Tombstone Tuesday - December 27, 2016 - Julia Ann Hainer

Julia Ann Hainer was the daughter of John Hainer and Nancy Bowman. She was born on October 2, 1838 in Ontario. John and Nancy Hainer had eight children; Mary Jane(1823), Margaret(1825), Diane Catherine(1827), William Hamilton(1828), James Murray(1832), Charles Henry(1834), Julia Ann(1838), John Wesley(1845).

Julia Ann married Daniel Utter on April 16, 1855. They lived in Northfield, Brant County, Ontario. Julia Ann and Daniel had 12 children; Cardeer, John(1859), Annie(1862-1877), Melissa(1864-1877), Mary(1866-1877), Charles(1871-1877), Rose Belle(1872-1878), William(1874-1878), Nancy(1875-1877), Nancy(1880), William(1882), Roy(1885). Sadly seven of the children died between December 23, 1877 and January 2, 1878 from an outbreak of Diphtheria. Three of the children died on the same day, December 27,1877 and two children died on January, 2, 1878. I can not comprehend the overwhelming sorrow that this family must have felt. Julia and Daniel went on to have three children and they appear to have survived into adulthood.

Julia Ann died on December 27, 1899. Twenty two years after losing so many of her children. She is buried in the Northfield Cemetery in Brant County, Ontario with all of her children. 

Rest in Peace, Julia Ann and all your children. 

Jan Smith 

 

Tombstone Tuesday - December 13, 2016 - Harry Densmore

John and Thelma Densmore Family - Harry is standing on the left.

Harry Edward Densmore was the son of John Edward Densmore and Thelma Alberta Fisk born on March 5, 1918 in Gilford, Tuscola County, Michigan.  John and Thelma had nine children; Marion(1914), Fredrick(1915), Erma(1916), Harry E. (1918), Paul (1923), James (1925), Jack(1929), Belle(1932), Faith(1936), Lois(1937).

In the 1920 Federal Census, the family is living in Gilford, Michigan and Harry is 1 year and 10 months old. In the 1930 Federal Census, the family remains living in Gilford, Michigan. In the 1940 Federal Census, Harry lives at home and is a Laborer in a vegetable canning plant. The Census states that he is a pea packer.

 Harry married Lydia Boley on July 28^th, 1945 in Bay City Michigan. Harry and Lydia lived in Bay City.  In the 1946 Bay City Directory, Harry's occupation is listed as an assemblier/factory worker for IBC Company. They had one daughter named Barbara Jo Densmore. She was born in 1947.  In the 1950 Bay City Directory, Harry's Occupation was listed as a Bodyman working for Labadie & Booth Company.

Harry Edward Densmore died on December 13, 2006 in Bay City. At this time I am still unable to determine where Harry was buried. When I find out I'll update this post.

Rest in Peace,

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - December 20, 2016 - Arnold Smith

Arnold Eddington Smith

Arnold Eddington Smith was the third son of Ira Smith and Hannah Matilda Hartman. He was born in Camden Township, Addington County, Ontario, Canada in 1875. In the 1891 Ontario Census, Ira and his family are found in the town of Portland, Ontario. Ira and Hannah Smith had six children; David(1870) Arthur(1872), Arnold(1875), Ella(1878), Everton(1880), Howard(1884). On February 3, 1897, Arnold married Lena Card in Addington County, Ontario. In the 1901 Census, Arnold is listed as a Blacksmith and Lena is 22 years old. In the 1911 Census, Arnold remains a Blacksmith and they have a son listed, Reginald and he is 11 years old. In the 1921 Census, they live in Camden. On February 23 1933, Lena died of Pneumonia. She was buried in the Moscow Cemetery as listed on the stone they share. In December 20, 1944 Arnold married Dorothy Hainer in Belleville, Hastings, Ontario. In the early morning of December 21, 1944, Arnold died of a heart attack according to his death certificate. 

Arnold was buried in the Moscow Cemetery, Belleville, Ontario, next to his first wife.

