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RUTH FAMILIES OF MONROE AND LUZERNE COUNTIES
By
Philip Oliver 1 (c) January 25, 2006
Names: BEADLE; BITTENBENDER; BOWMAN; CATON; FENNER; HORNE; KEATING; KEMMERER MANN; MEADE; METZGER MILLS; MACKEY: MOSTELLO; NEYHART; OLIVER; ROMICH; ROMIG; RUMAGE; RUMMAGE; RUTH; WELLINGTON
=======================
The Ruth Families of Monroe County
(John) Georg Ruth Senior (ca 1774 - ?) and Maria Magdalena Mann (1775 -1851)
Children of George and Maria Magdalena (MANN) RUTH:
George Ruth Jr. (1807-1880) and Susan __ (1810-11 - ?)____
Children of George and Susanna Ruth
Charles Fenner Ruth (1842 - 1869)
The FENNER Connection
The COUSIN Connection
The Ruth and Rumage Families of Luzerne County
Peter Rumage (1814 -1894), His Wife Mary Ann Ruth (1823 -ca 1880) and some Descendants
Peter RUMAGE
Children of Peter Rumage And Mary Ann Ruth
Isabella Rumage Ruth And The Ruth Family
Addenda
Descendants of (John) Georg Ruth, Senior
Index
Footnotes
===================
The author was recently successful in finding evidence of the ancestry of his great-grandfather, CHARLES FENNER RUTH (1842-1869), and establish his descent from Georg RUTH and Maria Magdalena MANN.
This document establishes some relationships among the RUTH, RUMAGE (Romig, Romich, Rummage) and allied families of Luzerne and Monroe counties in the period 1800-1920. The author would be grateful for further information or corrections, and happy to supply collateral line information, sources, or gedcoms with others studying these or related lines.
The Ruth Families of Monroe County
Online research not verified suggests that this family descends from Johan Georg Ruth. He emigrated from Oberalben, County of Kusel, in present day Germany, at Rotterdam, Holland boarded the English ship Marlborough and arrived in Port of Philadelphia 23 SEP 1741; took the oath of allegiance there and settled in Bucks county. Son (Simon) Peter Ruth born 1753 in Bucks County was the son of the immigrant and father of:
(John) Georg Ruth Senior (ca 1774 - ?) and Maria Magdalena Mann (1775 -1851)
His Parents Peter and Anna Maria Ruth and Origins at Bucks County
This couple appears in Hamilton Township about 1810; the older children were not baptized in the Hamilton Township church. Baptismal records of Springfield Union Church in Springfield Township, Bucks for John George Ruth shows his parent as "Simon Peter" Ruth.and by other means we know his wife as Anna Maria
Their children:
i. Perhaps Peter (Simon) (1770-1841)
1 ii. John George RUTH, b. 5 Feb 1774
iii. John RUTH, b. 29 Apr 1775
iv. Joh. Jacob (18 Apr 1779-)
v. Elisabeth (6 Jun 1783-)
vi. Henry (18 Jun 1787-1817)
vii. Anna Maria (24 May 1789-)
viii. Joseph (14 Apr 1796 -)
The same church also documents one of the younger couples' (George and Magdalena RUTH) children, John RUTH, b. 1 Nov 1799. The preceding information is cited to a published book2 that does not include baptismal dates.
Children of George and Maria Magdalena (MANN) RUTH:
On 17 Oct 1797 when (John) Georg was 23, he married Maria Magdalena Mann, daughter of John Mann & Catherine, in Bucks Co. PA. Born on 26 Apr 1775. Maria Magdalena died on 1 Sep 1851; she was 76.
2 i. John (1799-1840)
3 ii. Elizabeth (ca1802-)
4 iii. perhaps Samuel (ca1803-)
5 iv. Jacob (1804-1879)
6 v. George (ca1807-1880)
7 vi. David (1812-)
8 vii. Anna Catharine (1814-1874)
9 viii. Maria Magdalena (1816-)
10 ix. Carl (Charles) (1819-)
11 x. Sara Ann (Sally) (1822-)
The Hamilton (aka. Christ) Union Church in Hamilton Twp., Monroe Co., PA3 records (almost all entries spell his name Georg. He is correctly John George RUTH) show:
* John RUTH (baptized at Springfield Union Church in Springfield Twp., Bucks County as above, b. 1 Nov 1799) appears in the records a number of places, shown as communicant 6 Nov 1819 with Elizabeth RUTH (below), and shown as parent of Maria Anna RUTH below.
* Elizabeth RUTH, shown as daughter of "George and Marg. [sic], wf." was a communicant on 22 May 1819 [b. ca 1802] She was also a communicant earlier, 22 Jun 1816 and later 1? Dec 1821. She was also listed with a Samuel RUTH, Jacob RUTH, and John RUTH on the latter occasion.
* [Perhaps] Samuel RUTH who was a communicant 1? Dec 1821 and listed with Elizabeth RUTH, Jacob RUTH, and John RUTH on that occasion, is possibly a son of this couple, b. ca 1803-4.
* Jacob RUTH, age 18, [b. 1803-4, 17 Sep 1804 unverified] Confirmation date: 21 April 1821, father: Georg [RUTH]
* George RUTH, age 17 [b. 1807 confirmed by obit and multiple census records] Confirmation date: 27 Nov 1824 parent: Georg [RUTH]
* David RUTH age 18 [b. 1811-12] Confirmation date: 10 or 19 Jun 1830 father's name "Geo.", with sister Anna Catharina RUTH, q.v.
* Anna Catharina RUTH, b. 18 Apr 1814, baptized. 12 Jun 1814, sponsors - George METZGER and wife, Elizabeth. Confirmation date: as "Catarina," 10 or 19 Jun 1830, father's name "Geo." Confirmed with her brother David, q.v.
* Maria Magdalena RUTH, b. 11 Feb 1816, baptized 31 Mar 1816, sponsors - Jacob KEMMERER and wife, Maria Magdalena.
* Carl (aka. Charles) RUTH, b. 11 Oct 1819, baptized 5 Dec 1819, sponsors - Christoph BITTENBENDER and wife, Sara.
* Sara RUTH, b. 2 May 1822, baptized 14 Jul 1822, sponsors - Henrich MILLER and wife, Catarina.
