Australian American Civil War Veteran

Thomas Hancock was the son of William Hancock, born May 17, 1820 in Manchester, England and Elizabeth Dixon, born September 22, 1821 in Tipperary, Ireland; they were married on May 3, 1841 in England.  William and Elizabeth (Dixon) Hancock, both residents of Lancastershire England, where they were reared and married, immediately after their marriage left Liverpool England on August 18, 1841 aboard the ship "WALLACE", and arrived in Port Phillip, Australia on November 26, 1841; and resided in Australia for nine years. Elizabeth gave birth to 4 children, including Thomas Hancock, who was born on December 16, 1842, while they were in Australia. Hearing tales of about huge amounts of gold being found in California, they decided to leave Australia and go to America; thinking maybe they too could strike it rich! They departed Sydney, Australia on April 7, 1850 aboard the ship "UNA" for San Francisco, the distance between San Francisco and Sydney, New South Wales via Honolulu being 6,700 Nautical Miles.

William and Elizabeth arrived in San Francisco on July 4, 1850, along with a new baby daughter Jane whom was born on the voyage. There the father worked at various occupations until the following fall when they learned the gold rush was ending and their dreams of striking it rich seemed unlikely, so hearing tales of pristine land being sold in Oregon, they boarded a schooner and set sail for Oregon; landing in Scottsburg, Oregon on December 16, 1850; but still many miles from their destination they traveled on horseback to the settlement now known as "Elkton". After their arrival they learned of the passage of the "Donation Land Claim Act" which stated that any male over the age of 18 could claim 320 acres, and married couples were entitled to 640 acres.

In order to receive the land they had to live on it and make improvements for a period of 4 years; then the title would be granted. So they made an application for land, filed for and received a donation land claim, # 1130 for 642.6 acres two miles east of the town, where they settled. His holdings comprised six hundred and forty acres of unimproved land, eventually growing to a total of 2,084 acres, that they purchased or received through “Donation Land Claims” and the “Homestead Act”. The cultivation of the soil ranked him among the developing forces in the state.  Thomas and Elizabeth were among the first white settlers in the Oregon Territory and his wife was only the third white woman to settle on the Umpqua River.

Everything stirring, forceful. powerful and vitally efficient contained in the word pioneer finds its exemplification in the life and career of Thomas Hancock. He was a power in constructive development and evolution. He was an efficient factor in its building and an influence in its greatness, and was one of the most powerful individual forces in the agricultural expansion of Oregon.

In 1860 Thomas Hancock lived with his family in District 5, Umpqua County, Oregon with William Hancock, listed in the census as head of the household. “William Hancock b. England, 40 yrs old, farmer; Elizabeth, b. England, 39; Thomas, b. Australia, 17; Richard, b. Australia, 12; Elizabeth, b. Australia, 16; John, b. Australia, 10; Jane, b. OR, 8; Hannah, b. OR, 6; James, B. OR, 4; Mary, b. OR, 2; and William, b. OR, 1.”

Thomas Hancock was reared at home and did not have one day's schooling in his whole life. He learned agriculture through personal experience and hard work and remained on his father's farm until 1861. In that year he offered his services to the Federal government, but was refused on account of being too young. In 1862 however, upon the U.S. President's call for six hundred thousand men, Thomas responded immediately, enlisted as a Private and was mustered into Company “K”, 1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry, and served for fourteen months and twelve days. His regiment did service on the plains in suppressing Indian uprisings instead of serving in the east and they were held for an additional year after the close of the Civil War because of the hostile attitude of the Indians in the area. Thomas received an honorable discharge June 25, 1866. While in the Army one of his comrades, a Frenchman, gave him his first lessons in reading and writing. They were, however, in the French language and upon the death of his companion Mr. Hancock's schooling stopped. He later picked up reading and writing in his own tongue, but beyond that he had no education whatever. After the Civil War he resided in Douglas County, Oregon.

The 1st Regiment Cavalry and Companies "G," "H," "I," "K," "L" and "M" authorized January, 1863. Companies "G" and "H" at Camp Watson on Rock Creek, Oregon; Company "I" Fort Klamath, Company "K" at Fort Dalles and Companies "L" and "M" at Fort Boles. The Regiment participated in an expedition from Camp Lincoln, near Canyon City, to Harney Lake Valley March 24-April 16, 1864 (Detachment). Skirmish, Harney Lake Valley April 7 (Detachment); Expedition from Siletz Block House to Coos Bay, Crooked River, April 21-May 12, 1864 (Co. "D"). Skirmish, Crooked River May 18 (Detachment). Skirmish near Fort Klamath June 24, 1864 (Detachment). Expedition from Fort Boles to Booneville July 20-August 17, 1864 (Detachment). Expedition from Fort Boles to Salmon Falls, Idaho, August 27-October 5, 1864 (Detachment). Skirmish, Harney Lake Valley September 23, 1864 (Cos. "F" and "H"). Operations on Canyon City Road January 1 to November 30. Skirmish on Owyhee River July 17, 1865 (Detachment). Regiment mustered out November 20, 1866.

