ISAAC WILLITS
Isaac Willits {sometimes spelled Willets} was the son of Isaiah & Susannah (Boone) Willits. His mother was a first cousin of Daniel Boone. Isaac is a very popular name in the Willits family and at times can be very difficult to follow the correct records. Isaac had an uncle & cousin with the same name as well as his father-in-law and several other members of his 1st wife, Rachel's family. But this is what I've managed to put together.....
THE LIFE OF ISAAC WILLITS
Isaac was born in 1772 near Susquehanna River in York County, Pennsylvania. His parents were of Quaker Faith.
Isaac was married three times. According to West Grove (Indiana) Monthly Meeting Quakers Records his first marriage was to his cousin Rachel Brady Willits in York County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Isaac & Elizabeth (Wilson) Willits. Their marriage date is not exactly known, it was not given in the records because of the cousin relationship, they were not allowed a Quaker marriage.
They, as with so many other early pioneer families, found it was difficult to keep the faith while experiencing the harsh life of the frontier. Many of the early Quaker children were disowned as adults by the Orthodox Quakers for not following their strict laws of the Quaker Faith. Even some of those remaining in the faith joined the Hicksite faction of Quakers in Milford, Indiana, and were disowned by the Orthodox Quakers.
THEIR CHILDREN
To Rachel and Isaac were born eight children:
Brady, b. 7/3/1794 PA;
Harriet, b. 6/22/1797 ?;
Mark, b. 11/29/1800 OH;
Joshua, b. 4/5/1803 IN;
Reuben b. 5/2/1805 IN;
Belinda, 11/16/1807 IN;
Maria, b. 4/16/1810 OH;
Newton Q{I}, b. 8/12/1812 OH.
MOVE TO WAYNE COUNTY
Records are not entirely clear as to exactly when the Isaac Willits family arrived in Wayne County, Indiana because there are no 1810 census records for either Ohio or Indiana. Children Mark, Maria & Newton are given as born Ohio in several of their census records but middle siblings; Joshua, Reuben and Belinda are listed as being born in Indiana?
We do know that Isaac bought land in Indiana in late 1811. Like most Quaker families, in an attempt to ensure that their children would stay in the area of their parents as well as remain in the Quaker Faith after marriage, they would often try to purchase land to pass on to sons and daughters. When Isaac first arrived in Wayne County, Indiana, he purchased several parcels of government land on Oct 24, 1811. But I've yet to find records that say rather he brought his family along with him or went back to Ohio to gather them up afterwards, which could also mean they didn't arrive in Indiana to settle until early 1812 and his 1812 service record states that he served in the War of 1812 for the Ohio Militia. The US War of 1812 Service Record for Isaac states that he enrolled with Company, 1st REGIMENT (DENNY'S), OHIO MILITIA. Rank at Induction was PRIVATE and Rank at Discharge was also PRIVATE.
Other early Pioneer's such as Edward Drury, Aaron Mannon, John Woodward, members of the Commons family and many more also purchased land in Indiana in the same area as Isaac Willits. But none of them would stay, instead they all migrated west to Mercer County, Illinois. Isaac Willets bought additional land in Indiana seemingly with intentions of making Wayne County his permanent home. But like so many other Wayne County families, he too decided not to stay and eventually moved on to Mercer County, Illinois, as well, possibly due to milk sickness and other disease that killed many families during that time.
DEATH OF FIRST WIFE
Isaac's wife Rachel died on Sept 9, 1816 in West Grove, Wayne County, Indiana at the age of 39 and according to the Quaker records, she was buried in the Willits Cemetery at West Union, Wayne County, Indiana. She left behind several small children still at home. After her death Isaac returned with his children to his Quaker Roots, possibly looking for help in raising his young, motherless family. Isaac himself was received in membership on Nov 30, 1816 at Whitewater Monthly Quaker Meeting in Wayne County, Indiana. Records also state that their sons Joshua age 14, Reuben age 12 & Newton Willetts age 4, were received in membership on July 26, 1817 and their daughters Harriett age 20, Belinda age 9, and Maria age 7, were also received in membership on Aug 30, 1817.
