Ancestors of My Grandfather Ray Cook Smith

Burlew & Potts Family Ancestors

Obituary for my ggg-grandmother Rachel Burlew Potts, daughter of Daniel & Nancy Burlew

Died Nov 25 1888 born May 8 1817 Hunt. Furnace, age 71y 6m17d died Mechanicsville, when a child her father moved to the valley. She went to the Kyle school house. She married 2 times. Husband 1 lived less than 2 yr. after marriage. The child became Mrs. Sarah Carson of Maiden Rock Wis. On Jan 23 1840 she married Joseph Pottz who lives. They had 10 children. She lived to bury ½ of them. 2 died while children. 3 daughter lived to mature. She has lost 1 husband & 5 children. In 1842 she joined the Lutheran church.

Obituary for Matilda Burlew Scott, daughter of Daniel & Nancy Burlew, my ggg-grandmother Rachel's sister.

GRANDMOTHER SCOTT
Born Feb 3, 1813, Died Oct 12, 1905,
Aged 92 Yrs, I Mos, and 9 Days

Mrs. Matilda Scott died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B. F. Strunk, in this place, last Thursday morning just as the day dawned, having reached the ripe age of 92 years, 8 months and 9 days.

About three years ago, she was bitten on the forehead by a mosquito. The bite became inflamed and never fully healed. The wound finally turned to cancer, from the effects of which she died. However, until about six weeks ago, she had full posession of all her faculties, and was very supple and sprightly for a woman of such advanced age. She was frequently seen walking about town and until during the past summer, did not use a cane.

One evening early in September, she was seized with dizziness, and a strange sensation in her head. From that time until her death, she was confined to her bed the greater part of the time.

Mrs. Scott was born in Kishacoquillas Valley in the vicinity of Milroy, February 3, 1813. When she was in her infancy, her parents, whose name was Burlew, moved to Huntingdon Furnance, Huntingdon County, where they remained until she was 8 years old, when they decided to return to Kishacoquillas Valley.

In 1834 she married to Alexander D. Scott. The young couple went to housekeeping near McAlevy's Fort, where they lived until the death of Mr. Scott more than 20 years ago. Mrs. Scott then came to live with her daughter, Mrs. B. F. Strunk, with whom se remained almost constantly until the time of her death.

She was the mother of 12 children as follows: James H., deceased, of Altoona; Mrs. Amanda Aurand of Fergnson Valley, the oldest living child, her age being 69 years; Nancy Myton of Altoona; David of Curwensville; Thomas, who was killed in the Civil War at the battle of Petersburg; John deceased; Emma and Victoria, twins who died in infancy; Mary and Victoria, twins also deceased; Mrs. Tillie Fleming of McAlevys Fort; and Mrs. Ada Strunk of this place, the younges child, who is now aged 51 years. There are 42 grandchildren living, 48 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. The great-great-grandchild is a child of Mr. and Mrs. Porter Metz of Airy Dale. This makes five generations was a the sick-bed. The sons, James and David, also served in the Civil War.

At the age of fifteen years, while attending a camp meeting which was held at the foot of Stone Mountain, she was convicted of sin and united with the Methodist Church. That she has ever remained faithful to her profession is attested to by all who knew her spotless life.

Everyone whose privilege it was to know Grandmother Scott respect and loved her. Her life was one of unselfishness. She was always interested in the welfare of others, especially their spiritual welfare. She was always present at the house of worship when circumstances permitted. No one who ever heard her voice of testimony and prayer at revivals, will ever forget the heart stirring appeals that were offered in the behalf of lost souls.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church, Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. Bell, assisted by Rev. Shetler of Johnstown. Rev Bell took as his text part of the 10th verse of the 32nd chapter of Numbers: "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his." Rev. Bell spoke feelingly and fittingly from the text, as it was ones that was especially associated with every one's remembrance of Grandmother Scott.

The remains were laid to rest in the new Lutheran Cemetery.

Obituary for John E. Burlew, son of Daniel & Nancy Burlew, my ggg-grandmother Rachel's brother.

From Iroquois County Times, Aug 14, 1880


Free from a World of Care

DIED -- At his residence in Watseka, Saturday, Aug. 7, 1880 of consumption, Mr. John E. Burlew, in the 57th year of his age.
Mr. Burlew was a very exemplary Christian gentleman, one who in life practiced what he preached and demonstrated in his example, the faith of his profession. He was consequently esteemed by all who knew him, as all true men are. He was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, Jan. 25, 1824.  On September 17, 1844 he married Mary J. Summerville and in 1852 came west and settled in plainfield, Ill. In 1853 his wife died, leaving four children. He was again married at Plainfield in 1855 to to Marian M. Hill, who survives him.
Shortly after his second marriage he removed to Iowa, but remained there but one year returning to Illinois. He settled in Aurora and lived there about twelve years when he next went to Gardner and form that place to Watseka, having lived here ever since.
He has all his life been a devout Christian and died in the triumphs of his faith. The funeral took place last Monday, the sermon being preached by the Rev. C. O. McCulloch at M.E. Church, from whence the remains were taken to Oak Ridge cemetery followed by a large concource of friends.

