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Samuel Haupt was born on Sept. 22, 1773 in Bucks County, PA, the son of  of John "Henry" Sebastian and Maria Catharina (Youngken) Haupt Jr. 

He entered into marriage with Elizabeth Sweitzer (Sept. 29, 1778- ? ), also of Bucks County. They migrated to New York State in youg adulthood and put down roots in Newville, Herkimer County. 

There Samuel constructed a gristmill on the site of the future home of their granddaughter Elizabeth Tibbitts. He also built a stone mill there in 1834 and in time added sawmills and other manufacturing-type facilities to the property. 

The family of children they produced together included Henry Houpt, Nancy Houpt I, Nancy Dyelin/Dysslin, Lewis Houpt, Chauncey Houpt, Eliza Church and Catherine Morris. The family grieved when their first of two daughters named Nancy only lived for about a year and died in 1806.

Sadly, while his brother Jacob was en route to their home for a visit in September 1828, the brother became afflicted and was found in a confused state at the pier in Albany and is believed to have died in a nearby home. 

Samuel lived for several decades more. As of 1850, U.S. Census records show him on a farm in Danube, Herkimer County, NY, with 34-year-old daughter Eliza in the household along with 18-year-old Sarah C. Dyslin. A family burying ground is believed to have been carved out of their farm tract at some point, known as "Houpt Cemetery." 

He died in New York on Jan. 9, 1851, and his remains were laid to rest in the Houpt Cemetery in Danube. His name and dates were inscribed on the face of his grave marker. More on this family possibly could be found in the "Kratz Family History" referenced by William H. Haupt of Charition, Iowa in his manuscript genealogy records. 

Houpt Cemetery sits on a hill behind a private residence near the intersection of Newville Road and Fords Bush Road in the Village of Newville, Town of Danube. This home is said to have belonged to the Houpt family at one time. Access is gained through an entrance opposite Creek Road, but a visitor needs to park and then walk up along a mowed path. The town of Danube maintains this cemetery. Of the 132 known burials registered on Find-a-Grave, 14 bear the name Houpt, with many more family interments with some other surname.

Above: Site of Henry Houpt's farm directly south of Newville,  Danube Township, from the 1868 Atlas of Herkimer County, New York, published by Stranahan and Nichols. Below: Other Houpt properties in the town.

~ Son Henry Haupt ~

Houpt family burying ground Courtesy Evelyn Newby

Son Henry Haupt (1803-1870) was born on May 20, 1803. 

In about 1833, at the age of 30, he married Agnes Slaughter (1810-1858) of Newville, NY, daughter of New York legislator Cornelius Sloughter/Slaughter. 

Their four known children were Franklin C. Haupt, Lewis Henry Haupt, Elizabeth Haupt and Chauncey Houpt Sr. 

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1850, the Houpts were farmers of Danube, Herkimer County, NY. T

he family was plunged into grief when Agnes died on April 1, 1858. Burial was in Houpt Cemetery in Danube, NY. 

Henry died exactly a dozen years later, on April 1, 1870, at the age of 66 years, 10 months and 14 days.

Son Franklin C. Haupt (1831-1851) was born in 1831. Tragically, he accidentally shot and killed himself at the age of 19 or 20 in March 1851 when a loaded gun he was carrying, as he tried to cross a fence, fired in his hands. The remains were lowered into the soil of Houpt Cemetery in Danube, NY. The nature of his death was reported in the 1901 obituary of his sister Elizabeth Tibbitts.

Son Lewis Henry Haupt (1839- ? ) was born in about 1839 and grew up learning the farming business from his father in Danube, NY.

Daughter Elizabeth Haupt (1842-1901) was born on Nov. 15, 1842 in Newville, Herkimer County, NY. In 1870, she was joined in wedlock with Dr. William Tibbitts (Oct. 1838-1908), originally from Stillwater, Saratoga County, NY.. Together, they produced a trio of sons -- William D. Tibbitts (1871-1943), Mortimer B. Tibbitts (1872-1888)and Henry Houpt Tibbitts (1875-1965). William was an 1867 graduate of Bellevue Medical College. Elizabeth surrendered to the spectre of death at the age of 58, in Newville, on Sept. 15, 1901. An obituary said she had died suddenly of "cardiac difficulty." William survived for another seven years. He passed away on March 11, 1908.  Their remains sleep for the ages in Houpt Cemetery.

