A SKECH OF ETHALINDA DILTS AND OF HER DESCENDANTS

                                          
A SKECH OF ETHALINDA DILTS AND OF HER DESCENDANTS (1890)
a transcription of a pamphlet written by Cornelius W. Larison
    [see note at end]

David Hoffman
dvhoffman@hotmail.com


A SKECH OF ETHALINDA DILTS AND OF HER DESCENDANTS
C. W. LARISON
FONIC PUBLISHING HOUSE
RINGOS, N.J.
1890

To my Pupil, JENNIE S. DILTS, the likeness of her Grandmother, this litl 
volume is dedicated as a full expression of the appreciation of the interest 
and kind regard she ever shows for the affairs of her Teacher, the Author.


                                  PREFACE

     In the Magazine Ringos, for January 1890, appeard an Obituary Skech of 
my Aunt, Ethalinda Dilts, which seems wurth preserving as a memorial of the 
noble character I have so long admired and so highly regarded.  Accordingly, 
to this skech I have aded such other matter respecting her as seems equally 
wurth preserving together with a brief account of her husband, of her 
children and of her grandchildren, and how caused these gleanins to be 
publisht in pamflet form.
     As I was the medical advizer of the subject of this skech, for 28 
years, I wel knew her and wel knew how wurthy a part she acted in the 
community in which she livd; and for virtue, integrity, honor and industry, 
how highly she was esteemd.

                                                            C. W. Larison
                                              Academy of Science & Art at
                                           Ringos, N.J., January 10, 1890



     At 223 Butler Street, the residence of her eldest sun, R. H. Dilts, 
upon the 13th of December 1889, Ethalinda Dilts died of Scirrhus Cancer.
     Mrs. Dilts had been suffering Cancer since the summer of 1862.  For 
many years, it pained her but litl, and she spoke of it only to her medical 
advizer. In the spring of 1879, several parts of the system became the sites 
of cancerous deposits and she found it necessary to take medicin almost 
constantly.  But her indomitabl perseverance, and her ever redy hand to 
help, kept her so activ, sprightly and cheerful that none suspected that she 
suffered so fatal a malady.  Until March, 1889, she continued activ and did 
daily an amount of wurk that none but the most handy, the most hardy and the 
most activ coud do.  But early in April her helth rapidly declined, and she 
became very feebl.  Upon the evening of the 4th, of May, she fell down a 
flight of stairs,--breaking, in the fall, an arm and two ribs.  From these 
injuries, she slowly convalesced, until, in July, she was able to visit her 
friends in, and near, Ringos; but, she never became strong enuf to wait upon 
herself much.  About the midl of September, the disease became more activ 
and, as the disease progrest, her strength declined, until about 5 o'clock, 
upon the evening of December 13th, she expired.
     During her long illness, she sufferd litl pain.  She remained buoyant 
in spirits, and alive to everything that concerned the cumforts and 
happiness of those around her.  With christian fortitude, she bore her 
affliction; and, of her condition, and of her prospects of a long course of 
suffering, she said the least possibl-even when brought into a conversation 
by her most intimate acquaintances.
     Careful to be the cause of the least wurk possibl, and to interfere the 
least possibl with the affairs of others, she handled her own medicins and 
drest her own sores, until the feebleness of her strength compeld her to 
yield to the help of others.
     As a patient, she was keenly appreciativ of everything that was done 
for her, and thankful for every favor that frend or nurse coud bestow.  
Indeed, her last days wer a very complement to her heroic, persevering, 
industrious, filanthropic course of life while yet her muscls wer strong and 
her nervs wer in tune.
     The funeral services, at which there was a large concourse of people, 
occurd in the Kirkpatric Memorial Church, in Ringos, N.J., Dec. 17th 1889.
     Her remains wer buried in the Union Cemetery at Ringos, N.J.
     Ethalinda Dilts was the daughter of Captain George Holcomb, and 
Catherine Butterfoss, of Delaware Township, in this County.  She was born 
November 11, 1816.  A litl abuv the medium height of wimen, she was wel 
proportioned, had a strong frame, was muscular, quick in movement and very 
enduring.  Her plezant, bright, grey-blue eys wer winning windows thru which 
one quickly saw into her generous, upright, unfeind, filanthropic soul.
     By the Rev. J. Kirkpatric, D.D. at the parsonage, June 11th, 1836, she 
was married to Samuel Wilson Dilts.

