Lodi Township

From the History of the Hocking Valley:

There are in Lodi township three villages, Jerseyville, Garden and Mooretown. Jerseyville was changed to Shade, Jerseyville contained two stores, one harness shop, one blacksmith shop, one hotel, a post office and two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Christian, its population was about 175. Garden contained a store, gunsmith shop, black smith shop, postoffice and one church- Methodist Episcopal. Mooretown was later changed to Pratt's Fork, the population was mostly agricultural, it had a population in the 1870's of about 150, and contained one store, two blacksmith shops and one post office. The first gristmill was erected by Joseph Thompson and later the mill was operated by Henry Blazier. The next mill was built in 1825 by Ezra Miller. Next to milling interest, which was one of necessity, was the schools. Pleasant Valley Seminary formerly was located at Jerseyville and was opened December 1867, and was under the superintendancy of Professor Daniel D. Clark a graduate of Ohio University.

Girls Ball team of Shade

Shade Boy's basketball team 1936-1937

donated by Jo Brown Parsons, Thanks for sharing Jo!

Descendants of James C. Burson and Hannah Powell of Shade, Ohio

family file of Jack Shoemaker

Jesse Coleman Wilson was bon in Oct 31,1829 in Morgan Co. Ohio and was married to Esther Susan Burson in March 6,1851 in Jerseyville (Shade) Ohio Jesse Coleman Wilson died in Jerseyville Ohio in Oct 21,1902. Ester Susan Burson was born in July 22,1832 in Columbiana Co. Ohio, her parents wereJames C Burson and Hannah Powell, she died in Jerseyville Ohio (Shade)in no date given, both are buried in Burson Cemetery in Shade Ohio. They had the following children:

Valinta Wilson born Jan 9,1852 in Athens Ohio married a Charles Stimson Jones July 8,1876 and died in Butte? Montana .

Hannah E Wilson born in Athens Co. May 12,1853 in Athens Co. Ohio and was married to first Henry Franklin no date second was Elmer Shuck Sep 18,1893 died in Newark, Licking county, Ohio no date.

Lucinda A Wilson born in Athens Ohio in Sep 9,1854 and was married to first Edward J. Sweeney Jan 15,1873 second to L.D.Shields March 3,1903; died in Chauncey Athens county, Ohio.

Catherine J. Wilson, born Feb.9,1856 in Athens Ohio and married to William Lowery August 1,1874 and died April 14,1921 in Butte Montana.

Lewis Warner Wilson born in Athens Ohio died Jun 15,1858 as an infant in Shade Ohio.

Mary Margaret Wilson born in Athens Ohio in Sept7,1859 and was married to Isaac Hennis Sept 7,1882; and died in Oct 27,1943 at Lancaste,r Fairfield county, Ohio.

Sarah E Wilson was born March 31,1861 in Shade Ohio and was married to Caleb Jeffers Sep 20,1877 and died Jan 26,1885 Athens Ohio.

Augusta Fidella Wilson was born Nov 4,1863 in Shade Ohio, first married to Alva Hamilton in July 19,1882 Second to John C. Baker in 1888 and died in 1908 in Shade, Ohio.

Harvey James Wilson was born in Athens Ohio in Dec 22.1865 married to Mary Cordelia Grubaugh March 5,1892 and died in March 14,1934 in Callaway, Nebraska.

Alvey E. Wilson was born in Athens Ohio in 1867 in Shade Ohio and married to Cary Turner no History

Mattie E. Wilson was born in Athens Ohio in June 3,1870 and married S. Kane April 25,1896 died in Nov 24,1943 in Athens Ohio.

Addison C Wilson born in Shade Ohio in April 8,1872 and was married to Bertha Howard Jan. 25,1896 Ho History.