In the 1850 census, Magdalena RUTH, age 74, was living in Hamilton Twp. in the household of George Cutzlar (?) age 32 and his wife, Sally Ann Cutzler age 28 4. This Sally Ann Cutzler was probably the Sara RUTH, born in 1822. The names "Sally" and "Sarah" appear frequently for the same person in early records.
The record of deaths/burials of Hamilton Church shows that Maria Magdalena RUTH, widow of George RUTH, died (or was buried) on 1 Sep 1851 at the age of 76 years, 4 months, and 5 days. By subtraction that would make her date of birth 26 Apr 1775.
George Ruth Jr. (1807-1880) and Susan __ (1810-11 - ?)____
George RUTH Jr., son of Georg RUTH and Maria Magdalena MANN, was born 1807 in Pennsylvania. He married Susan ____ before 20 Nov 1830 when the couple are listed as husband and wife in the list of communicants at the Hamilton church.
Susan's family identity is unknown; however the author feels it is likely that she was a part of the same community at Hamilton Church, and a search of the records suggests a few girls born between 1809-1812 named Susanna; perhaps further research will lead to a linkage. Some possibilities are included in addenda.
Children of George and Susanna Ruth:
While some information is ambiguous, we identify the following children and years of birth from the 1850, 1860, 1870 censuses, Hamilton Church Records and other sources. The baptismal records of Hamilton Union Church in Hamilton Township, Monroe County, show baptisms for the following.
15 i. Peter Simon (1831-1853)
16 ii. Maria Magdalena [Mary L.] (1833-)
17 iii. Sarah (ca1835-)
18 iv. Israel (1835-)
19 v. Caty (Catharine Ann) (1837-)
20 vi. Charles Fenner (1842-1869)
21 vii. Emma Susan (1844-)
22 viii. Milton Eugene (1848-)
23 ix. Hester Matilda (1851-)
24 x. Calvin (1853-)
* Simon Peter RUTH, b. 15 Aug 1831, baptized. 22 Oct 1831, sponsors Henry FENNER and wife, Margaret. The Hamilton Church records of deaths and burials show that Peter Simon RUTH, son of George and Susanna, died (or was buried) on 15 Aug 1853, aged 22 years less 5 days.
* Maria Magdalena RUTH, b. 18 Aug 1833, baptized. 19 Oct 1833, sponsors - Simon NEYHART and wife, Elizabeth [RUTH, daughter of Georg RUTH Sr.].
* Israel RUTH, b. 10 Jul 1835, baptized. 10 Oct 1835, sponsors - Michael MACKES and wife, Catharine [RUTH, daughter of Georg RUTH, Sr.].
* Caty (Catharine) Ann RUTH, b. 27 Aug 1837, baptized. 12 Nov 1837, sponsors - William MILLS and wife, Christena.
* Charles [FENNER] RUTH, b. 9 Aug 1842, baptized. 3 Nov 1842, sponsors - the parents.
* Emma Susan RUTH, b. 10 Oct 1844, baptized. 29 Dec 1844, sponsors - the parents.
* Milton Eugene RUTH, b. 7 Sep 1848, baptized. 31 Dec 1848, sponsors - the parents.
* Hester Matilda RUTH, b. 29 Jun 1851, baptized. 6 Apr 1851, sponsors - the parents.
* Calvin RUTH, b. 21 Jun 1853, baptized. 16 Oct 1853, sponsors - the parents.
His family lived in Hamilton, Monroe County, PA, until about 1868 when they moved to Bethlehem, PA about 1868 as shown by the 1870 census and his obituary.
Obituary 5 SUDDEN DEATH. Mr. Geo. RUTH, a well known and much esteemed citizen of this place died very suddenly at the family residence on North street below Centre, at 7:30 o'clock this morning. Mr. RUTH was up and about yesterday as usual although expressing himself as not feeling very well, but toward evening he delivered a bundle of carpet to one of his customers and afterwards attempted put in some coal. This latter work he could not accomplish and soon after retiring complained of severe pain on his chest. This morning while lying on a lounge in the room, in the presence of a member of the family, after speaking a few words, he gasped heavily once or twice and immediately expired. His age was 73 years. A physician was summoned who pronounced the immediate cause of his death heart disease. Mr. RUTH was a carpet weaver by trade, coming to Bethlehem about 12 years ago from his former home in Monroe country. He was the father of Milton RUTH, Mrs. David MERCER, and Mrs. J. W. HORNE, all of Bethlehem. Deceased was a faithful member of the Reformed Church and his sudden death will cast a feeling of regret amongst a large circle of acquaintances.
From George's obituary, we know only of Milton and two married daughters, one clearly identified as the wife of David Mercer. From the obituary of David Mercer 6 we know his second wife to be "Mary L. RUTH, daughter of George and Susan RUTH." The other daughter is married to J. W. HORNE. Susan, a widow, in the 1880 census lives in the home of John HORNE and his wife Esther M, presumably Hester Mathilda.
In the 1850 census we do not find Mary RUTH, but there is one child of the right age and wrong sex, whose name cannot be read. We do not find this child in any subsequent census though the same is true of most of the older children. Mary is found in neither the 1850 nor the 1860 census, unless the male child of that age is actually Mary. While the name cannot be read the gender is clearly readable, but the age corresponds exactly to that we would know for Mary.
In 1860 they lived in Fennersville (now Sciota), PA also in Hamilton Township. The family includes: George, 53; Susan. 48; Catharine, 24; Emma S., 15; Milton E., 11; Hester M., 9; Calvin, 6; and Allen Bucher, 3 (apparently unrelated child).
Fennersville is named after the same Henry (Johann Heinrich) FENNER, who is a sponsor to the child Simon Peter RUTH, above. 7
In the 1870 census, as noted, the family has moved to Bethlehem and they seem to be living with Mary; she is shown as the owner of the home or of substantial real estate in any event. This is the first census where we find her named clearly. She married David Mercer a few years later, 26 Aug 1873, according to the Mercer obituary. In the family: George, 63, Carpet Weaver; Susan, 59; Mary, 33, owns property -- $2300 in real estate and $200 in personal estate; Matilda (Hester Matilda), 19, Seamstress; Calvin, 17, Laborer; Frederick WELLINGTON, 8, an apparently unrelated child.
