Overview of Collection
Denise Guerin Rice
Denise Guerin Rice Collection, H 929 MSS Guerin
1724-2005
7 boxes
History of the Collection
This collection represents eight generations of the Guerin family including the first five brothers in the New World. It is the collected records of Denise Guerin Rice, author of three books on Guerin genealogy, to include Guerin Family and Allied Lines (1988), One Guerin Family's Dutch Connection, and Guerins in America (2003).
Denise's collection had as its foundation the notes and letters created by her grandfather William Halsey Guerin, who along with his cousin Eleazar Skellenger had written a history of the Guerin family. Though she received those records decades earlier in her life her interest in family genealogy was piqued by two incidents later on. According to her book, as a Girl Scout leader she "went in search of something for my girls to do for the upcoming Centennial. I approached a member of the Baron DeKalb DAR chapter and was encouraged to join." Joining the Daughters of the American Revolution would require a great deal of research before an application would be approved. The second incident was the 1984 reunion of her immediate family at Wild Dunes near Charleston South Carolina. Wild Dunes was the Guerins entry point into America in 1690. For the reunion Denise wrote a short family history. With the encouragement of the DAR this short history became the two published volumes.
In the second book Guerins in America Mrs. Rice described the history of her book: "My grandfather, William Halsey Guerin and his cousin, E.L. Skellenger collected family history through letters... They put together a family genealogy with some flaws but not too many. Then another cousin took their work and expanded and corrected in another work. Then I took their work and proceeded to try to document all the facts. I intended only to do my line (Thomas, Sr. through Vincent to myself) but I had collected so much material I was encouraged to try to put it all together and publish. In that way I would probably receive letters of correction and addition. I have."
With so much additional information this book was not limited to the Guerins of South Carolina and New Jersey but included chapters on Guerins throughout North America as well as unconnected Irish and German Guerins.
The Guerin family originated in France and are of Huguenot descent. The first generation of Guerins to America were five brothers, Mathurin, Francois, Peter, Vincent, and Thomas. Though the books provide information for all the Guerin brothers the focus is upon Denise's direct descendent Thomas. According to Guerin family folklore Thomas was separated from his brothers while heading for the ports of France as they sought to escape from religious persecution. Denise recounts Thomas' journey in her second book Guerins in America and notes that as entertaining and confusing as it is much of the story is probably apocryphal. Subsequent Guerin generations have believed that Thomas Guerin (1713-1790) of Morristown was the Thomas of the missed boat. However this Thomas was actually born in South Carolina and he was the son of Thomas Guerin Sr. Denise believes that the Guerins were one of the original families in South Carolina. Thomas Sr. had two other children, Susannah and Joseph. Thomas Jr. had 10 children Moses, Joshua, Levi, Epenetus, Joseph, Nathan, Mehetible, Vincent, Sarah, Jemima. Thomas eventually migrated to New Jersey after landing in South Carolina. Long time residents of Morris County all of Thomas' sons fought on the American side during the Revolution. One of the more interesting historical notes in the Guerin family is Thomas Guerin Jr. He owned a farm just outside of Morristown that Washington used to quarter his troops during the winter of 1779-1780. Family tradition holds that George Washington composed a letter of thanks to the Guerins at the end of the war. "The letter is now of records among the papers of George Washington at Morristown where there is supposed to be a complete inventory and microfilm of the General's papers for research." There is evidence of Guerin homesteads throughout the county.
Denise comes from Vincent's line. There is more information about this line than any other. Denise's line follows Thomas through Vincent, Halsey, George, William, Henry.
Scope and Content of the Collection
Denise Guerin Rice has exhaustively documented her branch of the Guerin family in America. The collection includes original and facsimiles of manuscript material, correspondence, text material, and much of the journals and articles she utilized in her research. The collection is organized into fourteen series and spans the years 1724-2004. Those interested in the Guerin family specifically would benefit greatly from this collection. In addition this collection would be useful to reserachers interested in Morris County history. Since Guerin family members were some of Morris County's earliest settlers they had an impact in the county's development and msny of these contributions are displayed in the records
Arrangement
Series I: Thomas Guerin and his Children, 1724-2005.
