The Hissem-Montague Family

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This is the story of the two youngest sons of Thomas Hissom,

John Hissem
Levi Hissem

Both married daughters of Jacob Welker and Rosanna Hartman.

I'm not sure when John was born, but I now believe it was sometime between 1790 and 1800.

In the census of 1790 for Northampton county, Pennsylvania there were three boys living with Thomas Hissom Jr., the youngest of which might have been John. Note that in the census of 1830, below, John is aged between 30 and 40 years old, so this is just possible.

In the 1800 census for Unity township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania there was a boy under 10 years old, possibly our John, living with Thomas Hissem.

In the 1810 census of Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania there was one boy under 10, perhaps Levi, and one 10-15, possibly John, living with Thomas Hyssan [Hyland in Ancestry.com] Sr. John's brothers, Abner and Thomas, had separate households.

In about 1820 I believe John's father, Thomas Hissom, moved down the Ohio river to Tyler county, West Virginia. With him went his son, Thomas Jr. However, sons Abner, John and Levi stayed in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. This was probably because all of these men married women from the Welker family. John and Levi married two Welker sisters, the daughters of Jacob Welker, while Abner had married an aunt of those two women, Jacob's sister. The Welker family remained in Hempfield township and I suspect their daughters chose to remain close to their mothers. I don't know if the two younger Hissom boys had married by 1820, but they already had some attachment to the Welkers. Did Abner introduce his brothers to his wive's nieces?

In the 1820 census of . . . I do not find either John or Levi Hissom in the 1820 census in Hempfield township. As young men, just getting started, they may have lived in the home of either their big brother, Abner, or with their [future] father-in-law, Jacob Welker. There is room in each for one man of the correct age. In the household of Jacob Welker there was, aside from himself and his four sons, one man 26-45. John might fit there if we assume he was born in the early half of his birth range. In the household of Abner Hissam was one man 16-26, perhaps Levi, who would have been 18.

John Hissem married Elizabeth "Bessie" Welker, the daughter of Jacob Welker of Hempfield township, Westmoreland county on an unknown date.

"Elizabeth Welker, b. ----, in Hempfield Twp.; m. John Hissem; farmers; some time after their marriage he removed with his family to the state of Iowa; there died and left children." - from the "History and Genealogy of the Reed Family" by Dr. Willoughby Henry Reed

In the 1830 census of Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania as John Hissim [Hssim in Familysearch.org, though the first i is clearly evident], aged 30 to 40 years old [1790-1800]. There was a boy, 5 to 10, Samuel, as well as women, one under 5, unknown, one 5-10, Eliza Jane, one 10-15, unknown, and one 20 to 30, probably Elizabeth. Note that John's father-in-law, Jacob Welker, and older brother, Abner Hissim, came in order after him on the census. Younger brother is near the top of the next page. That makes it more likely that this was our John. The older girl may be a niece or a servant.

The following is from the will of John's father-in-law, Jacob Welker, proved on 11 February 1834 in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The complete document is above.

"First--I devise my dwelling and plantation unto my son Michael Welker on the following conditions:--By him paying to his sisters and brothers out of the same the following named sums, to-wit: In four months after my decease, he pays the sum of $14.25 to my son John Welker, and in four months after that payment the like sume to my son Samuel; and in four months after that the like sum to my daughter Polly intermarried to Levy Hissom; and in four months after that payment the like sum to my daughter Bessie intermarried with John Hissom . . ."
. . .
Third: . . . I direct my executors to divide the same [my personal estate] into eight equal shares and give and devise two shares thereof to my son John, and one share thereof to my son Samuel, one share to my daughter Polly, and one share to my daughter Betsy, and one share to my daughter Nancy, and one share thereof to my daughter Sophia, and one share thereof to my daughter Catherine, to be paid to them by my executors, after the estate is settled, &c."

In the 1840 census of Rostrover township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania there is a John Hassem or Hussem. The spelling is not too far off, but the ages of the family are. Living there were 2 men, 20 to 30 years old, one girl, under 5, and a woman, 30 to 40 years old. I have no further evidence of John.

The death certificate of Samuel Hissem, below, clearly shows that he was the son of John Hissem and an unknown Welker woman, undoubtedly Elizabeth. In what follows I will show that Samuel was the brother of John and almost certainly that of Eliza Jane as well. These children left Pennsylvania, moving to Stark county, Ohio, where children of John's brother, Abner, moved as well.
(23) Eliza Jane Hissem (c1820)
(23) Samuel Hissem (1821), he had no descendants
(23) John Hissem (c1830), he had no descendants

Eliza Jane Hissem, sometimes as Hissom, was born in Pennsylvania in about 1820, depending on your source.

