Family History: Oviatts of McKean County, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Beverly Schonewolf. 4bevswolf@MAIL2.LCIA.COM USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. ____________________________________________________________ Descendants of Benjamin Oviatt Generation No. 1 1. Benjamin1 Oviatt (ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 1722 in Milford, New Haven Co, CT, USA1, and died 01 September 1791 in CT. He married Frances Warner 17 April 1744 in New Milford, Litchfield Co, CT, USA2, daughter of Ebenezer Warner and Martha Galpin. Notes for Benjamin Oviatt: "Benjamin Oviatt son of Thomas and Lydia (Kellogg) (Clark) was born ca 1722. He married 17 April Frances Warner who was born in Woodbury, CT 1726 daughter of Dr. Ebenezer and Martha (Galpin). Children all given in History of New Milford but Elisha which was given by descendant." from Families of Early Milford. References: Birth-Parents-Marriage-Children:Susan Woodruff Abbott;Families of Early Milford, CT;Baltimore;1979 Marriage- Barbour Index, New Milford Vital Records, Vol. LR5, P.7, performed by Joseph Minor, J.P. History of New Milford by Orcutt, p. 749 Cothern; History of Ancient Woodbury, CT, p.753-754 More About Benjamin Oviatt: Christened/Bapt.: 25 July 1725, New Milford, Litchfield Co, CT, USA Notes for Frances Warner: Frances Warner, ninth of ten children of Dr. Ebenezer and Martha Warner married Benjamin Oviatt of New Milford, CT. They were married by Joseph Minor, J.P. April 17, 1744, were members of the First Congregational Church of New Milford, CT in 1748 References: William Cothren, History of Ancient Woodbury, CT Waterbury, CT : Bronson Brothers, 1854, p. 753, 754. Birth- Woodbury Vital Records Vol.LR4 Marriage-Barbour Index, New Milford Vital Records, Vol.LR5 P.7. marriage performed by Joseph Minor, J.P. Birth-Parents-Children:Susan Woodruff Abbott;Families of Early Milford,CT;Baltimore;1979 Children of Benjamin Oviatt and Frances Warner are: 2 i. Amie2 Oviatt, born 11 March 1745/46 in New Milford, CT. 3 ii. Frances Oviatt, born 02 February 1747/48 in New Milford, CT. + 4 iii. Elisha Oviatt, born 03 August 1752 in New Milford, Litchfield, CT, USA; died 03 April 1831 in Scio, Allegany Co, NY, USA. 5 iv. Japheth Oviatt, born 29 September 1754 in New Milford, CT. 6 v. Naomi Oviatt, born 01 February 1757 in New Milford, CT. 7 vi. Benjamin Oviatt, born 03 May 1760 in New Milford, CT. 8 vii. Ebenezer Oviatt, born 03 May 1760 in New Milford, CT. 9 viii. Tamar Oviatt, born 08 May 1762 in New Milford, CT. Generation No. 2 4. Elisha2 Oviatt (Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 03 August 1752 in New Milford, Litchfield, CT, USA3,4, and died 03 April 1831 in Scio, Allegany Co, NY, USA5. He married Mary Barber 27 January 1777 in New Milford, Litchfield Co, CT, USA6, daughter of Daniel Barber and Naomi Barber. Notes for Elisha Oviatt: "Elisha Oviatt son of Benjamin and Frances (Warner) was born 3 August 1752 (family) and died Scio, NY 3 Apr 1831. He married CT 27 Jan 1777 Mary Barber who was born 12 Oct 1758 and died Scio NY 27 Jan 1833 perhaps daughter of Daniel and Naomi of Harwinton, CT. 1790 Census listed at Stephenstown, NY. Children given me by descendant." from Families of Early Milford CT. From Names and Sketches of the Pioneer Settlers of Madison County NY; by William H. Tuttle. Heart of Lakes Publishing, Interlaken, NY: Oveatt, Elisha. Lived in Peterboro 1807. Madison County was formed in 1806 from Chenango County, which was formed in 1798 from parts of Herkimer and Tioga Cos. They were formed from Montgomery Co. in 1791, which was called Tryon Co. before the Revolution. It was formed from Albany Co in 1772. Residence-Church:Early Settlers of New York State;Janet Wethy Foley;Genealogical Publishing Co.Inc.; Vol II; p.633,455. 1821 Elisha Oviatt and wife Mary were members of the Baptist Church of New Woodstock, Town of Cazenovia, Madison Co., NY, both dismissed (transferred) in 1827. In 1829 they joined the Baptist Church, Friendship, NY by letter, along with "Elder" Benjamin Oviate. New Woodstock contained 2 churches and 273 inhabitants when Gazateer was published. Cazenovia was formed March 5, 1795, De Ruyter was taken off in 1798, Smithfield in 1807. It is a rolling upland, broken by the valleys of Chittenango and Limestone Creeks. DeRuyter incorp. April 15, 1833 contained 3 churches, an academy , the DeRuyter Institute, under the care of the Seventh Day Baptist denomination. Peterboro also contained the Peterboro Academy. From the Genealogical and Personal History of Northern PA, edited by John W. Jordan, LL.D; Librarian of the Hostorical Society of PA; 1913; NY. Vol II, p. 605: The Oviatt family first settled in Connecticut, and from there this branch settled in Rensselaer County, NY. The first of whom there is definite record there is Elisha Oviatt. He was born 3 August 1752 it is supposed in CT. He later moved to New York state, settling in Rensselaer County. He married January 27, 1777, Mary Barber, born October 12, 1758. >From Gazateer of Towns in NY, p.119: Stephentown was formed from Rensselaerwyck, March 29, 1784, Petersburgh was taken off in 1791, and parts of Berlin in 1806. The History of Allegany Co. NY by Minard: Amity (now Belmont) and Scio NY were settled by people of Berlin, NY area. Pioneers attracted from 1805 on, old names from Rensselaer Co. NY, population less than 600, Seventh Day Baptist Church existed since May 15, 1834. Twenty four persons organized into a church 2 miles north of the later village of Scio called "The Amity Church" "Buell Oviatt" Unproven note: Elisha Oviatt was a cousin of Ethan Allen and carried by team the party that took Fort Ticonderoga. In response to a letter requesting info on the burial spot of Elisha and Frances Oviatt, William Greene, Allegany County Historian wrote: Rogers Cemetery is between Scio and Belmont. Elisha and his wife might well have been buried there, but a flood about 50 years ago washed out an unknown number of graves. (1982) Mrs. Maurine Hyde, genealogist, reported that she visited Scio and had gone through the Scio Town Cemetery Records but found no record of the burial spots of Elisha and Mary Oviatt. Birth-Marriage-Children-Death-Residence:Susan Woodruff Abbott;Families of Early Milford, CT;Baltimore;1979 Census-1790;US;NY;Albany Co.;Stephentown Town, First Census of the U.S. p.48, column 3, line 53, free white male over age 16. Census-1810;US;NY;Madison Co.;Smithfield; p.878, line 28, National Archives microfilm M-252, roll 28, age group 45 and over, (58) Census: 1820 U.S. Census, Madison Co., NY., DeRuyter; p 49, line 3; N.A. Microfilm M-33, Roll 73, engaged in agriculture, age 45 and over,(68). Census-1830, US;NY;Allegany Co;Amity, aged 70-80 (78); p.41, line 11. N.A. microfilm M-19, roll 84. Residence: 7 Nov 1807 witnessed a will in Madison Co. NY. Tree Talks Vol.8, No.4, Dec 1968, Madison Co. p.32, More About Elisha Oviatt: Migration: New Milford CT to Stephenstown, NY to Madison County NY to Allegany Co. NY Census Records: 1790 NY, 1810 NY, 1820 NY, 1830 NY Burial: Scio, NY, USA Notes for Mary Barber: Mary Barber was baptized in Dutchess County, NY, near Amenia in 1757, but she may have been born in Harwinton, CT. Her marriage date