Private NICHOLAS APGAR PHILHOWER, Co. E, 86th Illinois
Nicholas Apgar Philhower was born on ____________ __, 1820 in ____________ County, New Jersey, the son of Peter J. Philhower, who was born on 23 December 1799 and who died on 2 April 1890, and Elizabeth (Apgar) Philhower, who was born on 5 March 1803 and who died on 9 October 1868.
On June 3, 1848, Nicholas A. Philhower was married to Ellen Betsy Schuyler in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Ellen was born on April __, 1830/31 in Washington Township, Morris County, New Jersey, the daughter of William Schuyler (1803-1850) and Sarah (Fleming) Schuyler (1810-1880).
Five children are believed to have been were born to Nicholas and Ellen. They include;
1. Anna Lizabeth Philhower, born February 26, 1849 in New Jersey; Anne was married to Reuben Redding (1846 - 1934) on December 25, 1867 in Stark County, Illinois. Anne and Reuben had the following children;
A. Walter Franklin Redding, born April 21, 1870 in Stark County, Illinois. Walter was married to Laura Ella Philhower, who was his 1st cousin, on February 11, 1897 in Stark County, Illinois. Laura was born on February 28, 1874 at or near Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Abraham Brewer Philhower, who was born c. June 20, 1829 in New Jersey and who was the brother of Nicholas A. Philhower.
At the time of the 1910 census, Walter and his family are found in Elmwood Ward 4, Peoria County, Illinois;
Walter F Redding Head M 39 Illinois
Laura E Redding Wife F 35 Illinois
Roscoe M Redding Son M 12 Illinois
Howard R Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Walter F Redding Son M 7 Illinois
Everett A Redding Son M 5 Illinois
Lowell E Redding Son M 3 Illinois
Harold E Redding Son M 0 Illinois
Walter's parents, according to his death certificate, are listed as Reuben Redding, born in Ohio, and Ann Lizabeth Philhower, born in Stark County, Illinois. William Franklin Redding died on March 27, 1939 in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, where he resided and also where he worked as a Carpenter. His wife was Lora Ella Redding. His mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood.
B. Fred Redding, born c. 1875/76 in Illinois.
C. Florence Redding, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
D. C_________ Redding, born c. 1879/80 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their post office is Castleton, Illinois;
Reuben Redding M 24 Ohio
Anna Redding F 20 New Jersey
Walter F Redding M 0 Illinois
William Redding M 14 Indiana
George S Philhomer M 17 New Jersey
At the time of the 1880 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois, where Reuben is farming;
Reuben Redding Self M 33 Ohio
Ann Redding Wife F 30 New Jersey
Walter Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Freddie Redding Son M 4 Illinois
Florence Redding Daughter F 2 Illinois
C Redding Daughter F 0 Illinois
Gilbert Redding Cousin M 22 Indiana
At the time of the 1930 census, Reuben and Anna are found in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma;
Ruben Redding Head M 83 Ohio
Anna L Redding Wife F 80 New Jersey
John A Cosgrove Grandson M 18 Kansas
Anna Lizabeth (Philhower) Redding died on Jan. 4, 1936 and her mortal remains were laid in the Wakita Cemetery in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma; Her Find A Grave Memorial # is 51965346.
2. George Washington Philhower, born c. January 8, 1851/53 in Peapack, Bedminster Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. A George W Philhower is listed as having been married to Maria Sturm on December 11, 1873 in Stark County, Illinois. George W. Philhower was married to Maria Sturmsder in 1873. Two children were born to George and Maria;
A. Bertha Ellen Philhower, born August 7, 1877 in Illinois. Bertha is believed to have died 26 February 1938. Bertha may have been married briefly to Franz J. Batchler on 16 Dec 1897 in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. Franz's parents are listed as Ulrich Batchler and Elizabeth Graliey, while Bertha's are listed as George Philhower and Malinda Sturn.
However, at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha is found in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
Then on February 7, 1902, Bertha Philhower, age 25 and born in Illinois, was married to John A. Walton in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. John was 23 years of age and born in Iowa and is listed as being the son of Nelson Walton and Susanna Leatherman, while Bertha's parents this time are listed as George Philhower and Mira Sterms.
Bertha is found in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records with her husband, John Nelson Walton (1878 - 1957). However, her Find A Grave site, states that Bertha A Walton died on Feb. 5, 1928 in Adams County, Iowa. Her mortal remains were laid in the Oakland Cemetery in Corning, Adams County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 42010328.
B. Harry S. Philhower, born February 3, 1883 in or near Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. In 1900, Harry and his sister are found residing with an aunt and uncle in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
On August 15, 1905, Harry Philour, age 22 and born in Illinois, is listed as being married to Millie Belle Brown, age 27 and born in Clinton, Iowa, in Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa. Harry's parents are listed as Geo. Philour and Mariah Stearns, while Millie's are listed as Maj. Brown and Rachel Stearns.
Then on March 14, 1918, Harry Philour, now age 35 and born in Bradford, Illinois, is listed as being married in Red Oak, Montgomery County, Iowa to Mary Lock, who is 29 and born in Platte County, Nebraska. Harry's parents are listed as George Philour and Maria Sturms, while Mary's are listed as J. W. Lock and Sarah Burgett.
In 1930, Harry, now divorced, is found living with his aunt and uncle, who are now listed as his foster parents, in Quincy, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 88 Illinois
Isabell H Dunn Wife F 79 Illinois
Harry Philour Foster-son M 47 Illinois
In 1940, now age 57 and listed as widowed, Harry is found in Township 4 Range 5, Custer County, South Dakota. Harry S. Philhower (spelled Philour) died on July 11, 1967 in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota and his mortal remains were laid in the Custer Cemetery in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota, though his grave was never marked. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 128611339.
In 1900, George Philhower/Philhour is found living alone and boarding in Osceola Township Bradford village, Stark County, Illinois. He is listed as single, so he probably has been seperated or divorced for some time;
Thomas L Fox Head M 53 Ireland
Mary A Fox Wife F 38 Illinois
Margaret A Fox Daughter F 17 Illinois
Dennis C Fox Nephew M 18 Ireland
August Miller Boarder M 57 Germany
George Philhour Boarder M 50 New Jersey
George Washington Philhower died on 19 December 1928 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Osceola Grove Cemetery in Elmira, Stark County, Illinois. His Find A Grave Memorial # is 23013475.
3. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. August 7, 1854/55 in Illinois. Sarah was married to William Budine on October 4, 1874 in Stark County, Illinois. The children born to Sarah and William include;
A. Nora Budine, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois.
B. Dan Budine, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1880 census, William and Sarah are found in Osceola, Stark County, Illinois, where William is farming;
William Budine Self M 46 New York
Sarah Budine Wife F 26 New Jersey
Nora Budine Daughter F 5 Illinois
Dan Budine Son M 2 Illinois
Elmer Kenyon Other M 18 Illinois
George Gross Other M 14 New York
There is a record of a Sarah Budine being married on 2 Nov 1892 in Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska to William Smith. He was 45 and born in England, while Sarah Budine was 36. This is found on familysearch.
Could this be her?
Sarah E. (Philhower) Budine is believed to have died about 1943.
4. Jennie Ellen May Philhower, born September 13, 1858/59 in Illinois. Jennie is believed to have been married to __________________ Morse. Jennie may be the Jennie Morse we find in Precinct O Milford village, Seward County, Nebraska at the time of the 1900 census. This Jennie and Frank K. Morse have been married for 11 years and they have had 1 child, who is living. This Jennie was born in September of 1858 in Illinois and both of her parents were born in New Jersey, all of which fit out Jennie Philhower;
Frank K Morse Head M 44 Indiana
Jennie E Morse Wife F Sep 1858 42 Illinois
Monta V Morse Son M 16 Kansas
In the early 1900's, Frank and Jennie returned to Illinois, where at the time of the 1900 census, they are found in
Jennie Morse, age 69 died in the Anna State Hospital in Road District 5, Union County, Illinois. Familysearch records have her born c. 13 Sep 1859 and her father as Philhomer, born in New Jersey, and her mother as Ellen B. Schuyler, also born in New Jersey. Jennie occupation is listed as Housework, her address as Enfield, Illinois and her husband as Frank Morse. Jennie's mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois on 22 Mar 1929.
See Jennie Ellen Mae (Philhower) Morse's Find A Grave Memorial #201105768.
5. Peter Jacob Philhower, born about January 1, 1861 in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. In 1870 and 1880, Peter is found residing with his mother and stepfather. Peter Philhower was married to Katie Calahan on December 25, 1882 in Bureau County, Illinois. Katherine Elizabeth "Kate or Katie" Callahan/Calahan was born on November __, 1863. Their children include;
A. Jennie M. Philhower, born 13 September 1884. Jennie died on January __, 1974.
B. Johanna E "Josie" Philhower, born January __, 1887. Josie died on ___________ __, 1976
C. Michael Nicholas Philhower, born 4 January 1889 in Illinois. Michael was married to Mable Carper c. 1908/09. Their children include;
a. Gertrude M. Philhower, born c. 1909/10 in Bureau County, Illinois.
b. Esther E. Philhower, born c. 1911/12 in Bureau County, Illinois.
c. Earnest C. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Bureau County, Illinois.
d. Annabelle I. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Bureau County, Illinois.
e. Charles W. Philhower, born c. 1917/18 in Bureau County, Illinois. Charles W. Philhower was married to Dora Sullivan on May 27, 1939 in Scott County, Iowa. Charles, who is listed as being 21, is listed as the son of Michael N Philhower and Mabel Carper, while Dora, who is 18, is the daughter of Joe T Sullivan and Mattie Allen.
f. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. 1920 in Bureau County, Illinois.
g. Myrtle C. Philhower, born c. 1922/23 in Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Michael and his family are found in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois;
Michael N Philhower Head M 21 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 20 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Micheal N Philhower Head M 30 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 30 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ester E Philhower Daughter F 8 Illinois
Earnest C Philhower Son M 6 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 2 Illinois
Mable C. Philhower died in the 1920's, perhaps due to complications of child birth. At the time of the 1930 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed;
Michael N Philhower Head M 41 Illinois
Esther E Philhower Daughter F 18 Illinois
Ernest C Philhower Son M 16 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 15 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 12 Illinois
Sarah E Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Myrtle C Philhower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Michael N. Philhower died on February __, 1979.
D. Charles William Philhower, born February 20, 1891 in Illinois. Charles was married to Lula Mae ___________. Their children include;
a. Dorothy L. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Illinois.
b. Edna A. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Illinois.
c. Raymond Ralph Philhower, born c. 1919/20 in Illinois.
d. Sherley Mae Philhower, born c. 1928/29 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1920 census, Charles and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles W Philhower Head M 28 Illinois
Lulu M Philhower Wife F 26 Illinois
Dorothy L Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Edna A Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Raymond Philhower Son M Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Charles and his family are found in Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles Philhower Head M 48 Illinois
Lula Mae Philhower Wife F 46 Illinois
Sherley Mae Philhower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Raymond Ralph Philhower Son M 21 Illinois
Charles William Philhower died on November __, 1976 and his mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
E. Daniel Francis "Dan" Philhower, born March 11, 1892 in Illinois. Dan was married to Nellie V. Hamrick (1891 - 1942). Dan died on April 9, 1974 and his mortal remains were laid in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Wyanet, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 58860107.
