Corporal BASIL H. MESSLER, Co. C, 1st Battalion of Cavalry, Mississippi Marine Brigade and Co. F, Mississippi Marine Regiment, United State Volunteers
Basil H. Messler was born on June 12, 1834/35 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, the son of Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler. Reuben Messler was born c. 1805/06 in Maryland, while Mary McFarland was born c. 1807/08 in Maryland. According to a site on familysearch, Reuben was born in Frederick County, Maryland, the son of William Messler (1780 - 1849) and Elizabeth (Slick) Messler (1783 - 1870). William Messler was born on May 25, 1780 in Frederick County, Maryland and died on June 20, 1849 in Ohio at the age of 69 years & 27ds. William's mortal remains were laid in the Weaver Cemetery in Liberty, Montgomery County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 112915700.
According to this same site on familysearch, Reuben Messler and Mary McFarland were married on March 19, 1828 in Frederick County, Maryland. However, from the 1850 census, their son William Messler was born c. 1829/30 in Ohio, so Reuben and Mary moved west to Ohio very soon after they were married.
At the time of the 1830 and 1840 census records, Reuben Messler and his family are found in Jackson Township of Montgomery County, Ohio. At the time of the 1850 census, the Messler family is found in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio;
Reuben Messler M 44 Maryland
Mary Messler F 42 Maryland
William Messler M 20 Ohio
Ezry Messler M 19 Ohio
Malon Messler M 18 Ohio
Basil Messler M 15 Ohio
John Messler M 14 Ohio
Nathan Messler M 12 Ohio
Adolphus Messler M 8 Ohio
Jacob Messler M 6 Ohio
Mary Messler F 4 Ohio
Reuben Messler M 0 Ohio
From this census, we see that the children born to Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler include;
1. William Messler, born c. 1829/30 in Ohio.
2. Ezry Messler, born c. 1830/31 in Ohio.
3. Malon Messler, born c. 1831/32 in Montgomery County, Ohio. The "Historical Encyclopedia and History of Fulton County, Illinois" has the following biography on page 994;
MESSLER, M. B. — A familiar figure on the streets of Canton ever since his arrival here in 1851, M. B. Messler has been variously identified with the business interests of the town, but principally has been known as a plaster contractor, a watchmaker and repairer and holder of important local offices. Mr. Messler was born amid humble surroundings on a farm in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1832, and was one of eleven children to depend upon the slender resources of his parents, Reuben and Mary (McFarland) Messler, natives of Maryland. The father was born in 1806 and the mother in 1807, and they moved to Ohio when it was a wilderness and bravely undertook the hardships and sacrifices of pioneer life. Removing from Ohio to Canton Township in 1852, they settled on a farm and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, the father passing from life in 1868 and the mother in 1873.
M. B. Messler preceded his parents to Canton by one year, bringing with him, besides a strong constitution and a willingness to work, a thorough knowledge of the plasterer’s trade. The comparatively new country to which he came offered abundant employment for his trade, and he followed it from 1853 until 1873, latterly employing as many as seventeen hands. He became one of the best known and most skilled workmen in the vicinity, and was about the only man in the county who could do ornamental plaster work. The Parlan and Babcock homes were among those which profited by his skill, but there are monuments to his labor scattered throughout the town and county. In the meantime, in 1860, he started a watch stand on the square, and for twenty-seven years this stand weathered financial depression and prosperity and all the varied changes which swept over the community during that time. The owner was reliable and skillful, moderate in his charges and the soul of honor, and he was sadly missed from accustomed haunts when he gave up the little stand and performed his tasks at his home.
Mr. Messler cast his first presidential vote for a Republican candidate and ever since has been a stanch supporter of that party. In earlier days he filled many offices within the gift of the people, and in 1901 was elected Justice of the Peace and re-elected in 1905. His first wife, who formerly was Mary E. Spencer, died in 1890. His present wife, Mrs. Eliza Jane (Angler) Messler, is a native of Mercersburg, Pa. The only child and daughter in the family now is Mrs. Whitehouse, of Santiago, Cal. Mr. Messler has derived social and general advantages from connection with the Masons, being a charter member of the Bohemond Lodge, No. 54, organized in 1866. Too much emphasis cannot be laid on the sterling worth which has contributed to his own and the city’s good, or to the faithfulness and devotion to duty which has characterized his every undertaking.
4. Basil Messler, born c. June 12, 1834/35 in Ohio. See his biography below.
5. John Messler, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
6. Nathan Messler, born c. 1837/38 in Ohio. Nathan served in Co. K of the 7th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War. Following is his service record from the Illinois Civil War Detail Report;
Name MESSLER, NATHAN R Rank PVT
Company K Unit 7 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence CANTON, FULTON CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 10 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 24, 1861
Joined Where CANTON, IL
Joined By Whom H C NELSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 13, 1861
Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out OCT 15, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
7. Adolphus Messler, born c. 1841/42 in Ohio.
8. Jacob Messler, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio. A J. R. Messler was married in 1869 in Nebraska. This is found on familysearch;
Name J.R. Messler
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 24 Feb 1869
Event Place , Richardson, Nebraska, United States
Gender Male
Spouse's Name S.E. Catron
Spouse's Gender Female
9. Mary Messler,born c. 1845/46 in Ohio.
10. Reuben David Messler, born October 6, 1849 in Montgomery County, Ohio. Reuben was married to Margaret Susan Stumbo (1855 - 1927).
