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Catherine (Emerick) Troutman was born on Aug. 25, 1825 in Southampton Township, Somerset County, PA, the daughter of of Jonathan and Rachel (Sturtz) Emerick Sr.

At the age of 20, on Christmas Day 1845, she married 23-year-old Daniel Benjamin Troutman (Oct. 26, 1822-1891), son of Benjamin Franklin Troutman.

They together produced a brood of nine children -- Sylvester "Sylvatus" Troutman, Noah "Henry" Troutman, Delilah Troutman, Mary Ellen Palmere Troutman, Harriet L. Power, Benjamin Franklin Troutman, Lucy Ann Troutman, Emma Minerva Powers Whelan and Perry Daniel Troutman.

Above: Daniel Troutman is named in several books (left) and a Korns.org profile by Lannie Dietle. Below: article citing Daniel in the Somerset Historical Center newsletter, Nov. 1971.

Their daughter Delilah is recorded as having died young. More heartbreak shook the family on Oct. 19, 1859, when their infant son Benjamin was killed in a freak accident. Reported the Bedford Inquirer, "the clothing ... took fire from the cooking stove, and before the fire could be extinguished, the child was so badly burned, that he died on Saturday evening following. Their loss is his eternal gain."

Daniel's father was a experienced gunsmith who originally had learned the trade from (?) Rizer in Allegany County, MD. The father thus taught Daniel the knowledge of how to make flintlock and percussion rifles, a skill which provided a lifelong occupation and income.

Bedford Gazette, Nov. 4, 1859 Library of Congress

From 1844 to 1847, the family dwelled in Southampton Township, Somerset County. Then in about 1847, he acquired a tract of about a half-acre of land in or near Palo Alto in Londonderry Township, Bedford County, PA, near the road leading from Schellsburg, PA to Cumberland, MD. Many of these details are cited in James B. Whisker's 1983 book Gunsmiths and Gunmakers of Bedford and Somerset Counties Pennsylvania 1770-1900 and his follow-up 1991 volume, with Vaughn Whisker Sr., entitled Gunsmiths of Bedford, Somerset and Fulton Counties.

When the federal census was taken in 1850, the Troutmans made their residence in Londonderry. Daniel served for at least eight years as justice of the peace. In this role, he held the authority to officiate weddings, and in 1858 officiated the marriage ceremony of Joseph H. Burns and Delilah Beals.

Daniel was sued in about 1855 by Charles Hoyman, possibly his wife's cousin of that name. The matter was listed in the Nov. 16, 1855 edition of the Bedford Gazette. A legal complaint again was filed against Daniel by gunsmith Jacob Stoeckenius which was presented in Bedford County court in the February Term of 1857.

At the death of his father in 1856, Daniel purchased from the estate a set of gunsmithing tools and a section of brass sheet, as referred to in William S. Bowers' 1979 book Gunsmiths of Pen-Mar-Va 1790-1840. He developed a reputation for crafting plain percussion rifles exhibiting good workmanship and featuring full stocks and long patch or oval boxes. He relied on the Pittsburgh firm of Whitemore & Wolff to furnish locks for his guns.

Daniel was politically active with the Democrat party of Londonderry Township. Their gatherings often were held in the county courthouse in Bedford. At one well-attended meeting in 1857, he was elected a co-secretary of the organization. The Gazette reported that "Much enthusiasm pervaded this meeting. -- The Democrats confident in the righteousness of their cause and feeling assured of victory, were in the best of spirits. The honest and thinking portion of the opposition men who were present, also felt inclined to believe that Democratic principles are not so far wrong after all. The people of Londonderry think for themselves, and for that reason, if for no other, they will eventually give a heavy and firm support to the doctrines of Democracy."

Then in 1859, on the eve of the Civil War, in another Democrat party convocation in Palo Alto, he "addressed the meeting, and gave woolly-headism a most scathing fire," reported the Gazette. "The meeting then closed with three cheers for Democracy and the Union." He occasionally provided other public services such as an appointment as a fact-finding commissioner in the case of Hezekiah Logue vs. Margaret Logue and in holding an inquest over the corpse of an unknown man to determine the cause of death. He was appointed as a deputy marshal in Londonderry in August 1862.

By 1860, still living in Londonderry, Daniel's primary source of income continued to be as a gunsmith. In that year's election, he ran for the office of Pennsylvania Assembly for the Bedford/Somerset County district. Among the projects he promised to support was an extension of the Bedford Railroad through the county. The Gazette editorialized that his nomination:

...is an excellent one and will be responded to with a rousing vote in his favor wherever he is known. Should he be elected he will make an active, attentive and faithful member. Let the people of Bedford county rally around him, and by securing his election, rebuke the little clique in Bedford which by intrigue and bargain and sale, effected the nomination of C.W. Ashcom. Mr. Troutman has many friends in Somerset county, where he is well known, and will run a large vote in that county. Let Bedford do her duty and his election is certain.

Bedford Gazette, Sept. 26, 1862 - Library of Congress

At the polls -- the same election as incumbent President Lincoln's victory over Stephen A. Douglas -- Daniel was badly beaten by (?) Schrock and (?) Ashcomb, receiving 3,903 votes which were 1,368 fewer than his top opponent's.

With the Civil War aflame in 1862, he took part in a Bedford County meeting of citizens to help raise volunteer soldiers in response to President Lincoln's call for 300,000 more troops, and seeking a Bedford County appropriation of $10,000 to be offered as bounty incentives. In a related article, the Gazette expressed the prevailing attitude of the meeting participants: "Resolved, That the war for the suppression of this unholy rebellion ought to be prosecuted with the utmost vigor; and that all the legitimate means which God and nature have placed in our hands should be energetically employed to vindicate the rightful authority of the Government, and crush out all treason, whether it consists in open resistance or ill-concealed sympathy."

Also circa 1862, he served as secretary of the Londonderry Township school board. Facing a shortage of qualified educators, the board authorized him to place a notice in the Gazette, stating their "desire to employ seven competent teachers, to take charge of the common primary Schools ... for the term of four months each -- for which a liberal salary will be paid. Schools to open by the 1st of Oct., next, if the teachers can be obtained."