This discussion was kicked off by this comment found on the internet.

"Am searching for any info about Andrew Yarger b. 8/25/1818 d. 3/2/1855 and his wife, Eliza Jane Hissem b. 12/2/1820 d. 1/22/1855 [sic, I think these latter dates are in error and are for Andrew's sister]. I want to know what happened to them; they died so young. Also want to know more about Henry Yarger, father of Andrew b. abt. 1777 married to Sarah Lower of Adam Lower (Lauer) Henry was from Huntingdon Co., PA. Who were his parents? Any info about Eliza Jane would also be appreciated. I'm not entirely certain that Andrew Yarger was my g-g-grandfather, but the census records bear out the possibility and also his son, my g-grandfather, was named Orlando Hissem Yarger [their youngest son], so it seems likely that he would be their son. A cousin of mine has a Hissem family Bible that belonged to a Samuel Hissem married to Mary Gosser. Who does Samuel belong to? If you have any information that can clear up this mystery, it would be great to hear from you. I will be willing to share any info I have." - Joseph E. Linder

Eliza Jane Hisem [also as Hisemon-the transcriber meant 'Hisem on'] married Andrew Yarger on 4 February 1841 in Sandyville, Stark county, Ohio - from "Ohio Marriages, 1800-1958." Geo Howenstein, Justice of the Peace, officiated at the wedding. Was this the George Howenstein who later married Eliza Jane Hissom [Yarger] or the one whose daughter, Catherine, married Jesse Hissem?

In the in the 1850 census . . .

Andrew Yarger died on 2 March 1855 - from the Old Sandyville cemetery record. Andrew was 36 years old.

"Andrew Yarcer [Yarger], of Henry and Sarah Yarger; born August 25, 1818; died March 2, 1855; married Eliza Hissem. They had six sons and one daughter." - from "History and Genealogy of Adam Lower and his Posterity"

Eliza Yarger married George Howenstine on 19 July 1859 in Stark county, Ohio. This was confirmed to be Eliza Hissom in the death certificate of their child, Eliza Jane Howenstein Schroyer, who was born in 1860. Interestingly, the marriage was officiated by George Howenstine, J.P. Was this the groom or a cousin? George Howenstine married Eliza just in time to show Andrew Yarger's children in his care at the time of the 1860 census.

In the 1860 census of Pike township, Stark county, Ohio the Yarger children were all living at the home of Geo. Howenstein, 48 [1812], and his wife, Eliza, 40 [1820], both of Pennsylvania. The children were all of Ohio, including three Howenstein children from a previous marriage.

The wife of Jesse Hissem, a son of Abner Hissem, was Catherine Howenstein, a cousin of Eliza's husband, George, so the families were close. This is also why I've tried so hard to make Eliza part of that line of the family, without success.

Eliza Jane Howenstine, "wife of George, 52y," died and was buried in the Old Sandyville cemetery in Tuscarawas County, Ohio on 27 October 1862. That seems a little old for our Eliza. However, at the time of the 1860 census, above, Eliza was 40 years old, just the right age, so I assume the transcription of the epitath is at fault. There is no photograph of a tombstone for Eliza Jane Howenstine to check this. Note that this is the same cemetery where Eliza Jane Hissem's husband, Andrew Yarger, was buried as well as their sons, both named Adam L. Yarger [one died young, the other at 17], and her in-laws, Henry Yarger and Sarah Lower. No other Howenstine/Howensteins are buried there. Apparently George Howenstein was thoughtful enough to bury his wife near her first husband. As "only" his third of four wives this may be understandable.

Samuel Hissem was born on 2 January 1821, the son of John Hissem and (?) Welker, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, according to his death certificate.

In the 1850 census . . . There were only 19 Samuel's in Sandy township in 1850 and our man wasn't among them. I don't see him in the Hempfield township census of Pennsylvania either. Note how Samuel "ages" through the censuses.

Samuel Hissem [familysearch.org calls this either Hessim or Hissim] married Mary Gosser on 5 Februry 1856 in Stark county, Ohio in front of H.P. Dunbar, a Justice of the Peace. I have a Mary Gosser, 14 [1836], in the 1850 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio. She was the daughter of John and Magdalena Gosser, both of Germany. They had emigrated between 1832 and 1834. In 1840 they were living in Rose township, Carroll county, Ohio.

In the 1860 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as Samuel Hissam, a 30 year old 'Lr' or laborer, of Pennsylvania. Living with him was his wife, Mary, 24, of Ohio. Samuel had no real estate and only $40 in personal property.

