Van Buren County, TN Circuit Court Minutes

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1840-1872 - Hastons

Van Buren County, TN - Early Circuit Court Minutes

Early Hastons in the Circuit Court – Mostly for Good, But Sometimes for Bad

850 Haston References

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Volume A - August 1840 - January 1850

Year of 1840

Session

Page

Name

Summary

August


1

Isham B. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this session of circuit court, as of August 27, 1840.

December


7


David Haston
(David Martin?)

Juryman for a case involving Nathan F. Trogden v. John Stipe, during the December session.  He was not appointed as a regular member of the jury at the outset of this session, but appears on the jury for this case, and this case only in the December 1840 session.

Year of 1841

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

14


Wiley B. Haston

Summoned, elected, & empanelled as a juryman for the April 1841 session of the circuit court, as of April 26, 1841.  It appears that he and others were dismissed from duty because the judge failed to arrive.

August

25

Wiley B. Haston
Isham B. Haston

Summoned to the August 1841 session of circuit court as potential jurymen.

Wiley B. Haston

Elected and empanelled to serve on the August session of circuit court as a  juryman, as of August 23, 1841.

27

Isham B. Haston

Juryman for the case of Spencer Holder v. James Hunter.

Thomas C. Haston

Witness in the above case of Spencer Holder v. James Hunter.

32

Thomas C. Haston
Isham B. Haston

Jurymen in the case of State v. James Allen & Barnabas Haley. (counterfeiting).


38

Wiley B. Haston

Juryman on case of L.A. Kincannon v. Martha McElroy and Andrew McElroy.

December

53

Arthur Mitchell

Reference to Arthur Mitchell's lands.  He married Malinda Haston, daughter of David & Peggy Haston.  Arthur Mitchell was a son of Spence Mitchell, one of the founders of the (Old) Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Year of 1842

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

59-60

Isham B. Haston
David Haston

Acting as a Justice of the Peace, Isham B. Haston came to court for the case of Anthony A.W. Dibrell v. Vardry Camp and others (to condemn land).  Isham had issued the summons to the acting parties in this case, Vardry Camp, Solomon Reese, and Terry Gillentine.  Isham B. Haston tried the case, at his home, on February 26 earlier this same year and found Vardry Camp guilty of owing a debt to Dibrell.  David Haston seems to have witnessed this trial.  This circuit court case involved condemning some of Camp's land in order that it could be sold for payment of the debt.

66

Isham B. Haston
Thomas C. Haston
Wiley B. Haston

These brothers (all sons of David & Peggy Haston) were defendants in a case brought against them by the Bank of Tennessee.  The case seems to have been dismissed.

August

70

Isham B. Haston

Summoned and elected to serve as a juryman in the August session of circuit court.

77

Pleasant Haston

The State brought a case against Pleasant Haston for gaming.  It appears that he was ordered to bring Felix A. Badger (who was also indicted for gaming in the following case) with him.  Pleasant Haston was ordered to pay $250 to the State of Tennessee.  It seems that Pleasant Haston was made accountable to the sheriff of Putnam County, TN.  Who was this Pleasant Haston and where did he fit into the overall Haston family?  Contact us if you have information on him.

80

Isham B. Haston

Case: Jesse W. Turley - use of Isham B. Haston v. Thomas Sutherland & Burden Wheeler.  This case has something to do with debt, but the description is too brief to know much about the case.

81

James A. Haston
David Haston

Jurymen on the case of James Wright v. John R. Clark.

December

84

James A. Haston

Summoned and elected to serve as a juryman in the December session of the circuit court.

89

Isaac Haston

The Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment against Isaac Haston for gaming.

90

Isham B. Haston

This was a continuation of the case (Jesse W. Turley to the use of Isham B. Haston v. Thomas Sutherland & Burden) that was introduced in the August session. It appears that the plaintiffs dismissed the case and paid for the court cost.

100-101

Isham B. Haston

Acting as Justice of the Peace, Isham B. Haston came into court in the case of Leftwich Carrick vs. Solomon Reese. He had served the circuit court summons to Solomon Reese and, as a Justice of the Peace, had tried the case at his house in February of this year.

Year of 1843

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

106

David Haston
Willie B. Haston

Summoned and elected to the jury of the April 1843 session of the circuit court, as of April 24, 1843.

113

Isaac Haston

State v. Isaac Haston - Presentment for gaming (gambling).  Isaac said that he was not guilty.  The jury (which did not include any Hastons) asserted that Isaac Haston was guilty and that he should pay a fine and remain in the custody of the sheriff until the fine and court costs were paid.  However, the Attorney General and the Court declared that Isaac Haston was insolvent and discharged him without security for the fine and the court costs.
Question: Which Isaac Haston was this?  Isaac, the son of Daniel Haston, had already moved to Missouri.  David Haston's son, Isaac T. Haston, was only about 16 years old at this time.  Joseph Haston's son, Isaac Haston, would have been in his early 30s, which would make him a possible culprit in this case.

114

James W. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Samuel Davis (petit larceny). Davis was found guilty and sent to the state penitentiary for one year.

August

122

James A. Haston

Summoned but not elected to the jury for this August 1843 session of the circuit court.

129

James W. Haston
Thomas C. Haston

Juryman on the case of Benjamin F. Budgeman v. Thomas M. Fleming and Thomas Moore (debt).

132

James A. Haston

Juryman in the case of John B. Rodgers' Lessee v. Robert A. Campbell, James P. Thompson, and Richard Nelson (in Eject.). 

David Haston

The Grand Jury returned this indictment to court:  The State of Tennessee against David Haston for an assault and battery on the body of John T. Shockley, a true bill.

132-133

Isaac Haston

Page 132: The Grand Jury returned this indictment to court: The State of Tennessee against Isaac Haston for an assault and battery on the body of Elias McGlothlin, not a true bill.  Page 133: Because this indictment was "not a true bill" the prosecution (Elias McGlothlin) was ordered to pay the court costs.

December

135

Arthur Mitchell

Summoned and elected to the jury of the December 1843 session of the circuit court, as of December 25, 1843. Arthur Mitchell was David & Peggy Haston's son-in-law.

139

David Haston

State v. David Haston (assault & battery on John T. Shockley). The indictment for this case was brought to court in the August 1843 session. David Haston pleaded "not guilty." The jury (Arthur Mitchell and other close relatives to David Haston were not on this jury) found him guilty. He was fined $5.00 and court costs and was placed under the custody of the sheriff until he paid the fine and court costs.

139

Thomas C. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. David Moore (assault and battery on the body of John T. Shockley).  David Moore was found "not guilty."

140

David Haston

State v. David Haston (assault & battery on John T. Shockley). William Shockley, Jr. came into court and made himself security for David Haston's fine and court costs (see page 139 entry).

142

James A. Haston
Lucretia Haston
Lavina Haston

James A. Haston was the prosecutor in the case of State v. Elizabeth Steakley, wife of Charles Steakley (murder of her infant child, Arrina). Lucretia and Lavina Haston were witnesses for the State in this case. Lavina was probably the wife of James A. Haston and Lucretia was possibly their daughter. See the note at the end of the next entry. Elizabeth Steakley pleaded "not guilty." There is a very vivid description of this murder on pages 141-142. See the very interesting continuation of the case in April 1844 (page 167).

143

Sarah Haston

Sarah Haston was also mentioned as a witness for the State in the State v. Elizabeth Steakley murder case. James A. & Lavina Haston had a daughter by the name of Sarah. The mother of James A. Haston was also named Sarah (wife of the deceased Joseph Haston). Note: The birth dates that we have in our files for Lucretia (1847) and Sarah (1854), the daughters of James A. Haston which would mean the witness was probably Joseph's widow, Sarah.

150

Thomas C. Haston
Willie B. Haston

The President and Directors of the Bank of Tennessee v. Thomas C. Haston and Willie B. Haston. It appears that the attorney general was not able to prosecute this case successfully and the plaintiff was directed to pay all court costs.

153

James A. Haston

He was security for John L. Grissom in the case of State v. John L. Grissom. This case was scheduled to be tried in the April 1844 session.

153

James A. Haston
Arthur Mitchell
James W. Haston
Willie B. Haston
David Haston

Jurymen in the case of James Brown v. James Sparkman and John Sparkman. David Haston was withdrawn from the jury, but no reason is given.

154

Thomas C. Haston

The President and Directors of the Bank of Tennessee v. Thomas C. Haston. The plaintiff moved for a new trial. See entry for page 150. The court "being of the opinion that a new trial ought not be granted in this cause refused to grant the same."

Year of 1844

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

158

David Haston
James A. Haston
Willie B. Haston

These men were summoned to jury duty on the Grand Jury of the April 1844 session of the circuit court, on April 22, 1844. David Haston and James A. Haston were elected to and empanelled on that Grand Jury. 

161

Willie B. Haston

Juryman on the case of James Brown v. James Sparkman and John Sparkman.

162

Isaac Haston

The Grand Jury returned a presentment against Isaac Haston for assault and battery.  There were numerous members of the Daniel Haston family by the name of Isaac.  The son of Joseph Haston (Isaac) was in his early 30s at this time and would be the most likely candidate, for reasons of age.  See the 1843 entry for page 113.

164

James A. Haston
David Haston

Jurymen in the case of State v. Thomas Stipe, John L. Grissom, and William Lawson (presentment for gaming).

166

Isaac Haston
James A. Haston

State v. Isaac Haston (assault and battery), Thomas Stipe was the prosecutor. James A. Haston (older brother of Isaac Haston, if this Isaac was the son of Joseph Haston) was a security for Isaac Haston in this case. The case was scheduled for trial in the August 1844 session.  Note: The following case on the docket was State v. John T. Parker (assault and battery). The prosecutor was also Thomas Stipe.

167

James A. Haston

Continuation of State v. Elizabeth Steakley (murder).  Elizabeth Steakley had escaped from the Van Buren County jail, so the witnesses for the State (which would have included Lavina, Lucretia, & Sarah Haston) were dismissed, but the case was to remain on the docket.  James A. Haston is again mentioned as the prosecutor for the State in this case.  Note: This case seems to disappear from the circuit court records until December of 1859.  (15 years later!)

167

James A. Haston
David Haston

Jurymen in the trial of Lorenzo Dilleron (spelling?) v. Joseph Lane (debt).

168

James A. Haston
David Haston

Jurymen in the trial of William Overton v. John Sparkman and James Sparkman (appeal). 

August

179

Isaac Haston
James A. Haston

Continuation of State v. Isaac Haston and John G. Parker (assault and battery), prosecutor Thomas Stipe. James A. Haston was a security for Isaac Haston. The trial was scheduled for the December 1844 session of circuit court.

191

James A. Haston

Juryman in the case of A.C. Wheeler to the use of Daniel Southerland v. Burden Wheeler and Barnabas Thomas.

195

Arthur Mitchell
James A. Haston

Jurymen on the case of State v. David Keener (assault and battery), Micajah Johnson the prosecutor.

December

198

David McHaston

David McHaston was summoned to attend this December 1844 session of circuit court as a constable.

200

Isaac Haston

Continuation of State v. Isaac Haston and John G. Parker (assault & battery), Thomas Stipe the prosecutor. John G. Parker made an appeal that he and Isaac Haston be tried separately and the court agreed to do so.

201

Isaac Haston

State v. Isaac Haston (assault & battery), Thomas Stype the prosecutor. Continuation of the case above, but now Isaac was tried separately from John G. Parker. Isaac pleaded "not guilty." The jury found Isaac Haston guilty and fined him $10.00 and ordered him to pay court costs. In the case to follow (page 202) the jury found John G. Parker to be "not guilty."

Year of 1845

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

223

Thomas C. Haston
Arthur Mitchell

Summoned and elected to the jury for the April 1845 session of circuit court, as of April 28, 1845.

231

David Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Hiram Tacket (rape of a minor girl), Mary Davis the prosecutor.  The case was postponed until the next morning so that the jury could arrive at a verdict.  See page 242 entry below.  Note: The Grand Jury returned an indictment for this case in April 1844 (see middle of page 162 in the April 1844 circuit court minutes).  The eight-year-old girl was Elizabeth Davis. 

234

Arthur Mitchell

Juryman on case of State v. John Stype (assault & battery). 

239

James A. Haston

Juryman on case of State v. John Pain and Nancy Smith (lewdness).

Arthur Mitchell
Thomas C. Haston

Jurymen on case of State v. Joel Douglass and James Crews (presentment for gaming).

242

David Haston

Continuation of State v. Hiram Tacket (rape of minor girl), Mary Davis the prosecutor.  The jury had not come to a verdict so they were sequestered for another day to do so.

244

Arthur Mitchell
Thomas C. Haston

Jurymen on the case Black Mercer v. Joseph Law (debt). 

James A. Haston

James A. Haston was mentioned here as being the jailor of Van Buren County.

245

James A. Haston

James A. Haston was mentioned here as being the jailor of Van Buren County.

Willie B. Haston
Thomas C. Haston

The President and Directors of the Bank of Tennessee v. Willie Steekly, Willie B. Haston, & Thomas C. Haston (debt). The attorney for the plaintiff withdrew the prosecution of this case.

246

David Haston

Continuation of State v. Hiram Tacket (rape of minor girl), Mary Davis the prosecutor. Again, the jury could not arrive at a verdict. The jury was dismissed and the case was rescheduled for the next session of circuit court. The defendant was kept in jail for safe keeping.

August

247

David Haston

Summoned to the jury for this August 1845 session of circuit court.  He was not elected to the main jury for this session.  His role was probably to continue the case of State v. Hiram Tacket.  See entry for page 249 below.


David McHaston

Summoned to attend this August 1845 session of circuit court as a constable.

249

(David Haston)

Continuation of State v. Hiram Tackett (rape of minor girl), Mary Davis the prosecutor. This case was postponed until the next term of the circuit court and the defendant was returned to jail. David Haston's name is not mentioned, but this was the case for which he had been serving as a juryman.

250

David Haston

Juryman on the case State v. John Wallis and James Smith (presentment for open and notorious lewdness).

252

David Haston

Juryman on the case State v. David Meadows (assault & battery), Nancy Law the prosecutor.

254

David Haston

Juryman on the case The President and Directors of the Bank of Tennessee v. James Sparkman, John Sparkman, Andrew J. McElroy, and Joel Douglass (debt).

256
261-265
268-269

(David Haston)

David Haston's name is not mentioned here, but there was an interesting development in the State v. Hiram Tacket case, on which case David Haston served as a juryman. Apparently, William Overton was now being accused of committing perjury in that case during the April 1855 term of the circuit court. Eventually (page 269), his case was passed on to the Tennessee Supreme Court.

265-266

James W. Haston

Juryman in case State v. William Overton (perjury). See the above entry.

266

James A. Haston

Mentioned as jailor.

267

James A. Haston

Mentioned as jailor of Van Buren County.

December

276-280

(David Haston)

David Haston's name is not mentioned here, but there are some further developments in the rape case of State v. Hiram Tacket for which David Haston had been a juryman.  See earlier entries for 1844 & 1845. The Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment, which seems to have repeated the earlier indictment.  Perhaps this was the beginning of a re-trial.  On page 278 William Thomason, not Mary Davis as in previous court sessions, was indicated to be the prosecutor.  The prosecution of this case was scheduled to continue in the next circuit court term of April 1846.

280

James A. Haston

Mentioned here as jailor.

Year of 1846

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

282

Arthur Mitchell
Willie B. Haston
James A. Haston

Summoned to circuit court jury duty for this April 1846 term, as of April 27, 1846. James A. Haston and Arthur Mitchell were selected and empanelled.

David McHaston

Summoned to attend this circuit court term as a constable.

284

(David Haston)

More information on the State v. Hiram Tackett rape case. Hiram Tackett pleaded "not guilty." David Haston was on the original jury for this case but there were no mention of jurors in this part of the court minutes.

288

David Mac Haston

Jurors for this case were placed under David Mac Haston's (constable) direction overnight.

292

David Haston
Isaac Haston

The Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment against Elias Cole, David Haston, and Isaac Haston for an affray. It was endorsed as a true bill.

293

(David Haston)

More information on the State v. Hiram Tackett rape case. There was now a new jury in this case and David Haston was no longer a part of the jury. His name is not mentioned here. See earlier entries for this case.


David Mac Haston

The jury on the above rape case was sequestered under the oversight of David Mac Haston, a constable.

297

Arthur Mitchell
James A. Haston

Jurymen on the case of State v. John Walling (forgery). For some reason, the name of the case has been crossed out.

298

David Haston
Isaac Haston

State v. Elias Cole, David Haston, and Isaac Haston (affray), Thomas Stipe the prosecutor.  Isaac Haston pleaded guilty and was fined $2.50 and court costs.  William Hodges was security for Isaac's fine and costs.  No mention is made of David Haston's response or court action related to him.

299

Arthur Mitchell

The Grand Jurors cited Terry Gillentine to court for allegedly forging a $125 promissory note to Robert Gamble to be paid on or before December 25, 1834.  The note was dated December 21, 1833.  Arthur Mitchell's forged seal was attached to the note and it was he (Arthur Mitchell) who was in someway the intended recipient of this fraudulent deed.  Apparently the alleged forgery occurred on March 1, 1840.  In the August 1846 term of the circuit court (page 313), Terry Gillentine was declared by the court to not be guilty.

301

James A. Haston
Arthur Mitchell

Although it seems strange that this would have been the case, it appears that Arthur Mitchell and James A. Haston were on the Grand Jury that returned the Terry Gillentine forgery case (see above entry) as a true bill.

301-302

(David Haston)

Continuation of the Hiram Tackett rape case. Although David Haston was not on the jury for this new case against Hiram Tackett, he had been on the original jury that failed to return a verdict. At this time, the jury declared the defendant to be "not guilty" as was charged in the first count but said that he was guilty as charged in the second and third counts. Hiram Tackett was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment in the Tennessee state penitentiary. Tackett was also barred from ever giving testimony in any court in Tennessee or from holding a public office in Tennessee.

August

308

David Haston

State v. Elias Cole and David Haston (affray), Thomas Stipe the prosecutor. An order was issued to the sheriff of White County to arrest Elias Cole and return him to the next session of the circuit court for Van Buren County. David Haston was not mentioned, other than in the title of the case.

309

(David Haston)

Continuation of the Hiram Tackett rape case.  It appeared that the Hiram Tackett rape case was settled during the April term of the circuit court, but here the Attorney General declares that he can no further prosecute the case and that the defendant should be released and that the State pay the court costs.  David Haston, member of the original case against Hiram Tackett, and other jurors were not mentioned here.

309-312

James A. Haston

As the jailor, James A. Haston produced the bill for keeping Hiram Tackett in jail for 256 days @ 35 1/2 cents per day, a total of $96.00, plus some other jail costs which brought the grand total for jail expenses to $104.00. There were also miscellaneous court costs that are recorded on these pages.

312

David Haston

State v. David Haston and Elias Cole (affray), Thomas Stipe the prosecutor. David Haston pleaded "not guilty." The jury declared David Haston to be "guilty" as charged and fined him $2.50 and court costs. William F. Carter was security for David Haston's fine and court costs.  Note: David Haston, assuming this was the son of Daniel Haston, would have been about 69 years old at this time.

315

Isaac Haston

The Grand Jury returned a presentment for a case by the State v. Isaac Haston and John Brock for an affray, which was endorsed as a true bill.


Carroll Haston

The Grand Jury returned a bill of indictment against Carroll Haston for interrupting public worship, but it was endorsed as "not a true bill."  Note: Was this William Carroll Haston, youngest son of David & Peggy Haston? If so, he would have been 17 years old at this time. We wonder which meeting house this would have been?

316

James A. Haston

As the jailor, he produced a bill for State v. John Walling.

December

319

David McHaston

David McHaston was summoned to attend this December 1846 term of circuit court as a constable. On the very bottom of this page he is "sworn to attend the Grand Jury."

320

Isaac Haston

State v. Isaac Haston and John Brock (affray). Isaac pleaded guilty and was fined five dollars and that he would share in the court costs with John Brock.

323

Isaac Haston

State v. Isaac Haston and John Brock (affray). James A. Haston and Jabez G. Mitchell came into court as security for the payment of Isaac's fine and court costs.

329

Montgomery G. Haston

State v. Montgomery G. Haston and James Steakley (warrant). The court dismissed this case.  Note: This is the first mention in these circuit court records of Montgomery G. Haston, who would have been in his early 20s at this time.

Year of 1847

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

334

Willie B. Haston

Summoned to and empanelled on the Grand Jury for this April 1847 term of the circuit court, as of April 26, 1847.

335

Montgomery G. Haston

He was security for William C. Bowman in the amount of $125 in the case of State v. William C. Bowman (assault), Hiram Walling the prosecutor.

339

James A. Haston

As the jailor, he produced a bill for State v. Nathaniel Moore.

343

James A. Haston

Juryman in the case John B. Rodgers lessee v. Indemond? Lane, B.L. Ridley, Robert A. Campbell, James P. Hampson?, and Richard Nelson (ejectment). 

344

James A. Haston

The Grand Jury presented a bill of indictment against George W. Christian for an assault and battery upon James A. Haston, which was endorsed as a true bill.

346

Willie B. Haston
Arthur Mitchell

Jurymen on the case of William Grissom v. John E. Clark and W.B. Cummings (appeal). 

349

Willie B. Haston
Arthur Mitchell

Jurymen on case William Grissom v. John E. Clark and W.B. Cummings (appeal).

August

352

James W. Haston
James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1847 term of circuit court, as of August 23, 1847. James A. Haston was elected to and empanelled on the Grand Jury.

353

James W. Haston

Juryman on the case State v. William C. Bowman (assault & battery), Hiram Walling the prosecutor.

355

James A. Haston

State v. George W. Christian (for wearing a Bowie knife concealed under his clothes). James A. Haston was the jailor for Van Buren County. He was the prosecutor in this case.

359

James W. Haston

Juryman in case Adrian Bryant v. Gillentine Holder.

December

362

Thomas C. Haston
Arthur Mitchell

Summoned to jury duty for the December 1847 term of the circuit court which began on December 27, 1847. Thomas C. Haston was elected to and empanelled on the Grand Jury for that term.

Year of 1848

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

375

James W. Haston

Juryman on case of Zechariah Hodges v. Smith Vader. 

September

384

W.B. Haston

Summoned and elected to serve on the Grand Jury for this September 1848 session of circuit court, beginning September 25.

387

James A. Haston

Juryman on the case State v. Zela (Zealy) Seals (unlawful retailing).


391

James A. Haston

Some reference to James A. Haston as a Justice of the Peace.

Year of 1849

Session

Page

Name

Summary

January

397

James A. Haston

State v. Preston Dulany and James A. Haston (corruption in office).  On the affidavit of James A. Haston the defendants to have separate trials.  In the following trial, on this same page 397, Preston Dulany was found guilty.

398

James A. Haston

State v. James A. Haston (misdemeanor in office).  Joel Douglass was security for James A. Haston, in the amount of $250, which amount James A. Haston also had to provide for his security.  At this time, no action was taken on this case.

401-402

James A. Haston

In the case of Samuel Parker, administrator of A.K. Parker, v. __?__ Carter, James A. Haston had apparently handled this case as a Justice of the Peace at a lower level.  Some fees were due to James A. Haston for his services. 

May

408

James A. Haston
David Haston

State v. James A. Haston (misdemeanor in office). David Haston and William Johnson came to court as securities for James A. Haston. The trial was scheduled for the September 1840 term of the circuit court.

409

James A. Haston

James A. Haston is mentioned as a Justice of the Peace in the case of John Sparkman v. Thomas Massey (motion to condemn land).

410-411

James A. Haston

Juryman in case State v. Martha Davis (lewdness).

412

Montgomery G.
Haston

Juryman in case of State v. George Harrison an Joel Douglass (unlawful gaming).

414

James A. Haston

Juryman in case of State v. John Walling (retailing to a slave).

September

421-422

W.B. Haston
Isaac T. Haston

Summoned and elected to the Grand Jury for this September 1849 term of the circuit court, beginning September 26.

421

Thomas C. Haston

Summoned as constable to serve this term of circuit court.

422-423

James A. Haston

State v. Preston Dulany & James A. Haston (misdemeanor in office). The Attorney General decided not to prosecute this case any further.

Year of 1850 – January Only

Session

Page

Name

Summary

January

436

Joseph C. Haston
James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this January 1850 term of circuit court, beginning January 20. Joseph C. Haston was empanelled on the Grand Jury.  Note: Joseph C. Haston was probably Joseph Claiborne Haston, son of Joseph Haston. If he was born in 1812, why does he not appear on earlier circuit court records? This appears to be his first appearance in any capacity in the circuit court. He would soon move to Missouri and later to California.

437

James A. Haston

James A. Haston "for reasons satisfactory to the court...excused from serving upon the jury."

Volume B - May 1850 - December 1859

Year of (May-August-December) 1850

Session

Page

Name

Summary

May

1

James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this May 1850 term, beginning May 27, but not chosen to serve on the Grand Jury.

2

James A. Haston

Juryman on case of State v. Henry Moulder (unlawful retailing).

3

James A. Haston

Juryman on case of State v. John Barg [Bring?] (trading with a slave).

5

James A. Haston

Juryman on case of State v. Thomas Stipes & Vass Lawson (lewdness).

8

James Haston (Hooten?)

Juryman on case of State v. John Pain and Nancy Smith (notorious lewdness).

August

16

W.B. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1850 term, beginning August 26, and was elected to the Grand Jury.

22

David Haston
M.G. Haston

David and M.G. Haston, along with several other men, appeared in court and indebted themselves to the court as security for Thomas Stipe and Vass Lawson, in the case State v. Thomas Stipe and Vass Lawson (lewdness).

December

29

William C. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1850 term, beginning December 23, but was not elected to the Grand Jury.

Year of 1851

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

40

James A. Haston
M.G. Haston

James A. and M.G. Haston were summoned to jury duty for this April 1851 term, beginning April 28.  Both men were elected to the Grand Jury.

41

James A. Haston
M.G. Haston

Jurymen on case State v. Benjamin Smith (presentment as overseer of road).

August

47

David Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1851 term, beginning August 25, and was elected to the Grand Jury.

December


No references to members of the Haston family in this term of the circuit court.

Year of 1852

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

84

Willie B. Haston

Added to the jury for the case State v. Augustus A. Mitchell (malicious shooting).

August

86

William C. Haston
James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1852 term, beginning August 23. Both men were elected to the Grand Jury.

97

James W. Haston

Case of Thomas Shockley v. James W. Haston (motion to condemn land). James W. Haston lived on 50 acres of land lying in the 3rd District of Van Buren County on the bench of Cumberland Mountain. James W.'s land was condemned as a part of a process to repay a debt to Thomas Shockley.
Note: The spelling of James W. Haston's surname in the case title seems to be "Heastand" (or "Hestand"). However, it is spelled "Hestan" and "Haston" in other places in the minutes. Did the court clerk think or know that the Haston family was of German-speaking (Swiss) descent and that the name was originally Hiestand?

December

99

William C. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1852 term of circuit court, beginning December 27, and elected to the Grand Jury.

Year of 1853

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

109

Isaac T. Haston

As a constable, Isaac T. Haston was sworn to attend the Grand Jury for this term of circuit court.

112

Wiley B. Haston

Juryman on the case State v. William J. Lee (indictment for larceny).

August

129

Montgomery G.
Haston

State v. Christopher C. Steakley (assault and battery). "Whereupon came Montgomery G. Haston into open court and confessed judgment jointly with said defendant for said fine and costs." Montgomery G. Haston and Christopher C. Steakley jointly were fined $7.50 and court costs.  Note: Sometime not long after this M.G. Haston seems to have moved to Georgia for a few years.

December

141

Isaac T. Haston

As a constable, Isaac reports on land owned by Joseph Simmons (defendant in William H. Sugart v. Benjamin Smith and Joseph Simmons, motion to condemn lands).  The land included 125 acres and was adjacent, on the west, to land which he (Isaac T. Haston) owned.  This land was in the 4th Van Buren County district on Cane Creek and was adjoined to land owned by Robert Gamble on the east.

Year of 1854

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

143

James A. Haston

SumSummoned to jury duty for this April 1854 term of circuit court, beginning April 24, and was elected to the Grand Jury.

147

James A. Haston

Juryman on case of State v. Peter Carter (presentment for unlawful retailing).

August


No references to members of the Haston family in this term of court.

December


No references to members of the Haston family in this term of court.

Year of 1855

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April


No references to members of the Haston family in this term of court.

August

192

William C. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1855 circuit court term, beginning August 27, and elected to the Grand Jury.

December


No references to members of the Haston family in this term of court.

Year of 1856

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

214

Isaac T. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this April 1856 circuit court term, beginning April 28, and elected to the Grand Jury.

224

Isaac T. Haston

Juryman on the case of Nathan F. Trogden v. John Boyd and John Mitchell (debt appeal).

228

William C. Haston

William C. Haston was ordered to appear in this session of court.  He had been elected as constable, but apparently there was something about his bond for that office that was not "agreeable to law."  Isaac T. Haston and William B. Cummings were securities for that bond.

229

William C. Haston
Isaac T. Haston

As a follow-up to the entry on page 228, William C. Haston's bond for the office of constable the 3rd district of Van Buren County was effected officially and legally here.  William C. Haston had been elected to this office on March 1.

September

243

Isaac T. Haston

Juryman on case of Carter Drake v. David F. Wood (trespass appeal).

Year of 1857

Session

Page

Name

Summary

January

253

William C. Haston

Grass and Dinges v. G.W. Carter (motion to condemn land).  W.C. Haston, as constable, located a tract of land for the circuit court containing 300 acres that belonged to the defendant in this case.  It was located in District 7 of Van Buren County, on the Cumberland Mountain.  This land was to be sold to satisfy the plaintiff's debt and court costs.

254

Sarah Haston

Sarah Haston's land was referenced in a search for land owned by William Howard in the case of William H. Hatfield v. William Howard and Seth Wright (motion to condemn land).  This land was in the 7th civil district of Van Buren County.  William Howard's land bounded Sarah Haston's land on the north east and Josiah Hodges' land on the south.

May

269

William C. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. James Gates (indictment for an affray).

271

James A. Haston
William C. Haston

As a constable, William C. Haston located a tract of land for the circuit court belonging to Alexander Harris (who was involved someway in the case of Samuel Shockley Administrator v. Joseph Hodges and John J. McBride, motion to condemn land).  This land was in the 3rd district and bordered land belonging to James A. Haston on the south.

September

279

William C. Haston

Sworn in as the constable for this September 1857 term of circuit court to attend the Grand Jury.

285

W.C. Haston

Paid .75 by the State of Tennessee for one day of some kind of official service related to the case of State v. Cynthia Phillips (indictment for lewdness).

Year of 1858

Session

Page

Name

Summary

January

292

William C. Haston

Sworn, as a constable, to attend the Grand Jury during this January 1858 circuit court term.

294

W.B. Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. Drury Lawson (presentment for unlawful retailing).
Note: This is the first time that a W.B. Haston has appeared in these circuit court records in nearly five years.  No one by that name was active for much of this same period in the county court minutes.  We must keep in mind that it is easy to confuse W.B. Haston, oldest son of David Haston with W.B. Haston, son of James A. Haston.  David's son was born in 1806.  James A.'s son was born in 1836.  The latter W.B. Haston was killed at the battle of Perryville, KY during the Civil War.  David Haston's son moved west sometime in the 1850s and appeared in Arkansas in 1860. We do not know for sure which W.B. Haston is mentioned here.  It is possible (perhaps likely) that Van Buren County references to W.B. Haston in the early 1850s were referring to David's son, the older W.B. Haston, and that Van Buren County references in the late 1850s were referring to the younger W.B. Haston, James A. Haston's son.  James A.'s son would not have been 21 years old until 1857.  This would explain the gap in references to W.B. Haston during the mid-1850s.  But, see the August 1858 entry for evidence that may contradict this theory.

295

Willie B. Haston
James Haston (Hooten?)

Jurymen in the case of State v. Thomas Pain (presentment for a nuisance).   Presumably, this Willie B. Haston is the same person as mentioned on the previous page.

298

W.C. Haston

As constable, W.C. Haston executed some action related to the case of William McCormac v. W.J. Laudermilk (motion to condemn land).

299

W.C. Haston

As constable, W.C. Haston located some land for the circuit court belonging to W.J. Laudermilk that was condemned to satisfy a debt to William McCormack.

W.B. Haston

Juryman in the case of James Dillon v. James Charles (trespass).

301

C. Haston
James A. Haston

Both men were paid .50 for some service related to the case of James Jones v. G.W. Sutherland (motion to condemn land).

306

W.B. Haston

Juryman on the case of James Martin v. Jonathan Simmons (debt appeal).

307

W.B. Haston

Juryman of case of G.W. Sutherland v. Hiram R. Walling (trespass).

311

W.B. Haston

Juryman in the case of Mary M. Witt and John Witt v. Squire Johnson (trespass).

May

312

Isaac T. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this May 1858 term of circuit court, beginning May 24, but not elected to the Grand Jury.


William C. Haston

As a constable, sworn to attend the Grand Jury for this term.

313

Isaac T. Haston

Isaac T. Haston was discharged from further attendance at this term of circuit court.  No reason is given here, but perhaps the reason is indicated two entries below (on page 320).

320

Isaac P. (or T.) Haston

John Stewart (Stuart) v. Isaac P. Haston. No details given for this case, other than Fines E. Plumley committed himself as security for the defendant.


Isaac T. Haston

Isaac T. Haston v. Alfred Yeats (Yates).  Both parties agree to some kind of postponement of this case.  John Stewart's name is mentioned for reason that is unclear in the minutes.  Apparently the names of the plaintiff and the defendant are incorrectly reversed here.  See the August entry for page 336.

August

323

William C. Haston

William C. Haston was security (in the amount of $250) for the defendant in the case of State v. Stephen Grard (presentment for an assault and battery). The defendant was obligated to be in circuit court in the December term.


Willie B. Haston

Willie B. Haston v. James Rankin (debt). The defendant (Rankin) did not come to court, but defaulted. He was, thus, obligated to pay $652.00 (the debt he owed) to Willie B. Haston, as well as $112.23 interest, plus court costs.  Note: Given the large amount of the debt owed him, this would likely have been the older Willie B. Haston (son of David Haston). If that was the case, then it appears that he was still in Van Buren County at this time. See the note in the January 1858 entry for W.B. Haston.

324

Willie B. Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. Esther Slatten and Malissa Bryan (presentment for keeping a disorderly house)

334

W.C. Haston

As constable, W.C. Haston was involved in two kinds of action in the case of William Wallace v. John Brock and James Rankin (motion to condemn land). The second action involving a search to find land owned by the defendants.

335

W.C. Haston

As constable, W.C. Haston located land owned by John Brock as directed by the circuit court in the case of Jo. G. Mitchell v. John Brock (motion to condemn land.)

336

Isaac T. Haston

John Stewart and Alfred Yates v. Isaac T. Haston (ejectment). The jury heard the testimony in this case but was permitted to meet the next day to consider it further.
Note: Ejection = Steps taken to remove someone, who does not have a contractual basis to be there, from the real property. In some cases, it was a matter of disputed ownership of real property. In other cases it involved the removal of a tenant who had not paid rent or lease fees.

338

Isaac T. Haston

John Stewart and Alfred Yates v. Isaac T. Haston (ejectment). The jury ruled in favor of the defendant (Isaac T. Haston) and against Alfred Yates. However, the jury ruled in favor of John Stewart (one of the plaintiffs) and against Isaac T. Haston. Isaac was found guilty of trespassing and ejectment.

