Person Page 1,026

Joseph A. Ankeney was born on 25 May 1837 in Xenia, Greene Co., OhioG.^4,5,6
     He was probably one of the two males under age 5 listed in the household of his father, John Ankeney Jr., in the 1840 Federal Census of Xenia, Greene Co., OhioG.¹³
     His mother died on 9 Jun 1846, when Joseph was 9 years old.^14,15 His father died on 10 Feb 1847, when Joseph was still 9 years old.^16,17

His Estate Managed by a Guardian --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     On 14 Mar 1848, after posting a bond of $2,000, Andrew H. Baughman was named guardian of Joseph, age 11, his brothers William, age 15, and Henry Newton, age 9, and sister Rachel, age 7. He was to be responsible for their persons and their estate. Each was entitled to an undivided one-fifth share of their father's estate, shared with their older brother John, who had reach his majority and received his share directly.¹⁸ The early reports of the guardian have not been found, but we do know that the administrator of their father's estate reported a balance of $1,698 in the estate in the last settlement that has been found. There was also real estate, including parcels in Greene Co. and Henry Co.^19,20
     Joseph appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Xenia Twp., Greene Co., OhioG, enumerated 18 Jul 1850, in the household of Samuel Puterbaugh, a wealthy merchant, his wife and children.²¹
     The earliest guardian's report found was filed 7 Mar 1853. He reported receiving $6,504 from the sale of real estate in Sep 1850, $1,000 from bank stock, and other payments for a total of $8,747. He reported expenditures of $1,224, for a balance for each child of $1,880.²² On 23 Apr 1853 the guardian petitioned the court to allow sale of a 68-acre parcel two and a half miles northwest of XeniaG. It contained "a comfortable dwelling house" and "a good mill seat" but the flouring mill which had been there for 20 years had burned a few days before. Appraisers valued the children's four fifth interest at $1,800 after the court approved the sale. The guardian sold their interest at the courthouse door on 18 Jun 1853 for $1,875.08.²³
     On 26 May 1858, the day after his 21st birthday, Joseph was received his share of the funds then held by the guardian, $2,450. Disposition of the land in Henry Co., and whether there was any other real estate, are unknown.²⁴

Moving West --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Joseph moved to Iowa before 1860.²⁵ He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Oskaloosa Twp., Mahaska Co., IowaG, enumerated 29 Jun 1860, in a hotel operated by B. W. Johnson and his wife Elizabeth, with four other men who appear to also residents there. He reported real estate valued at $2,000 and personal estate of $500.²⁶
     He was clerk in a hardware store, then moved into banking.^27,28 He registered for the draft for the Civil War, appearing on the register dated Jun and Jul 1863, while living in Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., IowaG, reporting he was employed as a bank teller.¹
     Joseph married Eliza E. Dart, daughter of William Samuel Dart and Marietta Cobb, on 12 Oct 1864 in Mahaska Co., IowaG.^7,8,9
     Joseph and Eliza moved to Des MoinesG by the mid-1860s.²⁹

Founding the Linseed Oil Business --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Joseph and his older brother William purchased property at East 5th and Vine Sts., Des MoinesG, in the fall of 1866, and constructed a linseed oil mill there, completing the Central Oil Works the following year. There was no flax being grown in the area, so William brough seed from Ohio and they contracted with farmers to raise the crop. The first year the crop was destroyed by grasshoppers, and the second was so wet that the harvest was light. But the third year an excellent crop was raised, and the business succeeded. It was for some years was among the leading industries in the city. The two brothers operated the company until 1884, when a stock company was formed and took over the business.^{30,31,32,33,34}
     Joseph and Eliza appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Des Moines, Polk Co., IowaG, enumerated 20 Jul 1870, reporting real estate valued at $11,000. Their children Helen and Lora were listed as living with them, and her parents are shown as living in the same building.³⁵
     Joseph and Eliza appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa, at 210 Water St. (previously called 1st St.) G, enumerated 30 Jun 1880. Their children Helen, Lora, Alice, and Walter were listed as living with them, as were her parents, his nephew Charles E. Ankeney, age 25, and Hannah Nelson, age 22, a servant.³⁶
     Joseph was issued letters of administration on 26 Oct 1881 in Polk Co., IowaG, for the estate of William Samuel Dart, his wife's father, who had died intestate (without leaving a will). He posted a bond of $2,000.³⁷
     Joseph and Eliza appeared on the 1885 State Census of Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa, at 210 1st St. G Their children Helen, Lora, Alice, and Walter were listed as living with them, as was her mother, and Ellie O'Brien, a cook, and Charles Newburger, a laborer.³⁸
     After the oil works were sold, Joseph went into the insurance business.³⁹
     The administratrix of the estate of his brother-in-law, Webster T. Dart, filed her first settlement 26 Mar 1889, showing she had paid him $525 to reimburse him for final expenses and to return the body for burial, including $65 in medical expenses in Denver, $250 for a casket and embalming, $58 for the deceased's hotel bill in Denver, and $87 to travel to Denver to retrieve the body. An additional claim of $1,400 against the estate remained unpaid.⁴⁰ When the final settlement of his brother-in-law's estate was filed 12 Oct 1889, there were not enough funds to pay the remainder of his claim, so he released the estate from liability so it could be closed.⁴¹

