Benjamin Franklin Hoy

FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY

Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy
1st of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith
Born: 1845, Hoy’s Gap, Centre Co., Pennsylvania
Died: Oct 2, 1883 (age 38) at his sister Emily’s house in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois; severe attack of delirium, chronic diarrhea (aftermath of the Civil War  wounds)
Buried: Savanna Township Cemetery in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois
Military: Civil War, Union Army, Co C, 14th Reg, Vol Infantry, Wisconsin; Private, Corporal, 2nd Lieutenant
Occupation: Rancher, stockman
Never married, no children

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Six children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith
1. Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy
1845–1883
2. James Smith “J.S.” Hoy
1846–1925
3. Valentine Shade “V.S.” Hoy
1848–1898
4. Emily S. Hoy
1850–1940
5. Adea Adam “A.A.” Hoy
1852–1926
6. Henry “Harry” Hoy
1855–1906

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Timeline and Records

Spellings and information in the census and other records
are retained as in the original documents.
(italicized clarifications or corrections are in parentheses)

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Feb 22, 1843: Marriage of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, the parents of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy, in Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania; married by Rev. Brads

1845: Birth of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy, 1st of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, in Hoy’s Gap, Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

Nov 15, 1846: Birth of James Smith “J.S.” Hoy, 2nd of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, in Hoy’s Gap, Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

Jul 25, 1848: Birth of Valentine Shade “V.S.” Hoy, 3rd of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, in Hoy’s Gap, Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

Jul 24, 1850: Birth of Emily S. Hoy, 4th of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, in Hoy’s Gap, Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

Oct 1850: U.S. Federal Census, Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania:
Name Henry Hoy
Gender Male
Race White
Residence Age 38
Birth Date abt 1812
Birthplace Pennsylvania
Residence Date 1850
Home in 1850 Marion, Centre, Pennsylvania
Occupation Farmer
Industry Agriculture
Hoy, Henry Jr: age 38, farmer, born Penna (Pennsylvania)
Mary A: age 28, born Penna (Pennsylvania)
Benjamin F: age 5, Penna (Pennsylvania)
James S: age 3, born Penna (Pennsylvania)
Valentine S: age 2, born Penna (Pennsylvania)
Mary Fulton: age 17, born Penna (Pennsylvania)
Note: Emily S. Hoy, born in July, is not listed in the October census

Aug 16, 1852: Birth of Adea Ada “A.A.” Hoy, 5th of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, in Hoy’s Gap, Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

May 24, 1855: Death of Henry Hoy, Jr. (age 43), father of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy (age 9 or 10), in Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

May 1855: Burial of Henry Hoy, Jr., in Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville, Centre Co., Pennsylvania; Section 1, Row 2, Space 8

Aug 1855: Birth of Henry “Harry” Hoy, 6th of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, in Hoy’s Gap, Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania, three months after the death of his father

1857: Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy requests the Orphans Court to appoint a guardian for her six children:

Orphan’s Court
Cases appearing before the Orphans’ Court concerned estates. “If one parent died, and the other was still living, the Orphan’s Court assigned a guardian for the minor children of the deceased parent to represent them regarding their deceased parent’s inheritance. Pennsylvania state law did not allow inherited property to pass on to the surviving spouse; instead, it was divided evenly among the deceased spouse’s children. Property was most often left to the two oldest sons (in wills and in law); but when one of the two oldest sons died, his share of the inherited property was divided evenly among all living siblings, male or female. Women who were married, but still under the age of 21, were appointed a guardian to represent them regarding their inheritance.”
Source: Rootsweb

Sometime between 1857 and 1860, Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy and her six children remove to Omro, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin, where her brother, Absolom S. Smith, resides

Dec 9, 1858: Death of Henry Hoy, Sr. (age 87), grandfather of the six Hoy children, in Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania.

