Thomas Oran Tobias

Thomas Oran Tobias was born in May 1860, in Ontario, Canada.

His Parents were Nelson Tobias, and Mary Catherine

In 1861 Thomas (Thos O in the census) was one year old, and living with his father Nelson 18, and mother Mary 18.  Nelson was a farmer at this time in Pelham.  According to the 1860 census Nelson was born in the United States, and Mary Catherine was born in Canada W.

In 1871 Thomas was living with part of his mom's side of the family, Thomas Foss 59, and Mary Foss 50.  They were farmers, Thomas's Father Nelson J 30, and Mary Catherine 30 were living next door with his brother John Micheal 6, and sister Amy Amelia 11 months old.  His  father is also listed as a farmer.  Almost the whole page of the census is the Foss family who is German/ Dutch Mennonites.

In 1881 Thomas was 20 years old working as a farm laborer, and lived with his father Nelson 39 now a butcher, Mother Mary C. 39, brother John 16, sister Amy 11, and brother Joseph 5?  They were still living next to Thomas Foss , and Mary

On July 4th 1883 Thomas married Sarah Elizabeth Holland, in Buffalo N.Y.

The 1891 census says Thomas 30 was  living in East Lambton, with his wife Sarah Elizabeth 27,  At this time he was working as a mill hand.  Son Charles 6, son Albert 4, son Clarence 2, and William 4 months old were living with them.  A lodger was also there living with them named Alexander McArthur 28 who was also working as a mill hand.

In 1902 Thomas was an oil dealer.

  

Roberta Chestina Wilson

Roberta Chestina Wilson was born 9 April 1907.  Here parents were Robert H. Wilson, and Orpha May Spencer.
In 1910, Roberta 3 was living in Redondo Beach with her father Robert 42, mother Orpha 32, sister Helen 4, brother Robert 17 months, and grandfather Norman Spencer 64.  Her father was working as an electrician at the time.

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

I couldn't locate a 1930 census for Roberta.

In 1940 Roberta Ferguson 33, was living in Redondo Beach with her father Robert 73, mother Orpha 62, brother Willis 25, son Robert F. 14, daughter G. Nadine 9, and daughter Jacalyn M.  It does mention that she was living in Los Angeles in 1935, and is Divorced.


Roberta died 7 May 1985.

Robbie Wilson

Robert H. Wilson (Robbie), was born about Dec of 1908.  His parents were Robert H. Wilson, and Orpha May Spencer.


In 1910 Robbie was living in Redondo Beach with his father Robert 42, Mother Orpha 32, sister Helen 4, sister Roberta 3, and grandfather Norman Spencer 64.



Robbie died, 6 May 1912.
A neighbor was teaching Robbie to ride his tricycle one day, and the tricycle started rolling down the hill on the street they lived on. The bike was going too fast, and Robbie fell, the metal hit him between the legs very hard, and caused internal bleeding, that Robbie died from.

Willis Hembree Wilson

 Willis Hembree Wilson    

Willis was born on August 14, 1914.  Willis was the son of Robert H. Wilson, and Orpha May Spencer.  

He was the twin of Winifred Wilson.  

In 1920 Willis was 5 years old, and living in Redondo Beach with his father Robert 51, Mother Orpha 42, sister Helen 14, sister Roberta 12,  sister Alta 9, brother James 7, sister Winifred 5, and brother John 4.  Willis was attending school, and Robert his father was working as an electrician for the Rail Car Co. 

In 1930 Willis was 15 and was living in Redondo Beach with his father Robert 62, mother 51, sister Alta 19, sister Winifred 15, and brother John 14.  He was attending school, and Robert was working as an electrition for the Railway Co.

In 1940 Willis was 25, and living in Redondo Beach with his father Robert 73, mother Orpha 62, sister Roberta Ferguson 33, his nephew Robert Ferguson 14, niece Nadine 9, and niece Jacalyn 7.    Willis was working as a mechanic at the time.

This news clipping is part of a private collection.  It is in a photo album that belonged to Helen Spencer Barnum McCoy Carson (maiden name Wilson)  This is a direct transcription of the obituary for Willis Hembre Wilson.  It will be followed with a photo and some more information.  I don't know the paper it was taken from, since it is only a clipping from the news paper.  My gg grandmother subscribed to the Redondo Reflex, so it may be from the Redondo Reflex.     

