John William Breezley
Born abt 1805 Washington Co. Tennessee
Died bef 1880 Story Co. Iowa
Most likely brother of James H. Breezely who married Elizabeth Click & also settled in Vermilion Co. Illinois from Washington Co. Tennessee

After reviewing the material and information I have found, I thought it would be good for me to explain what has happened. We first need to clarify who William & John Breezley were by looking at the records. He was one in the same person, therefore, making his name John William Breezley, as the records will show. This is going to be rather lengthy, but will clarify the family I do believe.

We first find William Breezley in Washington Co. Tennessee with marriage to Sabre Bitner 20 July 1826. I haven’t tried to find him in Vermilion Co. Illinois yet in 1830, but do find him there 1840 listed as William Brezeley with wife and 5 children (3 sons & 2 dtrs) living among Sabre Bitner’s mother Margaret Graham’s nephews & lst cousins of Sabre. Margaret Graham Bitner’s brother, Charles Graham’s children settled in Vermilion Co. early from Washington Co. Tennessee & Charles joined them in abt 1834 and then he died there 4 Jul 1838. There are also many other Washington Co. Tennessee families that are inter-related who are also living there. I would suspect when I check the 1830 census for Vermilion Co. I will find William and Sabre there.

At some point Sabre dies, but not sure when or where yet. The three sons are John Davidson b. 1834, James M. b. 1832 & David A. Breezley b. 1836. There may have been more children than I know about as I have not yet seen the 1850 census records for them.

Mary _____ marries to Mr. Seal. Believe they have daughters Esther Ann Seal & Martha Ann Seal. He dies. She then marries 2nd John Arnspiker Sept 28, 1842 Jersey Co. Illinois. They have daughter, Rebecca Ellen Arnspiker who ends up marrying John Davidson Breezley, a son of William Breezley & Sabre Bitner. At some point John Arnspiker dies in Illinois, leaving Mary a widow again.

A son of William Breezley & Sabre Bitner, James M. Breezley marries Esther Ann Seal 22 Dec 1853 Vermilion Co. Illinois. She evidently is a daughter or relative of Mary ___ who married Mr. Seal, and also had daughter Martha Ann Seal who married Thomas Elwood Posegate.

Sometime about 1853 to 1855, the Breezley’s, Seal’s, Posegates & Arnspiker’s leave Illinois bound for Iowa by covered wagon with a group of other people. At this point, I don’t believe that Mary ___ Seal Arnspiker and William Breezley are married. Maybe Sabre doesn’t die until on the way or until they get to Iowa. This is indicated by the notes of Jan Lipsiea, where she indicates that a JOHN Breezley age 50 shows up without a wife on the 1856 Iowa census with two sons, John D(avidson) Breezley & David A. Breezley. HERE IS WHERE THE CONFUSION STARTS IN CLARIFYING WHO JOHN BREEZLEY WAS.

On the 1860 census Story Co. Iowa, Mary & William Breezley are now married and he shows up listed as WILLIAM at age 55 born in OHIO. I believe the census taker made an error in putting down the place of his birth, since Mary was born in Ohio they just put that both of them were born in Ohio. NOW YOUR AGES MATCH WITHIN 1 year for John & William Breezley. The story will confirm that William Breezley had at least one of the same children as they appeared on the 1856 census with John Breezley, namely John Davidson Breezley born 13 Aug 1834 in Illinois died 21 Jul 1883 from blood poisoning in Cambridge, Story Co. Iowa. And the 1880 Census records also indicate the same thing as Mary ___Seal Arnspiker Breezley is living in the household of John Davidson Breezley and his wife, Rebecca Ellen Arnspiker, Mary’s daughter. The story also states that JOHN BREEZLEY was the son of WILLIAM BREEZLEY, as the 1856 census shows him JOHN D. BREEZLEY, with the JOHN BREEZLEY age 50. The ages for John Davidson Breezley match on the 1840, 1856, & 1880 census with his birth year 1834.

So what ends up happening is that two of John William Breezley’s sons marry two of Mary ___ Seal Arnspiker Breezley’s daughters, each one by her two previous husbands, as far as it seems.

James M. Breezley is also residing in the 1880 census with a Moses Seal, who must be a relative of Mary’s deceased husband, as I don’t believe he is her son due to his age. They are living next door to Martha Ann Seal & Thomas Elwood Posegate. James M. Breezley is widowed at that point. He then remarries a 2nd time 28 Oct 1880 Story Co., Iowa to Elizabeth C. Stevens.