Dec 1858: Burial of Henry Hoy, Sr., at Jacksonville Cemetery in Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

Jul 11, 1860: U.S. Federal Census, Omro Township, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin:
Name Mary Ann Hoy
Age 37
Birth Year abt 1823
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Place Pennsylvania
Home in 1860 Omro, Winnebago, Wisconsin
Post Office Omro
Hoy, Mary Ann: age 37, farmer, born Pennsylvania
Franklin: age 15, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year
James: age 13, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year
Valentine: age 11, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year
Emily: age 10, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year
Ada: age 8, born Pennsylvania, attended school within the year (Adea Adam Hoy)
Henry: age 5, born Pennsylvania (Harry Hoy)

Nov 6, 1860: Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th President of the United States, Republican, National Union

Source: The Civil War, An Illustrated History, by Geoffrey C. Ward, Ric Burns & Ken Burns

Feb 8, 1861: Jefferson Davis becomes the provisional president of the Confederate States

Mar 4, 1861: Inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln. In his inaugural address, he appeals for the preservation of the Union.

The Library of Congress Represents America’s Story from America’s Library:
Lincoln’s inaugural address was stirring. He appealed for the preservation of the Union. To retain his support in the North without further alienating the South, he called for compromise. He promised he would not initiate force to maintain the Union or interfere with slavery in the states in which it already existed. Soon after, Lincoln received word that Fort Sumter, located in Charleston harbor, South Carolina, would have to be resupplied. The situation presented a problem, as tensions between the North and the South were very high. Resupplying the fort might inflame the situation because it was located in a slave-holding state. Yet Lincoln, in his inaugural address, had promised that the Union would not give up control of federal territory, such as Fort Sumter. The fort was resupplied, and Lincoln refused to evacuate it. The Confederates attacked the fort on April 12, 1861. The Civil War had begun, and President Lincoln was thrust into the middle of one of this country’s greatest crises.
Online source: www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi

Map of the Confederate States:

Map Source: The Civil War, An Illustrated History by Geoffrey C. Ward, Ric Burns & Ken Burns, Sep 12, 1990, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Apr 12, 1861: Start of the American Civil War. General Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard orders his Confederate troops to open fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina.

Union and Confederate flags

Sep 8, 1861: Absolom S. Smith (age 27), Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy’s older brother, enlists in the Union Army in Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Wisconsin. Military records state that he has gray eyes and dark hair, is single, and works as a lumberman, residing in Omro, Wisconsin (near Fond du Lac).

Sep 8, 1861: Benjamin Franklin Hoy (age 16), the oldest of the six Hoy children, enlists with Absolom S. Smith (his mother’s brother) as a Private in the Union Army, Co. C, 14th Regiment, Wisconsin, Volunteer Infantry, in Omro, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin.

U.S. Civil War Soldiers 1861-1865:
Name Benjamin F. Hoy
Side Union
Regiment State/Origin U.S. Colored Troops
Regiment 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry
Company A
Rank In Lieutenant
Notes See also 14 Wisc. Inf.
Film Number M589 roll 42
Memorial Part of the African American Civil War Memorial
Plaque Number C-69
Displayed As Benjamin F. Hoy

Dec 6, 1861: Absolom S. Smith heads Pleasants County 191st Militia, Company C, 14th Regiment, West Virginia State Troops. The unit guards railroads and towns, scouts for regulars, and chases small bands of Confederate partisans who are attacking the Northern counties.

Mar 17, 1862: After being wounded at Shiloh, Tennessee, Absolom S. Smith (abt age 28) is promoted to Captain of his company.

May 27, 1862: Death of Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy (age 40), mother of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy, in Omro, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin, leaving her six children orphaned.

1862: Burial of Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy at Omro Cemetery in Omro, Winnebago Co., Wisconsin; original section, plot 101

1862: Absalom Shade Tipton is named guardian of the six children of Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy.
Mary Ann’s cousin, Absalom Shade Tipton, living in Centre Co., Pennsylvania, is named by the court to become the guardian of the Hoy children and administer the financial affairs of Hoy estate: Frank (age 17), James “J.S.” (age 15), Valentine (age 13), Emily (almost age 12), Adea (not yet 10), and the youngest, Harry (age 6).
According to court records, guardianship of the minor children is to end Oct 19, 1876, after Harry, the youngest (born Aug 1855), becomes 21.

Absalom Shade Tipton:

Sep 1862: Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, proclaims slaves free in all Confederate states.

