Rebecca Elizabeth's parents were:
Willis William Woodward (1807 - 1894)
Elizabeth Reed Woodward (1810 - 1875)
She was born on April 19, 1830, in Twelve Mile Township, Madison Co, MO, which is near present day Fredericktown.
Rebecca & her siblings:
Mahala Steel (1827 - 1908)
Rebecca Elizabeth (1830 - 1919)
Jordan Titus (1833 - 1919)
Wilson Willis (1835 - 1878)
Mary (1840 - 1876)
Lucinda (1842 - 1853)
Eleanor K. (1848 - 1865)
Sarah Elizabeth (1852 - 1943)
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After several moves, her parents finally settled in Newton Co, MO. Sometime during the early part of 1850, her father became a Justice of the Peace in Newton County. Since he was serving as Justice of the Peace, it was only appropriate that he perform her wedding ceremony.
On October 30, 1850,
Rebecca, age 21, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR with her parents, William & Elizabeth Woodward, ages 44 & 41. William, a farmer, owned estate valued at $200. Other children were Mahala, age 23; Jordan, 17; Wilson, 15; Mary, 10; Lucinda, 8; & Eleander, 2. William's father, Peter, 83 lived with them.
Warren Essex was born in Kentucky on May 1, 1824. His first marriage was to Ann Davis. After the birth of their third child they left Kentucky & moved to Johnson County, AR.
On October 24, 1850,
Warren & Ann Essex, ages 25 & 23, lived in Piney, Johnson Co, AR. Their children were Thomas, age 4; Sarah Ann, 3; & Squire, 1. Warren was farming to support them.
Ann died on August 25, 1851, & Warren was left with three young children.
On February 25, 1853, Rebecca, age 22, married Warren Essex, widower. (The date of their marriage was confirmed years later, by her father when she filed for her husband's Civil War pension. Their marriage record, filed in the court house, had obviously been lost or destroyed during the Civil War.)
When or how Rebecca and Warren met is unknown, but they were married less than two years after the death of Ann. They settled in Limestone Valley where they had eight children, seven daughters and one son: Elizabeth, born February 16, 1854; Mahala, December 10, 1857; Mary Jane, March 13, 1861; Nancy, September 21, 1863, Susan, 1866; Rebecca, November 21, 1867); Matilda, September 26, 1869; John Jordan, May 3, 1871.
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On June 27, 1860,
Warren & Rebecca Essex, ages 36 & 29, liven in Union Township, Newton Co, AR. They had personal estate valued at $600. Warren's three children were Thomas, age 14; Sarah A., 12; & Squire, 11. Their children were Elizabeth, age 7, & Mahala, 3.
On September 2, 1863, Warren enlisted on the side of the Union in Company E, 2nd Regiment, AR Infantry Unit. His call to duty was a hardship for the family. Rebecca was in her last days of pregnancy, expecting their fourth child when he listed. Nineteen days later, September 21, Rebecca gave birth to a daughter named Nancy.
During this time of great turmoil, Rebecca had to assume full responsibility for her family & farm. Mahala, their daughter, was almost six years old when her father went off to war. This period made a great impression on her young mind, & years later she would often speak of the ordeals of that time. Salt was scarce, so they had to find another way to season their food. They would dig up dirt from their smoke house floor, add water, & stir it up. After the dirt had settled to the bottom, the water was used as a seasoning.
On August 23, 1870,
Rebecca & Warren Essex, ages 47 & 40, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR on a farm adjacent to her parents. Their post office was in Jasper. they had real estate and personal estate, each valued at $600. Their children were Mahala, age 12; Mary J., 9; Nancy, 7; Susan, 4; Rebecca, 3; & Matilda C., 9 months. George Chambers, age 16, was a member of the household & helped with the farm work.
Rebecca and Warren's three year old daughter, Matilda, died on February 23, 1871, & was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
Warren was 48 years old when he became ill, dying on October 9, 1872. Thomas Bethell, one of their neighbors, said he had sat up with him during his sickness. Rebecca's father, Willis, and Reverend George Clayborn were also with him when he died. Years later, in an affidavit, George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him."
Warren was buried in the cemetery he had started. Rebecca was now widowed at the age of forty-two. Their youngest child was only one year old.
On June 10, 1880,
Rebecca, shown as being age 50, lived on her farm in Union Township. Children still at home were Nancy, age 16; Susan, 14; Rebecca, 13; & John J., 9.
On October 11, 1890, Rebecca applied for Warren's Civil War Pension. The following statements, given by her father, Willis, and neighbors who lived in Limestone Valley, have provided information that isn't otherwise available.
