Benny married his first wife, Karen Marie Wegley, on May 2, 1970. Together, they had three daughters. Melody, Tracy, and April. They would divorce on April 7, 1977.

In 1979, when he was 27, he had a fourth child, his only son, Nathaniel Wayne Richardson, with Cindy Walvoor, who was 15 or 16 at the time.

He married Carol J. Smith sometime around 1987. They had no children.

He played in bands his entire life. Mostly the guitar, but he also sang. He played in many local bands throughout the course of his life. Later, as his arthritis progressed, he taught himself the keyboard.

My uncle Raymon married Catherine Anne Burke on April 17, 1974, in Fannin, Texas. Together, they had two children, Shawn Dale (1975) and Jeremy Edward (1978).

Raymond Wegley Jr. was buried in Bonham, Texas. He was buried next to his wife, who died on June 11, 2017.

Raymond Edward Wegley Junior, age 68, passed away on February 12, 2021, due to kidney failure. He was born December 11, 1952, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Raymond and Elsie Wegley. He married his longtime friend and love, Catherine Anne Burk, in April of 1974 who preceded him in death in 2017.

His life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Raymond is survived by three siblings, Thomas Eugene, Karen Marie, and Robert Thomas, as well as his sons Shawn Dale, and his wife, and Jeremy Edward, his beloved grandchildren, his many nephews and nieces, and great-nephews and nieces.

He had a wonderful life and will be missed by many.

But Frederick himself had quite the family, with two wives and loads of children. He married Sarah Jane Shaffer on September 16, 1861, in White Township, Pennsylvania, and they would have 5 children together.

• Elmer R
• Clara Caroline
• William D
• R. Bella
• Jonathan

It’s assumed Sarah died sometime around 1870, after the birth of her last child. Then Frederick married Magdalene (Maggie?) on August 20, 1872, when he was 29 years old. Together, they had three children.

• Jettie Wegley (1873)
• Grace Wegley (1879)
• Blaine Johnson Wegley (1881)

Here’s an interesting bit of history. This document is a U.S. Federal Tax Assessment List from 1866, likely during the Civil War era. During this time, the U.S. government imposed excise taxes on various goods, occupations, and businesses to fund the war effort.

For Frederick Wegley, the record shows that:

• He was taxed for operating a still, which is a device used for distilling alcohol.
• His still was assessed at 20 gallons.
• The tax rate was $2 per gallon, meaning he owed $40 in excise tax.

What This Means:

1. Frederick Wegley was likely a distiller, producing alcohol or spirits, possibly for sale or personal use.
2. He had to pay federal excise tax on his still, which was common for alcohol producers at the time.
3. The tax was part of the government’s effort to raise revenue during the Civil War (1861-1865).
4. The government closely regulated distilleries since alcohol production was a major source of tax revenue.

This tax record confirms that Frederick Wegley was involved in distillation and was officially recognized by the government for taxation purposes.

I had AI analyze this image, which is a probate record related to Fred Wegley, dated July 1, 1889. Probate records typically document the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, including the distribution of assets and handling of debts.

• This document confirms that Fred Wegley passed away before July 1, 1889.
• His estate was going through probate, meaning that legal proceedings were underway to distribute his property, pay debts, and settle any claims.
• The probate process was likely handled in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, as the document mentions Indiana County.
• The record may contain details about his heirs, property, and executor (the person responsible for managing the estate).
• Witnesses or legal representatives were involved in the process, as seen in similar probate documents.

Key Details from Fred Wegley’s Probate Record (July 1, 1889):

1. Probate Location:

   • The probate proceedings took place in Indiana County, Pennsylvania.
   • This suggests Fred Wegley was either a resident of this county or owned property there.

2. Date of Probate:

   • The document is dated July 1, 1889, meaning Fred Wegley likely passed away before this date.
   • Probate usually begins shortly after a person’s death to settle their estate.

