Children of Leroy Comer and Lissie Shires

Eppy Comer
1871–1928
BIRTH ABT 1871 • Illinois
DEATH 15 JANUARY 1928 • Metropolis, Massac County, Illinois, United States of America

When Eppy Comer was born on June 10, 1871, in Johnson, Illinois, his father, Lee, was 27 and his mother, Lissie, was 23. He married Eva Halcom in 1895. They had three children (Myrtle, Burlie and Sim David) in 16 years. He died on January 15, 1928, at the age of 56, and was buried in Metropolis, Illinois.

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William Barney Comer
1873–1940
BIRTH 17 AUGUST 1873 • Samoth, Massac County, Illinois, United States of America
DEATH 15 SEPTEMBER 1940 • Metropolis, Massac County, Illinois, United States of America





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Mary Elizabeth Comer
1876–
BIRTH ABT 1876 • Illinois
DEATH Unknown

hen Mary Elizabeth Comer was born on August 28, 1876, in Johnson, Illinois, her father, LeRoy, was 32, and her mother, Mary, was 28. She had five children with William J Parmer and three children with William Immanuel Parmer. She died on July 18, 1943, in Metropolis, Illinois, at the age of 66, and was buried there.

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Laura Ann Comer
1880–1953
BIRTH 2 SEPTEMBER 1880 • Johnson County, Illinois, United States of America
DEATH 20 NOVEMBER 1953 • Massac County, Illinois, United States of America

When Laura Comer was born on September 2, 1880, her father, Lee, was 36, and her mother, Lissie, was 32. She married James F Comer in 1898. They had three children during their marriage. She died on November 20, 1953, in USA at the age of 73, and was buried in Metropolis, Illinois.

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Jacob Comer

1885–1957

BIRTH 2 OCT 1885 • Illinois

DEATH 21 JULY 1957 • Illinois, USA

When Jacob Jake Franklin COMER was born in 1887 in Illinois, his father, Lee, was 44 and his mother, Lissie, was 39. He married Maggie A DUNN in 1906. They had four children in 14 years. He died on July 21, 1957, in his hometown at the age of 70, and was buried in Metropolis, Illinois.

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Arie B Comer
1888–1947
BIRTH MAR 1888 • Illinois
DEATH 25 MAY 1947 • Metropolis, Massac County, Illinois, United States of America

When Arie Bell Comer was born on March 28, 1890, in Johnson, Illinois, her father, Lee, was 46, and her mother, Lissie, was 42. She had one son and four daughters with Richard "Dick" Ellerbusch between 1912 and 1936. She died on May 24, 1947, in Metropolis, Illinois, at the age of 57, and was buried in Massac, Illinois.

Belle Comer
1892–
BIRTH ABT 1892 • Illinois
DEATH Unknown

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Charly E Comer
1894–1965
BIRTH JUL 1894 • Illinois
DEATH 16 MARCH 1965 • Commerce City, Adams County, Colorado, United States of America

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Ophia Comer
1898–1967
BIRTH FEB 1898 • Illinois
DEATH 18 JANUARY 1967 • Metropolis, Massac, Illinois

When Ophia Comer was born on February 24, 1898, in Johnson, Illinois, her father, Lee, was 54, and her mother, Lissie, was 50. She married EARNEST EDWARD RUSHING and they had five children together. She also had two sons and one daughter with Willie Culver. She also had one daughter from another relationship. She died on January 18, 1967, at the age of 68, and was buried in Metropolis, Illinois.

LeRoy L. Comer (1843-1922) - My 3rd Great Grandfather

LeRoy L. Comer was born in October 1843 in Dickson, Montgomery County, Tennessee, to Mary Foster, age 27, and Moses Epps Comer, age 29.

Leroy's mother, Mary had been born in Tennessee ... his father, Moses was born in Halifax, Virginia.

Perhaps the earliest record of Leroy is as a six year old child in Johnson County, Illinois in the 1850 Census.  The family lives and farms there after having migrated from Tennessee.

Their likely path was by way of the Great Wagon Road through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. (needs more research)

In 1850 Leroy has three older brothers, Willis N (possibly Nathaniel) (13), John F (10) and William A (8).  There are two younger children, both girls; Mary A (5) and Nancy Panthea (3).

