Surname Saturday: HORNBACK

The surname of Hornback, also knownas Hornbeck, Hornbeek, van Hornbeeck (and many more variations) seems to have originated in the Netherlands. By the mid 1660s, the Hornbacks came to America first settling around Ulster, NY.

In the mid 1700s, the family started migrating to explore more of the Americas settling around Hampshire, Virginia. At the age of fifteen years, Abraham Hornback enlisted in the 8th Virginia Regiment for a two year period. He was listed as a member of the company in April & May of 1777. Abraham was mustered out of the regiment at Romney, county seat of Hampshire County, Virginia.

Following the Revolutionary War, many members of the Hornback family moved to Bourbon County, Kentucky. staying in the area until at least 1780 before moving to Bourbon County, Kentucky. In the fall of 1825, Abraham and some of his children ventured to Sangamon County, Illinois. Other members of the Hornback extended family followed. Simon and Margaret HORNBACK moved their family to Illinois settling in Sangamon County. Their 4th child, Hiram, was born in December of 1830. The winter of 1830-31 was known as the Winter of Big Snow by the early pioneers of Illinois. “A cold rain started December 20, 1830 occasionally changing to sleet or snow until the day before Christmas, when large soft flakes fell to a depth of six inches. This was followed by a furious gale and a driving snow that piled up to three feet. Then came a rain that froze as it fell, forming a crust.” Storms with high winds continued for sixty days. Families were snowbound in their homes and travelers were trapped in the open.

At the legislature session of 1838-39, Menard County was formed from a part of Sangamon County on 15 February 1839 which included the area where the HORNBACK family had settled.

Abraham died January 29, 1833 and is buried in the Hornback Cemetery just outside of Petersburg, Menard Co. then Sangamon Co, IL. Abraham set aside the land for this cemetery for family burials and he was the first to be buried in this Cemetery. His grave is also marked by the Pierre Menard Chapter of the DAR. I obtained a copy of his will in Sangamon Co, IL. The Hornback Cemetery is the burial place for only a few of the Hornback family members. The cemetery is in a secluded location and most of the stones have been demolished over the years.

The Story of Hiram and Elizabeth (SULLIVAN) HORNBACK

HIRAM HORNBACK , born Dec 1830 in Sangamon County, Illinois; died 26 Jul 1902 in Menard County, Illinois; buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, son of SIMON HORNBACK and MARGARET CONYERS . He married (1) on 24 Apr 1853 in Menard County, Illinois, divorced 20 Jan 1860 ELIZABETH J. SULLIVAN , born Jan 1838 in Indiana; (2) on 19 Jun 1879 in Petersburg, Menard, IL Mary J. Reed .

Hiram HORNBACK was born December 1830 in Sangamon County, Illinois, the son of Simon and Margaret CONYERS HORNBACK. In 1839, Menard County was formed from part of Sangamon County. Hiram grew up working on the family farm in the newly formed Menard County.

On 28 April 1853, Hiram married Elizabeth J. SULLIVAN in Menard County, Illinois. Elizabeth gave birth to two children: Sarah Margaret (1854) and Simon (1855). Hiram and Elizabeth lived together until 20 January 1860 when the couple separated. Hiram accused Elizabeth of having “committed adultery and has had illicit and criminal intercourse with divers and sundry persons at many different times”. The couple was officially divorced in April 1862 with Hiram retaining sole custody of their children, Sarah and Simon.

Following the divorce, Elizabeth eventually re-married to a Civil War Veteran, Henry C. HARDYSTY (also spelled HARDESTY/HARDISTY/HARDSTY). Henry was a Private in the 64th Illinois Infantry, also known as Yates’ Sharpshooters. Their marriage date and place has not been found as of yet. Henry and Elizabeth lived in Logan County during the 1870 & 1880 Federal Census. Around 1890, Henry and Elizabeth moved to Springfield where he worked as a carpet weaver until his death on 28 June 1893 in Springfield, Illinois.

Elizabeth remained in Springfield following her husband’s death. In the 1900 Federal Census, Elizabeth “Jane” lived at 1303 East South Grand Avenue boarding with another widow, Martha PAGE. Elizabeth continued to work as a carpet weaver taking up her husband’s occupation following his death. According to the 1900 Federal Census, Elizabeth was born January 1838 in Indiana. Her father was born in North Carolina and her mother was born in Illinois. She gave birth to 8 children, but only one was still alive in 1900.

In 1902, Elizabeth and her son, Simon Hornback, were corresponding with one another. Simon HORNBACK lived in South Carolina for the past several years before Hiram’s death. When he moved out east, he changed his name to William CLARK taking his cousin’s name trying to hide from the HORNBACK clan back home. Apparently, no one but his mother knew where he had re-located. In South Carolina, William married Frances DAVIS and the couple had several children incuding Leatha, who died in infancy, Ida CLARK BROOKS who married Hall BROOKS, Hiram, Clarence, Pierce, Pocohontos who died in infancy, Powhotan, Heindo, who died in infancy, and James Rufus CLARK.

In July 1902, Elizabeth and her granddaughter, Maggie ROBINSON EVERHART, each wrote letters to Simon. The letters are transcribed as written:

“Springfield, Illinois
July 5, 1902
Dear Son,
I take the pleasure to set myself down to answer your kind and welcome letter I just received and was so glad to hear from you. Bud I have planted my flowers seeds you sented me but some of them come up and some of them but they ain’t blooming yet. Well Bud if you don’t come home soon most of the foalks is dead your uncle Ike (?) is dead the only ones that is living is your Father and _____ _____ John and they are liable to anytime. I want you to git your self home and don’t say your coming and don’t but just git up and start out and come and when you come you can get plenty of work here and when you get back and I get well so I can go to work to get some money I will go home with you. Bud I got your last letter but I was waiting to see if you would answer my letter. I have got a good garden and all kind of vegeable and I made it all my self. Bud have you got any ripe fruit down there of any kind. Bud you go and see what it would cost to send me a box of fruit and then you write and let me no and then I will save money enough to pay the express on it and don’t for get it. well Bud I will send you to paper one demacrat paper and one republican paper. Bud I want you to write every week and don’t delay. Well I guess I will close for this time so good by write soon.

From mother to son
Send your letter to 1303 south East Grand Ave., Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois
July 5, 1902
Dear Uncle Bud,
I thouth I would take the pleasure to set myself down to write you a few lines to let you no that I am still living and I want to no what is the reason you don’t answer my letters. I wrote you 2 letter and got no answer. Well uncle if you don’t come home soon you wont get to see none of the foaks. They are all dieing. Well uncle Bud you have got a nother neafue. He is one month and 5 days old. You got to come home and see all of you foaks. Well uncle bud if you dont answer my letter I wont write to you any more for I will think hard of you if you don’t answer my letter. So I will close for this time so good by your neace Maggie

To uncle Bud
Send your letter to 1529 South tenth Street, Springfield, Illinois
Maggie Everheart”

Upon the death of his father, Simon corresponded with his mother describing his physical state and asking her not to tell the “clan Hornback” where he was living. The letters are transcribed as written:

“August the 18 1902

dear mother I will ancere your kind and wilkin letre I got the other day ____ ____ no one node wheare I was don’t tell where I am let them hunt me I don’t think tha can find me un till I want them to find me let them sell the place if tha can I don’t car I will not come home until tha sell all that can bee sold I don’t think tha can but me out of my part I don’t know I want you to right and tell me did father leave a will or not right soon

direct your leters to Bath SC William clark”

“August the 19 1902 Bath SC

dear mother I will right you a leter to let you hear from me I want you to right and let me no if father had made any will if he did right and let me no cant come home now I haven’t got the money o come an I am sick in bed with the feavre I stuck my bed this morning I am trouble to death I cant sit up if I don’t get beter of than I am I don’t think I will nead anything I cant stand the feavre agin I had the feavre last February I liked died I cant stand it gin I want you to right evere week weathere right or not I will go to the hospital if I don’t get betre I haven’t got any body to take care of me when I git sick I cant stay at home with the children I will not live with that woman I haven’t lived with her in 3 years she will not let the children come to see me but I don’t care she tryes to get my leters but I told the post matre not to let any one git my mail I cant sit up long nuf to right I will right mabe when I get betre I want you to right me weak? If I di don’t til nun of the clan hornback family where I am I don’t car if Sarah gits any thing from fathere let me no right soon

from Simon to mother good by
direct your leters to Bath SC William Clark”

“September the 6 1902 Bath SC

dear mother I sat my self down to ancure your kind and wilkin leter I got to day and was glad to hear from you I am not doing so well to day I am little beter but I git out to soon and it set me back I am at Bath now but will not stay hear long I will stay until I git a leter from you I want you to tell Sara h to send me fifty dollars when she gits her money and I will come home and I will pay her back when I git home I want to come but I cant come home until I git able to be out of the house I come to Bath to day now I cant git a way I will haft to stay hear until I can git able to get a way if Sarh will send me 50 dollars I will come home right away if I can _____ long a ____ to git to the ___ if I di on the train I will start I think that some one could send me that much money I hav bin sick a long time it sounds like I has got a food friend in August when I am there tha will take car of me when I am owe there she save my life once be four she is betere than any woman in this world I will brind her with me when I come send me the #50 dollars and I will come home I will pay it back Sarah can git it out of her part if you don’t send it I don’t know when I can git to come home I am in a bad fix to start any wheare I spent all the money I had to git well I don’t owe nothing for my board I got to pay the doctor he was so good to me he sid if I would pay him 15 dollars it would do him his bil is 26 25 centers but sid if I could git to go home he would take 15 dollars he told me if I could go home I would git will I cant git will down hear I cant set up no longer

good by for this – simon

direct your leters to Bath SC William Clark
Bath SC William Clark”

Following their divorce, Hiram raised their two children alone until he re-married on 19 June 1879 to Mary J. REED RANDLE in Menard County, Illinois. Mary gave birth to three children: Louisa Belle (1879), Charles Wesley (1881), and Edward Leroy (1883). Louisa Belle HORNBACK only lived to be six months & 21 days dying of complications from whooping cough in Athens, Menard, Illinois.

In 1900, Hiram lived in Athens with his two sons from his 2nd marriage and his granddaughter, Rosetta ROBINSON. When Hiram died intestate on 29 July 1902, Sarah STONHAM and Edward HORNBACK filed a petition for administration of the estate. The estate packet states the ”deceased left surviving him Jane Hornback his widow, with whom deceased has not resided or lived for more than ten years last past” and “Sarah M. Stonham of Springfield, Illinois, Simon HORNBACK who was last heard of was in the State of South Carolina, Charles Hornback who was last heard of was in the State of Indiana, and Edward HORNBACK aged 18 who resides in Springfield Illinois.” Hiram left $90.00 in Lee Kincaid Bank Athens Illinois, 2 horses, 1 cow, 1 wagon, 1 set double harness, some farming implements, 7 hogs as well as about 15 acres of growing corn and about 20 acres of farming land to be divided among his survivors. The estate did pay $17.25 to John STONHAM for work done in October 1901 including taking off & putting on 7.5 squares of shingles at $1.75/square & two days labor at $2 per day.

