Rector Family  

From the One township Yesterday's - Corwin, can be found an account of the Rector family:

The name of Rector is likewise closely associated with the old village of Maxinkuckee and the east side of the lake.

The family settled there at a very early date.

Not a great deal is known about the family connections far back, but it is evident that the family settled in the East many, many years ago, prior to the American Revolution. In the lower part of Manhattan Island there is an ancient and narrow little city lane bearing the name of Rector Street. It is in close proximity to old Trinity Church and is known as one of the first thoroughfares of New York town. The street took its mine from some member of the Rector family, prominent in the days of long ago, or from the family itself.
It is quite certain that the Rectors of Union Township are of the same family.

It was not long after the first comers had built their rude log cabins in clearings east of the lake that Grandfather Rector arrived and settled near by.

The pioneer of the family was Conaway Rector.

It is believed that he came in 1843. At any rate, it was either late in the 'thirties or early in the 'forties that he first viewed the broad expanse of Lake Maxinkuckee, picked out an admirable home-site on a high hill overlooking that body of water, and promptly set to work building a log house to shelter his flock.

Rector put up a commodious cabin home on the top of the hill at Maxinkuckee. It was a fine house to start pioneering in; a big, log affair, located on the north side of the road.

It stood for a good many years, an enduring home, carrying its age in its declining years with consummate grace. But the end had to come, for in 1885 or '86 the house was torn down and the logs cut up for lumber. Sarah A. Rector owned it then.

She had been widowed not long before, her husband, Lewis C. Rector, soil of the pioneer, having passed away in ‘84.

Lewis C. Rector was only seven years of age when the family came to Maxinkuckee. He died on December 10, 1884, at the age of forty-eight.

The family records are meager and it is not known where Conaway Rector, the pioneer, lies buried. His wife was Frances E. Thomas, a remarkable pioneer mother who raised five boys to send off to fight in the War of the Rebellion.

In old Washington Cemetery, over beyond the southeast corner of Lake Maxinkuckee, one finds today five graves in a row, each bearing a marker and a little weather beaten flag, indicating that there lie five veterans, all participants in that great struggle of '61-'65.

There close to the far western boundary of the cemetery, rest in peace the five Rector boys, the brothers. Lewis. Nathan, William, Wesley and Silas, who fought so valiantly for the Union cause in the bitter strife of the 'sixties. There was a sixth brother who did not see service in that war; Conaway died young.

In the line of graves there is another. The marker is inscribed, "Mother." She was Lewis C. Rector's wife, Sarah A.

One of the war veteran markers is in front of her grave. One wonders why it was placed there, and the reason seems to be explained apparently by the following information, given to the writer by Nathan W Rector, the Culver druggist.

All five of the brothers are not buried in Washington Cemetery. In spirit only are the five soldiers united there, and in that manner it may be truthfully said that they are together, resting in peace in that quiet spot by the side of the road near the lake they knew so well and so fondly in their youth. Nathan was buried at Chattanooga. So the marker at Washington Cemetery, "back home" is there in his honor and memory. Nathan was blown up in a powder magazine at Memphis during the war. He had enlisted in Company D, 9th Indiana Regiment, His brother William was with him in the same company and regiment, as were also boys from his home neighborhood, among them Francis M. Parker, and George and Daniel Peebles. William Rector was transferred from Libby Prison, we are told, came home, and died soon afterward.

Silas Rector was enlisted in Company C, 48th Regiment. William and Peter Spangler were among the neighbor boys who were his comrades in that company. We find Nathan Rector serving as a Corporal in the 21st Battery, Light Infantry. James L. Mosher was a Private in the same outfit.

