Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy

Michael Stoker or Stocker

Male 1762 - Aft 1836  (> 74 years)


Personal Information    |    Notes    |    All    |    PDF

  • Name Michael Stoker or Stocker 
    Born 24 Mar 1762  Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Christened 20 May 1762  Evangelical Lutheran or Lutheran Congregation of Zmiddletown, Middletown, Frederick, Maryland, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    Died Aft 27 Oct 1836  of, Caldwell, Missouri, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID I1235  Petersen-de Lanskoy
    Last Modified 27 May 2021 

    Father Johann Michael Stocker,   b. 15 Apr 1730, Goersdorf, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, France Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 26 Mar 1819, Somerset, Perry, Ohio, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 88 years) 
    Mother Anna Barbara Römer,   b. Abt 1739, of Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. From 16 Oct 1768 to 15 Feb 1769, Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 29 years) 
    Married Abt 1757  Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID F87  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Catherine Eller,   b. 6 Mar 1773, , Rowan, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Aft 7 Aug 1856, Kane Township, Pottawattamie, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age > 83 years) 
    Married 7 Feb 1792  of, Ashe, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Children 
     1. Mary or Polly Stoker,   b. 24 Nov 1792, , Wilkes (now Ashe), North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 Feb 1864, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 71 years)
     2. David Stoker,   b. 23 Mar 1795, , Wilkes (now Ashe), North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 27 May 1852, Trader's Point (now Council Bluffs), Pottawattamie, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 57 years)
     3. Elizabeth Stoker,   b. 28 Feb 1800, , Ashe, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 2 Jan 1868, Bloomington, Bear Lake, Idaho, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 67 years)
     4. John William Stoker,   b. 16 Mar 1802, , Ashe, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 2 Aug 1857, Trader's Point (now Council Bluffs), Pottawattamie, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 55 years)
     5. Michael S. Stoker,   b. 10 Feb 1805, , Ashe, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 30 Mar 1858, Trader's Point (now Council Bluffs), Pottawattamie, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 53 years)
     6. Rebecca Stoker,   b. 19 Mar 1807, , Ashe, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1821, Bloomfield Township, Jackson, Ohio, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 13 years)
     7. Catherine Stoker,   b. 19 Feb 1809, , Ashe, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 23 Aug 1896, Bloomfield Township, Jackson, Ohio, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 87 years)
     8. Jacob Stoker,   b. 7 Apr 1812, , Ashe, North Carolina, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 22 Feb 1893, Cambria, San Luis Obispo, California, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 80 years)
     9. Eller Stoker,   b. 28 Jul 1816, Bloomfield Township, Jackson, Ohio, United States Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 18 Jul 1855, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa, United States Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 38 years)
    Last Modified 28 May 2021 
    Family ID F295  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Notes 
    • RESEARCH_NOTES:
      1. FHL book 929.273 St67d "Descendants of William Stoker (1819-1892): with a View of his Ancestors," by Jay and Rachel Phillips Deeben, Feb. 2014, pp. 11-17:
      "Michael Stoker (1762-1838), compiled by Jay Deeben.
      Michael Stocker/Stoker, Sr.,[1] son of Johann Michael Stocker and Ana Barbara Romer/Romerin, was born on 24 Mar 1762,[2] in Frederick, Maryland and baptized on 20 May 1762, in Frederick, Frederick, Maryland.[3]
      Michael moved to North Carolina sometime prior to or early on in 1790. His name appears on the first Federal Census in 1790,[4] for Wilkes County,[5] North Carolina. In this census he appears alone and his surname is spelled Stockerd.
      On 7 Feb 1792, he married Catherine Martha Eller in North Carolina.[6] Catherine was born 6 Mar 1773, Rowan County, North Carolina.[7] Her parents are Peter Eller and Elizabeth Dick. It is noted here that there was a Peter Eller[8] family that appears on the same page as Michael on the 1790 census. Michael was the fifth family down from the Eller family. Though the 1790 census does not list each member of the family there were five females counted in the Eller household.
      While in North Carolina, Michael Stoker procured two pieces of land on the North Fork of New River. The first piece of land was for 300 acres and the recorded entry is dated 11 Dec 1805,[9] on this entry his surname spelled "Stockerd." The second entry is for 150 acres, also on the North Fork of New River. This entry is dated 13 Mar 1806. Both of his land parcels were in Ashe County, North Carolina. His name appears a third time[10] in the Ashe County Land Book but this one is as a reference point for some land that a "Ephraim Stanaford" entered. The entry is dated 6 Jul 1806, and a corner of Michael Stoker's property is used as a reference along with a Ellers Fletcher.
      On 1 Jul 1829 Michael Stoker received a Land Patent for 80 acres in Jackson County Ohio. This is the same land that is referenced in a land transaction when he sold the land to a William Whilmore for $350. The date of the land transaction is 7 Oct 1836.[11] The sale of this land was in preparation to move to Far West, Missouri to join with the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were beginning to establish a community there.
      Sometime in 1815 Michael and Catherine moved their family from Ashe County, North Carolina to Jackson County, Ohio.[12] One of the first records that can be found of Michael Stoker is the 1820 Federal Census for Bloomfield Township, Jackson County, Ohio.[13] Michael's name also appears on the 1830 Federal Census for Bloomfield Township, Jackson County, Ohio.[14] Other records that Michael Stoker's name appears on are the tax records the run from 1826 to 1831, for Bloomfield Township, Jackson County, Ohio.[15] His name also appears on a land transaction for 80 acres that he purchased from the US Government land patent on 1 Jul 1829.[16]
      Sometime between 1833 and 1836 Michael Stocker/Stoker and his family were approached by the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and accepted the teachings of the missionaries and joined the church. Then in 1836 (as described above) they sold their Ohio property and moved to Missouri to be with members of the Church at church headquarters.[17] Michael and Catherine and their family lived through the good times and bad times that occurred to members of the Church of
      Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while in Missouri and Illinois. To get a sense of what occurred during the years of 1836 through 1846/1847 one just has to read a history of the church during those years. He died sometime in 1838, probably in Caldwell County, Missouri, United States.18]
      Catherine Eller Stoker lived at least 14 years after her husband, Michael, died. All records found thus far indicate that she died sometime after 1 Jul 1850, probably in Pottawattarnie, Iowa.[19]
      Children of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller[20] Stoker (Name - Birth - Place - Death - Place):
      Mary Stoker, 24 Nov 1792 Jefferson, Wilkes, North Carolina, 18 Feb 1864 Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa. Mary Stoker married Michael Graybill, in May 1811 in Jefferson, Ashe, North Carolina. He is the son of John Peter Graybill and Christina Wampler. Mary was also known as Polly.
      David Stoker, 23 Mar 1795, , Wilkes, North Carolina, 27 May 1872 Traders Point, Pottawattamie, Iowa. See chapter on David Stoker (1795 - 1872)
      Elizabeth Stoker, 28 Feb 1800 , Ashe, North Carolina, Jan 1868, Bloomington, Oneida, Idaho. Elizabeth Stoker married James Welker 2 Jul 1822. He is the son of Adam Welker and Sarah Fletcher.
      John William Stoker, 16 Mar 1803, , Ashe, North Carolina, 2 Aug 1857, Traders Point, Pottawattamie,
      Iowa. John W Stoker married Sarah Electa McDaniel on 13 Mar 1827 in , Jackson, Ohio. Sarah is the daughter of James McDaniel and Zebiah McCarley.
      Michael Stoker Jr., 10 Feb 1805, , Ashe, North Carolina, 30 Mar 1858. Michael Stoker, Jr. married Martha Carr McDaniel on 1 Jan 1829 in , Butler, Ohio. Martha is the daughter of James McDaniel and Zebiah McCarley and the sister of Sarah Electa McDaniel.
      Rebecca Stoker, 19 Mar 1807, , Ashe, North Carolina, Abt 1821, Bloomfield Twp, Jackson, Ohio. Rebecca Stoker died at age 14, thus she did not marry.
      Catherine Stoker, 19 Feb 1809, , Ashe, North Carolina, 3 Aug 1896, , Gallia, Ohio. Catherine Stoker married Alexander Lackey on 1 Jan 1829 in , Jackson, Ohio. He is the son of James Lackey and Esther McAlexander.[21]
      Jacob Stoker 7 Apr 1812, , Ashe, North Carolina, 22 Feb 1893 Adelaida, San Luis Obispo, California. Jacob Stoker married Catherine Burcham on 8 Oct 1835 in Lawrence, Ohio. She is the daughter of John Sylvester Burcham and Nancy Ann Dowden.
      Eller Stoker, 28 Jul 1816, Bloomfield Twp, Jackson, Ohio, 18 Jul 1855, Council Bluffs, Pottawattornie,
      Iowa. Eller Stoker married Margaret Judd abt 1839 and thought to have been in , Jefferson, Iowa. She is the daughter of John Judd and Rhoda Sheperd.
      Chapter Notes for Michael Stoker, Sr (1762-1840):
      1. International Genealogical Index(R), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, International Genealogical Index(R) (Copyright (c) 1980, 2002).
      2. Statement on back of Michael Stoker or Stocker and Catherine Eller family group sheet that was assembled by the family Genealogist V. S. Barlow. The Lackey Family Bible gives the date of 24 March 1762 and a birth date and from the Evangelical Lutheran Church records we get the baptismal date of 20 May 1762. Also referenced in James W. Hook's book "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," vol. 1, page 88, referring to the "Lackey Family Bible," owned by the Lackey Family.
      3. Hook, James W.; "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," p. 88-89. Reference to the translated record of the German Reform Church of Frederick, Maryland at the Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah, call No. 929.273 EL54h - FHL FAM HIST Book. ... Book is online at Heritagequest.com under the "Search Books" option from main menu. … Weiser, Frederick S. (Frederick Sheely); "The Evangelical Lutheran Church Frederick, Frederick County, Maryland / Parish Register Books I & II 1743-1811"; call No. 975.287/F1 K2wf.
      4. Year: 1790; Census Place: Wilkes, North Carolina; Roll: M637_7; Page: 169; Image: 103; Family History Library Film: 0568147 … Original data: First Census of the United States, 1790 (NARA microfilm publication M637, 12 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.
      5. To track the Stoker family it is necessary to keep track of what county boundaries are in place at what period of time. The county boundaries of this comer of North Carolina change over a period of about 46 years. Rowan County was the first county created in this part of North Carolina and then subsequent divisions of this county up through 1799 brought about the creation of Ashe County in 1799. Keep in mind this same problem will confront any researcher as they follow the Stoker family as they move into Ohio.
      6. John Michael Stoker Family, John Michael Stoker Family Descendant Chart via Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller, p. 2. Copy of this chart is in the possession of Rachel A. Deeben, Payson, Utah.
      7. Hook, James W.; p. 88.
      8. Year: 1790; Census Place: Wilkes, North Carolina; Roll: M637_7; Page: 169.
      9. Pruitt, Dr. A. B.; "Abstracts of Land Entries: Ashe County, NC Part 1,Abstracts of Land Entries:
      Ashe County, NC; Part I (Feb. 1800-Jun. 1809)," p. 103, entry 1415; call number FHL US/CAN
      Books 975.6835 R2p v.1 & v.2. The second entry is on page 113 entry # 1562.
      10. Pruitt, Dr. A. B., p. 117.
      11. A copy of the Land Patent filed by Michael Stoker is included in this history. The sale of land was obtained from a land transaction document provided by Randal Stoker in his written history of Michael Stoker (1762-1840).
      12. Rowley, Alta Aitken, Aitken, Grant, Aitken, Charlene; "The Stoker/ Winegar/Wet/Youd Legacy"; p.
      12; FHL US/Can 929.273 St67ra.
      13. 1820 U S Census: Bloomfield, Jackson, Ohio, page 275; NARA Roll: M33_89; Image: 157.
      Ancestry.com. 1820 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA.
      14. 1830 U S Census: Bloomfield, Jackson, Ohio, page: 111; NARA Roll: M19-134; Family History
      Film: 0337945. Ancestry.com. 1830 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT,
      USA.
      15. "Jackson County Ohio Tax Record 1819 - 1838, Jackson County (Ohio)." Auditor, Tax duplicates,
      1819-1838, film 493,566, year of 1826, p.5, 1827 p.5, 1828 p. 4, 1829, 1830 p.4, 1831 p. 5. film 493615, image 100 p. 6, image 203 p. 5, image 301 p. 2, image 361, p. 3.
      16. Kocher, L. Richard; A Listing of Entrymen on Lands in Jackson County, Ohio; p. 67;. . .Original
      Documents in BLM -General Land Office Chillicothe, General Land Office, Land Patent Search,
      DocumentNo.1091. Ohio, Jackson County;
      17. Rowley, Alta Aitken, Aitken, Grant, Aitken, Charlene; p. 12.
      18. Alta Aitken Rowley, Grant Joseph Aitken, Charlene Attryde Aitken, "Stoker/Winegar/West/Youd
      Legacy," page 3. Repository: Family History Library, 35 N West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150 USA, Call Number: 929.273 St67ra. And Jimmie "B" Stoker, "The Michael and Catherine Eller Stoker family as early Mormons in Ohio and Missouri"; p. 5 [printed page number in upper right hand corner], Nauvoo Land and Records, P.O. Box 215, Nauvoo, IL 62354
      19. Rowley, Alta Aitken, Aitken, Grant, Aitken, Charlene; p. 11.
      20. Information concerning the children of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller came from the following sources: (1) Rowley, Alta Aitken, Aitken, Grant, Aitken, Charlene; p. 17 & 18; (2) Hook, James W., p. 115; (3) Stoker, Elayne, "Our Stoker Family Histories 1731-1881," Vol II; p. 122 & 123.
      21. Note to those researching Esther McAlexander. Watch the formation date of the county. In checking her birth county it was found that she was probably born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia and not Patrick County, Virginia. There are two or three counties listed on new.familysearch.org as the county of birth for Esther. But in looking at her birth date and the county formations her parents would have been living in Pittsylvania County, Virginia at the time of her birth. Following the time line back: Patrick County was not formed until 1790 from Henry County. Henry County was not formed until 1776 from Pittsylvania County which was formed in 1766. Her parents may have been living in the area at the time but the actual county of birth would have been Pittsylvania."

