Gaston

A History of Washington Valley New Jersey

Washington Valley plotted from earliest available deeds

In 1949 a committee came together to prepare a history of Washington Valley New Jersey. From its origins as a settlement in 1749 through the pivotal moments of the Revolutionary War and into the nineteenth century, they delve into the lives of the early families who once called this valley home. Despite the challenges of piecing together a fragmented historical record, their endeavor aims to illuminate the valley’s heritage, drawing on a diverse array of sources, from land deeds and wills to personal anecdotes and genealogical research. This book is free to read or to download as a PDF.

Autauga County Alabama Genealogy

Autauga County, Alabama

An extensive collection of material relating to Autauga County Alabama genealogy, includes vital records, cemeteries, census, history, and other records.

Biography of Lieutenant William Gaston

Lieutenant William Gaston

Lieutenant William Gaston was born on April 5, 1834, in Newburn, North Carolina, the eldest son of Alexander and Eliza W. Gaston. He graduated from West Point in 1856 and served as a 2nd Lieutenant against hostile Indians in the West, earning commendations for his bravery and leadership. Despite health issues, he remained dedicated to his duties until his early death at age 24. He was buried at West Point alongside fellow officers, with a simple slab marking their graves.

Biographical Sketch of William Gaston

William Gaston was a Presbyterian clergyman born on April 19, 1835, in Columbiana County, Ohio. He graduated from Washington College in 1858 and Western Theological Seminary in 1861. Gaston served as a pastor in various churches, including Smiths Ferry and Cleveland, and was ordained in 1861. He held academic and ecclesiastical positions, including director at the University of Wooster. Married twice, his first wife Julia M. Cunningham died in 1896, while his second wife was Jennie L. Wise. Gaston was active during the Civil War and traveled extensively.

Biography of L. U. Gaston

L. U. Gaston, born on October 13, 1873, in Neosho, Kansas, became the Chief of Police in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, after initially working in the livery business. He joined the police force as a patrolman in 1908 and was appointed chief in 1917, playing a key role in maintaining order during tense times, such as the Tulsa riot. Gaston’s personal life includes two marriages, resulting in two daughters. He is active in several civic organizations and is committed to the wellbeing of Bartlesville’s citizens.

Biography of Joseph Gaston

Joseph Gaston, born in 1833 in Ohio, was a significant figure in Oregon’s railroad history. Descended from Huguenots, he overcame early hardships to study law and became involved in the railroad movement after moving to Oregon in 1862. He played a crucial role in surveying and promoting the Oregon-California Railroad, serving as its first president. Gaston also developed the state’s first narrow-gauge line. An influential editor and writer, he contributed extensively to Oregon’s political and agricultural literature while managing his farm in Washington County.