Mary Ann OBriant (OBryant, OBrient)

Mary Ann OBriant was born May, 10, 1831 in Fulton County Illinois

Mary Ann's father was Alfred OBryant (the spelling changes in the censuses), and her mother was Nancy Elizabeth Shaw Ford (Shaw was for Shawnee)  Her mother was found abandoned as a baby along a wagon trail in Shawnee territory, Ohio 1808.

Mary Ann Obriant married James Perry Stutes October 15 1850 in Fulton County Illinois.


According to the 1850 census (the same year Mary married) she was 19, and living with her father Alfred age 48, mother Nancy age 44, brother Perry 16, sister Nancy 14, sister Sally 11, sister Leah 9, sister Abigail 6, and sister Mahala 1.  The census say Alfred was born in Kentucky, and that Nancy was born in Ohio, Mary and her siblings were all born in Illinois.  On the same census a couple properties down there is Absolom Ford, an adopted uncle, and Mary Ford 75 (the woman that adopted Nancy)

In the 1860 census Mary is living in Fulton, Illinois with husband James Stutes, daughter Martha, daughter Nancy 8, daughter Leah 6, son George 4, and daughter Rachel 1.  They were in Iowa for at least a short while, because Leah was born in Iowa, but all the other children were born in Illinois.  Husband James served in the Union Army from 1864 through 1865 in Illinois.

In 1870 Mary was living in Kansas, with husband James, daughter Martha 23, son George 14, daughter Rachael 11, son Samuel 9, son James 6, daughter Mary A 2, and son David 4 months
This means they moved to Kansas between 1864 and 1868.

In 1880 James is back in Fulton, but Mary is not.  James in living with Samuel 19, daughter Mary 12, son David, 10, daughter Barbara 4, and grandson John 10.  This would place Mary's death somewhere between 1876 - 1880

Ernest Clement McCoy

Ernest Clement McCoy was born May 9, 1896 in Shawnee Pattawatomie Oklahoma.

Ernest Clement McCoy's father was David McCoy, and his mother was Corneila Abbott.

The image below is his delayed birth certificate.
It states that he was born May 9 1896
Near Shawnee, County Pattawatomie

In 1900 according to the federal census Ernest was 4 years old.  At this time he was living in Brinton Pattawomi Oklahoma with his mother Corneila (Nealie) McCoy 35 years old. Corneila was recorded as divorced at this time.  Brother John A. 13, and sister Fannie A. 10 were also living with them.

In the 1910 federal census Ernest (Clem in this census) was 13, and living in Snyder Scurry Texas with his step father W. R. Williams, N. F. Williams (Corneila aka Nealie) 44 years old, and Fannie McCoy 18 years old. 

On June 5 1917 Ernest completed a Draft Card for WWI.  The draft card said his name was Clement McCoy and 21 years old.  He was residing at 1020 Colton St. Los Angeles, CA.  He was born May 9, 1896 in Shawnee Oklahoma.  He was working at the Gates Hotel on Figueroa St.  It states he is single and Caucasian.  It also states he has lung trouble.  It also says he is slender, tall, has blue eyes, and light hair.

The image on the right is his Enlisted Record.
Here is a transcript in a google doc.
Here is a google doc with images from his Individual Pay Book.

Here is a post card he brought back from the war.
My G Uncle Ernest said that during the war when he was going to the latrine (which was a bit of a walk away), that the mess hall was bombed.  He said that all the cooks there died except him.

The image on the left is a photo of Ernest's Honorable Discharge from the Army.
Here is the transcript.

He served using his Middle name Clement.
The document states he was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
He was a cook in Co C. 160th Infantry
He had blue eyes, medium colored hair, and a fair complexion.  He was 5 feet 8 1/4" tall.









In the 1920 Census Ernest was living in Los Angeles.  He was E.C. McCoy 23years old on the census. It says he was a lodger and was working in confectionary.  Also lodging at the same location next door was Rita Gorman, and Agnes Gorman.  They ran a confectionery stand.  I am wondering if this is how Ernest met his first wife Rita.

In the 1930 Federal Census Ernest 33 was living in Compton, California.  He was working at a tire factory and living with his first wife Rita 29 (who was born in New York), their son Ernest 6, Mary 3 1/2, and Joseph.  Ernest and Rita did divorce.  The story is that Rita was cheating with a Catholic Priest.  Ernest believed that Ernest was his, but doubted that he was Mary or Joseph's father.  Rita disappeared taking the children with her.  Ernest spent a large sum of money trying to find his Rita, and the kids.  It was his belief that the Catholic church was hiding them.
The photo with the vehicle is Ernest and first wife Rita.

*****Update*******
A second cousin found me through a DNA test.  Mary's daughter.   I hope to learn what she was told, and hear about her mother, uncles,  and grandmother.  It is quite exciting, and now we know that Mary, was not fathered by the Catholic priest, but by Ernest.   

The image on the right is the Final Judgement of  Divorce, between Ernest and Rita

This is a photo of Ernest and Helen around the time they got married.

Here is the Marriage License for Ernest and Helen, they married in Yuma Arizona, on June 13 1936.  The Marriage Certificate could be viewed on Helen Spencer Wilson's Page





In the 1940 Federal Census Ernest 42 was living with his 2nd wife Helen Spencer Wilson 34.  They were living in Los Angeles, with son Ernest 2 years old, daughter Orpha 6 months old, and step son Carl Barnum 12 (son of Helen Spencer Wilson with her first husband Leroy Barnum).

Ernest died on May 8 1954 and was buried at Los Angeles National Cemetary 950 South Sepulveda, Los Angeles, CA. 90049.  Section 235 Row A Site 5 
I found an application for a military head stone it has the following information.
Name of Deceased: Ernest Clement McCoy,
Enlistment Date 10-2-17       Discharge Date  4-16-19
Service No. 1 634 667           Pension or VA Claim   17 222 661
State CA.             Grade   Cook           Medals   None
Branch of Service     Co. C, 160th Infantry   40th Div
D.O.B. May 9 1896          D.O.D.  May 8 1954
Emblem   Christian Latin Cross
Flat Marble Headstone

Sarah Elizabeth Holland

Sarah Elizabeth Holland was born in England June 6, 1863

I was told that her fathers name was Harry William Holland, and that her mothers name was Mary Elizabeth Peters.

