100. BRAXTON MARVEL (WILEY, PRETTYMAN, DAVID, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Oct 01, 1847 in Gibson Co., Indiana, and died Jan 22, 1942 in Waynesville, DeWitt Co., IL. He married (1) SARAH E. BARR Mar 18, 1869. She was born 1850 in IL, and died 1908. He married (2) HULDA LEMBKE 1910. She was born 1859.

101. GEORGE WASHINGTON MARVEL (WILEY, PRETTYMAN, DAVID, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Nov 20, 1844 in IN, and died 1938. He married (1) SAMANTHA LEVER. He married (2) MARY FRANCES SCHATZ 1878. He married (3) NANCY JANE MARVEL Mar 11, 1923, daughter of JAMES MARVEL and MERIAH GAMBREL. She was born Apr 10, 1850 in Waynesville, DeWitt Co., IL.

Notes for GEORGE WASHINGTON MARVEL: Written By George W. and Nancy J. Marvel (Wiley Marvel's Son)
Commencing with Prettyman Marvel, SR: He was born in Kent CO., Delaware about 1763, was married to Lavina Rogers in 1788. They moved to Georgia, and in 1808 moved to Indiana.

There were born to Grandfather Marvel, nine children named as follows: John Patience, Comfort, Prettyman, James, Wiley, Nancy, Elizabeth and George.

My father was Wiley, the sixth child of Prettyman Marvel. Born Green County, Georgia, April 4, 180G, being two years old when parents settled in Gibson Co., Indiana. He was married to Charity Clark, March 30, 1826. The Clarks were of very early pioneer stock. They were French Huguenots.

Protestants driven from France by the Catholics about the year 1615. They came to America and settled in South Carolina. In 1808 they emigrated to Indiana and settled in Gibson County.

The country through which they traveled was a wilderness and they were beset with many dangers from Indians and wild beasts. The children were carried all the way between beds lashed on a pack horse, while the Older ones walked and drove their cow. They had live on such food as they could obtain from the forest.

Scarcely had they become settled, a small patch cleared and a cabin built, when Grandfather Clark took sick with a fever and died. The two older boys, one of whom took sick with a fever and was down a long time and the other one killed by a falling tree, left Grandmother Clark alone with the smaller children to fight the battle of life.

During one of the Indian Raids, just before the battle of Tippecanoe, while she was weaving a piece of cloth to make clothing for the children, a neighbor rushed in and said, "Indians are coming!"

Grandma said she did not want the redskins to get her cloth and to cut it would ruin it, so she declared she would stay and finish it. The neighbor said if she would stay, she was going to remain there also. So they took turns at the loom and watching for the Indians until the cloth was finished. She however sent her children to the nearest stockade. One of those children was Charity (Clark) Marvel, born January 23, 1807.

After the marriage of Wiley Marvel and Charity Clark, they lived in Indiana where their children were all born. Three children died in early childhood and, seven attained to man and womanhood. These seven were: James K. (born March 29, 1827); Mary (February 9, 1828); Prettyman (December 27, 1835); Joseph W. (July 30, 1838); John Wesley (February 21, 1841);  George W . (November 20, 1844); Braxton (October 1, 1847).

In 1852, Wiley and Charity (Clark) Marvel moved to Dewitt Co., Ill., with their family accompanying them. Living in Illinois at that time were John and Comfort (Marvel) Barr and Prettyman and Rebecca (Barr) Marvel with their families. They were among the very early pioneers of that country. Uncle Prettyman, son of Prettyman Marvel, Sr., having died several years before our arrival there.

My grandfather, Prettyman Marvel, now near ninety years of age, after the death of Grandmother, who was also near ninety, moved to Benton County, Illinois, to live with his youngest son, George Rogers Marvel. He was very desirous to see his children, Wiley and Comfort (Marvel) Barr, so they rigged up a large family carriage that Father had brought from Indiana the spring of1852, and in the early fall of 1855 my Father and Uncle John Barr started on their journey toward the southern part of Illinois to bring "Grandpap" to our home.

You can hardly imagine the joyful and expectant feeling that we children had for three or four days. One of us would keep a constant lookout for miles and miles across the broad and level plain toward where the city of Lincoln now stands.

One day one of us shouted, "Oh, I see something coming this way!" And it wasn't long until we all began to clap our hands and shout, "Oh! It's them! It's them!" We could hardly wait until they got; close enough so we could run and meet them. Our first question was, "Where is Grandpap?" 'I want to see Grandpap." The team stopped and Grandpap raised up from his bed with joy and gladness beaming over his tired old face, realizing that the long journey was over. Most of his talk was about southern Illinois, where he had been making his home for some time, and their trip on the road.

