George Moyer
George Moyer was the “father” of many of the Moyer families of Fairfield, Perry, Shelby, Allen, and Van Wert Counties, Ohio. George’s roots in Pennsylvania are a source of considerable speculation by a number of genealogists. While it seems that he certainly had roots or lived for a time as a boy or young man in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, this is speculative.[1]

He may have been the George Moyer listed in the 1800 Census of Somerset Co, PA[2] This is a household of four, with a male and a female 26-44, 1 female under 10, and 1 male under 10. If this were indeed our family, then the number of females under 10 should have been 3 (Eve, Catharine, Elizabeth). This George Moyer is listed immediately adjacent to a George Moyer, Sr. This George died in 1821 in Wharton Twp, Fayette Co, PA.[3] His heirs included daughter Eve Fike, daughter-in-law Barbara Fiske, daughter Barbara Mast, sons George, Jacob, Isaac, and Samuel, and daughter Elizabeth. While the naming patterns of this family certainly represent those of George and Catharine Moyer’s family in Ohio, it is unclear if this is indeed the right family. It is important to note that John Fry, husband of Catharine Fry Moyer, was also resident in Wharton Twp, Fayette Co, PA in 1810 (listed on following page from George Myers and a George Myers, Jr.).[4]

Abt. 1767 – George Moyer is born in Pennsylvania.[5]

Abt. 1792 – George marries Catharine Fry, probably in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. Although there is no date, the marriage is attested by later deeds in Ohio (see 1828, May – below).

“after 1804” – George Moyer is among a group of settlers listed as settling in Bowling Green Township, Licking County, Ohio after 1804.[6]

Abt 1807-1809 – death of Catharine (Fry) Moyer, based on birth of her last child, Mary (Moyer) Beery in 1807 and the birth of George’s first son by his second wife, David Moyer, about 1810.

1809 – a George Moyer is listed as resident in Bowling Green Township, Licking County, Ohio.[7] This township is located along the southern edge of Licking County, along the Perry County line, just north of Thornville and Somerset, Ohio and a bit NE of Fairfield County.

Abt 1809-1810 – George Moyer marries his second wife, Jane, based on 1810 birth date of their eldest son, David. No record of this marriage seems to exist in Licking, Fairfield, or Perry Counties, Ohio.

1810 – a George Moyer is listed as resident in Bowling Green Township, Licking County, Ohio.[8]

NB – a problem emerges in these records. While it seems that the family of George Moyer, Sr. in Fayette Co, PA is an excellent match for our George in Ohio, two things work against this. First, the numbers of children in both 1800 and 1810 do not fully match George Moyer of Ohio’s family. Second, George Moyer (son of George, d. 1821) is apparently still living in Wharton Township, Fayette County, Ohio in 1810, whereas a George Moyer has already appeared in Bowling Green Township, Licking County, Ohio. Since the Fry family was in both places, it’s not clear where the solution might lie. Two other issues: it has always been assumed that Samuel Moyer, son of George, was born in Ohio.[9]

1817, 6 May – George deeds land to son John Moyer.[10]

1820 – George is resident in Bowling Green Twp, Licking Co, OH as follows: [11] John Moyer, John Fry, and other members of the Fry family were resident nearby.

Free White Males - Under 10: 3
Free White Males - 10 thru 15:2
Free White Males - 45 and over:1
Free White Females - Under 10:1
Free White Females - 10 thru 15:1
Free White Females - 26 thru 44:1
Free White Females - 45 and over:1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture:1
Free White Persons - Under 16:7
Free White Persons - Over 25:3
Total Free White Persons:10