Moving to Florida for His Health --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Joseph and Eliza moved to Florida by 1900, in an attempt to improve his health.³⁹ They appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Ankona, Brevard Co., Florida G, enumerated 7 Jun 1900, reporting that they owned their farm. Their son Stewart was listed as living with them, as was her mother, and Emma B. Fletcher, who was listed as a visitor.⁴²
     He became a fruit grower, specializing in pineapples.^43,44
     Joseph died on 29 Jul 1908 in Asheville, North CarolinaG, at age 71, where he was taken for treatment.^10,11,5 He was buried in Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines, IowaG, in the Ankeney family lot.¹²
     Joseph died intestate (without leaving a will) and letters of administration for his estate were issued on 12 Aug 1908 in Polk Co., IowaG. to his son-in-law, Jesse F. Stevenson, upon posting a bond of $9,000.⁴⁵ The administrator filed a petition 14 Sep 1908 stating that the only assets of the estate was a life insurance policy paying $4,772.44, which under state law was to be distributed one-third to the widow and two-thirds to the three surviving children, Lora, Alice, and Stewart. He sought the permission of the court to make that distribution, which was granted the same day.⁴⁶ The estate was closed 25 Nov 1908.⁴⁷

Maranda Nancy Hillis was born on 18 Jan 1848 in Greensbrug, Decatur Co., IndianaG.^4,5,6
     She appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents, John Hillis and Anna Hazelrigg.¹⁴ She appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Marion Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents.¹⁵
     Maranda married Woodson D. Cobb, son of Reuben Rice Cobb and Amazetta H. Morgan, and second cousin to the man her sister Mary had married three years before, on 22 Aug 1867 in Decatur Co., IndianaG, with Rev. J. Carrol Stark offciating.^7,8,9
     Maranda and Woodson appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG, enumerated 28 Jun 1870. Their son Skoffie was listed as living with them, as were Anna and George Stagg, age 7 and 3, relationship unknown. They were evidently living very close to his parents, who are listed as the preceding family.¹⁶
     Maranda was named an heir in the will of her father dated 4 Nov 1872 in Decatur Co., IndianaG. He left her an equal share of his estate with her three living siblings, after $1,800 was paid to the children of her two deceased sisters. The division was subject to amounts previously advanced to them, in her case $800.¹⁷
     Maranda and Woodson appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of Reuben Rice Cobb and Amazetta H. Morgan, his parents, with their children, Alvin and Hillis.¹⁸
     Maranda and Woodson moved to Fort Worth, TexasG, in 1882.¹⁹
      By 1892they were living at the northwest corner of College Ave. and Martin St.G. Martin was soon after re-named Morphy St. Woodson had no occupation listed, but she was a dressmaker.²⁰ By 1895 she was working as a saleslady at The Fair, an occupation she continued until at least 1900.^21,22
     Her husband died on 10 Sep 1896 in Marion, Grant Co., IndianaG.^23,24,25
     Maranda applied for a widow's pension based on her late husband's Civil War service on 4 Dec 1896, from Texas, which was subsequently approved.²⁶
     Maranda appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., Texas, at 1412 College G, enumerated 9 Jun 1900, reporting she owned her home, free of mortgage. Her son Hillis was listed as living with her, as was his wife, Roxana.²⁷
      Her son Hillis died in 1901, and she moved to Dallas to live with her other son, Alvin.²⁸
     Maranda died on 13 May 1908 in Dallas, Dallas Co., TexasG, at age 60.^10,11 She was buried on 16 May 1908 in South Park Cemetery, Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG.^12,13

Cassandra Cobb was born on 10 Mar 1843 in Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG.^4,5,6
     She appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents, Reuben Rice Cobb and Amazetta H. Morgan.¹³ She appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of her parents.¹⁴
     Cassandra married Irvin Robbins, son of Dr. Richard Robbins and Sarah A. Wood, on 10 Apr 1862 in Decatur Co., IndianaG, with Rev. Dr. van Buskirk offciating.^7,8,9
     Cassandra and Irvin appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, enumerated 12 Jun 1870, reporting real estate valued at $600 and personal estate of $20,000. His mother was listed as living with them.¹⁵
     Cassandra and Irvin moved to IndianapolisG in 1875.¹⁶ They appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana, at 12 West North Street G, enumerated 15 Jun 1880. Their children Walter, Earle, Albert, and Ida were listed as living with them, as was his mother.¹⁷
     Cassandra and Irvin appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana, at 12 West North St. G, enumerated 7 Jun 1900, reporting they owned their home, free of mortgage. Their children Earle, Albert, and Ida were listed as living with them, as were his mother and Matilda Peck, a servant.¹⁸
     Cassandra and Irvin appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana, at 12 West North St. G, enumerated 29 Apr 1910, reporting they rented their home. Their son Earle was listed as living with them.¹⁹
     Her husband died on 9 Feb 1911 in 12 West North St., Indianapolis, Marion Co., IndianaG.^20,21,22
     Cassandra applied for a widow's pension based on her late husband's Civil War service on 16 Feb 1911.²³
     Cassandra died on 31 Jan 1917 in 2727 N. Capital Ave., Indianapolis, Marion Co., IndianaG, at age 73.^10,11 She was buried on 2 Feb 1917 in South Park Cemetery, Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG.^6,12

