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William Hansell and Ann Sunderland

Proposed Hansell Lineage

Compiled by Judy Griffin, 2007 - email address

William Hansell (1793 - 1872) + Ann Sunderland (1794 - 1872)
.... 2 Rebecca Hansell (1816 - 1912) + John M. Hutchinson (ca. 1810 - ) See Hutchinson family history
.... 2 Elizabeth Ann Hansell (1819 - 1901) + James A. McGannon. See McGannon history
.... 2 Llewellyn Hansell (ca. 1825 - 1860s)
.... 2 Harriet M. Hansell (ca. 1826 - between 1900-1910) + William P. Jarboe (ca. 1818 - 1876) See Jarboe family history
.... 2 Emma Hansell (ca. 1828 - 1902) + Charles W. Johnson (ca. 1828 - 1896)
........ 3 Susan Johnson (ca. 1856 - 1877?)
........ 3 Jennie Johnson (ca. 1859 - 1880?)
........ 3 Albert (ca. 1862 - ) + possibly Rachel A. Corzine
........ 3 Ettie/Etta Johnson (1861 - 1921) + Jeremiah Parsell (1854 - 1913)
........ 3 Felix Johnson (ca. 1864 - )
........ 3 Ida Johnson (1864-1867 - )
........ 3 Emma Johnson 1870? - 1947)
.... 2 Sarah Barley Hansell (1832 - 1922) + Johnson Norris (1832 - 1897)
........ 3 Emaline Norris (1855 - 1936) + William C. Wilcox (1844 - 1906)
........ 3 Adda R. Norris (ca. 1859 - 1892) + Henry Merrill
........ 3 William T. Norris (1866 - 1898) + Emma E. Bell
.... 2 Lloyd S. Hansell (1836 - 1921) + Hannah H. M. Seward (1839 - 1902)
........ 3 Etta Hansell (ca. 1865 - 1905?) + George W. Orm
........ 3 Walter Celendar Hansell (1869 - aft 1930)
........ 3 William Hansell (1873 - 1915)
........ 3 Bertha F. Hansell (1871/72 - 1955) + Edward J. Erwin (1860 - 1943)
........ 3 George S. Hansell (1875 - 1913) + possibly May Fessler
........ 3 Jesse Hansell (1877 - 1950)

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William Hansell

William Hansell was born November 25, 1793 in Berks County (possibly Bucks County), Pennsylvania, and died February 11, 1872 at his son Lloyd’s home in Jerseyville, Jersey County, Illinois. (1) The Hansell family were Quakers. William married Ann Sunderland before 1816, the daughter of John Sunderland and Elizabeth Slack. Ann was born December 28, 1794 in Trenton, New Jersey, and died on September 13, 1872 in Jerseyville, Jersey County, Illinois.

William was a bricklayer, as were his sons. He also owned a farm just one mile south of the center of Jerseyville. (2) He was still working at his occupation at age 58. Shortly before her death, their daughter Sarah was interviewed by the local newspaper and related information about herself, her family, and her early life in Jersey County: (3)

In the oldest house now standing in Jerseyville lives its oldest woman resident, Mrs. Sarah Hansel Norris. She was born February 16, 1832, in Pennsylvania.

Her father, Wm. Hansel, came west in 1837. His eldest daughter, Mrs. John Hutchinson, and his brother-in-law, Samuel Sunderland, were already here.

For $25.00 Mr. Norris purchased a lot and with the help of Mr. Sunderland and some neighbors erected on it the house in which Mrs. Norris is living on West Pearl Street.

Mr. Hansel returned for his family, who were then at Trenton, New Jersey. Their immediate departure was prevented by an epidemic of smallpox so the westward journey was not begun until the spring of 1840. Leaving a married daughter in Philadelphia [Elizabeth Ann, married James McGannon], Mr. and Mrs. Hansel, with their daughters and two sons, traveled by water to Alton. Mr. Hansel and his eldest son then walked to Jerseyville, and Sunderland drove them to Alton in a wagon to get Mrs. Hansel and their household goods.

They arrived in Jerseyville, June 1, 1840, and the reminiscences of Mrs. Norris, who was then eight years old, are intensely interesting. The wild primitive country frightened her and she cried to be taken back east. Weeds, brush, and thickets were everywhere. The hazel bushes grew from six to seven feet high and to see deer leaping over them was a frequent occurrence, especially in the section now called Woodlawn.

There was never a scarcity of food. Wild game was plentiful; deer, turkey, duck., geese, prairie chicken. And there was an abundance of wild fruit; black-berries, strawberries plums, cherries, grapes, and crabapples. And, although they did not know how to can fruit as we do, their preserves, jellies, butters, and dried fruits were delicious. Snakes were also much in evidence, especially in the west woods. And at night the pioneers were often serenaded by howling wolves.

The Hansels had a fireplace, but they had brought with them a stove on which they cooked. This was a convenience which many of their neighbors lacked, and in its absence, they used “Dutch Ovens,” a covered skillet buried in live coals. Household duties then included molding candles and the use of tinder boxes in which scorched cloth was kept. When a light was desired, our forefathers ignited the cloth by means of flint, and a sulphured match was lighted from the cloth. This because they had no striking matches. And carpets were such a novelty that when the Hansels cleaned theirs and hung it on the fence, it excited the neighborhood admiration. Ox teams passed often with women drivers smoking pipes.