3. Executor and Legal Proceedings:

   • The document mentions an executor or administrator—the person responsible for handling Fred Wegley’s estate.
   • This individual would have been in charge of distributing assets, paying debts, and handling any legal matters related to his estate.

Possible Heirs Mentioned:

1. Sarah Wegley – This could be Fred Wegley’s widow or a daughter.
2. Joseph Wegley – Likely a son or another close relative.
3. John Wegley – Another possible son or heir.
4. Catherine Wegley – Possibly Fred Wegley’s wife or a daughter.
5. Henry Wegley – Could be another son or family member.

Raymond married Minnie Ida Westcott, and together, they had one son, Thomas Galven Wegley, born in 1929. The choice of their son’s name appears to honor Minnie’s brother, Thomas Galvin Westcott. This connection underscores the close ties within the Westcott family.

Family and Early Life
In 1930, census records show Raymond living in Salina, New York, at the age of 21. He shared a home with his wife Minnie, their young son Thomas, and Cordelia Westcott, Minnie’s 91-year-old grandmother. This multigenerational household reflects the close family bonds and shared responsibilities of the time.

The family’s faith is documented through baptismal records from the New York Episcopal Diocese of Central New York. On April 1, 1934, their son Thomas was baptized, with the record confirming Raymond’s full name.

Military Service
Raymond enlisted in the U.S. Marines in January 1931. He was stationed at the Marine Barracks, Naval Air Station, in Lakehurst, New Jersey. His service in the Marines highlights his dedication and willingness to serve during a tumultuous period in American history.

Later Life and Career
By 1940, Raymond had moved to Syracuse, New York, where he lived in an apartment on Seeley Avenue with his family. At 38 years old, he worked as a machinist, earning $1,820 annually—a salary equivalent to $39,877 today when adjusted for inflation. The census also indicates that he had completed high school, a notable achievement for the era.

By 1950, Raymond’s circumstances had shifted. Minnie had passed away, and Raymond was living at 144 N. Salina Street in Syracuse, in apartment #1304. He was employed as an inspector at a gear factory, demonstrating his ability to adapt and maintain stability despite personal loss.

Passing
Raymond passed away on March 29, 1958, in Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, at the age of 56. His life spanned significant historical periods, from the turn of the century to the post-war era. Through his service, work, and family, Raymond left a lasting legacy that continues to be remembered by his descendants.

Howard J. Wegley, born on April 26, 1903, in the small town of Kane, Pennsylvania, lived a life reflecting the challenges and complexities of early 20th-century America.

Despite his relatively brief 33 years, his story intertwines moments of personal struggle, societal pressure, and resilience. He passed away on January 17, 1937, due to pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy that captures the trials of his era.

Early Life and Family
Howard grew up in Kane, Pennsylvania, within a close-knit family. As an adult, he married Olive Rush Hooks, and together, they had one son, Leroy G. Wegley, born on September 16, 1930.

However, Howard’s marriage encountered challenges, and records surrounding his marital status at the time of his death reveal inconsistencies. While his obituary stated that he was survived by his wife, his death certificate listed him as divorced. Olive later remarried in 1948 to William Macaluso, suggesting that their separation was finalized at some point before Howard’s death.

Later Years and Legal Troubles
Howard’s life took a difficult turn when, on March 11, 1935, he was sentenced to the Allegheny County Workhouse and registered as Prisoner #39227. This institution, located near Blawnox, Pennsylvania, served as both a workhouse and an inebriate asylum, providing labor and rehabilitation for minor offenders. Inmates worked on extensive farmlands, tending crops and livestock as part of their sentences.

Howard’s prison records provide a physical description of him at the time: he stood 5’7″ tall and weighed 113 pounds upon entry, gaining nearly 10 pounds by the time of his release. Unfortunately, the exact crime for which he was convicted remains unclear, as the handwritten record is illegible. Context from the prison’s population suggests it may have been a minor offense, common for inmates housed there.

