Mertz Genealogy - Person Sheet
Mertz Genealogy - Person Sheet
Birth1797, Burlington Co, NJ
Memo(J L Floyd)
Death29 January 1839, North’d, PA
Father4G GF John Hopewell (~1775-~1800)
Mother4G GM Rebecca
Spouses
Birth19 July 1800
Memo(tombstone)
Memo(tombstone)
BurialRiverview Cemetery, North’d, PA
Father4G GF Conrad Ulp (1773-1853)
Mother4G GM Alice (Elsie) (-~1839)
Marriageabout 1824
Marr Memo(tax records)
Parent-Proof notes for 3G GF James S Hopewell
JL Floyd says he was the son of John Hopewell and they came together to Northumberland from New Jersey.
Relocated notes for 3G GF James S Hopewell
The first open question about James is: who was his father? If his father was Beckett, then James was born in New Jersey and came to Northumberland possibly as a teenager. If John was his father, then the second question is: was James born in New Jersey just before his father came to Northumberland or was he born in Northumberland sometime after his father’s arrival? Either way, James lived his adult life in Northumberland.
Census History notes for 3G GF James S Hopewell
1800-1820. My best guess is that he lives in the James Hepburn household with his grandmother (until her death in 1816) and, for some of those years, his father and mother who both died young.
1830. James Hopewell of Northumberland Borough is 30-40, his wife 20-30. This is the earliest appearance of the Hopewell name in any Northumberland Census. John U, age 1, is no doubt the son under 5.
1840. James Hopewell of Northumberland Borough is 40-50 as is his wife, there are 2 sons 5-10, 2 daughters 5-10 and 1 daughter 10-15. John U is 10-11 and must be one of the sons age 5-10. J L Floyd is my only source for the dod of James Hopewell, but it sure seems to be in error. The date is not given by Meiser and I don’t think a tombstone exists, so I don't know where Floyd got that date and whether it is simply in error or some kind of typo. James is not around in the 1850 Census, so it’s possible it was 1849, I suppose.
1830. James Hopewell of Northumberland Borough is 30-40, his wife 20-30. This is the earliest appearance of the Hopewell name in any Northumberland Census. John U, age 1, is no doubt the son under 5.
1840. James Hopewell of Northumberland Borough is 40-50 as is his wife, there are 2 sons 5-10, 2 daughters 5-10 and 1 daughter 10-15. John U is 10-11 and must be one of the sons age 5-10. J L Floyd is my only source for the dod of James Hopewell, but it sure seems to be in error. The date is not given by Meiser and I don’t think a tombstone exists, so I don't know where Floyd got that date and whether it is simply in error or some kind of typo. James is not around in the 1850 Census, so it’s possible it was 1849, I suppose.
Research notes for 3G GF James S Hopewell
Tax Records -- Point Twp. Starting in 1821, James Hopewell, single, is taxed on a town lot -- I would bet it was one that previously was taxed to the estate of James Hepburn. He continues to be listed as single through 1823 and then is not listed that way starting in 1824.
He is listed in Meiser’s “Genealogist’s Guide to Riverview” -- but that doesn’t necessarily mean he is buried there. Since there are no dates associated with his birth or death and since we know that Meiser lists the spouse of people buried in Riverview even if the person is not buried there -- and given that James’ wife Elizabeth is buried there, I think we can conclude James is not buried there and the listing may only be to state that he was her spouse. But I don’t have any idea where he is buried. Before the founding of Riverview, some Northumberland persons were buried in religious graveyards in town but there is record of many of those graves being later moved to Riverview.
From “The History of Northumberland”, a paper presented at the Northumberland County Historical Society -- “On 4 Aug 1821, there was organized in Northumberland an artillery corps...privates...James Hopewell.”
He is listed in Meiser’s “Genealogist’s Guide to Riverview” -- but that doesn’t necessarily mean he is buried there. Since there are no dates associated with his birth or death and since we know that Meiser lists the spouse of people buried in Riverview even if the person is not buried there -- and given that James’ wife Elizabeth is buried there, I think we can conclude James is not buried there and the listing may only be to state that he was her spouse. But I don’t have any idea where he is buried. Before the founding of Riverview, some Northumberland persons were buried in religious graveyards in town but there is record of many of those graves being later moved to Riverview.
From “The History of Northumberland”, a paper presented at the Northumberland County Historical Society -- “On 4 Aug 1821, there was organized in Northumberland an artillery corps...privates...James Hopewell.”
My Comments notes for 3G GF James S Hopewell
JL Floyd says James Hopewell was the father of John U, as does Meiser. James is certainly the obvious choice as he was only male Hopewell in Northumberland when John U was born. Floyd also tells us “James Hopewell, for many years, was a clerk in Cowden's store, at Northumberland Borough, where he died Jan 29, 1839. His wife, Elizabeth Ulp, was born in December, 1800, and died July 18, 1850.”
John Cowden, James’ employer, was married to Sarah Hopewell, James’ aunt. John Cowden was one of the earliest and most important residents of Northumberland and his store was near the docks as the river was the means by which goods arrived.
