Pubb564c1.11 THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Vol.5 No.1 March 1987

FAMILY ORIGINS

We have started our newsletter each year with a similar article, as an introduction for the new members as well as a refresher for our more familiar followers.

Many families of the surname Custer, Kester, Caster, Custard and other similar variants share a common ancestral point, but this is not true in every case. In many cases, the family may be traced to Paulus and Gertrude Kuster who came with some of their children to Germantown, Pennsylvania between 1687 and 1691. But there were a number of other immigrants bearing the same or similar name, both before and after Paulus and Gertrude. And some families trace their origin to a name quite different. For example, in 1736, Hans Georg Gerster and his wife, Eve Gisin, arrived in Philadelphia aboard the ship Princess Augusta which had come from Cowes, Isle of Wight, England. Hans was born 1710 in Basel, Switzerland. Hans and Eve married in 1735, and after their arrival in this country, they had a family of eight. Although their surname was Gerster, it was soon pronounced Gaster or Garster in this country, and was corrupted into Caster or Castor. By 1762, Hans had become John George Castor, and more frequently, George Castor. Most of his descendants carry the surname Castor, although some are Caster. It is said that other Gerster families came to America in 1748, 1749, 1768, 1803, 1804 and 1805, and most of their descendants are today either Caster or Castor. And then there was John de Castorer who was born 1748 in New London, Connecticut. John married 1770 Anna Calkins, and they lived near Spencertown, New York from where John enlisted in 1776 for the Revolutionary War. After the war, they moved to Redfield, New York, and later to Ellisburg, New York. Their surname shortened to Caster, and their nine children were styled either Caster or Castor. It appears that most of these families came from Germanic states or from adjacent states, such as Holland or Switzerland. For the main part, they were German speaking. As we learn more about their towns of origin in Europe, we note a pattern of coming from along the Rhine River, or the Moselle River which joins the Rhine. Some of these German speaking people did not come directly to America, but came by way of England or some other intermediate point. In Colonial times, we find the Germanic surnames of Mister and Kaster as being rather common in the

page -1- Rhine Valley. Usually these names were spelled with a "K" but occasionally were recorded with a "C." The normal German spelling is with the K, and the C was probably introduced in church records by priests because of the Latin influence. German words and names do not begin with the letter. C, and when we find words and names in German that begin with a C, they are either words borrowed from another language, or have been affected by a foriegn influence. Of course, when these German immigrants came to America, their English speaking neighbors often influenced the spelling of the name to begin with a C, which was more normal for the English speaking people. Let us consider the family of Paulus and Gertrude KUster who came from Krefeld,'Germany between 1687 and 1691. They brought with them sons Arnold, Johannes and Hermanus, and perhaps a daughter Eva. The descendants of son Arnold used the surname Custer or Custard generally, although occasionally we find the use of the surname Kester. The descendants of Johannes used the surname Kester with great consistency. And Hermanus' descendants used the surname Custer consistently. Some of Arnold's descendants who were known as Custard for a few generations, transformed about 1800 to Castor or some variant of Castor. Such variants were Caster, Kaster or Kastor. In a few isolated cases a few decades later, there were a few changes of Custer to Caster or Castor -- these seem to have occured among the descendants of Arnold's son Nicholas. The family of Paul and Mary (Garver) Custer is one such case. Paul was born February 1778 in Bertie County, North Carolina, and later settled in Wayne County, Indiana. Paul and Mary had ten children, seven of whom remained Custers, and three of the boys became Casters, thus starting a new strain of Caster. All of these transformations seem strange and unexpected to us today, but we have good evidence to document many of these. Conrad Custer/Custard of Brock's Gap, Virginia was a son of Arnold Kuster. Several of Conrad's children are well authenticated, while the evidence of others is less certain. Some children used Custer, others Custard, and the youngest, Joseph, seems to have used Kester. Conrad's oldest son, Arnold, was killed by Indians (some question that he was killed by Indians), leaving a widow and some young children. The youngest two children were Noah and Arnold, and it is suspected strongly that this Noah is the Noah Castor who settled later in Ashland County, Ohio. And we suspect strongly that Arnold is the Arnold Castor who settled in Wayne County, Ohio (in a part that later became Holmes County). Conrad's son Isaac died 1780 in Kentucky, and left descendants that used the name Kaster or Kastor. Another son of Conrad was Benjamin who used the name Custard initially, but changed later to Castor. Sons John and George were known as Custard, and several suspected descendants of theirs used the name Caster or Castor (for example John Caster, Sr).

But there were many other immigrants in addition to Paulus and Gertrude. Note that we are featuring a companion article which details a chronological list of immigrants and notes the documentation. Hopefully, use of this list will lead us to more and better insights about the origins of these related names. For example, it is now becoming evident that KUster and KOster are probably the same name, KUster being the German form aid KOster being the Holland or Dutch form. Another way of stating this is that Mister is the Old High German form, and KOster is the Low German form. It is said that KUster and Mister are derived from the lower or lesser church offices, and is still applied today in Germany to designate the person who takes care of the sacristy and church valuables. Those of you who read the December 1986 issue of The News-Caster, page 72, remember the item about Laurens Janszoon KOster inventing movable type in the year 1440 -- so, the name goes back a long

page -2-

time. The surname Kaster in early European times was a noble name, being first recorded in the year 1148. Count Julius of the Kaster family is noted in 1231. There is a town in Germany called Julich, about twenty miles from the village of Kaster. These towns are close to Krefeld and Kaldenkirchen (see map on page 2 of the December 1984 News-Caster). It is also said that this noble family died out. So, subsequent generations of Kasters probably are not traceable to the family of nobility. However, it is interesting that the name Kaster seems to be .a distinct surname in Germany, but occurs in the same general area as many Kister and K8ster families. One wonders what commonality, if any, existed in the days of antiquity. The two dots over the letter "U" or "8" is called an umlaut, and is frequently found in German, but is foreign to our English language. The umlaut signifies a slightly different pronounciation. The umlaut "U" is similar to "ue" and ..umlaut ";5" is similar to "oe" --. in fact, in Germany, sometimes the "u" would give way to "ue" and "o" to "oe" and this accounts for the variants Kuester and Koester. When the newly arrived German immigrants pronounced umlaut U or umlaut O, their English neighbors often had difficulty. Sometimes, they simply did not know how to handle these foreign sounds. The results varied, and so we find new variants - Kister, Keister, Kiester, Keaster, Cyster, etc. It appears, in our present state of understanding, that the basic surnames coming from Europe were Mister (and its Dutch equivalent, KOster), Kaster, and Gerster. But read what Milo Custer (1) quotes from Heintze's "Die Deutschen Familiennamen" by Cascorbi, revised edition, Halle a. S 1933, page 315 -- and we find all sorts of derivative names, such as Kusterman, Kusterjans, Kustersteffen, Hessekuster, Guster, Kusterer, Kosterman, Altekoster, Lehmkoster, Kostering, and Kustner. These many other German names boggle the mind. Many families came to this country from Europe as Mister, Kaster, Gerster, or some variant of these. Most came from Germany or Switzerland; however, some have come from England, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Russia and other European countries. It is probable, however, that they originally came from Germany or Switzerland.

(1) Milo Custer Custer Genealogies (1944), page XXX

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

IMMIGRANT LIST -- THROUGH 1750

We have compiled a list of immigrants with sources noted, and a brief abstract of the information known. Most of these have come from the comprehensive work Passenger & Immigration Lists by P William Filby with Mary K Meyer. To the best of our ability, these are listed chronologically. Please let us know if you can add to this list. In the next issue, we will continue the list from 1751 through 1800. John Costard arrived 1623 or earlier in Virginia Ship Passenger Lists: The South (1538-1825) Carl Boyer, ed (1979), p 39 -- lived "at Mr Edward Bennets Plantation."

Elizabeth Caster arrived 1649 in Maryland The Early Settlers of Maryland: an Index to

page -3- names of Immigrants Compiled from Records of Land Patents 1633-1680 in Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md by Gust Skordas, ed (1968), p 83

Andrew Coster arrived 1653 in Virginia "Cavaliers & Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents & Grants 1623-1666" by Nell Marion Nugent, Vol I (1969), p 279

Hans Coster arrived 1657 New Netherlands or Jan Coster/Koster "Deutsche Einzeleinwanderer and Familien in Neu-Niederland" Jahrbuch fuer Auslanddeutsche Sippenkunde Jahrgang I (1936), p 46 Ship Passenger Lists: New York & New Jersey (1600-1825) Carl Boyer, ed (1978Y, p 16 -- "von Aachen, Beverwyck 1657." Scandinavian Immigrants in New York 1630- 1674 by John 0 Evjen (1916), p 406 -- Jan Coster of Aachen bought a lot in Beverwyck in March 1661. In 1669 he was called Jan van Aecken.

Cornelius Coster arrived 1658 at New York Hendrik Koster Jan Koster New World Immigrants: A Consolidation of Ship Passenger Lists & Associated Data from Periodical Literature by Michael Tepper, ed (1979), p 125

Ship Passenger Lists: New York & New Jersey (1600-1825) Carl Boyer, ed (19787, p 108 -- Hendrik married Geertie van Schayck, daughter of Goosen Gerritsz van Schayck (she married second Johannes Lansing). Hendrik had been hired by Seth Verbrugge on 25 Nov 1658 for Goosen van Schayck to serve the latter at Orange in the tailoring business and other "affaires." Elias van Ravesteyn was hired as a servant for Jan Koster, a "rol an lademaker" (gun- stockmaker) in New Netherland by the latter's brother, Cornelius Coster, also a gunstock- maker at Utrecht [25 Apr 1658 Not. Westfris- ins].

Hendrik Coster arrived 1658 at New York New World Immigrants: A Consolidation of Ship Passenger Lists & Associated Data from Periodical Literature by Michael Tepper, ed (1979), p 129

page -4- Ship Passenger Lists: New York & New Jersey (1600-1825) Carl Boyer, ed (1978), p 111

Mary Caster arrived 1662 in Maryland The Early Settlers of Maryland: an Index to names of Immigrants Compiled from Records of Land Patents 1633-1680 in Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md by Gust Skordas, ed (1968), p 83

Jan Coster arrived 1664 in New York colony "Names of Dutch Who Swore Allegiance after the Surrender of New York" Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of of New York Vol 3 (1853), p 75

Samuel Castor arrived 1664 in Virginia "Cavaliers & Pioneers: Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents & Grants 1623-1666" by Nell Marion Nugent, Vol I (1969), p 450

Hendrick Coster age 32 arrived 1668 at New York colony "Early New Yorkers & Their Ages" by Kenneth Scott National Genealogical Society Quarterly 57:4 (Dec 1969), p 279

John H Custer arrived 1687 or earlier in New York City & wife Louisa Greene from Devonshire, England History of the Early Settlers of Greater New York by Richard E White

Paulus Kuster arrived 1687-1691 at Philadelphia Gertrude Kuster The News-Caster Vol 2, No 3, Sep 1984, pp 1-5 Arnold Kuster "Paulus and Gertrude Kuster, Our Immigrant Johannes Kuster Ancestors" by Chester E Custer Hermanus Kuster The News-Caster Vol 3, No 2, June 1985, pp 1-5, "Recent Research on the Families of Paulus Kuster and Gertrude Doors" by Chester E Custer Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage Vol IX, No 3, July 1986, pp 24-31, "The Kusters and Doors of Kaldenkirchen, Germany and Germantown, Pennsylvania" by Chester E Custer Johannes Kusters arrived 1691-2 in Pa New World Immigrants: A Consolidation of

page -5- Ship Passenger Lists & Associated Data from Periodical Literature by Michael Tepper, ed (1979), p 434

Heinrich Bernhardt arrived 1689 at Germantown, Pa Koster/Kuster Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 432 Wm I Hull William Penn & the Dutch Quaker Migration to Pa (1935), p 409

from Blomberg (Lippe-Detmold), Germany to Germantown, Pa in 1689; the first preacher in German and English in Germantown.

Margaret Koster arrived 1706 or earlier in Germantown, Pa Wm I Hull William Penn & the Dutch Quaker Migration to Pa (1935), p 401 -- she married Cornelis Dewees/De Wees. Is she the daughter of Paulus & Gertrude Kuster?

Henry Koster age 51 arrived 2 June 1709 England from Palatinate with wife and are presumed to have gone on to America with son age 17 Immigrants to the Middle Colonies: a Con- with son age 13 solidation of Ship Passenger Lists and with dau age 10 Associated Data from The New York Gen- with dau age 6 ealogical & Biographical Record Michael Tepper, ed (1978), p 107 -- Henry was a car- penter, and belonged to Lutheran church.

Dietrich Koster age 36 arrived 2 June 1709 England from Palatinate with wife Immigrants to the Middle Colonies: a Con- with son age 11 solidation of Shi. Passenger Lists and with dau age 6 Associated Data from The New York Gen- with dau age 3 ealogical & Biographical Record Michael Tepper, ed (1978), p 109 -- Dietrich was a Joyner, and he belonged to Lutheran church.

------

Fredrig Kister arrived 1709 at New York with wife & 2 ch Palters Kister arrived 1709 at New York with wife & 3 ch "The Embarkation Lists from Holland" by Walter Allen Knittle Early Eighteenth Century Palatine Emigration (1939), p 255

------

Johannes Peter Koster arrived 1729 in Pennsylvania "Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa page -6-

1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 18

Georg Kuster inhabited Philadelphia County before 1734, 100 acres in Hanover Township Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 473

Hans Georg Gerster arrived 1736 at Philadelphia aboard Princess age 26 Augusta with wife Eve Gisin Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 103 arrived 16 September 1736, aboard Princess [later to be known as Augustus, Samuel Merchant, Master, from John George Castor] Rotterdam, last from Cowes

arrived 16 September 1736 on ship Princess Augusta and same day took oath at the Court- house in Philadelphia to the Government Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, pp 162, 164 & 166 Lists of Swiss Emigrants in the Eighteenth Century to the American Colonies Vol 2 (1925), p 105

"Minutes of the Provincial Council of Pa" Colonial Records Vol 4 (1851), p 72

Heini Gerster arrived 1736 at Carolina wife Anna Weissen It It children: Barbara, It II II Anna, Verona, & It It It It Heinrich It II TI II Lists of Swiss Emigrants in the Eighteenth Century to the American Colonies Vol 2 (1925), pp 99 & 139

Frederick Kiester arrived 1737 at Philadelphia

arrived 24 September 1737 on Ship Virginus Grace, John Bull, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 107

"Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 136

page -7-

Jacob Kuster arrived 26 Sept 1737 at Philadelphia on ship St Andrew Galley, John Stedman, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 108 Strassburger Pa German Pioneers p 179 & 181 "Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 139

Vincent Kuster arrived 5 Oct 1737 at Philadelphia, Pa on bilander Townshead, Thomas Thompson, Master, from Amsterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 110

Peter Kister arrived 11 Sept 1738 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Robert & Oliver, of Dublin, Walter Good- man, Commander, from Rotterdam, last from Dover Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 118

Henrich Kester arrived 1741-1767 in Pennsylvania C N Smith Emigrants from the Principality Hessen-Hanau p 12

Thebis Kuster, wife arrived 1742 in Pennsylvania from and children Merishausen, Canton of Schaffhausen, Jerg Kuster, wife Switzerland and children Steinmann List of 18th Century Emigrants from the Canton of Schaffhausen p 191 "Zur schaffhauserischen Auswanderung" by Ernst Steinemann Beitraege zur Vaterlaen- dischen Geschichte Part 13, Historisch- antiquarischen Verein des Kantons Schaff- hauser (1936), p 95

"Pal-Index": A Surname Index of Eighteenth Century Immigrants Charles M Hall (1979), p 66

Pa German Immigrants 1709-1786: List Consol- idated from Yearbooks of the Pa German Folk- lore Society Don foder, ed (1980), p 333

Georg Kiester arrived 25 August 1742 at Philadelphia, Pa on page -8-

brigantine Mary, John Mason, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 153

"Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 227

Henr Kester arrived 1742 at Carolina "Emigrants from the Principality of Hesse- Hanau, Germany 1741-1767" Germain-American Genealogical Research Monograph No 6 by Clifford Neal Smith (1979), p 3 -- applied emigration to Caroline 1742, he was from Wachenb[uchen?].

Martin Kiester arrived 20 Oct 1744 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Phoenix, William Wilson, Captain, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 170 "Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 251

Eleanora Catharina Koster arrived 1747 in America "A List of German Immigrants to the American Colonies from Zweibruecken in the Palatinate, 1728-1749" by William J Hinke & John Baer Stoudt, ed The Pa German Folklore Society Yearbook Vol I (1936), p 115

"Pal-Index": A Surname Index of Eighteenth Century Immigrants Charles M Hall (1979), p 63

Pa German Immigrants 1709-1786: List Consol- idated from Yearbooks of the Pa German Folk- lore Society Don Yoder, ed (1980), p 303

Casper Kaster age 37 arrived 16 September 1748 at Philadelphia on ship Patience, Capt John Brown Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 1, p 384

"Names of Foreigners Who Took the Oath of

page -9-

Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foreign Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 273

Casper Gerster arrived 16 Sept 1748 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Paliena, John Bull, Master, from Rotter- dam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names , p 188 arrived 16 September 1748 on ship Patience, John Brown, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, did this day take the Oath to the Government at the Courthouse at Philadelphia Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 386 * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WILL OF BENJAMIN KASTER, JR (1778-1870)

Until recently, our copy of the Benjamin Kaster's will was incomplete, because the copy in the Will Book in the Register's Office in Mercer County, Pennsylvania had a damaged corner and some of the text was missing. This past year, Roberta and Terry O'Connor visited Mercer County Register of Wills and obtained a copy from the original (and undamaged) will. They very thoughtfully sent a copy to the Association. The full transcription is given here.

Will of Benjamin Kaster Mercer County, Pa Will Book 5, page 531, probated 27 December 1871 I, Benjamin Kaster of Hickory township, Mercer county and state of Pennsylvania, being advanced in years, but of sound and disposing mind, and wishing to arrange my worldly affairs while I have the strength and ability to do so, Do make this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time heretofore made. I will and bequeath to my wife Catherine and to her heirs and assigns forever, the one third of the farm on which I now reside, to be run off in a convenient shape, so as to include the house and garden. I also will her all the personal property in the house and on the farm, to be used by her, and to be disposed of as she thinks proper. I will and bequeath to my daughter Ann Coon, twenty acres of land to be taken off the west part of the tract and running the whole length thereof from north to south. I will and bequeath to my daughter Phebe Downs twenty acres of land to be taken off adjoining that given to Ann, and to run the whole length of the tract from north to south. I will and bequeath to my son Henry B Kaster the remainder of my land about twenty five acres be the same more or less, and I order and direct that the standing timber on the whole farm shall be divided in the same proportion among all legatees, that I have given the land without regard to where the timber stands, I also allow each of the children to take possession of their respective shares as soon as the growing crop is harvested, and to use and occupy the same, they paying their proportion of all taxes, and rendering me the one third of the crops during my lifetime and at my death to be theirs, their heirs and assigns forever. Should any dispute or controversy arise about the division of the

page -10- land or timber, or on any other matter connected with this will, I order and direct that the same shall be referred to my friends Samuel Stambaugh and Philip Stambaugh whose decision shall be final and conclusive against all parties. Benjamin Kaster

Signed published and declared by the above named Benjamin Kaster, as and for his last Will and Testament, in our presents who have signed the same as witnesses at Hickory this seventeenth day of June AD 1867 M C Trout Daniel Zimmerman

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE CASTOR LENDING LIBRARY

The Association has accumulated several genealogical books that may be borrowed by mail. We set forth our list of available books in the September 1986 News-Caster, page 45. We list the books that have been added in each News-Caster. If you wish to have a complete and updated list, please send a stamped self addressed envelope. Rules and Instructions 1. The period of loan shall be four weeks. No penalty shall be incurred for late return. If the initial period of loan proves to be inadequate, please request additional time -- if no one has requested the item, then additional time will be granted.

2. When returning the item, mail 4th class rate or book rate, and please insure. Also, please enclose reimbursement to the Library for the cost of postage plus $.50 to cover mailing material and incidentals.

3. No more than two items shall be borrowed at one time. The following have been added to the books available for loan. Custer-McCoy Family Record Henry A Mullen (1951) 21pp

The Descendants of Jacob and Sarah Custer Chester E Custer (1973) 89pp

The Descendants of Nicholas Cain 1736-1986 Wayne R Cain and Shirley J Evans (1986) 331pp

Koster - Americans in Search of their Prehistoric Past Stuart Struever and Felicia Anonelli Holton (1979) 281pp

Quaker Miscellany: New Jersey Willard Heiss (1963) 36pp Strasburg, Virginia and The Keister Family E E Keister (1972) 434pp

Publications of The Pennsylvania German Society Volume III (1970) 179pp

Publications of The Pennsylvania German Society Volume VII (1973) 299pp * * * * * * * * * * * * *

DO YOU HAVE A BOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE TO THE CASTOR LIBRARY?

page -11-

EARLY OHIO LAND PURCHASES A recent book offered some interesting data about early Ohio land purchases. Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc of Baltimore has published Early Ohio Settlers - Purchasers of Land in Southwestern Ohio 1800-1840 compiled by Ellen T and David A Berry (1986). We have extracted the following information. These are the original purchasers of federal land under the U S Land act of 10 May 1800 at the Cincinnati Land Office.

purchaser , year date residence R T S* survey**

Benjamin Caster 1818 May 21 Montgomery Co 3 10 23 A Cornelius Caster***1811 Sep 14 Champaign Co 9 6 34 William Caster 1811 Dec 11 Preble Co 2 8 20 A Abraham Custard 1818 July 8 Champaign Co 11 2 4 William Custard 1805 July 24 Kentucky 11 4 5 William Custer 1810 Dec 12 Champaign Co 11 4 5 Arnold Custor 1810 May 23 Champaign Co 11 4 5 Conrad Kaster 1804 Sep 3 Montgomery Co 5 2 11 Conrad Kaster 1812 Aug 21 Preble Co 2 7 5 A Conrad Kastor 1804 Sep 3 Montgomery Co 5 2 11 David Keaster 1831 Nov 9 Montgomery Co 1 11 21 A George Keaster, Jr 1831 Nov 9 Montgomery Co 1 11 21 A George Keaster 1831 July 5 Montgomery Co 1 11 27 A George Keaster 1831 Aug 17 Montgomery Co 1 11 27 A George Keaster 1831 Aug 17 Montgomery Co 1 11 21 A John Kestiter 1811 June 12 Butler Co 2 4 29 A George Kister 1805 Mar 27 Montgomery Co 4 3 11 A * R = range; T = township; S = section ** A = Miami River survey; C = survey between the Miamis *** On further checking with The Auditor of the State of Ohio, it is found that Cornelius Caster is actually Cornelius Carter.

If one wishes to obtain additional information (exact land description), write to either (1) Land Office of the State Auditor, 88 East Broad St, P 0 Box 1140, Columbus, Ohio 43216, or (2) U S Dept of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States Office, 350 S Pickett St, Alexandria, Virginia 22304. Be sure to include the range, township, and section numbers, as well as which survey.

Some of these are readily identified. Benjamin Caster later settled in Shelby County, Indiana and was usually known as Kaster. William Caster is the son of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) and he lived most of his life in Preble County. Abraham Custard, William Custard/Custer, and Arnold Custor are sons of William and Anna (Smith) Custer (175 - 1828). Conrad Kaster/Kastor is the son of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) and the father of the first mentioned Benjamin Caster. We do not recognize David and George Keaster (or George Kister), and if anyone does, please let us know. John Kestiter is an ancestor being studied by Mrs Mary Porter, 820 Hunter Lake Drive, Reno, Nevada 89509.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA In the INTRODUCTION of our book Some Caster/Castor Genealogies we mentioned one puzzlement about the early Castor settlement of Hamilton

page -12- County, Indiana. Several children of John Caster, Sr (George, Freelove, Reason, Nancy and William) and of Noah Castor (Nathan, Susan, Uriah, Ruth and Nancy) settled in Hamilton County about 1835, and they appear in the 1840 census of Wayne Township of Hamilton County or the adjacent Stoney Creek Township of Madison County. However, there was a James Caster family that appears in the 1830 census of Hamilton County on page 246. James was listed as 30-40 years of age (thus born 1790-1800), and the other members of his family consisted of his wife, six boys and two girls. This family is not found in Hamilton County in the 1840 census. Nor have we learned of any relationship of this family to other Castor/Caster families.

Recently we reviewed Abstracts of the Will Records 1824-1901 Hamilton County, Indiana by Susan Bevelhimer (1981) and have found several additional references to James Caster. We found the following: James Caster was present at the estate sale of John Conner who died May 1826, and was among those who had a debt at the Conner Store; James Caster was present at the Thomas Morris estate sale 20 December 1830; James Caster was a debtor to the Jacob T Hire estate appraised 30 and 31 October 1833; James Caster was present at the Robert Dickson estate sale 14 November 1835; and James Caster was a debtor to the estate of Wilburn Davis who died in September 1837. So, we have further evidence of James' presence in Hamilton County spanning the years 1826 through 1837. Yet, we have no clue as to who he is, or his family.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

QUERIES

Need proof that RACHEL KESSLER who married 30 October 1817 SAMUEL HOUSTING BECHTELHEIMER in Montgomery County, Ohio was daughter of JOHN and MARY (CUSTER) KESSLER. Also her siblings. Samuel's sister Catherine married Christian Custer in Clermont County, Ohio. Rachel wa born 27 January 1799 in North Carolina, and died 1 October 1865 in Blackford County, Indiana. Write to Mrs Ruth Erhardt, Box 266, Bassano, Alberta TOJ OBO CANADA

*** Need more information about Johannes Custer born before 1760 probably in Pennsylvania. He married 4 June 1780 Catherine Gohn in First Reformed Church, York, Pa. Catherine was daughter of John Gohn and Anna Rosina Crantrsdorf. They settled 4 miles east of Fincastle, Virginia in the Mill Creek Section. Johannes died 1837, his will was probated in May 1837 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Also seek information about Martin Cross who in 1790 was in Lancaster County, Pa; married Margaret died 1797 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Write to Mrs Daisy Shull, Rt #3, Box 518, Ava, Mo 65608

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

AN 1844 SCHOOL NEAR GRANTSVILLE, MARYLAND by Sara Stanton Jarrett reprinted from The Glade Star June 1986 by permission of The Garrett County Historical Society Oakland, Garret County, Maryland

continued from the December 1986 News-Caster, p 84

[Elma Arbitter of Decker, Michigan suggested this article]

page -13- The school building may have been the one described by Jacob Brown, area historian, as the first school house built in the county for the purpose of teaching school. He estimated it was built 1817 or 1818. The building was located about one mile east of Little Crossings near the National Road and near School-House Run. Brown describes it as being built "of round logs" with a clap-board roof; the openings between the logs were filled "with wood and clay mortar." He further noted that for "a quarter" or three months each year, "a small school was taught" for many years. Mr Brown tells of returning to the area in the late eighteen hundreds to verify the spot where the school had stood.. (Brown's Miscellaneous Writings, p 298)

The handwriting on the three sheets is generally done in lovely script, which at times is very small and neat. In other places, the writing is very large, bold and flowing. The attendance sheet shows that the school term "commenced" on Tuesday, October 1, 1844 and ended on Friday, December 6, 1844 for a total of 54 days, which covered ten weeks. Four of the ten weeks, school was held for six days; the other weeks, pupils attended for five days. Jeremiah had a column for each week headed with the date and day of the week such as - Monday, October 7. Attendance was noted with a tally mark in the week's column opposite the student's name; absences were noted with an "0".

There were twenty-seven pupils listed on the roll. The first week only eight attended Tuesday through Saturday. Four students listed never attended, while others attended only one of the ten weeks. The attendance increased each week with a high of nineteen pupils attending the last week of the term. Some of the older students would have been needed at home to help complete the harvest, to butcher, to hunt and to help with the general preparations necessary for winter. The names of the pupils in the order they were listed are: Archibald Thistle, Walter Engle, Elizabeth Hoye, Marium Hoye, Jeffery Shook, Johnson Engle, Lydda Engle, Austin Garlitz, Sevilla Engle, Rebecca Thistle, Virginia Singleton, Florissa Engle, Lydda Engle, Rebecca Engle, Solomon Engle, _ler Zeabaugh, Michael Durst, Hannah Knoyer, William Knoyer, John Smith, Andrew Thomas Sofar, Martha Ann Smith, Ara Ann, Sevilla Royer, Matilda Royer. Of the names listed, the following family names are also found on the 1840 census for Election District #3, Allegany County, Maryland: Durst, Engle, Garlitz, Knoyer, Royer, Smith, Thistle and Zeabaugh. The Custer, Durst and Engle families were neighbors living in the Mt Nebo area and some of their descendants continues to live in that area.