Saturday, March 20, 1
Willis H. Wilson,
Redondo, Killed
In North Africa

Another Redondo Beach family
felt the grim hand of war today
with the announcement that
Willis Hembree Wilson, 27, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Wil-
son, 214 South Helberta, was
killed at sea while in the line of
duty.  Wilson was a member of
the U.S. salvage forces in African
waters.
    His death came as a great shock
for he was widely known through-
out the entire South Bay district.
Most of his life was spent in this
area, while he also attended the
local grammar schools and Re-
dondo Union High School.
    According to a government
cablegram to the Wilson family,
death came on March 10.
    Wilson joined the salvage serv-
ice after being rejected by the
army, navy, and marine corps be-
cause of defective eyesight. He
volunteered his services in the
most hazardous corps of them all
and then gave his life doing even
more than his country asked of
him.
    His twin sister, Mrs. Winnie
Freeman, has left for New York
to meet her husband, who is slated
to return soon from the African
theater.
According to family, Willis H. Wilson was serving in So. Africa with Dobbin Freeman, his brother in law.  This article seems to corroborate that.  It was Dobbin's opinion that Willis was murdered.  My grandmother Willis's neice said she was told his body was found hidden under a boat.

On Ancestry.com I found a document titled Reports of Deaths of Americans Citizens Abroad, 1835 - 1974.   Below is portions of the document excerpted.
Source, and citation information will be at the very bottom of this post.


Dated April 10, 1943, from James Orr Denby, American Consul, at Cape Town South Africa, on the subject of Transmitting the Report of Death of Willis Hembre Wilson, American Seaman.

Willis Hembre Wilson   Occupation: Oiler
of 214 S. Helberta Avenue, Redondo Beach, Califonia
Date of Death: Unkown - Presumed Feb 26, 1943
Place of Death: Victoria Basin, Cape Town Harbor, Cape Town, South Africa

Cause of Death: Unofficially stated to be "accidental drowning"
Buried:  March 12, 1943 in Grave No. 97048C.  Woltemade Cemetery, No 4, Cape Town South Africa.

Local law as to disinterring remains: In case of death from other than infectious disease, local authorities refuse permission to disinter before expiration of two years.

Disposition of the effects:  Returned to Johnson, Drake and Piper Inc.;  86 Trinity Place, New York City

Informed by Telegram
Johnson, Drake, and Piper, employer
Orpha Wilson, mother

Remarks:  Mr. Wilson disappeared  Feb 26, 1943, and his body was discovered in Victoria Basin March 10, 1943 no evidence suggesting foul play was discovered, and it was presumed by the authorities to have been the result of an accident.

*****I called Pacific Crest in Redondo Beach, and asked if he was interred beneath his head stone.  He is, but his body finally arrived in 1949.  I have no idea if his employer, the government, or my gg grandparents paid for those expenses.*****

Source
Title: Transcription / image of  Willis H. Wilson, Redondo, Killed in North Africa unidentified newspaper clipping, and image of photo of Willis H. Wilson
Transcriber / photographer: Heather Wells

The original sources of images shown here are part of a private family collection in Redondo Beach.  Please consult me before reproducing / publishing any of the images published here.


Source
Title: Deaths of American Citizens Abroad, 1835 - 1974
Author: Ancestry.com
Publisher: Ancestry.com operations Inc.
Publisher Date: 2010
Publisher Location: Provo, Utah

Citation
Detail: National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.;General Records of the Department of State; Record Group: RG59-Entry 205; Box Number 1156; Box Description 1940 - 1944 British South Africa D - Z

Eugenia Miriam Dess Burkett

Eugenia Miriam Dess Burkett was born 25 May 1892 in Pennsylvania.  Her parents were Levi Burkett (Burket), and Caroline (Carrie) McMurtrie.

In 1900 Miriam age 8 was living with her father Levi aged 34, Mother Carrie age 29, Sister Mary 9, Minnie age 6, Jacob age 4, James McMurtrie 34 a boarder, and widowed, Mary McMurtrie 59 and widowed - which say mother in the relationship collumn of the census, and Ermina McCahan 35 and a boarder and single.  The census mentions that Carrie gave birth to 6 children , but only 4 are living. Levi was working as a day laborer, and he was renting the home they all lived in.

In 1910 Miriam is listed as Dese V Burket 17, she is living with her mother Carrie 39, sister Minnie 16, Jacob L 14, and Robert J, 5.  They are renting a house 534 Railroad Ave. Saxton, Bedford, Pennsylvania.  Carrie is working as a laundress at a hotel.  None of the children have occupations listed.

Miriam married Wallace Edgar Nagle, and they had 2 -3 children
1. Virginia Faye Nagle b. 1911 - 1996
2. Carl Nagle b.1914 - 1991
3. Anne Brennan (Nagle?) b. 1921

In 1930 Miriam 38 is married to William Brennan 48, daughter Faye Brennan (Nagle) 18, and daughter Anne  Brennan (Nagle?) 9.  They are renting a portion of a building? living at 1506 Mt. Vernon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The census says William was working as a Bank gaurd, and was a WW1 veteran.  William was born in Ireland.

