RE: Robert "Robin" TENER (b. 1770 - d. 1857)

The Tener Blue Book tells us that Robin’s father, Thomas Tener I, was born in Ireland in 1739, and lived at his father’s home in Castlecaulfield.

Thomas’ first wife was the daughter of a linen merchant – Ann Galway: they had two sons John and Thomas. The Tener Blue Book addresses some mysterious connection to ‘possible’ descendants in America – with a last name which was changed to TANNER. (**Absent the documentation with regards to this theory, I will simply label it suspect – based upon the “researcher” being since identified as a forger and a fraud!)_

Ann Galway reportedly died in 1764, and in 1765 the story tells us that Thomas Tener I married Matilda Jebb. (**The Jebb family, originally German, included among its members John – Bishop of Limerick; Richard – a judge ogf Ireland; a Richard who was reportedly a physician to the King; and Samuel – a noted editor and classical scholar.) Samuel was Matilda’s grandfather.

Thomas and Matilda Jebb Tener had four sons: William, Richard, Isaac and Robert “Robin”, and a daughter whose name is unknown. William and Isaac formed branches of the family – which as of the printing of the TBB (1949) “have since died out.” However, I found it interesting that – at least in the TBB, this branch of the family extended itself to Cuba!

Richard Tener was a farmer, and lived in Castlecaulfield.

And, then there was Robert “Robin” Tener – our ancestor. [By our, I mean A.) my wife’s ancestor; and B.) the Tener from whom most of my research has centered upon!] Robert, more often called Robin, grew up in the linen business, became a linen merchant – buying on commission and traveling much through the north counties, where he met John Kinley, another linen merchant of Newry, Co. Down. Robin married Sarah Kinley, daughter of John and moved to Armagh in 1800. He later returned to Dungannon, where he lived on Perry Street until 1833 when he immigrated to America with the younger members of his family.

The TBB tells us, Robert “was a devout, religious man, and student of the bible, Robert founded the Church of Christ in Ireland, and passed his religious principles to his sons who were also very active in the reformation movement.”

Robert and Sarah had nine children, eight boys and one girl: all but four of whom died without issue. The TBB tells us that one son, Thomas Tener who was born in 1819 was a cabinet maker in Dungannon and them immigrated to America. He reportedly worked in New York for a few years, joined the U.S. Navy, and later went on whaling expeditions. “He married in Pittsburgh, had two children – William and Mary about whom nothing is known.” He died in Philadelphia in 1854. In 1857 he was buried at Monument Cemetery in Philadelphia. Between 1951 and 1956 after the Monument Cemetery was closed, remains were transferred to the Susquehanna Lawn, Lawnview Cemetery, in Rockledge, PA.

Only three of Robert (Robin) Tener’s children – John Kinley I, Isaac W., and Richard established traceable families.

Richard Tener, son of Robert (Robin), was born in 1806 and learned the grocery business in Dungannon, and was a bank clerk in nearby Newry. According to the Newry Commercial Telegraph January 11, 1828 issue, on Jan. 8, 1828 he married Mary Brown. The marriage took place in the home of her father - Mr. David Brown a merchant. (**Mary Brown was the sister to the wives of Henry W. Oliver and Robert Smith of Donagmore whose families were close friends of the Tener clan in both Ireland and in America.)

Richard opened a grocery business in his father’s house on Perry Street. Richard and family immigrated to America in 1855.

On July 9, 1860, Richard and family are enumerated on the U.S. Census population schedule in the 2nd Ward, City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Because his wife Mary is not included here, we suspect she died prior to 1860 – I could not locate any more specific information regarding her demise. Richard’s occupation was listed at that time as “bookkeeper”. Living with him at that time were the following:
Ann 30 years
Mary 28 years
Henry 19 years
Elizabeth 18 years
Kinley 17 years
Robert 13 years
Emily 11 years – and all of the children are listed as having been born in Ireland.

In the 1870 U S Census, Richard is still living in Philadelphia. At the same time, still living with him are listed the following: Kinley J. 26 years; Robert 24 years; Ann 40 years; Mary 38 years; and Emily J. 22 years of age.

Richard died in Philadelphia in 1880 – prior to the Census which was conducted in June.

I have written about Isaac William Tener previously. Isaac was born in 1808, was at different times in Ireland a merchant, a surveyor and an accountant. He made trips to America in 1832, 1834 and 1849: remaining in America from 1849 until his death in 1898.

This brings us to John Kinley Tener I and his family.

Earlier I had written about John K. and his wife Mary Frances. In addition, available are the letters written by Mary – which provides with some pretty detailed insight into the life in Ireland in the middle of the 19th century.

Mary and John K. Tener had six children. Quoting from the Tener Blue Book, “Of these, Francis died in his youth and Robert went to Australia to mine gold, returned in broken health, lived a few years at Moree, and died in 1860. Edward Shaw Tener, born 1861…” Edward became a land agent, married Elizabeth McDowell – daughter of a banker, remained in Ireland after emigration of the family to America, and he died without issue in 1915.

Three children – “John Kinley II, George E. and Hampden E. Tener I, established families which came to America and constitute the largest part of the Tener’s living in America today” (as of 1949).

Mary F. Tener died at her home in 1864: John Kinley remarried and moved to Scotland. He was again widowed whereupon he moved to Dublin, where he died in 1879 – and he was interred in the Tener family plot at Desertcreate.

On Sharing Information

I continue to be amazed at the amount of materials that are available within the family about the family. Since I began my effort at learning more about the Tener's of Tyrone I have come across some wonderful and helplful people, and people willing to share pieces of family history with me.

I have just finished reading again one letter that points out that that same philosophy has been around for at least some 70 years! I am sharing that letter below.

September 9, 1935

Dear Hampden: (I believe that this is Hampden E. Tener Jr. who was compiling materials for the Tener Blue Book at that time.)

