Abraham Betsinger was born in Steuben, Oneida County, New York, June 28, 1837. His parents were farmers, and he would have worked along side his father from an early age. Abraham had two older brothers, John and Edward, so he may have felt like there was no land for him. For whatever reason, Abraham left New York state, and is found in Ogle County, Illinois in the 1869 census.

Interestingly enough, he is working and living on the farm of what will become his grandfather-in -law, John Miller, Sr. AND, a George Mower, born in New York, is there with him. I think this may be his cousin, and I'm working on this. John Miller seems to be a wealthy farmer, as he has much land and has money listed. Down the road from this farm, lives his future wife, with her parents, George and Catherine Miller Bowman.

Abraham Betsinger married Mary Jane Bowman during the summer of 1860, and they lived in the area about five years. To find out more about the Bowman side, go here. They are found in the 1870 census in Benton County, Iowa. In the same area, are Alexander Betsinger, Jacob Betsinger and John Betsinger. Jacob and John were also in Ogle County, Illinois in the 1850 census. I believe that John will prove to be Abraham's uncle, and that may have been what brought Abraham to Illinois and Iowa. Abraham and Mary Jane are in Bremer County, Iowa in the 1880 census, and stay in this area until their deaths. Their children will grow to adulthood in Bremer County, and their descendants can still be found in the area.

Abraham and Mary Jane Betsinger's children are:

1) Melvin born November, 1860, in Ogle County, Iowa. He married Ida Graham in 1887, in Bremer County, and they had two children: Cassie and Harry. Melvin was a farmer. Harry left the area, and went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he married and had children, Leo and Harry. There are descendants of this branch reseaching their family.

2) Loraetta born September 18, 1862, Ogle County, Iowa. She died young.

3) Ida Elizabeth born August 24, 1865, Delaware County, Iowa. She married William Ingersoll, and they had children: Warren, Florence, Stanley, Vern, Floyd, and Lottie. I have seen records of this family online. Please contact me if you connect with them.

4) Rebecky born August 29, 1867, Delaware County, Iowa. Died young.

5) Cora Bell born July, 1869, Delaware County, Iowa. She married Seth Winklepleck in Bremer county. They moved and farmed in the Rockford, Illinois area. She had children: Ramona and Victor.

6) Emma Jane born August 5, 1876, Delaware County, Iowa. She married Edgar Shepard in Bremer county. They had a son Harold. I am in contact with Harold's great granddaughters, so if you want to compare info with this family, let me know.

7) George Edward. This is my grandfather and his info is on another page.

8) Lu Ella born 1882, Bremer County, Iowa. She married William Starr in Bremer county. Their children were: Eva, Evelyn, Thelma and Edward. I have had no contact with this family, but would love to make connections. Please leave me a message.

I do have additional information on each family, but please contact me personally to compare notes.
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