Please let me know if I have made errors or you have additional information on these people.

DOCUMENTATION:

Notes for John William Breezley born abt 1805
Ref: Washington Co. Tennessee Marriages By Goldene Fillers Burgner
Pg 27
July 10, 1826 William Brizly--Sabre Bitner--mod 20 July 1826, William Wilson, JP

Ref: 1840 Census Vermilion Co. Illinois, Pg 117
living between Joseph MC Graham & Phebe Graham. Joseph is son of Charles Graham & Elizabeth McCollum. Phebe is daughter in law of Charles & Elizabeth, and wife of Samuel M. Graham. Joseph G. GRAHAM and Sabre BITNER are 1st cousins. Their common ancestors are James GRAHAM SR and Sarah Ellenor BROYLES?, their grandparents. Sabre Bitner, daughter of Margaret Graham & Samuel L. Bitner from Washington Co. Tennessee.

Brezeley, Wm
1 male under 5 yrs (born 1835-1840) David A.
2 males 5-10 yrs (born 1830-1835) James M. & John D.
1 male 30-40 yrs (born 1800-1810) William
1 female under 5 yrs (born 1835-1840) unknown names
1 female 5-10 yrs (born 1830-1835)
1 female 30-40 yrs (born 1800-1810) Sabre

Ref: Familyhistory.com posted by Jan Lipsiea
Am searching for birth record (actually need the name of parents) for a David A.Breezley and a John D. Breezley David died during the Civil War. His enlistment records dated August 1862 state he was born in Vermilion County, IL., was 26 years old, and his occupation was carpenter. That would make his birthdate ca 1836. John was older (by about 2-3years) making his birthdate ca 1834. They were living with a John Breezley, 50, in the 1856 census in Iowa, but no female listed.

Ref: 1860 Census Story Co. Iowa, Palestine Twp/Cambridge, Pg 15, household #111
W.M. BREEZLEY 55 M Ohio Farmer
Mary BREEZLEY 49 F Ohio
Rebeca BREEZLEY 13 F Illinois (born 1847) think is Mary’s daughter by her prior marriage, Rebecca Ellen Arnspiker, “child of Grandma Breezley’s second marriage.” The census records match closely for her age as this age, on the 1880. Census taker’s were famous for making the surname all one, instead of putting their actual surname. I have seen this time and time again on census records.

Ref: Vermilion Co Illinois Marriages
ARNSPIGER, JOHN to SEAL, MARY - JERSEY Co. 09/28/1842 Vol A /Pg 24 1842-31

Notes for Martha Ann Seal and Thomas Elwood Posegate
Ref: Vermilion Co Illinois Marriages
POSTGATE, THOMAS E to LEAL, MARTHA ANN VERMILION Co. 09/16/1852 Vol A /Pg 186 (SHOULD BE SEAL)
Ref: 1880 Census Union, Story, Iowa
Source: FHL Film 1254365 National Archives Film T9-0365 Page 375C
Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
Thomas POSEGATE Self M M W 46 ILOcc: Laborer Fa: OH Mo: OH
Martha A. POSEGATE Wife F M W 45 INOcc: Keeps House Fa: OH Mo: OH
Rebecca E. POSEGATE Dau F S W 15 IAOcc: At School Fa: IL Mo: IN
Victoria E. POSEGATE Dau F S W 12 IAOcc: At School Fa: IL Mo: IN
The Rebecca E. Posegate above age 15, is the one mentioned being born in a log house in 1865 near the Skunk River, and the mother of Ada Montgomery Pearson who wrote the story.