At length I am returning to you by X'press the two volumes, handed me by Alan, comprising the record by G. Anjou of the Tener Ancestry. In reading this record that fact is impressed upon one that when these professional researchers set out to dig up information they dig deep and long. In view of the many violent political shifts in France, the bloody events, including the great revolution, the Reformation, including with the scattering of the Huguenots, it is astounding to me to learn that such records of vital statistics are still intact and accessible. The French ancestry of the Tener's has now been extablished beyond any doubt and this, by the way, does not sit well with some members of my family who have no love for the "Franks" all much, however, may draw consolation from the fact that theinfiltration of French blood ceased with the marriage of Thomas Tenere and Johanna Sommers in 1693. In the interest of accuracy may I point out some errors - not important and easily corrected - Vol. I, second page of the summary: George Evans Tener (my father) died in 1873. John Kinley Tener emigrated to Pittsburgh in 1873, not 1872 and became governor of Penna in 1911 not 1910. Vol II. page 248. In the record of my parents' family, the name of my brother Robert is omitted. He was born in 1860 hense his name should appear between Frank and Wallis. Robert married Catherine Slattery, who is still living, Robert died May 9, 1913 and is buried in Allegheny cemetery, Pittsburgh. Vol. II, page 249.- My daughter, Emilie, married Clifford Hood, not Wood.

I thank you for sending this "Anjou". I read every bit of the Engl;ish in the 253 pages - The French I had to accept on faith.

Affectionally, (signed by Stephen W. Tener) "Typed by S.W.T."


The date of this letter suggests to us that a lot of effort and energy went into the continuing tresearch among the Tener's prior to the publishing of Hampden's book, "Tener: A History of the Family...."

I am still seeking to learn if anyone knows where there may be located one of the 'few' known copies of the two volumns if Anjou research.

Hampden Frost Tener's Writings

Over the past year or so I had shared a number of H.F. Tener's writings. There are more and I will continue to share them.

One of these, toward the end of the nearly 100 pages that I have, gives a personal perspective of how the family evolved; I would like to share that one - edited to remove the names of family still living. And I would also like to finish with a piece he wrote that pretty much concludes his writings - that I possess. In it's closing he asks, "What does this tell us about the Teners?" - and he proceeds to answer rather profoundly.

I had started to get into genealogy in late 2001, and expanded my 'research' in 2002. By the time I located Hampden Frost Tener's family and his writings, he had passed away. He died in the same state in which I live, and I learned that his son attended college not far from my home! It is a small world. Please enjoy more of his writings!

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

WHO ARE WE?

"Let us be thankful that the future is a surprise. The Lord knows it is bad enough to know the past." I do not know the author of that remark, nor do I agree with that last thought. Science by many names devotes itself to the discovery of the history of the world, its creation, and the living things upon it including man. I have always been interested in the subject and took such courses in college as chemistry, mineralogy, astronomy, and paleontology (the development of man). My interest here is to set down my knowledge and thoughts of our family backgrounds of where we came from, and who we are in this great world of more than four billion people. In our past are clues of our future.
Quickly for time's sake, there have always been people because people did not suddenly pop out of stones. Genghis Kahn conquered the then-known world and his Mongols ruled it for 1000 years. Jewish history goes back more than 10,000 years. China's history - more than that. In Africa, the fossilized footprints of a man, woman, and child in volcanic ash prove that man existed more than a quarter of a million years ago.
When Columbus discovered America in 1492, there were people all over it, from coast to coast, from the south to the Arctic, and they spoke 25,000 different dialects.
At the time of the Caesar’s and Jesus Christ, 1983 years ago, Rome had conquered the then-known world and had built its bridges and roads in such far away places as France and the British Isles. But, there were also unconquered people such as the Huns, Goths, Gauls, Vikings, and others. After the breakup of the Holy Roman Empire, society sank into the Dark Ages when the written word almost disappeared and records were not kept. Out of all this from where and from whom, did our branch of the Tener’s come? Where did this branch of the Hampden Teners spring, and what do we know about the backgrounds worth telling to those who follow?
When Columbus discovered America in 1492, the Teners were in Bavai , Cambrai, Aix La Chapelle, in Picardy, France. For instance, Henri Tennere (5th generation) purchased the land and manor of Montherne from Francios La Tour, father of his wife Marie La Tour, Henri and Marie married in 1456--36 years prior to Columbus' discovery of America.
The Tener book covers the vagueness of the Tener history back to 1139 and then it documents the next 12 generations as residents around Picardy, France. Johanna Sommers became important to us Teners for several reasons. Although born in Frankenthal, Germany, she married and lived with Thomas Tener, the innkeeper of Mons, France. She traced her family back to Johanna Sommers who died in 1249, according to the Anjou report. It was their son, Hugh Tener, the twelfth direct descendent from Jean Tenneur of Tartas (1409) who was brought to Ireland by Johanna's brother, Henri Sommers, in 1699.
This move transplanted the Tener family tree from Picardy, France, to Ireland, Co. Tyrone, where they remained for 175 years until Hampden Evans Tener I was brought to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by his sons Hampden Evans Jr. and John in 1884.
While the Teners were in Ireland, Mary Frances Evans married John Kinley Tener I. She had a brother named Hampden Evans and gave this name to her fourth son who became Hampden Evans Tener I. Mary Frances also brought with her to the Teners, the Evans geneology, the best documented in England, as well as that of John Hampden. The Evans’ trace their history through the kings of Wales and back into the time of the Roman Caesars.
In 1884, Hampden Evans Tener I brought to Pittsburgh, his large family of 10 children and among them was my father, Robert William, then age nine. Hampden Evans I married Eliza Frost of England.
When I was born in 1907, both Hampden Evans I and Hampden Evans Jr. were living and the family gave me the name Hampden Frost so that Uncle Hampden could pass on his own name if he married. But he did not. Since he did not, Virginia and I named our first son Hampden Evans III and he has since named his own son, Hampden Evans IV.
Therefore, Hampden Evans Tener IV, while being the fourth Hampden Evans, is also the fifth Hampden Tener and is the twentieth generation of Teners since Jean Tenneur of Tartas, France 1409 A.D., some 505 years before me and 574 years ago, in this year --1983.
You will notice on the Tener chart that Robert William Tener married Gertrude Bailey about 1903. She traces her line through her mother's family to Samuel Davis who arrived in Tinicun, near Doylestown, Pennsylvania, in 1699 from County Tyrone, Ireland. That same year that Hugh Tener arrived in County Tyrone from Mons, France.
A son, James, sued his brother William Davis for a part of their heritage and this action is on record in the courthouse at Doylestown, Pa. This suit is the basis for members of our family to qualify for Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the American Revolution, etc., [See pages 8-9 of the Davis Book]
The Davis book also shows the direct line of William Davis moving to the French Creek Valley near Meadville, Pa. where Mary McGonegle married into the Davis Family (October 14, 1797). It was her daughter Eliza who took John McFadden of Pittsburgh as her second husband. Their daughter Catherine Graydon McFadden became the wife of Henry John Bailey and their daughter, Gertrude Lillian Bailey, married my father, Robert William Tener: son of Hampden Evans Tener I.
Their five children, Graydon Bailey, Robert William Jr., Gertrude Catherine, Hampden Frost, and Frederick Stanley, are the next to the last generation shown in the Tener chart.
H. F. TENER, 1983

