Notes:

Elizabeth Boots was born 12 July 1841, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and died 11 February 1922. She married 21 November 1867, as his 2nd wife, Andrew Michael LIEBENDORFER, son of Johann Jacob LIEBENDORFER, III and Christiana BRENNAMAN, who was born 5 December 1829, and died 3 February 1917. He married 1st, 12 May 1853, Isabell KNAPP, who died 6 January 1865. Andrew Liebendorfer and Elizabeth Boots are both buried in the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Cemetery, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

The Obituary of Elizabeth Liebendorfer appeared in the Ellwood Ledger, in its issues of Saturday, 11 February 1922, and Monday, 13 February 1922:

" Mrs. Liebendorfer Dies at Noon Today

"Mrs. A. M. Liebendorfer of Wurtemburg died this morning after a short illness. Mrs. Liebendorfer is well known in Wurtemburg having lived there for a number of years. She is survived by two children, Marie, who is at home, and Mrs. Frank Marshall of Perry Township."

" Services for Mrs. Liebendorfer Tuesday

"Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Liebendorfer of Wurtemburg who died Saturday at noon will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 from the Wurtemburg M. E. Church conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. K. Pollock.

"Mrs. Liebendorfer, aged 80 years, died following a few days' illness of pneumonia, at her home in Wurtemburg, where she has resided the greater portion of her life. She was the wife of Andrew M. Liebendorfer who died a number of years ago.

"She is survived by several step-children and two daughters, Mrs. John Marshall of Perry Township, and Miss Mazie Liebendorfer, at home."

Elizabeth married Andrew Michael Liebendorfer on 21 Nov 1867. Andrew (son of Jacob Liebendorfer, III and Christiana Brennaman) was born on 5 Dec 1842; died on 3 Feb 1917; was buried in Wurtemburg Prebyterian Cemetery, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Carrie V. Liebendorfer was born on 2 Mar 1869; died on 24 Jul 1869.
2. Mary Eva Liebendorfer was born on 1 Apr 1870; died in 1959; was buried in Wurtemburg Prebyterian Cemetery, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.
3. Amos A. Liebendorfer was born on 21 Dec 1872; died on 15 Mar 1902; was buried in Wurtemburg Prebyterian Cemetery, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.
4. Effie Irene Liebendorfer was born on 27 Sep 1876; died on 20 Feb 1922; was buried in Wurtemburg Prebyterian Cemetery, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

Notes:

Samuel Boots was born 25 May 1816 in Sussex County, England. He was baptized 7 July 1816, in the Wesleyan Chapel at Sandhurst, Kent County, England, the entry reading:

"July 7, 1816. Samuel, son of Ambrose & Elizabth Boots, Staple X Ewhurst Sussex, Carpenter & Joiner. Josh Wilson, Minister."
----------
Samuel Boots died 20 June 1896, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. He married Harriet WILDE , who was born 13 September 1815, in Lancashire, England, and died 16 March 1875, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Some accounts spell her name 'Wild', or 'Wilde', and her tombstone spells the name 'Wylde'. However, one of her descendants has a Sampler which she made as a teenager, on which she spelled her name Harriet Wilde. In addition to being a Preacher, Samuel was a Carpenter. John C. Boots, grandfather of this writer, recalled that when his grandfather, Samuel Boots, conducted a funeral, he had very often made the coffin as well. In the 1860 Census of Beaver County, he lists his occupation as 'Wagon Maker'. Samuel and Harriet are both buried in the North Sewickley Cemetery, North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. They had eight children.

From the (1907) memoirs of Mary J. Belles, contained in the Concord Church Booklet

[Concord Methodist Episcopal Church, North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, 1835-1926 (Beaver Falls: Beaver Falls Review Print, 1926):

"Samuel Boots, local preacher, was active, talented and might have succeeded well as an itinerant preacher had he felt called in that direction. He preached without money and without price, ever happy if the cause of the Lord be prospered. He succeeded both temporally and spiritually, the result of a well ordered life. His life was eminently useful. A few years ago, having set his house in order, he departed this life, and all who knew him as well as I did, could not fail to say, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.'

"Harriet Boots, wife of Samuel Boots, was ever a quiet modest, humble Christian and died in the faith and hope of a glorious reward."

The Concord Methodist Episcopal Church booklet contains the obituaries of Samuel and Harriet Boots:

OBITUARY of Harriet Boots: "ADVOCATE May 6, 1875. Harriet, wife of Samuel Boots, was born in Lancashire, England, Sept. 13, 1815, died of pneumonia at her residence in Beaver County, Pa., March 16, 1875, in her 60th year. She was a member of the M. E. Church at Concord for 37 years, and during that time adorned her profession with a Christian spirit and a holy life. Naturally mild and sweet-spirited, by grace the lovely qualities were made more prominent and beautiful. Shortly before her departure she said to her husband, 'All is bright.' To her sister, just as she was passing, she exclaimed, 'Peace, peace, peace.' R. Stewart Ross."

