Pictures taken at the dedication by the SAR of John Sonner memorial marker.
Marker is located in the Riverview Cemetery Strasgburg Virginia
near the area of his farm where he lived and died.

Secondly it is my will and desire and I do hereby direct that my estate both real and personal after the payment of my just debts and funeral expenses or claims be divided in the following manner. To my beloved wife Ann Sonner I will and bequeath a residence in my dwelling home during her natural life to have and to use the same as will be most agreeable to her with the privilege of using the garden and to have as much pasture and hay of the farm as she may want for the use of her stock herein after bequeathed to her and to have the privilege of getting and using whatever she may want for her and off of said farm. I do further will and direct that my son Joseph hereinafter named do deliver unto my said wife twenty bushel of mash and marketable wheat and fifty bushels of good corn yearly and every year during he natural life each one paying an equal portion. I do further will and bequeath that unto my said wife so much of my household and kitchen furniture as she may want she making choice of all my household and kitchen furniture. I do further will and bequeath unto my said wife two cows, one horse, six sheep and two hogs, her choice of all my stock also the notes or Bond I may hold on William Morris at the time of my death. I do further will and bequeath unto my said wife choice of my two Negro girls, Comilla and Seah to have and to hold the same during her natural life and after her death the property to be sold and equally divided among my children share and share alike unless my personal estate should not hold out to pay my daughter Margaret Hozle her portion of my estate then she shall have so much of the estate after her mother's decease or will make her be specified herein after named Bonds then the residue of said estate to be equally divided as above directed.

Thirdly I will and bequeath unto my son Joseph Sonner him and his heirs forever the part of land where he now lives and is the same I purchased from Alexander Hite, (150 acres, probably West of Strasburg near Little North Mountain) Executor.

Fourthly I will and bequeath unto my son Jacob Sonner his and his heirs forever the tract of land (apparently located on Sandy Hook) on which I now live reserving unto my wife the privileges heretofore devised to her. I do further will and bequeath unto my said son Jacob ten acres of land to be taken off the Maintzer tract (located on Sandy Hook) of land commencing at the cedar gate post of the upper gate on the Maintzer place running thence with a line of said tract of land with my line and Levi Crabills line to three hickory trees a corner between me and Levi Crabill and then the line continuing between me and said Crabill such distance as may be necessary to get ten acres by leaving Crabills line and going down the hill toward the division line thence to the division fence and the division line to the beginning so or to contain no more than the ten acres. I do further will and bequeath unto my son Jacob one small Negro girl named Barbarah also my road wagon with the head gear and one cow, the choice of my stock after my wife has made her choice of my cows and I do further bequeath and direct that my son Jacob pay my daughter Margaret Hazle twenty five dollars in one year from the time of my decease and I do further will and direct that my son Jacob pay unto my deceased son Philip's four children the sum of one hundred dollars to be paid in equal annual installments first and annually to be paid in one year after my decease and then yearly until the whole sum of one hundred dollars be paid.

Fifthly I will and bequeath unto my son Isaac Sonner his and his heirs forever the tract of land on which he now lives and be the same conveyed to me by David Stickley, Trustee for Stover and Bowman.

Sixtly I will and bequeath unto my son in law John Stover and Elizabeth his wife those and them their heirs forever the tract of land at the North Fork of the Shenandoah River called the Mantzer Place (215 acres located on Sandy Hook) reserving to my son Jacob the ten acres herein devised to him out of said tract of land also the use of the Wagon Road as now runs through the said Maintzer Place from my farm on which I live to Strasburg to him the said Jacob and his heirs forever and I do further will and devise that my said son in law John Stover do pay unto my son Philip's four children or their guardian the sum of three hundred dollars to be paid in eight equal annual installments the first installment to be paid one year after my decease and the residue annually thereafter until the whole sum of three hundred dollars be paid.

Sevently I will and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret Hozle so much of my personal estate as will make the sum of fifteen hundred dollars including the sum of twenty five dollars to be paid by my son Jacob as before directed and or note I hold on her deceased husband amounting to fifty eight dollars and fifty cents.

Eightly I will and Bequeath unto my granddaughter Ann Hozle one hundred dollars to be paid out of my personal estate.

Ninethly I will and bequeath unto my grandchildren Eliza, Ann, Harrison and Mary Sonner the four children of my son Philip now deceased the home (Situated on Queen Street) and lott in the town of Strasburg which I purchased of John Shull (Town lots 84, 99, and 100 fronting on Queen and High Streets, each lot containing one half acre) also the sum of four hundred dollars devised and directed to be paid by my son Jacob and my son in law John Stover also the sum of two hundred dollars to be paid out of my personal estate so soon as may be after my decease and I do further will and direct that my executor do charge my son Philip deceased with the sum of one hundred dollars which I paid for his in cash and which sum they shall charge as a part of the legacy left the said children which several bequeath and the sum of one hundred dollars I value to them as the sum of fifteen hundred dollars and the said children are not to have possession of said house and lots until the youngest child arrives at the age of eighteen years or marries after which time the whole is to be equally divided amongst them share and share alike.

Tenthly I will and direct that Catherine Sonner the widow of my deceased son Philip shall have the house and lots in the town of Strasburg to live in and occupy and free from the time of my decease until such time of his youngest daughter Mary arrives at the age of eighteen years or marries and I do further will and direct that my sons and daughters deliver unto the said Catherine Sonner yearly and every year twenty bushels of marketable wheat and twenty bushels of good corn from the time of my decease until such time as her son Harrison shall arrive at the age of twelve years each one of my children deliver an equal proportion of the said grain.

Eleventhly I do will and direct that my executor so soon as may be after my decease make public sale of the residue of my estate both real and personal not heretofore bequeathed for the purpose of paying my just debts and bequest heretofore made.

Twelfthly I do further will and direct that in land my personal estate should more than pay the bequests heretofore made then the surplus to be equally divided between my children share and share alike and in case my estate does not should and to make my daughter Margaret equal to the land bequest to be my sons and daughter shall make her equal to them or sixteen hundred dollars each; deducting from Margaret the sum of one hundred dollars which I have bequeathed to her daughter Ann Hozle legacy.

Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my son Joseph Sonner and my son in law John Stover executors of this my last will and testament hereby ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament and revoking all such by me heretofore made. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 22nd day of March 1828.

John Sonner

Witnessed by
Joseph D. Spengler
Daniel Kern
John Crabill

At a Court held for the County of Shenandoah on Monday the 9th day of March 1829 the last will and testament of John Sonner deceased was produced in Court and proved by the oaths of Joseph D. Spengler and Daniel Kern witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and in the motion of John Stover one of the executors therein named who made and together with Daniel Kern, Joseph Sonner and Jacob Crabill as his into and or Bond in the penalty of five thousand dollars condition of the certificate is granted him for of said will in due form. Joseph Sonner the executor named in said will refused to qualify as such in open Court.

3-1 Isaac Sonner b. 2-22-1795 d. 3-22-1865
3-2 Joseph Sonner b. 12-8-1793 d. 8-7-1841 (Will follows)
3-3 Jacob Sonner
3-4 Elizabeth Sonner
3-5 Philip Sonner
3-6 Margaret Sonner

4-1 Catherine Sonner m. 12-25-1843
William David Lambert b. 12-24-1818
William was born in Shenandoah County. He was the son of Isaac Lambert 1779-1868. First wife Catherine Graybill 1798-1831 daughter of David and Elizabeth Beydler Graybill. Lived in Pennsylvania. No Heirs. Catharine was mentioned in Levi Sonner's will.

4-2 Mary Sonner
Madison Lambert
Lived in Pennsylvania. No Heirs. Mary was mentioned in Levi Sonner's will. She was a half sister to Levi.

4-3 Anna Virginia Sonner b. 11-18-1824 d. 9-26-1854 m. 8-12-1849
Peter M. Zea b 6-1825, d. 10-14-1913.
Marriage bondsman Joshua Stoner. Peter Martin Zea remarried Elizabeth Crabill 6-16-1859. Elizabeth is the daughter of Abraham Crabill and Rebecca Huddle and was born near Strasburg, Virginia. After their marriage they moved to the state of Missouri and spent their entire lives at Miami, except for seven years at Brunswick. Martin was a farmer and they were members of the Christian Church. Both are buried at Miami, Missouri. Anna was mentioned in Levi Sonner's will. He was a half sister to Levi.

4-4 Elizabeth Sonner m. 12-2-1848
George A. Bell
Witnessed by Bllewart. Elizabeth was mentioned in Levi Sonner's will.

5-1 Laura Bell

    Isaac Sonner then married Rosanna Baker b. 10-1-1795 d. 1-17-1875 m.             12-4-1826 Abraham Baker was a brother to Rosanna Baker. Rosanna is buried at the Pifer Cemetery which is located West of Strasburg, Va.

4-5 Levi W. Sonner b. 2-23-1833 d. 9-25-1915
Never married. Levi Sonner is buried at the Pifer Cemetery West of Strasburg. His grave is marked "At rest". Levi was a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. He was a member of Company G of the 23rd Regiment. About 1902 he received a Confederate Pension. He lived on Capon Grade West of Strasburg. The 1870 census indicates that Levi's mother lived in his household. There was also a Margaret Sonner (who later married David Samuel Stickley), Margaret Mowery and two children, Lucy Mowery and Sarah C. Mowery living there. He was baptized at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Strasburg Oct. 4, 1853 by Rev. Campbell. Levi's will provided for the following; a tombstone for his grave, life estate in his real estate for his sister Martha Sonner Mowery, Mary Lambert $2, Lucy Golladay $2, Maggie Stickley $2, Elizabeth Bell $2, Annie Zea my half sister $2, and grand nephew Walter R. Orndorff all real & personal property (after Martha's entitlement) for his life time then to his wife and children.

4-6 Martha A. Sonner b. 5-23-1835 d. 1-9-1905 m 9-17-5-1857
Cornelius Mowery b 12-13-1828 d. 12-11-1864
He was the son of Frederick R. and Catherine Mowery. Cornelius Mowery was a soldier in the CSA Army. Enlisted 1861 at Strasburg as a Private in Co. G. 146th Va. Militia. Cornelius was a farmer. Both are buried at the Boehm Cemetery off John Marshall Highway West of Strasburg, VA.

5-1 Cornelia Mowery b. 1860 d. 5-5-1881 m. 8-28-1878
J. Franklin Orndorff b. 1857 d. 1-9-1923
Married by John Pirkey. The groom was 21, born in Frederick, County, VA. and residing in Shenandoah County, the son of J. W. and Sarah Orndorff. The bride was 18 born and residing in Shenandoah County. J. Franklin died at Oranda, VA.. Cornelia only lived to be nineteen years one month and twenty one days old. She is buried at the Boehm Cemetery West of Strasburg, Virginia off route 55.

5-2 Lucy Belle Mowery b. 1-19-1859 m. 9-10-1878 d.10-17-1936
Joseph Stover b. 3-11-1849 d. 11-29-1889
Married by Rev. John Pirkey. Groom was 28, a farmer born and residing in Champaign County, Ohio the son of Elias and Elizabeth Stover. The bride was 19 born and residing in Shenandoah County. Both buried at the Nettle Creek Cemetery. Joseph died young and Lucy was hospitalized soon after. Their children were raised by relatives. Elias Stover 12-1-1812---6-1-1885 and Elizabeth Snyder Stover 1-19-1859---9-15-1872 at 61 years of age. Both buried at the Nettle Creek Cemetery, Mad River Township, Ohio. Children of Elias and Elizabeth: Lavina, Johnson , William, Catherine, David, Joseph and Mary. Joseph is also buried in the same cemetery.

5-3 Sarah C. Mowery b 1863 Living in 1870.

5-4 Levi Mowery b. 1-20-1865 d. 3-17-1865
Buried at the Boehm Cemetery west of Strasburg, Virginia

5-5 William L. Mowery b. 3-11-1860 d. 2-13-1862
Buried in the Boehm Cemetery off John Marshall Highway West of Strasburg, VA.

