Chapter 6 Dr. Joel Grammer - Faculty and TA Directory

John I?...Reverend John...Jacob...Dr. Joel
became the county line between Ormsby and Douglas counties. The two enumerations after
Grammer are Emanuel Penrod and L.B. Abernathy (originally from Southern Illinois), with their
ranches being due east of Dr. Joel’s farm. About the same time that Dr. Joel was there, Mark Twain
was working in the area as a reporter for the Territorial Enterprise, the Virginia City newspaper.
Twain left Nevada around 1864.
Dr. Joel was listed as a farmer, not a physician, in the 1860 Nevada census. One speculation
was that Dr. Joel could no longer practice medicine because of his health, and that the same poor
health was the cause of his move to Nevada Territory. If so, the gesture was futile – he died soon
thereafter.
Dr. Joel’s will was written on June 2, 1861, about six weeks before his death. The will was
initially probated in Nevada Territory, but certified copies were sent back to Jackson County so that
Joel’s son John Wesley could settle property and debts there. 73 The will reads:
I Joel Grammer of Nevada Territory Carson County do hereby make & declare this my last will and
testememt in the manner and form wit
1 st it is my will that my funneral Expences & all my Just debts be fully paid
2 nd After such payment of the funneral Expencis and debts I Give devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife
Lydia Grammar the interest in A farm known and designated the North half of the South East quarter of
North East quarter section Nineteen in township ten south Range one west of the 3 rd principal meredian in
Jackson County Illinois. Also the Interest of the Residence that we Reside on, in Carson County Territory
affore mentioned. I Also Give bequeath to her Lydia Grammer All my Goods, Chattels, household furnitures
And other Articles of personal property Not Enumerated to be controled and used for the support and
Education of my children As follows Mary Katherine Ellen Joel to be applied and used for the support and
Education of All her children so long As she may Remain Alone or Single And Alone. If it should hapen
that She Should Mary Then at That time All Her Interest in The Remainder of lands tennents, Good,
chattels, my wife Lydia Grammer is to inherit one third of the Remainder of Real Estate and All the
personal property for the purpose of the support and Education of our children. I Give and bequeath to Joel
A. Douglas Grammer my youngest Son Now born a land Warrant to be laid for him and in his name of the
fowlering description No 90918 74 of one hundred and sixty Acres. I desire that Emery Grammar Remain
on the place & perfect the crop have 1/3 rd the Same his horse sadle and Co [?].
And lastley I finely constitute and appoint Emanuel Penrod my Executor of my last will & testament
Revoking and Annuling All former wills by me made and Ratifying And confirming this ??? last will &
testement?
72 Letter dated March 1, 1977, from Rocha to Gilbert Wright. Location of Dr. Joel’s farm is based upon known
locations of the two families next to Dr. Joel on the census of 1860: Emanuel Penrod and S.B. Abernathy.
73 Probate files for Jackson County, Illinois, available at IRAD at Southern Illinois University. Original will and
Nevada probate papers available from Nevada Archives.
74 Union County Grantor Deed Book P, page 433.
Prepared by Penny McIntire (815)652-4237 5-16
7312 South Lowden Road penny@pennymcintire.com last updated January 1, 2004
Oregon, Illinois 61061-9737 www.pennymcintire.com