On October 22, 1890, Thomas C. Bethell and Elizabeth Arnold provided affidavits. Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) stated,
"I, T. C. Bethell, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex, widow of Warren Essex deceased, for 23 years personally and respectfully, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has no horse property of any kind. The said widow has never married since the death of her husband, Warren Essex. My means of knowing above stated I have lived a near neighbor to her ever since in the spring of 1872."
Elizabeth Arnold (age 50) stated,
"And I, Elizabeth Arnold, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex for 13 years personally, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has but very little property of any kind, no horse property, one milk cow. She has never been remarried as I have known."
On December 16, 1890, her father, Willis Woodward (age 83), stated,
"I was present at the time Warren Essex and Rebecca Woodward was married, and I solemnized the rights of matrimony between them on the 24th day of February 1853. I was a commissioned Justice of the Peace at that time in Union Township, Newton County, Arkansas. And the said Warren Essex died Oct. 9, 1872. I was standing by his bed side and saw him die. His first wife died in the summer of 1851 in Johnson County, Arkansas. I further state that I have the palsy so bad I can't write at this time."
On December 17, 1890, Rebecca (age 60) appeared before Justice of the Peace George N. Bethell. After verifying that she resided in Limestone Valley, Newton County, Arkansas, she made the following statement:
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, late Sergeant Company E, 2nd Regt. Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. I was married to said Warren Essex February 24, 1853, and he died October 9, 1872. The family record of his first marriage and first wife's death is as follows: Warren Essex and Ann Davis was married October the 9, 1845. Ann Essex, wife of Warren Essex, died August 25, 1851."
On December 17, 1890, George R. Clayborn (age 78) and Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) provided affidavits. George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him." Thomas stated, "I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the summer of 1863 before he joined the United States Service. I saw him after he joined the service. I lived in one mile of him at the time of his oath. I set up with him in his sickness. I did not see him die, but I helped dress him and helped bury him. The best recollection he died the 9th of October 1872."
On June 9, 1891, Rebecca (age 61) stated,
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, deceased, who was Sergeant of Co. E. 2nd Vol. Reg't. of Infantry Vol. I was married to said soldier Feb. 24, 1853. Said soldier never served in any other United States Service only that above stated."
On June 9, 1891, Melinda B. Ham (age 56) stated,
"I was well acquainted with Anna Essex, Warren Essex' first wife, before she died. Anna Essex died on Big Piney near the line of Newton and Johnson line. She died about the year 1851 the best I can remember. The said Warren Essex married Rebecca Woodward about the year 1852 or 1853 and the said Rebecca Essex is his present widow. The said Warren Essex died in the fall of 1872. I have been acquainted with the Essex family ever since they have lived in this county. I have lived in this county 52 years."
After the affidavits were reviewed, Rebecca was awarded $8 per month starting Oct. 17, 1890.
In June 1900,
Rebecca, age 71, a widow, still lived in Union Township on a farm adjacent to her son, John J. All of her children were gone except for her daughter, Rebecca, 32. She had been married 46 years & had given birth to 9 children, but only 5 were still living.
On April 30, 1910,
Rebecca, age 80, & her daughter, Rebecca, 41, still single, lived on her farm in Union Township. Rebecca had given birth to 9 children - 5 were still living.
On September 13, 1916, Rebecca's pension was increased to $20 per month. She received a pension until her death on April 11, 1919, dying eight days before her 89th birthday. She was buried in the Essex Cemetery beside her husband. Her daughter, Rebecca, known as Becky, had lived with her until her death. Becky never married. She died on January 4, 1947, at the age of 75, and was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
On May 4, 1919, a pension check for $75 was mailed to Rebecca. It included payments for the months she hadn't received payments. It was returned by the postmaster, George W. Neal, who wrote that she had died. On May 21, 1919, the Bureau of Pensions sent a request to the Limestone Postmaster requesting the date of her death, if it was known, or if ascertainable. Mr. Neal replied and provided the date of her death.
John J. Essex, the youngest child of Rebecca and Warren, wrote a letter to the pension department after the death of his mother. Unfortunately, it isn't known if it was ever answered. The letter, dated May 15, 1919, states:
Sir,
Rebecca Essex was drawing a pension, and at her death there was a month or two pay due her. I want to know if her heirs can draw that which was due at her death. Please give me the proper information.
Yours Respectfully,
John J. Essex
Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2009 (After many years of research)
Willis William Woodward (1807 - 1894)
Elizabeth Reed Woodward (1810 - 1875)
She was born on April 19, 1830, in Twelve Mile Township, Madison Co, MO, which is near present day Fredericktown.
