1. MICHAEL¹ SOMER was born Abt. 1685 in Germany. He married CATARINE ELIZA. She was born Abt. 1690 in Germany (Deutschland).

Notes for MICHAEL SOMER:

info on Summers family from Summers genealogist Judy Buss at RootsWeb.com site; Summers researcher Jack Ott: http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~jackott/summers.htm; Gene Cover: coverg at swbell.net; from Clay Taylor at RootsWeb.com, claytaylor at starband.net, etc.

from Judy Buss:

       "Michael and Catarine Eliza Somer arrived in the port of Philadelphia on 10/8/1737 aboard the ship 'Charming Nancy' from Rotterdam, Holland. They had come to join their son Adam who had come to Philadelphia in 1728. They traveled with their daughter-in-law, Maria Margaretha (Mentz) Somer, Maria's parents, Geroge and Eva Margaretha Mentz and their grandson Johannes John Somer. Their son Johann Georg Sommer would come to Philadelphia the following year."

The title for the Palatinate/Rhineland area is marked in orange on the map at right.  Rotterdam is in yellow upper left; the Rhine River in dark gray.  Rotterdam, the old section of which is pictured above, was a major exit port for many emigrants from Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Switzerland.

More About MICHAEL SOMER:

Fact 1: traveled with daughter-in-law Maria Margaretha Mentz Somer, Maria's parents, and their grandson Johannes John Somer;

Immigration: October 8, 1737, aboard "Charming Nancy" to port of Philadelphia with wife Catarine;

Children of MICHAEL SOMER and CATARINE ELIZA are:

Notes for JOHANN GEORG (HANS JORG) SOMMER:

from Darrell Groves, dkwgroves@yahoo.com at RootsWeb.com site:
        "Georg and his family followed the 'Great Wagon Road' south to Virginia and on August 12, 1766 he received a land grant for 442 acres at Toms Brook near the present site of Fisher Hill, Shenandoah County, VA.

from the Shenandoah Co., VA GenWeb Project, a picture of the Shenandoah Valley by Jan & Sonny Hood below;

        George Sommer of Shenandoah County wrote a will on June 19, 1782. The will was probated on April 26, 1787--
                     "In the name of GOD Amen, I George Sommer of Shenandoah County in the State of Virginia being at present of sound and disposing mind and memory and sensible of this mental life.  I do hereby publish declare make and constitute this my last will and testament as followith Viz} first my will and desire is that all of my debts together with my funeral expenses be paid & discharged as soon as convenient after my decease by my Executor herein after nominated and appointed to this my last will and testament. Secondly I do give and bequeath to my dear beloved wife Mary Margaretha Sommer during her natural life one full third of my real and personal Estate after my decease or if she shall chose her maintenance from out of her third of my Estate with my son Andrew Sommer if they should so agree that is say my said wife Mary Margaretha Sommer shall one full third part of my Estate upon the plantation where I now live in the County of Shenandoah in the state aforesaid during hernatural life and after her decease the same shall descend to my said son Andrew Sommer provided that if my if my said wife should be willing to have her maintenance out of said Estate and land of my said plantation besides her bed & bedsteads and bedcovers everything whereunto belonging as it shall be at the day of my decease to her as aforesaid during her natural life and peaceable possession in the house wherein I shall live before the day of my decease on the
plantation aforesaid and if my said son Andrew and my said wife should not agree amongst themselves for her good maintenance during her natural life out & from my Estate and on my said plantation and have and her coats and bedstead and bed as aforesaid first to her delivered than my said son Andrew Sommer his Executor & Administrator or Afore assigned shall give peaceable house room & possession on my said plantation aforesaid during her natural life and the one full third of my aforesaid and I further give and bequeath to my sons Johannes Sommer and Michael Sommers decd heirs John Sommer Paul Sommer and Andrew Sommer and my daughters Elizabeth Yeager and Eve Black all my two thirds and remainder of my personal estate remaining of the debts first paid and my said wife's part taken from it I give the two other third & remainder as aforesaid to my said sons and daughters here above mentioned to them & their several heirs and assigned to be equally divided among them the aforesaid and my will and desire is that if the said personal estate aforesaid my said children cannot agree among themselves upon a division as aforesaid among them selves that the same shall be sold by my Executors and the money arriving from such shall be equally divided as aforesaid among them and no more and my real estate and plantation aforesaid in the county aforesaid containing one hundred sixty acres more or less of land I do give (and wish ?) the same to my youngest son Andrew Sommer to be by him possessed and all appurtenances thereunto belonging or any wise appertaining I give the said plantation of one hundred and sixty acres as aforesaid to my said sin Andrew Sommer to him and to his heirs and assigned for ever with all houses and profits after the day of decd. Of my wife Mary Margaretha Sommer for ever and lastly I do hereby nominate constitute & appoint my true friends John Mauk and Phillipe Wendel to be the Executors to this my last will and testament allowing this and no other to be my last will & testament ratifying and disannulling all others by me heretofore at
any time by me made In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty two.

