Tombstone Tuesday – March 14, 2023 – Sarah Hainer Bradt

Sarah Hainer was the daughter of Albert and Catharine (Vollick) Hainer. She was born in 1807 in Grantham, Niagara County, Ontario, Canada. Albert and Catharine had twelve children; Dorothy (1784), Henry (1789), Isaac (1791), John (1796), Deborah (1800), Hannah (1803), Elizabeth (1807), Sarah (1807), George (1809), James 1810), Mary (1812), Catharine (1812).

Albert was a Loyalist from New York State who crossed the border into Canada with his father and brother when it was obvious that the Revolutionary War was eminent. It is believed that the Hainer’s arrive in the colonies in the mid 1700’s. Albert and his family were grateful to England for providing them safe passage and the chance to start over in the colonies. They were Germans who left their homeland due to the harsh conditions and near constant turmoil between regional fractions in the region that they lived in. Albert fought with his father, Henry and brother, Derrick (also known as Richard) with John Butler’s Rangers.

Sarah married John Bradt in about 1830 it is believed. Sarah petitioned the government for a land grant as the daughter of Albert Hainer, a loyalist from Grantham and the wife of John Bradt as of July 12, 1831. Her brother, James Hainer issued a statement of Identification for her. Her request came before the court on February 2, 1832 and she was granted land in Plympton Township, Lambton County, Ontario. Sarah’s first son was baptized at Port Dalhousie at St John’s Church on May 11, 1851 but his birth date was recorded as June 3, 1835. All of the daughters were also baptized at St John’s Church at a later date and all on the same day.

In the 1861 Canadian Census, John and Sarah Bradt are found in Haldimand County, Ontario. None of their children remain at home. John and Sarah are fifty-five and fifty-six years old, respectively. In the 1871 Canadian Census, a John and Sarah Bradt are found in Sherbrooke, Monck, Ontario. This is south west of Montreal which is a good distance from the Niagara area where all their relatives are located. I am doubting that this is the same Bradt family but they are the correct age. I do not see any close relatives nearby. I’ll have to look at this further because I do find them back in the Niagara area later until I find her death record.

John and Sarah had six children based on my research; Sarah Catherine (1831), Elizabeth (1833), John (1835), Permilla (1837), Mary Magdelene (1837), Nancy Jane (1845).

One hundred and forty six years ago, Sarah Bradt died in Welland, Ontario. Her cause of death was listed as “old age.” She is buried at Hillside Cemetery in Ridgeville, Ontario.

Rest in peace, Sarah,

Love, Jan

Sarah Hainer Bradt is my four times Great Aunt. I have 6 DNA connections to this family. Three are through the daughter, Sarah Catherine Bradt Crumb. One Connection is through Elizabeth Bradt Green and two are thru Mary Magdalene Bradt Becken.

Tombstone Tuesday – March 7, 2023 – John Andrew Dolton

John Andrew Dalton was born on December 08, 1900 in Leech, Wayne County, Illinois. He was the son of John and Mary (Anderson) Dalton. John and Mary had eight children ; Lizzie (1891), Henry (1892), Charley (1896), Christopher C. (1898), John Andrew (1899), Florence V (1903), Hester J. (1907), Hazel T (1909). They live in Leech, Wayne County, Illinois where John Sr is a farmer.

In the 1900 Federal Census, John and Mary are found in Leech, Wayne County, Illinois. They have five children; Lizzie, Henry, Charley, Clarence (Christopher) and Andrew (John). By the 1910 Federal Census, John and Mary have moved to Romine, Marion County, Illinois and they have seven children children; Henry, Christopher, Charley, Andrew, Florence, Hester, Hazel. Lizzie has married and is no longer at home. They also have Lewis Anderson living with them. He is Mary’s brother. He is likely helping out as a farm laborer.

In the 1920 Federal Census, a nineteen year old, John Andrew, listed as Andrew is living with his parents. They are recorded in Marion County in the town of Romine, Illinois. Andrew list his occupation as a Farm Laborer. Also listed at home are Chris, Florence, Hester, Hazel, a Grandson, (Earl) Lee Hizlip (son of Lizzie who died in 1919), Lou Anderson and a daughter Pearl Burkitt who is nine years old.

