Branch 46

Branch Captain: Cheryl Sue Cox (Sue is Branch Captain for Branch 17, which is her direct line, but has volunteered as Captain for Branch 46 because she believes that the Moses who is head of this branch may be a brother to the John who is head of Branch 17.) cscox57@verizon.net

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                                             1 UNKNOWN (1) LATTA
     Born ____ Died: ____. Married:____. Had at least one child:
2    MOSES (2).

                                             2 MOSES (2) LATTA
____ (1). Born before 1760. May be "William Moses." Died in September of 1825, in Medina County, Ohio; m. Rachel Todd, daughter of William Todd and Ann Rambo Todd before 1817. Rachel was born abt. 1775 in Westmoreland Co., PA. (The Will of Ann Todd, 1817, (Westmoreland Co., PA) from Todd Times, Vol. 7, 1998, page 10 stated that her estate be divided into eight shares; 1 to grandson William Todd; 1 to 6 grandchildren, George, William, David, James, Ann, Isabella Mathews, 1 to 2 grandchildren, Nancy Carnahan and Mary Smith, and 1 share to each of her daughters now alive; Mary Baldridge, Nancy Clark, Rebecca Sloan, Raichel Latta, and Loas Armstrong. Note from other sources, spouses were Joseph Baldridge, Joseph Clark, James Sloan, and George Armstrong. Also settlement mentions James Mathews and George Smith.) On August 12, 1778, DEED, Thomas Swaine of Carlisle, Cumberland Co., yeoman, to William Todd of Philadelphia City, coachmaker. The half-part of 4 tracts lying on the Black Log Branch of Aughwick Creek, Bedford Co. (Source: Calendar of Transactions, Deed Book A, p. 334, Bedford Co., PA. On April 2, 1779, DEED, William Todd of Philadelphia City, coachmaker, and William Pollard of the same place. The half-part of 4 tracts lying on the Black Log Branch of Aughwick Creek, Bedford County. [This tract of land lies in the EXACT proximity of land owned by JOHN LATTA of Branch 17. This portion of Bedford County became Huntingdon County, PA] William Todd is also appointed as a Justice of the Peace in Bedford County, PA on Nov. 13, 1778. (There is a William Latta of Ayr, PA, who may be the father of Moses and of John Latta, the head of Branch 17. There is a John Latta and Moses Latta listed as freemen in Peter Township, PA, at the same time that William Latta is listed at Ayr - Ayr is directly below Shirley and the Aughwick Creek area and is now located in Fulton County, PA) Moses was said to have been impressed as a Hessian by the British in the Revolutionary War, escaped and joined Washington and with him crossed the Delaware December 25, 1776. [This same story is found in Branch 17 for John Latta --- was this a story passed down in the family? Are these two branches connected?] Moses' wife was supposedly in Boston, Mass. at the time of the famous Boston Tea Party December 16, 177_. Moses Latta and his family came to Bath, Ohio in the spring of 1810. Was Moses Latta a brother to John Latta, the head of Branch 17? Did one of John's sons go west with Moses when he went to Ohio in the spring of 1810? Was the son killed by Indians in Muskingdon County, Ohio? (see beginning of Branch 48). In the Memorandum Book, Pg. 9, the Mapleton Postmaster states that Latta Grove in Huntingdon County was named after a Mr. Latta who was killed by Indians.
In a history of Summit County, under "Pioneer Women of Bath" the following narrative is told: "Mrs. Arnold remembers when a little girl, of hearing Mrs. Rachel Latta (this was Moses' wife) tell with what anxiety and dread she and her family waited to hear the result of the battle on Lake Erie. The neighbors were few and far between. Some started but they had their wagon loaded and waited. If the British were victorious they were to move quickly farther east where the settlers were more numerous, for they expected to be overpowered by the Indians and scalped without mercy. Mrs. Latta's family were great hunters; though not the first settlers in Bath were the first in the southern part of the town, coming in the spring of 1810. There were seven girls in this family, viz; Mary, Charlotte, Sally, Ursula, Rachel, Betsey and Florinda. There was an Indian camp a short distance south of the Latta home, on Latta Run, for some time after they came. One afternoon Sally was over there playing with the children, and they asked her to eat supper with them. She did not like to displease them by not staying, but did not think she could relish roast skunk, so left at the risk of offending them."

A deed recorded on 7 October 1817 in the Medina County Recorder's Vol. F, p. 30 states that Ezekiel Williams and his wife Abby provided a piece of land to the Township of Bath for the purpose of building a meeting house and establishing a burial ground. In return, Williams received the sum of $1.00 from the committee appointed by the township to obtain land for these purposes. The committee members were Jason Hammond, John Holmes, and Moses Latta.

