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Jackson County Kentucky
Nancy Jane Moore was born in Jackson County, Kentucky on September 24, 1865. Her parents were William Philpot Moore and Annis (Sally) McQueen Moore. The couple would already have seven children by the time Nancy Jane was born. She would join; James 14, John 12, Isabel 10, Rachel 8, Mary 6, Roseanna 4 and Barney 2.
Nancy Jane's Father William P. Moore and brother John
Nancy Jane was born into a country that had experienced a horrific Civil War that had only recently ended. Her father had fought for the Union during that war. Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated just a few months prior to her birth and the country was facing the trying time of Reconstruction. The University of Kentucky had been established just prior to her birth as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the Kentucky University.
A few months after her birth in 1866, the half-brother of William P, Madison (Matt), and his wife Susannah (Luzany, Zainey) Stepp Moore would have a son named George. They were farming in Booneville in neighboring Owsley County. George would grow up to become Nancy Jane's first husband. On the world stage in 1866, a permanent trans-Atlantic cable was established which allowed messages to be sent from one continent to another in minutes rather than days.
In 1867, William P and Annis would have another son Daniel, and in 1868, another daughter Francis. Nancy Jane may have seen a midwife come to the Moore’s home to help Annis deliver Daniel and Francis. I’m not certain about this, as daughters Rachel and Roseanna would later become midwives themselves. They may have assisted their mother and by this point, Annis may have had enough practice that she didn’t need much help!
Now when Nancy Jane was growing up, children made valuable contributions to the survival of the family. From a very young age, they were expected to perform chores as their ages allowed. Days for adults and children alike were very busy performing the tasks that meant the family's survival. There was some time for simple play like Simon says, or Red Rover, and sometimes play was worked into the chores themselves. I imagine many young girls felt little need for a baby doll when they had the real thing in a baby brother or sister!
Nancy Jane and her siblings do not appear to have attended school. I find no mention of them attending school on the censuses and those censuses indicate that none of them could read or write. If they had attended school, they would have probably walked to a local one-room schoolhouse where all grades were taught in the same room.
The 1870 census shows the family on Cavanaugh Creek, Jackson County, Kentucky. Their post office is in McKee. They own real estate worth $500 and farm that land. The census indicates that neither William P nor Annis can read or write.
In 1870, the family consists of William P 41, Annis 39, James 19, John 17, Isabel 15, Rachel 13, Mary 11, Roseanna 9, Barney 7, Nancy Jane 5, Daniel 3, and Francis 1. In 1872 the family would become smaller when oldest daughter Isabelle would marry Jacob McKinney. Isabelle and Jacob would move to nearby Clay County and start a family there on Bullskin Branch. William P and Annis would have yet another son William in 1873. Levi Strauss would introduce his blue jeans that same year. The typewriter would also begin to become popular in American homes in 1873. Another daughter Emily would join the family in 1874. James, William P and Annis' oldest child would marry Serilda Shook sometime in that same year of 1874. They would remain nearby on Cavanaugh Creek. William P and Annis would have twin sons, Mack Donald and Marion in 1875. Marion would grow up to become the father of Mary Moore, who was the first wife of my Grandma Smith's brother Columbus Middleton. So for a while, William P and Annis were having babies at the same time their babies were having babies. In the year 1876, Alexander Graham Bell would win the patent for the telephone. His patent would be challenged, but in the end, Bell would keep it. Nancy Jane most likely never had or even used a telephone in her lifetime. It would not come into wide use in the rural area in Kentucky where she lived for decades. But she may have heard of it and I imagine that if she did, she was awed by the idea of communicating by sending your own voice over long distances through wires! Also in 1876, William P and Annis’ daughter Rachel would marry James McKinney, the brother of sister Isabelle's husband. They would stay nearby in Cavanaugh. Roseanne would marry Millard Hobbs in 1879. Her family would also stay on Cavanaugh Creek. Daughter Mary would marry Gilbert Hobbs in 1880 sometime before June 26 when the census was taken. She would live in Jackson County her entire life. The 1880 census shows the family consisting of; William P, Annis, Barnet, Nancy Jane, Daniel, Francis, William, Emily, Marion, and Mack Donald. They are still farming on Cavanaugh Creek in Jackson County, Kentucky. Elizabeth Russell is listed as a boarder residing with the family at this time.
Nancy Jane's diet would have depended heavily upon the family's garden where they probably grew corn, beans, potatoes, and other edibles. They would have collected fruits, nuts, greens, and whatever the hillsides provided to supplement what they grew. The families of Appalachia would be versed in myriad ways of preserving those fruits of their labors for the times when they would not be available. They would know how to can, pickle, dry, .... They would be versed in the best way to store melons, potatoes, turnips..... They may have stored some of these foodstuffs in a root cellar, or a straw-lined hole dug into the earth, the vegetables would have been placed within the hole and then covered with more straw and then earth.
