Children of John A. Breidenthal

There must be photos of these Breidenthal siblings in existence. We possess copies of Elizabeth Siegenthaler, David Breidenthal, and Lucella Ashford Breidenthal, but they're very poor. If you have any good photo[s] of any of John Anthony's children, I will be happy to post it [or them] on Nancy's Dead Relatives so that their numerous descendants can enjoy them.

Some sources have claimed that Samuel was the father of Jasper William Breidenthal, born 29 Apr 1836, which would mean that Elizabeth was not his first wife. There was no adolescent male living with Samuel and Elizabeth in the 1850 Census, but could Jasper William have been living with other relatives? There was a 14 year old William Bridenthrall enumerated in the household of Darius and Elizabeth Siegenthaler in 1850. Elizabeth Breidenthal Siegenthaler was Samuel's sister.

15 Oct 1850 Census, Columbus, Franklin County, OH: Baptist Minister D. B. Cheney 30, born MA; Sall A. 27, born MA; son France M. 3, born CT; daughter Mary E. 2, born CT; Nancy Frian 20, black; Samuel Bridenthal 34, born PA, working in factory; Elizabeth 26, born OH.[1]

10 Jun 1860 Census, Moniteau County, MO (Township 45, Range 15, California P.O.): Farmer Samuel Bridenthall 45, born PA, with personal property worth $800; Elizabeth 35, born OH. They were listed next to [brother-in-law and sister] Jared and Mary Ann Campbell.[2]

3 Jun 1870 Census, Canton, Stark County, OH: Samuel Bridenthal 56, born in PA, but with father "of foreign birth", employed in "R. Shop"; wife Elizabeth 43, born OH.[3]

1 Jun 1880 Census, Canton, Stark County, OH: Boarder Samuel Bridenthal 5*, PA Germany PA, working in "reaper factory".[4]

6 Dec 1842: Mary Ann and Jared were married in Wayne County, OH by C. Morton, M.G. The license may have been obtained on 29 Nov.

14 Aug 1850 Census, Wooster Township, Wayne County, OH: Blacksmith Jared Camel age 33, born PA, with real property valued at $2,000; Mary Ann age 30, born PA; Isaac N. 7, born in OH; A. Judson 5; Jared 6/12. They were listed next to John A. and Elizabeth Bridenthral.[6]

15 Aug 1860 Census, Moniteau County, MO (Township 45, Range 15, California P.O.): Farmer Girard Campbell 42, born PA; Mary A. 38, born PA; Judson 14, born OH; Charlotte 6, born OH. They were enumerated next to [uncle and aunt] Samuel and Elizabeth Bridenthrall.[7]

9 Jun 1870 Census, Moniteau County, MO (California P.O.): Farmer A. J. Campbell 25, born OH, with real and personal property worth $2,000 and $500; Laura 25, born MO; Edgar 2, born MO; farmer Jared Campbell 54, born PA, with real and personal property valued at $2,000 and $6,000; Mary A. 50, born OH; Charlotte 16, born OH. [8]

1880 Census, Post Oak Township, Johnson County, MO: Farmer Jarad Campbell 64, PA PA PA; Mary A. 60, PA Germany PA. Their neighbors were [son-in-law and daughter] William and Charlotte Berry.[9]

22 Jun 1900 Census, Johnson County, MO (Post Oak Township): Widow Mary Campbell 81, born May 1819, OH OH OH, mother of 2 children, 2 living. She was listed close to William and Charlotte Berry.[10]

4 Jul 1901, Fayetteville Weekly Democrat, Arkansas: "A telegram from Dr. A. J. Campbell announced the death of his mother, who passed away Friday at her home in Leeton, near Warrensburg, Missouri, in the 85th year of her age. Mrs. Campbell was a sister of Col. David Bridenthal of this city and has many relatives here who will mourn her loss." Harold Esker claims that Mary Ann died in Moniteau County, MO.