OBITUARY of Samuel Boots: "Rev. Samuel Boots died June 29, 1896, aged 80 years. He was born in Sussexshire, England. At 15 he came to America with his parents, settling in Beaver County, Pa., where he resided until the end came. He was a member of the church 65 years, and a local preacher for 50 years. Like St. Paul, he wrought with his hands at his trade during the week, and on the Sabbath very acceptably preached the Word, frequently traveling long distances to do so. His life motto was 'not slothful in business, fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.' He was a man of much more than ordinary ability, which he had improved by careful and diligent study. He was always loyal to the church of his choice. As a shock of corn fully ripe, he has been garnered by the master of the harvest. J. W. Otterman."

From a History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, published in 1888, comes the following account of Samuel Boots:

[J. Fraise Richard, Levy S. Richard, and Thomas Henry, History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: A. Warner & Co., 1888)]

"Samuel Boots, carpenter and farmer, P. O. North Sewickley, was born in Sussex, England, May 25, 1816. His parents, Ambrose and Elizabeth (Bull) Boots, came to America in 1830, and settled in North Sewickley township. The father was a carpenter until coming to Beaver county, when he carried on farming, with his eldest son, up to his death in 1844; his widow died in 1852. They had four children: Mary, John, Edmund and Samuel. Samuel received a limited education, and served an apprenticeship at the milling business in his native land, but on arriving in this country learned carpentering and cabinet making, which he followed, together with farming, up to his retirement from active life. He made the coffin for the first interment (remains of James Magaw) in Grove cemetery. He married, in 1837, Harriet Wild, an English lady, who came to America in 1830. They were both on the ocean at the same time but, were not acquainted with each other until they came to America. They have had eight children, four now living: Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Amos C. and Nancy Jane. Since coming to this country Mr. Boots has resided in this township, where he acted as poor director seven years without missing a single meeting of the board; was school director four years, and held the office of overseer of the poor in 1847, before the county home was built. He is now living a retired life with his son, Amos C., on his farm of 150 acres; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been trustee for many years; in politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Boots died March 16, 1875."

The WILL of Samuel Boots is found in Will Book "K", Page 361, Public Records of Beaver County, Pennsylvania:

"Last Will & Testament, Samuel Boots, late of North Sewickley Tp, Registered July 11, 1896.

"I, Samuel Boots, of North Sewickley Township, Beaver County and State of Pennsylvania, mechanick, being of sound mind, memory and understanding do make and publish this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made. It is my desire that my body be decently intered and that my funeral be conducted in a manner coresponding with my estate and situation in life; as to such estate it hath pleased God to intrust me with, I dispose of the same as follows, namely:

"First: I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be fully paid and satisfied by my Executor hereinafter named as soon as conveniently may be after my decease.

"Second: I will, give, devise and bequeath to my son Amos Clark Boots all my land or real estate situated in North Sewickley Township, County and State aforesaid, containing about one hundred and fifty acres in two separate farms known as the Boyd and Vance farms, his heirs and assigns forever.

"Third: I will, give and bequeath my personal property consisting of Mortgages Bonds, notes and cash in the following manner, after they have been appraised, if the law requires it to be done, if it does not, I leave it to the option of my Executor.

"The one fourth equal share I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth, intermarried with Andrew M. Liebendorfer.

"The one fourth equal share I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Ann intermarried with Daniel W. Swick.

"The one fourth equal share I give and bequeath to my daughter Nance J., intermarried with Jordan Johnston.

"The last fourth share of the above named property, mortgages bonds notes and cash, two hundred dollars less I will give and bequeath to my Grand Daughter Mary E. McDanel, intermarried with Abalard McCreary. Now I want it to be understood that the two hundred dollars less on the fourth share I devise to be given to my daughters Elizabeth Liebendorfer, Mary Ann Swick, Nancy J. Johnston and my Grand Daughter, Mary E. McCreary share and share alike fifty dollars each.

"Fourth: I will and direct further with regard to my personal property consisting of Beds, Beding furniture, books, pictures and c.c. that they be equally divided by my Executor and given to my three daughters, Elizabeth Liebendorfer, Mary Ann Swick and Nancy J. Johnston, each to receive shares equal in value except my desk which I bequeath to my son Amos C. Boots.

"Fifth: I further will and direct with regards to my personal property that I may have on the farms at my decease such as waggons or other farming implements, also, kettles and pots I give and bequeath to my son Amos C. Boots.

"Sixth: I require that my son Amos C. Boots in consideration of getting the land shall pay to my other heirs two hundred dollars in one year after my decease without interest, fifty to my daughter Elizabeth Liebendorfer, fifty to my daughter, Mary Ann Swick, fifty to my daughter Nancy J. Johnston and fifty to my Grand Daughter Mary E. McCreary;

"Seventh: I bequeath my mechanical tools to my son Amos C. Boots.

"Eighth: I devise my watch to my grandson Harry R. Boots.

"Ninth: I direct that a small monument costing about one hundred dollars, be placed on the lot the stones at my deceased wife grave be removed, the inscription thereon be put on the monument together with my birth and age.

"Tenth: It is my desire that in the execution of this my last Will and testament good will and feeling shall prevail.