In 1940 Miriam Brennan 47 is living at 1145 Old York Road in a house they were renting with son Carl Nagle 26. Miriam is a Forelady in the candy factory, and Carl is working as a candy maker.  It says they lived in the same place in 1935.  The census says that Miriam in married.  It shows Miriam as head of household.

In 1952 Miriam is married to Frank F Cozzolino, and is listed as Dess Cozzolino in a Redondo Beach City Directory.  They lived at 208 North Broadway.

The California Death Index has her death listed as Dess M Cozzolino 26 Feb 1969, in Los Angeles, and has her Maiden name as McMurtrie, and her birth as 25 May 1892.

She is Interred at Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach as Dess Cozzolino. She has a head stone.

Wallace Edgar Nagle

Wallace Edgar Nagle was born 6 July 1892, in Burnham, Pennsylvania.

Wallace's parents were William Nagle, and Sarah Anne Chesney.

In 1900 Wallace was 7 years old and was living in a house his father was renting, in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.  Wallace was living with his father William, who was about 38 at the time, and working as a laborer, and his mother Sarah about 27 years old.  The census states that Sarah had two children, but only one living.  Both of Wallace's parents could read and write.

In 1910 Wallace was about 18 years old, and living with his father William who was working as an engineer for the rail road, his mother Sarah, and his little sister Isabelle who was 7 years old. they were renting a house, 920 Moore St. in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.  Wallace was working as a brake man for the railroad at the time.  

Wallace married Eugenia Miriam Dess Burkett, and they had two - three children.
1. Virginia Faye Nagle  b. 24 Sept 1911
2. Carl Nagle b. about 1914
3. Anne Nagle b. 1921 (unsure if Anne is from first or second husband) She is Anne Brennan in the 1930 census.  Virginia shows up as Faye Brennan in the 30s census as well, and was definately Wallace's daughter.


In 1917 Wallace Registered for the draft, at age 24.  He was living at Mt. Vernon, Pennsylvania.  He was working as a moulder.  He had a wife and 2 children at the time.  the draft card said he had a medium build, was slender, had Grey eyes, dark brown hair, and had all his limbs.

Wallace Enlisted in the Army in Dec 1917, in R. A. Gettysburg  PA. his Army Serial number was 567,892. He was in Co. H  59 Inf to  26 Nov 1917; and Co. A 10 M G Bn to disch.  His grade were Corp ---; Sgt 17 Aug 18.  He served overseas 6 May 18 to 30 June 19.  He was not injured in the war, and was Honorably discharged 7 July 19.  ** He was in the engagement of Meuse Argonne, Marne 18-23 July 1918.

In 1920 Wallace was listed as single living at 1304 West Crawford Street in Fayette, Pennsylvania.  They were renting the house. He was living with his father, mother, and sister, Isabelle.  Wallace, and William were both working as blacksmiths, at a repair shop.

Wallace married Helen maus and they had one child. Married around 1923.

1.  Dwayne Wallace Nagle

In 1930 Wallace was about 37, and was renting a house at 1121 Hillman street. Mahonin - Youngstown, Ohio.  He was living with his wife Helen 38 years old, and son Dwayne, who was 2 10/12  The census states they were married around 1923. Wallace was working as a fireman for a steam railroad.   Dwayne was born in Pennsylvania, so Wallace and Helen moved to Ohio after 1927.
The census mentions that Wallace was a WW1 veteran.

In 1940 Wallace was renting a house, the house number was 404, Falls AveYoungstown, Ohio .  Wallace was living with Helen, and Dwayne. The census says that Wallace's highest grade completed was 8th grade.  He was doing contract work, as a paper hanger.

Wallace had a Army burial 3 July 1973.  He is interred at Forest Lawn, Memorial Park Cemetery.  Sec: Woodland Block B lot# 120 grave 4

Virginia Faye Nagle

Virginia Faye Nagle was born September 24, 1911 in Marland

Virginia's Parents were Wallace Edgar Nagle, and Eugenia Miriam Dess Burkett

Virginia Married John Perry Wilson, and had a daughter
1. Orpha Dess Wilson

Virginia Married Thorman Smith

Virginia Married Richard Hoolsema






In 1930 Virginia was 18 years old, and living in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania with her stepdad William Brennon, mother Miriam Brennon, and sister Anne.   They were renting a room for $26.00 per month  Her step father was a gaurd at a bank, and a WWI Veteran.  She had a younger brother named Carl Nagle.

