1840's Portland ( Leando), Village T., Van Buren Co resident

MOUNTS, MOUNTZ, MOUNCE

Posted By: Wayne Bracken (email)
Date: 7/9/2003 at 17:35:25

A letter written by James McKinsey, Capt of a Wagon Train bound for California, written to JANE MOUNTS, care of JACKSON MOUNTS, Portland (now Leando), Van Buren Co., IA, dated May 21, 1849, Missouri Territory. This letter informed Jane Mounts of the death of her husband PROVIDENCE MOUNTS who died on the morning the letter was written. McKinsey stated they buried Providence on the Mimawa River with a wooden headboard. They were 150 miles from St. Joseph and it would take 5 - 6 weeks to return the body.

By 1850, Jane had returned to Switzerland County, IN, where she and Providence had married and lived. Jackson Mounts' wife, ELIZABETH (Motts) returned also before 1850 to Switzerland County, IN with a one year old son and a 2/12 aged son.

Jackson Mounts appears to have been the son of Jane and Providence Mounts. Did Jackson go join the wagon train to claim his father's possessions and rights?

ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE PEOPLE OR THIS INCIDENT?