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McWhirter - Bridges Family

Chapter 8
Minerva Ann McWhirter Griffin

of
Marion County, Illinois



             Minerva Anna McWHIRTER, born 1845, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Charles and ___?___ (PITTS) McWHIRTER (See Chapter 2). Minerva died before the 11 Jun 1900.

Minerva married William E. GRIFFIN 6 Dec 1864, Marion County, Illinois. She was 19 and he was 39 when they married. He was born 1825, Tennessee. He died 3 Nov 1896 of typhoid in Salem, Marion County, Illinois.

In 1878 they were listed as members of the Presbyterian Church and living in Salem.

On 11 Jun 1880, the census shows Wm E. (55) and Minerva A. (35) GRIFFIN living in Salem, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Mary F. age 14; Sarah E. age 12; Ida M. age 9; Iva M. age 6; Wm. E. age 4; and Freddie E. age 1. Everyone born in Illinois except William the father, born in Tennessee. The census didn't record his profession.

By 1900, it appears that both William and Anna had died, as three of their sons were living with their sister, Ida, and brother-in-law.

Children of William E. and Minerva Ann (McWHIRTER) GRIFFIN:

1. Franklin GRIFFIN, born about 1865, Marion County, Illinois.
    (Note:I could not find him in any 1880 Census in the United States.)

2. Mary F. GRIFFIN, born about 1866, Marion County, Illinois.
    She married James THALL.

3. Sarah E. "Nora" GRIFFIN, born 1868, Marion County, Illinois.
    She married Morris Devere SMITH.
    (See #3 following)

4. Ida M. GRIFFIN, born Dec 1872, Marion County, Illinois.
    Ida married Martin V. MILLS.
    (See #4 following)

5. Iva M. GRIFFIN, born about 1874, Marion County, Illinois.
    Iva married Forest DONOHO.
    (See #5 following)

6. William E. GRIFFIN, born about 1876, Marion County, Illinois.

7. Freddie E. "Ford" GRIFFIN, born Oct 1878, Salem, Marion County, IllinoisHe was raising sheep in 1927.
    In 1900, he was living with his sister Ida MILLS and her husband in Salem, Illinois. He was listed as a day laborer.

8. Horace E. GRIFFIN, born 9 Mar 1882, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
    Horace married Mrs. Georgie SCANNERS.
    (See #8 following)

9. Earnest GRIFFIN, born 22 Apr 1885, Salem, Marion County, Illinois.
    (See #9 following)


#3
Sarah E. Griffin Smith

Sarah E. "Nora" GRIFFIN, born 1868, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of William E. and Minerva Ann (McWHIRTER) GRIFFIN.
    Nora married Morris Devere SMITH 4 Apr 1886, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. He was born 25 Jan 1864, Columbia, Michigan, son of Edward and Abigail (THOMPSON) SMITH. Sarah was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Salem.
    On 8 Jun 1900, the census shows M. D. and Nora SMITH were living in Salem, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children, Eva born Jun 1887, Earl born Apr 1889, Lawrence born Nov 1890, Enah born Dec 1894, May born May 1898, and ___?___ born May 1900.
    On 25 Apr 1910, the census shows Morris D. and Nora SMITH living at 1315 North Elm Street, Central City, Marion County, Illinois. With them were children Eva B. age 22, Earl age 21, Lawrence E. age 19, E. R. age 15, May F. age 12, Vern age 6, Gladys age 4, Cecil D. less than a year.
    On 2 Jan 1920, the census shows Morrise D. and Nora SMITH living in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. With them were their children Mae age 21, Gladys age 14, Vern age 15, Dean age 10. Also living with them was their widowed daughter, Eva SMITH and her two daughters, Vera and Verna SMITH. Morris was a Carpenter/Contractor. Mae was a stenographer for real estate. Eva was working at a factory.

Children of Morris Devere and Sarah E. (GRIFFIN) SMITH:

3-1. Eva Blanch SMITH, born 10 Jun 1887, Marion County, Illinois.
    Eva married John SPROUSE.
    (See #3-1 following)

3-2. Earl SMITH, born Apr 1889, Salem, Marion County, Illinois>.

3-3. Lawrence SMITH, born Nov 1890, Salem, Marion County, Illinois>.

3-4. Enah R. SMITH, born Dec 1894, Marion County, Illinois>.

