THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

FAMILY ORIGINS

We have started our newsletter each year with this article. It is a good intro- duction. We believe it is worth repeating for the benefit of the new members. Some updating occurs.

There are several different origins of the Caster/Castor/Kaster/Kastor families. Some came to this country as Caster, Castor, Kaster or Kastor; and some came as something entirely different. For example, in 1736, Hans Georg Gerster and his wife, Eve Gisin, arrived in Philadelphia aboard the ship Princess Agusta 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. 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 Your 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. Another group of Castors has evolved in Western Pennsylvania in the late 18th century. They were known earlier by the surname Custard or Kusterd, and Custer, Kuster or Kester even earlier. In this group were the families of Arnold, Benjamin, George, Isaac, John,,: Noah and Thomas Custard and many others. Some are considered to be brothers, and thought to have come from the hills of what is today Rockingham County, Virginia. Some believe they were the children or close relatives of Conrad Custer/Custard who lived in Brock's Gap, Virginia. The group in Western Pennsylvania gradually became Kaster, Kastor, Caster or Castor, as their descendants are known today. Conrad Custer/Custard of Brock's Gap, Virginia was the grandson of Paulus and Gertrude Kuster. Paulus and Gertrude came from Kaldenkirchen (near Krefeld), Germany to this country in 1687-91,

page -1- arriving in Germantown, Pennsylvania with their three children, Arnold, Johannes and Hermanus. The descendants of Johannes and Hermanus seem to have chosen the surname of Custer or Kester. Today, the descendants of Arnold appear mostly as Custer, but some use the surname of Custard, Caster, Castor, Kaster or Kastor. Other colonial immigrants named Kuster (or Kuester) arrived, and several of these became Custer, Kester or Custard, and the name seems to have stabilized as such for many. The family of Paul and Mary (Garver) Custer is interesting. 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. Many families came to this country as Kaster, Kastor, Caster, Castor, Custer, Kuster or Kester, especially in the 19th century, as the flood of immigrants slept in from Europe. Many of these came from Germany, and the name is generally regarded as a German family name. However, several have come from England, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Russia and other European countries. One example is the Johann Castor family who left in 1857 from the town of Clotten, Coblenz District of Prussia, to settle near Sandusky, Ohio. After arriving in this country, they changed their surname to Kastor, and Johann became John. Many other families came as Kaster or Kastor, and changed the "K" to "C". It was not unusual for the surname to change during the 18th and 19th centuries. Perhaps some of the changes occurred because of Anglicization, or simplification. Sometimes it was a matter of not being able to spell as well as we do today.

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CASTATOR

This surname has come up a few times, and we are beginning to wonder about its origin, and relation to the Caster/Castor group. The name has recently been brought to our attention by Mary Frances Porter of Reno, Nevada, and by Sheryl Ullrey Sato of Farmerville, California. They both are descendants of Phoebe Castator who married 22 November 1821 Richard Morris in Pendleton County, Kentucky. This is very close to the area where a Conrad Custard/Caster lived in Campbell County, Kentucky. The temptation is to assume that Phoebe was a Caster, and the name Castator is simply another variant. We are not so sure, however. Several other Castator marriages were recorded in Pendleton County. And Mary Frances Porter has come up with several other Castator families. It is interesting that some appear in times and places that are frequented by Caster families as well. We are far from the point of understanding the situation -- and we are interested in what knowledge our readers have of the relation (if any) between the Castator and Caster/Castor families.

Mary Frances Porter has found five Castator families in the 1790 census of Northumberland County of Pennsylvania -- Adam, John, Leonard, Leonard, and Mary. In 1810, there is Tobias Castator. Sebastian Castator appears in Mifflin County, Pa in 1800. John and Peter Castator appear in 1820 in Butler County, Ohio (just northwest and across the Ohio River from Campbell County, Kentucky where John and Peter Castor appear in 1800). Anyone having information pertaining to this confusion, please share it with us. * * * * * * * * * * * * * page -2- THE CAVES ON THE DELAWARE RIVER by Elizabeth Pound Campuzano, McNeal, Arizona When I read Chester Custer's valuable article in the June 1985 issue of the The News-Caster about my ancestors, Paul and Gertrude Kester, his mention of the caves caught my attention. The best description I have found of the physical setting of Philadelphia when it was first laid out is in a book by John Frederick Lewis THE HISTORY OF AN OLD PHILADELPHIA LAND TITLE, 208 South Fourth Street, published in Philadelphia in 1934. William Penn visited Krefeld in 1671 and 1677. Then Stephen Crisp, an English Quaker missionary visited them in 1678, and a small Quaker meeting was formed of about twenty people. (See FRIENDS JOURNAL, p 13, 1 December 1983). They were also visited by Franz Daniel Sceper, better known as Pastorius," an extremely well-educated man, who was the agent for the Frankfurt Company. Pastorius arrived first in Philadelphia, 20 August 1683, and took up residence in a cave on the banks of the Delaware, where he lived for two years. He came on the AMERICA, a voyage of eight weeks, and during the trip became a convinced Friend, largely due to the influence of a fellow passenger, Thomas Lloyd, a Welsh physician. Pastorius said he often got lost in the woods and brush going from his cave to the house of the Dutch baker Bom, at the southeast corner of Third and Chestnut, to buy bread. The City was heavily wooded, and even in 1818, a grove of black walnut trees still stood on Chestnut opposite the State House. When the first thirteen heads of households arrived from Krefeld on the CONCORD, 6 October 1683, they took up residence in these caves, situated 25 feet above the water. On the 12th of October their land was divided into 14 lots, and they met on the 25th of October, in Pastorius' cave, to draw lots. Pastorius took the fourteenth lot. They may not have realized when they left Krefeld that they were going to a heavily wooded wilderness, or they may not have been able to take all they needed, after paying for passage. Wilhelm Streypers wrote his brother, Jan, asking for weaving supplies, and among other articles sent him there was a tub, for retting flax. On 5 September 1685, the Provincial Council gave notice that the caves were to be vacated and demolished. Patrick Robinson, Clerk of the Privy Council, asked for a month's grace (page 33 of Lewis' book). William Penn, in some cases at least, arranged for newcomers to have a city lot and another in the country. When I was a child, my father told me that our family owned a lot in downtown Philadelphia. I could not understand why we did not go there to claim such a valuable property. When I read Keith Pound's book DESCENDANTS OF JOHN POUND 1735-1790 (April 1978), I discovered that the family had done just that, establishing their original right to the title in court, but that, due to the statute of limitations, it was no longer possible to take possession. Apparently, the loss of the land was due to the early deaths of two owners in succession, Johnnes Kester/Koster and his son Paul, leaving heirs that were not of age. Germantown, first called Armentown, was founded 24 October 1683, by Mennonites and Quakers, who worshipped together. When they split, Johannes went with the Quakers to the Abington Meeting, and his siblings, Elizabeth and Herman, stayed with the Mennonites.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * page -3- INFANT MORTALITY AND BAPTISM AMONG THE MENNONITES by Elizabeth Pound Campuzano, McNeal, Arizona

Germany did not become a country, as we think of the term, until after the Franco-German war of 1867. Until then, it was a loose collection of states and principaliites. Religious toleration of a sort existed there by 1555, thanks to the Peace of Augsburg. It gave Lutheran and Catholic princes the right to decide which religion their people would follow. As one result of this, considerable shifting of population took place, with people coming from France, Switzerland and Holland, and moving around from one state to another. Krefeld and Kresheim inhabitants were subjects of the Prince of Orange, Elector of the Palatinate. Mennonites had settled in Krefeld in the 16th century under the rule of a fairly tolerant German prince, but by 1682 all tolerance had gone. The Thirty Years War ended with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, and by then more than half the German people had been killed or starved. Frederick William, the Great Elector, took the throne of Brandenburg in 1640 and ruled until 1688. When Agnes Doors, mother-in-law of Paul Kester/Kuster, was found to have been beaten for refusing to have her child christened as a Catholic, Frederick William stepped in to protect her (See June 1895 News-Caster, page 2 article by Chester E Custer). Paul's father, Arnold/Aret, was listed as a Catholic, and yet his name appears on records of the Dutch Reformed Church as a sponsor at several christenings, and Paul's children born in Kaldenkirchen were christened there. Why were these infants baptized when their parents, as far as we know, did not believe in the validity of baptism until the individual came of age? Clifford Neal Smith, genealogist who specializes in German immigration to the U.S., suggests that the problem was one of burial. Infant mortality was high, and burial was only possible for those on the records of accepted churches: Catholic, Lutheran and Dutch Reformed. Mennonites had no official standing, but Lutheran and Dutch Reformed ministers cooperated by allowing Mennonite infants to be put on the church roles. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

JAMES KASTER/CASTOR OF BEAVER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Several of our members are descended from James Kaster/Castor (1776-1847) who lived in Beaver County, Pa. We have recently obtained a copy of the land deed in which he acquired 190 acres in 1807. Apparently, he entered into an agreement in 1799 to settle and acquire this land, and we shall try to locate that agreement. In 1808, he sold 100 of his 190 acres. We have abstracted the 1807 deed as follows.

Beaver County, Pennsylvania Deed Book 2, pages 80-81 Indenture made 9 September 1857 between Benjamin Chew, Jr of Philadelphia County and James Castor of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Whereas certain articles of agreement bearing date on or about 16 November 1799 were made between Benjamin Chew Junior and James Castor for the improvement and settling of certain lands in Beaver County -- now this indenture witnesseth that Benjamin Chew Junior in consideration of Five Shillings to him paid by James Castor doth hereby sell that land

page -4- being part of a larger tract called "Ely" situate on the waters of Conequenessing Creek in Beaver County -- Beginning at a stake a corner of the above mentioned larger tract called "Ely" and another tract of the said Benjamin Chew Junr. called "Ferry Hill" thence by the same east one hundred perches to a stone thence south three hundred and four perches to a Hickory standing in the outer line of the original or larger tract, thence with the same west one hundred perches to a hickory tree thence north by other land of the Benjamin Chew Junior three hundred and four perches to the place of Beginning. Containing and laid out for one hundred and ninety acres of land --

Benjamin Chew Jr (seal) Recorded 29 Sept 1807 * * * * * * * * * * * * *

REBECCA CASTOR BABB (c1770-1850/60)

Through a query in the Ohio Genealogical Society Newsletter placed by Jean E Butler, P 0 Box 154, North Lewisburg, Ohio 43060, we have finally learned more about Rebecca Castor Babb. Rebecca was the third child of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826). Heretofore, we have known very little about her. The will of Benjamin Castor names her as Rebecca Babb, but that was all we had known of her -- until Jean Butler's query appeared. She has kindly shared her information with us. We have since obtained several land deeds and the estate papers of John Babb.

Rebecca was born about 1770 in Virginia. This fits very well with the other birthdates that we had. Her father's will indicated she was born after Susannah (1766). The next child after her is James (1776). Rebecca married John Babb. John was born 3 March 1768, son of William and Hamatul (Beal) Babb. John was a blacksmith. John and Rebecca lived in Hampshire County, Virginia (later bacame part of West Virginia). They acquired land there in 1796. On 7 April 1800, John and Rebecca sold this land (100 acres) in Hampshire County to Samuel Collins for forty pounds, and then located in Columbiana County, Ohio. John bought 27 April 1804 from John Edie and Rebeccah his wife an island containing 38 1/2 acres in the Ohio River ("the second below the line dividing the state of Virginia and Pennsylvania") for $192 (Columbiana County, Ohio Deed Book 3, pp 202 and 232 -- so far, we have not been able to locate this deed, so there may be some confusion here). The island was later known as Custard's Island. Another bit of confusion is that "Custard bought from the government 300 acres and the island. He sold the island to his son-in-law, John Babb. John Babb sold 50 acres to Roger Hill. After Babb died, Alexander Young and Sanford Hill, executors of John Babb's estate, sold to Abel Coffin...in 1839, June 13th...recorded 27 July 1839, Book 29, page 397" (This deed has been requested from Columbiana Court House) John Babb bought 30 March 1808 from John Bever and his wife Nancy B Bever a tract of land in St Clair Township of Columbiana County, Ohio containing 150 acres along the Ohio River for $600 (Columbiana County, Ohio Deed Book 2, p 219). They sold 35 acres of this tract to Roger Hill 24 October 1820 for $700 (Deed Book 7, p 132). There appears to be a marriage record in Columbiana Marriage Book 2, page 355 dated 13 August 1829 of a Babb daughter -- we are checking this with the Columbiana County Court House. John died 18 August 1829 at East Liverpool, Columbiana County, Ohio. John's will names only one child, "my youngest son Caster Babb."

page -5- Among the buyers of John's personal effects is his son Caster, and also a Gabriel Castor -- perhaps this is Rebecca's younger brother. Rebecca died between 1850 and 1860 at East Liverpool, Ohio. Rebecca and John were buried at Old 5th Street Cemetery. Their children:

1. Peter Babb born about 1795 in Virginia; married 8 August 1816 Sarah Gallagher in Columbiana County, Ohio; died 1 October 1851 in Murphsville, Jackson County, Virginia. 2. Hannah Elizabeth Babb born about 1799 in Virginia; married 15 August 1817 Joseph McKinnon, Jr in Columbiana County, Ohio; died 1860 in Columbiana County, Ohio. 3. Keziah Babb married 25 March 1820 Thos Nabb/McNabb in Columbiana County, Ohio. 4. Rebecca Babb born 12 July 1804 in Columbiana County, Ohio; married 30 August 1823 Alexander ,leddes; died 15 May 1890, buried at Scotland, Indiana. 5. Zillah Babb born about 1807 in Ohio; married JoSeph Tindall, they lived in Liverpool Township of Columbiana County. 6. ? another daughter - perhaps married Isaac Cochran who received part of the distribution from estate of John Babb. 7. Caster Babb born about 1809. 8. Adah Babb born 30 May 1812 in Columbiana County, Ohio; married 24 August 1832 George A McKinnon; died 9 July 1864, buried at McKinnon Cemetery, removed to Riverview Cemetery (This is the family from which Jean E Butler descends). Other Sources: Hampshire County, (West) Virginia Deed Book 12, page 193 John Babb & Rebecca his wife to Samuel Collins, 7 April 1800, 100 acres for 40 pounds. 1820 census Ohio, Columbiana Co, St Clair Twp, p 10 John Babb 1M 45+ 2F 10-16 1M 10-16 2F -10 Peter Babb 1M 26-45 1F 16-26 2M -10 1830 census Ohio, Columbiana County, St Clair Twp, p 314 Rebecca Babb 1M 20-30 1F 50-60 1F 20-30 1840 census Ohio, Columbiana County, Liverpool Twp, p 147 Rebecca Babb 1F 70-80 1850 census Ohio, Columbiana Co, Liverpool Twp, p 124, #228 Rebecca Babb 80 Va Wm Tindle 20 laborer Ohio

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MILITARY PENSION LIST 1861-1916

*** We have mentioned before how interesting and helpful the military pension records are. Military pension records are available from the National Archives. However, one must apply for these records using the Form NATF 80 (1-84), and these can be obtained by writing to References Services Branch (NNIR), National Archives and Records Service, 8th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20408. Once the National Archives have received your request on this form, they will acknowledge that they have found the file, and you will then have 30 days in which to send $5 to the National Archives. Upon receipt of your money, they will send a copy of the file. This procedure is usable for files for service from the Revoultionary War up through 1916.

page -6- We recently located a set of microfilms that list all the pensioners for the period 1861 through 1932 (service from 1861 through 1916). Most of these are for Civil War service, but some are for the Indian Wars and the Spanish and American War. We have copied the names and service units so that you can tell if your ancestor has served in this period. In the December 1985 issue, we listed the entries of Caster, Castor, Custard, Custer, and Kaster. We continue this issue with the entries of Kester.

unit year pension was applied name company - regt. invalid widow mother Aaron M Kester F - 36th Ohio Ind 1864 Alonzo Kester A - 88th Ind Inf 1882 Amandus Kester H 153rd Pa Inf 1890 Asa Kester F - 92nd Ill Inf 1879 Ash F Kester K - 2nd Va Inf 1925 Augustus G Kester F - 33rd Pa Inf 1879 Benjamin H Kester I - 46th Iowa Inf 1893 1924 Carey D Kester F - 88th Ohio Inf 1890 Carl H Kester US Navy 1917 Charles M Kester F - 3rd Wisc Cav 1871 Charles N Kester M - 20th U S Inf 1925 Charles W Kester L - 8th NY Cav 1885 1924 Chauncey Kester F - 8th NY Hvy Art 1888 1890 Daniel Kester A - 90th NY Inf 1877 1900 Daniel S Kester F - 115th Ind Inf 1891 1913 Ephraim C Kester Contract Surgeon 1880 Ephraim S Kester F - 85th Ind Inf 1889 Ephraim W Kester D - 11th Ind Inf 1880 Fern E Kester D - 157th Ind Inf 1904 Francis M Kester A - 22nd Iowa Inf 1892 1920 Frank Kester E - 9th Ind Inf 1890 Frank H Kester G - 1st US Vol Engr 1899 Frank M Kester F - 4th Texas Inf 1931 George Kester G - 149 Ind Inf 1902 George Kester A - 56th En Mo Mil 1888 George W Kester D - 25th Ohio Inf 1890 1916 George W Kester K - 40th Ohio Inf 1880 Harrison H Kester D - 193rd Ohio Inf 1891 1917 Harry B Kester F - 2nd Va Inf 1924 Henry Kester B - 2nd Mass Cav 1864 Henry Kester G 74th NY Inf 1890 Henry Kester H 35th US Vol Inf 1931 Henry B Kester E 149th Iii Inf 1890 Henry L Kester E - 110th Ohio Inf 1891 Hiram Kester 5th Indpt Batty Ohio 1885 Isaac Kester E - 146th Ohio Inf 1889 1913 Isaac W Kester M - 2nd Ark Cav 1890 Isreal Kester H - 153rd Pa Inf 1863 1868 Iva K Kester C - 117th Ind Inf 1890 Jacob Kester A - 90 NY Inf 1884 1916 Jacob E Kester C - 22nd Iowa Inf 1867 1868 Jacob N Kester Life Saver US Army 1912 James Kester F - 143rd Pa Inf 1875 James A Kester H - 10th W Va Inf 1890 1910 James D Kester US Navy 1911 James P Kester D - 1st Pa Cav 1913 page -7- unit year pension was applied name company - regt. invalid widow mother

Jason Kester E - 5th Pa Inf 1913 Jason Kester H - 144th Ohio Inf 1877 1920 Jesse P Kester 18th Indpt Batty Ind 1883 John Kester C - 11th Iowa Inf (father) 1873 John Kester D - 1st Mich L A 1882 John Kester I - 10th Ohio Inf 1886 John Kester B - 97th Pa Inf 1897 1921 John Kester F - 3rd US Art 1925 John A Kester C - 136th Pa Inf 1888 John F Kester F - 24th Iowa Inf (minor) 1890 John L Kester D - s4Oth Wisc Inf 1890 John P Kester A - 88th Ind Inf 1880 John W Kester E - 1st NJ Cav 1884 Joseph Kester G - 49th Pa Inf 1879 1913 Joseph Kester C - 3rd Ohio Inf 1876 Leo Z Kester US Coast Artillery 1908 Lewis Kester C - 110th Iii Inf 1890 1892 Lewis Kester C - 22nd Iowa Inf 1863 Luther C Kester A - 3rd US Art 1925 Mahlon Kester I - 85th Ind Inf 1876 1907 Milton H Kester D - 115th Ind Inf 1890 Moses Kester D - 76th Pa Inf 1874 Oliver Kester E - 64th Onio Inf 1885 1915 Peter Kester H - 48th Ohio Inf 1864 Raymond V Kester G - 6th US Art 1924 Richard Kester C - 35th Ind Inf 1879 1925 Robert L Kester, Jr U S Navy 1933 Samuel Kester C - 22nd Iowa Inf (mother) 1864 Samuel Kester H - 11th Pa Cav 1887 1910 Samuel B Kester G - 3rd W Va Inf 1891 1924 Silas Kester C - 3rd Wis Inf 1882 1892 Solomon Kester E - 69th Ohio Inf 1889 Stephen J Kester C - 8th Ohio Inf 1875 1883 Stephen S Kester C - 141 Ohio Inf 1892 1901 Sylvanus M Kester H - 1st Iowa Cav 1889 1907 Tunis Kester G - 107th N Y Inf 1890 Willard H Kester I - 8th Mich Cav (father) 1880 William Kester C - 3rd Ind Inf 1890 William Kester B - 66th Inf Inf (mother) 1875 William Kester 22nd Mich Inf 1870 William Kester B - 16th Mo Cav 1890 1925 William Kester H - 48th Ohio Inf 1886 1925 William E Kester I - 85th Ind Inf 1883 William E Kester F - 24th Iowa Inf 1896 1906 William J Kester H - 79th Ill Inf (mother) 1868 William L Kester H - 79th Ill Inf 1892 1906 William N Kester F - 85th Ind Inf 1884 1903 William R Kester F - 23rd Mich Inf 1890 1926 * * * * * * * * * * * * * In the next issue, we will extend our military coverage of Castor, Custard, Custer, and Kester participants to the period before the Civil War. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

page -8- THE SECOND NATIONAL CASTOR FAMILY REUNION WHEN Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22, 1986

WHERE The Flamingo Resort Hotel 4th and Farmers Lane Santa Rosa, California 95405 Phone 707/545-8530

PROGRAM Friday Evening - June 20, 1986 Poolside Informal welcoming of early arrivals

Saturday - June 21, 1986 Empire Room 8:30 AM Registration Coffee and tea 10:00 AM Welcome and Introductions 10:30 AM Early Castors/Custers in the West 12:15 PM Luncheon 1:30 PM Guest Speaker Carlton Smith 2:30 PM Castor Coverlets Hubert & Martha Lowman 3:30 PM Basic Genealogy Class (2 hrs) Jean White 3:30 PM Photographing of old pictures 3:30 PM Browsing through Association notebooks and albums 5:30 PM Break 7:00 PM Dinner short business meeting awards and prizes

Sunday - June 22, 1986 Sightseeing and Visiting Redwood Room 9:00 AM Visiting and more browsing

ROOMS Room rates are $50 single, $60 double, plus tax. AARP discount of 10% to AARP cardholders. Reservations are held until 4 PM unless guaranteed by deposit or credit card. Recreational vehicle facilities are available at KOA Kampgrounds at south edge of Santa Rosa.

REGISTRATION You may pre-register by returning the enclosed form to Jack K Castor, 4 Park Ridge Road, San Rafael, California 94903 This will eliminate the need to register at the Reunion on Saturday morning. Or you may register at the Reunion on Saturday morning.

GENIE CLASS Jean (Mrs Charles F) White will be offering a basic genealogy class for those desiring it. This will be a two hour class on Saturday afternoon at 3:30. Jean is a good genealogy teacher, and will show numerous examples of documents and sources for genealogical information, and explain how to search for these.

page -9- Jean is charging a $5 fee for this class, part of which she will use in her Castor research work.

OLD PHOTOS Jean White is bringing her husband's photographic equipment so that we can again make reproductions of your old heirloom pictures. We started this in 1984, and presently have reproductions of several old Castor pictures. Bring your old pictures, and we will make 5x7 reproductions of them for you -- $4 per picture.

SIGHTSEEING Santa Rosa is 55 miles north of San Francisco. Santa Rosa is within a few miles of the famous Sonoma and Napa wine producing areas and setting for the TV pro- gram "Falconcrest." Wineries are open to the public with tasting rooms, many have picnic facilites. To the north is the Redwood Country and Eureka. Nearby Calistoga offers a glider airport, and hot mineral and mud baths. Several hot air ballon concessions are available in the area. Mendocino on the coast is a bit of old New England. Muir Woods is just north of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. A travel office is available at the Flamingo Hotel to offer advice, tickets and tours, and Jack Castor will have further information at the reunion.

If you arrive at the San Francisco Airport, there is ground transportation from the airport to the Flamingo Resort Hotel in Santa Rosa every 45 minutes. It is called the AIRPORT EXPRESS and stops at the airport terminals' departure areas at designated spots.

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GERSTER/CASTOR REUNION The 250th Anniversary Reunion will be held August 22-24, 1986 at the Valley Forge Hilton at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Please don't confuse this with the Second National Castor Reunion to be held June 21st and 22nd at Santa Rosa, California. The Gerster/Castor Reunion is sponsored by Charles G Castor, Richard J Castor, and N Stephen Castor, and is celebrating the 250th anniversary of Hans Georg Gerster's arrival in America in 1736. Hans Georg Gerster later became John George Castor, and founded the Castor family that resided in the Frankford (Philadelphia), Pennsylvania area. The sponsors are inviting the descendants of this Gerster/Castor family to their reunion. Those who are interested may obtain further information by writing the Reunion Chairman, Richard J Castor, 5681 Middle Road, Horseheads, New York 14845. We have been favored with a review of their program, and indeed it will be an exciting and memorable reunion. Our best wishes to our Castor Cousins of Philadelphia!! N Stephen Castor of Bath, New York has sent to us two letters of Hans Georg Gerster. These were written to his friends back in Switerland, and carry the dates of 1737 and 1740. They certainly contain a rare opportunity to know precisely what an early emigrant saw here and what his concerns were. These letters were translated from German by Hedwig Rappolt and were published by Rappolt and Dr Leo Schelbert in the German form. We will feature these two letters in the June issue of the News-Caster. page -10- HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White

(This is a continuation of the previous article about the resources for genealogical research in the State of Indiana. Jean was describing the Indiana State Library loacted at 140 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana.)

If you are locking for Indiana relatives you will find historical material for all. Indiana counties in the Indiana Division at the north end of the main reading room. This includes county histories, the newspaper bibliography, local histories, the Indiana Biographical card file, etc. It does not include any copies of birth, death, marriage, or cemetery records. These will be found back in the Genealogy Division. There is a separate card file for the Indiana Division, but many of the books are now on open shelves so check there first. Two other divisions that genealogists use at the State Library are the Archives and the Newspaper Divisions. The archives has a card file of the original records of the military personnel from Indiana for the War of 1812 and the Civil War. It also has the original land entry books, but you must know the exact name of the person and where the land was located to have the library personnel look it up. The Newspaper Division has on microfilm almost all newspapers that were ever published in Indiana. They are trying to microfilm the rest so that they will have a complete collection. The Indiana Historical Society, 315 W Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, maintains a library on the third floor of the State Library Building (their address is for a different entrance to the same building). This library contains nearly two million unpublished manuscript items, including letters, diaries, business and legal documents covering Indiana history from the time of the French settlement to the present. They have the papers of William Henry Harrison, Lew Wallace, Booth Tarkington, Charles W Fairbanks and many other notable people. There are approximately ten thousand books in the collection containing many rare, old books including Filson's History of Kentucky printed in 1793. They have a large collection of early maps which pertain to Indiana and the Old Northwest Territory. For those of you who are out of town, a membership in the Indiana Historical Society is well worth the $15 per year. Members receive numerous publications on genealogy which keep you up to date on what is happening all over the United States concerning libraries, new publications, how to search various areas, etc. Indiana Sources for Genealogical Research in the Indiana State Library by Carolynne L (Wendel) Miller has been published by the Indiana Historical Society. It is $15 for members, $25 for non-members plus 5% sales tax for Indiana residents and may be ordered from the Indiana Historical Scoiety. This book lists the sources in the State Library for each county in Indiana plus the call number for each source. An excellent reference. The book list sources for Indiana only, and the library has many items pertaining to other than Indiana. There are two LDS Branch Libraries in the Indianapolis area. One is on the south side in Southport on Stop 11 Road. Call for the hours that they are open. The other is on the north side in Fishers (off Interstate 69) in the middle of Sunblest subdivision -- they are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 PM. The American Legion National Headquarters, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 maintains a library with biographical records of members who have served as officers and committee chairpersons on the

page -11- national and state level from 1919 to present. They also have a large collection of military and naval unit histories and information on national and overseas cemeteries. The library is located at 700 North Pennsylvania Street, open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. There are outstanding history collections at both Indiana University and Vincennes University. Vincennes University, Vincennes, Indiana 47591, has published a Guide to the genealogy collection of the Byron R Lewis Historical Library by Donna Beeson which is available from the univeristy for $3.38. The Lilly Library of rare books holds much material for genealogists as well as the main library of Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana. . Almost every county in Indiana has a historical and genealogical library. I have gathered information on many of them. If Castor Family Association members need information on a particular county, write to me and explain what area you are trying to research, and I will try to help. Happy Hunting!! Jean White

(Like so many of our ancestors in the past, the Whites have recently moved westward -- Jean's new address: Mrs Charles F White, 2746 Wilderness Court, Wichita, Kansas 67226 )

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CASTER COOKBOOK PROJECT

Leland Caster has come up with a great idea!! Leland sez, "Let's collect the Caster - Castor - Custard - Custer - Kaster - Kester favorite recipes and publish them, and make the books available for sale to the membership." Isn't that a grand idea? OK, then send your recipes that Grandma handed down to Leland Caster, 1929 Bellpark Drive, Bremerton, Washington 98310 Please send each recipe on a 3" x 5" card. Leland is looking for appetizers and beverages, breads, rolls, pastries, cakes, cookies, desserts, pies, candy, jelly, preserves, soups, sandwiches, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, main dishes, casseroles, quick meals, salads, barbecues, vegetables, and whatever. Come on, now, don't hold back on that secret recipe! Leland is interested in some catchy, clever name for the cookbook. If you have some suggestions, send them along. Leland will select the name at the Reunion at Santa Rosa. You may win the big prize -- a Free Cookbook! We will try to have the books ready by next Christmas, and they will make great Christmas Gifts. So, come on -- let's write to Leland, soon. We will keep you posted on our progress in the next News-Caster.