SECOND MARRIAGE
According to Quaker Records; on Oct 29, 1817 Isaac Willetts, son of Isaiah and Susanna, both deceased, Wayne County, Indiana, married (his second wife) Miriam Nixon at White Water Meeting House. Miriam, was born Aug 9, 1777 the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Overman) Jones. This was a second marriage for her as well. Miriam was first married on Oct 13, 1808 to Phineas Nixon. (Also found spelled as Phinchas, Phinehas). He was the son of Sarah (Smith) and Thomas Nixon. Miriam & Phineas were the parents of one daughter named Lydia. Phineas died Sept 13, 1813 at the age of 42.
When West Grove Monthly Meeting was started off from Whitewater in 1818, the Willits family were charter members. The records state that Isaac is listed as son of Isaiah and Susannah Willits, born 10-20-1772; Rachel is listed as daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Willits, born Jan 9, 1777 and died Sept 9, 1816.
At the age of 45 Miriam gave birth to her only child with Isaac, a son named Henry. He was born May 12, 1823 but sadly lived barely one month. He died on June 28, 1823.
About five years after the death of their baby, on Dec 27, 1828 Isaac and Miriam were reported as joining the Hicksite Quakers. They are reported also as being at the Milford Hicksite Meeting in Wayne County.
1820 & 1830 CENSUS RECORDS
The family is found living in Wayne County in the 1820 census records. Isaac Willits, Head of House Hold with 1 male over 45 (Isaac), 1 16-26 (Joshua), 1 10-16 (Reuben), 1 under 10 (Newton); 2 females over 45 (1 would have been Miriam, not sure who the second would be?), 1 16-18 (could be Belinda?), 1 10-16 (Probably Maria or could possibly be Miriam's daughter Lydia?). At least three of the children, Brady, Hariett and Mark, were already out of the home.
Isaac is still living in Wayne County, Indiana in the 1830 census. His family is listed as: Isaac, Head of House Hold with; 1 male 50-60 (Isaac), 1 male 15-20 (Newton); 1 female 70-80 (Unknown), 1 female 50-60 (Miriam). Not sure of the identity of the older female but possibly the same person not know in the 1820 census? It could possibly be an older widowed relative.
DEATH OF SECOND WIFE - THIRD MARRIAGE
Not sure of an exact date but we know that Miriam died sometime prior to Isaac's third marriage to Mary Bishop on June 11, 1837 in Wayne County. Isaac was once again reported as being married contrary to discipline about one year later on May 17, 1838 and was dismissed from Quaker meeting for a second time on Nov 15, 1838.
MOVE TO MERCER COUNTY
According to History of Mercer County, 1882 in the biography of Isaac's grandson Milton Willits, Isaac came early to Mercer County, Illinois. He stated that his grandfather Isaac came west in the spring of 1836 and settled in New Boston Township. So did his son-in-law John Rumley. Land Records state that John purchased two parcels of land in Mercer County in February 1836. This was in future Abington Township (Keithsburg area) just southeast of New Boston Township. Often the men of the family came west first, built their cabins, and then went back for their families. Which is apparently what Isaac did as he married wife #3 in June 1837 in Wayne County, Indiana.
Isaac purchased land on Sept 13, 1839 in an area that what would become New Boston Township possibly through Military Land Grants for his participation in the War of 1812? This land was still in Willits ownership in the 1875 Plat Map of New Boston Township and for generations to come.
DEATH & BURIAL OF ISAAC & MARY
At the time of his death in 1844, according to his estate inventory, he owned a total of 160 acres. He also owned a house and lot in the town of New Boston. In his last will and testament he bequeathed to his beloved wife Mary Willits; in lieu of her dower, the family carriage and harness, also $100 in house hold furniture, to be selected by her. She was also left a total $850.00 with $400.00 being paid to her as soon as they estate was settled and the other $450.00 to be paid in six annual, equal installments unless she should die first at which time the payments would cease. An exact DOD for Mary is not known at this time.... still searching Mary.
I can't find burial records for Isaac or Mary. The records simply say Isaac died in Mercer County but don't say which cemetery he was buried in so for now I'm placing him in the New Boston cemetery until I figure out otherwise.....