The little old court house was surrounded by plum and crabapple trees. The only church here was the old Presbyterian building and it was unfinished. Mrs. Norris says that plans for a Baptist Church were first discussed in her home. The Hansels were Puritans, but in the absence of other friends here, they affiliated with the Baptist Church on what is now the new post office site. Mrs. Norris attended two schools, one where Mrs. Pierce now lives on South Lafayette where Elijah Dodson was the instructor, and one south of George Casey's home on North Washington where a Mr. Guernsey taught. Dave Bonnell was the proprietor of a local grocery store, but it was not well stocked and most of the supplies were purchased in Alton. The mail was brought from Alton by stage and it cost 25 cents to send a letter. When the wind was propitious, these early settlers ground their grain at Shaff's windmill, which was situated in the vicinity of the old shoe factory.

People were very sociable, friendly, and hospitable then, Easterners coming here to locate usually stopped at the Hansel home. Mrs. Norris remembers their entertaining 22 Easterners at one time with trunks stacked as high as the house. And frequently as many as 15 were unexpected guests.

She says there were very few Indians here, but many passed through on their ceaseless migrations. One night an Indian and his squaw stopped at the Hansel home and asked shelter for the night. They were enroute to Washington with some papers. Despite Mrs. Hansel’s trepidation, her husband allowed them to roll up in their blankets and spend the night on the floor. With grunts meant to express gratitude, they took their departure the next morning.

The only colored person here was Sam Evans brought by an uncle of Mrs. Norris, John Sunderland, and retained as a helper to Dr. D’Arcy.

Among the early settlers who were friends and neighbors to the Hansels were the Lowes., Copes, Grimes, Corbetts, Watts, Deacon Cooper, Squire Hills, Dr. D’Arcy, Dr. Snell, Colonel Knapp, and a little later the Snedekers.

Afterwards Mr. Hansel bought 40 acres of land near the old fairground, grubbed it out and built him a home. From that home Sarah was married in 1854 to Johnston Norris. Mrs. Norris is the last of a family of seven children and she lives with her daughter, Mrs. Emma Wilcox, the only one of her four children now living. Those were the good old days when a man’s word was as good as his bond, and his helping hand was always ready. They are gone and our only connection with them is through the reminiscences of these kindly representatives of a past generation.

In 1838 Ann and William sold the property she inherited from her father, John P. Sunderland. It appears that Ann was still in New Jersey and William was in Illinois when the transaction occurred. This agrees with the information their daughter, Sarah, gave in the above newspaper interview stating that her father came west in 1837. According to the deed, Ann appears to have signed in New Jersey and William in Illinois:

17 Aug 1838 - William Hansel ... Green County ... Illinois and Ann his wife ... [sold to] ... John Sunderland ... Township of Nottingham ... Mercer ... New Jersey ... [for $600] ... All that equal undivided twelfth part of those several houses and Lots ... which John P. Sunderland deceased died seized ...

Signed - Wm. Hansel, Ann Hansel, by Ann Hansel in presence of Thos. Gordon, in New Jersey. 17 August 1838 - in Illinois, William Hansell acknowledged the above deed; recorded in New Jersey 4 March 1839. (4)

This was part of Ann’s inheritance, the property could not be sold without her agreement and that of her husband. The property was Ann’s father’s home, tavern, and other lots, homes and a farm he owned.

The plans for a Baptist Church were first discussed in the Hansell home. The Hansells were Puritans (Quakers), but since there were no Friends in Jersey County, they affiliated with the Baptist Church. A few Baptists living in Jersey County, and probably the Hansells, invited Rev. Elijah Dodson to hold a meeting at Jerseyville for two days. He preached in the old school house and in private residences for seventeen days and nights, converting twenty-five people. (5) The Baptist Church was organized on September 5, 1841.

Sermons preached in private homes were two hours long! The preacher carried a bible and hymn book in his saddle-bags on horseback. He would read a selection of scripture and text, read two lines of a hymn, and then lead in singing the lines, repeating this process until the hymn was finished. Then he said a prayer lasting from five to thirty minutes, followed by a sermon of two hours, in which the church doctrines and government of other denominations was given full attention.

The 1830 census record for a William Hansell seems to be our family. (6) They were living in Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. This record accounts for William and Ann, ages 40-50, and their children Rebecca, Elizabeth, Harriet, Emma and Llewellyn. The family was still there in the 1840 census, in the South Trenton, New Jersey area. (7) This record accounts for William and Ann, and their children Emma, Harriet, Sarah and Lloyd. There are four individuals unidentified, a male under five, a male 30-40, a female under five, and a female 20-30. Rebecca was already married and probably in Illinois. Elizabeth had also married, though Elizabeth and her husband could be in this census record. The children under five could be Elizabeth’s children. There was a notice for a letter remaining in the Post Office at Lambertsville, New Jersey for a William Hansel for January 1, 1831. (8) A William Hansell is mentioned in the Early History of Lambertville: “The four brick houses opposite the depot were erected in 1830 by William and Dennis Hall. The contracting carpenter, who also did the work, was Jacob Chamberlain. The masons were James Appleton and William Hansell . . .” (Early History Of Lambertville [Hunterdon Co. NJ], 1703-1903 by Sarah Gallagher, online at www.newhopepa.com/Lambertville/lam_hist_Gallagher_2.htm, accessed 2007.) Lambertville was in Amwell Township, just across the Delaware River from New Hope, Pennsylvania where William’s daughter Sarah was born in 1832. Lambertville and New Hope were only about fifteen miles from Trenton.

The married daughter left in Philadelphia when William brought his family to Jersey County was probably Elizabeth Ann who married James McGannon. This couple resided in Philadelphia by 1841.

By 1850 there is more information in the census record. They were living in the Jerseyville area and William was a bricklayer with real estate valued at $800. (9) Their children Emma, Llewellyn, Lloyd and Sarah were still living with them, all born in New Jersey. Llewellyn was following his father’s trade, also a bricklayer, as would his son Lloyd and his sons. There are gaps between some of the children’s births that indicate there may have been additional children who may have married or died. By 1870, their son Lloyd and his family were living with the elderly William and Ann. The value of William’s farm was now $5,000 and his personal estate was valued at $1,385.