Lydda Engle (born 1838) had perfect attendance, while her sister, Rebecca (born 1840) missed only two days. Their brother Solomon (born 1836) had the best attendance for the boys - missing only seven days. They were the children of Samuel and Elizabeth Shirer Engle, who had all of their six children attending the 1844 school term. Walter their oldest child was fifteen and was only able to attend for five days.

There were two Lydda Engles, both born in 1838. The second was a daughter of Eli and Elizabeth Shuck (Shook) Engle and a brother of Johnson Engle. The three Durst pupils were children of Jacob and Mary (Poly) Knoyer Durst. A second page of Jeremiah's contained proverb type sentences such as: "Refrain from the allurement of vice." "Beware of a man who regards not his reputation."

page -14- "Contentment makes a man happy without a fortune."

Another page was headed as VOCABULARY.

The page titled COMPOSTION has some interesting sentences included; these were probably used for the children to practice writing. Slates were available in America about 1825. Paper and pen was available to Jeremiah and perhaps a certain amount was also available to some of the children. Following are the composition lines from Jeremiah's writing: Gallileo invented the telescope. The book lies on the desk. An idle boy will be punished. I may or can go to Boston. If you study you will improve. Depart thou from iniquity. Do write with propriety, a knowledge of grammar is of essential utility. The greatest men of the present age sometimes have their failings. An ulcer is a running sore. The Supreme Being conferred the power of speech on man.

The other pages are filled with poems apparently written by Jeremiah. All areas of each page are covered attesting to the shortage of paper at that time. Spaces are filled with individual letters or words written in script, sometimes over and over.

How many years the Engle and other families sent their children to the Little Crossings School is not known. However, these early families realized the importance of education. Recorded in 1862 among the Land Rec6rds of Allegany County in Liber 19, page 749 and Liber 20, page 297 is noted the deeding of small parcels of land for the Engle School. Eli and Elizabeth Engle deeded for $5.00 in 1862, 23 equal perches of "Lily of the Valley" near their house to the Board of Commissioners of Public Schools. At the same tiem, Samuel and Catharine Engle deeded for $5.00 30 perches of "Mt Nebo" to the Public School Board. This was apparently a joint effort of the two Engle families to have a school building nearer their homes. This school was known as the Engle School for many years.

In 1860, the Maryland General Assembly had passed "an Act" with the intention of establishing some type of uniform public school system in Allegany County. However, the money was lacking and those able to pay were asked for $1.00 tuition per quarter term. About this time a school law was passed to provide for the examination and certification of teachers by the county school commissioners. The progress of raising the level of quality education in Garrett County (after 1872), previously Allegany County, was a slow, difficult process. In time high schools were established - some in the early 1920s and Garrett County residents were able to have quality education for their children. I graduated from Northern High in 1954 and have always felt that I had an adequate public education, for which I am grateful.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

HAVE A HAPPY EASTER HOLIDAY

Drive friendly and safely. Hug a friend. Say a prayer.

page -15- HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT

by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White 2746 Wilderness Ct, Wichita, Ks 67226

In order to work effectively with Quaker records, a genealogist should know some of the history and beliefs of the religion. In this issue, a brief background of the Quakers, especially of how it applied to Paulus Kuster and his descendants, will be presented.

The Religious Society of Friends was started by George Fox in England's lake country (East Riding Yorkshire) in the seventeenth century. William Penn was a follower of George Fox and as Friends they were severely persecuted. Because of this, Penn had strong motivation to found a religious haven for Quakers on his grant of land in the new world, which he inherited from his father.

Quakers believe that God is experienced through an inner light within the person. They do not practice any sacraments. They have no written creed. Most kinds of Quakers have no ordained clergy. First day (Sunday) worship is silent communion without any planned program. Any one present who is led by the inner light may speak. As the Quakers moved West, they were forced to worship in school houses, with Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists, and they became "tainted" with Protestantism.

A group of Quakers that worship together on a weekly basis is called a Meeting. The Meeting is often identified by a local name. The elders and other representatives of several adjacent meetings will combine on a monthly basis to form a Monthly Meeting (MM). Again, these are usually identified with a local name, such as Abington MM. They will maintain a set of records for the members of the Monthly Meeting. These records include births, intentions to marriage, marriages, deaths, and transfers in and out of the meeting, and disciplinary matters. The records often cite parental relations and names before marriage. Obviously, these records are of great interest to genealogists. If great distances separate the small weekly groups, then the weekly meeting will assume a monthly meeting status.

A monthly meeting is held for the purpose of conducting business and discipline. Several monthly meetings gather for the quarterly meeting, and once a year the yearly meeting is held which includes a number of quarterly meetings. Thus, the quarterly meeting covers a large area, and the yearly meeting an even greater area. Do not assume that Quaker yearly meetings follow the colonial or state divisions. Some examples: the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting did not take in all Pennsylvania monthly meetings; some of the western Pennsylvania monthly meetings were under the Baltimore Yearly Meeting, as were many of the Virginia monthly meetings; the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting took in some of the New Jersey meetings; and until 1760, the yearly meeting alternated years between Philadelphia and Burlington, New Jersey.

Early Friends burying grounds have few gravestones, as in 1706 the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting issued a directive that there be no monuments affixed to graves. This was in the interest of simplicity and as a result of the persecution that had been endured in England. Burials were made as they occured so that there are no "family plots." Any record of the burial was recorded in the monthly meeting records.

page -16- Certificates of removal to another meeting are another thing recorded at these meetings. When a family wanted to move, the monthly meeting granted them a certificate stating that they were members in good standing. This served as a letter of introduction to the meeting receiving the new family. The certificate would name the family members, state the monthly meeting to which they were going, and be dated. Upon arrival at the new monthly meeting, the certificate would be again recorded and dated, and note the meeting from which they came. These entries in the records are invaluable to the genealogist in tracing the migration of families.

In 1689, George Keith, a Quaker, came to New Jersey as a surveyor of the colony. When the Friends' Public School was established in Philadelphia, he was appointed head master, a position which he kept only a year. Being a former Presbyterian from Scotland, Keith began to preach that the Quaker Church put too much emphasis on the "inner light" and that the church should return to a more formal approach; including the sacrament of baptism. His strong temper and name calling of persons in office caused the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in 1692 to disown him. He then set up his own body called the Christian Quakers. This group soon broke apart with many of the followers joining the Baptist Church and Presbyterian Church. Keith died in London around 1714, a member of the Church of England.

The effect of George Keith on the family of Paulus Kuster and the other Germans of Germantown must have been immense. Among those who signed documents in favor of Keith were: Abraham Op den Graeff, Hermann Op den Graeff, Thomas Rutter, Cornelis Siverts, David Scherkes, and Jacob Isaacs Van Bebber. Those who signed testimony against Keith at the Burlington Yearly Meeting in 1695 were: Paul Wolff, Paul Kastner, Francis Daniel Pastorius, Andries Kramer, Dirck Op den Graeff, and Arnold Kassel. This may account for the fact that Paulus Kuster's sons Arnold and Hermanus joined the Mennonite Church while Johannes and most of his descendants were Quakers. Hermanus' children remained close to the Mennonite Church. Arnold's children became Quaker, Lutheran, and Baptist.

Sources:

Heiss, Willard, Genealogy May 1982, No. 69, "Quaker Burials" Jones, Rufus M, The Quakers in American Colonies pp 437-458 Keith, Charles P, Chronicles of Pennsylvania Vol I, pp 213-242 and Vol II, pp 517-542 Leach, Robert J, The Yearly Meetings of the Religious Society of Friends Nieper, Lic Friedrick, Die Ersten Deutschen Auswanderer Von Krefeld Noch Pennsylvanien pp 112-113 Rosten, Leo, A Guide to the Religions of America pp 121-132 Russell, Elbert, The History of Quakerism

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE

We take this opportunity to thank all our members who have renewed their membership for 1987. Your continued support is what makes this effort "tick." We have the best of fans, and our hats are off to you!! Don't forget to tell us what we are doing wrong, and what we are doing right. page -17- FAMOUS COUSINS

Sometimes we learn of a prominent Custer, Caster, or Kester -- from the past or present. If you know of some others, let us know.

*** KENNETH EDWARD CASTER, born New Albany, Pa, 26 January 1908; married in 1933. He was educated at Cornell University, earning an AB degree in 1929, MS in 1931, and PhD in 1933 in Geology and Paleontology. He was a researcher at Paleontology Research Institute of New York 1935-1936. He then associated with University of Cincinnati, becoming Professor in 1940, and Emeritus Professor in 1978. He has been engaged in research in the fields of invertebrate paleontolgy, paleozoic stratigraphy, paleogeography, Southern Hemisphere historical geology, early echinoderm history, and fossil arachnids. He is widely recognised throughout the world in his fields. He resides at 425 Riddle Road, Concinnati, Ohio 45220. [from American Men & Women of Science Vol II, 15th rild (1982), p 96]

*** ELIZABETH BACON CUSTER, author; born (Bacon) in Michigan about 1844; married February 1864 General George Armstrong Custer and was with him at various posts until his death 1876. Author: Boots & Saddle, or Life in Dakota with General Custer; Tenting on the Plains; Following the Guidon. Died 4 April 1933. [from Who Was Who in America 1897-1942 Vol I, (1942)] *** OMER NIXON CUSTER, banker; born Fayette County, Pa 25 December 1873, son of Hernon Kyle and Dorcas Anne (Nixon) Custer; educated in the public schools of Fayette County, Pa; he married 24 December 1894 Olive Frances Temple. He was president of First Galesburg National Bank & Trust Co, of Purington Paving Brick Co, publisher of Galesburg Register Mail, president of Intra-State Telephone Co, Beatrice Creamery Co, Abingdon Sanitary Mfg Co, Gazette Publishing Co, publisher of Hawkeye Gazette [Burlington, Iowa]. He was County Treasurer of Knox County, Illinois in 1906; postmaster of Galesburg 1908-1913; member of Illinois State Industrial Commission 1917-1921; Illinois State Treasurer 1925-1927 and 1929-1930; chairman State Tax Commission 1930-1931. He was Trustee of Lombard College in Galesburg. Republican. Presbyterian. Mason. Rotary Club of Galesburg. Home: 81 E Grove St, Galesburg, Illinois. Office: 154 E Simmons St, Galesburg, Ilinois. Died 17 October 1942. [from Who Was Who in America 1943-1950 Vol 2, (1950), p 141]

*** FREDERICK JACOB KOSTER, corporate executive, born San Francisco, California 28 October 1868, son of John L and Berta Lisette (Wagoner) Koster. He was educated in high school and under private tutors. He married 12 March 1908 Ida Louise Field. Their children: Jane, Ann, Lisette, & Louise. He began with Coos Bay Stave & Lumber Co, San Francisco in 1884; became superintendent 1887 with California Barrel Co, and president since 1905. Chairman of Law and Order Commission, San Francisco 1916-1918; president of San Francisco Chamber of Commerce 1916-1918; member of executive committee San Francisco War Camp Community Service 1917-1918; chairman resources and conversion section War Industries Board (Calif, Nevada & Arizona) 1917-1918; member National Foriegn Trade Council 1918-1921; chairman executive committee and director Chamber of Commerce of US 1919-1920; member of European Relief Administration 1921; chairman San Francisco Endorsement Council 1927-1939; president Californian Grape Control Board 1931-1932; president California State Chamber of Commerce 1931-1932; director San Francisco

page -18- Chapter of American Red Cross since 1926 and chairman 1937-1943; chairman San Francisco Conference of Christians and Jews 1940-1944; etc. Republican. Pacific Union Club, Bohemian Club, Olympic Club, San Francisco Golf and Country Club, and Commonwealth Press Club. Home: 1958 Vallejo St, San Francisco. Office: 5593 Geary Blvd, San Francisco. Died 18 November 1958, buried Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, California. [from Who Was Who in America 1951-1960 Vol 3, (1963), pp 488-489] *** FREDERICK EDWARD KESTER, physicist, born Eaton, Ohio 22 February 1873, son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Kester) Kester. He earned Masters Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering at Ohio State University in 1895, and a Masters degree at Cornell University 1899, and a Doctorate in 1905. He studied at University of Gottingen 1903-4. He married 8 June 1907 Tamar Daker Whitmyre; their children - Frederick Daker, Barbara (Mr. Tom Page), William Henry, and Elizabeth (Mrs Robert Holmer). He was assistant in physics at Ohio State University 1895-1898, instructor 1899-1901, assistant professor 1901-1907, associate professor 1907-1909. He was professor of physics University of Kansas 1909--, chairman of department until 1941, emeritus 1944. Fellow A A A S, American Physics Society. University Club (Lawrence, Kansas). Home: 1612 Louisiana St, Lawrence, Kansas. Died 31 March 1954. [from Who Was Who in America 1951-1960 Vol 3, (1963), p 474]

*** GEORGE RAPHAEL KISTER, college president, born St Charles, Missouri 20 December 1865, son of Henry and Regina (Walter) Kester. He earned AB degree at St Mary's (Kansas) College 1884; studied at Florissant (Missouri) Seminary 1884-1888, Woodstock College 1888-1891, 1896-1899 and received AM degree. Ordained Roman Catholic priest 1899; instructor at Marquette College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1891-1896; director of studies at St Mary's College 1902-1911, also trustee; president Campion College, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin 26 September 1911. Address: Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. [from Who Was Who in America 1961-1968 Vol 4 (1968), p 533]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

KASTER KLIPPINGS

*** Janice Horsman (daughter of late Erma Castor Morehous) of Chandler, Arizona announces new grandson Zachary Ryan Horsman born 9 April 1986 son of John P and Susan Horsman, Bethesda, Maryland. Welcome, Zachary! *** Elsie Elizabeth Evans, daughter of the late Jacob and Iris (Caster) Scholer, and Robert Finch married 15 January 1987 in Fontana, California. They will spend their winters in Rialto, California, and summers near Portland, Indiana. Congratulations!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

MISCELLANY

*** Charles W Geelan of Normangee, Texas has been appointed Deputy Grand Master of District 24 of Masonic Lodge. Charles is a serious, professional retiree, and the Masons must have really chased him up a tree! Congratulations, Charles.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

page -19- FROM THE MAILBAG *** The Castor Family Tour of Europe (organized by the Philadelphia Castor families and Wastler Escorted Tours, Inc) still has some openings. The tour will leave New York 21 August 1987 and visit Luxembourg, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and return to New York 6 September 1987. Several from our Association have signed up -- Jack and Martha Brown, Don Burkett Dr Bob Kaster, Chuck and Jean White, and Charlie and Ann Scholer. Leo and Phyl Wastler have developed a fantastic tour for us. And they have provided names and addresses of many Kuster families in Germany and Switzerland. I will be writing to several of these Kuster families in .the hope that some will be able to meet us during our tour., Many of these Kuster families live in Kaldenkirchen, Krefeld, and Kempen. Already we have invited Jean Kaster of Femack , France to meet us at Luxembourg. If anyone would like additional information, contact Leo Wastler, P 0 Box 775, Mechanisburg, Pa 17055 (telephone 717/697-6368), or contact Charlie Scholer, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469 (telephone 713/342-5033).

*** Delores Gucciardo of Little Rock, Arkansas spent the Christmas Holidays in London! That must have been a delightful trip. She recommends Wayne Cain's new book "The Descendants of Nicholas Cain 1736-1986." The Association has aquired a copy and placed it in the Castor Lending Library. *** Betty Randall of Hope, Indiana is one of our best correspondents!! She is always coming up with interesting historical insights and family notes. She mentioned a book entitled "Koster - Americans in Search of their Prehistoric Past" by Stuart Struever and Felicia Anonelli Holton (1979) 281pp. This is an archeological book about a "dig" in Illinois located on a farm owned by Theodore Koster, thus the site had been named Koster. If you enjoy the archeology of the early North American Indian, you can borrow this book from the Castor Lending Library, as we have now added it. Betty has obtained a copy from the DAR National Library a copy of Custer-McCoy Family Record by Henry A Mullen (1951) 28 pages, and she has donated this to the Association. We are adding this to the Castor Lending Library. Many thanks, Betty. Betty also reports that her cousin (and Associaton member) Dr Elizabeth "Libby" Mohr Jones has recently been succesful in adding Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) as a supplemental line to her DAR credentials. The DAR has become more critical in accepting applications in the past year, and the applications require more specific information. If anyone desires help in applying on the basis of their ancestor Benjamin Castor, both Libby and Betty have offered to help. Write to either Elizabeth Mohr Jones, 122 Ulen Blvd, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 or Betty Randall, 18420 East State Road #46, Hope, Indiana 47246. Betty has volunteered to help Jack & Martha Brown for the 1990 reunion in Indiana! The Hoosier spark plugs are coming forth! *** We wish to give special recognition to those sending donations recently -- Paul D Castor of Kansas City, Missouri; Raymond A Castor of Carter, Montana; Arlene (Mrs Richard W) Castor of West Jefferson, Ohio; Orval R Fink of Manning, Iowa; Elma Arbitter of Decker, Michigan; Esther H Pemberton of Central Point, Oregon; Darrell Caster of Albia, Iowa; Carolyn Mettler of Chelan, Washington; Jack and_ Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana; and Ruby H Stanley of New Ross, Indiana. Many thanks, Boosters!!

page -20- *** Gini Ennis of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, reports a very full and exciting 1986 - they vacationed in Hawaii, and the girls performed in "The Music Man" which was produced by their school. Gini was named "Teacher of the Year" at the High School where she teaches. Congratulations, Gini.

*** NEW ADDRESS -- Mrs Dorothy Colbenson, 5288 South Manitou, Littleton, Colorado 80123.

*** Orval R Fink of Manning, Iowa traveled in the Spring of last year back along the route of some of his ancestors. He visited Richland County, Ohio (Paul Castor 1784/85-1847); Finleyville, Pa (Benjamin Castor 1741-1826); and Brock's Gap, Virginia (Conrad Custard c1695-1772) -- and he reports all of these to be beautiful country. Orval has sent additional family history obtained from his cousin, Frances Richardson. Many thanks, Orval and Frances.

*** Jean M White of Wichita, Kansas has donated a copy of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies to the Newberry Library in Chicago. She has also donated a copy of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies and More Caster/Castor Genealogies to the Midwest Historical and Genealogical Society in Wichita, Kansas. Also, she has donated a copy of her Indiana Genealogical Research Resources to the Castor Lending Library. Jean has also donated some of their color photographs of the Brock's Gap area of Rockingham County, Virginia taken last fall. Let's hear a cheer for Jean!!

*** Roy and Ann Caster of Union, Iowa further advise that the name of the small cemetery just southeast of Union is the Bentley Cemetery. This is the cemetery where Lucetta Estep Caster and Sophia Burch Caster were buried.

*** Don Castor of Tampa, Florida reports that former wife Betty Castor was successful in her race for Florida Commissioner of Educa- tion. Betty has recently served as state sen- ator from Tampa. Don has completed ten years as Judge for Hillsborough County, and continues to serve there. Don vacationed last summer in the Canadian Rockies, and especially enjoyed Banff and Lake Louise.

*** Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation of Mandan, North Dakota has sent an interesting 42 page brochure detailing their plans for rebuilding the Calvalry Post at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. This is the calvary post that was commanded by George A Custer from September 1873 until the time of his death in 1876. The aforementioned Foundation is solic- iting contributions for a very ambitious re- Betty Castor building program. Groundbreaking for Phase I (which is the George and Libbie Custer Home) is scheduled for 17 May 1987, and a Ball the evening before. Anyone interested in borrowing this brocure, please write to me. Perhaps there are several of you interested in following this activity. If so, we suggest that you form a Fort Abraham Lincoln Committee, and keep the News-Caster advised of progress. Let me know if you are interested in such a committee. If you show some

page -21- interest in such a committee, the Association will fund a modest contribution to the Foundation. This could be a very interesting Custer activity. If you wish to contact directly -- Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, P 0 Box 836, Mandan, North Dakota 58554 (telephone 701/663-3013).

*** Nancy Parkes of Louisville, Mississippi writes a genealogical column "Family Trees" for several newspapers in Mississippi. She invites queries (free), and there are no area restrictions. Her address is Nancy Parkes, P 0 Box 387, Louisville, Mississippi 39339. There is an offer you can't refuse!

*** Margaret and Larry Little of Portales, New Mexico were in Houston, and we were able to spend some enjoyable time visiting togethe'. Mary Lou and Rod Spindt of Allison Park, Pa stopped by to visit. Also, Jack and Rosemary Nowery of Denver, Colorado stopped in to say Hello. Come on by, the latch string is always out!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

ASSOCIATION BUSINESS

*** We completed 1986 essentially in a "break even" financial position. This is what we had set out to do. Had we ended the year with a surplus, we would have had to share the surplus with the IRS. Until we achieve a tax exempt status, this will be our mode of operation.

REVIEW OF 1986 OPERATIONS ACTUAL BUDGET REVENUES

Subscriptions $2,272.00 Subscriptions $1,680.00 Directories 352.00 Directories 160.00 Book sales 865.00 Book sales 1,860.00 Donations 244.21 Other 300.00 Back copies 72.00 Reunion net proceeds 60.50 Library & services 31.29 Interest 39.51 Total $3,936.51 Total $4,000.00

EXPENSES

Newsletter 1,010.97 Newsletter 1,050.00 Postage $702.88 Postage 750.00 Book publishing 985.08 Book publ. 1,200.00 Supplies 162.09 Supplies & misc 630.00 Directory printing 129.03 Paid research 370.00 Misc photocopies 125.62 Book purchases 308.70 Documents 160.64 Research 294.20 Advertising 57.82

Total $3,937.03 Total $4,000.00 page -22- For the past two years, we have established a budget early in the year to serve as a guideline for expenditures throughout the year. We intend to achieve tax exempt status this year, however, we can not be certain of this. Instead of a complete budget for 1987, we have projected what we can safely expect as revenues, and what we can expect to spend on a minumum basis. We believe that we should try to maintain our expenditures at a minimum level until we can determine what the outcome will be of our application for tax exempt status. This will not be known for several months. When it is known what our fate will be, then we will adopt a plan for operation that is consistent. The following projections indicate that Nye can easily operate in this provisional manner.

PROJECTIONS FOR 1987

REVENUES expected renewals = 243 x 6 = $1,458 expected new members = 57 x 10 = 570

expected subscriptions = $2,028 expected directory subscrip. 300 expected back issue sales 25 expected book sales 532 expected misc services 50 expected interest 30 net from Castor Cook Book net from other fund raising

total $2,965

EXPENSES

Newsletter (400 copies) $1,225 Directories 150 Postage 700 Supplies 250 Misc photocopies 150 Advertising 65 Book Purchases Documents Research 9

Total $2, 540

*** We have altered our organization somewhat, with the objective of improvement and greater involvement by others. The organization has for too long been a "one man band," and it is time for others to participate in the governing. We have established a board of six trustees (Martha Brown, Jean Caster, Leland Caster, Jack K Castor, Orval Fink, and Jean White) to oversee the operation of the officers, and to have the final say in matters of importance. We have three officers and provision for a fourth later on. The president (Charlie Scholer) will continue to function as editor for another biennium. We also have a vice president and treasurer (John F Caster), and a vice president and recording secretary (Dorothea Schweiger). Later, we hope to install an executive vice president. As soon as we can complete the organizational details, we will move on to the formation of several committees for various activities.

page -23- *** The Third National Castor Reunion will be 18-19 June 1988 at Adventureland Inn in Des Moines, Iowa. Terry O'Connor is Chairperson. His address is 301 Village Circle, Altoona, Iowa 50009. His telephone number is 515/967-3861. Anyone wishing to volunteer to help, please contact Terry. *** Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana, Chairpeople for the Fourth National Castor Reunion, will continue to research suitable locations for the 1990 reunion to be held in Indiana.

*** Leland Caster urges you to send your favorite recipes to him for inclusion in the soon-to-be-published Castor Cookin' Old & New -- he would like to receive more recipes before the final deadline 15 April 1987. So, let's get on the ball and send them to Leland L Caster, 1929 Bellpark Drive, Bremerton, Washington 98310 Let me emphasize that Leland has put a tremendous effort into this project, and he deserves a real accolade!! Remember, this is a project that is designed to augment our finances, and further promote our research and gain of knowledge. Many thanks, Leland!

*** We have four (4) copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies left for sale, $23 postpaid. We have twelve (12) copies of More Caster/Castor Genealogies left for sale, $28 postpaid in the US, $32 postpaid in Canada. Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) is no longer available. *** The Association can achieve more as we grow in numbers. Our membership totaled 270 last year, and we have set a goal of 300 for 1987. But if we top our goal substantially, we will have the funds to do much more than initially planned. Let's make 1987 a banner year!! Tell your friends about our activities, and suggest they join. We benefit in many ways -- more funding, more information gained, and more ideas about our activities. Let's go, gang!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA four times a year. Subscription to THE NEWS-CASTER is part of the membership of the Association. Membership dues are $10 per calendar year for the first year, and $6 per calendar year thereafter. The Annual Membership Directory is optional and is $2 additional. Membership is open to all that are interested in genealogy and history. Officers for the 1987-1988 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; John F Caster, vice president and treasurer; Dorothea Schweiger, vice president and •recording secretary. Trustees are: Mrs Jack L (Martha) Brown; Mrs Huitt D (Jean) Caster; Leland L Caster; Jack K Castor; Orval R Fink; and Mrs Charles L (Jean) White.

FRANK AND ERNEST ''by Sob Thayer;

wHicH P0 YOU wAN-t- Tb I-WAR ^Boor FiKsT? , •-• TH Nuns-, THE

' 7 L.FivioNs, 'T-NE RAP *0110.1111 ,11 igit Rea' APPLE*5? pl#11 I 0 MN Irr MA Ti-Ave,

page -24-

THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Vol.5 No.2 June 1987 IMMIGRANT LIST -- 1751-1800 We continue the list of immigrants with sources listed. This list was started in the March 1987 issue, pages 3-10. Elizabeth Campuzano of McNeal, Arizona points out that Margaret Koster, page 6 of the March issue, is not the daughter of Paulus and Gertrude Kuster as I had inquired, but is the daughter of Johannes and Elizabeth (Cassell) Koster. Margaret was born in America, therefore should not be included in the list of immigrants. Thank you, Elizabeth Campuzano. In the next issue (September) we will continue the list from 1801 through 1850.

