Descendants of William Carpenter of Rehoboth, Plymouth Colony, now part of Bristol County, MA

Notes


15543. Thomas Jefferson Carpenter

Sources of Information:  Pedigree chart from Mrs. Lina Snyder, Athens, MI.  Mrs. Ahlene Doubleday, Battle Creek, MI also sent information by correspondence.  Ahlene is the daughter of child #3, Carl Mitchell Carpenter.  "Carpenter Family Tree" pamphlet compiled by Bruce Young, Cleveland, OH 44135.  Correspondence from Mrs. Howard (LaVern) Carpenter, Battle Creek, MI.  Correspondence from Elma Carpenter, Battle Creek, MI, who sent "Carpenter Family Tree" to Donna H. Hellewell in 1981.

MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI.  Book 1, page 166, #2477. Married at Athens on 3 June 1875, Thos. J. Carpenter, 26, of NY and Emma F. Mitchell, 18, of NY.  Witnesses E. P. Rogers of Athens and H. Pierce of Sherwood.  Married by W. S. Hinds, MG. After their marriage, Thomas and Emma took over his father's farm where they lived and worked until they retired in 1901.  At this time they moved into the village of Athens, leaving the farm to be worked by their son, Carl.  This information was obtained from Thomas' granddaughter, Emma Ahlene, in 1997.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. ED40, sheet 3, line 27.  29/30 Carpenter, Thomas J., age 31, b. NY, parents b. NY; Emma F., wife, 23, b. NY, parents b. NY; Clyde J., son, 4, b. MI; Elton M., son, 2, b. MI.

1900 U.S. Census, Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI, taken 16 and 18 Jun.  ED28, Sheet 12, line 1.  303/304 Carpenter, Thomas J., head, WM, b. Dec 1845, age 51, md 25 years, occupation: farmer, b. NY; Carpenter, Emma F., wife, WF, b. May 1857, age 43, 6 children born, 6 children alive, b NY; Carpenter, Carl, son, WM, b. Oct 1880, age 19, b MI; Carpenter, Nina, daughter, WF, b. Jan 1886, age 14, b. MI; Carpenter, Neva L., daughter, WF, b. Apr 1889, age 11, b. MI.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 15 April.  ED30. /159 Carpenter, Thomas J., head, age 51 (should be age 61), married 34 years, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY; Emma F., wife, age 52, 6 children, 6 children living, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY; Neva L., daughter, age 21, b. MI.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI, taken 19-23 January.  ED35, sheet 14A. 336/348 Carpenter, Thomas J., head, age 71, b. NY, parents b. NY; Emma F., wife, age 61, b. NY, parents b. NY.

1893, 29 September, First reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families in Athens, Calhoun, MI.  T. J. Carpenter and Mrs. T. J. Carpenter attended, so did their children, but only initials were used.  In 1894, Thomas J. Carpenter, 43, of Athens, Emma Carpenter, 37, Clyde 18, Elton, 17, Carl 13, Eddie 12, Nina 8, Neva 5 all attended.  In 1895, Thomas J. Carpenter 46, Emma F. 38, Clyde J. 19, Eddie C. 13, Nina N. 9, Neva 6, were there.  The family attended for many years thereafter.  Since we have other first-hand information on this family, the data will not be repeated here.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 325, #5, 17 Apr 1922, Carpenter, Thomas J., died at Athens Village, married, 73y3m22d, white, male, b. NY, retired farmer, father Calvin Carpenter, mother Eleanor Pierce, both b. NY.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, April 20, 1922.  T. J. Carpenter Passes Away.  Was For Nearly 70 years a Resident of This Vicinity.  Death has visited several homes in Athens during the past few weeks, and on Monday morning claimed another of our oldest and most estimable citizens, Thomas J. Carpenter, whose last illness was only a brief one.  Thomas J. Carpenter was born in Bristol, Ontario , NY, Dec. 25, 1848, and departed this life April 17, 1922, aged 73 years, 3 months and 22 days.  He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, six children, 21 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, besides one sister, Mrs. Melissa Rundel, many nephews and nieces and a host of other friends.  He was the last surviving son of a family of 14 children, 9 boys and 5 girls, born to Calvin and Eleanor Carpenter. When about 5 years old, he came to Michigan with his parents, locating in Sherwood Twp., where they resided for a few years, after which they bought a home near the Carpenter school house, in which locality he spent nearly all his boyhood days.   In 1875 he was united in marriage to Emma Mitchell, and to this union were born six children, all of whom survive him and are located near home, except Merl Carpenter, who resides in Marcus, South Dakota.  He was an active member of the Reformed Church for more than 30 years.  He was a charter member of the K.O.T.M. Lodge.  In his passing away, the family loses a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father and grandfather, and the community a kind and loyal friend and neighbor, always with a kind word and pleasant smile for all he met.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Reformed Church, Rev. Telford officiating.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem.. -- Card of Thanks.  We wish in this way to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who in any way assisted in our great sorrow; to those sending flowers, the singers and Rev. Telford forhis comforting words.  Mrs. T. J. Carpenter and Family.


Emma F. Mitchell

OBITUARY.  April 1932.  Mrs. Emma Carpenter, Beloved Citizen Is Called to Last Rest. Mrs. Emma Carpenter, widow of the late Thomas Carpenter, and a much beloved resident of Athens for many years, passed away Saturday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elon D. Parlin, in Wakeshma Twp..  The funeral services were held at the Parlin home Tuesday afternoon, with the Rev. A. L. Ellsworth of the Methodist Church officiating.  Interment beside her husband in Burr Oak Cem. in this village.  Six of the grandsons acted as pallbearers.  Emma F. Mitchell, only child of Joel and Mary Mitchell, was born in Niles, N.Y. May 3, 1857, and departed this life April 16, 1932, aged 74 years, 11 months and 13 days.  When she was three years of age her mother died; later her father married again and the family moved to Hanover, Michigan, where they resided for several years.  After she became a young lady, the family moved again, this time to Athens.  In 1875 she was united in marriage to Thomas J. Carpenter, who preceded her in death on April 17, 1922. To this union were born six children, all of whom survive her: Clyde of Battle Creek; Merle of Marcus, South Dakota; Carl of Athens; Edwin of Union City; Nina Kline of Three Rivers, and Neva Parlin of Athens.  Beside the children, she leaves to mourn their loss, twenty-one grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, also one half-brother Fred Mitchell, of Oroville, California.  More than forty years ago she joined the Reformed Church of Athens and did active work until her health failed.  She was a charter member of the L.O.T.M. Lodge and the W.F.M.S. of Athens.  After her marriage she resided in Athens or the surrounding community, where she mademany friends who sympathize with the family in their bereavement. In her passing away the family loses a devoted and sympathetic mother and grandmother, and the community a kind and loyal friend and neighbor, all of whom will miss her in the circle of friendship and home life.

OBITUARY.  The Battle Creek Enquirer, Monday, April 18, 1932, page 5.  Mrs. Emma Mitchell Carpenter, 75, passed away Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elon Parlin, in Athens.  Besides the daughter at whose home she died Mrs. Carpenter leaves five other children, Clyde, of Union City; Merle, residing in North Dakota; Edwin, of Union City; Carl, of Athens, and Mrs. Nina Kline, of Leonidas.  Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the daughter's residence in Athens.  The Rev. A. L. Ellsworth of the Athens Methodist Episcopal Church, will officiate and burial will be made in the Burr Oak Cem., Athens.


15545. Abner Loomis Carpenter

Sources of information:  Family chart showing relationships from Mrs. Lina Snyder of Athens, MI.  This chart was made by Lorna Carter of Athens, MI.  Personal interview with Opal Chichester Mitchell, (daughter of Minnie Ellen Carpenter, first child of Abner Loomis Carpenter and Agnes Almira Henry), in July 1981 in E. Leroy, MI.

Family group sheets were also filled out by other descendants from the Athens, Michigan, area:  Mrs. Opal Mitchell, C. Lyle Chichester and Maurice Sager of Battle Creek.  Also reunion book of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families 1893 - and many years thereafter was used. Names of persons attending the reunions were kept each year.

1860 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 31 July. 2067/1881.   Abner is 8 years old and in the home of his parents, Calvin Carpenter and Elnor (spelled this way).

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June. 182/182, Abner is age 17 and in the home of his brother, Henry L., age 35, b. NY; Susan, 35, b. NY; Lilla, 12, b. MI.; Elmira, 7, b. MI, and Abner, 17, b. NY.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. ED 40, Sheet 1 Line 25, also see Line 29.  6/6 Carpenter, Abner L., 27, b. NY, parents b. NY; Agnes, 24, wife, b. MI, parents b. NY; Minnie E., 5, daughter, b. MI; Ruth M., 1, daughter, b. MI.


1900 U.S. Census, Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI, ED 28, Sheet 11, Line 77, taken 16 June.  297/298 Carpenter, Abner L., head, WM, b. Nov. 1853, age 46, married 24y, occupation:  farmer, b. NY; Carpenter, Agnes A., wife, WF, b. Feb 1856, age 44, 6 children born, 6 children alive, b. MI; Carpenter, Ruth, daughter, WF, b. Sep 1878, age 21, occupation:  school teacher, b. MI; Carpenter, Lillie L., daughter, WF, b. Mar 1883, age 17, b. MI; Carpenter, Orland H., son, WM, b. Oct 1885, age 14, b. MI; Carpenter, Jennie P., daughter, WF, b. Feb. 1888, age 12, b. MI.

The Athens Times, June 10, 1904.  A. L. Carpenter was in Battle Creek Monday and Tuesday as a delegate from Athens Tent K.O.T.M.M. to the great tent.  He was accompanied by Mrs. Carpenter.

Biographical Review of Calhoun County, Michigan, by Hobart & Mather, Chicago, 1904, p. 420-422, Willard Library, Battle Creek, Michigan.  "Abner Loomis Carpenter.  Though but recently an acquisition to the business life of Athens, Abner L. Carpenter has yet demonstrated his ability to lead in commercial activity.  The name is well-known throughout this county, a complete history of thefamily being given on another page of this volume.  Mr. Carpenter is a native of New York state, having been born in Naples, Ontario County, November 20, 1852, removing with his parents to Michigan when a mere lad.  His parents remained in their first location in the state--Sherwood Twp., Branch County--for a short time, when they removed to Athens Twp., Calhoun County, where their son received his scholastic training in the district school in the vicinity of his home, while assisting with the home duties.  He worked for his father until his marriage in 1874, when he rented a farm in Athens Twp., where he remained for ten years, his energy and industry resulting in sufficient means to enable him to purchase a farm of eighty acres.  This was entirely new land, boasting no improvements nor upturned sod, located in the same Twp. southeast of the Village of Athens.  With the energy and determination which had characterized his first independent venture in life, Mr. Carpenter set to work to reclaim the land and make of it one of the many desirable properties of the county.  After ten years he sold out and purchased a hundred-acre farm located just west of the village, remaining upon this property until March 15, 1902.  At that date he traded the farm for the grocery store, which is now absorbing his time and interests.  He has successfully established himself in Athens, conducting his business according to conservative methods and giving to his large patronage a choice line of groceries.  Mr. Carpenter's wife was, in maindenhood, Miss Agnes Henry, a native of Marshall Twp., Calhoun County.  Her parents were Hugh Gregg and Maria (Thrall) Henry, natives respectively of Naples, Ontario County, New York State, and Connecticut.  In 1854 he removed with his family to Calhoun County, Michigan, purchasing a farm about three miles west of Marshall, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1861.  He then sold his property and located in Sherwood, Branch County, purchasing a hotel property, which he conducted for about six years.  After disposing of this business he removed to Athens, where he made his home until his death.  Both himself and wife are interred in the Cem. at Athens.  They were the parents of the following children:  James, William, Agnes and Inez, the wife of Calvin Lewis Wilson.  All make their homes in Athens.  To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter were born six children, namely:  Minnie, who married Albert Chichester and they now reside in this Twp., the parents of three children, Opal, Raymond and Marta; Ruth, the second daughter, died at the age of twenty-two years.  She had graduated from the Athens High School when quite young, after which she taught for five years, making a name and place for herself among the progressive and up-to-date educators of the county. She was prominent in church and social circles as well as educational, being a member of the First Reformed Church of Athens, a member of the choir and a teacher in the Sunday School, and belonged to the auxiliary of the Knights of the Maccabees of this village, from all of these positions being greatly missed, not alone for the practical help she gave, but for the gentle and kindly nature, which won and retained for her a large circle of friends.  She sleeps in the Cem. in Athens.  Della, the third daughter, married Charles Bauer, and they are residents of this Twp., and the parents of two children, Earl and Leo; Lorane married Burton Martin, and they now reside in this Twp.; and Orland and Jennie are still at home with their parents.  In his political preferment Mr. Carpenter is an adherent of the Republican party through whose influence he has held for one year the position of county drain commissioner.  Intelligently interested in all educational questions he has served and is serving as a member of the board of education.  Fraternally, he is identified with the Knights of the Maccabees, being secretary of his lodge, while his wife serves in the same capacity for the auxiliary lodge of Athens. Personally, Mr. Carpenter is a highly respected and esteemed citizen, the many sterling qualities which have characterized his years of usefulness in the community, giving to him, to an exceptional degree, the confidence of his fellow townsmen.  He has always been ready to support every movement which has for its end the welfare of the public, and uphold the hands of those who were attempting reform and progression.  He is justly entitled to representation in this volume."

