Avis Augusta Smith

Notes:

Bert and Ida Smith had a neighbor named Tom Avis, whom they greatly admired. They vowed to name their first child after him, Tom if it was a boy, and Avis if it was a girl. This is how Avis acquired her unusual first name.Thomas Avis was a railroad agent in Odessa. His father was from England. Her middle name, Augusta, was given to her in rememberance of her grandfather, Augustus Elliott. LaVonne Bennett found the following "tidbits" related to the Avis family who was so admired by Bert and Ida Smith. In the Thursday, March 12, 1903 edition of the LAKE ODESSA WAVE newspaper, in a column titled 'Local Splinters': "Homer and Lola Avis were at Lansing Saturday, taking music lessons." The IONIA DAILEY STANDARD, dated April 8, 1909 notes that "Miss Lola Avis is home from Olivet College for Easter vacation." Lola and Homer were the children of Tom and Gertrude Avis, according to the 1900 census.

Avis was an excellent student, and attended Michigan State University, as had her father. Avis's degree was in Human Ecology (Home Economics). She had also studied chemistry, but said that she was told as a woman that she would not be considered qualified to teach this.

In a letter Avis wrote to her oldest granddaughter, Melinda McLemore, after Melinda started college in 1978, Avis recounted her own experiences: "I can remember when I graduated--my Latin teacher wanted me to go to Western Michigan or Kalmazoo College in Kalamazoo, and I wanted to go. But my folks wanted me to go to M.S.U at East Lansing, about 12 miles from home. Then I could help in the store on Saturdays. At the end of the first year, my counselor convinced me that the world was going scientific, and that I should return. I am glad that I did stay with science. But the college was so BIG. 2,000--Ha! I never felt completely at home on that big, sprawling campus." In a later letter she wrote: "The math would frighten me now-as it did when I was a freshman. I loved French. Had a native teacher."

On June 2, 1925, the following letter was sent to Miss Avis Smith, Cass City, Michigan, from W.W. Warner, Superintendent of Saginaw, East Side, Public Schools:

My dear Miss Smith:

Since our interview I have learned from the present outlook at Central Junior High that we are quite likely to have a "Clothing" program in full or in part still unprovided for next year.

I am inclined to think we can use you to advantage on this program. I am therefore enclosing you an appointment card. This carries a salary of $1475. By properly signing the card and returning it to this office, and you yourself retaining this letter as evidence of your appointment you will have a legal contract. Sincerely yours, W.W. Warner

The following year, the Board of Education of Saginaw, Michigan once again employed Avis A. Smith as teacher in its public schools "....commencing September 1, 1926, and agrees to pay as wages for such services and work at the rate of $157.50 per month....."

She was offered a renewal of her contract for the period of September 1, 1927 to July 1, 1928 under the same terms, but at the increased rate of $160 per month. However, she chose to resign at this time, perhaps because of her recent marriage. She received the following letter in response to her resignation:

Saginaw Public Schools Office of the Superintendent Saginaw, Michigan

August Twenty Second Nineteen Twenty Seven

Mrs. Avis Benkelman Box 35 Cass City, Michigan

Dear Mrs. Benkelman

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter resigning your position with us. I shall be glad to present this to the Board at our next meeting and have no doubt they will accept it. We are sorry to lose your from our school system and wish to thank you for your good work done in the past.

Very sincerely yours,

Harold Steele Superintendent

Although she no longer taught, Avis stayed active and involved with education. She and several close friends from a social group for University Women were tireless volunteers. A pet project was the Rawson Memorial Library (endowed by the Dentist her husband worked for). Her support was remembered many years after she had moved away from Cass City. In a letter dated June 10, 1988 to Melinda Strong, acknowledging a donation made to the Rawson Library in memory of her grandparents, Barbara Hutchison, Director noted that "Your grandparents were indeed well known in Cass City and avid supporters of the library. Your grandmother served on the library board in the 1950's and 60's and was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the outstanding library service that the community enjoys today. They would have been very pleased with the lovely library that we have now. " She also served as treasurer of the Cass City Chapter of the Michigan State College Alumni Association (Cass City Chronicle, Friday, Feb. 8, 1952, Page twelve, column six, M.S.C. Alumni Dinner.)

Cass City Chronicle
March 10, 1939
Local Happenings, Page Four

Mrs. B.F. Benkelman, Jr., and Mrs. Grant Patterson were joint hostesses at a dessert bridge Thursday evening in the Benkelman home on Woodland Avenue. Bridge was played at eight tables, honors being won by Mrs. Warren Wood, Mrs. A. Hesburn and Mrs. D.A. Krug.

Avis and her husband, Ben Benkelman of Cass City, Michigan retired in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she died, November 7, 1981.

Her obituary, as published in the St. Petersburg newspaper, follows:

Benkelman, Avis A., 80, of 7901 40th Av. N., died Saturday (Nov. 7, 1981). Born in Lake Odessa, Mich., she came here in 1968 from Cass City, Mich., where she was a school teacher. She was a member of the Seminole United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband, Benjamin F.; a daughter Bonnie McLemore, Barrington, Ill., and three granddaughters. National Cremation Society.

Written by Melinda McLemore Strong, granddaughter, circa 1995 and revised periodically

Avis married Benjamin Franklin Benkelman, Jr. on 24 Aug 1926 in Grand Ledge, Eaton County, Michigan. Benjamin (son of Benjamin Franklin Benkelman, Sr. and Wilhelmina "Minnie" Johanna Friederika Jesse) was born on 17 Nov 1899 in Jaqua, Cheyenne County, Kansas; died on 8 Mar 1998 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Per the Certificate of Marriage between Ben F. Benkelman and Avis A. Smith, the couple were joined in marriage at Grand Ledge, County of Eaton, Michigan, on the 24th day of August, A.D. 1926, in the presence of Wm B. Smith and Ida Smith of Grand Ledge (the bride's parents) as witnesses. The clergyman officiating was Ernst R. Lactham, Pastor of the Congregational Church.

1. Bonnie Jean Benkelman was born on 8 Dec 1933 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 26 Sep 2023 in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Notes:

According to Avis Smith Benkelman, her father, "William Bert Smith left the Catholic Church when he married. He attended Michigan State University, where he took agricultural courses. He worked as a dairyman in Odessa Township, Michigan. He later owned and operated "Farmer Smith's Dry Goods" in Grand Ledge."

Bert's residence at the time of this death was 501 Taylor in Grand Ledge.

The May 31, 1940 edition of the GRAND LEDGE INDEPENDENT printed the following obituary:

W.B. Smith, One-time Merchant Here, Dies

William Bert Smith passed away at the family home on Taylor Street, Friday morning after a week's illness. He lacked a month of being 72 years of age, having been born in Odessa Township, near Lake Odessa, June 20, 1868. Surviving are the widow, Ida, and two daughters, Mrs. Ben Benkelman of Cass City and Miss Ilo Smith of Lansing. The body was taken to Peters & Otto Funeral Home where services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. A.R. Gold officiating. Interment was made in the Lake Odessa Cemetery. Mr. Smith was well and favorably known in the city, where he had lived for a long time. He conducted a General Store in Grand Ledge for 22 years and was known as "Farmer Smith." After selling that out, he was employed in the highway department of the state for 15 years. He was affiliated with the Odd Fellow and Rebakah organizations and had been active in both for many years.

