
Dead family live only in our memories. Our research is the human medium through which their lives transcend time.
In the 1840s, the Doxsee family planted roots in Rock Island and Mercer Counties, Illinois. Eight generations later, their presence remains woven into the region. This is their story—and the stories of the families connected to them.
“All time is all time. It does not change. It does not lend itself to warnings or explanations. It simply is.” – The Tralfamadorians
The Doxsee’s of western Illinois
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee.
The family moved west to Mercer County, Illinois in 1849. In 1850, the family consisted of parents Cornwall & Mary, and their four children: Mary (18), Isaac (10), Johnathan (7) and Augustus (3). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties, mostly being tied to northwest Mercer County and southeast Rock Island County.
Cornwall purchased 40 acres of farmland in the area of Knoxville Road, southeast of modern-day Milan. He was chiefly a farmer, and also built a school and convenience store on his land. The Doxsee school taught local students of all grades from the 1890s through 1956.


The Peña’s
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee. In 1849, the family moved west to Illinois.
The 1850 census lists their Mercer Co. household as follows: Cornwall (41, Farmer, b. New York), Sarah (41, b. PA), Mary (18, b. Ohio), Isaac (10, b. Ohio), Johnathan (7, b. Ohio), Augustus (3, b. Ohio). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties.
The Riggs Family
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee. In 1849, the family moved west to Illinois.
The 1850 census lists their Mercer Co. household as follows: Cornwall (41, Farmer, b. New York), Sarah (41, b. PA), Mary (18, b. Ohio), Isaac (10, b. Ohio), Johnathan (7, b. Ohio), Augustus (3, b. Ohio). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties.


The Allen Family
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee. In 1849, the family moved west to Illinois.
The 1850 census lists their Mercer Co. household as follows: Cornwall (41, Farmer, b. New York), Sarah (41, b. PA), Mary (18, b. Ohio), Isaac (10, b. Ohio), Johnathan (7, b. Ohio), Augustus (3, b. Ohio). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties.
Select Family Stories
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee. In 1849, the family moved west to Illinois.
The 1850 census lists their Mercer Co. household as follows: Cornwall (41, Farmer, b. New York), Sarah (41, b. PA), Mary (18, b. Ohio), Isaac (10, b. Ohio), Johnathan (7, b. Ohio), Augustus (3, b. Ohio). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties.


Veteran Documents
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee. In 1849, the family moved west to Illinois.
The 1850 census lists their Mercer Co. household as follows: Cornwall (41, Farmer, b. New York), Sarah (41, b. PA), Mary (18, b. Ohio), Isaac (10, b. Ohio), Johnathan (7, b. Ohio), Augustus (3, b. Ohio). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties.
Interesting Stuff
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee. In 1849, the family moved west to Illinois.
The 1850 census lists their Mercer Co. household as follows: Cornwall (41, Farmer, b. New York), Sarah (41, b. PA), Mary (18, b. Ohio), Isaac (10, b. Ohio), Johnathan (7, b. Ohio), Augustus (3, b. Ohio). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties.


DNA Test Results
Augustus Henry “Gus” Doxsee was born in Stark County, Ohio on May 22, 1847, the youngest of four children born to Cornwall and Sarah Doxsee. In 1849, the family moved west to Illinois.
The 1850 census lists their Mercer Co. household as follows: Cornwall (41, Farmer, b. New York), Sarah (41, b. PA), Mary (18, b. Ohio), Isaac (10, b. Ohio), Johnathan (7, b. Ohio), Augustus (3, b. Ohio). Over time, the family lived in multiple locations in Mercer and Rock Island counties.







