1863: U.S., Colored Troops Military Service Records, 1863-1865:
Name Benjamin F Hoy
Enlistment Rank 2nd Lieutenant
Military Age 19
Birth Date abt 1844
Role Soldier
Military Date 1863
Unit 58th US Colored Infantry
Company A
Service Branch Infantry

May 22, 1863: Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy (age 18) is wounded at Vicksburg, Mississippi. He suffers three wounds, including a gunshot to his jaw. He is also wounded in the hip and has a stirrup arrangement made to help him walk. As a Corporal in the 14th Infantry, Company C, he is discharged from the Union Army due to his wounds, with Distinguished Service, in Mound City, Illinois.
Note: Frank never completely regained his health after these injuries. His Civil War pension record shows his injuries as a broken jaw, a shot in the left thigh, and third shot unknown.

1863: Battle of Vicksburg
Other Name: Campaign: Grant’s Operations Against Vicksburg
Date(s): March-July 1863
Principal Commanders: Lieutenant General Ulysses Grant [US], Lieutenant General John Pemberton [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 37532 total; US 4835, CS 32697
Description: In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s armies converged on Vicksburg, investing the city and entrapping a Confederate army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege operations. This was the culmination of one of the most brilliant military campaigns of the war. With the loss of Pemberton’s army and this vital stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively split in half. Grant’s successes in the West boosted his reputation, leading ultimately to his appointment as General-in-Chief of the Union armies.
Results: Union Victory
CWSAC Reference #:MS011
Source: www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-battles-detail.htm?battleCode=ms011

General Johnston, Grant, and the Battle for Vicksburg:
“The Battle for Vicksburg (1863) was a pivotal campaign in the American Civil War, centering on control of the Mississippi River. Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston aimed to reinforce the beleaguered forces of Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, who was trapped in Vicksburg by Union forces under Major General Ulysses S. Grant. Vicksburg was strategically significant for both sides, as its capture would sever the Confederacy and enable Union control of the Mississippi River. Grant laid siege to the city beginning in May 1863, while Johnston attempted to organize a relief force. However, due to poor coordination and delayed support, Johnston’s forces were unable to lift the siege. After weeks of bombardment and dwindling supplies, Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863. This victory marked a turning point in the war, giving the Union complete control of the Mississippi and splitting the Confederacy in two.”
Source: Kings & Generals Facebook page

The Battle of Vicksburg ended with the Confederate surrender on July 4, 1863, concluding a 47-day siege that began on May 18, 1863, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and splitting the Confederacy.

Photo credit: The Civil War Preview: Vicksburg National Military Park

Sep 7, 1863: Absolom S. Smith (age 28), brother of Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy, is commissioned as Colonel of the 6th Regiment, Michigan, Colored Troops.

Absalom S. Smith was the first colonel of the regiment that became the 58th Regiment, United States Colored Infantry (USCI), initially organized as the 6th Mississippi Infantry (African Descent) in Natchez, Mississippi, in 1863, with Smith leading until his dismissal in January 1864 before its formal redesignation. This unit, composed of formerly enslaved men, primarily performed garrison duty along the Mississippi River, freeing up other Union troops, and played a role in destroying slave pens at Natchez, Mississippi.
Source: AI Overview

SMITH, Absolom S. – Capt., Co. C, 14th Regt., Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry
Absolom resided at Omro and enlisted there on Sept. 8, 1861. He was assigned as above and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in that company on Oct. 1, 1861. Absolom was wounded at Shiloh, Tennessee and he was promoted to Captain of his company on Mar. 17, 1862. Absolom was commissioned as Colonel of the 6th Regt., Mississippi Colored Troops on Sept. 7, 1863, He eventually returned to Wisconsin and was named as a party in a civil suit in Omro in Aug. 1893.
Source: Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Vol 1, by David A. Langhau

58th United States Colored Infantry Regiment
The 6th Regiment, Mississippi Volunteers (African Descent) was organized on August 27, 1863, at Natchez, Mississippi. Most of the soldiers were former slaves from Mississippi who had escaped to Union lines. The first colonel of the Regiment was Absalom S. Smith, formerly of the 14th Wisconsin. All officers of the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War were white. Black soldiers would not be commissioned as officers in the US Army until after the war. Col. Smith was dismissed from the service in January 1864, and Simon Manly Preston became the regiment’s colonel.

