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Ancestors of George Henry Custer, Jr.

Generation No. 3

      4. Alonzo Milton Custer, born 11 Apr 1857 in Sandyville, Jackson County, VA (Source: Register of Births--Jackson County, West Virginia, Custer, Alonzo M. Father Mark, Mother Mary E. Father's occ. farmer.); died 28 Jul 1927 in Sheridan Lake, Kiowa Co., CO. He was the son of 8. Mark Custer, Jr. and 9. Mary Elizabeth Morehead. He married 5. Serena Jane Duncan 16 Nov 1880 in Angerona, Jackson County, WV (Source: Jackson County Marriage Records, Custer, Alonzo 23 and Duncan Sarah Jane 22 by Rev William Weekley.).

      5. Serena Jane Duncan, born 09 Feb 1858 in Mannington, Marion Co., VA; died 12 Apr 1907 in Mannington, Marion Co., WV. She was the daughter of 10. George Nelson Duncan and 11. Edith Ann Hildreth.

Notes for Alonzo Milton Custer:
      1870 Census for Jackson County, West Virginia: 162-162 Baker, Ambrose B. age 31 occ farmer $950. wife Lucy children James, Charles. Also listed CUSTER, ALONZO age 13
      310-310 Hill, Felix M and Sutton, Henry H. age 40 Farmer born Monroe Co., OH, wife Elizabeth age 36 (mother of Alonzo) Henry age 12 and Salina age 10.

Letters received from Paul Drake Copenhaver. These letters were written to Paul's mother, Nellie Custer Copenhaver, by her father, Alonzo Milton Custer
            Edmond Okla 1-16-26
Well Nellie as I had a view of the new fence around the cemetery at Uncle John's last night in a dream, I would just like to know if it is fenced. I dreamed that Uncle John, Uncle Henderson, the Savior, and myself walked up to the cemetery. I was to select the music. So we sang in a low tone as we climbed the hill an old song that brother Blackburn Hall used in our protracted meeting climbing up Zion Hill.
            We went around the new fence to the west, saw the beautiful sunset, and sang my latest - Sun is sinking fast My race is nearly run My strongest trials now are past My triumph has begun.
            Then walked northeast to near mommie's grave and sang - The light of Salvation We trust which hangs like a lamp in the tomb - I saw a beautiful hanging lamp in her tomb I saw the inner part of the grave just as I saw it 19 years ago- Uncle John only spoke once on the trip. He looked down on the creek bottom and said that is good soil. Uncle Henderson told him he ought to be thinking of heaven. We then walked down the hill to the road - all singing. How firm a foundation ye Saints of the Lord.
            When I awoke I was praising the Lord for his wonderful free and full salvation. What does it all mean?
            I only recall the last few words of the next stanza - The light of salvation we trust which hangs like a lamp in the tomb - It never seemed so sweet to me before I saw the light in Momma's tomb in my dream - The Savior is the light of the world. Let us walk in the light that our light may shine to lead souls out of the darkness into the light of the gospel.
            Father
(Note: Alonzo Milton Custer 11 Apr 1857 - 28 Jul 1927 his first wife and mother of his children, Serena Jane Duncan Custer 09 Feb 1858 - 12 Apr 1907 Uncle John was probably Uncle John William Hildreth and Uncle Alva Henderson Hildreth, brothers of Serena Jane's mother, Edith Ann Hildreth Duncan. The cemetery where Serena Jane is buried is up a very steep hill from Uncle John's home place on Quaker Fork road in Marion County.)