Children:
38     WILLIAM J. (3) b. about 1799 in PA; d. Nov. 18, 1867, at the age of 68, in Monroe, Wisconsin. He is buried at the Greenwood Cemetery at Monroe, WI; m. Sarah Sturtevant in Medina County, Ohio on Feb. 7, 1823. (Medina County Marriages Microfilm No. 317443) In the 1830 Medina Co. Census, William Latta and David T. Latta are shown at Bath, along with a Joel Sturtevant. William Latta shows 1 male under 5, 1 male 30-40, 1 male 40-50, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, and 1 female 30-40.
3     DAVID TODD (3) b. August 27, 1801 in Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio.
4     JOHN DICK (3) b. December 1807.
5     FRANKLIN WASHINGTON (3) b. October 15, 1810 in Summit Co., Ohio; d. March 17, 1893.
9    JOSEPH (3). No history for him. Was he "William Joseph???"
10    SARAH/SALLY (3) b. in Ohio; m. Jacob Lindley on January 12, 1827 in Medina County, Ohio (Medina Co. Marriages Microfilm No. 317444). He was born in Connecticut July 24, 1799; d. at Bronson, Branch County, Mich. December 11, 1846. He went first to Ohio then to Mattison, near Bronson, Mich. June 3, 1836. Their children were Charlotte (m. Samuel Chatfield), Ephraim (m. Cynthia C. Brower and Mary E. Swift), Lucinda (m. Mr. Buffam), Orpha (m. Mr. McNett) and William. Mrs. Lindley claimed she had the Latta family Bible, with its record back to 1700. She now denies she has it.
11     MARY ANN (3) d. July 1, 1846; m. Mr. Henderson.
12     URSULA (3) m. Mr. Chauncey P. Ballon (may be Ballou) on Nov. 13, 1831 in Medina Co., Ohio (Medina Co. Marriages Microfilm No. 317444). They had one son, John Gilbert, born in May 13, 1842 in Bath, Ohio. He was a corporal in the U.S.V.A. Married Ella Hubbard in 1871 in Sturgis, Michigan.
13     FLORINDA (3) m. Derrick Corson on Dec. 8, 1844 in Branch County, Michigan. Branch Co. Marriage Index 3.
14    CHARLOTTE (3). b. abt. 1807; m. Elisha Herington on March 15, 1827 (Medina Co., OH marriage records, Vol. A, pg. 57 - J.P. is listed as Allen B. Smith [Herington is spelled Harrington in this original marriage record) also seen as Jan. 15, 1829 in Medina Co., Ohio (Medina Co. Marriages Microfilm No. 317444/which must be in error). 1830 Census, Canandiaqua, NY lists Elisha Herington with two males under 5, one male between ages of 15-20 [brother?], one male 20-30 [himself], one male 60-70 [father?], and one female 20-30 [wife].   The 1840 Census for Bath Co., OH lists Elisha B. Herington with one male 5-10, 2 males 10-15, 1 male 30-40, 3 females under 5, and 1 female 30-30. 6 entries below this listing is found a "Mrs. Lata with 1 male 5-10; 2 males 10-15; 1 male 15-20; 1 female 5-10, 1 female 15-20, and 1 female 40-50. The 1850 Census for Bath (now in Summit County, Ohio) shows Charlotte Harrington, age 43, with children, Franklin Harrington, 21, Orsamus Harrington, age 19, John Harrington, age 17, Frances J. Harrington, age 15, Mary A. Harrington, age 13, Eugeni Harrington, age 10, Elisha Harrington, age 8, Clay Harrington, age 6, and Edward Harrington, age 3.     Children: Franklin, Onesimus, John, Frances, Mary A., Emergene, Elisha, Henry Clay, and Edward. In a pension claim filed by Charlotte Herington in Wyandotte, Kansas on Sept. 29, 1862, Charlotte states that she is 55 years old; her husband is deceased; her son Elisha B. Herington died of typhoid fever which he contacted while in the service and she was claiming a pension because her son supplied part of her support.   Her daughter "Emergene Woodruff" also signed the document. "Emergene's" marriage record to William Woodruff is found in Jackson Co., Missours on May 25, 1862 and lists her name as "Emogene". 1870 Census for Topeka, Shawnee Co., KS shows William and Emergene Woodruff, with one son born abt. 1866 whose initials were listed as J. Woodruff. Emergene's name was listed incorrectly as "Emma J." William Woodruff is listed as a "painter" and he was listed as being born in "Penna." Charlotte's son, Ed, also is found listed as "Edmund" [1865 Census, Davies Co., KS] and "Edward". [2nd Missouri Calvary State Militia and 1865 Kansas Census at Junction City] [Special thanks to Joe Corley of P. O. Box 461, Forsyth, MT 59327 for supplying this information on Charlotte.]
39    RACHEL (3)

Moses Latta, 1 male under 10, 1 male 10-16, 2 males 18-26, 1 male over 45, 4 females under 10, 1 female 10-16, 1 female 10-26, 1 female 26-45, (3 for occupations - Agriculture)

William Latta, 1 male under 5, 1 male 30-40, 1 male 40-50, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 30-40

                                 5 FRANKLIN WASHINGTON (3) LATTA
     Moses (2) ____ (1). Born in Summit Co., Ohio October 15, 1810. Died: March 17, 1893
at home of his son-in-law, Samuel Northway. Married: Sarah Cornell. 1870 Census - Bronson, Branch Co., Michigan - In the household of Merritt Pancost and his wife Matilda, is found Frank Latta, age 60, works in sawmill (as did Merritt Pancost) along with a Kirk Sherman, age 24, who work in the sawmill. They were evidently boarding with the Pancost family. Frank Latta was listed as being born in OH. 1880 Census - Bronson, Branch Co., Michigan - In the household of Geo. Hanks is found Frank Latty, age 70, laborer, born in OH. One daughter:
28     JANE W. (4) b. Jan. 6, 1838; d. in Portland, OR. Buried next to her husband in Fairview Cemetery, Portis, KS. Married: Samuel P. Northway on June 14, 1863 in Branch County, Michigan. (Michigan Marriages from 1840 to 1899, Surnames Beginning with M to N, page 100) Children: William Ren Northway and Samuel Norway, JR (or II). Samuel II stayed in Osborne Co., KS. Jane and Samuel Northway are buried in the Osborne Cemetery, Osborne Co., KS. Jane died here at the home of her son, William and his wife, Blanche. William and Jane had two children: William Henry and Thomas Northway.     1880 Census - Osborne, Osborne Co., Kansas - Samuel P. Northway, 46, farmer, born in OH; Jane W. Northway, 42, wife, born in OH; Lorenzo M. Northway, 19, farmer, born in MI; William W. Northway, 15, farmer, born in MI.