And in the June 6, 1940 edition of THE LAKE ODESSA WAVE-TIMES a similar item ran:

BERT SMITH DIES

William Bert Smith, a resident of Lake Odessa about 40 years ago, died at his home in Grand Ledge on May 24. He was born in Odessa township on June 20, 1868. He is survived by the widow, Ida, and two daughters, Mrs. Ben Benkelman of Cass City and Miss Ilo Smith in Lansing. The funeral was held on the Sunday following, and interment ws made in Lakeside cemetery here. During the last few years of his residence in Lake Odessa he was in the retail milk business. He conducted a general store in Grand Ledge for 22 years and was known as "Farmer Smith." After selling that business, he was employed in the highway department of the state for 15 years. He was affiliated with the Odd Fellow and Rebekah organizations and had been active in both for many years.

(Both copies are courtesy of LaVonne Bennett)

The following Indenture was "made this fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord 1937 between Avis A. Benkelman and Ilo C. Smith, as their sole and seperate estate of the first part, and William B. Smith and Ida A. Smith, husband and wife of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of One and More Dollars to them in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, the receipt of whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, do by these presents grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, and forever Quit-Claim unto the said parties of the second part, and to their heirs and assigns, Forever, all that certain piece or parcel of land situate in the City of Grand Ledge in Ingham County and State of Michigan, known and described as follows: Lot Two (2) of Block Fifty Eight (58) on Lamson's Addition to the City of Grand Ledge, Michigan according to the recorded plat thereof. Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining: to have and to hold the said above described premises to the said parties of the second part, and to their heirs and assigns, to the sole and only proper use, benefit, and behoof, of the said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, Forever. In Witness Whereof, the said parties of the first part, have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first written above. Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Mrs. Carl Plato, J.M. Hoag." It appears that although Bert and Ida transferred their home jointly to their daughters, they continued to live in it, at least until Bert's death in 1940. It is assumed that Avis and Ilo eventually sold their parents home, as neither returned to live in Grand Ledge after graduating from college.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census Michigan, Ionia County, Odessa Twp 5 June 1900
#48/50
Smith, Bert W Head W M June 1868 M 2 yrs Born Mi, Parents born NY MI Dairyman Rents farm
Smith, Ida Wife W F Dec 1867 M 2 years, Mother of 0 children born Ohio, parents VA, PA

1910 Michigan Census, Eaton County, Oneida Township
Taylor Street
#154-160
Elliott, Agustus Head M W 70 M1 49 years Born VA Parents born GB/Irish Occupation Real Estate
Elliott, Sarah Wife F W 74 M1 49 years Mother of 7 children, 4 living Born PA, both parents PA
Elliott, Charles M W 41 single Does not read or write
-161 Smith, William Head M W 42 M1 12 years Born Mi, both parents MI Occupation: Merchant
Smith, Ida Alice wife F W 43 M1 12 years, Mother of 2 children
Smith, Avis A D F W 9 years born MI
Smith, Ilo D F W 3 years born MI

1920 Census Michigan, Eaton County, Oneida Township 15 Jan 1920
501 Taylor Street
#357-366 Elliott, Augustus E Head M W 81 M Born VA Parents born Ireland (Irish)
Elliott, Sarah A Wife F W 86 M Born PA, both parents PA
#358-367 Smith, William B Son in law M W M Born MI, Father born NY, Mother Canada/English Occupation: Merchant, General Store
Smith, Ida Alice Dtr F W 53 M
Smith, Avis A G/D F W 18 years born MI
Smith, Ilo G/D F W 13 years born MI

1930 Census Michigan, Eaton, Grand Ledge, ED 16
501 Taylor Street
Smith, William B Head O 4500 M W 62 M@31 Mich Mich Mich Sign Dept Mich State Highway Employed Not a Veteran (Owns Radio, Not living on a Farm)
Smith, Ida A Wife H F W 64 M@32 Ohio Va Pa No Occupation
Elliot, Charles W Brother in Law M W 62 S Ohio Va Pa No occupation

William married Ida Alice Elliott on 11 May 1898 in Odessa Township, Ionia County, Michigan. Ida (daughter of Augustus E. Elliott and Sarah Ann Cramer) was born on 13 Dec 1866 in Seneca County, Ohio; died on 27 Jan 1946 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

THE LAKE ODESSA WAVE, MI, Thursday, January 31, 1946, front page:

LOCAL NEWS - Mrs. Ida Smith died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Avis Binkelmen (sic) at Cass City, Sunday evening. She was the widow of W. B. Smith who died four years ago. They were Lake Odessa residents about 40 years ago. Mrs. John Herbert and Mrs. Albert Hodges of Ionia are sisters of the deceased. Funeral services were held at Grand Ledge, Wednesday. Burial was in Lakeside cemetery here. Mr. and Mrs. John Herbert, Mrs. Cevilla Souder, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Herbert and Dr. and Mrs. Otis J. Robinson attended the services." (Courtesy of LaVonne Bennett)

Notes:

Avis (Smith) Benkelman said that her paternal grandparents were William Bert Smith, Sr. and Mary Chatman. However it appears that they were actually Benjamin Franklin Smith and the former Mary Ann Welch--Chapman being the name of her second husband.

Avis also indicated that her maternal grandmother, Sarah Cramer, "was a widow with two small children." However, there is no evidence that Sarah Cramer had been married more than once. Perhaps Avis was confusing Sarah Ann Cramer with Mary Ann Chapman. It was as the widow of Benjamin Smith, with two young sons, that she married Samuel Chapman.

A 28 year old Benjamin Smith, single and born in New York, can be found in Ionia County at the time of the 1860 census. He was living with the Knisel? or Knodsel? family. As the rest of his family is still listed in Riga, New York, it appears he moved to Michigan early, with his brother Morris, and later his mother Marian,following him to Michigan, probably sometime after his father died in 1864.

Even if this is not the same Benjamin Franklin Smith, we do know that he moved to Ionia County sometime before 1866, as his oldest son Elmer was born in Ionia County in January of that year. When he died of typhoid in the summer of 1869, his son Elmer was not quite four, and son Bert was just over a year old.

LaVonne Bennett, an extraordinarily competent and generous researcher from Ionia County, Michigan found the following records:

Ionia County Probate Court Record #187: The estate was valued at $4000. IONIA COUNTY SENTINEL publication of Probate of Will of B. Frank Smith August 2, 1869 and for three consecutive weeks thereon.

Partial listing of amounts paid out of estate: 1)$12.50 to Samuel B. Chapman 1-25-1870 in Odessa, due him from late Frank Smith 2)$100.00 to John El?l?et (Elvert? Elliott?) 3)$17.00 to Libbie ELVART 4)$9.15 to James J. Brown 1-30-1871, from Mrs. Frank Smith 5)$50.00, payment of 9-8-1866 loan from Betsey Johnson 6)$7.00, payment signed by Mary Ann Smith, of 8-8-1870 loan from J. G. Meyers 7)$6.75, payment by Franklin Smith of 5-1-1868 loan from James Wright 8)$2.50, paid by Mary A. Smith, in full account of savings of Frank Smith, to Martin J. Cox 9)$2.25 paid by Mrs. Samuel Chapman, in full account of all demands of R. B. (Rainson?) 10)$3.00 received from Samuel Chapman for Mrs. Mary Ann Smith, in full account of all demands up to date, Odessa, 6-5-1872, by HENRY SMITH 11)$11.92 real estate taxes paid 1-3-1870 by Mrs. Frank Smith, property west 1/2 of southeast 1/4, Section 22, Twp 5N, Range 7W, 80 acres. 12)$23.00, on11-4-1869, received from Mrs. Franklin Smith in balance account to date, L. D. & M. C. SMITH S(tore?) 13)$17.50 for B. F. Smith coffin purchased 7-7-1869, paid by A. A. SMITH 12-20-1870 to S. Merritt & Co. 14)$174.13 paid by Samuel B. Chapman 9-28-1872 and received by Mary A. Chapman 15)$43.00 + interest to S. A. Houghton, as payment for B. F. Smith note made 2-3-1869

Petition in file stating Mary A. Smith was lawfully married to Frank Smith and did love and cohabite with him until his death. Mary A. Chapman makes selection from estate inventory: 1 oxen $130, 1 cow, 2 heifers $35; (wheat $10?), household furniture $75.

