Almirinda Roberts was born on Oct 9, 1833 at Bartholomew County, Indiana. She was the daughter of Cornelius Roberts and Mary Polly Martin. Almirinda married David Vanderveer, son of Benjamin Dubois Vanderveer Sr. and Jane Vanderveer, on May 29, 1852 at Bartholomew County, Indiana. Almirinda Roberts died on Jan 4, 1872 at Grinnell, Powshiek County, Iowa, at age 38. Almirinda was buried at Hazelwood Cemetery, Grinnell, Powshiek County, Iowa.

     Cornelius married Mary Polly Martin.

     Mary married Cornelius Roberts.

      Horace E. Vanderveer was born circa 1853 at Indiana. He was the son of David Vanderveer and Almirinda Roberts. Horace married Mary A. (Unknown).

     Mary married Horace E. Vanderveer, son of David Vanderveer and Almirinda Roberts.

      (Unknown) Vanderveer was born on Nov 29, 1874 at Powshiek County, Iowa. He was the son of Horace E. Vanderveer and Mary A. (Unknown). (Unknown) Vanderveer died on Dec 1, 1874 at Powshiek County, Iowa.

      N. M. Vanderveer was born circa 1876. N. M. Vanderveer was the child of Horace E. Vanderveer and Mary A. (Unknown).

      Bertie Vanderveer was born in 1879 at Powshiek County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Horace E. Vanderveer and Mary A. (Unknown). Bertie Vanderveer died on Jun 22, 1880 at Powshiek County, Iowa.

      Alta Vanderveer was born circa 1878 at Illinois. She was the daughter of Horace E. Vanderveer and Mary A. (Unknown).

      Nancy VanDeventer was born in 1781. She was the daughter of Jacob VanDeventer and Mary Slater. Nancy married Hamilton Nighswonger, son of Peter Nighswonger and Jane Kerr, on Aug 10, 1809 at Washington County, Ohio.

      Hamilton Nighswonger was born in 1785 at Ohio. He was the son of Peter Nighswonger and Jane Kerr. Hamilton married Nancy VanDeventer, daughter of Jacob VanDeventer and Mary Slater, on Aug 10, 1809 at Washington County, Ohio. Hamilton Nighswonger died on Jan 25, 1854 at Versailles, Brown County, Illinois. Hamilton was buried at Southside Cemetery, Versailles, Brown County, Illinois.
     Hamilton Nighswonger purchased bought 100 acres of land from George Burns on Mar 23, 1819 at Meigs County, Ohio.

Hamilton Nighswonger purchased bought 160 acres of land at 2.00 per acre in Gallatin on Jul 23, 1819.

     Peter married Jane Kerr.

     Jane married Peter Nighswonger.

      Jacob Nighswonger was born before 1810 at Shenandoah, Virgina. He was the son of Hamilton Nighswonger and Nancy VanDeventer. Jacob Nighswonger died in 1858 at Versailles, Brown County, Illinois.

      Hamilton Nighswonger was born on Mar 15, 1810 at Ohio. He was the son of Hamilton Nighswonger and Nancy VanDeventer. Hamilton married Mary Bullard, daughter of James Bullard and Rachel Wallace, on Sep 1, 1830 at Schuyler, Illinois. Hamilton Nighswonger died on Feb 8, 1862 at Versailles, Brown County, Illinois, at age 51. Hamilton was buried at Southside Cemetery, Versailles, Brown County, Illinois.

      Mary Bullard was born on Mar 20, 1809 at Fayetteville, West Virginia. She was the daughter of James Bullard and Rachel Wallace. Mary married Hamilton Nighswonger, son of Hamilton Nighswonger and Nancy VanDeventer, on Sep 1, 1830 at Schuyler, Illinois. Mary Bullard died on Aug 21, 1896 at Versailles, Brown County, Illinois, at age 87. Mary was buried at Southside Cemetery, Versailles, Brown County, Illinois.
      AN OLD PIONEER GONE--Mrs. Mary Nighswonger
We are again called upon to announce the death of one of our old and highly respected citizens, one that was loved and respected by all who knew her.
Died at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Wateman Willey, near Versailles, 21 Aug 1896 @ 4pm was Mrs. Nighswonger, consort of the late Hamilton Nyswonger, and the daughter of James & Rachel Bullard.
The deceased was born near Fayettesville, Virginia, 30 Mar 1809, being 87y, 5 months, 22 days at the time of her death. When she went from this world od sorrow, pain and death to a home where all is in joy and peace.
She married Hamilton Nighswonger, Sept 1830.
To them were born 8 children:
2 boys and 6 girls.
One son died in the Army, August of 1863 at Memphis, TN.
One daughter died in infancy.
The living children are:
Mrs. Dicy Groves, of Drexel, MO
Mrs. Fanny Rockwood, of Concord, IL
W.H. Nighswonger, of Oklahoma
Mrs. Rachel Glaze, of Oklahoma
Mrs. Jane Willey, of Versailles, IL
She (Mary) united in the Christian Church in 1879.

