I am putting out the call! I'd like to get a picture of the original Gwinn homestead that stood near the Gwinn Cemetery. I am told that it stood there until just a few years ago, so I am hoping somebody has a shot of it.
I am also looking for military photos of family members. Any military shot will do, but I am especially interested in that first picture every body gets in boot camp. The first shot of the young GI.
This is a good time to explain my standing offer on pictures. If you have family photos, slides, negatives and/or newspaper articles, I will:
1) Scan them on a good quality scanner - yes, I can scan the negatives and slides.
2) Give you the originals back.
3) Give you a CD with all your pictures one it. I can do several copies, as long as we don't get rediculous. I can also add some of my pictures to your CD, to fill it up.
4) I share whatever pictures I get, but if you have any you don't want shared, I will honor your desire and secure them in a "do not share" storage location.
5) I will clean up and print on photo paper a few pictures for you. Pictures of your choice, quantity, again, within reason.
The photos don't all have to be ones I am interested in, as long as some of the them interest me. I've done some work with oversize items and restorations with limited success. We can talk about that if you have something in mind.
I don't do this for money. My reward is in the copy of the photos that I keep for myself and preserve for the next generations.
L8R
Ray
Friday, November 30, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Johnny & Leota's 40th Wedding Anniversary
A cousin asked me for a copy of this picture. I gave him what I had with me and a promise of a nicer copy when we meet again (see you in Lucas). This is a cleaned up copy from 40th wedding anniversary of my grandparents, Johnny Lloyd and Leota Francis (Boston) Gwinn. It was taken at the American Legion Hall in Chariton in 1970.
The descendents of John and Leota get together every year at Christmas in the Community Building in Lucas Iowa. This year's get-together will be on the 22nd of December. Though it is primarily for the descendents, all Gwinns within traveling distance are welcome to come and many do. Some just drop in to say, "Hi!". Others stay for (pot luck) lunch. Santa, I am told, will be arriving a little after 1:00 for the kids. So, y'all come!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Squire John Gwinn
Several of Squire John Gwinn's children eventually settled in southern Iowa, including Cynthia Gwinn, my ancester and, along with husband Samuel, was the first Gwinns to settle Wayne County.
The following is an excerp from The Gwinns of Round Bottom, By Leona Gwinn Brown. The entire document is at www.gwinnreunion.org/book/ . It's good reading.
Quote:
John Gwinn, followed in his father’s footsteps and acquired many acres of land in what would be Summers and Fayette Counties. One of these was "one certain tract of land in the county of Fayette containing 230 acres, lying on New River and known as the round bottom tract," which he bought from Isaac and Elizabeth Sanner in April of 1855. This was the tract of land to which his son, Laban, would later bring his bride, Mary Jane Burdette.
When John Gwinn was twenty-four years old, in 1812, he married Sarah George, daughter of Thomas and Catherine George. Twelve years later he bought his first tract of land, in what was then wilderness, near the present town of Meadow Bridge. The land was well-timbered. He cleared a large section of it and used it to raise grain, cattle, sheep, and hogs.
Fayette County was formed by an act of the General Assembly of the state of Virginia in 1831. In the new county government, John Gwinn was commissioned a justice of the peace. In 1844, he received a commission from the Governor of Virginia to execute the office of Sheriff. He was the seventh Sheriff of Fayette County. He served in this office until 1846, receiving a salary of eighty-five dollars a year.
Frederick Long writes:
At the June term of the County Court, 1840, John Gwinn was granted a license to keep a "house of private entertainment", a tax of $2.00 being imposed. This was a market place where all kinds of foods were kept and exchanged. The early hunters sold their venison, bear meat, beef, pork, hides, pelts and wild ginseng. The farmers traded their products for coffee, lead, powder, caps, tobacco, cotton cloth, etc. At that time it was all a barter business, with little money handled. It was also a stopping place for the traveling public, an Inn or hotel. Every month or so John and one of his sons would load a wagon with the surplus of grains or hides and make the two-day journey to Lewisburg where he would sell them. In this manner John was able to save a large amount of money.
John Gwinn and his wife are buried in the Wickline cemetery near Meadow Bridge next to their daughter, Achsah, who was killed when she was eight years old in a freak accident when a tree limb fell on her. John’s tombstone, which was not erected until the 1930’s, gives the date of his death as 1870, but this is incorrect. An old bill now in the possession of Nelson Gwinn is headed: "February 1871 John Gwinn moved to Lavin (sic) Gwinn on Newriver." The bill is for materials and labor for building a cabin, and totals $141.95, with $7.95 deducted (perhaps a down payment), leaving a balance of $134.00. The chimney of this cabin was still standing when I was a child in the 1930’s, and I remember its being pointed out to me as the chimney of "Pappy John’s" cabin.
