Saturday, September 29, 2012

Complicating my life!!

As I work on getting my family history cleaned and online as much as possible I realize how much I've complicated my life!  I have this research blog, a tree on Family Search, my TMG software and a new online  site  www.aquiltworkoflives.com/myfamily to keep updated. It makes life interesting.

Friday, September 28, 2012

PA Historical Societies - 21 Sept 2012

Berlin Area Historical Society - They were celebrating the Whiskey Rebellion from the 1700's. We didn't stick around for it. Bought the Zorn diary and a tourist , historical guide to Somerset County. Mom found an obituary for her cousin, Doris Jean Smith Caton. Looking for more info on Jesse Critchfield. The Zorn diary gives info on his military service in the Civil War. We found he had been captured at the battle of Laurel Ridge, VA.

PA Historical Societies - 20 Sept 2012

St. Luke's Lutheran Church - Sanner Lutheran Church became St. John's Lutheran - which combined with St. Luke's in 1971. Rockwood, Somerset, PA.

Went through two boxes of old church records. Mostly records from the 1920's to the present. Lots of gaps. But did find photocopies of records from the late 1700's to early 1800's. Took digital images and filed in Photo's folder. Haven't had a chance to look closely at them yet. Found photo of St. John's church from late 1800's. Not the actually church that the Critchfield's would have attended but the same location.

Had lunch at the Poorman's Cafe. Pretty good.

On to Confluence, Somerset, PA for the Turkeyfoot Area Historical Society. Looking for Kemp's, Michaels and Tissue. Found several Kemp obituaries, too late for my line but may have some clues. A couple of Michaels obituaries, not relevant but may have clues. A whole book of Tissues but did not see my Susanna. Took digital images of all, will look at it more carefully when I have time!


Friday, September 14, 2012

Jesse Critchfield Narrative



Narrative History of Jesse Critchfield and his family

Jesse Critchfield enlisted[1] in Co. F, 142nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on 25 Aug 1862. He served his country for about 3 years spending over 8 months[2] as a prisoner of war in Andersonville, Georgia, mustering out on 29 May 1865[3] with the rest of his regiment in Washington D.C. This period was one of the defining moments of Jesse’s life. His service affected the rest of his life, his wife and his children’s lives.

The 142nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was formed with 10 companies from across Pennsylvania in Aug of 1862.[4] They gathered at Fort Curtin, Harrisburg, PA throughout the month of August, each company mustering as they arrived. There were three companies from Somerset County; C, D and F.[5] According to Bates[6] the 142nd saw action in many of the great battles of the Civil War; Fredericksberg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and The Wilderness campaign among others. Jesse was at each of them. Though we have no record of his personal thoughts there are many diaries and reminiscences from veterans of each of these battles.

The Wilderness Campaign began in May of 1864. According to Jesse’s muster roll records[7] he fought in this campaign and went missing in action during the battle of Cold Harbor in May 1864. (Later research has shown that Jesse was captured at Laurel Ridge in June of 1864.)[7a] Walter Dull relates in an affidavit in Jesse’s pension file[8] that he was “intimate with Jesse H. Critchfield … being in the same prison attachment and mess” in Andersonville Prison in Andersonville Georgia after Walter had arrived on 1 June 1864.

According to Kevin Frye, an Andersonville historian,

“Andersonville, or Camp Sumter as it was officially known, was one of the largest of many established prison camps during the American Civil War. It was built early in 1864 after Confederate officials decided to move the large number of Federal prisoners kept in and around Richmond, Virginia, to a place of greater security and a more abundant food supply. During the 14 months the prison existed, more than 45,000 Union Solders were confined here. Of these, almost 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements. “[9]

We do not know the exact release date for Jesse but his muster roll shows that he was collecting his pay and his back pay in Nov and Dec 1864.[10] He was granted a leave of absence[11] from 24 Dec 1864 to 24 Jan 1865 to visit his family after which he reported back to Camp Parole in Washington D.C. to finish his military service.