                                         6 MOSES (4) LATTA
     David T. (3) Moses (2) ____ (1). Born at Copley, Summit Co., Ohio August 16, 1831; d. November 8, 1907; m. Melissa Jane West Silabaugh September 25, 1873. She was born March 9, 1844 and died April 1, 1904 of dropsy and heart failure. Obituary: STEUBEN REPUBLICAN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1904, page 1, column 5
MELISSA JANE (WEST) SILABAUGH LATTA, 09 Mar 1844 -01 Apr 1904: Melissa Jane West was born in Jackson township, Steuben County, Indiana, March 9, 1844, and died at her home in Jamestown, Ind., April 1, 1904, aged 60 years and 22 days. At the age of 13 years, she was baptized and united with the church, living a constant Christian life for the past 48 years. On Aug 30, 1868, she was married to Robert Silabaugh and to their union were born two sons, Milo J. and Robert M., and on October 6, 1872, he departed this life, leaving her with two small children to care for, and to fulfill a father's and mother's mission, doing every kind of work to support and make for them a home nor ever thinking it a hard task, taking God as her chief advisor to help her through sunshine as well as storm. On September 25, 1873, she married Moses Latta, and to this union were born five children, two daughters and three sons, the two youngest dying in infancy. There remain Abbie U., Jennie E. and Moses, Jr., to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. She has been spared to see them all grown up to be useful men and women.   For the last eight years she has been a constant sufferer with dropsy and heart failure, not being able to do much housework or walk out to the neighbors. She leaves an aged husband, five children, two grand-children, one sister, two brothers and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss of a kind and loving mother and friend. The history of her life is one of gentleness; her disposition was one of kindness. "The Lord Giveth his Beloved Sleep." "One less at home! The charmed circle broken - a dear face Missed day by day from its usual place; But cleansed, saved, perfected by grace - One more in Heaven." Moses and Melissa both died at Jamestown, Steuben Co., Ind. Children:
29    ABBY URSULA (5) b. August 6, 1874 at Bronson, Mich.; d. June 14, 1953; buried at Jamestown Cemetery; Married twice: in Steuben County, Ohio, (Vol. 5, page 185) on 02 Apr 1892, married Joseph Rohrabaugh (05 Feb 1861 - 1927), son of Joseph Sr. and Mary Ann (Frick) Rohrabaugh. Abbie and Joseph Jr. are buried at Jamestown Cemetery. She married 2nd, Jacob Roush. In 1935 lived at Angola, Ind. R.F.D.
30    MOSES (5) b. August 16, 1877 at Angola, Ind.; m. Della Thompson near Orland,
Ind. December 25, 1906. She was born October 30, 1869. 1920 Census - Millgrove, Steuben County, Indiana: Latta, Moses, age 43, born in Indiana, father born in Ohio, mother born in Indiana, milkman on dairy farm; wife Della, age 50, born in Indiana. In 1935 they lived at Angola, Ind. R.F.D.
31    JENNIE EVALINE (5) b. August 4, 1875 at Bronson, Mich. d. 1956. Buried at Jamestown Cemetery, Steuben Co., Ind; Married twice: 1) Edward Eugene Ladd in Steuben County, Ohio, on November 16, 1892. (Vol. 5, page 228). He died at Union City, Mich. March 27, 1909. 2) Joseph Katz at Colon, Mich. February 21, 1911. He died at Burlington, Mich. July 11, 1935. She lives at Burlington, Mich.

(two other sons died in infancy. There is a tombstone for a D. A. Latta who died on Jan. 24, 1879 in the Adams Cemetery, Bronson Co., Michigan. This could be one of these sons.)

Steuben Republican, April 6, 1904, page 8, column 4, "Jamestown Items"

   Milo Sillabaugh and Mrs. Jennie Ladd of Sherwood who were called here by the sickness and death of their mother, Mrs. Latta, have returned to their homes. Mrs. Jane Latta, for years a resident of this place, died at her home April 1, aged 60 years. Mrs. Latta was a very intelligent, bright woman and was esteemed by every one for her kindness and Christian charity. Though a great sufferer for years from dropsy and heart trouble, she was
always patient and cheerful, making life pleasant for those around her.   She will be missed by the home circle and the community.

                                        7 DAVID AARON (3) LATTA
     David T. (3) Moses (2) ____ (1). Born at Euclid, Ohio September 18, 1845; d. July 16, 1887; m. Sarah Emily Courten in Branch County, at Bronson, Mich. February 20, 1878. She was the daughter of Stephen Courten of Thorney, Cambridgeshire, England, and Predence Little Clevenger of Waynetown, Monmouth Co., New Jersey. She was born at Macedon, N.Y. August 11, 1853 and died at Bronson, Mich. January 6, 1916. David Aaron Latta and Sarah are buried at the Adams Cemetery, Smoker Road, Bronson Twp, Branch Co., Michigan.   There is also an "Arthur J. Latta" buried in the Adams Cemetery.