Johann Philip Kuster arrived 16 Sept 1751 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Edinburgh, James Russel, Master Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 255 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 337 Johann Phillibes Kuster arrived 16 Sept 1751 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Edinburgh, James Russel, Master Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 462

Ludwig Kuster arrived 4 Oct 1752 at Philadelphia, Pa on George Phillip Kuster ship Neptune, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupps Thirty Thousand Namess p 285 Ludwig Kuster arrived 4 Oct 1752 at Philadelphia, Pa on Jerg Phillips Kuster ship Neptune, Capt John Mason, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 493

page -25- "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 363 [Ludwig], p 364 [Georg Philip]

Ludwig and Georg Philip were brothers, sons of Ludwig and Susanna Kister of Durstel (near Strasbourg), Alsace. "Ludwig Kuster and George Philip Kuster Who Arrived on the 'Neptune"' by George H Custard The News-Caster 3:2 (June 1985), p 5

Matheus Kester arrived 1752 in Pennsylvania "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 374

Hans Enert Custard arrived 19 Sept 1753 at Philadelphia, Pa H Henry Coster tt tt tt It tt tt tt on ship Leathley, Capt John Lickley, from Hamburg, cleared from Cowes Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 1, p 536-7-8

Michael Koster arrived 16 Oct 1754 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Peggy, James Abercrombie, Captain, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 337 Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 1, pp 637, 639 & 641 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 440

Lorentz Coster arrived 22 Oct 1754 at Philadelphia, Pa ship Halifax, Capt Thomas Coatam, from Rotterdam, last from Portsmouth Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 1, p 654

page -26-

Leonard Kister/Johann Lenhart Kistner arrived 26 Oct 1754 at Philadelphia Martin Kister/Kistner It It It It tt tt Brigantine Mary and Sarah, Capt Thomas Brodrick, from Amsterdam, last from Portsmouth Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 1, p 661-2-3

Philip Kiester arrived 1754 in Pennsylvania "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 394

Heinrich Kuster arrived 1758 at Lancaster, Pa "Pal-Index": A Surname Index of Eighteenth Century Immigrants Charles M Hall (1979), p 66

John Kuster naturalized 1761 in Pennsylvania "Naturalizations of Foriegn Protestants in the American & West Indian Colonies" by Montague Spencer Giuseppi, ed Publication of The Huguenot Society of London Vol 24 (1921), p 68 "Persons Naturalized in the Province of Pa 1740-1773" Pennsylvania Archives Second Series Vol II, (1876), p 417 Jno Kuster naturalized 1761 in Pa "Persons Naturalized in the Province of Pa 1740-1773" Pennsylvania Archives Second Series Vol II, (1876), p 425

Johannes Koster arrived 3 Oct 1764 at Philadelphia, Pa ship King of Prussia, Capt James Robinson, from London Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 695 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 464

page -27- Johannes Kiester arrived 27 Oct 1764 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Hero, Ralph Forster, Captain, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 365 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 467

John Koster arrived 1764 at Philadelphia, Pa with wife "Palatines & Servants Imported on the King of Prussia" The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 27:1 (1971), p 58

Ludwick Koester naturalized 1765 in Pennsylvania "Naturalizations of Foribgn Protestants in the American & West Indian Colonies" by Montague Spencer Giuseppi, ed Publication of The Huguenot Society of London Vol 24 (1921), p 129

Peter Kaster naturalized 1765 in Pennsylvania "Naturalizations of Foriegn Protestants in the American & West Indian Colonies" by Montague Spencer Giuseppi, ed Publication of The Huguenot Society of London Vol 24 (1921), p 142

George Gerster naturalized 1765 at Philadelphia, Pa "Persons Naturalized in the Province of Pa 1740-1773" Pennsylvania Archives Second Series Vol II, (1876), p 461

Johan Dietrich Koster arrived 23 Sept 1766 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Chance, Charles Smith, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 374 Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 709 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 475

page -28- Johannes Kister arrived 26 Oct 1767 at Philadelphia, Pa on ship Brittania, Alexander Hardy, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Portsmouth Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 381 (same information as above, except for Johannes Kistner) Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 717

Joseph Castor age 46 arrived 1767 St Pierre & Miquelon, Canada "Familles Acadiennes Qui Sont Maintenant aux Iles St Pierre et Miquelon Suivant le Recen- sement d'Icelles, Fait le 15 Mai 1767" by Placide Gaudet Report Concerning Canadian Archives 2:3, Appendix G. Ottawa (1905), p 174

Johannes Kuster arrived 1768 in Pennsylvania "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 485

Johannes Gerster arrived 1771 Carolina and/or Pa wife Anna C Hanhardt Lists of Swiss Emigrants in the Eighteenth dau age 3 years Century to the American Colonies Vol 2 child: Johannes (1925), p 176

Jacob Kuster arrived 24 Dec 1772 at Philadelphia, Pa on Brig Morton Star, Georg Demster, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Rupp Thirty Thousand Names p 404 arrived 24 Dec 1772 at Philadelphia, on Brig Morning Star, George Demster, Master,from Rotterdam, last from Cowes Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol I, p 745 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 504

Nicholas Peter Coster arrived 1773 in Pennsylvania "Record of Indentures of Individuals Bound out as Apprentices, Servants, Etc and of page -29- German & other Redemptioners in the Office of the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, Oct 3, 1771 to Oct 5, 1773" The Pa German Society Prodceedings & Addresses Vol 16 (1905), p 312

William Coster arrived 1773 in America English Convicts in Colonial America Peter Wilson Coldham, Vol I (1974), p 64

Joshua Coster arrived 1774 in America English Convicts in Colonial America Peter Wilson Coldham, Vol I (1974), p 64

Christoph Kester arrived 1782 in New York, New York "Muster Rolls and Prisoner-of-War Lists in American Archival Collections Pertaining to the German Mercenary Troops Who Served with the British Forces During the American Revo- lution" German-American Genealogical Monograph No 3 by Clifford Neal Smith (1974- 76), p 136

Friedrich Kuester arrived 1782 in New York, New York "Muster Rolls and Prisoner-of-War Lists in American Archival Collections Pertaining to the German Mercenary Troops Who Served with the British Forces During the American Revo- lution" German-American Genealogical Monograph No 3 by Clifford Neal Smith (1974- 76), p 144

Henry A Coster arrived 1784 at New York State "Excerpts from 'Laws of the State of New York' Vol I Albany 1886 - " Tree Talks 3:3 (Sept 1963), p 77

Hans Gerster arrived 1792 at Carolina and/or Pa Hans Jacob Gerster Lists of Swiss Emigrants in the Eighteenth Century to the American Colonies Vol 2 (1925), p 204 John Gerster arrived 1792 at Philadelphia, Pa Jacob Gerster It Tf It f If

page -30- Lists of Swiss Emigrants in the Eighteenth Century to the American Colonies Iria 2 (1925), p 204 John Gerster arrived 1792 at Philadelphia, Pa Jacob Gerster ff II IT ff t1

"List of Foriegners Who Arrived at Phila- delphia 1791-1792" by Luther R Kelker The Pennsylvania Magazine of History & Biography 24:3 (1900), p 338

John Gerster arrived 8 Sept 1792 at Philadelphia, Pa Jacob Gerster If It It It I/ TI ship Columbia, Capt Wm Maley Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 53 Emigrants to Pa, :1641-1819: A Consolidation of Ship Passenger Lists from "The Pennsyl- vania Magazine of History & Biography Michael Tepper, ed (1978), p 252

Anne Catherine Kosters arrived 9 Feb 1793 at Philadelphia, Pa on Brig Union Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 57 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, Vol 17 (1890), p 537

Christian Friedrich Ludwig Kuster arrived 7 July 1795 at Philadelphia on Concord from Hamburg Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 75

Morris Custard naturalized 1798 in Mississippi Index to Naturalization Records, Mississippi Courts, 1798-1906 Jackson, Miss (1942), p 192

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

GEORGE ARMSTRONG' CUSTER An interesting article appeared in the National Geographic Volume 170, No. 6, December 1986, pp 787-813, entitled "Ghosts on the Little Bighorn, Custer and the warriors of the plains" by Robert Paul Jordan.

page -31- HENRY AND ELIZABETH (BURKETT) CUSTER by Darlene Dickinson Hanson RR #1, Box 65, Kirkman, Iowa 51447 Henry Custer born 22 April 1807 in Ashe County, North Carolina, son of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Miller) Custer [John (4), Nicholas (3), Arnold (2), Paulus (1)]. At the age of fourteen, he went to Virginia and then to Clermont County, Ohio. From there he went to Laudiam, Putnam County, Indiana. Henry married 18 June 1829 Elizabeth Burkett in Putnam County, Indiana. Elizabeth was born 26 February 1808 near Salem, North Carolina, daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Hyre) Burkett. Soon after their marriage, they moved to Fountain County, Indiana, opened up a farm and remained there for sixteen years. While living in Fountain County, Henry made two trips to New Orleans with flat boats, but suffered financial losses. In May 1852, they located in southwestern Missouri. Traveling from Indiana to Missouri was difficult. They had to go to St Louis to cross the Mississippi River. There were not many marked roads to travel and they had to hunt their way of travel. For food during their trip, they relied on wild life meat to supplement the staple food items they had brought with them. From the age of ten, Henry had used the rifle with great accuracy. He was a lover of hunting and a great sportsman. They brought seeds and a plow with them. They made the journey with horses and oxen, fording streams and picking their way across the country. They did not like southwestern Missouri. Letters from friends in Iowa encouraged them to settle in Iowa. In October 1852, they arrived in Mills County, Iowa, and settled in Shelby County, Iowa in the spring of 1853. At that time, Shelby County was occupied by only a few hardy pioneers, and was a prairie nearly unexplored. In March 1853, Henry bought 360 acres of government land in section 3 of what is now Fairview Township. Henry erected a loghouse, assisted by his son, Rudy, and son-in-law, Leander Hack, who had settled two miles south of Henry in the fall of 1852. Henry and his sons broke the prairie sod with teams of oxen. The winter of 1857 was so severe and the roads and streams were impassable, that they were unable to get to the mill for flour. The mill was located 55 miles away at what is now Council Bluffs, Iowa. As their breadstuff gave out, they ground ten bushels of buckwheat in their coffee mill. They had 300 bushels of wheat in the granery, but until it was ground to flour, it was not usable. Later, as the farm was developed and other improvements made in the area, they were able to replace the loghouse with a substantial frame dwelling. Henry and Elizabeth lived out their days in this new frame dwelling. The log cabin was torn down and moved away in 1890. In May 1860, Henry and a fellow pioneer, William McGinnis, went to Pikes Peak in Colorado with a team of oxen and a wagon. They joined the rush to gold at Pikes Peak. They each provided half of the provisions needed. One night, on the way home in the fall, they stopped to make camp. Henry took the gun and went to find food. When he returned, he found his partner had left with everything! Henry followed the trail and did catch up with him. After that, Henry never left sight of McGinnis, and Henry always slept with his gun at his side. On 5 May 1860, Henry and Elizabeth conveyed one acre of land in section 3 to the district township of Rounds for the purpose of a school. On this land was erected one of the earliest school houses in Shelby County. Henry was a small man. He was a consultant and helped people who were ill. Elizabeth was a midwife. During the early days when the page -32- county was sparsely populated, friend or stranger could count on an equally cordial welcome at the Custer home. Their religion was Dunker (Church of the Brethren). The church was located about two miles east of Harlan. Elizabeth wore a black bonnet to church and a little white cap at home. Henry's education in books was limited, but he possessed some of the most lofty and amiable traits of character. Strictly honest and truthful, charitable and having a large and generous heart. He was a loving husband and parent, a firm and true friend, a kind neighbor, and a patriotic citizen. Two of his sons, Henry, Jr and Jonathan, entered the Union Army. Jonathan died 20 February 1863 at Helena, Arkansas of red measles. Poltically, Henry was an old line Whig until the Republican Party was organized, of which he became an ardent member. While taking wheat to the mill at Council Bluffs to exchange for flour, Henry slipped and broke his leg. After complications set in, Henry died 28 August 1885 at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 6 days. He was buried on his farm in Fairview Township. After Henry's death, Elizabeth made her home with her youngest son, Benton, on the adjoining farm. Elizabeth died 27 October 1888 at the age of 82 years, and was buried beside her husband. Their children: 1. John Custer born 11 May 1830 in Indiana; died 14 may 1830. 2. Rudolf Custer born 12 June 1831 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 1 May 1859 Jane Abernathy in Shelby County, Iowa; died 27 November 1899, buried at Fairview Township Cemetery, Shelby County, Iowa. 3. Mary Ann Custer born 9 October 1833 in Fountain County, Indiana; died 18 February 1834. 4. Elizabeth Custer born 13 March 1836 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 22 September 1850 Leander Hack; died 14 May 1904, buried at Marsland Cemetery, Marsland, Nebraska. 5. Benjamin Custer born 23 June 1837 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 29 March 1858 Sarah Elizabeth Teague in Shelby County, Iowa, married 19 February 1870 Catherine Turpin Moore; died 11 April 1919 at Herman, Nebraska, buried at Pender Cemetery, Pender, Nebraska. 6. Twin to Benjamin died at birth. 7. Jonathan Custer born 27 October 1839 in Fountain County, Indiana; did not marry, enlisted in Co A, 29th Regiment of Iowa Infantry, Union Army at Harlan, Iowa; died 20 February 1863 at Helena, Arkansas. 8. Abraham Custer born 29 April 1842 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 28 March 1861 Angeline Roberts in Shelby County, Iowa, married second Matilda Rickles; died 20 May 1927 at Naper, Boyd County, Nebraska. 9. Henry Custer, Jr born 26 May 1844 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 22 January 1865 Catherine Wright in Shelby County, Iowa; died 9 October 1926. 10. Catherine Custer born 21 January 1847 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 11 June 1863 Lewis Waterbury in Shelby County, Iowa; died 13 September 1875, buried at Fairview Cemetery, Shelby County, Iowa. 11. Caroline Custer born 27 September 1849 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 22 November 1866 Louis Shaffer; died 29 June 1936, buried at Fairview Cemetery, Shelby County, Iowa. 12. Benton Clemons Custer born 14 February 1852 in Fountain County, Indiana; married 1 January 1879 Laura Alice McGee at Oakland, Iowa; died 18 September 1937 at Harlan, Iowa, buried at Harlan Cemetery. Sources: History of Shelby County, Iowa (1889) obituary of Henry Custer, Sr The Plumb Tree by Eda Inez Custer Plumb early Harlan, Iowa newspapers, family Bible records, & military records

* * * * * * * * * * * * * page -33- CASTOR LOOKS BACK ON YEARS IN OTSEGO

by Liz Chamberlain reprinted by permission of Zanesville (Ohio) Times Recorder

Pansy Castor, a long-time member of the New Concord community, is a lady whose appearance and demeanor suggest to an observer that she is much younger than her 88 years. Mrs Castor resides at the beautifully appointed Helen Purcell Home in Zanesville. The view from her window is picturesque with huge oak trees. She says she loves to watch the squirrels at play in the trees. Pansy Lera McCall was born in Monroe Township. Her grandfather, Mose McCall, and family lived in a house which stood on the Methodist church parking lot site. Her parents were Mr and Mrs R 0 McCall. She had one sister, now deceased, and one brother, Rollin, former owner of the dry cleaning shop in New Concord. Rollin and his wife live in New Concord. Pansy spent the early years of her life in Zanesville where she attended Grant and Garfield schools. After the death of her mother, when Pansy was nine years old, McCall moved the family back to Monroe Township. Pansy then attended Upper Buker's School. After several years, McCall remarried and the family again became Zanesville residents. McCall worked for the Zanesville Rapid Transit which ran the streetcars and later, on the buses. Pansy attended Zanesville High School where her activities were music oriented. Other activities were roller skating on sidewalks in the summer and sledding in winter. After graduation in 1916, she worked as a bookkeeper and typist for Ohio Fuel Gas Co where she remained until she married Walter Castor in 1920. Pansy and Walter had known each other since childhood. Their families were friends and visited frequently. As teenagers, they would see each other when Pansy visited her grandparents, but they never really dated. Walter went to the Army, serving with the occupation forces in France and Germany after World War I. In August 1919, after his return home, Walter was in Zanesville one day where he and Pansy happened to meet on the street. Pansy said, "Each of us knew that was it." They were married January 1, 1920. "Walter wanted to be free and be a farmer," said Pansy. They bought a farm near Otsego and lived there for 20 years. Looking back, Pansy remembers, "It was hard work, but raising a family there was nice." The Castors did general farming, raising cattle, sheep, hogs and chickens. During the Depression, eggs were 10 cents a dozen. "We ate lots of eggs and chicken," said Pansy. She canned most of their food from the garden and farm animals. Three children were born to Pansy and Walter Castor. Donald, born in 1922, lives in New Concord and is proprietor of Zansville Pottery. Bryce, born in 1924, lives in Fullerton, California. He recently retired as manager of Metal Goods Steel Co. Janice Castor Heston, born in 1926, lives in Columbus. There are eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Speaking about life in Otsego, Pansy recalls, "Even though we worked hard, we had lots of fun. The Otsego boys grew up with a baseball in their hands and always had a good time. My husband was a catcher, so no matter if the corn needed hoeing or hay needed harvesting, Saturday afternoon we went to the game. There were no bleachers, so we sat on our blankets on the ground. There was an unwritten law of no games on Sunday." On Sundays the Castors attended the Baptist Church where Pansy played piano for 14 years. page -34- There were many relatives in the Otsego area which made social activities frequent and numerous. Pansy remembers, "Our farm touched three other Castor farms -- an uncle's and two cousins'. We spent many a long winter evening getting together with our children (a total of seven) playing cards and eating. At one time, someone remarked that the Castors and sparrows were taking Monroe Township." Grange was another family activity and the winter months were spent rehearsing a three-act play, "Practicing was a riot, but by Memorial Day evening we were ready to present it to the public," said Pansy. Otsego School functions were central with the family. Both boys were on the basketball team while they were in high school there. During those years, Pansy became an active participant in Eastern Star at Adamsville. She continued her involvement in the organization to the present. In 1940, the Castor family moved to New Concord, Ohio, to embark upon a new endeavor and different way of life. They opened Castor Hardware in the building now occupied by Handschy-Graham-Taylor Insurance. Donald was a young man by that time. Bryce and Janice attended New Concord Hich School where Bryce played basketball and Janice enjoyed musical groups. All children attended Muskingum College. The two sons were in the military service during World War II. Bryce finished his college education after the war and, upon graduation, took a job in Denver, Colorado. Donald worked with his father at the store. The family's first residence in New Concord was on the corner of Montgomery Boulevard and Friendship Drive (then called Bloomfield Road). In 1960, they built the house directly across the highway. Later, they built another home two lots south of the Grange Hall. They had an acre of ground and "could see around," said Pansy. After a time, the hardware business would not support two families, so Walter and Donald decided to buy the Zanesville Pottery. Donald had become interested in the pottery business and liked it. The store was located in the brick building on the north side of Route 40, just west of Baker's Motel. The business flourished, but following construction of the freeway, the family located west of Norwich. A few years ago, Donald and his wife, Jane, also opened the White Pillars Christmas House on Route 40. Their son and daughter are now associated with the business. Pansy looks back over a busy life filled with a variety of activities. While the family lived in Otsego, she became a member and served as president of the Extension Homemaker's Club. In 1936, she attended the Farm Women of the World convention in Washington, DC with 5,000 women from many countries, some dressed in native costume. One of the major events was a tea party on the White House lawn. She remembers President Roosevelt greeting them from the portico. After the move to Concord, the Castors were quickly absorbed into the community. "There were lots of activity when the children were in school," said Pansy. They joined College Drive Presbyterian Church where Pansy served on the flower committee, sang in the choir and, for a time, was chairman of a circle. She was also president of the Garden Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. "The auxiliary was an active group," she said. During the war years, women of many organizations made scarves for and sent boxes of food to servicemen. Pansy became deeply involved with her Eastern Star work in New Concord. She held 12 of the 16 offices in the lodge and was secretary of the district in 1950. Walter joined the lodge so they could be together. "We felt it was important to be together, especially when the boys were in the service," she said. Walter was patron seven times, serving as Pansy's patron three times. "During those years, we traveled widely and made a host of page -35- friends," said Pansy. When they visited son, Bryce, and family in Colorado, Pansy recalls, "I was fascinated by God's creation of mountains, valleys, lakes, waterfalls and clear trout streams." They went on a number of tours in the eastern United States and Canada. "It was so enjoyable," she said. Pansy remembers the New Concord trains: "I loved to hear the train whistles. You could hear the trains at night. One which went to Norwich had to go up a grade. Sometimes, it would get stuck and another engine would have to come to pull it up. The retired men always went to the station to see who got on and off the train." Not long after her husband's death in 1978, Pansy moved to Evergreen Village. In September 1985, she moved to the Helen Purcell Home, Zanesville. "There isn't any place I know of that one could like as well as this," she said. "We are well entertained." Pansy enjoys listening to music groups who perform and particiates in activities in the craft room and organized games. Her hobby had been sewing, but Pansy said her eyes and arthritis interfere. Now, she enjoys playing bingo twice a week. It is apparent that Pansy Castor has had the ability to adjust comfortably to each phase of her many-faceted life. Of one outstanding memory, she reflects, "We were so happy at the pottery." "I feel I've had a pretty good life," she said. Pansy's expression shows that she is also eagerly looking forward to tomorrow.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

MILITARY RECORDS

Owen Perkins of Royal Oak, Michigan recently obtained the pension records of Albert H Caster, Theodore Castor, and Timothy Caster from the National Archives. Owen made a copy of these records and sent them to us for our files. Thanks very much, Owen, for your thoughtfulness. Owen suggested that we list the military records that we now have, and this list does follow. Any one desiring a copy of any of these records may have them for the cost of copying and postage. This will be less costly and quicker than requesting the records from the National Archives. In the December 1985 and March 1986 issues of the News-Caster, we listed the military pension files Caster/Castor/Custer/Kester personnel in the period 1861-1916 that are available from the National Archives.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Jacob Castor Penns Militia, Lower Mt Bethel Twp of Northampton Co John Castor/Castorer New York Militia Vincent Castor Maryland Line Sgt Benjamin Custard New York Militia George Custard 13th Virginia Regiment Jacob Custard Penn Militia, Lehigh Water Gap of Northampton Co Jacob Custard Rockingham Co, Virginia John Custard 9th Virginia Regiment Joseph Kester Rockingham Co, Virginia Peter Keister Northumberland Co, Pennsylvania Jacob Kuster Pennsylvania Troops, Northampton Co, Pa

page -36-

WAR OF 1812

George Caster Penn Militia - Butler County John Castor Ohio Militia William Castor Vermont Militia William Castor Ohio Militia - Preble County William W Custard New York Militia Conrad Custer Kentucky Militia Benjamin Kaster Penn Militia CIVIL WAR Albert H Caster Co - 10 Mich Cav Benjamin Caster Co F - 68 Ind Inf Charles W Caster Co - 100 Ind Inf Daniel Caster Co - 194 Ohio Inf Daniel H Caster (Sgt) Co a H - 5 Ks Cav Jackson Caster (Capt) Co - 40 Ind Inf (Samuel B J Caster) James M Caster Co - 40th Ind Inf John Franklin Caster Co B - 72 Ind Inf Lewis Caster Co A - 10 Mo Inf Co . 64 Ill Inf Miles Caster Co G •, 11 Ind Inf Perry W Caster Co C - 40 Ind Inf Robert Caster Co F - 68 Ind Inf Stephen L Caster Co I - 85 Iii Inf Theodore Caster Co - 191 Ohio Inf Timothy Caster Co K - 3 Mich Inf William Caster Co - 68 Ind Inf William A Caster Co C - 75 Ohio Inf Andrew J Castor Co C - 149 Pa Inf Conrad Castor Co K - 26 Ky Inf Crawford Castor Co B - 1 Mo Cav Daniel Castor Co F - 20 NC Inf (CSA) Francis L Castor Co I - 6 Pa H A George W Castor Co I - 75 Ind Inf (alias Washington Avery) Henry A Castor Co C - 57 NC Inf (CSA) Henry H Castor Co A - 9 Ill Cav Henry M Castor Co K - 4 NC Inf (CSA) Jacob Castor Co I - 64 Ohio Inf Jacob F Castor Co C - 57 NC Inf (CSA) James W Castor Co B - 18 Iowa Inf John Castor (Sgt) Co - 123 Ind Inf John A Castor Co K - 4 NC Inf (CSA) John H Castor (Capt) Co A, F & G - 102 Ohio Int John W Castor (Cpl) Co G - 33 Mo Inf Lewis Castor Co D - 13 Iowa Inf Lewis H Castor Co B - 1 Ind H A Noah Castor Co H - 5 Ks Cav Samuel Castor Co D - 123 Pa Inf Theodore Castor Co I - 5 Mich Inf Thompson Castor Co D - 123 Ind Inf William M Castor Co B - 4 Pa Cav (alias John Musser) William S Castor Co B - 126 Iii Inf William V Castor Co B - 18 Iowa Inf page -37- Elkanah Custard Co A - 91 NY Inf gilliam W Custard Co A - 91 NY Inf Benjamin Kaster Co B - 107 Pa Inf Enoch Kaster Co G - 6 Iowa Cav Hiram Kaster Co F & G - 13 Iowa Inf Isaac Kaster Co C - 15 Ky Inf Reuben Kaster Co K - 19 Iowa Inf Sealy Kaster Co K - 150 Pa Inf

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White 2746 Wilderness Ct, Wichita, Ks 67226 Most people searching for Quaker records are referred to William Hinshaw's Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy which is extracted mainly from meeting records found at Swathmore College, Swathmore, Pennsylvania and Guilford College, Guilford, North Carolina. The encyclopedia consists of six volumes: Volume I -- the Carolinas Volume II -- Philadelphia, Pa; Salem and Burlington, New Jersey Volume III -- New York City and Long Island Volumes IV & V -- Ohio Volume VI -- Virginia Hinshaw, however, did not finish his encyclopedia before his death. Willard Heiss of Indianapolis, through the Indiana Historical Society, published some of the Indiana and Illinois meetings from Hinshaw's unpublished notes. Heiss compiled six volumes of Indiana records. Volumes I and II of Heiss comprise Volume VII of the encyclopedia. Roger Boone published a book of corrections and additions to Heiss' Indiana meetings. The genealogist may ask, "Are these all the meeting records that still exist?" This is probably true for North Carolina. All the holdings at Guilford College were published in Hinshaw's encyclopedia. There were many more meetings that existed in North Carolina, but their records are now presumed lost. But there are many other Quaker meeting records still available that are not recorded in the seven volumes of Hinshaw's encyclopedia. After William Hinshaw died, his widow donated his notebooks to Swathmore College where they were microfilmed. She paid to have the records placed on cards and alphabetically filed by meetings, using the same format found in the encyclopedia. This file is known as THE QUAKER INDEX. It includes meeting records as far west as Iowa, Oklahome, Nebraska, and Colorado. Willard Heiss used this index to make typescript copies of the records, and placed these in the lending library of his daughter-in-law. When the library was discontinued the typescripts were placed in storage. About four years ago, Friends University in Wichita, Kansas (they also hold the meeting records under the Kansas Yearly Meeting) paid a substantial sum to obtain these records for their Quaker collection in the Edmund Stanley Library. Another copy of these typescripts is at the Allen County Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Also, THE QUAKER INDEX has been filmed by the LDS Church and an index by surname is available on microfilm number 0002,148. page -38- Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania hold some other Pennsylvania meeting records and has reciprocated with Swathmore College so that now each college holds a full set of Pennsylvania records, as well as records from other states. Another major source of Quaker records is the Hall of Records, Annapolis, Maryland. They hold the records on microfilm which were under the Baltimore Yearly Meeting, the Virginia Yearly Meeting and a few under the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Generally, these include all the Delaware meetings, Maryland meetings (including the eastern shore meetings under the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting), most of the Virginia meetings, all meetings located in what is now West Virginia, meetings in southeastern and central Pennsylvania, and a few meetings from Ohio, Indiana and Iowa. The records for southwestern Pennsylvania (originally under the Baltimore Yearly Meeeting) are now at Swathmore College and are believed not to be included in THE QUAKER INDEX. A few meeting records, such as Hopewell Meeting in Virginia and Kingwood Meeting in New Jersey, have been published separately. New York meeting records not found in Hinshaw may be at the New York Yearly Meeting Records Room, 221 East 15th Street, New York, New York 10003. New England meeting records may be found at the New England Quaker Research Library, P 0 Box 655, North Amherst, Massachusetts 01059. Meetings in Upper Canada (Ontario) were formed from migrations of people from the States. Records exist for a few of these meetings and are in the Archives of the Society of Friends, Friends Meeting House, 60 Lowther Avenue, Toronto, Ontario. They publish the Canadian Quaker History Newsletter. The Ontario Archives in Toronto microfilmed these records and they are available to the researcher in their reading room. The University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario also has some of the meeting records. Most of the meeting records mentioned above have been microfilmed by the LDS Church and are in the Genealogical Library in Salt Lake City. They can be rented through branch LDS libraries throughout the United States by consulting the GLC (microfische catalog of holdings) at any of the branch libraries. Be sure to check under location headings as well as "church records - Quaker." A national society for Descendants of Early Quakers has recently been formed. Among the charter members are two people who are descended from Johannes Kester. Membership information may be obtained from the national corresponding clerk, Miss Bonita Dell Miller, 3040 East 2nd Street #11, Long Beach, California 90803. Another source of Quaker family material is The Quaker Yeoman, a quarterly published by James E Bellarts, Brookside Business Consultants, Inc, 2330 S E Brookwood, Suite 108, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123. Willard Heiss is working on the Handbook for Historians and Genealogists for Quaker Research in the United States and Canada. This is one of his retirement projects and will be a major contribution to genealogical research. Sources: Genealogy, A Publication of the Family History Section of the Indiana page -39- Historical Society Willard Heiss, editor, No 76 (April 1983). Quaker Genealogy at Friends University (pamphlet). A History of the Mennonites in Ontario L J Burkholder, pp 251-257. Quaker Records in Maryland Phebe R Jacobsen. North Carolina Genealogical Reference pp 480-481 (good map of meeting locations on page 481). Guide to Research in Quaker Records in the Midwest Willard Heiss. The Genealogical Helper December 1960, "Major Repostitories in the US" Fred Tolles and Lyman Riley. Genealogical Research: Methods and Sources American Society of Genealogists, Volume 1, page 213. In Search of Your Roots, A Guide for Canadians Seeking Their Ancestors Angus Baxter, pp 40-41, 103-104. New York State Area Key Florence Clint, pp 98-100. A List of All the Friends Meetings in Indiana Willard Heiss. Inventory of Church Archives, Society of Friends in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Historical Survey WPA. A History of the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Canada Arthur Dorland New York City Church Archives Society of Friends John Cox, Jr, New York Historical Survey (WPA) National Society Decendants of Early Quakers Charter Membership Booklet * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE CASTOR LENDING LIBRARY The Association has accumulated several genealogical books that may be borrowed by mail. We set forth our list of available books in the September 1986 News-Caster, page 45. We list the books that have been added in each News-Caster. If you wish to have a complete and updated list, please send a stamped self addressed envelope. Rules and Instructions 1. The period of loan shall be four weeks. No penalty shall be incurred for late return. If the initial period of loan proves to be inadequate, please request additional time -- if no one has requested the item, then additional time will be granted. 2. When returning the item, mail 4th class rate or book rate, and please insure. Also, please enclose reimbursement to the Library for the cost of postage plus $.50 to cover mailing material and incidentals. 3. No more than two items shall be borrowed at one time. The following have been added to the books available for loan. The Dyer Settlement - The Fort Seybert Massacre by Mary Lee Keister Talbot (1937) 64 pp Indiana Genealogical Resources & Library Survey by Jean M White, 141 pp The Odyssey of Johann Castor - A Genealogy of the Kastor Family by Robert H Peterson (1972), 57 pp National Geographic Vol 170, No 6, December 1986, "Ghosts on the Little Bighorn" by Robert Paul Jordan. Twenty-six pages of recent findings at page -40- the battle site.