Isaac Willits {sometimes spelled Willets} was the son of Isaiah & Susannah (Boone) Willits. His mother was a first cousin of Daniel Boone. Isaac is a very popular name in the Willits family and at times can be very difficult to follow the correct records. Isaac had an uncle & cousin with the same name as well as his father-in-law and several other members of his 1st wife, Rachel's family. But this is what I've managed to put together.....
THE LIFE OF ISAAC WILLITS
Isaac was born in 1772 near Susquehanna River in York County, Pennsylvania. His parents were of Quaker Faith.
Isaac was married three times. According to West Grove (Indiana) Monthly Meeting Quakers Records his first marriage was to his cousin Rachel Brady Willits in York County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Isaac & Elizabeth (Wilson) Willits. Their marriage date is not exactly known, it was not given in the records because of the cousin relationship, they were not allowed a Quaker marriage.
They, as with so many other early pioneer families, found it was difficult to keep the faith while experiencing the harsh life of the frontier. Many of the early Quaker children were disowned as adults by the Orthodox Quakers for not following their strict laws of the Quaker Faith. Even some of those remaining in the faith joined the Hicksite faction of Quakers in Milford, Indiana, and were disowned by the Orthodox Quakers.
THEIR CHILDREN
To Rachel and Isaac were born eight children:
Brady, b. 7/3/1794 PA;
Harriet, b. 6/22/1797 ?;
Mark, b. 11/29/1800 OH;
Joshua, b. 4/5/1803 IN;
Reuben b. 5/2/1805 IN;
Belinda, 11/16/1807 IN;
Maria, b. 4/16/1810 OH;
Newton Q{I}, b. 8/12/1812 OH.
MOVE TO WAYNE COUNTY
Records are not entirely clear as to exactly when the Isaac Willits family arrived in Wayne County, Indiana because there are no 1810 census records for either Ohio or Indiana. Children Mark, Maria & Newton are given as born Ohio in several of their census records but middle siblings; Joshua, Reuben and Belinda are listed as being born in Indiana?
We do know that Isaac bought land in Indiana in late 1811. Like most Quaker families, in an attempt to ensure that their children would stay in the area of their parents as well as remain in the Quaker Faith after marriage, they would often try to purchase land to pass on to sons and daughters. When Isaac first arrived in Wayne County, Indiana, he purchased several parcels of government land on Oct 24, 1811. But I've yet to find records that say rather he brought his family along with him or went back to Ohio to gather them up afterwards, which could also mean they didn't arrive in Indiana to settle until early 1812 and his 1812 service record states that he served in the War of 1812 for the Ohio Militia. The US War of 1812 Service Record for Isaac states that he enrolled with Company, 1st REGIMENT (DENNY'S), OHIO MILITIA. Rank at Induction was PRIVATE and Rank at Discharge was also PRIVATE.
Other early Pioneer's such as Edward Drury, Aaron Mannon, John Woodward, members of the Commons family and many more also purchased land in Indiana in the same area as Isaac Willits. But none of them would stay, instead they all migrated west to Mercer County, Illinois. Isaac Willets bought additional land in Indiana seemingly with intentions of making Wayne County his permanent home. But like so many other Wayne County families, he too decided not to stay and eventually moved on to Mercer County, Illinois, as well, possibly due to milk sickness and other disease that killed many families during that time.
DEATH OF FIRST WIFE
Isaac's wife Rachel died on Sept 9, 1816 in West Grove, Wayne County, Indiana at the age of 39 and according to the Quaker records, she was buried in the Willits Cemetery at West Union, Wayne County, Indiana. She left behind several small children still at home. After her death Isaac returned with his children to his Quaker Roots, possibly looking for help in raising his young, motherless family. Isaac himself was received in membership on Nov 30, 1816 at Whitewater Monthly Quaker Meeting in Wayne County, Indiana. Records also state that their sons Joshua age 14, Reuben age 12 & Newton Willetts age 4, were received in membership on July 26, 1817 and their daughters Harriett age 20, Belinda age 9, and Maria age 7, were also received in membership on Aug 30, 1817.