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We will mail the 1986 Membership Directories in June to those members who ordered them. If you have not ordered and wish to do so, the Directory is $2 postpaid. The Directory lists the addresses and ancestral lines of our members for 1986.

--- HAVE A PLEASANT EASTER WITH YOUR FAMILY ---

page -12- QUERIES

*** Want to buy a copy of All Leatherman Kin History by I John Letherman published in 1940. Also want to buy a copy of Elenore C Custer by Agnes Williamson Storer published in 1937. Please write to Mrs Gladys Dossier Edwards, 3712 147th Ave SE, Bellvue, Washington 98006

*** INFORMATION WANTED!! Hans Georg Gerster came to Philadelphia in 1736 from Basle, Switzerland. He brought with him an inlaid desk. He became known as George Castor and lived in Philadelphia for a few years, later moving to Germantown. The inlaid desk passed from George Castor to his second son, Frederick Castor, and eventually to his descendent General Samuel Castor. The General's son, Hiram Castor, inherited the desk. In 1910, the desk was known to be in the possession of a direct descendant, Nellie Garsed Neukom, who lived at that time in Dayton, Ohio. Her husband was Edward F Neukom, a Chief Mechanical Engineer for Platt Iron Works, manufacturer of armaments for the military. Efforts to locate the whereabouts of the Neukoms or their descendants have failed. Anyone knowing about the Neukom branch of the family, or the desk, please contact Charles G Castor, 1297 Caspian Court NE, Palm Bay, Florida 32905

*** Seeking McDONALD family information. The McDonald families and the Castor families intermarried in western Pennsylvania, in Holmes County, Ohio, and in Hamilton County, Indiana. I have much information about the McDonalds and would like to exchange information. Write to Mrs Jean M White, 2746 Wilderness Court, Wichita, Kansas 67226 *** Carol Willsey Bell, Certified Genealogist of Youngstown, Ohio has sent to us an impressive listing of CUSTARD marriages that occured in Columbiana County, Ohio in the early 1800s. We have been aware of a few Custard families living in Columbiana County in the early 1800s (Adam Custard and Arnold Custard), but we have not yet discovered their origins. We will list these marriages that Carol has sent to us, and perhaps this will help someone. We are anxious to learn more about these families. Let us hear from you if you know of any of these families. Columbiana County, Ohio Marriages Adam Custard married 20 December 1832 Harriet Gilbert Emanuel Custard married 5 October 1865 Mary E Burt Henry Custard married 11 July 1854 Lucinda Hamilton John Custard married 13 August 1822 Ann Morrison John Custard married 16 January 1851 Lydia Maria Tumblin Joseph Custard married 20 or 21 July 1837 Ethelinda Shaw Martin Custard married 11 June 1846 Eliza Morgan Catharine Custard married 24 February 1818 John Morrison Arametta Custerd married 30 Novmeber 1867 Albert Knepper Mrs Elizabeth Custard married 10 May 1842 William Cunningham Hannan Custard married 21 October 1830 John Knepper Sarah Ann Custard married 27 August 1855 Thomas Cary Jane Custard married 18 December 1846 to John Brannon Lucy Anne Custard married 5 June 1856 William W Holland Mary Custard married 15 Novmeber 1864 Willaim Bearn Mary K Custard married 10 August 1854 William Bell Nancy A Custard married 18 February 1836 Samuel Tyler Carol also mentions two other marriages with the BUSHONG family. Carol is the Editor of the BUSHONG BULLETIN which is published by the

page -13- BUSHONG FAMILY ASSOCIATION.

MARGARET CUSTARD married 2 May 1837 ADAM BUSHONG in Carroll County, Ohio LEWIS KUSER married 20 June 1839 ELIZABETH BUSHONG in Stark County, Ohio

It is supposed that Lewis Kuser is really Lewis Kuster, but there is no proof of this at the moment. Carroll and Stark Counties were both formed from parts of Columbiana County.

Anyone knowing of these BUSHONG families, or anyone desiring more information about the BUSHONG BULLETIN, please write to Carol Willsey Bell, C. G., 4649 Yarmouth Lane, Youngstown, Ohio 44512 * * * * * * * * * * * * *

KASTER KLIPPINGS

*** Lara Lynn Smitley of Portland, Indiana was born 3 August 1985 and welcomed by parents Gregory Alan and Patricia (Caster) Smitley, grandparents George E and Mary Ann Caster, and great grandmother Naomi Caster (Mrs Wm H Caster) -- all of Portland, Indiana.

*** Susan Castor, daughter of Mr & Mrs Clarence C Castor of Elk Grove, California, and Vince Carrillo, son of Mr & Mrs Ambrose Carrillo, will exchange marriage vows 1 March 1986 at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Elk Grove, California. Maid of Honor - Julie Castor; Usher - Mike Castor. Congratulations and Best Wishes!!

*** Sudie B Kaster Morris of Louisville, Kentucky died 3 August 1985. Sudie was born 13 October 1900 in Hodgenville, Kentucky, daughter of Quinn and Mary (Enlow) Kaster. Sudie was the widow of Claude Morris. She is survived by a niece, Mrs Virginia McNeill of Louisville.

*** Clarence G Castor of Mitchellville, Iowa died 27 September 1985 after a long illness. Clarence was born 22 February 1908 in Boone, Iowa, son of Charles Ernest and Elizabeth (Lucas) Castor. Clarence and his wife, Emma Robinson, had celebrated their 55th Anniversary on September 2nd. Clarence is survived by Emma, four children, a borther, a sister, 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. *** Shane James McDowell of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii died 1 November 1985 at Honolulu, Hawaii at the age of 21, as a result of an auto accident. Shane was serving in the U S Army. Shane was the son of Roland J and Deloris (Castor) McDowell of Puyallup, Washington. Shane was buried at Puyallup Cemetery. * * * * * * * * * * * FROM THE MAILBAG *** Jack and Anita Castor of San Rafael, California vacationed in Argentina, Uraguay, and Chile. They took time out from their hectic schedule to send a colorful postcard featuring the rapids of Petrohue River. Jack is retiring from Qantas Airlines at the end of this March and will be devoting more time to his many hobbies. Congratulations!

*** Ginni Kaster Ennis (Mrs Frank) of La Crosse, Wisconsin has updated her book Benjamin Kaster (1778-1870) of Mercer County, Pennsylvania and has copies for sale at $30 postpaid. It is softcover, page -14- indexed, and 301 pages. Benjamin Kaster was the son of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Gini has recently determined the identity of Benjamin Kaster's (1778-1870) second wife -- she was Catherine Bane, widow of Andrew Seburn.

*** Charles G Castor of Palm 6/22/53 PHILADF,1,111 1 /1 , Bay, Florida and North Rose, New York has satisfied a yearning I have had to know why Castor Answers Street of Philadelphia was so To Queries named. Charles has sent the How did Castor ay. get its following two clippings that nrinvq--(F. F.) Historic Castor probably appeared in the Phila- ay., in the Frankford-Castor sec- tion, is named for John George delphia Evening Bulletin some- Castor (or Gerster1, who WAS time in the past. Charles has horn in Basel, Switzerland, in also provided some other inter- 1710 and emigrated to Philadel- phia in 1736. Ile moved to Ger- esting clippings which we will mantown in 1796 and in 1762 pur- transcribe. This first is about chased 202 acres in Oxford Town- ship (35th words, leaving eight Horace W Castor, noted architect children. Third sons of third son, of Philadelphia. dating from "the immigrant" and "An interesting story of the covering six generations are an aide to 1,i-11os- elle in the Castor family in Philadelphia itevolution: John; Thomas. an in- was written by Horace W Castor ventor of the ho sr car: Ellwood. a rarriage-maker and florP,e for the Frankford Historical Soc- Castor, architect. nur ser, ('avtnt iety. It was in Frankford, who was horn in 15t7ti and (le,in- Holmesburg and Wissinoming that ecl ninny local struetin es is still Castor Ave. active and recalls tales told him our Castors have chiefly flour- The name honors an old family in as a boy in the Jolly Pest Tavern ished since John George Castor the Northeast. John. George Castor of the reception In Crucial Lafay- came here two centuries ago. (041111811y spelled Gerster) was born ette there. Other members of the In litiAd, Switzerland, in 1710. He family were General George Cas- Born in Switzerland, the father etrilgtilted to Philadelphia in 1736, tor, who p u rchased . 1 aermy of the American Castors wrote Farm," a Colonial house still and tri0Ved to Germantown in 1746. standing near Frankford Arsenal, his own name Hans Georg Gerster. In 1762, he bought 202 acres in Ox- and Gent ge .Albert Castor For years afterward the name ap- ford Township, then the area be- 1906), a Congressman from Phila- tween the Frankford and Tacony delphia. According to Omar Shall- peared as Gerster or Caster, but Creeks and what is now the line of cross, of the Frank ford Historical it finally emerged into Castor. Cottman ave. He died in 1797, leav- Society, the original Castor, Road i e' ht children. was cut through the farm of John Business men recall George A George Castor from Cheltenham Castor, successful merchant, and ay. and Oxford pike to Bell's Cor- all the political folks remember ner and it later became Castor ay. him and his vivid vests when he was a Congressman. The Congressman was a particular friend of General Edward Morrell and Speaker Harry Walton. "Immediately after settling in Philadelphia the original Castor took the oath of allegiance in Philadelphia. Then he got busy, which has ever been a trait of the virile family. He purchased a large property in the Holmesburg district. A deed of 1762 -- 'third year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George' -- has curious interest. It marked the boundaries of the Castor estate from 'a corner post in Charles Harper's land' here and there to 'a Spanish oak' and so on. He built a mansion on what has long been named Castor Road. "Educators may like to know that that Swiss of long ago appealed in 1746 to the Moravians at Bethlehem to start a school for girls in Germantown. Those people knew about such schools, having had the first one in America, and now the oldest. But this story written by Horace W Castor has most to do with his grandfather, Thomas Castor, who died in 1884. It was he who invented and patented in 1852 the dump or tilt wagon. That was the grandfather of our numerous chute trucks of today. An immense device for saving of hard labor! But it was a builder of circus wagons that Thomas Castor got in the brightest limelight.

page -15- "Band wagons, animal cages and chariots all done in brilliant colors, but chiefly red and gold. P T Barnum was a good customer of Thomas Castor and so was Adam Forepaugh when those two monarchs of the road divided the circus business of the USA. Castor also exported some fine carriages for the elite of England. Indeed, Frankford was the capital of the wagon business in Thomas Castor's day. He was in wagons quite as preeminent as Disston was then in saws, Fitler in ropes, Dobeons in woolens, Widener and Elkins in street railways, Brills in street cars. GIRARD"

Another clipping quotes the epitaph appearing on the marble shaft marking the grave of John George Castor, immigrant from Basle, Switzerland.

"Remember me as you pass by, As you are now so once w2.s I, As I am now, so you must be, Prepare for death and follow me."

And on the marker of his oldest son, George Castor, the following plea is made.

"0 reader stay and cast an eye, Upon the grave wherein I lie, For cruel death has challenged me, And in short time will call on thee, Repent in time, make no delay, For we shall be called away, My time was wasted like dew in the sun, Beyond all cares my glass is run." These are located in the Presby- terian churchyard at Frankford and Church Streets, Frankford, Pa. *** Robert Lee and Monteree Kaster of Austin, Texas celebrat- ed their 63rd wedding anniversary last December 2nd. Happy Anni- versary!! Monteree also sent us this interesting picture of grand daughter, Sandia Pruett, and great grandson, Joshua. Joshua is wearing the Haloween costume HALLOWEEN CLOWN JOSHUA PRUETT, 23 months, is wearing a 47-year- made by his great grandmother, old costume made by his great-grandmother Monteree Kaster in 1938. Monteree Kaster, 47 years ago for Joshua's grandmother, Sandra Lee, was the original owner. The costume Sandra Kaster (now Mrs Merlin also belonged to his mother, Sandia, who brought Joshua to The Journal on Dean Lee) and mother of Sandia! his way to a Halloween party. *** Jane (Mrs Clifford) Gallagher of Renfrew, Pa has discovered many Caster/Kaster records from Armstrong and Clarion Counties in western Pennsylvania, and we are sifting through them now -- some as early as 1818. Philip Caster/Kaster is the patriarch. Jane is one of our most tenacious and productive researchers. She has been braving snowstorms and ice to reach the necessary courthouses. Anyone having information

page -16- about this family, please let us know.

*** Grace A Flory of Topeka, Kansas visited Clarke County, Iowa last summer, and has sent us a lot of information that she collected at the courthouse and the local offices. She also visited Hopeville Cemetery, and found the graves of William and Sophia Castor who located in Clar'ce County in 1857, having come from Shelby, Richland County, Ohio. Gran- sent us these pictures of their tombstones. Thanks very much, Grace.

WILLIAM CASTOR 1809-1865 SOPHIA (WATSON) CASTOR 1811-1871 Hopeville Cemetery Hopeville Cemetery Hopeville, Iowa Hopeville, Iowa

*** We have received several donations from our Association Boosters -- Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana; Edward J Castor of Shelby, Ohio; Connie Platt of Eugene, Oregon; Earl Hanway of Stockton, California; Darrell Caster of Albia, Iowa; Berdena Brady of Hillsboro, Oregon; Raymond Castor of Carter, Montana; Lewis E Caster of Whittier, California; Emma K Castor of Mitchellville, Iowa; Jimmie Wayne Castor of Richwood, Texas; Paul D Castor of Kansas City, Missouri; Berniece Castor of Monett, Missouri; Ruby H Stanley of New Ross, Indiana; and Betty Randall of Hope, Indiana -- Many Thanks, Boosters!

*** Ila and Gene Caster of Santa Rosa, California are pleased that the Second National Castor Reunion will be held in their fair city, and

page -17- are looking forward to welcoming the attendees next June. Ila turns her several talents to making corn husk dools, and recently staged a Corn Husk Doll Show. And Gene is pretty adept at making doll furniture from corn husks, too. Maybe they will show us some of these at the reunion. Their son, Eugene Hal Caster of Kelseyville, California is a Vietnam Veteran and was instrumental last November's Veterans Day in dedicating a new Vietnam War Memorial at Lake County Courthouse. The accompanying picture was taken during that ceremony.

The Vietnam veteran's memorial in front of Lake Eugene Caster led the ceremony. His son Evan County Museum in Lakeport was dedicated accompanied him. See more photos on page 3 Monday during the Veteran's Day services. and the back page. —R-8 Photo by Ron Leifeld

*** The following item appeared in the HOLMES COUNTY HEIRS, Vol III, Issue 6, November-December 1985. This is the newsletter published by the Holmes County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society. The item appeared under the byline of "That's the way it was" by Roamin Miller. Roamin Miller is really David Marshall, editor -- but the information given is factual. "November 2, 1825 Today I attended my first trial at the new Courthouse. John Rice was charged with counterfeiting. He had been held in jail in Coshocton County since this Spring. Wm. Eckles, Jacob Luke, Jacob Wolgamot, Jacob Albertson, James McConnell, James McCullough, John Young, James Cissne, James Buchanan, George Castor, Jesse Morey and James French were the Jury. David Weaver testified that Rice tried to give him a fake Spanish Mill Dollar. When arrested he was found to have a $2 Bank of Geneva and a $5 Bank of Ontario note both

page -18- counterfeit. After several hours of deliberation, Samuel Culbertson read the verdict, 'NOT GUILTY.' Needless to say, John Rice left town immediately." The George Castor (1784-1876) mentioned above was the son of John Caster, Senior (1754-1823). And James French (1798-1856) was the husband of Susannah Castor (1800-1872), daughter of the aforementioned John Caster, Senior. Jacob Albertson, also of the Jury, was the father of Elam Robinson Albertson who married Mary Ellen Caster (c1810-c1849), daughter of Arnold Caster (before 1765-c1825). Anyone wishing to subscribe to the Holmes County Heirs, write to P 0 Box 136, Millersburg, Ohio 44654. They have a very interesting newsletter.

*** Jean (Mrs Huitt) Caster of Grand Prairie, Texas has surveyed the Sowers Cemetery, Shady Grove Cemetery, Oak Grove Cemetery and Haley Memeorial Cemetery in .the Irving, Texas area. She has provided many Caster tombstone inscriptions which will be included in our new book "More Caster/Castor. Genealogies." We owe a real debt to Jean for tracking down these for us. Jean also reports that the city of Irving, as part of the Texas Sesquicentennial celebration, is developing a Heritage Park in theold section of downtown, and will be placing the old Lewis Caster _log cabin there. Lewis was born 1824 in Tennesoce and married Ruth Jane Lusk. They came to Texas about 1853, and lived in the Shady Grove area of 'Irving. Ruth died 1905 and Lewis died 1908. They were buried in the Shady Grove Cemetery. Many thanks, Jean. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

THE CASTOR PLANT, REVISITED

In our October 1983 News-Caster, page 20, we provided some commentary on the Castor plant. Now, we have new developments from the researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Dallas. They have been working on the poisonous component, Ricin, which has acted like "magic bullets" that deliver poison only to cancer cells in the laboratory dish and animal tests. Because the poison can be made to act as an immunotoxin, it can be targeted to affect only the cancer and not normal tissues. According to Carl Pinskey, chief of the National Cancer Institute branch that oversees laboratory, animal and early human studies of immunotoxins, "It's a very exciting area of research. It's still highly experimental. The immunotoxin trials in humans are just getting started." Incidentally, Ricin was identified as the poison used in 1978 when a Bulgarian defector named Georgi Markov was killed in London. Investigators said his assassin stabbed him in the leg with an umbrella tipped with a.pellet -containing Ricin. So, it Appears that we may be hearing more about the Castor plant, and its potent products. Let us hope future reports will be positive. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

ASSOCIATION BUSINESS

*** Financial Report We experienced a good year last year, essexitially breaking even. We had revenues of $3,425.95, and expenses of $3,430.53. We feel like we accomplished a lot, and we wish to thank all of our members for their solid support.

page -19- The budget that we have adopted for 1986 is as follows:

Revenues $4,000 Subscriptions $1,680 Directories 160 Book Sales 1,860 Other 300

Expenses $4,000 Newsletter 1,050 Postage 750 Book Publishing 1,200 Supplies & misc 630 Paid Research 370

*** Officers for 1987-1988 Biennium We outlined in the previous News-Caster a method of nominating and electing five officers for the next biennium. Of course, we were hoping for nominations of at least ten or more candidates, but it was not to be. We received nominations for six, just enough to fill the offices. So we shall dispense with the election, and hereby announce that the Officers Elect for the 1987-1988 biennium are Martha (Mrs Jack L) Brown, Jean (Mrs Huitt D) Caster, Leland L Caster, Jack K Castor, Charles E Scholer, and Jean (Mrs Charles F) White.

*** Book Publications We have reprinted a few more copies of Benjamin Castor 1741-1826) -- $20 postpaid; and Some Caster/Castor Genealogies -- $23 postpaid, and can again fill orders. We plan to donate two more of the latter to libraries which will bring the total to 12 books that we have donated of it.

We will final type our next book in April so that we can publish it in May and have it ready for mailing in June. It will cover eight more lines of Caster/Castor families, and will carry the title MORE CASTER/CASTOR GENEALOGIES. The eight lines covered are: Isaac Castor (1738-1780); Conrad Castor (before 1765-c1828) of Campbell County, Kentucky; Jacob Caster ( ? -1809) of Rowan County, North Carolina; James Caster (1747-1836) of Harrison County, Virginia; Thomas Caster of Virginia; Vincent Caster (c1758-1832) of Maryland; George Castor (c1785-1869) of western Pennsylvania; and John Castor (1748-1835) of New York. We have not priced this as yet, but expect it will be about $20. We will have a firm priced worked out by the next newsletter. * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR FAMILY 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. Membership is open to all that are interested in the Caster, Castor, Custard, Custer, Kaster and Kastor families. Officers for the 1983-1984 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; Mrs Jack L Brown, vice president, Box 44, Windfall, Indiana 46076; Mrs Huitt D Caster, vice president, 3213 Trible, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050; Leland L Caster, vice president, 1929 Bell Park Drive, Bremerton, Washington 98310; Donald F Castor, vice president, 10433 Carrolibrook Court, Tampa, Florida 33618; Jack K Castor, vice president, 4 Park Ridge Road, San Rafael, California 94903; Miss Sarah Jane Eaton, vice president, 1310 East 28th St, Anderson, Indiana 46014.

page -20- Ii Pu.hIrshed. THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA -7 Vol.4 No.2 June 1986 CONRAD CUSTARD (c1695-1772)

Conrad Custer/Custard was the oldest child of Arnold and Rebecca Kuster and grandchild of Paulus and Gertrude (Doors) Kuster. We have written about Conrad before (see page 10 of the March 1984 News-Caster and page 1 of the June 1984 News-Caster). While we have some information about Conrad and his family, there remains much speculation about who all his children were. An often encountered legend of his twenty-four or twenty-seven sons and three daughters has caught many people's attention, but brings out many doubts as well. We have continued our hunt for information about Conrad and his family, and wish now to report on our current view of what we know and don't know. Conrad was born about 1695 in Germantown, Pennsylvania, the eldest of Arnold and Rebecca Kuster. Conrad's father and grandfather were Mennonites, but we know nothing of Conrad's religious inclinations. Arnold Kuster sent his children to a school called the Friends School taught by the very learned Francis Daniel Pastorius in Germantown, and we presume Conrad was among them. Pastorius was a Quaker, and Conrad may have been the beneficiary of some Quaker influence. About 1714, his father, Arnold Kuster, moved to the western part of Philadephia County where he had bought 316 acres of land from John Henry Sprogell in the "Manatawney tract" (now in Berks County). Conrad married Susannah Adams, daughter of Richard and Alse (Opden Graff) Adams of Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pa.

Conrad Custer appears as a signer of The Falkner's Swamp Petition (as does his uncle Hermanus Kuster) in 1728 seeking protection from the Indians at Skippack (now Montgomery County).

Conrad had paid 14th day, 1st month 1732/3 quit rents for 102 acres in the Skippack area, ten years in full. Amounts were 3 shillings and 4 pence, and 5 shillings. Conrad is listed in 1734 as a landholder of 100 acres in Franconia Township of Philadelphia County. All the evidence that we have of Conrad shows that he was in and around the Philadelphia area up through his late thirties or early forties.

On 10 October 1739, we find Conrad was granted by the Pennsylvania Proprietaries a hundred and a half (100 1/2) acres along Tinicum Creek in Tinicum Township of Bucks County for the consideration

page -21- of fifteen pounds, ten shillings. Conrad Kuster appears on the Rent Rolls of Bucks County under the date of 11 October 1739 for 100 1/2 acres at the rate of 1/2 pence. Conrad may not have lived in Bucks County until after 1739, as he is referred to as a yeoman of the County of Philadelphia in the renunciation of right to administer his father's estate dated 22 December 1739.

In 1742, the inhabitants of an area north of Tinicum Township of Bucks County was without township government, yet was inhabitated by several settlers. Thirty settlers petitioned for a Township to be organized as Nockamixon. Among these settlers were Connard Custard, Arnel Custard (Conrad's oldest son, Arnold), Uriah Humble (Conrad's son-in-law) and Jacob Trimbo. That year, the Court ordered that such a township be organized. So, now we see Conrad in his late forties was definitely living in Bucks County near the Delaware River. We know that Susannah, Conrad's wife, died prior to 1747 because the Will of her father, Richard Adams (Philadelphia County, Pa, Will Book H, page 528), written in 1747 and filed 1748, refers to Susannah as the "late wife of Conrad Kistard" and leaves 10 pounds to her children. We do not know of a second marriage, but apparently a second marriage did occur because at Conrad's death in 1772, his widow (unnamed) to his estate being committed to his son, Paul. Our professional researcher, Mr K G Jackson of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, has found an indication that Conrad's second wife was Margaret Morris, daughter of William Morris (see the transcribed document at the end of this article). Margaret Morris' sister, Mary, married Nicholas Custard, Conrad's son. We are not absolutely sure that the Conrad that married Margaret Morris is the older Conrad. So, we hold our conclusion in abeyance. On 17 February 1748/9, Conrad was granted 50 more acres adjoining his earlier grant by the Proprietaries. This 50 acres also adjoined a 100 acre tract first granted to Peter Young on 9 November 1845, but on the 17 February 1748/9 it was granted to William Marks. In 1754, this last 100 acres and another 50 acres was conveyed to Conrad. Thus, with this last acquisition, Conrad then had 300 contiguous acres. This 300 acre farm was located near the present town of Revere, and the Revere school is on the farm. There is a record of Conrad's son, Paul, being in Augusta County, Virginia in 1753. And two other of Conrad's sons, Arnold and Nicholas, bought land from the estate of Richard Tictum in 1754 in Augusta County, Virginia (now Rockingham County, Virginia). Arnold remained in Virginia near Brock's Gap, while Nicholas returned to Bucks County, Pa. However, Arnold died in 1759 leaving his widow, Bridget, and seven children. Apparently, Nicholas brought word of the good land in Virginia, or perhaps Conrad felt he should help his deceased son's family. For whatever reason, Conrad and much of his family moved to Brock's Gap in 1762 -- Conrad then being in his late sixties. Conrad sold 50 acres in Nockamixon Township to Peter Young 8 March 1762. A few of Conrad's children, however, remained behind to live in Bucks County and other nearby locales. Part of the original 300 acre farm ended up in the ownership of the son, Nicholas. His son, William Custard, had moved north up the Delaware River and settled at Egypt Mills, Pennsylvania. Another son, Richard Custer, settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania. In 1762, Conrad bought 160 acres from Joseph and Rachell Dictom for 130 pounds on the North Branch of Shannandore (Shenandoah), near

page -22- Clover Lick, Augusta County (now in Rockingham County), Virginia. This is near Brock's Gap. Our present knowledge of Conrad in Virginia is still meager. Conrad died 1 February 1772, apparently in his early eighties.