Izetta Margaret Wilson Born in Athens Ohio in Sep 20,1874 and was married to George W Carsey Nov.15,1894 and died August 5,1964 in Shade Ohio

Anyne that could add to this or give more information on the Jesse Wilson Family would be Appreciated

Jack A Shoemaker Sun City California jackshoe2001@yahoo.com

From the History of the Hocking Valley, Other Burson's listed in Biographies:

John Burson is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio; born June 16, 1830. When eight years of age his parents came to Lodi Township, Athens county, where he was reared and educated. Feb. 25, 1859 he married Sarah C. Creamer, of Lodi Township. They are the parents of two children, Mary Dell and Herbert S. In 1859 Mr. Burson opened a general store on rather a limited scale, but by his fair and honarable dealing he has secured the confidence of his patrons and now has a large trade, keeping a complete line of the best goods, including dry good, groceries, boots, and shoes and notions. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, being at present Recording Steward, and is one of the substantial citizes of Lodi Township.

W. N. Burson, a native of Athens county, was born in Feb. 1852. He was reared a farmer and remained at home til of age. Jan. 16, 1872, he married H. C. Cather, a daughter of John Cather. In 1877, he opened a general merchandising store at Pratt's Fork, where he has since resided. He has a large stock of dry goods, gorceries, boots and shoes, notions, etc. and commands a good country trade.

Other biographical sketches for this township listed in the History of the Hocking Valley are:

Richard Angell son of John Angell born in England, April 6, 1790; Thomas G. Angell, son of Richard and Mary Angell born in Allegheny county, PA Feb. 1, 1831; Linza Aton son of John and Margaret (Wheeler) Aton born Aug. 3, 1850; S. C. Baker, son of James and Louisa (Worthen) Baker born in Meigs county, Ohio Dec. 28, 1840; James Beam son of Jacob and Sarah Beam born in Pennsylvania March 28, 1841; Joseph Bishop son of Danial Bishop born in Bethlehem, Pa, born Nov. 4, 1834; William Blackwood son of James and Susan (McLean) Blackwood, born in Bedford County, Pa Aug. 4, 1817; Quincy Cather son of John Cather born in Lodi twp. May 10, 1848; Lucius Coe son of Chester and Roxy (Eggleston) Coe born in Onondaga County, N. Y. in Dec. 1811; David Cowan, son of John and Mary (Means) Cowan born in Westmoreland County, Penn. Oct. 28, 1828; Joseph Creamer of Somerset County Pa, born in May 1805; S. M. Creamer born in Athens Aug. 9, 1834; Joseph Creesy son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Eastman) Creesy bonr in New Hampshire Aug.1, 1824; E. E. Curtis son of Joseph Curtis born in Meigs county, Ohio April 1, 1840; J. W. Dilenger son of Charles and Amanda J. Dillenger born in Lodi twp. May 14, 1849; Lorenzo Dow Evans son of Dr. John and Eleanor (Day) Evans born in Sussex County, Delaware Jan. 3, 1815; Abner Frost son of Samuel and Esther Frost born in Meigs county, Ohio Setp. 21, 1821; Samuel Frost son of Benjamin Frost of English descent was born Nov. 14, 1791; Zimri Hoge son of John and Mary (Workman) Hoge of Fayette county, Pa born Aug. 15, 1816; William Howard son of Zadock Howard born in Holmes County, Ohio Feb. 28, 1820; Hiram L. Hull, son of S. T. Hull, was born in Lodi Township Dec. 17, 1848; Stephen W. Hull, son of Wakeman and Jane (Stewart) Hull born in Meredith, Delaware Co., N. Y. Jan. 13, 1818; George Jeffers son of Squire William Jeffers born in Lodi twp. Oct. 21, 1842; George W. Jeffers born in Carthage twp. Jan. 19, 1925; Lewis H. Jeffers son of William Jeffers born in Athens county Dec. 4, 1838; William Jeffers son of George Jeffers born in Athens county 4, 24, 1819; John Kelly son of J. L. and Joanna Kelly, was born in Meigs county, Ohio November 1824; J. L. Kelly son of E. and Silence (Edmunds) Kelly born in Cayuga County, New York; John L. Kelly son of John and Mathilda (Price) Kelly bornin Lodi twp. June 18, 1845; John Kincade son of Joseph and Sarah Kincade born in Clarksburg, Pa in 1815; James Kyle, son of John Kyle bornin Guernsey county, Ohio Dec. 25, 1825; Samuel Poston son of John and Isabel Poston, bron in Canaan Twp. Athens county June 7, 1837; Samuel Poston son of John and Isabel Poston born in Canaan twp. June 7, 1837; William Poston son of John and Isabella (McVicker)Poston of English descent was born in Hampshire County, WV Nov. 7, 1826; Isaac Sargent son of George and Sarah (Parkhurst) Sargent, was born in Washington County, Pa June 1, 1817; Windell Shott, son of John and Cahtarine (Learnes) Shott, was born in Prussia Dec. 16, 1818; David G. Steuart grandson of William Steuart of Scotland was born in Bath county, Va Nov. 4, 1813; James K. WAtkins son of Andrew and Elizabeth Watkins was born in Ohio Sept. 26, 1833; Abraham M. Williams son of German parentage was born in New Jersey July 16, 1798; William Williams son of Abraham M. Williams was born in Lodi twp. March 6, 1837; Hiram G. Withers M. D. son of Jonathan and Martha (Sarting) Withers of Massachusetts was born in Ohio Dec. 26, 1818; William Zinn son of Moses and Theresa (Tharp) Zinn was born in Franklin county, Ohio Oct. 1, 1857; William Blackstone M. D. son of John and Jemima (King) Blackstone of English Welsh ancestry was born in Botetourt county, VA May 24, 1796.

