Harry Conrad Wilt: A Sad and Tragic Story

Conrad Ickes' daughter, Eliza Virginia, married George A. Wilt in January of 1875.  He was about 21 years old and she was 17.  Their son, Harry Conrad Wilt (partly named after grandfather Ickes) was born 3 years later.  I would speculate that Eliza had at least one miscarriage, probably more, during that time.  Only 3 months after Harry's birth, Eliza died. She was buried in the Pleasantville Cemetery near where her father, step mother, and uncle would later be buried.

Eliza Virginia Ickes Wilt
buried in Pleasantville Cemetery

Within two years of Eliza's death (probably sooner than later), George remarried a widow, Marietta Stufft Gordon, who had a daughter from her previous marriage 4 years older than Harry. When Harry was 2 yrs. old (1880), he was living with his father George, step mother Marietta, and step sister Clara Gordon in Bedford County.  It appears, though, (from Conrad's will) that sometime before Harry turned 7 he left his father's home and began living with grandfather Conrad and step grandmother Mary (Eliza's mother had died in 1868 when Eliza was just 10 years old).  Conrad's will states, "[My son,] Richard is to pay my grandson Harry C. Wilt one thousand dollars when he becomes twenty one years of age. . . .And further I desire my son Richard W to take charge of my grandson Harry Wilt and care for him after my decease until he becomes sixteen years or old enough to go to a trade, also give him a free school education."  In 1887, when Harry was 9 years old, Conrad died.

I think it's important to note and consider that Harry probably never had a blood-related mother figure in his life.  I say "probably" because we don't know anything about George's parents, and because we don't, and because they're not easy to find in historical records, it's likely they weren't alive or at least not involved in George's life past his childhood.  I shudder to think that Harry could have openly been accused of the cause of his mother's death, but, having known of other very good families who have assigned blame to a newborn infant in the same way and openly verbalized it for years after the fact, I would certainly not discount the idea. When you really consider the implications of all this your sympathies can't help but be turned to young Harry.

According to Conrad's will, Uncle Richard was only obligated to care for Harry until he turned 16. We really don't know what life was like for Harry or exactly how long he lived with Uncle Richard, but I think it's safe to assume a loving, nuclear family was not Harry's experience during his most impressionable years.

Fast forward 10 years to 1897.  Harry is age 19.  He is living in Westmoreland County, PA in the mining town of Luxor and working as a "Charger".  Westmoreland County is in western Pennsylvania where coal mining abounds.  The Luxor mining complex was a town created by Robert S. Jamison, owner and developer of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, to provide housing and basic services for his employees.  By 1897 the Luxor Mine (Jamison No. 1 Mine) employed 179 miners, many of whom lived in the company-built houses in the coal patch town of Luxor, which contained the company-built houses, a [ridiculously overpriced] company store, the Jamison Supply company, and the slope-entry mine and coke works.  In the year 1897 the Luxor Mine produced over 83,000 tons of coal and its coke works, containing 120 bee-hive coke ovens, produced 35,000 tone of coke.

Remains of the Luxor Mine Coke Works ca. 1993

(photo by Ken Rose, ca. 1993, courtesy of HABS/HAER & National Archives,

Photo Division, Washington D C)

Luxor Mine Tipple (left), coal washing plant (right) ca. 1993

(photo by Ken Rose, ca. 1993, courtesy of HABS/HAER & National Archives,

Photo Division, Washington D C)

Wooden Coal Buggys, Luxor Mine

(photo by Ken Rose, ca. 1993, courtesy of HABS/HAER & National Archives,

Photo Division, Washington D C) 

The remains of the coal washing plant, Luxor Mine ca. 2003

(photo by Chris DelaMea, coalcampusa.com)

Company-built homes in Luxor which are still inhabited ca. 2003

(photo by Chris DelaMea, coalcampusa.com)

The portal to the Luxor Mine ca. 2003

(photo by Sam Baker, coalcampususa.com)

Coal mining at Lexor ended in 1972 ca. 2003

(photo by Chris DelaMea, coalcampusa.com)

Also living in Luxor and working at the Jamison No. 1 Mine in 1897 was Harry's father, George. Exactly when Harry left Uncle Richard in Bedford County and reunited with his father in Westmoreland County is a mystery I'll probably never solve.  Various family trees on ancestry.com indicate that George's 2nd wife, Marietta, had died in 1893.  She probably did, but I don't have any documentation to prove it.

1897 was an important year for Harry as that was the year he married Catherine "Katie" Fallen (or Fallon).  Her parents were Irish immigrants who came to America in 1865.  Katie's mother, Annie, a widow, had been raising Katie and her younger brother, Thomas, on her own. (More than likely Katie's father was also a miner and was killed in a mining accident.) Harry and Katie were married on 15 December 1897.  He was 19 and she was barely 17 years old.