"A. J. Campbell, whose birth occurred in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, August 23, 1845, is the son of Jared and Mary A. (Breidenthal) Campbell, the former a native of Ohio, and a blacksmith by trade. A. J. Campbell remained in his native state until sixteen years of age, and then went to Missouri with his parents, who settled in Moniteau County, where A. J. read medicine for some time. After completing his medical course he practiced for four years, and then attended the St. Louis Medical College, from which institution he graduated some time later. He was married in Moniteau County, Mo. to Miss Laura E. Houston, daughter of Dr. C. C. Houston, who was born in Tennessee, and who was a lineal descendant of the family of Gen. Samuel Houston. To this marriage were born four sons and a daughter: Edgar J., Herbert, Judson, Oscar, and Elfie. In 1884 Mr. Campbell left his lucrative practice in Morgan County, Mo., made a location at Lowell, Ark., and here engaged in merchandising until the spring of 1888, when he moved to Washington County, Ark. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his wife are members of the Christian Church."[11]

1880 Census, Post Oak Township, Johnson County, MO: Teacher William L. Berry 30, OH OH OH; Charlotte 24, OH PA OH; son Francis A. 4, MO OH OH; Myrtle L. 2. This family is enumerated next to Jared and Mary Ann Campbell.[12] I'm assuming that Charlotte is their now married daughter.

But what is the Breidenthal connection with the Berrys? In the 1870 Census in Clayton Co, IA, David and Louisa Breidenthal Leighty had Mary S. and Louisa Berry, ages 11 and 9, enumerated in their household.

22 Jun 1900 Census, Johnson County, MO (Post Oak Township): Farmer William L. Berry 50, born Nov 1849, OH OH OH, married for 35 years; Charlotte 45, born Jul 1854, OH PA PA; Alice P. 18, born Jan 1882, MO OH OH; Mary A. 16, born Feb 1884; Ray 13, born Nov 1886; Roy 6, born Oct 1893. The family was residing close to Mary Campbell.[13]

Much has been written about David Bridenthal by descendants, most of which has been anecdotal. Like many family stories, facts can become garbled, but the essential story is there.

Hon. David Bridenthal, whose name is closely associated with the farming interests of Washington County, Ark., is the son of John A. and Elizabeth (Hoevel) Bridenthal. The father was born in Germany, and when about eight years of age he and a younger brother were playing on an emigrant ship when it set sail. They were found on board, but as they were only two little Dutch boys, it was thought best not to turn back. On reaching Baltimore, Md., they were sold to a restaurant keeper, but a few years later John A., coming to the conclusion that he did not want to open oyster shells any longer, ran away to Pennsylvania, and was afterward joined by his brother, who became a wealthy iron manufacturer. [The problems with this story are discussed in Origins: Mathias, Henry, and John Anthony.] John A. Bridenthal, as he grew up, evinced a strong liking for his books, and became an intelligent man. He was a weaver by trade. After reaching manhood he married Miss Hoevel, a native of Pennsylvania, and when their son, David, was an infant, they moved to Ohio. In their old age they resided with a married daughter in Moniteau County, Mo., where they died, she at the age of fifty-six and he at the age of eighty-eight. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and he was a Democrat in politics until the slavery question was brought up, when he became an abolitionist. In their family were six children, David was born July 7, 1824, near Woodbury, Penn., and was educated first in the common schools, and afterward attended select school in Wooster, Ohio. [There were more than six children.] At the age of about seventeen he entered Granville (also known as Denison University) College, where he attended through the sophomore year. Afterward he taught for several years, and in 1847 was elected professor of Latin and Greek in Union University, at Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he continued for about three years. In 1850 he established the Mountain Home Female Academy, in the mountains of Northern Alabama, and conducted the same for several years, after which he moved to Texas, where he entered the legal profession, being admitted to the bar about 1856. In 1862 he enlisted in the Confederate army, and was in service for about two years. While in Murfreesboro, in 1848, he married Miss Catherine L. Ashford, a native of North Alabama, and to them were born five children: Ada, Thomas J., Lizzie H., David A. and Maud. [The marriage actually occurred in 1849.] Ada is deceased and the rest are all married. Mrs. Bridenthal died in 1876. [She died in 1882.] She was a member of the Baptist Church. They came to this county in 1866, and here Mr. Bridenthal has been very successful, being the owner of 700 acres of land, which he has divided among his children. He is a Democrat in his political opinions, and represented Washington County in the Arkansas Legislature during the session of 1873 and 1874.

David Bridenthal was born at Johnstown, Pennsylvania on July 7, 1823, the youngest of the seven children of Elizabeth Hoevel Bridenthal of Pennsylvania and John Bridenthal, a native of Germany. According to family tradition his father as a boy and a still younger brother came from Germany as involuntary stowaways on a deep-sea sailing vessel. They were involuntary stowaways because they were playing on the vessel and were not discovered until sails were set and the vessel was well at sea. The ship's master refused to turn back, "just for two little Dutch boys". Upon docking at Baltimore, Maryland they were sold to a restaurant keeper.