In 1870, Thomas and his family were living in Elkton, Douglas County, Oregon with William still listed in the census records as the head of the household. “William b. England, 56 yrs old, farmer; Elizabeth, wife, b. England, 49; Thomas, b. Australia, 27, farmer; Elizabeth, b. Australia, 25; Richard, b. Australia, 23; John, b. Australia, 21; Jane, b. OR, 18; Hannah, b. OR, 16; James, b. OR, 14; Mary, b. OR, 13; Edward, b. OR, 9; Ann, b. OR, 7; Lincoln, b. OR, 6; William, b. OR, 3; and Samuel Lolsig, b. PA, farmer” (probably living with the family as a lodger although Census does not state that).

In 1880 William Hancock, Thomas’s father, moved to San Diego, California, where he resided until his death, in 1900; within one week of his 80th birthday. His wife survived him for three years and died in March 1903.

Thomas and some of his family were still living in Elkton in 1880. Thomas, according to yet another census record, was then head of the household. “Thomas Hancock b. Australia, 38, Farmer; Richard, brother, b. Australia, 33, farmer; John, b. Australia, 30, brother, farmer; James, b. Australia, 25, farmer; Elizabeth, b. England, 59, mother; Edward, brother, b. OR, 19, works on farm; and Arthur, brother, b. OR, 16, works on farm.”

Thomas’s wife, Elizabeth Dixon (nee) died on March 24, 1883 in Elkton Oregon. On June 13, l886 Thomas married again, to Kiersta (Pearson) Johnson, a native of Sweden and daughter of Peter and Nettie Pearson, both natives of Sweden, where they died. Mrs. Hancock came to the United States in 1882 when she was thirty-five years of age and settled in Gardiner, Oregon. She was the widow of John Johnson and had two children by her former marriage: Christian, who was a ranchman on his stepfather's farm and Eda, the wife of A.L. Hancock, who was farming in Douglas county. Thomas and Elizabeth had two children of their own, Oscar who was engaged in horticulture in Douglas county, and Clara the wife of James Riley, of Elkton.  Thomas was said to be a republican in his political views and a member of Elkton lodge No. 63, A.F.&A.H.

Thomas had been identified with agricultural pursuits since he was old enough to hold a plow or drive an ox team. When the war was over he took up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres five miles east of Elkton on the Drain road where he resided, engaged in tilling the soil and developing the land, until 1903, when he moved to Elkton where he lived and retired. His agricultural work was a force in state expansion. He dated his residence in 0regon from the earliest days of its settlement and was prominent among the oldest pioneers. He kept abreast of the times and as agriculture progressed as a science he advanced with it. His land was at the time of his retirement highly improved and cultivated, and was one of the most attractive properties in Douglas county. He had also been an aggressive and persistent hunter during his active life, and it is said that he killed more panthers and bears than any other man in the state of Oregon.

Thomas Hancock died on October 12, 1917 in Elkton, Douglas County, Oregon and was buried in Elkton Cemetery.

 Elkton Cemetery has listed as being buried the following members of the Hancock Family:

Row 2

HANCOCK, Minnie M. Sept. 12, 1883 - Feb. 23, 1957   "Wife"

HANCOCK, Christian C. Jan. 30, 1885 - Jan. 26, 1966  "Husband"

HANCOCK, Stanley T 1923 - 1944 EM3 U S Navy World War II

HANCOCK, Oscar W. Jan. 21, 1892 - Nov. 7 1965 (Masonic insignia)

RILEY, Clara E. Mar. 23, 1887 - Mar. 7, 1973

  "Our beloved mother"

HANCOCK, Edward 1861 - 1948

HANCOCK, A.L. 1864-1949

    Double

HANCOCK, Eda 1874 - 1929

HANCOCK, Mollie June 2, 1896 - Sept 30 1974

HANCOCK, Thomas R. Oct 21 1947 - Aug. 1 2003 

Row 3

HANCOCK, Bangta Oct. 3, 1865 - Mar. 13, 1944

HANCOCK, John Nov. 21, 1849 - July 27, 1927 (Masonic insignia)

HANCOCK, Elizabeth Born Sept. 22, 1821 Died Mar. 24, 1893

HANCOCK, R. Born Mar. 25, 1848 Died Feb. 9, 1887 ( Masonic insignia)

HANCOCK, Thomas Dec. 16, 1843 - Oct. 12, 1917 (Masonic insignia)

HANCOCK, Kiersti 1850 - 1925

HANCOCK, James 1855 - 1929

HANCOCK, Mary June 29, 1857 - June 15, 1931

        "The Lord is my Shepherd"

HANCOCK, Leslie 1894 - 1975 (Masonic insignia) Double

HANCOCK. Beatrice 1899 - 1979

T. Hancock’s Immediate Family

Generation No. 1

1.       WILLIAM1 HANCOCK was born 17 May 1820 in Manchester England, and died 03 May 1900 in San Diego Califorina.  He married ELIZABETH DIXION 03 May 1841 in England.  She was born 22 Sep 1821 in Tipperary Ireland, and died 24 Mar 1883 in Elkton Oregon. They Immigrated to Australia in 1841. Property: 28 Feb 1851, Donation Land Claim. ELIZABETH DIXION: Burial: Elkton Oregon.