F. Kate E Philhower, born February __, 1894.
G. Bertha Philhower, born February __, 1897.
H. Charlotte "Lottie" R. Philhower, born February __, 1899.
I. Jessie Philhower, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
I. Lillian Henrietta Philhower, born 2 January 1905 in Illinois. Lillian died on 4 December 1996.
J. Peter Jacob Philhower Jr., born ___________ __, 1908 in Illinois. Peter Jacob Philhower was married to Mildred E. ____________ (1913 - 2003). Peter died on ___________ __, 1975 and his mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in East Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 146413871.
At the time of the 1900 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon Township, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter and Kate have been married for 18 years;
Peter J Philhower Head M 39 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Wife F 37 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Johanna Philhower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Mikel Philhower Son M 11 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 9 Illinois
Daniel F Philhower Son M 8 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Bertha Philhower Daughter F 3 Illinois
Charlotte R Philhower Daughter F 1 Illinois
Johanna Sullivan Aunt F 73 Ireland
At the time of the 1910 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Peter J Philower Head M 49 Illinois
Kate Philower Wife F 47 Illinois
Jennie Philower Daughter F 25 Illinois
C William Philower Son M 19 Illinois
Daniel Philower Son M 18 Illinois
Katie Philower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Bertha Philower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Lottie Philower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Jessie Philower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Lilian Philower Daughter F 5 Illinois
Peter J Philower Son M 2 Illinois
Katherine Elizabeth "Kate" (Callahan) Philhower died on August 14, 1918 at ___________, ___________.
At the time of the 1930 census, Peter and two of his children are found in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter is listed as widowed;
Peter J Philhower Sr. Head M 69 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 45 Illinois
Peter J Philhower Jr. Son M 21 Illinois
Peter Jacob Philhower died on September 30, 1944 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in Saint Patricks Cemetery in Sheffield, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 139941824.
Now to continue with the biography of Nicholas Philhower;
At the time of the 1850 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Living with them is one of Ellen's younger brothers, William Schuyler;
Nicholas Philhower M 24 New Jersey
Ellen Philhower F 21 New Jersey
Ann Sussan Philhower F 0 New Jersey
William Schuyler M 11 New Jersey
Sometime between 1853 and 1855, Nicholas and Ellen took their family west, where they settled in Stark County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois;
Nicholas Philhower M 38 N. J.
Ellen Philhower F 28 N. J.
Ann L Philhower F 11 N. J.
George Philhower M 7 N. J.
Sarah E Philhower F 5 Ill
Jenny Philhower F 1 Ill
Hiram P Mallory M 19 N. Y.
Warden W Reading M 21 Indiana
Timothy Owens M 25 Ireland
Patrick Clark M 33 Ireland
Luston Johnson M 32 Norway
James T Marshall M 19 Ohio
Sometime before 1862, the Philhowers apparently moved into Bureau County, Illinois, where they resided in Milo Township. On August 14, 1862, Nicholas A. Philhower along with his brother-in-law, Peter Schuyler, volunteered in Wheatland Township of Bureau County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, Nicholas gave his place of residence as Milo, Bureau County, Illinois and his age as 41.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name PHILHOWER, NICHOLAS
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MILO, BUREAU CO, IL Age 41 Height 5' 11 Hair LIGHT
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity NJ
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where WHEATLAND, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VRC
It appears that in the 1860's, probably after the war, that Nicholas and Ellen separated and divorced. Ellen Betsey (Schyuler) Philhower, spelled Philhoun on the typed record on familysearch, was then married 2nd to William H. Whitten, on November 25, 1868 in Stark County, Illinois. Two sons are believed to have been born to Ellen and William;
1. Ira James Whitten, born June 12, 1869 in Stark County, Illinois. Ira, according to his death record found on familysearch.org, was a funeral director. He was married to Gertrude ____________. Ira's parents are listed as W. H. Whitten and Ellen Skyler. Ira was residing in and died in Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois on June 15, 1940. His mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois.
2. Charles William "C. W." Whitten, born August 6, 1871 in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. Charles died on October 23, 1957 in Saint Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 80837531.
At the time of the 1870 census, William and Ellen Whitten are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their Post Office is at Castleton, Illinois;
William Whitten M 50 New York
Ellen Whitten F 38 New Jersey
Ira I Whitten M 1 Illinois
Jennie E Philhower F 11 Illinois
Peter J Philhower M 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Ellen and William are found in Penn, Stark County, Illinois;
William Wheten Self M 69 New York
Ira J Wheten Son M 10 Illinois
John Wheten Son M 6 Illinois
Jennie Philhouer Stepdaughter F 21 Illinois
Peter Philhouer Stepson M Farm Laborer 19 Illinois
Charles Wheten Son M 8 Illinois
Ellen Wheten Wife F 39 New Jersey
At the time of the 1900 census, Ellen and William are still found in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. She and William are listed as having been married 32 years;
William Whitten Head M 81 New York
Ellen Whitten Wife F Apr 1830 70 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower has not been located in the 1870 census records as yet. He may have left for California shortly after he and Ellen were divorced. The earliest record that I have found for him is in 1876, when Nicholas A. Philhower, age 51, is listed on June 3, 1876 on the Voter Registration records for Point Of Timber, Contra Costa County, California.
Thanks to Gary M. McNamara, we now know that Nicholas Philhower also remarried after he and Ellen were divorced. Nicholas, who is Gary's great-great grandfather, was married to Mary A. (possibly Anna) Pelton on April 8, 1868 in Scott County, Iowa.
Two children were born to Nicholas and Mary;
6. Emery Temple Philhower, born July 19, 1873 in California. Emery was living in Contra Costa County, California at the time he had to register for the draft of WWI.
At the time of the 1920 census, Emery is an Inmate in the County Hospital in Alhombra, Contra Costa County, California. He is listed as being 46, single and his father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Emery T. Philhower died on ____________ __, 1925 in ____________ County, California.
7. Mary Anna Philhower, born September __, 1869 in Iowa. This was Gary McNamara's great-grandmother. Mary was married to William F. Behn (1865-1910) on December 9, 1892. They were the parents of 4 children;
A. Mary Laverna Behn, born April __, 1894 in California. This was Gary's grandmother. Laverna was married to Luther George French in Brentwood, California and they had 4 children, Gary's mother being the third. They include;
a. Margaret French, born c. 1912/13 in California.
b. Robert "Bobbie" French, born c. 1915 in California.
c. Kathleen M. or H. French, born c. 1923/24 in California. Kathleen was married to _____________ McNamara and they had at least one son, Gary M. McNamara, born July 14, 1942.
d. Betty A. French, born c. 1926/27 in California.
At the time of the 1920 census, the French family is found in Stockton Ward 6, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther French Head M 30 Tennessee
Laverna French Wife F 27 California
Margaret French Daughter F 7 California
Bobbie French Son M 4 California
At the time of the 1930 census, the French family is found in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 41 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 36 California
Robert French Son M 15 California
Kathleen M French Daughter F 6 California
Betty A French Daughter F 3 California
At the time of the 1940 census, the French family is found in Ward 6, Stockton, O'Neal Judicial Township, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 51 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 45 California
Kathleen H French Daughter F 16 California
Betty A French Daughter F 13 California
B. Mamie/Marie E. Behn, born March __, 1896 in California.
C. William L. Behn, born January 31, 1898/99 in California. Familysearch has the following record;
Name William F. Behn
Birth Date 31 Jan 1900
Birthplace Cal.
Age 23
Spouse's Name Hazel R. Smith
Spouse's Birth Date 25 Feb 1898
Spouse's Birthplace Cal.
Spouse's Age 25
Event Date 24 Dec 1923
Event Place Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Father's Name Wm. F. Bahn
Mother's Name Mary Anna Fillhower
Spouse's Father's Name Wm. Smith
Spouse's Mother's Name E. Spring
Race White
Marital Status Single
Spouse's Race White
Spouse's Marital Status Divorced
At the time of the 1900 census, Mary and her family are found in Crockett Precinct 2, Contra Costa County, California. She is listed as having been born in Iowa, she and William have been married 7 years, she is the mother of 4 children, though only 3 are found here, all of whom are living and her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively;
William F Behn Head M Jul 1865 35 California
Mary A Behn Wife F Sep 1869 31 Iowa
Mary L Behn Daughter F Apr 1894 6 California
Mamie E Behn Daughter F Mar 1896 4 California
William L Behn Son M Jan 1899 1 California
William F. Behn is believed to have died in 1910. At the time of the 1910 census, the Behns are found in Township 9, Contra Costa County, California;
Mary A Behn Head F 39 Iowa
La Verna M Behn Daughter F 16 California
Marie E Behn Daughter F 14 California
William L Behn Son M 11 California
Now to continue with what we know about Nicholas Philhower;
Though he has not been located in the 1880 census, either, he is on the Voter Registry in Danville, Contra Costa County in September of 1886, in Marsh Creek, Contra Costa County in August of 1892 and in Empire, Contra Costa County in July of 1896.
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion in Peoria,Illinois for the old 86th during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th and their families attended this first reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold them every year on that August 27th anniversary as possible. They continued to grow for several years as more and more veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to hold them through the year 1923, when it was tearfully decided by the last few veterans who were able to attend the 1923 reunion, that they were too old and too few to continue them any longer. Private Nicholas A. Philhower was never able to attend any of the reunions, the great distance to be traveled and the difficulty of making that trip in the late 1800's and early 1900's undoubtedly playing a part.
At the time of the 1900 census, Nicholas is working as a Servant in Supervisor's District 5, Brentwood, Byron, and Empire Precincts, Contra Costa County, California. Nicholas' year of birth is listed as 1820. His month of birth is listed as UNKNOWN. Perhaps he didn't even know when he was born;
Frank Sweetser Head M 67 Massachusetts
Elizabeth Sweetser Wife F 56 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower Servant M 80 New Jersey
Ellen Betsey (Schuyler) Philhower Whitten died on ___________ __, 1907 and her mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 113866133.
At the time of the 1910 census, Nicholas A. Philhower is an inmate at the Soldiers Home in Yount, Napa County, California. He is listed as widowed, rather than divorced. He is listed as being 94 years of age.
Private Nicholas Apgar Philhower died on November 21, 1911, at about the age of 90 or 91, most likely in the Veterans Home, and his mortal remains were laid in the Veterans Home cemetery, the Veterans Memorial Grove Cemetery in Yountville, Napa County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Gary McNamara, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Philhower family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nicholas Philhower and the Philhower family. Baxter would also like to see a better copy of the CDV of Nicholas added to his site along with copies of any other photographs of Nicholas which have survived the years.)
Nicholas Apgar Philhower was born on ____________ __, 1820 in ____________ County, New Jersey, the son of Peter J. Philhower, who was born on 23 December 1799 and who died on 2 April 1890, and Elizabeth (Apgar) Philhower, who was born on 5 March 1803 and who died on 9 October 1868.
On June 3, 1848, Nicholas A. Philhower was married to Ellen Betsy Schuyler in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Ellen was born on April __, 1830/31 in Washington Township, Morris County, New Jersey, the daughter of William Schuyler (1803-1850) and Sarah (Fleming) Schuyler (1810-1880).