On July 8th, 1922, Andrew (John ) married Floy Henson in Marion County, Illinois.

In the 1930 Federal Census, Andrew and Floy are found in Salem, Illinois. Andrew is an Inspector for the railroad. Andrew and Floy have three children ; Lorene V (1922), Johnie G. (1924), Thelma M. (1927).

In his 1941 registration for the draft of WWII, John declares that he lives at 506 South Hamilton Street, Salem, Illinois. He list his brother Chris as next of kin. He was born in Fairfield, Illinois on December 8, 1900. He was self employed. He registered on February 6, 1942.

In the 1950 Federal Census, John Andrew and Floy are still in Salem, Illinois. John lists his occupation as truck driver. He is self employed and hauls freight and is for hire for moving personal property. John and Floy have three children listed ; Frances J. (1937), Ronnie D. (1940), and Charles L. (1941).

I also found a Lawrence Dalton who was reportedly the son of John A. and Floy Dalton who was born in 1932. This information is pulled from Lawrence’s obituary. In the obit all of the siblings are listed as well as John Andrew. If I had found the 1940 Federal Census then he would have been listed.

Sixty-five years ago on March 7, 1958, John Andrew Dalton died in Salem, Illinois. He was buried in Paradise Cemetery in Salem. Illinois.

Rest in Peace, John Andrew!

Love,

Jan Smith

John Andrew is a second cousin 3 times removed through the Leet/ Leete Family line. I have two DNA connection with this line of the family. One is thru Hester Dalton and the other is thru Florence Dalton both of whom are sisters to John Andrew. These connections are at the fourth cousin level.

Tombstone Tuesday – February 21. 2023 – Dora May Hurd

Dora May Hurd was born on September 22.1877 in Vienna Township, Genesee County, Michigan. She was the daughter of Sawyer and Mary Etta (Toogood) Hurd. Sawyer and Marietta Hurd had seven children; Walter R. (1859), Hattie (1861), Dayton ,(1864), Ada (1866), Charles (1869), George (1875), Dora M. (1877). All of whom are pictured below when they were adults.

Sawyer and Mary Etta Hurd’s adult children – Back row L to R: Dora May, Hattie, Ada Middle Row L to R: Walter, George Front Row L to R: Dayton, Charles

In the 1880 Federal Census, Dora is two years old and living with her parents and six siblings in the township of Vienna, Genesee County, Michigan. In the 1900 Federal Census, Dora lives with her Mother who is a widow. Dora lists her occupation as a livery keeper.

Dora married Alvin Elgin Best on May 31, 1906 in Clio, Michigan. In the 1910 Federal Census, Dora and Alvin Best are living in Birch Run, Michigan. They have a one year old daughter, whose name was recorded as Jane but I later learned her name was Genevieve(1909). Alvin is a merchant who runs a General Store. By the 1920 Federal Census, Alvin and Dora have three children; Genevieve (1909), John Sawyer (1913), Max Elgin (1918). Alvin died on on December 10, 1928.

In the 1930 Federal Census, Dora is living in Flint with her three children; John, Max and Genevieve. Dora is a clerk for a Power Company. They live on Edwin Street in Flint’s 7th Ward. Genevieve is a Public School Teacher. In the 1940 Federal Census, Dora has married Ernest Helfrich. They have moved to Birch Run, Michigan.

Eighty two years ago on February 21, 1941 Dora May Hurd died. She died after having a ruptured appendix. She is buried in Pine Run Cemetery in Vienna Township, Genesee County, Michigan.

If you look closely, you will notice that the tombstone with the flags is for Captain Robert L Hurd, a Rev War Veteran and member of the New Hampshire Legislature for several terms. He is Dora’s Great Grandfather.

Rest in peace Dora!

Love Jan

Dora is the wife of my third Great Uncle making her my third Great Aunt on the Maternal side of my father’s family. I have two second cousins twice removed identified thru DNA from this family. One cousin through Genevieve and one cousin through Max Elgin.

Thanks to all those on Ancestry who shared pictures of this Hurd family and to those on Findagrave.com who share tombstone pictures.