He went back to Andersonville once that we can find. The State of Pennsylvania began raising money to erect a state monument at Andersonville Prison in 1901. In a ceremony on 5 December 1905 they dedicated the Pennsylvania State Monument at Andersonville, located in the Andersonville National Cemetery.  In the program book for this 1905 reunion for Andersonville survivors his name is listed in the program as an attendee. The book[12] was printed in 1909. The book describes the ceremony with speakers telling their experiences here as prisoners, with photos, and with a list of those who made the journey here for the event as well as noting who was here for the ceremony. Jesse is listed among those who were here for the ceremony on page 78.  (Image at the end of the paper.)

In many of the affidavits in Jesse’s Civil War Pension application, mention is made not only of his military service but also of the injuries and continued pain and suffering caused by his time in Andersonville. Though he tried to continue his farming he was no longer able to farm after 1871 [13]due to these injuries. He was a school teacher in Somerset County, PA from 1860 to 1881[14] and then moved into the mercantile profession. He had moved to Ellerslie, MD by 1890 and   was a schoolteacher[15] there as well. He was elected a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from Allegany County for the 1901-1902 session[16],[17] and finally was an assistant postmaster by 1910[18] assisting his daughter, Clara, who was the Postmistress for Ellerslie.

Jesse was born in July of 1841[19] in Somerset County, Pa, and married Rebecca Gessner on 3 Dec 1861 in Somerset County, Pa by Rev. Crossman.[20] She was the daughter of Ludwig Gessner[21] and Catherine (last name unknown)[22] of Berlin, Somerset County, Pa. both of whom were born in Germany.[23] Rebecca had been a servant in the home of Jesse’s father, William Critchfield[24] before their marriage. A year and half later Jesse enlisted and left for Fort Curtin. We do not know where Rebecca lived during Jesse’s war years. Her parents lived nearby in Berlin Twp, Somerset County, PA[25] so she may have gone home or she may have stayed with William and Susannah, Jesse’s parents.[26] No matter where Rebecca lived her life would have gone on much the same as before with the added worry for the safety of her husband. She would have cooked and cleaned and cared for members of the household. Life in Southampton or Berlin, Somerset County, PA in the 1860’s was rural. Jesse’s father, William[27] and Rebecca’s father, Ludwig[28], were both farmers. She would have been very familiar with an agrarian way of life.

In addition to daily chores many women during this time period became involved with creating care packages for the soldiers. They would make quilts, knit socks, preserve fruit and send many other little delicacies to show the men at the front that they were not forgotten and that they were loved and missed. In several interviews[29] with her great granddaughter, Clara Jean Imler, covering 1985-1995, Donna Critchfield Micheals heard many of the stories that Rebecca had passed to her children and grandchildren about her life.

Jesse and Rebecca didn’t have children until 1867[30], when their oldest child, William C.A. Critchfield was born. Others quickly followed; Charles in 1869[31], John Milton in 1871[32], Norman B. in 1873[33], Jennie M. in 1878[34], Alfred Sylvester in 1879[35], Mary in 1880[36] and Clara in 1882.[37]

Jesse and Rebecca’s life after the war was one of joy and sorrow. Jesse had to deal with war injuries both physical and mental. He had to earn a living and support a growing family. Rebecca had to care for the family home and the children that filled it. With the birth of each child and later each grandchild their family grew and prospered. By the time Jesse died his children and grandchildren had scattered across the country; Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Minnesota.[38] His great grandchildren have covered even more of the US: North Carolina, Virginia, and California among other states.

Jesse passed away in Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD on 13 March 1917[39] and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, Allegany County, MD[40]. Rebecca passed on 31 Dec 1934 in Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD[41] and was also buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, Allegany County, MD on 3 Jan 1935.[42]


