The first record that I have on Christopher Miller was his purchase on March 7, 1809 of lots 3808 and 3809 in the section then know as Ethiopia And The Isles on Dan's Mountain near George's Creek in Allegany County Maryland. The closest town was Lonaconing.

There is different theories as to where Christopher came from into Allegany County. One of the theories is that Christopher came into Allegany County from Port Tobacco, Charles County Maryland. Christopher's parents were John Miller and Chloe Wells. John was of Irish descent and Chloe was the daughter of William Wells and was of German origin. Christopher's first marriage was to Wismey McIntosh, second wife was Ann Corbut, and third wife was Susannah Ferguson.

Another theory was that Christopher lived in Pennsylvania for many years, but spent the last years of his life in Allegany County Maryland. Another theory as given by Christopher's Grandson John W. Miller in the Historical And Biographical Record of Wood County Ohio was that in the latter part of the eighteenth century Christopher Miller, a native of Germany, sailed with his wife and two children for America. After a long and tedious voyage of nine months they arrived at New York. Delay after delay had occurred, and crew and passengers were on the verge of starvation. At length the vessel reached New York harbor, and Mr. Miller, with his family, proceeded to Allegany County Maryland, where he spent his remaining days.

The following information is from Moore History, written by Ceph Moore in 1886. I am writing this unpublished information as written by Mr. Moore with no corrections in his spelling.

Old Christopher Miller Sr. and his wife Susan Miller was buried on the old James Wells place. It is where old Benjamin Green Sr. lived 16 years ago above New Cony mine that is opened S. of Georges Creek. Said Susan Miller was a Miss Corbus before she was married and was a niece of Conrod Corbus. Said old Mr. Christopher Miller was the man that accompanied old Mr. John Moore Sr. back to New Jersey on horse back and stayed six weeks. This was not long after John Moore Sr. had moved in "Georges Hills" Maryland. Old Christopher Miller's son Andrew Miller lives 27 miles north of Columbus, Ohio in Delaware County, Ohio and several Millers live near Delaware, Ohio. Old Henry Beam and his wife Elizabeth (Miller) daughter of old Christopher lives 30 miles from Andrew Miller. He lives in Licking County, Ohio. Old Jacob Miller Sr. son of old Christopher, lived close Coshocton, Ohio and died there. Christopher Miller Jr. lived and died in Licking County Ohio. The Beamans settled in Knox County, Ohio.

Author's note: I have found much of the information given in the article as to where the children of Christopher lived in 1886 to be accurate. My studies lead me to believe that Christopher Miller came from Germany and went to Allegany County Maryland. The Christopher Miller who was living in Port Tobacco signed the Oath Of Allegiance in 1775. From the 1810 Allegany County Maryland Census I calculate Christopher's birth as 1767, if this is correct Christopher would have been only eight years old and much too young to have signed the Oath Of Allegiance. His children listed their birthplace as Maryland with the exception of the second child, Godfrey who listed his birthplace as Virginia in the 1850 Jefferson County Ohio Census. Godfrey was born ca. 1790.

Lonaconing Maryland is very close to Westernport, Maryland which is located across the Potomac River from Virginia, now West Virginia. I believe that Christopher's father was John since he named his first son John. Susannah Corbus, wife of Christopher was a niece to Conrad Corbus. In the 1800 Allegany County Maryland Census there is listed a Godfrey Corbus, who could well be Susannah's father since they named their second son Godfrey. In my research I have found it quite common to name the first son after husband's father and the second son after the wife's father. I found a deed in Allegany County of Godfrey Corbus selling land and listing his wife as Charlotte. The deed for Godfrey Corbus is signed Gottorind Korbbuis, which would be the German spelling for his name. Therefore I believe Godfrey was born in Germany.

The following sheet lists my calculations as to Christopher, Susannah and their children dates of birth as listed in the 1810 Allegany County Maryland Census.

1810 ALLEGANY COUNTY MARYLAND CENSUS

CHRISTOPHER MILLER

BIRTH CALC.

LISTING AGE PERIOD PERSON BIRTH

1 MALE 0-10 1800-1810 GODFREY 1790 (2)

1 MALE 0-10 1800-1810 CHRISTOPHER JR. 1793 (4)

1 MALE 0-10 1800-1810 JACOB 1795 (5)

1 MALE 0-10 1800-1810 SAMUEL 1800 (7)

1 MALE 10-16 1794-1800 HENRY 1801 (8)

1 MALE 16-26 1784-1794 WILLIAM 1804 (9)

1 MALE 16-26 1784-1794 ANDREW 1806 (10)

1 MALE 26-45 1765-1784 CHRISTOPHER SR. 1767 *

1 FEMALE 0-10 1800-1810 ELIZABETH 1792 (3)

1 FEMALE 10-16 1794-1800 CATHERINE 1799 (6)

1 FEMALE 16-26 1784-1794 MARY 1808 (11)

1 FEMALE 26-45 1765-1784 SUSANNAH 1767 *

* CHRISTOPHER AND SUSANNAH'S BIRTH PERIOD IN THE 1810 CENSUS WAS BETWEEN 1765 AND 1784. I FIGURE IF CHRISTOPHER WAS BORN IN 1767 AND 21 YEARS OF AGE WHEN MARRIED, HE WOULD HAVE MARRIED IN 1788. HIS FIRST CHILD WAS BORN ONE YEAR LATER IN 1789. I HAVE CALCULATED SOME OF THE CHILDREN'S AGES FROM THE 1810 CENSUS RATHER THEN SOME OF THE AGES THEY GAVE IN LATER CENSUS'. I FEEL THAT A PARENT SHOULD KNOW THEIR CHILDREN'S AGES. I HAVE FOUND SOME CHILDREN ESPECIALLY FEMALES LIKE TO SHAVE A FEW YEARS OFF THEIR AGE.

