General Notes

1847 - In the marriage and affidavit book for Harrison County, William attests to Mary Jane Hancock's age for obtaining license to marry Richard Roberts on 11 March 1847.

1868 - Handwritten account found in Lillie Mae Hottel Roberts' family Bible:  William never married, lives at 400 Oak Lawn Farm, Harrison County south of Fredericksburg with his sister Sarah E.

In a letter William wrote in 1848 to Osborne L. Wilson (William's cousin), Company B, 5th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, William asks about the roads around Mexico City.  [Mexican War]  William also mentions that his sister, Mary Jane Hancock, will marry Richard Roberts from Floyd County, Indiana.  [Transcript of letter follows.]

Records of Harrison County Indiana by Walter Beanblossom, p. 108
Indiana Legion Organization of Companies, Jackson Guards [Jackson Township, Harrison County], 2nd list 28 September 1863
Security:  Wm. Hancock

Transcript of letter to Mr. O. L. Wilson from William Hancock:

Mr. Osburn L. Wilson
Company B.  Fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers
via Louisville Ky.
New Orleans La
City of Mexico
WC  Palmyra Ia
March 13th
March 12. 1848
Indiana
Harrison County
Mr. O. L. Wilson
Dear Cousin  I imbrace this opportunity of informing you that I am well at this time with the reast of the connection and enteraining the Strongest hopes that thease few lines may find you in the Same enjoyment of the greatest blessing of our great Creator.  I received a letter from you one week ago last friday dated on the 11. of Jan. which came to me quite unexpected for I had not learned before that you went in the fifth Regiment.  I heard from Louie of the troops from our neighborhood that you were at the battle of Bueana Vista. &. I was just thinking that you was at home enjoying the comforts of a private citizen.  You may ritely Suppose Something of my feelings when I broke the Seal of your letter and found it bareing date at the city of Mexico, and the Signature of your name.  I felt affected when I thought of the hard fare that you must have in that warme climate & yet my bosum was filled with joy when contemplating the patriotic love that  promted you to action!  And let me tell you in conclusion that it gave me the utmost Satisfaction and I feel under many obligations to you for your kindness in giveing me a Sketch of your journal & discription of the country that you travailed through.  I want you to write again and write extensive about Mexico & its cities.  I have not heard from your fathers family Since you left for Mexico.  My Sister Mary Jane was maried on the 11. of March 1847 to R. Roberts of Floyd County.  Rebecker Ann in September last to Mr. Thomas Jackson a Step Son of Uncle John Hancock.  Hooker & Jonathan are keeping a country Store.  I am yet bachelor an keeping School of winters.  School for last winter was out in February not much probability of marying
Sickness -- this has been rageing through our country during the whole winter to an alarming extent in the character of Sypes fever -- Uncle Samuel Hancock his son George you recollect that took that ride with us to Palmyra & was so gentlemanly and Social & his Son James, Daughter Nancy, all died within the Short Space of 4. months of this fatal disease -- there were no other deaths in the connection -- yet there has been much Sickness.  I was attacked with this disease in July last, from which I never recovered till in Dec.
Politics -- There is a great talk of peace with us at this time -- & the treaty that was Sined by the Mexican Commissioners & Sent to Washington is now being discussed by the Senate of the United States & also being altered very much from the original; & I think will Soon pass and be Sent back to Mexico by Commisioners appointed for that purpose agan to try our luck for peace.  Also a great talk as usual about our next president, & from what information I can get I think that “Old Rough & Ready” will be the next president -- but I must Stop  I want you to write to me as soon as you get this letter -- tell about the inhabitants -- the city of Mexico -- the walls of that city -- National pallace -- Surrounding country -- Lake Telzuco -- The water of the City -- What kind of a Road from Mexico to Veracruse whether Turnepike or not -- How many Turnepikes enter the City of Mexico &c --   Write to me if you please  I remain

Your friend &. cousin
Wm Hancock

To O. L. Wilson
P.S.  Old John Q. Adams died in Congress about 2 weeks ago with a paralytic affection very sudenly.  “Old Ruff and Ready” has been Sick but is recovering
WH.
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Osburn Lamar Wilson and Major William Hancock are 2nd cousins.  Their common ancestors are Matthew Skeen and Ruth Lamar.  Lines of descent from Matthew Skeen and Ruth Lamar:
Sarah Skeen, b. 1779               Jane Skeen, b. 1771
Joel Wilson                        Mathew Hancock, b. 1798
Osburn Lamar Wilson, b. 1825       Major William Hancock, b. 1823