Nancy's family would have likely raised animals: chickens for eggs and the occasional fried chicken dinner, cows for milk and perhaps meat, and hogs for pork. Pork was a favorite meat. The hogs would be butchered when the weather was cold. There was no refrigeration and the meat would have to be utilized soon or it would spoil. Neighboring families would often stagger butchering their animals and share that meat with their neighbors, This way, less meat would spoil and they could enjoy fresh meat over a longer period of time. What was left they would sugar or salt cure, smoke, dry, or even can. Fish and game from the abundance that could be found in the Kentucky hills would also supplement their diets.
Wild plants would be harvested, not only to eat but for their medicinal qualities. Nancy Jane's family and her neighbors would have probably known just which plant to utilize for which ailment. Some probably harvested ginseng for its medicinal qualities, as well as to trade for things they did not have.
The Moore family and others in the area would probably go to a small local general store to obtain what they could not grow or claim from the environment. These stores were often in the homes of folks who lived in the community. They might have a credit account with the store, or they might barter, using their excesses to trade for the things they lacked. They would also likely barter with their neighbors. Perhaps the neighbor's beans had done well, but his potatoes hadn't. That neighbor might trade beans to his neighbor who had a bumper crop of potatoes for some of his bumper crops.
In Nancy Jane's time, holidays were not celebrated in the extravagant ways that we have come to expect. Christmas was often celebrated but simply: greenery may have been used to decorate; small simple gifts of fruits, nuts or handmade items may have been exchanged; perhaps a special dish was prepared. In Kentucky, Kentucky Derby Day began in the 1870s to increase interest in the Derby. Some folks celebrated this, but I doubt that Nancy Jane's family did. Memorial Day began after the Civil War to note the sacrifices of those who had died during that war. Nancy Jane's family may have paused for a moment while her father, William P mentioned some of his fellow soldiers who had not made it home. The fourth of July might have been marked by a parade, picnic or speeches. As a general rule though, the demands of everyday life left little time for celebrations.
Folks in Nancy Jane's community would probably get together for more practical events; a house or barn raising, a corn shucking, a quilting bee, a molasses cookoff.... These events were probably a welcomed respite from the drudgeries of everyday life and most likely ended with some revelry. At times, friendly competitions would probably provide welcome breaks. There might be a shooting competition, a log splitting contest or the ladies might compare their handmade crafts in competitions for recognition of their skills. I imagine that such events were highly anticipated.
Nancy Jane's family and neighbors most likely lived in simple houses without electricity or running water. They would have had coal or woodburning fireplaces or stoves used for heat and to prepare meals. There were no inside bathrooms. Going to the bathroom involved a walk out into the woods or to the outhouse built a distance from the house. Personal cleanliness would usually involve a wash pan filled with water and harsh lye soap made by the family or an occasional dunk in the local creek or river.
In Nancy Jane's day, contamination of food or the water supply could lead to devastating outbreaks of disease within a community. Cholera, dysentery, typhoid.....could wreak havoc causing illnesses that could not only prove harmful and deadly to the individuals stricken, but also to the families involved. Oftentimes families were dependent upon each member to provide for the essentials of survival. When one person was stricken, that person was unavailable. Sometimes another person had to care for the stricken, leaving yet another unavailable to assist with the necessary chores. This added to the already great burdens borne by all.
In 1883, the concept of time zones was developed. Most folks in those days used the idea of "high noon" to gauge their time. As travel became more widespread, this concept was difficult to utilize. Time zones were utilized to allow for more efficient scheduling of the train systems. The idea became popular and soon the world adopted the idea.
Also, in 1883, Thomas Edison would light up the dark of night at the Southern Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky. Folks like the Moore family, living in the hills of Kentucky, would have no need for Edison's incandescent light bulbs. They had no electricity and probably would not for years to come. They did probably hear of Edison's bulbs though and I imagine that they were awed by the idea of not having to light a lamp or a candle to illuminate the dark.
Sometime around 1885, Nancy Jane's sister Francis Moore would marry George McKinney, the brother of her sisters, Isabelle's and Rachel's husbands. Francis and her family would reside in neighboring Owsley County. At one point they would live on Anglin Branch Road. Francis would be a midwife and would deliver my Dad, Donald D Smith, and perhaps some of his siblings as well.
From 1887-1889, the Hatfield and McCoy feud would capture the imagination of the country. Since the McCoy family involved was from Kentucky, it was probably of much interest locally. Nancy Jane's family probably heard reports of this feud from families in the area who may have subscribed to the newspaper or had received news from others. In 1888, the long-time state treasurer absconded with bags of gold and silver from Kentucky's treasury, providing more gossip for the rumor mill.
Now sometime in 1889 or before, Nancy Jane Moore would marry George Moore. George was the son of Madison "Matt" and Susannah "Zainey" Stepp Moore. Their first child Joby Moore would be born in Jackson County, Kentucky on March 2 1890. A daughter Mollie would follow in 1892 and yet another daughter, Mandy Moore would be born in 1894, the same year as the introduction of the Louisville slugger baseball bat. Mandy Moore would later be known by many of us as Granny. Three of Nancy Jane's sisters were midwives in Jackson and Owsley Counties. It is likely that Rachel, Rose or Francis assisted Nancy Jane with the births of her babies. Francis would be the midwife who assisted Grandma Nancy Middleton Smith with the births of at least one of her children.