Samuel Hissam of Sandy township registered for the draft in June 1863. He was a 35 year old farmer, of Ohio, born in about 1828. According to the Veteran's census of 1890 for Sandy township, Samuel Hissem was a Private in Company I of the 162nd Ohio Infantry. He enlisted on 2 May 1864 and was discharged on 4 September 1864, serving 4 months and 2 days. Based on the information below, Samuel may have been in the 45th Regiment of the Ohio National Guard before this time.

In the 1870 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as Samuel Hissom [Hipon in Ancestry.com], a 41 year old farm laborer, of Pennsylvania. Living with him were his wife, Mary, 33, of Ohio, and Mary Gosser, 77, a widow, of Wurtemburg [Germany]. This was Samuel's mother-in-law. Samuel's wife was of foreigh parentage on both side; I assume German for both. She could read, but not write. Her mother could neither read nor write. I assume we're talking about English here.

In the 1880 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as Sam'l Hissem, a 55 year old farmer, and his wife, Mary, 44. He and his parents were born in Pennsylvania. She was born in Ohio. Mary Gosser, 86, Samuel's mother-in-law, was still living with them.

In the 1890 Veterans census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as Samuel Hissem.

"50. 86 86 Hissem, Samuel Private I 162 O Inf 2 May 1864 4 Sep 1864 4 2 Waynesborough Chronic Diarrhoea [sic]"

In 1890 a flag was finally procured for the Hillgrove school, just north of Waynesburg. "Sam Hissem, the oldest person of the community pulled the flag to the top of the pole." - from "Mottice History" by Garnett Mottice.

In the 1900 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as Samuel Hissem, a 75 year old farmer [January 1825], of Pennsylvania. Living with him was his wife, Mary, 64 [December 1835], of Ohio. They had been married for 44 years, but Mary had no children.

Beginnning in 1907 Samuel Hissem began receiving a pension, certificate number 297.519, as an Army Invalid for his service as a Private in Company I of the 162nd ONGD, which I take to mean Ohio National Guard. Remember that this unit was originally the 45th Ohio National Guard, so that makes some amount of sense. Interestingly, upon his death a Reimbursement Order dated 6 February 1922 was "payable to Orlando H. Yarger." That was the son of (23) Eliza Jane Hissem (c1820), who was most likely Samuel's sister. Note that at the time of Samuel's death in 1921, his wife Mary was dead, his brother John was dead, as was his sister Eliza Jane, and he had no children. Orlando would have been his closest living relative.

In the 1910 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as Samuel Hissem, 85, retired, of Pennsylvania. Living with him were his wife Mary, 76, and brother, John, 79, a widower. Samuel and Mary were shown has having been married for 56 years. Mary had borne no children. Samuel and John's parents were both of Pennsylvania.

Mary Gosser Hissem, the daughter of John Gosser and Mary Ann Harmon, died on 12 Janaury 1911 in Waynesburg, Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio. She was 76 years old. The death certificate indicates she was born on 29 December 1835 in Ohio.

In the 1920 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as Samuel Hissem, a 95 year old widower. He was a boarder with Robert J. Boyd and his wife.

Just prior to his death, Samuel was living in Summit county, Ohio, as had his brother, John.

Samuel Hissem died on 25 April 1921 in Summit county, Ohio. According to his death certificate, Samuel Hissem, a retired farmer, died in Akron, Ohio. He was born on 2 January 1821, the son of John Hissem and (?) Welker, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. His wife was Mary Gosser. The informant was a person who lived in the same residence as Samuel, at 289 Lloyd street, in Akron.

Samuel was sent back to Stark county to be buried at the Sandy Valley cemetery in Waynesburg, Ohio where his wife Mary was also buried. They share a stone. This record shows Samuel's birth-year as 1825 and Mary's as 1833.

Note that Mary Welker Hissem, the wife of John's elder brother, Abner, was buried in a nearby cemetery in Waynesburg, the Centenary Chapel cemetery. She had moved there to join her daughter, Anna, and husband David Kintigh.

The brother of Samuel. John Hissem was born in May 1832, or 1830 per his tombstone, in Pennsylvania. References to John are spotty, but by 1880 he had married Jane M. Wallace, the daughter of William Wallace and Mariah Cromwell. She had been born in August 1835 in Canada, but was then living in Dixon, Lee county, Illinois.