Paul Kustar put up bond with Jacob Miller as administrator of the nuncupative will of Conrad Custard. In the absence of a will, the estate by law would pass to his oldest son, Arnold, and because Arnold had predeceased, then would pass to Arnold's oldest son, Conrad Custer. However, the elder Conrad expressed his wish by words that instead his estate should be sold and the money resulting should be divided among his children or representatives. Conrad's estate was inventoried 15 March 1774 with Paul Custard as administrator and some payments made to Thomas Boggs, James Marshal, Morris Custard, John Frank's bond, Henry Runyon, John Steel and Micilael Humble. We do not have the final accounting of the estate settlement, which probably would reveal much of what we are seeking. The younger Conrad (eldest son of the deceased Arnold) did buy the farm of the elder Conrad and paid 160 pounds 10 shillings to his uncle Paul Kustar, Administrator of the estate.

The Revolutionary War pension application made by Joseph Kester/Custard (National Archives pension file #2690) provides evidence that convinces us that he was a son of Conrad Custard. On 18 May 1835, when Joseph was an old man, he gave a sworn statement in the Harrison County Court of Virginia, "...aged eighty two years & upwards...that he was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Virginia, when nine years old, and settled at Brock's Gap..." The arithmetic of 1835 minus 82 years plus years places the time of moving to Brock's Gap at 1762 -- the time that Conrad moved his family to Brock's Gap. Lending some support to this contention is the naming of one of Joseph's sons, Conrad.

Now, 'for the legend of his family. It is widely reported that Conrad was the father of many children -- three daughters and fron twenty-four to twenty-seven sons. These reports have been published aE early as 1877. Some of the reports go on to say that all of the sons served in the Revolutionary War. How much of this is fact or fiction ha: been debated often and with no clear conclusion, but this does appear t( be a gross exaggeration, to say the least. There appears to be no doubt that the following seven ar( children of Conrad: 1. Charity Custer born about 1715; married 17 January (or June) 173! Uriah Humble in Philadelphia, Pa, they settled in Augusta County, Virginia, and later went to Westmoreland County, Pa where Uriah die( 1773. 2. Arnold Custer/Custard born about 1718; married Bridget Strauder; die( March 1759 in Augusta County, Virginia. 3. Richard Custer born 1722 or 1725; married 17 January 1748 Elizabetl Brumbach, married second Elizabeth Bateman, lived in Chester County, Pa; died about 1781. 4. William Custard born 1729 in Philadelphia; married 5 August 175 Sarah Swartout/Swartwood, lived in Northampton County (now Pike County) Pa; died 1826, buried at Swartout Cemetery near Egypt Mills, Pa. 5. Paul Kustar born about 1730 in Pa; married Lucinda Malone, marrie( second Margaret Malone (Lucinda "s sister), was at Brock's Gap, Va aF early as 1753; died 1820. 6. Nicholas Custer born 1732; married Mary Morris, lived most of hi: life in Nockamixon Township of Bucks County, Pa; but died elsewhere,

page -23- perhaps in Erie County, Pa. 7. Joseph Kester/Custard born 1753 in Pa; married 26 February 1788 Mar Morrison in Harrison County, Virginia, where they lived until 1837 before moving to Ohio in 1837; died 2 July 1839 in Delaware County, Ohio.

Among the suspected children of Conrad Custer/Custard are 8. Conrad Custard born 1735 -- we find no evidence for this person perhaps this is a child that died young. 9. Isaac Custard/Castor born 1738; married Susan Hepon, lived in western Pa; died 1780 in Kentucky. 10. Esekiel Custard born 1740 (we don't know the basis of this date anyone having data about this person, please share it with us, otherwise we are inclined to discount it as imagination), perhaps related to the Ezekiel Custard who was born 1767 and lived in Beaver County, Pa. 11. Benjamin Custard/Castor born 1741; married Ruth Thompson, lived in Allegheny County, Pa; died January 1826. 12. Noah Custard/Castor born 1764; married Rebecca Matheny, lived in Beaver County, Pa and Richland County (in a part that later became Ashland County), Ohio; died 26 July 1829 in Richland County. [However. see the following paragraph suggesting that Noah is a grandson -f Conrad.] 13. John Custard; served in 9th and 13th Virginia Regiments i-Jf Continental Line; assisted Wm Crawford 1769-1771 in surveying Virginia Veteran Lands; was killed by Indians while serving under Col William Crawford in expedition at Sandusky, 1782. 14. George Custard served in 9th and 13th Virginia Regiments of Continental Line. 15. Thomas Custard/Castor served in Capt Morriss' Company of Rangers (Va, 1792 16. Morris Custard may have been named after the family name of Conrad's second wife; appears on tax delinquent list for Rockingham County, Va In 1767; recipient of part of settlement of Conrad Kustard's estate in Augusta County, Va 15 March 1774. 17. Susannah Custer 18. Catherine Custard born about 1745-1750; married about 1772 Willian Runyan in Harrison County, Virginia; died 1826 in Salem Twp of Warren County, Ohio. In connection with the birth of Noah Castor (number 12 above), the History of Hamilton County, Indiana by John F Haines (1915), page 962 cites Conrad Castor of Brock's Gap, Virginia as his father. While this information undoubtedly originated from the descendants of Noah Castor, we wonder if Noah is the son of Conrad's oldest son, Arnold. Arnold is said to have had seven children, the youngest were Arnold (born about 1755) and Noah (born about 1758). In our searches, we have not found clear evidence of what has happened to these two, Arnold and Noah. However, we have noted Arnold Custard, Jr and Noah Custard both living in North Sewickley Townshhip of Beaver County, Pennsylvania in 1800 and 1810, and later living in Wayne and Richland Counties, respectively, of Ohio soon thereafter. Wayne and Richland Counties are quite close to one another. We have to wonder if these are not the children of Arnold Custard, son of Conrad. So far, we have found little in the estate papers of Conrad. The inventory has some general interest, as it provides some reflection of the material things accumulated by Conrad and family. While a few items defy identification, most are readily recognizable. We purposely have preserved the original spelling in this transcription. [L = pounds, S =

page -24-

shillings, p = pence] Conrad Custard Inventory & Estate Settlement (from the Court file) (also from the Will Book) "Paul Custard Apr:To the Estate of Coonrod Kustard Disceased.L -S-p

To a stone Coult three years old 5 To a Bay Horse with a snip & an old Brown Mare 3 To two Red Cows 4 To two Steers and a heifer two years old 3 15 - To Two Heifers and one Bull year old 1 10 - To ten Sheep and one Lamb 3 To four Sows and Six Pigs 1 16 - To a Waggon and two pair of Old Harnas and traces 7 To one plough two Clevvisses and a link Between 1 5 - To a panhaid plough with two Clevvises & Swingletrees 8 - To one Iron toothed Harrow 7 - To two Axes 8 - To one Rifle Gun 2 To one Musquet Gun 1 - - To one Grubing Hough and a sprouting Hough 8 - To one Frough and an Old Broad Ax 3 - To three Augers and two Gun Blets 4 6 To two Old Edges, a han saw & Drawknife & Chizzel 10 - To two Iron Wedges and two Hings 3 6 To an old Wolf trap 8 - To two old forks and a hough 1 6 To a griddle and a frame 6 - To three Dutch Sylher and Hangings 7 - To two Bells 7 - To an old Chain molter and an old Lock 2 - To six sickles 2 6 To an old pair of Steel yards 5 - To an old Gum & Some Old Iron Trumprie 2 6 To two old Hammers and a pair of Nippers 2 - To one Saddle 10 - To one Grind Stone 5 - To one Barrel three Baggs & a powdering tub 7 6 To a Dresser 6 - To a Dough Trough 3 - To one Iron Pot 10 - To A Slaughter hide and a horse Hide 7 6 To A fishing Net 7 6 To four Sheep Skins 2 - To a Wool Wheel 3 6 To one Chist 5 - To a cuting Knife and Steel 7 6 To the Winter Grain computed to be twenty Acres 5 To Spoon Moles 7 6 To one Six Hundred Reed and Geers 7 6 To one Corn Hough 4 - To one plough plain 1 - To one Ax 2 - To one Carpenter Rule 7 48 13 7 To Cash Recd for the Consideration of a Tract of Land containing 160 acres sold by the Consent of the Heirs at Law 160 10 - 209 3 7 page -25- Contra Cr L -S-p

Cash paid Thomas Baggs 7 17 9 James Marshel Acctt 4 7 Morris Kustards Acctt 1 4 - John Millars Bill 3 4 6 Cash paid Jacob Millar 2 13 5 Matthew Harrisons Acctt 2 10 - Jacob Lambs Proved Acctt 2 5 6 Martin Wetzels Proved Acctt 9 - John Franks Bond & Interest on the same 7 1 1 _nd Cuthbis Harrisons Acctt 4 7 6 Henry Runyans Proved Acctt 3 - Jos Haynses Receipt for Felix Gilbert 3 10 - Thos Baggs Proved Acct 1 10 8 John Henrys Receipt 8 - John Millars proved Acct 7 6 John Grattons Account 2 10 5 John Heids proved Acct 10 - Michael Humbles proved Acct 1 13 3 Jacob Bears Bond & Interest 3 19 6 James Baggs Note and Interest 5 7 - James Baggs Proved Acct 15 - John Millars proved Acct 6 - A Clarks Note 290 lb Fob 1 4 2 A Secratarys Note 40 lb Fob 3 4 the Sheriffs Receipt 1 4 3 the Cryer of the Vendue 6 - my own private Acct & Sundries 9 4 4 three appraisors for appraising the Estate 2/6 Each 7 6 63 17 4 Error in my own Act 10 - 63 7 4

In pursuance to an order of Court to us directed We have Examined the above Acts and find it to be Just according to the Vouchers Produced. March ye 15th 1774 John McClendan John Frogg By the amount of the Debts due from the Estate Charges paid on opposite page 63 7 4 By my Comission on paying & recovering L272-11-0 13 12 6 76 19 10 At A Court held for Augusta County March the 15th 1774 The Acct of the Admin of the Estate of Paul Custard deced was reported Pursuant to an Order of Court and Ordered to be Recorded Test

Sources: Custer Genealogies by Milo Custer (1944), page 2 and pages I, XII-XIV The Perkiomen Region, Past & Present Vol I, pp 86-7 Perkiomen Region Vol 4, #1, p 2 Publication of the Genealogy Society of Pa Vol 1, p 170

page -26- Chronicles of Scotch Irish Settlement in Virginia by Chalkley, pp 133 4 191 Custer Chronicles, Summer 1985, p 6 (Catherine Custard Runyon) K G Jackson research reports 1985 from Pennsylvania Magazine of History & Biography Vol 31 petition to Governor Patrick Gordon 10 May 1728 "Van Bebbers Township and ye Adjacencies Belonging

We think It fit to address your Excellency for Relief for your Excellency must Know That we have Sufered and Is Like to Sufer By the Ingians they have fell upon ye Back Inhabitors about falkner's Swamp & New Coshahopin. Therefore We the humble Petitioners With our poor Wives and Children Do humbly beg of your Excellency To Take It into Consideration and Relieve us the Petitioners hereof whos Lives Lies at Stake with us and our Poor Wives & Children that Is more to us than Life." [77 signatures, among them Richard Adams, Hermanus Kuster, and Conrad Custer]

Bucks County, Pa Orphans Court Records of William Morris #969 Orphans Court Book 2, p 90 -- Court of 8 June 1789

The following petition of Morris Morris was presented and read humbly sheweth that William Morris, the father of your petitioner lately died intestate having issue, your petitioner and five other children, to wit: Margaret who intermarried with Conrad Custard, Susannah who intermarried with Abraham Goodwin, William, since deceased, Mary who intermarried with Nicholas Custard and Jane who intermarried with Samuel Webber„ and was in his lifetime seized of and in a tract of land containing about 200 acres, situate in the Township of Nockamixon in the County of Bucks aforesaid. Your petitioner therefore prays the Court to award an inquest of the said County to divide or value the said land. The Court taking into consideration the prayer of the foregoing petition do order that the High Sheriff of the County be commanded that taking 12 good and lawful men of the County go to the land whereof William Morris was in his lifetime seized...and divide the said land among the several heirs...and allowing the eldest son a double share according to law...

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WILL OF PAULUS KUSTER

In our September 1984 News-Caster, we featured an article by Chester E Custer about Paulus and Gertrude Kuster. At the end of the article, the noncupative will of Paulus was quoted. Elizabeth Pound Campuzano of McNeal, Arizona calls our attention to the endorsement of the will as given in the article. Some of the signatories were omitted. This probably came from Milo Custer's Custer Genealogies (1944) which was copied from the original by Mrs Philip Meredith Allen and apparently was abreviated. According to The Pound and Kester Families by John E Hunt(1904), page 302, the will was signed by his sons, Arnolt Custer, Hermanus Kusters, and Johannes Kosters, and by Dennis Cunders, John Cadwalader, Rynier Vandersluys, Chr. [Christian] Sprogel and Cornellis Dewees by his mark. * * * * * * * * * * * * page -27- THE FAMILY_ OF CONRAD CASTER OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO Conrad, born about 1760-1765, was the oldest child of Benjamin (1741-1826) and Ruth (Thompson) Castor. Conrad lived in Allegheny County near his father at the end of the 18th century., When Ohio country opened up, Conrad had gone down the Ohio to the Miami River, and settled a 110 acre farm near Dayton on the Miami River. Conrad died in 1814, and his widow, Elizabeth, was left with ten children. Several were quite young. By various means, we have been able to trace this family from 1814 on and it is interesting to see where they were in later times.

The children were as follows: Benjamin, born 1791, had married Priscilla Brock in 1814; Mary, born about 1793, had married James Stackhouse in 1811; Ruth, born about 1800; Conrad born about 1800; Peter, born about 1800; James Thompson, born 1801; John, born 1803; Elizabeth born about 1809; Barsheba born about 1812; and Rebecca born about 1814. After the father's death, the family remained on the farm near Dayton, Ohio. In 1819, his mother, Elizabeth, married a widower, neighbor James Johnson, in Montgomery County, Ohio. That same year, James Johnson and Benjamin Kaster both went to Shelby County, Indiana t start their new homes. James entered land in Section 19 of Sugar Cre Township and built a log cabin, and established a tannery. Benjami choose to settle in Marion Township. They brought their families fr Montgomery County, Ohio to Shelby County in 1820. In our October 19 issue of the News-Caster, page 6, we featured an article by Betty L (Mrs Maurice D) Randall of Hope, Indiana about Benjamin and Priscilla (Brock) Kaster. Benjamin and Priscilla settled there in 1820 when forests and bears abounded, and from their large family many descendants still reside in that beautiful county. Benjamin's brother, James Thompson Kaster, also settled in Shelby County.

James and Mary (Caster) Stackhouse remained in Ohio for several years, and about 1835 they settled in Grant County, Indiana. Ruth Caster married in 1817 Ralph Cassell and remained in Montgomery County, Ohio. Her husband died prior to 1840, and she moved to Preble County, Ohio where her Uncle William Castor lived. In 1842, she married Jesse Ballard and remained in Preble County. Conrad Caster married 1818 Mary Cassell (is she a sister of Ralph?) and they lived in Butler County, Ohio until they moved to Tippecanoe County, Indiana sometime in the 1820's. By 1840, Conrad and his family had moved on west to Cape Girardeau County in Missouri. Peter Caster married Jane Bringham in 1819, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Bringham, The Bringhams were neighbors of the Casters in Montgomery County, Ohio. The Bringhams and Peter settled in Tippecanoe County, Indiana in 1824. One of Peter's sons, Jackson, was the founder of the village that later became West Lafayette. Several Caster family descendants still live in Tippecanoe County. James Thompson Kaster as mentioned earlier, came to Shelby County, Indiana with his mother and brother, Benjamin. James married Cynthia Johnson, daughter of James Johnson. James bought land in Shelby County, and was involved in several land transactions. James continued to farm in Shelby County until 1839 when he sold out and migrated further west to Des Moines County, Iowa. In Iowa, James was a succesful farmer

page -28- and formed a partnership in a pork-packing business.

It is not clear where John Caster was in the 1820's, but by 1838 he had gone west to Van Buren County of the Wisconsin Territory (now in the State of Iowa) and had married Ann Blackmore, widow of Martin Bringham. Their farm was about fifty miles west of brother James Thompson Kaster's farm, and apparently a daughter of James died while visiting John, and she rests today in the family plot near John's farm. They remained there for the rest of their lives.

Elizabeth Caster was living with her mother, and married Henry Best in 1825 in Shelby County, Indiana. They then continued west to Tippecanoe County, Indiana to settle.

Barsheba Castor also lived with her mother, and then married 1831 Silas Owens in Shelby County. They, too, settled in Tippecanoe County. Apparently, Silas and Barsheba both died young, leaving two sons, George W and Thomas Owens.

Rebecca Caster lived with her mother until she married John Milholland in Tippecanoe County, and later settled in nearby Warren County, Indiana. The Johnsons were still living in Sugar Creek Township in 1830, although James and Elizabeth seem to be living in separate homes. We do not know the circumstances of the separation. By 1840, then in her sixties, Elizabeth had moved to Tippecanoe County and lived near her son, Peter Caster. It is not clear yet just where James Johnson was living at this time. He may have been living in Warren County, but this is confused by so many Johnsons in Warren County. Elizabeth did move to Warren County, and died about 1852 or 1853.

We have learned a few more things about the children of Benjamin and Priscilla Kaster. Their children were as follows:

1. William Kaster born 16 April 1814 in Ohio; married 25 May 1837 Matilda Davis, married 10 April 1842 Margaret A (Hines) Davis; died 8 November 1898, buried at Liberty Cemetery, Marion Township, Shelby County, Indiana. 2. Sarah Jane Kaster born 18 October 1816 in Ohio; married 27 August 1835 Hiram Fox in Shelby County (Marriage Book 3, page 132), married William Hiram Adams and divorced 15 April 1859, married 8 November 1863 David Wilson; died 29 March 1883. 3. Elizabeth Kaster, married 8 November 1838 Francis Vanvost in Shelby County, Indiana (Marriage Book 3, page 491). Children: Albert, Anne E, & Catherine. Cyrus Wright was the guardian for the Van Yost children. 4. Jackson Kaster died young. 5. Martha "Patsy" Kaster born 1 or 19 January 1821 in Shelby County, (first white child born in Shelby County); married 29 March 1839 Zeno Fox (son of Balsor Fox) in Shelby County, Indiana (Marriage Book 4, page 39); died 30 July 1850, buried Little Marion Cemetery, Shelby County. 6. Benjamin Kaster born about 1823 in Shelby County; married Minerva Whited, married 20 October 1842 Abigail Hinds, married 27 June 1847 Minerva Depew. 7. Nancy Kaster born 15 October 1823; married 10 March 1842 Alfred Fox (son of Balsor Fox) in Shelby County (Marriage Book 4, page 437); died 11 or 17 October 1852, buried at Liberty Cemetery, Shelby County, Indiana. 8. Samuel Kaster born 11 February 1825 in Marion Township, Shelby County.

page -29- Indiana; married 3 October 1847 Eliza Ann Brown; died 1 September 1896 in Shelby County. 9. John Kaster born 4 July 1826 in Shelby County; married 19 September 1847 Rebecca Cook; died 24 April 1883, buried Marion Cemetery, Marion Township, Shelby County, Indiana. 10. Mary "Polly" Kaster born about 1829; married 31 March 1850 Sylvester Monroney in Shelby County (Marriage Book 6, page 404); died prior to 1858. 11. Rebecca Jane Kaster born about 1830; married 10 June 1847 Samuel W Cook in Shelby County (Marriage Book 6, page 53). 12. Cynthia Kaster born about 1834; married 14 February 1850 Samuel Walker (Marriage Book 6, page 220). (-- one of their children was Melvon Walker) 13. James Kaster born about 1835; married Harriet C ; died 24 April 1883. 14. Francis Kaster died young. 15. Lewis Kaster born about 1838; married 3 November 1859 Nancy J Holbrook, married 15 January 1865, Melvina Wickliff, married 22 February 1866 Clara Katharine Billman.

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THE SECOND NATIONAL CASTOR REUNION

WHEN Saturday June 21 and Sunday June 22, 1986

WHERE The Flamingo Resort Hotel 4th and Farmers Lane Santa Rosa, California 95405 Phone 707/545-8530 REGISTRATION You may pre-register with - Jack K Castor Phone 415/479-7851 4 Park Ridge Road San Rafael, California 94903 or you may register at the reunion.

GENIE CLASS Jean (Mrs Charles F) White will be offering a genealogy class -- suitable for beginners and advanced.

SEE YOU THERE WI! * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The GERSTER/CASTOR 250th Anniversary Reunion

will be held August 22-24, 1985 at the Valley Forge Hilton, King of Prussia, Pa.

Reunion Chairman: Richard J Castor Phone 607/739-1070 5681 Middle Road Horseheads, New York 14845 Also -- they are updating and publishing a new edition of A CASTOR FAMILY IN AMERICA which covers the genealogy of HANS GEORG GERSTER/JOHN GEORGE CASTOR of Philadelphia. Richard estimates the cost to be between $35-$40. If you wish to reserve a copy, send a $20 deposit to Richard J Castor at the above address. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

page -30- HANS GEORG GERSTER / JOHN GEORGE CASTOR

N Stephen Castor of Bath, New York has sent to us two letters of Hans Georg Gerster. These letters were translated from German by Hedwig Rappolt, and have the copyright of Dr. Leo Schelbert. We will first give some background of Hans Georg Gerster/John George Castor.

For the background information of John George Castor, we have drawn upon The Castor Family of Pennsyvlania which was compiled by George Castor Martin in 1910.

Hans Georg Gerster was born 5 March 1710 in Basel, Switzerland, son of Hans Gerster. Hans Georg Gerster married 1735 Eve Gisin. They emigrated to Pennsylvania, aboard the ship "Princess Agusta," and arrived 16 September 1736. Hans took the oath of allegiance in Philadelphia on 16 September 1736 -- his name being recorded as Hance George Gerster. They lived in Philadelphia for a few years where the two oldest sons were born. By 1746, they were living in nearOy Uermantown, and was still known as Hans Gerster. They were associated with the Moravian Brethren Church, and four of their children were baptised in this faith. On 10 March 1762, he purchased a plantation (or farm) of 202 acres in Oxford Township, Philadelphia County, using the name George Castor. John George Castor was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church of Frankford. His wife, Eve, died in July 1777. John George Castor married 2 December 1782 Anna Maria "Mary" Burghart in the German Reformed Church in Philadelphia. George Castor died 29 December 1797 at his farm in Oxford Township at the age of 87 years. Their children: 1. George Castor born 14 December 1736. 2. Frederick Castor born 27 April 1739. 3. Mary Elizabeth Castor married Philip Cresman. 4. Jacob Castor born 1742. 5. Veronica Castor baptized 14 December 1745; did not marry; died 7 August 1806. 6. Abraham Castor baptized 4 July 1747; married 15 May 1776 Elizabeth Hendricks. 7. Hannah Castor baptized Palm Sunday 1749; married Jacob Snyder. 8. Sarah Castor born 8 June 1751, baptized 11 August 1751; married Thomas Evanger, Sr; died 8 November 1800. The following is the second letter written by Hans Georg Gerster to his family and friends in his native Basel, Switzerland. The letter is dated 20 November 1737. "Here we have precious f4eedom of spiritual and worldly belief. This letter goes to all my friends and acquaintances. God alone we adore, now and for evermore. "Because I have received your letters and seen that you desire some news about us and the country, I am letting you know (besides sending our friendly regards and will-wishes for soul and body) that we are still in good health and have a young son. My mother, too, is still active, as long as it is God's will. We have, thanks be to God! no lack of bodily nourishment. For here in this country it is easy to earn a livelihood. For a day laborer gets 10 batzen for the long days [summer],

page -31- In harvest- and haying-time 12 batzen, and for the short days [winter] 6 batzen, sometimes more. All craftsmen are dear here. I am a day-laborer myself. I am paid 10 batzen a day and my food and drink. "As to the savages, they are like other people here. For their children are white like our children. They rub themselves with bear grease to get dark brown. There are many here in this country. They are not bad but often come to see us. My wife gave them milk and bread. They are clothed in linen drapes. "As to the country, it used to be very good before so many white men came to the country (say the savages). For they can speak English and German too. A great many people come to this country every year, and therefore land is becoming dear. The first ones got it for little. Here we have precious freedom of spiritual and worldly belief but unfortunately it is much abused, especially by wicked people. There are all kinds of nations and creeds here. "As to the crops, all kinds will grow such as wheat, rye, oats, barley, whatever one sows and plants. But trees such as pears, prunes, nuts and the likes we do not have much of. But wild grapevines grow up the trees by themselves and bear good grapes; I have eaten all of them. All of this will grow if one plants it. There are also all kinds of game and domestic animals and fowl, just like back home. There are also all kinds of vegetables, and one plants all kinds in the gardens. But they look different from those back home. Aromes [citrons] we have not seen so far. "As to the winter, the year 1737 was a very cold one so that 6 people froze to death. There is also much snow. The summer is very warm but a wind blows all the time, so it is not hard to take. "From Carolina I heard that the Switzers have died, mostly of the heat, that went there Anno 1736. Carolina is said to be a good country but the heat is too great, so not everyone can suffer it, and much grain and flour is sent there from here. And they say that nobody can move away from there once he has settled there. "Here in Bentzelfania [Pennsylvania] is all freedom. Many will sell house and home to move on. Everybody that came with us from the Basel area is still alive. With us on the ship across the sea were: Durss Thommen, Xstian [Christian] Schaub, Hans Heckendorn, Jacob Bitter, Hans Spittler, one from Rineberg and Zegligen and two from Rotenfluh, also a lad from there, son of Joner Hansen from Brattelen [Pratteln], one from Muttentz and a lad Brattelen, the herdsman from Aeschen [Aesch] outside of Basel, Margreth Eck from Diegten who took herself a husband in this country. These are all in the country of Pensilvania. Barbara Burli, our cousin, is there too. Among these families.no more have died than a child at sea, the littlest son of Hans Heckendorn, the littlest son of Hans Spittler, the littlest daughter of the herdsman from Eschen. The latter two died in Philadelphia. "There are all kinds of trades and crafts here. One can get anything that serves to further human needs, but dear. Many ships with all kinds of goods come across the sea. Salt is quite cheap; it comes of the sea. Bread we have as good and fine as back home; meat is cheap too. Seven ships with Germans arrived Anno 1737, and the 8th was expected any day. Otherwise even more ships with German people arrive in New-Georgia; for New-Georgia has been known longer than Philadelphia. "We live, thanks be to God! very quit and undisturbed under the King of Engelland, and have no burdens nor levies. Because corvee or guard duty is unknown here, only two or three times a year you have to help build the streets or roads, and as for the general expenses of the country, one man as well as the next must pay as he is able, maybe 5 batzen on 100 acres of land, and not even every year. Otherwise one