A few months after her birth in 1866, the half-brother of William P, Madison (Matt), and his wife Susannah (Luzany, Zainey) Stepp Moore would have a son named George. They were farming in Booneville in neighboring Owsley County. George would grow up to become Nancy Jane's first husband. On the world stage in 1866, a permanent trans-Atlantic cable was established which allowed messages to be sent from one continent to another in minutes rather than days.
In 1867, William P and Annis would have another son Daniel, and in 1868, another daughter Francis. Nancy Jane may have seen a midwife come to the Moore’s home to help Annis deliver Daniel and Francis. I’m not certain about this, as daughters Rachel and Roseanna would later become midwives themselves. They may have assisted their mother and by this point, Annis may have had enough practice that she didn’t need much help!
Now when Nancy Jane was growing up, children made valuable contributions to the survival of the family. From a very young age, they were expected to perform chores as their ages allowed. Days for adults and children alike were very busy performing the tasks that meant the family's survival. There was some time for simple play like Simon says, or Red Rover, and sometimes play was worked into the chores themselves. I imagine many young girls felt little need for a baby doll when they had the real thing in a baby brother or sister!
Nancy Jane and her siblings do not appear to have attended school. I find no mention of them attending school on the censuses and those censuses indicate that none of them could read or write. If they had attended school, they would have probably walked to a local one-room schoolhouse where all grades were taught in the same room.
The 1870 census shows the family on Cavanaugh Creek, Jackson County, Kentucky. Their post office is in McKee. They own real estate worth $500 and farm that land. The census indicates that neither William P nor Annis can read or write.
In 1870, the family consists of William P 41, Annis 39, James 19, John 17, Isabel 15, Rachel 13, Mary 11, Roseanna 9, Barney 7, Nancy Jane 5, Daniel 3, and Francis 1. In 1872 the family would become smaller when oldest daughter Isabelle would marry Jacob McKinney. Isabelle and Jacob would move to nearby Clay County and start a family there on Bullskin Branch. William P and Annis would have yet another son William in 1873. Levi Strauss would introduce his blue jeans that same year. The typewriter would also begin to become popular in American homes in 1873. Another daughter Emily would join the family in 1874. James, William P and Annis' oldest child would marry Serilda Shook sometime in that same year of 1874. They would remain nearby on Cavanaugh Creek. William P and Annis would have twin sons, Mack Donald and Marion in 1875. Marion would grow up to become the father of Mary Moore, who was the first wife of my Grandma Smith's brother Columbus Middleton. So for a while, William P and Annis were having babies at the same time their babies were having babies. In the year 1876, Alexander Graham Bell would win the patent for the telephone. His patent would be challenged, but in the end, Bell would keep it. Nancy Jane most likely never had or even used a telephone in her lifetime. It would not come into wide use in the rural area in Kentucky where she lived for decades. But she may have heard of it and I imagine that if she did, she was awed by the idea of communicating by sending your own voice over long distances through wires! Also in 1876, William P and Annis’ daughter Rachel would marry James McKinney, the brother of sister Isabelle's husband. They would stay nearby in Cavanaugh. Roseanne would marry Millard Hobbs in 1879. Her family would also stay on Cavanaugh Creek. Daughter Mary would marry Gilbert Hobbs in 1880 sometime before June 26 when the census was taken. She would live in Jackson County her entire life. The 1880 census shows the family consisting of; William P, Annis, Barnet, Nancy Jane, Daniel, Francis, William, Emily, Marion, and Mack Donald. They are still farming on Cavanaugh Creek in Jackson County, Kentucky. Elizabeth Russell is listed as a boarder residing with the family at this time.
Nancy Jane's diet would have depended heavily upon the family's garden where they probably grew corn, beans, potatoes, and other edibles. They would have collected fruits, nuts, greens, and whatever the hillsides provided to supplement what they grew. The families of Appalachia would be versed in myriad ways of preserving those fruits of their labors for the times when they would not be available. They would know how to can, pickle, dry, .... They would be versed in the best way to store melons, potatoes, turnips..... They may have stored some of these foodstuffs in a root cellar, or a straw-lined hole dug into the earth, the vegetables would have been placed within the hole and then covered with more straw and then earth.
Nancy's family would have likely raised animals: chickens for eggs and the occasional fried chicken dinner, cows for milk and perhaps meat, and hogs for pork. Pork was a favorite meat. The hogs would be butchered when the weather was cold. There was no refrigeration and the meat would have to be utilized soon or it would spoil. Neighboring families would often stagger butchering their animals and share that meat with their neighbors, This way, less meat would spoil and they could enjoy fresh meat over a longer period of time. What was left they would sugar or salt cure, smoke, dry, or even can. Fish and game from the abundance that could be found in the Kentucky hills would also supplement their diets.
Wild plants would be harvested, not only to eat but for their medicinal qualities. Nancy Jane's family and her neighbors would have probably known just which plant to utilize for which ailment. Some probably harvested ginseng for its medicinal qualities, as well as to trade for things they did not have.