At that time, like most every one else, we had but very little house room, and according to arrangements Grandpap was to with us over the winter. We had but two rooms; on, big room, with a "lean-to" for a kitchen, having a bed in one end. We had two beds in the big room with trundle beds under each of them. Mother told some of the larger boys they would have to sleep in the bed in the kitchen because Grandpap would have to sleep in the bed where it could be kept warm. Mother arranged the bed for him and said, "You may go to bed anytime you Wish." But he had the trundle beds underneath the other beds and said, "Charity won't you let George sleep with me? He will keep me warm." So it was arranged that way.

Nothing would have pleased me better. From that time on he looked to me for every little favor, such as getting his clothes ready for him, his cap, "specks", Walking stick, drink of water and so on.

Grandpap and I continued sleeping together the trundle bed for about eight months, so you see I was with him most of the time. It seemed to be a great pleasure for him to talk of his "Early Boyhood days". Especially of the trials, incidents, and hardships they had to endure during the long seven year of the Revolutionary War. He was hardly in his teens and the only one the family could look for protection and help against hungry Indian raids, Tories and many other dangers connected with war times.

One thing he told me several different times was that during the long war, mad dogs became numerous. Wolves were also going mad. As every family had dogs, things became alarming. He said they had one very large family watch dog that was always on the lookout for any approaching danger. They could tell by his manner and barking, when they saw him coming, the kind of danger approaching. He would stand guard against everything else but a mad dog. Grandpap said, it seemed that he could smell them long before they came into sight, and the alarm he gave the for them to shut the stock up and get to safety.

He told of seeing Gen. Washington and his men marching past, and of the privations and suffering of the Continental Army. I think he talked mostly on subjects he thought most boys of my size.  He was a great lover of fish. He said he liked anything that had fish taste or smell, such as turtles, eels or oysters.

I remember one evening we boys caught a very large snapping turtle. We brought it to the house. I ran in and said, "Oh, Grandpap, come see our turtle." He said, "Why they are good to eat, good as any fish." He told me how to dress it, but it did not look good to me. I ran into the house to ask mother about it. She said she would not cook it. I Said, "But Mother, Grandpap says its good as fish, and he likes fish so well." "Well, we'll try to get him some fish," said mother. So next morning they started me off on the "fish hunt." They told me to go to Schrader Marvel's. I we there and was successful in getting' fish.

Grandfather stayed with us until the next May. He was then taken to John and Comfort (Marvel) Barr's, about two miles south of Waynesville, Ill. There he died the following October 1, 1855, at age 93 years. He was a life long Methodist. His home was always open to the ministers for religious worship. From all I know, all the impressions I have of his life, he was a true patriot and a firm believer in the Constitutional form of Government.

I believe that all his descendants, will say that by, and through him, we have a freedom loving principle implanted in us, that we will not for one moment surrender our sacred and God given rights to any King or potentate. Not even to Rome, Rum and Ruin. If we cannot all be Klans, let us all, who are in any way connected with the good and grand old name, "Marvel" be truly clannism and ever perpetuate and keep alive the association and annual reunion of the "Marvel Family."

We hope that some time in the near future, that the Oregon branch of the ancestral tree will have a reunion. It is growing very rapidly. It's fruit is A No. I.  Hoping that the next reunion will be one of the best yet and that you will all have a small place in your hearts for us, out here in Oregon, will close with best of wishes to you all.

105. WILEY HENSLEY MARVEL (GEORGE ROGERS, PRETTYMAN, DAVID, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Feb 23, 1843 in Gibson County, Indiana, and died Aug 24, 1924. He married MARY E. HERSEL Feb 06, 1866 in Franklin Co., IL. She was born Apr 20, 1846 in Franklin Co, IL.

Children of LUCY MARVEL and JOHN PLUMLEE are:

109. MARTHA ANN MARVEL (GEORGE ROGERS, PRETTYMAN, DAVID, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Jul 11, 1857, and died Mar 31, 1916. She married GEORGE WASHINGTON WEAVER Nov 04, 1875 in Franklin Co., IL, son of BENGMAN WEAVER and REBECCA PEDLY. He was born Jan 11, 1843 in Posey Co., IN.

111. THOMAS MARVEL (PAINTER, ELISHA, THOMAS, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born May 11, 1834, and died Apr 27, 1924. He married CYRENA ROSENBOROUGH Sep 14, 1854 in Cynthiana, Posey Co., IN. She was born Feb 19, 1837.

112. JAMES AARON MARVEL (GEORGE, ELISHA, THOMAS, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Dec 1829 in Gibson Co., Indiana, and died Apr 1876 in Mt. Erie, IL. He married MARY ANN WALKER Apr 06, 1851 in Mt. Erie, Illinois, daughter of GREEN WALKER and NANCY E. She was born 1834 in Illinois, and died Oct 07, 1908.

Notes for JAMES AARON MARVEL: James A. Marvel was the oldest son of George Marvel and his wife, Rutha (Jourdon) Marvel. He was born in Gibson County, Indiana in the year 1829. He later lived in Wayne County, Illinois, where records show he worked as a laborer.

