Abraham Cress

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Abram Cress, farmer, head of household

Notes:

Abraham the second son of Jacob and Mary, born in Virginia in 1782 lived until 1873. He married Mary Pearson and they had nine children: Elizabeth, George, Samuel, Noah, Amelia, Henry, Beulah, Sarah and James. (Who is the second Sarah in the 1850 census????)

Family/Spouse: Mary Pearson. Mary was born on 12 Apr 1789 in Bush River, Newberry County, South Carolina, United States; died on 9 Oct 1847; was buried in Oct 1847 in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as George Cress, farmer, in the household of Abram Cress
• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Geo Cress, Esq., farmer, head of household
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George Cress, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George Cress, farmer, head of household
• Will: 5 Mar 1900, Miami County, Ohio, United States
• Probate: 9 Dec 1905, Miami County, Ohio, United States

Notes:

HISTORY
...Jacob, John and William Cress or possibly Abraham, Jacob and William with their father and mother were thought to have come to Philadelphia from Germany sometime between 1756 and 1766. their mother and father (name unknown) became ill and died on the way over. The boys were sold out to pay for their passage. William was said to have entered the Revolutionary army and was killed in the Battle of Bunker hill.
...Jacob, after arriving to manhood about 1776 married Elizabeth Fickus. In 1777 they moved to Virginia, living mostly in Franklin and Wythe Counties, Virginia. They left Virginia in 1809, settling in the northern part of Montgomery county (now Miami County, Ohio, near Frederick. Jacob died in 1811 and is buried near Frederick. Seven children were born to Jacob and Mary, one in Pennsylvania and the others in Virginia. The children were: Elizabeth, Barbara, Rebecca, Mary, John, Abe and Sarah. Jacob Cress was a carpenter and farmer and a very industrious citizen.
...Abraham the second son of Jacob and Mary, born in Virginia in 1782 lived until 1873. He married Mary Pearson and they had nine children: Elizabeth, George, Samuel, Noah, Amelia, Henry, Beulah, Sarah and James.
...George, the first son married Ruth Mann and settled on land west and north of Kessler in Union Township. The couple had five children: Margaret, Mary Jane, Robert Davis, Henry Rodolphus and Horatio Gates Cress. Margaret married Frances Fox and their son Grant married Floreta Pearson. They had two daughters, Treva and Ruth. Floretta died in 1905 and Grant married Emma Fulker in 1909. She had one son, Vivian Fulker. Grant died in 1948. Treva Strohmeyer lives in Troy. (Source: The Miami County Historical Society, Tipp City, Ohio, "History of Miami County Ohio", Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing County, pg. 440)

Census:

Also in this household is Anna Mann, niece, age 20

Will:


WILL
Dated March 5, 1900, filed in Probate Court, Miami County, Ohio November 9, 1905 – pg. 464
Last Will and Testament of George Cress
Know all men by these present that I George Cress do make and publish this my last Will and Testament.
—Item first. I give and bequeath to my son Horatio R. Cress One Thousand Dollars to be paid out of my Estate.
—Item Second. I give and bequeath to my son Adolphus R. Cress and Davis R. Cress my farm on which I now reside. Being 97 acres in the South East quarter of Section 10, ____ 6, Range 15, E. Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, to be divided as follows: Adolphus R. Cress to have all that part of said farm lying West of a line parellel with the East line of a ten acre tract owned by said Aldolphus Cress in said qr. Section. Also all the balance of said farm lying South of the said road. Also Eight acres of timber land in the South East corner of said farm as follows - beginning at the South East corner of said farm at the junction of the pike and ___ thence North for enough for a line parallel with North line of farm to make Eight acres thence West on said line to road thence South East with road to place of beginning. All the balance of said farm to my son Davis R. Cress. Provided said Davis R. Cress is to pay to my estate One Thousand Dollars in cash. All of said land to be subject to the dower of my wife Mary Cress if she should survive. In testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand this 5th day of March A.D. 1900.
George Cress
Signed and acknowledged by said George Cress as his last will and testament in our presence: and signed by us in his presence.
Stella Kessler
Wirt Kessler

George married Ruth Mann on 22 Jun 1851 in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. Ruth was born on 9 Nov 1822 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 28 Jun 1888 in Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Jun 1888 in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Birth: Abt 1827, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States
• Census: 1850, Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, United States; as Amelia Beck, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Amelia Beck, wife, in the household of Frank Beck
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Amelia Beck, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Amelia Beck, wife, in the household of Francis H. Beck