Tombstone Tuesday – February 14, 2023 – Sybil Robart Hopkins

Sybil Robart was born in April of 1832 to James English Robart and Annie Croy in Ohio. James and Annie had nine children; Phebe (1819), Minerva (1825),John Croy (1826) Amelia ( maybe Anna born 1827), Rachel M. (1832), Sybil (1833), Mahala (1835), Catherine (1839), Franklin (1843).

In the 1850 Federal Census, Sybil Robart ( found as Robert) is found in a boarding house in Coldwater, Michigan. She is a seamstress working for Alanson and Emma Bacon. On September 21, 1852, Sybil married Andreas S. Hopkins in Cook County, Illinois.

In the 1860 Federal Census, Sybil and Andrew are found in Chicago’s Ward 4, Cook County, Illinois. They were counted with 44 other nonrelated individuals living in a Hotel run by Hiram Langley ad his wife, Mary. They have a daughter, Ida, who is 4 months old. Andrew is a printer.

The 1870 Federal Census, Sybil and Andrew are now in Chicago’s 10th Ward. They live in a boarding house and they have their ten year old daughter, Ida living with them. Andrew works for a printing house.

In the 1880 Federal Census, it appears that Sybil and Andrew have moved back the Detroit area. Andrew is a proofreader. They live at 171 Beach Street, Detroit, Michigan. By the time of the 1900 Federal Census, Andrew and Sybil are living on 17th Street in Detroit’s 10th Ward. Andrew is 68 years old and Sybil is 67. Andrew remains a proofreader. They have been married for 48 years.

Ida Hopkins, never married and died on January 27, 1900 of TB at the age of 38. Andrew Hopkins died in 1902. In the 1910 Federal Census, Sybil is a widow. She is living on Porter Street with her sister who is also a widow, Mahala Crego. Sybil is listed as head of household. Sybil’s nephew, Alton Crego, son of Mahala is also living with them. Sybil states that she bore three children and none of whom are living.

One hundred and ten years ago on February 14, 1913, Sybil died. She was buried in Woodmere Cemetery. All three family members are buried at the cemetery but I do not at this time find burial records except each of their death records state that they are buried at the cemetery. There are no Tombstones at this time.

Rest in peace Sybil!

Love Jan

Sybil is my first cousin 5 times removed.

Tombstone Tuesday – February 7, 2023 – Irene Almira Beutal Fritz

Irene Almira Beutal was the daughter of Martin Frederick and Catherine Dorothea (Labuhn) Beutal. She was born in Fair Haven, Michigan on February 11, 1900. She was the youngest of fourteen children; Mary (1878), Emma (1879), Albert (1882), Fredrick C (1887), Ernst (1889), Louisa J. (1891), Martha M. (1892), Hilda (1894), Florence E, (1896), Ester (1899) Irene A. (1900). Mary and Emma were found in the 1880 Federal Census and the remaining children listed were found in the 1900 Census. Four children are unknown to me, but are referred to in the memoir quoted below. It may have been that they died as infants or children between the 1880 Census and the 1900 Census. In the 1910 Federal Census, Martin and Catherine had five remaining children living at home ; Fred C, Hilda, Florence, Ester, Irene.

Irene married William Albert Fritz on March 16, 1920 in Ira Township, St Clair County, Michigan. They had nine children; Richard (1920), Robert (1921), Warren (1923), Delmer (1924), Loralie (1926), William Albert (1928), Eldon (1929), Delores (1934), and Patricia Ann (1938). William Albert was a farmer who ran his family farm.

Quoted below from a Memoir written by Francis Louise Vondett Fritz called “ The Past Year 1767- March 1984

IRENE ALMIRA BEUTEL

Irene was born February 11, 1900 at the family farm on Arnold Road.  She was the youngest of fourteen children of Martin and Catherine Labuhn Beutel.  At the age of twenty, she married William Albert Fritz on March 16, 1920.  They lived on a farm all their married life and raised nine children.  She was on her second pacemaker when she died of Congestive Heart Failure in General Hospital, Mt. Clemens on February 7, 1977.  She was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Marine City, Michigan.

