In Dec. 1856, Ransom's father, Joseph Ethredge, purchased 160 acres of land from the government in Cedar Co., MO, when the family migrated there from Carroll Co., Tennessee. Ransom and his brother, Green Berry, were both born there. They first show up on the 1860 census.
1860 census, Box Twp., Cedar Co., MO (Clintonville Post Office) shows: Joseph J. Etheridge, age 46, Farmer, Value of Real Estate Owned- $2600, Value of Personal Estate- $1399, born in NC; Centhia Ethrage, age 42, born in SC; Susannah, age 20, born in TN; James M., age 18, Farmhand, born in TN; William H., age 16, Blacksmith, born in TN; Thomas J., age 14, born in TN; Salley A., age 12, born in TN; Milton B., age 10, born in TN; Benj. F., age 8, born in TN; Green Berrly L., age 6, born in TN; and Ransom A., age 4, born in MO. It is indicated that James, William, Sally, Milton and Benjamin all attended school within the year.
In 1865, Ransom's father died unexpectedly, although the circumstances are not known. The family's land went into probate and was eventually sold by Cyntha in November 1867. Just prior to that date, the family had relocated to neighboring St. Clair Co. as evidenced by Ransom's older sister, Sarah's, marriage in their home there in July 1867(per her marriage certificate). His mother purchased some land there in November 1867, a few days after selling the Cedar Co. land. It appears that she may have been allowed to move onto the land shortly before she officially purchased it.
1870 census, Speedwell Twp., St.Clair, MO: C. Ethridge, age 51, Keeping House, Value of Real Estate-$1600 (?not clear), Value of Personal Estate-$1300, born in SC, Cannot read, Cannot write; Susanna, age 31, At Home, born in TN; James, age 29, Farm Work, born in TN; Wm., age 27, born in TN; Thos., age 25, born in TN; Sarah, age 23, At Home, born in TN; Milton, age 21, Farm Work, born in TN; Benj., age 18, born in KY; Greenbury, age 17, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write; Ransom, age 11, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write.
At the beginning of 1875, in a two week time period, Ransom's oldest brother, James, and his sister, Sarah, both died. Sarah's widower, Elisha Long, remarried to Sarah and Ransom's other sister, Susannah, probably within the year. Within the next year or two, two of his brothers, Milton and Benjamin, moved to Texas.
On December 28, 1879, Ransom married Rosetta Keeling in St. Clair Co. By the time of the 1880 census, they were found living in neighboring Vernon Co., probably Schell City. Ransom's mother, Cyntha, was living with them and sister Susannah was living next door.
1880 census, Bacon Twp., Vernon, MO (note: Vernon, St. Clair and Cedar Counties are all adjacent to each other): Etherich, Ransom, age 22, Husband, Farmer, born in MO, father-NC, mother-SC; Etheridge, Rosanna, age 22, Wife, Keeps House, born in IL, father-TN, mother-TN; Etheridge, Syntha, age 63, Mother, Lives with Son, born in SC, father-SC, mother-SC
In 1887, the extended Ethredge family moved to northeast Oregon, apparently by way of the Oregon Trail. Ransom and Rosetta had three children before the migration, and their fourth- daughter Myrtle- was born in Oregon, probably in Union Co., as that is where most of the family settled. By 1897, however, they, along with most of the other family members, had returned to Missouri, settling in Taberville, St. Clair Co. Only Ransom's older sister, Susannah Long, seems to have stayed in Oregon, while his brother Greenberry had moved on into Washington Territory prior to its statehood in 1889.
In June 1897, Ransom's final child, Harley, was born in Taberville. Soon afterwards, though, it would appear that he headed west again, this time to Washington state, moving next to his brother, Greenberry, as they were both found living in Columbia Co. in the 1900 census.
1900 census, Mountain Precinct, Columbia, WA: Ethredge, Rance, head, born Sept. 1858, age 41, married for 21 years, rents, Occupation- farmer/Looking for new location, born in MO, f-NC, m-NC; wife- Rosetta, born Aug. 1858, age 41, married 21 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-IL; dau- Ettie M., born Apr. 1881, age 19, single, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- John H., born May 1883, age 17, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- James L., born Sept. 1885, age 14, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; dau- Myrtle N., born Mar. 1889, age 11, at school, born in OR, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley E., born June 1897, age 3, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL
In December 1908, Ransom was issued his patent for homesteading 160 acres in Adams Co., WA:
Accession/Serial #: 34340 BLM Serial #: WASPAA 030070
Names
Patentee: RANSOM E ETHREDGE
Survey
State: WASHINGTON
Acres: 160
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 12/14/1908
Land Office: Spokane
Cancelled: No
U.S. Reservations: Yes
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: May 20, 1862: Homestead EntryOriginal (12 Stat. 392)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 9075
Misc. Doc. Nr.: 14981
Accession/Serial Nr.: 34340
BLM Serial Nr.: WASPAA 030070
Aliquot Parts Sec. / Block Township Range Fract. Section Meridian State Counties Survey Nr.