Information on three of the children of William and Ann - Emma, Sarah and Lloyd, is related below. Llewellyn was born circa 1825 in New Jersey and died in the Civil War according to his sister Sarah’s obituary. (10) Information on Rebecca is in the John M. Hutchinson family history, Elizabeth Ann is related in the McGannon family history and Harriet is in the Jarboe family history.

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Emma Hansell

Emma Hansell (William¹) was born circa 1828 in New Jersey and died on September 25, 1902, buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Jerseyville. (11) She married Charles W. Johnson on December 4, 1851 in Jersey County, Illinois. (12) Emma, along with her sister Rebecca, were among the original members of the Baptist Church that was organized in 1841, not long after the Hansells came to Jersey County. (13) Charles was born circa 1828 in Pennsylvania and died on November 16, 1896. (14) They may have had seven children as listed in the censuses from 1860 to 1880: Susan, Jennie, Albert, Ettie, Felix, Ida and Emma. Charles’ farm was valued at $4,000 in 1860 and $9,000 in 1870. In 1860 Charles had two farm hands working for him. They must have had a nice home, their personal estate value was $1,800 in 1860 and $2,040 in 1870. A biography of Charles was published in 1885:

Charles W. Johnson, a prosperous farmer of Fidelity township, was born in Philadelphia, Penn. in 1828. He resided with his parents until he attained his majority, then came to Illinois, locating in Jersey county on section 32 of Fidelity township, where he has since resided. He now owns 200 acres of land, and devotes his time to grain and stock-raising. Mr. Johnson was married Dec. 4, 1851 to Emma Hansel, daughter of William and Ann Hansel. They have had eight children, four of whom are living: Margaretta, Albert, Jane and Emma. Those deceased are: Margaretta Morris, born Aug. 22, 1853 and died May 19, 1856; Susan Fallon, born April 20, 1856 and died June 1, 1878; and Jennie, born Oct. 2, 1858 and died Sept. 7, 1880. (15)

Their children, all born in Illinois, were (note that the biography above states there were eight children, but only lists seven):

• Susan Fallon Johnson was born April 20, 1856 and died June 1, 1878. There is a burial for a Susan E. Johnson, born 1856, died 1877, Oak Grove Cemetery, Jerseyville.

• Jennie/Jane Johnson was born October 2, 1858 and died September 7, 1880. There is a Jennie A. Johnson, 1858-1880, buried in Oak Grove cemetery.

• Albert Johnson was born circa 1862. He was not listed in the 1870 census. He could be the Felix listed in the 1870 census, but not listed in 1880. There is a marriage record for an Albert W. Johnson, married Rachel A. Corzine, February 9, 1887, Jersey County.

• Ettie/Ella/Etta Johnson was born circa 1859-1862. This is probably the Margaretta listed in the 1885 biography. Etta married Jeremiah Parsell on November 30, 1898 in Jersey County. (16) According to the burial record, Etta was born October 17, 1861 and died on December 1, 1921, daughter of Charles and Emma Hansell Johnson. Jeremiah was born on August 6, 1854 in New Jersey and died on December 2, 1913. They were both buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. Etta’s obituary mentioned two sisters, Emma and possibly Ida. Etta may have re-married since her obituary stated her husband survived her.

Mrs. Etta M. Parsell, 60 years old, died at home east of Jerseyville. Wife of Jeremiah Parsell. Funeral from home. Rev. Farold S. Farrill. Oak Grove cemetery. Born in Jersey County. Leaves husband and two sisters who are Miss Emma Johnson and Mrs. Ion Johnson of Ellictoo City [sic Ellicot?], Maryland. (17)

• Felix Johnson was born circa 1864. See Albert above.

• Ida Johnson was born circa 1864-1867. Ida was not listed in the 1885 biography.

• Emma Johnson, born circa 1867-1869. There is a burial record for an Emma Johnson, born 1870 and died October 14, 1947, buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. According to her sister Etta’s obituary, Emma was not married at least by 1921.

• Jennie Johnson was born circa 1870. This could be the Jane listed in the 1885 biography.

In 1883, Emma and her sister Elizabeth McGannon traveled to St. Louis to visit Elizabeth’s daughter, Ella. (18) The next year Emma’s daughter Ettie accompanied Emma’s sister, our Rebecca Hansell, to spend Christmas in New York, visiting Rebecca’s son, James L. Hutchinson. (19) They remained there about three weeks, returning about January 10th. (20)> In December 1888, Ettie/Ella and Ida attended the elegant wedding of Jessie Bates, probably a shirt-tail relative, giving the couple a celery stand. (21)

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Sarah Hansell

Sarah Barley Hansell (William¹) was born on February 16, 1832 in New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and died on July 27, 1922 in Jerseyville, Jersey County, Illinois. Sarah married Johnson Norris on December 13, 1854. Johnson was born July 4, 1832 in New Paris, Prebble County, Ohio and died in July 1897. His parents were Thomas and Sarah Norris. His father died circa 1843 and his mother died on November 12, 1886 in Gage County, Nebraska. (22) Sarah and Johnson had three children, Adda/Addie, William T. and Emaline/Emma. Sarah and Johnson were buried in Oak Grove Cemetery at Jerseyville, along with their son Rev. William T. Norris. (23)

Sarah became one of the twelve charter members of the Jerseyville Union Daughters of Temperance on April 21, 1853, elected the society’s S.A. (24) Her sister Elizabeth McGannon, Mary Snedeker and Mary Combs were also charter members. She attended Virginia Corbett’s Jerseyville Young Ladies Seminary, possibly between its opening in 1849 and her marriage in 1854. (25)

The Jerseyville Young Ladies Seminary Reunion - October 7, 1891. (26)

This is the thirty-fifth anniversary of the closing of that institution, and quotations are made therefrom.

