Other Events:

• Physical Description: 5'2", light brown hair, hazel brown eyes, heavy set
• FamilySearch Id: 5 foot 3, light brown hair, med build,
• FamilySearch Id: KFFK-QHG
• Occupation: Supervisor- Drivers Lisc Dept of Motor Vehicles for CA
• Reference Number: *
• Religion: Nazarene, Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States
• _MARNM: Collis
• _UID: CC42A326D290344E91B6EDDD17737D9467E8

Notes:

BERTHA IRENE SHERMAN

Bertha was born in Kalispell, Montana, on 2 March, 1903. Her mother, Addie May Sly, and father, Milton K. Sherman, had met in Michigan where May was a waitress in the restaurant of the Elliot House Hotel. Milton and his brothers were loggers. Milton's sister, Matilda, wrote, "May Sly was a very beautiful girl. She had most of the young men in a whirl for sure. However, Milton won her. I recall that her parents worked for the Elliots also." May and Milton married February 17, 1902 in Oscoda, Michigan. The marriage was registered in Tawas City, the county seat. Matilda (or Tillie as she was called) continues, "When May's parents decided to move to Montana, May insisted on going too. Milton, being so mad about her, gave in and went along. Milton was always a very calm, quiet man. He would never argue or quarrel with any one."

May's parents spoken of here are her mother, Elizabeth, and step father, Richard Smith. Elizabeth Close had married Loren Sly in Michigan in 1877. Addie May was the second of their three children. Loren left for the Gold fields about 1888 during a recession. The family received a few letters then heard no more from him. Elizabeth took in roomers to make ends meet after her husband disappeared. Richard Smith was one of those roomers. He was a logger and said he liked to take a room with a widow to help her out. Although Elizabeth was not officially a widow, she was raising her three children by herself. Richard Smith and Elizabeth were married in Michigan about 1900.

Elizabeth (Libby) and Richard Smith moved to Montana in 1902 and took up a homestead near Eureka. May and Milton went with them and also filed for homestead land. They lived in what was called the "Love Cottage". Bertha's father, Milton, left when Bertha was about 2 years old, and according to Bertha, she never heard from nor saw him again. Maye Alverson, a step cousin to Bertha, wrote that someone had taken a shot at Milton while he sat in his home. The suspected person was Richard Smith, who supposedly did not care for Milton. Richard Smith was often upset with one or another of the neighbors and eventually lost much of his land through unsuccessful law suits.

In the book: "The Story of the Tobacco Plains Country, the Autobiography of a Community," Page 164 in a chapter on "Fortine Area Homesteads." It says, "Among many other Michiganders who homesteaded in this vicinity were Dick Smith and his wife, and Mrs. Smith's son and daughter, Ernest and May Sly. For years Dick Smith was the community "radical"--always fighting the capitalist lumber companies and writing accusing letters to his Congressmen: "Just sore at everybody in the world," as Harry Weydemeyer puts it. Mrs. Smith died and her son and daughter went west, but Dick stayed on, living alone at his homestead, and died there at a ripe old age, still kicking."

Milton decided he could not stay any longer. It is said that when Milton left, he asked May to come with him, but she refused. I later learned that Milton had returned to his parent's home in Michigan. His sister, my Aunt Tillie, wrote," What happened between May and Milton I never heard. I do know he loved May and Bertha very much. When he came home, I was only about 6 or 7 years of age, but I remember he had a picture of Bertha at about 1 and a half or 2 years of age. He had that picture enlarged and it hung in our parlor. Several times I have gone into the parlor and found him standing there before that picture with tears running down his face." Maye Alverson wrote that Milton had sent money and gifts to Bertha which never reached her. Perhaps her step-father, Richard (Dick), had intercepted them. Bertha said that Grandpa Dick was never anything but kind to her and she loved him.

After Milton and May separated, May went to Spokane, Washington to look for work. She worked as a waitress in one or another hotel there. She left Bertha in the care of her grandparents, Libby and Dick Smith. Bertha had fond memories of her time with her Grandmother. She remembered playing on the kitchen floor with an egg beater and a bowl, beating imaginary eggs while her grandmother prepared a meal. Bertha had diphtheria when she was four years old and lived in a little house in Eureka Montana. It's not clear whether she was living with her mother or grandmother at that time. When Bertha's mother, May, married James Leroy Lamb in 1908, they wanted Bertha to come live with them in Diamond, Washington, but Grandmother Libby felt she couldn't part with her, so Bertha continued living with her grandmother. Periodically she would visit her mother and step father. Roy had graduated from college with a business degree. He was a bookkeeper when he married May, but he didn't like it. He later became a road overseer. Later he managed the warehouse near the railroad.