Children:
32     STEPHEN ELROY (5) b. January 24, 1879; d. August 31, 1879. Buried at the Adams Cemetery, Smoker Road, Bronson Twp, Branch Co., Michigan. Tombstone says: S.E. Latta, died August 31, 1879. There is also a "D.A. Latta" buried in the cemetery who died on Jan. 24, 1879. Could this be a twin to Stephen who died at birth?
33     CLARA ETHEL (5) b. June 8, 1880; m. Arthur Jesse Van Nuys at Bronson, Mich.
December 25, 1906. He was Born: June 12, 1879. He was the son of Jacob Hardenburgh Van Nuys and Lucinda Evans. (St. Joseph Co., MI Marriage Index 1889-1925, Bk G, page 296) Lived at Three Rivers, Mich. In 1935 lived at 209 No. Clay Street, Coldwater, Mich. Mrs. Van Nuys, daughter of 7 David A. Latta, said that her father's people were related to the early presidents and that some of her mother's people came over on the "Mayflower". In 1935 lived at 192 N. Clay Street, Coldwater, Michigan. Teacher.
34     PERCIVAL LYLE (5) b. May 20, 1894. Served in Tanks Corps in World War in France. Trained at Gettysburg, Pa. Violin maker. In 1935 lived at 209 No. Clay Street, Coldwater, Mich.

                                         8 ALONZO BISBAY (4) LATTA
     John D. (3) Moses (2) ____ (1). Born at Bronson, Mich. March 30, 1843; d. August 25,
1930. Buried in the Downs Cemetery, at Downs, Osborne County, Kansas. Married Alwilda A. Barnard, daughter of George Barnard at Sidney, Iowa in 1876. She died March 4, 1891 at Downs, Kan. He served three years in "K" Co. 15th Mich. Inf. Civil War, and also in Company H, 11th Michigan Infantry, Union Army. Went to Kan. in early 70's; retired from railroad business in 1903. 1920 Census - Downs, Osborne County, Kansas: Alonzo D. Latta, age 76, born in Michigan, father born in Ohio, mother born in Vermont; living with daughter, Grace I. Stephenson, age 38, born in Kansas, son-in-law, Chambers L. Stephenson, age 40, born in Ohio. Chambers was a brakeman for the railroad.
35    EDITH BELL (3) b. at Sidney, Iowa December 23, 1877; m. H.A. Meibergen. In
1935 lived at Downs, Kan.
36    GRACE IRENE (5) b. at Downs, Kan. July 7, 1881; m. Chambers L. Stephenson
September 25, 1918 at Concordia, Kan. He was killed in December 1833. In 1935 she lived at
912 College Street, Downs, Kan. Child: Jaqueline L. b. in 1923.
37     HARRY EARL (5) b. March 4, 1891 at Downs, Kan. His mother died at his birth.
Adopted by a near relative and took the name of H.E. Hurst. In 1935 serving as a marine in the 5th Regt. U.S. Marine Corps, Managua, Nicaragua.

Moses (2) Unknown (1) William Latta was born about 1799 in Pennsylvania; d. Nov. 18, 1867 in Monroe, Wisconsin; buried in the Greenwood Cemetery; m. Sarah Sturtevant in Medina County, Ohio on Feb. 7, 1823. (Medina County Marriages Microfilm No. 317443) Sarah was the "widow of Daniel P. STURDEVANT, who died 6 Sep 1822 in Portage, OH [I presume at home of parents, Abijah and Polly STURDEVANT, who lived at Shalersville, Portage, OH]. [All that according to WFT of Andrea Eaton.] [Error in tree says Daniel and Sarah HALL were married 1819 in Susquahanna, PA, but this area was Luzerme County at that time.] Sarah HALL, who apparently was b. 1800 according to census listings, was born 1800 at Hopkinton, Washington, RI, daughter of Jonathan HALL (wife's name unknown). HALL family found in 1810 census at Abington, Luzerne, PA, and in 1820 census at Bath, Medina, OH, three households below Moses LATTA and six households below Daniel STURDEVANT. I presume that the Elijah HALL immediately below Jonathan HALL was his son." - Larry Sullivan-Jan., 2006.(E-mail - Jan. 2006 - The birthplace of Sarah LATTA, who I believe to be the same woman, is listed on all census records as Rhode Island. I suspect, without proof, that her father was either Jonathan HALL or Elijah HALL, who are listed in the 1820 census for Bath Twp. six and seven households below Daniel STURDEVANT, with Moses LATTA halfway between them....I chanced upon the following item in Ancestry.Com's newspaper collection: Ohio Repository, The (Canton, Ohio) > 1822 > November > 14 NOTICE Is hereby given to all persons having just claims against the estate of Daniel P. Sturdevant, late of Bath township, Medina county, O. dec'd that they exhibit their claims legally proven for adjustment, within one year from the 24th of September last. -- And those indebted to said estate, are requested to make immediate payment to Moses Latta, Adm'r Sarah Sturdevant, Adm'rx Oct 20 25-4t.-- Larry Sullivan, Glasgow, Kentucky)

Sarah (Sara) died on Sept. 9, 1877 at the age of 80, and is buried in the Fawn River Cemetery, St. Joseph, Michigan.