Amelia married Rev. Francis Hugh Beck on 8 Nov 1846 in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. Francis (son of James Beck and Margaret Burns) was born on 21 Apr 1827 in Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; died on 21 Mar 1904 in Kessler, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Mar 1904 in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Henry Cress, farmer, in the household of Abram Cress
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Henry Cress, journeyman carpenter, head of household
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Henry A. Cress, farmer, head of household

Notes:

Henry was previously married 12 November 1845 to Mary Myer who did not long survive and left no children. A carpenter, Henry and Rebecca resided south of Frederick in Butler Township., Montgomery County where their children were born and in 1869, moved north to Union Township., Miami County where he farmed near Kessler. The had 5 children: Mary, James, George, Anna and Joseph.(1) (Source: Compiled by Gale Edwin Spitler Honeyman, assisted by Linda Kay Stephens McDaniel, "Descendants of John and Susanna (Ulrich) Deeter", (Morgantown PA Masthof Press, Copyright 1994 published 1998), pg. 386.)

Henry married Rebecca Jane Wertz on 14 Mar 1852 in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. Rebecca was born on 16 Jul 1835 in Darke County, Ohio, United States; died on 26 May 1890 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in May 1890 in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Sarah Cress, in the household of Abram Cress

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as James Cress, farmer, in the household of Abram Cress

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Sarah Cress, in the household of Abram Cress

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Margt. Cress, housework, in the house of Robt. Furnace
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Margaret Fox, in the household of Francis M. Fox

Family/Spouse: Francis M. Fox. Francis was born about 1839 in Indiana, United States; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Mary Jane Cress, in the household of Geo. Cress, Esq.
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; Mary J. Cress, in the household of George Cress

Notes:

Mary Jane married Michael Kessler, son of Henry Kessler. She died quite young as did their only son. (Source: The Miami County Historical Society, Tipp City, Ohio, "History of Miami County Ohio", Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing County, pg. 440)

Mary married Michael Madison Kessler on 5 Oct 1872 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Michael (son of Henry Kessler and Serena Goings) was born on 31 Jan 1850 in Ohio, United States; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Davis Cress, in the household of Geo. Cress, Esq.
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Davis R. Cress, works on farm, in the household of George Cress
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Davis Cress, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1900, West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Davis R. Cress, Comet Travel Buggy Whips, head of household
• Beneficiary: 5 Mar 1900; will of his father, George Cress

Notes:

Robert Davis Cress, son of George and Ruth Mann, married Hannah Goings and they lived in or near West Milton, in Union Township all their lives. At the age of eleven or twelve he was a drummer boy for the Union Army during the Civil War, was much interested in politics, being a Republican Central Committeman for fifty years in West Milton. He died in 1948 at the age of ninety-four. Their children: Walter, deceased; Edna Falknor Clements, living in West Milton and Forrest of near San Francisco. (Reference: The Miami County Historical Society, Tipp City, Ohio, "History of Miami County Ohio", Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing County, pg. 440)

Davis married Hannah C. Goings on 30 Nov 1878 in Clark County, Ohio, United States. Hannah (daughter of James Henry Goings) was born on 29 Jul 1862 in Ohio, United States; died on 15 Dec 1926 in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• History / Bio: History of Miami County Ohio (Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing), p440
• Name: Adolph Cress
• Name: Henry Rudolph Cress
• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Henry Cress, in the household of Geo. Cress, Esq.
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Henry R. Cress, works on farm, in the household of George Cress
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Henry Cress, son, farm hand, in the household of George Cress
• Occupation: 1893; Traveling Salesman
• Residence: 1893, Kessler, Miami County, Ohio, United States
• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Henry R. Cress, farmer, head of household
• Beneficiary: 5 Mar 1900; in the will of his father, George Cress
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as H. R. Cress, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1920, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Henry R. Cress, farmer, head of household
• Will: 22 Sep 1923, Miami County, Ohio, United States
• Census: 1930, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Adolph Cress, farmer, head of household
• Probate: 13 Nov 1939, Miami County, Ohio, United States

Notes:

...Rodolphus married Emma Curtis, daughter of Samuel Curtis, who owned large tracts of land in both Monroe and Union Township and donated the land for the Curtis Cemetery, where he is buried. Emma Cress died young leaving Rodolfhus with three children: Clarence C. Cress, Bert Samuel Cress and Dessie May Kelly. His second marriage was to Rosa Vance and to them were born: Ernest, Dewey and Edwin. Rodolphus died in 1939. Edwin only living child now lives in West Milton. Clarence Cress married Dollie Kessler, daughter of David Kessler in 1901. Clarence died in 1973. Their children: Zelma Byrkett, Dayton, Ohio; Virgil Cress, Circleville, Ohio; Ruth Grauser, Troy, Ohio; Jack, deceased and June Faulknor, deceased. Bert Cress married Lucy Clark of Covington - no children. Dessie married Joseph Kelly of near West Milton in Union township. She died in 1968 at West Milton. Three sons were born to them: Deuane, Donald and Max. Donald survives and lives in Tipp City. Ernest, son of Rodolphus and Rosa Vance married Ruth Wener. She survives and lives near Dayton, Ohio. Their children: Janice of Dayton; Marvin, of Columbus, Ohio; Naomi of Colorado and Morris of Dayton. Dewey Cress married Margaret Honeyman of West Milton and they had three daughters: Mary Poling, Marjorie Jean Fine and Carolyn DeHart, all of near West Milton. (Source: The Miami County Historical Society, Tipp City, Ohio, "History of Miami County Ohio", Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing County, pg. 440)

History / Bio:

...Rodolphus married Emma Curtis, daughter of Samuel Curtis, who owned large tracts of land in both Monroe and Union Township and donated the land for the Curtis Cemetery, where he is buried. Emma Cress died young leaving Rodolfhus with three children: Clarence C. Cress, Bert Samuel Cress and Dessie May Kelly. His second marriage was to Rosa Vance and to them were born: Ernest, Dewey and Edwin. Rodolphus died in 1939. Edwin only living child now lives in West Milton. Clarence Cress married Dollie Kessler, daughter of David Kessler in 1901. Clarence died in 1973. Their children: Zelma Byrkett, Dayton, Ohio; Virgil Cress, Circleville, Ohio; Ruth Grauser, Troy, Ohio; Jack, deceased and June Faulknor, deceased. Bert Cress married Lucy Clark of Covington - no children. Dessie married Joseph Kelly of near West Milton in Union township. She died in 1968 at West Milton. Three sons were born to them: Deuane, Donald and Max. Donald survives and lives in Tipp City. Ernest, son of Rodolphus and Rosa Vance married Ruth Wener. She survives and lives near Dayton, Ohio. Their children: Janice of Dayton; Marvin, of Columbus, Ohio; Naomi of Colorado and Morris of Dayton. Dewey Cress married Margaret Honeyman of West Milton and they had three daughters: Mary Poling, Marjorie Jean Fine and Carolyn DeHart, all of near West Milton. (Source: The Miami County Historical Society, Tipp City, Ohio, "History of Miami County Ohio", Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing County, pg. 440)

Will:

Will:
Know all men by these Presents:
That I, Henry R. Cress, do make, publish and declare this to be my last will and Testament.
Item 1.
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Rosa F. Cress, in lieu of dower and years allowance, all my personal property of whatsoever kind to be to her absolutely, she to pay my just debts and funeral expenses.
Item 2.
I give and bequeath to my beloved wife, Rosa F. Cress, the farm on which we now live being 55.65 acres in the South-west quarter of section 10, town 6, range 5 E Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio to be to her during her natural life, provided that no timber shall be cut on said premises except for necessary building and repairs on said farm and for necessary fuel for the family.
Item 3.
At the death of my wife, Rosa F. Cress, I will that the farm be sold and the proceeds be divided equally among my children viz: Clarence Cress, Bert Cress, Dessie Kelly, Earnest Cress, Dewey Cress and Edwin Cress or their legal representatives.
Item 4.
In case of the legatees or devisees hereinbefore named shall institute or prosecute any action to contest or set aside this, my will, the legacy or devise hereinbefore given to such person or persons shall be thereby forfeited and annulled and shall revert and inure to the residue of my estate.
Item 5.
I hereby nominate and appoint my wife, Rosa F. Cress, Executrix of this will and request that no bond be required.
Witness my hand this 22nd day of September A. D. 1923.
Signed: Henry R. Cress
Signed and acknowledged by the said Henry R. Cress as and for his last will and testament in our presence and by us subscribed as attesting witnesses in his presence and at his request and in the presence of each other this 22nd day of September 1923.
Witnesses: Hirt Kessler and Maurice Kessler

Probate:

Probate:
13 November 1939
Will of Henry R. Cress, Filed in the Probate Court, Miami County, Ohio
Record of Wills Vol 26, page 152B
24 November 1939
Application for Appointment: Rosa F. Cress, widow, asks to be appointed Executrix
24 November 1939
Statement and Application for Appointment of Appraisers
25 November 1939
Orders On Appointment: Rosa F. Cress, ordered bond waived and appointment of Executrix
25 November 1939
Letters of Administration granted to Rosa F. Cress

Died:


OBITUARY
Cress, H. R. Cress 83
Union Township
Miami County Ohio
—Died Wednesday October, 1939 Good Samaritan Hospital Dayton, Ohio.
Survivors: his second wife, Rosa Vance Cress; children, Clarence C. Cress of Troy, Bert Cress of Medway, Ernest Cress of Miamisburg, Dewey Cress of West Milton, Edwin Cress of Ludlow Falls and Mrs. Dessie Kelly of West Milton area; 20 grandchildren; eight grandchildren; 2 brothers, D. R. Cress of West Milton and H. G. Cress of Troy.
—Born south of Frederick in Montgomery County Ohio to George and Ruth Mann Cress. At age of 8 yrs., his father moved the family to Union Township (Kessler Station) Married Emma Curtis, who died more than 50 years ago. Married a second time, to Rosa Vance.
—Cause of death was due to gangrene, which resulted in the amputation of left leg above the knee, on Tuesday—.Rev. Lester A. Hill, pastor of the West Union congregational Church officiating.
—He was a farmer in Union Township for many years. (source: Troy-Hayner Genealogy and History Center, Troy, Ohio - card file containing extracts of obituaries)

Henry married Emma Susan Curtis on 1 Feb 1882 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Emma (daughter of Samuel S. Curtis and Susannah Honeyman) was born on 22 Jun 1864 in Ohio, United States; died on 25 Feb 1890 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Feb 1890 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henry married Rosa Florence Vance on 23 Nov 1893 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Rosa (daughter of Phillip Vance and Mary Schrader) was born on 23 Nov 1863 in Staunton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 26 Dec 1943 in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 29 Dec 1943 in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Horatio Cress, in the household of Geo. Cress, Esq.
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Horatio G. Cress, works on farm, in the household of George Cress
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Horatio Cress, son, farm hand, in the household of George Cress
• Census: 1900, Brookville, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Horatio G. Cress, bank broker, head of household; Address:
  Hay's Avenue
• Beneficiary: 5 Mar 1900; in the will of his father, George Cress
• Census: 1910, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Horatio G. Cress, banker, head of household
• Census: 1920, Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as H. G. Cress, toy manufacturer, head of household; Address:
  536 West Main Street
• Census: 1930, Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Horatio G. Cress, toy manufacturer, head of household; Address:
  508 Main Street
• Residence: 1935, Troy, Concord Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States
• Census: 1940, Troy, Concord Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Horatio G. Cress, widowed, president of novelty factory, head of household, same residence in 1935

Notes:

Horation Gates Cress, son of George and Ruth Cress was born in 1859, married Amanda Shearer of near West Milton, graduated from Ada College (Ohio Northern), organized several banks, namely at Brookville and Arcanum, taught school at Nashville, Ohio in Union Township, was in the manufacturing business at Berea, Ohio and established the H. G. Cress manufacturing business in Troy, Ohio, where he died in 1943. Their children: Clara, deceased; Blanche Yarman, deceased; Estella Weisenberger, Orlando, Florida; Mary Eidemiller, Orlando, Florida; and Helen Grassle, deceased. George and Ruth Cress have some twenty-five or thirty great, great grandchildren and about as many great, great, great, grandchildren, many of them still living in Miami County, Ohio. ~ Edna Falknor Clements, Virgil M. Cress (Source: The Miami County Historical Society, Tipp City, Ohio, "History of Miami County Ohio", Dallas, Texas: Taylor Publishing County, pg. 440)