"Eleventh: It is my Will and direction that the money shall be paid to the heirs and receipted for by them as fast as it can be collected by my Executor.

"Twelfth: I hereby ordain, constitute and appoint my son Amos Clark Boots to be the executor of this my last Will and Testament not requiring him to give any bond in its execution.

"In Witness whereof I, Samuel Boots the testator have to this my last Will written on one sheet of paper set my hand and seal this twenty third day of January, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-four. AD January 23, 1894.
Samuel Boots (Seal)

"Signed, sealed and published and declared by the above named Samuel Boots as and for his last Will and testament in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses at his request thereto in the presence of the testator and of each other. Witnesses: M. C. Swick W. A. Boots

"State of Pennsylvania, Beaver County, ss. Be it remember, that on the 11th day of July AD 1896, M. C. Swick and W. A. Boots personally appeared before me, the Register for the Probate of Wills, etc, in and for said county, they being the subscribing witnesses to the forgoing last Will and Testament of Samuel Boots late of North Sewickley Township deceased, and after being duly sworn, according to law, did depose and say that they were present and saw the said Samuel Boots sign the forgoing instrument of writing and heard him publish, pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament, and that at the time of his so doing the testator was of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of deponents knowledge observation and belief and that they signed the same as witnesses thereto at the request of the said testator. M. C. Swick W. A. Boots."

United States Census Records of 1840 for Beaver County, Pennsylvania, show the following:

North Sewickley Township - Page 67:
Head of family - Saml Boots. Members of family, including head of family:
1 male under 5
1 male aged 20-30
1 female under 5
1 female aged 20-30.
The male under 5 would have been James Henry Boots, born 18 August 1839; the male aged 20-30 was Samuel Boots; the female under 5 was Maria Boots, born 5 October 1837; and the female aged 20-30 was Harriet Boots.

United States Census Records of 1850, for Beaver County, Pennsylvania, show the following:
Name of Individual Age Sex Occupation Value of R/Est Birthplace
North Sewickley Township - Page 166B, Family No. 146
Samuel Boots 34 M Wagon Maker 1500 England
Harriet Boots 34 F England
Maria Boots 13 F Pa
Henry Boots 11 M Pa
Elizabeth Boots 9 F Pa
Mary A. Boots 7 F Pa
Amos C. Boots 5 M Pa
George H. Boots 3 M Pa.

United States Census Records of 1860 for Beaver County, Pennsylvania, reveal the following:
Name of Individual Age Sex Occupation Value of R/Est Birthplace
North Sewickley Township, Page 564, Family No. 1041:
Saml Boots 44 M Carpenter 2400 England
Harriet Boots 44 F England
Elizab. Boots 19 F Penna
Mary Boots 17 F Penna
Amos Boots 15 M Penna
Nancy Boots 10 F Penna.

Eleanor Collins, of North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has provided the following copies of old newspaper clippings which give accounts of three reunions of the Rev. Samuel Boots family:

October 1, 1880

"A jolly good time is what they all say was had at the Rev. Samuel Boots, Oct. 1, 1880. The occasion was a family reunion at the old homestead in North Sewickley township, at which time it was ascertained that the family consisted of one son and three daughters, all married; fifteen grand children and two great grand children. A very pleasant feature of the occasion was all were present in good health, and also some invited guests. But a more remarkable feature was the entire union of sentiment and promptness of action upon the part of all in attacking a keg of sweet cider, pitching quoits and so forth until it was announced that dinner was ready in the barn, to which we all repaired and found that our wives our cousins and our aunts had acted out their part, for the table was fairly groaning under its load of provision. When the signal was given, such a united and vigorous attack as was made would have astonished the natives and convinced the most skeptical that there was a union of sentiment there, and that all had done their part bravely, yet some regretted that they could do no more. After dinner we engaged in all sorts of amusements and concluded the exercises of the day by resolving that it was well spent, and as there were but seven voters present we would cast our ballot for Garfield and Arthur. W."

September 27, 1883

"Reunion.

"The second reunion of the family of Rev. Samuel Boots met Thursday, Sept. 27th, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. D. W. Swick, North Sewickley township, at which time and place there were assembled seventeen grand and three great grand children, with their uncles, their cousins and their aunts. A pleasing thought, all of the four generations being present. The first thing in order, after all had arrived, was to prepare for dinner, as some had to come from Lawrence county.

"While dinner was being prepared by our cousins and aunts, considerable fear was entertained by grandpa, as he inspected the three generations of descendants--it all being a surprise to him and the crops having failed--that a sufficient quantity could not be gathered, and the poor little olive branches would go away hungry; but he had not long to endure this state of mine, for the tocsin of alarm sounded, calling us to dinner, when we were directed to the barn where we found a table fairly groaning under the good things of life. When grandpa beheld the well-filled mows upon either side and the table spread before him, his fears were allayed, being somewhat agitated, however, to see how the roast chicken-pie and cake vanished before Amos and Andrew. After all had fared sumptuously we repaired to the house, and after being entertained with music and singing for awhile, D. W. Swick, in behalf of the children, presented grandpa with a pair of gold spectacles, after which he made a few responsive remarks which closed the exercises of the day, all feeling it was a day full of enjoyment. W."