4-7 Margaret (Maggie) V. Sonner m. 12-14-1876 d. 10-12-1906
David Stickley
David was the son of Jacob H. and Barbara Stickley, resided in Champaign, OH. His occupation when he married was wagon maker. Margaret died in Texas.

4-8 Lucy Sonner b. 5-13-1842 d. 3-1-1923 m. 4-11-1867
George Washington Golladay b. 4-11-1844 d. 12-25-1933
He was the fifth child of Jacob and Catherine Clem Golladay Shenandoah County, Virginia She was the daughter of Isaac and Rosanna Baker Sonner. Marriage performed at widow Sonner's farm. As a young man George was assigned to company K, 5th Regiment, Stonewall Brigade, a Private under John Avis. George and Lucy Sonner Golladay lived for a while in Warren County, Virginia but later migrated to Texas where they lived out their lives. Both buried in Maypearl Cemetery, Ellis County, Texas. Information obtained from book "Golladays in America".

4-9 Sarah V. Sonner b. 2-24-1830 d. 10-27-1867
Never married. Sarah V. Sonner is buried at the Pifer Cemetery West of Strasburg. Her grave is marked.

4-1 George M. Sonner b. 1815
4-2 Harriet Sonner b. 1819 d. 1842
4-3 Reginia A. Sonner b. ca 1822
4-4 William H. Sonner b. 1826
4-5 Richard Wisdom Sonner b. 1831
4-6 James A. Sonner b. 1837
4-7 John Sonner b. 1837

4-1 George M. Sonner b. 9-8-1815 d. 8-5-1890 m. 11-20-1843
Eveline (Eva) Rudolph b. 4-9-1821 d. 12-2-1884
George and Eveline are buried at the Lebanon Church Cemetery, Lebanon Church, VA. Eveline was the daughter of Jacob Rudolph.

Much of George M. Sonner's property was confiscated by Union troops who often camped on his farm West of Strasburg. After the War he petitioned for reimbursement for these losses. The following is excerpted for his statement present to the Court.

This testimony is dated February 22, 1876 and was given at Winchester, Virginia. His witnesses were Isaac Orndorff, Marcus Copenhaver, John W. Rudolph and William A. Sonner.

My name is George M. Sonner. I am 60 years of age. I now line in Frederick County, Virginia, where I have lived since the 18th day of March 1875. I am a farmer by occupation. I was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia on the 8th day of December 1816. Six months before the outbreak of the rebellion, I was residing near Strasburg in Shenandoah County Virginia; engaged in farming and resided there from the beginning to the end of the War. I did not change my occupation during that time. I was on the side of the Union from the beginning to the end of the War. I feed numbers of Union Soldiers. That was about all that I had the opportunity of doing for the Union. In 1860 and 1861 I took the side of the Union and spoke freely in favor of the Union. After the State passed into the rebellion, I adhered to this Union cause. ......................................   General Banks and Milroy both gave me protection for my property. Philip Everly, Isaac Orndorff and Marcus Copenhaver were all prominent Union men living in my neighborhood during this War. Isaac Orndorff and M Copenhaver will be called to testify to my loyalty. Col. I. S. Pifer, Isaac Hern, neighbors of mine while the War was going on both threatened to have me arrested by the Rebels if I did not stop expressing my Union sentiments. I was not arrested. ...........................I never did do any thing against the Union cause. I never did receive a pass from Rebel Authority or an offer of any ...... I had a son Joseph Henry Sonner who was conscripted at midnight in 1864 just after he was 18 years old. He was only in the Rebel Army some three or four months. He died while there. I was making arrangement to send him North when the Rebels conscripted him. ........................... I have stated all that I know in regard to my loyalty, ......................

Isaac Orndorff testified saying.
I am 67 years and reside now in Frederick County, Virginia. While the War was going on, I lived in Shenandoah County. I am a farmer by occupation. I am not related to Mr. Sonner. I have no interest in this claim. I am here to testify to the loyalty of George M. Sonner, .......................... I saw him I suppose some three or four times during that time and long time we met we talked about the War, its cause, purpose and result. We met once in Winchester, once at his home and several times at my house. About the beginning of the War, I was at his home and he spoke against Slavery and the sin of Church Members holding Slaves and the time I saw him in Winchester he told me that the Union Army had taken nearly all that he had ........................................ I know that he was threatened with arrest because of his the Union Soldier when ever they came here on their driving away the Rebels. I never heard of him saying on word against the Union cause, from the f of his being threatened with arrest he must have been and as a Union man in his neighborhood. Joseph Windle, John Hockman and Levi Man were prominent Union men living in the Claimants neighborhood during the War and I think they will all testify to the Claimants loyalty if asked so to do. I was a Union man and the Claimant know me to be one from the fact he knew that the Rebels arrested me on account of my Union sentiments. His conduct during the War and his language to me would have him proving his loyalty to the Confederacy. I have stated all that I know in regard to the loyalty of the Claimant. I firmly believe that he was a good Union man.

Isaac Orndorff.

Marcus Copenhaver testified as follows saying.
I am 53 years of age and reside in Winchester, Virginia. I am a Merchant by occupation. I am a first Cousin of the Claimant. I have not interest in this claim. I am here to testify to the loyalty of George M. Sonner who I have know for the last 50 years intimately for we have been intimate friends all our life. We lived 18 miles apart from the beginning to the end of the War and I saw him some three or four times during that time. The first time I saw him while the War was going on was while General Milroy occupied this neighborhood. He came to my house and stayed all night and while he was there we had a long talk about the War, its cause, progress and result and he certainly did express himself strongly in favor of the Union. I saw him once or twice afterwards and he expressed himself in the same way. I never heard him say one word against the Union, all that I heard him say was in favor of it. Philip Everly, Joseph Windle and Cornelious Hockman were all prominent Union men living in the Claimants neighborhood during the War and I think they will all testify to the Claimants loyalty if asked so to do. I was a Union man during the War and this Claimant knew me to be one from the fact that he knew I left home when the Rebels came here. I do not know any threats or injury inflicted on the Claimant or his family on account of his Union sentiment. His conversation with me and his reputation in his neighborhood would have prevented him proving his loyalty to the Confederacy. Have stated all that I know in regard to the loyalty of the Claimant.