Per petition for appointment of administrator, 7-6-1869, heirs listed were widow, Mary Ann Smith; Elmer Smith and Burtis Smith, sons of said deceased. All reside in County of Ionia, MI.

Another petition with date unreadable: Land assigned to Elmer and Burtis subject to dower rights of Mary A. Chapman.

LaVonne Bennett added "from (the) land description of B. Franklin's farm, it was on land on Musgrove Highway and has now (according to 1987 plat book) been subdivided into smaller parcels and some of my Carter relatives lived on the east side of his 80 acres."

(Research):

OTHER LEADS TO FOLLOW UP ON/POSSIBLE FAMILY CONNECTIONS

LaVonne Bennett noted that some of the names found on the above list are significant to future research---i.e. JAMES BROWN was found as both a creditor and a witness at Samuel and Mary A's marriage. Mary's mother's maiden name was given as Brown on Mary A.'s death record. HENRY and L.D. SMITH, also creditors, might they be related as well?

LaVonne also found, in her discarded Smith files (her mother being a Smith): HENRY SMITH b 1830, d 1-14-1885, age 54, 11, 10, marr Catherine Clark (1835-1915), dau Hattie b 1867, d 1925. There's a Lewis R. SMITH, Carpenter b 1843 in US, d 1-30-1914, father Thomas. Louis D. Smith was a merchant, b 182- in NY, marr Eliza A. Grosvenor, had son Kimball Robert Smith b 1849.

Benjamin married Mary Ann Welch before 1866. Mary (daughter of William Welch and Anna Brown) was born on 28 Dec 1840 in Michigan; died on 19 Jul 1921 in Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The death certificates of Mary's two oldest sons have seemingly conflicting information as to the name of their mother. LaVonne Bennett, an Ionia County researcher, emailed me that while at the Eaton County Courthouse, she "learned from death records of Wm Bert and Elmer that papa's name was Frank/Franklin Smith, and that mama's was either Mary (Ann?) ELVERT b in Ionia or (Mary?) Ann WELCH b Canada!" However, although William Bert Smith's death certificate shows his mother as Mary Elvert, his marriage license lists his mother as Mary Welch. Additionally, Marcus's marriage certificate list his mother as Mary Ann Welch. Samuel Lee Chapman's death certificate, a son by Mary Ann's second marriage, also lists his mother as Mary Ann WELCH. Only Marcus Chapman's death certificate shows his mother's maiden name as unknown. It was filed by the "Bureau Social Aid Records, Ionia," however, and not a relative.

In looking at a transcription of the Ionia, MI 1850 Federal Census, I discovered that a Mary Ann WELCH and William WELCH were living with the ELEVERT family. It appears likely that 30 year old Ann Elvert is their mother, the former Anna BROWN. Anna Brown appears to have first married William WELCH, and later remarried William ELVERT. It is also possible that Mary Ann and William may have been orphaned or otherwise abandoned, and were living with the Elvert family at the time of that census.

Mary did not have an easy life. At 38, she had been twice widowed, and had charge of four young sons: Elmer Smith, Bert Smith, Samuel Lee Chapman, and Marcus Chapman. Marcus was a newborn. Additionally, she had five older stepchildren, who may not have been particularly happy to have both lost their father and gained a stepmother in a relatively brief period of time.



In James Leak's 3-23-1875 petition to be named the administrator of Samuel's will, he states: ".....for the following among other reasons the widow is not able to work or take charge of her interest in said estate and the heirs are of them three minors and under Guardianship and those who are of age are not in circumstances to carry on to advantage of the whole of said real estate and further the estate has a large part of said land under a crop of wheat down by said deceased in his lifetime which will require the same care and attention necessary to protect crops on the whole of said lands."

LaVonne Bennett also located the following obituaries and will for Mary Ann:

(There was) only this very brief mention in the Grand Ledge (newspaper): "THE GRAND LEDGE INDEPENDENT, MI, Friday, July 22, 1921, front page: MRS. MARY CHAPMAN, mother of W. B, Smith of this city, who has been ill with paralysis since the latter part of May, passed away at her home near Lake Odessa, July 16, at the age of 84 years. She also leaves two other sons, Elmer Smith and Marcus Chapman, at home."

In THE WAVE-TIMES, Lake Odessa, MI, pg 5, July 22, 1921: "Woodland (News items) - FRANK SMITH and his sister Miss GERTIE SMITH were in Odessa Tuesday afternoon attending the funeral of their aunt Mrs. Mary Chapman who died Saturday from a paralytic stroke."

Probated Will #8880, Ionia County, MI, filed 8-15-1921. Mary Ann Chapman's real estate was valued at $6500; personal estate at $100. Administrator Marcus B. Chapman of Lake Odessa was also one of the heirs, along with: Elmer Smith, son, age 5(6?), of Lake Odessa; W. B. Smith, 53, Grand Ledge; Clair Chapman, nephew, 19, Grand Ledge; Herbert Chapman, nephew, 21, of Montana [in another section of the papers, they were referred to as grandchildren]; and Marcus, 46, Lake Odessa.

From her will (barely readable) made 11-14-1906: ".....to Francis Elmer Smith, son, she wanted him to have property of the east 1/2 of the south east 1/4 of Section 22, Tpw 5N, Range 7W. If he predeceased her and had no heirs, the land was to go to Marcus B., Herbert and Clare, and ______ (all the preceding were Chapmans. To William B. Smith, son, she willed the west 1/2 of the above property.

Marcus was to receive his choice of her household furniture, as was Francis Elmer. She bequeathed $100 to (Daniel or Samuel) Lee Chapman, son of Herbert.

Addendum: W. B. Smith of Grand Ledge was appointed Guardian of Clare Chapman, minor. Herbert Chapman (legalee?) NR (no record?)

Detail of Death Certificate: Mary A. Chapman, Female, White, Widdow, Date of Birth Dec 28, Age 84 Yrs, 6 Mos, 16 Days, Birthplace Canada, Name of Father Wm. Welch born England, Name of Mother Anna Brown born England Informant Marcus Chapman Lake Odessa (son) Date of Death 16 July 1921 Filed 19 July 1921

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Federal Census, Michigan, Ionia County, Berlin Township

33 65 68 Elvert William 49 M Farmer 300 Ireland
34 65 68 Elvert Ann 30 F Ireland
35 65 68 Helch (sic) William 11 M Upper Canada
36 65 68 Helch (sic) Mary A. 10 M (sic) Mich
37 65 68 Elvert James 8 M Mich
38 65 68 Elvert Cornelius 5 M Mich
39 65 68 Elvert Julia 3 F Mich
40 65 68 Elvert Emily 1 F Mich

This Census was transcribed by Beth Wills and proofread by Pat Billings, Hope Farris, Kathy Laux for the USGenWeb Census Project, http://www.usgenweb.org/census

1860 Federal Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Berlin Township (21 Sept 1860)
#2718-2616
Wm. ELVERT 63 M Farmer 1000 500 Ireland
Ann ELVERT 48 F Ireland
Cornelius 15 M Michigan
Julia 13 F Michigan
Harry 11 M Michigan
John 9 M Michigan
Elizabeth 6 F Michigan
Ellen 4 F Michigan
James 18 M Michigan
Mary WELCH 21 F Teacher

Furthermore, it appears that Ann and William Elvert divorced in 1869. Maybe this accounts for the 16 year old Elizabeth Elvert living, Mary's half sister, living with Mary in 1870?