Before many years John Bridenthal told his brother, "I've opened all the oyster shells I want to open. I'm leaving. When I get somewhere I'll let you know where I am."

John ran off from his master and settled in Pennsylvania where his younger brother afterwards joined him.

When David was still quite young the family moved to Ohio. First going through public schools David attended a select school in Wooster, Ohio, then entered what is now Denison University at Granville, Ohio. Here he and a brother, Philip, specialized in Latin and Greek, a practice common among young gentlemen of education in that day. According to an obituary written by a friend David later graduated from Harvard with honors. [Attendance at Harvard is extremely unlikely.]

In 1847 he helped organize Union University of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and was on the school's first faculty as head of Latin and Greek. [There were only three professors. David taught Latin and Greek.] The school, a Baptist institution, opened its doors in January, 1848. It flourished until laid low by the Civil War. In 1873 it was relocated at its present site at Jackson, Tennessee.

Among Union University's first students were two young gentlemen from North Alabama, Alver and Edward Ashford. Their father was Thomas Ashford who owned a six-hundred acre plantation with many slaves near Courtland, Lawrence County, in the Tennessee River Valley. The name of the plantation was Oakland. In his youth Thomas Ashford saw service in the War of 1812 against the British and Indians and is said to have been in the Battle of the Thames when the Shawnee chief Tecumseh was slain.

Alver and Edward Ashford had two older brothers, Thomas and Frederick. As a colonel, the latter was killed leading a charge of the Sixteenth Alabama during the Civil War.

Alver and Edward also had a sister, Catherine Lucella, and thereon hangs a romantic story. The two young brothers liked their Greek and Latin professor and he liked them.

"Come with us", they pleaded. "We're going home for a visit." What a chance to become acquainted with a genuine Southern family! "I'll go", agreed the professor with little hesitancy.

Nothing about the plantation or the Ashford home interested David Bridenthal so much as the daughter of the family. She was a daughter of the Old South, cultured, a good musician. With David Bridenthal it was a case of love at first sight. Lucella Ashford did not discourage his immediate and ardent suit but kept him in agonized suspense for a time before saying "Yes".

A grandson of theirs, Harold Henson of Springdale, Arkansas, has in his possession three letters they wrote to each other: two by him and one by her.[14] [One letter from David to Lucella is included below.]

David and Lucella were married August 3, 1849. They went to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon. Lucella had imported slippers and slaves on the plantation made for her a walnut wardrobe and a walnut dresser, the latter still in possession of Harold Henson.

David Bridenthal did not long stay connected with Union University after his marriage to Lucella for the following year we find him establishing the Mountain Home Female Academy for several years during which period he must have studied law for we find him moving to Texas and being admitted to the bar there in 1856. [Did they even have bar exams in Texas in 1856, or did they simply hang out their shingle?]

Why did David and Lucella move to Texas? No one now seems to know. Perhaps more than anything else it was the urge to go West which has been strong in the people of our nation from colonial days till now. [Or perhaps there was an estrangement with his in-laws. Although Lucella visited them in the coming years, there is no record of David doing so.]

Unlike so many who took the westward way David and Lucella had money with them with which they purchased two sections [highly unlikely] of land that lay within the present borders of the city of Hillsboro in Central Texas. Also they took with them one family of slaves and from this fact comes a revealing and amusing incident concerning the life of the times.

The youngest of the Bridenthal children, Maud, attended school at least one year in Texas. A slave boy walking behind her carried her books to and from the schoolhouse. One afternoon on the way home from school he suddenly passed her with all the speed his legs could muster and without uttering a word. Startled, Maud tried to stop him.

Her cries having no effect whatever on the fleeing Sam, Maud got the idea that she had better look behind her. Upon doing so she saw she was being followed be several longhorn steers. Maud now tried earnestly to catch up with the fleeing Sam. She reached home breathless but uninjured and Sam was punished for deserting his young mistress in time of danger.

Another amusing incident involving a member of the Bridenthal family and the slaves came from the stay in Texas. David Bridenthal, a devout Baptist and a Bible student, had the Good Book read at regular intervals to his slaves. At one time he turned this duty over to his son Tom who must have been something of a wag. One day the latter observed old "Uncle Ben" shaking his fist in the face of a mule.