Marcus Copenhaver.

George M. Sonner testified that his farm was situated in Shenandoah County, VA and contained 160 acres about 80 acres which was under cultivation and the rest wooded. He stated that he saw every part or parcel of the property listed taken. He complained to Colonel Nells about the taking my property and he told me that he could not help it. They must have it to help the Army along. I did not ask for a voucher or receipt nor did they give me one. No payment has ever been made for any of this property. About 70 bushels of corn was taken from the corn house leaving about 10 bushels April or May 1862 by soldiers belonging to General Banks command. The corn was taken away on guarded wagons. Eight wagons with 20 or 30 men carted away good corn fodder April or May 1962. These troops were also under the command of General Banks. About that time. The troops then removed hay from the barn. Returning later they removed corn, oats and wheat stores. During 1962 Union soldiers removed three hogs, killed them in the pen and cut them up and carted them away. About 200 pounds of bacon that was stored in the house was taken by General Freemont's Army in June 1862. In 1863 Cavalry troop under General Milroy's command took away a Bay Mare, 8 years old. I followed them to Winchester and saw the mare in their Camp and asked the officer in command of the camp to let me have her. He would not return the animal. During 1864 two days before the Fishers Hill fight hay was removed from my barn by General Averill's command of Cavalry who were camped on my farm for three or four days. I went to see General Averill immediately. He came there and asked to not take my hay. He told me that he must have it for his horses but that if I come up he would give me a receipt for it. He went away before I did get a receipt. About 10 acres of corn standing in shocks in the field was taken by General Averill's command. The Union Army took the rail fence on my farm. in 1864 when camped on my farm four days before the fight at Fishers Hill. The rails were used for firewood. Two horses, a black horse and a bay mare were removed by General Hamlin's Command in the Spring of 1864 when he made his raid of the Valley. One evening after sundown about 50 soldiers belong to his command under the command of an officer rode up to my house and told me that they had commands from General Hermlin to gather up all the horses they could find. I begged them not to take mine and told them that if they did I did not see what I was to do. They went into the stable and took both my horses and led them away with them in the direction of Strasburg. The next morning I followed them and about two miles from Strasburg I saw my horses hitched in a camp with the other horses of the Command. I went to the office in Command of the camp and told him that some of his Soldiers had taken two of my horses the night before and the horses were there in his camp. I asked him to let me take my horses back home. I went home and have never seen my horses since. A six year old by mare was taken for Cavalry Service 1862 by soldiers under General Freemont's command.  George M. Sonner listed many other provisions removed by Union Soldiers from his farm for their use.

Perhaps because of these loses suffered by the hands of these Union Soldiers George M. Sonner defaulted on his mortgage and his property was sold at foreclosure after the War. He then moved to Frederick County about 1875.

The Federal Government made partial restitution for losses he suffered. The War proved costly to many people in the Valley.

5-1 Helen R. Sonner b. 5-10-1847 d. 8-2-1929
Lemuel B. Pingley b. 5-25-1849 d. 5-18-1923
Lemuel was living at home 1870. He was listed as a carpenter in the census of that year. His parents were David and Catherine Pingley. He had a brother David M. Pingley. Helen and Lem owned and operated a general store in Lebanon Church, Virginia. They also had a post office in the store. This is a very interesting rural setting in a small community near Strasburg, Virginia. The community supports a general store, post office and a church.

5-2 Susan R. Sonner b. 2-10-1849 d. 9-22-1884 m. 11-20-1873
Silas Richard Feely, b. 3-31-1847 d. 12-15-1932,
Silas was the son of Alexander B. and Christina Elizabeth Keckley Feeley. He is buried at the Lebanon Church Cemetery. Silas was a carpenter by trade. Silas R. Feeley was a Confederate soldier. Enlisted 1864 at Falling Springs in Co. E, 11th VA. Cavalry. Buried in the Lebanon Church Cemetery, VA. Both of Silas's parents are also buried at the Lebanon Church Cemetery. The 1870 Census indicated a Susan R. Sonner age 20 living at home.

5-3 Oliva Josephine Sonner b. 1-17-1852 d. 11-2-1905
Silas Richard Feely, M-2 widower b. 3-31-1847 d. 12-15-1932,
Silas married second the sister of his first wife. Oliva is buried at the Lebanon Church Cemetery. The 1870 Census listed a Oliva J. Sonner age 19 living at home.

6-1 Susan Feely Died early in life.

5-4 Joseph Henry Sonner b. ca 1846 d. 1864 Never married. Conscripted into the Confederate Army at midnight in 1864. Joseph served with Company E., of the Laurel Brigade, Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. This unit was Captained by Joseph T. Hess. Died in that conflict.

5-5 William Arthur Sonner b. 2-7-1851 d. 2-1-1917
Jennie Steinberger b. 4-15-1856 d. 3-16-1951 Westville, OH.
Married in Ohio and lives there. The 1870 Shenandoah County Census listed a Arthur Sonner living at home, 17 years of age and attending school.

5-6 James Russell Sonner b. 10-27-1855
Sarah Bertha Campbell
Lived at Stephen City, Virginia. The 1870 Shenandoah County Census listed Russell J. Sonner 16 years of age living at home and attending school.

5-7 Catherine Sonner b. 1858
Listed in the 1870 Shenandoah County Census as being 12 years of age living at home and in school.

5-8 Margaret "Maggie" Frances Sonner b. 7-22-1965 d. 2-14-1944
Never married. Buried at the Lebanon Church Cemetery, Lebanon Church, VA.

4-2 Harriet Sonner b. 1-4-1819 d. 1-29-1843 
Harriet is buried in the Pifer Cemetery located West of Strasburg, Virginia.

4-3 Regina A. Sonner m. 2-26-1856
Joseph E. Crabill b. 1-27-1822 d. 12-24-1897
Joseph was the son of William C. and Christina Eberly Crabill. Joseph was a cabinet maker. Joseph E. Crabill was a widower and was first married to Sarah Ann Miller on 4-15-1852.

5-1 Jacob M. Crabill b. 1853 d. 2-8-1915 m 11-17-1893
Ella Hickerson b. 1867 d. 1-10-1936
Ella was the daughter of James M. and Sophie Mort Hickerson. Jacob died at Strasburg and Ella at Fishers Hill.