NW 12/ 18-N 32-E No Willamette WA Adams
1910 census, Newland Precinct, Adams, WA: Ethredge, Ransom, head, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-IN, m-SC; wife- Rosetta, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-TN; son- James, age 24, single, farm laborer/ home farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley, age 12, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; Hired man- Jungblom, Arthur, age 21, farm laborer/farm, born in MN, f-Sweden, m-Sweden; Hired man- Wilson, William, age 22, farm laborer/farm, born in TN, f-TN, m-TN; Hired man- Keeling, William, age 36, farm laborer/general farm, born in MO, f-unknown, m-TN
Note: William Keeling was Rosetta's younger half-brother.
1920 census, Precinct 3 Branham, Whitman, WA: Ethredge, Harley E., head, rents home, age 22, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-OK; wife- Fannie M., age 19, born in NC, f-NC, m-SC; dau- Maxine L., age 3/12, born in WA, f-MO, m-NC; father- Ethredge, Rance E., age 63, no occupation, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.; mother- Rose E., age 63, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.
1930 census, Branham Precinct 3, Whitman, WA: Ethridge, Ramson, head, owns home, age 72, age 20 when 1st married, no occupation, born in MO, f-SC, m-SC; wife- Rosette, age 71, age 19 when 1st married, born in IL, f-TN, m-U.S.
Living at same address: Keeney, Joe, head, age 27, age 22 when 1st married, farm laborer/general farm, born in ID, f-IL, m-WA; wife- Maidie, age 24, age 19 when 1st married, cook/on wheat ranch, born in ID, f-MD, m-OR; son- Joe Jr., age 4 5/12, born in ID, f-ID, m-ID; Lodger- Hall, Marjorie, ae 28, age 17 when 1st married, no occupation, born in ID, f-IA, m-MO; Lodger- Hall, Mildred, age 9, born in WA, f-ID, m-ID
Note: Joe Keeney and his wife probably worked for Ransom.
In December 1937, Ransom died. Rosetta moved to Potlatch, Latah, Idaho to live with their daughter, Myrtle Davis. Rosetta died in August 1938.
A search was made for an obituary for Ransom, but none was found in either Whitman Co., WA or in Latah Co., ID.
From the LDS Family Search website, I was able to make contact with Dian Dorgan-Snelson, a descendant of Ransom. She wrote the following:
"Dear Karen,
Thank you for the genealogy letter you sent to me. I have made copies of the Etheridge material that I have. I hope that you find some useful material in it. The handwritten letter is from my Grandma, Etta May Etheridge Dorgan. She is the daughter of Ransom Etheridge and Rosetta Keeling Etheridge. She, Etta, has a sister named Myrtle Etheridge Davis. Myrtle's husband is Claude E. Davis. There is also a brother named Harley Etheridge and other children in that family, but I'm not sure of their names or how many there were. I notice that you have Joseph Etheridge's birthplace as North Carolina and I was told that he was born in Scotland. I remember my father made reference to "Uncle Tobe". He must be the same person that you mention in your letter. I don't remember any information about him, though. Thank you for the information that you have shared. Sincerely, Dian"
Note: Although my ancestor, Milton Brown Ethridge, was always known as "Tobe", I later learned that the "Tobe" Dian referred to was someone else. Of the two brothers who moved to Washington, Ransom and Green Berry, Green Berry's son, Ora, was also known as "Tobe". This would be the Uncle Tobe her father referred to.
I have transcribed the handwritten letter from Etta (Ethredge) Dorgan, as follows:
"Ethridge Now for my side Ethridge Vickers
My Grandpa Ethridge came over hear frome Scotland when he was quite young. he was Born in Schotland in 1814. he and a Brother came over hear together but seperated and they never met agin so we no there is more Ethredges somplace in this country. my Grandma was Borned in North Missouri 1818. they met and was married in 1835. they had 9 children 2 girls and 7 boys. Grandpa died in time of the War and she was Left a Widdow with 9 kiddes to rais. she was Syntha Vickers. her Brishday was the 7th of March 1818. she had 2 sisters and 6 Brothers. hir oldest sister married a man by the name of Mongumriy. her name was Nelda Mongumery. the other sister was Pollie Crocket. her Husbund was Brother of David Crocket the (says "of Tennes"---and this is then crossed out) (something else crossed out) David Croket. oh yes Grandpas name was Joseph Ethridge. my mothers name was Rosetta Etheridge (Keeling) her mother came over hear from Germany when she was just a child. her name was Malisia Hull. she was a niece of old Cap Hull. he was a noted Sea captian. her Father wil William Keeling he was Borned in Kansas of Irish parants. That is all I no about him. so I no we have Lots of Relatives by the name of Vickers as well as Keeling scatered alll over this U.S.A. I hope you can get something out of what I have wrote. I havent tryed for a Long time to try to run my thoughs back over the past to see how much I could Remember that has ben told to me. I hope you can find something that will help you. oh yes my Father was my Grandmas youngest boy. his name was Ransom Elexander Ethridge. I hope these will help you some. if you think of anything more that I can do just write and tell me. Love Grandma"
1860 census, Box Twp., Cedar Co., MO (Clintonville Post Office) shows: Joseph J. Etheridge, age 46, Farmer, Value of Real Estate Owned- $2600, Value of Personal Estate- $1399, born in NC; Centhia Ethrage, age 42, born in SC; Susannah, age 20, born in TN; James M., age 18, Farmhand, born in TN; William H., age 16, Blacksmith, born in TN; Thomas J., age 14, born in TN; Salley A., age 12, born in TN; Milton B., age 10, born in TN; Benj. F., age 8, born in TN; Green Berrly L., age 6, born in TN; and Ransom A., age 4, born in MO. It is indicated that James, William, Sally, Milton and Benjamin all attended school within the year.
