In 1880, infant mortality in the United States was nearly 40%. If a woman gave birth to ten children throughout her childbearing years, she could expect to bury four babies before they reached the age of five. Ellen Sutherland was remarkable in that all of her children survived infancy. Continue reading
Eliza Ellen Powell was born April 27, 1860 in Burnsville, Indiana. Robert and Louisa Eliza Powell welcomed their daughter into a family that already included Elizabeth, 3, and Thomas Benton, 1. Two years later, Clinton was born. Continue reading
I was always told that Charles Wesley Sutherland died of tuberculosis when he made the trip to Louisiana in 1892. I think his brother, Isaac Calvin, was also killed by that disease. Continue reading
Iowa, Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997
Guthrie Probate Records, Vol 3-6, 1875-1894
Page 298
In the matter of the last will and testament of Isaac C. Sutherland, deceased. Continue reading
I, Isaac C. Sutherland, of the Town of Milo County of Bureau and state of Illinois, being in ill health, but of sound and disposing mind and memory and being mindful of the uncertainty of human life do now make publish and declare this my last will and testament.
Iowa Wills and Probate Records, 1758-1997
page 300
Charles Wesley’s father, Isaac, was born in Washington, NY in 1802. Sutherlands had lived in Dutchess County for over a hundred years but the family would soon move west. Continue reading
Cal Sutherland’s homestead proof contains a wealth of information about his family situation. His wife suffered from poor health. His neighbors weren’t impressed with his farming skills. And the Land Agent assigned to his case wrote a scathing letter recommending that his application be denied. Things were not looking good for Cal. Continue reading
Two thirds of would be homesteaders either gave up their claim or failed to meet the requirements of The Homestead Act. Cal Sutherland was nearly one of them. Continue reading
In researching land records for Ellen Sutherland, I found homestead patents for Lewis H. Sutherland and Isaac C. Sutherland in the same area. Based on their names and ages, I believe that they were Charles Wesley’s nephews by his older brother James Hiram Sutherland (1939-1915). Continue reading
HOMESTEAD PROOF – TESTIMONY OF CLAIMANT
Mrs. Ellen Sutherland (widow), being called as a witness in his own behalf in support of homestead entry, No. 19101, for SE 1/4 Sec 35, Township 8S R 9 W La Mer, testifies as follows: Continue reading