      2. Michael's son Jacob shows definite birth in Ashe Co., NC per Susan Easton Black, compiler, "Early Members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," (Religious Studies Center, BYU, 1993, copy in Family History Library in Salt Lake City): "Stoker, Jacob, Birth: 12 (7) April 1812, Ash County, North Carolina. Jacob Stoker was baptized a member of the [RLDS] on 8 Oct. 1863 by W.W. Blair. He was confirmed by W.W. Blair, Geo. Morey, and T. Hougas. Sources: Early Reorganization Minutes, 1852-71, book A, pp. 162, 308, 430; The History of the [RLDS], p. 332."

      3. 1880 US census for daughter Catherine (Stoker) Lackey indicates both parents as born in NC. Appears to be bad info given to census taker.

      4. The book "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude" by the daughters of the Utah Pioneers for daughter-in-law Barbara Graybill Stoker, b. Apr 1792 at Ashe, NC, notes the Wamplers, Graybills, and Stokers were of German origin coming to this country in the mid-1700's and settling in Ashe County, NC. They were neighbors and friends, and their children grew up together. Barbara was the fifth child born to her parents. When she grew up, she married David Stoker. After a forest area of Ohio was cleared in the early 1800's, the main body of Stoker and Graybill relatives crossed the border into Ohio on Christmas Day, 1815. While living in Ohio, the Stokers became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

      5. The name Martha Mansfield also comes up in Ordinance Index and may have been an earlier wife subject to further research.