1869 Elvert Ann vs. William 673

Ionia County Divorce Index http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~camprowl/divorce%20index.txt

1870 Ionia County, Odessa Township
129-128
Smith, Mary 30 F W Farming and Keeping House 2500 475 Mich Father/Mother Foreign Birth
Smith, Elmer F 4 M W Michigan
Smith, William B 1 M W
Elvert**, Elizabeth 16 F W Michigan Attended School Father and Mother of Foreign Birth

1880 Ionia County, Odessa Township (1 June 1880) #21-23
Chapman, Mary A W F 40 Widow Keeping House Mich Ireland Ireland
" Elmer WM 14 Son School Mich Mich US? (last name SMITH)
" Burtis WM 11 Son School Mich Mich " (last name SMITH)
" Lee WM 7 Son Mich Mich "
" Marquis WM 5 Son Mich Mich "


1900 Ionia County, Odessa Township
ED #21
39-40
Chapman, Mary A Head Dec 1840 58 Mich Ireland Ireland Farmer
Smith, Elmer Son Mar 1866 Mich NY NY Laborer
Chapman, Marcus Son Sep 1878 Mich NY Mich Laborer 39-41
Chapman, Lee Head July 1875 Mich NY Mich Teaching School
Chapman, Marion Wife Mar 1876 Mich Mich Mich
Chapman, Lee Son May 1900 Mich Mich Mich

Notes:

Avis Augusta Smith had the following to say about her grandfather, for whom she was named: "My grandfathers name was Augustus Eliott. He was a redhead and wore a Van Dyke beard. He was part Dutch and was from Culpepper, Virginia. During the Civil War he fought in the Union Army. He had five brothers who fought in the Confederate Army. He was wounded at Gettysburg, and was at a hospital with one of his brothers, who was also wounded. His family was Baptist. They had owned a Tobacco plantation, which was destroyed by the war. After the war, he moved to Michigan. The rest of his family stayed in Virginia. He had a sister who was still well to do after the war. He had been trained as a tobacco auctioneer, but obviously there was little need for that in Michigan. He became a general auctioneer instead." Augustus and his wife Sarah lived with Avis while she was growing up.

Though the essence of Avis's recollections about her grandfather appear to be correct, some of the details seem to have gotten garbled. Although Augustus may have lived at some time in Culpepper, it appears that he actually was born in Washington, Virginia (per his Pension Application). His occupation is also shown as "Farmer" and not auctioneer, though he easily could have been both. He had also moved to Ohio prior to the onset of the war. From the 1850 census, it appears Augustus had only four brothers, not five, although is is possible an another brother might have left home prior to the census. Although I did find the name of a William Elliot in an index of Confederate Pensioners from Rappahannock County, I did not see the name of any of the other brothers. Additionally, since older brother David Elliot had also settled in Ohio prior to the Civil War, it is possible that he might also have enlisted in the Union Army, or stayed neutral.

Although Augustus was wounded at war, it was in December 1862 in Petersburgh, West Virginia. He was hospitilized, first at Church Hospital and then at the Canal Invalid Hospital, both in Cumberland, Maryland. He was given a medical discharge in April, 1863. This was several months before the Battle of Gettysburg in July of that same year.

Augustus Elliott was enrolled in the Union Army on the 22nd day of August, 1862 at Fostoria, Ohio in Captain R.A. Kirkwoood's Co I, 123rd Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, to serve for 3 years or during the war. He mustered into service as a private on the 24th day of September 1862 at Thomasville. According to a letter from the War Department, Surgeon General's Office, Record and Pension Division, Washington D.C., dated April 18, 1872 "It appears from the records in this Office, that Augustus E. Elliott, Private, Co I, 123 Regiment, Ohio Volunteers was admitted to General Hospital, Cumberland, MD, January 7, 1863 for treatment for Neuralgia of head, and was discharged the service April 10, 1863, because of Neuraligia of head. No records of Perryville, Md. on file. The Reg't Register commences on June 13, 1863. JJ Woodward Asst Surgeon US Army Vol 29, No 1578"

What exactly happened to cause his hospitilization and discharge is unclear. And although Augustus applied for a disability pension in 1870, it appears that he did not begin receiving any payments until around 1921. The original Surgeon's Certificate of Disability stated he was unfit to perform the duties of a soldier because of "Neuralgia of head resulting from a severe wound received upon the top of his head about a year ago--previous to enlistment. There is much nervous prostration and deafness." A fellow soldier, Jacob Bowman, thought Augustus was hospitalized after a case of Typhoid fever. It was also noted that his "Heart is very irritable after slight exertion and standing the pulse is 120. Heart(beats?) are clear and regular and apex beat is heard in normal position on 5th ??? space"

However, on his original Declaration for an Invalid Pension, filed on August 13, 1869, Augustus explained that he was disabled "by having his right hip dislocated in the following manner: on the night of that day Imbodens' Rebel Cavalry having surprised and captured the outposts made a sudden attack on the Camp before it could be alarmed & things were real lively for a time. In trying to get out of the way of flying bullets, cavalry soldiers...being himself unarmed he did it the darkness of night...fall over a precipice some 15 or 20 feet high thusly dislocating his hip. For this he was treated in the General Hospital of Cumberland to the 11th of April 1863 when discharged."

In another affidavit filed June 20, 1870, Augustus stated that while in the line of duty at Petersburgh, West Virginia, about December 19, 1862, he sustained a dislocation of his right hip from which a permanent disability has resulted. That the injury was received by falling over a precipice some ten or twenty feet high in an attempt to avoid capture by the enemy. He elaborated (and perhaps exaggerated) his story in an affidavit filed August 27, 1870, in which he stated that about December 20, 1862, while on duty guarding commissary store at Petersburgh, W. Va., he, with others, was captured by the rebels, and the following night he escaped; in so doing "he fell down an embankment, about thirty five feet high, spraining and bruising--to such an extent to render him unfit for duty from that time until his discharge. From the effects of said fall he received a rupture in the right side from which he is still suffering. He also alleged heart disease caused by hardships which he endured while escaping." Jacob Dillon of Fostoria, Ohio signed an affidavit stating that he was a member of the same company and regiment and that he was present at the time while Augustus was escaping from the Confederate forces, and actually saw him fall "from a ledge of rocks about twenty feet in Height." Whatever happened to Augustus, it appears he was in very poor physical condition at the time of his discharge. John W. Green testified that he was in the Canal Hospital with Augustus, who had "came to the said hospital going with a cane, and he was very pale and poor, he had a bad ankle and complained of his hip. His privates were badly swollen...I do not know if he was ruptured or not. He complained of soreness in the left side and also complained of heart trouble. It seemed difficult for the Claimant to breathe when he was in a reclining position...I heard Dr. C. C. Perry the hospital doctor say that the claimant was unfit for duty caused by heart disease and as soon as he was able was going to send him home." Alexander McDonel, a friend from Ohio stated that "I have known Augustus Elliott for 30 years and have always known him to be a man of good character and steady habits. I have done work for him. I knew him well in Ohio before he enlisted and I believe he was perfectly sound at the date of his enlistment. I enlisted in 1861 Co H 21 OVI. I saw him again some time early in 1863 when he arrived at the depot on his way home. He was then a living skelton going on a cane."

