EDMONSTON, John Royse
Born: 18May1818 in Dubois County, Indiana.
Died: 12May1898 near Holden, Mo. Buried Rock Springs Cemetery, approx. 5 miles NW of Holden, Mo.
Father: Major William E. Edmonston, 18Apr. 1796 – 18 Oct 1871
William Edmonston
Mother: Elizabeth Betsey Royse, 10 Sept 1799 – 22 Feb 1876
Elizabeth Royse Edmonston
Married 20Jan1846 in Washington County, Mo.
Wife: Cornelia Eidson, born 30Aug1826, died 14Nov1905. Buried next to John in Rock Springs Cemetery
Father: Henry Eidson
Mother: Mary Buford
Children:
William Henry, born 20Oct1846 in Ironton, Iron Co., Mo. Died 24Mar1941 in Odd Fellows Home, Liberty, Clay Co. Mo.
William Henry Edmonston
Charles Francis., born 1Oct1849 in Iron County, Mo. Died 20Mar1934 in Colombia, Mo.
Charles Francis Edmonston
James Monroe, born 25Nov1854 in Knob Noster, Mo. Died 8Aug1935 in Protection, Kansas. Married to Malinda Sheretz 27Sept1876. Both buried in Rock Springs Cemetery
James Monroe Edmonston
Mary S. Born 27Mar 1859 in Johnson County, Mo., died 4Oct1934. Never Married. Died 29Sept1934 in Holden, Mo. Buried in the Holden Area. Her obituary states that she was buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, but no headstone can be found.
Mary S. Edmonston
John Frederick, Born 14Feb1867 in Holden, Mo. Died 10Jan1945 in Pamona, California. Married Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950)
Robert Taylor, born 5Feb1870 in Holden, Mo. Died 23June1932 near Minco, Ok. Buried in Friendship Cemetery South of Minco. Robert was the youngest child, yet first to die. Married Millie Davidson in Holden 20 Nov 1890.
Robert Taylor Edmonston
From the book "My Edmonstons and a Few More" by Charles Ninian Edmonston 1903-1979
With notes by Ernest R. Edmonston of Roswell, N. M. 2012
John Royse Edmonston was born in Indiana, probably in Dubois County 18May1818 and died in Johnson County Mo. 12 May 1898. The dates were sent me my Mamie Edmonston, of whom, more later, in 1948. He was married to Cornelia Eidson 20Jan1845 in Washington County, Mo. according to an affidavit made by her in applying for a pension after the death of her husband. The dates on her tombstone in Rock Springs Cemetery near Holden, Mo. are 1826-1905. Her last pension check was paid 8Nov1905. She gave her age as 72 years in her pension application.
John Royce Edmonston may have gone to Johnson County before 1854. There is a deed in Book L page 521 where John R. Edmonston and his wife Cornelia sold 120 acres of land to Jeremiah V. Cockerell Aug. 5, 1854.
He applied for a pension because of disability in 1891, and from it we learn that he enlisted in Sedalia Mo. in co. A. 7th Regiment of Missouri State Militia and was mustered out 18 March, 1865. There was no indication of any combat duty during the war. One record shows that for a time he was on detached duty as a hospital cook. I suppose that if he had any contact with any of the other members of the family he would have been made to feel that his enlisting in the union Army was the cause of his father's death. After his own death his daughter Mary finally got into touch with her Uncle William Clay Edmonston in Clinton Mo. A warm friendship was maintained until Mary's death in 1934.
Charles F. Edmonston was married first to Ida M. Willspaugh of Pittsville, Johnson County Mo. at Holden 3 July, 1879 by S.U. Ueman M.G. M. C. Ueman witness. Book H. page 386. Johnson County marriages. They had one daughter, Iona May Edmonston. Her tombstone inscription reads: Iona Edmonston 1897-1907.
Charles F. Edmonston was married three times but there were evidently no children by the last two marriages. He was said to have been a doctor with a cure for cancer which he had obtained from an Indian or Indians somewhere. Some people considered him an out and out quack while others were greatly impressed by his abilities in the field of medicine.
James Monroe Edmonston married Malinda Sheretz. The family plot in the cemetery at Rock Springs (Mo.) has J. M. Edmonston 1854-1935 and Malinda Edmonston 1854-1896. Their children were:
Orpha B. Edmonston, married Albert Barber
Orly M. Edmonston, married Ollie Saunders.
Orval, Jessie, Mary Grace married Elmer Lawrence, and Paul died at the age of six.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonston: I examined the gravestones of James Monroe, his wife Malinda, and son Paul at the Rock Springs Cemetery. There is definitely something amiss in the dates. Those on James' marker appear to be correct. Malinda's date of death is shown as January 15, 1896, and her son's (Paul) date of birth is shown on his marker as being May 13, 1896, or almost four months after his mother's death. His date of death is shown as November 14, 1900. Malinda's stone is quite elaborate and upright, while J.M.'s, who died some 39 years later, is small, simple, and flat with the ground. E.R.E.)
Mary Edmonston the only daughter of John R. and Cornelia Edmonston was born, according to the date given in her obituary, 27 March, 1857 and died in Holden 4 Oct. 1934. She was never married, but it seems that she was the proverbial dutiful daughter who not only took care of her parents but of various nieces and nephews from time to time.
Wife of John Frederick Edmonston is thought to be Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950) Their children were:
Jessie married Milo Williams
Roy Leslie married Minnia (?).
Charles
Robert B. Edmonston the next son, married Cleopatra(?). He died 8 Oct. 1891. His probate record is contained in Box 59. Cleopatra Edmonston was adm. Recorded in Adm Book 1 p. 397. The children were: Raymond E., Edna M., Laura, Pearl, Alice. Mary, Frank and Fern.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonton: I included the above paragraph exactly as C. N. Edmonston had it written. At first, I was sure that he had the wrong Robert (wrong wife, wrong date of death, etc.), but cannot explain why the right children are shown. ??? Robert's name was Robert Taylor Edmonston. He died near Minco, Oklahoma on June 23, 1932. He married Millie Josephene Davidson (19Aug1868-21Feb1938) in St. Clair, Missouri on 20Nov1890. E.R.E.)
