Nancy Jane Moore, the third child of Samuel & Thursa (Hardin) Moore was born about was born in 1843 in Floyd County, Kentucky.[1] Martin County was not formed until 1870. Lawrence County formed in 1822 and Johnson County formed in 1843. At that time, Floyd County had an eastern arm extending to the Tug River encompassing Wolf Creek in present-day Martin County. This part of then-Floyd County, Kentucky was home to Nancy Jane, her siblings and parents.
It is estimated that Nancy Jane Moore married Alfred Runyon, the son of Henry Runyon and Mary Blackburn,[2] between July 1860 and December 1862.[3] Alfred was born in about 1844 in Pike County, Kentucky. In the US census taken in July 1860, both Nancy Jane and Alfred were still living with their respective parents,[4],[5] and Nancy Jane had her first child, James, in December 1862.[6],[7] Additionally, on 1 July 1863, Alfred's Civil War Draft Registration record lists him as married.[8]
ROCKY START WITH CIVIL WAR SERVICE
When Alfred enlisted in the military at Piketon (present-day Pikeville), Kentucky, he reported being 24 years old and 5 feet 7 inches tall. In actuality, he was 19 years old. He had a dark complexion, dark eyes and dark hair. He enrolled on 22 November 1862 at Piketon, Kentucky, and mustered in on May 1864.[9] In July and August, he was listed as absent without leave deserted from Louisa, Kentucky. On 13 September 1864, he was moved to the official list of deserters having been issued one long field rifle and other equipment valued at $21.21 (about $327 today).[10] His brother, Calvary Runyon, enlisted in the same unit, Company E, 39th Kentucky Mounted Infantry Regiment, on 24 December 1863 and was officially listed on the deserter rolls on 15 September 1864, just two days after Alfred.[11] No record has been located of the brothers having been arrested or punished for their desertion, but they certainly could not draw military pensions due to their desertion, unless it was later ruled an illness or injury that kept them from their service.
WHERE THEY LIVED
Alfred and Nancy originally made their home in Floyd County, Kentucky in 1870.[12] By 1880, they were recorded in Lower Johns Creek in Pike County, Kentucky.[13] With the shifting borders of Pike, Lawrence and Johnson county changing around them and the establishment of Martin County in 1870, it is likely they did not move, rather they watched the history of Kentucky’s counties evolve around them.
In 1890, Alfred and his brother, Calvary, were recorded on the 1890 veteran’s schedule residing in Pike County, Kentucky.[14] It is probable that he and his brother simply didn’t want to tell the census enumerator that they deserted. By 1900, Alfred and his oldest daughter, “Ellie” (Ellen), had moved to Grundy, Buchanan County, Virginia.[15] Alfred reported that he was still married, but Nancy Jane was not recorded in the household and she has not been found elsewhere. Nancy Jane is estimated to have died between 1900 and 1910, as Alfred moved back to Johns Creek in Pike County, Kentucky where he was reported as a widower in the 1910 census.[16] Alfred died sometime after 1910 as the 1910 US census is the last record located for him. He is buried at the Lasby Farm cemetery in Gulnare, Pike County, Kentucky.[17] Ironically, he is listed as a veteran—though he deserted. It is yet unknown what happened to Nancy Jane.