The regiment was posted on garrison duty at Natchez for most of the war. Newly-recruited units of Black troops were used to garrison strategic points along the Mississippi River, freeing up veteran Union troops for service elsewhere. By the summer of 1864, the majority of the 5,000 Union troops garrisoning Natchez were from Colored Troops regiments.

A detachment of the 6th Mississippi Regiment was sent on a scouting expedition on November 11, 1863, when they were fired on by Confederate cavalry 2 miles outside of Natchez. The Union troops drove off the attack, but suffered 4 killed and 6 wounded in the skirmish.

The regiment was redesignated as the 58th USCT Infantry on March 11, 1864. An inspection report from July 1864 detailed the Regiment’s condition: “the FIFTY- eighth U. S. Infantry (Colored). Aggregate effective strength at the post, 674. They were armed with new Springfield muskets, and they were in fine condition. A few cartridge-boxes and bayonet scabbards were wanting, but otherwise the equipment was good. Many haversacks and canteens wanting, owing to articles having been destroyed in the post hospital. Sanitary condition good; discipline good; instruction fair; officers good. As soon as it can be relieved from its constant fatigue and working parties on fortifications, etc., and can have time for instruction and drill, it promises to make a fine regiment.”

Following the good inspection report in July, the 58th Regiment, along with the white 29th Illinois Infantry, was designated as the Natchez reserve force to be “constantly held in readiness to move by land or water at an hour’s notice”.[6] Although by 1864 the Union Army controlled all the major strategic points along the Mississippi River, Confederate cavalry still roamed the countryside, looting plantations and skirmishing with Union troops. In early August, the 58th was sent on an expedition to the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River in search of Confederates. Troops from the 29th Illinois and the 4th Illinois Cavalry accompanied the 58th, disembarking at Vidalia, Louisiana and marching over swampy terrain towards Trinity, Louisiana. On August 5, the Union forces clashed with a Confederate force near the Gillespie plantation, with a small number killed and wounded on each side.

The 58th spent the remainder of the war at Natchez and mustered out of service on March 8, 1866.
Source: Wikipedia

Oct 31, 1863: Absolom S. Smith (age 29) is the Commanding Officer of 860 troops of Negro descent, Mississippi Volunteers, 32nd Regiment, Union Army.

Jan 1864: Col. Absalom S. Smith is dismissed from service in the Union Army

Mar 11, 1864: Valentine Shade Hoy (age 15 yr, 8 mo) (records state age 18), the brother of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy, enlists for one year in the Union Army in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He enters as a Private in the 11th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, Company G.

Aug 5, 1864: Valentine Shade Hoy (a month short of age 16) moves to the front, taking part in the battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama.

1864: James Smith “J.S.” Hoy (age 17), the brother of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy, makes a round-trip from the Missouri River to the Rocky Mountains by bull-whacking (a term for whacking cattle to pull a freight wagon-train) in the Great Plains. He crosses Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado, traveling through Rock Creek on the Laramie Plains, Fort Kearney, Fort McPherson, Fort Sedgwick, Fort Laramie, and Fort Morgan.

National Park Service, The Civil War:
Hoy, Benjamin P. (Benjamin F. Hoy)
Battle Unit Name: 14th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry
Side: Union
Company: C
Soldier’s Rank In: Private
Soldier’s Rank Out: Corporal
Alternate name: Benjamin F. Hoy
Film Number: M559 ROLL 14
Plaque Number:
Notes: General Note – Original filed under Benjamin F. Hoy

Apr 14, 1865: Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre (Washington, D.C.) while attending Our American Cousin. Lincoln dies the next day.

Note: 1865 Photo by Currier & Ives

May 26, 1865: The American Civil War ends, with the last of the Confederate troops surrendering in Mississippi.
Note: Over 3 million soldiers battled in the war, and more than 600,000 died—two-thirds by disease.