The probate record of John R. Edmonston contains the statement: "Mrs. Cornelia Edmonston says she is the widow of John R. Edmonston who died about the 12th of May, 1898. The estate does not exceed $400. It consists of: First: A family Bible and other books worth nothing. 2nd. Household furniture. $10.00
3rd. 2 old horses, one 9 yrs. Old and the other 19 years old. 2 yearling colts, one cow etc. $200. The family consists of Cornelia, his widow and Mary, his daughter. The affidavit was made by Cornelia Edmonston 5 July, 1898.
In the probate of the estate of Cornelia Edmonston Box 99 there is the information that she died 14 Nov. 1905 and Mary S. Edmonston was her executrix. Date of the letters granted, 11 Dec. 1905. C. T. Edmonston of Columbia Mo. received of Mary Edmonston $35 in full payment of all claims. 15 Feb. 1908 from Columbia, Missouri.
W. H. Edmonston, son, residence unknown.
Chas. F. Edmonston, son who resides in City of Columbia.
J.M. Edmonston, son who resides in the City of Berthett Colo.
Robert T. Edmonston, son resides at Unnka, Indian Territory.
Final settlement 17 Feb. 1908. (Note) there is a discrepancy here since I found Robert B. Edmonston had died in 1891. (See note above - E.R.E.).
The probate record of Mary S. Edmonston is in Box 207.
W. B. Wallace adm. She died 29 Sept. 1934 (during just about the worst part of the great depression.) Her estate valued at approximately $150.00. Letters granted, 2 Oct. 1934. Heirs were:
Robert Edmonston, Unico Okla. (Minco, Ok At any rate, Robert had died by then - E.R.E.)
C. F. Edmonston, Columbia Mo.
Fred Edmonston California
J. M. Edmonston brother, Protection Kansas.
W.H. Edmonston, brother, Liberty Mo.
Final settlement: 30 March, 1936.
I found that there are several members of this family in and around Protection Kansas but I was unable to get an answer to a letter of inquiry written to a Paul Edmonston there.
Before going further it seems to me that trying to put together a history of a family is, as they say nowadays, opening a can of worms. In the cemetery at Rock Springs according to Julius De Masters, who gathered this information for me there is a grave for a D. E. Edmonston born 1819 and died 1849. In all my research I have not been able to identify this man. And that is just one of the mysteries.
(Note by Ernest Edmonston: When I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May, 1998, I did not see a grave of a D. E. Edmonston. The Edmonston family we speak of here are all together in a small area in a corner of the cemetery. In all truthfulness, after finding these, I did not search further. I have always wondered why I did not see the grave of Mary Edmonston here as her parents, some of her brothers, their wives and children are there).
The following may be of some passing interest: In a letter written by Bazil B. Edmonston Sr. 6 June, 1834 he wrote: "When William expected to be called off with the quinsy in a few hours he observed that his family was the least of his thoughts provided I had days to live my life for my children and grand-children who looked up to me for succor. My brest is theirs, my help in time of need is theirs; I beg to be indulged while I relate an incident that took place at the time William was expected to be snatched off hourly. His little son, John Rice (John Royce), in his seventh year hugged me around the thigh and cried out, "Grand-daddy, what will become of me, Mommy and the other children?" The reply I made was I would take them all home with me. He then cryed out in these erneast terms. "Grandaddy, I'm afeard my daddy will die and if he does I'm afeard the black man will git him. If I thought the good man would get him I would give him freely", etc. The particular God these people appear to have worshipped was a vengeful one, apparenntly.
End of Commentary by Charles Ninian Edmonston
As stated above, I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May of 1998. Quite by accident, I stood before the gravestone of John Royse Edmonston on May 11, 1998. I noticed at that time that he had died on May 12, 1898, or exactly 100 years before. It was, to say the least, an eerie feeling. The cemetery is located approximately 5 miles North-West of Holden, Mo., along side a dirt road just over a bridge which I assume to be Rock Springs. There is a small one room Church next to the Cemetery. The Church was obviously old, but shown brightly with a fresh coat of white paint. The cemetery had been mown and was neat in every respect. It is a small cemetery & does not appear to have gained any "recent residents." I never saw another living soul the whole time I was there, which was about 2 hours. The sign on the front of the Church was "Rock Springs Bible Church", and was obviously very old. It did however, have signs of electricity being added along with a small window type air conditioning unit. It is one of the prettiest cemeteries I have ever laid eyes on. As I said, all the Edmonston plots are in one area, and the headstone of John Royce and Cornelia is obviously the largest and most ornate. To have been almost 100 years old, it is
in remarkably good shape. I have photograph (and negatives) of all the Edmonston Headstones, the church, etc., available to anyone who wishes to make copies.
On the internet (Ancestry.com), I found where John Royse had served with Co. C, 7th Regiment of the Missouri State Militia Cavalry. This information varies only slightly from that reported by Ninian Edmonston. The records also show that he provided his own horse and was paid accordingly.
I have in my possession, an old British Enfield .58 Cal. Rifle that was passed down from John Royse Edmonston. To my knowledge, this is the only artifact remaining in our family that had belonged to him although we do have a rocking chair used by Cornelia. The rifle is common to those used by the Confederacy as their manufacturing capabilities were limited and they traded cotton to England for arms (until the embargo cut them off). The name on the lock plate of the rifle is "POTTS & HUNT, LONDON." For years, because of this, I assumed that John Royce was in the Army of the South, so was somewhat surprised to find that he served in the Northern Army. The rifle must have been a souvenir or some such. I would like to know more about it, but suspect that information has went to the grave. The old rifle was not well cared for at some time, the rifling is almost gone, but the outside of it is in excellent condition considering it's age. I have shot the thing & it is still shootable (with black powder only). However, the recoil developed does not make it pleasant to shoot often.
Ernest R. Edmonston
Roswell, NM
November, 1999
Born: 18May1818 in Dubois County, Indiana.