The Troutmans may have moved back to Wellersburg in 1862. The 1884 book History of Bedford, Somerset and Fulton Counties, Pennsylvania, lists him as a Wellersburg justice of the peace for the 1862 year.

Daniel continued his gunsmithing during this period. An 1867 record cited in Henry J. Kauffman's book The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle shows that, living in Wellersburg, his products were considered average in quality and that he used both handmade and imported gun locks.

At the end of the Civil War, and after two decades of married life, the Troutmans pulled up their stakes in Pennsylvania in 1865 or 1867. They traveled west and migrated to Kansas, where they settled in Ottawa, Franklin County. There, Daniel continued his occupational specialty as a gunsmith, and their daughter Reny was born in 1870.

In the spring of 1881, Daniel served as an election polling clerk in Franklin County and received $2.00 in compensation, and he remained active as a judge of elections in the county for many years. He also maintained a weapons store in Ottawa, and in mid-February 1887, burglars made off with a number of ammunition rounds and revolvers.

Daniel passed away during Christmas week in 1891, at the age of 69 years, one month and 27 days. His death terminated a marriage of almost 46 years. Rev. Scherer of St. Paul's Lutheran Church officiated at the funeral service, with burial in the Highland Cemetery. In an obituary, the Daily Republic said that Daniel "was well known to all the old citizens, who held him in high esteem for his many noble and kindly qualities."

Catherine lived for another two-plus decades as a widow and maintained her home at 126 South Oak Street in Ottawa. In October 1904 she traveled to Kansas City to visit relatives. Catherine died at the home of their married daughter Ella Tuly two miles west of Princeton, Franklin County on April 4, 1912. Burial was beside her husband. [Find-a-Grave]

Their great-grandson, George Christian Schempp, wrote extensively about the family in his 1989 book, The Schempp Family History (Gateway Press, 448 pages). There is no known connection between our Troutmans and Kansas Governor James A. Troutman (1853-1926), son of pioneer settlers William H. and Nancy (Smith) Troutman.

In 1987, modern grave markers were placed on the graves of Catherine and Daniel in Highland Cemetery by a team of great-grandchildren Kenneth and Laurel Prager, George and Libby Schempp, Ernest and Lucy Jacoby, Mildred Borst, Doris Lawson and Clarence and Dorothy Powers. Great-great grandchildren involved were Richard and Kathryn Torgerson. This gesture is recorded in the 1989 book by Helen Ruth (Miller) Robertson, entitled The Robertson and May Families: with Allied Families.

~ Son Sylvester Troutman ~

Son Sylvester Troutman (1849-1895), sometimes known as "Sylvatus," was born in about 1849 in Londonderry Township, Bedford County. As a teenager, he migrated to Kansas with his parents and younger siblings.

He married Helen (1856- ? ), a Virginia native who was seven years younger than he.

Their known children were Pearl Troutman, Emma "May" Troutman, Arthur S. Troutman, Grace Cocherell and Mina Grant Mitchell.

Early in their marriage, the Troutmans moved to Arkansas, where their eldest child was born. But by December 1879, they were back in Franklin, Ottawa County for the birth of their next child, and where they remained as shown in the 1880 federal census.

By 1895, the family migrated again, this time to Oklahoma. 

Sylvester made news in February 1895 when he returned to Ottawa for a visit and became ill with influenza, known as "la grippe." Reported the Ottawa Daily Republic, he has:

...manifested insanity of an extremely violent character. The tendency of his ailment was noticable in a pronounced degree Friday night last, since which time the unfortunate man has been constantly under restraint. He became so violent that on Saturday it was deemed advisable to secure admission for him to one of the hospitals for the insane. Information was lodged with the Judge of Probate, and an examination was had Saturday. He was found to be insane, and committed for the hospital. He was being as tenderly cared for and guarded, as possible, but was so wild that it was found imperative to take him to the sick ward of the jail, where in addition to handcuffs and ankle-fetters, it was found necessary to strap him to the bed. Even then the services of two attendants were constantly required. The unfortunate man is less violent today, and has occasional rational moments. He has a wife and large family of children.

Within a week or so, he was transferred to an asylum at Osawatomie, Miami County, KS. Sadly, he died in the Osawatomie asylum on March 6, 1895, just a few weeks after the onset of his final illness. His remains were transported back to Ottawa for funeral services held at the English Lutheran Church at the corner of Sixth and Maple Streets. After his death, J.A. Elwell requested reimbursement in the amount of $24 from the county for providing guards for Sylvatus' confinement.

Federal census records for 1900 show Helen living alone on a farm she owned in Saline, Woods County, OK and working as a farmer.

Son Pearl Troutman (1878- ? ) was born in 1878 in Arkansas. On March 16, 1899, at the age of 21, he was joined in wedlock with 19-year-old Alice Johnson ( ? - ? ). Rev. W.L. Morris led the wedding service in Osage City, KS. They made their home in 1905 in Mena, AR. Evidence suggests that by 1910, the family returned to Kansas and dwelled in Kansas City, Wyandotte County, and that the two children in the family were Sylvester Troutman and Beulah Troutman.

Daughter Emma "May" Troutman (1879- ? ) was born in Dec. 1880 in Ottawa, Franklin County, KS. She was united in matrimony with Samuel Thrall ( ? - ? ). They became the parents of five -- Florence Thrall, Samuel Thrall Jr., Mildred Thrall, Grace Thrall, George Thrall and Eloise Thrall. The family made its home in Jett and Vining, OK for the births of their four eldest children. Sometime in the 1910s, they relocated to Washington State, with daughter Eloise born in 1917 in Midland, Pierce County, WA. May died in Tacoma, WA in 1959.

• Granddaughter Florence Thrall was born in Jett, OK.

• Grandson Samuel Thrall Jr. (1899- ? ) was born in 1899 in Jett, OK.

• Granddaughter Mildred Thrall was born in Jett, OK.

• Granddaughter Grace Thrall was born in Vining, OK.

• Grandson George Thrall (1911- ? ) was born in 1911 in Vining, OK.