Simon, or William as he was then known, died on 20 October 1902 while working at Sibley Manufacturing Company in Augusta, Georgia. Simon worked as a slasher tender when the copper drum of the slasher machine exploded. The company notified his wife of Simon’s death and asked for the “privilege of paying all his funeral expenses”. His body was removed to Bath, South Carolina where his wife was living, but his final resting place is not known.

Elizabeth Jane SULLIVAN HORNBACK HARDYSTY died in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois on 12 June 1903. The pallbearers were Jacob HORNBACK, John HORNBACK, S. RICHARDS, W. BINGHAM, M. YOUQUEST and Mr. HOCER. Elizabeth is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois in Block 21, Section 5, Range G, Grave 6 with her great-grandson, John Clifford CAWLEY. Hiram is buried next to Elizabeth and John in Grave 5. None of the graves are marked.
Sources for Hiram Hornback
1840 U.S. census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, P. 32 (penned), dwelling 268, family 276, Simon Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 120.
1850 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, P. 285B (stamped), dwelling 268, family 276, Simon Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 120.
Illinois. Menard County Register of Marriages, Illinois Regional Archives Depository System at University of Illinois-Springfield. Hiram Hornback to Elizabeth J. Sullivan, Vol. A, p. 114, License no. 775.
1860 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Township 17 Range 6, P. 4-5 (penned), dwelling 29, family 29, Simon Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication M653, roll 205.
Menard County, Illinois, Divorce Record, Hiram Hornback and Elizabeth Sullivan Hornback, Box 65, No. 48; Menard Circuit Clerk, Petersburg.
1870 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Township 17 Range 6, P. 35B (stamped), sheet 18 (penned), dwelling 129, family 128, Hiram Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 260.
Illinois. Menard County Register of Marriages, Illinois Regional Archives Depository System at University of Illinois-Springfield. Hiram Hornback to Mary J. Randle, Vol. B, p. 32, License no. 4630.
Menard County, Illinois, Birth Return, Louisa Belle Hornback, Book 1 Page 45; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
1880 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens Township, P. 231D (stamped), sheet 15-D (penned), dwelling 141, family 143, Hiram Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 236.
Menard County, Illinois, Record of Deaths, Louisa Belle Hornback, 2 July 1880 Certificate 286; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
Menard County, Illinois, Birth Return, Charles Wesley Hornback, Book 1 Page 80; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
Menard County, Illinois, Birth Return, Edward George Hornback, Book 1 Page 106; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
1900 U.S. Census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens, p. 160A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 70, sheet 22-A, dwelling 443, family 458, Hiram Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication T623 roll 329.
Menard County, Illinois, Death Certificate, Hiram Hornback, Box 436; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
Menard County, Illinois, Probate, Hyram Hornback, Estate Box 436; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
Oak Ridge Cemetery Office (Springfield, Illinois) to Carla Leber, letter, providing administrative record for Hiram Hornback, Block 21, Sec 5, Range G, Grave 5.
Sources for Elizabeth J. Sullivan
Illinois. Menard County Register of Marriages, Illinois Regional Archives Depository System at University of Illinois-Springfield. Hiram Hornback to Elizabeth J. Sullivan, Vol. A, p. 114, License no. 775.
1870 U.S. census, Logan County, Illinois, population schedule, Hurlbut Township, P. 44B (stamped), sheet 9 (penned), dwelling 69, family 68, Henry Hardisty household, NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 248.
1880 U.S. census, Logan County, Illinois, population schedule, Corwin Township, P. 111B(stamped), sheet 2-B (penned), dwelling 14, family 14, Henry Hardisty household, NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 227.
1900 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Springfield City, p. 265B (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 101, sheet 4-B, dwelling 70, family 74, Martha Page household, NARA microfilm publication T623 roll 343.
Henry Hardesty Obituary, Illinois State Journal, Springfield, Illinois, 29 June 1893, p. 5.
Menard County, Illinois, Probate, Hyram Hornback, Estate Box 436; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
Richard L. Johnson, South Carolina (ici1608@icomnet.com) to Carla Leber, email with scanned attachments, 16 June 2004, “RE: Simon Hornback aka William Clark”; privately held by Carla Leber, Tremont, Illinois, 2004.
Oak Ridge Cemetery Office (Springfield, Illinois) to Carla Leber, letter, providing administrative record for Elizabeth Hardysty, Block 21, Sec 5, Range G, Grave 6.
Elizabeth Hardesty Obituary, Illinois State Journal, Springfield, Illinois, 13 June 1903, p. 6.
Elizabeth Hardesty Obituary, Illinois State Journal, Springfield, Illinois, 14 June 1903, p. 6.
Elizabeth Hardesty Obituary, Illinois State Journal, Springfield, Illinois, 15 June 1903, p. 4.
The Children of Hiram and Elizabeth J. (SULLIVAN) HORNBACK
Children of Hiram Hornback and Elizabeth J. Sullivan were as follows:
11 i Sarah Ann Hornback , born 3 Apr 1854 in Illinois; died 18 Feb 1911 in Salisbury, Sangamon County, IL; buried 18 Feb 1911 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois. She married (1) on 11 Sep 1871 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois, divorced bef 23 Mar 1882 William H. Robinson , born abt 1851 in Missouri; (2) on 23 Mar 1882 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois John H. Stonham , died bef 1910 in Springfield, Sangamon County, IL, buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois.
ii Simon Hornback , born 28 Dec 1855 in Menard County, Illinois; died 20 Oct 1902 in Augusta, Georgia. He married in Union County, South Carolina Frances Davis .
The Children of Hiram HORNBACK
Children of Hiram Hornback and Mary J. Reed were as follows:
i Louisa Bell Hornback , born 11 Dec 1879 in Athens, Menard, IL; died 2 Jul 1880 in Athens, Menard, IL; buried in Claypool, Athens, Menard, IL.
ii Charles Wesley Hornback , born 14 Nov 1881 in Athens, Menard, IL.
iii Edward Leroy Hornback , born 7 Mar 1883 in Athens, Menard, IL.

The Story of (possibly) Jacob and Mary (unknown) CRONISTER

According to some CRONISTER/CHRONISTER family researchers, the parents of Cornelius CHRONISTER are Jacob and Mary (unknown) CHRONSITER. Jacob CHRONISTER was born in Adams County, Pennsylvania in 1789. Sometime before 1815, Jacob married Mary. The couple had 4 children: Cornelius, Emanuel, Matilda and Smith. Jacob died about 1844. Very little is known about him at this time.

In the 1850 Federal Census, Mary lived with her son, Cornelius, and his new wife, Sarah, as well as Matilda and Smith. Smith and Cornelius moved their families together throughout the years living in Berkeley County, Virginia/West Virginia in 1869 & 1870. In 1880, Cornelius and his family were living in Menard County, Illinois while Smith and his family had moved to Ogle County, Illinois. According to “Cemeteries of Martinsburg and Berkeley Co., WV”, Mary CHRONISTER died 28 January 1959 in Berkeley County, West Virginia was buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Gerrardstown, West Virginia. Unfortunately, the headstones are now unreadable.

According to other CHRONISTER family researchers, Jacob CHRONISTER was the son of Heinrich & Susanna (COXEN) CHRONISTER. Heinrich & Susanna had 15 children while living in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Heinrich CHRONISTER was one of 14 children born to Johannes Michael and Maria Barbara WEIDENBACH CHRONISTER. Johannes Michael CHRONSTER was one of four children born in Germany to Lorenz and Anna Maria HOFFMAN CHRONISTER. Lorenz was from Pretzdorf, Bayern, Germany and the son of Matthaeus and Margarethe HOFFMAN CHRONISTER. Matthaeus CHRONISTER was the son of Abraham CHRONISTER of Austria.

None of this family line has been proven by the author herself. Research to prove this family line is still in progress.

Sources for Mary (unknown) Cronister
1850 U.S. census, Adams County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Reading Township, P. 221A (stamped), dwelling 1, family 1, Cornelius Chronister household, NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 743.
Berkeley County Historical Society. Cemeteries of Martinsburg and Berkeley Co., WV. (Martinsburg: The Society, 1988), p. 134, 188.

The Children of (unknown) and Mary (unknown) CRONISTER
Children of (probably) Jacob & Mary were as follows:
i Smith Cronister . He married (---) Margaret .
ii Matilda Cronister .
iii Cornelius Cronister , born 4 Nov 1817 in Fulton County, Pennsylvania; died 2 Oct 1882 in Athens, Menard, Illinois; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois. He married abt 1849 Sarah M. Stunkard , born 16 Dec 1827 in Pennsylvania; died 16 Mar 1905 in Salisbury, Sangamon, Illinois; buried 19 Mar 1905 in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, Illinois; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois, daughter of (---) unknown and (---) unknown .

The Story of Henry and Margaret Elizabeth (ROBINSON) CRONISTER

HENRY SMITH CRONISTER , born 22 Mar 1865 in now Darkesville, Berkeley County, West Virginia; died 16 Mar 1932 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois; buried 18 Mar 1932 in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois, son of CORNELIUS CRONISTER and SARAH M. STRUMBAL . He married (1) on 23 Aug 1887 in Menard County, Illinois Emma Shepherd , born 10 Aug 1869; died 9 Apr 1892; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, Illinois; (2) on 29 Sep 1897 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, divorced 15 Dec 1903 in Sangamon County, Illinois Mamie E. Hopwood , born Jan 1873 in Illinois, daughter of Marsden Hopwood and Caroline Jordan ; (3) on 17 Jun 1906 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, divorced 9 Dec 1929 in Sangamon County, Illinois MARGARET ELIZABETH ROBINSON , born 23 Feb 1878 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois; died 21 Nov 1966 in St. Margaret Hospital, Hammond, Lake County, Indiana; buried 25 Nov 1966 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, daughter of WILLIAM H. ROBINSON and SARAH ANN HORNBACK ; (4) after May of 1929 Ella Sutton .

