Saturday Spotting - Heir of the Valentine Estate Weds

Appeared on Saturday the 23^rd of October in 1875 in the Indianapolis Sentinel out of Indianapolis, Indiana

WEDDED WEALTH.

TWO VAST ESTATES UNITED BY THE TENDER TIE OF HUSBAND AND WIFE.

     The Fall River correspondent of the New

York Herald contributed the following to

Wednesday’s issue of that paper: The mar-

riage of Miss Ella E. Valentine and Walter

M. Green, so long the theme of social

interest in this city, came of the evening at

the Valentine mansion, which had been

most elaborately decorated for the occasion.

The event called together a large company of

personal friends form their vicinity and the

large cities. Miss Valentine is the young-

est heir to the great Valentine estate, which

has descended to the heirs of the fourth

generation, the ancestor bequeathing it hav-

ing survived all his children and

passing it over the head of his

grandson about thirty-six years ago.

The aggregate at the present would place

it among the largest fortunes in the land,

and a very large portion of it is still invested

in established enterprises that have greatly

enriched this city. Mr. W M. Green is the

son of a wealthy merchant of Providence,

whose fortune places him among the solid

men of that city. The interior of the man-

sion where the ceremony was performed

was splendidly decorated with fortunes of

roses, smilax and fern. The wedding

ceremony took place under a finely

wrought arch of flowers with.

A FLORAL CROWN IN THE CENTER.

The refectory, improvised for the occasion

outside of domicile, was rendered very

attractive and beautiful with its profusion

of flowers and splendor of illuminations.

The lawn in front of the mansion was also

illuminated with about thirty glass globes

and stars lit up with gas. An arbor was

built from the front door to the sidewalk,

and the latter was carpeted to the street.

A steamer was charted to bring the guest

from Providence, and at the hour appointed

for the ceremony there were about 800

spectators. The ceremony was performed

by the Rev. A.K. P. Small, of the First

Baptist Church, in a very impressive man-

ner, and many were the congratulations

showered upon the happy pair. The music

for the occasion was rendered by an

orchestra from Providence. The presents

were numerous, elaborate in design and

combined the useful and beautiful In-

cluded in the display were statuettes,

candlesticks, engravings, chromos, tea and

dinner sets, and lastly a pair of solitaire

diamond ear drops, a present from the

bridegroom to this bride; a magnificent chro-

nometer with Swiss watch chain and pend-

ants, valued at $1,000, a present from the

bride to her husband. The newly married

couple left this evening for San Francisco,

where they purpose to spend the winter. 

(*above article found on Genealogy Bank website)

Tombstone Tuesday - Hoffecker Family

I located the Hoffecker family while I was visiting the Forest Cemetery in Middletown, Delaware. Once again this is what I refer to as a quick pull. I gather the information of the tombstones and then pull what I can while researching from my computer at home.   

                                  JAMES R. HOFFECKER       MARY ADALAIDE

                                       AUGUST 19. 1837                     Wife of

                                    FEBRUARY 16. 1915           James R. Hoffecker

                                                                                Born Mar. 6^th  1841

                                                                                Died Aug.  1^st  1874

                                                MARY P.                          ELIZA T.

                                          DAUGHTER OF                DAUGHTER OF

                                     JAMES R. & MARY A.     JAMES R & MARY A.

                                            HOFFECKER                   HOFFECKER

                                     BORN DEC. 20^TH 1862.    BORN AUG. 16TH 1864     

                                      DIED FEB. 25^TH 1881.        DIED AUG 8TH 1890          

               

[1]1850 United States Federal Census in St. Georges Hundred of New Castle County in the state of Delaware.  Henry D Hoffecker, head of household, male, white, d.o.b. abt. 1808 in Delaware 42 years of age at the time of the census.  Occupation listed as farmer with the value of real estate owned at 10,700. Mary H Hoffecker is listed as wife, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1813 in Delaware 37 years of age at the time of the census. Mary E Hoffecker is listed as daughter, white, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1835 in Delaware she was 15 years of age at the time of the census.  James R Hoffecker is listed as son, male, white, d.o.b. abt. 1837 in Delaware, he was 13 years of ae at the time of the census.  Also listed in the house, William Beel, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1814 in Delaware, he was 36 years of age at the time of the census.  Arvis Gray, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1817 in Delaware, he was 33 years of age at the time of the census.  Adam Harris, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1837 in Delaware, he was 13 years of age at the time of the census.