Rest in Peace,

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - December 6, 2016 - Worthly L. Densmore

Worthy L Densmore was the daughter of John C Densmore and Sarah Louise Reynolds.   She was born on October 3, 1873.  She is the ninth child born to John and Sarah Densmore ; Elizabeth(1857), William(1859), George(1861), Alice(1863-1864), Charles(1864), Effie(1867), Norman(1869), Delbert(1871), Worthy(1873), Harvey(1882).

Worthy married Samuel Kernahan on April 13, 1894.  She contracted Typhoid Fever and died on December 6, 1895 according to the St Clair County Death records.  She is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Marine City.

Rest in Peace, Worthy!

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday – November 29, 2016 – Grover Cleveland Patten

Grove C Patten was born on May 27, 1888 in Wells County, Indiana. He is the son of Martin Patten and Flora Bishop Wert. In the 1900 Federal Census, Grove is living at home with his parents, Martin and Flora and his Grandfather, David Patten. In the 1910 Federal Census, Grove is living with his parents and a step brother, Chester Wert.

Splinter School - 1895 Grover Patten front row far right

Grover married Nora Francis Sparks on November 28, 1912 in Allen County, Indiana. They had one daughter, Martha Oella Patten born on September 23, 1913. Grover registered for the WW1 draft on  June 5, 1917.  He was living in Zanesville Indiana with his wife Nora and daughter Martha. In the 1920 Federal Census, Grover is a farmer and the family is living in Well County, Indiana.

 

1924 Photo of the Smith Family in Fort Wayne, Indiana

 This photo appears to be of the first Birthday of Loydell Malone.  The children seated in the front are from left to right : Melba Jackson and Marjorie Jackson (the two oldest girls of Oscar and Vesta Jackson) and Martha Oella Patten. The two women seated are Susan (Smith) Rehnen and Oella (Denney) Smith holding Loydell Malone. The third row  of women from Left to Right : Nora (Sparks) Patten, Della Smith, Dora (Smith) Jackson, Ruth (Jackson) Malone, Vesta (Bowersock), Della (Smith) Sparks. The fourth row of men from left to right : Grover C Patten, Forrest Malone, Oscar Jackson and Virgil Smith.   Loydell was born in 1923 and Oella Denney Smith died in November of 1925.

 By the 1930 Federal Census, Grover, Nora and Martha were living with Flora who is a widow. They are living in Pleasant Township, Allen County. Indiana. Grove is employed and working on the Electric Railroad. Nora died in 1933 during gallstone surgery.

Grover died on November 29, 1939 from injuries that he received from and Auto Accident near Yoder Indiana on November 26, 1939. I have been unable to find a tombstone photo. Next time I am in Indiana, I'll get one.

Rest in peace, Grover.

Jan  Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - November 15, 2016 - Allen Greig Daly

Allen Greig Daly was the son of John Daly and Mary McIntosh born in Clio Michigan in Genesee County. He was born Sep 7, 1895. He was the third of nine children born to John and Mary; William (1892), Stephan (1894), Allen(1896), Sophronia(1897),Sophia(1899),Elizabeth(1901), John C.(1903), Clayton(1904), Francis(1905), Gordon(1907). John and Mary lost two children according to the 1910 Federal Census. Mary states that she has had 12 births and 10 children are living.

Allen Greig Daly married Edith Ann Terry on October 26, 1926 in Flint Michigan. They had two children; Dale (1928), Darla (1932)

In the 1910 Federal Census, Allen is a 14 year old boy. By the 1920 Federal Census, Allen is living at home and helping his father on the farm. The Flint City Directory for 1928, shows that Allen and Edith are living at 09 Walnut Avenue in Flint. He is an Auto worker. By the 1930 Federal census, they live in Flint on Perry Street. Allen is working for the Auto Industry as a machine operator. Dale is two months old and they have two roomers living in their home. In Flint City Directories for 1934 and 1937, Allen and Edith were living at 2605 Term Street in Burton which happens to be Cora May Smith Daly's residence. Cora became the second wife of John Daly on May 11. 1929. He is still listed as an Auto worker.