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Johnson County, Il was created 14 Sep 1812. Johnson county was named in honor of Richard Mentor Johnson who served in the Indian Wars and the war of 1812. He also served as Vice-President of the United States from 1837 to 1841 in the administration of Martin Van Buren. *(Wiki)

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In 1860 Leroy continues to live on the farm with his family.  He is 16. His oldest brother John is 20 and older brother William is 18.  We can imagine that these three are a big help on the farm.  Three younger sisters follow Leroy in birth order; Mary - 15, Nancy Panthea - 14, Sarah - 2 and Moses A - eight months.  

The personal estate value in the census is $500.  The real estate value is $100. 

When Leroy entered the service on 21 Dec 1863 he was 19.  His service entry place was New Columbia, IL.  He was joined by CPT NORRIS.

Leroy mustered in on 12 Feb 1864 at Camp Butler, IL.  He was a Private in Company M of the 13th Illinois Cavalry Consolidated Unit.  

The unit he joined was first organized at Camp Douglas in 1861.  

In the spring of 1864, the unit accompanied Gen. Steele in the expedition to Camden, taking prominent parts in the actions at Arkadelphia, Okolona, Little Missouri river, Prairie d'Ane, Camden and Jenkins' ferry. 

Fought on 10 Jul 1864 at Pine Bluff, AR

Fought on 30 Jul 1864 at Pine Bluff, AR.

Fought on 4 Sep 1864 at Pine Bluff, AR.

Fought on 3 Nov 1864 at Pine Bluff, AR.

Fought on 24 Dec 1864 at Pine Bluff, AR.

Fought on 11 Feb 1865 at Pine Bluff, AR.

After returning to  Little Rock it was engaged in many raids and scouts and in skirmishing with the forces of Shelby and Marmaduke, defeating them at Clarendon and Pine Bluff. 

Fought on 12 Feb 1865 at Pine Bluff, AR

Fought on 22 Feb 1865 at Pine Bluff, AR.

The remainder of its term of service was devoted to scouting and picketing. His group was mustered out on Aug. 31, 1865, in Pine Bluff, AR by LTC SCHAUSTE receiving its final pay and discharge at Springfield, Ill., Sept. 13.

Leroy was 21 upon his exit from the military and I assume at this point that he came home to Johnson County, Il.  Interestingly enough he would not marry Lissie for another five years... so I'm currently working on researching that gap.  As of this writing we don't know how long they knew one another before they married, how they met or any other pertinent details about their relationship. (I need to check 1860 and 1870 census to see how close the families lived)

Lissie was a Shires and was born in 1848 in Maury County, Tennessee and her family came to Johnson County sometime before 1854.  We know this because her father passed away in Johnson County in 1854. Sometime thereafter Lissie's mother married George Leach.  By 1860, Lissie's mother too had passed away and she remained living with her stepfather. 

In 1870, Leroy and Lissie married and were first recorded in the census as a couple that very year.  They were married in May and the census was taken in July.

They live two doors down from Leroy's father.  Their real estate is valued at 300 and their personal real estate is valued at $150. 

In 1880 it appears that Leroy and Lissie have moved "a piece" to Grantsburg. (Double Double Check?) there are three children born to the family.  Eppy (9), William Barney (7 - father of  Lee Comer 1908-1975) and Mary Elizabeth Comer(4)

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Grantsburg corners with Massac and Pope Counties on the south east. Some of the first settlers here were: Walkers, Pors, Cummins, Marberys, Helms, J. B. Smith, Green B. Veach, Pleasant Rose, Sr., Grissoms, Modglins, Bowmans, Bains, Pearces, Fishers and Allen Jones. Wartrace, New Grantsburg and Ganntown are the principal centers and some present farmers are ; E. E. Farquahar, F. M. Simmons, J. D. Wormack, W. J. Miller, E. E. Morgan, Otis Nelson, W. F. Hight, Charles Shelton, Delaskey Walker, E. E. Trovillion, L. P. Morris, C. H. Gray, Pleasant Rose, W. P. Walker and John Hand. *(Full text of "A history of Johnson County, Illinois")

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The 1900 census advises that the couple has given birth to 11 children and that 8 are living.  The four youngest children still live at home (Jacob - 13, Arie B - 12, Charley - 5 and Ophia - 2. .  A lodger by the name of Orlean Morgan (17) also lives with the family.