James Hopewell first appeared on the scene in Northumberland in 1821 property tax records. He was not present in the 1820 Census -- for which the explanation I believe is that he was then living in the John Cowden household. James Hepburn was taxed on several town lots prior to his death and his estate was taxed on them in 1818. I believe the lot that James was taxed on in 1821 may well have been one of the lots previously owned by James Hepburn. Through 1823, James was consistently listed as single and then in 1824 and thereafter, that designation was no longer indicated; I believe that tells us he married in about 1823 or 1824. James first appeared in Census in Northumberland in 1830.
Meiser says he was James S Hopewell, but I have seen that middle initial no where else. Paul William Hopewell believes he was James H Hopewell and that the H stood possibly for Horace but more likely for Hepburn. In addition to his Aunt Sarah who married a Northumberland merchant, James had another aunt, Mary, who married James Hepburn, a Northumberland merchant and business partner of John Cowden. Paul Hopewell believes that when John Hopewell’s step-father died that his mother Mary (Beckett-Hopewell) Eldridge came with her son John to live in the Hepburn household in Northumberland, and thus it might be logical that John later named his son James Hepburn Hopewell.
There is a burial in Riverview of James H Hopewell 1832-1896 whose wife was Mary. I believe he was indeed James H and Paul Hopewell may have confused his middle initial with that of his father, so I believe the father was James S. James H was no doubt the son of James S and brother of John U.
John Cowden, James’ employer, was married to Sarah Hopewell, James’ aunt. John Cowden was one of the earliest and most important residents of Northumberland and his store was near the docks as the river was the means by which goods arrived.
James Hopewell first appeared on the scene in Northumberland in 1821 property tax records. He was not present in the 1820 Census -- for which the explanation I believe is that he was then living in the John Cowden household. James Hepburn was taxed on several town lots prior to his death and his estate was taxed on them in 1818. I believe the lot that James was taxed on in 1821 may well have been one of the lots previously owned by James Hepburn. Through 1823, James was consistently listed as single and then in 1824 and thereafter, that designation was no longer indicated; I believe that tells us he married in about 1823 or 1824. James first appeared in Census in Northumberland in 1830.
Meiser says he was James S Hopewell, but I have seen that middle initial no where else. Paul William Hopewell believes he was James H Hopewell and that the H stood possibly for Horace but more likely for Hepburn. In addition to his Aunt Sarah who married a Northumberland merchant, James had another aunt, Mary, who married James Hepburn, a Northumberland merchant and business partner of John Cowden. Paul Hopewell believes that when John Hopewell’s step-father died that his mother Mary (Beckett-Hopewell) Eldridge came with her son John to live in the Hepburn household in Northumberland, and thus it might be logical that John later named his son James Hepburn Hopewell.
There is a burial in Riverview of James H Hopewell 1832-1896 whose wife was Mary. I believe he was indeed James H and Paul Hopewell may have confused his middle initial with that of his father, so I believe the father was James S. James H was no doubt the son of James S and brother of John U.
Children Names notes for 3G GF James S Hopewell
Floyd lists these children for James Hopewell and Elizabeth Ulp: Mary E (1823-) married Daniel Voris, Elsie (1825-1847) married Capt William Gray, Rebecca B (1827-1850) married Hiram Young (the brother of John U’s wife), John U and James H (1834-1896). James H lived in Scranton at some time, though was buried in Riverview.
Emma (Eckert) Morgan lists the deaths of two married daughters of James Hopewell, Mary Voris and Elsie Gray, as occurring between the time of death of James (1843) and her (Emma’s) Aunt Betty Hopewell, mother’s sister — which was 1850.
Emma (Eckert) Morgan lists the deaths of two married daughters of James Hopewell, Mary Voris and Elsie Gray, as occurring between the time of death of James (1843) and her (Emma’s) Aunt Betty Hopewell, mother’s sister — which was 1850.
Find-a-Grave notes for 3G GF James S Hopewell
He is not on find-a-grave. Floyd says he died 29 Jan 1839, but James was in the 1840 Census that is wrong. His niece Emma Eckert (Mrs. M L Morgan) says her unlaced did when she was about 7 — i.e. abt 1843.
Parent-Proof notes for Elizabeth (Spouse 1)
We know from his death certificate that John U Hopewell’s mother was Elizabeth Ulp. That is also what Joseph Meiser and J L Floyd said, though Meiser probably got it from Floyd and Floyd, for many people, has proved to be an unreliable source.
Elizabeth Ulp, born 1800, is the earliest born Ulp listed by Joseph Meiser buried in Riverview. However, as early as the 1810 Census, there was a Conrad Ulp, born 1773, in Northumberland so I have presumed him to be the father of Elizabeth Ulp.
The first question is -- was Conrad really her father? I think it has to be the case, I can find no other candidate. The next question is then -- if Conrad was her father, who was her mother? Was it Alice? I find it very curious that when Lot #172 was deeded over in 1865, that none of Elizabeth’s heirs were involved. Why was that? My best explanation is that Elizabeth’s heirs lost out because she had pre-deceased her father. But it is more complex than that as another of their deceased children was involved.