• Granddaughter Eloise Thrall (1917- ? ) was born in 1917 in Midland, Pierce County, WA.

Son Arthur S. Troutman (1884- ? ) was born in 1884 in Kansas. He entered into marriage with Leona Sweet ( ? - ? ).

Daughter Grace Troutman ( ? - ? ) was born in Vining, OK. She married (?) Cocherell.

Daughter Mina Troutman (1887-1979) was born in Oct. 1887 in Kansas. She wedded (?) Grant ( ? - ? ). The Grants did not reproduce. She also was joined in wedlock with (?) Mitchell ( ? - ? ). Her final years were spent in Washington State. Death enveloped her in 1979 in Auburn, WA.

~ Son Noah "Henry" Troutman ~

Son Noah "Henry" Troutman (1850-1926) was born on New Year's Eve 1850 in Londonderry Township.

After migrating to Kansas, he learned his father's trade in gunsmithing and, after his father's death in 1891, took over the gun shop in Ottawa, located at 111 First Street.

He appears to have remained a bachelor.

In April 1909, he relocated the business to 117 North Main Street. His name constantly was printed in the Ottawa Daily Republic for his business and civic activities. At Christmas 1893, he exhibited a small, hand-made iron screw said to have been taken from the desk of George Washington, and which had been exhibited at the World's Fair,. In May 1894, he offered the prize of a bicycle lamp for the third-place finisher in an Ottawa Cycling Club race.

Circa June 1895, he owned a half-interest in a self-cleaning fishing boat with Charley Nolan. Said the Daily Republic, "It is doubtful if any living man has that much confidence in it." In addition to weaponry, he fixed bicycles and sold such hardware as thermometers and once introduced a scissors sharpener that had been invented by Thomas Edison. Henry also enjoyed fishing, and made it a practice to cast his lines from a local dam following floods, typically an opportune time to snag a croppie. Reported the Daily Republic, "Henry Troutman will be among the first to flit like a fat ghost around a corner of the abutment, accompanied by that dog of his whose tail is everlastingly getting tangled with somebody's line. But whether Henry comes early or late, he is pretty certain to electrify the crowd by yanking out the biggest beauty of the day."

In October 1909, when his mother made an extended visit of several months in Washington, IA, Henry traveled there to bring her home. While riding a bicycle in November 1917, he collided with a passing horse and buggy, breaking one of the buggy wheels and bruising him badly.

Henry suffered a stroke of paralysis in the fall of 1919. Henry died on May 16, 1926 in or near Tacoma, WA. His remains were laid to rest in Tacoma Cemetery in the same plot as his nephew Joseph Don Powers, to be joined in the future by married sister Emma Powers Whelan.

~ Daughter Mary Ellen (Troutman) Palmer Tuley ~

Daughter Mary Ellen "Ella" Troutman (1854- ? ) was born in about 1854 in Londonderry Township.

After migrating to Kansas as a girl, she grew up in Franklin County and was twice-married.

One of her husbands was (?) Palmer ( ? - ? ).

The pair produced a daughter, Malinda Palmer, born in 1885 in Kansas.

Mary Ellen wed again to Will Tuly/Tuley ( ? - ? ).

The Tulys made their home in Princeton, Franklin County, KS. Sadly, Emma's mother passed away in their residence in April 1912.

Daughter Malinda Palmer (1885- ? ) was born in 1885 in Kansas.

~ Daughter Harriet L. (Troutman) Walker ~

Daughter Harriet L. Troutman (1856- ? ) was born in about 1856 in Londonderry Township, Bedford County, PA. She made the migration to Kansas when a girl.

At the age of 23, at Christmas 1879, she traveled to Colorado Springs, CO, reported in the gossip columns of the Ottawa Daily Republic, which added that she "has many friends in Ottawa and Harrison who highly esteem her, and sincerely regret her departure."

She was joined in wedlock with James Walker Sr. ( ? - ? ).

Their three sons were Lloyd Walker, Don/Dan Walker and James Walker.

Harriet is believed to have been deceased by 1899. Her boys are shown together in the 1900 United States Census as wards in the home of John and Mary McCowan of Ottawa, KS, possibly and uncle and aunt..

Son Lloyd Walker (1884- ? ) was born in about 1884 in either Londonderry Township, Bedford County, PA or in Kansas. At age 16, in 1900, he resided as a ward with his guardians, John and Mary McCowan in Ottawa, KS. That year, he was enrolled in a training school in Kansas City. In late 1913, he dwelled in Waco, TX where he managed te Southwestern Telephone Company. Relatives in Kansas worried when Waco received heavy flooding but he appears to have been fine. Lloyd married (?). Their children were Sadie May Walker and Lloyd Walker Jr. The Walkers were in Dallas in 1916.

Son Don/Dan Walker (1886- ? ) was born in about 1886 in Kansas.

Son James Walker Jr. (1888- ? ) was born in about 1888 in Kansas. He was adopted by John and Mary McCowan although considered James Sr. as his father. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on various cruisers as an engineer, including the U.S. transport Mongolia, based in Honolulu in 1913. He was discharged and returned to Kansas to farm. Then, at the outbreak of World War I, he returned to the Navy, requesting that he be assigned as a fireman on a man of war.

~ Daughter Lucy Ann (Troutman) Schempp ~

Daughter Lucy Ann Troutman (1860-1907) was born in July 1860 or 1862 in Palo Alto, Londonderry Township, Bedford County, PA. She and her parents in 1865 were pioneer settlers of Kansas.

In 1887, when she was age 27, she wed George Christian Schempp Sr. (Nov. 12, 1863-1922), a native of Ontario, Canada or Philadelphia whose parents Mr. and Mrs. J. Christian and Mary Agnes (Meyer) Schempp were German immigrants. They couple is said to have met when George was installing a steam laundry facility which later was owned in the family.

George had grown up in Ohio and not only helped work on the family farm but was involved in building a flour mill in Sylvania, OH. He is said to have installed an early laundry in Cincinnati.

By 1889, the Schempps had relocated to the Pacific Northwest to the city of Tacoma, Pierce County, WA, where George operated a steam laundry.