SECOND MARRIAGE
According to Quaker Records; on Oct 29, 1817 Isaac Willetts, son of Isaiah and Susanna, both deceased, Wayne County, Indiana, married (his second wife) Miriam Nixon at White Water Meeting House. Miriam, was born Aug 9, 1777 the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Overman) Jones. This was a second marriage for her as well. Miriam was first married on Oct 13, 1808 to Phineas Nixon. (Also found spelled as Phinchas, Phinehas). He was the son of Sarah (Smith) and Thomas Nixon. Miriam & Phineas were the parents of one daughter named Lydia. Phineas died Sept 13, 1813 at the age of 42.
When West Grove Monthly Meeting was started off from Whitewater in 1818, the Willits family were charter members. The records state that Isaac is listed as son of Isaiah and Susannah Willits, born 10-20-1772; Rachel is listed as daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Willits, born Jan 9, 1777 and died Sept 9, 1816.
At the age of 45 Miriam gave birth to her only child with Isaac, a son named Henry. He was born May 12, 1823 but sadly lived barely one month. He died on June 28, 1823.
About five years after the death of their baby, on Dec 27, 1828 Isaac and Miriam were reported as joining the Hicksite Quakers. They are reported also as being at the Milford Hicksite Meeting in Wayne County.
1820 & 1830 CENSUS RECORDS
The family is found living in Wayne County in the 1820 census records. Isaac Willits, Head of House Hold with 1 male over 45 (Isaac), 1 16-26 (Joshua), 1 10-16 (Reuben), 1 under 10 (Newton); 2 females over 45 (1 would have been Miriam, not sure who the second would be?), 1 16-18 (could be Belinda?), 1 10-16 (Probably Maria or could possibly be Miriam's daughter Lydia?). At least three of the children, Brady, Hariett and Mark, were already out of the home.
Isaac is still living in Wayne County, Indiana in the 1830 census. His family is listed as: Isaac, Head of House Hold with; 1 male 50-60 (Isaac), 1 male 15-20 (Newton); 1 female 70-80 (Unknown), 1 female 50-60 (Miriam). Not sure of the identity of the older female but possibly the same person not know in the 1820 census? It could possibly be an older widowed relative.
DEATH OF SECOND WIFE - THIRD MARRIAGE
Not sure of an exact date but we know that Miriam died sometime prior to Isaac's third marriage to Mary Bishop on June 11, 1837 in Wayne County. Isaac was once again reported as being married contrary to discipline about one year later on May 17, 1838 and was dismissed from Quaker meeting for a second time on Nov 15, 1838.
MOVE TO MERCER COUNTY
According to History of Mercer County, 1882 in the biography of Isaac's grandson Milton Willits, Isaac came early to Mercer County, Illinois. He stated that his grandfather Isaac came west in the spring of 1836 and settled in New Boston Township. So did his son-in-law John Rumley. Land Records state that John purchased two parcels of land in Mercer County in February 1836. This was in future Abington Township (Keithsburg area) just southeast of New Boston Township. Often the men of the family came west first, built their cabins, and then went back for their families. Which is apparently what Isaac did as he married wife #3 in June 1837 in Wayne County, Indiana.
Isaac purchased land on Sept 13, 1839 in an area that what would become New Boston Township possibly through Military Land Grants for his participation in the War of 1812? This land was still in Willits ownership in the 1875 Plat Map of New Boston Township and for generations to come.
DEATH & BURIAL OF ISAAC & MARY
At the time of his death in 1844, according to his estate inventory, he owned a total of 160 acres. He also owned a house and lot in the town of New Boston. In his last will and testament he bequeathed to his beloved wife Mary Willits; in lieu of her dower, the family carriage and harness, also $100 in house hold furniture, to be selected by her. She was also left a total $850.00 with $400.00 being paid to her as soon as they estate was settled and the other $450.00 to be paid in six annual, equal installments unless she should die first at which time the payments would cease. An exact DOD for Mary is not known at this time.... still searching Mary.
I can't find burial records for Isaac or Mary. The records simply say Isaac died in Mercer County but don't say which cemetery he was buried in so for now I'm placing him in the New Boston cemetery until I figure out otherwise.....