339

Isaac T. Haston

Isaac T. Haston v. Alfred Yates (trespass).  The court ruled against Isaac T. Haston in this case and ordered him to pay all court costs as well as fees to the justice of the peace, who had tried this case at a lower level.


Isaac T. Haston

John Stewart and Alfred Yates v. Isaac T. Haston (ejectment). "In this case James C. Jones the plaintiff witness proved nothing ordered by the court that it shall not be taxed against the defendant." (only comment in the minutes for this entry)

December

341

Isaac Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1858 term of circuit court, beginning December 20, but not elected to the Grand Jury.

343

Isaac Haston

Isaac Haston (we do not know which Isaac Haston this was) was a juryman on the case of State v. Isaac Hillis (assault and battery).

347

Isaac Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. Jesse Brock (not keeping road in repair as overseer).

353-354

William C. Haston

As constable, William C. Haston had carried out some official duties in the case of E.R. White v. H.H. Earles (motion to condemn land).

355-356

William C. Haston

As constable, William C. Haston had carried out some official duties in the case of Wilie Brogden v. H.H. Earles (motion to condemn land).

357

William C. Haston

As constable, William C. Haston had carried out some official duties in the case of Newel Crain v. Hasey Earles & James Euten (motion to condemn land).

361

Montgomery G. Haston

He was a security for the defendant in the case of State v. Jesse Brock (presentment for not keeping road in repair as overseer).

363

Isaac T. Haston

Juryman in the case of Samuel Morgan, R.H. Gardner, C.J. Cheney, R.C. Gardner, & St Clair Morgan v. William Worthington & James R. Hillis (debt).

368

Isaac T. Haston

David F. Wood v. Isaac T. Haston (appeal). Case continued until the next term of the circuit court.

373

James M. Haston

Juryman on the case of Lucinda Smallman v. Peyton Hansbrough (debt appeal).
Note: Who was James M. Haston? Some Haston family records indicate that Willie B. Haston (the oldest son of David Haston) had a son by that name and that he was born in 1832 and died in the Civil War in May 1864.

Year of 1859

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

375

James A. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Oliver Hillis (assault and battery).

380

James A. Haston

Juryman on the case of Morgan & Company v. James K. Hillis and William Worthington (debt).

382

James A. Haston

Juryman on the case of Jonathan Seamons v. James Templeton (trespass appeal).

383

James Haston

Juryman on the case of Isham Richards v. Micajah Simmons (debt appeal).

384

Montgomery Haston

The Grand Jury brought into court as a true bill a presentment against Montgomery Haston for profane swearing.  See pages 393-394.

387

Isaac Haston

David F. Wood v. Isaac T. Haston (trespass).  The plaintiff declared that he did not want to prosecute any further.  Thus, the defendant was released by the court but was ordered to pay court costs and a fee to the justice of the peace who originally tried this case.

388

James A. Haston

Juryman on the case of John Johnson v. Sylas (Silas) Ballard (trespass appeal).

389

James A. Haston

Juryman on the case of Jonathan Seamons v. James Sparkman (appeal).

August

393

William C. Haston

Sworn, as constable, to attend the Grand Jury for this term of circuit court.

393-394

Montgomery Haston

State v. Montgomery Haston (presentment for profane swearing).  He pleaded guilty and was fined $5.00, plus court costs.  Carter Drake (name of William Grissom, Jr. is written but crossed out) was his security for these costs.

404-414

State v. Jesse Adkins

This case has nothing to do with the Haston family, but it is unusual and interesting. Apparently, Jesse Adkins was accused of burning down Fancher's Mill in White County, TN. Thomas H. Fancher was the prosecutor. The case began in White County, went to the State Supreme Court in Nashville at some point, but for some reason parts of it took place in Spencer (Van Buren County). For that reason, minutes from earlier parts of the case are inserted (almost parenthetically) here in the circuit court minutes for Van Buren County, TN. The Van Buren part of the trial begins on page 423 of this volume of circuit court minutes and continues through page 435, with more on pages 439-440.

422

James M. Haston

Juryman on the case of James Sparkman v. Johnathan (Jonathan) Simmons.

December

423

M.G. Haston
James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1859 term of circuit court, beginning December 19, and James A. Haston was elected to the Grand Jury.

440

M.G. Haston

Juryman on the case of Terry Gillentine v. Jonathan Simmons (debt appeal).

445

State v. Elizabeth Steakley

This case began in December of 1843, but the defendant escaped jail.  Elizabeth Steakley had been accused of brutally murdering her infant daughter.  James A. Haston was the prosecutor of the case and several of his family members were witnesses.  No mention is made here of what happened to Elizabeth Steakley and any continuation of the 1843-1844 case, but the Van Buren County jailor (John Stewart) sought to secure the payment of court costs for this case from the State of Tennessee.  This issue (including whether or not the defendant escaped from jail and who the jailor was at that time) was to be continued in the next term of the circuit court.  See page 38 of the August 1860 circuit court minutes.

Volume C - April 1860 - June1863

Year of 1860

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

2-6

Wm. C. Haston
Montgomery G. Haston

Securities for Seth Wright in his newly elected role as circuit court clerk.

7

William C. Haston

Sworn to attend the Grand Jury for this term of court, as a constable. He was discharged from this specific task on page 29.

14

William C. Haston

State v. Jesse Adkins (arson).  William C. Haston, as constable, was charged with the responsibility to sequester the jury overnight.  (twice mentioned on this page)

20

Emily Haston

Emily Haston v. George W. Sparkman (trespass).  The jury ruled in favor of Emily Haston and assessed the damages against her premises to be $20.

25

James A. Haston
James M. Haston

Jurymen on the case of Johnathan (Jonathan) Seamons v. Peter Franks (appeal).

August

34

William C. Haston

Sworn to attend the Grand Jury for this term of court, as a constable.

38

State v. Elizabeth Steakley

State v. Elizabeth Steakley (murder). This action was to recover $22.87 and 1/2 cents for keeping the defendant in jail from November 5, 1843 through January 1, 1844. It was determined that she escaped when Daniel Collins was the jailor and not when John Stewart was jailor. No mention was made here of the status of Elizabeth Steakley.
Note: James A. Haston was the original prosecutor of this case.

45

State v. Elizabeth Steakley

The attorney general who was the State's prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi (declaration of no further prosecution) in this case and thus "it is therefore considered by the court that the defendant go hence without day and that the State of Tennessee pay all costs."  Note: No specific mention was made here of the status of Elizabeth Steakley, but the wording would appear to suggest that she was still alive.

51-52

I.T. Haston

State v. M.D. Walker (peace warrant).  I.T. Haston was security for the defendant.

December

57

Montgomery G. Haston

Summoned to circuit court jury duty for this term of court, beginning December 17, and was elected to the Grand Jury.

67-68

M.G. Haston

A.J. McWherter v. R.J. Head and W.B. Darker Stayor (motion to condemn lands).  M.G. Haston was the justice of the peace who presented the papers for this case to the court. 

72

William C. Haston

State v. Thomas Stipe and Levecy [spelling of her first name?] Crealy (lewdship).  Apparently, William C. Haston was a witness for two days in this case.  He was paid $2.00 for this time.

74

Martha Haston

Martha Haston v. __?__ [first name smudged out with ink] Sparkman (trespass).  This case was continued to the next term of circuit court.

77

M.G. Haston

In the case of State v. G.M. Gamble (gave a pistol to a prisoner in custody of the sheriff), M.G. Haston was a witness for the state for one day.  He was paid 50 cents.

78

James A. Haston

Juryman in the case of Uriah York v. L.H. Meadows (debt appeal).

99

James M. Haston

The Grand Jury brought a true bill against James M. Haston for unlawfully delivering liquor to a student. Note: The middle initial of the defendant is covered with smudged ink in this December 1860 entry, but the case comes to court in the April 1861 term of circuit court.  There, the name of James M. Haston, is clear.

Year of 1861

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

112

Isaac T. Haston

Juryman in case of State v. William Stewart (disturbing public worship).

113

James M. Haston

State v. James M. Haston (giving liquor to students). Isaac T. Haston, who was a juryman for the previous case, was not on the jury for this case. If James M. Haston was the son of Willie B. Haston (David's son), then James M. Haston would have been the nephew of Isaac T. Haston (younger brother of Willie B. Haston) but they could have been fairly close in age.

-

115

W.C. Haston

As constable, on May 31, 1860 W.C. Haston executed a warrant issued by the state of Tennessee to return Mijcager (Micajah) Walker to appear before B.L. Simmons, justice of the peace, to answer W.B. Cummings in a civil action by note under $50.

-

116

W.C. Haston

W.C. Haston was paid $.50 for executing the above mentioned warrant on Micajah Walker.  On the same page W.C. Haston is mentioned again.  He located a tract of land that could be condemned to pay Micajah Walker's debt to W.B. Cummings.

-

117

W.C. Haston

As constable, on February 18, 1861, W.C. Haston executed a warrant on Micajah Walker and J.P. Hale to summons them to appear before the justice of the peace (B.L. Simmons) to answer G.W. & W.J. Cummings in a plea of debt by note under $50.

-

118

W.C. Haston

W.C. Haston was paid $1.00 for the execution of the above mentioned warrant on Micajah Walker and J.P. Hale. On the same page, W.C. Haston, reported that he located a tract of land belonging to Micajah Walker that could be condemned to pay for his debt to the plaintiffs.

-

122

William C. Haston

State v. John Holder [Holden?] (malicious stabbing).  William C. Haston and six other men came into court and offered to be security for the defendant. 

-

127

Isaac T. Haston

State v. Edmand (Edmund or Edmond) Seals & Martha Seals (assault and battery).  Isaac T. Haston and two other men were security for the defendant.

-

128

William C. Haston

State v. William Smith (larceny).  William C. Haston was paid $1.00 for arresting the defendant and summoning two witnesses for the state.

-

134

W.C. Haston

As constable, on February 25, 1861 W.C. Haston located land owned by Micajah Walker that could be condemned to pay the debt which Walker owed Terry Gillentine.

-

139

Martha Haston

Martha Haston v. George W. Sparkman (trespass). It appears that this case was changed into the following case.

-

140

Martha Haston

Martha Haston v. George W. Sparkman (breach of marriage contract). It appears that William Sparkman and Isaac T. Haston were witnesses in this case. The parties agreed to compromise on the conditions that Martha would dismiss the case and pay court costs and George would pay $20 which would be discharged in a cow and a calf and anything else that Martha might desire up to the sum of the $20.
Note: Which Martha Haston was this? Who were her parents?

-

149

M.G. Haston
Isaac T. Haston

Jurymen in the case of Jacob A. Stipe v. Thomas Stipe

-

150

W.C. Haston

Thomas Stipe, defendant in the above case, lived on a tract of land that bordered W.C. Haston on the south and east.  This tract of land owned by W.C. Haston was probably the tract that his grandfather, Daniel Haston, purchased and lived on until his death (which was probably then inherited from Daniel by W.C. Haston's father, David).

-

153

James Haston

Juryman in the case of James Hale v. Levi Rablersan [spelling?] & Lee Trogden (damage appeal).

Tennessee seceded from the Union on June 8, 1861.
This was roughly two months after the Civil War began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumpter.

August

159

Wm. C. Haston

State v. John Holden [Holder] (malicious stabbing).  Wm. C. Haston and three other men came into court as security for John Holden.

-

160

Isaac T. Haston

State v. Edmond Seals & Martha Seals (assault and battery). Appeared in court as security for the defendants.

December

172

M.G. Haston

Summoned to be on the jury for the December 1861 term of circuit court, representing the 4th district of Van Buren County, and was chosen to be on the Grand Jury.  This circuit court term began on December 16.

-

173

M.G. Haston

Another reference to his appointment to the Grand Jury.

-

177

William C. Haston

State v. John Holder (malicious stabbing). John Sparkman and William C. Haston were security for the defendant.

-


William C. Haston

State v. Thomas Shockley (giving liquors to a student). William C. Haston was one of the defendant's securities.

-

183

Seth Wright

The clerk for the circuit court of Van Buren County, Seth Wright, resigned to join the army of the Confederate States of America. Although the beginning of the war was not mentioned in the circuit court records, in the December records there begin to appear references to men who joined the Confederate army. On page 185, Wright's replacement (Andrew J. McElroy) swears his allegiance to the Confederate States of America. The effects of the Civil War were just beginning to be felt in Van Buren County, TN.

Year of 1862

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

187

William C. Haston

As sheriff of Van Buren County, William C. Haston returned into court the writ of venire facias (which summoned people to jury duty). 

Isaac T. Haston
James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this April 1862 term of circuit court, beginning April 21, and both men were elected to the Grand Jury.

190

William C. Haston

State v. Thomas J. Shockley (giving liquor to students).  William C. Haston is mentioned here as one of the defendant's securities.

June

196

William C. Haston

As sheriff of Van Buren County, William C. Haston returned into court the writ of venire facias (which summoned people to jury duty). 

200

W.C. Haston

State v. Thomas J. Shockley (giving liquor to students).  William C. Haston mentioned again as a security for this defendant.

December

204

William C. Haston

As sheriff of Van Buren County, William C. Haston returned into court the writ of venire facias (which summoned people to jury duty).


M.G. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1862 term of circuit court, beginning December 1, and was elected to the Grand Jury.

207

William C. Haston

State v. Thomas J. Shockley (giving liquor to students). William C. Haston mentioned again as a security for this defendant.

Year of 1863

Session

Page

Name

Summary

June

210

William C. Haston

As sheriff of Van Buren County, William C. Haston returned into court the writ of venire facias (which summoned people to jury duty). 

211

Isaac T. Haston

State v. Edmond Seals and Martha Seals (assault).  Isaac T. Haston was security for the defendants.

213

William C. Haston

State v. Thomas J. Shockley (giving liquor to students).  William C. Haston mentioned again as a security for this defendant.

Year of 1864

Session


There are no (known existing) Van Buren County, TN
circuit court minutes for the year of 1864.  The courts were cancelled because of the war.

Volume D - August 1865 - August 1873

Year of 1865

Session

Page

Name

Summary

August

6

Isaac Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1865 term of the circuit court, beginning August 21, and was elected to the Grand Jury.  Question: Which Isaac Haston was this?  My guess is that this was Isaac T. Haston.

December

12

William C. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1865 term of circuit court, beginning December 18. No mention was made of the election of a Grand Jury.

Year of 1866

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

17

William C. Haston

Security (along with W.B. Cummings and William Shockley) for Denny Cummings, in his election to the office of circuit court clerk for Van Buren County.

18

W.C. Haston

Another reference to the above mentioned security for Denny Cummings, as newly elected circuit court clerk.

19

William C. Haston
(& W.C. Haston)

Three other references to the above mentioned security for Denny Cummings, as newly elected circuit court clerk.

20

W.C. Haston

Another reference to the above mentioned security for Denny Cummings, as newly elected circuit court clerk.

22

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston v. Uriah Drake & others (no reason stated here). The plaintiff by her attorney moved the court to amend her writ, which was allowed. See entry below on page 29.  Note: Who was this Almirah Haston? According to one online record, this would probably be the widow of James M. Haston (son of Wiley B. & Tamsey Austin Haston), who died in the Civil War in 1864. If so, her maiden name was Alvira Carter. Their children were named William H. Haston, Isham Frank Haston, and James M. Haston, Jr.

29

Almirah Haston
James Haston (deceased)
William Haston
Frank Haston
James Haston (junior?)

Almirah Haston v. Uriah Drake & others (damages). "The plaintiff moved the court to withdraw the previous declaration and amend the writ to read thus: to answer the complaint of Almirah Haston administrator of James Haston deceased who sues for her own use and for the use of William Haston, Frank Haston, and James Haston, minor children of James Haston deceased in an action to these damage thirty thousand dollars which motion is by the court allowed."

39

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston v. U.Y Drake & others. "The defendants moved the court to strike out the second count in the plaintiff's amend of declaration upon the ground that the cause of action therein shown is for false imprisonment and the plaintiffs are prosecuting the suit without security...which motion was overruled by the court." The court also overruled a motion by the defendants that said the plaintiff's declaration was vague, uncertain, and showed no specifying statement of cause of action.

39-40

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, administratrix v. U.Y Drake & others.  The attorney of the plaintiff came to court to move that the court strike out certain pleas of the defendant, but the court overruled the motion of the plaintiff's attorney.

August

41

I.T. Haston

Summoned to circuit court jury duty for this August 1866 term of court, beginning the 3rd Monday in August, but was not elected to the Grand Jury.

57

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix of James Haston deceased for her own use of Frank, William & James, children of James Haston deceased v. Uriah Y. Drake and others. The defendants produced in court a compromise of the plaintiff through which Almirah Haston dropped all charges, but the defendants were required to pay all court costs. Almirah signed with a mark, so apparently she was not able to write her own signature.

59

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston v. Uriah Y. Drake et als.  The plaintiff came into court to move that the motion to dismiss the case be overruled, which was done.

62

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix of James Haston v. U.Y. Drake and others. "Motion to dismiss suit of plaintiff came the parties again by their attorneys and the matter arising upon the written compromise filed by the defendants on yesterday being considered by the court, the motion of defendants to dismiss is overruled."


Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix of James Haston v. U.Y. Drake and others.  The defendant presented a motion for the court to dismiss the suit because the plaintiff had not provided security.  The court overruled that motion. 

63

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston v. Uriah Y. Drake & others.  The attorney of the plaintiffs requested that the court attach the real estate of the defendants, Thurman and Drake, until the final hearing of this case.  It is not clear if this motion was overruled or accepted.

December

64

Wm. C. Haston
James Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December1866 term of circuit court, beginning on the third Monday of December, but neither were elected to the Grand Jury.


M.N. Haston

As constable, he was summoned to attend this term of court and wait on the Grand Jury.  Note: The first two initials are somewhat "entangled" with the writing from the line above and, thus, it is not possible to distinguish the two initials. However, later court records indicate that this was M.N. (Miles N.) Haston. See the note in the 1865 county court minutes regarding who this Miles N. Haston probably was.

65

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston v. State of Tennessee. It appears that the plaintiff moved the court to order a certiorari (writ of appeal to a higher court). This motion was continued to the next term of court.

Year of 1867

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

78

James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this April 1867 term of circuit court, beginning the third Monday of April, but was not elected to the Grand Jury.

99

James A. Haston

Juryman on case of J.P. Anderson, Administrator of John Anderson, Deceased v. Resin [spelling?] Stroud (certiorari).  For some reason, this case was "X-ed" out.  The case appears again on page 102.

102

James A. Haston

Juryman on case of J.P. Anderson, Administrator of John Anderson, Deceased v. Resin [spelling?] Stroud (certiorari).

104

W.C. Haston
James A. Haston
M.G. Haston

Jurymen on the case of Isaac Hillis v. D.F. Wood (debt certiorari).

118

James Haston

State v. Edmond Seals and wife Martha. Apparently, James Haston (which James Haston?) was a witness in this case.

119

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix v. State of Tennessee (petition for certiorari). The court granted this petition for certiorari (writ of appeal to higher court).

124

Almirah Haston

State v. Uriah Y. Drake, W___ Thurman, Wm. Grissom, Alexander Grissom, David Martin, Isham Martin, and Samuel Porter [spelling is questionable on some of these names].  The attorney general for the State made some kind of motion regarding these defendants.  The handwriting is hard to read.

125

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix of James Haston and the "next friend" of Frank Haston, Wm. Haston, James Haston, the children of James M. (or N.) Haston* (deceased) v. Uriah Y. Drake, Winslow [spelling?] Thurman, Wm. Grissom, Alexander Grissom, and J.K. Hillis.  The attorney for the plaintiff, apparently, moved the court to supply some papers (perhaps court records).  It seems that the court decided not to comply with this request.  *Note: In previous records of the court, the deceased father of these children was only named as "James Haston."  It appears that an initial of "M" occurs here, between his given name and his surname.  It is possible that this letter is a error that was marked out.

126

Erasmus Haston

The Grand Jury returned a bill against Erasmus Haston for disturbing public worship.  Who was this Erasmus Haston?  Who were his parents?

August

127

Wm. Haston
Cyrus Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1867 term of circuit court, beginning on the third Monday of August, and E.C. (Cyrus) Haston was elected to the Grand Jury.
Notes: See the entry on page 128 (below) regarding this Wm. Haston.  Edward Cyrus Haston was the grandson of David and Peggy Haston.  His mother was Lucinda Haston, but he was reared by David and Peggy.  Edward Cyrus Haston's father was an unknown (to us) man with the surname of Moore, but he (E.C.) took on the Haston surname.  See the entry for him on the David Haston timeline.

128

Miles N. Haston

Miles N. Haston was a constable for Van Buren County and was sworn and put in charge of the Grand Jury.  For information on Miles N. Haston, see the 1865 county court record that mentions him.


Wm. Haston

"Wm. Haston who was summoned to serve as a juror at this term of this court and being under 21 is excused."

132

E. Haston
Isaac T. Haston

State v. Thiglman [spelling?] Shepherd & E. Haston (disturbing public worship).  John Shepherd and Isaac T. Haston were security for the defendants. 

137

James A. Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. Jonah Hamrick (petit larceny).

148

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston v. Uriah Y. Drake & others (damages).  The defendants made some kind of motion regarding files, but the motion was overruled.

149

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix v. Uriah Y. Drake & others.  The defendants made some motion which was granted.

161

Almirah Haston
James M. Haston

State v. Uriah Y. Drake and others.  This is a follow up on a motion made in the April term of court by the attorney general regarding an ex officio indictment against the defendants. 

164

Almirah Haston
James M. Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix of James M. Haston v. U. Y. Drake & others.  The plaintiff moved the court to strike out the pleas and motions filed in this court at this term, but the motion was overruled.

165

E.C. Haston

State v. W.J. Drake and others. E.C. [Edward Cyrus] Haston (Grand Juror empanelled at the present term of court) and two other men were ruled "incompetent by reason of affinity to the parties." They were replaced.

171

E.C. Haston

State v. James Hunter & John Gillentine & others. E.C. [Edward Cyrus] Haston (Grand Juror empanelled at the present term of court) and two other men were ruled "incompetent by reason of affinity to the parties." They were replaced.

December

176

I.T. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1867 term of circuit court, beginning on the 3rd Monday, and was elected to the Grand Jury.

187

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston v. Uriah Drake & others (damages). This cause deferred until the next term of circuit court.

200

VB County jail burned

"The county of Van Buren has no jail at present it was burned by the Rebels in time of the war."

203

John Haistain

He was paid $6.00 for guarding a prisoner for three days and three nights.
Note: Who was this John Haistain? The surname spelling in the minutes certainly appears to be as indicated here.

Year of 1868

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

208

James A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this April 1868 term of circuit court, beginning April 21, but was not selected to the Grand Jury.


W.C. Haston

He and others were summoned to be a substitute for some men who were excused from jury duty in this term of court.

210

James A. Haston
W.C. Haston

Jurymen on the case of State v. Leander Johnson & Margaret Simmons (lewdness).

215

James A. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Leander Johnson & Margaret Simmons (lewdness).

216

W.C. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Leander Johnson & Margaret Simmons (lewdness).

219

James A. Haston
W.C. Haston

Jurymen on the case of State v. James Hunter (extortion).

223

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix v. U.Y. York & others (damage). The case was continued until the next term of this court.

224

W.C. Haston

Juryman on the case of Seth Wright v. Hiram Dodson (replevin). Replevin was a writ to take action to recover personal property.

238

W.C. Haston

Sallie Martin v. W.C. Haston (damages). "On motion of the plaintiff by attorney ___ is granted. The plaintiff __ __ by striking out the words "two hundred" and ___ the words "one thousand."

August

245

Almirah Haston

Almirah Haston, Administratrix of James Haston, deceased, who sues for her own use and for the use of Franklin W. Haston, James Haston, minor children of James Haston, Decd. v. U.Y. Drake, Winton Thurman, J.R. Hillis, William Grissom, and Alexander Grissom, defendants (damages). The attorney for Almirah Haston entered a nolle prosequi ("we shall no longer prosecute"), thus the case was dismissed and the plaintiff was required to pay the court costs. Generally, a nolle prosequi indicated that some part of the plaintiff's case had fallen apart.

255

William C. Haston

Sallie Martin v. William C. Haston (damages).  The jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff and assessed the damages to be $75.00.  No details are given regarding what kind of damages were involved.

256

William C. Haston

Sallie Martin v. William C. Haston (damages). The defendant's attorney made the motion that "no witness on the part of the plaintiff be taxed in the bill of cost against the defendant in this cause except Mark Martin, John Martin, Stephen Martin, Perry Passons, Obediah Earls, Jasper Hodges, and John Hodges."

Dcember

258

Isaac T. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1868 term of circuit court, beginning December 21, but no mention is made of the empanelling of a Grand Jury.

Year of 1869

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

265

Miles Haston

Summoned to this April 1869 term of circuit court, beginning the 3rd Monday of April, but his name was not drawn for him to be on the Grand Jury.

273

M.G. Haston

M.G. Haston (and several others) signed an "Official Bond" as security for James A. Hill in relation to his appointment as clerk of the circuit court.

275

M.G. Haston

M.G. Haston also signed a "Revenue Bond" which was associated with the appointment of James A. Hill to the office of circuit court clerk.

276

M.G. Haston

He signed another document as security for James A. Hill, related to Hill's circuit court clerk appointment.

280

Miles Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. John W. Phifer (assault and battery).

281

M.G. Haston
James A. Haston

Jurymen in the case of State v. John W. Phifer (assault and battery).

285

Miles Haston
W.D. Haston
James A. Haston

Jurymen in the case of State v. Hiram Graves (tipling [tippling]).

287

Miles Haston
M.G. Haston
James A. Haston

Jurymen in the case of State v. David Moore (profanity).

August

290

W.C. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1869 term of circuit court, beginning August 16, but was not selected for the Grand Jury.

293

W.C. Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. John Newman (lewdness).

295

W.C. Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. W.T. Worthington (assault with intent to kill).

298

W.C. Haston

Mentioned as a juryman in the continuation of State v. W.T. Worthington (assault with intent to kill).

300

W.C. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. A.C. York (assault).

304

W.C. Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. W.T. Worthington (carrying a dangerous weapon).

307

William C. Haston

The Grand Jury presented an indictment against William C. Haston for obstructing a road.

311

W.C. Haston

State v. W.C. Haston (obstructing road). The defendant "says he cannot deny but that he is guilty in manner and form as charged." He was fined $1.00 and W.B. Cummings was his security for the fine and court costs.

314

W.B. Haston's heirs

This W.B. Haston (son of James A. Haston) was killed as a Confederate soldier in the Battle of Perryville (KY) during the Civil War. He had owned one tract of 935 acres in civil district 7 which was valued at $100. Taxes for 1866, 1867, & 1868 were due, so the land was ordered to be sold in order to pay the taxes.

315

W.C. Haston

Juryman in the case of John T. Rodgers v. James R. Bosson (damages).

319

Wm. C. Haston

Mentioned again as a juryman in the case of John T. Rodgers v. James R. Bosson (damages).

December

329

Isaac T. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1869 term of circuit court, beginning December 20.

Year of 1870

Session

Page

Name

Summary

At the outset of this circuit court term, no mention is made of the summons and empanelling of jurors for this term of court.  The record of those actions appears later, on page 342, after some cases were recorded.  It seems that the clerk forgot to enter this information into the records until after the term began.


April

342


Isaac T. Haston

Juryman on the case of J.C. Myres v. J.B. Hamrick (replevin).  Replevin was a writ to take action to recover personal property.


Dock Shepperd
David Hastings [spelling?]

These men were summoned to jury duty for this April 1870 term of circuit court and were selected to be on the Grand Jury.  Notes: Dock (or "Doc") Shepherd married Maggie (Margaret) Haston, daughter of William C. Haston.  See the Howard H. Hasting material for more information on him.  The surname spelling here for "David H____" is not clear, but see the entry for "David Haston" on page 346.

346

David Haston

One of the Grand Jurors who brought this presentment to court: State v. Wayman Kirby (bigamy).  Note: Which David Haston was this?  Daniel Haston's son by that name passed away in 1860.  Thomas C. Haston had a son by the name of David Crockett Haston, born about 1837, but did he still live in Tennessee at this time?  His parents had moved to Missouri several years earlier and disappeared.  James W. Haston had a son by the name of David Montgomery Haston, who was born about 1846 and was the brother of Samuel Shockley Haston (see page 371 entry).

347

M.G. Haston's land

W.N. Goforth v. James Medley. James Medley owned a tract of land in district 7 that bounded land on by M.G. Haston on the north.  Note: M.G. Haston died a few months earlier, December 20, 1869.

360

Isaac T. Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Emily Coatney & Nancy Hickman (keeping a house of ill fame).

August

370

W.C. Haston
J.A. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this August 1870 term of circuit court, beginning August 15, and selected for the Grand Jury.  W.C. Haston was appointed foreman of the Grand Jury.

371

Samuel Haston

He and others were summoned to replace some men on the jury for this term who had been excused.  Note:  Who was this Samuel Haston?  Whose were his parents?  This could have been Samuel Shockley Haston, who had been a Confederate soldier in the Civil War.  Samuel Shockley Haston was the son of James W. and Jane Shockley Haston.  James W. Haston was a son of David and Peggy Haston.

375

Samuel Haston

Juryman on case of State v. William Roberts (carrying arms).

376

Samuel Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Jonathan Padgett (carrying arms).

380

William C. Haston's land

John White and Manerva White owned a tract of land that bounded William C. Haston's land (and the mill tract) on the south.  This land was mentioned in John Stewart, Administrator v. Manerva White and Wm. Wallis (motion to condemn lands).

391

Isaac T. Haston

Solomon Harrison v. William Sparkman & Isaac T. Haston.  This cause was continued to the next term, but the defendants were ordered to pay the cost for this term of court.

394

Samuel Haston

Juryman on the case of Terry Gillentine v. John Mitchell.

396

Samuel Haston

Juryman on the case of State v. Leander Johnson & Margaret Simmons (lewdness).

398

W.C. Haston

Mentioned as the foreman of the Grand Jury for this term.

407

W.C. Haston

Mentioned as the foreman of the Grand Jury for this term.

December

421

C.T. Haston
Cyrus Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1870 term of circuit court, beginning December 19. C.T. Haston was selected to be on the Grand Jury.  Note: This C.T. (Charles Thomas) Haston was the son of William Carroll Haston. He later moved to Hickory Valley of White County, TN and played a major role in the (Old) Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church for many years.

428

Cyrus Haston

Juryman on the case of John Southerland v. J.C. Morgan (damages).

432

Cyrus Haston

Juryman on the case of John Mitchell v. A.L. Parker (ejectment).

433

Cyrus Haston

Juryman on the case of John Mitchell v. A.L. Parker (forcible entry).

444

Cyrus Haston

Juryman on the case of Solomon Harrison v. William Sparkman (damage appeal).

Year of 1871

 

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

461

Jane Haston

Jane Haston v. Thos. H. Shockley (appeal).  The plaintiff dismissed the suit and the defendant assumed all of the costs.  No other information is given about this case.
Note: Which Jane Haston was this?

480

W.A. Haston

State v. Pillow Neil (carrying arms). W.A. Haston was the prosecutor in this case.
Note: Who was W.A. Haston?

481

W.A. Haston

State v. Pillow Neil (carrying arms).  W.A. Haston was the prosecutor in this case, thus W.A. Haston was probably the person who was threatened by these arms. The defendant pleaded guilty and he was fined $10 and court costs.  He entered into "recognizance with good security in the sum of $250," with the "condition that he keep the peace towards all good citizens of the state."  William Worthington was security for him.

488

John Haston

The Grand Jury returned for presentment, State v. John Haston (tipling).  Tippling (proper modern spelling) means to drink (alcoholic liquor) or engage in such drinking, especially habitually or to excess.  See page 495.  Note: Who was this John Haston?  According to one genealogical record, Isaac Haston (son of Joseph Haston) had a son by the name of John E. Haston who was born in 1830.  He would have been 40+ years old at this time.  Why does he not appear in other earlier court records?  James A. Haston (son of Joseph) had a son by the name of John Taylor Haston, who was born in 1844.  Was one of these two men the "John Haston" of this case?


Woody Haston

The Grand Jury returned for presentment, State v. Woody Haston (selling spirituous liquors).  See page 496.  Note: According to Howard H. Hastings' research, James A. Haston had a son (born April 25, 1849 & died February 6, 1919) by the name of James Woodville Haston.

August

495

John Haston

State v. John Haston (illegal tipling).  John Haston said that he was not guilty.  The jury found him not guilty.

496

Woody Haston
W.C. Haston

State v. Woody Haston (selling spirituous liquors). Woody Haston admitted that he was guilty as charged. He was required to pay a fine of $2.50. W.B. Cummings and W.C. Haston acknowledged themselves security for the fine and court costs.

499

Isaaac T. Haston

State v. B.L. Simmons and his securities, Isaac T. Haston, John J. Walker, S.P. Dodson, Peter Carter, and James Haston.  The attorney general presented a motion against the defendant and his securities.  Apparently, B.L. Simmons had failed to pay the State $93.39 for some previous action.  The cause was continued to the next court term.

521

D.L. Haston

Rhoda Riddles v. Isham Hale. D.L. Haston was security for the plaintiff (forcible entry and detainee).  Notes: (1) What is forcible entry and detainee? Example: If you do not pay your rent, the landlord can bring a "forcible entry and detainee' action (eviction) against you. (2) Who was D.L. Haston? This was probably David Lavander Haston ("Big Van"), son of William Carroll Haston.

December

531

D.L. Haston

D.L. Haston was mentioned here as a deputy sheriff who returned the venire facias to court, to summons the jury.

531-532

Isaac T. Haston
G.M. Shepherd

Summoned to jury duty for this December 1871 of circuit court, beginning December 18, and was selected to be a part of the Grand Jury.  Note: G.M. Shepherd was probably Green Madison Shepherd, the same man known as "Doc" Shepherd. Read more about him and his relationship to the Haston family in a genealogical report created by Howard H. Hastings, Sr.

546

Charley Haston

Juryman in the case of State v. Hester Wilson (selling liquor to students).
Note: This would have been C.T. (Charles Thomas) Haston, son of William Carroll Haston, who moved up to White County in the early 1880s and became a leader in the (Old) Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Year of 1872

Session

Page

Name

Summary

April

556-557

W.C. Haston

Summoned to jury duty for this April 1872 term of circuit court, beginning April 15, and was selected to the Grand Jury.  He was appointed foreman for the Grand Jury.

557

Cyrus Haston

He was summoned to substitute for someone who was excused from the jury for this term.

562

Cyrus Haston

Juryman in the case of Bryce Little and wife, guardian v. W.B. Cummings, Adm. (debt).

563

D.L. Haston

Mary Seals v. D.L. Haston (trespass).  Apparently, parts of this case were dismissed but other parts were upheld.

571

M.G. Haston's lands

Although he had been dead since December 20, 1869, M.G. Haston's land is mentioned on this page. A.J. Goforth owned a tract of land (in State-Van Buren County v. B.L. Simmons, tax collector for Van Buren County) that adjoined land that had been owned my M.G. Haston.

574

D.L. Haston

Mary Seals v. D.L. Haston (trespass). A jury heard this case but did not have time that day to render a decision, thus the case was continued until the next day.

579

D.L. Haston

Mary Seals v. D.L. Haston (trespass). The jury ruled in favor of the defendant. John W. Seals was security for the court costs.

582

D.L. Haston

Mary Seals v. D.L. Haston (trespass). The plaintiff made a motion for a new trial, but it was overruled. The plaintiff was going to appeal the case to the State Supreme Court in Nashville in the upcoming December.