Skyline of the city of Tacoma, WA, where George and Lucy Schempp lived. Note Mt. Rainier towering in the distance.

Their children were George Christian Schempp Jr. and Aldeth Schempp, both born in Washington, plus two others who died young prior to 1900.

The Schempps occasionally returned to Ottawa to spend several months visiting with Emma's brother Henry and other relatives. In 1902, Lucy and her aged mother made a trip to Ohio and Pennsylvania. 

Lucy died in Tacoma at the age of 44 on May 20, 1907. The remains were interred in Tacoma Cemetery.

The federal census for 1910 shows George and the children living on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, where he continued to manage the laundry, and providing a home for George's brother and sister in law, Jacob and Aldisa Schempp.

George outlived his wife by 15 years. Death swept him away at the age of 58, in Tacoma, on Aug. 24, 1922.

Son George Christian Schempp Jr. (1889-1919) was born on May 14, 1889 in Tacoma, Pierce County, WA. He received a bachelor's degee in agriculture in 1911 from Cornell University, where he appears to have met his future wife. In Ithaca, NY on Jan. 3, 1912, he married Beatrice George (1889-1980), a native of Ithaca, Tompkins County, NY and the daughter of William F. and Jennie A. (Pickert) George. Together, the couple bore four children -- Lucy Ann Jacoby, Beatrice Cencer Reddick, George Christian Schempp III and John Schempp. For a number of years in the 1910s, he was employed in Georgia to provide agricultural services for the state. They lived in or around Camilla, Mitchell County, GA and raised pecans. While in Athens, Clarke County, GA, he contracted pneumonia and succumbed to the angel of death at the age of 30 on Jan. 20, 1919. Beatrice lived for another 61 years after George's death and moved back home to Ithaca. She wedded again to Alfred Haley (1895-1969). She belonged to the Cornell Women's Club, Oriana Court of Amaranth, Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of American Colonists and St. John's Episcopal Church. Beatrice died in Lakeside Nursing Home at age 90 on Feb. 25, 1980. Her obituary in the Ithaca Journal said that her survivors included 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Lucy Ann Schempp (1913- ? ) was born on Oct. 24, 1913 in Albany, GA. At the age of 27, on July 5, 1941, she wedded Ernest Jacoby ( ? - ? ). Four offspring born to this union were Lucerne Anne Morr Cook, Jeanneanne Helen Pelon, Ernest Christian Jacoby and STephen Allen Jacoby. They resided in Hastings, MI in 1980 and Middleville, MI in 2011. The couple were featured in a Tampa Bay Times article on Oct. 12, 2005, headlined "Couple Tracks Family History." The story highlighted their respective genealogical searches and mentioned Lucy's Revolutionary War ancestors Peter Troutman and Andrew Emerick.

• Granddaughter Beatrice Cencer Schempp (1915- ? ) was born on June 10, 1915 in Albany, GA. She was joined in matrimony on Dec. 23, 1937 with Robert Reddick ( ? - ? ). The Reddicks lived in 1939 in Ithaca, NY and in 1980 in Guilford, CT. Together they bore a family of three -- Donald William Reddick, Mary Caroline Reddick and Ruth Ann Reddick.

• Grandson George Christian Schempp III (1916-2011) was born on Sept. 26, 1916 in Mitchell County, GA. After the death of his father when George was five, he relocated to his mother's hometown of Ithaca, Tompkins County, NY. He was twice-married. His first bride was Katherine Marinos ( ? - ? ). His second wife was Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Finch ( ? -2008). His known children were Charlotte S. Day, George Christian Schempp IV and William Arthur Schempp. He received his education from his father's alma mater, Cornell University. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a navigator on B-17 bombers, and reached the rank of second lieutenant. He spent his career in the insurance industry, first working for the Syracuse District Office of Prudential in 1939. He later joined Farmers & Traders Insurance in Syracuse. In time, he earned a chartered life underwriter degree from Syracuse University and formed his own firm in Ithaca, known as Weaver, Schempp & McNeill Insurance. George's memberships included the Ithaca CLU Association, Insurance Agents' Association of Tompkins County, Tompkins County Genealogy Association, Ithaca Lions Club, Brevard Sons of the American Revolution, Society of the Old Plymouth Colony and Founders & Patriots of America. The Ithaca Journal reported that he had written two genealogical books about his family in North America and Europe. One of his books, The Schempp Family History (1989), focused on descendants of Jerg or Georg Schempp of Bissingen, Württemberg, Germany and Christian Schempp (1838-1905) who emigrated to Ohio about 1850. George bore the heartbreak of the death of his wife in 2008 and his sons George in 1993 and William in 2011. Upon retirement, George lived in Melbourne and Lantana, FL. He died a day before his 95th birthday on Sept. 25, 2011. Burial was in East Lawn Cemetery in Ithaca.

• Grandson John Adams Schempp Sr. (1918- ? ) was born on March 15, 1918 in Camilla, GA. On Oct. 6, 1942, he entered into wedlock with Isabel C. Poyer ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Louisiana in 1944, and Ithaca/Albany, NY in 1946-1980. Their brood of children inclued Nancy Lee Matt, Beatrice Ann Crocetta, Mary Jean Boyka, Susan Marie Schempp and John Adams Schempp Jr.

Daughter Aldeth/Aldythe Schempp ( ? - ? ) was unmarried and in Tacoma in 1919.

~ Daughter Emma Minerva (Troutman) Powers Whelan ~

Daughter Emma Minerva Troutman (1864-1939) was born on May 15, 1864 in Londonderry Township, Bedford County, PA.

She was wedded twice in her lifetime. Emma at age 21 was united in holy matrimony on July 27, 1886 with her first spouse, Virginia native Henry Clay Powers (1858-1920) of Harper, KS, the sonof Joseph and Sarah J.S. (Alley) Powers. Rev. J.A. Lucas officiated the ceremony at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage. The Harper (KS) Graphic reported that "The contradicting parties will make Harper their future home," a gossip item reprinted in the Daily Republic.

Their marriage endured for 34 years until the separation of death.