According to Family Tree Maker CD 450 County and Family Histories: OH 1780-1970, Disk 5, Seneca County, Liberty Township (C) Broderbund, "August Elliot" was a trustee of the Ebenezer Chapel Society, Bettsville, (which) was incorporated May 19, 1865, along with William Cramer and Henry Cramer (his brother's in law).

On June 20, 1870 when he filed for the invalid pension (Application #157769, Certificate #886142). He was described as 6 feet tall, light complexion, with blue eyes and light hair.

Augustus E. Elliott - died Nov. 2, 1921, male, white, married. Age 82y, 7m, 3 d. Died of Myocaridial Deg. Born: Virginia. Retired farmer. Parents: Wm. Elliott , Born VA. and mother, unknown.Volume 6, page 468

On January 23, 1922, his wife Sarah filed for a Widow's pension from Michigan (Application #1184108, Certificate #913733).

(Research):

Census Listings:

1870 Census
Ohio, Seneca County, Loudon Twp, PO Fostoria
Enumerated 16 Jun 1870
Page 11 Stamped 168
71-70
Elliott, Augustus 27 M W Farmer 1600 645 Virg
Elliott, Sarah A 32 F W Keeping House Pa
Elliott, Flora J 6 F W Ohio
Elliott, Ida A 5 F W Ohio
Elliott, Charles W 2 M W Ohio
72-71
Henry and Mary J Cramer

1880 Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Odessa Twp
Enumerated 10 Jun 1880
Page 25 SD 2 ED 103 Sheet 323 A
231-236
Elliott, A E W M 35 Head Farmer Oh Ireland Va
Elliott, Sarah W F 41 Wf Keeping House Pa Pa Pa
Elliott, Flora W F 17 Dtr At School Oh Va Pa
Elliott, Ida W F 15 Dtr At School Oh Va Pa
Elliott, Charles W M 13 Son At School Oh Va Pa
Elliott, Ella/Ellen F F 10 Dtr At School Oh Va Pa
Elliott, Clinton M W 7 Son At School Oh Va Pa

1900
Not located

1910 Michigan Census, Eaton County, Oneida Township
Taylor Street
#154-160
Elliott, Agustus Head M W 70 M1 49 years Born VA Parents born GB/Irish Occupation Real Estate
Elliott, Sarah Wife F W 74 M1 49 years Mother of 7 children, 4 living Born PA, both parents PA
Elliott, Charles M W 41 single Does not read or write
-161 Smith, William Head M W 42 M1 12 years Born Mi, both parents MI Occupation: Merchant
Smith, Ida Alice wife F W 43 M1 12 years, Mother of 2 children
Smith, Avis A D F W 9 years born MI
Smith, Ilo D F W 3 years born MI

1920 Census Michigan, Eaton County, Oneida Township 15 Jan 1920
501 Taylor Street
#357-366 Elliott, Augustus E Head M W 81 M Born VA Parents born Ireland (Irish)
Elliott, Sarah A Wife F W 86 M Born PA, both parents PA
#358-367 Smith, William B Son in law M W M Born MI, Father born NY, Mother Canada/English Occupation: Merchant, General Store
Smith, Ida Alice Dtr F W 53 M
Smith, Avis A G/D F W 18 years born MI
Smith, Ilo G/D F W 13 years born MI

QUESTION TO RESOLVE

--Who is Burt Elliot? Among the effects of Avis Smith Benkelman, daughter of Ida Alice Elliott, was a picture taken in Ionia County, MI titled, "Uncle Burt Elliott and wife." Could the Bert Ellliot below be another relative? If so, how?Rebecca Asif of Burnsville, Minnesota is also a great-great-great granddaughter of Augustus Elliott. She received an identical picture from her aunt, and assumes the picture is of Augustus and Sarah, and that my copy must be mislabeled

There is no record of Augustus having a brother named Burt, nor of Flora, Ida and Ellen having a brother Burt. In the 1891 Ionia City Directory that was on Ancestory.com, I did find a listing for "Eliot, Bert Occ Farm Lab N.E. Smith Bds. Same page 212" There was a 3-8-1947 death record (G-468) for a Bert Elliott but his parents were John R. and Martha Jane (Lamie) Elliott who was born in Sugarin Falls, OH. Bert was b 3-30-1881, and lived at route 2 in Charlotte.

Another possibility is that, Avis's husband, Ben, had a second cousin named Burton Elliott, born in May 1883 in Cass City. He was the son of David Elliott of Brockford, New York and Matilda Krapf, and a grandson of Frederick Krapf and Dorothea Benkelman. Could this be the "Uncle Bert Elliott" of the picture? It does not seem likely as the picture was taken in an Ionia County photography studio, and not in Tuscola County where his family lived.

Augustus married Sarah Ann Cramer on 18 Aug 1861 in Seneca County, Ohio. Sarah (daughter of Johannes "John" Cramer, Sr. and Catharina Schlott) was born on 29 Apr 1834 in York County, Pennsylvania; died on 2 Feb 1924 in Grand Ledge, Eaton County, Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Avis Smith had the following comments about her grandmother: "Sara Cramer was from a Pennsylvania Dutch family. She was a widow and had two sons that had died. Her parents were farmers and congregationalists. They had lived in Finley, Ohio before the family moved to Lake Odessa, Michigan. She was a descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier. When married to Augustus Eliot, they had three daughters: Ida, Flora, and Ellen."

Augustus Elliott's pension application, as well as her widow's application, state that she had never been married before. Avis's other grandmother, Mary Ann Smith, was twice widowed. Perhaps this is who she was thinking of. Sarah and Augustus did have two sons who died young, and another son who appears to have been stillborn. This might also account for the discrepency in Avis's recollections.

At the time of the 1860 census, she was living in the home of her elder brother, Henry Cramer. She was listed as a "domestic" apparently helping her sister-in-law care for the home and children.


Death Index listing
Volume 7, page 427

Sarah Ann Eliott - died Feb. 2, 1924, Female, white, widow. Age 88y, 9m, 3d. Died of Arterial Sclerosis. Born: PA Housewife. Parents: J. Cramer & ------ Sloat.

Notes:

Married:
"Augustavus Elliott and Sarah Klemur licensed to marry August 16, 1861 O.C. Zeller, Clk"

"The State of Ohio, Seneca County, I certify that I this day soleminized the marriage of Augustus Elliott with Sarah A. Cramer. Witness my hand this 18 day of August A.D. 1861 A.B. Roe VDM. Certified and Recorded September 16, 1861 O.C. Zeller, Clk." Recorded in Vol. 5, page 419.

On his pension application, Augustus states that he and Sarah were married by Rev. Poe of the M.E. Church, Seneca County, Ohio on 18 August 1861. Dean Cramer shows they married in Fostoria.