Horatio G. Cress. From the creative ingenuity of a country school-teacher has grown the important toy manufacturing concern of H. G. Cress Company, of Troy, one of the leaders in its lines in the Middle West. The creator of these instructive playthings, and the head of the present large concern, Horatio G. Cress, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1859, a son of George and Ruth (Mann) Cress. Educated primarily in the public schools of his native county, and at West Milton he furthered his preparation by courses in a commercial school and at Valparaiso University, and Ada, Ohio, following which he began teaching school in the country districts of Union and Monroe townships, Miami county. It was while he was thus engaged that Mr. Cress conceived the idea of advanced methods of teaching reading and spelling for the use of children. These met with almost instant popularity and were followed by other toys. The full history of the growth and development of this industry will be found in the Troy section of the General History of Miami County, a part of this work. Mr. Cress has also been identified with financial undertakings which have proven successful having been the organizer of the Citizens Bank of Brookville in 1895, the Farmers Bank of Arcanum in 1902 and the Farmers Bank of Englewood in 1911. He likewise has been interested in civic affairs, and during the period of the World war was a generous contributor, of time and money, to the various enterprises outlined by the administration at Washington. Mr. Cress married Amanda, daughter of Abijah Shearer, of West Milton, and to this union there have been born four daughters: Stella, the wife of H. G. Weisenberger, of Troy; Blanche, the wife of S. K. Yarman, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Helen , the wife of L. N. Graessle, of Troy and Mary E., the wife of A. F. Eidermiller, major, U. S. A., stationed at Panama. (Source: "Memoirs of the Miami Valley", (Chicago: Robert D Law County, 1920), vol. 3, pg. 58)

Horatio married Amanda Elizabeth Shearer on 14 Feb 1884 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Amanda was born on 6 Aug 1864 in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 14 Feb 1928 in Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 17 Feb 1928 in Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Horatio married Clara Elizabeth Thomas after 1928. Clara was born on 8 Aug 1868 in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 9 Aug 1937 in Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, United States; as G. W. Beck, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as George W. Beck, in the household of Frank Beck
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George W. Beck, working of farm, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George W. Beck, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George W. Beck, teacher, head of household
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George W. Beck, father-in-law, widow. in the household of Roy E. Hale

Notes:

OBITUARY
George W. Beck
...Soon after the evening shadows had gathered on Wednesday, March 19, 1919, the earthly career of George W. Beck came to a close, and the heart that had palpitated with life for 71 years and more was now still forever in death. He was the oldest son of Rev. Francis H. and Amelia Beck whose family consisted of 7 children, 3 of whom died in early childhood. Of the four, who lived to manhood and womanhood years, George is the first to be called. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, August 8, 1847, but in his early childhood his parents moved to Shelby county. Within a few years they returned to Montgomery county and after tarrying there a few brief years they purchased for themselves a home where Kessler now stands in 1869 and that became their permanent residence.
...In that same year George began his long career as a school teacher and he continued to prosecute his school work for forty-three years in succession. His rectitude of character and lofty ideals were powerful factors in the success he achieved in his long tenure of service. Not only did he train the youthful minds of his pupils, but what noble impulses be awakened in the hearts of the children entrusted to his care! By word and deed he sought to guide their young feet aright. He gave encouragement and kindly assistance to many as they left the school room to begin their careers in life. Many are the parents who have great reason for genuine gratitude to the deceased for the faithful service he rendered to their boy or their girl. In his honest, rugged face there was reflected the spirit of friendly interest as he came in contact with them whether in the school-room, or on the play ground. And a genial, whole-hearted greeting was accorded them as he met them along the highway of life.
...Nor were his public activities confined to his chosen field of teaching in the public schools. In 1866, while yet in his teens, he became a member of the Sugar Grove Christian church near Fidelity under the labors of Rev. William Jay. More than thirty years ago he transferred his membership to the West Union Christian church and continued in its fellowship until the end came. He served as a trustee of the church for many years and where he could no longer attend to the duties of the office on account of failing health he was made trustee emeritus. During those years he was active in the Sunday School work and was the faithful teacher of the young mens class for many years.
...He became a member of the I. O. O. F. At West Milton in April 189_ and at his own request the lodge rendered its impressive burial service over his remains. He became a member, also, of the Masonic Fraternity at West Milton and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in 1902.
...On August 4, 1874, the deceased was united in marriage with Mary Florence Miller who stood by his side for 31 years and more as the inspiration of his life. Compelled to be absent from home much of his time by his chosen profession she bravely assumed the cares and duties of the home and by her faithfulness and industry and devotion, she rendered possible the success he achieved as a public school teacher. Her home was the throne of her power. For it she lived and planned and wrought. Four little tiny girls came into their home, May, Mattie, Clara and Minni. Mattie died in infancy. The other three grew to womanhood years and survive the father. May became the wife of Arthur Patty, Clara was wedded to Roy hale, and Minnie has been the bright light in the home of Theodore Macy as the companion of his life. The mother passed away March 30, 1906.
...In December, 1912 Mr. Beck was again joined in marriage with Mrs. Mary McCool who died in 1916 and he was again left to journey alone upon life's highway. But he was comforted with the love and companionship of his children with whom he found a congenial home. They cared for him, ministered to him during his long affliction and at last, on March 19, 1919, he passed away from the home of his daughter May, at the age of 71 years, 7 months and 11 days.
...Besides his children he leaves eight grandchildren, two brothers J. Warren and Albert, and one sister Mary Jane Beck, to whom his departure brings a sense of loss and sorrow not to be expressed in words.
...Funeral was held Friday at 2:30 p. m., at the West Union Christian church, Roy O. P. Furnas officiating. (Source: Troy-Hayner Genealogy and History Center, Troy, Ohio, copy in file)