James A. Marvel, being from the "Land of Lincoln" felt the tug of duty in the War between the States. On December 6, 1861, he enlisted in the Illinois Cavalry Volunteers as a private. He was placed in Company "E", 5th regiment, with Captain Shells as his commander.

In May 1862, James was taken prisoner by the Confederate Army at Pocahontas. Arkansas. Shortly afterward, he contacted Typhoid Fever and was paroled back to the north. Seeing he was completely disabled, he was discharged July 30, 1862 in St. Louis, Missouri and sent home. Records state he was never able to work again and received a pension until his death fourteen years later. Records show his widow received a pension of twelve dollars a month until her death in 1908, at the age of seventy-four.

James A. Marvel married Mary Ann (Walker) Marvel on April 6, 1851. They were the parents of seven children: Aaron Greenberry (1852), Nancy J. (1854), George L. (1858), other records state he died before 1870, Martha E. (1860), Lewis (1865, and Amanda (1870). Records show she died the same year after 8 months of age.

113. MARY SERILDA MARVEL (GEORGE, ELISHA, THOMAS, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Mar 13, 1833 in Gibson County, In, and died Mar 01, 1908 in Mt. Erie, IL. She married JOSIAH VANFOSSAN Oct 25, 1855, son of DAVID VANFOSSAN and MALINDA FISHEL. He was born Oct 01, 1835 in Columbiana County, Ohio.

Notes for MARY SERILDA MARVEL: The Obituary Notice of Mary Marvel Vanfossan was as follows: Mary Marvel was born in Gibson County, Indiana, March 15, 1833, departed this life, March 1, 1908, aged 74 years, 11 months, 13 days. Was united in holy matrimony to Josiah Vanfossan, October 25, 1855. To this union were born seven children, two of which, with the father have preceded. She is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters, Jeffersin, Malinda, Elisha, William, and Mary, 6 sisters and 4 brothers.

She and her parents moved to Wayne County, Illinois in early childhood. Her father settled on the farm now the home of her son, Elisha D. Vanfossan where her mother died and was the first person buried in the Mt. Erie Cemetery. After the second marriage of her father, they moved west of Mt. Erie on the farm where her brother, John Marvel now lives where she spent her girlhood days. She was converted and joined the Baptist church when she was but a young woman. In which church she was a faithful member until after her marriage. She joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church what was known as the Mt. Erie congregation, but is now known as the Elm River congregation, of which congregation she remained a faithful member until her death.

She, with her husband and family moved to her present home 33 years ago. Her last illness was of short duration, only lasted 5 days. She was a patient sufferer and last Lords day at 10 am fell asleep in Jesus.

Oh what are all my sufferings here,
If Lord thou count me meet
With that enraptured host to appear
and worship at thy feet.
Give joy or grief, give ease or pain.
Take life or friends away,
But let me find them all again
in that eternal day.

The funeral was held at the Elm River Cumberland Presbyterian church of which she was a faithful and loyal member. The children were all there except one son. She also had 23 grandchildren all there, but 5; 7 great-grandchildren; 5 of the seven being there, with a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral was preached by the Rev. J.H. Morgan.

Source: The March 12, 1908 "Record"; Fairfield, Illinois. I have copy.

Notes for JOSIAH VANFOSSAN: He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. When he was sixteen years of age, he was brought to Wayne County, Ill., by his parents. He has followed farming exclusively, excepting a period of twelve years, in which he made carpentering his occupation, and at that time resided in Mount Erie. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the late civil war, serving in Company D, of the Eighty seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and took part in several engagements. He was mustered out of the service in July, 1865.

JOSIAH VANFOSSON, farmer, P. O. Mount Erie, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born October 1, 1835 to David and Malinda (Fisbel) Vanfossen, both natives of Ohio and the parents of six children, of the following are new living: Roma (the wife of Jacob Galbraith), David, Alexander, and Josiah, our subject, who was the second child. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. When he was sixteen years of age, he was brought to Wayne County, Ill., by his parents. He has followed farming exclusively, excepting a period of twelve years, in which he made carpentering his occupation, and at that time resided in Mount Erie. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the late civil war, serving in Company D, of the Eighty seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and took part in several engagements. He was mustered out of the service in July, 1865. He married Mary Marvel, who has borne him seven children, of whom five are now living viz., Thomas J., Malinda J., Elisha D., William Sherman, Mary A. Mr. Vanfossen is one of the most prominent men of his township, having by honesty, industry and economy, secured a good property and a name and reputation that is beyond reproach. He is an active member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 331, at Mount Erie, and he and he and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.

114. JOSEPH MARVEL (GEORGE, ELISHA, THOMAS, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Jan 04, 1842 in Mt Erie, Wayne Co., Illinois, and died May 18, 1913 in Mt Erie Wayne Co IL. He married (1) NANCY ELLEN MANN, daughter of AUGUSTINE MANN and MARGARET R. She was born Jan 05, 1842 in Illinois, and died Feb 07, 1895. He married (2) ALICE. She was born Apr 1863.