Five children are believed to have been were born to Nicholas and Ellen. They include;
1. Anna Lizabeth Philhower, born February 26, 1849 in New Jersey; Anne was married to Reuben Redding (1846 - 1934) on December 25, 1867 in Stark County, Illinois. Anne and Reuben had the following children;
A. Walter Franklin Redding, born April 21, 1870 in Stark County, Illinois. Walter was married to Laura Ella Philhower, who was his 1st cousin, on February 11, 1897 in Stark County, Illinois. Laura was born on February 28, 1874 at or near Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Abraham Brewer Philhower, who was born c. June 20, 1829 in New Jersey and who was the brother of Nicholas A. Philhower.
At the time of the 1910 census, Walter and his family are found in Elmwood Ward 4, Peoria County, Illinois;
Walter F Redding Head M 39 Illinois
Laura E Redding Wife F 35 Illinois
Roscoe M Redding Son M 12 Illinois
Howard R Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Walter F Redding Son M 7 Illinois
Everett A Redding Son M 5 Illinois
Lowell E Redding Son M 3 Illinois
Harold E Redding Son M 0 Illinois
Walter's parents, according to his death certificate, are listed as Reuben Redding, born in Ohio, and Ann Lizabeth Philhower, born in Stark County, Illinois. William Franklin Redding died on March 27, 1939 in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, where he resided and also where he worked as a Carpenter. His wife was Lora Ella Redding. His mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood.
B. Fred Redding, born c. 1875/76 in Illinois.
C. Florence Redding, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
D. C_________ Redding, born c. 1879/80 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their post office is Castleton, Illinois;
Reuben Redding M 24 Ohio
Anna Redding F 20 New Jersey
Walter F Redding M 0 Illinois
William Redding M 14 Indiana
George S Philhomer M 17 New Jersey
At the time of the 1880 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois, where Reuben is farming;
Reuben Redding Self M 33 Ohio
Ann Redding Wife F 30 New Jersey
Walter Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Freddie Redding Son M 4 Illinois
Florence Redding Daughter F 2 Illinois
C Redding Daughter F 0 Illinois
Gilbert Redding Cousin M 22 Indiana
At the time of the 1930 census, Reuben and Anna are found in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma;
Ruben Redding Head M 83 Ohio
Anna L Redding Wife F 80 New Jersey
John A Cosgrove Grandson M 18 Kansas
Anna Lizabeth (Philhower) Redding died on Jan. 4, 1936 and her mortal remains were laid in the Wakita Cemetery in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma; Her Find A Grave Memorial # is 51965346.
2. George Washington Philhower, born c. January 8, 1851/53 in Peapack, Bedminster Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. A George W Philhower is listed as having been married to Maria Sturm on December 11, 1873 in Stark County, Illinois. George W. Philhower was married to Maria Sturmsder in 1873. Two children were born to George and Maria;
A. Bertha Ellen Philhower, born August 7, 1877 in Illinois. Bertha is believed to have died 26 February 1938. Bertha may have been married briefly to Franz J. Batchler on 16 Dec 1897 in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. Franz's parents are listed as Ulrich Batchler and Elizabeth Graliey, while Bertha's are listed as George Philhower and Malinda Sturn.
However, at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha is found in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
Then on February 7, 1902, Bertha Philhower, age 25 and born in Illinois, was married to John A. Walton in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. John was 23 years of age and born in Iowa and is listed as being the son of Nelson Walton and Susanna Leatherman, while Bertha's parents this time are listed as George Philhower and Mira Sterms.
Bertha is found in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records with her husband, John Nelson Walton (1878 - 1957). However, her Find A Grave site, states that Bertha A Walton died on Feb. 5, 1928 in Adams County, Iowa. Her mortal remains were laid in the Oakland Cemetery in Corning, Adams County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 42010328.
B. Harry S. Philhower, born February 3, 1883 in or near Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. In 1900, Harry and his sister are found residing with an aunt and uncle in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
On August 15, 1905, Harry Philour, age 22 and born in Illinois, is listed as being married to Millie Belle Brown, age 27 and born in Clinton, Iowa, in Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa. Harry's parents are listed as Geo. Philour and Mariah Stearns, while Millie's are listed as Maj. Brown and Rachel Stearns.
Then on March 14, 1918, Harry Philour, now age 35 and born in Bradford, Illinois, is listed as being married in Red Oak, Montgomery County, Iowa to Mary Lock, who is 29 and born in Platte County, Nebraska. Harry's parents are listed as George Philour and Maria Sturms, while Mary's are listed as J. W. Lock and Sarah Burgett.
In 1930, Harry, now divorced, is found living with his aunt and uncle, who are now listed as his foster parents, in Quincy, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 88 Illinois
Isabell H Dunn Wife F 79 Illinois
Harry Philour Foster-son M 47 Illinois
In 1940, now age 57 and listed as widowed, Harry is found in Township 4 Range 5, Custer County, South Dakota. Harry S. Philhower (spelled Philour) died on July 11, 1967 in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota and his mortal remains were laid in the Custer Cemetery in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota, though his grave was never marked. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 128611339.
In 1900, George Philhower/Philhour is found living alone and boarding in Osceola Township Bradford village, Stark County, Illinois. He is listed as single, so he probably has been seperated or divorced for some time;
Thomas L Fox Head M 53 Ireland
Mary A Fox Wife F 38 Illinois
Margaret A Fox Daughter F 17 Illinois
Dennis C Fox Nephew M 18 Ireland
August Miller Boarder M 57 Germany
George Philhour Boarder M 50 New Jersey
George Washington Philhower died on 19 December 1928 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Osceola Grove Cemetery in Elmira, Stark County, Illinois. His Find A Grave Memorial # is 23013475.
3. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. August 7, 1854/55 in Illinois. Sarah was married to William Budine on October 4, 1874 in Stark County, Illinois. The children born to Sarah and William include;
A. Nora Budine, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois.
B. Dan Budine, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1880 census, William and Sarah are found in Osceola, Stark County, Illinois, where William is farming;
William Budine Self M 46 New York
Sarah Budine Wife F 26 New Jersey
Nora Budine Daughter F 5 Illinois
Dan Budine Son M 2 Illinois
Elmer Kenyon Other M 18 Illinois
George Gross Other M 14 New York
There is a record of a Sarah Budine being married on 2 Nov 1892 in Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska to William Smith. He was 45 and born in England, while Sarah Budine was 36. This is found on familysearch.
Could this be her?
Sarah E. (Philhower) Budine is believed to have died about 1943.
4. Jennie Ellen May Philhower, born September 13, 1858/59 in Illinois. Jennie is believed to have been married to __________________ Morse. Jennie may be the Jennie Morse we find in Precinct O Milford village, Seward County, Nebraska at the time of the 1900 census. This Jennie and Frank K. Morse have been married for 11 years and they have had 1 child, who is living. This Jennie was born in September of 1858 in Illinois and both of her parents were born in New Jersey, all of which fit out Jennie Philhower;
Frank K Morse Head M 44 Indiana
Jennie E Morse Wife F Sep 1858 42 Illinois
Monta V Morse Son M 16 Kansas
In the early 1900's, Frank and Jennie returned to Illinois, where at the time of the 1900 census, they are found in
Jennie Morse, age 69 died in the Anna State Hospital in Road District 5, Union County, Illinois. Familysearch records have her born c. 13 Sep 1859 and her father as Philhomer, born in New Jersey, and her mother as Ellen B. Schuyler, also born in New Jersey. Jennie occupation is listed as Housework, her address as Enfield, Illinois and her husband as Frank Morse. Jennie's mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois on 22 Mar 1929.
See Jennie Ellen Mae (Philhower) Morse's Find A Grave Memorial #201105768.
5. Peter Jacob Philhower, born about January 1, 1861 in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. In 1870 and 1880, Peter is found residing with his mother and stepfather. Peter Philhower was married to Katie Calahan on December 25, 1882 in Bureau County, Illinois. Katherine Elizabeth "Kate or Katie" Callahan/Calahan was born on November __, 1863. Their children include;
A. Jennie M. Philhower, born 13 September 1884. Jennie died on January __, 1974.
B. Johanna E "Josie" Philhower, born January __, 1887. Josie died on ___________ __, 1976
C. Michael Nicholas Philhower, born 4 January 1889 in Illinois. Michael was married to Mable Carper c. 1908/09. Their children include;
a. Gertrude M. Philhower, born c. 1909/10 in Bureau County, Illinois.
b. Esther E. Philhower, born c. 1911/12 in Bureau County, Illinois.
c. Earnest C. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Bureau County, Illinois.
d. Annabelle I. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Bureau County, Illinois.
e. Charles W. Philhower, born c. 1917/18 in Bureau County, Illinois. Charles W. Philhower was married to Dora Sullivan on May 27, 1939 in Scott County, Iowa. Charles, who is listed as being 21, is listed as the son of Michael N Philhower and Mabel Carper, while Dora, who is 18, is the daughter of Joe T Sullivan and Mattie Allen.
f. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. 1920 in Bureau County, Illinois.
g. Myrtle C. Philhower, born c. 1922/23 in Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Michael and his family are found in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois;
Michael N Philhower Head M 21 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 20 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Micheal N Philhower Head M 30 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 30 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ester E Philhower Daughter F 8 Illinois
Earnest C Philhower Son M 6 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 2 Illinois
Mable C. Philhower died in the 1920's, perhaps due to complications of child birth. At the time of the 1930 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed;
Michael N Philhower Head M 41 Illinois
Esther E Philhower Daughter F 18 Illinois
Ernest C Philhower Son M 16 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 15 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 12 Illinois
Sarah E Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Myrtle C Philhower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Michael N. Philhower died on February __, 1979.
D. Charles William Philhower, born February 20, 1891 in Illinois. Charles was married to Lula Mae ___________. Their children include;
a. Dorothy L. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Illinois.
b. Edna A. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Illinois.
c. Raymond Ralph Philhower, born c. 1919/20 in Illinois.
d. Sherley Mae Philhower, born c. 1928/29 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1920 census, Charles and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles W Philhower Head M 28 Illinois
Lulu M Philhower Wife F 26 Illinois
Dorothy L Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Edna A Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Raymond Philhower Son M Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Charles and his family are found in Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles Philhower Head M 48 Illinois
Lula Mae Philhower Wife F 46 Illinois
Sherley Mae Philhower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Raymond Ralph Philhower Son M 21 Illinois
Charles William Philhower died on November __, 1976 and his mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
E. Daniel Francis "Dan" Philhower, born March 11, 1892 in Illinois. Dan was married to Nellie V. Hamrick (1891 - 1942). Dan died on April 9, 1974 and his mortal remains were laid in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Wyanet, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 58860107.
F. Kate E Philhower, born February __, 1894.
G. Bertha Philhower, born February __, 1897.
H. Charlotte "Lottie" R. Philhower, born February __, 1899.
I. Jessie Philhower, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
I. Lillian Henrietta Philhower, born 2 January 1905 in Illinois. Lillian died on 4 December 1996.
J. Peter Jacob Philhower Jr., born ___________ __, 1908 in Illinois. Peter Jacob Philhower was married to Mildred E. ____________ (1913 - 2003). Peter died on ___________ __, 1975 and his mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in East Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 146413871.
