The Mystery of Joseph BENTLEY

There are two sections at Brooks Cemetery (Homer Township, Will County, Illinois) containing BENTLEY burials. Transcriptions of this cemetery were published in 1940 (Northern States Mission, Genealogical Society of Utah), 1971-72 (Marilyn D. Brill, South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society), and 2000 (South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society), but there are inconsistencies in the BENTLEY transcriptions, in particular with regard to a broken stone for Joseph BENTLEY.


(click here for a full-screen version of the spreadsheet)

22 Oct 2003 Note:

There are inconsistencies in the facts for this person [Joseph BENTLEY]. The 1940 transcription has birth and death dates and says Joseph is s/o Robert & Catherine. Age calc. from 1940 transcription: 19y 2m 30d (or 29d). IF the transcription is accurate for the Joseph Bentley stone I identified and photographed in 2003, the stone style doesn’t make sense, it is very similar to the 1849 stone for William Bentley, but other children of Robert and Catherine who died before this Joseph have smaller and different style stones (Frederick, Florence). However, this could be due to their much younger age at death. There is no son Joseph listed in the Will County history book, though it does list three other children who died young. This Joseph is not with his parents in the 1850 or 1860 census, and in fact has not been found in either census. IF the transcription is inaccurate, there are other possibilities. If the birth year is actually 1836, this could be the Joseph age 14 living with Robert & Catherine in 1850, though he is listed at the end of the household as if he is not the birth child of Robert and Catherine. If the death date is actually 1856, the stone style makes more sense, but there is still no explanation of where he would be in 1850. Looking in detail at the stone I photographed, the name is clearly Joseph Bentley. The style is virtually identical to the stone for the 1849 burial of William Bentley (it is possible that both stones were added later at close to the same time). The stone does not seem to have a place to say s/o Robert & Catherine. The second line after the name clearly says “died.” The date of death is illegible. The next line is largely illegible, but could be something like “Aged 30...” The last line is the most readable (though barely) and may say something like “7 Mo 20 D” It is conceivable that the “7” could be a “2” and the “20” could be a “29.”

19 Feb 2005 Note:

After analyzing the 1940 Brooks reading, and comparing it to the 1971/2 and 2000 readings, I now think that the half-buried stone at Brooks Cem. is for Joseph b.<1816England. The 1940 reading appears not to be a literal reading. Individuals are listed alphabetically in the 1940 reading, with no indication of geographic position. Each stone lists birth and death dates as well as parents, and this information is clearly not on all of the stones. I suspect the death date in the 1940 reading (1866) is correct or close, but the birth date was calculated from an erroneously read, largely illegible age. I also think the parents were attributed due only to the position of the stone in the plot. No son Joseph is listed in the 1878 Will Co. history entry about Robert Bentley. The identity of the other Joseph Bentley (b.abt1836NY) with Robert and Joseph in the 1850 census is still a mystery. 22 May 2007 Note:

Here is a photo of the Joseph stone displayed next to the stone for the patriarch William BENTLEY (1788-1849). The two stones appear to be of similar vintage (click for a larger version).

A possible candidate for the "other" Joseph Bentley (b. abt 1836 NY), with Robert and Joseph in the 1850 census, is Joseph BENTLEY son of John and Margaret. However, this would mean he was enumerated twice (and his age is off by three years between the two):

1850: Bently: John 33 England; Margaret A. 34 Scotland; Joseph 11 NY at school; Rachel 10 NY at school; Albert A. 5 IL; Mary J. 3 IL. Lockport Twp., Will Co., IL.

1850: BENTLY: Robert 36 farmer $3000 England; Cathern 29 England; Wm J 7 IL_w attend school; Robt J 6 IL_w attend school; Char E. 4 IL_w attend school; Mary A. 2 IL_w attend school; Sarah 1/52 IL_w. RUTHEFORD: Chas W. 48 farmer England. BENTLY: Joseph 14 NY; Joseph 34 farmer England. Homer, Will Co., IL.

He doesn't appear to be a son of any of the other five BENTLEY brothers. William was not yet in the US until 1850. Robert wasn't married until 1842. It's possible he is a son of Joseph (b. 1816) from a completely unknown first marriage (however, He would then typically have been listed after his father in the census). James probably didn't marry until sometime between 1840-1845. The only known record of Benjamin is the 1835 ship manifest (it is likely that Benjamin died between 1835-1840).

The notes for the patriarch William BENTLEY can be found here.

Section IV-10 Photos:


Section XIII-14 Photos:

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Elizabeth P. MITCHELL (abt1789-aft1850)

1810: Botetourt Co., VA. DEATON, Levy. (1) M <10 [?], (1) M 16-26 [Levi Jr.], (1) F 16-26 [Elizabeth P.]. 1820: Roanoke, Botetourt Co., VA. DEATON, Levi. (1) M <10 [?], (1) M 10-16 [?], (1) M 26-45 [Levi Jr.], (3) F <10 [Martha Ann & ? & ?], (1) F 26-45 [Elizabeth P.]. 1830: DEATON, Levi, Montgomery Co., VA. (1) M <5 [George], (1) M 5-10 [?], (1) M 10-15 [?], (1) M 20-30 [?], (1) M 40-50 [Levi Jr.], (2) F 5-10 [Ellen & ?], (1) F 10-15 [Eliza P.], (1) F 15-20 [Martha Ann], (1) F 40-50 [Elizabeth P.]. 1840: DEATON, Levi, McMinn Co., TN, p. 104. (2) M <5 [??], (1) M 10-15 [George], (1) M 15-20 [?], (1) M 30-40 [?], (1) M 50-60 [Levi Jr.], (1) F 5-10, [<- Ellen?? ->], (1) F 20-30 [?], (1) F 50-60 [Elizabeth P.].

1850: DEATON, Levi 67 farmer VA, Elizabeth 67 VA (cannot read & write), Ellen 24 VA, George 21 farmer VA, 4th Civil District, Monroe Co., TN, p. 51.

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Levi DEATON Jr. (abt1783-aft1850)

1810: Botetourt Co., VA. DEATON, Levy. (1) M <10 [?], (1) M 16-26 [Levi Jr.], (1) F 16-26 [Elizabeth P.]. 1820: Roanoke, Botetourt Co., VA. DEATON, Levi. (1) M <10 [?], (1) M 10-16 [?], (1) M 26-45 [Levi Jr.], (3) F <10 [Martha Ann & ? & ?], (1) F 26-45 [Elizabeth P.]. 1823 (26 Dec): Levi Deaton of Montgomery Co., VA. $130 to Thomas Cade & Martha Cade late Deaton to relinquish rights to estate of Martha C. Deaton dec’d, widow and executrix of Levi Deaton dec’d late of Botetourt Co. Estate sold on a credit for $1300. [Botetourt Co., VA, Deed Book 15, p.665]. 1830: DEATON, Levi, Montgomery Co., VA. (1) M <5 [George], (1) M 5-10 [?], (1) M 10-15 [?], (1) M 20-30 [?], (1) M 40-50 [Levi Jr.], (2) F 5-10 [Ellen & ?], (1) F 10-15 [Eliza P.], (1) F 15-20 [Martha Ann], (1) F 40-50 [Elizabeth P.]. 1839: Marriage Bond, Japhanis Gray & Henry Jeter $150 7 Oct 1839, intended Eliza P. Deaton, witness R.D. Montague. Consent by Levi Deaton for Japanus Gray to marry his daughter Eliza P. Deaton, 5 Oct 1839, witnesses Henry Jeter and Enos Goodwin.

1840: DEATON, Levi, McMinn Co., TN, p. 104. (2) M <5 [??], (1) M 10-15 [George], (1) M 15-20 [?], (1) M 30-40 [?], (1) M 50-60 [Levi Jr.], (1) F 5-10, [- Ellen?? -], (1) F 20-30 [?], (1) F 50-60 [Elizabeth P.]. 1848: McMinnCo., TN, 16 Aug 1848. Comm. M.W. Cunningham, Henry McGuire, and Levi Deaton set apart year’s support to widow and several minor heirs. 1850: DEATON, Levi 67 farmer VA, Elizabeth 67 VA (cannot read & write), Ellen 24 VA, George 21 farmer VA, 4th Civil District, Monroe Co., TN, p. 51.

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Mary HOGG (abt1788-abt1839)

1810: Marriage witnesses: Elizabeth Garner, John Parkerson.

1835: Ship: Louisa - London to New York
Arrival: 19 Jun 1835
BENTLEY, William 47 M farmer [b.~1887-8]
BENTLEY, Mary 47 F [b.~1887-8]
BENTLEY, John M 23 taylor? [b.~1811-2]
BENTLEY, Ma?? F 23 [b.~1811-2]
BENTLEY, Robert M 20 farmer [b.~1814-5]
BENTLEY, Joseph M 14 [b.~1822-3]
BENTLEY, James M 14 (17?) [b.~1822-3 (1819-1820?)
BENTLEY, Benjamin? M 13 [b.~1821-2]
BENTLEY, H???? F 10 [b.~1824-5]
[M237 roll 26 list#385]

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William BENTLEY (1788-1849)

1810: Marriage witnesses: Elizabeth Garner, John Parkerson.

1835: Ship: Louisa - London to New York
Arrival: 19 Jun 1835
BENTLEY, William 47 M farmer [b.~1787-8]
BENTLEY, Mary 47 F [b.~1787-8]
BENTLEY, John M 23 taylor? [b.~1811-2]
BENTLEY, Ma?? F 23 [b.~1811-2]
BENTLEY, Robert M 20 farmer [b.~1814-5]
BENTLEY, Joseph M 14 [b.~1822-3]
BENTLEY, James M 14 (17?) [b.~1822-3 (1819-1820?)
BENTLEY, Benjamin? M 13 [b.~1821-2]
BENTLEY, H???? F 10 [b.~1824-5]
[M237 roll 26 list#385]

?? 1840: Ship: Montreal - London to New York
Arrival: 18 Aug 1840
BENTLEY, Wm 52 M farmer [b.~1787-8]
BENTLEY, Ann 15 F [b.~1824-5]
[M237 roll 43]

? 1840: BENTLEY, John: (1) M <5, (2) M 20-29, (1) M 30-39, (1) M 50-59, (1) F <5, (1) F 15-19, (1) F 20-29. Lockport Village, Niagara Co., NY, p. 82.

