Ditch - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Ditch/ Goodwin/ Kellar

Raona_A — 2013-03-22 02:27:36Z

Another version of the newspaper article describing the wreck.
HANNIBAL JOURNAL AND WESTERN UNION
Hannibal, Mo.
December 04, 1851

STEAMBOAT ACCIDENT
The Die Vernon and Archer came in collision about 2 o’clock Thursday morning, at Enterprise Island, five miles above the mouth of the Illinoit (sic) river. The latter boat was cut down to the water’s edge, and sunk in less than twenty minutes, to her cabin floor, the boat and cargo a total loss.
Report says that twenty-five to thirty lives were lost---all deck hands and deck passengers on the Archer. Ten persons, women and children of two families are missing. The captain of the Die Vernon and the officers of the Archer are unable to say how many, and perhaps the exact number never will be known.
The Archer has no cabin, and therefore had of course, few or no passengers above the first deck. The officers are all safe. The Die Vernon sustained little or no injury, and after laying by the wreck for four hours, rendering every assistance, arrived in port shortly after daylight on Thursday morning.
The accident is said to have been entirely accidental, and blame can be attached to no one.
For a version of this unhappy occurrence, we refer to the statements of the pilots of the boats, below.
We have ascertained the names of the following persons lost:
Deck Passengers
James Smyers, Sen., James Smyers, Jr.,
Jane Smyers Margaret Ann Smyers
Mary Smyers Sarah Smyers
Caroline Smyers Ellen Smyers
Susan Dick
An Irish family, consisting of seven or eight persons; an American of three or four, and five or six other deck passengers, all drowned.
Ten of the deck hands and firemen belonging to the Archer are also missing—killed or drowned.
The clerk of the boat has not the names of any of the deck passengers registered, and having lost the book containing the names of the deck hands and firemen, is unable to give even these. He thinks the total number missing may be safely set down at twenty-eight to thirty.
Mr. Blakesley, the pilot of the Die Vernon, says, when I first saw the Archer I was at the head of Enterprise Island the Archer being then about half way between two islands. Seeing the boat coming, I immediately rang my bell, giving two taps, as a signal that I would keep my boat to the left. I heard no answer. I then worked the bat slow, still holding on in the same position as indicated by my signal. At this point I heard from the Archer to stop her – my boat. I immediately commenced backing my boat, when after three revolutions back the two boats came in collision.
Such is the statement of Mr. Blakesley, and it is proper for us to say that those statements were made in the presence of both these gentlemen, and no exception was taken to them by either party.
Samuel Smyers, the unfortunate boy, twelve or thirteen years of age, and Miss Sarah Dick, a lone and unprotected female, survivors from the wreck of the ill-fated Archer, are now in the city, probably destitute of means, and several hundred miles from their friends. Would not the cause of humanity be served by a contribution from our citizens, sufficient to defray their expenses to their friends in Pennsylvania? The boy Smyers has lost his father, mother, and five brothers and sisters and every article of furniture and clothing possessed by his parents. Miss Dick was taken from the wreck in her night clothes, and is entirely destitute. Her sister-in-law, and perhaps brother, were both drowned. We bespeak for these unfortunates a donation sufficient to send them to their friends.
In reference to the unfortunate event recorded above we have just conversed with the pilots of both boats, viz: Mr. L. B. Goll, the pilot of the Archer, and Mr. Willis Blakesley, the pilot of the Die Vernon. Their statements are as follows:
Mr. Goll, the pilot of the Archer, says tht his boat was ascending the river, the time being about half-past 1 A.M., when he discovered the Die Vernon coming down at the head of Enterprise Island. He attempted to ring his bell, to give the descending boat the usual signal, when, finding the bell foul and not ringing, he became afraid to meet the descending boat in the middle of the river. I then called on the mat of the Archer to clear the bell, and while he was so doing I attempted to run by boat out of the regular channel to avoid a collision. At this moment the descending boat struck us. Mr. Goll states further, that when he found the bell defective, and the signal could not be made, he then adhered to the old established rule, claiming the shore or upper bar for his boat. He says, moreover, that the confusion on board his boat, and the escarpment being very loud and close to the pilot house, totally precluded him from hearing any requests made by the descending boat. – St Louis Times

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

CarlDitch21 — 2013-03-16 07:14:58Z

I don't have the story about Thomas Ditch, but I do know about David who was my great grandfather. I have a pictureof him ina 1910 Sears Automobile and passengers in the the car were his grandson and two grandchildren. His name was Joe Laverick Sr and one of the cildren was Joe Laverick jr, whom I had as a guest in my house in Ventura, CA. His son lives in Washington PA and Joe's wife Evelyn kept sending me information that they had received from David. Both the older Lavericks are gone, but I'm sure the son as a lot of records, including information on Thomas. I do know that this Tomas died as a teenager, but he and David did swim the river. By the way the Ditch family came from Germany.
Carl Ditch