Bertha attended Therriault (pronounced Tarry-o) School in Eureka, Montana The school was held in a log cabin close the 'Love Cabin' previously belonging to her father. The school and 'Love Cabin' were about 3 miles from the Smith's homestead. As the Smith homestead was several miles from school and any neighbors, Bertha would often ride her horse to school. At times she would be the only child at school. I'm sure she was a lonely child, but perhaps didn't know any different. She did have her animals for friends and playmates.

It was a hard life in the far Northwestern corner of Montana. Richard was never a good provider. Libby was a hard worker.and had a strawberry patch and vegetable garden. She would sell eggs and vegetables to the neighbors to make ends meet. She would even hire out as a cook.

Hunting was a necessity to provide food for the winter. There would be a deer hanging in the shed all winter. It was so cold that the deer would freeze, and a saw would be used to cut off a chunk of meat for dinner. Bertha learned to can the deer meet in the oven. She also learned to shoot a gun at a young age and was a good shot. There wasn't much opportunity to shoot a gun when she lived in Sacramento and in fact there were no guns in the home, but she liked to target practice when she would visit her daughter and son in law, Barbara and Tom Alexander, in Arizona.

In 1917 Bertha started Lincoln High School in Eureka, Montana. She lived with her Grandma in a rented house next door to her Aunt Carrie Fletcher and her family. The Fletchers lived in a house they built on a lot owned by Bertha's mother. Bertha was a regular Tom boy, according to her, and she played "Follow the Leader" with the Fletcher boys all over the mill pond and the lumber yard. Uncle Fred Fletcher was the tender at the dam but never stopped them even though it was a danger as the logs bobbed and rolled as they jumped from one to another. What fun they had. At one time Uncle Fred was a diver repairing boats on Flathead Lake and as a child, Bertha would go visit them where they lived in Somers, Montana. At that time so many children bothered her, so Aunt Carrie let her go into the cellar and kept the other kids away. She stated, "I guess I had spent to much time alone that I couldn't stand the commotion." It seems she outgrew that by the time she was in high school.

Bertha's Grandmother, Libby, had breast cancer, and said to have been caused from falling down a well. Libby went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, New York, but they could not cure the cancer and prescribed morphine for the pain. Libby was there during the flue epidemic of 1918 and Bertha had the flu and was alone in the house in Eureka. In the spring of 1919, Libby's illness and the resulting pain became very bad, and she kept asking for Bertha. Bertha quit school to tend to her. A couple of times May came to care for Libby, but when she wasn't there, Bertha nursed her and administered morphine shots to ease the pain. At times Ernest Fletcher would give Bertha a break and he would care for Libby. She died the 8th of July in 1919 when Bertha was just sixteen.

After her grandmother's death, Bertha went to live with her mother and stepfather in Diamond, Washington. They had no children of their own. Bertha told me that she didn't know why, but she assumed that her parent's wouldn't want her to live with them. Perhaps she felt rejected as she had visited but had not really lived with her mother since the age of two. In retrospect Bertha stated that her stepfather, Roy Lamb, "was very tolerant and understanding of what must have been a very bratty and spoiled sixteen year old. Anyway, I have only pleasant and affectionate memories of him." Roy was very good to her and they developed a very close relationship. Bertha and her mother also became very close after she moved back home. Bertha was still an only child and longed for brothers and sisters.

For whatever reason, Bertha decided she wanted to go to catholic school. She attended St. John's Academy, a Catholic girl's boarding school for a year and a half. She had met Russell by then and Barbara said that Russell told Bertha she needed to give up Catholic School or him. She moved back with Roy and May.
Bertha was a good student and she loved learning. She took Latin in school which served her well throughout her life, as she had a good vocabulary and a good understanding of words. She loved working crossword puzzles. She attended Colfax High School, where she graduated 23 May 1922. She was an officer and treasurer in the Campfire Girls-Tenega. Campfire girls were first organized in 1910 as the first non sectarian organization for girl in the the United States.