My grandfather told me about his grandmother several times.  He said that by the time she was 12 years old she was living with her aunt in London helping in her aunt's confectionery shop. Then his grandmother was an indentured servant, in order to pay for her passage to Canada.  He also said that his grandfather used to tease her that he owned her, because he bought and paid for her.  Thomas Oran Tobias (her husband)  paid the last year and a half of her service off, so they could marry.

I recently spoke to Carol (a grandaughter of Sarah), and she says that Sarah's mom died when she was about five years old.

This photo is a picture of the original charcoal drawing of her.   

 Sarah Elizabeth arrived on the Moravian in Quebec, Canada on August 08, 1877 when she was 14 years old.  She was traveling with 24 other children ranging from ages 3 up to 14. Her name is 3rd on the list in the brackets that clearly show she was traveling with Miss Rye

 The photo on the right is the Moravian, the boat she arrived on.  The photo copyright is unknown, I retrieved the photo from wrecksite.eu

 According to the Library and Archives of Canada she was one of over 100,000 children deported from England.  Her destination was Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  It was one of the Maria Rye Homes.

This is a photo from the Canadian British Home Children in Canada, Compiled by Lori Oschefski .  Sarah stayed at the home until she was placed with a family that she was indentured to.

You can read all about the home children by clicking on the Maria Rye Homes link, or the Canadian British Home Children link above.



The British government  was trying do get rid of their orphans, and street kids.  It has been done off and on for centuries.  The government said they were trying to give the children a better shot at life, and a way out of poverty, and young countries that had opportunities to grow.

However the way it worked allowed for great abuse, and many children suffered and were abused.   Sarah was lucky, and knew that she would be indentured for a period of time to pay for her passage.

There were many children that weren't so lucky, some were picked up off the street, or pulled out of orphanages, and told that their parents were dead.  Others were taken away from their families, when priests said they were unfit to care for their children because they were too poor.  Meanwhile the middle men received 7 pounds per child, and 10 pounds for their boat fair, and the clothes they would require.  Most children were indentured to families on farms and worked for a period of 5 to 7 years.  Many were sent to factories and work camps.

Sarah Elizabeth Holland Married Thomas Oran Tobias on July 4th 1883 in Buffalo N.Y..  They had 13 children only one dies during childhood.
Charles J,  Albert E,  Clarence ,  William F.,  Roy C,  Buleah G,  Sterling S,  Leah S,  Amy I, Ernest R,  Bessie E,  Thomas W,  Mary A.

In 1891according to the Canadian Census they were living in East Lambton with their children.  It is recorded that both Thomas and Sarah could read and write.  I couldn't make out his occupation.

In 1901 according to the Canada census Sarah and Thomas were living in the Brooke Township in Lambton East.  Thomas was working as a laborer.  The census say Thomas's race is French
 and Sarah"s race is English.

In the 1911 census Sarah and Thomas were living on Third St, Petrolia, East Lambton, Ontario with their children.  This census says she was born in June 1864, the 1901 census say she was born June 6 1863.  Thomas was working as a laborer in a saw mill at this time. 

Helen W. MacLean

Helen W. MacLean (McLean on Gary's birth certificate) was born August 12 1894 in Port Huron, Michigan

Her parents were Thomas MacLean, and her mother was Hattie Warren.

She married Ernest Russel Tobias, and they had one child, Gary Tobias


In 1900 Helen was 5 years old, and lived with her father and mother at 1412 Liberty, Flint, Michigan.  Helen's father Thomas was 33 at this time and was working as a carpenter.  Her mother was 30 years old.  Both her  father and mother could read.

In 1910 Helen was 15 years old, and she lived with her father (Thomas), mother (Hattie), and little sister (Anna age 5 years old) at 724 East 5th Street, Flint, Michigan.  Her father Thomas was now 43, and was working as a policeman in Flint, Michigan.  According to this federal census Hattie had delivered a total of 5 children  in 1910, only 3 were living.  So Helen had two siblings that died.

In 1914 Helen was attending Michigan State Normal College.  One of the censuses said she completed 3 years of College. Helen joined the Harmonious Mystics in college, and a sorority called Kappa Gamma Phi.  Her name was listed in Aurora (their yearbook).    

In 1920 there is a Helen Warren, She would have been 25 at this time and the census is from Flint, Michigan.  She was married to a Don Warren.  The writing is too pale to read in many areas, but both her parent were born in Michigan which matches her information.

***  It is rumored that Helen gave a daughter up for adoption.  My grandfather Gary told he that he thought he had a sister out there somewhere named Rachel.  I hope to find out more information about this time in Helen's life, and to find out what happened to Rachel and see if she had children of her own.  I know my grandfather wanted to find his sister.

Helen married Ernest Russel Tobias September 10th 1927 in Wayne county Michigan.  At the time Ernest lived in Detroit, Michigan and worked as a bread wrapper.  Helen was 32 years old, and worked as a bookkeeper at the time.

     According to the marriage certificate Helen was married one time before marrying Ernest.  She was marrying Ernest as Helen W. Warren. 

In 1930 Helen was 33, and she was living with Ernest her husband.  They were renting a home on Aurelia St. in Detroit, Michigan for 38.00.  Thomas was working as a laborer in the automobile industry.

In 1934 Gary Thomas Tobias (their only child) was born on December 8th.  in the city of Port Huron, Michigan.  When Gary was born Ernest was working as a machine operator.

In 1940 Helen and Ernest lived on Richman Road, in Kimball Michigan where they owned a house worth 2,000.00 on farm land.  According to this census Ernest had an 8th grade education, Helen had completed 3 years of college.   Ernest was now working at a brass factory as a machine operator.

On May 9, 1952 Helen MacLean died at age 57.  She died after an 11 day stay in Harbor General Hospital in Torrance, California.  Prior to her death she was living at 518 E. 126th St. Hawthorne, California.  She is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetary
According to her death certificate she had Diabetus Mellitus 18 years, Hypertensive Heart Disease 5 years.  Her direct cause of death was Broncho Pneumonia, and Cerebral Thrombosis.

 The photo is Helen's grave on the right under the roses, and the grave on the left is Ernest's (her husband).  They were buried side by side in single graves, but neither have a headstone.