The Jerseyville Young Ladies Seminary was opened in the fall of 1849 by Miss Virginia Corbett, in a small room east of the main building which was erected in the following year. The school at first only numbered sixteen, increasing, however, until the last year, 1856, when there was seventy in attendance. Over 200 young ladies were numbered as pupils in the seven years it was conducted. During this period Miss Corbett had five assistants, Miss Elizabeth Richards, now a successful teacher in NewYork City; Miss Kate Corbett, now Mrs. J.A. Chestnut; Miss Rachel Corbett, now Mrs. A.C. Hinton; and Miss Eliza Chandler, now Mrs. S.V. White of Brooklyn, N.Y. Mr. Penuel Corbett was the Latin preceptor. Young Ladies, not only from all parts of Jersey, but many from adjoining counties attended the seminary.

In the spring of 1856, Miss Corbett closed her labors as a teacher, and on October 7, following, was married to Mr. Issac Harbert. The thirty-fifth anniversary of her marriage, which occurred October 7, 1891, was made by her old pupils now residents in and around Jerseyville, the occasion of a reunion, the object of which was to cement anew the friendships of the past years. Invitations were sent to former pupils, who addresses could be learned, and were generally responded to; many who could not attend, sending messages of congratulations and good wishes. Over thirty letters from ladies living in California, Washington, Colorado, Nebraska, Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, were received, expressing their warmest affection for their teacher and classmates; relating reminiscences connected with school life, with very sincere regrets because of their inability to be present and take part in the reunion. The following are the names and addresses: Mrs. Sarah Hansell Norris, Jerseyville, Il . . .

The reunion took place at two p.m. in the parlors of the Commercial Hotel. Every available space was filled with beautiful flowers, including an immense bouquet of the rarest, from Mrs. Whipple, and a marriage bell from Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Christy. The event was of significance beyond the mere coming together of friends. The tide of years rolled by with all the deep meaning that had its beginning in the plain school building so many years before.

Sarah evidently was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, a society formed by and for women in 1888. Originally formed as a ladies auxiliary to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors soon reorganized as a social organization. Since life insurance was not available for women, this society obtained a charter to offer life insurance in Illinois in 1895, officially forming the Royal Neighbors of America Fraternal Benefit Society. (27)

Sarah Barley Norris Obituaries

NORRIS. 1922: Mrs. Sarah Norris, pioneer and oldest woman in Jersey County passed away Thursday morning July 27 at 6:03 o’clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Emma Wilcox on West Pearl Street. Mrs. Norris was born February 16, 1832, in New Hope, Pennsylvania and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hansell, Quakers and Members of the Society of Friends. There was a New Hope was in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Norris resided in New Hope until 1840 when with her parents she came by water to Alton, walking from Alton to Jerseyville where the Hansell family located. Mrs. Norris died in the house in which her parents lived when they moved to Jerseyville, and it is known as the oldest house in the county. Mrs. Norris was the fifth girl in a family of seven children and was the last survivor. A brother, Llewellyn Hansell, died during the civil war, and a sister, Mrs. Rebecca Hutchinson, for many years a resident of Jerseyville, lived to be 96 years of age. Mrs. Norris was the mother of three children. Mrs. Emma Wilcox with whom she made her home being the only survivor. Mrs. Norris was well known among all the residents of Jerseyville and was familiarly known as “Aunt Sarah.” Mrs. Norris had voted only once in her life, and that was many years ago during a heated school election in Jerseyville. She is probably the only woman in the county who had never had a ride in an automobile, not because opportunities were lacking, but because she didn’t feel safe in a machine, being afraid from accidents due to careless driving. Mrs. Norris had a remarkably bright mind for a woman of her age and kept in an ever-responsive memory, people, events, dates, customs and changes identified with the life of the town through eight decades. During the past few years she had knitted hundreds of yards of lace for household linens and even within the past week of her life had produced lace for household linens despite the sweltering heat of the July summer. Besides her daughter, Mrs. Wilcox, with whom she made her home, Mrs. Norris leaves two grandsons, Kenneth and H. Russel Merril [Ada’s sons], the former of whom was at her bedside when she passed away. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist church, Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock the Rev. R. B. Favoright assisted by the Rev. Joseph Jenkins officiating. The Royal Neighbors will meet in the basement of the church at 2 o’clock and will have charge of services at the grave. Interment will be in Oak Grove cemetery.

NORRIS. Jerseyville Republican, 1922: Mrs. Sarah Norris, one of the pioneer women of Jersey County died at her home in Jerseyville Thursday morning at three minutes after six o’clock. At the time of her departure she was ninety years, five months and eleven days of age. Mrs. Norris was born in New Hope, Pennsylvania, the Sixteenth of February 1832. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hansell. The Hansells were members of the Quakers of Pennsylvania. When Mrs. Norris was eight years old she came with her parents to Jersey County. The trip was made by water as far as Alton and from that place the trip was made overland by wagon. The father had come to Jersey County in 1837 and built the house in which the family was to reside before he returned east for his family and brought them back the next year. Mrs. Norris death occurred in the same house constructed by her father. She was the fifth child in a family of seven children and was the last survivor. Mrs. Norris was the mother of three children, Mrs. Emma Wilcox with whom she resided at the time of her death being the last of her family. Mrs. Norris for her age was very active and her mental faculties were especially alert. She took a keen interest in all the affairs of the day and read without glasses. She was a great worker and the week before her death she was busy fashioning lace for the household linen. She produced many yards of lace every year for such work. Mrs. Norris saw the development of Jersey County from the primeval. When she first came to Jerseyville as a little girl the wild country frightened her and she cried to go back to her eastern home. To see deer was a frequent occurrence in the vicinity of her new home. There was never any scarcity of food, wild game was plentiful. Deer were abundant as were wild ducks, geese, and prairie chickens. There were also an abundance of wild fruits. Mrs. Norris remembered when the Indians were still frequent passers through this section of the county. Her death is a loss to the community. The distant past is no longer linked with the present by her memory of by gone days. Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at the Baptist church at 3:00 o’clock, the Rev. Favoright assisted by Rev. Jos. Jenkins officiating. The interment took place in Oak Grove cemetery and the Royal Neighbors of Jerseyville had charge of the services at the grave. From Marty Crull’s obituary database.