Children of WILLIAM HANCOCK and ELIZABETH DIXION are:

              i.   THOMAS2 HANCOCK, b. 16 Dec 1842, Australia; d. 12 Oct 1917, Elkton Oregon.

.             ii.   ELIZABETH L. HANCOCK, b. 28 Aug 1844, Australia; d. 03 Oct 1925, San Diego Califorina.

             iii.   WILLIAM HANCOCK, b. 17 Jun 1846; d. 13 Jun 1857, Elkton Oregon.

             iv.   RICHARD HANCOCK, b. 25 Mar 1848, Australia; d. 09 Feb 1887, Elkton Oregon.

             v.   JOHN HANCOCK, b. 21 Nov 1849, Sydney Austraila; d. 27 Jul 1927, Eugene Oregon.

             vi.   JANE HANCOCK, b. 06 Dec 1851, Elkton Oregon; d. 16 Sep 1907, Arcata Califorina.

            vii.   HANNAH HANCOCK, b. 28 Dec 1853, Elkton Oregon; d. 29 Oct 1919, Oakland CA..

           viii.   JAMES HANCOCK, b. 25 Sep 1855, Elkton Oregon; d. 09 May 1929, Yamhill Oregon.

             ix.   MARY HANCOCK, b. 29 Jun 1857, Elkton Oregon; d. 15 Jun 1931, Elkton Oregon.

             x.   WILLIAM HANCOCK, b. 09 Feb 1859.

             xi.   EDWARD HANCOCK, b. 28 Mar 1861, Elkton Oregon; d. 17 Nov 1948. Burial: Elkton Douglas County Oregon

      xii.  ARTHUR LINCOLN HANCOCK, b. 18 Jul 1864, Elkton Oregon; d. 05 Feb 1949, Forest Grove Oregon.

Generation No. 2

2.  THOMAS2 HANCOCK (WILLIAM1) was born 16 Dec 1842 in Australia, and died 12 Oct 1917 in Elkton Oregon.  He married KIERSTI PERSSON 13 Jun 1886 in Douglas County, Oregon, daughter of PETER PERSSON and NETTIE PERSSON.  She was born 01 Mar 1850 in Sweden, and died 23 Feb 1925 in Elkton Oregon. "Centennial History of Oregon". Census: 1880, Elkton, Douglas County Oregon. Immigration: 04 Jul 1850, San Fancisco CA.. Military service: Bet. 1863 - 1866, Civil War/Indian Wars 1st Reg. Company K, Occupation: Rancher - Bullwacker (oxen driver).

KIERSTI PERSSON: (wife)

Born: 01 Mar 1850, Sweden

Died: 23 Feb 1925, Elkton, Oregon.

Burial: 25 Feb 1925, Elkton Oregon

Census: 1920, Elkton Oregon

Immigration: 1882, New York , Chicago

Children of THOMAS HANCOCK and KIERSTI PERSSON are:

              i.   EDA3 HANSON, b. 16 Dec 1874, Sweden; d. 14 Dec 1929, Elkton Oregon.

              ii.   CHRISTAIN CARL HANCOCK, b. 30 Jan 1885, Oregon; d. 26 Jan 1966, Lincoln County Oregon.

             iii.   CLARA E HANCOCK, b. 23 Mar 1887, Elkton OR.; d. 07 Mar 1973, Elkton OR..

iv.   OSCAR WILLIAM HANCOCK, b. 21 Jan 1892, Silverton, Oregon; d. 07 Nov 1965, Lincoln County Oregon; m. (1) IRIS HAINES; b. 06 Sep 1908, Elkton Oregon; d. 11 Jan 1999, Lincoln City Oregon; m. (2) MILDRED HAINES, 18 Apr 1925, Monmouth Oregon; b. 14 Jan 1883, Elkton Oregon; d. 02 Aug 1947.

OSCAR WILLIAM HANCOCK:

Burial: Elkton Douglas County Oregon

Census: 1930, North Corvallis Benton County OR

Military service: 21 Jan 1892, WWI

IRIS HAINES:

Burial: Elkton Cemetery

"Centennial History of Oregon"

Cathie Beauvais, Hancock Researcher, Oregon

Centennial History of Oregon 1811-1912, Vol. IV

Crystal Knapp, Oregon State Library

“Descendants of William Hancock”

Dorothy H. Huntley, Hancock Researcher

Dot Hosking Huntley, Researcher

Eleventh U.S. Census, Elkin Oregon

Ferne Hellie, research team, Pioneer Cemetery.

Historical Data Systems, civilwardata.com

Index to Compiled Military Service Records

Judy Artley, Hancock Researcher, Oregon

Laurie Kaiser, Hancock Researcher, Oregon

Oregon Volunteer Infantry Regimental Rosters

Twelfth U.S. Census Douglas County, Oregon

Thirteenth U.S. Census Douglas County, Oregon

USGENWEB ARCHIVES