At the next Bible reading young Tom opened the Scriptures and pronounced solemnly, "He who shaketh his fist in the face of a mule is already damned." There were some moments of stunned silence, then a groan came from the lips of Uncle Ben. He kept on groaning and soon the other slaves were groaning with him. Upon inquiring into the cause of the disturbance David Bridenthal told his son, "You are forbidden to read the Bible to the slaves anymore."

During the years of his young manhood David Bridenthal had been ordained a minister. He served in the Confederate Army in Cook's Regiment Heavy Artillery, a Texas outfit in which he was a corporal. Perhaps he did not espouse the cause of the South as fervently as did his Southern-bred wife. It is known that his father was an abolitionist.

Following a decade in Central Texas, the Bridenthals moved to Washington County, Northwest Arkansas in 1866. Their colored folks, now free, came with them.

"It's just too hot and dry in Texas", seems to have been the general complaint of the family.

A factor in the move could also have been that many Arkansasans, some of them from the northwest portion of the State, found refuge in Texas during the Civil War. Having been once lured by "tall tales of Texas", David Bridenthal was probably lured a second time by talk about "the beautiful Ozarks".

The two sections of land at Hillsboro and a team of oxen were traded, "sight unseen", for 800 acres of land four miles north of Fayetteville. Much of the land was in the Clear Creek Valley and now lies beneath the surface of Lake Fayetteville.

Water he received: many springs and a clear stream. A home that still stands was built on what is now the Southland Farm four miles north of Fayetteville and west of present Highway 71. Then, the road from Fayetteville to Springdale did not go that way.

And now David Bridenthal proved to be a good farmer as well as a keen scholar - a rather rare combination. However, despite the fact that he made a success of farming he was a scholar first and last. He loved knowledge and he loved to impart it to others. Soon he established the Clear Creek Academy, a private subscription school for girls and boys. The frame building was erected on his own land and drinking water was carried from one of his own springs. In the early 1870s the Clear Creek Academy was discontinued.

The widely known Dr. E. F. Ellis of Fayetteville was one of Clear Creek Academy's pupils. With his death in the summer of 1957 at the age of ninety-four the school's roster was undoubtedly completed over Jordan.

In the words of Dr. Ellis, "Colonel David Bridenthal was the brightest old man I ever knew. Physically he was a man of medium size but of robust frame. He had a full beard. His wife was of a rather retiring nature but good-looking and very neat. She was a strong Southerner."

A Bible student, David Bridenthal wrote almost volumes of commentaries on the Scriptures. He was fervent in prayer and always stood while praying although the custom of the time was to kneel. He had a voice that carried well and throughout his adult life did more or less preaching of the Gospel. In his later years he was a deacon in the Shady Grove Baptist Church a short distance north of his Clear Creek home and just west of present Highway 71. The church is not now in existence. Even the building is gone but a well-filled cemetery marks the site.

Politically David Bridenthal was a Democrat and represented Washington County in the State Legislature of the 1873-74 session where considerable discussion took place concerning the so-called Holford Bonds. Here he carried on a filibuster against a bill favoring the payment of these bonds.

In Fayetteville he practiced some law. At one time he was County Examiner for Schools in Washington County but there are now no known records as to just when. Undoubtedly he was one of the first if not the first Examiner. He and Lucella organized a society for the conservation of wild life.

The Bridenthal home was the scene of happy gatherings of good friends. Professor W. D. C. Botefuhur, the first instructor of music at Arkansas Industrial University, was a regular visitor. One day he came home from Fayetteville with David Bridenthal and soon expressed a desire for Maud to sing for him.

"Maud, Maud", called her father, "come here". Maud did not appear and repeated calls likewise brought no response. Somewhat exasperated her father went after her and found her hiding in her room. "Why didn't you come when I called you?" her father demanded. "I'm not dressed for singing", explained Maud who was plainly embarrassed. "Besides I'm barefooted".

Lucella Ashford Bridenthal died July 12, 1882. She sleeps in Gering Cemetery three miles north of Fayetteville and just east of Highway 71. She was born March 18, 1825.

His beloved wife gone, David Bridenthal divided his land among his children and lived with them. He loved his grandchildren and took special interest in the progress they made in their school work.

Sometimes he was called the Honorable David Bridenthal and sometimes Colonel Bridenthal. The latter title seems to have been honorary for there is no evidence that he reached such a rank in military service.