1828, May – the heirs of Catharine Fry Moyer sell their share of their grandfather’s estate to their uncle, Henry Fry. "We, John Meyer, Samuel Meyer, Polly Meyer(Moyer?), Jacob King and Catherine his wife, George King, Jacob Mather and Elizabeth his wife, Christian Steamer and Maggy his wife; children of Catherine Meyer late Catherine Fry, one of the children of John Fry of Licking County, State of Ohio, deceased, for and in consideration of $70.00 to us in hand, paid by Henry Fry of Fairfield County, Ohio, quit claim to Henry Fry. Land in north-west quarter of section 29, township 15, range 20 in Fairfield County and being the same tract of land heretofore contracted to be sold by the said John Fry, deceased to the said Henry Fry. May 28, 1828. State of Ohio, Perry County. Land purchased by John Fry in 1813."[12]

1830 – George Mawyer living in Bowling Green Township, Licking County, Ohio.[13] John Mawyer is nearby.
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5:1
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9:1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14:2
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19:1
Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69:1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9:1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14:1
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59:1
Free White Persons - Under 20:7
Total Free White Persons:9

1832 – George Moyer of Licking County, Ohio purchases land from Henry and Catharine (Rinehart) Struble of Shelby County for $170, located in Range 13, Township 2, Section 29, and described as West ½ of NE ¼ (description may not be full).[14]

1833 – a George Moyer appears on the tax list of Perry Township, Shelby County, Ohio, alongside son Samuel (who appears from 1831) and members of Rinehart and Bailor families.[15] A George Moyer appears in Cynthian Township of Shelby County as early as 1827, but this is a different family.

1834 – George Moyer is listed as a landowner in Perry Township (Range 13, Township 2, Section 29, NW ¼ of E ½. Valued at $80. He was also taxed for 3 horses and 1 cow.[16] He appears with similar holding annually through 1838.

1840 – George Moyer is living in Perry Township, Shelby County, Ohio. Members of his family as well as the Rinehart family are living nearby.[17]
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14:1
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19:1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29:1
Free White Persons - Males - 70 thru 79:1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19:1
Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69:1
Total - All Persons (Free White, Free Colored, Slaves):6
Persons Employed in Agriculture:3
Free White Persons - Under 20:3
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49:1
Total Free White Persons:6

1849, 13 August – George Moyer writes his will.

1850, 15 August - George Moyer listed in 1850 Census of Perry Twp, Shelby Co, OH, with wife Jane and several members of his family.[18]

1850, September or October – George Moyer dies in Shelby County, Ohio, based on will.

1850, October – will probated in Shelby County, Ohio.[19]

1860, 12 July – Jane is living with her son, Ambrose, and daughter, Diana, in Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio. She is listed as aged 83, born in New York.[20]

1864, 30 March – Jane sells property to William Dunlap in Shelby County, Ohio, consisting of 86 acres fitting same general description as that taxed to George Moyer in the 1830s.[21]

Children:
The children of George Moyer by his first wife, Catharine Fry, are established by the 1828 quit claim deed regarding their inheritance from their grandfather, John Fry.

This clearly lists the following children:

John Moyer

Catharine Moyer, who married Jacob King

Elizabeth Moyer, who married Jacob Mosier

Margaret Moyer, who married Christian Stemen

Samuel Moyer

Mary Moyer

In addition, this also lists a George King as an heir. Since Eve Moyer married George King on 18 April 1816 in Fairfield County, Ohio,[22] it is assumed that she was the oldest daughter of the family. George was a brother of Jacob King, who married Catharine Moyer. This is further confirmed by a Shelby County, Ohio deed in which Catharine King, Peter King, and John King sell their share of George Moyer’s estate to William Dunlap in 1864.[23] This is likely Catharine King, second wife of George King, and his sons by Eve Moyer King, Peter and John.
Therefore, George’s children by his first marriage were:

1. John Moyer , who probably married Diana Kistler and settled in Licking, Shelby, and finally Logan County, Ohio, where he died in 1849.[24]
2. Eve Moyer, who married George King and died around 1819 in Perry County, Ohio.
3. Catharine Moyer, who married Jacob King and died in Seneca County, Ohio in 1881.
4. Elizabeth Moyer, who married Jacob Mosier and died at Elida, Allen County, Ohio in 1852.
5. Margaret Moyer, who married Christian Stemen and died near Elida, Allen County, Ohio in 1864.
6. Samuel Moyer, who married Mary Elizabeth Rinehart, settled near Delphos in Allen County, Ohio, and died near Convoy, Van Wert County, Ohio in 1898.
7. Mary Moyer, who married Samuel Beery and lived in Perry County, Ohio, where she died in 1898.

