It’s been a while since I have written a blog. You all may have noticed and wondered. No I did not die. And I have not really been sick. But things seemed different and it took me awhile to figure it out. I was struggle last sping to keep up with my writing. It seemed to take more and more time for me to write each blog. I was writing this blog, Tombstone Tuesday and less frequently my “Needles in a Haystack” blog. I really did not understand why but my labor of love was becoming more of a another chore. And I already had plenty of chores. So I took a pause. My husband planned lots of camping last year which meant time away from internet connections and my data. Can’t write blogs with out internet and data. 

After being away from home for about 6 weeks, life was very busy playing catchup. I had always thought that I could leave home for weeks on end traveling but I am now questioning that. I guess I like “home” pretty well.

I have two very time consuming hobbies, Quilting and Genealogy. When I finally got back on track, I started sewing first. As I was cutting fabric, my tools appeared damaged. Rulers which were previously straight seemed jagged. I would feel them with my finger and they felt straight but when looking at them they looked like they had divets in them. I spent the next month of so trying to figure out whether this was my imagination or not. I kept thinking that maybe it would get better somehow but nothing seemed to change. I also tried to write a couple of blogs and found that my eyes tired very easily and my eye lids would spasm which made it difficult to read. Writing became more and more laborious, I could not concentrate and I became more and more frustrated as the weeks went by. 

In September, we had a very unexpect visit from some really close friends from Wisconsin, Pete and Diane Melman. They called and told us that they would be in our neighborhood and asked if we were up for a visit. Of course we were. So they spent one night with us. While catching up on each others lives, I learned that Pete could no longer drive. Pete has Macular Degeneration. I told Diane that I had early stage AMD also. I told her that I was having some odd visual changes this summer. Diane is a retired Nurse and she implored me to go see my Eye Doctor. ”Dont Wait !” she said, “Go now!”

Sure enough my AMD has changed. While we were camping my schedule changed daily and there were many days that I would forget to take my vitamins including my Areds vitamins. It caught up with me. The years of sitting in front of a computer at work and at home doing genealogy research has taken it’s toll. And not getting my vitamins regularly created the perfect storm. I really think that not sewing for 5 weeks was now a good thing. I may not have noticed the difference so much or so soon.

I got into my Eye Doctor and he sent me to a Specialist and I am taking the vitamins daily! I am not spending hours at a time on my PC as I used to. We will do bi-annual visits going forward. I have noticed that I am not as confident with my night vision so I won’t be driving much (or far) at night. I have had access to an Accuquilt fabric cutter for my quilting projects but I just had not used it much. That has changed. I am learning to use it because I have a lot of sewing I want to do yet.

While I do not have alot of followers of my blog, I know that there are a few out there and they probably wondered what happened. My friend from church told me the other day that she missed my blogs! I have missed them too. So I’ll give it another try. They may not be weekly …we will see..

Best wished in the New year!

Jan Smith

Harriet Lucille Davis was born May 6, 1935 in Detroit , Wayne County, Michigan. She was the daughter of William and Mary Florence (Losee) Davis. Wm and Florence had three children ; Robert (1930), Jenny (1933) and Harriet(1935). It is my belief that Aunt Florence named Harriet, Harriet Lucille, after my father’s sister, Lucille, who died as a 6 year old a few months before Harriet was born.

Harriet, Robert and Jenny Davis

In the 1940 Federal Census, Harriet is found with her parents, Wm and Florence and her two siblings, Robert (1930) and Jenny Mae (1933) in Detroit Michigan. William lists his occupation as Laborer. In the 1950 Federal Census, Mary Florence and Wm remain in Detroit and the have Jenny Clesner and Harriet living with them, Robert no longer lives at home.

