Notes for Jonathan Rice Gerking

Family Group Sheet

Notes for Jonathan Rice Gerking

Nancy Ann Myers and Jonathan Rice Gerking came over with the kids by covered wagon in 1862, first settling in Silverton, near Bend, Oregon

JONATHAN RICE GERKING
Jonathan Rice Gerking was the 12th child and 9th son of John and Rachael (Rice) Gerking, born December 12, 1812 in Jefferson County, Kentucky. To those who are unaware of Kentucky history, this was a most fearful time as it was the beginning of the War of 1812, and while most of the violence and atrocities occurred north of the Ohio River, the British had many Indiana allies that were constantly harassing the colonists of Kentucky making life very hazardous for them. This was especially so for those who lived in remote wilderness areas. Untold numbers of white settlers lost their lives or were severely wounded, and in some cases, entire families massacred. All able bodied men were ready to fight and march against the enemy at a moments notice. This was the condition in the land where Jonathan R. Gerking was born.
While still a lad, Jonathan and his family moved across the Ohio River to the newly opened lands of Indiana. The raw land was covered with virgin forests and wild animals lurked in their midst. It was by no means an easy move, especially with a large family. Just how the trip was made, and the exact route is not known, but was probably made by horse and wagon crossing the river near Louisville above the Falls of the Ohio between 1815-1818. The fact that John, the father, had four horses would indicate the means of transportation. Somewhere in the vicinity of Livonia, Washington County, Indiana the large family settled either as renters or squatters until the purchase of land could be made. However, Jonathan's father died shortly thereafter, and the family was left in dire circumstances. How they managed to survive under such primitive conditions makes one wonder how it is done, but with faith, diligence and hard work, they did.
After his mother, Rachael, remarried in 1821 to Benjamin Pulliam, the family moved to the neighboring county of Orange and by 1830 had settled across the border in Martin County. They were near neighbors to family in Northwest Township in Orange County. As a boy, our Jonathan was required to work in the tobacco fields as the family was very poor. He was allergic to the weed, and since smoking was not considered immoral or unhealthy, he took up smoking to counteract the ill effects he suffered and apparently was successful.
On November 3, 1834, shortly before his 22nd birthday, Jonathan was married to Nancy Ann Myers, daughter of Solomon Sr. and Mary (Stewart) Myers, who were neighbors of his brother, John Jr. It has been told that she was 17 years of age. Before her marriage, Nancy pieced a quilt which she used throughout her long life. It is now in the possession of Lynden Gerking of Walla Walla, Washington. About this time the Myers family moved north to Clay County, Indiana while Jonathan and his bride remained in Orange County.
I was told many times that Jonathan Gerking considered ten years long enough to spend in one location so moved quite often. Places of residence were Orange, Martin, Daviess, and Clay Counties, Indiana; Sullivan County, Missouri and in 1862, they undertook the perilous journey across the Plains to Marion County, Oregon. In 1871, they moved to Umatilla County, Oregon, their final home.
During the years 1861-65 it was very dangerous to cross the Plains as the Indian menace had greatly increased. The Oregon Trail was hazardous and the Indians attacked many of the small unprotected wagon trains. It was for this reason that the United States government undertook to provide military escort for the emigrants. Captain Medorem Craford commanded the emigrant escort of the year 1862. A report and journal was written and filed with the War Department in Washington D. C., and while it does not name the emigrants, it does provide interesting reading. From this report it was learned that trappers were dispatched from Ft. Walla Walla to meet the trains as they approached Indian territory in the present state of Idaho. The weary travelers were given what assistance was necessary including food supplies.
It has been learned since the 1975 edition of this book, that the Gerking family traveled in an ox train of 60 wagons (letter from Jonathan Gilbert Gerking to his sister, Marietta Gerking). Upon arrival in the fall of 1862, the Gerkings settled on Howell Prairie near Silverton in Marion County, Oregon. Within 10 years the family moved to Umatilla County near Centerville which later became Athena, Oregon. Father, sons and son-in-law settled on land that had only to be broken with the plow. The area became known as Gerking Flat.
J. R. Gerking, as he officially signed his name, was a leader in his community. He was very active in the work of his church which at that time was known as the Disciples of Christ. He is mentioned in Down's "History of Silverton County" as Mr. Gherking, in connection with helping to organize the denominational college at Monmouth. He was instrumental in organizing local churches, but because of the earliness of the date, has not been given credit by the Christian Church as official records were not kept. He was, however, the presiding elder in the Centerville church, and was qualified to preside over marriages. Had JRG lived but a few years longer, his work would have been recorded in the annals of his denomination and the history of Umatilla County.
He died at the age of 69 years 7 months from what seems to have been a ruptured appendix, and is buried in the old pioneer cemetery known as "Kees Cemetery". A lonely, forgotten and neglected spot in the hills between Athena and Weston. A beautiful white marble slab was freighted from Portland to cover his grave. Across the top is written - "OUR FATHER IS GONE" - below this in a large circle, is a hand holding an open Bible. Following this are the finely chisseled details of his birth and death. At the bottom of the backside of this slab is the name of Nancy Gerking indicating her purchase. Somehow this lovely grave covering was broken, probably by the cattle allowed to roam the hills before the cemetery was enclosed by a fence. A small Piece is missing that gave the county of his birth, which was wrong, as it ended in "wen" and we know for a fact that he was born in Jefferson County, KY. The top portion of this slab was placed at the foot of his grave and the bottom portion at the foot of Nancy's grave. Later a large and impressive grey monument was placed at the head of their resting place.
It has been told that Jonathan Gerking was a large man, six feet or more with broad shoulders. His hair was "black as a raven's wing" and his eyes were equally dark. By occupation, he was a farmer and preacher and skilled in the art of carpentry. While he took no credit for looks, he would brag that he married the prettiest girl in the country. They were married almost 47 years and the parents of 13 children.
added this on 5 Nov 2007
Bowe, Florence Chappel; The Gerking Family in America; 3rd Edition Revised 1990; Troutdale, Oregon