The Means Family Genealogy

Who Were Ulster-Scots a.k.a. Scot-Irish

This Page Includes references to Basey, Downing, and Joyce Families

Please send corrections and comments to Linda Dunn, who maintains this page.

MEANS LINEAGE

Leading to the Downing and Basey Families

Josiah Means was born 14 December 1616 in Clonakity Cork, Ireland, which is at the southern tip of Ireland and he died in Coleraine, Londerry, Ireland, which is in Northern Ireland, in the area where many Scots settled during the years in which England was attempting to resettle parts of Ireland with loyal Scottish and English settlers. His wife's name is unknown and it is uncertain that Josiah is the correct name, but the names of the children are certain.

1. Edward Means was born about 1650 in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland and died 1716 in Charles, Maryland. Edward was married first to Elizabeth Dickerson and then to Mary (last name unknown).
2. Samuel Means was born 23 Jun 1657 in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland and died 20 Jan 1699 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Samuel married Margaret Greer, 1678, in St. Mary's, Delaware.
3. Patrick Means, Esquire, was born about 1658 in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland and married Sarah (last name unknown).
4. Robert Means was born about 1660 in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland.
5. Margaret Means was born about 1663 in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland and married a Hervy about 1683 in Dorchester, Maryland.
6. John Means was born about 1663 in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland and died about 1742 in Burlington, New Jersey. John's wife name is unknown, but may have been Elizabeth McCord. This is our direct line.
7. Isaac Means was born about 1670 in Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland and he married an unknown woman after 1688 of Enniskillen, Fermanagh, Ireland.

1. John Means was born about 1687 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and died after 1739 in Makefield, Bucks Co. He was buried in Deep Run, Church Yard, Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. John married about 1723. He married twice: (1) Dinwitle and (2) Mary (Spencer) Kelley (a widow) This is our direct line. [Note: NEW JERSEY MARRIAGE BONDS for Bishop, Daniel, and Rebecca Prickett, spinster, both of Chester Co. of Burlington. April 20, 1752. Bondsman, Thomas Farley. Witnesses; John Means, Luck Tuckniss.]
2. William Means was born 1694 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and died 1778 in Tinnicum Twp., Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. William married an unknown woman 1712 of Bucks, Pennsylvania.
3. Thomas Means was born about 1702 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and died 1761 in York, Pennsylvania.
4. David Means was born about 1708 and died in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania.
5. Hugh Means was born about 1713 and died 1745 in Bensalem Twp, Bucks Co., Pennsylvania.
6. James Means was born about 1718.

1. William Means was born about 1710 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey. William married Martha Paine, the daughter of Robert Paine, about 1729. He was buried in Deep Run, Church Yard, Bucks Co., Pennsylvania This is our direct line.
2. Nancy Ann Means was born about 1712 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and died in Mercerburg, Pennsylvania. Nancy married (1) William Sloan and (2) John Wasson. She was captured by Indians and her story appears elsewhere on this site. A link will be added shortly.
3. Robert Means was born about 1715 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and died 1779 in Mifflin Co., Pennsylvania. Robert married Nancy Kelly (his step-sister) 16 Sep. 1742 at the 1st Presybterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1. Alexander Means
2. Sara Means
3. Elizabeth Means

1. Samuel Means was born about 1730/1731 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and his wife's name is unknown.
2. William Means was born 1732 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and died about 1785 in Orange, New Jersey. His wife's name is unknown.
3. Robert Means was born 1735 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey and died 1822 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Robert married Elizabeth Roberston. Marriage was in lancaster PA in mid 1750s, and they were allegedly in Virginia by 1770s. By 1790s they had moved on to Rockingham NC, were they died around 1822. Elizabeth has been described as having brothers James, John, and Joseph.
   This is our direct line.
4. Sally Means was born about 1737 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey.
5. Female Means was born about 1739 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey.
6. John Means was born about 1742 in Basking Ridge, Somerset, New Jersey.
7. Isaac Means was born 1745 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and died 1810 in Thompkinsvile, Monroe, Kentucky. Isaac married Aley.

