The most frustrating part about genealogy is not having a lot of context for certain relationships and events.

But when you have enough details on paper, you can fill in the blanks with your imagination.  And that is one of the best parts of genealogy.

Here’s a good example.

Alexander Campbell Hutchinson (my 2nd great grandfather, Cametta Marie’s father) had three unmarried aunts that lived together for the better part of 85 years: Esther, Isabelle, and Margaret.

While at the Butler County Courthouse I came across Esther and Isabelle’s will, both mentioning their nephew.

Esther Hutchison b. 1938  d. 8 Sep 1900

“Sarah C Wackers son Henry Miller is not to git one dollar of my money as land whaver it may be those that is not scaefied with this my will can git nothing of myen”

Isabelle M Hutchison b. 20 July 1840  d. 27 May 1907

“i have not fixed my mind on who i will leve what money i have left to but if any thing should hapen to me before i have things fixed i wont some friend to see that i get a respectable burial and monument.  friends that has wronged me is not to get any of my money Miller Hutchison is not to get one dollar”

Isabelle’s will was not originally filed at the courthouse, but was found months after her death stuffed in the chimney.  The newspaper article says that Margaret found it “while ransacking thru the house.”

Henry Miller was the oldest son of their brother Robert J Hutchison, who had died at the young age of 35 in October 1865.

What on earth did he do to earn such scorn from his aunts?!

Note: There’s no mention of Henry Miller in Margaret’s will, just typed instructions for her executor – William Miller Wick, a local farmer and in-law of her cousin.  All of her assets ($375) were use to reimburse those that took care of her funeral, burial, and a very large headstone/monument. 

Post Updated: July 7, 2017