From the Robinson family files of Sandra Mitchell-Quinn

Pratt's Fork and Shade

John Lee Robinson and wife Lydia Bishop of Fauquier county, Virginia, Loudon, purchased land in Athens county and resided in Mooretown from 1837 until Lydia's death in 1867. They are buried in the Dean Cemetery, now Pratt's Fork Cemetery in Lodi Township, Athens county, Ohio. Notes on this family below from personal files of the webmaster:

1840 Athens county census index: John L. Robison Lodi township

1850 Census Athens County, Ohio
John Robinson 56 Va
Lydia 59 Va
Mary 23 Va
Sidner 22 Va
Edith Rebecca 20 Va

next door: his son
Thomas William Robinson 25 Va
Magdalena (Haning) 24 Oh
George B. 4/12 mo. Oh


1860 Census of Athens County, Ohio
John L. Robinson 66 M White Farmer Value of real estate 1000 Value of Pers Estate 500 Born in Virginia
Lydia (Bishop) Robinson 69 F White Born in Virginia
Mary Robinson 34 F white Born in Virginia

In June 1865 John sold his land in Mooretown (later called Pratts Fork) to his son Thomas William Robinson. I found the record in the Athens county court house. It was signed by John Robinson, wife Lydia Robinson, and witnessed by Grandson George B. Robinson.

I could not find John in the 1870 census. He may have been living with his daughter Edith Rebecca Robinson Clowse because of the will saying he was living in Albany, which is where she resided with her husband James.

Probated Will of John Lee Robinson Feb. 7, 1871 Recorded Volume 8, Page 203 Athens County

I, John L. Robinson of Albany, Athens County Ohio do make and publish this, my last will and testament.
1st That all my just debts, funeral expenses, and expenses attending my last sickness be paid.
2nd That the remainder of my property and moneys shall be equally divided between my three children as follows, to my son Thomas William Robinson, one equal third part, to my son Sydner Robinson one equal third part, and to my daughter Edith Rebeca Clowse one equal and third part.
3rd I do hereby nominate and appoint John T. Winn executor of this my last will and testament hereby authorizing and empowering him to collect compromise and adjust and discharge in such manner as he may deem proper and equitable all the debts and claims due me.
I do hereby revoke all former wills by me made in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 25, twenty fifth day of November in the year AD 1870.
Signed John L. Robinson

Signed and acknowledged by said John L. Robinson as his last will and testament in our presence and signed by us in his presence.
Signed John T. Winn, John Earhart M.D.