to Elisha Oviatt is January 27, 1777, her ten children born between 1780 and 1799. She died 27 January, 1833 in Scio, Allegany County, NY References: Birth-Marriage-Death-Parents-Children:Susan Woodruff Abbott;Families of Early Milford, CT, Baltimore;1979 Census-1790;US;NY Heads of Families;Albany Co;Stephentown Town; p.48, column 3 husband Elisha Oviatt listed with two females in household. (Mary age 32). Census-1810;US;NY;Madison Co; Smithfield; p.878, line 28, E. Ovitt listed with female 45 and over in household (Mary abt 52) National Archives Microfilm M-252 Roll 28. Census:1820 U.S.; Madison Co. NY, DeRuyter,p.49, line 3, Elisha Ovitt with female age 45 and over. N.A. microfilm M-33, Roll 73. Census-1830;US;NY;Allegany Co.;Amity; p.41, line 11, Elisha Oviatt and female age 70-80 (Mary age 72). N.A. film M-19, roll 84. Residence-1821 Elisha Oviatt and wife Mary members of the Baptist Church of New Woodstock, Town of Cazenovia, Madison Co., NY, both dismissed 1827. In 1829 they joined the Baptist Church, Friendship, NY by letter, along with son "Elder" Benjamin Oviate. Mary was baptized with brothers and sisters in 1757 at the Amenia Church of Christ in the Nine Partners, Dutchess Co., NY Ref: Janet Wethy Foley; Early Settlers of New York State Their Ancestors and Descendants; Vol II; Genealogy Publishing Co. p.633, 453 p. 776 More About Mary Barber: Christened/Bapt.: 1757, Amenia Church of Christ in the Nine Partners, Dutchess Co., NY Burial: Scio, NY, USA Children of Elisha Oviatt and Mary Barber are: 10 i. Frances3 Oviatt, born 22 February 1780 in NY; died 15 August 1856. She married William Davis. 11 ii. Sally Oviatt, born 13 October 1781 in NY; died 11 January 1867 in Hornell, NY. + 12 iii. Benjamin Franklin Oviatt, born 16 August 1783 in Berlin, Renssalaer Co, NY; died 18 July 1864 in Hornellsville, Steuben Co, NY. 13 iv. Naomi Oviatt, born 09 September 1785 in NY; died 15 March 1864 in NY. She married David Eymer. 14 v. Daniel Barber Oviatt, born 28 March 1787 in NY; died 15 August 1859 in Amity, Allegany Co. NY. He married Betsy Smith. 15 vi. Elisha Oviatt, born 19 July 1789 in NY; died 16 August 1847 in NY. He married Abigail Pears. 16 vii. William Oviatt, born 21 December 1791 in NY; died 30 December 1867 in NY. He married Betsy Lesuer. 17 viii. Mary Oviatt, born 13 August 1794 in NY; died 26 May 1872 in NY. She married Jesse Eddy 16 October 1816 in NY. 18 ix. Martha (Patty , Sally) Oviatt, born 19 April 1797 in NY; died 15 April 1858 in NY. She married Willett Hakes 1812 in NY. 19 x. Japheth Zophar Oviatt, born 29 April 1799 in NY. She married Abraham Miller. Generation No. 3 12. Benjamin Franklin3 Oviatt (Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 16 August 1783 in Berlin, Renssalaer Co, NY7,8, and died 18 July 1864 in Hornellsville, Steuben Co, NY9. He married (1) Frances Sweet 05 March 1804 in Berlin, Renssalaer Co, NY10, daughter of William Sweet and Patience Maxson. He married (2) Sally Bagley Aft. 1836 in NY, USA. Notes for Benjamin Franklin Oviatt: Benjamin Franklin Oviatt was born in the part of Albany County that became Rensselaer County in 1791. He married Frances Sweet from Berlin, NY, some of their children were born there. Although no trace of the Columbia (Bradford County, PA) Baptist Church book has been found, it was formed in 1812 from eastern immigrants and recent converts. They had no house of worship, but met usually at "Columbia Flats", now known as Sylvania. Benjamin Oviatt was pastor from 1819 to 1821. He performed 90 baptisms. Joseph Beaman was an Old School preacher there,(obviously the man for whom he named his son Joseph Beaman Oviatt). History of Bradford Co. PA p. 133. The Columbia and Wells church was recognized at the house of James Seely in 1821. Benjamin Oviatt was pastor in 1823 and Joseph Beaman in 1824. Bradford Co. History, p. 134. Benjamin served as supply pastor in 1860, a house of worship had been built in 1853. (History of Bradford Co., PA p. 134) The first clearing of the area was in 1795, with the first permanent settlers coming in 1799-1800. Columbia was part of Smithfield until 1814, the first post office was established in 1818, called Sylvania, later the name of the settlement. In 1819 the Rev Benjamin Oviatt came, and preached three years in the neighborhood, holding meetings in the school-house near Mr. Corey's, which was soon called "Baptist Hill", and in Samuel Edsall's barn. (History of Bradford Co.) Interestingly, in the 1820 census of Bradford Co., PA Benjamin Oviat is listed with one male 0-10, one male 10-16, one male 30-40, one female 0-10, one female 10-16. Son Ira was 16, son William was 13, daughter Frances was 8, Joseph B. was not born until 1823. No adult female was listed. He was well educated,a Baptist layman preacher. In 1840 a Baptist Church was organized by William and Benjamin Oviatt in Smethport, PA. It originated in Norwich Twp. PA 1836-37. The Smethport Courthouse was being built in 1826, after which the Elder Oviatt preached on the second floor of the building. Benjamin's wife died in 1836, her place of death listed as Amity, NY. The name of Amity was later changed to Belmont. Amity was formed from Angelica and Scio, Feb 22, 1830. The Genessee River flows through the valley with hilly summits 500 to 800 feet above. (Historical and Statistical Gazateer of NY State; Heart of Lakes Pub.) He married Sally Bagley soon after the death of Frances as they had children as soon as 1838. Benjamin died July 1864, and is buried at Hornell, NY "Rev. Benjamin Oviatt, son of Elisha Oviatt was born August 16, 1783, died at Alfred, NY July 1864. He was born and grew to manhood near Troy, NY, received a good education, and became a minister of the Baptist Church. He married at Alfred, Frances Sweet, born Sept 18, 1782." from Genealogical and Personal History of Northern PA, under editorial supervision of John W. Jordan, LL.D Librarian of the Historical Society of PA. 1913; NY. Vol 2; p.605. "Carrie Oviatt of Smethport, PA says her grandfather Benjamin Franklin Oviatt was a Baptist minister, preaching from the time he was 21 years of age. He was called Father Oviatt in that part of the state." (Notes from wife of grand nephew of Carrie Oviatt.) Benjamin Oviatt's obituary reads: 1864 Died: At his sister's in Hornersville, NY. July 17, 1864 where he was on a visit, after an illness of three days, Benjamin Oviatt, aged 80 years and 11 months. References: History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, published by L.H. Everts & Co., Philadelphia, 1878, p. 133, 134, 305. Families of Early Milford, CT, compiled by Susan Woodruff Abbott; 1979, Gen. Pub. Co. , Baltimore states: Benjamin Franklin Oviatt was bornn 15 Aug 1783 died Hornellsville, NY 18 Feb 1864 mar/1 1801 Frances Sweet mar/2 Sally Bagley. Child- William Sweet Oviatt-Smethport Centennial Booklet 1853-1953; Copy belonging to Beverly Oviatt Schonewolf Newsletter;Oviatt Reunion;April 15, 1993 issue Census-1790;US;NY, Albany Co., Stephentown, listed with father Elisha, 2 male children under 10,(Benjamin age 7). NY Heads of Families, Washington, 1908. Census-1820;US;PA;Bradford Co; Columbia Twp;p.99, line 26, age 37. National Archives microfilm M-33, roll 98. Census-1830; US; PA; McKean Co.; Keating