1910 U.S. Census, St. Joseph , Leonidas Twp., MI, ED 128, taken 15 April. 27/27 Carpenter, Abner L., head, mw, 57, married 1 time, 36 years, b. NY, father and mother b. NY, retail merchant, grocery and dry goods; Agnes A., wife, wf, 54, 6 children, 6 alive, b. MI, father and mother b. NY, occupation: saleslady; Orland, son, wm, 23, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI, occupation laborer.

1893 Reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families held 29 Sept.  A. L. Carpenter, age 40, and Mrs. A. L. Carpenter of Athens, Miss Minnie, age 18, Miss Ruth, age 15, Miss Della, age 12, Miss "Ranny" (Lillie Loraine), age 10, Miss Jennie and O. H. Carpenter, their children, were all in attendance.

1894 Reunion in Athens, MI - Abner Carpenter, 41, Agnes Carpenter 38, Minnie 19, Ruth 15, Edith (Adella Agnes) 13, Loraine 11, Orla 8 and Jennie 5, were all in attendance.  1895 Reunion - A. L. Carpenter, age 42, Agnes, 39, Minnie 20, Ruth 16, Della 14, Lorain (spelled this way) 12, Orland 9, Jennie 7, were in attendance.  1897 Reunion - Abner, Agnes, Minnie and Bert, and Opal have joined Ruth, Della, Ranny, Orla and Jennie. Minnie had married in 1896 to Albert Earnest Chichester, who obviously went by Bert.  Their first child was Opal Adell.  They were all at the 1898 and 1899 reunions with the addition of Minnie's second child, Raymond.

1900, 1901, 1902, 1903 Reunions:  Abner and Agnes attended all four years.  Their daughter, Ruth, is marked "Died Jan 1901."  Minnie and Bert and their three children (added Marta Leona) are there the last three years.  Della (now Bauer) and Chart (Charles) and two children are on the list, Earl and Leo Bauer.  Della and Chart attended the first year and Della and Earl in 1901, Della, Earl and Leo in 1904.  Bert Martin, "Ranny" husband's name was there but attendance was not marked, but Ranny Martin, sister Jennie and brother Orla Carpenter are there all four years.

1904, 1905, 1906, 1907 Reunions:  All attended in 1904 from all three families, Abner, Agnes Carpenter, Opal Chichester and brother Raymond, Della Bauer, sons, Earl and Leo, Lorain Martin, Bert and Olan, their baby, and Abner and Agnes' two youngest, Orland and Jennie were in attendance in 1905, but none the last two years.

1909, 1910, 1911, 1912 - Abner attended the first three and then is marked dead.  Agnes attended in 1912. So did most of the family, but this record will not be continued here.  Agnes continued to attend for years.

The Athens Times, Friday, March 22, 1912.  Abner L. Carpenter, the Factoryville merchant, who has been ill a number of weeks with a serious attack of tic doloreaux, a disease of the nerves of the face, departed Tuesday night for Philadelphia, in company of his son-in-law, Edward Lafler, where he submitted to an operation for the relief of his trouble.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 12, 1912.  Factoryville.  A. L. Carpenter and Ed Lafler returned home from Philadelphia Wednesday night.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 12, 1912.  Factoryville.  A. L. Carpenter wishes to thank his many friends who so kindly remembered him with post cards when he was at the hospital.  It is at such a time that it cheers one to be thus remembered by their friends.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 19, 1912.  Factoryville.  A. L. Carpenter has been confined to his bed the past week with rheumatism.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 19, 1912.  A. L. Carpenter has another line of those up-to-date trimmed hats.  Call and see them.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 26, 1912.  Merchant Stricken with Paralysis. A. L. Carpenter, the well known Factoryville merchant, suffered a slight stroke of paralysis Monday morning, which paralyzed his tongue and left him in a dazed condition.  As we go to press he seems to be slightly improved, and his many friends hope that his affliction is only temporary.  Mr. Carpenter has been ill all winter and only recently went to Philadelphia for an operation, from the effects of which he was nicely recovering.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Friday, May 3, 1912.  Two Well Known Citizens Gone. Abner L. Carpenter, Factoryville Merchant, Died Monday.  In Business In Athens a Few Years.  Abner L. Carpenter, the well known merchant at Factoryville, whose serious illness was mentioned in last week's issue, died Monday evening, aged 59 years, and the funeral was held at the Factoryville Church Wednesday forenoon, Rev. Albright officiating.  Deceased was born in Naples, N.Y., and camewith his parents to Sherwood Twp., Michigan, when a mere lad, where they remained but a short time, when they moved to Athens Twp..  From the time he was old enough until he was married he worked for his father on the farm.  In 1874 he was married to Agnes Henry.  After his marriage he rented a farm for ten years when he purchased eighty acres of new ground, and he worked there diligently until he made it one of the most desirable farms in the community, selling the place ten years later and purchasing another.  In 1902 he traded his farm for a store in Athens, where he conducted a business for nearly three years, when he bought the Factoryville store and moved his stock there.  As a business man he was well liked and successful; as a citizen he was honored; as a member of the Maccabees he was faithful to the office entrusted to him, and as a Christian he was earnest and devoted.  Having been baptized and confirmed in the Reformed Church at Factoryville, Dec. 13, 1908, he at once became active and was elected to the eldership in January, 1909 and served for two years.  He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife, four daughters, one son, twelve grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters who deeply mourn their loss, and the whole community feels his departure very keenly.

Abner Loomis Carpenter's father had an older brother also named Abner (McNair) Carpenter who went to Indiana from New York.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Card of Thanks.  We desire in this way to express our heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy in our great sorrow and bereavement, also the singers, Rev. Albright for the comforting words, and to those who contributed flowers. Mrs. A. L. Carpenter and Family.


Agnes Almira Henry

Birth place also reported as Ontario County, NY, as well as Marshall, Calhoun, MI.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  Mrs. A. L. Carpenter made a business trip to Centreville Tuesday in the company with Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Pier.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  William Henry, wife and daughter, Ruth, of Athens were callers on his sister, Mrs. A. L. Carpenter.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  Mrs. Inez Wilson of Athens returned home Thursday after spending nearly two weeks with her sister, Mrs. A. L. Carpenter.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  James Henry of Battle Creek visited his sister, Mrs. A. L. Carpenter, from Thursday until Saturday.

The Athens Times, May 17, 1912.  Factoryville.  Mrs. A. L. Carpenter will continue the business for a while or until she can sell out.

The Athens Times, June 14, 1912.  Mrs. Carpenter received a draft for $1,000 last Friday from the K.O.T.M.M., the amount of insurance carried by the late A. L. Carpenter in that society.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 16, 1913.  Factoryville Store Sold. Mrs. A. L. Carpenter, who has conducted the store at Factoryville since the death of Mr. Carpenter, sold her stock of goods to Ralph G. Clement of Colon last week, and C. D. Cutler of this place bought of Mr. Clement the dry goods and furnishings included in the stock.  The store will be closed and the goods moved away, although we understand that Mrs. Carpenter who owns the building, will remain there.

The Athens Times, Thursday, August 8, 1913.  Mrs. A. L. Carpenter has moved her household goods from Factoryville and is occupying a part of the Waterman house, corner of Burr Oak and Main Streets.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI taken 19-23 January, ED 35, sheet 12A. 337/349 Carpenter, Agnes A., head, age 63, b. MI, parents b. NY.

The Athens Times, Thursday, Oct. 28, 1920.  Pine Creek.  Mrs. Agnes Carpenter of Athens is caring for her daughter, Mrs. A. E. Chichester.  (This daughter would be Agnes' oldest daughter, Minnie Ellen, who had a baby girl, Margaret, on 25 Oct 1920.)

The Athens Times, Thursday, May 11, 1922.  E. P. Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Gould and Mrs. Agnes Carpenter attended the funeral of their cousin, Robert Carpenter, near Union City Friday afternoon. Robert Carpenter was actually a cousin of Agnes Carpenter's late husband, Abner Loomis Carpenter.  This Robert was married to Sarada Place and was the son of Calvin Loomis Carpenter's brother, Robert Carpenter and Plexana Wood.

The Athens Times, Thursday, May 8, 1924.  Mr. and Mrs. Orla Carpenter and family of near Marshall were Sunday afternoon callers at the home of the former's mother, Mrs. Agnes Carpenter.

OBITUARY. 1933.  Agnes Carpenter, eldest daughter of Hugh and Maria (Thrall) Henry was born in Ontario County, New York, Feb. 9, 1856 and departed this life Oct. 22, 1933, at the age of 77 years, 8 months and 13 days, at the home of her daughter, Loraine Martin.  At the age of five years she moved with her parents to Marshall, Mich., where she spent her girlhood days.  They then moved to Athens where on April 9, 1874 she was united in marriage to Abner L. Carpenter who departed this life on April 29, 1912.  To this union were born six children, five daughters and one son, Minnie Chichester of Leroy Twp., Ruth, who passed away Jan. 17, 1901; Della Bauer and Lorain Martin of Athens Twp.; Jennie Lafler of Wakeshma Township; Orland H. Carpenter of Bad Axe, Michigan.  In addition to the above, she also leaves 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Inez Stancer of Athens; one brother, James Henry of Battle Creek and several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was a charter member of the L.O.T.M. Lodge, also a member of the Reformed Church.  Failing health compelled her to give up her home in 1928, since which time she has been cared for by her four remaining daughters.  May 20, 1932, she suffered a severe stroke of paralysis, since which time she has been bed ridden.  She went to sleep Thursday and did not waken, passing away at 5:30 Sunday morning.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Spencer Funeral Home with Rev. J. C. Brillhart of Battle Creek officiating.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem..

Card of Thanks.  We wish to thank the relatives and friends for their sympathy and flowers, the minister for his comforting words, the bearers, the undertaker for his kindness at the death of our mother.  The Children.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI 1932-1933 deaths, Athens Twp., p8, #8. 22 Oct 1933, Agnes A. Henry, FW, widow, 77y8m13d, arteriosclerosis, b. NY, housewife, father was Hugh G. Henry, b. NY; mother: Mary Thrall, b. NY.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, book 6, page 341, #8, 22 Oct. 1933, Carpenter, Agnes A., died at Athens Twp., female, 77y8m13d, widow, b. NY, housewife, father Hugh G. Henry, b. NY, mother Mary Thrall, b. NY.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Moon Journal, Monday, Oct. 23, 1933.  Death Takes Widow of Abner Carpenter.  Athens, Oct. 23 - Mrs. Agnes Carpenter, 77 widow of the late Abner Carpenter, passed away Sunday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bert Martin, in Athens, following a lingering illness.  A resident of this vicinity for many years, Mrs. Carpenter, with her husband, the late Abner Carpenter, operated a local grocery store and later a general store at Factoryville, prior to his death.  After her husband's death, Mrs. Carpenter operated the Factoryville store for several years before taking up her residence with her daughter in Athens Township. Surviving Mrs. Carpenter are four daughters, Mrs. Minnie Chichester, of Pine Creek; Mrs. Della Bauer, of Athens; Mrs. Jennie Lafler, of Wakeshma Twp., and Mrs. Martin; a son, Orland, residing in northern Michigan; a sister, Mrs. William Stancer, of Athens; and a brother, James Henry of Battle Creek.  Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Spencer Funeral Home and burial will be in Burr Oak Cem..