1. William Means was born 1757 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 1824 in Rockingham Co, North Carolina. William married Susan Joyce. The Joyce family line can be viewed at http://thejoyceconnection.homestead.com/. William and Susan are our direct line.
2. Rebecca Means was born about 1758 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Rebecca married Samuel Grogan.
3. Jane Means was born about 1759 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died in 1831 in New Market, North Carolina. Jane married James Campell.
4. Mary Means was born 1762 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died in 1852 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Mary married Chesley Barnes, 10 Feb, 1783 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina.
5. Elizabeth Means was born about 1764 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Elizabeth married James Riddle.
6. Anna Means was born 27 Sep 1766 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 12 June 1809 in Stokes Co., North Carolina. Anna married Lewis David, 2 Feb 1790 in Campbell Co., Virginia.
7. Nancy Means was born about 1768 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Nancy married Richard Sharp.
8. Fleming Means was born about 1770 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Fleming married James Sharp.
9. Martha Means was born about 1772 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Martha married Nehemiah Vernon.
10. James Means was born 1774 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died about 1821 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. James married Mary Polly Smith.. This is where the line splits and from James, we have a line to Tibitha Means whereas William gives us a line to Eli Means.
11. Robert Means was born about 1777 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 1817 in Rhea, Tennessee. Robert married Isabella Fields, 15 Oct, 1800 in Campbell Co., Virginia.
12. Rachel Means was born 1786 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died in Rockingham Co., North Carollina. Rachel married Thomas Martin Smith in 1807.

William Means was born in 1757 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died in 1824 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. William married Susan Joyce, (born 1779 in Rockingham Co, N.C.; died 1826; -- Source: Rockingham County Heritage,Art # 585.) in 1797 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina. William and Susan had the following children:

1. Alexander Means was born 28 Jan 1798 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 16 Sep 1846 in Shelby Co., Indiana. Alexander married Elizabeth Edwards. Alexander was a twin to John Means.
2. John Means was born 28 Jan 1798 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 11 Dec 1843 in Shelby Co., Indiana. John married Nancy Smith 7 Jan 1819. John was a twin to Alexander.
3. Elizabeth Means was born 11 May 1799 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died in 1865 in North Carolina. Elizabeth maried Edwin Smith and was the only member of the family to stay in North Carolina.
4. Fountain Means was born 1 Nov 1802 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died in 1865 in Indiana. Fountain married Lettie Edwards, who was sister to Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of Alexander Means. Both were daughters of James Edwards. Marriage date (unverified) was 24 Oct 1822 in Rockingham, Richmond, North Carolina. When Lettie died, Fountain married Margaret Robinson and they had no children. Shelby County records also show a marriage to Ann House October 3, 1837 3-378, listed on page 29.
5. Abigail Means was born 26 Apr 1804 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 26 oct 1880 in Linn Co., Iowa. Abigail is buried in Center Point Cemetery, Center Point, Linn Co., Iowa. Abigail had married George Fee, 12 Sep 1822 in North Carolina.
6. Robert Means was born 23 Feb 1807 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 1884 in Brookfield, Indiana. Robert married (1) Jemima House, 15 Sep 1833 and (2) Mary Harriett Parr, 11 May 1848. Robert and Jemima had eight children. Robert and Mary had ten children.
7. William Means was born 12 Jan 1809 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 12 Feb 1882 in Jasper Co., Iowa and is buried in the Vandalia Cemetery. William married Elizabeth C. Draper, 12 Jan 1830 in Marion Co., Indiana.
8. Nancy Means was born 2 February 1815 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 28 Jul 1894 in Jasper Co., Iowa. Nancy is buried in the Vandalia Cemetery. Nancy had married William Henry Draper, 3 Mar 1833 in Marion Co., Indiana.
9. Celia Means was born 17 Jun 1817 in Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 12 Nov 1886 in Dawson, Nebraska. Celia is buried in the Star Cemetery. Celia had married Ira Dillingham Draper, 24 Oct 1837 in Shelby Co., Indiana. Three Means children married three Draper children.