ISAAC WILLITS
Isaac Willits {sometimes spelled Willets} was the son of Isaiah & Susannah (Boone) Willits. His mother was a first cousin of Daniel Boone. Isaac is a very popular name in the Willits family and at times can be very difficult to follow the correct records. Isaac had an uncle & cousin with the same name as well as his father-in-law and several other members of his 1st wife, Rachel's family. But this is what I've managed to put together.....
THE LIFE OF ISAAC WILLITS
Isaac was born in 1772 near Susquehanna River in York County, Pennsylvania. His parents were of Quaker Faith.
Isaac was married three times. According to West Grove (Indiana) Monthly Meeting Quakers Records his first marriage was to his cousin Rachel Brady Willits in York County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Isaac & Elizabeth (Wilson) Willits. Their marriage date is not exactly known, it was not given in the records because of the cousin relationship, they were not allowed a Quaker marriage.
They, as with so many other early pioneer families, found it was difficult to keep the faith while experiencing the harsh life of the frontier. Many of the early Quaker children were disowned as adults by the Orthodox Quakers for not following their strict laws of the Quaker Faith. Even some of those remaining in the faith joined the Hicksite faction of Quakers in Milford, Indiana, and were disowned by the Orthodox Quakers.
THEIR CHILDREN
To Rachel and Isaac were born eight children:
Brady, b. 7/3/1794 PA;
Harriet, b. 6/22/1797 ?;
Mark, b. 11/29/1800 OH;
Joshua, b. 4/5/1803 IN;
Reuben b. 5/2/1805 IN;
Belinda, 11/16/1807 IN;
Maria, b. 4/16/1810 OH;
Newton Q{I}, b. 8/12/1812 OH.
MOVE TO WAYNE COUNTY
Records are not entirely clear as to exactly when the Isaac Willits family arrived in Wayne County, Indiana because there are no 1810 census records for either Ohio or Indiana. Children Mark, Maria & Newton are given as born Ohio in several of their census records but middle siblings; Joshua, Reuben and Belinda are listed as being born in Indiana?
We do know that Isaac bought land in Indiana in late 1811. Like most Quaker families, in an attempt to ensure that their children would stay in the area of their parents as well as remain in the Quaker Faith after marriage, they would often try to purchase land to pass on to sons and daughters. When Isaac first arrived in Wayne County, Indiana, he purchased several parcels of government land on Oct 24, 1811. But I've yet to find records that say rather he brought his family along with him or went back to Ohio to gather them up afterwards, which could also mean they didn't arrive in Indiana to settle until early 1812 and his 1812 service record states that he served in the War of 1812 for the Ohio Militia. The US War of 1812 Service Record for Isaac states that he enrolled with Company, 1st REGIMENT (DENNY'S), OHIO MILITIA. Rank at Induction was PRIVATE and Rank at Discharge was also PRIVATE.
Other early Pioneer's such as Edward Drury, Aaron Mannon, John Woodward, members of the Commons family and many more also purchased land in Indiana in the same area as Isaac Willits. But none of them would stay, instead they all migrated west to Mercer County, Illinois. Isaac Willets bought additional land in Indiana seemingly with intentions of making Wayne County his permanent home. But like so many other Wayne County families, he too decided not to stay and eventually moved on to Mercer County, Illinois, as well, possibly due to milk sickness and other disease that killed many families during that time.
DEATH OF FIRST WIFE
Isaac's wife Rachel died on Sept 9, 1816 in West Grove, Wayne County, Indiana at the age of 39 and according to the Quaker records, she was buried in the Willits Cemetery at West Union, Wayne County, Indiana. She left behind several small children still at home. After her death Isaac returned with his children to his Quaker Roots, possibly looking for help in raising his young, motherless family. Isaac himself was received in membership on Nov 30, 1816 at Whitewater Monthly Quaker Meeting in Wayne County, Indiana. Records also state that their sons Joshua age 14, Reuben age 12 & Newton Willetts age 4, were received in membership on July 26, 1817 and their daughters Harriett age 20, Belinda age 9, and Maria age 7, were also received in membership on Aug 30, 1817.