23284. Ruth M. Carpenter

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  6//6 Ruth M., 1, daughter, b. MI, is in the home of her parents.

1990 U.S. Census, Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI taken 16 Jun. 297/298 Ruth, daughter, WF, b. Sep 1978, age 21, occupation: school teacher, b. MI, is in the home of her parents.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Deaths, Book 3, page 37, #794, 17 Jan 1901, Carpenter, Ruth, female, 22y3m21d, single, typhoid fever, b. MI, teacher, father:  Abner Carpenter, mother:  Agnes Henry, place of death:  Athens.

The Athens Times, Saturday, January 12, 1901, p. 1.  Miss Ruth Carpenter, who has been very ill from typhoid fever, has evenly continued the past week and her recovery is looked for.

The Athens Times, Saturday, January 12, 1901, p. 1.  Miss Ruth Carpenter was not quite so well yesterday.  She is very sick.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Saturday, January 19, 1901, p.1. Death of Miss Ruth Carpenter.  Miss Ruth Carpenter, whose illness from typhoid fever has heretofore been mentioned in this paper, died Thursday at 1:40 p.m., though the immediate cause of death was congestion of the lungs.  Funeral arrangements have been made as follows:  Friends meet at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Carpenter, Sunday at 1 o'clock, after which interment will be made in Burr Oak Street Cem., and services will follow at the Reformed Church, of which she was a member, at 2 o'clock, Rev. F. Ware officiating.  Miss Carpenter was taken ill during the vacation of her school in district No. 1 and was confined to her bed about four weeks.  She was an exemplary young lady and she leaves a large circle of friends who will regret her untimely death.  She was aged 22 years, 3 months and 21 days.

The Athens Times, Saturday, January 19, 1901.  Miss Julia Carpenter, a trained nurse of the Battle Creek Sanitarium who ministered at the bedside of her relative, Miss Ruth Carpenter two weeks previous to her death, is now employed by Mrs. B. F. Taylor to care for her son, Leon, who is very sick with typhoid fever.

IN MEMORIAM.  The Athens Times, Saturday, January 26, 1901, p.1. Miss Ruth M. Carpenter was born in the Twp. of Athens Sept. 26, 1878, and departed this life Thursday, Jan. 17, 1901, aged 22 years, 3 months and 21 days.  On Easter Sunday, April 5, 1896, Ruth was received into the First Reformed Church by baptism and the rite of confirmation.  In her church life she was constant, faithful and devoted, always ready and willing to help forward in any of the activities of the church; never refusing to do anything that would help to promote the interests of the Master's kingdom. During the time of her connection with the church she was absent but twice from the communion of the Lord's supper.  As a teacher in the Sunday School she was efficient and set an example of usefulness and helpfulness to her scholars.  The whole of her school life was spent in the Village of Athens, and when but 10 years of age she conceived the desire to become a teacher in the public schools.  This desire inspired her to make earnest effort in all her school work so that she became a good and faithful student.  There was one year of her school life when she was the only pupil that was not absent a single day and yet had the farthest to go to reach school.  To accomplish her desire she spared no time until she was permitted to stand with her class and graduate from the high school of Athens on the 12th of June, 1896, being the first of her class to go to her eternal reward.  She entered and followed the profession of her choice, as teacher, in which she was very successful, being universally loved and respected by her pupils, and also having the confidence of the school boards.  She taught in all 43 1/2 months of school.  In the home she took as much interest as the parents, always desirous of making home pleasant and attractive; in fact, she was a great lover of home.  On the 13th of July 1897, she became a member of the L.O.T.M. of this village, from whose circle she will be greatly missed.  Her funeral was held from the Reformed Church Sunday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m., conducted by her pastor, Rev. F. Ware, assisted by the pastors of the village, it being one of the largest funerals held in Athens for some time.  Her parents, four sisters and one brother, together with a large circle of relatives and friends, survive her.

The Athens Times, Saturday, Jan. 26, 1901.  Card of Thanks.  To those who so kindly rendered their assistance during the sickness, death and burial of our beloved daughter, Ruth, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation and thanks.  We would especially express our gratitude to Miss Julia Carpenter, Mrs. Wm. Henry and Mrs. James Henry for their untiring assistance; to the choir for their beautiful music, to the church, the schools and the L.O.T.M. for their beautiful floral offerings.  Mr. and Mrs. Abner Carpenter.

Copied from the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal:  "Died.  Jan. 17, 1901, at the home of her father, Abner L. Carpenter, Ruth Carpenter, aged 22 years, 3 mo., 21 days."

Biographical Review of Calhoun County, Michigan by Hobart & Mather, Chicago, 1904, p. 421.  In a biographical reivew of Ruth's father, Abner Loomis Carpenter, it states "To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter were born six children, namely: . . . Ruth, the second daughter, died at the age of twenty-two years.  She had graduated from the Athens High School when quite young, after which she taught for five years, making a name and place for herself among the progressive and up-to-date educators of the county. She was prominent in church and social circles as well as educational, being a member of the First Reformed Church of Athens, a member of the choir and a teacher in the Sunday-school, and belonged to the auxiliary of the Knights of the Maccabees of this village, from all of these positions being greatly missed, not alone for the practical help she gave, but for the gentle and kindly nature, which won and retained for her a large circle of friends.  She sleeps in the Cem. in Athens."


23287. Orland Hugh Carpenter

It was reported that he had no children.  Orland's date of birth is from a hand-written note of Lina Ruth Sager according to Edwin D. Hicks in 1997 as well as in the Calvin Carpenter family records.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun County, Athens Twp., MI, Orland, age 14, is enumerated with his parents.

1910 U.S. Census, St. Joseph , Leonidas , MI, Orland, age 23, is enumerated with his parents.

MARRIAGE.  St. Joseph County Clerk, Centreville, MI, Vol. H, p. 15, #5324. Married 8 Dec 1910 at Athens, Orland H. Carpenter, age 25, residing in Leonidas, b. MI, occupation: laborer, father: A. Carpenter, mother: -- Henry (only the mothers' maiden names were listed in the marriage records); and Belle H. Wattles, age 18, residing in Sherwood, b. IL, father: Oscar Wattles, mother: -- Jones, occupation: housekeeper; witnesses: Clarence Swihart of Colon and Bessie Lafler of Leonidas; officiant: Cecil A. Albright, MG; neither had been married previously.

The Athens Times, May 8, 1924.  Mr. and Mrs. Orla Carpenter and family of near Marshall were Sunday afternoon callers at the home of the former's mother, Mrs. Agnes Carpenter.

In 1933 Orland was of Bad Axe, MI, according to his mother's obituary.  In 1938 Orland Hugh Carpenter was of Bad Axe according tohis sister's, Minnie Chichester's, obituary.


Belle H. Wattles

1910 U.S. Census, Branch, Sherwood Twp., MI, taken 28 April. 115/116 Maltby, Sarah, head, FW, age 63, widow, 1 child, 0 alive, b. OH, parents b. OH; Wattles, Belle, servant, FW, age 17, single, b. IL, father b. OH, mother b. MI; Wattles, Oscar A., boarder, MW, age 51, widower, b. OH, father b. NY, mother b. VT.


15547. William Griffis

1850 U.S.Census, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY.  Census taken 27 Aug 1850, Household 3-3, Griffith, Thomas 42, male, b. NY; Betsy 43, female, B. NY; Wm. was 18, and in their home with his other brothers and sister. (There name was spelled Griffith on this and the 1860 census, but William used Griffis on the 1860 census when he was enumerated as Head of the Household, see below)

1860 U.S.Census, Newfane Twp., Niagara, NY, take 10 July 1860, Household 339-344 Wm. Griffis 26, male, farmer; Ann 24 female; Elisabeth 4/12 female.

Civil War (1864) William Griffis b. Lockport, NY, residence Royalton, NY enlisted 10 Sept 1864, inducted at Rochester, NY.  He was in the 17th Regiment, Private, S. Battery.  He was in the battles of Hatchins Run and Before Petersburg. Discharged June 20, 1865. P. O. Address Reyoalis Basin, NY  Information taken from Royalton Town Clerk, Niagara , Records, Aug 6, 1866.

Civil War-1865 Census, page 4. Page 32, Line 8, #196.  Thomas Griffis (father) William Griffis, 32, b. Niagara (County), married 3 ch. cooper. Formerly in army - 17 N. Y. Bat. Sept. 1864-Pvt. Served 9 mo.  Health midling. Mustered out 15 June 1865.  (Line 12 has brother Duane Griffis see his notes.)

Martha, William's second wife, is listed as his wife in Land Records in Lockport, Ontario, NY in 1866, therfore they were married before this time.

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June 1870, Film 552165, Household 175-175, Griffis, William 37, male; Martha 32, female; Robinson, Frank 8 male; Griffis, Elizabeth 10 female. (In the house on one side of him is his mother, brother Erastus and, nephew Harvey J. On the other side is his Uncle Calvin L. Carpenter, his mother's [Betsy's] brother.)

1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;  Elizabeth, dau 20, b. NY, Marana E. dau. 8, b. MI; Martha A. dau 4. b. MI; Willie P. (should be T. according to descendants) son age 1 b. MI.   The children's middle initial was given on the 1880 Census.  There was one boarder not named in Soundex, but Census film said he was John R. Titus, male age 25.  a Cooper b. Mich, parent's birthplace unknown.  By this time Frank Robinson would be 18 and probably away from home working, or married.

In 1994 in a letter from, Thelma, the  daughter of William T. Griffis, postmarked May 1994, "Do you have the information on how Frank Robinson was related, and was Ella his wife?  I never met Frank, but I remember when he died.  I was quite young, but I remember my dad going to the funeral in Lockport, NY."  No, we do not know the relationship, but a guess would be that he was Martha's son by a prior marriage just like Elizabeth was a daughter to William by his first marriage to Ann.  (See 1860 Census).  Descendants have confirmed that there were two marriages, Ann and Martha L. Blackman for William, first son of Betsy. They have also confirmed that William is buried by Martha in the N. Weare Cem., but there is no tombstone.  He is buried close to his mother Betsy.

William md.  Martha L. Blackman, b. Canada.  William was "a cooper".


23289. Elizabeth Griffis

1860 U.S.Census, Newfane Twp., Niagara, NY, take 10 July 1860, Household 339-344 Wm. Griffis 26, male, farmer; Ann 24 female; Elisabeth 4/12 female. (Her name is spelled with and "s" not a "z" on this census.)

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June 1870, Film 552165, Household 175-175, Griffis, William 37, male; Martha 32 female.   Ann died and William did marry Martha later.  Robinson, Frank 8,  male (who is he? Could he be Martha's by a former marriage?  Martha is listed as Martha A. on her son William T's marriage, but Martha L. on death certificate and tombstone.  Marriage certificate is probably wrong); Griffis, Elizabeth 10 female.  As previously stated, descendants have confirmed there were two marriages and Elizabeth was a child of the first marriage.  Her mother was Ann.  Marana (correctly spelled, it is not Maranda), Martha and William T. are Martha's (second wife's,) children. The first child, Marana was named after her material grandmother who was also Marana, the second child after herself, and the son after his father, but had a middle initial T. (possibly standing for Thomas who was William's father).

1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;  Elizabeth is now 20, and still with her parents.

.


Martha L. Blackmer

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, Mich.  Census taken 20 June 1870, Martha is age 32 and with her husband and family.  Birth place said N. Canada, or it looked like an "N" preceding Canada.

1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale, Mich.  Martha is age 41.  See her husband's data.  She said her father and mother were born in Mass.

Death Records Oceana , Mich. Book 1, Page 128, Record No. 26. Martha L. Griffis died 23 Apr 1890, (surrogate record give 1882) age 52 y 11 m 25 days.  Father:  Joseph Blackman, Mother Marana, both b. NY.