     James married Rachel Wallace.

     Rachel married James Bullard.

      Jane Nighswonger was born in 1845. She was the daughter of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard. Jane married Wateman Willey.

     Wateman married Jane Nighswonger, daughter of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard.

      James M. Nighswonger was born in 1840. He was the son of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard. James M. Nighswonger died in Aug, 1863 at Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee.

      Sarah Nighswonger was born in 1838. She was the daughter of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard.

     Rhoda Nighswonger was the daughter of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard.

      Rachel Nighswonger was born in 1844. She was the daughter of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard. Rachel married (Unknown) Glaze.

     (Unknown) married Rachel Nighswonger, daughter of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard.

      William Hamilton Nighswonger was born on Mar 14, 1842 at Versailles, Brown County, Illinois. He was the son of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard. William married Fannie Von Kington, daughter of William Nicholas Kington and Magdelenna Garrett, on May 30, 1869. William Hamilton Nighswonger died on Feb 22, 1911 at Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma, at age 68. William was buried after Feb 22, 1911 at Moscow Cemetery, Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma.
     He removed to at Anthony, Harper County, Kansas, in 1883. He resided at at Avilla, Kansas, in 1885. He entered "the run" with his eldest son, William, in April 1889. They settled on the south side of the North Canadian river southwest of Mooreland.



The Nighswonger History
Rosalie A. Wegner Maclean

William Hamilton Nighswonger, of Anthony, Kansas, and his eldest son William, entered the "RUN"* when the Cherokee Outlet was opened. They staked a claim on land along the south side of the North Canadian River, about six miles south of Woodward, Oklahoma. They returned to Anthony, Kansas for supplies before building their log cabin. On their return to the site they found squatters on the place. They were able to prove ownership, having duly filed their claim, and continued to build the cabin, cut timber and make furniture before bringing the family there to live.

They brought the family in a covered wagon, bringing only necessities. Fannie, wife of William H., and their younger sons took turns driving the wagon, while the others walked and drove the livestock. One small boy fell out of the wagon and the wheel ran over him, but because the ground was sandy and wet, he was unhurt.

At first, their log cabin had only dirt floors. After harvesting a crop of wheat, they were able to have straw on the floors for warmth. Eventually, Fannie was able to crochet rag rugs for the entire house, wall to wall. Receiving worn clothing from neighbors and friends, she dyed and tore it into strips. Fannie acted as midwife, doctor and nurse to all people in the community.

In those first early years, the whole family turned out to pick up buffalo bones, which they sold to buy provisions and clothing. They also gathered buffalo chips for heat and fuel. Their house was within a few feet of a high cliff or bluff, where they dug a cave room which they used to cool milk, butter, etc. In the winter, they chopped ice from the river to place in the straw-lined dugouts for summer use. In other straw-lined holes, they stored potatoes, turnips and other vegetables. They also raised corn, which they parched in winter, and many watermelons.

The Indians were very friendly with the family and after frost they always came and camped out nearby. William gave them the remaining patch of melons. They picked and ate every one, even the small immature ones. William was known to the Indians as "Big White Chief."

The Nighswonger children would watch as the squaws prepared the meals. One interesting meal consisted of turtles, which they put alive, on their backs in a circle of fire until cooked. Then they ate them from the shell.

For entertainment, the Nighswonger children played musical instruments. Minnie the organ, Fannie the mandolin, Edward the violin, Roy the Jews harp. They also played for community dances with a friend, Billie Metzscar joining them with his accordion. Other entertainment were box suppers, shucking bees, and quilting parties. The children all attended school in a log schoolhouse.

There was much wild game to hunt for food. A family story of the two youngest was that when they went to hunt, Fannie would kneel, hands over her ears, while her brother Roy, rested the barrel of the gun (which was too heavy for him to hold steady) over her shoulder to fire.

In due time, the Nighswongers were able to build a frame house, which in later years washed away when the river, less than a quarter of a mile from the house, changed its course. The youngest son Roy, lived in the house at the time and he lost all of his possessions in the flood.

William Hamilton Nighswonger was born in Versailles, Brown County, Illinois on March 14, 1842 and died on February 22, 1911 in Woodward. His wife, Fannie Von Kington, was born in Hancock County, Illinois and died December 4, 1925 in La Mesa, California.

Seven children were born to William H. and Fannie Von Nighswonger. Cora, 1870, married George Huntoon; William was born in 1873 and his wife was Stella; Minnie, born in 1876 married Owen Smith; her twin, Miney, died at four months; Edward, born in 1879, married Fay Sheldon; Roy, born in 1881, married Lucy Riggs; and Fannie Von, born 1883, married Martin H. Wegner. All are now deceased.