George married Mary Florence Miller on 4 Aug 1874 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Mary was born about 1855; died on 30 Mar 1906 in Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Mary Long on 14 Dec 1912 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Mary was born in 1845 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; died in 1916. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Dinsmore Township, Shelby County, Ohio, United States; as John H. Beck, in the household of Francis H. Beck

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Joseph W. Beck, in the household of Frank Beck
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Joseph W. Beck, working of farm, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Joseph W. Beck, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Joseph Beck, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as J. Warren Beck, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1920, Phillipsburg, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States

Notes:

OBITUARY
...James W. Beck, 86, retired hardware merchant of Phillipsburg, died at his home in that village Saturday after an illness of several months. He was a life resident of the Phillipsburg community and formerly served in the state legislature.
...Surviving are his widow, Viola: one son, Earlen Beck, Homer, New York, former resident of the Lewisburg vicinity; and one brother, T. A. Beck, Dayton.
...Services were conducted Monday afternoon, followed by burial in Parish cemetery at Arlington.

Joseph married Samantha Viola Elleman on 30 Jan 1877 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Samantha was born on 22 Mar 1858 in Ohio, United States; died on 30 Aug 1941 in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 2 Sep 1941 in Arlington, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Mary Jane Beck, in the household of Frank Beck
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Mary J. Beck, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Mary J. Beck, daughter, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; Mary J. Beck, daughter, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Mary J. Beck, sister, in the household of J. Warren Beck
• Census: 1920, Phillipsburg, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Butler Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Ann Beck, in the household of Frank Beck

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Thoedore Beck, in the household of Francis H. Beck
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Theodore A. Beck, son, in the household of Francis H. Beck

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Mary S. Cress, in the household of Henry Cress

Mary married Calvin W. Duncan on 25 Nov 1875 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Calvin and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as James Cress, in the household of Henry Cress
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as James Cress, son, carpenter, in the household of Henry A. Cress

James married Sarah M. Kessler on 6 Mar 1884 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Sarah (daughter of Martin Kessler and Anna Hoover) was born on 7 Mar 1851; died on 17 Apr 1911 in Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George O. Cress, in the household of Henry Cress
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George A. Cress, carpenter, in the household of Henry A. Cress
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George O. Cress, carpenter, head of household

George married Susannah E. Miller on 1 May 1880 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Susannah was born on 12 May 1861 in Ohio, United States; died on 7 May 1913 in Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Mary Louise Sell on 18 Oct 1917 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Mary was born in 1870 in Abington, Wayne County, Indiana, United States; died on 29 Oct 1959 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Anna Cress, in the household of Henry Cress
• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Anna Elleman, wife, in the household of John Elleman

Anna married John Elleman on 26 Apr 1877 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. John was born on 29 Sep 1855 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 22 Aug 1918. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Warren Cress
• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Joseph W. Cress, in the household of Henry Cress
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Joseph Cress, son, in the household of Henry A. Cress

Joseph married Cora Knife on 11 Sep 1886 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Cora (daughter of David Knife and Jane Pearson) was born on 13 Apr 1868 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 26 Mar 1936 in Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 28 Mar 1936 in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George G. Fox, in the household of Francis M. Fox
• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George G. Fox, groceryman, head of household

Other Events:

• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Walter Cress, son, in the household of Davis Cress
• Census: 1900, West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Walter E. Cress, son, in the household of Davis R. Cress

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Edna R. Cress, daughter, in the household of Davis R. Cress

Edna married Thomas O. Yount on 4 Apr 1904 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Thomas was born on 20 Dec 1875 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 15 Aug 1967 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Aug 1967 in Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Charles F. Cress, son, in the household of Davis R. Cress

Other Events:

• Name: Charley Clarence Cress
• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Clarence Cress, son, farm laborer, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Clarence C. Cress, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1920, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Clarence C. Cress, farmer, head of household; Address:
  Kessler Pike
• Beneficiary: 22 Sep 1923; in the will of his father, Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1930, Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Clarence C. Cress, Toy Factory Superintendent, head of household; Address:
  425 Lincoln Avenue

Clarence married Dollie Minerva Kessler on 20 Oct 1901 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Dollie (daughter of David Andrew Kessler) was born on 20 Jul 1885 in Kessler, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 6 Sep 1983 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in 1983 in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Samuel B. Cress, son, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States
• Physical Description: 12 Sep 1918; tall, slender, blue eyes and brown hair
• Military: 12 Sep 1918, Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, United States; registered for the WWI Draft
• Occupation: 12 Sep 1918, Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, United States; motorman; Address:
  Ohio Electric Railway Company
• Residence: 12 Sep 1918, Medway, Clark County, Ohio, United States
• Beneficiary: 22 Sep 1923; in the will of his father, Henry R. Cress

Notes:

No children.

Bert married Lucy Clark on 27 Mar 1915 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Lucy was born about 21 Oct 1891 in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, United States; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Dessie M. Cress, daughter, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Dessie M. Kelly, wife, 2 children/2 living, in the household of Joe W. Kelly
• Census: 1920, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Dessie M. Kelly, wife, in the household of Joseph Kely
• Beneficiary: 22 Sep 1923; in the will of her father, Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1930, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Dessie Kelly, wife, in the household of Joe Kelly

Dessie married Joseph W. Kelly on 3 Apr 1904 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Joseph was born on 30 Mar 1884 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; died in Jul 1969; was buried in 1969 in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Henry E. Cress, son, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Earnest M. Cress, son, farm laborer, in the household of H. R. Cress
• Physical Description: 5 Jun 1917; medium height, slender build, gray eyes, light hair
• Military: 5 Jun 1917, Miami County, Ohio, United States; registered for the WWI Draft
• Occupation: 5 Jun 1917, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; farmer for self
• Residence: 5 Jun 1917, West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States
• Census: 1920, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Ernest H. Cress, son, laborer in Dodge Factory, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Beneficiary: 22 Sep 1923; in the will of his father, Henry R. Cress
• Beneficiary: 20 Oct 1923; in the will of his grandmother, Mary Vance
• Executor: 20 Oct 1923; Earnest Cress was named as executor in the will of his grandmother, Mary Vance
• Census: 1930, Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Ernest H Cress, post office clerk, head of household; Address:
  Dayton Germantown Pike
• Residence: 1935, Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; Address:
  88 Shaw Road
• Census: 1940, Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Ernest Cress, mail clerk, head of household, same residence in 1935; Address:
  88 Shaw Road
• Physical Description: 26 Apr 1942; white, height 5'-81/2", weight 127 pounds, blue eyes, red hair and light complexion
• Military: 26 Apr 1942, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States
• Occupation: 26 Apr 1942
• Residence: 26 Apr 1942, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; Address:
  Pinnacle Road

Notes:

Birth:

Family/Spouse: Ruth T. Wenner. Ruth was born on 21 Jan 1902 in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; died in Apr 1987 in Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Apr 1987 in Moraine, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George D. Cress, son, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George D. Cress, son, in the household of H. R. Cress
• Census: 1920, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as G.Dewey Cress, son, bookkeeper, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Beneficiary: 22 Sep 1923; in the will of his father, Henry R. Cress
• Beneficiary: 20 Oct 1923; in the will of his grandmother, Mary Schrader Vance
• Census: 1930, West Milton, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as George D. Cress, bookkeepeer, head of household; Address:
  32 Jay Street
• Residence: 1935, West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; Address:
  40 North Main St.
• Census: 1940, West Milton, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as G. Dewey Cress, clerk at Hobart Mfg. Company, head of household, same residence in 1935; Address:
  40 North Main St.

