census, James was a single Apiarist in San Pasqual, San Diego, California.

v. Dr. John Briggs Latta b. 30 Jan 1823 near Lattaville, Ross, Ohio; d. 26 Nov 1896 in San Diego, San Diego; m1. 1 Nov 1847/9 in Louisa, IA to Martha Ann Crow (23 Oct 1827  Smithfield, Jefferson, Ohio – d. 29 May 1876 of consumption buried in the Grandview Cemetery, Grandview, Louisa County, Iowa.); m2. 15 May 1879 to Mattie E Rippey (1 Sep 1846 Indiana – d. 21 Apr 1880 She is also buried in the Grandview Cemetery.)

Physician. Buried in family lot at Grandview Cemetery, Grandview, Louisa Co., Iowa.

In the 1880 census, John was a widower and a physician in Grandview, Louisa Co., Iowa

vi. Humphrey Arnold Latta b. 7 Sep 1824 in Ross, OH; d. 29 Sep 1873 in Grandview, Louisa, IA; m. 10 Apr 1856 Muscatine, IA to Mary Ann Hubbard (b. 7 Jun 1835 in Ohio – d. 27 Feb 1911 in Brighton, Washington, Iowa) After Humprhey died, Mary Ann married 13 Apr 1882 to Isaac Oakley (b. 1836 New York)

In the 1870 census, H A and Mary were farming in Grandview, Louisa, Iowa.

vii. Reuben G Latta b. 27 Apr 1826 in Ross, Ohio; d. 14 Aug 1860 Nevada City, California. burial Grandview Cemetery, Grandview, Louisa County, Iowa

Reuben was killed in a hydraulic mining accident near Nevada City, Calif. August 14, 1860. Buried in the Grandview Cemetery, Louisa County, Iowa.

viii. Robert Wallace Latta b. 24 May 1828 in Ross, Ohio; d. 11 Nov 1877 in Nevada City, Nevada; m. Sarah Alameda Darling (1835  Michigan – 12 Oct 1887 – Covina, Los Angeles, California)

Robert was killed in November 1875 near Nevada City, Calif. by being struck on the head with a green pile pole in construction a fence to confine some cattle; In 1851 went to Calif.

In the 1860 census, R W was a merchant in Napa, Napa, California.

In the 1870 census, R W was a stage proprietor in Nevada City, California.

ix. Thornton Buchanan Latta b. 25 Jun 1829 Ross, OH; d. 3 Jul 1868 in Grandview, Louisa, IA; m. 25 Mar 1853 Louisa, IA to Josephine H Morten.

In the 1860 census, T B was a sawyer in Grandview, Louisa, Iowa.

x. Francis (Frank) Marion Latta b. 24 Feb 1831 in Ross, OH; d. 19 Mar 1887 in Dublin, Washington, IA; m. 14 Mar 1865 to Sarah M Cowles (b. 6 Aug 1839 New Berlin, Chenango, New York) Her parents were Oliver Cowles (1808 – 1883) and Hannah Maria Olmstead (1813 – )

Francis was a teacher. He Went with his parents to Louse Co, Iowa in 1840. In May 1886 went to Dublin, Iowa and bought a 500 acre stock farm on which they lived until his death. Was township trustee for a number of years. Prominent in church work being a member of the Congregational Church. He was buried in the New Haven Cemetery in Dutch Creek Township. He died of consumption. In 1903 lived at Muscatine, Iowa.

In the 1880 census, F M and Sarah were farming in Dutch Creek, Washington, Iowa.

xi. Mary Ann Latta b. 16 Jun 1832 in Ross, Ohio; d. 31 Mar 1911 Ipava, Fulton, Illinois; m. 22 May 1855 Louisa, IA to Samuel P Marshall (b. 1831 Ohio – d. 9 Jan 1891 in Ipava, Fulton, Illinois)

In the 1880 census, Samuel and Mary Anne were farming in Ipava, Fulton, Illinois.

3. Thomas Latta 

Thomas’ wife Isabelle Foster was born 12 Sept 1791 at sea when her parents were coming to America. Her parents were George Foster (b. 1759 in Enniskillen, Fermanaugh, Ireland – d. 1836 in Spring, Crawford, PA) and Jane Granlee (b 1769 in Enniskillen, Ireland – d. 5 Dec 1831 in Cumberland, PA). Isabelle died 17 Nov 1876 in Malvern, Ohio.  Bethlehem Cemetery , Malvern, Carroll County, Ohio.

