George William Folk-Beal

Notes:

George William FOLK-BEAL (Rebecca PORTER-3, Ann Mary MCKENZIE-2, Joshua-1) was born about 1876. George William was adopted after 1880 by Nicholas Beal and Rebecca Porter, his aunt and uncle. They had no other children. He died before 1900. Agnes and son George William, Jr., are living with Nicholas and Rebecca Beal. Agnes is listed as widowed.

Family/Spouse: Agnes Meltina Ohler. Agnes (daughter of George Ohler and Mary Matilda Bittner) was born in Apr 1878; died on 28 Dec 1969 in Swanton, Garrett County, Maryland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. George William Folk-Beal was born in Jul 1898 in Meyersdale, Summitt TWP, Somerset County, Pennsylvania; died on 14 Jun 1968 in Cumberland, Allegany County, Maryland.

William + Ann M. or Mary Ann Porter. Ann (daughter of Samuel Porter and Ann Mary McKenzie) was born on 4 Sep 1846; died about 1876. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ann M. or Mary Ann PORTER was born on 4 Sep 1846. She was baptized on 23 Feb 1867 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Frostburg, Allegany Co., Maryland. Mary Ann probably died shortly after she gave birth to George William Folk-Beal in 1876, as he was 4 in the 1880 census. She died about 1876.

Jacob + Mary Something. Mary died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Samuel married Ann Mary McKenzie in 1845. Ann (daughter of Joshua McKenzie and Elizabeth Winter) was born on 1 Apr 1821 in Maryland; died in 1871. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Per the records of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Ann Mary was baptized on June 1, 1821. Sponsors: John Durbin and Anastasia McKenzie.

Birth also recorded in Western Maryland Catholics, Koch and Davidson, page 81.

Notes:

The following excerpt is from John Marshall Porter's "Sketches of Maryland Porters", circa 1976. Scott Carter Williams brought it to the attenetion of Michael A. McKenzie in 2018.

Michael, "Squire Mike," who was my great grandfather was a scholar. In those days, few men thought of education from books or institutions of learn¬ ing as a way of making their living. They thought that knowledge of how to live from the land was the best security a man could have. But Mike attended Catholic schools in Cumberland, and once considered entering the priesthood. He lived with a burning desire for learning, and spent all his spare moments
reading and studying such books as he could get. He attained intelligence far above most of the men of his locality and time.

Up to the time of Mike's marriage to Elizabeth Devore, all the Porters had remained devout Roman Catholics, the faith of their fathers. He became a student and inveterate reader of the Holy Bible. (Lest I forget to mention it
later in my story, I will state that Great Grandfather Mike's bible is in our home at this moment. It is warp-backed, faded, yellow and brittle, but still almost intact and readable. It has been extensively used. I can't find the date of publication, but it is at least a hundred and fifty years old.)

Squire Mike's wife was a Methodist, and his marriage coincided with the Francis Asbury evangelistic crusade on the frontier. I have never heard whether or not the marriage was solemnized by a priest; but that was almost a 'must' by devout Catholics, even though they didn't continue on in the faith.

But Mike and his brother John became devout Methodists, and I have heard my father say, "As Mike and John went, so went most of the Porters." During the latter half of his life, Mike with the help of his brother John, turned most of the descendants of John the Jacobite to the Methodist Church. It has remained the faith of most of the Maryland Porters, and the descendants of John that still live in West Virginia.

To the end of his life, Mike remained a man of strong convictions. He was highly respected for his good business and Christian judgment. Being about the only man in the Porter Settlement who could read and write, he was contacted to write deeds, contracts and wills (all with a goose quill pen.) It was to Mike that all the men of the Settlement came for legal advice and Affairs they had no knowledge of. It was to him they came for advice on crop and livestock management.

In his foresight, Mike began to realize the handicap of the lack of education, even in that early agrarian society of self reliant men who had good knowledge of living off the land. He realized that he would grow old and a time would come when he would no longer be in their midst to attend their business affairs. So he began conducting a school in his home for the children of the ever growing Porter Settlement... no charge.