At the time of the 1900 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon Township, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter and Kate have been married for 18 years;
Peter J Philhower Head M 39 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Wife F 37 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Johanna Philhower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Mikel Philhower Son M 11 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 9 Illinois
Daniel F Philhower Son M 8 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Bertha Philhower Daughter F 3 Illinois
Charlotte R Philhower Daughter F 1 Illinois
Johanna Sullivan Aunt F 73 Ireland
At the time of the 1910 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Peter J Philower Head M 49 Illinois
Kate Philower Wife F 47 Illinois
Jennie Philower Daughter F 25 Illinois
C William Philower Son M 19 Illinois
Daniel Philower Son M 18 Illinois
Katie Philower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Bertha Philower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Lottie Philower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Jessie Philower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Lilian Philower Daughter F 5 Illinois
Peter J Philower Son M 2 Illinois
Katherine Elizabeth "Kate" (Callahan) Philhower died on August 14, 1918 at ___________, ___________.
At the time of the 1930 census, Peter and two of his children are found in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter is listed as widowed;
Peter J Philhower Sr. Head M 69 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 45 Illinois
Peter J Philhower Jr. Son M 21 Illinois
Peter Jacob Philhower died on September 30, 1944 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in Saint Patricks Cemetery in Sheffield, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 139941824.
Now to continue with the biography of Nicholas Philhower;
At the time of the 1850 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Living with them is one of Ellen's younger brothers, William Schuyler;
Nicholas Philhower M 24 New Jersey
Ellen Philhower F 21 New Jersey
Ann Sussan Philhower F 0 New Jersey
William Schuyler M 11 New Jersey
Sometime between 1853 and 1855, Nicholas and Ellen took their family west, where they settled in Stark County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois;
Nicholas Philhower M 38 N. J.
Ellen Philhower F 28 N. J.
Ann L Philhower F 11 N. J.
George Philhower M 7 N. J.
Sarah E Philhower F 5 Ill
Jenny Philhower F 1 Ill
Hiram P Mallory M 19 N. Y.
Warden W Reading M 21 Indiana
Timothy Owens M 25 Ireland
Patrick Clark M 33 Ireland
Luston Johnson M 32 Norway
James T Marshall M 19 Ohio
Sometime before 1862, the Philhowers apparently moved into Bureau County, Illinois, where they resided in Milo Township. On August 14, 1862, Nicholas A. Philhower along with his brother-in-law, Peter Schuyler, volunteered in Wheatland Township of Bureau County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, Nicholas gave his place of residence as Milo, Bureau County, Illinois and his age as 41.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name PHILHOWER, NICHOLAS
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MILO, BUREAU CO, IL Age 41 Height 5' 11 Hair LIGHT
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity NJ
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where WHEATLAND, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VRC
It appears that in the 1860's, probably after the war, that Nicholas and Ellen separated and divorced. Ellen Betsey (Schyuler) Philhower, spelled Philhoun on the typed record on familysearch, was then married 2nd to William H. Whitten, on November 25, 1868 in Stark County, Illinois. Two sons are believed to have been born to Ellen and William;
1. Ira James Whitten, born June 12, 1869 in Stark County, Illinois. Ira, according to his death record found on familysearch.org, was a funeral director. He was married to Gertrude ____________. Ira's parents are listed as W. H. Whitten and Ellen Skyler. Ira was residing in and died in Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois on June 15, 1940. His mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois.
2. Charles William "C. W." Whitten, born August 6, 1871 in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. Charles died on October 23, 1957 in Saint Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 80837531.
At the time of the 1870 census, William and Ellen Whitten are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their Post Office is at Castleton, Illinois;
William Whitten M 50 New York
Ellen Whitten F 38 New Jersey
Ira I Whitten M 1 Illinois
Jennie E Philhower F 11 Illinois
Peter J Philhower M 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Ellen and William are found in Penn, Stark County, Illinois;
William Wheten Self M 69 New York
Ira J Wheten Son M 10 Illinois
John Wheten Son M 6 Illinois
Jennie Philhouer Stepdaughter F 21 Illinois
Peter Philhouer Stepson M Farm Laborer 19 Illinois
Charles Wheten Son M 8 Illinois
Ellen Wheten Wife F 39 New Jersey
At the time of the 1900 census, Ellen and William are still found in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. She and William are listed as having been married 32 years;
William Whitten Head M 81 New York
Ellen Whitten Wife F Apr 1830 70 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower has not been located in the 1870 census records as yet. He may have left for California shortly after he and Ellen were divorced. The earliest record that I have found for him is in 1876, when Nicholas A. Philhower, age 51, is listed on June 3, 1876 on the Voter Registration records for Point Of Timber, Contra Costa County, California.
Thanks to Gary M. McNamara, we now know that Nicholas Philhower also remarried after he and Ellen were divorced. Nicholas, who is Gary's great-great grandfather, was married to Mary A. (possibly Anna) Pelton on April 8, 1868 in Scott County, Iowa.
Two children were born to Nicholas and Mary;
6. Emery Temple Philhower, born July 19, 1873 in California. Emery was living in Contra Costa County, California at the time he had to register for the draft of WWI.
At the time of the 1920 census, Emery is an Inmate in the County Hospital in Alhombra, Contra Costa County, California. He is listed as being 46, single and his father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Emery T. Philhower died on ____________ __, 1925 in ____________ County, California.
7. Mary Anna Philhower, born September __, 1869 in Iowa. This was Gary McNamara's great-grandmother. Mary was married to William F. Behn (1865-1910) on December 9, 1892. They were the parents of 4 children;
A. Mary Laverna Behn, born April __, 1894 in California. This was Gary's grandmother. Laverna was married to Luther George French in Brentwood, California and they had 4 children, Gary's mother being the third. They include;
a. Margaret French, born c. 1912/13 in California.
b. Robert "Bobbie" French, born c. 1915 in California.
c. Kathleen M. or H. French, born c. 1923/24 in California. Kathleen was married to _____________ McNamara and they had at least one son, Gary M. McNamara, born July 14, 1942.
d. Betty A. French, born c. 1926/27 in California.
At the time of the 1920 census, the French family is found in Stockton Ward 6, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther French Head M 30 Tennessee
Laverna French Wife F 27 California
Margaret French Daughter F 7 California
Bobbie French Son M 4 California
At the time of the 1930 census, the French family is found in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 41 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 36 California
Robert French Son M 15 California
Kathleen M French Daughter F 6 California
Betty A French Daughter F 3 California
At the time of the 1940 census, the French family is found in Ward 6, Stockton, O'Neal Judicial Township, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 51 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 45 California
Kathleen H French Daughter F 16 California
Betty A French Daughter F 13 California
B. Mamie/Marie E. Behn, born March __, 1896 in California.
C. William L. Behn, born January 31, 1898/99 in California. Familysearch has the following record;
Name William F. Behn
Birth Date 31 Jan 1900
Birthplace Cal.
Age 23
Spouse's Name Hazel R. Smith
Spouse's Birth Date 25 Feb 1898
Spouse's Birthplace Cal.
Spouse's Age 25
Event Date 24 Dec 1923
Event Place Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Father's Name Wm. F. Bahn
Mother's Name Mary Anna Fillhower
Spouse's Father's Name Wm. Smith
Spouse's Mother's Name E. Spring
Race White
Marital Status Single
Spouse's Race White
Spouse's Marital Status Divorced
At the time of the 1900 census, Mary and her family are found in Crockett Precinct 2, Contra Costa County, California. She is listed as having been born in Iowa, she and William have been married 7 years, she is the mother of 4 children, though only 3 are found here, all of whom are living and her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively;
William F Behn Head M Jul 1865 35 California
Mary A Behn Wife F Sep 1869 31 Iowa
Mary L Behn Daughter F Apr 1894 6 California
Mamie E Behn Daughter F Mar 1896 4 California
William L Behn Son M Jan 1899 1 California
William F. Behn is believed to have died in 1910. At the time of the 1910 census, the Behns are found in Township 9, Contra Costa County, California;
Mary A Behn Head F 39 Iowa
La Verna M Behn Daughter F 16 California
Marie E Behn Daughter F 14 California
William L Behn Son M 11 California
Now to continue with what we know about Nicholas Philhower;
Though he has not been located in the 1880 census, either, he is on the Voter Registry in Danville, Contra Costa County in September of 1886, in Marsh Creek, Contra Costa County in August of 1892 and in Empire, Contra Costa County in July of 1896.
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion in Peoria,Illinois for the old 86th during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th and their families attended this first reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold them every year on that August 27th anniversary as possible. They continued to grow for several years as more and more veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to hold them through the year 1923, when it was tearfully decided by the last few veterans who were able to attend the 1923 reunion, that they were too old and too few to continue them any longer. Private Nicholas A. Philhower was never able to attend any of the reunions, the great distance to be traveled and the difficulty of making that trip in the late 1800's and early 1900's undoubtedly playing a part.
At the time of the 1900 census, Nicholas is working as a Servant in Supervisor's District 5, Brentwood, Byron, and Empire Precincts, Contra Costa County, California. Nicholas' year of birth is listed as 1820. His month of birth is listed as UNKNOWN. Perhaps he didn't even know when he was born;
Frank Sweetser Head M 67 Massachusetts
Elizabeth Sweetser Wife F 56 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower Servant M 80 New Jersey
Ellen Betsey (Schuyler) Philhower Whitten died on ___________ __, 1907 and her mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 113866133.
At the time of the 1910 census, Nicholas A. Philhower is an inmate at the Soldiers Home in Yount, Napa County, California. He is listed as widowed, rather than divorced. He is listed as being 94 years of age.
Private Nicholas Apgar Philhower died on November 21, 1911, at about the age of 90 or 91, most likely in the Veterans Home, and his mortal remains were laid in the Veterans Home cemetery, the Veterans Memorial Grove Cemetery in Yountville, Napa County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Gary McNamara, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Philhower family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nicholas Philhower and the Philhower family. Baxter would also like to see a better copy of the CDV of Nicholas added to his site along with copies of any other photographs of Nicholas which have survived the years.)
Private NICHOLAS APGAR PHILHOWER, Co. E, 86th Illinois
Nicholas Apgar Philhower was born on ____________ __, 1820 in ____________ County, New Jersey, the son of Peter J. Philhower, who was born on 23 December 1799 and who died on 2 April 1890, and Elizabeth (Apgar) Philhower, who was born on 5 March 1803 and who died on 9 October 1868.
On June 3, 1848, Nicholas A. Philhower was married to Ellen Betsy Schuyler in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Ellen was born on April __, 1830/31 in Washington Township, Morris County, New Jersey, the daughter of William Schuyler (1803-1850) and Sarah (Fleming) Schuyler (1810-1880).
Five children are believed to have been were born to Nicholas and Ellen. They include;
1. Anna Lizabeth Philhower, born February 26, 1849 in New Jersey; Anne was married to Reuben Redding (1846 - 1934) on December 25, 1867 in Stark County, Illinois. Anne and Reuben had the following children;
A. Walter Franklin Redding, born April 21, 1870 in Stark County, Illinois. Walter was married to Laura Ella Philhower, who was his 1st cousin, on February 11, 1897 in Stark County, Illinois. Laura was born on February 28, 1874 at or near Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Abraham Brewer Philhower, who was born c. June 20, 1829 in New Jersey and who was the brother of Nicholas A. Philhower.
At the time of the 1910 census, Walter and his family are found in Elmwood Ward 4, Peoria County, Illinois;
Walter F Redding Head M 39 Illinois
Laura E Redding Wife F 35 Illinois
Roscoe M Redding Son M 12 Illinois
Howard R Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Walter F Redding Son M 7 Illinois
Everett A Redding Son M 5 Illinois
Lowell E Redding Son M 3 Illinois
Harold E Redding Son M 0 Illinois
Walter's parents, according to his death certificate, are listed as Reuben Redding, born in Ohio, and Ann Lizabeth Philhower, born in Stark County, Illinois. William Franklin Redding died on March 27, 1939 in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, where he resided and also where he worked as a Carpenter. His wife was Lora Ella Redding. His mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood.