September 15, 1887

"Boots Family Reunion.

"One of the most interesting events of the season, was the fifth annual reunion of the Boots family, at the residence of Mr. S. D. Boots, near Brush Creek, Beaver county, September 15, 1887.

"The members arrived at 10 a.m., and most of the forenoon was spent in hand-shaking and social conversation.

"While the young folks amused themselves playing croquet, instrumental music, etc., the others were engaged arranging a table under the shade trees, and preparing the dinner, which proved to be one of the particular attractions of the occasion, and which every one present seemed to enjoy for about an hour or two.

"After dinner, "Grandpa Boots" called the children together and distributed an abundant supply of candy.

"At 3 o'clock the meeting was called to order and T. L. Bunzo appointed President, and Alice C. Johnston, Secretary of the meeting.

"The following program was then observed: Opening address by Rev. Samuel Boots. Preliminary remarks by the president. A very interesting and highly amusing address was then delivered in an able manner by Rev. J. L. Stiffy. The principal points were, "Some are born Boots; some acquire Boots, and some have Boots thrust upon them." Closing address by D. W. Swick. Remarks by S. D. Boots and others.

"A motion was made and carried, to hold the next annual reunion at the residence of J. H. Boots, near Wurtemburg, Lawrence Co.

"A vote of thanks was returned to the speakers of the day, after which the meeting adjourned, to meet one year hence, at the place mentioned.

"About 95 were present, and some were detained at home on account of the "Late Arrival." The day was pleasant, and everything passed off successfully and satisfactorily.

" A. C. Johnston, Sec'y."

Samuel Boots first acquired property in Beaver County in the year 1835. Recorded in Deed Book "O" (14), Page 354, Public Records of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, is the following document:

"Deed. Jacob Piersol To Samuel Boots, entered Dec. 20th, 1836.

"THIS INDENTURE made the fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five-

"BETWEEN Jacob Piersol of North Sewickley Township Beaver County and State of Pennsylvania and Rachel his wife of the one part and Samuel Boots of the Commonwealth aforesaid of the other part-

"WITNESSETH-That the said Jacob Piersol and Rachel his wife for and in consideration of the sum of Seventy five dollars lawful money of the United States to them in hand paid by the said Samuel Boots at or before the ensealing and delivery hereof the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained, sold, alienated, enfeoffed, released and confirmed and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell alien, enfeoff, release and confirm unto the said Samuel Boots his heirs and assigns

"ALL that piece or parcel of land situated on the waters of Brush Creek in North Sewickley township Beaver County and State of Pennsylvania. Being parts of lot No. 178 of Leets District of Depreciation Land bounded and described as follows, to-wit. Beginning at a white oak the old corner thence by land of Wm. Clark north eight perches to a post thence by land of said Piersol east fifty perches to a post on the Bank of said Creek thence by the same south eight perches to a post thence by Colmans land, west fifty perches to the place of beginning. Containing Two acres and one half neat measure. It being part of a tract which Thomas Henry, High Sheriff of the County of Beaver, by virtue of legal process served and took in execution as the property of James B. Clow and sold the same to James Sharp by his Deed poll dated the twenty fifth day of August A.D. 1823, reference thereunto had will more fully and at large appear and was conveyed by said Sharp to James L. Clows in trust for Nancy Clow by deed bearing date the 11th day of February A.D. 1834, and recorded in Deed Book G, pages 82, 83, and 84 as reference thereunto had appears and was reconveyed by James L. Clow and Nancy Clow to the said James Sharp by Deed dated the 21st day of January A.D. 1831, and recorded in Deed Book K, pages 132, 133 and 134, as reference had appears.

"AND WHEREAS James Sharp did convey the same to Jacob Piersol by deed dated the 16th day of March A.D. 1833, and is recorded in Beaver Town in the office for recording deeds etc in Deed Book L, page 170, reference thereunto had appears.

"TOGETHER WITH ALL AND SINGULAR the buildings, improvements, woods, ways waters, water courses, rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the remainders reversion rents, issues and profits thereof and also all the estate right title interest property claim and demand whatsoever of them the said Jacob Piersol and Rachel his wife in law or equity or otherwise howsoever of in and to the same.

"TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said described piece of land hereditaments and premises hereby granted or mentioned or intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said Samuel Boots his heirs and to and for the only proper use and benefit and behoof of him the said Samuel Boots his heirs and assigns forever.

"AND the said Jacob Piersol and Rachel his wife doth covenant and agree to and with the said Samuel Boots his heirs and assigns by these presents that the said Jacob Piersol and Rachel his wife their heirs and assigns, the said described piece of land hereby granted with the appurtenances unto the said Samuel Boots his heirs and assigns against them the said Jacob Piersol and Rachel his wife and their heirs and assigns and all and every other person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same by from or under them or any of them shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents.