3-5. May/Mae SMITH, born May 1898, Marion County, Illinois.
    She was a stenographer.

3-6. son SMITH, born May 1900, Salem, Marion County, Illinois>.

3-7. Vern SMITH, born 21 Feb 1903, Marion County, Illinois>. He died Oct 1994. His last place of residence was in Morton, Tazewell County, Illinois.

3-8. Gladys SMITH, born 1905/06, Marion County, Illinois>.

3-9. Dean SMITH, born 1909/10, Marion County, Illinois>.


#3-1
Eva Blanch Smith Sprouse

Eva Blanch SMITH, born 10 Jun 1887, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of Morris Devere and Sarah E. (GRIFFIN) SMITH. She died Aug 1975. Last place of residence was Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
    Eva married John SPROUSE 20 Nov 1912, Marion County, Illinois. He died before Jan 1920. He was born 22 Apr 1886, Alma, Marion County, Illinois, son of George B. and Harriet E. (COLEMAN) SPROUSE. George B. SPROUSE was born Jan 1837, Roberton County, Tennessee, son of George SPROUSE, who was born 10 Oct 1805 and died 5 Sep 1855, and buried at Shanghai Cemetery, Kinmundy Township, Marion County, Illinois. George, Sr. was a blacksmith. He originally settled in Divmal Creek (La Clede), Illinois about 1845 with his family of 11 children. His oldest child being Margaret (SPROUSE) WALTERS of Farina, Fayette County, Illinois. With her husband, John W. WALTERS, she had three children: Charles, David and a daughter who married Mason PRYOR. All lived in Farina.
    Eva married 2nd Isaac Leo MEYER. He was born 1880/81, Illinois. His father was born in Germany and his mother in Tennessee.
    On 2 Jan 1920, the census shows the widowed Eva SMITH age 32, living in Centralia, Marion County, Illinois with her parents. Her two daughters were with her Vera age 6; and Verna age 6. Eva was a tipper at the envelope factory.
    On 23 Apr 1930, the census shows the census shows Isaac Leo (49) and Eva (42) MEYER at 502 North Poplar Street, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. With them are Eva’s two daughters, Verna and Vera SPROUSE, both age 16. Isaac was a Drayman, General Haul.

Children of John and Eva Blanche (SMITH) SPROUSE:

3-1-1. Verna Jean SPROUSE, born 2 Aug 1913, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois. (Twin of Vera).
    Verna married J. Robert HILL
    (See #3-1-1 following)

3-1-2. Vera SPROUSE, born 2 Aug 1913, Marion County, Illinois. (Twin of Verna).
    Vera married Eugene F. GEWE.
    (See #3-1-2 following)


#3-1-1
Verna Jean Sprouse Hill

Verna Jean SPROUSE, born 2 Aug 1913, Centralia, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of John and Eva Blanche (SMITH) SPROUSE. (Twin of Vera) She died 27 Mar 1985, Arlington, Texas. Her last place of residence was Centralia, Marion County, Illinois.
    Verna married J. Robert HILL 1932, Salem, Illinois. He was born 12 Feb 1896. He died Jun 1950. They lived in Central City, Marion County, Illinois. They are buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Centralia, Illinois.

Children of J. Robert and Verna Jean (SPROUSE) HILL:

3-1-1-1. Roger HILL. Son of J. Robert and Verna Jean (SPROUSE) HILL. Lives in Centralia, Illinois. He married and had children.



3-1-1-2. Joe HILL. Son of J. Robert and Verna Jean (SPROUSE) HILL. (Twin of Gene)
    Joe lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

3-1-1-3. Gene HILL. Son of J. Robert and Verna Jean (SPROUSE) HILL.(Twin of Joe)
    Gene married ___?___ NIERMANN. They lived in Marietta, Georgia.

3-1-1-4. Dorothy M. HILL, born 23 Jul 1938, Marion County, Illinois.
    Dorothy married Stanley HORST.
    (See #3-1 following)

3-1-1-5. Ruth Ann HILL.
    Ruth Ann married Larry James CLEVELAND.
    (See #3-1 following)

3-1-1-6. Gary HILL. Son of J. Robert and Verna Jean (SPROUSE) HILL. He lives in Marietta, Georgia.


