COUTS


  


VOLUME  4    February     March    April     NUMBER 2
2000

A Quarterly Newsletter for the 
Descendants of the Couts Family #15


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FROM WHICH LINE DO YOU DESCEND?
So far, our proved information only 
goes back to a to the mid-1700, with 
the following individuals:  John Couts
(wife Leah Stark), Chrisley Couts
(wife-Sarah Wright Collins) , 
William Couts(wife- Emeline Epps), 
Henry Couts (wife Sarah Freeman - no issuance), 
Margaret Couts(unknown), Mary Magdelane 
Couts (Walter Stark), and Elizabeth Couts(Mason).  
This is not to say that these were the only 
brothers and sister. We have not however, 
tied the remainder to the family line.
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COUTS DESCENDANT NEARING 92 YEARS
Julia Anne Couts Reynolds (1827 - 1921) was 
from Robertson Co., Tennessee, and the 
great grandmother of Henry Smith Wilson Jr. 
She lived to be 94 years old and Henry is 
following in the tradition. He was born in 
Haskell Texas in 1907 and will be 92 at the 
turn of the century. He graduated from 
Haskell (Texas) High School and Austin 
College at Sherman Texas. He has been 
a school  teacher (all grade levels) and 
was District Manager for Industrial Safety 
Engineering for the Employers Insurance 
Of Texas. He was married twice (both 
deceased) and has two daughters - one 
lives with her husband in Amarillo TX. and 
the other lives in California. The California 
daughter and her husband are in leadership 
positions with the Campus Crusade For Christ. 
Henry is "Paw Paw" to his four grandchildren 
and three great-grandchildren.
He lives at home in Amarillo and is still 
an active member of his church and 
community. He drives to the local mall 
and walks "a mile or so" every day. On 
most evenings, he goes to his daughter 
and son-in-law's home to cook dinner "for 
the kids." He is extremely personable and 
loves to meet and talk with new friends. 
No one is a stranger to him for long. He is 
a wonderful conversationalist with interests 
in a wide variety of subjects. He recently 
returned from an unaccompanied flight 
to Virginia where he visited with family.
A couple of years ago, he felt that he needed 
to learn more about the "computer business" 
and enrolled in classes at the local community 
college to take introductory and basic courses. 
He has been volunteering his time weekly to the 
local elementary school to be a mentor to the 
students. He tells wonderful stories about how 
the young people respond. He was named 
"Amarillo Mentor of the Year" in 1999.  He is healthy, 
happy and productive and makes us proud of 
our family heritage. Lynn P. Wilson (nephew)
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A LETTER FROM MR. ARMSTRONG      
Maple Bluff Farm  December 20, 1999

Dear Barbara,  This is the last letter of this 
century.  It's been fun remembering the 
stories about my favorite subject, John Couts.  
There are other untold.
 In one letter we mentioned the 
colorful leaves of fall, well they have fallen 
and been raked and removed from the yard.  
That means only one thing to us in Tennessee, 
winter is on its way.  As a youth, I looked 
forward to snow, snowball fights and big 
bowls of snow cream. These last few years 
our weather patterns have changed and 
we get very little snow.
 From reports about California 
weather, you folks enjoy spring and summer 
the year round.[sometimes]  Sounds good, 
is that true? [Currently, we are without 
much water, it's about 60 degrees and 
intermittent clouds and sun.]  This must 
have been one of the attractions for Cave 
Couts. [Southern California weather is even 
more mild that our Northern California 
weather. His ranch  in hilly, Vista, CA. It 
was dry there when we visited in June '99, 
but the pond still had noisy  frogs.]  Barbara 
did Cave ever visit back home, once he 
was in California? [not to my knowledge] 
 About Mr. John, after he purchased 
this land in 1790. No doubt he chose an old 
Indian camp ground to build a home.  Such 
sites were free of trees and close to a good 
supply of drinking water. Such sites proved 
us with a good supply of artifacts, proving 
early people once lived there.
 Records indicated Mr. John drew 
pay for some expedition against the 
troublesome Indians of that time but he 
showed respect for their cemeteries because 
about three hundred yards behind his home 
was a large Indian graveyard; located on 
one half acre of prime farm land.  As long 
as Mr. John and his son Jackson and 
grandson Albert lived, they protected this 
plot of ground.  But in 1885, the land was 
sold and the new owner cleared the land 
and placed it into an open field.
 In 1908, when my father came here 
to work and later to buy this land "said at 
that time he saw human bones scattered 
on top of the ground."  Local history states 
those early people wee known as "Woodland 
Indians" and they buried their dead in shallow 
stone lined graves. By being buried so close to 
the top of earth their remains were easily 
destroyed and scattered by farming implements.
 I came along too late to protect the site 
in its original condition, but I have sown the area 
in Kentucky Fescue 31, and keep the sod mowed.
 Enough for this time. May I take this 
opportunity to wish for you and your readers a 
happy and prosperous new century.  For a 
Happy New Year,   James S. Armstrong
[Mr. Armstrong recently sent several articles 
published in the local newspaper, submitted 
by Pam Drake, Robertson County Historical Society.]
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Subject: Huntington Library Research  
 "Lynn Wilson" 

Most of you know that Barb and I recently 
visited her Mom on the west coast.  While we 
were there, we went to the Huntington Library, 
a gorgeous place in LA area, where the personal 
records of our relative, Cave Couts, are on file.  
To our advantage, Cave was a pack-rat and 
saved most documents and letters he received.  
I donated two letters to Cave from his mom and 
day (1838 and 1846 respectively) that I had found 
folded up in my father's Bible.  I was doing some 
digging trying to resolve a family question that 
showed up in my research.  Through a lady in Tennessee 
that I have been working with, I found out that my 
GG Grandmother, Julia Anne Couts Reynolds had 
been divorced from her husband, Edward M. Reynolds.   