Twp.; p.125, line 7, age 47. N.A. film M-19, roll 161. Census-1840; US; NY; Steuben Co.;Dansville; p. 016, line 4, age 57. N.A. film M-704, roll 340. Census-1860 Federal Census;NY;Chautauqua County;Busti;age 76, born in New York,living with 2nd wife Sally Bagsley and her son's family, p. 28, family 217, dwelling 217, line 9. N.A. film M-653, roll 731. Death- Obituary,copy in possession of Beverly Schonewolf. Family Bible. Birth-Marriage-Death:Susan Woodruff Abbott;Families of Early Milford, CT; Baltimore; 1979 Family Bible, published Buffalo, NY 1839, given to Frances Oviatt Williamson Oliver of Melrose, FL, lists birth and death. Residence:Will of Zacheus Salyer of Danby, Tompkins Co., NY, 1 Aug 1817 lists Benjamin Oviatt, Witness. More About Benjamin Franklin Oviatt: Burial: Southern Penn Hill Cemetery, Hornellville, NY Notes for Frances Sweet: Frances Sweet, daughter of William Sweet and Patience Maxson married Benjamin Franklin Oviatt 5 March 1804. They were not on the Tax list of Berlin for 1806. Her husband was a Baptist preacher. She died 10 June 1836, is recorded as being buried in Amity (now Belmont) Allegany County NY. References: Birth-Susan Woodruff Abbott; Families of Early Milford, CT;Baltimore;1979 Family Bible published in Buffalo, NY, 1839, belonged to daughter Frances. Marriage:Susan Woodruff Abbott;Families of Early Milford, CT;Baltimore;1979 Family Bible. Death-Family Bible. Census-1790; US; NY Heads of Families at First Census, p. 46, Albany Co., Stephentown, lists father William Sweet, (Frances age 8). Census-1820; US;PA; Bradford Co.; Columbia Twp. p.99, line 26 lists Benj. Oviat but no female in 38 yr age bracket, p.99, line 26. N.A. film M-33, roll 98. Census-1830; US;PA;McKean Co;Keating Twp; p.125, line 7, age 48,( female in 40-50 age bracket). N.A. film M-704, roll 340. Children:Mother of four children, listed in notes of husband Benjamin Oviatt. More About Frances Sweet: Burial: NY Children of Benjamin Oviatt and Frances Sweet are: 20 i. Ira A.4 Oviatt, born 08 December 1804 in NY11; died 01 July 1868 in UT. He married Ruth Fellows Bennett 29 September 1829 in NY. + 21 ii. William S. Oviatt, born 19 October 1807 in NY; died 03 April 1884 in PA. + 22 iii. Frances C Oviatt, born 07 February 1812 in NY; died 19 March 1893. + 23 iv. Joseph Beaman Oviatt, born 26 June 1823 in Berlin, Renssalaer Co, NY; died 23 October 1865 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA. Children of Benjamin Oviatt and Sally Bagley are: 24 i. Mary A4 Oviatt, born 12 July 1838. She married Gerry Britten. + 25 ii. Adoneran Judson Oviatt, born 12 January 1844; died 30 July 1912. Generation No. 4 21. William S.4 Oviatt (Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 19 October 1807 in NY12, and died 03 April 1884 in PA. He married Belinda Hall 26 February 1834. Children of William Oviatt and Belinda Hall are: 26 i. Benjamin5 Oviatt. + 27 ii. Sylvester Oviatt. 28 iii. Emma Oviatt. + 29 iv. William H Oviatt. 30 v. Frances M Oviatt. 31 vi. George Washington Oviatt. 32 vii. Sarah Oviatt. 33 viii. Ello O. Oviatt. + 34 ix. John L. Oviatt, born 1856; died 12 December 1918 in Smethport, McKean, PA, USA. 22. Frances C4 Oviatt (Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 07 February 1812 in NY13, and died 19 March 1893. She married John Ledenhurst Smith 09 May 1839. Children of Frances Oviatt and John Smith are: 35 i. Mary Francene5 Smith, born 18 January 1844. 36 ii. Sarah Elizabeth Smith, born 18 September 1849. 37 iii. Martha Jane Smith, born 20 January 1847. 38 iv. Frances Oviatt Smith, born 12 April 1840. 39 v. Fragillis Lucerne Smith, born 12 April 1840. 23. Joseph Beaman4 Oviatt (Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 26 June 1823 in Berlin, Renssalaer Co, NY14, and died 23 October 1865 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA15. He married Catherine Maria Stickles16 24 March 1846 in McKean Co, PA, daughter of Stephen Stickles and Elizabeth Teal. Notes for Joseph Beaman Oviatt: Joseph Beaman Oviatt is mentioned as a minor, in the settlement of the estate of his grandfather William Sweet in Albany County NY. Advertised in the Albany Evening Journal March 1840. Joseph Beaman Oviatt was born in 1823 in PA according to the 1850 and 1860 census, Berlin, Renssalaer County NY, according to other sources, son of Benjamin Franklin Oviatt and Frances Sweet. In 1830 when Joseph was seven, a Benjamin Oviatt was living in McKean County, Keating Township with among others, a 5 to 10 year old male. The Smethport Courthouse was being built in 1826, after which Elder (Benjamin) Oviatt preached on the second floor of the building. Joseph's mother died when he was thirteen, and when his grandfather Sweet died in 1840, he was under the special guardianship of Leland Crandall in Troy, NY. He married Catherine Maria Stickles in 1846, they had eleven children, he died when the youngest was six months old, he was just forty-two. He was a farmer, made trips to Buffalo, NY to trade goods, described in the diary he kept in 1847-48. He was one of northwest PA's first editors and was publisher of the "Settler and Pennon" in 1845, previously published by his brother William. The Oviatt emigration was from England, with various theories as to the origin of the name. The Oviatt ancestors include the families of Barber, Loomis, Alvord, Hoskins, Drake, Moore, Warner, Kellogg, Galpin, Bryan, Bouton, Howard, Brown, Bowling, Norton, Smith, Coggin, Newton, Gilette, all from England in the 1600's to CT and then to NY after the Revolutionary War. His mother's family, the Sweets and Maxsons were Welsh and English, settling in RI until after the Revolutionary War when they migrated to Renssalaer County, NY. They also arrived in the 1600's and included the family names of Congdon, Reynolds, Sherman, Gifford, Randall, Manchester, Wilcox, Stafford, Northrup, Clarke, Greene, Tattershall, Perriam, Hollyman, Hooker, Odding, Albro, Holden, Dungan, Latham, Crowell, Mosher, Hubbard, Cooper, Cocke, Morton, Holbrook and others in England. Joseph Beaman Oviatt is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport, PA. To demonstrate some of the hardships endured by the pioneers who came to McKean County in the early 1800's, I have taken excerpts from the Smethport Centennial Booklet: "The Norwich pioneers who came to Potato Creek Valley, and the early families who settled at Farmer's Valley and the Eldred Flats made their way by canoes and boats up the shallow and rapid mountain streams, or by horseback, or even by foot over roads that were in many places mere paths through a densly wooded wilderness. In R.B.Stone's "McKean, the Governor's County", we are told that during the first seventy-five years of the county's history, all the principal streams navigable by rafts or logs were declared public highways by Act of assembly. It is significant that many towns in this region have the word "port" attached to their names. The early settlers often endured privations in the way of inadequate shelter, clothing and food to the degree that life itself was often endangered. They were also cut off for weeks at a time from communication with friends and relatives in the older settlements along the Atlantic coast. The pioneers brought pressure