Dr. Reuben David Messler died on November 23, 1923 in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 62470781.
11. ____________ Messler, born c. 18__ in Ohio.
In 1851, Reuben's son, Malon Messler, moved west to Illinois, where he settled in Fulton County, in or near Canton, Illinois. The following year, Reuben Messler brought the rest of the Messler family west to Illinois, where they, too, settled in Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Reuben and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois;
Ruben Messler M 53 Maryland Farmer
Mary Messler F 52 Maryland
John Messler M 24 Ohio Farm Hand
Adolphus Messler M 18 Ohio
Jack Messler M 16 Ohio
Mary Messler F 14 Ohio
Ruben Messler M 10 Ohio
Just after the 1860 census was taken, Reuben and Mary are believed to have taken some of the younger members of the family and headed still further west, where they settled in Nebraska. Reuben Messler died on ____________ __, 18__, while Mary (McFarland) Messler died on ____________ __, 18__. Their mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Basil H. Messler;
During the Civil War, Basil is known to have served in at least 1864 and 1865 as a Corporal in Co. C, 1st Battalion of Cavalry of the Mississippi Marine Brigade and in Co. F of the Marine Regiment of United States Volunteers.
After the war, Basil's occupation was dentist.
Basil H. Messler was married to Mary J. Whitehill on May 13, 1866 in Fulton County, Illinois. Mary was born on February __, 1848 in ____________ County, Virginia (now West Virginia).
The children born to Basil and Mary include;
1. Minnie "Minna" Messler, born ____________ __, 1867 in ___________ County, Illinois. Minnie Messler is found with the family in the 1870 and 1880 census records. Minnie Messler died on ____________ __, 1897 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263159.
2. Blanche W. Messler, born September __, 1873 in Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is found with the family in Fulton County, Illinois in the 1880 census. She attended school in the 1880's and 1890's becoming a School Teacher. She is still single and living with her parents in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1900 census and is teaching school, probably somewhere in Canton, Illinois at this time.
At the time of the 1920 census, Blanch and her widowed mother are found residing at 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is listed as a School Teacher;
Mary J Messler Head F 71 West Virginia
Blanche Messler Daughter F 46 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Blanche is found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, with her, widowed, mother. Blanche is still listed as a Public School Taecher.
At the time of the 1940 census, Blanche is still found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. She is still listed as a Public School Teacher;
Dora Linder Head F 63 Illinois
Blanche Messler Companion F 66 Illinois
Blanche Messler died on ____________ __, 1958. She taught school in the Canton, Illinois area for about 50 years and undoubtedly greatly influenced the lives of thousands of pupils over the years. The mortal remains of Blanche W. Messler were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263135.
At the time of the 1870 census, Basil and his family are found in what is identified as Ward 4 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Basil H Messler M 35 Ohio
Mary Messler F 22 Virginia
Minnie Messler F 3 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Basil and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois, where he is Dentist;
Bazel N Messler Self M 46 Ohio Dentist
Mary Messler Wife F 32 West Virginia
Minna Messler Daughter F 13 Illinois Attending School
Blanch Messler Daughter F 6 Illinois
Flora Armstong Other F 23 West Virginia Milliner Store
At the time of the 1900 census, Basil and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois. He and Mary are recorded as having been married 34 years;
Basil H Messler Head M Jun 1834 66 Ohio Dentist
Mary J Messler Wife F Feb 1848 52 West Virginia
Blanche W Messler Daughter F Sep 1873 27 Illinois School Teacher
Basil H. Messler died on January 9, 1916 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. His Illinois death record, found on familysearch, states the following;
Name Basil H. Messler
Event Date 09 Jan 1916
Event Place Canton, Fulton, Illinois
Gender Male
Race White
Age 82
Birth Year (Estimated) 1834
Birth Date 12 Jun 1833
Birthplace OH
Father's Name Rheubin Messler
Father's Birthplace MD
Mother's Name Mary Mcfarland
Mother's Birthplace MD
Occupation Retired Dentist
Burial Date 11 Jan 1916
Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler died on August 5, 1932 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. The mortal remains of both Basil and Mary were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.
As Basil H. Messler and Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler only had the two daughters, neither of whom married and had any children, this branch of the Messler family ended with the death of their youngest daughter, Blanche. Though this branch of the Messler family line has ended, they had great influence on the citizens of the community of Canton, Illinois, especially through their daughter, Blanche. It would be interesting to hear from any of her former students who may see this little biography.
By Baxter B. Fite III and Deb McCallister, Find A Grave Contributor #47109890.