George’s children by his second wife can be inferred from census records and are further confirmed by George’s will and estate, as well as deeds relating to his property after his death.[25] The following children are known:

1. George Moyer, Jr., who married Ann Consolver and later Johanna Fish and likely died in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
2. David Moyer, who married Ruth Veneman and later Amanda Armstrong and Susannah Stephens, settling first in Elkhart County, Indiana and later Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana, where he died in 1877.
3. Solomon Moyer, who married Nancy Dillsaver and later Mary Guyselman and lived in Lima, Allen County, Ohio, where he died in 1904.
4. Diana or Anna Moyer, who married George Franks and lived in Shelby County and later Lima, Allen County, Ohio, where she died between 1900 and 1908.
5. Ambrose Moyer, who married Rachel Croft, and lived for a time in Indiana before settling in Lima, Allen County, Ohio where he died in 1882.
   In addition, there may have been a brother James Moyer.

What remains to be done:
While the story of George’s life has come together considerably through the work of many, many questions remain. Among these are:

• George’s relationship, if any, to the George Moyer family of Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
• George’s relationship, if any, to the other Moyer families of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio.
• George’s relationship, if any, to the Moyer family of Cynthian Township, Shelby County, Ohio.
• Further study is needed of the various quit claim deeds involving George’s heirs in Shelby County in 1864, especially those involving George & Eva (Moyer) King and family. The linkage between George, Eva, George’s second wife Catharine (Moyer) King, and his sons Peter and John needs to be researched further.

Sources
[1] This assumption is based primarily on the Fry family’s presence in Northumberland Co, PA (see John Fry, Sr. on 1800 Census of Penns Twp, Northumberland Co, PA, p. 734) and the presence of a large Moyer family there in the late 18th century, including a George Moyer in 1790 (see George Mayer on 1790 Census of Northumberland Co, PA, p. 82).
[2] 1800 Census of Elk Lick, Somerset Co, PA, pp. 552-553.
[3] Will of George Moyer, Fayette Co, PA, Will Book 1, p. 720, 29 Oct 1821.
[4] 1810 Census of Wharton Twp, Fayette Co, PA, Roll 54.
[5] 1850 Census of Perry Twp, Shelby Co, OH, p. 201A. 15 Aug 1850.
[6] Hill, N.N. History of Licking County, Ohio, its Past and Present. Newark, OH: A.A. Graham, p. 304.
[7] Bowling Green Twp, Licking Co, OH Tax List. http://www.ancestry.com/.
[8] Bowling Green Twp, Licking Co, OH Tax List. http://www.ancestry.com/
[9] For example, see 1850 Census of Marion Twp, Allen Co, OH, p. 328A.
[10] Unsubstantiated at moment, but multiple references to original Licking Co, OH deed online.
[11] 1820 Census of Bowling Green Twp, Licking Co, OH, p. 29.
[12] Fairfield Co, OH Deeds, Vol. Q, p. 39.
[13] 1830 Census of Bowling Green Twp, Licking Co, OH, p. 356.
[14] Henry Struble & Catherine, his wife, to George Moyer. 8 May 1832. Shelby Co, OH Recorders’ Office, R-394.
[15] Tax Records of Shelby County, Ohio. Unpublished. Available at Amos Memorial Public Library, Sidney, Ohio.
[16] Ibid.
[17] 1840 Census of Perry Twp, Shelby Co, OH, p. 426.
[18] 1850 Census of Perry Twp, Shelby Co, OH, p. 201A.
[19] Will of George Moyer, Shelby Co, OH, Case A-582.
[20] 1860 Census of Dinsmore Twp, Shelby Co, OH, p. 324.
[21] Jane Moyer to William Dunlap, 30 March 1864. Shelby County Recorders’ Office, Book 29-291.
[22] Fairfield Co, OH marriage records. Via http://www.labs.familysearch.com/. Original record needs to be verified.
[23] Catharine, Peter, and John King to William Dunlap. 30 March 1864. Shelby County Recorders’ Office, Book 29, p. 293.
[24] Research ongoing to prove this connection.
[25] A host of deeds in 1864 show heirs selling their shares of the estate, mainly to William Dunlap. See Book 29, pp. 289-295.