Summer 1865: Death of Absolom/Absalom Shade Smith (age 28). The brother of Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy fought in the Civil War from 1861 to May of 1865—only to die shortly after it ended, shot with his own gun by a Blackfoot Indian.
Note: this is according to J.S. Hoy’s manuscript. However, J.S. may have used poetic license, as there exists the following record:

SMITH, Absolom S. – Capt., Co. C, 14th Regt., Wis. Vol. Inf.
Absolom resided at Omro and enlisted there on Sept. 8, 1861. He was assigned as above and was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in that company on Oct. 1, 1861. Absolom was wounded at Shiloh, Tennessee and he was promoted to Captain of his company on Mar. 17, 1862. Absolom was commissioned as Colonel of the 6th Regt., Mississippi Colored Troops on Sept. 7, 1863, He eventually returned to Wisconsin and was named as a party in a civil suit in Omro in Aug. 1893.
Source: Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Vol 1, by David A. Langhau

Sep 16, 1868: Death of Catharine Elizabeth (Vonada) Hoy (age 93), grandmother to the six Hoy children, in Marion Township, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

Sep 1868: Burial of Catharine Elizabeth (Vonada) Hoy at Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville, Centre Co., Pennsylvania

Feb 2, 1869: Absalom/Absolom Shade Tipton, the cousin of Mary Ann (Smith) Hoy, posts $1,000 bond in Centre Co., Pennsylvania, as guardian of the six Hoy children. He administers the estate and pays expenses for Franklin, James, Valentine, Emily, Ada, and Henry Hoy, and is obliged to manage the property and file reports with the courts regarding his expenses.
Absolom Shade Tipton

Feb 2, 1869: Bond approved for the children of Henry Hoy, Jr., deceased:
Febry 2nd 1869 this bond approved by the court for Absolom Tipton Gdn. of children of Henry Hoy, Jr. deceased: Franklin, James, Valentine, Emily, Ada & Henry Hoy
“Known all Men by these Presents, that we, Absolom Tipton and D.J. Cline all of the county of Centre in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are held and firmly found unto the said Commonwealth to be paid to the said Commonwealth or to its attorney, to which payment well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, jointly and severally, for and in the whole our heirs and each of our heirs, executors and administrators firmly by these presents sealed with our seals, and dated this second of February in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty nine. Now the conditions of the above obligation are such that if the above bounden Absolom Tipton, guardian of Franklin, James, Valentine, Emily, Ada, & Henry Hoy minor children of Henry Hoy Jr. late of Marion Twnp., deceased, shall at least once in every three years, and at any other time when required by the Orphans’ Court for the County of Centre, render a just and true account of the management of the property and estate of the said minors under his care, and shall also deliver up the said property agreeably to the order and decree of the Court, or the direction of Law, and shall in all respects faithfully perform the duties of Guardian of the said Franklin, James, Valentine, Emily, Ada & Henry Hoy then this obligation to be void, or else to be the remain in full force and virtue. Sealed and delivered in presence of (signature unreadable)
A.S. Tipton (SEAL)    D.J. Cline (SEAL)

circa 1873: Six children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith:
Standing: Jame Hoy (abt age 27), Valentine Hoy (abt age 25), Adea Hoy (abt age 21)
Seated: Harry Hoy (abt age 18), Emily Hoy (abt age 23), Frank Hoy (abt age 28)

Feb 16, 1876: Letter from James S. Hoy (age 31) to his sister Emily (age 25):
Evanston Wyo, Ter.
Feb. 6th, 1876
My Dear Sister
As I feel well toward all human creatures to night I thought I would write to you and ascertain if you share the same feelings. I am not mad at you, and if I have ever been I don’t know it. It seems to bad to me for a fellow to have but one sister and not be on friendly terms enough to write to her. It is hard for me to bear malice. I can forgive the worst enemy I have. Of course I wrote the last letter and I know you received it, but nevertheless I will write again, and then if I find we cannot be reconciled I will know it is no fault of mine.

I am going East in the spring if nothing hinders, and at present everything looks favorable. I intend to start about the 1st of June, and I intend to visit everybody that I am sure would like to see me. I will not write a lengthy letter until I get an answer to this.

My health is perfect. This high mountain country agrees with me and I expect to live and die somewhere in the Rocky Mountains.

Adea is liked very well as a teacher in Evanston, but I think he would rather be with the herd in the mountains than where he is. Adea is a first rate fellow. I think I have a splendid lot of brothers. Valentine is as big and as rough as a grizzly bear, but a more whole souled and better hearted fellow never lived.