This series contains material directly related to Thomas Guerin and his ten children. The material related to Thomas is mainly facsimiles of legal documents pertaining to his property and estate as well as correspondence and reference material related to Denise's research. The remainder of the series is composed mostly of correspondence to Denise Rice from other Guerins also doing genealogical research on their own Guerin ancestor. In addition there are some original and facsimile documents created by Thomas' children. Other than records related to Thomas which begin the series the records are arranged alphabetically according to Thomas' children's names.
Series II: Joseph Guerin, 1965-2003.
This collection also contains material related to Thomas' brother Joseph. Though Denise concentrated her research almost entirely on Thomas and his lineage she did correspond with other Guerins concerning Joseph. This correspondence is almost exclusively email. This series also contains some genealogical record sheets. The information in this series is limited.
Series III: The Next Generations, 1806-1903.
This series documents the direct line to Denise Rice. Her lineage is detailed in the biography section of this finding aid. This series contains the largest number of original documents in the collection. The majority of the material is related to Mrs.Rice's grandfather and great-grandfather, William Halsey and George B. Guerin.
Series IV: Sarah Loverine Nelson and lineage, 1817-1997.
Sarah Loverine Nelson was the wife of William Halsey, Denise's grandmother, and Denise did some significant research into this line of the family as well. This series contains material related to Sarah's direct line to include her mother Maria Powles.
Series V: Dutch connection, 1804-2003.
This series contains material related to Sarah's Dutch ancestors. Denise's research led her to several branches along the Nelson line. There are several names in this series to include Deshler, Newhart, Rinker, Schreiber, Schreiber, Blauvelt, Demarest, Nagel, Terhune, Van Schaick, Van Vorhees, and Van Vorst. This series also includes a journal dedicated to the Van Vorst family.
Series VI: Guerins throughout North America, 1877-2003.
Various Guerin families eventually made their way through the North American continent. Though not all were connected with Denise's branch she collected information from these branches and shared information with other Guerins researching these different families. This collection contains journals from the Canadian Guerin Association, correspondence with researchers mainly email, and newspaper articles RE: Guerins in Oregon.
Series VII: The Irish branch, 1987-2001.
In her research Denise discovered a branch of the Guerin family in Ireland though she later discovered that there was no connection to her own family. This series contains a newsletter, correspondence from others, and a family record sheet for the Fitzwilliams'. This series does not add much information to Denise's branch of the family.
Series VIII: Publications and articles, 1984-2001.
Denise collected various journals and publications while doing her research for her book. The series includes the "Guerin Gazette", an unrevised copy of Denise's "Guerins in America" chapter 2, newspaper articles on Guerin history and doing genealogy.
Series IX: The In-laws, 1885-2001.
The Guerins are one of Morris County's original families and their lives frequently interacted with some of the established and powerful Morris County residents. Occasionally through business but mostly through marriage these names repeatedly appear in the Guerin family history. Families such as Condict, Ford, and Whitehead were important in the development of Morris County. Denise collected an extensive array of material relating to these families and their connection to the Guerins.
Series X: Huguenots, 1962-2000.
The Guerins' Huguenot history is well documented in Denise's books. The material that Denise utilized to document this connection as well as the larger history of the Huguenots can be found in this series. There is also some correspondence between Denise and another Huguenot descendent.
Series XI: Guerin by another name, 1999-2001, not dated.
In her research Denise came across many variations of the spelling of Guerin, most related to her own line. This series contains a book "Through the Years; A Study of the Geron, Geren, Garren Families", 1967, correspondence, and material related to the DeGuerins. Denise discovered two distinct branches of DeGuerins though only one was related to her own Guerin branch.
Series XII: Research by earlier Guerins, 1894-2003.