5-2 Lucy Crabill b. 1864 d. 1924 Martin Luther Artz They lived at Strasburg.

5-3 Susan E. Crabill b. 3-17-1857 d. 5-6-1858 Susan is buried at St. Pauls Lutheran Church.

4-4 Richard Wisdom Sonner b. 6-3-1831 d. 5-5-1886 wagon maker
Sally Bowman M-1 b. 12-14-1838 d. 11-20-1872 m.11- 20-1872
Phillippi Zea M-2 b. 4-4-1838 d. 8-11-1909 m. 10-23-1875
Sally Bowman Sonner daughter of Isaac and Martha E. Bowman is buried at the St. Pauls Lutheran Church Cemetery, Strasburg, Virginia. Philippa Zea was the daughter of Philip and Susan Clayton Zea. Richard W. Sonner and Philippi Zea Sonner are buried in the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Strasburg, VA. Enlisted in the CSA 1861 at Camp Blair as a musician in Co. A. 10th V. Infantry. Transferred to Co. B 1864 during the Civil War.

5-1 Minnie Lee Sonner b. 1865
Never married. Minnie lived in Strasburg.

5-2 Susie Sonner b. Oct. 1, 1866 d. Sep. 21, 1872
Susie is buried at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Strasburg, Virginia

5-3 Peter Sonner b. Apr 17, 1868 d. May 29, 1872
Peter is buried at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Strasburg, Virginia

5-4 Julia L. Sonner b. 10-3-1870 d. 11-17-1896 m. 12-19-1889
Samuel M. Feller b. 5-7-1866 d. 5-14-1892.
Samuel and Julia were married December 19, 1889 by L. L. Smith in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Groom was 23, a school teacher born and residing in Shenandoah County, son of Samuel G. and Rachel Feller. Bride was 19 born and residing in Shenandoah County daughter of Richard W. and Phillppi Sonner. Buried at St. Matthew Lutheran Church South of Mt. Olive, Va. East of the Back Road.

5-6 Frank Sonner
Cecil Myers.
Frank when a young man went from Strasburg, VA. to Ohio to live with his maternal Grandparents. He worked on a farm and later married the daughter of the owner of the farm. This farm was located near Greenspring, Ohio and consisted of 365 acres with two large maple sugar plants.

6-1 Enid Sonner
Howard Drawn

5-7 Peter Sonner b. 1868
Died before 1898.

5-8 Susie Sonner b. 1867
Buried at the St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Strasburg, VA. Died before 1898.

    Richard W. Sonner married second Philipa Zea and had two children.

5-9 Ward B. Sonner

5-10 Mary Zea Sonner b. 3-23-1881 d. 8-4-1934.
Mary Sonner is buried at the Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Strasburg, VA.

4-4 William H. Sonner b. 9-21-1826 d. 5-19-1901
Margaret Vincent
Posterity found under Jacob. William and Margaret were cousins. William H. Sonner was a Confederate soldier. He is buried in the St. Pauls Lutheran Church Cemetery, Strasburg, VA. William married Margaret Vincent, his third cousin, she being the granddaughter of Old Jacob Sonner. William by occupation was a carpenter. He lived at Strasburg. His wife was burned to death. They had butchered and she was about the fire, her clothing caught fire and she was badly burned, from which she died the next day.

4-5 James A. "Chuffy" Sonner b. 8-24-1837 d. 6-28-1900 carpenter, m. 10-21-1862
Elizabeth M. "Betty" Macher b. 9-24-1840 d. 6-19-1895
Dauther of Philip A. and Caroline H. Arthur Macher The 1874 Tax Book indicated that James A. Sonner owned the property at the South East corner of High and Fort (Depot) Streets in Strasburg. He also owned part of lot 99. In this same ledger the Strasburg Methodist church was called a "meeting house". James is buried in the Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA.. James A. Sonner is buried in the Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA. He was a Confederate soldier during the Civil War. He enlisted 1861 at Strasburg as a Private in Co. G. 146th VA. Militia. James's wife Bettie (Elizabeth) is also buried at Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA.

5-1 Hugh Machir "Mack" Sonner b. 20-12-1864 d. 4-18-1951 m. 1-9-1895 Eliza Isabelle Burner b.

5-7-1864 d. 9-20-1938 Hugh and Belle were married by L. L. Smith in Shenandoah County. The groom was 30, a carpenter born and residing in Shenandoah County. The bride was 25 born and residing in the same place, daughter of John G. and Annie M. Burner, Hugh Machir (Mack) Sonner is buried in the Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA. Eliza was the daughter of John G. and Anna Margaret Clippinger Burner. The marriage took place at home.

5-2 Ora Eyter Sonner b. 8-30-1866 d. 1-20-1919
Never married. Ora Sonner is buried in the Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA.

5-3 Elizabeth "Belle" Sonner b. 1869 d. 9-20-1938
Buried in the Riverview Cemetery Strasburg, Va.

5-4 Calvin Lee Sonner b. 2-7-1871 d. 11-21-1960
Mamie _____
Calvin Lee Sonner is buried in Riverview Cemetery in the James A. Sonner plot, Strasburg, Virginia

5-5 Carrie Virginia (Regina) Sonner b. 4-26-1873 d. 7-4-1952 .m. 11-8-1899
John Eaton Rogers b. 1873 d. 3-20-1929
John and Carrie were married by Rev. L. L. Smith in Shenandoah County. The Groom was 26, an express man, born and residing in Shenandoah County, son of John and Catharine Rogers. Carrie is buried at the Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA.

5-6 Susan "Susie" Ward Sonner b. 1-1875 d. 6-23-1923 m. 1-22-1902
George McKemmon Pollard b. 1874 d. 2-23-1957
George and Susan were married by L. L. Smith. George was an express messenger, son of Charles and Melvina Everly Pollard. Bride was 26 daughter of James A. and Bettie M. Sonner. They were buried in Riverview, Strasburg, Virginia

5-7 Philip Stover Sonner b. 7-1879 d. 1-10-1934
Never married. Buried at Riverview Cemetery in the James A. Sonner plot, Strasburg, VA. Lived in the Strasburg area.