Lewis C. Rector, father of Nathan W., enlisted on November 8, 1861, to serve three years. He was mustered in at Goshen, Indiana, December 24, 1861. He became a Corporal in Company C, 48th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, in which many Marshall County boys were enlisted. He was promoted to First Sergeant and to Second Lieutenant, but was never mustered in the higher grade. He was in the thick of the fray, and was wounded three times, by gunshot, in leg and lung at Mission Ridge. These wounds were the cause of his death, eventually; lung trouble set in and he never regained his old-time strength. He saw service at the Siege of Vicksburg. He was in attendance at Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, and stood behind Grant on that occasion. Having been veteranized home, he organized a company at Warsaw, reenlisting as a veteran. January 1, 1864. He was finally discharged at Louisville. Kentucky, July 15. 1865, as First Sergeant. His death occurred at Maxinkuckee, December 10, 1884, at the age of 48 years, 10 months and 20 days, and he was laid to rest in Washington Cemetery.

The children of Lewis C. and Sarah A. Rector were eight in number, two of whom are now living: Nathan W. of Culver , and Ida May, who married Frank Parker and who now lives at Maxinkuckee.

Sarah A. (Smith) Rector died at Maxinkuckee in 1927. She was a daughter of Moses Smith , an early resident of the Maxinkuckee neighborhood. Sarah had one brother. His name was also Moses Smith. Like the majority of the people in the region just east of the lake, the Smiths were staunch in their support of the Union cause during the Civil War and were represented in that struggle by William C. Smith, who died in the Service.

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Conway Rector Birth: Oct 26 1815 Champaign County Ohio Death: Aug 8 1848 Burial: - has been stated as unknown but find on Find-A-Grave as Mount Hope Cemetery Peru Miami County Indiana MyHeritage has him as son of Samuel Rector 1787 - 1848 Birth: July 24 1787 Mason Co., KY Death: June 2 1848 Miami Co., IN and Polly Weaver Birth: 1792 Death: 1850 with the Rector ancestry back to John Johannes Rector Birth: Dec 1 1711 Trupbach, Nassau-Siegen, Germany Death: Mar 11 1773 Rectortown, Fauquier Co., VA Burial: Rectortown, Fauquier Co., VA married Catherine (Robinson) Taylor

It is believed that he came in 1843.

the children of Conway Rector and Frances E. Thomas were:

* 1 - Lewis C. Rector (Sgt.) b. c. 1836/1838 Ohio was only seven years of age when the family came to Maxinkuckee. His death occurred at Maxinkuckee, December 10, 1884, at the age of 48 years, 10 months and 20 days, and he was laid to rest in Washington-Lawson Cemetery.

his wife was Frances E. (Fanny) Lee said to have married Feb 10 1837 Urbana Champaign County Ohio Birth: Dec 15 1800 Champaign Co., Ohio Death: Feb 15 1881 Marshall county Indiana. She was a remarkable pioneer mother who raised five boys to send off to fight in the War of the Rebellion.

2 - Silas Rector b. 25 Jun 1843 d. Apr. 13, 1875, age 31y-9m-18d buried Washington-Lawson Cemetery

3 - William H. Rector b. 27 Jan 1841 d. Apr. 9, 1865, age 24y-2m-12d buried Washington-Lawson Cemetery

4 - John Wesley Rector Birth 4 DEC 1846 Ohio Death 30 SEP 1867

5 - Nathan Rector b. c. 14 Feb. 1842 d. Aug. 14, 1863, age 21y-6m. Nathan was buried at Chattanooga, so the marker at Washington Cemetery, "back home" is there in his honor and memory.

6 - Samuel C. Rector b. 1859 d. 1925; buried Washington-Lawson Cemetery

7 - Marion Rector

8 - Mary Elizabeth Rector Birth 20 FEB 1845 Death 12 JUL 1845

Frances E. (Fanny) Lee married daughter of John George Lee and Elizabeth Lowman
Birth: 26 FEB. 1813 Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio
Death: died Jul 22 1880 aged 87y 1m 26d Marshall County, Indiana
2nd 8 May 1851 Marshall, Indiana, Daniel Thomas b, 1846 Ohio

Daniel Thomas and Frances E. (Fanny) Lee had:

Miranda E. Thomas Birth 8 MAR 1852 Marshall county, Indiana Death 7 AUG 1940 Denver, Adams, Colorado