Guerin genealogists are a busy group as evidenced by the many individuals with whom Denise either collaborated with or built upon. This series includes part of the earliest report created by a Guerin genealogist, Halsey and Skellenger's "Genealogy of the Guerin Family" as well as correspondence between Denise and fellow Guerin researchers. This series also contains Denise's Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution application information.
Series XIII: Research by earlier Guerins, 1894-2003.
Guerin genealogists are a busy group as evidenced by the many individuals with whom Denise either collaborated with or built upon. This series includes part of the earliest report created by a Guerin genealogist, Halsey and Skellenger's "Genealogy of the Guerin Family" as well as correspondence between Denise and fellow Guerin researchers. This series also contains Denise's Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution application information.
Important Information for Users of the Collection
This collection is open to researchers. Records may be copied for use in individual scholarly or personal research, however, as with all materials in the North Jersey History Center researchers are responsible for obtaining copyright permission to use material from the collection. Material in the Denise Guerin Rice collection may be photocopied, but because this material is a permanent part of the History Center's collections, researchers are advised to photocopy with care, using only the edge copier for bound material.
Acquisition Information
Denise Guerin Rice donated her collection to the North Jersey History Center of the Morristown and Morris Township Library in the summer of 2003.
Preferred Citation
The Denise Guerin Rice Collection. North Jersey History Center, The Morristown and Morris Township Library.
Processing Information
Processed by Lawrence T. Greene, summer/fall 2004.
Container List
Series I: Thomas Guerin and his children, 1724-2005
1
1
Thomas Guerin legal documents (facsimiles), 1724-1758
1
2
Thomas Guerin inventory (facsimile), 1726
1
3
Will and inventory of Isaac Whitehead, 1777
1
4
John Blanchard will (Thomas Guerin creditor), 1730
1
5
Correspondence Rice RE: Thomas Guerin, 1987
1
6
Reference material utilized, Thomas lineage, 1926
1
7
Epenetus family tree, n.d.
1
8
Last will and testaments/Petition for inventory Epenetus and lineage, 1820-1900
1
9
Correspondence Epenetus descendants, 2002
1
10
Holley, Sharon (Epenetus), 1990-1991
1
11
Guerin, Mary Louise (Epenetus), 1986-1997
1
12
McWilliams, James (Epenetus), 1986-1988, n.d.
1
13
Joshua Guerin legal obligations (photocopies), 1787-1791
1
14
Article: "Joshua Guerin House, Jockey Hollow Road", n.d.
1
15
Joshua Guerin family diagram, n.d.
1
16
William Canfield (Joshua), 1994-2003
1
17
Betty Corrigan (Joshua), 1982
1
18-19
Betsie Davies (Joshua), 1995-1999
1
20
Spence Guerin (Joshua), 1982-2002
1
21
Elizabeth Guerin (Joshua), n.d.
1
22
Bob Hildreth (Joshua), 2004
1
23
Last will and testament/inventory, Levi lineage, 1834-1894
1
24
Family bible records, transcribed (photocopy) Levi, 1936
1
25
Joyce and David Guerin (Mathurin), 1994-2003
1
26
Nathan Guerin probated will, 1889
1
27
Reference material utilized (Nathan), n.d.
1
28
Deeds, wills (Nathan), 1819
1
29
Annie Allan (Nathan), 2002
1
30
Wayne Guerin (Nathan), 2000-2002
1
31-32
Galene Morris (Nathan), 1982-2002
1
33
Amy Lou Guerin Barney, 2005
2
1
Morrison, Jan (Nathan), 2002
2
2
Wallis, Robert (Nathan), 2000-2001
2
3
Young, Maxine (Nathan), 1993
2
4
Gingerich, Terri (Silas), 2002
2
5
Branch, Munn (Vincent), n.d.
2
6
Coulthard, George (Vincent), 2001
2
7
Dorrance, Edythe (Vincent), 1979-1992
8
1
Lanham, Caity (Vincent), 2001-2002
2
9
Lepp, Elizabeth (Vincent), 2002
2
10
Mertz, Christine Todd (Vincent), 1990-2001
2
11
Miller, Pat Guerin (Vincent), 1993-2003
12
1
Poinier, Donald (Vincent), 1991-2001
2
13
Sinas, Diane Ward (Vincent), 1994
2
14
Todd, Guerin (Vincent), 1990
2
15
Vincent Guerin, n.d.
