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Descendants of Robert Dukes - June 24, 2003

20. LAURA M.⁴ MERCER (HENRIETTA³ DUKES, ROBERT S.², ..¹) was born 1848 in "Lol" (Jackson Co, MO?), and died 14 Jul 1915 in Spokane, WA. She married WILLIAM A. SYMINGTON Unknown, son of R. SYMINGTON and MARTHA ... He was born Abt. 1848 in a cashier, 1st Nat'l Bank, Independence MO, and died Unknown in About 1892? Independence, Jackson Co, MO.

Notes for LAURA M. MERCER:
Laura Mercer; notes from Ed Kutz:

From the Iva Lee Calley Riggs Genealogy, 18 Mar 1995.

Obituary from The Independence Examiner, Independence, MO, Tuesday, July 15, 1915. Provided by Joane Chiles Eakin.

MRS. SYMINGTON DEAD
Has Lived in Spokane Since Husband's Death
To Independence for Burial Saturday Afternoon

Independence relatives have been notified of the death of Mrs. Laura Symington, widow of the late W. A. Symington, yesterday morning at her home in Spokane, Wash. Her death was sudden. Mrs. Symington lived in Independence many years but since the death of her husband has lived in Spokane. She was the mother of Mercer Symington and Mrs. Samuel McCoy, both of that city. The body will be brought back to Independence leaving Spokane Wednesday morning and arriving here Friday night. Funeral services will be held at 2 0'clock Saturday afternoon. The home of the Symington family, when they lived in Independence, was on Delaware Street just north of Farmer Street. Mr. Symington for many years was cashier of the First National Bank and city treasurer of Independence." [Iva Riggs]

Children of LAURA MERCER and WILLIAM SYMINGTON are:

	i.		MERCER⁵ SYMINGTON, b. Unknown; d. Unknown.
54.	ii.		LOLA SYMINGTON, b. Unknown, prob Independence, Jackson Co, MO; d. Bet. 1915 - 1931, Spokane, WA.

21. ALICE⁴ MERCER (HENRIETTA³ DUKES, ROBERT S.², ..¹) was born 09 Jan 1851 in (Lee's Summit, Jackson Co, MO?), and died Aft. 1882 in Living in Independence 1882. She married JOHN FRANKLIN CHILES 18 Nov 1876 in Jackson Co, MO, son of FRANKLIN CHILES and ELIZABETH SAUNDERS. He was born 23 Mar 1851 in Sibley, Jackson Co, MO, and died Aft. 1882 in res Independence, MO by marriage date.

Notes for ALICE MERCER:
Alice Mercer notes from Ed Kutz:

From the Iva Lee Calley Riggs Genealogy, 18 Mar 1995.

"Aunt Annie's Family History", written c.1894 by Annie B. Saunders, b. 1857 (this family history became the property of Frank John Thompson upon the death of his mother, Laura (Chiles) Thompson, 21 March 1959):

William Saunders mother was a Tilman of South Carolina. William Saunders was educated for a lawyer and came from Baltimore. Mary Saunders, of William Saunders, died and left two children: John H. Saunders and Elizabeth Saunders. Elizabeth died. John H. Saunders was an only son, but his father, William, had relatives in Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina. The Mances of South Carolina were his relatives.

The marriage of Nancy Sanders and John H. Saunders, children: First was Elizabeth Saunders, born in Boyle Co KY in 1831 (near Danville) who married Frank Chiles, son of Richard Chiles of Clark Co KY. Richard Chiles' wife was Miss Sally Skinner of Clark County. Her mother was a Carr.

Elizabeth Saunders and Frank Chiles had by their own union, one son: John F. Chiles, born in Sibley, Jackson Co MO in 1851. Lizzie Chiles was left a widow in 1851. She always resided at the Saunders' mansion with her father, William Saunders, until his death.

Her son, John F. Chiles, the only grandson of Richard B. Chiles, was the first county treasurer of Jackson County.

Richard B. Chiles came to Missouri in 1832 to help survey and lay of [out?] the town of Independence. He had a full set of surveyor's outfit. He was a pioneer; he fought the Indians.

John F. Chiles was educated at William Juel [sic] College. He married Miss Allie [Alice] Mercer on 18 November 1876. Born to them were six children.