Final account of John T. Winn of John L. Robinson deceased.
1871 Accountant charges himself as follows:
March 6 By Cash of H.C.. Williams Doctor 544.05
June 10 By Cash of D.D. Miller 356.00
Sept 4 By Cash of William Robinson 230.60
Sept. 20 By Cash of T.J. Robinson 101.00
1872
March 20 By Cash of John Ellis Draft 55.54
March 20 By Cash of Elijah Robinson 18.37
Feb. 10 By Cash of T.W. Robinson Note and amount 65.70
Feb. 10 By cash of T.W. Robinson Balance on note 51.00
Feb. 10 By cash of T.W. Robinson 16.00
Feb. 10 By Cash Sydner Robinson 60.00

Total Receipts $1498.26

Schedule E.
The following are the debts, due said estate
Thos. W. Robinson Note 53.58 interest 12.12 Amt. due 65.70 appraised value 65.70
J. M. Ellis and J. Robinson Note 45.30 interest 9.33 amount due 54.63
H. C. Williams note 500.00 interest 24.25 amt due 525.24
H. C. Wiliams note 19.80 19.80
Thos. W. Robinson Balance on note 41.50 interest 9.50 51.00
Elijah and Wm. Robinson Balance on note 15.67 4.70 interest amt due 20.37
D. D. Miller Balance on note 300.00 interest 51.60 amt. due 351.60
Thos. J. Robinson Balance on note 99.25 amt due 99.25
William Robinson Balance on note 227.24 amt due 227.24
Sydner Robinson Book account 60.00 amt due 60.00
Thos. W. Robinson Book account 16.00 amount due 16.00

Accountant claims the ordinary legal compensation and asks that he may be allowed $16.00 for extra services performed for several trips he has been compelled to make in collection of said estate and attending suits for that purpose. Signed John T. Winn

Executor of the Last Will and Testament, and accountant claims credit for the following payments made in behalf of said estate.

1871
Probate Judge fees 9.26
Probate Judge fees 3.28
fee 2.00
Dr. John Earhart 56.25
Dr. J. M. McClure 10.25
John Strake Coffin 14.25
Strake and Baums 2.00
John Vicky 1.00
Dec. Tax 1870 16.06
June Tax 1870 15.92
Tax of 1871 17.50
U.S. Tuch ??? 5.00
J.S. Harris and Sons ? 18.00
John Earhart Witness to app 2.00
Probate Judge Per final exp 6.53
Attorney for drawing final app 5.00
Administration fee on 1498.92 79.92
Allowed exp. for extra services 16.00
Total 280.22
Paid Tax of 1872 17.10
Total 297.10
Balance 1200.94
Total 1498.26



I found this postcard in the estate packet at Ohio University Archives in Athens Ohio
Lee Township, Athens County, Ohio May 13th, 1871.
I have this day bought of Harris and Sons, 1 set of Marble Grave Stones, 2 inches thick, 3 feet 6 inches long, and 18 inches wide. Foot-stone one-third height and width of head-stone; head stone to be lettered as follows: John L. Robinson died January 27th, 1871, Aged 76 years 5 months & 2 days.
This stone to be the same shape of Lydia Robinson's. Post Card sent from Deavertown Post Office, Morgan County.
To be delivered at the Dean Church grave yd and Set within in July in Mooretown for which I agree to pay $18.00.
Signed by Thomas William Robinson

August seventh 1871 Received of John T. Winn Administrator of the estate o fJohn L. Robinson, deceases, five dollars for hauling the corpse of said Robinson to the place of burial sixteen miles. U. G. Tulk.

John L. Robinson to John Strahl a Coffin for self January 28, 1971 affidavit $14.00 April 20, 1871 received payment John Strahl

from Aug. 6 1849 Athens County Marriage Records
Robinson and Haning The State of Ohio Athens County . This is to certify that on the 7th day of August AD 1849 I joined in marriage Thomas Robinson and wife Magdalena Haning by virtue of a license for matter and purpose 6 Aug. 1849. Isaac Woodyard Justice of the Peace.