[1] Jesse H. Critchfield (Pvt., Co. F, 142nd PA Vol. Inf., Civil War) pension no. S.C. 230980, Case Files of Approved Pension Applications…, 1861-1934; Civil War and Later Pension Files; Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
[2] Jesse H. Critchfield Civil War Pension no. S.C. 230980, RG 15, NA-Washington.
[3] Warren, Col. Horatio N. Two Reunions of the 142nd Regiment, Pa. Vols. The Courier Company, Buffalo, NY, 1890. found online at http://archive.org/stream/tworeunionsof00warr#page/n0/mode/1up, 25 July 2012.
[4] Downey, James William. M.A thesis, A lethal tour of duty : a history of the 142nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Voluntary Infantry. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 1995, p. 1.
[5] Downey. p. 4.
[6] Bates, Samuel P. History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-65, Harrisburg, 1868-1871. Found at http://www.pa-roots.com/pacw/infantry/142nd/142ndorg.html, 25 July 2012.
[7] Muster Rolls of Co. F, 142nd PA Vol. Inf., 25-Aug 1862-29 May, 1865, Jesse Critchfield, Muster Rolls of the Regular Army Organizations, 1784-1912. Records of the Adjutant General’s office, 1780’s-1917, Record Group 94. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
[7a] Croner, Barbara M. A Sergeant's Story Civil War Diary of Jacob J. Zorn, Closson Press, Apollo, Pa. 2011.
[8] Jesse H. Critchfield Civil War Pension no. S.C. 230980, RG 15, NA-Washington.
[9] Frye, Kevin, found at http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/Andersonvilleprison/ and in personal emails with Mr. Frye in July of 2011.
[10] Muster Rolls of Co. F, 142nd PA Vol. Inf., 25-Aug 1862-29 May, 1865.
[11] Muster Rolls of Co. F, 142nd PA Vol. Inf., 25-Aug 1862-29 May, 1865.
[12] Pennsylvania in Andersonville, Georgia. Book in possession of Kevin Frye, Butler Georgia. Sent digital images to author on 3 July 2011.
[13] Jesse H. Critchfield Civil War pension no. S.C. 230980, RG 15, NA-Washington.
[15] Ancestry.com. Cumberland, Maryland Directories, 1890 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000. found 25 July 2012.
[16] The Sun, Baltimore, MD, 15 March 1917, found online at GenealogyBank.com on 10 May 2012.
[18] Maryland. Allegeny County. Ellerslie. Sheet no. 125A. ED. 23. SD. 5. dwelling 1, family 1, Jesse H. Critchfield, 1910 U.S. Census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[19] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author
[20] Jesse H. Critchfield (Pvt., Co. F, 142nd PA Vol. Inf., Civil War) pension no. S.C. 230980, Case Files of Approved Pension Applications…, 1861-1934; Civil War and Later Pension Files; Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
[21] State of Maryland, State Registrar of Vital Records, death certificate no. 12014, Rebecca Critchfield.
[22] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Berlin Twp. Stamped 165. dwelling 101, family 120, Ludwick Gessner, 1850 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[23] Maryland. Allegeny County. Ellerslie. Sheet no. 6B. ED. 1-55. SD. 1. dwelling 30, family 30, Rebecca Critchfield, 1930 U.S. Census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[24] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 340. dwelling 1168, family 1168, William Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[25] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 340. dwelling 1168, family 1168, William Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[26] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 340. dwelling 1168, family 1168, William Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[27] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 340. dwelling 1168, family 1168, William Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[28] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Berlin Twp. Printed 268. dwelling 39, family 43, Ludwig Gessner, 1870 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[29] Interviews with Clara Jean Imler by Donna Ann Critchfield Micheals and Dorothy Jones Critchfield over several years 1985-1995.
[30] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author.
[31] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author and Critchfield Family Bible
[32] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author and Critchfield Family Bible
[33] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author and Critchfield Family Bible
[34] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author and Critchfield Family Bible
[35] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author and Critchfield Family Bible
[36] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author and Critchfield Family Bible
[37] Jesse’s notebook, in possession of author and Critchfield Family Bible
[38] The Sun, Baltimore, MD, 15 March 1917, found online at GenealogyBank.com on 10 May 2012
[39] The Sun, Baltimore, MD, 15 March 1917, found online at GenealogyBank.com on 10 May 2012.
[40] State of Maryland, State Registrar of Vital Records, death certificate no. 4978-154, Jesse H. Critchfield.
[41] State of Maryland, State Registrar of Vital Records, death certificate no. 12014, Rebecca Critchfield.
[42] State of Maryland, State Registrar of Vital Records, death certificate no. 12014, Rebecca Critchfield.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

websites to check out

http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/KEMP/2006-12/1166835685

http://www.minerd.com/bio-harbaugh,_winfieldscott.htm 

William Critchfield and Family


William Critchfield – Jesse Critchfield – Norman Bruce Critchfield Compiled Lineage


William Critchfield was born to William and Johanna (Tillison) Critchfield on 23 July 1799[1] in Somerset County, Pa.[2] Born only 16 years after the end of the Revolutionary War between the American Colonies and Great Britain, William grew as the new United States of America grew. With only 16[3] states at his birth the United States grew to 35[4] states by his death on 25 Aug 1863.[5] William would have heard tales of the Revolutionary War from his father, who was a veteran serving in a Virginia unit,[6] lived through the War of 1812 and watched his sons, John and Jesse, march off to fight in the Civil War.