Their first child, Richard Theodore, was born 5 January, 1898, less than a month after Harry and Katie were married.  5 1/2 months later, on 18 June 1898 in Pittsburgh, Harry enlisted in the US Military.  By the end of July, 1898 he found himself in Puerto Rico deeply entrenched in the Spanish-American War.  An armistice was declared on the 12th of August and Harry was honorably discharged on 27 November 1898 in Pittsburgh.

In January of 1899 Harry turned 21.  If you remember, He was left $1000 on his 21st birthday as stipulated in Conrad's will.  But it's actually a little more complicated than that.  Apparently Conrad had loaned George and Eliza, Harry's parents (Eliza being Conrad's daughter), some money.  Eliza died and George must have moved away before Conrad was paid back.  So Conrad had added an addendum to his will which stated, "P.S. June 27, 1885.  Now I sold Richard W. Ickes my son a note against Geo. A. Wilt and Liza V. Wilt given June 27^th 1877 and Richard gave me one hundred dollars for it Feb. 21^st 1885.  Now if Geo. A. Wilt don’t pay this note before Harry C. Wilt becomes 21 years of age Harry C. Wilt must pay Richard W. Ickes or his heirs one hundred dollars with interest from Feb. 21, 1885 for this note.  signed Conrad Ickes"  Even though this was money loaned to George and Eliza before Harry was even born, Harry was being held liable to pay it back. Un-be-lievable.

On his 21st birthday, 26 January 1899, Harry was in Pleasantville, Bedford County, PA to collect his inheritance.  Did he get the $1000 promised him from Uncle Richard?  Well, sort of. Richard gave him $816.41 in cash. The loan which was made to his parents, and which accrued 5% interest from the time Uncle Richard took it over, was turned over to Harry and was worth the remaining $182.59.  If Harry ever wanted to see that money he would have to try to collect it from his dad himself.  

Harry and Katie had wasted no time expanding their family as their second child, Blanche Ethel, was born 18 September 1899,  9 1/2 months after his return from war .  Two years and one month following Blanche's birth came Harry Kermit, born on 21 October 1901.  10 months later, on 1 September 1902, Blanche Ethel died just shy of her 2nd birthday.  Two and a half months after Blanche's death, on 18 November 1902, son Mignon F. was born.  He also died in infancy.  

Baby #5, Eugene Quentin, was born 11 November 1904; #6, Evelyn Eleanor, born 13 June 1907; #7, Thomas Stayman, 31 December 1909; #8, Florence Catherine, 16 April 1913; #9, Alma Pearl, 26 January 1915; and finally, #10, Robert Raymond was born 30 November 1918.  During their first 21 years of marriage, while Katie gave birth to ten babies, eight of whom were living, Harry continued to work in the mining business, moving his family around Westmoreland County to accommodate better work and better pay.

Not only was 1918 the year their last child was born, it was also the year Harry was required to register for the WWI draft.  Harry was not called up. However, their oldest son, Richard, enlisted in the Marines on 7 July 1918.  From what I can tell he never left stateside and was honorably released on 11 February 1919.

The 1920 census shows the Wilt family living in Latrobe, Westmoreland, PA with all 8 children still at home.  Harry had worked his way up to Mine Foreman. Oldest son, Richard, was the only other wage earner in the household. It appears that Harry's hard work had paid off as he was no longer a renter and was probably looking forward to the economic boom of the 1920s.

And then it happened.  29 October 1929.  The crash heard 'round the world.  Pennsylvania's mining industry was one of the hardest hit.  The 1930 census, which was enumerated in April, shows half of the Wilt children having left home.  Harry still declared himself to be a Mine Foreman and son, Thomas, age 20, was working as a Caseman in the coal industry.  It appears that, at least for the time being, they had dodged the bullet of complete economic ruin. But that was to be short lived. Whatever was to come, life for Harry, Katie, and their children was about to take a drastic turn.

Fast forward again a few years.  An article printed in the DuBois Morning Courier (DuBois, Clearfield County, PA) on Saturday, November 4, 1933 reporting on an incident which had happened in Latrobe refers to Harry C. Wilt, 55, as a  "one-time mine foreman". Although we don't know when his unemployed status began, clearly by 1933 Harry was out of work and his economic status had taken a significant downturn. But there was a lot more to it than that.  The article further states that Harry had abandoned his wife and children in 1930 and had gone to "room" at the home of 37 year old Catherine Graff.  Catherine had two children living with her from a previous marriage. According to Catherine's children, Harry had lived with them up until 6 months previous when he "disappeared and was not seen again until a few days ago."  Despondent because he was unable to find work, it was believed that he had planned to go to Sewickley [PA] (about 60 miles away) to live with a married daughter.  (That would be daughter Evelyn who had married Edgar Muir.  Edgar was a policeman in Sewickley.  They had a 5 year old son named Thomas.)  Harry had returned to Catherine Graff's home to convince her to go with him.  