Unquote
Winter is here, I hope to write more than I did this summer. - Ray
The following is an excerp from The Gwinns of Round Bottom, By Leona Gwinn Brown. The entire document is at www.gwinnreunion.org/book/ . It's good reading.
Quote:
John Gwinn, followed in his father’s footsteps and acquired many acres of land in what would be Summers and Fayette Counties. One of these was "one certain tract of land in the county of Fayette containing 230 acres, lying on New River and known as the round bottom tract," which he bought from Isaac and Elizabeth Sanner in April of 1855. This was the tract of land to which his son, Laban, would later bring his bride, Mary Jane Burdette.
When John Gwinn was twenty-four years old, in 1812, he married Sarah George, daughter of Thomas and Catherine George. Twelve years later he bought his first tract of land, in what was then wilderness, near the present town of Meadow Bridge. The land was well-timbered. He cleared a large section of it and used it to raise grain, cattle, sheep, and hogs.
Fayette County was formed by an act of the General Assembly of the state of Virginia in 1831. In the new county government, John Gwinn was commissioned a justice of the peace. In 1844, he received a commission from the Governor of Virginia to execute the office of Sheriff. He was the seventh Sheriff of Fayette County. He served in this office until 1846, receiving a salary of eighty-five dollars a year.
Frederick Long writes:
At the June term of the County Court, 1840, John Gwinn was granted a license to keep a "house of private entertainment", a tax of $2.00 being imposed. This was a market place where all kinds of foods were kept and exchanged. The early hunters sold their venison, bear meat, beef, pork, hides, pelts and wild ginseng. The farmers traded their products for coffee, lead, powder, caps, tobacco, cotton cloth, etc. At that time it was all a barter business, with little money handled. It was also a stopping place for the traveling public, an Inn or hotel. Every month or so John and one of his sons would load a wagon with the surplus of grains or hides and make the two-day journey to Lewisburg where he would sell them. In this manner John was able to save a large amount of money.
John Gwinn and his wife are buried in the Wickline cemetery near Meadow Bridge next to their daughter, Achsah, who was killed when she was eight years old in a freak accident when a tree limb fell on her. John’s tombstone, which was not erected until the 1930’s, gives the date of his death as 1870, but this is incorrect. An old bill now in the possession of Nelson Gwinn is headed: "February 1871 John Gwinn moved to Lavin (sic) Gwinn on Newriver." The bill is for materials and labor for building a cabin, and totals $141.95, with $7.95 deducted (perhaps a down payment), leaving a balance of $134.00. The chimney of this cabin was still standing when I was a child in the 1930’s, and I remember its being pointed out to me as the chimney of "Pappy John’s" cabin.
Unquote
Winter is here, I hope to write more than I did this summer. - Ray
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Haven't Posted in a While
It's been a short summer with little time for the computer. I've run into a few things I need to post and I've had two distant Iowa Gwinns contact me, both decendents of Ephriam.
As winter approaches I hope to get more indoor time and get some of this stuff posted.
I'll leave you with this Obit for Cynthia Gwinn (sometimes spelled Cintha or Sintha):
Cynthia Gwinn was born in West Va., October 11th, 1827, and died at her late home here August 7, 1921, making her age 93 years, 9 months, and 26 days. She was the daughter of John and Sarah Gwinn and was of a family of thirteen children. On October 10th, 1848, she was united in marriage to Samuel Gwinn and to this union were born eleven children, four of whom are still living, namely A. J. Gwinn of Lucas , Iowa, Mrs. Rachel J. Snook of Derby, Mrs. Irene Lowe and Mrs. Mado Davidson, of Humeston, Iowa. Mrs. Qwinn and her husband came to this country in 1849 and lived here ever since that time with the exception of a few months they spent in Wapalo county. Mr. Samuel Gwinn died about 33 years ago.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Andrew J. Gwinn
Andrew J. Gwinn was my great great grandfather, the oldest son of Samual Keller and Cintha Gwinn. You will seen Cintha or Cinthia; her headstone says, "Sintha".