Basil H. Messler was born on June 12, 1834/35 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, the son of Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler. Reuben Messler was born c. 1805/06 in Maryland, while Mary McFarland was born c. 1807/08 in Maryland. According to a site on familysearch, Reuben was born in Frederick County, Maryland, the son of William Messler (1780 - 1849) and Elizabeth (Slick) Messler (1783 - 1870). William Messler was born on May 25, 1780 in Frederick County, Maryland and died on June 20, 1849 in Ohio at the age of 69 years & 27ds. William's mortal remains were laid in the Weaver Cemetery in Liberty, Montgomery County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 112915700.
According to this same site on familysearch, Reuben Messler and Mary McFarland were married on March 19, 1828 in Frederick County, Maryland. However, from the 1850 census, their son William Messler was born c. 1829/30 in Ohio, so Reuben and Mary moved west to Ohio very soon after they were married.
At the time of the 1830 and 1840 census records, Reuben Messler and his family are found in Jackson Township of Montgomery County, Ohio. At the time of the 1850 census, the Messler family is found in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio;
Reuben Messler M 44 Maryland
Mary Messler F 42 Maryland
William Messler M 20 Ohio
Ezry Messler M 19 Ohio
Malon Messler M 18 Ohio
Basil Messler M 15 Ohio
John Messler M 14 Ohio
Nathan Messler M 12 Ohio
Adolphus Messler M 8 Ohio
Jacob Messler M 6 Ohio
Mary Messler F 4 Ohio
Reuben Messler M 0 Ohio
From this census, we see that the children born to Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler include;
1. William Messler, born c. 1829/30 in Ohio.
2. Ezry Messler, born c. 1830/31 in Ohio.
3. Malon Messler, born c. 1831/32 in Montgomery County, Ohio. The "Historical Encyclopedia and History of Fulton County, Illinois" has the following biography on page 994;
MESSLER, M. B. — A familiar figure on the streets of Canton ever since his arrival here in 1851, M. B. Messler has been variously identified with the business interests of the town, but principally has been known as a plaster contractor, a watchmaker and repairer and holder of important local offices. Mr. Messler was born amid humble surroundings on a farm in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1832, and was one of eleven children to depend upon the slender resources of his parents, Reuben and Mary (McFarland) Messler, natives of Maryland. The father was born in 1806 and the mother in 1807, and they moved to Ohio when it was a wilderness and bravely undertook the hardships and sacrifices of pioneer life. Removing from Ohio to Canton Township in 1852, they settled on a farm and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, the father passing from life in 1868 and the mother in 1873.
M. B. Messler preceded his parents to Canton by one year, bringing with him, besides a strong constitution and a willingness to work, a thorough knowledge of the plasterer’s trade. The comparatively new country to which he came offered abundant employment for his trade, and he followed it from 1853 until 1873, latterly employing as many as seventeen hands. He became one of the best known and most skilled workmen in the vicinity, and was about the only man in the county who could do ornamental plaster work. The Parlan and Babcock homes were among those which profited by his skill, but there are monuments to his labor scattered throughout the town and county. In the meantime, in 1860, he started a watch stand on the square, and for twenty-seven years this stand weathered financial depression and prosperity and all the varied changes which swept over the community during that time. The owner was reliable and skillful, moderate in his charges and the soul of honor, and he was sadly missed from accustomed haunts when he gave up the little stand and performed his tasks at his home.
Mr. Messler cast his first presidential vote for a Republican candidate and ever since has been a stanch supporter of that party. In earlier days he filled many offices within the gift of the people, and in 1901 was elected Justice of the Peace and re-elected in 1905. His first wife, who formerly was Mary E. Spencer, died in 1890. His present wife, Mrs. Eliza Jane (Angler) Messler, is a native of Mercersburg, Pa. The only child and daughter in the family now is Mrs. Whitehouse, of Santiago, Cal. Mr. Messler has derived social and general advantages from connection with the Masons, being a charter member of the Bohemond Lodge, No. 54, organized in 1866. Too much emphasis cannot be laid on the sterling worth which has contributed to his own and the city’s good, or to the faithfulness and devotion to duty which has characterized his every undertaking.
4. Basil Messler, born c. June 12, 1834/35 in Ohio. See his biography below.
5. John Messler, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
6. Nathan Messler, born c. 1837/38 in Ohio. Nathan served in Co. K of the 7th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War. Following is his service record from the Illinois Civil War Detail Report;
Name MESSLER, NATHAN R Rank PVT
Company K Unit 7 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence CANTON, FULTON CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 10 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 24, 1861
Joined Where CANTON, IL
Joined By Whom H C NELSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 13, 1861
Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out OCT 15, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
7. Adolphus Messler, born c. 1841/42 in Ohio.
8. Jacob Messler, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio. A J. R. Messler was married in 1869 in Nebraska. This is found on familysearch;
Name J.R. Messler
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 24 Feb 1869
Event Place , Richardson, Nebraska, United States
Gender Male
Spouse's Name S.E. Catron
Spouse's Gender Female
9. Mary Messler,born c. 1845/46 in Ohio.
10. Reuben David Messler, born October 6, 1849 in Montgomery County, Ohio. Reuben was married to Margaret Susan Stumbo (1855 - 1927).