Girls: Annie M. Chiles, Laura M. Chiles, Maud A. Chiles.
Boys: B. B. Chiles, Joe Chiles, Tom Chiles.

All born in Jackson Co MO. They live at the Hilands [sic]." [Iva Riggs]

This extract from Henrietta Knight's letters:

"Sister Alice" is spoken of by Henrietta Mercer Knight in letters to her husband, John A. E. Knight, Sr. writte in 1882.

Although Henrietta and John had a child named Stephen Alice, the child was thought to have died in 1872 (Bible record of John A. E. Knight Jr.). However, Henrietta's letters from 1880 to 1882 spoke frequently of a girl, Laura, in terms that sounded like the child was their daughter.

Then in April 1882, she wrote:

"Laura has heard through sister Alice of her Pa again he wrote Alice that he had made several thousand dollars farming and selling mining claims and was going into Practice at Hoofier in Nebraska. Laura is very much elated Thinks her Pa is rich got so high toned she had to have several switchings. Says she don't love any of us but Uncle John. "

Later in 1882, she speaks of sister Alice again, but with no further reference to Laura. Alice's daughter, Laura would not be old enough to act "high toned."

Notes for JOHN FRANKLIN CHILES:
LDS records become fairly specific on the dates of this couple, and they have been entered as posted #11GL-RSX for Alice and #11GL-QSX for her husband, John Franklin Chiles. The husband's given names also come from this source.

Alice Mercer's father, Joseph Wayne Mercer, was a business partner with a C. C. Chiles, forming a bank later known as the First National Bank. Whether this is a kinsman of John Chiles is not known at this time (Oct. 1998).

See also "Aunt Annie's Family History" in notes for William Saunders.

John F. Chiles was educated at William Jewell College. He was the first county treasurer for Jackson County, Missouri.

Marriage Notes for ALICE MERCER and JOHN CHILES:
LDS records recorded the births of four children only: Annie M., Richard, Laura M. and Joseph W.

"B. B" was not among those listed.

"Aunt Annie's Family History" written about 1894 by Annie B. Saunders lists the following children:

Girls: Annie M. Chiles, Laura M. Chiles, Maude A. Chiles
Boys: B. B. Chiles, Joe Chiles, Tom Chiles.

Children of ALICE MERCER and JOHN CHILES are:

	i.		ANNIE M.⁵ CHILES, b. 1876, Jackson Co, MO; d. Unknown.
	ii.		RICHARD CHILES, b. Mar 1879, Jackson Co, MO; d. Unknown.

Notes for RICHARD CHILES:
This child is possible Richard Thomas or Thomas Richard. Annie B. Saunders refers to one of the children of John F. and Alice (Mercer) Chiles as "Tom."

55.	iii.	LAURA M. CHILES, b. 21 Aug 1882, Jackson Co, MO; d. 21 Mar 1959.
	iv.	JOSEPH W. CHILES, b. 20 May 1884, Jackson Co, MO; d. Unknown.
	v.	B. B. CHILES, b. Unknown, Jackson Co, MO; d. Unknown.
	vi.	MAUDE A. CHILES, b. Unknown, Jackson Co, MO; d. Bef. 1913, died young.

Notes for MAUDE A. CHILES:
This child appears first in the family history written by Annie B. Saunders. Her name was previously unknown.

22. ANNA⁴ MERCER (HENRIETTA³ DUKES, ROBERT S.², ..¹) was born Aug 1857 in Jackson Co, MO, and died 07 May 1892 in Res Ft. Worth TX 1882; d Cincinnati, OH. She married LUCIAN NAPOLEAN BRUNSWIG 24 Apr 1878 in (3 daughters lived to adulthood & married), son of DANIEL BRUNSWIG and ROSALIE LAZARD. He was born 10 Aug 1854 in of New Orleans LA, b Montmedy, France, and died 17 Jul 1943 in a druggist; d Los Angeles, CA.

Notes for ANNA MERCER:
Ed Kutz sends in October 1998, Anna Mercer Brunswig's obituary. He lists as source, the Iva Lee Calley Riggs Genealogy, 18 Mar 1995. The obituary appeared in the "New Orleans Times-Democrat," reprinted in "The Sentinel."