Notes:

Spencer Smith was the witness of the following will ca. 1832:

Harmon Whipple of Riga Will book 1; p. 349 Dated Dec. 28, 1832 Probated April 17, 1833 Mentions brother: Milton Executor brother: Milton Witnesses Phinebas Smith of Riga George Refield of Riga Spencer Smith of Riga

1850 Federal Census, New York, Monroe County, Riga (enumerated 26 Aug 1850)
#314-314
Spencer SMITH 54 M Farmer $3500 Mass.(?)
Mary SMITH 44 F New Hampshire
Benjamin F.SMITH 19 M New York
Morris M. SMITH 17 M New York
Mary A. SMITH 10 F New York
Sarah E. SMITH 6 F New York
Julia SMITH 3 F New York
Emeline TRUMBELL 17 F New York

1860 Federal Census, New York, Monroe County, Riga, North Chile N.Y. (enumerated 19 Jun 1860)
#23-25
Spencer SMITH 63 M Farmer $4000 $841 Mass.
Marian SMITH 52 F New Hampshire
Morris M. SMITH age 24 Farm Laborer $150 P/P New York
Mary Ann SMITH age 18 New York
Sarah E. SMITH age 14 New York
Julie T. SMITH age 12 New York

Spencer married Marian Trumbull before 1833 in New York. Marian was born about 1807 in New Hampshire; died after 1880. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In 1870 and 1880, she was living in the home of her son Morris Smith in Ionia County, Michigan.

Notes:

Married:
Marriage noted in the book by Myron Andrews Munson, "1637-1887. The Munson Record: A Genealogical and Biographical Account of Captain Thomas Munson, a Pioneer of Hartford and New Haven And His Descendants, Volume 1; New Haven, Conn, Printed for the Munson Association, Copyright 1896 "

[Son of Lovina Munson and Bezaleel Smith of Whately, Conway, Ms.]

Spencer b. 24 Nov. 1796; m. Zelina Ellis; m. (2nd) Marian Trumbull; res. Riga, N.Y.

Notes:

It was reported by Marcus Chapman, on the death certificate of his mother, Mary Ann Welch, that her parents were William Welch and Anna Brown, born in England. It appears that Mary Ann's parents were actually both born in Ireland.

At the time of the 1850 Ionia County, Michigan census, a 9 year old Mary Ann Welch and 11 year old William Welch were living in the home of William and Ann Elvert of Berlin Township, both born in Ireland. Based on circumstantial evidence, it appears that Ann Elvert may have been the widowed mother of Mary Ann and William, the former Ann (Brown) Welch. If so, she was born circa 1820 in Ireland, and married and gave birth to her son William prior to age 19. And as 11 year old William was listed as being born in U(pper) Canada, and 9 year old Mary Ann as being born in Michigan, the Welch's appear to have immigrated to Michigan circa 1840 via Canada. In reading the section devoted to Berlin Township in the 1881 HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES MICHIGAN, no listing is found for William Welch. There is a Simeon Welch that is listed as voting in an election in 1846. At the time of the 1850 census, there was a Simpson Welch, age 45 and born in Kentucky, living in Berlin Township (#43-45). A Simon Welch, age 39, is listed in the 1850 Ionia County census in Easton Township (#275-283) as well. He and his wife Nancy were both born in New York.

Neighbors of the Elvert's at the time of the 1850 census were the McLaughlin's and the Humphries. Both of these men were born in Ireland, and both their wives in Novia Scotia. Perhaps Ann and William Welch came to Ionia via the same route. In 1860, Mary Welch, age 21, was still listed as a member of the Elvert household.

On the 1870 census, Mary Ann Welch reported that both her parents were "foreign born." On the 1880 census, she reports that they were both born in Ireland. Mary Ann herself reports in both 1870 and 1880 that she was born in Michigan. However, when he filed her death certificate, her son Marcus Chapman reports her as being born in Canada. This is incorrect, as Mary appears to have been born in Michigan very shortly after they immigrated from Canada.

Another possiblity are the following families listed in the Montreal Emigrant Society Passage Book of 1832 (Reel H-962, Vol 46) has two seperate references to a William Welch. The passage book is a record of poor and destitute immigrants from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, forwarded and relieved by the Montreal Emigrant Society from 12 May to 5 November 183

(Line 604) On July 13th, 1832 a Wm. Welch and his wife were listed as being from Kerry (?). One of them was over the age of 40, and the other between the age of 20 and 40. They had three children, one an infant with the other two being under the age of 7. They were sent to Prescott.

(Line 994) On July 28, 1832 a Wm. Welch and his wife, both over between the ages of 40 and 60, were listed as the parents of five children, three over the ages of 14, one between 7 and 14, and the youngest under the age of 7. The location where they were from was left blank. Others arriving that day all appeared to be from various counties in Ireland. They also were sent to Prescott.

At the present time, it is not known if the two Wm. Welch's listed above are related to each other, or if either or both are related to the Wm. Welch who is the father of Mary Ann Welch. It appears, however, that if Ann Elvert, born ca 1820 in Ireland, was the widow of William Welch, then she is too young to be the wife shown in either family. These could be the parents of her husband, however.

I Found a Wm. Welch in Lyons Township, Ionia County in 1870, at #362-360, 49 years old, born MD. Also in household, Richard E. 30 born PA and Sarah J 73 born MD, widow. I also looked at Lyons Township on the 1860 film, and Wm. Welch was listed as 35, Sarah as 62? Richard 25, with Ida Green age 4, Mary age 2. Birthplaces of the Green girls was MI, the birthplaces for all the others the same as was listed on the 1860 census. This does not appear to be a good match for the Wm. Welch who was the father or the brother of Mary Ann Welch, for she quite clearly notes that both of her parents were born outside of the United States, both on the 1870 and 1880 census. In 1880, she shows that her parents were both born in Irelan

William married Anna Brown before 1837. Anna was born about 1816 in Ireland; died on 12 Oct 1888 in Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Anna Brown appears to have married (1) William Welch and (2) William Elvert.

This appears to be her cemetery record?

SAINTS PETER & PAUL CATHOLIC CEMETERY (also known at Mt. Olivet Cemetery) Fourth Street - Ionia Township - Ionia County, Michigan

Copyright ? 1997 by Beth Ellen Wills. http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~camprowl/peter.txt

Elvert, Anna 72 yrs. 10-12-1888

And this appears to be the youngest daughter?

Elvert, Margaret 53 yrs. 06-21-1913

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Federal Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Berlin Township
65 68
Elvert William 49 M Farmer 300 Ireland
Elvert Ann 30 F Ireland
Helch (sic) William 11 M U Canada
Helch (sic) Mary A. 10 M (sic) Mich
Elvert James 8 M Mich
Elvert Cornelius 5 M Mich
Elvert Julia 3 F Mich
Elvert Emily 1 F Mich

This Census was transcribed by Beth Wills and proofread by Pat Billings, Hope Farris, Kathy Laux for the USGenWeb Census Project, http://www.usgenweb.org/census

1860 Federal Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Berlin Township
21 Sept 1860
#2718-2616
Wm. Elvert 63 M Farmer 1000 500 Ireland
Ann Elvert 48 F Ireland
Cornelius 15 M Michigan
Julia 13 F Michigan
Harry 11 M Michigan
John 9 M Michigan
Elizabeth 6 F Michigan
Ellen 4 F Michigan
James 18 M Michigan
Mary Welch 21 F Teacher

At the time of the 1870 Ionia County census, Wm. Elvert was listed as a 71 year old farm laborer, born in Ireland, living in the home of Charles and Henrietta Fullington (both born in New York). They lived in Berlin Township (#127-127). The next household in the census was that of his ex-wife, Ann Elvert.