William married Susannah (maiden name unknown) in Somerset County, Pa.[7]  Susannah died the 12 June 1860 and was buried on the 14th of June 1860.[8] Her burial place is unknown at this time. William died on the 25th of Aug 1863 and was buried on the 27th of Aug 1863[9] in the Fitchner Cemetery in Northampton Twp., Somerset County, Pa.[10] William lived his entire life in Somerset County living in  Milford Twp.,[11] Southampton Twp.[12], and then Northampton Twp.[13] over the course of his life.

William owned land in Somerset County,[14] where, according to the 1850 US Population Census, he was a farmer who owned $1500 worth of real property. After his father’s death in 1843 or 1844,[15] he filed suit against his brother Jesse for division of the family land.[16] There was a dispute as to whether Jesse had legal title to the property. Jesse had sold the land and William wanted it returned. The court found in William’s favor and gave title to the land back to William. Active in county politics, William was a Justice of the Peace for Southampton Township in 1840 and again in 1850, and for Northampton Township in 1855.[17] And he was also found on an assessors list of property owners in Northampton Township in 1852.[18] They worshipped in Sanner Church (later St. John’s Lutheran Church) in Black Twp, Somerset County, Pa. Their children were baptized there.[19]

We have records for three children, John, born 1827,[20] Elizabeth, born 1829,[21] and Jesse, born 1841.[22]

John, the eldest son of William and Susanna, was born on 5 Sept 1827.[23] He was married to Julia Ann May[24] 19 Sept 1850 in Bedford County, Pa by George G. Walker, Esq.[25]  Julia was born in Nov of 1821.[26] John was drafted on 3 June 1864,[27] as a Private, into Co. D, 87th PA Vol. Inf.[28] According to the 1890 US Veteran’s Schedule they lived in Fossilville, Bedford County, Pa and he had lost his discharge papers, though he did know that he had been discharged 29 June 1865.[29] He was also partially deaf.

Though farming was an important way of life for William and many of his ancestors railroading became a family occupation for many of his children and his grandchildren. John was an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad for many years.[30] He died on 13 Jan 1902[31] and was buried in the Carpenter Cemetery in Harrison, Bedford County, Pa.[32] Julia Ann died 19 Jan 1911 in Bedford County, Pa.[33] From the 1900 US Census we find that Julia had twelve children six of whom were still alive.[34]
Their children:
William Oliver was born about 1850[35]  and later moved to Denver, Colorado.[36]
Jacob Albert was born in Somerset County, Pa on 8 Sept 1852.[37]  He married
Mary Ann Wilson in 1855 in Fulton County, Pa.
James Franklin was born about 1854 in Pennsylvania.[38]
Edward F. was born about 1858 in Pennsylvania.[39]
Winfield Scott was born about 1861 in Pennsylvania[40] and became a conductor on a railroad line in Altoona, Pa.[41]
Lewis Edward was a resident of Dunbar, Fayette County, Pa.[42]
Margaret E. was born about 1863 in Pennsyolvania.[43]
Clara B was born about 1867 in Pennsylvania.[44]
Mary E was born about 1868 in Pennsylvania.[45]
John Howard was born about Jan of 1870 in Pennsylvania[46] and became a railroad employee in Ellerslie, Allegany County, Md.[47]
Ellen, Bella, Mary, Anna, and Jenny all died of Diphtheria within a month of each other.[48] (More research is needed to identify the nicknames with the appropriate daughters listed above and find the two missing daughters, Anna and Jenny. Though Ellen is probably Margaret E., Bella is Clara B. and Mary is Mary E.)