Leroy and Lissie have been married 27 years and they own their farm free and clear (farm schedule 30).  ((*more work needs to be done of figuring out how property was distributed.  Leroy's dad Moses came to Johnson County 50 plus years prior and purchased land on a few occasions (?) as did his brother Nathaniel.))

In 1910 Leroy and Lissie are in their sixties and have been married for 35 years.  The 1910 census records them as having had 10 children with 7 living.  Leroy farms with the help of sons Jake (21) and Charley (16) who live at home.  Leroy and Lissie's daughters Belle (18) and Ophia (7) live in the home as well.  Ophia is the only child who attends school. (Which school? New Columbia?) Sons Jake and Charley are both listed as working on the family farm.

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(excerpt from The History of Johnson County, IL)

The winter of 1917-18 will long be remembered as the one of the deep snow. The snow began to fall about December 8, 1917 and continued to fall at intervals for three or four weeks. The ground was not visible for almost two months and the drifts were so deep in many places as to make the roads impassable. While our poor boys were digging trenches before the Germans, many people in the county were digging roadway trenches in the snow to get from house to barn, to the neighbors or to the nearby market. 

The winter of 1918-19 is more indelibly fixed on our minds than the deep snow through the terrible ravages of the Spanish Influenza. This peculiar and unfamiliar disease began its drive on the United States about October, 1918.

At first it was thought it only thrived in the cities and towns where people came together in crowds. It was a little late reaching Johnson County and we thought, from our isolation we might be exempt, but in November it fell upon us in all its fury and seemed to grow more fatal in its progress. The situation in this county was desperate, in many places a whole family was all in bed at the same time. 

The fact that many thought it contagious kept those who were well from giving their attention to their neighbors. In some cases there were none able to care for the dead. In one known case the sick and the dead were in the same 'bed, and there were many cases in which nurses could not be had. In some families as many as four would die in a day or two of each other. It seemed to be particularly fatal to those appearing to be the most healthful and strong looking. It took many of our best, physically speaking, and many old people. This terrible scourge has returned each winter for three years but has not proved so fatal. 

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1920 finds Leroy and Lissie continuing to farm.  Jacob (33) has remained at the homestead to help with the farm.  Also in the home are Jacob's wife, Maggie (28) and children Ruby (6) and Clyde (3).    

Leroy passed away on June 9 of 1922 in Grantsburg, Johnson County, Illinois.

Leroy Comer's Headstone at Clymore Cemetary - Found by De'anna Comer Varnum

Genealogy - John C Sanders and Iva Bell Casper

John Calhoun Sanders (my great grandfather) was born on February 5, 1890, in Illinois to Lucinda Jane Craven, age 42, and John Sanders, age 62.  Seven years later (my great grandmother) Iva Bell Casper was born on September 10, 1897, in Illinois to Ellen Josephine Hood, age 18, and Moses Edward Casper, age 29.

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The 1900 census finds our ancestors, the Sanders, living in Vienna., IL. (my great grandfather), John at the age of ten. His dad, John is 72 and his mother "Liza" is 50. They had been married nearly 30 years and had given birth to 8 children of whom 7 were living.  The home is listed as a farm and they own it free and clear.  Also in the home in 1900 are his older sisters Bettie Sanders (16) and Nora Sanders (13).

In 1900, the Caspers are living in Dongola, Illinois.  Iva (3) is the only child that has been born to Moses and Ellen Josephine.  Moses is listed as a farmer and they rent their farm. (FS 170)

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As of the 1910 census, John's father has (evidently) passed away.  John is 20, working as a barber and living with his step-dad Thomas Kirkpatrick and his mother Lucinda J.  They have been married for four years.  ((revisit discrepancy on Lucinda's age))

In 1910 the Caspers are living in a home they rent on North 5th Street in Vienna, IL. (Johnson County, Ward 3, dist. 0067 - the census doesn't list the house number, however their home is the last listing before beginning Nursery St.).  Iva is 12 and now has three sisters; Florence R Casper (9), Dorris Casper (4) and Gladys Casper (1).  The census advises that five children have been born to the couple and four are living.  Moses works as a lumber inspector.