1849: “Buried by the Same [Rev. D.E. Brown, Missionary at Joliet & Lock] in the Yankee Settlement Will County Illinois Mr. William Bently on Sunday March the 4th 1849 who died on the evening of the 2nd March previous Aged Sixty ---- years.” [Yankee Settlement = “the early settlement of Homer, eastern Lockport and northern New Lenox Townships”]. Brooks Cem.: Row IV - 10.

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Catherine ? BALL (1803-1888)

[Maiden name unknown]

1828-29 (abt): Zachariah C. b. Troy, NY.

1826: John N. b. NY.

1830:

1830 (5 Jan; poss. 1831): Mary Francis b. Albany, Albany Co., NY.

1840: BALL: Samuel O.(?): (0) M <5 [David], (2) M 10-14 [John, Zachariah], (1) M 39-40 [Samuel], (2) F <5 [Christiana & Lucy], (1) F 5-9 [Mary], (1) F 30-39 [Catherine]. Palatine Twp., Montgomery Co., NY, M704_296, p. 360. Official enumeration date: 1 Jun 1840. 1840 (abt): David C. BALL b. Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., NY. abt 1842: came from NY to IL. 1850: Plainfield Twp., Will Co., IL, p. 32A, 53/53. BALL: S. A. 50 M shoemaker $400 VT; Catherine 46 F NY, Lucy Ann 14 F NY attended school, Christiany C. (or Christian S.C.) 12 F NY attended school, David C. 8 M NY attended school, Y. (or S.) 5 M NY attended school. BACCHUS: Wm. 24 M farmer NY. FRANCIS: Mary 20 F NY. 1853 (4 Sep): Letters to Zachariah C. Ball, [OR], from ?.?. Ball, S.A. Ball, C.C. Ball, D.C. Ball, and S.?. Ball, Plainfield Will Co. [IL]...

1854 (Aug 8?): Letter from Catherine Ball, Lockport Will Co. IL, to Zachariah C. Ball, [OR], regarding the death of Zachariah’s father on 28 Jul 1854...

1855 (7 Mar): Will Co., IL deed, grantee Catherine Ball, 7 Mar 1855 $250 bk.U p.511 “lots number five and six (5 & 6) in block number 12 in the original Village of Plainfield.” [Note: This is the SE corner of Ottawa St. & Illinois St., one block west of IL Route 59].

1855 (9 Aug): Will Co., IL mortgage, grantee Catherine Ball, 9 Aug 1855 $250 bk.U p.450 “lots number five (5) & (6) six in block number twelve (12) in the original town of Plainfield.” [Note: This is the SE corner of Ottawa St. & Illinois St., one block west of IL Route 59].

1860: Catherine Ball, age 56, real estate $0 personal $25, Lockport Twp., Will Co., IL. Living with [sons] David C. (19, b. NY) and Samuel E. (16, b. NY). Next Household: John C Backus 35 b.NY; Emiline Backus 33 b.NY; Myron J Backus 12 b.NY; Mary E Backus 2 b.IL.

1865: [No record in 1865 state census for Will Co.; No Mason Co. state census records are known to exist.]

1870: BALL: David 29, laborer, b. NY; Catherine 26 keeping house PA; Sarah C. 5 Mich; Josephine 2 IL; Samuel E. ?/12 IL Dec; Catherine 66 none [Town of Havana, Mason Co., IL; same household as sister Mary F. BACHUS; actual enumeration date 6 Jul 1870].

1871 (21 Mar): Letter from Catherine Ball, Havana Mason Co. IL, to Zachariah C. Ball, [OR]...

1874 (abt): Undated letter [fragment?] to Zachariah & Amanda (Eells) Ball in OR: “I send a mother’s love to you both and oh I hope you will not disappoint me in coming it is 22 years the first of this month since I saw you and that is a very long time for a mother to be separated from her children and not see them from a true mother Catharine Ball to her son and daughter.”

1880: John BALL Self M Male W 54 NY Plastuer VT NY, Ann BALL Wife M Female W 55 ENG ENG ENG, John F. BALL Son S Male W 23 NY Labourer NY ENG, Jennie F. BALL Dau S Female W 21 IL NY ENG, M. C. BAGARDUS GDau S Female W 12 MI NY NY, Catherine BALL Mother W Female W 76 NY NY NY. Havana, Mason, Illinois.

1882 (6 Nov): Catherine Ball, of Havana, Mason Co., IL, signed her mark to an affidavit in support of Sylvester V. Brewer’s Civil War pension. Witnesses David C. Ball and Catherine C. Ball.

1884 (6 Aug): [diseases, wounds, or injuries treated during the 5 years preceding enlistment...]”Nothing at all. I wasn’t sick at all. I was living with my mother, my father was dead, died of the cholera, also my sister, this was the time the cholera was so bad.” [brothers and sisters living...] “John lives in Lockport, Will Co., Ill, Zachariah lives in Canonville, Oregon, Samuel E. is dead died 4 years ago in Havanna, Ill, died of sunstroke, Francis Bacchus, my sister lives in Hannibal, Mo. Lucy Brewer, also sister lives in Enfield, N.H. My other sister Christiana Ball died of cholera.” [Deposition of David C. Ball, David C. Ball Civil War pension file].

1885 (9 Mar): Catherine Ball, age 81, housekeeper, residence & post office address Havana Mason Co. IL, signed her mark to an affidavit in support of Sylvester V. Brewer’s Civil War pension. Witness Sadie E. (?) Ball.

1885 (20 Apr): “My mother is living David [C. BALL] in Havana Ills.” [deposition by John N. BALL in support of David C. BALL’s Civil War pension].

1910 (2 Jun): MO Death Cert.: Mary F. Backus... born 5 Jan 1830 Albany NY... father Samuel Ball born NY, mother maiden Catharine Ball born NY, informant L.R. Backus Cape Girardeau MO...

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Samuel BALL (abt1800-1854)

bef 1826: came to NY from VT/NH

1826: John N. b. NY.

1828-29 (abt): Zachariah C. b. Troy, NY.

1830:

1830 (5 Jan; poss. 1831): Mary Francis b. Albany, Albany Co., NY.

1840: BALL: Samuel O.(?): (0) M <5 [David], (2) M 10-14 [John, Zachariah], (1) M 39-40 [Samuel], (2) F <5 [Christiana & Lucy], (1) F 5-9 [Mary], (1) F 30-39 [Catherine]. Palatine Twp., Montgomery Co., NY, M704_296, p. 360. Official enumeration date: 1 Jun 1840. 1840 (abt): David C. BALL b. Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., NY. abt 1842: came from NY to IL. 1847 (25 Dec): Marriage License issued to William W. Backus and Mary F. Ball, Kane Co., IL. Married 1 Jan 1848 at Aurora, Kane Co., IL. 1848 (30 Dec): Deed #8455 Book “P” p.309. Grantee: Samuel Ball “of the county of Will and state aforesaid [IL]” 30 Dec 1848. $100. “Beginning at the north east corner of the south east quarter of section twenty one in township thirty six north of range nine east of the third principal meridian said county of Will and state aforesaid in an east and west line with...” [Twp. 36N 9E is PLAINFIELD TWP.] 1850: Plainfield Twp., Will Co., IL, p. 32A, 53/53. BALL: S. A. 50 M shoemaker $400 VT; Catherine 46 F NY, Lucy Ann 14 F NY attended school, Christiany C. (or Christian S.C.) 12 F NY attended school, David C. 8 M NY attended school, Y. (or S.) 5 M NY attended school. BACCHUS: Wm. 24 M farmer NY. FRANCIS: Mary 20 F NY. 1853 (4 Sep): Letters to Zachariah C. Ball, [OR], from ?.?. Ball, S.A. Ball, C.C. Ball, D.C. Ball, and S.?. Ball, Plainfield Will Co. [IL]...

1854 (Aug 8?): Letter from Catherine Ball, Lockport Will Co. IL, to Zachariah C. Ball, [OR], regarding the death of Zachariah’s father on 28 Jul 1854...

1884 (6 Aug): [diseases, wounds, or injuries treated during the 5 years preceding enlistment...]”Nothing at all. I wasn’t sick at all. I was living with my mother, my father was dead, died of the cholera, also my sister, this was the time the cholera was so bad.” [brothers and sisters living...] “John lives in Lockport, Will Co., Ill, Zachariah lives in Canonville, Oregon, Samuel E. is dead died 4 years ago in Havanna, Ill, died of sunstroke, Francis Bacchus, my sister lives in Hannibal, Mo. Lucy Brewer, also sister lives in Enfield, N.H. My other sister Christiana Ball died of cholera.” [Deposition of David C. Ball, David C. Ball Civil War pension file].

1910 (2 Jun): MO Death Cert.: Mary F. Backus... born 5 Jan 1830 Albany NY... father Samuel Ball born NY, mother maiden Catharine Ball born NY, informant L.R. Backus Cape Girardeau MO...

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Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Anna ? GRAY (1780-1850)

[Maiden name unknown]

1810: ?

1820: Joseph Gray, M:51121-, F:2211-, (3) persons engaged in agriculture. Blacksburg Twp., Montgomery Co., VA, M33_130, p.174.

1830: Joseph Gray Sr., M:-113---1, F:-11-2--1-1. Unknown Twp., Montgomery Co., VA, M19_198, p.67.

1831 (15 Jan): Floyd Co. formed from Montgomery Co.

1840: Joseph Gray Sr., M:--212---1, F:---2----1, (2) persons in agriculture, (2) persons in manufactures and trades. Unknown Twp., Floyd Co., VA, M704_556, p.171.

1850: Census mortality schedule, unk. twp., Floyd Co., VA, age 69, d. Jan 1850 (cause unknown), b. NJ.

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Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Joseph GRAY Sr. (1779-abt1863)

1810: ?

1820: Joseph Gray, M:51121-, F:2211-, (3) persons engaged in agriculture. Blacksburg Twp., Montgomery Co., VA, M33_130, p.174.

1825 m. William Gray & Elizabeth Thrash, Montgomery Co., VA: Bond dated 6 Dec 1825, signed by William Gray, Joseph Gray [appears to me to be the signature of Joseph Gray Sr.], and John Thrash. Marriage Bond page in Register of Marriages [Book A p.198] shows no additional information. Ministers Return page in Register of Marriages [Book A p.376] shows date of marriage to be ?9 [copy is cut off on the left margin, right before the "9"] Dec 1825, minister is Peter Howard. [Other sources show this date to be 29 Dec 1825].