Rebecca & her siblings:
Mahala Steel (1827 - 1908)
Rebecca Elizabeth (1830 - 1919)
Jordan Titus (1833 - 1919)
Wilson Willis (1835 - 1878)
Mary (1840 - 1876)
Lucinda (1842 - 1853)
Eleanor K. (1848 - 1865)
Sarah Elizabeth (1852 - 1943)
-----
After several moves, her parents finally settled in Newton Co, MO. Sometime during the early part of 1850, her father became a Justice of the Peace in Newton County. Since he was serving as Justice of the Peace, it was only appropriate that he perform her wedding ceremony.
On October 30, 1850,
Rebecca, age 21, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR with her parents, William & Elizabeth Woodward, ages 44 & 41. William, a farmer, owned estate valued at $200. Other children were Mahala, age 23; Jordan, 17; Wilson, 15; Mary, 10; Lucinda, 8; & Eleander, 2. William's father, Peter, 83 lived with them.
Warren Essex was born in Kentucky on May 1, 1824. His first marriage was to Ann Davis. After the birth of their third child they left Kentucky & moved to Johnson County, AR.
On October 24, 1850,
Warren & Ann Essex, ages 25 & 23, lived in Piney, Johnson Co, AR. Their children were Thomas, age 4; Sarah Ann, 3; & Squire, 1. Warren was farming to support them.
Ann died on August 25, 1851, & Warren was left with three young children.
On February 25, 1853, Rebecca, age 22, married Warren Essex, widower. (The date of their marriage was confirmed years later, by her father when she filed for her husband's Civil War pension. Their marriage record, filed in the court house, had obviously been lost or destroyed during the Civil War.)
When or how Rebecca and Warren met is unknown, but they were married less than two years after the death of Ann. They settled in Limestone Valley where they had eight children, seven daughters and one son: Elizabeth, born February 16, 1854; Mahala, December 10, 1857; Mary Jane, March 13, 1861; Nancy, September 21, 1863, Susan, 1866; Rebecca, November 21, 1867); Matilda, September 26, 1869; John Jordan, May 3, 1871.
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On June 27, 1860,
Warren & Rebecca Essex, ages 36 & 29, liven in Union Township, Newton Co, AR. They had personal estate valued at $600. Warren's three children were Thomas, age 14; Sarah A., 12; & Squire, 11. Their children were Elizabeth, age 7, & Mahala, 3.
On September 2, 1863, Warren enlisted on the side of the Union in Company E, 2nd Regiment, AR Infantry Unit. His call to duty was a hardship for the family. Rebecca was in her last days of pregnancy, expecting their fourth child when he listed. Nineteen days later, September 21, Rebecca gave birth to a daughter named Nancy.
During this time of great turmoil, Rebecca had to assume full responsibility for her family & farm. Mahala, their daughter, was almost six years old when her father went off to war. This period made a great impression on her young mind, & years later she would often speak of the ordeals of that time. Salt was scarce, so they had to find another way to season their food. They would dig up dirt from their smoke house floor, add water, & stir it up. After the dirt had settled to the bottom, the water was used as a seasoning.
On August 23, 1870,
Rebecca & Warren Essex, ages 47 & 40, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR on a farm adjacent to her parents. Their post office was in Jasper. they had real estate and personal estate, each valued at $600. Their children were Mahala, age 12; Mary J., 9; Nancy, 7; Susan, 4; Rebecca, 3; & Matilda C., 9 months. George Chambers, age 16, was a member of the household & helped with the farm work.
Rebecca and Warren's three year old daughter, Matilda, died on February 23, 1871, & was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
Warren was 48 years old when he became ill, dying on October 9, 1872. Thomas Bethell, one of their neighbors, said he had sat up with him during his sickness. Rebecca's father, Willis, and Reverend George Clayborn were also with him when he died. Years later, in an affidavit, George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him."
Warren was buried in the cemetery he had started. Rebecca was now widowed at the age of forty-two. Their youngest child was only one year old.
On June 10, 1880,
Rebecca, shown as being age 50, lived on her farm in Union Township. Children still at home were Nancy, age 16; Susan, 14; Rebecca, 13; & John J., 9.
On October 11, 1890, Rebecca applied for Warren's Civil War Pension. The following statements, given by her father, Willis, and neighbors who lived in Limestone Valley, have provided information that isn't otherwise available.