In 1865, Ransom's father died unexpectedly, although the circumstances are not known. The family's land went into probate and was eventually sold by Cyntha in November 1867. Just prior to that date, the family had relocated to neighboring St. Clair Co. as evidenced by Ransom's older sister, Sarah's, marriage in their home there in July 1867(per her marriage certificate). His mother purchased some land there in November 1867, a few days after selling the Cedar Co. land. It appears that she may have been allowed to move onto the land shortly before she officially purchased it.
1870 census, Speedwell Twp., St.Clair, MO: C. Ethridge, age 51, Keeping House, Value of Real Estate-$1600 (?not clear), Value of Personal Estate-$1300, born in SC, Cannot read, Cannot write; Susanna, age 31, At Home, born in TN; James, age 29, Farm Work, born in TN; Wm., age 27, born in TN; Thos., age 25, born in TN; Sarah, age 23, At Home, born in TN; Milton, age 21, Farm Work, born in TN; Benj., age 18, born in KY; Greenbury, age 17, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write; Ransom, age 11, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write.
At the beginning of 1875, in a two week time period, Ransom's oldest brother, James, and his sister, Sarah, both died. Sarah's widower, Elisha Long, remarried to Sarah and Ransom's other sister, Susannah, probably within the year. Within the next year or two, two of his brothers, Milton and Benjamin, moved to Texas.
On December 28, 1879, Ransom married Rosetta Keeling in St. Clair Co. By the time of the 1880 census, they were found living in neighboring Vernon Co., probably Schell City. Ransom's mother, Cyntha, was living with them and sister Susannah was living next door.
1880 census, Bacon Twp., Vernon, MO (note: Vernon, St. Clair and Cedar Counties are all adjacent to each other): Etherich, Ransom, age 22, Husband, Farmer, born in MO, father-NC, mother-SC; Etheridge, Rosanna, age 22, Wife, Keeps House, born in IL, father-TN, mother-TN; Etheridge, Syntha, age 63, Mother, Lives with Son, born in SC, father-SC, mother-SC
In 1887, the extended Ethredge family moved to northeast Oregon, apparently by way of the Oregon Trail. Ransom and Rosetta had three children before the migration, and their fourth- daughter Myrtle- was born in Oregon, probably in Union Co., as that is where most of the family settled. By 1897, however, they, along with most of the other family members, had returned to Missouri, settling in Taberville, St. Clair Co. Only Ransom's older sister, Susannah Long, seems to have stayed in Oregon, while his brother Greenberry had moved on into Washington Territory prior to its statehood in 1889.
In June 1897, Ransom's final child, Harley, was born in Taberville. Soon afterwards, though, it would appear that he headed west again, this time to Washington state, moving next to his brother, Greenberry, as they were both found living in Columbia Co. in the 1900 census.
1900 census, Mountain Precinct, Columbia, WA: Ethredge, Rance, head, born Sept. 1858, age 41, married for 21 years, rents, Occupation- farmer/Looking for new location, born in MO, f-NC, m-NC; wife- Rosetta, born Aug. 1858, age 41, married 21 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-IL; dau- Ettie M., born Apr. 1881, age 19, single, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- John H., born May 1883, age 17, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- James L., born Sept. 1885, age 14, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; dau- Myrtle N., born Mar. 1889, age 11, at school, born in OR, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley E., born June 1897, age 3, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL
In December 1908, Ransom was issued his patent for homesteading 160 acres in Adams Co., WA:
Accession/Serial #: 34340 BLM Serial #: WASPAA 030070
Names
Patentee: RANSOM E ETHREDGE
Survey
State: WASHINGTON
Acres: 160
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 12/14/1908
Land Office: Spokane
Cancelled: No
U.S. Reservations: Yes
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: May 20, 1862: Homestead EntryOriginal (12 Stat. 392)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 9075
Misc. Doc. Nr.: 14981
Accession/Serial Nr.: 34340
BLM Serial Nr.: WASPAA 030070
Aliquot Parts Sec. / Block Township Range Fract. Section Meridian State Counties Survey Nr.