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John Calhoun Sanders and Iva Bell Casper married in 1914. (Is John still working as a barber?)

In July of 1915 they began their family with the birth of their first child Francis.

Francis L Sanders (1915–2002)

Francis L Sanders was born on July 2, 1915, in Metropolis, Illinois, to Iva Bell Casper, age 17, and John Calhoun Sanders, age 25.

Francis married Wallace Long and they had two daughters; Dorothy and Sue.

Francis L Sanders died on March 19, 2002, in Metropolis, Illinois, when she was 86 years old.

Robert Eugene SANDERS (1916–1963)

Robert Eugene SANDERS was born on October 7, 1916, in Illinois to Iva Bell Casper, age 19, and John Calhoun Sanders, age 26.

Robert Eugene SANDERS married Virginia Nell ECKENBERG in Obion, Tennessee, on June 18, 1941, when he was 24 years old.

Robert Eugene SANDERS died on June 26, 1963, when he was 46 years old.

Helen R Sanders(1918–)

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In January of 1920, John and Iva live in a rented home at 708 North 3rd Street in Memphis, TN. (Shelby Co. Ward 9, possibly a duplex).  John worked as a painter at an auto body shop and the couple lived with their three children - all under age five.

By August 11 of 1920 the couple had returned to Metropolis, Il where their fourth child Edith was born.

Edith W Sanders(1920–2008)

Edith W Sanders was born on August 11, 1920, in Illinois to Iva Bell Casper, age 22, and John Calhoun Sanders, age 30.

Her husband John Edward "Peanut" Stockton passed away on April 15, 1980, in Metropolis, Illinois, at the age of 67.

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Joseph Edward Sanders(1922–1984)

Joseph Edward Sanders was born on August 24, 1922, in Creal Springs, Illinois, to Iva Bell Casper, age 24, and John Calhoun Sanders, age 32.

Joseph Edward Sanders served in the military on April 15, 1942, when he was 19 years old.

Joseph Edward Sanders married Mary Margaret Tolen in Metropolis, Illinois, on July 4, 1952, when he was 29 years old.

His son Joe Neal was born on July 16, 1954, in McCracken, Kentucky.

Joseph Edward Sanders died on January 1, 1984, in Metropolis, Illinois, when he was 61 years old.---

1924 Creal Springs


Mary Elizabeth Sanders(1924–2003)

Mary Elizabeth Sanders was born on June 13, 1924, in Creal Springs, Illinois, to Iva Bell Casper, age 26, and John Calhoun Sanders, age 34.

Mary Elizabeth Sanders married William Donald Anderson on November 7, 1945, when she was 21 years old.

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Lawanda Sanders (1926–)

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Betty Ruth Sanders Boettner Witt (1926–1995)

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Mona Lee Sanders(1929–1989)

Monalia Sanders was born in 1929 in Illinois to Iva Bell Casper, age 32, and John Calhoun Sanders, age 39.

In 1945, Mona Lee seemed to be active in school activities.  She's pictured in a couple of group photos at least in the 1945 and 1946 Illohmet.

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In 1930 the Sanders live in the Lincoln precinct of Metropolis, IL. They rent their home for $5.

John is 40 and works as a house painter.  Iva is 32 and sees to the wellbeing of eight children ranging in age of a few months to seventeen.

On April 1st of 1940, John Calhoun Sanders passed away at the age of fifty.

At the end of April in 1940 the census would be taken.  The family is listed as living at 907 East 5th Street in Metropolis.  Iva is now the head of the household which they rent for $10 per month.

Frances, age 24 is listed as a housekeeper - WPA House Aide project. Robert, age 22 is a laborer at the box factory.  Helen, age 22 is a book mender for the NY ? Library Project.

Genealogy - Children of Moses Edward Casper and Ellen Josephine Hood

*under construction 7/04/20

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*Iva Bell Casper (1897–1982)

Our ancestor, Iva Bell Casper (my great grandmother, mother of Mary Elizabeth Sanders Anderson) was born on September 10, 1897, in Illinois to Ellen Josephine Hood, age 18, and Moses Edward Casper, age 29.