Johnson Norris was a mill hand (1860), engineer (1872) (28) and confectioner (1880, owned a restaurant) in Jerseyville. In 1860 his personal estate was valued at $50, but by 1870 it was $350 and his real estate was valued at $1,500. He and Sarah were active in the community, especially in the prohibition movement in the 1870s and 1880s.

Prohibition Club. Club met pursuant to notice, president in the chair. Short addresses were delivered by Messrs. Call, Blennerhassett, Pouge and other pertaining to the importance of prohibitory agitation, and of organizing clubs in the various school districts throughout the county. According to the appointment Mr. M. Hawley came on the stand and delivered an essay on the evils of intemperance, which, in clearness of argument and in the terrible power of denouncing the liquor traffic, carried the audience from uproarous applause to the most solemn consideration of the importance of the temperance cause in Jerseyville. On motion, ordered that J. A. Blennerhassett and Johnson Norris conduct a meeting at Hickory Log School House Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., for the purpose of organizing a Prohibition club in that district. On motion, ordered that W. H. Pogue and R. Phelps organize a club at Otterville on the evening of Nov. 27, and at beard School House on the evening of Nov. 18, and club organized by Messrs. Hawley and Biennerhassett. On motion, ordered that J. A. Biennerhassett and W. Phelps address the club Friday evening, Nov. 23, at Mission Hall, commencing at 7:30 o’clock. Adjourned. W. H. Pogue, Pres’t. J. A. Blennerhassett, Sec’y. (29)

Mr. Johnson Norris and others visited Hickory Log School House in the interest of prohibition. (30)

Johnson was a member and officer of the Jerseyville Sons of Temperance in the 1870s and hosted the organizations’ social activities in their home. (31), (32), (33), (34) The Sons of Temperance, was the first lodge of a secret order, not only in the city of Jerseyville, but in Jersey county as well. Johnson was also involved in politics. He was on the Jersey County committee for the Prohibition Party during the election of 1884. (35) The central issue of the party was prohibition, but typical party platforms also included woman suffrage, free public education, prohibition of gambling, and prison reform. In 1884 a vigorous presidential campaign by John P. St. John resulted in the party’s first large popular vote (150,626). The party was closely connected to the Women’s Temperance movement, in which Sarah Norris was active.

In Jersey County there were many taverns and “grog shops” until the “Maine Law” was in force in 1853-54. Thereafter, liquor was obtainable throughout the county, and in the later fifties the liquor interests had a strong hold on politics. At the first election for county officers in Jerseyville, a barrel of whiskey was opened on the street and distributed in wooden buckets, free to the voters to drink from tin cups. The drinking of liquor, an early habit of settlers, continued, though by 1916 Jersey County was dry except at Fieldon. Information on early prohibition in Illinois: (36) On February 1, 1851, Illinois legislators passed "An Act to Prohibit the Retailing of Intoxicating Drinks," popularly known as the “Quart Law,” which replaced the licensing system with a general prohibition against the sale of alcohol in quantities of less than one quart. Maine had led the way toward statewide prohibition in 1851 with an act that completely banned the manufacture or sale of “spirituous or intoxicating liquors,” except for medicinal purposes. Over the next four years, twelve more states passed versions of the "Maine Law." By 1853, those who favored the complete prohibition of alcohol had gained strength in Illinois. The legislative committee charged with the issue proposed a bill almost identical to the Maine Law, and the General Assembly repealed the Quart Law to clear the way for the new legislation. However, five days later, to the dismay of the prohibitionists, the legislature voted against the Maine Law and reinstated the license system that had existed before 1851. When the legislature convened in January 1855, the anti-liquor forces were stronger, and Illinois lawmakers passed "An Act for the Suppression of Intemperance," stronger in some respects than the original Maine Law. Opponents managed to insert one loophole: Illinois voters had to approve the measure at a special election in June 1855. After one of the most bitter contests for votes in Illinois history, 54 percent of Illinois voters decided against statewide prohibition.

Just when Johnson opened a restaurant is unknown, but he was operating it in 1883 when he was a victim of a clever robbery. “Last Saturday Mr. Johnson Norris was the victim of a pair of slick sharpers. While alone in his restaurant a stranger entered hurriedly and rushing back to the rear of the store said ‘the back part of your store is on fire.’ Of course Mr. Norris ran out preceded by the informant and seeing no signs of fire came back only to find the money drawer open and empty. He lost about eight dollars. Some think he should have known better, but if the building had been on fire and Mr. Norris had paid no attention to the alarm they would have censured him still more. (37) Johnson Norris obituary:

NORRIS. July 1897: Johnson Norris was born in New Paris, Preble County, Ohio, 1831 on July 4th. 65 years old. Was second child of Thomas and Sarah Norris. His parents came to the state of Illinois while he was young. Father died when Johnson was 12 years old. Left a poor boy with mother, five sisters and one brother to assist in providing. Baptized by Rev. Justus Bulkey. Lost his membership in church on account of an unscriptural rule which the church enacted requiring all members to attend a certain number of Saturday meetings. He was engaged in work that would not allow him quit on Saturday. In those days some churches did some foolish things. Johnson Norris never gave up his religion. He was quiet, industrious, kind-hearted. On December 13, 1854, married Sarah Hansell. Three children. Addie, daughter died of consumption. Today his son, Rev. W. T. Norris, is in feeble health in Baltimore. Mrs. Emma Wilcox, daughter has been with her father in all his sicknesses. Pastor Porter.