The Garee Family

My great-great-great grandmother, Elizabeth (Garee) Haver, was the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Cochran) Garee who spent most of their later life in Jennings Township, Van Wert County, Ohio, where Joseph was a cooper. They came to this area from Tuscarawas County, Ohio in the mid 1850s, probably in the company of the Jacob and Isaac Haver families.

Joseph Garee was born on 13 January 1800 in Pennsylvania.[1] One record states that he was born in Yorkville, Pennsylvania.[2] The city of York, seat of York County in eastern Pennsylvania, was once known as Yorkville. Other aspects of this narrative (a biography of Joseph’s grandson, Solomon Arnold) are suspect, so this information is not necessarily reliable. Census records, below, confirm his birth in Pennsylvania. His link to father, John Garee, is confirmed by the abovementioned history as well as residence of John Garee with Joseph’s daughter in 1850.[3]

Margaret (Cochran) Garee was born on 20 May 1802 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This is based on her age at death on 13 Aug 1886 as 84y, 2m, 24d, as indicated in her death notice in the Van Wert Times announcement of her death.[4] This differs from her death record, which was filed almost a year later, with the age listed as 84y, 3m, 16d. The death record lists her father as John Cothrun, mother as unknown.[5] Another potential birthdate is 18 May 1802, which may have come from a Bible record.[6] The 1880 census indicates that Margaret was born in Pennsylvania, her father in Scotland, and her mother in Virginia.[7] It does not appear that Margaret was directly related to the large Cochran families of Allen County, Ohio.

Census records indicate that Joseph and Margaret were living in Pennsylvania in 1826 at time of birth of eldest daughter, Martha.[8] By 1828, they were living in Virginia at time of birth of daughter, Sarah.[9] They were probably living in Henry County, Virginia at the time of the 1830 census.[10] This seems to align with the census-recorded birth of second daughter and possibly third daughter, Elizabeth. Joseph is listed as Joseph Gear and is listed next to John Gear. All ages seem to match what we know of the Garee family. Records of the Murphy family (see below) also indicate that the Garees moved to Virginia.[11]

By 1832, Joseph and Margaret were living in Ohio at time of birth of daughter , Rosanna.[12] In 1840 they were living in Union Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio.[13] Joseph is listed as Joseph Gray and was employed in agriculture. In 1850 they were living in Clay Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio.[14] Joseph’s occupation is listed as cooper. Both Joseph (aged 50) and Margaret (aged 48) were born in Pennsylvania. Both were able to read and write.
In the mid 1850s, they moved to Van Wert County, Ohio. In 1860, Joseph and Margaret were living in Jennings Township, Van Wert County, Ohio, with son Roseanna Garee Walter and family.[15] Joseph was aged 60, born Pennsylvania. Margaret was 58, born Pennsylvania. His occupation was carpenter. On 10 September 1867 Joseph Garee wrote his will, giving to each of his children $2, with remainder of estate passing to his son, Henry Garee, provided that he cares for Joseph and Margaret for the remainder of their life. [16]