On October 22, 1890, Thomas C. Bethell and Elizabeth Arnold provided affidavits. Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) stated,
"I, T. C. Bethell, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex, widow of Warren Essex deceased, for 23 years personally and respectfully, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has no horse property of any kind. The said widow has never married since the death of her husband, Warren Essex. My means of knowing above stated I have lived a near neighbor to her ever since in the spring of 1872."
Elizabeth Arnold (age 50) stated,
"And I, Elizabeth Arnold, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex for 13 years personally, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has but very little property of any kind, no horse property, one milk cow. She has never been remarried as I have known."
On December 16, 1890, her father, Willis Woodward (age 83), stated,
"I was present at the time Warren Essex and Rebecca Woodward was married, and I solemnized the rights of matrimony between them on the 24th day of February 1853. I was a commissioned Justice of the Peace at that time in Union Township, Newton County, Arkansas. And the said Warren Essex died Oct. 9, 1872. I was standing by his bed side and saw him die. His first wife died in the summer of 1851 in Johnson County, Arkansas. I further state that I have the palsy so bad I can't write at this time."
On December 17, 1890, Rebecca (age 60) appeared before Justice of the Peace George N. Bethell. After verifying that she resided in Limestone Valley, Newton County, Arkansas, she made the following statement:
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, late Sergeant Company E, 2nd Regt. Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. I was married to said Warren Essex February 24, 1853, and he died October 9, 1872. The family record of his first marriage and first wife's death is as follows: Warren Essex and Ann Davis was married October the 9, 1845. Ann Essex, wife of Warren Essex, died August 25, 1851."
On December 17, 1890, George R. Clayborn (age 78) and Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) provided affidavits. George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him." Thomas stated, "I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the summer of 1863 before he joined the United States Service. I saw him after he joined the service. I lived in one mile of him at the time of his oath. I set up with him in his sickness. I did not see him die, but I helped dress him and helped bury him. The best recollection he died the 9th of October 1872."
On June 9, 1891, Rebecca (age 61) stated,
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, deceased, who was Sergeant of Co. E. 2nd Vol. Reg't. of Infantry Vol. I was married to said soldier Feb. 24, 1853. Said soldier never served in any other United States Service only that above stated."
On June 9, 1891, Melinda B. Ham (age 56) stated,
"I was well acquainted with Anna Essex, Warren Essex' first wife, before she died. Anna Essex died on Big Piney near the line of Newton and Johnson line. She died about the year 1851 the best I can remember. The said Warren Essex married Rebecca Woodward about the year 1852 or 1853 and the said Rebecca Essex is his present widow. The said Warren Essex died in the fall of 1872. I have been acquainted with the Essex family ever since they have lived in this county. I have lived in this county 52 years."
After the affidavits were reviewed, Rebecca was awarded $8 per month starting Oct. 17, 1890.
In June 1900,
Rebecca, age 71, a widow, still lived in Union Township on a farm adjacent to her son, John J. All of her children were gone except for her daughter, Rebecca, 32. She had been married 46 years & had given birth to 9 children, but only 5 were still living.
On April 30, 1910,
Rebecca, age 80, & her daughter, Rebecca, 41, still single, lived on her farm in Union Township. Rebecca had given birth to 9 children - 5 were still living.
On September 13, 1916, Rebecca's pension was increased to $20 per month. She received a pension until her death on April 11, 1919, dying eight days before her 89th birthday. She was buried in the Essex Cemetery beside her husband. Her daughter, Rebecca, known as Becky, had lived with her until her death. Becky never married. She died on January 4, 1947, at the age of 75, and was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
On May 4, 1919, a pension check for $75 was mailed to Rebecca. It included payments for the months she hadn't received payments. It was returned by the postmaster, George W. Neal, who wrote that she had died. On May 21, 1919, the Bureau of Pensions sent a request to the Limestone Postmaster requesting the date of her death, if it was known, or if ascertainable. Mr. Neal replied and provided the date of her death.
John J. Essex, the youngest child of Rebecca and Warren, wrote a letter to the pension department after the death of his mother. Unfortunately, it isn't known if it was ever answered. The letter, dated May 15, 1919, states:
Sir,
Rebecca Essex was drawing a pension, and at her death there was a month or two pay due her. I want to know if her heirs can draw that which was due at her death. Please give me the proper information.
Yours Respectfully,
John J. Essex
Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2009 (After many years of research)
Rebecca Elizabeth's parents were:
Willis William Woodward (1807 - 1894)
Elizabeth Reed Woodward (1810 - 1875)
She was born on April 19, 1830, in Twelve Mile Township, Madison Co, MO, which is near present day Fredericktown.