CHILDREN

1. JOHN 1789 FROM 1850 ALL. CO. MD. CENSUS MARR. 1 OCT 1809

2. GODFREY 1790 FROM 1850 JEFF. CO. OH. CENSUS

3. ELIZABETH 1792 FROM 1850 LICK. CO. OH. CENSUS

4. CHRISTOPHER JR. 1793 CALCULATED FROM 1810 ALL. CO. & 1840 LICK CO.

5. JACOB 1795 FROM 1850 COSH. CO. OH. CENSUS

6. CATHERINE 1799 CALCULATED FROM 1810 ALL. CO. CENSUS

7. SAMUEL 1800 ACTUAL 25 MAR 1800 FROM DEATH RECORD

8. HENRY 1801 FROM 1850 ALL. CO. MD. CENSUS

9. WILLIAM 1804 ACTUAL 9 JAN 1804 FROM JOHN D. MILLER BIBLE

10.ANDREW 1806 ACTUAL 1 DEC 1806 FROM DEATH RECORD

11.MARY 1808 ACTUAL 5 FEB 1808 FROM DEATH RECORD

IN CHRISTOPHER'S WILL I FEEL HE LISTED THEM IN ORDER OF THEIR BIRTH AS WAS CUSTOMARY. THE ORDER WAS JOHN, GODFREY, CHRISTOPHER JR., JACOB, SAMUEL, HENRY, WILLIAM, ANDREW: ELIZABETH, CATHERINE, MARY.

Information from Moore History, written by Ceph Moore in 1886. This information is unpublished.

Old Christopher Miller Sr. and his wife Susan Miller was buried on the old James Wells place. It is where old Benjamin Green Sr. lived 16 years ago above New Cony mine that is opened S. of Georges Creek. Said Susan Miller was a Miss Corbus before she was married and was a niece of Conrod Corbus. Said old Mr. Christopher Miller was the man that accompaned old Mr. John Moore Sr. back to New Jersey on horse back and stayed six weeks. This was not long after John Moore Sr. had moved in "Georges Hills" Maryland. Old Christopher Miller's son Andrew Miller lives 27 miles North of Columbus, Ohio in Delaware County, Ohio and several Millers live near Delawaare, Ohio. Old Henry Beam and his wife Elizabeth (Miller) daughter of old Christopher lives 30 miles from Andrew Miller. He lives in Licking County, Ohio. Old Jacob Miller Sr. son of old Christopher, lived close Coshocton, Ohio and died there.

Christopher Miller Jr. lived and died in Licking County Ohio.

The Beamans settled in Knox County, Ohio.

From Pioneers Of Old Northfield - By Lillias Collins CookThe First Church

In forming the Baptist Society in 1786, there were a number of Baptist ministers who aided, but Rev. George Gutherie, now an ordained minister, baptized a number of the early coverts in the waters of Cannue Brook. The first converts who had joined the Lyons Farms Baptist Church, found that the distance was too far in those days, and meetings were held at homes in "The Short Hills" and Cannue Brook. Minutes of the Lyons Farms Church show that: "Moses Edwards and his wife Desire, were baptized on June 29, 1785". They were the first baptized in Cannue Brook waters. April 19, 1786, we find eleven members withdrawing to form the Cannue Brook Baptist Society: Obed Dunham and his wife Mary, Moses Edwards and Desire, Content Edwards, Timothy Meeker, William Meeker, Sarah Cook, Mary Cory, Thomas Force Jr., and Timothy Ward. Shortly after the church was formed, Abigail Walsh, Hannah Belton, Timothy Meeker, Jr., Robert McChesney and his wife Mary Ann and daughter Jane, and Jemima Brown were added. Of these eighteen early members eleven of the eighteen were our ancestors or near relatives.

Obed Dunham, who came to Cannue Brook and bought a large tract of land, married an aunt of Abner Ball. He came here from Lyons Farms. He became a close friend of Moses Edwards, and their lives were to be closely knit together.

The first church building was erected in 1800, and the Baptist Society was incorporated a the Northfield Baptist Church. During the time when the little Baptist Society was struggling for existence, it was Moses Edwards, and the two deacons, Thomas Force, Jr. and Abner Ball, who carried on the work of Zion.

Moses first wife, Desire, died in 1793, and did not live to see her husband licensed to preach, and ordained in 1798.

In 1787, Moses bought the farm of Obed Dunham, the latter falling out with a man who came to preach, and "Obed and the church mutually excommunicated each other." Obed and his family migrated to Claremont County, Ohio.

Moses raising his family on the broad acres he had taken over, combined farming, and blacksmithing with his preaching. Raising not only the food they ate, but with his sheep and flax, also their clothing. He became the first settled pastor of the church, and served for seventeen years, a longer period than any pastor has since. During his long patorate, he received no stated salary but the contributions of his people were most generous. One hundred members were added to the church during this period, considering the sparsely settled countryside, this was a goodly number. In the days when so many preachers were preaching "hellfire and damnation for unbelievers," his teaching was ever, "God is love." and the meetinghouse to him, was always he "House of Zion." After a week of hard labor, he would often inter the pulpit and opening the Bible, select the first text that met his eye." His Eloquene would fill the church on Sabbath days, and in summer, outside the crowded building, worshipers would sit, on horseback or in their wagons, to listen. After the morning sermon, there would be an hour when the church goers from a distance, would eat the food they brought with them, and visit each other. Then thet would attend the afternoon service, which ended in time for them to get home by early candle light.

Moses' second wife was Catherine Ogden, widow of Simeon Ogden of Caldwell. (her maidenname was Cory). Their frist child was named Desire, who married Pell Teed; she died at eighteen, and the oldest stone in the Northfiedl Burying ground markes her grave. Moses gave from his farm, the acre of ground to the Baptist Society for a burial place; his wife Desire, is buried near the west side of the Burying Ground.

Jane Caroline, another daughter of Moses and Catherine, became the second wife of Pell Teed.

Moses was fifty nine when he sold his farm to his son Enoch, and went to join his life long friend Obed Dunham in Ohio. He went with his family and their choicest household goods in two covered wagons, and two teams of horses, driving, by easy stages, through the wilds of Pennsylvanian, over the formidable barrier of the Alleghany Mountains, and the heart of Ohio, so recently agitated by a bloody war with the British and their savage allies.

Moses was good judge of horse flesh and loved to swap horses. Writing home from Claremont County, Ohio, after they were settled in their new home, he tells of the long tedious journey over the mountains, and how "He swapped a leg weary mare for a "hoss." paid five dollars to boot, called it a good swap. Later he swapped he "hoss" for a cow who gave six quarts of milk, this after they were settled; called this too a good swap. He found things as reasonable to buy in Cincinnati, as in Newark, N.J., and soon their home was furnished. He found the "need for gospel service was great." he was asked to preach in a number of places, but would accept no permanent pastorate at first.