The children of Sarah and Johnson Norris were:

• Emaline Norris was born circa 1856 and died after 1922 in Illinois. She married William C. Wilcox on September 9, 1879. They had two sons, Norris J. and Melvin W. There is a burial record for an Emma Wilcox, born November 21, 1855 and died on January 24, 1936, daughter of Johnson and Sarah B. Hansel Norris, widow of William. Emma was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America in Jerseyville in 1901, serving as manager. (38)

• William C. Wilcox Obituary: WILCOX. Died 12-1906. William Charles Wilcox, 62, died at his home of typhoid fever. Funeral from Baptist Church with Rev W W Hicks. He was born in England, October 15, 1844 and came from England with his parents at the age of 5, arriving in NY. They moved to St. Louis, where both parents d. He then came to Jerseyville and lived with J C Winsor until he married. He was the third in a family of 5. Surviving are his wife, Emma (Norris) Wilcox whom he married on September 9, 1879, 1 brother, John of Mt Carmel; 1 sister, Mrs Ann Smith, Cold Water, MI. One brother, Samuel Wilcox, died in July 1906; and 2 sons, Norris J, died in 1904, age 22 and Melvin W, died at age 5, preceded him in death. He joined Hickory Grove Camp MWA #442 in 1892. Second Presbyterian Church???. (This obituary transcription regarding Melvin’s death may be in error. There is a Melvin Walter Wilcox, born in 1883 and died in 1905. (39)

• Adda/Addie R. Norris was born circa 1859, Illinois and died of consumption on June 1, 1892. (40) She married Henry Merrill on October 1, 1884. They had two sons, Kenneth and H. Russell Merrill. The burial index states that Ada was born October 1, 1850. This would have been before her parents married.

• William T. Norris was born on April 18, 1866 and died in June 1898. A Baptist minister, he married Emma E. Bell on December 9, 1884 at Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois. (41)

  William T. Norris Obituary: NORRIS. Jersey County Democrat, June 9, 1898: Will T. Norris, born in Jerseyville, Illinois April 18, 1866. Married to Miss Emma Bell in Jacksonville, Illinois on 24 December 1884. Licensed to preach at Jerseyville Baptist church 20 June 1886 and ordained at Paradise Baptist church. From there to Tullula and later to Mason City. Went to Michigan Then to Baltimore, Maryland. Belonged to Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodman of America. Rev. Wm. Norris died on 27 May at Laurel, Maryland. Remains brought home for burial. Funeral from his mother’s home. 31 years old. Wife and son survive, aged mother also. Born in this city and entered ministry from Shurtleff School of Theology. As a preacher of the word, he was faithful, conscientious and successful. Rev. W. H. Kearns and G. W. Shephard officiated at funeral conducted by the Woodmen. Born in Jerseyville April 18, 1866. Married in Jacksonville to Miss Emma Bell, 24 December 1884. Licensed to preach by Jerseyville Baptist church 30 June 1886 and ordained at Paradise Baptist church which he was afterwards pastor. From here to Tullula and later to Mason City. His health failing he went to Albion, Michigan and from there to Baltimore, Maryland. Was asked to supply church at Laurel, 19 miles from Baltimore. Given call for full time and he accepted. Old church destroyed by fire, new one built but because of illness of pastor, it was never dedicated. (42) From Marty Crull’s obituary database.

Johnson Norris’ sister, Mary T. Norris, married into the Post family, early Jersey County settlers. Mary was the second wife of Caleb A. Post, marrying on January 3, 1856. (43) In 1860 Caleb owned real estate valued at $7,000, personal $3,000. They had eight children, five are known: Elmer E., married Fannie Burkenmayer; Ida M.; Della M.; Grace; Walter. Mary died on February 24, 1873. According to a descendant of Caleb Post (the grandfather of Caleb A. Post): “Caleb Post and his first wagon train with Gideon Spencer to the Greene/Jersey county area in about 1817 - 1821 have been residents and visitors of the area up until about 1918 when my great grandmother Fannie Barbara Birkenmeyer Post (Mrs. Elmer Elsworth Post) passed away.” Caleb’s biography: (44)

“Post, Caleb Alanson, now deceased, was for many years a capable agriculturist of Jersey County, and during his latter days a resident of Jerseyville. He was born in Jersey County, Ill., November 24, 1834, a son of James and Ardelia (Whitford) Post, natives of Vermont, who came to Jersey County in 1833, settling on the farm where their son Caleb A. grew to manhood.

“During his boyhood Caleb A. Post attended the district schools, and he made himself useful assisting his father. Later he attended an eastern college. Marrying early, he located on a farm in Jersey County, but some years later traded it for 180 acres of land in Macoupin County. In four years, he returned to Jersey County. At one time he owned 650 acres in Nebraska, and 280 acres three miles northeast of Jerseyville, but in 1903, he sold the latter farm and bought three acres of land in the northeastern part of Jerseyville, where he resided until death claimed him October 15, 1908.

“Mr Post was four times married. His first wife died within six weeks of her marriage, and he later was married to Mary Norris and they had seven children, five of whom survive. After her death, he was married to Mrs. Maggie (Murray) Murphy, and they had five children, four of whom survive. The third Mrs. Post dying, Mr Post was married on September 9, 1894, to Mrs Mattie A (Springate) (Benson) Young. She was born in Jersey County, Ill., a daughter of Arthur M. and Caroline (Davis) Springate, natives of Jersey County. Mrs. Post was first married to Robert A. Benson and they had two children, namely; Clara E., who is Mrs Fred L. Brooks of Jersey Township; and Robert A., who lives with his mother. After the death of Mr. Benson, Mrs Benson was married to James A. Young, but they had no issue. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Post spent many happy years together, and she greatly misses the companionship of the kindly man taken from her by death. He was a Mason, a Baptist and a Republican.