Eight children were produced by this couple -- Jessie Whitney, Harvey Clarence Powers, Katherine Irma "Katie" Larkin, Albert Powers, Lucille Aldythe "Lucy" Hage, Joseph Daniel Powers, George Wood Powers, Arthur Elmer Powers and Mildred Emma Jones.

The couple was in Kansas from 1887 to 1894, at the births of their eldest four children, and then relocated by 1896 to Oklahoma. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1900, the Powerses made their home as farmers in Saline, Woods County, OK. During the early years of the 1900s decade, the family pulled up stakes again and moved to the Pacific Northwest, where Emma's sister Lucy Schempp and her family had been living since about 1889.

Henry found work in Tacoma as a "stationery engineer" -- otherwise known as custodian -- for a lumber mill, and the family moved there in 1900. The family address in 1909-1911 was 1422 South 43rd Street. Emma belonged to the Ladies' Sunshine Club and on New Year's Eve 1909 hosted a party in her home to "gather and watch the passing of the old year," said the Tacoma Times.

In 1912, Emma was named in her mother's newspaper obituary back in Kansas. They are known to have been farmers and to have owned a bee ranch in Ashford, WA circa 1915-1916. They were plunged into grief at the untimely death of their son Joseph while on a hunting trip in February 1916.

After two decades in the Tacoma area, and with Henry's health in decline, they moved in about 1918 south into California, settling in Lodi, Elkhorn Township, San Joaquin County. In Lodi, Henry worked as a laborer in a private garden.

Sadly, Henry died in Lodi on the Fourth of July 1920 at the age of 61. A short obituary was printed in the Sacramento Bee and a longer one in the Tacoma News Tribune. The body was brought back to Tacoma for burial.

Emma returned to Tacoma where she spent the balance of her life. In 1927, she was joined in marriage with John L. Whelan (March 1853-1933), widower of her cousin Josephine (Emerick) Whelan of the family of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Boderfield) Emerick. See the Whelan biography for more.

Book detailing the Emma Powers and Perry Troutman branches

Daughter Jessie Powers (1887-1963) was born on June 28, 1887 in Harper, KS. As a girl of 13, in 1900, she relocated with her parents to Tacoma, WA. On Nov. 8, 1905, in Tacoma, she was joined in wedlock with Elmer Dennis Whitney (May 3, 1867-1950). The pair's three children were Lewis Whitney, Doris Lawson and Winifred Schroeder. They appear to have spent their entire adult lives in Tacoma. Jessie held a membership in the Neighbors of Woodcraft for half a century and the Tyler chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, Tacoma Aquarium Club and Tacoma Stamp Club. Elmer passed away in Tacoma on March 14, 1950. Jessie survived him by a baker's dozen years and lived at 711 South 57th Street. Toward the end she was admitted to a nursing home. She surrendered to death on July 24, 1963. Her obituary was published in the Tacoma News Tribune. Their remains are in the sleep of ages in Tacoma Cemetery.

• Grandson Lewis A. Whitney (1906-1981) was born on Dec. 9, 1906 in Tacoma and lived in the city for a lifetime. He wed Flora Hollis ( ? - ? ). They resided in Tacoma and had four known children -- Leonard A. Whitney, Loren E. Whitney, Janet L. Sahler and Barbara J. Gronseth. Lewis founded an organization known as the Tacoma Merchant Patrol Service, a provider of protection services. He operated it for 37 years until retirement. The family belonged to Pilgrim Congregational Church. Lewis held a life membership in the Tacoma Sportsmen's Club, was a charter member of the Tyler lodge of the Order of Eastern Star and a member of the Clover and Tyler lodges of the Masons, Northwest Travelers Club, Good Sam Trailer Club, Tacoma Tripacer Air Club and Northwest Lions Club. He also received the Grand Cross of Colors from the Tyler Rainbow Assembly and an award from Washington State "for outstanding service for firearms safety to the youth of the state," reported the Tacoma News Tribune. The couple's address in the early 1980s was 3404 North 25th Street. Sadly, at the age of 74, he passed away on Feb. 21, 1981. His obituary appeared in the News Tribune.

• Granddaughter Doris Whitney (1912-2013) was born on Aug. 5, 1912 in Tacoma. On Dec. 6, 1930, she married Glen Lawson ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of a daughter, Marian Skagg. In 1963, they dwelled in Tacoma and remained for good. Their final home together was one they built together on Sunset Drive. Doris liked to camp, fish, play cards, snowbird and square dance. Sadly, they endured the untimely death of their married daughter. Doris marked her 100th birthday in 2012. At the age of 101, she died on Sept. 6, 2013. In an obituary in the Tacoma News Tribune, in which her photograph appeared, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to Franciscan Hospice.

• Granddaughter Winifred Whitney (1917-1982) was born on Aug. 31, 1917 in Tacoma. She was joined in wedlock with Walter Schroeder ( ? - ? ). The Schroeders lived in Seattle in the early 1960s and in Puyallup. Their two children were Denise Derosa and Walter P. Schroeder. Winifred earned a living over the years as a bookkeeper. She passed away at age 65 on Jan. 17, 1982, with a short obituary printed in the Tacoma News Tribune.

Son Harvey Clarence Powers (1889-1969) was born on May 15, 1889 in Harper, KS. His first wife, whom he married on April 6, 1914, was Jessie Littlefield ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in 1920 in Tacoma. Two children born to this couple were Harvey Clive Powers and Clarence Homer Powers. In time, by 1931, he wed again to Viola Deason (June 16, 1898- ? ) of Kansas. They settled Fox Island, WA and produced two more children of their own, Bonnie Lee Wilson and Henry Leighton Powers. Their address was 440 Sixth Avenue. Harvey worked for a plywood company. They belonged to the Unied Church of Christ, and he held memberships in the Peninsula Pomona Grange, serving a term as master, and the Moose lodge and Fox Island Historical Society. Harvey passed away in Fox Island on Oct. 21, 1969. The Tacoma News Tribune printed an obituary. Viola outlived him by many years. She died on Nov. 8, 1986 in Port Orchard, Kitsap County, WA.