William and Mariah Wallace had been living in Dixon as early as 1850 when the census of that year showed William, 59, and Mariah, 49, both of New York, and their daughter, Jane M. [Mariah?], 15, of Canada. In the 1860 census of Dixon, however, Jane was not living with William and Maria, nor can I find a Jane of the right age under another surname living in the township. In the 1865 state census of Dixon as William Wallace, living with 4 females. In 1870 a Marica [probably Mariah] Wallace, now a widow, was living with Ellen Rice, another widow, in Dixon. Again, there is no sign of Jane.

In the 1880 census of Dixon, Lee county, Illinois I've found a John Hisson, a 52 year old laborer [1828], who was born in New York [sic]. He could not write. Living with him was his wife, Jane M. [Wallace], a 44 year old [1836], keeping house. She had been born in Canada, but her parents were from New York. Also living with John was his mother-in-law, Mariah Wallace, a 79 year old widow, originally of New York. The town of Dixon is in Lee county, due west of Chicago, on the Rock River, just a little over half way to Davenport, Iowa. By the way, Ronald Reagan lived in Dixon for a time while a small boy and maintained fond memories of this rural town.

In the 1894-1895 City Directory of Dixon, Illinois a Mrs. John Hissem, a homeowner with no occupation shown, was living at 654 1st street. She shared the address with her widowed mother, Maria Wallace. No husband or children were shown. The directory clearly showed that Jane owned the home, not her mother and, by his absence, not her husband.

In the 1900 census of Dixon, Illinois there was a John Hissem [Hissern in familysearch.org], a 68 year old teamster. John was born in May 1832 in Pennsylvania, as were his parents. He was living at 1604 1st street at what I think was the corner of Logan street. Living with him was his wife, Jane M. Hissem, a 64 year old tailor. His mother-in-law, Maria Wallace had apparently died by this time. Jane was born in August 1835 in Canada, though her parents had been from New York. It was Jane that owned the home, as above, not John. The census verified that Jane had never borne children.

Oddly, John and Jane were listed in the census as having been married for only 18 years, that is married in 1882. Also odd was that Jane was shown as entering the United States from Canada in 1892. This is verified by the next data field which indicated she had been in the country for only 8 years. But we know, to the contrary, that she was in the country in 1850 and married by 1880. It is possible, of course, that from 1860 to 1870, when she was absent from the Dixon census, that she may have moved back to Canada, perhaps living with relatives or in a previous marriage. I cannot explain the problems with the marriage or entry dates, except to conclude the census taker made a mistake. Jane has, however, little relevance in the end to this descent since she had no children.

The absence of John for so many years before the 1880 census and the confusion with dates for Jane may be because both were in Canada for this period, though I've found no records of this. I do have a John Hissam, a 40 year old hunter, of Canada, in the 1870 census of Cylon, St. Croix county, Wisconsin. However, I don't like the spelling of the surname I see in the original document.

In the 1902 City Directory of Frankfort, Illinois as "Hissem John Mr lab h 1604 First." Also listed was "Hissem Jane M Mrs hr 1605 First."

Jane M. Hissem may have died in Illinois, propelling John to Ohio to live with his brother, Samuel.

In the 1910 census of Sandy township, Stark county, Ohio as John Hissem, 79, a widower, of Pennsylvania. He was living with Samuel Hissem, 85, and his wife, Mary, 76. John was clearly shown to be Samuel's brother. Jane must have died by this time. I haven't found any information about this, or a tombstone.

According to his death certificate, John Hissem, a farm laborer and single man [not widowed?], "about 87," died of arterio schlerotis and nephritis on 30 October 1917 at the county infirmary in Portage township, Summit county, Ohio. His birthplace was listed as Indiana [sic], but his parents names were unknown. We now know that these were John Hissem and Elizabeth Welker. The informant for the death certificate was R.E. Myers, the assistant supervisor of the infirmary, and he wasn't very well informed about John's antecedents. John had been living in Portage for the last 3 years, 7 months.

John was buried in the Maple Hill cemetery of Akron, Summit county, Ohio. Samuel also died in Summit county, but he and his wife, Mary, were buried back in Stark county.

Levi Hissem, the son of Thomas Hissom and Mary Parker, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania in about 1802, based on the 1850 and 1860 census. Also as Levy. I can't be certain when Levi was born (the census sometimes lies), but there is no room for him in the 1800 census. There was just one boy under 10 years old living with Thomas who was most likely Levi's older brother, John. However, in the 1810 census of Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania for Thomas Hyssan, there was a boy under 10, Levi, and one 10-15, John.

Levi's father moved downriver to Tyler county, West Virginia in 1820, leaving behind his sons Abner, John and Levi. He was counted in the census for both Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, as Thomas Hissam [Hepurn in Ancestry.com], and Tyler county, as Thomas Hissem. However, in the 1820 census of Hempfiled township there were no sons of the right age to be Levi, who would have been about 18 years old. I can only suspect that Levi was living with a relative or as an unnamed laborer on someone's farm.