What have we done by all of this ?
We have documented the Hampden Tener family through 20 generations to Hampden Evans Tener IV. We have followed the Teners from Jeanne Teanneure of Tartas, Picardy, France, who died 1409 A.D., through France, Ireland, and to Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.A., through more than 574 years by October I, 1983.
What does all this tell us about the Teners?
Fact one. The Teners were property owners.
Fact two. In their large families the males exceeded the females until this last generation.
Fact three. Some members lived well into their eighties and even into their high nineties.
Fact four. But none lived forever.
From all this, I predict for the Tener male of the future:
You will be over 5 feet, 10 inches tall. You will be nice looking.
You will be a good athlete. You will have a good mind.
You will have a healthy body.
You will not like criticism.
You will be ambitious.
You will eventually own property.
You will marry good-looking women.
You will have nice looking, white children.
You will be creative and inventive.
You will dream great dreams.
You will love your families.
You will make a living with your mind.
You will enjoy working with your hands.
You will be reliable and trustworthy.
Some of you will have judgment, some not.
Some of you will have early strokes and heart attacks, others not.
Some of you will live more than 80 years, some not.
The most outstanding and successful members have been mathematicians.
To excel, be reliable.
To excel, study.
To excel, control yourself.
If indeed you wish you could excel, then spend your time where you do well. For the Tener female, the same, except you will not be quite as tall. .
H. F. TENER, 1983


He was a wise and interesting man: I wish I would have started this effort earlier and our paths may have crossed!

Isaac W. TENER - brother of JKT I

I think we are all thankful for Hampden Evans Tener Jr's interest and dedication to the Tener family history. In the forward to his book, Tener: a History of the Family in France, Ireland and America 1949, he references his resources for compiling the family history.

The Tener blue book was “prepared, printed, and distributed at” H. E. Tener’s request. We do not know how many books were printed, but in my three years of research into the Tener family, I have communicated with a lot of Tener descendants who have or have seen the book. I believe that this is a testament to the strength of the family, and in their continued interest in the history of the family.

In the introduction of Part I of the Tener book, there is reference to the research conducted by Gustave Anjou of New York. Anjou has been identified in several sources as a genealogical fraud! One such resource states, “Gustave Anjou was born Gustave Ludwig Ljungberg in Sweden in 1863 and died in 1942. Widely known today for his fraudulent genealogies of early American families in the late 1800's and early 1900's, Anjou was known to receive as much as $9,000 for a genealogy report from his wealthy clients. His report usually took three weeks to complete and included a coat of arms and surname history.[1]”

One other respected source attacks the veracity of “research” by Anjou. In a 1991 issue of The Genealogical Journal there was written a story about Anjou, and his ‘forgeries.’ To wit:
“Professional genealogists and serious researchers alike, have been aware of the forgeries and frauds committed by GUSTAVE ANJOU (1863-1942) and we of this Society believe this material should be brought to the attention of all who may come in contact with any the publications listed below.
The sad fact is that Gustave Anjou was not a genealogist, but a forger of genealogical records that have been passed on for years to unwary clients and then through researchers who believed, or wanted to believe, they had a true lineage. They in turn republished the material in their own works and the cycle continues even today.
Gustave Anjou produced these "genealogies" for wealthy clients at a price of around $9,000 and the client, needless to say, always received what they wanted.
In the words of Mr. Anderson; "A typical Anjou pedigree displays four recognizable features:
1. A dazzling range of connections between dozens of immigrants to New England; for example, connections far beyond what may be seen in pedigrees produced by anyone else:
2. Many wild geographical leaps, outside the normal range of migration patterns;
3. An overwhelming number of citations to documents that actually exist, and actually include what Anjou says they include; and
4. Here and there an invented document, without citation, which appears to support the many connections noted under item 1 above".
The above mentioned publication is one that belongs in your genealogy library. I urge you all to read the detailed account of this article and the five other genealogy fraud articles that appear with it. Included is another detailed article about Gustave Anjou's life and forgery methods, entitled Gustave, We Hardly Knew Ye: by Gordon L. Remington, editor of the Genealogical Journal.”[2]

One last comment about Anjou comes also from the internet[3]: “About Anjou:Gustave Anjou was born in Sweden on 1 December 1863 as Gustaf Ludvig Jungberg, the illegitimate son of Carl Gustaf Jungberg and his housekeeper Maria Lovisa Hagberg. After serving a prison term in 1886 for forgery, the young man changed his name to Gustaf Ludvig Ljungberg and then to Gustave Anjou after the maiden name of his wife Anna Maria Anjou, whom he married in 1889. Anjou emigrated to the US in 1890, and soon returned to his forgery skills. Anjou began creating hundreds of genealogies for those that could afford his fees of up to $9,000.”

Suffice it to say, Anjou’s ‘works’ should be at least “suspect”. This was brought to my attention some time ago after communicating with a Tener descendant from Australia – a Galbraith descendant – See Tener Book Page 73.

In any regard, the Tener book has been a ‘basis’ from which a lot of the Tener family lore is derived! But, it was not the only source. In the forward to the Tener family book, there is also a reference to “Isaac Tener’s handwritten account of 1898”: and, we know Isaac died in 1898. Since I began my ‘research’ I have been trying to keep an eye open for two major resources: Vol. I and Vol. II of the Anjou report “several copies of which are in existence” the original was to have been in the possession of Hampden’s brother - Wilfred Tener of Montclair, NJ; and the history by Isaac W. Tener.

In the summer of 2003, I located Wilfred’s will in the Office of the Surrogate Court, in Newark New Jersey. There was no mention of the family history papers in the whole file: so for now, we are dealing with a dead end.