William was a noted counterfeiter in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. 1880 Census, Fort Madison, Lee County, Iowa: Latta, William J., age 60, farmer, born PA, "counterfeiter." (This was a list of men only, and I assume were the men in prison at Fort Madison.)

The Ohio Repository, Canton, OH, 3 Oct 1839: "At the September term of the Common Pleas of Portage county, Ohio. William Latta, a counterfeiter was tried and acquitted; the witness brought forward not being able to swear, without implicating himself." (e-mail - Larry Sullivan - Jan. 2006)

(Larry Sullivan - Jan. 2006) Flailing about for the name of the noted counterfeiter in the Akron area in whose footprints William Latta followed I stumbled upon several fascinating tales of a clan of counterfeiters -- whose trade apparently extended back to Europe -- named Sturdivant. I always doubt coincidence, and this made me wonder if Latta hadn't married into this strain. Wasn't his wife's maiden name STURTEVANT? Here is one of the more complete articles, which appeared on something called "Jon's Southern Illinois History Page": http://www.illinoishistory.com/sturdivantraid.htmlWilliam Latta was convicted, possibly a "first" in his long time career in crime, and served time in the Iowa State Penitentiary at Ft. Madison, but was pardoned by the governor. A few news items from papers accessible on the web confirmed that the governor pardoned Latta, in return for Latta's agreement to pump $20,000 in funny money into a political campaign then under way in western Iowa. William lived in Orange Twp., Noble County, on the LaGrange County line, in the 1840 census; in Fawn River, St. Joseph Co., Michigan in the 1850 census; in Burr Oak, Michigan about 1855; in Wisconsin in 1860. His son resided in Wisconsin in 1870; and went back to Michigan in Branch and St. Joseph Counties, in 1880, and then to Grand Rapids in 1900. William Latta was registered in the 1860 census both in the State Penitentiary at Ft. Madison, IA, and in the home of his son and family at Monroe, Green County, WI.

William Latta was appointed Postmaster at Bath, Summit County, OH on 01/04/1833. Could this be the same William Latta? You can go to _http://www.usps.com/postmasterfinder USPS - Postmaster Finder, Postmaster And "Where they served" then type in last name - Latta

Latta Lake, Noble County, Indiana: Kendallville Library in Noble County. "Latta Lake was named after William Latta, who built a saw-mill at its end where it flows into Sylvan Lake. The mill operated for the brief time necessary to cut lumber for the shoring up of Sylvan Lake. Abandoned, it became a hide-out for the "blacklegs", gangs of local counterfeiters and horse thieves."

When 25-year-old Samuel Alvord came to Noble County from his native Pennsylvania in 1849, the future historian-attorney-newspaper publisher completed his journey by walking from Fort Wayne to Northport (now Rome City). Tired and dusty by the time he left Angling Road, Alvord was toiling along Northport Road about a mile east of his destination, when he asked a farmer sitting on his little porch how far it was to Northport. This query received a pleasant answer and an invitation: "Young man, you look tired. Better sit down and rest here for awhile." Alvord accepted and was given a cup of refreshing well water and offered a basket of "splendid peaches." The two conversed for over an hour, then Alvord was directed to "Dave Law’s tavern" in Northport, and he resumed his walk. It was some time later that he learned his host that day had been one of the leading blacklegs of Noble County — the notorious William "Bill" Hill. His co-leaders of the gang of horse thieves and counterfeiters who plagued Noble County and northeast Indiana for almost 20 years were William Latta and George T. Ulmer, all believed to have come to the area from Portage County, Ohio. (I have yet to discover a satisfactory definition of "blackleg." Webster’s Third New International says a "professional gambler, or swindler." I suppose a counterfeiter is a sort of swindler). It was in search of a mill site just north of Latta Lake that my daughter and I spent part of a morning skirting and probing the area east of Sylvan Lake. Its road were rough and narrow. We didn’t venture far. I had been told by a resident that William Latta operated a mill in that area, approximately bordered by Sylvan Lake (known as the reservoir in those days) and its adjoining swamps on the west, Northport Road on the north, Angling Road on the east and C.R. 850N on the south — consisting mostly of Sections 13 and 14 in Orange Township. Now, as then, the area is heavily wooded, cut by steep ravines, said to include the second highest point of land in Noble County, and with relatively few inhabitants or public roads. It includes, according to our informant, the site of the "old butter bowl mill," said to have been burned down during the Civil War. Its undershot wheel was powered by a stream draining unnamed lakes to the north. Apparently it was named for the butter bowls it turned out, used as a butter container at the time. Latta is perhaps best known for his sawmill built about 1835 at the outlet of what became the reservoir intended for use as a feeder for the Fort Wayne-Michigan City canal, but never dug as the state ran out of money. "His mill did good work for a number of years sawing large quantities of lumber for the dam at Rome City and for culverts over the canal," according to M.F. Owen, Orange Township historian. As the dam was completed in 1839, when all canal work ceased, it could have been about at that time that Latta built the butter bowl mill. The nearest document we have to an official — and presumably accurate — account of the Regulators who pursued the blacklegs — was published in 1859 "by the Order of the Central Committee." It must be presumed to have some formal status for the period beginning in 1836 and concludes with the lynching of Gregory McDougle on Diamond Lake Hill Jan. 12, 1858. It includes McDougle’s lengthy confession, in which he twice refers to stolen goods he passed along to Latta, implicating him at least as a co-conspirator if not an actual thief. Early in the "History" of the Central Committee is the declaration that "William Latta, Wm. D. Hill and George T. Ulmer were among the chief pioneers and leaders of the banditti of Northern Indiana. Three more sagacious and artful accomplices are seldom found." It would seem that Latta was never apprehended or confined, since in the "History" there is a reference to him receiving a letter in Iowa from John McDougle, Gregory’s brother. It appears that he is the only blackleg to have a Noble County lake named for him. Another tantalizing clue is a reference to the apprehension of Malcom Burnham, suspected of making bogus (counterfeit) coins. He occupied the farm formerly owned by "William Latta (now by D.L. Barber). Does this "now" refer to 1859, when the "History" was published? Interestingly enough, an 1861 Noble County plat map indicates property on Angling Road, just south of where Northport Road tees into it. The owner is shown as I. Barber.