Iva Bell Casper married John Calhoun Sanders in 1914 when she was 17 years old.

Their daughter Francis L was born on July 2, 1915, in Metropolis, Illinois.

Their son Robert Eugene was born on October 7, 1916, in Illinois.

Their daughter Helen R was born in 1918 (?) in Illinois.

Their daughter Edith W was born on August 11, 1920, in Illinois.

In 1920, John and Iva (also called Ivy) were living in Tennessee; Shelby county; Memphis Ward 9,  District 116 on North 3rd Street. They rented a home where they lived with their three eldest children. John was 28 and a painter at an auto shop.

Photo taken approx Fall of 1970.
Standing L to R : *, Mary Elizabeth Sanders Anderson, Beth Ann Anderson Clanahan,
 *, *, *, Karen Lee Anderson Comer holding Brian Keith Comer,
Donna Sue Anderson Kossow. 
Sitting L to R: Mona Lee Sanders Franklin, Edith Sanders Stockton, Mabel * Anderson,
Iva Bell Casper Sanders holding Kevin Bret Comer.

By 1922 they would be in Creal Springs, Illinois where their next two children were born. Joseph Edward was born on August 24, 1922, in Creal Springs, Illinois and Mary Elizabeth was born on June 13, 1924, in Creal Springs, Illinois.

1926 found the Sanders in Metropolis and they would stay there for the remainder of their days.

Betty Ruth was born on October 7, 1926, in Metropolis, Illinois, daughter Lawanda was born in 1926 in Illinois and Monalia was born in 1929 in Illinois.

Iva Bell Casper lived in Metropolis, Illinois, in 1930.

Her father Moses Edward passed away on June 26, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, at the age of 67.

Iva Bell Casper lived in Metropolis, Illinois, on April 1, 1940.

Her husband John Calhoun passed away on April 1, 1940, in Metropolis, Illinois, at the age of 50. They had been married 26 years.

Her mother Ellen Josephine passed away on September 6, 1955, in Winnfield, Louisiana, at the age of 76.

Her son Robert Eugene passed away on June 26, 1963, at the age of 46.

Iva Bell Casper died on May 26, 1982, in Metropolis, Illinois, when she was 84 years old.

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Florence Ruby Casper (1900–1975)

Florence Ruby Casper was born on August 9, 1900, in Illinois to Ellen Josephine Hood, age 21, and Moses Edward Casper, age 32.

Florence married Roy Herman Cosby in 1917 and they had a son, Roy Herman Cosby(1918–1998)

25 Jul 1918 in Metropolis, Illinois.

In the 1930 census the family is shown in Metropolis, Illinois.  The family rents their home (at 308 e 3rd street?) for $15 per month.  Roy is listed as working as a cigar maker. (Did he work at Kraper?)  The household is made up of Roy and Florence (who seems to go by Ruby), their son Roy Jr. (11 at this time), Roy's mother, Addie E (a 65 year old widow) and Albertine Thompson, Roy's divorced half-sister, age 26.

In 1940 the family remains in Metropolis thought Roy has changed jobs and they now live at 418 Girard.  He now makes $624 per year working as a Sander (?) for the Metropolis Bending Company.  Roy Jr. remains at home at age 21 and works as a telegraph delivery man for Western Union.

Death 30 January 1975 • Winnfield, Winn Parish, Louisiana, United States of America

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Dorris Casper(1904–1995)

Dorris Casper was born on October 18, 1904, in Illinois to Ellen Josephine Hood, age 26, and Moses Edward Casper, age 36.

Dorris Casper lived in Ferriday, Louisiana, in 1930.

Her father Moses Edward passed away on June 26, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, at the age of 67.

Her mother Ellen Josephine passed away on September 6, 1955, in Winnfield, Louisiana, at the age of 76.

Dorris Casper died in December 1995 in Winnfield, Louisiana, when she was 91 years old.

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Gladys Casper (1908–1989)

Gladys Casper was born on September 24, 1908, in Illinois to Ellen Josephine Hood, age 29, and Moses Edward Casper, age 40.