William George and Elsa Caram, Bill (Wm George Jr. )and Harriet (Davis) Caram, Florence and Bill (William) Davis – Wedding on October 11, 1952

Harriet married William Caram on October 11, 1952 in Detroit Michigan. They had five children; Mark, Patrick, William Jr, Denise and Linda. The following photo was taken at my parent’s home in Romeo, Michigan in 1967. I believed that we were celebrating my Grandmother’s birthday in late February because the date of March 1967 was labeled by the photo processor on the print but everyone is wearing summer like clothes which would be unusual for February or March in Michigan. I have other Losee Family photos from the same time period of a “Losee Reunion” in the summer of 1967. I would guess that this photo is from the Reunion.

Caram Family – 1967

William Caram died in Mason, Florida on August 22, 1982. Harriet married Donald C Rodanhisler on February 16. 1985 in Marion, Florida.

Nineteen years ago, Harriet Lucille Davis Caram Rodanhisler died on July 18, 2004. She is buried in Sheridan Cemetery in Sheridan, Michigan.

Rest in peace, Harriet!

Love, Jan

Harriet was my first cousin 1 X removed.

Ann M. Leet was born on January 29, 1832 in Oakland County, Michigan. She was the daughter of David and Amelia (Pearsall) Leet. David and Amelia had six children; Horace (1825), Israel ( 1827), George P (1829), William P ( 1831), Ann M. (1832), Alanson H (1837).

In the 1850 Federal Census, David and Amelia live in Oakland County, Michigan and they have six children living with them; Horace, Israel, George P. , William P. , Ann M. , Alanson H. They also have a man by the name of Joseph Sage living with them. He is 23 years old.

Ann Melissa Leet married Joseph Sage on April 3, 1851 in Oakland County, Michigan. By the 1860 Federal Census, Joseph and Ann are found in Farmington Michigan and they have three daughters; Amelia (1854), Louisa (1856) and Mary (1858). Joseph lists his occupation s Farm Laborer.

In the 1870 Federal Census, Ann Sage is the head of household. She is a widow and Amelia and Mary are living at home. Joseph Sage died on April 15, 1869. She resides next door to her brother, Alanson Leet and his family.

I have search high and low for Ann in the 1880 Federal Census and I can not find her. She is a widow and is not listed with any of her daughters families. I did locate her in the 1900 Federal Census as Melissa Ann Sage. She is sixty seven years old and she lives in Southfield, Michigan. She states that she has two living children.

One hundred and eighteen years ago, Ann Leet Sage, died at the age of 73 on July 11, 1905. She is buried with her husband Joseph Sage and daughter, Louisa, in Franklin Cemetery in Franklin, Michigan.

Rest in Peace, Ann!

Love, Jan

Ann was my first cousin 4 X removed.

Thomas Daniel Crites was the son on Simon and Sarah Elizabeth (Manning) Crites. He was born in Perry, Martin County, Indiana on April 11, 1867. Simon and Sarah had two sons; Thomas Daniel (1867) and Simon (1880). In the 1870 Federal Census, Thomas Daniel and his parents were living in Perry, Indiana. Simon is a farm laborer. By the time of the 1880 Federal Census, They have moved to Summit, Marion County, Kansas. In the census both sons are recorded.

Thomas Daniel married Cynthia Belle Carpenter on May 27, 1891 in Douglas, Kansas. Thomas and Cynthia had 5 children. Aure Brian (1893), Athena Belle (1896), Castle Carpenter (1898), Albert C (1901), Russell L (1913).

By the time of the 1900 Federal Census, Thomas and Belle have three children ; Aure Brian, Athena Belle and Castle. Thomas Daniel is a Clergyman. They live in Russell, Kansas.

In the 1910 Federal Census, the family resides in Holton, Jackson County, Kansas. They now have four children; Aure, Athena, Castle, and Albert. Thomas list his occupation as President of Campbell College. The College was owned by the United Brethren Church. In 1910 there were 500 students. In 1913, during the merger talks between the United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church, it was decided that Campbell college should merge with Kansas City University.