1826: m. John Terry & Clarrissa Gray, Montgomery Co., VA: Bond dated 6 Jun 1826, states Clarrissa d/o Joseph Gray Sr., signed by John Terry, Joseph Gray Jr. [his mark], and Joseph Gray [Sr]. Joseph Gray Jr. made oath that John Terry is above 21. Marriage Bond page in Register of Marriages [Book A p.202] shows no additional information. Ministers Return page in Register of Marriages [Book A p.378] shows date of marriage ["Clarrassa" Gray] to be 29 Mar 1826 [!?], minister is blank in the row, but the marriage appears to be in a section of marriages by Peter Howard.

1830: Joseph Gray Sr., M:-113---1, F:-11-2--1-1. Unknown Twp., Montgomery Co., VA, M19_198, p.67.

1830: GRAY, James H. & Wilson, Rhoda; (d/o Peter Wilson); 6 Nov 1830 (MB) ["Marriages in the New River Valley, Virginia: Montgomery, Floyd, Pulaski, and Giles Counties" conpiled and edited by Therese A. Fisher, 1991, Heritage Books, Inc]. Montgomery Co., VA: Bond dated 6 Nov 1830, states Rhoda is d/o Peter. Signed by James H. Gray, Joseph Gray [appears to be the signature of Joseph Gray Sr.], and Peter Wilson. Marriage Bond page in Register of Marriages [Book A p.225] shows no additional information.

1831 (15 Jan): Floyd Co. formed from Montgomery Co.

1840: Joseph Gray Sr., M:--212---1, F:---2----1, (2) persons in agriculture, (2) persons in manufactures and trades. Unknown Twp., Floyd Co., VA, M704_556, p.171.

1845 (9 Sep): Randolph Wilson & Jackson Gray, $150 bond dated 9 Sep 1845?, marriage intended between Randolph Wilson and Ann Gray daughter of Joseph Gray Sr. of Floyd Co. Signed by Randolph Wilson and Jackson Gray.

1850: Joseph Gray Sr., age 71, farmer, $2500, b. PA, Western Dist. No. 15, Floyd Co., VA, p. 392B. also Randolph Wilson 27 farmer 250 b. Floyd, Joseph H. Wilson 2 b. Floyd, Ann Wilson 30 b. Floyd, A.N. Light 13 b. Floyd, Margaret Newman 20 b. Montgomery, Peter Gray 16 b. Franklin.

1851: “By virtue of a license issued from the Clerk’s Office of Floyd County Court, I celebrated the rites of Marriage between Joseph Gray and Nancy Walton on the 13 day of May in accordance with the rules and usages of the Baptist Church. Given under my hand this 17th day of July 1851, George M. ????, Minister.”

1854 (1 Feb): Land Office Patents & Grants/Northern Neck Grants & Surveys : CATALOG CARD
MULTIMEDIA Grant
GRANTEE Gray, Joseph, Sr. grantee.
NOTE Location: Floyd County.
NOTE Description: 3 1/2 acres on waters of Little River.
NOTE Source: Land Office Grants No. 109, 1853-1854, p. 427 (Reel 175).
NOTE Part of the index to the recorded copies of grants issued by the Virginia Land Office. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia.
OTHER FORMAT Available on microfilm. Virginia State Land Office. Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office. Grants 125- , reels 369-.
VTLS Web Gateway - Copyright (c) 1998, VTLS, Inc.
http://eagle.vsla.edu/lonn/

1860: 479 451 GRAY: Joseph Sr. 81 miller formerly $4000 $210 VA; Nancy G. 47 VA; Nancy A. 7 VA. WALTON: Elizabeth 28 VA. Little River PO, Floyd Co., VA, p.500.

1863 (29 Dec): Will signed, Floyd Co., VA.

1864 (Oct): Will proved, Floyd Co., VA.

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Elizabeth VAN HORN BEEBE (1804-1839)

“Van Horne and Hedrick - William Van Horn of Whitehouse, Hunterdon Co., New jersey, anxious to set up his sons on their own land, travelled to Upper Canada in 1787 and after a number of trips, received a grant of land in Pelham Township (Niagara) in 1796; William then disappeared without a trace, the possible victim of an epidemic. His sons, Abraham, b. 1776, and John, b. 1780 also came to Upper Canada in 1800; in 1801, Abraham and his father-in-law John frederick Hedrick received the patents for lot 33 and lot 32, conc. 3. John Hedrick sold lot 32 early on; lot 33 was sold in 1834 to Christian Heise and Abraham Van Horn, and Hedrick then acquired lot 9, conc. 2, the south half of which went in 1831 to David Cohn who had married Lucy Hedrick, the north half in 1832 to Frederick Van Horn. lots 9, 10, 11 and 12 were in the possession of these two families for the better part of the century. In 1800, Abraham Van Horn had married Elizabeth Hedrick, b. 1784. Their family were: Frederick, b. 1801, married Jerusha Chapman; William, b. 1802 (1812?), d. 1867 unmarried; Elizabeth, 1804-38, married William Beebe who became a noted Blacksmith and toolmaker in Sparta; John, b. 1806-07, married Margaret Leys in 1830 and Sarah Ann Matthews in 1852; Lucy, 1809-52, married Thomas Boden; James, b. 1810 (1816?); Abraham, 1811-95, married Amelia (Mary Ann?) Whitney; Sarah, 1813-59, married Jacob Size, a carpenter of Unionville; Juliana (Nancy), b. 1815, married David Watson; George, 1817-54, married Mary Ann Stiver, b. 1808, and farmed part of lot 10, conc. 2; Margaret, b. 1818, married William Chapman and farmed lot 12, conc. 2; Peter, b. 1821, married Mary Jane (Anne?) Marwood and farmed part of lot 10 conc. 2; Susannah, 1824-97, married Henry Hooper - of nine sons and two daughters, all but son George and one daughter went to the United States; Phoebe, 1826-86, married William Tomlinson, 1819-1889, son of Jonathan Tomlinson. John Van Horne, b. 1780, married Mary, a sister of Elizabeth Hedrick, and lived in Markham for a time and then acquired land in Georgina (lot 8, conc. 4); but his father-in-law Hedrick persuaded them to come to his property in Pickering, lot 35, conc. 1, which was patented to him in 1818 and remained in Van Horne hands until 1916. John Hedrick’s third daughter, Lucy, married David Cohn and farmed lot 9, conc. 3. There was a son, Christian Hedrick, b. 1792.” ["Markham 1793-1900" researched and written by the Committee for the History of Markham Township, edited by Isabel Champion, published by Markham Historical Society. (Ontario, Canada).]

Elmwood Cem., Markham, Ontario, Canada:
“In
memory of
Elizabeth
Beloved Wife of
W.E. Beebe
who died
Nov. 8 1839
aged 34 yrs
Her end was peace”

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William Ellis BEEBE (1801-1876)

“Celebrated his 89th Birthday. Reminiscences of Mr. S. L. Beebe our Oldest Resident. Mr. Silas Beebe the oldest inhabitant of Markham village, the oldest Methodist, and the oldest native born resident of Markham township celebrated his 89th birthday on Wednesday the 22nd... Mr. Beebe was born in Markham township in 1822, and with his parents moved into Reesorville, now Markham village, in 1826... There were no churches in the village when Mr. Beebe came here, and no school house, but there was lots of whiskey... ” [Markham Economist, Thu 23 Mar 1911].

1823: William BEBEE, Betsey VANHORN - Markham, Feb 11 1823, B - Frederick Vanhorn, Agnist Tanholder (WJ) [Index to Early Marriages in the Home District 1800-1850, copy from Markham Museum]. [NOTE: Markham Museum report indicates that the “WJ” reference in this index, which was prepared by the Museum, refers to the marriage registers of Rev. William Jenkins, Richmond Hill Presbyterian, which are available on microfilm at AO and elsewhere].

1833 [grantee] & 1845, 1846, 1849 [grantor] - See entries in Abstract Index of Deeds for Lot 6 Con 9 Markham Twp.

1837: Beeby William 9 6 Markham [Surname Given Name Concession & Lot # Township. 1837 City of Toronto and the Home District Commercial Directory].

1839: Wm Ellis BEBEE (Markham), Sarah CLOSSON (Scarboro) - Dec 19 1839, L - John & Stephen Closson II-100 (34) [Index to Early Marriages in the Home District 1800-1850, copy from Markham Museum]. [NOTE: A copy of the original record should be found in the Home District Marriage Registers, available on microfilm at AO].

"SPARTA (BOX GROVE). A map of 1850 by George W. Phillips shows... William Beebe, a blacksmith, on lot 6W1/2, conc. 9,... and William Beebe's blacksmith shop stood on the north-east corner. William Beebe was earlier in the Buttonville area, and likely came here with the Tomlinsons, as in the 1830s they were both on lot 11, conc. 4. Mr. Beebe was a fine toolmaker, stamping his products with his name. His family, son Silas, and grandson Byron, were also noted blacksmiths. William Beebe was buried in Elmwood cemetery, Markham. the last blacksmith on this location was Frank Mann." ["Markham 1793-1900" researched and written by the Committee for the History of Markham Township, edited by Isabel Champion, published by Markham Historical Society. (Ontario, Canada).]

1850-51: Beebe William E. Con 9 Lot 6 [Extract from Roswell’s Directory of Toronto and County of York for Year 1850-51, by Henry Roswell., Township of Markham. Note there is no “V” in the entry, which would denote that the party lives in the Village of Markham].

1851 census: log house 1-1/2 stories, 1 family. BEEBE: Wm E, 52 , b.US, religion-EM; Sarah, 39, b.Canada; 8 children, names hard to read, Wm 21, Lucy Ann 18, Mary Jane 16, ???? 12(?), Nancy 11, Geo 9, Lorenzo 4, and Sophia maria (?) 2. [p.281, 1851 Census, Markham Twp., York Co., Dist 5, Wards 3 & 5, C-11759, (con. 5, L 7)] [alt. source: Markham, Ontario Census Indexes 1851-1881, compiled by Louise I. Hope].

1861 census: Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario, Canada, div [ED#] 15, pg 151, NAC#C-1088, LDS#0390222. BEEBE William E. male 60 married, born United S., religion E.M., occupation black smith; Sarah female 48 married born U. Canada, religion E.M.; Paulina F 20 S U Canada E.M.; Nancy F 19 S U. Canada E.M.; Lydia F 8 S U. Canada E.M.; George M 17 S U. Canada E.M. black smith; Lorenzo M 13 S U. Canada E.M; Joseph MALAY blacksmith b.Ireland religion EnglishC age 24 black smith. 1-story, 1-family, frame house. Bounded on North by line between lots 10 & 11, south by Scarborogh, east by Pickering. Lots from 1 to 10 in 9, 10, & 11 Con inclusive (?). 50 acres, edge tool making, $4000 capital invested in business, raw materials one ton iron & 200 lb stock value $200, 1 hand employed $8/mo cost, annual product 200 axes value $400, shop on lot no. 6 in 9 Con.