August

606

D.L. Haston

Juryman on case of Martin White v. Burritt College (appeal).

613

D.L. Haston

Juryman on the case of Elisha Cheek v. Edmond Sparkman (debt appeal).

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Isham S. Haston Homeplace

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"The Homeplace"

The Isham S. Haston Family

By Andrew LaRowe

I am just old enough to have had the opportunity to know someone that was born on a farm in Tennessee in 1881. Della Myrtle Haston was my great-grandmother. She came to Winston Salem, North Carolina to live with her daughter, Arabelle, and they lived three houses down the street from where I grew up. From my earliest days, I would sit on her lap, and she would tell me stories of her home in the Hickory Valley, halfway between Sparta in White County, and Spencer in Van Burren County near the Caney Fork River. She was the next to oldest with four brothers and two sisters. I knew all but one of her siblings and was by her side as each of them passed. On December 11, 1970, I arrived home from school, and as the two of us were accustomed, I laid down beside her and recounted the highlights of my day. When I noticed she was not responding, I innocently reached for an old hand that had turned ice cold only moments before a pot of coffee water on the stove boiled dry. It was the end of a day I will never forget, and the end of a wonderful long story Della trusted to my youth.

Della Myrtle Haston was the last surviving child of Isham S. Haston (1852-1931) [son of Isaac T. and Elizabeth Sparkman Haston] and Elizabeth Catherine Parker (1856-1907). My grandmother lovingly referred to the house pictured below as the “Homeplace.” The 1900 federal census indicates that Isham Haston lived in Civil District 2, White County, Tennessee. Given the names and ages of those listed as members of the household, it is relatively easy to place this (below) photo very close to 1900 and identify each person in the picture.

My grandmother Della Myrtle Haston, age 18, is the well-dressed young lady to the far left. Her sister Arie Belle Haston, age 16, is next and Elizabeth Catherine Parker, who was 43 at the time, is in the center holding 11-month-old James Roy HastonJ. The boy at the front door is Isham Haston III, age 11. The little girl is Bettie Elizabeth Haston, age 7. Isham S. Haston (wearing a hat) who was 47 at the time, is pictured next. The young man on the right side of the porch is Arthur Haston, age 14. The man on the far right is the oldest of the children, Horace Haston, age 21. This would be very close to the time Horace moved from home to start his own family, and in fact, shows up at a different location than this homeplace in the 1900 federal census.

Della subscribed to the Sparta Expositor which was regularly delivered to the house in Winston-Salem. I have a copy of the paper dated April 23, 1970, which was only a few months before she passed. It includes a half page advertisement for an auction sale of the seven-room residence and 220 acres of, “one of White County’s finest farms.” It was referred to as the “Will Haston Farm.” The picture of the homeplace showed the house without its beautiful front porch and now there were very large trees in the front yard. Della and I spent a lot of time looking at the advertisement and talking about all her memories growing up there. It made her sad to think of it being auctioned off and to see the house and the barns in such poor condition. She was certain that if the timing had been different, I would have ultimately become a successful businessman and would have been able to purchase the property and keep it in the family. 

She may have been right, although I have my own regret about the timing. I would give anything to have had an iPhone in my hand while she vividly described the details of her life at the Homeplace. While I am left with many photographs and memories of our conversations, the details are like snowflakes, each one slowly melting away.

On July 23, 2022, I attended the Haston Family Reunion in Sparta and had the good fortune to meet Harris Haston whose family owned the Homeplace after Isham S. Haston passed in 1931. At the same time, I was reacquainted with a special cousin, Carolyn Keith, and her daughter Zara. Carolyn’s grandfather was James Roy Haston, the 11-month-old baby in the 1900 photo.  We arranged to meet Harris at the nearby Old Union Church, and he guided us to the site where the house stood. He was a wealth of knowledge and spoke of days when he himself lived in the house.

So many years before, Della had described the view across the Hickory Valley when there were only two other farms within sight. I stood there for a long time trying to remember her descriptions of the fields, the farm roads and fence lines and the gentle slopes of the Cumberland Plateau. I imagined the day a photographer came by, waited patiently while they prepared to have their picture taken. At some later date, the photographer returned with several copies of the magical image of the Homeplace.
 

I am privileged that I was trusted to hold onto one of the original photographs. I will do my best to pass it along so others can enjoy it as I have.

About 1923, Isham S. Haston Family

This picture was taken about 1923 on the front porch of the Homeplace. In that year, Isham Haston on the right was around 70 years old. Elizabeth passed in 1907 and oldest son Horace Haston died in 1915. The two brothers on the front row are James Roy Haston, age 23 on the right, and Isham Haston III on the left, age 34. Arthur Haston, age 36 is seated on the porch to the left beside his sister Della Myrtle Haston, age 42. Next is Elizabeth Bettie Haston, age 30, and, Arrie Belle Haston, age 38.

Isom Haston Family History

Created by Carolyn Haston Keith and Averill Stewart Keith – 55 Pages (May 2006)

You can scroll – zoom – download – or click to go page by page

[pdf-embedder url=”https://danielhaston.blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Haston-Family-Genealogy-05.2006-from-CarolynKeith.pdf” title=”Haston Family Genealogy 05.2006 – from CarolynKeith”]

Located 500 Yards North of Old Union Cemetery

Andrew LaRowe

2421 Limner Lane

Winston-Salem, NC  27106

larowea@gmail.com

336-409-4694

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Haston – Robert (“Bob”) Weldon

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1923 – 2001

Robert "Bob" Weldon Haston

Rank and Branch of Military

Major in the U.S. Army Air Corps (and the Air Force, after it was created in 1947)

Years of Service

1941 – 1957

Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service

Aviation Cadet Training, Twin Engine Flying School, B-17 Transition in Sebring, Florida

Wartime Theaters of Assignment and Major Battles

European Theater (Germany) – B-17 Pilot flew 17 bombing missions

Awards, Decorations, Badges, etc.

Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, POW Medal

Stories of Interest Involving the Service Member

His early life experiences, the “Silver Dollar Story,” the Distinguished Flying Cross Story, the Tragedy of Mission #17 Story, the Story of his POW Experience in Stalag Luft III, the story of his near-deadly post-war ejection on a Nebraska tarmac, etc.  Read all about them on the following pages:

Relationship to the Daniel Haston Family
Other Information About the Service Member's Haston or Haston-Related Ancestry

Bob’s older brother, James (“Jim”) Phillip Haston was also a World War II veteran, serving in the South Pacific as a Naval seaman and a driver for some of the highest level WWII Naval Commanders.

Brothers - Robert (Bob) Weldon Haston and James (Jim) Phillip Haston

Add Yourself or Your Haston-Related Relative to the Legacy of Service Honor Gallery

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Wappen Hiestand

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Wappen Hiestand

Die geballten Fäuste sind ein Hinweis darauf, dass dieses Wappen nicht von einem oder für einen Täufer geschaffen wurde, sondern von einem Schweizer Hiestand, der sich dieser Bewegung nicht angeschlossen hatte. Er könnte jedoch mit Nachbarn und Verwandten, die Täufer waren, sympathisiert und sie beschützt haben.

Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA)

(Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand)

Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand

Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am
17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022.

Englische Version dieses Artikels

Heraldik - ein kurzer historischer Überblick

Die Heraldik entstand im 11. und 12. Jahrhundert, etwa zur Zeit der Kreuzzüge, einer Reihe von Feldzügen, die christliche Heere von 1096 bis 1487 unternahmen. In der Schlacht war ein Ritter, der von Kopf bis Fuß in eine Rüstung gekleidet war, weder für Freund noch für Feind zu erkennen, so dass eine neue Methode zur Identifizierung notwendig wurde. Der Schild, das erkennbarste Element der Heraldik, bot eine breite, flache Oberfläche, auf die Farben und Symbole gemalt werden konnten, die einem bestimmten Adligen und seinen Rittern zugeordnet waren. Ein Adliger trug in der Regel auch ein Obergewand, den so genannten Wappenmantel, der ihn vor der Hitze der Sonne schützte und oft mit denselben Symbolen verziert war, die auch auf dem Schild des Ritters erschienen. Von diesem Kleidungsstück leitet sich auch der Begriff “Wappen” ab.  

 

Die Ursprünge der Heraldik reichen bis in die Antike zurück. Krieger verzierten ihre Schilde oft mit Mustern und mythologischen Motiven. Heeresverbände des Römischen Reiches waren an den charakteristischen Zeichen auf ihren Schilden zu erkennen. Diese waren nicht heraldisch im mittelalterlichen Sinne, da sie mit militärischen Einheiten und nicht mit Einzelpersonen oder Familien verbunden waren. Quelle

Entgegen der landläufigen Meinung besaß eine Familiengruppe oft nicht nur ein einziges Wappen, das immer die gesamte Familie über alle Standorte, Generationen und Familienlinien hinweg repräsentierte. Einige Zweige einer Familie schufen ihre eigenen Wappen. Manchmal war ein Wappen ortsgebunden und kennzeichnete speziell einen Teil einer Familie, die an einem bestimmten Ort lebte.

Die obige, künstlerisch nachgebildete Version eines Hiestand-Wappens aus dem Jahr 1706 stammt aus der Gegend, in der unsere Hiestand damals tief verwurzelt waren: der Gegend um Hütten, insbesondere der Schönau.

Die kämpferische Haltung mit den geballten Fäusten deutet auf mehr hin, als nur auf dem Boden zu stehen, auf dem sie gemäss Namen stehen sollten. Und es ist wahrscheinlich mehr als Sturheit. Offenbar steht sie für den Ruf, eine Art Verteidigungsposition einzunehmen, selbst wenn das bedeutet, dass ich kämpfen muss, um mich, meine Familie und mein Land zu schützen.

Jacob Hiestand (1674-1730) - Urheber dieses Wappens

Die Säuglingstaufe von Jacob Hiestand ist bezeugt im Kirchenbuch von Richterswil, Zürich, Schweiz, Mikrofilm Nr. 008014334, Foto 127, Seite 125.   
 

Jacobs Eltern waren Ulrich Hiestand aus Hinter Schönau und dessen Frau Barbara, geborene Strickler.  Ulrich war kein Täufer, aber offenbar ein Halb-Täufer, ein Mann, der die Täufer vor den “Täuferjägern” schützte, auch auf die Gefahr hin, sich selbst zu gefährden. Einer der Söhne von Ulrich und Barbara, Heinrich, war ein Täufer (der nie heiratete).  Barbara, Jacobs Mutter, hatte einen Bruder (Jacob Strickler), der ein bekannter Täuferprediger war.  Ulrichs Tante und Onkel, Hans und Elsbeth Hiestand-Asper, waren überzeugte Täufer, die mehr als einmal wegen ihres Glaubens inhaftiert wurden.  Im Jahr 1674 (demselben Jahr, in dem dieser Jacob Hiestand geboren wurde) hetzte Ueli seine Hunde auf einen Häscher, der zu seinem Haus kam und seine täuferischen Verwandten jagte. 
 

Obwohl dieser Jacob Hiestand, der Schöpfer des oben abgebildeten Wappens, kein Täufer war, stammte er aus einer Familie, die bereit war, sich zu verteidigen, auch wenn die Folgen für sie kostspielig sein konnten.

Jacob Hiestand heiratete Barbara Bachman am 8. Juni 1697 in der Kirchgemeinde Richterswil.

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Schönau – German version

Versteckt in einer winzigen Ecke des Kantons Zürich, Schweiz

Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA)

(Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand)

Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand

Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am
17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022.

Englische Version dieses Artikels

Wir wissen, dass die erste urkundliche Erwähnung des Familiennamens Hiestand auf einer Steuerliste von 1401 stand, aber vor 1401 lebte auf dem Berghang von Richterswil-Wädenswil eine Familie mit vor-Hiestand-Namen. Wie in einem vorherig dargestellten Artikel in dieser Serie erwähnt, waren Zweige der Schweizer Familie Hiestand Ende des 15. Jahrhunderts in dieser Region sehr erfolgreich. Kent D. Hiestand, der führende Hiestand-Familienforscher, hat die frühen Schweizer Hiestands nach Gemeinden und Dörfern, in denen sie zwischen 1600 und 1700 lebten, in Linien eingeteilt. Das ist eine etwas willkürliche Kategorisierung, weil einige von ihnen gelegentlich von Ort zu Ort zogen , aber diese Bezeichnungen sind bis zu einem gewissen Grad hilfreich.

Im Kanton Zürich:
  • Gemeinde Richterswil
    • Weberrüti-Linie
    • Dürsenen-Linie
    • Haslen-Linie (Die frühesten Hiestands im deutschen Rheinlanddorf Ibersheim stammten aus dieser Linie, so Kent Hiestand.)
  • Gemeinde Schönenberg
  • Gemeinde Hütten
    • Knöwis/Chneus-Linie
    • Schafrain-Linie
  • Schönauer Linie

Sofern es nicht durch weitere Durchbrüche in der DNA-Forschung möglich wird, werden wir wahrscheinlich nie erfahren, aus welcher spezifischen Familie der Schweizer Hiestands unser eingewanderter Vorfahre Henrich [aus irgendeinem Grund schrieb er es konsequent „Henrich“ statt Heinrich] Hiestand stammte, aber die Familie stammte wahrscheinlich aus der Haslen-Linie, aber alle Hiestands-Linien waren natürlich verwandt.

Einige der früher bekannten Täufer Hiestand stammten aus der Schönauer Linie. In diesem Artikel möchte ich mich daher auf einen winzigen Winkel am südöstlichen Rand des Kantons Zürich konzentrieren, der zu einem Nest von Täufern wurde – das Gut Schönau.

15. Mai 1453 - Erste bekannte Erwähnung der Schönau und der dort lebenden Hiestand

Im 15. Jahrhundert wurde das Waldgebiet am Fusse des Höhronen östlich der Sihl (gegenüber dem Dorf Hütten) durch kontrollierte Brandrodung abgeholzt. Die Brände machten Land für Weiden und Gehöfte frei. Als die Siedlung Schönau erstmals urkundlich erwähnt wird, befand sich dort auf der Rückseite (Westseite) der Schönau ein Gut Hiestand. Aufgrund ihres frühen Besitzes von Schönauer-Land könnte man vermuten, dass sie an der Rodung des Waldes beteiligt waren, die zum Gut Schönau führte.

„Dieses Gut grenzt an den Gripbach, die zu Hiestand gehörende Schönau, und den Brandbach.“

Dinge, die Sie wissen sollten, bevor Sie das Dokument von 1453 lesen:

  • Diese Linie von Hiestands lebte bereits am 15. Mai 1453 in der Schönau, der ersten bekannten Erwähnung dieses Hofs.
  • Der Gritbach (Gripbach) ist ein Bach auf der Westseite der Schönau, der in nordwestlicher Richtung in die Sihl mündet.
  • Der Brandbach ist ein Bach auf der Ostseite der Schönau, der ebenfalls in die Sihl mündet. Streichen!
  • Brand bedeutet Feuer. Dies war eine Feuerlinie, bis zu der der Wald in diesem Bereich durch Brandrodung gerodet worden war. In diesem Gebiet wurde durch Abbrennen des Waldes Ackerland geschaffen.
  • Heini Klein war Nachbar dieser Hiestands.
  • Anscheinend grenzte Kleins Hof im Westen an den Gripbach, im Osten an den Brandbach und auf der Nord-Nordwest-Seite wahrscheinlich an den Hiestand-Hof.uf

Heini Klein wohnt in Hütten im Gerichtsbezirk der Herrschaft Wädenswil. Am 15. Mai 1453 bestätigt er (vor Gericht), dass er dem jungen Hans Ochsner in Bennau (zwischen Biberbrugg und Einsiedeln gelegen) 100 Pfund Haller in Züricher Währung gegeben hat. Diese benötigt Hans Ochsner, um seiner Frau – Grete Klein, Heinis Tochter – eine Heimsteuer (= Mitgift) zu überreichen. Dieser Betrag gilt als gültige Kaution auf dem Gut Schönau und ist mit 5 Pfund (=5 %) zu verzinsen. Dieses Gut grenzt an den Gripbach, die zu Hiestand gehörende Schönau und den Brandbach.

 

Außerdem gibt Heini Klein Hans Ochsner weitere 20 Pfund, haftbar auf dem Hof Kilchberg, der an den Gritbach und die Langenegg grenzt. Auf den Betrag fallen an Martini oder 8 Tage davor oder danach Zinsen in Höhe von 1 Pfund an. Ausserdem muss Ochsner ½ Pfund Wachs (für das ewige Licht) an die Kirche in Baar (Kanton Zug) entrichten.

 

Die Summe ist 100 + 20 Pfund, gleich 120 Pfund. Dieser Betrag muss in drei Raten von jeweils 40 Pfund mit 2 Pfund Zinsen zurückgezahlt werden.   

 

Hans und Gret Ochsner-Klein haben zwei Jungs namens Hans. Der Richter Ulrich Klein von Zwygern (Zweierhof) wurde gebeten, dies zu besiegeln und zu bescheinigen. Als Zeugen dieses Rechtsaktes waren anwesend: Ruedi Schmid, Ueli Klein von Hütten, Ruedi Blattmann und genügend andere respektable Personen.

 

Staatsarchiv Zürich – Signatur: HI 4 (fol. 392 rv)

Dezember 1557 - Hinter Schönau

Die gesamte Schönau ist ein relativ kleines Gebiet, das nur etwa 35 Hektar umfasst. Anstatt Land in Hektar oder Quadratkilometern zu messen, wurde Land im 16. Jahrhundert anhand der Anzahl der Kühe gemessen, die ein Bauernhof im Sommer und im Winter ernähren würde. Die Vorder Schönau soll im Winter 14 Kühe und zwei Kühe füttern. Die Hinter Schönau versorgte im Sommer 17 Kühe und acht im Winter.

1571 - Hinter Schönau

Hans Hiestand erwarb die Hypothek auf dem Hof Hintere Schönau.

Täuferhöfe des 17. Jahrhunderts in Schönau

Die Täufer zogen sich überall bewusst in abgelegene Gebiete zurück. So konnten sie ihren Glauben leben, ohne sofort von der reformierten Obrigkeit entdeckt zu werden. Doch der Zürcher Staat tat alles, um die Täufer aufzuspüren. Der Verrat führte oft auf die Spur.

Um oder vor der Wende zum 17. Jahrhundert wurde die Schönau als Zufluchtsort für Täufer bekannt. 1615 war der Täufer Heini Hofmann aus dem Land vertrieben worden. Sein Haus auf der Schönau – wahrscheinlich Hinter Schönau – wurde als “rechter Wächter und underschlaufhuss der Wiedertäufer” bezeichnet. Im Einwohnerverzeichnis von 1634 wird die Familie von Hans Theiler-Bachmann mit vier Kindern erwähnt. Sie waren Täufer, was der reformierte Pfarrer ausdrücklich vermerkte. Die dort lebenden Landis, Theiler und Hiestands waren ALLE Täufer.
 

Die Schönau war ein idealer Ort für Täufer. Sie lag in einem abgelegenen Winkel des Kantons Zürich, einem Ort, an dem es für Regierungs- und Kirchenbeamte schwierig war, die Aktivitäten der Täufer zu überwachen und sie zu verhaften. Und der südöstliche Rand von Schönau war die Grenze zwischen den Gebieten Zürich und Zug, so dass es leicht möglich war, vom Kanton Zürich in den Kanton Zug zu fliehen, wenn die Zürcher Beamten die Täufer in Schönau bedrängten.  

 

Wir wissen nicht, wie viele der Hiestands, die in Schönau lebten, Täufer waren. Einige waren bekennende Mitglieder der “Schweizer Brüder” (der Titel, mit dem sich die Täufer selbst bezeichneten), aber andere, die nicht per se Täufer waren, waren Sympathisanten, die oft ihre engagierteren Verwandten, Nachbarn und Freunde unterstützten. Sie waren als Halbtäufer bekannt, wie Uli Hiestand, der Neffe von Elsbeth Hiestand, im Jahr 1674.
 

Hier eine Geschichte über eine Schönauer Hiestand-Täuferin, die für ihren Glauben gelitten hat:  Im Jahr 1637 wurden Hans Asper (aus dem Dorf Horgen) und seine Frau Elsbeth Hiestand (aus Hinter Schönau) verhaftet und als Täufer in das Gefängnis Oetenbach (ehemaliges Kloster) in Zürich geworfen, aber es gelang ihnen zu entkommen. Ihr gesamter Besitz, ihr Haus und ihr Hof wurden beschlagnahmt und für 400 Gulden an die Regierung verkauft. Einem Bericht zufolge schloss sich Elsbeth Hiestand aus Hinter Schönau (die Frau von Hans Asper) 1657 den Täufern an, aber dieses Bekenntnis war offenbar mindestens 20 Jahre früher abgelegt worden. Im Jahr 1662/63 wurden Hans Asper und seine Frau Elsbeth Hiestand (vom Pfarrer von Richterswil) als in Jebsheim im Elsass (Ostfrankreich) mit ihren vier Kindern gemeldet.

Elsbeth starb irgendwann vor dem Herbst 1674, und Hans Asper war wieder mit Regula Müller verheiratet. Am 18. Oktober 1674 versuchte der Zürcher Wachtmeister Pfister, den Täufer Hans Asper, Elsbeths Schwiegersohn Jacob Strickler (Täuferprediger) und Jacobs Frau Cathrin Asper im Haus von Uli Hiestand auf Ulis Hof in Hinter Schönau zu verhaften. Doch Ulis Hunde hinderten den Wachtmeister an der Verhaftung.

Am 14. November 1674 hielt sich Hans Asper immer noch im Haus von Uli Hiestand, seinem Neffen, in Schönau auf.  Zu diesem Zeitpunkt war Hans bereits alt, schwach und fast blind.  Die Hiestands sagten, der alte Mann sei ein guter Freund, der nur zu Besuch bei ihnen sei.  Er hatte während des jüngsten Krieges im Elsass sein gesamtes Hab und Gut verloren und bat sie um Geld, um ihm zu helfen.  Der Wachtmeister erkundigte sich nach dem Verbleib von Jacob Strickler.  Asper sagte, dass sein Schwiegersohn ins Elsass zurückgekehrt sei, um zu sehen, ob der Krieg vorbei sei, und wenn ja, wollten sie dorthin zurückkehren.  Uli Hiestand konnte den Wachtmeister davon überzeugen, dass er kein Täufer war, und der Wachtmeister verhaftete Hans Asper wegen seines Alters und seines schwachen Zustands nicht.

Quellen: Staatsarchiv Zürich, E I 7.8, Nr.131-E I 7.8, Nr.145 und Schriften von Kent Hiestand.

Die Geschichte von Hans Asper und Elsbeth Hiestand, die inhaftiert wurden und entkommen sind

Aus dem Martyrs Mirror (Seite 1112-1113, Ausgabe 1938; veröffentlicht von Herald Press, Harrisonburg, VA)

Um diese Zeit, 1639, wurde auch ein junger Mann aus dem Horgerberg namens Hans Aster [sic, Asper] verhaftet. Er wurde ebenfalls nach Zürich in den Oetenbach gebracht, eine Zeit lang mit Brot und Wasser ernährt, seiner Fesseln entblösst usw., aber dann durch die Hilfe einiger seiner Glaubensbrüder befreit.

Als dies geschah, war er durch die schwere Gefangenschaft so elendig verkrüppelt, dass er in der Nacht eine lange Strecke getragen werden musste.

Inzwischen wurde auch seine Frau [Elsbeth Hiestand] mit ihrem Kleinkind gefasst und zeitweilig ins Gefängnis Oetenbach eingesperrt, entkam dann aber durch göttliche Vorsehung den Händen der Feinde. Die Behörden trieben die Kinder in die Armut und verkauften ihr Haus und Gehöft (wobei sie etwa 4000 Gulden lösten), ohne etwas zu restaurieren.

Die Eltern mussten daher hart für ihren Lebensunterhalt arbeiten, nachdem sie alles verloren hatten; aber darin vertrauten sie auf Gottes Verheißungen.

Hinter Schönau - Ein Täuferversteck

1893 wurde ein jahrhundertealtes Haus in Hinter Schönau durch einen Brand zerstört. Obwohl die Zerstörung des Holzes im Kern des Hauses es uns unmöglich machte, das Baujahr zu bestimmen, ist es möglich, dass das Haus eines der ältesten – wenn nicht das älteste – Haus auf dem ursprünglichen Schönauer Hof war. Es wurde vermutlich mindestens schon in der ersten Hälfte des 16. Jahrhunderts erbaut. 

 

Dieses alte Haus, nur wenige hundert Meter von der Grenze zwischen den Kantonen Zug und Zürich entfernt, war möglicherweise das Zuhause des Täufers Heini Hofmann und die Zuflucht zum Schutz von Hofmanns Schweizer Brüdern. Später war das Haus möglicherweise das Zuhause von Uli Hiestand, Neffe von Hans Asper und Elsbeth Hiestand und Cousin von Jacob Strickler, einem Täuferprediger.

Das Haus in der Hinter Schönau brannte am 27. September 1893 ab. 1895 wurde dort eine Scheune errichtet. Die Scheune wurde wahrscheinlich an der Stelle des ein paar Jahre zuvor abgebrannten Hauses errichtet. Die mit dem abgebrannten Haus verbundene Scheune wurde 1904 abgerissen. Die Scheune von 1895 existiert noch an der Stelle, die in der Topo-Karte oben angegeben ist. Es ist die Scheune auf dem (linken) Foto unten.

Fotos von Dr. Peter Ziegler

Dass die Hiestands einst in dem 1893 abgebrannten Haus Hintere Schönau wohnten, kann ich nicht beweisen. Aber es ist möglich.

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Dr. Fred Dexter Haston

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Dr. Fred Dexter Haston, M.D.

How many men or women are prominent enough to have a 700-word article about them in a history book of the state they lived in for 20 years or so?  One Great-Great Grandson of Daniel Haston did!  Several years ago, even before I began researching my Haston family, I happened to land on his story in a dusty old book in the main library at the University of Tennessee.  I was impressed but confused!  Who was this Fred Dexter Haston?  I had grown up in White County, Tennessee with a boy (then later, young man) with that very same name.  And I assumed that my friend, Dexter Haston, was a “junior” because his father’s commonly-given name was F.D. Haston.  But I had no idea that they were namesakes of a Dr. Fred Dexter Haston who was a medical doctor who practiced medicine in a very challenging part of southeastern Kentucky–the coal fields, before moving on to more typical medical practices elsewhere.

I will use the text of the History of Kentucky article as the framework for the first four decades of his life.  But first, I will show you Dr. Fred Dexter Haston’s lineage back to Daniel Haston, the first American-born patriarch in our male Haston (Hiestand) line.

Family Line Back to Daniel Haston

His Early Years in Van Buren County and White County, TN

Born November 15, 1881

Marriage to Netta Pearl Brown

May 18, 1906

I assume (only an assumption) that Fred Dexter Haston and Netta Pearl Brown probably met as students at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  They were married a year before his final year of medical school.

Medical School at the University of Tennessee

According to a May 22, 1909 issue of the White County Favorite newspaper, apparently Sparta (TN) thought that Dr. Fred Dexter Haston might come home to Sparta to practice medicine.  I say that because he was the only medical doctor of that area from the Haston family at that time.  But, for some reason, that never happened.

Two Decades in Kentucky

Bell County, KY

After graduating from Medical School at the University of Tennessee in 1907, Doctor Fred Haston moved to the coal mining area of Eastern Kentucky.  For eight years he worked in Arjay (Bell County), Kentucky as an industrial physician.  He was employed by the Continental Coal Corporation, and perhaps a different company prior to 1912. 

 Bell Mine of the Continental Coal Corporation – Arjay community –  Bell County, KY –  1912-1915 –  450 employees

1910 Census

Fred and Pearl’s daughter was two years old at the time of the 1910 census and she was born in Kentucky.  So, apparently, the family moved to Bell County, Kentucky soon after his 1907 graduation from the University of Tennessee Medical School.

The Hartford Herald – August 16, 1911 – Hartford, KY

Arjay, Kentucky

We do know that sometime around 1912(?) - 1915. He was one of 3 doctors who worked for the Continental Coal Company in Arjay, KY.   We did a Hastons men's trip about 25 years ago and went to Arjay (hardly anything there anymore). Went on into nearest town -- Pineville and went to the library where we pulled out and reviewed microfilm of the local news paper covering the 1910-1915 time period. We always wondered why he left the coal company and moved in 1915. We found in the paper that the Continental Coal Company went bankrupt in 1915 -- which is a pretty good reason for leaving. Also found it was a rough time and place to be working because of all the strikes that were taking place which resulted in lot of violence -- fights, cuttings and shooting. Between all of that plus the common diseases and illness they had to deal with -- must have have kept the doctors pretty busy. Was our understanding that there were 3 doctors on staff and my aunt Nina -- one of Fred Dexter's daughters, told me that the doctors always traveled in pairs when they rode out on horse back to the miner's homes to care for the miners and families. Sure wish he had kept a diary.

McAfee of Mercer County, KY

After the coal company that employed him went bankrupt, in March 1916 he moved to McAfee in Mercer County, KY, and took over a private practice from a retired physician.

On July 2, 1916, Dr. Haston was ordained and installed as an elder in the New Providence Presbyterian Church (Southern Presbyterian denomination) in Salvisa of Mercer County, Kentucky.  

September 27, 1919 – Danville Daily Messenger (Danville, KY)

Danville of Boyle County, KY

Late in 1919, Dr. Haston moved his family and practice to Danville in Boyle County, KY, but apparently only lived and practice there for a very short time.  He bought back the home he had sold in McAfee (Mercer County) and returned there in March of 1920 to reestablish his medical practice in McAfee.

December 2, 1919 – Danville Daily Messenger (Danville, KY)

1920 Census

As of January 2, 1920, the F.D. Haston family was still living in the city of Danville, KY in Boyle County.  Fred was, as to be expected, a physician.

February 11, 1920 – Danville Daily Messenger (Danville, KY)

March 6, 1920 – Danville Daily Messenger (Danville, KY)

Back in McAfee of Mercer County, KY

1922 Book Published

After only 15 years out of medical school, Dr. Haston’s life and medical practice to that point were notable enough to be recorded in the History of Kentucky.

September 13, 1925 – The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)

The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY – December 11, 1926

The Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY – March 27, 1927

In Jasper, Alabama - His Final Five Years

The Birmingham News – Birmingham, AL – September 19, 1929

1930 Census - Walker County, AL

The Birmingham News – Birmingham, AL
December 20, 1931

The Birmingham News – Birmingham, AL
August 31, 1932

My grandfather, Dr. F.D. Haston, died in Jasper, Alabama from a mosquito bite on his temple which got infected, -- and of course at that time didn't have the meds they do today to fight infection. 

Three "Fred Hastons" here, plus Dr. FRED Haston, Sr. = Four Freds

The picture was taken at an Auburn University Football game in 1988 or 1989 in the Nelson Club Section (except for Jake who has been photo-shopped into the picture in 2022 while a student at Auburn).  Left to right:

Dr. Fred Marion Haston, Sr. (son of Dr. Fred Dexter Haston, Sr. – b 11-14-1915 d 6-11-2000) 

Jacob (“Jake”) Haston (b 6-15-2001)

Fred Marion Haston, Jr. (b 1-31-1941)

Fred (“Tripp”) Marion Haston, III (b 5-14-1968)

 

I was the photographer … Maybe I should photoshop myself into the picture 🙂 

-Richard Haston

Family tree created by Fred M. Haston, Jr.

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Haston – James Phillip

Search
1921 – 2021

James Phillip Haston

Rank and Branch of Military

First Class Boatswain Mate, Navy

Years of Service

1942-1945

Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service

Trained at a destroyer base in San Diego, CA;
Deployed to the South Pacific – “He was a driver for high-ranking naval officers, including Fleet Admiral William F. ‘Bull’ Halsey and Vice Admiral John Henry Newton. He served his country for three years in the Pacific Theater and was discharged from the navy in October 1945.” -Obituary 

Admiral William Frederick "Bull" Halsey Jr. (October 30, 1882 – August 16, 1959)
Vice Admiral John Henry Newton (December 13, 1881 – May 2, 1948)
Wartime Theaters of Assignment and Major Battles

South Pacific, where he served in New Caledonia, the Northern Solomon Islands, and the Gilbert Islands. 

Stories of Interest Involving the Service Member

Uncle James was a talkative friendly man. But like most of the men from that WWII period in history, he did not talk much about what he did during the war. My mother, sisters, and I went to visit him for his 95th Birthday where he showed us many certificates and photos. He had many autographed photos of various Admirals that he was a driver for during the war. He repeatedly was quick to state that he never actually served in combat areas during the war. “I was just a driver.” I needed to remind him that to me he was part of vital support personnel. “Uncle James, you took care of the people who were making some of the most important decisions during that terrible time. I think you were very important.” He would always switch the conversation back to cattle and tales of where he had driven to transport those animals across the nation. He spent many years as a U.S. Mail clerk, small farmer, and cattle transport driver. James had no children. His last wife Joyce, was a sweet, quite woman. Uncle James was still driving at 95. He lived to be 100 and was written up in the Waco Harold Tribune. Much to my surprise, like my father, he had several articles written about him over the years. Unfortunately, I do not have those articles. I believe he left all of his WWII memorabilia to a library in Temple, TX.

-Lynda Haston Britain (niece)

The Waco, TX Tribune-Herald Article Featuring James P. Haston

Scroll Down (Window Scroll Bar) for Page 2 of the Article

[pdf-embedder url=”https://danielhaston.blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/James-P.-Haston-article-in-WacoTX-Tribune-Herald.pdf” ]

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Relationship to the Daniel Haston Family

Brothers - Robert (Bob) Weldon Haston and James (Jim) Phillip Haston

Brothers - Robert Weldon Haston and James Phillip Haston
Other Information About the Service Member's Haston or Haston-Related Ancestry

Add Yourself or Your Haston-Related Relative to the Legacy of Service Honor Gallery

Please share this tribute with family members of the veteran and your friends.

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Ueli Hiestand, Prominenter Bauer im 15. Jahrhundert

Ueli Hiestand, Prominenter Bauer im 15. Jahrhundert

Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA)

(Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand)

Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand

Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am
17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022.

Englische Version dieses Artikels

Können Sie sich vorstellen, die Biografie eines Verwandten zu schreiben, der vor 600 Jahren lebte?! Nun, hier ist sie. Dies ist nur möglich dank eines umfangreichen Archivs wie dem Zürcher Staatsarchiv in der Schweiz, der kompetenten Unterstützung einiger sehr hilfreicher amerikanischer Freunde, die mehr Zeit als ich mit der Erforschung der Schweizer Täufer verbracht haben, und von Schweizer Historikern, insbesondere Dr. Peter Ziegler in Wädenswil und Dr. Nicole Billeter in Richterswil. Dies als „Biografie“ zu bezeichnen, mag übertrieben sein, aber es gibt genug Informationen, die einen skizzenhaften Blick auf Ueli Hiestand geben, der Mitte des 15. Jahrhunderts im heutigen Schweizer Kanton Zürich lebte. Also, ich kann dies wohl eine biographische Skizze nennen.  -Wayne Haston (Hiestand)

Der Mensch Ueli Hiestand

Ueli = ausgesprochen oo-ELˊ-ee

In früheren Jahren scheinen Familien nur wenige verschiedene Vornamen verwendet und von Generation zu Generation weitergegeben zu haben. Dies ist eine der größten Herausforderungen eines Genealogen. Heinrich und Jacob waren beliebte Namen in der frühen Schweizer Familie Hiestand. Aber auch die Namen Ruedi und Ueli und Kuni Hiestand tauchen im 15. Jahrhundert in Schweizer Aufzeichnungen auf. Der Name Ueli Hiestand sticht als der am häufigsten genannte Hiestand des 15. Jahrhunderts hervor. Er erscheint mindestens 12 Mal in den Zürcher Akten von 1432 bis 1458 und bezieht sich wahrscheinlich auf ein und dieselbe Person, da es sich um einen engen Zeitrahmen handelt. Anscheinend war Ueli ein führender Bauer auf dem Wädenswiler Berg, dem Berghang oberhalb des Zürichsee-Dorfes Wädenswil.