Henry Wells

Henry Wells was born October 1854? in Ohio.

Henry's father was William Wells 1831? - 1908?, and his mother was Sarah Kallen 1832? - 1878?.

Henry Married Joanna (Joan- Anna/ were names she went by in the federal censuses) Carson.  They had 6 children.  James, Myrtle, Clarence, Elizabeth (lizzie), Leona, and Gardner.

In 1880 Henry was living with Joan at 140 Second Street, Vanceburg, Lewis, Kentucky. He worked in a cooper shop, and was a cooper by trade.  Coopers made casks and barrels primarily.  They could be for storage or transporting drys goods, or alcoholic beverages such as wines and whiskeys.
At this time their son James was 6, and birdie (myrtle?) was 3.  This census says his father was born in Ohio.

In 1900 Henry 45 was living in Clermont, Ohio. wife Joanna (Joan) 45, son James A. 24, daughter Myrtle 22, son Clarence 15, daughter Lizzie 11, daughter Leona 8, daughter, son Gardner 5, and Nancy Carson 78 his Mother in Law.  They were renting a house, 97 Front? Street in New Richmond Village, Clermont Ohio. His profession was a cooper at this time.

Henry Died August 7, 1909 in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio.

Hilda Marie Horstman

Hilda Horstman was born in July of 1896 in Ohio.

Hilda's Father was William Horstman, and her mother was Lena.

She Married Gardner Wells and they had a son named Jack Howard Wells 

In 1900 Hilda was 3, and lived with her Father William 28, Mother Lena 27, sister Clara 2, and brother William who was a month old at the time of the census.  They lived at Cincinnati Ward 11, in Hamilton County Ohio.  Both her maternal and paternal sets of grandparents were from Germany.  Her mother had father were both born in Ohio.  Here father worked as a box maker.  They rented the home they lived in.  William and Lena both were able to read, write, and speak English.


In 1910 Hilda was 13, and lived with her father William 38, mother Lena 37, sister Clara 11, brother Walter 8, brother Edward 6, sister Laura 4, and sister Florence? 16 months old.  At this time her father William was a woodworker.  It looks like they lived at 138 Sage Street.

In 1920 Hilda 24 was living with her husband Gardner Wells  25 at 2012 Mohawk, Hamilton, Cincinnati, Ohio.  At this time they lived in the same house with Gardner's mother Joanna  (Anna) 65, Myrtle Wolf her sister in law 42?, Myrtle's son George 15, sister in law Leona Schmitt 26, and her Leona's husband Jacob? Schmitt 26. Gardner earned a wage at this time the handwriting on the 1920 census looks like Stationary Fireman, then it says wholesale along with two other words that I could not decipher.


In 1930 Hilda 33, Gardner Wells her husband 34, and Jack 4 their son along with their niece ? Bradford 6, they were renting a house in Hamilton Ohio the house number was 3452, The street was not written on the page.  The house value was recorded at 30.00  Maybe that was the rent they paid, a house owned near them was worth 7,000.00?   Gardner worked as a truck driver for ice, and earned a wage.

In the 1940 census it looks like she was living at the Hotel Oxford as Hilda Wells in Cincinnati, Ohio

Gardner Wells

Gardner Wells was born in June 16 1895 in Vanceburg, Kentucky,

His father was William (Henry) Wells, and his Mother Joanna (Joan) Carson.

He Married Hilda Marie Horstman, and they had a son Jack Howard Wells.
 

By the age of 5 in 1900 he was living in Clermont, Ohio. With his dad Henry 45, mom Joanna 45, and his brothers and sisters James A. 24, Myrtle 22, Clarence 15, Lizzie 11, Leona 8, and Nancy Carson 78 his maternal grandmother.  They were renting a house, 97 Front? Street in New Richmond Village, Clermont Ohio. His fathers profession was a cooper.  Coopers usually make barrels and casks for dry goods or wet goods, for storage and transportation. 

In 1910 Gardner was 15, and was living In Hamilton, Cincinnati Ward 14, Ohio with his mom Joanna (Joan) 55, who was then widowed, Sister Elizabeth (lizzie) 21, Sister Leona 18, sister Minnie (must be Myrtle from 1900 census)  Wolf 32, and his nephew Minnies son George C. 5.  One of his sisters or brothers had already died at this point, and his father died sometime between the 1900 and 1910 census.  They were renting the house they were in, Joanna was not employed, Elizabeth and leona worked as markers and sorters in Laundry.   Gardner was working as a laborer in an ice house.

In World War I the United States tried to remain neutral, Woodrow Wilson was president and was trying to get in a position to broker peace.  In May of 1915 a German U-boat sank the British Passenger Liner RMS Lusitania.  128   American passengers died.  Woodrow Wilson said that we would not tolerate unrestricted submarine warfare and that it was a violation of international law.  In 1917 Germany again enacted unrestricted submarine warfare, in order to collapse Britain from starvation.  The Germans realized that this meant the United States would enter the war, so the prime minister sent a telegram that asked Mexico to enter the war and fight the United States as their ally, and in return they would help return, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.  The British intercepted the telegram and shared it with the U.S. Embassy in Britain.  Wilson released the information to the public, and with the telegram, and the sinking of seven American merchant ships, Wilson called for war against Germany, and Congress approved it on April 16, 1917. 

Almost two months later on June 5th 1917 at age 22, Gardner Wells signed his draft card in Cincinnati Ohio, it said that he had gray eyes, brown hair, was tall and stout.  The draft card is quite difficult to read.. It did give his date of birth along with city and state.  There was wife hand written in, and so I assume that she was the beneficiary.

In 1920 Gardner Wells 25 was living with his wife Hilda Horstman  24 at 2012 Mohawk, Hamilton, Cincinnati, Ohio.  At this time they lived in the same house with his mother Joanna  (Anna) 65, Myrtle Wolf his sister 42?, Myrtle's son George 15, sister Leona Schmitt 26, and her Leona's husband Jacob? Schmitt 26. Gardner earned a wage at this time the handwriting on the 1920 census looks like Stationary Fireman, then it says wholesale along with two other words that I could not decipher.