Gladys Casper lived in Ferriday, Louisiana, in 1930 with her parents and sister Dorris.

Her father Moses Edward passed away on June 26, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, at the age of 67.

In 1940, Gladys and husband Earl Applewhite are listed as lodgers living with 31 year old widowed Violet Gates and her eight year old son in Winnfield, Louisiana.  The census advises that the Applewhites work at a retail grocery when Earl is an Operator and Gladys is a clerk.

Her mother Ellen Josephine passed away on September 6, 1955, in Winnfield, Louisiana, at the age of 76.

Her husband Earl passed away on June 10, 1979, in Winnfield, Louisiana, at the age of 78.

Gladys Casper died on November 5, 1989, in Winnfield, Louisiana, when she was 81 years old.

Genealogy - Children of Adam Casper and Susannah Dillow

Jane C Casper (1857-1883)

BIRTH 21 APR 1857 • Dongola, Union, Illinois, United States

1860 • Township 13 S Range 1 W, Union, Illinois

1870 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1880 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

In September of 1881, Jane married William A Verble, a farmer in Union County.  They had one daughter, Gueta Gustava (1882-1955) before Jane died as a young mother at the age of 26 in 1883.

Gusta was raised by her grandparents, Adam and Susannah Casper.

DEATH 28 AUG 1883 • Dongola, Union, Illinois, United States

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LtoR, Henry, Everette, Mary, Minerva

Minerva Lutetia Casper (1860-1908)

Birth 03 Apr 1860 • Illinois

1860 • Township 13 S Range 1 W, Union, Illinois

1870 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1880 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

Minerva married Henry Ritter in November of 1882.

They had two children - Mary Luella (1883-1963) and Henry Everett (1885-1951)

1900 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

Minerva passed away in 1908 at age 48 and is buried in Dongola, Illinois.

DEATH 03 SEP 1908 • Union, Union, Illinois

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Amanda E Casper (1861-1894)

BIRTH 03 SEP 1861 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1870 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1880 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

Amanda married Henry Sidney Schluter in December of 1882 just one month after her sister Minerva's marriage.

Their son Elmer was born in 1891.

Amanda passed away at age 33.

DEATH 09 DEC 1894 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

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On April 16 of 1866, Susannah gave birth to twins....

Mary Victoria Casper (1866-1930)

BIRTH 16 APR 1866 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1870 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1880 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

Mary married John Wesley Eddleman. 10 Jul 1887 • Union, Illinois

1900 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1910 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1920 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

1930 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

She passed away in June of 1930 at age 64.

DEATH 12 JUN 1930 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

Martin Marion Casper (1866-1946)

BIRTH 16 APR 1866 • Dongola, Union, Illinois

Martin married Jennie Amanda and passed away in 1946 at age 79.

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*Moses Edward Casper (1868-1935)

Our ancestor, Moses was born in January of 1868 in Dongola.  He was named after his dad's brother.

When Moses was 12, his father Adam passed away in Dongola at the age of 53.

At age 27 Moses married Ellen Josephine Hood in December of 1895 and they began their family with the birth of Iva Bell in 1897.

In 1900, Moses is listed as a farmer in the census and the family rents their farm.  Moses' mother passed away in March of 1900, in August Moses and Ellen's second child, another daughter; Florence Ruby was born.

Dorris Casper was born to the couple in 1904 and Gladys in 1908.

The 1910 census shows the family listed on North Fifth in Vienna, Illinois.  Moses is a lumber inspector and they rent their home.

In 1920 Moses Edward, referred to as Edward is listed as a border working as lumber inspector in Rapides, Louisiana. 

In 1930 Ed and Ellen live in Ferriday, Louisiana with Dorris and Gladys living at home.  They rent the home for $25 per month.

Moses passed away in June of 1935 at age 67 in Ferriday, Louisiana.  He is buried in Natchez, Mississippi.

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Martha Clarinda Casper (1868-1945)

Martha was born in November of 1868, almost 9 months on the nose after our ancestor Moses.

In November of 1902, Martha married Alexander "Sandy" Jackson Holshouser and they had two children; Howard Francis (1905-1985) and Wilda Virginia (1907-1977).

Martha passed away in June of 1945 at age 76.