Record of the Castor-McDonald Reunion 1909-1941, Hamilton County, Indiana facsimile made and donated by Beatrice C Harper (1987), 71 pp

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

QUERIES

*** Seeking information about the parents of James Porter. James married Rachel Daniels in Grayson County, Virginia on 14 August 1823. Is Joseph Porter of Wilkesboro area of North Carolina the father of James? Anyone having information please contact Harold L Porter, P 0 Box 1270, Ceredo, West Virginia 25507

*** Would like to contact any descendants of Henry Keister (1803-1882) and John Keister (1795-1863). Both were born in Pennsylvania (probably in Northumberland County). John (and perhaps Henry did, too) lived in Montgomery County, Ohio for a period, then both settled in Warren County, Indiana. Please write to Mrs Ruth Doutt Ingertson, 3336-A Rowena Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90027-2932

*** Searching for Dwight L Kaster who served in the 413th Signal Company in the U S Armed Forces in Okinawa in 1945. The 413th Signal Company is planning a reunion, and want to contact Dwight L Kaster. Army records show Dwight's next of kin residing in Lincoln, Nebraska and Los Angeles, California. Anyone having information please contact Colangelo "Coe" Forino, 472 Nova Scotia Hill Road, Watertown, Connecticut 06795

*** Interested in George Custer of East Donegal Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, late 1700s to early 1800s. Did three of his daughters marry Hackenberger brothers? (Anne Custer married Abraham Hackenberger, Mary Custer married Samuel Hackenberger, Elizabeth Custer married Peter Hackenberger). Please contact Roberta Monk Holsclaw, 7472 Mount Sherman Road, Longmont, Colorado 80501

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

KASTER KLIPPINGS

*** Mr & Mrs Joe I Castor of Lapel, Indi- ana celebrated their 50th wedding anniver- sary 1 December 1986. Mr Castor and the former Frances Louise Gatewood were married 1936 in the country home of Arza Stern with the Rev 0 F Lydy officiating. Mr Castor is the son of the late Ernest M and Rose (Mc- Dole) Castor. They have one daughter, Nancy Burris and two grandchildren.

*** Robert Alonzo "Lonnie" Castor died 18 February 1987 in the Veterans Administra- tion Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, aged 65. Robert served in the US Coast Guard during World War II. Robert was the son of the late Rev Thomas Edward Castor of Wichita. Joe & Frances Castor * * * * * * * * * * * * * page -41- THE FAMILY OF LEONARD AND MARIA CATHERINE (KERES) KESTER This is a follow-up to the article that appeared in the December 1986 News-Caster pp 65-70. We have recently received a brief research report from the Northampton County Historical Society in Easton, Pennsylvania. They have found a baptismal record of still another child of Leonard and Catherine Kester. On page 13 of the records of the Reformed Church of Upper Mount Bethel Township the baptism of Sarah, child of Leonard Koster and Catharine, is noted having occurred 6 September 1778, birth 8 August 1778, sponsors were Jacob Reimel and Sarah. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SOME NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CEMETERY READINGS by A Gordon Carter, 626 Humber Road Peterbourough, Ontario K9J 1H3, Canada

The following readings were made 24 October 1986 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Lower Mount Bethel Township has two cemeteries of interest. One is the Good Sheperd Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery. Across the highway from it is a very large cemetery, and it is called Three Church Hill Cemetery, or by some simply Church Hill Cemetery. The Good Sheperd Evangelical Lutheran Church Cemetery has the following stones: Christianna Kester died Nov 15, 1867 aged 81 years Aaron Kester born March 1816, died Jan 5 1843 aged 27 years We have not identified the lineage of these Kesters. Three Hill Church Cemetery has the following stones which are identified with the family of Adam and Anna Christiana (Kester) Teel. Anna Christina Kester was a daughter of John Michael Kuster (see page 70, December 1986 News-Caster). Sacred to the memory of Sacred to the memory of Christiana Teel Adam Teel consort of Adam Teel who was born April 12 1760 who was born March 12 AD 1765 and departed this life and departed this life April 10 1838 February 26, 1840 aged 73 years 29 days aged 79 yrs 10 months and 14 days

Sacred to the memory of William Sarah Teel son of George and Elizabeth Teel daughter of born Sept 14, 1835 Adam and Christina Teel died July 7, 1851 who was born aged 15 years 9 months 20 days Feb 2nd 1797 and departed this life Isaac B Teel December 11, 1838 born Jan 26, 1831 aged 41 years 10 months and 22 days died Apr 23, 1858 aged 27 years 2 months 28 days

page -42- George Teel In memory of 1802-1861 Elizabeth wife of George Teel [stone is flat, partially buried] born June 1(7?) 1813 George E & Katie died Aug 16 1859 Teel aged 46 years 2 months May 18 18(2?)4

During the search for information from these tombstones, I found that several had been dusted with chalk so that they might be read more readily or accurately. Others had been defaced by orange spray paint to depict jack-o-lanterns (Halloween was just a week away). Transverse light- ing can produce a better image and gets re- sults without defacing the stones, and does not encourage further vandalism. The object of the technique is to cast the main face of the stone in shadow and then shine a strong light across the face at a very low angle so that shadows are formed in the carved depressions. At one short interval each day, the sun may do this naturally, however waiting all day to get the picture is time consuming and it would take weeks to cover an entire cemetery. When the sun is behind the stone, a mirror can be placed to reflect the sun- light across the face of the stone. When the sun is shinning on the face of the stone, a large screen such as a tarpaulin can be held by an associate while the mir- ror is used to bring the reflected sun- light onto the stone face. When the day is overcast, one of the high powered portable flashlights that are now available can do the job, but not as well as the sunlight. For the very intrepid, the flashlight works very well in the dark!

Marcile Bates of Santa Rosa, California has provided additional information about the Adam and Christina (Kester) Teel family.

Anna Christina Kester born 23 April 1762, daughter of John Michael and Eva Barbara Kuster (tombstone gives date of birth as 12 March 1765). Christiana married Adam Teel/Diel/Thiel. Adam was born 12 April 1760. Adam was affluent, and wrote with a beautiful hand. They lived in Lower Mount Bethel Township of Northampton County, Pa. Christina died 10 April 1838, aged 73 years and 29 days. Adam died 26 February 1840 aged 79 years 10 months and 14 days. They were buried at Three Church Hill Cemetery, Lower Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pa. Their children: 1. Frederick Teel born 24 May 1784; married Eva Galp; died 27 May 1852. 2. John Teel born 1786; married Marie. 3. Elizabeth Teel born 25 September 1788 in Lower Mount Bethel Township; married 8 May 1808 Peter Gruber at the First Reformed Church, Easton, Pa; page -43- died 27 March 1862 in Center Township, Butler Co, Pa, buried at Zions Cemetery on Route 68 near Petersville, Butler County, Pa. 4. Michael Teel born 10 November 1790; married 19 March 1818 Margaret Emrod in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa; died 13 January 1831. 5. Jacob Teel married Elizabeth 6. Nicholas Teel born 23 November 1794; possibly ill or handicaped. 7. Sarah "Sally" Teel born 2 February 1797; died 11 December 1838, buried at Three Church Hill Cemetery. 8. Barbara Teel born 5 September 1799; married Peter Holland. 9. George Teel born 27 October 1802; married 2 May 1829 Elizabeth Bowers; died 1861, buried at Three Church Hill Cemetery. 10. Leonard Teel born 20 October 1805; died 28 January 1833, buried at St Peter's Reformed Church, Northampton County, Pa.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

FAMOUS COUSINS Sometimes we learn of a prominent Custer, Caster, or Kester -- from the past or present. If you know of some others, let us know. *** CECIL WILLIAM CASTOR, Jr, born 9 October 1925 in Detroit, Michigan, son of Cecil W and Odessa (Pratt) Castor. Cecil married 28 August 1948 Virginia Scott, they have three children and live in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He earned his Doctorate in Medicne at the University of Michigan in 1951, and recieved his diploma in Internal Medicine in 1958. From 1955 to 1967, he advanced from instructor to associate professor of internal medicine, and was named Professor of Internal Medicine at University of Michigan Medical School in 1967. His research has been in the field of rheumatology, and has received numerous awards, among them: Institute of Geigy Rheumatism Award, 15th International Congress Rheumatol France 1981; and Fellow American College of Physicians. [from American Men & Women of Science Vol II, 15th edition (1982), p 97] *** HERMAN CECIL CUSTARD, born 19 August 1929 at Cleburne, Texas. He married in 1955 and has three children. He received at Baylor University a BS degree in Chemitry in 1957, and a PhD degree in 1962. He joined the Mobil Research and Development Corporation in 1962. His field of study has been dipole moments, electrochemistry of membrane systems, an physical chemistry of electolytic solutions. He lives in Dallas, Texas. [from American Men & Women of Science Vol II, 15th edition (1982), p 468] *** ROY BERNARD KESTER, educator, born Cameron, Missouri 11 September 1882, son of Julius B and Jessie M (Corn) Kester. He earned AB degree at Missouri Wesleyan College 1902, studied at Colorado College, Colorado Springs 1906, studied at University of Chicago 1907, earned BCS degree at University of Denver 1911 and MA degree 1912, earned PhD degree at Columbia 1919, received LLD degree at Baker University 1941. He married Isadora S Van Gilder (died 1918) - daughter Nancy; married second 1929 Edith Case. Instructor of mathematics Missouri Wesleyan Academy and College 1902-1905; taught East Denver High School and University of Denver 1907-1915; was with Columbia University School of Business 1915--, professor accounting 1922-1949, professor emeritus 1948-1965. Part time public accounting practice in Denver 1911-1915, admitted to practice as CPA 1914, consulting accountant since 1917, in charge of research and page -44- publications for National Association of Cost Accountants 1925-1928. Member Colorado State Board CPA 1914-1915, president 1915. President of American Accounting Association 1925, etc. Republican. Episcopalian. Mason (Shriner). Columbia University Club. Men's Faculty Club of Columbia University. Author: Principles of Accounting 1917-1939; Advanced Accounting 1918-1947; Accounting Applications in Business and Industry 1921; (with S B Koopman) Fundamentals of Accounting, 2 volumes 1921, 1923. Home: Tubbs Spring Drive, Weston, Connecticut. Died 21 October 1965. [from Who Was Who in America 1961-1968 Vol 4 (1968), pp 524-525] * * * * * * * * * * * * *

JOHN G KESTER ASKS, "TOO MANY LAWYERS?"

Reader's Digest April 1987, pages 153-160, features an article entitled "Too Many Lawyers?" written by John G Kester. This was condensed from "The Washingtonian" February 1984. We have ordered some reprints from Reader's Digest. Anyone desiring a single copy may have one for $1 -- write to C E Scholer, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469. John G Kester was born 18 June 1938 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He earned a BA degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1959, and graduated from Harvard Law School magna cum laude in 1963. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. He was admitted to the bar in 1964. He served as Law Clerk to Mr Justice Black, US Supreme Court, from 1963 to 1965. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, 1969-1972, and as Assistant to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of defense, 1977-1978. He was awarded Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service, Department of the Army, 1971, and Department of Defense Medal Distinguished Public Service, 1979. He has served many committees, both in the public and private sector. He is a member of the law firm Williams and Connolly in Washington, DC. [Martindale-Hubbel Law Directory, Vol II, p 1577B (1987)] * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FROM THE MAILBAG

*** Donations have been received from Lewis E Caster of Whittier, California; Mrs Ellen Moss of Whittier, California; Ed and Augie Geisler of Hamilton Square, New Jersey; Edwin Caster of Floral City, Florida; Marilynn Miller of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Stanley and Carolyn Mettler of Chelan, Washington; and Hope Spratlin of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Many thanks, Boosters! *** New Addresses: Mr Elmer R Castor, N 12073 Lakeland Road, Waupun, Wisconsin 53963-9602; Mr N Stephen Castor, 1304 Sweet Road, East Aurora, New York 14052; Mrs Persis E Hart, Wesley Manor, 5012 E Monslick Road, Louisville, Ky 40219; Gini (Mrs Frank) Ennis, 1502 6th Ave, Sterling, Illinois 61081; Mrs Carl Keever, 1111 Houghton #103, Katy, Texas 77450. *** Hubert A Lowman of Arroyo Grande, California relates a very interesting discovery. Before we recite his observation, let us explain that his wife, Martha, is a descendant of John Caster, Sr (1754-1822) who we believe to be a grandson of Conrad Custard (c1695-1772). We quote from Hubert's letter: "Jean White's articles on Quaker marriage records continue to be

page -45- of interest. I note that the 1710 marriage certificate from Germantown, Pa, contains the names of 4 [actually 5] of the name of Potts as witnesses [see p 73 of the December 1986 News-Caster]. Thus, if Martha really descends from the Krefeld immigrants thru Conrad Custard, then her and my ancestors were friends and neighbors at Germantown. The Widow Elizabeth Pott arrived in Philadelphia in 1683 with 6 of her 7 children, just the year after the founding of the Pennsylvania colony. Her headright adjoined the manor of Letitia Penn. Elizabeth's oldest child, a married man, had remained in Wales -- but he soon died and his orphan children were sent to join the others in this country. John Potts, a son of one of the orphans, founded Pottstown, Pa, and built Pottsgrove, a stone mansion at the edge of town which is now a State Historical Monument having served briefly at Washington's headquarters. All the several sons of John Potts were ironmongers, and John's son Isaac Potts owned Valley Forge. The Continental Army spent the winter at Valley Forge at Isaac's invitation, and Isaac moved to town for the winter so Washington could use his house as his winter headquarters. David Potts, a son of Elizabeth, was an ancestor of President Theodore Roosevelt, also of Eleanor Roosevelt (but not of FDR). Another son of Elizabeth, Jonas Potts, was sheriff of Germantown per records of 1701 and 1706, and he was an ancestor of President Richard Nixon, as well as my own ancestor." Hubert adds in a post script, "Elizabeth 'Pott' is correct. In France the name was Pot, changed to Pott in Cheshire. The family were Quakers and fled to Wales because of persecution and later to Pennsylvania for the same reason. The Widow Elizabeth remarried in Philadelphia and all her children added the 's' at the end of the name, a patronymic meaning they were sons of Pott." *** Doris Mohr Kaster of Fairland, Indiana sends a news item from the Franklin Township Informer (of Marion County, Indiana) dated 26 February 1987, offering congratulations to Catherine G Castor, daughter of Mr & Mrs Charles Castor, who was recently inducted into the Indiana Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi, an honor society for scholarship. Catherine Castor is a senior at the University of Indianapolis majoring in accounting. Catherine is a graduate of Franklin Central High School. *** Gordon and Lois Carter of Peterborough, Ontario were vacationing in Texas in February, and dropped by to say Hello. Gordon showed us his map of Northampton County, Pennsylvania that he obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. If you are doing genie work in Pennsylvania, you may want to obtain a county map from PA DOT. They are 36" x 49" showing roads, political boundaries, cemeteries, etc. Cost is $1.50 each, postpaid. Ask for a standard edition and specify county. They are good! Philadelphia County is not available. Address is PA DOT, P 0 Box 2028, Harrisburg, Pa 17105. Also, Gordon recently visited the Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society of Uxbridge, Ontario in the quest for Kester information. While there, Gordon left a copy of the December 1986 News-Caster. Allan McGillivray, Curator of the Society, has written to us with the following excerpt from the 3 April 1873 edition of the Uxbridge Journal: "Mr George Kester, one of the earliest settlers of the Township of Pickering, and now eighty-eight years of age, has the largest family of any man his age in Canada. it consists of one hundred and ten living great-grandchildren, all of whom are living in the Province of Ontario. A grandson of the old gentleman, who lives near London [Ontario], a few days ago paid him a visit, and found him hale and hearty, and proud of his long list of descendants." This refers to the George Kester, page 67 of the December 1986 News-Caster. page -46- *** Elizabeth Campuzano of McNeal, Arizona gave some helpful advice for the Immigration List (see page 25). Elizabeth and her daughter spent the latter part of May in Spain in genealogical research. We hope you made many interesting discoveries. *** Richard and Arlene Castor of West Jefferson, Ohio, are ready for springtime gardening! They sent the nice article to us about Pansy Castor (see page 34, this issue) from the Zanesville Times Recorder! *** Lynda Bloom-DeGroot of Elgin, Illinois has obtained a copy a Thomas Castor's will probated 20 June 1835 in Allen County, Indiana. Lynda explains that the will, when copied into the Will Book, was mistakenly copied as Thomas Carter, however, the index gives it as Thomas Castor, and the children's names do match the names of children from other sources. We believe this is the will of Thomas Castor. Great research, Lynda! Lynda also sent a copy of a biographical sketch of Eli Hodgson, grandson of Elizabeth Castor Hodgson, from the "History of LaSalle County, Illinois." *** Patricia Ostwald of Boulder, Colorado writes an interesting letter. She points out that there is real confusion about the ancestry of Susannah Adams, wife of Conrad Custard (c1695-1772). We will try to feature a future article on this subject, and hopefully put this one to rest. Also, she puts forward an explanation why some sources report Conrad's death 1771, and others 1772. Seems that a 1772 court record was wrongly filed in the 1771 book -- thus some abstracters have probably overlooked the 1772 date, and assumed it to be 1771. Another point she raises is that Arnold (father of Conrad) Kuster's land in Manatawney tract is not in present day Berks County, Pa, as we have reported, but in Montgomery County, Pa. We are glad that someone is keeping us honest! *** Nancy Parkes, P 0 Box 387, Louisville, Miss 39339, is a new member and a Kester descendant. Nancy writes a genealogical column, "Family Trees," which has a very wide circulation in the state of Mississippi. She offers a FREE service, which some of our readers will wish to use. Nancy prints genealogical problems sent to her, and her readers answer directly to the queriers. There is no area restriction -- she explains most of her queries comes from California and Texas. Welcome, Nancy. Here is another tip from Nancy. Have you ever been stumped by a nameplace that you couldn't find on the maps or other sources? When that happens, write to United States Board on Geographic Names, 523 National Center, Reston, Virginia 22092 -- they will help you. *** Ruby Stanley of New Ross, Indiana, will join the Gerster/Castor European Tour in August. Welcome, Ruby! One of the events now added to the tour is a visit to St Kastor's Church (built 836 AD) in Coblenz, Germany. It is not too late to join the Tour!! If interested, contact Wastler Escorted Travel, Inc P 0 Box 775, Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055 or telephone 717/697-6368. *** The Gerster/Castor (of Philadelphia) family has started a newsletter, and their first issue was published in April 1987. They plan to publish two editions each year. Those interested should write to Steve Castor, Editor, 5681 Middle Road, Horseheads, New York 14845. The next issue will be published in September 1987, and the charge is $3. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

page -47- ASSOCIATION BUSINESS *** The 1987 Membership Directory will soon be mailed to those who have ordered a copy. If you have not yet ordered a copy, and wish to do so, please let us know and send $2. Membership presently stands at 273. *** The Board of Trustees has now formulated and approved the Bylaws for the Association. Anyone wishing to have a copy, please write and request. Our charter was recently approved by the State of Texas. Our next effort will be to formulate and submit our application for tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. *** The Third National Castor Reunion will be 18-19 June 1988 at Adventureland Inn in Des Moines, Iowa. Terry and Roberta O'Connor are Chairpersons, and arrangements are proceeding well. A program is presently being developed. The program will be set forth in the December News-Caster, and more details explained then. *** We need to form a Nomination Committee. In the event that the General Meeting at the Reunion next year does not produce nominations for all of the offices in the election, it will be the function of the Committee to provide a nomination for any office without a nomination. Anyone serving on the Nomination Committee should be in attendance at the Reunion in Des Moines. Please contact C E Scholer if interested in serving. *** Leland Caster has completed gathering, editing and typing Castor Cookin' Old & New -- and Leland thanks all of the contributors that have shared their favorite recipes. Fantastic job done by Leland Caster!! We have begun discussions with a print shop, and plan to have the cookbooks ready for shipping sometime in July. We have priced the book at $9 postpaid in the USA, and we are ready to accept your orders. *** We have four (4) copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies left for sale, $23 postpaid. We have ten (10) copies of More Caster/Castor Genealogies left for sale, $28 postpaid in the US, $32 postpaid in Canada. *** If you wish to place a Query in the News-Caster, please submit them in writing. There is no charge. *** If you have information to share with the Association, be sure and send it in. We do like to know the sources of the information. Thanks to all!

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA four times a year. Subscription to THE NEWS-CASTER is part of the membership of the Association. Membership dues are $10 per calendar year for the first year, and $6 per calendar year thereafter. The Annual Membership Directory is optional and is $2 additional. Membership is open to all that are interested in genealogy and history. Officers for the 1987-1988 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; John F Caster, vice president and treasurer; Dorothea Schweiger, vice president and recording secretary. Trustees are: Mrs Jack L (Martha) Brown; Mrs Huitt D (Jean) Caster; Leland L Caster; Jack K Castor; Orval R Fink; and Mrs Charles L (Jean) White. page -48-

1113hect t• THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Vol.5 No.3 September 1987 IMMIGRANT LIST -- 1801-1850 We continue the list of immigrants with sources listed. This list was started in the March 1987 issue, pages 3-10, and continued in the June issue, pages 25-31. In the next issue we will conclude the list from 1851 through 1900.

John George Kuster arrived 6 Oct 1802 at Philadelphia ship Devotion, Capt Wm Waters, from Amsterdam Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 118

Jacob Garster arrived 1802 at Philadelphia, Pa "Naturalized in 1802" Laurel Magazine 14:3 (Aug 1974), p 7

Samuel Gender arrived 9 Oct 1803 at Philadelphia, Pa with wife Johannes Gerster ft It ft It It It ft ship Commerce, Nathaniel Ray, Captain, from Amsterdam Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 133

Abraham Coster arrived 15 Nov 1803 at Philadelphia, Pa Friderick Coster 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ship Favorite, John Alften, Captain, from Amsterdam Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 137 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, vol 17 (1890), p 607 page -49- Johannes Gerster arrived 27 Aug 1804 at Philadelphia, Pa Jacob Gerster tf it It tt tt tt ft on Rebecca, Capt David Low, from Amsterdam Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 145

Jacob Weber arrived 10 Sept 1804 at Philadelphia, Pa wife Elisabeth Weber if It if If it if If stepson Christian Koster ft 11 ft ft it ft If son Everhard Weber It 11 it It ft it ft dau Elisabeth Weber ft if ft ft ft on ship Maria Elisabeth, Capt Henry Hutchison, from Tonningen Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 147 "Names of Foriegners Who Took the Oath of Allegience to the Province & State of Pa 1727-1775, with the Foriegn Arrivals 1786- 1808" Pennsylvania Archives Series 2, vol 17 (1890), p 616

Mr Gerster arrived 18 Oct 1805 at Philadelphia, Pa Mrs Gerster ft tt tt ft ft it It with 3 children sailed from Texel 4 Aug 1805 on American Ship under 14 years The Liberty, Capt Sidney H Burrough, from Amsterdam -- the Gersters were from Gelter- kinden, Switzerland Strassburger Pa German Pioneers Vol 3, p 176

Charles Henry Coster declared intention of naturalization 23 July 1810 at Philadelphia, Pa. He was from Holland. Philadelphia_ Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 110 US: Index to Records of Aliens' Declarations Vol 2; Letter C

Albert H Kaster age 30 arrived 1812 at New York State British Aliens in the United States During the War of 1812 by Kenneth Scott (1979), p 142

Fred'k Caster declared intention to naturalize 27 Sept 1813 at Philadelphia. He was from Holland. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 89 US: Index to Records of Aliens' Declarations Vol 3, p 87 page -50- Christian Keister arrived about 1820, perhaps in Baltimore, Md from Hesse, Germany, settled in Darke County, Ohio in 1838 A Biographical History of Darke County, Ohio The Lewis Publishing Co, Chicago (1900) p 290

John Kister arrived 1823 at New Orleans, La aged 55 US:Passengers Who Arrived in the US 1821-1823 p 307

Casper Jurgen Koster admitted a citizen 17 June 1828 at Charles- age 24 ton, SC, was from Loxstedt, Hanover, was a grocer in Charleston South Carolina Naturalizations 1783-1850 compiled by Brent H Holcomb (1985), p 18 Casper Juger Koster "Federal Naturalization Oaths, Charleston, SC 1790-1860" The South Carolina Historical Magazine 66:3 (July 1965), p 187

Lewis Keister naturalized 1832 in Allegheny County, Pa "A List of Immigrants Who Applied for Naturalization Papers in the District Courts of Allegheny County, Pa" Western Pa Gen Soc, Vol 1 (1978), p 46

• Carsten Kuster arrived 1832-1849 in North America Elise Kuster 11 If 11 It 11 ,, "Pas Schicksal der Bremer Auswanderer-Listen" Norddeutsche Familienkunde 1:4 (Jul-Aug 1952) p -98

RIP

Christian Koster arrived 1833 in America "Hessian Emigrants to America in the Year 1832" by Kurt Guenther Germanic Genealogist No 14 (1978), Parts II, 111:1833-34, p 374

Anthony Keister declared intention to naturalize 9 Oct 1834 at Philadelphia, Pa. He was from Germany. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 321

page -51- Gerh Jos Koster arrived 1834 in America "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 299

Henry Koester naturalized 1834 in Maryland Frederick County, Maryland, Naturalizations 1799-1850 by Raymond B Clark, Jr (1974), p 24

A Adelheid Koster arrived 1835 in America "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 293

Joh Herm Koster arrived 1836 in America "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 291

John Caster naturalized 1836 in Canada Upper Canada Naturalization Records (1828- 1850) by Donald A McKenzie, p 102

Fenne Adelheid Koster arrived 1837 in America "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 83

Jacob Kester notice of intended naturalization 5 Oct 1837 at Charleston, S C (Jacob Koster naturalized 10 Jan 1840 at Charleston, SC) South Carolina Naturalizations 1783-1850 compiled by Brent H Holcomb (1985), p 133

Chris Kester naturalized 26 May 1841 at Charleston, SC South Carolina Naturalizations 1783-1850 page -52- compiled by Brent H Holcomb (1985), p 133

•••

John Christopher Kester notice of intended naturalization 26 May 1841 at Charleston, SC (Jno C Koster naturalized 13 Nov 1844 at Charleston, SC) South Carolina Naturalizations 1783-1850 compiled by Brent H Holcomb (1985), p 133

Lewis Caster age 23 arrived 1841 at New Orleans, La Index of Spanish Citizens Entering the Port of New Orleans Between Januar 1840 & December 1865 by harles R Maduell, Jr(1966) p 14

---

Heinrich Anton Kosters arrived from Westphalia about 1842, settled first in Syracuse, New York, then 1856 in Omaha, Nebraska [see letter George E MacVeigh - 27 April 1987]

Theodor Koster arrived 1844 at Texas with sister "Deutsche Einwanderer in Texas (USA) 1844" By Ferdinand A Von Schwedler Genealogie 9:5 (May 1968), p 156 1860 census Texas, Comal Co, New Braunfels, p 174, #31-31 Theodor Koester 43 Dr. of Medicine Frankfurt Sophie 34 Hanover Emma ft 12 Texas Elsie 10 ft Anna 2 11 William ft 1/12 1870 census Texas, Comal Co, New Braunfels, p 117, #109-110 Theodore Koester 53 Physician Prussia Sophie ft 44 ft Emma " 22 Texas ft Elsie " 20 Harry tt 10 ft Mary 9 ft

Christian R Kesster declared intention to naturalize 26 Aug 1844 (or Kessler?) at Philadelphia, oath of allegience 10 April 1848. He was from Switzerland. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 331

page -53- US: Index to Records of Aliens' Declarations Vol 11, p 120

Cord Heinrich Koester arrived 23 December 1844 at New Orleans, La Christian Koester tt it It tt It tt it tt Dederick Koester age 17 ft tf It It It It tt ft Martha Koester ft ff It If It aboard ASTRACAN from Bremen. They came from Klenkendorf, near Gnarrenburg, Hanover. They settled in Benton County, Missouri. Most_All Our Koester Cousins Marjorie M Rector (1974Y More Koester_ Cousins Marjorie M Rector (1975)

Gerhart Koster age 25 arrived 1845 New Orleans, La wife Adelheid ft It ft It it "New Orleans German Ship Register" Balkan and Eastern European American Genealogical & Historical Society Quarterly 3:3 (June 1, 1966), p 13

Stephen Coster naturalized 1845 at Mobile County, Ala "Naturalization Entries 1833-1871: Court Minute Books, Mobile County, Ala" by Arthur D Crigler Deep South Genealogical Quarterly 4:2 (Nov 1966), p 771

