Family:Leonard Oller and Elizabeth Smith (1)

Leonard Oller

Leonard Oller, the son of Nancy Tash and George Oller, Jr. was born in 1819 in Alexander County, Illinois.

In the 1818 Territorial Census of Illinois, the Allen (sic Oller) family is enumerated in Union County, Illinois, as Leonard’s father, George, Jr. and two others which were presumed to be mother, Nancy Tash, and older sister who did not survive her youth.

Leonard has been traced by researcher Betty Ollar Mozisek, via the 1820 US Census, Alexander County, Illinois as one of two males in the 0-10 years column and the 1830 US Census, Alexander County, Illinois as the only male in the 10-15 years column [AEH-MN-0798]. Leonard is enumerated in the 1840 US Census of Alexander County, Illinois [AEH-GED-009].

On August 1, 1838, Leonard Oller of Alexander County, Illinois, is recorded as the new owner of “the south East quarter of the North West Quarter of Section twenty-four in Township fifteen South of Range two West in the District of Lands subject to Sale of Alexandra Illinois, Containing forty Acres. This is certificate 4691 of US Government Land Records signed by President, Martin Van Buren.

Elizabeth Smith’s First Marriage

Elizabeth Catherine Smith was born about 1819 in North Carolina. Elizabeth Smith married Joseph Lutrell on February 2, 1837 in Fulton County, Illinois. A conflicting source indicates that they married on April 20, 1939 in Hamilton County, Illinois. Joseph had died in December 1844 in Union County, Illinois. The probate records for Joseph Lutrell are given in "Union County Illinois Probate Records, 1818-1855," compiled by Darrel Dexter" and are said to be Box L-188: Probate Book 3, pp 304-305 & Book 4 p.180 of the Union County probate records. They most likely also lived in Union County, Illinois which is just North of Alexander County.

Elizabeth Catherine Smith and Leonard Oller Family

The October 17, 1850 US Census of Alexander County, Illinois AEH-GED-009 enumerated the young family. [Note: Check reference, Eliza and Francis should be listed]

The 1854 Tax List (Personal Property Tax), Alexander Co., Illinois [AEH-GED-18] indicates that Leonard Oller died during the year 1854. In the July 4, 1860 US Census of Alexander County, Illinois [AEH-LD-027] Catherine Oller is enumerated in the household of Washington Smith without Leonard and with their three children: daughter Eliza age 12, son Francis age 11, and daughter Jane age 8. All are enumerated as having been born in Illinois. Washington Smith, age 22, is assumed to be a younger brother on Catherine Oller, age 40. Elizabeth and Leonard Oller had 4 children: John, Eliza, James Franklin “Frank”, and Jane Oller.

(1) John Oller

John Oller was born October 1843 in Scott County, Missouri. John enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War. He is found in Company I, 60th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, on July 12, 1862. At this date he would have missed the bitter siege of Corinth, Mississippi, joining his step brother Alfred Oller as Sherman’s Army came across Northern Alabama to attack Nashville, Tennessee in late September 1862. The Unit was in Nashville until July of 1863 when they moved toward Chattanooga and the infamous March to the Sea during 1864 finally spending Christmas in Savannah, Georgia. John would then be joined by his younger brother, Frank, in February 1865 as Sherman moved North through the Carolinas.

(2) Eliza Oller

Eliza Oller was born in Illinois about 1845-1846. Most likely Eliza was born in Alexander County. Eliza is enumerated in the 17 October 1850 US Census of Alexander County, Illinois and in the July 4, 1860 US Census of Alexander County, Illinois as a 12 year old daughter.

(3) James Franklin “Frank” Oller

James “Frank” Oller was born January 2, 1848 in Alexander County, Illinois. Frank enlisted, at age 17, in the Union Army during the Civil War. He is found in Company E, 60th Illinois Infantry, on February 7, 1865. Being younger, Frank was not able to join his brother, John and half-brother, Alfred, in Sherman’s Army until after they had swept through Georgia and wintered in Savannah for Christmas 1864. Frank joined the unit as they swept North through South Carolina.

Frank joined up with Sherman’s army during the Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. He was with the army during the following; Fayetteville, N.C., March 13. Averysboro, Taylor's Hole Creek, March 16. Battle of Bentonville March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D. C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 19. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June 12. Provost guard at headquarters 14th Army Corps till July 31. The 60th mustered out July 31, 1865.

Frank Oller died on March 15, 1891 and is buried in Twenty Cemetery, Alexander County, Illinois. A memorial page with a photo of his grave marker is found on the Find-A Grave website.

(4) Jane Oller

Jane Oller was born about 1852 in Illinois. Jane is enumerated on the July 4, 1860 US Census of Alexander County, Illinois. Jane is an 8 year old living with her mother in the household of Washington Smith, who is most likely her Uncle.