I’m not quite sure what crime he was convicted of. It’s listed (see image below), but I can’t read what the word is.

Maybe you’ll have better luck. I’ve included his crime listed below, next to the others, to give you some sort of context.

Final Days
Howard’s health began to deteriorate in early 1937. On January 10, he first reported symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as pneumonia. He was admitted to Allegheny General Hospital on January 14, but despite medical intervention, he passed away just three days later, in the early hours of January 17. His obituary, published in The Kane Republican on January 18, 1937, detailed his untimely death and noted that he had resided at 22 Mission East Parkway, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Legacy
Howard J. Wegley’s story is a reflection of the societal norms, struggles, and personal challenges of his time. His journey—marked by love, loss, and perseverance—offers a glimpse into the fabric of early 20th-century American life. Through his son, Leroy, and the memories of those who knew him, Howard’s life continues to be a poignant part of his family’s history.

Jack was the youngest child of Joseph Wegley and Tena (Olson) Wegley. His father, Joseph, served as the mayor of Williston, cementing the family’s prominent role in the community.

Military Service

Jack’s life was shaped by his service to his country. He enlisted in the United States Army on June 2, 1939, and served until April 10, 1944, during the turbulent years of World War II. His military records show an additional enlistment on February 10, 1941, in the National Guard’s infantry branch. While the overlap between his Army and National Guard service is unclear, it reflects his dedication to serving in multiple capacities during this critical period in history. Jack’s time in the military positioned him as part of the generation that contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.

Marriage and Family

Shortly after his military discharge, Jack married Nadine Melland on May 29, 1944. Their marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter as Jack transitioned from his wartime role to building a life with his wife in their hometown. Together, they carried forward the values of family, hard work, and community involvement that were hallmarks of the Wegley name.

Legacy

Jack’s life was a testament to his loyalty—to his family, his hometown of Williston, and his country. As the youngest of his family and the child of a community leader, he upheld the traditions of service and commitment. His contributions, both in uniform and as a civilian, remain a proud part of the Wegley family history and the story of Williston, North Dakota.

• Cloyd J.
• Joe A.
• Howard Joseph
• Edna Josephine
• Theodore J.
• Lester J.
• Charles Joe
• Dora V.
• Orville Jack

If you have any children (aother than the 9 from above) listed for Joseph and Tena Wegley then you are mistaken and need to re-verify your information.

‘Grand Forks Herald’, Grand Forks, North Dakota.  8 Nov 1907

Williston, N. D., Nov. 7 – A warrant has been issued for Fred Wegley, a brother of the mayor, the charge being the illegal sale of intoxicating liquors in what is commonly known as “Wegley’s Pig,” the joint in the lower regions of the concrete building on East Broadway.  The warrant was issued this morning and is now in the hands of the sheriff, who will serve it as soon as the defendant can be found, the understanding being that he has left the city temporarily.

‘Grand Forks Herald,’ Grand Forks, North Dakota.  10 June 1909

Williston, N. D., June 9 – Fred Wegley has been acquitted.  The jury in the case was out just three minutes this morning when it returned a verdict of not guilty.  This case has attracted attention for the last year and a half on account of the accused being a brother of Former Mayor Joseph Wegley, who has the reputation of being the man who cleared Williston of blind pigs, and it was asserted that the mayor was protecting his brother and allowing him an exclusive right to conduct a “pig.”

  The accused was tried three times before justices of the peace, and each time, he was found not guilty. He was then indicted by the grand jury, on which indictment he was just found not guilty.

  The outcome of the case convinces Wegley’s friends that the case was only a piece of spite work on the part of those opposed to Mayor Wegley to throw suspicion on the sincerity of his administration.

Here’s a crazy story about how he became mayor in the first place.