page -32- gives neither quitrent, dues, not tithes. "I wrote you a year ago telling a little about our voyage. Dear cousin Mathis Suter and Hans Jacob Mohler and Fried Mohler and Grandfather and Niclaus Jenni and Zuss Joggi (I don't know the surname of Zuss Joggi; he lives in the former juryman's house), dear Hans Jacob Mohler, as churchwarden in Lower Dieckten, dear cousin Mathis Suter and everybody in Lower Dieckten, I cannot give you any other news than what is written here. But one can write every year from our town of Phildadelphia to Roterdam. Ships are leaving all the time for Holland and Engelland and other nearby countries too. "If somebody is poor and wants to work, he can feed himself quite well here. It is true, not everything grows in this country, yet all kinds of things come from other countries; chestnuts, apples, peaches, those we have much of, and a good drink is made out of apples and a brandy out of peaches. But the real brandy, wine, oil, rice, and sugar and the likes come from other places. In the city you can get anything in the world. "We do not have a home of our own. "The 4 families that left the Basel area Anno 1737 have arrived safe and sound. Breckemer's youngest little son died in Engelland. But the ocean voyage varies much, for we travelled from Engelland to Philadelphia in 8 weeks, but it has happened that they were underway 10 to 20 weeks. I don't want to advise it nor hinder anyone; each has his own free will. It is a long and very short voyage. "I, Hans Georg Gerster, Eve Gisin, and our mother are sending you our kind and friendly regards; may God protect you. Give our regards to all relations and friends, especially to our dear mother, Salome Borlin, and her children. While we cannot see each with our bodily eyes, yet we hope we will see each other again, by the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ, in the beyond of eternal joy and bliss. This is my fondest wish for all who read or hear this letter, that each and every one may ready himself for it. So now you have the news. Farewell in God. "Beloved Rev. Jeronimus Anone, when you have read this letter, please send it on the Hans Jacob Mohler, the churchwarden, and Mathis Suter in Lower Dieckten. "From me, Hans Georg Gerster, living in Germantown 2 hours from Philadelphia, the 20th of Old Winter Month [November], Anno 1737. "Hans Georg Gerster in the contry of Benzelfania. "Dear Hans Jacob Mohler and cousin Mathis Suter, when you have read the letter, please send it on to my brother-in-law in Benwell. "Please bring or send me all kinds of pear and grape pits, also prune pits that have not been dried in the oven." And now the third letter written by Hans Georg Gerster to his friends in Basel, Switzerland -- dated 4 November 1740. "The kind of sorrow each must suffer at his place is measured and certain; that to come, uncertain. "Jesus, the Eternal Son of God, be with every one of you for your salvation, my beloved friends! "I, Hans Georg Gerster, first send my greetings to all of you and report to you that I have received the letters from Mathis Suter and from Hans Jacob Mohler and from Hans Hafelfinger safely and well this year through Martin Weisser. But he is not here anymore, else he would have written, too. "This Martin lost his wife at sea, for they had a miserable sea voyage. He still brought 5 children with him. And Cousin Zuss Joggi also arrived here with his family except his littlest child that died. page -33- But they have moved away from here, so I don't know where he is now. "Mathis Mohler died at sea. Kisten [Christian?] Martin has inherited 12 doubloons from him, and so has Zuss Jocki, and still others. "Further to report that Jacob Buser died in Engelland on his voyage, and 2 daughters at sea, and the mother here only 8 days after her arrival. The oldest daughter broke her thick leg [thigh] way up close to her boby during a storm at sea, and is at present abed here at a doctors, being cured. "Heinrich Rickenbacher has moved to Comastocke [Conestoga]. Two of his 8 children died at sea and his wife here in town. "Martin, the smith's son, is here in Germanthon [Germantown] and must serve for his fare. "Wagner, from Geld [Gelterkinden], went into the bush. Stumm from Rineburg arrived safely. A Switzerwoman from the Bern area has taken him in. One child, his brother's little boy, is still alive and with him; the others as well as father and mother, or brother and brother's wife, died at sea. "N., the carpenter from Oberdorff, also died at sea. His wife and 3 children are still in town, doing quite poorly. "In summa, some 60 people from the Basel area alone have died, mostly from hunger; for they had a very bad voyage with storm so that their provisions and cooking vessels got lost. "Thus, my dear friends! you can see for yourselves and understand how this is so hard and dangerous a voyage that one shoud advise no one to come. But if someone has made up his mind and is sure it is God's will, I will not advise him against it either, and he must submit to God in life and death. The kind of sorrow each must suffer at his place is measured and certain; that to come, uncertain. And if a person wants to run away from it, he often gets a much harder fate. You might do well to go over the parting speech given by Mr Lucius, Anno 1735, to the Switzers about to leave for Carolina, and to give it some thought; all of it is true just as he tells it. "Besides, I, as also my wife Eve Gisin, am very happy that Pastor A [Annone] is so serious and [his work] so blessed. God give that he bring about much lasting fruit in the souls that hear him. Here in this country with it's great freedom of conscience, there are also many that go about proclaiming publicly, in the churches, in the streets, on the highways and byways, the remission of sin, repentance, and faith in the name and blood of Jesus, and oftentimes many 1000's will assemble and be powerfully moved. In summa, it appears that the great day of the Lord is nigh. Therefore He is sending out his servants to the fences and crossroads, to urge man to enter ere His wrath is kindled. "A great war is going on at sea. The people here are fearful of an invasion by the Spaniards and French. Our God in heaven. His will be done. "Further to report that my cousin Barbara B6rlin is still alive and staying with the 7-Tager [Sabbatists] in their convent. Durss Thommen and Christen Schaublin are also still alive. Hans Jacob Thommen who was one of the 7-Tager too, has died. Anna Thommen is one of the 7-Tager too. They live some 20 hours from here. Gristen [Christian] Schaublin has helped me with money so I shouldn't have to serve. "Further to report that my old mother died Anno 1738, the 6th of July: please write this to Herzogenbuchsi [Herzogenduchsee]. "Now I must tell you how I fared since I came to this country. First, in the 4th year after our arrival, the Good Lord blessed us with a young son, and another one since then. "When I came to this country, I was much in debt for what I had to borrow, but got much work as a day-laborer so that by and by I could

page -34- finally pay off my debt. But almost 2 years ago God sent me a heavy namely, now and then I had an attack of the falling sickness [epilepsy . I took all kinds of things, finally fasted for 2 weeks during which time I only ate an egg a day. Finally the Good Lord caused it to get better so that now I feel almost nothing of it anymore, but I have to beware of spicy food and drink and of heavy labor. I therefore learned the trade of a linen-weaver which now supports me., "This -IF was still burdening us when God sent us another one, for own good, I hope, for my wife was so frightened about my condition during her confinement that she was as if paralyzed and overcome with great aches and pains in her limbs. And this year, besides all of that, she got scurvy in her gums and holes in them so she had trouble swallowing. Therefore, after having taken many remedies for naught, she took the vomit cure on doctor's advise and kept it up for over a month. But what she and I had to go through cannot be put in words. Yet this I must confess: thank Thee, Lord, for having chastised and then healed us again. Do not ever let us forget it, but let us praise Thy name evermore for Thy mercy, Amen! "We live 2 hours from Philadelphia at Germathon [Germantown], same as Jacob Baumann who sends his kind regards especially to Pastor Annone. He is wondering why his kinfolk do not write him anymore. And as to his inheritance, he doesn't need it; he says he has ample for his livelihood here. I cannot get resigned to it either that my wife's brothers and sisters or their families have not sent a word about how they are, even though I wrote to my brother-in-law 2 years ago. We send our friendly regards to all of them and wish that they may live a God-fearing life so they can enjoy a good conscience. "I also send greeting to my father, if he is still alive. All of you, my friends, acquaintances, and kinfolk, may you, besides 1000 regards from me and my wife, be faithfully commended to the merciful care of the true God and to His salvation from this our wicked world. "Live well that you may die well, and learn to die every day so that you may live well in the beyond. "I am your familiar friend, the 4th of November, 1740. "I, Hans Georg Gerster, had this written by a good friend since I cannot write well. I do not doubt that you will believe it because I experienced it myself. We still have our precious freedom. God knows how long. "My dear friends, do not be deceived by the pleasures of this world for they will pass. "From me, Hans Georg Gerster. This is the 3rd letter I have written to you. "Kind regards to Hans Thommen from Niederdorff and to Jacob Degen from the Tschoppen-Hoff [farm] and to their kin. "Pastor Annone in Wallenberg is herewith kindly asked to forward these letters as soon as possible to the places they are meant for. "P.S. If you have an occasion to write Pastor Lucius at Ansoltingen [Amsoldingen] in the Bern area, please report to him that Joh. Adam Gruber, who at one time lodged with him at Yverdun, sends friend-brotherly regards. He wishes that some day he may joyfully gather many wheat sheaves into his Lord's barn." These letters were discovered by Dr Leo Schelbert, professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, who, with Hedwig Rappolt, has published them in the German version, Alles is ganz anders Hier. Briefe aus zwei Jahrhunderten. Olten, Switzerland: Walter Verlag, (1976) 484 pp. Dr Schelbert has written in a personal letter to Mr N Stephen Castor that, "Hans Georg Gerster is a truly fine person, of deep piety and also

page -35- a certain sadness. He belongs to a whole circle of pietists who settled in Lancaster County. They are like brothers and sisters to me, as you see from the Thommen materials." * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White The further we go back in searching old records, the problems of handwriting and spelling become more and more apparent. In searching for Castor/Caster families we have found the following confirmed spellings: Kuster, Loster, Kester, Custerd, Custard, Keester, Kister, Caster, Castor, Custer, Custart, Custert, Kustard, Casner, Castner, Gester, Carter, Heston, Loftes, and perhaps Kiester. However, the spelling Kiser belongs to the Keyser family, another early Germantown family who went to Virginia. Casler is a completely different family found in the early records of Hamilton County, Indiana. Did the recorder forget to cross the "t"? For 'the moment, we are overlooking the records of Keslers and Kislers in the early records of Berks and Northampton Counties in Pennsylvania, but one wonders about origin of the name. A modern day example was noted in the Sunday, March 9th "Dear Abby" column: "Dear Abby, What is the correct way to spell the name of the colonel from Libya who is causing such a big commotion with his terrorist activities? I have seen it spelled Kadafi, Quadhafi, Khadafy and Khadafi." And Abby's reply: "Dear Curious, The name is Arabic and cannot be written in English characters, so one must spell it phonetically... Hence, all ways are equally correct -- or incorrect." We can clear up the completely different spellings as misinterpretation of handwriting. Look at some of the early signatures of Paulus, Arnold, Johannes and Hermanus shown in Milo Custer's book Custer Genealogies 1944). 11-0-Renzes Koste6 Pciag 0-4-Ls taftsi-- ( .leitnAcret Is the first letter an H, a K or an L? Also, remember the old style s written . Small r, n and s all tend to look the same especially if the letter is on the end of a word. Dr Arta F Johnson of Columbus, Ohio lectured at the 1983 spring symposium of the Indiana Historical Society "Ungarbling German Names." Dr Johnson is the author of How to Read German Church Records Without Knowing Much German, A Guide to Spelling and Pronounciation of German Names, and People of the Palatinate., He points out the Scotch-Irish held all the important offices on the frontier, so that you start with a cultural and language gap right from the start. The county recorder wrote in the records what he thought he heard. The following German sounds are very difficult to tell apart: B and P, D and T, G and K, V and F. TH in German is pronounced as T is in English. W in German is pronounced as V is in English. There is no WH sound in German. J in German sounds like Y in English -- there is no hard J sound in German. Also, German vowels are spelled differently from English vowels. The long sounds of A, E and I (in other words, the actual sound in English of

page -36- the letter) is spelled E, IE and EI in German. There is no silent E on the end of a word in German, so that the name Hite is Heydt. There is no GH sound in German so that the name Baughman became Backman.

The problem the Castors have lies in the fact that there are German sounds that can't be spelled in English. The German CH in Bucher became Booker, Fishbach became Fishback, -macher became -maker. The names Frolich and Frolig became Fraley, and Fuchs became Fox. The German a became a, ae, or e; o became e; and u became i, e, ie or eel

Dr Johnson also explained that most early German immigrant families had their German name and their English name. So that we have Paulus Kuster and Paul Kastner on early Germantown records. If any of our members can find a document with both these signatures on the same document, which will prove that these are two different people, I'll award a free lunch at the reunion in Santa Rosa.

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KASTER KLIPPINGS

*** Thomas B Riddick of Centerville, Iowa died 5 May 1985 at the age of 72. He is survived by his widow, Alice A Riddick. Alice's mother was Maggie Cordelia Caster, daughter of William Armstrong Caster. Alice has undergone lung surgery in February of 1985 and is presently being treated for bone cancer. *** Alta Lenore (Robinson) Sutherland of Grants Pass, Oregon died 29 September 1985 at the age of 81. Alta was the daughter of Wilmina Elizabeth (Caster) Robinson, and granddaughter of William B and Elizabeth Caster of Hardin County, Iowa. Alta was preceded in death by her husbands, Ivan Campbell, and Dan Sutherland, and a daughter, Fern. Alta is survived by two son's, Glen and Le Donn Campbell, and a daughter, Mrs Chrystal Hanson, eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and three half sisters, Mrs Jean Strawn, Mrs Ruth M Prather and Mrs Bertha Keller. *** Lesta Alice (Caster) Crooks of Rochester, Minnesota died 13 February 1986 at the age of 89. Lesta was born in Hardin County, Iowa, daughter of Francis "Frank" and Lucy (Permelia) Caster. Lesta was the widow of Arthur John Crooks. She is survived by three daughters.

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FROM THE MAILBAG *** Patricia D Kirkwood is editor of the "McKinney Maze," the quarterly newsletter of the McKinney Family Association. They are in their fifth year of organization and have 115+ members. Anyone interested please write to Patricia D Kirkwood, 2750 West 232 St, Torrance, California, 90505. Patricia writes a very good newsletter. *** We have received donations from the following Association Boosters: Esther Pemberton of Central Point, Oregon; Ellen Moss of Whittier, California; and Nancy Castor Knott of San Francisco, California. Thanks, Boosters!!

*** Dr H Elizabeth Mohr Jones, Ph D, of Lebanon, Indiana has been

page -37- nominated for the Home Economists in Business Hall of Fame of 1986 by the American Home Economics Association. Congratulations, Elizabeth!! *** Mrs Hope Spratlin of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has sent the ,iccompanying article from the Edmonton Journal which details an

THE EDMONTON JOURNAL, Sunday, April 6, 1986 Man who shook Sir John A's hand dead at 118; unrecorded by Guinness

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (CP) — David Trumble, unofficially the world's oldest person, died Satur- day at the reputed age of 118. Trumble, who died in hospital, had resided in a nursing home in nearby Cannifton for a number of years. He had attributed his longevity to a potion of his own making, a mixture of beaver castor, made from the glands of a beaver's groin, and ginseng root. He washed the concoction down with warm brandy and claimed, "I tell ya, when I take my medicine, I could climb a tree backwards." Trumble was not recognized as the world's oldest person by the Guinness Book of World Records — that honor has been held by a 112-year-old British woman since the death of a 120-year-old Japa- nese man — but a government citi- zenship card, signed with an X, lists his year of birth as 1867. Trumble was asked to meet the Queen during her visit to Canada when he and the country were celebrating their 100th birthday in ,1967, and scores of years earlier he had shaken the hand of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister. Trumble, who said he quit smoking when he was 104 and fa- thered the last of his 18 children when he was 75, was born in Hali- burton, Ont. A strapping six- footer in his prime, be worked as a lumberjack, miner and farmer and David Trumble fathered the last of his 18 children at 75 outlived four wives and many of . . shown with two of his granddaughters at his last birthday party his children. interesting longevity potion. You will remember that the French word for beaver is castor. Perhaps someone should market this potent potion!!

*** Mr Charles Byer of Pensacola, Florida has sent to us considerable Kester material from Harrison County, West Virginia. This is helping

page -38- very much to understand the Kester families of that area. It appears that at least two separate Kester families lived there. Joseph Kester came from Rockingham County, Virginia about 1787 and started his family in Harrison County in 1788. Joseph's family remained in Harrison County until 1837 when they moved on to Ohio. The second family, that of Henry Kester, was is Berkeley County, Virginia in 1810, in Morgan County, Virginia in 1820, and had arrived in Harrison County by 1830. Some members of this family remained in Harrison County throughout the remainder of the 19th century. Vernon Lawrence of Whispering Pines, North Carolina, has also been helping on this effort. Charles Byer has also sent some interesting miscellaneous Custer material. Many thanks to both Charles and Vernon!

*** Erma (Mrs Lorraine) Castor of Vici, Oklahoma sends a picture taken about 1899 of John Dodson "J D" Castor's homestead near Vici, Oklahoma. J D and his wife, Lillie Louise Smith, raised eight children, among them Lorraine Castor. The log cabin is in the background and ears of field corn lay on the ground before the family. Erma suggests that they probably ate a lot of hominy, corn bread and grits!!

Dad raster's Homestead ahnut 1R99

I

*** Mrs Ruth (Castor) Tassone of McKeesport, Pennsylvania has been working with us to identify some of the early Castor homes. We suspect that the home of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826), which was log construction, has been covered over and added to, and is still in use today. We shall try to pursue this with the present day owners. The home of Gabriel Castor (1786-1863) is being restored presently, and Ruth has arranged for us to correspond with the present owner. The log cabin of the Lewis Huffman family is still extant today. Lewis Huffman was aneighbor of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826), and two daughters of Lewis married sons of

page -39- Benjamin. This Lewis Huffman cabin is presently owned by Bill and Grace Castor, uncle and aunt of Ruth Tassone. We shall keep pursuing this subject, and hopefully later we can report with an interesting article for you. Many thanks, Ruth. * Paul and Greeta (Castor) Doversberger of Kokomo, Indiana ,_elebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary April 25th!! Congratulations!!

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ASSOCIATION BUSINESS

-.* Book Publications Our plans for completing our third book, "ORE CASTER/CASTOR GENEALOGIES has been delayed a little. One reason for the delay is that we are adding two more lines: Michael Kaster c_.- -1725-1801) of Northampton County, Pa; and John Castor (1783/88-1856) of Pennsylvania, Ontario and Michigan. This will bring the number of lines covered to ten. Another reason is that "yours truly" is not working as past as he should! Please bear with us, and we hope to have final details and price ready for the next newsletter.

*** 1986 Membership Directory This will be mailed soon. Those who did not subscribe for the directory, but wish to receive a copy, )lease send us $2 and we shall send a copy to you. The directory provides addresses and ancestral lines of our members. The Cook Book Leland Caster is working on a Cook Book for the Association. However, your responses to his request for recipes and a ,:Itchy name for the Cook Book have been very slow. Please give this some thought, and send your recipes and suggestion for the book name to Leland :ester, 1929 Bellpark Drive, Bremerton, Washington 98310.

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NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR FAMILY 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 %:.:-.,mbership Directory is optional and is $2 additional. Membership is open to all that are interested in the Caster, Castor, Custard, Custer, Kaster, Kastor and Kester families. Officers for the 1985-1986 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; Mrs Jack L Brown, vice president, Box 44, Windfall, Indiana 46076; Mrs Huitt D Caster, vice president, 3213 Trible, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050; Leland L Caster, vice president, 1929 Bell Park Drive, Hremerton, Washington 98310; Donald F Castor, vice president, 10433 ,.:.,=,rrolibrook Court, Tampa, Florida 33618; Jack K Castor, vice president, 4 Park Ridge Road, San Rafael, California 94903; Miss Sarah Jane Eaton, .ice, president, 1310 East 28th St, Anderson, Indiana 46014.

page -40- Pu.6I 1).1 THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA -1

September 1986 SECOND NATIONAL CASTOR FAMILY REUNION June 21 & 22, 1986 -- Santa Rosa, California Jack Castor did it again!! We thank and congratulate Jack and his volunteers for the wonderful reunion. The Flamingo Resort Hotel was the site for the gathering of the clan. The 81 attendees were as follows: Gail D Bailey, Central Point, Oregon; Emma Beaird, Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Berdena Brady, Hillsboro, Oregon; Jack & Martha Brown, Windfall, Indiana; Drew & Pat Caster, Vallejo, California; Elizabeth Campuzano, McNeal, Arizona; Bert & Helen Caster, Jacksonville, Oregon; Gene & Ila Caster, Santa Rosa, California; Huitt & Jean Caster, Grand Prairie, Texas; John F Caster, Dallas, Texas; Leland & Sandra Caster, Bremerton, Washington; Lewis & Margaret Caster, Whittier, California; Orville and Velma Caster, Goodson, Idaho; Ed & Lois Castor. Shelby. Ohin- Henry Castor, San Francisco, California; Jack & Anita Castor, San Rafael, Calif; Jack Castor, Glendale, Arizona; Phillip Castor, Noblesville, Indiana; Ray & Jane Castor, Carter, Montana; Richard & Arlene Castor, West Jefferson, Ohio; Ruth Cox, Portland, Ore; Steve & Alice Custer, Salem, Oregon; Chester & Gladys Dean, Tooele, Utah; Kathryn Gilly, Seat- tle, Washington; Earl & Ruth Hanway, Stockton, Calif; Frank & Christine Hanway and Dick Hanway, Nebraska; Dale, Malinda, Angela & Jason Johnson, Santa Rosa, Calif; Iris Carter Jones, Sacra- mento, California; Jeff, Patty, Brian & Joan Jones, Santa Rosa, Calif; Robert Benjamin & Joann Kaster, San Jose, Calif Thomas & Nancy Knott, San Francisco, Calif; Hubert & Martha Lowman, Arroyo Grande, Calif; William & Marilyn Luther, Alston, Texas; Dorotha Meeks, Green- field, Indiana; Thomas & Jean Meeks, San Francisco, Calif; Clair Miller, Los Altos, California; Ellen Moss, Whittier, Calif; Mary Frances Porter, Reno, Nevada JACK K CASTOR, Chairman page -41- Nadine Raphael, Los Altos, California; Hazel Rojas, Whittier, California; Charlie & Ann Scholer, Richmond, Texas; Robert & Dorothea Schweiger, Lenexa, Kansas; Keith & Ruth Smith, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Doris Townsend, South San Francisco, California; Chuck & Jean White, Bruce & Mary Whiter."„ Wichita, Kansas; and Olive Ziegler. iL An evening coffee welcomed forty two Fri- day arrivals. Registra- tion Saturday morning was followed by a family origins discussion and how many of us are re- lated by Charlie Scholer. This was followed by a round of self introduc- tions. A paper entitled "Some Indications of Early Castor/Custer/Kes- ter Families in the Set- tlement of the West Coast" was passed out and briefly commented on before luncheon. We have FRIDAY EVENING WELCOME several copies of this 14 page paper left over, and anyone desiring a copy may have one for the asking (please send $0.39 in stamps with your request to cover mailing). The Flamingo Hotel offered pleasant accomodations with beautiful California flowers in abundance. The Meeting Room was large and very useful. Hotel personnel made us comfortable. The food served at the luncheon was enjoyed by all.

LUNCHEON Carlton Smith, well known Genealogist of Santa Rosa, addressed the group after lunch and explained the notation of township, range and section used in most land deeds. He also introduced us to several of the "frills" he has devised for keeping genealogical records. Martha Lowman showed her two hand woven Castor coverlets from the 1840-50 period, and explained their background. Jack Castor explained his project of recreating in scale model his hometown of Carter, Montana as it appeared in the 1911-1914 period. Jean White conducted a genealogical class for page -42- CARLTON SMITH twenty one cousins, while hus- band Chuck White reproduced olc family photographs with his MARTHA LOWMAN - CASTER COVERLET special close up camera. (See next page). Ila Caster exhibi- ted her corn husk dolls with which she has won several rib- bons in shows as far away as Australia. Several Associa- tion notebooks and other note- books were on hand for brows- ing. Hubert Lowman utilized his professional photographic expertise to record our many attendees (the pictures here are those taken by Hubert -- they are really good, right?). Lewis Caster videotaped the morning and afternoon events. If you desire to borrow the video cassette for viewing the activities of the reunion on your home VCR, please send your request and $2 to cover mailing. In the evening, the dinner banquet was enjoyed by all, and was followed by a short business meeting, during which Beatrice Harper's sug- gestion for the cook book name was selected - "Castor Cookin' - Old and New." The festivi- ties were concluded with the awarding of our Olympic Caster (or is it Castor?) Awards -- the gold was awarded to Ellen Moss for the most seniority JACK & RAY CASTOR WITH MODELS

page -43- (86 years); the silver was awarded to Ed & Lois Castor for having traveled the farthest (from Shelby, Ohio); and the bronze award went to Ruth Cox for having the most grandchildren (twelve). And a good time was had by all.

JEAN WHITE - GENIE CLASS CHUCK WHITE - OLD PHOTOS

YOUR OFFICERS Standing: Leland Caster, Jack Castor Sitting: Martha Brown, Jean Caster, Jean White, Charlie Scholer page -44- THE CASTOR LENDING LIBRARY We noted with interest that one of the other family associations, conducts a lending library. The idea struck, "Why not us?" We believe ,ta it is a good idea, and provides another means for the membership to utilize some of the things that the Association has accumulated. So, henceforth, we will offer several books, and notebooks for lending. Rules and Instructions follow, as well as a list of what is available currently. From time to time, we shall advise what has been added to the available list.