Poor Frank’s hair is quite gray; it is a pity to see what a wreck he is. I guess he is getting along very well where he is. I intend to go down to Browns Park sometime in April and drive out some beef cattle and then straighten up our affairs here and then start East. Let me hear from you soon.
Affectionately your Brother,
James S.H.

James Smith “J.S.” Hoy:
‘

Sep 11, 1877: Letter from Adea Adam “A.A.” Hoy (age 25) to his sister Emily (age 27):
Evanston, Wyoming Territory
Sept. 11, 1877
Dear Sister,
Your letter was received today. I was very glad to hear from you. I wrote to you two or three times – directing to Fort Worth – the first I wrote you there, I sent you my photograph. The letter was returned, by way of the dead letter office, “unclaimed”, and then I did not know where you were – however, I wrote several times since.

Well, your letter finds us all well. James, Frank, Harry, and myself are here together. We do our own cooking – no women about. The one of us that gets hungry first does the cooking, and the one last done eating washes the dishes. Harry is in for most all the dish-washing, and does most of the cooking, to his own displeasure.

James and I intended to drive cattle to Cheyenne, and ship from there to Chicago this fall, but he sold his beeves here and will not get to. Very likely he will drive next spring, if so, we will make you a visit.

Last Tuesday, Sept. 4th was election day in Wyoming. We elected our members to the fifth Legislative Assembly: Councilmen and Representatives. James was a successful candidate for Representative, on the Republican ticket. The Wyoming Legislature meets at Cheyenne in December, and after they adjourn I think James will go on east – visiting.

James and Valentine have been very successful in their financial affairs in the past three years. Since I came to Wyoming they have sold about $7000 worth of cattle. They have one of the finest herds of cattle in this part of the country. After this spring’s sale their herd numbers six hundred head of the finest native cattle. They are now so situated that they need be at but very little expense, and sales hereafter will be clear gain.

Valentine stays with their cattle off in the mountains. He doesn’t seem to care much whether he ever leaves the mountains, where he has his home for the past twelve years, completely isolated from civilization, as it were, and all decent society.

He told me, when I first came to Wyo. that he intended to go east to visit you and he still says he will go east in a couple of years. You might be surprised to learn how well informed he is – by the way he has never failed to improve his mind. He is a very fine politician, in fact a scholar on any subject to which he could gain access. He is way ahead of the rest of us, mentally, or intellectually. He has a powerful and retentive mind – he reads a good deal and remembers the same, though he has but a very small portion of his time to devote to study.

James and I had some photographs taken a short time ago. I’ll enclose a couple. I’ll enclose two of mine, if I can, or if there is not room in this envelope I’ll send you one in my next, and I want you to answer this as soon as you get it.

I would excuse you, with all your troubles and trials, from answering my letters promptly, but it takes only a few minutes for you to write a letter and therefore I can’t think that you ought to be excused. Is Frank still conductor on the railroad? By referring to the map, I believe he is on the Texas Pacific R.R.

What kind of people do you find down there – agreeable? And what kind of a looking country is there – and what business is done there outside of railroading?

Has Winnie ever been to school? I hope she may be able to attend regularly. I presume you will soon think of sending Nellie and Fred to school – Fred especially, since he is so precocious. I should like to have his picture. Has Winnie grown much since I saw her? She was very small for her age. While Nellie grew so fast that I thought she would get as large as she.

I received a letter from Pa. some time ago in which I was informed of the death of Aunt Betsy Orndorff. She died last June. I couldn’t help but feel sad on learning of her death, for from her I received kindest treatment than from any other mortal. The poor soul has ended a long, long life of troubles, which generally originated from superstition.
Answer soon – Direct to Evanston.
Very truly, your brother
A.A. Hoy
James is not at home tonight and I cannot find his pictures, but I’ll get one and send it in my next post.
Note: Adea, Frank, Harry, and J.S. are living in Brown’s Hole, Colorado. Evanston, Wyoming is the post office serving the area. Valentine is living in Fremont, Colorado