Obituary for my ggg-grandfather Joseph Potts from the Lewistown Gazette, October 12, 1899:

Belleville (PA):
The funeral of Joseph Potts, an aged man and former citizen of Mechanicsville for many years, but who has made his home with his daughter at Lock Haven of late years, took place here in the Lutheran Church at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning. Interment in the old Lutheran cemetery beside his wife. He was in his 88th year.

Obituary for my ggg-grandfather Joseph Potts from The Daily Democrat, dated Monday, October 2, 1899
(received this obituary from Justin Kirk Houser)

RIPENED SHEAVES
Gathered to the Heavenly Garner

The venerable Joseph Potts, who has made his home with his daughter Mrs. [Amanda] George Ronian, of the Central hotel for the last ten years, died yesterday afternoon about 1:30 o'clock. Mr. Potts had been affected with a cold in the head for several weeks from which at his advanced age he could not recover. Mr. Potts was born near Bellefonte 87 years ago last January. When about 20 years old he removed to Belleville, Mifflin county, where he engaged in the wagon making business. He resided in that place until Mrs. Potts died. He was married twice. His surviving children are: Mrs. Eliza Delong, of Winterburn; Mrs. George Ronian, this city; Mrs. Lizzie Cook [my gg-grandmother], Charlottesville, VA; Mrs. Laura Mahon, Pittston, and Mrs. Minnie Hall, Wilkesbarre.

"Grandpap" Potts, as he was familiarly known, had been a member of the Lutheran church nearly all his life. He was a conscientious, upright man; was a exemplary citizen, a kind father and a man who was held in high esteem by all who were acquainted with him. He had a strong aversion for deception of any kind and practiced the golden rule in all his dealings.

Services over the remains will be conducted at the Central hotel this evening at 7:30 o'clock. The officiating clergy men will be Rev. Lewis Nichols, Rev. C.B. Gruver and Rev. D.E. Rupley. Tomorrow morning the remains will be taken to Belleville for interment. Three nephews and a son-in-law will act as casket bearers, viz: J.W. Ronian, Thomas Courter, Dr. C.R. Good and George Hall.
[note from Justin: Casket bearers were really a son-in-law and grandsons.]

Obituary for my gg grandmother Melissa Potts (Smith) Cooke, (aka Lizzie), daughter of Joseph & Rachel (Burlew) Potts
Obituary from the Mansfield News Newspaper, Mansfield, Ohio
November 28, 1932

MRS. MELISSA COOK
Galion Woman Succumbs After Short Illness

GALION, Nov. 28 --- The death of Mrs. Melissa Cooke, 83, occurred Sunday afternoon at the home of her son, Joseph A. Smith of 326 North Columbus Street. She suffered a stroke of paralysis Nov. 15, which later caused her death.

The body was taken to the Snyder Funeral Home and will be returned to the home of the son today. Funeral arrangements have not been completed, but burial will be made in the cemetery at Marion.

Mrs. Cooke was born in Mifflin County, PA., Feb. 22, 1850, the daughter of Joseph and Rachel Potts. She was married first to Augustus Smith who preceded her in death. To this union, the one son, who survives, was born. The second marriage was to Jacob Cooke who died about 25 years ago.

Mrs. Cooke has made her home in this city for the past seven years.

Surviving are her son; one grandson, Joseph H. Smith of Harding Way East; and six great grandchildren.

Obituary for Marian Potts Bannerman, daughter of Joseph & Rachel (Burlew) Potts, my gg-grandmother Melissa's sister.

DIED

BANNERMAN -- In Mechanicsville, Sept. 25, 1880, Mrs. Marion W. Bannerman, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Potts, aged 35 years, 7 months and 3 days. The departed, early in life, engaged in teaching. After being successfully employed by a number of terms in this county, she received a position in the public schools of the city of Buffalo. Her excellent qualifications and devotion to her work soon gave her prominence among the teachers of that city, and her worth was manifested in the promotions she received during the fifteen successive years she taught in that place. Last February, she contracted a severe cold, and from that time her health began to decline. Early in the summer, she returned to the home of her childhood, where, though enjoying the ministrations of loving parents and sisters, she gradually sank until the last. She calmly and hopefully fell asleep in Jesus. The funeral services were conducted at the home of the parents, on Monday, Sept. 27th, and a funeral sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev. J.M. Steck Sunday, October 3d, from Revelations 14:13.

Excerpt from 'COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE JUNIATA VALLEY, COMPRISING THE COUNTIES OF HUNTINGDON, MIFFLIN, JUNIATA AND PERRY, PENNSYLVANIA.'  1897.

Biographical Sketch of Isaac Aurand:

.... Isaac Aurand was married June 12, 1860, to Nancy Potts, daughter of Joseph and Rachel (Berlin) [Berlieu] Potts.  They have had these children:  William Lincoln, married Mary Barr, seven children; Joseph Elmer, died age five years; Lawrence Edward, married Fanny Appleby, two children; Harry Grant, married Nettie Kocht; James Franklin; John Milton, married Minnie Haller; Clyde; Arthur Allen; Bertha May, died aged two years; Ralph; Herbert, died aged three years; and two who died in infancy.  Mrs. Aurand died September 19, 1886, aged forty-six years.   She was a member of the Lutheran church, a faithful wife and a kind and loving mother. 