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 may 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. Books and Notebooks Available for Loan Allegheny County, Pa Area Key Florence Clint (1977) 168pp The Ancestors and Descendants of James and Elizabeth (Parmer) Castor Martha Tkavens) Brown (1982) 49pp. The Ancestry and Descendants of Joshua W Custer Gary L Custer (1981) 193 pp. Ashland Countyt Ohio - Green Township - Research Aid #2 Ashland Co Chapter of OGS (1985) 151pp Ashland County, Ohio - Lake Township - Research Aid #3 Ashland Co Chapter of OGS (1986) 81pp The Atlantic Bridge to Germany Vol V (Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg & Bremen) by Charles M Hall (1978), 45pp Atlas of Dearborn County, Indiana (1875), reproduced 1977, 119pp An Atlas of Nelson and Spencer Counties, Kentucky (1882), reproduced 1975, 64pp The Bears of Blue River Charles Major (1944) [reproduced] 277pp - Tales for children based on pioneer times in Shelby County, Indiana. Beaver County, Pa - Area Key Florence Clint (1977), 78pp Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) and Descendants Castor Family Association (1984), 182pp Benjamin Kaster (1778-1870) of Mercer County, Pa and his Descendants Gini Kaster Ennis (1985), 303pp Biographical History of Madison County, Indiana Helen M Harvey Baumer (1978), 279pp Biographical Sketches Beaver County, Pennsylvania Helen G Clear, editor (1977), 182 pp Castor/Custard The Progenitors and other Kinfolk of Henry and Nancy Castor Gaylord B Castor (1984), 142pp Commemorative Book of Tippecanoe County (Indiana) 1826-1976 Allen Hayman, Editor (1976) 99pp Complete Index of Remaining Tax Records, Beaver Countyt Pa 1802-1840 Helen G Clear, Gladys G Schmidt & Mae H Winne (1983) 64 pp Complete Index of Will Books and Register's Docket, Beaver County, Pa page -45- 1800-1900 Helen G Clear, Gladys G Schmidt & Mae H Winne (1980) 180 pp Comprehensive Index to the Warrantee and Patent Ma s of Beaver County, Pa Helen G Clear & Mae H Winne 1986 122pp Coon-Gohn Descendants Frances Davis McTeer (1979), 277pp - Contains some references to Custer and Kister. Cradled in Sweden Carl-Erik Johansson (1972), 205pp Custer Genealogies Milo Custer (1944), 154pp Custer/Bryan Mary Ruth Brookover (1980), 190pp A Custer Family - descended from John Custer and his wife Margaret or Barbara of Franklin and Somerset Counties, Pa Dr Ernest Hamer Coleman (1957), 45pp The Descendants of George Custer (son of-George) and his wife Mary Wise Donald M Custer (1975), 119pp [photocopied] Descendants of Hermanus Kuster and his wife Sybella Conrad Donald Custer 43pp [photocopied] The Descendants of Paul Custer (son of Arnold) and his wife Sarah Ball Custer Donald M Custer (1974) 82pp [photocopied - some is difficult to read] The E H Casters Agnes Preston Caster, 270pp First Ownership of Ohio Lands Albion Morris Dyer (1982), 85pp The Germans in Texas Gilbert Giddings Benjamin (1974), 157pp A Genealogical Handbook of German Research Larry 0 Jensen (1980), 205pp Handy Guide to Austrian Genealogical Records Dagmar Senekovic (1979), 97pp History of Hamilton County, Indiana Kingman Brothers (1880) reproduction 1976, 187pp History of Jay County (Indiana) edited by Milton T Jay (1922), reprinted 1978, 562pp History of Union Township (Washington County, Pa), Surrounding Area and the Early Settlers Noah Thompson (1976), 128pp Jay County, Indiana 1982 Jay County Historical Society, 415pp John Caster, Senior & Descendants Castor Association Notebook, 235pp Mans of Preble County, Ohio, 1858 - 1940 Preble County Historical Society, 329pp Most All Our Koester Cousins by Marjorie M Rector (1974), 93pp More Koester Cousins by Marjorie M Rector (1975), 53pp Lest We Forget - A Guide to Genealogical Research in the Nation's Capitol June Andrew Babbel, revised (1976), 135pp Matheny-Gucciardo and Allied Families Delores Matheny Gucciardo, 3rd edition (1983), 314pp 19th Century Marriage Registrations, Beaver County, Pa Helen G Clear, Gladys G Schmidt & Mae H Winne (1982), 301pp Napoleon & Vicinity (Indiana) - 1820 Sesquicentennial 1970 Historical Souvenir 206pp Pioneers of Crawford County, Pa 1788-1800 Robert Ilisevich (1985), 47pp Pioneer Life in Dayton (Ohio) and Vicinty 1796-1840 John F Edgar (1896) republished 1976, 296pp Registration of Deaths, Beaver County, Pa Helen G Clear, Galdys G Schmidt & Mae H Winne (1984), 130pp Atlas of Rockingham County, Virginia 1885 D J Lake & Co, 55pp Some Caster/Castor Genealogies Castor Family Association (1985), 193pp Son of the Morning Star Evan S Connell (1984) 437pp - George A Custer and the Little Bighorn Surname Index of Existing Tax Records, Beaver County, Pa 1802-1840 Gladys G Schmidt & Rebecah R Brown (1980), 232 pp Survey of the Prairie Baptist Church Cemetery, Hamilton County, Indiana Phillip J Castor (1986), 3Opp

page -46- Timesaving Aid to Virvinia - West Virginia Ancestors P G Wardell (1985), 170pp Tobias Custer and Descendants Castor Association Notebook, 52pp War of 1812 Genealogy George K Schweitzer (1983), 69pp g Washington's Expeditions and Braddock's Expedition James Hadden (1910) reproduced 1978, 138pp William Penn and the Dutch Quaker Migration to Pennsylvania William I Hull (1970), 445pp

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VETERANS OF WAR OF 1812 We have made use of the pension records of the National Archives in Washington, D C, and other sources, to prepare a list of Caster - Castor - Custard - Custer - Kester soldiers that served in the War of 1812 against Great Britain. George Caster, Jr Conrad Custard Joseph Custer Hezikiah Caster Nicholas Custard Reuel Custer John Castor Richard Custard Richard Custer Benjamin Kaster William W Custard -William Custer - William Caster Jacob Custer ** Joseph Kester William Castor John Custer PaulKester ** died in service This list probably is not complete, and if we have overlooked your ancestor, please let us know. Following are our family notes of each of the above veterans. George Caster, Jr born about 1785 in Va. He is styled as George Caster, Jr in his will, and probably this George is the son of George. Is he the son of George Custard who served in the Revolutionary War in the 9th and 13th Virginia Regiments of the Continental Line? George married 3 January 1810 Sarah Weymeir/Weymor/Wimer in Butler County, Pennsylvania - Thomas Christy, a Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony. Sarah was born about 1788 in Va (in what later became West Va), daughter of Isaac Wimer. George enlisted near Harmony, Pennsylvania as a Private 12 January 1814 in Captain Robert Martin's Company of the 138th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Militia (commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Robert Miller) for the War of 1812. He was listed as George Custard. George marched with his company to Erie (on Lake Erie) and was stationed there. George was discharged 21 March 1814. They lived in Butler County, Pa from 1810 or before until as late as 1852. George bought 1 April 1830 land in the Alexander District near Zelienople. George and Sarah sold land 9 October 1840 and 9 March 1851. George applied for bounty land (for his service in the War of 1812) in 1851 and received 40 acres which he sold to others. George and Sarah sold land in West Connoquenessing Township of Butler County on 5 March 1852. By 1855 (probably by 1853) they had settled in Wayne Twp of Hamilton County, Indiana. George was a farmer. George died 28 April 1869 in Hamilton County, Indiana. Sarah was still living in August 1872 in Hamilton County. Children: 1. John Castor born about 1812 in Pa; married Mary (Hetselgesser?), (dau Margaret b. ca 1862 in Ind); this may be the John Castor known as "slick John" and if so, he died November 1880 in Wayne Twp, Hamilton County, page -47- Indiana. 2. Andrew Castor born about 1812 in Pa; married Esther Leslie, lived in Butler County, Pa. 3. Cassandra Castor born about 1823 in Pa; married Ellis, marrieel 7 October 1853 Jeremiah Paulsel in Hamilton County, Indiana, later' divorced. 4. Sarah Castor born 26 February 1824 in Pa.; married first Levi Graham probably in Pa, married 25 November 1852 William Castor in Hamilton County, Indiana; lived in Wayne Twp of Hamilton County; died 22 March 1907 in Hamilton County, buried at Prairie Baptist Church Cemetery. 5. Benjamin Castor born about 1834 in Pa; married 24 January 1856 Mary E Ralsten in Hamilton County, Indiana. Note: Was Elizabeth Castor a daughter of George? Elizabeth married 18 March 1844 Archibald Graham, ceremony performed by Newton Bracken in Butler County, Pa. Rev Bracken was pastor of Portersville Presbyterian Church 1841-1863, and Rich Hill Church 1841-1860. See WPGS-Q Spring 1986, pp 22-24. James Hezekiah Caster born about 1788-1791 in Virginia or Maryland, son of James and Druzilla Caster. Hezekiah married 24 August 1811 Mary Davis in Harrison County, Virginia. Hezekiah enlisted 16 September 1812 in the Virginia Militia and served in Captain Josiah Peck's Company. He was discharged 16 Novmeber 1812. He settled in Ohio prior to 1816. Hezekiah married 12 January 1815 Susanna Graham in Gallia County, Ohio, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Ripley) Graham. Susanna was born about 1797 in Cumberland County, Pa. Hezekiah was a farmer. Columbia Township of Meigs County was organized 12 April 1820, and the first election of township officers was held 24 June 1820. Hezekiah Caster, George Davis and Joshua Wood were elected the first township' trustees. Hezekiah died about 1876, and was buried at Scioto Furnace, Scioto County, Ohio. Their children: 1. Caster (male) born 1810-1815. 2. James Ripley Caster born 13 April 1816 in Ohio; married 7 July 1836 Jerusha Green in Meigs County, Ohio; died 6 January 1879, buried in the graveyard on his farm in Meigs County, Ohio. 3. Mary Caster born about 1820 in Ohio, was idiotic. 4. Nancy Caster born 1822 in Meigs County, Ohio; married 23 July 1839 Cornelius Queen in Meigs County, Ohio; died in Caledonia, Missouri. 5. William Caster married 25 May 1845 Nancy Graham in Sciota County, Ohio; died 1850. 6. John Lewis Caster born 20 May 1826 in Virginia; married 20 May 1855 Sarah R Cross in Meigs County, Ohio; died 4 October 1863 at Vicksburg, Miss. 7. Druzilla Jane Caster; died about 1876. 8. David Caster never married. 9. Malinda Cordelia Caster married 16 March 1848 Aaron Hollingshead in Scioto County, Ohio. 10. Elizabeth Caster born about 1830 in Ohio; died about 1865. 11. Margaret Caster born about 1836 in Ohio; married 16 September 1852 Squire Jenkins in Scioto County, Ohio. John Castor born 1795 in Virginia (?), son of John and Hannah (McDonald) Castor. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving as a Private from 7 March to 7 September 1814 in Captain D Mills Company of Ohio Militia under Colonel W W Cotgraves. He served from Wayne County, Ohio. He was discharged honorably at Pynesville, Ohio. He married 14 March 1817 Elizabeth Bell (Beal?) in Holmes County, Ohio. Elizabeth was

page -48- born 1795 in Virginia. They lived in Holmes County, Ohio. They settled in section 14 of Daviess County, Missouri in May 1841. In September 1850, John received 80 acres (west half of the northeast quarter in Section 14, Twp 58, Range 29) as bounty land for his service in the War Sof 1812. John was a farmer. Elizabeth died 1873, and John died 1876. They were buried at Old Union Cemetery, Daviess County, Missouri. Their children: 1. Sarah Castor born 28 December 1817 in Holmes County, Ohio; married 6 December 1838 James Johnston in Ohio, moved in 1841 to Daviess County, Mo, died sometime after 1881 and buried at Winston Cemetery in Daviess County. 2. Reason Castor born 2 November 1819 in Holmes County, Ohio; married Margery ; died 2 November 1911, buried at Wilson Cemetery, Daviess County, Missouri. 3. Robert Castor born 28 February or 1 April 1822 in Holmes County, Ohio; married 5 October 1843 Sarah Jane Kier in Daviess County, Missouri; died 12 February 1888, buried at Winston Cemetery, Daviess County, Missouri. 4. Castor (female) born 1820-1825. 5. Castor (female) born 1825-1830. 6. Andrew Jackson Castor born about 1828 in Holmes County, Ohio; married Francanna , married Lucinda Hutchison; killed about 1864 in Civil War. 7. John Castor Jr born 15 May 1831 in Holmes County, Ohio; marriad Amelia married second Mary C Snyder; died 21 August 1905, buried at Winston Cemetery, Daviess County, Missouri. 8. Joseph/Josephus Castor born about 1832/4 in Holmes County, Ohio; married Catharine 9. William P Castor Castor born 2 March 1837 in Holmes County, Ohio; married Lydia ; died 24 May 1900, buried in Daviess County, Missouri. 10. George Washington Castor born 2 February 1839 in Ohio; married Hester F Castor; died 11 July 1899, buried at Winston Cemetery, Daviess County, Missouri. Benjamin Kaster was born 20 September 1778 in Pa, son of Benjamin and Ruth Castor. His wife, Orpha Heath, was born 8 June 1780, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Heath of Peters Creek Valley in Allegheny County, Pa. They settled in Mercer County, Pa. about 1802, in Hickory Township. Benjamin served as Supervisor for Shenango Township in 1809, Appraiser in 1810, 1811 and 1812, and Overseer for 1814, 1815, 1816, and 1829. Benjamin served in the War of 1812 as a private from 2 October 1812 until 2 April 1813. He was a member of Captain Matthew Dawson's Company from Mercer County, 5th Battalion Pennsylvania Militia. "The History of Mercer County, Pa" (1888) explains that Benjamin was apart of the 135th Regiment under Col Andrew Christy, Capt Matthew Dawson and Lt John Ferguson. They joined General Crook's Brigade and marched through Ohio to operate with General William H Harrison's Army against the British around Fort Meigs. While the troops were on their way to the fort, they camped near Mansfield, Ohio 29 November 1812. A violent storm came up in the morning, hurling a huge oak tree on Capt Dawson Company's tents. One man was killed and eleven were injured. They continued from Mansfield by way of Fort Ball (now Tiffin) and Upper Sandusky to Fort ErN Meigs where they joined Harrison's Army. Benjamin's military record shows that his pay for his 6 months 19 days service (19 days allowed for travelling home 285 miles) was $44.17, but $5.06 was deducted for clothing drawn during his service. Benjamin was 5' 10" tall, had sandy hair and blue eyes.

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After Orpha died, Benjamin married 10 June 1843 Catherine (Bane) Seburn, widow of Andrew Seburn. Catherine was born about 1809 in Pa. Catherine had married 28 December 1832 Andrew Seburn in Trumbull County,' Ohio. Andrew Seburn died March 1835. In 1856, Benjamin applied for! bounty land for his service in the War of 1812, and received 80 acres, perhaps 160 acres. Benjamin died 6 December 1870 and is buried at Moorefield Cemetery, Hickory Township, Mercer County, Pa. A granddaughter of Benjamin (Emeline Orvis) records in one of her letters that he never drank coffee, tea or alcohol during his life. He was fond of fine horses, and had a race track on his farm, near Sharon, Pa. Catherine continued to live in Mercer County until she was 84 and then moved to Oswega, Labette County, Kansas. Catherine died 4 August 1895. Children by Orpha: 1. Samuel Raster born about 1805; married Mary Mabam, lived in Crawford County, Pa; died 1855t 2. Kaster (female) born 1800-1810, probably did not survive to adulthood. 3. Benjamin Kaster born about 1807; married Sarah , lived in Crawford County, Pat 4. Sealy Raster born 2 May 1812 in Mercer County; married Mary Shilling, married Martha Robertson; died 22 February 1873 in Delaware County, Iowa. 5. Thomas Henry Kaster born 29 May 1814 in Pa; married Margaret Jane Williamson; died 19 July 1887 in Darlington, Wisconsin. 6. Margaret "Peggy" Raster born about 1816; married Daniel Stambaugh. 7. Hiram Kaster born 1817 in Pa; married 22 February 1837 Clarissa Cary in Mercer County, Pa; died 17 January 1894 at Strawberry Point, Iowa. Children by Catherine: 8. Henry B Raster born about 1843 in Pa; married Margaret 9. Anna Raster born about 1846 in Pa; married Coon. 10. Rebecca Raster born about 1849. 11. Phoebe Raster born about 1851; married Downs. William Caster was born 1793 at Swanton, Vermont. Was he the son of William Caster (born 1760-70) who was living in Swanton in 1830? William was drafted as a Private 1 October 1812/13 at Swanton Falls, Vermont, in Captain Valentine Goodrich's Company, Vermont militia commanded by Colonel Hathaway. William was discharged 1 January 1813/14 at Burlington, Vermont. He also served under Asa Hopkins. William was 5'-10" tall, and had blue eyes, auburn hair and a fair complexion. William married 3 January 1825 Catherine Townsend at Pulteney/Wheeler, Steuben County, New York -- Justice of the Peace Billings officiated. Catherine was born about 1796. Catherine had previously married James Stocum who had drowned about 1818. William and Catherine lived at Pulteney for about two years, and then located at Prattsburgh, Stueben County, New Yorkt In 1871, William received 160 acres of bounty land (B L Warrant No 111582) for his service. William died 14 February 1877 at Prattsburgh, New York. Catherine survived William, and was still living in 1889 near Prattsburgh. Their children: 1. Willard Caster born about 1829 in New York; married Eliza 2. Catharine Caster 3. Polly Caster born about 1833. 4. Henry Caster born about 1836. 5. Delia Caster born about 1838. 6. Harvey Caster born about 1840; marrried Harriet • William Castor was born 2 December 1783 in Allegheny County, Pa., son of Benjamin and Ruth Castor. As a youth, he twice saw General Washington. Once on a visit with his father, and again when General Washington disbanded the troops that put down the Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania. When a young man, he went to Montgomery County,' 41 Kentucky, where he stayed until he was seventeen, and then went to Clermont County, Ohio. He married 17 July 1804 Miss Mary "Polly" Chotter in Clermont County, Ohio. During the Spring of 1805, they went to Montgomery County, Ohio and leased some land from his older brother, Conrad, and settled in the woods. After clearing about seven acres, he sold his lease and moved to Preble County, Ohio in the Spring of 1811, and settled near. Eaton. In the Fall, he entered 80 acres of land up Seven Mile Creek, some four miles northwest of Eaton. On this land he built a cabin in the Fall of 1811, and lived there about two years. After clearing eight acres, he sold his tract for $500. He then bought 107 acres from Aaron Huffman a short distance south. Shortly thereafter he sold this and then purchased a half quarter of land on Paint Creek which he cleared and improved, and lived upon for more than 60 years. He served two tours in the War of 1812, one under Capt James L Nisbet and the other under Capt Joseph C Hawkins. He served as an Indian spy at times. He was honorably mustered out, and later drew a pension. William was five feet-ten inches tall, rather heavy built, deep in the chest and of ruddy complexion. He was married three times, and survived all his help-mates. He never had any children, but he had adopted other children and reared them as his own. Methodism was first introduced to Eaton, Ohio by the Rev John Holmes of the Baltimore Conference, in William's small log cabin in the Spring of 1811. The first church of Gasper Township of Preble County was built in 1818, and William was one of the three trustees. This was known as Friendship Church, and as late as 1854, he was one of the three trustees of the cemetery there. His first wife died 20 January 1845 at the age of 73 years. She is buried in Friendship Cemetery. William married 18 March 1845 Chloe Niccum in Preble County. William married 31 October 1867 Mary ( Burson Flagg. Mary was born 9 January 1800 near Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Mary died 24 January 1873 of "dropsical affection", aged 73. William died 31 July 1878 at the age of 97 years. He is buried at the Friendship Cemetery near Eaton, Ohio. Conrad Custard/Custer Jr born about 1780-1785 in Virginia, son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Lair) Custer. Conrad married 18 July 1806 Leanna Thomas at Lair, Kentucky. Leanna was born about 1793 in Virginia, daughter of William Thomas of Bourbon County, Kentucky. Conrad served in the Kentucky military War of 1812 as a Private in Ravenscratt's Company. He enlisted in early part of September 1813 for 90 days, and served for two to three weeks after which he paid a John Berry to substitue for him for the remainder of the service. They lived in Harrison County, Kentucky. They located in Fayette County, Indiana in the winter of 1827. They later moved to Morgan County, Indiana. Conrad died 20 August 1875 at Columbia Township, Fayette County, Indiana, buried at Columbia Cemetery. Their children: 1. John T Custer born about 1801 in Bourbon County, Ky; married 26 December 1830 Eliza A Berry; died 1873 in Fayette County, Indiana. 2. William Custer Sr born about 1805 in Bourbon County, Ky; married 29 July 1830 Judy Kendle/Kendall; died near Connersville, Indiana, buried at Lick Creek Cemetery near Connersville. 3. Hiram Custer born 29 December 1809 in Bourbon County, Ky; married 14 February 1832 or 1833 Mary Limpus; died 7 September 1893 at Columbia page -51- Township of Fayette County, Indiana. 4. George A Custer born 1814 in Ky; married 21 April 1836 Dicy King in Marion, Indiana; died March 1878 in Davis County, Iowa. 5. Melvin Custer born about 1825; married Elizabeth Sarah Wiggans in Keokuk Co, Iowa; died in Benton County, Iowa, buried at Concord Cemetery. 6. Joseph Custer born 6 October 1827 in Bourbon County, Ky; married 15 May 1851 Mary Foster, lived in Washington Twp of Rush County, Indiana; died 22 May 1901.

Nicholas Custard served in Foulke's 8th Infantry during War of 1812. Is this the son of Nicholas and Mary (Morris) Custard of Bucks County, Pa? Richard Custard born about 1794, son of Richard and Sarah Custard of Crawford County, Pa. Richard served as a Private in Captain Thomas Havlin's Company of the Pennsylvania militia. He enlisted 1 January 1814, and was discharged 8 February 1814. Richard married 21 December 1826 Almira Wetmore at Greenwood, Crawford County, Pa. Richard died 6 July 1886 at Hartstown, Crawford County, Pa. Their children: 1. James Custard born about 1832; married Mary 2. others? William W Custard born 29 August 1785, son of Isaac and Hannah Custard. William married 2 August 1806 Phebe Hall at Walpack, New Jersey -- marriage was performed by John Nice, Justice of the Peace. Phebe was born 15 March 1788. William served during the War of 1812 in Captain Mandy's Company of Light Horse and was detached to Captain Nathaniel Fisher's Company of the First Regiment of New York Militia under the command of General McClure. William was drafted in June 1813 at Painted Post (sometimes known as Post Town), New York. He was discharged at Niagra 15 December 1813. William died 14 June 1851 at Sterlingville, Washington Township, Wyoming County, Pa. In 1855, Phebe was living in Jessup Township of Susquehanna County, Pa. In 1872, Phebe was living at Rush (post office is Elk Lake), Susquehanna County, Pa. Phebe died 1883 or before. Their children: 1.Hannah Custard born 27 August 1808; died 20 June 1841. 2. Benjamin Custard born 6 October 1811; died 9 March 1820. 3. Lorana Custard born 26 December 1813 4. Isaac Custard born 6 March 1815 5. Maria T Custard born 30 July 1817 6. Almira Custard born 3 July 1819 7. Phebe Jain Custard born 6 August 1822 8. Emily Custard born 16 January 1825; did she marry 9 January 1858 H C Comings? 9. Nancy Ellener Custard born 17 May 1827. Jacob Custer born about 1788 in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County, Pa, son of John and Sarah Custer. He married 30 August 1810 Rachel Rain at St James Protestant Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, Pa. Jacob enlisted 4 April 1814 for five years as a Private in Captain Biddle's Company, 2nd Regiment, U S Artillery (War of 1812). He died in service September 1814 at Philadelphia, Pa. Their child: 1. Sarah Custer born 13 October 1812; married 21 June 1835 John Hoffman Custer; died 26 October 1880, buried at Wentz Reformed Church Cemetery in Whitpain Township.