North Weare Cem., Weare Twp., Oceana, Mich.   Lot 4, Sec. 19. Martha L., Wife of Wm. Griffis, died 23 Apr 1890, 52y 11m 25 d. (b. 28 Apr 1937) "Gone, to rest but not forgotton."  William was not buried by her unless he had no stone.  We did not find William's death record in either Oceana or Mason Counties. (We had been using Martha A. because it was on one record and because on the 1860 Census William's wife's name was Ann. The "L" could be for her maiden name.  We do not know it. Or Ann and Martha could be different people.  (Ages differ slightly from the 1860 census age 24 and the 1870 census, age 32 ).  More research is needed here.

16 July 2000, letter from Jeffrey Carmean, Columbiaville, Michigan,  to Donna Hellewell, ". . .My great great grandfather's twin sister married William Griffis.  They had three children that I am aware of -- Marana (named after her maternal grandmother), Martha, and William T.  Your file had the elder William's wife's surname as BLACKMAN.  You listed Martha Blackman's parents as Joseph and Marana Blackman.  In old census records, Martha's real surname has apparently been spelled variously as Blackman, Blackmar, Blackmen, Blackmer, Blackmeir, Blackmere, Blackmoor, Blackmore, and Blackmur.  Her true surname is BLACKMER.  Her parents were Homer Blackmer and Marana Terry/Ferry.  Her mother's surname was found on a younger sibling's death certificate; however, the clerk wrote "T" and "F" identically on the certificate.  The family is still attempting to verify whether Marana's surname is TERRY or FERRY.
The first Blackmer to come to the colonies was William Blackmore who came from England.  Over the next few generations, the surname was misspelled in some land grants and so some within the family began spelling the name as it was spelled in some of the land grants.  So within the same family different surname spellings emerged and were used.  To add to the confusion, census takers ofter spelled surnames however they thought they were spelled or sounded.  Your Martha's mother, Marans, died in 1882, and Martha is named in her mother's Niagara County Surrogate Court record along with her husband, William Griffis, by name.  I will attach a printed version of that record which can be found under "B-15, Marana Blackmer" at the Niagara County Surrogate Court office in Lockport, New York.  I will also attach a file of the most updated information on Homer and Marana Blackmer's family.  The Blackmer/Blackmore family is a well documented family tracing some of it's branches clear back as far as Pepin I who was the 3rd great grandfather of Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor from 800-814. . . ."  He then gave his e-mail address and so on.


23292. Marana B. Griffis

Birth place was given as Jonesville, Ohio, but this maybe should say Jonesville, Mich. because there lived in Jonesville, Michigan.

1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;   Marana E. is now 8 and with her parents.

Marriage Records, Oceana , Mich. Book A, Page 20, Record No. 297. Marana B. Griffis, age 17, of Weare, b. Jonesville, Ohio (the family lived in Jonesville, MIch. believe this should be Mich.) md. John A. Sutherland, age 21 of Pentwater, Oceana, Mich.  b. Mason , Mich. Married 12 Jan 1890, Oceana , Mich.  John was a laborer. Parents of Groom: J. P. Sutherland & Sarah Reed; Parents of bride:  Wm. Griffis and ______. Witnesses: Joseph P. Sutherland & Ella V. Sutherland of Pentwater. Married by:  M. L. Marvin, MG.  First mg. for each.


23293. Martha A. Griffis

1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;   Martha A. is 4 yrs old and with her parents.

1900 U.S. Census, Riverton Twp., Mason, Mich. a Martha Griffis was 24 when she was enumerated with John Southland as a boarder   Birth date was given Sept 1875.

Marriage Record Mason , Mich. Book 3, Page 179 Record No. 2280, Martha Griffis age 27, of Ludington, Mich. b. Mich. md. Jerry Jack 24, of Ludington, Mich. b. Canada.  His parents were Anthony Jack & Ida Rock. Her parents were:  William Griffis & Martha Blackman.  Witnesses: Hubert Rock & Linda H. Bahr.  Md. by Laurence Hayden, Pastor.  First mg. for each.

Death was in Muskegon , but may not have been Muskegon City.


15548. Hiram Volney Griffis

1850 U.S.Census, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY.  Census taken 27 Aug 1850, Household 3-3, Griffith, Thomas 42, male, b. NY; Betsy 43, female, b. NY; Hiram is 15 and in his parents' home with other members of the family.

1860 U.S. Census, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY. taken 14 July 1860  Hiram was not in his parents home, even though they still lived there.  He was probably married.  We will look further in Niagara , NY

Hiram Volney Griffis was drafted for the Civil War Aug 19, 1863, enlistment was at Lockport, but Duane, his brother substituted for him for three years.  P. O. Address was Orangeport, NY.

1870 U.S. Census for Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Hiram and Kate Griffis were not found.  This census was taken 20 June 1870.  They might still have been in Niagara County, NY.

1880 U.S. Soundex, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Vol 4, ED 40, Sheet 1, Line 30. Griffis, Hiram B. 43 b. NY; Kate, wife 41, b. New Hampshire; Lilly daughter 3 b. MI; Elma dau. 1 b. MI.

Hiram attended many reunions of the Calvin L. Carpenter (his mother's brother) family in Athens, Calhoun, Mich. in 1893 and many years thereafter.

1910, Calhoun  MI. 012-0030-00561.  Griffis, Hiram BO b. NY Enumerated with Daniel Warsop.  His wife died before 1906, so he lived with them according to the obituary.  Household #56 Warsop, Daniel head, 31, md  7yr. b. MI, father: unknown, Mother MI.  Ila, wife, 30, md. 7yr. 4 children, 4 living. b. MI. parents unknown.  Shirley R. daughter, age 6, b. MI; Nica (?), daughter age 4, b. MI; Harry son, 3, b. MI; Flora J. daughter /12 b. MI. Griffis, Hiram, boarder, 72 Widower, b. MI. parents: b. NY.

1920 Enumerated again with the Warsop family.  Hiram Griffis is now 82 years old, listed as Father-in-law.  He had helped to raise Ila, Mrs. Warshop.

Death records, Calhoun County, MI, Kate Griffin (should be Griffis) died 5 Aug 1906 in Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Her parents were:  A. Moore and Abigail Locke both of Michigan.

Death records, Marshall, Calhoun, MI. Died at Athens Village, Michigan,  DOD 23 Feb 1923, Hiram was 85y5m9d at death, b. MI recorded 5 Mar 1923.  He was a retired farmer. Death certificate said "Widower", Mother: Betsy Carpenter and Father: Thomas Griffis.

Obituary, The Athens Times.  Mar 1, 1923.  Hiram Griffis, Old Resident, Passes Away.   Hiram Griffis was born at Royalton, N.Y, 14, 1837 and after an illness of but a few days passed quietly out of this life February 23, 1923, aged 85 years 5 months and 9 days. Mr. Griffis was the second of five boys born to Thomas and Betsey Griffis, only one surviving him, Erastus Griffis, of Pentwater, Michigan, who is not a man of nearly seventy.  On September 5, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine More of Raymond, New Hampshire, by the pastor of the Middleport M.E. church. To this union six children were born--three passing away before Mr. and Mrs. Griffis Migrated to Michigan. The remaining three being taken from them while they were living on the farrn west of this village now owned by William Huxley.  Mr. Griffis was a cousin of the well-known Carpenter family and had lived in and around Athens for many years.  He was a farmer by occupation and a lover of good stock, living on the William Miller, James Standiford, P. I . Simons, Henry Bisbee and Ashel Ferris farms, and the verdict of the owners of these farms was: He was strictly honest in deal. A great sorrow came to him in the death of his wife August 5, 1906. Since that time his days have been very lonely, but he was taken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Warsop and willingly cared for and made comfortable.  When but a child of ten years, Mrs. Warsop was taken into their hearts and home, and her kindness to them has proven her appreciation and shown that their love for her was returned.  Uncle Hiram was generous in his feelings for his friends, always anxious to see them come into possession and succeed in the things they had honestly striven for. The funeral services were held at the Warsop home Monday afternoon with the Rev. F. A. Stephens of the Congregational church officiating Burial in Burr Oak Cem..

Card of Thanks. We wish to express our thanks to the friends and neighbors for the kindness shown us during the illness and following the death of Mr. Griffis. To Rev. Stephens and others for their services we are also duly appreciative. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Warsop and Family.

Hiram is buried in Burr Oak Cem., Athens, Calhoun, MI, the tombstone says 1838-1923.  He is buried close to his cousin, Thomas Jefferson Carpenter and Emma F. Mitchell.  Thomas was the son of Calvin L. Carpenter, brother to Hiram's mother, Betsy.


Catherine (Kate) Moore

1880 Soundex of Athen, Calhoun, Michigan.  She was 41.   She said her parents were from NH. (I also have NY from another census). She was "of Raymond, NH" in the obiturary of her husband.  She attened many reunions with Hyrum from 1993 on and signed in as Kate, but is not on the reunion sign-in sheet in 1906 or thereafter (She died 5 Agu 1906).

Death records, Calhoun County, Mich., Vol. 3, page 237, #470,  Kate Griffin died 5 Aug 1906 in Athens, Calhoun, Mich. 69 years 1 month and 7 days.  Her parents were:  A. Moore and Abigail Locke both of Michigan, (according to this record.)


23298. Kate Griffis

Death records, Vol 1 1867-1882, Calhoun , Mich. (Vital Records 100929193, page 139)  She was 2 yrs 9mo 27 days at time of death, 1 Sept 1874, dau of Kate and Hiram Griffis.


23299. Lillie Griffis

1880 U. S. Census of Athens, Calhoun, Michigan.  Lillie was age 3 and in the home of her parents, Hiram and Kate Griffis.


23300. Elma Griffis

1880 U. S. Census of Athens, Calhoun, Mich.   Elma was age 1 and in the home of her parents Hiram and Kate Griffis.


15549. Henry O. Griffis

The name on the 1850 Census said a female, and first name was almost unreadable.  We know now in 1995, it was a male, and his name was Henry O. Griffis who went into the service during the Civil War.  He was b. Lockport, (Niagara ), NY and entered service from Royalton in the 8th Reg. E. Oct. 1861, for three years, enlisted in Royalton, NY.  He died in a hospital of wounds June 1862.    Parents Thomas and Betsy Carpenter Griffis. (Source of information:  Civil War Records)

Henry O. Griffis, 23, married. citizen  enlisted, Oct 1861, three years, mustered Nov 1861,  8 N. Y.  Cavalary, Pvt. died June1862, Alexandria, accidental wound, left widow 2 children buried Alexandria, wounded by pistol shot.

Dysinger Cem., Bunker Hill Road, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY. Sec. 5, Row EE.  Henry O. Griffis died Dec 19, 1862 in Noviliah Hospital, at Frederick, MD , age 23 yrs. 9 mo.  (It also said Royalton Union Cem.). In the same Cem. grave #2 "Farewell" Mary Ellen, wife of Henry O. Griffis, died Dec. 11, 1866, age 22 yrs. 7 mo.


Mary Ellen

Royalton Union Cem. (also called Dysinger Cem.)  grave #2 "Farewell" Mary Ellen, wife of Henry O. Griffis, died Dec. 11, 1866, age 22 yrs. 7 mo.  Henry O. Griffis died Dec. 19, 1862 in Noviliah Hospital, Frederick, MD., age 23yr. 90da.  Section 5, Row .EE.  Another notation above this note said Dysinger Cem.,  Bunker Hill Rd.  Twp., Royalton, Niagara County, New York.


23301. Harvey J. Griffis

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, Mich.   Harvey was 10 years old and in the home of his grandmother Betsy (Carpenter) Griffis.

1880 U.S. Census, we have not found him as yet.

1900 U.S. Census, Weare, Oceana, Mich. (Soundex, Vol 61, Enumeration District (ED.) 115, Sheet 8, Line 44)  A Harvey J. Griffis, born July 1859 is age 40, b. NY living alone.  We feel this is the same grandson of Betsy's.  The age is right, and since Betsy was in that area, Harvey probably was also. We need to check the 1910 Census, and do more research here.

The Pentwater News, Nov. 28, 1902.  "Harvey Griffis was around last week."  This would place him in this area.