By 1970 Virginia Was married to Thorman C Smith and  lived in Pasadena at 1428 Hill Ave

Virginia Faye Smith married Richard Hoolsema December 5th, 1979 in Clark County, Nevada

Virginia F. Hoolsema died in March 1996.  Her last residence was in Hemet, Riverside, California

John Perry Wilson

John Perry Wilson was born in Los Angeles County, California November 19, 1915.

His father was Robert H. Wilson born in New York April 8, 1868, and his mother was Orpha May Spencer born in Salem, Centre, Indiana December 2, 1877.

John was married to  Katherine Matthews, and they had three children.

1. Luella Mae Wilson
2. Charlene Wilson
3. Monte Glen Wilson / Curtis

John's second wife was Virginia Faye Nagle, and they had one daughter
1. Orpha Dess Wilson




In 1920 John was 4 1/2 years old, and living in Redondo Beach with his mom Orpha, dad Robert,  sister Helen, sister Roberta, sister Alta, brother James, brother Willis, and sister Winifred.

In 1930 John was 14 years old and was living with his mom Orpha, dad Robert, sister Alta, Sister Winifred, and brother Willis.

John married Katherine Matthews April 9 1937.  The marriage license lists both sets of parents. Kathering is listed as Katy Mae Mathews, her father's name was Ira Mathews, and her mother's name was Jane Greer.  It also said Katy was a native of Texas.

 In 1940 they were living at 229 1/2 Helberta Ave, Redondo Beach California in a house the were renting.  His highest level of education was 8th grade, and he was a tug boat operator for an oil refinery.  They had Luella Mae age 2, and Charlene age 1 living with them.


John Perry served in the Army from 20 February 1945 to 2 December 1946

John  Perry Wilson died February 27 1998 at the age of 70.  He is buried at Pacific Crest Cemetery

James Perry Stutes

James Perry Stutes was born in October of 1823, in Morgan County Ohio.

His Father was John Stutes who was born in Monmouth, New Jersey, in 1782, and hi mother was Leah White, who was born in 1784, in New York.

A the age of 19, he married Elizabeth Eveland on Aug 31, 1843, in Morgan Co.
Elizabeth Died in 1848, in Fulton Illinois when he was 25 years old.
They had one child,
1. Martha b. 1847

At age 27, he married a second wife, Mary Ann Obriant on October 17, 1850, in Fulton Co. Illinois

Their 9 Children were
2. Nancy b.1851, Illinois - d. 1895
3. Leah Christena b. Jan 2, 1854 Iwoa City, Wright Iowa - D. February 10, 1909 Redondo Beach, CA.
4. George b.May 1855, Illinois - d. 1932
5. Rachel b.November 21 1858, Illinois -
6. Samuel b. 1861?, Illinois
7. James b. 1864?, Illinois
8. Mary A b.1868?  Kansas
9. David b. February 1870, Kansas
10. Barbara b.1876, Illinois

In 1860 James, Mary, Martha, Nancy, Leah, and George were all living in Buckheart, Fulton, Illinois.  James was 37 at the time according to the census

On September 5, 1864 James entered the service, under Cpt. Allan. in Co. G, in the 146th Infantry Illinois.  According to the records, he was 5'10, with black hair, grey eyes, and had a dark complexion.  He was a farmer.  The 146th was sent to Camp Butler where their job was guarding drafted men there.  He was Mustered out July 8, 1865.  We entered and left service as a Private.


In 1870 James, now 48 is living in Olathe, Johnson, Kansas with Mary, Martha, George, Rachel, Sameul, James, Mary A., and David.  He owns his own land that he farms.  It is worth 400.00
Phillip Shultz (son in law), and Nancy (daughter), John (grandson) live next door, and Phillip works on the farm.  Norman Spencer, and Leah (Jame's daughter), also Live next door.  Norman also works on the farm.

In 1880, James now 58 is living in Banner, Fulton, Illinois. Mary (his wife) passed sometime between 1876 - 1880.  He is living with Samuel, Mary, David, and Barbara.  His Grandson John P Shultz is living with him, so I am not sure where Nancy (John's mother) is. George's Family, (Son) and Leah (daughter) with her children followed him, and are also working on the same farm.  It looks like the land is not theirs.  

He marries Ruth A Crawford in 1882
Their children are
11. Oscar W Stutes b. 1885 - 1972
12. Lorenzo b.1887 - d. 1918
13. Sarah b. 1896

In 1900 James is now 78, and living in Burlington, Coffey, Kansas.  He is a carpenter, and is living with Ruth, Oscar, Lorenzo, and Sarah

James Perry Stutes dies at 81, April 3, 1903 in Burlington, Coffey Co. Kansas.  He is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Burlington Kansas.

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