Daniel M Thomas Jr Birth 23 MAY 1855 Death 28 JUN 185 Marshall county, Indiana

James E Thomas Birth 18 JUN 1857 Marshall County, Indiana Death 26 FEB 1928

Marshall County, Indiana; Marriage Records 1836-1888 Books: A1 1836-1845 B1
Name: Frances Ann Rector
Spouse Name: Daniel Thomas
Marriage Date: 8 May 1851
Marriage County: Marshall
Year: 1860; Census Place: Union, Marshall, Indiana; Roll: M653_278; Page: 755;
Name: Francis A Thomas
Age: 47
Birth Year: abt 1813
Gender: Female
Birth Place: Ohio
Home in 1860: Union, Marshall, Indiana
Post Office: Yellow River
Family Number: 1198
Value of Real Estate: View image
Household Members: Name Age
Francis A Thomas 47
Nathan Riebe 21
Wm Riebe 19
Silas Riebe 17
Wesley Riebe 14
Maranda Reche 9 {sice Thomas}
James H Reche 3 {sice Thomas}
Louis Rector 22
Sarah A Rector 17
Lena C Rector 4/12

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1 - Lewis C. Rector (Sgt.) b. c. 1836/1838 was only seven years of age when the family came to Maxinkuckee. His death occurred at Maxinkuckee, December 10, 1884, at the age of 48 years, 10 months and 20 days, and he was laid to rest in Washington-Lawson Cemetery.

married Sara A. / Sarah Ann Jane Smith b. 1843 Ohio d. died at Maxinkuckee in 1927. buried Washington-Lawson Cemetery. daughter of Moses Smith and Mary Cole Smith

The children of Lewis C. Rector and Sarah A. Smith were:

1 - Simon C. b. 1860 d. infant
2 - d. infant
3 - Minnie L b. 1870 d. 1896 ?d. infant ?
4 - Samuel Rector of Osborn, Ohio
5 - 'Nate' Nathan W. Rector of Culver , b. Apr. 1866
6 - Dow E. Rector b. April 15, 1877 ,Ottumwa, Iowa ; June 19, 1930 buried Maple Grove cemetery at Argos
August 31, 1898 he married Miss Matilda Worthington b. 1873 d. July 5, 1923 buried Maple Grove cemetery at Argos They had:
Helen Rector m. _ Rinkle, res. Orleans, In.
May 1, 1925, he was married to Mrs. Georgia Riggs They had:
Sarah Elizabeth Rector.
7 - Elizabeth Ellis Rector m. George Garver of Argos she was born while her father was in Camp Ellis
8 - Ida Rector Birth: Feb., 1870 Indiana Death: 1947 Burial: Poplar Grove Cemetery Marshall County Indiana m. Francis M (Frank, F. M.) Parker of Maxinkuckee.Birth: Aug., 1864 Indiana, Death: 1944 Burial: Poplar Grove Cemetery Marshall County Indiana son of Eli E Parker & Catherine Spangler Their home is on one of the old PARKER farms on the east side of Lake Maxinkuckee. According to the Parker family history there were to have been no children.

They had:
1 Arthur L. PARKER,

Arthur L. PARKER, 83, Tucson, Ariz., died Tuesday in Tucson after an extended illness.

Mr. Parker was born June 15, 1890 at Culver to Frank and Ida Rector Parker. He moved to Tucson three years ago from Chicago, where he had lived 40 years.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Kaffenberger, Tucson, eight grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services were at 2:30 p.m. today at Arizona Mortuary in Tucson.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Poplar Grove cemetery with the Rev. Robert HANSEN officiating.

The Grossman funeral home in Argos is in charge of arrangements. - Thursday, October 25, 1973 Rochester Sentinel

9. - Lewis E . Rector b. Sept. 21. 1864 d. Sep 10 1914 burial Poplar Grove; married 1887 Retta Haynes of Jonesboro, Ind. Nov. 8, 1896
Mrs. Lute Rector, died at the home of the widow Rector, last Sunday morning; aged 20 years.

She and her husband have been residents of Kansas the past few years and Mrs. Rector has been a sufferer with that dread disease, consumption.