#3-1-1-4
Dorothy M. Hill Horst

Dorothy M. HILL, born 23 Jul 1938, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of J. Robert and Verna Jean (SPROUSE) HILL. She died Sep 1980, Litchfield, Montgomery County, Illinois. Buried in Elmwood Cemetery.
    Dorothy married Stanley HORST. Stan was from Hoyleton, Illinois, son of Louis and Cleona HORST. He had a brother named Wallace HORST. Louis was the son of Henry and Sophie HORST. Henry came to America from Germany in 1868.
    Stan was a teacher and athletic director at the Litchfield High School. They lived in Litchfield, Illinois.

Children of Stanley and Dorothy M. (HILL) HORST:

3-1-1-4-1. Cynthia HORST, born 4 Mar 1958, daughter of Stanley and Dorothy M. (HILL) HORST. (Twin of Susan) Graduate of Duke University.
    Cyndy married Brad ___?___ .
    Cyndy is a pharmacist.

    Children of Brad and Cynthia(HORST) ___?___ .

    3-1-1-4-1-1. Andrea.

    3-1-1-4-1-1. Kennan.



3-1-1-4-2. Susan Diane HORST, born 4 Mar 1958, daughter of Stanley and Dorothy M. (HILL) HORST. (Twin of Cynthia)
    Susan is a graduate of Ambassador College, Pasadena, California.
    Susan lives in St. Louis, Missouri.
    Susan is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

Photo at right is Susan Horst and Leon Reinhardt in 1983, Salem, Illinois.



3-1-1-4-3. Kent Alan HORST, born 1961, son of Stanley and Dorothy M. (HILL) HORST.
    Kent marriedTara Lynn SCHNELL and lived in Dallas, Texas.
    Kent is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).

    Children of Kent Alan and Tara Lynn (SCHNELL) HORST:

    3-1-1-4-3-1. Sophia Mae HORST, born 21 Jan 1994, Tarrant County, Texas.

    3-1-1-4-3-2. Rutger HORST,born 2 Feb 1997, Tarrant County, Texas. He died 2003.



3-1-1-4-4. Brian HORST,born 15 Sep 1967, Illinois, son of Stanley and Dorothy M. (HILL) HORST.
    Brian married Michelle ___?___ .
    Brian was a good athlete. He played basketball for Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.

    Children of Brian and Michelle (___?___) HORST:

    3-1-1-4-4-1. Taylor HORST,born 1993/94.

    3-1-1-4-4-2. Michael HORST,born 1992/93.


#3-1-1-5
Ruth Ann Hill Cleveland

Ruth Ann HILL, Daughter of J. Robert and Verna Jean (SPROUSE) HILL.
    Ruth Ann married Larry James CLEVELAND and lived in Arlington, Texas.

Children of Larry James and Ruth Ann (HILL) CLEVELAND:

3-1-1-5-1. Jack CLEVELAND.

3-1-1-5-2. Jean Ellen CLEVELAND, born 8 Oct 1970, Bell County, Texas.
    Jean married Scott Glenn STEWART 25 Jul 1989, Tarrant County, Texas. Jean was 18 and Scott was 22.

    Children of Scott Glenn and Jean Ellen (CLEVELAND) STEWART:

    3-1-1-5-2-1. Ian Marshall Lange STEWART, born 21 Aug 1991, Tarrant County, Texas.

    3-1-1-5-2-2. Julia Ruthann STEWART, born born 1 Jun 1993, Worms, Germany.

    3-1-1-5-2-3. Hayden Scott Cleveland STEWART, born 27 Oct 1995, Tarrant County, Texas.


    Photo Above, Left to Right: Ruth Ann (Hill) Cleveland, Ian Stewart and Jean (Cleveland) Stewart. Photo taken in Steinasage, near Bonndorf in the Black Forrest in Germany in 1992.



    Photo Left to Right: Scott Stewart, Mark Caruso, Stephen Frakes, Ruth Ann (Hill) Cleveland holding Ian Stewart, Jean (Cleveland) Stewart and Larry Cleveland. Photo taken in Steinasage, near Bonndorf in the Black Forrest in Germany in 1992. (Note: Mark is just a friend. Stephen Frakes is a friend of the family, but also a McWhirter cousin.)


#3-1-2
Vera Sprouse Gewe

Vera SPROUSE, born 2 Aug 1913, daughter of John and Eva Blanche (SMITH) SPROUSE. (Twin of Verna). She died 29 Jan 2003 Columbia, Monroe County, Illinois.
    Vera married Eugene F. GEWE. He was born 15 Oct 1912. He died 22 Aug 1994. His last residence was in Nashville, Washington County, Illinois.

