Re: Valencourt Vanorsdal and his sister Maria Stillwell
VANNORSDAL, STILLWELL
Posted By: Lance Pryor (email) In Response To: Valencourt Vanorsdal and his sister Maria Stillwell (Judith Smith Cassidy)
Date: 10/26/2016 at 14:30:23
We have just returned from a genealogical trip to Keokuk, IA. Researching "Mary Ann Stillwell" who mar C H Pratt (Calvin H Pratt) in 1841 in Keokuk and is shown living adjacent to Valencourt Vanausdall and his sister, Maria Stillwell (widow of Moses), in 1850 Keokuk census. We were trying to find a connection between our Stillwell and Maria and Moses Stillwell. We determined that our Mary Ann Stillwell Pratt was not a dau of Moses Stillwell. But we think she may be a sister. We also have written testimony that Elizabeth was not a dau of Moses and Maria Stillwell. It states that her brother, Amos Stillwell, mar the daughter of Dr, Samuel C. Muir (he built first cabin at Keokuk and mar an Indian maiden and had four children) (proof: Amos Vanorsdall mar Louise Muir 4 Apr 1833 Hancock, IL), but the marriage broke apart. Soon after, his wife gave birth to a child (named Lizzie) and Amos died. Marie Stillwell cared for and raised to womanhood this girl. Lizzie went to California with them in 1853, and married a man named Arthur. (I quote some passages). "The mother of Lizzie afterwards married a desperado named Alexander Hood, and died here (Keokuk) at an advanced age." (She died 6 Jan 1882, age 65). In our research, we have obtained a picture of Valencourt Vanausdall and Maria Stillwell (copied from microfilm that had a scratch in it that runs across the pictures). If you wish a copy of these I'd be glad to send them to you. Still trying to figure out the connection of our Stillwell and Moses Stillwell, and the parents of Moses. Can you help in any way?
Other info: Moses Stillwell died 22 Oct 1835 and was buried across the river at Ft. Edwards where "several" of his children had previously been interred. Another source states he died when his wrist was cut by glass while at Ft. Edwards and died there. Maria Stillwell had seven children, but only two made it to Maturity - Margaret and Valencourt. Valencourt Vanausdall was b 25 Aug 1817 at French Village, St. Clair Co, IL. His mother died when he about 4 and his father 3 years later.
Hope this helps in some way.
Lance
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