to bear on the State Assembly to provide roads so that mails and essential goods might be brought into the wilderness. The first and most important of the early roads was the East and West road surveyed pursuant to act of Assembly of 1807. The State Legislature felt a need to connect the northern counties with a road running from the Moosic Mountain near the Delaware River to the city of Erie. Surveyed on the date given, it is probable that the road for some years was a mere trail with very few streams bridged. U.S. Route 6 follows that road across McKean County. As late as 1821 there were only 211 taxables living in the county. The first courthouse was built in 1825-26, a second in 1851, a third in 1881, which burned in 1940, however all valuable records had been stored in a fire-proof wing. From the Genealogical and Personal History of Northern PA; edited by John W. Jordan, LL.D, Librarian of the Historical Society of PA, 1913; NY. Vol II p. 605: "Beaman died in Farmer's Valley, PA; married Catherine Maria Stickles, of Keating Township; (children then listed)." And (William Sweet Oviatt) "came to Smethport and in 1839 established the Settler and Pennon, a paper continued in 1845 by J. B. Oviatt; vol.II, No.10, of the paper bears the date December 24, 1840." References: Personal diary of Joseph B. Oviatt 1847-1848, in possession of BJS Birth-Parents-Benjamin F. Oviatt Family Bible, pub. Buffalo, NY, 1849, given to Frances Margera (Oviatt) Williamson Oliver, granddaughter of George Edwin Oviatt, by her Great-aunt Sarah. Mrs. Oliver lived in Melrose, FL 32666. Marriage-Obituary of wife in Smethport newspaper, Dec. 1902, obituaries of children, William, George, Mary, Wilbur. Personal diary of J.B. Oviatt Census-1830;US;PA;McKean Co;Keating Twp.; p.125, father Benjamin listed on line 7, Joseph age 7, National Archives microfilm M-19, roll 161. Census-1840; US;PA; McKean Co, Keating Twp, p. 102, Joseph (age 17) probably with brother William as father Benjamin in Steuben Co. NY. N.A. film M-704 roll 475. Census-1850 US Census, McKean Co. PA, Keating Twp.,age 26, p.4, line 7, family 44, dwelling 44. N.A. film M-432, Roll 795. Census-1860 US; PA; McKean Co; Keating Twp.; p.718, line 8, family 1240, dwelling 1277, N.A. film M-653, roll 1138. Age 37. Copies of the "Settler and Pennon" were seen by Beverly Oviatt Schonewolf in 1980 at the McKean County Historical Society Museum at the Courthouse in Smethport PA: Vol 6 No 3 Aug 23, 1845, Vol 1 No 45 Aug 13, 1840, Vol 1 No 5 Nov 9, 1839, Vol 2 No 10 Dec 24, 1840, Vol 3 No. 26, published by William and Joseph B. Oviatt. Death-Tombstone, Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport, PA. Family Bible. Children of Joseph Oviatt and Catherine Stickles are: 40 i. Franklin5 Oviatt, born 26 May 1847 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 1859 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. + 41 ii. George Edwin Oviatt, born 09 March 1848 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 15 March 1938 in Jacksonville, FL. + 42 iii. John B. Oviatt, born 22 December 1850 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 1918 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. + 43 iv. Mary Elizabeth Oviatt, born 13 June 1852 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 30 June 1932 in East Smethport, PA. 44 v. William Allen Oviatt, born 03 November 1854 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 26 February 1915 in Smethport, McKean, PA, USA. + 45 vi. Belinda E. Oviatt, born 21 July 1856 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. + 46 vii. Wilbur Ira Oviatt, born 14 February 1858 in Keating Twp., McKean Co., PA, USA; died 27 June 1930 in Keating Twp., McKean Co., PA, USA. 47 viii. Ghordis C. Oviatt, born 19 June 1859 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 19 September 1919. He married Kathryn Clark 1916 in Bloomer, WI. + 48 ix. Ida A. Oviatt, born 09 May 1861 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 1948 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. 49 x. Carrie A. Oviatt, born 1863 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 1946 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. 50 xi. Sarah B. Oviatt, born 03 April 1865 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA; died 04 April 1957 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA17. She married M.L. Armstrong. 25. Adoneran Judson4 Oviatt (Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 12 January 184418, and died 30 July 1912. He married Celia Northup. Children of Adoneran Oviatt and Celia Northup are: 51 i. Bertha B5 Oviatt. 52 ii. Fred W Oviatt. Generation No. 5 27. Sylvester5 Oviatt (William S.4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE). Children of Sylvester Oviatt are: 53 i. William S6 Oviatt. 54 ii. Myrtie Oviatt. She married Fischer. 55 iii. Mae Oviatt. 56 iv. Grace D Oviatt. 57 v. Emma Lucretia Oviatt. 29. William H5 Oviatt (William S.4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE). Child of William H Oviatt is: 58 i. Mary6 Oviatt. 34. John L.5 Oviatt (William S.4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 1856, and died 12 December 1918 in Smethport, McKean, PA, USA. He married Victoria Day 03 September 1878. Children of John Oviatt and Victoria Day are: 59 i. Ruth6 Oviatt. She married Conner. 60 ii. Benjamin P. Oviatt. 61 iii.Emmet Oviatt. 62 iv.Burt Oviatt. 63 v. Lucy Oviatt. She married Miller. 64 vi.Helen Oviatt. 65 vii.Bee Oviatt. 41. George Edwin5 Oviatt (Joseph Beaman4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 09 March 1848 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA, and died 15 March 1938 in Jacksonville, FL. He married Marjorie Baldwin 1876. Notes for George Edwin Oviatt: George Edwin Oviatt learned the art of printing with his father who established and published the "Settler and Pennon" with his brother Wm. Sweet Oviatt. It was the first newspaper in the Smethport, PA area. Children of George Oviatt and Marjorie Baldwin are: 66 i. J. Beaman6 Oviatt. 67 ii. Cyrus Webster Oviatt. 68 iii.Evelyn Oviatt. She married Dickerson. 69 iv.George Oviatt. 70 v. Rose Oviatt. 71 vi.Grace Oviatt. She married Reigraf. 42. John B.5 Oviatt (Joseph Beaman4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 22 December 1850 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA, and died 1918 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. He married Hattie Kimball 10 October 1875. Notes for John B. Oviatt: John B. Oviatt remained at home with his parents until he was twenty one years of age, when he went to Roulette, PA where he was employed by leroy Lyman in hunting and working on his farm. From Roulette, he went to Alfred Center NY where he finished his education. He returned to Norwich township and engaged as a laborer. Children of John Oviatt and Hattie Kimball are: 72 i. Frank6 Oviatt. 73 ii. Milo Oviatt. 74 iii.Jesse Oviatt. 43. Mary Elizabeth5 Oviatt (Joseph Beaman4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 13 June 1852 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA, and died 30 June 1932 in East Smethport, PA. She married Byron Acre Abt. 1882. Children of Mary Oviatt and Byron Acre are: 75 i. Thomas F6 Oviatt, born 23 May 1875; died 1934. He married (1) Myrtle Evans. He married (2) Belle Butterfield. 