5-8 Willard "Willie" Sonner
Laura King
No heirs. Willard was a druggist in the Front Royal Area. He was instrumental in providing electrical power to Front Royal. The company formed was called Warren Power. Williard was one of it's three owners. He also left a Bequest of $250,000 to the Randolph Macon Academy during the early 1930s. A large building was erected and named the "Sonner Hall" in his memory.

5-9 Fred Brown Sonner Sr. b. 10-28-1881 d. 4-2-1970 m. 4-19-1917
Mayme Maria Maphis b. 3-7-1893 d. 12-23-1956
Parents Dr. B. F. and Clara Virginia Spiker Maphis. Fred and Maymie Sonner are buried at the Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA. Fred Sonner was a brake man on the Southern Railway. They lived at 104 W. Washington, Street, Strasburg. Fred was baptized at the Strasburg Lutheran Church 11-31-1912.

4-6 John Sonner m. 2- 27-1837
Sarah Pitman
She was the daughter of Abraham Pitman. James Knox Polk Sonner states; John's wife died and he went away and married again. His whereabouts are not known. He may have gone to Paduch or Owensboro, Ky., or Maryland, as there were Sonner's at both places.

5-1 Emma (Emily) J. Sonner b. ca 1841 m.5-10-1860 d. 1912
Philip Sville Copp b. 1-1835 d. 5-22-1903
Farmer, son of Samuel and Mary Borden Copp Philip Copp and Emma Sonner Copp are buried in the Borden Cemetery, Saumsville, VA near State Route 623. Emily live in the Abraham and Catherine Pitman household when the 1850 Census was taken. Enlisted in the CSA Army at Woodstock 1861 as 2nd Corporal in Co. E. 136th VA. Militia.

3-4 Elizabeth (Mary) Sonner m. 4-18-1817.
John Stover
John Stover b. ca. 1789 d. ca. 1851. Marriage bondsman was Philip Sonner. Shenandoah County Deed Book KK page 46 contains a deed dated February 4, 1831 between John Stover and Elizabeth his wife and Levi Crabill. In this deed John and Elizabeth convey the 158.5 acres they inherited from John Sonner to Levi Crabill. This property is located just South of Strasburg on Sandy Hook and lies mostly East of the Sandy Hook Road and fronts on the Shenandoah River. John and Elizabeth apparently then lived on a tract of 212.75 acres located on Sandy Hook South West of the tract they inherited from John Sonner. This land was divided among Joseph, Margaret, Mary and Jacob at the time of John's death. His son John Jr. was not allocated a parcel in the division of this property. Perhaps he predeceased John Sr.. John's wife Elizabeth apparently predeceased her husband. She was not mentioned in the division of John's estate.

4-1 Jacob Stover b. about 1818 d. 9-18-1891 Never Married. Lived with his brother John in Ohio. Migrated to Ohio. Jacob died at Mud River Township, Ohio at age 79. Jacob received 57.25 acres of the Sandy Hook farm after the death of his father.

4-2 Margaret Stover b. 2-28-1820 d. 4-8-1877
John J. Finley b. 9-27-1808 d. 4-21-1893
Margaret is buried in the old Queen Street Cemetery, Strasburg. She is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Sonner Stover. Marriage took place at the Strasburg Christian Church September 9, 1858. Service conducted by John Pirkey, Finley was 49 , a widower, chair maker born in Franklin County, PA.. Son of John and Eleanor Finley, The bride was 37. John J. Finley was one of the original Trustees of the Strasburg Christian Church. There is a window in the Chapel of the Strasburg Christian Church dedicated to J. J. and E. E. Finley presented by D. F. Finley. Emma E. Finley, thought to be a sister of J. J., moved to Marshall, Missouri January 21, 1894. Emma died in San Diego, California January 31, 1904. Darrious S. (F) Finley was admitted to the Strasburg Christian Church May 30, 1869. He died July 19, 1931. Darriuos Finley is likely to be a brother of John J. Finley. Margaret received 54.25 acres of the farm located on Sandy Hook, on which her parents resided at the time of their death. This parcel was designated as lot numbered 1. The 1870 census indicates that Mary Stover lived in this household.

5-1 Joseph Stover Finley b. 1864 d. 4-1-1935
Katherine Essex
Joseph died at Delaplane, Virginia.

5-2 John H. Finley b 7-15-1865 d 7-23-1929
Clara L. Finley b. 3-30-1872 d. 6-3-1912
Buried at Riverview Cemetery, Strasburg, VA.. John died at Oranda, VA..

4-3 John S. Stover Jr. b. about 1823 d. -2-15-1908
Mary A. Funkhouser b. 10-22-1833 d._______
Migrated to Ohio and died at Westville. John Jr. did not received any portion of the division of his fathers estate in Virginia.

5-1 Arthur P. Stover b. 1846 m. 10-26-1878
Lydia A. Forman b. 1860

5-2 Minerva A. Stover b. 1848 m. 9-21-1879
James Furman

5-3 Edward Stover b. 1854 d. 4-21-1941 m. 1-7-1886
Rosa B. Blew (Blue)

5-4 Jonas Stover b. 1867 d. 8-26-1867
Died at age 4 months.

5-5 Etta Stover b. 1870 m. 10-16-1890
William H. Overpack

4-4 Joseph O. Stover b. about 1826 d. 12-2-1887
Ann Rebecca Bly. b. 2-19-1838 d. 7-2-1881
Joseph and Ann were married January 3, 1856, by Levi Keller. The marriage was solemnized at Levi Bly's. The groom was 30, single, a farmer, born in and residing in Shenandoah County, VA. The bride was 17, single, born in and residing in Shenandoah County, VA. She was the daughter of Levi and Frances Bly. . Ann Rebecca was baptized at the Frieden's Church at Mt. Olive, Virginia July 1, 1838, shortly before her parents moved to Strasburg. The Stover family had lived at Strasburg for generations and Joseph's ancestor, Peter Stover, was founder of the town in the 1750s. Joseph and Ann Stover moved to Missouri about 1858 and to Harrison County, Indiana about 1865. They lived on a farm just South of the town of Croydon. Joseph received 105 acres from his father's estate. This property was located on Sandy Hook. This property fronted on the Shenandoah River. 