Irene’s parents, Martin Frederick Beutel (3-25-1848/9-24-1922) and the former Catherine Labuhn (6-21-1859/9-25-23) lived on a farm on Arnold Road until shortly before his death, when illness forced them to move to Marine City.  He raised skunks for extra income.  He sold the pelts to a furrier in Detroit and the carcasses to the Broadway Hotel in Marine City where they were served as muskrat, because that sounded better.  Catherine developed cancer on her forehead in her later years.  It was diagnosed as “Lupus” and was treated by rubbing table salt into the raw area.  It spread rapidly and caused her death just a year after her husband had died of a heart attack.  They are both buried beside his father in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Ira Township.

Irene grew up on the farm and attended Poplar Grove School, a long walk.  When it was time for her to be confirmed, she went to Detroit and lived with her older sister, Anna Abend, and took her confirmation classes there.  As a teenager, she played the organ at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where the family attended worship services.  They usually walked to services and seldom missed.

As the youngest in the family, Irene had been quite pampered by older brothers and sisters until they all left home and she had all the farm work with horses, to do by herself, since her father was not well.  Her sister Lena Wiedman, lived on a farm on Arnold Road.  Her husband came to help Irene with heavy work when he could spare the time from his own farm.

Irene was a pretty, vivacious girl, very active in church young people’s group and other social affairs of the community.  A number of the young men went overseas in World War I.  Irene was amazed when two and a half years later, a good friend, Larry Fritz, from Marine City, showed up asking her to marry him.  He had even bought a ring in France for her.  She was already planning her marriage to his cousin, Bill Fritz, so had to refuse.  They continued to remain good friends the rest of their lives.  Larry later married Gretchen Schnepp and she became one of Irene’s best friends.  The family was grief stricken at Gretchen’s untimely death when her first child was born in 1926.  She had fallen on the steps and bumped her spine.  The abscess which formed broke during childbirth and poisoned her system.

When Irene and Bill were married on March 16, 1920, they moved to a sixty acre farm his father had bought on Swan Creek Road in Section 2 of Ira Township.  Irene was kept busy raising a family.  She had seven children in eight and a half years, six boys and a girl.  Because she was so busy with outdoor work and sick children, her childless sister, Anna Abend, worried that the little girl, Loralie was not getting enough of her mother’s attention.  She took the little girl to Detroit to live with her until her brothers were well.  Thus it was that Loralie spent much of her early life in Detroit.

The seventh baby, Eldon, was three weeks old when the Bill Fritz family moved in with Bill’s parents on the Broadbridge Road Farm.  Irene didn’t have another baby for six years, a girl Dolores, and her ninth and last baby was born four years later in 1938.  But Irene was still kept busy.  She cared for her mother-in-law until her death in 1939.  Eliza’s niece came to help care for her, but this also made extra work.  Irene then cared for Eliza’s brother, William Zentgrebe, until his death in 1946.  With these sick folks to care for, Irene also had hired men and teen-aged boys to cook and clean for with no help or cooperation from her husband.

Baking was done three times a week in the wood stove oven.  Irene made eight to ten loaves of bread at a time, plus six coffee cakes to help fill up her gang of hungry boys.  She had no conveniences.  Since the well had capsized, all water for cooking, cleaning, and laundry was hauled in ten gallon milk cans which were stored on the back porch.  The large kitchen had a wood floor which had to be cleaned with a mop, scrub brush, and lots of bleach.  Irene found time to mend as she sat alone, late at night, but her ironing never got all done.  She had a large garden and did lots of canning and made crocks of dill pickles.  The children helped when they could, but they were quite busy with outdoor chores and farm work.  Bill and the boys butchered their own beef and pork, and cured hams, bacon, and sausage in the smoke house and kept a crock of corned beef down in the cellar.  Having their own meat, eggs, milk, and bread, and vegetables was a God-send because times were hard, and there was never any money.  In fact, Bill believed a woman didn’t need money.  He bought all the groceries, brought home what he thought they ought to have.  He bought their clothes when he felt like it, and only what he thought they should wear.  Like his mother before him, he did as he pleased, and refused to listen to ideas from anyone else.”