Thomas enlisted in the War of 1812.  On guard duty at Perry’s ship yard while fleet was being built to drive the British from Lake Erie.  Gen. William H. Harrison, Commander.   He served as a private in Capt. James McDowell’s Company, 133 Regiment (Gowdy’s) Pennsylvania Militia from Jul 26, 1813 to Aug  10, 1813.  He served as a corporal in the same company and regiment from Jan 4, 1814 to Feb  11, 1814.  Due to his military service on 1 Apr 1852 he received a land of 40 acres (S.E. 1/4 of N.E. 1/4 of Sect. 22, Twp. 75, north of Range 7 West).  In 1815 he moved from Pa. to Malvern, Ohio.  Lived and died there.

This is not the Thomas Latta who was a Captain in the Ohio Militia in the War of 1812. Here is a roll of that Thomas Latta’s company. He served in Lt. Colonel John Andrew’s Regiment of Ohio Militia, General Beall’s Brigade.

When the War of 1812 started the commander of the 4th Division of the Ohio Militia, Major General Elijah Wadsworth, organized a defense of northeastern Ohio with one militia brigade under the command of Brigadier General Simon Perkins and another militia brigade under the command of Brigadier General Beall. General Perkins would march his brigade to Huron County in order to set up defenses against the British while General Beall would protect the southern counties in the 4th division by setting up defenses in Wayne County.

General Beall’s force was made up of one regiment from the 1st brigade headquartered in Jefferson County and the other regiment from his own 2nd brigade from Columbiana County. The two regiments met in Canton, Stark County, Ohio, were they were joined by a detachment from this county. From Canton, the brigade pushed on to Wooster in Wayne County where the brigade erected a blockhouse and established a camp called Camp Christmas. From Wooster General Beall sent his militia companies to the various settlements within the county where they built additional blockhouses for the protection of the settlers. Along the way, the companies either built new roads or improved existing roads so that wagons could pass. Two forward operating bases were established, one near Jeromesville, called Camp Musser, and another at Olivesburg, called Camp Whetstone.

Capt. Thomas Latta formed his company in Jefferson County Ohio, west of Pittsburgh. He may have been part of Latta Branch 27 or 37.

Back to our Thomas

Thomas’ house in Malvern had a dirt floor and backwoods furniture.  The bed being a post driven into the ground with poles laid from it to the walls.  Farmer, carpenter and stone mason.  He held several offices, being Treasurer of the Township about 15 years.  Retired by the Know Nothing party on account of his not being American born.  He was a strict Seceeder,  [a follower of the 18th century Secession movement from the Church of Scotland, for the history of which see United Presbyterian Church of Scotland], an offshoot of the Established Church of Scotland.  Sabbath morning he arose early, took at lunch, on his horse rode 14 miles to church.  He did not do unnecessary work on Sunday, not even preparing regular meals.  He had but few advantages of education.  No schooling after 12 years of age, though he did teach school.  Was a great reader.  He improved his knowledge by keeping abreast of his children in their education.

In the 1850 census, Thomas and Isabelle were farming in Brown, Carroll, Ohio.

Children of Thomas and Isabelle:

i. Jane Latta b. 11 Feb 1815, Crawford Co., Pa. d. 8 Nov 1889 Washington, Iowa; m. 7 Jul 1840 Carroll County, Ohio to Martin C. Kilgore (b. 23 Dec 1816 in Belmont County, Ohio – d. 22 Apr 1869 in Washington County, Iowa) His parents were David Killgore (1782 – 1870) and Janette Cochran (1781 – 1875).

With her parents came to Malvern, Ohio in 1815. In 1842 with her husband went to Washington, Iowa where they lived until their death. Children: Thomas Latta b. Malvern, Ohio May 2, 1841; d. on steam boat on Ohio River and buried at Cairo, Ill. John Calvin b. August 16, 1843, served in 23rd Regt. Iowa, Vol. in 1862. Isabelle J. b. November 4, 1846. Mary Emeline b. January 8, 1849. Elizabeth E. b. July 24, 1851. Elvira J. b. March 15, 1854. Sarah b. March 28, 1856. David C. b. April 28, 1861.