During his later years David Bridenthal suffered considerable at times as his health gradually failed. It was a great comfort to him to read and reread letters of gratitude from successful men in different parts of our Nation who owed much to his teaching. Like the Master he loved and served well as he was always a teacher. Shortly before his death he would gather a group of children into his room and teach them what he thought they needed most. He died March 14, 1903 in his eightieth year, having been born July 7, 1823. He sleeps beside Lucella in Gering Cemetery.

They had five children: Ada; Thomas J.; Elizabeth H.; David A.; Maud. From the immediate families of these five there is left in Northwest Arkansas only a son of David A., Ewell Bridenthal of Fayetteville; a daughter of Thomas J., Mrs. Beulah Gregg of Fayetteville; a son of Maud, Harold Henson of Springdale."

7 Jul 1823: David was born in Johnstown, Franklin County, PA.[15] David's obituary claims that he was born "near Woodbury", which would have been Bedford County, PA. See photo.

18 Mar 1825: Catherine Lucella Ashford was born in Courtland, Lawrence County, AL, the daughter of Thomas Harrison Ashford and Jane Singleton Elgin.

David began teaching at Union University in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, TN in 1847, although the Baptist school did not officially open its doors until Jan 1848. The school closed in 1859 after the founder, Mr. Eaton, died, but David did not teach there after 1850.

Scarcely had I completed the reading of your last letter before I was summoned down to the neighborhood of Nashville, to preform the ceremonies of marriage. Mrs. Eaton is sinking very fast and it is only possible, by a speedy change for the better, that she will survive twenty four hours. Her infant child has gone to the grave like the embudded flower might by an untimely blast. This is Sundy night. Tomorrow the examinations will be resumed. President Eaton will be unable to attend and hear the examinations of his classes, yet they must be heard. You see, my dear Ella, that I could not write yesterday - tomorrow it will be impossible. If my words are few, and they late in reaching you, you will remember my circumstances. My heart is heavy and sorrowful. You know her not, yet think tenderly of her; but before this reaches you, it is quite probable that she too will be gone. It is dark, yet it seems good to Him who sees all things; and blessed be his name. My dear, dear Ella, I will soon see you and then can tell you and hear you about all things; therefore be indulgent to me now, and do not let it cause you to wonder. I will see you on Monday previous to the Thursday, if not sooner. I will accept with pleasure Dr. B's kind invitation. I thank your brother Thomas for his willingness to yield to my desires. My dear Ella, I feel very bad sometimes, when I think that you often feel sad in view of your parting from an early dear home. O, my Ella, I know you cannot help feeling so, but think how dearly I love thee, how vigilantly I will watch over your interest and happiness, how truly and devoutly I will pray for thee, how my heart would die were it robbed of thy smile. O how much I desire Heaven's blessing from you now. O Father, be with her. Till we meet.

Written along the side: "Brothers are well". On the outside of the folded envelope: "Aye there is one who will love thee when all others have fled, love thee, thee only. It is so, and thou shall know it."[17]

2 Aug 1849: David and Catherine were married in Courtland, AL.[18] Both Mary Clark and Harold Esker believe the marriage took place in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, TN. Baker, Obituaries and Marriage Notices from the Tennessee Baptist 1844-1862, has a date of 21 Jul 1849.

Their honeymoon to Niagara Falls mentioned by Thomas Rothrock was extremely odd for the time and place. Why would a poor professor, whose assessed property in the 1849 Tax List totaled $25, spend that much on a honeymoon instead of land or home? Nor does Thomas Ashford seem the kind of man who would spend on such frivolities.

1849/1850 Tax List, Rutherford County, TN: 1 poll, "other property" valued at $25.[19]

1850 Census, Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, TN: David R. Bridenthall, Missionary Baptist preacher, age 27, born OH, and Catherine L. Bridenthal, age 23, born AL, are residing in the household of Sarah Spence, age 55, born Ireland, a wealthy woman with property valued at $51,000. They were enumerated fairly close to Frederick, Alva, and Edward, who were obviously boarding in another house.[20]

10 Jul 1850: David performed the marriage of Thomas H. Ashford to Caroline Tate in Lawrence County, AL.

7 Nov 1852: He performed the marriage of Truman Smith to M. A. Dickinson in Lawrence County.

1 Apr 1852: David received two patents, #15455 and #15670, each for 40 acres, in S27 T5S R7W from the Land Office in Huntsville, AL.

22 Aug 1855: He was a committee member signing an invitation for a testimonial dinner in Lawrence County, AL to Tennessee Gov. Andrew Johnson.

c. 1856, When David and Lucella moved to TX, they apparently did so with many younger Baptists from Lawrence County, AL.