In 1930 Gardner 34, Hilda 33, and Jack 4 their son along with their niece ? Bradford 6, were renting a house in Hamilton Ohio the house number was 3452, The street was not written on the page.  The house value was recorded at 30.00  Maybe that was the rent they paid, a house owned near them was worth 7,000.00?   Gardner worked as a truck driver for ice, and earned a wage.    There was a area in the census where it asked if they were a veteran and it said no.  Maybe he didn't serve in WWI even though he filled out a draft card?

In 1940 Gardner 46 was divorced, and living with his sister Leona 47, her husband William 47, and their son Garnet 16.  Sister Myrtle Wolf 62 was also living with them and was a widow at this time.  They lived at 3153 Reading Rd. Which William Schmitt, Leona's husband owned, the homes value was 5,000.00.
At this time William Schmitt his brother in law owned a cafe, Leona was a helper at the cafe, their son Garnet was attending school, Myrtle was a maid and Gardner was working part time not paid as a porter at the cafe, while looking for work.
**It says in the census they were receiving an income from the cafe..  but that they had other income.

Gardner died on December 2, 1968 at the age of 74 at the Jeweish Hospital in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio.  He was married, and no autopsy was perfomed.  The certificate number is 095951.

Jack Howard Wells

Jack Howard Wells was born January 31, 1926 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

His father was Gardner Wells, and his mother was Hilda Marie Horstman.

Jack died on Dec 1, 2006 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California

In 1944 he came back from Aruba on a ship.  He had altered his birth certificate so he could enter the service.  

Ernest Russel Tobias

Ernest Russel Tobias was born April 27th, 1902 in Brook Township, Lambton County, Canada.
Dr. Gibson Watford  delivered Ernest.

Ernest's Father was Thomas Oran Tobias, and his mother was Sarah Elizabeth Holland

Here is a photo of his birth certificate.

Ernest was married to Helen W. MacLean, and they had 1 child

Gary Thomas Tobias

Ernest Immigrated to the U.S. Through Port Huron, Michigan, on October 25, in 1920.  The immigration records I found says his race is French.  It also says he was 5 ' 6 1/2"  had a fair complexion and blue eyes.

Ernest and Helen married when he was about 25, and she was 32.  Here is a photo of his marriage certificate.
 

Ernest became a citizen of the United States January 4th, 1935 in Port Huron, Michigan.  He was 32 years old with blue eyes, brown hair, and was recorded at 5 feet 9 inches tall.  He was already married to Helen at this time and they have French as his race, and his former nationality is Brittish.  He was born in Canada.
Here is a photo of his Certificate Of Citizenship

 They had Gary when Helen was about 40.  In 1940 they were living on Richman Road in a house they owned on farm land.  The house was worth $2,000.00
Ernest was working and a machine operator in a brass factory.  According to the 1940 federal census he had gone to school through 8th grade. 



Ernest  and Helen traveled out west to California.  Ernest died in 1973, in San Bernadino, California.

Ernest was buried in the Avalon section of Inglewood Park Cemetery.  He is buried in row 580, plot 682, next to his wife Helen in plot 681.
They are in unmarked single plots without headstones.

In the photo with both sets of roses his plot is the one on the left, and hers is on the right.

Gary Thomas Tobias

Gary Thomas Tobias was born December 8, 1934 in Port Huron, County of St. Clair,  Michigan, at 2 A.M. by physician M.E. Boyee.

His father was Ernest Russel Tobias, and his Mothers name was Helen W. McLean

When Gary was born his parents were living at 1303 Church Street, Port Huron, MI.


In 1940 according to the federal census Gary was 5 years old was living with hi parents on Richman road in a house they owned in Kimball, St. Clair, Michigan in a house they owned which  was on farm land.  The house was worth $2,000.00.  Ernest Russel Tobias (Gary's father) was working as a machine operator in a brass factory and earned $840.00

While they were living in Kimball on the farm land during the second world war, a military plane landed in the field Gary remembered running to the pilot who told Gary he lost his way.  His parents helped give the pilot some directions, and the pilot left.  This left quite an impression with Gary, he told me this story when I was a young girl, and he remembered it very fondly.  He said as the pilot flew away he tipped the wing at Gary and his dad.

 Gary Married Orpha May McCoy on October 15, 1955 in Redondo Beach, California.  They had three children.

Debra Lee Tobias
MichealTobias
Robert Tobias

Here is a love letter he wrote to Orpha less than two months after they started dating.

 

Here it is transcribed

Hi Honey

      Here I am again that guy that is is very much in love with you.  I hope you don't mind my writting twice in one day.  I can't get you off my mind.  Boy will I be glad to get home.  I don't know for sure yet but believe me darling I am going to try with all my power to see you soon.  About me calling you it mite be a little later than 5 o clock.   I'll try and make it at 5.  Just to hear your voice again would mean a lot but to hold you in my arms wow that would be like heaven.  Will you be home Thursday night? 

     Mickey honey when we do get married we are going to be the happiest couple in the world as long as I have you.  What puzzles me is how you fell for me I don't see why except I am might happy that you did.  Darling I will try to make you the happiest.  And I think I can.  Do you?

     Boy writing a letter around here is like getting a (lesson?) all the guys are banging on my door or they start singing love songs like Lover when your near me.  I finally got mad and kicked them out.  I've got one bad habit I've got a bad temper wow.  I take so much then everything goes flying.  Honey if I do get home would you like to go to the ranch again?  I had a lot of fun.  Darling I couldn't go out with another girl not even if I was paid to.  I've got one girl from now on and guess who she is?  I've got your picture out on my desk again.  Well darling that time has come as much as I hate to end it but I'll say 

All my love 

Just for you

Love ya

Your 

Guy

Toby

P.S. 

Write Soon

and D.A.L.D.O.

Love ya  

Gary served in the Airforce and Navy.  He later worked at Northrup on the assembly line making military planes, until he retired.

Nathaniel (Nathll) Spencer

Nathaniel (Nathll) Spencer was born April 8, 1723 in Haddam, Connecticut.

Nathaniel married Ruth Purple September 29, 1757 in Middletown, Connecticut.

Nathaniel and Ruth had a child
1.  Nathaniel (Nathll) Spencer 08/22/1758

Nathaniels death is unknown, but Ruth did remarry a few years before her death.