• Grandson Harvey Clive Powers (1916-1990) was born on  Feb. 2, 1916 in Bow, WA. On July 1, 1946, he was united in matrimony with Sylvia Housland (Nov. 3, 1926- ? ), a native of Tilliam, WA and the daughter of Paul and Sulvia (Johnson) Housland. They were the parents of two -- Leanne Beverly Lewis and Linda Case. The Powerses established their residence in Fox Island, WA and stayed for good, a timespan of more than 45 years. Harvey served during World War II as a master sergeant with the U.S. Army, with deployment to the South Pacific Theatre. After returning home, he spent 21 years of employment with the Pierce County Road District. He held memberships in the Operating Engineers Local 612 and Gig Harbor Grange. Reported the Tacoma News Tribune, he "was one of five original firemen of Fox Island and retired in 1981 after 25 years of service." He died at age 73 on Jan. 15, 1990. Funeral services were held at the Fox Island United Church of Christ.

• Grandson Clarence Homer Powers (1918- ? ) was born on April 22, 1918 in Bow, WA. He was joined in wedlock on May 15, 1936 with Geraldine Davis (April 28, 1919- ? ). They appear to have dwelled in Mt. Vernon, WA and produced one child. His second wife was Dorothy ( ? - ? ). Circa 1969, their home was in Monroe, WA and in 1990 in Lynnwood, WA.

• Granddaughter Bonnie Lee Powers (1931- ? ) was born in 1931 in Tacoma, WA. She married Ray Wilson ( ? - ? ). One child was born to the pair. She wed a second time to Tony Donofrio ( ? - ? ) and lived in Bremerton and Port Orchard, WA.

• Grandson Henry Leighton Powers (1933- ? ) was born in 1933 in Tacoma, WA. He wed Eva May Sovereigh ( ? - ? ). Two children resulted from this union. They have dwelled in Scappoose, WA (1969) and later in Mossyrock, WA.

Daughter Katherine Irma "Katie" Powers (1890-1971) -- also spelled "Cathryn" and "Catherine" -- was born the day after Christmas 1890 in Runnymeed, a small community in Harper County, KS. She moved in girlhood with the family to Oklahoma and thence to Tacoma, WA. Circa May 21, 1918, she entered into marriage with David Larkin ( ? - ? ). Their home in 1920 was in Tacoma, WA, and they stayed for the rest of their lives. The Robertson and May book states that they had a stillborn daughter in 1920 in Tacoma. Evidence suggests that the couple did not reproduce further. Katie was employed as a longtime practical nurse. Their address in the early 1970s was 3221 East 72nd Street. Sadly, Katie died at the age of 79 on June 29, 1971 in Puyallup, WA. An obituary in the Tacoma News Tribune said that she "had lived in Tacoma 70 years."

Son Albert Powers (1894- ? ) was born in about Jan. 1894 in Kansas. Nothing more about him is known.

Daughter Lucille "Aldythe" (or "Lucy") Powers (1894- ? ) -- also spelled "Alduth" -- was born on Jan. 3, 1893 in Harper County, KS. She migrated with her parents and family to Oklahoma and thence to Washington State. On Oct. 15, 1911, when she was 16 years of age, she was united in matrimony with Nils Thorn "N.T." Hage ( ? - ? ). Rev. Flora B. Nevers officiated the nuptials in the Powers residence. "The wedding was simple," reported the Tacoma Times, "only a few intimate friends being present." Nils was an immigrant from Norway and became a naturalized citizen in August 1915. Two known children of this couple were Ruth Barr and Henrietta Cline. Their marriage fell apart, and Aldythe sued for divorce, with her petition granted in December 1936. She supported herself through her work for Brown and Haley Candy Company, and she belonged to the Bakers and Candy Workers Union Local 126. Her address in the early 1950s was 4509 South M. Street, Tacoma. Sadly, at the age of 61, in her home, she passed into the realm of eternity on Aug. 30, 1954. Her obituary appeared in the Tacoma News Tribune.

• Granddaughter Ruth Hage (1913- ? ) was born in 1913 in Tacoma. In July 1935, in a clandestine wedding in Vancouver, WA, she married Chester "Chet" Barr Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Chester Barr Sr. of 1421 South 47th Street in Tacoma. When finally announcing their union after six months, the Tacoma News Tribune published Ruth's photograph and said that the "young people have kept the ceremony a secret until the near-completion of their home on the prairie near Tacoma and are now receiving congratulations at the home of the bride's parents." The couple lived in Tacoma in 1954-1992.

• Granddaughter Henrietta D. Hage (1916- ? ) was born in 1916 in Tacoma. She entered into wedlock with Earl Robert Cline ( ? -1971), also of Tacoma. The pair established their home in Tacoma but did not reproduce. Earl earned a living as a draftsman and building contractor in Tacoma. In the early 1970s, their home was located at 10404 Barnes Lane. Earl died at the age of 54 on Nov. 20, 1971. His obituary was published in the Tacoma News Tribune. Henrietta outlived him by 21 years. On Dec. 21, 1992, she died in Tacoma at the age of 76. A short notice was printed in the News Tribune.

Son Joseph Daniel Powers (1896-1916) was born on June 26, 1896 in Enid, Wood County, OK. At the age of 19, in 1916, he labored as a farmer and bee ranch operator with his father in Ashford, Lewis County, WA. His address at the time was 1422 South 43rd Street. Sadness cascaded over the family when the 24-year-old Joseph died during a hunting expedition for wildcats on Feb. 7, 1916. Reported the Tacoma Daily Ledger:

Taken ill in the heavy timber several miles from Ashford at midnight, [he] died from exhaustion at the edge of the forest after a battle of 11 hours through the deep snow. He was able to make but a few feet at a time, his condition forcing him to rest. His companion, Charles Stoner, fire warden of Ashford, did everything possible to assist his young companion, and left Powers' body at the edge of the firest while he ran to Ashford for help... They had gone six miles into the forest from Ashford. When the return trip was begun Powers became ill. Stoner hurried to Ashford as soon as possible and arrived there at 3:30. The searching party then went out. Death is attributed to heart failure brought on by exhaustion.