Bertha attended State Normal School at Cheney, Washington, in 1923. She started teaching in September 1923 at Harp School in Mount Hope, just out of Spokane, Washington. She had met Russell Collis at a fair when she was 15. They were married 14 Oct 1923. Bertha quit teaching at the end of that school year as she was pregnant with Roy. She never went back to teaching again. She would have been a wonderful teacher. She was smart and patient and loving.

When Bertha and Russell moved to Sacramento in May 1941, Bertha worked at the Libby McNeil Cannery on Stockton Boulevard, canning apricots, and peaches. The next summer she worked at Bercut Richards canning tomatoes. It was tiring hard work, but she was used to hard work. She had been a stay at home, but work at home mom throughout the early years of marriage; she had cooked for road crews in Colfax while they were living there. She had helped roof a house when 8 months pregnant with Barbara.

Bertha was an active member of the Nazarene church on 21st and S Streets. It was a strict religion which discouraged dancing, makeup, jewelry, and movies. She wrote many poems embracing religious themes. She was Sunday school superintendent and at one time printed the Sunday bulletin on the mimeograph machine; a messy job. She took her children to church by herself as Russell only attended on Easter and Christmas. He would often cook dinner while we were at church and after dinner, we would take a ride. There were many such trips around the area. One by one her children quit attending as they reached their teenage years. Eventually Bertha quit attending.

Bertha began working for the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles on 15 Dec 1942 and remained there until she retired in April 1965 as a Supervisor in the Division of Drivers License. She was 62 years old. She was a finger print specialist in analyzing and comparing finger prints. She was well liked and well thought of in the department. As she got older, she seldom drove the car as Russell took her where she wanted to go. They even went grocery shopping together. They were compatible and excepting of their differences and strengths.

Bertha was quick to figure things out. She was always ready to fix things. I can remember her taking apart the toaster or iron and putting them back together again and they worked. That was in the days when you fixed what you had rather than throwing it out and buying a new one. We had an old electric curling iron as I remember. You had to be really careful not to get it too hot or you would burn your hair and it would break off. She was always working on some kind of hand work; knitting, crocheting, tatting, and sewing. She made most of our clothing when we were young and taught us to sew at a very young age. She could create any garment you could show her. Every Easter we would have a new homemade out fit to wear to church. She knitted many Barbie doll sweaters for her first grandchildren. As she aged, she developed arthritis in her hands and no longer did handwork. She wrote lots of poetry, much of it of a religious nature, but some with a bit humor also. She was a lady of many talents. My most vivid memories of her were of the times I would have a bad dream in the night. I would creep into my parent's room and stand or kneel beside her bed. She would wake up and take me into bed with her until I was ready to go back to my own bed. When I was young, Stan, Darlyne and I slept in the same room. One night I woke up and saw Stan standing beside my bed; and yet when I looked over at his bed, he was fast asleep in it. The person standing beside my bed disappeared into my parent's closet in the nest room. I was scared out of my whits. My parents got up and searched all through their closet and even into the attic opening in the ceiling of their closet. No one could be found. I was sure that someone was there. They were so patient with me even in the middle of the night, knowing it was a bad dream.

One cold night in January of 1953 Bertha received a telephone call during the night. Her mother had been in an automobile accident and was killed instantly from a ruptured aorta and spleen. The car she was riding in and another car had collided in a snowstorm just south of Spokane, Washington. She had been shopping with other women from her home town area. (See addendum 6).It was a terrible shock. I woke up to Bertha's screaming. Roy had always promised to bring May down to Sacramento to see her daughter and grandchildren. Now that was no longer an option and Roy was devastated. Bertha and Russell drove up to be with Roy. It was a sad reunion. Roy, May's husband, came to visit us in Sacramento with a neighbor boy, Norman Kuntz after her death. Norman was about 16 at the time and probably helped with the driving. Roy was so lonely. Roy died July 31, 1955. Bertha and Russell took a trip to Diamond to settle his affairs.