By FRANK W. BLACKMAR – Kansas-A Cyclopedia of State History, Embracing Events, Institutions, Industries, Counties, Cities, Towns, Prominent Persons, Etc., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46175739

In the 1920 Federal Census, Thomas and Cynthia are in Toledo, Iowa. He has return to his clergyman role with the United Brethren Church. They have three children living at home; Castle, Albert and Russell.

One hundred years ago, at the age of 56, Rev. Thomas Daniel Crites died on July 4, 1923 in Richland Center, Wisconsin. It is likely that he had been assigned to a church there. After his death, he was returned to Kansas for burial at Summit Cemetery in Burns, Kansas.

Rest in Peace, Rev Thomas!

Love, Jan

Rev Thomas Daniel Crites is my third cousin 3X removed.

Elmer Paul Kinnaman was born on February 22, 1879 in Flora, Clay County, Illinois. He was the son of Henry and Mary Ann (Luse) Kinnaman. In the 1880 Federal Census, Elmer is with his parents and they are living in Monroe, Anderson County, Kansas. Listed with him are his parents, Henry and Mary Ann, his 12 year old sister Mamie and his five year old brother, Charles. Henry lists his occupation as farmer. By the 1900 Federal Census, the Kinnaman family are back in Clay County, Illinois. Henry is 79 years old and Mary Ann is 59. Elmer remains with his parents. He is 21 years old.

Elmer’s father, Henry Kinnaman , owned 160 acres in the southeast corner of Section 23 in Clay County, Illinois according to the 1881 Land map for Clay County. It was located northwest of Village of Flora. Henry had three wives. The first wife was Phebea Grim, she died 1862. They had two children; Martha Jane (1843) and Alonzo Clay (1855) who are half siblings to Elmer and his siblings. Henry married his second wife, Martha Rawlings in 1862. She died in 1865. They had no children. Henry then married Mary Ann Luse, who is the mother of Elmer and his siblings.

Elmer Paul married Avis Manda Nash in 1904. By the 1910 Federal Census, Elmer and Avis have two daughters, Mary Ester (1905) and Naomi Sophia (1908). They lived in Harter Township, Illinois. Elmer is a farmer. On September 12,1918, Elmer registered for the draft for WWI. He states that he is a self employed farmer. Elmer and Avis live on Route 1, in Flora, Illinois. By the time of the 1920 Federal Census, Elmer and Avis have three children; Mary and Naomi and a son, Paul Donald (1911). In 1925, Elmer Paul and Avis had a son name Lee Ellmore born on October 1, 1925 who died of an undisclosed illness on June 18, 1926. By the time of the 1930 Federal Census, the older girls have left home and 19 year old Paul remains with his parents. In the 1940 Federal Census, Elmer, Avis and their son, Paul are living in the same location.

In 1942, Elmer Paul registered for WWII along with his son, Paul. He is sixty three years old and stated that he is a self employed farmer. He and his wife Avis, live at RFD2, Harter Township, Clay County, Illinois.

Sixty-six years ago on April 18,1957, Elmer Paul died at the age of 78. He is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in the Kinnaman Plot in Flora, Illinois.

Rest in peace, Elmer!

Love, Jan

Elmer was the first cousin to Hannah and Emily Kinnaman. They are Kinnaman sisters who married Smith brothers; Branson and WiIliam Smith. William and Branson are my 3rd Great Grand Uncles, Brothers to my 2X Great Grandfather, James W Smith

Margaret Pocock was born on September 5, 1858. Her death Certificate states she was born in England but she was most likely born in Ohio or Indiana since all the other siblings were either born in Ohio or Indiana. She was the daughter of Elijah Pocock and Nancy Middaugh.

Elijah and Nancy (Middaugh) Pocock had eight children; Milton (1843), Mary Catherine (1845), John (1848), Emeline (1852), Elias (1856), Margaret (1858), Nancy (1861). In the 1850 Federal Census, Elisha Pocock and his wife Nancy reside in Wayne Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Elijah is working in the Construction Industry as a carpenter. He and Nancy have three children; Milton, Mary C and John H. They also have Andrew Middaugh living with them. Andrew is likely a brother to Nancy.