      6. Per website <http://www.ls.net/~newriver/nc/ashegrnt.htm>: Ashe County, North Carolina Land Grants 1799-1936, filed in NC Secretary of State Land Office from NC Department of Archives Index. [To obtain copies from NC Dept. of Archives see http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/archives/arch/default.htm#Topics]. The following is by NC Dept. of Archives reference file number, name, then dates [no other explanation given except that first date may be when the transaction occurred and the second date could be when registered]:
      12.14.28.630 - 630 - Michael Stockerd - 1806
      12.14.28.615 - 615 - Michael Strucker - 1793 - 1806

      7. Censuses:
      1790: Michael (Stockerd) Stoker is listed on the 1790 census record for Morgan District, Wilkes County, North Carolina as being over 16 years of age and with no other family recorded. At that time Michael would have been a 28 year old bachelor. (At this time there is no evidence that any of Michael's immediate family went to North Carolina with him.)

      1800 US: Ashe County, North Carolina. The total population for Ashe County, North Carolina in 1800 was 2785, including slaves. The 1800 Ashe County Census was the first for the northwestern most county in the Tar Heel State. This county was formed in late 1799 and included all of Wilkes County west of the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountain. The 977 square miles that then composed Ashe County has been further divided, first in 1849 to form Watauga County, North Carolina and again 10 years later to form Alleghany County. This record includes families who may have been living in those areas at the time. The original census was in rough alphabetic order, and this does not facilitate the research of particular communities. I include all interrelated families of this time and place to better show relationships. A word of explanation on some of these families:
      A. Mary and Barbara Burkett who married Peter and David Graybeal, had a father named Christian - unsure as to which is correct of the two.
      B. Elizabeth Eller appears to be Elizabeth Dick, the wife of Peter Eller who had just died per his probate of 1799.The one daughter is probably Mary; unsure who the two boys are since there should be three: Jacob, Henry, and George. John Eller would be Elizabeth's eldest son and married to Susannah Kerns.
      C. Henry Graybeal would have recently married Celia Henson and also the eldest son of [John] Peter and Christina [Wampler] Graybill who also appear to be in this same census. Note that Peter evidently had owned slaves at that time - the census does not say how many.
      D. One of the William Hensons could be somehow related to William Henson who marries Nancy Graybill and to Celia Henson who marries Henry Graybeal.
      E. The two Koons are probably brothers and are sons of Devault Koon judging from their ages. This would make them uncles to George Koons who eventually marries Mary Eller.
      F. James Lewis, b. abt. 1790, marries Christena Graybill in 1807 - there may be a connection with these two James Lewis.
      G. William Pennington marries Barbara (or Elizabeth) Eller and may be the younger of the two here listed.
      H. Michael Stucker is a misspelling for Michael and Catherine Eller Stoker with their three oldest children: Polly, David, and Elizabeth.
      Head of Family; Males 0-9, 10-16, 16-26, 26-45, 45+; Females - 0-9, 10-16, 16-26, 26-45, 45+:
      Burkett, Christian; 1-2-0-1-0; 1-0-2-0-0
      Burkett, Christian; 4-1-0-1-0; 1-0-1-0-0
      Eller, Elizabeth; 1-0-1-0-0; 0-0-1-0-1
      Eller, John; 3-0-0-1-0; 1-0-0-1-0
      Graybeal, Henry; 0-0-1-0-0; 2-0-1-0-0
      Graybeal, Peter; 2-1-1-0-1; 3-1-0-0-1
      Henson, William; 0-1-1-0-0; 2-0-1-0-0
      Henson, William; 3-0-0-0-1; 1-1-1-0-0
      Koons, George; 0-0-1-0-1; 0-0-0-0-1
      Koons, John; 0-0-1-0-1; 0-1-2-0-1
      Lewis, James; 2-2-1-0-1; 4-1-0-0-1
      Lewis, James, Jr.; 1-0-1-0-0; 1-0-1-0-0
      Pennington, William; 0-1-0-1-0; 1-2-1-0-1
      Pennington, William; 0-0-1-0-0; 0-0-1-0-0
      Stucker, Michael; 1-0-0-1-0; 2-0-0-1-0

      1810 census record [for Ashe County, NC] lists members of the Eller and Graybill families but there are no names of the Stoker family. There were many reasons why their names were or were not listed at this time.

      1820 US: Bloomfield Township, Jackson, Ohio, pg. 195, township had a little over 40 families; related families include James Lackey, Michael Stoker, and Michael Graybill. In neighboring Madison Township, related families David Stoker, Peter Graybill, Nancy (Graybill) Henson, and James McDaniel are found. Columns are male 0-10, 10-16, 16-18, 16-26, 26-45, 45+// female 0-10, 10-16, 16-26, 26-45, 45+:
      Michael Stoker: 2,1,0,1,0,1//1,1,0,0,1. [Appears to be Michael, his wife Catherine, and their children John, Michael, Rebecca, Catherine, Jacob, and Eller; the three oldest appear gone in this census.]
      Michael Graybill: 3,0,0,0,1,0//1,0,0,1,0.
      James Lackey: 2,2,1,2,0,1//1,2,1,1,5.

      1830 US: Bloomfield Township, Jackson, Ohio, pg. 109-112, note whole township had 527 people living in it, related families include Michael Stoker, Michael Stoker Jr., Alexander Lackey, James Welker, Michael Graybill, and John Stoker:
      Michael Stoker. Males 10-15: 1; 15-20:1; 60-70:1. Females 10-15:1; 50-60:1. [Family appears to be Michael, his wife Catherine, and their two youngest sons Jacob and Eller; unsure who the girl age 10-15 may be.]

      1840 US: Quincy, Adams, Illinois, the following related families living in near proximity to each other (with exception of John McDaniel and his wife Christina Stoker, all of David Stoker's siblings, children, and mother are accounted for and it confirms his father Michael was dead by 1840):
      P. 43a:
      David Stoker, males 5-10:1; 40-50:1//females 5-10:1; 10-15:1; 40-50:1. [David, his wife Barbara, and their children Sarah (13), Catherine (11?), and Michael (6). Note daughter Nancy not in census which means she was probably deceased by then.]
      Simeon P. Grabell [Graybill], males 0-5:1; 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 20-30:1. [David's nephew: Simeon and his wife Amanda Hill and their two oldest children.]
      Jacob Stoker, males 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 20-30:1. [Younger brother to David: Jacob and his wife Catherine and their oldest child.]
      P. 44a:
      Eller Stoker, males 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 15-20:1; 60-70:1. [Youngest brother to David: Eller with his wife Margaret and their oldest child and probably their mother Catherine Eller.]
      James Walker [Welker], males 10-15:1; 15-20:1; 30-40:1//females 5-10:2; 40-50:1. [Living next door to Eller and ages work perfectly that this is James Welker and Elizabeth Stoker, who is David's sister.]
      John W. Stoker, males 0-5:2; 10-15:1; 30-40:1//females 0-5:1; 5-10:2; 30-40:1. [John and his wife Electa Sarah and their six oldest children.]
      John Stoker, males 0-5:1; 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 5-10:2; 20-30:1. [David's son: John and his wife Jane and their children.]
      P. 52a:
      William Stoker, males 0-5:1; 20-30:1//females 20-30:1 (father-in-law Samuel Winegar is next door). [David's son William and his wife Almira with their child.]
      P. 55a:
      Michael Stoker, males 0-5:2; 5-10:2; 10-15:1; 30-40:1// females 30-40:1. [Michael, his wife Martha, and their five oldest children.]

      8. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 17-31, clarifies early North Carolina counties and land grant practices:
      "Land grants in North Carolina originated with an entry application which was filed in the county where the land was situated and if not lost are now on file there. This was followed, sometimes soon and sometimes years later by an order from the land office for the tract to be surveyed. Sometimes soon and sometimes years later the survey was made and a surveyor's plat filed with the Secretary of State in Raleigh. Then came the grant which may have been issued reasonably near the date of the survey or sometimes several years later. These grants, orders to survey and the survey itself are on file now in the Secretary of State's office at Raleigh...
      Many counties were formed from what originally was Rowan County, namely Surry and Guilford in 1770, Burke and Wilkes in 1777, Randolph in 1779, Iridell in 1788, Stokes in 1789, Buncomb in 1791, Ashe in1799, Davidson in 1822, Yancey in 1833, Davie in 1836 and Yadkin in 1850. Some of these counties were grandchildren of Rowan County; for instance Wilkes was taken partly from Burke and partly from Surry, Randolph from Guilford, Buncomb and Yancy form Burke, Ashe from Wilkes and Stokes and Yadkin from Surry. These facts must be kept in mind when tracing early Rowan County families."