Son Chauncey Houpt (1846-1903) was born in 1846 in Newville, Herkimer County, NY. He entered into marriage with Amelia A. Walrath ( ? - ? ). Three sons were born into this family -- Henry Houpt, Chancey Houpt Jr. (1887-1914) and Samuel Houpt. Chauncey is believed in 1888 to have been elected as a Herkimer County Republican delegate to the state convention in Utica. His name again was in the newspapers in the first week of July 1899 when his barn and horse barn were struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Said The Earth of Burlington, VT, "This fire was started about 4 o'clock in the morning, and at the time the family was in the barn engaged in milking. The cows were released, but seven calves in the basement perished. Some of the members of the family had a narrow escape and were knocked senseless by the shock." Chauncey died at the age of 56 in Newville on Jan. 14, 1903. Burial was in the Houpt Cemetery in nearby Danube, Herkimer County. 

~ Daughter Nancy (Haupt) Dusslin II ~

Daughter Nancy Haupt II (1806-1893) was born on May 29, 1806 in New York and named for an older, deceased sister. 

She was joined in wedlock with John Henry Dysslin (May 27, 1799-1877), also spelled "Dyelin" and "Dyslin," of Newville, NY. 

Federal census records for 1850 show the family living on a farm next door to Nancy's widowed father and adult siblings in Danube, Herkimer County, NY. They moved to Illinois in 1864 during the Civil War and planted themselves in Carroll County, IL. 

The Dysslins became the parents of seven -- Eliza Dysslin, Ann Alida "Lide" Bellinger, Sarah Catherine Little, Franklin "Frank" Dysslin, Lewis Henry Dysslin, Morris Dysslin and Clark Dysslin. Sadly, two of the offspring died in childhood, Eliza in 1832 at about age six and son John Henry in 1830 in infancy. 

The angel of death cleaved John away at the age of 78 on Oct. 23, 1877. Burial was in Lanark City Cemetery. 

Nancy endured as a widow for another 15 years. She passed away on March 28, 1893. The Freeport Weekly Standard said that services were held in the home of her married daughter Sarah Little, by the hand of Rev. Marcus Lane, followed by interment in Lanark. 

Daughter Ann Alida "Lida" Dysslin (1828-1865) was born on Aug. 22, 1828. She was united in matrimony with farmer, lumberman and carpenter George N. Bellinger (Feb. 28, 1824-1897) of Herkimer, Herkimer County. George stood 5 feet, 7½ inches tall and bore brown hair and blue eyes, with a light complexion, and weighed 135 lbs. The newlyweds made their residence in the household of her parents in 1850 in Danube, Herkimer County, NY. They are believed to have borne three sons, Henry F. Bellinger, Charles G. Bellinger and George H. Bellinger. The 1860 United States Census shows this family in Utica, Oneida County, NY. In the years leading up to the Civil War, friend James Stapleton considered George "a strong gugged man apparently in good health." George enlisted in the Union Army on Jan. 4, 1864 at Wheeler, NY and was assigned to the 8th New York Heavy Artillery, Company A. He saw action on May 15, 1864 at the Battle of Spotsylvania and was painfully injured when struck by a musket in the small of the back. Fellow soldiers Silas H. Hamilton and Stapleton watched the incident unfold, with both writing many years later that "a soldier in the rear of him sliped + fell + in falling hit [George] with his bayonet, knocking said Bellinger down + injuring him in the right side... it was done without any carelessness or fault of said Bellinger." At Spotsylvania, some 32,000 men fell on both sides, the costliest battle of the campaign, with Grant trying unsuccessfully to dislodge Lee during what's known as the Overland Campaign.

Battle action at Cold Harbor, where George was shot in the foot - National Archives

Sketch of George's wound at Cold Harbor - National Archives

In May and early June 1864, suffering badly from chronic diarrhea and hemorrhoids, he received medical care. Then when the 8th New York took part in the Battle of Cold Harbor the first week of June 1864, George went into that fight a sick man. Cold Harbor was a series of maneuvers between Grant and Lee over two weeks that led to more than 17,000 killed. In that battle, George received a gunshot wound in the toe of the left foot. He wrote that "the ball passing through said foot from the gap between the toes + ankle. Was taken to Field Hospital White House Landing Va., staid some 2 days was then taken to Columbia Hospital Va. where he remained about one year." The Columbian College Hospital was located in the District of Columbia. He then received a furlough on June 14, 1864, and came home for a brief time. Son-in-law Obed Merrill saw him at this time and was aware of the bowel problems. Thereafter George was ordered back to Columbian, remaining until about May 1865, perhaps living in nothing more than a tent on the college grounds. Regarded by the army as a convalescent, he was transferred in May 1865 to a hospital in Buffalo, NY, spending time there with fellow soldier Silas H. Hamilton, also from back home. He finally was granted a discharge on May 30, 1865 and returned to family and friends in Campbell/Addison, NY. 