15550. Duane Griffis

1850 U.S. Royalton, Niagara , NY Census, Duane is in the home of his parents, age 8.

Duane Griffis went into the Civil War  as a substitute for his brother Hiram Aug 19, 1863 Enlisted from Lockport, Niagara , NY

Civil War - 1865, page 4, (of copy)  Page 32 in document quoted, Line 12:  Duane Griffis, 22 b. Ontario , NY, single, soldier, now in Army - 104 Rgt. N.Y.V. Aug 20, 1863, Pvt. Transf. to 9th Invalid Corp. Oct 1, 1864, Now in 9th I, Patrol Guard.  He went in place of a brother drafted.

Marriage Record Hillsdale , Mich. Duane Griffis, "born in Steuben, NY a resident of Jonesville, Hillsdale  Mich and by occupation a cooper aged, 27. and Martha Hewitt born in Smithville Pa (C.W. written above Pa.) a resident of Jonesville, Hillsdale , Mich aged 16 years. Md. 8 Mar 1871.  Officiating Minister, William M. Ball.  Ceremony performed at the M. E. Parsonage at Allen in presence of Clara Ball and Rose Troth."  The above was presented  in an affidvait for 1/2 soldier's pension Act of March 3, 1899. Martha A. Griffis, wife of Duane Griffis, Cert. No. 380.410.

1880 U. S. Census, Jonesville, Hillsdale , Mich.  Taken 12 June 1880. Household 90/193.  Griffith (should be Griffis) 37, md. occupation "a cooper." b. NY, parents b. NY; Martha age 25 wife, b.Canada, Parents b. England; Gracie 6, daughter, b. Ohio; Jennie 2, daughter, b. Mich.

"Duane Griffis served in the Civil War before he came to Michigan.  He served with  E. 104. NY Inf.  He came to Jonesville and married Martha Ann Hewitt, who had moved to Jonesville in 1870.  Martha's family was from the Buffalo (NY) area but had lived across the border in Smithville, Ontario where her older children were born.  They had come to Mich. in 1860 and settled in Lowell, Mich.  Her father was a shoemaker and apparently her mother died.

"Martha had three children in Jonesville. Martha's sister Sarah married William Castle and they too came to Pentwater about 1880.  Duanne settled on 40 arces in Weare Twp.  on the county line road.  Erastus settled in Riverton Twp. on the other side of the county road.  Brother William Griffis also came to Pentwater.  So far I have not found mention of Hiram so do not know if he even came to Mich. (He did, but not to Northern Michigan, only to Athens, Calhoun, Michigan)  Duane and Martha eventually divorced and she married a man named Fairley.  She is buried in the Pentwater Cem.." written by Shirley Dempsey Reinke (Mrs. Robert Reinke), dau. of James Venn Dempsey, and she was the granddaughter of Simpson Dempsey and Alma Griffis. Alma was Duane's daughter.

A document signed by Duane dated August 17, 1882,  State of Michigan, County of Oceana.  States he is the same person in Pension Claim No. 330207, and as of June 1, 1881, "Makes the following statements.  Lived in Lockport, State of NY for 5 years previous to enlistment.  Returned to the same city after I was discharged in 1865.  Resided there about three years after.  Worked for farmers and clerked in Hotel at Gasport, NY.  In the fall of 1867, went to Clevland, Ohio.  Was there two years.  Clerked in a Hotel.  First year drove tram the rest of time while there.  In Nov 1869 went to Athens, Calhoun , Mich.,  worked there and at Hillsdale and in the (can't read clearly, looks like, in the cont of _______ and ) went to Jonesville, Mich, worked there and at Hilldale Mich at coopering until Jan 1882, and then went to Pentwater, Mich and now work on a farm." Signed, Duane Griffis.

Another document from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C. Jan. 15, 1898.   Filled out by Duane Griffis June 4, 1898, (he) named his children and their birth days and years. There was a note at the bottom by someone else, "Family was in Oceana County, Jan 1882.  Birth took place following year in Weare twp."

1900 U. S. Soundex, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Soldier's Home.   Vol. 41, ED 148, Sheet 2, Line 62.  Griffis, Duane, b. July 1842, age 58, b. NY.

Death Record Mason , Mich. Book 3, Riverton, Mich. Page 1, 1916, Record #13.  Duane Griffis, Male d. 15 Sept 1915, age 73y, 2m, 13 days. b. in NY.  Father Thomas Griffis and Betsy Paupenden (It was Betsy Carpenter, and apparently they couldn't read it or were on wrong keys in typing.  One can see that some of the letters are correct.)  The death record was recorded on 10 May 1916.

Personal visit to North Weare Cem., Oceana, Mich. in Apr 1994, Duane is buried by Erastus Griffis and wife Julia (Daggett). Lot 3, Sec. 2. No dates, on Duane's stone, but on the stone was " E.  104 N.Y. Infantry". On same lot with Erastus Griffis (brother), 1852-1944 and Erastus' wife Julia O. 1855-1927.


Martha Ann Hewitt

Names and dates of Martha and brothers and sisters were taken from the Family Bible.

Obituary for Matha Ann Hewitt Griffis Fairley., age 79, died in Lansing, Mich. b, Sept 25, 1855 at Smithville, Canada.  When a small child she came by stage coarch with her parents to Lowell, Mich.  where the father has a shoe store for several years.  Later they moved to northern Michigan, at that part "dense wilderness" where her father took up farming. She was married and lived for some time in Lansing, Mich.  Later she purchased a home in Pentwater, Oceana, Mich.  Survived by two daughters, Mrs. Otis Dock, Mrs. John Wieland of Lansing, one son, Floyd Griffis, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  One sister, Mrs. W. J. Castle of Pentwater.

Buried Block 11, Lot 12 in Pentwater Cem., Oceana, Mich.  On the same lot with James Venn, husband of Jennie Griffis Venn.


23303. Grace G. Griffis

Marriage Record, Mason , Mich. Book 3, page 39, Record # 501, Grace Griffis 17, of Riverton, b. Ohio, md. Orvil Kibbey 20, of Summit, b. Mich. md. 28 Dec 1890 in Riverton.  Parents of the Groom:  Wm. Kibbey & Ella Bilkford.  Parents of the Bride:  Duane Griffis & Martha Hewitt. Witnesses:  William Castle & Mrs. William Castle both of Pentwater.  Md. by H. D. Skinner, MG.  lst mg for each.


23305. Jennie B. Griffis

Marriage Records, Oceana  Mich. Book A, page 93, Record #132.  Jennie Griffis age 19, of S. Riverton, Mason  b. Mich., md. James Venn age 21, of Pentwater, Oceana, Mich., Married 6 Mar 1897 in Hart, Oceana, Mich. Parents of the Groom:  Robert Venn & Katie Fergurson.  Parents of Bride: Duane Griffis & _______. James Venn was a Day laborer, bride was working at home.  Witnesses: Mrs. Messinger & Mrs. Brinkharst, both of Hart, Mich.  Md. by A. Brinkharst, MG.

She was 79 yrs. old when she died. (From documents filed at the Historical Society in Hart, Oceana, Mich.)


15551. Erastus Doty Griffis

1860 U.S.Census, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY.  Census taken 14 Jul 1860.  Household 285-297.  Thomas Griffith 58? male, Betsy 49, female, Erastus is 9 and in his parents home. (Notice the census taker spelled the last name as Griffith, but his brother William, in a household of his own, spelled his name Griffis.)

A note from descendants said,"Cameto, Mich 1865 from N. Y."

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, Michigan , film 552165, Erastus was in his mother's (Betsy's) home.  He was 17 years old. (His father may have died by this time, as he was supposed to have died in 1867.) In Church Records in Lockport City Building, Niagara , NY, Betsy and Thomas were given "letters of recommendation" to their next church, so we feel Thomas, his father, did die in or around 1867.  (Personal research Sept. 1995 in Niagara , NY.)

"This family came from New York State (near Buffalo) during late 1860's".  Thomas, the father, died in 1867; and we do not know if the family moved after his death or that he died shortly after arriving in Jonesville, MI.  Wife, Betsy did come to the Pentwater area, (after spending time in Athen, Calhoun, MI.)  with her sons and is buried in the North Weare Cem..

Erastus Griffis married Julia Daggett (b. Mar 18, 1855, d. Oct. 16, 1927), of Jonesville and at least one son, Earl was born there.  Orlo H. Griffis was another son.  His birth place was given as Riverton Twp.  He also had a daughter Belle who married a Squire and lived in this area.  They attended school there during the 1890's." Written by Shirley Dempsey Reinke, daughter of James V. Dempsey who was the only son of Alma Griffis and Simmie L. Dempsey.  Alma was Duane's & Martha's daughter. Duane was Erastus' brother.

1880 U.S. Census, Soundex, Film # 447356, Riverton Twp., Mason, MI. Vol 17, Ed. 169, Sheet 9, Line 10.   Griffis, Erastus D. age 26 b. NY, parents b. NY; Julia, wife, 24 b. Wisconsin, parents b. NY; Earl R. son 4 b. Mich; Edna E. dau. 2 b. Mich.; Betsy (Carpenter) Griffis, mother, age 69, b. NY.  Betsy was not in the home in 1900.  Family records said she died 12 Sep 1892 in Pentwater, Oceana, MI.  This has now been verified in 1994.  She is buried in N. Weare Cem., near Pentwater, Oceana, Michigan, but her death is recorded in Mason   They lived on the line between the two counties.

Erastus' occupation was "a cooper", one who makes barrels, and a farmer.

1900 U.S. Census, Riverton, Mason, MI. (Soundex Vol. 51, ED 55, Sheet 4, Line 95)  Erastus 46, b. Mar 1854, b. NY;  Julie, wife, b. Mar. 1855, 45 b. Wisc;  Bell, dau, b. Sept 1883 17, b. Mich;  Roy N, son, b. Feb 1884, 16, b. Mich.; Orlo H, son, b. Jan 1886, 14, b. Mich.; Leo A. son, b. Jan 1893,  7, b. Mich.

1902 in The Pentwater News, Fri., Sept 19, 1902: " E. Griffis moved to Mt. Clemens to run a Boarding House."  Not sure if the E. stands for Erastus or his son Earl, or someone else.

In a personal interview on April 10, 1994, Erastus' descendants stated that Erastus was supposed to have had a brother who died of starvation in Libby Prison. (This was possibly Henry O. Carpenter who died in the Civil War.  This was not known in 1994, but was validated with new research in Sept. 1995.  There was no mention of a prison, just an accidental gun shot wound.  See his, Henry O's. file)

Another record said Erastus died in Ludington, Mason, Mich.  We did not find his death record either county.  It may not have been recorded.

In N. Weare Cem. Oceana, MIch. Lot 3 Sec 2, Buried by Erastus D. 1852-1944, and Julia 1855-1927 was Orren Griffis 1914-1916. At this time we do not know who Orren is.    OSLW= On same lot with Duane Griffis. Duane's stone has 104 NY Inf., but no dates.  Duane is Erastus' brother. (Personal visit to Cem. on April 10, 1994.)


Juno (Julia) Olive Daggett

Information from relatives state that Julia's sibblings were Frances Dagett and Eugene Daggett and Lavina Spencer and Peter Spencer were 1/2 sibblings

1880 U. S. Soundex for Riverton, Mason, MI.  She was 24.  See husband's record.  It did say her parents were from NY.

1900 U. S. Census, Riverton, Mason, Mich.  She was 45,  born Mar 1855.

On her daughter's, Edna's. marriage license her name was Julie Soden.  On two children's marriage license it was Julia Daggett.  Her step father's name had been Soden, but she was Julia Daggett.

Death Records Mason , Mich. Book 4, Page 39, Record No. 9, Julia O. Griffis, female, died 25 Oct 1924 in Riverton, Mason, MI age 72y7m7d Born in WI.  Father Wm Daggett, b. WI, Mother:  Mary Forman, b. NY.

North Weare Cem. Lot 3 Sec 2.  Julia O. 1855-1927, on same stone wiith husband,  Erastus D. Griffis,   On same lot with Erastus' brother, Duane Griffis.  Information from the Historical Society, Hart, Oceana, MI.


15555. Camille Adelaide Carpenter

1855 NY State Census, Naples, Ontario County,  New York,  Adelaide (Camille Adelaide), age 16, was in the home of her parents.

1868 married George Thomas Standish, of Onatario , she was residing in Naples, Ontario, NY.