NW 12/ 18-N 32-E No Willamette WA Adams
1910 census, Newland Precinct, Adams, WA: Ethredge, Ransom, head, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-IN, m-SC; wife- Rosetta, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-TN; son- James, age 24, single, farm laborer/ home farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley, age 12, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; Hired man- Jungblom, Arthur, age 21, farm laborer/farm, born in MN, f-Sweden, m-Sweden; Hired man- Wilson, William, age 22, farm laborer/farm, born in TN, f-TN, m-TN; Hired man- Keeling, William, age 36, farm laborer/general farm, born in MO, f-unknown, m-TN
Note: William Keeling was Rosetta's younger half-brother.
1920 census, Precinct 3 Branham, Whitman, WA: Ethredge, Harley E., head, rents home, age 22, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-OK; wife- Fannie M., age 19, born in NC, f-NC, m-SC; dau- Maxine L., age 3/12, born in WA, f-MO, m-NC; father- Ethredge, Rance E., age 63, no occupation, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.; mother- Rose E., age 63, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.
1930 census, Branham Precinct 3, Whitman, WA: Ethridge, Ramson, head, owns home, age 72, age 20 when 1st married, no occupation, born in MO, f-SC, m-SC; wife- Rosette, age 71, age 19 when 1st married, born in IL, f-TN, m-U.S.
Living at same address: Keeney, Joe, head, age 27, age 22 when 1st married, farm laborer/general farm, born in ID, f-IL, m-WA; wife- Maidie, age 24, age 19 when 1st married, cook/on wheat ranch, born in ID, f-MD, m-OR; son- Joe Jr., age 4 5/12, born in ID, f-ID, m-ID; Lodger- Hall, Marjorie, ae 28, age 17 when 1st married, no occupation, born in ID, f-IA, m-MO; Lodger- Hall, Mildred, age 9, born in WA, f-ID, m-ID
Note: Joe Keeney and his wife probably worked for Ransom.
In December 1937, Ransom died. Rosetta moved to Potlatch, Latah, Idaho to live with their daughter, Myrtle Davis. Rosetta died in August 1938.
A search was made for an obituary for Ransom, but none was found in either Whitman Co., WA or in Latah Co., ID.
From the LDS Family Search website, I was able to make contact with Dian Dorgan-Snelson, a descendant of Ransom. She wrote the following:
"Dear Karen,
Thank you for the genealogy letter you sent to me. I have made copies of the Etheridge material that I have. I hope that you find some useful material in it. The handwritten letter is from my Grandma, Etta May Etheridge Dorgan. She is the daughter of Ransom Etheridge and Rosetta Keeling Etheridge. She, Etta, has a sister named Myrtle Etheridge Davis. Myrtle's husband is Claude E. Davis. There is also a brother named Harley Etheridge and other children in that family, but I'm not sure of their names or how many there were. I notice that you have Joseph Etheridge's birthplace as North Carolina and I was told that he was born in Scotland. I remember my father made reference to "Uncle Tobe". He must be the same person that you mention in your letter. I don't remember any information about him, though. Thank you for the information that you have shared. Sincerely, Dian"
Note: Although my ancestor, Milton Brown Ethridge, was always known as "Tobe", I later learned that the "Tobe" Dian referred to was someone else. Of the two brothers who moved to Washington, Ransom and Green Berry, Green Berry's son, Ora, was also known as "Tobe". This would be the Uncle Tobe her father referred to.
I have transcribed the handwritten letter from Etta (Ethredge) Dorgan, as follows:
"Ethridge Now for my side Ethridge Vickers
My Grandpa Ethridge came over hear frome Scotland when he was quite young. he was Born in Schotland in 1814. he and a Brother came over hear together but seperated and they never met agin so we no there is more Ethredges somplace in this country. my Grandma was Borned in North Missouri 1818. they met and was married in 1835. they had 9 children 2 girls and 7 boys. Grandpa died in time of the War and she was Left a Widdow with 9 kiddes to rais. she was Syntha Vickers. her Brishday was the 7th of March 1818. she had 2 sisters and 6 Brothers. hir oldest sister married a man by the name of Mongumriy. her name was Nelda Mongumery. the other sister was Pollie Crocket. her Husbund was Brother of David Crocket the (says "of Tennes"---and this is then crossed out) (something else crossed out) David Croket. oh yes Grandpas name was Joseph Ethridge. my mothers name was Rosetta Etheridge (Keeling) her mother came over hear from Germany when she was just a child. her name was Malisia Hull. she was a niece of old Cap Hull. he was a noted Sea captian. her Father wil William Keeling he was Borned in Kansas of Irish parants. That is all I no about him. so I no we have Lots of Relatives by the name of Vickers as well as Keeling scatered alll over this U.S.A. I hope you can get something out of what I have wrote. I havent tryed for a Long time to try to run my thoughs back over the past to see how much I could Remember that has ben told to me. I hope you can find something that will help you. oh yes my Father was my Grandmas youngest boy. his name was Ransom Elexander Ethridge. I hope these will help you some. if you think of anything more that I can do just write and tell me. Love Grandma"
In Dec. 1856, Ransom's father, Joseph Ethredge, purchased 160 acres of land from the government in Cedar Co., MO, when the family migrated there from Carroll Co., Tennessee. Ransom and his brother, Green Berry, were both born there. They first show up on the 1860 census.