Adea Adam “A.A.” Hoy

Jun 8-14, 1880: U.S. Federal Census, Routt Co., Colorado:
Name Benjiman F. Flory (incorrectly transcribed; Benjamin F. Hoy)
Age 35
Birth Date Abt 1845
Birthplace Pennsylvania
Home in 1880 Routt, Colorado
Dwelling Number 1
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Self (Head)
Marital Status Single
Father’s Birthplace Pennsylvania
Mother’s Birthplace Pennsylvania
Occupation Stockman
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Benjiman F. Flory age 35, Self, Head, born Pennsylvania, father born Pennsylvania, mother born Pennsylvania, stockman (Benjamin F. Hoy)

Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy

Note: AI-enhanced photo

1883: Frank Hoy is listed at P.O. Brown’s Park, Uintah Co., Utah Territory. He is receiving a pension #71,389 of $10 per month since October 1866 for a gunshot wound to his lower jaw.
(US 1860; ROV;LOP-1883)

Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County:
HOY, Benjamin Franklin – Pvt., Co. C, 14th Regt., Wis. Vol. Inf.
Benjamin was born circa 1845 at Pennsylvania. He was listed in the 1860 federal census as residing with his mother and her family in the town of Omro. Mary A. was born circa 1823 at Pennsylvania. Then listed with her were the following children: Franklin; James, born circa 1847; Valentine, born circa 1849; Emily, born circa 1850; Ada, born circa 1852; and Henry, born circa 1855. All of the children were born in Pennsylvania. Benjamin resided at Omro and enlisted there on Apr 8, 1861. He was assigned as above and wounded at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Benjamin was discharged due to those wounds at Mound City, Illinois. He was listed in 1883 at P.O. Brown’s Park, Uintah County, Utah Territory. He was receiving pension #71,389 of $10.00 per month since Oct 1866, for a gunshot wound to his lower jaw.
{US 1860; ROV; LOP-1883}
Source: Civil War Veterans of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Vol 1, by David A. Langhau, Heritage Books Inc, 1993

Oct 2, 1883: Death of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy (age 38), the 1st of 6 children of Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith, at his sister Emily’s house in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois; severe attack of delirium, chronic diarrhea (aftermath of the Civil War  wounds)

(original and AI-enhanced photo)

Emily (Hoy) Chamberlin and her brother Frank Hoy (from earlier group photo; AI-enhanced)

Oct 1883: Burial of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy, Savanna Township Cemetery in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois; Lot 112, Row 19, Block 7, NW Quarter of Sec 14

Oct, 1883: Savanna Weekly Times, Savanna, Carroll Co, Illinois:
DIED. In this city on Tuesday last, October 2, 1883, Mr. Frank Hoy, aged 38 years. Mr. Hoy was a brother of Mrs. Frank Chamberlin, a family who located in this city from Nebraska, but a few weeks ago. Mr. Hoy had been out of health for several years and came here two or three weeks ago to visit his sister whom he had not seen for some nine years. Soon after his arrival he was obliged to take his bed, and soon after became delirious, and finally violently insane, in which condition he died. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain have the sincere sympathy of their neighbors in this hour of their affliction.

May 2, 1884: Burial plot for Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy paid for by his brother ($5.00), Valentine Shade “V.S.” Hoy

Oct 1884: Accounting from V.S. Hoy to Routt County Probate Court:
State of Colorado
County of Routt
In Routt County Court.
In Probate.-
Valentine S. Hoy being duly sworn on oath says that the annexed account concerning the estate of
Benjamin F. Hoy, deceased. Embracing audits to the estate to the amount of $2358.13 and debits to the
amount of $1730.51 and leaving a balance due from Hoy Brothers to said estate of $627.62 is just due
& correct after allowing all just Credits on Entries side of said account.
And that the respective & several sums therein mentioned both for & against said estate are justly &
properly charged on said account.
What this verification is made for & on our behalf of affidavit as well as for & on behalf of his
copartner James S. Hoy, partner in Hoy Bros.-
Signed: Valentine S. Hoy