                    "Sealed Signed and Declared by the said George Sommer to be his last will and testament in the presence of the subscribers who have hereunto set our hands as witnesses in the presence of the Testators Alexander Hite, Abraham Hochman, George Sommer, Johannes Jarsman.

                    "At a court held for the County of Shenandoah on Thursday the 26th Day of April 1787. The last will and Testament of George Sommer Decd. was produced to the Court by John Mauk & Phillipe Wendel Executors therein named and was proved by the oaths of Alexander Hite, Abraham Hochman & John Hochman & to be rec'd. on the motion of the said Executors a probate thereof is granted them they having sworn to the same & given Bond & Security according to the law. Teste John Williams.

                    "Know all men by these presents that we John Mauk & Philipe Wendel & George Keller & John Windle are held and firmly bound unto Charles Bird, Jos. Watson Jacob Rinker George Keller E. Jones & Wick Keagle Gentleman Justices of the County of Shenandoah now sitting in the sum of one thousand pounds current money of Virginia to the payment will & truly to be made to the said Justices their successors will bind ourselves our & each of our heirs Exec's and Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals & dated this 26th Day of April 1781.

                    "The conditions of the above is such that it the above bounden. John Mauk & Philipe Windle Executors of the Last will and Testament of George Sommer Decd. do make or cause to be made a perfect inventory of all and singular the Goods Chattels and Creditors of the said decedent which have or shall come to the hands or possession of the said John Mauk & Philipe Windle or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for them & the same so made do Exhibit or cause to be Exhibited unto the County Court of Shenandoah at such time as they shall be hereunto required by the said Court to the same Goods Chattels & Creditors of the
said decd. At the time of his death or any time hereafter shall come to the hands or possession of the said John Mauk & Philipe Windle or into the hands or possession of any other person or persons for them to do well & truly administer according to law & further do make a just and true account of all their actings & doings therein when there is required by the said Court & also do well & truly pay & deliver all the legacies contained & rectified in the said Testament as far as the said Goods Chattels & Credits will Whereunto extend of the said charges then the above obligation to void else to remain in full force and virtue.

                    "Signed & Sealed in the presence of the Court--Johannes Mauk, Philipe Wendel, George Keller, Johannes Wendel,

                    "Know all men by these presents that we Clary Coffett & Henry Huddle & George Harris are held and firmly bound with Jacob Rinker ??? Joseph Watson George Keller & Evan Jones Gentleman Justices of the County Court of Shenandoah now sitting in the sum of one thousand pounds to which payment well and truly to be made to the said Justices and their successors We bind ourselves and each of us we & our heirs Executors and Administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals & dated this twenty sixth Day of April 1787."
 

from Summers genealogist Judy Buss, dickbu at mans.com at RootsWeb.com site: name also spelled Somer (German), Somers, Sommers, Summers (English); "Sommers" changed to "Summers" with birth of Paul, July 28, 1747; anglicized name entirely after American Revolution;

       "Johann arrived in Philadelphia, PA 19/27/1738 aboard the ship 'St. Andrew' which sailed from Rotterdam Holland. His wife, son Johannes, his parents, and his wife's parents proceeded him arriving in Philadelphia 10/8/1737 aboard the 'Charming Nancy.' The name 'Hans Summers' appears on the ship's register, 'Johannes George Somer' on the arrival list. In an original handwritten list the immigrant signed his name 'Johann Georg Sommer.' This ship list indicated that Johann George came from the Palatinate area of Germany.

        "Records of the Lutheran Church New Hanover Twp., Falkner Swamp, Montgomery Co., PA, include information on the family of George.

        "In 1766, George and his family followed the 'Great Wagon Road' south to Virginia where on 8/12/1766 he received a land grant for 442 acres on Toms Brook near the present site of Fisher's Hill, Shenandoah Co., VA.

       "George Sommers wrote a will on 6/19/1782 which is probably a rewriting due to his son Michael's death. The will was probated there on 4/26/1787."

all males' names begin with "John" and middle name differentiates;

Pictured right is Ritenour's Grocery and post office for Fisher's Hill, Shenandoah Co., VA, a hamlet, a couple of miles north of Toms Brook.  Between here and Tom Brook to the south, Johann Georg Sommer received a land grant of 442 acres in 1766.   Tom Hull, descendant of Francis Hull from the same Virginia county, is standing next to car.

from "The History of Shenandoah County":

        'George Summers, immigrant of Flemish origin, settled on the Shenandoah River, 1766. His name appears in the Virginia census of 1783 of Shenandoah as George Sommer. His son, John Summers, served under Gen. Muhlenberg, settled near Middlebrook, Augusta County, VA, and had 15 children, who scattered from North Carolina to Ohio. ...'