Died: 12May1898 near Holden, Mo. Buried Rock Springs Cemetery, approx. 5 miles NW of Holden, Mo.
Father: Major William E. Edmonston, 18Apr. 1796 – 18 Oct 1871
William Edmonston
Mother: Elizabeth Betsey Royse, 10 Sept 1799 – 22 Feb 1876
Elizabeth Royse Edmonston
Married 20Jan1846 in Washington County, Mo.
Wife: Cornelia Eidson, born 30Aug1826, died 14Nov1905. Buried next to John in Rock Springs Cemetery
Father: Henry Eidson
Mother: Mary Buford
Children:
William Henry, born 20Oct1846 in Ironton, Iron Co., Mo. Died 24Mar1941 in Odd Fellows Home, Liberty, Clay Co. Mo.
William Henry Edmonston
Charles Francis., born 1Oct1849 in Iron County, Mo. Died 20Mar1934 in Colombia, Mo.
Charles Francis Edmonston
James Monroe, born 25Nov1854 in Knob Noster, Mo. Died 8Aug1935 in Protection, Kansas. Married to Malinda Sheretz 27Sept1876. Both buried in Rock Springs Cemetery
James Monroe Edmonston
Mary S. Born 27Mar 1859 in Johnson County, Mo., died 4Oct1934. Never Married. Died 29Sept1934 in Holden, Mo. Buried in the Holden Area. Her obituary states that she was buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, but no headstone can be found.
Mary S. Edmonston
John Frederick, Born 14Feb1867 in Holden, Mo. Died 10Jan1945 in Pamona, California. Married Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950)
Robert Taylor, born 5Feb1870 in Holden, Mo. Died 23June1932 near Minco, Ok. Buried in Friendship Cemetery South of Minco. Robert was the youngest child, yet first to die. Married Millie Davidson in Holden 20 Nov 1890.
Robert Taylor Edmonston
From the book "My Edmonstons and a Few More" by Charles Ninian Edmonston 1903-1979
With notes by Ernest R. Edmonston of Roswell, N. M. 2012
John Royse Edmonston was born in Indiana, probably in Dubois County 18May1818 and died in Johnson County Mo. 12 May 1898. The dates were sent me my Mamie Edmonston, of whom, more later, in 1948. He was married to Cornelia Eidson 20Jan1845 in Washington County, Mo. according to an affidavit made by her in applying for a pension after the death of her husband. The dates on her tombstone in Rock Springs Cemetery near Holden, Mo. are 1826-1905. Her last pension check was paid 8Nov1905. She gave her age as 72 years in her pension application.
John Royce Edmonston may have gone to Johnson County before 1854. There is a deed in Book L page 521 where John R. Edmonston and his wife Cornelia sold 120 acres of land to Jeremiah V. Cockerell Aug. 5, 1854.
He applied for a pension because of disability in 1891, and from it we learn that he enlisted in Sedalia Mo. in co. A. 7th Regiment of Missouri State Militia and was mustered out 18 March, 1865. There was no indication of any combat duty during the war. One record shows that for a time he was on detached duty as a hospital cook. I suppose that if he had any contact with any of the other members of the family he would have been made to feel that his enlisting in the union Army was the cause of his father's death. After his own death his daughter Mary finally got into touch with her Uncle William Clay Edmonston in Clinton Mo. A warm friendship was maintained until Mary's death in 1934.
Charles F. Edmonston was married first to Ida M. Willspaugh of Pittsville, Johnson County Mo. at Holden 3 July, 1879 by S.U. Ueman M.G. M. C. Ueman witness. Book H. page 386. Johnson County marriages. They had one daughter, Iona May Edmonston. Her tombstone inscription reads: Iona Edmonston 1897-1907.
Charles F. Edmonston was married three times but there were evidently no children by the last two marriages. He was said to have been a doctor with a cure for cancer which he had obtained from an Indian or Indians somewhere. Some people considered him an out and out quack while others were greatly impressed by his abilities in the field of medicine.
James Monroe Edmonston married Malinda Sheretz. The family plot in the cemetery at Rock Springs (Mo.) has J. M. Edmonston 1854-1935 and Malinda Edmonston 1854-1896. Their children were:
Orpha B. Edmonston, married Albert Barber
Orly M. Edmonston, married Ollie Saunders.
Orval, Jessie, Mary Grace married Elmer Lawrence, and Paul died at the age of six.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonston: I examined the gravestones of James Monroe, his wife Malinda, and son Paul at the Rock Springs Cemetery. There is definitely something amiss in the dates. Those on James' marker appear to be correct. Malinda's date of death is shown as January 15, 1896, and her son's (Paul) date of birth is shown on his marker as being May 13, 1896, or almost four months after his mother's death. His date of death is shown as November 14, 1900. Malinda's stone is quite elaborate and upright, while J.M.'s, who died some 39 years later, is small, simple, and flat with the ground. E.R.E.)
Mary Edmonston the only daughter of John R. and Cornelia Edmonston was born, according to the date given in her obituary, 27 March, 1857 and died in Holden 4 Oct. 1934. She was never married, but it seems that she was the proverbial dutiful daughter who not only took care of her parents but of various nieces and nephews from time to time.
Wife of John Frederick Edmonston is thought to be Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950) Their children were:
Jessie married Milo Williams
Roy Leslie married Minnia (?).
Charles
Robert B. Edmonston the next son, married Cleopatra(?). He died 8 Oct. 1891. His probate record is contained in Box 59. Cleopatra Edmonston was adm. Recorded in Adm Book 1 p. 397. The children were: Raymond E., Edna M., Laura, Pearl, Alice. Mary, Frank and Fern.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonton: I included the above paragraph exactly as C. N. Edmonston had it written. At first, I was sure that he had the wrong Robert (wrong wife, wrong date of death, etc.), but cannot explain why the right children are shown. ??? Robert's name was Robert Taylor Edmonston. He died near Minco, Oklahoma on June 23, 1932. He married Millie Josephene Davidson (19Aug1868-21Feb1938) in St. Clair, Missouri on 20Nov1890. E.R.E.)