In the 1860 census, Martin was a machinist in Washington, Washington, Iowa.

ii. Eliza Latta b. 28 Feb 1818 Pennsylvania; d. 20 Aug 1896 Ohio; m. 10 May 1847 Ohio to Alexander Simpson (b. 1814/17 Pennsylvania – d. Aft 1880 census)

Lived near Carrolltown, Ohio in 1903. Children: Alice A. Emma M. Thomas Latta.

In the 1870 census, Alexander and Eliza were farming in Harrison, Carroll, Ohio

iii. Mary Isabelle Latta b. 20 Jun 1820 Crawford, PA; d. 19 Jan 1905 at Malvern, Ohio; Never Married;  Owned and lived on farm where her father settled in 1815, near Malvern, Ohio.

In the 1880 and 1900 census, Mary was living in Brown, Carroll, Ohio with her cousin Elizebath E. McElhainy

iv. Rachel Rankin Latta b. 27 Oct 1822 in Malvern, Ohio; d. 12 Oct 1899 in Washington, Iowa; Buried Woodlawn Cemetery, Washington County Iowa; m. 28 Aug 1844 to John Palmer (1815 – 1904 Woodlawn Cemetery, Washington County Iowa), their Daughter; Mary Isabelle Palmer (7), Married: William H Latta of Branch No.27.

In the 1860 census, John and Rachel were farming in Washington, Washington, Iowa with eight children at home.

v. Samuel Latta Eldest boy. Died in infancy.

vi. George Foster Latta b. 29 Nov 1824 in Malvern, Carroll, Ohio; d. 09 Feb 1907 in Trading Post, Amoret, Kansas; buried at Washington, Iowa; m. 11 Nov 1860 to Isabelle Valentine Souter (19 Jun 1833 Greene Co, Ohio – 24 Oct 1913 Lawrence, Kansas), daughter of William Souter and Margaret Mae Valentine of Scotland.  Both buried at Washington, Iowa.

Written by his son William H Latta — George lived in Ohio until 1850, then went to Washington Co., Iowa. Was in business with Martin Kilgore, his brother-in-law, then alone as saw mill man. In early life had few opportunities, being eldest boy was obliged to assist on the farm. Schools scarce, and nothing but private schools. Salary 75 cents a week and board. Salary of male teacher 81.00 each scholar for term of 72 days.

When old enough to help (8 to 12) he could not attend regularly, but considered himself fortunate when he could attend two days at a time. His school education was finished at 10. He never attended any higher school than the public school, yet by reading and observation was known as a well educated man. Farmed ever since he was married.

Lived in Iowa until 1869, then went to near old Trading Post, Lynn Co., Kan. Was a Whig, with abolition tendencies. Later a staunch Republican and Union man, now prohibition tendencies. In 1874 elected Township treasurer until 1868. Refused in Army on account of slight deformity of hand, but was in Iowa’s State Militia during the war. Was called out once to quell disturbance of Copperheads — known locally as So. English War — under the immediate command of Gov. Kirkwood. Raised a Seceeder, which united with associated Reformed Church. In 1858 formed the United Presbyterian Church. Is distantly connected with John C. Calhoun. He also claimed that Alexander B. and Edmiston Latta, branch No. 3, inventors of the steam fire engine, were his cousins, but did not give the connection.

In the 1880 census, George and Isabelle were farming in Valley, Linn, Kansas.

vii. William Latta b. 29 July 1827 in , Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 06 Oct 1863 in Little Rock, Arkansas; Buried National Cemetery, Little Rock, 29th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment Company B;  Alternatively, William died  7 Feb 1887 in Iowa; . m. 19 Dec 1853 to Margaret V. Myers ( – 1881)

A total of 1485 men served in the 29th Iowa at one time or another during its existence. It suffered 1 officer and 42 enlisted men who were killed in action or who died of their wounds and 1 officer and 266 enlisted men who died of disease, for a total of 310 fatalities. The 29th Iowa Infantry was organized at Council Bluffs, Iowa and mustered in for three years of Federal service on December 1, 1862. The regiment was mustered out on August 10, 1865.