It is possible that he served in the French Indian wars. There was a Nathaniel Spencer from connecticut on the munster roll in 1757, in Lyman's Regiment, 8th company serving under Captain John Slapp.

There was also a Nathll Spencer from Connecticut on the military pay roll in 1758 serving in the third regiment under  Col. Fitch, and Capt. Eleazer 

Ruth Purple

Ruth Purple was born August 1, 1741 in Middletown, Connecticut. 

Ruth Purple married Nathaniel (Nathll) Spencer September 29, 1757 in Middletown, Connecticut.

Nathaniel and Ruth had a child
1.  Nathaniel (Nathll) Spencer 08/22/1758

Ruth died in 1774

John Wilson

John Wilson was born about 1830 in Ireland.

John Married Nancy McColough

John and Nancy had five children.

James Wilson b. 1858 - ?
Eliza Wilson b. 1860 - ?
Annie Wilson b. 1861 - ?
Nana Wilson b. 1863 - ?
Robert Wilson  b. 04/08/1868


According to the 1870 U.S. Federal Census John, his wife Nancy, and their children lived in Greenbush, Rensselaer, New York.

Nancy McColough

Nancy McColough was born about 1840 in Auterem, Ireland.

She Married John Wilson.

Nancy and John had 5 Children

James Wilson b. 1858 - ?
Eliza Wilson b. 1860 - ?
Annie Wilson b. 1861 - ?
Nana Wilson b. 1863 - ?
Robert Wilson  b. 04/08/1868


According to the 1870 U.S. Federal Census, Nancy her husband John, and their children lived in Greenbush, Rensselaer, New York. 

Helen Spencer Wilson

Helen Spencer Wilson Was born on July 8, 1905 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Helen Spencer Wilson's father was Robert H. Wilson, and her mother was Orpha May Spencer.


Helen Spencer Wilson Married Carl Leroy Barnum Sr.,  Ernest Clement McCoy, and Louis Carson.

Helen Spencer Wilson and Carl Leroy Barnum Sr. had one child.
1. Carl (Sonny) Leroy Barnum

Helen Spencer Wilson and Ernest Clement McCoy had two children
1. Ernest Pleasant McCoy
2. Oprha May McCoy 

Helen was born in 1905, Republican Theodore Roosevelt was president, and Charles Fairbanks was Vice President. 

In  1910 according to the federal census at 4-5 years old the family had moved to Redondo Beach, Ca. Helen was living with her father Robert H. Wilson 42, mother Orpha May 32, sister Roberta 3, and brother Robert 17months  ** her brother Robert died at the age of 3, from a tricycle accident on the street they lived on.

In 1920 Helen was 14 and living in Redondo Beach with her father Robert H 51, Mother Orpha May 42, sister Roberta 12, sister Alta 9, brother James 7, brother Willis and sister Winifred (twins)5, and brother John 4.

Helen and Carl Barnum marry about 1926 according to the 1930 Federal Census.

In 1930 Helen was 24, and living with her husband Carl aged 24 and son Carl aged aged 2.  They lived at 203 30th Street, in a house they were renting. Carl was a truck driver for a refinery, and Helen stayed home with their son Carl.  

According to the Anniversary Directory of the Redondo Congregational Church in 1932 Helen Barnum was living in the 1000 Block W. 95th St. in Los Angeles

Here is a photo of the Marriage Certificate for Ernest C. McCoy as Helen S. Barnum.  They Married in Yuma Arizona on June 13th 1936.  The Marriage license is view-able on Ernest C. McCoy's page

Here is a post card Ernest sent Helen
Aug 2. 1936.  They lived on 8925 Mettler Ave in Los Angeles.

In 1940 Helen was living on Mettler St. in Los Angeles with husband Ernest McCoy 42, Son Carl Barnum 12, son Ernest McCoy 2, and daughter Orpha May McCoy 6 months old.  According to this federal census Helen completed 3 years of high school.  Her daughter verified this, saying that her mother didn't complete school, after getting angry at a Home Ec teacher.


I found a letter Helen had written to her brother Willis Wilson. It was post marked June 11, 1942.  it is an interesting letter.  It was returned unopened after they learned of Willis's death in Africa.  Helen was living with Ernest her second husband, and their three kids on a farm that some people of Japanese decent had been removed from, and who were sent to an internment camp.  I have no idea, if they purchased the land, or if they were renting / etc. from the Farm Security dministration. Click Here for the transcription, and photos of the letter.

The photo on the right is a discharge card from the Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. 
I created a Transcription page Here.

Helen's husband Ernest McCoy died May 8, 1954

Helen married third husband Goerge Carson on July 9, 1956.

Here is a couple letters she wrote in 1972.
Here is a letter written in 1973


Helen Died on December 9, 1999.  She is Interred at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach.

Margery De Cheyne

Margery De Cheyne was born 13?

Margery De Cheyne's father was Roger De Cheyne, and her mother was Isolda

Margery De Cheyne married Ralph Lingen

They had a child
Isabel Lingen 1366 - 1446

Ralph Lingen

Ralph Lingen was born 1345

Ralph Lingen's father was John Lingen

Ralph Lingen was married to Margery De Cheyne

They had a child
Isabel Lingen  1366 - 1446

John Bagley

John Bagley was born 1605 Amesbury, Essex, Massachusetts.

There is no information on his parents

John Bagley married Mary Warren

They had 1 child

Orlando Bagley: 1625 - 1699

John Bagley died 1657 in Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut

Sarah Colby

Sarah Colby was born 1637, Massachusetts

Sarah Colby's father was Anthony Colby, and her mother was Susanna Haddon.

Sarah Colby Married Orlando Bagley.

They had 4 children

Sarah Bagley: 1663 - 1733

Sarah Colby died 1663 in Suffolk, England

Orlando Bagley

Orlando Bagley was born 1625 in Amesbury, England

Orlando Bagley's Father was John Bagley, and his mother was Mary Warren

Orlando Bagley married Sarah Colby

They had 4 children

Sarah Bagley: 1663 - 1733

Orlando Bagley died 1699 in Boston, Suffolk, England

Sarah Bagley

Sarah Bagley was born 1663 in Massachusetts.

Sarah Bagley's father was Orlando Bagley, and her mother was Sarah Colby.