Even though Anjou is thought of as being largely a forger and fraudulent researcher, the data in the Tener book seem to be otherwise supported by a myriad of other sources: including family letters, monument markings, information developed in a number of visits to Ireland by various descendants, a privately printed family tree dated 1932 – “Tener’s of Tyrone”, and documents from the Tener family which pre-date the Anjou ‘research’.

I believe that I have four pages of the works of Isaac Tener[4] – Tener book page 30. Isaac was a brother of John Kinley Tener I. Let me share them with you:

“ The following letter was written to Wm Tener, when thinking of going to America, in reply to one asking for Mr. (Alexandewr) Campbell’s advice, etc.
Bethany, Brooke Co., Virginia Feby 16, 1832
Dear Brother:
Your favor rec’d, Have been in some respects attended to. I have delayed writing to send by James Stuart, American Agent, and European for us. By him I have sent two complete sets for you of all that has been written here for two years and two months. The 4 vols. Of the Harbinger sent you are to the care of my Uncle Archibald Campbell, Newry, to whom you will please pay to him for these four volumes 8 dollars and any other monies due me pay also to him. I could send many more books to Ireland were it not for the duty which amounts to a prohibition. Besides it is a matter of great favor to get Mr. Stuart to take charge of any such business. If any house in any convenient town in Ireland would undertake to pay the duty, and if the sale in Ireland, only allowing me first cost, would justify such transportation, I will fill any orders in the compass of my power and ship at my own risk from our shores to yours. But unless some such arrangement could be made it is impossible for me to send them. In such an arrangement it would be better to have the works unbound as the duty would then be much less than on bound books.
The books now sent are in Numbers as distributed here to subscribers. Write me directly per next opportunity, that is by mail of packet – address me as P.M. and my letters will come to me direct. I am postmaster and letters thus addressed come free of charge after their arrival in the U. States.
The numbers forwarded will give you the general history of the progress of the cause in this country. We have much reason of joy and thankfulness for the progress of the ancient gospel and order of things in these United States and territories. Thousands and thousands have cordially embraced the great principles of this reformation. It progresses beyond all our anticipation and the time has come when truth begins to triumph over long consecrated errors. The day of the complete triumph is not far distant. The nations are upon the tremendous vortex which is about to engulf them all who do not reform. The vials of wrath are pouring upon the Beast – and one universal doom awaits all who repent not of their deeds. O Lord preserve us from error, from departing from thee, and from thy righteous judgments coming upon the nations of the earth. It is our duty, our safety to watch and be faithful. The Lord will seal a remnant before the day of vengeance and suffer not the destroying angel to touch the sealed ones. O Lord keep us near to thee and cover us under the shadow of thy wings from the furies of thy indignation coming upon an apostate church and world.
This age is drunken with the spirit of enterprise and improvement in philosophy, but they seem to forget that they planted and builded and married wives until the day came in which Noah entered the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all. So shall the next coming of the Son of Man be to consume and destroy forever the majn of sin from the earth. When they who are founded upon the true foundation laid by the Father and the Son shall stand unscathed, shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of God.
I am my dear brother sensible that this is the last reformation which will be preached before the tremendous era coming upon the world. O may we be reformers indeed.
My time is wholly engrossed to the utmost stretch of my physical abilities. My correspondence still increases as the work of reformation increases – and to divide my attention, time and labor among so many gives to all a mere share. I can therefore only say to you in general terms how things are going on. The Harbinger will supply my lack of information. Concerning the slanders of friend Carson you will see some notice of them in the Harbinger. He is miserably mistaken and most wrongfully impeaches us with arianism or socinianism. We worship the Lord Jesus – most adorable be his name – as we worship the Father who sent him and regard him just as truly Divine as his Father – But we protest against the metaphysics of the schools – we subject not the person, nature or work of Jesus Christ to the spiritual anatomy of the speculative anatomists. In Bible language we conceive of him and speak concerning his person, Kingdom and glory.
The Lord Jesus be with thy spirit, write me soon and write me often and regard me as your fellow servant and brother in the faith and patience of Jesus the Saviour, in hope of Eternal Live.
A. Campbell”
(Isaac Tener continues) In May 1832 accompanied by my brother William, I sailed from Londonderry for New York, after being about 4 weeks at sea he died of consumption and we buried him in the mighty deep. I was thus left alone, and on reaching New York wrote to Brother Campbell and the following letter I received in reply:

Bethany, Va. July 24, 1832
Dear Bro. Tener:
Yours of the 12th inst. was read here yesterday and with mingled emotions of sympathy and joy I have perused its contents – sympathy for you, left as you are without the companion of your youth, your brother in the flesh and in the Lord – regret that I am denied the pleasure of having seen in the flesh one whom I much longed to see and expected every day to see, since I received his last letter, and joy too that he has fallen asleep in Jesus, waiting for the voice of him which they that are in their graves shall hear. We must not sorrow as those who have no hope, but rejoice that the Lord has deprived such afflictions of their anguish in the assurance which he has given that all who die in the Lord, the Lord will raise to life and glory of his Father. Be comforted then my dear Brother with these exceeding great and precious promises; and as long as the Lord spares you, seek to be found worthy to appear before him and acquit yourself like a man in his Kingdom.
When your brother Wm last wrote me and informed me of his coming to this country he spoke of the woolen business as that with which he was best acquainted and as preferring a situation of that sort. I did not know precisely what he meant by the woolen business – whether as a manufacturer, or as a merchant, and therefore could not ascertain with any certainty a situation for him, though I had one in my eye, a situation in a woolen manufactory about 13 miles from this…
(*** the above ended page 2. Page 3 starts below – it is obvious that something is missing, but I do not know what. I’ll continue with what I have.)
changes have already occurred in that establishment. I know not whether favorable or unfavorable to such an object. I have written today to a friend and brother (Samuel Church of Pittsburgh) who is one of two proprietors of the most extensive merchantile houses (in the wholesale grocery business in that City) for information on the subject of such a situation as you desire. I have many acquaintances in that City (38 miles distant) through whom I hope to find a situation for you – if I cannot find one nigher home which I will immediately set about. Meanwhile my advice is – Flee to the West. This is the region of health and peace and plenty, and is becoming the seat of empire for the Union. The Sceptre is departing from the seaboard – for enterprise and for everything connected with usefulness to ourselves and others this is the theater and this vast country is yet to give laws to whole continent. I say then come on immediately and come to my house as to the house of a brother and make it your home until we find a situation such as meets your wishes. The cholera has not as yet approached us nigher than the Lakes and indeed is not known at present to prevail nigher than Philadelphia. Your course is to Pittsburgh via Philadelphia and thence 38 miles to Bethany. You can find a stage (if the river is too low for steamboats) to Wellsburg, 8 miles from me. Write me immediately of your movements – and in hopes of seeing you here in a few2 days.
I am yours in the Lord, A. Campbell”
(Isaac Tener continues) I came to Bethany as invited and remained till the following spring and frequently accompanied Bro. A. Campbell when he went out to preach. The following Dec. 1833 I went to Ireland to be married and brought with me a large box of books, of testaments, C. B. Harbinger and Debates. These I sold and gave away, scattering them extensively in Ireland and England. I returned in Feb. 1834 and settled in Taylorstown, opening a store there with Isaac Hodgress as partner. Meantime my father and family had come out and settled in Washington, PA. My wife not liking the separation from her sister in Ireland we finally concluded to return and it was in view of our doing so he (Alexander Campbell) wrote me the following letter:
Bethany, VA. July 24, 1835