When Bertha retired, she and Russell fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams of seeing New England in the fall with all of the beautiful colors. They sold their home, bought an Airstream trailer and traveled across the United States. While they were gone, I found some of her treasures that she had stored at Darlyne and Bill's house. Among her papers, I found May Sly and Milton Sherman's marriage certificate stating they were married in Bay County Michigan. I called the operator and told her I was looking for Milton Sherman and explained the reason. She gave me the names and phone numbers for all of the Shermans in that area. One of the persons I called gave me the name and number of Tillie Sherman Chambers who was a sister to Milton. Milton had died in 1953 of a heart attack. That was the same year but about a month after May's death. Aunt Tillie told me that Milton had come home and married Zoë Sharrow in 1908. Milton and Zoë had four children; 3 boys and a girl.

Another of Bertha's desires was fulfilled even though she hadn't known it. The family discussed whether Bertha should be informed of the news of her new family since she had a serious heart condition. Stan said that we had no choice. She needed to be told. When Bertha and Russell returned from their year long trip across the States, I broke the news to her that she had 3 half brothers and a half sister. She was so excited! She could hardly wait to talk to them on the telephone. She had a conversation with Joe, the oldest brother and wrote to the cousin who was involved in researching the genealogy of the family. She decided to fly back to Michigan to meet them. We knew it was risky due to her heart condition. She had had a heart attack in Florida and was confined to the trailer for quite some time. Russell did not wish to go as he was not comfortable meeting so many new people. We talked about the risk, but they decided she should go and the new family in Michigan was anxious to meet her.

When she got to Michigan, a cousin, Vernon Sherman, arranged for a large Sherman family reunion. Milton's sister, Tillie, his wife, Zoey, and all of Milton's children and their families attended. There were also many cousins. Bertha loved it all and had a wonderful visit. (See Addendum 18 - letter from Vernon Sherman).

After a couple of days in Michigan, Bertha felt lots of pain in her legs and back. She knew something was not right. She ended up in the hospital in Traverse City, Michigan. Russell, accompanied by his oldest son, Roy, flew back to Michigan to be with her. Despite his reticence, he met all the Sherman family. They were very good to him and he liked them. Bertha was in the hospital for about a week. Surgery was performed to remove the embolism, but it was too late. She died in the hospital June 30, 1970. Her body was shipped back to Sacramento for burial at Eastlawn South. (See addendum 7). Joe, her half brother, and his wife Lora came to visit us in Sacramento a while later. It was nice for the family to meet him. We met his daughter Norma and her husband, Bud, and their children also, but never met the rest of the family.

Some of Bertha's Legacies:

·She loved all nature, from the most delicate flower to the high majestic peaks.
·She was a conservationist before it was popular to be one. We could never throw even a bit of paper on the ground.
·She cared about all humans, from the intellectual to the down trodden.
·She had a deep spirituality.
·She loved a good joke.
·She was a good shot with a gun.
·She had a good command of the language with a large vocabulary. She felt the Latin she took in high school accounted
for this. She loved doing crossword puzzles.
·She knew and loved poetry. Just a word would prick her memory and she would recite a long loved poem. She wrote
poems both spiritual and humorous.
·One of her favorite sayings was; "Necessity is the mother of invention." Another regarding attitude was; "You can catch
more flies with honey than with vinegar."
·She insisted in honesty and truthfulness in all things minor and major. We could never bring anything home that wasn't
ours. She would say quietly and calmly, "It isn't yours, go put it back where you found it."
·She was an excellent seamstress and had always wanted to take dressmaking courses. She could look at a picture of a
dress or outfit and create one like it.
·Her hands were always busy with knitting, crocheting, tatting or other handwork.
·She was not an exceptional housekeeper. One of her favorite sayings was, "It will never be noticed on a galloping
horse."
·She always took a position against gossip, but was not concerned if she was the butt of the gossip. She would say, "If
they're talking about me, then they're not talking about someone else."
·She loved life and lived it.
·She had often stated that she only had three desires: "To live to see her family raised; to see New England in the fall;
and to have brothers and sisters." She fulfilled all three of them.


One of her sayings,"When they are little they step on your toes. When they are big they step on your heart!"