BOB GAGEN’S mailing address is P.O. Box 11, ?Albion, IN 46701. Comments from readers are welcome.

41 NAPOLEON BOWEN (4) b. abt. 1830 in Ohio. Also a noted counterfeiter. An article in The Fort Wayne Sentinel on April 10, 1858 read: "Bowen Latta, son of the far-famed William Latta, was arrested a few days ago at Galesburg, Ills. Four Thousand Dollars in counterfeit notes on a Massachusetts Bank were found on his person."

42 HARRIETT (4) b. 1837 in Indiana; d. 1916; buried in the Fawn River Cemetery with her husband, in St. Joseph, Michigan; m. Thomas Buck. Children: Jennie E. Buck. Never married. Buried in the Fawn River Cemetery. There is also a Jemina Samson, buried in the same lot (Lot 33), who died in 1875. Could this have been another daughter? 1870 Census, Fawn River, St. Joseph, MI: Buck, Thomas, 38, b. NY, Harriet, 33, born IN; Jennie E., 12, b. NY. 1880 Census: Buck, Harrett, 48, keeps house (alone), b. IN.

Fawn River Cemetery, Lot 33
Harriet Latta Buck, born 1837, died 1916 [daughter of W & S Latta]
Jennie Buck, no date on marker [daughter of Harriet & Thomas Buck]
Tom Buck, no date, did reside in Fawn River Village
Jemina Samson, died in 1875 [presumed daughter of W & S Latta*]
Sara Latta, died 9 Sep 1877, age 80 years

It seems logical that Jemima was the unidentified "female 15-20" in 1840 census for William Latta in Orange Twp., Noble, IN. The 1850 census for Fawn River shows Jemima Sampson, 37, b. NJ, with husband Ira, 39, and daughter Sarah, 9, b. MI. In 1830 census there is an Ira Sampson (male & female 20-30, no children) at Niles, Barry County, MI. Family not found in 1860 -- perhaps he's on the lam with the Lattas -- but in 1870 Jemima Sampson, 47, b. NJ, is at poor house in Fawn River, listed as insane. Ira still missing in 1870, but 10 years later, at age 69 and alone, he was boarding on a farm at White Pigeon in St. Joseph County.

In the 1830 Medina Co. Census, William Latta and David T. Latta are shown at Bath, along with a Joel Sturtevant. William Latta shows 1 male under 5, 1 male 30-40, 1 male 40-50, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, and 1 female 30-40. Was he the William Latta who was a tavern keeper in Montrose, Ohio, who was a counterfeiter? See website at http://www.copley.oh.us/history.html. Was he the counterfeiter at Bath, Ohio? And a member of the blackleg gang in Noble County, Indiana?

William (3) Moses (2) Unknown (1) Napoleon Bowen Latta was born about 1830 in Ohio. By the time he was 9 years old, his family had moved to Indiana. He was an inn keeper in Fawn River, St. Joseph County, Michigan at the age of 22. He was also found to be a counterfeiter, as was his father, William. See article below. Married Margaret ___________. In 1880 he was listed as a grocer in Coldwater District, Branch County, Michigan. In 1900, he was listed as being a "collector" in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan.

44 CLAY R. (5) b. abt. 1860 in Wisconsin; buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, Green County, WI. (no date) buried in Row 5, Block 3, Lot 17, along with his grandfather, William Latta.