More About JOHANN GEORG (HANS JORG) SOMMER:

Fact 1: arrived in Philadelphia, PA 1738 aboard "St. Andrew"--or in 1752 aboard "Brothers" (both ships had JGSommerses);

Fact 2: 1787 will indicates children;

Fact 3: nationality could be German, Dutch, Flemish as all three living in Flanders area (upper Palatinate region) at the time;

Fact 4: "Palatinate" refers to Rhine River valley in Germany; Flanders area is northern section;

Fact 5: 1766 received grant of 442 acres between Toms Brook and Fishers Hill  in Frederick Co., (now Shenandoah Co.) VA, from Thomas Lord Fairfax;

Fact 6: in "The History of Shenandoah County";

Fact 7: pictures of areas;

Children of JOHANN GEORGE  (HANS JORG) SOMMER and MARIA MENTZ are:

Notes for JOHN SUMMERS/SOMMERS:

There is much controversy over the several men living in the same area of Virginia at approximately the same time with the name John Summers. There were possibly three individuals:

1. an English John Summers;

2. a John, son of Hans Jorg "George" Sommers/Sommers of Douglas and Lower Dublin townships, Montgomery County, PA;

3. a possible third was a John Summers, who was not the son of George and who immigrated as an adult from Germany. Some researchers contend that this last John and the one above, the son of George, are the same. Another possibility is that the two Johns were brothers, both sons of Johann "George" (Hans Jorg).

from Jack Ott, Summers genealogist:

        "There are conflicting dates for the birth of John. Some sources indicate 1737, while others indicate 1740 and 1746. There are also questions whether or not this John Summers married Elizabeth Reidenauer. The conflicts are probably the result of more than one John (Johanne) Summers or Sommer being born in Germany at about the same time and appearing in western Virginia at about the same time. The information shown here reflects the information provided by the majority of researchers."

according to Summers researcher Norma Jennings:

       "Our John Summers from Augusta County, Virginia, who died in 1803, has a will and other records, some in German, that confirm his large family, including Henry, our ancestor, married to "Polly." Our John is buried in St. John's Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA. He provided supplies to army during Revolution which makes him a patriot and qualifies descendents for DAR membership";

from Summers researcher Judy Buss--dickbu at msn.com at RootsWeb.com site [my enumeration]:

1. John Summers' claim for supplies contributed to the Revolution and purchased by Col. George Moffet, Commissioner of the Provision Law for the County of Augusta 1780 for 96# flour L40; certified by John Moffett April 1781. (Court of Claims Bk, Augusta Co., VA, April 30 1782, p. 95);

2. in 'Virginia Revolutionary Public Claims' Vol. 1, compiled and trans. by Janice L. Abercrombie and Richard Slatten, Iberian Pub. Co., Athens, GA, p. 98;

3. The Library of Virginia, Revolutionary War Service Claims index lists John Summers (Sumers), Augusta Co., Certificates: 1, lists III, p. 8 (on line);

4. "Although John did not serve in the war, he can be counted as a patriot."

5. land and tax records for John Summers in Augusta Co., VA, in 1782, 1788, 1790;

6. August Co. Deed Book records transactions for 1781, 1789, 1802, 1803: on p. 277: "John Summers, Francis Hull, Henry Rinehart, and Robert Harris had survey made to establish land lines, especially of Francis Hull's land which adjoined the other men named. This was done for their posterity so there would be no fights after they had all gone to the 'room of silence.' The witnesses were Henry Menger, Christian Hess, Frederick Hull. Every signature on this document, with the exception of Robert Harris, is in German."

7. Deed Book for 1809, Augusta Co., VA, son Henry Summers and his wife Polly, sons Jacob and David, etc., shown transacting land deals in March and June; also in September of 1818;

8. Augusta Co., VA Will Book 9, p. 281, April 26, 1803, proved June 27, 1803; written originally in German and translated, signed in German: "...to wife Elizabeth; son John (already provided for), daughters Mary Doame, Barbara Hull, Elizabeth Pect, to sons David, Henry, Jacob, to children not before named, viz. Margaret, Catharine, Eve. Executors-- Daniel Peck (Beck), Daniel Hull, Test: Jno. Young, Frederck Henger, Christian (X) Baird."

Will (as above) published in 'Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, 1745-1800. Extracted from the Original Court records of Augusta County' by Lyman Chalkley, Vol. III, p. 224.

9. "Johannes (John) Summers is buried at St. John's Church near Middlebrook, VA. His name is listed by Dorothy Weaver as John Tobin Summers, Dec., 13, 1740-May 13, 1803. He is next to his wife Elizabeth in Row 5." Also in "Here Lyeth" by Dorothy Weaver, 3rd Ed., 1999, p. 12.

10. Johannes and wife Elizabeth appear in earliest records of St. John's Church in births, baptisms, and sponsorships. "St. John's Church Register German Reformed & Lutheran Augusta Co., VA" compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner, Portsmouth, VA, 1995. pp. 7, 9, 11, 13, 14.

At right, one of the illegible Sommers/Summers stones in the oldest part of St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA.