But here I will say that, while Squire Mike taught most of the children in classes he held in his log house home for twenty years, he neglected to teach his own sons and daughters. I have heard my father say
that neither his father John S. nor any of his brothers or sisters could read or write. On the other hand, the school teaching could have begun after his own children were grown.

Souire Mike was a devout Christian. He would not allow a word of obscenity or profanity spoken in his home. It was said that he would have told a King or President who swore "We don't allow such language in our home."

Frank Porter wrote of him, "He was a man who would give courtesy, and demand respect. He would pray with a sinner, or fight a blackguard."

Squire Mike was a stern abolitionist. As far as I can learn, none of the Porters in our line ever owned a slave.

He had no use for anyone who was in sympathy with the South. One of his daughters married, a southerner named Kimberly, who had come from Tennesse. From his conversation, it was obvious that he favored the South. It was said that Souire Mike came near making outcasts of his daughter and her family. They lived on an adjoining farm, and were treated almost like they didn't exist. I suppose it was just another manifestation of Porters standing firm for what they believed was right or wrong.

While the conversion to Methodism was in progress, Squire Mike held worship services in his home and served as preacher.

As far as I have been able to learn, there were only two families of the area, (neither of them Porters) who remained in the Catholic faith after
the mini-reformation that began when Mike and his brother John turned to Metho¬ dism. But I will add that the Porters never turned against the Catholic Church. They turned away from it. I would rather believe that the} followed the faith of Mike and John.

Frank Porter, who was a son of Squire Mike's youngest son William, and grew up in the Porter Settlement on Piney Mountain, spoke often of "Grandpap Mike" in the many letters he wrote me. Frank was only 11 years old when Mike died in 1877. Yet he told me of the influence of Grandpap Mike, and how it had affected his life in later years. In one of his letters, he told me that he had heard him spend a half hour every morning praying aloud for guidance of his family and neighbors. And he said special prayers for his grandchildren.

Frank wrote me that when his children were born he began following Squire Mike's practice of praying daily for their guidance and keeping. "They both became good Christians and useful citizens. My prayers have been answered," he stated.

Frank advised me to follow Grandpap Mike's practice of praying daily for our then young family. Though I have never been given to praying aloud, I have prayed silently for our children from that day to this. Our four children are grown now and have families of their own. And my praying continues for our grandchildren, and all generations yet to come.

Like Frank, I believe that my prayers have been answered. Our children are good Christians and useful citizens. Our family is a joy and comfort to their mother and me.

There seems to be no record of when Scuire Mike's wife Elizabeth died, nor whether she lived to see her children grow up. My father, John Wesley Porter, was fifteen years old when his grandfather Squire Mike died. I have heard him speak often of Grandpap, but he had no recollection of his grandmother, though he had heard that she died from the bite of a venemous snake.

Copperheads and rattlesnakes were numerous and a constant summer menace in the early Porter Settlement, (and in all other mountain settlements of those times.) I have heard my father say it was not unusual to encounter and kill a half dozen snakes in a day when they were harvesting grain.

It is ironic, and I might add "Tragic" that Squire Mike sold the mineral and coal rights of Play Place for $600.00 when the land came into his possession. As it turned out, millions of tons of coal were mined from under the land since then, and his descendants scratched hard for the living they got from the stony, hilly fields that covered it. Mike didn't believe there were any minerals under it.

Cataracts clouded the vision of the wise and far seeing eyes of Souire Mike a number of years before his death. But many who knew him said that what he lacked in sight was well retained in his brilliant mind. He died in 1877, and is buried in the Porter graveyard.

He died on 15 Feb 1877 at the age of 84. Note from Phyllis Rosley on January 21, 2012: Michael R. Porter, "Squire Mike", son of Samuel Porter (agb) and Sarah Anderson, was born April 12, 1792, at Play Place on Pine Mt., near Frostburg, MD. He died there Feb. 15, 1877 and is buried in the Porter Cemetery. He was educated in a Catholic School in Cumberland. He married Feb. 15, 1815, Elizabeth Devore, a Protestant and he became a Protestant after their
marriage (All from Frank Porter, Michael's grandson). Elizabeth died of snake bite.
Michael purchased Play Place from the Anderson heirs. Their children are:
Sarah Porter 1816-
Richard Porter 1817-
Emla Porter 1819-
Rebecca Porter 1820-
Susanna Porter 1822-
SAMUEL Porter 1824-
Thomas Porter Died in infancy
Mary Ann Porter 1826-
John Samuel Porter 1828-1922
Catherine Porter 1831
FP (Frank Porter) not sure if she died young or grew up and married Jim Bethel Porter,
great grandson of John Porter(a) brother of Levi Porter
Nancy Porter 1833-
William E. Porter 1835-