Series II: Joseph Guerin, 1939-2003
2
16
Reference material utilized Joseph lineage, 1965
2
17
Descendants of Joseph Guerin, (Thomas Sr.), 2002
2
18
Guerin family applications to the Sons of the American Revolution, 1939-1953
2
19
Ruth Bowan (Thomas Sr., Joseph), 2002-2003
2
20
Jon Contess(Thomas Sr.), 2002
2
21
Glenn Guerin (Thomas Sr.), 1995-2003
2
22
Bob Hildreth (Thomas Sr.), 2000-2001
2
23
Diane Jones (Thomas Sr.), 2002
2
24
Ronald Lee Guerin (Thomas Sr.), 2000-2002
2
25
Jim Maples(Thomas Sr.), 2002
2
26
Correspondence RE: Joseph (Thomas Sr.), 1990-2002
2
27
Genealogical record sheets, Joseph, n.d.
Series III: The Next Generations, 1806-1993
2
28
Jacob Guerin (Nathan), 1851
2
29
Jonas Guerin, 1852
2
30
Arthur Baker Looper Sr. (Nathan), 1966
2
31
Jaby Geurin, 1857
2
32
Vincent license application for tavern, inn, n.d.
2
33
Vincent and Azubah Guerin, 1809-1828
2
34
Azubah Guerin, 1839
2
35
Indenture between Vincent Guerin and Halsey Guerin, 1812
2
36
Land indenture between Vincent and Halsey and Ann Guerin, 1809
2
37
Halsey Guerin military records, 1812
2
38
Halsey Guerin marriage notice, 1806
2
39
Property inventory of Ann Guerin sold to Vincent Guerin, 1824
2
40
Ann Guerin legal documents, 1836-1855
2
41
Will of James Stevens, father of Ann, 1824
2
42
Deed (George B. and William S. Guerin), 1842
2
43
Deed (David Tichnenor and George Guerin), 1842
2
44
George B. Guerin legal documents, 1852-1872
2
45
George B. Guerin, n.d.
2
46
Post cards "Seagate and George Halsey Guerin's home", n.d.
2
47
Seagate, 1918
2
48
George Guerin stocks and finances, 1868
2
49
Correspondence re: William Stevens Guerin, 1984
2
50
Photo George Halsey Guerin family, n.d.
2
51
Receipts, 1820-1924
3
1
Home and winter home of Mr. and Mrs. Halsey Guerin reproductions of photos, n.d.
3
2
Correspondence William Halsey Guerin, Secretary of the Navy, 1863
3
3
Correspondence William Halsey Guerin and related material, 1866-1993
3
4
Newspaper clippings Newark Daily Advertiser RE: Family of Mrs. William Halsey Guerin, 1895, n.d.
3
5
William Halsey and Sarah Loverine stocks and finances, 1878-1932
3
6
William H. Guerin Sons of the American Revolution application, 1892
3
7
Correspondence George Halsey Guerin, 1892
3
8
Correspondence between Henry Haworth Guerin and Thomas Devore, 1893-1901
3
9
Henry Haworth Guerin partition of guardianship, 1902
3
10
Executors of the estate of Maria P.Guerin, 1902
3
11
Obituary notices for William Halsey Guerin, 1911
3
12
Estate of William Halsey Guerin, 1911
3
13
Correspondence RE: All Saints' Church, Wm. H. Guerin member, 1971
3
14
Records from family bible, 1832-1925
3
15
Legal documents, William H. Guerin, 1891-1977
Series IV: Sarah Loverine Nelson and lineage, 1817-1997
3
16
Correspondence Sarah Loverine Nelson, 1924, n.d.
3
17
Indentures, 1881-1929
3
18
Sarah Nelson Rocknell death certificate, 1929
3
19
Sarah Nelson pedigree chart, 1997
3
20
Sarah Nelson Rocknell last will and testament, n.d.
