FROM CORAL HEWITT NOLAN
A picture of a picture of the other things on the wagon train, or collected in the early days!
Listing of items in photograph by Inez Hewitt
FROM WALT DAVIES’ ARCHIVES
The description of the items in the photograph by Inez Lenore Hewitt Abbot.
Inez was the secretary of the first Hewitt Reunions, 1919 through 1921.
[Henry and Elizabeth Matheny Hewitt> Jasper Hewitt >Inez Hewitt ]
Sarah Jane Matheny (1825-1849) daughter of Henry and Rachel Matheny married Aaron Maxwell Layson, who at 23 years old had been elected to organize the wagon train when they left Missouri.
“Aaron and Sarah Jane Matheny Layson settled next to her parents in Yamhill County and took up a donation land claim.” Sarah Jane died in the gold fields in California, so Aaron could claim only 320 acres rather than 640. His mother-in-law, Rachel Matheny also could claim only 320 acres because her husband, Henry Matheny also died in the gold fields. So, Aaron farmed the whole 640 acres of the original Henry Younger Matheny and Rachel Cooper Matheny DLC. Rachel took care of the house and Aaron’s three children, her grandchildren. Aaron Layson died in 1886 and is buried in the Hopewell Cemetery.
Aaron and Sarah Jane Matheny Layson had three children. Anna E. Layson, born ca. 1844 married Wilson Gibson, died 1922. Buried in Hopewell, Cemetery.
James Benjamin Layson (aka Jim Ben) b. 1845 Married Sarah C?? died 1920, Hopewell (in cemetery??) Cena Abigale, b 1849 in El Dorado County, CA married Rev. Mark E. Bailey, Wheatland. Died 1941 Vancouver, WA.
For more FAMILY DONATION LAND CLAIMS click on the link below.
FROM MERRILEE JOHNSON
Hand drawn map of donation land claims