The very next household is MOSES SEAL where JAMES M. BREEZLY resides as a WIDOWER

Notes for James M. Breezley and Esther Ann Seal
Ref: 1840 Census Vermilion Co. Illinois, Pg 117
Ref: Vermilion Co. Illinois Marriages
BREEZELEY, JAMES M to SEAL, ESTHER ANN VERMILIONCo. 12/22/1853 Vol A /Pg 202

Ref: 1856 Census Story Co Iowa
James M. BREEZLEY 23 M M 1 Illinois
Esther A. BREEZLEY 16 F M 1 Indiana
Elmira BREEZLEY 1 F Iowa

Ref: 1860 Census Story Co. Iowa, Palestine Twp/Cambridge, Pg 17, household #123
James BREESLEY 28 M Illinois Farmer
E.A. 21 F Indiana
Elmira J 5 F Iowa
I.N. 3 F Iowa
Elizabeth 1 F Iowa

Ref: 1880 Census Union, Story, Iowa
Source: FHL Film 1254365 National Archives Film T9-0365 Page 375C
Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
Moses C. SEAL Self M M W 37 ILOcc: Stock Dealer Fa: VA Mo: VA
Esther SEAL Wife F M W 29 ILOcc: Keeps House Fa: NY Mo: NY
Clarra GILLET SisterL F S W 17 ILOcc: Teaches School Fa: NY Mo: NY
James M. BREEZLEYOtherM Widower W 48 ILOcc: Keeps Fast Horses Fa: TN Mo: TN

Ref: Story County Marriage
James M. BREEZLEY Elizabeth C. STEVENS 28 Oct 1880

Notes for John Davidson Breezley and Rebecca Ellen Arnspiker

Ref: 1856 Census Story Co. Iowa
130-71-71 Rebecca E. ARENSPIKER 7 F 1 Illinois
130-71-71 Lewis MCDANIEL 21 M M 3 Illinois
130-71-71 Sarah MCDANIEL 20 F M 3 Indiana
130-71-71 James MCDANIEL 1 M Iowa

Ref: 1840 Census Vermilion Co. Illinois, Pg 117
Ref: Story Co. Iowa Marriage Records
John D. BREEZELY Rebecca Eliz. AMSPIGER 02 Apr 1865

Ref: 1880 Census Union, Story, Iowa
Source: FHL Film 1254365 National Archives Film T9-0365 Page 374B
Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
John D. BREEZLEY Self M M W 45 ILOcc: Merchant Fa: TN Mo: TN
Mary BREEZLEY MotherL F W W 66 OH Occ: Does House Work Fa: KY Mo: KY
Rebecca E. BREEZLEY Wife F M W 34 ILOcc: Keeps House Fa: --- Mo: OH
Charles W. BREEZLEY Son M W 14 IAOcc: At School Fa: IL Mo: IL
Mary T. BREEZLEY Dau F S W 12 IAOcc: At School Fa: IL Mo: IL
John C. BREEZLEY Son M S W 10 IAOcc: At School Fa: IL Mo: IL
James P. BREEZLEY Son M S W 8 IAOcc: At School Fa: IL Mo: IL
Millie B. BREEZLEY Dau F S W 5 IAFa: IL Mo: IL
Saraa I. BREEZLEY Dau F S W 3 IAFa: IL Mo: IL

TRAGEDY STRIKES AND LEAVES REBECCA A WIDOW, with a house full of kids and pregnant with their last child Jean who was born after the death of her father, 14 Nov 1883 – see online birth records at Story Co. Iowa website.
Ref: Death Record of John D. Breezley, Story Co. Iowa 21 Jul 1883 – dies from blood poisoning age 48

Ref: Probate Index, Story Co. Iowa
BREEZLEY John D. Box 170
Ref: Story County Iowa
Death Register 1
Book 1 Pg B3 John D. BREEZLEY 21 Jul 1883 Cambridge Story Co IA 48y 11m 8d hr

Ref: 1895 Census Story Co. Iowa - WIDOW
Rebecca BREEZELEY 47 F W Illinois Union Twp, Pg 651-Household 13-14
Sarah E. BREEZLEY 17
Rufus A. BREEZLEY 14
Jean D. BREEZLEY 11