Woodson D. Cobb was born on 15 Sep 1845 in Decatur Co., IndianaG.^4,5
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Reuben Rice Cobb and Amazetta H. Morgan.¹³ He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹⁴

Off to War --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

      Woodson enlisted as a private in Company C, 134th Indiana Infantry, on 6 May 1864 at Greensbrug, IndianaG, and was mustered in 24 May. His second cousins James Alfred Cobb and Jasper Cobb enlisted at the same time in the same regiment, but in different companies.^15,16,17,18
      The regiment was one of eight making up Indiana's quota of "100 days' troops." They were used largely for guard duty and in garrisoning necessary points, relieving veteran troops for active field work in the important campaigns of 1864. This regiment was organized at Indianapolis in May, 1864, and left the state at once for Tennessee. Upon reaching Nashville they were assigned to railroad guard duty along the lines of the Nashville & Chattanooga, Tennessee & Alabama, and Memphis & Charleston railroads. They were kept constantly engaged in this work until the latter part of Aug., 1864, serving beyond the time for which they had enlisted, keeping Sherman's lines of communication open for the transportation of supplies to his army.¹⁹ He was mustered out 2 Sep 1864 at Indianapolis, IndianaG.^20,21,22

Returning to Civilian Life --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Woodson married Maranda Nancy Hillis, daughter of John Hillis and Anna Hazelrigg, and sister of the woman his second cousin, Henry Newton Christy, had married three years before, on 22 Aug 1867 in Decatur Co., IndianaG, with Rev. J. Carrol Stark offciating.^6,7,8
     He was a farmer.^23,24
     Woodson and Maranda appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG, enumerated 28 Jun 1870. Their son Skoffie was listed as living with them, as were Anna and George Stagg, age 7 and 3, relationship unknown. They were evidently living very close to his parents, who are listed as the preceding family.²³
     Woodson and Maranda appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., Indiana, G in the household of his parents, with their children, Alvin and Hillis.²⁴

Moving to Texas --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Woodson and Maranda moved to Fort Worth, TexasG, in 1882.²⁵
     Woodson applied for an invalid pension based on his Civil War service on 10 Nov 1887, from Texas, which was subsequently approved at $12 per month.^26,27
     Woodson appeared on the Veterans Schedules of the 1890 Federal Census of Ft. Worth, Tarrant Co., TexasG. The remainder of the 1890 census record for his household in not available because those records were destroyed by fire in 1921.²⁸
      By 1892 Woodson and Maranda were living at the northwest corner of College Ave. and Martin St.G. Martin was soon after re-named Morphy St. Woodson had no occupation listed, but she was a dressmaker.²⁹
     Woodson was admitted to the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Marion Branch, at Marion, Indiana, 21 Nov 1895.³⁰
     Woodson died on 10 Sep 1896 in Marion, Grant Co., IndianaG, at age 50.^9,10,11 He was buried in South Park Cemetery, Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG.¹²

Mahaka Morgon Cobb was born on 31 Jul 1847 in IndianaG.^4,5,6
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Washington Twp., Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents, Reuben Rice Cobb and Amazetta H. Morgan.¹¹ He appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹² He appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG, in the household of his parents.¹³
     Mahaka moved to Florida before 1880. He appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Tallahassee, Leon Co., Florida, G in the household of his parents, Reuben Rice Cobb and Amazetta H. Morgan.¹⁴
     He and his father operated a livery and sale stable in Florida.^15,16
     Mahaka appeared on the 1885 State Census Tallahassee, Leon Co., Florida, on Adams St. G, enumerated 30 Jun 1885.¹⁷
     Mahaka moved to CaliforniaG about 1887.¹⁸
     A Mar 1889 newspaper article on Los Angeles businesses describes him as prominent among commission merchants in the city, having been established in 1887. The business was at 56 and 67 N. Los Angeles St. G The article says all kinds of produce and vegetables were sold on commission, especially butter, eggs, cheese, cabbage, potatoes and fruit of all kinds. Large shipments were received daily, it continues, delivered to local customers and shipped to points in Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico.¹⁹
     He later called himself a produce shipper. This seems to have been different nomenclature to describe the same business.^20,21,22,23
     Mahaka appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., California, at 316½ West Thiird G, enumerated 1 Jun 1900, in a lodging house operated by Emma L. Hunt, with 29 other lodgers.²⁴
     Mahaka appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., California, at 110½ N. Hope St. G, enumerated 21 Apr 1910, as the only lodger in the home of Lucretia B. Dandson.²⁵
     Mahaka died on 18 Aug 1912 in 110½ N. Hope St., Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CaliforniaG, at age 65.^7,8 He was buried on 21 Aug 1912 in South Park Cemetery, Greensburg, Decatur Co., IndianaG.^9,10