Re: Ditch family, Sydney, Australia, c1969-1970

sheilaread118 — 2013-02-22 11:02:28Z

If you have forenames it might be worth checking passenger lists to give you an idea where in England they came from. Then maybe others might recognise the family and be able to help your research. Good luck with it.
Sheila

Ditch family, Sydney, Australia, c1969-1970

forrest452010 — 2013-02-21 10:21:38Z

Searching for members of the Ditch family who lived in Sproule Street, Lakemba (Sydney) during this time. Not sure which part of England they were from.

Re: information about Ditch

jerodkurt — 2012-09-12 14:41:44Z

Kay,
Where was Katherine Miller from? Do you have date of their marriage? Was it in Illinois? What do you know about the children? Jerod

Re: information about Ditch

jerodkurt — 2012-09-12 14:20:54Z

Vera, these names sound really familar. My 5th great grandfather was William Ditch. My grandmother has told my about meeting a laidy who lived near Ava, Jackson County, Illinois. I'm almost sure that the Walter a logger in Jackson County. Jerod

Re: Samuel Ditch

jerodkurt — 2012-09-05 14:42:20Z

Yes, this is the same family. I have more information that my 3rd has emailed me if you will email me at jerodkurt@yahoo.com I'll gladly pass what I have on to you. I'm interseted in all types stories about our family. It is important to my wife and that our childeran know as much about our family as they can. Jerod

Re: Samuel Ditch

LaVonna75 — 2012-09-05 03:44:28Z

Jerod,
According to the Illinois State Marriage Index, 1763-"electronic," vol. 1, pg. 85. Date was 1825-11-07, County: Monroe. I believe the date you have 6 Nov 1825 was the date of the Marriage Licence.
I have 11 children listed for William & Katherine:
1. Harriet b. 1829 mar. Conrad Kemmel
2. Jane b. 1831 mar. James Rupert
3. Mary b. 25Nov1832 mar. James Miles
4. Thomas F. b. 1836 mar. Mary Francis Robison
5. David b. 1836 mar. Elizabeth Fults
6. Elizabeth b. 1840 mar. Thomas A. Wall
7. Boyakin b. 1841 mar. Emily Mary ______
8. George H. b. 1842 mar. Mary H. Wall
9. Walter Samuel b. 1841 mar Elizabeth Miles
10. Julia b. 1846
11. Sophia b. 1849

Marriage Dates can be found at the Illinois State Marriage Index website.

My notes show a comment that Thomas Ditch was killed by soldiers, not known if by Union or Confederate. But I do not have a souce for that statement, so need verification.

My tree only shows 2 Price Ditch men, no Stirling Price. My Price was the son of David Ditch & Elizabeth Fults. Price was born 1862 in Joachim Twp., Jefferson County, Illinois and married Matilda Williamson. He also named one of his sons Price Ditch.

Re: Samuel Ditch

jerodkurt — 2012-09-04 14:27:52Z

LaVonna
William Ditch and Katherine Miller were married on 6 Nov 1825 in Monroe County, Illinois. It appears as if they had five sons and five daughters. I don’t have the birth dates of all their children. The children of William Ditch and Katherine that I have listed are Boyakin, Elizabeth, Harriet, Julia, Mary, Samuel, Sophia, Thomas F. George L. and David. It would appear David’s father William moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois.

My grandfather was Richard James Ditch. He was born in St. Louis, St. Louis County Missouri Stirling Price Ditch and Golda Pearl Vanati. My grandfather, Richard James married Iona Maxine Quathammer on 16 September 1950 at Holy Ghost Evangelical and Reformed Church in Dormstaunt, Illinois. Jerod

Re: Samuel Ditch

LaVonna75 — 2012-09-04 05:09:24Z

Samuel Ditch born 1793 PA (I cannot locate his father as yet)
His son David P. Ditch born 1830 PA did not have a son named Thomas.
In my tree, I do have a Thomas F. Ditch born 1836 in
waterloo, Monroe County, Illinois. Son of William Ditch & Catherine Miller.

Re: Samuel Ditch

jerodkurt — 2012-09-03 21:48:58Z

The David that is mentioned above did he have son, named Thomas? Was Thomas' midle intital F? Was Thomas F married to a Sara Rogers?