Elizabeth, William and Susanna’s only daughter, was born 19 July 1829 in Somerset County, Pa[49] and married John Bridegum[50] before 1850.[51] John was born in Feb of 1828 in Pennslyvania.[52] They had nine children all of whom were still alive in 1900.[53] Elizabeth died on 15 May 1906.[54] John died 13 Dec 1905.[55]  They are both buried in the IOOF Cemetery in Berlin, Somerset County, Pa.[56]

Jesse was born in July of 1841[57] in Somerset County Pa, and was married to Rebecca Gessner on 3 Dec 1861 in Somerset County, Pa by Rev. Crossman.[58] She was the daughter of Ludwig Gessner[59] and Catherine (last name unknown)[60] of Berlin, Somerset County, Pa. both of whom were born in Germany.[61]

Jesse enlisted[62] in Co. F, 142nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on 25 Aug 1863. He served his country for about 3 years spending over 8 months[63] as a prisoner of war in Andersonville, Georgia, mustering out on 29 May 1865[64] with the rest of his regiment in Washington D.C.

He was a school teacher in Somerset County, Pa from 1860 to 1881[65] and then moved into the mercantile profession. He had moved to Ellerslie, Md by 1890 and was a schoolteacher[66] there as well. He was elected a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from Allegany County for the 1901-1902 session[67],[68] and finally was an assistant postmaster by 1910[69] assisting his daughter, Clara, who was the Postmistress for Ellerslie. Jesse and Rebecca were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ellerslie, Allegany County, Md.[70]

Jesse died 13 March 1917[71] and was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, Allegany County, Md by the L. Stein Funeral Home.[72] Rebecca was also buried by the L. Stein Funeral Home in Rose Hill after her death on 31 Dec 1934.[73] The Leasure-Stein Funeral Home building was nominated for the National Register of Historic Places and the Maryland State Historic Trust Sites on 8 Aug 1988.[74] (See Narrative History of Jesse Critchfield and his Family for more details about Jesse and Rebecca’s life.)

Their known children:
William C.A. was born 11 July 1867 in Pennsylvania[75] and had moved to Denver, Colorado by 1935.[76] In the 1940 US Population Census he was widowed and living with his son, Jesse, renting a home for $20.[77] It also indicated that he had lived there in 1935 as well.

Charles, born on 28 Aug 1869 in Pennsylvania,[78] married Rebecca Taylor[79] in Frostburg, Allegany County, MD. They were married by Rev. W.W. Wood. By 1935, they were living in Carleton, Missouri.[80]

John Milton was born 24 Feb 1871in Pennsylvania.[81] Nothing more is known at this time.

Norman Bruce was born 26 June 1873 in Pennsylvania[82] and was baptized by the Rev. Frank Sailor on 1 Feb 1876.[83] He married Anna Lorreta McDonough,[84] daughter of Martin John McDonough and Catherine Malia,[85] who was born on Inishbofin Island, County Galway, Ireland on 3 April 1879.[86] She died in New Haven, Fayette County, Pa. on 4 Dec 1908.[87]

According to his WW1 Draft registration card[88] Norman was living in Ellerslie, Allegany County, Md in 1918 and was a track man for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He was employed out of Cook’s Mill, Bedford County, Pa, and was of tall height, slender build, blue eyes, light hair. Norman was a natural born US citizen.[89] Norman Bruce died 1 July 1920 of Tuberculois Meningitis with a contributory cause of an accidental injury of the spine and head on the railroad in Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD, and was buried on 3 July 1920 in Rose Hill Cemetery, Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD.[90] Like his parents Norman was also buried by the L-Stein Funeral Home.[91]

Jennie M was born in 1878 in Pennsylvania[92] and married Charles Champlin.[93] She lived in Pittsburgh, Alleghany County, PA, for most of her married life and died in Ellerslie, Allegany County, Pa.[94]

Alfred Sylvester was born 21 Nov 1879[95] in Cumberland, Allegany County, Md.[96] He moved to Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, Pa[97] by 1900 where he was living as a boarder with the William Fix family. He was working as telegrapher for the Railroad. Living in Minnesota by 1905, he was enumerated on the Minnesota State Census as a Railroad worker.[98]  His WW1 Draft Registration Card place him in the YMCA in Duluth, St. Louis County, Minn. It also states that Alfred was working as a train dispatcher for the Northern Pacific RR, was native born, with medium height, a slender build, grey eyes, and light hair.[99] Alfred went on a Cunard Cruise on the SS Tuscania on 22 Jan 1925 traveling from NY to NY arriving back on 21 Feb 1925 with stops in Nassau and Bermuda.[100] He was still single, living in Duluth, St. Louis County, Minn. at this time.  Albert died on 23 March 1930[101] in Duluth, St. Louis County, Minn. And was brought home to Ellerslie where he was buried by the L-Stein Funeral Home[102] on 26 March 1930 in Rose Hill Cemetery, Cumberland, Allegany, MD.[103]

Mary was born on 8 Feb1880 Maryland.[104] Nothing more is known of her at this time.