In a letter of which I had a copy, Julia's mom, Nancy 
Johnson Couts, referred to what Reynolds did to 
Julia and said it had nearly killed her (Nancy).  She 
died later that year.  Anyway, I have been seeking 
to solve the mystery of what happened way back 
in the 1850s.
The Huntington was wonderful and let me fat finger 
many of the hundreds of letters they had to and 
from Cave Couts.  I asked for copies of five letters 
and plan to transcribe them soon.  In the meantime, 
I'll give you some of the high points.  I have 5 
handwritten mostly legible letters - all from John 
Couts to his and Julia's brother, Cave Couts, in 
California.  I'll send you transcriptions as I figure 
them out.  I read quickly most of the letters in 
the Huntington Library files from Reynolds, Julia, 
John and Cave for that time period and didn't 
get a real clear explanation.  I have a listing of 
all of the letters they have in file and will ask for 
copies of a few from late 1857 and early 1858, 
because the ones I copied there are a little too 
late to catch all the gruesome details.  Most of 
the content involves the financial activities that 
John was taking as Cave's lawyer.
- The first is date 1 Apr 1858.  John talks of the 
problem with Julia about who owns the slaves 
that were bought by John from Reynolds with 
Cave's money, but Julia was keeping them in 
an action related to her separation/divorce.  
John says he has "twice tried hard to get him 
(Reynolds) to correct (the bill of sales), but he 
is such a dog (underlined) that he won't do 
anything whatever."  John says Julia is claiming 
title to the slaves "which I think ingenuous and 
unjust never having paid one cent for them & 
knows well that your own money was paid for 
them and that they are honestly and justly yours."   
He also says that "To assert and maintain her 
rights & those of her children, I think highly 
commendable - for she is dependent on her 
own self - but to claim that which is her brothers 
is in my judgement very ungrateful.  I sold her your 
boy "Anderson" not long since for $750 less than 
his worth, but I think I done right under the 
circumstances, and was so advised by Uncle Cave 
(Johnson)."
- The second is dated Apr 8, 1858.  John says "At 
the time I made the purchase for you of that 
woman and children (slaves), Sister Julia and 
Reynolds were living together with no thought 
of a separation."  "Shortly after the purchase 
and after the bill of Sale was created, the 
separation took place. Then for three or four 
long years, I looked after those Negroes, had 
them well clothed and fed, paid their Doctor 
bills, taxes, etc and all and everybody understood 
and knew they were yours...."  "If you think proper, 
you can write her on the subject such a letter 
as you may think her conduct deserves.  She 
has received almost $3000 from her Father's 
estate, $2000 alimony from Reynolds and is 
not yet satisfied.  I would sue Reynolds if he 
had any visible means."  (John hopes Cave 
will visit and resolve the issue with Julia face 
to face.)
- The third letter is July 19, 1858.  John says " I 
think if Julia could get to you she would 
gladly go, particularly if she could get her 
consent to leave - Cave (Junior, her son) - 
who she can't control - (except) only at the 
will of her fool deserted husband (last three 
underlined)."  (It sounds like Reynolds was 
given custody/control of the boy, Cave, 
and Julia of the girl, Mollie.)  "She (Julia) has 
so managed as to make her property worth 
about $5000, and is a very good manager, 
if she had a good chance and was away 
from associations and prejudices that surround 
her, she would do well."  (John would like 
Cave to bring her to Cal, but "I do not think 
however that she would consent to go 
that far and leave her little boy." 
-The fourth letter is dated Nov 30th 1858.  
Cave must have visited Clarksville and a 
compromise was made with Julia.  Cave 
got his money for the slaves.  John later 
writes to Cave "I learn that R..... (Reynolds) 
has become so indignant that he intends 
paying her back the $1500 in a few days. 
If this his ???, I am only sorry we did not get 
something like their value. He (Reynolds) has 
purchased Dr. Farmer's place in Springfield, 
and it is currently reported & by many believed 
that they (Reynolds and Julia) are soon to be 
re-married. If this be true, I never will speak to 
or recognize her as a Sister any longer.  Some 
parties are hard at work in and around 
Springfield to have this matter consumated 
if possible.  Reynolds told Dr. Farmer that 
he received a letter from Henry Couts stating 
that you intended making an attack on 
him (Reynolds) at sight.  This I believe to be 
a lie and was only done by him to ?????? 
as much from Farmer as he could about 
your movements."  "Julia is now comfortably 
situated with Sister Mary, where she will 
continue to board." 
 - The last letter is dated Aug 3, 1859.  "I wrote 
you a letter in March last which I do not 
think you ever received.  It was to say that 
Julia refused to pay a few bills which had 
been made for that woman and children -
 for clothes, Dr. bills, granny fees etc amounting 
to about $100.  She positively agreed to do so in 
the compromise, but now says she will not 
(underlined) do it and has been advised 
not to do so by her Springfield advisers.
 ".... "Julia is one of the most miserable 
women I ever saw, and is made more so 
by a knowledge of the fact that R is to be 
married soon to a lady in Springfield by the 
name Campbell, and then they will take 
Cave from her. This is enough to make her 
miserable and if I were her would go to 
Texas this fall season and live with Tom."  
I'm going to continue the search and will
 keep you informed as to
 "How The (Reynolds) World Turns."....Lynn
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INTERNET CORRESPONDANCE
Subj:	 Couts Family in Ohio        
From:	tcdcbc01@bright.net 
(Terry & Diana Couts & Family)
I just found this site tonight on impulse.  
Haven't looked over much at this point, 
but I'll just share a small bit of my info, 
and if it fits with this site, people can 
contact me.  My father, Lee Ray Couts, 
from Van Wert, OH started doing family 
research about 7-8 years ago.  My dad 
got  cancer and died about three years 
ago.  I took over the family genealogy 
info. from dad just before his death.  My 
dad's Couts family came from the Couts' 
out of Tuscarawas County, Ohio from the 
early 1900's I think (pulling this all from my 
faulty memory at this point in time).  The 
family line I come from came from Pennsylvania, 
and before that, I forget, I need to review 
my books of information.  I am too tired to 
recall tonight, but I have reams of info. On 
family from early 1900's to present, with all 
the family members and branches.  Not so 
much going back in time, which I would like 
to connect back to sometime in near future.  
