The Hissem-Montague Family

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Through examination of census and tax records I believe that my part of the family descends from David Heysham. However, it is conceivable that we descend from David's elder brother, Thomas, who also settled in West Virginia. The fact that a man who descended from Thomas is only two steps removed from me in a 37 marker Y-DNA test, while a descendant of David is three steps removed using the same test, seems to indicate that I am more likely a part of the Thomas Hissom branch.

My Fourth-Great-Grandfather. Also as Hisam, Hisom, Hissam, Hissem, Hissim, Hissom, Heysham, Hysham, Heysam, Hysam, and Hisham. David Heysham, the youngest son of Thomas Hesom and Catherina Kleyn, was born on 14 March 1762, or 1763 or 1760, in Lower Smithfield township, Northampton county, in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Soon after the Revolution David and his brothers, John and Thomas, moved to western Pennsylvania. The eldest brother, John, remained there, residing in the nascent village of Pittsburgh. David and his other brother, Thomas, moved down the Ohio river to what today is Tyler county, West Virginia. While many families quickly forget their past and often make up new stories to fill the void, one branch of the Thomas Hesom family remembered correctly. Emel "Bud" Bernard Hissam told me the story passed down in his family, that of Thomas Hissam of David.

"We were always told there were two brothers from Western Penn. who settled in Tyler, County, W.Va. sometime in the early 1800's. We were also told there were two different family trees in Tyler County originating from these two brothers."

"Dear Steve

You may remember I wrote last year about my Heesom family in East Yorkshire. Recently my brother's Y-DNA (FTDNA) had a 35/37 match with an [redacted] whose earliest known ancestor is a Thomas Hisam, born between 1775 and 1785 in Philadelphia, PA. Thomas Hisam's wife is unknown, his son, Thomas J. Hissam was born between 1818 and 1819 in Westmoreland Co. PA and died in West Virginia. I wonder if this fits in anywhere with your John Heesom line?

Regards
Nicolette"

David Heysham left a record of his early life in an application for a pension submitted in 1834,

"That he was born the 14th day of March 1762 or 63 in Northampton county aforesaid in the State of Pennsylvania, in Lower Smithfield Township, near Broadhead creek [left] about four miles from the Delaware river. That he has no record of his age, the family Bible left by his father, in which his age was recorded, fell into the hands of a Levi Swarthwoot, a stepson of his father, after his father's death, who says that from long use the record became loose and was lost out. He from his own recollection of the records thinks that he was born on the 14th March 1762 or 63, but inclines to believe the latter year, but of this is not very positive, [garbled] had recent conversation with a Sister in Law of his who is several years older than he and who has frequently seen the record of his age asserts that he is older by two or three years than he make himself, but still he is of the belief that he was born on the 14th March 1763."

Per my researches into the later life of David's father, Thomas Hesom, I expect David was born near Marshall's Creek, depicted in the modern map to the right at the letter "A." This was "near" the better known Broadhead creek and four miles from the Delaware river. The river road between Smithfield and Bushkill crosses Marshall's creek at this point. Below is a photo of Marshall's Creek.

The LDS database says David Hissem was born in 1770 in Pennsylvania, but this was probably a supposition based on his date of death. Note that the Minisink communities minister, the Reverend Johannes Fryenmoet, had fled at the start of the Indian troubles of 1756 so there was no one to baptize the young David nor record his birth. A new minister was not found until September 1760 when the Reverend Thomas Romeyn began his service at Maghaghkemek, now Deerpark, New York, at the northern end of the Minisink.

"The five years intervening between Mr. Fryenmuth's departure and Mr. Romeyn's arrival, appears to have been almost a blank in church affairs." - from "A History of the Minisink Region" by Charles Stickney

In 1764, while David was still a toddler, numerous Indian raids, including along the Brodhead creek, caused a panic and many of the settlers fled their homes. These were, however, the last spasms of an Indian War institigated by the French in 1755. While things were never completely quiet on the frontier, there would be no more major raids until the Revolution began.

There are no records of David's youth, but some things may be assumed about his family. Quaker and Dutch attitudes about the rearing of children were far different from the "spare the rod and spoil the child" viewpoint of the Puritans of New England. The Quakers supported a child-centered household based on affection. The Quaker leader William Penn advised parents to correct their childen with love and never strike in passion. Dutch children enjoyed a relatively carefree youth and their parents were open in their displays of affection.

Based on what we know about frontier life, David would have received little or no schooling. We do know that he was at least minimaly literate, having signed his own name to his "Declaration for Obtaining a Pension." Interestingly, his brothers, Thomas and John, could not and only made their marks on official documents.

My guess is that the difference in David's education was his step-mother, Elizabeth Brink. Thomas Sr. had married her around 1765, when John was 19 and Thomas 15, thus both "out of the house" in the sense that they spent most of their time in the field or forest. David, however, was only 3 or 5 and a perfect candidate for a little tutorial at the hearth. This would assume that Elizabeth was literate and Thomas Sr.'s first wife, Catherina Kleyn, was not.

All of the boys probably learned Dutch, or German, from their mother or step-mother. It was literally their mother tongue.

There were no public schools at this time. The one-room schoohouse of the American West was a product of a later generation. Colonial leaders agreed that education was important, but were not concerned with providing it. The decision of whether to educate children was left to individual families until 1683 when a Pennsylvania law was passed, requiring that all children be taught to read and write and be trained in a useful trade. Religious groups ran most schools and stressed the practical aspects of education. Any school in Lower Smithfield would have been associated with the local Reformed Dutch church. David may have been taught to read and write at a minimal level, and perhaps to do basic sums, but he had no use for anything more. He would learn all he needed to know about farming and woodcraft from his father and elder brothers. In addition to the basics of subsistence farming, he would be able to track game, shoot and skin his dinner, and protect himself and the family. He learned about religion, and politics, from the sermons he heard in church.

In the run-up to the American Revolution, the frontier farmers provided a ready audience for concepts of democracy, equality and independence. They owed little to the government and its military. They had cleared the land, brought in the crops, ensured their safety and fought their own wars with little or no assistance. While the community itself was interdependent, every man was proud to stand on his "own two feet." The automatic deference their forefathers had felt for their "betters" had vanished.

All of David's brothers served during the Revolution in support of independence. In 1776 William and Abner, serving in the Flying Camp among the Pennsylvania Associators, had disappeared during the Battle of Long Island, most likely killed as the American lines were overwhelmed. Thomas, who was in the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, completed his service in 1778 and returned to Lower Smithfield, then served in the local militia. John, the eldest, enlisted in a New York infantry regiment and continued with them through at least 1782.

In a document listing those receiving military pensions, David is listed as a Tyler county, West Virginia Revolutionary War pensioner and as a previous member of the Virginia militia.

"DAVID HEYSAM
TYLER COUNTY
PRIVATE
VIRGINIA MILITIA
$80.00 ANNUAL ALLOWANCE
$240.00 AMOUNT RECEIVED
MARCH 27, 1834 PENSION STARTED
AGE 71"
- from the "Virginia Pension Roll of 1835, Report from the Secretary of War, In relation to the Pension Establishment Of the United States 1835"

From an ancestors source file:

"David Heysham (Hissam) was another interesting patriot ancestor. This information is from his pension file at the National Archives. David served as an Indian spy or scout in 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, and 1783 from Northumberland [sic] county, Pennsylvania. David relates several instances of scalpings and killings by the Indians. He also gives a description of his duties. He says he was "employed in part in guarding the said fort [Fort Penn] and settlement; in watching the movements of the Indians; examining their trails and giving information of their approach to the settlement and frequently guarding those who were engaged in cultivating the soil for the support of those in the fort."

The year 1778, when elder brother Thomas returned home, was David's first year of service in the militia. The year saw the frontier settlements in New York and Pennsylvania under repeated atttack from the Iroquois and their Tory allies. The Iroquois Confederation, also known as the Six Nations, was a political and military alliance that included the Seneca, Cayuga, Mohawk, Onondaga, 0neida, and Tuscarora tribes. They had openly sided with England in the Revolution, hoping to protect their homelands from encroaching Americans settlers.

On 30 May 1778 the village of Cobleskill, New York was destroyed by an Indian raid and on 3 July Colonel Zebulon Butler's militia was defeated by Tory leader Major John Butler's rangers and Indians at the settlement of Wyoming, which was on the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvania. The fort and homes of the settlers were put to the torch and men, women and children killed. The painting to the left is a dramatic recreation, from the colonists' point of view, of the massacre. Major Butler and his Indian allies told a different story, claiming only victory in a fair fight. Whichever story was true, refugees of this catastrophe poured into Fort Penn, located on Broadhead creek near David's home, telling a tale of infamy that both aroused and paniced the countryside.

Per his recollections, David served three two-month stints with the militia in 1778, so I assume he must have joined up in July 1778, or as soon as the news of the Wyoming massacre reached Lower Smithfield.

On 17 September Colonel Jacob Klock reported that German Flats, New York was "laid waste for ten miles along the Mohawk river, and an attack made on Fort Dayton". The leaders of the frightened community of Lower Smithfield made an appeal for assistance to Vice President George Bryan, of the Supreme Executive Council, the revolutionary government of Pennsylvania.

"Lower Smithfield, Northampton Co.
September 27th, 1778.
Sir;

We think proper to give your Honour Intiligence of the present Circumstances of this part of the State, relative to the fears of the good people of these Townships labour under for fear of the Indians. It is some time past since the Militia's times were up & they discharg'd; we for some time after were in hopes that others would be sent to take their place. Above us in Delaware & upper Smithfield, a fine Contry near thirty miles in length, is almost Evacuated, the people moved over to new Jersey for safety; & in this Township there is only a Guard left at Cornl Stroud, whose times is almost expired & will soon return home, & unless they are replaced with others we shall expos'd to the Ravages of the Savages. There is a Verbal report here that Men is sent towards their Towns; as for the certainty we do not know, & if so the success is uncertain, & if the attempt should prove unsuccessful we may soon expect to shere the fate of the later; and as there is no Men to scout to make any discovery, the first notice we may expect is a Stroke, we therefore Submit our case to the wisdom of your Honour & the board of War to grant us such assistance as you in your wisdom shall think Proper.

We are with due respects,
your humble Sarv'ts,
JOHN CHAMBERS, Sub. Lieut.,
BENJAMIN VAN CAMPEN, Sub. Lieut.,
NICHOLAS DUPUI,
JACOB STROUD, Corl,
JOHN VAN CAMPEN." - from the Pennsylvania Archives, volume VI, p. 767

The final major attack of the year came on 11 November when approximately 800 men raided the setllement of Cherry Valley, New York.

From David Heysham's "Declaration for Obtaining a Pension" of 15 February 1834 -

"State of Virginia
County of Tyler

On this 15th day of February 1834 personally appeared in open court before the county Court of said County of Tyler, now sitting, David Heysham, a resident of said County and State aforesaid aged Seventy or Seventy one years, who being first sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That sometime in the year 1778 he was residing with his Father in Northampton county in the state of Pennsylvania. He being then under the age at which he would be required to muster by the laws of Pennsylvania, but being active withal expert in the use of the rifle for one of his tender years, his father, who was a violent Whig [that is, a Patriot], permitted him to substitute for one John Schoolcraft (or a man of some such name not now postively recollected by affiant) for Two Months in a company of Scouts or Spy's sent out for the protection of the Inhabitants of Northampton county aforesaid against the hostile incursions of the Indians, a party of whom came in the neighborhood in the time of his tour and killed four persons namely, [John] Larner, his son George Larner and George's wife and child. That he, with the company of Scouts to which he belonged, pursued said Indians whom they overtook and John Larner, a son of the Elder Larner before named, who had joined his company on this occasion for the purpose of revenging his father's and brother's death if possible, shot one of the Indians and scalped him. The other Indians made their escape. Upon the Indian killed was found the scalp of old Mr. Larner."

David's affadavit leaves unclear whether he thought the Larner massacre occurred during his first year of service in 1778 or simply that it was one example of Indian incursions. Clearly though, it was a significant memory of the period. Note that at least one source thought the massacre occurred in 1780 so perhaps David's lapse in exactitude is forgivable.

In a recent biography of Benjamin Franklin I noted that, in his role in preparing Northampton county for its defense during the French and Indian Wars, Franklin admonished the local militia to send out scouts on a daily basis to spy-out the area and ensure they are aware of possible Indian movements. David was apparently given just such a job.

The Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania: Fort Penn The frontier forts were built in the 1750's by the Pennsylvania government to protect the settlers from Indian assaults. During the French and Indian wars, French agents encouraged the Indians to attack remote settlements and this region was hit hard. Fort Hamilton was built on the western side of what was to become Stroudsburg, in Lower Smithfield township in 1756. It was later replaced by the fortified home of Jacob Stroud, which was named Fort Penn. It was located on the eastern side of the town. In its form, it comprised a large stone house, the residence of the Stroud family, and was surronded by a palisade and a ditch. The soldiers of the militia did not normally inhabit the fort. It was a place of refuge in times of crisis and a convenient rendezvous for disbursed units. The peace following the French and Indian wars was interrupted when the Iroquois joined forces with the British against the Colonists in the Revolutionary War. The Colonial Army was not able, initially, to effectively help the settlers. In 1778, Fort Penn became a place of refuge to hundreds of people fleeing the Wyoming Massacre. This terrible event, perpetrated by 400 Tory Rangers and 700 Indians, left 400 dead and many others taken prisoner. Many of the survivors crowded into Fort Penn, the fort at Stroudsburg controlled by Jacob Stroud. As a result of the massacre, General George Washington sent the Continental Army, under the direction of General John Sullivan, to march through the area and quell the Indians. The company of 2,500 men marched from Easton through the Susquehanna Valley into New York State, destroying every Indian village, sanctuary and means of livelihood they encountered. Finally, the march complete, Sullivan's army was disbanded. Indian attacks continued, however, until the Peace of Paris treaty, which ended the Revolutionary War in 1783. At that time, the British ordered their frontiersmen to stop paying the Indians to attack the Colonists. General Washington for his part banned all attacks on Indians in the area.

From another source, a newspaper article claiming to use the pension files:

"David Heysham, born Lower Smithfield, Northampton county, Pennsylvania March 14 1762, and died, September 6, 1834, Tyler county, Virginia. Enlisted in Pennsylvania in 1778 and served two years as a private under Lieutenant Shoemaker of the Virginia Line [sic], guarding and defending the western frontier."

The Frontier Ranger A militiaman and guardian of the frontier, this soldier was thought of as an "Indian Ranger," that is, his war was directed at the Indian enemy and fought to their rules. In our modern idiom he might be thought of as Homeland defense. On patrol he would have worn the same clothing he did at home - which was probably his only suit of clothes - comprised of buckskin and homespun. Below is an etching of rangers in a firefight with the Indians - they really ought to take better cover.

From David Heysham's "Declaration for Obtaining a Pension" of 15 February 1834, continued -

"That he served as a Scout or Spy Two Months, the Terms for which he substituted under Lieutenant Henry Shoemaker and was discharged at Fort Penn in the county and state aforesaid, being the place where he joined said company. This Fort Penn was at the time known also by the name of Stroudsburg from the name of the person who owned the land [Jacob Stroud] whereon and mostly in the immediate neighborhood where the fort was created."

David was a private in the Fifth Company of the Militia of Northampton County, commanded by Lieutenant Henry Shoemaker, of the Fifth Battalion commanded by Colonel Jacob Stroud (at least in 1781), under the overall command of General Lacey. There is a story related in the Pennsylvania archives about a soldier, taken prisoner by the Indians on 18 June 1781. On the 19th in a 'recounter' between the same Indians and a party of Militia, commanded by Captain Shoemaker, the soldier was retrieved.

Note that at this early date the militia's officers were elected by their own men. A man like Jacob Stroud, the outstanding man in the community, would have been a natural choice. Other officers might have to pander for their votes. Whiskey was a common inducement. Discipline in the militia, you may imagine, was slack.

Prior to March 1777, all militia and line soldiers were volunteers. After that date, short of the needed manpower, Pennsylvania instituted a draft. The Pennsylvania State Assembly legislated a Militia Act on 17 March 1777 and a Test Act on 13 June 1777. The first statute compelled men between the ages of eighteen and fifty-three to serve in the militia or pay heavy fines. The second ordered all men to swear allegiance to the state or lose their rights as citizens.

From David Heysham's "Declaration for Obtaining a Pension" of 15 February 1834, continued -

"That soon after he was discharged (his father consenting) he again substituted in the same year 1778 for one John Sheckler in a company of Scouts under command of the said Lieut. Shoemaker. Said company rendezvoused at Fort Penn aforesaid, and he after having served the term of Two Months, the time he substituted for, was again discharged at the place where he rendezvoused."

David's declaration continues,

"That in the early part or about the beginning of the year 1779 (his father again permitting) he volunteered as an Indian Spy and joined a company of Scouts under command of said Lieut. Shoemaker in which company he served as a Spy Ten Months and was discharged where he rendezvoused (viz) at Fort Penn aforesaid. That in the time of this last named service a party of Indians, about 10 or 11 in number, penetrated the settlement and made prisoners William Cutright, William McGinnis and John Teel, who they took away with them together with several horses and a quantity of bed clothing, etc. That Lieut. Shoemaker with him [David] and the balance of his company, being 20 in number including officers, pursued the Indians following them about 16 miles from the settlement, with whom they had a skirmish and recaptured Cutright and Teel, the horses and goods. McGinnis, the other prisoner being an elderly grey headed man and probably unable to travel as fast as desired, they had killed and scalped him before his company overtook them. That in the skimrmish a large fine looking Indian took shelter behind a tree, too small to protect his body entirely from the fire of his party, and after the side of the tree had been barked by several shots, the Indian feeling unsafe, left it for another and after leaving it and while running, one Benjamin Hanna of his company shot him in or near the hip, the bullet ranging through to the front part of the other hip. The Indian fell and the others fled - With this Indian they found the scalp of McGinnis, the first they knew of his being put to death, as on their retreat they had sent a party of Indians off to one side of their trail, who had killed and scalped McGinnis, entirely out of sight of Cutright and Teel. From this Indian they tried to ascertain what they had done with McGinnis's body and where it was. This the Indian being unwilling to tell or not understanding the English tongue was unable to tell what was desired of him, Benjamin Hanna the man who shot him, struck his tomahawk into the Indian's head and killed and scalped him. The balanace of the Indians he and his company pursued to what was then called the big Pine Swamp, lying between the Susquehanna and Delaware rivers, when not overtaking them and further pursuit being considered useless and attended with great danger, they returned. On their way back they hunted and found the body of McGinnis and buried it in the best manner they could by cutting rotten logs with their tomahawks and covering it."