Columbian College and Carver Barracks hospitals in the District of Columbia, where George was treated for his wound and chronic diarrhea - Library of Congress

George's army discharge - National Archives

Immediately upon his return, he filed for a military pension and it was awarded effective July 31, 1865 [Invalid App. #80.342 - Cert. #107.258] He tried after that without much success to ply his trade as a carpenter. Dr. Bell continued to treat him and ward off an infection of gangrene in the foot. Neighbors David and Margaret Charlesworth worked for him and often saw him about and thought him unable to perform manual labor. Daughter and son-in-law Martha and Obed Merrill lived in the same house as the Bellingers in 1865 and knew he could not work much. Neighbors Oliver Fox and John H. Putman bartered their labor with George, with both friends noting his same inability to work. Sadly, Lida died later that very same year in 1865. The widowed George married a second time to Sarah (1846- ? ). They established their residence in 1866 in Wheeler, Steuben County, NY. A third marriage was with Margaret (July 13, 1817-1898), who was seven years older than he. Later in life, when undergoing medical examinations to remain compliant with the terms of his pension, doctors noted the trouble George encountered when trying to walk, with one writing, "can't travel gravel." Sadly, third wife Margaret surrendered to the angel of death on March 21, 1893. George outlived her by four years. He died in Wheeler at the age of 73 on Nov. 2, 1897. Burial was in Highland Cemetery in Avoca, NY.

• Granddaughter Martha A. Bellinger (1846-1931) was born on Sept. 13, 1846 in Herkimer County, NY. She entered into marriage with Obediah "Obed" Merrills (Oct. 6, 1844-1920), originally from Campbell, NY. Their only known son was Elmer Merrills. The Merrillses spent their years at Meads Creek near Campbell, NY. When her brother George died in 1927, Martha was named in his Elmira Star-Gazette obituary. She died in Campbell at the age of 84 on May 17, 1931. Her obituary was printed in the Watkins Glen Express, which said that she "was a faithful member of the Monterey Presbyterian church and was active in several branches of church Work as long as her health would permit. She had a generous nature and was always ready to help others. A wide circle of friends throughout the countryside will mourn her loss." Rev. Alex Parry of Corning preached the funeral service. Their burial site is in the Coopers Plains Cemetery.

  Great-grandson Elmer Obed Merrills (1876-1931) was born on Aug. 19, 1876 at Campbell, Steuben County, NY. In 1903, he wed Maggie May Vangelder (1882-1958). Together they became the parents of Ella Maggie Short (1915-1960) and Kenneth Elmer Merrills (1917-2010). The family dwelled at Meads Creek north of Campbell, NY in 1931. Sadly, Elmer passed away at age 54, in Romulus, NY, on May 27, 1931. Burial was in Coopers Plains Cemetery. The widowed Maggie May married the following year to preacher Wesley Charles Frary ( ? - ? ) at the Gospel Tabernacle Church, led by pastor Rev. Raymond L. Foster.

• Grandson Henry F. Bellinger (1850- ? ) was born in about 1850. He learned his father's trade as a carpenter. Nothing more is known.

• Grandson Charles G. Bellinger (1851-1930) was born on July 2, 1851. He was twice-wed, first to Louise Evans (1858-1913). Then at the age of 60, in 1913, he married 43-year-old Cora M. Claus (1867- ? ) of Rome, NY. The federal census enumeration of 1920 shows the Bellingers in Utica, with him plying his trade as a carpenter. George died on Jan. 16, 1930, with burial in Utica's Forest Hill Cemetery.