A very human postcript was added to his first letter 1815, when Catherine informs her Dear Friend, Rachel Ball, "That the earthenware they had packed in the chist was all broken, but her bunnit came through safe."

In 1816, we find Moses and Catherine, with some of his nephews, and their families joining the Bethel Baptist Church by letter (They had settled in Bethel, Ohio) becoming members April 27, 1816. Mose did not found this church; it was in existence when he went there. His son, Moses Edwards, Jr., later acted as church clerk. Moses Jr. was licensed to preach by the Bethel Baptist Church on June 4, 1831.

Moses sr. died May 4, 1827, not living to see his son ordained. He and his fiend Obed Dunham lie close to each other in the Bethel Churchyard, in unmarked graves.

Sons of Ohio Veterans of the Revolutionary War, have marked the graves of Ohio soldiers, but Moses Edwards, who seved in New Jersey, has no such recognition.

Livingston, New Jersey The Story of a Community, By WPA Writers'

Only a row of low graves in the Baptist Churchyard of old Teedtown and a few more in the even older Northfield cemetery bear witness today to the passing of a family that took root in Livingston in 1757 when Andrew Teed purchased a large tract extending from Force Hill nearly to Livingston Center. There are the headstones of Andrew's son, Pell Teed, of Pell Teed Jr. and his child-wife, Desire Edwards; of Parker Teed, who was a member of the State Legislature in the 1840; of another Andrew, who became Livingston's postmaster in 1852, and of the widow Rusha Teed, a daughter of Moses Edwards, the Northifield pastor-blacksmith. Other Teeds held many township offices during the 19th century. The Teeds intermarried with the Forces, Rosses, Edwardses, McChesneys, Collinses, Cooks, Wards, Watsons and Halseys.

From Town Of Huntington Land Grants By Trustees 1688-1802, By Rufus B. Langhans 1986 April ye 23 1754 To ye Surveyors of huntington these are to order You to Lay out to ye right held By Andrew Tidd two Acres and an half of Land one Quarter of an Acre of Land Joyning to ye North Side of ye Land of John Robbins & Joyning to ye East Side of ye highway that Leads from Ananias Brushes to rulands ye remainder Joyning to ye Land of Jecovas Nogal ye west Side of Dicks hills April ye 23 1754

From different stories I believe the Courter Family is of Scotch and Dutch ancestry. In my research I have found very little on the early life of Henry and Charlotte (Terrell) Courter. From the Pompton Plains Dutch Reform Church Records Volume II 1736-1868 reads as follows: Child Date of Birth and Baptism Hendrik - February 4, 1790; Parents, Pieter Coorten and Jannitje; Witnesses, Hendrik V. Wagenen and Marytje V. Wagenen. The first record I have on Charlotte Terrell is from her Grandfather Amos Terrell's will of September 26, 1801, where the following was written " Granddaughter, Charlotte Terrell, daughter of son Jehiel, bond for f60 against John Mulford, to be held in trust for her until 18 years". I have been unable to locate Henry and Charlotte in the 1820 census, according to my research they would have been married and had three children by 1820. The first record I find of Henry and Charlotte is in the 1830 Livingston Township, Essex County, New Jersey. The following was listed: 1 male under 5, 1 male of 10 and under 15, 1 male of 15 and under 20, 1 male of 30 and under 40; 1 female of 5 and under 10, 1 female of 30 and under 40. The next time I find Henry and Charlotte was in the 1840 Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey Census. The following was listed: 1 male under 5, 1 male 10 and under 15, 1 male 50 and under 60; 1 female 15 and under 20, 1 female 40 and under 50. I have been unable to find Henry and Charlotte in the 1850 census, but in the 1849 Kingston Township, Delaware County, Ohio Tax Records I found Henry and Charlotte paying taxes on both real and personal property. The next time I found Henry and Charlotte was in the 1860 Berkshire Township, Delaware County, Ohio Census. They were living with their son, Henry M. Courter and listed their ages as 71 and 66 years, and owning land valued at $500.

I feel the reason they left New Jersey and went to Delaware County, Ohio was to claim the six acres of land willed to Charlotte by her father Jehiel Terrell in 1848. I found in Delaware County a deed dated August 8, 1860, where Charlotte and Henry Courter deeded to D. W. Terrell six acres of land in Kingston Township for the consideration of $450.00.

I found in the book "Tombstone Inscriptions And Other Records Of Delaware County, Ohio" by Esther Powell, on page 10, a record of Charlotte Courter being buried in Berkshire Cemetery. When the cemetery inscriptions where copied in the 1940's there was a marker for Charlotte. Near her marker was broken markers that could not be identified. I feel that Henry is buried beside her and his marker is either gone or one of the markers that could not be identified. In 1989 when I visited Berkshire Cemetery Charlotte's marker was gone, but from other people listed as being buried near her, I was able to locate where she was buried.

The Delaware Gazette Newspaper dated September 17, 1869 reads as follows: Died at the residence of his eldest son in Berkshire, Oh, on the 10th inst, Henry Courter, aged 78 yrs 8 mos 1 day. According to my calculations this would put his birth date on January 9, 1790. From the Pompton Plains Dutch Reform Church Records Volume II 1736-1868 reads as follows: Child Date of Birth and Baptism Hendrik - February 4, 1790; Parents, Pieter Coorten and Jannitje; Witnesses, Hendrik V. Wagenen and Marytje V. Wagenen.

From The Courter Family by John H. Greener - Peter Courter resided on the West side of the "Bog and Fly," according to the account in "American Ancestry" By Munsell, (Vol. VIII Pagae 138). The "Bog and Fly" was a valley in Morris County not far from Pompton, which was noted for its great fertility. In later years it was celebrated as being the greatest place in the country for the raising of onions. A company formed some years after the period we are describing, cut up the black soil and sold it as peat for fuel.

Peter Courter was baptized in the Pompton Plains Dutch Reformed Church as follows: "March 13, 1747, Pieter (Child of) Harmanus and Susanna Koerten; sponsors - Geleyn and Lisabeth.

Peter Courter married Jannetze Jacobus, sister of Roelof Jacobus, of Pacquence.