In June 1779 the Indian leader Joseph Brant, also known a Thayendanegea, led 400 warriors in an incursion into the Delaware valley and struck the town of Minisink. The inhabitants fled and the place was sacked and destroyed. A militia company was sent to pursue the enemy, but in an ambush were heavily defeated.

Joseph Brant Today historians are wont to call Brant a hero of his people, and perhaps they are right, but the people living on Broadhead creek saw him as a monster. From Wikipedia: "Thayendanegea or Joseph Brant (c. 1743 - 24 November 1807) was a Mohawk leader and British military officer during the American Revolution. Brant was perhaps the most well-known North American Indian of his generation. He met many of the most significant people of the age, including George Washington and King George III. The American folk image emphasized the atrocities his forces committed against settlers on the western frontier; in Canada, he is remembered for his effort to regain land for his people."

In 1779 John Weitzel was the County Lieutenant, with the rank of Colonel. In the acrimony over the inability of the militia to protect the district he fell into conflict with Colonel Jacob Stroud, the elected head of the Sixth Battalion. Stroud was a powerful man who held 4000 acreas of land in the county and whose fortified home, known as Fort Penn, was the headquarters of the militia.

The clash in authority between the County Lieutenant, appointed by and answerable to the state, and the battalion commanders, appointed by and answerable to their men, meant that each could blame the other when things went wrong, as they did in 1778 and 1779. Colonel Stroud undoubtedly had the common viewpoint of the field officer, that the staff officers, comfortably seated in the rear, had no conception of the situation on the ground and were neglectful of their duty in getting the field officers all the men and supplies they felt they needed. Colonel Weitzel undoubtedly had the common viewpoint of the staff officer, that the field officers had no conception of the difficulty in getting men and supplies, and that furthermore, the field officer's demands were almost always inflated. Colonel Weitzel eventually complained to the state's Executive Council that Stroud was inciting the people to oppose his authority and obstruct the execution of the law.

The President of the Executive Council responded in August 1779 to all three parties involved. To Colonel Stroud he wrote:

"The Distresses of your County by the late Incursions of the Indians has given us very great Concern, and the more so as we understand the Militia having got into some Confusion do not render the Services that might be expected. We are sorry to find that some mistaken Opinions you have formed on the Mode of their being called out & of the appointments of the Lieutenants have had a great share in this Evil. As you are now most probably experiencing the sad Effects of such Mistakes we shall not add to your Pain by dwelling upon them. But desire you to consider the Effects & Consequences which cannot be other than the Ruin of your outer Settlements & Impoverishment of the County itself. A well regulated Militia is the only proper & effectual Force against Such on Enemy & the Enemy would stand more in Awe of them than three Times the Number of standing Troops. To raise Companies for a few Months is not only dreadfully expensive & in most Cases ineffectual, but it seems to unhinge the System & leave you in fact much weaker than before. As you therefore possess a good share of the Esteem & Confidence of the People, I shall hope & do recommend it to you as the best Service you can perform to your bleeding Country to do away as far as possible the Effects of former Opinions & strive by a general Concurrence with the other Gentlemen in the Militia to give them Vigour & Efficacy, encouraging and promoting a Spirit of Fidelity & Obedience to the Laws calculated to afford the best Relief & Security against this dreadful Calamity. Wishing you Health & Safety."

"I remain Sir, your most
obed & very Hbbl Serv't.
JOS. REED,
President."

"The Depredations which have lately been committed in & near the County of Northampton have given us the most sensible Concern. We have flattered ourselves that the Expedition under Gen'l Sullivan would have given perfect Peace to that & every other Part of our Western Frontiers. It must now be clearly evident that nothing can afford effectual Relief against this Calamity but a well regulated Militia, which being always at Hand might before This Time, if duly attended to, have given a Check to their barbarous Incursions. It was to this Force & not to standing Troops or Volunteer Companies, raised for a few months & stationed in Forts, that N. England delivered herself from the most horrible Indian Wars. And we must recommend it to you in the most earnest & serious Manner to give this important Service your utmost Attention. If your other offices, as we fear is the Case, interfere with your Duties as Lieutenant of the County we would wish you to Consider in which you can be most useful, and not suffer one Duty to clash with another by attempting to perform too much or too many."

"If the Colonels or other Officers fail in their respective Duties & do not give you the Support they ought we request you would candidly and fairly communicate such Transactions that Measures may be taken to enforce a different Line of Conduct. If the Frontiers are broke up those who now think themselves safe will be a Frontier & shortly experience that wretchedness from which they now refuse to rescue their Neighbours. We doubt not from the Influence & Weight you must possess that your Representations on this Head will be much regarded & we do entreat you to leave no Means unessayed to effect this desirable Purpose."

"We immediately complied with your Request the other Day, we shall do the same on all other Occasions being resolved that nothing in our Power shall be wanting to give the good People of the County all possible Relief and Assistance."

"I am Sir,
Your most Obed. & very
Hbble Serv't,
JOS. REED, President""

"It has given us great Concern to hear that when your Country is in the utmost Danger & Apprehension, when so many of your friends & Countrymen are suffering so much from a cruel & barbarous Enemy, the Militia which is well regulated would be your best Defence is in such a state of Confusion as to give little or no Aid. We entreat you Gentlemen to bestir yourselves, support your Lieutenants with your utmost Weight & Influence, remove from the Minds of your Neighbours every unkind & uncharitable sentiment & urge them to obey the Laws, to perform the Offices & Duties of Humanity which require us on all Occasions to endeavor to relieve the Distresses & remove the Dangers of our Friends & Fellow Subjects. It is probably from this Beginning that the Indians finding you so unprepared will be induced to continue their Ravages & endeavor to evade the Expedition set on Foot against them by distressing & destroying the Frontiers.-I therefore take this Opp'y to request you would at some convenient Day call out your Battalions, convince them of the Necessity & Duty they are under to turn out with Alacrity & Zeal when such Havock is made among their Friends & Countrymen. If they are Lovers of this Government & Constitution they will shew it by their Submission to its Laws & a cheerful Discharge of their Duty,- for nothing can so effectually disgrace & injure any government as having its Laws neglected, its Frontiers destroyed & a mere handful of an Enemy committing Ravages which the spirited Exertions of a few men will soon suppress if animated by a proper Sense of Duty to themselves & their Country."

"Extinguish the Disputes which subsist among you as fatal to your Peace, Safety & Happiness & hereafter let there be but one Dispute who shall serve his Country best. If there are any Differences between you & any of the Lieutenants in Matter of Opinion avoid Disputes & Heartburnings as much as possible, support each other, & be assured that we will support you with every Necessary. If I could flatter myself this happy Spirit would prevail I should have Pleasure in visiting the Country & examining the State of the Militia. This I shall endeavor to do this Fall if other publick Buseness will admit, in the mean Time recommending these Things to your most serious Consideration."

"I remain Gentlemen
Your Sincere Friend
& Obed Hbble Serv't,
JOS. REED, President"

In the final resolution of the matter the Council wrote:

"This being the day appointed for hearing the complaint against Colonel Stroud, and the parties attending, and producing sundry papers, which were also read, the Council took the same into consideration; whereupon, Resolved, That the conduct of Colonel Stroud, in arraigning the authority of the Lieutenants, and the legality of their appointments, is Highly disapproved by this Board, it being their clear opinion, confirmed by the sentiments of all parts of the State, that the Assembly have a legal constitutional power to appoint Lieutenants, and that they ought to be respected accordingly."

"Resolved, That disputes between officers appointed to promote the same service, and Especially one on which the safety and security of the People so much depend, is highly prejudicial to the Public Welfare; that, therefore, it be recommended to the parties now before the Board, to lay aside all animosities, and, in future, treat each other with kindness, and conduct the Publick business with Harmony."

"Resolved, That in consideration of Colonel Stroud's good Character as an officer, his activity and zeal in the Publick Service, the Board think it proper to pass over any farther proceedings herein."

Northampton citizens too became tired of militia duty, desiring, in all too common a human trait, that someone else do the job so they could get back to their farms. They did not oppose a well-regulated militia, but they insisted that the "present mode of conducting it is, in fact, one of the greatest nuisances in the state. . . . Battalion days . . . serve only the purposes of idleness, disorder, and vice, de-praving the morals of the rising generation so that many of us, otherwise not averse to militia duty, have withdrawn ourselves and grown sons from such musterings."

From David Heysham's "Declaration for Obtaining a Pension" of 15 February 1834, continued -

"That in the years 1780, 1781, 1782 and 1783 he served the United States as a Volunteer Indian Spy from early in the Spring until late in the Fall at least Six Months in each of the said years, principally under the said Lieut. Henry Shoemaker - That he was employed in part in guarding the said Fort and Settlement, in watching the movements of the Indians, examining their trails and giving information of their approach to the Settlement and frequently in guarding those who were engaged in cultivating the soil for the support of those in the fort [sounds like more fun than cultivating the soil]. He on many occasions was sent in the years last mentioned together with the company of Scouts and Spy's to which he belonged, not exceeding 20 in number and frequently much less than 20, either in pursuit of the Indians from the settlement or in anticipation of meeting them coming to the settlement. On two occasions of this kind he was absent from the Fort and settlement one month or thereabouts each time, but generally absent from one to 10-15 and 20 days. He served in Northampton county principally, ranging from Fort Penn, his head quarters, on to Lehigh river, on to the Susquehanna river, to the Minisinck Settlement on the Delaware river and on to Bushkill [north of Stroudsburg on the Delaware river] and elsewhere. That his service was altogether on the frontiers, unconnected with any part of the regular Army or any of its officers, except at one time being in the time of his 10 months service [in 1779], he with the company of Scouts to which he belonged, commanded by Lieut. Shoemaker, accompanied the American Army under command of General Sullivan from Fort Penn through the big Pine Swamp to Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania [in the Wyoming Valley], when Genl Sullivan was on his march to the Genissee Country in the State of New York to destroy and lay waste the Indian settlements there."

General Sullivan's campaign of revenge for the Wyoming Massacre occurred, under the direction of George Washington, from June to September 1779. The army had assembled in Easton, Pennsylvania then moved north through the Wind Gap to the region of Fort Penn where several companies of men joined the force. I suspect that, because of their experience in the area, David's company was given the role of scouting the route through the swamp and, perhaps, taking "point." See the map above of Fort Penn for the location of the great swamp. Note that John Heysham, David's oldest brother, was on this campaign as well, serving with a New York regiment. They, however, were part of a northern force, coming out of central New York in a pincer movement, meeting Sullivan's force in southern New York, well after David's militia had returned home.

In a letter to General Washington, General Sullivan noted the swamp through which David's company guided the army:

"Dear General, I Last Evening returned from the Great Swamp for which place I Set off the Day before. I found the Road Cleared to within twenty three miles of Wyoming & through all the Difficult parts of the Swamp . . . the Road is now cut the whole Distance & through a Country the most Difficult I Ever Saw - it is not possible for a Country to be Thicker with wood among which the Laurels are so thick that a man cannot get through them but on his hands & Knees. The number of Sloughs and Creeks are almost Incredible."

The following mentions other officers not noted by David in his affadavit. He had not discounted that possibility, merely saying that he served "principally under the said Lieut. Henry Shoemaker." Also, it is probable that after the passagae of 50 years he had forgotten the names of his other officers. From the Pennsylvania Archives, Revolutionary War Military Abstract Card File:
- Private 5th Class David Hysham, Inactive Duty Militia, 5th County Battalion, 2nd Company of Captain Benjamin Schonover, Class List, 18 May 1782. Thomas Hysham Jr. served with him, listed as in the 7th class.
- On 26 May 1784, David Hysham was mustered in the Fifth Battalion, Northampton militia, serving under Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Strowd [sic], Captain Benjamin Scoonhover, Lieutenant John Fish, Ensign Richard Tillberry, and Sergeant John Delong. John Hysham, having mustered out of the New York regiment, and Thomas Hysham Jr. were listed with David. It is not completely clear, but I think this muster roll shows David as being in the 2nd class, his brother John Hysham in the 6th, and Thomas Hysham, Junr, in the 7th. This makes sense to have the boys called up separately.

A Private David Hysham is also listed amongst those "Soldiers Who Received Depreciation Pay as per Cancelled Certificates on File in the Division of Republic Records." From the Pennsylvania Archives card files:
- David Hysham, Northampton county militia, Certificate 9840, 1.3.9 pounds, 16 January 1786. This was perhaps to make up for an arrears.

From David's pension application:

"That he recollects only of receiving four discharges from the service, but by whom signed he does not now recollect, but well recollects that they were given him by the said Lieut Shoemaker, which discharges are all now lost or destroyed as he--considering them of no value, neglected to take any especial care of them."

After the war David married Elizabeth (Sarah) Bush in June 1786 or 1787 in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The LDS database says 1789.

"VA/VA. David Heysham m Elizabeth Bush, last of Jun, 1786/87 Northampton Co., PA, by Appleton, Esq. when she was 19. In 1834 sol, aged 70/71, d 6 Sep 1834, Tyler Co., VA. In 1855 wid aged c88 res Tyler Co., VA. Third child, Thomas Heysham d c1854 would have been 64 on Mar [1855]. W-3819 BLWt24995-160-55." - from "Revolutionary War Period" by Helen M. Lu, Gwen B. Neumann

Elizabeth was born circa 1767 (1840 census indicates between 1770-1790) in Pennsylvania. She later stated that she was 19 years old when she married. The 1850 census shows her still alive at the age of 83. She may have died as late as 30 December 1860, per the LDS database. Sarah's parents were Jacobus (James) Bush, born 26 October 1740 in Kingston, Ulster county, New York and died in March 1820, and Eva Brink, born circa 1739 and died on 19 February 1809. Unlike David, it appears she had no schooling, unable even to sign her own name.

In a letter dated 24 April 1783, a Thomas Hissam was included in a list of Householders in Wyoming who wished to support the laws of Pennsylvania. A separate list showed those who supported the laws of Connecticut. This reflected the continuing issue with residents from Connecticut who claimed the valley for their state. I suspect this was David's brother. On one list, in "The Susquehannah Company Papers," Thomas' name was transcribed as Hissam and on another as Hassham. After the war David moved to the region for several years.

The 1788 Federal Tax for Lower Smithfield township, Northampton county, Pennsylvania shows a David Hissom with 1 horse, 1 cow and a tax of 1.8. [1 pound and 8 shillings?].

David was listed in the Tax List of 1789 for Lower Smithfield.

"Hysham, Thomas senr 0 [acres of land] 2 [horses] 2 [cattle
. . .
Hysham, David 100 1 1"

He was listed in the 1790 federal census of Northampton county as David Hysham. In his household was one male over 16 years old, David, 2 males under 16, Joab and Thomas, and 1 female, Elizabeth. Thomas, Thomas Jr. and John "Hysham," his father and brothers, were also listed in the same census (William and Abner having died in the war).

David was also in the Tax Lists,

"[1790] Lower Smithfield, [Name] Hysham, David . . . [Rate] 4 [Tax] -/1/1" - from Pennsylvania, Tax and Exonerations, 1768-1801

On 26 February 1793, 400 acres were warranted to David, see Northampton.

"No. of Warrant: A 462. Name of Warrantee: Heysham David. Descripton of Warrant: Survey. Quantity: 300. Warrant Location: Head Waters Lehigh. Date of Warrant: 26 Feby. 1793. Date of Return: 28 Oct. 1794. Acres Returned: 402. Name of Patentee: Robert Wescott. Where Recorded: 24 18. Where Survey is Copied: C93 159."

However, the plat map, Lehigh and Reverse, clearly shows that this land was on Pocono creek, which branches south, off the Brodhead, at Stroudsburg.

"By Virtue of a Warrant dated the 26th February 1793 Surveyed the 26 October 1793 to David Heysham the above described tract of land Situate on a branch of Pokono in the County of Northampton Containing four hundred and two Acres and the allowance of Six P Cent &tc."

Sometime after early 1793, when he was also granted a warrant for land on Pocono creek, I believe David's father, Thomas Hesom Sr., died.

From David's pension application:

"That soon after the Revolutionary War he married and continued to reside in the county last aforesaid [Northampton], until about the year 1795 when he moved from Northampton and resided in Luzerne County Pa. three years . . ."

Luzerne county Otherwise known as the Wyoming valley, a rich territory made infamous during the Revolution due to the Wyoming Massacre. It lay due west, on the far border of Northampton county, on the Susquehanna river. Wilkes-Barre is today its largest city. For more, see Luzerne county.

I note that David's nephew, Thomas' son Abner, appeared in a petition of 1796 by the inhabitants of Luzerne county, in the Wyoming valley northwest of Northampton county. The document's signers were unhappy with the administration of Pennsylvania and were trying to convince Connecticut that it should try to regain sovereignty of the region. This implies that Thomas and his family, including Abner, lived in Luzerne county. Since we know that David Heysham also lived in Luzerne county at this time, it is probable that all of the brothers, including John and brother-in-law Levi Swartwout, moved to Luzerne county at the same time, that is, just after their father died. We know that Thomas, John and Levi moved on to Westmoreland county in western Pennsylvania, arriving there before 1800 while David moved back to Lower Smithfield.

From David's pension application:

. . . resided in Luzerne County Pa. three years from which [1798] he returned to Northampton county where he resided about nine years [1807], from which he removed to Westmoreland County Pa. where he lived three years [1810], from which he removed to this county (then Ohio county) where he has since continued to reside."

The Tax Lists for heads of households in Lower Smithfield township from 1799 to 1807 confirm David's pension application. He was back by 1799 and had left by 1808.