The probate record of John R. Edmonston contains the statement: "Mrs. Cornelia Edmonston says she is the widow of John R. Edmonston who died about the 12th of May, 1898. The estate does not exceed $400. It consists of: First: A family Bible and other books worth nothing. 2nd. Household furniture. $10.00
3rd. 2 old horses, one 9 yrs. Old and the other 19 years old. 2 yearling colts, one cow etc. $200. The family consists of Cornelia, his widow and Mary, his daughter. The affidavit was made by Cornelia Edmonston 5 July, 1898.
In the probate of the estate of Cornelia Edmonston Box 99 there is the information that she died 14 Nov. 1905 and Mary S. Edmonston was her executrix. Date of the letters granted, 11 Dec. 1905. C. T. Edmonston of Columbia Mo. received of Mary Edmonston $35 in full payment of all claims. 15 Feb. 1908 from Columbia, Missouri.
W. H. Edmonston, son, residence unknown.
Chas. F. Edmonston, son who resides in City of Columbia.
J.M. Edmonston, son who resides in the City of Berthett Colo.
Robert T. Edmonston, son resides at Unnka, Indian Territory.
Final settlement 17 Feb. 1908. (Note) there is a discrepancy here since I found Robert B. Edmonston had died in 1891. (See note above - E.R.E.).
The probate record of Mary S. Edmonston is in Box 207.
W. B. Wallace adm. She died 29 Sept. 1934 (during just about the worst part of the great depression.) Her estate valued at approximately $150.00. Letters granted, 2 Oct. 1934. Heirs were:
Robert Edmonston, Unico Okla. (Minco, Ok At any rate, Robert had died by then - E.R.E.)
C. F. Edmonston, Columbia Mo.
Fred Edmonston California
J. M. Edmonston brother, Protection Kansas.
W.H. Edmonston, brother, Liberty Mo.
Final settlement: 30 March, 1936.
I found that there are several members of this family in and around Protection Kansas but I was unable to get an answer to a letter of inquiry written to a Paul Edmonston there.
Before going further it seems to me that trying to put together a history of a family is, as they say nowadays, opening a can of worms. In the cemetery at Rock Springs according to Julius De Masters, who gathered this information for me there is a grave for a D. E. Edmonston born 1819 and died 1849. In all my research I have not been able to identify this man. And that is just one of the mysteries.
(Note by Ernest Edmonston: When I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May, 1998, I did not see a grave of a D. E. Edmonston. The Edmonston family we speak of here are all together in a small area in a corner of the cemetery. In all truthfulness, after finding these, I did not search further. I have always wondered why I did not see the grave of Mary Edmonston here as her parents, some of her brothers, their wives and children are there).
The following may be of some passing interest: In a letter written by Bazil B. Edmonston Sr. 6 June, 1834 he wrote: "When William expected to be called off with the quinsy in a few hours he observed that his family was the least of his thoughts provided I had days to live my life for my children and grand-children who looked up to me for succor. My brest is theirs, my help in time of need is theirs; I beg to be indulged while I relate an incident that took place at the time William was expected to be snatched off hourly. His little son, John Rice (John Royce), in his seventh year hugged me around the thigh and cried out, "Grand-daddy, what will become of me, Mommy and the other children?" The reply I made was I would take them all home with me. He then cryed out in these erneast terms. "Grandaddy, I'm afeard my daddy will die and if he does I'm afeard the black man will git him. If I thought the good man would get him I would give him freely", etc. The particular God these people appear to have worshipped was a vengeful one, apparenntly.
End of Commentary by Charles Ninian Edmonston
As stated above, I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May of 1998. Quite by accident, I stood before the gravestone of John Royse Edmonston on May 11, 1998. I noticed at that time that he had died on May 12, 1898, or exactly 100 years before. It was, to say the least, an eerie feeling. The cemetery is located approximately 5 miles North-West of Holden, Mo., along side a dirt road just over a bridge which I assume to be Rock Springs. There is a small one room Church next to the Cemetery. The Church was obviously old, but shown brightly with a fresh coat of white paint. The cemetery had been mown and was neat in every respect. It is a small cemetery & does not appear to have gained any "recent residents." I never saw another living soul the whole time I was there, which was about 2 hours. The sign on the front of the Church was "Rock Springs Bible Church", and was obviously very old. It did however, have signs of electricity being added along with a small window type air conditioning unit. It is one of the prettiest cemeteries I have ever laid eyes on. As I said, all the Edmonston plots are in one area, and the headstone of John Royce and Cornelia is obviously the largest and most ornate. To have been almost 100 years old, it is
in remarkably good shape. I have photograph (and negatives) of all the Edmonston Headstones, the church, etc., available to anyone who wishes to make copies.
On the internet (Ancestry.com), I found where John Royse had served with Co. C, 7th Regiment of the Missouri State Militia Cavalry. This information varies only slightly from that reported by Ninian Edmonston. The records also show that he provided his own horse and was paid accordingly.
I have in my possession, an old British Enfield .58 Cal. Rifle that was passed down from John Royse Edmonston. To my knowledge, this is the only artifact remaining in our family that had belonged to him although we do have a rocking chair used by Cornelia. The rifle is common to those used by the Confederacy as their manufacturing capabilities were limited and they traded cotton to England for arms (until the embargo cut them off). The name on the lock plate of the rifle is "POTTS & HUNT, LONDON." For years, because of this, I assumed that John Royce was in the Army of the South, so was somewhat surprised to find that he served in the Northern Army. The rifle must have been a souvenir or some such. I would like to know more about it, but suspect that information has went to the grave. The old rifle was not well cared for at some time, the rifling is almost gone, but the outside of it is in excellent condition considering it's age. I have shot the thing & it is still shootable (with black powder only). However, the recoil developed does not make it pleasant to shoot often.
Ernest R. Edmonston
Roswell, NM
November, 1999
EDMONSTON, John Royse
Born: 18May1818 in Dubois County, Indiana.