Did Harry live his entire life in a constant state of depression and despondency, having been led to believe that he had killed his mother and was not a welcome, wanted addition to any family?  And when he finally "had it all" - the wife, the children, the economic stability - and began to see it crumble before his eyes, did he abandon everything good in his life so that the life he "deserved", as an unwanted, unloved menace and problem, would finally be fulfilled?  Or, simply,  did Harry's relative affluence and accomplishments create such pride in himself that his roving eye toward a younger woman would wreak havoc in his family and break up his marriage of nearly 33 years?  In the midst of the Great Depression, did "home wrecker" Catherine find herself destitute of help to support herself and her children as she set her sights on Mine Foreman Harry 3 years previous? Or was Harry a lousy or alcoholic/abusive husband and, upon losing his job, was thrown out by Katie, knowing her life would vastly improve with him gone as her grown sons would not let their mother and younger siblings starve to death?   Perhaps Harry and Catherine truly were in love.  But when Harry left his wife and children and gave up everything he held dear to be with her, did Catherine ultimately turn on him, leaving Harry feeling completely alone and abandoned once again? Unfortunately, we will never know.  And, no matter how hard we try to figure it all out, I don't think anyone could have predicted the uncontrollable level of turmoil, hopelessness, and rage growing inside of Harry.

On Thursday, November 2, 1933 Harry Conrad Wilt entered the home of Catherine Graff, as was reported, to convince her to move with him to Sewickley PA, the home of his married daughter. Upon Catherine's final refusal to comply with his request, Harry fired one bullet in the back of her head, killing her instantly.  He then turned the gun on himself firing a bullet into his own head.  Harry died at Latrobe Hospital a few hours later.

From the DuBois Morning Courier, 4 November 1933:

Harry was buried in an unmarked grave in the St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Youngstown, PA.

The consequences of his actions that day, no doubt, forever changed the lives of his wife and children and well as the children of Catherine Graff.

In February of 1934, 3 months after Harry's death, Katie applied for Veteran's Compensation.  She was to receive $10 a month for 5 months. Later, on 17 March 1941, Katie applied for a veteran's grave marker.  An upright marble headstone provided by the US government was placed to mark Harry's grave.

And what happened to Harry and Katie's children?  

1.  Richard Theodore served in WWI (as previously discussed).  He married Margaret S. Tarr.  They had at least 3 children, Richard, David, and Barbara. He stayed close to home and died somewhere near Latrobe PA on 23 September 1991.

2.  Blanche Ethel died in infancy.

3.  Harry Kermit enlisted in the Army during WWII and served from 6 February 1941 to 14 September 1945.

He married Blanche E. Haman and had at least one child, Mary Ann.  Harry also stayed close to home and died in Somerset, PA  15 Oct 1969.

4.  Mignon F. died in infancy.

5.  Eugene Quentin died in Suffolk County, New York October 1977.

6.  Evelyn Eleanor married Edgar Muir in 1926.  They lived in Swickley, Allegheny County, PA and then in Midland, Beaver County PA.  Edgar died in 1974 in Mentor on the Lake, Ohio.  Evelyn lived to be 85 years old and died in Sun City Center, Florida on 3 Dec 1999.

7.  Thomas Stayman remained in Latrobe.  His wife's name was Marian.  Thomas died 22 Oct 1992 at the age of 83.

8.  Florence Catherine married George William Kirk in 1934.  She died 26 May 1997 in Beaver, PA.

9.  Alma Pearl died 27 August 1972 in Westmoreland County, PA at the age of  57.  There is no record available showing that she ever married.

10.  Robert Raymond was a Sergeant in the US Army during WWII.  He was with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and was killed in action against enemy forces on 10 Jan 1943 in Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.  He is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii.  He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.  He had not married.

And Katie? Let's review. She married at 17.  Gave birth 10 times in 21 years.  Lost 2 infant children. Her husband left her after 33 years of marriage.  3 years later he shot a woman (probably his lover) in cold blood and committed suicide.  10 years after that her youngest son, the one who was with her during some of the hardest days of her life, was killed in action in Guadalcanal. I don't have exact information about when and where she died, although someone with the last name of Blackburn put on familysearch.org that she died in Connecticut in 1962.  If that's correct, she probably had a child living there and spent the remainder of her days spoiling her grandchildren.  And if that's true, there's no greater joy to be found. For now, I'll go with that. 