.nacrez —9— John Custer/Custard born 1784, son of William and Margaret (Willets) Custer. He lived in Montgomery County, Pa where he was a manufacturer and stone mason. He married 16 June 1800 Nancy Hedge. Later he moved to Perry County, Pa and became farmer. John was a soldier in the War of 1812. John married 3 February 1819 Elizabeth Osburn, daughter of Jonah Osborn of Montgomery County. John died 1850 in Perry County, Pa. Elizabeth survived him, but died before 1852. Their children: 1. George W Custer born 1824; married Wilhemina (Osburn?), lived in Moylan, Delaware County, Pa in 1897. 2. Margaret Custer born (1825?); married Robert C (Branyan?); died after 1897. 3. Bethel Moore Custer born 8 June 1828; married November 1851 Jane C Robertson, married 11 June 1872 Martha Holmes, lived in Glenolden, Pa in 1897; died 1893 or later. 4. Anna Louise Custer born 17 February 1831; married 10 March 1853 Francis H Lubbe, lived at Norristown, Pa; died 1 December 1917. 5. Mary Ann Custer born (1820 or 1832?); married 15 October 1852 Benjamin Franklin Egbert, lived at Norristown, Montgomery County, Pa; died 27 April 1857. 6. John Osburn Custer born 1834; married Hannah Broades; died before 1903. 7. Thomas 0 Custer born 1834; married Mary Smith. 8. Elizabeth Custer born 1836; married ? Joseph Custer/Custard married Martha Claig about 1809 in Botetourt County, Virginia. Joseph served as a Private in Captain Josiah I. Wood's and Captain Robert Mitchel's Companies, 10th US Infantry. He enlisted 18 August 1813, and was discharged 31 May 1815. Joseph died 3 June 1839 in Henry County, Virginia. Martha was living 1854 in Franklin County, Virginia, and 1871 in Roanoke County, Virginia. Reuel Custer born 7 October 1790 at Lexington, Kentucky, son of Arnold and Elizabeth (Scholl) Custer. Reuel served as Corporal in Captain James Forbes Company of the Kentucky militia, enlisting 18 September 1812. He was discharged 30 October 1812. Reuel married 31 October 1816 Martha "Patsy" Allen in Barren County, Kentucky. Martha was born 3 December 1792 in Kentucky. They located near Mud Lick in Jefferson County, Indiana, and Reuel farmed on the homestead established by his father. Martha died 6 March 1880, buried at Hebron Cemetery. Reuel died 9 August 1880 in Jefferson County, Indiana. Their children: 1. Catharine Custer 2. Elizabeth Custer 3. Polly Custer born about 1823 in Kentucky. 4. Nancy Custer born 27 February 1827 near Belleview, Indiana; married 22 January 1851 John Wesley Thorn (1822-1901) in Jefferson County, Indiana; died 1886 at Minneapolis, Kansas. 5. Martha Custer born about 1833 in Indiana. 6. Ruel Benjamin Custer born about 1835 in Indiana; married 19 December 1872 Frances Graham in Jefferson County, Indiana. Richard Custer, Jr born December 1788 in Rockingham County, Virginia, son of Richard and Jane (Humble) Custer. Richard married 28 March 1810 Elizabeth Trumbo. Elizabeth was born 21 August 1791, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Haws) Trumbo. Richard was a gunsmith, farmer and a sawmill operator. The sawmill was on the farm of his son-in-law, Isaac page -53- Ween, located about 13 miles northwest of Cootes' Store in the valley of Dry River. Richard farmed his father's farm, located 4 miles north of Cootes' Store, and this farm was later owned by his son-in-law, Abran Hess. He enlisted in Captain Thomas Hopkins Copmpany of the Virginia militia in the War of 1812 from 29 August to 8 December 1814. He was a small, stoutly built man about 5' 6" tall and about 150 pounds in weight. He had a light complexion, blue eyes, and it is said he never wore a beard or moustache. Elizabeth was a large, strongly built woman witt dark hair and dark eyes. Richard died 4 or 14 June 1858, and Elizabett died 3 December 1873. They were buried on the old Richard Custex homestead 4 miles north of Cootes Store, Virginia. Their children: 1. Sarah Custer born 21 August 1811 in Rockingham County; married 1831- George Riddle in Rockingham County; died 3 November 1897. 2. George Custer born 9 September 1813 in Rockingham County; marriec about 1840 Margaret (or Melvina?) Ritchie in Rockingham County; died 185! in Rockingham County. 3. Jacob Custer born 25 January 1817 in Rockingham County; marriec Isabella Miller; died 1892. 4. Deborah Custer born 29 September 1819 in Rockingham County; marriec 1836 Isaac Ween in Rockingham County; died 13 July 1903. 5. Hannah Custer born 5 February 1823 in Rockingham County; marriec Absalom Ritchie, Sr in Rockingham County. 6. Conrad Custer born 10 February 1825 in Rockinghama County; marriec Nancy Shoemaker; died 6 August 1899 near Monmouth, Illinois. 7., Amanda Custer born 28 November 1829 in Rockingham County; marriec Abram Hess in Rockingham County. 8. Berryman Custer born 2 February 1833 in Rockingham County; marriec Mary A Shoemaker; died 1925. William Custer served in Captain Hartman's Company, 65t] Regiment of Pennsylvania militia in War of 1812. He was at Marcus Hool during his service. We have no further details. This is from Biograph y & History of Chester County, Pa by Winfield S Garner (1893), p 48. Joseph Kester, Jr born early 1790s, son of Joseph and Mar: (Morrison) Kester. Joseph married 4 March 1812 Sarah Bonnell in Harrisol County, Virginia (Marriage Book 2, page 6) - ceremony performed by Josepl Chenvront. Joseph served in the War of 1812 in the 3rd U.S. Rifles uncle] Colonel William King. Apparently, Joseph died prior to 1840. Their children: 1. Joseph J Kester born 1810-1820. 2. Elizabeth Kester born about 1813; married Jonas Foust. 3. John B Kester born 31 December 1817 (computed from age at time o: death) at Clarksburg, Virginia; married 17 June 1838 Jane Anne Chamberlain, married 2 April 1865 Fornetta Sipe; died 14 February 1885 a. the age of 67 years, 2 months and 14 days. 4. William W Kester born 5 December 1819 (Bible record) or 17 September 1819 (death certificate) in Virginia; married 25 September 1841 Susa: Rosette Washburn in Delaware County, Ohio; died 30 April 1901 at Cam: Douglas, Wisconsin. 5. Jonathan Rester born about 1824 in Harrison County, Virginia; marries 16 January 1854 Margaret Singer; died 1888. 6. Harriet Rester born 1825-1830. Paul Rester born about 1760 probably in Hunterdon County, Nif Jersey, son of William and Elizabeth (Kester) Kester. Paul married abou 1785 Ruhama Bonham. Ruhama was born about 1765 in Hunterdon County, Ne. page -54- Jersey. They moved in 1786 with his parents from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky. They later moved to Preble County, Ohio. Paul served in the War of 1812 in Lanier's independent battalion of Ohio militia from. I 11 March 1813 to 10 April 1814. Tradition is that he served through the war and was killed on the way home. Letters of Administration were granted to Ruhama 28 April 1814 in Preble County, Ohio. Appraisal of Paul Kester's estate was made 1 June 1814. Ruhama died about 1845 near Pimento, Indiana. Their children: 1. Rebecca Kester born 3 July 1786 probably in Nelson County, Ky; married 1806 William Welch; died 8 December 1849, buried at Friendly Grove Cemetery, Clay County, Indiana. 2. Sarah Kester born 5 October 1788; married 27 March 1806 Moses Evans; died 19 September 1862. 3. John Kester born 24 March 1791; married 13 April 1815 Margaret Layson; died 1 January 1840. 4.. Mary A Kester born 1 Novmeber 1792 in Kentucky; married 1810 John Welch; died 8 July 1857, buried at Second Prairie Creek Cemetery, Vigo County, Indiana. 5. Jesse Kester born May 1800; married Sarah Johnson, married Ruth Eveline Conley; died July 1856. 6. Ruth Kester born 14 August 1802 near Middletown, Ohio; married 25 August 1820 Thomas C McCoskey; died 3 March 1869, buried at Mt Zion Cemetery, Vigo County,_ Indiana. 7. Jacob Kester (twin) born about 1807 probably in Preble County, Ohio; married 10 Jamiary 1827 (date of license) Margaret Pierson; died about 1845, buried between Vigo County and Crawfordsville, Indiana. Ah 8. Bonham Kester (twin) born about 1807 probably in Preble County, Ohio; gp married Priscilla , lived at Crawfordsville, Indiana, no issue; died about 1840. 9. William B.Kester born 6 April 1811 in Shelby County, Kentucky; married 1 July 1830 Sarah Ann Mosier; died 27 February 1860, buried at Linn Creek near Mattoon, Illinois. * * * * * * * * * * * * * FAMOUS COUSINS Sometimes we learn of a prominent Custer, Caster, or Kester -- from the past or present. We shall list some of these in this and future issues. If you know of some others, let us know. *** GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER, army officer; born New Rumley, Ohio, 5 December 1839, son of Emmanuel and Maria (Ward) Custer; graduate US Military Academy 1861; married Elizabeth Bacon 9 February 1864. Commanded as 2nd Lt the 2nd US Cavalry 1861, 1st Lt 1862; served in 1st Battle of Bull Run and Peninsular campaign; promoted Brig. General US Volunteers for conduct at Battle of Aldie, 1863; promoted to Captain US Army 1864, later brevetted Lt Colonel, then Colonel; brevetted Major General US Volunteers 1864; had distinguished Civil War record; brevetted Brig. General, Major General US Army 1865; promoted Major General US Volunteers 1865; reverted to rank of Captain US Army 1865; became Lt Colonel in command of 7th US Cavalry upon its organization 1866, served in various Indian campaigns in Kansas, North Dakota; sent to take part in Souix campaign 1876, in course of fighting his regiment became divided; met (with 5 troops of cavalry) an overwhelming large Indian force under page -55- Sitting Bull. Killed with all his command in Battle of Little Bighorn, near present day Little Bighorn, Montana 25 June 1876. [from Who's Who in America Historical Volume 1607-1896 (1963), page 132] *** VAUGHN KESTER, writer; born New Brunswick, New Jersey, 12 September 1869, son of Franklin Cooley and Harriet (Watkins) Kester; brother of Paul Kester; educated in commons schools in Mt Vernon, Ohio and under tutor at Cleveland; married Jessie B Jennings 31 August 1898. Held position on Staff of Cosmopolitan Magazine and the International Literary and News Syndicates, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York. Has done miscellaneous literary work, short stories published by the various magazines, songs and two plays. Author: The Manager of the B & A, 1901; The Fortunes of the Landrays, 1905; John o' Jamestown, 1907; The Just and the Unjust, 1912. Home: Gunston, Va. Died 1911. [from Who's Who in America 1897-1942 page 671] *** ANTONIOUS CASTOR, an eminent botanist at Rome, in the first century after Christ, who is several times quoted and mentioned by Pliny. He enjoyed a great reputation, possessed a botanical garden of his own (which is probably the earliest on record), and lived more than a hundred years, in perfect health both of body and mind. [from Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography_and Mythology ed by William Smith, Vol 1, page 628] *** PAUL KESTER, dramatist, author; born Delaware, Ohio, 2 November 1870, son of Franklin Cooley and Harriett (Watkins) Kester; educated in private schools and under private tutors; unmarried. Author: His Own Country; Tales of the Real Gypsy; Diana Dauntless; also numerous poems. Plays: The Countess Roudine (with Minnie Maddern Fiske), produced by Mme Modjeska; Zamar, produced by Alexander Salvini; The Student of Salamanca, produced by Salvini; What Dreams May Come, produced by Mme Janauschek; Guy Mannering (new version), produced by Madame Janauschek; The Cousin of the King (with Vaughn Kester), produced by Walker Whiteside; Eugene Aram, produced by Walker Whiteside; Sweet Nell of Old Drury, produced in England by Julia Nelson and Fred Terry, in America by Mlle Rhea and later by Ada Rehan, in Australia by Nellie Stewart, in Orient by Matheson Lang, revived in New York 1923; When Knighthood Was in Flower, produced in America by Julia Marlowe, in London by Julia Marlowe and E H Sothern, in Australia by Nellie Stewart; Mademoiselle Mars, produced by Mrs Langtry; Rachel Vour, produced in England by Maud May; The Cavalier (with George Middleton), produced by Julia Marlowe; Queen Fiametta (with Mildred Aldrich, from the French of Catule Mendes), produced byJulia Marlowe; Dorothy Vernon, produced in America by Bertha Galland, in England by Julia Nelson and Fred Terry; Friend Hannah, produced by E H Sothern; The Bill Toppers, produced by Annie Russell; Beverly's Balance, produced by Margaret Anglin; The Woman of Bronze (adapted from the French of Kistermaeckers and Dellard), produced by Margaret Anglin; Lady Dedlock (founded on Bleak House by Charles Dickens), produced by Margaret Anglin 1923; Tom Sawyer (dramatization of Mark Twain's story), produced 1931. Also Conservative Democracy. Home: Hague, Westmoreland County, Virginia. Died 20 June 1933. [from Who's Who in America 1897-1942 page 671] *** FRANK KOESTER, engineer, author; born Sterkrade, Germany, 28 August 1876, son of Johann and Henriette (Trill) Koester; educated in Germany; theoretical and practical training for 10 years in Europe; unmarried. Planned electric central stations shown at Paris Exposition 1900 for which he was awarded gold medal; came to US 1902; was engineer with New York Subway Construction Co, J G White & Co, Guggenheim page -56- Exploration Co, American Smelting & Refining Co; consulting engineer and city planner 1911- ; engineering expert for civic improvements for City of New York. Has patented various devices in the field of power plant engineering and other lines. Became naturalized citizen of US 1911. Author: Modern City Planning and Maintenance, 1914. Advisory city planner for Allentown, Bethlehem and Scranton, Pa, etc; street lighting expert for Allentown, Scranton, etc. Home: New York. Died 5 October 1927. [from Who's Who in America, 1897-1942 page 690]

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HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White Wichita, Kansas This is the first of a series of articles on Quaker [The Society of Friends] genealogy. While working on the descendants of Johannes Kuster/Kester/Koster, we have had to learn about the Quaker church and the very complete records that they keep. We would like to share with you what we have found.

Among the most interesting Quaker records is the marriage-certificate. George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends, wrote, in 1671, "All friends that marry, whether men or women, if they come out of another nation, island, plantation, or country, let them bring a certificate from the men's meeting of that county, nation, island or plantation from which they come, to the men's meeting where they propose their intention of marriage. For the men's meeting being made up of the faithful, this will stop all bad and raw spirits from roving up and down.... This will prevent a great deal of trouble." Announcement of the intention to marry is made at two meetings before the couple is married. At the third meeting (this may be the weekly meeting or a special meeting for the purpose of the marriage), the couple arises and repeats their marriage vows to each other. After this, the couple signs the certificate as man and wife, and all of the guests sign, also. One such certificate appears in William Penn and the Dutch Quaker Migration to Pennsylvania by William I Hull, Swarthmore, Pa (1935), pp 207-209: "A certificate for Derick Isacks and Noleken Vijten regarding their marriage "This serves to notify all whom it may concern that Derick Isacks, bachelor, a native burger's son of Krevel, and Noleken Vijten, spintress, born in Kempen, having informed the people of God called Quakers in Krevell that they proposed to enter into the state of matrimony with each other, also that they are free of [engagements with] all other persons, this having been also noted in the Book of the meeting of the aforementioned people, and in accordance with their desire to have the same published in a public meeting of the aforementioned people: It was accordingly consented to that their proposal may be published in the public meeting [for worship] and that, if no hinderance should then arise against their proposed marriage, it may be fulfilled at a suitable time and according to the good order which is observed among the aforementioned people; which public announcement having been made in two public meetings, the first one held on the 9th day of the 2nd Month, and the second on the 9th day of the 3rd month, 1681, and thus having been page -57- circulated and made known both to the burgers and to [all] the inhabitants of this city; and no hindrance [to the marriage] having appeared, we the undersigned hereof do testify that they, namely, derick Isacks and Noleken Vijten, appeared in a public meeting of the 4 aforementioned people appointed for that purpose, and then and there in the presence of the Lord and of us all confirmed their marriage on the 20th day of the 3rd Month, 1681 in krevell, he, Derick Isack declaring in the following words, saying, Friends and People, it having been announced twice within six weeks in this place, in our public meeting that I, D I, and N V were resolved to enter into the marriage state with each other, and nothing have arisen as a hinderance thereto, we propose to proceed therein to affirm and confirm the same in a godly and christian manner before god and Men, as we now do in the presence of the great God, the god of Abraham, Isack and Jacob, the god who created the heaven, the earth, the sea and all that is thereon an therein, and who still daily sustains the same through the power of his word: I say, Friends, in your presence, and in the presence of all who are here assembled, I Derick Isack, take you Noleken Vijten to be my wife and promise, in sincerity, fidelity and the fear of God, to dwell with you and not to forsake you until God almighty shall command us through death to separate from each other -- And she, Noleken Vijten, declared, saying, Friends, by this promise and in the presence of the living God, the God of heaven and of earth, and in the presence of this assembly, I Noleken Vijten, take Derick Isacks for my husband and promise in the fear of god to be faithful to him and not to forsake him until the Lord shall command us through death to separate from each other. Derick Isacks nolken Vijten Herman Isacks Greitijen peters Abraham Isacks Liesbet Isacks Tunnes Keunen margrit Isacks Herman Daurss Jenneken (?) Jansen henderijck Janssen lijntijen teissen Veit Scherkes Judit preijers Jan Siemes mercken willems Wolter Siemes Lenart Arents Johannes blijkers"

Hull goes on to relate that, "This quaint marriage-certificate is of unique historical interest. In the first place it is, so far as known, the only extant marriage-certificate issued by a meeting of Friends on the continent of Europe. It was the first and probably the last marriage-certificate issued by the Krefeld Monthly Meeting of Friends.... Finally, nearly all of the signers of the certificate emigrated from Krefeld to Pennsylvania as a single religious community and became the pioneers who settled the so-called colony of 'Germantown'." This certificate is interesting to us because the names of three of Gertrude Doors Kuster's relations appear on the list of signatures. Herman Daurss or Herman Doors was Gertrude's brother. Gertrude's sister, lejntijen teissen of Helene Theisson married Tunnes Keunen or Thones Kunders (which later became Dennis Conrad). Hull explains later that although six of the thirteen pioneers of 1683 to Germantown did not sign the marriage certificate, namely Reinert Teissen, Jan Luykens, Willem Streypers, Pieter Keurleis, Abraham Tunes, and Jan Lensen, they were all page -58- members of the Krefeld Quaker Community. It is mentioned that Reinert Teissen may have been at the wedding, but although he became a man of much wealth and influence, he never learned to write his name. Reinert Teissen or Ryner Tyson was also a brother of Gertrude Doors Kuster. Jails Luykens' wife, Maria Teissen, is said by some to be a sister of Gertrude Doors Kuster (if the last names of these people confuse you, read up on Dutch naming systems of this era). Pieter Keurleis or Peter Kurlis was the husband of Gertrude's sister Elizabeth. They did not settle in Germantown, but owned a large amount of land there. After a brief visit, he returned to Kaldekerk and "entered upon the sole ownership of the family estate." He conveyed his land in Pennsylvania to his brother, Willem. Thus one can see how useful the Quaker marriage-certificates are to genealogists. In the next issue, we will present another Quaker marriage-certificate from which some interesting conclusions can be drawn. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NEW MEMBERS AND LATE RENEWALS Members as of 15 May 1986 were listed in the 1986 Membership Directory. The following have joined or renewed since that time. name/address ancestral line Gail D Bailey William Jasper Custer(1863-1952) 1068 North 5th St Central Point, Ore 97502 Mrs Emma Beaird Franklin Hanway(1887-1972); America Castor Hanway Rte #2, Box 177H (1858-1945); Lewis H Castor(1814-1889); Gabriel Scottsbluff, Nebr 69361 Castor(1786-1863); Benjamin Castor(1741-1826) Mr Albert W Caster William Wesley Caster(c1865-1950); Robert M 2014 Enfield Road Caster(c1842-1912); John M Caster(c1812-1896); Austin, Texas 78703 John Castor(1783-1856) Mr Drew Dwain Caster Alexander Caster(1901-1976); John F Caster(1874- 288 Reis Ave 1955); George W Caster(1841-1905); Sampson Caster Vallejo, Calif 94591 (1805-1882); John Caster, Sr(1754-1822/3) Mr David M Castor Howard G Castor(1926- ); Seymour Castor(1901- 823 S Irving St N E 1959); Frederick F Castor(1876-1942); Fernando Arlington, Va 22204 Castor(1842-1927); William Castor(1816-1891); John Castor(1771-1865; John Castor(1748-1835) Mrs Ruth Erhardt Mary Forester McGregor(1906- ); Sarah Box 266 Bechtelheimer Forester(1872-1972); Samuel H Bassano, Alberta Bechtelheimer, Jr(1829-1858); Rachel Kessler TOJ OBO Canada Bechtelheimer(1799-1865); Mary Custer Kessler ( ? - ? ); John Custer(1736-1812); Nicholas Custer(1706-1784); Arnold Kuster(1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)

page -59- Mrs Elsie E Evans Iris Caster Scholer(1892-1980); James R Caster RR #2, Box 67 (1863-1900); James Caster(1809-1892); Gabriel Portland, Indiana 47371 Castor(1786-1863); Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) winter: 354 W Ramona Rialto, Cal 92376

Mrs Lola L Grimsley Rte #1 Custer Amoret, Missouri 64722

Martha Jane Jenkins Edith Marie Castor Sine(1897-1978); Tullus R 9103 North Union St, #5 Castor(1839-1903); Paul Castor(1813-1886); Tecumseh, Mich 49286 John Castor(1789-1880); Arnold Castor(before 1765-c1825) Mrs Myrlen H Jennings Ellen Louisa Tobitt Jennings(1883-1968); Ida 18847 Moro Circle Etola Willett Tobitt(1864-1935); George Willett Salinas, Calif 93907 (1839-1938); Salinda Kester Willett(1812- ? ); Arnold Kester1785-1861) and Mary Kester(1788- 1871); Paul Kester(1749-1811) and Benjamin Kester(1759-1819); Hermanus Kester(1703- ? ) and Samuel Kester(1737-1804); Johannes Koster (1670-1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mr & Mrs Paul D Kester Charles D Kester(1892-1949); Charles C Kester P 0 Box 782 (1860-1944); Franklin H Kester(1829-1873); Cherokee Village Samuel B Kester(1785-1843); Benjamin Kester Arkansas 72525 (1759-1819); Samuel Kester(1737-1804); Hermanus Kester(1703- ? ); Johannes Koster(1690-1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mr M B Morgan Edith Leber Morgan(1889-1974); Anna High Leber P 0 Box 416 (1852-1920); Thomas High( ? - ? ); Mathias Danville, Ky 40422 High( ? - ? ); Margaret Pennypacker High(1776- ? ); Mary Custer Pennypacker(1750-1794); John Custer(c1715-1794); Hermanus Kuster(1681-1760); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mrs Vicky Munro Lauretta Norris Taylor(1908- ); Nettie Lunau 43 Westview Cres Norris(1877-1943); Matilda Forsythe Lunau(1839- Palgrave, Ontario 1899); Nancy Anne Kester Forsythe(1814-1902); LON 1P0 Canada George Kester(1785-1874); Leonard Kuster(1746- 1839); John Michael Kuster(c1725-1801) Nadine Anne Raphael Alvia Levi Castor(1903-1956); Edward E Castor 1430 Braddale (1856-1935); Lewis H Castor(1813-1897); Sampson Los Altos, Calif 94022 Castor(1789-1869); Benjamin Castor(1741-1826) Mr & Mrs Robert Runyan Ruth Bosstick Griffin(1902-1947); Perry Bosstick 4401 Meadow Lane (1872-1939); Ally Welch Bosstick; Daniel Welch; South Bend, Ind 46619 Rebecca Kester Welch(1786-1849); Paul Kester (c1760-1814); William Kester(c1733-1820); Paul Kester(c1706-1745/50); Johannes Kuster(1670- 1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Henry Runyan; Jonas Runyan; Henry Runyan; David Runyan(1793-1860); Catherine Custer Runyan page -60- ( ? -1826); ? Conrad Custer(c1695-1772); Arnold Kuster(1669-1739); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708)

Mrs Daisy Shull William Barton(1895-1982); Marteely 0 Custer Rte #3, Box 518 Barton(1863-1939); John Martin Custer(1825-1913);. Ava, Missouri 65608 William Adam Custer(1789-1873); Johannes Custer (c1760-1837); Johann George Kuster( ? - ? ) Mrs Lois Wheeler --- Annette Britton Riley(1849-1892); 351 Bayview Road Lewis Duwert Britton(1820-1889); Elizabeth Bay Village, Ohio 44140 Casper Britton(c1792- ? ) * * * * * * * * * * * * *

KASTER KLIPPINGS

*** Lacy Dru Eldrige arrived 15 February 1986 weighing 61b 1/2oz and 21" long, daughter of Jeffrey and Della Eldrige and first granddaughter of Leland L and Sandra Caster of Bremerton, Washington. Congratulations! (My apology for missing this announcement in the previous newsletter.) *** Leland L and Sandra (Reed) Caster of Bremerton, Washington celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary 5 July 1986. Congratulations, Leland and Sandra!!

*** Goldie Agnes (Preston) Caster died 22 May 1986, aged 83 years, at Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman, Nebraska. Agnes was the widow of Emmett Hines Caster who died 3 April 1952 at Benkelman, Nebraska. Agnes was born 3 January 1903 at Fairland, Indian Territory, Oklahoma, daughter of Zachariah and Perlina Preston. Agnes and Emmett Hines Caster married 2 September 1924 in the Christian Church at Wray, Colorado. Emmett preceded Agnes in death 3 April 1952. They had two children, Betty Rowena Caster Beeson and Eugene Harold Caster. *** Yuma (Taylor) Castor, wife of Paul Raymond Castor, died 13 June 1986 at Kenton, Ohio. Interrment was at Grove Cemetery, Kenton, Ohio. Yuma is survived by her husband; two daughters, Dorothy Jeane (Mrs Joseph A) Heffelfinger, and Jennie Lou (Mrs Robert W) Coulson; and six grandchildren. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

QUERIES *** OVANDA BAKER born 23 March 1840 in East Aurora, Erie County, New York and married about 1858 FRANKLIN H KESTER -- need parents of Ovanda Baker. Please contact Mrs Paul D Kester, P 0 Box 782, Cherokee Village, Arkansas 72525. *** My wife, Alice, is a descendant of the Revolutionary War Veteran JOSEPH KESTER (1752-1839). On February 26, 1788 he married MARY MORRISON in Harrison County, Virginia, where they lived until 1837 before moving to Ohio. We have learned that over the period 1789-1803 they had nine children -- ALEXANDER, JOSEPH Jr, GEORGE, MARY, SUSANNAH, SARAH, MARGARET, CONRAD, and ARCHIBALD. We would be interested in hearing from descendants of these children, showing the lines of descent, and, if you have it, any positive information on the parentage of Joseph Rester (1752-1839). Vernon Lawrence, 24-B Pine Lake Drive, Whispering Pines, page -61- North Carolina 28327 *** We recently received some help on the Caster family in Sanilac County, Michigan from Robert A Law, Jr. While he is not a Caster4 descendant, he is a genealogist and is researching the surnames LAW, GRUBB, HOLLAND, DeHAVEN, KIRKPATRICK and WILSON. MICHAEL LAW was born 1779 in Ireland, emigrated shortly thereafter to Montgomery Co, Pa. He married SUSANNA GRUBB who was a Swiss Mennonite, born in Coventry township of Chester County, Pa. They migrated to Ontario, Canada in 1824. Anyone interested contact.... Robert A Law, Jr, 39 Powderhorn Drive, Ridgefield, Conn 06877 * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FROM THE MAILBAG *** We wish to thank the following for donations -- Edwin Caster and Beatrice McDonald -- Thank You, Boosters!! *** Jim Caster of Grants Pass, Oregon was not able to attend the reunion because he is still recovering from a very serious infection, however he writes that it is now under control and he is doing much better. Glad to hear of your improvement, Jim, and we wish you a speedy and complete recovery. *** Jack and Anita Castor of San Rafael, California sent a post card from Loch Ness, Scotland. They attended the wedding of friends, and dared the terrorists to interfere with their travel!! Jack and Anita are avid travelers and it will take more than terrorists to deter their worldly adventures. *** Betty Mann of New Castle, Indiana, and Jean White of Wichita, Kansas have sent news clippings detailing the murder and extortion attempt made by a couple of Castor men at Greenfield, Indiana. Sometimes we are asked if we have found any "horse thieves" in our ancestral searching. Well, we don't plan to give this much publicity -- we are going to "erase the tapes." Next item... *** Wallace and Lucile Custard of Charlottesville, Virginia visited in early June the Stroudsburg, Pa area to search for Custard roots. They visited the Swartwood/Swartout Family Cemetery near the Delaware River in Pike County. Also they visited with Mrs Horace G Walters, local genealogist and historian (80 years experience!) in Stroudsburg. They had a rewarding trip. *** We have some changes of addresses: Mr Dallas N Burket, 4125 Dayton Road, Lafayette, Indiana 47905; Mr Robert L Kaster, 5700 Cameron Road, #128, Austin, Texas 78723; Mrs Edna Schirack, 1791 Union City Road, Greenville, Ohio 45331. *** Phillip J Castor of Noblesville, Indiana has completed a thorough survey of the Cemetery at Prairie Baptist Church in Hamilton County, Indiana. This church and cemetery originated about 1835, and several Castor families were among the early founders. Since that time, many Castor family members have been laid to rest in this cemetery, some in unmarked graves. Phillip has carefully checked all the stones, and has noted the inscriptions with their placement on a well drawn plot plan. Phillip has very kindly made a copy and sent it to us. This has added page -62- additional information to our notes of many of the Castor families in the lines of Noah Castor and John Caster Senior. We are placing Phillip's survey in the Lending Library. Thanks very much for your excellent survey, Phillip. *** Charley Byer of Pensacola, Florida has been searching the old records of Morgan and Berkeley Counties of West Virginia, and has found some Custer births and tombstone inscriptions. Charley has kindly shared these with us -- LDS Microfilm #250,102 Morgan County, West Virginia Name Date of Birth Parents Reported by John S Custer 10 Oct 1868 Finlay & Susan Custer Susan Custer Clemm T Custer 20 July 1869 John & Mary C Custer Mary Custer William A Custer 2 Nov 1871 Wm & Elizabeth Custer William Custer Jacob P Custer 26 June 1873 Finley & Susan Custer Finley Custer Susan A Custer 2 Apr 1877 Wm & Emeline Custer William Custer LDS Microfilm #848,274 Berkeley County, West Virginia Bunker Hill Episcopal Church Cemetery organized by Col Morgan Morgan in 1740 on Mill Creek. CUSTER (one stone) CUSTER (one stone) John Custer Nettie B Custer Jacob L Custer Lydia E Custer 16 March 1866 1889-1932 1852-1935 1859-1935 6 Dec 1931 Elizabeth Custer 1850-1906 CUSTER (one stone) John Custer Lydia Custer CUSTER (one stone) 1840-1900 1842-1924 Nettie M Custer 1920-1937 Thanks very much Charley! *** Beatrice McDonald of Malcom, Iowa has written to us some of her suggestions for the 1988 Iowa Reunion. Also, she alerted us to an article by Vivian Taylor in the July 1985 issue of The Mennonite Family History Magazine on the Paulus Kuster family.. Thank you, Beatrice, we shall try to locate this. *** Frances W Waite of Doylestown, Pa has alerted us to the article in the July 1986 issue of The Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage by Chester E Custer about the Kuster and Doors families. This is a very worthwhile and interesting eight page article. A copy of this journal can be obtained from the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, Pa 17602 for $5. If you are interested, better order your copy soon before they run out. *** Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana, attended the Reunion at Santa Rosa, and took pictures of all (or nearly all) who attended. Martha is assembling these pictures into a photo album of the reunion! Great work, cousins. *** Richard J Castor of Horseheads, New York has announced that the Gerster/Castor Family has arranged for an escorted tour next year to Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland. This will be limited to 46 people, first come-first serve basis. It will leave JFK Airport in New York 21 August 1987 aboard ICELANDAIR flying to Luxembourg, touring by air-conditioned luxurious tourbus, and return 6 September 1987 to JFK. page -63- Tour includes air transportation from New York, first-class hotel accomodations, most meals, tour escort, and some other "goodies." Tour cost is quoted at $1855 per person based on double occupancy. If As interested, contact Wastler Escorted Travel, Inc, PO Box 775, fki Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055-0775; or telephone 717/697-6368. Richard also quotes a firm price for the revised edition of A Castor Family in America which describes the Hans Georg Gerster/John George Castor family of Philadelphia. They are printing 250 copies, and do not expect to reprint later. The book is hardbound, has 656 pages, and is indexed. Price is $48 postpaid. If interested, write to Richard J Castor, 5681 Middle Road, Horseheads, New York 14845. *** Huitt and Jean Caster of Grand Prairie, Texas have sent us a program from the South MacArthur Church of Christ in Irving Texas. This congregation has continued for 96 years since its beginning in 1890. Huitt's grandmother, Harriet Elizabeth Caster, and Huitt's great uncle and aunt, Henry and Mary Caster were among the founding members. Henry's father, Lewis Caster, built a log cabin in 1888 on his 100 acre farm (now part of the city of Irving, Texas), which consisted of two rooms, each 16 feet by 16 feet, separated by a breezeway. The log cabin is being made part of Irving's Heritage Park in celebration of the Texas Sequicentennial. *** Wayne R Cain of Haysville, Kansas offers The Descendants of Nicholas Cain 1736-1986 by Wayne R Cain and Shirley J Evans. This includes the Custer family as an allied family. This is a hardbacked book, over 300 pages, and is indexed. Price is $31.50 (Kansas residents add 5%) postpaid. Order from Wayne Cain, 201 Wayne, Haysville, Ks 67060.