Forty six years ago Irene died in Mount Clemens, Michigan on February 7, 1977. She is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Marine City Michigan.

Rest in peace, Irene

Love, Jan

Irene was the Mother-in-law of my first cousin once removed. There is no photo of her tombstone at this time. Next time I am in the area I will look for it and place it in the blog when I find it. I have seen Irene’s middle name as Almira and Alvina in several sources. I am using Almira because the family member who wrote her Memoir stated it as her name, I assume that it is her correct name. I have also seen her maiden name Beutal and Beutel. Noted for people who may research her in the future.

Much of the information in the blog was provided by Barbara Fritz Roberts who shared family information on Ancestry.com.

The Quoted Memoir above was from: The Years Pass 1767 – March 1984
Compiled by: Fritz, Frances Louise Vondett, (1921-2009
Francis was Irene’s daughter-in-law. She married Irene’s son , Warren Fritz.

Tombstone Tuesday – January 17, 2023 – Cleora Mae Payne

Cleora Mae Payne was born on July 16/17, 1874. She was the daughter of Silas Huntington and Ophelia (Butler) Payne. Cleora lived a very short life. Her tombstone seems to indicate that she lived just short of 6 months to be exact. She was born in Clio in Thetford Township, Genesee County, Michigan. She died and was buried there too. The records are conflicting. There is a death record for a Clara M Payne whose parents are Silas and Orpha Payne and it states that she died on January 17, 1879 at the age of 4 years and a few days shy of six months. This record comes from a Michigan Mortality Record which is a record that is kept to record deaths for the year preceding a census year. Cleora did not live long enough to be recorded in a federal census. The Mortality record seemed to indicate that she had Bronchitis /Croup. So there is little to tell about this little girl . Michigan does not have Official birth records yet at this time period. My first thought was that Silas and Ophelia may have had twins, Cleora and Clara in 1874 and Cleora died in 1875 and Clara died in 1879 but I can not find any records to indicate this. There is no Clara buried in the Thetford Payne cemetery plot. So I really had no luck clearing this up. The death entry for Clara is the third entry from the top.

Mortality Record for Genesee County, Michigan – 1880

Silas and Ophelia lost several children at a young age. They had a daughter whose name was Mary who was born in July 26, 1851 and died two months later on October 2, 1851. Ida Jane was born on August 6, 1862 and died on August 28, 1862 at the age of 22 days. A daughter, Julie Ann, was born on December 23,1860 and died in January 16, 1869. On July 29, 1858, their son, Nathan was born and he died unmarried at the age of 35 on March 5, 1894 when a tree fell on him.

May all the Payne family members buried in Thetford Cemetery “ rest in peace “ !

Love , Jan

Cleora, Mary, Julie Ann, Ida and Nathan are all first cousins four time removed.

Tombstone Tuesday – January 10, 2023 – Hattie Louise Griffin Hainer

Hattie Louise Griffin was born on June 13, 1865 in Jackson County, Iowa to Hiram and Sybil Elizabeth (Tubbs) Griffin. Hiram and Sybil had six children; Meritt (1857), Melissa (1859), Senaca (1861), Mord (1863), Hattie Louise (1865), Harry (1869). In the 1870 Federal Census, Hattie is found with her family in Maquoketa, Jackson County, Iowa. Her father, Hiram, is a farmer.

Hattie likely at about the time she was married. Thanks to Hainer descendant who made this publicly available on Ancestry.

In 1887 Hattie married Charles Edward Hainer in Maquoketa township, Jackson County. Iowa. They had seven children; Zora Meryl (1888), Verna Irene (1890), Madge Louise (1894), Helen Hannah (1899), Ford Albert (1902), Sybil Elizabeth (1904), Maxine Claire (1908).

In the 1900 Federal Census, Charles and Hattie are found in Fairfield, Iowa. Charles is a farmer . They have four daughters; Zora, Verna, Madge and Helen. They also have Allen Fowler living with them . He is listed as a servant.

In the 1910 Federal Census, Charles and Hattie are living in Waterford, Clinton County, Iowa. They have six children : Verna, Madge, Helen, Ford, Sybil and Maxine. They also have a boarder living with them, Henry Lockey. Charles is a farmer. They own their own farm.