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All original content, images, commentary, etc. copyright © by Joy Denison 2015-2016.  All rights reserved. All writings, poems, speeches, essays, images, scans, likenesses, etc. by Adam Ickes (b 1845) as well as personal histories, images, and all other content by all persons referenced and discussed within the pages and posts in this blog may not be copied, shared, or reproduced in any way without expressed permission by the owner unless included here from other referenced sources or are historical records already considered to be in the public domain. 

Nathan Hammond and Rachel Blackburn Hammond

If you look closely at the pedigree chart above you'll see that we're now following Elizabeth Ellen Harbaugh's ancestral lines.

I don't have any information about Peter Harbaugh and his wife Sophia so I'll have to skip them. Next in line would be Nathan Hammond and Rachel Blackburn.

Rachel is the sister of Thomas Blackburn, one of Adam's ancestors, so all the family information I posted about Thomas also applies to Rachel.  That actually makes things just a little bit weird.  Adam Ickes is the descendant of Thomas Blackburn.  Adam's wife, Elizabeth Ellen Harbaugh, is the descendant of Thomas' sister, Rachel Blackburn.  Both Thomas and Rachel are the children of John Blackburn, so if you follow both Adam's and Ellen's lines back to the Blackburn family they converge with John Blackburn and from there back have exactly the same ancestors.  John Blackburn is Adam's 3rd great-grandfather and Ellen's 2nd great-grandfather.  That makes Adam and Ellen not only husband and wife, but also 3rd cousins once removed.  If I continue to follow both lines down to me, that makes me my own 7th cousin once removed.

Here's what it looks like:

I guess that would also make my siblings my 7th cousins once removed, my children would be my 8th cousins, and my grandchildren are my 8th cousins once removed.  OK, I gotta move on to something else. This is giving me a headache.

Rachel Blackburn married Nathan McGrew in 1767.  Here's the references to the marriage as recorded in the minutes of the Quaker monthly meeting:

10 Oct 1767     "Nathan McGrew & Rachel Blackburn appeared at this meeting & signified their Intentions of marriage with each other, John Wright & Benjamin Loan are appointed to make the necessary enquirey into his conversation & from all others on that account & report to next meeting."

11 Nov 1767     "Nathan McGrew & Rachel Blackburn appeared at this meeting & signified that they continued their Intentions of marriage with each other & nothing appearing to obstruct they are left to their liberty to accomplish the same according to the good order used amongst friends, & John Wright, & Benjamin Loan are appointed to be it so accomplished & report to next meeting, & produce the marriage certificate to be recorded."

12 Dec 1767     "The friends appointed to attend the marriages of Nathan McGrew & Rachel Blackburn, & Moses Blackburn & Mary McGrew reports they were orderly accomplished & they produced the marriage certificates to this meeting."

Rachel and Nathan McGrew had one daughter named Rebecca who was born in 1768.  It's likely Rebecca never knew her father as it is presumed he died in 1768.

Rachel married Nathan Hammond in 1771. The Hammonds were also active, devout Quakers as Nathan's father, John, was often assigned the task of seeking out and reporting on church members whose conduct had been put in question. According to the Quaker records, Rachel's marriage to Nathan Hammond wasn't nearly as joyous and celebrated as was her first marriage. 

13 April 1771     "Manallen meeting informs this that Nathan Hammond & Rachel McGrew had accomplished their marriage by the assistance of a Priest (they being precautioned) this meeting appoints Samuel Wright & Benjamin Wright to prepare a testimony against them & produce it to next meeting."

1 May 1771     "One of the friends appointed to prepare a testimony against Nathan Hammond & his wife produced one which is as follows Viz Whereas Nathan Hammond & Rachel his wife having had their Education amongst us the People called Quakers, but for want of faithfully adhearing to the directions & guidance of the Spirit of Grace in their own hearts, gave way so far to a libertine spirit as to be guilty of dancing, & likewise went & was joined in marriage by the assistance of a Priest (or some such way) for which Evil conduct we deny them the said Nathan Hammond & Rachel Hammond to be any longer members of our Religious Society until their future conduct recommend them worthy, which that it may is our desire; which was approved of & signed on behalf of this meeting by the clerk & John Wright & George Wilson  are appointed to shew it to them give them a copy if desired with notice of the Priviledge of an appeal which if they decline then to be it read in a Publick meeting at Manallen & return it to next meeting."

It wouldn't be until November of 1778, 7 1/2 years and 4 children later, that Nathan and Rachel would request re-admittance to the church.

7 Nov 1778     "Manallen Meeting Informs this that Nathan Hammond and his wife appear to be defirous to be reconciled with Friends, and he appeared at this meeting and offered a paper of acknowledgment which is left under consideration till next meeting."

12 Dec 1778     "The case of Nathan Hammond and his wife being considered in this Meeting, it appears to be most safe to appoint some Friends to have an opportunity with them and report their sense to next Meeting, Therefore William Underwood, William Garretson, Benjamin Underwood, Harman Updegraff, and Peter Cleaver are appointed to that service."