The Moore family and others in the area would probably go to a small local general store to obtain what they could not grow or claim from the environment. These stores were often in the homes of folks who lived in the community. They might have a credit account with the store, or they might barter, using their excesses to trade for the things they lacked. They would also likely barter with their neighbors. Perhaps the neighbor's beans had done well, but his potatoes hadn't. That neighbor might trade beans to his neighbor who had a bumper crop of potatoes for some of his bumper crops.
In Nancy Jane's time, holidays were not celebrated in the extravagant ways that we have come to expect. Christmas was often celebrated but simply: greenery may have been used to decorate; small simple gifts of fruits, nuts or handmade items may have been exchanged; perhaps a special dish was prepared. In Kentucky, Kentucky Derby Day began in the 1870s to increase interest in the Derby. Some folks celebrated this, but I doubt that Nancy Jane's family did. Memorial Day began after the Civil War to note the sacrifices of those who had died during that war. Nancy Jane's family may have paused for a moment while her father, William P mentioned some of his fellow soldiers who had not made it home. The fourth of July might have been marked by a parade, picnic or speeches. As a general rule though, the demands of everyday life left little time for celebrations.
Folks in Nancy Jane's community would probably get together for more practical events; a house or barn raising, a corn shucking, a quilting bee, a molasses cookoff.... These events were probably a welcomed respite from the drudgeries of everyday life and most likely ended with some revelry. At times, friendly competitions would probably provide welcome breaks. There might be a shooting competition, a log splitting contest or the ladies might compare their handmade crafts in competitions for recognition of their skills. I imagine that such events were highly anticipated.
Nancy Jane's family and neighbors most likely lived in simple houses without electricity or running water. They would have had coal or woodburning fireplaces or stoves used for heat and to prepare meals. There were no inside bathrooms. Going to the bathroom involved a walk out into the woods or to the outhouse built a distance from the house. Personal cleanliness would usually involve a wash pan filled with water and harsh lye soap made by the family or an occasional dunk in the local creek or river.
In Nancy Jane's day, contamination of food or the water supply could lead to devastating outbreaks of disease within a community. Cholera, dysentery, typhoid.....could wreak havoc causing illnesses that could not only prove harmful and deadly to the individuals stricken, but also to the families involved. Oftentimes families were dependent upon each member to provide for the essentials of survival. When one person was stricken, that person was unavailable. Sometimes another person had to care for the stricken, leaving yet another unavailable to assist with the necessary chores. This added to the already great burdens borne by all.
In 1883, the concept of time zones was developed. Most folks in those days used the idea of "high noon" to gauge their time. As travel became more widespread, this concept was difficult to utilize. Time zones were utilized to allow for more efficient scheduling of the train systems. The idea became popular and soon the world adopted the idea.
Also, in 1883, Thomas Edison would light up the dark of night at the Southern Exposition held in Louisville, Kentucky. Folks like the Moore family, living in the hills of Kentucky, would have no need for Edison's incandescent light bulbs. They had no electricity and probably would not for years to come. They did probably hear of Edison's bulbs though and I imagine that they were awed by the idea of not having to light a lamp or a candle to illuminate the dark.
Sometime around 1885, Nancy Jane's sister Francis Moore would marry George McKinney, the brother of her sisters, Isabelle's and Rachel's husbands. Francis and her family would reside in neighboring Owsley County. At one point they would live on Anglin Branch Road. Francis would be a midwife and would deliver my Dad, Donald D Smith, and perhaps some of his siblings as well.
From 1887-1889, the Hatfield and McCoy feud would capture the imagination of the country. Since the McCoy family involved was from Kentucky, it was probably of much interest locally. Nancy Jane's family probably heard reports of this feud from families in the area who may have subscribed to the newspaper or had received news from others. In 1888, the long-time state treasurer absconded with bags of gold and silver from Kentucky's treasury, providing more gossip for the rumor mill.
Now sometime in 1889 or before, Nancy Jane Moore would marry George Moore. George was the son of Madison "Matt" and Susannah "Zainey" Stepp Moore. Their first child Joby Moore would be born in Jackson County, Kentucky on March 2 1890. A daughter Mollie would follow in 1892 and yet another daughter, Mandy Moore would be born in 1894, the same year as the introduction of the Louisville slugger baseball bat. Mandy Moore would later be known by many of us as Granny. Three of Nancy Jane's sisters were midwives in Jackson and Owsley Counties. It is likely that Rachel, Rose or Francis assisted Nancy Jane with the births of her babies. Francis would be the midwife who assisted Grandma Nancy Middleton Smith with the births of at least one of her children.
In 1896, the Plessy v Ferguson case would be heard before the Supreme Court. The ruling, in this case, would lead to the concept of "separate but equal". It would take years before we realized that "separate but equal" was anything but separate but equal.
In 1897, Italian scientist, Guglielmo Marconi would invent the radio. Radio would traverse only very short distances initially, but by 1901 it was able to traverse the Atlantic. Guglielmo would go on to assist in the formation of the British Broadcasting System (BBC) and radar. However, radio would probably be what he was most remembered for.