Anyone wishing to share and exchange data 
is welcome to contact me at tcdcbc01@bright.net 
 Please no spam or other advertisements 
and junk mail.  Terry B. Couts - 1951  
From: hgdonald@leo.infi.net  Subject: Re: 
[TNSUMNER] Leah Stark and Kizzie-hope this helps
Barbara. Thanks very much for all of the 
information.  You have info on the ancestors 
of our James Stark that I had never before seen.   
This is particularly interesting because I am 
planning a trip to Scotland next
summer and will be in Glasgow for a couple 
of days at least. Nice Website! And I will try to 
contact Mr. Armstrong.  There was at least one 
other early Armstrong family (brothers) in 
Sumner/Robertson County,
but they were cousins of my line. You probably 
know the relationship of our first emigrant James Stark
to General John Stark of NH.  I recently found that 
James Stark married Elizabeth Thornton in 
Londonderry, NH, and the first 3-4 of their 15 
children were born in NH before they moved 
to Stafford County, VA. I am including a brief 
sketch of the children of Sarah Frances Stark, 
but I have much more if you are interest.  I 
use Family Tree Maker, and once I have revised 
and completed inputting my Stark data, I 
would be happy to send you a Gedcom.  
Unfortunately, I would be unable to do this 
for at least another month.  A series of computer 
crashes in 1998 combined with a glich in my FTM, 
version 6.0 program left my files in mess, one from 
which I am still recovering. I am a descendant of 
your Leah's brother, William Stark,  through his son 
William who married Mary Pitt, Reynold P. Stark and 
Elice f Waggoner, James Atlas Stark and Narcissa 
Wright, and Sarah Frances Stark and William Caviit 
Armstrong. You probably have the children of the 
other Stark families. Sarah Frances Stark, b. 1861 in 
Robertson County, TN; d. 1953 in Robertson County. 
Married William Cavitt Armstrong. b. October 4, 1856; 
d. October 15, 1894 in Robertson County.  He was 
the son of Thomas Elias Armstrong and Josephine 
Bigbee and a descendant of Revolutionary War 
patriot Captain William Armstrong, 1st and 3rd 
NC Regiments, Continental Army.
Helen Gant Donald Columbus, GA (Native Nashvillian)

Children of Sarah Frances Stark
and William Cavitt Armstrong:
    Coma Lillian Armstrong, m. Alexander Groves
    Connor William Armstrong, m. Lesba Link
    Nauvin E. Armstrong, m. Georgia Jones
    Bessis Thomas Armstrong, m. Charles Alan Groves
    Lucie Norris Armstrong (never married)
    Nellie Josephine Armstrong, m. Thomas Whitesides
    Ben Sory Armstrong, m. Elva Marie Rinehart.
From: CBStark@aol.com Subject: Re: [TNSUMNER] 
Leah Stark and Kizzie-hope this helps
Hi, cousin, Enjoyed your posting very much.  I keep 
forgetting how early Thomas Stark  arrived in Middle 
Tennessee.  His nephew, John Carter Stark, didn't 
arrive in  Sumner County until about 1808.  I've 
often wondered what attracted him to  Sumner 
So., and have guessed it might have been the 
presence there of Daniel  Smith, also from Stafford 
County, who had received vast acreage from his 
surveying work and was more or less promoting 
the area.  But having Uncle Thomas "next door" 
didn't hurt.   Joyce
From: Joan Matthews tinka@cdsnet.net  Subject: 
[CALDWELL-L] CALDWELL
Hi All, Joan here!!!!  I am working on two different 
CALDWELL  families. The first family is MARY POLLY 
CALDWELL, b. Aug. 08, 1790,  in Spartenburg, South 
Carolina, d. abt 1837, place unknown, m. John C. 
Counts,  they had 14 children.  Would like 
information on her parents.
The second family is William Caldwell, b.1726, 
Place unknown, d. 1799,Place unknown, m. Elizabeth 
Thompson, had two children a girl name Mary and 
she m. John De Mun the other child sex  & dob is 
unknown. I do know the mane of William's parents 
they are James Caldwell & Mary Gaston any
information on any of these people would be 
appreciated. Joan Central Point, Or
Name: VC Referred by: Just Surfed On In              
no address given Comments:   My ex-husband is 
a Couts, and I always found his family history 
interesting. His father's name was Chalmers Scott 
Couts, Jr. (b. 1910 Los Angeles, Ca/d. 1980 Anaheim, Ca) 
who was married to Doris Irene Slonecker. Chalmers Jr. 
was the son of Chalmers Scott Couts, Sr. 
(b. 1888 Los Angeles, Ca./d. ? Los Angeles, Ca)
 who was married to Lois Irene McCarthy (b.1889 
New York, NY/d. ?) Chalmers Sr. and his wife also 
had a daughter named Lois Couts. I remember 
hearing from Chalmers Jr. that they were descendants 
of the Bandini family in San Diego, and Cave Johnson 
Couts, but I'm not sure of the direct line. 
Name: Nancy Arendsee NArendsee@aol.com 
Referred by: AOL Comments: I'm descended 
from Barbara Koutz b. unknown, d.8/26/1843 
in Somerset Co., PA. She married Andrew Blocher. 
Her parents were Michael Koutz and Barbara. Do 
you have any information on this family? Thanks, 
Nancy Name: Diane M. Kautz jloo@wwnet.net 
Referred by: Net Search From: Canton, 
MI (near Detroit) Comments: Just starting 
to look into my genealogy, any hints on 
how to get started? My father (Floyd) was 
the son of Roy (born in Germany) and Carrie 
(born in Chicago?). My family has received 
mailings from Kautz Vineyards in the past.  