Death occurred near Eatonville, WA. Notices of his demise and funeral were printed in the Ledger and in the Tacoma Times and Tacoma Daily News. Burial of the remains was in Tacoma Cemetery, in a plot next to or near his uncle Noah Troutman.

Son George Wood Powers (1898-1973) was born on July 19, 1898 in Enid, Wood County, OK. He migrated to Tacoma, WA and thence to San Joaquin County, CA with his parents. A bachelor at age 21, in 1920, he worked in Lodi, CA as a gas maker in a glas plant. At the age of 41, on July 27, 1939, he was joined together in matrimony with Martha Rempfer (Aug. 24, 1906- ? ), daughter of John C. and Katherine (Stitz) Rempfer of North Dakota. They were the parents of an only child. Their residence in 1963-1969 was in Lodi. George was swept away by the angel of death in Lodi on Aug. 13, 1973.

Son Arthur Elmer Powers (1900-1972) was born in about 1900 in Oklahoma. He was a boy of five when his parents relocated to Tacoma, WA in the Pacific Northwest. At 11 years of age, in October 1911, he made news in the Tacoma Times after a punishing whipping by the hand of his principal, E.E. Crook of the Whitman School. Reported the Times, "the principal laid young Powers over a chair and spanked him severely." He received a hernia injury from the incident. Doctors recommended that he not undergo surgery at that time, but rather suggested that he wear a truss. Arthur's mother asked the local prosecuting attorney to pursue the matter, but he took no action. five years later, in 1916, the rupture had not healed properly. Arthur's mother took her complaint to the Tacoma Mothers' Congress in September 1916. Reported the Times, "A quiet little woman dropped this question like a bomb into the close of the meeting... 'Don't you ladies think the school board should pay for the operation'?" The Congress was sympathetic but also did not act. The outcome of the matter is not known. Single at age 19, in 1920, he earned a living in Lodi, San Joaquin County, CA as garage machinist. In time he was married to Ellen Craig ( ? -1969), an immigrant from Belfast, Ireland. They begat two daughters, Doris Pearsall and Violet Lefebvre. Then in the mid-1940s, the family migrated to Puyallup, WA and resided at 9708 East 112th Street. He worked as a stationary engineer and held a membership in the Boilermakers Loal 568. Sadly, Ellen died at age 63 on June 18, 1969. Her obituary was published in the Tacoma News Tribune. Arthur survived for another three years. The angel of death swept him away at the age of 72 on Sept. 25, 1972. The News Tribune printed an obituary, which noted that he was survived by four grandchldren.

• Granddaughter Doris Powers wed Richard Pearsall. They dwelled in Tacoma in 1972.

• Granddaughter Violet Powers was a 1945 graduate of Lincoln High School in Tacoma. She married Ernest Lefebvre. They put down roots in Puyallup, WA.

Daughter Mildred Emma "Myldia" Powers (1903-1970) was born on Feb. 18, 1903 in Tacoma, WA. When she was 16 years of age, on Oct. 28, 1919, she was united in the bonds of matrimony with her first husband, Douglas Cynlais Jones (July 14, 1898- ? ), originally from Scranton, PA and the son of John W. and Margaret (Evans) Jones. They made a home in 1920 in Lodi, San Joaquin County, CA. The two children of the Joneses were Mildred June Jones and Laurel Marguerite Jones. Mildred's second spouse, whom she wed in October 1929, was William C. Amann ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Tacoma, and their union endured for 41 years until cleaved apart by death. Circa 1970, the couple resided at the address of 3221 East 72nd Street. She was a member of the Clay Club. Mildred succumbed to the spectre of death at age 67 on Dec. 29, 1970. Her obituary appeared in the Tacoma News Tribune. The headcount of her survivors was 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Mildred June Jones (1920- ? ) was born on June 5, 1920 in Tacoma. She was joined in matrimony on April 4, 1940 with Harry Leroy Anderson ( ? - ? ). Two offspring of this couple were Harry William Anderson Borst and Sharon Mae (Anderson Borst) Harnish Mendall. Then in 1951, she married a second time, to Jack Borst ( ? - ? ). Jack is believed to have adopted both of Mildred's offspring from the previous marriage. More details about this family may be found on page 83 of the Robertson and May book.

• Granddaughter Laurel Marguerite "Laurie" Jones (1923- ? ) was born on Nov. 6, 1923 in Tacoma. She entered into the bonds of marriage on June 19, 1940 with Ralph Lavern Harris (July 13, 1919-1979), son of Judd Thomas and Juanita Grace (Doughty) Harris. Their wedding was held in Burien, WA. This marriage resulted in six offspring -- Ralph Thomas Harris, Laurel Ann Harris, Kathryn Louise Harris, Marshall LaVern Harris, Susan Lee Harris and Penelope Harris. The family is kown to have dwelled in Seattle in 1970/ Sadness enveloped the family when Ralph passed away on Dec. 10, 1979, with burial in Hevetia Cemetery. After just under two years of mourning, on Oct. 24, 1981, Laurel wed Kenneth Wesley Prager (Dec. 8, 1922- ? ). More details about this family may be found on pages 83-85 of the Robertson and May volume.

~ Son Perry Daniel Troutman ~

Son Perry Daniel Troutman (1870-1954) was born in about February 1870 in Ottawa, Franklin County, KS.

His first wife was Amelia Schnert/Sehnert (1872- ? ), daughter of Frederick and Mary Schnert.

The couple together bore three known children -- Harry Ernest Troutman, Mary Katherine "Katy" Blackburn Cummings and Ralph Frederick Maynard "Freddie" Troutman.

Circa 1892, the family was in Okmulgee, OK when their daughter was born.

Heartache blanketed the family on May 3, 1896, when their three-year-old son Ralph died of "spasms," as reported by the Ottawa Daily Republic.

In February 1897, Perry was in Kansas City working at the Armour meat packing house, and returned home for a visit. The local gossip columns said that "his hands have become effected, by the handling of the meats in such a manner that the nails on all the fingers are dropping off." By August 1897, they were in Ottawa at the address of East Second Street.