By the 1940 Federal Census, Allen and Edith are living in a rented home in Burton with their two children; Dale and Darla. In the Flint Directory of 1941, Allen is listed as an Autoworker and they are living on Farley Street but by the 1942 Directory his occupation has changed to a clerk and it states that he lives on Clio Street in Flint. On April 22, 1942, Allen registered for the draft for WWII. On his draft, he stated that he lived in Clio on East Johnson Street. This was the home of his father who had been recently widowed. In the Flint 1950 and 1954 Directory, Allen and Edith are living at 916 Perry in Flint Michigan. They had lived at the same address in the 1930 Federal Census.

Allen G Daly died on November 15, 1975. I have not been able to determine where Allen was buried. Many of the other family members, including his father, John, have been buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Clio. I'll continue to search and post his tombstone and cemetery photo here when I find it.

Rest in peace, Allen.

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - November 8, 2016 - John Fisher

John Fisher was the son of Henry Fisher and Elizabeth Crites born in Tuscarawas County near Dover, Ohio. He was born November 22, 1822. He was the first of 10 children born to Henry and Elizabeth; John (1822), Daniel (1826), Solomon (1828), George(1830), Joseph(1832),Anna(1835), Elizabeth(1839), Lydia(1840), Henry(1843), Mary(1845).

John married Magdaline Winkler on November 26, 1848 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They had nine children; Sofia (1849), Simon (1852), Joseph (1854), Catherine (1856), Noah (1858), Amanda (1860), Mary Magdalene (1867), Lydia(1869), Oscar (1871). 

Thanks to an Ancestry.com user, Tom Glaser, who shared this family photo of the John Fisher Family. Since John died in November of 1888, we can assume that this photo is from  before that. In November of 1878, Catherine died and in June of 1888, Simon died.    Neither are pictured in this photo. Joseph is also missing from this photo.  This photo was likely taken after Simon's death and before John's in November. 

Seated - Noah, Mary Magdalene, John Fisher  Standing - Sophia, Amanda, Lydia, Mary

In the 1850 Agricultural Schedule, John Fisher is listed in York Township in Tuscarawas County  SO we can conclude that he is a farmer. In the 1850 Federal Census,  John, Magdalene and Sophia are listed near Dover, Ohio. In the 1860 Federal Census, John and Magdalene are still living near Dover, and they have 6 children; Sophia, Simon, Joseph, Catherine, Amos, Amanda. The family moved to Daviess County, Indiana in 1864.

John Fisher Farm - Raglesville, Indiana

 (This photo is Thanks to Tom Glaser as well...)

In the 1870 Federal Census, John and his family are found in Raglesville, Daviess County, Indiana. There are six children living with them; Simon. Joseph, Catherine, Noah, Amanda, Mary M. Sophia has likely married.  John has re-established himself as a farmer in Indiana. In the 1880 Federal Census, John and Maddie remain in Raglesville, Daviess County, Indiana. They have five children living with them; Simon, Noah, Amanda, Mary M. and Lydia.

 

He died on November 8, 1888 in Ragleville, Indiana and was buried in Raglesville Cemetery next to his wife Magdalene.

Rest in Peace,

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - November 1, 2016 - William Homer Wert

William Homer Wert

 

William Homer Wert was the son of Cyrus and Lois (Ormsby) Wert. He was born in Wells County Indiana on November 11, 1883. In the 1900 Federal Census, William Homer is 16 years old and living with his parents and his brother Albert who is 20 years old. They live in Union Township, Wells County, Indiana.

William Homer Wert - 1903

William Homer Wert married Etta Clare Smith on April 12, 1903. Etta Clare and William Homer had two children, James Frank (1904) and Lulu Etta born on July 11, 1905. Etta Clare died during childbirth but the baby Lulu Etta, survived. 