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Wedding photo of Gusta Verble & John Howell (right couple). Left 2 are Clarinda Casper & Emory Casper. They were Gusta's aunt & uncle, but was raised more like siblings since Gusta raised by her Casper grandparents.

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Adam Turner Casper (1872-1901)

Adam was born in 1872 in Dongola, IL.

He was a farmer and breakman for the I.C. Railroad Company.  He married Flora Belle Corzine in February of 1895 in Union County. Their son Ellis Howard was born in 1897 and their daughter Ruby Edith was born in January of 1901.  

Adam was killed in a work accident in June of 1901 at age 29 in Carbondale, Illinois.

From rootsweb:
"A sad accident occurred at Carbondale at 8 o’clock Saturday night in which Turner A. Casper, of near Balcom, lost his life.  Mr. Casper was a brakeman on train No. 54 and was crossing between the cars when the engine suddenly backed up and the young man was caught between the draw heads and almost instantly killed.  Mr. Casper was the owner of a little farm near Balcom and about three months ago sold it and went railroading, removing his wife and two children, the youngest a two-month-old baby to Centralia.  He was the son of Adam Casper and came of sturdy old stock, one of the best families in our county and was a man of exemplary habits.  The funeral was held at St. John’s Church, three miles north of Mill Creek on Monday."

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Ira Sylvester Casper (1876-1928)

Ira was born in July of 1876 in Dongola.

In 1899, Ira married Anna Sinks.  They had barely said their vows when Anna passed away at age 16/17.

In the 1900 census, Ira is listed as widowed and living as a border.

By 1910 Ira has been married to his second wife, Edith File for three years and they live in Carbondale, Illinois where Ira works for the railroad.

Their son, Noel Harold Casper was born in Carbondale in April of 1913.  Noel would pass away at age 10 in January of 1924.

Ira passed away in July of 1928 in Carbondale at age 52.

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Emery Erastus Casper (1881-1963)

Emery was born in April of 1881 in Dongola.

He married Adelia Ivo Casper McCommons(?) on July 1, 1903, in Jonesboro, Illinois.

They had four children during their marriage.

He died on August 1, 1963, in his hometown at the age of 82, and was buried there.

Genealogy - Susannah Dillow (1837-1900) My 3rd Great Grandmother

Susannah Dillow (1837-1900)

*under construction - 6/27/20

Susannah Dillow was born in November of 1837 in Dongola, Illinois to John Dillow and Susannah "Susie" * Dillow.

Her father John passed away in Dongola at age 53 in May of 1845 when Susanne was about seven.  Her brother Paul would die the next year.

In 1850 Susannah's mother, John (17) and Susannah (13) family lived in "District 2" of Union County, Illinois.  Son John took care of the farm.  Their real estate was valued at $300.  The homeplace was situated between Susannah's uncles (?) Jacob and Caleb.

When Susannah was fifteen her mother passed away in 1853 at the age of 58.

In 1856 at the age of 18 Susannah married Adam Casper.

The following spring Susannah's sister Catherine would pass away at age 36.

In 1857 Adam and Susannah began their family with the birth of Jane followed three years later by Minerva.

In the 1860 census Susannah and husband Adam live in Union County with the firt two of their children. Adam farms.  Their real estate is valued at $1600 and their personal estate at $200. 

When the couple's third child, Amanda was born; the year was 1861 and the family continued to reside in Dongola.

In 1863 Susannah's brother Jacob Dillow passed away in Memphis, TN.

In 1866 the Caspers welcomed twins; Mary Victoria and Martin Marion.

Our ancestor, Moses Edward was born two years later in 1868 when Susannah was 30.

Martha Clarinda was born nearly nine months later to the day...

In the 1870s three boys were born; Adam Turner, Ira Sylvester and Adam Casper.

Adam passed away in November of 1880.

The couple's final child, son Emery would be born in April of 1881.

Susannah passed away in March of 1900 at age 62.  She is buried in Saint John's Cemetery in Dongola.

Genealogy - Adam Casper (1827-1880) My 3rd Great Grandfather

Adam Casper 1827-1880

Adam Casper (great grandfather of my maternal grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Anderson) was born on February 20 of 1827 in (presumably) Rowan, North Carolina to Peter Casper and Catherine Frick.  (One week later The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad would incorporate - becoming the first railroad in the United States to offer transportation for people and commercial goods - on February 28, 1827.)