Levi's brother Abner had married Mary Welker, the daughter of Michael Welker, and Levi and John subsequently were both to marry daughters of Mary's brother, Jacob Welker. This might indicate that Abner's wife contrived their marriages to her nieces. It's noteworthy that their cousin, Jesse Hissam, also married a daughter of Michael Welker, Christine.

Levi Hissem married Mary "Polly" Welker, the daughter of Jacob Welker, of Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, between 1819 and 1824 (there was a daughter for them aged 5-10 in the 1830 census). Levi would have been 17 to 22 years old at the time of his marriage.

"Mary Welker, b. ----, 180-, in Hempfield Twp.; m. Levi Hissem; removed to the West; there died and left a family of descendants; farmers." - from "History and Genealogy of the Reed Family"

In the 1830 census of Hempfield township, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania as Levi Hissem. In the household were a man 20-30 years old, Levi, who would have been about 28, with a wife 20-30 years old, Mary, who would have been 23, and a son under five, Joshua, two daughters under five, including Delila, and one daughter 5-10 years, perhaps Jane (the woman married in 1837, below). Mary's father, Jacob Welker, was in the same census, one page earlier in the list for Hempfield township, between brothers Abner and John Hissim.

The following is from the will of John's father-in-law, Jacob Welker, proved on 11 February 1834 in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania.

"First--I devise my dwelling and plantation unto my son Michael Welker on the following conditions:--By him paying to his sisters and brothers out of the same the following named sums, to-wit: In four months after my decease, he pays the sum of $14.25 to my son John Welker, and in four months after that payment the like sum to my son Samuel; and in four months after that the like sum to my daughter Polly intermarried to Levy Hissom; and in four months after that payment the like sum to my daughter Bessie intermarried with John Hissom; and the like sum to my daughter Nancy; in four months after that payment a like sum to my daughter Sophia; in four months after that payment a like sum to my daughter Catharine; and in three years after my decease Fifty dollars to my son Jacob Welker.

"Second--It is my will that my beloved wife Rosana live with my son Michael Welker, during her natural life-time, or, so long as she remains my widow in my dwelling house, and my said son Michael in addition to the above named sums (of money) he is to pay to the rest of my sons and daughters, he is to provide for my beloved wife Rosana all necessaries for life, both in health and sickness, and all necessary wearing apparel if required, and keep one cow and three sheep along with his own on the place and find sufficient feed for the same; and find sufficient fuel ready chopped for her during her lifetime, so long as she remains my widow. If my son Michael Welker comply with my wishes in paying the aforesaid sum (of money) as directed to each and keep my beloved wife as directed, He is to have and hold my said Dwelling and Plantation, situated in Hempfield Township, in the County of Westmoreland, to him and his heirs and assigns forever.

"Third: I devise and bequeath to my beloved wife Rosana her best bedsteads, and necessary bedding, one cow, 3 sheep, one hog, to have her choice out of the stock, one spinning wheel, one reel, her own clothing, the chest with three drawers, the cupboard with glass doors, one table, and two chairs, and one prayer book, and one catechism, and as much kitchen furniture as she needs for her use, and to all as above named at her own disposal at her death: And further I will one bed and bedding to my daughter Sophia for her use, and as to the residue of my personal estate of whatsover kind the same may be. I direct my Executors to collect all of my outstanding debts, dues and demands and from the presents arising from my personal estate, pay all my just debts as aforesaid. I direct my executors to divide the same into eight equal shares and give and devise two shares thereof to my son John, and one share thereof to my son Samuel, one share to my daughter Polly, and one share to my daughter Betsy, and one share to my daughter Nancy, and one share thereof to my daughter Sophia, and one share thereof to my daughter Catharine, to be paid to them by my executors, after the estate is settled, &c. And further it is my will and desire that my executors hereinafter named as soon as David Ruff has complied with the covenants of an article of agreement I made with him that they make and execute a Deed of Conveyance for the land I have sold him described in said agreement, which agreement is in the hands of G. Mechling, esquire.

"Lastly; I nominate, constitute and appoint George Mechling, esq., and my son Jacob Welker, both of Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, to be my Executors of this my last will and testament, and revoke all former wills heretofore made.

"In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Eleventh of January, 1833.
Jacob Welker [L. S.]
"Signed and sealed in the presence of us:--
John Shellenberger
Thomas Monroe.
"Proved Feb. 11, 1834."
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Will Book, No. 2, page 300.