[2]1860 United States Federal Census in St. Georges Hundred of New Castle County in the state of Delaware.  James R Hoffecker, head of household, male, white, d.o.b. abt. 1838 in Delaware, 22 years of age at the time of the census.  Margarett Knight, female, white, d.o.b. abt 1830 in Delaware, 30 years of age at the time of census. Mary C Knight, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1852 in Delaware, 8 years of age at the time of the census. Steven Brister, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1832 in Delaware, 28 years of age at the time of the census.  Wm Dale, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1845 in Delaware, 15 years of age at the time of the census.  Hary Brister, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1850 in Delaware, 10 years of age at the time of the census.

[3]1870 United States Federal Census in St. Georges Hundred of New Castle County in the state of Delaware. James R Hoffecker, head of house hold, male, white, d.o.b. abt. 1838 in Delaware, 32 years of age at the time of the census. His occupation is listed as farmer with value of personal estate at 4500. Mary A Hoffecker, wife, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1842 in Delaware, 28 years of age at the time of the census. Her occupation is listed as keeping house. Mary P Hoffecker, daughter, female, white, d.o.b. abt.  1862 in Delaware, 8 years of age at the time of the census. Her occupation is listed as at home.  Eliza T Hoffecker, daughter, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1864 in Delaware, 6 years of age at the time of the census. Her occupation is listed as at home. Clara A Hoffecker, daughter, female, white, d.o.b. abt.  1865 in Delaware, 5 years of age at time of the census. Her occupation is listed as at home. Anna A Hoffecker, daughter, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1867 in Delaware, 3 years of age at time of the census.  Her occupation is listed as at home.  John J Hoffecker, son, male, white, d.o.b. abt. 1869 in Delaware, 1 year of age at time of the census. His occupation is listed as at home.  Also listed Levina Chambers, female, black, d.o.b. abt. 1848 in Maryland, 22 years of age at time of the census.  Her occupation is listed as Domestic Servant and she couldn’t read or write. Jas Williams, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1832 in Maryland, 38 years of age at time of census. His occupation is listed as farm laborer and he couldn’t read or write. Wm H Sadler, male, black, d.o.b. abt. 1854 in Delaware, he is 16 years of age at the time of the census. His occupation is listed as farm laborer and he couldn’t read or write.  

[4]1880 United States Federal Census in Saint Georges of New Castle county in the state of Delaware. James R. Hofecker is listed as head of house hold, widower, male, white, d.o.b. abt. 1838 in Delaware, both of his parents were born in Delaware. His occupation is listed as Farmer-Gentleman, he is 42 years of age at the time of the census.  Mary P. Hofecker, daughter, single, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1863 in Delaware, both of her parents were born in Delaware. Her occupation is listed as housekeeper, she is 17 years of age at the time of the census. Lida T. Hofecker, daughter, single, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1865 in Delaware, both of her parents were born in Delaware. Her occupation is listed as at school, she is 15 years of age at the time of this census.  C. Burly Hofecker, daughter, single, female, white, d.o.b. abt.1866 in Delaware. Her occupation is listed at school, she was 14 years of age at the time of this census.  Anna Hofecker, daughter, single, female, white, d.o.b. abt. 1868 in Delaware. Her occupation listed at school, she was 12 years of age at the time of this census.  John J Hofecker, son, single, male, d.o.b. abt. 1869 in Delaware. His occupation listed at school, he was 11 years of age at the time of this census. Also listed Louisan Wolford, servant, male, black d.o.b. abt. 1860 in Delaware. His occupation is listed as domestic, he is 20 years of age at the time of this census.  Jacob Wisher, servant, male, malato, d.o.b. abt. 1850 in Delaware. His occupation is listed farm hand, he is 30 years of age at the time of this census.  Wm H Tillen, male, black, d.o.b. 1854 in Maryland.   