*1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Bertha I Hserman [Bertha I Sherman]
Age in 1910: 7
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1903
BirthPlace: Montana
Relation to Head of House: Granddaughter
Father's Birth Place: Austria
Mother's Birth Place: Michigan
Home in 1910: School District 10, Lincoln, Montana
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Gender: Female
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Smith 44
Elizabeth Smith 31
Bertha I Hserman 7 ( Should be Sherman)

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Bertha Sherman [Bertha Shorman]
Home in 1920: Diamond, Whitman, Washington
Age: 16 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1904
Birthplace: Montana [Washington]
Relation to Head of House: Stepdaughter
Father's Birth Place: Michigan
Mother's Name: Mae
Mother's Birth Place: Michigan
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Sex: Female
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 887
Household Members: Name Age
Roy Lamb 35
Mae Lamb 36
Bertha Sherman 16

Bertha married Ernest Russell COLLIS on 14 Oct 1923 in Spokane, Spokane, Washington, United States. Ernest (son of Walter Winner COLLIS and Laura Susan GRIGSBY) was born on 31 Dec 1896 in Brentwood, Contra Costa, California, United States; died on 26 Jun 1976 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States; was buried in Eastlawn Southgate, Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Washington, Marriage Records, 1865-2004
Name: Russell Earnest Collis
Spouse: Bertha Irene Sherman
Marriage Date: 14 Oct 1923
Marriage Place: Spokane
Reference Number: easpmca33989

1. Walter Leroy COLLIS was born on 27 Sep 1924 in Brentwood, Contra Costa, California, United States; died on 21 May 1999 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States.
2. Laura May COLLIS was born on 10 Aug 1926 in Yuba City, Sutter, California, United States; died on 23 May 2012 in Roseville, Placer, California, United States.
3. Barbara Jean COLLIS was born on 20 Nov 1930 in Stockton, San Joaquin, California, United States; died on 26 Jun 2009 in Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona, United States.
4. Stanley Richard COLLIS was born on 2 Feb 1935 in Thera, Whitman, Washington, United States; died on 23 Nov 2016 in Chico, Butte, California, USA; was buried in Cremated.
5. Living
6. Living

Other Events:

• Reference Number: *
• Religion: Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
• _UID: 61748A19D8CBF84C988BA1DA2F4AD2276FDC

Notes:

MiThings to do:
1. Check out the 1901 census as there are 3 entries for Milton Sherman
2. read letters from Milton's sister, Matilda, for info, also other letters.
3. find Milton's children and locations.
4. location relationships of counties:
5. border crossings?
6. Oscoda, Iosco, MI newspapers
The Sherman books at genealogybooklinks.com have been updated and now lists more than 30 books.

Timeline for Milton Sherman:

1880 Nov 26, Milton Kellum Sherman born in Kingsmill, Ontario, Canada
1883 immigrated to the US with family
1901 Census, listed in the Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
1902 Feb 17, married Addie May Sly in Tawas City, Iosco, Michigan
1902. Feb 17th, Milton K born 1881 laundryman of Tawas City MI Iosco Co, was married to Miss Addie May/Mae Sly
born May 5 1881 in MI, of Tawas City MI. His parents Jas M Sherman and Martha Smith, her parents Jno Sly and
unknown (Addie's DR; IOS/MR 3-104; Tawas Herald Feb 28 1902 p1c5; marriage certificate, Rev D I Barry Baptist
Minister).
1902. Milton of Oscoda is the new proprietor of the Tawas City Laundry. He comes well recommended as a good
workman (Tawas Herald Jan 3 1902 p5c1).
1903 Mar 2, first child, Bertha Irene born in Kalispell, Montana
1905 left family and returned to Michigan
1908 Aug 18, married Zoey Elizabeth Sharrow in Harrisviille, Alcona, Michigan
1909 Feb 5 daughter, Alma Elizabeth born in Oscoda, Iosco, Michigan
1910 Census, in Mikado, Alcona, Michigan with wife and daughter
1912 Nov 8, son James Joseph born in Oscoda
1915 Feb 13, son, Daniel Clayton born in Oscoda
1916 moved with family to Detroit, Michigan
1917 May 15, son, Basil B born in Detroit
1920 Census, in Detroit Ward 21, Wayne, Michigan (Station Ave.) with wife and four children
1930 Census in Shelby, Macomb, Michigan, (Auburn Rd.) with wife and 3 sons
1930's moved to Manton, Michigan
1940 Census, Caldwell, Missaukee, Michigan Zoe and son, Clayton
1953 Feb 25, died in Manton, Wexford, Michigan at age 72 from heart disease.