Sarah Bagley married John Mack.

They had 12 children

Ebenezer Mack: 1700 - 1777

Sarah Bagley died 1733 New London, Conecticut

John Mack

John Mack was born 1657 in Inverness, Scotland.

The records here pretty much stop.  Instead of names for his parents, it says Mc, and Mc.  It does however state where and what year they were born.
Father Mc was born 1615 in Inverness, Scotland his death is unknown.
Mother Mc was born 1620 in Inverness-Shire, Scotland her death date is unknown.

John Mack married Sarah Bagley.

They had 12 children

Ebenezer Mack: 1700 - 1777

John Mack passed away 1734

Hannah Huntley

Hannah Huntley was born 1708 in New London, Connecticut.

Hannah Huntley's Father was Aaron Huntley, and her mother was Deborah DeWolf.

Hannah Huntley married Ebenezer Mack.

They had 9 children

Samuel Mack: November 15, 1734 - October 10, 1783.

Hannah Huntley died 1796 in New London, Connecticut.

Ebenezer Mack

Ebenezer Mack was born in 1700, in New London, Connecticut.

Ebenezer Mack's father was John Mack, and his mother was Sarah Bagley.

Ebenezer Married Hannah Huntley
They had 9 children

Samuel Mack: November 15, 1734 - October 10, 1783

Ebenezer Mack passed away 1777, in connecticut.

Lydia Brainard

Lydia Brainard was born 1730 in Haddam Neck, Connecticut.

Lydia Brainard married Samuel Mack.
They had 7 children

Lydia Mack: November 30, 1758 - ?

It is unknown when she died

Samuel Mack

Samuel Mack was born November 15, 1734 in Lyme, Connecticut.

Samuel Mack's father was Ebenezer Mack, and his mother was Hannah Huntley.

Samuel Mack married Lydia Brainard.

They had 7 children.

Lydia Mack: November 30, 1758 - ?


He passed away October 10, 1783 in Port Medway, Nova Scotia, Canada

Lydia Mack

Lydia Mack was born November 30, 1758 in England.

Lydia's father was Samuel Mack, and her mother was Lydia Brainard.

Lydia Mack married Nathaniel Spencer.

They had 1 child

1. 1. Hollister Spencer April 16, 1778 - 1837

It is unknown when she died

Nathaniel Spencer

Nathaniell Spencer was born August 22, 1758 in Middletown, Connecticut.  His father's name was Nath(anie)ll, and his mothers name was Ruth Purple

Nathaniel Spencer Married Lydia Mack.

They had 3 children

1. Hollister Spencer April 16, 1778 - 1837
2.  Samuel Mack Spencer 1780 - ?
3.   Nancy Spencer 1784 - ?

Nathaniel Spencer died Jun, 1785

According to family Nathaniel went to England to claim property, on the way back to the Americas, the ship sank and all on board perished.


Nathaniel (Nathll) was 16 when the war of independence was declared.   

Theda Secton

Theda Secton was born December 30, 1777. 

Theda Secton's father was Samuel Secton, and her mother was Theda Hastings'

Theda Secton married Hollister Spencer.

They had 10 children

1. Samuel S. Spencer: May 27, 1801 - ?
2. Samuel S. Spencer 2nd:  September 1802 - October 9, 1802
3. Nathaniel Mack Spencer: April 16, 1804 - November 11, 1806
4. Lydia Marietta Spencer: April 19, 1806 - January 29, 1893
5. Nathaniel Mack Spencer 2nd: March 7, 1808 - ?
6. Julius H. Spencer: September 10, 1809 - November 9, 1875
7. Diodate Spencer: July 22, 1812 - June 10, 1870
8. Erastus Spencer: May 18, 1814 - ?
9. Sarah Eddy Spencer: April 18, 1816 - ?
10. Norman Spencer: April 15, 1819 - August 4, 1897


Theda Secton Died March 28, 1858 in East Haddam, United States

Hollister Spencer

Hollister Spencer was born November 6, 1778 in Chatham, Middlesex, Connecticuit

His father was Nathaniel Spencer, and his mother was Lydia Mack

Hollister Spencer was married to Theda Secton.

They had 10 children

1. Samuel S. Spencer: May 27, 1801 - ?
2. Samuel S. Spencer 2nd:  September 1802 - October 9, 1802
3. Nathaniel Mack Spencer: April 16, 1804 - November 11, 1806
4. Lydia Marietta Spencer: April 19, 1806 - January 29, 1893
5. Nathaniel Mack Spencer 2nd: March 7, 1808 - ?
6. Julius H. Spencer: September 10, 1809 - November 9, 1875
7. Diodate Spencer: July 22, 1812 - June 10, 1870
8. Erastus Spencer: May 18, 1814 - ?
9. Sarah Eddy Spencer: April 18, 1816 - ?
10. Norman Spencer: April 15, 1819 - August 4, 1897

Hollister Spencer died in 1837 in Chatham, Connecticut

Julius H. Spencer

Julius H. Spencer was born September 10, 1809.

His father was Hollister Spencer, and his mother was Theda Secton.

Julius H. Spencer married Sarah Perry

They had 9 children
1. Chester Perry Spencer: ?
2. Joseph Spencer: ?
3. Lucinda Spencer: ?
4. Mary Helen Spencer: January 13, 1840 - January 31 1874
5. Harriet Matilda Spencer: January 26 1842 - ?
6. Norman Samuel Spencer: February 25, 1846 - March 1914
7. Rosalia Spencer: November 17, 1847 - July 13, 1880
8. Cora Ellen Spencer: December 20, 1849 - September 12, 1908
9. Roswell Emmett Spencer: April 9, 1858 - December 14, 1914

Julius H. Spencer died November 9, 1875 in Angola, Steube, Indiana

Sarah Perry

Sarah Perry was born 1818.  Her father was Hazard Perry.

Sarah Married Julius H. Spencer and they had 9 children.

1. Chester Perry Spencer: ?
2. Joseph Spencer: ?
3. Lucinda Spencer: ?
4. Mary Helen Spencer: January 13, 1840 - January 31 1874
5. Harriet Matilda Spencer: January 26 1842 - ?
6. Norman Samuel Spencer: February 25, 1846 - March 1914
7. Rosalia Spencer: November 17, 1847 - July 13, 1880
8. Cora Ellen Spencer: December 20, 1849 - September 12, 1908
9. Roswell Emmett Spencer: April 9, 1858 - December 14, 1914

Sarah Perry died July 1, 1887 in Angola, Steube, Indiana

Leah C. Stutes

Leah Christina (Tena) Stutes was born January 2, 1854.