1870 Federal Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Berlin Township Berlin Township
#128-128
Elvert, Ann 55 Keeping House Ireland
Elvert, Julia 22 Works on Farm Michigan
Humphreys, Francis 72 Farmer Ireland
Humphreys, Susan 65 Keeping House Novia Scotia
Humphreys, Francis 23 Farm Laborer Michigan
Cain, Edward 29 Wagon Maker Isle of Man
Cain, Susan 23 Keeping House Michigan
Cain, Anna 1 F Michigan

(Note: The Humphreys and Elvert's were also neighbors at the time of the 1850 census)

1880 Federal Census
Michigan
Ann ELVERT Self W Female W 68 IRE Keeping House IRE IRE
Julia ELVERT Dau S Female W 33 MI IRE IRE
Source Information:
Census Place Berlin, Ionia, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254584
NA Film Number T9-0584
Page Number 264A

Notes:

In extracts of the 1850 and 1860 census prepared by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census that was dated September 19, 1914 the family is listed as follows. This extracts were prepared in connection with a Civil War pension application filed by Augustus Elliott:

Rappahannock County, VA, enumerated 12 Oct 1850
Joseph Elliott,45,M
Ellen,48,F
Darius (David M.), 25,M
Frederick,24,M
Lydia A,23,F
Susan,18,F
Eliza,15,F
Augusta,12,F (sic)
William,10,M
James,8,M

P.O. Washington, Rappahannock County, VA
enumerated 24 July 1860
Frederick Ellett, 27
Joseph, 57
Ellen,53
Lydia A, 25
Susan A,24
Eliza,22
Melvina,20
William H,19
James O,17 Tennessee
Vena, 21(black)
Sarah 11/12 (mulatto)

The Department of Commerce indicated that "it may be that the person named "Augusta" and recorded as a female, returned with the family of Joseph and Ellen Elliott, is the soldier whose age you desire, and that the assistant marshal made a mistake in stating the sex. Very respectfully, Wm. J. Harris, Director."

The ages on the extract in 1860 should be approximately ten years higher than those given in 1850. Most of them only vary a few years however. The actual census records should be examined to see if any of these discrepencies can be resolved. The more likely answer is that whomever answered the census takers questions just guessing at the ages of the members in the household.

It appears that Frederick had assumed the role of the head of the household in 1860, with his parents and siblings living with him. Perhaps his parents had become incompetent or infirm. Darius (David) and Augustus had left home, and there appeared to be three new family members, 20 year old Melvina (perhaps the wife of Frederick or William??), 21 year old Tennesse Vena and her 11 month old daughter Sarah. On Brenda Elliott's web page, Melvina is listed as a daughter. I am assuming she is not since she was not also listed on the 1850 census, and she would have been to young to have been already married in 1850. Additionally, Brenda lists a daughter named Ann, but does not show Lydia A. Could the daughter have been named Lydia Ann?

As of the 1870 Census, Joseph and Ellen were still living with son Frederick, however their other children were no longer in the home. In 1880, only Ellen was still a member of Frederick's household, so it appears that Joseph died sometime between 1870 and 1880.

Joseph was said to have died near Fredericksburg, Maryland.

These census records were retrieved based on a letter that Augustus personally wrote, dated May 11, 1914, to the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions. They wanted to prove his age by locating him on the census records with his family. Augustus stated that: "During the year of 1850 and 1860 I lived at Washington City from then to Alexandria then at Little Washington, Rappahanic Co. I did not live with my parents after I was large enough to work for myself. I lived where I worked. I went from these to Fostoria, Ohio where I made my home with my brother David Elliott. My father's name was Joseph Elliott at Little Washington, Rap. Co, VA. Mothers name was Ellen Kenny Elliott. I have answered as best I can remember. Hoping this will be satisfactory I remain Augustus E. Elliott." In a follow up letter, dated June 17, 1914, Augustus elaborated: "From there I lived in Washington, Rapahanoc, Virginia with my father Joseph Elliott. Then I went to Fostoria, Ohio in 1860 where I lived with my brother David Elliott until I went to the war in 1862. In the letter you stated that I did not live with James Monroe. I worked for him and as I had no home I had to live where I worked. You said that I did not live with James T. Monroe in 1860. I went to Fostoria in 1860 but I did not live with him in Alexandria in that year but I was there some time between 1850 and 1860 but the year and date it is impossible for me to remember. Yours, A.E. Elliott."



(Research):Brenda Elliott shows him as the son of Samuel Elliott. Maria Elliott also shows this parentage, based on the book BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF WOOD COUNTY, OHIO, COMMERATIVE VOLUME II, 18797, pp 739-740. Maria received this information from Family Group Sheets compiled by Catherine Gerhart of Westerville, Ohio in January 1797.

This family group sheet furhtermore shows that Samuel Elliott was the father of George, Samuel Jr., Joseph, Susan, Winnie and Lydia.

Joseph married Elender Kenny on 30 Jan 1823 in Fauquier County, Virginia. Elender was born in 1802 in Virginia; died after 1880; was buried in Rappahannock County, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

On Brenda Eliott's webpage, (http://www/uftree.com/UFT/WebPages/BrendaElliott/ELLIOTT), Joseph's wife is shown as Eleanor McKenny(Kenny). It is noted that she was born in 1802. On the Rootsweb WorldConnect Project: Latest family tree update prepared by Yvonne Ramsell Simonson (http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=REG&db=:393199&id=i4027), it is shown and Eleanor McKenney was born in the USA to Irish parents.

The only other family with the surname Kenny listed on the 1850 Rappahannock County, VA census was 48 year old Sylvanus Kenny, who was married to a 37 year old woman named Ann. This apparently was a second marriage, as his oldest child was 27 year old George W Kenny. There are 10 other children listed in his family. (Family 170). Living two homes away is 26 year old George W. Kenny with his 26 year old wife Susan. Was George W. listed in both households? Or were there two George W. Kenny's approximately the same age? Could Sylvanus have been Ellen's brother, perhaps even her twin as their ages are shown as the same? I noted that Sylvanus himself had twin sons, 16 year old John and Robert.

Becky Asif found the following database online: It shows Andrew Kenney having 2 daughters Eliza(1802) and Elender(1807). http://awt.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:2829461&id=I239&ti=5535

She also found a marriage record of Sylvanus and Ann KENNY, as follows: SALVANUS KENNY ANN HEFLIN 12 January 1825 Fauquier

Other KENNY's that were married in Fauquier:

DANIEL BERRYMAN RUTHA KENNY 24 November 1821 Fauquier
EDWARD KENNY PATTY ROUTT 09 May 1791 Fauquier
JAMES BERRYMAN SUSANNA KENNY 13 March 1812 Fauquier
LANDON BERRYMAN MARY JANE KENNY 10 December 1832 Fauquier

Becky Asif also found the following, posted by George V. Hilburn to the Kenny Family Genealogy Forum. She speculates Eloiza and Ellender might be the same person.
http://genforum.genealogy.com/cgi-bin/pageload.cgi?virginia::kenny::825.html

Kenny-Stadler Connection

The following is meant to show the connection between the three KENNY children (Eloiza, Sylvanus, & Richard) and Jacob STADLER. In the first part, monies were to be collected from the sale of slaves with the proceeds to be divided between the complainants and the defendants. The second is the actual appraisal to the court of the slaves. The third is the carrying out of the dispersal of some of the monies to the defendants (the minor children). In the third part is the phrase "grandfather's estate" instead of the name "Jacob STADLER."

It is believed that Jacob STADLER is not a blood grandfather, but one by marriage. A HORTON was probably the actual grandfather, but was dead by this time. Here is the reason why.
In the will of William KERNES, one of his daughters is referred to Elizabeth STADLER, wife of Jacob STADLER. There is also a reference in the KERNES will to his grandson, Benjamin HORTON. As the mother of the KENNY children was a HORTON (marriage lisence), and STADLER is referred to as a grandfather, it is safe to assume that Elizabeth KERNES STADLER was previously married to a HORTON. An unconfirmed source has this HORTON as Benjamin HORTON, born 1750 in Stafford Co, VA.