Alfred Runyon and Nancy Jane Moore had the following children:
+2 i. James J Runyon, born Dec 1862, Pike County, Kentucky;[18] married Sarah Maggie Harvell, 10 Mar 1887, Pike, Kentucky;[19] died 12 May 1933.[20]
+3 ii. Amanda Runyan, born ca. 1865, Kentucky[21] married John Henry Marrs, 14 Apr 1885, Pike County, Kentucky;[22] died bet 27 Mar 1892 and 4 Jan 1894, Pike, Kentucky.[23],[24]
+4 iii. Ellen Runyon, born abt 1867, Floyd County, Kentucky;[25] married James Nunnery, 9 Feb 1888, Lawrence County, Kentucky;[26] married William Curt Whitt, bef 1930;[27] died 15 Jun 1947, Norton, Wise County, Virginia.[28]
+5 iv. William George Thomas Runyon, born ca. 1869, Floyd County, Kentucky;[29] married Amner Belle Howard, 24 Feb 1894, Martin County, Kentucky;[30] died bet 1897 and 1900.[31]
+6 v. Hannah Runyon, born 1872, Floyd County, Kentucky;[32] married John Wesley Childers, 23 Dec 1911, McDowell County, West Virginia;[33] married Johnson Robinette, 20 Jun 1901, Mingo County, West Virginia;[34] died after 1920.[35]
+7 vi. Leota Runyon, born ca. 1878, Kentucky:[36] married Andrew Jackson Bolling, 10 Mar 1896, Scioto, Ohio;[37] married a Holtzlander next;[38] married Orville Withrow, 10 Jun 1911, Putnam County, West Virginia;[39]; married John Albert Mullins, 1922;[40] died 28 Apr 1957, Cabell County, West Virginia.[41]
+8 vii. Mary "Polly" Runyon, born 22 Nov 1884, Pike County, Kentucky;[42] married John Jack Suranofsky, 5 Feb 1921, Milton, Cabell, West Virginia;[43] had three children with Harvey Hardin (McDonald, Florence and Louvina) and lived with Harvey in Logan, WV in 1920;[44] had three more children (Athaleene, Lucille, and Viola with unknown fathers to be discussed in a later article); died 12 Aug 1949, Logan, Logan, West Virginia.[45]
©️Pamela Moore, 2018
[1]1850 United States Federal Census, Floyd County, Kentucky, population schedule, no civil division listed, enumeration district (ED) My District, Page 923 (penned); Sheet 467 (stamped), dwelling 759, family 759, Samuel Moore; database and images, images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : downloaded 1 November 2013); citing National Archives microfilm publication M432_200 & undesignation FHL Film. Samuel Moore, 36, and Thursey, 29, had five children living in the household: Tamsey, 11; Mary, 9; Nancy, 7; Seliah, 5; and Elizabeth, 3. Samuel was a farmer. The value of his real estate was listed as 800. His place of birth was Virginia. Neither he nor Thursey could read or write. The birthplace for Thursey and all the children was listed as Kentucky
[2] 1850 US census, Pike County, Kentucky, pop. sch., no civil division, p. 107 (penned lower right), household 762, family 762, household of Henry Runion (sic).
[3] 1860 United States Federal Census, Floyd County, Kentucky, population schedule, Prestonsburg Post Office, p. 52, dwelling 312, family 312, household of Samuel Moore; database with images, images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 28 February 2015); citing National Archives microfilm publication M653, roll 367, FHL microfilm 803367. Nancy Jane was 17 years old.
[4]1860 US census, Floyd County, Kentucky, pop. sch., Prestonsburg Post Office, p. 117 (penned), dwelling 105, family 105, household of Henry Runyan. Henry, 40, and Mary, 38, were the only adults in the household. Five children also resided in the household: Alfred, 16; Calvin [Calvary], 14; Alefiah [Alifair], 12 (female); Araminta, 7; Louisa, 4. Henry was a farmer; Mary was a laborer. All children except Louisa attended school. Henry and Mary could not read or write. All household members were born in Kentucky.
[5] 1860 United States Federal Census, Floyd County, Kentucky, population schedule, Prestonsburg Post Office, p. 52, dwelling 312, family 312, household of Samuel Moore; Nancy Jane was 17 years old.
[6] 1870 United States Federal Census, Floyd County, Kentucky, population schedule, Precinct 7, p. 15, household 99, family 98, household of Alfred & Nancy Runyon; database and digital images online; images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 27 February 2015); citing National Archives microfilm publication M593_461; FHL microfilm 545960.
[7] 1900 United States Federal Census, Pike County, Kentucky, population schedule, Magisterial District No. 7, enumeration district (ED) 87, Sheet No. 8, household 124, family 128 (underwriting); household 126, family 130 (overwriting), household of James & Maggie Runyon; database and digital images online; images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 28 February 2015); citing National Archives microfilm publication T623_548; FHL microfilm 1240548.
[8] "US Civil War Draft Registration Records, 1863-1865," database and digital images online, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 28 February 2015), Entry for Alfred Runyon (line 1 on page; page numbers cut off); citing Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registrations, 1863-1865, NARA Record Group 110: Records of the Provost Marshal General's Bureau (Civil War),Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865, ARC ID 4213514, Archive Volume Number: 2 of 3. NM-65, entry 172. Ninth Congressional District covering Greenup, Mason, Lewis, Pike, Magoffin, Montgomery, Bath, Powell, Fleming, Rowan and Carter Counties. Subdistrict No. 14, Line 1 on page: Alfred Runyon. Age 1 July 1863: 22; white, farmer, married. Place of Birth: Kentucky. No former military service. . His age was incorrect. He must have lied in order to get to register. He was born in 1844 according to the 1850 census. This would have made him 19 years old in 1863.