Remember, too, it is my belief that Barnet’s wife was named Elizabeth so it would have been natural for Conrad to name a daughter after his own mother.
An interesting newspaper article of 2 Aug 1878 reports on a picnic “Friday last” at Clement’s Park of “the Eckert family, which branches out into the Morgan, Ulp, Hopewell, Burg, McGregor, Smith and Blue families.”
Elizabeth Ulp, born 1800, is the earliest born Ulp listed by Joseph Meiser buried in Riverview. However, as early as the 1810 Census, there was a Conrad Ulp, born 1773, in Northumberland so I have presumed him to be the father of Elizabeth Ulp.
The first question is -- was Conrad really her father? I think it has to be the case, I can find no other candidate. The next question is then -- if Conrad was her father, who was her mother? Was it Alice? I find it very curious that when Lot #172 was deeded over in 1865, that none of Elizabeth’s heirs were involved. Why was that? My best explanation is that Elizabeth’s heirs lost out because she had pre-deceased her father. But it is more complex than that as another of their deceased children was involved.
Remember, too, it is my belief that Barnet’s wife was named Elizabeth so it would have been natural for Conrad to name a daughter after his own mother.
An interesting newspaper article of 2 Aug 1878 reports on a picnic “Friday last” at Clement’s Park of “the Eckert family, which branches out into the Morgan, Ulp, Hopewell, Burg, McGregor, Smith and Blue families.”
Census History notes for Elizabeth (Spouse 1)
The 1800 Census was taken in August of that year, so Elizabeth should have been reported. I cannot find her presumed father Conrad, unless he is the Conrad Oulps mentioned elsewhere but that Conrad does not have a daughter of the right age.
1810. She can be accounted for in Conrad’s household.
1820. She cannot be accounted for in Conrad’s household, so where is she? Her future husband is listed as single in the 1821-1823 tax lists, so she is not yet married.
1830 and 1840. She can be accounted for in her husband’s household.
The 1850 Census listing is interesting. Elizabeth Hopewell is living with her two sons John and James in the household of Hiram and Rebecca Young. Rebecca Young, I’m quite certain, is Elizabeth’s daughter. We know that John Hopewell will soon marry Mary Elizabeth Young, Hiram’s sister. John and Rebecca Hopewell, brother and sister, marry Hiram and Mary Elizabeth Young, brother and sister — and then when Mary Elizabeth dies, John Hopewell marries yet another Young sister.
1810. She can be accounted for in Conrad’s household.
1820. She cannot be accounted for in Conrad’s household, so where is she? Her future husband is listed as single in the 1821-1823 tax lists, so she is not yet married.
1830 and 1840. She can be accounted for in her husband’s household.
The 1850 Census listing is interesting. Elizabeth Hopewell is living with her two sons John and James in the household of Hiram and Rebecca Young. Rebecca Young, I’m quite certain, is Elizabeth’s daughter. We know that John Hopewell will soon marry Mary Elizabeth Young, Hiram’s sister. John and Rebecca Hopewell, brother and sister, marry Hiram and Mary Elizabeth Young, brother and sister — and then when Mary Elizabeth dies, John Hopewell marries yet another Young sister.
Research notes for Elizabeth (Spouse 1)
Meiser lists these people in Riverview. James S Hopewell and Elizabeth Ulp, also Sarah Hopewell. JSH no dates, EU b.Dec 1800 d.18 Jul 1850. Meiser lists people chronologically and Sarah D (Hopewell) Cowden d.11 Jun 1836 is the only Hopewell born earlier than James S. She was w/o John Cowden d.12 Jan 1837. Their daughter Deborah b.1807 is also listed in Riverview. No Ulp is listed born before Elizabeth.
Find Out notes for Elizabeth (Spouse 1)
Do any of these deeds have anything of interest?
- XX-466 from James H. Hopewell & Mary A. to John U. Hopewell
- 57-94 ditto
- 114-161 from John U. to John C. Hopewell
- 131-349 from John C. Hopewell to J.P. Mertz
- 53-261 from Levi & Mary Eckert to Mary Eckert
- 88-681 from Levi Eckert's heirs
- 91-568 release from Levi Eckert et al to Samuel Eckert
- XX-466 from James H. Hopewell & Mary A. to John U. Hopewell
- 57-94 ditto
- 114-161 from John U. to John C. Hopewell
- 131-349 from John C. Hopewell to J.P. Mertz
- 53-261 from Levi & Mary Eckert to Mary Eckert
- 88-681 from Levi Eckert's heirs
- 91-568 release from Levi Eckert et al to Samuel Eckert
My Comments notes for Elizabeth (Spouse 1)
I don't know much about James' wife Elizabeth Ulp, though her son's name almost certainly proves hers. Her father may have been Conrad Ulp, the only Ulp living in Northumberland earlier than Elizabeth.