viii. John Latta b. 8 Jan 1830; d. 25 Dec 1853 at Malvern, Ohio; m. (perhaps) 3 Apr 1847 Ohio to Hannah Greene (1810 – 1852), though John is still listed at home with his parents in the 1850 census

Went to Iowa in 1852. Taught school.

ix. Nancy Calista Latta b. 1832; d. 1 Jan 1856 and was buried Orrville Presbyterian Cemetery; Baughman Twp, Wayne County, Ohio; m. Dr. David L. Moncreif (23 Sep 1824 in Cannonsburg, Washington, Pennsylvania – d. 17 Jan 1901 in Orrville, Green, Wayne, Ohio) After Calista died, he married Marion Morton (b. 25 Dec 1842 Scotland – d. 8 Jan 1905 Massillon, Ohio)

One child.

4. Moses Latta

Moses’ wife Nancy McGraw was born 25 Jun 1796 in Pennsylvania. Nancy died 25 Mar 1850 in Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio

Moses also fought with Commodore Perry in Lake Erie and was complimented by him on his bravery. He settled in Crawford Co., Pa in 1801.  Afterwards went to a farm near Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio then to Frankfort, Ohio.  Lived there in 1846. He was called Daddy Moses to distinguish from others.

1850 Census – Concord, Ross, Ohio

Children of Moses and Nancy:

i.  Dr. William Latta b. 9 Jan 1815 in Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 6 Oct 1886 in Frankfort, Ross Co., Ohio; m. 5 Jun 1843 to Martha Mahala Hagler (b. 10 Jan 1811 in Ross, Ohio – d. 12 Jan 1875 Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio).

He graduated at Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa. Teacher at Frankfort, Ross Co., Ohio. Graduated at Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio.

William was a physician. Lived at Chillicothe, Ohio. Dr. William Latta was the first President of the Ross County, Ohio Medical Society.

In the 1860 census, William was a physician in Frankfort, Ross, Ohio.

Dr. William Latta –Old Baptist Cemetery, Frankfort, Ross, Ohio

ii. James Latta b. 2 Sep 1816 in Crawford County, Pa.; d. 23 May 1858; m. Margaret Daymund (1822 – )

iii. Elizabeth Latta b. 18 Nov 1818; d. 18 Jan 1898 Missouri; m. 28 Aug 1845 Ross County, Ohio to Thomas Blair (b. 1812 Ireland – d. btw. 1870 – 1880 census Missouri)

Lived some years in Ohio, then in Bates Co., Mo. where both died. Children: John lived in California. Samuel in Iowa. David and Frank in Bates Co., Mo. James in California. Mary in Iowa.

In the 1870 census, Thomas and Elizabeth were farming in Grand River, Bates, Missouri with seven children at home.

iv. Anna Lata b. 14 Mar 1820 Crawford, Pa; d. 27 Jan 1893. Single. School teacher.

v. John Latta b. 16 Mar 1822 in Crawford County, Pa; d. 24 Apr 1889 in Creighton, Missouri; m. 15 Nov 1866 Edgar, Ohio to Axia (Arie, Eavy, Eary) Acton (b. 1844 Ohio – d. 12 Oct 1889)

John was a contractor and builder.

In the 1880 census, John was a carpenter in Paris, Edgar, Illinois.

vi. Mary T. Latta b. 10 May 1824 Crawford, Pa; d. single at New Plymouth, Ohio 11 Dec 1900. For a long time was school teacher in public schools at Chilicothe, Ohio.

In the 1900 census Mary was living with her sisters Jane and Rachel in Brown, Vinton, Ohio.

vii. Jane Latta b. 5 Sep 1826 Crawford, PA; d. Aft 1900 census, ; m. 16 Apr 1855 to Alvin Finney, a “Mayflower” descendant, (b. 1833 Ohio – d. 17 Oct 1885) Alvin’s parents were Solomon Finney (1798 – 1864) and Catharine Bartlett (1802 – 1856).