James and Polly Smith had the following children:

1. William Means was born 1804 Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 1 Apr 1881, in Shelby Co, Indiana. William is buried in the Joyce Cemetery. William married Mornin Belton, 1827, Mornin is buried in the Joyce Cemetery. The cemetery in which William and Mornin are buried is in: Section 12 {SW, NW quarter}, Twp., 14 N., Range 5 E. about 1/4 mile south of Road 1100 North on Sycamore Road. Sits back in a field behind the house and barn on the Gus Neiman farm {1980}.
2. Joseph Means was born 31 Oct 1805 Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died Feb 1883, Preston Twp., Fillmore Co., Minnesota. Joseph married {1} Sarah Brooks, 1827, Jefferson Co., Indiana, {2} Martha {King} Means, 1847. Martha was the widow of Joseph's brother Robert.
3. Thomas Pinckney Means was born 30 Apr 1807 Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 12 May 1883 in Shelby Co., Indiana. Thomas married {1} Dicey Fee, 8 Aug 1831, Henry Co. Virginia, {2} Elizabeth Dake, about 1845. Thomas and Dicey had no children.
4. Rutha Means was born 1809 Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died Oct 1875 in Cleburne Co., Alabama. Rutha married Thomas J. Gaines, about 1827, in North Carolina.
5. James R. Means was born 1 Jun 1813 Rockingham Co., North Carolina and died 6 May 1874 in Fountain Twp., Fillmore Co., Minnesota. James married {1} Anna Hutchinson, about 1833, {2} Malinda "Linda" Heath, about 1854 in Marion Co., Indiana.
6. Robert Means was born about 1815, Rockingham Co., North Carolina. Robert married Martha King.

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SEVENTH GENERATION, FOLLOWING THE WILLIAM MEANS LINEAGE

Fountain and Lettie Means had the following children:
1. Eleanor Ellender Means was born 12 Sep 1823, near Madison, Indiana, and died 30 Jan 1904 in Indiana. Ellender married Thomas Parish, 15 Dec 1840 in Shelby Co., Indiana.
2. Martha Means was born 18 Nov 1825 in Indiana and died 4 May 1854 in Indiana. Martha had married Benjamin Dake, 22 Feb 1843.
3. Elizabeth MEANS was born 13 Mar 1827 in Shelby Co., IN. Married on 20 May 1849 in Shelby Co., IN [source: Shelby County Marriages 1846-1856, Book 6, A-L (Groom) from Shelby County USGen website] to James Benjamin FOLDEN (b. 16 Dec 1828 at Hancock Co., IN and d. 6 Jan 1888 at Pettis Co., MO).
4. Celia Means was born 4 Nov 1827 in Indiana. She died young.
5. Lucinda Means was born 6 Mar 1829 in Indiana. Lucinda died young.
6. Nehemiah Means was born 13 Sep 1830 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 6 May 1909. Nehemiah married (1) Martha Holmes, 14 Oct 1849, (2) Lucinda (Jackson) Rouse, 2 May 1865, (3) Eliza A. Harriman 10 Nov 1880, and (4) Olive Rush, 23 Jul 1890.
7. Emeline Means was born 12 Jan 1832 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 1855. Emeline married Robert Brown.
8. William Means was born 14 Mar 1833 in Shelby Co., Indiana. William moved to Nebraska and married twice, to sisters whose last names were Catlet.
9. James Madison Means was born 7 Dec 1834 in Shelby Co., Indiana. James married Mary Clark.
10. Wesley Means was born 1838 in Indiana.
11. Robert Means was born 2 Apr 1839 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 1929. Robert had married Martha E. Anders about 1864.
12. John Fountain Means was born 19 Jan 1840 in Shelby Co., Indina and died 4 May 1905. John married Sarah Ellen Jackson, [5 Sept 1861 per book 8, page 6 Shelby County records.], who was born December 24, 1843 and died May 26, 1891. They are both buried in the London Cemetery. This is our direct line.
13. Harden Parish Means was born 30 May 1843. Harden married Mary E. Jarvis.
14. Levi Means -- date of birth unknown.