Died: 12May1898 near Holden, Mo. Buried Rock Springs Cemetery, approx. 5 miles NW of Holden, Mo.
Father: Major William E. Edmonston, 18Apr. 1796 – 18 Oct 1871
William Edmonston
Mother: Elizabeth Betsey Royse, 10 Sept 1799 – 22 Feb 1876
Elizabeth Royse Edmonston
Married 20Jan1846 in Washington County, Mo.
Wife: Cornelia Eidson, born 30Aug1826, died 14Nov1905. Buried next to John in Rock Springs Cemetery
Father: Henry Eidson
Mother: Mary Buford
Children:
William Henry, born 20Oct1846 in Ironton, Iron Co., Mo. Died 24Mar1941 in Odd Fellows Home, Liberty, Clay Co. Mo.
William Henry Edmonston
Charles Francis., born 1Oct1849 in Iron County, Mo. Died 20Mar1934 in Colombia, Mo.
Charles Francis Edmonston
James Monroe, born 25Nov1854 in Knob Noster, Mo. Died 8Aug1935 in Protection, Kansas. Married to Malinda Sheretz 27Sept1876. Both buried in Rock Springs Cemetery
James Monroe Edmonston
Mary S. Born 27Mar 1859 in Johnson County, Mo., died 4Oct1934. Never Married. Died 29Sept1934 in Holden, Mo. Buried in the Holden Area. Her obituary states that she was buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, but no headstone can be found.
Mary S. Edmonston
John Frederick, Born 14Feb1867 in Holden, Mo. Died 10Jan1945 in Pamona, California. Married Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950)
Robert Taylor, born 5Feb1870 in Holden, Mo. Died 23June1932 near Minco, Ok. Buried in Friendship Cemetery South of Minco. Robert was the youngest child, yet first to die. Married Millie Davidson in Holden 20 Nov 1890.
Robert Taylor Edmonston
From the book "My Edmonstons and a Few More" by Charles Ninian Edmonston 1903-1979
With notes by Ernest R. Edmonston of Roswell, N. M. 2012
John Royse Edmonston was born in Indiana, probably in Dubois County 18May1818 and died in Johnson County Mo. 12 May 1898. The dates were sent me my Mamie Edmonston, of whom, more later, in 1948. He was married to Cornelia Eidson 20Jan1845 in Washington County, Mo. according to an affidavit made by her in applying for a pension after the death of her husband. The dates on her tombstone in Rock Springs Cemetery near Holden, Mo. are 1826-1905. Her last pension check was paid 8Nov1905. She gave her age as 72 years in her pension application.
John Royce Edmonston may have gone to Johnson County before 1854. There is a deed in Book L page 521 where John R. Edmonston and his wife Cornelia sold 120 acres of land to Jeremiah V. Cockerell Aug. 5, 1854.
He applied for a pension because of disability in 1891, and from it we learn that he enlisted in Sedalia Mo. in co. A. 7th Regiment of Missouri State Militia and was mustered out 18 March, 1865. There was no indication of any combat duty during the war. One record shows that for a time he was on detached duty as a hospital cook. I suppose that if he had any contact with any of the other members of the family he would have been made to feel that his enlisting in the union Army was the cause of his father's death. After his own death his daughter Mary finally got into touch with her Uncle William Clay Edmonston in Clinton Mo. A warm friendship was maintained until Mary's death in 1934.
Charles F. Edmonston was married first to Ida M. Willspaugh of Pittsville, Johnson County Mo. at Holden 3 July, 1879 by S.U. Ueman M.G. M. C. Ueman witness. Book H. page 386. Johnson County marriages. They had one daughter, Iona May Edmonston. Her tombstone inscription reads: Iona Edmonston 1897-1907.
Charles F. Edmonston was married three times but there were evidently no children by the last two marriages. He was said to have been a doctor with a cure for cancer which he had obtained from an Indian or Indians somewhere. Some people considered him an out and out quack while others were greatly impressed by his abilities in the field of medicine.
James Monroe Edmonston married Malinda Sheretz. The family plot in the cemetery at Rock Springs (Mo.) has J. M. Edmonston 1854-1935 and Malinda Edmonston 1854-1896. Their children were:
Orpha B. Edmonston, married Albert Barber
Orly M. Edmonston, married Ollie Saunders.
Orval, Jessie, Mary Grace married Elmer Lawrence, and Paul died at the age of six.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonston: I examined the gravestones of James Monroe, his wife Malinda, and son Paul at the Rock Springs Cemetery. There is definitely something amiss in the dates. Those on James' marker appear to be correct. Malinda's date of death is shown as January 15, 1896, and her son's (Paul) date of birth is shown on his marker as being May 13, 1896, or almost four months after his mother's death. His date of death is shown as November 14, 1900. Malinda's stone is quite elaborate and upright, while J.M.'s, who died some 39 years later, is small, simple, and flat with the ground. E.R.E.)
Mary Edmonston the only daughter of John R. and Cornelia Edmonston was born, according to the date given in her obituary, 27 March, 1857 and died in Holden 4 Oct. 1934. She was never married, but it seems that she was the proverbial dutiful daughter who not only took care of her parents but of various nieces and nephews from time to time.
Wife of John Frederick Edmonston is thought to be Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950) Their children were:
Jessie married Milo Williams
Roy Leslie married Minnia (?).
Charles
Robert B. Edmonston the next son, married Cleopatra(?). He died 8 Oct. 1891. His probate record is contained in Box 59. Cleopatra Edmonston was adm. Recorded in Adm Book 1 p. 397. The children were: Raymond E., Edna M., Laura, Pearl, Alice. Mary, Frank and Fern.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonton: I included the above paragraph exactly as C. N. Edmonston had it written. At first, I was sure that he had the wrong Robert (wrong wife, wrong date of death, etc.), but cannot explain why the right children are shown. ??? Robert's name was Robert Taylor Edmonston. He died near Minco, Oklahoma on June 23, 1932. He married Millie Josephene Davidson (19Aug1868-21Feb1938) in St. Clair, Missouri on 20Nov1890. E.R.E.)