Dr. Reuben David Messler died on November 23, 1923 in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 62470781.
11. ____________ Messler, born c. 18__ in Ohio.
In 1851, Reuben's son, Malon Messler, moved west to Illinois, where he settled in Fulton County, in or near Canton, Illinois. The following year, Reuben Messler brought the rest of the Messler family west to Illinois, where they, too, settled in Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Reuben and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois;
Ruben Messler M 53 Maryland Farmer
Mary Messler F 52 Maryland
John Messler M 24 Ohio Farm Hand
Adolphus Messler M 18 Ohio
Jack Messler M 16 Ohio
Mary Messler F 14 Ohio
Ruben Messler M 10 Ohio
Just after the 1860 census was taken, Reuben and Mary are believed to have taken some of the younger members of the family and headed still further west, where they settled in Nebraska. Reuben Messler died on ____________ __, 18__, while Mary (McFarland) Messler died on ____________ __, 18__. Their mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Basil H. Messler;
During the Civil War, Basil is known to have served in at least 1864 and 1865 as a Corporal in Co. C, 1st Battalion of Cavalry of the Mississippi Marine Brigade and in Co. F of the Marine Regiment of United States Volunteers.
After the war, Basil's occupation was dentist.
Basil H. Messler was married to Mary J. Whitehill on May 13, 1866 in Fulton County, Illinois. Mary was born on February __, 1848 in ____________ County, Virginia (now West Virginia).
The children born to Basil and Mary include;
1. Minnie "Minna" Messler, born ____________ __, 1867 in ___________ County, Illinois. Minnie Messler is found with the family in the 1870 and 1880 census records. Minnie Messler died on ____________ __, 1897 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263159.
2. Blanche W. Messler, born September __, 1873 in Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is found with the family in Fulton County, Illinois in the 1880 census. She attended school in the 1880's and 1890's becoming a School Teacher. She is still single and living with her parents in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1900 census and is teaching school, probably somewhere in Canton, Illinois at this time.
At the time of the 1920 census, Blanch and her widowed mother are found residing at 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is listed as a School Teacher;
Mary J Messler Head F 71 West Virginia
Blanche Messler Daughter F 46 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Blanche is found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, with her, widowed, mother. Blanche is still listed as a Public School Taecher.
At the time of the 1940 census, Blanche is still found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. She is still listed as a Public School Teacher;
Dora Linder Head F 63 Illinois
Blanche Messler Companion F 66 Illinois
Blanche Messler died on ____________ __, 1958. She taught school in the Canton, Illinois area for about 50 years and undoubtedly greatly influenced the lives of thousands of pupils over the years. The mortal remains of Blanche W. Messler were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263135.
At the time of the 1870 census, Basil and his family are found in what is identified as Ward 4 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Basil H Messler M 35 Ohio
Mary Messler F 22 Virginia
Minnie Messler F 3 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Basil and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois, where he is Dentist;
Bazel N Messler Self M 46 Ohio Dentist
Mary Messler Wife F 32 West Virginia
Minna Messler Daughter F 13 Illinois Attending School
Blanch Messler Daughter F 6 Illinois
Flora Armstong Other F 23 West Virginia Milliner Store
At the time of the 1900 census, Basil and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois. He and Mary are recorded as having been married 34 years;
Basil H Messler Head M Jun 1834 66 Ohio Dentist
Mary J Messler Wife F Feb 1848 52 West Virginia
Blanche W Messler Daughter F Sep 1873 27 Illinois School Teacher
Basil H. Messler died on January 9, 1916 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. His Illinois death record, found on familysearch, states the following;
Name Basil H. Messler
Event Date 09 Jan 1916
Event Place Canton, Fulton, Illinois
Gender Male
Race White
Age 82
Birth Year (Estimated) 1834
Birth Date 12 Jun 1833
Birthplace OH
Father's Name Rheubin Messler
Father's Birthplace MD
Mother's Name Mary Mcfarland
Mother's Birthplace MD
Occupation Retired Dentist
Burial Date 11 Jan 1916
Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler died on August 5, 1932 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. The mortal remains of both Basil and Mary were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.
As Basil H. Messler and Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler only had the two daughters, neither of whom married and had any children, this branch of the Messler family ended with the death of their youngest daughter, Blanche. Though this branch of the Messler family line has ended, they had great influence on the citizens of the community of Canton, Illinois, especially through their daughter, Blanche. It would be interesting to hear from any of her former students who may see this little biography.
By Baxter B. Fite III and Deb McCallister, Find A Grave Contributor #47109890.
Corporal BASIL H. MESSLER, Co. C, 1st Battalion of Cavalry, Mississippi Marine Brigade and Co. F, Mississippi Marine Regiment, United State Volunteers
Basil H. Messler was born on June 12, 1834/35 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, the son of Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler. Reuben Messler was born c. 1805/06 in Maryland, while Mary McFarland was born c. 1807/08 in Maryland. According to a site on familysearch, Reuben was born in Frederick County, Maryland, the son of William Messler (1780 - 1849) and Elizabeth (Slick) Messler (1783 - 1870). William Messler was born on May 25, 1780 in Frederick County, Maryland and died on June 20, 1849 in Ohio at the age of 69 years & 27ds. William's mortal remains were laid in the Weaver Cemetery in Liberty, Montgomery County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 112915700.