4-5 Mary Stover b. about 1829. d. 11-6-1911 age 82 Lived at Strasburg. Never married. Mary Stover received 56.25 acres of land located on Sandy Hook from her father's estate. This parcel was designated as lot numbered 2.

3-5 Philip Sonner b. ca. 1792 d. ca. 1827 m. 6-30-1817
Catherine Hoffman M-1
Philip predeceased his father, died before 1828. Catherine was the daughter of Peter Hoffman. James Knox Polk Sonner names Philip "John or Jack". He also states, "This son's name is not positively known and his name was probably John, as he was usually called Jack. Be it John or Jack, he married a Miss Huffman and had three children.

4-1 Eliza Sonner b. 1818 d. ca 1859 Shen. Co. VA.
Eliza purchased the interest of Harrison Sonner and Mary Sonner Crabill in the property left to them by their father in his will November 20, 1845. These lots were numbered 84, 99 and 100. Lot 84 fronted on Queen Street and contained the house. This deed was dated November 20, 1845. The house was situated across the street and just West of Jacob Sonner's town home. Eliza later sold lot 100 to Abraham Stover who lived on town lot 83 which fronted on Queen Street just West of Eliza's home. She then sold her home and the remaining lots to John Pirkey, one of the founders of the Strasburg Christian Church. James Knox Polk Sonner in his book written 1898 stated that Eliza was deceased. Will Book 9-441 states that Geo. A Hupp & Joseph Stover were administrators of Eliza's estate. Will Book 9-469-470 and 11-3 also relate to the settlement of her estate.

H. K. Jennings bought the Family Bible for $3.10 at the sale. Susan R. Stover, Emanuel Stickley, Obed L. Funk, Isaac Burner, James Stickley, William Miller, Joseph Stover, George M. Sonner and a few others purchased items at the sale. L. Hamman, H. Setzer and H. Keister were appraisers of the estate and I. Painter was paid $1.00 for crying the sale.
John Miller was paid $15.00 for the construction of the coffin.
Eliza's estate received payments from Alfred Hoffman, John Pirkey, Samuel Crabill, James Miller, Joseph Zea, William Rosenberger, Isaac Borum and from the 3rd settlement of the John Sonner estate.
Those receiving distributions were Samuel Crabill in right of his wife Mary, sister of Eliza Sonner. Harrison Sonner, brother to Eliza Sonner. James M. Bly in right of his wife Margaret, half sister to Eliza. Nathan Stover, half brother to Eliza. Susan R. Stover, half sister to Eliza. David Stover, half brother to Eliza Sonner. Eliza was most likely buried in the old Sonner Cemetery on Sandy Hook. This is the burial site of her grandfather John Sonner who owned the property when he died as well as the site of the final resting place of her father Philip who predeceased John Sonner.

4-2 Mary Sonner b. 8-15-1825 d. 9-24-1901 m. 2-13-1843 Shen. Co. VA.
Samuel Crabill b. 8-27-1820 d. 1-23-1889 Shen. Co. VA.
Samuel's parents were Abraham and Rebecca Huddle. Samuel and Mary Sonner are buried at the Frieden's Cemetery located about seven miles South of Harrisonburg, VA. He was a farmer and orchardist.. Samuel and Mary first lived on the North end of Toms Brook. The old house still stands on the East side of U. S. route 11. The house hand a unique roof with pointed spire. Frank Sonner often referred to this house as his relative Samuel Crabill's house. They had twelve children, Catherine Rebecca, Laura Virginia, Emma Jane, Annie Barbara, Ada Frances, Martha Jane, Jacob N., Margaret, Mary Elizabeth, Samuel Albert, Alice E. and Josie Belle Crabill.

5-1 Catherine Rebecca Crabill b. 1-13-1844 d. 10-26-1896 m. 1865
Albert Franklin Nichol b. 5-24-1844 d. 12-16-1910 (9-24-1901)
Catherine was born near Toms Brook, VA. Albert was born in Rockingham County, VA They lived in Rockingham County. She is buried at Friden's Cemetery and he at Pleasant Grove. They had seven children.
 
5-2 Laura Virginia Crabill b. 3-6-1846 d. 10-28-1903 m. 11-15-1867
Leonard J. Null b. 8-20-1842 d. 7-18-1907.
Leonard served as a soldier with the Confederate Army. Laura was born near Toms Brook, Va. Leonard was born near Port Republic, Va. Both buried at the Friden's Church South of Harrisonburg, Virginia..

5-3 Emma Jane Crabill b. 2-24-1848 d. 6-8-1850

5-4 Anna Barbara Crabill b. 4-1-1850 m. 12-26-1870
Samuel Root b. 2-6-1845
Samuel was born in Rockingham County, VA. Worked as a carpenter. Anna was born in Shenandoah County. They lived at North River. VA..

5-5 Ada Frances Crabill b. 3-2-1852 m. 1-19-1873
John Wesley Levill b. 4-22-1843
John was born in Rockingham County, VA. He was a farmer. Ada was born near Strasburg.

5-6 Martha Jane Crabill b. 7-10-1853 d. 12-6-1902
James Wilson Calhoun
James was born in Rockingham County, VA. He was a farmer. Martha buried at Pleasant Grove, U. B. Church Cemetery.

5-7 Jacob N. Crabill b. 4-30-1855 d. 1-9-1863

5-8 Margaret Crabill b. 11-10-1857 d. 1-10-1863.

5-9 Mary Elizabeth Crabill b. 11-10-1857 d. 1-10-1863

5-10 Samuel Albert Crabill b. 6-15-1862 m. 7-13-1893
Effie Leota Landis b. 4-9-1870
Samuel was born at North River, Rockingham County, VA. Effie was born at Mt. Sidney, Augusta County, VA. Samuel was a minister of the U. B. Church and served as a pastor in West Fairview, PA. Both are buried at Mt. Sidney, VA.

5-11 Alice Elizabeth Crabill b. 10-15-1865 m. 12-27-1894
L. W. Whitmer b. 1-1868
Lived at Vienna, VA.. Mr. Whitmer was a blacksmith.