She was a bright correspondent. Children: Herbert C. m. Mahala C. Aplin. Helen Latta m. Robert E. Stephenson, who in 1921 lived at Lancaster, Ohio, and said that a John and Jane Latta, his wife, are buried in an old cemetery at Lancaster. (Supposed to be of branch No. 36). Anna Faye. Thomas Harry. Robert Alvin.

In the 1900 census Jane Finney was living with her sisters Mary and Rachel in Brown, Vinton, Ohio.

iv. Dr. Samuel Rankin Latta B. 5 Aug 1832 Crawford, PA; d. After 1880 Census Camden, Ray, Missouri; m. Catherine “Katie” Buzard (Buzzard) (1849 Rochester, Andrew, Missouri – Aft 1880) Her parents were John Buzzard (1809 – ) and Sarah [__?__] (b. 1819(

Another Samuel Rankin Latta b. 1827 PA was a lawyer in Tennessee.

v. Thomas Latta b. 10 Dec 1834; d. 6 Jun 1872 at home of his brother, Dr. S.R. Latta, Camden, Mo. Single.

viii. Rachel Latta b. 31 Janu 1829. In 1903 lived with her sister at New Plymouth, Vinton Co., Ohio.

5. Mary Latta

Mary’s husband William Thompson was born 28 Dec 1788 in Ireland. William died 7 Dec 1862 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

From a letter from William’s brother-in-law Thomas Latta to another brother Moses telling of the death of their mother on 23 May 1846.

Young William Thompson has undertaken to redeem his father’s place, and it is thought will get through with it with a little assistance from his friends.

In the 1850 census, Mary and William were farming in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

William is buried in Old Seceder Church Yard, 6 miles Northeast of Jamestown, Mercer County, PA. Lived with William Snodgrass (son in law) and daughter Nancy Thompson Snodgrass in Crawford County, PA. until his death. His wife remained with them after William died until her death.

Children of Mary and William

i. James E Thompson b. 18 Nov 1814; d. 13 Sep 1859; m. 20 Oct 1842 Conneautville, Crawford, PA to Joanne Treadway (16 Nov 1816 in Shoreham, Addison, VT – 04 Dec 1896 Detroit, Wayne, Michigan) Her parents were Joseph Treadway and Elisabeth Wright.

ii. Samuel E Thompson

iii. William Latta Thompson b. 1820 Pennsylvania; d. Aft. 1900 census bef. Bet. 20 Nov 1900 Will, Meridian, Ada, Idaho; m. Ellen [__?__] (b. 1844 England – d. 6 Mar 1900 Meridian Idaho) William and Ellen had six children born between 1865 and 1883.

In the 1870 census, William and Ellen were farming in Boise, Ada, Idaho Territory.

Idaho Daily Statesman – March 9, 1900 — Died-Mrs. Ellen Thompson, aged 58, at her home in Meridian, march 6, 1900. The remains were interred in the Meridian cemetery. She had resided in Ada county since 1864.

Idaho Daily Statesman – November 20, 1900 — W. L. Thompson, died-At Meridian, November 16, 1900, Dr. W.L. Thompson, aged 80 years. Deceased was one of the pioneers of this section, and practiced his profession for many years. He was buried at Meridian cemetery.

Alternatively, William married Hannah McMaster and had a son Frank M Thompson (b. 1853 Penn.) In the 1860 census, W L and H E were living in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory where William was a lumber merchant.

The History of the United Presbyterian Church, Murray, Nebraska, 1860-1960 by Margaret Spangler Todd

“According to appointment of the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church made at Philadelphia in May 1860 I came a missionary to Nebraska Territory in July and commenced preaching half time in Rock Bluff Cass County.” Thus Rev. Thomas McCartney entered the first minutes in the Session Records of the Rock Bluffs United Presbyterian Church.