Clara Ellen was born 16 Nov 1882 in Maryland[105] and was baptized by the Rev. W.F. Shannon.[106] Like her father, Jesse, Clara was active in local affairs. On 14 April 1936, she appeared before the Board of County Commissioners of Allegany County, Md, as part of a committee of concerned citizens from Ellerslie, Md. The committee consisted of Messrs. Hugh Stevenson, J. Lloyd Wolfe, James Albright and Miss Clara Critchfield. They were requesting the County Commissioners to make some provision to remove debris from the creek that runs through Ellerslie, near the Post Office.[107] The clerk was instructed to request the State Roads Engineer to make an investigation and report back.

She was the Postmistress in Ellerslie, Allegany, MD in 1910[108] and never married. Clara’s death date and burial are unknown.




[1] Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[2] Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[5] Jesse Critchfield notebook in possession of author.
[6] A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Service 1841, Census of Pensioners, Pennsylvania, Western District, pg 123, found at http://search.ancestry.com/Browse/View.aspx?dbid=7678&path=A+Census+of+Pensioners+For+Revolutionary+or+Military+Services+1841.Census+of+Pensioners.Pennsylvania-Western+Disctrict.7  original data from A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services. Washington, USA: Blair and Rives, 1841.
[7] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Southampton Twp. Stamped 217. dwelling 185, family 189, William Scritchfield, 1850 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[8] Jesse’s Notebook, in possession of author.
[9] Jesse’s Notebook, in possession of author.
[11] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Milford Twp. Pg. 3.  William Critchfield.1830 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[12] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Southampton Twp. No. 4.  William Critchfield.1840 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[13] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 340. dwelling 1168, family 1168, William Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[14] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Southampton Twp. Stamped 217. dwelling 185, family 189, William Scritchfield, 1850 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[15] Harris, George W., Pennsylvania State Reports, Vol. XXIV, Reports of cases adjudged by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Kay and Brothers, 1856, pg. 100. Found at books.google.com/books?id=xwNAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA100&lpg=PA100&dq=william+critchfield&source=bl&ots=FoIkoyS2RZ&sig=j2I0qamiuWpoD8s0_McjeUcrKUE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=tMkjUN6_C6yO0QGn3IDoBA&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=william critchfield&f=false
[16] Harris, pg. 100.
[17] History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men.. Chicago: Waterman, Watkins & Co., 1884. P. 2410
[18] History of Bedford, Somerset, and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men.. Chicago: Waterman, Watkins & Co., 1884. P. 2576
[19]  Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[20]  Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[21] Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[22] Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[23] Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[24] Jordan, John W., Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, Heritage Books, Westminster, MD, 2007, pg.377.
[25] John. Critchfield Civil War pension no. S.C. 532504, RG 15, NA-Washington.
[26] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp.Sheet no. 16. ED. 22. SD. 13. dwelling 269, family 272, John Scrishfeld, 1900 Veterans Schedule, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[27] John. Critchfield Civil War pension no. S.C. 532504, RG 15, NA-Washington.
[28] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp. Pg. 2. ED.78. SD. 7. dwelling 136, family 141, John Critchfield, 1890 Veterans Schedule, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[29] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp. Pg. 2. ED.78. SD. 7. dwelling 136, family 141, John Critchfield, 1890 Veterans Schedule, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[30] Jordan, pg. 377.
[31] John Critchfield (Pvt., Co. D, 87th PA Vol. Inf., Civil War) pension no. S.C. 532504, Case Files of Approved Pension Applications…, 1861-1934; Civil War and Later Pension Files; Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
[33] John. Critchfield Civil War pension no. S.C. 532504, RG 15, NA-Washington.