Charles Fenner Ruth (1842 - 1869)
The author proposes that Charles FENNER RUTH is the son of George and Susan RUTH known as Charles RUTH, b. 9 Aug 1842.
Except that he was "Pennsylvania Dutch" origins of Charles FENNER RUTH were not known. His son Charles Wesley RUTH identified himself as Pennsylvania Dutch 8. While the RUMAGE family was in fact German (Deutsch) that term is most often used in other counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Monroe, Lehigh, Berks, Bucks, counties. Therefore, an educated surmise suggests that the Pennsylvania Dutch self-identity comes through his father rather than his mother and that his roots will be outside of Luzerne County. As noted below, Charles Wesley RUTH was a posthumous child of his father; we do not know if he had any contact with his father's family, but it seems likely due to the connection through Mary Ann RUTH RUMAGE, his mother in law and first cousin (as demonstrated below).
Charles F. RUTH served in the Civil War though we have not yet identified his unit or dates of service. There is a 1923 affidavit by a member of extended family "knowing the family history intimately ...[he] was a Civil War Veteran." 9 and a photo of him and his wife (probably a wedding photo) show him in uniform. This establishes at the least an approximate age based on his service and his appearance as well as his wife's age (b. 1844). This indicates that he was probably born 1835-1845.
He died in the Avondale Mine Disaster 6 Sep 1869 and is listed as Charles F RUTH in the coroner's jury verdict 10. This is the only official record traceable directly to him; the name FENNER is passed on in the family orally so far as the author knows. There is no Charles RUTH in the 1850 Pennsylvania census who fits the description other than the son of George and Susan RUTH.
As stated previously the middle name FENNER is by family oral tradition. It is crucial to establishing that he is the same child as the son of George and Susan RUTH as there is almost no other official record of Charles FENNER RUTH anywhere. Family oral tradition stated further that his wife's mother Mary Ann RUTH, was his "cousin."
By these two facts, his middle name and the relationship to Mary Ann RUTH, we can link this Charles FENNER RUTH to the boy Charles RUTH, son of George and Susan RUTH in the 1850 census.
The FENNER Connection
Charles RUTH's older brother Peter Simon (or Simon Peter) RUTH was baptized had as sponsors Henry FENNER and his wife Margaret. That alone suggests the connection of Charles RUTH to Charles FENNER RUTH. But the connection is inescapable when one physically examines the records.
His middle name, FENNER, is found in a legion of entries, typically multiple times on nearly every page of the church register at Hamilton Union Church for a period of forty years or more 11. That his middle name was FENNER strongly associates him with this community and this church, and establishes him as the child Charles RUTH.
The COUSIN Connection
Agnes RUTH Oliver, the author's mother, granddaughter of Charles FENNER RUTH, and a great-granddaughter of Peter and Mary Ann RUMAGE collated a genealogy based on consultation and family records from her siblings in the 1970's. She had personal recollection of some of the children of this couple, and worked with her older siblings to memorialize the family traditions.
On one page titled RUMAGE FAMILY she traces her line to Conrad RUMAGE and Catherine MINNICK (MINNICH), and shows one child only of that couple, Peter (the same Peter RUMAGE identified below in this document).
* In her work, she lists Peter's wife as MARY ANN RUTH
* She then calls out the marriage of ISABEL [sic] and CHARLES FENNER RUTH and in parentheses next to his name "(cousin of Mary Ann Ruth)".
The relationship of Mary Ann RUTH can be established through descent from George RUTH, Sr., and will provide support for the contention that they were cousins because they both descended from him, and that this is, therefore, the same Charles RUTH.
First, we can establish that Peter's wife was Mary Ann RUTH and that she is the same child as a Maria Ann RUTH in the Hanover Union Church records.
Peter RUMAGE is shown in the 1850 census with a 27-year-old wife, "Mary A." In the 1860 census she is listed as Mary aged 37. The family being headed by Peter RUMAGE and "Mary A." the other adult in the household, along with the other evidence demonstrates that his wife was named Mary A.
This firmly establishes that the wife of Peter RUMAGE was Mary A, born 1823. The family tradition that her name was RUTH is supported further by the work of Henry Blackman Plumb. In History of Hanover Township and Wyoming Valley 12 where he shows Peter married Sally RUTH, and discussions with collateral descendents of Peter RUMAGE reflect that other branches knew her as Mary Ann RUTH, but commonly called Sally.
Next we find Mary Ann RUTH in the line of descent from Georg RUTH, Sr. The Hamilton Union Church records show her baptism in 1823:
Child - Maria Anna RUTH, b. 11 Sep 1823, baptized. 2 Nov 1823
Parents - John and Catharina RUTH;
Sponsors - George RUTH [Sr.] and wife, Maria Magdalena [her grandparents].
In this case, the relationship cannot be questioned, as John is the brother of George, Charles RUTH and Mary Ann are first cousins.
Isabella RUMAGE married Charles FENNER RUTH "cousin of Mary Ann RUTH" - his mother in law was a first cousin, his wife a first cousin once removed.
Conclusion
The conclusions are admittedly circular to a degree and there is no absolute primary proof yet available. However, we are told they were cousins, Charles was a cousin, therefore this is the same Charles, there being no other likely candidate in any record. Further the middle name FENNER establishes the strong presumption that this Charles is from Hamilton Township, Monroe County and beyond that from the Hamilton Union Church.
Available evidence establishes beyond serious question that Charles FENNER RUTH husband of Isabella RUMAGE was the grandson of Georg RUTH Sr. through his son George RUTH Jr; and Mary Ann RUTH was his granddaughter through his son John RUTH, making them first cousins.
The Ruth and Rumage Families of Luzerne County
Peter Rumage (1814 -1894), His Wife Mary Ann Ruth (1823 -ca 1880) and some Descendants
Peter RUMAGE [5, Conrad4, Jacob3, John Henry2, John Adam1] was the son of Conrad RUMAGE.