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SEVENTH GENERATION, FOLLOWING THE JAMES MEANS LINEAGE

William and Morning/Monring had the following children:
7. James Robert Means was born 3 Aug 1827, Rockingham Co., North Carolina. James married Elizabeth Jane Bales, 7 Jun 1848.
8. Elizabeth Means was born about 1829 and died 1870. Elizabeth married an unknown Perry. Elizabeth is buried in the Joyce Cemetery.
9. Mary Means was born unknown and died unknown. Mary married a Linville Joice (could be Joyce).
10. Nancy Ann Means was born 7 Mar 1832 and died 1 Mar 1912. Nancy married George W. Wilkins, 3 Oct. 1858.
11. Thomas Pinckney Means was born 30 Jan 1834, Shelby Co., Indiana and died 10 Jan 1908. Death was due to a horse and buggy accident. Thomas married {1} Elizabeth Simpson, 23 Feb 1860, in Shelby Co., Indiana, {2} Melissa Coffey, 2 Mar 1873. {Our Direct Line to Tibitha Means comes through Thomas.
12. John Means was born Sep 1840, in Indiana.
13. Sarah Means was born 1842, Shelby Co, Indiana. Sarah married William Gaines, 15 Jan 1863.
14. Martha Means was born was born 1844, Shelby Co., Indiana. Martha married George Hickman, 4 May 1857.
15. Ruth Ellen Means was born 1846, Shelby Co., Indiana. Ruth married William McCance, 24 Apr 1865.
16. Emeline Means was born about 1848, Shelby Co., Indiana. Emeline died young.
17. Richard Means was born about 1850, Shelby Co., Indiana. Richard married Mary A. Peris.
18. William Means was born about 1852, Shelby Co., Indiana. William died young.

EIGHTH GENERATION FROM WILLIAM MEANS (represented in blue FONT)

1. Alonzo B. Means was born 15 May 1863 and died 10 Mar 1880. Alonzo is buried in the London Cemetery.
2. Elisna/Elcina Means was born 26 Dec 1865 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 18 Dec 1932 in Shelby Co., Indiana. She had married George Mohr, 22 Oct 1882. They are both buried in the London Cemetery.
3. Eli Clifford Means was born 2 Feb 1868 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 13 Oct 1950. Eli married Tibitha E. Means, who was the daughter of Thomas Pickney Means, who was the son of William Means, who was the son of James Means. [This is where the paths diverged to blue and red and we now return to boldface to represent direct line.]
4. John C. Means was born 1871 in Shelby co., Indiana. John married Jessie Gould, 16 Nov 1898.
5. Nancy Jane Means was born 1873 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 26 Mar 1954. nancy married John William Valentine, 1 Jul 1891. John William Valentine's parents were Salahiel and Mary Ann (Downey) Valentine.
6. Mary Means was born 1875 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 1951. Mary married John Mohr III, Dec 1888. John Mohr III's parents were John and Elizabeth (Yarling) Mohn II.
7. George H. Means was born 4 Apr 1878 in Shelby Co., Indiana. George married Fannie Hinshaw 5 Nov 1907.
8. Elizabeth Means was born 1880 in Shelby Co., Indiana. Elizabeth married George Washington Curry, 30 Mar 1898. George Washington Curry's parents were William Wesley and Sarah V. (Hutchinson) Curry.
9. Jessie Luella Means was born Aug 1882 and died in 1935. Jessie is buried in the Philadelphia Cemetery in Hancock County, Indiana. Jessie Luella married Robert Edward Leonard on 24 Aug 1904. After Robert died 10 Jul 1920, Jessie Luella married Calvin Harvewood.

EIGHTH GENERATION FROM JAMES MEANS (represented in red font)

1. John T. Means was born 1866. I believe John was married twice, to whom I don't know.
2. Tibitha E. Means was born 9 Aug 1867, Shelby Co., Indiana and died 22 Feb 1958, Shelby Co., Indiana. Tibitha married Eli Clifford Means, 28 Jan 1888, in Shelby Co., Indiana. {From this point forward, all descendants will be represented in bold font rather than in colors as the lines merge with the marriage of Eli and Tibitha.}

1. Ollis L. Means was born Jan 1878, Shelby Co., Indiana. Ollis married Flora Burk, 2 Dec 1908.
2. Elmira Means was born unknown. Elmira married William Poland, 31 Oct 1890, in Marion Co., Indiana.
3. Laura B. Means was born Jul 1883, Shelby Co., Indiana. Laura married Perry Jordan, 22 Oct 1902.
4. Gilford Means was born 1 Sep 1885, Shelby Co., Indiana. Gilford married Angie May Wendall, 24 Jan 1906.