Fact: First North Dakota mayor accused of horse rustling

Name and Early Life

While her gravestone bears the name “Olive A.,” the Ohio Births and Christenings Index (1774–1973) lists her name as “Alta Olive Wegley.” This discrepancy is likely a transcription error, but it reminds us of the occasional inconsistencies in historical records.

Marriage and Family

At just 17 years old, Olive married Pearl Cloyd Rasor on December 25, 1901. Together, they built a family and had at least two children:

• Herman James Rasor (March 21, 1905 – December 13, 1985)
• Dorothy Miriam Rasor (February 25, 1908 – September 8, 1996)

The 1930 U.S. Census provides a glimpse into their daily lives. Pearl operated a grocery store, and Olive worked alongside him as a saleswoman, listed as an unpaid family member. This partnership reflected their teamwork and dedication to supporting their family through hard work.

Later Life and Second Marriage

After Pearl’s passing, Olive remarried at the age of 66. On November 9, 1951, she wed Charles Trushel, marking a new chapter in her life. Despite her later years of loss and transition, Olive displayed resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Legacy

Olive Alta Wegley’s life was one of devotion—to her family, her work, and her enduring strength through the challenges of life. Her story exemplifies the values of hard work, adaptability, and family loyalty. She is remembered fondly as a cornerstone of her family’s history and a reflection of the era in which she lived.

By the 1930 U.S. Census, five-year-old Minnie was living with her parents, her baby sister Elsie Jane Hoag, and a relative named James. James is likely her paternal uncle, James William Hoag (1894–1940), the brother of her father, Robert Thomas Hoag. The household was part of a close-knit extended family, a hallmark of life in the early 20th century. Her younger brother, Robert Thomas Hoag Jr., had not yet been born at the time of this census but would join the family in the years to come.

Family Life and Marriage
Minnie grew up during the Great Depression, a period that demanded resilience and resourcefulness from families across America. These formative years likely shaped her strength and dedication to family.

As a young woman, Minnie married Samuel Caruso, a man with whom she would share her life and build a family. Together, they had at least two children: Samuel Caruso Jr. and Paula Marie Caruso. Family remained central to Minnie’s life, and she was deeply devoted to her role as a mother, wife, and grandmother.

Later Years
In her later years, Minnie lived in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Bridgeton, known for its historic charm and vibrant agricultural community, became a fitting backdrop for Minnie’s final decades. She remained a pillar of her family, imparting lessons of love, resilience, and dedication to her children and grandchildren.

Minnie passed away on February 10, 2000, at the age of 75. Her passing marked the loss of a cherished family matriarch, but her legacy lives on through the generations that follow.

Legacy and Reflections
Minnie’s life spanned a period of immense change in American history. She was born during the Roaring Twenties, grew up during the hardships of the Great Depression, came of age during World War II, and witnessed the profound social transformations of the postwar era. Through it all, Minnie remained deeply rooted in her family, finding joy and purpose in nurturing the people she loved.

Her life is a testament to the values of family, hard work, and perseverance, and her memory is preserved in the hearts of her descendants.

Fayette City is a small town located along the Monongahela River in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was part of the booming industrial and coal-mining region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Here’s what life would have been like during that time:

The coal and steel industries heavily influenced Fayette City and the surrounding areas. Southwestern Pennsylvania was rich in coal, and mines in the region supplied fuel for steel mills in cities like Pittsburgh. Many residents, including children, worked in coal mines or industries supporting mining operations.

Labor was tough and dangerous. Coal miners often worked long hours in hazardous conditions for low pay. The rise of organized labor in the early 1900s, including unions like the United Mine Workers of America, began to advocate for better wages and working conditions.

Outside of industrial work, some families in Fayette City likely engaged in small-scale farming or ran local businesses to support the town’s economy. Rural areas like Fayette County were home to tight-knit communities where neighbors often relied on one another for support.