1860 census, Box Twp., Cedar Co., MO (Clintonville Post Office) shows: Joseph J. Etheridge, age 46, Farmer, Value of Real Estate Owned- $2600, Value of Personal Estate- $1399, born in NC; Centhia Ethrage, age 42, born in SC; Susannah, age 20, born in TN; James M., age 18, Farmhand, born in TN; William H., age 16, Blacksmith, born in TN; Thomas J., age 14, born in TN; Salley A., age 12, born in TN; Milton B., age 10, born in TN; Benj. F., age 8, born in TN; Green Berrly L., age 6, born in TN; and Ransom A., age 4, born in MO. It is indicated that James, William, Sally, Milton and Benjamin all attended school within the year.
In 1865, Ransom's father died unexpectedly, although the circumstances are not known. The family's land went into probate and was eventually sold by Cyntha in November 1867. Just prior to that date, the family had relocated to neighboring St. Clair Co. as evidenced by Ransom's older sister, Sarah's, marriage in their home there in July 1867(per her marriage certificate). His mother purchased some land there in November 1867, a few days after selling the Cedar Co. land. It appears that she may have been allowed to move onto the land shortly before she officially purchased it.
1870 census, Speedwell Twp., St.Clair, MO: C. Ethridge, age 51, Keeping House, Value of Real Estate-$1600 (?not clear), Value of Personal Estate-$1300, born in SC, Cannot read, Cannot write; Susanna, age 31, At Home, born in TN; James, age 29, Farm Work, born in TN; Wm., age 27, born in TN; Thos., age 25, born in TN; Sarah, age 23, At Home, born in TN; Milton, age 21, Farm Work, born in TN; Benj., age 18, born in KY; Greenbury, age 17, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write; Ransom, age 11, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write.
At the beginning of 1875, in a two week time period, Ransom's oldest brother, James, and his sister, Sarah, both died. Sarah's widower, Elisha Long, remarried to Sarah and Ransom's other sister, Susannah, probably within the year. Within the next year or two, two of his brothers, Milton and Benjamin, moved to Texas.
On December 28, 1879, Ransom married Rosetta Keeling in St. Clair Co. By the time of the 1880 census, they were found living in neighboring Vernon Co., probably Schell City. Ransom's mother, Cyntha, was living with them and sister Susannah was living next door.
1880 census, Bacon Twp., Vernon, MO (note: Vernon, St. Clair and Cedar Counties are all adjacent to each other): Etherich, Ransom, age 22, Husband, Farmer, born in MO, father-NC, mother-SC; Etheridge, Rosanna, age 22, Wife, Keeps House, born in IL, father-TN, mother-TN; Etheridge, Syntha, age 63, Mother, Lives with Son, born in SC, father-SC, mother-SC
In 1887, the extended Ethredge family moved to northeast Oregon, apparently by way of the Oregon Trail. Ransom and Rosetta had three children before the migration, and their fourth- daughter Myrtle- was born in Oregon, probably in Union Co., as that is where most of the family settled. By 1897, however, they, along with most of the other family members, had returned to Missouri, settling in Taberville, St. Clair Co. Only Ransom's older sister, Susannah Long, seems to have stayed in Oregon, while his brother Greenberry had moved on into Washington Territory prior to its statehood in 1889.
In June 1897, Ransom's final child, Harley, was born in Taberville. Soon afterwards, though, it would appear that he headed west again, this time to Washington state, moving next to his brother, Greenberry, as they were both found living in Columbia Co. in the 1900 census.
1900 census, Mountain Precinct, Columbia, WA: Ethredge, Rance, head, born Sept. 1858, age 41, married for 21 years, rents, Occupation- farmer/Looking for new location, born in MO, f-NC, m-NC; wife- Rosetta, born Aug. 1858, age 41, married 21 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-IL; dau- Ettie M., born Apr. 1881, age 19, single, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- John H., born May 1883, age 17, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- James L., born Sept. 1885, age 14, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; dau- Myrtle N., born Mar. 1889, age 11, at school, born in OR, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley E., born June 1897, age 3, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL
In December 1908, Ransom was issued his patent for homesteading 160 acres in Adams Co., WA:
Accession/Serial #: 34340 BLM Serial #: WASPAA 030070
Names
Patentee: RANSOM E ETHREDGE
Survey
State: WASHINGTON
Acres: 160
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 12/14/1908
Land Office: Spokane
Cancelled: No
U.S. Reservations: Yes
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: May 20, 1862: Homestead EntryOriginal (12 Stat. 392)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 9075
Misc. Doc. Nr.: 14981
Accession/Serial Nr.: 34340
BLM Serial Nr.: WASPAA 030070
Aliquot Parts Sec. / Block Township Range Fract. Section Meridian State Counties Survey Nr.