In the 1870 Census, Elijah, (is misspelled in most of the Census records..) is living in Lafayette Township, Allen County, Indiana. He has five children living with him; Emeline, Elias, Margaret A., Nancy M and Charles (Grandson, 1868). Nancy died in February 28, 1866. Elijah is a carpenter who builds houses. In the 1880 Federal Census, Elijah states that he is a widower, living with him are three children; Margaret, Elias, Nancy J., and Charles Pocock who is a grandson.

On September 8^th,1880, Margaret married Samuel Young in Allen County, Indiana. On August 6, 1881, Margaret and Samuel had their first son, Albert and their second son, Clarence Floyd was born in 1883. In the 1900 Federal Census, Margaret and Samuel are listed and their sixteen year old son Clarence. They lived in Fort Wayne at 105 High Street. By the time of the 1910 Federal Census, Samuel and Margaret are listed with their son Clarence and his wife, Ore B Young. They live on Helle Street in Ward 8 of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The census records states that Margaret has given birth to two children and both are living.

In the 1920 Federal Census, Samuel and Margaret are listed and Margaret’s sister Emeline is living with them. They live on Fletcher Avenue in Ward 8 of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Ninety-eight years ago on April 11, 1925, Margaret died of cancer of the bowel according to her death Certificate. She was buried at Hoverstock Cemetery in Zaneville, Indiana. There is no photo of her tombstone on Findagrave. My next visit to Hoverstock, I’ll look for her.

Rest in peace, Margaret!

Love Jan

Margaret was the sister of Joseph Smith’s wife. Joseph was my three times Great Uncle on the Paternal Smith lineage of our family.

Mary Jane Anderson was born on November 24, 1867 in Wabash, Illinois. She was the daughter of Samuel and Polly (Leet) Anderson. Samuel and Polly had six children; Jonathan Henry (1859), Julie C (1865), Ella (1866), Mary Jane (1867), Louis M. (1872), Laura E.(1875). In the 1880 Federal Census, Samuel and Polly are found in Leech Township, Wayne County, Illinois. They have five children living with them; John (Henry), Julia, Mary Jane, Louis (Lewis) M, and Laura E. Samuel lists his occupation as farmer.

Mary Jane Anderson married John W. Dalton on October 3, 1889 in Wayne County, Illinois . Eleven years later in the 1900 Federal Census, John and Mary Jane Dalton are found in Wayne County, Illinois. They have five children; Lizzie (Elizabeth, 1890), Henry (1892), Charley (1896), Clarence (1898), and Andrew (1899). The Census states that Mary Jane has had 6 children and one has died. John lists his occupation as a farmer.

The 1910 Federal Census, shows John and Mary Jane living in Romine, Marion County, Illinois. The census states that she has had nine children. Listed in the census are; Henry J, Christopher (Clarence Christopher – age 12) Charley (age 14), Andrew (age 10), Florence V. (1903), Hester (1907), Hazel (1909). Mary Jane’s brother, Lewis is living with them too. Charley is helping his father on the farm. Lewis is a laborer but working in “Timber” according to the census.

In the 1920 Federal Census, John and Mary Jane remain in Marion County, Illinois. They have Christopher, Andrew, Florence, Hester and Hazel living with them. In addition they a grandson, Lee Haizlip who is 7 years old, born in 1913 listed. Lee was the son of Lizzie. She died in 1919. The brother-in-law, Lewis remains with them. There is also a nine year old daughter whose name is Pearl Burkitt. I can not at this time determine who Pearl is. John is still farming and Andrew is working with him. Lewis is still working in Timber.

A side note…..Lizzie (Elizabeth Dalton) married Charles Haizlip. They had three sons. Carl, one of their son, died in 1918. Her husband, Charles Haizlip, died in November of 1918. He was a coal miner and it appears that he died in a mining related accident. Lizzie died six months later which is why Lee , Earl Lee, was living with his grandparents in the 1920 Federal Census. (This story might be a good research project for a future blog.)