According to this same site on familysearch, Reuben Messler and Mary McFarland were married on March 19, 1828 in Frederick County, Maryland. However, from the 1850 census, their son William Messler was born c. 1829/30 in Ohio, so Reuben and Mary moved west to Ohio very soon after they were married.
At the time of the 1830 and 1840 census records, Reuben Messler and his family are found in Jackson Township of Montgomery County, Ohio. At the time of the 1850 census, the Messler family is found in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio;
Reuben Messler M 44 Maryland
Mary Messler F 42 Maryland
William Messler M 20 Ohio
Ezry Messler M 19 Ohio
Malon Messler M 18 Ohio
Basil Messler M 15 Ohio
John Messler M 14 Ohio
Nathan Messler M 12 Ohio
Adolphus Messler M 8 Ohio
Jacob Messler M 6 Ohio
Mary Messler F 4 Ohio
Reuben Messler M 0 Ohio
From this census, we see that the children born to Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler include;
1. William Messler, born c. 1829/30 in Ohio.
2. Ezry Messler, born c. 1830/31 in Ohio.
3. Malon Messler, born c. 1831/32 in Montgomery County, Ohio. The "Historical Encyclopedia and History of Fulton County, Illinois" has the following biography on page 994;
MESSLER, M. B. — A familiar figure on the streets of Canton ever since his arrival here in 1851, M. B. Messler has been variously identified with the business interests of the town, but principally has been known as a plaster contractor, a watchmaker and repairer and holder of important local offices. Mr. Messler was born amid humble surroundings on a farm in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1832, and was one of eleven children to depend upon the slender resources of his parents, Reuben and Mary (McFarland) Messler, natives of Maryland. The father was born in 1806 and the mother in 1807, and they moved to Ohio when it was a wilderness and bravely undertook the hardships and sacrifices of pioneer life. Removing from Ohio to Canton Township in 1852, they settled on a farm and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, the father passing from life in 1868 and the mother in 1873.
M. B. Messler preceded his parents to Canton by one year, bringing with him, besides a strong constitution and a willingness to work, a thorough knowledge of the plasterer’s trade. The comparatively new country to which he came offered abundant employment for his trade, and he followed it from 1853 until 1873, latterly employing as many as seventeen hands. He became one of the best known and most skilled workmen in the vicinity, and was about the only man in the county who could do ornamental plaster work. The Parlan and Babcock homes were among those which profited by his skill, but there are monuments to his labor scattered throughout the town and county. In the meantime, in 1860, he started a watch stand on the square, and for twenty-seven years this stand weathered financial depression and prosperity and all the varied changes which swept over the community during that time. The owner was reliable and skillful, moderate in his charges and the soul of honor, and he was sadly missed from accustomed haunts when he gave up the little stand and performed his tasks at his home.
Mr. Messler cast his first presidential vote for a Republican candidate and ever since has been a stanch supporter of that party. In earlier days he filled many offices within the gift of the people, and in 1901 was elected Justice of the Peace and re-elected in 1905. His first wife, who formerly was Mary E. Spencer, died in 1890. His present wife, Mrs. Eliza Jane (Angler) Messler, is a native of Mercersburg, Pa. The only child and daughter in the family now is Mrs. Whitehouse, of Santiago, Cal. Mr. Messler has derived social and general advantages from connection with the Masons, being a charter member of the Bohemond Lodge, No. 54, organized in 1866. Too much emphasis cannot be laid on the sterling worth which has contributed to his own and the city’s good, or to the faithfulness and devotion to duty which has characterized his every undertaking.
4. Basil Messler, born c. June 12, 1834/35 in Ohio. See his biography below.
5. John Messler, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
6. Nathan Messler, born c. 1837/38 in Ohio. Nathan served in Co. K of the 7th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War. Following is his service record from the Illinois Civil War Detail Report;
Name MESSLER, NATHAN R Rank PVT
Company K Unit 7 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence CANTON, FULTON CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 10 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 24, 1861
Joined Where CANTON, IL
Joined By Whom H C NELSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 13, 1861
Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out OCT 15, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
7. Adolphus Messler, born c. 1841/42 in Ohio.
8. Jacob Messler, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio. A J. R. Messler was married in 1869 in Nebraska. This is found on familysearch;
Name J.R. Messler
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 24 Feb 1869
Event Place , Richardson, Nebraska, United States
Gender Male
Spouse's Name S.E. Catron
Spouse's Gender Female
9. Mary Messler,born c. 1845/46 in Ohio.
10. Reuben David Messler, born October 6, 1849 in Montgomery County, Ohio. Reuben was married to Margaret Susan Stumbo (1855 - 1927).
Dr. Reuben David Messler died on November 23, 1923 in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 62470781.
11. ____________ Messler, born c. 18__ in Ohio.