NW 12/ 18-N 32-E No Willamette WA Adams
1910 census, Newland Precinct, Adams, WA: Ethredge, Ransom, head, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-IN, m-SC; wife- Rosetta, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-TN; son- James, age 24, single, farm laborer/ home farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley, age 12, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; Hired man- Jungblom, Arthur, age 21, farm laborer/farm, born in MN, f-Sweden, m-Sweden; Hired man- Wilson, William, age 22, farm laborer/farm, born in TN, f-TN, m-TN; Hired man- Keeling, William, age 36, farm laborer/general farm, born in MO, f-unknown, m-TN
Note: William Keeling was Rosetta's younger half-brother.
1920 census, Precinct 3 Branham, Whitman, WA: Ethredge, Harley E., head, rents home, age 22, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-OK; wife- Fannie M., age 19, born in NC, f-NC, m-SC; dau- Maxine L., age 3/12, born in WA, f-MO, m-NC; father- Ethredge, Rance E., age 63, no occupation, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.; mother- Rose E., age 63, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.
1930 census, Branham Precinct 3, Whitman, WA: Ethridge, Ramson, head, owns home, age 72, age 20 when 1st married, no occupation, born in MO, f-SC, m-SC; wife- Rosette, age 71, age 19 when 1st married, born in IL, f-TN, m-U.S.
Living at same address: Keeney, Joe, head, age 27, age 22 when 1st married, farm laborer/general farm, born in ID, f-IL, m-WA; wife- Maidie, age 24, age 19 when 1st married, cook/on wheat ranch, born in ID, f-MD, m-OR; son- Joe Jr., age 4 5/12, born in ID, f-ID, m-ID; Lodger- Hall, Marjorie, ae 28, age 17 when 1st married, no occupation, born in ID, f-IA, m-MO; Lodger- Hall, Mildred, age 9, born in WA, f-ID, m-ID
Note: Joe Keeney and his wife probably worked for Ransom.
In December 1937, Ransom died. Rosetta moved to Potlatch, Latah, Idaho to live with their daughter, Myrtle Davis. Rosetta died in August 1938.
A search was made for an obituary for Ransom, but none was found in either Whitman Co., WA or in Latah Co., ID.
From the LDS Family Search website, I was able to make contact with Dian Dorgan-Snelson, a descendant of Ransom. She wrote the following:
"Dear Karen,
Thank you for the genealogy letter you sent to me. I have made copies of the Etheridge material that I have. I hope that you find some useful material in it. The handwritten letter is from my Grandma, Etta May Etheridge Dorgan. She is the daughter of Ransom Etheridge and Rosetta Keeling Etheridge. She, Etta, has a sister named Myrtle Etheridge Davis. Myrtle's husband is Claude E. Davis. There is also a brother named Harley Etheridge and other children in that family, but I'm not sure of their names or how many there were. I notice that you have Joseph Etheridge's birthplace as North Carolina and I was told that he was born in Scotland. I remember my father made reference to "Uncle Tobe". He must be the same person that you mention in your letter. I don't remember any information about him, though. Thank you for the information that you have shared. Sincerely, Dian"
Note: Although my ancestor, Milton Brown Ethridge, was always known as "Tobe", I later learned that the "Tobe" Dian referred to was someone else. Of the two brothers who moved to Washington, Ransom and Green Berry, Green Berry's son, Ora, was also known as "Tobe". This would be the Uncle Tobe her father referred to.
I have transcribed the handwritten letter from Etta (Ethredge) Dorgan, as follows:
"Ethridge Now for my side Ethridge Vickers
My Grandpa Ethridge came over hear frome Scotland when he was quite young. he was Born in Schotland in 1814. he and a Brother came over hear together but seperated and they never met agin so we no there is more Ethredges somplace in this country. my Grandma was Borned in North Missouri 1818. they met and was married in 1835. they had 9 children 2 girls and 7 boys. Grandpa died in time of the War and she was Left a Widdow with 9 kiddes to rais. she was Syntha Vickers. her Brishday was the 7th of March 1818. she had 2 sisters and 6 Brothers. hir oldest sister married a man by the name of Mongumriy. her name was Nelda Mongumery. the other sister was Pollie Crocket. her Husbund was Brother of David Crocket the (says "of Tennes"---and this is then crossed out) (something else crossed out) David Croket. oh yes Grandpas name was Joseph Ethridge. my mothers name was Rosetta Etheridge (Keeling) her mother came over hear from Germany when she was just a child. her name was Malisia Hull. she was a niece of old Cap Hull. he was a noted Sea captian. her Father wil William Keeling he was Borned in Kansas of Irish parants. That is all I no about him. so I no we have Lots of Relatives by the name of Vickers as well as Keeling scatered alll over this U.S.A. I hope you can get something out of what I have wrote. I havent tryed for a Long time to try to run my thoughs back over the past to see how much I could Remember that has ben told to me. I hope you can find something that will help you. oh yes my Father was my Grandmas youngest boy. his name was Ransom Elexander Ethridge. I hope these will help you some. if you think of anything more that I can do just write and tell me. Love Grandma"
1860 census, Box Twp., Cedar Co., MO (Clintonville Post Office) shows: Joseph J. Etheridge, age 46, Farmer, Value of Real Estate Owned- $2600, Value of Personal Estate- $1399, born in NC; Centhia Ethrage, age 42, born in SC; Susannah, age 20, born in TN; James M., age 18, Farmhand, born in TN; William H., age 16, Blacksmith, born in TN; Thomas J., age 14, born in TN; Salley A., age 12, born in TN; Milton B., age 10, born in TN; Benj. F., age 8, born in TN; Green Berrly L., age 6, born in TN; and Ransom A., age 4, born in MO. It is indicated that James, William, Sally, Milton and Benjamin all attended school within the year.