More About JOHN SUMMERS/SOMMERS:

Burial: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA

Fact 1: buried in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA: 1 mile east of Middlebrook Rd., on a turn off from road, which leads to Bethel Church, Augusta Co., VA;

Fact 2: Revolutionary War patriot; listed in DAR Patriot Index-Centennial Edition;

Fact 3: recorded in Dorothy Weaver's book "Here Lyeth";

Fact 4: John and Francis Hull owned land next to each other, went to the same church, served on a jury together, buried in the same cemetery; both served in Revolution; both from Germany; [Tom Hull, husband of website manager, is from this Hull family.]

Fact 5: confirmed in Lutheran Church, April 29, 1755;

Fact 6: immigrated separately from father;

Fact 7: picture of burial ground;

Notes for ELIZABETH:

from Summers researcher Linda Houser, linhouse at nque.com, at RootsWeb.com site:

       "...According to a family history sent by Glenn & Rosemary Wilson in June 2002, her (Elizabeth's) maiden name was Hull. As there were Hull and Hall families in the Augusta County area near the Summers', it is a possibility that the information is correct. Hull burials in the St. Johns Cemetery, Augusta Co., VA are very near those of Elizabeth and John."

More About ELIZABETH:

Fact 1: buried in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Middlebrook, VA;

Children of JOHN SUMMERS/SOMMERS and ELIZABETH are:

Children of JOANNES SOMMERS and ELISABETH REIDENAUR are:

Children of MARGARETHA SOMMERS and ANDREW YEAGER are:

Children of JOHANN SOMMERS and NANCY ZUMWALT are:

Notes on JOHANN PAUL SOMMERS:

from Darrell Groves, dkwgroves@yahoo.com at RootsWeb.com site:

        "JOHANN PAUL2 SOMMER, b. July 28, 1748, Douglas Township, Montgomery County, PA; d. Aft. 1830, Enon, Nicholas County, VA; JOHAN PAUL SOMMERS 3.JOHANN GEORGE SOMER 1.MICHAEL SOMER
        "Johan Paul Sommers, a son of Johann George and Maria Margaretha Somer, was born July 28, 1748 in Douglas Township, Montgomery County, PA and died in Nicholas County VA (WV). He was christened in the Lutheran Church in New Hanover Township, Montgomery County PA on September 10, 1749. Sponsors were Paul Moser and Maria Eva. In 1766, Paul moved from PA to VA. He served the Colonies in the American Revolution. He is listed on the muster roll of Capt. Peter Hull's company of militia.  Some sources state that he married Elizabeth Hull. From 1771 to 1778 he lived in Toms Brook, Shenandoah County VA. In 1779 he purchased 224 acres on Bullpasture River in Augusta County which later became Pendleton County and still later Highland County VA. The tract was known as Burdey House and is near Doe Hill. He is found in the census of Pendleton County from 1810 to 1830. Sometime after 1830 he
moved to Nicholas County possibly at the same time his son, William, moved there. Some family records state that Paul was buried on the old Stephenson place near Enon.  Family records passed down for a number of years state that Paul married Elizabeth Hull, daughter of Peter Hull. Information which appears to be from a newspaper article from a Nicholas County paper on 3 Aug 1944 states that Paul Summers was born in Holland and married Elizabeth Hull, daughter of Peter Hull, Capt. of Calvary in the Rev. War. Paul was said to have fought in Capt. Hull's County at the battle of Yorktown. He is not mentioned in the Will of Peter Hull. Peter Hull had a daughter Elizabeth but she is not shown as a Summers.  Charles Starr states that Paul did not marry a Hull. He believes he married a Schwartz, Davis, Zumwalt, Yeager, Reitenhauer, or Heiston. He states that there is no evidence of a second wife.  Paul and his brother, John, received land from their father on the same day in 1771. Starr believes the two were married shortly before, possibly to sisters. There is a possibility she may have been the daughter of a different Peter Hull since there were several during this period. Elizabeth is also buried near Enon. She and Paul are reported to have been living with their son, William, before their death."

More About JOHANN PAUL SOMMERS:

Burial: Old Stephenson Place, Enon, WV

Children of JOHANN SOMMERS and ELISABETH HULL are:

Children of MARY SOMMERS and JOHANN SCHWARTZ are:

Notes for HENRY SUMMERS:

2nd wife Julia Rudy King--children: Benjamin, Joseph, Henry, Susan, Eliza E., Sampson King;

before Aug. 11, 1858, when 74, married a 3rd time to Margaret;

from Tucker's "History of Randolph County," on page 132, recorded as buried in the Heaston (Old Winchester) Cemetery, Winchester, IN; on gravestone: "Henry Summers, born in Augusta County, VA, July 15, 1784 and died August 10, 1871, 87 years";

The Heaston/Old Winchester Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph Co., IN, is where Henry Summers is buried: "Henry Summers, born in Augusta County, VA, July 15, 1784 and died August 10, 1871, 87 years."  Standing next to sign is descendent John Phillip Summers of Anderson, Madison Co., IN.

At right, "Susanna, daughter of Henry & Julia Ann Summers, died June 23, 1853, aged 16 years" is on the one Summers stone found in the Heaston Cemetery during early reclamation efforts.