Etta Clare Smith - 1903

On June 12, 1909, William Homer married Allie M. Ferguson. She brought a daughter to their family from a previous marriage. Her name was Edna Shellabarger (1903). In the 1910 Federal census, William and his new wife Allie, James and Edna are listed but I see no entry for Lulu Etta. Allie Wert, William Homer's second wife, died on February 18, 1912. Leaving William Homer with three young children; James, Lulu and Edna, Allie's daughter . On January 1, 1919, William Homer married Josephine Potee. In the 1920 Federal Census, the step daughter Edna, is not listed in the census but James F is living with William Homer and Josephine. Lulu Etta is listed with her Grandparents, Cyrus and Lois Wert. By the 1930 Census, William and Josephine have 2 daughters; Margaret (1920) and Elizabeth(1922). These daughters are still at home as of the 1940 Federal Census. 

The census shows William Homer doing different occupations. The 1910 and 1920 Census show him as a farmer. In the 1930, he is a serviceman for  a manufacturing company. And by 1940, his occupation is barber.

William Homer register for the draft for World War I on September 12, 1918 and listed his Mother, Lois Wert of Uniondale, Indiana, as his contact. He registered for World War II as required and listed Josephine as his contact and they are living in Ossian, Indiana. He states that he is self employed.

William Homer Wert died on November 1, 1966. He is buried in The Oaklawn Cemetery in Ossian Indiana next to his third wife Josephine. 

Rest in Peace, William Homer.

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - October 25, 2016 - John Croy Robart

John Croy Robart 

 

John Croy Robart was born in Portage County, Ohio on December 29, 1836 to James English Robart and Annie Croy. He was one of twelve children; Phoebe(1825), Minerva(1825), Annie(1826), Sybil(1829), James, Rachel(1832), Mahala(1833), John C.(1836), Catherine(1839), Franklin (1843), Amelia, Hiram. 

James Robart, John's father, lived in Tuscarawas County, Ohio where he married Annie Croy and they began their family. From there they moved to Fulton County Ohio for a short period of time before going to Michigan and settling near Coldwater, Michigan in 1844. James purchased a small piece of land from the government and began to improve it. While clearing the land, he was killed when a tree fell on him in 1848. Annie remarried Allen Heber in 1858.

John C Robart was educated in Michigan schools and remained with his mother and sisters until 1859 when decided to relocate to Iowa. While in Iowa, he worked in farming and freight transport into and out of the great plains. In 1861, John he began farming in Monroe County, Iowa. In 1866, he returned to the transport business and worked for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad before returning to farming in Missouri. Eventually landing work in the coal mines in Kansas City where he learned how to use heavy earth moving equipment. Soon after he began working on the construction of roads and highways. In 1876, he returned to Michigan and settled in Ottawa County.

He married Susanna Thrall on December 1, 1863 who was a native of Delaware County, Ohio, the daughter of George and Annie Thrall of Russell, Iowa. They had three children; Charles C(1863-1864), Mary E(1865), and Carl J(1870). 

In 1880, John C Robart was elected Highway Commissioner and was a Census Enumerator, School Inspector(1883) and Justice of the Peace(1882). In 1892 and 1893, he was re-elected Highway commissioner and for sixteen years was the School Director for the school district.

John Croy Robart died on October 25, 1927 and is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery located in Holland, Ottawa County, Michigan with his wife Susanna.

Rest in Peace,

Jan Smith

Much of the information from this Bio was obtained from a Rootsweb Bio on John C Robarts and a bio on Findagrave.com. Thanks for the information.

Tombstone Tuesday - October 18, 2016 - Noble Paget McLam

Noble Paget McLam was born on September 9, 1861 in Norwood, Ontario. He is the son of Thomas and Esther (Paget) McLam. The first evidence I find for Noble is in the 1871 Canadian Census. His parents are living in Acton, Halton, Ontario, Canada.  Thomas and Esther have five children; Samuel(1846), Sarah Jane(1847), Ann(1857), Noble(1863) and Mary Agustine(1865).