1 Jun 1860 Census, Lawrence Co, AL (Courtland P.O.): Farmer Thomas Ashford 69, born VA, with real and personal property valued at $24,000 and $25,000 respectively; Jane S. 63, born MD; C. L. Bridenthal 34, born AL; Ada Bridenthal 10; Thomas 8; Hevil 7; David 5; Amanda 1/12. Yet Lucella was also enumerated two weeks later in TX with husband David.

16 Jun 1860 Census, Hillsboro, Hill County, TX: Attorney at Law David Bridenthal 34, born PA, with real and personal property worth $2,000 and $16,000; C. L. 32, born AL; Ada 9; Thomas 8; Hoevel 6; David 4; Celia 2/12.[21] His real property could not possibly have totaled two sections, as reported by Thomas Rothrock, if valued at $2,000. The amount of personal property, however, was substantial and would not be explained by his 7 slaves.

1860 Slave Schedule: D. Bridenthal was listed with 1 male age 28, male 16, male 7, male 4; female 25, female 20, female 1.

28 Mar 1863: He enlisted as a Private, 2nd Platoon, Company A, Texas Heavy Artillery, formerly known as Cook's or 8th Battalion. According to his muster cards . . .

25 Apr 1864: He was "dropped as a deserter" on the Regimental Return for that month.

15 Jan 1865: Although listed as "deserted", he "joined from desertion" once again on 30 Jan 1865.

1 Apr 1865: "Deserted". That is the last entry in his military records, the war ending only 5 weeks later. His rank upon "retiring" was corporal.

1866 Tax List, District 3, Texas: David Bridenthal of Hillsboro was taxed $2.00 for one carriage.

3 Jul 1870 Census, Fayetteville, Washington County, AR (Prairie Township): Farmer D. Bridenthal 47, born OH, with real and personal property valued at $2,500 and $500; C. L. age 45, born AL; T. J. 18; Lizzie 16; David 15; Maud 10. All children were born in AL.[23] Notice that David never called himself a teacher in any census.

1870 Tax List, Prairie Township, Washington County, AR: 2 horses valued at $150, 5 mules valued at $500, 10 cattle valued at $100, 12 hogs valued at $28; watches valued at $50; other personal property valued at $250; the total valued at $978; tax due of $23.97.[24]

9 Jul 1872: David and Lucella traded certain parcels with S.S. and Minerva Stearns.[26]

In 1873-1874 David served as Representative in the State Legislature. That election was described as "the first carbetbagger election". David was a Democrat.[27]

28 Jan 1876: David made several deeds of gift in T17 R30W to his children: 1) W 1/2 SE 1/4 S23 plus 20 acres at the south end of NE 1/4 S23, to son David Augustus; 2) SE 1/4 SE 1/4 S23 and S 1/2 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 S23 to Lizzie White; 3) W 1/2 SW 1/4 S24 to Maud Elgin Bridenthal. Witnesses: George Lake and William Whitton.[28]

28 Aug 1876: David Bridenthal deeded SW 1/2 S22 T17 R30W to [son] T. J. Bridenthal.[29]

23 Jun 1880 Census, Washington County, AR (Prairie Township): Farmer David Bridenthal 54, PA Germany PA; Lucella 53, AL VA MD; David A. 24, AL PA AL; Maud 20, AL PA AL.[30]

"Died at her home near this city on Tuesday night, July 11, 1882, Mrs. Lucinda Bridenthal, wife of Hon. David Bridenthal of this city. The funeral services will take place at Gearing's Chapel this morning."[31]

Mrs. Catherine Lucella Bridenthal departed this life on the morning of July 16th, 1882. [So was her death date the 11th or the 16th, or the 12th, as recorded on her tombstone?] She was born March 18th, 1825. Her father was Captain Thomas Ashford, a native of Virginia and an Officer in the War of 1812. Her mother, whose maiden name was Elgin, was a native of Maryland and a blood relative of Chief Justice Marshall. The deceased being an only daughter of her parents being in affluent circumstances, she was offered the advantages of a thorough and accomplished education. While yet in her teens she made profession of religion and joined the Baptist church, the church to which her parents belonged, and to the time of her death, a period of 35 years, she lived a pious and consistent Christian life. August 3rd, 1849, she was married to David Bridenthal. She was the mother of six children, four of whom, two sons and two daughters, survive her. Five weeks previous to her death, she accidentally fell while walking in the cellar and broke one of her limbs, the fracture being inter-capular, and added to her age and the heat of the season, caused great anxiety to be felt for her. However, by the assiduous attention of her family and the prompt and skillful efforts of her physicians, she did unusually well for 3 1/2 weeks, when she was attacked by peritonitis, from which in less than a week she died. The deceased was distinguished for decision of character, for equanimity in emergencies. She was the embodiment of candor and sincerity. To the needy she was liberal. The humblest person, if he was upright, was her favorite. She was a devoted mother. She spent the last years of her life surrounded by her children and grandchildren, all of whom viewed her with a feeling little less than veneration. It greatly rejoiced her last days that all her children had made a profession of religion. She has gone to Heaven.[32]