SECOND MARRIAGE
According to Quaker Records; on Oct 29, 1817 Isaac Willetts, son of Isaiah and Susanna, both deceased, Wayne County, Indiana, married (his second wife) Miriam Nixon at White Water Meeting House. Miriam, was born Aug 9, 1777 the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Overman) Jones. This was a second marriage for her as well. Miriam was first married on Oct 13, 1808 to Phineas Nixon. (Also found spelled as Phinchas, Phinehas). He was the son of Sarah (Smith) and Thomas Nixon. Miriam & Phineas were the parents of one daughter named Lydia. Phineas died Sept 13, 1813 at the age of 42.
When West Grove Monthly Meeting was started off from Whitewater in 1818, the Willits family were charter members. The records state that Isaac is listed as son of Isaiah and Susannah Willits, born 10-20-1772; Rachel is listed as daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Willits, born Jan 9, 1777 and died Sept 9, 1816.
At the age of 45 Miriam gave birth to her only child with Isaac, a son named Henry. He was born May 12, 1823 but sadly lived barely one month. He died on June 28, 1823.
About five years after the death of their baby, on Dec 27, 1828 Isaac and Miriam were reported as joining the Hicksite Quakers. They are reported also as being at the Milford Hicksite Meeting in Wayne County.
1820 & 1830 CENSUS RECORDS
The family is found living in Wayne County in the 1820 census records. Isaac Willits, Head of House Hold with 1 male over 45 (Isaac), 1 16-26 (Joshua), 1 10-16 (Reuben), 1 under 10 (Newton); 2 females over 45 (1 would have been Miriam, not sure who the second would be?), 1 16-18 (could be Belinda?), 1 10-16 (Probably Maria or could possibly be Miriam's daughter Lydia?). At least three of the children, Brady, Hariett and Mark, were already out of the home.
Isaac is still living in Wayne County, Indiana in the 1830 census. His family is listed as: Isaac, Head of House Hold with; 1 male 50-60 (Isaac), 1 male 15-20 (Newton); 1 female 70-80 (Unknown), 1 female 50-60 (Miriam). Not sure of the identity of the older female but possibly the same person not know in the 1820 census? It could possibly be an older widowed relative.
DEATH OF SECOND WIFE - THIRD MARRIAGE
Not sure of an exact date but we know that Miriam died sometime prior to Isaac's third marriage to Mary Bishop on June 11, 1837 in Wayne County. Isaac was once again reported as being married contrary to discipline about one year later on May 17, 1838 and was dismissed from Quaker meeting for a second time on Nov 15, 1838.
MOVE TO MERCER COUNTY
According to History of Mercer County, 1882 in the biography of Isaac's grandson Milton Willits, Isaac came early to Mercer County, Illinois. He stated that his grandfather Isaac came west in the spring of 1836 and settled in New Boston Township. So did his son-in-law John Rumley. Land Records state that John purchased two parcels of land in Mercer County in February 1836. This was in future Abington Township (Keithsburg area) just southeast of New Boston Township. Often the men of the family came west first, built their cabins, and then went back for their families. Which is apparently what Isaac did as he married wife #3 in June 1837 in Wayne County, Indiana.
Isaac purchased land on Sept 13, 1839 in an area that what would become New Boston Township possibly through Military Land Grants for his participation in the War of 1812? This land was still in Willits ownership in the 1875 Plat Map of New Boston Township and for generations to come.
DEATH & BURIAL OF ISAAC & MARY
At the time of his death in 1844, according to his estate inventory, he owned a total of 160 acres. He also owned a house and lot in the town of New Boston. In his last will and testament he bequeathed to his beloved wife Mary Willits; in lieu of her dower, the family carriage and harness, also $100 in house hold furniture, to be selected by her. She was also left a total $850.00 with $400.00 being paid to her as soon as they estate was settled and the other $450.00 to be paid in six annual, equal installments unless she should die first at which time the payments would cease. An exact DOD for Mary is not known at this time.... still searching Mary.
I can't find burial records for Isaac or Mary. The records simply say Isaac died in Mercer County but don't say which cemetery he was buried in so for now I'm placing him in the New Boston cemetery until I figure out otherwise.....