[5]Delaware Marriage Records 1806-1933 list James Roberts Hoffecker  male, age 54, d.o.b. abt. 1837 shows his father as Henry D and mother Mary H, marriage date 24 Dec 1891. Spouse listed Caroline Robinson Burnham, female, age 47 shows her father as James H and mother Elizabeth A.

[6]1900 United States Federal Census New Castle county in the town of Middletown the state of Delaware. James Hoffecker is listed as head of household, male, married, white, d.o.b. abt. Aug 1837 in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware.  He was 62 years of age at the time of this census, married for 8 years. It shows that he can read, write, speak English and owns his home. Caroline Hoffecker is listed as wife, female, married, white, d.o.b. abt. Sep 1844 in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware. She was 55 years of age at the time of this census, married for 8 years. It shows that she could read, write and speak English.

[7]1910 United States Federal Census in the town of Middletown in New Castle County state of Delaware. James R Hoffecker is listed as head of household, male, married, white, d.o.b. abt. 1838 in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware.  He was 72 years of age at the time of this census, married twice. Caroline R Hoffecker is listed as wife, female, married, white, d.o.b. abt. 1844 in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware. She was 66 years if age at the time of this census. Clara A Hoffecker is listed as daughter, female, divorced, white, d.o.b. abt. 1866 born in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware. She was 44 years of age at the time of this census. John J Hoffecker, grandson, male, single, male, d.o.b. abt. 1895 in Delaware, both parents born in Delaware. He was 15 years of age at the time of this census.  Also listed on this census is Mary Price listed as boarder, female, single, white, d.o.b. abt. 1861 in Maryland, both parents born in Delaware. She was 49 years of age at the time of this census.

---

[1] 1850 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 July 2015) Provo,UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

[2] 1860 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 July 2015) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. 1860 U.S. census, population schedule. NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d

[3] 1870 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 July 2015) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. 1870 U.S. census, population schedules. NARA microfilm publication M593, 1,761 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.

[4] 1880 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 July 2015) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. (NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

[5] Ancestry.com. Delaware Marriage Records, 1806-1933 (http://www.ancestry.com; accessed 14 July 2015) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Delaware. Delaware Vital Records. Microfilm. Delaware Public Archives, Dover.

[6] 1900 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 July 2015) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls. 

[7] 1910 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 14 July 2015) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Denounced Marriage

Finding out that one of your ancestors denounced their marriage to receive their last rights while on their death bed might seem harsh. Then again what does “denouncing your marriage” exactly mean? Did they not love each other? Is it a form of divorce to allow the soon to be widow or widower to remarry? Or is it simply a religious step you take to be buried in a Catholic cemetery alongside your first spouse?

Well for my family it was the later of the choices and this wasn’t that uncommon and I believe you might still hear about it today. My 2x great grandfather remarried shortly after the death of his first wife, whom was Catholic. My 2x great grandmother died at a young age and left 6 children for him to rear,   I’m sure most of you have run across situations similar to this one. Being a young widower himself and left with 6 children to rear he quickly sought a new spouse to help in the rearing of these children.  He and his second wife were married for some time and even had children of their own. Before his passing he wished to be buried along the side of his first wife.  But he was unable to do so because of his second marriage was not Catholic, their marriage was Protestant.  It was during this time he denounced his marriage so he could receive his last rights and be buried in the Catholic cemetery alongside of his first wife.  

Saturday Spotting - Cupid and Cash

Published in November of 1898 in the New York Herald out of New York, New York

 CUPID AND CASH.

Sued for Breach of Promise, Abraham Levy Demands $300 as a Preliminary to Marriage.