I found an 1885 Halton County Directory which list the McLam men:  James is a Blacksmith, Noble is a blacksmith, Sam is a carpenter, Thomas is a shoemaker or cobbler.  

Noble Paget McLam married Roxy Swackhammer on January 1, 1891.

County Marriage Record

Close up view of Noble McLam and Roxy Swackhammer marriage license.

It appears from other researchers that Noble and Roxy may have had as many as five children but I can not confirm that as of this post.  They had two daughters; Bertie(1892- 1982) and Stella(1900-1990) and it appears that they had three sons; Noble Arthur(1898-1899), Franklin(1899-?), Cecil (1903-1904). The three sons died as infants. I will continue to try to verify this information.

Noble P McLam was a Blacksmith until 1935 when he retired. Roxy died in 1935.  He died in on October 18, 1943.  According to both death certificates they are buried in Acton, Ontario. I am unable to find tombstone photos for either Roxy or Noble. Note that on the death certificate the informant is Mrs J Adamson of Acton, Ontario and it states that she is a daughter. Bertie married John Cole who died in 1927, did she remarry and Adamson?  Or is this Stella? A mystery for another post. I have not found tombstones.

Noble Paget McLam

If I ever find them I will post them here.

Rest in Peace,

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - October 11, 2016 - The Robart Family Connection

I have yet to find a descendant who I can verify has died on this day...October 11.  That is quite amazing and the first time in all my years of writing Tombstone Tuesday Blogs that this has happened.  I am certain that out of 5341 descendants that I have identified, someone must have died on this day but I have not found that piece of data yet in the "Haystack"! I do not have death information for each person in my tree. That will be a job for this winter and next too... 

 Two weeks ago I wrote about Ina (Anna) McGoogan who was 23 months old when she died in 1861.  During that research and my research for this week, I found lot of interesting information on Hannah Robart's family.  Just kind of stumbled on it really. Someone has done a lot of work and shared it on Ancestry.com since I looked at her family. There have also been a lot of new records added to Ancestry.com.

Some time ago, I got this photo from my sister Pam. She had it at the Corner store. She really does not remember why.  It is a piece of class with the photos attached to the glass.  The picture is of  Hannah Robart McGoogan and William McGoogan.  I have never seen anything like it. The frame needs some repair. I thought I would reglue some of the corners and paint it.  Hannah and William are my 3XGreat Grandparents on my father's side of the family.  They are the parents of Amanda McGoogan Crites.

Mother- Hannah Robart McGoogan

Daughter- Amanda McGoogan Crites

Granddaughter- Cora Crites Smith

Thought it was interesting to put these photos all together...Mother, Daughter and Granddaughter. Personally, I think Amanda and Cora take after the McGoogans...

With the research from this week, now we have identified Hannah's parents, our 4X Great Grandparents, John and Catherine Spangler Robart, our 5X Great grandparents, John and Amelia English Robart and our 6X Great Grandparents, on both sides, Vincent and Madeline Robart and Robert and Margaret Adamson English.

This is all new information for our tree.  This takes this family back to the Revolutionary war time period. All these families are large.  Have 10 to 12 kids and so do their kids, It is all rather crazy, which gives me a lot more work to do in the coming weeks. The Robart Family came from the Dover, Ohio area of  Tuscarawas County just as the Crites Family did.  John Henry Crites and Amanda McGoogan were born in Indiana so I can not connect the Crites to the Robarts before Indiana, though they may have known each other.  The McGoogan's came from the Westmoreland, Pennsylvaina area with a brief stop for a few years in Richland, Ohio as they moved west.  The McGoogans date back to the time of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 also.

The work this week probably added more than 100 new descendants to our tree....sometimes it happens that way. This data was very thorough with mulitple sources for verification. We have birth and death information for most of these new additions.  In the coming weeks, you will hear about them!