3
21
Handwritten notes on Sarah Loverine Nelson descendants, n.d.
3
22
Maria Nagle Revolutionary War pension (Maria Powles), 1846
3
23
Correspondence RE: Powles connection, 1975-2000
3
24
Biographical information on various Powles, n.d.
3
25
Powles, last will and testament (facsimiles), 1817-1902
3
26
Powles family, marriage and death information (Photocopies), n.d.
3
27
References utilized for Powle research, n.d.
3
28
Maria Powles family record sheets, n.d.
3
29
Weddings and other social announcements, n.d.
3
30
Obituaries, 1946-1984
3
31
Prayer card for Mrs.Henry Guerin (Denise's mother), 1971
3
32
Jules Guerin, mural painter at the Lincoln Memorial, n.d.
Series V: Dutch connection, 1804-2003
3
33
Reference material utilized for Banta family research, n.d.
3
34
Correspondence RE: Deshler, 1892-1997
3
35
Deshler family record sheets, n.d.
3
36
Reference material utilized for Deshler research, 1889-1983
4
1
Deshler family history, 1804-1962
4
2
Nelson family genealogy, 1998-2001
4
3-4
Newhart family group sheet, n.d.
4
5
Correspondence RE: Newhart genealogy, 1892
4
6
Reference material utilized RE: Rinker, 1875-1952, n.d.
4
7
Abraham Rinker, 1892-1896
4
8
Rinker history, 1820, n.d.
4
9
Rinker family record sheets, n.d.
4
10
Rinker DAR application, 1946
4
11
Schreiber history, n.d.
4
12
Schreiber family record sheets, n.d.
4
13
Blauvelt history, n.d.
4
14
"The Demarest Family", Mary and William Demarest, 1938
4
15
Demarest history, n.d.
4
16
Harrison family connection, 1999-2001, n.d.
4
17
Nagel family record sheets, n.d.
4
18
Terhune history, n.d.
4
19
Van Schaick, 2000-2001
4
20
"Van Schaick Kinfolks Quarterly", 2000-2003
4
21
Van Vorhees family record sheets, n.d.
4
22
Van Vorst (DAR Application), 1937-1938
4
23
Newsletter "De Niev Nederlanse Marcurius", 2000
4
24
Correspondence RE: Arent Schulyer, 1983-2003
4
25
Rice family record group, n.d.
4
26
Bibliography Dutch immigration, n.d.
Series VI: Guerins throughout North America, 1877-2003
4
27
Canadian Guerin Association newsletter, 1996-1997
5
1
Canadian Guerin newsletter, 1996-1997
5
2
Articles Canadian Guerins translated into English, n.d.
5
3
Correspondence with Guerin Canadian Association, 1995
5
4
Fred Guerin (Canada), 1998-2003
5
5
Austin Guerin (Canada), 2002-2003
5
6
Gib and Dot Guerin (VA and AK), 1990-2003
5
7
Ann Guerin (Oregon), 1877
5
8
Newspaper articles RE: George Guerin and family (Oregon), 1901-1956, n.d.
5
9
Newspaper articles RE: Oregon Guerins, 1895-2000
5
10
Frank Guerin (Oregon), 1992
5
11
Carol Schwartz (Oregon), 1985-1994
5
12
Elsie Wilson and Charlotte Snyder (Wisconsin and New Jersey), 1990
5
13
Coos County Oregon material, n.d.
5
14
Oregon Guerin biographies, n.d.
5
15
Paul West (GA), 2001
5
16
Roland Guerin (New Orleans), 1997-2003
5
17
Meeker, Sharon, New Jersey, 2002
Series VII: The Irish branch, 1983-2001
5
18
Newsletter "Guerin Genealogy" RE: Irish heritage, 1990
5
19
Fitzwilliam family group record sheet, 1990
5
20
Hank Guerin (Irish), 1983-2001
5
21
Mike Guerin (Irish), 1987-1994
5
22
German Garrens, n.d.