In the 1920 Federal Census, Charles and Hattie remain in Waterford, Iowa. Charles is still farming and they have four children who still live at home; Helen, Ford, Sybil and Maxine. Helen who is 21 years old , listed Theater as her occupation and that she works for the school.

By the 1930 Federal census, Charles and Hattie have moved to Jackson , Maquoketa County, Iowa. They live two houses away from their daughter Madge and her husband Gale. Charles appears to have retired. They have Sybil Griffin living with them, She is a widow who is 94 years old. They have two daughters who remain at home, Helen and Maxine. Helen is a teacher in the public school system and Maxine is a bookkeeper for a Creamery. Both remain single.

Charles Edward Hainer Family 1934 – Back row L to R : Ford , Helen, Madge, Verna Front Row L to R: Sybil, Charles, Maxine, Hattie, Zora This was also made publicly available on Ancestry by a Hainer descendant.

By the 1940 Federal Census, Charles and Hattie are living in Rural Jackson County, Iowa. They are both 74 years of age. Maxine is 31 years old and still lives with them. No one in the household appears to be employed at the time of the Census.

Seventy seven years ago today, January 10, 1946, Hattie Louise Hainer died in Maquoketa, Iowa at the age of 80. She was buried next to her husband in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Rest in peace, Hattie!

Love Jan

Hattie is the wife of my second cousin e times removed, Charles Edward Hainer.

Tombstone Tuesday – January 3, 2023 – Vada Schultz Stechow

Vada was the daughter of August and Hattie (Harriet Blim) Schultz. She was born on March 4, 1895 in New York. In the 1900 Federal Census, Vada is listed as a six year old. She is found with her parents, August and Hattie with her siblings, Grace (1883), Nellie (1886) and Lester(1890). They live in Dryden, Michigan. August is a Day Laborer.

Vada married Lloyd Stechow on November 22, 1813 in Flint, Michigan. They lived in Oxford, Michigan at the time of their marriage. In 1917, Lloyd and Vada had a son whom they named Donald Lloyd. He died a few week short weeks later due to an infection in his umbilical cord according to his death certificate. I find no other birth certificates or records of births for Vada and Lloyd.

In the 1920 Federal Census, Vada and Lloyd are found in Pontiac on Poplar Street. They rent a home and Lloyd works for a Coal and Ice Company. By the 1930 Federal Census, Lloyd and Vada now own their own home on Orion Road. Lloyd is a fireman at the Fisher Body Plant.

Eighty five years ago on January 3, 1938, Vada died at the age of 42 in her home of a cerebral hemorrhage with contributing factor of Malignant hypertension according to her death certificate. She was buried at the Perry Mount Memorial Park in Pontiac, Michigan.

Rest in Peace, Vada!

Love, Jan

Vada is the first wife of Lloyd Stechow, we are not related but Sarah E Densmore became the second wife of Lloyd Stechow after the death of Vada. I have several confirmed DNA matches to children of Sarah and Lloyd who are my second cousins.

It’s a wrap ….and a new Beginning….

Wow, 2022 is a wrap ! I can say that one year ago I never would have guessed that the year would have turned out as it did….

Bought a house…..

Trip to Arizona……

Renovated a house…..

Packed up a house…..

Moved our belongings……

Unpack our belongings ( not completed yet) ….

Prepared the old house to sell…..

Sell it……

Re-landscape the new yard……

Vacation…….

Dog Bite……

Arrival of a new Great Granddaughter……

A two month Illness……

Arrival of another new Great Granddaughter……

A trip to Central Illinois for a special 50th Birthday……

A Christmas trip to Southern Ohio……

and a Christmas trip to Chicago…….

It is no wonder that I had a hard time getting any blogs written. I have taken a small amount of time for research ….Mostly verifying DNA matches on Ancestry and My Heritage…I plan to get back at my blogs on a regular basis in 2023. Happy New Year and Happy Hunting! My 2023 goal is to verify James Smith’s Parentage and to keep blogging about those who came before us!