  • 30. Januar 1432 (7429) – Ein Ueli Hiestand taucht (nach meinem Wissen) erstmals in den mir vorliegenden Unterlagen auf. Er und Rudi Hiestand waren Zeugen einer Landpacht des Johanniterordens an Hensliy Kubischy.
  • 13. Dezember 1448 (9423) – Siehe die Zusammenfassung der Transaktion von 1448 im folgenden Abschnitt.
  • 30. November 1449 (9491) – Ueli Hiestand wird Zeuge einer Bescheinigung, dass Hans Urmer „einen Zins von 1 Pfund Geld von Hiestands Haus hat“.
  • Mai 1451 (9643) – Ueli Hiestand wird Zeuge der Beglaubigung einer Auktion. Ueli „und genug andere respektable Leute“ sind anwesend, um der Zertifizierung beizuwohnen.
  • 20. Dezember 1457 (10272, 10273, 10274, 10275, 10276) – Ueli Hiestand erlebt an diesem Tag fünf Transaktionen. In all diesen Fällen wird er als Erster unter „genügend respektablen Leuten genannt.
  • 18. April 1458 (10308, 10309) – Im Wesentlichen wie oben, Ueli Hiestand und „genug andere respektable Leute“ sind anwesend, um diese Transaktionen mitzuerleben.
  • August 1458 (10333) – Wieder wohnen Ueli Hiestand und «genug andere Anständige» Zeugen einer Verhandlung vor dem Gericht in Wädenswil bei.

Hinweis: Die Nummern in Klammern beziehen sich auf die Veröffentlichung der Urkundenregesten des Staatsarchivs Zürich, Bd. 6, 1431 bis 1445 und Bd. 7, 1446 bis 1460, erhältlich im Staatsarchiv Zürich oder im Internet abrufbar unter Staatsarchiv Zürich, Urkundenregesten.

Mehrfach wurde Ueli Hiestand als respektabler Mensch bezeichnet. Ich nehme an, dass er als ehrlich und vertrauenswürdig bekannt war. Vielleicht bedeutet seine Erwähnung als Erster unter „anderen respektablen Leuten“, dass er ein führender Bürger war, der für seinen herausragenden Charakter bekannt war.

Für mich ist das interessant, weil es zeigt, dass die Hiestands damals wohlgesinnte und vertrauenswürdige Menschen waren. Nicht jeder wurde als Zeuge geladen.

Ueli Hiestands Höfe, 1448 erworbenes Erblehen

Paraphrase einer Übersetzung des deutschen Originaldokuments:

Am 13. Dezember 1448 legte Ueli eine Urkunde vor, aus der hervorgeht, dass Johannes Lösel, Meister des Johanniterordens in deutschen Landen und Komtur des Hauses Wädenswil, ihm einen Erbpachtvertrag auf die Höfe Benckli (später Beichlen) und Himelrich (später Himmeri) ausstellte. Die jährliche Pachtgebühr betrug 14 Mütt und 2 Viertel (Kornmaße) Getreide, 30 Schilling Zürcher Pfennig (Münzen) und 2 Hühner. Der Hof Benckli lag im Wädenswiler Berg und grenzte an Geplers Hof zur Tanne, an den Bencklibach, an den Geren (Wald) und an den Eichwald (Eichenwald). Der Lehenhof Himelrich grenzte an das Gut von Hartman ab Stolen und an jenes von Ueli Horger. Ueli durfte die Höfe nicht aufteilen. Er durfte das notwendige Holz für Dachschindeln fällen, jedoch nur an dafür vorgesehenen Stellen. Wollte er die Höfe aufgeben, musste er 40 Pfund Pfennig (40 Pfund in bar) bezahlen und seinen gesamten Besitz als Sicherheit verpfänden.

Nachdem der Johanniterorden die Berghänge oberhalb Wädenswil gerodet hatte, wurden einem Teil der Bauern Rechte an Ackerland verkauft. Am Dezember 1448 kaufte Ueli Hiestand von der Johanniterkommende Wädenswil ein Lehengut (erbliche Pachtrechte): zwei Höfe auf dem Wädenswiler Berg. Beichlen (auch Bennkli, wörtlich „bankförmige Abtreppung am Hang“) und Himmeri (auch Himelrych, wörtlich „erhöhtes oder besonders fruchtbares Land“) waren zwei der ältesten Höfe, die im Vorderberg, auf einer Hochebene von Wädenswil auf abgeholzten Flächen entstanden waren.

1729 umfasste der Hof Beichlen (ohne Himmeri) 101 ¾ Jucharten Umland, genauso viel, wie zu dem Zeitpunkt, als Ueli die Pacht erwarb. Die Juchart war ein Maß für die Grösse an Ackerland, die ein Mann an einem Tag bearbeiten konnte, ungefähr einen Morgen. Leider gibt es keine Aufzeichnungen über die Größe des Bauernhofs Himmeri. Ueli Hiestand war zu seiner Zeit wohl einer der prominentesten Pächter des Ritterordens von St. Johann. Ueli musste für die Pacht des Beichlenhofs jedes Jahr am Martinstag einen Zins leisten, bestehend aus einer bestimmten Menge Getreide, Geld in Zürcher Währung und zwei Hühnern.

Für die gleiche Ansicht wie oben müssen Sie das Panorama drehen.

Die rote Markierung auf der Google-Karte zeigt, wo wahrscheinlich das Haus von Ueli Hiestand stand.

Wenn Ihnen dieser Artikel gefallen hat, teilen Sie ihn bitte mit anderen, denen er ebenfalls gefallen könnte.

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Ueli Hiestand, Prominent Swiss Farmer in the 15th Century

Ueli Hiestand, Prominent Swiss Farmer in the 15th Century

Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors

(Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand)

"Early Swiss Hiestands" Series

German Language Version of this Article

Can you imagine writing a biography of a relative who was living 600 years ago?!  Well, here it is.  And it is only possible because of a fantastic document repository like the Zürich State Archives in Switzerland and the able assistance of some very helpful American friends, who have spent more time researching Swiss Anabaptists than I ever will, and Swiss historians, especially Dr. Peter Ziegler, Wädenswil, and Dr. Nicole Billeter, Richterswil.  To call it a “biography” may be a bit of an exaggeration, but there is enough information to give us a sketchy view of Ueli Hiestand, who was living in Switzerland’s Canton Zürich in the middle of the 15th century.  So, I suppose I can call it a biographical sketch.  -Wayne Haston

Ueli Hiestand, the Man

Ueli = pronounced oo-ELˊ-ee

In earlier years, families seem to have only used a few different first names and passed them on from generation to generation.  It’s one of the genealogist’s greatest challenges.  Heinrich and Jacob were popular names in the early Swiss Hiestand family.  But the names Ruedi and Ueli and Kuni Hiestand also appear in Swiss records in the 1400s.  The name Ueli Hiestand stands out as the most frequently mentioned Hiestand of the 15th century.  It appears at least 12 times in the 1432–1458 Zürich state records, probably referring to one and the same person since it is a narrow timeframe.  Apparently, Ueli was a leading citizen on the Wädenswil Berg and Richterswil Berg, the mountain slopes behind Zürichsee’s  lakeshore villages, Wädenswil and Richterswil.

  • January 30, 1432 (7429) – A Ueli Hiestand appears the first time (to my knowledge) in the documents available to me.  He and Rudi Hiestand were witnesses to a lease of land from the Order of the Knights of St. John to Hensliy Kubischy.
  • December 13, 1448 (9423)See the summary of the 1448 transaction in the section below. 
  • November 30, 1449 (9491) – Ueli Hiestand witnessed a certification that Hans Urmer “has an interest of 1 pound of money from his house.”
  • May 9, 1451 (9643) – Ueli Hiestant witnessed the certification of an auction.  Ueli “and enough other respectable people” were present to witness the certification.
  • December 20, 1457 (10272, 10273, 10274, 10275, 10276) – Ueli Hiestand witnessed five transactions on this day.  In all these cases, he was mentioned first among “enough respectable people.”
  • April 18, 1458 (10308, 10309) – Essentially the same as above, Ueli Hiestand and “enough other respectable people” were present to witness these transactions.
  • August 29, 1458 (10333) – Again, Ueli Hiestand and “enough other respectable people” witnessed a transaction in the court at Wädenswil.
Note: The numbers in parentheses are case numbers from URStAZH_Band_6_1431_1445.pdf and  URStAZH_Band_7_1446_1460.pdf, available online from the Zürich State Archives.

Several times Ueli Hiestand was referred to as a respectable person.  I assume this means he was known as an honest and trustworthy person.  Perhaps the mention of him as the first among “other respectable people” means that he was a leading citizen who was well-known for his outstanding character.  

For me this is interesting, because it shows that the Hiestand family at the time were well thought of and trusted people. Not everybody was called as a witness.

Ueli Hiestand's Farms, Hereditary Rights Acquired in 1448

Paraphrase of a translation of the original German document:

Ueli Hiestand was residing on the mountain slope behind the lakeshore village of Wädenswil.  On December 13, 1448, Ueli presented documentation proving that Johans Loesel, Master of the Order of Knights of St. John in German Lands and Commander for the House of Wädenswil, had granted to him a hereditary lease to a farm in Benckli (later, Beichlen) and Himelrich (later, Himmeri), a farming estate.  The annual lease fee was 14 Mütt and 2 Viertel (grain measures) of grain, 30 Schilling in Zürcher Pfenning (coins), and 2 chickens.  The Benckli farm was located in the Wädenswiler Berg and bordered on Gepler's farm for fir trees, on the Bencklibach (stream), on the Geren (forest) and on the Eichwald (oak forest).  The farming estate Himelrich bordered on the farming estate of Hartman ab Stolen and on that of Ueli Horger.  Ueli was not permitted to divide the farms. He was allowed to cut the necessary wood for shingles roofing wood, but only at designated places.  If he wished to give up the farms, he was required to pay 40 Pfund Pfenning (40 pounds in cash) and pledge all of his possessions as security. 

After the Order of St. John cleared the mountain slopes above (behind) Wädenswil, rights to farmland were sold to some of the citizens.  On December 1448, Ueli Hiestand bought hereditary tenant rights to lease two farms on the Wädenswiler Berg from the Commendam Wädenswil—a feudal estate (fiefdom, hereditary lease rights) owned by the Order of the Knights of Saint John (Johanniterorden). Beichlen (also Bennkli, literally means “steps/benches on a slope”) and Himmeri (also Himelrych, literally “elevated or particularly fertile land” ) were two of the oldest farms created from land cleared out of heavy forests on a plateau of Wädenswiler Berg known as Vorderberg.

In 1729 the size of the Beichlen farm (not including Himmeri) was 101 ¾ Jucharten, the same as when Ueli acquired the lease.  The Juchart was a measurement of the amount of farm land that a man could work in one day, roughly about an acre. Unfortunately there is no existing record of the size of the Himmeri farm.  Ueli Hiestand was probably one of the most prominent lease holders of the Order of the Knights of Saint John feudal estate in his day.  Each year, on St. Martin’s Day, Ueli had to make a lease payment consisting of a certain amount of grain, 30 pieces of Zurcher currency and two chickens for rights to the Beichlen farm. 

You will need to rotate the panorama to see the same basic view as appears above.

Red marker (on the Google map) where the Ueli Hiestand house was probably located.

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The Hiestand Name – Its Origin and Meaning

The Hiestand Family Name - It's Origin, Meaning, and Pronunciation

Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors

(Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand)

"Early Swiss Hiestands" Series

German Language Version of this Article

The Hiestand Family Name - Its Origin

Pre-Surname Era

When our ancient Hiestand ancestors settled in Switzerland (whenever that was), they didn’t have a surname. Before the middle of the 13th century AD there were generally no surnames in the canton of Zürich. Since the population, which was not yet numerous, was spread out, name specificity beyond a first name was not necessary. And the simplicity of life in those days required very little personal identification or record keeping.

For the common people there were virtually no public records kept by churches and few by secular scribes. Some pastors could neither read nor write. Before the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440, their education consisted primarily of rote memory. And while tax records required a few educated officials, the records were simple, if they existed at all.

First Record of the Hiestand Surname

The earliest known record of the name Hiestand (which is shown in the image above) is Heini Hiestand on a 1401 tax list for a region in the canton of Zürich. Until further evidence proves otherwise, we can assume with a high degree of certainty that our family name originated there. Kent Hiestand specifically stated that “the name Hiestand originated in only one place.” This is unusual for a surname, a family fact we possess that few other families can claim. This “single place” was the mountainside above Wädenswil and Richterswil, on the southern shore near the eastern end of Lake Zürich.

Another source suggests a more specific location, but without clear documented evidence: 

Since there are not any records that have been found of the name Hiestand anywhere else for another 200 years, it is safe to assume that the name Hiestand originated in this location and that Heini is very probably the first to use it. Because of how the tax list was taken in order of farms and where Heini was located on the list, I believe he lived on or near the farm on the meadow called Blegi between the Sihl River and the shore of Bibetersee (Lake Hüetten) on the border with Schwyz on Richterswilerberg.

Some 1400s Swiss Hiestands - According to Schobinger, Egli, and Kläus

These authors mentioned Claus Hiestand who, in 1401was living in Feusisberg, only two and a half miles (four kilometers) over the canton border from Richterswil into Canton Schwyz.  As of September 2022, I have been unable to find official records for this Claus Hiestand.

The Hiestand Family Name - Its Meaning

But why was the 1401 Heini Hiestand and his Swiss family given the name “Hiestand”? 

Family names, determined by the first bearer of the name, were inherited through generations.  Most of them named themselves after their profession or office, but there were other common reasons for the origin of family names.  Some names were designated by neighbors who observed them and knew them.  There were no regulations from the state or church. Civil registry offices exist in Switzerland only since January 1, 1876. 

Occupational names:

Blacksmith, tailor, shoemaker, weaver, bricklayer, butcher, vine man, wine man, miller, fisherman, wainwright, suter, merchant, brickmaker, etc.

From official titles:

Meier = Latin maior. Administrators of noble or ecclesiastical property. Lives on the Meierhof.

KellerCellar, Latin cellarius. In the Middle Ages manager of supplies

Schultheiss =  mayor ahd sculdheizo = commander. Mayor of a city in the Middle Ages

Vogt = stately, often aristocratic official. Often sees to the mundane affairs of a monastery

Graf = companion of the king, title of nobility in the Middle Ages. 

From the first name of the father (Patronymics):

Christen, Peter, Heinrich, Michel

From characteristics of the person (nickname):

Lang = (Long) the long tall man

Kurz = (In short) the small, short man

Dürr = (Skinny) the thin, skinny man

Haupt = (Main) head

Held = (Hero) brave man

From the geographical origin (name of origin):

Zürcher coming from Zurich, Basler from Basel, Zollinger from Zollikon etc.

From peculiarities of the place of residence:

Boller (on the hill), Gubler (on the hill), Egger (at the corner), Locher (in the hole), Walder (near the forest), Tanner (by the firs)

The Hiestand family name emerges from two Swiss-dialect German words, hier stehen.  You may read from some sources that the words have the force of an imperative, “stand here.”  But according to Dr. Peter Ziegler, eminent Wädenswiler (Zürich) Swiss historian, hier stehen should be translatedhere stood.” 

I [Peter Ziegler] would classify Hiestand as a nickname or personal characteristics in a new category: i.e. the steadfast, such as: the tall (Lang family), the desert (Wüst family), the short (Short family), the pale (Blass family), the rich (Family Reich), the great (Family Gross), the good (Family Gut), etc.

Perhaps one of our early families was granted rights to a certain plot of land and that is where the family stood, and tenaciously so.  Or it could simply mean they were just stubborn people who were known for obstinately taking a stand.  We do know from the history of the Wädenswil-Richterswil area that the people there were known for being fiercely independent.  And I assume you have probably known some Hiestands (or Hastons) who were stubborn to the core.  Or maybe the name originated with an experience in battle, an occasion or reputation of multiple occasions where the family bravely stood their ground in a noble defensive effort.   We don’t know the original meaning of the Hiestand name for sure, but we know that they must have been a people who were known for taking a stand and being steadfast.

The "t" Ending to Hiestand

Although the name generally appears ending with a “d,” German-written signatures of Henry Hiestand’s sons, such as those of Peter, in his family Bible record, clearly ended with the consonant “t”—“Hiestandt.” And a 1777 German signature of our Daniel Hiestand/Haston also appears to end with a “t.” Even when English clerks put their English-minded spellings to the Swiss-German surname, sometimes they heard the “t” ending when Henry’s family members pronounced their names, as did the person who recorded the name of “Daniel Hasstont” for the petition to create White County, Tennessee in 1806.

Some Anglicized Alternate Spellings in the United States

Other than the previous addition of “t” to the name for phonetic purposes, the spelling of the family name has remained amazingly consistent for more than six centuries!  The H-i-e-s-t-a-n-d spelling of Heini Hiestand’s last name in 1401 is still used by Swiss members of this family today, as well as many who emigrated to America and other countries.

Hiestand or Heistand?  Often in the United States, I have found that people sometimes spell the name H-e-i-s-t-a-n-d, with the “e” before the “i.”  But, remember this simple rule from English classes: “i before e, except after c.”  It is H-i-e-s-t-a-n-d.

However, when Hiestands settled among English-speaking families in America the spelling of the family name morphed into a wide variety of spellings.  Hiestands, as well as other German-speaking folks, were generally not English-literate for a generation, or perhaps several generations, after arriving in the New World.  Consequently, they were at the mercy of English or Scots-Irish officials for the spelling of “Hiestand.”  In some cases, the name simply morphed because the clerks wrote it the way they heard it and the German speakers could not tell the difference until the English-sounding name became the common spelling.  In other cases, Deutsch (German-speaking) families intentionally chose to change their names to better fit into English speaking communities and to shield themselves from the anti-Deutsch bias that often existed once they moved away from Pennsylvania and other settlements with large German-speaking populations.

The H-A-S-T-O-N misspelling of Hiestand occurred in at least three official records when Swiss-German Henrich Hiestand’s family was living in the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia.  When Henrich’s son, Daniel Hiestand, moved to Tennessee, it appears that his two oldest sons (David and Joseph), both of whom were literate in the English language, chose to adopt the Haston spelling.  Although the clerks in Tennessee tended to gravitate to more familiar names for their spellings (such as Hasting, Hastin, Hastings, Hasten), David and Joseph Haston consistently spelled their family name H-A-S-T-O-N.  

As members of the Tennessee Haston family began to move west, some branches of the family chose to adopt alternate spellings, mostly because they were confused about their European roots.  For example, they thought the family originated in England and thought Hasting, Hastings, or Hastain were correct spellings of their name.

The Surname Hiestand - Its Pronunciation

Generally, English speakers who are not familiar with the Hiestand name mispronounce it, which is understandable.  Probably the most frequent part of the mispronunciation is the “ie” diphthong that follows “H.”  

īIn German the diphthong, ie is generally pronounced like “ee” in English, thus hee-stand.  In English ie is sometimes pronounced like “ee” (as in Marie, piece, grief) and other times pronounced like a long “i,” (as in tries, flier, cried).  Thus, it is no wonder that many English speakers tend to mispronounce the name as Hī-stand, but it should be pronounced “hee-stand.”

In German you always pronounce the second vowel when IE is used. Therefore HiEstand. But in English sometimes you follow the first letter in Ie. HIestand. -Geni Hiestand

The proper way to pronounce Hiestand is to follow the German pronunciation–Hee-stand.  

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Der Familienname Hiestand

Der Familienname Hiestand - Herkunft, Bedeutung und Aussprache

Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA)

(Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand)

Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand

Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am
17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022.

Englische Version dieses Artikels

Der Familienname Hiestand - Sein Ursprung

Vor-Nachnamen-Ära

Als sich unsere alten Hiestand-Vorfahren in der Schweiz niederließen (wann auch immer das war), hatten sie keinen Nachnamen. Vor der Mitte des 13. Jahrhunderts n. Chr. gab es im Zürcher Gebiet generell keine Nachnamen. Da die noch nicht zahlreiche Population verteilt war, war eine Namensspezifität über einen Vornamen hinaus nicht notwendig. Und die Einfachheit des Lebens in jenen Tagen erforderte sehr wenig persönliche Identifizierung oder Aufzeichnungen.

Für das einfache Volk gab es praktisch keine öffentlichen Aufzeichnungen, die von Kirchen geführt wurden, und nur wenige von weltlichen Schreibern. Einige Pastoren konnten weder lesen noch schreiben. Vor der Erfindung des Buchdrucks durch Johannes Gutenberg um 1440 bestand ihre Ausbildung vor allem aus dem Auswendiglernen. Und während Steuerunterlagen ein paar gebildete Beamte erforderten, waren die Aufzeichnungen einfach, wenn sie überhaupt existierten.

Erste Aufzeichnung des Nachnamens Hiestand

Die früheste bekannte Aufzeichnung des Namens Hiestand (die im Bild oben gezeigt wird) ist Heini Hiestand auf einer Steuerliste von 1401 für eine Region im Raum Zürich. Bis weitere Beweise das Gegenteil belegen, können wir mit hoher Sicherheit davon ausgehen, dass unser Familienname dort entstanden ist. Kent Hiestand erklärte ausdrücklich, dass “der Name Hiestand nur an einem Ort entstand”. Dies ist ungewöhnlich für einen Nachnamen, eine Familientatsache, die wir besitzen, die nur wenige andere Familien behaupten können. Dieser “einzige Ort” war der Berghang oberhalb von Wädenswil und Richterswil, am Südufer nahe dem östlichen Ende des Zürichsees.

Eine andere Quelle schlägt einen spezifischeren Ort vor, aber ohne klar dokumentierte Beweise:

Da es seit weiteren 200 Jahren nirgendwo sonst Aufzeichnungen über den Namen Hiestand gibt, kann man davon ausgehen, dass der Name Hiestand an diesem Ort entstand und dass Heini sehr wahrscheinlich der Erste ist, der ihn verwendet. Aufgrund der Art und Weise, wie die Steuerliste in der Reihenfolge der Höfe geführt wurde und wo Heini auf der Liste stand, glaube ich, dass er auf oder in der Nähe des Hofes auf der Fläche Blegi zwischen der Sihl und dem Ufer des Bibetsees (Hüttnersee) an der Grenze zu Schwyz am Richterswilerberg lebte.

Der Familienname Hiestand - seine Bedeutung

Aber warum erhielten  Heini Hiestand von 1401 und seine Schweizer Familie den Namen “Hiestand”? 

Familiennamen, die vom ersten Namensträger bestimmt wurden, wurden über Generationen hinweg vererbt. Die meisten von ihnen benannten sich nach ihrem Beruf oder Amt, aber es gab andere häufige Gründe für die Herkunft von Familiennamen. Einige Namen wurden von Nachbarn benannt, die sie beobachteten und kannten. Es gab keine Vorschriften des Staates oder der Kirche. Standesämter gibt es in der Schweiz erst seit dem 1. Januar 1876. 

Berufsbezeichnungen:

Schmied, Schneider, Schuhmacher, Weber, Maurer, Metzger, Müller, Fischer, Suter, Kaufmann, Ziegler, etc.

Aus offiziellen Titeln:

Meier, lat. maior. Verwalter von adeligem oder kirchlichem Grundbesitz. Wohnt auf dem Meierhof.

Keller, lat. cellarius. Im Mittelalter Verwalter der Vorräte

Schultheiss. ahd sculdheizo = Befehlender. Im Mittelalter Bürgermeister einer Stadt

Vogt: herrschaftlicher, oft adeliger Beamter. Besorgt oft die weltlichen Belange eines Klosters

Graf: Begleiter des Königs, Adelstitel im Mittelalter. lat. comes

Aus dem Vornamen des Vaters (Patronym):

Christen, Peter, Heinrich, Michel

Aus Merkmalen der Person (Spitzname):

Lang: der lange, gross gewachsene Mann

Kurz: der kleine, kurz gewachsene Mann

Dürr: der dünne, magere Mann

Haupt: Kopf

Held: mutiger Mann

Aus der geografischen Herkunft (Herkunftsname):

Zürcher aus Zürich, Basler aus Basel, Zollinger aus Zollikon etc.

Aus den Besonderheiten des Wohnortes:

Boller (auf dem Hügel), Gubler (auf dem Hügel), Egger (an der Ecke), Locher (im Loch), Walder (in der Nähe des Waldes), Tanner (bei den Tannen)

Der Familienname Hiestand setzt sich aus zwei schweizerisch-dialektaldeutschen Wörtern zusammen, hier stehen. Sie können aus einigen Quellen lesen, dass die Worte die Kraft eines Imperativs haben: “Stehe hier.” Aber laut Dr. Peter Ziegler, bedeutender Wädenswiler Historiker, sollte hier stehen mit “hier stand” übersetzt werden.

Ich [Peter Ziegler] würde Hiestand als Spitznamen oder persönliche Merkmale in eine neue Kategorie einordnen: d.h. die Standhaften, wie: die Langen (Familie Lang), die Wüsten (Familie Wüst), die Kleinen (Familie Kurz), die Blassen (Familie Blass), die Reichen (Familie Reich), die Großen (Familie Gross), die Guten (Familie Gut) usw.

Vielleicht wurde einer unserer frühen Familien das Recht auf ein bestimmtes Stück Land gewährt, und dort stand die Familie, und zwar hartnäckig. Oder es könnte einfach bedeuten, dass sie nur sture Menschen waren, die dafür bekannt waren, hartnäckig Stellung zu beziehen. Aus der Geschichte der Region Wädenswil-Richterswil wissen wir, dass die Menschen dort für ihre Unabhängigkeit bekannt waren. Und ich nehme an, sie haben wahrscheinlich einige Hiestands (oder Hastons) gekannt, die bis ins Mark stur waren. Oder vielleicht stammt der Name aus einer Erfahrung im Kampf, einem Anlass oder einem Ruf mehrerer Gelegenheiten, bei denen sich die Familie mutig in einer edlen Verteidigungsanstrengung behauptete. Wir kennen die ursprüngliche Bedeutung des Namens Hiestand nicht genau, aber wir wissen, dass sie eine Familie gewesen sein muss, die dafür bekannt war, standhaft zu bleiben.

Das "t"-Ende auf Hiestand

Obwohl der Name im Allgemeinen mit einem “d” endet, endeten die in Deutschland geschriebenen Unterschriften von Henry Hiestands Söhnen, wie die von Petrus, in seiner Familienbibel eindeutig mit dem Konsonanten “t” – “Hiestandt”. Und auch eine deutsche Unterschrift unseres Daniel Hiestand/Haston aus dem Jahr 1777 scheint mit einem “t” zu enden. Selbst wenn englische Angestellte ihre englischsprachigen Schreibweisen auf den schweizerisch-deutschen Nachnamen setzten, hörten sie manchmal die Endung “t”, wenn Henrys Familienmitglieder ihre Namen aussprachen, ebenso wie die Person, die den Namen “Daniel Hasstont” für die Petition zur Schaffung von White County, Tennessee, im Jahr 1806 aufzeichnete.

Einige anglisierte alternative Schreibweisen in den Vereinigten Staaten

Abgesehen von der vorherigen Hinzufügung von “t” zum Namen für phonetische Zwecke ist die Schreibweise des Familiennamens seit mehr als sechs Jahrhunderten erstaunlich konsistent geblieben! Die H-i-e-s-t-a-n-d-Schreibweise von Heini Hiestands Nachnamen im Jahr 1401 wird noch heute von Schweizer Mitgliedern dieser Familie sowie von vielen, die nach Amerika und in andere Länder ausgewandert sind, verwendet.

Hiestand oder Heistand? Oft habe ich in den Vereinigten Staaten festgestellt, dass Menschen manchmal den Namen H-e-i-s-t-a-n-d schreiben, mit dem “e” vor dem “i”. Denken Sie an diese einfache Regel aus dem Englischunterricht: “i vor e, außer nach c.” Es ist H-i-e-s-t-a-n-d.

Als sich Hiestands jedoch unter englischsprachigen Familien in Amerika niederließen, verwandelte sich die Schreibweise des Familiennamens in eine Vielzahl von Schreibweisen. Hiestands, wie auch andere deutschsprachige Leute, waren im Allgemeinen für eine Generation oder vielleicht mehrere Generationen nach ihrer Ankunft in der Neuen Welt nicht englischsprachig. Folglich waren sie der Gnade englischer oder schottisch-irischer Beamter für die Schreibweise von “Hiestand” ausgeliefert. In einigen Fällen verwandelte sich der Name einfach, weil die Angestellten ihn so schrieben, wie sie ihn hörten, und die deutschen Sprecher konnten den Unterschied nicht erkennen, bis der englisch klingende Name zur gebräuchlichen Schreibweise wurde. In anderen Fällen entschieden sich deutschsprachige Familien absichtlich dafür, ihre Namen zu ändern, um besser in englischsprachige Gemeinschaften zu passen und sich vor der anti-deutschen Voreingenommenheit zu schützen, die oft bestand, nachdem sie sich von Pennsylvania und anderen Siedlungen mit großer deutschsprachiger Bevölkerung entfernt hatten.

Der H-A-S-T-O-N-Schreibfehler von Hiestand trat in mindestens drei offiziellen Aufzeichnungen auf, als die Familie des Schweizerdeutschen Henrich Hiestand im Shenandoah Valley im Norden Virginias lebte. Als Henrichs Sohn, Daniel Hiestand, nach Tennessee zog, scheint es, dass seine beiden ältesten Söhne (David und Joseph), die beide in der englischen Sprache lesen und schreiben konnten, sich dafür entschieden, die Haston-Schreibweise anzunehmen. Obwohl die Angestellten in Tennessee dazu neigten, bekanntere Namen für ihre Schreibweisen zu bevorzugen (wie Hasting, Hastin, Hastings, Hasten), schrieben David und Joseph Haston konsequent ihren Familiennamen H-A-S-T-O-N.

Als Mitglieder der Familie Tennessee Haston begannen, nach Westen zu ziehen, entschieden sich einige Zweige der Familie für alternative Schreibweisen, vor allem, weil sie über ihre europäischen Wurzeln verwirrt waren. Zum Beispiel dachten sie, dass die Familie aus England stammte und dachten, Hasting, Hastings oder Hastain seien korrekte Schreibweisen ihres Namens.

Der Familienname Hiestand - seine Aussprache

Im Allgemeinen sprechen Englischsprachige, die mit dem Namen Hiestand nicht vertraut sind, ihn falsch aus, was verständlich ist. Der wahrscheinlich häufigste Teil der falschen Aussprache ist der “ie” Diphthong, der auf “H” folgt.

Im Deutschen wird der Diphthong, dh im Allgemeinen wie “ee” im Englischen ausgesprochen, also hee-stand. Im Englischen wird ie manchmal wie “ee” ausgesprochen (wie in Mar ie, p ie ce, gr ie f) und manchmal wie ein langes “i” ausgesprochen (wie in tr ie s, fl ie r, cr ie d). Daher ist es kein Wunder, dass viele englischsprachige Menschen dazu neigen, den Namen als Hī-stand falsch auszusprechen.

Die richtige Art, Hiestand auszusprechen, ist, der deutschen Aussprache zu folgen – Hee-stand.

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 Unsere Schweizer Hiestand- Vorfahren im 15. Jahrhundert

Unsere Schweizer Hiestand-Vorfahren im 15. Jahrhundert

Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA)

(Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand)

Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand

Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am
17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022.

Englische Version dieses Artikels

Fast 100 Jahre vor 1492 – als “Kolumbus über den blauen Ozean segelte” – hatten wir Hiestand-Vorfahren im Kanton Zürich in der Schweiz, die Wald rodeten, die schönen Berghänge südlich des Zürichsees bewirtschafteten, Häuser und Scheunen bauten, die Hunderte von Jahren überdauerten, im Bibetsee (dem heutigen Hüttnersee) fischten, die Kirche besuchten und Gott verehrten. Einige ihrer Namen sind bekannt, ebenso die Orte, an denen sie lebten. Und in einigen Fällen wissen wir ein wenig über sie – was für Menschen sie waren und was sie mit ihrem Land gemacht haben.

Um 1500 n. Chr. breitete sich die Familie Hiestand den Berghang hinab in Richtung der Dörfer Wädenswil und Richterswil aus. Die gelben Punkte zeigen Grundstücke an, von denen wir wissen, dass sie im 15. Jahrhundert von Hiestands bewirtschaftet wurden. Die meisten Höfe dieser Familie lagen an einem der Pilgerwege, welche durch die Herrschaft der Johanniter nach dem Benediktinerkloster Einsiedeln führten. Nur die Schönau war abgelegen und konnte darum im 16. und 17. Jahrhundert zum „Nest der Täufer“ werden. Der wichtigste Pilgerweg führte vom Horgner Berg herkommend über Beichlen – Tanne – Egg – Fälmis – Blegi und Lölismühle Richtung Schindellegi. Dort überquerte er die Sihl und erreichte, durch die Voralpen aufsteigend, über Bennau und Schnabelsberg die Abtei „Unsere Liebe Frau von Einsiedeln“.

Versuchen Sie, “Blegi” auf dieser Karte zu finden – achten Sie auf die gelben Ortsnamen.  Im Jahr 1401 lebte Heini Hiestand dort.  Er ist der erste Mensch, von dem wir wissen, dass er “Hiestand” hieß.  Aber offensichtlich lebten dort schon Vorfahren mit dem Namen Hiestand, bevor Heini in einer Steuerliste mit diesem Nachnamen auftaucht.  Familiennamen wurden zu dieser Zeit gerade erst verwendet. 

Schauen Sie, ob Sie “Beichlen” und “Himmeri” auf der Karte finden können. In einem anderen Artikel werde ich Ihnen über Ueli Hiestand und seine Verbindung zu diesen beiden Höfen berichten. Aus den vorhandenen Aufzeichnungen (etwa 12), die ihn erwähnen, geht hervor, dass er zu seiner Zeit ein herausragender Bürger gewesen sein muss. 

Haben Sie Schönau gesehen? Es ist ein interessanter kleiner Ort, in dem einige unserer Vorfahren lebten. In den 1600er Jahren wurde er zu einem “Nest der Täufer”. Mehr darüber in einem späteren Artikel.

Und suchen Sie das Dorf Hütten. Einige unserer Schweizer Verwandten spielten dort eine wichtige Rolle beim Bau einer Kapelle im Jahre 1496.

Anmerkung: Sie wurde im Zuge der Reformation um 1600 in eine protestantische Kapelle umgewandelt.

Einige frühe Schweizer Hiestands nach den Autoren Schobinger, Egli und Kläui

Diese Autoren erwähnten einen Claus Hiestand, der im Dorf Feusisberg im Kanton Schwyz lebte.  Feusisberg lag etwa viereinhalb Kilometer südöstlich von Richterswil.  Wir konnten jedoch keine Originaldokumente finden, die den damaligen Aufenthaltsort eines Claus Hiestand bestätigen.