1875 NY State Cenus,  South Bristol, Ontario County, New York  taken 4 June.  # 511, Standish, George T., 42, b. Ontario, NY, married,  speculator; Camelia A., 36, wife, b. Ontario, NY; Dora,  5,  child,  b. Ontario, NY; Edna, 1/12,  child,  b. Ontario, NY.  Henry Perrin,  25,  servant,  b. CT; Jennie Carpenter 18, boarder, b. Ontario, NY. (Jennie is a niece of Camelia A. Carpenter Standish.  Jennie's father, Robert and Camelia were brother and sister.)

1892 NY State Cenus, South Bristol, Ontario County, New York.  Standish, George T., 58, US Citizen farmer; C. Adilade (spelled this way), 54; Dora A., 23; Edna A., 17; George Q., 16; Barnes, Welling H., 21, male; Burton R., male, 18.

1912 Newspaper article in possession of Helen Fox, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York.  Mrs. Camilla Adelaide Carpenter Standish, wife of George Standish, of this place, died May 14, at the home of George B. Hickox, District No. 3, Canandaigua, where she went with her daughter, Mrs. Hickox, for a visit more than two weeks prior to her death.  She had been seriously ill for two or three years, but not confined to her room, with a complications of heart and other diseases.  Mrs. Standish was the second daughter of Robert and Plexana Wood Carpenter and was born Oct. 8, 1839, near Seneca Point.  Robert Carpenter was a sturdy, athletic farmer, a good thinker, reasoner and talker, and moved to West Hollow [also called Naples] while his family was young.  Mrs. Standish was one of 12 children, seven girls and five boys.  A son, Napoleon Bonaparte, gave his life for his country in the Civil war.  He lived to return from prison. [no, he died in prison of starvation].  Mrs. Standish cared for her mother, a paralytic, until her death, and afterwards took a mother's place in her father's family.  After her marriage, the youngest sister, Jennie, lived with her until she married Charles Hall, now of Canandaigua.  Mrs. Sarah J. Saunders, of Clay Center, Kan., is a sister.  Mr. and Mrs. Standish were married Feb. 11, 1868, and have been residents of this place more than 40 years.  Mrs. Standish was a faithful and successful mother to her three children, not deeming any privation of labor too much if it promoted their welfare or safety as to the physical, moral or spiritual nature.  She made her home a pleasant and safte place for children to come for their plays, and, as she grew older, a place to meet for practice, for social gatherings and church work and visits.  She was a mother to every boy or girl who entered her home as a helper.  Teachers in many states are ready to add their tribute of love, honor and gratitude for the safe and elevating influence they found with her.  Strangers, neighbors, the sick and poor, always found a friend in her and one with an open head to do all or more than her part in any public service for the good of the community.  No other woman for miles around would be missed as she will be in this place.  She was a sound reasoner and one seeking her advice knew that the matter would not be repeated.  She was true and loyal to her family, friends and associates in the highest sense.  She never tired to save herself at the expense of others, and never had an easy time.  She was a member of Y. P. S. O. E., Sunday school, W. O. T. U., grange and Library association.  She was one of the entertainers at the last meeting of the W. O. T. U. held at Mrs. M. N. Wood's the first part of April, and attended the last grange meeting, held here in April or May.  She was one of the best housekeepers, cooks, and managers, a woman of strong affections, but not emotional, and rearely gave way to impassioned _______.  (Couldn't read last word at end of column, might be feelings), "Friend after friend departs,   Who hath not lost a friend?   There is no usion here of hearts   That hath not here an end.  Were this vain world our only rest, Living or dying none were blest."     Funeral services were held at the home of George B. Hickox on May 15.  Rev. L. L. Taylor, of Canandaigua, officiating, and on May 16, at the Bristol Springs church, Rev. S. T. Harding, of Naples, officiating.  Burial was at Coye Cem..  Besides her husband, she leaves three children and five grandchildren.  Her daughters are Mrs. George B. Hickox, of Canandaigua, and Mrs. A. M. Wilkins of Bayville, L. I. [may be Long Island]  and a son, George Q. Standish, of this place.  [Since Camille's mother's name was Wood, one wonders if Mrs. M. N. Wood was a relative.]

Coye Cem., Ontario County, NY, on Route 21, visited Sept 16, 1995, C. Adelaide Carpenter 1838 - 1912, wife of George T. Standish.


George Thomas Standish

1862 Geo. T. Standish, 1862, Path Master (wife Adelaid Carpenter daughter of Robert & Phebe McNair Carpenter.)  from South Bristol, NY, Town Records 1838-1925.

1875 NY State Census of South Bristol, Ontario, NY taken 4 June.    Viewed at Ontario County Archives, Canandaigua, NY, in 1995.    511, (#1176) Standish George T., 42, b. Ontario, NY, married,  speculator; Camelia A., 36, wife, b. Ontario, NY; Dora, 5, child, b. Ontario, NY; Edna, 1/12, child, b. Ontario, NY; Henry Perrin, 25, servant, b. CT; Jennie Carpenter, 18, boarder, b. Ontario, NY.

History of Ontario County, NY, Complied by Lewis Cass Aldrich, Syracuse, NY. 1893,  page 180,  STANDISH, George Thomas, South Bristol, is the second son of Johnathan B., who was born in Vermont in 1810, and came with his parents when two years of age to South Bristol.  In 1829 he (Johnathan B.) married Polly Hoage, and they had 8 children; five sons and three daughters.  He lived in South Bristol until 1865, then removed to Michigan, and in 1889 moved to West River, Yates County, where he died in 1890, his wife having died two months previous.  Five children survived them.  George Thomas was born in South Bristol June 24, 1833, and was educated at the common schools, with the exception of two terms at Lima Academy.  Mr. Standish followed  boating on Canandaigua Lake for  twenty-four years, and for twenty years  was  contractor for ties for  the N.Y. Central  Railroad  Company.  He is now engaged in overseeing his farm in South Bristol.  In 1869 he married C. Adalaide Carpenter, daughter of Robert O. Carpenter of Naples, and they have three children.  Dora A., Edna A., and George Q, all attending school, the former at the normal school in Brockport and Edna A. at the union School at Canandaigua.  Mr. Standish has been supervisor of South Bristol three terms  and has filled several minor offices in the town.

1892 NY State Cenus, South Bristol, Ontario, NY.  Standish, George T., 58, US Citizen,  farmer; C. Adilade (spelled this way), 54; Dora A., 23; Edna A., 17; George Q., 16; Barnes, Welling H., 21, male; Burton R.,male 18.

Coye Cem., on Route 21, Ontario County, NY, visited Sept. 1995.    George T. Standish 1833 - 1916, C. Adelaide Carpenter, wife, 1838 - 1912.


15556. Ichabod W. Carpenter

1855 New York  State Census, Naples, Ontario County.   #203,  Icabod, male, 15, is in the home of his parents.

1860 U. S. Census, Naples, Ontario County, New York,  # 259, Ichabod, male, 19, is in the home of his parents.

History of Ontario County.     Page  234:  The 16th Regiment of Heavy Artillery - Ichabod Carpenter enlisted December 30, 1863; discharged August 28, 1865 from Richmond, Ontario, NY.  page 269 says: " Ichabod Carpenter, enlisted July 1863 , and was in the 16th Artillery, and was discharged with his regiment.

History of Ontario County, New York, Edited by Geo. S. Conover, 1893,  page 154.   The 16th Regiment of Heavy Artillery was organized in pursuance of authority granted to Col. Joseph J. Morrison, and the command to service was raised during the summer and fall of 1863.  In the Regiment were a few South Ontario County men, who were enlisted in Companies D and H, and who represented the towns of Canandaigua and Bristol.  The company first mentioned was mustered into service December 1, 1863, and the latter February 8, 1864.  The regiment left the state by detachments, and its service in the field was also of a detached charachter previous to July 1865 when it was united.  It was mustered out of service at Washington D. C., August 21, 1865.

1865 New York  State Census. Naples, Ontario County.    Ichabod, 25, is in the home of his parents.

1875 Kansas State Census, Chapman Twp., Ottawa , Yale P. O., taken 1 Mar.   6/6 Carpenter, I. W., age 35, wm, farmer, b. NY, to KS from MI; J. B., age 32, wf, b. OH, to KS from MI; Julia, age 5, wf, b. MI, to KS from MI; Mary, age 2, wf, b. KS.  Living at household 1/1 are J. B. Allen and family (Ichabod's sister, Martha and husband John); and at 28/28 are G. W. Carpenter, (George Washington Carpenter), Icabod's brother.

8 Feb 1888, Ichabod W. Carpenter signed a Declaration for an Original Invalid Pension.

Ichabod's Civil War pension papers say he was enrolled on the 30th day of December, 1863, in Canandaigua, NY, for three years, in Company H of the 16th NY regiment of Artillery.  He was honorably discharged at Washington on th 21 day of August, 1865.  He was treated in a hospital in Long Island, NY.  He asked for a pension due to a disability attributed to the service he rendered.  He was reported on rolls from August 31, 1864, "as present", September,  October,  November,  and December 1864, "absent sick,"  January  and February 1865  to June 30, 1865, "present."

A widow's claim for dependent pension was made by Mrs. Jennie B. Carpenter,  a resident of Kilbourn City,  County of Columbia, State of Wisconsin, age 47 years.  She gives marriage date and place to Ichabod.  Documents stated he became ill while serving at Wilson's Landing, Virginia, on Sept. 13, 1864, and was treated in General Hospital, Long Island.

A neighbor's affidavit stated they had a child, Robert Owen Carpenter,  b. 31 Aug 1883.  His sister C. Adelaide Standish filed a General Affidavit which said he was only married once.

Notes from a descendant of Martha sent a Family Group sheet that said he was "killed in Wisconsin 4 July,"  but no year was given.  (The year of his death was on his war papers).


Jennie B. Brown

Jennie taught school  in May 1867 in Gun Plain, Allegan, MI where she met Ichabod W. Carpenter.  They married in Kalamazoo, MI. in Apr 1868. They moved from that area in Feb 1870.

She was of Kilbourn City, Columbia, WI in 1890. A note said she was the niece of John Brown.


23319. Mary Carpenter

In Aug 2000, Kenneth Owens of Lake Elmo, MN stated he was a great-grandson of Ichabod W. Carpenter, a grandson of Ichabod's daughter Mary Carpenter.  We are trying to obtain more information as to who married Mary Grace Carpenter, and her daughter's name who would be Kenneth Owens' mother.


15557. Sophronia Alwilda Carpenter

1855 New York  State Census, Naples, Ontario County.   Symphronia is female, age 12, thus Alwilda, the name used later, must have had two names, Alwilda Symphronia, or Symphronia Alwilda.

1860 U. S.Census, Naples, Ontario County, New York, Symphonia Alwilda is not on the census with her family.  She would have been 17, so could have been married or living away from home.  We believe she is in the home of Isaac Peck as a Symphronia A. Carpenter, age 17 is a domestic in this home.  There is also in this home a Bathana Wood, age 68.  Symphronia Alwilda's mother's maiden name was Wood and two other families of Wood are right next door as the next two families.

1865 U. S. Census, Naples, Ontario, NY, Adalaidi is not in the family home at this time either.

MARRIAGE;  Calhoun County Clerk, County Building, Marshall, Michigan, Marriage Records, Book 5, p. 256. (From the Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI.).  Marion Wilder of Athens, MI and Sophrona A. Carpenter of Athens, MI were married 31 March 1867.  She is listed as age 25 and in the body of the text she is listed as Sophrona Alwilda Carpenter.   Milton E. Niyes(?) and George W. Wallace both of Athens were witnesses.  David Niyes(?) was Justice of the Peace. Recorded April 10, 1867. (This documentation was located in 1993).

1880 U.S. Census, Sheffield, Ashtabula County, Ohio, taken 2 June,   16/17, Wilder, Marion, male, 38, farmer, b. Ohio, father b. CT, mother b. NY; Sophronia A., female, 37, wife, b. NY, parents b. NY; Orvil, 11, adopted son, b. Mich.  Source of information:  The Michigan State Library, Lansing, Michigan,  12 Mar 1994.

1889 at age 47, Alwilda attended a reunion in NY, and was reported as living in Kansas.