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

sheilaread118 — 2012-08-19 23:02:07Z

Hi Jim, interesting that you say you haven't found a link of the Hammersmith Ditches (later of Chelsea)and your Sussex Ditches as neither have I. I thought there must be a connection as its probably only 60 miles or so between the two.
Yes you are right the George I mentioned didn't go to Durham.
How do I know about Thomas' schooling, I was lucky, on a trip to Hammersmith and Fulham Archives the card index gave the details, saying that he'd been admittted on 18th Feb 1802 and left 13th May 1805.
The furthest I'm back is Moses his father but I haven't really done anything on this side for a couple of years, maybe now is the time to take another look at it as I have a current Ancestry subscription, so I may not have to make another trip back to London. I also have a note that a Moses Ditch born 1774 was also a pupil at Latymer Upper School 1784-1787.Also there is a Moses son of Moses and Sarah baptised at St Pauls Hammersmith April 1774, so I may be back further than I think.
Best wishes
Sheila

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

steve_cowie — 2012-08-18 16:25:21Z

Hi Jim/Kelly

Think Mark married twice. To Jane Bruce in 1839 and to Margaret Addison in 1857 - Jane having died in 1854. Mark had a son called John George to Margaret on 17.9.1862. I can't seem to find date of Mark's death anywhere

Steve

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

jimviz108 — 2012-08-18 03:41:23Z

Hello Kelly,

I'm afraid I have no photos of the NE Ditch families, but I have been in touch with a cousin and some other Ditch researchers interested in your branch...I'd be delighted to connect you (and Steve) with them if you like.

Mark Ditch, to the best of my knowledge, is the root Ditch ancestor for all the Ditch families of the North-East (unless they moved there relatively recently).
The mystery of Mark's sudden appearance in County Durham has been pondered upon by a few! I will detail the evidence in my reply to Steve...

Warm wishes,
Jim

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

jimviz108 — 2012-08-18 03:30:47Z

Hi Sheila,

I'm aware of the London Ditch families descended from Moses of Hammersmith, and as yet I've not found a link to my own Sussex tree. I'm fairly convinced that the George you mention is not Mark's father, for reasons you'll discover if you read the replies I'm going to follow up with...

I also wanted to say hello since I am also keen to expand the tree of your own line. Lovely that you have a record of Thomas' schooling - how did you come by that...and how far back have you managed to go?!

Sicerely,
Jim

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

kadsjd — 2012-08-18 00:32:43Z

Hi Jim,

Thank you for your reply, 30 years of research! I'm only a novice. Other than the census, I was unable to find a marriage cert for Mark and Jane, so I wasn't sure if they were actually married. Thank you for the link!

I have photos of Albert during the war and his father Thomas Ditch; do you have a photo of William? I have spent some time looking at William and I've only recently discovered who the Oliver’s are, who raised William (Jane Bruce’s mother and second husband William Oliver) and I am interested to know more about him. I am in the process of updating my tree and happy to share any information I obtain.

Thankyou Kelly (stephen's daughter)

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

steve_cowie — 2012-08-16 15:38:23Z

Could be a possibility Sheila but there seems to be a few George Ditch's down South born on and around 1797. George's son Mark was born in Whitburn, Durham, in 1816 and seems likely George moved up here at some time or another. Unless someone is aware of a George moving up North born maybe 5 years either side of 1790 say it may be difficult to get more info.

Steve

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

sheilaread118 — 2012-08-15 14:47:08Z

Apologies for jumping into this thread, but I just wondered if the George you are looking for could be George Ditch Baptised in St Pauls Hammersmith in 1797? He was the son of Moses Ditch and Jane.
My Line is through another son of Moses and Jane called Thomas who was baptised in 1794 and later went to the Latymer Charity School in Hammersmith.
Regards
Sheila

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

steve_cowie — 2012-08-14 18:41:40Z

Hi Jim

Think you are right about Mark possibly coming from South East of England tree. William Ditch born 1852 resided in Whitburn, Durham. Think his father was called Mark Ditch born 1816 having a whitburn parish. Mark's father was George Ditch and there doesn't appear to be any trace of George up here in NE but plenty of the same name in SE (Kent and Sussex). George likely to be born around 1790ish but obviously could be few years either side of this. Do you have any George Ditch's in any of your trees which may be our boy?

Regards

Steve

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

steve_cowie — 2012-08-13 19:49:42Z

Hi Jenny
It's been a while since I carried out some research work for my colleague Tommy. I did not keep a copy of the family tree I compiled for him. However I can easily get in touch with him and ask his permission to make further contact with you. But to answer your question Yes, I believe Tommy is related to William. I do remember coming across a Mark Ditch in my research but I discounted him as having anything to do Tommy's family history. Can't remember why now but I didn't think he figured in any way. I think his date of birth didn't fit in to the equation. I'll check when I get the info back from Tommy.

