Between 1817 and 1864, a group of Marylanders from Harford County decided to move west. The last to move went apparently, to get away from the Civil War or its influences.
Marylanders Moving West: They were the Mitchells, James, Gawthrops and McKays.
I. John Mitchell born about 1780. Brother of Elijah Mitchell.
He married: Elizabeth “ “ in Harford Co.
Children:
- Mary .... Married _____ Williams
- John Thomas .... Married Harriett Law
- Debby .... Married ________ Lode
- Joseph .... Doctor in Natchez, TN
John moved to Ohio about 1817. After clearing 20 acres in one location and saving money, he moved finally to Millwork Township, Coshoctin County, where he bought 140 acres.
In 1842, John wrote his epic letter-poem to Frederick Mitchell, his brother when he was 62 years old, which details his struggles.
II. James Mitchell born 12/11/1798. Son of Elijah Mitchell and brother of Elisha. Married Betsy Vandergrift. (had no children)
James Harvey Mitchell (son of Elisha) was named after him, and he may have inspired the younger James to move West.
III. James Harvey Mitchell born March 27, 1835 in Harford County, Maryland.
Married Mary Ann James, daugher of Joshua James.
Children:
- Olita .... Born 1857 in Maryland.
- John .... Born 1860 in Maryland.
- Charles ....Born 1863 in Indiana.
- Bertie ....Born 1872 in Indiana.
Moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1860.
IV. William James born 1825. Died 7/15/1891.
Married Mary born 1820
Children:
- George .... Born 1850 in Md.
- Spencer (Vinton) .... 1859 in Md.
- Dora .... 1865 in Ind.
- Lilly .... 1868 in Ind.
William and his family moved to Springfield, Indiana in 1864. William and brother Charles built Smith's Chapel United Methodist Church in Churchville in 1858. Charles remained in Md. William was a Trustee while in Md.
V. Jarvis Gilbert James was born in 1828. Son of Jacob James.
He married neighbor’s daughter, Deborah Sarah Gawthrop in 1860.
Children:
- David ....Born 1863 in Md.
- Phillip ....Born 1864 in Md.
Jarvis and family moved to Newville,Dekalb, Indiana about 1865.
VI. Richard Gawthorp
Wife: Charlotte
Retired Shoemaker,age 67 in 1865, he and Charlotte, age 64, moved to Indiana to be near their daughter, Deborah (above). They were mentioned in Mary Ann Mitchell’s letter in 1874.
VII. John Wells born 1841.
Married Elizabeth James, Joshua James daughter.
Children:
- Michel Born in 1866 in Indiana
- Charles Born in 1870 in Indiana
John was also a carpenter like William James and James Harvey Mitchell.
VIII. Joshua James Born 10/13/1811 (per Gail Ferris)
Married second wife Catherine Brown
Children:
- Joseph .... Born in 1851 in Md.
- (Ada)Katherine Amanda.... Born Dec.23,1863 in Md.
Moved the family to Indiana in 1866 at age 56 to follow Jarvis, William and sister Elizabeth. Moved to Nebraska in 1877 and ran the first mill in Silver Creek.
Per the 1880 census, Joseph jr. and sister Katie were living together in Nebraska, but apart from their parents. In 1882 Katie married Hiram M Dexter.
IX. George Mitchell Born 2/28/1834. Died 7/13/1909.
Son of Robert Mitchell
Married Sara Jane Luce (2nd wife Isobel Furney). She was born in Indiana
Children:
- Catherine.... Born in 1859 in Indiana.
- George E. .... Born in 1862 in Indiana.
George moved to Indiana before 1858. 1870 Census shows them living in Fort Wayne, Ind. George is a carpenter.
In 1917, Beulah F.Mitchell received a letter from Mrs.George E. Mitchell offering help for her to go to Perdue.
X. Owen McVay Born 1823 in Harford County, Md.
Married Charlotte
Children:
- Mary
- George
- William
This family also moved to Indiana from Maryland and lived near the others but their relationship is unknown.