1892, Family record, according to a letter from Mrs. Fox, Canandaigua, NY, said Alwilda married  a "Wilder--Ohio". She attended a reunion in NY in 1892 and it said, "of Kingsville, Ohio."  (See her sister, Sarah's, documentation.)

1910 U. S. Census, Branch County, Village of Union City, Michigan, taken 15 April, ED 24, sheet 1A.  Wilder, Marion, head, mw, 67, married once for 43 y, b. PA, father b. NY, mother b. OH, own income;  Sophronia A., wife, fw, 67, md. once for 43 y, 0 children, b. NY.

1913 through 1922 she attended the Calvin L. Carpenter Reunions in Athens, Calhoun, MI, with a Marion Wilder who is listed as dead in 1923. Marion was her husband.

1920 U. S. Census, Branch , Union City Village, taken 12 Jan, ED 27, 359/370 (St. Joseph Street) Wilder, Marion, head, owns, farm MW, age 77 married, b. PA, father b. NY, mother b. OH; Sophronia, wife, FW, age 77, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. VT.

DEATH.  Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, Michigan.  Vol. D. p. 32, #8042.  Died 25 Nov 1929 at Union City Village, Alwilda Wilder, fw, widow, age 87y5m3d; b. NY; occupation: housewife; father Robert Carpenter, b. NY; mother: unknown; cause: nephritis.

OBITUARY.  Coldwater Daily Reporter, Tuesday, 26 Nov 1929, p. 4.  Union City.  An Aged Resident Claimed by Death.  Mrs. Alwilda Wilder, for many years a resident of this place, passed away at her home on St. Joseph Street, Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.  She was the oldest of a family of twelve children born to Robert and Flaxanna Carpenter in New York State.  Mrs. Wilder celebrated her 87th birthday last summer.  She was married to Marion Wilder but no children blessed their union.  However, they reared three children, May and Nellie who live in Ohio, and Orville Wilder who has made a home for her since her husband's death several years ago.  Funeral services will be held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. L. J. Nevins officiating and burial will be made in Riverside Cem. beside her husband.  (Information obtained from the Coldwater Public Library says she and her hasband are buried in Section 3 of Riverside Cem., Union City.  According to census records Alwilda was the fourth child of Robert and Plexana Carpenter.)


Marion Wilder

IN 1880 he lived in Shefield, Ohio.


15559. George Washington Carpenter

1855 New York. State Census, Naples, Ontario County,. taken in June. Carpenter, Robert O., 42, male; Plexana, 39, female;  George, age 8,  male, in his parents home.

1860 U. S. Census, Naples, Ontario County, New York.  Carpenter, Robert, 46, male; Plexana, 44, female;   George, age 14, male is in the home of his parents.

1864 Michigan Volunteers, 1861-1865,  page 45.  Carpenter, George.  Enlisted in Company F, Second Infantry, Feb. 8, 1964, at Wright, for 3 years, age 18.  Mustered April 8, 1864.  Joined regiment May 23, 1864.  Mustered out at DeLaney House, D. C. July 28, 1865.  (Not sure if this is the right George, but the age would be right.  More research could be done here.

1865 New York  State Census, Naples, Ontario County.   George,  age 19, is in the home of his parents.

Marriage License, Vol. A, page 35, Ottawa County Courthouse, Ottawa, Kansas. From Julie Kohfield, Logan, Utah

1875 Kansas State Census, Chapman, Ottawa, Kansas, Yale, P. O.,   taken 1 Mar;  Carpenter,  G. W. (George W.), 29, to KS from Mich, b. NY; O. (Olivia), 22, to KS from IL, b. Canada; Joseph, 8/12, b. KS.  At household 6/6 are Ichabod W. Carpenter (George's brother) and his family, and at 1/1 are John B. Allen, wife Martha (George's sister) and his family.

1880 U. S. Census, City of Clay Center, Clay County, Kansas,  taken 8 June.   209/217  Carpenter, George W., age 34, b. NY, parents b. NY; Olivia, 27, wife, b. Canada, father b. NY, mother b. Canada; Joseph, age 5, son, b. Kansas; Carrie A., 3, daughter, b. Kansas; George L., son, age 8/12, b. Kansas, Sept.;   Robert, 26, brother, b. NY; Sarada, 17, sister-in-law, b. MI, parents both b. NY.

1885 Kansas State Census, Clay , KS George W.  was age 38.

1900 U. S.Census, Chapman Twp., Clay County, Kansas, taken 1 June.   Ed. 1, Sheet 2, Line 44.   # 28/29  Carpenter, George W., b. Feb. 1848, NY, age 52, married 26 years, parents  b. NY;  Olivia M., wife,  b. Aug 1853, age 46, married  26 years,  8 children, 6 still living,  b. Canada, in U.S. since 1860, 40 years. in U.S., father b. NY, mother, b.Canada; Joseph R., son, b. Sept 1874, age 25, b. Kansas; Louis N., son, b. Apr. 1882, age 18, b. Kansas; William B., son, b. June 1887, age 12, b. Kansas; Mae A., daughter, b. Nov 1889, age 10, b. Kansas; George W., son, b. Aug 1893, age 6, b. Kansas.

In June 1999, George's place of burial, date of birth and date of death were found in a book in the Prairie Museum, Colby, KS.  A visit was made to Freeland Cem. which is northwest of Brewster in Sherman County.  The locals thought the roads to the Cem. would be impassible because of the recent heavy rains, but the Kansas wind had dried them out sufficiently so that Elma and Art Carpenter, of Battle Creek, Michigan, were able to go out there.  He is the only Carpenter buried there.  His widow is buried in Brewster Cem., closer to the town of Brewster, KS.  The Cem. is also known as Muldrow and Pleasant Home Cem..  It is located on one acre in the NE 1/4 of Section 9, Llanos Twp., Sherman , KS.

OBITUARY.  Goodland News, 7 June 1906, Goodland, Sherman, Kansas; Gravestone inscription in Freeland Cem., 4 miles west and 9 miles north of Brewster, Thomas, Kansas.  George  died on a farm and we are not sure which county it was.

In June 1999,  a visit was made to the Thomas County Register of Deeds Office in Colby, KS.  On 1 June 1917, E. P. Stevens and wife deeded to George W. Carpenter land in the N 1/2 of Section 9, T6S, R33W, 320 acres.  Book 34, p. 309.


Mary Olevia Latimer

Came to U.S. in about 1859.  Father was b. NY, Mother, Canada (Eng.).

1860 U. S. Census, Caledonia, Boone, Illinois, she is age 8. (She was born in Illinois).  1870 U.S. Census Belvedire, Boone, IL age 18.

Marriage License, Vol. A, page 35, Ottawa, Ottawa , Kansas.  Correspondence between daughter-in-law, Nora on 6 Sept 1963, lived in Belvidere, IL as a young girl, and Julie Kohfeld, Logan, Utah.

1875 KS State Census, Chapman Twp., Ottawa, Kansas she was age 22.  !1880, U. S. Census, Clay Center, Clay, Kansas, she was age 27.  1885 Kansas State Census, Athelstane, Clay, Kansas, she was age 32.  1895 Kansas State Census, Clay County Kansas, she was age 40.

State Board of Health for Kansas, Division of Vital Stastics; Topeka, Kansas.  It gave birth as 1842; Obituary:  Mother of 9; photo of gravestone in Brewster Cem. gives death date as Dec.

Father was in the Civil War.  Invalid Pension questionaire; General Serv. Admin., National Archives & Records Service, Collections Officer, Washington, D. C.    Most  of the above information was from Julie Kohfeld, Logan, Utah.

1910 U. S. Census of Kansas,  Sherman , Union Twp, Census taken 27 Apr. ED 194, Sheet 4, Line 25,  Mary O.  was living with her  son Louis (Lewis on census).  She was listed as a widow, age 58 b. Canada. She is also living with him in Thomas ,  Hale Twp. in 1920. Census taken in January.  ED 227, Sheet 3, Line 36 (Very difficult to read).  Lewis is listed as a widower.  Mary O.'s age was sixty something, but the last number was unreadable.  His youngest child Margerite's age was unreadable too.

OBITUARY;  Brewster Harold, December 23, 1926.  "Mary Olevia Latimer was born in Ontario, Canada, August 10 1852.  She came with her parent to Illinois when but a small child.  In 1870 the family moved to Kansas and settled in Dickinson county.  She was married to Geo. W. Carpenter in 1873 and they came to Brewster in 1906.  To this union there were born nine children; four of these with her husband preceding her to the spirit world.  She is survived by four sons and one daughter:  Will Carpenter of El Dorado, Kans., George Carpenter of Colby, Joe and Lew Carpenter of Brewster and Mrs. Carrie Kohfeld of Norton, also sixteen grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  She was a life long member of the Evangelle Church.  Mrs. Carpenter died Brewster December 16, 1906, a 74 years, 8 months and 27 days.  Funeral services were from the Methodist Church with interment made in the local Cem..


23324. George L. Carpenter

George is on the 1880 U. S. Census, Clay Center, Clay, Kansas, age 8/12.  He is not on the 1885 or 1895 Kansas State Census with his family or known by the family members who knew the six children who grew to adulthood.  Information from Julie Kohfeld, Logan, Utah


23326. 5 Carpenter

Mother's obituary.


23327. William Bryan Carpenter

William is on the 1895 State Census, Clay , Kansas, age 8.   from Julie Kohfeld, Logan, Utah.  She also mentions correspondence with sister-in-law, Nora; 2nd marriage license in Goodland, Sherman, Kansas, and burial in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens per a letter from Patricia Raisbeck in 1983.  The following is from our research.

There are two 1910 entries, but birthplaces for his parents if correct would rule these out.  Given here to use as reference.. 1910 US Census Kansas, Lyon , Emporia City 15 & 16 Apr 1910. E.D. 43, sheet 2 line 53. 36/41 Carpenter, William, 23, married. 4 yrs., b. KS, father: b. NY, mother: b.  IL.; Ethel, wife, 20, b. KS, parents also b. KS, no children.   1910 U. S. Census Kansas, Morris County, Council Grove City 16 Apr 1910, E.D. 81, sheet 2, line 14.  2727 Carpenter, William C., 22, married  2 y.,  b. KS, father: b. KS, mother: b. KS, Ethel R.,  wife, 22, married 2 yr., b. KS, father: b. VA, mother  b. VA.  No children listed.

William Bryan Carpenter was listed as Will Carpenter of El Dorado, Kans. in his mother's obituary in Dec 1926.  He is listed as William of Colby in his sister's, Carrie's, obituary in June 1958.    He  was listed as "one of three brothers, . . .W. B. of Denver, " in his brother Joe Robert Carpenter's obituary in Dec 1961.


Ethel Vansickle

From Julie Kohfeld, Logan, Utah, "correspondence from sister-in-law."


23328. Mae Edith Carpenter

Mae is on the 1895 State Census for Clay , Kansas, age 6. Birth/Marriage license #16739 & 97 131, State of Kansas Div. of Vital Stastics, Topeka, Kansas.  Death Certificate #97 279.  Buried in Colby Cem.; gives birth as 31 Oct 1888; Obit: They Colby Tribune; 23 Jan 1919.  Information from Julie Kohfeld, Logan, Utah.

1910 U. S. Census, Sherman , Union Twp, Kansas, taken 27 Apr 1910, ED194, Sheet 4, Line 25, Edith M. is listed in her brother Louis's home (Lewis on census).  Her age was 21.  Notice it is given as Edith M, not Mae Edith.


Everest W. Hamill

Death Omdex 1988 Edition, veresion 1,13.


23330. 1 Carpenter

Mother's obituary.


15560. Sarah Jane Carpenter

1855 New York  State Census, Naples, Ontario County.  Sarah, age 6, is in the home of her parents, Robert O. and Plexany Carpenter.

1860 U. S.Census, Naples, Ontario County, NY Sarah,  age 11, is in the home of her parents.

1865 NY State Census, Naples, Ontario County. .  Sarah, age 17, is in the home of her parents.

1880 U. S .Census, Clay Center, Clay County, Kansas.  # 209/218.  Barnes, Horatio, 33, b. NY, occupation grocer. father b. PA, mother b. NY;  Sarah, 32, wife, b. NY, parents b. NY (She is Sarah Carpenter, daughter  of Robert O. and Plexana Wood Carpenter); Edgar, son, age 13, b. NY; Frederick, son, age10, b. NY;  Robert B., son, age 5, b. IL; Frank L., son, age 3, b. Iowa; John B., son, age 1, b. Kansas.