Her remains were laid at rest in the Poplar Grove cemetery Monday at 2 o’clock, Rev. Ponce officiating.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church, Maxenkuckee. 11 - 13- 1896






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5 - 'Nate' Nathan W. Rector of Culver , b. Apr 1866 Jan 20 1947 Culver, Marshall Indiana Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana





m. 28 Sep 1878 Indianapolis, Marion county Indiana Anna Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Miller b. Aug 1865 or 1859/1860 North Carolina. Death: 10 Oct 1939 Culver Marshall county Indiana Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana daughter of C J Miller and Mary G. White




Mrs. M. Rector Dies After Long Illness Mrs. Anna E. Rector, age, 79, wife of Nathan W. Rector, died at her home here early Tuesday morning. She had been in poor health for several years.

Mrs. Rector was born in North Carolina and lived there until the close of the Civil War, when she came to Indiana

Thirty-one years she, with her husband come to Culver to operate a drug store and they have lived here since that time.

She was a member of the Culver Methodist Church

Surviving, besides the widower, are three sons, Frank of Pendleton, Steffen of Culver and Gray G. of South Bend; one sister Mary J. Miller of Indianapolis; two brothers Edward Miller and William H. Miller of Indianapolis; four granddaughters, one grandson and one great grand daughter

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Alice E, who died in 1898 and three sons Charles Dow of Indianapolis who died 3 years ago and Bert E. of Kokomo who died 2 years ago and an infant son.

Funeral services willl be held at the home on Lake shore Drive Thursday morning at 9:30 o'clock with Dr. F. L. Hovis officiating.

Interment will be in the Menden cemetery, three miles south of Pendleton, Indiana on Road 9

Friends may call at the home.


They resided in Indianapolis until 1892 when they removed to Ingalls, Madison, Indiana

On January 1, 1909 he opened the pharmacy in Culver an in 1917 purchased the building. He has been in the drug business since 1893.

Thay had:
1) Charles "Dow" [Charlie D.] Rector b. 22 Jul 1888 - Indiana d. 5 Jan 1936 Indianapolis Marion county Indiana Burial: 13 Jan 1936 Washington Park East Cemetery Indianapolis Marion County Indiana
had several pharmacies in Indianapolis. He had just expanded his business when the depression hit. He tried to extend credit to those that were in dire need of their medications but could not afford them. hen he & his wife both came down with pneumonia. They both died within a day of each other. I believe Dow must have extended his finances to expand the drug stores as all of the family belongings were auctioned off after he died & my mother only has a few photos of her father & mother & grandparents (Nathan & Lizzy) . Karen Irene (Topping) Niebrydowsk

Dow Rector Dies Suddenly of Pneumonia
Bulletin

Word has been received of the death of Mrs. Dow Rector this morning of double pneumonia. She was taken ill at the same time as her husband. Plans for a double funeral have bnot been completed.

Dow Rector, age 47 years died Sunday at the Methodist hospital of double pneumonia. He was taken ill on the previous Tuesday and on New Year's day was taken to the hospital.

He was the proprietor of a drug store in Indianapolis after leavingCulver in 1912.

Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nate Rector, of Culver; four brothers Frank of Pendleton; Bert of Kokomo; Gray of South Bend; and Steffen of Culver; the widow and one daughter Betty age 11 years.

No plans for the funeral services have been annouced as Mrs. Rector is critically ill of pneumonia at this time - - 9 Jan 1936 - Citizen


married 30 Jun 1920 Indianapolis Marion county Indiana Catherine Irene Riley b. 1896 d. 8 Jan 1936 Indianapolis Marion County Indiana Burial: 13 Jan 1936 Washington Park East Cemetery Indianapolis Marion County Indiana daughter of Michael Francis Riley and Catherine Josephine Maloney
Matrimonial - Dow Rector and his bride are here from Indianapolis to remain until Friday. The wedding took place on June 30 in Indianapolis at the home of the groom which was completely furnished ready for occupancy. The wedding guests included the groom's mother Mrs. N. W. Rector of Culver, his brothers Frank and Steffen of Indianapolis, relatives of Mrs. N. W. Rector and a few intimate friends from Detriot. Chicago and Indianapolis. - 7 Jul 1920 - CItizen