"1799 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Heysham, David . . . .10 [tax]"

"1800 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Heysham, David . . . .08"

The 1800 census showed David living in Lower Smithfield township, but his brothers were gone. In this census David has 3 sons, aged 0-10, Thomas, James, and Jesse, 1 son, aged 10-16, Joab, a wife, aged 26-45, Elizabeth, and 1 daughter, aged 0-10, Elizabeth.

"1801 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Hisom, David . . . .13"

"1802 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Heysham, David . . . .24"

"1803 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Hisham, David . . . .24"

"1804 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Hisham, David . . . .10"

[1805 not found]

"1806 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Heysham, William . . . .15 [David's nephew]
Hisham, David . . . .57"

"1807 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Heystand [sic] William . . . .15
Heystand, David . . . .36"

"1808 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Hisham, William . . . .30"

"1809 Tax List - Lower Smithfield Twp. Northampton co. Penna.
. . .
Hissam, William . . . .25"

Soon after paying his taxes in 1807 David followed his brothers, John and Thomas, leaving Northampton county for western Pennsylvania, eventually to reside in Westmoreland county. There were two trails west, the Braddock and the Forbes; the latter was the highway most used by the Pennsylvanians. David probably first took his family cross-country from Stroudsburg, moving northwest to the Susquehanna river; as a scout in the Revolutionary War he had helped lead General Sullivan's army through this same general area to what is today Wilkes-Barre and had probably done the same when he had led his family to live in the Wyoming Valley in 1795. In the map below, see the trail that first drops southwest from Lower Smithfield, then turns abruptly northwest, passing through Pokono Point, then on through the Great Swamp into the Wyoming Valley.

Once at the Susquehanna river they would likely build a raft and float down to Harris Ferry, where they could pick up Forbes road. The road went through the middle of Westmoreland county, where David was living in 1810.

Roads West The Braddock road was built during the French & Indians Wars, circa 1756, to support General Braddock's doomed assault on the French Fort Duquesne, at today's Pittsburgh. Forbes road was also built, in 1758, to support British military operations. It was 200 miles from Carlisle to the forks of the Ohio river. Benefiting from the experience of Braddock's ill-fated 1755 military expedition, Forbes constructed forts at regular intervals along the new road and established supply lines between the forts. At the end of the year General Forbes captured Fort Duquesne and built Fort Pitt to defend the convergence of the rivers at that point.

In the 1810 census of South Huntingdon township [Ancestry.com says East Huntingdon], Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania as David Hissem [Hissim?]. In the map above, the township is due west of Fort Ligonier, bordering the east side of Youghiogeny river. David was living not far from his adoptive brother, Levi Swartwout. The census lists two boys under 10, David Jr. and Levi, another two who were 10 to 15, James [maybe] and Jesse, 1 boy 16 to 25, Thomas, and a man 45 and over, David, who would have been 48 years old. I assume that Joab, 22 was on his own by this time. Note that Joab voluteered for service in the War of 1812, mustering in the Pittsburgh area. The women of the household included four girls under 10 and a woman 26 to 44, Elizabeth, who would have been about 43. David's brother, Thomas, had moved to Hempfiled township in Westmoreland county at this time while John had moved to Pitt township in Allegheny county.

David said he lived in Westmoreland county for about three years and then moved again, circa 1810, this time down the Ohio river to Tyler county, then known as Ohio county, in what is today West Virginia, where he continued to reside until his death. We have a reference below that indicates David was in Tyler county no later than 1813/14. Two of his sons, James and David Jr., volunteered for service in the War of 1812 from Virginia. His eldest son, Joab, volunteered from Pennsylvania, having remained behind when his father moved.

Note the relationship of Westmoreland county, in the map below, to Pittsburgh and, down the Ohio river, to Tyler county, West Virginia.

Many settlers chose to use the river to move west, floating down on the current via homemade rafts or flatboats. This route was both quicker and less wearing to settlers and their stock. Threatened by both Indians on the shore and river pirates - think of the river scene in "How the West Was Won" - they built solid structures onboard with rifle slits for protection. Once down the river the boat would be broken up and the wood used to create the family's new home.

The Youghiogeny river, near to where David lived in Westmoreland county, fed into the Mongahela, which formed the Ohio river upon meeting the Allegheny, at Pittsburgh.

By 1812 David and his family were settled in Tyler county, Virginia. The next reference cites the service of David's sons, James and David Jr., in the Virginia Militia during the War of 1812. The boys may have enlisted as early as June 1812, but probably no later than October, when their units were ordered east, to defend Norfolk, Virginia from a threatened British invasion. If they had they joined later, I assume they would have been assigned to militia units in the Ohio region.

". . . Co MD Mil
Hissam, James or James Hissom, SC-6538, srv Capt James H. Belsehe's Co 35th US Inf as Pvt
Hissey, Henry, Mary Ann (Lineberger) WC-433, m 25 Dec 1814 Baltimore Cty MD, sd 4 or 5 Jun 1840 or 41, srv Capt John Owings' Co MD Mil as a Pvt, wid lived Baltimore Cty MD 1850-71
Hissom, David Elizabeth, W0-41139, srv Capt P. Wells' Co VA Mil, see James Hissam
Histed, John, no pension, srv as a Capt in NY MIl, . . ." - from "Index to War of 1812 Pension Files" by Virgil D. White

Tyler County, West Virginia This county, pictured to the right, is located in the northwest of the state with the Ohio River forming its western boundary. Except for the river valley, the county's terrain is hilly and broken. Charles Wells was the first English settler in the area, building a cabin near the present site of Sistersville in 1776. The town, founded in 1815, was named after Charles' two daughters, Sarah and Deliah. A ferry across the Ohio, built in 1818, ensured the town's early success. In 1820, the first census of the county showed a population of 2,314. The economy depended almost entirely on agriculture until the 1890s when a great oil and gas boom developed. This boom lasted for a little over a decade after which the population began to decline. Below is a picture of the Ohio river, near Pleasantville, Tyler county, West Virginia in the mid-1800s.

In the 1820 census of Tyler county, Virginia as David Hissem. In the household were one boy 10-16, David Jr., who was about 15, 1 man 26-45, its hard to say whether this was James or Thomas, both fit, and 1 man 45 years old and over, David, who would have been 58 years old. There were 2 girls under 10, one 10-16, and a woman over 45. Jesse, 25, and Levi, 20, were on their own at this time. Women in the house included 2 girls under 10, 1 girl 10 to 16, and one woman 45 and over, Elizabeth, who would have been 53. Two members of the family were engaged in Argriculture. Thomas, David's older brother I think, Thomas Jr., Jesse, and David Hissem were all listed in order on this census. The list appears somewhat alphabetical so this may mean nothing.

In the Tyler county Personal Property Tax List of 1825 were listed,

Hissam? Thomas (the 2nd)
Hissam John
Hewit Daniel
Hughes Jackson
Hanes Nathan
Hains Robert (Exempt)
Hissam David
Hissam Jesse
Hissam Levi
Howel Daniel
Hains William
Hains Benjamin
Hanes John
Hissam Thomas (the 3rd)

How to interpret this list? It is somewhat alphabetical; this portion is only of H's after all. Internally, however, it gathers a couple of surnames, both Hissam and Hains, into two or more separate groups. I think these groupings were of houseolds. Thomas (the 2nd) and John lived together in a single homestead, as did David, Jesse, and Levi, while Thomas (the 3rd) had his own home.

Second, who were these Thomas Hissams?
- Thomas (the 2nd) could be the brother of David and John, but I don't think so. Why would the tax records call him the 2nd, referencing his father, Thomas Hesom, when the latter had never lived in Virginia and was long dead for that matter?
- Thomas (the 2nd) was, more likely, Thomas Jr., son of Thomas Hissom. The latter, who was 75 years old by this time, may not have been listed in the tax roll as Thomas (the 1st) because he had given up his role as head of the household. Think of the Joad family in Steinbeck's of Wrath." Tom Joad and his father were the decision-making adults of that family, while the grandfather had retreated to a childlike position. Thomas (the 1st), retired from farming, may also not have been considered a tax-paying adult. Finally, note that the list above associates a John Hissam with Thomas (the 2nd). Thomas, the son of Thomas, had an eldest son named John, who would have been 21 years old in 1825.
- Thomas (the 3rd) could not be the son of Thomas Jr., Thomas J. Hissam, because he was not born until 1829.
- I believe that Thomas (the 3rd) was the son of David, the eldest of those sons who accompanied him to Tyler county. This Thomas was the third, and youngest, Thomas of the extended family, who lived in the county, and was an adult. However, he did not live in the same house as his father.

In the 1830 census of Tyler county, Virginia as David Hisam. In the household was one man, aged 60-70 years old, probably David, one woman, twenty to thirty years old, an unmarried daughter [?], and a woman, aged between 50 and 60 years old, probably Elizabeth. By the way, there is also a Thomas, Thomas Sr. and Thomas Jr. Hisam in the census, but no Jesse.

David applied for a pension 1834. Here are the closing paragraphs of that document.

"That he has no documentary evidence by which he can prove his service.

That he is acquainted with William Delaschmutt and Robert Gorrell Esqrs [both JP's] and with Doctor Israel Nicklin, Reverend John W. Allen and Moses Williamson Esqr and others of his neighborhood who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services in the Revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any Pension or annuity, but the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of any State."

[signed] David Heysham

Pension certificates were issued in Tyler county to the soldier, David, and his wife in 1834. The pension was paid from 4 March 1834 until David's death on 6 September 1834. Afterwards his wife, Elizabeth, received the pension.

A bounty land warrant for 160 acres was also issued. Supporting claims were made by the Reverend John W. Allen, W. Dalashanutt, Robert Gorrell, Thomas Heysham (nephew), Josiah Thomas, Jane Heysham (sister-in-law), William Martin and J.G. Morgan." - from "West Virginians in the American Revolution." Note: The parenthetical relationships are in the original document. It is doubtful this land warrant was ever used.

The following is Jane Heysham's deposition in support of David's claim.

State of Virginia
County of Tyler

This Day personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said County and State aforesaid Jane Heysham, aged Seventy Eight years past (who I hereby certify to be a credible person), who being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God deposed as follows, To wit, that in the commencement of the Revolutionary War Deponent resided in Northampton County, State of Pennsylvania. That Deponent was well acquainted with David Heysham (who is the brother of her late husband Thomas Heysham deceased) from the Commencement of the Revolutionary War to the ending thereof and since. That she has seen the said David Heysham's declaration for obtaining a Pension under the act of the 7th June 1832, and that Deponent believes the same to be true as Stated, except in one particular. She thinks that the said David is mistaken about his age, Deponent being confident that he is at the least one year older than he states. Deponent saith that not long after the Revolution broke out the Indians commenced their depredations on the whites in the said county of Northampton aforesaid, which obliged the white to go into Fort in the summer season during the war afterwards. That Deponent [forted?] in Fort Penn and Deponent well recollects that the said David Heysham served several years in the time of the Revolution as a Spy against the Indians from sometime in the Spring until late in the Fall, but from the great lapse of time and consequent loss of memory Deponent is unable to state the precise number of years that the said David served, but to the best of her recollection the said David served four or five or more years from early in the Spring until late in the Fall as aforesaid and further the Deponent saith not.

Jane Heysham X Her mark

"Heysham, David, b 3/14/1762 Lower Smithfield Township, Northampton Co, PA where esf 1778 while res with f; mvd 1795 to Lucerne Co, PA, for 3 years, thence Northampton Co, PA for 9 years, thence Westmoreland Co, PA, for 3 yers, then Ohio Co (area later Tyler Co), VA where PN 1834; dd latter Co 9/6/34; md c6/30/1786-7 Elizabeth Bush, aec 19, Northampton Co, PA; wid PN ae 73-4 Tyler Co, VA 1841; AFF 1834 there by Jane Heysham ae 78, wid/o sol bro Thomas; wid gtd 1855 there BLW24995; 3rd ch Thomas b 3/1781 & dd 1855; AFF 1841 by nephew Thomas Heysham who b 7/1782 (his parents decd then). F-W3810 R1265"
- from "Virginia and West Virginia Genealogoical Data from Revolutionary War Pension" by Patrick G. Wardell

The nephew, Thomas Heysham, should be easy as David's brother, Thomas, had a son, Thomas Jr., born in 1778, and he, unlike his older brother, Abner, moved to Tyler county with his father before 1820.

The Gorrell's, from Scotland, were the first settlers in the county.

William Martin was the forebear of Jane Martin, the wife of David's grandson, Abner.

Moses Williamson was a Revolutionary War veteran; member of the first grand jury held in Tyler county; the first commissioner of revenue for the county; the first sheriff; and a justice of the court.

Note that at least some members of the Nicklin family moved to Iowa at the same time David's sons, Thomas and Abner, did and that Floyd Nicklin married Abner's daughter, Serena. [Doctor] Israel T. Nicklin was buried in the Stealey cemetery, Tyler county, tombstone: "12 August 1797-31 August 1879, born Loudin County, 83 years." Per the University of Virginia library, he was the superintendent of the Sistersville and Salem turnpike road from at least 1853-1857. There is a story that "Israel T. Nicklin, a country doctor of Middlebourne, reportedly tested a similar device [a telegraph] in Tyler County. He did not patent it, but dated drawings and descriptions" seem to imply that he invented, but did not market, this device 7 years before Samuel Morse.

Another source has Revolutionary Pension records for a David, Elizabeth and Thomas Heysham. I assume this refers to the veteran, his wife, and perhaps his nephew, a supporter of David's pension claim, as above, or his son. Note that Thomas would have been his eldest son residing in Tyler county.

David died on 6 September 1834 in Tyler county, West Virginia - from "West Virginians in the American Revolution." He was buried in Little, Tyler county, under the name David Heysham, according to the reference below. However, I don't see his name in the page for the Little cemetery in FindAGrave.com, so perhaps he was buried in a family plot.

"Revolutionary War Soldiers
Tyler and Pleasants Counties, West Virginia

The following is a list of the Revolutionary War Soldiers who once lived in Tyler and Pleasants Counties, West Virginia. Most of their graves have been located. We thank the staff of the Tyler and Pleasants county courthouses, Pleasants County Library, Tyler County Museum, and many genealogists, historians, and dedicated members who have worked to compile this list.

1.Jacob Duckett Ankrom - buried in the family cemetery on the hill across from the old Tyler County Infirmary, Middlebourne, WV.
2.John E. Bills - buried Newland Cemetery, Wood County, WV (lived and died Pleasants County, WV).
3.James Ferrell - lived and died Wick, Tyler County, WV.
4.Robert Gorrell Sr. - buried Stealey Cemetery, Middlebourne, WV.
5.Henry John Hays - buried Parker Cemetery, Friendly, WV.
6.David Heysham - buried Little, Tyler County, WV.
7.Joseph Martin - buried Little Church Cemetery, Tyler County, WV.
. . ." - from the Ohio Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Elizabeth received David's pension and bounty land warrant, and further money's under subsequent pension acts.

7720
Elizabeth Heysham
Declaration for
Pension. Act
of
7th July 1838

Virginia 6,379
Elizabeth Heysham
widow of David Heysham
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832
and who died on the 6, September 1834
of Tyler Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Shoemaker of the ---- commanded
by ---- in the Va.
for 2 years
Subscribed on the Roll of Wheeling
at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Septr
Middlebourne, Va. and sent to D. Hickman,
Assets to the 4th of March 1841 $400.00

Act July 7 1838

State of Virginia
Tyler County

On this 2nd day of December in the year 1843, personally appeared before me John B Lacy a Justice of the Peace in the county of Tyler aforesaid Elizabeth Heysham a resident of the county of Tyler aforesaid aged about Seventy Six or Seventy Seven years, who having first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of David Heysham who was a private in the War of the Revolution and that she received a pension from the War Department of the United States as the widow of the said David Heysham of Eighty Dollars a years for Five years under the [garbled] of the Congress of the United States passed July 7th 1838, and she further declares that she is still a widow.

Elizabeth Heysham X Her mark

State of Virginia
Tyler County

On this 18th day of February in the year 1848 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said county of Tyler in the state aforesaid Elizabeth Heysham, a resident of the said county of Tyler aged about Seventy three or Seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 Entitled an act granting half pay and pension to certain widows, That she is the widow of David Heysham, who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and to whom a Pension certificate for services in the Revolutionary war issued from the War Office of the United States the 27th day of March 1834. That she was married to the said David Heysham in the month of June in the year 1786 as she believes, but is not certain whether she was married in 1786 or 1787, but is positive that it was in the harvest time of one of those years, as her son Thomas Heysham, will be Fifty years old in next month and he is her third child by her said husband. That her husband the said David Heysham died on the 6th day of September 1834. She further declares that she has no record of her age or of her marriage, but she well recollects that she was nineteen years of age when she was married. That she does not know of any person now living who was present at her wedding. Josiah Thomas who was lately living somewhere in the state of Ohio and a revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, was at her marriage with the said David Heysham, but she has heard of late that he is dead and she knows of no oter person to whom she could apply who knows of the circumstances spoken of.

Elizabeth Heysham X Her mark

Middlebourne Sept 4th 1841
Dear Sir,

Mrs. Elizabeth Heysham finds some months after her declaration was made and sent to obtain a Pension, discovered [sic] that Josiah Thomas, the person spoken of in her declaration, was living and where and procured his deposition in relation to her marriage with her late husband David Heysham decd., which is here with enclosed -- It will be seen that there is a variance in Mrs. Heyshams statement as to the time of her marriage and the time stated by the Witness Thomas -- she says in 1786 or 1787 and he in 1783 -- However it does not weaken her claim to the Pension she claims -- I do not doubt but that he is correct and she mistaken both as to her age and the year she was married in.

She has no education whatever and Thomas (who I well knew 18 or 20 years ago) has, and he is most likely to be correct in his recollection of the year of the marrige -- I was told by the person who took Thomas' deposition that he Thomas was informed at the time of giving it that he and Mrs. Heysham differed about the year of the marriage. He however expressed the strongest confidence in his recollection of the time and said he could not be mistaken! This proof might entitle Mrs. Heysham to a pension for life perhaps, but she is content to take under the act of 7th July 1838 . . .