Rebecca & her siblings:
Mahala Steel (1827 - 1908)
Rebecca Elizabeth (1830 - 1919)
Jordan Titus (1833 - 1919)
Wilson Willis (1835 - 1878)
Mary (1840 - 1876)
Lucinda (1842 - 1853)
Eleanor K. (1848 - 1865)
Sarah Elizabeth (1852 - 1943)
-----
After several moves, her parents finally settled in Newton Co, MO. Sometime during the early part of 1850, her father became a Justice of the Peace in Newton County. Since he was serving as Justice of the Peace, it was only appropriate that he perform her wedding ceremony.
On October 30, 1850,
Rebecca, age 21, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR with her parents, William & Elizabeth Woodward, ages 44 & 41. William, a farmer, owned estate valued at $200. Other children were Mahala, age 23; Jordan, 17; Wilson, 15; Mary, 10; Lucinda, 8; & Eleander, 2. William's father, Peter, 83 lived with them.
Warren Essex was born in Kentucky on May 1, 1824. His first marriage was to Ann Davis. After the birth of their third child they left Kentucky & moved to Johnson County, AR.
On October 24, 1850,
Warren & Ann Essex, ages 25 & 23, lived in Piney, Johnson Co, AR. Their children were Thomas, age 4; Sarah Ann, 3; & Squire, 1. Warren was farming to support them.
Ann died on August 25, 1851, & Warren was left with three young children.
On February 25, 1853, Rebecca, age 22, married Warren Essex, widower. (The date of their marriage was confirmed years later, by her father when she filed for her husband's Civil War pension. Their marriage record, filed in the court house, had obviously been lost or destroyed during the Civil War.)
When or how Rebecca and Warren met is unknown, but they were married less than two years after the death of Ann. They settled in Limestone Valley where they had eight children, seven daughters and one son: Elizabeth, born February 16, 1854; Mahala, December 10, 1857; Mary Jane, March 13, 1861; Nancy, September 21, 1863, Susan, 1866; Rebecca, November 21, 1867); Matilda, September 26, 1869; John Jordan, May 3, 1871.
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On June 27, 1860,
Warren & Rebecca Essex, ages 36 & 29, liven in Union Township, Newton Co, AR. They had personal estate valued at $600. Warren's three children were Thomas, age 14; Sarah A., 12; & Squire, 11. Their children were Elizabeth, age 7, & Mahala, 3.
On September 2, 1863, Warren enlisted on the side of the Union in Company E, 2nd Regiment, AR Infantry Unit. His call to duty was a hardship for the family. Rebecca was in her last days of pregnancy, expecting their fourth child when he listed. Nineteen days later, September 21, Rebecca gave birth to a daughter named Nancy.
During this time of great turmoil, Rebecca had to assume full responsibility for her family & farm. Mahala, their daughter, was almost six years old when her father went off to war. This period made a great impression on her young mind, & years later she would often speak of the ordeals of that time. Salt was scarce, so they had to find another way to season their food. They would dig up dirt from their smoke house floor, add water, & stir it up. After the dirt had settled to the bottom, the water was used as a seasoning.
On August 23, 1870,
Rebecca & Warren Essex, ages 47 & 40, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR on a farm adjacent to her parents. Their post office was in Jasper. they had real estate and personal estate, each valued at $600. Their children were Mahala, age 12; Mary J., 9; Nancy, 7; Susan, 4; Rebecca, 3; & Matilda C., 9 months. George Chambers, age 16, was a member of the household & helped with the farm work.
Rebecca and Warren's three year old daughter, Matilda, died on February 23, 1871, & was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
Warren was 48 years old when he became ill, dying on October 9, 1872. Thomas Bethell, one of their neighbors, said he had sat up with him during his sickness. Rebecca's father, Willis, and Reverend George Clayborn were also with him when he died. Years later, in an affidavit, George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him."
Warren was buried in the cemetery he had started. Rebecca was now widowed at the age of forty-two. Their youngest child was only one year old.
On June 10, 1880,
Rebecca, shown as being age 50, lived on her farm in Union Township. Children still at home were Nancy, age 16; Susan, 14; Rebecca, 13; & John J., 9.
On October 11, 1890, Rebecca applied for Warren's Civil War Pension. The following statements, given by her father, Willis, and neighbors who lived in Limestone Valley, have provided information that isn't otherwise available.