5-12 Josie Bell Crabill b. 7-18-1867 m. 12-20-1888
S. L. Witesell b. 3-13-1963
Lived at North River, VA.. They were married at Harrisonburg, Virginia.

4-3 Harrison Sonner b. ca 1832 m. 10-17-1854 d.
Margaret Elizabeth Balthis. b. ca. 1836 d. 3-22-1903
Lived in Missouri. Harrison Sonner, tailor, married Margaret Balthis daughter of Leonard E. and Mary Reager Balthis. James Knox Polk Sonner list Harrison as being named Robert. Harrison Sonner made purchases at Crawford and Zea store in Strasburg, Virginia December 1852. Harrison deed his interest in the property located on Queen and High Street in Strasburg to his sister Eliza November 20, 1945. This was the property left to Harrison and his siblings by their grandfather John Sonner son of Johan Philip Sonner. Cecil Sonner states in his 1980 book that Harrison and Margaret lived in Missouri. They must have left Strasburg sometime after the 1850s. Harrison received $322.56 from Eliza Sonner estate 1863.

5-1 Jennie (Virginia) Balthis Sonner b. ca. 1880
Dr. ______McQuire (McGuire) div.
Dr. McQuire was a dentist in Brunswick, MO..

6-1 Daisy McQuire b.

4-4 Ann Sonner died before 1845
Eliza, Harrison and Mary inherited Ann's interest in the three lots and house located on Queen and High streets in Strasburg. Likely buried at the Sonner Cemetery on Sandy Hook located immediately behind the Strasburg Elementary School. It appears this cemetery was graded when the school was built during 1969.

Catherine Hoffman Sonner Married second April 8, 1835
Joseph O. Stover
They had many descendants. This information can be found in a book published by Daniel Bly. Joseph O. Stover born June 1, 1790 and died September 24, 1864 married first Margaret Zea and second Catherine Hoffman Zea April 6, 1835. Joseph was the son of Jacob Stover. Four of their children, Margaret who married James M. Bly, Nathan Stover, Susan R. Stover and David Stover received distribution from the estate of their half sister Eliza Sonner during 1863. Records indicate that Susan R. Stover and her father Joseph Stover made purchases at the estate sale of Eliza Sonner of Strasburg, Virginia. Joseph Stover was a co-administrator of her estate approved as such 1862.

3-6 Margaret Ann Sonner M-1
Richards J. Hazel (Hazle) m. 8-17-1822
Lived at Strasburg. Margaret and her daughter Ann Hazle are mentioned in her fathers will. The will does not mention her husband. For this reason it seem apparent that Richard was deceased prior to 1828.

4-1 Ann Elizabeth Hazel b. ca 1822 m. 2-17-1847
John Richards b. ca 1820
Married in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Ann's last name was noted as Hazell. Shenandoah County Deed book YY page 122 displays a deed from John Richards and Anne E. his wife to George A. Hupp and John Stover. This land is located West of Strasburg near the East side of Little North Mountain. Adjacent property owners were Philip Swartz, Elizabeth Feely and Daniel B. Funkhouser. The deed was dated August 18, 1849. John had purchased this land from William Copenhaver and Mary Ann his wife 17 December 1841. Deed book ZZ page 58 dated February 20, 1850 conveys from John Richards and Anne E. his wife to David Pingley 22 acres of the above tract.

M-2 Philip Stover b. d. 11-17-1891 m. 3-28-1832
Philip married second Susan Hyde. Philip died at Springfield, Ohio. He and Susan are buried at the Nettle Creek Cemetery near Urbana Ohio. Philip and Susan had five children.

4-2 John Stover b. ca. 1835 m. 7-10-1871
Ann Judy
No children.

4-3 Susan Stover b. ca. 1837 d. 8-9-1877
Susan died young. She is buried in the Oakdale Cemetery in Urbana, Ohio

The Will of Joseph Sonner the second child of John and Anna is of record in the Shenandoah County Courthouse and reads as follows;

Will of Joseph Sonner In the name of God amen.

I Joseph Sonner of the County of Shenandoah and state of Virginia do make, ordain, constitute and appoint this my last will and testament in manner and form following towit;
I give and devise to my wife Susanna the farm upon which I reside for and during her natural life also one wagon and two horses, two feather beds and furniture, one trundle bed and bedding, one stove and pipe, one sow and five shoats, six sheep, two milk cows, two sets of gears, one wheat fan, also seed wheat and wheat for bread out of the crop on hand at my death. I desire that my wife shall raise and educate my three youngest sons namely William, Richard and James until they respectively arrive at the age of seventeen years when they are ableberty to go to a trade each one to select his trade and master. It is my desire that after the death of my said wife my land shall be sold and the money equally divided among all my children namely John, George, Harriett, Regina, William, Richard and James ----my son John is to account for one hundred and twenty dollars and twenty five cents for advancements made to him, and my son George is to account for fifty dollars for a colt which I gave him which is now two years old. I gave to my wife Susannah the carpet.

Lastly I appoint my friend Wright Gatewood the Executor of this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have unto set my hand and affixed my seal this 14 day of April 1838

Joseph Sonner

Witnessed by
Jacob Pifer
John B. Davis
At a Court held for the County of Shenandoah on Monday the 13 day of September 1841 the last will and testament of Joseph Sonner deceased was produced unto court and proven by the oath of Jacob Pifer a witness thereto, it ordered to be certified. Was again produced unto court on the 11 day of October 1841 and further proven by the oath of John B. Davis a witness thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Wright Gatewood the executor therein named who was sworn and entered into band with Isaac Hurn and Philip Stickley as his securities in the penalty of three thousand dollars conditioned according to law a certificate for starting a probate thereof in due form is granted him.

P. Williams

The above data was compiled by James Knox Polk Sonner and Dr. Cecil Sonner.  Certain additions were made by Calvin Sonner.  This data has been edited but considerable efforts were made to duplicate the names and dates as originally written.  Many names have different spelling found in various sources.  Mowrey may be spelled Mowery etc..

Request additional data for the above mentioned families.