"IN WITNESS WHEREOF the said Jacob Piersol and Rachel his wife have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

"Signed: Jacob Piersol (SEAL) Rachel Piersol (SEAL)

"BEAVER COUNTY SS: Personally came before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Jacob Piersol and Rachel his wife the within named grantors and acknowledged the within Indenture to be their act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned and Rachel Piersol his wife being examined separate and apart from her husband did declare that she did sign the within Deed without compulsion or coercion and desired the same to be recorded as such.

"IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five. David Shanor"
-----------------------------------
THE WILDE FAMILY

We know absolutely nothing about the family of Harriet Wilde, wife of Samuel Boots, other than the fact that she was from Lancashire in England. From her Obituary, we do know that she had a sister - "to her sister, just as she was passing....."

The public records of Beaver County, Pennsylvania are almost totally silent with respect to persons named Wilde or Wylde. However, the 1850 Census of Beaver County, Pennsylvania does list two families named Wilde.

Name of Individual Age Sex Occupation Value of R/est Birthplace
New Brighton Borough, Page 22, Family No. 29
William Wilde 34 M Woolen Manufr 5,000 England
New Brighton Borough, Page 36, Family No. 202
Benjamin Wilde 36 M Woolen Manufr 5,000 England
Louisa T. Wilde 27 F NY
Horatio N. Wilde 9 M NJ
Isabel Wilde 6 F Pa
Ann Birkenshaw 23 F England
Mary Birkenshaw 22 F England

The two men listed in the above census records are certainly of the right age and from the right country to possibly be brothers of Harriet Wilde. Of even more interest, is their relative wealth. One of the unanswered questions concerning the Boots family is how the youngest son, Samuel, happened to acquire real estate before the rest of the family. If Harriet Wilde was part of this family it could be that she brought Samuel Boots a dowry, which would explain the mystery.

This should not be construed as an indication that Samuel Boots was less than industrious. By all accounts he was both hard-working and industrious, and by the time of his death he had evidently acquired a great many "worldly goods". His Will, after all, mentions land, mortgages, bonds, notes, and cash, etc.

In addition to the above references, a Beaver County Genealogy contains the following:

[John W. Jordan, LL.D., Genealogical and Personal History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1914), page 940]

"George D. Douglass, son of George J. and Matilda (McKay) Douglass, was born in Fallston, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1854. For a period of twenty-five years he was connected with the Penn Bridge Company, of Beaver Falls, and is now living retired. He married Ellen G., a daughter of William Wilde. Children: Herbert W.,....Thomas L., born October 14, 1884...."

Current (1988) Beaver Valley telephone directories list only two individuals with the surname Wilde. The individuals listed are father and son, and arrived in Beaver County in the nineteen-fifties. They have indicated to the compiler that they are not connected with any of the early Wildes above mentioned.
----------


BOOTS REUNIONS
We are indebted to Chauncey Boots for providing the following newspaper clippings of Boots Reunions:
From an undated newspaper clipping:
THE BOOTS REUNION

"The usual annual reunion of the Boots family was held Aug. 20, 1901, at the residence of Mrs. Sarah Boots, widow of the late Samuel C. Boots, of North Sewickley township.
"Every preparation possible was made by Mrs. Sarah Boots and her sons, Edmund and Hart and their families for the entertainment of those who attended the reunion. Doors were thrown open from cellar to garret, and every body greeted with open arms with cheerful faces warm hearts, and hearty handshakes, everybody was jolly and happy from the lusty infant to the hoary head of many winters.
"The following are some of those who were present: James D. Boots and family, of Marion township; Bert Hazen and family, of Pine Hill; James Boots, Jr., and family, of North Sewickley; Alfred Dutter and bride, of Youngstown, O.; the Misses Blinn, of New Brighton; Amos Boots and family and also Ernest Boots and family, of North Sewickley; Wellington Boots and brothers, Wright and Dawson, of North Sewickley; John Boots and family, of New Brighton; Frank Boots and sisters, Miss Alice, and Mrs. Watson, of New Brighton; Abalard McCreary and family, of North Sewickley; Ferguson Funkhouser and wife, of Beaver Falls; Andrew Leinbendorfer and family, of Wurtemburg; Amos Leibendorfer and family, of Pleasant Hill; Widow of the late Horrice Boots and also her family, of Franklin township; Jordon Johnston and family, of Hazel Dell; Mr. Marshall and bride, of _____; John Stuber and family, of Daugherty township; Edward Frazer and family, S. O. and D. W. Swick and families, of North Sewickley.
"Some of the invited guests were the following: Wm. Caldwell, sister Harriet and also nephew Wm. Hall of North Sewickley; Mr. Pflug and family, of North Sewickley; Rev. Love and wife, of North Sewickley; Mrs. J. P. Hart and family, of North Sewickley; Mrs. Russell Wilson, of South Beaver township; Casey Kirk, wife and niece, Miss Wilson, of North Sewickley; Mr. Barnes and sister of North Sewickley; Mrs. Wm. Duncan and daughter, Miss Essie, of North Sewickley; Rev. J. W. Otterman of M. E. church, Allegheny, Pa. In all there were about 200 relatives and friends present.
"After a sumptuous dinner of every good thing conceivable, the chairman, Herbert R. Boots called the meeting to order and after a few appropriate remarks had the secretary to read the minutes of the last reunion, which was held at the home of James D. Boots. This was followed with an address by Rev. Lowe, of the Providence Baptist church. In part he said "he was happy that he was an Englishman and sprang from the same sturdy race that the Boots family originated from." He also congratulated the Boots family in having such honest, strong, patriotic and industrious ancestors of whom they were a true type. Rev. J. W. Otterman also delivered a very appropriate address. He also mentioned he was happy that he was one-eighth English, but was not ashamed of the Scotch, Irish and German blood that flowed through his veins but he was proud of being an American citizen.
"D. W. Swick made a few remarks about those deceased. Edmund E. Hart being called upon responded and in part said "as the previous speakers had praised the Boots family in the superlative degree - which praise they truly merited - he felt it would be useless for him to speak farther unless he should find a grammar created by some genius with a degree still higher."
"Frank Boots, of New Brighton gave a brief history of the genealogy of the Boots family. In part he said "the originators of the family were natives of Sussex county, England, and they being cabinet makers came to this country to better their condition and the Boots' families are branches of three brothers, Edmund, Samuel and John Boots, who made settlement in this section about the year 1828."
"The meeting adjourned to hold their next annual reunion at the residence of Jordon Johnston, at Hazel Dell, Pa. J.W.H."
From a newspaper clipping labeled "New Castle News, 1902:"
THE BOOTS FAMILY REUNION
"Ideal was the weather yesterday for outdoor pleasure, and such was that held by the Boots reunion at the delightful home of Jordan Johnston, in Hazel Dell, says the Ellwood Advocate of Thursday. Relatives arrived from 9 o'clock up to 11 a. m., when after social good will, the large spread on the lawn was prepared, and hours were consumed in tickling the palate with the good things in store. About 175 people were fed from the provision made, which was ample and diversified. After the feast of good things Rev. Garland spoke of those related to those assembled who had passed away, and fittingly referred to Harry Boots, the well known assistant cashier in the Ellwood City National bank, and Amos Liebendorfer, a young business man,