Pedro A Coster age 28 arrived 1845 at Key West, Florida "List of Passengers, Kew West, Florida 1837- 1868" Deep South Genealogical Quarterly 6:3 (Feb 1969), p 152

Nicholas Koster age 36 naturalized 1845 in Missouri "Declarations to Intention to Become an Amer- ican Citizen 1838-1849, Found in the Circuit Court of the City of St Louis, Missouri" St Louis Genealogical Society Quarterly 4:1 (March 1971), p 19

Charles Kester declared intention to naturalize 20 April 1846 (Karl Kieschner) at Philadelphia, oath of allegience 9 Oct 1848 He was from Germany. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 331

page -54-

US: Index to Records of Aliens' Declarations Vol 11, p 128

Gerh Koster arrived 1846 in America wife Adelheid Hewing "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- child: M A Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk child: Elis Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 186

J C C Keister arrived 1846 in Texas "Ship Lists - Arrivals in Texas in the 1840's" by Mr & Mrs Robert B Battaglia Our Heritage 20:2 (Jan 1979), p 65

J C Kuester arrived 1846 in Texas A New Land Beckoned: German Immigration to Texas 1844-1847 by Chester W Geue & Ethel Hander Geue (1972), p 114

Phillip Kuster applied Oct 1847 at Horb, Wuerttemburg and female for emigration to North America The Wuerttemburg Emigration Index Vol I, by Trudy Schenk, Ruth Froelke & Inge Bork (1986)

Joh Koster arrived 1847 in America "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen _Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 217 Is this the same Johan Bernard Heinrich Rosters who arrived 1847? Bernard was born 14 April 1823 in Metelen, Wesphalia -- settled first in Cincinnati, Ohio, then in 1855 in Omaha, Nebr. [see letter of George E MacVeigh - 27 Apr 1987]

Jos Koster arrived 1847 in America "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 216

page -55- Jos Koster arrived 1847 in America "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 216

Jan F Koster age 31 arrived 1847 at New York, New York Antje Koster age 25 It ft It ft rt Willem Koster age 6 It ft ft ft tt It If Frederick Koster age 3 It It It ft It it Dutch & German Ships: Passenger Lists 1846- 1856 by Edward Prins (1972), p 27

W Bern Heinr Koster arrived 1847 in America child: Elis "Westfaelische Auswanderer in 19 Jahrhundert- child: Joan Theodor Auswanderung aus dem Regierungsbezirk child: Clemens Bern Muenster, Part 1, 1803-1850" Beitraege zur child: Joan Henr westfaelischen Familienforshung 22-24 (1964- 1966), p 225

Friederick Koster age 26 arrived 1848 at Baltimore, Md Dutch & German Ships: Passenger Lists 1846- 1856 by Edward Prins (1972), p 125

Elizabeth Kuster age 47 arrived 1848 at New York, New York Charles Kuster age 21 If ft n it ft ft ft Robert Kuster age 7 ” II ft tt It tt ft Dutch & German Ships: Passenger Lists 1846- 1856 by Edward Prins (1972), p 170

Christian Kister naturalized 1848 at Somerset County, Pa Naturalization Records 1802-1854 Somerset County, Pa by William L Iscrupe (1979), p 8

Henry Koester declared intention to naturalize 4 Oct 1849 at Philadelphia, Pa. Oath of allegience 6 Oct 1851. He was from Germany. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 342

Herman Koster age 21 naturalized 1849 at Mobile, Ala "Naturalization Entries 1833-1871: Court Minute Books, Mobile County, Ala" by Arthur page -56-

D Crigler Deep South Genealogical Quarterly 5:4 (May 1968), p 197

Peter Kester age 30 arrived 15 Dec 1849 at Galveston, Texas A Cath Kester age 24 from Hamburg on vessel bark Hamburg-Knollen of Rilzebuttel Ship Passenger Lists, Port of Galveston, Texas 1846-1871 p 32

Martin Kester/Kister naturalized 1843-1851 in Indiana An Index to Indiana Naturalization Records Found in Various Order Books of the Ninety- two Local Courts Prior to 1907 pp 81 & 83 * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WILL OF THOMAS CASTER We mentioned in the previous issue that Lynda Bloom-DeGroot located the will of Thomas Caster in the Probate Court of Allen County, Indiana. We have now re- ceived a copy from the Probate Court. The Court has mistakenly copied the name as Carter instead of Caster. We include some background information for Thomas. Thomas Caster came from Virginia. In 1792-3 he served in the military' in - Kanhawa County, Virginia. He later settled in Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio in 1797 and built the first log cabin in Dayton. He married first Mary Stanberg. He married second Mrs Reddon. They moved about 1810 to Clinton County, Ohio. Later in 1831 they moved to Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. Thomas' will was probated 20 June 1835 in Allen County, Indiana. Evidently, Thomas was a widower at the time of his death. Children by first wife: 1. Elizabeth Caster born 5 May 1796 in Virginia; married 1813 Joel Hodgson in Clinton County, Ohio, moved from Clinton County, Ohio to Tazewell County, Illinois in 1831. She was a widow living in LaSalle County, Illinois in 1855. Elizabeth died 3 April 1875, buried at the Dillon Cemetery, Tazwell County, Illinois. 2. Vincent Caster 3. James Caster born about 1810 in Ohio,; married Nancy C 4. William Caster born 18 March 1811 in Clinton County, Ohio; married Mary A ; died 7 May 1873 in Daviess County, Missouri, buried at Black Cemetery. 5. Maria Caster married Stevenson (children: Margaret & Isaac) 6. Nehemiah Caster, appears to have died before J835. 7. Crawford Caster born 12 May 1818 in Clinton County, Ohio; married 6 December 1844 Mary Ann Crabill, married 22 January 1857 Samantha Hinton; died 5 November 1881 in Daviess County, Missouri. 8. Rachel Caster Children by second marriage: 9. Jacob Caster; married 19 November 1840 Zerald Ryno in Kanawha County, page -57- Virginia. 10. Jane Caster born about 1826 in Ohio Sources: George Hodgson and His Descendants by Eli Hodgson and Zimri Hodgson (1885), Chapter VIII, p 33; Chapter XVI, p 49 Information from Bobbie McKenzie, Beatrice Fortson, Carolyn Mettler and Lynda Bloom-Degroot.

Allen County, Indiana Will Book , p 20-22

Thomas Carter [Caster] of Allen County in the State of Indiana do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made. First. I direct that my body be decently intered and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and situated in life and as to such worldly estates as it has pleased God to intrust me with I dispose of the same in the following manner to wit: I direct first that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first monies that shall come to the hands of my executors from any portion of my estate real or personal. I also direct that a fair valuation or appraisement be made by three disinterested neighbors of all my said estate including my household furniture, and after being signed with their names that a copy of the same be given by them to each of my executors. I also direct that my two sons James & William shall have the land now belonging to me to be equally divided between them with a strait line drawn from the canal feeder to west back line so as to give each one an equal number of acres, and I direct that James my son shall have the lower south and William my son shall have the upper north, and I also direct that my two sons James and William shall pay all just debts and claims or demands that is now or may be against me when deceased and I also direct that my two sons James & William each one an equal share of the debts or lawful claims that is now or may be against me when deceased. I also direct that Jacob my son shall have one hundred dollars, and dirct also that Jane my daughter shall one hundred dollars. I also direct that Crawford my son shall have one hundred dollars, to be paid to them by James and William when they arive at the age of twenty one years. I also direct that my son Vince shall have fifty dollars to be paid to him at the end of two years after my death by sons James and William. I also direct that Rachel my daughter shall have ten dollars to be paid to her in one year after my death by sons James & William. I also direct that Maria my daughter shall have one hundred dollars to be paid to her as follows, to wit: fifty dollars to be paid to her in one year after that time to be paid by my two sons James & William. It is my will that whatsoever I have presented to Maria now that she shall have it exclusive of what I have granted to her in this last will. It is my will that my daughter Jane shall have one bed and bedding at my death, the bed formerly known as her mothers bed. It is my will and I direct that all the remainder of my personal property after my death that it shall be equally divided between my two sons James & William. It is may will that Elizabeth my daughter shall have ten dollars paid to her by my two sons James & William when demanded. Provided always that the true meaning of this will and testament is that my real estate that is now willed to my two sons shall not nor cannot be conveyed away to any persons until the conditions of this will is complied with or otherwise freehold security be given to said heirs in a bond of five hundred dollars each for payment of said heirs as this will directs. I hereby make and ordain my worthy and esteemed Sons, James & William Carter [Caster], Executors of this my last

page -58- will and testament. In witness Whereof I Thomas Carter [Caster] the testator have set hereunto my hand and seal this the twelfth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four. his Thomas X Carter [Caster] mark Signed, sealed, published and declared by the above named Thomas Carter [Caster] as his last will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witness thereto in the presence of the said testator and in the presence of each other. his Philip X Klinger mark his Jeremiah X Hudson mark Moses Swartz State of Indiana, Allen County, sct Be it remembered that on the 20th day of June 1835 personally came before me Allen Hamilton Clerk of the Probate Court of the County of Allen, Phillip Klinger, of lawful age and on his solemn oath that he said Thomas Carter [Caster] sign seal publish and declare the within as his last will and testament, that he was at the time of making and publishing the same of sound mind memory and understanding: that he the said Klinger signed the said will as one of the witnesses in the presence of the said Carter [Caster] and at his request. his Philip X Klinger mark Sworn to and subscribed before me at my office 20 June 1835. Allen Hamilton Clerk P C * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FORT ABRAHAM LINCOLN BALL & CUSTER HOME GROUND-BREAKING MAY 16 & 17, 1987 -- MANDAN, NORTH DAKOTA report by June Elizabeth Magnusen, Lake Forest, Illinois We arrived late in the afternoon, the day of the Ball and drove around Bismark and Mandan. The Missouri River runs between the cities and the Fort is due south of Mandan. We were able to see the convention center from our hotel, and we noted people arriving dressed in costumes of all sorts. I had brought along a long dress and so decided to wear it, needless to say there was a variety of dress. Upon entering the hall we were in with many of the men dressed in 7th Cavalry uniforms and ladies in Period dress. It was an exciting time. The hall was decorated with a huge American Flag and sparkling lights. The Bismark Elks Chorus was singing, when we arrived. There were wagons,

page -59- tents, guns, and flags of that period set up at one end of the room. A slide show featured pictures of Custer and men of that time as well as old scenic views of the area. Promptly at 8:15 the Colors were posted by the North Dakota Army National Guard and the National Anthem was sung. Then the Grand March began and it was led by the President of the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation and the First Vice President and the Director of North Dakota Parks and Recreation and their wives. Next came a couple portraying Lt Col George Armstrong Custer and Libbie, his wife. Following this anybody who was any- body in North Dakota marched around. It was fun watching the Grand March as I had never seen one. Two by two, then four by four, and eight by eight, and on and on they went after which they started ball room dancing - everyone joined in, Dave and I included. No one else was introduced and so I do not know if any other Custer cousins were there. It seemed mainly to be a local event, but we danced the night away and met a few people and had a real good time. The next day was to be the Custer Home Ground-Breaking event, and a big program was planned to begin at 2 PM, with re-enact- "CUSTER & LIBBIE" ments, drills, music, and speeches. We awoke to rain, the "all day" kind. We decided to drive on towards the Black Hills. After the event, I spoke with a lady at the Foundation who attended, and she said it was very short and held inside -- not room for many. Finally they were able to get two shovelfuls dug for the ground-breaking and thus ended the event. The project is laid out in four major areas: Phase I - Cavalry Post; Phase II - On-A-Slant Village; Phase III - Infantry Post; and Phase IV - Natural Environment. They hope to complete this by 1989. [Editor's note: For those interested in learning more of this project, write to Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, P 0 Box 836, Mandan, North Dakota 58554.] * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Methodist Church of Homer, Illinois June Elizabeth Magnusen of Lake Forest, Illinois has sent some pictures and historical background of this church in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Her great great grandparents, George and Rachel (Allen) Custer provided the land on which this beautiful church stands. The Methodist Church of Homer was organized in 1839, and the parish served nine different preaching sites. The parish was called the "Urbana Missions" and their first parsonage was located in Urbana. In 1853, the Old Homer Society separated from the Urbana Missions. Church services were then held in the school house at Homer. In 1866, George

page -60- and Rachel Custer deeded the land to the church trustees, on which a brick church was built at a cost of $7000, it was dedicated that same year. This church served the con- gregation until it was torn down and replaced by the present building. The corner stone of the present building was laid 31 July 1902. The parsonage was completed in 1912. Our notes for the family of George and Rachel are as follows: George Washington Custer Jr [George-5, Paul-4, Conrad-3, Arnold-2 Paulus-1] born 6 November 1801 in Virginia, son of George and Margaret (Myers?) Custer. George, with his parents, about 1820 moved to a farm near Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio George married Rachel Allen. Rachel was born 25 April 1812 in Fayette County, Ohio, daughter of David and Nancy (Squire) Allen. They lived in Fayette County, Ohio. George was a farmer. Their first six children were christened 5 May 1844 by Reverend Jacob Martin of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Fayette County, Ohio. Nancy Margaret was christened 20 September 1846 by Rev- erend Martin. Between 1846 and 1850 they left Ohio with his father's fam- ily in search for more land, and after journeying by covered wagons through semi-wilderness, settled on farms 18 miles west of Danville in Vermilion County, Illinois. George died 30 June 1879 at his farm. Rachel died 25 July 1886. They were buried at Davis Cemetery east of Homer, Illinois. Their children: 1. David Allen Custer born 27 July 1832 in Ohio; died 25 January 1854. 2. Samuel Martin Custer born 7 Octo- ber 1835 in Ohio; married Almira/Myra T Rucker, was living in South Pasa- dena, Calif 1912; died 13 Jan. 1913. 3. George Washington Custer born 18 Feb. 1838 in Fayette County, Ohio; married Margaret McCoy; died 18 Nov. 1918 at Homer, Illinois. 4. Vance Harrison Custer born 11 May 1840 in Ohio; married Martha E Noble of McLean, Illinois, he was a police magistrate of Danville, Illinois; died 13 December 1917. 5. Seaman Willis Custer born 15 January 1842 in Ohio; married Ellen Conkey; died 25 February 1902. 6. Jacob Warington Custer born 16 December 1843 in Ohio; married Eliza McCoy; died 30 August 1932. page -61- 7. Nancy "Nannie" Margaret Custer born 11 May 1846 in Ohio; died 5 February 1928. 8. Mary Elizabeth Custer born 12 January 1849; married Dr William Hess; died 1 October 1850. Sources: Custer Genealogies by Milo Custer (1944), p 20 Custer-McCoy Family Record by Henry A Mullen (1951), pp 3 & 7 1850 census Illinois, Vermilion County, Dist #21, p 261, #96 George Custer 48 farmer Va Rachel " 40 Ohio David 18 ft Samuel 15 et George W et 12 It Vance et 10 et Seaman et 8 It Jacob 6 Nancy et 4 letter June Magnusen 20 Feb 1985

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

HEINRICH ANTON KOSTERS information provided by George Edward MacVeigh 9313 Renshaw Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20817 Heinrich Anton Kosters, born 22 February 1817 in Metelen, Westphalia, Germany, is an immigrant ancestor and great grandfather of member George Edward MacVeigh. George is kindly sharing this information with us. Heinrich came to America about 1842, and soon was known as Henry. Heinrich's father was Johann Herman Kosters. Johann was born about 1770 in Coesfeld, Westphalia. Johan married 25 October 1808 Anna Maria Adeiheid Helling at Metelen. Anna had been born 3 October 1782 in Metelen, daughter of Jurgen Henrich Helling and Anna Gertrud Terloge. Johann and Anna Kosters were the parents of four children, all born in Metelen: Heinrich Anton born 22 February 1817; Joan [Johann] Bernard Hermann born 7 October 1819; Anna Maria Carolina born 17 November 1820; and Joan [Johann] Bernard Heinrich born 14 April 1823. The Kosters were members of Saints Cornelius and Cyprianus Catholic Church in Metelen, and the births and baptisms of the children were recorded there. Heinrich received his early education in Metelen, and when 15 years of age, went to Holland to learn the trade of cabinetmaker and painter. After his arrival in America in 1842, Henry found his way to Syracuse, New York, where on 14 September 1847 he married Barbara Suiter. They were married in St Mary's German Catholic Church. Barbara was born 1818/9, daughter of Mathias Suiter of Manilus, New York and Magdalena Klein. Barbara presented a daughter to Henry -- Maria Magdalena Kosters was born 9 July 1848 in Syracuse. Tragedy next struck the family. Maria Magdalena died 18 December 1848, and Barbara died 18 November 1849. They were buried at old St Mary's Cemetery on Renwick Avenue. The cemetery was later removed in 1945 and most graves were placed in the new St

page -62-

Mary's Cemetery in DeWitt (suburb). Henry married 7 May 1850 Magdalena Woll in St Mary's Catholic Church, Syracuse. Magdalena was born 3 September 1829 in Bischmisheim, Saarland, Prussia, daughter of Johann Nikolas Woll and Carolina Linkhauer. Magdalena had arrived in Syracuse early in 1850 to visit an uncle. Henry and Magdalena moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1856. Henry became a master painter and decorator. Henry died 19 March 1907 at the age of 90. Magdalena died 17 January 1917. They were buried at St Mary 1 Magdalene Cemetery in Omaha. Henry and Magdalena were parents of fourteen children: 1. Xeno Kosters, born 12 April 1851 in Syracuse; died 14 November 1852. 2. Anna Mary Kosters born 30 December 1852 in Syracuse; died 1860/64 in Omaha, Nebraska. 3. Julia Kosters born 12 March 1854 in Syracuse; married 24 July 1889 John D Thomas, married about 1909 Leach, married third John G Limbaugh and later divorced; died 2 November 1935 in Omaha. 4. Edward Kosters born 2 September 1855 in Syracuse; did not marry; died 18 July 1922 in Newark, Ohio. 5. Charles Martin Kosters born 12 September 1856/7 in Omaha, Nebraska; married 25 April 1881 Emma Lewis; died 27 February 1901 in Omaha. 6. Henry A Kosters born 28 March 1859 in Papillion, Nebraska; married about 1879 Hattie Roach; died 30 March 1948 at Kansas City, Missouri. 7. Frank William Kosters born 15 November 1860 in Papillion; married about 1886 Genora E ; died 16 June 1952 in Omaha. 8. Amelia S "Molly" Kosters born 5 May 1862 in Papillion; did not marry; died 1 May 1906 in Omaha. 9. Mary Carolina Rosters born 10 May 1864 in Omaha, Nebraska; married 8 June 1886 Alois J Peters; died 15 February 1941 in Omaha. 10. George Benjamin Kosters born 28 January 1866 in Omaha; died 25 February 1866. 11. Sarah Elisabeth Kosters born 21 May 1867 in Omaha; did not marry; died 24 June 1919 in Omaha. 12. George Joseph Kosters born 24 February 1870 in Omaha; married Ethel ; died 16 May 1943 in Richmond, Virginia. 13. Katherine Kosters born 16 September 1872 in Omaha; married 1892 Ed J Greene, married 1914 Henry L Beard; died 4 January 1968 in Omaha. 14. Anna Florentina Kosters born 29 March 1876 in Omaha; married 9 October 1900 Henry S King; died 9 October 1871 in LaJolla, California. In 1847, Henry's youngest brother, Johann Bernard Heinrich Kosters, immigrated to America. He went by Bernard, and spelled his name Koesters. Bernard married 1852 in Cincinnati, Ohio, a girl named Elizabeth. Elizabeth was also born in Westphalia, and immigrated to America in 1849. Elizabeth was born October 1829. Bernard and family located in Omaha, Nebraska, arriving there 24 June 1855, one year earlier than brother Henry. They traveled from Cincinnati by steamboat. The steamboat also carried their household effects. At some point north of St Joseph, Missouri, the boat was "snagged," and sank. The Koesters saved only a few pieces of their furniture. Bernard bought a lot at 1019 Harney Street, and the family lived in a tent while building their home. Bernard was a house painter. Bernard died 9 September 1905. Elizabeth died 11 September 1906. They were buried at St Mary Magdalene Cemetery, Omaha. Bernard and Elizabeth's family consisted of four children: 1. Joseph B Koesters born 10 October 1853/4 in Cincinnati, Ohio; married about 1882 Mary Baumgartner; died 17 December 1937 in Omaha. page -63-

2. Frank H Koesters born September 1860 in Omaha; probably did not marry. 3. Caroline Koesters born about 1865 in Omaha. 4. Anna Koesters born about 1868 in Omaha. One daughter married Oscar Pfeiffer and lived in Council Bluffs, and the other daughter had died before 1900.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

MORGAN & JEFFERSON COUNTIES, VIRGINIA Lloyd Ambrose, Rt #10, Box 254, 31 Old Summit Road Greene, Rhode Island 02827 has kindly shared this information with us. He is particularly interested in the AMBROSE and ROTRUCK/ROTHROCK families. Any- one able to share information with him on these families, please contact him. 1850 census Virginia (now W Va), Morgan Co, Distr #42, Bath, p 85 #21 John Custer 32 saddler Berkeley Co, Va Martha ►► 24 Morgan Co, Va

Emaly ►► 3 Bath, Morgan Co, Va Jonathan 1 ►► ►► Jane Ring 26 Va #461 Lewis Bechtol 35 farmer Va Rachel ►► 32 ►► Sarah ►► 12 ►► James 9 ' ►► ► Mary 6 ' ►► ► Eliza 9 4 ►► Emily 2 ►► ►► Henry Custer 26 '► 1860 census Virginia, Morgan Co, #330 John Custer 41 saddler Va Mary E ►► 24 ►► Emily F 13 ' ►► ► J Albert 11 ►► ►► William H ►► 9 ►► ►► J C ►► 5 (m) T V ►► 3 (f) ►► Mary V ►► 1 ►► #420 P F Custer 35 Va Susan 31 it ►► M C 3 (f) ►► ►► Henry Householderl4 serving ►► J Householder 11 (f) #481 John Cooper 61 farmer Va Nancy ►► 50 Elizabeth Eversole 14 ►► William H Custer 9 #545 Philip F Custer 33 farmer Va ►► Susan ►► 30 H C Householder 14 (m) If M C 2 (f) page -64- Marriage Records Morgan County, (West) Virginia - 1820-1865 Nov 16, 1831 Jacob Smith - Elizabeth Kester Bondsmen: Jacob Smith, Aburdie Gustin

June 11, 1834 James Rankin - Catherine Custar Bondsmen: James Rankin, Peter Freshour

May 25, 1836 Peter Freshour - Mary Kuster Bondsmen: Peter Freshour, William Harmison April 16, 1844 John Custer - Martha Casler Bondsmen: John Custer - Jonathan Casler June 14, 1852 Henry Custer - Ann Eliza Bechtol June 1, 1854 John Custer - Mary E Vannosdall March 13, 1860 Phillip F Custer - Susan Householder Graveyard History of Morgan Co, (West) Virginia Bethel United Methodist Church Anna Mary Michael Custer 27 Dec 1870 - 1 Nov 1962 Albert W Custer 1871 - 1900 Harry T Custer 1899 - 1900 Union Chapel Church Cemtery William Custer 1852 1926 Fanny Custer 1860 1941 Greenway Cemetery (outer circle) John Custer 1819 - 1901 Mary E Custer 1835 - 1892 Iona May Custer 1882 - 1929 Mary V Custer 1858 - 1932 John C Custer 1855 - 1926 Annie E Custer, wife 1861 1956 Della F Custer, dau of J C & A E 3 July 1891 - 1 Jan 1892 Greenway Cemetery (section A) C T Custer 1869 - 1951 Florence Custer, wife 1872 - 1915 Freda V Custer, dau ofCT&FM 2 Jan 1910 - 3 Nov 1911 Melvin C Custer, son of C T & F M 31 May - 16 Aug 1907 Maud E Custer, dau of C T & F M 29 July 1903 - 25 May 1904 Pearl Custer, dau of C T & F M 11 June 1902 - 26 June 1902 Rhoda Marie Custer 31 May 1907 - 16 Aug 1907 Greenway Cemetery (first addition) Clarence Calvin Custer 1897 - 1969 Edna L Kerns Custer 1899 - [no date] Coolfont Cemetery Martha Custer, wife of John 2 Oct 1852, 31y 1m Mary J Custer, dau of J & M 15 June 1845, 4m 9d Algernon W C Custer, son of J & M 16 June 1845, 6m 18d Tombstone Inscriptions, Jefferson County, West Virginia 1687-1980 Edgehill Cemetery, Charles Town, W Va William L Custer 1915 - 1975; Mary H 1917 - [no date] Lafayette R Custer 1854 - 19 ; Margaret J 1853 - 1914 Juanita June Custer 1889 - 1968 Forrest L Custer 1892 - 1947; Fannie R 1893 - 1956 Jamie Lane Custer 1975 - 1975; Garland P 1876 - 1955 page -65- Randolph Custer 1824 - 1901; Annie E 1871 - 1949 Elmwood Cemetery, Shepherdstown, W Va Jacob Custer 27 Jan 1869 - 21 March 1893 Sarah A Custer 20 Dec 1916, 94 years (Robert E Keller on same stone 31 May 1855) Edith Custer 1891 - 1953 Episcopal and Masonic Cemetery, Middleway, W Va Alcinda Frances Custer Brillhart 15 Apr 1836 - 13 Aug 1918 Jacob Custer 1843 - 1920 Frances A Custer 1846 - 1925 Grace C Custer 1888 - 1913 Myrtle C Custer 1884 - 1910 Union Cemetery, Middleway, W Va Mary Custer 27 Sep 1801 - 8 March 1885, 83y 5m Jacob Custer 28 Aug 1869, 56 years Personal Records of Lloyd Ambrose: Amanda Rothrock, born 24 July 1842; died 21 May 1928; married Rev Samuel Kester born 16 August 1842, died 14 January 1910. Anna Elizabeth "Annie" Ambrose born 1861 in Morgan County, Virginia; married 1878 John C Custer; died 7 September 1956. John C Custer born 1855; died 26 August 1926. They were buried at Greenway Cemetery, Berkeley Springs, W Va. Personal Records of Lloyd Ambrose for the descendants of John C Custer and Annie Elizabeth Ambrose: 1. Bertha V Custer born 10 December 1879 in Morgan County, W Va; married a Miller, lived in Oldtown, Md; died 8 April 1949. 2. A Grace Custer born 28 January 1881 in Morgan County; married a Yonker; died 8 February 1926 on a visit home to Morgan County. 3. Bessie Rae Custer born 19 March 1883 in Piedmont, Mineral County, W Va; married a Kesecker, lived in Morgan County; died 30 June 1914. 4. Dora M Custer born 27 April 1886 in Morgan County; married Chester Huhn. 5. Alvin Boyd Custer born 7 December 1887 in Morgan County; lived in Washington, DC, Herdon, Virginia, and Morgan County; died 22 April 1981. 6. Jessie R Custer born 27 December 1889 in Morgan County; married a Folk. 7. Rilla Marie Custer born 5 February 1893 in Morgan County; married George Mehlfelt, lived in Washington, DC; died 19 September 1957. 8. Clarence Calvin Custer born 19 January 1897 in Morgan County; married 21 February 1920 Edna Louise Kerns at Berkeley Springs, W Va; died 11 November 1969. 9. Elsie Victoria Custer born 15 October 1899 in Morgan County; married 1919 Ray Roscoe Rice; died 28 August 1982. 10. Della F Custer born 3 July 1891 in Morgan County; died 1 January 1892. 11. John Ralph Custer born 23 October 1901 in Morgan County; lived in Arlington, Virginia. [Editor's note: John Custer (1819-1901) is probably the son of Finley and Mary Custer. They lived in Morgan County, Virginia. Finley and Mary were the parents of Henry Custer (see 1850 census above) who married June 1852 Ann Eliza Bechtol, and sometime before 1860 located in Wabash County, Indiana. Does anyone know the ancestry of Finley Custer?]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

page -66- HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White 2746 Wilderness Ct, Wichita, Ks 67226 There is a well kept secret in genealogical research. One of the best libraries I have worked in is not on most lists of major genealogical resource centers. I first heard about this place at the National Genealogical Society Convention that I attended in Indianapolis in 1982. A couple of women were talking about a wonderful library they had visited that had open stacks. Being used to having to order all the books out of the back room and hoping they contained what I wanted, I immediately started listening to their conversation. When I found that it was located where I would be traveling in the fall, I asked the ladies for more information. They said that the library contained many old and rare books that were not available most places, and that they had most of the available federal census records, and military records from the National Archives including confederate soldiers records. I was able to spend three days browsing the shelves of this library and still didn't get through the book collection and never even touched the microfilm collection. There was an entire room of family histories, and three rooms of books arranged according to state. The copy machine was handy for quick documentation of information, although the librarian had to approve the book to be copied. The librarians were helpful and courteous. When I told the librarian I was new to the library, she gave me a tour and showed me where everything was. If you ever have been in an unfamiliar library, you know what a help it would be to have someone show you all the sources and procedures. They do ask that only pencils be used in the library and that books be laid flat on the table to prevent damage to the collection. While I was there a group of school children came in, and the librarians had to scurry around to set up extra tables and help the children find what they were looking for. They were only there a short time, but each child had something he was looking for. After they had all left, and there was quiet once again, the librarian heaved a sigh of relief, and I overheard her say, "If I didn't feel that it is so important to expose children to family history, I wouldn't put up with all this!" Most librarians wouldn't! The only problem I had, was getting to this library. The first day, since I didn't know my way around the city, I decided to take a taxi. Well, the cab driver who was first in line at the hotel refused to take me, as he wanted only fares to the airport. This caused him to get in a fist fight with the next cab driver in line as it is against the rules to refuse a fare. I quickly ducked back into the hotel and waited for a while before obtaining another cab to the library. When I wanted to come back, I called for a taxi and I waited and waited and nothing happened. So I called again. About this time one of the patrons at the library offered to take me back to my hotel, but this time the cab did show up. Needless to say, I braved the traffic and one-way streets, and drove our rental car the next two days. The well kept secret is the Clayton Library in Houston, Texas which is a part of the Houston Public Library, but housed in a separate building southwest of the downtown area. They are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5 and on Wednesday from 12 to 9.