1850 Athens Cty. Census Record Lodi Twp AT LODI Albany, Ohio
Household 2340-2360
Thomas W. Robinson 25 male Farmer Virginia Estate $800 Farm married within the year
Magdalena 24 female wife Ohio {Previously Magdalena Haning}
George 4/12 male child Ohio
Household 2348-2368
next door to father : John L. Robinson 56 male Farmer Virginia Estate $500
Lydia 59 female Virginia
Mary S. 23 female V Virginia
Edith Rebecca 20 female school Virginia
Sydner 22 male farmer Virginia

Magdalena Haning Robinson daughter of Isaac Dillon Haning and Mary Polly Brooks died sometime after the birth of her son Charles Robinson and the marraige record of Thomas William to Catherine Smith listed below: We know she was deceased because her father's will mentions the three sons of Magdalena Robinson (deceased) as heirs to her part of his estate when he died in 1874.

11-15-1859 Athens County Marriage of Thomas William Robinson and Catharine Pletcher Smith.

1860 Athens Cty Census Record Lodi Twp AT LO 51 Albany, Ohio
Thomas W. Robinson 35 male Farmer 800 260 Virginia
Catharine Robinson 30 female Ohio ( Previously Catharine Pletcher Smith)
George Robinson 9 male Ohio
John Robinson 8 male Ohio
Harvey Robinson 6 male Ohio
John F. Smith 8 male Ohio

In 1860, Thomas's brother Sydner Robinson is living in Morgan County, where we find him in the Census with his wife and children. Sydner was a teacher.We believe this to be the reason for Thomas moving to Morgan County.

Sydner was found in the 1860 Morgan county census. It says his occupation was teacher.
Cydner Robinson York township Morgan county, Ohio
Cydner m white 32 estate 200 born in Virginia schoolteacher
Sarah 26 female OH
Wilbur 5 Oh
Harry 4 Oh
Emma 2 Oh
Florence 8 months Ohio

1870 census Madison County, Grand River Township, Iowa Dwelling 77

Sydnor Robison (sic) age 41 Carpenter Real estate 200 Personal 222 born in Virginia
Sarah 36 Keeping house born in Ohio
Wilber 15 farm laborer born in Iowa
Harry 13 farm laborer born in Ohio
Emma 12 born in Ohio
Edgar 10 farm laborer born in Ohio
Mary 8 at school born in Ohio
Lewis 7 at home born in Ohio
John 5 born in Iowa
Thomas 3 born in Iowa
Albert 1 born in Iowa

1880 census Madison county, Grand River Township Dwelling 119

Sydnor Robinson age 51 farmer widow sick or disabled born in Virginia, Virginia, Virginia
Edgar 20 working lumbermill born in Ohio, Va, Oh
Mary 18 Keeping house born in Ohio, Va Oh
Lew W. 17 farmhand sick or disabled Oh, Va Oh
Thomas 13 Iowa Va Oh
Albert 11 Iowa Va Oh
Lottis 9 Iowa Va Oh
Chester 6 Iowa Va Oh
Hattie 1 Iowa Va Oh

Children of Sydnor and Sarah in their full names:
Wilbur Fleming Robinson born in 1855
Harry Robinson born in 1857
Emma J. Robinson born in 1858
Florence Edgar Robinson born in 1859
Mary Susan Robinson born in 1861
Lew Wallace Robinson born in 1863
John Solomon Robinson 4-6-1865 died in 3-15-1878
Thomas Alonzo Robinson born 1867
Charlotte Catherine Robinson born in 1870
Samuel Chester Robinson born in 1873
Harriett Augusta Robinson born in 1878
James Albert Robinson in born in 1879
Henry Tiny Robinson born in 1882 with Sydnor's second wife:

According to the transcribed Bible page of John Lee Robinson by Rose Robinson Sydner was born in 1828.