22 Jun 1900 Census, Springdale, Washington County, AR: D. Bridenthal age 76, born Jul 1823, PA Germany PA, enumerated in household of Alex B. and Maud Henson.[34]

Col. David Bridenthal died at his residence four miles north of Fayetteville at 4 o'clock this morning and was buried at Gerring's Chapel at 4 o'clock this afternoon. He died from an infection of the kidneys. Col. Bridenthal was born near Woodbury, Penn. on the 7th day of July 1824 and would have been 79 years old had he lived until the coming July. Deceased received a collegiate education and filled the chair of Latin and Greek in Union University at Murfreesboro, Tenn. before the war. He afterward studied law and moved to Texas where he engaged in the practice of that profession. He served in the Confederate army during the Civil War and in 1886 moved to Washington County, Ark. where he has since resided on the farm where he died. His wife died many years ago and three children survive him. For nearly 30 years he has been one of the leading citizens of our county. He was a man of education and was fearless in expressing his convictions. His sympathies were always with the poor and oppressed. He was a devout member of the Baptist church and died in the triumph of a living faith. After life's fitful fever he rests well

And article in the Springdale News on 8 May 1903 added that he had . . . graduated from Harvard University with highest honors when 25 years old. [Highly unlikely.] He was master of four languages . . . He seemed conscious during the whole of the sorrowful illness of his approaching demise. He passed away without a murmur in his 80th year. . . . Politically he belonged to the old line school of Democracy, with the ability to make himself heard in legislative halls and religious councils.

Gehring, now Stearns, Cemetery, is located 2 miles north of Fayetteville, 1/4 mile east of Highway 71. Photographs of David and Lucella's tombstones can be found at www.findagrave.com.

Thomas John Breidenthal (30 Sep 1851 - 29 Mar 1927; m. Laura Tennessee Rader 29 Oct 1879)

"They built one of the finest Queen Anne homes in the Washington Williow District in Fayetteville in 1889 at 503 North Willow."[35]

David Augustus Breidenthal (14 Jul 1855 - 27 Sep 1893; m. Artelis "Artie" M. Couch 16 Mar 1884)

1900 Census, Washington County, AR (Prairie Township): Artie Bridenthal age 31, born Apr 1869 in VA, mother of 5 children, all living; Ernest 18, born Feb 1885; Gus 15, born Apr 1887; Ewell 11, born Nov 1889; Virgil 9, born Sep 1891; Harry 6, born Jun 1894.[36]

18 Apr 1910 Census, Fayetteville Washington County, AR (Prairie Township): Farmer Green Maguire 54, AR SC VA, married 1 year; Artie 42, VA TN TN, mother of 5 children, 4 living; daughter Otie D. 23, a teacher; daughter Nellie D. 20; step-son Harry Brightenthal 15, AR AL AR.[37]

10 May 1825: John Darius Siegenthaler was born in Pennsylvania. But the Siegenthalers were reportedly Swiss, migrating down the St. Lawrence River by ship to OH.

3 Jul 1825: Elizabeth Breidenthal was born in Wooster, Wayne County, OH. Ralph Beckett and Jennifer Berg claim a birth year of 1825, which agrees with the 1850, 1860, and 1870 Censuses in which Elizabeth was age 25, 35, and 45; and with the 1830 Census. Her tombstone, however, reads 3 Jul 1821, a date also given by Harold Esker.

3 Jun 1847: Darius and Elizabeth were married in Wayne County, OH, by S. B. Page, M.G.[38]

16 Aug 1850 Census, Wooster Township, Wayne County, OH: Coverlet Weaver D. G. Sigenthallar age 25, born PA, with real property valued at $800; Elizabeth 25, born PA; Mary M. 2, born OH; William Bridenthrall 14, born OH, Alfred Bridenthrall 20, born PA.[39] William may have been the son of Elizabeth's brother Samuel - but who was Alfred? John Anthony was also a coverlet weaver. Were they in business together?