J. L. Edwards Esqr
David Hickman

Thomas Heysham, David's nephew, also made a deposition in 1841.

State of Virginia
Tyler County

This 18th day of February 1841 personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for said county Thomas Heysham, (who I certify to be a credible witness) and made oath according to law that the affiant was Fifty Eight years old last July [c1783]; That he was well acquainted with David Heysham, late of this county of Tyler aforesaid and a Pensioner of the United States in the life time of the said David. That the said David was affiants uncle and affiant knew him and his wife Elizabeth Heysham from the time he can first recollect any thing, which is upwards of Fifty years. When affiant first knew the said David and Elizabeth, they were living together as husband and wife and continued to live so until the death of the said David. Affiant has not a doubt but that they were legally married as in the course of his whole life he has never heard anything to the contrary; and is confident that if they had not been legally married, affiant would have heard it from his, affiants, Father and Mother (both now dead) who were no doubt well acquainted with all the circumstances attending the same, and further that the said Elizabeth Heysham has remained unmarried since the death of her said husband the said David Heysham, and further affiant saith not.

Thomas Heysham X His mark

Some more paperwork on the pension coming to David's wife:

3524
Virginia Wheeling
Elizabeth Heysham
Widow of David Heysham
who served in the Revolutionary
war as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars
--Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the
31 day of July 1849
and sent to D Hickman
Middlebourne Va
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act of
February 2, 1848, Page 153 Vol. [page torn]

In the 1850 census for Tyler county, Virginia as Elizabeth Heysham, 83, living with her grandson, Abner, and his wife, Jane, in a separate home on the same property as her son, Thomas.

In 1855 Elizabeth applied for bounty land.

State of Virginia
County of Tyler

On this 9th day of June AD One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid Elizabeth Heysham aged about Eighty Eight years, a resident of Tyler County in the State of Virginia who being duly sworn according to law declares tht she is the widow of David Heysham, who was a Soldier of the Revolution, that her said husband David Heysham drew a Pension from the Government of the United States of Eighty Dollars per annum for such service. That she was married to the said David Heysham in the summer of the year 1786 or 1787 as she verily believes and she thinks about the last of June of one of those years, in the County of Northampton, in the State of Pennsylvania by [blank] Appleton Esq. who was duly authorized to celebrate the rites of matrimony in the said county of Northampton, State of Pennsylvania, his christian name she has forgot, she has no record of her age, nor of her marriage with the said David Heysham, but refers in support of this application to the proofs (being the Depositions of Josiah Thomas) filed in the Pension Department with her Declaration made in 1841 or 1842 by which she obtained a Pension under the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 as the widow of the said David Heysham. She is aware that the statement of Josiah Thomas and of her own conflicts as to the year of her marriage. He alledging it to have been a few years sooner than she believed and states it to have been Her reason for her belief, is, that had her third child Thomas Heysham, who died within the last year, been living, he would have been Sixty four years old last March, and from her recollection that she was about nineteen years of age when she was married. She further states as before stated that she was married in the said David Heysham in the Summer of 1786 or 1787, and that her name before her said marriage was Elizabeth Bush; That her said husband died in the said county of Tyler, Virginia on the 6th day of September 1834, and that she is now a widow; She further declares on oath that she is the identical Elizabeth Heysham to whom a certificate of Pension from the Government of the United States was granted as the widow of the said David Heysham for Eighty Dollars a year, numbered three thousand five hundred and twenty nine (3529) and dated the 31st day of January 1849.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled as widow of David Heysham, who was a Soldier of the Revolution under the act approved the 3rd day of March 1855. She also declares that she has never before applied for nor received any bounty land under this or any other act of Congress.

Elizabeth Heysham X Her mark

Witnesses
John G. Morgan
William Martin

Levi Hissem J. P.

D. Hickman Clerk of Tyler county court

On 10 September 1859 Elizabeth Heysham, the widow of David Heysham, a Private in the Revolutionary War, received a land warrant for 160 acres in Putnam county, Missouri which she assigned to George S. Thompson.

Elizabeth was still alive in 1860, claiming to be 99 years old. She would actually have been between 93 and 94 years old. In the 1860 census of Russell's Mills, Tyler county, West Virginia as Elizabeth Hisam. She was living with her grandson, David Hisam, a 34 year old farmer. Elizabeth was shown as born in Pennsylvania, as expected. Elizabeth lived in Tyler county until her death on 30 December 1860.

David and Elizabeth's children were:
(22) Joab Heysham/Hissam (1788)
(22) Daughter Hissem (c1790), noted in the 1800 census, aged 0-10 years.
(22) Thomas Heysham/Hissam (1790), who was said to be the third child of David and Elizabeth in Elizabeth's 1838 petition for a widow's share of her husband's pension.
(22) James R. Heysham/Hissom (1793), though he may have been born as early as 1785.
(22) Jesse Hissam (1795), my forebear.
(22) Levi Heysham (1800)
(22) Daughter Heysham (c1802), in the 1810 census there were four daughters 0-10 years old. The elder daughter, above, was missing, possibly married.
(22) Daughter Heysham (c1804), 2nd daughter from 1810 census.
(22) David S. Hissom (1805), or 1794?
(22) Daughter Heysham (c1806), 3rd daughter from 1810 census.
(22) Elsy Heysham (1808), 4th daughter from 1810 census. In the 1820 census there was only one daughter 10-16 years old. The others may have married.
(22) Daughter Heysham (c1810), in the 1820 census there were two daughters 01-10 years old. In the 1820 census there was one daughter, 20-30 years old, still living at home.
(22) Mary Hissam (c1812), 2nd daughter from 1820 census.

His surname is variously rendered as Heysham, Hessum, Hisam, Hissam, Hissum, and Hissane. The first son of David Heysham of which I have real confidence.

Joab Heysham, the son of David Heysham and Elizabeth Bush, was born on 12 June 1788 and christened on 29 August 1788 at the Reformed Dutch Church, Smithfield township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Witnesses to his baptism were his grandfather, Thomas Heysham, and Thomas' second wife, Elizabeth Brink. The LDS database clearly shows Joab as the son of David Heysham and Elizabeth Bush. Is there any way that Joab could be a version of Elizabeth's father's name, Jacobus? In several places I've seen his name rendered as Jacob.

In the 1790 census of Northampton county David Hysham's household had 2 males under the age of 16, probably Joab and Thomas.

In the 1800 census of Northampton county David Heysham's household had 1 male 10-16 years old, probably Joab, who would have been 12 at the time. His younger brothers, Thomas, James, and Jesse, were probably the 3 males in the census aged 0-10.

According to David's own account, he moved his family to Westmoreland county, in southwestern Pennsylvania in about 1807, but stayed there only 3 years before moving on to Tyler county, West Virginia, though this move may have occurred somewhat later. Apparently David's eldest son, Joab, stayed in Pennsylvania. He would have been 22 years old in 1810. This seems young to me, but his cousin Abner, Thomas's eldest son, also remained in the county when his father, Thomas, moved to Tyler county. I wouldn't be surprised that in both cases a woman was involved.

In 1812 war broke out between the United States and Britain and early in 1813 Joab Hissam joined Lieutenant Colonel James V. Ball's Squadron of Light Dragoons of the U.S. Volunteers as a Private - from the Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the War of 1812. Ball's squadron was a cavalry unit extensively involved in General William Henry Harrison's campaign in Northern Ohio. Their goal was to protect the region against British and Indian attack.

Name: Joab Hissam; Company: Lieut. Col. Ball's Squadron Light Dragoons, U.S. Volunteers; Rank at Induction: Private; Rank at Discharge: Private - from "War of 1812 Service Records"

"James Ball, whom [General] Harrison called "my friend and associate in Gen. Wayne's Army," was the junior major in the newly-formed 2nd U.S. Light Dragoons and [Lieutenant Colonel John B.] Campbell's second-in-command. He had reported to Harrison with Captain Hopkin's troop from his own regiment and two troops of 12 Months United States Volunteer Dragoons, from Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Volunteers were a special breed of regular. It was believed their one-year enlistments would draw more men than the Army's standard five." - from "The United States Cavalary: An Illustrated History" by Gregory J. W. Urwin.

Joab served in the troop under the command of Captain Joseph Markle. Markle was from West Newton, in South Huntingdon township, where Joab's father, David Hissam, had lived at the time of the 1810 census. Markle's unit "was raised for the most part in the southwestern part of the county, and particularly about the Sawickley and the Youghiogheny, was early in the field." - from "History of the County of Westmoreland" by George Dallaas Albert. The latter was the river along which David Heysham lived in 1810. I think the following muster, undated, but probably occuring early in the year 1813, contains Joab's name, as Hessaul.

"The muster-roll of the cavalry company raised and commanded by Captain Joseph Markle, and which did splendid service, is as follows: Joseph Markle, captain . . . Privates: . . . Daniel Flemming, Samuel Hamilton, Jacob Hessaul, Stephen Lowry, William Logue, William McClurg, Jonathan McClintock, John McClain, . . ." - from "History of Westmoreland County"

The following was a muster of 29 March 1813.

"Roll of Capt. Joseph Markle's Company.
Pay-roll of a troop of twelve-month volunteer Light Dragoons in the service of the United States, under command of Capt. Joseph Markle, in the squadron under command of Lieut. Col. James N. Ball attached to the north-western army, under command of Maj. Gen. William Henry Harrison, for the bounty of twenty dollars allowed to each non-commissioned officer, private, &c., by law of Pennsylvania, of March 29, 1813. Expiration of service, September 4, 1813.
Captain.
Markle, Joseph, July 10, 1812.
. . .
Hissum, Joab, February 10, 1813; substitute for Peter Broadsword, who deserted January 20 . . ."
- from "Pennsylvania Volunteers in the War of 1812" in the Pennsylvania Archives

"Broadsword, Peter: was a native of Pennsylvania and served as a soldier in Captain Joseph Marke's Troop, of Lieutenant-Colonel Jame V. Ball's Squadron--Light Dragoons of U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. He enlisted Septemer 12, 1812 for one year and served until January 22, 1813, having served four months and ten days. He died at his home at Waterville and was buried in the Waterville cemetery. --- no date given." - from "A Memorial Record of The Soldier Spirit of Waterville", 1899, on FindAGrave.com

Ball's squadron was mustered again on 7 August 1813 and then discharged on the 19th.

"Muster-roll of a Troop of Twelve-Month Volunteers, Light dragoons, under the Command of Capt. Joseph Markle, in the Squadron of Light Dragoons commanded by Lieut.-Col James V. Ball, in the service of the United States, from the Seventh day of August, 1813, when last mustered at Camp Seneca, to the Nineteenth Day of August 1813, when individually discharged at Franklinton, Ohio, pursuant to General Order of Aug. 16, 1813:

Name: Joseph Markle, Rank: Captain, Date of Appointment: 14 July 1812
. . .
Name: Joab Hissane, Rank: Private, Date of Appointment: 10 February 1813 . . ."
- from "History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania," Capt. Joseph Markle's Cavalry Company

"The period for which the troops of the Light Dragoons, commanded by Captain Markle, was engaged, being about to expire, the commanding general directs that they proceed to Franklintown for their baggage, and that they be there discharged, or proceed embodied to Pittsburgh before they are discharged, as Capt. Markle may think proper. Gen. Harrison returns Capt. Markle, his subalterns, non-commissioned officers and soldiers, his thanks for their good conduct whilst under his command. In the course of eleven months' service, in which they have performed as much severe duty as any troops ever did, the General has found as much reason to applaud their steady and subordinate deportment in camp as their coolness and valor when opposed to the enemy, both of which were eminently displayed at the battle of Mississinewa and at the siege of Fort Meigs.
A. H. HOLMES. Adjt. General."

No later than mid-September 1813 Joab would have been back home, a civilian once again.

Joab Hisam, a Private in Captain Markle's unit of Pennsylvania Volunteers, requested a Bounty Land Warrant for his service during the war, warrant number 55-47523. It was rejected, but I don't know why. Also rejected was an application under the name John Hisson, Private in Captain Merikle's Pennsylvania Mtd. [Mounted] Volunteers, warrant number 50-106899.

In the 1820 census of South Huntingdon township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania as Joab Hissam [Isab Hepum per Ancestry.com, the "ss" looking like "ps" or "fs" in the style of the time]. In his household were 1 boy, 16 to 26, 1 man 26 to 45, Joab would have been 31, 1 girl, 0 to 10, perhaps Elizabeth, and one woman, 16 to 26, perhaps his wife. The boy seems too old to be Joab's son. He may have been a brother left behind in his brother's care by the recently departed David. Two people were engaged in agriculture. South Huntingdon is the same township where Joab's father, David, had lived at the time of the 1810 census and Joab probably lived in the cabin that David had raised there in 1807. Joab's uncle, Thomas, and cousin, Abner, lived just northeast in Hempfield township, a far more populace area [as Hepurn in Ancestry.com]. Note that Jacob Markle, Captain Joseph Markle's brother, lived in South Huntingdon as well.

In the 1830 census . . . There was a Samuel Hasson in Rostrover county, the next township to the west, at this time, but I can't be certain he's one of ours. Certainly I know of no Samuel who would fit here. Levi Hissem, a cousin, was living in Hempfield township.

His possible children include,
(23) Elizabeth Hissem (1820)
(23) Joab Hissam Jr. (1821)

She was born on 1 April 1820 in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. She married Captain John M. Smith, a farmer and school teacher - from the death record of their son, Charles Marion Smith. John was the son of Sebastien Smith and born in Pennsylvania in April 1826. - from the "History of Stark County, Ohio."

Not the daughter of Thomas Hissom; her birth is too late. Not the daughter of Abner Hissom; he already had a daughter, Elizabeth, born in 1807 and well documented. Not the daughter of John Hissom; he had a daugher born in December 1820. Also doesn't look very good for Levi Hissem; too early a birth date. Could work for Joab.

Probably the son of Joab Hissam Sr. He was born circa 1821 in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He married Martha Orr, the daughter of Samuel Orr and Elizabeth Davis.

In the 1840 census of Rostrover township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania there was John Hassem, which seems close; Joab=John. However, the household contains 2 men, 20-30 years old, one girl, under 5, and a woman, 30-40,, which is all wrong.

In the 1850 census of Rostrover township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania as Joab Hissam, a 29 year old Engineer [1821], of Pennsylvania. He owned real estate worth $1,500. Living with him were his wife, Martha, 24, and daughter, Adaline, 1. Rostrover was the township just west of South Huntingdon. Joab was living in the home of his in-laws, Samuel Orr, a 56 year old farmer, and Elizabeth [Davis] Orr, 52. Also living there were the Orr children, William, 14, Harriet, 11, and Lucinda, 9.

What does Engineer refer to? A locomotive engineer or a railroad-building engineer? "The United States census of 1850 listed the occupation of "engineer" for the first time with a count of 2,000. There were fewer than 50 engineering graduates in the U.S. before 1865." - from Wikipedia. The 1850s show a large increase in the scale of American railroading as scattered lines were organized into major systems. Where did Joab receive his education? He might have attended college from 1839 to 1843. Four colleges awarded Engineering degrees in this period, the West Point military academy, Norwich University, military school in Vermont, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, New York, and Union College, in Schenectady, New York.

After some fortuitous research I've discovered that Martha Orr Hissam's sister, Elizabeth, married Gasper Markle, the nephew of Captain Joseph Markle, Joab Hissam Sr's commander during the War of 1812. That looks like a lot of coincidence. See The Markle Family, below.