On October 22, 1890, Thomas C. Bethell and Elizabeth Arnold provided affidavits. Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) stated,
"I, T. C. Bethell, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex, widow of Warren Essex deceased, for 23 years personally and respectfully, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has no horse property of any kind. The said widow has never married since the death of her husband, Warren Essex. My means of knowing above stated I have lived a near neighbor to her ever since in the spring of 1872."
Elizabeth Arnold (age 50) stated,
"And I, Elizabeth Arnold, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex for 13 years personally, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has but very little property of any kind, no horse property, one milk cow. She has never been remarried as I have known."
On December 16, 1890, her father, Willis Woodward (age 83), stated,
"I was present at the time Warren Essex and Rebecca Woodward was married, and I solemnized the rights of matrimony between them on the 24th day of February 1853. I was a commissioned Justice of the Peace at that time in Union Township, Newton County, Arkansas. And the said Warren Essex died Oct. 9, 1872. I was standing by his bed side and saw him die. His first wife died in the summer of 1851 in Johnson County, Arkansas. I further state that I have the palsy so bad I can't write at this time."
On December 17, 1890, Rebecca (age 60) appeared before Justice of the Peace George N. Bethell. After verifying that she resided in Limestone Valley, Newton County, Arkansas, she made the following statement:
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, late Sergeant Company E, 2nd Regt. Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. I was married to said Warren Essex February 24, 1853, and he died October 9, 1872. The family record of his first marriage and first wife's death is as follows: Warren Essex and Ann Davis was married October the 9, 1845. Ann Essex, wife of Warren Essex, died August 25, 1851."
On December 17, 1890, George R. Clayborn (age 78) and Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) provided affidavits. George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him." Thomas stated, "I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the summer of 1863 before he joined the United States Service. I saw him after he joined the service. I lived in one mile of him at the time of his oath. I set up with him in his sickness. I did not see him die, but I helped dress him and helped bury him. The best recollection he died the 9th of October 1872."
On June 9, 1891, Rebecca (age 61) stated,
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, deceased, who was Sergeant of Co. E. 2nd Vol. Reg't. of Infantry Vol. I was married to said soldier Feb. 24, 1853. Said soldier never served in any other United States Service only that above stated."
On June 9, 1891, Melinda B. Ham (age 56) stated,
"I was well acquainted with Anna Essex, Warren Essex' first wife, before she died. Anna Essex died on Big Piney near the line of Newton and Johnson line. She died about the year 1851 the best I can remember. The said Warren Essex married Rebecca Woodward about the year 1852 or 1853 and the said Rebecca Essex is his present widow. The said Warren Essex died in the fall of 1872. I have been acquainted with the Essex family ever since they have lived in this county. I have lived in this county 52 years."
After the affidavits were reviewed, Rebecca was awarded $8 per month starting Oct. 17, 1890.
In June 1900,
Rebecca, age 71, a widow, still lived in Union Township on a farm adjacent to her son, John J. All of her children were gone except for her daughter, Rebecca, 32. She had been married 46 years & had given birth to 9 children, but only 5 were still living.
On April 30, 1910,
Rebecca, age 80, & her daughter, Rebecca, 41, still single, lived on her farm in Union Township. Rebecca had given birth to 9 children - 5 were still living.
On September 13, 1916, Rebecca's pension was increased to $20 per month. She received a pension until her death on April 11, 1919, dying eight days before her 89th birthday. She was buried in the Essex Cemetery beside her husband. Her daughter, Rebecca, known as Becky, had lived with her until her death. Becky never married. She died on January 4, 1947, at the age of 75, and was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
On May 4, 1919, a pension check for $75 was mailed to Rebecca. It included payments for the months she hadn't received payments. It was returned by the postmaster, George W. Neal, who wrote that she had died. On May 21, 1919, the Bureau of Pensions sent a request to the Limestone Postmaster requesting the date of her death, if it was known, or if ascertainable. Mr. Neal replied and provided the date of her death.
John J. Essex, the youngest child of Rebecca and Warren, wrote a letter to the pension department after the death of his mother. Unfortunately, it isn't known if it was ever answered. The letter, dated May 15, 1919, states:
Sir,
Rebecca Essex was drawing a pension, and at her death there was a month or two pay due her. I want to know if her heirs can draw that which was due at her death. Please give me the proper information.
Yours Respectfully,
John J. Essex
Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2009 (After many years of research)
Willis William Woodward (1807 - 1894)
Elizabeth Reed Woodward (1810 - 1875)
She was born on April 19, 1830, in Twelve Mile Township, Madison Co, MO, which is near present day Fredericktown.