"... Conrad RUMMAGE (Jacob ) was born in Northampton County about 1790; came to Hanover with his father about 1803; married Katie MINNICH; lived and died in Hanover. They had
Peter RUMMAGE, b. 1814, m. Sally RUTH,
Mary RUMMAGE, d. 1871, m. Simon Peter VANDERMARK,
Polly RUMMAGE, m. Peter BOWMAN,
Conrad RUMMAGE, m. Kate SAUM,
Eliza RUMMAGE, m. Mahlon VAN NORMAN" 13
Peter RUMAGE:
Birth: 1814, Pennsylvania 14, 15, 16
Death: 11 Jan 1894 17
Father: Conrad [4] Romich (RUMAGE) (1790-1867)
Mother: Catherine (Katie) Minnich (1794-1875)
Spouse: Mary Ann (Sally) RUTH
Birth: 11 Sep 1823
Death: bef 1 Jun 1880 18
Obituary: "Peter RUMAGE, aged 79 and a former resident of Ashley died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nathaniel MEAD of Duryea. He is survived by four brothers [sic] 19, George and Charles of Ashley, S. P. RUMAGE of Wilkes-Barre and John of Kansas, and sisters [sic] Mrs. Frank MOSTELLO of Moosic, Mrs. Nathaniel MEADE, Mrs. Thomas KEATING and Mrs. William BEADLE of Duryea. The body will be taken from Duryea to the Brick Church at Old Forge, where services will be held and where interment will be made." 20
Mary Ann (Sally) Ruth. Born on 11 Sep 1823. Mary Ann (Sally) died before 1 Jun 1880. Mary Ann married [5] Peter Rumage, son of [4] Conrad Rumage & [3] Catherine (Katie) Minnich.
Children of Peter Rumage And Mary Ann Ruth
Correct Listing of Children
This is a correct listing of the children of this couple, with all names appearing on one census or other and matching, except Minetta, Agnes Ruth Oliver's list (below); dates are approximated in most cases. The development of this list is detailed below.
31 i. Isabella (1844-1907) m. Charles Fenner RUTH
32 ii. Clementine (1846-)
33 iii. John W. (1847-)
34 iv. Mary C. (1849-) m. Nathaniel 21 MEAD
35 v. Simon Peter (1850-)
36 vi. George Meriot (1854-)
37 vii. Ida Ruth (1856-)
38 viii. Minnetta 'Minnie' (1858-)
39 ix. Ann (1860-)
40 x. Charles Frederick (ca1864-)
41 xi. Caroline 'Carrie' (1867-1935) m. Thomas CATON
Family Tradition
Agnes Ruth Oliver lists the following parents, grandparents, children, marriages and dates, none of which have been clearly contradicted, and most of which has been substantiated by other sources; the information is reproduced as faithfully as possible 22:
Conrad RUMAGE m Catherine MINNICK 23
Children
1. PETER m Mary Ann RUTH
Children
ISABEL (2/27/1844-8/26/1907)
Clementine
John W.
Mary m. Meade
Simon
George
Ida
Annetta
Caroline (Carrie) m Thomas Caton
The 1850 Census
RUMAGE Peter age 35 born in PA
Mary A. age 27 born in PA
Isabilla age 6 born in PA
Christiana age 4 born in PA
John W. age 3 born in PA
Mary C. age 1 born in PA
Note that a number of errors are made in this 1850 census, including spelling of the children's names.
The 1860 Census
RUMAGE Peter, Age 46
Mary RUMAGE, Age 37
Isabella RUMAGE, Age 16
Clementine RUMAGE, Age 14
Jno W. RUMAGE Age 13
Mary RUMAGE age 11
Simon RUMAGE Age 9
George RUMAGE Age 6
Ida RUMAGE, Age 4
Minetta RUMAGE age 1
Sally Anett, age 53, "pauper"
Wm. Fulton, Age 40, b. Scotland, "Milliner"
This is the last census where we find the older girls, as they married or passed on by 1880. Isabella appears as Isabella Ruth after 1860 and disappears after 1880.
The 1870 Census
The family is so far not located in the 1870 census.
The 1880 Census
Peter RUMAGE was living in Marcy Township as a farmer in 1880. He is shown as a widower, so Mary Ann died between 1860 - 1880. By oral tradition it must have been closer to the 1880 date, as Charles Wesley RUTH, who also lived on that farm, referred to it as his "Grandparents' farm" implying that Mary Ann lived there too.
Living on the farm with Peter are his children, listed as:
Minnie, age 22;
Ida, age 23;
Ann, age 20;
Charles, age 16 (a laborer);
Caroline, age 12.
--in addition: --
Charles grandson age 10 [Charles Wesley RUTH, son of Isabella RUTH]
William grandson, age 5 [son of Isabella RUTH]
Clementine RUMAGE is a servant in the household of J. R. Wagner of Harmony, Susquehanna, PA.
All except Minnie and/or Annetta appear in the final chart, in order, as constructed by Agnes Ruth Oliver. Ann is associated with "Annetta" in her chart.
Clementon, Clementine, Christiana?
The Agnes Ruth Oliver genealogy shows the name Clementine for the second child. Another cousin has advised (information not verified) that "Clementon" [perhaps male] and Isabella were baptized together at St. James Lutheran Church in Newport or Hanover on July 12, 1846 24. However, the 1850 census shows "Christiana" as the name, which is even less likely.
However, there is no quibbling about the 1860 Census, where the name Clementine is clearly and cleanly written, and the sex specified as female aged 14 (b. ca 1846). This comports with every fact. No matter, we have to think the census taker was having a very bad day when he arrived at the RUMAGE household in 1850.
Minnie? Minetta? Ann? Annetta?
Agnes Ruth Oliver showed "Annetta" and no Minetta at all, nor any child who could be Minetta. It seems that the names provided came down from memory and oral tradition; she definitely consulted her siblings in preparation of the genealogy. She would not likely have known any of them except Carrie who she has written of knowing, and no doubt relied on her older siblings or cousins who may have known them ... Ralph, the oldest was b. 1895, so they may have been alive in his youth.
It seems probable that Ann and Minetta became mixed together, being close in age, the same sex, and of distant memory. We should rely on the 1860 and 1880 census information in our final list.
The 1860 census shows "Minetta" aged 1 (1858/9); this is obviously the "Minnie" aged 22 in the 1880 Census, the only child Agnes Ruth Oliver seems to have missed.
