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Archiver > OPDYCK > 2003-04 > 1050945956


From: Rhonda Shoemaker <>
Subject: Catharine Updike, Theodore Dalrymple
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2003 13:25:56 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)


Thank you all so very much for the information and direction! I will be
pursuing each and every new clue I have received. Will let you know my
progress. I hope I can help someone else out as you all have helped me! I
have outlined what I do know for sure and ended with a few questions.

What I know...

1) Jackson Smith was Theodore S. Dalrymple before and during Civil War (C.W.
Pension file)

2) He states in a handwritten letter to pension board, "I found out after
the war that Dalrymple was my step-fathers name and that my real name was
Jackson Smith."

3) He also states in same letter, "My mother lost my pension certificate
when she moved to Frenchtown."

4)1850 Census, Warren Cty, Washington Twp, July
Aaron Dalrymple, 43, farmer, NJ
Catharine, 32, NJ
Phebe, 15, NJ (Aaron's daughter from 1st marriage)
Theodore, 11, NJ
Mary, 8, NJ
John, 7, NJ
George, 5, NJ
Sarah, C?, 3, NJ

5) He married a Mary Adeline Bowlby before the war and divorced about 1868
in New Hampton, (NJ?) Again, handwritten correspondence to pension
department.

Based on this info, I do believe that a Dalrymple was his step-father. Also
based on the above mentioned facts, and that I can only find 3 Theodore
Dalrymples (one is black) during this time period, I do believe that Aaron
and Catharine were, at least, his primary "care-givers". Do you think I am
on the right track here?

Thanks to Mike, I found it interesting that on the same page of the 1840
census containing Benjamin Opdycke (line 1), there was also a Mary Opdycke
(line 4) with a male child, 5 & under and apparently no male adult in the
family. Also on same page a Barnet A. Smith family (line 5) and Joseph Smith
(line 6).

Rita, do you think this is the same Smith family line that still operates a
farm near the Opdyckes old place in NJ? I am planning a trip to NJ sometime
within the next year. Would love to see the old places! Also, sent what
little I have to Madge, but directed her to the Bowlby group, they may be
able to help her more.

Does anyone know anything about this Mary Opdycke? Age in 1850 census
between 20 and 30. Also, Mike (or anyone) where would I search for
guardianship papers? State archives, county or township? One more question,
(if I dare!) what is the
religious affiliation of the Opdyckes, especially Catharine?

Again, thank you!
Rhonda

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