Jan

Tombstone Tuesday – Mary Morgan Hayner Densmore – July 5, 2022

Mary Morgan Hayner was born on October 21, 1871 in Port Hope, Michigan. She was the daughter of Robert Wesley Hayner and Dorothy Ann Morgan. She was born just days after the Great Fire of 1871 raced across Central Michigan from Lake Michigan finally ending when it hit the water of Lake Huron on the eastern side of the state. Port Hope and the region which included the ” Thumb” was experiencing a boom in the logging industry. There were many jobs in the area. The fire wiped out a whole industry. Robert Wesley was indirectly involved with the logging industry.

I can not find the family in the 1880 Federal Census but an article written about Mary Morgan and Charles for their 52nd Wedding Anniversary indicates that Robert Wesley Hayner and his family remained near Port Hope until 1884. Dorothy, Mary’s mother had a sister who settled in the area for many years before moving to the western side of the state near Ludington, Michigan.

Mary Morgan married Charles Densmore in Port Lambton, Ontario Canada on March 27, 1889. I always wondered why they were married in Canada. I have since learned that it was common for people who lived near the Canadian border to cross the border to marry. They could elope with no license, blood tests or special paperwork much like people go to Vegas to get married quickly today.

Mary and Charles Densmore had 11 children; Addie Mae (1890), Nomer (1893), Charles Ray(1894), Elizabeth(1897), Dorothy (1901), Jay Morgan(1903), John Reynolds(1905), Harry Hayner(1908), Mary Kathryn(1910), Allan Glen(1912) and Alvin Chester(1912). Nomer died on March 18, 1893, 20 days after his birth. Dorothy died on November 6, 1920 at the age of 19 years old. Alvin Chester died on November 8, 1912, 8 days after he was born.

In the 1900 Federal Census, Charles and Mary Densmore in East China Township, St Clair County Michigan. Charles lists his occupation as Day Laborer. They have three children; Addie (1890), Charles Ray (1894), and Elizabeth (1897). They also have two boarders living with them; Gustav Schroeder and Charles Thurman.

In the 1910 Federal Census, Mary and Charles are living in Cottrellville, St Clair County, Michigan. They now have eight children living with them ; Ray C, Elizabeth, Dorothea (1902), J. Morgan ( 1904), John (1906), Harry (1908), Mary Katherine (1910), a Son-in-law, Andrew Anderson, Addie (Densmore) Anderson and an addition young woman , Ann Ehard, who appears to be a hired as a house keeper to help Mary. She is sixteen years old.


This family photo was likely taken around 1915. Allan, the youngest boy looks to be around 3 years old. Dorothy died in 1920. LtoR: Back row : Jay Morgan, Elizabeth, Charles Ray, Addie, Dorothy LtoR : Front row: Mary Katherine, Mary Morgan, Harry Hayner, Charles holding Allan, John Reynolds

In the 1920 Federal Census, Mary and Charles are living in Marine City, Michigan, Charles lists his occupation as Carpenter working in the Ship Yard. They have seven children living at home and Dorothy Hayner, Mary’s Mother, who is a seventy-eight years old widow. The seven children are ; Ray, Morgan, Dorothy, John, Harry, Mary, and Allan (1913).

By the 1930 Federal Census, Mary and Charles own a home on Delina Street. Charles is the sexton of the Marine City Cemetery. They have three children, a son-in-law and a grandson who live with them; C Ray, Allan G, son-in-law, Arthur W Kamer, daughter, Mary K Kamer and Grandson, Richard Kamer.

By the 1940 Federal Census, Mary and Charles live alone on Delina Street. Charles will work as the sexton in the cemetery until he died in January of 1943.

Mary outlived her husband by 15 years. Sixty four years ago on July 5, 1958, Mary Morgan died. Mary Morgan Hayner Densmore is buried next to her husband and her parents in Rosehill Cemetery in East China Township.

Rest in peace, Mary Morgan!

Love, Jan

Mary Morgan was my Great Grandmother. Since she died in 1958, she had the chance to meet seven or eight of her Great Grandchildren, I was too young to remember her. I wish we had had a few more years together. I have met three of my Great Grand children and will meet my fourth in a few weeks. I hope to have many more years so we can have time to know each other.