"Pioneers of the Bluestem Prairie" Kansas Counties: Riley County Genealogical Society, Manhattan, Kansas  c. 1976.    Clay  page 15.   Article on Barnes: " Horatio S. Barnes settled in Clay Center twp. in 1878.  He was b. 6 May 1846, Meeds Creek, Steuben , NY, d. 30 Dec 1886 at Clay Center.  He m Sarah J. Carpenter, b. 3 Sept 1848, S. Bristol, Ontario, NY,  27 Aug 1865, d.  Nov 1918, Green.  Horatio and Sarah J. Barnes had the following children:  Edgar, b. 13 Aug 1866, South Bristol, NY, d. 1890,  m. Nellie Parker; Fred M., b. 19 Oct 1969, Meads Creek, NY, d.  18 Aug 1917, m 19 Oct 1887, St. George, (KS) Hattie Crandall Blood;   Wellington H., b. 31 Mar 1871, Tyrone, Schyler , NY, d. Stockton, m 1902 Emma Florence Norton;    Burton R., b 26 Dec, Rockford, IL., d. Feb 1927, Rochester, NY, m. Angie Randall;   Frank L. b. 9 Nov 1876, Cerro Gordo Co, IA d. 2 Aug 1942, m 3 May 1900, Myrtle Graham, daughter of David Steele and Eliza Julia (Bunnell) Graham;   John W., b. 25 May 1879, Chapman (KS), d.  26 Jun 1934, Elmira, NY, m. Evva."  Information was submaitted by Mrs. Fred Bohnenblust, Longford, KS, gdau-in-law.

1892, Carpenter Reunion in NY, M. Saunders and Sarah from Kansas attended. This was Sarah's second husband.  Several Barnes (her first husband's family) attended those reunions: In 1889, Hiriam and Em Barnes age 54 and 53, and Mr. Barnes 19, 29, or 49, and Olive Barnes from Rochester attended.  1890, B. R. Barnes, age 16, of Kansas, and H. H. Barnes, age 20, also of Kansas attended.  1892 W. H. Barnes, 30, and Laura, 29, Hiram, 4, Olie, 13, attended from Rochester as well as this Sarah Saunders and husband M. Saunders from Kansas as already mentioned above.  1893, Albert Barnes, 19, and Angie, 17 with Lena, 7 months attended from South Bristol.  In 1904 Mr. & Mrs. A. R. Barnes, Lena & Laura attended.  (One of these ladies attended a reunion in 1967).

1892 NY State Cenus, South Bristol, Ontario, NY.  Standish, George T. 58, US citizen farmer; C. Adilade (spelled this way), 54; Dora A., 23; Edna A., 17; George Q., 16; BARNES, Welling (Wellington) H.,  21, male; Burton R.,  male, 18.(Camile Adelaide was Sarah's sister and Sarah's boys were in Camile Adelaide's home.)

1900 U. S. Census, Clay County, Clay Center Twp. taken 22 June.   E.D. 6, sheet 9, line 36.   188/188,   Sanders, Maxwell, b. June 1833, age 67, married  12 yrs, b. England; to US 1854, in US 46 years, naturalized; farmer;  Sarah J., wife, b. Sep 1848, age 51, married. 12 yrs, 6 children; 5 living. b. NY, parents b. NY.; Cooper, Edith M., granddaughter, b. May 1888, 12 yrs., b. KS;  father b. Ind.; mother b. NY

1910 U.S.Census, Clay Center, Clay County, Kansas, Film 1374447, viewed at FHL, SLC, Utah,  578 Crawford St., 413/425.  Barnes, Frank age 33, married once for 10 years, b. Iowa, father b. Kentucky, mother b. NY.; Myrtle, wife, 32, married once for 10 years, 1 child, 1 still living, b. Kansas, father b. Penn., mother b. Indiana; Donald, son, age 6, single, b. Kansas; Dring, Tilla, sister in law, 43, single,  b. England, mother: b. England, father: b. England; SARAH SAUNDERS, mother, age 63, widow,  6 children 4  living. b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY. Sarah has "own income."

1911 Athens, Calhoun County, Michigan, Sarah Saunders attended the 19th Calvin L. Carpenter Family Reunion.

1912 Carpenter Reunion in New York,  Sarah was from Clay Center, Kansas

1917 She is listed as Mrs. R. E. Shadle, of Green, Kansas in the obituary of her son Frederick. (There is a Green, Clay , Kansas.)

DEATH.  Death certificate issued by the Div. of Vital Statistics, Kansas  State Board of Health.  #14 1100. Certificate 12 110 Standard Certificate of Death #7. Sarah Jane Shadle, female, white, married, date of birth, Sept 3, 1848, born  in NY,  died 7 Nov 1918, 70y2m4d,  at City of Green, Highland Twp., Clay  KS,  occupation: housewife,  cause: apoplexy, father Nathaniel Carpenter (This is wrong.  Sarah's father was Rober O. Carpenter.  Nathaniel was her father's brother.); mother "don't know,"  burial:  Greenwood Cem., 10 Nov 1918, Clay Center, KS.  Informant:  Frank L. Barnes, Clay Center, KS.  Undertaker:  O. A. Smith.  (The informant is one of Sarah's sons.  He probably never remembered  his grandfather's name because  Robert O. died in 1871 when Frank was only 5-6 yrs old.)

In April 1999, Donna Hellewell, Aptos, CA, received a letter from Steve Kamm of Oklahoma City, OK, a descendant of Horatio Barnes' brother, Joseph Aden Barnes.  His letter states that the "couple began their family in New York, where their first three sons were born, Edgar E., Fred Mitten, and Wellington H., then sometime between 1871 and 1874 they must have moved west to Rockford, Winnebago , Illinois, where their fourth son, Burton R., was born.  At this time, Horatio's oldest brother, William E. Barnes, was living in Rockford.  Between 1875 and 1876 Horatio apparently took his family to Iowa where a fifth son, Frank Leslie, was born.  It seems they moved to Rockwell, Cerro Gordo , Iowa, where another of Horatio's brothers, Joseph Aden Barnes, had established his family.  Stella Barnes indicates Horatio moved to Kansas in 1787.  Joseph Aden is believed to have moved to Kansas about 1879.  As Horatio's last son, John W., was born in Kansas in 1879, the families may have moved together."  Stella Barnes was the wife of Donald Price Barnes, son of Frank Leslie Barnes.  Frank was Sarah's son.  Steven Kamm gave us much information on Horatio Barnes and Sarah Barnes Carpenter and their descendants.

Sarah's sister, Martha Allen Carpenter and husband, John Allen, were in Kansas in 1875; Sarah's brother, George W. Carpenter and his wife, Mary Olivia Latimer Carpenter; and Sarah's brother Ichabod Carpenter and his wife, Jennie, were also in Kansas in 1875.  This could be another reason why Horatio and Sarah moved to Kansas.

May 1999 - Visit to Greenwood Cem., Clay Center, KS.  Sarah is buried in Block 1, Lot 37, grave 7, Sarah J. Shadle, age 70,  Her marker reads:  Jarah J. Barnes, wife of R. E. Shadle, 1848-1918, 70 y. At the base is "Shadle."


Horatio S. Barnes

1880 U.S.Census, Clay Center, Clay, Kansas, Household 209/218.  Barnes, Horatio, 33, b. NY, occupation grocer. Father b. Penn., Mother b. NY;  Sarah, 32, wife, b. NY, Parents b. NY (She is Sarah Carpenter, dau of Robert O. and Plexana Wood Carpenter); Edgar, son, age 13, b. NY; Frederick, son age10, b. NY;  Robert B. son, age 5, b. IL; Francis L. son, age 3, b. Iowa; John B. son, age 1, b. Kansas.

"Pioneers of the Bluestem Prairie" Kansas Counties: Riley County Genealogical Society, Manhattan, Kansas.  c. 1976.    Clay  page 15. Short article on Horatio S. Barnes gave information on his wife and children, with dates.  Information was from Mrs. Fred Bohnenblust, Longford, KS, gdau-in-l.

Received Apr. 1999 from Steven Kamm of Oklahoma City, OK who is a descendant of Horatio's older brother.  The following is from his file: "One of the many children of George and Elizabeth Palmer Barnes, Horatio was born in 1846 at Meads Creek near Campbell, Steuben , NY.  He was raised in Southern New York State.  In her application for a Mother's Pension (based on son Loren's Civil War service), Elizabeth indicates Horatio was in poor health at the time--mid 1800's--and unable to help his parents or sisters.

"In 1865, at the end of the Civil War, Horatio married Sarah J. Carpenter, of South Bristol, Ontario , NY.

"The couple began their family in New York, where their first three sons were born (Edgar E., Fred Mitten, and Wellington H.)  Then, sometime between 1871 and 1874, they must have moved west to Rockford, Winnebago , Illinois, where their fourth son (Burton R.) was born.  At this time, Horatio's oldest brother, William E. Barnes, was living in Rockford.

"Between 1875 and 1876, Horatio apparently took his family to Iowa where a fifth son (Frank Leslie) was born.  It seems they moved to Rockwell, Cerro Gordo , where another of Horatio's brothers, Joseph Aden, had established his family.

Pioneers of the Bluestem Prairie:  "Stella Barnes indicates Horatio moved to Kansas in 1878.  Joseph Aden is believed to have moved to Kansas about 1879.  As Horatio's last son (John W.) was born in Kansas in 1870, the families may have moved together.

"Horatio of Kansas City is mentioned as a brother to Mrs. C. W. Dearlove (nee Hannah Barnes), in a May 7, 1885, Prattsburgh (NY) society page.

"According to his great granddaughter, Bonnie Barnes Porter, Horatio died in Kansas in 1885.  After his death, Sarah married Max Sanders and lived near Broughton, KS, before moving to Clay Center, KS.  When Mr. Sanders died, she married Mr. Shadle."


Maxwell Sanders

Came to Clay  KS in early 1860's.  Had a brother Thomas, and Harry.   They were sons of Carew II and Sussanah Chart.

"Maxwell Sanders was born in East Grimsted parish, Sussex, England, in 1833.  He received his education there and was engaged in different occupations there unti 1851, whe he obtained a place on the police force in London, which he held four years.  In 1854 he resigned and came to America, locating in Ohio.  The next year he moved to Kentucky.  In 1859 he and his brother Harry went to St. Louis, where they worked some time.  In 1860 they moved to Riley county.  Several years later he took a fine homestead in what is now Clay Center Twp..  He has been married three times.  He has quite a large family, all of whom are married.  He owns as fine a place as there is in the vicinity.  Last fall he gave up farming and having purchased a nice residence in Clay Center is now taking life easy."  There was a picture of the two story home, but no name or  reference to the news paper or magazine.

Pioneers of the Bluestem Prairie, Riley County Genealogical Siciety, Manhattan, Kansas p. 59.  After some of the same data above, it added some interesting information. ". . .In 1851, he obatined a place on the Metropolital police force was assigned to the palace, protecting Queen Victoria and her children.  Little Princess Marie, who later became the wife of a Romanian king, was the most lively of the Queen's children and Maxwell's favorite.  While in the Queen's service he wore a scarlet coat, and buttons with the Queen's coat of arms, and a hat with chin strap and white fez.      In 1854 he renounced his allegiance to England and Queen Victoria and came to Cincinatti, OH where he married Sarah Rachel Williams 14 Jun 1857.  (Then it gave her dates) The next year they moved to KY and their first child was born there in Newport.     In 1859 Maxwell and his brother, Harry, went to St. Louis where they worked some time.  Maxwell and Harry's parents, whom they had brought over, are buried in St. Louis.  In 1860 they moved to Milford, Riley, , KS and Maxwell was what they called "Lefteneant", appointed by the Gov. of KS.  Several years later he took a fine homestead in what is now Clay Center Twp.  At this location wagon trains changed or rested their horses.     Maxwell went back to KY in 1866, returning to Rosevalle in 1869."  Then it tells when his first wife died.  Then it gives the names of his children.  This data has been entered on the Family Group.