They are hosting the 2000 Kautz Family 
Reunion, Murphy, CA
Name: Ron Couch ewaltman@magnolia.net  
Referred by: Net Search From: Vicksburg, MS
Comments: Hi. I wanted to ask about a possible 
connection to the Couts/Kautz line. My 7 
ggrandfather, Jacob Couch, who died in 1797, 
in Green Co. TN, has been eluding our family 
for 30 years. The Couch clan after Jacob is 
documented to death, but we have found 
no wife or parents for Jacob. Is there a Couts
/Kautz who might have been his father? He 
would have to have been in the part of VA 
that is now eastern TN in the late 1600's or early 
1700's. Help us and we will love you forever.
From: hadkins hadkins@uswest.net Subject: 
Couts family in Ohio 
OHIO COUTSES, ARE YOU READY?  My name is 
Holly Couts Adkins born in Canton, Ohio the 
daughter of Harry Gifford Couts, born 
Newcomerstown, Ohio.  Our family has been 
in Tuscarawas County, Ohio for 200 years.  My 
grandfather was Ernest Ray Couts born 
February 23, 1889; grandmother was Hollis 
Elma Stoffer Couts, born June 20, 1891. New
comerstown, Ohio .   My great grandfather 
was William Van Buren Couts born 
February 1, 1836 in Newcomerstown, Ohio 
and great grandmother was Martha Postel 
who was his second marriage. William Van
 Buren Couts was also married to Mary Casteel.
My great, great grandfather was James 
Couts born May 4, 1808 in Tuscarawas 
County, Ohio and was married to Rebecca 
Wilson. My great, great, great grandfather was 
William Couts born November 23, 1780 in 
New Jersey and married Jane Hougey from 
Tuscarawas County, Ohio.  We were told 
that he migrated to Tuscarawas County in 
a Scottish ox cart as a very young man 
and was of Scottish heritage.
My fathers immediate family is as follows:  
My father had several brothers: Russell Couts, 
Jim Couts, David Couts and Bill Couts all of 
whom are deceased.  His sisters were Hazel 
Couts Jones, Kay Couts, Erma Couts all of 
whom are deceased with one living sister, 
Gladys Couts Sewell. She resides in Ohio. All 
of my father's siblings stayed in Ohio except 
my father who moved his family to Birmingham, 
Alabama in 1952. I will forward any further 
information my family has for your records. 
I have more information about my grandfather's 
siblings, but I will have to find it.  We do have 
published information (book) dating the family 
in Tuscarawas County, Ohio back to the early 
1800s. This Couts family is of Scottish decent,
 which can be traced to Scotland several 
centuries BC. Until reading your site, I had 
never  heard the name associated with being 
German. All very interesting.  Feel free to give 
out my email address to those wanting information.  
I will send more when I have time.  Holly Couts Adkins    
From: Bruce 
To: bevans@coutsfamily.com Subject: Choate
Edward Choate, sr. -(lived in surrey County) b. 1730 approx.
Edward Choate, jr. b. 1757 d. 1827 ( cancer)  
married Sarah children- Gabriel, Skelton, Gideon, 
Sabert, James Wesley, Patsy, Betty, Chrity, Cassie, Sally 
Gabriel Choate b. 1782 in Franklin County Virginia 
d. 1857 (cancer) married Linda children- Josiah, 
Powhattan, Valentine, 
Cathy, Stepo, Gabriel, Nancy, Martha Jane
Powhattan Choate b. Dec 13 1807 d. Nov 15 
1874 married Winney Halley b. Feb 1 1806  
d. Sept 12 1883
children - Nicholas Houston, 
Edward, Lucinda also raised nephew 
Powhattan Simmons
Nicholas Houston Choate b.1831  d.? 
( committed suicide in Texas) married 
(1) Nancy Perrilee Bird 
children- Alexander, 
Almeda married (2) Kitty children- Mark, 
Whinney, Marion, Tom
Alexander Nicholas Choate b. 1855  d.1926 
(committed suicide- hung hisself in uncle Harrison's barn)
married Levi Ann 
Nowell b. 1851 d. 1919  children- Sally, 
Jackson Nicholas, Harrison, 
Merridith(died at birth)
Jackson Nicholas Alexander Choate b. 1876 
d. 1949   married Willa Rigsby  b.1883 d. 1955     
children- 
Francis, Mancel, Wallace, 
Erma, Audrey, Wayne, Ralph Eugene,    
Edith(died at birth)
Erma Lorene Choate 
b. Aug. 17 1914 never married to Grover just 
know last name he ran off to 
Texas after Erma got 
pregnant. Hard to get details since no 
one really wants to talk about
 it. My Father Garry 
did speak with him before he died 
aprox 1980) children Garry  married Rama 
Allen Johnson children Carol
Garry Choat b.1937  d. 1983  
(note the "E" is missing, doctors 
screwed  up on his birth certificate)  
married 
 Fumie Yukinori children  Robert Lee, 
Sharla Ann, Bruce Eugene, Sonya Sue
Bruce Eugene Choat    married Caroline 
Vanderhoeven children Nicholas Houston
note.   The information on Edward 
Choate, Sr.,  Edward Choate jr. and 
Gabriel Choate are not entirely verified 
but the evidence is definitely there. 
Information received from Robertson 
County, Tennessee
Powhattan Choate and Winney are 
buried down by Kerico caves in the 
old buffalo ranch at Pennsboro. the 
grave has been visited and entirely 
verified by relatives. Powhattan was 
a very rich man, owned several
slaves. On microfilm, Powhattan 
Choate listed in the Cherokee records.
His land was valued in 1860 to be worth 
$1600 real estate and $800 personal 
property. the markers on the grave 
also show him as evidently wealthy, 
they are very tall markers with scroll 
work and all. Stand
about 5 feet tall and quite impressive 
Alexander and sister Almeda was raised 
by their grandfather Powhattan. 