More About HENRY SUMMERS:

Burial: Heaston Cemetery, Winchester, IN;

Fact 1: 1st wife Mary Ann (Polly) Horn; 2nd Julie King; 3rd Margaret Whelan;

Fact 2: in Randolph Co., before 1834; Samson King Summers, son, born that year in RC;.

Fact 3: Charles, born 1806 VA, son of Henry and Polly;

Fact 4: Henry and wife Mary came to Dayton, Ohio, with son Charles;

Fact 5: recorded in Tucker's "History of Randolph County," p. 132, as "Henry Summers, born in Augusta Co., VA, July 15, 1784, and died August 10, 1871, 87 years," buried in Old Winchester/Heaston Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph Co., IN:

Fact 6: 1820 census for Botetourt Co., VA;

Children of HENRY SUMMERS and JULIA KING are:

Children of HENRY SUMMERS and MARY HORN are:

More About DAVID SUMMERS:

Fact 1: 2nd spouse Juliana Palmer, married Oct. 10, 1831;

Child of  DAVID SUMMERS and REBECCA ENGLEMAN is:

More About JACOB SUMMERS:

Fact 1: buried at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Floyd Co., IN;

More About CHRISTIANA VENIS:

Fact 1: buried at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Floyd Co., IN;

Children of JACOB SUMMERS and CHRISTIANA VENIS are:

Children of MARY SUMMERS and PETER HUFF are:

Children of BENJAMIN SUMMERS and EDDIE NICKEY are:

Notes for SAMPSON KING SUMMERS:

Tucker's "History of Randolph County, Indiana," page 357 says that he had 8 children, 7 living - Keturah E., William W., Sheman, Cynthia A., Columbus M., Carl H., & Herman O:

       'SAMSON SUMMERS, farmer, P.O. Winchester, was born in this county October 24, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Julia Summers. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He has lived in various places, and served in the war three years, in Company H, Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy Station. He was mustered teamster at first, and it was only by his own request that he went into battle. H was married, April 3, 1859, to Miss Maria Coats, by whom he has had eight children, seven living--Keturah E., William W., Sherman, Cynthia A., Columbus M. Carl H. and Herman O. Mr. Summers owns 43 acres in White River Township and 200 acres in Missouri.'

Military service: Co. H, 84th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Civil War

Occupation: farmer

At right, descendents John Phillip Summers and Dorothy Summers Ayers at the gravestone of Charles Summers, Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, Randolph Co., IN.

Notes for CHARLES SUMMERS:

Obituary in Winchester, IN, unidentified newspaper, April 1895:

       "Charles Summers was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, October 29 1806 - and was the eldest of a family of fourteen children. He was the son of Henry and Mary (Horn) Summers, both of whom were also natives of Virginia. Until he was 21 years of age he was engaged in cultivating the fertile valley of the James River, and hunting wild game in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, frequently climbing the rugged rocks to the summit of the peaks of Otter. In 1827 he left the valley of his birth, accompanied by his brother, and walked to Dayton, Ohio, and was there engaged in digging the canal connecting Lake Erie and the Ohio River. After its completion he was engaged as Captain on the canal boat., "The Alpha," running from Dayton to Cincinnati. In 1829 he returned to Virginia, again traversing the entire distance on foot. He returned to Dayton, Ohio, in 1830, accompanied by his parents. In the early spring of 1831 he made his first trip to this county and at that time purchased the wilderness, out of the ashes of which, with an iron nerve and an unconquerable will, he was to build his much loved home. After making his purchase he returned to Dayton, Ohio, and while there cut and sold wood for 25 cents a cord, and by that means, with unseasoned toil and a manly heart, he paid for his new forest home. On February 28, 1833, he was married to Miss Susan Ludy, and in the following year he removed with his young wife to his home in the Hoosier forest, where he remained and resided to the time of his death. He there built from the timbers of the wild forest a small cabin without windows, save small openings made by cutting out pieces of logs. Their heating and cooking was done by means of a large fire place, in pots and dutch ovens. For 17 years, irrespective of storm or sunshine, he was engaged as a teamster, conveying merchandise and produce between the then small villages of Richmond, Winchester, Eaton, Dayton, and Cincinnati. At such times as he was not thus employed, he chopped and hauled two cords of wood per day to Winchester. Nor was he alone the builder and the gatherer of the honey for this busy and happy little hive, for his loving wife was ever busily engaged in the care of her little family, and drawing and crystallizing into sugar the golden sweets of the maple. The country being so sparsely populated, he was compelled to go to Richmond, a distance of 25 miles to mill. Mr. Summers bought his first iron nails, and paid for them, and his first taxes, with coon skins. He donated and hauled the timber used in the construction of the first church in Winchester. This pioneer, yet happy little home, was not to be without its days of cloud and sunshine, of joy and sorrow, for on the 15th day of September, 1847, death, the great and inevitable destroyer came, filling the then happy home with gloom, claiming as Its own that dear and loving wife and devoted mother, leaving to the care of her bereaved companion, her small family, the younger of whom was a babe of but 14 days old. To their happy union there was born seven children: Elvina, John, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, Mary Magdaline, Charles Wesley, and David, all of whom survive him, save Mary. In June 1848 he was married to Miss Rebecca Ludy, a sister of his former wife, who accompanied him on his journey of life, sharing his pleasures and sorrows until September 25, 1887, when, she too, departed this life. As the fruits of this marriage was born one child, Elzenia, who also survives him. Mr. Summers died April 20, 1895, having arrived at the ripe old age of 88 years, 5 months., and 20 days. He leaves surviving him to mourn his loss, one brother, one sister, three sons, two half brothers, and four daughters, twenty-nine grandsons and daughters, and seventeen great grandsons and daughters."