1898 would see the United States involved in the Spanish American War when the Spanish attacked the ship, the USS Maine in Cuba. This war would establish the United States as a world power.
Now sometime before the 1900 census was taken, George Moore would die. I cannot find a record of his death, but stories have been passed on that he died from "bad air" when working inside a well.
1900 would see a huge political scandal rock the state of Kentucky. William Goebel would run against an incumbent governor in a very contested race. Goebel would win, but he would be shot before assuming office. He would survive long enough to be sworn in but would die soon after. The state government would undergo a very tumultuous change of hands. Nancy Jane's family would undoubtedly hear news of this political scandal. It may not have affected the day to day life of Nancy Jane, but she probably did hear of it.
As I have mentioned in several previous stories, the 1890 census was almost completely destroyed by fire and flooding. I cannot be certain of where William P and Annis would reside in 1890. I cannot be certain where Nancy Jane and George would reside. I only know that in 1880, Nancy Jane would live on Cavanaugh Creek in Jackson County with her parents and by the 1900 census they were residing on Island Creek in Owsley County. The 1900 census was taken on June 7th of that year. Nancy Jane's husband George had died by this time as Nancy Jane, 11 year old Joby, 7 year old Mollie and 6 year old Mandy are now residing on Island Creek with William P and Annis. There is also a boarder, Rosanny McKinney living with the Moores. I believe that Rosanny is the sister of three of William P's and Annis' sons-in-law.
One interesting bit of information can be found on this 1900 census. This census indicates that Annis had borne 14 children and they were all still alive. I find that to be astounding considering the infant mortality in those days. Another thing of interest is that this census indicates that Nancy Jane had borne four children, with only three still living. This made me think of a rather vague story that I have heard. The story goes that there had been a set of twins born to Nancy Jane. I do not know if Mollie or Mandy had been the twin. The story goes that someone was visiting the family. Somehow a knife was involved in the story; I don't know if a knife had dropped onto the floor or what, but one of the twins started reaching for the knife and one of them ignored it. The visitor saw this reaction and said something to the effect that the twin that had ignored the knife would do okay in life, but the one that had reached for the knife would have her life cut short. One of those twins was said to die not long afterward. Now, I do not know if there is any truth to this tale or not, but this census does seem to indicate that Nancy Jane had lost a baby along the way.
Sometime between June in 1900 when the census was taken and between February 1902, Nancy Jane would marry widower Nathan (Nate) Arnold. Nate would already have children with his first wife Maranda Davidson. Maranda had died leaving Nathan with 6 children ranging in age from around 1 to 10 years old. Nancy Jane and Nate would have a daughter Maggie in Feb of 1902. In the following year 1903, the world would receive news of the Wright brothers' first flight, as well as, the formation of the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan.
Nancy Jane's mother Annis (Sally) McQueen Moore would die on Setember 9, 1905 in Clay County. Nathan and Nancy Jane would have another daughter Rachel in 1906. 1906 would also bring the first radio broadcast from Massachusetts to a ship in the Atlantic. The transmission occurred on Christmas Eve and was a broadcast of a Christmas concert. Radio would soon become a source of entertainment and information. In 1907, William Philpot Moore would die in Owsley County. Life goes on, and a son Andy would be born to Nancy Jane and Nathan in 1909.In 1897, Italian scientist, Guglielmo Marconi would invent the radio. Radio would traverse only very short distances initially, but by 1901 it was able to traverse the Atlantic. Guglielmo would go on to assist in the formation of the British Broadcasting System (BBC) and radar. However, radio would probably be what he was most remembered for.
1898 would see the United States involved in the Spanish American War when the Spanish attacked the ship, the USS Maine in Cuba. This war would establish the United States as a world power.
Now sometime before the 1900 census was taken, George Moore would die. I cannot find a record of his death, but stories have been passed on that he died from "bad air" when working inside a well.
1900 would see a huge political scandal rock the state of Kentucky. William Goebel would run against an incumbent governor in a very contested race. Goebel would win, but he would be shot before assuming office. He would survive long enough to be sworn in but would die soon after. The state government would undergo a very tumultuous change of hands. Nancy Jane's family would undoubtedly hear news of this political scandal. It may not have affected the day to day life of Nancy Jane, but she probably did hear of it.
As I have mentioned in several previous stories, the 1890 census was almost completely destroyed by fire and flooding. I cannot be certain of where William P and Annis would reside in 1890. I cannot be certain where Nancy Jane and George would reside. I only know that in 1880, Nancy Jane would live on Cavanaugh Creek in Jackson County with her parents and by the 1900 census they were residing on Island Creek in Owsley County. The 1900 census was taken on June 7th of that year. Nancy Jane's husband George had died by this time as Nancy Jane, 11 year old Joby, 7 year old Mollie and 6 year old Mandy are now residing on Island Creek with William P and Annis. There is also a boarder, Rosanny McKinney living with the Moores. I believe that Rosanny is the sister of three of William P's and Annis' sons-in-law.