9 Jan 1779  "Three of the Friends appointed in the case of Nathan Hammon and his wife reports that they (with some women Friends) had a prity seasonable opportunity with them and that they did not find anything in their minds to discourage them from attending this meeting and they appeared and offered the following acknowledgment /viz/ (attachment unavailable) which was read and accepted."

13 Mar 1779  "Manallen Meeting informs this that Nathan Hammond requests that his four children (to wit) Deborah, Sarah, John and Mary may be received under Friends care, which is granted."

The history books indicate the Hammond family from which Nathan descends immigrated to America from Sussex County England in 1702. Centuries prior to that they hailed from a Viking Chieftan who raided England's Norfolk and Suffolk Counties in the 9th Century. This was especially interesting to me since a completely different family line of mine came from Norfolk and Suffolk Counties and immigrated to Utah in the 1880s. (But let's all hope and pray I don't turn up any more inbreeding.)

Nathan & Rachel moved from Adams County to Bedford County sometime before 1790 and by 1794 Nathan owned 400 acres of land in Bedford County.  His will indicates that his son, Samuel, had taken over the farm, but it was collectively inherited by all of Nathan's children until Samuel paid his siblings a predetermined amount of money as their fair share of the inheritance.  

The 1861 map shows a location of the farm owned by the "Hammond Heirs" in Bedford Township, northwest of the Borough of Bedford.

The area of Nathan's farmland today was relatively flat and wide open.  If I didn't know better I almost would have thought I was back home in Texas.

Nathan and Rachel had at least 7 children.  There could have been more who didn't live into adulthood.

Here is Nathan's will:

In the name of God Amen, I Nathan Hammond of the Township and County of Bedford in the State of Pennsylvania, being somewhat weak in body but of sound mind memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament as follows, I commend my soul to God that gave it and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors herein after named.  And as to my worldly estate both real and personal I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner to wit I direct:  that all my just Debts and funeral expenses be paid by my executors, out of my personal estate as soon as convenient after my decease, I give and bequeath unto my son Samuel Hammond two horses, of his own choice with hears for the same, my wagon, one plough, and one good bed and bedding, which is to be his full of his share of personal estate, I direct all the residue of personal estate to be sold by my executors, and the proceeds thereof I bequeath and devise as follows, to my son Nathan the sum of sixteen dollars, to my daughter Rachel Harbaugh the sum of forty Dollars and the remainder after paying my Debts funeral expenses and the legacies to Nathan and Rachel as aforesaid, to be equally divided among all my children (except my son Samuel).  I give devise and bequeth unto my son Samuel Hammond this plantation and tract of land whereon I now live, with the appurtenances in the township of Bedford aforesaid adjoining land of Henry Kuntz, and others, and out of which my said son Samuel is to pay the following legacies, to wit, to my son Nathan Hammond the sum of five hundred dollars, three hundred dollars to be paid two years after my decease, one hundred dollars three years after my decease and one hundred dollars ten years after my decease – to my son John Hammond three hundred dollars four years after my decease – to my daughter Rachel Harbaugh two hundred dollars six years after my decease.  To my daughter Deborah  Camron two hundred dollars eight years after my decease to my daughter Sarah Wolf two hundred dollars nine years after my decease all the legacies aforesaid to be a lien upon the tract of land aforesaid until they are paid.  And lastly I appoint my son in law John Wolf and my son Samuel Hammond Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made and declaring this and no other to be my last will and testament, In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty fifth day of October A.D. 1816.

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All original content, images, commentary, etc. copyright © by Joy Denison 2015-2016.  All rights reserved. All writings, poems, speeches, essays, images, scans, likenesses, etc. by Adam Ickes (b 1845) as well as personal histories, images, and all other content by all persons referenced and discussed within the pages and posts in this blog may not be copied, shared, or reproduced in any way without expressed permission by the owner unless included here from other referenced sources or are historical records already considered to be in the public domain. 

The Ickeses

From never knowing another Ickes outside the members of my immediate family (other than a couple of aunts) the Ickeses were everywhere in Bedford County.

The first thing we saw was a sign for Ickes Ultralight Airport.

Then we noticed this large farm truck.

As we were driving around I also spotted a street sign for Ickes Heritage Road (if I remember right), but we couldn't figure out how to get back there later to capture an image.  There's also Ickes Road and Ickes Hill listed on a current map, but we didn't get to those places.

We looked in the Bedford County phone book and counted 69 current Ickes listings.  We also found Ickes Drugs listed, so we had to go by and check it out.