[34] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp.Sheet no. 16. ED. 22. SD. 13. dwelling 269, family 272, John Scrishfeld, 1900 Veterans Schedule, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[35] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 341. dwelling 1154, family 1154, John Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[36] Jordan, pg. 377.
[37] Jordan, pg. 377.
[38] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 341. dwelling 1154, family 1154, John Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[39] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Northampton Twp. Stamped 341. dwelling 1154, family 1154, John Critchfield, 1860 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[40] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp. Pg. 16.  dwelling 103, family 104, John Critchfield, 1880 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[41] Jordan, pg. 377.
[42] Jordan, pg. 377.
[43] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp. Pg. 16.  dwelling 103, family 104, John Critchfield, 1880 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[44] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp. Pg. 16.  dwelling 103, family 104, John Critchfield, 1880 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[45] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp. Pg. 16.  dwelling 103, family 104, John Critchfield, 1880 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[46] Pennsylvania.Bedford County. Londonderry Twp. Pg. 16.  dwelling 103, family 104, John Critchfield, 1880 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[47] Jordan, pg. 377.
[48] Jordan, pg. 377.
[49] Sanner Church Records, found at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pasomers/church/sanbap.htm on 6 March 2009.
[50] Jordan, pg.378.
[51] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Southampton Twp. Stamped 217. dwelling 185, family 190, John Bridegum, 1850 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[52] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Berlin Twp. ED. 169. SD 13. Stamped 136 A, Sheet 9.dwelling 193, family 205, John Bridegum, 1900 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[53] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Berlin Twp. ED. 169. SD 13. Stamped 136 A, Sheet 9.dwelling 193, family 205, John Bridegum, 1900 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[54] INDEX of Br-By surnames in the WPA Cemetery Records for Somerset County, PA found at http://files.usgwarchives.org/pa/somerset/cemeteries/wpa/index/index-br-by.txt
[55] INDEX of Br-By surnames in the WPA Cemetery Records for Somerset County, PA found at http://files.usgwarchives.org/pa/somerset/cemeteries/wpa/index/index-br-by.txt
[56] INDEX of Br-By surnames in the WPA Cemetery Records for Somerset County, PA found at http://files.usgwarchives.org/pa/somerset/cemeteries/wpa/index/index-br-by.txt
[57] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author
[58] Jesse H. Critchfield (Pvt., Co. F, 142nd PA Vol. Inf., Civil War) pension no. S.C. 230980, Case Files of Approved Pension Applications…, 1861-1934; Civil War and Later Pension Files; Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
[59] State of Maryland, State Registrar of Vital Records, death certificate no. 12014, Rebecca Critchfield.
[60] Pennsylvania. Somerset County. Berlin Twp. Stamped 165. dwelling 101, family 120, Ludwick Gessner, 1850 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[61] Maryland. Allegeny County. Ellerslie. Sheet no. 6B. ED. 1-55. SD. 1. dwelling 30, family 30, Rebecca Critchfield, 1930 U.S. Census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[62] Jesse H. Critchfield (Pvt., Co. F, 142nd PA Vol. Inf., Civil War) pension no. S.C. 230980, Case Files of Approved Pension Applications…, 1861-1934; Civil War and Later Pension Files; Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
[63] Jesse H. Critchfield Civil War Pension no. S.C. 230980, RG 15, NA-Washington.
[64] Warren, Col. Horatio N. Two Reunions of the 142nd Regiment, Pa. Vols. The Courier Company, Buffalo, NY, 1890. found online at http://archive.org/stream/tworeunionsof00warr#page/n0/mode/1up, 25 July 2012.
[66] Ancestry.com. Cumberland, Maryland Directories, 1890 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000. found 25 July 2012.
[67] The Sun, Baltimore, MD, 15 March 1917, found online at GenealogyBank.com on 10 May 2012.
[69] Maryland. Allegeny County. Ellerslie. Sheet no. 125A. ED. 23. SD. 5. dwelling 1, family 1, Jesse H. Critchfield, 1910 U.S. Census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[70] Rebecca’s Obituary, photocopy of microfilm record, unknown date, unknown newspaper.