In 1865, Ransom's father died unexpectedly, although the circumstances are not known. The family's land went into probate and was eventually sold by Cyntha in November 1867. Just prior to that date, the family had relocated to neighboring St. Clair Co. as evidenced by Ransom's older sister, Sarah's, marriage in their home there in July 1867(per her marriage certificate). His mother purchased some land there in November 1867, a few days after selling the Cedar Co. land. It appears that she may have been allowed to move onto the land shortly before she officially purchased it.
1870 census, Speedwell Twp., St.Clair, MO: C. Ethridge, age 51, Keeping House, Value of Real Estate-$1600 (?not clear), Value of Personal Estate-$1300, born in SC, Cannot read, Cannot write; Susanna, age 31, At Home, born in TN; James, age 29, Farm Work, born in TN; Wm., age 27, born in TN; Thos., age 25, born in TN; Sarah, age 23, At Home, born in TN; Milton, age 21, Farm Work, born in TN; Benj., age 18, born in KY; Greenbury, age 17, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write; Ransom, age 11, born in MO, Cannot read, Cannot write.
At the beginning of 1875, in a two week time period, Ransom's oldest brother, James, and his sister, Sarah, both died. Sarah's widower, Elisha Long, remarried to Sarah and Ransom's other sister, Susannah, probably within the year. Within the next year or two, two of his brothers, Milton and Benjamin, moved to Texas.
On December 28, 1879, Ransom married Rosetta Keeling in St. Clair Co. By the time of the 1880 census, they were found living in neighboring Vernon Co., probably Schell City. Ransom's mother, Cyntha, was living with them and sister Susannah was living next door.
1880 census, Bacon Twp., Vernon, MO (note: Vernon, St. Clair and Cedar Counties are all adjacent to each other): Etherich, Ransom, age 22, Husband, Farmer, born in MO, father-NC, mother-SC; Etheridge, Rosanna, age 22, Wife, Keeps House, born in IL, father-TN, mother-TN; Etheridge, Syntha, age 63, Mother, Lives with Son, born in SC, father-SC, mother-SC
In 1887, the extended Ethredge family moved to northeast Oregon, apparently by way of the Oregon Trail. Ransom and Rosetta had three children before the migration, and their fourth- daughter Myrtle- was born in Oregon, probably in Union Co., as that is where most of the family settled. By 1897, however, they, along with most of the other family members, had returned to Missouri, settling in Taberville, St. Clair Co. Only Ransom's older sister, Susannah Long, seems to have stayed in Oregon, while his brother Greenberry had moved on into Washington Territory prior to its statehood in 1889.
In June 1897, Ransom's final child, Harley, was born in Taberville. Soon afterwards, though, it would appear that he headed west again, this time to Washington state, moving next to his brother, Greenberry, as they were both found living in Columbia Co. in the 1900 census.
1900 census, Mountain Precinct, Columbia, WA: Ethredge, Rance, head, born Sept. 1858, age 41, married for 21 years, rents, Occupation- farmer/Looking for new location, born in MO, f-NC, m-NC; wife- Rosetta, born Aug. 1858, age 41, married 21 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-IL; dau- Ettie M., born Apr. 1881, age 19, single, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- John H., born May 1883, age 17, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- James L., born Sept. 1885, age 14, at school, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; dau- Myrtle N., born Mar. 1889, age 11, at school, born in OR, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley E., born June 1897, age 3, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL
In December 1908, Ransom was issued his patent for homesteading 160 acres in Adams Co., WA:
Accession/Serial #: 34340 BLM Serial #: WASPAA 030070
Names
Patentee: RANSOM E ETHREDGE
Survey
State: WASHINGTON
Acres: 160
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 12/14/1908
Land Office: Spokane
Cancelled: No
U.S. Reservations: Yes
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: May 20, 1862: Homestead EntryOriginal (12 Stat. 392)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 9075
Misc. Doc. Nr.: 14981
Accession/Serial Nr.: 34340
BLM Serial Nr.: WASPAA 030070
Aliquot Parts Sec. / Block Township Range Fract. Section Meridian State Counties Survey Nr.
