Generation 3

Charles Onan 1821 – 1896 RIN 319
Hanna Buzard 1922 – 1877 RIN 356
FGR 117
Martha Sherman RIN 361
FGR 118

Charles, born April 1821, was the third child of James and Mary Onan; and the first born in New York state. His birth establishes an approximate date for the move from Pennsylvania to New York. This is an important family because his descendants are still living in the area where he was a Wisconsin pioneer.

He married Hanna Buzard in New York state, where all of their children were born. Nothing is known about Hanna. The move from Tompkins County NY to Wisconsin was interrupted briefly for the birth of a child in Cattaraugus County NY. A history of Portage County reports that they settled in Wisconsin in 1854, and Portage County in 1861. The 1860 US census shows Charles and Hanna with 4 children living in the town of Weston, Marathon county WI.

The GAZETTE obituary reads as follows:

"Chas. Onan died at the residence of his son, Warren, Wednesday afternoon last at 1:45 o’clock aged 75 years. Deceased was born in Stockwood [?] county Pa., and has been a resident of this state for about 28 years. Mr. Onan had been failing gradually for the past three months, but was able to be about the house most of the time until within an hour of his death, when he wanted to be put into bed, but before his son could get his clothing removed he had expired. Death was caused by heart failure. His first wife has been dead eighteen years and to them four children were born, only one of whom, Warren of this place, is now living. Mr. Onan was again married about 11 years ago and lived with his second wife until within the past year. Four children were born of the last union. He has been an active member of the M.E. church thirty years and was highly respected. Funeral services were held from the M.E. church at 2 P.m. last Friday, Rev. Cooper officiating. The pall bearers were John Leary, John Dineen, Mike Scanlan, S. Whitaker, Jos. Precourt and B. F. Parker. Interment was in Buena Vista Cemetery."

Charles second marriage was to Martha A. Sherman at Buena Vista, Portage County WI, 14 March 1885. Martha was the daughter of William and Lydia Sherman.

Martha also had a second marriage, to John C. Clements on April 14, 1897 at Randolph, Wood county, WI.

Here is the information I have on the descendants of Charles Onan. It is arranged by generation. Use the Onan Descendancy chart to orient yourself to the family.

Generation 4

Nelson Leslie: Married Laura Howard on March 31, 1879 in the town of Buena Vista, Portage county WI. He was a farmer and belonged to the Methodist Church. Children were Frank Leslie and Pearl.

Warren Albert: Bought wild and un-cleared land in Buena Vista township. "From year to year increased the area of cultivation; built and remodeled a house and barn and by the time he died, had surrounded himself with many comforts and valuable property." (History of Portage county) He was a Republican, served on the school board and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Child: William Austin

Bradford: Born, presumably, in Tompkins county NY; died 1879 in Wisconsin. He is buried at Liberty Corners, Buena Vista, WI.

Helen Mary: Born April 1852 in Cattaraugus County NY. Married Andrew O. "Andre" Vaughn July 3, 1875 in Stevens Point WI and died there March 2, 1884. The following obituary is unusual.

"DIED – VAUGHN In the town of Stevens Point, March 1, 1884, Helen, [Onan] wife of A. O. Vaughn, aged 33 years. Mrs. Vaughn leaves a husband and three children, the oldest five or six years old, and the youngest only a little more than two weeks. Her death occurred under peculiarly sad circumstances. Last Friday their little boy got hold of an old pistol that was in the house and fired it off. The report so frightened him that he fell over. His mother saw him, and thought he was killed. In her weak state, this gave her such a shock that she went into convulsions, and from the effects of which she died Sunday morning at about 8 o’clock. Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn have been living during the winter at what is known as the boom house."

Generation 5

Frank Leslie: Born in the town of Buena Vista, WI on August 19, 1880 His mother died when he was five years old and his father died when he was ten. He went to live with his grandparents, Nate and Betsy Howard in the town of Amherst. Married Harriet (Hattie) Rosetta Whipple on December 30, 1912. He was a potato and diary farmer until he died. Frank is buried in the Badger Cemetery, Portage county, WI.

William Austin: Born 1885, he was considered a practical farmer and stock raiser in Buena Vista township. Born on the farm of 230 acres where he spent his life, "He has a herd of excellent cattle and is helping raise the aggregate of agriculture standards in the county".

Generation 6

Frank William: Born August 4, 1922 in the town of Lanark, Portage County WI. He attended Stevens Point High School and University of Wisconsin, Madison. Frank married Helga Marie Loberg [a contributor to much of this family history] on December 27, 1947 at North New Hope Lutheran Church, Portage WI. He was baptized in the church on October 22, 1949. Living on the farm his entire married life he was an officer on the Pure Milk Board Association and served the Peace Lutheran Church Council in Amherst. In retirement he enjoyed reading, gardening, travel and especially time with his grandchildren. Frank died January 2, 1998 and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Amherst, Portage County, WI.