      9. From Sep 2006 Internet, http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge.2509/brownson.html: It appears the Stoker family probably knew the Seymour Brunson family of nearby Lawrence Co., Ohio. Brunson had served with Luke Johnson in 1832. In 1833 he is again with Luke in the area as are Zerubbabel Snow and Amasa Lyman. He is also specifically in Bloomfield, Jackson, Ohio in Nov. 1834 when his son his born and also per letters he wrote. He appears generally in Kirtland thereafter. His journal notes that in July 1836 he visited the church in Bloomfield. He does note the baptism of John Stoker 13 Nov 1837. It was at his funeral in Nauvoo in 1840 that Joseph Smith first revealed the doctrine of baptisms for the dead.
      I also find per FHL Film #301,043 "Jackson County, Ohio Marriages 1831-1843" has the following entry in Marriage Book, Vol. B (1831-1843), page 46: "John McDaniel to Christina Stucker (sic)." License date 7 Feb 1835. Marriage by Seymour Brunson on 8 Feb 1835 by virtue of a license from the Cerk of the Court of Common Pleas in Jackson Co. This further ties Seymour Brunson and the Stokers together. He is the Mormon authority and probable missionary who converted the Stokers.

      10. From the book "Our Stoker Family Histories 1731-1881," Vol. II, comp. and ed. by Elayne Stoker, 2004, printed by Stevenson's Genealogy Center, Provo, UT. From an article entitled: "Michael Stocker 1731-1819 with wives: Ana Barbara Romerin, Elisabeth Fah, and Mary (Anna Maria) Adams." See notes of Johan Michael Stocker for complete text of which the following is a small part:
      "Surviving Children
      Johanna, with her family, also moved from Frederick, Maryland to Ohio. She died in Hamilton Twp., Franklin, Ohio.
      It was around the year of 1815 that Michael, (Michael and Ana's son), moved his young family from North Carolina to Vega, Jackson County, Ohio. They settled approximately 60 miles south of his father's family. In the early 1830's Michael and his family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, left Ohio, and moved west. He died in the Missouri.
      Jacob married Mary Swinehart.
      John married Catherine Koons.
      Both John and Jacob purchased land in Montgomery, Ohio in June of 1816 and both are found on the 1830 census for Fairfield County, Ohio as head of households.
      Maria Salome married a Mr. Reynolds.
      Maria Barbara married a Mr. Burdoon.
      Anna Margareth married Mr. Phillip Baker.
      Mary never married. She died on the 5 Sep 1839 and is buried in the Lutheran Cemetery by her father.
      Catherine married a Mr. Hidlebaugh.
      Charlotta married John Binckley."

      11. From the book "Our Stoker Family Histories 1731-1881," Vol. II, comp. and ed. by Elayne Stoker, 2004, printed by Stevenson's Genealogy Center, Provo, UT. From an article entitled: "Michael Stocker 1731-1819 with wives: Ana Barbara Romerin, Elisabeth Fah, and Mary (Anna Maria) Adams." See notes of Johan Michael Stocker for complete text of which the following is a small part:
      "Michael Stocker died on 26 March 1819 in Somerset, Perry County, Ohio. His third wife, Mary, died in the year of 1822. I do not have the location of Mary's death/burial at this point of writing. Michael's last will and testament was signed on 10 May 1818 listing the existing family: (note the Anglicized names used)
      Wife: Mary,
      Sons: Michael (Ana's son)
      John (Elizabeth's son)
      Jacob (Mary's son)
      Daughters: Mary (Marie Catherine)
      Catherine (Eva Catherine?)
      Charlotte
      Margaret (Anna Margareth?)
      Barbara (Maria Barbara)
      Salome (Maria Salome)
      Magdalene (Johanna Magdalene)
      The will of Michael Stocker was proved in special court, Court of Common Pleas, 17 April 1819, Perry County, Ohio."

      10. Mentioned in father's will dated 10 May 1818: "...my sons, Jacob, Michael and John and my daughters, Mary, Catherine, Charlotte, Margaret, Barbara, Salome and Magdalene..." See full quotation in his notes.

      11. Mentioned in the book "The Howard Leytham Stoker Von Dollen Family Histories," FHL 929.273 H833a, by Doris Lewis, 2017 So. 80th Ave., Omaha, Nebraska, 68124:
      P. 87: Michael Stoker, the son of (John) Michael Stoker, was a 28 year old bachelor in Wilkes County, NC when the US census was taken in 1790. The farm which Michael Stoker bought from John Dick was on the north fork of New River in Ashe County. (The boundary line had been changed from Wilkes.) In 1792 Michael married Catherine Eller, the oldest daughter of Peter Eller and Elizabeth Dick. The Ellers and Dicks were settlers in this same area and all of Michael and Catherine's children, except Eller, were born and raised among numerous family members in North Carolina. In 1815, the family joined a migration of relatives moving west into Ohio. This party of Graybills and Stokers, all ages from babies to the elderly crossed the border into Ohio on Christmas Day, 1815. Michael and his son David, who had just turned 21, took part in the first election held in Jackson County on April 1, 1816. John Michael Stoker, Michael's father, settled in Perry County, Ohio, about 60 miles north. While in Ohio the Stokers became members of the newly organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1837 [error: Feb 1836?], Michael, Jr., who was now a man and a member of the Priesthood, baptized Eller's future wife and her mother, Margaret and Rhoda Judd. Pauline Stoker of Council Bluffs has Michael Jr.'s old notebook where he kept records of baptisms, birthdays and deaths. On October 27, 1836, Michael and Catherine Stoker sold their land in preparation of the move to Missouri where the Saints were gathering. Michael was then 74 and Catherine 63 years old. Great persecutions took place in Missouri during the next two years and the family had to flee to Illinois for safety. Michael was not among those who reached Illinois, and how or when he died is not known. Catherine was at Nauvoo, IL, when the Saints again had to flee in February of 1846. She settled in Pottawattamie County, living with her eldest daughter, Polly, where she died. She is buried in the Stoker-Graybill Cemetery east of Council Bluffs, Iowa." (Note this same narrative appears almost verbatim in the book, FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996 p. 86.)
      P. 89: "Peter was the first son of George Michael Eller. Because there were a number of years between Peter's birth and the others, the question arises if he might not be a child of a first marriage. He grew up in North Carolina and married Elizabeth Dick in 1766. His land grant was close to other Ellers, beginning at the spruce pine on the Upper Ford on Rones Creek. In 1797 he bought the 70 acres which had been granted to his father-in-law, Conrad Dick. This land had been surveyed and chain carriers were listed as Michael Stoker and John Eller, neighbors. Peter had 470 acres at his death... There oldest daughter, Catherine, married Michael Stoker..."
      Pp. 90-91: "Polly Stoker, also called Mary, was the oldest child of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller. Her mother lived with Polly in her old age in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. In North Carolina Polly married Michael Graybill, born May 14, 1787 to Peter Graybill and Christina Wampler, both natives of North Carolina and children of German parents. When Christina was five years old she had been stolen by Delaware Indians, but had been returned to her family when twelve. Her families were Dunkards or Anabaptists, both groups stemming from German Protestants. The Graybills lived in the German communities of early America, Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, Frederick County in Maryland and Ashe County in North Carolina. After a forest area of Ohio had been cleared in the early 1800's, the main body of Stoker and Graybill relatives crossed the northwest line into Ohio on Christmas Day, 1815. Some Graybills moved into Indiana where they married the daughters of John Smith and Massie Koons, great granddaughters of Peter Eller. In 1837, The Graybills left Ohio and Indiana for Caldwell County in Missouri. During the Mormon persecutions in Missouri, they fled to Illinois, coming to Pottawattamie County in Iowa in 1846-48. Vivian Graybill, of Independence, Missouri, has worked on the Graybill genealogy for many years and since he plans to publish a book with a great amount of detailed information I will not list the names of their complete families."

      12. Mentioned in the book "The Howard Leytham Stoker Von Dollen Family Histories," FHL 929.273 H833a, by Doris Lewis, 2017 So. 80th Ave., Omaha, Nebraska, 68124.