from Tucker's "History of Randolph County," p. 357:

       'CHARLES SUMMERS, farmer, P.O. Winchester, was born in Augusta County, VA, October 29, 1806, and is a son of Henry and Polly Summers, also natives of Virginia. He was brought up on a farm and attended school in a log cabin, and sat on slab seats. He came to Dayton, Ohio, in 1827, and some time afterward returned to Virginia. He came back to Dayton, in 1830, and in 1831 came to this county and selected a choice farm, which he still owns and occupies. He returned to Dayton, Ohio, after making the purchase, and there he married Miss Susan Ludy February 28, 1833, and the following year he brought his young wife to the Hoosier forest. He built a small cabin in the woods and cut out a piece of one log to admit the light. For seventeen years he hauled goods from Cincinnati and Dayton, and at such times as he had no hauling to do he would chop and haul two cords of wood to Winchester per day. Mr. Summers bought his first nails and first tobacco (dog leg) in Winchester with coonskins; he also paid his taxes with coon hides. He donated the timber for the first church in Winchester. He had to go to Richmond to mill, and distance of twenty-five miles. Mr. Summers did a vast amount of hard work. He cut (from the stump) and split 1,400 rails for George Hiatt for seven bushels of wheat, which was then worth 37 cents per bushel in currency. This he accomplished in seven days, besides going two miles to get some corn cracked also. Where can there be found a man who can do as much at the present time? In those days, they had no stoves, but cooked in pots and Dutch ovens. Mr. and Mrs. Summers had seven children of whom six are living--Elvina, John Elizabeth, Sarah A., Charles W. and David. Mrs. Summers died September 15, 1847, and he again married, in June, 1848, this time to Miss Rebecca Ludy, a sister of his former wife. They had one child--Elzina. Mr. S. now owns 113 acres of valuable land, which is underlaid by a stratum of gravel from two and a half to three feet beneath the soil. Although Mr. Summers has worked very hard, it was not for self only, for he has always liberally assisted schools and churches, and has ever been ready and willing to aid the poor and needy.'

In the 1820s, Charles helped dig the canal system which linked Lake Erie with the Ohio River.  The map at left shows the entire Ohio system  "After its completion he was engaged as Captain on the canal boat, 'The Alpha,' running from Dayton to Cincinnati."  That route is marked in violet. "The Alpha" was the first canal boat to use this part of the route.

More About CHARLES SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Fact 1: buried between two wives Susannah and Rebecca Ludy; all three on same stone; sec. 8 next to road.

Fact 2: met Susan Ludy in Ohio; she was from Maryland;

Fact 3: on 1874 White River Twp., RC, IN, plat map, sec. 21 SW quarter and sec. 28 NW quarter 80 acres (almost 1/2 mile due east of present day Fountain Park Cemetery on south side of road);

Fact 4: in 1865 directory for Randolph County, White River Twp;

Fact 5: pictures;

Occupation: lumberman, farmer, canal boat captain, and teamster

More About SUSANNAH LUDY:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Fact 1: died 9 days after David's birth;

Fact 2: sister Rebecca married Charles after Susannah's death';

Fact 3: picture;

More About REBECCA (MARGARETH) LUDY:

Burial: Fountain Park cemetery

Children of CHARLES SUMMERS and SUSANNAH LUDY are:

Child of CHARLES SUMMERS and REBECCA LUDY is:

Children of ELIZABETH SUMMERS and ROBERT CURRY are:

Children of MARY SUMMERS and HENRY LUDY are:

Children of DAVID SUMMERS are:

Notes for JACOB SUMMERS:

       Jacob, according to family story, had lived in the Dayton area at one time, and owned land that part of Dayton now sits on. Jacob would have traveled with father Henry and mother Mary as a six year old when Charles brought the Summers family from Botetourt County, VA, to Montgomery County, OH, area in 1830. Brother Charles moved to Randolph County, IN, in 1831. Charles was a teamster between Winchester, Richmond, Dayton, and Cincinnati, so there would have been family connections to Dayton area whether Henry and rest of family moved with Charles in 1831 or stayed in Dayton and moved later. As an adult Jacob could have purchased Dayton area land. Later, probably after moving to Randolph County, IN, Jacob failed to pay taxes on the Dayton land. Lawyers in the late 20th century sought Jacob's descendents' signatures for a quit claim deed to land in Dayton, relinquishing all rights.