HIS SUITOR WANTS $50,000.

Miss Messinger Says She Is Still Ready to Wed, but That Her Feelings Are Lacerated.

DENIES PLEDGING MONEY.

Bride Elect, Who Became a Valentine, Asks a Golden Salve for Wounded Feelings.

As an indication of the ruling market price for husbands, no less than of the devious methods of Cupid in some instances, certain statements made by Abraham Levy in an affidavit may be of value. Annie Messinger has, brought suit against him for breach of promise of marriage. In answer he admits the promise, but sets up breach of contract, declaring that Miss Messinger had agreed to pay him $300 four weeks before the date set for the wedding. Failing to receive this, Mr. Levy declined to fulfill his promise.

     That a mere matter of finance should thrust itself between two hearts which seemed destined to beat as one, is sad enough, but the papers in the case breathe such a unified desire that the separation, not to speak of the young woman’s demand for $50,000 damages, seems a hollow satire. Both parties proclaim their willingness to enter matrimony, but each points to the others obduracy and calls for judgment.

BECAME HIS VALENTINE

     According to Miss Messinger’s lawyer, Jacob S.  Straht, the young persons met at an entertainment two years ago. Miss Messinger is twenty-three years old and Mr. Levy is twenty-six. There was from the first a mutual attraction and the courtship flourished.

     Ignoring those early days when all the world seemed gay, Miss Messinger, in her complaint, speaks of February 14 last as the day when she intrusted her heart, a fluttering valentine, to Abraham’s keeping on his promise of marriage. Upon consultation, she says, June 7 was named as the date for the ceremony, and preparations were made with that in view. And when that summer day dawned and faded, she declares, she was “ready and willing” to approach the altar with Abraham Levy, who “neglected and refused” to redeem his alleged pledge, to her distress of mind and the laceration of her feelings. Wherefore she prays $50,000 damages.

     There is no evidence that Mr. Levy is possessed of this sun; indeed, there is ground for believing that he has it not. But gallantry, or something, forbids him to deny the possession of such wealth. He contents himself with denying Miss Messinger’s allegations, as stated, and then begs her to hark back to the roseate days of August, 1896.

HE WANTS $300.

     There was then, he says, an agreement in writing that they two should marry, and “in consideration of that promise,” he declares. Annie “agreed to give him, at least four weeks prior to the date set for the marriage the sum of $300,” which she refused, and, he adds plaintively, “still refuses.”

     Just why the bride to be was to pay $300 cash in advance is not disclosed, but Mr. Levy’s perseverance in demanding it is noteworthy. To further illustrate his adherence to principle, he declares that he is “ready and willing,” using Miss Messinger’s precise terms, to contract the marriage, should the lady comply with her agreement and give him “said sum.”

     Speaking for Miss Messinger, Mr. Stahl denied the existence of any monetary agreement. Mr. Levy once before, he said, broke his promise to Miss Messinger, but renewed it at the solicitation of his own family. So far had matters progressed he asserted, that a hall at No. 62 Pitt street had been engaged for the ceremony and a joint bank account was started by the young persons.

     But now, alas, Miss Messinger wants nothing less than $50,000 to remain single, and Mr. Levy demands at least $300 to become married.

Amanuensis Monday - Alaskan Army Love

The letters from Paul to Elaine continue to offer insight into the relationship of love during a separation that neither could avoid. Both anxiously await an exchange of photographs while the concern of possibly forgetting each other. There is a mention of a hasty marriage but luckily it won't be classified as a shotgun wedding. Paul ends the last letter in today's posting expressing his feeling through words of love in a tearful poem.

U.S. Army Troops

Fort Greeley

Kodiak, Alaska

4/15/42 – 1:30 PM

Dear Elaine:

                Well here is another letter even tho I haven’t much of anything to write but I’ll at least know that you are getting something form me & know that I’m still dreaming of you.

                Know what! I’m jealous of all the boys who get to dance with you & even, maybe, make love to you at all those dances. Don’t’ you dare go & fall for one of them & forget me. That keeps me going all the time. So please don’t forget.