In the family Bible of his son Abraham it is stated that Peter Courter died August 20, 1809, "age 68 years". He was a farmer and lived in later years in Parsippany, New Jersey. His will, not dated, was proved in the Office of the Surrogate of Morris County New Jersey on Decmeber 34, 1809. Book A page 258.

A copy from - State Of New Jersey, Office Of Adjutant General, Trenton, N.J. June 7, 1897 - It is Certified, That the records of this office show that Peter Courter served as a private in Captain Abraham Lyon's Company, Second Regiment, Essex County New Jersey Militia; also as a private in Captain John Craig's Company, Major Samuel Hayes' Battalion, New Jersey State Troops during the Revolutionary War. Signed, William S. Stryker, Adjutant Seneral.

From The Courter Family by John H. Greener - Hermanus Coerte or (Courter) was born on May 25, 1720, and died on February 10, 1812. He moved from Aquackanock to Pompton Plains and bought 140 acres in "Tewaughow Tract" on April 23, 1749, adjoining the lands of Goline Doremue, John Francisco and Paulus Van Derbeck.

He married, first, Susanna Young on July 1, 1745; she was born Feburary 12, 1727 and died May 31, 1787. The marriage is entered as follows in the records of the Pompton Plains Dutch Church: "Married July 1, 1745 - Harmanus Coerte (young man) and Susanna Young (young woman) both born and living at Tawacha, Morris Co."

He and his first wife became members of the Pompton Plains Dutch Reform Church in 1755. After her death he married Caty__________, who survived him. His will made in 1812 and proved February 12, 1812 is filed in the Office of the Surrogate of Morris County New Jersey in Book A of Wills, Fol. 346.

The tombstones of Hermanus Courter and his first wife Susanna are standing in the burying ground of the Pompton Plains Dutch Reform Church,. and reads as follows: Hermanus Courter, died Feb. 10, 1812, age 91 years, 8 months and 16 days." Susanna, wife of Hermanus Courter, died May 31, 1787, age 69 years, 8 months and 19 days."

In 1811 he conveyed to his son Henry 72 acres of land in Aquackenock, New Jersey, part of which Henry and his wife immediately reconveyed to Daniel Shocemaker. The deeds are recorded in the Office of the Register of Essex County, Book "T" of deeds, Fol. 516, and Book "U", Fol 360.

His second wife Caty died in 1817, and her will is filed in the Office of the Surrogate of Morris County, New Jersey, in Book B of Wills, Fol. 193. In this will she divides her property as follows: 1/2 to the Congregation of Pompton Plains and 1/2 to the Congregation of the Fairfield Dutch Church."

In the Public Library in Paterson, New Jersey, there is an old Dutch Bible once the property of Hermanus Courter which was presented to the library by Miss F. A. Thompson of 152 Van Houten Ave. Passaic, New Jersey, and her sister Mrs. James Gerrans, two of his great grandchildren. This Bible was apparently published in 1637. The title page is missing, but there is the following inscription: - "Horomonus Courter, his Bible, February Ye 11, 1778." This Bible contains the record of the births of Hermanus, his wife Susannah and his eight children. It gives the death of Hermanus as follows: "Horomonus Courter departed his life February 10, 1812, Aged 91 years, 9 months, 10 Days."

From Documents Relating To The Colonial, Revolutionary and Post-Revolutionary Histoy Of The State Of New Jersey. Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Administrations, Etc. Volume XII - 1810-1813 Page 86: 1809, Sep. 30 Courter, Hermanus, of Pequannock Twp., Morris Co,; will of Wife, to live in house with daughter, during life; also to have the negro man, Jack, the wench, Jin, 3 cows, a span of horses and use of the farm, bed and bedding, the goods she brought and f50. Daughter, Sarah, to have outset equal to my other daughters; also my dwelling house, 30 acres of land adjoining and a lot near the house of Thomas Conklin; also the negro girl, Jin. Son, Henry, the farm whereon he resides and the negro boy, Harry. Grandson, Harmanus Courter (son of Peter, dec'd), 60 acres of land which his father formerly lived on; also 5 acres near Andrew Hopper. Grandson, John Courter (son of Peter), all rest of farm where his father lived. Daughter, Anna (wife of Samuel Roome), and daughter, Susannah (wife of Samuel A. Berry), and daughter, Elizabeth (wife of Casper Dodd), all residue of farm whereon I now live, to be equally divided between them. To Susanna and Anna Mandeville, f25 each. Residue of estate to be equally divided between all children, my daughter, Elizabeth Dodd, allowing f30 for the negro, Amos, she now has in her possession. The old wench, Han, to have privilege of choosing whom she will live with and when unable to work to be supported by all my children. Executors-Samuel Roome, John DeDebow, Casper Dodd. Witnesses-Ewout Van Gelder, John Van Saun, Paul DeDebow. Proved Feb. 17, 1812, when Casper Dodd signs as Jasper Dodd. Feb 1812. Inventory, $4,197.86; made by Thomas G. Doremus, Peter Doremus, Ewout Van Gelder. Includes sword and bayonet, carpenter's tools, long list of names in accounts. File 1480 N. Signed by mark.

From The Courter Family by John H, Greener - Jan Coerte was probably born in 1685 (bap. Jan 26, 1686). His marriage is also entered in the records of the Hackensack Dutch Reform Church, as follows: "April 8th, 1711, Jan Koerte, young man, and Marytle Arianse, young woman, both born and living at Ackenggenonck" (See N.J. Archives, Vol. XXII).

We are singularly fortunate in having these early Dutch Reformed Church records, for without them the descent from Harmen Coerten could never have been traced. The Dutch Reformed Church at Bergen is the oldest in New Jersey, its records going back to 1662. Hackensack is the next oldest, its records commencing with 1686, but they are missing from 1753 to 1789. The churches at Ponds, Aquackenock (Paccaic), and Second River (Belleville) were served by the Ministers of the Hackensack Church for many years. The records of the Aquackenock Church commence in 1726, those in Second River in 1700, but they are very incomplete and the early records of the Ponds Church were destroyed by fire. Because of these facts we are unable to get many important dates, but we are able, nevertheless, to trace the direct family descent with practical certainty.