B. Fred Redding, born c. 1875/76 in Illinois.
C. Florence Redding, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
D. C_________ Redding, born c. 1879/80 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their post office is Castleton, Illinois;
Reuben Redding M 24 Ohio
Anna Redding F 20 New Jersey
Walter F Redding M 0 Illinois
William Redding M 14 Indiana
George S Philhomer M 17 New Jersey
At the time of the 1880 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois, where Reuben is farming;
Reuben Redding Self M 33 Ohio
Ann Redding Wife F 30 New Jersey
Walter Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Freddie Redding Son M 4 Illinois
Florence Redding Daughter F 2 Illinois
C Redding Daughter F 0 Illinois
Gilbert Redding Cousin M 22 Indiana
At the time of the 1930 census, Reuben and Anna are found in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma;
Ruben Redding Head M 83 Ohio
Anna L Redding Wife F 80 New Jersey
John A Cosgrove Grandson M 18 Kansas
Anna Lizabeth (Philhower) Redding died on Jan. 4, 1936 and her mortal remains were laid in the Wakita Cemetery in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma; Her Find A Grave Memorial # is 51965346.
2. George Washington Philhower, born c. January 8, 1851/53 in Peapack, Bedminster Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. A George W Philhower is listed as having been married to Maria Sturm on December 11, 1873 in Stark County, Illinois. George W. Philhower was married to Maria Sturmsder in 1873. Two children were born to George and Maria;
A. Bertha Ellen Philhower, born August 7, 1877 in Illinois. Bertha is believed to have died 26 February 1938. Bertha may have been married briefly to Franz J. Batchler on 16 Dec 1897 in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. Franz's parents are listed as Ulrich Batchler and Elizabeth Graliey, while Bertha's are listed as George Philhower and Malinda Sturn.
However, at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha is found in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
Then on February 7, 1902, Bertha Philhower, age 25 and born in Illinois, was married to John A. Walton in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. John was 23 years of age and born in Iowa and is listed as being the son of Nelson Walton and Susanna Leatherman, while Bertha's parents this time are listed as George Philhower and Mira Sterms.
Bertha is found in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records with her husband, John Nelson Walton (1878 - 1957). However, her Find A Grave site, states that Bertha A Walton died on Feb. 5, 1928 in Adams County, Iowa. Her mortal remains were laid in the Oakland Cemetery in Corning, Adams County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 42010328.
B. Harry S. Philhower, born February 3, 1883 in or near Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. In 1900, Harry and his sister are found residing with an aunt and uncle in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
On August 15, 1905, Harry Philour, age 22 and born in Illinois, is listed as being married to Millie Belle Brown, age 27 and born in Clinton, Iowa, in Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa. Harry's parents are listed as Geo. Philour and Mariah Stearns, while Millie's are listed as Maj. Brown and Rachel Stearns.
Then on March 14, 1918, Harry Philour, now age 35 and born in Bradford, Illinois, is listed as being married in Red Oak, Montgomery County, Iowa to Mary Lock, who is 29 and born in Platte County, Nebraska. Harry's parents are listed as George Philour and Maria Sturms, while Mary's are listed as J. W. Lock and Sarah Burgett.
In 1930, Harry, now divorced, is found living with his aunt and uncle, who are now listed as his foster parents, in Quincy, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 88 Illinois
Isabell H Dunn Wife F 79 Illinois
Harry Philour Foster-son M 47 Illinois
In 1940, now age 57 and listed as widowed, Harry is found in Township 4 Range 5, Custer County, South Dakota. Harry S. Philhower (spelled Philour) died on July 11, 1967 in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota and his mortal remains were laid in the Custer Cemetery in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota, though his grave was never marked. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 128611339.
In 1900, George Philhower/Philhour is found living alone and boarding in Osceola Township Bradford village, Stark County, Illinois. He is listed as single, so he probably has been seperated or divorced for some time;
Thomas L Fox Head M 53 Ireland
Mary A Fox Wife F 38 Illinois
Margaret A Fox Daughter F 17 Illinois
Dennis C Fox Nephew M 18 Ireland
August Miller Boarder M 57 Germany
George Philhour Boarder M 50 New Jersey
George Washington Philhower died on 19 December 1928 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Osceola Grove Cemetery in Elmira, Stark County, Illinois. His Find A Grave Memorial # is 23013475.
3. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. August 7, 1854/55 in Illinois. Sarah was married to William Budine on October 4, 1874 in Stark County, Illinois. The children born to Sarah and William include;
A. Nora Budine, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois.
B. Dan Budine, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1880 census, William and Sarah are found in Osceola, Stark County, Illinois, where William is farming;
William Budine Self M 46 New York
Sarah Budine Wife F 26 New Jersey
Nora Budine Daughter F 5 Illinois
Dan Budine Son M 2 Illinois
Elmer Kenyon Other M 18 Illinois
George Gross Other M 14 New York
There is a record of a Sarah Budine being married on 2 Nov 1892 in Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska to William Smith. He was 45 and born in England, while Sarah Budine was 36. This is found on familysearch.
Could this be her?
Sarah E. (Philhower) Budine is believed to have died about 1943.
4. Jennie Ellen May Philhower, born September 13, 1858/59 in Illinois. Jennie is believed to have been married to __________________ Morse. Jennie may be the Jennie Morse we find in Precinct O Milford village, Seward County, Nebraska at the time of the 1900 census. This Jennie and Frank K. Morse have been married for 11 years and they have had 1 child, who is living. This Jennie was born in September of 1858 in Illinois and both of her parents were born in New Jersey, all of which fit out Jennie Philhower;
Frank K Morse Head M 44 Indiana
Jennie E Morse Wife F Sep 1858 42 Illinois
Monta V Morse Son M 16 Kansas
In the early 1900's, Frank and Jennie returned to Illinois, where at the time of the 1900 census, they are found in
Jennie Morse, age 69 died in the Anna State Hospital in Road District 5, Union County, Illinois. Familysearch records have her born c. 13 Sep 1859 and her father as Philhomer, born in New Jersey, and her mother as Ellen B. Schuyler, also born in New Jersey. Jennie occupation is listed as Housework, her address as Enfield, Illinois and her husband as Frank Morse. Jennie's mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois on 22 Mar 1929.
See Jennie Ellen Mae (Philhower) Morse's Find A Grave Memorial #201105768.
5. Peter Jacob Philhower, born about January 1, 1861 in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. In 1870 and 1880, Peter is found residing with his mother and stepfather. Peter Philhower was married to Katie Calahan on December 25, 1882 in Bureau County, Illinois. Katherine Elizabeth "Kate or Katie" Callahan/Calahan was born on November __, 1863. Their children include;
A. Jennie M. Philhower, born 13 September 1884. Jennie died on January __, 1974.
B. Johanna E "Josie" Philhower, born January __, 1887. Josie died on ___________ __, 1976
C. Michael Nicholas Philhower, born 4 January 1889 in Illinois. Michael was married to Mable Carper c. 1908/09. Their children include;
a. Gertrude M. Philhower, born c. 1909/10 in Bureau County, Illinois.
b. Esther E. Philhower, born c. 1911/12 in Bureau County, Illinois.
c. Earnest C. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Bureau County, Illinois.
d. Annabelle I. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Bureau County, Illinois.
e. Charles W. Philhower, born c. 1917/18 in Bureau County, Illinois. Charles W. Philhower was married to Dora Sullivan on May 27, 1939 in Scott County, Iowa. Charles, who is listed as being 21, is listed as the son of Michael N Philhower and Mabel Carper, while Dora, who is 18, is the daughter of Joe T Sullivan and Mattie Allen.
f. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. 1920 in Bureau County, Illinois.
g. Myrtle C. Philhower, born c. 1922/23 in Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Michael and his family are found in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois;
Michael N Philhower Head M 21 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 20 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Micheal N Philhower Head M 30 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 30 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ester E Philhower Daughter F 8 Illinois
Earnest C Philhower Son M 6 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 2 Illinois
Mable C. Philhower died in the 1920's, perhaps due to complications of child birth. At the time of the 1930 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed;
Michael N Philhower Head M 41 Illinois
Esther E Philhower Daughter F 18 Illinois
Ernest C Philhower Son M 16 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 15 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 12 Illinois
Sarah E Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Myrtle C Philhower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Michael N. Philhower died on February __, 1979.
D. Charles William Philhower, born February 20, 1891 in Illinois. Charles was married to Lula Mae ___________. Their children include;
a. Dorothy L. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Illinois.
b. Edna A. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Illinois.
c. Raymond Ralph Philhower, born c. 1919/20 in Illinois.
d. Sherley Mae Philhower, born c. 1928/29 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1920 census, Charles and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles W Philhower Head M 28 Illinois
Lulu M Philhower Wife F 26 Illinois
Dorothy L Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Edna A Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Raymond Philhower Son M Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Charles and his family are found in Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles Philhower Head M 48 Illinois
Lula Mae Philhower Wife F 46 Illinois
Sherley Mae Philhower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Raymond Ralph Philhower Son M 21 Illinois
Charles William Philhower died on November __, 1976 and his mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
E. Daniel Francis "Dan" Philhower, born March 11, 1892 in Illinois. Dan was married to Nellie V. Hamrick (1891 - 1942). Dan died on April 9, 1974 and his mortal remains were laid in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Wyanet, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 58860107.
F. Kate E Philhower, born February __, 1894.
G. Bertha Philhower, born February __, 1897.
H. Charlotte "Lottie" R. Philhower, born February __, 1899.
I. Jessie Philhower, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
I. Lillian Henrietta Philhower, born 2 January 1905 in Illinois. Lillian died on 4 December 1996.
J. Peter Jacob Philhower Jr., born ___________ __, 1908 in Illinois. Peter Jacob Philhower was married to Mildred E. ____________ (1913 - 2003). Peter died on ___________ __, 1975 and his mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in East Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 146413871.
At the time of the 1900 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon Township, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter and Kate have been married for 18 years;
Peter J Philhower Head M 39 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Wife F 37 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Johanna Philhower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Mikel Philhower Son M 11 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 9 Illinois
Daniel F Philhower Son M 8 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Bertha Philhower Daughter F 3 Illinois
Charlotte R Philhower Daughter F 1 Illinois
Johanna Sullivan Aunt F 73 Ireland
At the time of the 1910 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Peter J Philower Head M 49 Illinois
Kate Philower Wife F 47 Illinois
Jennie Philower Daughter F 25 Illinois
C William Philower Son M 19 Illinois
Daniel Philower Son M 18 Illinois
Katie Philower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Bertha Philower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Lottie Philower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Jessie Philower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Lilian Philower Daughter F 5 Illinois
Peter J Philower Son M 2 Illinois
Katherine Elizabeth "Kate" (Callahan) Philhower died on August 14, 1918 at ___________, ___________.
At the time of the 1930 census, Peter and two of his children are found in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter is listed as widowed;
Peter J Philhower Sr. Head M 69 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 45 Illinois
Peter J Philhower Jr. Son M 21 Illinois
Peter Jacob Philhower died on September 30, 1944 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in Saint Patricks Cemetery in Sheffield, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 139941824.