Ickes Drugs is located on a historic street in downtown Bedford.  We got there a little before it opened and waited in the car.  A lady came and sat on the bench out front and another lady came from inside the store and sat next to her.  I had one burning question on my mind.

I got out of the car and asked the ladies, "How do you pronounce the name of this drug store?" They looked at a little puzzled, probably wondering why I cared, and then one of them responded, "ick-əs." Woohoo!! They actually pronounce it "correctly"!

I found out the owner of the store, Gary Ickes, wouldn't be there until the afternoon so we left and came back later in the day.  Gary is a 3rd generation pharmacist following his father and grandfather. The store had been passed down through the generations.  It was fun to chat with him.  I'm not sure how we're related as he believes he descends from Matthias Ickes who had settled in Pleasantville. I can't find any documented evidence that tells me how Matthias and John are related, if they are at all. Some of his features did remind me of my dad though.  And everyone should check out his drug store - it got really good online reviews!

When we went to check out the burial place of Thomas and Mary Callihan (discussed in an upcoming post), the directions I was given indicated that we would need to park at Robby Ickes' house.  Robby lives just outside Pleasantville and works as an auto mechanic in town. Finding his house was easy, but I didn't want to leave my car at his house and traipse around his property looking for headstones without his permission. So I sent Brent up the hill while I stayed behind with the car.  Brent was gone for just a few minutes when Robby pulled up. Apparently his sister-in-law had driven by while the neighbor was trying to figure out what we were doing there. Between the two of them Robby got word that people were hanging out at his house and he came home to see what was going on. (Pleasantville is a very small town!)  He was very nice and full of information. From the paternal ancestry he gave me and with what I was able to figure out, Robby and I are 6th cousins once removed.  Robby's little blonde daughter was adorable. He even drove both of us back up the hill so I could see the Callihan burial ground for myself.  Robby was absolutely the best!!

I told Robby I thought he looked like my son, Stephen, but I had no idea just how much until I actually compared photos.  They would be 7th cousins.  The beards and the body types are really the common denominators.

Robby Ickes, my 6th cousin once removed

My son Stephen 

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St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pleasantville

Conrad Ickes was a very devout church goer.  When he bought farm land near Pleasantville in 1836 he and his family would have to travel back to the Messiah Lutheran Church in Dutch Corner or to the Old Log Union Church in Schellsburg (where multiple denominations met) in order to attend services.

Beginning in 1848, 12 years after moving to the Pleasantville area, Lutheran services finally commenced in a schoolhouse near Pleasantville as well as the home of the local clergy.  In 1853 a meetinghouse was finally erected.  Conrad was one of two Elders and church officers.  The meetinghouse was a white frame building, 32 ft. X 40 ft., and stood on the corner of Hench St. and Church St.  There were thirteen members with 40 scholars attending the Sabbath School.

Conrad's sons, Adam and Richard, were very much involved in the church as well.  Adam became the superintendent of the Sabbath School beginning in 1872.  According to Aunt Alle, he was also the church organist from 1872 until 1884 when the family moved to Nebraska (which I find extremely interesting since I've been a church organist and pianist beginning at age 12).

As the congregation grew, the need for a new church building became a priority. In 1882 Adam Ickes was appointed a member of the committee to acquire land on which a new church building would be erected.  A lot was soon acquired in Pleasantville, but the actual construction of the new church didn't begin right away.  By 1884 the congregation had grown to 65 members and 110 scholars attending the Sabbath School. In Conrad's will, dated  Feb 1885, he stipulated that $200 would be donated toward the construction of the new church building as long as work commenced within 2 years. With Conrad as a principle member of the building committee, foundation work for the new church began on 7 May 1886.  More about the construction, the timeline, and the items placed in the cornerstone can be found here.

The new brick church building was located just a block and a half from Conrad's house.

Much discussion took place as to whether or not to build the new Lutheran church building with brick. It was determined it would cost $313.50 more than wood, but ultimately it was decided that it was worth the added expense.  They purchased 60,000 brick and paid brick layers $1/day.  The total cost of the project was about $4,000.

Construction took 9 months and the church was dedicated on 2 February, 1887.  Conrad died in May of that same year.

  

We were in Pleasantville our first day, but went back early the next morning to take photos of the church when I could capture images in better light.  The morning dew created striking images on the front doors.  It was also great having my husband with me (who is a structural engineer and currently works for the largest brick manufacturer in the US) who could explain details in the foundation stone and masonry work.