In 1730, after the death of his first wife, Jan Coerte was married again to Nellie Stagg, the daughter of Peter Stagg. Her name was Peternelietje, and she was born about 1708. The marriage is entered in the records of the Aquackenock (Passaic) Dutch Reform Church, as follows: Registered June 27, 1730 Jan Courter, widower, and Nelletjie Steg, young woman. Both live here Married August 28, 1730"

In 1986 while on a trip to New Jersey researching the Courter, Teed and Edwards Family I visited the Trenton State Library in Trenton, New Jersey. At that time I found a book on The Courter Family by John H. Greener. I obtained a copy of the book even though I could not place my family into any of the family lines listed in Greener's book. After spending considerable time and research on his book I finally realized that Henry was derived from the Dutch name Hendrick. I found in Greener's book on page 155 a Hendrick Courter that was baptized in the Pompton Plains Dutch Reformed Church. This Hendrick's birth date is the same as my Henry Courter that came from New Jersey to Delaware County, Ohio. At this point I had found my direct line on back to the first Courter that came to the United States. Harmen Coerten, his wife and their five children from Voorthuysen, Guelderlandt (Holland) on the ship "DeTrouw" (The Faith), commanded by Captain Jan Jansen Bestevaer, which arrived in New Amsterdam (New York City) on February 12, 1659.

The first record of Harmen Coerten in the New World and his age is found in an affidavit made by him and others on February 14, 1664. This affidavit was concerned with John Scott's raid on New Utrecht. He stated his age as 54. Harmen and his family had settled in New Utrecht, (now a part of Brooklyn) Long Island.

From Courter Genealogy, by Carroll Oliver Courter, I read the following information: "Later in the same year in which the foregoing affidavit was made Col. Richard Nichols took possession of New Netherlands, and the rule of the Dutch in New Netherlands, Long Island and New Jersey ceased and the British Government assumed control. During the following years there was a considerable exodus of settlers westward into New Jersey. Many families went by way of Staten Island, but Harmen Coerten and his family appear to have followed his brother Guert direct to the Dutch settlement at Bergen. Harmen Coerten took the oath of allegiance in the town of Bergen on November 22, 1665."History of Hudson County" written by Charles H. Winfield on pages 102 and 103"

Harmen Coerten owned land in and near Bergen, New Jersey as proven by his brother Guert Coerten in his will. The will described property owned by Guert as extending to the lands of Harmen Coerten.

From Year Book of the Holland Society of New York, 1915, page 5: The church records show that most of the Courter families marriages, baptisms and burials were a part of the church activity. The Jersey Dutch were a God-fearing people, constant in their church going. These men and women had the strongest kind of faith in the doctrines of their church.

Henry Madison Courter and Desire Catherine Edwards Teed were married on July 10, 1836 at the Northfield Baptist Church in Livingston, New Jersey. This was the second marriage for Desire. Her first husband was John Jones who died in Columbiana County, Ohio, a few days before the birth of her son, Jones F. Jones.

In the 1840 Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey I found H. M. Courter listed with the following: 1 male under 5, 1 male 5 and under 10, 1 male 20 and under 30, 1 male 30 and under 40; 1 female 20 and under 30. In the 1850 Livingston Township, Essex County, New Jersey Census I found Henry M. Corter age 36, occupation shoemaker, land valued at $300.00, born New Jersey; Dezire C.E. Corter age 36, born New Jersey; Pell T. Corter age 9, born New Jersey; Mops Corter age 8, born New Jersey; Jossah M. Corter age 3, born New Jersey; Charlotte C. Corter age 1, born New Jersey. I next find them in the 1860 Berkshire Township, Delaware County, Ohio Census listed as follows: Henry M. Corter age 45, occupation shoemaker, land valued at $400.00, personal property valued at $100.00, born New Jersey; Dezire age 44, born New Jersey; Moses age 18, born New Jersey; Mulford age 13, born New Jersey; Charlotte age 11, born New Jersey, Amzi age 8, born New Jersey; Westley age 6, born New Jersey. They where listed next to Henry's father and mother. In the 1880 Berkshire Township, Delaware County, Ohio Census I found Henry and Desire Courter ages 66 and 65 years living with their son Wesley Courter. The last record I found in the 1900 Delaware City, Delaware County, Ohio Census was Henry Courter living with his son Pell T. Courter.

I found through some letters written by Desire Courter to her son Amzie that by 1884, Henry and Desire had moved to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with their sons Wesley and George. In her letters to Amzie she tells of the condtions and hardships in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The following is a letter from Wesley's wife Cella to Amize and Sarah Courter dated September 16, 1885: Dear Brother and Sister, I will try to write you these few lines in answer to yours was glad to hear from you once more and would like to see you and have a nice time but work is plenty and money is scarce with us we sel lott of wood but it goes as fast as we can earn it wood is cheap only 75 cts a cord but Wesley cant cut wood vary fast but father helps him all he can i help one day last week was so lame i could hardly get around. Sawing is hard work for me i dont do enough of it to get ust to it Wes and father is sawing drags this morning for the machine George comes with his team to run the machine soon as Wes gets the logs redy they was sawing monday Wes is trying to get wood enough to get father and him self a pare of boots we are all bear footed and it is so wet and cold all the time raining every too or three days the ground is ful of watter cant plow for wheat hope the wether will be clear now for a while. Well Amzi i dident think that you would come out this fall so i rented the house to man for this winter he will move in a week or too he will work for West some. George sed that he rote to you so i dont know what to rite much if he said you could have that house or not he knows i rented it for i did not know you wanted it or i wouldnt rent the house to no won. So if you wanted the house you could of had it as well as not if you wanted it. The man has payed part of the rent now so i cant hender him from moving in the house. i thot i would tell you so you would know about it but if you come i think there will be some way privided for you. i got a letter from pa and ma there all well katy and arilla is a coming out this christmas if they can. well i will close for this time hopeing to hear from you soon. Ida what will you do with your rabbit if you come out to Michigan. Matty and Lenney has 5 cats to play with, will send love to all from Cella Courter to Amzi and Sarah Courter.