William Nighswonger (my grandfather) was in the Run when the Cherokee Outlet was opened in Oklahoma.

My father, Martin Wegner, with his family of three brothers and two sisters and widowed mother, came to Woodward County in Oklahoma shortly after the Cherokee Outlet was opened. The men all filed for land in the same vicinity. One of their favorite stories is:

One day around noon, two men rode into Grandma Wegner's yard. Her sons were there and as was the custom, they asked the men to stay for dinner. One of the men noticed a pair of beautifully polished horns hanging on the wall. He took them down to inspect them more closely and out fell four hundred dollars, all the money Grandma had in the world. He said calmly, "Well look what I found," and stuffed the money back in the horn.

These men happened to be Jesse James and his brother, the notorious robbers and outlaws. The family was sure they would return and take the money, but they never did.

      Fannie Von Kington was born on Nov 29, 1842 at Plymouth, Hancock County, Illinois. She was the daughter of William Nicholas Kington and Magdelenna Garrett. Fannie married William Hamilton Nighswonger, son of Hamilton Nighswonger and Mary Bullard, on May 30, 1869. Fannie Von Kington died on Dec 4, 1925 at La Mesa, San Diego County, California, at age 83. Fannie was buried after Dec 4, 1925 at Moscow Cemetery, Woodward, Woodward County, Oklahoma.
     
MRS. HUNTOON'S MOTHER PASSES TO HER REWARD

W.R. Campbell, Mrs. Huntoon and daughter Leona, Meb Williamson, Mrs. Mary Mitchell and son Robert, attended the funeral of Mrs. W.H. Nighswonger, mother of Mrs. Huntoon, at Woodward, Oklahoma, December 9, 1924.

Mrs. Fannie Von Kinston was born at Plymouth, Illinois, November 29, 1842. Her parents moved to Brown county, Illinois, where she met W.H. Nighswonger. They were married May 30, 1869. To this union were born four sons and four daughters. Two died in their infancy. Those living now are Cora Huntoon, of Jet, Oklahoma, W.H. Nighswonger, of Cunningham, Kansas, Minnie Smith, of Phoenix, Arizona, Edward N. Nighswonger, of La Mesa, California, Leroy A. Nighswonger, of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Fannie Wegner, of Woodward, Oklahoma.

She united with the Baptist church at the age of 17 years. She lived an exemplary life, was highly esteemed and loved by all who knew her. She felt obedient to the will of the Lord; willing and ready to go at his bidding, her only request being for her children not to grieve as she was happy to meet her Saviour.

In peace with our Lord and Saviour,
To dwell with the angels blest.
Enter in at the heavenly mansions.
In peace and quiet rest.
May we live a life that's worthy,
To meet her on yonder shore
And abide in the arms of Jesus.
To dwell with thee evermore.

     William married Magdelenna Garrett.

     Magdelenna married William Nicholas Kington.

      Cora Nighswonger was born on Jun 21, 1871. She was the daughter of William Hamilton Nighswonger and Fannie Von Kington. Cora married George L. Huntoon, son of Joseph Curtis Huntoon and Mary Jane Campbell. Cora Nighswonger died before Apr 17, 1930.

      George L. Huntoon was born on Apr 21, 1865 at Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. He was the son of Joseph Curtis Huntoon and Mary Jane Campbell. George married Cora Nighswonger, daughter of William Hamilton Nighswonger and Fannie Von Kington.
      5 children living in 2003.

     Joseph married Mary Jane Campbell.

     Mary married Joseph Curtis Huntoon.

      Clara Huntoon was born on Dec 28, 1888 at Coldwater, Comanche County, Kansas. She was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger. Clara married Douglas D. Adams on Mar 23, 1908 at Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colorado. Clara married Ray A. Adams on Jan 4, 1932. Clara Huntoon died on May 15, 1949 at Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, at age 60. Clara was buried after May 15, 1949 at Inglewood Cemetery, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

     Douglas married Clara Huntoon, daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger, on Mar 23, 1908 at Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colorado. Douglas D. Adams died on Jan 24, 1930 at Denver, Denver County, Colorado; from injuries in an industrial accident. Douglas was buried at Rocky Ford, Otero County, Colorado.

      Ervin Ellis Adams was born on Jun 6, 1910. He was the son of Douglas D. Adams and Clara Huntoon. Ervin married Lois (Unknown). Ervin Ellis Adams died on Aug 30, 1989 at age 79.

     Lois married Ervin Ellis Adams, son of Douglas D. Adams and Clara Huntoon.