Indiana, Index to Select Marriages, 1780-1992
Name: Catherine Irene Riley
Gender: Female
Age: 24
Birth Date: 1896
Marriage Date: 1 Jul 1920
Marriage Place: Marion Co., In
Father: Michael Francis Riley
Mother: Catherine Josephine Maloney
Spouse: Charles Dow Rector
FHL Film Number: 499421
Reference ID: 293


Mr. and Mrs Dow Rector Funeral Rites Observed
Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Dow Rector, who died of pneumonia at Indianapolis, were held Monday at that City

Services for Mrs. Rector was held at the catholic church and from Mr. Rector at the mortuary.

Both were buried in the Washington cemetery.

Bert Rector, of Kokomo, a brother, had applied for guardianship of the surviving daughter Betty, age 11. - - 15 Jan 1936 Citizem




Their child:
Betty Rector b. c. 1923-1925 ; m. [-?-] Topping My mother was 12 years old at the time & her uncle Bert Rector & his new wife took my mother in Karen (Topping) Niebrydowsk




2) Frank Joseph Rector Birth 20 Jun 1890 in Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana Death 06 Dec 1968 in Pendleton, Madison County, Indiana Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana





married 27 Mar 1910 ,Madison, Indiana Georgie Lyte Cole Birth Aug 4, 1890 in Pendleton, Madison , Indiana Death Jul 22, 1980 in Pendleton, Madison county, Indiana Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana daughter of David Bert Cole & Mary H. Yost



Their children:
1) David William Rector Birth 11 Jan 1911 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana Death 3 Jan 1919 in Pendleton, Madison County, Indiana Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana,



2) Paul Irwin Rector Birth 31 May 1912 in Pendleton, Madison County, Indiana Death 27 Nov 1987 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana


married Elsie A Norris (adopted) Birth: 19 May 1915 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana Death 05 Sep 1998 in North Billerica, Middlesex, Massachusetts Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana daughter of Norman Sylvester Norris & Matilda May Hawkins daughter of Ezra Hawkins and Mary Jane Edbling
Linda Rector Birth: Dec. 11, 1941 Anderson Madison County Indiana Death: Feb. 17, 2015 Spartanburg Spartanburg County South Carolina narried Verle Stephenson

Tanya Jean Rector married -- Parnell


3) Bert Ernest Rector Birth: Jul. 10, 1891 Indianapolis, Marion county Indiana Death: Jan. 29, 1938 Kokomo Howard County Indiana Burial: Maple Grove Cemetery Marshall County Indiana
Kokomo, Ind., Jan. 29. -- Bert E. RECTOR, age 46, sales manager here for the Shell American Petroleum Company, died of pneumonia today after a week's illness. Survivors are the widow and parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. W. RECTOR, Culver . Saturday, January 29, 1938 Rochester Sentinel

Bert Rector Dies Suddenly of Pheumonia
The community was shocked last week by the sudden death of Bert Rector, son of Mr. and Mrs. N. W. Rector, at Kokomo on Friday of pneumonia.

He had been ill for only a week, having spent the previous week at kightly sales meetings and became ill on the previous Friday at Plymouth.

On arriving hom Saturday he immediately went to bed and from then on his condition was serious and his local relatives were called

Mr. Rector, who was 46 years old, was born in Indianapolis, July 10, 1891.

He was a registered pharmacist and from 1911 until 10 years ago he was associated with his father in the Rector Pharmacy here.

He then became identified with the Shell-American Comapny, where his rise was the most sensational in the history of the history of the Indiana territory. After serving as a station operator here for one year Mr. Rector became district manager at South Bend. Within eight months he was promoted to assistant sales manager at Kokomo and within a short period was appointed sales manager.