Imagine being born in the middle of the worst conflict ever on American soil. Henry Smith CRONISTER was born 22 March 1865 in Darkesville, Berkeley County, WV towards the end of the Civil War. West Virginia, a new state due to its succession from Virginia in 1863 because of its strong Union loyalties, was the center of many fierce battles during the Civil War. Henry Smith Cronister was the 5th of six children born to Cornelius and Sarah M. CRONISTER. The family lived in Berkeley County, WV moving from Gerardstown to Mill Creek to Darkseville. In 1873, Cornelius, a farmer, packed up his family and they traveled straight west coming to the end of their journey in a small town named Athens, IL.

Henry married his first wife, Emma SHEPHERD, on 23 August 1887. Emma gave birth to Henry's first son, Roy Smith CRONISTER, in 1888. Emma died 9 April 1892. Henry married his second wife, Mary "Mamie" HOPWOOD, on 29 September 1897 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. The ceremony was performed by Euclid B. ROGERS, Minister of the Gospel, and witnessed by S. L. (Sarah L.) CRONISTER and D. B. (David Bell) HORNBACK, his sister and future sister-in-law. In 1898, Mamie gave birth to Harry CRONISTER. The 1900 Salisbury, Menard County, Illinois Federal Census shows Mamie, Harry and Roy living in Henry's household along with one step-son. Mamie and Henry divorced in 1903.

Maggie Elizabeth ROBINSON was the daughter of William and Sarah (HORNBACK) ROBINSON, born in Petersburg, Menard County, IL on 23 February 1878. Maggie married S.C. EVERHART on 13 February 1897 in Sangamon County, Illinois. According to court documents filed in August of 1897, Samuel and Maggie had one son, William, approximately four months of age. Maggie filed a complaint stating Samuel had abandoned Maggie and their son refusing to support them even though he made good wages. Maggie claimed Samuel spent his money on himself and others forcing her live with her parents since he would not provide for them. Samuel refuted those statements claiming that he did his best to provide for Maggie and William while living at her mother’s house, but Maggie’s mother didn’t like Samuel coming to their house. Samuel suggested he and Maggie find a home of their own, but Maggie refused after taking the advice of her mother. The separation between Maggie and Samuel continued for over two years. The marriage between Maggie & Samuel was dissolved on 9 February 1901giving Maggie custody of William and forcing Samuel to pay support. On 31 May 1902, Maggie gave birth to Abel O. EVERHART.

A few years later Maggie met Henry CRONISTER. The couple was married on 17 June 1906 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. The ceremony was performed by Rufus A. FINNELL, Minister of the Gospel, and witnessed by Mrs. Erma REYNOLDS and Mr. Fred STEIL. Maggie gave birth to seven children in nine years while living in the Salisbury/Athens area: Lester, Helen, Francis, Nellie, Henry, Raymond & John. On the 1910 Federal Census for Salisbury, Sangamon County, IL, Maggie stated she has given birth to 4 children, but only 3 are living. At this point, it is assumed that William Henry EVERHART was the deceased child.

Henry worked as a farmer and a coal miner throughout most of his life. According to his daughter, Nellie CRONISTER SIMS, he was a good man and a wonderful father.

Henry and Maggie separated in May of 1929 following an incident on April 1st where Henry "drove her [Maggie] out of the house at night, and as a result of exposure, she was confined in the hospital, and on the first day of May he [Henry] cruelly mistreated her, and shut off all credit for her." In the Decree for Divorce, the Complainant, Maggie, claims that on a number of occasions Henry has "shoved, pushed and bruised complainant and drive her from home". However, it is duly noted "that the Defendant Henry Cronister have the Custody, charge and control of the three minor children, viz: Henry aged sixteen years, Ray aged Fourteen years, John aged twelve years, with the privilege given to the Complainant Maggie Cronister, of Visiting said children at all reasonable times."

In the 1930 U.S. Census, Henry lived with his three sons at 1921 S. 10 ½ Street in Springfield. Henry is working as a timberman at the coal mine. Maggie, who was once again going by her maiden name, was boarding in a house next door owned by S.C. Baid. Shortly thereafter, Henry married Ella PLUMMER. According to notes provided by John & Virginia CRONISTER, Henry’s marriage to Ella made for an unhappy situation between him and his sons. John no longer had a home once Henry and Ella were married. Henry died on 16 March 1932 while living in Springfield. Henry is buried in West Cemetery in Athens, IL next to his 1st wife, Emma SHEPHERD CRONISTER.

Maggie married her third husband, Cornelius “Neil” GROAT on 24 October 1931 in Sangamon County, IL. Interestingly, Neil was also listed as living in the home of his son-in-law, S.C. Baid, along with Maggie in the 1930 U.S. Census. Neil GROAT passed away on 9 December 1935 in Jacksonville, IL. Sometime after 1942, Maggie married for a fourth time to John RILEY, who died in April of 1957 in Springfield. Maggie died 21 November 1966 in Hammond, Lake County, Indiana. She was laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.
Sources for Henry Smith Cronister
1870 U.S. Census, Berkeley, West Virginia, population schedule, Mill Creek, p. 296B (stamped), sheet 20, dwelling 136, family 137, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication M593 roll 1684.
1880 U.S. Census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens, p. 164C (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 135, sheet 3-C, dwelling 22, family 25, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T9 roll 0236.
Illinois. Menard County Marriage Register, Illinois Regional Archives Depository System at University of Illinois in Springfield. Henry Cronister to Emma Shepherd, Vol. B, p. 58, License no. 5592.
Sangamon County, Illinois, Marriage Records, Henry S. Cronister & Mamie Hopwood, 29 September 1897; Sangamon County Clerk, Springfield.
1900 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Salisbury, p. 219B (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 121, sheet 1-B, dwelling 22, family 23, H.S. Chronister household, NARA microfilm publication T623 roll 344.
Sangamon County, Illinois, file: “Chancery General No. 18286,” Divorce Record of Henry & Mamie Cronister; Sangamon County Circuit Court Vault; Springfield.
Sangamon County, Illinois, Marriage Records, Henry S. Cronister & Maggie Robinson, 17 June 1906; Sangamon County Clerk, Springfield.
1910 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Salisbury, p. 107B-108A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 180, sheet 6-A, dwelling 27, family 27, Henry S. Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T624 roll 326.
1920 U.S. Census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens, p. 11B (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 93, sheet 4-B, dwelling 94, family 94, Henry Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T625 roll 393.
Sangamon County, Illinois, file: “Chancery General No. 52277,” Divorce Record of Henry & Maggie Cronister; Sangamon County Circuit Court Vault; Springfield.
1930 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Springfield, p. 160A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 84-48, sheet 2-A, dwelling 29, family 32, Henry Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T626 roll 559.
Sangamon County, Illinois, Sangamon County Death Certificates, 1932, Henry Cronister Certificate #11489, microfilm roll number unknown; Illinois State Archives, Springfield.
Henry Cronister Obituary, Illinois State Journal, Springfield, IL, 17 March 1932, p. 16.
West Cemetery (Athens, Illinois), Henry Cronister marker; photograph by Carla Leber.

Sources for Margaret Elizabeth Robinson
1880 U.S. Census, Adams County, Illinois, population schedule, Quincy, p. 371A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 22, sheet 41-A, dwelling 340, family 374, Wm. H. Robinson household, NARA microfilm publication T9 roll 0174.
Sangamon County, Illinois, Marriage Records, Henry S. Cronister & Maggie Robinson, 17 June 1906; Sangamon County Clerk, Springfield.
1910 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Salisbury, p. 107B-108A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 180, sheet 6-A, dwelling 27, family 27, Henry S. Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T624 roll 326.
1920 U.S. Census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens, p. 11B (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 93, sheet 4-B, dwelling 94, family 94, Henry Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T625 roll 393.
Sangamon County, Illinois, file: “Chancery General No. 52277,” Divorce Record of Henry & Maggie Cronister; Sangamon County Circuit Court Vault; Springfield.
1930 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Springfield, p. 160A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 84-48, sheet 2-A, dwelling 28, family 31, S.C. Baid household, NARA microfilm publication T626 roll 559.
Sangamon County, Illinois, Sangamon County Death Certificates, 1932, Henry Cronister Certificate #11489, microfilm roll number unknown; Illinois State Archives, Springfield.
Margaret Riley Obituary, State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, 22 November 1966, p. 4.
Margaret Riley Death Certificate, 21 November 1966; Privately held by Carla Leber, Tremont, Illinois, 2007.
Oak Ridge Cemetery Office (Springfield, Illinois) to Carla Leber, letter, date unknown, providing administrative record for Margaret Riley, Lot 39, Sec 5 R-A, Grave 29.

The Children of Henry Smith CRONISTER
Children of Henry Smith Cronister and Emma Shepherd were as follows:
i Roy Smith2 Cronister , born 22 Jul 1888 in Athens, Menard, Illinois; died 7 Jan 1969 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois. He married Rosa Anna Hinds , born in Salisbury, Sangamon, Illinois; died 8 Jun 1970 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois (Memorial Medical Center); buried in Roselawn Memorial Park, Springfield, Illinois. Notes: According to a transcription of Menard County birth records, Roy Smith Cronister was born 12/11/1888 in Athens to Henry S. Cronister and Sophrona Sheppard (Native American). Roy S. Cronister Birth Record 7/12/1888 Menard County, IL 1900 Federal Census: Marriage Record to Rosa Anna Hinds Birth record of children: Dorothy, LeRoy, Bernice, Elsie, Hazel, Opal 1910 Federal Census: Roy S. Cronister household, Salisbury, Sangamon, IL: ED 180, page 108A. Roy S. (head-21-M-IL-VA-IL), Rosa A. (wife-15-M-IL-IL-IL), Dorotha M. (dtr-1 2/12-S-IL-IL-IL). Roy is a farmer. Rosa has given birth to one child, one living. 1920 Federal Census: 1930 Federal Census: Death Record 1/7/1969 Obit of Roy S. Cronister: State Journal Register, 1/8/69, p30: "Roy S. Cronsiter: Roy S. Cronister, 80, of 319 N. 13th St., retired employe of Sangamo Electric after 35 years of service, died at 10:55 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Hospital. Mr. Cronister was born in Athens and was a member of the First Church of God and Modern Woodmen of America. Surviving are his wife, Rosa; one son, LeRoy; five daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Standage and Mrs. Bernice Haynes, both of Springfield, Mrs. Elsie Davis of Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Hazel Holford of Alamogordo, N.M., Mrs. Opel Westenberger of Westminster, Calif.; four half-brothers, Harry Cronister of Athens, Ray Cronister of Hammond, Ind., John Cronister of San Diego, Calif., and Henry Cronister of Springfield; three half-sisters, Mrs. Helen Gravitt and Mrs. Francis Bumgardner, both of Springfield, and Mrs. Nellie Sims of Arkansas; 26 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. Vancil Funeral Mansion, 815 N. 5th St., is in charge of arrangements." Sexton Records: Roselawn Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, IL: Death Record Obit of Rosa A. Cronsister, State Journal Register, June 9, 1970, p. 2, Springfield, IL: "Mrs. Rosa Cronister: Mrs. Rosa Anna Cronister, 78, of 319 N. 13th St., died at 7:20 a.m., Monday at Memorial Hospital. She was born at Salisbury and was a member of Church of God. Her husband, Roy S. Cronister, died Jan. 7, 1969. Surviving are one son, LeRoy of Springfield; five daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Standage and Mrs. Bernice Haynes, both of Springfield, Mrs. Elsie Davis of Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Hazel Holford of Alamogordo, N.M., and Mrs. Opal Westenberger of Westminster, Calif.; two brothers, Robert Hinds of Pawnee and Williams Hinds of Springfield; 26 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Vancil Funeral Mansion. Rev. Ruthven Neff will officiate and burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park." Sexton Records: Roselawn Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, IL:

Children of Henry Smith Cronister and Mamie E. Hopwood were as follows:
i Harry Cronister , born 24 Jun 1898 in Menard County, Illinois; died 17 Dec 1975 in Pleasant Plains, Illinois; buried in Hall Cemetery. He married on 4 Apr 1917 in Methodist E. Church, Athens, Menard County, Illinois Margaret Pittman , born 1898 in Menard County, Illinois; died 17 Jan 1968 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois; buried 20 Jan 1968 in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, IL. Notes: Harry Cronister Birth Record 6-24-1897, Athens, Menard, IL 1900 Federal Census: H. S. Cronister household 1910 Federal Census: William Trees household, Fancy Creek, Sangamon, IL, ED 168, Page 258B. (In HH with mother and step-father, not listed.) Harry Cronister (step-son-S-11-IL-Unk-IL). Marriage Record of Harry Cronister & Margaret Pitman: 4-4-1917, Athens, Menard County, IL: Harry Cronister, age 19, son of Henry & Mamie Hopwood Cronister; & Miss Margaret Pittman, age 18, daughter of Jack H. & Lillian Neff Pitman. Witnessed by William Hopwood and Villa (?) Hopwood. Miss Mamie Trees being duly sworn, deposes and says that she is the mother of the above named Harry Cronister and gives her consent to the marriage of said minor to said Margaret Pittman and affiant further says that said minor Harry Cronister was born on the 24th day of June A.D. 1897 at near Athens in the County of Menard and State of Illinois, and that said minor now resides at near Cantrall in said County of Sangamon, in the state of Illinois. Birth record of children: Donald D. (11/21/1919), Jessie (1922), Lula (8/24/18) Death record of Lula Cronister: Lula J. Cronister, dtr of Harry and Margaret Pitman Cronister, b. 8/24/1918, d. 12/24/1918, cause of death: influenza, Mott Funeral Home, Hopwood Cemetery. Illinois State Archives, Cert #3742. 1920 Federal Census: 1930 Federal Census: Harry Cronister household, Athens, Menard, IL, ED 65, page 7A. Harry (32-M-M-IL-IL-IL), Margaret H. (32-F-M-IL-KY-IL), Donald D. (10-M-S-IL-IL-IL), Jessie A. (7-F-S-IL-IL-IL). Harry is a farmer. 152 Sugar Point Road. (Lives down the road from his cousin, Waldo Hornback.) Obit of Margaret Cronister: Athens Free Press, 19 Jan 1968: "MRS. CRONISTER DIES AT HOSPITAL: Mrs. Margaret Cronister of rural Pleasant Plains died at St. John's Hospital at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, January 17, at the age of 69 years. Mrs. Cronister was born near Athens on May 20, 1898, a daughter of Zack & Lilian Neff Pittman. She was united in marriage with Harry Cronister on April 4, 1917. She was a member of the Athens Methodist Church. Surviving are her husband, Harry; one son, Donald, on Cantrall; one daughter, Miss Jessie Cronister, at home; one sister, Mrs. Ruth Hill of Peoria; and three grandchildren. The body was taken to the Mott and Son Funeral Home at Athens where friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Services will be held at the funeral home at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. Prosper Tournear officiating. Burial will be in Hall Cemetery, Athens." Death Record Obit of Harry Cronister, State Journal Register, 12/17/1975, p. 55, Springfield, IL: "Harry Cronister: Pleasant Plans - Harry Cronister, 77, of R.R. 2, Pleasant Plains, died at 6:45 a.m. at St. Johns Hospital Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Mott and Henning Funeral Home, Athens and burial will be in Hall Cemetery. Surviving are one son, Donald of R.R. 1, Cantrall; three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter." Sexton Records of Harry Cronister: Hall Cemetery, Athens, IL, buried with wife (Margaret), son (Donald), daughter (Jessie). Headstone reads: Donald (1919-2003), on reverse side: Jessie (1922-1973), Margaret (1898-1968), Harry (1898-1975). Death/Obit/Sexton records of Jessie Cronister: State Journal Register, 1-14-73, p51: "CRONISTER, MISS JESSIE - Of RR1, Pleasant Plains died 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 1973 at home, age 50. Survived by father, Harry, brother, Donald Cronister of Cantrall; two nephews, one niece. Remains are at Mott & Henning Funeral Home, Athens. No visitation. Private services there 10:30 a.m. Monday. Rev. Randall Wofford officiating. Burial in Hall Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Crippled Children's Fund." Death Record of Donald D. Cronister: Obit of Donald D. Cronister, State Journal Register, date and page unknown, Springfield, IL: "Donald D. Cronister: Cantrall - Donald D. Cronister, 83, of Cantrall died Thursday, April 3, 2003, at his home. He was born Nov. 21, 1919, in Athens, the son of Harry and Margaret Pitman Cronister. He married Carol Giberson in 1979 in Sherman. Mr. Cronister graduated from Athens High School in 1937. He was a lifetime farmer, retiring in 1984. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force, serving from 1942-46. He was a member and past president of the Athens School Board, president of Athens Park Board for several years, past commander of the American Legion, member of the Cantrall United Methodist Church and member and past president of the Cantrall United Methodist Church Men's Club. He also served on the Sangamon River Board and American Red Cross Board for Sangamon County for several years and the board for Culver Grain Coop for 15 years. Survivors: wife, Carol; a daughter, Barb (husband, Don) Lynn of Effingham; two sons, Rick Cronister of Cantrall and Dean (wife, Janice) Cronister of Burr Ridge; a step-son, Ray Giberson of Las Vegas; a stepdaughter, Robin (husband, Tim) Treseler of Petersburg; two grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Mott and Henning Funeral Home in Athens, the Rev. Gloria David and the Rev. Ken Gennicks officiating. Burial: Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens." State Journal Register, Sexton Records of Donald D. Cronister: Joel Hall Cemetery, Athens, IL Additional: "Cronister, Harry (Margaret) Cantrall Rt 28, twp Salisbury, Sec 24 T60a M. True (1898)." The Farmers' Review Farm Directory, Sangamon County, Illinois, p. 43.

The Children of Henry Smith and Margaret (ROBINSON) CRONISTER

Children of Henry Smith Cronister and Margaret Elizabeth Robinson were as follows:

i Serena Helen Myrtle2 Cronister , born 30 Mar 1907; died 15 Feb 1983 in Springfield, Sangamon County, IL; buried in Calvary Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. She married Harold Gravett , born 17 Mar 1904; died Jan 1972. Notes: Helen lived with George Kennedy for many years in her later years. Helen S. Cronister Gravett Birth Record 3/30/1907 Marriage Record Harold Gravett bef 3/16/1932 Birth record of children: June D. Gravett 1910 Federal Census: Henry S. Cronister household 1920 Federal Census: Henry Cronister household 1930 Federal Census: Marriage record of June D. to Unknown Mirabella Death/obit/sexton record of June D. Mirabella Death Record Feb. 15, 1983 Obit of Helen S. Gravett: State Journal Register, 2/17/83, p.23: "Helen S. Gravett: Mrs. Helen S. Gravett, 75, of 3153 S. MacArthur Blvd., died at 10:10 p.m. Tuesday at St. John's Hospital. She was born in Salisbury, the daughter of Henry and Margaret Robinson Cronister. Before her retirement she was a supervisor at the Kennedy Laundry. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Mirabella, and two brothers, Lester and Henry Cronister. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Frances Baumgardner of Springfield and Mrs. Nellie Sims of Harrison, Ark.; two brothers, Raymond "Bill" Cronister of Hamond, Ind., and John Cronister of San Diego, Calif.; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, with the Rev. John Bretz officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery." Sexton Records: Calvary Cemetery, Springfield, IL