Sandhurst, Kent, England

Samuel married Harriet Wildle WFT est 1831-1860 in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Harriet was born on 13 Sep 1815 in Lancashire, England; died on 15 Mar 1875 in Beaver County, Pennsylvania; was buried in North Sewickley Cemetery, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ambrose Boots was born in Sussex County, England, circa 1770. He was baptized in St. Mary's Church, Rye, Sussex County, England, 25 February 1770. He died in Beaver County, Pennsylvania about the year 1840 (the obituary of his widow, who died in 1847, says, in part, "and seven years since was called to follow his mortal remains to the tomb...").

He was married twice, but we do not know the name of his first wife, nor the number (if any) of their children. He married, 2nd, on 25 November 1809, in St. James Church, Ewhurst, Sussex County, England, Elizabeth BULL. The Marriage Register of this church reads:

"Ambrose Boots Widower of this Parish and Elizabeth Sharp widow of the same, were Married in this Church by Banns this twenty-fifth day of November in the Year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nine By me Henry Hoager Rector of Beckley."

Elizabeth BULL had married previously, 10 June 1803, in St. James Church, Edward SHARP, who died two years thereafter (the Burials Register of St. James Church lists his burial, 25 March 1805). She had only one child by this marriage, presumably the "Mrs. Mary DENNIS" referred to in her obituary, q.v.
Elizabeth BULL was born 17 February 1777, in Sussex County, England, and died 22 November 1847, in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Thus far, research in England has not revealed the names of her parents. Ambrose and Elizabeth resided in the hamlet of Staple Cross, in Sussex County. Staple Cross is only a mile or two from Ewhurst, where St. James Church is located.

Ewhurst Green village, as it is now known, has existed since medieval times, and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of William the Conqueror. This rural community is largely agricultural. A church history provides theh following:

[Gwen Jones and John Martin, The Parish Church of St. James the Great, Ewhurst, Sussex, 1981]:

"The vast majority (of residents) owned or tenanted small farms and combined small scale subsistence agriculture with another trade or craft. The two major stand-bys were cattle raising and timber.....Some small-holders managed to make a profit from cheese and butter making. More recently hops became a mainstay of many farmers and in our own century many have turned their land over to fruit. In addition, a great many people over the years must have practised those trades and crafts necessary to keep a self-sufficient community going. They became blacksmiths, millers, millwrights, wheelwrights, saddlers, carpenters, sawyers, brickmakers, glaziers, basket-makers, coopers, ropemakers, clockmakers, grocers, butchers, bakers, brewers, weavers, tailors and schoolteachers - all of them trades and occupations mentioned in the church registers (of Ewhurst Parish)."

The Church of St. James the Great, Ewhurst Green, Sussex County, England dates in part to the twelfth century, and today is little changed from the way it must have looked in 1809 when Ambrose Boots and Elizabeth Bull were married.

"The tower clearly reflects the two major periods of building which are discernible in many features of the architecture of this church. Traces of iron are visible in the stonework of the lower portion which together with the west doorway dates from the late twelfth century. The upper part and stair turret are fourteenth century. The windows are of the latter date with the exception of the topmost one which was inserted during the fifteenth century.