• By 1900, electricity was starting to reach some towns, though rural areas like Fayette City may not have had it yet. Gas lighting and wood-burning stoves were still common in homes.
• Railroads were a critical part of life. Fayette City was connected to regional markets by rail, which facilitated the transport of coal, goods, and people.
• Medical care was rudimentary. Doctors made house calls, and many treatments relied on home remedies. Diseases like typhoid, cholera, and tuberculosis were common as public sanitation systems were still developing.

Robert Thomas Hoag married Emma Marie Assel on May 20, 1924, in Monessen, PA.

Together, they had four children, only three of which who lived: Minni Marie Hoag, Elsie Jane Hoag, and Robert Thomas Hoag Junior.

Here is a death certificate issued for a stillborn child born on October 23, 1931. This means the child would have been younger than Elsie and older than Robert Thomas.

He died on November 13, 1961. we know this because we have a copy of his death certificate.

This document also confirms for us that his father’s name is Walter Hoag. When Robert Thomas Hoag died he was living at 1614 Maple Avenue, in Monessen, PA. It’s a small 2-bedroom house that is still around to this day. (Directions)

His death certificate also tells us that he died of pancreatic cancer, something of which he was diagnosed with just two months before his death.

Emma Marie Assel is the wife of Robert Thomas Hoag. Together they had four children, only three of which who lived, Minni Marie Hoag, Elsie Jane Hoag, and Robert Thomas Hoag Junior.

Here is a death certificate issue for a stillborn child, born on October 23, 1931. This means the child would have been younger than Elsie and older than Robert Thomas.

The death certificate didn’t list the sex of the child but did bury him (or her) at the Grandview Cemetery in Monessen, PA.

This death certificate is important because it verifies other facts for us such as the fact that Robert Hoag was born in Fayette City, PA and that Emma Assel was born in Pittsburg, PA and they were the parents. It also tells us that on the date of the child’s death they were living at 105 Reed Ave., in Monessen, PA (directions) –  a house that still exists to this day.

It’s a small 2 bedroom house

Theophilus Richardson’s life (1633–1674) spanned a formative period in early American colonial history. Born and raised in Woburn, Massachusetts, Theophilus lived during the first century of English colonization in New England. Below is an overview of what life would have been like during that time and in that area:

Woburn was officially settled in 1640 and incorporated in 1642, just a few years after Theophilus’s birth. It was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, established by Puritans seeking religious freedom from the Church of England.

The town was laid out in a classic New England pattern, with a central meetinghouse (used for both church services and town meetings) surrounded by homes and farmland.

Geography and Environment:

• Woburn was located about 10 miles north of Boston and was heavily forested with rivers and streams. Settlers cleared the land for farming, but the process was arduous and required cooperation among families.
• Winters were long and harsh, while summers were relatively short but could be hot and humid. Survival depended on efficient farming, hunting, and gathering.

The community was tightly knit and organized around Puritan religious practices. Church attendance was mandatory, and religion shaped every aspect of daily life, from governance to education.

Families were typically large, as children were seen as both a blessing and a necessity for labor. Theophilus likely grew up working on the family farm and helping with domestic chores.

• Woburn’s economy was largely agrarian. Most families engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops such as corn, beans, squash, and rye. They also raised livestock, including cows, pigs, and sheep.
• Bartering was common, as there was little coin currency available. Any surplus goods were traded with neighbors or sent to larger markets in Boston.
• Puritans placed a strong emphasis on literacy, as reading the Bible was central to their faith. Boys like Theophilus would have been taught to read and write at home or in small community schools.
• Harvard College, founded in 1636, reflected the colony’s focus on education, although only a small number of young men pursued advanced learning.

In 1890 a man by the name of Edward Francis Johnson published a  book called “Births, Deaths, and Marriages of Woburn, Mass from 1640 to 1873.” It’s this book that we are able to document so many in our family tree from that time period.

It’s thanks to this document that we know that Theophilus and his wife had eight children with his wife.