Leah's  parents were James Perry Stutes, and her mother was Mary Ann H Obryant


Leah C. Stutes married Norman Samuel Spencer on December 30, 1869 in Olathe, Johnson, Kansas.

They had 5 children
1. George Emmett Spencer: May 23, 1872 - January 23, 1873
2. Marcus Perry Spencer: April 1 1874 - ?
3. Julius H. Spencer: February 6, 1876 - ?
4. Orpha May Spencer: December 2,1877 - June 15, 1956
5. Alta Spencer: March 17, 1881 - ? 

According to the 1870 federal census Olathe, Johnson, Kansas, Leah was 16 years old, and living with her husband Norman this census say Norman is 22, but in reality he was eight year older than Leah.  It says Norman was working on a farm, and that he was born in Michigan
.
In the 1875 Aubry, Johnson County, Kansas Census Leah was 21 and living with husband Norman 30, and Marcus Perry their son aged 1 year.  It says Norman was a farmer at this time and that he was born in Indiana.

During the 1880 U.S. Federal Census Leah was living in the Banner Township in Fulton County, Illinois with her children  Marcus 6, and Julius H. 4, and Orpha May 2. They were living with George Stutes (leah's brother), his wife, and their first two daughters.  Leah's husband Robert Wilson was not living with them at this time.  They lived on a farm, and George was a farmer.

In 1880s Federal Census Norman was living in Steuben, Indiana. 
Norman has Leah, Marcus their son, Julius, and Orpha living with him in Indiana.  I don't know if they moved during 1800, or if Leah decided to leave Norman.  They probably divorced, because later Leah was married to someone else.

There is  a census for 1895 in Parsons, Labette, Kansas.
Here Leah is 40, and is married to Richard Combs 36, Perry 21 (Marcus Perry) her son, Julius 19 her son **She has the boys with Combs as their last name here**  Orpha Spencer 17, and Alta Spencer 14.  I don't know why she has the boys as Combs, and the girls as Spencer.  

In 1900 Paragould, Greene, Arkansas Tena is saying she is 46, and a widow.  She is using Spencer as her last name in this census.  She is living with Perry (Marcus Perry) 26 her son, Julius H 24 her son, Orpha 22 her daughter, and Flora A 2 years old her daughter by Richard Combs. By 1904 Leah is living in St. Louis, Mo.

I have a letter from Robert H. Wilson, her son in law to Leah dated 9 January 1905.  Here is a link to the full transcription.
http://heathersgenealogyguide.blogspot.com/2017/08/9-january-1905-letter-from-robert-h.html
Robert says to send his regards to Flora in the letter, I am having trouble finding her, or any mention of her after this letter.


Leah C. Stutes died on February 10, 1909 in Redondo Beach, California at 54 years old, Norman died in Redondo Beach in 1915.  I am not sure whether they came out together and remarried, or came out separately. Norman is buried next to Leah, but has no marker. 

Norman Samuel Spencer

Norman Samuel Spencer    
Norman Samuel Spencer was born on February 25, 1846 in Angola, Steuben, Indiana.  His father was Julius H. Spencer and his mother was Sarah Perry

Norman Samuel Spencer married Leah C. Stutes, on December 30, 1869 in Olathe, Johnson, Kansas.

Norman and Leah had 5 children
1. George Emmett Spencer: May 23, 1872 - January 23, 1873
2. Marcus Perry Spencer: April 1 1874 - ?
3. Julius H. Spencer: February 6, 1876 - ?
4. Orpha May Spencer: December 2,1877 - June 15, 1956
5. Alta Spencer: March 17, 1881 - ?  

Norman Samuel Spencer died March 1914 in Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, California 
According to the 1860 Federal Census, Norman Samuel 14 years old was living with his siblings, and both parents in Steuben Township, Steuben, Indiana.  

The image on the left is the back of Norma's Portrait.

This is just one year before the civil war.  There isn't any records of Spencer's from Steuben serving in the civil war. 

According to the 1880 U.S. Federal Census Norman lived in the Steuben Township of Steuben, Indiana.  With Leah his wife, and his children.  The census said he was a farmer.    

Norman and Leah moved to Redondo Beach, Leah died in 1909, and in 1910 according to the Federal Census, he was living with his daughter Orpha May, and her husband Robert Wilson in Redondo Beach.
 

Orpha May Spencer

Orpha May Spencer  

Orpha May Spencer was born on December 02, 1877 in Salem, Centre, Indiana.
Her father was Norman Samuel Spencer, and her mother was Leah C. (Tena) Stutes

Orpha May Spencer married Robert H. Wilson October 30, 1904 in Illinois.

They had 8 children
1. Helen Spencer Wilson: July 8 1905 - December 9 1999 
2. Roberta Chestina Wilson: April 9 1907 - May 1985
3. Robert Halestein Wilson: March 1909 - 1912
4. Alta Elizabeth Wilson: October 15 1910 - 1958
5. James Howard Wilson: 1912 - 1958
6. Willis Hembree Wilson: August 14 1914 -  Feb 26- May 101942
7. Winiford May Wilson: August 14 1914 - August 24 1995
8. John Perry Wilson: November 19, 1915 - February 27 1998

Orpha saved many letters, and a few other items.  I am currently adding photos and transcribing them on a different blog.  Click Here to see the collection of letters, Rosters, etc. that were saved by Orpha.  They are mostly from 1904 - 1905. 

She died on June 15, 1956 in Redondo Beach, California at 78 years old.

In the 1880 U.S. Federal Census, Orpha was living in the Banner Township in Fulton County, Illinois. Orpha 2, Leah her mother 26, her brother Marcus 6, and her brother Julius H. 4, were living with their uncle George Stutes 25, his wife Ann 25, niece Rachel 4, and niece Nora 5 months old. They lived on a farm, and George, Orpha's maternal uncle was a farmer.
In the 1880 census Norman Spencer35, Orpha's father also has them living with him.  So this may be the year they seperated.  The census states that Norman is a farmer.  Norman was living in Stueben, Indiana. 