Isaac Willits {sometimes spelled Willets} was the son of Isaiah & Susannah (Boone) Willits. His mother was a first cousin of Daniel Boone. Isaac is a very popular name in the Willits family and at times can be very difficult to follow the correct records. Isaac had an uncle & cousin with the same name as well as his father-in-law and several other members of his 1st wife, Rachel's family. But this is what I've managed to put together.....
THE LIFE OF ISAAC WILLITS
Isaac was born in 1772 near Susquehanna River in York County, Pennsylvania. His parents were of Quaker Faith.
Isaac was married three times. According to West Grove (Indiana) Monthly Meeting Quakers Records his first marriage was to his cousin Rachel Brady Willits in York County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Isaac & Elizabeth (Wilson) Willits. Their marriage date is not exactly known, it was not given in the records because of the cousin relationship, they were not allowed a Quaker marriage.
They, as with so many other early pioneer families, found it was difficult to keep the faith while experiencing the harsh life of the frontier. Many of the early Quaker children were disowned as adults by the Orthodox Quakers for not following their strict laws of the Quaker Faith. Even some of those remaining in the faith joined the Hicksite faction of Quakers in Milford, Indiana, and were disowned by the Orthodox Quakers.
THEIR CHILDREN
To Rachel and Isaac were born eight children:
Brady, b. 7/3/1794 PA;
Harriet, b. 6/22/1797 ?;
Mark, b. 11/29/1800 OH;
Joshua, b. 4/5/1803 IN;
Reuben b. 5/2/1805 IN;
Belinda, 11/16/1807 IN;
Maria, b. 4/16/1810 OH;
Newton Q{I}, b. 8/12/1812 OH.
MOVE TO WAYNE COUNTY
Records are not entirely clear as to exactly when the Isaac Willits family arrived in Wayne County, Indiana because there are no 1810 census records for either Ohio or Indiana. Children Mark, Maria & Newton are given as born Ohio in several of their census records but middle siblings; Joshua, Reuben and Belinda are listed as being born in Indiana?
We do know that Isaac bought land in Indiana in late 1811. Like most Quaker families, in an attempt to ensure that their children would stay in the area of their parents as well as remain in the Quaker Faith after marriage, they would often try to purchase land to pass on to sons and daughters. When Isaac first arrived in Wayne County, Indiana, he purchased several parcels of government land on Oct 24, 1811. But I've yet to find records that say rather he brought his family along with him or went back to Ohio to gather them up afterwards, which could also mean they didn't arrive in Indiana to settle until early 1812 and his 1812 service record states that he served in the War of 1812 for the Ohio Militia. The US War of 1812 Service Record for Isaac states that he enrolled with Company, 1st REGIMENT (DENNY'S), OHIO MILITIA. Rank at Induction was PRIVATE and Rank at Discharge was also PRIVATE.
Other early Pioneer's such as Edward Drury, Aaron Mannon, John Woodward, members of the Commons family and many more also purchased land in Indiana in the same area as Isaac Willits. But none of them would stay, instead they all migrated west to Mercer County, Illinois. Isaac Willets bought additional land in Indiana seemingly with intentions of making Wayne County his permanent home. But like so many other Wayne County families, he too decided not to stay and eventually moved on to Mercer County, Illinois, as well, possibly due to milk sickness and other disease that killed many families during that time.
DEATH OF FIRST WIFE
Isaac's wife Rachel died on Sept 9, 1816 in West Grove, Wayne County, Indiana at the age of 39 and according to the Quaker records, she was buried in the Willits Cemetery at West Union, Wayne County, Indiana. She left behind several small children still at home. After her death Isaac returned with his children to his Quaker Roots, possibly looking for help in raising his young, motherless family. Isaac himself was received in membership on Nov 30, 1816 at Whitewater Monthly Quaker Meeting in Wayne County, Indiana. Records also state that their sons Joshua age 14, Reuben age 12 & Newton Willetts age 4, were received in membership on July 26, 1817 and their daughters Harriett age 20, Belinda age 9, and Maria age 7, were also received in membership on Aug 30, 1817.