[9] United States War Department, "Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Kentucky," indexed digital images online, Fold3 (http://www.fold3.com : viewed and downloaded 28 February 2015), Multiple files for Alfred Runyon and Alfred Runyons, Co. E, 39th Kentucky Infantry Regiment; citing citing NARA microfilm publication M397, Record Group 94; Catalog ID #300398: Carded Records Showing Military Service of Soldiers Who Fought in Volunteer Organizations During the American Civil War, compiled 1890-1912, documenting the period 1861-1866. At best these records are estimates of the short period of time he appears to have served. In 1905, the Secretary of the War Department reports that he was not found to have served.
[10] Ibid.
[11] United States War Department, "Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of Kentucky," Calvary Runyon, Co. E, 39th Kentucky Infantry Regiment.
[12] 1870 US census, Floyd County, Kentucky, pop. sch., Precinct 7, p. 15, household 99, family 98, household of Alfred & Nancy Runyon.
[13] 1880 United States Federal Census, Pike County, Kentucky, population schedule, Lower John's Precinct, enumeration district (ED) 99, p. 3, dwelling 19, family 19, household of Alfred and Nancy Runyan; database and digital images online; images reproduced by family search, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 8 June 1880); citing NARA microfilm publication T9_439; FHL microfilm 1254439. Alfred, 37 and Nancy, 37, had six children living at home: James J, 17; Amanda, 15; Ellen, 13; William G T, 11; Hannah, 8; and Leota, 2. Nancy and Alfred were married. Alfred was a farmer and his sons, James and William, helped him on the farm. Nancy and her daughters, Ellen and Amanda, kept house. James, Ellen and William attended school. Nancy, Ellen and William could not write. All household members and their parents were born in Kentucky.
[14] 1890 United States Federal Census, Pike County, Kentucky, veteran's schedule, Lower Johns Creek, enumeration district (ED) 149, p. 1, line 5, Entry for Alfred Runyon; database and digital images online, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 28 February 2015); citing NARA microfilm publication M123, roll 2. Alfred Runyon, Priv [Private], Company E, 39th Kentucky Infantry Regiment. Date of enlistment: 3 July 1863. Date of discharge: 10 Sep 1865. Length of service: 2 years, 2 months and 7 days. According to his war records, he was not given credit for any service when service records were checked in 1905. This is likely due to his desertion.
[15]1900 United States Federal Census, Buchanan County, Virginia, population schedule, Grundy Magisterial District, enumeration district (ED) 8, Sheet No. 15, household 266, family 266, household of Alford Runyon, database with images online; images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 28 February 2015); citing NARA T623_1702; FHL microfilm 1241702. Alford, 56, born in April 1844, married, reported having been married for 35 years (see note 1). Ellie, 31, Alford's daughter, reported her age as 31 (see note 2) and marital status as single. She reported her birthdate as March 1869. Tomas Blackburn, 62, is a boarder in the household (see note 3). Tomas reported his birthdate as Jan 1838. His marital status is widowed. All household members and their parents were born in Kentucky. Alford [Alfred] reported his occupation as saw log laborer. He rented their home. Ellie listed her occupation as servant. All household members could read, write and speak English. Note 1: In November 1863, Alfred reported on his draft registration that he was married. So, he would have been married already for at least 37 years during the 1900 census and maybe as much as 40 years. Nancy has disappeared, however, and has not yet been found. Note 2: In the 1870 census, Ellen is 3 years old, making her correct age 33 for the 1900 census. Note 3: Thomas is probably a cousin or Uncle as Alfred's mother was a Blackburn by birth.