".....The west and north walls of the aisle are fourteenth century. The east wall has been rebuilt.....Part of the fourteenth century north wall again shows signs of rebuilding. The reconstruction of this wall and of the east walls of both aisles is known to have been carried out in 1769."

----------

Ambrose and Elizabeth had their oldest son, John, baptized in St. James Church in 1810, but by the time their second son, Edmund, was born in 1811, they had been caught up in the upsurge of nonconformity which had been taking place in the area since the late 1700's, and had apparently joined the Wesleyans (Methodists), because Edmund was baptized in the Wesleyan Chapel at Rye, and Samuel was baptized in the Wesleyan Chapel at Sandhurst in the County of Kent. Both of these baptismal records indicate that Ambrose and Elizabeth continued to reside and Staple Cross and were "of the Parish of Ewhurst."

In 1830, Ambrose and Elizabeth Boots and their three sons emigrated to America, along with her daughter Mary Sharp, settling in North Sewickley Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Tradition states that in addition to the three sons, John, Edmund, and Samuel, there was a brother of Ambrose named Benjamin Boots, who came along, and who settled in Virginia or Maryland. As yet, no research has been done to locate any record of Benjamin Boots in the United States. We do know that Ambrose had an older brother named Benjamin and at least one nephew named Benjamin.

A History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, published in 1888, contains an account of Samuel Boots [J. Fraise Richard, Levy S. Richard, and Thomas Henry, Hisroty of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, 1888, pages 750-751] which says, in part:

"......His (Samuel Boots') parents, Ambrose and Elizabeth (Bull) Boots, came to America in 1830, and settled in North Sewickley Township. The father was a carpenter until coming to Beaver county, when he carried on farming, with his eldest son, up to his death in 1844; his widow died in 1852. They had four children: Mary, John, Edmund and Samuel."

This same History of Beaver County contains an account of Edmund Boots which says, among other things:

"Edmund Boots, wagon maker, P. O. North Sewickley, was born in Sussex, England, Oct. 13, 1811, son of Ambrose and Elizabeth (Bull) Boots, the former of whom, a carpenter by trade, came to America in 1830, and Oct. 13th of the same year settled on Brush creek, North Sewickley township, this county, here remaining until his death."

Interestingly, although the former account has the wrong date for the death of Elizabeth Boots, it does place the deaths of Ambrose and Elizabeth eight years apart (her obituary says "and seven years since....."). The daughter Mary referred to is, of course, Mary Sharp, daughter of Elizabeth Boots and her first husband.

Ambrose Boots and family did not arrive in Beaver County in time to be enumerated in the 1830 Census of the United States. A search of the 1840 Census for Beaver County reveals no record of Ambrose Boots - evidently he died before the Census was taken. The 1840 Census does, however, list Samuel, Edmund, and John Boots as heads of families. With the family of John Boots is listed one female between the ages of 60 and 70, presumably, his widowed mother. It is unfortunate that Census Records prior to 1850 do not list the names of every individual resident in a particular household.

Although Ambrose and Elizabeth arrived in Beaver County in 1830, a search of the public records does not reveal that they purchased any real estate. The earliest record of land being purchased by any member of the Boots family is a Deed from Jacob Piersol to Samuel Boots dated 5 October 1835 conveying land on Brush Creek in North Sewickley Township. Ambrose Boots does, however, appear in the Beaver County Tax Records for 1833, which is the earliest record found of him in the Public Records of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. He does not appear on the Tax Rolls in subsequent years.

It has not been possible to determine with 100% certainty where Ambrose and Elizabeth Boots are buried. The Concord M. E. Church, which their sons helped to found, did not establish a cemetery until more than fifty years after Ambrose and Elizabeth died, and none of the early generations of Boots relatives are buried there. All, or very nearly all, of the Boots family who died prior to 1900 are buried in the North Sewickley Cemetery. Ambrose and Elizabeth either lie in an unmarked grave in this cemetery, or possibly, in some small plot near their original home. The marker for the graves of John and Sylvia Boots is located in one of the oldest sections of the North Sewickley Cemetery, and is in the form of an obelisk of the kind that commonly had names on all four sides. All four sides of this monument, although badly eroded, clearly contained inscriptions at one time. Two of those inscriptions are definitely for John and Sylvia Boots. The other two could have contained the names of Ambrose and Elizabeth. However, they could just as easily have contained the names of two of the children of John and Sylvia Boots. We know that their son Richmond Boots died between 1850 and 1860, and the 1840 Census indicates that there was another child as well. The plot containing this marker is a large one, containing no other headstones except those of two of the children of Samuel and Harriet Boots, and could very easily contain any number of unmarked graves.

An anniversary booklet published in 1926 by the Concord Methodist Episcopal Church contains, among other items of interest, many obituaries of early members of the church including many of the Boots family.