Adam was the second of Peter and Catherine's children and the first boy.  Following the birth of Adam, the family quickly grew having five boys by 1837, before having twins in 1839 followed by three more children (with the last one born in 1844).

As of 1850 the family is recorded in Rowan, North Carolina; however according to a post on ancestry.com by rickernest in 2011, Adam purchased 80 acres of land (described as the N1/2 NW1/4 SEC13 TWP 13S R1W. This land was along and generally west of Route 51, some 2 miles north of Dongola) on September 1 of 1853.  He purchased it from Wiley Dillow (Susannah's brother?)  This same post goes on to advise that sometime before his death Adam added 40 more acres, the NW1/4 NE1/4 SEC13 TWP 13S R1W, and had a 3/5 interest in 80 acres, N1/2 NE1/2 SEC14.

Sometime between 1850 and 1855 the family migrated to Pulaski County.  In 1855 Adam's father Peter passed away in Wetaug, Pulaski County at the age of 58.

In 1856 Adam married Susannah Dillow in Union County, Illinois and they began their family.

In 1860, Adam and Susannah lived in Union County with the first two of their children (Jane C (1857–1883) and Minerva Lutetia (1860–1908)).  Their real estate was valued at $1600 and their personal estate at $200.

Adam and Suzannah's third child, Amanda E (1861–1894) was born in September of 1861.

""On Aug. 14, 1862, Adam enlisted at Camp Anna for service into the U.S. Civil War. He enrolled into Co. I, 109th IL. Infantry, and was transferred in Nov of 1863 to 140th Co., First Battalion, Invalid Corps, and finally to the 64th Regt. of the Veterans Reserves, upon discharge at Rock Island, IL.

Adam had considerable health problems while in the service. He was ill at Milliken's Bend, LA. on Apr 23 1863. His transfers came about chiefly because of what doctors called "feebleness of constitution." Adam was home on furlough from Feb to May of 1864, because of poor health. Again, he was sick at Cairo on Feb 28, 1865. Still, after the war, Adam never applied for a pension."" (this paragraph from a post by Michael Olund on wikitree.com)

Following his service in the Civil War, Adam was made guardian of Thomas J. Dillow, Calvin Jenkins Dillow, Warren A. Dillow and Cicero Augustus Dillow, sons of Susannah's brother, John Dillow Jr. who died on Mar 13 1865 as a result of service in the Civil War.  Adam himself had lost two brothers in the Siege of Vicksburg. ((*Possibly a total of 5 brothers in the war overall - Article in the Union newspaper))

Also following his service, Adam and Susannah would resume their building of a family with twins - Mary Victoria Casper (1866-1930) and Martin Marion Casper (1866-1946).

Two years later in January of 1868, our ancestor Moses Edward Casper was born in Dongola.

In November of 1868, rather quickly following the birth of Moses (if you ask me); Martha Clarinda (1868-1945) was born.

In 1870, the Caspers remained in Union County.  Adam farmed and Susannah kept house.

Their property value is listed in the census as $2500 and their personal estate as $5000.

In addition to their own children living in the household in 1870, Thomm Dillow, age 14 remained there.  Daniel Holley, a 30 year old farmer born in Alabama also lived with the family.

The family continues to grow with the birth of Adam Turner Casper (1872-1901) and Ira Sylvester (1876-1928).

By 1880 the Caspers live with only their children in Union County.  Daniel Holley no longer lives with the Caspers, nor does Thomm Dillow.  He would now be 24 and moved on to start a life of his own.

The Caspers were recorded in the 1880 census in June of 1880 and in November of 1880, Adam would pass away of pneumonia at his residence near Dongola at the age of 53.  He was buried in Saint John's Cemetery.

from the Jonesboro Gazette 13 Nov 1880:
Adam Casper, born in North Carolina, aged about 54 years, died of pneumonia at residence three miles north of Dongola 6 Nov 1880.

The couple's final child Emery Erastus (1881-1963) was born the following April.

Adam Casper - FindaGrave.com