                As for my meeting anyone up. All the women but a few natives & married ones have been evacuated from here & so I never even have a chance & anyway I can’t forget one night in Washington. I don’t think I’ll ever forget how swell you were & how hard I fell for you. I’m sure hoping you can do the same. I intend to come back & take up right where I left off. Kissing you! (but not goodbye)

                Have you ever had the picture make? I have been looking for it every day. I had a letter form home Sun day & my mother wants one too so now I guess you two will have to wait on the slowest Photographer in the world. I have even gotten impatient with him. So all we can do is keep waiting. I will send it to you the moment I can get it. So please be patient.

                Darling I wish I could see you now. I sure wouldn’t stop at any 42 kisses. It will take a lot to make up for the time we have lost. Agree?

                I am rather rushed as we have a review this evening & I still have to dress. So will you please forgive me for making this short.

                I miss you so much. The way you look at me & smile. Have you flirt with your eyes makes me shiver when I think of having you in my arms again. I don’t think I’ll ever let you out of them once you are in them. Kiss me once in your dreams tonite. Write soon & don’t forget the picture.

Especially for you

Paul (handwritten sign.)

NOTE: This letter consisted of three pages all written on stationary with the same heading as above. The envelope was hand written and sent to: Miss Elaine Cummings, P.O. Box 178, Seattle, WN. The return address is: U.S. Army Troops Fort Greeley, state marked out, Alaska, Paul L Moore, A.S.N.35205865, 1-H. The envelope is postmarked April 16, 1942 w/ hand written Via Air Mail and was checked by 1^st Lt. Carl R.McFarland

                                         

U.S. Army Troops

Fort Greely

Kodiak, Alaska

Friday nite 930 4/24/42

Elaine Darling:

  Here I am again listening to the radio & I hardly have anything at all to say to you but at least I can try. So as I have said before “Heah oh goes”.

  If you only knew how badly I miss you. Golly, I would give most anything to just see you & hold you in my arms once more. I miss you more than I even thought possible. The things are so little that make me think of you but something is always happening and it seems that every time I turn around I am think of you. So in case you sometime get a feeling that I’m somewhere around you will know that I’m longing very much to see you. So darling do your best to keep on loving me with all your heart.

  I’m so blue tonight dear. Miss you so terrible much & longing to see you. Just to think that I haven’t seen you for 3 months. Here I sit with an orchestra playing “I Surrender Dear” & you some 2000 miles away. Seems to be sort of ironic. Especially when I miss you so very much.

  I haven’t gotten the picture as yet but they tell me in town that I should get it in about 10 days. So it is still on the way. I got your letter telling me yours was coming so I’m on pins & needles waiting for it. My mother want one too so I must get two so she won’t be angry. She is about the swellest person in my life. Next to you of course. You rate no 1 on my hit parade & I’ve a very strong hunch that you will continue to hold that spot. So make sure & be ready for a hasty (un-shotgun) wedding when I get back.

  Here is something that expresses he feeling in my heart, very well.

                Got the blues tonight, it seems.

                Sit here dreaming foolish dreams

                Heart a-aching, tears fall too

                Honey I am missing you.

                Thought that we could said along

                Without heartaches, that was wrong.

                Now I cry while others laugh

                Yes I’ve got  the blues tonight

                Praying, darling while I wrote

                That you’re feeling sorry, too.

                Missing me like I miss you.

                Like it?

Write soon                             Especially for you

                                                Paul

NOTES: This is a three page letter all sheets with the same letter head as above and writing on only one side of each sheet. The envelope is addressed to Miss Elaine Cummings, Post Office Box 178, Seattle, Washington and was mailed off April 27 1942 “Via Air Mail” from U.S. Army Troops, Fort Greeley, Kodiak, Alaska, Paul L Moore, A.S.N. 35205865, 1-H. and was checked by 1^st Lt Carl R.McFarland