45 MAGGIE M. (5) b. abt. 1873 in WisconsinGrand Rapids City Directory, 1889-90 Napoleon B Latta 362 Jefferson avenue ins agent 1840 census Orange, Noble, IN William Latta - 1 male 10-15, 1 male 20-30, 1 male 40-50, 1 male 50-60; 1 female under 5, 1 female 15-20; 1 female 30-40 1850 census Fawn River, St. Joseph, MI Wm. Latta, 50, farmer, b. PA Sarah, 50, b. RI Napoleon B., 22, b. OH, inn keeper Harriett, 13, b. IN1860 census Monroe, Green Co., WI N.B. Latta, 30, b. OH, farmer Mag., 24, b. PA F.H. (male), 3 Clay R., 11/12 Wm., 60, farmer, b. PA Sarah, 60, b. RI 1870 census Monroe, Green Co., WI (enumerated June10) N.B. Latta, 41, produce dealer, b. OH Margaret, 31, b. PA Francis, 13, b. IA 1880 census Coldwater District 30, Branch, MI Latta, N.B., 53, husband, grocer, b. IN Margaret J., 44, wife, b. PA Francis H., 21, son, laborer, b. IA Maggie M., 10, daughter, b. WI1900 census Ward 1 Grand Rapids, Kent Co., MI Napolean Latta, 72, b. Dec 1827, OH, collector Margarita, 68, wife, b. July 1831, PA (4 kids/2 alive) Maggie M., 27, daughter, b. July 1872, WI, single, unemployed Article in The Fort Wayne (Indiana) Sentinel, 10 April 1858, p.2: "BOWEN LATTA, son of the far-famed William Latta, was arrested a few days ago at Galesburg, Ills. Four thousand dollars of counterfeit (pound sign+s) on a Massachusetts Bank were found on his person." Long article in Davenport (Iowa) Daily Gazette, 27 Aug 1860, p.2, refers to an earlier article in the Republican News, published in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in which the Rev. Henry Clay Dean accused Gov. Kirkwood of the "pardoning of Latta, the counterfeiter, out of the State Penitentiary, because he (the Governor) was engaged in the same business with Latta." The article goes on to say, "Our informant affirms that he heard Dean say distinctly, three times during the progress of his speech, that Gov. Kirkwood pardoned Latta out of the penitentiary under the express agreement that he (Latta) should circulate $20,000 of counterfeit money in the western part of this State to assist in carrying the state for the Black Republicans." ----- 1938 Noble County Retrospect Based on "Indiana Review," published by the State Legislature Noble County was among the last counties to be vacated by the Indians and as late as 1848 there were villages of both the Miamis and Pottawatomies in Noble County. Many evidences of Mound Builders are found all over the county. This county is located in the lake region in northeastern Indiana and its surface is dotted with twenty-three large and many small lakes. The largest is about 1,100 acres. There are no important resort centers, with the exception of Sylvan Lake at Rome City. Sylvan is an artificial lake and was the site at which Gene Stratton Porter built "Limberlost Cabin," in 1904. In the early history of Indiana, there was a famous band of horse thieves and counterfeiters who had headquarters in this county. They were called "Blacklegs." this gang was notorious all over the United States, and every township was infested with them, but the safest place was in the northeastern part around Rome City at a spot called "The Tamarack." Here is where they made their bogus money. In 1852, the State Legislature enacted a law authorizing the formation of companies of "Regulators" to put a stop to their operation. Several companies were formed in Noble County who soon overthrew the "Blacklegs."

Just thought I'd pass this on to you in case you think it's worth spending $12 to see "Blacklegs" William Latta's prison record. Can't imagine what it contains, but would not be surprised if his brief incarceration in Iowa was his only imprisonment in some 40 years in a life of crime.

He was arrested in Iowa in April 1859, apparently tried and convicted later that spring, and sent to the State Reformatory at Ft. Madison. Later news stories indicate he was released by a pardon from Gov. Samuel Kirkwood in June 1860. The cleric who claimed Latta bought his way out of the pen by promising to pump $20,000 in counterfeit money into a political race then under way in western Iowa was apparently a political zealot known for fiery speeches and wild accusations. He later denied making such a charge. I sent a short update on this story to the Noble County and Lagrange County GenWeb pages, where links to the "Latta's Mill" story on the Latta Genealogy Newsletter website had been posted earlier. I do not plan to do anything else with the story, although I plan to visit the Indiana Archives in Indianapolis this spring to seek records on the Home Guard unit in Kendallville headed by Joseph Latta. I also plan to dig around to see if my assumption of kinship between Joseph and the William Latta found in 1860 DeKalb County. I still think he and Joseph's father, John Latta, must have been brothers or first-cousins.

I checked with the Prison and they will check their records but require $12.00 money order before they will do this. If you with to contact them write to Carol Robinson, c/o Iowa State Prison, PO Box 316, Fort Madison, IA 52627

*See more on William Latta
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END OF BRANCH....................................................NOTES BELOW
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Mrs. Van Nuys, family 7, has a letter written by Clarinda Ford, a sister to Elizabeth
Golden Latta, family 3. The letter mentions Perryburg. Must be Perryburg, Wood Co., Ohio, 10 miles S.W. of Toledo. Also mentions her cousin, Daniel G. Latta. it said: "I had a letter from Jane and she said Marion had been out to Uncle Robert's and Uncle Eyra" in branch No. 26, Eyra Latta was born in Beaver Co., Pa. 1819, d. in 1899 at E. Palestine, Ohio. This was at the date of the letter. Two of the children of Eyra Latta were Marion Cline and Alonzo in 1855. Alonzo had a son named Eyra. Clarinda Ford may have referred to these two, Marion and Eyra. If so, this would unit branches 26 and 46.

March 24, 1805, Ann Todd, mother of Rachel Todd Latta, family 2, wrote to her and her
husband, Moses Latta and directed the letter to Youngstown, New Connecticut. Mailed at
Greensburg, Pa. She mentions Sophia, Rebecca, John at Lancaster and George. Evidently her children.

Thank you very much for this information. The reason I was delving into this line at all was because of one LATTA article you bring to my attention. I had written a story years ago about the "Blacklegs," who had upset my mother greatly because she felt some of her own ancestors had been involved. They weren't, but the real "Blacklegs" William was not unmasked until Sue Lattea Cox did the job last year. So, for the second time in about 40 years, I went off chasing the rascal once again, running him to ground finally in Wisconsin, where he settled down (I hope) after being freed from the Iowa State Penitentiary on a pardon from the governor. He died in 1867, and the family later returned to Michigan -- now that the heat was off -- and Sarah died there much more quietly than I'm sure she lived. Sue and I have put together an "intercepted letter" article (from me to her) blending her story with my efforts chasing William LATTA to the end of the story. The article is to appear in the next issue of "The Latta Newsletter."