In 1851, Reuben's son, Malon Messler, moved west to Illinois, where he settled in Fulton County, in or near Canton, Illinois. The following year, Reuben Messler brought the rest of the Messler family west to Illinois, where they, too, settled in Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Reuben and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois;
Ruben Messler M 53 Maryland Farmer
Mary Messler F 52 Maryland
John Messler M 24 Ohio Farm Hand
Adolphus Messler M 18 Ohio
Jack Messler M 16 Ohio
Mary Messler F 14 Ohio
Ruben Messler M 10 Ohio
Just after the 1860 census was taken, Reuben and Mary are believed to have taken some of the younger members of the family and headed still further west, where they settled in Nebraska. Reuben Messler died on ____________ __, 18__, while Mary (McFarland) Messler died on ____________ __, 18__. Their mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Basil H. Messler;
During the Civil War, Basil is known to have served in at least 1864 and 1865 as a Corporal in Co. C, 1st Battalion of Cavalry of the Mississippi Marine Brigade and in Co. F of the Marine Regiment of United States Volunteers.
After the war, Basil's occupation was dentist.
Basil H. Messler was married to Mary J. Whitehill on May 13, 1866 in Fulton County, Illinois. Mary was born on February __, 1848 in ____________ County, Virginia (now West Virginia).
The children born to Basil and Mary include;
1. Minnie "Minna" Messler, born ____________ __, 1867 in ___________ County, Illinois. Minnie Messler is found with the family in the 1870 and 1880 census records. Minnie Messler died on ____________ __, 1897 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263159.
2. Blanche W. Messler, born September __, 1873 in Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is found with the family in Fulton County, Illinois in the 1880 census. She attended school in the 1880's and 1890's becoming a School Teacher. She is still single and living with her parents in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1900 census and is teaching school, probably somewhere in Canton, Illinois at this time.
At the time of the 1920 census, Blanch and her widowed mother are found residing at 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is listed as a School Teacher;
Mary J Messler Head F 71 West Virginia
Blanche Messler Daughter F 46 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Blanche is found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, with her, widowed, mother. Blanche is still listed as a Public School Taecher.
At the time of the 1940 census, Blanche is still found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. She is still listed as a Public School Teacher;
Dora Linder Head F 63 Illinois
Blanche Messler Companion F 66 Illinois
Blanche Messler died on ____________ __, 1958. She taught school in the Canton, Illinois area for about 50 years and undoubtedly greatly influenced the lives of thousands of pupils over the years. The mortal remains of Blanche W. Messler were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263135.
At the time of the 1870 census, Basil and his family are found in what is identified as Ward 4 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Basil H Messler M 35 Ohio
Mary Messler F 22 Virginia
Minnie Messler F 3 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Basil and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois, where he is Dentist;
Bazel N Messler Self M 46 Ohio Dentist
Mary Messler Wife F 32 West Virginia
Minna Messler Daughter F 13 Illinois Attending School
Blanch Messler Daughter F 6 Illinois
Flora Armstong Other F 23 West Virginia Milliner Store
At the time of the 1900 census, Basil and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois. He and Mary are recorded as having been married 34 years;
Basil H Messler Head M Jun 1834 66 Ohio Dentist
Mary J Messler Wife F Feb 1848 52 West Virginia
Blanche W Messler Daughter F Sep 1873 27 Illinois School Teacher
Basil H. Messler died on January 9, 1916 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. His Illinois death record, found on familysearch, states the following;
Name Basil H. Messler
Event Date 09 Jan 1916
Event Place Canton, Fulton, Illinois
Gender Male
Race White
Age 82
Birth Year (Estimated) 1834
Birth Date 12 Jun 1833
Birthplace OH
Father's Name Rheubin Messler
Father's Birthplace MD
Mother's Name Mary Mcfarland
Mother's Birthplace MD
Occupation Retired Dentist
Burial Date 11 Jan 1916
Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler died on August 5, 1932 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. The mortal remains of both Basil and Mary were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.
As Basil H. Messler and Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler only had the two daughters, neither of whom married and had any children, this branch of the Messler family ended with the death of their youngest daughter, Blanche. Though this branch of the Messler family line has ended, they had great influence on the citizens of the community of Canton, Illinois, especially through their daughter, Blanche. It would be interesting to hear from any of her former students who may see this little biography.
By Baxter B. Fite III and Deb McCallister, Find A Grave Contributor #47109890.
Basil H. Messler was born on June 12, 1834/35 in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, the son of Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler. Reuben Messler was born c. 1805/06 in Maryland, while Mary McFarland was born c. 1807/08 in Maryland. According to a site on familysearch, Reuben was born in Frederick County, Maryland, the son of William Messler (1780 - 1849) and Elizabeth (Slick) Messler (1783 - 1870). William Messler was born on May 25, 1780 in Frederick County, Maryland and died on June 20, 1849 in Ohio at the age of 69 years & 27ds. William's mortal remains were laid in the Weaver Cemetery in Liberty, Montgomery County, Ohio. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 112915700.