The next item entered was dated August 18, 1860, reading: “By arrangement with those who requested preaching August 18th was designated as the time for the  organizing a church. And on the day appointed, after a sermon from Matthew 11:29 the following people were admitted in full communion by assenting to the pricinples of the church, to wit:[our ancestors]  Robert M. LATTA, Letitia LATTA, William L. Thompson, Hanna E. Thompson, William H. Royal, Elizabeth Royal, David Storey [Robert’s first cousin see Robert STORY’s page], Jane Latta and Mary Latta.” Also Robert M. LATTA and W.L. Thompson were, by ballot, chosen as ruling elders and the organization named “The United Presbyterian Congregation of Rock Bluffs.”  [See Robert McConahey LATTA’s page for more of the story]

iv. Eliza Jane Thompson b. 1815 in Pennsylvania; d. Aft 1880 census S Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania; m. Robert Snodgrass (b. 1808 in S Shenango Twp, Crawford, PA – d. 19 Nov 1887 in Crawford County, PA)  His parents were William Snodgrass (1772-1850) and Margaret McMaster (1773-1846)

In the 1860 census, Robert and Eliza were farming in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania with eight children age 8 months to 18 years and Eliza’s parents William and Mary.

v. Mary Louisa Thompson b. 1827 in Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 26 Jul 1857 in Crawford, Pennsylvania; m. 1850 Crawford, PA to John Ewing (1826 PA – 16 Sep 1860 Colorado, Burial: South Shenango Cemetery Crawford County Pennsylvania,)  His parents were John Ewing and Jane [__?__].

In the 1850 census, Mary Louisa and John were living with John’s parents John and Nancy Ewing in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

vi. Sarah (Sally) Martha Thompson b. 24 Oct 1831 in Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 27 Feb 1905 in Crawford, Pennsylvania; m. 17 Aug 1854 to Andrew McArthur (21 Jan 1829 – 15 Mar 1901)  His parents were John McArthur (1767 – 1843) and Abigail Allen (1785 – 1862)

In the 1860 census, Andrew and Sarah were farming in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

Sally and Andrew McArthur and Family 1895 — Sitting on steps: Nancy Rebecca, Andrew Pearl. Seated: Abigail Joan, Sarah Martha Thompson McArthur, Andrew McArthur, Mary Louisa. Standing: James Foster, Eliza Jane, Samuel Rankin.

vii. Samuel Rankin Thompson b. 17 Apr 1833 Shenango, Pennsylvania;  m. 3 Aug 1859 – Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska by Rev LC West Baptist minister and probate judge to Lucy Gilmour (b. 15 May 1836 in Orchard Lake, Michigan Territory)  Her parents were William Sr Gilmour (1804 – 1876) and Lucy Anne Thompson (1811 – 1881) Samuel and Lucy had at least one child, Mary (b. 1867)

6. William LATTA (See his page)

7. John Latta

John’s wife Mary Elizabeth McConahey was  born 31 Jan 1804 South Shenango, Crawford, PA. John’s brother and Mary’s sister are our ancestors.  Her parents were Robert McCONAHEY and Margret STORY. Mary died 23 Apr 1904 Herman, Washington, Nebraska.

John was the only brother to be born in the United States Born at Crawford Co., Pa. March 9, 1801.  He married Mary Ann McConahey (sister to Jane McConahey LATTA) on 2 Jan, 1834.

From a letter from John’s brother Thomas to another brother Moses telling of the death of their mother on 23 May 1846.

When I arrived in Shenango (Pa.) I found brother  William had started with all his family (except [our ancestor] Robert) for the neighborhood of Madison, Ind. with a design of getting up the cooleage business there in the barrell line, expecting to make a fortune and pay off all his debts in a short time.  He went from Shenango in very low circumstances, and left a number of his friends to suffer on his account.  … Brother John has left his old station, and rented the old Allen farm.  He gets along hardly enough.  He is involved some on William’s account.

.

.

He had a residence on 10 Oct 1850 in Division 20, Washington, Iowa. He had a residence on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory. He had a residence on 25 Jun 1880 in Rosita, Custer, Colorado.

Children of John and Mary Elizabeth:

i. James McConahey Latta b. 22 Sep 1834 in Crawford County, Pa.; d. 03 Feb 1920 in Logan, Harrison County, Iowa; m. 16 Nov 1867 to Anna Jane Kendall (1838 Illinois – 12 Mar 1897 Logan, Harrison, Iowa)  Her parents were William W. Kendall and Martha McFarland.

James McConahey Latta enlisted in “B” Co. 29th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment. in 1862.  Engaged in 16 battles, coming out without a scar.  Was shot at the Battle of Saline River.  The ball passed through his body.  Left on the battle field for dead, and was so reported.  The Union forces being driven back, was picked up by the Confederates, carried to Shreveport, La.  Was in prison for 18 months.  The first news the family had of him was when he came crippling home.