ii Lester Norman2 Cronister , born 5 Nov 1909 in Salisbury, Sangamon, Illinois; died 26 Feb 1958 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard, Illinois. He married Viola Clouser , born in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. Notes: Obit mentions Roy Everhart as half-brother. Who is he? Lester Norman Cronister Birth Record 11/5/1909 Marriage Record Viola Clouser Birth record of children: Norman, Darlene, LeRoy (5/18/1930) 1910 Federal Census: Henry S. Cronister household 1920 Federal Census: Henry Cronister household Death record of LeRoy Cronister: LeRoy Cronister, infant son of Lester and Viola Clouser Cronister, b. 5-18-30, d. 5-18-30, cause of death: premature; funeral home: Ellinger Kunz; buried at Oak Ridge. 1530 E. Mason St. Signed by Lester Cronister. Copy from ISA. 1930 Federal Census: Lester Cronister in William W. Clouser household, Springfield, Sangamon, IL: ED 27, Page 12B: Lester (boarder-M-21-S-IL-IL-IL), also in HH is half-brother, Abel Everhart (boarder-M-28-S-IL-IL-IL), and possibly future wife, Violet Piercell, niece of William W. Clouser. 1530 Mason. Abel and Lester are both coal miners. Death Record Feb. 26, 1958 News article on death of Lester Cronister: ISJ, date unknown, page 36: "TV ANTENNA HITS POWER LINE, WORKER KILLED: Lester Cronister, 49, of 1729 E. Carpenter St., ws electrocuted at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday when a television antenna which he was helping to move came into contact with a 7200 volt power line. Cronister, who was pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital at 12 noon, was working with his brother, Raymond, also of 1729 E. Carpenter St., and his brother-in-law, Taylor Baumgardner, of 3030 Chatham Rd. The three were moving an antenna from one spot on the roof of a home at 2335 Ridgewood Ct. to another part of the house. Authorities said that although the accident occurred at 10:20 a.m., Cronister wasn't admitted to St. John's Hospital until 11:25. Officials said an unidentified person called the American Ambulance and also the Sangamon County sheriff's office stating that the tragedy occurred at 2335 Ridgely Ave. It took the ambulance driver and the sheriff's deputies about 45 minutes to get to the scene. Officials said the ambulance was also held up by a freight train for a few minutes at a railroad crossing at 15th St. and North Grand Ave. Coroner W. C. Telford said the men stated they leaned the antenna against a nearby tree for support and in doing so the antenna came in contact with a 7200 volt power line. The power line ran through the branches of the tree, Telford said. All three men were on the ground handling the support wires when Cronister and Baumgardner fell to the ground. Baumgardner, who received a burn to the right foot and a back injury, said he felt a shock and was able to let go of the wire. Mr. Cronister is survived by a son, Norman, in _(torn)____ Army; daughter, ___(torn)__; mother, Mrs. Margaret Riley, Springfield; three brothers, John, of San Diego, Calif.; Raymond and Henry Jr., both of Springfield; four half-brothers, Abel and Roy Everhart and Roy Cronister, all of Springfield; Harry Cronister, Athens; three sisters, Mrs. Nellie Sims, Arkansas; Mrs. Frances Baumgardner and Mrs. Helen Gravett, both of Springfield, and several grandchildren. The body is at the Vancil Funeral Home. Obit of Lester Norman Cronister: Illinois State Journal, 2-27-58, p32: "CRONISTER, LESTER NORMAN: Of 1729 E. Carpenter St. was dead on arrival at St. John's Hospital at 10:30 Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1958, age 49. Survived by son, Norman, U. S. Army, daughter, Mrs. Darlene Buckley, Springfield; mother, Mrs. Margaret Riley, Springfield; three brothers, John, San Diego, Calif.; Raymond and Henry Jr., both of Springfield; four half-brothers, Abel and Roy Everhart, and Roy Cronister, all of Springfield; Harry Cronister, Athens; three sisters, Mrs. Nellie Sims, Arkansas; Mrs. Francis Baumgardner and Mrs. Helen Gravett, both of Springfield; several grandchildren. Remains to Vancil Funeral Mansion. Announcements later." Sexton Records: West Cemetery, Athens, Menard, IL (pic included)

iii Frances Irene2 Cronister , born 23 Nov 1910 in Athens, Illinois; died 21 Jan 1990 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois (St. John's Hospital); buried 24 Jan 1990 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois. She married (1) Unknown Plummer ; (2) abt 1929, divorced William Bruce ; (3) on 8 Nov 1934 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois Taylor T. Baumgardner , died 12 May 1983, son of George Baumgardner and (---) Mellesa . Notes: Frances I. Baumgardner Mrs. Frances Irene Baumgardner, 79, of Springfield died at 9:10 a.m. Sunday at St. John's Hospital. Mrs. Baumgardner was born in Athens on Nov. 23, 1910, the daughter of Henry and Margaret Hornback Cronister. She married Taylor T. Baumgardner in 1934 and he died in 1983. She was a member of Third Presbyterian Church. A resident of Springfield most of her life, she was employed for 35 years by Sangamo Weston. Preceding her in death were one daughter, Dorothy Yustus; four brothers, Hank, Les and William Cronister and Abel Everhart; and one sister, Helen Gravett. Surviving are one son, William Bruce Sr.; two daughters, Betty Claycomb of St. Peter and Esther Badger of Chico, Calif.; one brother, John Cronister of Las Vegas, Nev.; one sister, Nellie Sims of Springfield, Ark.; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Vancil Memorial Funeral Chapel, with Dr. Robert Langworthy officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery. MARRIAGE: Frances and Taylor Thomas Baumgardner were married Nov. 8, 1934 at Hope Evangelical Church in Springfield, IL according to a family worksheet she filled out for Uncle Hank.

iv Nellie2 Cronister , born 20 Nov 1912 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois; died 14 Jan 2005 in Fayetteville, Washington County, Arkansas; buried in Maple Wood Cemetery, Harrison, Boone County, Arkansas. She married (1) Unknown Poe ; (2) on 5 Jul 1936 in Modesto, IL James Warren Sims , born 4 Dec 1893 in Macoupin County, Illinois; died 4 Oct 1986 in Harrison, Boone County, Arkansas; buried in Maple Wood Cemetery, Harrison, Boone County, Arkansas. Notes: Nellie never had any kids. According to Dorothy Cronister, Nellie and Warren adopted a daughter, Gerri. MARRIAGE: No children were born of this marriage.

v Henry Cronister , born 2 Dec 1913 in Salisbury, Sangamon County, Illinois; died 30 Jul 1978 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois (Memorial Medical Center); buried in Roselawn Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. He married on 2 Jun 1934 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois (Evangelical Church by A.R. Buckrop), divorced 9 Jan 1959 in Sangamon County, Illinois Gladys Ellen Moore , born 13 Dec 1913 in Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa; died 21 May 1983 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois (Memorial Medical Center); buried 24 May 1983 in Roselawn Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, daughter of William Moses Moore and Eva Edna Liggett .

vi Raymond Spear2 Cronister , born 25 Mar 1915 in Salisbury, Sangamon, Illinois; died 12 Oct 1986 in Hammond, Lake County, Indiana; buried in Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. He married on 27 Sep 1938 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois Loretta May LeFever , daughter of Chester LaFever and Carrie Bell Cundiff . Notes: MARRIAGE: Raymond and Loretta had 5-6 kids.

vii John Elmer2 Cronister , born 22 Aug 1916 in Athens, Menard, Illinois; died 6 Nov 2002 in California. He married on 10 Jul 1936 in Springfield, Illinois Virginia Grace Stebenne , born 13 Jan 1917 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois; died 11 Mar 2002 in Las Vegas, Clark, Nevada. Notes: MARRIAGE: Moved to CA in 1955.

The Story of William and Sarah (HORNBACK) ROBINSON

WILLIAM H. ROBINSON , born abt 1851 in Missouri. He married on 11 Sep 1871 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois, the marriage ended before 23 Mar 1882 SARAH ANN HORNBACK , born 3 Apr 1854 in Illinois; died 18 Feb 1911 in Salisbury, Sangamon County, IL; buried 18 Feb 1911 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois, daughter of HIRAM HORNBACK and ELIZABETH J. SULLIVAN .

William H. ROBINSON was born about 1851 in Missouri. The name of his parents is not confirmed at this time. Further research is required. William ROBINSON married Sarah HORNBACK on 11 September 1871 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois. Sarah HORNBACK was born 3 April 1954 in Illinois, the daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth (SULLIVAN) HORNBACK.

William and Sarah’s oldest daughter, Rosetta Elizabeth, was born 23 March 1873 in Petersburg. Another daughter, Margaret Elizabeth, was born 23 February 1878 also in Petersburg. By 1880, the family had moved to Quincy, Adams County, Illinois where William was working as a fisherman at the time of the 1880 Federal Census. It was interesting to note that neither William nor Sarah could read or write according to the information provided on the census.

A third daughter, Emma, was born to Sarah & William about 1882.After the 1880 Federal Census, no further information can be found on William. It is unclear whether he died or the couple divorced. Sarah re-married to an English immigrant, John H. STONHAM, on 23 March 1882 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. Sarah & John had four children together: Angie (1884), Charles (1885), Myrtle (1888) and George (1891).

Not a lot of information is known about Sarah HORNBACK ROBINSON STONHAM, but she was probably a strong domineering woman. According to court documents filed in August of 1897 between Maggie ROBINSON & Samuel EVERHART, Maggie filed a complaint stating Samuel had abandoned Maggie and their son refusing to support them even though he made good wages. Maggie claimed Samuel spent his money on himself and others forcing her live with her parents since he would not provide for them. Samuel refuted those statements claiming that he did his best to provide for Maggie and William while living at her mother’s house, but Maggie’s mother didn’t like Samuel coming to their house. Samuel suggested he and Maggie find a home of their own, but Maggie refused after taking the advice of her mother.

John STONHAM died sometime before 1910. In the 1910 Federal Census, a widowed Sarah STONHAM is the head of household with her sons, Charles & George, as well as her grandson, Abel Everhart, living with her. Sarah took ill and moved in with her daughter, Maggie ROBINSON CRONISTER, in late 1910. She was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Sarah passed away on 18 February 1911 at the age of 52. Sarah was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Block 1-21, Section 1, Range D, Grave 9. The grave is unmarked.

Sarah & William’s oldest daughter, Rosetta, married John CAWLEY around 1900. Rosetta & John had five children: Robert, Clifford, Alice, Herman and Grover. Rosetta died in 1942 and is buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Emma ROBINSON married Samuel REYNOLDS in 1897. Sam worked for the railroad and re-located the family to Iowa, Indiana and New York. Emma had at least two sons: Samuel Melvin and Clarence. No further information is available at this time.

Angie and Myrtle STONHAM married STEIL brothers: Fred & Frank. It is unknown at this time if Fred & Angie had children. Myrtle & Frank had at least one daughter, Mildred Aileen.

George STONHAM served in World War I from 1918-1919 serving with Co. A, 21st Infantry, at Camp Kearney, California. When George died in 1936, he was survived by his wife, Ruth, and daughters: Mildred and Georgia.

Charles STONHAM did not marry. He died in 1925 in Springfield. Charles was buried with his mother at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Sources for William H. Robinson
Menard County, Illinois, Marriage Records, William H. Robinson & Sarah Hornback, 11 September 1871; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
1880 U.S. census, Adams County, Illinois, population schedule, Quincy, P. 371A (stamped), sheet 41-A (penned), dwelling 340, family 374, Wm. H. Robinson household, NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 174.

Sources for Sarah Hornback
1860 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Township 17 Range 6, P. 4-5 (penned), dwelling 29, family 29, Simon Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication M653, roll 205.
1870 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Township 17 Range 6, P. 35B (stamped), sheet 18 (penned), dwelling 129, family 128, Hiram Hornback household, NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 260.
Menard County, Illinois, Marriage Records, William H. Robinson & Sarah Hornback, 11 September 1871; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.
1880 U.S. census, Adams County, Illinois, population schedule, Quincy, P. 371A (stamped), sheet 41-A (penned), dwelling 340, family 374, Wm. H. Robinson household, NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 174.
Marriage record John Stonham, 3/23/1882, Springfield, Sangamon County, IL, Marriage Application #9811, UIS IRAD.
Illinois. Sangamon County Marriage Register, Illinois Regional Archives Depository System at University of Illinois in Springfield. John H. Stoneham to Sarah M. Robinson, 23 March 1882, Vol. 5, p. 388, Marriage Application #9811.
1900 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Woodside Township, p. 295A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 126, sheet 1-A, dwelling 9, family 10, John Stonham household, NARA microfilm publication T623 roll 344.
1910 U.S. Census, Sangamon County, Illinois, population schedule, Capital Township, p. 217B (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 152, sheet 17-B, dwelling 308, family 325, S. M. Stonham household, NARA microfilm publication T624 roll 401.
Sarah Stonham Obituary, Illinois State Journal, Springfield, IL, Dated 20 February 1911, p. 7.
Oak Ridge Cemetery Office (Springfield, Illinois) to Carla Leber, letter, providing administrative record for Sarah Stonham, Block 21, Sec 1, Range D, Grave 9.