Dear Brother and Sister Tener:
Tomorrow the Lord willing I start on a tour of 2000 miles. I deferred writing you to this moment, still waiting to see if by some good fortune I might see you before my departure. But that hope has vanished. I therefore in the midst of a great bustle take my pen to say to you that I exceedingly regret to learn that you are almost determined to return to the Land of Egypt, to the house of bondage and to raise a family under the Monarchy and the swarms of little autocrats in a land crimsoned with the blood of martyrs in the cause of liberty and moistened with the tears of oppression. Can you for a mass of pottage sell your birthright in the New World and forsake the happiest land on the face of earth for the sake of a few years’ society with those who will finally leave you and your family to all the horrors of revolution, to all the tremendous agitation which are assigned and dynasties and monarchies of Europe.
I pray you to reflect on the ten thousand hazards you run not only for yourselves but for your family, be it large or small, in taking up your abode among 8 millions of Catholics and Protestants enraged against each other, mad by oppression and thirsting for an opportunity of sacrificing one another at the Shrine of their respective idols.
I never knew one person that returned to that land after a short residence in the U. States that was ever satisfied to live in Ireland long – why then spend your time and money making voyages over the Atlantic. If you cannot succeed in one part of this country, or in one vicinity you may in another. The land is wide enough and long enough. And how will it be for you to return to Ireland and leave your dear parents who on your account in their old days came to this, to them strange land for your society. Can you say your Irish friends they were more easily reconciled and naturalized or were more successful than you: and that you loved society in Ireland mor than theirs?
I will not push this matter. I fear to let my mind run upon it. But I would importune you not to act precipitately in the matter which I think you would do were you to return short of a seven year trial.
Religion may require a woman to leave her father and her mother and cleave to her husband, or a husband to leave father and mother to cleave to his wife, but I do not know that it authorizes them to leave them more than to leave one another, unless paramount obligations appear; and still less to leave them not for their own sake but for the sake of brothers and sisters!
Brother MeVay has written to me from Baltimore saying that he has some prospects through Samuel Church of finding a situation for you more acceptable in Pittsburgh than in Taylorstown. How this may be I cannot say. I only regret that my own thousand obligations prevent me from talking this matter over face to face. Pardon my haste and the incoherence of these remarks – and attribute my interference to that deep interest which I feel and take in your prospects and happiness. Meanwhile accept the assurance of my continued affection and esteem; and may favor, mercy and peace be multiplied to you through Jesus Christ our Lord to whom be Glory.
Ever yours in the Lord, A. Campbell”

(Isaac Tener continues…) I returned to Ireland in July 1835 bringing with me a large lot of Bro. Campbell’s writings, using them after my return as far as possible in spreading the principles of the reformation and laboring in public teaching in the Church constantly till my return in 1849. Bro. Campbell was at my house when in Ireland and preached in Cookstown where I then resided on 20 September 1847 – the day after which he and I had fixed to visit Shanes (?) Castle in the County Antrim (a distance of about 20 or 25 miles) that he might again look upon the scenes of his boyhood and birthplace, but the day turned out one of the wettest you can imagine. I proposed to take him in a close carriage, but being still suffering from his jail experience in Scotland he thought better to forego the gratification. We therefore gathered the whole Church at my brother John’s house, and had a very happy social day together, a day of great enjoyment to him and most refreshing to the brethren and sisters assembled. We had also with us same day Sister Gilmore of Belfast, Sister Dron of Scotland and several others who came to visit us. It was indeed a happy day, tho outside the clouds poured down rain incessantly.
I rec’d your letter of 13th instant today and will reply in a day or two. I think I can help to straighten some of the difficulties. Pittsburgh, Feb. 19, 1867. Yours in the Lord, Isaac Wm. Tener.


That ends the four typed pages that I possess that appear to be at least part of the Isaac Tener history. It seems to incorporate some 35 years: between the dates included in the text as Feb. 16, 1832 to Feb. 16, 1867!

I am sharing this with you in the interest of ‘family history’. The text seems to be consistent with the material in the Tener family book, so I suspect it was used in the writing of the book.

IF anyone has more of the Isaac Tener handwritten history, or perhaps knows where one could obtain copies, I would be interested in hearing.

Also, I am very interested in obtaining any of the materials attributed to Anjou – inasmuch as there appears to have been several copies made!

And comments or feedback greatly appreciated.