Nicholas (their dad) left  and  went 
to Texas. Divorced his first wife and 
married a woman named Kitty down 
in Texas. The stories about Nicholas were 
not all that good. Seems as if he deserted 
his first two children.  Bruce Choat
From: Margaret Butts pbmjb@jps.net To: 
bevans@coutsfamily.com Subject: Barton to 
Dobson to Page
	I have been working on the above 
lines for some time but not  thoroughly.  
Like so many others, I so wish I had spoken 
to my parents and other relatives about 
their families.  Bathsheba Barton, daughter 
of Wade Barton, married Alexander P. Dobson.  
Their daughter, Sarah Jane Dobson, married 
my great grandfather, William Lindsey Page.  
Their son, Henry Benjamin Page, was my grandfather.  
My mother several times told me that Henry Benjamin 
Page took my aunt, Elizabeth Irene Page, when 
she was a small girl to the former home of the 
Page family (a town named Page) where she met 
many relatives.  According to the story, they had 
lost most everything in the Civil War and were 
very poor but still living on family land.  I was 
interested in Page City, Lafayette Co, Missouri.  
My Pages lived in Kentucky.
	Also, William Lindsy Page lived for a 
time in Columbus, Missouri where his 
wife, Sarah Jane Dobson died.  He brought 
her back to Graves Co, Kentucky for burial.   
 He and many members of the Dobson and 
Barton families are buried there too. Can 
you give me any more info about Page 
City or the origin of the Pages  there? Would 
you like me to send you my Page, Barton, 
and Dobson info?  Best regards, Margaret 
Subject:  Eva Belle Couts Subject: Eva Belle 
Couts From: Tim E Barnes 
Hi, I see you have a listing for Couts in the 
Indiana area. Do you happen to have 
anything on an Eva B. Couts? I believe 
her middle name was Belle.  I have been 
looking for Some time for info on her. The 
only thing I have at the moment is that she 
was born in Owen Co. Indiana on Oct. 5, 
1874. She died Sept. 29, 1911.  She was 
married to Samuel McClellen Rea. Her father 
was Lorenza D. Couts  Her Mother was 
Febecca McAllister. I imagine this is a typo, 
and think maybe it was Rebecca McAllister.
 I am still not sure of Eve Belles  last name. 
On my Grandmothers SSDI she was listed as 
Eva Belle Coates. However my grandma 
listed my ggrandfathers last name as MCullen 
on her SS app. So she has a history of less 
than perfect spelling. The  thing that leads 
me to believe it is actually  Couts is the above 
and that most of the info came from her 
death Cert. and as such may be a little more 
likely to be accurate.  Well that's what I have, 
If you can help I would be very greatful, and 
of course I can share info about her offspring
 if you want. Thanks again. 
Tim B. Bloodally@Juno.com
From: "Bob Anconetani" rtrea@nts-online.net 
Subject: An Article about the Bird My dad's 
cousin on the Deewall side found this article 
which I thought you would be interested in.  
His mother Laura Deewall Lording was the 
one to keep track of everything in the Deewall 
family.  He says there may be more in all the 
stuff he inherited.  Thanks  
Tonia Cora A Heisey was born at Clearfield PA, 
February 26, 1866 and passed away at her home 
near Coldwater KS, October 15, 1939 at the 
age of 73 years, 7 months and 19 days.  When
 she was four years of age she moved with her 
parents from PA to Dade Co MO and there 
grew to womanhood. On January 8, 1886 she 
was united in marriage with J M Bird at King's 
Point MO. To this union seven children were 
born, two of whom died in infancy.  The five 
surviving children are : Marvin Bird, La Veta, 
CO; Mrs. Morton Hadley and Mrs. Paul Deewall, 
Coldwater; Ben Bird, Protection; Robert Bird, 
at home.   She is survived also by one brother, 
Ralph Heisey, Clearfield, PA; one sister in law, 
Mrs. Laura Heisey, Lockwood, MO; 14 grandchildren, 
2 great-grandchildren and a number of other 
relatives and a host of friends. They settled near 
Wilmore and lived there until 1906 when they 
moved to their farm southwest of Coldwater.  
Mr. Bird passed away February 19, 1937.
From: "Anne Miller" amille01@mail.coin.missouri.
edu Subject: Re: GSCM Couts query

Hi Barbara ----- in searching through all of 
my Couts (and related family information) 
a couple of questions popped into my 
mind.  I have gathered lots of "stuff" to 
share, but I am not sure how you want it.
Do you want copies of 
original documents, pages from books 
and other sources, etc.  OR can you use 
the information better if I just put the 
pertinent facts in e-mails to you?  
Let me know so that I can really get busy.
My line, as I may have told you before, is:
     Christley Couts SR and Sarah Wright
      Christley Couts JR and Frances "Fannie" Barton
        Henry Couts and Nancy Minton
         Mary Martha Couts and John Bentley Pearson
          Mary Frances Burdette Pearson and Thomas White Carmichael
           James William Carmichael and Elizabeth Frances Cassell
             Anne Lane Carmichael and Max Leon Miller
              Jill Marie Miller and Michael Todd Gardner
 I don't want to burden you 
with tons of paperwork which you may 
already have from other researchers.  On 
the other hand, I would love to send 
ANYTHING that  you want.  Any ideas? 
 Perhaps I could just list the information
 I have collected --- in a series of e-mails 
--- and you could pick and choose.
 By the way, I had the 
opportunity to be in north MO earlier 
this fall, and I dropped in to see my 
father's 1st cousin -- Frances Williams.  
She is in a care center in Bethany now, 
after suffering a heart attack, but she is h
er same sweet self.  We had a lovely visit.  