Die Kapelle von 1496 in Hütten

Wie Sie auf der obigen Karte sehen können, lebten viele Hiestands im15. Jahrhundert hoch oben auf den Berghängen oberhalb von Wädenswil und Richterswil, näher an Hütten als an den Dörfern am Seeufer. Um den Gottesdienst zu besuchen, musste der „Berg-Hiestand“ den steilen Hang hinunter nach Richterswil und dann wieder den beschwerlichen Heimweg antreten.

Jahr für Jahr ging es für die Hüttner Sonntag für Sonntag auf eine lange und oft beschwerliche Reise hinunter an den Zürichsee. Sie brachten ihre Kinder zur Taufe nach Richterswil und die Toten zu ihrer letzten Ruhestätte. Im Winter war der Kirchgang nach Richterswil besonders schwierig.«Die Hüttner kommen bei Wind und Wetter den zweistündigen Weg in die Kirche Richterswil, bleich und blau, schlotternd und müssen, wenn sie genugsam gefroren haben, wieder den gleichen weiten und beschwerlichen Weg hungrig zurück, wobei es oft später Abend wird.»

Der Bau einer eigenen Kapelle in Hütten sollte im Jahre 1496 Abhilfe schaffen. Es gab damals in Hütten genügend Familien, welche diese Idee unterstützten. Möglich wurde der Bau dank Geldspenden und Frondiensten ehrenhafter frommer Christen.

Kapelle-Rodel Hütten, 1496 Urkunde - Spender für das Projekt und die Einweihung der Kapelle

Einige Auszüge aus dem Dokument von 1496:

Im Jahre, als man tausendvierhundertsechsundneunzig [1496] Jahre nach Christi Geburt zählte, wurde diese Kapelle „zu den Hütten“ geweiht.

Die Johanniter-Priester sollen zum Ersten eine Messe singen zum Trost der Seelen und als Hilfe für alle verstorbenen Menschen. 
 

Danach soll eine Messe gesungen werden zu Ehren der Maria, der Mutter Gottes, als Trost und zur Fürbitte aller lebenden Wohltäter, die weiterhin Gutes tun sollen und daher glauben dürfen, dass ihnen der allmächtige Gott hier in dieser Welt ein gesegnetes Leben und nach diesem Leben das ewige Leben schenken möge. 
 

Die anderen Priester sollen an den Seitenaltären Messe lesen, ebenfalls im Gedenken an die Lebenden und die Toten.
 

Die Reliquien der Schutzheiligen dieser Kirche sind in den Altar gelegt worden.
 

Der Hauptaltar im Chor ist geweiht zu Ehren des heiligen Jakobus (St. Jakob), des Kirchenpatrons, sowie Johannes dem Täufer und den zehntausend Rittern.

Einige Hiestands aus dem Gebiet von Hütten
haben massgeblich zum Kapellenbau beigetragen:

Ruedi Hiestand, der Tusam („der Bedrückte“) genannt wird, und Elsi Höfliger, die Frau von Ueli Wymann, die den Grundstein für die Kapelle legten, waren Gotte und Gotti, und beide haben schon einmal zwanzig Pfund Haller [geprägt in Halle] an diesen Bau gespendet.

Anmerkung: Es war eine Ehre, dass sie als Pate und Patin für dieses Projekt ausgewählt wurden. Es war auch ein Dankeschön dafür, dass sie 20 Pfund Haller (in Halle geprägtes Geld) für den Bau der Kapelle gespendet hatten, was wahrscheinlich der höchste Betrag war.

Hans Hiestand hat zehn Schilling gegeben, lastend auf dem Gut zu den Berghüseren (Bergli), seinem Wohnsitz.

Ruotsch Hiestand aus der Lölismühle [heute Neumühle, Wollerau] hat als Beitrag an die Jahrzeit kostenlos alle Holzladen gesägt.

Zudem hat Hans Hiestand junior zehn Schillinge gegeben für sich und Anna Hiestand und für alle verstorbenen Mitglieder der Familie Hiestand.

Und denken Sie daran - all das geschah im 15. Jahrhundert nach Christus.

Die Kapelle Hütten wurde für die Katholiken erstellt, aber 1604, als verspätete Folge der Reformation, in eine reformierte Kirche umgewandelt.

In 1519 begann in der Stadt Zürich die Reformation. Im Jahr 1523 bekannte sich der Richterswiler Pfarrer Gregor Lüthi zur Reformation von Huldrych Zwingli. Sechs Jahre später folgte die Mehrheit der Kirchgenossen seinem Entscheid. Am 12. Mai erschienen Hans Wirz, der Verwalter der Johanniterkomturei Wädenswil, und Heinrich Eschmann als Abgeordneter der Richterswiler vor Bürgermeister und Rat der Stadt Zürich. Sie berichteten, dass die Kirchgenossen in einer Gemeindeversammlung beschlossen hätten, zum neuen, reformierten Glauben überzutreten. In Richterswil seien die Heiligen und Bilder bereits entfernt worden. Die St. Jakobskapelle in Hütten wurde noch von beiden Konfessionen genutzt und die drei Altäre standen noch bis 1604, allerdings verhüllt. Dann wurden sie abgerissen. Man baute eine Kanzel und ersetzte die Kniebänke durch Sitzbänke. Diese verspätete Reformation in Hütten lässt sich mit der Kapelle erklären, die erst 20 Jahre vor der Reformation gebaut wurde. Viele Nachkommen gedachten noch jedes Jahr ihrer verstorbenen Vorfahren, den Spendern und Fronarbeiter.

Diese Kapelle wurde von den Katholiken während des Ersten Villmergerkriegs zerstört (1656).

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Swiss Hiestands in the 1400s

Our Swiss Hiestand Ancestors in the 1400s

Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors

(Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand)

"Early Swiss Hiestands" Series

German Version of this Article

Nearly 100 years before 1492–when “Columbus sailed the ocean blue”–we had Hiestand ancestors in Canton Zürich, Switzerland who were clearing forests, farming on the beautiful mountain slopes south of Lake Zürich, building houses and barns that lasted 100s of years, fishing in the Bibetsee (now, Hüttenersee), and attending church and worshiping God.  Some of their names are known, as well as where they lived.  And in some cases, we know a little bit about them–the kind of people they were and some of their land transactions.

Around 1500 AD, the Hiestand family spread down the mountainside towards the villages of Wädenswil and Richterswil. The yellow dots indicate properties that we know were farmed by Hiestands in the 15th century. Most of the Hiestand farms were located on one of the pilgrimage routes that led through the rule of the Johanniter to the famous Catholic Benedictine monastery in Einsiedeln. Only the Schönau was remote and could therefore become a “Nest of the Anabaptists” in the 16th and 17th centuries. The most important pilgrimage route led from Horgner Berg via Beichlen – Tanne – Egg – Fälmis – Blegi and Lölismühle towards Schindellegi. There Catholic pilgrims crossed the Sihl and, ascending through the foothills of the Alps, reached the abbey “Our Lady of Einsiedeln” via Bennau and Schnabelsberg.

See if you can find Fälmis on this map–look at the yellow place names.  In 1401, Heini Hiestand may have lived there or very near there.  He’s the first person we know of who was named “Hiestand.”  But obviously, we had pre-Hiestand-named ancestors living there before Heini appeared on a tax list with the Hiestand surname.  Family names were just beginning to be used at that time.   

See if you can find Beichlen and Himmeri on the map.  In another article, I’ll tell you about Ueli Hiestand and his connection to these two farms.  Apparently, from the existing records (about 12 of them) that mention him, he must have been an outstanding citizen in his day.  I’ve dedicated an entire article to Ueli Hiestand.

Do you see Schönau?  It’s an interesting little place, where some of our ancestors lived.  It became a “nest of Anabaptists” in the 1600s.   More about that in a later article.

And look for the village of Hütten.  Some of our Swiss relatives played some important roles in building a chapel there in 1496. 
Note: It was converted into a Protestant chapel in the course of the Reformation around 1600.

Some Early Swiss Hiestands According to Authors Schobinger, Egli, and Kläus

These authors mentioned a Claus Hiestand who lived in the village of Feusisberg of Canton Schwyz.  Feusisberg was approximately two and a half miles (4.5 kilometers) southeast of Richterswil.  But we have not been able to find any original documents to confirm the location of a Claus Hiestand there at that time.

English translation: Hiestand «Hieschtand» ♣ Hütten, Richterswil, Schönenberg, Wädenswil ♦ Heini Hiestand 1401 Wädenwil area – Claus Hiestand 1401 Wollerau/Feuisberg SZ – Ulin Hiestand / Rudi Hiestand 1432 Richterswil – Uli Hiestand am Wädenswiler Berg receives the farm in 1448 Bennkli (Beichlen) to fiefdom – Claus Hiestand (and) sin wib 1455 huts – Uely Hiestand (and) sin wip 1455 Waedenswilerberg. ♠ Set name, mhd. hie constant! «it says here!», request to a restless person.

mhd = Middle High German

The 1496 Chapel at Hütten

As you can see on the map above, many of the 15th Century Hiestands lived high on the mountain slopes above Wädenswil and Richterswil, closer to Hütten than to the lakeshore villages.  In order to attend church, the “mountain Hiestands” had to go down the steep slope to one of the lakeshore village churches, then make the difficult uphill journey back home later the same day.  

Year in and year out, people [Hüttners] went down to Lake Zurich on a long and often arduous journey Sunday after Sunday. They brought their children to Richterswil for baptism and the dead to their final resting place. In winter, going to church to Richterswil was particularly difficult. “Whatever the weather, the Hüttener make the two-hour walk to the Richterswil church, pale and blue, shivering and when they have frozen enough they have to have to go back hungry the same long and arduous way, and it is often late in the evening."

The construction of a separate chapel in Hütten was intended to provide relief in 1496. There were enough families in Hütten at that time who supported this idea. The construction was made possible thanks to donations of money and the services of honorable pious Christians, including several Hiestands.

Kapelle-Rodel Hütten, 1496 Document - Consecration of the Chapel and Donors to the Project

Some excerpts from the 1496 document:

In the year counted one thousand four hundred and ninety-six [1496] years after the birth of Christ, this chapel “to the huts [Hütten]” was consecrated.
 

 

The St. John’s priests shall first sing a mass for the consolation of souls and as a help for all deceased people.
 
Afterwards, a Mass shall be sung in honor of Mary, the Mother of God, for the consolation and intercession of all living benefactors, who shall continue to do good and may therefore believe that Almighty God may grant them a blessed life here in this world and eternal life after this life.
 
The other priests are to say Mass at the side altars, also in memory of the living and the dead.
 
The relics of the patron saints of this church have been placed in the altar.
 
The main altar in the choir is consecrated in honor of St. James (St. James), the church patron, as well as John the Baptist and the Ten Thousand Knights.

Some Hütten-area Hiestands made
significant contributions to the chapel construction:

Ruedi Hiestand, called Tusam (“the oppressed one”), and Elsi Höfliger, the wife of Ueli Wymann, who laid the foundation stone for the chapel, were Gotte and Gotti, and both have already donated twenty pounds of Haller [coined in Halle] to this construction.

 

Note: It was an honor that they were chosen as godfather and godmother for this project. It was also a thank you for donating twenty pounds of Haller (money minted in Halle) to the construction of the chapel, which was probably the highest amount.

Hans Hiestand gave ten shillings, encumbering the estate zu den Berghüseren (Bergli), his residence.

Ruotsch Hiestand from the Lölismühle [today Neumühle, Wollerau] sawed all the wooden shutters free of charge as a contribution to the Jahrzeit.

In addition, Hans Hiestand junior gave ten shillings for himself and Anna Hiestand and for all deceased members of the Hiestand family.

Keep in mind - all of the above happened in the 1400s A.D.

The Hütten chapel was built for the Catholics, but in 1604, as a belated consequence of the Reformation,
it was converted into a Reformed church.

In1519 the Reformation began in the city of Zurich. In 1523, the pastor of Richterswil, Gregor Lüthi, professed the Reformation of Huldrych Zwingli. Six years later, the majority of the church members followed his decision. On May 12, Hans Wirz, the administrator of the Johanniterkomturei Wädenswil, and Heinrich Eschmann appeared as deputies of the Richterswilers before the mayor and council of the city of Zurich. They reported that the church members had decided in a community meeting to convert to the new, Reformed faith. In Richterswil, the saints and images had already been removed. The St. Jacob’s Chapel in Hütten was still used by both denominations and the three altars were still standing until 1604, but covered. Then they were torn down. A pulpit was built and the kneeling benches were replaced by pews. This late reformation in Hütten can be explained by the chapel, which was built only 20 years before the reformation. Many descendants still commemorated their deceased ancestors, donors and front workers every year.

This chapel was destroyed by Catholics during the First Villmerger War (1656). 

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Have Mennonite or Amish Roots? – Participate in this DNA Research Project

First Cousin – Or, First Cousin Once-Removed

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Cousins or First Cousins-Once Removed

What's the Difference?

A cousin at any distance or level in your family tree is truly your “cousin.”  One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about working with Haston family research is getting to know so many cousins.  And even though I may never have met him or her in person, there is something special about calling him or her “cousin“–knowing that somewhere back up our Hiestand/Haston family lines we have a common ancestor and that makes us a part of the same big Family.  

But genealogically, we can distinguish our degree of cousin-ness by a standard family relationship language.

First, Second, Third, Fourth Cousin, etc.

The starting point is to determine your most recent common ancestor.
That’s MRCA in genealogical terms.

The number associated with your cousin has to do with how many generations away your common ancestor is. For example:

  1. First cousins share a grandparent 
  2. Second cousins share a great-grandparent 
  3. Third cousins share a great-great-grandparent
  4. Fourth cousins share a 3rd-great grandparent 

Here’s a real-life example from a couple of my related families that are special to me:

My Haston grandfather was Charles Beason Haston.  My father, Boyd Haston, was his youngest son.  Edna Haston was my father’s oldest sister.  She married Byron Moss, so she was Edna Haston Moss.  Her oldest son was Arnold Moss.  So Arnold and I shared a grandparentCharles Beason HastonArnold and I were first cousins.

Charles Beason Haston, my paternal grandfather, was the son of Charles Thomas Haston.  One of my grandfather’s sisters was Ida Ora Haston.  She married James Monroe Passons, whose son was known as J.M. Passons. So, my dad and J.M. Passons were first cousins–they shared the same grandfather.

J.M. Passons had four sons, but I’ll just use Bobby for this example.  Bobby Passons and I shared the same great-grandparent, Charles Thomas Haston.  So, Bobby Passons and I were second cousins.

The Key = First cousins share the same grandparents!

First Cousin-Once-Removed, etc.

Probably like you, I’ve occasionally heard the words “first cousin-once-removed” etc. throughout my lifetime, but never knew what it meant.  So, I finally stopped to try to figure it out.  It’s really quite simple once you wrap your brain around it and re-train it to think.

Again, the starting point is to determine your most recent common ancestor–your MRCA.

To be “once removed” from a cousin means you are separated by one generation (one level in the family tree chart). 
Let’s go back to my first cousin example, from above.

My Haston grandfather was Charles Beason Haston.  My father, Boyd Haston, was his youngest son.  Edna Haston was my father’s oldest sister.  She married Byron Moss, so she was Edna Haston Moss.  Her oldest son was Arnold Moss.  So Arnold and I shared a grandparentCharles Beason HastonArnold and I were first cousins.

Arnold (& Evelyn) had five children, Kaye, Steve, Jimmy, Nancy, and Richard.  We were very close growing up, so I assumed we were first cousins.  But I learned later that, genealogically, we are first cousins-once-removed.  Here’s what that looks like on a family tree chart.

Arnold and I were in the same generation, that is the same level in the family tree chart.  Kaye, Steve, Jimmy, Nancy, Richard, and I are separated by one generation, that is we are one level removed in the family tree chart.  We are first cousins-once-removed.

Their children are two levels (generations) removed from me so they are first cousins-twice-removed.

It’s much simpler when you see it on paper, rather than trying to figure it out in your head.  So sketch it out on paper, especially for the greater relational distances.

 

Try it now, see if you can identify a few of your once-removed and twice-removed first cousins.

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A Forbes Legend – Stephen Mathai-Davis (Descendant of Daniel Haston)

Stephen Mathai-Davis - "A Forbes Legend"

Descendant of Daniel Haston through His Son, Jeremiah Haston

On Friday afternoon, July 22, 2022, just shortly before our Daniel Haston Family Reunion officially began, Claire Aufrance received a phone call telling her that her beloved cousin, Stephen Mathai-Davis, had passed away suddenly and completely unexpectedly.  Claire and her family were eating dinner at a restaurant near the reunion site when she received the call telling her of the death of her beloved cousin.  She was scheduled to lead the opening activity at the reunion just a couple hours or so later, but she found the strength to lead the activity in spite of the deep hurt in her heart.  Thanks, Claire, for sharing your brilliant cousin’s story with us.  We are proud to say that he was our cousin too, even though we never knew him personally.  The stories you shared with me about your growing-up times with Stephen are truly heart warming.  “Dear Lord, please help Stephen’s young widow and children through the grief they are now experiencing. Amen.”

Stephen's Lineage to Henrich Hiestand and Daniel Hiestand/Haston

Henrich Hiestand > Daniel Hiestand/Haston > Jeremiah Haston > John Wesley Haston > Eudoxia Eglantine Haston > Walter Ellis Davis > Wallace Martin Davis > Wallace Mathai-Davis > Stephen Mathai-Davis

Click on the button below to read the obituary.

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Timeline of Our Blog Articles

Timeline of Our Blog Articles

Some of the main topics included in the blog focus on the history of the Daniel Haston family, honoring earlier Haston family researchers and other notable Hastons, announcing events of significance to members of the Daniel Haston Family and related families, and miscellaneous topics.