NW 12/ 18-N 32-E No Willamette WA Adams
1910 census, Newland Precinct, Adams, WA: Ethredge, Ransom, head, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-IN, m-SC; wife- Rosetta, age 51, married 1x for 30 years, 5 children born, 5 children living, born in IL, f-TN, m-TN; son- James, age 24, single, farm laborer/ home farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; son- Harley, age 12, born in MO, f-MO, m-IL; Hired man- Jungblom, Arthur, age 21, farm laborer/farm, born in MN, f-Sweden, m-Sweden; Hired man- Wilson, William, age 22, farm laborer/farm, born in TN, f-TN, m-TN; Hired man- Keeling, William, age 36, farm laborer/general farm, born in MO, f-unknown, m-TN
Note: William Keeling was Rosetta's younger half-brother.
1920 census, Precinct 3 Branham, Whitman, WA: Ethredge, Harley E., head, rents home, age 22, farmer/general farm, born in MO, f-MO, m-OK; wife- Fannie M., age 19, born in NC, f-NC, m-SC; dau- Maxine L., age 3/12, born in WA, f-MO, m-NC; father- Ethredge, Rance E., age 63, no occupation, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.; mother- Rose E., age 63, born in MO, f-Unknown-U.S., m-Unknown-U.S.
1930 census, Branham Precinct 3, Whitman, WA: Ethridge, Ramson, head, owns home, age 72, age 20 when 1st married, no occupation, born in MO, f-SC, m-SC; wife- Rosette, age 71, age 19 when 1st married, born in IL, f-TN, m-U.S.
Living at same address: Keeney, Joe, head, age 27, age 22 when 1st married, farm laborer/general farm, born in ID, f-IL, m-WA; wife- Maidie, age 24, age 19 when 1st married, cook/on wheat ranch, born in ID, f-MD, m-OR; son- Joe Jr., age 4 5/12, born in ID, f-ID, m-ID; Lodger- Hall, Marjorie, ae 28, age 17 when 1st married, no occupation, born in ID, f-IA, m-MO; Lodger- Hall, Mildred, age 9, born in WA, f-ID, m-ID
Note: Joe Keeney and his wife probably worked for Ransom.
In December 1937, Ransom died. Rosetta moved to Potlatch, Latah, Idaho to live with their daughter, Myrtle Davis. Rosetta died in August 1938.
A search was made for an obituary for Ransom, but none was found in either Whitman Co., WA or in Latah Co., ID.
From the LDS Family Search website, I was able to make contact with Dian Dorgan-Snelson, a descendant of Ransom. She wrote the following:
"Dear Karen,
Thank you for the genealogy letter you sent to me. I have made copies of the Etheridge material that I have. I hope that you find some useful material in it. The handwritten letter is from my Grandma, Etta May Etheridge Dorgan. She is the daughter of Ransom Etheridge and Rosetta Keeling Etheridge. She, Etta, has a sister named Myrtle Etheridge Davis. Myrtle's husband is Claude E. Davis. There is also a brother named Harley Etheridge and other children in that family, but I'm not sure of their names or how many there were. I notice that you have Joseph Etheridge's birthplace as North Carolina and I was told that he was born in Scotland. I remember my father made reference to "Uncle Tobe". He must be the same person that you mention in your letter. I don't remember any information about him, though. Thank you for the information that you have shared. Sincerely, Dian"
Note: Although my ancestor, Milton Brown Ethridge, was always known as "Tobe", I later learned that the "Tobe" Dian referred to was someone else. Of the two brothers who moved to Washington, Ransom and Green Berry, Green Berry's son, Ora, was also known as "Tobe". This would be the Uncle Tobe her father referred to.
I have transcribed the handwritten letter from Etta (Ethredge) Dorgan, as follows:
"Ethridge Now for my side Ethridge Vickers
My Grandpa Ethridge came over hear frome Scotland when he was quite young. he was Born in Schotland in 1814. he and a Brother came over hear together but seperated and they never met agin so we no there is more Ethredges somplace in this country. my Grandma was Borned in North Missouri 1818. they met and was married in 1835. they had 9 children 2 girls and 7 boys. Grandpa died in time of the War and she was Left a Widdow with 9 kiddes to rais. she was Syntha Vickers. her Brishday was the 7th of March 1818. she had 2 sisters and 6 Brothers. hir oldest sister married a man by the name of Mongumriy. her name was Nelda Mongumery. the other sister was Pollie Crocket. her Husbund was Brother of David Crocket the (says "of Tennes"---and this is then crossed out) (something else crossed out) David Croket. oh yes Grandpas name was Joseph Ethridge. my mothers name was Rosetta Etheridge (Keeling) her mother came over hear from Germany when she was just a child. her name was Malisia Hull. she was a niece of old Cap Hull. he was a noted Sea captian. her Father wil William Keeling he was Borned in Kansas of Irish parants. That is all I no about him. so I no we have Lots of Relatives by the name of Vickers as well as Keeling scatered alll over this U.S.A. I hope you can get something out of what I have wrote. I havent tryed for a Long time to try to run my thoughs back over the past to see how much I could Remember that has ben told to me. I hope you can find something that will help you. oh yes my Father was my Grandmas youngest boy. his name was Ransom Elexander Ethridge. I hope these will help you some. if you think of anything more that I can do just write and tell me. Love Grandma"
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