Nice to hear from Jim. Not sure whether there is a link to the Ditch clan in the South East and the Ditch guys up here.

I'm sure Tommy won't have a problem with me sending you the tree I have compiled for him. Just need to check first. Will send copy to JIm too

Regards

Steve

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

jimviz108 — 2012-08-12 23:25:36Z

Hi Jenny and Steve,

Always pleased to connect with Ditch family researchers.
I have been researching all the Ditch families of the South East for some 30 years, and have traced them back all back to one individual born ca 1603. I believe Mark Ditch of Co Durham to have been originally from this East Sussex tree.

I was interested in your comment about Mark & Jane Bruce not being married, and why you thought that...?
In fact their marriage can be found (in 1839, Monkwearmouth) on the FamilySearch site at https://familysearch.org/search/records/index#count=20&q...~

best wishes,
Jim

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

kadsjd — 2012-08-12 03:05:29Z

Thankyou steve, I have since found out, williams mother Jane Bruce never married william's father Mark or maybe Joseph Mark Ditch (still looking into this one), but died not long after william was born. William and one of his sisters went to live with Jane bruces mother Mary and her second husband william oliver. Who raised him. Is Tommy Ditch related to william ditch?

Re: Mary Ditch

jerodkurt — 2012-08-09 23:01:10Z

I found a Mary Ditch living in Monroe County, Illinois according to 1850 cenus it appears that her parents were William and Catharine Ditch. Their son David was my my fifth great grandfather.

Re: George Ditch

jerodkurt — 2012-07-30 23:27:28Z

Did George have a son David that was born on 1 Jan 1834 in Monroe County, Illinois?

Re: Looking for information on William Ditch of Durham, England

steve_cowie — 2012-06-02 23:28:35Z

Hi Jenny
Yeah looks like something happened to william's parents. Can't find any marriages of a ditch and an oliver in sunderland. Am searching for a work colleage of mine called Tommy Ditch who doubtless is related to you

Steve

Re: Leo Ditch - 1834 - Louisiana

timtorres1 — 2011-04-05 14:59:23Z

Don't think he came directly from Denmark. Came across a lot of people named Ditch getting married in St Mary Parish, Louisiana beginning in 1813.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Re: David Ditch

ancestorcarl4 — 2011-02-07 04:00:56Z

Norma, I have an email from a Kim in Waterloo, who owns the building that David Ditch built in the 1800's. Do you want to contact her?

kim@fires.com

Re: David Ditch

ancestorcarl4 — 2011-02-07 03:58:28Z

Norma, I have an email from a Kim in Waterloo, who owns the building that David Ditch built in the 1800's. Do you want to contact her?

kim@fires.com

Re: Leo Ditch - 1834 - Louisiana

timtorres1 — 2010-09-22 18:08:12Z

replying to my own question...the public family trees seem to think he came directly from Denmark.

Leo Ditch - 1834 - Louisiana

timtorres1 — 2010-09-10 14:46:14Z

Hit a dead end in my genealogy on a Leo Ditch, my great great grandfather, born about 1834, supposedly in Louisiana. Married Ursule Broussard in 1855 in Abbeville, Louisiana.

I appreciate any info. Email: timtorres@satx.rr.com

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

robertmartin00 — 2010-09-08 20:00:42Z

Have you discovered any information regarding Thomas Alamandra Ditch. I have posted pictures and information on Ancestry.com under the Quaschnick/Miller family tree. I have not been able to find any information about Thomas' parents or where his is located before the 1870 census. Thank you. Clarice Martin

Re: Price Ditch Sr. or Jr.

jerodkurt — 2010-07-10 00:11:24Z

This is my family my mother's gradfather was Stirling Price Jr. My grandfather was Richard James Ditch Sr.(who passed away in January of 1977. I have inforation I'd like exchange information with you. I can be reached via email jerodkurt@yahoo.com

Re: Samuel Ditch

lynncria — 2010-06-24 00:28:57Z

I am also looking for information on Samuel Ditch whose children were Daniel, Washington, Levi, Sarah or Sara, Anna Mary, John, and Henry.

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

DavidDitch94 — 2010-03-12 19:39:43Z

Hi,
It sounds to me like you have a lot of information about the Ditch family.

It seems odd that all of these people who have information, would share it with the others. Comparing would probably fill in some holes for each of us, and any errors could be discovered.

I have information from Henry I - down through the years, some, I'm sure, need a bonafide resource. Lets put this all together so that we have something we can be proud of.