The Markle Family See Sons & Grandsons of Westmoreland County by K.R. Overholt Critchfield. (20) John Chrisman Merklin (1678) John was born in Schillersdorf, Alsace in about 1678. He married Jemima Weurtz in 1685/6 in Amsterdam, Holland. He emigrated to Berks county, Pennsylvania in 1703. He died in 1766 in Berks county. (21) Gaspard "Casper" Markle (1730/2) Gaspard, the son of John Chrisman Merkin [seems a bit old], was born on 16 September 1730 [or 1732] in Berks county, Pennsylvania. "Gaspard was born in Berks County in 1730, and married Elizabeth Grim, and in 1770 removed to Westmoreland County. Shortly afterwards his wife died, and he returned to Berks County, where he married Mary Roadarmel, whom he brought to his home in this county. His residence here was the post of refuge to which the settlers fled for succor and safety. He and Judge Jacob Painter entered large tracts of land that extended several miles up and down Sewickley Creek. Gaspard Markle in 1772 erected a grist-mill on Sewickley, which traverses his ancient homestead. Here was made some of the first flour manufactured west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was transported in flat-boats by Jacob Yoder, a citizen of Reading, to New Orleans. All the salt used was transported by the Markles (Gaspard's sons) from Eastern cities on pack-horses, the intervening country being an almost unbroken forest and impassable with wagons. Of course taverns and habitations, if any, were few and far between, and the caravans of packers were compelled to carry with them from home the necessary provender for the whole journey. But often the weary packer was turned out to graze on the mountains, or in the rich valleys which diversified and divided them, while the rider himself reposed under the shadows of the overhanging forest. His son, Gen. Joseph Markle, was born Feb. 15, 1777, and was the most daring of all the packers over the mountains." - from FindAGrave.com Gaspard died on 15 September 1819 in Westmoreland county. His sons included George, Daniel, Abraham, Christian, Joseph, John. (22) General Joseph Markle (1777) (21) Gaspard Markle (1730) Joseph, the son of Gaspar Markle and Mary Roadarmel, his second wife. "He was born near West Newton, February 15, 1777. Growing up he worked for his father managing a pack-horse train transporting salt and other things from the east across the mountains. In the early 1800's he started transporting flour using flatboats down the rivers to New Orleans. He would return by land (over 600 miles) using the Indian trail through the lands of the Chickasaws sometimes not seeing anyone for days. In 1811 he abandoned the river trade, and began a partnership with Simon Drum and built a paper mill near West Newton. It was the third mill of that kind west of the Alleghenies. He had barely started this business when the War of 1812 started. He joined in the war and raised a company of cavalry. When they reached Pittsburgh the provisions which were promised them were not at hand. He raised the money by signing his own note for $1,250 and which was endorsed by Joshua Budd, William Fullerton and John Daily. This along with other funds raised enabled the troops to move on to the front. Their services in the war have been briefly detailed by an order made at the close of their enlistment in August 1813. "The period for which the troops of the Light Dragoons, commanded by Captain Markle, was engaged, being about to expire, the commanding general directs that they proceed to Franklintown for their baggage, and that they be there discharged, or proceed embodied to Pittsburgh before they are discharged, as Capt. Markle may think proper. Gen. Harrison returns Capt. Markle, his subalterns, non-commissioned officers and soldiers, his thanks for their good conduct whilst under his command. In the course of eleven months' service, in which they have performed as much severe duty as any troops ever did, the General has found as much reason to applaud their steady and subordinate deportment in camp as their coolness and valor when opposed to the enemy, both of which were eminently displayed at the battle of Mississinewa and at the siege of Fort Meigs. A. H. HOLMES. Adjt. General." After the war, Capt. Markle was elected a major-general of the Pennsylvania Militia for the division composed of Westmoreland and Fayette counties. He also started to build up his business. He was involved in flour, paper making, farming and store keeping. Due to the war and him being gone the business had suffered. The paper business, under his supervision, grew rapidly, so that they soon supplied the greater part of Western Pennsylvania and were able to ship large quantities to Ohio and Kentucky. In 1829 he turned his business over to his sons and retired. He was involved in politics and had voted for Thomas Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and John O. Adams. In 1828 he voted for Andrew Jackson, but did not support him in 1832, because he did not agree with him on tariffs. In 1836 and 1840 he supported William Henry Harrison for the presidency. He was a great admirer of Henry Clay and supported him and every other Whig and Republican candidate for the presidency up to the time of his death. In 1844 he was the Whig candidate for Governor, but was defeated by Francis R. Shunk by a small plurality. Prior to this Markle had been a candidate for Assembly, and in 1838 was a candidate for Congress, but in each instance was a candidate against his wishes. When the Civil war came he was a strong supporter of the Northern cause. When Pennsylvania was threatened with an invasion he raised a company for home defense, and was elected its captain, though he was then over eighty-six years old. All through out his life he had been an avid reader and had a remarkable memory. His leading characteristics were his courage, his honesty and his benevolence. Particularly he displayed this last quality by visiting his poor neighbors when afflicted, and in supplying them with every necessary comfort." - from FindAGrave.com More on his service in the War of 1812, "Joseph Markle (Pen) Capt Lht drags Pen Volrs (fm Greensburg): disting. under Colo J.B. Campbell agst. Mississinewa Indns. 17 and Dec. '12" - from "A Dictionary of All Officers" by Charles Kitchell Gardner "There was another company, a Cavalry organization, sent out from Westmoreland. It was raised by Captain Joseph Markle, the ancestor of the Markle family at West Newton [South Huntingdon township, on the Youghiogheny river]. This company was raised largely in Sewickley Township. They left Greensburg for Pittsburgh on September 29, 1812, and from there went to Urbana, Ohio. Everywhere in the old writings Captain Markle's company of cavalry is highly spoken of for its good behavior, both in camp and when in action, and also on account of its fine appearance. It is moreover on record that General Harrison regarded it as the finest company of troops in the volunteer service of the Northwestern army. They are mentioned many times as participating in engagements under Major Ball. and are always spoken of in the highest terms." - from "History of Westmoreland County" Joseph married twice, to Elizabeth Painter, the daughter of Judge Jacob Painter, and Elizabeth Lloyd, the daughter of Colonel Joseph Lloyd. The Markle family continued to be a major influence in the region of South Huntingdon township. (22) John Markle (1782) (21) Gaspard Markle (1730) The fourth child of Gaspard Markle's second marriage. He married Elizabeth Jack, the daughter of John and Eleanor Jack. He was born in 1782 and died in 1831. He is stated to have died in Savannah and to have been buried in Long Island. (23) Gasper Markle (1810) (21) Gaspard Markle (1730) (22) John Markle (1782) He was born in May 1810 in South Huntington township, Westmoreland county Pennsylvania. He married Elizabeth Orr, the daughter of Samuel Orr. Gasper died on 15 October 1868 in West Newton, Westmoreland county. Elizabeth Orr Markle died in 1887 in West Newton, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.

Martha Hissem, 28, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Orr, and wife to Joab, died of consumption on 2 May 1853 in Rostrover township - from Pennsylvania Deaths, 1852-1854. She was born circa 1825 and left a child, Adeline. She was buried in the Baptist cemetery. Her mother, Elizabeth Orr, died on 12 July 1853 and her father passed on 24 August 1855. Both were buried in the New Salem Baptist cemetery, though apparently not the one Martha was buried in.

"Page 299 Book 2. Will of Martha Hissam, who Kate says was an Orr, & the sisters she names in her will viz Elizabeth Maricle was wife of Gasper Markle butcher, Margaret Roland was wife of George Rohland & Harriet Orr afterwards married Bill Frew. There was a sister Lucinda Orr who died of consumption & was unmarried. Mrs Hissem's daughter Adaline, taught school in West Newton & was the first teacher they sent Sallie Brown to. She died a young girl in West Newton while teaching." - from "Family Record Book" by Josiah VanKirk Thompson

Joab disappears after this. Perhaps he died of consumption too.

Also as Adeline. Adaline Hissam, the daughter of Joab Hissam Jr. and Martha Orr, was born in about 1849. In the 1850 census of Rostraver township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania as Adaline Hissam, 1. Adaline's mother died in 1853 and her father disappears from the records. Who raised Adaline? An Orr uncle or aunt I suspect.

"Mrs Hissem's daughter Adaline, taught school in West Newton & was the first teacher they sent Sallie Brown to. She died a young girl in West Newton while teaching."

In the 1860 census of . . .

I have previously linked David Hissem, below, with Eliza Jane, Samuel and John Hissem because they had been born in Pennsylvania between 1820 and 1830, had a connection with Stark county, Ohio, and didn't seem to fit any where else. I have recently discovered proof that Samuel Hissem was the son of John Hissem of Thomas and Elizabeth Welker; I hadn't guessed that before. I've also determined that John was the brother of Samuel and that Eliza Jane was almost certainly his sister. However, as much as I'd like to, I can't tie David to these three. There is an 1830 census for John Hissem that has room for Samuel and Eliza Jane (John was too young to show up), but not for David. So, where should he go?

The latest news is that a descendant of David has taken a DNA test which proves he is not part of our Hissem family. He is Y-DNA type E, whereas our Hissem line back to Raphe Hesome in Yorkshire is type G. This line may, however, relate to the Hysoms of Dorset, who were type E.

David Hissem was born in Pennsylvania in 1822; 12 January 1822 per the Ohio Death Records (died 19 March 1894 aged 72 years, 2 months, and 7 days). At some point he moved to Stark county, Ohio.

In the 1840 census of . . .

David Hissem married Ellen Fitzgerald - from the death certificate of their son, John R. Hissem. A David Hissom did marry Eleanor Fitzirles, or Fitzerles, on 22 October 1843 in Stark county, Ohio. Ellen was born in August 1824 per the 1900 census.

Who was Ellen/Eleanor's father? In the 1840 census of Pike township, Stark county, Ohio there was a single Fitzgerald, Thomas. In the household was a man, 60-70 years old, a woman, 40-50, and a girl, 15-20. Eleanor/Ellen, if this was she, would have been 16. A Thomas Fitzgerald died in 1850 and his will was probated in Stark county on 6 May 1850, but he was of Harrison county, had a large family living at home circa 1840, and his daughter, Eleanor, married a Guyton.

An Ellen Fitzgerald, a 56 year old widow, of Ireland, died in April 1850 of a fever in Stark county. Could this be the 40-50 year old woman of 1840? In the 1850 census of Perry township, Stark county was a Thomas W. Fitzgerald, born in 1818, in Pennsylvania. Perry township is adjacent to Pike township, to the northwest. A possible candidate for a brother. No one else is the right age and born in Pennsylvania, like Ellen.

David and Ellen had a daughter, Elizabeth, in 1844.

In the 1850 census . . . In 1850 David and Ellen were in Ohio where their son, Thomas J. Hissem, was born, and by 1852 they were residing in Ashland county, Ohio where son John R. Hissem was born. By the way, I did get excited when I found a David Heissons [could this be a census taker's mistake for Hissem?] and his wife, Ellenor, and son, Thomas, in the 1850 census of Wayne county, Ohio. Unfortunately, this David was 98 years old, his wife of a similar age, and Thomas, though born in 1850, had the middle initial W.

In the 1860 census . . . There is a David Hissom who was a Private in Company C of the 77th Ohio Infantry during the Civil War, but this man was part of the Monroe county, Ohio Hissoms.

In the 1870 census of Canton township, Stark county, Ohio as David Hissem [Hifsem in ancestry.com, Hipem in familysearch.org], a 48 year old teamster, of Pennsylvania. He could read, but not write. Living with him were his wife, Ellen, 47, and sons, William [Thomas Jason], a 20 year old teamster, and John, an 18 year old teamster. Also living in the house was Lizzie Rodes, 26, 'at home,' and her children, Ella, 3, of Indiana, and Maggie, 4/12 [garbled]. All, except as listed, were of Ohio.

In 1871 Thomas Jason Hissem married Alice Stine in Ashland county, Ohio. The couple then moved to Michigan. In 1872 John R. Hissem married Jennie Stine in Ashland county, Ohio.

In the 1880 census . . . Thomas Jason Hissem divorced Alice Stine and married Serena E. Adams in 1882 in Medina county, Ohio.

In 1894 Thomas Jason Hissem married Cynthia Sewell in Marion county, Indiana.

David Hisson [sic], who was born in Pennsylvania in 1822, died of Bright's Disease [nephritis, a kidney disease] on 19 March 1894 in Lorain, Lorain county, Ohio, aged 72 years, 2 months, and 7 days - from "Ohio, County Death Records, 1840-2001." It also notes that he was married, but gives neither his wife's or his parents' names. "By Whom Reported" was E. M. Ely; probably Ernest M. Ely, a Life Insurance Salesman, per the 1900 Lorain City census.

David was buried in the Elmwood cemetery, plot 7-15. Lorain county is next door to Medina and Ashland counties, and not far from Summit and Stark county. This is most likely our man since his son, John R. Hissem, and grandson, John E. Hissem, were buried in Elmwood as well. The wives of John R. and John E. were also buried in Elmwood cemetery.

In the 1896 City Directory of Cleveland as,

"Hissem Ellen R. wid. r. 72 University
Hissem John R. brakeman, r. 72 University
Hissem John E. teamster, r. 189 University"

In the 1898 City Directory of Cleveland as,

"Hissem Ellen R. wid. David, r. 72 University
Hissem John E. teamster, r. 189 University
Hissem John R. brakeman, r. 72 University"

In the 1899 City Directory of Cleveland as,

"Hissem Ellen R. wid. David, r. 104 Literary
--William J. salesman r. 85 Alabama
--John E. brakeman, r. 102 Starkweather"

In the 1900 City Directory of Cleveland as,

"Hissem Ellen R. wid. David, r. 104 Literary
--John E. brakeman, r. 102 Starkweather av.
--John R. brakeman, r. 104 Literary"

In the 1900 census of Cleveland Ward 37, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as Ellen R. Hissem, a 75 year old [August 1824] widow, of Pennsylvania, living with her son, John R. Hissim [Hissiam in Ancestry.com] and his family. She had one child, and that one still living [what about Thomas Jason and Lizzie?]. Ellen's father was born in Ireland and her mother in Pennsylvania. John's father, that is David, was shown as "of Ireland." However, in the 1910/1920 census his father was "of Pennsylvania." Perhaps the census taker got it wrong. After all, we know from Ellen's death record that both of her parents came from Ireland.

Oddly, also in the 1900 census of Litchfield township, Medina, Ohio as Elen R. Hissem, a 75 year old widow [August 1824], a boarder with Alfred Miller. She was born in Pennsylvania with parents from Ireland and Pennsylvania. She had two children, both still living [still shy one]. Medina county is just 20 miles southwest of Cleveland. I think she may have been counted twice. I need to look at these documents again. Thomas J. may have died between times.

In the 1901 City Directory of Cleveland as,

"Hissem Ellen R. wid. David, r. 104 Literary
--John E. switchman, r. 344 Hirschel
--John R. brakeman, r. 104 Literary"

In the 1902 City Directory of Cleveland as,

"Hissem Ellen R. wid. David r. 25 Eglindale av.
--John R. brakeman, r. 25 Eglindale av."

In the 1903 City Directory of Cleveland as,

"Hissem Ellen, wid. David H. r. 25 Eglindale av.
--John R. brakeman, r. 25 Eglindale av."

Ellen Hissem, an 80 year old widow, died of senility in her home at 25 Eglindale, on 28 April 1904 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born in Pennsylvania. Her parents were both from Ireland. She was buried in Elyria, Ohio.

Their children were,
(24) Elizabeth Hissem (1844)
(24) William Thomas Jason Hissem Sr. (1850), married Alice Stine
(24) John R. Hissem (1852), married Jennie Stine

Elizabeth Hissem was born in July 1844 in Ohio. Also as Lizzie and Lissa. She married Samuel A. Rhodes [Rodes Rhoads, Rhoades] on 23 November 1866 in Whitley, Indiana.

In the 1870 census of Canton township, Stark county, Ohio as Lizzie Rodes, 26, 'at home,' with her children, Ella, 3, of Indiana, and Maggie, 4/12 [garbled]. Samuel was not present. Elizabeth was living with her father, David Hissem, a 48 year old teamster, of Pennsylvania, and her mother, Ellen, 47, and brothers, William [Thomas Jason], a 20 year old teamster, and John, an 18 year old teamster, all of Ohio.

I have a Lissa Hissem, the wife of S. A. Rhoades, whose son, John, was born on 24 February 1874 in Massillon, Stark county, Ohio. Massillon is just west of Canton.

In the 1880 census of Massillon, Stark county, Ohio as Samuel Rhodes, 40, with his wife, Elizabeth, 36, and children, Ella M., 12 [of Indiana], Maggie Ruth, 9, John R. [just a sribble, could be an M or B or H], 7, and Guy, 5; all except Ella of Ohio.

In the 1900 census of Litchfield, Medina county, Ohio as Samuel A. Rhoads, a 60 year old farmer [October 1839], and his wife, Elizabeth, 55 [July 1844]. They had been married for 33 years [1867]. Three of her hour children were still living.

John H. Rhoads, the son of Samuel Rhoads and Elizabeth Hissem, a 30 year old clerk, of Ohio and then living in Toledo, Ohio married Loretta M. [Mae] Navarre, the daughter of Isadore Navarre and Marjorie O'Connor, 20, of Monroe, Michigan on 21 September 1905.

Thomas J. Hissem was born in January 1850 [1849] in Ohio, per the 1900 census. He was the son of David Hissem and Ellen R. Fitzgerald according to Thomas' 1894 marriage certificate. Known as William E. Hissem to his estranged wife, as William T. Hissem to his son, Thomas Jason Hissem Jr., and, on City Directories, as William T. Hissem and William T. J. Hissem

I have not found Thomas in the 1850-1860 censuses.

In the 1870 census of Canton township, Stark county, Ohio as William Hissem, lending credence to his wife's later testimony. He was a 20 year old teamster of Ohio. He was living with his parents, David and Ellen, and brother, John.

T. J. Hissem married Alice Stine, aged 17, on 29 August 1871 - from "Ashland County Marriage Records Probate Court Volume 4 1870-1878." Alice's father, Leonard Stine, signed the form, below.

In Alice Stine's obituary it was claimed that Alice was 16 years old when first married, not 17. The census of 1870 for the Stine family indicates this was probably correct.

Thomas J. and Alice soon moved to Michigan. A child, Ella, was born to Alice there in September 1872. In later years Alice would say that Ella was the daughter of William E. Hissem. Was this a mistake for William T. Hissem?

Neither Thomas nor Alice appeared in divorce court in response to their summons. Thomas was in Kalamazoo, Michigan where his son, Thomas Jr., was born in 1876. As the document below states, Alice had been a resident of Ohio for at least a year at the time of filing for divorce, so she had returned from Michigan. I do not have a copy of the original petition.

No date. "Petition for Divorce
Alice Hissem v Thomas J Hissem

Now came [cause?] the Plaintiff and the Defendant having been legally Summoned by publication and having failed to appear the Court find them in default for Answer and Demurer to said Petition and that the Allegations thereof are confessed by him to be true. And the Court find that the Plaintiff at the time of filing for Petition had been a resident of the State of Ohio for one year next preceding the same and was at that time a bonafide resident of Ashland county. And that the parties hereto were married at the time set forth in the Petition - The Court further find upon the evidence adduced that the Defendant had been willfully absent from the Plaintiff for three years next before the filing of the Plaintiff's Petition - and that by reason thereof the Plaintiff is entitled to a divorce as arranged for.
Is is therefore [garbled] and adjudged by the Court that the marriage contract heretofore existing between said parties [garbled] is dissolved . . .
It is further ordered that the custody care education and control of the children of the parties hereto be until further ordered confided to the said Alice Hissem exclusively - and the said Thomas J. Hisssem is hereby enjoined from interfering in any manner with either of said children.
Is is further ordered that Defendant pay to Plaintiff as her reasonable Alimony the sum of five Hundred dollars in money.
It is further ordered that the Petitioner be and she hereby restored to her maiden name of Alice Stine." - from the records of the Ashland County Genealogical Society

While the transcript above was not dated, we can see that the child Ella was born 12 months after their marriage and therefore must have been their first child. Their second child could have been born no earlier than 1873. If Thomas had abandoned Alice as soon as this second pregnancy was known, and this had occurred three years prior to filing for divorce, then the date of the filing was most likely no earlier than 1875, and easily a year later. The date of the divorce itself would have occurred some months after the filing given the dilatory nature of the courts.

How late might have the divorce occurred? Based on my many questions about Alice's later recollections, I'd say February 1880, when she needed to be free to marry Israel Fair.