76 ii. Seeley Acre, born 16 September 1883; died 27 December 1949. He married (1) Susie Stanton. He married (2) Mary Margaret Shaner. 77 iii. Carrie Acre, born 12 March 1885 in Smethport, McKean, PA, USA; died 07 August 1945 in Gustavus, Trumbull Co. OH. She married Nelson Hyde 05 October 1907 in Olean, NY. 78 iv. Lorena Acre, born 12 December 1886; died 1954. She married Frank Canfield. 79 v. Hazel Acre, born 19 February 1889; died 1922. She married Harry Horbeck. 80 vi. Lytle Acre, born 13 January 1895 in Smethport, McKean, PA, USA; died 19 September 1980 in Smethport, McKean, PA, USA. She married Obed Ingram 12 October 1911 in Olean, NY. 45. Belinda E.5 Oviatt (Joseph Beaman4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 21 July 1856 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. She married Hyde. Children of Belinda Oviatt and Hyde are: 81 i. Beaman6 Hyde. He married Rose. 82 ii. Phoebe Hyde. She married Orson Nourse. 46. Wilbur Ira5 Oviatt (Joseph Beaman4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 14 February 1858 in Keating Twp., McKean Co., PA, USA19, and died 27 June 1930 in Keating Twp., McKean Co., PA, USA20,21. He married Addie May Rockwell 18 May 1880 in Smethport, McKean Co, PA, USA22, daughter of Samuel Rockwell and Mary Underwood. Notes for Wilbur Ira Oviatt: >From the obituary of Wilbur I. Oviatt, Smethport, PA: Wilbur was born at the Oviatt homestead in Keating Township where he lived his boyhood years and received a good education. His father died when he was a mere boy,leaving ten children. His father was a pioneer of the area, and one of northwestern Pennsylvania's first editors and publisher of the "Settler and Pennon" a forerunner of the McKean County Democrat newspaper. By the hard work of his mother and help from good neighbors, his family was kept together. Early in life those natural qualities of leadership that made a prominent county figure asserted themselves. He had barely entered young manhood's estate when he was elected road supervisor by the Keating Township voters. In this office he built some of the best roads of this vacinity, including the dug-road below East Main Street on the Farmers Valley Highway, and so well did he perform the task that those roads are in steady use today. He had served the township well in nearly every public capacity and had repeatedly served terms as school director and had been pronounced by state educational experts to be one of the most capable township directors. It was due to his fighting proclivities that the beautiful Farmer's Valley Consolidated School was completed in shape for acceptance last year and he led the movement for the erection of the second Keating Consolidated School, now being built at Simpson. Up to the time of his death he served efficiently as secretary of the school board. He was elected and capably served several terms as auditor of McKean County and on two occasions was within a few votes of being elected county commissioner. Last fall he was elected jury commissioner after an exciting race in which, despite threatening health, he demonstrated anew his old time prowess as a political campaigner. Kindliness, generosity, sympathy and an unswerving loyalty to friends and courage of his convictions caused Wilbur Oviatt to be held in affectionate regard by a legion of friends. His cordial personality will be sadly missed in local circles. He was a democrat of the old school, with whom the great human principles of Jefferson were more than a mere credo. He fought fearlessly and with all his might - but always fairly - for what he considered the cause of justice and right. He held alike the respect of friend and opponent. Of no true man can more be said. He had always occupied a position of leadership in party affairs of the county and up to last year was a vice chairman of the county committee. A devoted husband and father, his home life was ever the phase which found hospitable Wilbur Oviatt at his best. In business he was most successful, not only as a builder, but a mover of buildings. He possessed a natural ability as an engineer which enabled him to intelligently perform exacting assignments. He was a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows and ranked high in the affairs of that fraternity in this section. Deceased was a loyal friend and kind-hearted; no favor asked of him that was not granted, if possible. Following the evening repast he complained of not feeling well to members of the family and soon thereafter was seized with the fatal attack. Dr. Burg Chadwick was hastily summoned, but life was extinct by the time the physician reached the stricken man's side. The popular citizen had been subject to similar attacks extending over a period of two years back. Despite this fact, it was characteristic of the courage and energy of the man that he continued an active career and lately had been engaged in moving a number of buildings for McKean County along the right-of-way of the new Smethport-Simpson highway. He had been about town Friday as usual. Wilbur Ira Oviatt was born in Keating Township, McKean County, PA in 1858, son of Joseph Beaman Oviatt and Catherine Marie Stickles, seventh of eleven children. His father died when he was seven years old. He is one of very few ancestors who stayed in one place, as he can be found in every census of McKean County from 1860 to 1920. In 1880 at age 22 he was working for Samuel Rockwell, married his daughter. The amazing thing about that is that eight generations and 240 years earlier, they had common ancestors John Drake and Hannah Moore, Addie Rockwell descended from their son Job Drake, and Wilbur descended from their daughter Ruth Drake. Wilbur was a farmer, logger, contractor, road builder and house mover. He was a Democratic political leader, jury commissioner, road supervisor, township director, school board director and secretary, McKean County auditor, vice-chairman of the McKean County Democratic Committee and a member of the Odd Fellows. See Joseph Oviatt for Oviatt history. Wilbur died at age seventy-two, is buried in Smethport, PA. References: Birth- Oral interview of son A.L.Oviatt, obituary of Wilbur Oviatt in Smethport, PA Newspaper following death in June 1930 Marriage-Obituary in Smethport, PA Newspaper, June 1930 Death-Death certificate PA. Obituary in Smethport, PA Newspaper, June 1930, estate inventory of Wilbur Oviatt, copy in possession of Beverly Schonewolf Census records Keating Twp. McKean Co PA, 1860 age 3,p.718 , line 15, Microfilm M-653, roll 1138; 1870 age 12, p. 695, line 24 (Erroneously listed as Miller) Film M-593, roll 1372; 1880 age 22, p. 40, line 28, living with future father-in-law Sam Rockwell, as "servant", film T-9 roll 1154; 1900 age 42, p. 2819, line 8, film T-623, roll 1439; 1910, age 52, p.?, line 51, film T-624, roll 1374; 1920 age 62, p.2, line 1, film T-625, roll 1600. Letters to son Alfred during WW I, copies in possession of BJS More About Wilbur Ira Oviatt: Cause of Death: Chronic valvular disease Heart Notes for Addie May Rockwell: Addie May (Rockwell) Oviatt was born in 1864, also during the Civil War, daughter of Samuel Rockwell