The probate record of John R. Edmonston contains the statement: "Mrs. Cornelia Edmonston says she is the widow of John R. Edmonston who died about the 12th of May, 1898. The estate does not exceed $400. It consists of: First: A family Bible and other books worth nothing. 2nd. Household furniture. $10.00
3rd. 2 old horses, one 9 yrs. Old and the other 19 years old. 2 yearling colts, one cow etc. $200. The family consists of Cornelia, his widow and Mary, his daughter. The affidavit was made by Cornelia Edmonston 5 July, 1898.
In the probate of the estate of Cornelia Edmonston Box 99 there is the information that she died 14 Nov. 1905 and Mary S. Edmonston was her executrix. Date of the letters granted, 11 Dec. 1905. C. T. Edmonston of Columbia Mo. received of Mary Edmonston $35 in full payment of all claims. 15 Feb. 1908 from Columbia, Missouri.
W. H. Edmonston, son, residence unknown.
Chas. F. Edmonston, son who resides in City of Columbia.
J.M. Edmonston, son who resides in the City of Berthett Colo.
Robert T. Edmonston, son resides at Unnka, Indian Territory.
Final settlement 17 Feb. 1908. (Note) there is a discrepancy here since I found Robert B. Edmonston had died in 1891. (See note above - E.R.E.).
The probate record of Mary S. Edmonston is in Box 207.
W. B. Wallace adm. She died 29 Sept. 1934 (during just about the worst part of the great depression.) Her estate valued at approximately $150.00. Letters granted, 2 Oct. 1934. Heirs were:
Robert Edmonston, Unico Okla. (Minco, Ok At any rate, Robert had died by then - E.R.E.)
C. F. Edmonston, Columbia Mo.
Fred Edmonston California
J. M. Edmonston brother, Protection Kansas.
W.H. Edmonston, brother, Liberty Mo.
Final settlement: 30 March, 1936.
I found that there are several members of this family in and around Protection Kansas but I was unable to get an answer to a letter of inquiry written to a Paul Edmonston there.
Before going further it seems to me that trying to put together a history of a family is, as they say nowadays, opening a can of worms. In the cemetery at Rock Springs according to Julius De Masters, who gathered this information for me there is a grave for a D. E. Edmonston born 1819 and died 1849. In all my research I have not been able to identify this man. And that is just one of the mysteries.
(Note by Ernest Edmonston: When I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May, 1998, I did not see a grave of a D. E. Edmonston. The Edmonston family we speak of here are all together in a small area in a corner of the cemetery. In all truthfulness, after finding these, I did not search further. I have always wondered why I did not see the grave of Mary Edmonston here as her parents, some of her brothers, their wives and children are there).
The following may be of some passing interest: In a letter written by Bazil B. Edmonston Sr. 6 June, 1834 he wrote: "When William expected to be called off with the quinsy in a few hours he observed that his family was the least of his thoughts provided I had days to live my life for my children and grand-children who looked up to me for succor. My brest is theirs, my help in time of need is theirs; I beg to be indulged while I relate an incident that took place at the time William was expected to be snatched off hourly. His little son, John Rice (John Royce), in his seventh year hugged me around the thigh and cried out, "Grand-daddy, what will become of me, Mommy and the other children?" The reply I made was I would take them all home with me. He then cryed out in these erneast terms. "Grandaddy, I'm afeard my daddy will die and if he does I'm afeard the black man will git him. If I thought the good man would get him I would give him freely", etc. The particular God these people appear to have worshipped was a vengeful one, apparenntly.
End of Commentary by Charles Ninian Edmonston
As stated above, I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May of 1998. Quite by accident, I stood before the gravestone of John Royse Edmonston on May 11, 1998. I noticed at that time that he had died on May 12, 1898, or exactly 100 years before. It was, to say the least, an eerie feeling. The cemetery is located approximately 5 miles North-West of Holden, Mo., along side a dirt road just over a bridge which I assume to be Rock Springs. There is a small one room Church next to the Cemetery. The Church was obviously old, but shown brightly with a fresh coat of white paint. The cemetery had been mown and was neat in every respect. It is a small cemetery & does not appear to have gained any "recent residents." I never saw another living soul the whole time I was there, which was about 2 hours. The sign on the front of the Church was "Rock Springs Bible Church", and was obviously very old. It did however, have signs of electricity being added along with a small window type air conditioning unit. It is one of the prettiest cemeteries I have ever laid eyes on. As I said, all the Edmonston plots are in one area, and the headstone of John Royce and Cornelia is obviously the largest and most ornate. To have been almost 100 years old, it is
in remarkably good shape. I have photograph (and negatives) of all the Edmonston Headstones, the church, etc., available to anyone who wishes to make copies.
On the internet (Ancestry.com), I found where John Royse had served with Co. C, 7th Regiment of the Missouri State Militia Cavalry. This information varies only slightly from that reported by Ninian Edmonston. The records also show that he provided his own horse and was paid accordingly.
I have in my possession, an old British Enfield .58 Cal. Rifle that was passed down from John Royse Edmonston. To my knowledge, this is the only artifact remaining in our family that had belonged to him although we do have a rocking chair used by Cornelia. The rifle is common to those used by the Confederacy as their manufacturing capabilities were limited and they traded cotton to England for arms (until the embargo cut them off). The name on the lock plate of the rifle is "POTTS & HUNT, LONDON." For years, because of this, I assumed that John Royce was in the Army of the South, so was somewhat surprised to find that he served in the Northern Army. The rifle must have been a souvenir or some such. I would like to know more about it, but suspect that information has went to the grave. The old rifle was not well cared for at some time, the rifling is almost gone, but the outside of it is in excellent condition considering it's age. I have shot the thing & it is still shootable (with black powder only). However, the recoil developed does not make it pleasant to shoot often.
Ernest R. Edmonston
Roswell, NM
November, 1999
Born: 18May1818 in Dubois County, Indiana.