One interesting bit of information can be found on this 1900 census. This census indicates that Annis had borne 14 children and they were all still alive. I find that to be astounding considering the infant mortality in those days. Another thing of interest is that this census indicates that Nancy Jane had borne four children, with only three still living. This made me think of a rather vague story that I have heard. The story goes that there had been a set of twins born to Nancy Jane. I do not know if Mollie or Mandy had been the twin. The story goes that someone was visiting the family. Somehow a knife was involved in the story; I don't know if a knife had dropped onto the floor or what, but one of the twins started reaching for the knife and one of them ignored it. The visitor saw this reaction and said something to the effect that the twin that had ignored the knife would do okay in life, but the one that had reached for the knife would have her life cut short. One of those twins was said to die not long afterward. Now, I do not know if there is any truth to this tale or not, but this census does seem to indicate that Nancy Jane had lost a baby along the way.
Sometime between June in 1900 when the census was taken and between February 1902, Nancy Jane would marry widower Nathan (Nate) Arnold. Nate would already have children with his first wife Maranda Davidson. Maranda had died leaving Nathan with 6 children ranging in age from around 1 to 10 years old. Nancy Jane and Nate would have a daughter Maggie in Feb of 1902. In the following year 1903, the world would receive news of the Wright brothers' first flight, as well as, the formation of the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan.
Nathan Arnold holding Rachel, Nancy Moore Moore Arnold, and Maggie
During the early 1900s, Nancy Jane and her neighbors would begin to utilize the catalogs from such companies as Sears and Roebuck, Spiegel and others to mail order items that they needed. The resources of the Appalachians, mainly logging and mining, would be the primary industries of the region.
Now the 1910 census finds Nancy Jane married to Nathan Arnold and farming in the Allen community in Clay County, Kentucky on Turkey Gap Road. Nathan's children from his previous marriage; 16 yo Wright, 14 yo Etta and 13 yo Mary live with the couple as well as Nancy Jane's 18 yo daughter Mollie Moore. Joby, Nancy Jane's son from her marriage to George is living in nearby Cavanaugh, Jackson County with the family of his mother's sister Rosa Moore Hobbs. I do not know where her daughter Mandy Moore is during 1910. Nathan's and Nancy Jane's children together; Maggie, Rachel and Andy also reside with them. The census indicates that Nathan can read and write, but Nancy Jane cannot.
Sometime after that 1910 census was taken, the family would move to Wagersville in nearby Estill County. In 1911,
Now the 1910 census finds Nancy Jane married to Nathan Arnold and farming in the Allen community in Clay County, Kentucky on Turkey Gap Road. Nathan's children from his previous marriage; 16 yo Wright, 14 yo Etta and 13 yo Mary live with the couple as well as Nancy Jane's 18 yo daughter Mollie Moore. Joby, Nancy Jane's son from her marriage to George is living in nearby Cavanaugh, Jackson County with the family of his mother's sister Rosa Moore Hobbs. I do not know where her daughter Mandy Moore is during 1910. Nathan's and Nancy Jane's children together; Maggie, Rachel and Andy also reside with them. The census indicates that Nathan can read and write, but Nancy Jane cannot.
Sometime after that 1910 census was taken, the family would move to Wagersville in nearby Estill County. In 1911,
Nathan's daughter Etta would marry James Lynch. She and her husband would live in Ravenna in Estill County. Nancy Jane's son Joby Moore would marry sometime in 1911 also. He would marry his first cousin Anis Hobbs. They would reside in Cavanaugh, Jackson County, Kentucky.
Joby and Anis Hobbs Moore
1911 would bring endings, as well as beginnings with the death of Nancy Jane's sister Isabelle in nearby Jackson County. 1912 would bring news of the sinking of the Titanic. It would also be the year Nate would be diagnosed with tuberculosis, a disease that has taken too many family members too, too early. At around that same time, his son Wright would marry Ary Moore. Wright would begin his family in neighboring Jackson County in Foxtown. Sometime between the 1910 census and early 1913, Nancy Jane's daughter Mandy would marry Narm Allen. She and Narm would raise their family on Lower Teges in neighboring Clay County.
Nancy Jane's brother John "Mack" would run for the position of Jackson County Judge in 1913. Tragedy would strike the family on the day of the Primary, August 2, 1913. John Mack would be involved in an altercation and be shot in the head and die.
1913 would also see the completion of the Lincoln Highway, which extended coast to coast. This highway would help to increase the popularity of automobiles. Nancy Jane might never own, or even ride in an automobile, but her descendants someday would.
Sometime in 1914, Nancy Jane's daughter Mollie would marry George Washington McKinney. George was the son of James and Rachel Moore McKinney. He was Mollie's first cousin.
Over the months that passed since being diagnosed with tuberculosis Nathan would become sicker and sicker. Sometime, probably in April of 1914, daughter Maggie would also be diagnosed with TB. Nathan would be seen by his physician on May 1, 1914. On May 6, 1914, Nathan Arnold would die. He would leave behind five children from his first wife Maranda Davidson Arnold; George Arnold, Walter Arnold, Wright Arnold, Mary Jane Arnold and Etta Arnold Lynch. He left behind three children with Nancy Jane Moore Moore Arnold; Maggie Arnold, Rachel Arnold and Andrew Arnold. He left behind three step-children; Joby Moore, Mollie Moore McKinney and Mandy Moore Allen.