[16]1910 United States Federal Census, Pike County, Kentucky, population schedule, Lower Johns Creek, Precinct 5, enumeration district (ED) 172, Sheet No. 4A, household 58, family 58, household of Alford Runyon; database and digital images online; images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 28 February 2015); citing National Archives microfilm publication T624_499; FHL microfilm 1374512. Alford, 67, was widowed. James, 48, his son, and James' wife, Sarah M, 40, who is incorrectly listed as Alford's granddaughter, but is clearly depicted as married to James on the same line, are living with Alford [Alfred] in the household with their 8 children and Moses Harville and his wife Sarah, (James Runyon's father-in-law) are living either in the same household or next door (see note 1). James and Sarah had eight children in the household: Ballard, 21, single; Orvin [Orville], 18, single; Zella, female, 16, single; Lillie, 13; Ben, 10; Elfa [Elsa], 7; Vila [Viola], 6; Mosie [Moses], 4. Thomas Blackburn, Alford's cousin, 66, who was widowed also lived in the household. It appears that Moses Harville, 66, married three times, first at age 21, James Runyon's father-in-law, also lived in the household, along with Sarah Harville, 68, married once, James' mother-in-law. Both Moses and Sarah were married for the first time at age 21. All household members and their parents were born in Kentucky with two exceptions. Moses Harville, Sarah Runyon's father, James' father-in-law, was born in North Carolina. Moses' parents were also born in North Carolina. Additionally, Sarah Harville's parents were born in Virginia. Sarah Runyon had given birth to 12 children and only 8 were still living. Sarah Harville had given birth to two children. No answer was provided for how many were still living. Alfred, James, Ballard, and Orvin [Orville] were farmers. The following household members could read and write: Alford, James, Sarah, Ballard, Orvin, Zella, Lillie, Moses Harville. James owned the family farm. Alford, Thomas Blackburn and Moses Harville were veterans. Note 1: The household of Moses Harville is listed as a different household and family number, yet the relationship of Moses is father-in-law and Sara is his wife. That would refer back to the head of household of the previous household, except that Alford's parents were Henry and Mary Runyon. James Runyon's wife was Sarah Harville, however, and Moses would have been her father. So, the relationship of Moses was James Runyon's father-in-law. Since there is a different household number listed, but the relationships in this household do not include a head of household...it seems as though Moses Harville and his wife, lived in the same household as Alford.
[17] Maggie Oliver, "Registration of Pike County, KY Veteran's Graves," database, Pike County GenWeb, Pike County GenWeb (http://pikecounty.potterflats.com/vetsqy.htm: viewed 28 February 2015), Entry for Alfred Runions, Burial: Lasby Farm, Gulnare, Pike County, Kentucky. Alfred Runions, Unknown date of birth; Unknown date of death, Unknown section, Burial: Lasby Farm, Gulnare, Pike County, Kentucky.
[18]1900 US Census, Pike County, Kentucky, pop. sch., magisterial district no. 7, ED 87, sheet no. 8, household 124, family 128 (underwriting); dwelling 126, family 130 (overwriting), household of James & Maggie Runyon.
[19] Jordan Dodd, Compiler, Kentucky Marriages, 1851-1900, online database (unknown publication place: Ancestry.com, 2001), online index only; Entry for James Runyon & Sarah M. Harvell; Date of Marriage: 10 Mar 1887, Pike County, Kentucky
[20] Ancestry, Find A Grave, database with images (http: www.findagrave.com : accessed 2 Mar 2009), memorial #34351869, James Runyon, created by Pam R. (user ID), Pharmer Leslie Cemetery, Gulnare, Pike County, Kentucky; gravestone photograph by Pam R.
[21] 1870 United States Federal Census, Floyd County, Kentucky, population schedule, Precinct 7, p. 15, household 99, family 98, household of Alfred & Nancy Runyon; database and digital images online; images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 27 February 2015); citing National Archives microfilm publication M593_461; FHL microfilm 545960.
[22] Dodd, Kentucky Marriages, 1851-1900, entry for John Marrs & Mandy V. Runyon; marriage date: 14 Apr 1885, Pike County, Kentucky.
[23]"U.S. Social Security Applications & Claims Index, 1936-2007," database online, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 October 2015), original SSN application of Esta Branham [Esta Marrs]; citing U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007; Father: John H Marrs; Mother: Manda Runyons; Birthdate: 27 Mar 1892.
[24] Dodd, Kentucky Marriages, 1851-1900, entry for John Marrs and Phoeba Damron; marriage: 4 Jan 1894, Pike County, Kentucky.
[25] 1870 United States Federal Census, Floyd County, Kentucky, population schedule, Precinct 7, p. 15, household 99, family 98, household of Alfred & Nancy Runyon.
[26]"Kentucky Marriages, 1785-1979," database, Family Search (http://familysearch.org : viewed 6 October 2015), entry for James M. Nunnery or Numery and Ella Runnion, marriage: 9 Feb 1888, Lawrence County, KY; citing Vol. 9, p. 292; FHL microfilm 840554.