page -67- This is the library where much of the work on the "Castor" families has been done. * * * * * * * * * * * * * NEW MEMBERS Mr Eugene Bevers ...Lydia Ann Castor Bevers 1521 West 5th (1885- ? ); Charles Castor(1853-1940); Job M North Platte, Neb 69101 Castor(c1829- ? ); Samuel Castor(1799- 1853); James Kaster(1776-1847); Benjamin Castor (1741 -1826) Mrs Patricia M Cassell Margaret Waterbury Flegler(1924-1985); Stanley P 0 Box 854 Waterbury(1896-1969); Charles Waterbury(1875- Pickens, S C 29761-0854 1969); Catherine Custer Waterbury(1847-1875) Henry Custer(1807-1885); Emanuel Custer(1769- 1840); John Custer(1736-1812); Nicholas Custer (1706-1784); Arnold Kuster(1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mrs Michael Deeter Millard D Rust(1929-1950); Millard Kester Rust 22802 El Vaquero (1901-1973); Viola Martin Rust( ? - ? ); Louise Mission Viejo, Ca 92691 Keister Martin(1847-1923); Christian Keister (c1806-1882) Mrs James Emerson George L Brokaw(1875-1971); George W Brokaw 26 N Mercer Ave (1849-1934); ...Jane Custard Brokaw(1752- Sharpsville, Pa 16150 1850); William Custard(1729-1826); Conrad Custard(c1695-1772); Arnold Kuster(1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mrs Geraldine H Emmons Faybert P Hardee(1905- ? ); Alice Caster 3613 Dexter, #7D Hardee(1881-1959); William W Caster(1827- ? ); Fort Worth, Texas 76107 John Caster(1804- ? ); Henry Caster(c1774- ? ) Jacob Caster( ? - 1809) Mr Leo Clark Kaster Elihu Rufus Kaster(1888-1970); James McClelland 200 Railroad West Kaster(1862-1943); ... Robert Kaster Afton, Iowa 50830 Mrs Karen Kester c/o Mrs Joyce Cowles 2016 Avenue G Fort Madison, Iowa 52627 Mrs Patricia A Ostwald Hattie Kistler St Clair(1900- ); Charles 600 Juniper Kistler(1867-1927); Sarah Rankin Kistler(1828- Boulder, Colo 80302 1889); Delilah Humble Rankin(1795/1800-1833); Elizabeth Cain Humble(c1776-1833); Elizabeth Custer Cain(1751-1818); Arnold Custer(c1718- 1759); Conrad Custer(c1695-1772); Arnold Kuster (1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) also ... Delilah Humble Rankin(1795/1800-1833); Uriah Humble(1770-1833); Conrad Humble(c1734- 1791); Charity Custer Humble(c1715- ? ); Conrad Custer(c1695-1772);

page -68- Mrs Evelyn Sass 15209 SE Tribbetts Sampson Piersol Barris( ); Elizabeth Portland, Ore 97236 Piersol Barris( - ); Susannah Castor Piersol(1766-1837); Benjamin Castor(1741-1826) Mr Charles H Schmoll William Schmoll(1891-1961); Elizabeth Emrey 3510 N E 155th St Schmoll(1865-1936); Catherine Custer Emrey(1836- Seattle, Wash 98155 1883); Samuel Custer(1794-1858); Peter Custer (1761-1832); Jacob Custer(1731-1804); Peter Custer(c1700-1769); Hermanus Custer(1681-1760) Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mrs Mildred H Spencer Carmen Lee Kester(1889-1969); Charles Lyman 3824 53rd Kester(1859-1935); Samuel Kester(1835/6- ? ); Des Moines, Iowa 50310 George Kester(c1807- ? ) Lucille Wilson Susan A Spencer(1881-1921); Wm G Spencer(1842- 2701 Clark Towers Ct #167 1923); Sarah Kester Spencer(1808-1893); Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 Samuel Kester( ? - ? ) LATE RENEWALS Mr Jack L McAdams Dolly Carey McAdams(1915- ); Jessie Castor P 0 Box 363 Carey(1890- ? ); Charles Castor(1853-1940); Kirksville, Mo 63501 Job M Castor(c1829- ? ); Samuel Castor(1799- 1853); James Kaster(1776-1847); Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) Mrs Sheryl Ullrey Sato Virginia Patterson Ullrey(1920- ); Bessie 1517 W Burrel Morris Patterson(1891-1946); George L Morris Visalia, Cal 93291 (1859-1951); Austin Morris(1833-1861); Phoebe Castor Morris(1804/10-before 1860); ? Conrad Custard/Castor(c1765-c1828)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

QUERIES *** Seeking information about JOHN ADELBERT "DEL" KEISTER, born 4 March 1857 in Butler County, Iowa. He married 25 February 1877 ARVILLA ELIZABETH MULKINS in Greene, Butler County, Iowa. They had six daughters: Icy Belle born 1877, Brenda Spray born 1880, Verna Dell born 1883, Vera Fay born 1885, Lura Grace born 1889, and Cora Zell born 1893 -- all born in Butler County, Iowa. John Adelbert Keister left home (Webster City, Iowa) about 1899 in the company of another woman and was never heard from by the family again. Seven years later, Arvilla divorced him and remarried. What happened to John Adelbert Keister? Please contact Ruth Doutt Ingertson, 3336-A Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, Cal 90027 *** Seeking information about ALFRED BION "BYRON" KEISTER, born 28 July 1861 in Greene, Butler County, Iowa, son of William A and Mary Jane (Miller) Keister. He left home at age 15 and never contacted his family again. Where did he go? Please contact Ruth Doutt Ingertson, 3336-A Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, Cal 90027 *** Seeking information about the parents, brothers and sisters of WILLIAM L CASTOR (1814-1893), shoemaker and tailor, who resided in page -69- North East Ward, Reading, Pennsylvania in 1850. He married LOUISA A DORSAY (1823-1887). They had six sons -- William Dorsay Castor (1 Nov 1848 - 14 Dec 1891); Ellis L Castor (born 15 Feb 1857); George W Castor (born 1843); Edward M Castor (born 1846); Thomas D Castor (born 1861); and Jesse M Castor (born 1853). Please contact Richard W Castor, 345 S 51st Ave, Bellwood, Illinois 60104 *** Wish to exchange information on CONRAD CUSTARD/CASTER born about 1765, died about 1828, probably married to an ELIZABETH. He was in Mason County, Kentucky by 1794. Children: George, Sarah, Benjamin, Hannah, unknown female, Conrad, Peter?, and Phoebe. Please contact Sheryl Ulirey Sato, 1517 W Burrel, Visalia, California 93291

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

KASTER KLIPPINGS *** Chuck and Jean White of Wichita, Kansas, have been rushing from one graduation to another -- in May, Chuck, Jr received his Masters Degree at Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs; Anne received her Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and Art History at Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; and Mary graduated from Wichita High School Southeast! Congratulations to all! *** Albert Wesley Caster of Austin, Texas, died 13 September 1986, aged 87 years. Albert was born in Tarrent County, Texas, son of the late William Wesley Caster and Ida Gertrude Fortner. Albert was a descendant of John Micheal Kuster (c1725-1801). Albert was a Certified Public Accountant and practiced many years in Austin. Albert is survived by his widow, Clemmie Appling Caster, of Austin. *** Ada Naylor Carter died 15 April 1987 at the age of 92 at Creston, British Columbia, mother of member A Gordon Carter, and descendant of John Michael Kuster (c1725-1801).

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

FROM THE MAILBAG *** We have received donations from the following Association Boosters -- Geraldine H Emmons of Fort Worth, Texas; and Patricia M Cassell of Pickens, S C; Also, we have received from Becky Scholer Keever a gift of a dozen large notebook binders and several smaller ones. *** Marilynn Miller of Reynoldsburg, Ohio has been doing some good research on the Custard family of Fairfield County, Ohio. The Custards (Jacob) and Raders (Nicholas) came to Fairfield County from Rockingham County, Virginia -- Jacob came about 1806 or so. Marilynn has sent some census data, and provides the following readings from various cemeteries in Fairfield County, Ohio. Parrett-Custard Cemetery in Richland Township of Fairfield County -- John Custard wife Mary Ann d 10/28/1900 d 11/8/1901 age 82y 10m 12d age 82y 6m 5d Infant 4/16/1858 page -70- John d 12/5/1850 age 13y 4m Mary A d 9/1/1844 age 1y 6m Rebecca d 1841 Peter Custard [there is some question on this date, d 5/2/1887 age 85y 11m and will be checked again sometime] Mary E dau of Peter & Sarah Custard d 7/19/1856 age 10y 3m 20d George Custard wife Lydia d 6/21/1912 d 3/2/1909 b 3/15/1848 b 10/7/1847 Catherine wife of Jacob Custard d 12/1/1831 b 1754 Rebecca wife of Peter Custard d 7/1/1834 age 24yrs Sarah Custard d 3/5/1882 age 76y Joseph Custard wife Sarah d 1/16/1880 d 3/3/1882 12/3/1832 Anna daughter of J & G. Callahan Custard d 7/16/1821 15yrs Clara daughter of F & M Custard d 1/19/1878 age 7m 12d Rosannah wife of A Thomas d 1871 b 1759 [something wrong with these dates?] West Rushville Cemetery, Richland Township, Fairfield County Marion Custard - father - 1843-1917 Martha Custard - mother - 1841-1922 Sherman Custer 1870- 19 _ Rosa Custer 1870-19 Earl W Custer 1903-1922 Greencastle Cemetery, Bloom Township, Fairfield County -- Elizabeth Custer, dau of George B & S G, 23 Sep 1856, 41 years Lithopolis Cemetery, Bloom Township, Fairfield County -- Clara Custer dau of A W & S J, 20 Mar 1862, 1y 7m 14d Mary Louisa Custer dau of A W & S J, 16 Dec 1885, 29y lm 23d Andrew W Custer 27 Dec 1860, 33y 2m 27d Sarah J Custer wife of Andrew W 8 June 1904, 77y Om 5d Pauline Custer dau of George B & E J, 24 Oct 1856-8 Mar 1888 Monroe L Custer son of George B & E J, 27 Aug 1852-17 Feb 1853 page -71- Emma E Custer dau of George B & E J, 15 Sep 1860-14 Oct 1860 Custer - 3 infants, 2 sons, 1 dau 3 July 1853 George B Custer 27 Jan 1879, 79y 5m 11d Sarah Courtright Custer wife/George B 26 Aug 1847, 34y 2m 23d Elizabeth Leach Custer wife/George B 1825-1901 Ann Custer wife of John 5 Nov 1883, 79y Om 8d Many thanks Marilynn!! *** Hope Spratlin of Edmonton, Alberta sends us greetings and an interesting census reading she came across -- 1870 census Alabama, Escambia County, Pollard Best (Beat?) Cane Caster 55 minister Va Nancy I, 45 housewife It Daniels " 19 laborer Fla George ,, 15 at school II Solomon if 12 at school If Sarah It 11 at school Thank you, Hope. *** Carolyn Scott of Auburn, Washington recently joined. Her son, David Michael Kester, is a descendant of John Michael Kuster. We include the notes for William Kester, great grandson of John Michael Kuster. 3.2.8 William Kester born 1827 in Ontario, Canada, son of John Michael and Susannah (Johnson) Kester. William married 16 October 1847 Catharine Yake. Catharine was born about 1830 in Ontario, Canada, daughter of John and Sarah (Long) Yake. About 1860, William and son Washington walked from the Stouffville area to East Nissouri Township in Oxford County, Ontario, where the family later settled on lot 10, concession 10. William died 28 July 1871. Their children: 1. Washington Kester born 1849; married Elizabeth Creighton; died 1914. (Washington was in partnership with A J Young, they owned a general store in Thamesford, Ontario, which was destroyed by fire, dissolving the partnership. Washington built another store and later his son, Fred, joined him as a partner. Washington was a justice of the peace.) 2. Wellington Kester born about 1850; married Elizabeth Cameron. (Wellington graduated as a medical doctor and practiced in Mount Elgin and Ingersoll, Ontario. In failing health, their son, William Cameron Kester, died before graduating from law school.) 3. Wilmot Kester born 26 February 1860 at Stouffville, Ontario, Canada; married 28 November 1889 Frances Maria Conklin at Conde, Spink County, South Dakota; died 21 July 1943 at Corvallis, Oregon, buried at Fircrest Cemetery, Monmouth, Oregon. 4. Willis Kester born 5 December 1862; died 12 July 1864. 5. Arville Kester born March 1865; married Edward Layton Bartlett; died September 1942. 6. Ada Kester born about 1866; married Henderson. 7. Arminto Kester born about 1867; married Sherlock. 8. Adaline Kester born about 1868; married John Lake (had two sons and two daughters); died 5 December 1941, buried at Dorchester, Ontario. 9. William Kester born April 1870; married Minnie Day (had two daughters and two sons); died 1964.

page -72- *** Anne Baines of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada has updated her findings on her Kester ancestor. Her ancestor is a granddaughter of John Michael Kuster, and the notes are as follows -- 3.3 Anna Marie "Mary" Kester born 6 July 1782, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. Mary married Peter Sheufelt. Peter was born 22 July 1765 in Albany Township, Albany County, New York, son of Johannes and Sarah (Freer) Zufelt. Peter died 19 February 1853 at Armow, Bruce County, Ontario. Their children: 1. Lydia Shewfelt born 1801 at Hamilton, Ontario; married Thomas Smith Noble; died in Mariposa Township, Ontario. 2. Leonard Kester Shewfelt born 6 May 1802 at Hamilton, Ontario; married Mary Ann Thompson; died 3 October 1894 at Manitou, Manitoba. 3. Catherine Shewfelt born 1806 at Hamilton, Ontario; married Peter Wrightman/Rykman. 4. Jacob Shewfelt born 1807 at Hamilton; married 1 January 1837 Emmaline Humphrey/Umphrey, married 9 November 1864 Mrs Ann Lakin. 5. John Shewfelt born 1812 at Hamilton; married 11 March 1839 Esther Wilson. 6. Mary Ann Shewfelt born 1812; married 22 January 1844 John Hume in West Brock, Ontario County, Ontario. 7. Joseph Shewfelt born born June 1820 in Brock Township, Ontario; married 12 November 1850 Agnes Robinson in Kincardine Township, Bruce, Ontario; died 4 April 1902 in Archibald, Manitoba, buried at Kingsley Cemetery. 8. Charity Shewfelt born 1822 in Brock Township; married 18 November 1850 Thomas Brocklebank in Kincardine Township, Bruce, Ontario. 9. James Shewfelt born 1823 in Brock Township; married 14 February 1843 Sophia Proof in West Brock Township, Ontario, Ontario. 10. William Shewfelt born 1826 in Brock Township; married 4 October 1858 Catherine Robinson in Kincardine Township, Bruce County, Ontario; died 21 December 1910 in Kincardine Township, 11. Lucinda Shewfelt born 1826 in Brock Township; married 11 March 1845 Charles Smith in Brock Township, Ontario, Ontario; died 18 June 1859 at Armow, Ontario. 12. Elizabeth Shewfelt born 10 October 1827 in Brock Township; married 13 April 1848 Benjamin Woodward in Brock Township, Ontario, Ontario; died 19 December 1885 in Mariposa Township, Victoria, Ontario. Anne has sent some other helpful information -- Dickson Hill Cemetery, Markham Township, Ontario Mrs Mary Kester, wife of Jacob Kester, died 8 March 1854, age 45 years 9 months extracts from County Marriage Registers of Ontario, 1858-1869 Halton County Sarah Jane Caster, 23, of Boston, Canada, d/o Hiram and Ann, married 22 Jan 1867 Robert Oliver, 23, Caledon, Canada, s/o Robert and Sarah. Huron County Catherine (Castor?) married 1858 John Shoults Reference - 1:17 Ontario County Caroline Castor, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob, married 1867 William Dunkeld. Reference - 3:35 Elizabeth Kester, Pickering, d/o Cornelius Johnson, married 1865 Joseph Monkhouse. Reference - 2:45 Ira Castor, Uxbridge, s/o Jacob, married 1859 Martha Ann Todd Reference - 1:81 page -73- Peel County Robt B Castor of Streetsville, s/o Solomon, married 1866 Isabela D Leslie. Reference - 91 Simcoe County Elenor Caster of Tecumseth, d/o Thomas, married 1864 Manassah Webster. Reference -1:172 Robert Caster of Tecumseth, s/o Henry, married 1866 Susan Meredith. Reference - 2:3 York County Angeline Castor, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob married 1861 Thomas Howard. Reference - 1:339 Eliza Kester, Markham, d/o Phillip, married 1859 John Manley. Reference - 1:195 Elizabeth Kester, Uxbridge, d/o William, married 1869 William Darland. Reference - 3:94 Enoch Kester, Pickering, s/o Jacob, married 1861 Irena Vanzant Reference - 1:321 Hiram Kester, Markham, s/o Jacob, married 1863 Maria Forsyth. Reference - 2:31 Irena Caster, Markham, d/o Philip, married 1858 Isaac Conner. Reference - 1:33 James Kester, Pickering, s/o George, married 1861 Elizth Miller. Reference - 1:321 Joseph Kaster, Markham, s/o Philip, married 1860 Clarissa Vanluvan. Reference - 1:237 Lydia Kester, Markham, d/o Jacob, married 1862 Elias Hamilton. Reference - 1:417 Maria Kester, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob, married 1868 Robert Millard Reference - 2:349 Matilda Kester, Uxbridge, d/o Jacob, married 1859 George Pearson. Reference - 1:411 Rachel Kester, E Gwillimbury, d/o George, married 1862 Henry Barker. Reference - 1:411 Thank you, Anne. *** Roberta Monk Holsclaw of Longmont, Colorado, has been doing some good research in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She has abstracted the following from Saint John's Evangeligal Lutheran Church, Maytown, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Records Books I and II. 1767-1887 Baptisms, Communions, Marriages, Burials Frederick S Weiser, editor [Genealogical Society Film #1,306,273] Book I Baptisms name parents born/baptized sponsors p 11 Johannes Kuster Michael 25 July 1807 parents Elisabeth 8 Jan 1809 Magdalena Kuster Elisabeth 6 May 1804 8 Jan 1809 Anna Kuster Elisabeth 25 June 1800 8 Jan 1809 p 16 Rebecca Kuster Michael 14 Oct 1814 parents Elisabeth 5 Dec 1814 p 18 Elisabeth Kuster Michael 7 Oct 1815 parents wf. Elisabeth 2 Jan 1817 page -74-

p 19 Henry Kuster Michael 15 Dec 1816 Henry Kuster wf. Elisabeth p 20 Elisabeth Kuster Michael 25 Apr 1818 parents wf. Maria 12 July 1818 Christina Klug Henry 1 Jan 1816 Henry Kuster wf. Barbara 24 Jan 1819 wf. Elisabeth Henry Klug ditto 15 Apr 1818 ditto 24 Jan 1819 p 22 Michael Kuster Michael 16 Mar 1820 parents wf. Maria 18 June 1820 Mary Ann Kuster Michael 24 Feb 1821 wf. Maria 24 June 1821 p 26 Joseph Kuster Michael 16 June 1829 parents Mary 9 Aug 1830 p 27 Hanna Kuster Michael 9 Oct 1830 parents Mary 30 May 1831 Marriages p 30 John Kuster of Maytown & Nancy Krider of Donegal Twp 6 Apr 1830 Confirmations p 34 28 May 1803 Michael Kuster age 27; Elisabeth Kuster age 27 wife of Michael p 36 26 Sept 1812 Catharina Kuster age 14 p 37 22 Apr 1820 Anna Kuster age 18, daughter of Michael p 38 28 May 1829, at Maytown, Mary Kuster Book II Baptisms name parents born/baptized sponsors p 2 Henrietta Kuster Michael & Mary 3 Dec 1834 parents Kuster 19 Feb 1835 Many thanks, Birdie!! *** Gordon Carter of Peterborough, Ontario sends additional information for the Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester family [see page 6$ of December 1986 News-Caster]. At the time of that article, we did not know of the children of Magdalene Kester. Gordon Carter has recently received the following information from Mary Lou Bacon of Grand Blanc, Michigan -- Magdalene Kester born 23 December 1793 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. Magdalene married John Boyles. John was born 29 May 1794 in New Jersey. They lived in Markham, Ontario, Canada. John died 23 June 1885.

page -75- Magdalene died 13 November 1886. They were buried at Boyles Cemetery, Markham, Ontario. Their children: 1. Sarah Boyles born March 1815; died 25 November 1816. 2. George Boyles born March 1820 in Markham, Ontario. 3. Rachel Boyles 4. Catherine Boyles born 1824; died 31 December 1885. 5. John Boyles born 1826. 6. Mary Boyles born January 1829; died 25 September 1892. 7. Leonard Boyles born 1832. 8. Elizabeth Boyles born 1834. 9. Jane Boyles born 1838. 10. Ann Boyles born 22 August 1839; died 24 December 1892. *** Ruth Doutt Ingertson of Los Angeles recently sent to us many of the Kester/Keister/Caster entries in the International Genealogical Index (IGI) that is maintained by the Mormon Church (LDS). These are available all across the country in the many branch libraries of the Mormon Church. They list various records of birth, christening, marriage, wills, etc by name of the individual. Ruth's very generous donation of her abstracts has prompted me to ask others of you to help abstracting these valuable aids to our research. If you are willing to spend a few hours reading these on microfiche, and copying the information for us, please write to me. I will outline an assignment for you, and explain what needs to be done. This will eliminate unnecessary duplication.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

ASSOCIATION _BUSINESS *** Leland Caster's Castor Cookin' Old & New is now printed and ready for delivery!!! Get your orders in now. There are 121 pages (5 1/2" x 8 1/2") of wonderful recipes submitted by our members -- some are modern, some are old recipes, some are old remedies -- all indexed. Leland and the members have done a great job!! Don't miss out. They will make good Christmas gifts, too. Only $9 postpaid. *** We have two (2) copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies left for sale, $23 postpaid. We have six (6) copies of More Caster/Castor Genealogies left for sale, $28 postpaid in the US, $32 postpaid in Canada. Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) is no longer available. * * * Membership now stands at 288!! Thanks for everyone's support.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA four times a year. Subscription to THE NEWS-CASTER is part of the membership of the Association. Membership dues are $10 per calendar year for the first year, and $6 per calendar year thereafter. The Annual Membership Directory is optional and is $2 additional. Membership is open to all that are interested in genealogy and history. Officers for the 1987-1988 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; John F Caster, vice president and treasurer; Dorothea Schweiger, vice president and recording secretary. Trustees are: Mrs Jack L (Martha) Brown; Mrs Huitt D (Jean) Caster; Leland L Caster; Jack K Castor; Orval R Fink; and Mrs Charles L (Jean) White.

page -76-

gR. CCi

fuhmhect THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Vol.5 No 4 December 1987 IMMIGRANT LIST -- 1850-1854 We' continue the list of immigrants with sources noted, and a brief abstract of the information known. This list was started in the `March 1987 issue, pages 3-10, continued in the June issue, pages 25-31, and in the September issue, pages 49-57. In the next issue, we will continue the list.

August Custer declared intention to n?.TurallzeAf 8 Oct 1850 at Philadelphia, Pa. He was from Germany. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 121 US: Index to Records of Aliens' Declarations Vol 3, p 297

Ernst Custer arrived 1850 at San Francisco, California San Francisco Passenger Lists by Louis J Rasmussen, Vol 2 (1969), p 81

ti Herman Koster age 35 naturalized 1850 at Mobile, Ala "Naturalization Entries 1833-1871: Court Minute Books, Mobile County, Ala" by Arthur D Crigler Deep South Genealogical Quarterly 8:4 (May 1971), p 414

Joseph Koster declared intention to naturalize 2 Sept 1850 at Philadelphia, Pa. He was from Germany. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P Wm Filby (1982), p 344 US: Index of Records of Aliens' Declarations Vol ?, p 198

age -77- Wilhelm Kister arrived 1850 at New York Reconstructed Passenger Lists for 1850: Hamburg to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile and the United States by Clifford Neal Smith Vol I (1980), p 32

Ludolph Koester arrived 1850 at New York wife Auguste Walther ft It It It If with baby Reconstructed Passenger Lists for 1850: Hamburg to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile and the United States by Clifford Neal Smith Vol II (1981), p 21

Dorothea Kuster age 22 arrived 30 Nov 1850 at Galveston, Texas of Mulhausen on vessel bark Solan from Bremen Ship Passenger Lists, Port of Galveston, Texas 1846-1871 p 42 E H Geue New Homes in a New Land p 98

Heinrich Koester arrived 1850 at Quebec, Canada with wife, with child ft If ?I It If age 3 Reconstructed Passenger Lists for 1850: Hamburg to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile and the United States by Clifford Neal Smith Vol II (1981), p 7

Christian Kuester arrived 1850 at Quebec, Canada Reconstructed Passenger Lists for 1850: Hamburg to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile and the United States by Clifford Neal Smith Vol II (1981), p 7

S Koester/Dedrich declared intention to naturalize 26 may 1851 Herman Goster at Philadelphia, Pa. He was from Germany. Philadelphia Naturalization Records ed by P-Wm Filby (1982), p 342

Peter Caster naturalized 1851 at Mobile, Ala "Naturalization Entries 1833-1871: Court Minute Books, Mobile County, Ala" by Arthur D Crigler Deep South Genealogical Quarterly 8:4 (May 1971), p 416 page -78- S Koster arrived 1851 San Francisco, Cal San Francisco Passenger Lists by Louis J Rasmussen, Vol 2 (1969), p 111

'Henry F Kester arrived 6 July 1852 in New York from Hesse, wife Justina Germany son Henry C The History of Darke County, Ohio W H Beers dau-in-law Christina & Co, Chicago (1880), p 746

Anton Koster arrived 1852 or 1854 in America with family "Die Auswanderung aus dem Herzogtum Nassau (1806-1866)" by Wolf-Heine Struck

Mrs Charles Kester arrived 1852 in America "Scotch Immigrants in Knox County, Illinois" Knox County Genealogical Society Quarterly 2:1 (Jan 1974), p 13

Christion Kuster naturalized 1852 in Somerset County, Pa Naturalization Records 1802-1854 Somerset County, Pa by William L Iscrupe (1979), p 9

Herman Koster naturalized 1852 at Mobile, Ala "Naturalization Entries 1833-1871: Court Minute Books, Mobile County, Ala" by Arthur D Crigler Deep South Genealogical Quarterly 8:4 (May 1971), p 417

Frederick Kester naturalized 1853 in Somerset County, Pa Naturalization Records 1802-1854 Somerset County, Pa by William L Iscrupe (1979), p 8

Andreas Kuster & female applied Sept 1853 at Horb, Wuerttemburg (born 3 Dec 1799) for emigration to North America Franz Joseph Kuster The Wuerttemburg Emigration Index Vol I, by (born 16 Jan 1830) Trudy Schenk, Ruth Froelke & Inge Bork (1986) Ludwig Kuster (born 4 Aug 1833) Barbara Kuster (born 12 Dec 1833) Andreas Kuster (born 22 Jan 1840) :Karl Kuster (born 2 Nov 1841) .(continued page 80) page -79- Paul Kuster (born 17 June 1843) Friedolin Kuster (born 31 Aug 1844) Phillip Jacob Kuster

Phillip Kuster applied Nov 1853 at Horb, Wuerttemburg for emigration to North America The WuerttembUrg Emigration Index Vol I, by Trudy Schenk, Ruth Froelke & Inge Bork (1986)

Elisabeth Kuster age 23 arrived 1854 at New York New York Passenger Arrivals 1849-1868 Silvia 4 Nimmo, ed (1983), p 62