According to this same site on familysearch, Reuben Messler and Mary McFarland were married on March 19, 1828 in Frederick County, Maryland. However, from the 1850 census, their son William Messler was born c. 1829/30 in Ohio, so Reuben and Mary moved west to Ohio very soon after they were married.
At the time of the 1830 and 1840 census records, Reuben Messler and his family are found in Jackson Township of Montgomery County, Ohio. At the time of the 1850 census, the Messler family is found in Jackson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio;
Reuben Messler M 44 Maryland
Mary Messler F 42 Maryland
William Messler M 20 Ohio
Ezry Messler M 19 Ohio
Malon Messler M 18 Ohio
Basil Messler M 15 Ohio
John Messler M 14 Ohio
Nathan Messler M 12 Ohio
Adolphus Messler M 8 Ohio
Jacob Messler M 6 Ohio
Mary Messler F 4 Ohio
Reuben Messler M 0 Ohio
From this census, we see that the children born to Reuben Messler and Mary (McFarland) Messler include;
1. William Messler, born c. 1829/30 in Ohio.
2. Ezry Messler, born c. 1830/31 in Ohio.
3. Malon Messler, born c. 1831/32 in Montgomery County, Ohio. The "Historical Encyclopedia and History of Fulton County, Illinois" has the following biography on page 994;
MESSLER, M. B. — A familiar figure on the streets of Canton ever since his arrival here in 1851, M. B. Messler has been variously identified with the business interests of the town, but principally has been known as a plaster contractor, a watchmaker and repairer and holder of important local offices. Mr. Messler was born amid humble surroundings on a farm in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1832, and was one of eleven children to depend upon the slender resources of his parents, Reuben and Mary (McFarland) Messler, natives of Maryland. The father was born in 1806 and the mother in 1807, and they moved to Ohio when it was a wilderness and bravely undertook the hardships and sacrifices of pioneer life. Removing from Ohio to Canton Township in 1852, they settled on a farm and engaged in general farming and stock-raising, the father passing from life in 1868 and the mother in 1873.
M. B. Messler preceded his parents to Canton by one year, bringing with him, besides a strong constitution and a willingness to work, a thorough knowledge of the plasterer’s trade. The comparatively new country to which he came offered abundant employment for his trade, and he followed it from 1853 until 1873, latterly employing as many as seventeen hands. He became one of the best known and most skilled workmen in the vicinity, and was about the only man in the county who could do ornamental plaster work. The Parlan and Babcock homes were among those which profited by his skill, but there are monuments to his labor scattered throughout the town and county. In the meantime, in 1860, he started a watch stand on the square, and for twenty-seven years this stand weathered financial depression and prosperity and all the varied changes which swept over the community during that time. The owner was reliable and skillful, moderate in his charges and the soul of honor, and he was sadly missed from accustomed haunts when he gave up the little stand and performed his tasks at his home.
Mr. Messler cast his first presidential vote for a Republican candidate and ever since has been a stanch supporter of that party. In earlier days he filled many offices within the gift of the people, and in 1901 was elected Justice of the Peace and re-elected in 1905. His first wife, who formerly was Mary E. Spencer, died in 1890. His present wife, Mrs. Eliza Jane (Angler) Messler, is a native of Mercersburg, Pa. The only child and daughter in the family now is Mrs. Whitehouse, of Santiago, Cal. Mr. Messler has derived social and general advantages from connection with the Masons, being a charter member of the Bohemond Lodge, No. 54, organized in 1866. Too much emphasis cannot be laid on the sterling worth which has contributed to his own and the city’s good, or to the faithfulness and devotion to duty which has characterized his every undertaking.
4. Basil Messler, born c. June 12, 1834/35 in Ohio. See his biography below.
5. John Messler, born c. 1835/36 in Ohio.
6. Nathan Messler, born c. 1837/38 in Ohio. Nathan served in Co. K of the 7th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War. Following is his service record from the Illinois Civil War Detail Report;
Name MESSLER, NATHAN R Rank PVT
Company K Unit 7 IL US CAV
Personal Characteristics
Residence CANTON, FULTON CO, IL
Age 23 Height 5' 10 1/2 Hair BLACK
Eyes GRAY Complexion DARK
Marital Status SINGLE
Occupation FARMER Nativity OH
Service Record
Joined When AUG 24, 1861
Joined Where CANTON, IL
Joined By Whom H C NELSON
Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 13, 1861
Muster In Where CAMP BUTLER, IL
Muster In By Whom
Muster Out OCT 15, 1864
Muster Out Where SPRINGFIELD, IL
Muster Out By Whom LT SUMNER
7. Adolphus Messler, born c. 1841/42 in Ohio.
8. Jacob Messler, born c. 1843/44 in Ohio. A J. R. Messler was married in 1869 in Nebraska. This is found on familysearch;
Name J.R. Messler
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 24 Feb 1869
Event Place , Richardson, Nebraska, United States
Gender Male
Spouse's Name S.E. Catron
Spouse's Gender Female
9. Mary Messler,born c. 1845/46 in Ohio.
10. Reuben David Messler, born October 6, 1849 in Montgomery County, Ohio. Reuben was married to Margaret Susan Stumbo (1855 - 1927).