            Well Nellie I mentioned one hymn that we used to sing 50 years ago. You may never have heard it. It was sung while the casket was lowered. It was like this: Man dyeth and wasteth away and where is he? Hark from the skies I hear a voice answer and say the spirit of man never dies - the spirit of man repeats 4 times. As the minister drops in some dirt they sing - This body which came from the earth must mingle again with the sod. This soul which in heaven had birth returns to the bosom of God - each last line repeated 4 times.
            Received a letter from George before Christmas, a check, and a fine, enlarged picture of him. Oh so nice, so natural.
            We see in Shinnston News so many deaths. We often wonder who will be next. I see Emory still has two girls at home since he lost his wife. So many folks here have colds, grip, and so on, but we haven't had a cold this winter. When we feel like we might take cold we take a dose of camphor. I believe it wards off colds. It is cloudy and damp today makes my rheumatism worse. We are so thankful we are able to keep going. So far this winter hardly ever miss church and Sunday School and mid week Prayer Meeting.
            Tell Marshall and Adda we think of them so often, but have so many to write to can't get around. Let them read this if you don't mind. Good by over
            Sunday night. It has rained all day. We stayed in. Do hope you and D. C. went to church today. I will be glad to hear from you soon to see if anyone has been taken to the cemetery that I visited in my dream. I was so glad to have the Savior with us as that is all important thing in in life to live so we can feel that the Savior is leading our steps in life. Do hope you and yours are all well. How is Aunt Sarah and family? Do hope the girls all keep well so they can teach. They have been fortunate to get school among so many teachers. When a girl teacher gets married in Oklahoma, she has to give up her school at once.
            I bought 3 hogs, fed them 5 weeks, sold them. Paid for them and and the feed was $15. Had $14.50 left for my work. that makes 86 dollars we have made clear of expense in 10 months. Better than doing nothing. I bought 4 dozen hens at a sale this week. Hope to raise some chickens if we keep well. -- father --
            (Note: Melissa Cunningham Duncan, second wife of Alonzo Milton wrote on the back of his letter to Nellie)
            Well as your father has written about all the news I will just write you a few lines. It reminds us that we are far apart. This sure is a lovely day after the Sunday rain. I see in the Telescope Bishop Weekly has passed away and also Riley and Taylor.
I believe we are about as usual not very well but we are so thankful we still can do. Stanker's folks are well as common. I hope you are well and all the children.
            We must all look on the brighter side of life as there are many discouragements, but the Lord has promised to carry us through them all. We want to hear from you real soon. I believe the time will come when we can hear by radio from each other as they are talking for thousands of miles. So may God's richest blessings rest on you , Your Mother
            (Note: Alonzo Milton then added the following)
            Well I see the misses has written on the back of one of my pages so hope you can find it all. It is badly mixed by her mistake of splicing her letter on mine.

            (Here is a letter written to Alonzo Milton Custer by James Alonzo Custer (Sr.), his grandson.)
Cabot, Arkansas Nov 14, 1926
Dear Grandad,
      I thought I would get to see you when I came through Edmond, Oklahoma, but you had moved.
      I went on south through west Texas and worked awhile in the various places in Texas. Then went into Mexico at Matamoris and on to Tampico. Then I came back up here and expect to stay here for a while. When I leave here I expect to go to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras. Then to Florida for the winter and next spring I will come through Colorado and if I can find you I will come and see you. I expect to go to Yellow Stone National Park next spring and work.
      Your Grandson, James A. Custer Cabot Ark.
      (On the back of James' letter his grandfather wrote to Nellie)
      Well as I changed coats to go to town left the letters at home. It is almost mail time so will send this letter as I found it and received a card from Hollie. I will try to get him to write you. It is very warm here for a week or two. We have the doors open about all day. I think I will have Hollie help me a few days .
      One day gathered thistles and tumble weeds on my 24 lots as they laid idle all last year. I always cultivated them and will next summer. The mail is just due must close. A man just came in threw down a piece of pork on my paper as you see.
      (I am typing this as it appears to me and could have mistakes)
Sheridan Lake, Colorado December 1, 1926
Dear daughter,
      After several days waiting for an answer from Hollie will not wait longer on him. He wrote me two weeks Or more he had his pay to Kansas City. Asked when it would suit me best for him to come. I answered at once to suit himself it made no difference to me so have been looking every mail day for an answer telling when he would start but no reply yet.
      I received a letter from James Custer in Arkansas saying he called at Edmond, Oklahoma to find we were in Colorado. Said he expected to spend the winter in New Orleans then come by here to see us on his way to Yellowstone Park next spring.
      I wanted to send James' letter to you, but can't find it. He told of his travels through several states, but did not say how he was traveling. I suppose by auto.
      We haven't had but 2 rains here since the first of July. There were 6 to 8 thousand acres of wheat sowed near the Sheridan Lake elevator. Too dry for it to come up. so Sat 27th had a hard wind. The dry dirt blew in all the houses covered the beds with dust. Old timers say it was the worst ever they saw, but not so much damage here as in other states as you see in the papers.
      Tell Adda I will write her soon. Am ashamed I have put off writing her so long, but we buy 25 stamped envelopes every little while. 55 cents I sent out 2 letters yesterday and will take 2 to town today. The (?) meets there. No, we have no phone. If we had known sooner could have a house east 5 miles (?) in no rent A. M. Custer
            (The following letter written just a few months before his death)
Sheridan Lake, Colorado April 29, 1927
Well Nellie just received your letter. Charles sent me his April check the 21st. So that makes $40. all told, but you said to let the first 10 you sent go on interest. So there is only $20. paid on the principle. The note is $65. given Sept 15, 1924. so that would leave 35 due yet so if he pays 10 a month till all is paid the 10 you paid will settle all interest. Do hope he does pay each month. I just received a voucher from the head clerk signed by me and 2 witnesses. I sent it back yesterday to the clerk of the Woodman Lodge at Madison, SD. He will send it with the policy to Chicago. They will send a check to the clerk of Woodman Lodge at Madison. He sends it to the bank at (Eader?) Colorado. So if it is filled out all ok it may get around by May 15. Hope so for we will be moving back to our house soon after school is out and will have to buy furniture and chicken feed. It is high.
      Charles asked me how much was back on the note. I told him the amount of note, also date, and 40 paid. Left it for him to figure interest which would be more then the way I offered you in the above.
      Have 11 hens sitting. Hope to have some chickens to move up home. Have had one fairly good rain. Got my potatoes planted and some garden made in town this week. Am sorry D.E. has lost out on part of his road work. Hope he will raise good corn as you seem to have plenty of rain.
      Has been very warm this week. Been sleeping with doors wide open at night. Am sorry the frost got your fruit but do hope you will have plenty for home use. I sowed about 1/4 acre of oats for chicken pasture this week. Want to sow some millet and sedum grass in 2 or 3 weeks on my lots in town. There is about 3 acres all told, but the house and barn takes out part of it.
      My garden is the best I ever saw it. A good job of plowing and harrowing is the secret of it all. I can only work 1/2 day at a time. That is very slow to what I use to do. We make as few trips to the barn as we can for every trip tells on us, but we are as happy as any one family that I know of for all are scarce of money. I want to go up to repair fence around the garden this afternoon.
      Write often. We are glad to hear from you. A. M. Custer
      (Note: Adda and Marshall were Marshal Elmore & Mary Adeline (Hall) Copenhaver. Emory was James Emory Copenhaver. Marshal and Emory were sons of James W. and Serena (Cunningham) Copenhaver. D.E. was Daniel Ellsworth Copenhaver, husband of Nellie Custer Copenhaver. Charles may have been Charles Custer Copenhaver born 1904, son of Nellie)