Now to continue with the biography of Nicholas Philhower;
At the time of the 1850 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Living with them is one of Ellen's younger brothers, William Schuyler;
Nicholas Philhower M 24 New Jersey
Ellen Philhower F 21 New Jersey
Ann Sussan Philhower F 0 New Jersey
William Schuyler M 11 New Jersey
Sometime between 1853 and 1855, Nicholas and Ellen took their family west, where they settled in Stark County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois;
Nicholas Philhower M 38 N. J.
Ellen Philhower F 28 N. J.
Ann L Philhower F 11 N. J.
George Philhower M 7 N. J.
Sarah E Philhower F 5 Ill
Jenny Philhower F 1 Ill
Hiram P Mallory M 19 N. Y.
Warden W Reading M 21 Indiana
Timothy Owens M 25 Ireland
Patrick Clark M 33 Ireland
Luston Johnson M 32 Norway
James T Marshall M 19 Ohio
Sometime before 1862, the Philhowers apparently moved into Bureau County, Illinois, where they resided in Milo Township. On August 14, 1862, Nicholas A. Philhower along with his brother-in-law, Peter Schuyler, volunteered in Wheatland Township of Bureau County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, Nicholas gave his place of residence as Milo, Bureau County, Illinois and his age as 41.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name PHILHOWER, NICHOLAS
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MILO, BUREAU CO, IL Age 41 Height 5' 11 Hair LIGHT
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity NJ
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where WHEATLAND, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VRC
It appears that in the 1860's, probably after the war, that Nicholas and Ellen separated and divorced. Ellen Betsey (Schyuler) Philhower, spelled Philhoun on the typed record on familysearch, was then married 2nd to William H. Whitten, on November 25, 1868 in Stark County, Illinois. Two sons are believed to have been born to Ellen and William;
1. Ira James Whitten, born June 12, 1869 in Stark County, Illinois. Ira, according to his death record found on familysearch.org, was a funeral director. He was married to Gertrude ____________. Ira's parents are listed as W. H. Whitten and Ellen Skyler. Ira was residing in and died in Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois on June 15, 1940. His mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois.
2. Charles William "C. W." Whitten, born August 6, 1871 in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. Charles died on October 23, 1957 in Saint Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 80837531.
At the time of the 1870 census, William and Ellen Whitten are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their Post Office is at Castleton, Illinois;
William Whitten M 50 New York
Ellen Whitten F 38 New Jersey
Ira I Whitten M 1 Illinois
Jennie E Philhower F 11 Illinois
Peter J Philhower M 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Ellen and William are found in Penn, Stark County, Illinois;
William Wheten Self M 69 New York
Ira J Wheten Son M 10 Illinois
John Wheten Son M 6 Illinois
Jennie Philhouer Stepdaughter F 21 Illinois
Peter Philhouer Stepson M Farm Laborer 19 Illinois
Charles Wheten Son M 8 Illinois
Ellen Wheten Wife F 39 New Jersey
At the time of the 1900 census, Ellen and William are still found in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. She and William are listed as having been married 32 years;
William Whitten Head M 81 New York
Ellen Whitten Wife F Apr 1830 70 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower has not been located in the 1870 census records as yet. He may have left for California shortly after he and Ellen were divorced. The earliest record that I have found for him is in 1876, when Nicholas A. Philhower, age 51, is listed on June 3, 1876 on the Voter Registration records for Point Of Timber, Contra Costa County, California.
Thanks to Gary M. McNamara, we now know that Nicholas Philhower also remarried after he and Ellen were divorced. Nicholas, who is Gary's great-great grandfather, was married to Mary A. (possibly Anna) Pelton on April 8, 1868 in Scott County, Iowa.
Two children were born to Nicholas and Mary;
6. Emery Temple Philhower, born July 19, 1873 in California. Emery was living in Contra Costa County, California at the time he had to register for the draft of WWI.
At the time of the 1920 census, Emery is an Inmate in the County Hospital in Alhombra, Contra Costa County, California. He is listed as being 46, single and his father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Emery T. Philhower died on ____________ __, 1925 in ____________ County, California.
7. Mary Anna Philhower, born September __, 1869 in Iowa. This was Gary McNamara's great-grandmother. Mary was married to William F. Behn (1865-1910) on December 9, 1892. They were the parents of 4 children;
A. Mary Laverna Behn, born April __, 1894 in California. This was Gary's grandmother. Laverna was married to Luther George French in Brentwood, California and they had 4 children, Gary's mother being the third. They include;
a. Margaret French, born c. 1912/13 in California.
b. Robert "Bobbie" French, born c. 1915 in California.
c. Kathleen M. or H. French, born c. 1923/24 in California. Kathleen was married to _____________ McNamara and they had at least one son, Gary M. McNamara, born July 14, 1942.
d. Betty A. French, born c. 1926/27 in California.
At the time of the 1920 census, the French family is found in Stockton Ward 6, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther French Head M 30 Tennessee
Laverna French Wife F 27 California
Margaret French Daughter F 7 California
Bobbie French Son M 4 California
At the time of the 1930 census, the French family is found in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 41 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 36 California
Robert French Son M 15 California
Kathleen M French Daughter F 6 California
Betty A French Daughter F 3 California
At the time of the 1940 census, the French family is found in Ward 6, Stockton, O'Neal Judicial Township, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 51 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 45 California
Kathleen H French Daughter F 16 California
Betty A French Daughter F 13 California
B. Mamie/Marie E. Behn, born March __, 1896 in California.
C. William L. Behn, born January 31, 1898/99 in California. Familysearch has the following record;
Name William F. Behn
Birth Date 31 Jan 1900
Birthplace Cal.
Age 23
Spouse's Name Hazel R. Smith
Spouse's Birth Date 25 Feb 1898
Spouse's Birthplace Cal.
Spouse's Age 25
Event Date 24 Dec 1923
Event Place Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Father's Name Wm. F. Bahn
Mother's Name Mary Anna Fillhower
Spouse's Father's Name Wm. Smith
Spouse's Mother's Name E. Spring
Race White
Marital Status Single
Spouse's Race White
Spouse's Marital Status Divorced
At the time of the 1900 census, Mary and her family are found in Crockett Precinct 2, Contra Costa County, California. She is listed as having been born in Iowa, she and William have been married 7 years, she is the mother of 4 children, though only 3 are found here, all of whom are living and her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively;
William F Behn Head M Jul 1865 35 California
Mary A Behn Wife F Sep 1869 31 Iowa
Mary L Behn Daughter F Apr 1894 6 California
Mamie E Behn Daughter F Mar 1896 4 California
William L Behn Son M Jan 1899 1 California
William F. Behn is believed to have died in 1910. At the time of the 1910 census, the Behns are found in Township 9, Contra Costa County, California;
Mary A Behn Head F 39 Iowa
La Verna M Behn Daughter F 16 California
Marie E Behn Daughter F 14 California
William L Behn Son M 11 California
Now to continue with what we know about Nicholas Philhower;
Though he has not been located in the 1880 census, either, he is on the Voter Registry in Danville, Contra Costa County in September of 1886, in Marsh Creek, Contra Costa County in August of 1892 and in Empire, Contra Costa County in July of 1896.
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion in Peoria,Illinois for the old 86th during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th and their families attended this first reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold them every year on that August 27th anniversary as possible. They continued to grow for several years as more and more veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to hold them through the year 1923, when it was tearfully decided by the last few veterans who were able to attend the 1923 reunion, that they were too old and too few to continue them any longer. Private Nicholas A. Philhower was never able to attend any of the reunions, the great distance to be traveled and the difficulty of making that trip in the late 1800's and early 1900's undoubtedly playing a part.
At the time of the 1900 census, Nicholas is working as a Servant in Supervisor's District 5, Brentwood, Byron, and Empire Precincts, Contra Costa County, California. Nicholas' year of birth is listed as 1820. His month of birth is listed as UNKNOWN. Perhaps he didn't even know when he was born;
Frank Sweetser Head M 67 Massachusetts
Elizabeth Sweetser Wife F 56 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower Servant M 80 New Jersey
Ellen Betsey (Schuyler) Philhower Whitten died on ___________ __, 1907 and her mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 113866133.
At the time of the 1910 census, Nicholas A. Philhower is an inmate at the Soldiers Home in Yount, Napa County, California. He is listed as widowed, rather than divorced. He is listed as being 94 years of age.
Private Nicholas Apgar Philhower died on November 21, 1911, at about the age of 90 or 91, most likely in the Veterans Home, and his mortal remains were laid in the Veterans Home cemetery, the Veterans Memorial Grove Cemetery in Yountville, Napa County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Gary McNamara, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Philhower family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nicholas Philhower and the Philhower family. Baxter would also like to see a better copy of the CDV of Nicholas added to his site along with copies of any other photographs of Nicholas which have survived the years.)
Nicholas Apgar Philhower was born on ____________ __, 1820 in ____________ County, New Jersey, the son of Peter J. Philhower, who was born on 23 December 1799 and who died on 2 April 1890, and Elizabeth (Apgar) Philhower, who was born on 5 March 1803 and who died on 9 October 1868.
On June 3, 1848, Nicholas A. Philhower was married to Ellen Betsy Schuyler in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Ellen was born on April __, 1830/31 in Washington Township, Morris County, New Jersey, the daughter of William Schuyler (1803-1850) and Sarah (Fleming) Schuyler (1810-1880).
Five children are believed to have been were born to Nicholas and Ellen. They include;
1. Anna Lizabeth Philhower, born February 26, 1849 in New Jersey; Anne was married to Reuben Redding (1846 - 1934) on December 25, 1867 in Stark County, Illinois. Anne and Reuben had the following children;
A. Walter Franklin Redding, born April 21, 1870 in Stark County, Illinois. Walter was married to Laura Ella Philhower, who was his 1st cousin, on February 11, 1897 in Stark County, Illinois. Laura was born on February 28, 1874 at or near Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, the daughter of Abraham Brewer Philhower, who was born c. June 20, 1829 in New Jersey and who was the brother of Nicholas A. Philhower.
At the time of the 1910 census, Walter and his family are found in Elmwood Ward 4, Peoria County, Illinois;
Walter F Redding Head M 39 Illinois
Laura E Redding Wife F 35 Illinois
Roscoe M Redding Son M 12 Illinois
Howard R Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Walter F Redding Son M 7 Illinois
Everett A Redding Son M 5 Illinois
Lowell E Redding Son M 3 Illinois
Harold E Redding Son M 0 Illinois
Walter's parents, according to his death certificate, are listed as Reuben Redding, born in Ohio, and Ann Lizabeth Philhower, born in Stark County, Illinois. William Franklin Redding died on March 27, 1939 in Elmwood, Peoria County, Illinois, where he resided and also where he worked as a Carpenter. His wife was Lora Ella Redding. His mortal remains were laid in the Elmwood Township Cemetery in Elmwood.