• Ezekiel (Oct 28, 1655)
• Mary (Jan 15, 1658)
• Sarah (April 23, 1660)
• Abigail (Oct 21, 1662)
• Hannah (Apr 6, 1665)
• John (Jan 16, 1668)
• Hesther (Jun 25, 1670)
• Ruth (Aug 31, 1673)

Some say that Bridget Richardson, born March 17, 1674, is also Theophilus’s daughter, but she wasn’t listed in the Woburn book.

However, I found a document called “Massachusetts Town Birth Records – Vital Records of Chelmsford,” which states that she was born on March 17, 1674, in Chelmsford and that her father is James, not Theophilus.

Theophilus Richardson is the son of my 11th great-uncle, Ezekiel Richardson. Theophilus’s grandfather is Thomas Richardson of Standon, my 12th great-grandfather. So, while he’s not in my direct line, he’s still a blood relative who lived in the same small town that my other family members did. For reference … here’s my direct family line.

• Thomas Richardson of Standon (1565-1633) My 12th great-grandfather
• Samuel Richardson (1602-1658) My 11th great-grandfather
• Joseph Richardson (1643-1718) My 10th great-grandfather
• Stephen Richardson (1674-1752) My 9th great-grandfather
• Stephen  Richardson (1696-1723) My 8th great-grandfather
• John David Richardson (1720-1777) My 7th great-grandfather
• David Richardson (1760-1842) My 6th great-grandfather
• Jonathan David Richardson (1795-1870) My 5th great-grandfather

Thomas Richardson of Standon had seven children, one of which was Ezekiel (Theophilus’s father) and the other being Samuel, which is my family line. These seven children would be the last generation born in England. From there, the kids would all move to America and have children of their own, who would become the first generation of American-born Richardson’s.

Major Historical Events During Theophilus’s Lifetime

1. King Philip’s War (1675–1678):
   • Though Theophilus died just as this conflict began, tensions with Native American tribes were a recurring issue during his life. King Philip’s War, which started the year of his death, was a violent and devastating conflict between English settlers and Native Americans. The war reshaped the New England frontier.
   • Earlier, there had been uneasy relations with local tribes, and occasional conflicts as settlers expanded onto native lands.
2. The Great Migration:
   • Theophilus was born near the end of the Great Migration (1620–1640), during which thousands of Puritans left England for New England. His family likely arrived as part of this wave, seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.
3. Religious Life:
   • The Puritan way of life was strict and emphasized piety, hard work, and discipline. Ministers were community leaders, and infractions against religious laws (such as missing church services or public drunkenness) were harshly punished.
4. The English Civil War and Restoration:
   • Although Theophilus was living in the New World, events in England (such as the English Civil War, 1642–1651) still influenced the colonies. The Puritans initially supported Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth, and after the monarchy was restored in 1660, there was a growing unease about English interference in colonial affairs.

Challenges of Life in 17th-Century Woburn

1. Frontier Hardships:
   • Settlers faced constant challenges, including harsh winters, food shortages, and diseases such as smallpox and dysentery.
   • Relationships with Native Americans were fragile, and settlers were always wary of potential conflict.
2. Role of Women:
   • Women in Theophilus’s time were responsible for running households, raising children, cooking, and spinning wool or flax for clothing. Their lives were labor-intensive, and they held no formal political power, though they were active participants in the church.
3. Mortality and Health:
   • Life expectancy was relatively low. While Theophilus lived to age 41 (which was typical for men in his time), many children did not survive infancy, and diseases could quickly decimate entire families.

Theophilus Richardson’s life spanned a crucial period of colonial development in Massachusetts. He grew up during the early days of Woburn’s settlement, helping to establish a community that would endure for centuries. Like many New Englanders of his time, he likely worked tirelessly to ensure the survival and prosperity of his family and town. His life, deeply shaped by the Puritan ethic, was one of hard work, faith, and resilience.

Would you like to expand on any specific aspect, such as Puritan religious practices, education, or the Native American relations of the time?