and Mary Ann Underwood. She was born in Cincinnatus, Cortland County, NY, lived in Broome County at age 6, was moved to McKean County, PA between 1870 and 1875 where she met Wilbur Oviatt as he worked for her father. They were married when she was sixteen, in 1880. Except for a brief time that they were in Wisconsin logging, the family lived in Farmers Valley, McKean County, PA. She took in washing and ironing for fifty cents to a dollar per week while she raised ten children, saving her money to buy a parlor organ. Her family is interesting in that most of our Revolutionary War patriots are found in these families. Most of these people were farmers from CT and RI who settled on the military tracts in Cortland County after the war. They were the Underwood, Wood, Crouch, Johnson, Abbe, Mason, Marcy, Ainsworth, Dudley, Leach and Allen families from CT and MA. and the Stafford, Hopkins, Sprague, Bennett, Whitman, Herndon, Arnold, Gorton, Whipple Tower, Holden, Dungan, Latham, Barker, Burton, Wickes and Allen families of RI and MA. These people were all of English origin, all emigrated in the 1600's to New England, all interesting stories to tell. Addie Rockwell died at age sixty-two, is buried in Smethport, PA. Addie married Wilbur Oviatt at age sixteen in the Rockwell House in Smethport PA. The ceremony was performed by G.M. Smith Esq. In the mid 1880's she went to Wisconsin with her husband, who was logging there. They returned to East Smethport, lived in Keating Township the rest of their lives. In 1917 she made a trip to Oklahoma to see her children who had moved there. She is credited with having said that her husband had never seen her bare feet. >From her obituary: The deceased lady was born at East Freetown Cortland County NY 21 May 1864 and located with her parents in Smethport in 1871, marrying Wilbur Oviatt, well known local contractor in early life. She was a woman of lovely character and highly revered by all. References: Letter to son Robert Oviatt in possession of BJS Account book Birth-Interview of son Alfred L. Oviatt, obituary of Addie Rockwell Oviatt in Smethport Newspaper Feb 1926 Marriage-Obituary of husband Wilbur Oviatt in Smethport Newspaper June 1930 Death- Obituary in Smethport Newspaper Feb 1926 Census-Triangle, Broome Co., NY, 1870 age 6,p. 24, line 7, Microfilm M-593, roll 907; 1880 Census Smethport, McKean Co., PA age 16, p. 40, line 22, film T-9, roll 1153/54; 1900 Census, Keating Twp., Mc Kean Co., PA., p. 2819, line 9, film T-623, roll 1439; 1910 Census, same residence, p. ?, line 52, film T-624, roll 1374 1920 same residence, p. 2, line 2, film T-625, roll 1600. More About Addie May Rockwell: Burial: 23 February 1926, Rose Hill Cem, Smethport, PA, USA Children of Wilbur Oviatt and Addie Rockwell are: 83 i. Myrtle Belle6 Oviatt, born 28 August 1881 in Keating Twp, McKean Co,PA, USA; died 04 March 1972 in Stroud, Lincoln Co, OK, USA23. She married Harry G Shreiber 18 May 1907 in Smethport, McKean Co, PA, USA. Notes for Myrtle Belle Oviatt: References: Census records Obituary and mourning cards In 1940 Myrtle and Harry moved to Stroud OK from Okmulgee OK They were members of the First Baptist Church of Stroud OK, Myrtle was a member of Rebekah Lodge No.89. She had no children, is buried in the Stroud, OK Cemetery. More About Myrtle Belle Oviatt: died 08 March 1972, Stroud Cem, Stroud, OK, USA More About Harry G Shreiber: died 04 October 1976, Stroud Cemetery, Stroud, OK, USA 84 ii. Pearl Ruby Oviatt, born 11 December 1883 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA; died 14 December 1982 in Carmichael, Sacramento Co, CA, USA24. She married Murry Hooker 01 May 1905. Notes for Pearl Ruby Oviatt: References: Pearl Oviatt Hooker, Death Certificate #3400 Pearl was divorced in 1925, worked at a hotel and at a pecan shop in Beggs OK. She had lived in Findlay, OH and California. Her daughter graduated from high school in Beggs in 1927. Pearl lived with her sister, caring for her and then her husband (Kit and Glen Burton) in the 50's and 60's. She moved to California and lived near her daughter until her death at age 99. She died in Carmichael, CA, is buried at East Lawn Sierra Hills, Sacramento, CA. 85 iii. Kathryn Elizabeth Oviatt, born 02 January 1888 in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Co, WI, USA; died 02 May 1955 in Smethport, McKean Co, PA, USA. She married Glenn Burton 18 June 1908 in Smethport, PA, USA. Notes for Glenn Burton: References: Jack Burton, Mourning Cards 86 iv. Robert Elbridge Oviatt, born 09 April 1890 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA; died 06 March 1971 in San Bernardino, San Bernardino C, CA, USA25. He married Eva Haines Davis 03 July 1915 in Henrietta, OK, USA. Notes for Robert Elbridge Oviatt: References: A.L. Oviatt, Jack Burton, mourning cards Bob and Eva lived in Okmulgee OK, Smethport PA, and San Bernardino CA . He is buried in Montecito Memorial Park, San Bernardino, CA. 87 v. Blanche Lenora Oviatt, born 01 March 1893 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA26; died 19 December 1939 in McKean Co, PA, USA. She married Thomas Bryan 10 January 1920. Notes for Blanche Lenora Oviatt: References: A.L. Oviatt, Jack Burton Blanche and Tom lived in Morris OK, returned to PA in 1929 to Smethport, until Blanche's death. Tom lived in Detroit MI after her death, living until 1978. 88 vi. George Rockwell Oviatt, born 03 April 1896 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA27; died 19 November 1955 in East Smethport, McKean Co, PA, USA. He married Cecile Burdick 24 October 1920 in Smethport, McKean, PA, USA. Notes for George Rockwell Oviatt: References: Dona Oviatt George and Cecile lived, eventually, in the old family homestead in East Smethport, Keating Twp. George was employed by the Water Company, was superintendent at the time of his retirement. He is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Smethport, PA. 89 vii. Alfred Lee Oviatt, born 22 February 1898 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA28,29; died 15 December 1975 in Dauphin, Dauphin, PA, USA30,31. He married Helen Oliver Mather32 25 December 1920 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Co, OK, USA33. Notes for Alfred Lee Oviatt: Alfred L. Oviatt was the seventh child of Wilbur and Addie May Rockwell. The family home had burned before he was born. While a new house was being built, they lived at King's Corner in East Smethport where he was born. They also lived in their barn in 1901 when sister Clara was born, moving into the new house later that year. He had pneumonia when he was three years of age and again when he was twelve, was seriously ill with each episode. He went to high school for two years, but at the age of sixteen he went to Grove City, PA to work in a machine shop. He enlisted in the National Guard in December 1916, was mustered into the regular army when the U.S. entered World War I. He had basic training at Camp Hancock in Georgia the summer of 1917, shipped out 7 May 1918 from New York on the H.M.S. Acquaintania, landed at Liverpool, England 14 May 1918. From there he was sent to Calais, France. He participated in five major campaigns in France with the 28th Division of PA Company M, 112th Infantry. He received