Sister of Hon. Jos. Mercer and of Mrs. W. A. Symington
A Most Sad Death

The Sentinel has already announced the death of Mrs. Anna Brunswig, sister of Hon. Jos. Mercer, and of Mrs. W. A. Symington. The New Orleans Times Democrat has the following notice of the death of Mrs. Brunswig.

The death of Mrs. Brunswig was particularly sad. One month ago she was a beautiful, healthy woman, happy in her home, surrounded by five lovely children, a doting husband, and having her every wish gratified. She was as good and genial as she was pretty, and her friends included the cir... of her acquaintance. About this time little Mercer, her ten year old boy, a child who had been blind and crippled for several years caused by sickness after having suffered for some time, died. He was the pet of the household by reason of his misfortune, and the mother became almost frantic with grief.

From a robust healthy woman, she became a weak tottering invalid. Her constitution was broken down, her nervous system shattered, and her health a perfect wreak. Her husband, in his untiring efforts to console her, suggested a trip to her old home town of Independence, Mo. To that place she went, accompanied by her husband, but the pressence of other loved ones failed to alleviate her sorrow and she became weaker and weaker.

Mr. Brunswig then concluded to take her to Cincinnati to be placed under the treatment of a skilled specialist of that place. To Cincinnati they went. Telegrams were sent to friends in this city by Mr. Brunswig yesterday morning early, but no particulars of the death were given. The stricken husband will arrive in the city with the remains this (?) evening and the funeral will take place some time Tuesday.

Mrs. Brunswig was formerly Miss Annie Mercer and her home was in Independence, Mo. She was the daughter of one of the most prominent gentlemen in that state, and her brother, who is now president of a bank at that place, was for one term Secretary of State of Missouri.

She met Mr. Brunswig fourteen years ago, when he was engaged in business at Independence, and the result was a marriage of love. They lived afterward at Fort Worth, Texas for a while, and seven years ago came to this city, and Mr. Brunswig became associated with Mr. Finley in the drug business, which now bears the title of Finlay & Brunswig.

Five children were born to them, four of whom survive -- three girls and one boy, whose ages range from four to twelve years. Mrs. Bruswig was of a very amiable disposition and beloved by all who knew her. (Iva Riggs).

=====
Ed notes: also see Wilcox, "Jackson County, Missouri; History of Pioneer Families."

Notes for LUCIAN NAPOLEAN BRUNSWIG:
Lucian Brunswig studied at the College of Etain, Department of Meuse, France.

He came to America and entered the wholesale and retail drug business. He subsequently established himself in this business in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1876. In 1882, he accepted a junior partnership in the firm of Finlay & Brunswig at New Orleans. When his Finley partner died, he became sole owner of the firm, and from that time until 1903, he was sole owner of the company known as L. N. Brunswig and Company.

In 1888, he established a branch of his business in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Guaymas, Mexico. He lived at 2640 W. Adams St., Los Angeles, a terraced lot in a French Renaissance chateaux neighborhood. He was a member of the California Club of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Country Club.

In 1903, he disposed of his New Orleans business, retired, and took a two year's vacation in Europe.

Lucian Brunswig married again after Annie Mercer Brunswig died, and had at least one child. This information from Jan Dunmire (Ljdunmire@aol.com) who lived in Colorado in October 1998.

We originally had the death date of 08 May 1892 for Lucian N. Brunswig, but have changed it after receiving information from Jan Dunmire. This apparently is the death of his wife (by one day off).

Lucian N. Brunswig founded what is now known as the Bergen-Brunswig Drug Corporation.

One source of information on Lucien N. Brunswig is "Press Reference Library," , page 711, IV-13, published in a Winter edition of about 1910.

This source gives the following information:

Place of birth and current residence of Lucien N. Brunswig.
Place of birth and death of Annie Mercer.
Name and birthplace of second wife, Marguerite Wogan.
Children of 1st marriage "3 daughters now married, and a son"
Child of 2nd marriage "daughter 11 years of age."

Children of ANNA MERCER and LUCIAN BRUNSWIG are:

56.	i.		WALTER MERCER⁵ BRUNSWIG, b. 21 Jul 1887, New Orleans, LA; d. 14 May 1961, Compton, CA.
	ii.		MERCER BRUNSWIG, b. Abt. 1882; d. Abt. 1892, New Orleans, LA.

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