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ASSOCIATION BUSINESS *** We have sold 105 copies of Benjamin Castor (1741-1826) and we have one copy left ($20 postpaid). We have sold 58 copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies and we have seven copies left ($23 postpaid). *** Status of new book More Caster/Castor Genealogies -- we are making good progress, but still require some more time to finish. We will try to have something firm in the next News-Caster.

THE NEWS-CASTER is published by THE CASTOR FAMILY 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 the Caster, Castor, Custard, Custer, Kaster, Kastor and Rester families. Officers for the 1985-1986 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; Mrs Jack L Brown, vice president, Box 44, Windfall, Indiana 46076; Mrs Huitt D Caster, vice president, 3213 Trible, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050; Leland L Caster, vice president, 1929 Bell Park Drive, Bremerton, Washington 98310; Donald F Castor, vice president, 10433 Carrollbrook Court, Tampa, Florida 33618; Jack K Castor, vice president, 4 Park Ridge Road, San Rafael, California 94903; Miss Sarah Jane Eaton, vice president, 1310 East 28th St, Anderson, Indiana 46014. page -64- 61►sked. THE CASTOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA —1 Vol.4 No.4 December 1986 THE FAMILY OF LEONARD AND MARIA CATHERINE (KERES) KESTER by A Gordon Carter, 626 Humber Road Peterborough, Ontario K9J 1H3, Canada and Mrs Victoria Munro, 43 Westview Crescent Palgrave, Ontario LON 1P0, Canada At the beginning of the nineteenth century, land was made available for settlement in Upper Canada and immigrants came from Europe, the Canadian Maritime provinces and from the newly formed United States of America. Among the settlers arriving from Pennsylvania were a number of Kester families. They are probably related however the relationships are not yet clear. Among those early Kester immigrants were Leonard and his wife, Maria Catherine Keres, and their family. The first known reference to their presence in Ontario is Leonard's petition for land (Ontario Archives) while he was living in or near Ancaster, Ontario in 1802. In that petition he states that he "has been in the province for upward of 12 months with [his] wife and nine children." Leonard was granted broken lot 31, and lot 32 on Concession 10 in Markham Township., George Kester was granted lot 34 Concession 9, and Michael Kester was granted lot 30 Concession 10. Leonard's settlement duties report was filed in 1815, and it was endorsed by Peter Sheufelt. Leonard sold lot 31 to Jacob Kester on 26 November 1821. Leonard and Catherine Kester are both buried in Boyles Cemetery, lot 23 Concession 9 in Markham Township. Leonard's date of death is given there as March 24, 1839, ae 93 years. Catherine's date of death is given as September 12, 1816, ae 60 years. Other Kesters buried in this cemetery include: Michael K(ester?), d August 5, 186? ae 35 yrs 10 ds Catherine, dau of Michael & Elizabeth Kester d July 2 1870 ae 10 yrs 2ms 12d Magdalena wife of John Boyles d Nov 13 1886 ae 91 yrs 10 ms & 20 days page -65- Mary wife of Peter Rester d Feb 26 1862 ae 69 yrs 4 ms & 18 ds James son of M & S Rester d May 24 1832 ae 12 yrs 3 ms 21 das Michael Rester, Sr dth Sept 13 1852 in the 73 year of his age Susannah wife of Michael Rester d Jan 1 1856 aged 70 years 8 months Willis son of Wm & Catherine Rester d July 12 1864 ae 1 yr 7 mos & 7 days Family records for a number of Ontario Kesters follow: Mary Rester and Peter Sheufelt; George Kester and Mary ; John Rester and Ann Forsyth; Michael Rester and Susannah Johnson; Jacob Kester and Sarah Morden and Mary Brown; Philip Kester and Mary Brown; John Boyles and Magdelena Rester; and Catherine Kester and James Morden. These records are a compilation of information gathered from a number of sources which are contradictory in several places. This information has been gathered by many individuals, some known and some unknown. The compilation has been prepared to help establish relationships and identify possible locations of primary documents and related family history. John Michael Rester born 26 August 1780, Northampton, County, Pennsylvania, son of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. Michael married Susannah Johnson. Susannah was born 1786. Michael died 13 September 1852, and was buried at Boyles Cemetery. Susannah died 1 January 1857. Their children: 1. Jane Rester born 1815; married 15 March 1837 Frederick Johnson; died 22 February 1848., 2. Mary "Polly" Kester born 1816; married first Jacob Shewfelt, married second David Forsyth; died 1850. 3. James Kester born 1820; died 24 May 1832 ae 12 years, 3 months and 21 days, buried at Boyles Cemetery, Markham, Ontario. 4., Susan Kester born about 1820; married 26 May 1840 John Yakes. 5. Catherine Rester married 2 January 1844 Daniel Yakes. 6. Magdalene "Lanny" Rester married 9 December 1844 Hiram Yake. 7. Leonard Kester born 1823; married 16 October 1847 Charity (Yake) Woodruff; died 19 May 1890. 8. William Kester born 1827; married 16 October 1847 Catherine Yake; died 28 July 1871. 9. Michael Rester born October 1832; married Elizabeth Yake; died 5 August 1868., Anna Marie "Mary" Rester born 6 July 1782, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. Mary married Peter Sheufelt. Peter was born 22 June 1765 at Albany, New York, son of Johannes and Sarah (Freer) Zufelt. Peter died 19 February 1853 at Armow, Ontario., Their children: 1. Lydia Shewfelt born 1801 at Hamilton, Ontario; married Thomas Smith Noble; died in Mariposa Township, Ontario. 2. Leonard Rester 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 Brightman. page -66- 4. Jacob Shewfelt born 1807 at Hamilton; married Emmaline Humphrey. 5. John Shewfelt born 1812 at Hamilton; married 11 March Esther Wilson. 6. Mary Ann Shewfelt born 1812; married 22 January 1844 John Hume. 7. Joseph Shewfelt born born 1820 in Brock Township, Ontario; married 12. November 1850 Agnes Robinson; died 4 Apiil 1902. 8. Charity Shewfelt born 1822 in Brock Township; married Thomas Brocklebank. 9. James Shewfelt born 1823 in Brock Township; married 14 February 1843 Sophia Proof. 10. William Shewfelt born 1826 in Brock Township; married 4 October 1858 Catherine Robinson. 11. Lucinda Shewfelt born 1826 in Brock Township; married 11 March 1845 Charles Smith; died 18 June 1859 at Armow, Ontario. 12. Elizabeth Shewfelt born 10 October 1827 in Brock Township; married 13 1848 Benjamin Woodward; died 19 December 1885 probably in Mariposa Township, Ontario. George Kester born 15 April 1785, Pennsylvania, son of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. George married Mary . Mary was born 1791 in the United States. During the War of 1812, Stoney Creek, Ontario (where they lived) was invaded by soldiers. Mary hid her wedding ring in baby Catherine's diaper so the soldiers would not steal it. She was known locally as Dr Camomile and worked as a midwife. George died 12 September 1874. Their children: 1. Jacob Kester born 1809; married 27 March 1831 Sarah/Sally Vanzant. 2. Catherine Kester born 6 July 1812 at Stoney Creek, Ontario; married 21 October 1834 Nathan Bentley; died 8 January 1907 at Stouffville. 3. Nancy Ann Kester born 6 March 1814 at Pickering, Ontario; married 3

I July 1832 James M Forsyth, U E L; died 17 February 1902 at Ontario. 4. Elizabeth Kester born 7 August 1817; married 2 January 1838 Jacob Heise; died 15 August 1904 at Stoufville. 5. Hannah Kester married Jacob Miller. 6. Peter Kester [Is this Peter Caster born 13 May 1821 at Pickering, Ontario; married 30 August 1842 Mary Anderson at Hamilton, Ontario; died 13 July 1866 at Ruby, St Clair County, Michigan?] 7. Sarah Kester born 1823; married 28 May 1849 John C Lawr/Laur/Love. 8. Leonard Kester born 19 July 1823; married ; died 19 May 1890, buried Elmwood Cemetery, Markham. 9. John Kester born 1824; married Ellsy (Sheffield?). 10. Matilda Kester born 15 January 1827; married George Stafford; died 21 November 1894. 11. George Kester born 1834. 12. James Kester born 1835; married 12 May 1861 Elizabeth Miller; buried North Glasgow Cemetery, Markham. John Kester/Castor born 29 March 1786, son of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. John married Ann Forsyth. Ann was born about 1795. Ann died 18 July 1849. John died 6 March 1856. They were buried at Huckins Burial Ground, Worth Township, Sanilac County, Michigan. Their children: 1. John M Caster born about 1814 in Canada; married 18 December 1833 Jane Udell/Eudle; died 1896. 2. Betsy Caster born in Canada. 3. Sophia Caster born in Canada; married 23 September 1834 Martin Law. 4. William Caster born 2 May 1819 in Canada; married Jane Elliot; died 8 November 1885. 5. Leonard M Caster born about 1821; married 24 August 1850 Clarissa page -67- Stevens. 6. Mary Caster born 10 August 1824; married 16 January 1845 Ira Wixson. 7. Ellinor Caster born 10 May 1826; married 2 June 1847 Phillip L Wixson; died 1 April 1859. 8. Elijah Caster born 10 May 1826; married 1851 Mary "Polly" Huckins4 married second Lucia Bisbee; died 6 March 1882. 9. Alexander Caster born 3 February 1829 in Canada; married 18 December 1873 Elizabeth Stone.,

Jacob Kester born 1791, son of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. Jacob married Sarah Morden. Jacob married second 2 April 1826 Mary "Polly" Brown. Jacob died 1862 (leaving a will recorded as Memorial #20347, Ontario Registry Office, Whitby, Ontario). Their children: 1. Mary Kester born 18 September 1816; married 1 July 1834 Elisha Miller at Markham; died 1891, buried at North Glasgow Cemetery, Markham. 2. David Kester born 1816. 3. Jacob Kester born 1820 (not mentioned in will). 4. Joel Kester born 1822; married Diana White; died 1900. 5. Annie Kester ( not mentioned in will). 6. Elizabeth Rester born 1825; married George Morden; died 21 july 1898. 7. Sarah Kester born ?; married Benjamin Vanzant. 8. Enoch Kester born 1828; married 12 May 1861 Lorena/Irena Vanzant. 9. John Milton Kester born 1831; married Ann Williamson; died 30 April 1896. 10. Matilda Kester born 1834; married 15 June 1859 George Pearson. 11. Lydia Rester born 1839; married Elias Hamilton; died 1908. 12. Hiram Rester born 1842; married 28 February 1863 Mary "Maria" Forsyth; died 1914. 13. Maria Kester born 1843; married 27 February 1868 Robert Millard. 14. Melinda Kester born 1845 married Abraham Resor; died (1871?). 15. Andrew Kester born 1847; married Mary A John Philip Kester born 7 May 1792, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, son of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. Philip married Mary Brown. Mary was born 1793. They moved to Fremont Township, Sanilac County, Michigan. Mary died 1862. Philip died 1881. Their children: 1. Rachel Castor born 24 December 1824; married 5 November 1844 Samuel Umphey of Mariposa. 2. Joseph Kester born 1827; married 14 October 1860 Clarissa Vanluvan. 3. Eliza Kester born 1832; married 9 October 1859 John Manley. 4. Irena Kester born 1836; married 19 October 1858 Isaac Conner. Magdalene Kester born 23 December 1793, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Rester. Magdalene married John Boyles. Magdalene died 13 November 1886 and was buried at Boyles Cemetery, Markham, Ontario. No information about their children is known. Catherine Kester born 4 November 1798, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Keres) Kester. Catherine married James Morden. James was born 1795. James died 27 December 1858. Catherine died 20 September 1872. They were buried at North Glasgow, Stouffville, Ontario. Their children: 1. John Morden born 26 December 1819; married 25 May 1841 Mary Brown; buried at Uxbridge, Ontario.

page -68-

2., David Morden married Lydia White (Lydia buried at North Glasgow Cemetery, Markham). 3. George Morden born 1820; married 9 April 1850 Elizabeth Rester; died March 1887.. 4. Jacob Morden born 1826; married after 1851 Lydia White (widow of his brother David)., 5. Leonard Morden born 1830; married Hannah Pearson; died 10 January 1873, buried at North Glasgow Cemetery, Markham. 6. Michael Morden born 1831; married Amie Badgerow. 7.,Susan Morden born 1833; married John Brown. 8.,William Morden born 1836; married Jane Garden. 9. Bethena Morden born 1839; married Thomas Brown; died April 1902. 10. Malinda Morden born 1842; married John M Lewis; died 1931. 11. Mary Morden born 31 January 1843; married Frank Hull.

Tradition tells that the Kesters came from Pennsylvania, and Leonard's land petition puts his family in Ontario in 1802. The Pennsylvania census of 1800 for Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County (p 591) lists: Leonard Kester 1M 26-45 1F 45+ 1M 16-26 1F 16-26 2M 10-16 2M -10 2F -10 The Index to records of the Reformed Church at Lower Mount Bethel is available in the Historical collection of the Easton Public Library. In those records, Leonard and Catherine Koster are listed as parents who presented the following children for baptism. Child Born Baptized Sponsors Age in 1800 John Michael 26 Aug 1780 24 Sep 1780 John Michael Koster 20 (16-26M) Eva Barbara (gp) Anna Maria July 1782 11 Aug 1782 Jacob Weydman 18 (16-26F) Anna Maria John 29 Mar 1786 23 Apr 1786 John Wagner 14 (10-16M) Elizabeth Riemal John Philip 7 May 1792 9 May 1793 Philip & Elizabeth 8 ( -10M) Koster Magdalena 23 Dec 1793 21 Apr 1794 Christopher 7 ( -10F) & Magdalena Jansen Catherine 4 Nov 1798 9 Jun 1799 Anthony Kratzer 2 ( -10F)

The ages of these children match the census records as does Catherine's age. Leonard's age is understated in the census when compared with his tombstone. Baptismal records for one male -10 (in the 1800 census) and for one male 10-16 have not been located. These appear to be Jacob (age 9 in 1800) and George (age 15 in 1800) who were known as part of the family in Ontario. From this comparison, the Kosters in the baptismal records are the Kesters of the 1800 census. page -69-

The sponsors for John Michael Koster (first born son) were John Michael and Eva Barbara Koster who are listed with "gp" as a notation. This is taken as an abbreviation for "grandparents."

From the research of Mrs Marylyn Stuelke of Nashua, Iowa, additional information on the family of John Michael and Eva Barbara Koster is available., Eva died before 1790 and Michael married Margaret Michael died in 1801 and was buried 29 May 1801 at St Paul's Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemetery, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Leonard and his family must have moved to Ontario immediately after his father's death. Family records for Leonard Koster and Catherine Keres; and John Michael Roster and Eva Barbara are given below: Leonard Kester born 1746, son of John Michael and Eva Barbara Kuster., Leonard married Maria Catherine Keres. Catherine was born 1756. Catherine died 12 September 1816, Leonard died 24 March 1839. They were buried at Boyle's Cemetery, Markham Township, Ontario, Canada. Their children: 1. John Michael Kester born 26 August 1780; married Susannah Johnson; died 13 September 1852, buried at Boyle's Cemetery, Markham, Ontario. 2. Anna Maria Rester born born 6 July 1782; married Peter Sheufelt. 3. George Kester born 15 April 1785; married Mary ; died 12 September 1874, 4., John Rester/Castor born 29 March 1786 in Pennsylvania; married Ann Forsythe; died 6 March 1856 at Lexington, Sanilac County, Michigan. 5, Jacob Kester born 1791; married first Sarah Morden, married 4 April 1826 Mary Brown., 6., John Philip Rester born 7 May 1792; married Mary Brown, lived in Fremont Township, Sanilac County, Michigan; died 22 June 1881, buried at Boyles Cemetery, Markham, Ontario. 7, Magdalene Rester born 23 December 1793; married John Boyles; died 13 November 1886, buried at Boyles Cemetery, Markham, Ontario. 8, Catherine Rester born 4 November 1798; married James Morden; died 20 September 1872 in Markham, Ontario., John Michael Kuster born about 1725. Michael married Eva Barbara. Michael married second (before 1790) Margaret . Michael died 1801 and was buried 29 May 1801 at St Paul's Lutheran and Reformed Church Cemtery, Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Eva's children: 1. Philip Jacob Kuster born about 2 August 1742 (1749 according to DAR) in Pennsylvania; married Catherine "Elizabeth" Illick; died 30 April 1831 at age of 88 years, 8 months and 29 days in Lower Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, Pa. 2. Mary Kuster married Timothy Craemer/Kraemer, lived in Upper Mount Bethel Township in 1799., 3. Leonard Kuster born 1746; married Catherine Keres; died 24 March 1839, buried at Boyle's Cemetery, near Stouffville, Markham Township, Ontario, Canada., 4. Johann Jacob Kuster born 9 November 1752 in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pa; married Elizabeth ; buried 23 June 1841 at St Paul's Reformed Church Cemetery. 5. Eva "Anne" Barbara Kuster born 14 February 1755. I 6. Magdalena Kuster born 14 January 1760; married Jacob Stolze. 7., Anna Christina Kuster born 23 April 1762; married Adam page -70- Teel/Dial/Thiel., 8, Sarah Margaret Kuster born 2 January 1765; married John Albert, 9., Elizabeth Barbara Kuster born 4 November 1768. * * * * * * * * * * * * *

FAMOUS COUSINS Sometimes we learn of a prominent Custer, Caster, or Rester -- from the past or present., If you know of some others, let us know, *** ARTHUR CUSTER, American composer; born Manchester, Conn 21 April 1923., He studied composition with Paul Fisk at the Univ of Redlands, Calif, and with Philip Bezanson at the Univ of Iowa; after graduation, he took a course of studies in composition with Nadia Boulanger. Subsequently he held numerous teaching jobs; also served as music consultant to the US Information Agency in Madrid (1960-62). In 1970 he was appointed Director of the Arts in the Education Project of the Rhode Island Council on the Arts. Works: Sextet for Woodwinds and Piano (1959); Colloquy for string quartet (1961); Sinfonia de Madrid (Madrid 1962); Cycle (1963); Concertino for Second Violin and Strings (1964); Two Movements for wind quintet (1964); Permutation for violin, clarinet and Cells37967); Concerto for Brass Quintet (1968); Rhapsodality Brass! (1969); Interface I for string quartet (1969); Rhapsodality Brown! for piano (1969); _Parabolas for trombone and percussion (1969). He also contributed a number of informative articles on American and Spanish music to various music journals, [from Baker's Biographical Dictionary C of Musicians 6th ed, page 370] *** CASTOR, bishop of Apt [France], was born at Nismes [Nimes, France] about the middle of the fourth century, and married an heiress, by whom he had a daughter, The family being fired with holy zeal, agreed to separate, in order that they might devote their wealth to the endowment of religious establishments, and their lives to seclusion and sanctity., Accordingly, they founded an abbey and a convent in Provence [an historic province of France]; the husband retired to the former, the wife and her daughter took the veil in the latter. There is still extant a letter addressed by Castor to Cassianus, soliciting information with regard to the rules observed in the monasteries of Palestine and Egypt. This request was speedily complied with, and produced the work "Insitutiones Coenobiorum," dedicated to Castor, which was followed by the "Collationes Patrum," addressed to his brother, Leontius. The death of Castor took place in September, 419. We are told by Vincent St Laurent, in the "Biographie Universelle," that at a recent period the archives of the cathedral of Apt contained a MS life of its canonized prelate, in which were enumerated with circumstantial details all the miracles ascribed to him. The letter above-mentioned, which is composed in a very rude and harsh style, was first discovered by Gazet, was prefixed to the "Institutiones" in his edition of Cassianus, and republished in a more correct form, from a MS in the Royal Library at Paris, by Baluze in his edition of Salvianus and Vincentius Lirinensis, Paris, 1663, 8 volumes, 1 and in the reprint at Bremen, 1688; it is also found in the edition of Ci:01 Vincentius, Paris, 1669. [from Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology ed by William Smith, Vol I, page 628]

page -71- *** HERMAN KUSTER, German writer on music; born, Templin, 14 July 1817; died Herford, 17 March 1878., He studied in Berlin with A W Bach, Ludwig Berger, Marx, and Rungenhagen; from 1845-52, musical director at Saarbrucken; then settled in Berlin as music teacher; in 1857, became Court and cathedral organist. He published Uber Handels Israel in Agypten (1854); Populare Vortrage uber Bildung and Bergrundung eines musikalischen, Urteils (4 vols, 1870-77); Methode fur den Unterricht im Gesang auf hoheren Schulanstalten (1872); Uber die Formen in der Musik (1872), etc; also wrote 7 oratorios; orchestral music; church music, songs, etc. [from Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians 6th ed, page 949]

*** LAURENS JANSZOON COSTER/KOSTER, citizen of Haarlem, Netherlands, who according to Hadrianus Junius in his Batavia (1588), invented the art of printing with movable types (ca 1440). The claims of Coster to this discovery have been maintained with great confidence by the Dutch and in other quarters, but may be invalid. His name was originally Laurens Janszoon, and was surnamed Coster or Koster, meaning "the Sexton." [from The New Century Cyclopedia of Names edited by Clarence L Barnhart] *** JOHN P KASTER, surgeon; born Burlington, Iowa, 7 October 1857, son of William & Lydia (Penny) Kaster; MD Rush Medical College, Chicago, 1881; married Ide Miller of Sperry, Iowa April 1882. Practiced at Burlington 1881-87, Albuquerque, New Mexico 1887-97, Topeka, Kansas 1897- ; chief surgeon AT&SF Railway, 1897; professor of railroad & clinical medicine Kansas Medical College, Topeka 1900-13; Republican. Home: Topeka, Kansas. Died 13 December 1938. [from Who's Who in America 1897-1942 Vol I (1942)] *** ABRAHAM L KEISTER, congressman; born Fayette County, Pa, 10 September 1852; BS Otterbein Univ 1874; law student 1876-78. Practiced law at Columbus, Ohio for a short time; manufacturer of coke, Fayette County, Pa 1882- ; member of 63rd & 64th Congress (1913-1917) from 22nd Pa District. Republican. Home: Scottdale, Pa. Died 28 May 1917. [from Who's Who in America 1897-1942 Vol I (1942)]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * CASTOR LIBRARY The following have been added to the books available for loan. A Castor Family,In America compiled by Charles G Castor (1986) 627pp Abstracts of Wills, Inventories, and Administration Accounts of Frederick County, Virginia 1743-1800 by J Estelle Stewart King with index by Elizabeth Petty Bentley (1982) 88pp Brief Outline of Brock Family of Shenandoah Valley of Virginia by Franklin A Zirkle (1971] 2Opp * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*** MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!! Drive carefully and have a safe holiday. Hug a loved one!!

page -72- HOW AND WHERE TO GET IT by Jean (Mrs Charles F) White Wichita, Kansas

In the last issue we discussed the Quaker marriage record and how it documented who the guests were at the wedding. We would like to discuss another Quaker marriage certificate in this issue. Several early Quaker marriage certificates are found in The Publication of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania, Vol II. On pages 66 and 67 is found the following: "Henry Cunders of Germantown in the County of Philadelphia, in the Province of Pennsylvania, Weaver and Catherine Strepers of Sommershousen in the Germantownship and County aforesaid, Spinster having declared their intentions of Marriage with each other before several monthly meetings of the People called Quakers at Abington in the said County and having the consent of Parents and Relations, they appeared the Seventh day of the Seventh month One thousand Seven hundred and Ten in a publick Meeting of the said People and others at Germantown aforesaid and were married., Henry Cunrads Catherine Cunders Richard Townsend Agnes Keurlin Wm Potts Margaret Schomacher Francis Daniel Pastorius Sarah Schumaker Thomas Potts Ann Townsend Petter Shoomaker Martha Potts Moraet Shoomaker Nilckje Opden Graeff Walter Seimens Hannah Cook Jacob Schomacher Joan Potts Levine Harberberk Thoenes Kunders Arthur Jones William Streijpers Samuel Pastorius Lentje Kunders Niskje Klincken Markje Strypers Mary Potts Cunrad Cunraeds Anne Pastorius Enneke Kunrads Madtes Conders Elizabeth Keurlin John Cunrads John Lucken Alitje Cunrads Mary Lucken Lenert Streipers Abraham Tunes John Streypers John Lucken Agnes Powell Mathis Tissen Elizabeth Jones William Lucken Reiner Teissen Margaret Teissen Herman Dors Lenart Arrets Peter Keurlin" Francis Daniel Pastorius, an early leader of the Germantown settlers, wrote the certificate and signed it for several of the guests. Samuel W Pennypacker, in his article, "The Settlement of Germantown, and the Causes Which Led To It," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol IV (1880), page 6, identifies the bride and groom as the son of Thones Kunders and the daughter of Willem Streypers. Most of the page -73- guests were descendants of the original thirteen Krefeld emigrants and related to Gertrude Dors Kuster, wife of Paulus Kuster.* Therefore, the question that should immediately come to mind is, "Where were the Kusters/Kesters?" Paulus, Gertrude, and Johannes had ant) died by 1710. Arnold and Hermanus and their families had joined the Mennonite Church. However, Johannes and his wife, Elizabeth, and all their children were active Quakers and members of the Abington Meeting. Elizabeth and the children should have been at the wedding. When looking at a record, a genealogist should look at not only what the record contains, but what does not appear, and should be there. Other interesting early Quaker marriage certificates which do include Kesters are printed in the Records of the Kingwood Monthly Meeting of Friends by James W Moore, published by H E Deats in 1900. For a discussion of the family of Gertrude Dors Kuster, see: The News-Caster Vo13, No 2, June 1985 Wilhelm Niepoth, translated by John Brockie Lukens, "The Ancestry of the Thirteen Krefeld Emigrants of 1683" The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol 31, #3, pp 201-202 reprinted in Genealogies of Pennsylvania Families From the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine (N.B.), Vol III Stauffer - Zerbe Chester E Custer, "The Kusters and Doors of Kaldenkirchen, Germany & Germantown, Pennsylvania" Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage July 1986 * * * * * * * * * * * * * I RASTER KLIPPINGS *** Oatiss and Mary Jane (Caster) Marsh of Winchester, Indiana, celebrated their 46th Wedding Anniversary this past October 14th. Mary Jane is the daughter of the late Granville and Maude Caster of Portland, Indiana. *** Jack L Brown of Windfall, Indiana has two sisters who celebrated 50th Wedding Anniversaries this past summer. Gretchen and Edgar Weismiller, and Carol and Hubert Seely. Jack and sisters are children of the late Archie and Laura Castor Brown, Tipton County, Indiana. *** Paul W Doversberger, husband of Greeta Irene Castor Doversberger, died 31 August 1986 at the age of 75. Paul, of Kokomo, Indiana, is survived by his widow and one son. Greeta is the daughter of the late Tony Bertram and Ethel Fern (Miller) Castor, Tipton County, Indiana. *** Paul Raymond Castor of Kenton, Ohio died 18 August 1986, in his 86th year., Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Yuma, 13 June 1986. They are survived by two daughters, Dorothy Jeanne (Mrs Joseph A) Heffelfinger and Jennie Lou (Mrs Robert W) Coulson, and five grandchildren. Interment was at Grove Cemetery, Kenton, Ohio. *** Frank Thomas King of Duncanville, Texas died 8 October 1986, aged 72., Frank is survived by his wife, Marion, and two sons, Howard and Frank. Frank was the son of the late Reuben and Edith (Caster) King. Burial was October 10th at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas. page -74- NEW MEMBERS AND LATE RENEWALS Members as of 15 May 1986 were listed in the 1986 Membership Directory. The following have joined or renewed since the last newsletter. name/address ancestral line Mrs Anne Baines ---- Mary Kester Shewfelt/Zufelt(1782- ? ); 1023 Lakeway Blvd Leonard Kester(1746-1839); John Michael Kuster Lethbridge, Alberta (c1725-1801) T1K 3E3 Canada Mr Ralph M Caster William Andy Caster(1891-1962); Benjamin F Caster 3520 Burney Lane (1866-1908); Andrew W Caster(c1825-c1885); Henry Grapevine, Texas 76051 Caster(c 1790-1870+); Henry Caster(c1774- ? ); Jacob Caster( ? -1809) Mr Charles E Caster Charles B Caster(1917- ); Charles B Castor 205 Humbug Road 1875- ? ); John Castor(1837-1895); William Yreka, Calif 96097 Castor(1809-1865); Paul Castor(1784/5-1847); Benjamin Castor(1741-1826) Mr Bill Densmore Netta May Bell Densmore(1897-1980); Rosa Anna 4027 Santa Barbara Dr Caster Bell(1858-1944); Daniel Caster(1826-1868); Dallas, Texas 75214 Henry Caster(c 1790-after 1870); Henry Caster (c 1774- ? ); Jacob Caster( ? -1809) M. Jean Kaster Francois Kaster(1898-1976); Johann Kaster(1868- A 2 Rue des Mesanges 1932); Nikolaus Kaster(1837- ? ); Peter Kaster 52790 FAMECK, FRANCE (1793-1852); Michael Caster(1769-1793); Peter Caster(1745-1803); Johannes Caster(1716-1771); Johannes Caster( 1665-1755) Mrs Grace S Kester Alonzo Kester( ? - ? ); Oliver Washington 455 South Center Kester(1870-1932); David M Kester(1822-1873); Santaquin, Utah 84655 Jesse M Kester(1797-1870); Samuel Kester(1771- 1845); John Kester(1744-1825); Paul Kester (1706-1745/50); Johannes Koster(1670-1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) Mr Lorne Kester Ross Kester(1886-1950); Lorne Kester(1856-1911); 100 Calverley Trail John Milton Kester(1831-1896); Jacob Kester Scarborough, Ontario (1791-1862); Leonard Kester(1746-1839); John M1C 386 Canada Michael Kuster(c1725-1801) Mrs Sandra Raster Lee Robert Lee Kaster Sr(1901- ); William H S Kaster 10526 Sagewillow (1867-1930); Reuben F Kaster(c1842-1907); William Houston, Texas 77089 Kaster(1815- ? ); Samuel Kaster(1799-1854); James Kaster(1776-1847); Benjamin Castor(1741-1826) Mr Larry W McHenry Robert J McHenry(1886- ); George William 2506 - 7th Street McHenry(1868-1956); Nancy Inez Caster McHenry East Moline, Iii 61244 (1830-1880); Noah Caster(1804-1892); Arnold Custard(1755/65-c1825)