Rebecca & her siblings:
Mahala Steel (1827 - 1908)
Rebecca Elizabeth (1830 - 1919)
Jordan Titus (1833 - 1919)
Wilson Willis (1835 - 1878)
Mary (1840 - 1876)
Lucinda (1842 - 1853)
Eleanor K. (1848 - 1865)
Sarah Elizabeth (1852 - 1943)
-----
After several moves, her parents finally settled in Newton Co, MO. Sometime during the early part of 1850, her father became a Justice of the Peace in Newton County. Since he was serving as Justice of the Peace, it was only appropriate that he perform her wedding ceremony.
On October 30, 1850,
Rebecca, age 21, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR with her parents, William & Elizabeth Woodward, ages 44 & 41. William, a farmer, owned estate valued at $200. Other children were Mahala, age 23; Jordan, 17; Wilson, 15; Mary, 10; Lucinda, 8; & Eleander, 2. William's father, Peter, 83 lived with them.
Warren Essex was born in Kentucky on May 1, 1824. His first marriage was to Ann Davis. After the birth of their third child they left Kentucky & moved to Johnson County, AR.
On October 24, 1850,
Warren & Ann Essex, ages 25 & 23, lived in Piney, Johnson Co, AR. Their children were Thomas, age 4; Sarah Ann, 3; & Squire, 1. Warren was farming to support them.
Ann died on August 25, 1851, & Warren was left with three young children.
On February 25, 1853, Rebecca, age 22, married Warren Essex, widower. (The date of their marriage was confirmed years later, by her father when she filed for her husband's Civil War pension. Their marriage record, filed in the court house, had obviously been lost or destroyed during the Civil War.)
When or how Rebecca and Warren met is unknown, but they were married less than two years after the death of Ann. They settled in Limestone Valley where they had eight children, seven daughters and one son: Elizabeth, born February 16, 1854; Mahala, December 10, 1857; Mary Jane, March 13, 1861; Nancy, September 21, 1863, Susan, 1866; Rebecca, November 21, 1867); Matilda, September 26, 1869; John Jordan, May 3, 1871.
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On June 27, 1860,
Warren & Rebecca Essex, ages 36 & 29, liven in Union Township, Newton Co, AR. They had personal estate valued at $600. Warren's three children were Thomas, age 14; Sarah A., 12; & Squire, 11. Their children were Elizabeth, age 7, & Mahala, 3.
On September 2, 1863, Warren enlisted on the side of the Union in Company E, 2nd Regiment, AR Infantry Unit. His call to duty was a hardship for the family. Rebecca was in her last days of pregnancy, expecting their fourth child when he listed. Nineteen days later, September 21, Rebecca gave birth to a daughter named Nancy.
During this time of great turmoil, Rebecca had to assume full responsibility for her family & farm. Mahala, their daughter, was almost six years old when her father went off to war. This period made a great impression on her young mind, & years later she would often speak of the ordeals of that time. Salt was scarce, so they had to find another way to season their food. They would dig up dirt from their smoke house floor, add water, & stir it up. After the dirt had settled to the bottom, the water was used as a seasoning.
On August 23, 1870,
Rebecca & Warren Essex, ages 47 & 40, lived in Union Township, Newton Co, AR on a farm adjacent to her parents. Their post office was in Jasper. they had real estate and personal estate, each valued at $600. Their children were Mahala, age 12; Mary J., 9; Nancy, 7; Susan, 4; Rebecca, 3; & Matilda C., 9 months. George Chambers, age 16, was a member of the household & helped with the farm work.
Rebecca and Warren's three year old daughter, Matilda, died on February 23, 1871, & was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
Warren was 48 years old when he became ill, dying on October 9, 1872. Thomas Bethell, one of their neighbors, said he had sat up with him during his sickness. Rebecca's father, Willis, and Reverend George Clayborn were also with him when he died. Years later, in an affidavit, George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him."
Warren was buried in the cemetery he had started. Rebecca was now widowed at the age of forty-two. Their youngest child was only one year old.
On June 10, 1880,
Rebecca, shown as being age 50, lived on her farm in Union Township. Children still at home were Nancy, age 16; Susan, 14; Rebecca, 13; & John J., 9.
On October 11, 1890, Rebecca applied for Warren's Civil War Pension. The following statements, given by her father, Willis, and neighbors who lived in Limestone Valley, have provided information that isn't otherwise available.
On October 22, 1890, Thomas C. Bethell and Elizabeth Arnold provided affidavits. Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) stated,
"I, T. C. Bethell, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex, widow of Warren Essex deceased, for 23 years personally and respectfully, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has no horse property of any kind. The said widow has never married since the death of her husband, Warren Essex. My means of knowing above stated I have lived a near neighbor to her ever since in the spring of 1872."