The following article is from the Past and Present of Lucas and Wayne Counties, published around the turn of the 20th century (I'll the get the date, and repost it here!) There are some errors, mostly minor (I suspect to save the feelings of the living relatives). It does state that Andrew is the 3rd generation to settle in Iowa. Although I've found record that his father's father, Ephriam Gwinn visited Iowa, I've yet to find where Ephriam, or Andrew's mother's father, Squire John Gwinn, settled down in our fair state.
Without further ado, here's the article:
ANDREW J. GWINN
No history of the pioneer settlement of Iowa would be complete without mention of Andrew J. Gwinn, who is the first settler of Wayne County, now living, dating his residence in that section of the state from 1850, but he now makes his home in Lucas. Throughout the intervening years he has seen the prairies transformed into fertile farms, cities established, business institutions founded and a frontier wilderness transformed into a prosperous and populous state. He has not only been a witness of this growth and development but has also contributed in a large measure to the work of upbuilding and is so familiar with pioneer conditions, having in his possession all of the data pertaining to the earlier settlements, that he has made some valuable contributions to the Lucas county historical records.
Andrew J. Gwinn was born near Eddyville, Wapello county, Iowa, July 6, 1849, and is the son of Samuel K. and Cynthia Gwinn, the former of whom was born in Greenbrier county, West Virginia, in 1827, and the latter in Fayette county, that state, in the same year. The father passed away in Wayne county, Iowa, in 1891, and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Wayne county, where she was the first settler who is still living. Andrew J. Gwinn represents the third generation of his family in this section of the state, his father and grandfather having been early settlers. They came to what is now section 5, Richman township, Wayne county, in the fall of 1850. Pioneer conditions prevailed every at the time. Wild deer roamed in the forests, the howling of wolves could be heard by night and all kinds of wild game abounded everywhere. Raw prairies stretched for miles in all directions, broken only by sparse settlements, the trading points being Eddyville, Ottumwa and Burlington. There were no railroads and the Indians were numerous on the plains and prairies and at times dangerous, although they always evidenced warm friendships for the members of the Gwinn Family. The overland western trail was near the place where the father and grandfather settled and thousands of emigrant wagons passed near their home, westward bound, during their earlier years. Both became prominent and successful farmers and the father lived to see a great deal of the state development, being at the time of his death a representative of substantial citizen. In the Gwinn family were eleven children: Andrew J. of this review; John H., who died in 1853; Virginia C., who passed away in Richman township in 1853; Mary E., who died at the age of eleven years; James M. and Sara E., both of whom passed away in 1860; Byron, whose death occurred in 1910; Mrs. Rachel Snook, residing in Derby, Iowa; Mrs. Irene Lowe, whose home is in Union township; Mrs. M. Davidson, of Richman township; and Samuel K., who died in 1859.
Amid the pioneer conditions above described Andrew J. Gwinn grew to manhood, having been only one year of age when he was brought to Iowa. He attended the Garden Grove public schools at a time when most of the school houses were build of logs. His childhood was spent upon his father’s farm and after he grew to maturity he began farming for himself, ,following this occupation since that time. In 1880 he took up his residence in Jackson township Lucas county, and here he has since resided. Success and prosperity have rewarded his laudable ambition and well direct labor and he now has a comfortable home on section 28, wherein he is passing his declining years. He has traveled over practically all of Lucas county and southern Iowa and is well known throughout the state to which he came as a pioneer.
On march 6, 1870, Mr. Gwinn married Miss Mary E. Sayres, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 28, 1850. She is the daughter of Amos and Jane (Norris) Sayres, the former of whom was born in New York in 1827 and the latter in Coshocton county. They came to Union township, Lucas county, in 1854, and here both passed away, the mother dying in 1900 and the father in 1912. In their family were the following children: Mary E., the wife of the subject of this review; John, whose home is in Union township; William, a resident of Harrisburg, Illinios; Zim, who lives upon the old home farm in Union township; Ida, deceased; and Mrs. Snook, residing south of Derby. To Mr. And Mrs. Gwinn were born nine sons, of whom the second and third sons, Luther and Omar, died in infancy. Those who survive are: Enos, whose home is in Richman township; Amos K., C. C., Arthur, Everett, and Floyd and Lloyd, twins, all of whom reside in Jackson township. Of these children C.C. was born in Richman township and all of the others in Union township.