I found out from Robby Ickes (I'll talk more about him in subsequent posts) that the church was sold a few years ago as the congregation numbers had dwindled to a point that continuing to operate the building was no longer possible.  It was purchased by a man who owned an auto salvage business in Pleasantville.  We went by his place of business as Robby had assured me he would be happy to let us tour the inside of the church. He was out for lunch.  But having been told that an auction had been held, all of the contents of the church sold off, and that it was now used as storage for the auto salvage business, I decided I didn't want to go inside after all.  I would rather just imagine how the inside of the church would have looked to Conrad and his family.  The stained glass cathedral windows and the intricate brick work outside must have been mirrored inside with hand carved pews, detailed moldings, and a grand podium. The Ickes family, along with other members of the community, contributed to the church with generous donations and much sacrifice.  I can only imagine entering that grand brick structure on the day of dedication and feeling a sense of love and devotion for the God who brought them all together to accomplish such a magnificent project.    It was and is a worthy tribute to the God they worshiped and loved.

Conrad Ickes' grave marker with St. James Church in the background

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All original content, images, commentary, etc. copyright © by Joy Denison 2015-2016.  All rights reserved. All writings, poems, speeches, essays, images, scans, likenesses, etc. by Adam Ickes (b 1845) as well as personal histories, images, and all other content by all persons referenced and discussed within the pages and posts in this blog may not be copied, shared, or reproduced in any way without expressed permission by the owner unless included here from other referenced sources or are historical records already considered to be in the public domain. (Just ask me first BEFORE you right click.)

Conrad Ickes' Will

"I, Conrad Ickes of Pleasantville, Bedford County, State of Pennsylvania being of ill health and of sound and disposing mind and memory calling to mind the frailty and uncertainty of human life and being desirous of settling my worldly affairs and directing how the estates with which it has pleased God to bless me shall be disposed after my decease while I have strength and capacity to do so, do make and publish this my last will, and testament and as to my worldly estate and all the property real and personal or mixed of which I shall die seized and possessed or to whom I shall be entitled at the time of my death or decease, I devise bequeath and dispose thereof in the manner following, to-wit:  1st. I give and bequeath to my wife all the property she brot along with her at the time of our marriage and all the property she has bought and paid for since, namely one cow one sewing machine carpet in the parlor and marble top stand and one chamber set furniture one common bedstead and bedding for two beds set comm. On chairs and one table one bereaw and plated ware spoons, rocking chair (Kane bottom) also to have the cooking stove and pipe and the parlor stove and pipe the sink knives and forks and all such other things necessary for housekeeping also my wife to have the use of the house and lot in which I now reside in for one year after my decease free and also the use of the pasture lot.  Lot adjoining my farm near Pleasantville for the term of one year free also the one third of the income of the farm near Pleasantville.  Namely one third of the grain one third of the hay and one third of the fruit and one third of the potatoes same as y share of the proceeds of said farm for one year after my decease.  And further at the expiration of one year after my decease my wife Mary can have her choice of taking the use of the house and lot in which I now reside and the pasture lot aforenamed. At the rate of sixty dollars per year and in case that she should not choose to do so at the expiration of one year after my decease she is to receive sixty dollars a year annually our of the farm near Pleasantville it being the interest at 6 per cent of one thousand dollars it to be paid to her annually as long as she remains my widow and then in that case the house and lot in Pleasantville and the pasture lot containing five acres more or less to be sold.

"2^nd I give and bequeath unto my son Richard W Ickes the mansion farm situated in King Township now in the occupancy of said Richard, he is to have said farm by paying thirty seven hundred dollars for the same.  Richard is to pay my grandson Harry C. Wilt one thousand dollars when he becomes twenty one years of age and if Harry should not live then this share or amount to be equally divided between my sons, namely Adam and Richard, and further Richard is to pay at the rate of four per cent for this amount annually to my wife so long as she shall remain my widow and when Harry becomes of age Richard is still to continue paying my wife as long as she remains my widow Forty dollars a year in this farm.  And further I desire my son Richard W to take charge of my grandson Harry Wilt and care for him after my decease until he becomes sixteen years or old enough to go to a trade, also give him a free school education.

"3^rd I give and bequeath unto my son Adam Ickes the farm near Pleasantville adjoining Riley B. Davis and others by paying twenty seven hundred dollars for the same and if Adam should not want the aforesaid farm at the price I have fixed upon it, then my Executor is to sell it to the best advantage in cash or in payments as he may think best and the amount to be paid to my son Adam and further if the farm should not sell for twenty seven hundred dollars, Adam and Richard then to have equal shares after settling up my estate, paying all expenses share and share alike.  My personal property to be sold and all debts to be paid including a note that my wife holds against me at the present time for two hundred dollars.

"4^th. I also bequeath to the building of a new Lutheran Church in Pleasantville the sum of two hundred dollars to be paid in manner follows – each one of my sons to pay out of his share one hundred dollars provided the church be built inside of two years from the date hereof of this will.

Lastly I do hereby nominate and appoint my son Richard W Ickes my executor.