The Children of William H. and Sarah Ann (HORNBACK) ROBINSON
Children of William H. Robinson and Sarah Ann Hornback were as follows:

i Rosetta Elizabeth Robinson , born abt 1873, born 23 Mar 1873 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois; died 12 Jun 1942 in Springfield, Sangamon County, IL; buried 15 Jun 1942 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois. She married abt 1900 John Cawley , born 1875; died 23 Oct 1957 in Springfield, Sangamon County, IL; buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois. Notes: Roseta Robinson Birth Record 1880 Federal Census: Wm. H. Robinson household 1900 Federal Census: Birth record of children: Robert, Clifford(11/4/1903), Grover (12/28/7), Alice (1904), Herman Franklin (abt Jan. 1906) Obit of Herman Franklin Cawley: Illinois State Journal, 8-16-6, p. 6, Springfield, IL: "Cawley - Died, at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, August 15, 1906, at the residence of his parents, 1304 East Cedar street, Mr. And Mrs. John Cawley, jr., Herman Franklin Cawley, aged 7 months. The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning at St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral. The interment will be made in Oak Ridge cemetery. The decedent is survived by his parents, two brothers and one sister." 1910 Federal Census: Marriage Record John Cawley (bef 2/20/1911) 1920 Federal Census: 1930 Federal Census: Obit of John Clifford Cawley: Illinois State Journal, 1/15/32 p. 18, Springfield, IL: "CAWLEY, JOHN CLIFFORD Of 1611 George Avenue died at 9:45 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, 1932, at St. John's hospital, age 4 months. Survived by parents, Mr. And Mrs. Clifford Cawley; one sister, Ana Verne; grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. John Cawley and Mr. And Mrs. Frank Philips. Remains to Bisch & Son funeral home. Funeral notice later." Death Record 6/12/1942, Spfld, Sangamon Cty, IL Obit Illinois State Journal, date and page unknown, Springfield, IL: "Rosetta Cawley Taken By Death: Mrs. Rosetta Elizabeth Cawley, 1611 Georgia avenue, resident of Springfield sixty-six years, died at 3:42 p.m. yesterday at St. John's hospital. She had been an invalid for the last ten years. Mrs. Cawley was born in Petersburg March 23, 1873. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church. Surviving are her husband, John H. Cawley; three sons, Robert and Clifford, both of city; and Grover, of Peoria; a daughter, Mrs. Alice Armour, Peoria; three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Groat, Mrs. Frank Steil and Mrs. Fred Steil, all of city; nine grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Remains were taken to Bisch Memorial Home." Sexton Records: Obit of Alice Armour: 1963, ?Peoria, IL Obit of Clifford Cawley: 12-81 Spfld Obit of Grover H. Cawley: Journal Star, 10-8-1990, P. C-8, Peoria, IL: "Grover Cawley: Grover Harold Cawley, 82, formerly of 2805 W. Nevada, died at 6:10 a.m. Sunday (Oct. 7, 1990) at Sharon Oaks Nursing Home, where he has been a resident for the past year and a half. Born Dec. 28, 1907, in Springfield to John and Rosetta Cawley, he married Anna Farris on Aug. 18, 1951, in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Shirley Harken of Bartonville; two stepdaughters, Arlene Maile of Bartonville and Shirley Chambers of Moreno Valley, Calif.; one step son Charles Pendergrass of Lombard; three grandsons; eight stepgrandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Rosetta Harms, one sister, two brothers and two grandchildren. He worked for many years as a laborer for the city of Peoria before retiring in 1968. He was a member of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Springfield, Masonic Temple Lodge and the Peoria Boat Club. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, with the Rev. Paul Tolo officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel, with Masonic services at 8. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice or to Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children." Obit of Robert Cawley: 1966, Spfld

5 ii Margaret Elizabeth Robinson , born 23 Feb 1878 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois; died 21 Nov 1966 in St. Margaret Hospital, Hammond, Lake County, Indiana; buried 25 Nov 1966 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. She married (1) on 13 Feb 1897 in Sangamon County, Illinois, divorced 9 Jan 1901 in Sangamon County, Illinois Samuel C. Everhart ; (2) on 17 Jun 1906 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, divorced 9 Dec 1929 in Sangamon County, Illinois Henry Smith Cronister , born 22 Mar 1865 in now Darkesville, Berkeley County, West Virginia; died 16 Mar 1932 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois; buried 18 Mar 1932 in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois, son of Cornelius Cronister and Sarah M. Strumbal ; (3) aft 24 Oct 1931 John Riley , born abt 1878; died Apr 1957 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois; (4) on 24 Oct 1931 in Sangamon County, Illinois Cornelius Groat .

iii Emma F. Robinson , born abt 1882. She married on 30 Apr 1897 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois Samuel Reynolds . Notes: Emma F. Robinson Reynolds Birth Record abt 1882 Marriage Record REYNOLDS, SAMUEL M ROBINSON, EMMA F 4/30/1897 007/0158 SANGAMON Birth Record of children: Clarence, Samuel Melvin 1900 Federal Census: 1910 Federal Census: 1920 Federal Census: Samuel Reynolds household, Marshall Township, Logan, Iowa, ED 157, page 12A: Samuel (head-41-M-IL-IL-IL), Emma (wife-39-M-IL-IL-IL), Clarence (son-11-S-IL-IL-IL), Melvin (son-15-S-IL-IL-IL), Leonard (ftr-74-W-IL-US-US). Samuel is a foreman at the RR. Leonard is a laborer at the RR. 1930 Federal Census: Samuel Reynolds household, Bedford, Lawrence, IN, ED 16, page 7B: Samuel (head-51-M-IL-US-US), Emma (wife-48-M-IL-Eng-IL), Samuel Jr. (son-26-S-IL-IL-IL). Samuel 1st married at 20, Emma at 16. Samuel is a foreman at the RR and Sam Jr. does track work at the RR.

The Story of Cornelius and Sarah (STUNKARD) CRONISTER

CORNELIUS CRONISTER born 4 Nov 1817 in Fulton County, Pennsylvania; died 2 Oct 1882 in Athens, Menard, Illinois; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois, son of (---) Mary. He married abt 1849 SARAH M. STUNKARD, born 16 Dec 1827 in Pennsylvania; died 16 Mar 1905 in Salisbury, Sangamon, Illinois; buried 19 Mar 1905 in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, Illinois; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois, daughter of (---) unknown and (---) unknown.

Cornelius Cronister was born 4 April 1817 in Pennsylvania. According to the Menard County Register of Deaths, he was born in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, but a majority of the Cronister family actually comes from Adams County, PA. Cornelius' parents are unproven at this point even though another Chronister family historian claims Cornelius is the son of Jacob Chronister from Adams County, PA.

Cornelius married Sarah STUNKARD about 1849. Sarah’s surname is listed as Dunkard on her daughter’s death certificate, Spankard on her son’s death certificate, Strumbal on another son’s death certificate and Stunkard on her son’s marriage certificate. I’ve recently been contacted by STUNKARD family researcher Mary Gracey, but that information needs to be confirmed. According to census records and her death certificate, Sarah was born in Pennsylvania on 16 December 1827.

In 1850, Cornelius Chronister lived in Reading, Adams County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Sarah, mother, Mary Ann, and sister and brother, Matilda and Smith. Sarah gave birth to their first child, James, in 1851 followed by Annie (b. 1856) and Serena (b. 1859). By 1860, Cornelius and family had moved south to Gerardstown, Berkeley County, Virginia. Cornelius' son, Henry Smith Cronister, was born on 22 March 1865 in Bucklestown, Berkeley County, Virginia. During the Civil War, Berkeley County, still a part of Virginia, experienced conflict and much destruction, as did other areas, and families became divided. After November 1863, Berkeley County became part of the newly formed state of West Virginia. The family lived in the area throughout the war and must have experienced some very difficult times. Sarah CRONISTER gave birth to another daughter, Sarah Lillie, on 5 November 1868 in West Virginia. Cornelius moved his family to Mill Creek, Berkeley County, West Virginia by 1870.

Around 1873, Cornelius and family moved to Athens, Menard County, Illinois where Cornelius again began farming. Sarah CRONISTER joined Indian Point Presbyterian Church in Athens on 7 February 1874.

Their oldest daughter, Annie CRONISTER, died 4 July 1879 in Menard County of consumption at the age of 23. A little over a year later on 9 September 1880, Serena married William CLARK in Menard County. Unfortunately, Cornelius did not live long to enough to see any of his grandchildren. He died 2 October 1882 in Menard County, Illinois after three month of illness. He is buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois. Soon after their wedding, Serena discovered she was pregnant with their first child, but William died before their daughter was even born. William CLARK died 24 May 1881 in Menard County and is buried at West Cemetery, Athens. Their daughter, Willana, was born a month later on 24 June 1881 in Menard County.

As with many families, good times are often intertwined with the not so good times. Henry Smith CRONISTER married his first wife in 1887. William CRONISTER married Jennie GAMBRILL in Menard County on 13 February 1889. William and Jennie had two children together: Homer (November 1889) and Anna (May 1893). In 1896, James CRONISTER passed away in Menard County. He is buried with his sister, Anna, at West Cemetery, Athens. William’s wife, Jennie, passed away in 1897. She is buried in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Illinois. In 1898, Sarah Lillie CRONISTER married David Bell HORNBACK.

According to the 1900 U.S. Census, the family matriarch, Sarah, lived with son, James, and his two children, Homer and Anna, as well as her daughter, Serena, and granddaughter, Willana, in Athens. Sarah & David HORNBACK also lived in Athens with his parents while Henry CRONISTER lived in Salisbury, Illinois.

Serena CRONISTER CLARK died 2 August 1901. No further information regarding Serena’s death or final resting place have been found at this time. Sarah CRONISTER died at the home of her son, Henry’s, home on 16 March 1905 in Salisbury, Illinois. At the time of her death, Sarah possessed real estate valuing $400 and personal property estimated at $500. Heirs of Sarah’s property were listed in her will as Henry S. CRONISTER of Salisbury, James C. CRONISTER, Sarah CRONISTER HORNBACK, and Willana CLARK all of Athens. Sarah is buried with her husband, Cornelius, in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, Illinois.