Mr. Gwinn formerly gave his allegiance to the republican party but for a number of years past has voted independently. He has ever taken an active part in public affairs, being especially interested in the history of the county, and his labors have done much of promote public progress as well as individual prosperity. Throughout the long years of his residence in this prt of the state he has enjoyed to the fullest extent the good will and trust of those with whom he has come in contact. Strong in his honor and in his good name, he has long been a prominent and influential citizen here, his labors being of practical benefit in the upbuilding and development of this county. His name is inseparable associated with its history and his example is one well worthy of emulation.
The following article is from the Past and Present of Lucas and Wayne Counties, published around the turn of the 20th century (I'll the get the date, and repost it here!) There are some errors, mostly minor (I suspect to save the feelings of the living relatives). It does state that Andrew is the 3rd generation to settle in Iowa. Although I've found record that his father's father, Ephriam Gwinn visited Iowa, I've yet to find where Ephriam, or Andrew's mother's father, Squire John Gwinn, settled down in our fair state.
Without further ado, here's the article:
ANDREW J. GWINN
No history of the pioneer settlement of Iowa would be complete without mention of Andrew J. Gwinn, who is the first settler of Wayne County, now living, dating his residence in that section of the state from 1850, but he now makes his home in Lucas. Throughout the intervening years he has seen the prairies transformed into fertile farms, cities established, business institutions founded and a frontier wilderness transformed into a prosperous and populous state. He has not only been a witness of this growth and development but has also contributed in a large measure to the work of upbuilding and is so familiar with pioneer conditions, having in his possession all of the data pertaining to the earlier settlements, that he has made some valuable contributions to the Lucas county historical records.
Andrew J. Gwinn was born near Eddyville, Wapello county, Iowa, July 6, 1849, and is the son of Samuel K. and Cynthia Gwinn, the former of whom was born in Greenbrier county, West Virginia, in 1827, and the latter in Fayette county, that state, in the same year. The father passed away in Wayne county, Iowa, in 1891, and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Wayne county, where she was the first settler who is still living. Andrew J. Gwinn represents the third generation of his family in this section of the state, his father and grandfather having been early settlers. They came to what is now section 5, Richman township, Wayne county, in the fall of 1850. Pioneer conditions prevailed every at the time. Wild deer roamed in the forests, the howling of wolves could be heard by night and all kinds of wild game abounded everywhere. Raw prairies stretched for miles in all directions, broken only by sparse settlements, the trading points being Eddyville, Ottumwa and Burlington. There were no railroads and the Indians were numerous on the plains and prairies and at times dangerous, although they always evidenced warm friendships for the members of the Gwinn Family. The overland western trail was near the place where the father and grandfather settled and thousands of emigrant wagons passed near their home, westward bound, during their earlier years. Both became prominent and successful farmers and the father lived to see a great deal of the state development, being at the time of his death a representative of substantial citizen. In the Gwinn family were eleven children: Andrew J. of this review; John H., who died in 1853; Virginia C., who passed away in Richman township in 1853; Mary E., who died at the age of eleven years; James M. and Sara E., both of whom passed away in 1860; Byron, whose death occurred in 1910; Mrs. Rachel Snook, residing in Derby, Iowa; Mrs. Irene Lowe, whose home is in Union township; Mrs. M. Davidson, of Richman township; and Samuel K., who died in 1859.
Amid the pioneer conditions above described Andrew J. Gwinn grew to manhood, having been only one year of age when he was brought to Iowa. He attended the Garden Grove public schools at a time when most of the school houses were build of logs. His childhood was spent upon his father’s farm and after he grew to maturity he began farming for himself, ,following this occupation since that time. In 1880 he took up his residence in Jackson township Lucas county, and here he has since resided. Success and prosperity have rewarded his laudable ambition and well direct labor and he now has a comfortable home on section 28, wherein he is passing his declining years. He has traveled over practically all of Lucas county and southern Iowa and is well known throughout the state to which he came as a pioneer.
On march 6, 1870, Mr. Gwinn married Miss Mary E. Sayres, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, February 28, 1850. She is the daughter of Amos and Jane (Norris) Sayres, the former of whom was born in New York in 1827 and the latter in Coshocton county. They came to Union township, Lucas county, in 1854, and here both passed away, the mother dying in 1900 and the father in 1912. In their family were the following children: Mary E., the wife of the subject of this review; John, whose home is in Union township; William, a resident of Harrisburg, Illinios; Zim, who lives upon the old home farm in Union township; Ida, deceased; and Mrs. Snook, residing south of Derby. To Mr. And Mrs. Gwinn were born nine sons, of whom the second and third sons, Luther and Omar, died in infancy. Those who survive are: Enos, whose home is in Richman township; Amos K., C. C., Arthur, Everett, and Floyd and Lloyd, twins, all of whom reside in Jackson township. Of these children C.C. was born in Richman township and all of the others in Union township.