Lamed for life. Sawyer and farmer. Lived on a farm three miles west of Logan, Iowa until the death of his wife, then with his children. James and Anna are both buried at the Logan Cemetery, Harrison Co, Iowa.

In the 1880 census, James and Anna were farming in Calhoun, Harrison, Iowa.

James McConahey Latta

ii.  Robert Ray “Freck” Latta b. 4 Mar 1836 in Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania; d. 18 Sep 1925 in Garrison, Christian, Missouri; m. 7 Apr 1857 Weldon Grove, Missouri to Mary Anna Cain (b. 18 May 1822 Beaver County, Pennsylvania – d. 20 Jun 1909 Garrison, Christian County, Missouri) Mary Anna first married Nelson Edson (1820 – 1857) and had seven children including George Chandler Edson (1845-1932) who married Freck’s cousin Margaret J McConahey (See Margaret’s grandfather Robert McCONAHEY’s page for his story) Mary Anna’s brother Pressley married Freck’s sister Margaret.  Her parents were James Cain (1787 Beaver County, Pennsylvania – 27 Aug 1850 Meigs County, Ohio) and Nancy “Agnes” McElhaney.

Mary and her husband, Nelson, her mother Agnes, and two brothers were traveling in Keokuk, Iowa on their way west when Nelson died from Cholera. Mary was pregnant with their youngest child at the time. She married Freck in April 1857 in Page Co., Iowa and they had five more children. They eventually settled in Christian County in south Missouri, and they are buried in Garrison.

Freck wrote a book entitled “Reminiscences of Pioneer Life” published in 1912 by Franklin Hudson, Kansas City, MO.(no longer in print)   See Freck Latta’s page for details.

.

Robert Ray (Freck) Latta

iii. Margaret Storey Latta b. 26 Feb 1839 near Jamestown, Pennsylvania; m. 9 Apr 1857 Clarinda, Page, Iowa to Pressley Martin Cain (b. 26 Feb 1838 in Beaver City, Beaver, Pennsylvania – d. 9 Jul 1911 in Douglas, Oregon); d. 22 Jun 1941 in Oakland, Douglas, Oregon Pressley’s sister Mary Anna married Margaret’s brother Freck.  His parents were James Cain (1787 Beaver County, Pennsylvania – 27 Aug 1850 Meigs County, Ohio) and Nancy “Agnes” McElhaney.

In the late fall of 1856, another prairie schooner arrived with Pressley Martin Cain (Press), his widowed mother Nancy Agnes Cain and his sister, Mary Anna Cain Edson. His father, James Cain, had been a Scotch seceder and a soldier who fought under General Harrison in the War of 1812. With winter approaching, Freck’s mother invited the Cains to move into their cabin until they could build their own home in the spring.

In the 1870 census, Prestley and Margaret were farming in Grant, Washington, Nebraska.

in the 1930 census, Margaret was on her way to 100 living with her 75 year old son-in-law in Oakland, Douglas, Oregon

Margaret Story Latta 1

iv. William McCobb Latta b. 1840 Somerset, Pennsylvania; d. 6 Oct 1863 in Little Rock, Arkansas,

William also enlisted in 1862 in “B” Co. 29th Iowa Inf. After campaigning through Mo. and Tenn. while on a long march through the swamps of Arkansas he was seized with a virulent fever, fell out of the ranks, lay in the woods with three others for three days, was picked up by a supply train, taken into Little Rock, Ark. where he died the next day, October 6, 1863.

v. John Erskine Latta b. 22 Jan 1842 – Jamestown, Crawford, Pennsylvania; m. Margaret E. Storey (b. 1842 Pennsylvania – d. Aft 1895 census Atlantic, Cass, Iowa)

He had a residence on 10 Oct 1850 in Division 20, Washington, Iowa.

He resided at the home of his aunt and uncle William & Jane Latta on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory.

Enlisted in the 4th Independent Battery Light Artillery.in 1862..

