Re: Risdon DeFord, PA
-
In reply to:
Re: Risdon DeFord, PA
Carolyn Bowers 11/12/01
I have the following information on Risden J. Deford:
Married to Elizabeth HENNESEY, prob bef 1840
1)Ann E.b.1840
2)Martha Janeb.1842
3)Mary Francesb.1844
4)Rebecca Amandab.1846
5)John Jamesb.1847
6)Lydia Elizabethb.1850
7)Minervia Aliceb.1853
8)William H.b.1855
9)Risden Alexanderb.1858
Married to Eliza Jane BANNISTER, prob abt 1865
1)Ida L.
2)George Washingtonb.1870
3)Johnb.1874(John could be Nancy's)
Married to Nancy Williams, abt 1875
1)Danielb.1877
2)Henryb.1880
Married to Frances A. (WHATLEY), abt 1888
No children
Comments:
1) My Family legend had it that Risden was a traveling preacher and left home, never to return, probably captured and killed by the Indians in Ohio (frontier at this time period) This happened sometime after the war. (1864-1867)
2) His first child was born in 1840 to Elizabeth HENNESY and his last to Ellizabeth was in 1958. He did serve in the Civil War (I have his records)
3) Always, I have seen his name as Risden J., never as Risden Washington, Jr. I have his own signature on some military papers as Risden J.
4) I have record of 14 children.
9 from Elizabeth HENNESEY,
3 from Eliza Jane BANNISTER, and
2 from Nancy WILLIAMS.
5) Risden essentially abandoned his first wife and children. Who knows why! Only Risden can answer this. Who raised his children from his 2nd and third wives?
6) 1865 is a more believable date than 1855 for his marriage to Eliza Jane as that is about the time he disappeared from Elizabeth. Typo in the history book? Possibly!
I’m always open to corrections and additions.I have lots of photos from Elizabeth HENNESEY’s offspring.Also good documentation on Elizabeth, et al.