Mr. Gwinn formerly gave his allegiance to the republican party but for a number of years past has voted independently. He has ever taken an active part in public affairs, being especially interested in the history of the county, and his labors have done much of promote public progress as well as individual prosperity. Throughout the long years of his residence in this prt of the state he has enjoyed to the fullest extent the good will and trust of those with whom he has come in contact. Strong in his honor and in his good name, he has long been a prominent and influential citizen here, his labors being of practical benefit in the upbuilding and development of this county. His name is inseparable associated with its history and his example is one well worthy of emulation.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Gwinn Roadable Airplane
I ran across a postcard of the Gwinn Aircar on ebay a while back and decided to investigate. I know it's off subject a bit, having nothing to do with the Iowa family, but I enjoyed it and hope you will to. Follow the link to: http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/AC/aircraft/Gwinn-Aircar/Gwinn.php
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Gate is UP!
After several years of planning and over six weeks of work, and just in time for the annual Memorial Day Gwinn Reunion, there is a new gate at the entrance to the Gwinn Cemetery.
The gate was constructed by Troy Williams of Williams Machine Shop in Lacona, IA. It was paid for by donations from family members. Installation was accomplished over 6 weekends by volunteers.
The cemetery, located north of Humeston Iowa, was first used in 1851 to bury Virginia K. Gwinn, age 1 year, 3 months, and 9 days. The first settlers to Richman township (Humeston), Marshall H. and Mary J. (Gwinn) Richman and Samuel K. and Sintha G. Gwinn, are also buried here. The most recent burial is James K. Gwinn, who returned to his Maker, May 6th, 2006.
Future plans for the cemetery include a memorial plaque for the new gate and fence work on the north and west sides.
Monday, May 07, 2007
EPHRIAM GWINN was the father of Samuel Keller Gwinn and Mary Jane Gwinn, who along with their spouses, Marshall Richmond (it had not yet been changed to Richman) and Cynthia George Gwinn were early settlers north of Humeston Iowa.
I found this write-up on Ephriam. It is undated and uncited, but apears to be accurate in most details.
Ephriam James Gwinn was born June 14, 1799. When he was only a few months old his family moved from the settlement of Lowell to the Green Sulphur Springs. It is presumed that he received his education in Lewisburg. The Lewisburg Academy according to tradition began in 1810 in the home of Rev. Dr. John McElhenney who came to Lewisburg in the Year of 1808 from Lexington, Virginia where he had been a student at Washington College. The Academy was built prior to 1812 and was the first brick structure in Lewisburg. No doubt Ephraim, like other students, boarded at the McElhenney home while attending the school
On April 11, 1822 he married, in Monroe Co., Rachel Keller, the daughter of Conrad Keller. On December 20, 1823, Samuel Gwinn, his father, gave them over 400 acres of land on Lick Creek, "for and inconsideration of the love and affection which he has for his son." After the death of his father, Ephraim was given the Green Sulphur tract. He soon contracted with Capt. Silas Taylor to build his home near the spring. It was paid for with four tracts of land given by Ephriam and his wife; one tract to each, the carpenter, the stone mason, the timbercutter, and the brick mason, Mr. Taylor. The house is well over 130 years old and was the first brick home in the Green Sulphur District. The originial building was seven rooms, nine fireplaces and walls thirteen inches thick of bricks made by hand near the Sulphur Springs. In later years six more rooms were added. Today a large and impressive house overlooking route twenty. It is sad to say that the home stands in the path of Interstate 64. It is hoped that the home can be moved to another location; if not it will be another page of our past removed by so called "progress."