I posted your first email to the Sturdevant group on Yahoo to see what other information might be had and received this in reply. I don't know if you've ever been on the Sturdevant Group but they are a very active group and have tons of information that is made available to those who are members, with that bit of information in case you've never been on the group, I now post this response:

This Sarah Latta does appear to have been the wife of Daniel P., son of Abijah Sturdevant and Mary Penfield. I have Daniel born August 13, 1794 in Steuben Co., NY and died September 06, 1822 in Bath, Medina Co., Ohio. I have Sarah born about 1791 in NY, which doesn't really line up with the ~1797 date provided..but I don't have a source for that birth date or loc, and I didn't have any info on what became of wife Sarah after Daniel's death.

William Latta's marriage to Sarah (Hall) Sturdevant in Medina County, Ohio on Feb. 7, 1823. (Medina County Marriages Microfilm No. 317443) seems more than plausable. In the 1830 Medina Co., OH Census, William Latta and David Latta are enumerated in Bath, right next to Daniel's brother Joel and members of Joel's wife Diana Capron's family. William Latta shows 1 male under 5, 1 male 30-40, 1 male 40-50, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, and 1 female 30-40. The 2 younger girls in the household are of interest because we would expect Daniel & Sarah's children Orpha A. (b abt 1816) and Julia (b March 19, 1820) to be in the household...and they line up perfectly. If we now follow Orpha, we find her still in Bath on August 20, 1834, when she married Humphrey Robinson. I followed Orpha because she died in Bronson, Branch Co., Michigan, where some of William Latta's direct family appear to have spent their final days. Along the western border of Branch county is St Joseph County, where we find Fawn River Cemetery, and the burial in question:

"Lot 33. Harriet Latta Buck, born 1837, died 1916 Jennie Buck, no date on marker Tom Buck, no date, did reside in Fawn River Village Jemina Samson, died in 1875 Sara Latta, died 9 September 1877, age 80 years"

I don't have any record for the date/place of Sarah's birth, but I'll look around..

Also of particular interest is the Latta Counterfeiting stories, which seem at a glance to coincide with that of Daniels grandfather James, uncle Azor, and Azor's sons.

My research on this line resulted in the conclusion that your tree's entries are accurate except for the origin or birth of Daniel's wife, Sarah HALL, being Susquehanna, PA, and the place of her death and burial being in Portage, OH.

Prior to their marriage (Tree says 1819) both their families had been living in Luzerne County, PA, the Sturdevants in Braintrim Twp. and the Halls in Abington Twp. I presume these locations are near Susquehanna County, which was formed from Luzerne in 1810.

Census trail shows Sarah HALL STURDEVANT doubtless was the daughter of Jonathan HALL (mother's name unknown), who is found in 1800 at Hopkinton, Washington, RI; in 1810 at Abington, Luzerne, PA; and in 1820 at Bath, Medina, OH, three households below Moses LATTA and six below Daniel STURDEVANT.

I have not seen the record, but a LATTA researcher informed me that Moses LATTA's oldest son, William, and the widow Sarah STURDEVANT were wed in 1823 in Bath. They were still there in 1830, two households removed from her late husband's brother, Joel STURDEVANT.

It is probably extraneous to your tree, but you might be interested in knowing that the LATTAs continued to live in Bath until the late 1830's and then moved west to Orange, Noble, IN. I presume Sarah's two daughters by Daniel STURDEVANT were on their own, perhaps married, and remained in Ohio. Your tree has their names along with spouses. Sarah and William LATTA had

one son and one daughter, although there was another girl, born 1820-25, in the household in the 1840 census I have been unable to identify (perhaps one of the girls by Sturdevant?). 1850 the family had moved to Fawn River, St. Joseph, MI, just across the state line.

As I mentioned earlier, Sarah died in Fawn River 9 Sep 1877 (St. Joseph County Death Records Book 1, P. 103) and is buried at Fawn River Cemetery in Lot 33, alongside her youngest daughter, son-in-law and their daughter.

I think your source for her having died in Portage, OH, may have assumed that from the fact that her first husband died there and was unaware of Sarah's second marriage. Daniel STURDEVANT's parents lived at Shalersville, Portage, OH, and that probably is where he died.

I ran across one of my STURDEVANT Yahoo Group responses on your page http://www.latta.org/Branches/Branch%2046.htm, and have some info you might like to add. The last line on the page speculates "Daniel STURDEVANT's parents lived at Shalersville, Portage, OH, and that probably is where he died." I have his death as occurring in Bath, per the following article, which also clinches the Sarah Hall Sturdevant - Latta relationship (as she and her future father-in-law appear on the same document). Of course, your research had already left no reason to dispute that *our* Daniel's wife Sarah and *your* William's wife Sarah were one-in-the-same.

IS hereby given to all persons having just claims against the estate of Daniel P. Sturdevant, late of Bath township, Medina county, O. dec'd. that they exhibit their claims legally proven for adjustment, within one year from the 24th of September last.----And those indebted to said estate, are requested to make immediate payment to Moses Latta, Adm'r. Sarah Sturdevant, Adm'rx