Milton Kellum Sherman and Addie Mae Sly married 17 February 1902 in Oscoda near Tawas City, Michigan. They had met when Mae, as she was called, worked as a waitress at the Elliot House Hotel. Milton and other loggers were patrons there. The two fell in love and planned to marry. Mae's parents were moving to Montana and wanted her to go with them and Milton to follow. They could then be married out west. Instead Mae and Milton married in Michigan. She then went west with her family and Milton followed. They lived in a little cabin on Mae's parents homestead.They had one child, Bertha Irene Sherman. They separated and he went back to Michigan about 1905. Bertha was about 2 years old. Bertha knew nothing more about her father"

Milton Sherman was born 26 Nov 1880 in Kingsmill, Ontario, Canada. He immigrated to the US in 1884 with his family. He was the 1st of 13 children born to James and Martha Sherman. His youngest sister, Matilda, said about him, "I have never known Milton to be anything but kind and gentle to everyone. He was always a very calm, quiet man. He would never argue or quarrel with any one. As a young man, he worked as a lumberman." Milton also logged after moving to Montana with Mae. It is said someone shot just above his head while he was in their cabin and he decided he had to leave. He asked Mae and Bertha to go with him. Mae refused.Mae's sister, Carrie, said that he sent letters and money for support, but Bertha never knew about it.. I was told that Addie's step father was ornery and did not like Milton. Milton returned to Michigan. Matilda stated, "What happened between Mae and Milton I never heard. I do know he loved her and Bertha very much. When he came home I was only about 7 years of age, but I remember he had a picture of Bertha at about age 2. He had that picture enlarged and it hung in our parlor. Several times I have gone into the parlor and found him standing before that picture with tears running down his face." In 1908, he married Zoey Sharrow and they had four children. In 1916, he moved to Detroit and worked in an auto factory. His WWI draft registration in 1917 lists him as medium height, slender with blue eyes. After WWI, he moved to Auburn, Michigan, a farming community, and became a farmer. He moved to the farm in Manton, Michigan sometime in the 30's, staying there until his death." Milton died in Michigan in 1953 at age 73 from heart problems.

Addie Mae Sly was born 3 May 1881 in Oscoda, Michigan, the 2nd of 3 children of Loren and Libby Sly. Mae's father left in the 1890's for the gold fields. He did not return. Her mother later married Richard Smith. The following was written by Milton Sherman's sister, Matilta: "As a young girl, Mae Sly worked as a waitress at the Elliot House Hotel. It included a restaurant and bar. I seem to remember that her parents worked for the Elliots also. Mae Sly was a very beautiful girl. She had most of the young men in a whirl for sure. However, Milton won her. When her parents decided to move to Montana, Mae insisted on going too. Milton, being so mad about her, gave in and went along. After Milton left Mae, she went with her aunt, Carrie Fletcher, to Port Angeles, Washington to seek work as a waitress. She left Bertha with Grandma Libby and Dick Smith. She worked in Washington, Montana, and perhaps Alaska until her marriage to Roy Lamb.
.Mae married James Leroy Lamb in Lacrosse, Washington, 23 Dec 1908. They lived in Lacrosse, Washington until Oct., 1911, when they moved to a farm on a hill back from the mercantile on the main road that goes to Endicott, one mile East of Diamond, Washington. In 1919, Libby Smith died, so Bertha came to live with her mother and step-father (she considered him her father as she knew no other.) Mae loved working in her garden and fishing in the creek nearby. Scott has her fishing pole. Mae died in an automobile accident 16 January 1953 in Spokane, Washington from a ruptured Aorta and spleen. The car she was in slid on the ice. She was 72 years old when she died.

Milton Kallinn Sherman
Ontario Births, 1869-1912
Name Milton Kallinn Sherman
Event Type Birth
Event Date 26 Nov 1880
Event Place Malahide, Elgin, Ontario, Canada
Registration Date 1880
Gender Male
Father's Name James Milton Sherman
Mother's Name Martha Metora Smith
Certificate Number 004965

English Canada Came to US in 1884 with father

!SOURCE: Marriage certificate in posession of Marilyn Parker.
!NOTE:Milton Sherman was a farmer, trapper and logger in Michigan and Montana in his early manhood. He married Addie Mae Sly and went to Montana to homestead. They had one child, Bertha Irene Sherman. They separated and he went back to Michigan about 1904 or 1905. He sold his releasement of the homestead to Dan Alverson, father of Fred Alverson about 1906. He married Zoey Sharrow and they had four children. Milton worked at the auto plants in Detroit, Michigan during his middle years. In his later years he was a farmer in Arlene, Michigan. He was known as a gentle man.