In 1848 Mr. Gwinn built the first school in Green Sulphur Springs. It was a one room, split log building. It had a dirt floor only one door and no windows. That same year in June Ephraim became clerk of the Lick Creek Baptist Church holding that position for twenty years. On April 24, 1852, Mr. E.J. Gwinn and Rachel his wife due to his deep religious beliefs did give grant and donate to the trusties of the Baptist Church half acre of land upon which the New Meeting house now stands. This was the first church building erected in Green Sulphur District. A one story log house about 30x50 feet, with an aisle down the center. Women sat one side and men on the other side during service. In 1855 //Ray's note: This date needs to be reconciled. Samuel's firstborn, Andrew, was born 1849 in Iowa.// Ephraim Gwinn went to Iowa and bought over 1,700acres of land in Wayne Co., Iowa. He divided the land and gave six of his children a large tract by deed dated November 10, 1855. Two of his children, Samuel and James, then moved to the new land and settled there. They worked and developed the land their farms having remarkably fertile soil. When Ephraim wrote his will he ordered his son Marion to pay James $170.16 so that all his children would receive an equal share in his estate. Later an amendment was added which stated; "having visited the State of Iowa in 1874 and veiwed the lands given to my several children in that state I am of opinion that one hundred and twenty dollars is as much as said James M. Gwinn is entitled to." Iowa is one of the foremost agricultural and stock-raising states in the United States. Ephraim could not have choose better land to give his children then that in Iowa.
Mr. Ephraim Gwinn had one of the largest libraries in Summers Co. his love for books exceeding only his desire to do good and help others. In his will he wrote: "Be it remembered too, that I have divided my library among my seven children by writing each ones name in the book that I intend for him or her."
I found this write-up on Ephriam. It is undated and uncited, but apears to be accurate in most details.
Ephriam James Gwinn was born June 14, 1799. When he was only a few months old his family moved from the settlement of Lowell to the Green Sulphur Springs. It is presumed that he received his education in Lewisburg. The Lewisburg Academy according to tradition began in 1810 in the home of Rev. Dr. John McElhenney who came to Lewisburg in the Year of 1808 from Lexington, Virginia where he had been a student at Washington College. The Academy was built prior to 1812 and was the first brick structure in Lewisburg. No doubt Ephraim, like other students, boarded at the McElhenney home while attending the school
On April 11, 1822 he married, in Monroe Co., Rachel Keller, the daughter of Conrad Keller. On December 20, 1823, Samuel Gwinn, his father, gave them over 400 acres of land on Lick Creek, "for and inconsideration of the love and affection which he has for his son." After the death of his father, Ephraim was given the Green Sulphur tract. He soon contracted with Capt. Silas Taylor to build his home near the spring. It was paid for with four tracts of land given by Ephriam and his wife; one tract to each, the carpenter, the stone mason, the timbercutter, and the brick mason, Mr. Taylor. The house is well over 130 years old and was the first brick home in the Green Sulphur District. The originial building was seven rooms, nine fireplaces and walls thirteen inches thick of bricks made by hand near the Sulphur Springs. In later years six more rooms were added. Today a large and impressive house overlooking route twenty. It is sad to say that the home stands in the path of Interstate 64. It is hoped that the home can be moved to another location; if not it will be another page of our past removed by so called "progress."
In 1848 Mr. Gwinn built the first school in Green Sulphur Springs. It was a one room, split log building. It had a dirt floor only one door and no windows. That same year in June Ephraim became clerk of the Lick Creek Baptist Church holding that position for twenty years. On April 24, 1852, Mr. E.J. Gwinn and Rachel his wife due to his deep religious beliefs did give grant and donate to the trusties of the Baptist Church half acre of land upon which the New Meeting house now stands. This was the first church building erected in Green Sulphur District. A one story log house about 30x50 feet, with an aisle down the center. Women sat one side and men on the other side during service. In 1855 //Ray's note: This date needs to be reconciled. Samuel's firstborn, Andrew, was born 1849 in Iowa.// Ephraim Gwinn went to Iowa and bought over 1,700acres of land in Wayne Co., Iowa. He divided the land and gave six of his children a large tract by deed dated November 10, 1855. Two of his children, Samuel and James, then moved to the new land and settled there. They worked and developed the land their farms having remarkably fertile soil. When Ephraim wrote his will he ordered his son Marion to pay James $170.16 so that all his children would receive an equal share in his estate. Later an amendment was added which stated; "having visited the State of Iowa in 1874 and veiwed the lands given to my several children in that state I am of opinion that one hundred and twenty dollars is as much as said James M. Gwinn is entitled to." Iowa is one of the foremost agricultural and stock-raising states in the United States. Ephraim could not have choose better land to give his children then that in Iowa.
Mr. Ephraim Gwinn had one of the largest libraries in Summers Co. his love for books exceeding only his desire to do good and help others. In his will he wrote: "Be it remembered too, that I have divided my library among my seven children by writing each ones name in the book that I intend for him or her."