      Alva Aiphus Adams was born on Sep 10, 1912. He was the son of Douglas D. Adams and Clara Huntoon.

      Floy Olive Adams was born on May 24, 1909. She was the daughter of Douglas D. Adams and Clara Huntoon. Floy Olive Adams died on Sep 24, 1911 at age 2; from measles.

      Cullen Leroy Huntoon was born on Jul 15, 1890 at Kansas. He was the son of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger. Cullen married Sarah Frances Hornbeck, daughter of Jasper Newton Hornbeck and Harriet Elizabeth Strong. Cullen Leroy Huntoon died on Mar 1, 1978 at Los Angeles County, California, at age 87.

      Sarah Frances Hornbeck was born on Aug 21, 1890 at Shelby County, Illinois. She was the daughter of Jasper Newton Hornbeck and Harriet Elizabeth Strong. Sarah married Cullen Leroy Huntoon, son of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger. Sarah Frances Hornbeck died in Dec, 1971 at age 81.

     Jasper married Harriet Elizabeth Strong.

     Harriet married Jasper Newton Hornbeck.

      Jane Lea Huntoon was born circa 1920 at New York. She was the daughter of Cullen Leroy Huntoon and Sarah Frances Hornbeck. Jane married Elvin Oscar Lovein, son of Elvin A. Oscar Lovein and Erna Falk, on Aug 5, 1942 at Compton, Los Angeles County, California.

      Elvin Oscar Lovein was born on Mar 22, 1920. He was the son of Elvin A. Oscar Lovein and Erna Falk. Elvin married Jane Lea Huntoon, daughter of Cullen Leroy Huntoon and Sarah Frances Hornbeck, on Aug 5, 1942 at Compton, Los Angeles County, California. Elvin Oscar Lovein died on Jan 22, 2000 at age 79.

     Elvin married Erna Falk.

     Erna married Elvin A. Oscar Lovein.

     Georgia Frances Huntoon was the daughter of Cullen Leroy Huntoon and Sarah Frances Hornbeck.

      Robert Newton Huntoon was born on Sep 20, 1914 at Alameda County, California. He was the son of Cullen Leroy Huntoon and Sarah Frances Hornbeck. Robert married Dorothy (Unknown). Robert Newton Huntoon died on Dec 24, 2002 at age 88.

     Dorothy married Robert Newton Huntoon, son of Cullen Leroy Huntoon and Sarah Frances Hornbeck.

      Daniel C. Huntoon was born on Dec 2, 1922 at Los Angeles County, California. He was the son of Cullen Leroy Huntoon and Sarah Frances Hornbeck. Daniel married Odell (Unknown).

     Odell married Daniel C. Huntoon, son of Cullen Leroy Huntoon and Sarah Frances Hornbeck.

     Lucille Huntoon was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger. Lucille married Frank Dykes. Lucille married Albert J. Bacon.

     Frank married Lucille Huntoon, daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Enna Dykes was the daughter of Frank Dykes and Lucille Huntoon. Enna married Richard Scheel.

     Richard married Enna Dykes, daughter of Frank Dykes and Lucille Huntoon.

     Albert married Lucille Huntoon, daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Eva Huntoon was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger. Eva married Toni Rush. Eva married George Bartlett. Eva Huntoon died on Mar 28, 1924 at Denver, Denver County, Colorado. Eva was buried after Mar 28, 1924 at Fairmont Cemetery, Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

     Toni married Eva Huntoon, daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     George married Eva Huntoon, daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Ora Huntoon was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger. Ora married Richard Cans.

     Richard married Ora Huntoon, daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Richard Cans was the son of Richard Cans and Ora Huntoon.

     Marcelle Cans was the son of Richard Cans and Ora Huntoon.

     Joe Huntoon was the son of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Verdie Huntoon was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Ruth Huntoon was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger. Ruth married Jack Lund.

     Jack married Ruth Huntoon, daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     (Unknown) Lund was the daughter of Jack Lund and Ruth Huntoon.

     Orma Lund was the daughter of Jack Lund and Ruth Huntoon.

     Eunice Huntoon was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     George Huntoon was the son of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Ted Huntoon was the son of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Leona Huntoon was the daughter of George L. Huntoon and Cora Nighswonger.

     Miney Nighswonger died in 1876. She was born in 1876. She was the daughter of William Hamilton Nighswonger and Fannie Von Kington.

      Minnie Nighswonger was born in 1876. She was the daughter of William Hamilton Nighswonger and Fannie Von Kington. Minnie married Owen Smith.

     Owen married Minnie Nighswonger, daughter of William Hamilton Nighswonger and Fannie Von Kington.

      William Nighswonger was born in 1873 at Versailles, Brown County, Illinois. He was the son of William Hamilton Nighswonger and Fannie Von Kington. William married Stella Mary (Unknown).