More About Serena Jane Duncan:
Burial: Unknown, Hildreth Cemetery

More About Alonzo Custer and Serena Duncan:
Marriage: 16 Nov 1880, Angerona, Jackson County, WV (Source: Jackson County Marriage Records, Custer, Alonzo 23 and Duncan Sarah Jane 22 by Rev William Weekley.)

Children of Alonzo Custer and Serena Duncan are:

Nellie May Custer, born 09 Sep 1881 in Millwood, Jackson County, West Virginia; died 13 Oct 1956; married Daniel Elsworth Copenhaver 02 Apr 1899 in Margaret, Marion County, West Virginia; born 01 Jun 1867 in Harrison County, West Virginia; died 22 Dec 1958.

Notes for Daniel Elsworth Copenhaver:
From an email of Paul Copenhaver to me and Frances Taber:
1. Johannes Jakob Koppenhoffer (Jacob Copenhaver)
b. 1705, Germany
m. Elizabeth C. Weider
Immigrated to US in 1738

2. Johannes Balthasar Koppenhoffer (Baltzer Copenhaver)
b. 1741, Lancaster Co, PA
m. Elizabeth Boeshaar

3. Isaac Copenhaver
b. 1785, Huntingdon Co, PA
m. Nancy Wilson
Settled in Monongalia Co, VA (now Marion Co, WV)

4. James Wilson Copenhaver
b. 1828, Monongalia Co, VA (now Marion Co, WV)
m. Serena Cunningham
Settled in Harrison Co, WV

5. Daniel E. Copenhaver (my father)
b. 1867, Harrison Co, WV
m. Nellie Custer
Settled in Harrison Co, WV

I was born 1923 in Harrison Co, WV
I came to Texas in 1949

Our family history is outlined in the publication:
"THE COPENHAVERS of NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA"
Compiled & Published by: John E. Hildreth (my second
cousin) in 1989

The Publication "The Copenhaver Family of Smyth County
Virginia"
By: Mildred & Robert M. Copenhaver, records the descendants
of Thomas
Copenhaver, son of Wolfgang Koppenhofer.
It is available through the Library in Marion VA.
I had the pleasure of corresponding with Mildred for a fiew
years,
just prior to her death in 1986.

Are there publications on your line, other than
"THE COPENHAVER GENEALOGY"
By: Lloyd Gale Sparks, in1980
Have you found a connection between our Jacob Copenhaver
and
Wolfgang Koppenhoffer?
Best regards,
Paul

More About Daniel Copenhaver and Nellie Custer:
Marriage: 02 Apr 1899, Margaret, Marion County, West Virginia

	2	ii.		George Henry Custer, Sr., born 04 Aug 1884 in Millwood, Jackson County, WV; died 03 Jul 1962 in Charleston, West Virginia; married (1) Mary Effie Goodwin 23 May 1905 in Parkersburg, West Virginia; married (2) Olive Craver Private.
		iii.		Hollie W. Custer, born 06 Nov 1887; died 20 Feb 1927 in Modina, South Dakota (Source: Family History, Buried Madison, South Dakota.); married (1) Maude Lemasters in St. Louis, Missouri; died Unknown; married (2) Blanche Howell 15 Jan 1907; died Unknown.

More About Hollie Custer and Blanche Howell:
Marriage: 15 Jan 1907

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