Held in High Regard

Mr. Rector had an engaging personality that made him a wide circle of friends, and he was well regarded as an able business executive. His only lodge affiliation was with the Culver Masons

He is survived by the widow the former Miss Hortense Goddard to whom he was married May 10, 1917; His parents N. W. Rector; three brothers Steffen of Culver, Gray of South Bend and Frank of Pendleton; and a niece and adopted daughter, Betty Rector, who has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Rector since pneumonia claimed her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dow Rector of Indianapolis, within three days of each other two years ago.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at the First Congegational church, Kokomo, of which he was a member, with interment in the Argos cemetery, where burial services were conducted by the local Masonic lodge. 2 Feb 1938 - Citizen


married May 10, 1917 Hortense E. Goddard Birth: 13 Nov 1898 - Marshall Co., Indiana Death: Nov 1976 - South Bend, St Joseph Co., Indiana Burial: Maple Grove Cemetery Marshall County Indiana daughter of Noble John Goddard & Lucretia M. Marsh
married 2nd 20 Nov 1940 Saint Joseph County , Indiana Lawrence Lowman Robbibs(1892–1949)
married 3rd 21 Jun 1952 Saint Joseph County, Indiana Sheldon Cooperrider ( 1907–1987)

They 1920 resided Marshall county, Indiana; 1930 resided South Bend, St. Joseph, Indiana.

4) Alice E Rector Birth: Sep. 30, 1893 Death: Aug. 9, 1898 Burial: Mendon Cemetery Madison County Indiana

5) Infant Son



6) Steffen N Rector b. Nov. 27, 1900 Ingalls, Madison County, Indiana d. Apr 2 1955 Hinesl, Illinois






married Josephine Jane Bigley Birth 13 Jul 1907 Culver, Marshall, Indiana Death Dec. 1980 Tempe, Arizona daughter of Chester G. Bigley and Pearlie A "Tillie " Creviston



both are buried Washington cemetery



They had:

1) Josephine Jane "Jane" Rector Birth 30 Nov 1927 in Culver, Marshall County Indiana Death 24 Feb 1992 in Flagstaff, Coconino County, Arizona married 23 Mar 1947 Marshall county Indiana Phillip D "Phil " Wallstead born Birth: Jun. 19, 1922 Ludington Mason County Michigan, USA Death: Mar. 14, 2002 Warsaw Kosciusko County Indiana Burial: South Pleasant Methodist Church Cemetery North Manchester Wabash County Indiana Burial: son of E. V./F. W. Wallstead of Traverse City, Mi
Steffanie "Jill" Wallstead married -- Greer
Adam Kent Greer (1975-1975
Phillip Kent "Chip" Wallstead maarried Pamela Jean Luddington
Their marriage ended in divorce and after relocating to Arizona in 1969 , she met and married her second husband, Thomas Melvin Stevens. They eventually made Flagstaff, Arizona their home and remained there until their deaths.

2) Barbara Ann Rector Birth: August 30, 1933 Death: August 13, 2006 Rantoul, Champaign, Illinois married 1964 Joseph Gilbert "Joe" Topping Birth 2 AUG 1932 Dexterville, Wisconsin Death July 15 1990 - Alberque, New Mexico son of Archie Cook Topping & Dorothy Mae (Dora) Mallory

3) Amelia Sue Rector married Nov. 26 1954 Culver, Indiana Water Duane Ludwig son of Walter Ludwig.
Tony Ludwig
Timothy Ludwig
Andrew D. Ludwig Birth: May 20 1957 Death: Nov 20 1970 Maplewood Cemetery Rantoul, Champaign County, Illinois




6) Gray George Rector Birth 28 Apr 1902 in Anderson, Madison County, Indiana Death 18 Jun 1996 in Fountain Valley, Orange Co., CA Burial: Leiters Ford IOOF Cemetery Leiters Ford Fulton County Indiana





married 24 Aug 1937 Gladys Lucille Heeter Birth 12 Apr 1920 in Delong, Fulton county Indiana Death Apr 24 1962 South Bend, St. Joseph Co. Indiana Burial: Leiters Ford IOOF Cemetery Leiters Ford Fulton County Indiana daughter of William Henry Heeter & Della M. Edgington



They had:
Gray George Rector Jr.
-- Rector (daughter) married -- Pruitt
--- Rector (daughter) married -- Hobkirk


Rector Family Index