At about the time that Mary's father died, in 1836, Levi moved his family to Virginia. This occurred after 1834, when Levi's son William was born in Pennsylvania and before 1836 when his son Jesse was born in Virginia. Levi's father, Thomas, and uncle, David, had previously settled in Tyler county, West Virginia.

I'm pretty confident that the Levi Hissam we find in Hempfield township was Thomas' son. However, Tyler county was too full of Hissams to be certain which Levi is ours, and which the son of Thomas' brother, David. Levi, the son of David, most often known by the surname Heysham, had been in Tyler county for the 1820 census, the Personal Property Tax List of 1825 and the Poor Levy of 1826.

However, I do tend to connect Levi Hissam of Thomas with any mention of the Kelch family because, as you'll see below, after Levi moved to Missouri, he had Kelch surnamed persons living with him in the census. I'm fairly certain this was not Levi, the son of David, because our Levi was shown to be born in Pennsylvania, whereas David's son was born in [West] Virginia.

In 1837, in Tyler county, Virginia, Levi Hissam signed a marriage bond with Leonard Kelch in reference to Leonard's marriage to a Jane Hissam. Levi would have been about 35 years old so it is just possible that this could be Levi's daughter, though we'd have to adjust the birth date of his wife, Mary. The daughter, 5-10 years old, in the 1830 census could be this Jane, who might be 17 years old in 1837. Alternately this could be a sister of Levi, otherwise unknown. Levi's father, Thomas, had died before 1834 so he could have taken his father's place, giving away his sister. Faye Ashby writes,

"I found a marriage bond from Tyler Co. WV showing "Leonard Kelch (of Samuel) & Levi Hissam" signed a marriage bond pertaining to the marriage of "Leonard Kelch (of Samuel) and Jane Hissam." The notation "of Samuel" is actually written in the Bond. There also is a note attached "This is to certify that I Leonard Kelch Sr. have no objections of your giving Leonard Kelch of /S marriage license." I think the Samuel who fathered Leonard, future husband of Jane Hissam, would be son of Leornard Sr. -- making Leonard Sr (1767-1848) the grandfather of the Leonard who married Jane Hissam. This bond and other Kelch and Tyler County Records can be found at WV Culture. It would take more research into Samuel and Leonard to further verify but as he is collateral for me, I'll leave that to y'all."

""Mr. David Hickman this is to certify that I Leonard Kelch Sr have no objections of your giving Leonard Kelch of S [Samuel] marriage licence."

"Know all men by these presents that we Leonard Kelch (of Samuel) and Levi Hissam are held & firmly bound unto David Campbell Esqr. Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia for the time being & his successors in Office in the Office of Governor for the use of the Commonwealth in the [penal?] Sum of one hundred and fifty Dollars for the payment of which we bind ourselves [one?] & each of our heirs firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals & dated this 6th day of October 1837

The Condition of the above Obligation is such that whereas a marriage is shortly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound Leonard Kelch (of Samuel) and Jane Hissam. Now if there be no lawful cause or just impediment to obstruct said marriage then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full form & virtue in law."

Leonard Kelch
his
Levi Hissam
mark

Teste
d. Hickman

The following man, Levi Heysham, lived next to Jesse, the son of David Heysham. Because he lived next to a son of David and because he used the Heysham surname this may not be our Levi. However, I leave it here for consideration. Remember though, Levi was illiterate, so he couldn't tell the clerk or census taker, below, how to spell his name.

"Deed of 09 October 1839, Tyler county, West Virginia, Jacob Lewis {Coffenberry} and Mary Lewis sold 75 acres to Levi Heysham for $50. Land adjoining William Trippet and Jesse Heysham on the waters of Middle Island Creek. Beginning at a white oak." - from the Tyler County WV Deed Book 9 81+ SLC 854767

In the 1840 census of Tyler county, West Virginia, as Levi Heysham, aged 30 to 40; our Levi was about 40 at the time. This could also be for David Heysham's son, Levi, but note that this Levi had Leonard Kelch Jr. for a next door neighbor. In the following Missouri census records we find a Levi Hissam, of Pennsylvania, living with and then (I believe) marrying a Jane Kelch. Could this be a coincidence? In the 1840 household was one son under 5, perhaps Jesse, 3 sons aged 5 to 10, including William, and one son 10 to 15 years old, Joshua. Amongst the women in the household were one daughter under 5, Sarah, and one who was 5 to 10, Delila. There was also a woman, 30 to 40 years old, perhaps Mary. By the way, a Jesse Hissem was four names below Levi in the census.

The following is from a posting by a fellow researcher, James Kelch.