• Grandson George H. 'Gus" Bellinger (1856-1927) was born on Aug. 19, 1856 in Addison, NY. He was a boy when his mother died, and at  11 years of age, in 1867, he moved with his father and stepmother to a farm on West Creek. He stayed put in West Creek near Wheeler, Steuben County, NY for the remaining 53 years of his life. In 1876, at the age of 20, he tied the knot with Susie Charlesworth (1855-1887) of Avoca, NY. They bore a son and daughter, Claude Bellinger and Mrs. J.B. Olmsted. The family was plunged into mourning when Susie passed away on March 24, 1887. Then after a year of grief, George wed again in 1888 to Carrie Harder (1862-1937), a resident of Bath, NY. The Elmira Star-Gazette said he was "one of the most prosperous and successful farmers in the community. [He was] a prominent citizen in the adjoining town of Wheeler where he has held several offices. He had been active in the Avoca Grange and the Avoca Presbyterian Church." They moved to Avoca in about 1921 where their final home was on North Main Street. George died at their residence on Oct. 21, 1927. The Star-Gazette printed an obituary, which said he "had been in ill health for the past year and during the past few months had been in a serious condition, seldom being able to be about his home." Interment was in Avoca's Highland Cemetery.

  Great-grandson Claude Bellinger (1882-1973) lived in Avoca, NY in 1927. 

  Great-granddaughter (?) Bellinger married J.B. Olmsted. They settled in Avoca, NY. 

Daughter Sarah Catherine Dysslin (1831-1919) was born on Oct. 28, 1831 in New York. In Massachusetts, on April 9, 1857, she wed Charles H. Little (Dec. 7, 1832-1914). They moved to Illinois a year later in 1858 and settled in Freeport, Stephenson County, IL. As such, they were considered pioneer residents of the community and stayed for the balance of the decades of their lives. One known daughter of this family was Ellen May Little. Charles started his own business, C.H. Little & Company, a firm which dealt in china, crockery, glassware and toys. He "met with almost immediate success and for many years was one of the successful and prominent business men of the community," said the Freeport Journal-Standard. "During his business career he amassed a considerable fortune in Freeport, being interested also in other enterprises in other cities." Charles died in 1914, leaving an estate estimated between $200,000 and $300,000. Under the terms of his will, Sarah was to inherit $50,000 with another $25,000 to be used to build a home for the aged in Freeport. The rest of the assets were to be distributed among a host of others under a wide range of conditions and stipulations. When Sarah renounced his terms of the document, she thus inherited half of the estate. Sarah's final address was with her brother Morris at 418 Stephenson Street. She died in Freeport on July 16, 1919. Burial took place in Freeport's Oakland Cemetery. The Journal-Standard said in an obituary that her "death was not unexpected, as she had been in failing health for some time and had been critically ill for the last ten days. She was well known throughout the entire community and her taking off brings grief to a wide circle of friends and acquaintances." She left the sum of $25,000 to her brother Morris, $5,000 to her brother Franklin, $8,000 each to the children of her brother Clark and deceased siblings Lida Bellinger and Lewis Dyslin, and $13,000 to her nephew Clayton A. Porter of Fairmont, MN, among other bequests.

Son Franklin "Frank" Dysslin (1834-1924) was born on July 26, 1834 in Herkimer County, NY. When he was 21 years of age, on Jan. 10, 1856, he married Ursula M. Cison (1838-1900). They relocated to Carroll County, IL and established a longtime home in a community named for the family, Dysslin Valley. Frank and Ursula produced a family of at least four offspring -- Nancy Aurand (1856-1947), Mattie E. Dyslin, Frankie B. Aurand (1867-1941) and Roy Dyslin (1872-1888). Sadly, daughter Mattie died at the age of about two in 1862. Then circa 1891, they pulled up stakes and made a move to Milledgeville, IL, where they stayed for good. Said the Polo (IL) Tri-County Press, Frank "was a quiet and reserved man but a man of observation and well read and a good conversationalist because of a wide range of reading. Kind and thoughtful of his family and neighbors and always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a faithful attendant of the M.E. church for many years..." He became a member of the Masons and was elevated to masteer in the Shannon lodge in 1879 and later moved his membership to the Lanark chapter of the Royal Arch Masons. He had an "intense interest in the work and life of Masonry," said the Press, " as well as his love for his brethren [which] was an outstanding fact of his life."  When he was about 61 years of age, in 1895, Frank received an inheritance of $2,000 from the estate of his wealthy aunt Eliza (Houpt) Church. Sadly, Ursula died on Jan. 3, 1900, bringing to a close their union of nearly 44 years' duration. He passed away in his home at the age of 90 on Oct. 31, 1924. His pastor, Rev. E.Y. Knapp, officiated the funeral services in the family church. Interment was in Lanark City Cemetery in Carroll County. A short death notice was printed in the Lanark Gazette. As of 1924, only two of their four offspring were living, daughter Nancy in Rockford, IL, and Frankie in Milledgeville.

