Benjamin Franklin Riegel1,2,3

Family Chart
ID# 3929, (1850 - 1931)
FatherJacob K. Riegel4,5,6,7,8 (abt 20 Sep 1816 - 13 Sep 1857)
MotherChristiana Ohl4,5,6,8,9 (7 Mar 1820 - 27 Jun 1893)

Key Events:

Birth: 25 Jan 1850, McEwensville, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania10,11,12,13
Marriage: 4 Feb 1873, St. John's Reformed Church, Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pennsylvania, Esther Matilda Gann (21 Mar 1854 - 11 Dec 1920)14,15
Death: 6 Jan 1931, La Center, Clark Co., Washington16,17
Burial: 8 Jan 1931, Mt. Zion IOOF Cemetery, La Center, Clark Co., Washington18,19
ChartsDescendants of Jacob K. and Christiana Ohl Riegel
The Ganns of Lycoming Co. Pennsylvania
AncestryThe Reigel Family

Copyright Notice

Narrative:

     
Benjamin Franklin Reigel
courtesy Denise Roberts
Benjamin Franklin Riegel was born on 25 Jan 1850 in McEwensville, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania.10,11,12,13
     He appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Turbut Twp., Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, in the household of his parents Jacob K. Riegel and Christiana Ohl.20
     Benjamin and his twin brother William were baptized on 1 Dec 1850 in Follmers Evangelical Lutheran Church, Turbot Twp., Rev. S. R. Boyer officiating. Their own parents acted as sponsors.21,22
     His father died on 13 Sep 1857, when Benjamin was 7 years old.23 Benjamin appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, in the household of Kilyan Dunkle and Mary Slote, neighbors of his family. His older sister Sarah was apparently living close by, as the family she was living with was listed preceding.24
     Benjamin appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Watsontown, Delaware Twp., Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, in the household of John Stitzel and Fannie [surname unknown] and their five sons, where he is listed as a farm apprentice.25
     Benjamin was living in Watsontown, Northumberland Co., at the time of his marriage.2
     Benjamin married Esther Matilda Gann, daughter of John Gann Jr. and Rachel Kauffman, on 4 Feb 1873 in St. John's Reformed Church, Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Pennsylvania, with Rev. A. J. Heller officiating.14,15
     According to one family story, Benjamin he was at "outs" with his family, so changed the spelling from Riegel to Reigel when he came west. However, various spellings of the surname are common in Pennsylvania, and the Reigel spelling appears on his marriage record. So the reason for the change, if it was conscious, is not clear.26,2,27
     He apparently was a farmer throughout his life, starting as a "farm apprentice" in as Pennsylvania, and continuing that occupation as he moved west.28,29,30,31,32

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


     Benjamin and Esther moved to Missouri in late 1875 or early 1876 with their infant son Ralph. Benjamin bought a 99-acre parcel on the eastern edge of in Jackson Twp., Andrew Co., Missouri, from Christian Alfred Gann on 12 Apr 1876. He paid $3,200, part in cash and part by agreeing to pay the balance due on a mortgage held by William Ferguson, dated 12 Apr 1869. The original loan was for $1,000, due in one year, at 10% interest. The amount still due was not specified.33
     The seller appears to have been a distant cousin of Esther. He was from Union Co., Pennsylvania, the next county south of where she was born and raised. They were not a first cousins, but the ancestry of neither can be traced far enough to establish their actual relationship. He had come to Andrew Co. in 1868, and was joined by his father and at least one brother. It appears he was the connection that drew Benjamin and Esther to this area.
     Benjamin and Esther sold the property back to Christian on 23 Nov 1877, for reasons that are unknown. He paid them $2,500 and while it is not mentioned in the deed, he evidently also re-assumed responsibility for the mortgage as it was not paid off until 5 Jun 1883. It is unclear whether this amounted to the same or a different price than they originally paid.34
     Benjamin and Esther seem to have remained in that county for at least a few months, as their second son was born there the following January. The family has not been found in the 1880 census, but it appears they moved about that time to Holt Co., the next county west, where their third son was born in 1881.35,36 They apparently did not purchase propertly in Holt Co.37
     It seems likely that Benjamin's twin brother William joined them in Missouri sometime after1880, then moved with them to Kansas about 1885.38 They appeared on the 1885 State Census of Kirwin, Phillips Co., Kansas, Their children Ralph, Forest, Frank and Ida were listed as living with them, as was his brother William.39
     They were apparently renting their farm in Kansas since there is no record that they purchased property there.40