February 1 2025
Another Widowed Haston Woman – to Yell County, AR Links will be activated when the posts are written and published. Introduction to Yell County, AR and the Tennessee Hastons Who Moved There Wiley B. and Mary Durham Haston G.M. “Doc” and Margaret Haston Shepherd Malinda Haston Howard, Widow of William Howard Amanda Haston Dale, WidowContinue
January 25 2025
Widow Malinda, Moved Her Family to Yell County, Arkansasd Links will be activated when the posts are written and published. Introduction to Yell County, AR and the Tennessee Hastons Who Moved There Wiley B. and Mary Durham Haston G.M. “Doc” and Margaret Haston Shepherd Malinda Haston Howard, Widow of William Howard Amanda Haston Dale, WidowContinue
January 18 2025
G.M. “Doc” and Margaret Ann Haston Shepherd Links will be activated when the posts are written and published. Introduction to Yell County, AR and the Tennessee Hastons Who Moved There Wiley B. and Mary Durham Haston G.M. “Doc” and Margaret Haston Shepherd Malinda Haston Howard, Widow of William Howard Amanda Haston Dale, Widow of WilliamContinue
January 10 2025
Did Sparta, TN Almost Become the Capital of Tennessee? All of us old-timers who grew up in White County, Tennessee, have heard the story about Sparta coming one vote short of becoming the capital of Tennessee.  The story usually goes on to say that the needed vote was “sold” for a drink of whiskey.  Well,Continue
December 28 2024
Every Family Has Stories – Share One of Yours With Us What Kinds of Stories?  Meritorious Military service  Outstanding achievements Unusual events Victims of major crime Historical backgrounds  Humorous happenings Incidents of significant bravery  Mysterious event Unique family lore passed down in your family Genealogical questions that have perplexed your family  Other type of storyContinue
December 18 2024
Hanna Has the Haston Leadership-DNA Hannah Haston, daughter of David and Laura Haston of Dandridge, TN, is a Junior at the University of Tennessee studying Business Management on a Marketing Track with a collateral in Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness. In addition to this, she is pursuing a minor in Political Science with the intention ofContinue
December 18 2024
Minnie Pearl’s Grandmother Taught at the (Old) Union School In Southern White County, TN Where Hastons & Related Family Members Attended School The only name we have of those who taught in that old house [original log building used by Union School in Hickory Valley of southern White County, TN] is that of Miss EmmaContinue
December 14 2024
First-Known Hastons to Arkansas Links will be activated when the posts are written and published. Introduction to Yell County, AR and the Tennessee Hastons Who Moved There Wiley B. and Mary Durham Haston G.M. “Doc” and Margaret Haston Shepherd Malinda Haston Howard, Widow of William Howard Amanda Haston Dale, Widow of William Leonard Dale JamesContinue
December 4 2024
Yell County, Arkansas – A “Haston Place” Yell County is Arkansas’s 42nd county, formed on December 5, 1840, from portions of Scott and Pope counties. Yell County, Arkansas – Wikipedia Why Yell County, Arkansas? Why did so many descendants of Daniel Haston from the Tennessee Haston Homeland move to Yell County, Arkansas, between 1850 andContinue
November 30 2024
“Consider the Years of Many Generations; Ask…Your Elders” In the Bible, the nation of Israel repeatedly lapsed into immorality and social chaos.  Why?  It was largely because the people lost contact with the past.  They became so focused on the “now” that they neglected to learn about the past.  They failed to ASK their parentsContinue
November 13 2024
The Wiley B. Haston Penney Image Source: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/the-battle-of-perryville-death-on-a-dry-river/ View a 10 Minutes Animated Overview of the Battle of Perryville Email from Hoyte Cook, August 16, 2024. James Alford and Livinia Haston family, highlighting the two Perryville, KY Battle (Civil War) sons, Wiley B. and John Taylor Haston. Article 15      I closed last week while inContinue
November 9 2024
We Can Help You Have a Memorable Haston Family Reunion Would you like to have a Haston Family Reunion in your area– a reunion for your branch of the Haston and Haston-related families? Wayne will come and give some presentations on Haston family history.  You will be able to ask your questions about our family’s history.Continue
November 2 2024
How You Can Become a Member of the DAR or SAR You must join as “Daniel Haston – a Patriot,” not as “Daniel Haston – a Veteran.” What’s the difference?  Read on. Sons of the American Revolution Since 1889, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) has honored our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promotingContinue
October 26 2024
From Cradle to the Prison Graveyard – How He Got There Luther Haston – The Beginning and the End, Part 1 Luther Haston – Life Between the Beginning and End, Part 2 The “Dash” Between Luther Haston’s Birth and Death Dates March 7, 1900 – September 9, 1938 What was in the “DASH” of hisContinue
October 12 2024
What’s a Haston Doing in a Place Like This? In this post, I will tell you the story of the Beginning and End of his earthly life. In the following post, I will tell you the story of the “DASH” between the beginning and the end. Luther Haston – The Beginning and the End, PartContinue
October 12 2024
Now Available on Amazon.com Search for “Daniel Haston Books” If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might also enjoy it. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print
October 4 2024
Civil War Sharpshooters – Jesse, Jr. and Isaac Haston Sons of Jesse Haston, Sr. & Grandsons of Daniel Haston You may have read the story of William A. Haston, who served in the Mexican War.  If so, you will recall that he was a son of Jesse Haston, Daniel’s son.  Well, two of his brothersContinue
September 27 2024
Video Presentation – Daniel Haston’s Family Tree Wayne Haston presents the first-generation Daniel Haston Family Tree, with information on each of the nine known children of Daniel Haston, plus one other very important descendant. The presentation was given in the July 2024 All-Hastons Family Reunion. Download a Presentation Handout for Taking Notes View the VideoContinue
September 13 2024
The Heritage, Life, and Legacy of Daniel Hiestand/Haston The 2022-2027 Hiestand/Haston Family History Books Project The Story That Led to This Project I began researching my Haston family in the fall of 1999. It started as a simple attempt to satisfy my curiosity, but it soon became a hobby, sometimes an obsessive one.  I startedContinue
September 6 2024
Video Presentation – Haston History, 600+ Years in 60 Minutes Wayne Haston traces our Hiestand-Haston history from Switzerland, beginning in 1401 when the family name first appeared in an official document. Download the Presentation Handout for Taking Notes View the Presentation – 600+ Years of Hiestand-Haston History in 60 Minutes If you appreciated this presentation,Continue
August 31 2024
The Post-WWII Life of Horace “Ace” Haston Part 1 – From High School Into WW2 Part 2 – Role of Belly Turrent Gunner Part 3 – The Critical Battle of Morotai Part 4 – Post-War Life Back in Tennessee Post-War Life of Horace Haston as Told by Daughter, Alice Haston Norton When the war wasContinue
August 24 2024
“Ace” Haston Opens Up About His Experiences as a B-24 Belly Gunner Part 1 – From High School Into WW2 Part 2 – Role of Belly Turrent Gunner Part 3 – The Critical Battle of Morotai Part 4 – Post-War Life Back in Tennessee His Story as Told by Daughter, Alice Haston Norton Dad andContinue
August 11 2024
The “Ace” on a WWII Heavy Bomber Crew for 13 Missions Part 1 – From High School Into WW2 Part 2 – Role of Belly Turrent Gunner Part 3 – The Critical Battle of Morotai Part 4 – Post-War Life Back in Tennessee His Story as Told by Daughter, Alice Haston Norton Horace “Ace” Haston,Continue
August 2 2024
The “Ace” on a WW II Heavy Bomber Crew for 13 Missions Horace H. Haston:  December 4, 1925 – April 15, 2020 He was a student at Central High School in Chattanooga, TN when the attack on Pearl Harbor happened.  He told me, “Everybody was so patriotic, and were all so mad.”  In 1944 heContinue
July 4 2024
Two Reunion Interest Centers – Old Family Photos & Heirlooms These treasures will be labeled and placed on interest center tables.  We have learned that these old family photos and heirlooms are some of the most attention-getting features of a family reunion.  During some of the main “Mix and Mingle” sessions, you may want toContinue
June 27 2024
John E. Haston Families – Bledsoe County, TN Reconnected to Tennessee Pioneer Daniel Haston This may be (but not for sure) the grave of John E. Haston, in a line with his grandson or great-grandson? Howard T., daughter Dora, and wife Mary E., in the Seals Cemetery on the Cumberland Mountain in Bledsoe County, TN).Continue
June 15 2024
New Release – Book 1 of a 4-Part Series The Heritage of Daniel Haston – His Swiss Ancestors and the Experiences that Drove His Father to America Book 1 (Heritage) of a 4 part series – The Heritage, Life, and Legacy of Daniel Haston My 2022 book, The Story of the Daniel Haston Family, wasContinue
May 25 2024
In Baumholder, Germany Edward Earl Haston 1932 – 2002 Obituary Grave Rank and Branch of Military Corporal, Army Years of Service 1951 – 1954 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Baumholder, Germany Wartime Theaters of Assignment and Major Battles Korean War Relationship to the Daniel Haston Family Descended through David Haston, Daniel’s son Other InformationContinue
May 25 2024
1915 – 2000 Dr. Fred Marion Haston, Sr. Rank and Branch of Military Army Air Corps – Captain (perhaps Major prior to discharge) We know he was a Captain for sure (can see his Captain’s bars on his picture).  I think he may have been promoted to Major prior to being discharged because I foundContinue
May 25 2024
From Atheist-Alcoholic-Addict-& Suicidal to the Light I’m proud to call Skip my first cousin once removed – his mother was Mary Ruth Haston, my first cousin, and my Mom’s best friend in their growing up years. I encourage you to listen to Skip’s inspiring story. -Wayne Haston Skip Ockomon, a former firefighter, shares his personalContinue
May 3 2024
Part 3 – In Search of a Bootlegging Cop Killer Part 1 – The Shooting Death Part 2 – The Shooter, Ernest Price Part 3 – The Search for Ernest Price One of Daniel Haston’s G-G-G Granddaughters played a major role in the post-shooting drama. I will tell you some things about what happened toContinue
April 26 2024
Part 2 – The Man Behind the Trigger on April 23, 2024 Part 1 – The Shooting Death Part 2 – The Shooter, Ernest Price Part 3 – The Search for Ernest Price One of Daniel Haston’s G-G-G Granddaughters played a major role in the post-shooting drama. In Part 3, I will tell you someContinue
April 19 2024
Part 1 – Deadly Encounter With Bootleggers in White County, TN Part 1 – The Shooting Death Part 2 – The Shooter, Ernest Price Part 3 – The Search for Ernest Price One of Daniel Haston’s G-G-G Granddaughters played a major role in the post-shooting drama. 100 Years Ago – A White County, TN MurderContinue
April 17 2024
The Site That Became Spencer, TN Baptismal pool at the town spring in Spencer, TN in about 1915-17. The woman is Inez Woodlee Isom. -Photo provided by Marr Temples Original Name of the Site that Became Spencer, Tennessee On Monday, April 6, 1840, Van Buren County Court met for the first time.  At that time, noContinue
April 13 2024
A Special Day Honoring Our Cousin, Max Haston I wish every Haston-related man, woman, boy & girl in the USA could have been present today. It would have made you (and them) proud to be a part of this wonderful family. Boyhood Beginnings ROTC to Major General TN Adjutant General Armory Dedication If you appreciatedContinue
April 12 2024
230-Plus Events in the Life of David Haston, Phase 3 Pre-Marriage Life Early Marriage in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years Pre-Marriage Life Early Marriage in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years If you appreciated this article, please share it with others whoContinue
April 12 2024
Joseph Haston Family Timeline Another Article of Interest to Descendants of Joseph Haston Some Key Events in the Life and Family of Joseph Haston – Daniel Haston’s 2nd Son The 75+ Events Timeline If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might also enjoy it. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Order CopiesContinue
April 12 2024
Murder by Shotgun Blasts in the Face & the Back Then Beaten in the Head with the Stock of the Shotgun My first cousin once removed whom I never met and never knew existed until 80+ years after he was murdered. The Haston Lineage of Charles Gordon Haston It’s ironic that people who knew GordonContinue
March 30 2024
40 Years of Service to Our Country & the State of Tennessee And Max Has Made a Significant Contribution to the “Haston” Name “He made a difference and he went out making a difference.” Boyhood Beginnings ROTC to Major General TN Adjutant General Armory Dedication If you want to know more about Max–his leadership philosophyContinue
March 27 2024
Max’s Development as Military Leader Boyhood Beginnings ROTC to Major General TN Adjutant General Armory Dedication MTSU Forrest Raiders, Military Ball, 1978-79 (Max is front row, far right.) MTSU ROTC Cadets Max Haston and Mark Ferrell,1977-78 Middle TN State University Commissioning Service MTSU Commissioning with Parents and Wife, Anne LT Haston, Platoon Leader, Fort Hood,Continue
March 14 2024
Congratulations, Max! Thank You For Your Service. This new National Guard Armory near McMinnville, TN will be dedicated to honor our cousin, Major General (retired) Max Haston. “It takes the sun and the stars to align just right to get an armory.” -A Max Haston “Maxism” From the time the process began, it took moreContinue
March 8 2024
230-Plus Events in the Life of David Haston, Phase 4 Pre-Marriage Life Early Marriage in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years David Haston’s Estate Sale – July 2, 1860, Recorded in Court I.T. Haston admin of David Haston A sale bill of the personal property sold by me asContinue
March 8 2024
David Haston – Passing His Land to the Next Generation With Links to Other David Haston Stories David Haston purchased two 50 acre tracts, then inherited another 50 acres from his father, Daniel. Later, Davis acquired two more tracts of land. David Haston Stories David Haston – Timeline of His Life David Haston Marries aContinue
March 7 2024
David Haston – First Owner of Spencer, TN Town Lot #44 And Six More David Haston was the first owner of Spencer, TN town lots #44 & 45. He sold Lot #44 to the Church of Christ in 1853. Van Buren County, Tennessee was formed early in 1840. During the September 1841 term of theContinue
March 6 2024
The Boyhood Beginnings of an Army Major General Baby Max with parents, Jerry Dean and Bettye Claire Woodlee Haston Boyhood Beginnings ROTC to Major General TN Adjutant General Armory Dedication Ancestral Line Back to Henry Hiestand, Immigrant Ancestor I strongly encourage you to view the obituaries of Max’s parents and be sure to watch theContinue
March 2 2024
A River of Importance to the Early Daniel Haston Family Arthur Weir Crouch, Author TN State Library & Archives (TSLA) Accession #’s 73-88 and Library of Congress # MS 69-1891 Go to the Book Balsam Range performing ‘Caney Fork River‘ in Studio B on September 25, 2015 If you like good blue grass music, IContinue
February 23 2024
Three Counties in Middle Tennessee – The Haston Homeland People often ask me a question like this, “My Haston great-grandfather came from White (or Warren, or Van Buren) County, TN, are we related?” My immediate response, without asking any questions: “Yes, definitely.” In fact, the odds are very good if you have “Haston” in your ancestry,Continue
February 17 2024
Bringing Together Haston Kinfolk from All Over the USA Some of Daniel Haston’s descendants morphed the name into Hastain, Hastin, Hasting, Hastings, and other variant spellings, but he (Daniel Haston) is our first generation-to-America ancestor. In July 2022 the first-ever Daniel Haston All-USA Family Reunion was held in the “Haston Homeland” (Southern White County, TN). Continue
January 31 2024
Stabbed 22 Times With a Screwdriver My “Uncle Arthur” and “Aunt Grace” (Haston) Rittenour Aunt Grace was one of my father’s (Boyd Haston’s) sisters.  Because she and Uncle Arthur lived in Akron, Ohio and our family remained in Tennessee, I never knew them as well as I wanted.  But my memories of her are special–sheContinue
January 27 2024
Help Your Children and Grandchildren Learn to Love Their Family’s History Part 3 – “Five More Tips” will be posted next week.  Stay tuned! Part 1 – Getting Children Interested Part 2 – Five Tips Part 3 – Five More Tips For children, genealogy can be just as incredible a way to find meaning andContinue
January 12 2024
Getting Them Started Early to Appreciate Family History Part 3 – “Five More Tips” will be posted next week.  Stay tuned! Part 1 – Getting Children Interested Part 2 – Five Tips Part 3 – Five More Tips How many times have I heard adults who are interested in their family’s history say, “My kidsContinue
January 6 2024
The Daniel Haston Family – Pioneer Tennessee Settlers More Than a Decade Before Tennessee Became a State Daniel Haston was truly an American pioneer in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, East Tennessee, but even more so in what became Middle Tennessee–White County in particular. Wayne Haston Daniel Haston and his family were American pioneers, inContinue
December 30 2023
Brothers 1940 – 2023 Gary Gene Duncan Rank and Branch of Military E-3, United States Marine Corps Years of Service 1958 – 1962 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Camp Pendleton, & Barstow CA, Okinawa, Japan Relationship to the Daniel Haston Family Descended through Isaac Haston/Hastings – Son of Daniel Haston Other Information About theContinue
December 14 2023
100 Years Ago – Status of Middle Tennessee Counties Politically, Tennessee is divided into three Grand Divisions–East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee.  The counties of East Tennessee are Anderston, Bledsoe, Blount, Bradley, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Polk, Rhea,Continue
December 6 2023
230-Plus Events in the Life of David Haston, Phase 3 Links will be activated one per week – Van Buren County Years will be activated soon. Pre-Married Life Early Married Life in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years If you appreciated this article, please share it with others whoContinue
December 3 2023
Bert Kaempfert on a Historic Swiss Hiestand Farm If you were listening to popular music in the 1960s-1970s, you may not remember his name, but you will remember his music–Bert Kaempfert.  Mr. Kaempfert was not one of our Hiestand relatives, but at the height of his success and fame, he was living and composing musicContinue
December 2 2023
Charles Lynn Haston, Sr. From a White County, TN Farm to a Leader in Tennessee Higher Education From a White County, TN farming family to a Vice President of Middle Tennessee State University and other leadership roles in Tennessee higher education, Lynn Haston has lived a very full and productive life.  Beginning as a seven-year-oldContinue
November 24 2023
Is the Information on this Historical Marker correct? Was John White the First Settler of White County, TN? And Was White County, TN Named to Honor Him? The most common tradition is that the county was named for John White, a Revolutionary War veteran from Virginia and an early settler in White County.  Monroe Seals,Continue
November 10 2023
The Story of the Daniel Haston Family Visualized Telling Our Haston Family Story – From Bottom to Top Our Daniel Haston family story is rather simple.  It can be told in four steps, and clarified with a bit of explanation at each step. First – Our European roots are in Switzerland.  Our original family nameContinue
October 28 2023
Clues to the Identity of Daniel Haston’s Mother A Centuries-Old Mystery The family of Henrich Hiestand has been thoroughly researched for many years, but the identity of his wife has never been conclusively determined.  However, if you dig very deeply into Henrich Hiestand family research you will find that there has been no lack ofContinue
October 20 2023
Samuel Haston – A Lost Son of Daniel Haston? Daniel Haston’s grandson, William Carroll Haston, said his grandfather had 13 children.  Whether or not that was accurate, I do not know.  Even if it was accurate, how many of those children lived to become adults–old enough to appear in public records?  There are nine childrenContinue
October 14 2023
Our First Daniel Haston Family Association Regional Reunion Portland, Oregon Our first Daniel Haston Family Association-sponsored regional (mini) reunion was held in Portland, Oregon on Friday evening, September 29, and all day Saturday, September 30.  The Friday evening event was very informal, with snacks, coffee, etc.  For nearly four hours, the place was buzzing withContinue
October 6 2023
For $10 You Can Virtually Experience Our European Heritage Tour Hiestand-Haston 2023 Heritage Tour to Switzerland and Rhineland Germany Order the Book This is an illustrated journal from the June 14-26, 2023, Heritage Tour led by Lemar and Lois Ann Mast.  Join the group of 29 persons as they walked the streets of their ancestorsContinue
September 22 2023
The Civil War Divided the Haston Family in Missouri Battle of Wilson’s Creek The August 10, 1861 Battle of Wilson’s Creek was the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River.  It was fought just a few miles southwest of Springfield in Greene County, Missouri.  Fortunately for Isaac Haston and most of hisContinue
September 9 2023
230-Plus Events in the Life of David Haston, Phase 1 Pre-Marriage Life Early Marriage in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years Pre-Marriage Life Early Marriage in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years If you appreciated this article, please share it with others whoContinue
September 9 2023
230-Plus Events in the Life of David Haston, Phase 2 Pre-Marriage Life Early Marriage in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years Pre-Marriage Life Early Marriage in Knox County, TN White County, TN Years Van Buren County, TN Years If you appreciated this article, please share it with others whoContinue
September 8 2023
Meeting Our Cousins in & from the Pacific Northwest As Well as Others from Around the USA Sharon and Wayne Haston Contact Carol Haston for information and to register: CarolHaston@gmail.com Descendants of Daniel Haston spread all throughout the United States.  Many of them moved into the Pacific Northwest.  As the Family dispersed, unfortunately, branches ofContinue
September 8 2023
Daniel Haston’s GG Grand Niece and Nephew Make Amazing Discovery Indiana’s Most Visited Natural Attraction! Marengo Cave text from www.marengocave.com/ Marengo, Indiana The two kids were Hiestands, from the very same family as Daniel Hiestand/Haston–his great-great-grandniece and nephew! For more of the story about Blanche and Orris’s story of the discovery of the cave, seeContinue
August 25 2023
Maggie Chandler’s Stories Two sets of hearings and trials were planned, one set in the juvenile court for Ida’s daughter Thelma and another hearing and trial in the circuit court for Mrs. Ida Haston.  But accusations and defense testimonies were a major part of Thelma’s juvenile case. Maggie Chandler’s Witness Stand Stories This case startedContinue
August 14 2023
Witnesses Come to the Defense of Mrs. Ida Haston Two sets of hearings and trials were planned, one set in the juvenile court for Ida’s daughter Thelma and another hearing and trial in the circuit court for Mrs. Ida Haston.  But accusations against Ida and defense testimonies in her favor were a major part ofContinue
August 14 2023
Verdicts in Thelma and Mrs. Ida Haston Cases Two sets of hearings and trials were planned, one set in the juvenile court for Ida’s daughter Thelma and another hearing and trial in the circuit court for Mrs. Ida Haston.  But accusations against Ida and defense testimonies in her favor were a major part of Thelma’sContinue
August 13 2023
Tragedy at the Tennessee State Capitol Building July 17, 1890 A shudder passed through the convention hall last night when the announcement was made that a man had fallen from the second story of the Capitol and killed.  The Chairman of the White County delegation was called for, as the victim was one of hisContinue
August 11 2023
Mrs. Ida Haston Charged With Prostituting Teenage Girls Who Was Mrs. Ida Haston? Mrs. Ida [Gattis] Haston was the wife of Richmond Irvin Haston, apparently often known by his middle name as Irvin Haston.  Richmond Irvin Haston was born on June 13, 1874 in Tennessee.  According to the 1880 census for District 7 of VanContinue
August 5 2023
A Haston Heritage Tour Based On Your Family Line Back to Daniel Haston Now that we are living back in the Haston Homeland… Wayne and Sharon Haston – Now in White County, Tennessee (near where our Haston roots were firmly established in about 1804) We would love to guide you on a tour of sitesContinue
July 14 2023
Back to the Soil of Our Haston Family Roots We are now officially homeless people. As I write this, it’s Friday, July 14, 2023.  We closed on selling our house in Pennsylvania today.  And we close on the purchase of a house in White County (Tennessee) on July 31, so temporarily we are homeless people,Continue
July 7 2023
Devil’s Bridge – Canton Schwyz, Switzerland The world our early Swiss Hiestand lived in was filled with legends of witchcraft and devilish interactions with humans.  Located a few miles from where our Hiestand ancestors lived was a bridge that they surely would have known about–the Devil’s Bridge.  Our June 2023 Hiestand-Haston tour group visited thisContinue
July 1 2023
First Ever – Pacific Northwest Reunion of Our Family Meeting at the Wichita Avenue Evangelical Church Friday evening, September 29 (5:00-9:00 p.m.) and Saturday, September 30 (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) The Agenda Thursday & Friday – September 28-29 (or earlier) – Optional, come early and visit some of the local tourist sites.  Organize yourContinue
June 12 2023
The Mystery of the Civil War Yankee Officer’s Sword I wish there was more I could say about this sword, but pretty much all that is known in the Haston family is that at some point after the Civil War, a Federal officer’s story was found in a hollow tree on the farm where ConfederateContinue
June 12 2023
Your Ancestors Wanted to Be Remembered “Will I be remembered?” Our daughter, Carissa, passed away on March 22, 2023.  She had suffered for 29-nine years with a paralyzed digestive tract, a medical condition known as gastroparesis.  She was a remarkable girl-young lady-45-year-old woman in the way she fought through pain and multiple surgeries, including aContinue
May 27 2023
Early Land Owners & Occupants – Caney Fork & Cane Creek White County, TN (Later, Van Buren County) 1811-1815 1816-1818 1821-1825 1826-1829 1832-1836 1837-1839 If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might also enjoy it. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Order Copies of the Book – Or, See More Information andContinue
May 25 2023
William Lester Haston, Sr. – Victim of WWI Poison Gas Warfare Part 2 – Post-War Death The Story of a WWI (Haston) Veteran Who Ultimately Gave His Life for Our Country Part 1 – World War 1 Experiences Part 2 – Tragic Post-War Death We were told he was gassed while in the military andContinue
May 20 2023
Part 2 – The Kin Maynard Murder Trial Part 1 – The Killing of Woodville Haston Part 2 – Kin Maynard, Guilty or Not Guilty? After his initial arrest and preliminary hearing in Van Buren County, Kin Maynard escaped and fled to Texas, where he lived for more than a year before being arrested again.Continue
May 3 2023
February 2023 Ground Penetrating Radar Project Incorporation of the Cemetery Big Fork Baptist Church One of the first major efforts in a renewed and enhanced plan to restore and preserve the historic Big Fork Cemetery was a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) mapping project (February 2023) to determine how many burials occurred in the cemetery andContinue
April 25 2023
Incorporation of the Big Fork Historic Cemetery Ground Penetrating Radar Mapping Big Fork Baptist Church Along a dead-end road in northern Van Buren County, an area of White County until the 1840 formation of Van Buren County, lies Big Fork Cemetery, a historic burying ground that is out of sight and mostly out of mind,Continue
April 20 2023
Swiss Legends Overlooked – But Fascinating To Read A Special Publication for the 2023 Haston/Hiestand Historical Tour in Switzerland & Germany By J. Ross Baughman It’s #6 – Download the PDF – 67 Pages It’s #6 – Download the PDF – 67 Pages If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might alsoContinue
March 25 2023
The Life of Carissa Haston – Her Joys, Sufferings, & Faith Carissa Renee Haston, age 45, of New Cumberland, PA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, surrounded by her Mom and Dad, two sisters, Faith and Celeste, and Faith’s husband, Ben. She was born on October 28, 1977, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to WayneContinue
March 18 2023
Jesse Haston Family Court Records – Missouri Jesse Haston Family, Part 1 Jesse Haston Family, Part 2 Early Deeds Associated with the Jesse Haston Family – Howard County, MissouriMicrofilm Reel C-2780 – Deeds, Volumes 1 & 2 (1816-1879) Grantee Grantor Book Page Notes Deed Index, Volume 1 (1816-1852) – Microfilm Reel C-2780 Jesse Haston Benj.Continue
February 25 2023
1816-1818 Tax Book – Cane Creek & Caney Fork Militia District 1811-1815 1816-1818 1821-1825 1826-1829 1832-1836 1837-1839 Important Notes: Page numbers are .pdf page numbers from the CD, White Co, TN Deeds. Transcribed spellings may not be accurate in every case, due to the difficulty of reading the original text. If you have information to correctContinue
February 25 2023
1826-1829 Tax Book – Cane Creek & Caney Fork Militia District 1811-1815 1816-1818 1821-1825 1826-1829 1832-1836 1837-1839 Important Notes: Page numbers are .pdf page numbers from the CD, White Co, TN Deeds. Transcribed spellings may not be accurate in every case, due to the difficulty of reading the original text. If you have information to correctContinue
February 25 2023
1832-1836 Tax Book – Cane Creek & Caney Fork Militia District 1811-1815 1816-1818 1821-1825 1826-1829 1832-1836 1837-1839 Important Notes: Page numbers are .pdf page numbers from the CD, White Co, TN Deeds. Transcribed spellings may not be accurate in every case, due to the difficulty of reading the original text. If you have information to correctContinue
February 25 2023
1821-1825 Tax Book – Cane Creek & Caney Fork Militia District 1811-1815 1816-1818 1821-1825 1826-1829 1832-1836 1837-1839 Important Notes: Page numbers are .pdf page numbers from the CD, White Co, TN Deeds. Transcribed spellings may not be accurate in every case, due to the difficulty of reading the original text. If you have information to correctContinue
February 25 2023
1837-1839 Tax Book – Cane Creek & Caney Fork Civil District 1811-1815 1816-1818 1821-1825 1826-1829 1832-1836 1837-1839 Important Notes: Page numbers are .pdf page numbers from the CD, White Co, TN Deeds. Transcribed spellings may not be accurate in every case, due to the difficulty of reading the original text. If you have information to correctContinue
February 25 2023
1811-1815 Tax Book – Cane Creek & Caney Fork Militia District 1811-1815 1816-1818 1821-1825 1826-1829 1832-1836 1837-1839 Important Notes: Page numbers are .pdf page numbers from the CD, White Co, TN Deeds. Transcribed spellings may not be accurate in every case, due to the difficulty of reading the original text. If you have information to correctContinue
February 25 2023
200 Posts and Counting – With Many More to Come Browse through the Entire Collection And Many, Many More! What Haston-Related People, Family Lines, or Topics Would You Like to Know More About? If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might also enjoy it. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Order CopiesContinue
February 16 2023
How BIG is the Haston Big Spring Branch When the Hastons moved (late 1803 or early 1804) to what became White County, TN in 1806, Daniel Haston located his cabin on a hill above the emergence (springhead) of what was then called “the Big Spring Branch.”  It soon became known as the “Haston Big Spring.” Continue
February 11 2023
Basic Rule of Recording History = Valid Documentation! The “Beyond Family Lore” Series Three Stages of Haston Research Seven Inaccuracies in Haston Genealogies If It Ain’t Documented, it Ain’t History Wayne’s Rant As a Ph.D. student at the University of Tennessee, I was required to take a collection of courses on how to conduct credibleContinue
February 9 2023
1905 – 2003 Howard Hillman Hasting, Sr. 1960 Army Register, Vol. 1, Page 457 Rank and Branch of Military Colonel, U.S. Army Years of Service Graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point in 1928. Separated from the armed service in 1931, he practiced law in Arkansas until he was recalled to duty afterContinue
February 2 2023
Seven Major Errors in Early Haston Genealogical Documents The “Beyond Family Lore” Series Three Stages of Haston Research Seven Inaccuracies in Haston Genealogies If It Ain’t Documented, it Ain’t History There is much to appreciate about Haston family members of earlier generations who sincerely sought to discover and record the history of Daniel Haston’s massiveContinue
February 1 2023
Part 1 – The Killing of Woodville Haston Part 1 – The Killing of Woodville Haston Part 2 – Kin Maynard, Guilty or Not Guilty? December 17, 1897 – Woodville Haston Shot and Killed Nashville Banner – December 21, 1897, page 4 The above article says “Maynard’s horse returned without its rider,” but that isContinue
February 1 2023
1924 – 2010 Richard Dale Haston Rank and Branch of Military E-6, Navy Years of Service 1941-1945 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service RTC San Diego, CA – Served aboard the USS Hammondsport AKV-2 Military Schools Attended Anti Aircraft Training Center – San Diego, CA 2nd and 3rd endorsements – June 1944 Wartime Theaters ofContinue
January 31 2023
1947 –  Howard D. Haston Rank and Branch of Military Navy, E-5 Years of Service 1965 – 1971 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Machinist Mate “A” School – NTC Great Lakes, Illinois to Naval Nuclear Power School ( Phase I ) at Mare Island, Vallejo, CA to Nuclear Power Training Unit ( Phase IIContinue
January 31 2023
William Lester Haston, Sr. – Victim of WWI Poison Gas Warfare Part 1 – Military Service The Story of a WWI (Haston) Veteran Who Ultimately Gave His Life for Our Country Part 2 will be posted the weekend of June 3 and 4, 2023. Part 1 – World War 1 Experiences Part 2 – TragicContinue
January 19 2023
1890 – Key Features of Interest to Hastons & Many Other Families This map was created about 86 years after Daniel Haston settled on the Big Spring Branch in what became the Cummingsville community.  Daniel’s son, David Haston, died only 30 years prior to the map’s creation.  The natural geographical features are the same asContinue
January 18 2023
The Evolution of Research on the Daniel Haston Family Three Stages of Haston Research Seven Inaccuracies in Haston Genealogies If It Ain’t Documented, it Ain’t History I don’t know when members of the Daniel Haston FAMILY began to develop an interest in discovering the historical story of Daniel Haston’s life and ancestry.  I can imagineContinue
January 13 2023
Let Us Help You Organize & Promote Your Haston Mini-Reunion As I got older, the reunions became rarer and much smaller in attendance. The older folks who did all of the organizing were passing away, and the younger family members were not interested in keeping these gathering going. By the time I was finishing highContinue
December 24 2022
The Slicker War of Missouri And the Family of Isham Bradley, Friend of the Haston Family “Isham Hobbs was a noted character, and probably the worst desperado ever on the borders.” Isham Hobbs (probably born in White County, TN) was the namesake grandson of Isham Bradley, a very close friend of the Daniel Haston family. Continue
December 23 2022
Looking Back at our 2022 Daniel Haston Family Association Highlights 1. July 22-23 Haston Family Reunion Our first-ever Daniel Haston Family Association all-Hastons reunion was a remarkable success.  About 150 registered from 17 states–all across the USA.  Saturday was an unusually hot and humid day, even for July in Tennessee, but the Fellowship Hall whereContinue
December 21 2022
Help Tracing You Back to Daniel Haston If you are a “Haston” or related to a Haston, chances are you are a member of the Daniel Haston FAMILY, that is scattered in all or most all of the United States.  I have to add the “chances are” caveat because there are some American Hastons thatContinue
December 3 2022
The Message Behind the 1706 Hiestand Coat of Arms Augmentation of arms is a term describing an addition to a coat of arms at a later date, after the original coat of arms was created.  Historically, augmentations were issued by a monarch as either a mere mark of favor or a reward or recognition forContinue
November 29 2022
Frühe Schweizer Täufer Hiestand im Deutschen Rheinland Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA) (Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand) Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand Hiestand 1401 Herkunft und Bedeutung des Familiennamens Schweizer Familien Hiestand und ihre Höfe im 15. Jahrhundert Ueli Hiestands Höfe Beichlen und Himmeri Hiestand in der Schönau,Continue
November 26 2022
Swiss Anabaptist Hiestands to the Rhineland and Beyond Co-authors: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA)(Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand) “Early Swiss Hiestands” Series Hiestand – 1401 Origin & Meaning of the Family Name Swiss Hiestand Families and Farms in the 1400s Ueli Hiestand’s Beichlen and Himmeri FarmsContinue
November 20 2022
Centuries of Swiss Hiestands in a Land Cooperative Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors (Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand) “Early Swiss Hiestands” Series Hiestand – 1401 Origin & Meaning of the Family Name Swiss Hiestand Families and Farms in the 1400s Ueli Hiestand’s Beichlen and HimmeriContinue
November 19 2022
Louise Haston Rice – Jesse Haston Family Historian I cannot remember when I did not love history and genealogy. As a young girl of 10 or 12, I started collecting information about my family. Louise Haston Rice Louise loved her family, life on the farm, and entertaining. She was active in the Baptist church inContinue
November 12 2022
Hiestand Coat of Arms The clenched fists are a clue that this shield was not created by or for an Anabaptist, but by a Swiss Hiestand who had not joined that movement.  However, he may have been sympathetic to and protective of neighbors and relatives who were Anabaptists. Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. WayneContinue
November 4 2022
Book Review – The Story of the Daniel Haston Family By Joanne Hess Siegrist – Historian, Author, Lancaster County, PA Tour Guide For More Information and to Order the Book If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might also enjoy it. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Order Copies of the BookContinue
November 3 2022
Timeline of Daniel Haston’s Life – c. 1750-1826 The first 30 or so years of Daniel Hiestand’s life were spent in Virginia.  The next (approximately) 20 years were spent in western North Carolina, the “Overmountain” area that became Upper East Tennessee.  He spent about 10 years in Knox County, western part of East Tennessee, andContinue
October 20 2022
Jahrhunderte Schweizer Hiestands in einer Landgenossenschaft Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler und Dr. Wayne Haston Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022. Hiestand 1401 Herkunft und Bedeutung des Familiennamens Schweizer Familien Hiestand und ihre Höfe im 15. Jahrhundert Ueli Hiestands Höfe Beichlen und Himmeri Hiestand inContinue
October 19 2022
1840-1866 – Hastons in Van Buren County, TN County Court Minutes Early Hastons in the County Court – Mostly for Good, But Sometimes for Bad 1,538 Haston References      Search Within This Page     [search-in-place-form in_current_page=”1″] April 1840 – May 1855 Van Buren County, TN County Court Minutes (From TSLA – Van Buren County, TNContinue
October 18 2022
Donations to the Daniel Haston Family Association Making a Donation Contact us if you have trouble making a donation: Info@DanielHaston.blog [give_form id=”28579″] Click on the “Donate Now” button. Choose a donation amount. Choose to, or not to, “Make this donation every month.” Click on the “Continue” button. Fill-in the “Who’s giving today” information. Choose to,Continue
October 18 2022
Hidden Away in a Tiny Nook of Canton Zürich, Switzerland Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors (Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand) “Early Swiss Hiestands” Series Hiestand – 1401 Origin & Meaning of the Family Name Swiss Hiestand Families and Farms in the 1400s Ueli Hiestand’s BeichlenContinue
October 16 2022
1840-1872 – Hastons Van Buren County, TN – Early Circuit Court Minutes Early Hastons in the Circuit Court – Mostly for Good, But Sometimes for Bad 850 Haston References      Search Within This Page     [search-in-place-form in_current_page=”1″] Volume A – August 1840 – January 1850 Year of 1840 Year of 1841 Year of 1842Continue
October 6 2022
“The Homeplace” The Isham S. Haston Family By Andrew LaRowe I am just old enough to have had the opportunity to know someone that was born on a farm in Tennessee in 1881. Della Myrtle Haston was my great-grandmother. She came to Winston Salem, North Carolina to live with her daughter, Arabelle, and they livedContinue
October 4 2022
1923 – 2001 Robert “Bob” Weldon Haston Rank and Branch of Military Major in the U.S. Army Air Corps (and the Air Force, after it was created in 1947) Years of Service 1941 – 1957 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Aviation Cadet Training, Twin Engine Flying School, B-17 Transition in Sebring, Florida Wartime TheatersContinue
October 1 2022
Wappen Hiestand Die geballten Fäuste sind ein Hinweis darauf, dass dieses Wappen nicht von einem oder für einen Täufer geschaffen wurde, sondern von einem Schweizer Hiestand, der sich dieser Bewegung nicht angeschlossen hatte. Er könnte jedoch mit Nachbarn und Verwandten, die Täufer waren, sympathisiert und sie beschützt haben. Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr.Continue
September 27 2022
Versteckt in einer winzigen Ecke des Kantons Zürich, Schweiz Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA) (Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand) Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022. Hiestand 1401 Herkunft und Bedeutung des Familiennamens Schweizer Familien Hiestand undContinue
September 25 2022
Dr. Fred Dexter Haston, M.D. How many men or women are prominent enough to have a 700-word article about them in a history book of the state they lived in for 20 years or so?  One Great-Great Grandson of Daniel Haston did!  Several years ago, even before I began researching my Haston family, I happenedContinue
September 23 2022
1921 – 2021 James Phillip Haston All Registration for Draft Rank and Branch of Military First Class Boatswain Mate, Navy Years of Service 1942-1945 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Trained at a destroyer base in San Diego, CA; Deployed to the South Pacific – “He was a driver for high-ranking naval officers, including FleetContinue
September 22 2022
Ueli Hiestand, Prominenter Bauer im 15. Jahrhundert Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA) (Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand) Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022. Hiestand 1401 Herkunft und Bedeutung des Familiennamens Schweizer Familien Hiestand und ihre HöfeContinue
September 21 2022
Ueli Hiestand, Prominent Swiss Farmer in the 15th Century Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors (Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand) “Early Swiss Hiestands” Series Hiestand – 1401 Origin & Meaning of the Family Name Swiss Hiestand Families and Farms in the 1400s Ueli Hiestand’s Beichlen andContinue
September 19 2022
The Hiestand Family Name – It’s Origin, Meaning, and Pronunciation Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors (Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand) “Early Swiss Hiestands” Series Hiestand – 1401 Origin & Meaning of the Family Name Swiss Hiestand Families and Farms in the 1400s Ueli Hiestand’s BeichlenContinue
September 18 2022
Der Familienname Hiestand – Herkunft, Bedeutung und Aussprache Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA) (Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand) Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022. Hiestand 1401 Herkunft und Bedeutung des Familiennamens Schweizer Familien Hiestand und ihreContinue
September 17 2022
Unsere Schweizer Hiestand-Vorfahren im 15. Jahrhundert Co-Autoren: Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Schweiz) und Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA) (Einschließlich bedeutender Forschungsdaten von Kent Douglas Hiestand) Serie: Frühe Schweizer Hiestand Die Links werden aktiviert und veröffentlicht am17.9.2022, 1.10.2022, 15.10.2022, 29.10.2022, 12.11.2022, 26.11.2022, 10.12.2022. Hiestand 1401 Herkunft und Bedeutung des Familiennamens Schweizer Familien Hiestand und ihre Höfe imContinue
September 16 2022
Our Swiss Hiestand Ancestors in the 1400s Dr. Peter Ziegler (Zürich, Switzerland) and Dr. Wayne Haston (Pennsylvania, USA), Co-Authors (Including significant research data from Kent Douglas Hiestand) “Early Swiss Hiestands” Series Hiestand – 1401 Origin & Meaning of the Family Name Swiss Hiestand Families and Farms in the 1400s Ueli Hiestand’s Beichlen and Himmeri FarmsContinue
September 8 2022
Cousins or First Cousins-Once Removed What’s the Difference? A cousin at any distance or level in your family tree is truly your “cousin.”  One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about working with Haston family research is getting to know so many cousins.  And even though I may never have met him or her inContinue
August 19 2022
Stephen Mathai-Davis – “A Forbes Legend” Descendant of Daniel Haston through His Son, Jeremiah Haston On Friday afternoon, July 22, 2022, just shortly before our Daniel Haston Family Reunion officially began, Claire Aufrance received a phone call telling her that her beloved cousin, Stephen Mathai-Davis, had passed away suddenly and completely unexpectedly.  Claire and herContinue
August 9 2022
Timeline of Our Blog Articles Some of the main topics included in the blog focus on the history of the Daniel Haston family, honoring earlier Haston family researchers and other notable Hastons, announcing events of significance to members of the Daniel Haston Family and related families, and miscellaneous topics. July 17 2022 LaRowe – AndrewContinue
August 8 2022
Are You Interested in a Two-Part Series of Zoom Presentations in Which I Would Give the Haston History Presentation I Gave in the Recent Haston Reunion? Please Share This Page with Others who Might be Interested in the Presentation. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Order Copies of the Book – Or, See More Information andContinue
August 6 2022
Theories about the Shotgun Death of Vollie Belle Haston Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know about Vollie Belle’sContinue
August 5 2022
Vollie Belle Haston – The Murder Trials Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know about Vollie Belle’s life orContinue
August 5 2022
Vollie Belle Haston Raymond – Mysterious Death by a 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard orContinue
August 5 2022
Vollie Belle Haston’s Marriage to Clarke Raymond Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know about Vollie Belle’s life orContinue
August 5 2022
Vollie Belle’s Marriage to and Divorce from James Hurd Cruise Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know about VollieContinue
August 4 2022
Vollie Belle Haston – Her Early Years, From Birth to Marriage Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know aboutContinue
August 3 2022
The Daniel Haston Short Story Daniel Haston’s family lived “south of the Holston [now Tennessee] river opposite Knoxville, TN shortly after the town was established and when Tennessee became a state in 1796. Daniel Haston moved from Knox County, Tennessee to the area of middle Tennessee that became southern White County, a year or two priorContinue
July 22 2022
The Book: The Story of the Daniel Haston Family Scroll Down to Order a Copy or Copies of the Book Remember the days of old;    consider the generations long past.Ask your father and he will tell you,    your elders, and they will explain to you.Deuteronomy 32:7 (NIV) In this book, I want to tell a story—a historicallyContinue
July 21 2022
Help Make the Book Available to Others for Reading & Research Purchase Copies of the Book – The Story of the Daniel Haston Family
July 19 2022
Legends and Stories of White County, TN By Miss Coral Williams In 2002, I contacted Miss Byllee Burgess, the niece of Coral Williams, and received her approval to rescue her aunt’s 1930 thesis from total obscurity in a Vanderbilt library.  Access the Entire Document Abstract by Miss Williams The purpose of this study is toContinue
July 17 2022
1954 -  Senior Airman Andrew Willis LaRowe Rank and Branch of Military Senior Airman, Air Force Years of Service 1974-1978 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Lackland AFB, Malmstrom AFB Relationship to the Daniel Haston Family Descends through David Haston, Daniel’s son Add Yourself or Your Haston-Related Relative to the Legacy of Service Honor GalleryContinue
July 16 2022
Perhaps THE Historic Haston FAMILY Event of Two Centuries+ More Information and Register Saturday Lunch and Supper-Leftovers Saturday Afternoon Historic Haston Sites Tour Fellowship Hall Entrance – Hickory Valley Baptist Church 5865 Hickory Valley Road, Sparta, TN 38583 If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might also enjoy it. Facebook TwitterContinue
July 11 2022
1919 – 2006 Group Commander Wallace M. Davis Rank and Branch of Military Group Commander, Navy Years of Service 1943-1971 Obituary Wallace M. Davis obituary Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa, Tarawa Military Schools Attended U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Northwestern University The Northwestern University Archives, with the help of Northwestern’sContinue