The Robertson and May book suggests that the Troutmans' marriage was troubled, and that one source said he "was a drinking man."

Amelia made news in the summer of 1897 when she was arrested following a fight with Mrs. Frank Wilson, a woman of color, in which abusive language allegedly was used. A local judge heard the case and decided that no wrong had been done. Later that year, Amelia sued Perry for divorce in Franklin County and asked for custody of the children. The request was granted, and when he had returned to Kansas City by 1900, Perry told others he was "widowed."

In 1900, census records show him employed as a janitor in Kansas City and renting his dwelling on Main Street.

Reputedly, Perry met his second wife Charlotte Hiller (April 10, 1879- ? ), who with a friend had come to Kansas from their home in Smithtown Branch, NY. They tied the knot in the early years of the 1900s and became the parents of two sons -- Ralph Troutman and Edwin John Troutman.

They made their home in Kansas City. The second marriage appears to have ended by 1904, when Charlotte returned home to New York pregnant and with a two-year-old son.

Son Ralph recalled Perry as tall and thin who spoke German and worked as a stone mason. Family rumors swirled that Perry was killed in a barroom brawl in Kansas City, but this has proven not to be factual.

In 1912, when named in the Ottawa Daily Republic newspaper obituary of his mother, Perry returned to Ottawa for the funeral service. Perry was in Kansas City in the fall of 1918.

He obtained a marriage license to wed Louise M. Mudd ( ? - ? ) of Kansas City.

Perry passed into eternity in 1954 at age 84. Interment was in Ottawa's Highland Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave]

Son Harry Ernest Troutman (1890-1918) was born in 1890. He farmed in Oklahoma in young manhood. In June 1918, he was joined in the hand of marriage with Florence C. Burlingame (June 22, 1901- ? ). The cruel hand of fate intervened to bring Harry's life and the union to a quick end. During World War I, the 28-year-old was drafted into the American Expeditionary Force and underwent training at Camp Logan in Texas. Tragically, the young soldier contracted pneumonia and died in camp on Oct. 7, 1918. News of his death was telegraphed to his aunt Mrs. C.F. Dale of North Cedar Street in Ottawa. His remains were brought back to Ottawa for interment in Highland Cemetery, accompanied by his married sister and brother in law. Today his name adorns a World War I memorial in the cemetery with names of all local soldiers who served from Ottawa.

Daughter Mary Katherine "Katy" Troutman (1892- ? ) was born in 1892 in Okmulgee, OK. She was twice-wed. On Feb. 6, 1911, she entered into marriage with Hershell Blackburn ( ? - ? ). In time she married again to S.N. Cummings ( ? - ? ).

Son Ralph Troutman (1902-1988) was born on May 22, 1902 in Kansas City. He was married twice, both in the later years of his life. He appears to have provided memories to Helen Ruth (Miller) Robertson which were published in her 1989 book, The Robertson and May Families: with Allied Families. He died in Rochester, NY in March 1988.

Son Edwin John Troutman (1904-1986) was born on Nov. 5, 1904, apparently after his parents' marriage had dissolved. He thus grew up in his mother's home region of upstate New York. He was joined in wedlock with Sarah Ann Beller (Jan. 5, 1909-1964), a native of Castle, Ontario, Canada and the daughter of Christian and Fannie (Roth) Beller. The family made its residence in upstate NY. Four children born to the pair were Rev. Dr. Perry John Troutman, Charles Gerald Troutman, Richard Laverne Troutman and Marion Irene Troutman. Sadly, Sarah died in Buffalo on Aug. 13, 1964. Edwin survived her for another 22 years. He succumbed to the spectre of death in East Aurora, NY on June 12, 1986.

• Grandson Rev. Dr. Perry John Troutman (1927- ? ) was born on Oct. 31, 1927 in Corfu, NY. He received his bachelor's degree from Houghton College and then studied at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago. On Aug. 20, 1950, he was united in matrimony with Vivian Dorothy Shreffler (Oct. 22, 1922- ? ), daughter of Clinton C. and Dorothy May (Rote) Shreffler of Oil City, PA. The couple bore two children -- Lynda Rae Troutman and Philip Edwin Troutman. Perry received his divinity degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH and his ordination to the ministry on Aug. 31, 1952. He was named as pastor of Methodist church congregations in Crawford County, PA and Harwick and Cape Cod, MA. Perry then obtained in 1964 his doctorate from Boston University and went on to the field of academia as professor of religion at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA. See pages 86-87 of the Robertson and May Families for more.

• Grandson Charles Gerald Troutman (1929- ? ) was born on Nov. 17, 1929 in East Aurora, NY. He sereved in the U.S. Navy. Charles spent his professional career as an insurance adjuster. On Dec. 12, 1952, he was joined in wedlock with Arlene Kuchenbeisser ( ? - ? ), daughter of Charles and Marie Christina (Kakuschke) Kuchenbeisser. One son born to this union was Wayne Alan Troutman. More about this family may be found on page 87 of the Robertson and May Families book.

• Grandson Richard Laverne Troutman (1930- ? ) was born on Dec. 6, 1930 in East Aurora, NY. At the age of 23, on Aug. 21, 1954, he wed 22-year-old Merle White (Jan. 11, 1932- ? ), daughter of Bernice Irma White. Their nuptials were held in Princeton, WV. The couple adopted their elder two children, Richard "Mark" Troutman and Sarah Ann Troutman and may have borne a daughter of their own, Elizabeth Ellen Troutman. Richard was an alumnus of Houghton College and the University of Kentucky. He went on to a college teaching career and was tapped to chair the history department of Western Kentucky University.

• Granddaughter Marion Irene Troutman (1931- ? ) was born on Dec. 1, 1931 in Buffalo, NY. On Jan. 18, 1952, she married Melvin Raymond Smallback Jr. (Aug. 19, 1928- ? ). The children born to the pair were Melvin Raymond Smallback III and Donald Edwin Smallback. The Smallbacks were in Buffalo, NY at the births of their sons in the 1950s. Their ended in divorce in Winston County, AL on Aug. 11, 1961. Marion earned a living over the years with her work in East Aurora, NY for Fisher Toys.