1866: York & Peel directory, William, blacksmith, lot 6 con 9 Markham.

1871: BEEBE: Wm Ellis 70 b.U.States EpisMethod origi German [something crossed out] blacksmith married; Sarah 58 b.Ontario origin [unreadable] married; Nancy 27 school teacher; George 22; Lydia 20; CLOSSON Lenora (?) female 17origin [unreadable; Canadian crossed out]. Industrial Establishments: Edge Tool Shop proprietor William E. BEEBE, $200 fixed capital, $200 floating capital, 12 working mos/yr, 2 avg people employed, $750 aggregate yearly wages, moving power - hand, raw materials - iron & steel coal [unreadable] aggregate value $200, Products - Axes & carpenter tools pump tools etc aggregate value $1500 [1871 census p.48 Div 45D5, C-9969, Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario]. Real Estate & Vehicles [all blank]. Cultivated Land: range/concession 9 lot 6, Owner, 8 total acres occupied, 6 acres in pasture, 2 acres gardens/orchards. Produce: 30 bushels potatoes. Plants/Fruits/Other: 50 bushels apples. Livestock: 1 horse over 3 years, 1 colt/filly, 1 milch cows, 2 other horned cattle, 3 swine, 2 hives of bees. Animal Products: 17 swine killed or sold for slaughter or export, [200 pounds of butter, crossed out]. Industrial stablishments: [all blank]. Forest Products: 60 census standard pine logs, 20 cords firewood. [RMB transcription of Agricultural census]. BEEBE , WM ELLIS, Sex: Male, Age: 70, Birthplace: UNITED STATES, Religion: Episcopal Methodist/Methodist Episcopal, Origin: GERMAN, Occupation: BLACKSMITH [Federal Census of 1871 (Ontario Index), District: YORK EAST ( 045 ), Sub-district: Markham ( D ), Division: 5, Page: 48, Microfilm reel: C-9969, Reference: RG31 — Statistics Canada]. Beebe Wm Ellis, 70, b.US, religion-EM, Sarah, 58, b.Ontario, p.183/5 [Markham, Ontario Census Indexes 1851-1881, compiled by Louise I. Hope].

1876: Elmwood Cem., Markham, Ontario, Canada:
“IN
MEMORY OF
WILm E. BEEBE
WHO DIED
MARCH 31, 1876
AGED 74 YRs 11 MO
& 22 Days”

“Van Horne and Hedrick - William Van Horn of Whitehouse, Hunterdon Co., New jersey, anxious to set up his sons on their own land, travelled to Upper Canada in 1787 and after a number of trips, received a grant of land in Pelham Township (Niagara) in 1796; William then disappeared without a trace, the possible victim of an epidemic. His sons, Abraham, b. 1776, and John, b. 1780 also came to Upper Canada in 1800; in 1801, Abraham and his father-in-law John frederick Hedrick received the patents for lot 33 and lot 32, conc. 3. John Hedrick sold lot 32 early on; lot 33 was sold in 1834 to Christian Heise and Abraham Van Horn, and Hedrick then acquired lot 9, conc. 2, the south half of which went in 1831 to David Cohn who had married Lucy Hedrick, the north half in 1832 to Frederick Van Horn. lots 9, 10, 11 and 12 were in the possession of these two families for the better part of the century. In 1800, Abraham Van Horn had married Elizabeth Hedrick, b. 1784. Their family were: Frederick, b. 1801, married Jerusha Chapman; William, b. 1802 (1812?), d. 1867 unmarried; Elizabeth, 1804-38, married William Beebe who became a noted Blacksmith and toolmaker in Sparta; John, b. 1806-07, married Margaret Leys in 1830 and Sarah Ann Matthews in 1852; Lucy, 1809-52, married Thomas Boden; James, b. 1810 (1816?); Abraham, 1811-95, married Amelia (Mary Ann?) Whitney; Sarah, 1813-59, married Jacob Size, a carpenter of Unionville; Juliana (Nancy), b. 1815, married David Watson; George, 1817-54, married Mary Ann Stiver, b. 1808, and farmed part of lot 10, conc. 2; Margaret, b. 1818, married William Chapman and farmed lot 12, conc. 2; Peter, b. 1821, married Mary Jane (Anne?) Marwood and farmed part of lot 10 conc. 2; Susannah, 1824-97, married Henry Hooper - of nine sons and two daughters, all but son George and one daughter went to the United States; Phoebe, 1826-86, married William Tomlinson, 1819-1889, son of Jonathan Tomlinson. John Van Horne, b. 1780, married Mary, a sister of Elizabeth Hedrick, and lived in Markham for a time and then acquired land in Georgina (lot 8, conc. 4); but his father-in-law Hedrick persuaded them to come to his property in Pickering, lot 35, conc. 1, which was patented to him in 1818 and remained in Van Horne hands until 1916. John Hedrick’s third daughter, Lucy, married David Cohn and farmed lot 9, conc. 3. There was a son, Christian Hedrick, b. 1792.” ["Markham 1793-1900" researched and written by the Committee for the History of Markham Township, edited by Isabel Champion, published by Markham Historical Society. (Ontario, Canada).]

More information on this family is at: 

Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Marion MURRAY SPEARS (1790-aft1861)

1790: John Murray in Woodhead and Janet Douglas his spouse their daughter Marrion born May 31st and baptd. June 6th 1790. [OPR for Lauder, Ref 748/2, Frame 336]. [Note: Woodhead and Clickhimin are both in Lauder parish.]

1812: Alexander Speirs in this parish and Marion Murray in the parish of Lauder gave in their names for proclamation Decr 5 1812, were proclaimed once the 6th and twice the 13th. No objections being offered were married. [OPR for Crichton, Ref 681/2, Frame 468].

Excellent 19th-century maps of most of the parishes and towns in Scotland are available here. Click on the "County Gazetteer" link in the 2nd paragraph on the main page.

1828 (1 Apr): Alexander Spears, Cowfeeder, Leith, Seised April 1 1828 in a piece of ground and buildings thereon at the Yardheads of Leith; - on Feu Con. between him and Alexander Grant, Wright & Builder, Leith. Mar 29 1828. [Ref - P.R.1201 130 (Abridgements to the Sasines)]. [Scan of complete record is available].

1829 (aft 7 Dec): Marion, recently widowed, married John Dunn. "7th December 1829. John Dunn, Clerk, Residing in No. (blank) Yardheads Leith and Marion Murray also Residing in Same place, both in this Parish, Daughter of the late John Murray, Farmer at Clickhimin in the parish of Lauder, have been three times proclaimed in order to Marriage in the Parish Church of St Cuthberts and no objections have been offered." [OPR for St Cuthberts, Ref 685.2/41, Frame 922].

The date of death for Alexander Spears is unknown, but falls somewhere between his land purchase 1 Apr 1828 and his widow's remarriage aft 7 Dec 1829.

1831: Mr John Dunn Writer, Leith & Marion Murray his spouse have recorded for Baptism a lawful son born 31st January 1831and baptized 23rd February 1831and named Thomas. [OPR for South Leith, Ref 692.2/21, Frame 5219].

1832 (25 Jan): Marion's oldest son, Adam Spears, residing at Leith Mount near North Leith, as heir to Alexander Spears, Cowfeeder, Leith, his father, Seised Jan 25 1832, in a piece of ground with the building and erections thereon at the Yardheads of Leith; - on Pr.Cl.Con. By William Moffat, Wright, Leith & Alexander Brash, Grocer there. Jan19 1832. [Ref P.R.1332.179 (Abridgements to the Sasines)]. [Scan of complete record is available].

1832: Mr John Dunn Writer Edinburgh and Marion Murray his spouse have recorded for baptism a lawful daughter born on the 1st August 1832 and baptized the (blank) and named Mary Bell. [OPR for South Leith, Ref 692.2/21, Frame 5238].

A very detailed ca. 1850 map of Edinburgh is available here. Leith Mount, owned by the Chalmers family, can be found in the 3rd section down in the left column (bottom center of the section). The Yardheads of Leith can be found in the 4th section down in the left column (upper right side of the section).

1834 (13 May): Marion's oldest son Adam arrived in New York with other Spears relatives on the ship Roger Stewart [probably]. Port of Departure Greenock. Place of origin Scotland. [M237_22, list#275].

1835 (Dec 23): "Adam Spears, lawful son of Alexander Spears and Marion Murray, was born at Faladam on the 12th February 1814 and baptised... 11th March 1814."

1837 (20 Aug): Marion's husband, John Dunn, and her son, Robert Spears, wrote a letter from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Marion's oldest son Adam, who had settled in Whitby, Ontario, Canada.

1838 (17 May): Marion's sons Robert and John arrived in New York on the ship New York. Port of Departure Greenock. Place of origin Scotland. Traveling with Robert and John are Robert's new bride Elizabeth, and John's wife Margaret and their daughter Christina (age 3) [M237_36, list#221].

1841:
Name Age Occupation Born in County?
John Dunn 32 Solicitor at Law Yes
Mrs. Marion Dunn 50 No
Thomas Dunn 10 Yes
Alexr Spears 19 Journeyman Wright Yes
James Spears 15 Clothier's Apprentice Yes
Isabella Murray 19 Female Servant No
[Census Year 1841, Parish High Church, Edinburgh, Ref.685.1, Enum Book 77, Page 2, Address - 429 Lawnmarket].
[Note: scans of birth records for Thomas Dunn and Mary Bell Dunn are available].

The census indicates that Marion was born about 1791, outside of the county [of Midlothian]. The record of her marriage to John Dunn indicates that her father, John, was a farmer in Clickhimin in Lauder parish [Berwickshire], and died before 1829. The record of Marion's marriage to Alexander Spears provides the additional information that she was residing in Lauder in 1812. Alexander and Marion's second son, traditionally named after the mother's father in Scotland, was named John, lending additional support to John as Marion's father's name. These facts support the 1790 birth cited above as being the right Marion. Perhaps further research on the Isabella Murray living with Marion and John Dunn in 1841 could lead to more clues, she's quite possibly a niece or cousin. There is also an Alex Murray who witnessed the 1835 delayed record of the 1814 birth of Adam Spears.