July 11 2022
Sergeant Elwood C. Haston – Veteran of WWII in Europe Soldier from the “Greatest Generation” On this day, July 11, 2022, Sergeant Elwood C. Haston would have been 100 years old.  Today, and in future days when you read this article, we hope you will say “Thank you, for your service!” in your heart forContinue
July 8 2022
Chris Haston – Our Reunion Portrait Photographer Brief Bio of Chris Haston Source: https://www.marathi.tv/anchor/chris-haston/ Chris Haston was born Christopher Haston on June 27, 1962, in Harbor City, CA, where he was also raised.  When he was nine years old, his stepfather gave him a camera and he has been hooked on the art of photographyContinue
July 8 2022
1949 -  Lieutenant Colonel William M. Davis Rank and Branch of Military Lieutenant Colonel, Army Years of Service 1972-1998 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Wiesbaden, Germany; Frankfurt, Germany; Iraq; The Pentagon Military Schools Attended Basic training at at Fort Jackson, South Carolina Wartime Theaters of Assignment and Major Battles WilliamContinue
July 8 2022
1957 –  Major General Max Haston Rank and Branch of Military Major General, Army Years of Service 1979-2019 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Ft Benning, GA; Ft Riley, KS; Ft Knox, KY; Ft Hood, TX, Multiple Locations in Germany, Ft Bliss, TX; Ft Leavenworth, KS, Ft Irwin, CA, FT Polk, LA, Ft Stewart, GA,Continue
July 2 2022
Photos & Background Info on 12 Historic Haston Sites in TN Even if you aren’t able to participate in the Saturday, July 23, 2022 tour, you will enjoy reading about (and seeing photos of) these 12 historic sites that are so important to the Daniel Haston Family. Download the 11 Page Document – Photos &Continue
June 25 2022
Haston Block House – Built 1908 in Spencer, TN By Landon Medley and Wayne HastonLandon and I were working together on this article when he passed away in 2021. -Wayne Haston The “Cyclone” In Spencer, TN that (Literally) Cleared the Way for the Haston Block Following a (3:00 a.m.) November 18, 1906 cyclone [tornado?] thatContinue
June 19 2022
1902 Sparta (TN) Expositor Supplement (60 pages) White County and Sparta, TN history and “What the town and county were like” 120 years ago. Be patient when downloading – it’s a LARGE document (668 KB). Download the Document If you appreciated this article, please share it with others who might also enjoy it. Facebook TwitterContinue
June 10 2022
Montgomery Greenville Haston Farm The Core of M.G. Haston’s 1858 Farm – Today a Tennessee Century Farm On November 3, 1858, Montgomery G. Haston (grandson of David Haston, Great Grandson of Daniel) bought four tracts of land (1,163 acres more or less) from Nathan Durham for $900.[i]  The land was located around the current crossroadsContinue
June 4 2022
Three (+1) D.L. Hastons – Contemporaries in Van Buren Co, TN What were their parents thinking? David La-van’-der Haston You will see this “L” name spelled “Levander” & “Lavender” and etc., but I’m fairly confident it is was Lavander for all three men. In 1848, a baby born in the Haston Big Spring area ofContinue
June 3 2022
Birth 1946 – Rank and Name of Veteran’s Service Rank and Branch of Military E-8 Air Force 1966-1978 Switched from Air Force to Department of the Army Civilian ( DAC)Retired GS15 Years of Service 1966-1978 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Amarillo, Texas Wartime Theaters of Assignment and Major Battles Army War College / FirstContinue
May 29 2022
Robert Owen Duncan’s Service Born 1957 Rank and Branch of Military E-7 in the United States Air Force Years of Service 1975-2000 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Lackland, Chanute, Shaw, Kadena, Hill, Nellis Kunsan, Eielson, Ellsworth AFB’s Relationship to the Daniel Haston Family Descendant of Daniel’s son, Isaac Haston/Hastings (Isaac, Hartwell, Lucy Hastings, DorothyContinue
May 29 2022
1925-2020 Sergeant Horace H. “Ace” Haston’s Service Rank and Branch of Military Sergeant and a Crew Chief in the United States Army Air Corps Years of Service 1943-1946 Locations of Training, Deployment, and Service Training at Mountain Home, Idaho Army Air Field, combat Crew Training Station (heavy); Aerial Gunner, Clark Field in the Philippines. WartimeContinue
May 28 2022
Major Bob Haston – Near-Death Post-War Ejection On an Airfield Tarmac in Lincoln, Nebraska Daniel Haston Family Roots Enlistment & the Silver Dollar Distinguished Flying Cross Mission #17 Tragedy Stalag Luft III POW Camp Near Deadly Postwar Ejection Early Post-War Life January of 1946 after their December 22, 1945 Marriage Robert Weldon Haston met andContinue
May 21 2022
Major Bob Haston – Prisoner of War in Stalag Luft III Daniel Haston Family Roots Enlistment & the Silver Dollar Distinguished Flying Cross Mission #17 Tragedy Stalag Luft III POW Camp Near Deadly Postwar Ejection German POW Camp Stalag Luft III North Compound of German POW Camp – Stalag Luft III Stalag Luft III wasContinue
May 13 2022
Major Bob Haston – The Disaster of Mission #17 Shot Down, Severely Burned, 5 Crewmen Captured, 5 Killed Daniel Haston Family Roots Enlistment & the Silver Dollar Distinguished Flying Cross Mission #17 Tragedy Stalag Luft III POW Camp Near Deadly Postwar Ejection Lt. Bob Haston’s Crew (Bob is 3rd from the left end) – ProbablyContinue
May 12 2022
Major Bob Haston – The “Distinguished Flying Cross” Experience Daniel Haston Family Roots Enlistment & the Silver Dollar Distinguished Flying Cross Mission #17 Tragedy Stalag Luft III POW Camp Near Deadly Postwar Ejection What Did it Mean to “Catch Flak” in an Aerial Assault? German 88mm Flak Anti-Aircraft Gun The versatile 88mm cannon was Germany’sContinue
May 10 2022
Major Bob Haston, WW II Hero – The Silver Dollar Story Daniel Haston Family Roots Enlistment & the Silver Dollar Distinguished Flying Cross Mission #17 Tragedy Stalag Luft III POW Camp Near Deadly Postwar Ejection When the war started, he wanted to sign up immediately but his mother thought he was too young. She toldContinue
May 8 2022
Stories of a World War II Haston Hero – His Haston Family Roots Lieutenant (later Major) Robert “Bob” Weldon Haston The following links will be activated, as his stories are posted throughout the “Memorial Month” of May. Daniel Haston Family Roots Enlistment & the Silver Dollar Distinguished Flying Cross Mission #17 Tragedy Stalag Luft IIIContinue
May 7 2022
Daniel Haston Homesite – c. 1804 & On The Daniel Haston Farm Remained in the Haston Family for More than 150 Years 35°48’04.85″ N 85°26’38.00″ W The Site of the Daniel Haston Cabin-Home The current house is probably the location of the original Daniel Haston cabin-home The Haston Big Spring Branch The Haston Big SpringContinue
April 27 2022
Charles Thomas & Elliot Selina Morgan Haston – Family Reunion The Hickory Valley Hastons Sunday – July 24, 2022 The day following the Daniel Haston Family Reunion Why the Picture of this Little Fire Department? You are probably asking yourself Due to the potential of Tennessee July HEAT, we have decided to move inside anContinue
April 25 2022
Isaac T. (Sr.) & Elizabeth Sparkman Haston Family Children of Isaac T. and Elizabeth Sparkman Haston Isaac T. Haston’s 1853/1854 Grant #11561 from TN for 215 Acres Isaac T. Haston’s survey says he purchased 215 acres, but when the survey “calls” are followed as stated on the survey, it’s clear that he got considerably lessContinue
April 25 2022
Isaac T. & Elizabeth Sparkman Haston Family Cemetery Cummingsville of Van Buren County, Tennessee History of the Haston Cemetery Isaac T. Haston was the next-to-the-youngest son of David and Peggy Roddy Haston.  Although he was a grandson of Daniel Haston, Isaac T. was born (March 28, 1827) about a year after his grandfather died soContinue
April 16 2022
“I’m Proud of My Country Roots” Wayne Haston About 1951 – Left to right: My Dad (Boyd Haston), sister Marilyn, me (Wayne), cousin Mickey McWilliams, and of course – the mule. In the photo above, you are looking west toward the “Mitchell [or Dodson] Bridge” and Fraizer’s Chapel Methodist Church in a Caney Fork RiverContinue
April 9 2022
Lots to Share and Learn at the Daniel Haston FAMILY Reunion July 22-23, 2022 in White County, TN Since this page was first published, we have added three more Interest Centers: The Burritt College Museum in Spencer, TN – Bonnie Adcock, the Director of the museum will be present Saturday morning at our reunion.  ManyContinue
March 22 2022
Big Fork Cemetery One of the Oldest Church Cemeteries in or Near White Co, TN – 200+ Years Like so many old cemeteries, for years the Big Fork Cemetery was covered with broken tombstones, fallen trees, waist-high grass, shoulder-high bushes, active groundhog dens, and God-only-knows how many copperheads.  After conducting an on-site study of theContinue
March 18 2022
Big Fork Baptist Church The Earliest Baptist Church in White County, TN The Big Fork Baptist Church was hidden from local historians for many years.  Most people who visit the Big Fork Cemetery in what is now Cummingsville, TN have no idea that there was a church there in the early 1800s.  Only a fewContinue
March 7 2022
Old Union Cemetery – 200+ Years of Burial One of the Oldest Church Cemeteries in White County & Surrounding Region Cemetery Decoration – Sunday, August 20, 2023 Beginning with Potluck Lunch The Old Union Cemetery is one of the oldest church cemeteries in White County, TN.  No one knows for sure when the first burialContinue
March 5 2022
Comb (or Tent) Graves = “Born” in White County, TN? Visitors who are not familiar with White County, Van Buren County and some of their neighboring counties are often surprised when they pass an old cemetery and see a scene such as the one above.  I grew up seeing lots of these kinds of gravesContinue
February 19 2022
Joe Diffie – Grand Ole Opry Descendant of Daniel Haston Yes, his great-great-grandfather was my great grandfather David Montgomery Haston. His great grandfather was Jack Haston a nephew of my granddaddy. His grandmother and my mother were first cousins. I did know his grandmother. She helped me when I was doing our Haston tree. WeContinue
February 12 2022
Old Union Cumberland Presbyterian Church Founded 1805? – Organized Officially 1811 Some sources say the Union Presbyterian Church was founded in 1805.  We do know that Spence Mitchell, an early settler in southern White County, TN, deeded a plot of land for what was called the Union Meeting House on August 24, 1811.  The churchContinue
January 29 2022
Thirty-Three Key Sites & Experiences On the June 14-27 2023 European Hiestand/Haston Heritage Tour Contact Renee Cue for more information or answers to your questions: renee@reneecue.com Contact Renee Cue for more information or answers to your questions: renee@reneecue.com More Information about the June 14-27, 2023 Hiestand-Haston European Heritage Tour Share this with Hastons or relatedContinue
January 22 2022
Be Careful What You Hang on Your Family Tree It May Haunt Your Family Forever! When I began researching my family history, I was totally at the mercy of other people who had researched the history of the Daniel Haston family before me.  In most cases, their research records turned out to be extremely helpful. Continue
January 7 2022
2022 (and beyond) – Featuring More of YOUR Families’ Stories We will continue to try to post a variety of stories related to our Daniel Haston family–more history, etc.  But this year we want to begin to hear more of your stories.  All branches of the Haston Family have stories that are worth sharing withContinue
January 3 2022
Marlin Shelton Haston, 1928-2022 Marlin Haston, 93, passed away on January 1, 2022. He was born September 5, 1928, Spencer (Van Buren County) of the late R.C. Haston Sr. and Etta (Smith) Haston. He is survived by his son, David (Laura) Haston of Dandridge; daughter, Jean Ann Hall of Hartsville, and daughter-in-law Brenda Haston ofContinue
December 25 2021
52 – Daughter of Daniel Haston? One Yes, One Maybe, One No I am confident that Daniel Haston had two or three daughters (and/or maybe a son) that we have never been able to identify.  But there is one for-sure daughter who has emerged out of more recent research.  There’s another who may or mayContinue
December 18 2021
51 – Daniel Haston, Jr. Married into the Famous KY Longhunters Skaggs Family Did you know that descendants of Daniel Haston, through his son Daniel, Jr., are related by marriage to two famous members of the Kentucky Skaggs family – Charles Skaggs (1760s Longhunter) and Ricky Skaggs (a country music Hall of Fame member). InContinue
December 11 2021
50 – Jeremiah Haston, from Illinois to Dallas County, Missouri The three youngest sons of Daniel Haston settled in Missouri.  Jesse and Jeremiah remained there for the rest of their lives, but Isaac moved on to California after about 20 years in the “Show Me” state.   Dallas County, Missouri When a new county was createdContinue
December 4 2021
49 – Jeremiah Haston – Lost Son of Daniel Haston Found by DNA Sometimes you may see his name as Jeremiah MC Haston, but there is no existing evidence that I have found to prove that Daniel’s son Jeremiah had a middle  “MC” name, but his youngest son was definitely Jeremiah MC “Mac” Haston. DNAContinue
November 20 2021
47 – Jesse Haston, Missouri Pioneer With 3 Wives & 21 Children Part 1 – Until the Civil War Of Daniel Haston’s sons, Jesse was the most unique in several ways.  He was the first son to move west of the Mississippi River.  He was a slave owner.  He became a wealthy man, by localContinue
November 16 2021
48 – Jesse Haston’s Family in the Civil War Years and After Some Selected Highlights Some of Daniel Haston’s grandsons and great grandsons joined the Union Army.  Others, especially those who remained in Tennessee, chose to suit up in grey.  None of the Tennessee Hastons I know of were slave owners.  They were probably defendingContinue
November 13 2021
46 – Isaac Haston – Across the Plains in an Oxen-Drawn Wagon The California Years Approximately 2,000 miles – Cave Spring, Missouri to Santa Rosa, California on the Oregon-California Trail At age 62, most men today are looking forward to retiring, drawing social security, playing golf or fishing, and enjoying their grandkids.  I’m not sureContinue
November 12 2021
33 – The Beautiful and Relaxing Cruise Up the Rhine River On Monday, June 26, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Heritage Tour will enjoy a relaxing cruise up a portion of the beautiful Middle Rhine River and see many of the same sights that Henrich Hiestand saw in 1727 when he was on his journey to America. Continue
November 11 2021
32 – Worms, Germany – Where Martin Luther Was Tried On the afternoon of (Saturday) June 22, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Heritage Tour group will arrive in the city of Worms (pronounced “Vermz”), Germany – the place where Martin Luther stood before a formal deliberative assembly (“diet”) of leaders from the Holy Roman Empire, led byContinue
November 10 2021
31 – Mennonite Church in the Village of Ibersheim, Germany Our Hiestands’ Church Home 350 Years Ago On Sunday, June 25, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston European Heritage Tour group will worship here, where our ancestors worshiped.  Pastor Andreas Kohrn has invited us to join their congregation for the service and to enjoy their annual summer “BBQContinue
November 10 2021
30 – Our Ancestors’ Little German Village of Refuge – Ibersheim On Sunday, June 25, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Heritage Tour group will visit this very special place.  We have been invited to join the village’s Mennonite Church for their Sunday morning service, be their special guests for an after-church “Grillfest” (BBQ), then take a walkingContinue
November 6 2021
45 – Isaac and Agnes Simpson Haston – Missouri Years Isaac Haston lived the Great American Dream.  He left Tennessee landless and broke, moved to Missouri and became a prosperous landowner in just a few years.  He deserved it – he fought bravely for our country at the Battle of New Orleans.   At least fourContinue
October 30 2021
44 – Isaac Haston – Battle of New Orleans Hero & Much More Part 1 – His Tennessee Years Look at the battle map above.  Where do you think the battle was the “hottest”?  It’s quite obvious if you look at it carefully and think about it.  That’s where Isaac Haston and some of hisContinue
October 27 2021
29 – Swiss Emmentaler Cheese Factory Saturday, June 24, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Tour Group will visit the world-famous Cheese Factory in the Emmental region of Canton Bern, Switzerland.  There are around 2000 groups of tourists, one-third of which are foreigners from around the world, visiting this cheese factory every year. Swiss cheese is a pieceContinue
October 26 2021
28 – Trachselwald Castle – Where Anabaptists Were Imprisoned Simply Because They Wanted to Practice New Testament Christianity A Story and Some Scenes that You May/Should Never Forget By Don and Joanne Hess Siegrist Used by permission of authors, Don & Joanne Hess Siegrist Before the Reformation, all of Switzerland was catholic. After the Reformation,Continue
October 23 2021
42 – John and Catherine HASTON Austin History, especially genealogical history, is sexist!   OK, I’m pretty much a traditional-minded person and don’t use the word “sexist” in an accusatory way very often.  But I must say – genealogical history is sexist, and unfortunately so.   One tradition I wish had caught on 700 years ago inContinue
October 16 2021
42 – Jacob and Lucinda Haston Mitchell Lucinda Haston – Daughter of Daniel Haston Jacob Mitchell was the son of Morris and Elizabeth Husong Mitchell (married 1781) who came to Tennessee from Washington County of western Pennsylvania.  Morris was a Revolutionary War veteran and a Methodist preacher.      May 1, 1784 – The MorrisContinue
October 15 2021
Landon Medley October 6, 1949 – September 25, 2021 Whether you knew him personally or not, Landon Medley was a friend to all of us who are interested in researching and studying the history of our Daniel Haston family.  Landon lived near the Daniel Haston family place and was steeped in a knowledge of localContinue
October 14 2021
25 – The Täuferversteck – “Anabaptist Hiding Place” Anabaptist hunters were employed in the 18th century. In 1734 two Anabaptist hunters were out and about to catch Christian Siegenthaler in the lower Hälig, Wüthrich zu Häuser, Hans Gerber, called “Stadler”, and David Baumgartner. The Anabaptist yegi were disturbed by the fact that the persecuted “were warned withContinue
October 8 2021
Joseph Haston – 2nd Son of Daniel Joseph and David were probably the only two sons of Daniel who were born in Virginia.  If we correctly understand the time of Daniel’s departure from Virginia, Joseph would have been three and a half years old when the family moved south.  So it’s likely that he hadContinue
October 6 2021
25 – The Home of Albert Einstein in Bern, Switzerland On Friday, June 23, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Tour group will visit the home where Einstein discovered the theory of relativity. Albert Einstein lived in Bern from 1903 to 1905 and developed his Theory of Relativity here. The Einstein House gives visitors a chance to seeContinue
October 2 2021
40 – Herbert Clinton Haston, Grandson of Montgomery G. Haston The 1880 census record for D.L. (David Levander) and Virginia Riddles Haston A three-year-old boy, by the name of Herbert C. Hemphill, appears “In family” on the 1880 census record of David L. and Virginia Haston.  For decades, many people in the Daniel Haston familyContinue
September 29 2021
24 – The World Famous Zytglogge (Clock Tower) in Bern On Friday, June 23, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Heritage tour group will watch the famous clock tower turn to a new hour. Built in the early 13th century as a gate tower for the city’s western fortifications, Zytglogge has served over the years as a guardContinue
September 22 2021
39 – M. G. Haston – His Civic Service and Civil War Experience Montgomery Greenville Haston is one of my most respected early Haston heroes!  I want to tell you why. Montgomery Greenville (M.G. or “Gum”) Haston lived a relatively short life even for his era, only about 45 (or 46) years.  When he wasContinue
September 19 2021
23 – Jakob Markt – We’ll Stop & Shop Where Locals Shop One of the favorite shopping places for locals and tourists is the Jacob Markt.  Here is the best place to buy Swiss lace curtains, Swiss-style clothes, and delicious Swiss chocolate bars.  While the women shop (maybe some of us men too!) others canContinue
September 19 2021
27 – Swiss Alpine Music: Alphorns and Yodeling Two of the most famous features of historic Swiss culture are the Alphorns and yodeling.  Our June 2023 Hiestand-Haston Heritage tour group will enjoy a bit of both types of Alpine Music. The Swiss Alphorns Enjoy this brief video example of Swiss Alphorn music. https://youtu.be/K_qp26NHyTg With theContinue
September 11 2021
38 – Mystery of the Father of Montgomery Greenville Haston Based on the evidence cited previously, I think we can confidently assume Polly Haston was the mother of M.G. Haston, the child who was born out of wedlock on October 16, 1823, or 1824.  But who was the birth-father of M.G. Haston? Due to theContinue
September 11 2021
37 – Mystery of the Mother of Montgomery Greenville Haston As far as we can tell, the parents of Montgomery Greenville Haston–and how he fit into the Daniel Haston family–were unknown for well over 100 years!  Even the most diligent Daniel Haston family researchers were stumped! Montgomery Greenville [not Greenfield, as some have asserted] (M.G.Continue
September 4 2021
36 – David Haston – A Founding Leader of Van Buren County, TN David Haston spent much of his time in the final 20 years of his life helping to establish Van Buren County. Haston Family – Early Influences in Van Buren County, TN Several of Daniel Haston’s children and grandchildren had already left TennesseeContinue
August 29 2021
22 – World’s Oldest Mennonite Church – Langnau, Switzerland On Thursday, June 22, 2023, members of the Hiestand-Haston Heritage Tour group will see the oldest continuously active Mennonite Church in the world. Langnau has a history of Anabaptism going all the way back to March 1525. Today, Langnau has the oldest Mennonite church in theContinue
August 28 2021
35 – David Haston – White County, Tennessee Pioneer, Part 2 David Haston, Esq. (Justice of the Peace) How did simple farmers and businessmen – many of whom had very little formal education – understand Tennessee (and county) laws enough to serve as county court judges?  They were guided by a book like the oneContinue
August 26 2021
21 – The Swiss Cowbells Factory On Thursday, June 27, 2023 our Hiestand-Haston Historic Tour group will stop at the famous Swiss Cowbells Factory. Did you know…? Bells are protection, happiness, and a sign of peace. This is because in times of war the Swiss bells were taken from the churches and from the pastureContinue
August 25 2021
19 – Breakfast in the Rotating Restaurant at 9,744′ in the Alps On the morning of June 22, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Heritage Tour group will eat breakfast in the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant in the village of Murren on top of the Schilthorne summit. BEVERAGESCoffee / Tea, cold and warm milk (lactose-free and soy milkContinue
August 20 2021
34 – David Haston, White County, Tennessee Pioneer, Part 1 Isaac T. Haston Family Home – Grandson of Daniel Via. David The “David Haston” Bible Record Any family with an existing copy of a family Bible record from the early 1800s is fortunate, especially if it is as complete and apparently accurate as the “DavidContinue
August 13 2021
20 – World-Famous Kambly Swiss Cookie Factory On June 22, 2023, the Hiestand-Haston Tour group will stop at this world-famous cookie factory and sample (FREE!) dozens of cookies.  But I can pretty much assure you that you will buy some too!  We will also eat lunch there. Oscar Kambly started his company in 1910 withContinue
August 12 2021
18 – Cable Car Ride to & Evening in the Alps Village of Mürren On June 22, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston Heritage Tour group will take a scenic cable car ride up to the mountain village of Mürren.And we will spend the night there! Mürren is a traditional Walser (inhabitants in the Alps) mountain village inContinue
August 8 2021
33 – Daniel Haston’s Final Years Daniel Haston lived his final years on his 150 acres farm in what we now know as the Cummingsville community of northern Van Buren County–southern White County until 1840.  There are a few things that we KNOW about his final few years there and a few more things weContinue
August 5 2021
32 – Daniel Haston, A Founding Petitioner for White County, TN The first record we have of Daniel Haston in (what became) White County, as well as some of his family members and friends, is the petition to create White County on July 22, 1806.[i]  Four of the 155 names on the petition were Isam Bradley,Continue
July 31 2021
31 – Daniel Haston & Other White County, TN Big Spring Settlers The area south of the Caney Fork River near the mouth of Cane Creek was a prominent settlement in the early 1800s.  It was part of White County, Tennessee prior to its inclusion into newly formed Van Buren County in 1840.  The abundance ofContinue
July 28 2021
17 – Ballenberg Open-Air Museum On Wednesday, July 21, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston heritage tour group will visit the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. https://youtu.be/d1COwvzKYlM Ballenberg is an open-air museum in Switzerland that displays traditional buildings and architecture from all over the country. Located near Brienz in the municipality of Hofstetten bei Brienz, Canton of Bern, Ballenberg hasContinue
July 28 2021
16 – Wooden Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland And Shopping in this Beautiful City! In the afternoon of June 20, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston heritage tour group will visit the Swiss city of Lucerne.  Not only will we see and stroll across this historic bridge, but there will also be time for shopping in Lucerne. The Kapellbrücke (literally,Continue
July 22 2021
2023 Hiestand-Haston Europe Tour Price and Other Details June 14-27, 2023 – Switzerland and Rhineland Germany Download a Printable Copy of the Itinerary and Form More Information about the June 14-27, 2023 Hiestand-Haston European Heritage Tour Share this with Hastons or related family members who might be interested in the June 14-27, 2023 Hiestand-Haston EuropeanContinue
July 21 2021
30 – Our Hastons Moved West of the Cumberland Mountain Through the Tellico Treaties of October 25 and 27, 1805, Cherokee chiefs ceded to the United States a large area of Middle Tennessee.  On April 24, 1806, the October 1805 treaties were officially proclaimed by the President of the United States.  Much of Middle Tennessee,Continue
July 21 2021
14 – Were our Ancient Swiss Hiestands Spiritist-Pagans? Although I can’t say for sure, it is probable, that our Medieval ancestors were pagans who lived in a high-mountain area of what is now the northern edge of Canton Zug, Switzerland.  Our June 2023 Hiestand-Haston tour group will visit this area. The (Swiss) hills were aliveContinue
July 18 2021
Gathering for All Haston Families – July 22-23, 2022 The First ALL Daniel Haston Family Get-Together in 200+ Years! The Schedule Important:  Keep in mind that we will be on Central Time, so adjust your watches & thinking. Friday Evening, July 22, 2022 (6:00-8:30 pm CENTRAL Time) Fun & informal get-acquainted activities, with “potluck desserts,”Continue
July 18 2021
15 – Einsiedeln Abbey, Home of the Swiss “Black Madonna” Tuesday, June 20, 2023, our Hiestand-Haston tour group will visit the largest church in Switzerland–the famous Einsiedeln Abbey. 150,000 to 200,000 Roman Catholic pilgrims visit each year Black Madonna of Einsiedeln The abbey is dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits, the title being derivedContinue
July 17 2021
2024 Daniel Haston Family Historic Sites Tour Friday Morning, Load the Bus at 9:00 a.m., July 26, 2024 At Hickory Valley Baptist Church We will be touring in three 40-passenger air-conditioned and handicap accessible buses, with on-board PA systems. Download Print Version To see the highlighted route on a printed copy, print in color orContinue
July 17 2021
Some Lodging Options and Recreational Sites For the July 22-23, 2022 Heritage of Daniel Haston Days Week Lodging and Recreation Reservations for lodging at these recreational sites tend to fill up EARLY, plan well ahead if possible. Fall Creek Falls State Park Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of Tennessee’s largest and most visitedContinue
July 17 2021
29 – Resolving the “McComisky Mystery” in the Haston Family A common piece of erroneous family lore has circulated among Daniel Haston family members for many years–the assumption that Daniel’s son, David, was named “David McComisky Haston.”  You don’t have to look at many Haston family trees on Ancestry.com or other genealogy internet sites toContinue
July 13 2021
13 – Village of Hirzel, Switzerland – Home of Two Famous People Our June 2023 Hiestand-Haston tour group will visit the little mountain village of Hirzel, Switzerland on Monday, June 19. The village of Hirzel, just a few miles on the mountainside southwest of Richterswil is famous for its beauty, as well as the homesContinue
July 10 2021
28 – David Haston – Distinguishes Himself as a Young Adult Adjacent to a 2020 $45 Million Development Project At age 25, David Haston became the owner of 111 acres in Knox County, TN.  Apparently, owning land was not something his father (Daniel) achieved until his mid-50s.  In 2020, a $45 million project was developedContinue
July 7 2021
12 – The Richterswil Museum In June 2023, while our Hiestand-Haston tour group is in Richterswil, Switzerland, we will have an opportunity to visit the local museum. The Richterswil local museum deepens the understanding of regional history and promotes cultural life in the community.   The main points of his work are: Management and expansionContinue
July 4 2021
27 – David Haston Married 14 Year Old “Peggy” Roddy Yeah, I just created the title for the dramatic effect, but it was true. On May 5, 1800 (one day short of David Haston’s 23rd birthday) he was issued a marriage bond to marry Margaret “Peggy” Roddy in Knox County, Tennessee. Perhaps his bride was his 23rd birthday giftContinue
July 1 2021
The Daniel Haston Family: A Historical Overview The Story of the Daniel Hiestand/Haston Family From the Mountains of Switzerland to the Rhineland of Germany to all across America The Story of Daniel Haston’s SWISS Ancestors, His Life, and All of His Known Children in 50+ Segments If you appreciated this article, please share it withContinue
June 16 2021
11 – Boat Cruise Around Lake Zürich On Sunday afternoon, June 18, 2023 we enjoy a delightful cruise around Lake Zürich, seeing the towns along the shores and the Alps in the distance.   https://youtu.be/oA3vPJ_9s1U More Information about the June 14-27, 2023 Hiestand-Haston European Heritage Tour Share this with Hastons or related family members who mightContinue
June 16 2021
26 – Daniel Haston’s Many Experiences in the Courtroom While Living in Knox County, TN When Daniel was a young man back in Shenandoah County, VA, he was conspicuously absent from court appearances of any kind, although his brothers were there often as witnesses, involved in court cases, or even sometimes as attorneys. Daniel, asContinue
June 16 2021
10 – The Wilderness Trust in Richterswil That the Hiestands Have Been Members of for Many Centuries On Sunday morning, June 18, 2023 we will worship – like our Anabaptist ancestors worshiped – in a Swiss forest on the hillside behind the town or Richterswil.  They met in secret there because they could be imprisonedContinue
June 15 2021
25 – Another of Daniel Haston’s Boys in Trouble Joseph and the Broken-Down Fence Let’s start with a couple of definitions, for those of you who may not know what “Timothy” is or a “close,” because this story is all about a “timothy close,” some hogs, and a son who was just following his father’sContinue
June 15 2021
9 – The 13th-16th Century Wädenswil Castle Above Richterswil Alt-Wädenswil Castle, the residence of the barons von Wädenswil, was inaugurated in the 13th century. The castle had to be demolished in 1557 according to a decision of the Diet, as Schwyz felt threatened by the expansion of the city-state of Zurich.  Our Hiestand Ancestors WereContinue
June 12 2021
24 – David Haston Cut Tails Off a Neighbor’s Horned Cows Some of us Haston boys have been known for mischief.  Just ask people who knew us while we were growing up.  For example, out of a class of 212, the principal’s daughter I were voted “Most Mischievous” in my senior year of high school. Continue
June 8 2021
08 – The Amazing Richterswil Jet Fountain Weather permitting and etc., we will watch the world famous Richterswil Jet Fountain “spout” on Sunday, June 25, 2023. The Richterswil FONTÄNE, with its height of 101 meters (331 feet), takes eighth place among the top ten, but it is the highest fountain in the world that isContinue
June 8 2021
Understanding Your DNA Results Darvin Martin in Our June 7, 2021 Zoom Meeting https://youtu.be/gplW6ERb2gg Darvin Martin – an expert in Swiss-German Mennonite genetic (DNA) genealogy.  Darvin presents a basic understanding of DNA as it relates to family research.  But there is lots of time for questions and answers. If you appreciated this article, please shareContinue
June 5 2021
23 – Daniel Haston Family, South of the “Holston” River Opposite Knoxville, TN Daniel and family lived in the Knoxville, TN area for about 10 years. There is a lot of information available about his family during that time, so Chapter 14 in the BIG book I’m working on contains 70+ pages. I’ll extract someContinue
May 29 2021
Two of Daniel Haston’s Siblings in South Central, KY The Mill Creek Meeting House Near Tompkinsville, KY. Built in 1804. Abraham Hiestand’s (Hestand’s) Path Ends in South Central KY John Mulkey and his brother Philip Mulkey, sons of Rev. Jonathan Mulkey, were members of the Big Pigeon Baptist Church near what is now Newport, TennesseeContinue
May 22 2021
21 – Daniel Haston Voted in Favor of the State of Franklin So, our Daniel was a “Franklinite” The yellow county – Washington County – is where Abraham Hiestand lived for a few years.  Although there is no (to my knowledge) evidence for Daniel Haston’s specific whereabouts in the county, apparently he also lived thereContinue
May 18 2021
07 – Richterswil, the “Village” of Our Swiss Hiestands Although our Hiestand ancestors lived in other villages around Lake Zürich, we can probably think of Richterswil as our Swiss hometown.  For that reason, we will be spending four nights in Richterswil, where – in our free times – we can walk the streets that ourContinue
May 18 2021
05 – Zürich – A Walking Tour of the City On the afternoon of Saturday, June 17, 2023, we will tour the city of Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland.  It’s one of the most important financial centers in the world.  Situated on the north shore of Lake Zurich and spanning the Limmat River, itContinue
May 15 2021
20 – Abraham and Daniel in the “Overmountain” of NC For approximately 10 to 15 years, Henry Hiestand’s “boys”–Daniel and his older brother Abraham–lived in the “Overmountain” region of Western North Carolina.  Well, that’s not totally accurate because that area became part of the 16th state of the USA, Tennessee (1796), while they were livingContinue
May 11 2021
06 – The Drowning Martyrdom of Anabaptist, Felix Manz On Saturday June 17, 2023 we will visit the site on the Limmat River in Zurich City where one of the first Anabaptist leaders, Felix Manz, was executed by drowning solely because of his Anabaptist faith. The people of Zurich crowded along both sides of theContinue
May 8 2021
19 – Abraham and Daniel Hiestand Settle in the “Carolinas” Headed for “the Carolinas” When the earliest post-Revolution settlers left their homes in places like Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia and said, “We’re going to the Carolinas,” that did not necessarily mean they were going to the area enclosed in the current boundaries of North andContinue
May 2 2021
04 – Täuferhöhle (Anabaptist Cave) – Secret Place for Worship – Saturday, June 17, 2023, we will walk up the hill to see where Swiss Brethren (Anabaptists/Mennonites) met to worship in secret. – The German word Täufer = “Baptist” in English, not Baptist as a denomination but Baptist as “one who baptizes.”  In Switzerland, beginning inContinue
May 1 2021
18 – The Mysterious Daniel MG. Hastings Mortality List Card The “1830 Revolutionary War Mortality Listing” Card In the early 1970s, Dwight Haston discovered the little card that you see pictured above.  He found it in a research library in Arkansas.  At that time, there was several members of the Daniel Haston family who wereContinue
April 30 2021
Building a USPS (Snail Mail) List for Occasional Mailings Related to the History and Heritage of Daniel Haston & Haston Family Events If your current surname (or the surname of a friend or relative who is related to the pioneer Daniel Haston family) is not spelled “Haston” or “Hastain” (example, you go by a marriedContinue
April 28 2021
DNA – An Introduction by Darvin Martin, Scientist & Genealogist View the June 7, 2021 Zoom Session with the Daniel Haston Family Association View Another Video: Darvin Martin Teaching the Basics of DNA Summary of the Q&A in the Video What are the main tests you can take to learn information about your background? ThereContinue
April 24 2021
Thomas Archer – an Eccentric Man from Guilford County, NC Who Ended Up With 640 Acres from Military Bounty Land Warrant #2344 This is #3 in a sequence of 3 articles.  You should read the first two articles before reading this one. 1. “Daniel Haston” Rev War Land Grant 2. The “Guilford County Four” &Continue
April 24 2021
17a – The “Guilford County Four” And the Epicenter of 1785 Land Fraud – James Glasgow’s “Fairfield” Plantation This is #2 in a sequence of 3 articles.  You should read the first article before reading this one. 1. “Daniel Haston” Rev War Land Grant 3. Thomas Archer – the Man Who Ended Up with theContinue
April 24 2021
The “Daniel Haston” Rev War Land Grant Legal or Fraudulent? 640 acres in Houston County, TN (west of Nashville) were granted to Thomas Archer, based on Revolutionary War Land Grant #2344.  The right to the land was originally issued to a “Daniel Haston.”  But was the name Daniel Haston just used by NC Secretary ofContinue
April 21 2021
03 – Hiestand Bakery Bistro & Shop in Zurich, Switzerland –Here’s where we will eat lunch on Friday, June 16, 2023 – on our Hiestand-Haston Family Heritage Tour to Switzerland and the Rhineland of Germany.– View the Menu Options Alfred (Fredy) Hiestand comes from Hiestand family, which is the honorable bakery brand in Europe. HeContinue
April 20 2021
02 – Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen, Switzerland https://youtu.be/IWVG_ctdGWY The Rhine Falls in Switzerland  is the most powerful waterfall in all of Europe.  You will see, not only the Rhine Falls in Switzerland, but the awesome landscape and villages that surround the Rhine River. The Rhine River Falls is on a stretch of the Rhine RiverContinue
April 20 2021
01 – The Black Forest of Southwest Germany – First Evening Stop on Our Hiestand-Haston Family Heritage Tour to Switzerland and the Rhineland of Germany – The Black Forest is Known for its Awesome Beauty Our first evening will be spent in the Black Forest, along our way from Frankfort Germany to Zurich, Switzerland.  The BlackContinue
April 17 2021
“Bud” (Clarence E.) Haston, Jr. Awarded the Gold Star Honor In WWII – An Honor Nobody Wants to Win – Thanks to Chuck Haston of McMinnville, TN for sharing this information with us.  Chuck’s father (Judge Charles D. Haston) is Bud Haston’s kid brother. “Bud” Haston (Clarence Eugene Haston, Jr.) grew up in McMinnville ofContinue
April 17 2021
16 – Can I Get Into the DAR or SAR through Daniel Haston? The centennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1876 renewed a fervor to honor our country’s Revolutionary War patriots. In the year of that centennial, the Society of Cincinnati (Ohio) launched The Sons of the Revolution and a groupContinue
April 10 2021
15 – Henry Hiestand’s Estate Settled and the Family Parts Ways Daniel’s Mother & Father Die in 1777 and 1779 Peter Hiessandt, Sr.’s, (older brother of Daniel) Bible record was written in the old German script, but transcribed later by descendants.  Peter recorded some very helpful information about his mother and father: Year 1777 theContinue
April 9 2021
Hiestand-Haston Family Heritage Tour June 14-27, 2023 – Switzerland & Rhineland of Germany Photo above: The “village” of Richterswil in Canton Zürich, Switzerland – where our Hiestand-Haston ancestors lived centuries ago. Download the Questions and Answers Document A Tour with Double-Value Scenic Value The “scenic value” of this tour alone will be worth the priceContinue
April 6 2021
Ruth Haston Norwood May 15, 1929 – April 3, 2021 A Daniel Haston History Hall of Famer Daniel was my gggg grandfather. David my ggg, Isaac [Isaac T.] my gg, Wm Carroll (not David’s son) my g grandfather, Wm Isaac my grandfather. Ruth Haston Norwood (January 19, 2001) When I (Wayne Haston) began researching theContinue
April 3 2021
14 – Daniel & Christina Nave Hiestand/Haston Newlyweds in Fort Valley, VA Daniel and Christina lived on Passage Creek for the first ten years or so of their marriage.  Their little kids (three whose names are unknown, but David and Joseph Haston for sure) would have played in this creek at or near this veryContinue
March 27 2021
13 – Our Daniel Hiestand Married Christina Nave In Shenandoah County, Virginia View Larger Version of this Image I think we can safely say it’s fact that our Daniel Hiestand/Haston married Christina Nave on September 28, 1773, or at least was issued a marriage bond on that date.  But two questions remain unanswered: Who wasContinue
March 20 2021
12 – Hiestand Land in “The Fort” – Fort Valley, Virginia Seven Bends of North Shenandoah River, near Woodstock, VA with Fort Valley in the Massanutten Mountain behind (east of) the river. Photo Above – Looking Southeast Foreground = Seven bends of North Fork Shenandoah River (near Woodstock, VA) on the west side of MassanuttenContinue
March 16 2021
One of the Most Heroic Units in the Mexican War I have no photo of him.  I have no details of his specific activities during his year of service in the Mexican War.  He was only a private.  He was only a volunteer, not a member of the Regular Army.  He only served 12 months.  ButContinue
March 13 2021
11 – The Henry Hiestand Family in Virginia When Henry Hiestand and his wife (name unknown) moved their family to Virginia, they probably already had four or five children who had been born back in Lancaster County, PA–Barbara (c. 1734), Jacob (c. 1736), Peter (c. 1738), and maybe Abraham (c. 1840).  Ann was born OctoberContinue
March 6 2021
10 – Indian Attacks Around Our Hiestands in Pennsylvania and Virginia Memorial for Rev. John Roads – Mennonist & wife and six children massacred here by Indians, August 1764 As a kid, cowboys and Indians was just a fun game we played.  And the battles between Indians and American pioneers was just something we enjoyedContinue
March 4 2021
One Family – Many H-Surname Spellings Colonel Howard H. Hasting, Sr. – a 1950s–early 1980s Haston family researcher – opened his research report on the family of Daniel Haston with this question: What is the name of this family?  He then proceeded to reference several different ways our H-surname has been spelled in official records.  IContinue
February 27 2021
Hiestands Move to the Shenandoah Valley in Northern Virginia From a “Hiestand field” on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River Our Daniel Hiestand/Haston was probably born a quarter mile or less down river from this spot. He grew up here and no doubt learned to swim and fish in this river–the South Fork ofContinue
February 20 2021
08 – Henry Hiestand Settled on Land Acquired from William Penn’s Sons Outline of the 226 acre tract Henry Hiestand settled on and had surveyed in Lancaster County, PA. And who were Henry Hiestands parents? Exactly where did he live in Lancaster County, PA? Why did he owe so much money to Caspar Wistar?  WhoContinue
February 13 2021
07 – Henry Hiestand – His Earliest Years in America William Penn’s first visit to his American colony in 1682 paved the way for our Henrich Hiestand to settle there 45 years later. Image Source: https://owlcation.com/ For Americans, an “immigrant ancestor” is an ancestor who emigrated from some other country, to come to and settleContinue
February 11 2021
Caney Fork of the Cumberland (The Book) Daniel Haston settled on the south side of the Caney Fork River in what was then White County, TN.  The river holds lots of memories for those of us who grew up near there.  I certainly have enough personal stories to occupy you for a few hours andContinue
February 7 2021
06 – The Journey from Ibersheim to America Source: http://olivetreegenealogy.blogspot.com/ In early 1727, Henrich Hiestand probably boarded a barge in Worms, much like the one above, saying a “forever” goodbye to his Ibersheim family. Of the Mennonites who emigrated from the Rhine lands, “only a small proportion—roughly 10 percent—journeyed overseas.  The vast majority relocated inContinue
February 1 2021
05a – Our Hiestands (Heystandts) – Refugees in Friedrichstadt on the North Sea “Heystandt” was the way the Hollander-Dutch spelled our Hiestand name. The Nine Years War or the War of the Grand Alliance In 1689 Ibersheim and the entire Palatinate again became a hot war zone.  Five years after hereditary tenant rights were grantedContinue
January 31 2021
05 – Ibersheim, Germany German Home-Village of Our Hiestands https://www.akpool.de/ The village of Ibersheim (pronounced, Ibers-heim [“ib” as in “crib”]) is situated on what historically was an unprotected floodplain on the left bank (west side of) the Rhine River, just below (north of) a sharp northeastward bend in the river, about six miles (12 km)Continue
January 24 2021
04 – Our Swiss Ancestors Flee to Germany (Source: artuk.org) The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) Paves the Way for Swiss Anabaptists to Find New Homes Almost as soon as the Swiss Brethren (Anabaptists/Mennonites) began to teach and practice the Biblical principles they were learning from studying the New Testament (1525 A.D. and following), they encounteredContinue
January 21 2021
J. Ross Baughman’s Maps and Images Just one of 85 pages of maps and images from J. Ross Baughman’s Books – Many or most of which Ross drew himself Download This Resource Eighty-five Maps and Illustrations from the Origins of Swiss & Anabaptist Migrants: Collection of maps created by J. Ross Baughman for (and includedContinue
January 20 2021
Our Hiestand (Canton Zurich) Swiss Roots Video of the January 19, 2021 “Swiss Roots of the Hiestand/Haston Family” Zoom discussion with J. Ross Baughman as the expert guest. The full two hours of the meeting, focusing on the area south of the Zurich Sea where our Hiestand ancestors came from, with information on their participationContinue
January 17 2021
Free Book About Our Swiss Mennonite Roots: Apart From This World The Account of the Origins and Destinies of Various Swiss Mennonites Apart From The World: Ross Baughman, author.  An account of the origins and destinies of various Swiss Mennonites who fled from their homelands in remote parts of Cantons Zurich, Aargau, and Bern –Continue
January 14 2021
03 – What Do You Know About Our Mennonite Roots? Image from Christianity.com Rev. Samuel Hiestand’s parents, grandparents, and several generations before were all Mennonites. “Samuel Hiestand” – Wikipedia This Samuel Hiestand was our Daniel Haston’s nephew, son of Daniel’s oldest brother Jacob. Huldrych (Ulrich) Zwingli You know about Martin Luther and the Protestant ReformationContinue
January 12 2021
FREE Book About Our Swiss Homeland A Lake Beneath the Crescent Moon: Some of the history, legends and folkart from around Zurich ranging from prehistoric times through the 18th Century, along with the families thereabout named Bachman, Hiestand, Ringger & Strickler – 2000; 265 pages.  (28.6 MB) Download PDF If you enjoyed this article, please share itContinue
January 10 2021
02 – Our Haston Roots are in Switzerland For many years, even the most diligent researchers in the extended Daniel Haston family would hit the so-called genealogical “brick wall” with appearances of Daniel in western North Carolina, prior to the formation of the state of Tennessee.  They could establish their family connections back to Daniel,Continue
January 3 2021
01 – In Search of Our European Roots It looks like a hopeless task to trace back the family of Daniel, but let’s keep stumbling in the dark until we find something. Col. Howard H. Hasting, Sr. (1979) The desire of Daniel Haston’s descendants to know our European ethnicity did not begin with the genealogicalContinue
December 27 2020
Book Progress Update – December 2020 The work on this book actually began in the fall of 1999, when I started interacting with other people who were researching our Haston family history, visiting libraries, reading books, organizing a filing system, and developing www.DanielHaston.com. When I officially retired in 2017, the writing began.  I estimated thatContinue
December 25 2020
Why Study Dead People? Or “Discovering Your Family’s History” Podcast Interview with Wayne Haston https://youtu.be/1_RmldZXnY8 DEBORAH JOHNSON, M.A., creator of Hero Mountain™® and past President of Los Angeles National Speakers Association, is an international award-winning music artist, author, speaker and National Media Commentator. Deborah provides principles to produce a successful second half, creating momentum andContinue
December 17 2020
David Rhea & Estelle Haston Daniel Haston Family History “Hall of Famers” David Rhea and Estelle (Suggs) Haston lived in Sparta, Tennessee (White County, TN).  You can see their birth and death dates on the Highland Cemetery tombstone below.  For 20+ years (mid-1960s until sometime in the late 1980s or so) Dave and Estelle didContinue
December 6 2020
Colonel Howard H. Hasting, Sr. 1950s-80s Daniel Haston Family Researcher A Daniel Haston History Hall of Famer Howard H. Hasting, Sr. March 23, 1905-April 1, 2003 Oldest of six children. Graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point in 1928. Separated from the armed service in 1931, he practiced law in Arkansas until heContinue

