Seeking parents and family name of Sarah E Lentz, born ca. Aug 1851, in IL.

In 1880 Fed Census, she is the wife of Jacob Lentz (b. ca 1850), living in Wetaug IL, and has 4 children living: Charles, Philip, Levi, and daughter Francis.

By 1900, she is living in Los Angeles, and is the wife of Houston Nickens (b. ca May 1850 in TN, but living in Ullin IL, in 1880). And, she has 5 more children living: Richard L, Benjamin, Harry Goodson, Frank Houston, and Laura.

Her maiden name may have been Echols.

Thank you, Elizabeth cook

You're talking about my Great Grandmother Sarah. I have the Family tree and can give you a little more information if you like. And I have some pictures of family as well,

Brian Nickens

Yes, please. Do hope that your records go back further than I've been able to. But, whatever information you have about Sarah and her family would be appreciated. At present, we have only oral family history, and would welcome photos, especially if you can send them via e-mail. We can handle .jpg format if the file is not bigger than about 1M. Thank you.
Elizabeth

Sarah's first husband, Jacob Lentz, was a brother to my Great-grandfather Charles Augusta Lentz. If you are interested, I have a picture of their parents Charles and Nancy Sowers Lentz. I would like to have more information on this family.

to Elizabeth and Joylynn. I have some pictures of my Great Grand Mother and Father with other members of the Family. Some are with the Lentz boys that were half Brothers to my Grandfather. But I picked up a picture from a distance Cousin when I was at a echols family Reunion last June. My Cousin Paul Echols was told that the couple in the picture was " Nick Nickens. [ My grandfather Frank and his brother Harry had that nick name ]. I had copies sent to the oldest members of my family to see if they knew how was in the picture. [ My Dad knew his Uncles.] They said that, the people in the picture were not Nickens. I think the man in the picture was Jacob Lentz. I think I'll give you my e-mail address. briannickens@yahoo.com . I was told the story about the trip when Jacob died. Just so you know, I live in southern calif. Hope to hear from both of you, Brian

Elizabeth and Joylynn, I forgot to say that I will call my Dad Friday and ask what happen to his uncles and Cousins. Brian

Yes, I would be interested. Although Jacob is not in the direct family line, he and his family are of interest. I did find the Sowers family and Charles & Nancy Lentz in the 1850 Census, but can yet find no trace of them in 1860 or 1870. Somehow, I don't think they took an extended vacation....

Mostly, I am interested in Sarah and her birth family. My best guess is that she is an Echols, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah. Do you know anything about her?

And, do you have any information on Jacob's death, and when? It appears that Sarah married Nickins in the early 1880's, and subsequently moved to CA. In 1920, her gr-son John Lentz is living with her. And, In 1930, her widowed son Levi Lentz and gr-son Joseph Lentz are living with her.

The only information I have is very limited oral family history and what I've been able to find in the on-line resources. Pretty slim, but may be helpful.

Thank you, Elizabeth

Brian:
Great. Not sure I understand all of this, but I can send you what I have in spreadsheet or text document. Let me know if you can sent digitized images. I can help with the cost, if need be. Thanks
Elizabeth

I see where my California cousin Brian Nickens has responded to you, and assume he has answered your questions. But just for fun, I thought I would add that Sarah Echols was the sister to my Great-Great-Grandfather August Echols born in 1844, died in 1919. Their parents were Miller and Phoebe Ann (Elsworth) Echols. Sarah was born and raised in Pulaski Countyy Illinois. I take care of the cemetery where August and my Great-Great Grandmother Louisa (Nicken) Echols are buried--New Hope Cemetery-Ullin, IL. Brian and I are double-cousins separated by four generations and a lot of miles (Both Sarah and August married a Nickens--Brother and sister--Huston and Louisa). One of August's sons was Alonzo 1869-1956 (my Great-Grandfather). One of his sons was H. E. Echols 1893-1925, my Grandfather and then my father Maurice August* John Echols 1924-1972 (*changed his middle name to John after WWII). For what that is worth--Paul Echols

Paul: Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Your information most interesting! ?Wonder how common the double sibling marriages were in that era? BTW, at the time of the 1870 Census, the household of August, Louisa, and Alonzo included Minerva (8yrs), Kate (6yrs), and John (4yrs) Nickens. ???Whose kids are these? Have asked Brian if he has any info on Huston & Louisa's parents. ?Do you? Thanks. Elizabeth