The Obituary of Elizabeth Boots reads as follows:

"Departed this life Nov. 22, 1847, at the house of her son, Rev. John Boots, in Beaver County, Pa., Elizabeth Boots in the 71st year of her age. Sister Boots was born in Sussex County, England, Feb. 17, 1777, and emigrated to America in 1830. In the 24th year of her age she was united in the bonds of matrimony to Edward Sharp; in two short years she was left a widow with one child. In her 28th year, she was married to Ambrose Boots, and seven years since was called to follow his mortal remains to the tomb, and soon after her daughter, Mrs. Mary Dennis. She has left three sons, members of the M. E. Church; two are local preachers and one a class leader. A funeral sermon was preached by the writer of this notice, from a text that she had selected 30 years ago, viz: 'Oh death, where is thy sting; oh grave, where is thy victory? but thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Advocate, Dec. 29, 1847.-G. McCaskey."

Another mystery remaining to be solved is why Ambrose and his family wound up in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. A clue may be the fact that by 1816 the family had become caught up in the Wesleyan movement. The family of Harriet Wilde, who became the wife of Samuel Boots, was involved with the Wesleyans as well. It is known that both the Boots family and Harriet Wilde were in transit from England at roughly the same time, although they were not acquainted. The link between the two families and their arrival in Pennsylvania will no doubt one day be found to be the Wesleyan Movement.

Rye, Sussex, England

Ambrose married Elizabeth Bull on 25 Nov 1809 in Ewhurst, Sussex County, England. Elizabeth (daughter of John Bull and Cary Darby) was born on 17 Feb 1777 in Sussex County, England; was christened on 9 Mar 1779; died on 22 Nov 1847 in Beaver County, Pennsylvania; was buried in North Sewickley Cemetery, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ewhurst, Sussex, England

Notes:

Various publications provide accounts of Rye, Sussex County, England.

Encyclopaedia Britannica (London: William Benton, Publisher, 1958), Page 779:

"Rye is a picturesque market town, built up a hill by the Rother river, with cobbled streets and timber-framed and Georgian houses. Ypres tower (12th century), which stands on the cliff, was its only defense until Edward III walled the town, but Landgate (1329), one of the three original entrance gates, is all that remains of the 14th century fortifications. The Norman to Perpendicular church of St. Mary has a notable quarter-boy 16th-century clock and in the churchyard is a Georgian reservoir....

"As part of the manor of Rameslie, Rye was granted by Edward the Confessor to the monks of Fecamp by whom it was retained until resumed by Henry III in 1247. The town became a full member of the Cinque Ports c. 1350 when, with Winchelsea, the other "ancient town," it was added to the confederation. It was then a flourishing port but declined in the late 14th century, partly recovered its prosperity with the decay of Winchelsea in the 15th and 16th centuries and then sank again when the sedimentation and consequent receding of the sea, which had been going on slowly since the 14th century, made the use of the harbour impracticable. By the mid-20th century the Rother's mouth was 2 mi. from the town. Rye was twice burned down by the French in 1377 and 1448. The town was incorporated in 1289."

Frommer's England (New York: Prentice Hall Press, 1988), page 228:

"Rye flourished as a smuggling center, its denizens sneaking in contraband from the marshes to stash away in little nooks (even John Wesley's firm chastisements couldn't stop an entrenched tradition). But the sea receded from Rye, leaving it perched....out of water 2 miles from the Channel. Its narrow, cobblestone streets twist and turn like a labyrinth, with buildings jumbled along them whose sagging roofs and crooked chimneys indicate the town's medieval origins. The old town's entrance is Land Gate, where a single lane of traffic passes between massive, 40-foot-high stone towers. This is long been considered a special place, having attracted any number of famous persons, including Charles Lamb (who considered the smugglers "honest thieves") and Henry James, who once lived in the Lamb House."

These accounts certainly paint Rye in a very quaint, perhaps even romantic light, and should not be taken as an indication that our ancestors were smugglers. We know that Ambrose Boots was a carpenter, and that he probably came from a family of carpenters, although what they were in earlier generations is anybody's guess. Some of the baptismal records list the occupation of the father (James Boots occupation is not so listed), and "Carpenter" and "Labourer" appear frequently. The Baptismal record for his son Samuel lists Ambrose's occupation as Carpenter and Joiner.

Bodiam, Sussex County, England

James married Mary Ranger on 25 Dec 1753 in Northiam, Sussex County, England. Mary (daughter of James Ranger and Elizabeth ?) was born WFT est 1716-1742; died WFT est 1775-1831. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Will of James Ranger, carpenter of Northiam, is dated 4 May 1770. In it is mentioned his wife Elizabeth Ranger; his two sons Thomas Ranger and Jasper Ranger; his daughter Elizabeth, wife of William Lemon; his daughter Mary, wife of James Boots; his son Josiah Ranger; his son James Ranger; his grandson Thomas Ranger, son of William and Martha Ranger; his grandson Joseph Boots; his son George Ranger; and his son Christopher Ranger.

Notes:

Ewhurst, Sussex, England

John married Cary Darby on 27 Oct 1782 in Ewhurst, Sussex, England. Cary was born WFT est 1737-1764; died WFT est 1787-1853. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]