Elizabeth Arnold (age 50) stated,
"And I, Elizabeth Arnold, have been acquainted with Rebecca Essex for 13 years personally, and the said Rebecca Essex has no other means of making a support only by her daily labor. She has but very little property of any kind, no horse property, one milk cow. She has never been remarried as I have known."
On December 16, 1890, her father, Willis Woodward (age 83), stated,
"I was present at the time Warren Essex and Rebecca Woodward was married, and I solemnized the rights of matrimony between them on the 24th day of February 1853. I was a commissioned Justice of the Peace at that time in Union Township, Newton County, Arkansas. And the said Warren Essex died Oct. 9, 1872. I was standing by his bed side and saw him die. His first wife died in the summer of 1851 in Johnson County, Arkansas. I further state that I have the palsy so bad I can't write at this time."
On December 17, 1890, Rebecca (age 60) appeared before Justice of the Peace George N. Bethell. After verifying that she resided in Limestone Valley, Newton County, Arkansas, she made the following statement:
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, late Sergeant Company E, 2nd Regt. Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. I was married to said Warren Essex February 24, 1853, and he died October 9, 1872. The family record of his first marriage and first wife's death is as follows: Warren Essex and Ann Davis was married October the 9, 1845. Ann Essex, wife of Warren Essex, died August 25, 1851."
On December 17, 1890, George R. Clayborn (age 78) and Thomas C. Bethell (age 53) provided affidavits. George stated,
"I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the year 1867 and was well acquainted with him until he died in October 1872. I stood by his bed and saw him die. I helped dress him and also helped bury him." Thomas stated, "I formed an acquaintance with said Warren Essex in the summer of 1863 before he joined the United States Service. I saw him after he joined the service. I lived in one mile of him at the time of his oath. I set up with him in his sickness. I did not see him die, but I helped dress him and helped bury him. The best recollection he died the 9th of October 1872."
On June 9, 1891, Rebecca (age 61) stated,
"I am the widow of Warren Essex, deceased, who was Sergeant of Co. E. 2nd Vol. Reg't. of Infantry Vol. I was married to said soldier Feb. 24, 1853. Said soldier never served in any other United States Service only that above stated."
On June 9, 1891, Melinda B. Ham (age 56) stated,
"I was well acquainted with Anna Essex, Warren Essex' first wife, before she died. Anna Essex died on Big Piney near the line of Newton and Johnson line. She died about the year 1851 the best I can remember. The said Warren Essex married Rebecca Woodward about the year 1852 or 1853 and the said Rebecca Essex is his present widow. The said Warren Essex died in the fall of 1872. I have been acquainted with the Essex family ever since they have lived in this county. I have lived in this county 52 years."
After the affidavits were reviewed, Rebecca was awarded $8 per month starting Oct. 17, 1890.
In June 1900,
Rebecca, age 71, a widow, still lived in Union Township on a farm adjacent to her son, John J. All of her children were gone except for her daughter, Rebecca, 32. She had been married 46 years & had given birth to 9 children, but only 5 were still living.
On April 30, 1910,
Rebecca, age 80, & her daughter, Rebecca, 41, still single, lived on her farm in Union Township. Rebecca had given birth to 9 children - 5 were still living.
On September 13, 1916, Rebecca's pension was increased to $20 per month. She received a pension until her death on April 11, 1919, dying eight days before her 89th birthday. She was buried in the Essex Cemetery beside her husband. Her daughter, Rebecca, known as Becky, had lived with her until her death. Becky never married. She died on January 4, 1947, at the age of 75, and was buried in the Essex Cemetery.
On May 4, 1919, a pension check for $75 was mailed to Rebecca. It included payments for the months she hadn't received payments. It was returned by the postmaster, George W. Neal, who wrote that she had died. On May 21, 1919, the Bureau of Pensions sent a request to the Limestone Postmaster requesting the date of her death, if it was known, or if ascertainable. Mr. Neal replied and provided the date of her death.
John J. Essex, the youngest child of Rebecca and Warren, wrote a letter to the pension department after the death of his mother. Unfortunately, it isn't known if it was ever answered. The letter, dated May 15, 1919, states:
Sir,
Rebecca Essex was drawing a pension, and at her death there was a month or two pay due her. I want to know if her heirs can draw that which was due at her death. Please give me the proper information.
Yours Respectfully,
John J. Essex
Compiled by Virginia Brown
June 2009 (After many years of research)
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