George married Margaret Lucille Honeyman on 2 Mar 1922 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Margaret (daughter of Clifford Aldus Honeyman and Callie C. Miller) was born on 15 May 1902 in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 28 Dec 1979 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 31 Dec 1979 in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Allen E. Cress, son, in the household of H. R. Cress
• Census: 1920, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as A. Edwin Cress, son, in the household of Henry R. Cress
• Beneficiary: 22 Sep 1923; in the will of his father, Henry R. Cress
• Census: 1930, Ludlow Falls, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Edwin Cress, farmer, head of household; Address:
  Covington Pike
• Residence: 1935, Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States
• Census: 1940, Newton Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Edwin Cress, farmer, head of household; Address:
  Ashley Pike

Allen married Mable Clare Bridenbaugh on 2 Aug 1922 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Mable was born on 12 Aug 1904 in Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 15 Jan 1999 in Covington, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 22 Jan 1999 in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Stella Bella Weisenbarger
• Census: 1900, Brookville, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Stella B. Cress, daughter, in the household of Horatio G. Cre; Address:
  Hay's Avenue

Notes:

Died:


OBITUARY
STELLA BELLE WEISENBARGER, 102, Orlando, died Sunday. Born in Miami County, Ohio, she moved to Orlando from Troy, Ohio, in 1945. She was a homemaker and a member of Grace Convenant Presbyterian Church, Orlando. Survivors: son, Robert G., Winter Park; daughter, Gladys Siegel, Clermont; sister, Mary Eidemiller, Orlando; one grandson; one great-grandson; two great- great-grandsons. W. Guy Black Home for Funerals, Orlando. (Published in the Orlando Sentinel July 22, 1987)

Stella married Holly George Weisenbarger on 5 Oct 1903 in Darke County, Ohio, United States. Holly was born on 7 Dec 1881 in Gordon, Darke County, Ohio United States; died on 24 Jul 1974 in Orange County, Florida, United States; was buried in Jul 1974 in Orlando, Orange County, Florida, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Brookville, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Blanche Cress, daughter, in the household of Horatio G. Cre; Address:
  Hay's Avenue
• Census: 1910, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Blanche M. Cress, daughter, in the household of Horatio G. Cress

Blanche married Samuel Kirkwood Yarman on 27 Nov 1913 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. Samuel was born about 1884 in Londonville, Ashland County, Ohio, United States; died on 3 Jul 1967 in Orlando, Orange County, Florida, United States; was buried in Jul 1967 in Orlando, Orange County, Florida, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Brookville, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Mary E. Cress, daughter, in the household of Horatio G. Cress; Address:
  Hay's Avenue
• Census: 1910, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Mary E. Cress, daughter, in the household of Horatio G. Cress

Mary married Aaron Fouts Eidemiller on 16 Jul 1914 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. Aaron was born on 24 Feb 1891 in West Milton, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 19 Jul 1946 in Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Brookville, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Helen C. Cress, daughter, in the household of Horatio G. Cre; Address:
  Hay's Avenue
• Census: 1910, Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States; as Helen C Cress, daughter, in the household of Horatio G. Cress

Helen married Lawrence Neal Grassle in 1920. Lawrence was born on 7 Feb 1894 in Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio, United States; died on 16 Oct 1922 in Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried in Oct 1922 in Troy, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: May Beck
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Bertha May Beck, daughter, in the household of George W. Beck
• Census: 1900, Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as May B. Patty, wife, zero children, in the household of Arthur Patty

Bertha married Arthur Patty on 24 Jul 1895 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Arthur was born on 29 Nov 1868 in Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 20 Feb 1944 in Monroe Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 23 Feb 1944 in Nashville, Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Clara E. Beck, daughter, in the household of George W. Beck
• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Clara E Hale, wife, 2 children/2 living, in the household of Roy E. Hale
• Census: 1920, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Clara E. Hale, wife, in the household of Roy E. Hale; Address:
  Miller Pike

Clara married Roy Everett Hale on 25 Dec 1900 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Roy was born on 7 Dec 1876 in Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 12 Apr 1969 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Minnie E. Beck, daughter, in the household of George W. Beck

Minnie married Theodore Macy on 14 Nov 1901 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Theodore was born on 15 Mar 1880 in Bethel Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; died on 4 Jul 1966 in Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Residence: Homer, New York at the time of his mother's death
• Census: 1880, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Lyman E. Beck, son, in the household of Joseph W. Beck

Lyman married Minnie M. Campbell on 4 Nov 1897 in Miami County, Ohio, United States. Minnie was born about 1879; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1910, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Marvin H. Cress, son, in the household of George O. Cress

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Elden Elleman, son, farmer, in the household of John Elleman

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Aubrey E. Elleman, son, farm laborer, in the household of John Elleman

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Ardie Elleman, son, farm laborer, in the household of John Elleman

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Charles Elleman, son, in the household of John Elleman

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as Frederick Elleman, son, in the household of John Elleman

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Union Township, Miami County, Ohio, United States; as May Elleman, daughter, in the household of John Elleman