Well Dear Children as Cella has wrote you some I will try and finish the sheet; I am feeling bad this morning my Back and side hurt me so i dont know how to sit still, we was all glad to hear from you again as know you was all still alive. Wes and your Father is out in the woods chopping logs for the machine. They are both as near barefoot as can be; only shoes they have is pair old rubblers nearly worn out; so now they are trying to get some wood together to Buy them pr Boots. If you could have come out in the summer you would have been all right but Wes had not a cent of money or he would sent you some to come with. He thought you had give up coming but if you can come this fall do so. We will very glad to see you once more. I expect George has wrote all the news so I dont know what to write that will be news to you can tell you more when can talk to you more than to put it on paper. Amzi have you ever seen Uncle Ward since we come away. I wrote 3 letters to them but never got an answer. It is two years since we heard from them. Wish you would go and see them and tell us how they are. Your Father would like to know whether they are alive and if they are still in Cheshire. Tell us all about them. Sarah I was in hopes your health was good by this time. Ida I think it mean for some one to steal your Rabbit. Hope you are well. From your Parents, love to all write soon. H. M. & D. Courter.

I have found no record of Desire's death, I feel that she died in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan in 1897 or 1898. I believe that after her death, Henry moved back to Delaware County, Ohio and lived with his son Pell T. Courter.

From 20th Century History Of Delaware County, Ohio 1908, by James R. Lytle:

Henry M. Courter was born in Essex County, New Jersey, and was a son of Henry and Charlotte (Terrell) Courter. He learned the shoemaking trade, which he followed until he came to Ohio in 1857, when be bought a home in Berkshire Township to which he brought his family in the following year, and remained a resident of Delaware County until his death. He passed the closing three years of his life at the home of his son, Pell T. Courter. The mother of Mr. Courter (Pell T. Courter) was a member of one of the oldest families of Essex County, New Jersey, and her father, Pell Teed, was a prominent member of a family that had been established at a very early date by bughers from Amsterdam, Holland, who settled in Livingstone Township, Essex County.

From the the 1900 Delaware County, Ohio Census in Delaware Township I found H. M. Courter living with his son, Pell T. Courter. The record reads as founds; relation - Father; personal description; date of birth - Mar 1814, age 86 -

widower; Place of birth of this person; New Jersey. Place of birth of father of this person; New Jersey. Place of birth of mother of this person; New

Jersey.

From the Public Opinion Newspaper, Westerville, Ohio Thursday December 5, 1901.

" N. H. Courter, father of Amzie Courter, died at his home north of Delaware Sunday evening, at the age of 88. He was well known here.

From History of Delaware County and Ohio 1880 Page 722 and 723: Ward Courter, veterinary surgeon; P.O. Ostrander; was born in the city of *New York Oct 3, 1840; is son of Ward C. and Mary A. (Collins) Courter, both of whom were natives of Livingston Co., N.J.; they were the parents of *sixteen children, three of whom are living. In 1847, the *grandfather of our subject made them a visit in New York, and on his *return be brought with him young Ward. Seventeen years after event, the parents removed to Delaware Co., Ohio, where they have since resided. Young Courter passed his youth and early manhood in Delaware Co., receiving a good common-school education. He was united in marriage with Mary C. Keller Sept. 23, 1861; she was born in Delaware Co., Ohio Jan. 7, 1842; there are eight children from this union - Henry W., William E., Araminta E., Lovina H., Hiram A., Frankie C., Bolinda G., and Annie O.; after marriage, Mr. Courter engaged in the livery business. In 1863, he enlisted in Co. F, 43d O. V. I.; he was discharged Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 8, 1865, by Surgeon General L. D. Knight. Mr. Courter served with distinction during the war, and was in the engagements: Decatur, Ala., Rome, Ga., Kingston, Resaca, Chickamauga, Snake Creek Gap, Murfreesboro and Atlanta; while before Atlanta, he received a severe gunshot wound in the shoulder, which disqualified him for duty for about six months, when he rejoined his regimet; on the 6 of March, 1865, at Blair's Landing, S. C., while gallantly fighting for his country, Mr. Courter was so severely wounded in the leg that amputation was necessary. After his return home, he engaged for some time in the livery business; he has always handled horses from his boyhood, and perhaps there is not a man in Delaware County who more thoroughly understands them than does Mr. Courter; his equal as a veterinary surgeon would be difficult to find in Central Ohio.

<>*As indicated by the census records listed below Ward Courter Jr. was born in New Jersey and not in New York City.

*In all of my reseach on Ward Courter Sr., I have not been able to find where he had sixteen children. In the 1840 Essex Co. N.J. Census, Ward Courter is 20 to 30, his wife 20 to 30 and 3 males under 5. In the 1850 New York Census 3rd district 16th Ward, I found Ward C. Cout, age 35, born in New Jersey. Mary, is age 35, born in New Jersey. Susan, age 14, born in New Jersey. Ann E., age 12, born in New Jersey. Ward, age 10, born in New Jersey. In the 1860 Delaware Co. Ohio Census, I found Mary A Courter, age 45, born in Jersey, Sarah, age 7, born in New Jersey and Thatcher H., age 3, born in Ohio. In the 1870 Delaware Co. Ohio, I found Ward C Courter, age 55, born New Jersey, Mary A., age 55, born New Jersey and Thacher, age 13, born in Ohio. Ward and Mary was living next door to their son Ward C. Courter Jr. In this census Ward Jr. is listed as being born in Ohio. If they had sixteen children most of them were born and died between census taken.

*The grandfather is Henry Courter.

*Henry Courter and his wife Charlotte (Terrill) came to Delaware County Ohio from Livingston, New Jersey in 1847 and they brought their grandson, Ward with them. I have tax records to prove when they first paid taxes on land and cattle. Henry and Charlotte came to Delaware County Ohio because, Charlotte was willed from her father Jeheil, 6 arces of land in Kingston Township.

From newspaper article sent to me by Lelia Rigor 1994.

Wallace County History, By Ruth Jackson

Pell Teed was on hand when the Weskan Odd Fellow Lodge was organized in April of 1893, and is frequently found listed on committees connected with lodge activities. During the summer of 1898 he attended the county Normal and read Psychology Applied to Education" and "Masterpieces of American Literature," which were adopted by the State Reading Circle as the course for 1893-1894.

Pell, along with other teachers, took the County Examination to qualify for his teachers certificate. His grade was 91 2.5 percent. Other teachers in the Weskan area included: O.E. Wheeler, John M. Moran, W.R. Case, Lizzie Moran and Anna Dobson. R.R. Van Winkle was the County Superintendent.