"I have done some further research on Ruth Kelch, with the aid of a fellow family historian [I think that's me!], as the Hissam name was found among my papers in connection with the Kelch family.

In a deed dated dated 29 March 1843 Leonard Kelch [1767-1848] from Tyler County, Virginia states that Leonard Kelch and his wife Jane [Hissam?] of Tyler County sold land for $60 located on the waters of Middle Island Creek to Robert Hip and Levi Hissam and his wife. In previous deeds from the same area Leonard Kelch's wife is mentioned as Christina."

Levi's wife died some time after 1843 and before 1850.

Levi Hissam moved his family west to Monroe county, Missouri. This county is in the northeast of the state. Paris is the county seat.

Levi Hissum's daughter, Delila, married John R. Searcy on 2 May 1850 in Monroe county, Missouri, so the family had been in the state for some little time; courtship does require some deliberation by all parties.

In the 1850 census of District 59, Monroe county, Missouri, as Levi Hissam [in familysearch.org as Hessum], a cooper, aged 48 [1802], of Pennsylvannia [that is, not Levi Heysham of Virginia]. A cooper makes barrels and other items from timber staves. Living with him were his children, Joshua, 20, an "idiot," and William, 16, also coopers, born in Pennsylvania, and Jesse, 14, and Sarah, 12, who were born in Virginia. Levi had no wife, but also living with him were Jane Kelfrs [hard to read, but probably Kelch; Kelps in familysearch.org], 29, of Pennsylvania, and Mary J. Kelfrs, 9, and Ruth Kelfrs, 7, of Virginia. These latter two girls seem to have been sisters or daughters of Jane. Note that Ruth was referred to as Ruth Kelch in the 1860 census.

In 1856 Levi bought property in Audrain county, in northeast Missouri, just below Monroe and Ralls counties.

"The United States of America
Certificate No. 31,887
To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas Levi Hissem of Audrain county, Missouri
has deposited in the General Land Offices of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Palmyra, whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Levi Hissem according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the south West quarter of Section Seventeen, in Township fifty two . . . [and so forth] . . . containing one hundred and sixty acres . . . purchased by Levi Hissem.
1 September 1856, - from "U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907"

Mary Jane Kelch married William L. Shoults on 1 September 1857 in Audrain county, Missouri. She was born in Virginia. A researcher notes that,

"the death certificate for Mary J. Shoults states that her father was an "unknown" Kelch and her mother was Mary Hissam of Wales."

Levi probably continued to live in or near Audrain county until at least 1858, when his daughter, Sarah, married Harrison Smith there on 10 January 1858.

The property in Audrain county must not have worked out because Levi moved his family south, to Shannon county, Missouri.

In the 1860 census of Delaware township, Shannon county, Missouri as Levi Hissom, a 58 year old farmer, of Pennsylvania. This region is far to the south of Monroe county, near the state's southern boundary. Levi was living with Jane [Kelch?] Hissom, 40, born in Virginia. Oddly, she was described as a "domestic servant" yet she had his name. Is it possible that Jane was Levi's sister, Jane Hissam, who had married Leonard Kelch (of Samuel)? The census doesn't say Jane was Levi's wife, that information wasn't included in the census of that year. Levi's children were Joshua, 28, an 'idiot,' and William, 26, a wagon maker. Both sons had been born in Pennsylvania. There was also a Ruthia Kelch, 14, living with them. If this was the Ruth above, she should have been more like 17. Where was Jesse?

Apparently the family moved back north because we find Ruth Kelch getting married to Joshua Clark on 19 July 1866 in Ralls county, Missouri. She was born in Virginia.

In 1863 Levi was officially designated as Joshua's guardian,

"We Levi Hissom as principal and Eli Roland as Securities are held and firmly bound unto the State of Missouri in the Sum of One hundred dollars for the payment of which we hereby bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators Sealed with our Seals this 7 day of December AD 1863.
Upon the condition that whereas the Said Levi Hissom has been appointed by the Ralls County Court Guadrdian of the person and Estate of Joshua Hissom a minor under the age of twenty one years.
Now if the Said Levi Hissom Shall faithfully discharge his duties as Such Guardian according to Law than this bond to be void otherwise to remain in full force and affect.

Levi Hissom X his mark" - from "Missouri Wills and Probate Records, 1766-1988"

Levi died before 1870, not surprising because he would have been 68 years old by this time. I don't know what happened to Jane. Neither she nor Levi were in the 1870 census, though Levi's eldest son, Joshua, was, living at the Ralls county poor farm.