     SAMUEL W. DILTS was the sun of George Dilts and Mary Kuhl, daughter of 
Paul Kuhl, who, in erly times, was among the most influential citizens of 
Hunterdon County.  Samuel was named for his grandfather (on his mother's 
side) Samuel Wilson, who in erly times ownd, and occupied the tract (in 
Delaware Township) now ownd by John D. Larison.  He was a peaceful, quiet 
man, wel regarded by all who knew him.  As a husband, he was affectionate 
and attentiv; as a parent, fond and indulgent; as a neighbor, honorabl, 
obliging, and helpful.
     He was born in the house in which David Higgins now livs, north of the 
Neshanic River, about 2 miles north west of Ringos, June 9th 1809; he died 
of Pneumonia, Feb. 22nd, 1874.
     George Dilts, father of S. W. Dilts, was the son of an older George 
Dilts, a German, who setld upon a very large tract, lying on both sides of 
the Neshanic River, extending from the Pittstown road westward, so as to 
include the tracts now ownd by Jediah H. Quick, David Higgins, C. V. D. 
Holcomb, William Higgins, and a part of the tract now ownd by J. B. 
Higgins,--the original Dilts mansion  being the old house (a part of which 
is yet standing), on the tract occupied by C. V. D. Holcomb.
     George Dilts was a carpenter.  He built the house in which David 
Higgins now dwels.  He also built a house upon, or near, the site of the one 
in which J. H. Quick now dwels; and in it, he dwelt at the time of his 
death.
     He was a man of influence among men. He was one of the Elders of the 
United First Church of Amwell.
     For a time, subsequent to his marriage, Samuel W. Dilts and his wife 
farmd his father's tract.  For one year, they farmd the tract, then owned by 
one Jacob Fisher, now owned by J. J. Fisher. Sr. For a time he was in the 
employ of Hiram Deats,--selling stoves, plows, etc.  Afterwards, he was a 
merchant in Lambertville, N. J.
     In the spring of 1845, they moved upon, and farmd, a tract near 
Lambertville, now owned by Jordan Mathews.  In 1846, they began to farm the 
tract on which William Holcomb dwels.  In the spring of 1848 they moved from 
this place to a tract near Reaville, now owned by W. B. Prall.  In the 
spring of 1851, they moved from this tract to the tract now owned and 
occupied by C. V. D. Holcomb.  In the spring of 1852 they purchast and setld 
upon a tract 1 1/2 miles southeast of Ringos, now owned by C. W. Larison.  
Upon this tract they dwelt until the spring of 1873, when they moved from 
the homestead to the Parsonage of the United First Church of Amwell, in 
Ringos, N.J.
     Subsequent to the death of her husband, Ethalinda made her home with 
her sun William F. Dilts, until the latter part of September 1889, when she 
was moved to the residence of her sun R. H. Dilts, before mentioned.
     As a woman, Ethalinda Dilts was respected and admired by all who knew 
her.  Her powers of endurance hav seldom been equald, and her skill and 
deftness, in all things relating to housekeeping, hav rarely been surpast.  
Of economy and frugality, she was reckond a paragon; and of industry, we hav 
long regarded her an enviabl pattern.  As a neighbor, her name was mentioned 
only in praise.  In helth or in sickness, she alike bore her part-promptly, 
curteously and cheerfully.  As a nurse, she was especially regarded; and 
wherever her deft hand coud minister to the needs of suffering humanity, 
there it was plied-faithfully and untiringly.  Nor was she particular that 
the wurk necessary to be done was light, easy or agreabl; whatever was to be 
done, that she did-in time, in a proper manner and with cheerfulness.
     In dress and manners, she was a plain woman.  Unfeind in her ways, she 
seldom gave ofense; careful respecting what she said, her wurd was always at 
par; particular respecting her associates, her cumpany was cuveted by the 
most wurthy.
     Of wit and humor, Ethalinda had no lack.  Any cumpany, of which she 
formed a part, wanted not for life, cheerfulness and activity.  And yet, 
with her wit, she never offended; and her humor never failed to please even 
the most fastidious; the right thing was always done in the right way, in 
the right time, and in the right spirit.  The right word was always said to 
the right person, at the right time, in the right spirit, and with the right 
emfasis.
     Notwithstanding Ethalinda made sport enuf for all, she never made fun 
of anyone to their face nor behind their back.  Hers was the gift to make 
fun for a person, not of a person; to help one's spirits, not to hurt one's 
feeling.  So, she was a genial member of any society-be that society grave 
or gay, lernd or unlernd, yung or old.
     To speak illy of any one, she was rarely heard to do.  And to repeat a 
thing that she suspected to be False, was never practist by her.  To giv to 
everyone the ful mezure of credit due them, she was ever particular.  Hense 
her conversation was valid, and all delighted to hear her talk.
     In religion, Mrs. Dilts was a Presbyterian.  As a christian, she was 
exemplary.  She parlied litl respecting creeds or theories.  Her religion 
was of that order so graphically and so forcibly described by Saint James; 
and wherever she was, there her religion was felt,--to be a living thing.

Unto Ethalinda Holcomb and Samuel W. Dilts wer born

1-Richard H.
2-Samuel W.
3-Hanna (died an infant)
4-Mary Catherine
5-William F.

            FAMILY OF RICHARD HOLCOMB DILTS AND MARY ELLEN HIXSON.