A note in the July 29, 1893 issue: "Pell Teed has been promised the Weskan School, District 3." September 9, 1893 issue says: School commenced in District 3 with Pell Teed as teacher and in District 11, the Oooley School, O. E. Wheeler, last Monday. These young men are a success in the instruction of the young. School boards of these and other districts should see that there is a uniformity of school books, and if any of the parents are unable to procure suitable books the board should furnish as the law provides. You cannot expect a teacher to do good work in a school room when there are no two books alike. Give the teachers a show."

Pell and Charley Teed lost their father in December of 1893 and in April of the following spring their mother and sister Jennie arrived at Weskan.

During the winter of 1893 Superintendent Van Winkle visited Pell's school. A note in the November 18 issue: "Miss Hattie Ransopher and Ye Local Editor (Ed Carter) visited the school. We found everything in good order with teacher Prof. Pell Teed driving a good common-sense education into the cranium of some 20 of the rising generation. This teacher is one the best instructors in the county."

The early and middle "90's must have been exciting years. The country was new; there was a county seat question to be settled; Kansas was under the administration of a Populist governor and legislature; times had been tough and may people had felt they could not stay and had gone back east, but Young Pell Teed had a quarter of Wallace County land, and he could teach school. He liked the West and he was no doubt thinking about getting married. At any rate we find him getting his house built, and his homestead improved. In March of 1894 he bought a fine team from S.D. Yoxall, and two months later a windmill from the Pioneer Implement House in Wesian. Two years later he and Hattie Case began a life of richness that spilled over and was a blessing to Weskan and to all of Wallace County.

Wallace County History, By Ruth Jackson Pell Teed Story

Mrs. Earl Teed was good enough to send us the story of Pell Teed and his family, early settlers in the Weskan communtiy, and associated with school and church history of the county until the present time.

According to Mrs. Teed, Pell Teed came to Weskan in 1893 from Ohio. She says, "In the early 1890's there was a school house just south of Highway 40 and east of the road to where Ted Reiss now lives. A lone tree still stands on the site. Mr. Teed taught this school when he first came to Wallace County."

Pell must have taught a short term at this school as in the 1893 issues of the Weskansan we find him teaching the school in Weskan. A careful reading of the Weskansan, early 1890's issues turns up a great number of items mentioning Mr. Teed. April 8, 1893: "A brother of C.E. Teed is visiting him "This brother Charley Teed, who was depot agent at Weskan at that time. Mrs. Teed's story continues: "In 1896 Pell went back to Ohio and married Hattie Bell Case and brought his new bride back to Weskan where they lived in a homestead northwest of Weskan about 2 1/2 miles. This place is now owned by R. B. Rigor. In about 1901 the Teeds purchased and moved to what is now the Cecil Armstorng place, 2 1/2 miles west and 1/2 mile north of Weskan. They built a three-room house and moved a one-room frame building from the original homestead, making a four-room home. For many years Pell farmed this and the original homestead.Later he purchased a quarter of land one mile northwest of Weskan where he built a new home. The family moved there in 1920.

For several years he was manager of the Farmers Cooperative store in Weskan.

Mr. Teed was very active in all community activities especially school and church. He was superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school for about 40 years.

Four sons were born to the Teed family, Leslie, Earl, Donald and Dwight. Leslie is living in Denver; Earl departed this life October 1, 1959. Donald is living in Artesia, New Mexico and Dwight in Hobbs New Mexico. Both Pell and Hattie Teed departed this life in 1942.

Mrs. Teed also loaned a copy of an article taken from the June 5, 1950 issue of the Kansas City Daily Drovers Telegram. This was written by Alverda Miller, and is a fine tribute, not only to Mrs. Teed, but to all of our pioneer women.

"A wall hung with pictures is a wall hung with thought, someone has said. Then my walls are hung with thought. Today I had a picture framed, an oil. The coloring has been very delicately handled. It is Black, White and Blue-green. I had to hang it tonight although objections were raised by the family. As I stood back and gazed at it, I forgot the scene, so beautifully portrayed. I saw the woman who painted it. "The picture was a wedding gift to us, painted by a dear friend, Hattie Teed, prairie artist. The lean years came and it was carefully laid away. Today it hangs on our wall.

"Hattie Teed, stands to me as a proof that it isn't where you live, but how and what you are, that counts." She was born at Powell, Ohio, March 27, 1871. She grew up there and later went to Philadelphia, to be with a sister. She absorbed the culture of the East. How she enjoyed Philadelphia. Then in 1896 she came west to the windswept prairie and married Pell Teed. He was an easterner, born at Africa, Ohio, in 1867. He had been in the west teaching for four years

"At first they lived in a nice sod house. We wonder how that soddie looked to the bride from Philadelphia. We know what she did with it. She made it a home. Her husband farmed, taught school in the prairie village nearby, and at one time kept store.

"They reared four sons. Through blizzards and dust storms they drove to church, to town, to school and to help the neighbors.

"The children of Hattie Teed, from Philadelphia, attended school at a sod school. She glorified their experience by painting a picture of the old soddie. When the sod school gave way to a fine consolidated school building, the painting of the sod school house hung on its walls. Two of the sons graduated from the school there. One of them came back a teacher, and remained for sometime. Three of the sons are were teachers, and one of them was on the school board for years.

"Hattie Teed didn't only iron, mop and teach a Sunday school class. No, she raised flowers and gave away; she served in garden club of her little town, and gave of her time and flowers freely; she made the new teachers feel at home in the church and her little town; she entertained them in her home.

"Through these long years with paints and brush she made pictures, prairie scenes, trees and mountain scenes. Under her brush autumn became a warm flame of leaves and dry grass; blue-white snow became cold. Into every one of her pictures she put so much of herself, anyone who knew her did not have to look for the tiny H.T. hid away in a corner, to recognize her pictures. Few artists, said a judge where some of her pictures were exhibited, can handle blue and white so successfully."

"Not until the children were all gone from the nest did she have any training in art. By that time they had a new home nearer town. Then she took a little time off to go to a college and take some training.

"Many of you complain of your homes, your husbands, your lack of opportunity. I wonder are you putting your best into every hour, or are you so busy feeling sorry for yourself that your best work is spoiled? "Truly it isn"t were you are, or even what you have to do with; it is what you do with what you have.