Estate of Benj. F. Hoy. Deceased
In a/c with Hoy Bros.-
2 lb. Tobacco @80cts 1.60
1 pr Drawers 1.25
1 pr Boots 5.-
1 pr socks .35
1 Hat .35
1 pr overalls 1.50
2 lb. Tobacco 1.60
1 shirt 2.-
2 pr Drawers @2$ 4.-
3 pr socks @25cts .75
1 pr overalls 1.50
1 Jacket 3.-
Cash 5.-
5 lbs Tobacco @80cts 4.-
4 ” ” @80cts 3.20
1 pr Gloves 2.25
4 pr socks 1.-
1 pr overalls 1.50
2 shirts @2.25 4.50
2 suits underwear 9.00
3 pr socks @35cts 1.05
1 Hat 4.25
11 ½ lb. Tobacco @80cts 9.20
Cash 5.-
1 pr Boots 6.00
13 lb. Tobacco @58cts 7.54
1 pr overalls 1.50
5 lb. Tobacco @75cts 3.75
1 pr overalls 1.50
5 lb. Tobacco @75cts 3.75
Cash chk. (VS Hoy) 160.-
Cash chk. JS Hoy 130.-
July 21, 1883 ” ” RU NatBk 206.-
Fowd $587.64

Oct 6, 1884: Letter from Attorney regarding the estate of Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Hoy:
CHASE WITHROW.
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Central City, Colo. Oct 6th, 1884
Hon P.T. Hinman
County Judge. Routt Co. Colo.
Sir-
In the matter of the claim of Estate of B.F. Hoy vs Hoy Bros. recently before your Probate Court, I
wish to file the account of Hoy Bros on the estate, and will do so just as soon as I can get it properly
made out & verified.
Where was A.A. Hoy appointed Admin & where were proofs of death made & where did A.A. Hoy
qualify? Was there any notice of hearing choices published or posted. If so please advise me when?
how? & where?
Hoy Bros. have certainly some rights in the matter, to be heard at least.
V.S. Hoy is & was detained at home by prospective illness in his family. J.S. Hoy is & was in Europe,
so that they have a full & complete reason why they did not attend on the short notice they had of the
hearing.
Please advise me of the facts in answer to my questions. I would go to Hahn’s Peak myself now, but it
is a long trip and I would have to make & will have to make another trip anyway.
Also suspend further proceedings in the matter if you will, until I can be heard in the matter.
The Estate cannot be jeopardized in the collection of whatever may be done by the delay, as Hoy
Bros. are abundantly able to pay any sense that may finally be forced owing-
Please reply at you earliest convenience-
Respectfully Chase Withrow
Atty for Hoy Bros.-

Valentine Shade “V.S.” Hoy:

Jul 6, 1887: Recapitulation of Estate of Benjamin F. Hoy, by his brother, Adea A. Hoy, Administrator

Adea Adam “A.A.” Hoy

Jun 6, 1888: Document from Judge Walbridge regarding the estate of Benjamin F. Hoy:
State of Colorado } ss: County of Routt }
In the County Court of Routt County, State of Colorado sitting for the transaction of probate business, June term 1888.

On the matter of the Estate of Benjamin F. Hoy.
Deceased
Decree of final discharge.
A.A. Hoy, Administrator

It appearing that said estate has been fully administered, and it being shown by the administrator thereof, by the production of satisfactory vouchers, that said administration has paid all sums of money due from him, and delivered up under the order of the court all the property of the estate to the parties entitled, and performed all acts lawfully required of him:

It is ordered, adjudged and decreed by the court that A.A. Hoy, said administrator and his sureties be and they are hereby released and discharged from all liability to be hereafter incurred; that the said estate is fully distributed, and the trust settled and closed.
Dated this 6th day of June A.D. 1888
Joshua Walbridge, County Judge.

Original Document:

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2026: Researched and compiled by siblings Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens, and Janice Hoy, author of Descendants of Albrecht Heu. Thank you to Therese Gallagher for the AI-generated photos created from originals.

Direct line of Gordon and Catherine:
Johann Albert/Albrecht Hou/Heu & Susanna Snaveley (ggg-grandparents)
Henry Hoy, Sr., & Catherine Elizabeth Vonada (gg-grandparents)
Henry Hoy, Jr. & Mary Ann Smith (gg-grandparents)
Emily S. Hoy & Finley McLaren “Frank” Chamberlin (great-grandparents)
Nellie Belle Chamberlin & Charles Henry Chatfield (grandparents)
Noreen Ellen “Babe” Chatfield & Carl John Clemens (parents)

Note: The cemetery headstone photos from Find A Grave contained herein are the property of those who photographed them.