Sydnor and his wife travelled back and forth to Iowa several times before settling there. His wife died and he remarried and had several other children by the new wife. They died and are buried in Iowa.
They are buried in Section 2 Row 13 of the Moon Cemetry in Macksburg, Iowa. The cemetery transcription reads: For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col. 1-11.
Gar Civil War Marker Col I, 161st Ohio Infantry.


By the time of his fathers death Sydner was living in Iowa.
Sydner Robinson was in the civil war, OH 161st infantry I company. He mustered in 5-2-1864 and mustered out 9-2-1864. From May 1864 to September 1864 this company was in Harpers Ferry East SH Reserve Army- Dept. of WV. Mustered out. No casualties.

1867 Morgan county deeds
Volume 15 page 401- December 26th 1867
Samuel Pletcher sold toThomas W. Robinson 162 acres for $5,000.00 in Deerfield township


4-9-1869 Morgan County marriage Record of
Thomas W. Robinson and Matilda A. Smith


1870 Morgan County Census Record Deerfield Twp. Deavertown
Name Age Occupation Real estate personal property Born
Thomas Robinson 44 Farmer Real Estate- 5000 Pears. Prop. 900 Virginia
Matilda (Smith) 38 Keeping House Ohio
George B. Robinson 20 Works on farm Ohio
John William Robinson 19 Works on farm Ohio
Charles Harvey Robinson 17 Works on farm Ohio
Mary L. Robinson 5 At home Ohio
Ida A. Robinson 3 At home Ohio
Samuel F. Robinson 2 At home Ohio
Rosetta Robinson 1/12 At home Ohio
John F. Smith 18 Apprentice Carpenter Ohio


Lee Township, Athens County, Ohio May 13th, 1871.
I have this day bought of Harris and Son, 1 set of Marble Grave Stones, 2 inches thick, 3 feet 6 inches long, and 18 inches wide. Foot-stone one-third height and width of head-stone; head stone to be lettered as follows: John L. Robinson died January 27th, 1871, Aged 76 years 5 months & 2 days.
This stone to be the same shape of Lydia Robinson's. Post Card sent from Deavertown Post Office, Morgan County.
To be delivered at the Dean and yd and Set within in July for which I agree to pay $18.00.
Signed by Thomas William Robinson

From this record we see that both Thomas's parents have died by 1871. We see that in this year Thomas is living in Deavertown, Morgan County, Ohio.

In 1874 Thomas's first wife Magdalena Haning's father Isaac Dillon Haning dies and leaves part of his estate to Magdalena Robinson (deceased) and Thomas's three sons in Perry county, and the attorney charges fees for travelling to Perry County.

We have received a copy of a letter from Rosetta Robinson to her sisters in LaFarge Wisconsin and also copies of death notices of these sisters. In Alice Strait's obituary, it is written that "Thomas William Robinson moved his family to Coffeyville, Kansas, in the mid 1870's." Coffeyville, Kansas was a new town built in Indian Territory and supposed to be rich in farm land. Many were enticed there with the promise of growing rich in cattle farming, From the Montgomery County, Coffeyville, Kansas internet web site-" Coffeyville was named after James H. Coffey who had a trading post at an Osage camp called Talley Springs, (not on railroad). Octave Chanute surveyed and platted the town north of Talley Springs called Old Coffeyville (on railroad). Old Coffeyville was a cattle terminal; Leavenworth, Lawrence and Gulf Railroad terminal; U.P. R. R. The town was founded in 1869." I now believe that after receiving the inheritance money of his father's and father in law's, Thomas moved his family west to make his fortune in the cattle industry. Unfortunately he died there in 1878, cutting his plans short. Matilda moves back to McLuney according to Alice's obituary and brought the children with her. " I found a Perry County Infirmary record (Poorhouse) listing Matilda Robinson, Mary L., Ida A., and Arthelia Rose for the year 1881. Matilda dies in 1882 leaving the remainder of the family on their own. Mary L. is found living with brother Charles Harvey. " The oldest daughter Rose was bonded out to a family in Ohio and Lucy and Alice at the age of 8 years were sent by covered wagon to La Farge, Wisconsin to live with her mother's brother, Henry Smith."