I. VIRGINIAFAUQUIER COURT MINUTE BOOK
1818-1819, LDS FILM #0,031,622
(handwritten, no index, & no page nos.)

This day came the complainants by this(?) attorney & filed their bill and also the defendants Benjamin, Eliza, and Mary HORTON, and filed their answer ? and on the Mo: of the compls the defendant Benjamin HORTON is appointed guardian of the defendant Eloiza KENNY, and Mary HORTON is appointed guardian to the Defts Sylvanus and Richard KENNY to defend them in this suit-who thereupon by their said guardians filed their answers-and by consent of parties the cause came (?) to be heard upon the bill. Answers the will of Jacob STADLER dec'd upon consideration. Whereof the court doth assign, order, and decree that the commissioners herein named sell upon a credit of twelve months the slaves in the bill mentioned upon advertising the time and place of sale at least thirty days previous thereto in the Palladium of Liberty presented in the town Warrenton-taking bond with approved slaves from the purchases and divide the proceeds thereof between the compls & defts according to the will of the dec'd Jacob STADLER in the proceedings mentioned upon the compts & defendants-giving bond with satisfactory security to the defendant Benjamin HORTON-??? ??? with the wife ??? of the said Jacob STADLER dec'd conditioned to save his ???? from all ???? of money which may hereafter be recovered against lien as ??? aforesaid-and Joseph D. SMITH, Benjamin GEORGE, Augustine SMITH Sr?-or any two of them are appointed commissioners to carry this decree into effect and make report thereof to this court in order to a final decree.

II. Virginia, Fauquier Co, Will Book 7, pg 305
LDS Film #0,031,568

Fauquier County, 8th June 1819
We, Augustine SMITH, Ja's D SMITH, and Benjamin GEORGE, being first sworn, have proceeded ???? to an order of court to us directed to appraise the estate of Jacob STADLER, dec'd shown to us by Benjamin HORTON, the adm. Viz

One negro woman named Fanny? $350
One negro boy named George 500
One negro girl named Susan 200
Total: $1050

Given from under our hands & seals this the day above written
Augustine SMITH, James D SMITH, Benjamin GEORGE
At a court held for Fauquier County the 26th day of July 1819
This inventory and appraisement of the estate of Jacob STADLER, dec'd, was return into court and ordered to be recorded. Teste Daniel WITHERS

III. VIRGINIA, FAUQUIER COUNTY PROBATE RECORDS
VOL 8-10
FILM #0,031,569
VOL 10, page 247

Eloiza? KENNY infant of Andrew KENNY on acct with Mary HORTON her guardian
February payment made as received?
By her proportion of her grandfather's estate agreeable to his will due
16th Oct 1820 13th Dec 1823 Sylvanus KENNY infant as aforesaid on acct with Mary HORTON his guardian
1824
March 16
By his proportion of his grandfather's estate
16 Oct 1820 to 16 Mar 1824

1824
Aug 2 Sylvanus KENNY
Richard KENNY infant as aforesaid to Mary Horton his guardian
1824
Oct 16
By his proportion of grandfather's estate due 16th Oct 1820
Pursuant to the annexed order of Fauquier County Court and the
Annexed notices to the parties we the undersigned commissioners
Have stated and settled the accounts of Mary HORTON guardian of
Eloiza KENNY, Sylvanus KENNY, and Richard KENNY find her charges
By proper vouchers given under our hands at ???? this 15th Sep 1827
A Blackwell
Rodham ????
Wm Thompson

At a court held for Fauquier County on the 22nd day of Oct 1827
This account and ???? was returned and ordered to be sixty days
For ???? options---and a court held for said county on the 24th day
Of Dec 1827. The same was confirmed and ordered to be recorded.
Test?
John AW Smith, (title)

Notes:

Married:
Jim Elliott, in December 1999, shared a scan of the following original marriage license for Joseph and Ellen, transcribed below.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that we Joseph Elliott & George Berryman are held and firmly bound unto James Pleasants, Jr. Esq. Governor of Virginia, in the just and full sum of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars, to which payment well and truly be made, to the said Governor or his successor, we bind ourselves, our and each of our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents:--Sealed with our seals and dated this 30 day of Jany 1823. THE CONDITION of the above obligation is such, that whereas a License hath this day been issued by the Clerk of the County Court of Fauquier for the intermarriage of the above bound Joseph Elliott with Elender Kenny, of the said County:--Now if there be no lawful excuse to obstruct said marriage, then the above obligation is to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue.

Signed sealed and delivered in presence of Joseph Elliott (Seal)

Wm T. PhillipsGeorge Berryman (Seal)

The above named George Berryman made oath before me, in my office,on the 30 Jan 1823, that the above named Joseph Elliott and Elender Kenny are each twenty-one years old. Given under my hand the date above. Wm. T Phillips, ???, Fauquier County Court

Date: Aug 9, 1995 I certify that the document to which this authentication is affixed is a true copy of a record in the Fauquier County Circuit Court, that I have custody of the record and that I am the custodian of the record. Wm D Harris Clerk By: SM Bradley Depurty Clerk

Marriage Register #4 Pg. 486

Notes:

Clarence E. Cramer writes that his baptismal sponsors were his maternal grandparents, Johann and Elisabetha Neidig. He was named in honor of Johann(es) Neudig. He indicated that after his marriage, he and Catharina lived near the Stone Church. He moved to Fostoria, Ohio sometime between 1837 and 1840...(with) printed records for each of these dates, as well as Family tales. (P. 57).

Edith Beard Cannon, in "Genealogical Reports for The Historical Society of York County, Vol. XXIX, p. 52, Evidence of the Cramer Families of York before the year 1850 REVISED" published 1843, cited the following deed:

(3A, 29) December 26, 1814. Johannes Cramer of Shrewsbury Township, yeoman; to John KOLLER: for $1.50: lot 18 in Shrewsbury town.

According to the "Biographical History of Van Wert County (Ohio), Volume II" John Cramer Sr came to Ohio in 1840 and settled on a farm in Seneca County, where he died June 29, 1856, his wife having departed September 16, 1854. They were both members of the German Lutheran Church, and in politics, Mr. Cramer was a democrat. He had served in the war of 1812 as a captain, and was an honored man in his community, where he left a fair fortune. (p. 154) In the book "Seneca County, Biographical Sketches" it says that John and Catherine (Slote) Cramer settled in Loudon Township, Seneca County, in 1838, and purchased 160 acres of land, most of which they cleared and improved and where they lived; here the father died in 1855, in his sixty fifth year; and the mother in 1854, in her sixty second year. (Loudon Township, p 893)

According to Dean Cramer, John donated some of his own land for the Cramer Cemetery in Fostoria, Ohio.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
Ohio, Seneca County, Louden Twp
Enumerated 24 Sept 1850
Rome
85-85
John Cramer 59 M Farmer 3000 Pa
Cathrine Cramer 57 F Pa
Wm. Cramer 18 M Farmer
Sophis Cramer 16 F Pa
Sarah A Cramer 13 F Pa
John Hook 12 M Oh

Johannes married Catharina Schlott about 1816 in York County, Pennsylvania. Catharina (daughter of Johann Adam Schlott and Anna Maria Catharina Holder) was born on 20 Jul 1794 in York County, Pennsylvania; was christened on 21 Sep 1794 in Lower Windsor Twp, York County, Pennsylvania; died on 16 Sep 1854 in Seneca County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]