Isabella Rumage Ruth And The Ruth Family
In both the 1860 and the 1880 census, the name given is Isabella; certainly in 1880 she would have seen to the correct spelling, so Agnes RUTH Oliver's spelling of ISABEL is not correct, nor is the 1850 Census 'Isabilla' accepted.
Charles W. RUTH recalled the time he spent on his grandparents' farm as boy fondly and told the story to his children often; from them it has passed down to the next generation and the author. In the 1880 Census, Peter's family has two other members, two children listed as 'grandson', Charles and William RUTH. These last two children are the children of Isabella RUMAGE RUTH. The census provides clear confirmation of the story.
Charles Fenner married [6] Isabella Rumage (31) , daughter of [5] Peter Rumage & [5] Mary Ann (Sally) Ruth (12). Born on 27 Feb 1844 in Hanover Twp., Luzerne, PA. Isabella died in Pennsylvania on 26 Aug 1907; she was 63.
43 i. Bowman Miner (1866-1866)
44 ii. Annie Drusilla (~1867-)
45 iii. Charles Wesley (1869-1936)
Charles Wesley Ruth was born 4 December 1869 (shown as 10 in the census; this is accurate, his birthday is in December). He was the posthumous child of CHARLES FENNER RUTH, Isabella's first husband, who died in the Avondale disaster in December1869.
William, aged 5 in 1880, was Isabella's child, born out of wedlock. Family oral tradition says she was raped by her employer, a physician. Tradition further states that later she married one Eugene Bieler (sp?), had three children by him (Arthur and Alice are names given) and he adopted Charles and William, though it may not have been a formal legal adoption. No record to support this has been found; but much searching remains to be done. No Eugene Beeler, Bieler, Biehler nor Isabella Biehler, etc. has been found in any census that could conceivably be them. The dreadfully inaccurate obituary of Peter RUMAGE suggests the name is BEADLE but that too has provided no leads.
Also in this census, Isabella RUTH is shown as a servant in the household of Elisha Atherton, a man in his 80's suffering from "palsy" and living with his elderly wife and the husband and children of a niece who evidently do the actual farming. Isabella was obviously needed to help out with two elderly adults and two small children in the household. Atherton's farm is in Marcy Township, obviously no coincidence.
Isabella has so far not been located on any other census (1870, 1890, 1900, 1910). The death of Isabella is not on record so far as the author can ascertain and Pennsylvania had no record under either Isabella RUTH or Isabella RUMAGE. The date of death given by Agnes Ruth Oliver is of unknown origin, probably from her siblings, and she herself was born in 1908 so it cannot be personal knowledge.
Addenda
Future research possibilities: Wife of George RUTH Junior, Potential candidates, all named Susanna:
Parents
date of birth
date of Baptism
Sponsors
Wm Bellesfeld
Gertraut
12 Jun 1810
17 Oct 1810
Geo. Hafner, Jr, Christina Lorenz
Johann Jung
Susanna
5 Jan 1809
2 Jul 1809
Jacobus Schefer
Susanna
Peter Heller
Elisabeth
46 April 1812
14 Jul 1812
Johann Schneider
Louisa
Philipp Singer
Elisabeth
12 May 1812
14 Jul 1812
Rachel Siegellew
Christian Singer
Susanna
4 Jul 1810
30 Aug 1810
Johannes Belles
Elisabeth
Based on the supposition that she was born into the congregation at Hamilton Township; these are the Susanna's of about the right age.
Obituary -- David MERCER
At 5:30 o'clock last evening David Mercer, who was stricken with paralysis while at work at the machine shop of the Bethlehem Iron Company departed this life, in the 63rd year of his age. Mr. Mercer was born in the city of Philadelphia June 17, 1822 and was the youngest of six children of the late Thos. and Elizabeth MERCER who were English people. His early education was acquired in the public schools of Philadelphia. At an early age in accordance with his earnest desire he learned the trade of a machinist, which he has followed for more than forty years and was a most skilled mechanic. Shortly after he had attained his majority he married Miss Mary TREGENNA of Philadelphia. Their union was blessed with three children, two of whom are living, viz. Thomas MERCER of Philadelphia and Mrs. Anna MCDEVITT of Glenwood, NJ. His wife died during the month of April, 1862 at her home in Philadelphia. Five years afterwards Mr. Mercer removed to Bethlehem and entered the employ of the Bethlehem Iron Company. Ever since that time, with the exception of a short interval when he was engaged in the Navy Yard at Philadelphia, Mr. Mercer has been in the employ of this company; and by his steady and diligent work has been promoted again and again, at the time of his death holding the responsible position of keeper of the tool department. In the month of August, 1873 Mr. Mercer married his surviving wife, nee Miss Mary L. RUTH, daughter of George and Susan RUTH. They had one child, a daughter now deceased. Several years ago he was a candidate on the Labor-Greenback ticket for assembly. For a number of years Mr. Mercer suffered considerably from rheumatism and an affection [sic] of the lungs. Yesterday morning when he left home for work he appeared to be in excellent spirits. Shortly after arriving at his work he complained of a pain across his back. Subsequently he was stricken and was brought home by conveyance. About 2 o'clock in the afternoon he became unconscious and while lying in this state there were two more strokes of paralysis, death ensuing shortly after 5 o'clock. Mr. Mercer was a devout Christian, a faithful member of the Wesley M.E. Church, Centre Street. Besides his wife and children, one brother, Harry Mercer, and a sister Mrs. Mary Brown both of Philadelphia and six grandchildren mourn his sudden and unexpected departure. His relatives have the heartfelt sympathy of his fellow workmen and the community in the present sad affliction. The funeral will take place on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Descendants of (John) Georg Ruth, Senior
First Generation
1. [3] (John) Georg Ruth Sr. Born on 5 Feb 1774 in Springfield Twp, Buck Co., PA.
On 17 Oct 1797 when (John) Georg was 23, he married Maria Magdalena Mann, daughter of John Mann & Catherine, in Bucks Co. PA. Born on 26 Apr 1775. Maria Magdalena died on 1 Sep 1851; she was 76.