      13. Mentioned in daughter's biography in the FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996, pp. 17-24, note that this book has a considerable downline of the children of this couple: "Michael Peter Graybill, b. 14 May 1787, Jefferson, Wilkes Co. (now Ashe Co.), NC; d. 24 Sep 1856, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA; bur. in the Graybill-Stoker Pioneer Cemetery; Pottawattamie Co,., IA; md. 1811, Ashe Co., NC to Mary 'Polly' Stoker. Michael was the s/o John Peter Graybill and Christena Wampler. Polly was b. 24 Nov 1792, Ashe Co. [Wilkes], NC; d. 18 Feb 1864, Pottawattamie Co., IA; bur. in the Graybill-Stoker Pioneer Cemetery. She was the eldest child of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller... Michael and Polly left North Carolina probably in early 1816, and settled in Bloomfield Twp., Jackson Co., OH. Michael's parents, Peter Sr. and Christena (Wampler) Graybill, accompanied them; also, Michael's brother Henry and sister Barbara who had married Polly's brother David Stoker. Polly's parents, Michael and Catherine (Eller) Stoker, and other Stokers also made the journey with them. [Also John Graybill?] In the early 1830's, the family was visited by Missionary John Fisher from Bloomfield Twp. and was introduced to the early Latter Day Saints church. Those who were old enough were baptized in 1833. Involved in the church, Michael Graybill Sr. and related families anxiously followed the news from Independence, MO. The wanted to gather with the Saints in Caldwell Co., MO to be part of Zion, the new Jerusalem. Michael sold his farm to his father, Peter Graybill Sr., who along with Henry, Michaels' brother, and sister Celia (Graybill) Henson, decided to stay in OH. In 1836, Michael and other relatives packed to make the trip to Far West, MO. They spent the winter with Stoker relatives in Monroe Co., IN, then arrived at Far West in September 1837. The family withstood the dangers and aggravations of mob attacks. They endured many hardships. They had their plows, wagons and horses taken and even their first crop was taken just before it was harvested. With no provisions of food for the coming winter, Michael's sons, Simeon and Levi, left to look for work. They found jobs chopping railroad ties for the Eastern Railroad in Hannibal, MO. But they were unable to collect their pay until the following spring of 1839, when they were allowed to take the amount of their earnings out in goods. This allowed them to obtain wagons and horses and move the related families to Quincy and Nauvoo, IL. Michael Sr. and his family, Simeon's family and Catherine (Eller) Stoker's lived eleven miles southeast of Quincy, IL. After the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844, Simeon went to Nauvoo to help guard the secretly hidden bodies of Joseph and Hyrum. Fearful that the anti-Mormon mob might try to do further violence to Joseph's and Hyrum's bodies, their caskets were filled with sand for the public burial. By 1846, most of Nauvoo had been vacated. Michael Sr.bara (Graybill) Stoker went to UT later. Michael's and Polly's children were David, Catherine, Simeon Peter, Joseph Levi, George Washington, William Lenore, Juliann or (Julia Ann?) Michael S., Jr., Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Sidney Rigdon and Christina."

      14. Land transactions and proximity mentioned in biography of Henry Eller, son of Peter Eller and Elizabeth Dick per FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 172-176: "Henry Eller, b. 1786/1788; family records said he died about 1876 at the age of more than 90 years. The 1850, 1860, and 1870 censuses of Ashe Co. give his age as 62, 72 and 80 respectively. These records indicate a birth year of 1786/88 and a death year of 1876. He married, about 1812/1813, Elizabeth Johnson, b. according to the 1850 census of Ashe Co., NC, in 1791/92, her age being given as 58 years. The 1860 and 1870 censuses give her age as 68 and 80 respectively. She was born in Iridel Co., NC. Henry Eller entered 250 acres of land on the North Fork of New River, 16 July 1812. This land was surveyed 8 Sep 1813 and granted to him 23 Dec 1813. (Grant 840, Secy. of State's Office, Raleigh, NC.) The land was on the north side of 'feneck' (Phoenix) Mountain and bordered the 150 acre farm surveyed to Michael Stucker (Stokard, Stoker). The survey, dated 8 Sep 1813, was attested by Peter and Jacob Eller. Henry Eller figured in several land transactions in Ashe County after 1812. In one, dated 9 Dec 1819, he purchased 90 acres of land from George Koons for $150.00. This land was in Ashe county on the south side of the North Fork of New River 'to my south line and down to the conditional line made between Abraham May and John Dick Jr. against the mouth of Piney Creek being part of the 150 acre tract where Thomas Brooks Mill formerly stood.' George Koons, doubtless, was Henry's brother-in-law, the husband of Mary Eller, shown in... herein [see notes in this database for George Koons and Mary Eller]. The sale was made about the time that George and Mary Koons left North Carloina for their new home in Henry County, Ind. Mary Koons' name does not appear in the deed but this is not strange becasue the dower rights of wives were often not mentioned in early deeds of Ashe and Wilkes Counties. Later deeds indicate that Henry Eller's farm in 1845 consisted of 240 acres.
      The records show that Henry Eller's brother-in-law, Michael Stoker (Stokard, Stucker) as well as his brother-in-law, George Koons, lived on farms adjoining his on the North Fork of New River. His brothers, Peter and Jacob, lived near by while his brother John lived on the south fork of New River near where Peter Eller Sr., their father, late deceased, lived. About 1816 John and Peter moved to lower altitudes in Wilkes County, John to Lewis Fork Creek west of Wilkesboro on a farm of 451 acres and Peter to a farm on Ceroles Creek."
      Elsewhere in the book on p. 96, James Hook adds: "Michael Stockerd (Stoker) is shown in the 1790 census of Wilkes County, Morgan District as being over 16 [possible Hook error] years of age but with no other person listed in his family. Morgan District later (1799) became Ashe County and was the same District where Peter Eller, John Koons and Conrad Dick lived. His farm was on the North Fork of New River in Ashe Co. He married Catherine Eller about 1791/92 and on 29 Dec 1792 purchased of John Dick 100 acres of land on Naked Creek in Ashe Co. which creek flows from the west into the south fork of New River. Ames Bunyard was a witness. (Book B-1, p. 249, Wilkes Co., NC Deeds.) On 13 March 1806 he entered 150 acres of land on the North Fork of New River adjoining his existing land. This land was surveyed March 12, 1806 and granted to Michael Stoker, 27 Nov 1806. (Grant #629, Ashe Co., NC, Sec'y of State's Office, Raleigh, NC.) The survey was signed by Jesse and Eli Cleveland and attested by Peter and Jacob Ellar (sic)."
      Elsewhere also on pp. 130-140, concerning Michael's brother-in-law Jacob Eller: "Jacob Eller first appears in Ashe County records 27 Nov 1806 when, with his brother Peter Eller, he witnessed the survey of 150 acres to Michael Stucker (Stoker), his brother-in-law probably. On 7 Jul 1809, as an heir at law of Peter Eller, deceased, he signed a deed disposing of land to Leonard Fantz. (Deed Book M, p. 163, Ashe County.) He signed other similar deeds 17 Sep 1816 and 11 Feb 1817. (Deed Book F, pp. 83 and 414, Ashe Co.) In 1811 a deed of his to Alexander Smith for 15 acres of land was acknowledged by the Nov 1811 Court. (Deed Book F, p. 109, Ashe Co., NC.)"