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This blog began on January 1, 2001. Some of the main topics included in the blog focus on the history of the Daniel Haston family, going all the way back to the Hiestands of Zürich Switzerland, as early as the 15th century, honoring earlier Haston family researchers and other notable Hastons, announcing events of significance to members of the Daniel Haston Family and related families, as well as other related topics.

Zoom – Wayne’s Haston Reunion Presentation

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6 – Theories about the Shotgun Death of Vollie Belle Haston

Theories about the Shotgun Death of Vollie Belle Haston

Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston

I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know about Vollie Belle’s life or her death.  WayneH37@aol.com

Theories as to Who Killed Vollie Belle and Why

Here we are 70+ years later and no one knows for sure who pulled the trigger, pumped that Winchester Model 97 12 gauge shotgun, and pulled the trigger a second time.  All we are left with is theories.  And when people are left with only theories, imaginations tend to run wild.  

Dr. T.F. (Titus Floyd) Page's Theory

The medical doctor who examined Vollie Belle’s body filled out the information on her death certificate.  He was careful to not speculate as to the specific cause of her death except to say “Shot to death by someone not known at this time.”  However, with three options (Accident, Suicide, or Homicide) in the “If Death was Due tp External Causes (Specify)” section, he wrote “Homicide.”  So, he did not believe she intentionally killed herself or did it accidentally.  From what he saw in her body and at the crime scene, the doctor believed she was murdered.  

The Theory of the Coroner's Jury of Inquest

At the scene of Vollie Belle’s death, a jury of inquest was formed.  Apparently, the jury concluded, from the evidence they saw, that Clarke Raymond (Vollie Belle’s husband) killed his wife.  After consulting with Clarke and among themselves, the report the jury of inquest gave to the sheriff led immediately to Clarke’s arrest.

The Theory of the Prosecuting Attorneys

A criminal case usually gets started with a police arrest report. The prosecutor then decides what criminal charges to file, if any. Some cases go to a preliminary hearing, where a judge decides if there is enough evidence to proceed. Cases can also start when a grand jury issues a criminal indictment.  Source

Clarke Raymond was charged with first degree murder, the most serious charge the prosecution could bring.  So the prosecution believed that Clarke killed his wife and that it was a willful, deliberate, intentional, and malicious act, with cool purpose.  A first degree murder charge requires enough strong evidence that the jury unanimously concludes that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  The prosecution probably thought they had the “home field advantage” on their side–Vollie Belle was a popular local girl and Clarke Raymond was essentially a stranger from far away Montana.

The Theory (or Theories) of the Defense Attorneys

The defense attorneys probably knew the truth of what happened.  It wasn’t their job to prove any theory of what happened, but simply to disprove the evidence brought by the prosecution.  To present alternative theories that would cause the jury to at least have reasonable doubts regarding Clarke’s guilt.  They would have liked to have proven that it was an accident–that Vollie Belle accidentally killed herself.  But the two blasts from a pump shotgun made it impossible to convince the jury that Vollie Belle accidentally killed herself.  And, even Clarke essentially ruled out suicide.

So the defense’s strongest argument was maybe (just maybe) someone else killed Vollie Belle, even though there were no witnesses or physical evidence of another person in or around the scene of her death.  

But, again, the defense did not have to prove anything.  They just had to sow some seeds of doubt with regard to Clarke’s guilt in the minds of some members of the jury.

Some Theories that Have Been Proposed

Many people have tackled these “who? and why?” questions ever since Vollie Belle was killed.  Here are some of the theories that have emerged.

"Clarke Raymond killed his wife in order to collect the $1,000 from her insurance policy."

Vollie Belle’s father, Bransford Haston, had taken a Woodman of the World insurance policy out on Vollie Belle and originally made her mother the beneficiary.  But after Vollie Belle married Clarke Raymond, the beneficiary was changed to Clarke.  The prosecution raised some questions about that policy, but did not probe in depth on this issue, probably realizing that the insurance policy was not the motive behind Vollie Belle’s death.

Note: I contacted the Woodman of the World Insurance Company to try to learn who received the $1,000, but was told they could not release that information to me.

"Escapees from the 'State Farm' correctional facility about 20 miles east-southeast of the crime scene may have murdered Vollie Belle."

Three years earlier, an escapee from that correctional facility had murdered the wife and daughter of the superintendent of the facility.  That event was doubtless still on the minds of the local folks, including jury members.  Knowing that, the defense attorneys injected the possibility of a similar kind of incident to reflect guilt away from Clarke.  But there were no tracks in the area other than those of Clarke and possibly Vollie Belle.  And there had been a rain shower earlier that morning, making it difficult for someone other than Clarke to have gotten into and out of the crime scene without leaving tracks in bare spots around the house.

"There was some significant conflict in their marriage that ended up in a fight that resulted in Vollie Belle's death."

Clarke and Vollie Belle were supposedly deeply in love and were not experiencing any conflicts that were visible to her family and their friends.  But there may have been some serious disagreements that were seething under the surface of their marriage.

 

Although there is no clear indication of it anywhere in the trials, perhaps Clarke was carrying on an affair with someone–maybe someone in the neighborhood, while Vollie Belle was working in Spencer.

 

The local Sparta Expositor newspaper mentioned a disagreement that possibly the couple was privately quarreling over.  But there was no mention of this in the trial transcript.  Apparently, the prosecution had investigated this possible conflict and had determined that it was not an issue worth bringing up in the trial.

Theory A: A sinister issue had arisen in Vollie’s and Clarke’s marriage. Clarke became curious about what was written in the diary; he ripped it open; read what Vollie Belle had written about him, and it made him very angry. In anger, he tore out all the pages that mentioned his name; confronted Vollie Belle about what she had written in the diary, and proceeded to storm out the door, take the diary pages out to the toilet and throw them into the pit. The confrontation made Vollie Belle angry enough to come after Clarke with the shotgun (which already had a shell in the chamber). There was a fight over the shotgun–that resulted in two buttons being torn from Vollie’s housecoat–and the gun was somehow discharged during the fight. The first shot tore some skin from Vollie Belle’s right wrist and hit her under the left arm, blasting away part of her bicep muscle. The pellets were deflected such that they hit the house in a scattered pattern. Being in a state of rage, Clarke worked the shotgun mechanism to eject the spent shell and chamber another one. He then–in that state of rage–shot Vollie Belle in the side at point blank range. And, in the span of three minutes, he carried Vollie Belle’s body inside the house, placed her on the bed, and ran over and told Perry Smith that Vollie Belle had shot herself. (Arguably second-degree murder. …. or, at the least, manslaughter?)

Theory B: A sinister issue had arisen in Vollie’s and Clarke’s marriage.  Clarke became curious about what was written in the diary; he ripped it open; read what Vollie Belle had written about him, and learned that she had information that could not only ruin his life but that of someone else, …and that she was planning to reveal all of it.  He reasoned that he had to get rid of the diary and that he had to silence Vollie Belle, …and make it explainable as an accident.  So, he tore the pages out of the diary, stuck them in his pocket, and placed what was left of the diary back where he found it–for time being.  And, without saying anything to Vollie Belle about the diary on October 5, 1947, he said, “I think I am going to see if I can get a shot at that hawk that we have been seeing.”  Then, taking the shotgun with him, he goes out to the toilet, disposes of the diary pages, and crouches behind the grapevines near the garden gate to await Vollie Belle.  In order to make his planned explanation believable, he would need to get an upward shot at her from close range.  In a few minutes Vollie Belle, not suspecting that anything is amiss,  comes out the back door, heading toward the toilet. As she takes a couple of steps toward the garden gate she sees the muzzle of a shotgun protruding through the grapevines and hears the click of the hammer being cocked. She quickly raises her right arm to a defensive position and starts to turn and run, just as the first shot is fired. Vollie Belle is badly wounded by the first shot, but still alive, and lying on the ground.  The spray of shotgun pellets had hit the well pulley, the house weatherboarding, and the window.   (The plan to make it explainable as an accident has just been botched, and now there is another reason that Vollie Belle has to be silenced:  She can tell the world that Clarke intentionally shot her.  So, Clarke Raymond calmly walks through the garden gate, works the pump shotgun mechanism, throws the spent shell over toward the porch step, and takes the second shot.  Then he places the body on a sheet–ripping off a couple of her housecoat buttons in the process–, carries Vollie Belle into the house, and places her on the bed.  Then, in a frantic state of mind, he goes with his originally planned explanation, ….possibly having mentally erased the fact that he had fired two shots in rapid succession.  He runs over across the field and tells Perry Smith that Vollie has shot herself.  Then, he runs back to the house. And he suddenly remembers that diary.  In the fifteen-minute (or so) window of time, before neighbors begin arriving, Clarke stuffs the diary and the bloody sheet -that he used to carry the body into the house into a lard can and hides it in the smokehouse. And it never got entered into evidence, until now.   (First-degree murder ….or the act of a mentally deranged person?)

My (Wayne's) Theory

The clues to who killed Vollie Belle and why it happened are right there in the court transcript!!!

How did I miss these clues?  Before working on this final article in the six-part series on the Saga of Vollie Belle Haston’s Life and Tragic Death, I went back and carefully reread the entire trial transcript of the second circuit court trial–the April 1948 trial that was held in Spencer.  This was the main document that was submitted to and reviewed by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

How did I not see these clues when I first read the transcript?  And what’s worse is – How did the prosecuting attorneys and the Tennessee Supreme Court miss these clues?  And how did Circuit Court Judge Smartt miss these clues and narrow the jury’s options to only two decisions?  

Here’s why we all missed seeing these clues: The defense seems to have known that some of the witnesses were trying to surface these clues, but the defense attorneys manipulated the testimonies of witnesses to suppress any additional revelation of these clues.

The newfound awareness of these clues caused me to do some research into the what-I-think-is-probable reason for Vollie Belle’s death.  The probable cause is simple, but to explain it clearly enough for you to understand the full force of the issue, I’ve created the following document that you really need to read:  

Or View It Below

Use your mouse to scroll down or up the document.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://danielhaston.blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Clarke-Raymond-PTSD-Killing-Vollie-Belle-in-Episode-Theory.pdf” title=”Clarke Raymond – PTSD Killing Vollie Belle in Episode Theory”]

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Results from the "Who Killed Vollie Belle?" Poll in the 4th Article

22 votes: 54.5% Thought Clarke Intentionally Killed Her, 36.4% Thought Clarke Killed Her in a Heated Argument

Intentional and Premeditated = First Degree Murder           Unpremeditated in Heat of Argument = Second Degree Murder

Other Theories for the Shotgun Death of Vollie Belle Haston Raymond

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5. Vollie Belle Haston – The Murder Trials

Vollie Belle Haston - The Murder Trials

Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston

I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know about Vollie Belle’s life or her death.  WayneH37@aol.com

Oldtimers in and from Van Buren County still talk about the murder trials of 1947 and 1948, in which Clarke Raymond (former Montana resident) was tried for the murder of his wife, Vollie Belle née Haston, a lifelong resident of Van Buren County, Tennessee. 

 

As you saw from the previous article in this series, it was a strange case!  People today who look back on the case still “scratch their heads” trying to figure out how Clarke Raymond could claim his wife accidentally shot herself two times with a pump 12 gauge shotgun. 

 

Even though justice generally came more quickly in the 1940s than it does today, it took more than a year to resolve the case.

The Old Van Buren County Courthouse Where the Circuit Court Trials Were Held

Options of Four Types of Murder Charges

Timeline of Key Events in the Vollie Belle Haston Raymond Murder Trial

October 5, 1947
Two shotgun blasts killed Vollie Belle
Death by a 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

The killing weapon was a Winchester Model 97 (1897) pump-action 12 gauge shotgun.  The fact that Vollie Belle was killed with two shots, the second shot fired a few (perhaps four) seconds after the first one, made it difficult for the defendant's attorneys to convince the jury that Vollie Belle accidentally shot herself.  Other evidence made it difficult for the defense to argue that someone other than Clarke Raymond fired the shots.

October 28, 1947
Indictment of Clarke Raymond for the Murder of his Wife
Circuit Court Grand Jury Indictment

A Grand Jury for the Circuit Court of Van Buren County (7th Judicial District) returned an indictment of first degree murder in the case State of Tennessee v. Clarke Raymond.  The Circuit Judge was R.W. Smartt (photo) of McMinnville, TN.  

Grand Jury: Clifton Sparkman, Claud Templeton, Brintz Maynard, W.M. Austin, Bill Dodson, John Delong, Frank Rozzell, O.J. Swope, Huston Hillis, Haskel Hitchcock, J.P. Hale, and Lee Miller.  The trial was set for November 25, 1947. 

November 25 - 26, 1947
Trial #1 - State v. Clarke Raymond
First Circuit Court Trial (in Spencer) - State of Tennessee vs Clarke Raymond (Murder)

The Honorable R.W. Smartt was the judge in this case and all of the other Circuit Court actions. 

The defendant was represented by Jim Camp of Sparta, TN, and Lewis S. Pope of Nashville. 

The State (prosecution) was represented by Jim Brady, C.D. Lamb, Robert S. Brady, and E.C. Haston (relative of Vollie Belle Haston).

The case began on Tuesday morning, November 25, and continued to the next day.  Clarke Raymond pleaded "not guilty." 

Jury: Herb Frady, Grover Hennessee, Earl Hillis, Kenneth Slatton, Dalton Delong, Merle Savage, Glenn Deweese, Gene Christian, Albert Deweese, Hollis D. Myers, Winton Hillis, and Floyd Bryant.

Clarke's mother, Mrs. C.C. Raymond of San Diego, CA, his brother, D.D. Raymond, and uncle C.R. Clarke of Minneapolis, MN were with him during the trial.

Raymond's defense was built around the possibility of the murder having been committed by a third person.  

After six hours of deliberation, the trial ended in a mistrial because of a hung jury (eight to four in favor of acquittal).  A retrial was scheduled for April 27, 1948.

November 27, 1947
Freed on bond
$7,500 Bond

On the day following the end of the first trial, Clarke was released on a $7,500 bond.  He was back in Montana on December 6, 1947 and left there on December 9 to visit his mother and sisters in San Diego, California.

April 27 & 29, 1948
Trial # 2 - State v. Clarke Raymond
The Second Circuit Court Trial (in Spencer)

Again, R.W. Smartt was the judge.  Jury members: Theron Bouldin, John Roberts, Rayburn Hennessee, J.A. Walling, Lee Myers, Buck Binkley, John Snider, Jonah Vanwinkle, George M. Dodson, Raymon Hensley, Clarence Simmons, Willard Bouldin, and Walter Martin.

After deliberating only 50 minutes, the jury found Clarke Raymond guilty of voluntary manslaughter and set his punishment at not more than two years in the Tennessee State Penitentiary. 

 

 

 

This was the minimum penalty for voluntary manslaughter.  Clarke had 30 days to file for a new trial.  He was released on a $7,500 bond until the application for a third trial could be granted.

May 6, 1948
Back in Montana
Back in Montana

According to the Sparta Expositor, Clarke Raymond was back "home" in Sheridan, Montana by May 6, 1948.

May 17, 1948
Defendant's motion for a new trial.
Attorney Jim Camp a Filed Motion in the Circuit Court for a Retrial

A motion for a new trial was filed on May 17, 1948.  June 1, 1948 was set for the date of a hearing for the defendants attorneys to make their arguments for a new trial.

June 1, 1948
Hearing for the motion to allow a retrial.
Clarke Raymond's Defense Attorneys Presented the Case for a New Trial

Clarke Raymond's attorneys presented four grounds for a new trial:

1. That there was no material evidence to sustain the verdict.
2. That the greater weight of evidence preponderates against the verdict and in favor of the defendant.
3. That the court was in error in not allowing the defendant's claim that some highway patrolmen threatened him.
4. That the jury was not followed proper protocol in charging the jury.

September 20, 1948
Motion for New Trial Disallowed
Clarke Raymond's Motion for a New (3rd) Trial in the Circuit Court was Disallowed

After "due consideration" Clarke Raymond's appeal for a net trial was overruled by the Circuit Court.  The defendant was ordered to pay the State of Tennessee all of the costs ($126.55) of the case and be confined in the State Penitentiary for a period not to exceed two years and "suffer the pains that are by statue provided."

September 20, 1948
Appeal to the State Supreme Court
Clarke Raymond Appealed His Case to the Tennessee Supreme Court

On the day Clarke Raymond learned that the Van Buren County Circuit Court was rejecting his motion for a new trial in that court, he appealed to the next term of the Tennessee Supreme Court.  This appeal was granted and a bail bond of $2,000 was set for his appearance at the next term of the State Supreme Court and for term to term until discharged.

September 23, 1948
Bail Bond Paid
Two Thousand Dollars Paid

Clarke Raymond, Carrie Raymond Junod, Delilah E. Raymond, Nancy Raymond Johnson, and Mrs. Margie H. Camp (wife of the defendant's attorney) put up the bond money ($2,000).  

November 16, 1948
Bond Filed
Bond Filed

The $2,000 Bail Bond was filed.  

December 7, 1948
Judgment of the TN Supreme Court
Clarke Raymond v. State of Tennessee - The Supposedly-Final Judgment

The Tennessee State Supreme Court reviewed the Technical Record and Trial Transcript, including the exhibits accepted in the case and all the court filings (no oral arguments) and concluded:

The State respectfully insists that the judgment of the lower court is without reversible error and should be affirmed.
Jan 18, 1949
Reversal by the TN Supreme Court

Based on a technicality - procedural error by Judge Smartt - the guilty sentence was reversed.  Officially (legally), Clarke Raymond was not found guilty but the evidence presented in court stands the way as it was presented.  

Only one person knew for sure what happened that Sunday morning and he (Clarke Raymond) died in 2001.  Was his story the true story?  Or, was there a true story that the judge and jury never heard?  If so, what was the true story?

February 4, 2001
Death of Clarke Raymond

No mention of Vollie Belle Haston Raymond.  I wonder how many people back home in Montana ever knew the story of what happened to his first wife.

Supreme Court of Tennessee Reversal of the Clarke Raymond Conviction

ADCOCK v. STATE, 191 Tenn. 687 (1949)
Opinion filed January 17, 1949 (the day before the reversal of the Clarke Raymond decision)

Note: Judge R.W. Smartt was the judge in this case as well as the Clarke Raymond case. Clarence E. Haston (from McMinnville) was attorney for the plaintiff in error.  He was attorney for the state in the Clarke Raymond case.  Nat Tipton, Assistant Attorney General who wrote the ruling for the TN Supreme Court in the Clarke Raymond case apparently wrote the Supreme Court’s ruling in this case.

Summary of the Case Sent to the TN Supreme Court

13 Pages

Summary of the 2nd Circuit Court Case

As Presented to the TN State Supreme Court for an Appeal
Click on the Right Arrow to Read the 13 Pages in this Summary
253 Pages – The Case Docket Reviewed by the Tennessee Supreme Court
Includes Transcript from the Second Circuit Court Trial with Witnesses, etc.

Two Key People from the Murder Trial

Perry Smith was a former Sheriff of Van Buren County, TN.  He and his wife were the closest neighbors to, and good friends of, Clarke and Vollie Belle Haston Raymond.  It was Perry Smith that Clarke Raymond ran to after Vollie Belle was shot.  Perry Smith was the first person to examine the murder scene following Vollie Belle’s death.  He was the prosecution’s star witness in the murder trial.  Judge R.W. Smartt was the Circuit Court Judge who was in charge of the case in Spencer.

1950 Cummings Reunion

Less than three years after the State vs. Clarke Raymond trial – what do you think Perry Smith and Judge Smartt were discussing?  I wonder if Perry Smith is asking the judge, “WHY did you fail to send a written copy of your charge to the jury into the jury room for their deliberation?”  Judge Smartt retired that year (1950), but continued to fill in for other judges until at least 1957.

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4 – Vollie Belle Haston – Her Death by a 12 Gauge Shotgun

Vollie Belle Haston Raymond - Mysterious Death by a 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun

Co-Authors: Becky Hitchcock Harris and Wayne Haston

I have learned that there is a lot of information “out there” (be it factual or inaccurate lore) about Vollie Belle Haston’s life and tragic death.  I’d love to hear anything you have heard or know about Vollie Belle’s life or her death.  WayneH37@aol.com

The News Story - Chattanooga Times, October 7, 1947

The story of Vollie Belle’s death was reported in several Tennessee newspapers, but this October 7, 1947 article in the Chattanooga Times is the most complete single article I have found.

The State frankly confesses that upon the facts of the case, it is one of the most puzzling that has reached the desk of the writer in a long time.

Timeline of the Events at the Scene of Vollie Belle's Death

Sunday Morning - October 5, 1947

Most of the stated times were taken from the various testimonies given in court.  The details regarding the death of Vollie Belle were given by Clarke Raymond.  There were no other onsite witnesses at the time of her death to vouch for him or contradict him.  Whether or not his testimony was honest and accurate was (and still is) open to question–the crucial issue in the trial. 

About Daylight
Light Rain

There was a light rain during the night (about daylight), but enough rain that tracks could have been seen in areas where there was no grass.

About 7:00 a.m.
Clarke Got Out of Bed

Clarke said he got up and built a fire in the kitchen stove.  Vollie Belle was still in bed.  He went to the barn to do the chores--feed the livestock, etc.

About 7:30-7:45 a.m.
Vollie Belle Was Up and Met Clarke

Clarke said he went back to the barn to feed the chickens and a hog and turn the livestock out to water.  Vollie Belle came out of the door laughing and said, "You think you weren't going to get any breakfast?"  He said, "No, I wasn't worried about that."  Clarke went in to the bedroom and started reading a Time magazine and Vollie Belle brought him a cup of coffee, a few (10-15) minutes later (about 8:00 a.m.).

About 8:15-8:20 a.m.
Vollie Belle Told Clarke Breakfast Was Ready

Clarke said they ate breakfast together.

About 8:45 a.m.
Finished Breakfast

Clark said they finished breakfast and drank some coffee.

About 8:45-8:55 a.m.
Clarke Retrieved Her Handkerchief

Clark said: While Vollie Belle was washing the dishes she discovered that she had dropped her handkerchief out at the toilet (out house).  Clarke said he went out to get it, returned inside the house (presumably gave her the handkerchief), helped her finish with the dishes, sprayed some fly spray, and swept the bedroom.  

?
Clarke Went to the Toilet

Clark said he told her if she would sweep some of the floors, he would mop the bed rooms and the living room when he got back from the toilet.

?
Vollie Belle Said She Saw a Hawk

Clark said: While he was in the toilet (urinating) she yelled for him - "Honey, I see that hawk."  Note: Mrs. Perry Smith, testified in court that he told her he was the one who saw the hawk and yelled to Vollie Belle to bring the shotgun.  Clarke denied that.

Approximately 9:00 a.m.
Gun Shots

Clarke said he heard footsteps in the hall, the screen door slammed and he said he heard a (single) shot.  He said he was surprised because she didn't ever want to shoot the gun - it kicked too hard.  Neighbor Perry Smith and other neighbors heard two shots fired, one soon (seconds) after the other.

Coincidence?  The Swiss watch that James Hurd Cruise gave Vollie Belle for her high school graduation - notice that (1) the glass is cracked and (2) the watch stopped at 9:01.  Was this watch with her when she was killed and the incident leading to her death the cause of the broken glass and the stopping of the watch?  The watch was not mentioned in the trial. 

?
Clarke Finished in the Toilet

Clarke said he finished urinating, turned to go out and turned his foot on a warped board, almost fell, grabbed for the door but missed and caught himself from falling - in the process the toilet door closed hard.  The toilet was about 40-42 feet from the house.

Full Layout of the House and Backyard

Created by Hoyte Cook from descriptions in the court records and memories of Becky Hitchcock Harris

Excerpts from the "Statement of the Case" Presented to the Tennessee Supreme Court

A discharged shotgun shell was found about 2 feet from the steps leading from the back of the home of the couple and another empty shell was found in the chamber of the gun.  The gun was found lying in the yard near the porch and about 6 feet from the gun some blood was likewise found.  

 

The body of the deceased contained two series of wounds.  One entered on the left side below the nipple and did not emerge.  A considerable portion of the muscle of her left arm was shot away and also a slight wound apparently made by the shotgun was obvious on her right wrist.  In the weatherboarding of the house, there was a considerable amount of shot found.  Likewise, stuck on this wall and carried there by this discharge, there was some of her flesh and part of a house coat which she was wearing.  Two buttons from this housecoat were also found by the investigating parties.  One of them was found substantially where the body was lying and the other found near a gate leading in to the garden and thence to the outdoor toilet of the premises.  The only witness who undertakes to testify in the record as to the interval of time between the shots places them as being from two to three seconds apart.

 

The testimony of the plaintiff in error [Clarke Raymond] himself very definitely shows that the deceased had no suicidal intentions of which he was ever aware and he also testifies that as far as he knew the couple were the only two persons on the premises that morning.

Put Yourself in the Role of an Investigator at a Crime Scene

Based on the description of the death scene above compared to the image below, see if you can make sense of the shots, the wounds, the locations, the sequence of happenings, and the evidence found at the scene.  See if you can re-enact – in your own mind – what happened there on that fateful Sunday morning.

Zoomed-in View of the Scene Where the Shooting Occurred

The screen door shown in the back steps picture (below) is not the same door that was there in 1947.  The house was modified later by the Hitchcock family.  That particular door was apparently cut out where the window (that was hit by shotgun pellets) was located at the time of the shooting.  The size of the wound in Vollie Belle’s side (“about the size of a half dollar”) … based on my personal observations long ago … suggest that the muzzle was less than ten feet away when the second shot was fired.  And likely less than five feet. -Hoyte Cook

Compare this photo to the drawing above.

The man in the photo was standing near where Vollie Belle entered the back yard.
?
Clarke Discovered the Body

According to Clarke, when he started back to the house he went around the smokehouse (that blocked his view from the toilet to the back porch of the house) and saw Vollie Belle lying in the yard.  He picked her body up and took her inside and placed her on a bed.  He used a sheet to attempt to stop the bleeding.

Two or Three Minutes after 2nd Shot
Clarke Ran to His Neighbor for Help

Clarke said he ran out the front door and across a field to Perry Smith's house.  He saw Perry Smith in the back yard and told him Vollie had shot herself and yelled for him to go get a doctor, which Perry did.

?
Clarke Returned to His House

Clarke said he bathed Vollie Belle's face with water, but realized she was dead.

"Shortly Afterwards"
Mrs. Perry Smith and two Mrs. Connells (neighbor friend and her daughter-in-law) Arrived

Mrs. Perry Smith chose to go her neighbor-friend (Mrs. Connell) instead of going with Perry to get a doctor.  Together Mrs. Smith and the Connell women were the first people to arrive at the scene.  The McConnells went into the room where Vollie Belle's body was lying on the bed.  Mrs. Smith (a close lifelong friend of Vollie Belle) was so disturbed she did not enter the bedroom to see the body.

15-30 Minutes Later (about 9:30 a.m.)
Doctor C. P. Page Arrived from Spencer

Dr. Page and his wife rode back to the Raymonds' house with Perry Smith.

?
Vollie Belle's Mother and Father Arrived

Vollie Belle's mother arrived with Deputy Claude Baker.  Her father came a bit later.

Between 9:30 and 10:00 a.m.
A.C. Measles Arrived

By the time Mr. Measles arrived, a few people ("not very many") had already arrived at the Raymonds' house.  He found one shotgun shell near the back porch.  He picked it up and handed it to Deputy Baker.

About 10:00 a.m.
Sheriff McCoy's Deputy Claude Baker Arrived

Claude Baker, few minutes after arriving, picked up and handled the shotgun from where it was lying in the back yard and "worked it."  James Simmons (on the coroner's jury) said "There was a pretty good crowd" there at about 10:00 a.m.

After Baker Picked Up the Gun
Jury of Inquest Empannelled

A group of men appointed to a jury of inquest called for Clarke Raymond and questioned him.  Clarke said that a cat might have tripped her.  He said that he only heard one shot.  The jury "investigated around there a while," then made a decision.  Van Buren County, TN Sheriff Lester McCoy and Deputy Baker then made an arrest of Clarke Raymond, following the inquest.

"Wasn't long till..."
Ambulance Arrived

Based on What You Now Know - What Do You Think Happened to Vollie Belle?

[socialpoll id="2861880"]
Winchester Model 1897

The Winchester Model 1897 is probably one of the most well-known and widely recognized pump-action shotguns ever created.  Known not only for its widespread use in the Old West (as well as movies, shows, and even games centered around the Old West), but also for its notable use by US Soldiers in both World Wars and even the Vietnam War, the M1897 can be seen both as a military and police shotgun as well as just a good all-around shotgun for hunting and recreation.  -Jakes Gun Reviews  In World War I, the Germans protested the U.S. Army’s using of this shotgun, claiming it was illegal under the international rules of war.

Not the gun that killed Vollie Belle, but the same model: Winchester Model 1897

History and Features of the Winchester M1897 Shotgun

Short but very interesting information about the model of shotgun that killed Vollie Belle.

Being a pump action I could see a possible accidental discharge once but then to work the action to reload another shell into the chamber to accidentally fire the firearm again sounds highly unlikely.

Site of Vollie Belle's Death on a 1939 Aerial Image

The site where Vollie Belle was shot is shown with a red circle around it.  At the time that I visited the place in the 1950s the Coffman Hitchcock family lived in the house.  The murder took place in the back yard.  There were several shotgun pellet holes in the weatherboarding of the back of the house (the side facing westward) that, according to the Hitchcocks, were put there in the murder incident.  A wire fence separated the small back yard from the garden; and some bushes were growing in that fence row.  The Hitchcocks also reported that several years after the murder they were clearing junk out of the garage, and found a blood-soaked sheet stuffed into a lard can. 
-Hoyte Cook

*However, the size of the shot entry into Vollie Belle’s chest indicates that she was shot at close range.

Site of Vollie Belle's Death on a 2022 Aerial Image

Vollie Belle's Grave in the Molloy Cemetery, Outside of Spencer, TN (2022)

The Mysterious Man Who Left Red Roses at Vollie Belle's Grave

It was just a normal day in the 1950s at the farm when Granny Hitchcock received a phone call.  The caller informed her there was a man at Vollie Belle’s grave as they had driven by Molloy Cemetery.  She expressed some curiosity surrounding the phone conversation to the point that she asked Pa to take her to Spencer to Malloy cemetery.  Granny Hitchcock gathered Pa from the field and they drove to Spencer hoping the man would still be there.  He was not, but they discovered red roses left on Vollie Belle’s grave.  They never knew who the man was and as far as we know he never returned to leave red roses on her grave again.  

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