Daughter of Vera and Eugene F. (SPROUSE) GEWE:

3-1-2-1. Marjorie A. GEWE, born 1 Feb 1935, Nashville, Washington County, Illinois.
    Marjorie married and had children.
    Marjorie lived in Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois.


#4
Ida M. Griffin Mills

Ida M. GRIFFIN, born Dec 1872, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of William E. and Minerva Ann (McWHIRTER) GRIFFIN. (There was an Ida M. MILLS who died 24 May 1947, Olney, Richland County, Illinois. There was an Ida Mae MILLS who died 17 Oct 1929, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. I don't know if either of them are our Ida.)
    Ida married Martin V. MILLS 31 Mar 1895, Marion County, Illinois. She was 24 and he was 23 at time of marriage. He was born Aug 1875, Illinois.
    On 11 Jun 1900, the census shows Mark and Ida MILLS living in Salem, Marion County, Illinois. With them were two of Ida’s brothers, H. E. GRIFFIN born Mar 1881, Illinois; and Fred GRIFFIN born Oct 1878, Illinois; and Earnest GRIFFIN born Apr 1885, Illinois. Also living with them was L. W. BARRY born Oct 1861, Tennessee; and N. A. BARRY born Feb 1866, Tennessee.
    On 23 Apr 1910, the census shows Martin and Ida MILLS living in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois. With them was 5 year old daughter, Gertrude MILLS. It shows that Ida had given birth to 3 children and only 1 still living. Martin was a retail clerk.

Children of Martin V. and Ida M. (GRIFFIN) MILLS:

4-1. child MILLS. Died before 1910.

4-2. Gertrude MILLS, born 1904/05, Illinois.

4-3. child MILLS. Died before 1910.



    (Note: If anyone knows anything more about this family, please let me know. I would like to know if Gertrude married and had a family.)


#5
Iva M. Griffin Donoho

Iva M. GRIFFIN, born about 1874, Marion County, Illinois, daughter of William E. and Minerva Ann (McWHIRTER) GRIFFIN.
    Iva married Forest DONOHO 14 Dec 1890, Marion County, Illinois. She was 17 and he was 25 at time of marriage. Forest was born 1861/62, Illinois, son of John and Hannah (___?___) DONOHO of Romine Township, Marion County, Illinois. (There was a Forest A. DONOHO who died 11 Jan 1931, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. I don't find any other record of them.)
    On 20 Jan 1920, the census shows the widowed Forrest DONOHO age 52, living on South Rotan, Salem, Marion County, Illinois. He and his parents were said to have been born in Illinois. He was a farm laborer. He owned his home free of mortgage. With him was his brother, Jim DONOHO age 38. Jim was a forman at the light plant. Also there was another brother, Ade DONOHO age 35. He was a shoe cobbler. He owned his own shop. (Note: I don't know for a fact that this is the same Forest DONOHO.)


#8
Horace E. Griffin

Horace E. GRIFFIN, born 9 Mar 1882, Salem, Marion County, Illinois, son of William E. and Minerva Ann (McWHIRTER) GRIFFIN.
    Horace married Mrs. Georgie SCANNERS 3 Feb 1915, Marion County, Illinois. They were both 32 years old.
    In 1900, he was living with his sister Ida MILLS and her husband, in Salem, Illinois. He was listed as a day laborer.
    In 1920, the census show him single and living with William B. STANFORD in Stevenson Township. William was 26 and Horace was 37. They owned a restaurant together and were both cooks.


#9
Ernest Griffin

Earnest GRIFFIN, born 22 Apr 1885, Salem, Marion County, Illinois, son of William E. and Minerva Ann (McWHIRTER) GRIFFIN.
    In 1900, he was living with his sister Ida MILLS and her husband, in Salem, Illinois. He was still attending school.
    (Note: A James Thall is listed as his brother-in-law in 1898.)



Charles McWhirter
Chapter 1




Compiled by:
(Great-Great-Grandson of Charles Pitts McWhirter)

Stephen P.H. Frakes
321 South Franklin Street
Salem, Illinois 62881-2120
stephenfrakes@yahoo.com

Additions and Corrections Appreciated
Also Any Photographs For this Chapter Would Be Greatly Appreciated


Updated:
22 November 2022


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