Dr. Reuben David Messler died on November 23, 1923 in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska and his mortal remains were laid in the Steele Cemetery in Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 62470781.
11. ____________ Messler, born c. 18__ in Ohio.
In 1851, Reuben's son, Malon Messler, moved west to Illinois, where he settled in Fulton County, in or near Canton, Illinois. The following year, Reuben Messler brought the rest of the Messler family west to Illinois, where they, too, settled in Fulton County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Reuben and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois;
Ruben Messler M 53 Maryland Farmer
Mary Messler F 52 Maryland
John Messler M 24 Ohio Farm Hand
Adolphus Messler M 18 Ohio
Jack Messler M 16 Ohio
Mary Messler F 14 Ohio
Ruben Messler M 10 Ohio
Just after the 1860 census was taken, Reuben and Mary are believed to have taken some of the younger members of the family and headed still further west, where they settled in Nebraska. Reuben Messler died on ____________ __, 18__, while Mary (McFarland) Messler died on ____________ __, 18__. Their mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery.
Now to continue with the biography of Basil H. Messler;
During the Civil War, Basil is known to have served in at least 1864 and 1865 as a Corporal in Co. C, 1st Battalion of Cavalry of the Mississippi Marine Brigade and in Co. F of the Marine Regiment of United States Volunteers.
After the war, Basil's occupation was dentist.
Basil H. Messler was married to Mary J. Whitehill on May 13, 1866 in Fulton County, Illinois. Mary was born on February __, 1848 in ____________ County, Virginia (now West Virginia).
The children born to Basil and Mary include;
1. Minnie "Minna" Messler, born ____________ __, 1867 in ___________ County, Illinois. Minnie Messler is found with the family in the 1870 and 1880 census records. Minnie Messler died on ____________ __, 1897 and her mortal remains were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263159.
2. Blanche W. Messler, born September __, 1873 in Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is found with the family in Fulton County, Illinois in the 1880 census. She attended school in the 1880's and 1890's becoming a School Teacher. She is still single and living with her parents in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois at the time of the 1900 census and is teaching school, probably somewhere in Canton, Illinois at this time.
At the time of the 1920 census, Blanch and her widowed mother are found residing at 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. Blanche is listed as a School Teacher;
Mary J Messler Head F 71 West Virginia
Blanche Messler Daughter F 46 Illinois
At the time of the 1930 census, Blanche is found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, with her, widowed, mother. Blanche is still listed as a Public School Taecher.
At the time of the 1940 census, Blanche is still found residing at 340 West Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. She is still listed as a Public School Teacher;
Dora Linder Head F 63 Illinois
Blanche Messler Companion F 66 Illinois
Blanche Messler died on ____________ __, 1958. She taught school in the Canton, Illinois area for about 50 years and undoubtedly greatly influenced the lives of thousands of pupils over the years. The mortal remains of Blanche W. Messler were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 131263135.
At the time of the 1870 census, Basil and his family are found in what is identified as Ward 4 of the city of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois;
Basil H Messler M 35 Ohio
Mary Messler F 22 Virginia
Minnie Messler F 3 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Basil and his family are found in Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois, where he is Dentist;
Bazel N Messler Self M 46 Ohio Dentist
Mary Messler Wife F 32 West Virginia
Minna Messler Daughter F 13 Illinois Attending School
Blanch Messler Daughter F 6 Illinois
Flora Armstong Other F 23 West Virginia Milliner Store
At the time of the 1900 census, Basil and his family are found residing at what is then identified as 340 W. Pine Street in Ward 3 of the city of Canton, Canton Township, Fulton County, Illinois. He and Mary are recorded as having been married 34 years;
Basil H Messler Head M Jun 1834 66 Ohio Dentist
Mary J Messler Wife F Feb 1848 52 West Virginia
Blanche W Messler Daughter F Sep 1873 27 Illinois School Teacher
Basil H. Messler died on January 9, 1916 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. His Illinois death record, found on familysearch, states the following;
Name Basil H. Messler
Event Date 09 Jan 1916
Event Place Canton, Fulton, Illinois
Gender Male
Race White
Age 82
Birth Year (Estimated) 1834
Birth Date 12 Jun 1833
Birthplace OH
Father's Name Rheubin Messler
Father's Birthplace MD
Mother's Name Mary Mcfarland
Mother's Birthplace MD
Occupation Retired Dentist
Burial Date 11 Jan 1916
Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler died on August 5, 1932 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. The mortal remains of both Basil and Mary were laid in the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.
As Basil H. Messler and Mary Jane (Whitehill) Messler only had the two daughters, neither of whom married and had any children, this branch of the Messler family ended with the death of their youngest daughter, Blanche. Though this branch of the Messler family line has ended, they had great influence on the citizens of the community of Canton, Illinois, especially through their daughter, Blanche. It would be interesting to hear from any of her former students who may see this little biography.
By Baxter B. Fite III and Deb McCallister, Find A Grave Contributor #47109890.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