“Elmer Ellsworth Post, son of Caleb A. and Mary Norris Post was born on July 30, 1861, 3 miles northwest of Jerseyville. Elmer married Fannie B. Birkenmayer on September 14, 1881. They moved to Gage County, Nebraska, but returned to Jersey County and in 1887 rented Dalzell farm 2 miles south of town. In May 1890 he purchased the W. W. Edwards farm southeast of town. He was accidentally killed on August 15 by falling from the roof of the large new diary barn on the Heller farm near Kane, Illinois. Funeral from Baptist Church. Rev. W. W. Hicks. Leaves his widow, a son, Leslie C. of St. Louis; daughter, Edith May, wife of Lester Cory of Piasa, Illinois. Three grandchildren. Seven brothers and Sisters; Walter and Marcus M. of Jerseyville, Charles of Calif., Mrs. Ida Bumstead of Lincoln, Neb., Mrs. Adelia Dey of Morrisonville, IL, Mrs. Grace Colling of Benton Harbon, Mich., Mrs. Mabel Locke and Mrs. Olive Laurent of St. Louis.”

August 1911: This community was shocked Tuesday noon when it received the intelligence from Kane that Elmer E. Post had been accidentally killed by falling from the roof of a barn. The accident occurred on the Parkerdale stock farm near Kane. Walter Malott, of this city, has the contract for the erection of a new dairy barn to replace the one destroyed by fire several months ago. Walter and Elmer Post were working for Malott. As usual Tuesday morning they drove to the Parker farm and went to work shingling. During the forenoon Elmer told his brother that he had a dizzy feeling. Walter insisted that Elmer go down from the roof and do other work, but he failed to do so. A little later Walter, who was at work about 100 feet away, heard a tumbling noise and on looking around saw Elmer rolling from the roof backwards. No cry or words were uttered while falling. Elmer fell with head downward, striking a pile of lumber. An arm was broken and a gash cut in the head. When Walter reached his side, Elmer was dead. Elmer has been more or less troubled with spells of dizziness, and it is believed that one of these spells or a stroke of apoplexy came on him. The body was brought to Jerseyville and taken to his home in the west part of town. Mr. Post was one of our very best citizens. He owned a farm east of town, but several years ago moved to town. Two years ago last spring he was elected Alderman from the First Ward, the term expiring last May. He was painstaking conscientious official. He was a consistent Christian, a member of the Baptist church and Sunday school, and served on the Board of Trustees of the church. He is survived by a wife, one daughter, Mrs. Lester J. Cory, of Piasa, and one son, Leslie Post, a teacher in Barnes Business College, St. Louis. The funeral will be held from the Baptist church Friday at 2 pm , Rev. W. W. Hicks officiating. (45)

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Lloyd S. Hansell

Lloyd Sunderland Hansell (William¹) was born October 16, 1836 in Trenton, New Jersey and died on March 27, 1921 at Jerseyville. Lloyd married Hannah H. M. Seward on June 4, 1863 in Jersey County, Illinois. (46) Hannah was born in September 1839, probably in New York, and died on December 11, 1902. They were buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, Jerseyville. Lloyd and Hannah lived at 306 Fremont Ave. in 1891 and 205 Hollow Ave. in 1903. (47)

Lloyd operated the dairy on his father’s farm, selling out the stock in 1873, soon after his father’s death. (48) While Lloyd was listed as a brick and stone mason and plasterer, (49) he also ran Hansell’s Billiard Saloon in 1865. (50) “Hansell’s Billiard Saloon, to those who understand the game of billiards, is becoming a fashionable resort, and now that a competent teacher is in town, we presume that a fresh impetus will be given to learners.” This same year he opened oyster and wild game saloon that did not serve alcohol. (51) On the menu was wild game such as Prairie Chicken and Quail. In 1866 he was contemplating opening a restaurant. (52) He evidently was a hunter and participated in the popular shooting matches of the times, this one in 1867.

“The grand shooting match took place just north of Bayer’s brickyard, in the north-east part of town, on last Monday. About one hundred pigeons had been provided by Mr. Hansell for the occasion. Captains were selected and sides chosen. M. C. Stanley and Ford Lewis were chosen referees.” Lloyd scored higher than anyone on his ‘team,’ with a score of eight.

“There was only one thing which disturbed the even tenor of the shootists and that was a fight, a bonafide up-and-at-em fight, a rip-snorter, rough-and-tumble, between Col. Stanley and a lame pigeon. The Col. was plucky and so was the pigeon. Sometimes one was on top and sometimes the other. Betting ran high on the pigeon. Lucky for the Col. and unfortunately for the pigeon, he thought of McCool’s underhand rib-smashing passes, and acting from a strong feeling of self-preservation he planted a severe and fatal blow in the stomach of the pigeon, the battle was over and the Col. victorious. In consequence of this great victory a grand ovation and supper was given the conqueror at the National Hotel. There was eating in hot haste, and eyes looked into champagne glasses, that but an hour before glanced along gun barrels, and flashed with pride as downy pigeons fell. The Col. was “all around the room” and being President every thing naturally had to “come through him” even to the commonest suggestion - but every one was satisfied and felt bully. All were sober. There was but one mistake made during the evening and that was when the Col. asked somebody if he would not have “more pigeon in his glass,” but we all knew it was a joke when he picked up the pigeon and tried to pour it into the glass. It was a good time and the Shooting Club are indebted to Mr. Holcombe for many acts of kindness shown them during the evening.” (53)