"Hattie Teed and her husband were released from this life, some ten days apart. Their courage lives on in the hearts of their chilren and the community where they spent their lives.

"From coast to coast Mrs. Teed's pictures are hung on walls. Some homes are very simple; some are fine. Some are owned by educators, some by simple homemakers who enjoy a lovely picture to give atmosphere to the home. I turn from my wall, inspired more by the artist than by the picture

From Delaware County, Ohio Grantee Deed Index, 1881-1893; Teed, Pell from Benj. H. Warner Volume 95 Page 200. Radnor Twp. Range 20 Tp. 6 - Section 4 Grantee Deed Index, 1893-1904; Teed, Pell from L. B. & L. E. Mason Volume 107 Page 534. Powell Lot 4

From Delaware County, Ohio Grantor Deed Index, 1894-1904; Teed, Pell to Thomas Jones Volume 102 Page 459 Radnor Grantor Deed Index, 1894-1904; Teed, Pell to Nellie Seekins Volume 110 Page 424 Powell Lot 44

Grantor Deed Index, 1894-1904; Teed, Pell to Julien E. & Martha Sharpe Volume 115 Page 476 Powell

Thomas Cory was born in Essex Co., New Jersey, in 1738. He came to Ohio in a very early day, and settled in Warren Co., whence he came to Bethel Township, this county (Clark), in 1803, bringing his son Elnathan, with whom he lived until his death in 1813. Ref.: William M., editor and compiler, 20th Century

History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio, 1908, P. 224. Also The History of Clark County, Ohio 1881 Page 706.

Thomas Cory servied in the Revolutionary War for year in Col. Christopher Lippet's New Jersey Regiment; 2/3 January 1777. He fought in Battle of Princeton; then re-enlisted for duration of war.

The earliest deeds for lots in Deerfield, (Warren County, Ohio), were executed by John Stites Gane as follows: on April 14, 1791...to Elnathan Cory for Lots 47 and one outlet; to Thomas Cory for Lot 32 and one outlet. The consideration in all deeds is $2.00. Ref.: Beers, W.H. History of Warren County, Ohio, 1882, Chicago, P. 712, "Union Township."

Information from Thomas E. Ferguson, Auditor Of State, Columbus, Ohio. The following data was found: Tract Book and Entries - Congress Lands - West of Miamis - West of 1st Principal Meridian Now Part of Indianna - Colume C - Auditor of State. Thomas Corey - Range 9, Township 2, Section 3, Part of Section: northeast 1/4 of Section 159 Acres, Date of Entry: December 26, 1805. Land Office Where Sold: Cincinnati. Residence at time of Entry: Montgomery County. (Located now in Montgomery County, Wayne Township, Between the Miami River Survey) Page 356.

This information on Jeheil Terrill was found in History of Crawford County, Pennsylvania by Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1885.

Jehiel Terrill came to Venango Township in 1797, or earlier. He hailed from New Jersey, and settled in the southwest portion of Tract 98, about three and a half miles north of Venango. Mr. Terrill was one of the first teachers in Venango Township, beginning as early as 1810. His schoolroom was of the primitive type, a round log-cabin, with fire-place extending along one end and with chimney constructed of clay and sticks, the furniture being of the crudest workmanship. Mr. Terrill, after a residence of some years, returned to New Jersey.

From History of Delaware County and Ohio 1880 Page 571. In 1824, Daniel (Jehiel) Terrill imigrated to Kingston, from Essex County, N. J., and settled on a farm in the southwest quarter section, on the township line. He settled in the woods on a tract of 200 acres of land, and raised a family of several children. His son, D. W. Terrill, now owns and lives on the old homestead.

From Pioneering By Clarinda Courter Houtz 1951

Ancestors of Emmons Courter - The Courter family lived near Newark, New Jersey. The father was killed in the Revolutionary war. Jacob Courter was three years old, his brothers and sister were John, Peter, Sanders, Abram and Maria. Jacob Courter - Ellen Jacobus - Children: John, James, Isaac, Richard, Henry, Peter, Eleazar and Joseph, who died at the age of 10 years. Ellen Jacobus was the oldest of the family. Others were Kate, Olie, Sophia and Jacob Jacobus.

Richard Jacob Courter - Ellen Ann Paxton Married August 12, 1837, in New Jersey. Children: Emmons, Margaret Ann, Peter, Tunis, Amzei, Jacob, Ellen Jane and Andrew, who died in infancy; Ellen Paxton of Pattern, New Jersey born May 14, 1819; died March 1, 1873, Winfeild, Iowa. She had a sister Jane and a brother Tunis. Her father, Richard D. Paxton, born June, 1797, died September 11, 1841. His father was Daniel Paxton and his mother's maiden name was Van Winkle. Richard D. Paxton married Margaret Garabrant. Her father was Tunis Garabrant and her mother's maiden name was Speer. Later Richard J. Courter and Mrs. Elizabeth Jacobus Payne of Sunbury, Ohio, married March 4, 1877. Richard J. Courter died June 15, 1898, Winfield, Iowa. Elizabeth Courter born September 3 1826; died January 3, 1911, Westerville, Ohio.

From the Public Opinion, Westerville, Ohio, Thursday, August 27 1908. " Emmons Courter, whose home is at Downs, Kansas, died suddenly at noon Sunday of apoplexy superinduced by heart trouble at the home of C. P. Sprague, where he and his wife were visiting. Mr. Courter, with Mrs. Courter and Mr. Courter's stepmother, had planned to go to church, and they were just entering the door when Mr. Courter fell to the floor. He was removed to Mr. Sprague's home and died soon after.

Mr. and Mrs. Courter came to Ohio several days ago to make a visit, prmarily so Mr. Courter could attend the reunion of the survivors of the Ninety sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served during the civil war. He formerly lived at Sunbury, but removed to Kansas forty-three years ago. He was 70 years of age. A short funeral service was held Tuesday at 12 o'clock at the home of Mr. Sprague.

W. B. Courter, a son arrived from Downs, Kansas, Tuesday and accompanied the remains home, leaving Westerville at 1:10. A detail of six comrades from James Price Post escored the remains to the depot and acted as pallbearers.