Son Lewis Henry Dyslin (1836-1908) was born on Christmas Day 1836 and grew up on a farm in Danube, NY. He made the migration to Illinois with his family. Lewis entered into marriage with Arminda Jane Wilcox (Oct. 16, 1842-1922), daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth (Walrod) Wilcox of Danube. The pair's brood of offspring included John Nelson Dyslin, Sarah E. Wilkin, Franklin Benjamin Dyslin, Morris E. Dyslin and George Dyslin. They grieved when daughter Annette died at the age of 11 on Nov. 17, 1873. Lewis is known to have received an inheritance of $1,000 from the estate of his aunt Eliza (Houpt) Church circa 1895. The angel of death cleaved away Lewis on Dec. 20, 1908, just five days shy of his 72nd birthday. His remains were lowered under the sod of Cherry Grove Brethren Cemetery in Lanark, IL. Their son George moved to Minnesota and in 1897 was in Fairmount, MN.

Son Morris Dyslin (1839-1924) was born on March 10, 1839 in Newville, Herkimer County, NY and spent his early years in a farming home in Danube, NY. On Jan. 23, 1861, Morris was joined in wedlock with Frances "Fannie" Fralick (April 16, 1839-1911), also of Herkimer County. Four children of the pair were Charles Dyslin ( ? -Nov. 8, 1893), Clark Dyslin, Philo Dyslin and Addie A. Wolf (1867-1910). The family in 1862 relocated to Illinois and first planted themselves in Freedom Township, Carroll County, IL. In time they moved to Cherry Grove Township and eventually on March 6, 1900 into the town of Lanark. They were members of the local Christian Church. Morris acquired a 240-acre farm located seven miles north of Lanark and sold it in 1894 to John Keltner. He also owned land in Cherry Grove near Lanark and sold it in 1911 to Alvin Sword. Morris received an inheritance of $1,000 from the estate of his aunt Eliza (Houpt) Church circa 1895. Sadness swept through the family when Fannie passed away at home on Sept. 15, 1911. An obituary in the Tri-County Press said she "has been ailing for a long time and failed rapidly the last few weeks." Funeral services were held at the Christian Church, by the hand of Rev. Cresmer. Death enveloped him at the age of 85, in the home of his son Clark in Lanark, on Aug. 28, 1924. His obituary was carried in the Freeport Journal-Standard. Their son Charles, a member of the Stephen A. Douglas Garrison of the Knights of the Globe, died at the age of 31 on Nov. 11, 1893, leaving a widow and small child. His life insurance policy with the KGMBA was approved for a $2,000 payout to the widow.

Son Clark Dysslin (1841-1914) was born on Nov. 23, 1841 in Montgomery County, NY. He migrated to Illinois in 1864. Clark was united in matrimony with Eugenia Wilcox (May 3, 1844-1906), daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth (Walrod) Wilcox of Danube, NY. Their trio of known children were Lewis Henry Dyslin (1865-1939), Ursula Elizabeth Wilkin (1867-1909) and Walter Dyslin (1869-1916). Clark made news in November 1894 when "waiting to have a load of grain weighed at the elevator," reported the Freeport Daily Journal, his team of horses "became frightened and ran away, throwing him out and wrecking the wagon on Devore avenue. Then then took cross lots for home, going through several barb wire fences, cutting themselves, but not badly." Sadly, having suffered from cancer for two years, Eugenia passed away on March 19, 1906. A notice of her death was made in the Daily Bulletin, and Clark's sister Sarah Little is known to have traveled to Lanark for funeral services. Clark outlived her by about eight years. He announced plans in February 1908 to build a new barn, measuring 100 feet by 164 feet, featuring 26-foot posts and a 20-foot cattle shed on each side. Then in about 1908, he moved to Iowa and remained for the final five years of his life. In Aurelia, IA, he surrendered to the spirit of death at the age of 72 on Jan.23, 1914. The Freeport Journal-Standard published an obituary, and his corpse was returned to Illinois for burial. with Rev. Knapp of the Methodist Epicopal Church conducting funeral rites. The couple sleeps for the ages in Lanark City Cemetery in Carroll County, IL.

~ Son Lewis Henry Haupt ~

Lewis' grave, Houpt Cemetery Courtesy Havergirl Doherty

Son Lewis Henry Haupt (1810-1853) was born on Aril 26, 1810. 