Died: 12May1898 near Holden, Mo. Buried Rock Springs Cemetery, approx. 5 miles NW of Holden, Mo.
Father: Major William E. Edmonston, 18Apr. 1796 – 18 Oct 1871
William Edmonston
Mother: Elizabeth Betsey Royse, 10 Sept 1799 – 22 Feb 1876
Elizabeth Royse Edmonston
Married 20Jan1846 in Washington County, Mo.
Wife: Cornelia Eidson, born 30Aug1826, died 14Nov1905. Buried next to John in Rock Springs Cemetery
Father: Henry Eidson
Mother: Mary Buford
Children:
William Henry, born 20Oct1846 in Ironton, Iron Co., Mo. Died 24Mar1941 in Odd Fellows Home, Liberty, Clay Co. Mo.
William Henry Edmonston
Charles Francis., born 1Oct1849 in Iron County, Mo. Died 20Mar1934 in Colombia, Mo.
Charles Francis Edmonston
James Monroe, born 25Nov1854 in Knob Noster, Mo. Died 8Aug1935 in Protection, Kansas. Married to Malinda Sheretz 27Sept1876. Both buried in Rock Springs Cemetery
James Monroe Edmonston
Mary S. Born 27Mar 1859 in Johnson County, Mo., died 4Oct1934. Never Married. Died 29Sept1934 in Holden, Mo. Buried in the Holden Area. Her obituary states that she was buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, but no headstone can be found.
Mary S. Edmonston
John Frederick, Born 14Feb1867 in Holden, Mo. Died 10Jan1945 in Pamona, California. Married Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950)
Robert Taylor, born 5Feb1870 in Holden, Mo. Died 23June1932 near Minco, Ok. Buried in Friendship Cemetery South of Minco. Robert was the youngest child, yet first to die. Married Millie Davidson in Holden 20 Nov 1890.
Robert Taylor Edmonston
From the book "My Edmonstons and a Few More" by Charles Ninian Edmonston 1903-1979
With notes by Ernest R. Edmonston of Roswell, N. M. 2012
John Royse Edmonston was born in Indiana, probably in Dubois County 18May1818 and died in Johnson County Mo. 12 May 1898. The dates were sent me my Mamie Edmonston, of whom, more later, in 1948. He was married to Cornelia Eidson 20Jan1845 in Washington County, Mo. according to an affidavit made by her in applying for a pension after the death of her husband. The dates on her tombstone in Rock Springs Cemetery near Holden, Mo. are 1826-1905. Her last pension check was paid 8Nov1905. She gave her age as 72 years in her pension application.
John Royce Edmonston may have gone to Johnson County before 1854. There is a deed in Book L page 521 where John R. Edmonston and his wife Cornelia sold 120 acres of land to Jeremiah V. Cockerell Aug. 5, 1854.
He applied for a pension because of disability in 1891, and from it we learn that he enlisted in Sedalia Mo. in co. A. 7th Regiment of Missouri State Militia and was mustered out 18 March, 1865. There was no indication of any combat duty during the war. One record shows that for a time he was on detached duty as a hospital cook. I suppose that if he had any contact with any of the other members of the family he would have been made to feel that his enlisting in the union Army was the cause of his father's death. After his own death his daughter Mary finally got into touch with her Uncle William Clay Edmonston in Clinton Mo. A warm friendship was maintained until Mary's death in 1934.
Charles F. Edmonston was married first to Ida M. Willspaugh of Pittsville, Johnson County Mo. at Holden 3 July, 1879 by S.U. Ueman M.G. M. C. Ueman witness. Book H. page 386. Johnson County marriages. They had one daughter, Iona May Edmonston. Her tombstone inscription reads: Iona Edmonston 1897-1907.
Charles F. Edmonston was married three times but there were evidently no children by the last two marriages. He was said to have been a doctor with a cure for cancer which he had obtained from an Indian or Indians somewhere. Some people considered him an out and out quack while others were greatly impressed by his abilities in the field of medicine.
James Monroe Edmonston married Malinda Sheretz. The family plot in the cemetery at Rock Springs (Mo.) has J. M. Edmonston 1854-1935 and Malinda Edmonston 1854-1896. Their children were:
Orpha B. Edmonston, married Albert Barber
Orly M. Edmonston, married Ollie Saunders.
Orval, Jessie, Mary Grace married Elmer Lawrence, and Paul died at the age of six.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonston: I examined the gravestones of James Monroe, his wife Malinda, and son Paul at the Rock Springs Cemetery. There is definitely something amiss in the dates. Those on James' marker appear to be correct. Malinda's date of death is shown as January 15, 1896, and her son's (Paul) date of birth is shown on his marker as being May 13, 1896, or almost four months after his mother's death. His date of death is shown as November 14, 1900. Malinda's stone is quite elaborate and upright, while J.M.'s, who died some 39 years later, is small, simple, and flat with the ground. E.R.E.)
Mary Edmonston the only daughter of John R. and Cornelia Edmonston was born, according to the date given in her obituary, 27 March, 1857 and died in Holden 4 Oct. 1934. She was never married, but it seems that she was the proverbial dutiful daughter who not only took care of her parents but of various nieces and nephews from time to time.
Wife of John Frederick Edmonston is thought to be Emma Julia Garrison (1869-1950) Their children were:
Jessie married Milo Williams
Roy Leslie married Minnia (?).
Charles
Robert B. Edmonston the next son, married Cleopatra(?). He died 8 Oct. 1891. His probate record is contained in Box 59. Cleopatra Edmonston was adm. Recorded in Adm Book 1 p. 397. The children were: Raymond E., Edna M., Laura, Pearl, Alice. Mary, Frank and Fern.
(Note by Ernest R. Edmonton: I included the above paragraph exactly as C. N. Edmonston had it written. At first, I was sure that he had the wrong Robert (wrong wife, wrong date of death, etc.), but cannot explain why the right children are shown. ??? Robert's name was Robert Taylor Edmonston. He died near Minco, Oklahoma on June 23, 1932. He married Millie Josephene Davidson (19Aug1868-21Feb1938) in St. Clair, Missouri on 20Nov1890. E.R.E.)