Before closing this ‘story’, I think it is more complete if I could take license to include the letters which were published in the Millennial Harbinger. Published in the September 1833 bound book of the M.H., page 477, runs the following letter from Isaac W. Tener. The letter is not dated, but is appears between correspondence dated September 7, 1833 and September 23, 1833. It is a letter written by Isaac to Alexander Campbell:

BROTHER CAMPBELL:
Dear Sir – ON the 8th instant, on our way to Philadelphia, and on the 15th on our return, we had the pleasure of meeting with the brethren in Baltimore; and seldom have our spirits been more refreshed than on these occasions. The perfect simplicity which their meetings present, and the unaffected piety which appeared to pervade every person in the assembly, and the solemn manner in which every thing was done, is so much in character with the New Testament, that even a superficial observer must be struck with it. The main design of all the remarks made were to lead the congregation more to the scriptures, and to the obedience of them – to hold in higher estimation correct action, than correct thinking – and the cultivation of love amongst themselves. When we add to this the particular attention paid to us during the other days of the week we remained there, and the desire manifested by them to know every thing about the progress of the Redeemer’s cause in the West, we cannot help saying that we think their example worthy of imitation, and that we feel grateful also to our heavenly Father for calling a few to bear testimony to the truth in that city.
The church now consists of about 50 members, having, during the past year nearly doubled its numbers. They meet every Lord’s day morning, at half past 10 o’clock, in a room over the Bazaar, in Harrison street, to break the loaf, & c. – at 3, for singing, prayer and exortations – and at candle lighting for preaching the word of life to their fellow-men. Some of the brethren are well gifted, and the church in amply edified by itself.
Yours in the hope of a glorious resurrection, ISAAC W. TENER J. T. M’VAY

And, in a December 6, 1834 letter from Taylorstown, PA, Isaac writes a lengthy letter asking clarification on a point to then puzzling himself: something to the effect of questioning the morality of joining, praying with or breaking bread with those who may be very pius but who have not completed the total immersion adult baptism! A. Campbell replied with a three page reply – which left me confused as to what it was that he said!
On October 22, 1857, Isaac W. Tener wrote a letter to Alexander Campbell as editor of the Millennial Harbinger with regards to the death of his father Robert Tener. This is also a lengthy letter and provides a good amount of background information on Robert. At a later date I can retype the letter and share it – of if you which to look into this yourself before I get to it, it may be located in the Millennial Harbinger -- in the 1857 book, page 706.
Then, in a letter dated December 4, 1860, and published in the January 1861 Millennial Harbinger, Isaac W. Tener wrote specifically for publication, as Elder in the Disciple’s Church of Allegheny City, a statement of not recognizing a faction which has separated for dissention and called themselves “The First Disciples Church” in the city of Pittsburgh, under the leadership of W. S. Gray.
In 1869 Isaac wrote a letter to a Bro. Pendleton the then editor of the Harbinger of the progress of the Church in California. He wrote from an address of 51 Natrona, San Francisco, of the Church, of the weather, and of the strengths of the Church in Napa and Santa Rosa Counties. He had just purchased a small farm near Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County. (Millennial Harbinger, the 1869 book, page 656)
In the 1880 US Census, according to the web site Familysearch.org Isaac was living in, or was documented in Santa Cruz County, California. He was listed as 72 years of age, married, and was working as a clerk in a bank.
Isaac died on July 1, 1898 while living in Los Angeles, California. Interestingly enough, his wife died in 1897 while she was living with her daughter Frances in San Luis Obispo. We know that Isaac’s son Robert, a photographer, lived in Los Angeles – so one may surmise that he was living with his son Robert at the time of his beath.
These added letters contribute to the body of documentation available for Isaac W. Tener.




[1] Internet site, URL - http://tonefamily.com/books/anjou.htm copyright 2003
[2] Located on line: Volume 19, Numbers 1 & 2, 1991 of the Genealogical Journal of the Utah Genealogical Association, PO Box 1144, Salt Lake, Utah 84110. The title of the article is; We Wuz Robbed!
[3] http://www.familychronicle.com/Fraudulent.html
[4] These are photocopies of typewritten letters received from Barbara Berry, NEE Steele, Tener Book Page 78

Letters by Sarah Dunn Tener

Now that the Mary Tener Letters are available, and many have been circulated, I wanted to ‘share’ some other letters written within the family – in the mid 1800’s. These letters were from the personal papers of Sarah Tener Feuchtinger – Tener Blue Book page 77. As you know, she was a daughter of John Kinley Tener II, and his wife Sarah – Nee DUNN.

Most of the following are undated – and arranged as best possible chronologically:

-- -- -1- -- --

"Derry, 23 May 1850

My Dear Sarah:

I had expected to have heard from you before this time and have now to request that you write me as soon as convenient to do so. I surely feel much indebted to “Mr. and Mrs. Tener” for their very great kindness in prolonging your visit and trust that you will reap much improvement from being in contact and daily intercourse with the elevated and highly cultivated mind of “Mrs. Tener”, of whom Jane and Mary speak in terms of unbounded admiration and praise. I trust you will make good use of your time and endeavor to store up in your memory many of the sayings and precepts of that distinguished lady. I hope also that you will endeavor to make yourself very useful and agreeable.

We are all well here and business much better than it was when you left. The weather is much improved and everything effected thereby is looking better. Your little flower garden is beginning to assume a rich appearance.

Sisters and brothers are quite well and also expect when you return that you will have Mrs. Tener and as many of the young folks with you as we can lodge at Dunnfield. You know there is room for a good many.

Grandmamma is quite better and is pleased that you are enjoying an opportunity of intellectual improvement.

Write me soon. God Bless you my child.

I am, my dear Sarah, your affectionate father,
Robert Dunn"

[This letter was written to Sarah Tener Feuchtinger’s mother – Sarah Dunn, by her father– Robert Dunn. This letter, being dated, precedes Sarah’s marriage to JKT II by just under six years.]



-- -- -2- -- --

I believe that this following letter was written by Sarah Dunn Tener, to her younger sister Margaret Dunn of Dunnfield, Londonderry. (*This letter was shared by Sarah F. with Hampden Evans Tener Jr., who was behind publishing the Tener Blue Book.)