When he was 34 years of age, on May 26, 1844, he wed Caroline Frances Benedict (Nov. 4, 1825-1879). 

A trio of children were born into this union -- Sarah Spencer, Annie C. Elwood and Lewis W. Haupt. 

Lewis died on Nov. 14, 1853 (or 1855), as inscribed on his grave marker, bringing to a close their union of just 10 years' duraction. 

Caroline lived for nearly a quarter-century longer, dying on St. Patrick's Day 1879.  Her remains were laid to rest beside her husband's in the Houpt Cemetery in Danube, NY. 

Daughter Sarah E. "Sally" Haupt (1846- ? ) was born in about 1846 in or near Danube, Herkimer County, NY. She entered into marriage with Frank E. Spencer ( ? - ? ). She was named in the will of her aunt, Eliza (Houpt) Church, and was given $1,000 in cash from the estate circa 1895.

Daughter Anna C. "Annie" Haupt (1848- ? ) was born in about 1848 in or near Danube, Herkimer County, NY. Anna wed Isaac Elwood ( ? - ? ). She was named in the will of her aunt, Eliza (Houpt) Church, and was given $1,000 in cash from the estate circa 1895.

Son Lewis W. Haupt ( ? - ? )

~ Son Chauncey Haupt ~

Son Chauncey Haupt (1815-1845) was born on March 25, 1815. 

Little is known of his life. 

Death spirited him away into eternity on Sept. 14, 1845, at the age of 32 years, five months and 20 days. His remains lie within the sacred soil of the family's Houpt Cemetery in Danube, NY.

~ Daughter Eliza (Houpt) Church ~

Daughter Eliza Houpt (1816-1895) was born on March 25, 1816. 

She did not marry until in her mid-30s and in early 1850 shared a home with her widowed father and niece Sarah C. Dysslin in Danube, Herkimer County, NY. 

On Dec. 18, 1850, she entered into marriage with 48-year-old Dr. Jefferson Church (Oct. 20, 1802-1885), a native of Middlefield, MA. 

Three stepchildren in this family were Eliza C. Church, Mattie Church and William Hyde Church. 

In young manhood, prior to marriage, Jefferson studied medicine in Castleton, VA and graduated from the Pittsfield Medical College. Then then studied under a mentor, Dr. William Tully, later publishing Tully's book Materia Medica or Pharmcology and Therapeutics. Jefferson first came to Boston in about 1825, then returned to Middlefield, and came back shortly and remained in Boston for good.  

In 1840, he took part in the Massachusetts State Convention held in Worcester and Springfield, and he was elected president of the body, and famed abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison was named to a business committee. At that gathering, slavery and pro-slavery churches were denounced, and the call made that "no abolitionist could give his vote for William Henry Harrison or Martin Van Buren, without compromising his principles, and dishonoring his profession." Garrison's committees made two resolutions, first, "That the enslavement of one-sixth of the people of this country ought to silence forever all its claims to Christianity, republicanism, or civilization; it ought to cover us as a nation, and those of us who silent give their assent to it, as individuals, with the infany that attaches to the greatest of crimes." The second was "That slaveholding is a moral offence against God and man -- and not to be cleared away by influence short of heartfelt repentence and moral reformation." 

In 1849, he presided at an Anti-Slavery Convention in Springfield, with Garrison's famed newspaper, the Boston Liberator, calling him "a true and steadfast friend of the slave."  In that meeting, said the Liberator, the representatives passed three resolutions, as follow:

1. Resolved, That inasmuch as (in the language of the late Judge Story) it is 'historically well known' that one of the objects of the United States Constitution was 'to secure to the citizens of the Slaveholding States, the complete right and title of ownership in their slaves, AS PROPERTY , in every State of the Union;' and inasmuch, also, as (in the language of Judge Baldwin) 'the foundations of the government are laid, and rest on the right of property in slaves;' we do, therefore, affirm, that such a Constitution and Government are fitly described by the prophet's language as 'a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell,' and are of such a nature that no honest and free man can consistently uphold them, or be in any wise a partner to them; and the law of God, and the dictates of a sound judgment and an enlightened policy, alike require that we should all cease from any connection with them. 2. Resolved, That we, therefore, reaffirm our great principle of No UNION WITH SLAVEHOLDERS,' and summon every humane, honest and God-fearing soul, to come to this only unchanging standard of truth and right. 3. Resolved, That the Religion and the Church which countenance and fellowship Slavery, inasmuch as they are thereby upholding the 'sum of all villanies,' are the most deadly foes to Christ, and the most thorough infidels to his religion, anywhere to be found, and should never receive the countenance and fellowship of any honest and Christian man. 