Levi's children were,
(23) Jane Hissam [maybe] (c1820), in 1837 Levi Hissam signed a marriage bond with Leonard Kelch in reference to Leonard's marriage to a Jane Hissam, his daughter or his sister?
(23) Delila M. Hissem (1829)
(23) Joshua Hissem (1830), he had no descendants
(23) William Hissem (1834), he had no known descendants
(23) Jesse Hissem (1836), he had no known descendants
(23) Sarah Hissem (1838)

She was born on 10 January 1829, probably in Pennsylvania. "Delila Hissum Daughter of Levi Hissum" married John R. Searcy on 2 May 1850 in Monroe county, Missouri.

"John R Sourcy To Delilia Hissum
State of Missouri County of Monroe
I Milton Williamson a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby Certify that I solemnized the rites of Matrimony between John R. Seurcy and Delila Hissum Daughter of Levi Hissum all of this County and State aforesaid the 2nd of May AD 1850
Milton Williamson J.P."

In the 1850 census of Monroe county, Missouri as John R. Searcy, 37, of Kentucky, and Delila Searcy, 30, of Missouri [sic]. The Searcy's have also been found in the 1870, 1880, 1900 and 1910 census of Monroe county.

Delila died on 25 March 1916 in Monroe county, Missouri - from the Missouri Death Index.

He was born in Pennsylvania. In the 1850 census of District 59, Monroe county, Missouri as Joshua, a 20 year old cooper, and "idiot," born in Pennsylvania, and living with his parents. In the 1860 census of Delaware township, Shannon county, Missouri as Joshua Hissem, 28, again listed as an 'idiot,' born in Pennsylvania, and living with his father.

After his father's death Joshua was left in the care of the county.

In the 1870 census of the New London post office, Spenser township, Ralls county, Missouri as Joshua Hissem, a 36 year old pauper living in the poor house. He was shown as 'insane' and born in Ohio [sic]. Ralls county is just west of Monroe county, in the northeast of the state, and rests on the Mississippi river. Mark Twain's boyhood home, Hannibal, lies between Ralls and Marion county.

In the 1880 census for Spenser township, Ralls county, Missouri as Joshua Hissom, a 50 year old pauper. He was living on the county farm, that is, the poor house. There were six men and women, all paupers, living with him. As before, it indicates he was born in Ohio, but as an "idiot" I guess I wouldn't expect him to correct this, nor provide his proper age. His parents were also shown as being from Ohio.

In the 1900 census of Center Village, Ralls county, Missouri as Josh Hissum, a 60 year old pauper and inmate of the county farm, born in April 1840, of Kentucky. While many of those attributes are incorrect, I still think this must be our man. I'm assuming again that no one was too concerned to get the facts right for an "idiot." Joshua could not read or write. Amazingly, the census also claims he couldn't speak English either, but since so many of the inmates got this annotation, I doubt its truth. Might Joshua's disability have extended to being dumb?

There was a cemetary associated with the Rall county farm, or Poor Farm [#108, 36-55-6], but only six internments are recorded, none of them Joshua.

He was born in Pennsylvania. In the 1850 census of District 59, Monroe county, Missouri, as William Hissam, a 16 year old cooper, born in Pennsylvania, and living with his parents.

As with his father, there is, in 1856, a property purchase by William Hissem in Audrain county, Missouri - it was the certificate issued just after his father's and may indicate that his father was leveraging his 22 year old son in order to gain more land.

"The United States of America
Certificate No. 31,888
To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting:
Whereas William Hissem of Audrain county, Missouri
has deposited in the General Land Offices of the United States, a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Palmyra, whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said William Hissem according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands," for the north West quarter of Section twenty, in Township fifty two . . . [and so forth] . . . containing one hundred and sixty acres . . . purchased by William Hissem.
1 September 1856, - from "U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907"

In the 1860 census of Delaware township, Shannon county, Missouri as William Hissom, a 26 year old wagon maker, born in Pennsylvania, and living with his father. William disappears after this.

He was born in Virginia, probably in Tyler county, in about 1836. In the 1850 census of Monroe county, Missouri as Jesse Hissam, 14, born in Virginia. He was not in the 1860 census, neither on his own or with his parents, as were his brothers Joshua and William. He was old enough to be on his own, but I haven't yet been able to find any further evidence for him.

She was born in Virginia, probably in Tyler county, in about 1838. In the 1850 census of Monroe county, Missouri as Sarah Hissam, 12. Sarah Hissom married Harrison Smith on 10 January 1858 in Audrain county, Missouri.

"Page 245. SMITH, Harrison. HISSOM, Sarah, 10 Jan 1858" - from the "Audrain County Marriage Book"

Steve Hissem
San Diego, California