[27] 1930 United States Federal Census, Wise County, Virginia, population schedule, Gladeville Magisterial District, enumeration district (ED) 98-9, Sheet No. 20B, dwelling 365, family 372, household of William C & Ella Whitt; database and digital images online; images reproduced by Family Search, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 6 October 2015); citing NARA microfilm publication T626_2464; FHL microfilm #2342198.
[28] Wise, Virginia, Virginia, Death Records, 1912-2014, State File 14668, Death Certificate of Ella Whitt, 15 June 1947; database and digital images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 26 September 2015); citing Virginia, Deaths, 1912-2014. Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia.
[29] 1880 US Census, Pike County, Kentucky, pop. sch., Lower John's Precinct, ED 99, p. 3, dwelling 19, family 19, household of Alfred and Nancy Runyan.
[30] "Kentucky, County Marriages, 1797-1954," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4QY-1XR : accessed 6 January 2018), Thomas G. Runyon and Amner Howard, 24 Feb 1894; citing Martin County, Kentucky, County Clerk, FHL microfilm 838,134.
[31] 1900 US census, Martin County, Kentucky, pop. sch., magisterial district 3, ED 59, sheet no. 4B, dwelling 66, family 66, household of Elisha & Catherine Howard. Amner (Anna Belle) was a widow and her youngest child was 2 years old—placing William George Thomas Runyon’s death between 1897 and the 1900 census.
[32] 1880 US Census, Pike County, Kentucky, pop. sch., Lower John's Precinct, ED 99, p. 3, dwelling 19, family 19, household of Alfred and Nancy Runyan.
[33] West Virginia, Marriage Records, p. 134 of Mingo County Marriage Register covering 1901, entry for Johnson Robinette & Hannah Runyon, 20 June 1901; database with images, West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Division of Culture and History (http://www.wvculture.org/vrr : viewed and downloaded 27 September 2015).
[34] West Virginia, Marriage Records, p. 2 of McDowell County marriage register covering 1911, marriage license, minister's return and clerk's certificate of J. W. Childress and Hannah Runyon, 22 September 1911.
[35] 1920 United States Federal Census, Kanawha County, West Virginia, population schedule, Union District, Nitro, enumeration district (ED) 173, Sheet No. IA (1A), dwelling 9, family 9, household of W John & Hanna Childers; database and digital images online; images reproduced by familysearch, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed and downloaded 10 October 2015); citing NARA microfilm publication T625_1957; no FHL film number listed.
[36] 1880 US Census, Pike County, Kentucky, pop. sch., Lower John's Precinct, ED 99, p. 3, dwelling 19, family 19, household of Alfred and Nancy Runyan.
[37]"Strangely Mixed," The Portsmouth [Ohio] Times, 14 March 1896, "the coming of a Fleming County, Ky. bridal party to this city Tuesday...Rev Filler. He made Andrew and Leona man and wife..."; part first, Newspaper Archive (http://access.newspaperarchive.com : viewed and downloaded 7 January 2015).
[38] West Virginia, Marriage Records, p. 453 of Putnam County marriage register covering 1911, Marriage License, Certificate and Minister's return of O.L. Withrow and Leota Holtzlander, 10 June 1911.
[39] West Virginia, Marriage Records, p. 453 of Putnam County marriage register covering 1911, Marriage License, Certificate and Minister's return of O.L. Withrow and Leota Holtzlander, 10 June 1911.
[40] 1940 United States Federal Census, Garland County, Arkansas, population schedule, Hot Springs, ED 26-18, Sheet No. 81A, 801 (E Grand Allstae Camp) marked "T" (transient), household of Leota Mullins.
[41] West Virginia, Death Records, Certificate #57 004340, death certificate for Leota Mullins, 28 April 1957; database with images, West Virginia Archives and History, West Virginia Division of Culture and History (http://www.wvculture.org/vrr : viewed and downloaded 7 January 2015).
[42] West Virginia, Death Records, File No. 11823, death certificate of Polly Suranofsky, death: 12 August 1949; birth: 22 November 1884.
[43] West Virginia, Marriage Records, p. 157 of Cabell County marriage book covering 1921, line 4, entry for John Suranofsky & Polly Runyon, 5 February 1921.
[44] 1920 US Census, Logan County, West Virginia, pop. sch., Logan, ED 30, sheet no. 7A, dwelling 132, family 132, household of Harvey and Polly Harden.
[45] West Virginia, Death Records, File No. 11823, death certificate of Polly Suranofsky, 12 August 1949.