He resided at Corner Eighth Street and Hazel Street in 1885 in Atlantic, Cass, Iowa

He was farmer in 1885 in Atlantic, Cass, Iowa

Other researchers say John died 31 Mar 1863. But he was found in the Iowa State Census in 1885 living in Atlantic, Cass, Iowa with his wife and children.

vi. Mary Elizabeth Latta b. 2 Mar 1845 in Jamestown, Mercer, Pennsylvania; d. 28 Dec 1932 in Herman, Washington, Nebraska; m. 25 Sep 1862 to her cousin John McConahey (1838 Penns – 1920). His parents were Robert McConahey (1813 – 1907) and Margaret McDowell Lackey (1818 – 1850) His grandparents were Robert McCONAHEY and Margret STORY.

In the 1900 census, John and Mary were farming in Blair, Washington, Nebraska. They had had 10 children with 7 still living.

vii. Isabelle (Belle) F Latta b. 16 Mar 1847 Carroll, Ohio; d. 14 Aug 1906 – Herman, Washington, Nebraska; m. 25 Sep 1862 Plattsmouth, Cass, Nebraska to Stephen Davis (1838 Pennsylvania -1911)

She had a residence on 10 Oct 1850 in Division 20, Washington, Iowa.

She had a residence on 30 Jun 1860 in Rock Bluff, Cass, Nebraska Territory.

In the 1880 census, Stephen was a freighter in Rosita, Custer, Colorado.

She had a residence on 26 Jun 1900 in Herman, Washington, Nebraska. Her 96 year old other (on her way to 100) lived with the family.

Children of Belle and Stephen

1. Mary Olive Davis b. 1866 Nebraska; m. Prince H Gossard

2. Pressley Malvern Davis b. 16 Mar 1870 Nebraska d. 4 Feb 1965 Ventura, California; m. Margaregt Etta [__?__]

3. Maud (Maggie) Davis b. 1873 Nebraska

4. Robert Lee Davis b. 1879 Nebraska

5. Winnifred (Winnie) Davis b. Feb 1884 Nebraska

vi. Carl Davis b. Aug 1888 Nebraska

8. Elizabeth Latta

Elizabeth’s husband William McElhaney was born in 1798 in Pennsylvania, Somerset, Pennsylvania. His parents were Matthew McElhaney (1770 – 1863) and Isabella [__?__] (1778 – 1854). William died 1864 in Cincinnati, Madison, Ohio.

From a letter from Elizabeth’s brother Thomas to another brother Moses telling of the death of their mother on 23 May 1846.

William McElhany and his son are working at iron mills below Greenville, so that I did not get to see them.

In the 1850 census, William and Elizabeth were farming in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

Children of Elizabeth and William:

i. Jane Mcelhaney b. 1830; d. Aft 1850 census

ii. Matthew McElhaney 1835 – Aft 1910 census, South Shenango, Crawford, PA; Never married,

In the 1880 census, Matthew was living with his mother and sister Isabelle in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

iii. Isabella McElhaney 1837 – Aft 1880 census, South Shenango, Crawford, PA

Isabella never married, but she did have a son Chester born in 1861. In the 1870 and 1880 census, Isabella and Chester were living with her mother and brother Matthew.

iv. Mary R. McElhaney 1840 – 1911; m. 1866 to Simeon Lewis (b. Jul 1837 in New York – d. 1911 in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania) His parents were William L Lewis (1806 – 1851) and Phebe Kimble (1809 – 1888)

In the 1880 census, Simeon was a blacksmith in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania.

v. Elizabeth McElhaney b. 1843 South Shenango, Pennsylvania – d. Aft 1930 census South Shenango, Pennsylvania; never married

In the 1880 and 1900 census, Elizabeth was living in Brown, Carroll, Ohio with her cousin Mary Latta.

In the 1910 census, Elizabeth was living with her brother Matthew in South Shenango, Crawford, Pennsylvania

Sources:

Reminiscences of pioneer life By Robert Ray Latta 1912

Latta Genealogy Newsletter

History of Conneaut Township in Crawford County, PA

Counneaut Township History

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ronnadumas/i2211.html#i14098

http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/27981220/person/5106009663

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ronnadumas/i1663.html#i14099

http://trees.ancestry.com/owt/person.aspx?pid=129014039&st=1

http://www.latta.org/Branches/Branch%203.htm