B. Fred Redding, born c. 1875/76 in Illinois.
C. Florence Redding, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
D. C_________ Redding, born c. 1879/80 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1870 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their post office is Castleton, Illinois;
Reuben Redding M 24 Ohio
Anna Redding F 20 New Jersey
Walter F Redding M 0 Illinois
William Redding M 14 Indiana
George S Philhomer M 17 New Jersey
At the time of the 1880 census, the Reddings are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois, where Reuben is farming;
Reuben Redding Self M 33 Ohio
Ann Redding Wife F 30 New Jersey
Walter Redding Son M 10 Illinois
Freddie Redding Son M 4 Illinois
Florence Redding Daughter F 2 Illinois
C Redding Daughter F 0 Illinois
Gilbert Redding Cousin M 22 Indiana
At the time of the 1930 census, Reuben and Anna are found in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma;
Ruben Redding Head M 83 Ohio
Anna L Redding Wife F 80 New Jersey
John A Cosgrove Grandson M 18 Kansas
Anna Lizabeth (Philhower) Redding died on Jan. 4, 1936 and her mortal remains were laid in the Wakita Cemetery in Wakita, Grant County, Oklahoma; Her Find A Grave Memorial # is 51965346.
2. George Washington Philhower, born c. January 8, 1851/53 in Peapack, Bedminster Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. A George W Philhower is listed as having been married to Maria Sturm on December 11, 1873 in Stark County, Illinois. George W. Philhower was married to Maria Sturmsder in 1873. Two children were born to George and Maria;
A. Bertha Ellen Philhower, born August 7, 1877 in Illinois. Bertha is believed to have died 26 February 1938. Bertha may have been married briefly to Franz J. Batchler on 16 Dec 1897 in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. Franz's parents are listed as Ulrich Batchler and Elizabeth Graliey, while Bertha's are listed as George Philhower and Malinda Sturn.
However, at the time of the 1900 census, Bertha is found in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
Then on February 7, 1902, Bertha Philhower, age 25 and born in Illinois, was married to John A. Walton in Carbon, Adams County, Iowa. John was 23 years of age and born in Iowa and is listed as being the son of Nelson Walton and Susanna Leatherman, while Bertha's parents this time are listed as George Philhower and Mira Sterms.
Bertha is found in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 census records with her husband, John Nelson Walton (1878 - 1957). However, her Find A Grave site, states that Bertha A Walton died on Feb. 5, 1928 in Adams County, Iowa. Her mortal remains were laid in the Oakland Cemetery in Corning, Adams County, Iowa. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 42010328.
B. Harry S. Philhower, born February 3, 1883 in or near Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. In 1900, Harry and his sister are found residing with an aunt and uncle in Quincy Township Quincy town, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 56 Illinois
Isabell Dunn Wife F 49 Illinois
Bertha E Philhower Niece F Aug 1876 24 Illinois
Harry S Philhower Nephew M Feb 1883 17 Illinois
On August 15, 1905, Harry Philour, age 22 and born in Illinois, is listed as being married to Millie Belle Brown, age 27 and born in Clinton, Iowa, in Atlantic, Cass County, Iowa. Harry's parents are listed as Geo. Philour and Mariah Stearns, while Millie's are listed as Maj. Brown and Rachel Stearns.
Then on March 14, 1918, Harry Philour, now age 35 and born in Bradford, Illinois, is listed as being married in Red Oak, Montgomery County, Iowa to Mary Lock, who is 29 and born in Platte County, Nebraska. Harry's parents are listed as George Philour and Maria Sturms, while Mary's are listed as J. W. Lock and Sarah Burgett.
In 1930, Harry, now divorced, is found living with his aunt and uncle, who are now listed as his foster parents, in Quincy, Adams County, Iowa;
Uriah Dunn Head M 88 Illinois
Isabell H Dunn Wife F 79 Illinois
Harry Philour Foster-son M 47 Illinois
In 1940, now age 57 and listed as widowed, Harry is found in Township 4 Range 5, Custer County, South Dakota. Harry S. Philhower (spelled Philour) died on July 11, 1967 in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota and his mortal remains were laid in the Custer Cemetery in Custer, Custer County, South Dakota, though his grave was never marked. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 128611339.
In 1900, George Philhower/Philhour is found living alone and boarding in Osceola Township Bradford village, Stark County, Illinois. He is listed as single, so he probably has been seperated or divorced for some time;
Thomas L Fox Head M 53 Ireland
Mary A Fox Wife F 38 Illinois
Margaret A Fox Daughter F 17 Illinois
Dennis C Fox Nephew M 18 Ireland
August Miller Boarder M 57 Germany
George Philhour Boarder M 50 New Jersey
George Washington Philhower died on 19 December 1928 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the Osceola Grove Cemetery in Elmira, Stark County, Illinois. His Find A Grave Memorial # is 23013475.
3. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. August 7, 1854/55 in Illinois. Sarah was married to William Budine on October 4, 1874 in Stark County, Illinois. The children born to Sarah and William include;
A. Nora Budine, born c. 1874/75 in Illinois.
B. Dan Budine, born c. 1877/78 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1880 census, William and Sarah are found in Osceola, Stark County, Illinois, where William is farming;
William Budine Self M 46 New York
Sarah Budine Wife F 26 New Jersey
Nora Budine Daughter F 5 Illinois
Dan Budine Son M 2 Illinois
Elmer Kenyon Other M 18 Illinois
George Gross Other M 14 New York
There is a record of a Sarah Budine being married on 2 Nov 1892 in Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska to William Smith. He was 45 and born in England, while Sarah Budine was 36. This is found on familysearch.
Could this be her?
Sarah E. (Philhower) Budine is believed to have died about 1943.
4. Jennie Ellen May Philhower, born September 13, 1858/59 in Illinois. Jennie is believed to have been married to __________________ Morse. Jennie may be the Jennie Morse we find in Precinct O Milford village, Seward County, Nebraska at the time of the 1900 census. This Jennie and Frank K. Morse have been married for 11 years and they have had 1 child, who is living. This Jennie was born in September of 1858 in Illinois and both of her parents were born in New Jersey, all of which fit out Jennie Philhower;
Frank K Morse Head M 44 Indiana
Jennie E Morse Wife F Sep 1858 42 Illinois
Monta V Morse Son M 16 Kansas
In the early 1900's, Frank and Jennie returned to Illinois, where at the time of the 1900 census, they are found in
Jennie Morse, age 69 died in the Anna State Hospital in Road District 5, Union County, Illinois. Familysearch records have her born c. 13 Sep 1859 and her father as Philhomer, born in New Jersey, and her mother as Ellen B. Schuyler, also born in New Jersey. Jennie occupation is listed as Housework, her address as Enfield, Illinois and her husband as Frank Morse. Jennie's mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois on 22 Mar 1929.
See Jennie Ellen Mae (Philhower) Morse's Find A Grave Memorial #201105768.
5. Peter Jacob Philhower, born about January 1, 1861 in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. In 1870 and 1880, Peter is found residing with his mother and stepfather. Peter Philhower was married to Katie Calahan on December 25, 1882 in Bureau County, Illinois. Katherine Elizabeth "Kate or Katie" Callahan/Calahan was born on November __, 1863. Their children include;
A. Jennie M. Philhower, born 13 September 1884. Jennie died on January __, 1974.
B. Johanna E "Josie" Philhower, born January __, 1887. Josie died on ___________ __, 1976
C. Michael Nicholas Philhower, born 4 January 1889 in Illinois. Michael was married to Mable Carper c. 1908/09. Their children include;
a. Gertrude M. Philhower, born c. 1909/10 in Bureau County, Illinois.
b. Esther E. Philhower, born c. 1911/12 in Bureau County, Illinois.
c. Earnest C. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Bureau County, Illinois.
d. Annabelle I. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Bureau County, Illinois.
e. Charles W. Philhower, born c. 1917/18 in Bureau County, Illinois. Charles W. Philhower was married to Dora Sullivan on May 27, 1939 in Scott County, Iowa. Charles, who is listed as being 21, is listed as the son of Michael N Philhower and Mabel Carper, while Dora, who is 18, is the daughter of Joe T Sullivan and Mattie Allen.
f. Sarah E. Philhower, born c. 1920 in Bureau County, Illinois.
g. Myrtle C. Philhower, born c. 1922/23 in Bureau County, Illinois.
At the time of the 1910 census, Michael and his family are found in Concord, Bureau County, Illinois;
Michael N Philhower Head M 21 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 20 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 0 Illinois
At the time of the 1920 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Micheal N Philhower Head M 30 Illinois
Mable C Philhower Wife F 30 Illinois
Gertrude M Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Ester E Philhower Daughter F 8 Illinois
Earnest C Philhower Son M 6 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 2 Illinois
Mable C. Philhower died in the 1920's, perhaps due to complications of child birth. At the time of the 1930 census, Michael and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois. He is listed as widowed;
Michael N Philhower Head M 41 Illinois
Esther E Philhower Daughter F 18 Illinois
Ernest C Philhower Son M 16 Illinois
Annabelle I Philhower Daughter F 15 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 12 Illinois
Sarah E Philhower Daughter F 10 Illinois
Myrtle C Philhower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Michael N. Philhower died on February __, 1979.
D. Charles William Philhower, born February 20, 1891 in Illinois. Charles was married to Lula Mae ___________. Their children include;
a. Dorothy L. Philhower, born c. 1913/14 in Illinois.
b. Edna A. Philhower, born c. 1915/16 in Illinois.
c. Raymond Ralph Philhower, born c. 1919/20 in Illinois.
d. Sherley Mae Philhower, born c. 1928/29 in Illinois.
At the time of the 1920 census, Charles and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles W Philhower Head M 28 Illinois
Lulu M Philhower Wife F 26 Illinois
Dorothy L Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Edna A Philhower Daughter F 4 Illinois
Raymond Philhower Son M Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Charles and his family are found in Indiantown Township, Bureau County, Illinois;
Charles Philhower Head M 48 Illinois
Lula Mae Philhower Wife F 46 Illinois
Sherley Mae Philhower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Raymond Ralph Philhower Son M 21 Illinois
Charles William Philhower died on November __, 1976 and his mortal remains were laid in the ______________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________.
E. Daniel Francis "Dan" Philhower, born March 11, 1892 in Illinois. Dan was married to Nellie V. Hamrick (1891 - 1942). Dan died on April 9, 1974 and his mortal remains were laid in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Wyanet, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 58860107.
F. Kate E Philhower, born February __, 1894.
G. Bertha Philhower, born February __, 1897.
H. Charlotte "Lottie" R. Philhower, born February __, 1899.
I. Jessie Philhower, born c. 1902/03 in Illinois.
I. Lillian Henrietta Philhower, born 2 January 1905 in Illinois. Lillian died on 4 December 1996.
J. Peter Jacob Philhower Jr., born ___________ __, 1908 in Illinois. Peter Jacob Philhower was married to Mildred E. ____________ (1913 - 2003). Peter died on ___________ __, 1975 and his mortal remains were laid in the Saint Marys Cemetery in East Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 146413871.
At the time of the 1900 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon Township, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter and Kate have been married for 18 years;
Peter J Philhower Head M 39 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Wife F 37 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Johanna Philhower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Mikel Philhower Son M 11 Illinois
Charles W Philhower Son M 9 Illinois
Daniel F Philhower Son M 8 Illinois
Kate E Philhower Daughter F 6 Illinois
Bertha Philhower Daughter F 3 Illinois
Charlotte R Philhower Daughter F 1 Illinois
Johanna Sullivan Aunt F 73 Ireland
At the time of the 1910 census, Peter and his family are found in Macon, Bureau County, Illinois;
Peter J Philower Head M 49 Illinois
Kate Philower Wife F 47 Illinois
Jennie Philower Daughter F 25 Illinois
C William Philower Son M 19 Illinois
Daniel Philower Son M 18 Illinois
Katie Philower Daughter F 16 Illinois
Bertha Philower Daughter F 13 Illinois
Lottie Philower Daughter F 11 Illinois
Jessie Philower Daughter F 7 Illinois
Lilian Philower Daughter F 5 Illinois
Peter J Philower Son M 2 Illinois
Katherine Elizabeth "Kate" (Callahan) Philhower died on August 14, 1918 at ___________, ___________.