At the time of Nathan's death, Nancy Jane would have at home; 19 yo stepdaughter Mary Jane, and children; 12 yo Maggie, 8 yo Rachel and 5 yo Andy. The family would remain in Estill County. On April 7, 1915 Maggie would succomb to tuberculosis just as her father had less than a year prior. A contributory factor to her death was listed as a fall.
1914 had brought the advent of the Great War or World War 1. The United States had refrained from becoming involved in European affairs, but on April 6, 1917, the United States joined the Allies; Britain, France and Russia and entered the war. Nathan's sons George and Walter would serve in the military during the war. I am sure that Nancy Jane offered up many prayers for her stepsons, as well as other young Americans who served.
In 1918, stepdaughter Mary Jane Arnold would marry Tilford Pearson. They would stay in Estill County, Kentucky in the Red Lick community. In this same year, before WW1 ended in late 1918, a devastating flu pandemic would strike the world. Over 650,000 Americans alone would die as a result. Barney Moore, Nancy Jane's brother would become one of this number when he died on February 12, 1919 in Jackson County. It seems that Nancy Jane's life was constantly being punctuated by beginnings and endings.
In January of 1920, the 18th Amendment, Prohibition took effect. This Amendment would herald a period of lawlessness that would lead to disillusionment and the 21st Amendment in 1933 which repealed Prohibition. The 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was also ratified in 1920. There would be no repealing of that one!
The 1920 census shows the 55 yo widowed Nancy Jane renting a home on Station Camp Road in Estill County, Kentucky. Thirteen year old Rachel and ten year old Andy remain at home. I do not know if the family has any land to farm, as there is no memtion of farming on this census. It lists Nancy Jane's profession as laundress. That was very, very difficult work back then. I do not think that the family would have had electricity or running water. If they had access to an old washing machine, I doubt that they would have had money to purchase it. I imagine that Nancy Jane would have had to haul buckets of water and heat it before she could wash the clothes most likely with harsh homemade lye soap, an old tub and a scrub board. I imagine that it was a back breaking and difficult chore to do for a single family. I cannot imagine having to do that harsh chore over and over again on an unending basis for many families. Yet Nancy Jane did, and she was probably happy to be able to do so to provide for her family. I can almost picture her at the end of the day; hot, tired, hands probably chapped, red and perhaps even cracked and bleeding, and bone weary. I imagine that after washing, hanging on the clothesline, ironing and folding those clothes all day long, her bed was a welcome haven at night and it must have been difficult to leave in the morning.
1913 would also see the completion of the Lincoln Highway, which extended coast to coast. This highway would help to increase the popularity of automobiles. Nancy Jane might never own, or even ride in an automobile, but her descendants someday would.
Sometime in 1914, Nancy Jane's daughter Mollie would marry George Washington McKinney. George was the son of James and Rachel Moore McKinney. He was Mollie's first cousin.
Over the months that passed since being diagnosed with tuberculosis Nathan would become sicker and sicker. Sometime, probably in April of 1914, daughter Maggie would also be diagnosed with TB. Nathan would be seen by his physician on May 1, 1914. On May 6, 1914, Nathan Arnold would die. He would leave behind five children from his first wife Maranda Davidson Arnold; George Arnold, Walter Arnold, Wright Arnold, Mary Jane Arnold and Etta Arnold Lynch. He left behind three children with Nancy Jane Moore Moore Arnold; Maggie Arnold, Rachel Arnold and Andrew Arnold. He left behind three step-children; Joby Moore, Mollie Moore McKinney and Mandy Moore Allen.
At the time of Nathan's death, Nancy Jane would have at home; 19 yo stepdaughter Mary Jane, and children; 12 yo Maggie, 8 yo Rachel and 5 yo Andy. The family would remain in Estill County. On April 7, 1915 Maggie would succomb to tuberculosis just as her father had less than a year prior. A contributory factor to her death was listed as a fall.
1914 had brought the advent of the Great War or World War 1. The United States had refrained from becoming involved in European affairs, but on April 6, 1917, the United States joined the Allies; Britain, France and Russia and entered the war. Nathan's sons George and Walter would serve in the military during the war. I am sure that Nancy Jane offered up many prayers for her stepsons, as well as other young Americans who served.
In 1918, stepdaughter Mary Jane Arnold would marry Tilford Pearson. They would stay in Estill County, Kentucky in the Red Lick community. In this same year, before WW1 ended in late 1918, a devastating flu pandemic would strike the world. Over 650,000 Americans alone would die as a result. Barney Moore, Nancy Jane's brother would become one of this number when he died on February 12, 1919 in Jackson County. It seems that Nancy Jane's life was constantly being punctuated by beginnings and endings.
In January of 1920, the 18th Amendment, Prohibition took effect. This Amendment would herald a period of lawlessness that would lead to disillusionment and the 21st Amendment in 1933 which repealed Prohibition. The 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was also ratified in 1920. There would be no repealing of that one!