Happy Hunting,

Jan

Tombstone Tuesday - October 4, 2016 - Andrew J Pettit

Andrew J Pettit

Andrew Petit was born in Genesee County on May 30, 1868, the son of Myron and Ester Losee Pettit. Myron and Ester had three children whom were all born in Thetford Michigan; Andrew J(1868), Voila (1-3-1870), Julia(1871-1874)

In the 1870 Federal Census, Andrew is living with his parents in Thetford. Andrew is two years of age and Viola is 5months. They are still living in Thetford ten years later for the 1880 federal census.

He married Cora Farrell, on July 30, 1890 in Mt Morris, Lapeer County, Michigan. Cora was the daughter of Simon Farrell and Mary Furguson. Andrew and Cora lived in Otter Lake, Michigan. Andrew is 22 years of age and Cora 19 years of age.

In the 1900 Census Andrew and Cora are living in Genesee, Michigan with three children, a boarder and a servant; Vernon(1890), Nina(1892), Mildred(1895), Ross Smith (boarder)and Estella Smith(servant). By the 1910 Federal Census the family is living in Forest, Genesee County ; Vernon(1892), Nina(1892) Mildred(1895), Adrain(1902), Leone(1905), Lewis(1907), Lula(1907). The family remains in Forest for the 1920 Federal Census with the following children; Adrain, Leone, Lula, Lewis, AJ(1910), Orvil(1915). By the 1930 Federal Census only AJ and Orvil are still living at home. The family still resides in the Forest location in Genesee County.

Andrew Pettit died on October 4, 1950 in rural Mundy Township of Genesee County. He is buried with his wife Cora in the Otisville, Smith Hill Cemetery. I was hoping to get a photo of the Tombstone but there isn't on online. I'll have to go get one and post it later.

Rest in Peace,

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - September 27, 1994 - Elizabeth Jean Kaake Tietz

Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Kaake Tietz

Elizabeth was born on January 27, 1934 in Sandusky, Michigan, the oldest daughter of a set of twins born to Charles and Rose (O'Malley) Kaake . Her twin sister was Patricia Louise. She had three brothers and three sisters; Betty(1934), Pat(1934), Charles(1935), John(1938), Rose Mary(1939), Colin, Sharon.

Betty (as we knew her) married Howard F. Tietz on December 5, 1952. They had five children; Gary Arthur, Patti Lee, David Allen, Amy Lyn, Mark Edward. Betty was my Mother -in-law for 19 years and a forever, wonderful friend.

Howard ran Tietz's Restaurant with his brother, Harold after taking it over from their parents. Betty worked at the Imlay City Bank after her children were all in school before going to work for Doctor Harrington for many years.

Leah Smith and Betty Tietz at my graduation -1973

Betty was a special person though she and I did not always see eye to eye. I have learned that it is often the case with mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws. She helped me to learn a lot about relationships and how to navigate through the good times and the bad.  Betty had a host of medical aliments through the years but it was Ovarian Cancer that took her life on September 27, 1994. She is buried in the Imlay Township Cemetery in Imlay City, Michigan. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I think of you often, Betty!

Rest in Peace.....Love you,

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - September 20, 2016 - Ina (Anna) Alice McGoogan

Ina (Anna) Alice McGoogan

Ina (Anna) Alice McGoogan was born on September 24, 1859, the daughter of William and Hannah Robart McGoogan in Zanesville, Indiana. In the 1860 Federal Census, William and his family is found living in Lafayette Township, Allen County, Indiana. The last name is spelled McGougan and the family is living between brother, John MaGougan with his family and sister, Elizabeth Clark with her family. They have three children listed; Amanda which was translated as Annanuda(age 5), Austacias (age3) and Anna (9 months old). My information indicated that Anna was Ina. Hannah is listed as Fanny M. Ina (Anna) died on September 20, 1861. The other daughter, Austacias (Anstacia) must have died between the 1860 census and the 1870 Census because Amanda(age 16) is listed in the 1870 census and the next child listed is George who is 8 years old and born in 1862. The children listed in 1870 census are; Amanda(1854), George (1862), Mary L. (1866), Arabella (1868). 