Jean Kuster age 20 arrived 1854. at New York New York Passenger Arrivals 1849-1868 Silvia Nimmo, ed (1983), p 49

Henry Kuster naturalized 1854 in Somerset County, Pa Naturalization Records 1802-1854 Somerset County, Pa by William L Iscrupe (1979), p 9

Johann Koster age 32 arrived 1854 at Baltimore, Md "Passengers on Ship Goethe Arriving in Baltimore, Md April 22, 1854" by Edna A Kanely Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin 21:2 (Spring 1980), p 99

Angel Caster age 40 arrived 1854 at New Orleans, La Index of Spanish Citizens Entering the Port of New Orleans Between January 1840 & December 1865 by Charles R Maduell, Jr(1966) page 15

H Kuester arrived 1854 in Texas with wife & child New Homes in a New Land: German Immigration to Texas 1847-1861 by Ethel Hander Geue (1970), p 97 1870 census Texas, Calhoun Co, Indianola, p 395, #229-237 Henry Kuster 43 Hanover Emma If 30 Nassau Annie 11 Texas page -80-

1870 census Texas, Galveston Co, 3rd Ward of Galveston, p 256, #429-395 Henry Custer 40 Soda Manufacturer Prussia Mary " 37 It Henry If 14 Texas Emma It 11 II William .1 9 n Carolin .• 6 ft sr Anna " 4 Mary II 1 tt

* * * * * * * * * * *

THE ANCESTRY OF SUSANNAH ADAMS information provided by Patricia A Ostwald 600Juniper, Boulder, Colorado 80302 Susannah Adams was the wife of Conrad Custard/Custer c1695-1772). Her ancestry has been a point of confusion. Patricia stwald has made available to Krefeld Immigrants and Their Descendants a ppy of "The Addams Family in America" by Addams S McAllister which was icrofilmed by the LDS Genealogical Library, film #441,492. McAllister's riginal manuscript is at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. A ranscription appears in two parts in Volume 3 Number 1 Spring 1986 and Aume 4 Number 1 Spring 1987 issues of Krefeld Immigrants and Their ascendants which is published by Links Genealogy Publications, 7677 mline Way, Sacramento, Ca 95823. We are reporting here the pertinent dnts to Susannah's ancestry. For further references and details, we tcommend the aforementioned transcription. Susannah was the oldest daughter of Richard and Gertien (op den aeff) Adams. Richard had married twice, first (probably in 1698) to Ttien op den Graeff, and second to Alse . Gertien was the dest daughter of Abraham op den Graeff. Gertien and Richard had nine ildren, and Alse and Richard had one child. Alse perhaps is Elsie thers who married 22 December 1726 a Richard Adams at Christ Church in iladelphia. Alse Adams died in 1769/70. The children of Richard Adams e as follows -- Gertien's children: Susannah Adams married Conrad Custer/Custard; died between 28 June 40 and 1 February 1747/8. [Note by P A Ostwald: Susannah was alive 28 ae 1740 -- she made her mark as wife of Conrad Custer when the land of s father Arnold was sold by the heirs. Recorded in Deed Book 32, p 90 rristown, Pad Catherine Adams married John Morris. Mary Adams married Israel Morris. Margaret Adams married Paul Casselberry; died 1749. Elizabeth Adams married Thomas Bull, married second 18 April 1751 mas Rossiter. • Ann Adams married James Umstatt; died 1794, buried at Old Mennonite ore Yard on the Skippack. Abraham Adams born about 1707; died 5 April 1738, buried at St James P hurch of Perkiomen, Evansburg, Montgomery County, Pa. William Adams born July 1705; married Ann Lane; died 26 May 1773 in caster County, Pa. Isaac Adams married (Edith?) page -81- Alse's child: 10. Hannah Adams married Owen Evans Of the above, Conrad Custard, Thomas Bull, Paul Casselberry, John Morris, and Ann Lane Adams were associated with the St James P F Church of Perkiomen, and probably Israel Morris and Owen Evans as well. [Editor's note: Records of this church may provide interesting information about the family of Conrad Custard.] The ancestry of Richard Adams has not yet been established. He may or may not have been related to Richard Adams of Upper Heyford, Northamptonshire, England, who purchased 500 acres in Pennsylvania from William Penn in 1681, or he may or may not have been related to Robert Adams of Bedwell, Oxfordshire, England, who also bought 500 acres in Pennsylvania from Penn in 1681. [Note by P A Ostwald: After having read the aforementioned deeds, it is not very likely that Richard Adams is related to either of these Englishmen. The deeds refer to a Richard Adams who was alive after the time of death of Susannah's father, in 1747 -- it is more likely that Susannah's father was of Welch origin.] It appears that there is no valid basis for believing that Richard Adams was related to the Presidents Adams. Abraham op den Graeff came to America in 1683 from Krefeld, Germany, and lived in Germantown, Pennsylvania. The marriage book of the Reformed Church of Krefeld records his marriage in 1679 to Trintgen Jansen of Gladbach (Trintgen is a derivative of Katharina). He was a linen weaver. It is probable that Gertien was born in Krefeld. The children of Abraham op den Graeff are as follows (not listed necessarily in order of birth) -- 1. Gertien op den Graeff married before 10 October 1698 Richard Adams. 2. Isaac op den Graeff married Mary 3. Margaretha op den Graeff born about 1692; married before 27 August 1709 Thomas How. 4. Anneken op den Graeff married 16 Feb 1710/11 Herman in de Haven. 5. Jacob op den Graeff born in Germantown; married 29 April 1712 Anneken in de Haven; died September 1750. Abraham op den. Graeff gave 91 acres to Richard and Gertien Adams, 10 October 1698, presumably as a wedding gift. This land today is along one side of Crefeld Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Germantown, Pennsylvania. Abraham op den Graeff arrived in America 13 October 1863 with his brothers, Herman and Dirck, and sister, Margaretha. The brothers had bought 11 June 1683 from Jacob Teilner 2000 acres in Pennsylvania, a part of which was around Germantown and the remainder along the Perkiomen. They were the children of Isaac op den Graeff, who was born 28 February 1616; died 17 January 1679. Isaac was one of 18 children born to Herman op den Graeff of Alderkerk and Grietje Pletjes. Herman and Grietje married 16 August 1605. Herman was born 26 November 1585 in Alderkerk. Herman was a delegate to the 1632 Mennonite Convention in Dordrecht and there signed the Confession of Faith. Herman died 27 December 1642 at Krefeld. Abraham op den Graeff signed in 1688 the protest against slavery. Abraham was a Burgess of Germantown, and a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly. He was immortalized by Whittier in his poem "The Pennsylvania Pilgrim." page -82- The ancestry of Susannah Adams is briefly diagramed here.

Richard Adams

Susannah Herman op den Graeff --Isaac op den Graeff riessen Pletjes Grietje Pletjes Alet Gotls -.Abraham op den Graeff—

Grietgen Peters

Grertien op den Graeff--

Irintgen Jansen

[Editor's Note: In the past, we have relied on Genealogical and Personal _History of Buck's County, Pa by Davis, p 77-81, for information about the adaks family and the ancestry of Susannah (Adams) Custard. Also, we have -used The Richard Adams Family in America by Fredd Eugene Castleberry. It .now appears that these sources are unreliable in connection with the 'ancestry of Richard Adams, father of Susannah. We especially wish to draw attention to this for those whom we have sent information from these sources. Also, we erred in the June 1985 News-Caster, p 21, in stating that Susannah was the daughter of Richard and Alse (Opden Graff) Adams -- we should have stated daughter of Richard and Gertien (op den Graeff) Adams,]

* * * * * * * * * * * * CASTOR COOKIN' OLD & NEW Leland Caster's cook book is ready for delivery!! Place your orders now for this 121 page cook book featuring Caster - Custer - Kester recipes from yesteryear and present. Find out about the favorite recipes of some of the other members! Price is $9 postpaid. Just the Christmas Gift you have been looking fort

ERRATUM In Vol 5, No 3, September 1987, top of page 62 -- we made a "mistake! We stated that Mary Elizabeth Custer married Dr William Hess. Not so -- it was her sister, Nancy "Nannie" Margaret Custer who married Dr William Hess. page -83- THE CASTOR FAMILY TOUR 1987 LUXEMBOURG - AUSTRIA - GERMANY - SWITZERLAND August 21 to September 6, 1987 First, let us explain that this tour was organized by Dick and Diana Castor of Horseheads, New York and was operated by Wastler Escorted Travel, Inc of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Our Association was not involved in the genesis or conduct of the tour, but several of the tour members were from our Association. The credit and applause for such a wonderful tour goes entirely to Dick and Diana Castor, and Leo and Phyl Wastler. There were 37 tour members, most of which were descendants of Hans Georg Gerster who arrived in Philadelphia in 1736. His name soon changed to John George Castor. He has left many descendants in America today. Hans Georg Gerster was raised in Gelterkinden, Switzerland, the town of his father, also Hans Georg Gerster. Gelterkinden is a small town in the Canton of Basel. The tour was designed to visit Switzerland, homeland of the Gerster family, and also many other points of general interest in Luxembourg, Austria and Germany. The Wastlers engaged a local his- torian and a local archivist to research further the background of the Gerster family. Also, the Wastlers obtained the names and addresses of many present day Gerster families, and made these avail- able to the tour members. We were encouraged to correspond with some of the Gerster families, and invite them to a Castor/Gerster dinner party in Basel. The letters did fly! Many invitations were accepted, and several friendships were established by mail well before the tour started. The Wastlers also spread the word about the party among conven- tional publicity channels, and 189 people attended the dinner party in the ballroom HANS & GERTA GERSTER of the International Hotel in Basel on 29 OF GELTERKINDEN August 1987. Kathi and Mario Studer of nearby Liestal helped with translation. It was a wonderful Castor/Gerster gala! The following day, a visit was made to Gelterkinden to::-view the church where Hans Georg Gerster no doubt attended. And later an outdoor church service was attended at nearby Tecknau. This was an additional opportunity to meet and talk with the local Swiss people -- all very friendly and hospitable. But there were many other highlights of the tour. The German-Austrian Alps were spectacular, and we saw the Eagles Nest of the infamous Adolf Hitler and his friends. Colorful and neat farms of Austria, Germany and Switzerland were compared. The Black Forest was peaceful. In Austria, we visited a real, working salt mine, and wore the protective garb of the salt miners. The mighty and spectacular Cathedral of Cologne -- truly awesome as well as beautiful. The quaint, picturesque buildings and homes of Rothenburg gave a backdrop for many memorable pictures. Heidelburg was every bit as colorful and gorgeous as page -84- he pictures suggest. The eligous history of Worms as evident in the several _hunches visited. In Salz- urg, we were treated to ozart's music in a little alace theatre. We were n the land of castles. re were afforded a tour of ;he Mad King Ludwig's Neu- ;chwanstein castle at ;chwangau. And while we floated down the Rhine from Mainz to Koblenz, ye viewed two dozen cas- :les on the hills over- looking the Rhine -- even castle on an island of the river! The vineyards Seen (a vast number!) were astonishing - many on such JACK BROWN, BOB RASTER, DON BURKETT,. MARTHA .steep hillsides that culti- BROWN AT SALZBURG, AUSTRIA vation would seem impossible. Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana had corresponded with Guido KUsters of Krefeld, Germany. Guido arranged to meet the Browns in Cologne, and stayed overnight to allow for more visiting. Guido is a young man serving a year and a half in the German Army, but looks forward to returning to his civilian life as a securities broker in a bank. Guido is a hand- some chap who has mas- tered English well. He presented to the Browns a beautiful book about Krefeld (both English and German). We have ordered 'a copy of this book which is of inter- est to many of us who trace our ancestry back MOLLY HENRY, JACK HENRY, gg JOYCE HENRY to Paulus and Gertrude AT GELTERKINDEN Custer from the Krefeld area, for the Castor Library. The evening in Luxembourg was pleasantly spent visiting with our friends, the family of Jean Raster of Femack, France. Jean was - - undergoing medical treatment that day in the city of Nancy, and was not able to join us. However, his wife, Monique, and son, Jean Francoise, and daughter, Anne, and cousins, Pierre and Anne Filine did join us for - dinner. Jean has been a member for four years, and is our "ambassador to France."

page -85- DICK CASTOR SHOOTING THE ALPS RUBY STANLEY & MARGARET LARSH In Mainz, we happened to meet Wilhelm and Irmgard Castor and their daughter, Ute. They lived but two blocks from our hotel in Mainz, and they with Uncle Josef Castor and Aunt Beatrix Castor, joined us after dinner for a pleasant evening. Our European "cousins" were all very friendly and warm, just as were our American cousins. Dick and Diana Castor report that Helga Gerster of Seltisberg (just outside Basel), Switzerland, has visited them at Horseheads, New York on October 4th. Helga grew up in Gelter- kinden, where her father was the physician. For the Gerster/Castor party in Basel, Helga gave each of the Americans a beautiful genealogical chart of the Gerster family going back to Jakob Gerster who was born in 1540. Dick and Diana were joined by Don & Evelyn Winslow, Steve, ESTELLE CASTOR, BOB KASTER, & BETTY CASTOR page -86- Phil, Beckie, Jeffrey, Jona- than and Belinda Castor to greet cousin Helga.

After such a successful and satisfying experience as this tour, it was inevitable that we began to think that the Association should organ - f. ize such a tour for 1989. And so we have talked with the Wastlers about such a tour. In fact, we have talked to them about two tours in 1989. Jean M White of Wichita, Kansas suggested that one MONIQUE KASTER, PIERRE FILINE, ANNE tour should cover points of KASTER, & JEAN FRANCOIS KASTER interest in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The other tour will be for Germany and Switzerland. We have prepared a questionaire and enclosed it with this News-Caster. The ques- tionaire covers three subjects: (1) your interest in the 1988 Reunion in Des Moines, Ia, (2) your inter- est in the 1989 Pennsylvania- Virginia Tour, & (3) your interest in the 1989 Germany-Switzerland Tour. Please give us the benefit of these questionaires -- it will help us immensely in our planning.

We will report our visits to St Kastor Church in Koblenz, and St Castor Church in Karden, in the next issue of the News-Caster. We have received a book describing the church in Karden, and this has been added to the Castor Library. BRUCE, JEAN & CHUCK WHITE

We expect to plan two fun-packed, fulfilling and exciting tours in 1989. The Wastlers are expert escorts, and will exert extra effort to provide what we want. Those who are interested, please send your suggestions and requests for specific sights to see or places to visit. We will give every possible consider- ation to your requests. Certainly we want to visit Krefeld and Kaldenkirchen, and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Tell us what else you would like to see. VERNON G CASTOR, PAT A DEVINE, & BILL CASTOR

page -87- MARCELLUS J KESTER 1830-1913 Charles L Byer, 11 North Srent Drive, Pensacola, Florida 32506-5846 recently acquired an obituary of Marcellus J Kester from The United Daughters of the Confederacy. The ancestery of Marcellus is as follows: Conrad Kester-5, Joseph Kester-4, Conrad Custer-3, Arnold Kuster-2, Paulus Kuster-1. Our thanks to Charles Byers for contributing this. Monroe Watchman Union, West Virginia - 17 April 1913 Hon. M J Kester "Mr Kester is dead." This 'was the news which shocked and grieved the people of Monroe County last Saturday morning. To the most of us it was almost wholly unexpected. Since the death of his lamented wife on the 16th of last August, Mr Kester had never been quite his former self, but the sinking of his faculties was so gradual and he was still so active for one of his years that his death at this time was not looked for. Last Saturday morning he suffered, at his home near Pickaway, an attack of acute indigestion which, complicated with heart disease, ended his life at 5 o'clock the next morning, April 13. Thus passed to his eternal reward one who for 46 years has been one of Monroe county's most valuable and honored citizens. His friendship has been a boon to thousands. In the history the county has made since the close of the civil war his name and work are writ large. Marcellus J Kester was born in Harrison county, Virginia-(now West Virginia) November 23, 1830 and died on April 13, 1913. The span of his life was therefore 82 years, 4 months and 21 days. He was a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Lowther) Kester, both sprung from pioneer families of Harrison county. He was well educated, 'studied law, was admitted to the bar, and formed a law partnership with the late Judge John J Jackson, subsequently for many years Judge of the Federal Court for the District of West Virginia. He was in active practice when the great war between the States broke out. Following his convictions, he joined the Confederate army, enlisting in the 26th Virginia Cavalry, General W L Jackson's Division. He served with gallantry throughout the four years of war. Broken in fortune, in 1867 he came to Monroe county. Mr Lewis Callaway was then County Clerk, and needing assistance, gave Mr Kester employment in the Clerk's Office. There he served with the utmost efficiency until the adoption of the Flick amendment restored to Confederate soldiers the right to vote and hold public office. Immediately thereafter, in 1872, Mr Kester was elected Clerk of Monroe Circuit Court and re-elected in 1878, retiring January 1, 1885. He was appointed a Commissioner in Chancery and filled tha4 station under all the Judges of our Circuit Court until Judge Herndon's election in 1906. It has been frequently said by eminent lawyers of this and othee states that there was never a more competent and highly efficient Master Commissioner than Mr Kester. His work as Clerk of the Court also was ideal. The value of his services to this county during a crucial period of her history is inestimable. In 1894 Mr Kester was elected to represent Monroe county in the House of Delegates, and in 1896 was re-elected to the same honorable post of duty. As a legislator he served well and faithfully and further strengthened himself in the public esteem. Mr Kester was one of the founders of the Bank of Monroe and its President from its organization until his death. He owned an excellent farm of about 160 acres 3 miles northeast of Union and there had resided for many years. On May 29, 1856, Mr Kester married Miss Lorraine E Dilworth of Barbour county. After 56 years of life together with mutual love and page -88-

7ust undimmed, she went before him into the paradise of God last August. vo sons, splendid, brilliant boys, had preceded them to the grave years )fore, Richard and John. At Mr Kester's request, Mr and Mrs Charles a 3adle moved into his residence last November, keeping house and -ightening his cares. They were with him to the end, as was Mr Paris ,over, who had long been with him. Now shall we say Farewell to our old Friend? It is not only that r Kester has been so large a factor in this county that he will be issed, but his blithe and cheery temperament, the kindliness of his eart and his readiness to help those in need all bring home tows the ang of parting. He was a gentleman of.fine mind and natural courtesy. e had a vast fund of information, had read widely and was conversant ith almost every topic. His charities were many but unobtrusive. His haracter was upright and singularly free from narrowness or spleen. He as a Democrat from sincere conviction but numbered among his staunch riends many of those of the opposite political faith. For 34 years he as a member of the M E Church South and Recording Steward of Union ircuit. Mr Kester is survived by two brothers, Messrs J B of Clarksburg, )st Virginia, and Newton C Kester of Staunton, Virginia, and three isters, Mrs Dora V Skaggs and Mrs Amanda E Kiger of Lewisburg, and Miss glen Kester of Weston. The first and last named were prevented by Liness from coming hither to attend the obsequies, but the others were Ll there. The funeral took place from the residence at 11 o'clock last )nday morning, the services being conducted by Rev G R Fringer assisted Revs R B Hudson and T B Stewart. Followed by a large throng of his 3ighbors, the remains of the deceased gentleman were brought to Union id bid to repose in Green Hill Cemetery by the side of his wife and )unger son. * * * * * * * * * * * * * A LETTER FROM EMMET CASTOR OF DYESVILLE, OHIO TO SEWARD CASTOR OF KIMBALL, NEBRASKA -- AUGUST 16, 1886 provided by Beverly Cross, Box #93, Baxter, Iowa 50028 Emmet recorded in 1886 a comprehensive Caster Family Record which has helped many in the search of Caster family history. This letter was written to the grandfather of Beverly's husband, Glen Richard Cross. ar Cousin, Yours of July 30 received last Sat evening. I. had [been] to ddleport all week attending the teachers institute which accounts for not getting it sooner. However it did not take me long to see what s inside, Thanks for that lovely picture and the antelope hair too. I ver saw any before. Wish I had something to send you in return! I am well as usual and hope you are the same. It has just rained good shower which we needed badly. Corn looks tolerably well. We had put 20 tons of hay this year. Wheat was very good averaging about 25 per acre, We had 228 bu on 10 acres. But we put 200 lbs of bonedust each acre. Had 132 1/2 bu of oats on 3 1/2 acres. Straw about as ;h as my head. Our sheep in this part of the country are dying. Don't )w what is the matter. Melons are plenty. I must tell you about the Salvationists. While in Middleport I v a band of them, about 30 in number. They begin their worship about ;k in the evening. They meet at their hall. Then the two captains .king backwards lead the procession [in] the streets, all singing and 3 page -89- or 4 beating tamborines. When they get tired of that, they fall on their knees and take it turn about, praying. Then they sing a verse or two before they rise. Then they go to their hall again inviting all the people to follow them. Their hall has a stage at one end on which all the members are seated. Then they speak to the crowd explaining that they are right for "God says, Go ye into the hedges and highwaysand worship God." Then they sing and beat tamborines and each gives his experience. Then pray and take up a collection. Then repeat and etc etc. On the whole it is a very odd form of religious worship. They are mostly street and persons who have ruined their character. Maybe you have them there but for fear you have not I send you the above information. W C Merritt began our school one week ago today. I do not go as we have too much work to do. I have a school engaged to commence Nov 1st and continue for 4 months at $1.00 per day. Guess it is a pretty hard school. Dyesville Dramatic Club gave an exhibition Saturday night, about 300 present. Admission 10 and 15 cents. Receipts $36.00 which goes toward completing the church at that place in which the exhibition was held. They go to Rutland next Saturday night. We now have a good store at Dyesville, kept by Mr Murphy. There has been two weddings lately in our immediate vicinity and everybody are waiting and waiting for 2 or 3 more. But it isn't me and glad I am of it. I can have more fun with all of them together than with any certain one. Do, please don't ask what my girl's name is, for it is as much one as another.. Have received several letters from Nellie [Castor] and am always glad to hear from her. Dell [Castor] has not written any. I sent Nellie one of my pictures and she promised me hers in return. Thank you for the name of the baby and more so for the date of the birth. [Probably refers to Glenneverre.] There is nothing much to write. Not much going on. Farmers feel a great deal more encouraged than they did this time last year. Nearly everybody wants to buy young cattle. Ernest F Bolen, whose picture I sent you, was here Saturday night. He says the baby Evart goes just whereever he pleases, and does about as he pleases. He, and our baby, Stella, are just the right size to need watching all the time. I left the stair door open today and she went to the top of the stairs before we noticed her. It is a wonder she didn't fall and kill herself. Ma met with a peculiar accident last eve. She was milking and the cow kicked her on the end of the thumb, mashing it so badly that it turned black. She cannot use it much today. I have not killed any game for so long that I don't know whether I cound squirrel or not. Nellie told me what a good marksman you were. Write soon if you think this worth answering. Will try and think of more next time. as ever, Your friend and Cousin Emmet Castor Tuesday noon Guess I can think of a few questions to ask, as my letter has not been mailed yet. 1st what county is Kimball in? How large a town is it? Is it on any stream? I was looking on a map for it this morning, but failed to find it. I suppose you do not have any fruit there. We have had plenty of apples all season and peaches are now getting ripe. Pa has been plowing for wheat this forenoon. It looks like it would rain anytime. Very cloudy. Reckon you heard of the cyclone that visited this part of the country last spring. It's track of desolation still can be seen and probably can be for a great many years. A great page -90- many houses were blown down and scattered over the neighboring country. Two persons were killed in this township and a great many injured. Every piece of timber in it's track was destroyed. White oak two and three feet in diameter were broken off all the way from 2 to 50 feet high. I saw one sugar tree which stood on the farm of Jackson I Wood. It was over 2 feet in diameter and probably 70 feet high. It had been twisted off at the top of the ground, and carried top foremost for the distance of about 200 yards ploughing huge furrows as it went. A stone mantel belonging to the house of Mrs McComa's and estimated to weigh 2000 lbs was carried several feet. The foundation stones from under the school were carried several feet. They had- been under the house so long that they were almost covered up. Horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and etc were killed by the dozens. It looked curious to see chickens walking around without feathers on them, sheep with rails through them, which were stuck in the ground. Hickory trees, 2 feet through with the bark peeled off, leaves singed on the trees, many trees without a leaf. I might write all day, but I know I am getting troublesome. So will close. Excuse poor writing. Yours, E Castor

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

JOHN CASTOR OF NEW YORK We have given some description of John Castor (also known as John de Castorer) and his family in the June 1984 News-Caster, pages 8-11. This included his declaration given in court in 1832 about his Revolutionary War service. Until recently, we knew very littly about his daughter, Cynthia. We now have some information about Cynthia and her family, which follows: Cynthia Castor born 21 January 1776 in Spencertown, New York, daughter of John and Anne (Calkins) Castor. Cynthia married about 1792 Elijah Spink in Spencertown, Columbia County, New York. Elijah was born 1768, and lived in Jefferson County, New York. They located in Jefferson County. Cynthia died 27 April 1812 in Ellisburg, Jefferson County, New York. Elijah disappeared in 1813, and was not heard from again. Their children: 1. Elijah Spink, Jr married Wilhelmina Vincent in Jefferson County. 2. John Spink married Lucinda 3. Samuel Spink married 1829 Edith Consol (she died in 1830), married 1831 Edah Consol (1814-1860 in Michigan). 4. Orsemus Spink married 1 May 1832 Harriet Bishop (23 Dec 1808 - 17 Feb 1885 in Michigan). 5. Ruth Spink. 6. Hannah Spink. 7. Emeline Spink. 8. Eliza Spink born 3 January 1803. Sources: letter from Mrs John W Spink to Ethel S Joyner - 24 June 1983 If anyone has additional information, we would be interested in receiving it. Please notice that we are now making available for loan from our Castor Library the Association Notebook for John Castor of New York and his Descendants -- see pages 95-96. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

page -91- "LIVES AND LETTERS FROM KIESTER HOUSE" This is the title of a book about to be published. Donna Kiester Gibson and Emma Lou Kiester Holtz have over 200 letters of the Civil War days. These letters were written by Jacob Shaffer Kiester and William Henry. Harrison Kiester, brothers from near Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, who served in the 103rd Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Donna and Emma have written a family record and selected many of these letters to reflect the times and torments of the Civil War. The Kiester family organized their first reunion for July 4th this past year, and more than 200 descendants attended. The report of the reunion and publication plans appeared in the July 11, 1987 edition of the BUTLER EAGLE, Butler, Pennsylvania. Our member, Jane Gallagher of Renfrew, Pennsylvania alertly and kindly sent the news item to us. We have ordered a copy of the book to be placed in the Castor Library. And Emma Lou Holtz, one of the authors, has recently joined the Association. Kiester House was a stagecoach inn and country tavern on the route between Pittsburgh and Erie. The home and business was owned by Jesse and Margaret Kiester. Their children, George Philip, Jacob Shaffer, William Henry Harrison, Winfield Scott, James Madison, Amelda and Emma, were all born in Kiester House. The authors are descendants of Winfield Kiester. The brothers enlisted in December 1861, and their company gathered in Camp Orr in Kittanning, then continued through the Allegheny Valley and on to Virginia and Washington, DC. Henry became the cOmpany's first lieutenant. The brothers re-enlisted in December of 1863. Soon after, they were captured by the Confederate forces and taken to Libby Prison, and later to Andersonville. Henry did manage to escape, but was recaptured in North Carolina. Henry was paroled in February 1865. Shaffer never left prison, and died 23 November 1864 in South Carolina.

WINFIELD SCOTT KIESTER JACOB SHAFFER KIESTER We are looking forward to receiving this interesting book, and believe it will be a significant addition to our Castor Library.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

page -92- HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White 2746 Wilderness Ct, Wichita, Ks 67226 Most people have heard of the bicentennial anniversary of the US Constitution, but there is another important bicentennial anniversary this year. The Ordinance of 12 July 1787 established the Territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio. It preceeded the US Constitution by five months. Commonly known as the Old Northwest Territory, this land eventually became the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and the part of Minnesota east of the Mississippi River. Claims to this land had been made by the colonies of New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Most of this land had been ceded to the federal government prior to the ordinance with the exception of the Virginia Military District and the Fire Lands of the Western Reserve. Virginia retained the area in southwestern Ohio between the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers to grant land land in payment to Virginians who had fought in the Revolutionary War. Connecticut granted land in the area of present day Huron and Erie Counties, Ohio to .compensate persons who had lost property when New Haven, Greenwich, Fairfield, Norwalk, and New London, Connecticut were burned by the British near the end of the Revolutionary War. The ordinance contained some new ideas that were quite different from the set up of the governments in the colonies which had previously claimed the land. It included a Bill of Rights (the US Constitution didn't get one until amended in 1791) which included the following six rights: 1. Freedom of religion. A person was not bound to support a church in which he did not believe. 2. Trial by jury, writ of habeas corpus, no cruel and unusual punishment, and no excessive bail. 3. Schools to be forever encouraged. 4. Public access to rivers and streams. One could own the land on both sides of a river or stream, but he did not own the river, so therefore could not control the access to it. 5. Established the mechanics for dividing the territory into states. 6. No slavery or involuntary servitude within the territory. The genealogist should be aware of the sections of the ordinance, and laws which soon followed, on military duty, settlement of estates, and marriage. All males 15-50 were subject to military duty, and males over 50 were included if the territory was invaded. Each male was to furnish his own arms and munitions. The law of primogeniture to settle intestate estates, used in Virginia, would not be in effect. After the widow's dower right, the rest of the estate was to be divided equally among the children. Marriages could be performed by a judge of the general court, court of common pleas, ministers, or by Quaker doctrine. Males seventeen and over and females fourteen and over could marry, but they had to get the father's consent if under twenty one for males and eighteen for females. A certificate of marriage was to be recorded in the county where the marriage was performed. The Northwest Ordinance became the last piece of major legislation passed by the Continental Congress. Arthur St Clair was appointed the first governor of the territory. By 1798 the Territory had the five thousand free male inhabitants needed for the second stage of government. On May 7, 1800 the territory was divided in two and the page -93- Northwest Territory became the land lying east of the treaty line of 1795, from the Ohio to Fort Recovery, and a line drawn from the fort to the international boundary. The area west of. the line became Indiana Territory.. The treaty line referred to is the line set up at the Treaty of Greenville signed by General Anthony Wayne and twelve Ohio and Great Lakes Indian tribes after the Battle of Fallen Timbers. This treaty cleared two thirds of the present State of Ohio of Indians, resulting in a flood of settlers. By 1803, Ohio had obtained the required number of settlers to become a state.