Obituary of Millie B. Breezley
Millie Bethana BUCK
BUCK, BREEZLEY, CRAIG, MCDANIELS
Posted By: Lookup Volunteer
Date: 9/27/2001 at 03:23:31
Millie Bethana Breezley, was the daughter of John D. and Rebecca E. Breezley. She was born in Cambridge, Iowa, March 28th, 1875. She passed from this life to the life beyond, at Ames, Iowa, December 4th, 1913. Aged 36 years, 8 months and 7 days.
Shew (sic) grew to womanhood in Cambridge and made many admiring and devoted friends among the young people of the place. Later in 1899, she came to Ames, her mother having preceeded her here, and except for about three and one half years it has been her home since that time.
On February 19th, 1900, she was united in marriage to Mr. Frank Edgar Buck at Ames, Iowa. With whom she has enjoyed a happy wedded life for nearly 14 years. Five children came to bless this union. Two of these were taken in infancy by the Heavenly Father. Those remaining are Ethelyn Ione aged 12, Wilmer Arlene aged 10, and the infant baby Frances Edgar, 6 weeks of age.
There are left to mourn her loss, her husband, her mother Mrs. R. E. Craig residing one half mile from west gate, two sisters and five brothers as follows: Mrs. Mary McDaniels of Meridan, Oklahoma; Sarah E. Craig of Ames, William C. and James P. Breezley of Chicago, John C. Breezley of Cambridge, Iowa, Rufus A. and Jean Breezley of Ames.
Mrs. Buck was strongly domestic in her nature and practice. She loved her home, and spent most of her time there. Her children were the subject of her care and concern. Neverthless, she had time to give to the needs and pleasure of others. Her thought was but little for herself. In her last illness, she many times expressed regret at making work for those who ministered to her. She was kind, sympathetic, and generous and of a most amiadable dispisition (sic). During the many weeks of her sickness, though she suffered much, she complained not, but frequently expressed her confidence in the Saviour, and though she earnestly desired to live for a (sic) her husband's and children's sake, said she was ready to go; if it was the Lord's will.
The sincerest sympathy of many friends is extended to the bereaved family, who will find much comfort in the sacred memory of this devoted wife, fond mother, and true and loyal friend.
The funeral service was held in the M.E. church, Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. T. E. Thuresson. The body was laid to rest in the Ames cemetery.
The Ames Times, 8 Dec 1913, p. 4

Millie and John Calvin Breezley are brother and sister

Ref: Marriages Story Co. Iowa
John Calvin BREEZELEY Isaa ROGERS 20 May 1896

Ref: Story Co. Iowa Births - listed as father on births

Ref: Obituary posted on Calhoun Co. Iowa website
John C. Breezley
ADVOCATE, Rockwell City, Calhoun County, Iowa, Thurs., Nov. 27, 1924
FATHER OF PLAYER IS STRICKEN AT GAME HERE FRIDAY
John C. Breezley of Rockwell City died Friday evening, November 21, from apoplexy with which he was stricken three hours earlier.
Mr. Breezley suffered a stroke late Friday afternoon at the local football field where he was watching the Rockwell City-Pocahontas football game, in which his son, Roger, was taking part. He died that evening at about 8 o'clock, never having regained consciousness.
Mr. Breezley had been under the care of a physician for months, but he continued his work until the last day of his life. He did not seem to be unusually ill Friday and had watched the greater part of the football game from the sidelines. The game was practically finished when Mr. Breezley suddenly fainted and fell to the ground. Three hours later he died at his home.
John Calvin Breezley was born June 29, 1869, at Cambridge, Iowa. He lived in Story county all of his life except the last seven years. The last seven years, Mr. Breezley has lived with his family in Calhoun county. For six years he served as farm superintendent of the state farm at the women's state reformatory near Rockwell City.
He was married to Miss Isaa Rodgers in 1895. To this union five daughters and two sons were born, all of whom survive the father.
Mr. Breezley was an honored member of the I. O. O. F. lodge of Rockwell City. He was an industrious farmer, quiet in manner and had an appreciation of good things.
Mr. Breezley leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, seven children; Miss Florence Breezley of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. H. L. Clover of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Lee Huston and Harriet, Evelyn, Ralph and Roger Breezley, all of Rockwell City; his mother, who resides in Oklahoma; three brothers and one sister.
Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Monday afternoon, Rev. A. A. Halter officiating. Members of the high school football squad, and their coach, of which the son, Roger, is a member, attended the services in a body. Members of the local I. O. O. F. lodge were in attendance in a body. Interment at Rose Hill cemetery.

Notes for David A. Breezley – dies Civil War
Ref: Familyhistory.com posted by Jan Lipsiea SEE ABOVE
Ref: 1840 Census Vermilion Co. Illinois, Pg 117
Ref: 1856 Census Story Co. Iowa
Ref: Story Co. Iowa - Served 23rd Iowa Infantry, Company E.
David A. Breezley
Ref: Probate Index, Story Co. Iowa
BREEZLEY David A. Box No. 169