      15. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 88-97:
      "Michael Stoker, doubtless, was the son of Michael Stoker (Stocker) who settled in Frederick Co., Md. about the middle of the 18th century. No other family of the Stoker (Stocker) name was found by this writer in any of the early Frederick Co. records. The 18th century translated records of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. established about 1746, show many Michael Stoker (Stocker) entries beginning with the birth, on 1 Apr 1758, of Anna Barbara, daughter of 'Mich. Stocker' and his wife 'Ana Barb.' On p. 552 of a copy of these church records, now in possession of the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore, Maryland, will be found a recording of eight children of Michael Stocker, the youngest named George, born 13 Nov 1781. The first of these children was named Marie Barbara, born 1 Apr 1758. She doubtless was the same as or the twin of another daughter named Anna Barbara mentioned above as having been born on the same date. Another record shows, again, the birth of Marie Barbara, daughter of Michael Stocker born 1 Apr 1758; baptized 15 May 1758. Thus the church records contain three separate entries of the birth on 1 April 1758, of a daughter to Michael Stoker (Stocker) as follows:
      a. 'On 1 Apr. 1758 to Mich. Stocker et uxori Ana Barbara a daughter Anna Barbara. Witnesses (to baptism) Marie Barbara filia coelebs Michael Roemers.' Filia Coelebs means unmarried daughter of.'
      b. '1758, 1 April to Michael Stoker a daughter Marie Barbara, sponsored by Barbara Romerin, baptized 15 May 1758.'
      c. '1758, 1 April to Michael Stocker a daughter Marie Barbara, sponsored by Barbara Romerin, baptized 15 May 1758.'
      As already stated, page 552 of the church book records, on one single page, the birth of eight children to Michael Stocker the last child of whom, named George, was born 13 Nov 1781 and baptized 7 Jun 1782. The first seven of these recordings obviously were made in 1769, the 8th having been put there in 1782 as will be explained later. Preceding the names of the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th and 7th Child, the symbol ϯ was added to show, doubtless, that the child was deceased when the record was made. The record, on page 552 of the church records, is as follows:
      a. 1 April 1758, to Michael Stocker a child Marie Barbara; ϯ godmother, Barbara Romerin; baptized 15 May 1758.
      b. 1 Jan 1760, to Michael Stocker, a child Johana Magdale, godparents, Heinrich Hanth (and wife) Magdalena. Date of baptism not stated. (Note by JWH - On page 454 of the church record is shown the marriage on 2 Nov 1784 'by license' of Johanna Magdalena Stockern and Johann Jost Stimmel, Michael Stocker, Peter Stimmel and John and Peter Schnog serving as witnesses.)
      c. 20 May 1762, to Michael Stocker, a child Michael; godparents Michael Romer (and wife) Charlotte Amalia, (Amalis). Date of baptism not stated. (Note by JWH - This writer believes that this was the Michael Stocker who married Catherine Eller.)
      d. 26 Aug 1764, to Michael Stocker, a child, Elizabeth; ϯ godmother, Elizabeth Romerin. Date of baptism not stated.
      e. 24 May 1767, to Michael Stocker, a child Balthasar; ϯ godparents, Balthsar Bock (and wife) Rosina. Date of baptism not stated.
      f and g. 11 gbr 1769 (two children) to Michael Stocker, namely a child Marie Barbara; godparents, Johannes Haas (and wife) Mar. Barbara, and a child Christina; godmother, Christina Romerin, ledig, meaning unmarried. Baptized 19 gbr. 1769. (Note gbr is usually an abbreviation in German for born but in this case probably means November of possibly February.)
      h. 13 Nov 1781, to Michael Stocker, a child, George; sponsor George Bens. Baptized 7 Jun 1782.
      The above record of children of Michael Stocker, together with others shown below are interesting in two ways. First it will be noted that one of the sponsors in every case bore the same given name as the child. It was a custom in early German families to select as godmother or godfather of children being baptized the person for whom the child was named, usually a close relative and in some cases a respected friend. Second, as was shown by the first record quoted above and as will be shown by other records quoted below, Michael Stoker's wife as late as 24 March 1766 (Deed Record) was Barbara and as early as 12 April 1770 (Deed Record) was Elizabeth. That these two wives, Barbara and Elizabeth, were spouses of the same Michael Stocker is definitely established by the land records of Frederick County but, as the two next following church records show, Michael Stocker's full name was Joh. (John) Michael Stoker.
      a. Page 564 of the translated church records at Maryland Hist. Soc. - Johannes, son of Joh. Michael and Elizabeth Stoker, b. 4 Jan 1772 and baptized 9 Feb 1772. (Note by JWH - p. 233 of the church records show that Johannes Stocker, aged 19, was confirmed on 22 Apr 1791. A translated record of the German Reformed Church of Frederick Co., Md., p. 196, found at the Gen. Soc. in SLC shows a child Marianna Stocker, was born to Johannes and Catherina Stocker 10 Aug 1809. Susan Kuntz (Frentz) was her godmother. A Catherina Stoker (sic) is mentioned as a dau. in the will of John Coons (sic) of Frederick Co., Md. dated 23 Dec. 1816 and proved 6 Mch. 1817. (Liber H.S, No. 2, p. 55, Frederick Co., Md. Wills.))
      b. Page 591 of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at the Gen. Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Salt Lake City - Marie Salome, dau. of Michael and Elizabeth Stocker b. 9 May 1773; bap. 27 June 1773. Her godparents were John Michel and Salome Alex (sic).
      c. Page 617 of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at Maryland Hist. Society [Baltimore] - Marie Barbara, dau. of Joh. Michael and Elizabeth Stoker, b. 23 Dec 1774; bapt. 16 Apr 1775. Her godparents were Johannes and Marie Barbara Hass.
      d. Pages 638 and 1017 of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at the Gen. Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Salt Lake City - Eva Margreth, dau. of Michael and Elizabeth Stocker, b. 22 Jul 1776; bap. 10 Nov 1776. Her godparents were Jacob and Margreth Bens. This child died 12 Sept. 1777, aged 1 year.
      One may wonder why these four children were not listed with other children of Michael Stoker on page 552 of the church record (supra). After mentioning seven additional, more or less pertinent, translate church records the reason for this, as this writer sees it will be explained.
      a. Page 407 of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at Maryland Hist. Society, Baltimore, it is shown that Michael Stoker and Mary Adams were married, by license, 21 Jun 1778. The witnesses were Abraham Fah and his wife Juliana and Adam and Peter Schnock. Frederick Co. Marriage Records show that Michael Stoker and Mary A___, the spelling not complete, on 1 Jun 1778, were given a license to be married.
      b. Page 209 [of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at Maryland Hist. Society, Baltimore] shows that Michael Stoker born 24 May 1862 and Magdalena Stockern (sic) born 1 Jan 1760 were confirmed. These two were brother and sister, children of Michael and Barbara Stoker (Stocker), their birth dates in their confirmation checking substantially with those recorded on page 552 of the same translated church record.
      c. Page 664 of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at the Gen. Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Salt Lake City shows that Anna Margareth, daughter of Michael and Anna Marie Stocker was born 15 May 1779 and baptized 24 July 1779. Her godparents were Adam and Anna Margareth Schnock.
      d. Page 686 [of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at the Gen. Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Salt Lake City ] shows that Marie Catharina, daughter of Michael and Anna Maria Stocker was born 4 Sept. 1780.
      e. Page 752 [of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at the Gen. Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Salt Lake City] shows that Jacob, son of Michael and Anna Maria Stocker, was born 22 May 1785. His sponsors at baptism were his parents.
      f. Page 113 of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at the Gen. Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Salt Lake City, Utah, shows that Charlotte, daughter of Michael Stocker, was born 19 Feb 1788. Her mother's name was not given. Her godparents were Peter and Julia (Juliana) Schnock (Schnod).
      g. Page 1017 of the translated record of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick, Md. at the Gen. Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Salt Lake City shows that Elizabeth, wife of Michael Stoker died 10 Oct 1777 at the age of 33 years.
      It should be kept in mind that the only Stoker (Stocker) family found in the early church, land or court records of Frederick County, Maryland was one headed by Michael. The only suggestion of a Stoker of Stocker of another given name was the same Michael in the recordings of his children by his second wife, Elizabeth. In those recordings he was called Joh. Michael Stoker. Deed Records in Frederick Co., calling him a saddler in every case and showing his wife to have been Barbara in March 1766 and Elizabeth in April 1770 proves the two Michaels to have been the same person. The second wife, Elizabeth, died 10 Oct 1777 at the age of 33. On 21 Jun 1778 he married Mary (Marie) Adams as already shown.
      This writer explains the one page record that is found of Michael Stoker's (Stocker) children in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Frederick Co., Md. as follows. When his first two daughters (twins probably) were born he had them baptized or recorded as they were born. When his twins, Marie Barbara and Christina were born in 1769 he had them baptized and recorded and when this was being done he decided to record all of his other children, four of whom had not been recorded, naming their godparents from memory. This would account for all of these children appearing on one page where immediately prior entries were 1769 and immediate subsequent ones 1770.
      When children of his second wife, Elizabeth, came he had them baptized and recorded. Apparently there were four of them, one named Johannes, b. 4 Jan 1772, another named Marie Salome, b. 9 May 1773, the third was Marie Barbara b. 23 Dec 1774 and the fourth Eva Margreth b. 22 Jul 1776 - d. 12 Sep 1777. Then on 10 Oct 1777 his wife, Elizabeth, aged 33, died and on 21 Jun 1778 he married Mary (Marie) Adams, his third wife.
      The first child of the third marriage was Anna Margareth, b. 15 May 1779. She was baptized and recorded. The second child by this third marriage was Marie Catherina, born 4 Sep 1780 and bapt. 4 March (May) 1781. She probably died young. The fourth child was Georg b. 13 Nov 1781. This child was baptized 7 Jun 1782 and the baptism recorded not on the current page of the record book but squeezed in on the 1769/1770 page where other children of Michael Stoker (Stocker) had been recorded enmasse. Thus we have on the 1769/1770 page of the church book a record of eight children of Michael Stoker (Stocker) born between 1758 and 1782 appearing on that page with other children of his who were born after 1769 appearing on other pages. The fact that his son Georg was so recorded is pretty conclusive proof that all of the eight Stoker (Stocker) children on that one page had the same father. The symbol ϯ apparently was to indicate that the child was deceased and, doubtless, was inserted when the baptism of the son George was recorded.
      Other entries in the church records show Michael Stocker (Stoker) and his wife, Anna Maria, had two other children, one named Jacob, b. 22 May 1785, and the other named Charlotte, b. 19 Feb 1788, making 17 children as follows:
      By first wife Barbara:
      1. Anna Barbara Stocker, b. 1 Apr 1758. She died young.
      2. Marie Barbara Stocker, b. 1 Apr 1758, the same as or twin of [Anna Barbara]. She died young.
      3. Johana Magdale Stocker, b. 1 Jan 1760.
      4. Michael Stocker, Jr., b. 20 May 1762 (24 May 1762 or 24 Mar 1762).
      5. Elizabeth Stocker, b. 26 Aug 1764. She died young.
      6. Balthasar Stocker, b. 24 May 1767. He died young.
      7. Marie Barbara Stocker, b. 11 ??? 1769. [Twin of Christina.] She died young.
      8. Christina Stocker, b. 11 ??? 1769. Twin of [Marie Barbara]. She died young.
      By second wife Elizabeth:
      9. Johannes Stocker, b. 4 Jan 1772.
      10. Marie Solome Stocker, b. 9 May 1773.
      11. Marie Barbara Stocker, b. 25 Dec 1774.
      12. Eva Margreth Stocker, b. 22 Jul 1776, d. 12 Sep 1777.
      By third wife Anna Marie Adams:
      13. Anna Margareth Stocker, b. 15 May 1779.
      14. Marie Catherina Stocker, b. 4 Sep 1780.
      15. George Stocker, b. 13 Nov. 1781, bapt. 2 Jun 1782.
      16. Jacob Stocker, b. 22 May 1785.
      17. Charlotte Stocker, b. 19 Feb 1788.
      [Note: James Hook totally missed one child, Eva Catherina, who was born between George and Jacob; see her notes for church record documentation.]
      The church records also show that Michael Stocker witnessed a goodly number of baptisms and marriages. One marriage, 'by license in Virginia,' which he and George Schaeffer witnessed, on 20/21 Apr. 1788, was that of Christopher Schaeffer and Elizabeth Adams, she, perhaps, a sister of his third wife. (Page 309 [of church record].) Michael Stoker attended communion service on 18 Oct 1778, 13 May 1779, 14 May 1780, 19 May 1782, 8 Jun 1783, 30 Jun 1784, 4 Jun 1786, 27 May 1787, 7 Oct 1787, and 24 Apr 1791. On 30 Jun 1784 and 4 Jun 1786 he was accompanied by his 'filia', meaning his daughter. A Michael Stocher (sic) attended services 23 Oct 1803 and 2 Jun 1805. After the latter date he was not found again in the records.
      The spelling of the name in the church records varied frequently between Stoker and Stocker but in deeds mentioned herein, it was spelled Stoker. He obviously was a German but from whence in Germany he or his parents came was not discovered. This writer once thought that he was, very likely, the son of Michael Stoker, aged 31, who came to Pennsylvania on the ship 'Brittania' with Margaret Stoker, aged 24, his wife probably, and took his oath of allegiance 21 Sep 1731 but dismissed the idea when he later learned that Michael and Margaret Stoker's son Michael died in 1771 in Macungie Twsp. of Northampton (now Lehigh Co.) Pennsylvania, his will having been probated there, 25 Jan 1771, naming a wife Margaret and children Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine, Susannah and George.
      Michael Stoker of Frederick Co, MD is first found in the records of that county on 1 Apr 1758 when the birth dates of his daughters Ann Barbara and Marie Barbara (they may have been the same Child) were recorded in the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Frederick, MD. On 14 May 1760 he purchased from Ballis Paugh lot no. 118 in Fredericktown, Frederick Co., MD. (Deed Book F, p. 985.) In that deed he is called a sadler. Another Frederick Co. deed dated 24 Mar 1766, 'Michael Stoker, sadler,' his wife Barbara relinquishing her dower, sold this same lot in Frederick Town to John Hoffman. (Deed Book K, p. 432.) On 30 Aug 1768, 'Michael Stoker, sadler' purchased from Henry Brunner lot no. 83 and a half interest in lot No. 80 located in Frederick Town. (Deed Book L, pp. 473-475.) This deed was corrected on 24 Dec 1772 to read lot 82 rather than lot 83. (Deed Book P. p. 530.)
      Sometime near the date of the last purchase his first wife Barbara apparently died because on 12 Apr 1770 'Michael Stoker, sadler,' his wife Elizabeth relinquishing her dower, sold to Henry Brunner, a five foot strip off of the lot purchased from said Brunner 30 Aug 1768. (Deed book N, p. 90.) On 7 Nov 1774 'Michael Stoker,' his wife Elizabeth relinquishing her dower, conveyed to Samuel Miller a part of lot no. 82 that he had acquired from Henry Brunner, 30 Aug 1768, when his wife doubtless was Barbara. (Deed Book L, p. 473-475 and Deed Book w, p. 235.) On 19 Nov 1778 'Michael Stoker farmer,' his wife Mary relinquishing her dower, sold another part on lot No. 82 to Philip Shade, (Deed Book RP1, p. 519.) These deeds relating to Lot No. 82 first when his wife, doubtless was Barbara, second when his wife, certainly was Elizabeth and third when his wife, certainly, was Mary (Marie) are conclusive proof that it was the same Michael Stoker who married these three wives.
      The Archives of Maryland, Vol. XLVIII shows orders in Council on 30 Nov. 1781 to pay certain sums of money to Michael and James Stocker. On 14 Mar 1783 other orders were given to pay Michael Stoker 17 pounds, 17 shillings and 1 pence.
      [The son] Michael Stockerd (Stoker) is shown in the 1790 census of Wilkes County, Morgan District as being over 16 [possible Hook error] years of age but with no other person listed in his family. Morgan District later (1799) became Ashe County and was the same District where Peter Eller, John Koons and Conrad Dick lived. His farm was on the North Fork of New River in Ashe Co. He married Catherine Eller about 1791/92 and on 29 Dec 1792 purchased of John Dick 100 acres of land on Naked Creek in Ashe Co. which creek flows from the west into the south fork of New River. Ames Bunyard was a witness. (Book B-1, p. 249, Wilkes Co., NC Deeds.) On 13 March 1806 he entered 150 acres of land on the North Fork of New River adjoining his existing land. This land was surveyed March 12, 1806 and granted to Michael Stoker, 27 Nov 1806. (Grant #629, Ashe Co., NC, Sec'y of State's Office, Raleigh, NC.) The survey was signed by Jesse and Eli Cleveland and attested by Peter and Jacob Ellar (sic).
      The family removed to Jackson Co., Ohio about 1814/15. It was here, probably, that the parents embraced the Mormon Faith. On 27 Oct 1836 he sold his property in Jackson Co., Ohio and followed the Mormon migration to Missouri. His wife Catherine, apparently was living near Nauvoo, Illinois in 1841 where she had herself baptized for her father Peter Eller, her grandparents on her mother's side, vis. Kinrod (Conrad) and Catherine Dick, her brother John Eller and her dau. Rebecca Stoker. (Nauvoo, Ill. Baptisms for the Dead, Mormon, at Gen. Soc. of Utah, Salt Lake City.)"