Her husband is still at home in Pattonsburg 
and comes quite often to see her.  She and 
I looked through a big box of family 
pictures, etc.  Here is a correction for 
your records: Frances' HUSBAND is named 
Vivion; it isn't part of Frances' name.
While I'm brainstorming I 
will throw out a couple of questions.  Who 
are Sarah Wright's parents and where did 
she marry Christley Couts SR.?  Does anyone 
have knowledge of a Baroness Burdette Couts, 
who was so do taken with the story of the 
faithful little dog "Grefriars Bobby", that she 
had a famous statue of him erected in 
Edinborough?  We accidentally found her 
picture and this story in a tiny museum, but 
did not have time to visit the statue.  My 
interest here is the fact that my grandmother 
carries the name, Mary Frances Burdette Pearson, 
and NO ONE knows why.  She is the only one of 
the 4 children who was given 3 names. I don't 
know if Christley JR and Aaron were twins.  
This possibility is new to me --- any background?   
More later --- thanks, Anne          
Subj:	 Re: Couts from Ohio From:	
wyl244@telapex.com (Wyland) 
Hello Michael,  I am sorry that it has 
taken me this long to respond to your 
post in reference to the COUTS family.  
We have had much sickness in the family, 
and even a death, so we had to put our 
genealogy research on the back burner for 
awhile.  I hope that you can understand.  
We are very eager to learn more and share 
more about the  COUTS connection to our 
family.  At this point all we know for sure is 
that my husband's grandmother, Irene Couts 
(maiden name) was in Washington County, 
PA in the early 1900s and that some of her 
children moved to Florida.   We have a few 
more clues, but not a lot to work on.  There 
is much mysetery connected to this side of 
our family tree. We would be much interested 
in talking with you.  If you would like, please 
call on next Monday or Monday night, or 
Thursday, Saturday or Sunday.  We have to 
be out of town this weekend, but would really 
like to discuss this with you....too much to try 
to share over an Email. Thanks for writing.   
Patchez/Barbara and Mack Wyland
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
ARTICLES FROM THE SAN DIEGO UNION AND OCEANSIDE BLADE
CAVE COUTS    May 19, 1870 SAN DIEGO 
UNION SHOOTING AT SAN LUIS REY  
-On Saturday evening, May 7th, 
Col. C.J. Couts shot a young man 
named Waldemar Muller, who had 
been employed as tutor in his family 
for a number of years. The shooting 
was done with a shot gun, the charge 
striking the left arm and side, inflicting 
dangerous wounds. Different reasons 
are assigned for the act, but while 
there is nothing more definite than 
rumor we refrain from giving publicity 
to any of the stories afloat. Muller was 
brought to the city on the 11th for 
medical treatment. He is still in a 
critical condition. 
July 2, 1872 SAN DIEGO UNION THE 
GUAJOME RANCH - Col. Cave J. 
Couts brought with him on his return 
from San Francisco a United States 
patent to the Guajome ranch, recently 
received by his attorneys from Washington. 
The ranch was granted in July 1845 by 
Pio Pico, then acting Governor of the 
Californias to Andres and Jose Manuel. 
The Commission which sat at Los 
Angeles in 1854, examined into and 
confirmed the grant and the patent 
was issued a few days came by the 
President. The ranch contains 2,219 
40-100 acres; and is among the best 
pieces of land in the county. Col. 
Couts' residence is located upon it. 
No scarcity of water exists there, and 
crops of all kinds can be grown. The 
patent was placed on record yesterday.
May 8, 1875 SAN DIEGO UNION FROM 
SAN LUIS REY.  -The UNION's correspondent 
at San Luis Rey, writing May 7th, sends 
the following item: A sad accident 
happened in this valley last evening. 
Young Cave J. Couts was driving a 
mowing machine, when a rabbit started 
up in front of him, and he stopped his 
horses and went for the rabbit. The animals 
suddenly started and brought the sickle 
against the back of his legs, cutting them
 in an awful manner. Dr. Sample, of this 
place, was immediately called, and found 
the bone of one leg fractured. I have not 
yet heard whether amputation will be 
necessary. The accident happened about 
sun down, at Buena Vista. 
March 23, 1888 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND -
Cave J. Couts of Altura graced our streets on 
Monday. Cave has quit surveying and is now 
an honest farmer on the line of the Escondido 
road. Mr. Smith and wife, cousins of Cave J. Couts, 
from the blue grass State of Kentucky; famous 
for its horses, women and whiskey, are 
enjoying themselves at the beautiful Guajome ranch. 
August 17, 1888 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND 
-"Cave" is a candidate for County Surveyor 
and the San Diegan says: Mr. Cave J. Couts 
is a staunch Democrat of the Jeffersonian type. 
He lives at Altura Ranch and is very popular, 
besides being comfortably fixed financially. 
He is courteous, obliging, mild and pleasant. 
He is a man of unexceptionable habits, of the 
very highest moral character. Mr. Couts will 
make a careful and active survey of the field. 
September 18, 1888 SAN DIEGO UNION  -Cave J. 
Couts, for surveyor, is a son of Colonel Couts, of 
Mexican war fame, and was born in San Diego. 
His father made the first survey of Old Town and 
of this city. Mr. Couts has made extensive surveys 
for the Southern Pacific and other corporations. 
His age is 32. 
January 18, 1889 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND -
The youngest child of Wm. B. Couts died at 
San Marcos, of fever on Monday. 
February 23, 1889 SAN DIEGO UNION CUPID'S 
BONDS  - W. D. Gray and Miss Dora Couts 
United to Wedlock. Last Wednesday Father 
Ubach joined in wedlock at Guajome, Miss 
Dora Couts, daughter of the late Colonel Couts, 
and W. D. Gray, of San Diego. The ceremony 
was attended by friends and relatives from Los 
Angeles and San Diego, and the groomsman 
and bridesmaid were Robert and Miss Gray, 
cousin and sister of the groom. After the ceremony 
had been performed the guests? to the dining 
room and partook of an excellent dinner, which 
was in waiting for them. The following morning 
Mr. and Mrs. Gray departed for Murietta in company 
with Parker Dear, proprietor of the Santa Rosa 
ranch, at which place they will make a short stay. 