1851: DUNN:
Marion head [condition illegible] 60 annuitant b. Berwickshire, Lauder
Mary daughter [condition unmarried] 18 dressmaker b. Midlothian, Edinburgh
Kirkgate street, South Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland, [http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk, C1851_692_02_021_000_2_001Z.TIF]

1861 census 274 page 005 line 08
@ca.on.ontario_county.pickering_township film C1057 lds0349303
8 SHARARRD Ruth f 54 Ont Baptist
9 WIXSON Matilda f 11 Ont Baptist
10 DUNN Marion f 71 Scotland UPresb [mother of Thomas Dunn]
11 DUNN Mary f 27 Scotland UPresb [sister of Thomas Dunn]
12 DUNN Mary B. f 2 Ont UPresb [d/o Thomas Dunn & Mary Bruce]
13 DUNN Mary J. f 24 Scotland UPresb dress_maker [Mary Bruce]
Pickering in OGSPI 1851-61-71-81-91 by OGS Whitby-Oshawa Branch
[http://www.ogs.on.ca/ogspi/6/o2740000.htm]

More information on this family is at: 

Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Alexander SPEARS (1785-abt1829)

1785: Spears Adam Tenant in Cribs had a son baptized on the 27th March named Alexr. [OPR for Legerwood, Ref 749/1, Frame 130].

1812: Alexander Speirs in this parish and Marion Murray in the parish of Lauder gave in their names for proclamation Decr 5 1812, were proclaimed once the 6th and twice the 13th. No objections being offered were married. [OPR for Crichton, Ref 681/2, Frame 468].

1828 (29 May): Alexander Spears, Cowfeeder, Leith, Seised April 1 1828– in a piece of ground and Buildings thereon at the Yardheads of Leith; - on Feu Con. Between him and Alexander Grant, Wright & Builder, Leith. Mar 29 1828. [Ref - P.R.1201 130 (Abridgements to the Sasines)]

1832 (1 Feb): Adam Spears residing at Leith Mount near North Leith, as heir to Alexander Spears, Cowfeeder, Leith, his father, Seised Jan 25 1832 – in a piece of ground with the Building and Erections thereon at the Yardheads of Leith; - on Pr.Cl.Con. By William Moffat, Wright, Leith & Alexander Brash, Grocer there. Jan19 1832. [Ref P.R.1332.179 (Abridgements to the Sasines)]

1835 (Dec 23): "Adam Spears, lawful son of Alexander Spears and Marion Murray, was born at Faladam on the 12th February 1814 and baptised... 11th March 1814."

More information on this family is at: 

Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

1837 Letter from John DUNN and Robert SPEARS to Adam SPEARS

Copy of a letter from John Dunn and Robert Spears, to Adam Spears. Transcription of the letter is in bold, comments are in italics. The original letter is in the Whitby Archives in Whitby, Ontario, Canada.

"Adam Spears, Care of Mr. Robert Spears, Farmer, No. 34, 3rd Concession - Whitby, Upper Camada"

"immediate"

"Received 4th Nov."

Ontario was known as Upper Canada from 10 Jun 1791 - 10 Feb 1841.

The letter is from John Dunn and Robert Spears in Edinburgh, Scotland. Marion Murray first married Alexander Spears in 1812 and they had Adam, John, Robert, Alexander, and James. Marion remarried in 1829 to John Dunn after Alexander Spears died, so John Dunn is the step-father of Robert Spears and Adam Spears (and also of their brothers John, Alexander, and James). Robert Spears is the middle brother, 17 years old when the letter is written. The letter is written just over seven months before Robert married Elizabeth Blackie, and is addressed to Adam Spears in care of Mr. Robert Spears. Adam is the oldest brother, 23 years old when the letter is written. Mr. Robert Spears is an uncle, the younger brother of Alexander Spears.

"Edinb. 20 August, 1837

Dear Adam:

We had all much pleasure in the receipt of your letter and not the least cause of that pleasure was the intelligence of your marriage to Euphemia. Believe me that we all most cordially join in sincerest wishes for your happinees and prosperity. I confess that you had much cause to be uneasy at our long continued silence."

The above passage seems to hint at concerns over Adam marrying his first cousin, Euphemia Spears, who is the daughter of Adam's Uncle Robert Spears, to whose care the letter was sent.

"I am afraid that as I have no apology to offer to excuse the neglect it would be best not to attempt making one. I am glad you are so far independent as to be able to call the ground you live on your own and that you are free of Debt. This, in itself is to be rich, to be happy you only have to be contented. That you may be both is the sincere wish of my heart. When you talk of your log house amid the wilds of America and the rustic furniture of your own framing, I admit that our English notions of comfort are somewhat disappointed. But I know and have cause to know that the comforts of life do not so much depend on external causes and outward coneniences, but in the frame of mind which limits its desires to the necessities of nature, and depends for comfort on itself and the proper regulation of its will and desires. You have adopted a Country which promises to rise to the highest in the scale of Nations, and you have adopted it at a period of life when it is easy to habituate yourself to its usages and habits. By industry and perserverance you may lay a broad and lasting basis for future independence, if not for yourself personally, at least for the posterity with which I hope your union will be blest. And altho' this may appear to be an object too distance to excite your emulation, it is one nevertheless which every well regulated mind will acknowledge to be possessed of much weight and entitled to your important consideration.

With regard to our own concerns I can state that..."

"...we are all of us in the enjoyment of good health. I may expect however, my Father who has been rather complaining and I am afraid that he is not likely to stand out long against his complaint as he has had now several attacks of it. It is an inflamation of the lungs or wind pipe. Robert is to write you at the end of this sheet and will explain his new concerns and prospects. Alexander is with a Wright at Juniper Green and is doing well. "

Alexander is the fourth brother, 15 years old when the letter is written. Juniper Green was a village a few miles west of Edinburgh, next to Colinton. Alexander is still living in Edinburgh with his mother and step-father in the 1841 census, listed as age 19 and a Journeyman Wright.

"James is not at School and is on the eve of going into business so soon as a master casts up for him."

James is the youngest brother, 11 years old when the letter is written. James is still living in Edinburgh with his mother and step-father in the 1841 census, listed as age 15 and a Clothier's apprentice.

"Tom and Mary are at School, but this is their vacation time & Ian is living with his Grandfather."

Tom and Mary Bell are two children of John Dunn and Marion Murray. It is not known who Ian is, perhaps another child of John Dunn and Marion Murray or a child of John Dunn from a previous marriage. Ian's grandfather is not Marion Murray's father, as he died before 1829, so would then perhaps be either John Dunn's sick father or the father of a prior wife of John Dunn.

"Robert sent a copy of your Letter to John who with Margaret are at present in Dunbar where John is working as a cooper with a Mr. Dicksin a fish curer. We have a letter from him and Margaret which desires us to remember him and Margaret kindly to you and your spouse. He tells one also to inform you that the cause of his leaving the Mount was "that the World went against him," which was certainly in some sense the case. I think he will do better as a Servant than a Master. Since his leaving the Mount and about five months ago, old Mr. Henderson died and John & Margaret would get about L100 which ought to be a great help to them. By this time you will have got Margaret's letter, for she wrote to you, and you will also get news of Euphemia's Grandmother's death."

John is the second brother, age 21 when the letter was written. He married Margaret Henderson in Edinburgh in 1834. It is not known what the reference to "the Mount" means. There is a reference to "the Mount" in Robert Spears' letter, but that seems to be in Canada. Perhaps John had been in Canada and returned to Scotland. Mr. Henderson is Margaret's father, Richard Henderson. Euphemia's grandmother is more likely to refer to her Ainsley grandmother than to Alexander Spears' mother, Isobel Lockie.

"Business here is very dull in consequence to the money panic which spread itself from America to this Country -- but things are rather improving. My own business is keeping stationary but a great want of money from the difficulty of getting to accounts. As I have left the other page for Robert I must now take my leave of you with telling you that your mother is quite well and delighted with your union, & joins me in wishing every blessing to you & Euphemia & to your Uncle & Aunt & Cousins. I am Dear [?] am Yours very truly,

John Dunn"

"Dear Brother:

I now sit down to write to you a few lines to let you know that I am quite well and is liking my Trade very well. You write that you would like to see some of us come to America. I am thinking of coming out this spring if I can get the money to carry me there. But I would like for you to write first how I might do in America and how Trade is and also if you would ascertain what wages I would get, for I would not like to come out and not be able to work for myself, but I think there is no fears in that as I am taking up my Trade very well. I will be able to tell you in our next Letter, "which we will not write till you write us." wheather I am coming or not."

Robert was a cabinet maker and married Elizabeth Blackie in April of the following year (1838). They emigrated through the port at Greenock, Scotland, arriving on the ship "New York" into New York City on 17 May 1838. They were traveling with Robert's brother John, his wife Margaret, and their child Christina. Robert & Elizabeth's first child, Helen, was born in Ontario about 1839.

"John mentioned there is nothing will stop him from coming out when he gets Margaret's consent, but she will not give her consent to go. You are also to write how he might do there. Christina is quite well and is keeping her health. James Henderson has got married about 10 months ago. He & his wife are both well."

Brother John is apparently anxious to emigrate. There doesn't seem to be any hint here that John had previously been in Canada, so the references to "the Mount" are even more curious. Christina is a daughter of John and Margaret. James Henderson is likely a brother to Margaret.

"Thomas Murray is with a Gentleman in Collington, about 5 miles west of Edin'r. I have not seen him to tell him of your Letter, but he is always talking of coming to America."

Thomas Murray is likely a cousin (a nephew of Marion Murray), possibly an uncle. "Collington" (Colinton) is a village west of Edinburgh.

"I went down to Mr. Wallace to tell him of your welfare. He is also happy to hear of you doing so well. The reason he did not come to America was that he heard so many reports coming from it and he was afraid to venture. He is always in Bonnington and is doing quite well. He expects a Letter from you soon and to let him hear how you are coming on with the Mount. Mr. Pentland has his kind compliments to you."

Probably friends or neighbors in Scotland.

"There is none of us had an opportunity of seeing Aunt Betsy of Loanhead but my mother saw Aunt Bell and she told her Aunt Betsy had received Uncle's Letter and has sent another to him, since he will likely have gotten by this time. I may mention Uncle Stevenson's death if he has not received the Letter. Mr. & Mrs. Patterson is quite well and she has gotten another little one. We had a visit from Aunt Betty from Fife this week. Their family is quite well and James is always in London yet."