      16. Per the book "A History of Jackson County, Ohio," by D.W. Williams, vol. 1 The Scioto Salt Springs, Jackson, Ohio, 1900, pp. 99-100: "BLOOMField - The election in this township was held at the house of Judge Hugh Poor, which stood in a central location. the officers were... Thirty-seven electors cast their ballots, the name of Reuben Long being the first registered. the others were: Theophilus Blake, Henry Humphreys, John Hale, William Keeton, Morris Humphreys, Ellis Long, Benjamin Long, Azariah Jenkins, Joshua Stephenson, Thomas Barton, John R. Corn, John Scurlock, John Dickerson, Sharp Barton, George Campbell, Hugh Poor, Hugh Scurlock, Moses Hale, Arthur Callison, Christopher Long, Benjamin Hale, Robert Irwin, Moses Gillespie, DAVID Stoker, Nimrod Arthur, Allen Rice, Michael Stoker, James LACKEY, Martin Poor, John Stephenson, Sr., Samuel McClure, Andrew Donnally, John Stephenson, Jr., Robert G. Hanna and Alexander Poor. There was considerable excitement at this voting place, occasioned by a number of free fights, growing out of a feud between membersof the Long and Hale families. The origin of the trouble is unknown, but at some time in the day Joel Long and John Hale started the ball rolling by agreeing to 'box and fight each other at fisticuffs.' The well known code of the backwoods was no doubt followed to the letter in this fistic duel, but the result did not give satisfacaction. Blood was up, and some words led Christopher Long to assault Moses Hale, and, according to the indictiment, did 'strike, beat, wound and illtreat, to the great damage of the said Moses Hale.' John R. Corn interferred in behalf of the latter, and Long promptly gave him a dose of the same medicine. At this point James LACKEY got mixed up in the affair, and Benjamin Long then took a hand and assaulted him. These contests furnished some of the grist for the first term of court in the following August, John Hale and Joel Long being fined $12 each, and Christopher Long $6 under each indictment. Benjamin Long's affair with LACKEY was not adjusted until the November term, when Long plead guilty and was fined $10 and the costs."