According to Oren Breidenthal, Darius and Elizabeth moved to Moniteau County, MO in Dec 1858. The log cabin in which they lived till stood in 1951.

9 Jul 1860 Census, Moniteau County, MO (Township 45, Range 16; Clarksburg P.O.): Farmer D. J. Sigenthaler age 37, born PA; Elizabeth 35, born PA; Emma 9, born OH; George M. 7; Adama 5; female A. M. 2; weaver John A. Brighanthall 84, born Germany.[40]

1870 Census, Moniteau County, MO (Moreau Township): Farmer D. J. Siegenthaler 47, born PA, with real and personal property worth $5,000 and $3,800; Elizabeth 45, born PA; Emma 19; George 17; Adda 15; Anna 11, born MO; teamster Charles Leonard 24, born MO.[41]

26 Mar 1876: The founding meeting of the First Baptist Church of Clarksburg noted that: ". . . and Elizabeth Siegenthaler are known to be members of the Baptist Church at Clarksburg on the fourth Sunday in March, 1876 . . ."

1 Jun 1880 Census, Moreau Township, Moniteau County, MO: Farmer Darius Siegenthaler 55, PA PA PA, ill with pneumonia; Elizabeth 55, PA Germany PA; daughter Ada McDowel 25, OH PA PA; grandson George McDowel 3, MO MO OH; servant Marsh Nelson 18, IA OH OH, working on the farm.[42]

18 Apr 1900: Darius Siegenthaler died and was buried in Hickman Cemetery. Hickman is located one mile south of Clarksburg.

10 Jun 1900: Elizabeth died in Clarksburg. She is buried next to Darius in Hickman Cemetery.

Emma Melissa Siegenthaler (28 Feb 1851 - 28 Sep 1903; m. John Wesley Yarnell 3 Jan 1866)

If you have material about or photos of any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com. However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone.

Any information is only as reliable as its source. Evaluate the following sources accordingly.

[1] Franklin County 1850 Census, p. 249

[2] Moniteau County 1860 Census, p. 789/179

[3] Stark County 1870 Census, p. 12

[4] Stark County 1880 Census, p. 366

[5] Oren Breidenthal; Mary Clark; Harold Esker

[6] Wayne County 1850 Census, p. 242

[7] Moniteau County 1860 Census, p. 789/179

[8] Moniteau County 1870 Census, p. 10

[9] Johnson County 1880 Census, p. 20

[10] Johnson County 1900 Census, ED 113, p. 18A

[11] History of Washington County, p. 921

[12] Johnson County 1880 Census, p. 20

[13] Johnson County 1900 Census, ED 113, Sheet 18A

[14] In 1951, Walter I. and Leah Todd of Neosho, MO reportedly possessed letters written by David Breidenthal. It's not know if these were his letters to Lucella.

[15] Thomas Rothrock in Alabama Historical Quarterly

[17] Transcribed from photocopy provided by Patti Breidenthal

[18] ALGenWeb/Lawrence County

[19] Rutherford County Tax List, p. 57

[20] Rutherford County 1850 Census, p. 710

[21] Hill County 1860 Census, p. 1

[22] Deed Index, original located in Book T, p. 69

[23] Washington County 1870 Census, p. 63/212

[24] Washington County 1870 Tax List

[25] Deed Index, original located in Book U, p. 272

[26] Book J2, p. 117

[27] History of Washington County, Arkansas, p. 173

[28] Deed Index, originals located in Book A2, p. 36

[29] Book A2, p. 36

[30] Washington County 1880 CensusPg 716

[31] Fayetteville Democrat, 13 Jul 1882

[32] Fayetteville Democrat, 20 Jul 1882

[33] Deed Index, original located in Book 87, p. 375

[34] Washington County 1900 Census, ED 116, Sheet 26A

[35] Mary B. Clark, in Washington County History, p. 874

[36] Washington County 1900 Census, ED 113, Sheet 40

[37] Washington County 1910 Census, ED 141, Sheet 4

[38] Ohio Marriage Records, p. 75

[39] Wayne County 1850 Census, p. 250

[40] Moniteau County 1860 Census, p. 711 or 01-102

[41] Moniteau County 1870 Census, p. 20

[42] Moniteau County 1880 Census, p. 1/391