More About JACOB SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Fact 1: mother and father born in VA; occupation: farmer;

Fact 2: 1880 census White River Twp., Randolph County, IN;

Fact 3: Laura E. Thomas, step-daughter living with them, 1880;

Fact 4: 1st wife Ann on 1850 cenus, 24, born in IN;

Fact 5: with their son Henry H. 1 year old, born in IN;

Fact 6: Jacob, father Henry, and brother Charles moved to IN before 1849 (pro. c. 1827);

Fact 7: 1860 census shows Henry H., 11, and Laura Thomas step-sister;

Fact 8: has gravestone with inscription; section 8 next to road and Henry H., son;

Fact 9: on 1865 plat map for WRT, RC, IN, in sec. 26 SW quarter, 20 acres (2 1/2 miles east of cemetery entrance, 5/8 mile south, 1/4 mile east);

Fact 10: picture;

Notes for ELVINA SUMMERS:

**See generation #6 below**

More About ELVINA SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery Winchester, IN

Fact 1: father born in VA; mother born in MD;

Fact 2: 1st marriage to a Thomas, one daughter Laura; 2nd marriage to Jacob, her uncle;

Fact 3: buried beside Jacob Summers section 8; unmarked grave;

Children of JACOB SUMMERS and ELVINA SUMMERS are:

Children of DAVID SUMMERS and SARAH ENGLEMAN are:

More About JACOB (JR.) SUMMERS:

Fact 1: occupation: miller;

Fact 2: buried in Wolfe Cemetery, Floyd Co., IN;

Children of JACOB SUMMERS and CYRENE HICKMAN are:

Children of JOSEPH SUMMERS and ELIZABETH UTZ are:

Notes for ELVINA SUMMERS:

Obituary taken from Winchester, IN, unidentified newspaper, August 1921:"Mrs. Elvina Summers--Elvina, oldest daughter of Charles and Susan (Ludy) Summers, was born near Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 11, 1833, departed this life August 23, 1921, at the ripe old age of 87 years, 8 months and 12 days.  On the 14th of Feb. 1836, she came with her parents to the then virgin forest near Winchester, where they built their home and where she lived until her marriage to Elijah Thomas in1854, who was called to leave his young wife, Oct. 4, 1854. One little daughter, Laura E., came to her from this union, who has lived close to her mother and has ever been her comfort and companion and who has ministered to her every need with tenderest care."

death notice from Winchester newspaper: "On Nov. 2, 1860, she was married to Jacob Summers. To this union were born four children, Anna Jane, John E., Alva J., and Sarah E., all of whom are living except Alva J., who departed this life Oct., 1915.  Jacob Summers was called to the great beyond July 26, 1881, since which time she has lived a widow.  She leaves to mourn their loss three daughters, Laura E. Barker, Anna Jane Jones, of Winchester, Sarah E. Gruntsman of Palliard, Ark., one son, John E., of Anderson, three brothers, John D., Wesley and David and one half-sister, Mrs. Elzena Troxell, all of Winchester, and many other relatives and friends, among whom are nineteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren.  About 60 years ago Mrs. Summers united with the German Reform Church. During her declining days she was often heard to pray and said she was going to her home in heaven. She was a kind, affectionate mother and was always industrious and sympathetic.

'Dearest mother, thou has left us,

Death has claimed thee for its own;

Thou are gone to join the angels,

In that bright and happy home.

We are left without a mother

We no more to have her care

If we cherish the advice she gave us

We'll meet her on that other shore.'

       "The family desires in this manner to thank the friends and neighbors for their many acts of kindness during the sickness and death of their dear one."

[From the above, her husband, Jacob, is her father's brother, making Jacob her uncle.]

More About ELVINA SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery Winchester, IN

Fact 1: father born in VA; mother born in MD;

Fact 2: 1st marriage to a Thomas, one daughter Laura; 2nd marriage to Jacob, her uncle;

Fact 3: buried beside Jacob Summers section 8; unmarked grave;

Notes for JACOB SUMMERS:

        Jacob, according to family story, had lived in the Dayton area, at one time, and owned land that part of Dayton now sits on. Jacob would have traveled with father Henry and mother Mary as a six year old when Charles brought Summers family from Botetourt County, VA, to Montgomery County, OH, area in 1830. Brother Charles moved to Randolph County, IN, in 1831. Charles was a teamster between Winchester, Richmond, Dayton, and Cincinnati, so there would have been family connections to Dayton area whether Henry and rest of family moved with Charles in 1831 or stayed in Dayton and moved later . As an adult Jacob could have purchased Dayton area land. Later, probably after moving to Randolph County, IN, Jacob failed to pay taxes on the Dayton land. Lawyers in the late 20th century sought Jacob's descendents' signatures for a quit claim deed to land in Dayton, relinquishing all rights.