March 8, 1889 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND- Mrs. 
Y. B. de Couts was at the St. Cloud on Sat. The 
Couts stable has been sold to Edmund Pine, 
one of the twin Pines; Augustine and Ely retiring. 
May 10, 1889 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND  - Mrs. 
Y. B. de Couts has returned from San Francisco, 
accompanied by her energetic son and 
business manager, John F. 
July 12, 1889 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND  -
M. Pieper moved the Couts cottage across 
the railroad track Wednesday and Thursday. 
April 18, 1891 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND -
Cave Couts is completing several 
government surveys. Cave J. Couts has 
about completed surveys in the vicinity of Pala. 
June 6, 1891 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND  - 
Cave J. Couts has nearly completed his government
 surveys beyond the Santa Margarita ranch.
July 25, 1891 SOUTH OCEANSIDE DIAMOND  - 
John F. Couts is building a palatial residence 
on the Guajome ranch on the west side of the 
river. A. L. Measure is doing the work. C. J. 
Couts is fencing his Altura ranch. 
March 4, 1893 OCEANSIDE BLADE  - Mrs. Cave 
J. Couts accompanied by Master Cave, spent
 Sunday in San Diego returning Monday evening. 
October 28, 1893 OCEANSIDE BLADE    - Estella, 
the little twenty-two months old daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Couts, died suddenly Sunday 
morning. She was seized with convulsions, 
from some cause unknown, and death resulted  
almost instantaneously. It is sad to lose the little 
ones from our homes even when an illness of
 some duration partially prepares us to expect 
such a result, but so sudden a bereavement is 
doubly sad and the parents have the community's 
deepest sympathy. The Silent Reaper spares 
no home; but, .."with his sickle keen, He reaps 
the bearded grain at a breath, and the flowers 
that grow in between."
February 3, 1894 OCEANSIDE BLADE  - J.B. Winston 
of Los Angeles is visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Cave 
Couts, at Altura. Vita De Celis, Madrid, Spain, 
registered at the South Pacific  and with Mr. 
and Mrs. Wauch of London, Eng and Mrs. J.L.
Gaffey of Los Angeles visited Guajome Tuesday. 
January 19, 1985 OCEANSIDE BLADE - R.L. Couts, 
a former liveryman here and a brother of our 
townsman, WB Couts came down from Los 
Angeles Thursday is sojourning at his mother's 
place Guajome. August 17, 1895 OCEANSIDE BLADE  -    
 Mrs. Y. B. de Couts, and daughters, Mrs. Gray and 
Mrs. Chalmers Scott, also Mrs. Scott's daughter, 
Miss Nettie, are in town for a season and are 
located in the "Myers house" corner Third and 
Hill streets. 
January 25, 1896 OCEANSIDE BLADE  - Tioflo Peters 
was in town Tuesday with a sample of fine ore 
from the Ranchita mine near Banner, this county,  
now the property of C. J. Couts. The specimen 
was very large and one of the finest shown here. 
If Mr. Couts has any considerable body of ore like 
it he will soon have more money than a Vanderbilt. 
February 8, 1896 OCEANSIDE BLADE  - Cave J. Couts, 
the owner of the Ranchita mine at Banner, was in 
town Wednesday night on his way to San Diego. 
He reports that a crushing of about 200 tons of ore 
will be made shortly, which he expects will run 
about ten to twelve thousand dollars and netting 
about eight or ten thousand, as the total cost of 
getting the ore out and crushing is about one 
thousand dollars per each hundred tons of ore. 
February 29, 1896 OCEANSIDE BLADE   - Mrs. Y.B. 
deCouts returned to her home at Guajome, 
Tuesday, very much improved since her illness 
at Los Angeles. 
May 29, 1897 OCEANSIDE BLADE DEATH OF MRS. 
Y. B. DE COUTS  Mrs. Ysidora Bandini de Couts, of 
Guajome, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. 
Baker of Los Angeles, Monday morning, May 24th, 
at the advanced age of 69 years, she having been 
born in Old San Diego, Sept. 13, 1827.  Her father
 was Don Juan Bandini, son of Don Jose Bandini, 
in the last century a commander in the Spanish 
navy and later a resident of Peru, where it is said 
that Don Jose lost his eye sight in some way and 
his son took his place, sailing this coast until finally 
settling at Old San Diego. He took the side of the 
Americans in the troubles between this country 
and Mexico, and his daughters, Miss Ysidora and 
her two sisters, made the first American flag ever
 raised in the county. In 1850 she married Col. 
Cave J. Couts of the U. S. Army, and six years later 
they settled at Guajome, where the husband died 
in 1874, leaving her with a large estate and a family 
of eight children to care for. The children were all 
well reared and educated and the estate well taken 
care of under her management, and in 1886 a 
portion of it was sold for the very snug sum of 
$300,000, which was divided among the children 
and herself. The value of that left is probably 
about $50,000, consisting of about 2,000 acres 
at Guajome, land at Elsinore and Vallecitos, and 
a large number of improved and vacant lots at 
Oceanside. The eight children are still living and 
are as follows: Cave J., Mrs. Parker Dear, Mrs. 
Chalmers Scott, Mrs. J. B. Winston, Mrs. 
Ysidora Couts Gray, John F. and
Wm. B. Couts. The funeral service was held at 
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, at San Diego 
Wednesday, with a solemn requiem mass, 
lasting nearly two hours. There were numerous 
beautiful and expensive floral offerings, among 
them a wreath and cross of white roses and 
carnations from the San Diego pioneers. Father 
Ubach conducted the services, and, as he had 
long been the deceased's confessor and friend, 
his remarks were touching, eulogistic and eloquent. 