The probate record of John R. Edmonston contains the statement: "Mrs. Cornelia Edmonston says she is the widow of John R. Edmonston who died about the 12th of May, 1898. The estate does not exceed $400. It consists of: First: A family Bible and other books worth nothing. 2nd. Household furniture. $10.00
3rd. 2 old horses, one 9 yrs. Old and the other 19 years old. 2 yearling colts, one cow etc. $200. The family consists of Cornelia, his widow and Mary, his daughter. The affidavit was made by Cornelia Edmonston 5 July, 1898.
In the probate of the estate of Cornelia Edmonston Box 99 there is the information that she died 14 Nov. 1905 and Mary S. Edmonston was her executrix. Date of the letters granted, 11 Dec. 1905. C. T. Edmonston of Columbia Mo. received of Mary Edmonston $35 in full payment of all claims. 15 Feb. 1908 from Columbia, Missouri.
W. H. Edmonston, son, residence unknown.
Chas. F. Edmonston, son who resides in City of Columbia.
J.M. Edmonston, son who resides in the City of Berthett Colo.
Robert T. Edmonston, son resides at Unnka, Indian Territory.
Final settlement 17 Feb. 1908. (Note) there is a discrepancy here since I found Robert B. Edmonston had died in 1891. (See note above - E.R.E.).
The probate record of Mary S. Edmonston is in Box 207.
W. B. Wallace adm. She died 29 Sept. 1934 (during just about the worst part of the great depression.) Her estate valued at approximately $150.00. Letters granted, 2 Oct. 1934. Heirs were:
Robert Edmonston, Unico Okla. (Minco, Ok At any rate, Robert had died by then - E.R.E.)
C. F. Edmonston, Columbia Mo.
Fred Edmonston California
J. M. Edmonston brother, Protection Kansas.
W.H. Edmonston, brother, Liberty Mo.
Final settlement: 30 March, 1936.
I found that there are several members of this family in and around Protection Kansas but I was unable to get an answer to a letter of inquiry written to a Paul Edmonston there.
Before going further it seems to me that trying to put together a history of a family is, as they say nowadays, opening a can of worms. In the cemetery at Rock Springs according to Julius De Masters, who gathered this information for me there is a grave for a D. E. Edmonston born 1819 and died 1849. In all my research I have not been able to identify this man. And that is just one of the mysteries.
(Note by Ernest Edmonston: When I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May, 1998, I did not see a grave of a D. E. Edmonston. The Edmonston family we speak of here are all together in a small area in a corner of the cemetery. In all truthfulness, after finding these, I did not search further. I have always wondered why I did not see the grave of Mary Edmonston here as her parents, some of her brothers, their wives and children are there).
The following may be of some passing interest: In a letter written by Bazil B. Edmonston Sr. 6 June, 1834 he wrote: "When William expected to be called off with the quinsy in a few hours he observed that his family was the least of his thoughts provided I had days to live my life for my children and grand-children who looked up to me for succor. My brest is theirs, my help in time of need is theirs; I beg to be indulged while I relate an incident that took place at the time William was expected to be snatched off hourly. His little son, John Rice (John Royce), in his seventh year hugged me around the thigh and cried out, "Grand-daddy, what will become of me, Mommy and the other children?" The reply I made was I would take them all home with me. He then cryed out in these erneast terms. "Grandaddy, I'm afeard my daddy will die and if he does I'm afeard the black man will git him. If I thought the good man would get him I would give him freely", etc. The particular God these people appear to have worshipped was a vengeful one, apparenntly.
End of Commentary by Charles Ninian Edmonston
As stated above, I visited the Rock Springs Cemetery in May of 1998. Quite by accident, I stood before the gravestone of John Royse Edmonston on May 11, 1998. I noticed at that time that he had died on May 12, 1898, or exactly 100 years before. It was, to say the least, an eerie feeling. The cemetery is located approximately 5 miles North-West of Holden, Mo., along side a dirt road just over a bridge which I assume to be Rock Springs. There is a small one room Church next to the Cemetery. The Church was obviously old, but shown brightly with a fresh coat of white paint. The cemetery had been mown and was neat in every respect. It is a small cemetery & does not appear to have gained any "recent residents." I never saw another living soul the whole time I was there, which was about 2 hours. The sign on the front of the Church was "Rock Springs Bible Church", and was obviously very old. It did however, have signs of electricity being added along with a small window type air conditioning unit. It is one of the prettiest cemeteries I have ever laid eyes on. As I said, all the Edmonston plots are in one area, and the headstone of John Royce and Cornelia is obviously the largest and most ornate. To have been almost 100 years old, it is
in remarkably good shape. I have photograph (and negatives) of all the Edmonston Headstones, the church, etc., available to anyone who wishes to make copies.
On the internet (Ancestry.com), I found where John Royse had served with Co. C, 7th Regiment of the Missouri State Militia Cavalry. This information varies only slightly from that reported by Ninian Edmonston. The records also show that he provided his own horse and was paid accordingly.
I have in my possession, an old British Enfield .58 Cal. Rifle that was passed down from John Royse Edmonston. To my knowledge, this is the only artifact remaining in our family that had belonged to him although we do have a rocking chair used by Cornelia. The rifle is common to those used by the Confederacy as their manufacturing capabilities were limited and they traded cotton to England for arms (until the embargo cut them off). The name on the lock plate of the rifle is "POTTS & HUNT, LONDON." For years, because of this, I assumed that John Royce was in the Army of the South, so was somewhat surprised to find that he served in the Northern Army. The rifle must have been a souvenir or some such. I would like to know more about it, but suspect that information has went to the grave. The old rifle was not well cared for at some time, the rifling is almost gone, but the outside of it is in excellent condition considering it's age. I have shot the thing & it is still shootable (with black powder only). However, the recoil developed does not make it pleasant to shoot often.
Ernest R. Edmonston
Roswell, NM
November, 1999
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