In the 1930 Federal Census, John and Mary Jane have one daughter, Hazel Mount, living with them. John is no longer working. Hazel is divorced and works in a Shoe Factory.

Eighty four years ago on April 4, 1939, Mary Jane Dalton died in Marion County, Illinois. She was buried in Palestine Cemetery in Luka, Marion County, Illinios.

Rest in peace, Mary Jane!

Love Jan

Mary Jane is my first cousin 5 times removed on my Father’s Maternal line of his family. I have two DNA matches on Ancestry.com thru the Mary Jane Anderson Dalton line. These connections are thru daughters, Hester and Florence.

Kinnaman Grave stone in Elmwood Cemetery

Henry Kinnaman was born on September 30, 1820 in Montgomery County, Ohio. He was the son of Walter and Barbara Kinnaman. Walter and Barbara had nine children; Hiram (1809), Samuel (1810), Susannah (1813), Margaret (1818), Solomon(1818), Henry (1820), Andrew (1822), Hannah (1824), Barbara (1826). The first three children were born in Stokes, North Carolina. Walter and Barbara moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, where the remaining children were born.

Henry came to Flora, Clay County, Illinois in 1850. He married Phebe Grim and they had three children; Martha Jane(1843), Virginia Louise (1850), Alonzo Clay (1856). In the 1860 Federal Census, Henry and Phebe are found in Clay County, Illinois. They have three children; Martha Jane, Virginia Louise and Alonzo Clay. Phebe Kinnaman died less then two years later on January 17, 1862.

On July 16, 1863, Henry Kinnaman married Martha Rawlings Lack in Marion, Illinois. They had two children; William Franklin and Susan Ida. Martha died on April 30, 1865.

This photo was shared on Ancestry by Edward Lang – Thanks for sharing.

In November of 1865, Henry married Mary Ann Luse in Clay County, Illinois. In the 1870 Federal Census, Henry and Mary Ann are in Harter Township, Clay County, Illinos. They have Alonzo Clay (1856) and Sophia (1868) living with them. In the 1880 Federal Census, Henry and Mary Ann are found in Monroe Kansas. They have three children; Sophia (Mamie), Charles and Elmer. Henry lists his occupation as farmer.

This photo was shared on Ancestry by Edward Lang – Thanks for sharing.

In the 1900 Federal Census, Henry and Mary Ann are found in Harter, Clay County, Illinois. They have Elmer living with them and he is twenty one years old. Henry is still working as a farmer and Elmer is a Day Laborer.

One hundred and twenty-two years ago, Henry Kinnaman died of pneumonia on March 21, 1902, at his home. He had been ill for a month.

From Findagrave.com provided by member 49058811.

Husband of Mary Ann (Luse) Kinnaman.
From The McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry, Illinois) – 03 Apr 1902, Thu – Page 7 :
“The funeral of Henry Kinnaman, one of the best known residents of Clay county was held at the First Christian church, Rev. A. B. Cunningham conducting the services. Decedent was a native of Indiana and had been a resident of Harter township for fifty years.”

Excerpt Copied from an Obit shared by a Eward Lang on Ancestry

“The Funeral service was conducted by Elder A.B. Cunningham at he Christian Church on Sunday afternoon. Seldom has a funeral been so largely attended, that the church could not hold all the mourners . No better evidence could be shown of the respect and esteem for this departed citizen.”

Henry was buried with many Kinnaman family members at Elmwood Cemetery.

Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, Clay County, Illinois

Rest in peace, Henry!

Love, Jan

Henry is the uncle to Hannah Jane Kinnaman Smith and Emily Kinnaman Smith who are my three times Great Grand Aunts. These Kinnaman sisters married Smith brother’s, William and Branson Smith. I have one DNA connection with the Kinnaman Family lineage in Ancestry.

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.