The 1920 census shows the 55 yo widowed Nancy Jane renting a home on Station Camp Road in Estill County, Kentucky. Thirteen year old Rachel and ten year old Andy remain at home. I do not know if the family has any land to farm, as there is no memtion of farming on this census. It lists Nancy Jane's profession as laundress. That was very, very difficult work back then. I do not think that the family would have had electricity or running water. If they had access to an old washing machine, I doubt that they would have had money to purchase it. I imagine that Nancy Jane would have had to haul buckets of water and heat it before she could wash the clothes most likely with harsh homemade lye soap, an old tub and a scrub board. I imagine that it was a back breaking and difficult chore to do for a single family. I cannot imagine having to do that harsh chore over and over again on an unending basis for many families. Yet Nancy Jane did, and she was probably happy to be able to do so to provide for her family. I can almost picture her at the end of the day; hot, tired, hands probably chapped, red and perhaps even cracked and bleeding, and bone weary. I imagine that after washing, hanging on the clothesline, ironing and folding those clothes all day long, her bed was a welcome haven at night and it must have been difficult to leave in the morning.
We believe that Nancy Jane Moore Moore Arnold is on right.
On February 18, 1924, Nancy Jane's daughter Rachel would marry Harlan Hunt. Rachel and Harlan would remain in Estill County, at least for now.
In 1925, the Scopes Monkey Trial would captivate the country. This trial would encourage the promotion of the idea of separation of church and State established by our founding fathers all those many years ago in the Bill of Rights. This same year, a woman named Mary Breckinridge would begin the Frontier Nursing Service in Wendover, Kentucky in nearby Leslie County. Mary began the service to educate midwives in how to better serve the mothers in the area.
The year 1928 would bring the discovery of penicilin by Alexander Fleming. This drug would prove of great importance, especially in the treatment of soldiers injured during WW2. 1928 would also bring the death of Nancy Jane; I am uncertain exactly when, as her tombstone just has 1928. I also do not know what her cause of death was, as I have found no records. Perhaps she succombed to tuberculosis just as so many family members had previously done. Or perhaps the harshness of her life had just made her so very, very weary that she could just not bear to leave the haven of her bed on her last day. I cannot say, but I can say that in trying to write this story of what her life may have been like, I have gained a huge appreciation and pride for the woman that was my GGgma Nancy Jane Moore Moore Arnold. May God rest her soul with a rest her body never knew.
In 1925, the Scopes Monkey Trial would captivate the country. This trial would encourage the promotion of the idea of separation of church and State established by our founding fathers all those many years ago in the Bill of Rights. This same year, a woman named Mary Breckinridge would begin the Frontier Nursing Service in Wendover, Kentucky in nearby Leslie County. Mary began the service to educate midwives in how to better serve the mothers in the area.
The year 1928 would bring the discovery of penicilin by Alexander Fleming. This drug would prove of great importance, especially in the treatment of soldiers injured during WW2. 1928 would also bring the death of Nancy Jane; I am uncertain exactly when, as her tombstone just has 1928. I also do not know what her cause of death was, as I have found no records. Perhaps she succombed to tuberculosis just as so many family members had previously done. Or perhaps the harshness of her life had just made her so very, very weary that she could just not bear to leave the haven of her bed on her last day. I cannot say, but I can say that in trying to write this story of what her life may have been like, I have gained a huge appreciation and pride for the woman that was my GGgma Nancy Jane Moore Moore Arnold. May God rest her soul with a rest her body never knew.
Addendum
This is some information that I found on a FB group called Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association concerning William Philpot Moore, the father of Nancy Jane Moore Moore Arnold. William was evidently a big man. According to Annette Russell Shannon, one of his descendants, his Civil War pension file described him as 6 foot 2 inches tall with dark hair and blue eyes. “He was granted a total disability pension because he contracted measles in the field and became very ill. He was hospitalized for several months with lung complications but when he finally recovered he had lost the sight in both eyes and was classified as legally blind.” Also, William evidently had five additional children other than those I’ve listed with another woman who he was not married to, but who lived in the same household as William P and Annis McQueen Moore. Her name was Martha Russell. Martha Russell would seem to have been the “boarder” Elizabeth Russell listed in that 1880 census. He also was said to have had one other child that I haven’t listed with Annis.
This is some information that I found on a FB group called Three Forks of the Kentucky River Historical Association concerning William Philpot Moore, the father of Nancy Jane Moore Moore Arnold. William was evidently a big man. According to Annette Russell Shannon, one of his descendants, his Civil War pension file described him as 6 foot 2 inches tall with dark hair and blue eyes. “He was granted a total disability pension because he contracted measles in the field and became very ill. He was hospitalized for several months with lung complications but when he finally recovered he had lost the sight in both eyes and was classified as legally blind.” Also, William evidently had five additional children other than those I’ve listed with another woman who he was not married to, but who lived in the same household as William P and Annis McQueen Moore. Her name was Martha Russell. Martha Russell would seem to have been the “boarder” Elizabeth Russell listed in that 1880 census. He also was said to have had one other child that I haven’t listed with Annis.