In the 1895 Kansas State Census, Orpha 17, lived in Parsons,  Labette, Kansas. She was living with her step father Richard Combs36,  mother Tena 40, brother Perry 21, brother Julius 19, and sister Alta 14. This census doesn't contain much information, but something interesting is that Orpha and Alta are going by Spencer, while her brothers are using the surname Combs.  

In the 1900 Federal Census, Orpha was living in Paragould, Greene, Arkansas.  She was living with her mother Tena (Leah Christina) 46, her brother Perry (Marcus Perry) 26,   her brother Julius H. 24, and sister Flora A. 2.  It says Leah is a widow at this time.  It also says Leah had 5 children, but only 4 were living, so he sister Alta, and stepfather Richard, died sometime in the previous 5 years.  a John Stutes 52, was living with them as a boarder, he is probably an uncle of Orpha's all three men were working as laborers in a timber yard.  

By 1904 Orpha was living at 6158 Ella St. in St. Louis, Mo. with her mother Leah, brother Julius, and sister Flora.  We are very fortunate, that Orpha saved a number of letters she received.  Click here for the collection of letters that she saved.  I am currently transcriping them on a different blog.   There are letters from Fiancee James O. Lee, and letters from Robert H. Wilson who she married.  

 She married at age 27, and had her first child at 28. The story is that she was engaged to a doctor, and someone told Robert.  Robert did not want to lose her, so they got married.  After they were married he told her that he was already married to someone else back east.  She was devastated.  Here is a letter she wrote Dec 24, 1904..  Christmas Eve, and 2 months pregnant with Helen their first daughter.  The full transcript is on the letter link above.

This is a letter from Robert to her mother telling her about his "wrong doings"  and asking for forgiveness, and for her to be kind to Orpha.  The letter link above has a full transcript.



The next census I found with information on her was 1910.  At this time she was living in Redondo Beach with her husband Robert Wilson 42, she was 32, and their children Helen 4, Roberta 3, and Robert H. 1 1/2.  


In 1920 Robert 51 and Orpha 42 were still living in Redondo with their children Helen 14, Roberta 12, Alta 9, James 7, Willis 5, Winifred 5, John 4.  Robert's son Robert (from the 1910 census) died at the age of 3 from internal bleeding caused by a accident while learning to ride a tricycle.



In 1930 Robert 61 and Orpha 52 were still living in Redondo Beach with their daughter Alta 19, son Willis 15, daughter Winifred 15, and John 14.  Robert was working as an electrician for the Railroad Co. 

In 1940 Robert 73 and Orpha May 62 were living in Redondo with son Willis 25, daughter Roberta Ferguson 33 divorced, grandson Robert 14, granddaughter Nadine 9, and granddaughter Jacalyn 7.

Orpha died 15 July 1956.  She is interred at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, California.











 
 

Robert H. Wilson

Robert H. Wilson  

Robert was born April 08, 1868 in East Albany, New York.

Robert's parents were John Wilson, and his mother Was Nancy McCulla.  

Robert H. Wilson Married Orpha May Spencer on October 30, 1904 in Illinois.  

They had 8 children
1. Helen Spencer Wilson: July 8 1905 - December 9 1999 
2. Roberta Chestina Wilson: April 9 1907 - May 1985
3. Robert Halestein Wilson: March 1909 - 1912
4. Alta Elizabeth Wilson: October 15 1910 - 1958
5. James Howard Wilson: 1912 - 1958
6. Willis Hembree Wilson: August 14 1914 - Feb 26 - May 10 1942
7. Winiford May Wilson: August 14 1914 - August 24 1995
8. John Perry Wilson: November 19, 1915 - February 27 1998

Robert H. Wilson is one of the men on this old firetruck. 

 In 1870 Robert was 2 years old, and was living with his father John 50 years old, mother Nancy 40 years old, brother James 12 years old, sister Eliza 10 years old, sister Annie 9 years old, and sister Nana 7 years old.  They were living in Greenbush, and there is not an occupation listed for his father at this time, but both of Robert's parent were born in Ireland.


In 1880 Robert was 12 years old and living with his father John 50, mother Nancy 40, daughter Nancy (aka nana) 18, Maria 16, and sister Mary Jane 9.  At this time John was working as a laborer, his mother was keeping house, both daughter were working in the textile industry with wool, and Robert aged 12 at this time was working in a Butt Factory.  They lived on Athol St. in West Troy, Albany, New York.
 
Robert married, and had a wife, then married Orpha May while he was still married to his first wife, because he heard Orpha was going to be engaged to a doctor and did not want to lose her.  He did not tell Orpha that he was already married until after he married her.  The image is a letter he wrote to her mother asking for forgiveness.  The link to the letter has a full transcript I prepared if you would like to read it.

In 1910 Robert was living with his Wife Orpha May Spencer in Redondo Beach California at 214 S. Helberta.  At this time he was an electrician, and they were living with daughter Helen 4, daughter Roberta 3, and baby Robert H.. Norman Spencer 64 Robert's father in law also lived with them.

In 1920 Robert 51 and Orpha 42 were still living in Redondo with their children Helen 14, Roberta 12, Alta 9, James 7, Willis 5, Winifred 5, John 4.  Robert's son Robert (from the 1910 census) died at the age of 3 from internal bleeding caused by a accident while learning to ride a tricycle.

In 1930 Robert 61 and Orpha 52 were still living in Redondo Beach with their daughter Alta 19, son Willis 15, daughter Winifred 15, and John 14.  Robert was working as an electrician for the Railroad Co. 

In 1940 Robert 73 and Orpha May 62 were living in Redondo with son Willis 25, daughter Roberta Ferguson 33 divorced, grandson Robert 14, granddaughter Nadine 9, and granddaughter Jacalyn 7.

Robert died June 3rd 1947, at his home in the kitchen after getting home from work.  The physician said it was Left Ventricular Failure, due to Myocardial Hypertrophy and degeneration for 15 years and early rheumatic fever 40 years.  He was 80 years old.  He is buried at Pacific Crest Cemetery Redondo Beach.  The death certificate states that his usual occupation was a mechanic for the railway.