In 1880 we find that George B. Robinson is married to Helen Dusenberry, John William is married to Elizabeth Tysinger, and Charles Harvey is married to Lydia Stoneburner and all are living 4 miles from Deavertown in McLuney. Mary Lydia is living with brother Charles Harvey and his wife in the 1880 census.
Mary Lydia married a Mr. Welch and lived her life in Deavertown, Ohio.

Ida A. married a Mr. Shell, and lived in San Diego, California.

In 1879 John William Robinson is a member of the Lodge at Deavertown. Then moves to Glouster Ohio where he is a blacksmith and owns his home and shop. He has a wife, children and lived out his life as a teacher of the blacksmith trade. John dies in Glouster, Athens County where he worked as a blacksmith up until 6 years before his death in 1942.

George stays in McLuney, Perry County and works in the San Toy Coal mine until he dies in 1927. There are several court documents about George and his son Lawrence that is injured while working as a minor in the San Toy coal mine and about a lawsuit they pressed and 500 dollars was received for the injury. He has children, and remarries several times after the death of his wife Hellen Dusenberry.

In 1934- Rose is treated to a surprise visit with her sisters from La Farge, Wisconsin who she had not seen in 53 years. The reunion took place in Somerset, Ohio. Attending the reunion was Samuel Robinson, brother, and sisters Mr. Lucy Melvin, Mrs. Alice Strait, Mrs. Mary Welch, and brother Charles Harvey. This was reported in the Somerset newspaper and also the Columbus, Ohio citizen, newspaper. Title of article was "Family reunited after 53 years".

In 1936 Rose Robinson signs as an informant on Charles Harvey's death certificate. They were living in Somerset, Reading Twp., Perry County, Ohio. Charles's wife Lydia Stoneburner had already passed away.

In 1948 Rose Robinson dies and gives the home she shared in Somerset with her brother Charles Harvey to her caretakers.

Edith Robinson was also the daughter of John Lee Robinson and Lydia Bishop. She married James Clowse and her family in the Athens county census was listed as:

1850 Athens county census
James W. Clause age 23 living with Fisher family Cabinetmaker

1860 Athens county census Lee twp. page 241
James W. Clause 33 Male Cabinetmaker 1000 200 Penn
Edith R. 30 Female Virginia
Silas L. 4 male Ohio
Ida 3 female Ohio


1870 Athens county census Lee twp. page 152B
James Clouse 42 male white Farmer 1500 200 Pennsylvania
Edith R. 40 female white keeping house Virginia
Selby 15 male white at school Virginia
Ida 12 female white at school Ohio
Lydia 7 female white at school Ohio
Savely F. 4 male white Ohio

1880 Athens county census York twp. page 147A
James W. Clouse white male 52 Cabinetmaker 6 Pa Pa
Edith white female 50 keeping house Va Va Va
Selby white male 24 at home Oh Pa Va
Ida white female 21 school teacher OH Pa Va
Lydia white female 16 attending school Oh Pa Va
Frank S. white male 11 at home Oh Pa Va

Edith and James divorced and their estate was divided.

For more information on this family and other Robinson's of this group including photo's, civil war records, the bible record, reunion newspaper, the letter from Rose Robinson, and much more, go to the Robinson family website:

Robinson Family Website by Robinson descendant and webmaster David Robinson

Names in the above site: Hudnall, Robinson, Haning, Chase, Jack, VanBibber, Lee, Clowse, Bolin, Bishop, Ellis, Crider, Walraven, Kelly, Cline, Kinney, Woodruff, Knowlton, Carsey, Williams, Hale, Moore, Darby, Harmon, Ackley, Holmes, West, Allen, Blackburn, Reeves and Wise.