Dr. Jefferson Church's dear abolitionist friends, L-R: John Brown, William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips - Library of Congress

Then in 1856, he was elected vice president of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society in a meeting at Boston's Williams Hall, and throughout the Civil War remained active with the organization. 

Federal census records for 1860-1880 show the pair in Springfield, Hampden County, MA, with him continuing his medical practice, and in 1860, 19-year-old live-in maid Margaret Shehan was in the household. Their boarders in 1870 included a butcher, milliner and dressmaker, and in 1880 a nurse. 

In 1880, he presented petitions in the Massachusetts House of Representatives promoting the cause of women's right to vote, known as "suffrage." 

Sadly, Jefferson died in 1885 at the age of 83. An obituary in the Boston Globe said he "was well known to the older residents of the city, but for nearly three years past has been confined to his bed a great portion of the time... In the old days of slavery he devoted much time to the abolition movement. When he lived where the opera house now stands his dwelling frequently contained one or more fugitive slaves, who were in hiding until an opportunity should offer for going to Canada or elsewhere. He was a warm friend of such men as John Brown, Wendell Phillips, William Lloyd Garrison, Parker Pillsbury and others, whose names have become identified with the history of the abolition of slavery." Pillsbury preached the funeral oratory, with no music or prayer, and the pallbearers were six Bostonians who were Black -- Wesley Francks, Eli Baptist, Thomas Thomas, H.O. Tremann, James B. Adams and J.N. Howard.

Eliza outlived him by a decade and moved to Freeport, IL where a niece was living. Death claimed her in March 1895. An article in the local Daily Democrat said she was the aunt of Mrs. C.H. Little and was "quite wealthy and a lady of advanced ideas. She was in sympathy with woman's suffrage and remembered the cause very handsomely in her last testament." An obituary in the Boston Evening Transcript said her husband "Was for some fifty years one of the prominent physicians in Springfield [and] was well known not only as a physician, but as an abolitionist of the most steadfast and aggressive kind when there were few to follow or sustain him." Her remains were brought back to Springfield for burial. 

She bequeathed to the Littles thousands of dollars worth of notes, and an opportunity to buy 80 shares of stock in the First National Bank. She also made bequests of cash to nieces and nephews Nancy Dysslin, Franklyn Dysslin, Lewis Dysslin, Morris Dyslin, Chauncy Houpt, the children of her deceased brother Louis Houpt, and to Sarah and Anna Lewis and a number of others. She also gave $8,000 to Lucy Stone, Mrs. William L. Garrison Jr. and Abby W. May "to advance woman's sufrage in the United States, $200 to woman's suffrage lecturer Margaret Campbell, $1,000 to the trustees of the normal school at Hampton, NY, $500 to the children's home in Springfield, MA, $500 to the home for the friendless in Springfield, and $300 to the Index publishing firm of Boston.

Daughter Eliza C. Church ( ? - ? ) 

Daughter Mattie Church ( ? - ? ).

Stereoview of the Brooklyn Bridge landmark -  Library of Congress

Son William Hyde Church (1833-1914) was born on Sept. 15, 1833 in Springfield, MA. He was married to Catherine VanNess Tinsler (1832-1878), daughter of U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Benjamin Rush Tinsler. They became the parents of Jefferson Church II and Elizabeth L. Church (1866-1927). William moved from Springfield to New York and for four decades dwelled in Brooklyn, from about 1874 to the end of his life. He was employed in the field of banking and retired from the Bank of America. For his last 10 years, he was an invalid, making a home at the address of 270 Lefferts Place. He died on June 27, 1914. Interment was in the city's Green-Wood Cemetery. Rev. Dr. Frank M. Townley, rector of St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, led the funeral rites. An obituary appeared in the Brooklyn Times Union. 