They had:
2 i. John (1799-1840)
3 ii. Elizabeth (ca1802-)
4 iii. perhaps Samuel (ca1803-)
5 iv. Jacob (1804-1879)
6 v. George (ca1807-1880)
7 vi. David (1812-)
8 vii. Anna Catharine (1814-1874)
9 viii. Maria Magdalena (1816-)
10 ix. Carl (Charles) (1819-)
11 x. Sara Ann (Sally) (1822-)
Second Generation
2. [4] John Ruth. Born on 1 Nov 1799. John died in 1840; he was 40.
John married Catharina [?Newhard.] Born on 16 Oct 1799. Catharina died in 1850; she was 50.
They had an unnknown number of children, including this child:
12 i. Mary Ann (Sally) (1823-<1880)
3. Elizabeth Ruth. Born ca 1802.
Elizabeth married Simon Neihart.
They had child:
13 i. Anna Maria
4. perhaps Samuel Ruth. Born ca 1803.
[some] Samuel married Elizabeth. Born ca 1811.
5. Jacob Ruth. Born on 17 Sep 1804. Jacob died on 1 Oct 1879; he was 75.
Jacob married Catharine Bossard. Born on 21 Dec 1810. Catharine died on 17 Sep 1893; she was 82.
They had:
14 i. Hanna
6. [4] George Ruth Jr. Born ca 1807 in Pennsylvania. George died in Bethlehem, PA on 3 Feb 1880; he was 73. Buried on 6 Feb 1880 in Bethlehem, PA. Occupation: Carpet Weaver. Before 20 Nov 1830, he married Susan __. Born ca 1810-11 in Pennsylvania. Susan died aft Jun 1880.
They had:
15 i. Peter Simon (1831-1853)
16 ii. Maria Magdalena [Mary L.] (1833-)
17 iii. Sarah (ca1835-)
18 iv. Israel (1835-)
19 v. Caty (Catharine Ann) (1837-)
20 vi. Charles Fenner (1842-1869)
21 vii. Emma Susan (1844-)
22 viii. Milton Eugene (1848-)
23 ix. Hester Matilda (1851-)
24 x. Calvin (1853-)
7. David Ruth. Born on 7 Aug 1812. David married Susan. Born ca 1812.
They had:
25 i. Josiah
26 ii. Lewis
27 iii. George
28 iv. Rachel
29 v. Catharine
30 vi. ELizabeth
8. Anna Catharine Ruth. Born on 18 Apr 1814. Anna Catharine died in 1874; she was 59.
Anna Catharine married Michael Mackes. Born in 1812. Michael died in 1896; he was 84.
9. Maria Magdalena Ruth. Born on 11 Feb 1816 in Hamilton (aka. Christ) Union Church in Hamilton Twp., Monroe Co., PA.
10. Carl (Charles) Ruth. Born on 11 Oct 1819.
11. Sara Ann (Sally) Ruth. Born on 2 May 1822.
Sara Ann (Sally) married George Cutzler.
Third Generation
12. [5] Mary Ann (Sally) Ruth. Born on 11 Sep 1823. Mary Ann (Sally) died before 1 Jun 1880. Mary Ann married [5] Peter Rumage, son of [4] Conrad Rumage & [3] Catherine (Katie) Minnich. Born in 1814 in Pennsylvania. Peter died on 11 Jan 1894; he was 80.
They had:
31 i. Isabella (1844-1907)
32 ii. Clementine (1846-)
33 iii. John W. (1847-)
34 iv. Mary C. (1849-)
35 v. Simon Peter (1850-)
36 vi. George Meriot (1854-)
37 vii. Ida Ruth (1856-)
38 viii. Minnetta 'Minnie' (1858-)
39 ix. Ann (1860-)
40 x. Charles Frederick (ca1864-)
41 xi. Caroline 'Carrie' (1867-1935)
13. Anna Maria ?Neihart.
14. Hanna Ruth.
15. Peter Simon Ruth. Born on 15 Aug 1831 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA. Peter Simon died in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA on 10 Aug 1853; he was 21. Buried on 15 Aug 1853 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA.
16. Maria Magdalena [Mary L.] Ruth. Born on 18 Aug 1833 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA. On 26 Aug 1873 when Maria Magdalena [Mary L.] was 40, she married David Mercer, son of Thomas Mercer & Elizabeth. Born on 17 Jun 1822 in Philadelphia, PA. David died in Bethlehem, PA on 20 Feb 1885; he was 62. They had:
42 i. Deceased
17. Sarah Ruth. Born ca 1835.
18. Israel Ruth. Born on 10 Jul 1835 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA.
19. Caty (Catharine Ann) Ruth. Born on 27 Aug 1837 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA.
20. [5] Charles Fenner Ruth. Born on 9 Aug 1842 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA. Charles Fenner died in Plymouth, Luzerne, PA on 6 Sep 1869; he was 27. Occupation: Painter Coal Miner.
Charles Fenner married [6] Isabella Rumage (31) , daughter of [5] Peter Rumage & [5] Mary Ann (Sally) Ruth (12). Born on 27 Feb 1844 in Hanover Twp., Luzerne, PA. Isabella died in Pennsylvania on 26 Aug 1907; she was 63.
They had:
43 i. Bowman Miner (1866-1866)
44 ii. Annie Drusilla (~1867-)
45 iii. Charles Wesley (1869-1936)
21. Emma Susan Ruth. Born on 10 Oct 1844 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA.
22. Milton Eugene Ruth. Born on 7 Sep 1848 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA.
Milton Eugene married Catharine Weiss. Born on 13 Sep 1856 in Brodheadsville, Monroe Co., PA.
They had:
46 i. Estella
47 ii. Earl
48 iii. Pauline
49 iv. Bertha
50 v. Helen C.
51 vi. Mabel (1894-1972)
52 vii. Mary Margaret (1894-)
53 viii. Esther W. (1897-1947)
23. Hester Matilda Ruth. Born on 29 Jun 1851 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA. Occupation: Seamstress.
Hester Matilda married John W. Horne.
24. Calvin Ruth. Born on 21 Jun 1853 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA. Occupation: Laborer.
25. Josiah Ruth.
26. Lewis Ruth.
27. George Ruth.
28. Rachel Ruth.
29. Catharine Ruth.
30. ELizabeth Ruth.
Fourth Generation
31. [6] Isabella Rumage. Born on 27 Feb 1844 in Hanover Twp., Luzerne, PA. Isabella died in Pennsylvania on 26 Aug 1907; she was 63.