[71] State of Maryland, State Registrar of Vital Records, death certificate no. 4978-154, Jesse H. Critchfield.
[72] Genealogical Society of  Allegany County, Md., Inc, Rose Hill Cemetery Cumberland, Maryland, An Inventory, Cumberland, Md, 1995, pg. 80
[73] Genealogical Society of  Allegany County, Md., Inc, pg. 80.
[75] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author and Critchfield Bible location unknown.
[76] Rebecca’s Obituary, photocopy of microfilm record, unknown date, unknown newspaper.
[77] Colorado. Denver County. Denver. Sheet no. 4B. ED. 16-226. SD. 1, family 174, William. Critchfield, 1940 U.S. Census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[78] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author and Critchfield Bible location unknown.
[79] The Sun, Baltimore, MD, 5 May 1900, found online at GenealogyBank.com on 10 May 2012.
[80] Rebecca’s Obituary, photocopy of microfilm record, unknown date, unknown newspaper.
[81] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author and Critchfield Bible location unknown.
[82] WW1 Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918., digital images, Ancestry.com. Norman Bruce Critchfield, serial no.3119, order no. 3222, Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD.
[83] Jesse’s Notebook, in possession of author.
[84] Interview with Dorothy Elois Jones Critchfield, Daughter in Law of Anna Loretta McDonough Critchfield, May, 1988.
[85] State of Pennslvania, Pennsylvania Dept of Vital Records, No. 9933, Annie Loretta Critchfield.
[86] State of Pennslvania, Pennsylvania Dept of Vital Records, No. 9933, Annie Loretta Critchfield.
[87] State of Pennslvania, Pennsylvania Dept of Vital Records, No. 9933, Annie Loretta Critchfield.
[88] WW1 Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918., digital images, Ancestry.com. Norman Bruce Critchfield, serial no.3119, order no. 3222, Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD.
[89] WW1 Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918., digital images, Ancestry.com. Norman Bruce Critchfield, serial no.3119, order no. 3222, Ellerslie, Allegany County, MD.
[90] State of Maryland, State Registrar of Vital Records, death certificate no. 12509, Norman Bruce Critchfield.
[91] Genealogical Society of  Allegany County, Md., Inc, pg. 192.
[92] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author and Critchfield Bible location unknown.
[93] The Sun, Baltimore, MD, 15 March 1917, found online at GenealogyBank.com on 10 May 2012.
[94] Jennie M. Chapman obituary, unknown date, unknown newspaper.
[95] WW1 Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918., digital images, Ancestry.com. Albert Sylvester Critchfield, serial no.971, order no. 3665, draft board 2, Duluth, St. Louis, Minn.
[96] New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957. digital images, Ancestry.com. 21 Feb 1925, Tuscania, Original data: Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957; (National Archives Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls); Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C..
[97] Pennsylvania.Allegheny County. Sharpsburg Borough. Ed. 495. SD 18. Pg. 2B. Lodger, dwelling 29, family 32, William Fix, 1900 U.S.census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[98] Minnesota, St. Louis County, Duluth. Sheet No. 46, Ward 5, Subdivision B, Precinct 2, ED 13, Alfred Critchfield, 1905 Minnesota State Census, Ancestry.com, 2012.
[99] WW1 Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918., digital images, Ancestry.com. Albert Sylvester Critchfield, serial no.971, order no. 3665, draft board 2, Duluth, St. Louis, Minn.
[100] New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957. digital images, Ancestry.com. 21 Feb 1925, Tuscania, Original data: Passenger and Crew Lists of Vessels Arriving at New York, New York, 1897-1957; (National Archives Microfilm Publication T715, 8892 rolls); Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
[101] Genealogical Society of  Allegany County, Md., Inc, pg 192.
[102] Genealogical Society of  Allegany County, Md., Inc, pg 192.
[103] Genealogical Society of  Allegany County, Md., Inc, pg 192.
[104] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author and Critchfield Bible location unknown.
[105] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author and Critchfield Bible location unknown.
[106] Jesse’s Notebook in possession of author.
[107] Minutes of Board of County Commissioners, Allegany County, Md found at http://gov.allconet.org/bcc/minutes/1936/CCR%201936-03-27%20to%201938-04-21.pdf
[108] Maryland. Allegeny County. Ellerslie. Sheet no. 125A. ED. 23. SD. 5. dwelling 1, family 1, Jesse H. Critchfield, 1910 U.S. Census, Ancestry.com, 2012.