Unknown whether these aunts and uncles are on the Spears side or Murray side. Robert and Adam's father Alexander had sisters named Elizabeth and Isobel (and Helen, Margaret, and Mary), and Marion Murray had an older sister Elizabeth. Loanhead is a mining village in Midlothian, a few miles south of Edinburgh. The Pattersons are probably friends or neighbors in Scotland.

"Give my compliments to Euphemia, to Uncle, Aunt & cousins. I now come to close my few lines and my sincere wish is that the Lord be pleased to keep you both comfortable and agreeable together and that you may thrive and do well in the wild woods of America. I remain, Your affectionate Brother,

Robert Spears

P.S. You will receive the Scots thistle seed under the Seal..."

The significance of the Scots thistle seed under the seal is unknown.


"...We have heard no word from Uncle Richard since we had your Last Letter, except we heard that he was well, from a man that had come from Quebec."

There isn't an Uncle Richard known on the Spears side, so this is probably Marion Murray's younger brother Richard. No records have been found for Richard after his birth, but Marion's oldest brother John emigrated with his family to Quebec in the early-1830s.

More information on this family is at: 

Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Ann BENTLEY BALL (1824-1897)

? 1835: Ship: Louisa - London to New York
Arrival: 19 Jun 1835
BENTLEY, William 47 M farmer [b.~1887-8]
BENTLEY, Mary 47 F [b.~1887-8]
BENTLEY, John M 23 taylor? [b.~1811-2]
BENTLEY, Ma?? F 23 [b.~1811-2]
BENTLEY, Robert M 20 farmer [b.~1814-5]
BENTLEY, Joseph M 14 [b.~1822-3]
BENTLEY, James M 14 (17?) [b.~1822-3 (1819-1820?)
BENTLEY, Benjamin? M 13 [b.~1821-2]
BENTLEY, H???? F 10 [b.~1824-5]
[M237 roll 26 list#385]

? 1840: Ship: Montreal - London to New York
Arrival: 18 Aug 1840
BENTLEY, Wm 52 M farmer [b.~1887-8]
BENTLEY, Ann 15 F [b.~1824-5]
[M237 roll 43]

? 1840: BENTLEY, John: (1) M <5, (2) M 20-29, (1) M 30-39, (1) M 50-59, (1) F <5, (1) F 15-19, (1) F 20-29. Lockport Village, Niagara Co., NY, p. 82. 1840-44 (est.): m. Louis SHERMAN (prob. NY). 1844 (abt): Daughter Mary Lucinda Sherman b. NY. 1846 (abt): Daughter Charlotte Sherman b. NY. 1847-1856: Louis SHERMAN dies (prob. NY, poss. IL) ~ ~ AND/OR ~ ~ 1847-1853: Ann and Louis SHERMAN divorce? (prob. NY, poss. IL?). 1848 (May): Daughter Sylva Anna Sherman b. NY. 1848-1853: came from NY to IL. 1850: ?? 1853 (5 Mar): “John N. Ball being duly sworn deposes and says that he has arrived at the age of twenty one years and upwards and that Ann Sherman has arrived at the age of eighteen years & upwards and further says not. Sworn and subscribed before me this 5th day of March AD1853. “ Signed by John N. Ball. Affidavit of Age, record no. 01868, Will Co., IL. (5 Mar): Marriage License issued by Will Co., IL to Mr. John N. Ball and Miss Ann Sherman of Will Co., IL. (6 Mar): Marriage return to Will Co., IL, on the license document. Signed by Jacob R. DuPuy [?] J.P.

1856 (27 Dec): Affidavit of Age: “B.F. Bogardus being duly sworn deposes and says that his parents live in Pennsylvalia and that he has written to them that his intentions were to marry Mary L. Sherman that they have written to him and signified their willingness to his said marriage with Mary L. Sherman. Sworn and subscribed before me this 27 AD 1856” signed by clerk and Byron F. Bogardus. (27 Dec) Affidavit of Consent: “John N. Ball being duly sworn deposes and says that he is step father of Mary L. Sherman that her own father is dead and that his wife Anne Ball mother of said Mary L. Sherman has given her consent to the marriage of said Mary L. Sherman with B.F. Bogardus and he said John N. Ball has also given his consent to said marriage. Sworn and subscribed before me this 27 1856” signed by clerk and John N. Ball. (27 Dec): Will Co., IL, Marriage License: B.F. Bogardus and Miss Mary L. Sherman of Will Co. 1857 (1 Jan ): Marriage License Return: W.D. Clark, Minister of the Gospel, joined B.F. Bogardus with Miss Mary L. Sherman.

1860: Dwelling#281, family#239: BALL: John N. 35 M laborer day $- $25 NY; Ann 36 F England; Charlotte 14 F NY attended school; Sylva A. 12 NY; John E. 3 M IL; Christiany F. 1 F IL. Dwelling#282, family#240: BOGARDUS: Byron F. 24 M mason $350 $100 PA; Mary L. 16 F NY; Sarah A. 1 F IL; Emma A. 3/12 F IL. COOPER: David P. 30 M boatman $2000 $- PA. Town of Lockport, Lockport PO, Will Co., IL, p. 30.

1865: [No record in 1865 state census for Will Co.; No Mason Co. state census records are known to exist.]

1870: Geneva, Van Buren Co., MI, p. 364. BALL: John N. 50 M W farmer $900 $100 NY; Ann 45 F W keeping house England; J. Franklin 14 M W works on farm IL; Christiana 12 F W IL. BOGARDUS: Sarah A. 12 F W IL; Emma 10 F W IL; Franklin 8 M W IL; May C. 3(?) F W IL; Minnie J. 5 F W MI.

1879: Confirmations by the Rt. Rev. William E. McLaren, Bishop of the Diocese: p.18: "April 15th, 1879. Easter Tuesday... Mrs. Ball... By Rt. Rev. Wm. E. Mclaren, Bishop of the Diocese, Rev. John McKim, Deacon in Charge."

1879: Communicants June 1878 Rev. John McKim, Minister, Rev. S. Cowell. p.25: "May 4, 1879. Mrs. Ball, Removed October 1879..."

1879: Baptisms by the Rev. John McKim: p.12: "October 5th, 1879. Pearl Lillian and Cornelia Anthony, infants. Parents Edgar S. (?) and Sarah Ann Smith. Sponsors the Mother, Mrs. Ann Schell, Christina F. Ball, and Mrs. Ball. At Church."

1880: John BALL Self M Male W 54 NY Plastuer VT NY, Ann BALL Wife M Female W 55 ENG ENG ENG, John F. BALL Son S Male W 23 NY Labourer NY ENG, Jennie F. BALL Dau S Female W 21 IL NY ENG, M. C. BAGARDUS GDau S Female W 12 MI NY NY, Catherine BALL Mother W Female W 76 NY NY NY. Havana, Mason Co., IL

1882 (17 Oct): John N. Ball & Ann Ball witness marriage of daughter Chrstina Ball to John B. Gray in Peoria Co., IL.

1897: “Mrs. Ball, one of the oldest settlers in this vicinity, died at her home in Lockport last night, after having been ill for some time.” "Died. BALL: At her home on Division St. in this place, Friday evening, September 17, 1897, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Ann Ball, aged about seventy years. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon. Mrs Ball was one of the oldest residents of Lockport, and was a lady of blameless character. Her husband preceded her to the grave several years ago. Only one son survives, John F. Ball, of this place, with whom the mother had made her home for several years.”

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Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

John Nathaniel BALL (1826-1894)

1830: ?

1840: BALL: Samuel O.(?): (0) M <5 [David], (2) M 10-14 [John, Zachariah], (1) M 39-40 [Samuel], (2) F <5 [Christiana & Lucy], (1) F 5-9 [Mary], (1) F 30-39 [Catherine]. Palatine Twp., Montgomery Co., NY, M704_296, p. 360. Official enumeration date: 1 Jun 1840. ?: came from NY to IL. 1850: ? 1853 (5 Mar): “John N. Ball being duly sworn deposes and says that he has arrived at the age of twenty one years and upwards and that Ann Sherman has arrived at the age of eighteen years & upwards and further says not. Sworn and subscribed before me this 5th day of March AD1853. “ Signed by John N. Ball. Affidavit of Age, record no. 01868, Will Co., IL. (5 Mar): Marriage License issued by Will Co., IL to Mr. John N. Ball and Miss Ann Sherman of Will Co., IL. (6 Mar): Marriage return to Will Co., IL, on the license document. Signed by Jacob R. DuPuy [?] J.P.

1856: (27 Dec) Affidavit of Age: “B.F. Bogardus being duly sworn deposes and says that his parents live in Pennsylvalia and that he has written to them that his intentions were to marry Mary L. Sherman that they have written to him and signified their willingness to his said marriage with Mary L. Sherman. Sworn and subscribed before me this 27 AD 1856” signed by clerk and Byron F. Bogardus. (27 Dec) Affidavit of Consent: “John N. Ball being duly sworn deposes and says that he is step father of Mary L. Sherman that her own father is dead and that his wife Anne Ball mother of said Mary L. Sherman has given her consent to the marriage of said Mary L. Sherman with B.F. Bogardus and he said John N. Ball has also given his consent to said marriage. Sworn and subscribed before me this 27 1856” signed by clerk and John N. Ball. (27 Dec): Will Co., IL, Marriage License: B.F. Bogardus and Miss Mary L. Sherman of Will Co. 1857 (1 Jan ): Marriage License Return: W.D. Clark, Minister of the Gospel, joined B.F. Bogardus with Miss Mary L. Sherman.


1859: Ball John, soap maker, h E. of Madison n 14th. [1859-60 Will Co. Directory, Lockport Twp.]

1860: Town of Lockport, Lockport PO, Will Co., IL, p. 30, dwelling#281, family#239. BALL: John N. 35 M laborer day $- $25 NY; Ann 36 F England; Charlotte 14 F NY attended school; Sylva A. 12 NY; John E. 3 M IL; Christiany F. 1 F IL. Dwelling#282, family#240. BOGARDUS: Byron F. 24 M mason $350 $100 PA; Mary L. 16 F NY; Sarah A. 1 F IL; Emma A. 3/12 F IL. COOPER: David P. 30 M boatman $2000 $- PA.

1865: [No record in 1865 state census for Will Co.; No Mason Co. state census records are known to exist.]