More About JACOB SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Fact 1: mother and father born in VA; occupation: farmer;

Fact 2: 1880 census White River Twp., Randolph County, IN;

Fact 3: Laura E. Thomas, step-daughter living with them, 1880;

Fact 4: 1st wife Ann on 1850 census, 24, born in IN;

Fact 5: with their son Henry H. 1 year old, born in IN;

Fact 6: Jacob, father Henry, and brother Charles moved to IN before 1849 (pro. c. 1827);

Fact 7: 1860 census shows Henry H., 11, and Laura Thomas step-sister;

Fact 8: Has gravestone with inscription; section 8 next to road and Henry H., son;

Fact 9: on 1865 plat map for WRT, RC, IN, in sec. 26 SW quarter, 20 acres (2 1/2 miles east of cemetery entrance, 5/8 mile south, 1/4 mile east);

Fact 10: picture;

Child of ELVINA SUMMERS and ELIJAH THOMAS is:

Children of ELIZABETH SUMMERS and JOAB PIERCE are:

Children of SARAH SUMMERS and ISRAEL BAKER are:

More About MARY MAGDALINE SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About HARVEY WYSONG:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About CHARLES WESLEY SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

More About LYDIA A. CASANDREW BROWN:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of CHARLES SUMMERS and LYDIA BROWN are:

Notes for DAVID SUMMERS:

Obituaries from Winchester paper, about July 15, 1930: "David Summers--David Summers, age 82, died Monday morning about 3 o'clock at his home on Elm street, following an illness of two months. The body was brought to the Fraze funeral home where it was prepared for burial, and returned to the home Tuesday morning. Surviving are the widow, Elmira Summers, one son, Walter, at home, and two daughters, Mrs. A. J Kabel and Mrs. A. H. Burke, both of Winchester. Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial was made in Fountain Park cemetery.  David Summers, the son of Charles and Susan Summers, was born on September 6, 1847, on the farm adjoining Winchester, Indiana, died July 14, 1930, having lived here 82 years, 10 months and 8 days. When but fourteen days old his mother was taken away by death and the child was cared for by the kind hands of Polly Ludy, of Winchester, Indiana, until he was about one year old when his father was married again to his mother's sister, Rebecca Ludy whose motherly care and interest could only have been surpassed by his own mother.  Today, of the 8 children of his father's family, only one, Mrs. Elzena Troxell, survive. Two brothers and four sisters having preceded him in death.  October 15, 1872, he was united in marriage to Elmira Rowe, and to this union was born four children, one of which, Charles, died in infancy. Two daughters and one son are left to comfort the lonely heart of the mother.  For nearly 58 years Mr. and Mrs. Summers live in this community, 15 of which they lived on the home place with his father, then building on the present site where the remaining 43 years were spent until separated by the death of the husband.  Here in this community they lived together, sharing the pleasures and hardships and trials of pioneer life: here they reared their children and have seen all the great improvements of 58 years.  When but a youth he was converted to Christ, a very vivid experience and a deep, ever abiding faith established. In the early history of the Christian church here, he became a member of it. The weakness of the human flesh is considered, but even in his declining days, when he realized he was nearing the crossing over, he leaves with his beloved wife and children the comforting thought that he was 'prepared to go.'  In passing of David Summers another of Randolph County's pioneer men has gone. He was a kind-hearted neighbor, a devoted husband and father.  Among those of his nearest kindred who are left here for a while is the faithful wife, one son, Walter Summers, two daughters, Mrs. Celia Kabel and Mrs. Ella Burke, one sister, Mrs. Elzena Troxell, four grandchildren, all of Winchester, Indiana, with there are other relatives and friends whose sympathizing hearts share with the family their loss.

This little poem by Thomas Hastings:

'Jesus, while our hearts are bleeding,

O'er the spoils that death was won,

We would at this solemn meeting

Calmly say, Thy will be done."

By Thy hands the boon is given,

Thou hast taken but thine own;

Lord of earth and God of heaven,

Evermore "Thy will be done." '

More About DAVID SUMMERS:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Notes for ALMIRA ROWE:

Obituary from Winchester paper, about August 13, 1935:  "Mrs. Almira Summers--Mrs. Almira Summers, 88 years old, died at her home on Elm street at 8 o'clock Monday evening after an illness brought on by general infirmity.  Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. A. H. Burke of Richmond; a son, Walter at home; two sisters, Mrs. W. U. [Almanda] Davis and Frank [Ella] Davis, both of Winchester; five brothers, Frank Rowe of Richmond, Harvey Rowe of Muncie, Oliver Rowe of Harrisville, John and Harry Rowe of Winchester; four grandchildren and one great grandchild.  Funeral services will be held at the home at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. John Watson in charge. Interment will be in the Fountain Park cemetery.  The Fraze funeral home has charge of the funeral."

More About ALMIRA ROWE:

Burial: Fountain Park Cemetery, Winchester, IN

Children of DAVID SUMMERS and ALMIRA ROWE are:

More About EZRA TROXELL:

Military service: Co. F, 84th Indiana Volunteers, GAR