     Richard H. Dilts was born upon the 13th of November, 1837.  He married 
upon the 22nd of February, 1860, Mary Ellen Hixson, daughter of Andrew 
Hixson.-Mary E. Hixson was born near Ringos, December 16th, 1838.
     In erly life, he was a farmer.  He was bred to agriculture and stock 
tending.  Subsequently, he became a merchant in Trenton, N.J. He now lives 
at 223 Butler Street, Trenton, N.J.

Unto Richard H. Dilts and Mary Ellen Hixson wer born

1-Hester W.
2-George H.
3-Maria H.


     Hester Wilson Dilts was born Jan 28th, 1861.  She married John Smith, a 
farmer, by whom she has Clarence W. Smith, who was born Nov. 29, 1880, and 
Richard D. Smith, who was born March 21st, 1885.  They liv near 
Lambertville, N.J.

     George Holcomb Dilts was born Nov. 9, 1862.  He married Sarah Horn, by 
whom he has had Bessie H. Dilts who was born May 6th, 1884; and Oakie Dilts 
who was born March 9th, 1887, and who died in infancy.
     George H. Dilts is an insurance agent.  They live at 223 Butler Street, 
Trenton, N.J.

     Maria Holcomb Dilts was born July 5th, 1865.  She married Harvey S. 
Drake by whom she has Eugene H. who was born July 14th 1884; Harold B. who 
was born June 21st, 1886; and Mary L. who was born Aug. 4th, 1888.
     They live in Virginia.  Mr. Drake is a Veterinary Surgeon.

              FAMILY OF SAMUEL WILSON DILTS AND MARY EMMA SERVIS.

     Samuel Wilson Dilts was born April 26th, 1839.  He livs at Unionville, 
Hunterdon County, New Jersey.  By occupation he is a butcher.  He is a 
thrifty citizen, a good neighbor, and very handy at all kinds of work.
     During the Rebellion, in response to the call for 300,000 men to serv 
as soldiers in the United States Army for nine months, made on the 4th of 
August, 1862; Mr. Dilts enlisted in Company D of the 31st Regiment of New 
Jersey Volunteers.  He servd during the time for which he enlisted and was 
mustered out of service the 24th day of June 1863.
     In politics, he is a Democrat and has often been elected to office by 
that party.  In religion, he is a Baptist-member of the Baptist Church of 
Ringos. For many years he has servd this church as her clerk.
     Upon the 31st of March, 1864, S. W. Dilts married Mary Emma Servis, 
daughter of Uriah Servis and Mahala Quick, of Wertsville, in this County.  
Mary E. Servis was born near Wertsville, N.J., May 18th 1844.

     Unto Samuel Wilson Dilts and Mary Emma Servis wer born

1-Jennie S.
2-Samuel W.
3-Ethel M.


     Jennie Servis Dilts was born in Trenton upon the 6th day of May, 1866.  
She studied at the Academy of Science and Art at Ringos, N.J..  She is a 
neat composer; has a good voice; speaks clearly and distinctly, and 
expresses her ideas in such a way that they ar easily understood.  She is a 
Teacher, --now teaching in the Washington School, Trenton, N.J.

     Samuel Wilson Dilts, Jr. was born in Unionville, N.J. upon the 18th of 
July 1872.

     Ethel May Dilts was born in Unionville, N. J. upon the 9th of May, 
1881.


                FAMILY OF MARY CATHERINE DILTS AND ELI H. QUICK

     Mary C. Dilts was born December 18th, 1843.  She married Eli H. Quick, 
sun of Joseph Green Quick, of East Amwell, N. J., March 7th, 1874.  Eli was 
born January 19th, 1838; he died September 18th, 1886.
     Mary C. Quick is a Milliner and a Mantua-maker.  She dwels in Ringos, 
N.J.


              FAMILY OF WILLIAM FISHER DILTS AND ANNA M. SWALLOW

     W. F. Dilts was born June 27th, 1850.  In erly life, he was a 
Scool-Teacher. Later he became interested in Saloons.  He now keeps a saloon 
in Westfield Avenue, Cramer Hill, N.J.
     Upon the 12th of Sept., 1874, he married Anna M. Swallow (born July 2nd 
1851,) daughter of William Swallow and Mary Moore.

     Unto William F. Dilts and A. M. Swallow wer born

1-Laura B.
2-Lizzie C.
3-Frank
4-Howard K.
5-Mary Ethel


     Laura B. Dilts was born April 16th, 1875.
     Lizzie C. Dilts was born June 28th, 1877.
     Frank Dilts was born August 5th, 1878.
     Howard N. Dilts was born March 10th, 1883.
     Mary Ethel Dilts was born March 30th, 1885.


[Note on C. W. Larison: Cornelius Wilson Larison was the son of Benjamin 
Larison and Hannah Ann Holcombe, sister of Ethalinda Holcombe.  C. W. 
Larison was born 10 Jan 1837.  He was a physician, teacher, author, 
publisher, and advocate of phonetic spellling-which he uses throughout this 
pamphlet.  He married Mary Jane Sargeant 26 Mar 1863.]