Isabella first married [5] Charles Fenner Ruth (20) , son of [4] George Ruth Jr. (6) & Susan __. Born on 9 Aug 1842 in Hamilton, Monroe Co., PA. Charles Fenner died in Plymouth, Luzerne, PA on 6 Sep 1869; he was 27.
They had:
43 i. Bowman Miner (1866-1866)
44 ii. Annie Drusilla (~1867-)
45 iii. Charles Wesley (1869-1936)
Isabella second married Unnamed.
: i. William (ca1875-)
Isabella third married Eugene Bieler, in Pennsylvania.
: i. 3 Natural Children
32. Clementine Rumage. Born on 25 Jan 1846 in Luzerne County, PA.
33. John W. Rumage. Born in 1847 in Pennsylvania.
34. Mary C. Rumage. Born in 1849 in Pennsylvania.
Mary C. married Nathaniel Mead.
35. Simon Peter Rumage. Born on 25 Jan 1850.
36. George Meriot Rumage. Born on 8 Apr 1854.
37. Ida Ruth Rumage. Born on 9 Jun 1856.
38. Minnetta 'Minnie' Rumage. Born in 1858. Born in 1858.
39. Ann Rumage. Born in 1860.
Ann married Thomas Keating.
40. Charles Frederick Rumage. Born ca 1864. Occupation: Laborer in 1850 census.
41. Caroline 'Carrie' Rumage. Born in 1867 in Buttonwood, PA. Caroline 'Carrie' died in Elizabeth, NJ in 1935; she was 68. Carrie married Thomas Caton, son of Thomas Henry Caton. Born in 1866 in Jeddo, PA. Thomas died in Elizabeth, NJ in 1935; he was 69.
They had:
i. Herbert Ellsworth (1889-)
ii. Ruth (1890-)
iii. Edna (1893-)
iv. Frances (1894-)
v. Mildred (1896-)
vi. Thomas Guy (1897-1966)
42. Deceased Mercer (Died Young).
43. Bowman Miner Ruth. Born on 5 Nov 1866, died on 9 Nov 1866.
44. Annie Drusilla Ruth. Born abt 1867. Annie Drusilla married William Golightly, son of James Golightly. Born in 1868.
They had:
i. William
ii. Alice
iii. Arthur
iv. Isabel
45. [6] Charles Wesley Ruth. Born on 4 Dec 1869 in Hanover Township, PA. Charles Wesley died in Cleveland, Ohio on 30 Sep 1936; he was 66. Occupation: Railroader. Religion: RC (Converted?).
On 4 Apr 1894 when Charles Wesley was 24, he married Agnes Mary Josephine Walsh, daughter of [2] Michael Walsh & Mary Flaherty, in Ashley, PA. Born on 8 May 1870 in Tuam, County Galway, Ireland. Agnes Mary Josephine died in Lakewood, Ohio on 3 Sep 1949; she was 79.
They had:
i. Rafael Michael (1895-1975)
ii. Gerald Francis (1897-1951)
iii. Walter Joseph (1900-)
iv. Frederick Aloysius (1903-1975)
v. Mary Therese Elizabeth (1905-1996)
vi. Agnes Rita (1908-1986)
46. Estella Ruth.
Estella married William Gundrum.
47. Earl Ruth.
Earl married Bertha Reisner.
48. Pauline Ruth.
Pauline married Frank Betge.
49. Bertha Ruth.
50. Helen C. Ruth.
Helen C. married Mathias Ernst.
51. Mabel Ruth. Born on 8 Jan 1894. Mabel died in Dec 1972; she was 78.
Mabel married Henry A Bankhard.
52. Mary Margaret Ruth. Born in 1894.
Mary Margaret married John jacob Kauffman Sr.
53. Esther W. Ruth. Born on 1 Feb 1897. Esther W. died on 2 Mar 1947; she was 50.
Index
?
Elizabeth (ca1811 - ) spouse of 4
Susan (ca1812 - ) spouse of 7
?Newhard
Catharina (1799 - 1850) spouse of 2
Bankhard
Henry A spouse of 51
Betge
Frank spouse of 48
Bieler
3 Natural Children child of 31
Eugene spouse of 31
Bossard
Catharine (1810 - 1893) spouse of 5
Caton
Edna (1893 - ) child of 41
Frances (1894 - ) child of 41
Herbert Ellsworth (1889 - ) child of 41
Mildred (1896 - ) child of 41
Ruth (1890 - ) child of 41
Thomas (1866 - 1935) spouse of 41
Thomas Guy (1897 - 1966) child of 41
Cutzler
George spouse of 11
Ernst
Mathias spouse of 50
Golightly
Alice child of 44
Arthur child of 44
Isabel child of 44
William (1868 - ) spouse of 44
William child of 44
Gundrum
William spouse of 46
Horne
John W. spouse of 23
Kauffman
John jacob Sr spouse of 52
Keating
Thomas spouse of 39
Mackes
Michael (1812 - 1896) spouse of 8
Mann
Maria Magdalena (1775 - 1851) spouse of 1
Mead
Nathaniel? George? spouse of 34
Mercer
David (1822 - 1885) spouse of 16
Deceased 42
Neihart
Anna Maria 13
Simon spouse of 3
Reisner
BErtha spouse of 47
Rumage
Ann (1860 - ) 39
Caroline 'Carrie' (1867 - 1935) 41
Charles Frederick (ca1864 - ) 40
Clementine (1846 - ) 32
George Meriot (1854 - ) 36
Ida Ruth (1856 - ) 37
[6] Isabella (1844 - 1907) spouse of 20
[6] Isabella (1844 - 1907) 31
John W. (1847 - ) 33
Mary C. (1849 - ) 34
Minnetta 'Minnie' (1858 - ) 38
[5] Peter (1814 - 1894) spouse of 12
Simon Peter (1850 - ) 35
Ruth
[7] Agnes Rita (1908 - 1986) child of 45
Anna Catharine (1814 - 1874) 8
Annie Drusilla (~1867 - ) 44
Bertha 49
Bowman Miner (1866 - 1866) 43
Calvin (1853 - ) 24
Carl (Charles) (1819 - ) 10
Catharine 29
Caty (Catharine Ann) (1837 - ) 19
[5] Charles Fenner (1842 - 1869) 20
[5] Charles Fenner (1842 - 1869) spouse of 31
[6] Charles Wesley (1869 - 1936) 45
David (1812 - ) 7
Earl 47
Elizabeth (ca1802 - ) 3
ELizabeth 30
Emma Susan (1844 - ) 21
Estella 46
Esther W. (1897 - 1947) 53
Frederick Aloysius (1903 - 1975) child of 45
George 27
[4] George Jr. (ca1807 - 1880) 6
Gerald Francis (1897 - 1951) child of 45
Hanna 14
Helen C. 50
Hester Matilda (1851 - ) 23