The record of Alice's divorce from Thomas makes clear that her marriage with him was not happy. He abandoned her, took up with another women with whom he had a child out of wedlock, and forced her into the 'shame' of a divorce.

I think Alice's abandonment occurred when she left Thomas after finding out that he had impregnated Easter Adams, below. The child of that affair, Thomas Jr., was born on 29 Janaury 1876, 2 1/2 months before the birth of Alice's own son, Melvin Henry. So let's say Alice returned to Ohio at the beginning of 1876, when the reality of Thomas' affair could no longer be masked. This allows the birth of Melvin Henry to occur in Ohio, as the records claim. The divorce, then, must have occurred in 1879, three years after her return.

After the divorce was finalized, Alice Stine then married Israel Fair on 20 February 1880 in Ashland county, Ohio. This was a second marriage for Alice. It was also a second marriage for Israel, his first wife being Eliza Gordon, who he married on 12 September 1872. In the Find-A-Grave website I have found an Alice Stein Fair, the daughter of Leonard and Hannah, the wife of Israel Fair, but who is known parenthetically as Mrs. Alice Hissem. Her first husband was said to be W. E. Hissem.

In the 1880 census of Homer, Medina county, Ohio as Alice, 24, and Israel Fair, 29. Living with them were Ella Hissem, stepdaughter, 7, of Michigan, and Mellville Hissem, stepson, 4, of Ohio [Hirrem in Familysearch.org]. There were no Fair offspring at this time.

By 1900 both Ella and Melvin had moved out.

In the 1920 census of Sullivan township, Ashland county, Ohio as Israel Fair, 70, and Alice Fair, 64.

Alice Stine Fair, the daughter of Leonard Stine and Hannah Bishop, died and was buried on 26 March 1920 in Sullivan, Ohio. Her obituary,

"Mrs. Alice Stine Fair, wife of Israel Fair passed peacefully away at her late home southeast of Sullivan Wednesday morning, March 24, at 3:30 o'clock at the age of 64 years, 4 months and 4 days, having been born Nov. 20, 1854 to Leonard and Hannah Stine of Sullivan township where Mrs. Fair spent her entire life. At the age of sixteen she was united in marriage with W. E. Hissem. To this union were born two children, Mrs. George Carver of Ashland and Mel Hissem of Akron. Her second marriage was with Israel Fair. To them were born four children, Mrs. Raleigh Sprague of Jeromeville; Mrs. Maude Shank and Wilson Fair of Ashland and Harl Fair of Sullivan. There are 19 grandchildren, one sister and five brothers." - from the Ashland Times-Gazette of 11 April 1920

Now, back to Thomas Jason Hissem. In the 1880 census of Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana as T.J. Hissen, a 30 year old hostler, that is, a stablehand. TJ was from Ohio and his parents were both from Pennsylvania. Living with him was Easter, 24, of Ohio, and son, Thomas J. Jr., 4, of Michigan. While it was written into the census that Easter was Thomas' wife, they did not marry until 1882. If Thomas Jr. was Easter's child then I suspect Thomas Sr. was living with her at the time of the divorce.

Hester Easter Adams was born in 1856, in Ohio, the daughter of Peter W. Adams and Cyrene Smith. She is in the 1870 census of Glenwood, Schuyler county, Missouri, aged 14, living with her parents. Peter W. Adams had married Cyrene [Serena] Smith on 29 January 1846 in Jefferson county, Ohio. Hester is also known as Hattie and Serena (after her mother?).

A second child, Lucy E., was born to the couple on 24 January 1881 in Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana.

Thomas J. Hissem married Serena E. Adams on 11 April 1882 in Medina county, Ohio. I believe this was Easter Adams; note that her mother's name was Cyrene, or Cyrena, and sometimes spelled as Serena. The Honorable H. Alden, J.P., officiated at the wedding.

In R.L. Polk & Co.'s Indianapolis City Directory as "Hissem, Thomas J, lab, h 1525 Madison av." The date is hard to read, but possibly 1890.

Serena E. Adams must have divorced because Thomas J. Hissem, 45, the son of David Hissem and Ellen R. Fitzgerald, then married Cynthia Ann Harryman Sewell, 38, the daughter of Elijah T. Harryman and Emily Sullivan, on 1 March 1894 in Marion county, Indiana.

"Thomas J. Hissem and Cynthia A. Sewell." - from "The Indianapolis News" of 5 March 1894

Subsequently, Hattie Hissem Adams, the daughter of Peter Adams and Cyrene Smith, married Marshall H. Aldridge on 29 June 1893 in Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana. Thomas Jr. and Lucy E. Hissem stayed with their mother after the divorce, residing in Wayne county, Indiana. Hattie died on 11 October 1901 in Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana.

In the 1900 census of Center township, Indianapolis city Ward 14, Marion county, Indiana as Thomas J. Hissem, a 50 year old [garbled] chain maker. He was from Ohio and his parents were from Pennsylvania. Living with him was his wife, Cynthia A., 44 [May 1856]. They had been married for 6 years. Cynthia had no chldren. She and her parents were from Indiana. William C. and Mary Harryman, both 39, were living with them. They were listed as boarders, but I assume they were relatives. Note that at this time Thomas Jr., 24, was living with his grandparents, Peter and Cyrene Adams, in Wayne county, Indiana.

Thomas had died by 1906.

"Hissem Cynthia (wid Thomas J), h 623 Harmon.
Hission Eleanor (wid David), h 1803 Central av.
Hission John T., uphlr, b 1803 Central av.
Hission Mary F. toilet articles 10, 507 1/2 Mass av." - from the Indianapolis, Indiana City Directory of 1906

Cynthia is also in the 1907 City Directory. However, in the 1908 directory as,

"Hissem Cynthia A (wid Wm T J), h 623 Harmon"

"Hissem Cynthia A (wid Wm T), h 629 Harmon"

In the 1910 census of Indianapolis as Cynthia A. Hissem, a 54 year old widow running a boarding house. She was from Indiana and had one child, still living. This must refer to a child of James Sewell. She did have a male boarder, Daniel A. Thomas, 64, living with her.

In the 1920 census of Wabash, Tippecanoe county, Indiana as Cynthia A. Hissem, a 63 year old resident of the Indiana State Soldiers Home. She undoubtedly got access through her previous Sewell marriage.

Cynthia A. Hissem, the Army widow of James A. Sewell, a Private in company I, 13th Iowa infantry, received an increase of his pension on 1 May 1920 to a rate of "30" from and earlier "25." Why didn't the pension stop when Cynthia remarried? The answer is, that pensions did stop on remarriage, but an Act in 1901 allowed widows who had lost their pension due to a remarriage to start collecting again if they were rewidowed. Another card shows that Cynthia filed a request to restart her pension as a "remarried widow" on 18 September 1916 and that the payments started up again on 19 September 1916. Why did she wait so long?

In the 1930 census . . .

"Cynthia A. Hissem, widow of James A. Sewell, died 12-12-1937 [the 3 is hard to read]." She was buried in the Indiana Veterans cemetery, West Lafayette, Tippecanoe county, Indiana.

Thomas and Alice Stine had two children according to their divorce decree. These were, I believe, Ella and Melvin Henry. Thomas Jason Jr. was the son of Easter Adams, born a few months before Melvin Henry. John was apparently the birth name of Melvin Henry, later changed by his mother.
(25) Ella M. Hissem (1872)
(25) Thomas Jason Hissem Jr. (1876) with Hattie Adams
(25) John Hissem (1876)
(25) Melvin Henry Hissem (1876)
(25) Lucy E. Hissem (1881), with Hattie Adams, born 24 January 1881 in Knightstown, Henry county, Indiana. She married William Lichtenfels on 19 February 1900 in Wayne county, Indiana. Second she married Joseph H. Berry on 5 February 1910 in Marion county, Indiana. Third, she married Arthur George Henry on 19 August 1918 in Marion county, Indiana.

According to her mother's obituary, Ella Hissem was the daughter of W.E. Hissem and Alice Stine, but I think the dates show her to have been Thomas' child. Ella M. Hissem was born in September 1872 in Michigan, per the 1900 census. In the 1880 census of Homer, Medina county, Ohio as Ella Hissem [Hirrem in familysearch.org], 7, of Michigan. She was living with her mother, Alice, and step-father, Israel Fair.

Ella Hissem married George F. Garver [Carver per her mother's obituary] of Sullivan, Ashland county, Ohio on 31 December 1891 in Ashland, Ohio. Samuel Garver made out the marriage license application. Was this George's brother, see below? The Reverend Henry S. Jacobs officiated at the wedding. George F. Garver, the son of David L. Garver and Elizabeth Ann Hunt, was born on 13 July 1867 in Sullivan, Ashland county, Ohio.

George F. Garver, 11 [1869], was living with his brother, Samuel C. Garver, 15, in the home of his step-parentts, Wilson S. and Elizabeth Hart, in the 1880 census of Sullivan, Ashland county, Ohio. David L. Garver had died on 3 September 1867 in Wayne county, Ohio. That is, just 6 weeks after George F. Garvr's birth.

In the 1900 census of Sullivan, Ashland county, Ohio as Ella M. Garver, 27 [September 1882 - but that's not right, the year should be 1872], of Michigan. She was living with her husband, George F., 32 [July 1867], and children, Glen H., 6 [July 1893], and Lemuel D., 5 [May 1895]. Ella and George had been married 8 years.

George Franklin Garver, 71, died of heart disease on 9 December 1938 in Ashland, Ashland county, Ohio. George's son, Lemuel D. Garver, was the informant. Ella M. Garver died in 1953. George and Ella were buried together in the Southview cemetery in Sullivan, Ohio.

He was born on 29 January 1876 in Michigan. In the 1880 census of Henry county, Indiana as Thomas J. Hissem [Hissen in Ancestry.com] Jr., 4, the son of T.J. and Easter Hissem, of Ohio.

Thomas is listed in the City Directory of Indianapolis for 1893 and 1896.

Thomas J. Hissem married Keziah Dorsey on 17 August 1895 in Wayne county, Indiana. I think this must be our Thomas. His father, Thomas J. Sr., had married the woman he would still be married to in 1900, in 1894, and there just weren't that many Hissem's in Indiana, much less Thomas J. Hissem's.

In the 1900 census of Richmond township, Wayne county, Indiana as Thomas J. Hissem [Hissiem in Ancestry.com], a 24 year old carpenter. He was single [so what of Keziah?] He was born in Michigan and his folks in Ohio. He was living in the house of his grandfather, Peter W. Adams, 76 [November 1824] and grandmother, Cyrene, 72 [November 1827]. His grandfather was born in Ohio and his folks in Pennsylvania.

This is interesting. Thomas J. Hissem of Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana patented a harp in 1903. Also referred to as T.J. Hissem. These were improvements to the basic design. A patent was awarded in 1904.

Keziah must have died because Thomas J. Hissem, 27, born about 1876 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, then married Minnie M. Alexander, 27, on 20 May 1903 at the Grace Parsonage in Richmond, Indiana. Minnie was born on 8 April 1877 in New Paris, Ohio.

When his daughter, Felecia, was born in 1908, Thomas was listed on the birth certificate as a Grocer, of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

In the 1910 census of Richard Ward 3, Wayne county, Indiana as Thomas Hissem, a 34 year old brakeman with the railroad, of Indiana [sic]. Living with him were his wife, Minnie, 32, and daughter, Felecia, 1.

In the City Directory of Richmond in 1916 as Thomas J. Hissem, a chauffeur.

Thomas Jason Hissem registered for the draft on 12 September 1918 in St. Louis. He was born on 29 January 1876, but it doesn't say where. He was 42 years old at the time, an auto mechanic working for the H. Walker Furniture company, 208 No. 12th Street, St. Louis. He was living at 3207a Vista Ave (rear), St. Louis, Missouri. His wife was Minnie M. Hissem. He was described as of medium height and slender build, with gray eyes and brown hair.

In the 1920 census of St. Louis, Missouri as Thomas Hissem, a 43 year old auto mechanic. Living with him were his wife, Minnie, 42, and his daughter, Felicia, 7. He was born in Michigan and his parents in Ohio.

In the 1930 census of St. Louis, Missouri as Thomas J. Hissem, a 54 year old automobile body builder. Living with him was his wife, Minnie M., 53. He owned his $5,000 home. He was born in Michigan and his parents in Ohio. She was from Ohio and her parents from Kentucky.

Here's another curve ball . . . in the Social Security Applications and Claims Index is an application dated December 1936 for Thomas Jason Hissem, born on 29 January 1876 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to William T. Hissem and Hattie E. Adams. Could this be William Thomas [Jason] Hissem?

In the 1940 census of St. Louis, Missouri as Thomas Hissem, 64, of Michigan. Living with him were his wife, Minnie, 63, his daughter, Felicia, 31, and her husband, Walter Beck, 32.

Thomas died on 11 April 1952. Minnie died on 12 July 1963. They are both buried at the Silver Point Union church cemetary in Womack, Sainte Genevieve county, Missouri.

Felicia, the daughter of Thomas Hissem and Minnie Alexander, was born on 25 December 1908 in Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana. She married Walter Beck. Second she married Herbert Victor Olsen.

John Hissem, the son of William Hissem and Alice Stine, was born on 17 April 1876 and baptized in Congress township, Wayne county, Ohio - from the Ohio Births and Christenings Index. Was this a twin of Melvin, below? Congress is halfway between Ashland and Akron. John was not listed in the 1880 census nor in his mother's obituary so I assume his death occurred very soon after birth.

Since the record in which John's birth is listed does not include Melvin, it is simpler to suppose that there was only one child born, John's name being changed to Melvin Henry soon after. Perhaps the name John had been the choice of her husband, Thomas Jason Hissem, and therefore also needed to be blotted out.

Melvin Henry, the son of William Hissem and Alice Stine, was born on 17 April 1876 in Sullivan, Ashland county, Ohio - from his marriage license and death certificate. Why isn't he in the Birth Records as his supposed brother John is? His mother, Alice Stine, was also born in Sullivan, Ohio, and, per the death certificate, was his father, though I've seen this no where else.

In the 1880 census of Homer, Medina county, Ohio as Mellville Hissem, 4, of Ohio. The surname, by the way, is badly written. It looks more like Heirrem, but the "e" is more of a curlicue and the "r's" are open-bottomed "s'es." His father and mother were both of Ohio. He was living with his mother, Alice, and stepfather, Israel Fair, a 29 year old farmer. His sister Ella, 7, was with them as well, though no John.

In the 1900 census of Akron, Summit county, Ohio as Melvin H. Hissem, a 24 year old conductor on a cable [?] car. He was single and a lodger.

On 25 May 1901, Melvin Henry Hissem, a 25 year old laborer, of Sullivan, Ashland county, Ohio, the son of William Hissem and Alice Stine, married Carrie E. Snyder, 19, the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Snyder and Jane Percy. She was born on 17 March 1882. The marriage took place in Barberton, a few miles southwest of Akron, in Summit county, Ohio. Sullivan, Ohio is about 15 miles northeast of Ashland and perhaps 30 miles west of Akron. By the way, this was just six months before their first child, Guy, was born. Ah well . . .

In the 1903 City Directory of Akron, Ohio as "Hissem Melvin H [Carrie E], wks P V & F Co, res 840 Cornell."

In the 1910 census of Springfield township, Summit county, Ohio as Melvin Hissem, a 34 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Carrie, 28, and children, Guy, 8, Pauline, 6, Hellen, 5, Clifford, 4, Milford, 2, and Ruby, 6/12. They had six children, all still living. Interestingly, they had a private family nurse, Bertha Kimmermann, living with them. I suppose that means that Melvin was a pretty successful farmer. Melvin raised Holstein-Friesian cattle, a dairy breed:

"557588. Flora Temple Pontiac, Oct. 24, 1917; Frank Strecker & Son; M. H. Hissem; Winsum Paul Pontiac 169707--Flora Temple Oosterbaan 110477."
"Hissem, M. H., East Akron, O.: Cows, 557588." - from the "Holstein-Friesian Herd-Book, Volume 43" by Frederick Lowell Houghton.

Melvin Henry Hissem registered for the draft on 12 September 1918 in Summit county, Akron, Ohio. He was born on 17 April 1876. He was 42 years old at the time, a self-employed farmer living at 22 [garbled], Akron, Summit county, Ohio. His wife and next of kin was Carrie. He was described as of medium height and build, with black eyes and hair.

In the 1920 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Melvin Hissem, a 42 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Carrie E., 38, and children, Guy E., 18, Pauline V., 16, Helen I., 15, Clifford M., 13, Milford L., 12, Ruby L., 9, Elwood C., 5 9/12, and Eilean E., 1. The Hissem family is pictured below.

In the 1930 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Melvin Hissem, a 52 year old farmer. Living with him were his wife, Carrie, 48, and children, Guy E., a 28 year old rubber worker at Goodrich, Milford, a 22 year old mechanic in a garage, Ruby, a 20 year old waitress in a restaurant, Elwood, 15, Eileen, 11, and a grandson, Ralph Vanhorn [Van Horn, the son of Helen], 5. Where was Helen? At the same time (25) Harvey Burton Hissam (1903), the son of Harvey B. Hissam, was also living in Akron. Harvey had children born between 1875 and 1880 with his second wife, Francis. Samuel and John Hissem, immediately above, both died in Summit county in the 1920's.

Melvin H. Hissem, a 59 year old farmer born in Sullivan, Ohio, the son of Wm. Hissem and Alice Stine, died of a cerebral hemorrhage on 1 June 1935 in Green township, Summit county, Ohio. The address given, his home I presume, was Akron R.D. 3, Tritts Mills. His wife, Carrie Snyder, provided the information in the death certificate. Melvin was buried in the Rose Hill cemetery.

In the 1940 census of Green, Summit county, Ohio as Carrie E. Hissem, 59. Living with her were sons Guy E., 38, and Elwood C., 25, both farmers, and all of Ohio.

I recently received an email from one on Melvin's descendents.