NORTHWEST TERRITORY 1787 OHIO ADMITTED 1803 The remaining land in the territory became Indiana territory with Vincennes the capital and William Henry Harrison becoming governor. However, by 1805 Congress formed Michigan Terriory with Detroit as the capital and William Hull, governor. Four years later in 1809 Illinois Territory was broken off from Indiana Territory. Kaskaskia was the capital and Ninon Edwards the governor.

INDIANA ADMITTED 1816 ILLINOIS ADMITTED 1818 In. 1816, Indiana became the nineteenth state and in 1818 Illinois the twenty-first. The northern part of Illinois Territory was added to Michigan Territory. Michigan was not settled as rapidily as the other page -94-

territories, so it was not until 1837 that Aichigan became a state. The sesquicentennial 3f the statehood of Michigan is being cele- brated this year. The remaining land became a part of Wisconsin Territory. Henry Dodge was the first governor of Wisconsin Territory and the capital was Madison. Eleven years later in 1848 Wisconsin became the thirtieth state. The small remaining portion became a part of Minnesota Territory with St Paul as the capital and Alexander Ramsey as governor. It was not until 1858 when Minnesota became the thirty-second state that the last bit of the Old Northwest Territory entered statehood. MICHIGAN ADMITTED 1837 Sources: The Old Northwest, Pioneer Period 1815-1840 by R Carlyle Buley (1950) .Territorial Governors of the Old Northwest by Dwight G McCarty (1910) The Old Northwest by B A Hinsdale (1888) Indiana Sources for Genealogical Research in the Indiana State Library by Carolynne L (Wendel) Miller (1984) Indiana Historical Society Old Northwest Bicentennial Conference, South Bend, Indiana (June 1987) Collections of the Illinois State Historical Library, Law Series Volume I, The Laws of the Northwest Territory 1788-1800 edited by Theodore Calvin Pease The Northwest Ordinance 1787 A Bicentennial Handbook ed. Robert M Taylor, Jr (1987)

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE CASTOR LENDING LIBRARY The Association has accumulated several genealogical books that may be borrowed by mail. We set forth our list of available books in the September 1986 News-Caster, page 45., We list the books that have been added in each News-Caster. If you wish to have a complete and updated list, please send a stamped self addressed envelope. 1. The period of loan shall be four weeks. No penalty shall be incurred for late return. If the initial period of loan proves to be inadequate, please request additional time. a. When returning the item, mail 4th class rate or book rate, and please insure. Also, please enclose reimbursement to the Library for the cost )f postage plus $.50 to cover mailing material and incidentals. The following have been added to the books available for loan. iedburg-Kaster Rheinische Kunststatten Series by Ludwig Theissen (1957), 9 pages. Description and history of small town Kaster in Germany - Titten in German. ucks County (Pa) Tombstone Inscriptions, Hilltown Township by Frances ise Waite (1984), 210 pages arty Settlers of Solesbury Township, Bucks County, Pa by Eastburn Reeder page -95- (1971), 126 pages In Search of Your German Roots by Angus Baxter (1987), 122 pages The German Pietests of Provincial Pennsylvania by Julius Friedrich Sachse (1895) reprint, 504 pp John Castor/de Castorer of New York, & Descendants Castor Association Notebook 800 Jahre Stiftskirche, St Castor, Karden 1183-1983 [in German - title translated = 800 Years, St Castor Church, Karden 1183-1983] (1983), 131 pages. As time permits, we will translate this very interesting book. * * * * * * * * * * * * * QUERIES *** Need information about Elfrida COMBS SHEARER who divorced John Wesley SHEARER in 1882; married second John 0 LAITY in 1883; married third George S WATKINS in 1884. Also desire information about Virginia Shearer WATKINS who married 1899 Clifton GRIGG in Tuscarora, Elko County, Neveda. Will exchange family information. Please write to Herb Shearer, 904 LaPuente Drive, Bakersfield, Cal 93309 *** We are looking for Barbara BEASLEY who in 1980 lived at 424 East Center St, Manteca, California 95336. She is a great granddaughter of Josiah and Irene (AIRENA) KESTER of Pennsylvania. Anyone knowing Barbara's present address, please write to Mrs Ellen K Browne, P 0 Box 694, Folsom, La 70437 *** Desire information about Eva CUSTER, daughter of Paulus and Gertrude (Doors) KUSTER of Germantown, Pa, and wife of Gottshall GOTTSHALL. Please contact Kenneth S Heiser, 27 Hillside Road, Mount Holly, New Jersey 08060

*** Seek proof , that Frederick DIEHL (born 8 November 1722, died 19 January 1813 in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa) was the father of Adam TEEL/DIEHL who was born 12 April 1760 and married Christine KOESTER, daughter of Michael KOESTER. Please write Marcile D Bates, 3610 Cypress Way, Santa Rosa, Cal 95405 *** Seek information about Edwin Augustus CASTOR (1836-1894), married first Augusta BUCKIUS (1837-1900), married second Samantha W GRAHAM (1843-1894)., Also seek information about their children: Hiram Charles, b. 1866; Harry Garsed, b 1868; Frank Graham, b 1870; Edna, b 1871, married Dr Paul ROBINSON of Indianapolis; John Wilkinson, b 1874; Jesse Webster, b 1876; and Walter Dyre, b 1883. Seek information about Ellen Castor GARSED (1838-1917) and her daughter, Nellie Garsed NEUKOM. Please write to Donald J Castor, 90 Thomas Ave, Bethpage, New York 11714 * * * * * * * * * * * * * RASTER KLIPPINGS *** Our member Alice B Bullard of Spokane, Washington reports the passing of her two older brothers: Everett F Curtis of Puyallup, Washington, died 30 January 1987; and Verlin Curtis of Amarillo, Texas, died 8 June 1987. page -96- *** Kenneth L Peterson of Rogers, Arkansas died 11 May 1987, aged 75, survived by his wife, Miriam (Caster) Peterson. Miriam is the daughter of the late Charles Thomas Caster of Hardin County, Iowa. Miriam continues to live in Rogers, Arkansas. *** Emmett and Evelyn Kirby of Champaign, Illinois, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary 6 October 1987. Emmett is the great grandson of Naomi (Castor) Applegate. Congratulations!! *** Dorothea Schweiger of Lenexa, Kansas reports a new granddaughter -- Kathleen Theresa Schneck arrived 10 August 1987, Falls Church, Virginia. *** Laura Elizabeth Scholer born 15 October 1987 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, daughter of Gregory and Janet Scholer -- grandparents Charles and Ann Scholer.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * NEW MEMBERS address ancestral line Mrs Betty Azevedo Goldie Castor Hervey(1902-1978); Homer Castor 6448 North Thorne (1874-1960); Harvey Castor(1851-1922); Thomas Fresno, Calif 93711 Castor(1817-1887); George Castor(1784-1876); John Caster Senior(1754-1823) Mr John Mark Brimacombe 4155 Bowen Road Toledo, Ohio 43613 Mrs John Brooks Kenneth C Castor(1920- ); Sesel 0 Castor 2205 Indian Village Blvd (1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906); Fort Wayne, Ind 46809 Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(1784- 1876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3) Mr Donald J Castor William Wilkinson Castor, Jr(1891-1937); William 90 Thomas Ave Wilkinson Castor(1859-1903); Edwin A Castor Bethpage, NY 11714 (1836-1894); Hiram Castor(1809-1886); Samuel Castor(1777-1855); Frederick Castor(1739-1800); John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797) Mr Harold E Castor Robert B Castor(1893-1966); Robert B K Castor 2019 Oakmont St (1868-1936); Howard Castor(1835-1909); George Philadelphia, Pa 19152 Johnston Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor(1766- 1835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797) Mr James Richard Castor Kenneth C Castor(1920- ); Sesel 0 Castor 4683 Lambeth Way (1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906); Holt, Michigan 48842 Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(1784- 1876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3) Dr Kenneth C Castor, Jr Kenneth C Castor(1920- ); Sesel 0 Castor 2810 Knightsbridge P1 (1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906); Fort Wayne, Ind 46815 Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(1784- 1876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3) page -97- Dr Richard J Castor Norman R Castor(1905-1958); Norman Stephen 5681 Middle Road Castor(1875-1964); Howard Castor(1835-1909); Horseheads, N Y 14845 George J Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor (1766-1835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797) Mr Roderic E Castor Earl H Castor(1904-1986); Henry Castor( ? - ? ) 10440 Scenic Blvd Theodore Castor(1836-1920); Mathias Joseph Cupertino, Cal 95014 Castor(1804- ? ) Mr Vernon G Castor Norman S Castor(1889-1957); Robert B K Castor 2844 Longshore Ave (1868-1936); Howard Castor(1835-1909); George Philadelphia, Pa 19149 Johnston Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor(1766- 1835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797) Mr William H Castor, Jr William Henry Castor(1891-1954); Robert Bertram 753 E Lark Drive Keys Castor(1868-1936); Howard Castor(1835-1909); Bare Foot Bay George Johnson Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor Florida 32958 (1766-1835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797) Mr Donald Craig Custer Walter Wilson Custer(1911-1965); Paris James 1534 Robinson Road Custer(1886-1966); --- Paulus Kuster(c1644- Washington CH, Oh 43160 1708) Miss Marianne Dillow Frank M Dillow(1919-1983); Frank E Dillow(1894- 304 Oak 1978); Emma Hensley Dillow(1865-1952); Mary Anna, Illinois 62906 J Custer-Hensley(1843-1870/75); John Louis Custer (c1816-1887); John Custer(1784-1863); Johanes Kuster(c1760-1837); Johann George Kuster Mrs Robert G Duff Annie M Railey Floyd(1902-1974); Ida May Custer P 0 Box 192 Railey(1873-1909); John Wesley Custer(1827-1903); Cantonment, Fla 32533 Daniel Custer(c1800?- ? ); ? John Custer(c1760- 1837) Mr Kenneth S Heiser Samuel J Heiser(1909-1978); Katie Gotshall 27 Hillside Road Heiser(1871-1950); Absalom Gotshall(1838-1917); Mount Holly, N J 08060 Adam Gotshall(1813-1889); William Z Gotshall (1784-1875); Gotshall Gotshall(1753-1824); William Gotshall( ? - ? ); Eva Custer Gotshall ( ? - ? ); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mr John D Henry III Mary E Castor Henry(1916- ); Edwin H Castor 204 Vinewood (1895-1984); Horace W Castor( 1870-1966); Longview, Texas 75604 Thomas Ellwood Castor(1840-1926); Thomas Castor (1810-1884); John Castor(1773-1813); Jacob Castor(1742-1815); John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797) also ----Thomas Ellwood Castor(1840-1926); Sarah Kester Castor(1807-1879); William Kester (1777-1812); John. Kester(1744-1825); Paul Kester(c1706-1745/50); Johannes Koster(1670- 1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) • Mrs Emma L Holtz Henry B Kiester(1883-1965); Winfield Scott • RD #2. Box 2186 Kiester(1851-1935); Jesse Kiester • Harrisville, Pa 16038 George P Kiester(1749- ? ) page -98-

Mr Olin F Joyner Marvin Joyner(1881-1978); Medora Castor Joyner P 0 Box 11 (1853-1924); William Castor(c1811-1891); John Mannsville, NY 13661 Castor(1771-1865); John deCastorer(1748-1835) Mrs Karen Kester Edward Todd Kester(1959- ); Robert A Kester c/o Mrs Joyce Cowles (1916-1977); Max Kester(1886-1958); Watson S 2016 Avenue G Kester(1852-1907); Robert Kester(c1824-1910/15); Ft Madison, Iowa 52627 John Kester(1779-1845); John Kester(1774-1825); Paul Kester(c1706-1745/50); Johannes Koster (1670-1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mr Frederick A Keister Everett E Keister(1887-1964); Samuel F Keister 242 South Main St (1849-1923); John Keister(c1825- ? ); Jacob Germantown, Ohio 45327 Keister(1796-1860); Peter Keister(1759-1842); George Kester( ? -c1790) Mr & Mrs Jack E Kester Charles Waldo Kester(1896-1960); Oliver Elmer 7605 Windham Road Kester(1875-1929); Charles Washington Kester Tipp City, Ohio 45371 (1847- ? ) wife's line - Ruby Redmond(1903- ); Bertha H Custer Redmond(1884-1970); Herrn Guido Kikters Jakob Kiisters(1919- ); Julius Kiisters(1879- An der Alten Burg 17 1953); Peter Johann Misters(1835- ? ); Peter D-4150 KREFELD-HULS Godfried Custers(1802-1841); Paptis Hermann WEST GERMANY Custers( ? - ? ) Mrs Carra N Lindsey Lucy E Custer Nendick(1857-1938); Paul Custer 26 Mt Pleasant (1822-1898); Christian Custer(1780-1852); John Amherst, Mass 01002 Custer(1736-1812); Nicholas Kuster(1706-1784); Arnold Kuster(1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c1644- 1708) Mrs Richard Regedanz, Jr Kenneth C Castor(1920- ); Sesel 0 Castor 2218 Lynn Ave (1887-1965); Seymour S Castor(1865-1906); Fort Wayne, Ind 46805 Reason Castor(1832- ? ); George Castor(1784- 1876); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3) Mr Ray R Rice, Jr Elsie Custer Rice(1899-1972); John C Custer 4600 Ranch Lane (1855-1926); John Custer(1819-1901) Bloomfield Hills, Mich 48013 Mr Harmer C Weichel Julia R Coester Weichel(1880-1951); Julius 350 Thomas Blvd, #202 Coester(1848- ? ) Hamilton, Ohio 45013 Mrs Evelyn C Winslow Norman S Castor(1889-1957); Robert B K Castor P 0 Box 13 (1868-1936); Howard Castor(1835-1909); George Clarksburg, NJ 08510 Johnston Castor(1802-1870); Mathias Castor(1766- 1835); George Castor(1736-1811); John George Castor/Hans Georg Gerster(1710-1797) * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!! * * * Have a joyous holiday, hug a friend, and drive safely page -99- FROM THE MAILBAG Because of so many items covered in this issue, there has not been enough space to allow all the mail to be reported -- we will try to catch up in the next issue. •*** We have received donations from the following Association Boosters -- Ellen K Browne of Folsom, Louisiana; Lowouida Duff of Cantonment,. Florida; Berdena Brady of Hillsboro, Oregon; Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana; Jean M White of Wichita, Kansas; Donald J Castor of Bethpage, New York; and Frances R Richardson of Crofton, Maryland. Thank you, Boosters!! *** NEW ADDRESSES -- Robert E Custer formerly of Anderson, Indiana now resides at 1150 Field Ave, Canon City, Colorado 81212. William 0 Caster formerly of Athens, Georgia now resides at 208 John Paul Avenue, Statesboro, Georgia 30458-5593. Larry Schmidt formerly of Chappell Hill, Texas now occupies a beautiful 1884 home at 911 Church St, Navasota, Texas 77868. *** June and David Magnusen of Lake Forest, Illinois traveled to Fort Abraham Lincoln, Mandan , North Dakota for the Custer Ball and Ground-breaking ceremonies this past May (see page 59 of September News-Caster for her report). George A Custer and his troops were stationed at this fort ,just prior to his famous last campaign in the Black Hills of South Dakota. While there, June and David drove to the Black Hills of South Dakota. But before leaving North Dakota they noticed a sign along the highway which read "STAY IN NORTH DAKOTA, CUSTER WAS HEALTHY WHEN HE LEFT." *** Hubert and Martha Lowman of Arroyo Grande, California returned from a 7,300 mile motor trip which included a visit to Fryburg Cemetery in Holmes County, Ohio, where Martha's great great grandfather, McDonald Castor, rests. Hubert shares with us this picture of the monument. The monument, and other records, are somewhat confusing as to his first name, birthdate and date of death. His first name is variously recorded as McDaniel, McDonal and McDonell, but Hubert asserts that it undoubtedly is • McDonald (and we agree), the maiden name of his mother. Date of death on the monument is given as Feb 6, 1874; however courthouse records and a newspaper obituary state February 2, 1874. The birthdate of April 29, 1790 computed from the monument does not agree with family records found in Missouri which give May 28, 1790. On the back of the monument appears the record of Matilda Castor, daughter of McDonald, and again the record of birth on the stone, Oct 17, 1819, does not correspond to family records found in Missouri, which give her birth as Oct 27, 1820. Hubert believes the information on the back was cut by a different stone cutter at a different time, as indicated by a change in style. Hubert concludes that this monument was erected many years after McDonald's death by his three spinster daughters, possibly to replace soft sandstone, individual markers that were showing the wear of time and no longer completely legible -- thus the introduction of errors. A short time later, when Matilda died, her record was added on the back of the monument, and perhaps her birthdate was guessed in the absence of a family record. •When the last two sisters, Nancy Jane and Sarah Ann, died, no one bothered. Immediately to the left of the monument is a small sandstone marker, •badly deterioted, apparently of George B Castor, probably died in page -100- December, day not readable, probably 1871, followed by age at death but not readable. Who was this? McDonald's brother George died in Indiana in 1876, and McDonald's son George died 1850 according to the information on the large monument. We still have much to understand in Holmes County, Ohio. *** Jean M White of Wichita, Kansas has learned that to ob- tain a complete listing of the Quaker holdings in the LDS Li- brary in Salt Lake City, one should look in the author/title section of the GLC under "Soci- ety of Friends.". We also want to mention that Jean's article on searching Quaker records in the June 1987 News-Caster has been published in Coffey County Footprints [Kansas) September 1987. Jean has recently returned from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where she has solved one of the inconsistencies of Milo Custer's book -- it appears that George Custer, aged 104 years, of Pendleton County was in part a myth. More on this next issue. Way to go, Jean!

*** Ellen Browne of Folsom, Louisiana has recently read The Civil War - Strang'e & Fascinating Facts by Burke Davis. Among the "facts" was that following the surrender of General Robert E Lee to General Ulysses S Grant at the home of Wilmer McLean in Appomattox, the home was looted for souvenirs, and the hapless owner was powerless against the urges of the many soldiers. General Sheridan "bought" the table on which the surrender terms were written, and donated it to the wife of General Custer -- it is now in the Smithsonian Institution. General Ord received the table on which Grant and Lee signed the terms and it is now in the care of the Chicago Historical Society. *** Charles L Byer of Pensacola, Florida sends the following information: From LDS microfilm #163,929 - Harrison County, West Virginia Cemeteries Brick Church Cemtery, Bridgeport, WVa Sallie Kester dau W H Kester of W H & Ella Kester born 31 Dec 1849 born 27 Oct 1879 died 18 June 1883 died 22 June 1888 Jackson Cemetery, East End, Clarksburg, WVa Earl C Kester son ofJB&MGKester died 11 July 1872 age 5 mos. 27 days Johnston Cemetery, Johnston, WVa • Elizabeth Caster wife of Vincent Caster died 19 Oct 1861 age 25 yrs 8 mos 27 days Graveyard of Wm Martin, Booths Creek, Clay Dist, WVA Rebecca J Kester born 16 Sept 1810 died 1 April 1886 page -101- From LDS microfilm #1,036,934 - 15th item Clarksburg (WVa) Telegram 28 December 1931 Wilma J Kester Funeral services will be held at 10:30 tomorrow (29th) at the home of Mr and Mrs John W Kester, 217 Edison Ave, Nutter Fort for their 17 month old daughter, Wilma Jean Kester, who died at 12:20 yeaterday (27th) of infantile ailments. Place of interment has not been determined. Beside parents, child is survived by a brother, Edward, 6, at home. Clarksburg (WVa) Telegram 29 December 1931 Wilma J Kester -- John M (sic) Kester - Wilma Jenne (sic) Kester was 17 months old died on Sunday, burial in the Stonewall Park Cemetery. From LDS microfilm #022,065: cemetery readings of Somerset County, Pa Union Cemetery, Somerset Borough page 43 - (vault) Henry Kuster page 53 - John J Keister Sept 2, 1886 - Jan 13, 1911 Killed in wreck on the Great Northern RR Idaho when the the train, on which he was fireman, jumped the track and plungOd into the Pend D'Orville River, where he sleeps beneath seventy-four feet of water. Gebhard Charlotte son ofJri&EJKuster wife ^f 0 died Aug 27, 1881 died Dec 11, 1873 aged 66 yrs 11 mos 17 das Christian Kuster John H Keister 1850-1924 died March 18, 1860 aged 52 yrs Eliza J (Kister) his wife 1860-1927 From OVER THE MOUNTAIN MEN, THEIR EARLY COURT RECORDS IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA by Anne L Worrel (1983) page 9 - John Custard married 2 June 1801 Elizabeth Hudson, dau of Eliza Beth (Elizabeth?) Hudson in Franklin County. - David Custer married 9 Dec 1799 Zaney Nowini, dau of • Elizabeth Campbell in Franklin County. page 14 - Lodewick Keester (Koster) married 1 Aug 1789 Mary Boom, dau of Jacob Boom in Franklin County. page 25 - David Cress married 28 Nov 1815 Deborah Kester in Grayson County. page 27 - Peter Kester married 25 Mar 1806 Hannah Davis in Grayson County. - Richard Kester married 3 Apr 1799 Phebe Brown in Grayson County. page 56 - Eli Kester, deceased, appraisal of estate, June 1841, in Grayson County. From MARYLAND MARRIAGES 1778-1800 by Robert Barnes (1979), page 130 Adam Kuster married 9 Oct 1792 Kiara Shoen, Frederick County, Maryland, First German Evangelical Reformed Church. John Kuster married 27 Oct 1789 Elizabeth Willjard, Frederick County, Md, First German Evangelical Reformed Church. From PENNSYLVANIA VITAL RECORDS, Vol III Penna.. Geneal. Mag & the Penna. Mag. of Hist. and Bio. (1983) page 57 - Marriages by John Hutchinson, Pastor, Presbyterian Cong., Mifflintown and Lost Creek, Pa - William Henry married Maria Custard 1 Aug 1814; page 59 - Samuel Custard married Mrs Ann Douglas 20 June 1820. page 124 - Midwife's Records 1816-1826, Montgomery County, Pa 17 March 1819 - a male to Daniel and Magdalena Custard page -102- 9 Nov 1821 - a female to Daniel and Magdalena Custer page 157 - Marriage Docket of Samuel Mater, JP, Greentownship, Columbia Co, Pa 1822-1835 - 25 Dec 1828 Jahn T Parker and Rachael Kester. page 183 - Graveyard inscriptions of Christ Episcopal Church (Old Swedes), Upper Merion Township, Montgomery Co, Pa Amos Custer who departed Ann Custer wife of Amos Custer this life June 5th AD 1824 and daughter of Benin Ramsey & age 33 yrs, 6 mos, 1 da Ann his wife, departed this life Sept 28th, 1818 .aged 34 years 9 mo 1 da Many Thanks, Charles!! *** Berdena Brady of Hillsboro, Oregon attended the Hutchison - May - Garrigus Reunion Picnic July 25th this year.. She has been doing a lot of volunteer work at the Veterans Hospital of Portland. She also hosted two great grandsons for three weeks! And she likes the BART System of the Bay Area! •*** Dr Bob and Joan Kaster of San Jose, California vacationed during -11-. 0ctober'on the island of Maui, Hawaii -- Aloha! *** Sue Purkiss of Longview, Washington, reports that she attended ? the Harve Castor Family Reunion in Anderson, Indiana last September 13th. There were approximately 100 in attendance, and everyone had a lovely time! *** Ray Castor of Carter, Montana was feted at a retirement party 17 October 1987! Many happy days in retirement, Ray and Jane! *** Judy Deeter of Los Angeles has been helping us with obtaining International Geneagical Index readings and also federal census readings. Many thanks, Judy. Anyone else willing to read census for us? Let us know if you are. * * * * * * * * * * * * * • BE SURE TO ORDER YOUR COPY OF CASTOR COOKIN' OLD AND NEW -- just $9 postpaid. An excellent addition to your own cooking library, and just a dandy Christmas Gift, too. Let's support the Association, and order now!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * ASSOCIATION BUSINESS *** The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has granted Tax Exempt Status to our Association as a publicly supported foundation 509(a)(1) under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code until the end of 1991. Our status will be reviewed again by the IRS at that time for determination of final status. Your donations to the Association are tax deductible as described in section 170 of the Code. We have also been granted exemption by the State of Texas from sales tax and franchise tax. . 4 *** It is time for renewal of memberships. Renewal is still $6 per -calendar year. We do expect to consider raising the renewal rate at the next reunion business meeting, but this would affect renewal rates for !1989 and later. We have not raised our rates during the first five page -103- years. We have enclosed a QUESTIONAIRE with which you can renew. Please take the time to complete this questionaire, as it will help us in our planning of the reunion in 1988 and two field trip tours in 1989. Also, we have provided space for your nominations of trustees and officers -- election will take place at the reunion 19 June 1988. *** Leland Caster's cook book. is ready for delivery!!! GET THEM WHILE THEY ARE HOT!! Just $9 brings to your door (by post) Castor Cookin' Old and New with 119 pages of culinary delight. They make excellent Christmas gifts! *** Mark your your new calendar -- June 18 & 19, 1988 for the Third National Castor Reunion in Des Moines, Iowa -- to be held at The Adventureland Inn. Host & Hostess -- Terry & Roberta O'Connor of Altoona. Master of Ceremonies -- Jack K Castor of San Rafael,

-t California. Welcome Committee Chairpersons -- Roy & Ann Caster of Union. Sales Committee Chairpersons -- Darrell & Dorothy Caster of Albia7. M4 ke Murray of Des Moines. Registration -- Osburne of Muscatine. The Reunion will be preceeded by a trustees and officers meeting on Friday, June 17th, and welcoming of guests will start Friday afternoon. Chuck and Jean White will present a slide show Friday evening of the 1897 Castor Tour of Europe. Saturday will feature introductions, nominations, luncheon, a guest speaker, business meeting, and a luau dinner in the Adventureland Park. On sunday, duplication of old photographs will be done by Chuck White in the morning. A program about our ancestors of Iowa will be presented. Sunday Luncheon will be followed by a discussion of our publication plans of our next book about Paulus and Gertrude Kuster. Election of Trustees and Officers. Sunday afternoon, a genealogy class will be conducted by Jean M White. A Farewell Dinner will be followed by a few closing remarks. Don't miss this Gala!! We want to visit with you! *** We have formed a committee to compile a book about Paulus and Gertrude (Doors) Kuster, and the families of their children and grandchildren (and possibly it will include the families of their great grandchildren). If you are interested in serving on this committee, please request details from Charlie Scholer, and a questionaire and other information will be supplied. Present committee members are: George Custard, Elizabeth Campuzano, Elizabeth Custer, Wayne4,Cain, Jean White, Chester Custer, Dorothea Schweiger, Addie Ludwig, and Patricia A Ostwald. *** If you have suggestions or questions about our 1989 field trips, write to us -- help us design what you want. * * * * * * * * *. * * * *

THE NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA four times a year. Subscription to THE NEWS-CASTER is part of the membership of the Association. Membership dues are $10 per calendar year for the first year, and $6 per calendar year thereafter. The Annual Membership Directory is optional and is $2 additional. Membership is open to all that are interested in genealogy and history. Officers for the 1987-1988 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; John F Caster, vice president and treasurer; Dorothea Schweiger, vice president and recording secretary. Trustees are: Mrs Jack L (Martha) Brown; Mrs Huitt D (Jean) Caster; Leland L Caster; Jack K Castor; Orval R Fink; and Mrs Charles L (Jean) White. page -104-