Series VIII: Publications and articles, 1979-2001
5
23-24
"Guerin Gazette", 1979-1982
6
1
"Guerin Gazette", 1983-1984
6
2
"Guerin Gazette", 1997-2001
6
3
Unrevised copy of "Guerins in America" chapter 2, n.d.
6
4
Newspaper articles RE: "doing genealogy", 1985
6
5
Articles and stories RE: Guerin history, n.d.
6
6
Published historical articles, 1904
6
7
Articles RE: family history, n.d.
Series IX: The In-laws, 1885-2001
6
8
Norman Condict, 2000
6
9
Condict Family, 1885-1932
6
10
Ford family line, 1999-2001, n.d.
6
11
Francis Gay (Ford), 1992-2001
6
12
Looper/Henderson, n.d.
6
13
Whitehead connection, 1928-1992
6
14
Kay Keating, 1990-2002
6
15
Bob Mayo (Guerin-Stiles connection), 2001
Series X: Huguenots, 1962-2000
6
16
Marguerite Lowery, 1993-2000
6
17
Reference material, 1962-1975, n.d.
Series XI: Guerin by another name, 1967-2001, n.d.
6
18
"Through the Years; A Study of the Geron, Geren, Garren Families" part 1, 1967
6
19
"Through the Years; A Study of the Geron, Geren, Garren Families" part 2, 1967
6
20
Harry Geron, 1999-2000
6
21
Correspondence RE: Garren descendants of Joseph Guerin, 2001
6
22
DeGuerin, n.d.
6
23
Thomas DeGuerin, n.d.
6
24
DeGuerin, n.d.
Series XII: Research by earlier Guerins, 1894-2003, n.d.
6
25
Charlotte Coultas Stupek (Nathan), 1982-1986
6
26
Research by earlier Guerins, n.d.
6
27
Charles Guerin, 2001, n.d.
7
1
Stanley J. Guerin, 1985-2001, n.d.
7
2
Guerin-Boice connection, compiled by Patty Boice-Stratton, 2001
7
3
Harriet Stryker-Rodda, "Guerin", 1968-1985
7
4
Title page "Genealogy of the Guerin Family" by Skellenger, 1901
7
5
Barbara Marht (Skellenger), 1994
7
6
Correspondence E.L. Skellenger, 1894
7
7
Elizer Skellenger's "Guerin Study" original copy, n.d.
7
8
Copy "Genealogy of the Guerin Family" by William H. Guerin and Elizer Skellenger, 1937
7
9
Elsie Wilson, 2000
7
10
DAR/SAR applications for Denise Rice, 1985-2000
7
11
Fairmount Cemetery Association, 1981
7
12
Correspondence with library, 2003
7
13
Scott Shepherd, 2001-2002
7
14
Guerin family list-serv, 2000
Series XIII: Reference material utilized, 1830-1985, n.d.
7
15
Reference material South Carolina land grants, n.d.
7
16
Journal articles RE: Rockland County New York, Nagel family, n.d.
7
17
Reference material South Carolina wills and burials, 1979
7
18
Reference material RE: South Carolina Guerin branch, 1979-1985
7
19
South Carolina marriages, 1902, n.d.
7
20
South Carolina census index, 1830-1870
7
21
US census national index, 1880
7
22
Census schedule, 1850-1900
7
23
"Will abstracts of Northampton PA", 1752-1852
7
24
Reference articles utilized by Rice, n.d.
7
25
Reference material for Dutch connection, n.d.
7
26
Travels and research, n.d.
Series XIV: Photographs, 1830-1985, n.d.
7
27
Guerin family portraits, n.d.
7
28
William Halsey Guerin and family, n.d.
7
29
Grave sites, Mickley/Burkhalter, n.d.
7
30
Grave sites, Jacobus, n.d.
7
31
houses in various NJ urban settings, RE: Guerin history, n.d.
7
32
Deshler, n.d.
7
33
Guerin grave sites, n.d.
7
34
Canadian Guerin Association, n.d.