Michael + Elizabeth Devore. Elizabeth died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Joshua McKenzie is referenced in Equity Case No. 734, Allegany County, Maryland Courthouse records as being the (deceased) brother of Moses McKenzie, Jr.

His birthdate came from the genealogical archives of Col. G.T. MacKenzie (Ret.), who began his research in 1929. But per the research of Ray Leidinger, he writes: St. Patrick's Church, Cumberland, Maryland. :Joshua McKenzie died July 13, 1845, near Cresaptown, age 60." If he was 60 at the time of his death as reflected in this church record, it would mean his birth date was 1785 (not 1795), which would fit better with Elizabeth Winter's DOB. In a letter from Ray Leidinger to Michael A. McKenzie dated December 21, 2012.

Also, on 12/31/1824, Joshua and Elizabeth sold to John Porter of John the estate of the late George Winter Book M Folio 570 Allegany County, Maryland records.

Birth: 1785
Allegany County
Maryland, USA
Death: Jul. 13, 1845
Cresaptown
Allegany County
Maryland, USA

Joshua MCKENZIE was the son of Moses Mckenzie and Sarah Mckenzie. He Married Elizabeth WINTER on May 14,1814. Joseph Edward McKenzie Oct. 2008.

Family links:
Parents:
Moses Mckenzie (1760 - 1824)
Sarah Mckenzie (1765 - 1845)

Spouse:
Elizabeth Winter Mckenzie (1795 - 1873)

Children:
George Mckenzie (1815 - 1872)*
Enoch Mckenzie (1833 - 1894)*

*Calculated relationship

Note: I am not sure of the burial Location of this person but this is the best guess.

Burial:
Moses McKenzie Cemetery
La Vale
Allegany County
Maryland, USA

Created by: Joe Mckenzie
Record added: Oct 22, 2008
Find A Grave Memorial# 30779441

Joshua married Elizabeth Winter on 17 May 1814 in Allegany County, Maryland. Elizabeth (daughter of George III Winters and Anna Maria Something) was born in 1788 in Allegany County, Maryland; died on 28 Mar 1873 in Allegany County, Maryland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth Winters McKenzie is reflected in the 1860 Census as being 72 years old. She was living with children: Moses, age 42, Enoch, age 30 and Sarah, age 34. The 6th District, Cumberland, Maryland, Page No. 193, July 12, 1860.

Christened on 14 Apr 1822 in ST. IGNATIUS, MT Savage, MD. A CONVERT PER CHURCH RECORDS-FATHER TIMOTHY RYAN.

Joshua MCKENZIE and Elizabeth "Betsy" WINTERS were married on 14 May 1814 in Allegany Co., Maryland. Elizabeth "Betsy" WINTERS was born in 1786 in Maryland. She died in 1873 in Allegany Co., Maryland.