I do not have tombstone photos for these children , this is the family plot in Hoverstock Cemetery in Zanesville, Indiana  where the rest of the family is buried. 

Rest in Peace, to these two McGoogan Angels!

Jan Smith

Tombstone Tuesday - September 13, 2016 - William Bly

William Bly - September 13, 1891

William Bly was born on November 9, 1820 in Greenfield Township, Fairfield County, Ohio, the son of Jacob and Sophia M. (Eckhart) Bly.  Jacob and Sophia Bly had five children; William(1820), Sarah(1822), David(1824), George(1829), Edwin.

William married Mary Elizabeth Blauser on August 30, 1846 in Ohio. William and Mary Elizabeth had nine children; Caroline Martha(1847-1870), Abraham(1850), Sally Ann(1852), Nancy Isobelle(1854), Phoebe Elizabeth(1857-1863), Lafayette Valentine(1859-1863) Noah William(1861-1865), Sophia Elizabeth(1865-1870), Mary Rebecca(1869).

In the 1850 Federal Census, William and Elizabeth Bly are living in Marion, Hancock County, Ohio with Caroline and a new born son, Abraham. By the time of the 1860 Federal Census, they have moved to Lafayette Township, Allen County, Indiana area which is known as Nine Mile Indiana. They now have 5 children; Caroline, Abram, Sally, Nancy, Phoebe, and Lafayette. My research indicates that in the decade between the 1860 and 1870 census, the family lost four children. Phoebe Elizabeth and  Lafayette Valentine died in 1863. Noah William died in 1865.  Caroline Martha and Sophia Elizabeth died in 1870. In the 1870 Federal Census, the Bly children listed are; Abram, Sally, Nancy and Mary Rebecca ( a new child) are listed but they are still in Allen County, Indiana.

I found a divorce record dated August 6, 1879, in which Elizabeth is requesting a divorce and it was granted. By the 1880 Census she is still listed in the Nine Mile area with Abraham, Nancy and Mary Rebecca are listed with their Mother Mary Elizabeth.

William Bly and Daughter Mary Rebecca Smith

After the divorce and prior to his death, William lived with his daughter Rebecca and her husband Levi Smith.  William died on September 13, 1891. he is buried in Hoverstock Cemetery in Zanesville, Indiana. 

Hoverstock Cemetery, Zanesville, Indiana

 Rest in Peace,

Jan

Tombstone Tuesday - September 6, 2016 - Alpha B Crites

Alpha Berton Crites 

Alpha Berton Crites was born the son of William Crites and Mary Ann Forney on September 6, 1878 in Uhrichsville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. William and Mary Ann Crites had eight children ; Daniel Lee (1864), Joseph Henery (1865), Jessee E (1867), Emanuel (1868), Willas (1870), Viola (1873), Pearl (1875), Ellsworth (1877), Alpha (1879), Ruby (1881).

Alpha Berton Crites married Clara May Welty on March 1, 1903 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They had two sons; Lloyd (1904) and Kenneth(1907).

Alpha was still living in Tuscarawas County with his parents in the 1900 Federal Census. At the time of WW1, Alpha registers for the draft, he is married to Clara and is living in Canton Ohio work in a Stark Rolling Mill Co as a Mill worker. His draft card is signed September 12, 1918. At the time of the 1920 Federal Census, Alpha, Clara and two sons live at 2624 Krown Place NW, Canton, Ohio. By the time the 1930 Census, Alpha is still working in the steel mill. Lloyd is lives at home and is employed as a carpenter at the Steel Mill.

Alpha registers for the draft for WWII. He is employed at the Republic Steel Mill and is 63 years old.

Alpha died on September 6, 1960 in Carroll, Ohio at a long term nursing car facility. He is a widow by then his wife died three years before. He is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery,Canton Ohio. They are in the Belmont section with the stones facing north.