Israel (1835 - ) 18
Jacob (1804 - 1879) 5
[4] John (1799 - 1840) 2
[3] (John) Georg Sr. (1774 - ) 1
Josiah 25
Lewis 26
Mabel (1894 - 1972) 51
Maria Magdalena (1816 - ) 9
Maria Magdalena [Mary L.] (1833 - ) 16
[5] Mary Ann (Sally) (1823 - <1880) 12
Mary Margaret (1894 - ) 52
Sister Mary Therese Elizabeth , OSU (1905 - 1996) child of 45
Milton Eugene (1848 - ) 22
Pauline 48
perhaps Samuel (ca1803 - ) 4
Peter Simon (1831 - 1853) 15
Rachel 28
Rafael Michael (1895 - 1975) child of 45
Sara Ann (Sally) (1822 - ) 11
Sarah (ca1835 - ) 17
Walter Joseph (1900 - ) child of 45
William (ca1875 - ) child of 31
Unnamed
UNNAMED spouse of 31
Walsh
Agnes Mary Josephine (1870 - 1949) spouse of 45
Weiss
Catharine (1856 - ) spouse of 22
__
Susan (ca1810 - >1880) spouse of 6
1 Much credit for invaluable assistance with Hamilton church records is due to Dale Berman; Jeff Thomas deserves the same for his web site on the Avondale Disaster, see footnotes.
2 The above births were extracted from the book "Pennsylvania Births - Bucks County - 1682-1800" by John T. Humphrey (Humphrey Publications, Washington DC, 1993). This particular book does not give the dates of baptism nor the names of the sponsors.
3 " Re: Milton RUTH - Genealogy," 16 -17 Jan 2006, Dale Berger, Two emails with extensive details of the George RUTH (~1807) family from records of the Hamilton Union Church at the Marx Room of the Easton, PA public library and. Hamilton Union Church Records, 1763-1830, Hamilton Twp., Monroe Co. PA, Film, FHL 020348 Item 1, Rinke, William J (copier)
4 1850 census, microfilm roll #798, Monroe Co., PA, Hamilton Twp., house #109
5 Bethlehem Daily Times/Globe-Times, Bethlehem, PA, Feb, 3, 1880 http://206.245.141.13/scripts/as_web.exe?18671890.ask+D+4289444 February 3, 1880 PAGE 1:6 Sudden Death
6 Bethlehem Daily Times/Globe-Times, Bethlehem, PA, Feb, 3, 1880, February 21, 1885, Page 1:6; text provided at the end of this document.
7 Swiss FENNER Family Lines, FENNER, Henry, The FENNER Family Tree, Swiss Fenners, .pdf, 14 Oct 2003. FENNER, Chris, ed. The FENNER Family. 4th ed. 8 April 2005. www.fennerfamily.com Shortend his name to Henry and used that most of his life. He helped lay out Fennersville, which is the modern day Sciota PA, changed after 1870 to prevent confusion with a similar named Tannersville.
8 "ARO (1980) Recollections of the Childhood of Agnes RUTH," Agnes RUTH Oliver, Typescript, 3 Pages, 28 Nov 1980.
9 "Affidavit of Edward C. Hope," Edward C. /Hope/, Accompany Passport Application 290634, 12 MAY 1923.
10 Corrigary, James M, The Great Disaster at Avondale Colliery, http://www.thomasgenweb.com/avondale_report5.html Web site by Jeffrey L. Thomas jltbalt1@comcast.net Images of the report may be found at the Mine Safety and Health Administration Library in Denver, Colorado, and provides fascinating eyewitness accounts of the accident and its aftermath, and testimony from the official inquest. http://www.msha.gov/District/Dist_01/Reports/Avondale/letter.htm
11 Hamilton Union Church Records, 1763-1830, Hamilton Twp., Monroe Co. PA, Film, FHL 020348 Item 1, Rinke, William J (copier)
12 Plumb, Henry Blackman, History of Hanover Township and Wyoming Valley including Sugar Notch, Ashley and Nanticocke boroughs and also a History of Wyoming Valley, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Robert Baur, Printer and Stationer, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 1885 - 498 pp., FHL 1000563 Item 2 COX Collection Tucson AZ pp. 474-475. Note the generation numbers he used are different.
13 Plumb, Henry Blackman, op.cit.. Note the generation numbers he used are different.
14 Plumb, Henry Blackman, op. Cit.
15 "ARO(i) Genealogy Research," Agnes Rita /RUTH/Genealogy Charts and Notes made by her concerning her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins including many contemporaries.
16 "1850 Census, US."
17 Obituary of Peter RUMAGE." Wilkes-Barre Record, Jan 12, 1894.
18 "1850 Census, US."
19 Those shown as siblings are in fact his children, as shall be demonstrated.
20 Obituary, Wilkes-Barre Record, Jan 12, 1894:
21 A distant cousin who knew the family recalled the name as "George" but the obituary says Nathaniel, and despite its many errors, census records shows a nearby Nathaniel Mead with wife Mary but no George Meade anywhere.
22 "ARO(i) Genealogy Research," Agnes Rita /RUTH/Genealogy Charts and Notes made by her concerning her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins including many contemporaries.
23 Minnich is the usual spelling
24 Church records of St. James Lutheran Church, Newport Center (Nanticoke), 7/12/1846; FHL 1312467 Item 5 This has not been verified by the author, who presumes the Clementon entry indicates an error in reading or transcribing the original record.
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