1870: Geneva, Van Buren Co., MI, p. 364, dwelling#180, family#180. BALL: John N. 50 M W farmer $900 $100 NY; Ann 45 F W keeping house England; J. Franklin 14 M W works on farm IL; Christiana 12 F W IL. BOGARDUS: Sarah A. 12 F W IL; Emma 10 F W IL; Franklin 8 M W IL; May C. 3(?) F W IL; Minnie J. 5 F W MI.

1871 (21 Mar): Letter from Catherine Ball, Havana Mason Co. IL, to Zachariah C. Ball, [OR]... “John N ? South Haven Vanburen Co Michigan”

1875 (11 Dec): “...John N. Ball and J. Franklin Ball of Pontiac P.O., County of Livingston, State of Illinois...” [David C. Ball Civil War pension file].


1880: John BALL Self M Male W 54 NY Plastuer VT NY, Ann BALL Wife M Female W 55 ENG ENG ENG, John F. BALL Son S Male W 23 NY Labourer NY ENG, Jennie F. BALL Dau S Female W 21 IL NY ENG, M. C. BAGARDUS GDau S Female W 12 MI NY NY, Catherine BALL Mother W Female W 76 NY NY NY. Havana, Mason, Illinois.

1882 (17 Oct): John N. Ball & Ann (Bentley) Ball witness marriage of daughter Chrstina Ball to John B. Gray in Peoria Co., IL.

1884 (6 Aug): [diseases, wounds, or injuries treated during the 5 years preceding enlistment...]”Nothing at all. I wasn’t sick at all. I was living with my mother, my father was dead, died of the cholera, also my sister, this was the time the cholera was so bad.” [brothers and sisters living...] “John lives in Lockport, Will Co., Ill, Zachariah lives in Canonville, Oregon, Samuel E. is dead died 4 years ago in Havanna, Ill, died of sunstroke, Francis Bacchus, my sister lives in Hannibal, Mo. lucy Brewer, also sister lives in Enfield, N.H. My other sister Christiana Ball died of cholera.” [Deposition of David C. Ball, David C. Ball Civil War pension file].

1885 (20 Apr): Age 59, residence 2-1/2 mi. east of Lockport. About 5 feet 4 inches, 140 lbs. [David C. Ball Civil War Pension File].


1891 (23 Jan): John N. Ball, of Lockport, Will Co., IL, has known John B. Gray for ten years. [John B. Gray Civil War Pension File].


1894: Buried in Lockport Cemetery.

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Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Eliza Pride DEATON GRAY (1819-1891)

1820: Roanoke, Botetourt Co., VA. DEATON, Levi. (1) M <10 [?], (1) M 10-16 [?], (1) M 26-45 [Levi Jr.], (3) F <10 [Martha Ann & ? & ?], (1) F 26-45 [Elizabeth P.]. 1830: DEATON, Levi, Montgomery Co., VA. (1) M <5 [George], (1) M 5-10 [?], (1) M 10-15 [?], (1) M 20-30 [?], (1) M 40-50 [Levi Jr.], (2) F 5-10 [Ellen & ?], (1) F 10-15 [Eliza P.], (1) F 15-20 [Martha Ann], (1) F 40-50 [Elizabeth P.]. 1839: Marriage Bond, Japhanis Gray & Henry Jeter $150 7 Oct 1839, intended Eliza P. Deaton, witness R.D. Montague. Consent by Levi Deaton for Japanus Gray to marry his daughter Eliza P. Deaton, 5 Oct 1839, witnesses Henry Jeter and Enos Goodwin. [NOTE: Henry Jeter married Eliza Pride DEATON’s sister Martha Ann Deaton, and Enos Goodwin married Eliza Pride DEATON’s aunt Martha “Marthy” Mitchell].

1840: Japhanes Gray, (1) M 15-19 [?], (1) F 20-29, (1) person employed in manufactures and trades. Unknown Twp., Floyd Co., VA, M704_556, p.171.

1850: Eliza P. Gray, age 31, b. VA, McMinn Co., TN.

~1850-1860: Came to IL from TN. Eliza’s brother George moved from TN to IL ~1856-58.

1860: Eliza Gray, age 40, b. VA, Indian Creek Twp., p. 511, Morgan Co., IL.

1865: GREY: Eliza. Males: (2) 0-10, (2) 10-19, (2) 20-29. Females: (1) 0-10, (2) 10-19, (1) 20-29, (1) 40-49. 11 Total, 3 militia. $125.00 value of live stock. [1865 IL State Census, Jacksonville Precinct, Morgan Co., IL, p.130]. [Note: 4 DEATON families on the same page].

1870: Eliza Gray, age 50, b. VA, Jacksonville - Ward 4, p. 479, Morgan Co., IL.

1871: Grey Mrs. Eliza, (wid) res e end of Morton ave., Jacksonville, Morgan Co., IL.

1880: James V. GRAY Self S Male W 28 TN Farmer VA VA, Samuel GRAY Brother S Male W 16 IL Farmer VA VA, Eliza GRAY Mother W Female W 60 VA Keeping House VA VA. Pennsylvania Twp., Mason Co., IL.

1891: d. GRAY, ELIZA 06/25/1891 4 MI NW OF DECATUR 71 YR F 1 237 3086 MACON Co., IL.

1891: “Mrs. Gray, who has been ill for several weeks, died last night at her home northwest of the city.” [The Morning Herald-Despatch, Fri., June 26, 1891.]

1891: "Death of Mrs. Eliza Gray. Last night Mrs. Eliza Gray, aged 71 years and 9 months, died at her home four miles northwest of Decatur, the result of a complication of diseases. The deceased was a native of Virginia. A portion of her life was spent in Eastern Tennessee, the remainder in Illinois. Her husband died 20 years ago, leaving her with a family of ten children. A son and daughter died, and there are eight children who mourn her loss, three daughters and three sons living at the home place. The funeral will be held at the family residence to-morrrow at 9 a.m., services conducted by Rev. O. E. Torrey. Burial in Greenwood." [Daily Republican (Decatur IL), Friday Eve., June 26, 1891.]

1891: “Funeral of Mrs. Eliza Gray. The funeral of Mrs. Eliza Gray, who died Thursday night, will be held at the family residence, four miles northwest of the city this morning at 9 o’clock. Rev. C. E. Torrey will conduct the services. The burial will be at Greenwood.” [Decatur Morning Review, Sat., June 27, 1891.]

1891: "A Funeral. Mr and Mrs F J. Blame, of Decatur, attended the funeral of Mrs Eliza Gray at the residence northwest of the city yesterday. The services were conducted by Rev. C. E. Torrey. Mrs Gray's son, W. H Gray, arrived in Decatur yesterday from his home at Stella, Neb, just in time to meet the funeral procession as it reached Decatur. The burial was at Greenwood." [28 Jun 1891. Ancestry.com. Decatur Review (Decatur, Illinois) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006. Original data: Decatur Review. Decatur, IL, USA. Database created from microfilm copies of the newspaper.]

1891: "Death of Mrs. Eliza Gray. Last night Mrs. Eliza Gray, aged 71 years and 9 months, died at her home four miles northwest of Decatur, the result of a complication of diseases. The deceased was a native of Virginia. A portion of her life was spent in Eastern Tennessee, the remainder in Illinois. Her husband died 20 years ago, leaving her with a family of ten children. A son and daughter died, and there are eight children who mourn her loss, three daughters and three sons living at the home place." [Decatur Weekly Republican, Thu., July 2, 1891.]

“GRAY, Eliza Date 6-26-1891 Lot 119 Block 11 S 1/2
GRAY, James Date 9-12-1891 Lot 119 Block 11 S 1/2. Removal”
GRAY, Levi 6-12-1920 Lot 119 Block 11 S 1/2
GRAY, Levi 9-12-1891 Lot 119 Block 11 S 1/2. Removal”
[L. J. Gray, lot owner]

“Eliza Gray died June 25, 1891 aged 71y, 9m”

1934: “John B. Gray, oldest son of a family of 12 children... the last to pass to his reward.”

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Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Japhanis GRAY (1811-1865)

1820: Joseph Gray household, (5) M <10, Montgomery Co., VA. 1830: Joseph Gray Sr. household, (3) M age 15-<20, Montgomery Co., VA. 1831 (15 Jan): Floyd Co. formed from Montgomery Co. 1839: Marriage Bond, Japhanis Gray & Henry Jeter $150 7 Oct 1839, intended Eliza P. Deaton, witness R.D. Montague. Consent by Levi Deaton for Japanus Gray to marry his daughter Eliza P. Deaton, 5 Oct 1839, witnesses Henry Jeter and Enos Goodwin. [NOTE: Henry Jeter married Eliza Pride DEATON’s sister Martha Ann Deaton, and Enos Goodwin married Eliza Pride DEATON’s aunt Martha “Marthy” Mitchell].

1840: Japhanus [?] Gray, (1) M 15-19 [?], (1) F 20-29, (1) person employed in manufactures and trades. Unknown Twp., Floyd Co., VA, M704_556, p.171.

“The above named Joseph Gray had fourteen children (viz)... 5 Jay Fannes [Gray] (Moved to Tenn)...”

1850: J.P. Gray, age 37, b. VA, McMinn Co., TN.

~1850-1860: Came to IL from TN. Eliza’s brother George moved from TN to IL ~1856-58.

1860: J.P. Gray, age 47, b. VA, $1400 real estate, $250 personal, Indian Creek Twp., p. 511, Morgan Co., IL.

1863 (29 Dec): Joseph [Howard] Gray [Sr.] Will signed. Will proved Oct 1864. Lists “Jafannes” as heir. Floyd Co., VA.

1865: (5 Mar) Japhana P. Gray d. intestate Morgan Co., IL. Administrator Levi Gray. REGISTER OF DECEDENTS WHO DIED INTESTATE 1863 - 1870, From [Morgan Co., IL] Administrators Bond Book Abstracted by Florence Hutchison and Joyce Mullens.

1865 (6 Mar): Japhanas P. Gray, Anderson Funeral Home Coffin Book Jan. 1850 - Oct 1854 & Jan. 1864 - July 1865, Jacksonville, Morgan Co., IL.

1865 (14 Mar): Administrator’s Notice...

1865: Eliza is head of household in the 1865 IL State Census.

“Japhanis Gray died Mar. 5, 1865 aged 53 y, 8 m, 4d”

“James Phonis Gray b. 1 Jul 1811 m. 9 Oct 1839”

1934: “John B. Gray, oldest son of a family of 12 children... the last to pass to his reward.”