• Grandson Jefferson Church II (1869-1943) was born in 1869. He resided at 200 Lefferts Place in Brooklyn for many years. On June 9, 1898, at Calvary Church in Manhattan, he was joined in matrimony with Elizabeth Wainwright (1873-1898). She had a distinguished pedigree as a great-grand niece of Caleb Cushing, descendant of Vice Admiral Baker and granddaughter of Dr. Arnold Francis Wainwright, a distinguished surgeon. She was ill on the day of her wedding but, said the Brooklyn Eagle, "left her bed after an illness to assist at the ceremony and so not disappoint the numerous friends who had been invited to be present." Joy turned to agony when she succumbed to the angel of death just two days later. Jefferson married again to Stephanie B. Tisch (1881-1943). He had the habit of sleepwalking. On the fateful morning of May 13, 1914, he "fell from a window in the third story of his home," reported the Eagle, "while walking in his sleep... The habit of sleep walking... was caused by worry over the condition of his father. It was thought at the time of the accident that the son could not recover from his injuries, which included a fracture of the skull, internal injuries, fractures of both arms and other injuries. He has gradually improved, and although he is not up and about yet, his complete recovery is assured." As of 1922, he was considered legally incompetent but brought a lawsuit through his sister Stephanie against Lock Stub Check Company claiming ownership of shares and the right to receive dividends. His claim was based on a partnership agreement he had made in 1902 with Henry Edward Dreier. A Superior Court judge ruled in his favor thus preventing the company from voting his stock and changing its system of capitalization. Stephanie passed away on Oct. 2, 1943. The Eagle printed an obituary. Burial was in the city's Green-Wood Cemetery. Jefferson only lived for another two-and-a-half months. Death carried him away on Dec. 15, 1943.

• Granddaughter Elizabeth L. Church (1866-1927) was born in 1866 in Manhattan, NY. She was an alumna of the Adelphi Art School. Elizabeth never married and for half a century resided in Brooklyn, NY. In the 1920s, she made her dwelling-place at 1317 Avenue N in Brooklyn. She held a membership in St. Bartholomew's Protestant Episcopal Church. Sadly, Elizabeth died after an illness of several weeks' length on Dec. 12, 1927. An obituary was published in the Brooklyn Eagle.

~ Daughter Catherine (Houpt) Morris ~

Daughter Catherine Houpt (1818-1872) was born on Dec. 15, 1818 in Newville, Herkimer County, NY. 

On St. Patrick's Day 1839, at the age of 20, she was joined in wedlock with Dr. William Morris (1806-1872) of Utica. 

Together they bore four children -- Helen Sterling Morris, Dr. William Haupt Morris, Charles Haupt Morris and Dr. Samuel Haupt Morris. Son Charles may have died young.

William was a longtime physician in Utica, and two of their sons followed suit. The Morris residence is known to have been made of brick.

Catherine and William both passed away in the year 1872, he first from kidney problems on Nov. 5, at age 56, and then she from dropsy on Dec. 3, 1872, at age 54. Their remains slumber for the ages in the local Forest Hill Cemetery.

Daughter Helen Sterling Morris (1839- ? ) was born in about 1839 in Oneida County, NY. 

Son Dr. William Haupt Morris (1840-1876) was born in about 1840 in Oneida County, NY. By age 25, in 1865, he had become a doctor and lived with his parents in Utica. Evidence suggests that he died in High Point, MO on Oct. 8, 1876, but this is not yet confirmed.

Son Dr. Samuel Haupt Morris (1845-1888) was born on April 13, 1845 in Utica, NY. He entered into marriage with Emily Calista Stevens (Oct. 9, 1843-1919), daughter of William R. and Julia (Reed) Stevens. The couple's pair of daughters were Julia Catherine Morris and Susan Haupt Morris. For many years Samuel was a physician in Utica. Sadly, at the age of 43, he took his own life by swallowing poison on April 20, 1888. The Buffalo Commercial and Rochester Democrat and Chronicle both reported that he was found dead in his office and had been having "considerable financial trouble lately. His father and also a brother practice medicine in Utica." Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery. Emily outlived him by more than three decades. At the end, she was in Montclair, NJ. She passed away on June 6, 1919. They are listed in the book Reed-Read Lineage: Captain John Reed of Providence, Rhode Island, and Norwalk, Connecticut.

• Granddaughter Julia Catherine Morris ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She tied the marital cord with Willis B. Foster ( ? - ? ).

• Granddaughter Susan Haupt Morris (1882-1945) was born on Sept. 27, 1882 in Utica, NY. She appears not to have married. At some point she relocated to Southern California and settled in Santa Barbara, CA. She died there at age 62 on Feb. 3, 1945. The remains were transportated back to her hometown for interment in Forest Hill Cemetery.