Death of Emma Potts Streeter, daughter of Joseph & Rachel (Burlew) Potts, sister of my gg-grandmother Melissa Potts (Smith) Cooke
Death of Matilda (Potts) Courter, daughter of Joseph & Sarah Potts, half sister of my gg-grandmother Melissa.

News Clip from 5 Sep 1889 Clinton Democrat
Received article from Justin Kirk Houser

Affliction After Affliction

Mrs. Ronian, landlady of the Central Hotel, returned from Belleville, Mifflin County, last week, where she had been in attendance at the bedside of her sick sister, Mrs. Emma Streeter, widow of the late Dr. Streeter, who died about three years ago. Mrs. Streeter died on the 21st ult., of consumption, aged 40 years, 3 months and two days. She left no children. The deceased was a member of the Lutheran church and consistent in all her ways with the religion she professed. She was buried in the cemetery at Bellville. The mother of Mrs. Streeter and Mrs. Ronian, died about nine months ago, and Mrs. S. had been keeping house in the deceased lady's stead since that time. She was an amiable and excellent woman and Mrs. Ronian deeply feels her loss.

Mrs. R. had hardly gotten home before another affliction overtook her in the death of her half sister, Mrs. Matilda Courter, wife of William Courter, of Eagleville, who expired Thursday of typhoid fever, age 50 years. Mrs. Courter is supposed to have taken the disease from her son at Westport, whom she attended during his illness. Only four weeks ago, she took dinner here with Mrs. Ronian, and her death coming to unexpectedly and so soon after that of Mrs. Streeter is another blow that is hard to bear. Misfortune has seemed to follow misfortune and the relentless hand of the Destroyer has been laid heavily upon these sisters. In her sorrow the sympathy of many friends will be to the bereaved survivor as the toll of of consolation poured into the gaping heart wounds made by the cruel hand of death.

Mrs. Courter has left her husband and six children, four of who are at home and two married. She was a member of the Baptist church and earnestly did her duty as one of the followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene. Funeral Friday afternoon at Eagleville at 4 o'clock.

Obituary for Amanda Potts Ronian, daughter of Joseph & Rachel (Burlew) Potts, sister of my gg-grandmother Melissa.
From Lock Haven Express, 8 Feb 1923
Received obituary from Justin Kirk Houser

Mrs George Ronian

Mrs. George Ronian, a former resident of this city, died at the home of her son Joseph W. Ronian, of Avonmore, PA., on Wednesday night. She was 80 years of age. Deceased resided here for many years, leaving this city about ten years ago. She is also survived by one other son, Theodore Ronian, of New Kensington, Pa.

The body will be brought to this city Saturday afternoon on the Easton flyer and taken directly to Highland Cemetery where services will be conducted at the grave by Rev. C. N. Shindler.

State of Ohio Death Certificate for Mrs. Armina (Cubbison) Lynch
Daughter of William Cubbison & Nancy Burlew

Place of Death:  Sebring, Mahoning Co., Ohio
Registration District No. 799
File No. 53756
Primary Registration District No. 2838
Registered No. 43
Full Name:  Mrs. Armina Lynch
Female, White, Widow
Date of Birth:  Nov. 16, 1843
Age:  73 yrs. 2 mos. 3 days
Birthplace:  Pennsylvania
Father's Name:  William Cubbison
Birthplace:  Pennsylvania
Mother's Name:  Nancy Ballau
Birthplace:  Pennsylvania
Informant:  John Hall, Sebring, Ohio
Date of Death:  Aug. 13, 1917
Cause of Death:  Cancer & obstruction of bowel
Contributory:  Old Age.
Date & Place of Burial:  West Lawn, Aug 15, 1917

 

ST. JOHN'S OLD LUTHERAN CEMETERY
Mechanic's St., Belleville
Information received from the Mifflin Co., PA Historical Society

Large monument, (8 foot stones belong to this, but they are almost all illegible.)
SW Face
7 Potts, Joseph, child of J. & R. Potts, died 3/21/1853, age 2 mos. 7 ds.
8 Potts, Daisy, child of J. & R. Potts, died 3/23/1867, age 7 yrs. 3 mos. 19 ds.
9 Potts, Sarah, wife of Joseph Potts, died 5/2/1838, age 20 yrs.

NE Face
10 Bannerman, Marian, wife of William Bannerman, died 9/25/1880, age 35 yrs. 7 mos.
11 Berrier, Elsie M., wife of Albert Berrier, died 5/9/1887, age 32 yrs.
12 Berrier, Stella, dau. of A. & E. Berrier, died 7/23/1880, age 8 mos. 11 da.

NW Face
13 Streeter, Emma I., died 8/22/1889, age 43 yrs. 2 mos. 29 ds.
14 Potts, Rachel, wife of Joseph Potts, died 11/25/1888, age 71 yrs.

SW Face
15 Potts, Joseph, 1/13/1811 - 10/2/1899