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Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY

Phoebe Jane MATTHEWS BEEBE (1829-1908)

1848 (17 May): Silas BEBEE, to Phebe MATTHEWS, both of Markham. 17 May 1848, Markham, by banns. Job MOXSOM. Joseph BEBEE and Sarah Ann MATTHEWS witnessed. [The Marriage Registers of Upper Canada / Canada West - Volume II: Part 3 - Home District, 1843-1849, p.139; Marriages by Job Moxsom, Markham, #606, p.342-3] [also photocopy of register page (correction: Joseph BEBBEE [sic] witn.): Archives of Ontario, Home District Marriage Register, Vol. 11, 1839-1843, now RG80-27-1, formerly RG8 series I-6-A, MS 248 reel 2].

1851: BEEBE: Silas, 29, b.Canada, religion-none; Phoebe J., 22, b.Canada; Augusta A., 3, b.Canada; Byron E, 1, b.Canada. Markham Twp., York, Ontario. [1851 Census, Markham Twp., York Co., Dist 5, Wards 3 & 5, C-11759, (near con. 5, L 7)] [alt. source: Extracts from the 1851 federal census of Markham, York County, Microfilm #C11759. Publisher: National Archives of Canada. Publication place: Ottawa. Volume/Page(s): P281] [Markham, Ontario Census Indexes 1851-1881, compiled by Louise I. Hope].

1861: ??

1869: Alex Spears, Uxbridge, son of Robert, mar. 1869, Augusta Beebe, Uxbridge, dau. of Silas, Uxbridge [Ontario Co. Marriage Index 1858-69]. [Ref. 3:39 in County Marriage Registers of Ontario, Canada 1858-1869 Volume 2 Index to Ontario County, 1979: Generation Press, Agincourt, Ontario, p.5 & p.76]. Register copy: [p.39, Return George Dunkley filed 12 Jul 1869, No.55, Alex Spears, age 24, residence Uxbridge, born Pickering, parents Robert & Eliz; Augusta Beebe, age 20, residence Uxbridge, born markham, parents Silas & Phebe, witnes Samuel McKennel residence Uxbridge, date of marriage 24 Feb 1869, Archives of Ontario marriage register 1867-1869, vol 47, now RG80-27-2, formerly RG8 series I-6-B, MS248 reel 12].

1871: BEEBE: Silas S. 49 b.O EMeth English blacksmith married; Phoebe 42 b.O EMeth English married; Byron 20 blacksmith; Sarah 18 b.O school; Robert 15 b.O school; Mary 11 b.O school; Harriet 9 b.O school; William 5 b.O school. [NOTE: page signed? by Robert Spears 8 Apr 1871] Industrial Establishments: Blacksmith Shop proprietor Silas S. BEEBE, $1100 fixed capital, $200 floating capital, 12 mos/yr working, 2 avg employees, $500 aggregate yearly wages, moving power - hand, raw materials - iron & steel value $250, Products - Axes EdgeTools & general blacksmithing aggregate value $1100 [1871 census p.22, Ontario Dist No 49-A-1 North Ontario, Uxbridge Twp., C-9975]. Real Estate: “-” acres, 2 town building lots, 1 warehouse/store/factory/shop/etc. Cultivated Land: 7 range conc 30 lot, 1/2 acre occupied, 1/2 acre improved, 1/2 acre garden/orchard. Produce: 1/4 bushel potatoes, 15 bushels turnips. Livestock: 2 swine. Animal products: 1 swine killed or sold for slaughter or export. Home-made fabrics: 20 yards home-made cloth or flannel. Industrial Establishments & Forest Products: [all blank] [RMB transcription of agricultural census]. BEEBE , SILAS S. Sex: Male, Age: 49, Birthplace: ONTARIO, Religion: Episcopal Methodist/Methodist Episcopal, Origin: ENGLISH, Occupation: BLACKSMITH [Federal Census of 1871 (Ontario Index), District: ONTARIO NORTH ( 049 ), Sub-district: Uxbridge ( A ), Division: 1,Page: 22, Microfilm reel: C-9975, Reference: RG31 — Statistics Canada].

1874: #006641-74 (Ontario Co) Wm. A. MIGHTON, 25, Armagh Ireland, Uxbridge, b, photographer, s/o Benjamin MIGHTON & Isabella CARAGAN, married Sarah E. BEEBEE, 21, Markham, Uxbridge, s, d/o Silas BEEBEE & Phoebe MATTHEWS, witn: S.L. BEEBE, Alex. SPEARN, both Uxbridge, married 2 April 1874, Uxbridge. Register copy: Wm. A. Mighton, age 26, residence Uxbridge, born Armaugh Ireland, bachelor, photographer, parents Benjamin Mighton & Isabella Caragan; Sarah E. Beebe, age 21, residence Uxbridge, born Markham, spinster, parents Silas Beebe & Phoebe Matthews, witnesses SL Beebe & Alex Spears Uxbridge; marriage at Uxbridge 2 Apr 1874, groom Wesleyan Methodist, bride Wesleyan Methodist, by whom married Rev. JS Evans (?), by license [p.250, Schedule B Marriages, No. 11, ]. “Married, in Uxbridge on the 2nd inst. at the residence of the bride’s father, by the Rev. J.S. Evans, Mr. W.A. Mighton to Miss S.B. Beebe, both of Uxbridge. Mr. Mighton and his excellent bride have our best wishes for their future welfare and happiness” [Uxbridge Journal, 9 Apr 1874].

1881: BEEBE: Silas L. 57 b.O CaMethodist German Edge Tool Maker married, remarks - New Industry; Jane 51 b.O CaMethodist German married; Robert L. 24 b.O edge tool edge tool ????; Mary L. 19 b.O; Ida 17 b.O William G. (maybe J.?) 16 b.O [1881 census p.14, Ontario Dist No 134-C-1 East Toronto, St Thomas Ward, York Co., C-13246]. Silas L. BEEBE M Male German 59 O.  Edge Tool Maker Methodist Canada; Jane BEEBE M Female German 51 O. Ontario> Methodist Canada; Robert L. BEEBE Male German 24 O. Edge Tool Manfg. Methodist Canada; Mary L. BEEBE Female German 19 O. Methodist Canada; Ida BEEBE Female German 17 O. Methodist Canada; William G. BEEBE Male German 16 O. Methodist Canada. Source Information: Census Place St Thomas Ward, Toronto, York, Ontario. Family History Library Film 1375882. NA Film Number C-13246. District 134. Sub-district C. Division 1. Page Number 14. Household Number 87 [LDS web site].

1890: “No.of instrument: 6826. Instrument: G. Its Date: 31 Jul 1890. Date of Registry: 4 Sep 1890. Grantor: Garrett R. Vanzant et ux et al. Grantee: Phoebe J. Beebe. Consideration: $. Qty of Land: pt.” [Abstract index of deeds for Lot 10 Con 8 Markham Twp., copy received from Markham Museum].

1891: Beebe Silas S 69 Ont MT Phoebe J 62 Ont 43/V [Index to 1891 Census, Markham Township & Village, p.2, copy obtained from Markham Museum].

1898: Markham News - “Fifty Years Wedded - The Economist extends congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. S.L. Beebe of Markham Village on the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding which occurred on Tuesday the 17th inst.” [Uxbridge Journal, 26 May 1898].

1901: Beebe Silas 79 Ont Meth P J 72 Ont 14/V2 [Index to 1901 Census, Markham Township and Village, copy obtained from Markham Museum].

1906: “Berner-Beebe. Markham people here will be interested in the following announcement, which we clip from the society columns of last Thursday’s Globe: ‘A quiet wedding took place on Tuesday evening at Trinity Church, Buffalo, when Belle Gertrude second daughter of the late W. A. Mighton of Toronto, was married to George Franklin Berner of Buffalo. The Rev. Cameron Davis officiated. The bride was attired in a going-away gown of white rajah silk, polero of baby Irish and point de Venise; white hat with crown of lilies of the valley. Her flowers were also lilie of the valley. She was attended by her sister, Mrs. J. Hamblyn Kamman, as matron of honor.’ Mrs. Berner is a grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Beebe of Markham, and well known and very popular with a wide circle of friends in this section” [Economist, 7 Jun 1906, copy from Markham Museum].

1908: Beebe, Phoebe Jane, female, died 14 Mar 1908, residence Main St Markham, occupation housewife, married, husband S.L. Beebe, born Ontario, cause dilation of heart, length of illnes chronic, physician and person making return Dr. Robinson, religion Meth[odist], registration 14 Mar. [No. 8, p.431, Deaths, York Co., Markham Village, Archives of Ontario, death registrations, RG80-8 - 1908, Vol. 18 #032969, MS935 reel 140].

1908: "Death of Mrs. Beebe.
After an illness of only a few days Mrs. S. L. Beebe passed away on Saturday afternoon. She had been in a somewhat enfeebled condition for several months past and the end was therefore not unexpected.
She was the daughter of the late Asa Matthews of Pickering township. Besides her husband she is survived by three sons and four daughters. The sons are Alonzo of Chicago, William of Colorado, and Byron of Stouffville. The daughters are Mrs. Spears of Chicago, Mrs. Mighton of Nelson B.C., Mrs. Dorset Birchall of Montreal and Miss Beebe at home. All the children were able to be at the funeral except the sons in Chicago and Colorado.
The funeral service was held at the family residence on Monday afternoon. Rev. C. J. Dobson officiated and was assisted by Rev. J. E. Fenning of Grace Church. Interment took place in St. Andrew's Cemetery.
Mrs. Beebe was 78 years old at the time of her decease and had she survived until May 8th, she and her venerable partner would have been able to celebrate their diamond wedding. She was a woman who by her sweet Christian character endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact. Her memory will be long cherished by those people who were privileged to know her, and all will extend their sympathy to the bereaved family and particularly to the aged husband who is incon-... [last part of of sentence illegible]"
[Markham Sun, Thu 19 Mar 1908, copy from Markham Museum].

1908: “E8.8 BEEBE In loving memoery of Silas Lansing BEEBE 1822-1917 Phoebe Jane Matthews his wife 1829-1908 Mary L. BEEBE 1859-1929 (4 cornerstones) - B”. [St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Markham, Ontario, West part of Lot 10, Concession 8, Town of Markham, Ontario. Cemetery index by Ontario Genealogical Society, Toronto Branch].

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Ancestors of Dorset B. SPEARS & Ann E. GRAY