battle medals from Champagne Marne, Aisne Marne, Oise Marne, Meuse Argonne, and Defense Sector to Luxembourg. At one point while fighting in France, he met a French soldier named Alfred L. Oviatt. He returned to the U.S. on the USS Pocohontas, landed 30 April 1919, was discharged in May 1919. Before he went overseas, he marched in the inagural parade for Woodrow Wilson. When he returned to McKean County, he ran for sheriff on the Democratic Party ticket, losing with the biggest vote a democrat had ever received in that county. He went to Oklahoma for work in the oil fields, sent for fiancee Helen Mather and married her there in 1920. When there was no work there, they returned to PA. He found work in Bradford PA with the Sam Aurheim Construction Company, then Tuna Mfg. Co., building the Y.M.C.A. in Bradford. He worked for Strayer Construction Co. in Bethlehem, PA, where he built the roundhouse for the Central Railroad of New Jersey. In Harrisburg, PA, he worked on the state hospital employees cottages and the Zembo Mosque on Division Street, first as general foreman then promoted to Superintendent. Strayer folded during the depression but ALO found work with Abe Hertzler, building a Lutheran Church, a bridge at Jersey Shore, PA., a building at the Naval Academy in Harrisburg and other odd jobs. Between jobs he found work where he could, so was never entirely out of work during the depression. He went to work for J.B. Eurell Co. at Langley Field as superintendent to build the first high speed wind tunnel in the USA. Because it was a new venture, the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics was involved, and through it, Alfred met Charles Lindburgh and someone from the Wright family. It was on this job that he lost one and a half fingers. He then went to South Carolina to work at the Charleston Naval Base. From there the family made the move to Dauphin. ALO worked on several small jobs, then he went to work for Harold Hipple restoring the Cyrus McCormick Mill and Blacksmith Shop where the first reaper was made in Steel's Tavern, near Staunton, VA. Back with Abe Hertzler, then Ritter Brothers, he worked at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland, built a pumping station with the Boyd Kline Construction Co. He worked for C.C. Davis at Winchester VA, built the O'Sullivan Rubber Heel Plant. Back in Harrisburg, he built the L.B. Smith Lincoln Mercury Garage on N.Second Street and the BenMar Building on Pine Street. In 1955 he built the State Dept. of Property and Supplies Building on State Street and in 1956 the Turnpike Administration Building at Highspire for the John Ridelle Construction Co. after C.C.Davis folded. He fractured his hip in an auto accident, and unable to get around as superintendent in 1957 he went to work for the State Public School Building Authority as a building inspector. He retired from the State in 1965. After retirement he refused to slow down, maintained a large garden, restored antique furniture, continued to serve in the community of Dauphin, PA. References: Birth-Marriage-Children-Parents:oral interview with Alferd L. Oviatt, July 1972 Dauphin, Dauphin Co PA, conducted and transcribed by Beverly Oviatt Schonewolf. Birth Record McKean Co. PA, issued 17 April, 1942, delayed Census-1900 US age 2 b. Feb 1898 in PA, living with parents in PA, McKean Co., Keating Twp., census taken 5 and 6 June 1900,pg 2819, family 66,dwelling 61. Census-1910 US age 12, living with parents in PA, McKean Co., Keating Twp., born in PA, attended school, census taken 27 Apr 1910, dist 17, E.D. 129, family 78, dwelling 70. Census-1920 US age 21 living with parents in PA, McKean County, Keating Twp. born in PA, no occupation listed, census taken Jan 13 and 14, 1920, film 1600, pg 252 or 3201, family 77, dwelling 66, East Potato Creek Rd. Employment records 1940-1956 kept by Helen Oviatt, belonging to B.Schonewolf Marriage-Parents-Spouse: Marriage application, license, certificate;obtained from the Oklahoma County Courthouse, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Death- Death Certificate No. 255781 PA Dept. of Health Spouse-Children: Obituary of Alfred L Oviatt;Patriot Evening News Military-Parents: Letters to parents from France WWI and from Parents to ALO dated. Originals in possession of Jeanne Oviatt Rudy, photocopies in possession of Beverly Oviatt Schonewolf Picture of transport ships to and from Europe-Anuta,Michael;Ships of our Ancestors;1983.(Aquatania and Pocohontas) Notes for Helen Oliver Mather: Helen Oliver (Mather) Oviatt was born in 1899, daughter of Ida Myers and Joseph Mather, on their farm near Middlebury, IN. When she was nine months old, they moved from the farm into a house in the town of Middlebury, and in 1907 into a large new home built by Joseph Mather, also in Middlebury. In 1911 the family moved to Weatherford, OK, lived in a seven-gabled house at the end of Broadway Street. She finished high school there and took courses at Southwestern State Normal School in Weatherford. In 1917 when the family moved to Howard, KA, she went to Kansas State Normal School in Emporia, KA, graduating in 1918. She moved to Newtown, MO for the summer, before taking her first teaching job at Muscotah, KS for $60.00 per month. She kept a letter of introduction/reference from Kansas State Normal School dated 6/1/1918 that states: Miss Helen Mather has been a student in one of my classes during the past school year. She has proved herself an untiring worker, of more than average ability, with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. She is what might be called a "go-getter" and leaves no stone unturned until she accomplishes her purpose. She shows good judgement, a reasonable amount of tact and I think she will develop into a good high school teacher. She is a young lady of pleasing address, good personal appearance, full of life without being frivolous and, I think, will have a good influence upon the young people of the community. W.L. Holtz. Dept. of Latin In the spring of 1919 her parents moved to McKean County PA. She followed in July of 1919, after visiting everyone she knew in the mid-west, to avoid moving to McKean County. She met Alfred L. Oviatt that summer, was engaged to him that September on her birthday, and stated she would have married him right away, but he had to pay back $150.00 in campaign debts for his unsuccessful bid for Sheriff of McKean County She taught in East Smethport for two months, then went to Freedom, NY for a salary of $75.00 per month through June 1920. She started the next year at Mt. Jewett for $100.00 per month, but resigned, and went to Stroud, OK to marry Alfred Oviatt in Oklahoma City, OK on Christmas Day 1920. He had gone to OK for construction work in the oil fields. The lived with relatives until Easter 1921 when they returned to Smethport, PA. They lived in Bradford and Smethport PA , dependent upon construction work, until 1927 when they moved to Bethlehem, PA. Following jobs, they lived in Harrisburg, Stoney Creek, Middletown, all in PA, then Buckroe Beach, VA., Charleston, SC., eventually buying a house in Dauphin, PA in 1936. Helen worked in a grocery store in Dauphin, did substitute teaching, was a Girl Scout leader, served on the