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Gwinn Cemetery Restoration Project
I am told that we are "go" for the new gate on the Gwinn Cemetery. If all goes well, I hope to document the process in both pictures and words. Perhaps the Chariton and/or Humeston papers will be interested.
This view is about centered in the cemetery, looking towards the southeast corner. The gate being replaced is almost directly behind the photographer.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Castles in the Air
I just finished reading Castles in the Air, about the renovation of Gwydir Castle, the ancestral home of the Wynne family, Sir John and Sir Richard being the two that come immediately to mind.
It occurs to me that although I've always claimed Gwydir as our ancestral home, I've never tied us to it in a true genealogic sence.
Sounds like a new mission to me!!!
L8R
Ray
It occurs to me that although I've always claimed Gwydir as our ancestral home, I've never tied us to it in a true genealogic sence.
Sounds like a new mission to me!!!
L8R
Ray
Friday, February 16, 2007
Gwinn Cemetery and the Geographical Society
As we discuss putting a gate up at the Gwinn Cemetery, the question comes up, "Do we know for sure that the cemetery is really named Gwinn Cemetery?" There are no signs after all. It's located about a half mile off County Line Road, through what used to be a corn field, but looks now like it may be in CRP. The fence is old farm fencing, with a farm vehicle gate (metal type). There are no signs.
As I researched it on the internet, I learned that the US Geological Society, the folks responsible for maps, not only have called it the "Gwinn Cemetery", they named that map square for it. You GI's will recall that worldwide, map squares, approximately 1Km X 1KM are named for a major geographical featcher in that area. The attempt to name them for something that won't "go away" later. I.E. If you had a map named for London Bridge, it would not be in England anymore, it would be in Arizona.
File it under cool but useless information.
L3R
Ray jr
As I researched it on the internet, I learned that the US Geological Society, the folks responsible for maps, not only have called it the "Gwinn Cemetery", they named that map square for it. You GI's will recall that worldwide, map squares, approximately 1Km X 1KM are named for a major geographical featcher in that area. The attempt to name them for something that won't "go away" later. I.E. If you had a map named for London Bridge, it would not be in England anymore, it would be in Arizona.
File it under cool but useless information.
L3R
Ray jr
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Castles in the Air & A Gate for the Gwinn Cemetery
I've been reading Castles in the Air. I don't have the book in front of me, so I can't tell you the author. It is written by the she side of the he-she that bought Gwydir Castle in Wales and is restoring it.
It is an interesting story, though not extremely well written. The subject matter is interesting enough to keep me reading. It's not that is is poorly written, but that it is more on the level of a 7th grader's English paper.
I also just got a copy of The History of the Gwydir Family by Sir John Wynne. Sir John wrote the book in his study in the Gwydir Castle gatehouse. When that study was destroyed (it was on the 2nd floor, which was removed), a "dove-dropping encrusted" copy of the family history was found there.
At the Christmas reunion of the descendents of John & Leota Gwinn, two possibilities where displayed for a new gate for the Gwinn Cemetary in Wayne County. This is an idea that has been kicking around for several years, but has gained more momentum with my Dad being buried there in '94 and then his brother, Jim, last year. Jim's widow kicked off the fund raising at the 4th of July get-together last year by kicking in the first $100 as a memorial to Jim. We plan to introduce the plan at the Memorial Day reunion which attracts Gwinns from all over Iowa.
See you there!
Ray
It is an interesting story, though not extremely well written. The subject matter is interesting enough to keep me reading. It's not that is is poorly written, but that it is more on the level of a 7th grader's English paper.
I also just got a copy of The History of the Gwydir Family by Sir John Wynne. Sir John wrote the book in his study in the Gwydir Castle gatehouse. When that study was destroyed (it was on the 2nd floor, which was removed), a "dove-dropping encrusted" copy of the family history was found there.
At the Christmas reunion of the descendents of John & Leota Gwinn, two possibilities where displayed for a new gate for the Gwinn Cemetary in Wayne County. This is an idea that has been kicking around for several years, but has gained more momentum with my Dad being buried there in '94 and then his brother, Jim, last year. Jim's widow kicked off the fund raising at the 4th of July get-together last year by kicking in the first $100 as a memorial to Jim. We plan to introduce the plan at the Memorial Day reunion which attracts Gwinns from all over Iowa.
See you there!
Ray
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