If you are interested, please contact me at ancestorcarl3@thewoofen.com Carl Ditch - Portland, OR

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

robertmartin00 — 2010-03-10 15:55:53Z

Thank you for the information. My Thomas A Ditch was my g-grandfather and was married to Celina R Hare. Their youngest daughter was my grandmother. I received a message from someone who said their Thomas Ditch was a twin to David and son of George Washington Ditch and Elizabeth Sourer. That Thomas died in a fire as a child. Thank you again for the contact Clarice Martin

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

DavidDitch94 — 2010-03-10 05:09:54Z

Hi,
This Thomas was a twin brother to my great grandfather David. The two of them swam across the Ohio River when they were young, however, Thomas later drowned as a teenager.

My great grandfather died in the house where I was born in PA. I have pictures of him. Would apprecate an email from you.

Carl E. Ditch Portland, OR carl3@thewoofen.com

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

DavidDitch94 — 2010-03-10 05:03:19Z

LaVonna,
I think we corresponded several years ago.

I have lots of information on the Ditch family and would be glad to send it to your email address.

Many of the Ditch family didn't list ALL of their children's names, just dates of birth. Maybe I can figure out more about Joseph from the dates. If you are interested.

arl Ditch - Portland, OR carl3@thewoofen.com

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

claricemartin_1 — 2010-02-23 22:09:21Z

I strongly suspect that my Thomas' line is Pennsylvania Dutch originally from Germany. At the time my mother entered information into my baby book, it is reasonable that she would have heard Pennsylvania Dutch and assumed Holland. She didn't become interested in family history until years later and her interest was in staying in touch with relatives. Unfortunately, she died a few years ago which only leaves one brother and one sister who were the youngest and have not stayed in touch with distant relatives.

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

Lynn Marti — 2010-02-23 06:59:45Z

Clarice:
Most of my information has come from the census and birth & marriage records online. I have been in touch with some people on the Olmstead & Hare lines and they have filled in some of the missing info I needed and helped me to link up.

On Thomas's death certificate does it state who his parents were? That would be a great help.

I am nor sure if this Thomas A. Ditch is a part of my Ditch line or not, based on what you said about his father being born in Holland, all my Ditch ancesters were either born in Pennsylvania or Germany.

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

claricemartin_1 — 2010-02-22 16:38:30Z

Thank you for this information. I am related through my grandmother Iva Myrl Ditch/Wilcox/Quaschnick. My baby book shows Thomas' birth place as Pennsylvania. His father's birth place as Holland. And his mother's name as Sarah but no birth place. I have been corresponding with Millie Bell's great granddaughter (login lindajrob)who has a death certificate showing his death in Verdigre, Knox, Nebraska. She will send me a copy when she finds it. She did send me a photo of him in 1911 in Hermosa, SD in front of his blacksmith shop. Millie was living in Verdigre I believe at the 1910 census but around this time. My family tree is under my husband's login at robertmartin00 and is titled Miller/Quaschnick. Thank you again for the information. What sources have you been using for information? Clarice

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

Lynn Marti — 2010-02-22 05:55:13Z

I have information that states Thomas Ditch, twin of David Ditch died as a youth. Yes, his parents were George Washington Ditch and Margaret Elizabeth Souers.
Thomas Ditch born June 09, 1849 in Brady's Bend, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Died before 1860 in Pine Twp., Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Buried in Reynoldsville Cemetery, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. Family history states Thomas burned to death.

Thomas A. Ditch born January 02, 1850 in PA, and died after 1920 in South Dakota, married Celina R. Hare. This Thomas went to Iowa, they are not one and the same, but two different Thomas Ditch.

I also have not found this Thomas A. Ditch in 1860, he should be living with his parents since his age would be approximately eight years of age.

I am seeking the parents of this Thomas A. Ditch and would appreciate his death information. Thank you.

Re: Thomas A. Ditch born 1852

claricemartin_1 — 2010-02-21 20:23:36Z

Thomas A Ditch born in Pennsylvania about 1849's parents were George Washington Ditch for 1825 in York, Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Souers (may not be correct spelling) born in Pennsylvania. His twin brother is David. I can't find Thomas in 1860 but believe he may have gone with another family to Butler, Iowa. In 1870 he is living with the Oscar Olmstead family in Butler. He is listed as a blacksmith and Oscar is an older male who is also a blacksmith.

Re: Gerald Ditch

CarlDitch82 — 2009-12-10 03:05:19Z

Hi,
Are U still researching the Ditch family?

I have a lot of info.

ancestorcarl3@thewoofen.com

Re: Eliza Ditch Mitchell

CarlDitch82 — 2009-12-10 02:48:10Z