In 1870, Joseph and Margaret were living in Jennings Township, Van Wert County, Ohio, near son Henry and family and Trippy family.[17] Joseph died on 13 April 1879 in Jennings Township, Van Wert County, Ohio.[18] On 21 April 1879, Joseph’s 1867 will is entered into Probate Court in Van Wert by Henry Garee.[19]

Margaret Garee appears on 1880 Census of Jennings Township with son Henry Garee and family.[20] She died on 13 August 1886 in Jennings Township, Van Wert County, Ohio at the age of 84 years, 2 months, 24 days. The cause of death is old age.[21]

Children of Joseph and Margaret (Cochran) Garee

1. Martha Jane Garee (born 1827, died between 1904 and 1910). Married first Heckman Arnold and later Samuel Fackler. 8 children.
2. Sarah Garee (1828-1909). Married first Jacob Haver (son of Isaac and Ann (Cree) Haver) and later Charles Clantz. 7 children.
3. Elizabeth Garee (1830-1887). Married Isaac Haver, brother of Jacob, above. 11 children.
4. Rosanna Garee (1832-1915). Married Edward Walton.
5. Henry Garee (1836-1899). Married Sarah Rupert. 8 children.
6. John D. Garee (Abt. 1840-Aft 1900). Married Josephine Rigdon. At least three children.
7. Rachel Garee (1841-1871). Married John Masters. 3 children.

The Ancestry of Joseph Garee

It seems certain that John Garee was the father of Joseph, based on the recollections of Solomon Arnold as well as the appearance of John Garee with Martha Garee Fackler’s family in 1850.
We know from the 1850 census that John was born about 1775 in New Jersey[22] He appeared next to Joseph on the 1830 census of Henry County, Virginia.[23] He is listed as John Gear and as head of a large household. In 1840, he is resident in Mill Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio in 1840, alone, aged 60-70.[24]

Beyond this, we can speculate that John Garee is the same person as the younger of two John Garees who lived in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This younger John Garee likely married Martha, daughter of Henry and Susannah (Foster) Murphy who were early settlers of Fayette County, coming from New Jersey.[25] Several members of the Murphy family went south into Virginia about the time the Garee’s appear there. The Murphys and Garees appear on censuses together throughout this period.

In 1790, a John Gairy appears on the 1790 census of Washington Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Listing includes 3 males 16 and over, 2 males under 16, and 3 females. Henry Murphy appears in the same township. In 1794 a John Gary patented land on which a mill was built near Redstone in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. John Gary operated the mill. [26] A John Gary was also listed as among the original landholders of Franklin Township, owning 9 acres.[27]
In 1800 a John Gery appears on the 1800 census of Redstone Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.[28] The listing includes 1 male under 10, 1 male 26-45, 1 female 16-26. In 1810 a John Gary is living in Washington Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He is listed on same page as Henry and John Murphy and Isaac Briggs (who married Henry Murphy’s daughter, Mary).[29] In 1820 a John Garee is living in Washington Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Both a John Garee Senior and a John Garee Junior are listed immediately above Henry Murphy and John Murphy.[30] The ages indicate that John Garee senior would be older than the John Garee born around 1775.

Tentative Conclusions

It appears certain that Joseph Garee was the son of John Garee of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. It seems quite likely that John Garee is the same man who married Martha Murphy, daughter of Henry and Susannah (Foster) Murphy of Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
It is possible that the John Garee who married Martha Murphy is himself the son of a John Garee Sr., also of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. A Sarah Garee, wife of John, is buried in a cemetery near Redstone, Pennsylvania. She died 15 May 1800, aged 58 years.[31] This may be the wife of John Garee Senior and the mother of John Garee who married Martha Murphy.

What Remains to be done

Will records in Tuscarawas County, Ohio (John Garee Jr.) and in Fayette County, Pennsylvania (John Garee Sr.) may shed light on this family. Further research on the Murphy family’s migrations to Virginia may also assist.