The remains were placed in the vault at San Diego 
beside those of her husband, the following named 
persons acting as pall bearers: M. Altamarino of 
Old Town, Don Marcos Forster of San Juan Capistrano,
 Andrew Cassidy and Judge E. S. Parker of San Diego, 
all old pioneers; Oscar A. Trippett, J. E. and H. E. O'Brien 
of this city, and Charles Forbes of Los Angeles. E. S. 
Payne of Oceanside and John B. Winston of Los 
Angeles, by the terms of the late Mrs. Couts' will, 
are its executors. The property is divided equally 
among the children, except as to one or two 
special bequests. The furniture of the chapel at 
Guajome goes to the San Luis Rey Mission and 
the piano to Mrs. Winston. 
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Couts     War of 1812 Muster Rolls        
Submitted by Launa Kitros genealau@sbceo.org 
http://www.ancestry.com/search/
rectype/inddbs/4281.htm
Description: When the United States 
declared war on Great Britain in 1812, 
Congress authorized the President to 
accept and organize volunteers in order 
to win the war. This database is a listing 
of men mustered into the armed forces 
between 1812 and 1815. Taken from 
records in the National Archives, each 
record includes the soldier's name, company, 
rank at time of induction, rank at time of 
discharge, and other helpful information.
 It provides the names of nearly 
600,000 men. For researchers of early 
American ancestors who may have served 
in the military, this can be a helpful 
source of information. 
 Extended Description: 
These records were taken from microfilm rolls 
RG94 and M602, a total of 234 rolls of film.  
Bibliography: Direct Data Capture. War of 1812 
Muster Rolls. [database online] Orem, UT: Ancestry, Inc., 1999. 

Surname  Name    Company    Unit Rank -
Induction      Rank -Discharge 
· COUTS  AARON HUDSPETH'S AND BROWN'S 
REGIMENT, KENTUCKY MILITIA. PRIVATE   
PRIVATE  47 602
· COUTS  AARON 11 REG'T  (CALDWELL'S) 
KENTUCKYMILITIA. PRIVATE  PRIVATE 47  602
· COUTS  JACOB  3 REG'T (JOHNSON'S) E.  
TENNESSEE MIL.  PRIVATE    PRIVATE   47 602
· COUTS  PETER 1 REG'T (CLARKE'S)  
VIRGINIA MILITIA.  FIFER  FIFER 47 602
· COUTS  WILLIAM 2 REG'T MOUNTEDGUNMEN  
(WILLIAMSON'S), TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS. 
 SERGEANT      SERGEANT   47   602
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
The Kautz-Koutz-Kouts-Couts 2000 
Family International Reunion

 To All Of My Cousins Who May Be Interested,
Definite plans for the 
Kautz-Koutz-Kouts-Couts 2000 Family 
International Reunion have finally been 
made.  Events are planned at the Kautz I
ronstone Vineyards and Winery in Murphys, 
California.  John and Gail Kautz of the 
winery will be our hosts.  The dates will 
be July 7, 8 and 9, 2000.
 In case you did not get a 
mailing directly from John Kautz, his mailing 
contained a brochure describing the winery, 
a letter describing briefly the schedule for the 
weekend and a return-address envelope 
and card to request additional information 
and COSTS.
 The following is quoted directly from 
the letter of invitation:
FRIDAY, JULY 7 - ON YOUR OWN OR GET TOGETHER 
WITH OTHERS AND EXPLORE THE MOTHER LODE 
COUNTRYSIDE.  TOUR THE WINERY, TASTING ROOM 
AND GIFT SHOP.  SEE THE 44 LB GOLD NUGGET ON 
DISPLAY IN THE WINERY'S HERITAGE MUSEUM.  RELAX 
IN THE PARK ALONG THE LAKE OR VISIT THE HISTORIC 
GOLD RUSH TOWNS OF MURPHYS AND ANGELS CAMP.
SATURDAY, JULY 8 - DISPLAY YOUR FAMILY TREE 
AND PHOTOS UNDER
THE TENTS.  MEET YOUR COUSINS, UNCLES, AUNTS 
AND NEW RELATIVES.  ENJOY THE ENTERTAINMENT, 
DANCING AND BANQUET IN THE EVENING.
SUNDAY, JULY 9- OPEN TO ALL KAUTZ FRIENDS AND 
FAMILY TO ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES, WHILE LISTENING 
TO A GERMAN BAND OR FINISH UP THE SIGHTSEEING 
BEFORE GOING HOME.
USE EMAIL, THE FAX MACHINE TO LET US KNOW YOU 
WA NT TO JOIN EVERYONE IN THIS GREAT ADVENTURE.  
AS SOON AS WE HEAR FROM YOU, WE"LL SEND 
YOU MORE INFORMATION LISTING THE 
COST OF EACH EVENT AND LODGING.  LODGING 
IN MURPHYS IS LIMITED AND COST RANGE FROM 
$75.00 TO $80.00 A DAY.  SO HURRY AND 
LET US KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING.
MAIL:  5490 BEAR CREEK ROAD, LODI, CA 95240-7213
EMAIL: JKAUTZ@LODINET.COM     FAX: 209 339-1689
 Nancy and I have already sent 
in our reservations for rooms for us andour three 
children at the Murphys Hotel in Murphys, CA, so 
we definitely plan to be there.  We hope that all 
of you will be able to attend as well.
 If you are in doubt, write or email 
John and Gail Kautz for information and a 
brochure describing the winery and surroundings.  
You may be convinced to come.  Everyone who 
I know who has visited the winery (ONE OF THE
 MOST BEAUTIFUL WINERIES IN THE WORLD) has 
been impressed....... and if there happen to be a 
few other Kautzes, Koutzes, Koutses and Coutses 
there, so much the better.  
Let me hear from you, Larry Kautz

NEWSLETTER MATERIALS CAN BE SENT TO:    
BARBARA COUTS EVANS

  
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