1. Clara Means was born 13 Nov 1888 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 22 Apr 1914 in Shelby Co., Indiana. Clara married George William Abel, 5 Dec 1909.
2. Walter Means was born Jun 1892 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 1910 in Shelby County, Indiana.
3. Ethel Maud Means was born 18 Jul 1894 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 7 Aug 1964, in Hope, Bartholomew Co., Indinaa. Ethel married Roy Edgar Downing, 29 Dec 1915 in Shelby Co., Indiana. Click here to follow their lineage from this point to present day.
4. Bertha Mae Means was born 4 Apr 1897 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 6 Dec 1973 in Hancock Co., Indiana. She married Charles Archie Basey, 22 Apr 1914. They are both barried in the Eden Church Cemetery in Hancock County. This is our direct line.
5. Jesse Marie Means was born 6 Jul 1903 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died 18 Feb 1985 in Greenfield, Indiana. Jesse married (1) Buster Jackson and (2) Edgar Boyer.

1. Clarence Elmer Downing was born 8 Nov 1918 in Shelby Co., Indiana and is still living. Clarence married Pauline Taylor, 17 Jan 1948, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
2. Ethel Maire Downing was born 16 Dec 1918 in Shelby Co., Indiana and died Oct 1997, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ethel married Kenneth Bodenheimer, 24 Dec 1939, Hope, Bartholomew Co., Indiana.
3. William Eli Downing was born 10 Jan 1921 in Fountain Co., Indiana and died 26 Jul 1983, Veterans Administration Hospital, Loma Linda, San Bernardino Co., California. William was buried 29 Jul 1983 at Olivewood Memorial Park, Riverside, Riverside Co., California. William married Mary Ruth Ridgley, 18 Jan 1941, in Columbus, Indiana. {Mary Downing's Direct Line}.

1. Herbert. Died at birth.
2. Helen. Died age six from pneumonia.
3. Carl Wilbur Basey was born 2 Nov 1919 and married Irene Hendrix March 28, 1942.
4. Lucille Basey. Died without issue.

1. Marvin Roy Downing was born 11 Sep 1941 in Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Indiana. Marvin married Jolene Railsback, Jun 1964, Riverside, Riverside Co., California. One child and currently living in Peru, Nebraska.
2. Mary Evelyn Downing was born 27 Jan 1946 in Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Indiana. Mary is the Family Genealogists and the author of this Line of Descent.
3. Marjorie Ann Downing was born 15 Feb 1951 in Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Indiana. Marjorie is an collector of Vintage Movies.
4. Deborah Kay Downing, born 4 May 1955, Columbus, Bartholomew Co., Indiana
5. Denise Vivian Downing was born 28 Apr 1962, Riverside, Riverside Co., California. Denise married {1} Ronald Glover, divorced no children, {2} Eugene Howe 1990, Redlands, California. Two children currently living in Flordia.
6. Deanna Joy Downing was born 2 May 1964, Riverside, Riverside Co., California. Deanna married Gary Albert Doull, divorced with one son.

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   ELEVENTH GENERATION, BASEY LINEAGE

   Carl Wilbur Basey Nov 2, 1919 married Irene Hendrix March 28, 1942 and they had the following children:
   1. Carolyn Sue born Nov 2, 1942
   2. Jonanna Lynn born Feb 5, 1945
   3. Linda Jean born July 14, 1952 married (1) David Hockett July 18, 1970 and (2) Gregory Dunn.

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   TWELVTH GENERATION, BASEY LINEAGE

   Linda Jean Basey and David Hockett had the following children:
   1. David William Hockett, Jr., born 12 Aug 1978 and name changed to David James Dunn
   2. Tonia Marie Hockett, born 5 Jun 1980 and name changed to Tonia Elizabeth Dunn