Although Margaret (Cochran) Garee is listed as the daughter of John Cochran on her death record, she has not yet been tied into the Cochran families of Western Pennsylvania.

References

[1] Records of Pierre Haver, 14 Apr 1994. Original information from Eleanor Walters Treece, 1993.
[2] Miller, Charles, Ed. History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens. Chicago: Richmond and Arnold, 1906.
[3] 1850 Census of York Twp, Tuscarawas Co, OH, p. 15A.
[4] Van Wert Times, 20 Aug 1886. “DIED – Grandmother Garee died at her daughter’s, August 13th, aged 84 years, 2 months and 24 days. The funeral was preached by Rev. Holland, of Spencerville.”
[5] Death Records of Van Wert County, Ohio, Volume 1. Recorded 1 Jun 1887.
[6] Records of Pierre Haver, 14 Apr 1994. Original information from Eleanor Walters Treece, 1993.
[7] 1880 Census of Jennings Twp, Van Wert Co, OH, p. 502.
[8] 1850 Census of York Twp, Tuscarawas Co, OH, p. 15A, etc.
[9] 1830 Census of Rush Twp, Tuscarawas Co, OH, p. 130B, etc.
[10] 1830 Census of Henry Co, VA, p. 192.
[11] A. Kerezy. Posting on Braxton Co, WV forum on ancestry.com. 28 Dec 2006. http://boards.ancestry.com/thread.aspx?mv=flat&m=2567&p=localities.northam.usa.states.westvirginia.counties.braxton
[12] 1860 Census of Jennings Twp, Van Wert Co, OH, p. 405, etc.
[13] 1840 Census of Union Twp, Tuscarawas Co, OH, p.
[14] 1850 Census of Clay Twp, Tuscarawas Co, OH, pp. 149-150.
[15] 1860 Census of Jennings Twp, Van Wert Co, OH, p. 405.
[16] Van Wert County, Ohio Probate Court. Record of Wills. Vol 2, p. 404.
[17] 1870 Census of Jennings Twp, Van Wert Co, OH, p. 286B.
[18] Records of Pierre Haver, 14 Apr 1994. Original information from Eleanor Walters Treece, 1993. Although it does not give a death date, the obituary that appears in the Van Wert Times on 9 May 1879 under “Jennings News” indicates that “A few weeks ago the remains of Mr. Jos. Garee, one of the oldest, if not the oldest citizen of our township, were deposited in their last resting place. Mr Garee was seventy-nine years and three months old at the time of his death. His trade was that of cooper, which he followed up to a short time previous to his death.”
[19] Van Wert County, Ohio Probate Court. Record of Wills. Vol 2, p. 404.
[20] 1880 Census of Jennings Twp, Van Wert Co, OH, p. 502.
[21] Death Records of Van Wert County, Ohio, Volume 1. Recorded 1 Jun 1887; age drawn from Van Wert Times, 20 Aug 1886.
[22] 1850 Census of York Twp, Tuscarawas Co, OH, p. 15A.
[23] 1830 Census of Henry Co, VA, p. 192.
[24] 1840 Census of Mill Twp, Tuscarawas Co, OH.
[25] Will of Henry Murphy. Fayette County, Pennsylvania. 1826. Lists daughter Martha, wife of John Garee.
[26] Ellis, Franklin, Ed. History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men. Philadelphia: L.H. Everts & Co., 1882., p. 730.
[27] Ibid., p. 554.
[28] 1800 Census of Redstone Twp, Fayette Co, PA, p. 576.
[29] 1810 Census of Washington Twp, Fayette Co, PA, p. 1014 ½ .
[30] 1820 Census of Washington Twp, Fayette Co, PA, p. 115.
[31] Cemetery records of Little Redstone M. E. Church. http://files.usgwarchives.org/pa/fayette/cemeteries/lrsme001.txt.