school board, was secretary of the board for seventeen years. She belonged to the Stoney Creek Social Club, Missionary and MITE societies, Sunshine Club, and ran successfully for tax collector at the age of 77, after filling out Alfred's term as tax collector. She did every sort of needlework, caned and rushed chairs, reupholstered furniture, trimmed hedges, gardened, canned foods, played piano, loved word games and puzzles, always busy, always tried to do right. She died in Dauphin at age eighty one, is buried in Dauphin, PA. References: Birth-Delayed Birth Certificate issued by Elkhart County Department of Health, Goshen, Indiana on 10 April 1942 Marriage-application, license, and certificate issued in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, OK, Dec 24 and 25, 1920, married by I.F. Roach Death-Death certificate 2500818 PA Dept of Health. Obituary, Harrisburg Patriot News, July 14, 1981. Will recorded Dauphin Co. Courthouse, Harrisburg, PA. Census-1900, US, IN, Elkhart Co, Middlebury twp. living with parents, age 8 months, b. Sept 1899 in IN. Family 18, dwelling 18. Census-1910, US, IN, Elkhart Co., Middlebury Twp.,living with parents, dist.13 E.D.41,Dwelling 128,Family 132, Page 1751. Census-1920, US, PA, McKean Co, Keating Twp.,Film 1600,pg 0251,dwelling 77, family 88, age 20, living with parents, single, no occupation listed in Jan 1920 More About Helen Oliver Mather: Burial: 15 July 1981, Dauphin Cemetery, Dauphin, PA, USA 90 viii. Clara May Oviatt, born 22 May 1901 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA; died 26 August 1926 in Bradford, McKean Co, PA, USA34. She married Harry Knauff 25 July 1925 in Smethport, McKean Co, PA, USA. Notes for Clara May Oviatt: References: Obituary of Clara Oviatt Knauff A.L.Oviatt >From Clara's obituary: Mrs. Harris Knauff died at the Bradford Hospital Thursday afternoon at 3:00 after an illness of eight weeks duration which followed a major surgical operation at that institution. She lived at East Smethport until her marriage, when the couple moved to Bradford. Her husband was from Williamsport PA. For a number of years Clara was an employee of the local Bell Telephone exchange. Always of a happy, vivacious nature, she made a wide circle of friends. During her long illness Mrs. Knauff displayed indomitable courage in the manner in which she carried on the grim fight for life against hopeless odds, causing the surgeons to marvel several times at her remarkable rallies when they had decided that the end was at hand. Her funeral services were held at the family home and at the United Brethern Church, Rev. Chase officiating. They had no children. She is buried in the Oviatt plot in Rosehill Cemetery, Smethport, PA. 91 ix. Wilbur Russell Oviatt, born 09 June 1905 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA; died 10 November 1910 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA35. Notes for Wilbur Russell Oviatt: References: A.L.Oviatt Obituary of Russell Oviatt: Death of a Dear Little Boy Death invaded the home of ex-County Auditor and Mrs. W.I. Oviatt Wednesday, (Nov 10, 1910) at 6p.m., and removed from the family circle little Wilbur Russell, aged about five years. The little fellow was stricken last Friday with pneumonia, and death came to his relief at the time above stated. This little boy, while he was the possessor of an unusually bright and alert intellect, had always been delicate in physique, and was the flower of his devoted parents. Besides being the possessor of a bright mind, he was most affectionate in nature, and was his father's pride. Little Wilbur had, during the past three years, been the bed fellow of his father, and the heart broken parent informed the writer this morning that every night he would entwine his little arms about him and say, "Papa I love you," an expression that carries conviction to the heart of any parent of the filial devotion of the loved one. To the grief stricken parents, brothers and sisters, the " Democrat " extends its most profound sympathy in their hour of deep sorrow. The funeral will be held at the Union church, East Smethport, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and the remains of this dear little boy will be laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery. More About Wilbur Russell Oviatt: died 12 November 1910, Rose Hill Cem, Smethport, PA, USA 92 x. Clinton Lloyd Oviatt, born 05 April 1908 in Keating Twp, McKean Co, PA, USA; died 04 December 1964 in Oil City, Venango Co, PA, USA36. He married Marie Cole 15 January 1931. Notes for Clinton Lloyd Oviatt: References; A.L.Oviatt, Helen Oviatt, Obituary of Clint Oviatt Clint married Marie Cole who was from Richburg, NY. He was employed at Bolivar, NY in water well drilling contract work with his brothers, and then engaged in the building trade. He worked for Quaker State Refinery at Farmers Valley during WW II and then at Koppers Co. Inc. Kabuta Plant at Beaver PA He moved to Oil City PA in 1946 or 47, where he served as supervisor of the Koppers Co. Plant. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, a member of Petrolia Lodge 363, F & AM and the Venango Lodge of Perfection of Oil City and the Coudersport Consistory. He is buried at McKean Memorial Park at Mt. Alton. 48. Ida A.5 Oviatt (Joseph Beaman4, Benjamin Franklin3, Elisha2, Benjamin1, ThomasA, ThomasB, ThomasC, JohnD, JohnE) was born 09 May 1861 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA, and died 1948 in Smethport, McKean Co. PA. She married J.W. Pickersgill. Children of Ida Oviatt and J.W. Pickersgill are: 93 i. Aletha6 Pickersgill. 94 ii. Arthur Pickersgill. Endnotes 1. Families of Early Milford 2. New Milford CT Vital Records Vol. LR5 P. 7, 5Families of Early Milford, CT 3. Families of Early MilfordGen. and Personal History of Northern PA 4. McKean County Historical Society. 5. Families of Early Milford 6. Families of Early MilfordGen. and Personal History of Northern PA 7. Families of Early MilfordFamily Bible 8. Standard of American Bible Society, Family Register, Holy Bible, (1839; Buffalo; W.B. Hayden). 9. Families of Early Milford, obituaryFamily Bible states 17 July 1864 10. Family Bible 11. Standard of American Bible Society, Family Register, Holy Bible, (1839; Buffalo; W.B. Hayden). 12. Standard of American Bible Society, Family Register, Holy Bible, (1839; Buffalo; W.B. Hayden). 13. Standard of American Bible Society, Family Register, Holy Bible, (1839; Buffalo; W.B. Hayden). 14. Bible record 15. Bible record 16. Diary of Joseph B. Oviatt 1847-1848, Smethport, PA. 17. obituary 18. Standard of American Bible Society, Family Register, Holy Bible, (1839; Buffalo; W.B. Hayden). 19. Obituary 20. Death certificate Obituary 21. Obituary of Wilbur Oviatt, Smethport, PA. 22. ObituaryCensusDeath certificate 23. obituary 24. death certificate 25. obituary 26. McKean Co. Register of Births 27. McKean Co. Register of Births 28. Birth certificateMcKean County Register of Births 29. Birth Certificate of Alfred L. Oviatt, Keating Twp., McKean Co., PA. 30. Death certificate 31. Obituary of Alfred l. Oviatt, Harrisburg Patriot News, Harrisburg, PA. 32. Birth Certificate of Helen Mather, Elkhart Co., IN. 33. Marriage certificate 34. obituary 35. obituary 36. Obituary