"In testimony whereof I the said Conrad Ickes have to this my last will and testament contained on two sheets of paper and to every sheet thereof subscribed my name and to this last sheet thereof I have here subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 21^st day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty five.   signed Conrad Ickes

"This is to certify that I Mary Ickes wife of Conrad Ickes after having been duly informed of the contents of the foregoing will of my said husband do accept to take the same after his death in lieu of any other provisions the law might make (namely three hundred dollars law) and do so of my own free will and without any compulsion.  In witness whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal the 21^st day of February AD 1885.   signed Mary Ickes

"P.S. June 27, 1885.  Now I sold Richard W. Ickes my son a note against Geo. A. Wilt and Lida V. Wilt given June 27^th 1877 and Richard gave me one hundred dollars for it Feb. 21^st 1885.  Now if Geo. A. Wilt don’t pay this note before Harry C. Wilt becomes 21 years of age Harry C. Wilt must pay Richard W. Ickes or his heirs one hundred dollars with interest from Feb. 21, 1885 for this note.  signed Conrad Ickes

"Now, Jan. 26, 1899, I, Harry C. Wilt, the within named grandchild and legatee of Conrad Ickes, dec’d, having attained full age at twenty one years, acknowledge that I have this day received of and from Richard W. Ickes, devises of said Conrad Ickes, the sum of eight hundred and sixteen dollars and 41 cents which with the note of George A. Wilt and Lida V. Wilt this day amounting to $182.59  is in full satisfaction and payment of the special legacy of One Thousand dollars herein directed to be paid by said Richard W. Ickes to me.  signed Harry C. Wilt

"I, Clarence A. Diehl, Register for the of Wills and granting Letters of Administration in and for said county, do hereby certify that the foregoing copy of the Last Will and Testament of Conrad Ickes, late of Pleasantville Borough, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, deceased, is true and correct, so full, perfect and entire as the same remains of record and on file in said office.  Will Book 6, page 339.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 14^th day of March A.D. 1936.  Clarence A. Diehl, Register

_______________________

Wow!  If you took the time to read it that's some kind of long, confusing will!  No wonder his wife Mary decided to take a lump sum of $300 rather than doing all that math and jumping through all those hoops.  

Several aspects of this will is really of interest to me.  First, considering the fact that his grandfather started life virtually penniless, relying on government land grants in payment of his Revolutionary War service, I'm amazed at the wealth and assets Conrad amassed.  If the value he placed on his farms was correct, in 2016 dollars they would now be worth over $170,000.  That doesn't even include the value of his house in Pleasantville, his 5 acre pasture lot in Pleasantville, his livestock, his household goods, and his farm tools.  Considering the size of his grave marker he was probably one of the wealthiest men in the small borough of Pleasantville.  I am in awe as to what could be accomplished in just two generations.

Second, I hate being reminded of the second-class status of women.  He left his wife, Mary, all the stuff she previously owned before they were married and all the things she bought. And then he had to mention the $200 loan she was required to pay back. Unbelievable.

Third, this will makes me feel like I personally know Conrad as he mirrors someone else I know very well - my dad.  It seems to me that maintaining his influence and control over his property, assets, and family members as long as he can - even after his death - was important to him. Other very similar personality traits jump out at me as well.  They both created a much more comfortable lifestyle than that of their parents. They both seemed quite ambitious and worked hard to improve their lives.  They both valued education and provided needed resources so their children (or grandchildren) could be well educated.  Although not explicit in his will, culture at the time Conrad lived would dictate a very patriarchal system.  I'm sure Conrad, just like my dad, maintained complete power and autonomy within their respective homes.

Is it genetic or coincidental?  Is it nature or nurture?  According to the experts the jury is still out.  (Click here for more info.)  Ask me and I'll tell you genetics absolutely has to be part of the equation.

One more interesting thing about the will.  I copied it from a transcription that was done by my Aunt Alle.  The last paragraph she included, which certifies the validity and the recording of the will, was not found in the will book.  I have no idea where that came from.  The strange thing is that it was dated 1936.  He died in 1887.  Why would it take 49 years to finalize probating his will, especially since his two sons died in 1914 and 1917?  Well, while I was searching out other records that might explain it, I came across a piece of history I never would have expected.  You'll have to wait for the details, but let's just say it involves property foreclosure, eviction, unemployment, marital separation, economic depression, adultery, murder, and suicide.  O. M. G.

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All original content, images, commentary, etc. copyright © by Joy Denison 2015-2016.  All rights reserved. All writings, poems, speeches, essays, images, scans, likenesses, etc. by Adam Ickes (b 1845) as well as personal histories, images, and all other content by all persons referenced and discussed within the pages and posts in this blog may not be copied, shared, or reproduced in any way without expressed permission by the owner unless included here from other referenced sources or are historical records already considered to be in the public domain.