"He is my great great grandfather. My father is the Ralph Van Horn (note; Van Horn is two words) the 1930 census lists as living with the family. Actually Carrie and Melvin had eight children.
Eileen
Ruby
Helen (my grandmother)
Pauline
Elwood
Milford
Guy
Clifford
Richard.

Anyhow, the C Dale Hissem (Kent State University High School graduate) is the son of Clifford. (I wonder if Uncle Cliff's wife, Bertha, is the same family nurse mentioned in your writing?) An internet search will show that Dale ended his career working for the University of Florida's bovine program. At one time he owned one of the largest dairy farms in Portage County Ohio (Kent, OH). Dale had a daughter, Mary Ellen.

My father cannot recollect his grandfather's name. I'll be contacting my cousin (Eileen's son) to see if his mother ever shared such information. I'm on a quest to find the names of my father's great grandparents.

According to my grandmother her father (Melvin) was the first person to offer motorized milk delivery in the Akron area. The depression had him lose the business when they called in the notes on the vehicles. He as well lost the farm. Somehow he came out on top and owning a nice piece of property on Mayfair Rd. where the family spent the depression.

Thank you for all your research efforts. Very enlightening!"

Guy was born on 10 November 1901. In the 1910 census of Sprinfield township, Summit county, Ohio as Guy Hissem. In the 1920 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Guy E. Hissem. In the 1930 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Guy E. Hissem, a 28 year old rubber worker at Goodrich. In the 1940 census he was still living at home with his widowed mother, aged 38, but working as a farmer. His little brother Elwood was home as well. I don't think Guy ever married.

Guy Eugene Hissem, 85, died on 31 December 1986 in Trenton, Gilchrist, Florida.

Pauline was born on 9 December 1903. In the 1910 and 1920 census of Summit county, Ohio living at home with her parents, Melvin and Carrie E. Hissem. She married Ray Calvin Winkelman. Pauline died in 1977 and was buried in the Charlotte Memorial Gardens cemetery in Punta Gorda, Charlotte county, Florida. Ray died in 1978 and was buried next to Pauline.

She was born on 30 December 1904. She married Arthur U. Van Horn. Her son was Ralph, who was living with his grandparents during the 1930 census. According to another researcher, she was working as a live-in maid for a well-to-do family during this period.

Clifford Melvin Hissem, the son of Melvin Hissem and Carrie Snyder, was born on 9 June 1906 in Franklin, Summit county, Ohio. In the 1910 census of Sprinfield township, Summit county, Ohio as Clifford Hissem, 4. In the 1920 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Clifford M. Hissem, 13.

Clifford Melvin Hissem married Bertha Margaret Statts on 30 March 1929.

In the 1930 census of Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county, Ohio as Clifford Hissem, a 24 year old accountant in a Rubber Shop. Living with him were his wife, Bertha, 29, and his son, Richard, 3/12. Clifford and Bertha had been married about 2 years.

In the 1940 census of Stow, Summit county, Ohio as Clifford C. M. Hissem, a 33 year old traveling salesman for a rubber company. Living with him were his wife, Bertha M., 39, and children, Dick E., 10, Clifford D. Hissem, 7, and Mary Ann, 6.

Bertha died on 10 March 1969. Clifford subsequently married Mary. They divorced on 24 February 1978 in Alachua county, Florida.

Clifford Melvin Hissem died on 20 September 1984 in Gilchrist county, Florida, at the age of 78. Both Clifford and Bertha were buried in the Maple Lawn cemetery in Darrowville, Summit county, Ohio.

Hissem Bertha M. Dec. 19, 1900 Mar. 10, 1969 Mother; Married March 30, 1929 SS Clifford M.
Hissem Clifford M. June 9, 1906 Sept. 20, 1984 Father; Married March 30, 1929 SS Bertha M.
- from Maple Lawn Cemetery, Stow, Ohio

"Clifford Melvin Hissem of Trenton died Thursday at his home of a heart attack. He was 78.

A native of Akron, Ohio, Mr. Hissem came to this area 12 years ago from Kent, Ohio. He was a retired dairy farmer and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Alachua.

He is survived by a son, Clifford Dale Hissem of Cadiz, Ohio; a daughter, Mary Ann Clark of Kent, Ohio; a brother, Guy Hissem of Trenton; a sister, Eileen Muckley of Louisville, Ohio; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren." - from the "Gainesville Sun" of 22 September 1984

Clifford's children were,
(27) Richard Edward Hissem (1930)
(27) Clifford Dale Hissem (1932)
(27) Mary Ann Hissem (1934), she married a Clark, of Kent, Ohio. They had four children, Margaret Ann "Mac" (Clark) Clapp, JoAnn Clark, Wes Clark, and LeAnn Clark. Mary Ann died in 1999.

Richard Edward Hissem was born on 22 December 1929 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. In the 1930 census of Cuyahoga Falls, Summit county, Ohio as Richard Hissem, 0 [!], living at home with his parents, Clifford and Bertha. Ralph Van Horn confirms that he was "Dale's brother. Clifford's son."

In the 1940 census of Stow, Summit county, Ohio as Dick E. Hissem, 10. He was living with his parrents, Clifford C.M. and Bertha M. Hissem, and siblings, Clifford D., 7, 10, and Mary Ann, 6.

He attended Butler University in Indianapolis, studying Pharmacy. He belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

Richard E. Hissem served in the Marine Corps from 9 February 1952 to 8 February 1954. He graduated from the 6th Recruit Training battalion at MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina. Afterwards, he was in C company, Second Motorized Battalion, Second Marine Divsion, at Camp Lejune. He doesn't appear to have left the states during his tour.

Richard Edward Hissem married Helen Lenora Grenfell in 1947/8. Richard's grandson, Jim Hisssem, emailed,

"My paternal grandfather Richard "Dick" Edward Hissem married my grandmother Helen "Patsy" Lenora (Grenfell) Hissem in 1947 or 1948. They eloped to Kentucky to get married. Grandpa was a truck driver for Consolidated Freight. My grandmother's parents are both immigrants from Cornwall County England, although they came separately and met in America. Martha "Jane" (Grenfell) Hostetler and Percy Grenfell are grandma's siblings. Grandpa died in Dec 81 just before I was born in Mar 82."

Richard died on 14 December 1981 in Summit county, Ohio, at the age of 51. This was apparently the result of a traffic accident. He was buried in the Northlawn Memorial Gardens cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls Summit county, Ohio.

"Richard E. Hissem, 51, died Dec 14, 1981. He was employed by Bender and Loudon as a driver for 33 years and served in the Marine Corp. during the Korean War. He was a member of the United Prebyterian Church, the Darrow St. Grange and Teamsters Local No. 24.

Survived by his wife; Helen (Patsy) Grenfell Hissem, son Thomas (Susan) Hissem of Jupiter, Florida, sons, Jeff of Cincinnati and Jerry Hissem, Father, Clifford of Gainesville, Florida, a brother, sister Mary Ann Clark of Kent." - from FindAGrave.com

Richard's children are,
(28) Thomas Melvin Hissem (1957)
(28) Jeffrey Allen Hissem (1959)
(28) Gerald "Jerry" Grenfell Hissem (1970)

Thomas was born on 23 September 1957. He resides in Medina, Ohio. He married Susan Lea Frase, of Ohio, circa 1981. Susan may be the daughter of James and Helene Frace. Tom is the owner/operator of Hissem Autocraft, Auto Body Repair & Painting, of Medina. From Jim Hissem, Melvin's son,

"My dad Thomas Melvin born 9/57 has two brothers Jeffrey Allen Hissem (born 11/59) and Gerald Grenfell Hissem (born 1/70, bonus baby). Jerry is the blimp pilot (Ohio State Univ) and is married to Jennifer (McMellon) Hissem. Jeff is not married and is an architect (Ohio State Univ). He works for the State of Ohio in Columbus.

My dad went to Penn State for Turf Grass Management. He met my mom when they both worked at a country club. He married my mom Susan Lea (Frase) Hissem in April 1980. Her parents are James Frase and Helene (Johns) Frase. My dad is the only one to have children. Myself James Richard 3/82 and my brother Joseph Thomas 7/86. Dad and Joe run Hissem Autocraft an auto restoration and custom paint shop in Granger Ohio.

Thomas' children were,
(29) James Richard Hissem (1982)
(29) Joseph Thomas Hissem (1986)

Jim was born on 25 March 1982. An email from James Richard Hissem,

I married my wife Jessica (Jamison) Hissem in Oct 2010 and we have two dogs, but no children. I graduated from Cleveland State University with BS and MS of Electrical Engineering and work as an engineer for Rockwell Automation. My wife has a BS in nursing from U of Akron, and a MBA from Lake Erie College, and sells clinical drug information software."

"Also, I forgot to mention it when I sent our abbreviated family history before, but military service is usually interesting to know. I enlisted into the Marine Corps Reserves in 2000, and my unit, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, was activated and deployed to Iraq in 2005. I finished my service in 2006 as a Sergeant. I was a communications technician aka radio repairman. I went to recruit training at Parris Island, SC and radio and electronics school at Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. My unit was in Al Anbar province in Iraq, and I was primarily located at Camp Hit outside of Hit, Iraq right along the Euphrates."

Joseph was born on 18 July 1986.

"My brother [Joseph] married his wife Jackie Sir Louis in Sept 2011 and they have two sons Oliver Thomas (10/2015) and Ivan Richard (6/2017). Jackie has a BS in nursing from Otterbein College and works as a nurse." - Jim Hissem

Jeffrey was born on 16 November 1959. He attended University of Cincinnati studying Economics (BS) and Ohio State studying Architecture (MA). He is an architect working for the state government of Ohio in Columbus. He is not married.

Gerald Grenfell Hissem, of Fairlawn Springfield, Ohio, the son of Richard Edward Hissem and Helen Lenora Grenfell, was born in January 1970. He pilots one of the Goodyear blimps. He has done so from at least 1999 to today.

Gerald Hissem attended Cuyahoga Falls High School from 1984 to 1988.

"Jerry Hissem, 1988" - from "Alumni High School Reunion Cuyahoga Falls Ohio"

"Hissem graduated from Ohio State University’s aviation program, with an A&P (airframe and powerplant) certificate, and fixed-wing commercial pilot certificates. A native of Akron (where Goodyear is headquartered and N1A is based), he began his career as an A&P with Goodyear, and within a year the company had an opening for an airship pilot and he was accepted and trained for his commercial lighter-than-air rating." - EAA press release of 2015

A Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hissem were contributors to the Women's Endowment of Akron and the Akron Community Foundation. Gerald was also a trustee of the Woodland United Methodist church of Akron. He is married to Jennifer L. McMellon, perhaps the daughter of Thomas Edward McMellon and Norma M. Shaw.

"Soaring ambitions
With barely 100 blimp pilots in the world, getting to fly one is a more exclusive gig than being an astronaut, writes
Patrick White
Globe and Mail
13 August 2007

A trace of worry crosses Captain Jerry Hissem's round face as he glares through his Ray-Bans at the flapping orange windsock and, beyond it, the dark horizon hanging over Lake Ontario.

There's a 50-kilometre-an-hour easterly blowing over the water, and when it trips over the row of maples fringing this island airport, no weatherman in the world could sort the swirling mess of up- and downdrafts.

That's a problem for Capt. Hissem. Right next to those swaying trees is his vessel, the Spirit of Goodyear, a 192-foot-long oblong balloon with a gondola and a couple of 210-horsepower engines stuck to its rubberized polyester hull.

Fresh from hovering over a NASCAR race in Montreal, the Spirit of Goodyear is in Toronto for the first time in 15 years to enchant a few of the tire company's customers and employees - as well as flaunt its cartoonish icon to Toronto's millions. But for now, she's bucking in the gusts like an ornery steed antsy to bust from its hitch. Capt. Hissem has to tame her.

"It's still pretty lumpy out there," says Capt. Hissem, who's greeting his six passengers with a sweaty palm and chewing intensely on a wad of gum. "We're going to get pushed around a bit."

But even on days like today, when blimp pilots spend more time playing nervy meteorologist than poised flyboy, Jerry Hissem, 37, would take this job over any other. With barely 100 blimp pilots around the world, flying one of these balloons is a profession more exclusive than that of astronaut.

(NASA alone currently has 93 active astronauts.) Within that tiny community, just 13 get to wear the silver-winged blimp pin that connotes a Goodyear pilot, the most coveted of all blimp jobs.

What drove these pilots to such literal and figurative heights are qualities universal in any successful career path: patience, persistence and a slight predilection for risk.

"Before I got hired," says Capt. Hissem, "I wanted to get into that pilot's seat for a long, long time. It was all part of a long-term game plan."

It takes between 300 and 400 hours at these controls before a student can become a full-fledged pilot. Even then, entire decades can pass before a job opening comes up.

Capt. Hissem was a certified flight instructor at Ohio State University before he decided to give up his wings. Living just two hours from Akron, Ohio, home of the Spirit of Goodyear, he'd seen blimps pass overhead and wondered what it would be like to fly one of the oversized footballs.

A friend on the Goodyear blimp crew based in Florida alerted him to a job opening for a blimp mechanic. At 28, Capt. Hissem decided to give up his life in Columbus and take the job.

While most pilots would consider going from captain to grease-monkey a demotion, Capt. Hissem took on the job of wrenching the blimp's twin Continental engines and patching holes in "the bag" (everything from bullets to remote-controlled planes tear through the balloon on a regular basis) with delight and even a little audacity.

"I let everyone know right from the start that I was in this to be a pilot," he says. "What can I say? I was young."

When a pilot retired, Capt. Hissem jumped in to fill the position. After six months as a student pilot, he was granted the coveted winged-blimp badge in 1999.

Each of the five pilots who accompanied the blimp to Toronto have a similar story of accepting grunt positions for a chance, however remote, at taking the helm. Several pilots flew helicopters in the U.S. military before taking menial jobs with Goodyear. Greg Poppenhouse, the crew chief, went from flying Apaches in the Persian Gulf war to working as a mill operator in a Goodyear tire plant.

"I told them I was willing to take anything as long as I wasn't sleeping in a tent and eating MREs [field rations]," says Capt. Poppenhouse, waiting indoors for the wind to calm down.

The blimp isn't supposed to fly in winds over 40 kilometres an hour, but the 20-person Goodyear crew has had to cancel several flights already so they're loath to give up. The little orange sock is starting to level off anyway.

Capt. Hissem heads across the tarmac in a van and takes a seat behind the controls: twin sets of throttle knobs to his left, rudder pedals beneath his black shoes, a wooden wheel at his right to control pitch.

Even after eight years of flying, getting off the ground can be tricky. When the six passengers are loaded in, a burly 13-man crew holds the blimp down with ropes. On a ground controller's cue they try to bounce the balloon off its single rubber landing wheel and up into the air.

The balloon hovers. The crew yanks down. The blimp bounces into the air and Capt. Hissem guns the engines.

"Ah, come on, come on," he yells into his headset. Wind spilling over the maples forces the blimp back to ground. "No, no, no," says Capt. Hissem. He's chewing harder.

They bounce again. The engines whine. The helium-filled ship sinks once more.

On the third try, Capt. Hissem outguns the downdrafts. He cranks the elevator wheel back. The cabin slants backward at 30 degrees. There are no seat belts. "Safer than driving your car," he assures the passengers.

Five minutes later, he's bobbing 1,500 feet over downtown and flicks on the 3,700 LED lights affixed to the bag.

"COLLECT AIR MILES WITH EVERY PURCHASE," they read.

"I could sit up here all day long," says Capt. Hissem

"It's like riding a slow rocking horse," a passenger observers.

The Spirit of Goodyear can carry enough fuel to fly for 24 hours, though the crew rarely flies more than 15 hours without a break. During spring and summer, they work six days a week, floating from the Kentucky Derby to NASCAR races to golf tournaments to baseball games. The blimp buzzes along at a leisurely 55 kilometre-an-hour clip, which means it can often take the airship several days to travel between events.

"All the travel can wear on you," says Capt. Hissem, who has a wife and a two-year-old son back in Akron. "That's the worst thing."

After 45 minutes of watching Toronto from the same height as the CN Tower's spire, it's time to land. The winds haven't cleared up entirely. Earlier in the day, there was chatter of a thunderstorm headed for the city. Two years ago, Goodyear's Stars and Stripes blimp crashed in Coral Springs, Fla., after bumping into an unexpectedly powerful storm cell. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.

"This is where I earn my money," says Capt. Hissem. He angles the balloon down towards the airport. Passengers dig in their feet to avoid sliding off the fronts of their seats. Within a few hundred feet of the field, the bag begins to dive and roll. The wind blows it to port. It's sideways. Capt. Hissem guns the engines. He's standing on the rudder pedals. He's hauling the elevator wheel back and forth. He's sweating.

The ground crew lunges for the ropes trailing from the bag. They dig in their heels. The cabin doors open and the passengers are ushered off.

Capt. Hissem steps off, beaming. "There's no way I'd do anything else," he says. "I'm in this for good."

"An avid GA pilot, Hissem flies single-engine fixed-wing aircraft and is currently building a straight-tail Sonex experimental aircraft." The Goodyear blimps are being replaced by rigid airships, or zeppelins, called Wingfoot 1, 2, etc.

Clifford Dale Hissem was born on 22 December 1932. Clifford and his sister, Mary Ann, children of "C.M. Hissem, Meadowbrook," were baptized at the same time in April 1939 at the Stow Community church. Stow is just northeast of Cuyahoga Falls. This must have been a born-again sort of thing.

In the 1940 census of Stow, Summit county, Ohio as Clifford D. Hissem, 7. He was living with his parrents, Clifford C.M. and Bertha M. Hissem, and siblings, Dick E., 10, and Mary Ann, 6.

Richard and Clifford Hissem shared a birthday.

". . . three years apart, were two brothers, Richard E. and Clifford Dale Hissem, who celebrate their birthday anniversaries today. Richard is 21 and Clifford is 18." - from "The Akron Beacon Journal" of 22 December 1950

Clifford Hissem was in the Marine Corps, as was his brother Richard, from at least April 1953 to April 1957.