In May of 1910, James CRONISTER and his daughter, Anna, lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Sarah & David HORNBACK, and their two sons, Waldo and John in Athens. Unfortunately, James’ son, Homer, was in the county jail in Little Rock, Arkansas. A few months later on 26 August 1910, James died of typhoid fever in Athens. Following James’ death, David applied for guardianship of Anna. Documents also show David made sure James’ children received the life insurance money they were due, $1000 each, upon their coming of age. James is buried in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Illinois next to his wife, Jennie GAMBRILL CRONISTER.

Sarah and David HORNBACK continued living in Athens where David made his living as a farmer. David died on 31 October 1928 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. With the passing of her brother, Henry Smith CRONISTER, in 1932, Sarah was the last living child of Cornelius and Sarah, passing away in 1958 at the age of 89. She is buried with her husband, her sons, Waldo (1900-1982) and John (1906-1971) and John’s wife, Mary (1912-1986), in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, Illinois.

Sources for Cornelius Cronister
1850 U.S. census, Adams County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Reading Township, P. 221A (stamped), dwelling 1, family 1, Cornelius Chronister household, NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 743.
1860 U.S. census, Adams County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Reading Township, P. 220A (stamped), dwelling 1551, family 1610, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication M653, roll 1335.
1870 U.S. census, Berkeley County, West Virginia, population schedule, Mill Creek Township, P. 296B-297A (stamped), sheet 20-21 (penned), dwelling 136, family 137, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 1684.
1880 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens, P. 164C (stamped), sheet 3-C (penned), dwelling 22, family 23, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 236.
Illinois. Menard County Register of Deaths, Illinois Regional Archives Depository System at University of Illinois in Springfield. Cornelius Cronister, Date reported 7 October 1882, Volume unknown, Record 478.

Sources for Sarah M. Stunkard
1850 U.S. census, Adams County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Reading Township, P. 221A (stamped), dwelling 1, family 1, Cornelius Chronister household, NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 743.
1860 U.S. census, Adams County, Pennsylvania, population schedule, Reading Township, P. 220A (stamped), dwelling 1551, family 1610, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication M653, roll 1335.
1870 U.S. census, Berkeley County, West Virginia, population schedule, Mill Creek Township, P. 296B-297A (stamped), sheet 20-21 (penned), dwelling 136, family 137, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 1684.
1880 U.S. census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens, P. 164C (stamped), sheet 3-C (penned), dwelling 22, family 23, Cornelius Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 236.
Bertha Emmett, Indian Point Presbyterian Church Membership List (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilmaga/menard/indpt_church.html : accessed 17 January 2009), “Sarah N. Cronister.”
1900 U.S. Census, Menard County, Illinois, population schedule, Athens, p. 142A (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 70, sheet 4-A, dwelling 62, family 65, James C. Cronister household, NARA microfilm publication T623 roll 329.
Sarah Cronister Obituary, Petersburg Observer, Petersburg, Illinois, 25 March 1905, page unknown.
Sangamon County, Illinois, Death Records, Sarah Cronister, 16 March 1905; Sangamon County Clerk, Springfield.
Menard County, Illinois, Estate Records, Sarah M. Cronister, Box 494; Menard County Clerk, Petersburg.

The Children of Cornelius and Sarah (STUNKARD) CRONISTER
Children of Cornelius Cronister and Sarah M. Stunkard were as follows:

i James C. Cronister, born 16 Sep 1851 in Pennsylvania; died 26 Aug 1910 in Athens, Menard, Illinois; buried in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Menard, IL. He married on 13 Feb 1889 in Menard County, Illinois Jennie Gambrill, born 1870 in Illinois; died 1897; buried in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Menard, IL. Notes: James C. Cronister Birth Record Sept 16, 1851 PA (actual date calculated from death data) 1860 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household 1870 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household According to the 5/3/1879 Petersburg Observer, James C. Cronister was moving into the Jonathan Hedricks house. 1880 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household Marriage record GAMBRILL, JENNIE 02/13/1889 B/66 5760 MENARD Birth record of Children: Homer (11/1889), Anna (5/1893) Death record of Jennie Cronister 1897 (picture of headstone at Hall Cemetery, Athens, IL), headstone reads: 1870-1897 1900 Federal Census: James C. Cronister household, Athens, Menard, IL: ED 70, Page 142A. James C. (head-Sept 1851-49-Wd-PA-PA-PA), Homer (son-Nov 1889-10-S-IL-PA-IL), Anna M. (dtr-May 1893-7-S-IL-PA-IL), Sarah M. (mother-Dec 1827-72-Wd-PA-IRE-PA), Sarina Clark (sis-May 1859-41-WV-PA-PA), Willana (niece-June 1881-18-S-IL-IL-WV). Sarah has given birth to 6 children, 4 still living. Sarina has given birth to 1 child, 1 living. James is a farmer. Homer is attending school. Mill Street. 1910 Federal Census: David B. Hornback household, Athens, Menard, IL: ED 77, Page 170A. David B. Hornback (Head, 48, M, IL, KY, VT), Sarah L. (wife, 44, M, VA, PA, PA), Waldo E. (son, 10, S, IL, IL, VA), John W. (son, 4, IL, IL, VA), James Cronister (BIL, 56, Wd, VA, PA, PA), Anna M. (niece, S, 16, IL, IL, IL). David worked as farmer. James was a manager at the brick yard. 1910 Federal Census: Homer Cronister in Pulaski County Jail, AR, Little Rock, Pulaski, AR, ED 127, page 131B: Homer Cronister (20-M-S-IL-PA-MN). Death Record of James C. Cronister 8/26/1910, Athens, Menard County, IL, brickmaker for many years, laborer on farm from 1907-1910; 1873 came to IL; Hall Cemetery, Mott Funeral Home, parents: Cornelius Cronister (PA) and Sarah Spankard; typhoid fever; 58 years, 11 months, 10 days; signed by Mrs. Bell Hornback. Guardianship of Homer B. & Anna May Cronister: Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL: Box 494, "Petition of D.B. Hornback in the matter of the Estate of James C. Cronister deceased, for letters of Guardianship. To the Hon. Geo. B. Watkins Judge of the CountyC ourt of Menard County. The Petition of the undersigned D. B. Hornback respectfully represents that Homer B. Cronister is a minor age 20 years on the 29th day of November AD 1909; that Anna May Cronister is a minor aged 17 years on the 29th day of May AD 1910; that said minors are residents of this County; that they have no father living or other legal guardian residing in this State; that said minors are entitle to insurance on the life of their deceased father in the sum of $2000.00 and that your petitioner is uncle of and desires himself to be appointed guardian of said minor. Dated Sept. 13, 1910, signed D. B. Hornback." The file also showed appropriate documents to show that Homer and Anna May were each paid $1000. Anna on her 18th birthday. Obit Sexton Records: Hall Cemetery, Athens, IL (picture of headstone), headstone reads: 185?-1910 1920 Federal Census: Homer Cronister household, Capital Township, Sangamon County, IL, ED 124, Page 6A: Homer (head-M-30-M-IL-WV-WV), Martha (wife-F-27-M-IL-Eng-Eng), Evelyn (dtr-F-7-S-IL-IL-IL), Thelma (dtr-F-11/12-S-IL-IL-IL). Homer does drill work for a meter factory. 1930 Federal Census: Homer Cronister household, Oakland, Alameda County, IL, ED 175, Page 3a: Homer (head-M-40-M-IL-PA-IL), Martha (wife-F-37-M-IL-Eng-Eng), Evelyn (dtr-F-17-S-IL-IL-IL), Thelma (dtr-F-11-S-IL-IL-IL). Homer is a machinist for the RR. 226 13th Ave. Obit/Death/Sexton of Homer Cronister: d. June 19, 1963, CA (SSI) Obit/Death/Sexton of Martha Cronister: d. July 19, 1973, Castro Valley, Alameda, CA (SSI)

ii Anna M. Cronister, born 16 Sep 1855 in Pennsylvania; died 4 Jul 1879 in Athens, Menard, Illinois; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard, Illinois.