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


     Benjamin and Esther moved their family to Clark Co., Washington Territory, about 1892.41,42,43
     He was named an heir in the will of his mother, Christiana Ohl, dated 19 May 1891, but received nothing when she died because all the assets were used to settle debts.44
     Benjamin purchased 20 acres, located about 3 miles northwest of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, on 21 Feb 1893, from David Hurt, for $350.41,45 (See Map.) He and Esther took out a mortgage on their new farm on 13 Jun 1894, from the seller. It was for $300, at 10% interest, and was to be paid off by 13 June 1897. It was not actually repaid until June 1899, when his son Forest bought a nearby parcel, and a new mortgage for $800, at 8% interest, was taken on both properties. That mortgage was to be paid within 5 years, but was repaid sooner, on 23 Oct 1902.46
     Benjamin and Esther appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, enumerated 29 Jun 1900. Their children Forest, Frank and Ida were listed as living with them.47 He and Esther appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, enumerated 26 Apr 1910. Their grandson, Cecil Reigel, were listed as living with them.48
     He took a mortgage on their farm on 20 May 1916 from O. T. Gradstad, for $200 at 8% interest. It was paid off 3 Dec 1918.49
     He and Esther appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, enumerated 20 Jan 1920.50
     His wife died on 11 Dec 1920 in La Center, Clark Co., Washington.17,51
     Benjamin appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, in the household of his son Frank his wife, Vera Mattie Baird.52
     Benjamin died on 6 Jan 1931 in La Center, Clark Co., Washington, at age 80.16,17 He was buried on 8 Jan 1931 in Mt. Zion IOOF Cemetery, La Center, Clark Co., Washington.18,19
     Benjamin died intestate (without leaving a will). Letters of administration for were issued on 31 Jan 1931 to their son Frank for the combined estate of him and his late wife Esther. Their estates were declared to consist only of their community property, there being no personal property, and the annual rents of the real estate was less than $75 annually. A bond of $100 was required.53
     An inventory of their estate was filed on 16 Feb 1931 listing only their 20-acre property, valued at $1,500.54
     The first and final settlement of the estate was filed on 12 Aug 1931. The administrator reported that the heirs had paid the funeral expenses, expenses of last illness, and the costs of administration, and no claims had been filed. No inheritance tax was due the state because the estate was valued at less than $10,000. Distribution of the real estate to their heirs, their four children, was requested. The court approved the accounting, distributed the real estate to the heirs, and discharged the administrator two days later.55

Children:
     Children with Esther Matilda Gann:

Citations

  1. [S138] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, baptismal certificate, shows name as Benjamin Franklin Riegel.
  2. [S5925] Register of St. Johns Reformed Church of Williamsport, pg 208, Marriages, Benj. F. Reigel and Esther M. Gann.
  3. [S154] Jacob Rigel household, 1850 U.S. Census, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, shows name as Benjamin F. Rigel.
  4. [S138] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, baptismal certificate.
  5. [S139] Benjamin Franklin and William David Rigel baptism record, Follmer Lutheran Parish Records.
  6. [S154] Jacob Rigel household, 1850 U.S. Census, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, shows him in household with Jacob and Christiana.
  7. [S230] Jacob K. Riegel, probate papers, Petition of Administrator.
  8. [S234] Olson, "Family History Page - Jacob K. Riegal."
  9. [S619] Will Books, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, 10:18, Christian Clements will, 1891, shows as Christiana's child.
  10. [S138] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, baptismal certificate, shows date, Turbut Twp., county, and state.
  11. [S1379] Ida May Angell, Decree for Registration of Birth, shows date, town as McEwensville, and state.
  12. [S98] Benjamin Reigel Family Bible, shows date.
  13. [S65] Marriages of Clark County, Washington, FHL microfilm 1206366-8, Family History Library, extract of marriage record of Ida May Reigel and Austin Angell, shows Milton, county, and state.
  14. [S5925] Register of St. Johns Reformed Church of Williamsport, pg 208, Marriages, Benj. F. Reigel and Esther M. Gann, shows date and officiant.
  15. [S149] Benjamin Reigel household, 1900 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows married 28 years.
  16. [S170] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, Certificate of Death.
  17. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Petition for Letters if Administration, 19 Jan 1931, shows date, town, county, and state.
  18. [S33] Clark County Genealogical Society, Clark County Cemetery Records, Vol. 3, pg 196, shows year and place.
  19. [S170] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, Certificate of Death, shows place as I.O.O.F La Center.
  20. [S154] Jacob Rigel household, 1850 U.S. Census, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania.
  21. [S138] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, baptismal certificate, shows year and pastor.
  22. [S139] Benjamin Franklin and William David Rigel baptism record, Follmer Lutheran Parish Records, shows date.
  23. [S222] Jacob Riegel tombstone, Paradise Reformed Lutheran Church Cemetery.
  24. [S157] Kilyian Dunkle household, 1860 U.S. Census, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania.
  25. [S286] John Stitzel household, 1870 U.S. Census, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania.
  26. [S140] Naomi Wayne Reigel, personal notes on family history, provides story of name change.
  27. [S7469] Deeds, Andrew Co., Missouri, 38:384, Alfred C. Gann and Hannah M. Gann to Benjamin F. Reigel, 15 Dec 1877.
  28. [S286] John Stitzel household, 1870 U.S. Census, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, shows occupation as farm apprentice.
  29. [S1393] B. F. Reigle household, 1885 Kansas State Census, Phillips Co., Kansas, Kirwin, shows occupation as farmer.
  30. [S149] Benjamin Reigel household, 1900 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows occupation as farmer.
  31. [S147] Benjamin F. Reigel household, 1910 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows occupation as farmer.
  32. [S145] P. F. Reigel household, 1920 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows occupation as farmer.
  33. [S7469] Deeds, Andrew Co., Missouri, 38:384, Alfred C. Gann and Hannah M. Gann to Benjamin F. Reigel, 15 Dec 1877; and 22:105-6, mortgage Joel Lawrence, Lavinia Lawrence, Alfred H. Mead, and Martha Mead to William Furguson, 12 Apr 1869.
  34. [S7469] Deeds, Andrew Co., Missouri, 38:383, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther M. Reigel to Alfred C. Gann , 15 Dec 1877; and 22:106, shows mortgage satisfied, 5 Jun 1883, by H. A. Crosby, assignee.
  35. [S168] Forest Emery Reigel, Certificate of Death, shows born 6 Jan 1878 in Missouri.
  36. [S175] Ralph O. Reigel, "Birth Date and Place of Frank William Reigel", shows Frank born 23 Apr 1881 in Mound City, Holt Co., Missouri.
  37. [S7350] Timothy, "Re: Deeds for Benjamin Franklin Reigel - 1880 to 1885,"Deputy Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Holt Co. e-mail to author, 30 Jan 2017, reporting searched for Benjamin in the direct and indirect indexes and found nothing.
  38. [S1393] B. F. Reigle household, 1885 Kansas State Census, Phillips Co., Kansas, Kirwin, shows Forest, Frank, and Ida all born in Missouri, and that the family, including William, had moved to Kansas from Missouri.
  39. [S1393] B. F. Reigle household, 1885 Kansas State Census, Phillips Co., Kansas, Kirwin.
  40. [S7348] Keesee, "Re: Deeds for Benjamin Franklin Reigel - 1881 to 1893,"Phillips County Register of Deeds e-mail to author, 30 Jan 2017, reporting he found no record for Benjamin in the grantor or grantee records from 1880 to 1894.
  41. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 18:78-9, David Hurt to B. F. Reigel, deed, 25 Mar 1893.
  42. [S65] Marriages of Clark County, Washington, FHL microfilm 1206366-8, Family History Library, shows Ralph was married 25 Dec 1896 in View, Clark Co., Washington.
  43. [S170] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, Certificate of Death, shows lived in registration district 38 yrs.
  44. [S619] Will Books, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, 10:18, Christian Clements will, 1891.
  45. [S225] Plotting the location (currently the corner of NW 369th St. and NW 24th Ave.) on DeLorme Street Atlas USA and measuring from the center of the town of La Center yields just over 2 miles as the crow flies, and just over 3 miles following modern streets and roads.
  46. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 23:220-1, B. F. and E. M. Reigel to David Hurt, mortgage, 6 Aug 1894; 44:325-6, John H. and Emily L. Hurt to F. E. Reigel, deed, 23 Jun 1899, shows Forest bought 40 ac. nearby; and 43:112-6, B. F. and E. M. Reigel and F. E. Reigel to Theodore Anderson, mortgage, 23 Jun 1899.
  47. [S149] Benjamin Reigel household, 1900 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  48. [S147] Benjamin F. Reigel household, 1910 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  49. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 118:265-6, B. F. and E. M. Reigel to O. T. Bratstad, mortgage, 12 Jun 1916; and 128:575, O. T. Bratstad to B. F. and E. M. Reigel, satisfaction of mortgage, 6 Dec 1918.
  50. [S145] P. F. Reigel household, 1920 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  51. [S33] Clark County Genealogical Society, Clark County Cemetery Records, Vol. 3, pg 196, shows year.
  52. [S486] Frank W. Reigel household, 1930 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  53. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Decree Appointing Administrator, 31 Jan 1931, and Bond of Administrator, 4 Feb 1931.
  54. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Inventory and Appraisement, 16 Feb 1931.
  55. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Final Report and Petition for Distribution, 12 Aug 1931, and Order approving Final Account and Decree of Distribution, 14 Aug 1931.
  56. [S98] Benjamin Reigel Family Bible.
  57. [S65] Marriages of Clark County, Washington, FHL microfilm 1206366-8, Family History Library, extract of marriage record of Ralph O Reigel and Edith J Roberts.
  58. [S167] Ralph Orzben Reigel, Certificate of Death.
  59. [S168] Forest Emery Reigel, Certificate of Death.
  60. [S1393] B. F. Reigle household, 1885 Kansas State Census, Phillips Co., Kansas, Kirwin, shows them apparently living as parent and child.
  61. [S171] Frank W. Reigel, Certificate of Death, shows father's name as Benjamin W. Reigel.
  62. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Petition for Letters if Administration, 19 Jan 1931.
  63. [S1379] Ida May Angell, Decree for Registration of Birth.