Pratt's Fork

This is a very small town between Athens and Pomeroy, Ohio on state route 33 south of Athens. My Robinson ancestors from Fauqier county, Virginia, made Pratt's Fork their home between the years of 1840 and 1870. Pratt's Fork was called Mooretown before it was renamed to Pratt's Fork. There is a church high on a hill above the town and a few buildings on the main road. Behind the church is the Pratt's fork cemetery. The Athens county genealogical society has transcribed the cemetery and a copy of it can be purchased from them.

The above tombstones are starting to crumble away. They were purchased by my ancestor and their son Thomas William Robinson who was living in Deavertown at the time of his fathers death in 1871. The church and cemetery is difficult to get to, the driveway up the hill is extremely steep, quite frightening if you drive a mini van like I do. There are hundreds of people buried in the cemetery according to the many tombstones. The church is maintained by the township, it does not hold any services. When I was there last the pews were being removed and the church was being white washed.

John L. Robinson died 1-27-1871 76 years 5 months and 10 days Next to Lydia (Pratts Fork cemetery)
Lydia (Bishop) Robinson died 4-15-1867 76y 11 m 15 days next to John L. Robinson (Pratts Fork Cemetery).
Mary Susan Robinson died 2-25-1861 35 years dau. of John L. and Lydia Robinson (Pratts Fork Cemetery)
Edith R. (Edith Rebecca Robinson) Clouse died 11-1-1891 61 y Mother next to Mary S. Robinson (daughter of John Lee and Lydia Bishop Robinson divorced wife of James Clouse) (Pratts Fork Cemetery)
Thomas William Robinson died 1878 buried in the (New Jerusalem Church Cemetery Deavertown, Morgan county) (son of John Lee and Lydia Bishop Robinson)
Magdalena Haning Robinson died 2-10-1854 (1st wife of Thomas W. Robinson) (Woodyard Cemetery)
Sydner Robinson son of John and Lydia Robinson is listed in the Civil War Soldier's Muster Roll record book for Morgan county, York township as a member of the National Guards in 1864 located in the deed room of the Morgan county court house. Sydner married a Pletcher of Morgan county and he is buried in Iowa.

webmaster Sandra Mitchell Quinn

photographer and copyright owner of the above photo's

I have 2 letters from Waldren Williams of Pratts Fork, Ohio to Esbon Sloan of Carter County, Kentucky. Waldren was married to Esbon's sister, Orinda Sloan. Esbon and Orinda were children of John Sloan and Deborah Tubbs, who are buried in the Pratts Fork Cemetery.The letters were found in Esbon's bible. Esbon was my Great Grandfather. The letters were copied as written. I have the originals. Paul D. Roseberry

Pratts Fork, Ohio Jan. 16, 1885 Mr. Esbon Sloan, Dear, Sis We have not heard from you for so long that we are anchious to know how you all are. Hope you and family are all well, this leaves us all well. Sally as you know is living with us. I suppose without dout you have heard of uncle Oliver Sloans death which occured last spring. Jacob Hawk, is married to the widow Macnamee. Goyl is living with him. John is married and lives in Carthage Township this Co. Allen and Herman lives at present at Aunt Mariller Sloans. Bennetts two oldest boys are in the west, the oldest in Nebraska and the youngest in Missouri. Bunt is with his mother here the two girls as you know are married and live near by. We have had no word from Eli for a long time. We heard that Ina and Theopholis Sloan are both dead. Died in Missouri. David Hawk has been here from Illinois this winter. He reports five boys and three girls, eight in all (how is that for high)and all well and hearty. As for our children George lives at the Garden and has two children a girl and a boy. Sarah live near the Bedford Church and has two girls. The winter here has been quite open with but little snow as yet. This month sofar has been wet and warm. Wheat looks very backword and thin on the ground. Sally wants you to send her Doctor Cones Recipe for Indigestion or Dyspepsy if you have it. Now Esbon tell us about your Rail Road, its name and the distance to your nearest station and particular when we may look for you and Jane up here. I will agree to meet you at the Station any time you say. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain as ever Yours To Esbon Sloan and Family W. S. Williams

From: Paul Roseberry  

Athens County, OHGENWEB