At the request of Enoch McKenzie this deed was recorded October 11, 1873

This deed made the 10th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy three by ELIZABETH McKenzie of Allegany County and State of Maryland of the one part and ENOCH McKenzie said County and the State of the other part. ?????? whereas the said Elizabeth McKenzie is ???? of dividing and conveying her real property amongst her two sons Enoch McKenzie the party of the second part to these presents and MOSES McKenzie, JUNIOR when the ??? condition to wit . That the said Enoch McKenzie shall within one year after the death of the said Elizabeth McKenzie pay to my son SOLOMON Robinson (my son by a previous husband) the sum of one hundred dollars in cash: and also when the farther condition that the said Enoch McKenzie shall also within one year from the date of the death of said Elizabeth McKenzie pay to the heirs of my deceased son George McKenzie sum of fifty dollar in conjunction with Moses McKenzie, Junior, who shall also pay the sum of fifty dollars to the heirs of my deceased son thus making together with the said sum of fifty dollars that Moses McKenzie shall pay the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid to the heirs of George McKenzie, deceased. And whereas the said Elizabeth McKenzie by her deed of mortgage executed on the 22nd day of March in the year 1869 conveyed to one Enoch Winter certain property therein mentioned to secure the sum of five hundred thirty nine ($539) dollars and which said mortgage ??? of ??? ??? ???? and by said Enoch Winter to said Enoch McKenzie on the 7th day of December 1870 both the mortgage and the ap????ment thereof annexed in Libor HR No 28 folio 650???? one of the Land Records of said County and whereas it is upon the exp??? condition and stipulation that the land and ???? hereinafter conveyed shall be combined to ????? the aforesaid mortgage against the land and provide hereinafter mentioned. Now therefore, this Deed ????? that in ?????????? and in further consideration of the sum of one dollar in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged by the said Elizabeth McKenzie do hereby grant unto the said Enoch McKenzie his heirs and assigns forever in fee simple the following tracts, pieces or parcel of land being that part of tract of land called Allegany.........................

Courtesy of genie ragan from Allegany County, Maryland PMcKINZIE, Elizabeth

Last Will & Testament
of Elizabeth McKinzie, decd
___________________________
Filed September 11th 1877
Test. Jno Rhind Register
___________________________
The within Will sworn to as to custody by J. W. Everstine, the person in whose custody the Will was left, and also sworn to by the three subscribing witnesses thereto and admitted to probate and record this 25th day of September 1877.
Test. Jno Rhind, Regr.

In the name of God, amen, I, Elizabeth McKinzie, of Allegany County in the State of Maryland, being weak in body, but of sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of the time thereof, do make, ordain, publish and declare this my last will and testament, in manner and form following, that is to say:

First and principally, I commit my spirit to the Keeping of is's Merciful Author and my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named.

Secondly, It is my will and I hereby direct my said hereinafter named Executor to sell and dispose of all my real and personal property, wheresoever situate, at public or private sale as he may think best - to collect all debts due and owing to me at the time of my death and convert my whole estate into money - out of which I direct him to first pay my debts and funeral expenses and the residue thereof I give and bequeath as follows:

1. To my son Solomon Robeson, I give four ninths of said residue of my estate, subject to a deduction for the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars with interest from the 22d day of March, 1859, being money I have paid for him.

1. To my sons George McKinzie, Moses McKinzie, Enoch McKinzie and daughter Rosannah Carter each I give one ninth of said residue.

3. To my sons Solomon robeson, George McKinzie, Moses McKinzie, Enoch McKinzie and daughters Rosannah Carter, Rhoda A. Morris, Susannah Wade and Ann M. Porter I give the other one ninth of said residue.

And lastly, I hereby constitute & appoint my son George McKinzie to be sole Executor of this my last Will & testament, revoking and annulling all former wills by me heretofore made - ratifying and confirming this and none other to tbe my last Will and testament. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this 15th day of September, A.D. 1870.

Elizabeth (her X mark) McKinzie (seal)

Signed, sealed, published and declared by Elizabeth McKinzie, the above named testatrix as and for her last Will & testament in the presence of us, who at her request, in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses hereto.

J. W. Evertstine
John Vocke
Jos. Everstine

Probate Records:

Birth: 1795
Maryland, USA
Death: 1873
Cresaptown
Allegany County
Maryland, USA

Elizabeth Winter Mckenzie is the daughter of George WINTER AND Eleanor (???) WINTER. She married Joseua MCKENZIE on may 14,1814 in Cumberland,Maryland. Joseph Edward McKenzie Oct. 2008.

Family links:
Spouse:
Joshua Mckenzie (1785 - 1845)*

Children:
George Mckenzie (1815 - 1872)*
Enoch Mckenzie (1833 - 1894)*

*Calculated relationship

Note: I am not sure of the burial Location of this person but this is the best guess.

Burial:
Moses McKenzie Cemetery
La Vale
Allegany County
Maryland, USA

Created by: Joe Mckenzie
Record added: Oct 22, 2008
Find A Grave Memorial# 30779479