Rest in Peace,

Jan

Tombstone Tuesday - August 30, 2016 - Harold Alton Smith

Harold Alton Smith 

Harold Alton Smith was born on August 29, 1928 in Flint, Michigan. He was the son of Everett and Lillian Losee Smith. They also had a daughter Lucille Smith who was born 4 years earlier. Lucille died at the age of six leaving Harold as an only child. They lived on Term Street in Burton, Michigan.

Harold lived in many places in his childhood. His father was a Methodist minister and he served many churches. As a young boy in the 1930's, he lived in Genesee Michigan,while his father was the minister at the Genesee and Ridgefield Churches. 

Everett, Lillian Harold -1939

Vacation Bible School at the Genesee Church - 1939

In 1943, Everett was called to go to the Marine City Methodist Church.  Harold would finish his high school years here .

Lillian and Harold -1944

He was very active in sports at Marine City playing with the football team and running track  in the 1944, 1945 and 1946 seasons. 

1943-1944 Football Season

 

1946 Football Season

 

 

1945 Track season

Harold ran barefooted for the track season. (I just can not imagine that because his Mother, our Grandmother, never wanted us to be barefooted.  She had foot problems which she always attributed to cutting her foot as a child!)  

Marine City is where Leah Anderson and Harold Smith met. They were High School Sweethearts. Leah graduated in 1945 and Harold graduated in 1946. This picture was taken of the two of them when Harold graduated in 1946.

They both when to college. Leah went to Baker Business School and Harold went to Port Huron Junior College where he got his Associated Degree and he finished his Bachelors degree at the University of Michigan Flint Branch. 

 

Leah and Harold married on May 28, 1950 in Marine City. They were married by Everett Smith.

Everett, Lillian, Harold, Leah, Addie, Andrew - May 28, 1950

They spent there first 5 years of marriage in Lapeer. They lived in a Cottage on Skinner Lake which

was owned by Everett and Lillian Smith and Harold worked for JC Penneys. A few months before I was born Harold took a job at a Department store in Romeo. We moved to a small house on Fritz Drive built by the Fritz Brothers Builders. (who are still building houses today three generations later.) Eventually he worked for Engleston's which became Engleston-Mitzelfelds after Diana Engleston and William Mitzelfelds married and joined the department store business with his new father-in-law. When Leslie Engleston retired, it became Mitzelfelds. Dad managed Mitzelfeld's for 14 years. In that time, Leah and Harold had six children; 4 daughters – Pamela, Susan, Janet, Sharon and two son's Mark and Matthew. Harold always spoke about how hard it was to be an only child and decided early on that he would have a large family. 

 

In 1968, Harold moved his family to Imlay City with the intention of buying a department store called Brownites Department Store. When that opportunity did not materialize, he decided to purchase the Ben Franklin Store from William Knight when he decided to retire. Harold would spend the remaining years of his life owning and operating one or more Ben Franklin Dime Store. From 1971 – to the early 1980's he owned his original store in Imlay City.

Grand Opening for the Imlay City Store

In addition he bought and opened the Harbor Beach store in March of 1975.  

( I know that I have a photo some where of the store after he renovated it but so far I just have not found it. ) By 1986, Harold and Leah moved to Harbor Beach and soon after sold the store in Imlay City. Am looking for a photo of the Harbor Beach store.  This is one but doesn't show the store front very well.

 

Ed and Louise Heitke - Harold and Leah Smith - Smith Cousins

On morning of August 30, 1996, Harold died of a heart attack. At the time, Harold was negotiating the sale of the Harbor Beach store to the Local Drug store and had purchased the Corner Store, across the street. The plan was to continue to sell the things that he liked across the street but not all of the dime store type items that could be sold in a drug store and he planned to add custom framing to his business. He had also planned to phase out of the business with Pam taking over more of the day to day operations so he could maybe...semi-retire. 

 

He is buried in Rock Falls Cemetery in Harbor Beach, Michigan next to his beloved wife Leah.

Rest is Peace, Dad. Think of you everyday...and I know you hear me!

Love, Jan