page -75- Mrs Edna Kester Overman Oliver Washington Kester(1870-1932); David M 3900 So 1555 East Kester(1822-1873); Jesse M Kester(1797-1870); Apt 106 Samuel Kester(1771-1845); John Kester(1744-1825) Salt Lake City Paul Kester(1706-1745/50); Johannes Koster(1670- Utah 84117 1708); Paulus Kuster(c1644-1708) In the previous issue, we incorrectly listed the ancestral line of new member Martha Jane Jenkins, and Jane E Fields of Kenton, Ohio alertly called this to our attention. Thank you, Jane. The correct data is: Martha Jane Jenkins Edith Marie Castor Sine(1897-1978); Tullus R 9103 North Union St, #5 Castor(1870-1959) George B Castor(1839-1903); Tecumseh, Mich 49286 Paul Castor(1813-1886); John Castor(1789- 1880); Arnold Castor(before 1765-c1825)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * QUERIES *** Would like to correspond with anyone researching William Custer born 1729/1732 in Pennsylvania. His wife was born about 1733. They lived in Virginia. His wife was captured by Indians about 1766, and had three sons and three daughters while in captivity. She returned twenty years later. William died about 1783. His wife died about 1783-1791. Their children: (1) Arnold Custer born 29 April 1755, married Elizabeth Scholl/Shull, died 14 May 1840; (2) Mary "Polly" Custer born about 1753/1757 in the Greenbriar District, married about 1784 Edmond Cain; and (3) William Custer born in the Greenbriar District, married 11 or 16 June 1785 Anna Smith, died 28 February 1828. Write to Mrs Ina Iverson, 5892 West 10620 North, Highland, Utah 84003. *** William Kester born about 1733,- son of Paul an Ruth (Kitchen) Rester married 14 October 1756 his first cousin, Elizabeth Kester, daughter of Hermanus and Anne (Large) Kester. Elizabeth died about 1760-1762. William then married Elizabeth Lacock, and she died about 1805-1810 in Shelby (now Spencer) County, Kentucky. About 1813, William married a widow, Sarah Martin. Sarah had first married John Pound III, and married second Samuel Stiglar, before marrying William Rester. Anyone with information about Sarah Martin, please write to Mrs Elizabeth Campuzano, Route 1, Box 170, McNeal, Arizona 85617 *** I descend from Paulus Kuster through his son, Johannes, married to Elizabeth Cassel. Many of his descendants are members of the Kingwood Meeting (Quaker) in New Jersey. In that same meeting, my ancestor James Winner married as his second wife, Mary Kester, his first cousin. All the Kesters in this meeting descend from Johannes and Elizabeth, but Mary has not been able to be accounted for up to this time. They were married in 1801, and moved from New Jersey to Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, shortly afterwards. Can anyone connect my Mary Kester to the rest of the Rester clan? I have no dates for Mary, but her husband was born in 1760, married first Mary Parker, daughter of Humphrey Parker and Tamer Scott of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She had married first to Randal Collins in New Jersey. James Winner died March 1829 in Loyalsock Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. They had lived in Oxford Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, before moving to Pennsylvania. Please write to Vivian F Taylor, 423 S Park Ave, Norristown, Pa 19403

page -76- FROM THE MAILBAG *** Good news from James B Caster of Grants Pass, Oregon. Jim has successfully recovered from a very serious kidney infection that has plagued him for over a year. He was dangerously ill, but is now free of, 410 the affliction. Jim's doctor has certified him to be a "tough old cuss." Way to go, Jimll

*** Dorothy Loescher of Appleton, Wisconsin made a research trip this past summer through Oklahoma, Missouri and Iowa. While in Appanoose County, Iowa, she copied several Castor and Custer marriage records for us, and also obtained a biographical sketch of Joseph C Custer (born 1846) of Sullivan County, Missouri. We are still looking for the parents of her John Custer who was born 3 March 1838 in Illinois; married Adaline Shawver 1858 in Putnam County, Missouri; and died 1922 in Grenola, Kansas. Many thanks, Dorothy. Appanoose County, Iowa Marriage Records -- William Castor to Catherine Funkhouser 7 April 1864 by T F Horn, minister John Castor to Lucretia Shaffer 28 July 1865 by H Keith, minister Jacob D Castor age 25 to Mary C Musgrave age 22, 14 Sept 1873 by A Jackson, Magistrate James Castor age 32 to Isabel Peckham age 19, 1 Jan 1874, Sam'l Jones, minister Catherine Castor age 21 to Samuel M Ingrum age 22, 24 Dec 1871, Rev A J John, at C Castor's, Appanoose County Anna J Castor age 16 to Jas F Benefieher age 19, 13 Oct 1880 by Thos Stepheson at William A Castor's [Book 7, p 477] Bertha Caster age 20 to James G Wirth age 22, 3 April 1881 by D Exline at Caldwell [Book 7, page 575] Lodema Ellen Castor age 21 to Enoch Cline age 21, 4 Sept 1881 by J W Worthington at Noah Castor's [Book 7, p 628] Abraham S [L] Castor age 22 to Malinda A Dunn age 20, [no further info - Book 8, page 192] Jennie L Castor age 16 to Isaac Crowder age 24, 24 Dec 1886 by R L Darrah at Dennis Jos W Castor age 23 to Sylvia Simmons age 21, 27 April 1890 by T A Rogers at bride's residence [Book 10, p 28 ] Charley Castor age 22 to May Ellis age 19, 29 Aug 1891 by N N Ervin at bride's residence LBook 10, p 564] Maggie Castor age 18 to Chas A Stevens age 22, 20 Nov 1894 by C F Spooner at Centerville [Book 12, p 141] Fannie A Custer age 49 to W T Wilson age 56, 25 Nov 1903 by J D Varnoy at Center Twp [Book 16, page 17] *** Donations have been received from James B Caster of Grants Pass, Oregon, Elma Arbitter of Decker, Michigan, Berdena Brady of Hillsboro, Oregon, Mary Jane (Caster) Marsh of Winchester, Indiana, and Margaret Little of Portales, New Mexico. Many thanks, Boosters! *** Change of Address -- Mrs Ina Iverson, 5892 West 10620 North, Highland, Utah 84003 -- Mr Steven M Scholer, 9010 Pontiac St, Houston, Texas 77096 -- Mrs Barbara Castor Edwards, 8401 Southside Blvd - Apt 1101, Jocksonville, Florida 32216 -- Ruth (Mrs Keith) Smith, 5401 Gateway Drive, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009. I * * * Marcile Nelson of Curtis, Nebraska enjoyed a trip to the page -77- Wisconsin Dells this summer, and saw Tommy Barlett's Water Show, The House on the Rocks, The Grotto, and a cruise on the Mississippi River. She is expecting a great grandchild, too. *** Alice Smith of Warsaw, Indiana recently obtained a death certificate for her grandfather, Jesse Kester (1852-1919) which confirms the ancestry that we believed to be. It is always rewarding to hear about confirmation like that. Jesse Kester was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Carey) Kester, and their line goes back to John and Sarah (Lundy) Kester of North Carolina. Alice reports a frost last August! That is chilling news to the tomatos on the vine. *** Elizabeth Campuzano of McNeal, Arizona has a sharp eye, and spotted an error in our description of Paul Kester, soldier of the War of 1812, in the September 1986 News-Caster (top of page 55). We mistakenly stated that Paul moved in 1786 with his parents from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky -- we should have stated that he made the trip with his father and step-mother. His mother had died in the early 1760s and his father married second Elizabeth (Lacock) Ferguson about 1762. Thanks for catching this, Elizabeth. *** Inez Eberstein of Eugene, Oregon has sent us a copy of the page from Mennonite Family History Vol IV, No 3, July 1985, page 95. This is a summary made by Vivian F Taylor, Norristown, Pa of the ancestry of Paulus Custers as recorded by family group sheets from the LDS Library in Salt Lake City. Anyone desiring a copy of this may have it by writing to C E Scholer. Many thanks, Inez!! [Mrs Laura Anderson of Henderson, Nevada also sent us copies - thanks!] *** Vivian F Taylor of Norristown, Pa has recently returned from a trip to Europe. Welcome back, Vivian. Vivian has helped us tremendously on the Kester families - descendants of Johannes Kuster. She has shared with us the collection of information that she and Ruth Alexander have assembled over several years. Now, Vivian is also sharing with us her information describing the descendants of Hermanus Kuster. We indeed are very grateful to Vivian!! Let's hear a big Hurrah for Vivian! *** We received a cute advertisement that may be of interest to some. A new book of humor for genealogists is being offered. Entitled "Collecting Dead Relatives" by Laverne Galeener-Moore and illustrated by Randy Calhoun, it is published by Gateway Press, Inc, has 113 pages, paperback, and is $8.00 postpaid within USA. Described as an irreverant romp through the field of genealogy, it explains such mysteries as the Briefcase Magnet, the Local Blueblood, the Unconscious Mother Hen, the Latest Genealogist Repellants Used by Your Friendly County Clerks, How to Deal With Live Relatives, Self-Publishing--The Road to Bankruptcy! They guarantee genalogicoholic gigles! Well, if genealogy is getting too serious for you, you may want to order this from M. Laverne Moore, 15361 Skyview Drive, San Jose, California 95132. *** We wish to welcome back our French Connection -- Monsieur Jean (pronounced John) Raster of Femack, France. Jean has been hospitalized recently at Nancy, France for treatment of Hodgkin's disease, and is now receiving further treatment. We wish him a speedy and successful recovery!! *** Lucile Custard of Charlottesville, Virginia has sent to us an abstract of the will of Bernardus Swartwood/Swartout. Bernardus' page -78- daughter, Sarah, married William Custard (son of Conrad and Susannah Adams Custard, and great grandson of Paulus Kuster). Bernardus' will was dated 7 June 1773 and probated 24 March 1774. The will mentions his daughters Margaret Cole, Elisabeth, Sarah Casterd, Lea (deceased), and •Mary Muller, and sons Jacob, Thomas, Anthony (deceased), Bernardus' (deceased) and Benjamin (deceased).• Granddaughter Gennet (Jannet) Casterd is mentioned as are some other grandchildren. Some details of the will indicate that slavery was being practiced then in Pennsylvania. Anyone desiring a copy of this abstract, please write C E Scholer. Many thanks, Lucile! *** Ray Castor of Carter, Montana reports a little snow at the beginning of October. They had a tough time getting winter wheat planted this year -- first it was too hot and dry, then it switched to rain and planting had to be squeezed in between rains! They were visited in September by daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Tom Knott from San Francisco, and granddaughter Lindsay.

*** Good news from Margaret Little of Portales, New Mexico! Husband, Larry Little is recoverying well from surgery and radiation and is feeling much stronger and better. Way to go, Larry! Larry is editor for the Little Family Newsletter, and was gracious to provide many good tips for our newsletter when we began. Larry and Margaret were planning to attend the California reunion, but were forced to attend to medical repairs instead. We all look forward to seeing them in 1988. *** Dr Nancy Griffin of Denton, Texas sends a news item from the Denton Record-Chronicle (1 October 1986). Herman Custard, professional chimney sweep of Denton, was quoted as explaining "You know, they used to do this with geese. Back in the 19th century, they'd tie a rope around the neck of a live goose and lower it down the chimney. When it flapped its wings, it'd knock that creosote from the inside of the chimney." *** Berdena Brady of Hillsboro, Oregon reports that Vyca Cowan of Unionville, Missouri paid a pleasant visit this past August., Berdena and Vyca are descendants of Arnold Custard/Castor (1755/65-c1825). In the picture, Berdena is on the left, and Vyca on the right. They both have the Caster smile! *** Roy Caster of Union, Iowa has located gravestones of Lucetta Estep Caster (1st wife of James Barkley Caster) and Sophia Burch Caster (1st wife of Jacob Elwood Caster). They were buried in a small cemetery just southeast of Union, Hardin County, Iowa. Lucetta was born 1847, died 11 April 1873. Sophia died 1871. Thanks very much, Roy. *** Chester E Custer of Nashville continues to enjoy retirement, but appears to be working more than ever! He has taken on an interim assignment as Editor for Professional Books with Abingdon Press in Nashville, which will occupy him until early next year or later. He is also serving as Director of Older Adult Ministries for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. His wife, Elizabeth, and he spent the page -79- latter part of October in China on a study tour sponsored by the US-China Peoples Friendship Association. And he will be leading two seminars at Rally '87, a Sunday school workers' conference, in Houston, Texas. We hope to have an opportunity to visit with him while he is in Houston. i5 *** Shirley Roney Michael of Beaver Falls, Pa sends a table for computing the birth date from date of death when age is given in years, months and days. DATE OF INSTRUCTIONS MONTH OF DEATH: DEATH: 15 Step 1--Find the DAY of death in the LEFT Column. Treat January 16 this day as 0, the day before as 1, the day February 17 before that as 2, etc, count up the column March 18 the number of days of life given. If you April 19 reach the top of the column before you have May 20 finished counting, continue at the bottom of June 21 the column. If the month preceding the death July 22 has less than 31 days, skip the unneeded days August 23 in the column. This is the day of birth. September 24 Step 2--Find the MONTH of death in the lower month October 25 column at right. If you went past the 1st November 26 while counting days, go back one month. Just December 27 like with days, count this month as 0 and January 28 count up the column the numbers of months of February (29) life. This gives the month of birth. March (30) Step 3--Take the YEAR of death. If you went past April (31) January while counting months, subtract 1 from May 1 the year of death. Now subtract the number of June 2 years of life from the year you have, and the July 3 result is the year of birth. August 4 September 5 IF DEATH OCCURED IN MARCH OF A LEAP YEAR, remember to October 6 include 29 in your day count if you pass March 1st. November 7 December 8 RULE: "30 days hath September, April, June 4 November" 9 10 EXAMPLES 11 Subject died 31 May 1966, aged 94 years, 11 months, 7 days. 12 Step 1--Starting with 31, treat this day as 0 and count back 13 7 days. This results in 24 14 Step 2--We did not go past the 1st, so starting with May in the month column, count up 11 months. This is June Step 3--we did go past January, so 1966 becomes 1965. Sub- tract 94 from 1965 = 1871 Thus, 24 June 1971 Subject died 1 march 1896, aged 35 years, 7 months, 2 days. Step 1--Start with 1 and treat this day as 0 and count back 2. The month preceding March is February and 1896 was a Leap Year (divisible by 4), so we skip 31 and 30. The day before March 1 was February 29, so treat 29 as 1 and 2 lands us on 28 Step 2--We did go past the 1st, so start with February in the month column, count up 7 months, and this is July, Step 3--We did go past January, so 1986 becomes 1895. Sub- tract 35 from 1895=1860. Birthdate is 28 July 1960

page -80- Another rule: Century years are not leap years, unless divisible by 400, such as 1600. Shirley suggests that you check your work by starting with the computed birth date and count forward to see if you get the death date. •

Shirley has also sent some information on early Custer wills in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She has a translation for the 1811 will of John Custer which was written in German. We will comment on this in the next News-Caster. Many thanks, Shirley!!!

*** Chuck and Jean White of Wichita, Kansas recently visited Baltimore, Maryland. They toured through Shenandoah Valley and Brock's Gap, Virginia on their way. Jean procured copies of about 30 old land deeds from the Virginia Archives, among them Arnold Custer of 1760. Jean has been sending lots of Custer material, and continues to work on our project of publishing a book describing the descendants of Paulus and Gretrude Kuster. 1N N\ ;** Lorne Kester of Scarborough, Ontario sends a photocopy of part of a land document in which his great great great grandfather, Leonard Kester (1746-1839), signs his name as Leonard Gerster [see the article appearing this issue on page 65]. This may parallel the Hans Georg Gerster/John George Castor name transition made in Philadelaphia soon after his arrival in 1736. Another parallel is Henry Caster (1774- ? ) of Rowan County, North Carolina, when married in 1797, his name appears on the record as Heinrich Gerster. We shall make more effort to look f ore evidence of the Gerster families in the 18th century. *** Among those signed up for the Castor Family Tour of Europe in August 1987 are Jack and Martha Brown of Windfall, Indiana, Don Burkett of Tipton, Indiana, Chuck and Jean White of Wichita, Kansas, N Steven Castor of Bath, New York, and Charlie and Ann Scholer of Richmond, Texas. We are hoping to have dinner with Jean Kaster of Femack, France when we arrive in Luxembourg. Anyone desiring information on this 17-day tour, contact the Wastler Escorted Travel, Inc, P 0 Box 775, Mechanicsburg, Pa 17055-775 or telephone 717/697-6368. *** Gordon Carter of Petersborough, Ontario has just returned from a research trip to Easton, Pennsylvania. He has sent more information about the John Michael Kuster family. We will report further on his new finds in the next News-Caster. Gordon is co-author of our feature this issue beginning on page 65. Many thanks, Gordon! Keep it coming!! *** Additional new members!! These applications arrived too late to include in the normal spot -- but we will list here. Mrs Jacqi Reed Marvin Reed (1933- ); Johnny M Reed Box 163 (1912- ); Lenora Ann Custer Reed Prescott, Iowa 50859 (1878-1955); William Kinney Custer (1847-1935); Edward Custer( ? - ? Harriet E Wallace Custer/Kester ancestor 1312 So Race St Urbana, Illinoia 61801 We welcome these new members!

page -81- ASSOCIATION BUSINESS *** Leland Caster wants still more recipes for the Castor Cook Book, so keep them coming to Leland, 1929 Belipark Drive, Bremerton, Washington. 98310. Please send them on 3 x 5 cards. Leland has set a deadline of 151 April 1987 for receiving recipes. He has received 213 recipes, and wishes to thank everyone for their excellent cooperation. You have sent some marvelous recipes -- I wonder how many pounds Leland has gained testing these gems?! *** We now have our third book published and available. It is entitled More Caster/Castor Genealoigies and covers nine additional lines of Caster/Castor/Kaster families, all going back to the 18th century in America. The book has a soft cover, plastic spine bound, contains 296 pages, and each of the nine sections is indexed. The nine sections are: I Isaac Castor (1738-1780) II Conrad Caster (before 1765-c 1828) of Campbell County, Kentucky III Jacob Caster ( ? -1809) of Rowan County, North Carolina IV James Caster (1747-1836) of Harrison County, Virginia V Thomas Caster of Virginia VI Vincent Caster (c 1758-1832) of Maryland VII George Castor (c 1785-1869) of western Pennsylvania VIII Michael Kaster (c 1725-1801) of Northampton County, Pennsylvania IX John Castor (1748-1835) of New York We have printed 30 copies and they are ready for mailing now. Price is4 $28 postpaid in the United States, $32 postpaid in Canada. We have six copies of Some Caster/Castor Genealogies and the price is $23 postpaid. We do not plan to reprint this in the future, so if you want a copy, order soon. *** In 1983 we chartered the Association in the State of Texas, and applied to the Federal Internal Service for non-profit status. Because our charter was written too broadly (my fault), and the IRS perceived us to be a family organization, they refused to grant us the desired status. Because it is extremely difficult to modify the state charter, we decided to allow it to lapse, and begin all over with a fresh start. It is our plan to again charter in the State of Texas at the beginning of 1987. This time we will use wording suggested by the IRS, and we will drop the word FAMILY from our name. Following the granting of the new charter, we will again apply for non-profit status with the IRS. If successful, we will gain several advantages, among them avoidance of federal income tax, a still lower bulk mail rate, avoidance of state sales tax, and the ability of our donors to take advantage of certain tax deductions. So, our name in the future will be The Castor Association of America. Jean (Mrs Huitt) Caster of Grand Prairie, Texas is going to help draft the new By-Laws, which will be later circulated to the officers for approval. *** Terry O'Connor of Altoona, Iowa will be our chairperson for the 1988 Third National Castor Reunion, to be held in Iowa. Terry will be making the final selection of a location, and will determine the time,4 and establish the committees needed. If any of you wish to offer suggestions, please contact Terry. His address is 301 Village Circle, page -82- Altoona, Iowa 50009., His telephone number is 515/967-3861. Also, anyone wishing to volunteer to help, please contact Terry. *** Jack and Martha Brown of Tipfon, Indiana will be our chairpersons for the 1990 Fourth National Castor Reunion to be held in Indiana. They are already scouting possible locations. If you have suggestions, or would like to volunteer for their committees, please contact them at Box 44, Windfall, Indiana 46076. *** We are still looking for some "HELPERS" -- volunteers who can take some of the load. For example, someone can be our Public Relations Expert. This requires someone who can write form letters to various newspapers (I have the addresses) and explain about our organization. This same volunteer can take care of our advertising in a couple of Societies. Another volunteer that we need is someone to manage some fund raising ventures, such as - Castor/Custer/Kester tee shirts, or Caster/Kaster caps, or stationary: I am certain that other good ideas will develop, but what we need is someone willing to "spark plug" this function. If you want to help in some other way, let us know, and we will try to arrange it. *** If you have an interesting story or other information about your family heritage, and would like to have it featured in The New-Caster, please send it to us. Our best articles have been contributed by our members. Don't be bashful -- let us hear from you. *** We are closing our fourth year, and we wish to express our gratitude to all our members for their support and help. We couldn't do it without you! We now have 265 members, and we can take pride in our steady and strong growth. In the years to come, as we grow, we will be able to do more, and take on additional projects. Our next project will probably be the publication of a book describing Paulus and Gertrude Kuster and their descendants. And there are several other Custer/Kister genealogies that will one day deserve publication. Our program of acquiring genealogical books has been launched with a good start, and we hope this will develop into an attractive loan library for your use. If you have suggestions about how we can improve and/or expand our service, please let us know. If you believe we are doing a good job, invite some of your relatives or friends to join. *** Some of you may not know about "Krefeld Immigrants and Their Descendants" edited by Iris Carter Jones and published by Links Genealogy Publications, 7677 Abaline Way, Sacramento, California 95823. The annual subscription is $10. They produce two issues each year, and they are very interesting. Iris is very meticulous, and writes an excellent newsletter. Another publication that may be of interest is "Custer Chronicle" published three times a year b51' Mrs Mary Ann Shields, Box 43 Palos Verdes Estates, California 90274. Mary Ann provides information for the Custer, Kester and Caster families. Subscription rate for Custer Chronicles has been $10 per year in the past, and we presume it will be the same for 1987.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY NEW YEAR - MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY NEW YEAR - MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY NEW YEAR

page -83- 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 [Elma Arbitter of Decker,' Michigan suggested this article] I now possess three faded, brown and very ragged-edge ledger book pages. The pages measure 8 x 12 1/4 inches and have writing on both sides. They contain a list of names, of students attending the school and various other writings. One of the pages is signed "Jeremiah Custer, Allegany County, Little Crossings, Maryland." Jeremiah was the teacher for the 1844 term of school. He may have taught other terms, but this is unknown. These three pages originally belonged to Richard Custer (1853-1935), who liver near Swanton, Garrett County, Md. He was a nephew of Jeremiah Custer. In 1932, Richard gave the pages to his nephew, Roy E Bittinger of Johnstown, Pa. Mr Bittinger gave the pages to my dad, Gus S Stanton, Sr in 1974. Jeremiah Custer was born November 19, 1824, the youngest of nine children of Emanuel Custer, Jr and Catharine Ringer Custer. Jacob Brown, in his book of Miscellaneous Writings, describes "Jere" as "bright, quick and susceptible but eccentric." Jeremiah was nineteen when he began teaching the 1844 school term. He was never married and in 1844 was probably living with his widowed mother in the Mt Nebo area, which is just a few miles south of the Grantsville-Little Crossings area. Jeremiah died May 29, 1850., Today, Little Crossings is the area located east of present day, Grantsville at the well-known single arch bridge completed in 1814, on, the Casselman River. In 1844 Little Crossings was the business and voting center of Election District #3 and was also the area post office. the 1840 population of the third district was 981 including 43 slaves. Most of the residents were engaged in agriculture or some business related to the travelers on the National Road - present day Route 40. (this article will be concluded in March 1987 issue)

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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 the Caster, Castor, Custard, Custer, Kaster, Kastor and Kester families. Officers for the 1985-1986 Biennium are: Charles E Scholer, president, 2103 Plantation Drive, Richmond, Texas 77469; Mrs Jack L Brown, vice president, Box 44, Windfall, Indiana 46076; Mrs Huitt D Caster, vice president, 3213 Trible, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050; Leland L Caster, vice president, 1929 Bell Park Drive, Bremerton, Washington 98310; Donald F Castor, vice president, 10433 Carrolibrook Court, Tampa, Florida 33618; Jack K Castor, vice president, 4 Park Ridge Road, San Rafael, California 94903; Miss Sarah Jane Eaton, vice president, 1310 East 28th St, Anderson, Indiana 46014.

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