SECOND MARRIAGE
According to Quaker Records; on Oct 29, 1817 Isaac Willetts, son of Isaiah and Susanna, both deceased, Wayne County, Indiana, married (his second wife) Miriam Nixon at White Water Meeting House. Miriam, was born Aug 9, 1777 the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Overman) Jones. This was a second marriage for her as well. Miriam was first married on Oct 13, 1808 to Phineas Nixon. (Also found spelled as Phinchas, Phinehas). He was the son of Sarah (Smith) and Thomas Nixon. Miriam & Phineas were the parents of one daughter named Lydia. Phineas died Sept 13, 1813 at the age of 42.
When West Grove Monthly Meeting was started off from Whitewater in 1818, the Willits family were charter members. The records state that Isaac is listed as son of Isaiah and Susannah Willits, born 10-20-1772; Rachel is listed as daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Willits, born Jan 9, 1777 and died Sept 9, 1816.
At the age of 45 Miriam gave birth to her only child with Isaac, a son named Henry. He was born May 12, 1823 but sadly lived barely one month. He died on June 28, 1823.
About five years after the death of their baby, on Dec 27, 1828 Isaac and Miriam were reported as joining the Hicksite Quakers. They are reported also as being at the Milford Hicksite Meeting in Wayne County.
1820 & 1830 CENSUS RECORDS
The family is found living in Wayne County in the 1820 census records. Isaac Willits, Head of House Hold with 1 male over 45 (Isaac), 1 16-26 (Joshua), 1 10-16 (Reuben), 1 under 10 (Newton); 2 females over 45 (1 would have been Miriam, not sure who the second would be?), 1 16-18 (could be Belinda?), 1 10-16 (Probably Maria or could possibly be Miriam's daughter Lydia?). At least three of the children, Brady, Hariett and Mark, were already out of the home.
Isaac is still living in Wayne County, Indiana in the 1830 census. His family is listed as: Isaac, Head of House Hold with; 1 male 50-60 (Isaac), 1 male 15-20 (Newton); 1 female 70-80 (Unknown), 1 female 50-60 (Miriam). Not sure of the identity of the older female but possibly the same person not know in the 1820 census? It could possibly be an older widowed relative.
DEATH OF SECOND WIFE - THIRD MARRIAGE
Not sure of an exact date but we know that Miriam died sometime prior to Isaac's third marriage to Mary Bishop on June 11, 1837 in Wayne County. Isaac was once again reported as being married contrary to discipline about one year later on May 17, 1838 and was dismissed from Quaker meeting for a second time on Nov 15, 1838.
MOVE TO MERCER COUNTY
According to History of Mercer County, 1882 in the biography of Isaac's grandson Milton Willits, Isaac came early to Mercer County, Illinois. He stated that his grandfather Isaac came west in the spring of 1836 and settled in New Boston Township. So did his son-in-law John Rumley. Land Records state that John purchased two parcels of land in Mercer County in February 1836. This was in future Abington Township (Keithsburg area) just southeast of New Boston Township. Often the men of the family came west first, built their cabins, and then went back for their families. Which is apparently what Isaac did as he married wife #3 in June 1837 in Wayne County, Indiana.
Isaac purchased land on Sept 13, 1839 in an area that what would become New Boston Township possibly through Military Land Grants for his participation in the War of 1812? This land was still in Willits ownership in the 1875 Plat Map of New Boston Township and for generations to come.
DEATH & BURIAL OF ISAAC & MARY
At the time of his death in 1844, according to his estate inventory, he owned a total of 160 acres. He also owned a house and lot in the town of New Boston. In his last will and testament he bequeathed to his beloved wife Mary Willits; in lieu of her dower, the family carriage and harness, also $100 in house hold furniture, to be selected by her. She was also left a total $850.00 with $400.00 being paid to her as soon as they estate was settled and the other $450.00 to be paid in six annual, equal installments unless she should die first at which time the payments would cease. An exact DOD for Mary is not known at this time.... still searching Mary.
I can't find burial records for Isaac or Mary. The records simply say Isaac died in Mercer County but don't say which cemetery he was buried in so for now I'm placing him in the New Boston cemetery until I figure out otherwise.....
Family Members
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