iii Serena Cronister, born May 1859 in Virginia; died 2 Aug 1901 in Athens, Menard County, Illinois. She married on 9 Sep 1880 in Menard County, Illinois William A. Clark, born abt 1858 in Illinois; died 24 May 1881; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, Illinois. Notes: Serena Cronister Clark Birth Record May 1859 VA 1860 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household 1870 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household 1880 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household Marriage record CLARK, WILLIAM A 09/09/1880 B/ 35 4752 MENARD Death Record of William Clark 5/24/1881 #360, Undertaker: Mott (buried with M.D. Clark - possibly brother Marcus DeLafayette Clark, who died 12/5/1882 in Menard County, IL) Obit of William A. Clark Sexton Record of Wm. A. Clark: West Cemetery, Athens, IL Birth record of Willana Clark (6/21/1881 Menard County, Cert 934) 1900 Federal Census: James C. Cronister household, Athens, Menard, IL: ED 70, Page 142A. James C. (head-Sept 1851-49-Wd-PA-PA-PA), Homer (son-Nov 1889-10-S-IL-PA-IL), Anna M. (dtr-May 1893-7-S-IL-PA-IL), Sarah M. (mother-Dec 1827-72-Wd-PA-IRE-PA), Sarina Clark (sis-May 1859-41-WV-PA-PA), Willana (niece-June 1881-18-S-IL-IL-WV). Sarah has given birth to 6 children, 4 still living. Sarina has given birth to 1 child, 1 living. James is a farmer. Homer is attending school. Mill Street. Estate Record of Serena Clark: Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL: Box 494, File of Serena Clark: Daughter Willanna J. Clark is appointed administratix of the estate of Serena (Rena) Clark, who died August 2, 1901. The estate consisted of "an undivided one-half interest in Lot three (3) in Block Two (2) in A. Halls addition to the village, now city of Athens, Illinos". Obit Sexton Records: Marriage record of Willanna Clark: NOV 25 1908 8157 BARNES, WILLIAM Birth record of children: William (abt Jan 1913), Serena, Mary, Billie, Wanda 1910 Federal Census: William Barnes household, Athens, Menard, IL: ED 78, page 175B: William M. (head-26-M-ENG-ENG-ENG), Willanna J. (wife-21-M-IL-IL-VA). Married 2 years, 0 children born, 0 living. William is a coal miner and came to America in 1886. Obit of William Henderson Barnes: Illinois State Journal, Sept. 13, 1913, p. 10: "BARNES - Died at ? o'clock, Friday afternoon, Sept. 12, 1913, at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Barnes, 11124 North Grance avenue, west, William Henderson Barnes, aged 9 months. The remains will be forwarded at 11 o'clock tomorrow forenoon over the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis railroad to Athens, where funeral services will be held and interment made in the Athens cemetery. Decedent is survived by his parents." 1920 Federal Census: William Barnes household, Athens, Menard, IL: ED 93, Page 1a: William (head-35-M-Eng-Eng-Eng), Williana (wife-28-M-IL-IL-VA), Serena (dtr-8-S-IL-ENG-IL), Mary (dtr-5-S-IL-ENG-IL), Billie Buck? (son-1 1/12-S-IL-ENG-IL), Henderson (ftr-68-W-ENG-IRE-ENG). William came to America in 1884, Henderson in 1883. Both naturalized in 1900. Both are coal miners. William owns land. Mill St. 1930 Federal Census: William Barnes household, Athens, Menard, IL: ED 1, Page 3a: William (head-49-M-Eng-Eng-Eng), Williana (wife-48-M-IL-IL-VA), Mary (dtr-16-S-IL-ENG-IL), William H. (son-11-S-IL-ENG-IL), Wanda J. (dtr-8-S-IL-ENG-IL). William is a coal miner. William owns land. Death Record of Willana Barnes: 9/17/1935 Obit of Willana Barnes: "BARNES, MRS. WILLIAM - Of Athens, died in Springfield hospital at 1:30 a.m. Sept. 17, 1935, aged 53. Survived by husband; three daughters, Mrs. Roy Richardson, Petersburg; Mary and Wanda, at home; one son, Billy. Funeral services at Mott & Son funeral home, Athens, 2 p.m. Thursday, Rev. Walter Harding officiating. Interment in West Cemetery." Illinois State Journal, 9-18-35, p. 16. Sexton Records: West Cemetery, Athens, IL (buried close to her father, Wm. A. Clark) Death Record of William Clark: 3/24/50 Obit of William Barnes: Illinois State Journal, 3/26/1950, p. 24: "Barnes, William: Of Athens, died at 11:45 p.m. Friday, March 24, 1950, at residence, age 68. Survived by three daughters, Mrs. Serena Richardson, of Havana; Mrs. Mary Hibbs, of city, and Mrs. Wanda Goans, of Petersburg;one son, Billie, of California; four brothers, James and John, both of city; Joe & Thomas, of California, and one sister, Mrs. Martha Cronister, of California. Remains to Mott & Son funeral home, Athens, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Rev. J. W. Armstrong officiating. Burial in West cemetery, Athens." Sexton Records: West Cemetery, Athens, IL Obit of Serena Richardson: State Journal Register, 4/19/1973, page 37: "Richardson, Mrs. Serena Elizabeth Barnes - Of Mendota, formerly of R.R. 1, Springfield, died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 1973, at Mendota Community Hospital, age ?2. Survived by two sons, I. Lawrence and Donald Ray Richardson, both of Springfield; one daughter, Mrs. James (Mary Jewoll) Register, Mendota; one brother, Billy Barnes, of California; two sisters, Mrs. Robert (Wanda) Goans, Petersburg; Mrs. Mary Hibbs, Standard City; give grandchildren. Remains are at Mott and Henning Funeral Home, Athens, where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Services there at 10 a.m. Friday. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery, Petersburg."; headstone reads: "Richardson Ray A. 1904-1972, Serena E. 1911-1973. Obit of Mary Hibbs: State Journal Register, 9/27/1981, page 55: "Mary Hibbs: Mrs. Mary Hibbs, 87, of Standard City died at 5:51 p.m. Friday at Memorial Medical Center. Born in Athens, Mrs. Hibbs was the daughter of the late William and Willanna Clark Barnes. She married Ellis Hibbs in 1941 and he died in 1973. A resident of Standard City for 25 years, she was also preceded in death by a sister, Serena Richardson, in 1973. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Robert W. (Wanda J.) Goans of Petersburg; one brother, Billie B. Barnes of Hayward, Calif.; several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Bisch Memorial Home, the Rev. Charles Lee officiating. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery." D. 9/25/1981 Obit of Wanda J. Goans: State Journal Register, 12/13/1997, page 18: "Wanda J. Goans: Wanda June Goans, 76, of Springfield, formerly of Petersburg, died Wednesday at St. John's hospital. She was born June 24, 1921, in Springfield, the daughter of William and Willama Clark Barnes. She married Robert W. Goans in1943, in Bossier City, La.; he preceded her in death in 1994. Mrs. Goans retired from the secretary of state's office where she worked as a clerk. Survivors: a daughter, Roberta June Goans of Springfield; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Billie Barnes of Hayward, Calif. Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Hurley Funeral Home, the Rev. Edward Maddox officiating. Burial: Oakland Cemetery, Petersburg."; Buried in second addition, plot 254 of Rose Hill Cemetery, Petersburg, Menard, IL; headstone reads: "Goans Richard W. 1918-1994, Wanda J. 1921-1994, married 10-31-1942". Buried next to Ronald E. Goans, 1951-1980.

iv William S. Cronister, born 31 Jul 1862 in Virginia; died 20 Aug 1896; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois. Notes: William S. Cronister Birth Record 7/31/1862 VA 1860 Federal Census: 1870 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household 1880 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household Indian Point Presbyterian Church, Athens, Menard, IL: William S. Cronister accepted into membership on 8/4/1896 (as transcribed by Menard County & found in Athens library) Probate records of William S. Cronister, Menard County Courthouse, Petersburg, IL: Box 410. No copies taken. Death Record 8/20/1896 Obit Sexton Records: West Cemetery

v Henry Smith Cronister, born 22 Mar 1865 in now Darkesville, Berkeley County, West Virginia; died 16 Mar 1932 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois; buried 18 Mar 1932 in West Cemetery, Athens, Illinois. He married (1) Ella Sutton; (2) on 23 Aug 1887 in Menard County, Illinois Emma Shepherd, born 10 Aug 1869; died 9 Apr 1892; buried in West Cemetery, Athens, Menard County, Illinois; (3) on 29 Sep 1897 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, divorced 15 Dec 1903 in Sangamon County, Illinois Mamie E. Hopwood, born Jan 1873 in Illinois, daughter of Marsden Hopwood and Caroline Jordan; (4) on 17 Jun 1906 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, divorced 9 Dec 1929 in Sangamon County, Illinois Margaret Elizabeth Robinson, born 23 Feb 1878 in Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois; died 21 Nov 1966 in St. Margaret Hospital, Hammond, Lake County, Indiana; buried 25 Nov 1966 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, daughter of William H. Robinson and Sarah Ann Hornback.

vi Sarah Lillie Cronister, born 5 Nov 1868 in West Virginia; died 24 Jan 1958 in Springfield, Sangamon County, IL; buried in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Menard, IL. She married on 4 May 1898 in Menard County, Illinois David Bell Hornback, born 9 Oct 1862 in Athens, Menard, Illinois; died 31 Oct 1928 in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois; buried 2 Nov 1928 in Hall Cemetery, Athens, Menard, IL, son of John W. Hornback and Sarah Hopkins. Notes: Sarah Lillie Cronister Hornback Birth Record 11/5/1868 WV 1870 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household 1880 Federal Census: Cornelius Cronister household Indian Point Presbyterian Church, Athens, Menard, IL: Sarah Cronister accepted into membership on 8/4/1896 (as transcribed by Menard County & found in Athens library) Marriage record to David B. Hornback 05/04/1898 B/ 127 6947 MENARD Birth record of Children: Waldo, John 1900 Federal Census: 1910 Federal Census: David B. Hornback household, Athens, Menard, IL: ED 77, Page 170A. David B. Hornback (Head, 48, M, IL, KY, VT), Sarah L. (wife, 44, M, VA, PA, PA), Waldo E. (son, 10, S, IL, IL, VA), John W. (son, 4, IL, IL, VA), James (BIL, 56, Wd, VA, PA, PA), Anna M. (niece, S, 16, IL, IL, IL). David worked as farmer. James was a manager at the brick yard. 1920 Federal Census: David B. Hornback household, T625-393, Athens, Menard Cty, IL, ED 92, Page 3B, family 59, dwelling 59: David B. Hornback (Head, 57, M, IL, KY, VT), Sarah L. (wife, 51, M, VA, PA, PA), Waldo E. (son, 19, S, IL, IL, VA), John W. (son, 16, IL, IL, VA). David worked as farmer. 1930 Federal Census: Waldo E. Hornback household, Athens, Menard, IL, ED 65, page 7A. Waldo E. (head, 30, IL, IL, WV), John W. (brother, 24, IL, IL, WV), Sarah L. (mother, 61, WV, PA, PA). 148 Sugar Point Rd. (Lives down the road from his cousin, Harry Cronister.) Death Record of Sarah Hornback: 1/24/1958, Springfield, Sangamon, IL: daughter of Cornelius & Sarah (Dunkard) Cronister; born 11/5/1868, WV; Hall Cemetery, Mott Funeral Home; bronchial pneumonia; signed Waldo Hornback Obit for Sarah Hornback: "HORNBACK, MRS. SARAH L. - Of R.R. 2 Athens, died at 11:10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 1958, at Memorial Hospital, age 89. Survived by two sons, Waldo, R.R., Athens; John, Roodhouse; several nieces and nephews. Remains to Mott & Son Funeral Home, Athens, where friends may call after 4 p.m. Saturday and where services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Rev. J. W. Armstrong officiating. Burial in Hall Cemetery." Illinois State Journal, 1-25-58, p. 14. Sexton Records: Hall Cemetery, Athens, Menard, IL, buried with husband (David Bell), sons (John & Waldo), and John's wife (Mary E.) Headstone reads: John W. (1906-1971, son), Mary E. (1912-1986, wife); on reverse side: Waldo E. (1900-1982, son), David Bell (1862-1928), Sarah L. (1868-1958). Death/Obit/Sexton for Waldo Hornback: "Waldo E. Hornback of R.R. 2, Athens died at 6:00 a.m. Monday, April 26 at his residence. He was 82 years old. Mr. Hornback was bor February 28, 1900 near Athens, the son of David Bell and Sarah Cronister Hornback. He farmed near Athens all of his life, and was a member of the Menard County Farm Bureau. Surviving is a sister-in-law, Mary Hornback of Athens. Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 28 at Mott and Henning Funeral Home in Athens with Rev. David Glahn officiating. Burial was in Hall Cemetery, Athens." Menard County Review, 4-30-1982 MARRIAGE: See http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~hornbeck/hsrc/whornbeck/fam04420.htm and verify