Lloyd was a member of the local A. F. & A. M. (Masons), an agent selling the Parker Gun, and served on the petit jury in the 1870 - 1880s. (54) He served the community as an Alderman from 1887 to 1892. (55)

Lloyd’s sons seemed to marry late in life. They were living with their father until 1910, when their ages ranged from 33 to 41, only George S. was recorded as married, with no wife listed in the family. By 1920, only Jesse, still single, was still living with his father. Except for Walter, all of Lloyd’s sons followed his trade of brick mason or brick layer. The children of Lloyd S. and Hannah were:

• Etta Hansell was born circa 1865. She married George R. Orm on September 16, 1882 in Jersey County. (56) This family was not found in the 1900 census. Etta may have died between 1905 and 1910. (57) The George W. Orm, Fieldon Cemetery, Richwood Township, born November 1, 1861, died November 24, 1938 may have been Etta’s husband. However, this George W. Orm, living in Richwood Township, in censuses after 1900 always listed himself as single. Orm is sometimes misspelled Orin in several records. This burial may be Etta: Etta Orin, Oak Grove Cemetery, born 1865, died November 10, 1905. In the American Vitals CD from the LDS, Etta is said to have been born in 1863 in Jerseyville. George R. Orm was probably the brother of the Alice Janet Orm who married Lloyd L. Jarboe in 1884, Jersey County. Etta was mentioned a few times in the local newspaper. First in 1877 when she was listed attending public school in Jerseyville. (58) By 1881 she was in high school, presenting an essay and a selected reading at the High School Prytaneum Society, a literary society. (59)

• Walter Celendar Hansell was born November 26, 1869 in Jersey County, Illinois and died on August 7, 1949 in Kansas City, Missouri, age 79, buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Kansas City (death certificate). At the time of his death he was retired. His wife was listed as Minnie Hansell. According to the online Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, Walter C. Hansell married Minnie C. Hill, November 21, 1911 in Jersey County. Walter was a bricklayer and later a civil engineer. (60) He was the Jersey County Surveyor from 1898 to 1908. (61) Walter’s biography, 1901: “Born in Jerseyville, Nov. 22, 1869. Eldest son of Lloyd and Hannah (Seward) Hansell. Received his early education in the public schools of Jerseyville, graduating from the High School, class of 1890. He was appointed in March 1900, to fill out the unexpired term of Albert W. Newton, who resigned. He was elected to the office of county surveyor at the November election in 1900, and is the present incumbent.” (62) Walter and Minnie Hansell were found in the 1920 and 1930 censuses in Kansas City, Missouri, where Walter was an engineer for a construction firm.

• William Hansell was born in September 1873 in Jerseyville and died on August 3, 1915 in Jerseyville, buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. He was a bricklayer in Jerseyville. (63) Nothing further is known about William. According to the Jersey County Historical Society, a William Hansell was a veteran of the Spanish American War (1898). (64)

• Bertha F. Hansell was born in October 1871 or 1872 in Jersey County and died on February 10, 1955. In June 1885 she delivered a declamation titled “Two Belts of Gold” at the Methodist Sunday School exercise. (65) Bertha T. Hansell married an Edward J. Erwin on October 26, 1893 in Jersey County. (66) However, she must have had a friendship with Edward’s brother, Walter, since she went with him to visit friends in Fidelity in 1889. (67) Edward was a horse trainer in Jerseyville at least from 1900 to 1910. In his household in 1900, there were two boarders, both also horse trainers. Edward was born in February 1860 and died on August 7, 1943. They had one child, a son, Morris. Morris was born in July 1894 and died on March 23, 1962. The family was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Jerseyville.

• George S. Hansell was born in December 1875 and died on August 3, 1913 at Jerseyville, buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Jerseyville. He was a horseman according to the 1903-04 Jerseyville City Directory. George was married by 1903-4 and lived at 114 N. State, Jerseyville, IL. (68) George may have married May Fessler on October 27, 1902 (he is listed as George Seward) found in a list of marriage records, Jersey County from Jerseyville library. George must have been an adventurous child, at one time causing his parents great anxiety:

  A little boy of L. Hansell’s, seven years old, went to the Macoupin lst Saturday with an older brother and some others, fishing. Getting tired the little fellow started home, and not knowing the way, became lost, and although search was made that night, nothing could be learned of him. His mother was almost frantic when the brother returned without the little boy, and all that night and the next day the friends scoured the woods in search of the missing child, who was finally found in Kane, where he was brought by a man who had found him in the woods, wandering he knew not whither. The little fellow said he did not dare walk on the railroad track, and so went into the woods, thinking he could find his way home, but walked all night till found as above stated. To say that his mother and the rest of the family were overjoyed, but faintly expresses their feelings, as they knew there were many holes in the bottom filled by the late rains with water, in which he could have been drowned, and they thank a kind providence that he was kept safe. (69)

• Jesse Hansell was born November 20, 1877. Jesse G. Hansell graduated from Jerseyville High School in 1897. (70) In the city directory of Jerseyville for 1903-04, Jesse Hansell was listed at same address as Lloyd S. Hansell and Jesse’s occupation was a mechanic. Jesse was still listed with his father in the 1920 census and he may never have married. When the United States declared war on Germany in 1917, the Selective Service Act was passed and all males between eighteen and forty-five were required to register for the draft. On September 12, 1918, Jesse Gray Hansell registered for the draft, a 40 year old self-employed brick layer. Jesse was not found in the 1930 census. There is a tombstone in Oak Grove Cemetery for a Jesse G. Hansel 1877-1950, in the same plot as William, Ann, Lloyd and Hannah, George and William.

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Endnotes

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