At the time of the 1930 census, Peter and two of his children are found in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois. Peter is listed as widowed;
Peter J Philhower Sr. Head M 69 Illinois
Jennie M Philhower Daughter F 45 Illinois
Peter J Philhower Jr. Son M 21 Illinois
Peter Jacob Philhower died on September 30, 1944 in Buda, Bureau County, Illinois and his mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in Saint Patricks Cemetery in Sheffield, Bureau County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 139941824.
Now to continue with the biography of Nicholas Philhower;
At the time of the 1850 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Bedminster, Somerset County, New Jersey. Living with them is one of Ellen's younger brothers, William Schuyler;
Nicholas Philhower M 24 New Jersey
Ellen Philhower F 21 New Jersey
Ann Sussan Philhower F 0 New Jersey
William Schuyler M 11 New Jersey
Sometime between 1853 and 1855, Nicholas and Ellen took their family west, where they settled in Stark County, Illinois. At the time of the 1860 census, Nicholas and his family are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois;
Nicholas Philhower M 38 N. J.
Ellen Philhower F 28 N. J.
Ann L Philhower F 11 N. J.
George Philhower M 7 N. J.
Sarah E Philhower F 5 Ill
Jenny Philhower F 1 Ill
Hiram P Mallory M 19 N. Y.
Warden W Reading M 21 Indiana
Timothy Owens M 25 Ireland
Patrick Clark M 33 Ireland
Luston Johnson M 32 Norway
James T Marshall M 19 Ohio
Sometime before 1862, the Philhowers apparently moved into Bureau County, Illinois, where they resided in Milo Township. On August 14, 1862, Nicholas A. Philhower along with his brother-in-law, Peter Schuyler, volunteered in Wheatland Township of Bureau County, Illinois to serve in a company which was being raised in Marshall, Stark and Bureau Counties by a local well known farmer by the name of Orlando Fountain for service in the Union Army during the Civil War. At the time he enlisted, Nicholas gave his place of residence as Milo, Bureau County, Illinois and his age as 41.
ILLINOIS CIVIL WAR DETAIL REPORT
Name PHILHOWER, NICHOLAS
Rank PVT Company E Unit 86 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MILO, BUREAU CO, IL Age 41 Height 5' 11 Hair LIGHT
Eyes BLUE Complexion LIGHT Marital Status MARRIED Occupation FARMER
Nativity NJ
Service Record
Joined When AUG 14, 1862 Joined Where WHEATLAND, IL
Joined By Whom O FOUNTAIN Period 3 YRS
Muster In AUG 27, 1862 Muster In Where PEORIA, IL
Muster In By Whom N/A Muster Out N/A
Muster Out Where N/A Muster Out By Whom N/A
Remarks TRANS TO VRC
It appears that in the 1860's, probably after the war, that Nicholas and Ellen separated and divorced. Ellen Betsey (Schyuler) Philhower, spelled Philhoun on the typed record on familysearch, was then married 2nd to William H. Whitten, on November 25, 1868 in Stark County, Illinois. Two sons are believed to have been born to Ellen and William;
1. Ira James Whitten, born June 12, 1869 in Stark County, Illinois. Ira, according to his death record found on familysearch.org, was a funeral director. He was married to Gertrude ____________. Ira's parents are listed as W. H. Whitten and Ellen Skyler. Ira was residing in and died in Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois on June 15, 1940. His mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois.
2. Charles William "C. W." Whitten, born August 6, 1871 in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. Charles died on October 23, 1957 in Saint Petersburg, Pinellas County, Florida and his mortal remains were laid in the Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. See his Find A Grave Memorial# 80837531.
At the time of the 1870 census, William and Ellen Whitten are found in Penn Township of Stark County, Illinois. Their Post Office is at Castleton, Illinois;
William Whitten M 50 New York
Ellen Whitten F 38 New Jersey
Ira I Whitten M 1 Illinois
Jennie E Philhower F 11 Illinois
Peter J Philhower M 9 Illinois
At the time of the 1880 census, Ellen and William are found in Penn, Stark County, Illinois;
William Wheten Self M 69 New York
Ira J Wheten Son M 10 Illinois
John Wheten Son M 6 Illinois
Jennie Philhouer Stepdaughter F 21 Illinois
Peter Philhouer Stepson M Farm Laborer 19 Illinois
Charles Wheten Son M 8 Illinois
Ellen Wheten Wife F 39 New Jersey
At the time of the 1900 census, Ellen and William are still found in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. She and William are listed as having been married 32 years;
William Whitten Head M 81 New York
Ellen Whitten Wife F Apr 1830 70 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower has not been located in the 1870 census records as yet. He may have left for California shortly after he and Ellen were divorced. The earliest record that I have found for him is in 1876, when Nicholas A. Philhower, age 51, is listed on June 3, 1876 on the Voter Registration records for Point Of Timber, Contra Costa County, California.
Thanks to Gary M. McNamara, we now know that Nicholas Philhower also remarried after he and Ellen were divorced. Nicholas, who is Gary's great-great grandfather, was married to Mary A. (possibly Anna) Pelton on April 8, 1868 in Scott County, Iowa.
Two children were born to Nicholas and Mary;
6. Emery Temple Philhower, born July 19, 1873 in California. Emery was living in Contra Costa County, California at the time he had to register for the draft of WWI.
At the time of the 1920 census, Emery is an Inmate in the County Hospital in Alhombra, Contra Costa County, California. He is listed as being 46, single and his father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Emery T. Philhower died on ____________ __, 1925 in ____________ County, California.
7. Mary Anna Philhower, born September __, 1869 in Iowa. This was Gary McNamara's great-grandmother. Mary was married to William F. Behn (1865-1910) on December 9, 1892. They were the parents of 4 children;
A. Mary Laverna Behn, born April __, 1894 in California. This was Gary's grandmother. Laverna was married to Luther George French in Brentwood, California and they had 4 children, Gary's mother being the third. They include;
a. Margaret French, born c. 1912/13 in California.
b. Robert "Bobbie" French, born c. 1915 in California.
c. Kathleen M. or H. French, born c. 1923/24 in California. Kathleen was married to _____________ McNamara and they had at least one son, Gary M. McNamara, born July 14, 1942.
d. Betty A. French, born c. 1926/27 in California.
At the time of the 1920 census, the French family is found in Stockton Ward 6, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther French Head M 30 Tennessee
Laverna French Wife F 27 California
Margaret French Daughter F 7 California
Bobbie French Son M 4 California
At the time of the 1930 census, the French family is found in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 41 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 36 California
Robert French Son M 15 California
Kathleen M French Daughter F 6 California
Betty A French Daughter F 3 California
At the time of the 1940 census, the French family is found in Ward 6, Stockton, O'Neal Judicial Township, San Joaquin County, California;
Luther G French Head M 51 Tennessee
Laverna M French Wife F 45 California
Kathleen H French Daughter F 16 California
Betty A French Daughter F 13 California
B. Mamie/Marie E. Behn, born March __, 1896 in California.
C. William L. Behn, born January 31, 1898/99 in California. Familysearch has the following record;
Name William F. Behn
Birth Date 31 Jan 1900
Birthplace Cal.
Age 23
Spouse's Name Hazel R. Smith
Spouse's Birth Date 25 Feb 1898
Spouse's Birthplace Cal.
Spouse's Age 25
Event Date 24 Dec 1923
Event Place Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah
Father's Name Wm. F. Bahn
Mother's Name Mary Anna Fillhower
Spouse's Father's Name Wm. Smith
Spouse's Mother's Name E. Spring
Race White
Marital Status Single
Spouse's Race White
Spouse's Marital Status Divorced
At the time of the 1900 census, Mary and her family are found in Crockett Precinct 2, Contra Costa County, California. She is listed as having been born in Iowa, she and William have been married 7 years, she is the mother of 4 children, though only 3 are found here, all of whom are living and her father and mother are listed as having been born in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively;
William F Behn Head M Jul 1865 35 California
Mary A Behn Wife F Sep 1869 31 Iowa
Mary L Behn Daughter F Apr 1894 6 California
Mamie E Behn Daughter F Mar 1896 4 California
William L Behn Son M Jan 1899 1 California
William F. Behn is believed to have died in 1910. At the time of the 1910 census, the Behns are found in Township 9, Contra Costa County, California;
Mary A Behn Head F 39 Iowa
La Verna M Behn Daughter F 16 California
Marie E Behn Daughter F 14 California
William L Behn Son M 11 California
Now to continue with what we know about Nicholas Philhower;
Though he has not been located in the 1880 census, either, he is on the Voter Registry in Danville, Contra Costa County in September of 1886, in Marsh Creek, Contra Costa County in August of 1892 and in Empire, Contra Costa County in July of 1896.
In 1887, some of the surviving members of the 86th organized and held a reunion in Peoria,Illinois for the old 86th during the week of August 27, 1887, the 25th anniversary of the mustering in of the old 86th back in 1862. More than 130 veterans of the 86th and their families attended this first reunion, which was such a success that it was decided to continue to hold them every year on that August 27th anniversary as possible. They continued to grow for several years as more and more veterans of the 86th were located and they continued to hold them through the year 1923, when it was tearfully decided by the last few veterans who were able to attend the 1923 reunion, that they were too old and too few to continue them any longer. Private Nicholas A. Philhower was never able to attend any of the reunions, the great distance to be traveled and the difficulty of making that trip in the late 1800's and early 1900's undoubtedly playing a part.
At the time of the 1900 census, Nicholas is working as a Servant in Supervisor's District 5, Brentwood, Byron, and Empire Precincts, Contra Costa County, California. Nicholas' year of birth is listed as 1820. His month of birth is listed as UNKNOWN. Perhaps he didn't even know when he was born;
Frank Sweetser Head M 67 Massachusetts
Elizabeth Sweetser Wife F 56 New Jersey
Nicholas Philhower Servant M 80 New Jersey
Ellen Betsey (Schuyler) Philhower Whitten died on ___________ __, 1907 and her mortal remains were laid in the Bradford Cemetery in Bradford, Stark County, Illinois. See her Find A Grave Memorial# 113866133.
At the time of the 1910 census, Nicholas A. Philhower is an inmate at the Soldiers Home in Yount, Napa County, California. He is listed as widowed, rather than divorced. He is listed as being 94 years of age.
Private Nicholas Apgar Philhower died on November 21, 1911, at about the age of 90 or 91, most likely in the Veterans Home, and his mortal remains were laid in the Veterans Home cemetery, the Veterans Memorial Grove Cemetery in Yountville, Napa County, California.
by Baxter B. Fite III and Gary McNamara, whose email address is [email protected]
(Baxter would enjoy hearing from anyone, especially descendants of the Philhower family, who might be able to add to the biographical material that we have on Nicholas Philhower and the Philhower family. Baxter would also like to see a better copy of the CDV of Nicholas added to his site along with copies of any other photographs of Nicholas which have survived the years.)
Gravesite Details
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