"Dear Maggie:
We arrived here all safe and I had of course the pleasure of finding a very dirty house, and then came a letter from Edward this morning saying that Dr. Evans had been there and said that Robert was not likely to live another week and might die at any hour. He asked Johnny to come immediately and stay until the end – so Johnny and Lizzie have just left and I am all alone. Teney will be good company for me. Poor Mrs. Tener must be in a dreadful state. I can’t think how she will bear when it comes to the end. Edward says Robert asked Dr. Evans and he told him the whole truth about himself. He says that Robert is also quite resigned, though perfectly aware of the great change awaiting him. From Ed’s letter one cannot know much of his real state. Poor fellow, he little thought when complaining, as he used, of the misery of his life, that he was so soon to have done with it. Lizzie would much rather have stayed but was afraid Susan would not be pleased. I think she expected Willy would come up as she told me he told her he was coming soon but that he would not tell me till he was quite sure. However, I think her heart is not quite broken yet. How is Charlie getting on? You can tell Miss Dunn I find the currants, though black, not at all fit to make jam of. I am afraid she won’t get any fruit in time for him. We did not see Willy or Bob at Strabane. It is well Bob did not come as Johnny is gone, but how is Van getting on with Miss Dunn? Many a time and oft I think of them. We have great peace here without him. I doubt she wishes him – far enough already. Poor Miss G. is keeping up the excitement well. She is only better and worse all the time and has Dr, Scraggs in constant attendance. Her side, etc. is worse now. The old lady as usual popped in today just when Johnny and Lizzie were starting. I have not seen Miss G. yet. Ask Miss D. if she could send to the men to get the black --- dress and if he could get me black muslim like the Moore’s, with the least possible white in it. I would send what would be equal to it, the Orleans say from 25 to 30 shilling, the other 8 to 10. If I would not have enough, maybe you could make up the difference and I could give you the money, but I would like them as soon as possible. I think I will send them to Tinton the first opportunity, as papa can’t come till Johnny comes back. I will write the day I send them and John Hogg can look out for them. Write, is there is any news for Charlie, and how --- is getting on. Love to all, not forgetting Robert Boyle, as he would say himself.
Yours ever affectionately,
Sarah"

[**I suspect that this letter was written about July 1860. We know that that is the time when JKT I’s son Robert passed away at the family home Moree.
“Teney” is the oldest, first born, child of Sara and John Kinley Tener II.
“Edward” I am pretty sure is JKT’s son.]

-- -- -3- -- --

This Might be a partial, it begins just as I have it starting.


"Mrs. Galbraith of Derry is, I believe, at Cloughbane by this time. She has been staying in Donoughmore for some time. Hardly know whether to tell you a piece of news about “Moree”. At first it was to be kept a great secret, but I thnk Mrs. T. is sure to hear it from Susan and I might as well tell you, as her. To begin at the beginning, Ed was in London a month or two since, seeing the bride Decima Campbell, that was not Mrs. Parker, and there heard that Mr. Earle was paying marked intentions to Lizzie (attentions I mean), which on Hampden’s hearing so inflamed his smouldering love that he set off immediately to Dublin, and having gained his mother’s consent, goes on toBirmingham, proposes and is accepted. So far so good. On his return to Dublin he to fear the old gentleman’s not being pleased atr not being consulted, so poor Ham has to write and explain the hurry, etc. etc. However, the old gent is quite in a rage and sends Ham’s letter back with these pithy words written across it. “Mrs. Frost and Susan have schemed well and succeeded with the poor dupe.” So in the face of that Hampden comes home, but so filled with joy of love returned, that he is quite high and mighty and does not mind his father at all. Ham has written again, but the old gent wont speak on the subject to anyone, and now where the bread and butter is to be raised is the difficulty, as none of the arrangements about settling Hampden have ever been carried out. Poor Mrs. Tener as usual has the worst of it. I’m sure she never liked to hear Ham talk of Lizzie and said frequently she was no wife for him, and at any rate she did not want Ham married, as she does Ed. It ios a grand thing in Lizzie’s favor that she says she repulsed Mr. E. (of course it is to be inferred on Ham’s account.) Not bad work for a young lady living by painting photographs. Of course the old gent’s objection is the want of money, but it serves him right for being such an old sham. I heard all this from Johnnie. I had a note from Mrs. T. since. She only refers to it, saying that I would hardly believe Ham kept it a secret from her all alonh, that is his love for Lizzie. I thjink you have enough of it. Nurn this and if you meet Mrts. T. you can hear it from her for the first time. The poor Earl was to have been at Moree yesterday. The old G. sent me a pressing invite to come and bring all the family, but except Mrs. T. mentions it I wont go. She is now at Bray with Roberta, who continues better. Write me by John and give me Miss D’s address. I suppose it is fully time to write to Charlie. Children are all well. Baby growing quite lively and troublesome. No more at present, but remain,
Yours affectionately,
Sarah.

Very nice indeed, Miss Bess, I think tho I may be wrong, its all a make up, because its him there should be something or other. I put the cover Miss D gave me on my parasol and now cannot find the loose half of the handle. Do you see anything of the lost among Miss D’s things. I had it at W. Hill last summer. If there is any old Breeches of W. I would be glad of them. The children have got no clothes this summer. G.D. sent them straw hats each but Teny destroyed his at Moree before he brought it home. Money is not heard tell of here. I would have sent you my hats to get cleaned but cant afford it. Miss D. offered me her white one for one of the children. Would it do me better than my own. I’m tired of the peacock feathers. I have no use for velvet at all."

[The above written by Sarah Dunn Tener to her younger sister Margaret Dunn of Dunnfield, Londonderry.]

-- -- -4- -- --


The following was received and described as: “the (following) were written by Sarah Dunn Tener to her younger sister Margaret Dunn of Dunnfield, Londonderry.”
“Extracts from letters about Uncle Hampden and his marriage to Eliza Frost.

1st reference. Susan is expected home this week, her niece Lizzie Frost is to cfome with her. She is 14 or 15 years old.

She visits Augher.

“We had a great day taking in the fair on Saturday.

Lizzie seemed to enjoy it very much. After walking up and down thro’ the fair, she got a ladder to the top of the garden wall, to see the dancing.

She was quite sorry to go with Johnny Sunday, but Susan had written saying to come the first opportunity.

She is a very pleasant girl, so perfectly good tempered. I wondered she took Roberta’s whims so good-naturedly.”

“She did not tell Aunt Susan much of her amusements in Derry. Willy Dunn had an exciting flirtation with her. As for Ed he is the same old C. only getting older looking every time I see him. Susan says if he does not mind, he may yet lose his heart to Lizzie. He carried of a fierce flirtation with her in London. Set all the Aunts speculating on the subject.

Poor Susan seems to think it quite certain either he or Hampden will make Lizzie Mrs. Tener. I doubt it won’t be Edward.”

“Edward wrote from Dungannon he was coming up and bringing Lizzie to bid me good bye, and as many others as he could persuade to come. They did come, George and Hampden and little George, as well as he and Lizzie. She leaves on Tuesday with old Mr. Tener, who is going to the Annual Meeting. She seems quite sorry to leave Ireland.” “Seemed in the utmost grief leaving here.”