A relative of Dale's emailed me,

"Anyhow, the C Dale Hissem (Kent State University High School graduate) is the son of Clifford. (I wonder if Uncle Cliff's wife, Bertha, is the same family nurse mentioned in your writing?) An internet search will show that Dale ended his career working for the University of Florida's bovine program. At one time he owned one of the largest dairy farms in Portage County Ohio (Kent, OH). Dale had a daughter, Mary Ellen."

"Dale and I [Mary Ellen Horning] were married one year after graduation (October, 1952) [from Kent State University School, Ohio on 8 June 1951]. Dale enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1953, at which time I was working as a secretary at Kent State University in the Air Force ROTC Office. In 1954 I moved with him to Arlington, VA where he was stationed at the Naval Annex. I was employed in Washington, DC as a legal secretary while living there.

In 1955 our high school friends, Chris and Herb Zimmerman came to VA and helped move us back to Ohio at the home farm where we lived, worked, and had two daughters. In 1977 we moved the entire dairy to southeastern Ohio (Cadiz area) where we purchased 330 acres of very hilly land. We dairyed there until 1984 when Dale was hired to manage the Dairy Research Unit at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

In 1985 I was hired as a secretary (again) in the Dairy Science Department. Miss Richards would be proud to know all her skills as a shorthand and typing teacher were not in vain! In April 2001, after 16 years of gainful employment with the State of Florida, we retired and moved to North Carolina to be closer to our daughters and their families.

Our new home is not completed as of this writing but hopefully will be ready for occupancy by June 15th."

The Kent State University School was a public school, grades 8 through 12, located on the campus of Kent State University during the years 1914 until 1982. During this period, the name of the school evolved from the Kent Normal School to the Kent Training School, and finally to the Kent State High School or Kent State University School." - Mary Ellen Horning Hissem

The following was found in an Index to a scrapbook at the Portage County Historical Society webpage. See Scrapbook for a form to order copies of the articles (haven't gotten to this yet).

Hissem, Dale: 125-10

Also for Portage is the following,

"Stow has agreed to lease to Akron a water well field it owns in Portage County's Franklin Township. Until now, the Hissem Well Field has been undeveloped, but the lease agreement gives Akron an opportunity to develop it for water, should it desire. Based on that lease, Akron has agreed to charge a rate even lower than the other tax sharing partners pay. Stow will pay the Akron rate plus 15%." - from a 2006 Akron news release

Jim Hissem, a relative of Clifford's, emailed the following,

"Clifford "Dale" Hissem and Mary Ann (Hissem) Clark are grandpa's siblings. The info you have on Uncle Dale is correct. His daughters are Mary Ellen Hissem and Nancy (Hissem) Russell. Nancy is an adopted daughter. Mary Ellen has two sons Adam Eberle and Michael Eberle. Aunt Mary had four children Margaret Ann "Mac" (Clark) Clapp, JoAnn Clark, Wes Clark, and LeAnn Clark. They all have children, and I can refer Mac to you with their family info. Aunt Mary died in 1999.

Clifford and his wife now live in Franklinton, North Carolina. They have two daughters,

Mary Ellen has two sons, Adam Eberle and Michael Eberle.

Nancy Hissem married a Russell?

Milford Leon Hissem, the son of Melvin H. Hissem and Carrie Snyder, was born on 20 January 1908 in Tallmadge, Summit county, Ohio, the son of Melvin H. Hissem and Carrie Snyder. In the 1910 census of Springfield township, Summit county, Ohio as Milford Hissem, 2. In the 1920 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Milford L. Hissem, 12. In the 1930 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Milford Hissem, a 22 year old mechanic in a garage, living at home with his parents.

In the 1930 City Directory of Akron, Ohio as "Hissem Milford auto mech Ak Auto T Co h Massillon rd." He married Evelyn Phelps, the daughter of Sheridan Phelps and Louise Robinson, on 9 August 1930.

In 1935 & 1938 both were still married, per the Stow, Ohio Community Church newsletter.

In the 1940 census of . . .

Milford L. Hissem, of Summit county, Ohio, enlisted in the Army as a Private on 5 January 1944 in Cleveland, he was 36 years old. He had a grammar school education and was classified as an electrician, automotive or automobile mechanic. He was single, without dependents. Had he already gotten a divorce?

Milford L. Hissem died on 9 July 1966 in Akron, Summit county, Ohio. He was divorced at the time. I don't know of any children.

Ruby was born on 7 April 1910. She married John Raymond Watson.

Elwood C. Hissem was born in 1914. In the 1920 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Elwood C. Hissem, 5 9/12. In the 1930 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Elwood Hissem, 15.

In the 1940 census of Green township, Summit county, Ohio as Elwood C. Hissem, a 25 year old farmer. He was living with his widowed mother, Carrie E., 59, and eldest brother, Guy E., 28.

Elwood C. Hissem died on 2 October 1970 in Stark county, Ohio. He never married.

Her obituary.

"Eileen E. Muckley, age 86, of North Canton, died Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at St. Luke's Lutheran Community.

Born January 3, 1919 in Greenburg, Ohio to the late Melvin & Carrie (Snyder) Hissem.

She worked as a cook for the Marlington Schools for 10 years and was a member of St. Jacob's Lutheran Church, North Canton. Due to illness, she spent the last 7 years of her life in the loving care of the nurses at St. Luke's Lutheran Community.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Vincent Muckley in 2000.

Survived by daughters, Sandra L. ( Richard ) Hoffman of North Canton : Janene S. ( John ) Gorham of Cumberland, Me ; sons, Robert J. ( Mary Lou ) Muckley of Marlboro : James J. ( Heather ) Muckley of Louisville ; 11 grandchildren ; 7 great-grandchildren.

Services March 25, 2005 at St. Jacob's Lutheran Church with Rev. Herbert Garnes officiating.

Interment in St. Jacob's Cemetery."

Of Ohio. He was born on 5 November 1852, in Ohio, the son of David Hissem and Ellen Fiztgerald [sic] - from his death certificate. Not seen in the 1860 census. In the 1870 census of Canton township, Stark county, Ohio as John Hissem, an 18 year old teamster, of Ohio. He was living with his parents, David and Ellen, and brother, Willliam.

A Stine family researcher says that Cornelia J[ennifer] Stine, of Ashland county, Ohio, married a man named Hissem [or Hissom]. She was the daughter of Leonard Stine and Hannah Bishop, born on 17 September 1854.

John R. Hissem married Jennie Stine on 15 September 1872 in Ashland county, Ohio - from "Ashland County Marriage Records Probate Court Volume 4 1870-1878." Jennie would have been 18 years old. Her little sister, Alice, married both Thomas Jason and William E. Hissem, below.

In the 1880 census of Massillon, Stark county, Ohio as John R. Hissem [Hissnin in ancestry.com], a 27 year old teamster. Living with him were his wife, Jennie, 26, and son, Edward, 5. The latter must be John Edgar, the age is correct for him.

Jennie Stine Hissom, the daughter of Leonard Stine and Hannah Bishop, and wife of unknown Hissom, died on 12 April 1891.

"Mrs. Hissem died at Polk last Saturday evening. She was a widowed daughter of Mrs. Stine of Sullivan township."

"Mrs. Jennie Hissem died Sabbath morning. She was buried at the Hopewell church, funeral services conducted by the Rev. Jud Shreffler, pastor of the Reformed church. Mrs. Hissem was a great sufferer for almost a year . . ." - from a newspaper of 16 April 1891

John R. Hissim, born in November 1852 in Ohio, married Dency [Nancy] Lucinda Case in 1896. This was a second marriage for both of them. She was born in January 1850 in Wisconsin, the daughter of Seymour B. Case and Roxana Clarissa Moon. Nancy had been previously married to John Martin and had at least three children with him.

In the 1896 city directory of Cleveland as John R. Hissem, a brakeman, living at 72 University with his mother, Ellen R. His son, John E. Hissem, who would have been 23 years old, lived at 189 University. The same information is provided in the 1898 directory. However, while Ellen and John E. Hissem are listed in the 1899 directory, John R. is not.

In the 1900 census of Cleveland Ward 37, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John R. Hissim [Hissiam in Ancestry.com], a 47 year old [November 1852] brakeman on the railroad, born in Ohio. Living with him were his wife, Dency L., 50 [January 1850], of Wisconsin, and his mother, Ellen R. Hissim, a 75 year old [August 1824] widow, of Pennsylvania. John was the only son of Ellen. John and Nancy had been married for 4 years. John's father was shown as born in Ireland, but that doesn't match later censuses and may be a confusion with the birthplace of his mother, Ellen's, father. They lived on 104 Literary road per the city directory of 1900.

A step son, Loren E. Martin, a 30 year old sailor [March 1870], of Michigan, was also living in the house. A step son of John I assume, meaning the child of Dency's first marriage. His mother was born in Wisconsin, as was Dency. Of course, Dency was shown as having no children, at least with the head of the household, John R. Hissem. In the 1880 census of Leelaney township, Leelaney county, Michigan as Loren Martin, the 11 year old son of John Martin, 38, and his wife, Nancy [Dency?], 30, of Wisconsin. Other children were Henry, 9, and Charles, 3. Leelanau is an isolated penisula, thrusting into northern Lake Michigan.

In the 1900 city directory of Cleveland as John R. Hissem, brakeman, residing at 104 Literary. His mother, Ellen R. Hissem, resided there as well. Also living there in 1901.

In the 1902 and 1903 city directories, still living with his mother. In the 1905 city directory without her, she having died in 1904. He was a brakeman, living at 25 Elgindale avenue. In the 1908 directory he was living at 1901 Eglindale. In the 1909 city directory of Cleveland as "Hissem John H brakeman, r. 1901 Eglindale av." What does the H refer to?

In the 1910 census of Cleveland Ward 6, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John R. Hissem, a 59 year old brakeman on a steam rail road, of Ohio. His parents were both from Pennsylvania. Living with him was his wife, Nancy E. [Dency in Ancestry.com], 60, of Wisconsin. They had been married for 14 years and it was the second marriage for both. Nancy was shown as being the mother of 3 children, 2 of whom were still living. I assume this was from her first marriage. There are no children listed in this census.

In the 1911 city directory as "Hissem John R brakeman r 1901 Eglindale." Directly below was "Hissen John E switchman r 2606 Scranton."

In the 1914 city directory, a brakeman, living at 1901 Eglindale avenue southwest. In the 1916 city directory, a brakeman, living at the same place. Interestingly, Martin Hissem, a clerk, and Michael Hissem, a machinist, were livinng at 9808 Kennedy avenue southeast. In the 1917 city directory, no occupation mentioned, living at the same place. Martin doesn't show up, but a Michael Hissen, a millworker, livinng at 10729 Crestwood avenue does.

John R. Hissem, brakeman, C.T. department, of the Cleveland division, retired in December 1917 after 28 years of honorable service - from the "B and O Magazine" volume 5. John was granted a pension.

In the 1920 census of Cleveland Ward 6, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John R. Hessem, a 67 year old sweeper in a steel company, of Ohio. Both of his parents were shown as being from Pennsylvania. Living with him were his wife, Dencie, 69, of Wisconsin, and two boarders, Thomas Dennis and James Charles.

Dency L. Hissem, 74, died of a cerebral apoplexy on 6 November 1924. Her parents were listed as Leonard Casl and Don't Know. John R. Hissem was the informant for the death certificate.

"Hissem-Dency L., age 74 years, beloved wife of John R. and mother of Henry W. Martin of Joliet, Ill., Thursday morning. Funeral Monday, Nov. 10, at 11 A. M., from the late residence, 1901 Eglindale avenue, Burial Elmwood cemetery, Lorain, O." - from Cleveland Necrology

In the 1930 census of Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John R. Hissem [Hissmen in Ancestry.com], widowed, aged 77, no occupation, of Ohio. His father was of Ohio and his mother of New York [?]. Living with him were his son, John E., a 54 year old night watchman for the Board of Eduation, and his wife, Hattie, 52, both of Ohio.

John R. Hissem, a 78 year old widower, the son of David Hissem, birthplace unknown, and Ellen Fitzgerald, of Pennsylvania, died of senile dementia on 21 August 1931. He was living at 1901 Eglindale avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, He was born in Ohio and his wife had been Densy. The undertaker provided the information in the death certificate.

"husband of Dency Hissem, son of David Hissem and Ellen Fitzgerald

Id#: 0148280
Name: Hissem, John R.
Date: Aug 24 1931
Source: Source unknown; Cleveland Necrology File, Reel #038.
Notes: Hissem: John R., age 78 years, beloved father of John E., passed away, 11:30 p. m., Aug. 21, 1931, at his residence, 1901 Eglindale Ave., where services will be held Monday, Aug. 24, at 1 p. m. Interment, Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain, O." - from Find-A-Grave website

His son was,
(25) John Edgar Hissem (1875)

Known as Ed. John Edgar Hissem, the son of John R. Hissem and Jane Stine, was born on 18 December 1875 in Kent, Portage county, Ohio, the son of John R. Hissem and Jane Stein [Jenny Stine] - from his death certificate. I haven't found John R. or John E. in the 1880 census.

In the 1898 city directory, a teamster, living at 189 University. At right, a teamster of the period.

In the 1900 census of Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John Hissem, a 24 year old [December 1875] brakeman on the railroad, of Ohio. His parents were both from Ohio. His wife was Harriet, 23 [February 1877].

In the 1900 city directory of Cleveland, Ohio, page 494, is the following,

Hisem Joseph, lab. r. 12 Alpine
Hissem Ellen R. wid. David, r. 104 Literary
--John E. brakeman, r. 102 Starkweather av.
--John R. brakeman, r. 104 Literary

In the 1905 city directory of Cleveland, a conductor, living at 67 Fairfield. In the 1908 directory a brakeman residing at 2450 Professor.

In the 1910 census . . .

In the 1914 city directory, a switchman, living at 2606 Scranton road southwest. The switchman used a lever to move railroad junction switches in the rail yard. They were also responsible for hooking the cars together, a very dangerous occupation. In the 1916 city directory, a conductor, living at 2508 West 15th avenue. In the 1917 directory, a switchman, living at the same place.

John Edgar Hissen [Hissen in Ancestry.com], 42, of Cleveland, Ohio, registered for the draft in on 12 September 1918. He was born on 19 December 1875 and was described as tall & slender with brown eyes and auburn hair. He was a "railroader" with the RF railroad. He listed his father, Mr. John Hissem of Eglindale avenue, as his next of kin.

John Edgar Hissem married Harriet N. Badger.

In the 1920 census of Cleveland Ward 7, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John E. Hissem, a 43 year old switchman with the steam railroad, of Ohio. His parents were both of Ohio. Living with him was his wife, Harriet, 42.

In the 1930 census of Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John E. Hissem [Hissmen in Ancestry.com], a 54 year old night watchman for the Board of Education. He was living with his father, John R. Hissem, widowed, aged 77, no occupation, of Ohio. His wife, Hattie, 52, lived there too.

In the 1940 census of Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio as John Hissem, 63. Living with him were his wife, Harriett, 62. They were still living at 1901 Eglindale avenue.

John Edgar Hissem, a 73 year old watchman at a school, the son of John R. Hissem and Jane Stine [Stein], died of laryngial cancer on 3 December 1949 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga county, Ohio. He was living at 1901 Eglindale avenue. His wife, Harriet Hissem, was the informant.

"Id#: 0148279
Name: Hissem, John (Ed)
Date: Dec 5 1949
Source: Source unknown; Cleveland Necrology File, Reel #038.
Notes: Hissem, John (Ed), beloved husband of Harriet N. (nee Badger); Saturday at his home, 1901 Eglindale Ave., where services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1:30 p. m. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain, O.
***
son of John R. Hissem and Jane Stein" - from the Find-A-Grave website

"Id#: 0547321
Name: Hissem, Harriett
Date: Apr 28 1961
Source: Plain Dealer; Cleveland Necrology File, Reel #117.
Notes: Wife of the late John Edgar, sister of Eleanor Traxler; Wednesday, April 26; late residence, 11901 Eglindale Ave. The family will receive friends at the C. L. Kaufmann & Sons Funeral Home, 3305 W. 25th St., where services will be held on Friday, April 28, at 2 p. m. Rev. George R. Gibson officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Lorain, O." - from Find-A-Grave website

Her name is unknown.

In the 1810 census there were four daughters 0-10 years old. The elder daughter, above, was missing, possibly married.

2nd daughter from the 1810 census.

3rd daughter from the 1810 census.

The daughter of David and Elizabeth, she was born in 1808 in Pennsylvania. She died on 11 October 1882 at the age of 74, per the LDS database. The 4th daughter from the 1810 census. In the 1820 census there was only one daughter 10-16 years old. The others may have married. The 1830 census shows David with a daughter born 1800-1810, this may be her.

In the 1820 census there were two daughters 01-10 years old.

2nd daughter from the 1820 census. Mary Hissam married John H. Fetty on 21 March 1833 in Tyler county, Virginia. He was born circa 1812, so I assume Mary was as well, though some other researchers show 1818.

HeySteve, I'm back to checking the Hissam line only on my side instead of my husband's. (we might be related! Lol) I've found a Mary Hissam born 1818 Virginia and married John Fetty 1833. She died 1847 in Tyler co. VA. Can't seem to find her parents to see who she is related to. My husband goes back to Rachel Hissam, dau. Of John Hissam. Do you have any leads for me? Thanks for your help. Robin Wright Hissam

John and Mary apparently had four children, Daniel, Hartley, William C., and Andrew. The latter may be Andrew Josephus. I have a Josephus Fetty, the son of John H. and Mary Fetty, who died at the age of 14 [?].

There was a John H. Fetty in the 1840 census of West Monongalia, Virginia. In that census there was a man and a woman, aged 20-29, and a boy, under 5. I suspect that Mary's death is assumed in the following: John H. Fetty married Sarah Pasco in 1847 in Tyler county, Virginia.

In the 1850 census of Tyler county, West Virginia as John Fetty, 38. Living with him were his wife, Sarah, 32, and children, Daniel, 16, Hartly, 14, William, 11, Andrew, 9, and Geen, 2.

John Henry Fetty, born on 22 April 1813, died on 21 July 1894 in Georgetown, Monongalia, West Virginia.

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California