      17. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 69-87: "John Eller doubtless lived with his father [Peter Eller] on Reedy Creek in Rowan County until the latter removed to his Rones Creek farm in what was then Wilkes but after 1799, Ashe Co. The surmise is that he was not living with his father when the 1790 census was taken and did not settle in or near his father's farm on Rones Creek until after his marriage. His first son Simeon was born in Wilkes Co. 7 Sep 1794 and on 27 Oct 1795 he witnessed the deed by which his father, Peter Eller, conveyed 200 acres of land on Rones Creek to Gabriel Barn. (Deed Book B-1, p. 466, Wilkes Co., NC) On 13 April 1795 he and Michael Stuckers (Stoker) [John Eller's brother-in-law] helped to survey 70 acres of land on Rones Creek for Conrad Dick, his grandfather probably."

      18. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 17-31, in speaking about Peter Eller Sr.'s [b. abt. 1746, d. 1799] estate settlement, the following quotes refer to family members involved with the settlement. Note that sons-in-law William Pennington (wife Barbara or Elizabeth Eller?) and George Koons (Mary's husband) do not show up at the estate sale of 1799 but do show up from 1809 to 1817 when the inherited land of Peter Eller is sold. Of the younger sons, Henry and Jacob appear in the later land heirship land deeds, but they would have been only minors at the estate sale of 1799. George, the youngest son, never shows up which may be indicative of an early death. The older sons- John and Peter - and the eldest daughter - Catherine Eller Stoker thru her husband Michael - show up in both 1799 and the later land deeds. Elizabeth Eller Jr., the unmarried dau. shows up only in the 1799 purchaser list buying household items as if she were preparing for an imminent marriage (see her notes for more detail on her purchases). The open-ended question of who married Elizabeth and who married Barbara is not resolved by these documents except the assurance that William Pennington was definitely a husband of one of them. There is no Bumgardner listed in the later heirship deeds but there are two listed early in the estate purchasers - Michael and Leonard - but if Elizabeth really married a Bumgardner and had a son Simeon in 1807, why is there no listing of a Bumgardner on the heirship deeds. The various quotes are as follows:
      "Peter Eller died before 29 July 1799 as evidenced by an entry in an old court record book found by this writer in the courthouse at Wilkesboro, Wilkes Co., NC in October 1954. It reads as follows: 'Betsey Eller and John Eller having made application for Administration on the estate of Peter Eller gave Bowers and John Koons for security who were bound in the sum of 800 pounds and qualified as the law directs.'
      Betsey Eller doubtless was Peter's widow and John his eldest son. The time was 1799 when Ashe County was being set off from Wilkes and the year just preceding the one in which the first federal census of Ashe Co. was taken...
      Three deeds in the courthouse at Jefferson, Ashe Co., NC record settlement actions on the property of Peter Eller deceased. In brief they are:
      1. Deed Book M, p. 163, dated 7 July 1809 shows Peter Eller, Jacob Eller, George Koontz and William Pennington of the county of Ashe in the state of NC, heirs of Peter Eller, deceased, selling to Leonard Fantz 200 acres of land in Ashe Co. the same apparently being the tract Andrew Baker had deeded to Peter Eller 3 Aug 1789. The deed was signed by all the said heirs except William Pennington. Why Pennington did not sign is not clear.
      2. Deed Book F, p. 414, dated 17 Sep 1816, shows John Eller, Peter Eller, Jacob Eller, Henry Eller, Michael Stocker (Stoker), George Koontz and William Pennington all of the County of Ashe in the State of NC, heirs of Peter Eller deceased, selling Luke White Sr. 122 acres of land located on the south fork of New River at the mouth of Rones Creek etc. This deed was signed by all the said heirs named as party of the first part in the deed except George Koontz. Why George Koontz did not sign is not clear.
      3. Deed Book F, p. 83, dated 11 Feb 1817 shows John Eller, J.A. (Jacob) Eller, Henry Eller, Michael Stocker (Stoker), George Koontz and William Pennington all of the county of Ashe in the state of N.C., heirs of Peter Eller, deceased, selling to Frederick Black, 25 acres of land on the south fork of New River the land being that warranted to Peter Eller, 3 May 1793 and granted to him 27 Dec 1797. All of these heirs signed the deed.
      This writer believes that other heirship deeds exist probably of earlier dates and, if found, would show a Bumgardner heir. The above three deeds distributed only 347 acres of Peter Eller's estate when it appears that it consisted at his death of at least 470 acres. The Bumgardner connection is suggested in an ancient family Bible in which the birth dates of seven children of John Eller, eldest son of Peter and Elizabeth (Dick) Eller was recorded. Another birth entry in this old Bible is that of Simeon Bumgardner, born 8 Jan 1807. This child probably was a son of a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Dick) Eller who had marred a Bumgardner, probably James Bumgardner.
      The old Bible was printed in the German language at Halle, Germany in 1770 and is now in the possession of Mr. Wade E. Eller of Warrensville, Ashe Co., NC. It may be the Bible which George Michael Eller willed to his son Jacob because on page 17 is written 'Jacob Eller his Bible.' On page 15 of the vorrede or preface is also written 'The Holy Bible Peter Eller.' The only information of genealogical value in the Bible are the dates of birth of all but the youngest child, Mary, of John and Susannah (Kerns) Eller… and of Simeon Bumgarner abov