[This letter was from Sarah Tener Feuchtinger to Hampden E. Tener Jr. August 1, 1946.]

-- -- -5- -- --


Another letter from Sarah Dunn Tener to her younger sister Magaret Dunn of Dunnfield, Londonderry.

“My Dear Maggie: Augher, Saturday

I dare say you wonder what I am about that I do not write you. I can hardly say I am too busy, but certainly since Teny there is less opportunity than ever to either read or write.

Well I have been to Moree and of course am quite disappointed in the “World’s Wonder”. After your letter there came two others from Mrs. Tener urging me in every way to come, so we left here on Friday before Christmas taking (name omitted) with us and leaving the other twowith Eliza. We returned on Monday in spite of Mrs. T’s entreaties expecting Papa on Tuesday. Johnny was almost sure he would come so we had the turkey cock killed and all things ready, but as you know, in vain. I might have written but thought it foolish, Johnny having just returned. But for expecting him, I would have stayed, Mrs. T. being very poorly and the old gentleman asking people from all quarters to hear the preachings. Mr. E. preached on Friday evg. I do not think it at all came up to the report I had had of his talents. Sunday morning at Ballymagully he gave only a short exhortation, but his sermon on Sunday Evng at Bankhouse at Moree was certainly very fine. You see with the preachings and B--. B--. Talking in evenings I had not much opportunity of making his acquaintance. He inquired of Johnny for you all and Ed says enjoyed the music very much. He is not much of an American, tho I think very like in feature. He was eighteen when his parents left England, his father bought him a farm out west, but he felt such a desire to do good by preaching he sold his farm and with the proceeds went to Bethany College and went through the usual course. He does not mean to become a paid Minister but to settle in America or California and of course preach as he has opportunity. Mrs. T. told me to ask Bob to come if he cared to stay over Christmas. He came on Saturday and left on Monday. He did not ask leave to stay. They asked him to come for Xmas day but I don’t know whether he did or not. He brought Teny a pair of leather leggings of which he is very proud. I did think Teny looked

(PAGE MISSING)

Did not wish an inquest and he had Captain Wilson and upwards forty armed policemen to aid him in doing his duty. It was at the Lough shore. They stayed at the Man’s house where we were that day with Robert and all. I had no talk with him this time at all. He is to be up next week. Perhaps he would have come for Xmas but for Mr. Earl. He is at Moree still but leaves for certain next Monday. We had a dull enough day here. The boys in the town amused themselves fighting and as they all had firearms of some sort and were mostly half drunk, Packett and John tried to settle them in vain so he went to Clogher for the police. I hear that John Dale is taken up today for breaking some boys head. --- if this is not a budget of dull news it’s a wonder. I intended to have written to Miss Dunn but will have nothing to say now. I am looking out for news for her but have not yet received any. Have you heard anything more of Charlie. I hope he will get into the Channel before the storms come again. No more at present from yours ever affectionately.
Sarah”
-- -- -6- -- --

The following is another letter that was shared by Sarah Tener Fuchtinger to Hampden E. Tener Jr. in August 1946. “This partial letter was evidently written by her mother Sarah Dunn Tener to her sister Maggie. It is undated except for the day of the week, but the year must have been 1864, as that was the year our grandmother, Mary Frances Tener, died. Written from Moree.”

“My dear Maggie

I intended writing you yesterday but was too late for post and today is almost as bad. Mrs. T. had a dress in her wardrobe for me. Did you ever know anything like her kindness to me. It is the same as --- Susan. She wants me to let Marian Watson make it and I suppose she will do it better than --- Kirkpatrick. Now I want you to tell me by return of post how to make, whether plain or full body, skirt pleated or gathered and what sort of wide sleeves. I would rather have them wide as I have plenty of white sleeves. I send you a bit of the material.

Poor Mrs. T. has been in bed ever since I came and has got a relapse of bronchitis. I don’t know what will become of her. She suffers dreadfully.

The Presentation is all over, a great fuss it was. We had forty-nine to lunch and no end of wine and ale. Some of the old fellows were considerable jolly before the end. I think the gallant Major who is a very plain looking yet nice sort of man was pretty tired of it. Susan and I were in the drawing room at the reading of the Address. The lunch was in the nursery parlor, all the furniture --- and wooden tables and forms made for the occasion, one at the head for the quality and two long ones coming from it.

The Carriage or Broughan as they say it must be called is certainly very handsom the plain outside. It cost 100 Guineas. The only difference from regular carriage is that it has no seat for footman behind. It is painted chocolate relieved with the crème colour on the outside and the inside is bright blue corded silk very beautiful. Ed and Ham went to Dublin with one of the men to chose it.

I hope your difficulties will be solved and you ready to come by the time I get home. I don’t know at present when that will be. I hope Teny is well."

**EXPLANATORY NOTES:
--- - Illegible
Mrs. T. - Mrs. Mary Frances Evans Tener
Susan - Susan Wallis Tener
Ed - Edward Shaw Tener
Ham. - Hampden Evans Tener
Address- Presentation of Brougham
Home - Augher
Teny - John F. Tener, eldest son of John Kinley Tener II


-- -- -7- -- --

The following letter was evidently written by Sarah Dunn Tener to her wsister Maggie. It was undated except day of week, but the year must have been 1864, as that was the year Mary Frances Evans Tener died!

"Moree, Saturday

My dear Maggie

This is indeed a house of mourning today. Our poor Charlie left us yesterday morning at four o’clock and Mrs. Tener died today about 8. I cant settle to write particulars now. The wee darling suffered greatly for a week past but died very quietly and indeed so did poor “Nan”. Charlie took the measles about a fortnight since and bronchitis set in almost with them. He was very ill but he’s happy now poor darling and I would not bring him back if he could. He looks very beautiful. Johnny has got such a nice wee oak coffin made for him. He will be buried this evening, Mrs. Tener not until Friday. The old gentleman is to give Susan and I mourning so you will be saved a great deal of trouble,

Yours, Sarah”

***EXPLANATORY NOTE:
Charlie - Infant son of John Kinley Tener II and Sarah Dunn Tener
Nan - Mary Frances Evans Tener
Johnny - John Kinley Tener II
Susan - Susan Wallis Tener

(*** I think that these provide a little more insight into the Tener family household, in the mid-1800’s from an inside perspective: from Sarah Dunn Tener, wife of John Kinley Tener II.)