1901 Census of Canada
Name: Milton K Sherman
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Single
Age: 20
Birth Day & Month: 26 Nov
Birth Year: 1880
Birthplace: Ontario
Relation to Head of House: Son
Father's Name: Milton Sherman
Mother's Name: Martha M Sherman
Racial or Tribal Origin: English
Nationality: Canadain
Religion: Methodist
Province: Ontario
District: Norfolk (South/Sud)
District Number: 94
Sub-District: Houghton
Sub-District Number: B-2
Household Members:
Name Age
Milton Sherman 44
Martha M Sherman 40
Milton K Sherman 20
Alma R Sherman 18
Arther L Sherman 17
Claryton Sherman 16
Mary E Sherman 14
Frank W Sherman 12
Clarance C Sherman 3
Matilda S Sherman 2

*1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Milton Sherman
Age in 1910: 28
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1882
Birthplace: Canada
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Canada
Mother's Birth Place: Canada
Spouse's name: Zvae
Home in 1910: Mikado, Alcona, Michigan
Marital Status: Married occupation: labor odd jobs
Race: White
Gender: Male
Year of Immigration: 1900
Household Members: Name Age
Milton Sherman 28
Zvae Sherman 20 (Zoe)
Elizabeth Sherman 1

*World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
Name: Milton Kellum Sherman
City: Not Stated
County: Wayne
State: Michigan
Birth Date: 26 Nov 1880
Race: White
Roll: 1683036
DraftBoard: 2
Age: Occupation: Nearest Relative:wife-Zoey Height-med/Build:slender; Color of Eyes: Blue /Hair:

*1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Milton K Sherman
Home in 1920: Detroit Ward 21, Wayne, Michigan (Station Ave.)
Age: 39 years
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1881
Birthplace: Canada
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's name: Zsey E
Father's Birth Place: Canada
Mother's Birth Place: Canada
Marital Status: Married (occupation: woodworker, auto bodies)
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home owned: Own
Year of Immigration: un
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Image: 734
Household Members: Name Age
Milton K Sherman 39
Zoey E Sherman 29
Alma E Sherman 10
Joseph Sherman 8
Clayton Sherman 4 10/12
Bazil Sherman 2 6/12

*1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Milton K Sherman
Home in 1930: Shelby, Macomb, Michigan (Auburn Rd.)
Age: 49
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1881
Birthplace: Canada Immigrated 1883, naturalized
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's name: James M
Spouse's name: Zoey
Race: White
Occupation: Automobile trimmer; Military Service: no; owns /home value: 2000; Age at first marriage: 21; Parents' birthplace: both Canada
Household Members: Name Age
Milton K Sherman 49
Zoey Sherman 39 born Michigan
Joseph Sherman 17 son, born Michigan
Henry C Sherman 14 son, born Michigan
Basil B Sherman 12 son, born Michigan
James M Sherman 73 ( father) born Canada

1940 United States Federal Census
Name: Milton Sherman
Respondent: Yes
Age: 59
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1881
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Canada English
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Caldwell, Missaukee, Michigan
Farm: Yes
Inferred Residence in 1935: Caldwell, Missaukee, Michigan
Residence in 1935: Same House
Citizenship: Naturalized
Sheet Number: 4B
Number of Household in Order of Visitation: 74
Father's Birthplace: Canada English
Mother's Birthplace: Canada English
Occupation: Farmer
House Owned or Rented: Owned
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: 300
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 8th grade
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 50
Class of Worker: Working on own account
Weeks Worked in 1939: 52
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: Yes
Native Language: English
Veteran: No
Veteran Father Dead: No
Social Security Number: No
Usual Occupation: Farmer
Usual Industry: Farm
Usual Class of Worker: Working on own account
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
Milton Sherman 59
Zoey Sherman 49
Clayton Sherman

http://www.sherman-roots.com/sherman/pioneers/sp'ott.doc
1. Milton Kellum9 Sherman born 1881 in Norfolk Co Canada (his MIS/DR); or born Nov 26 1880 at Kingsmill Ontario (mc/mp).
1902. Feb 17th, Milton K born 1881 laundryman of Tawas City MI Iosco Co, was married to Miss Addie May/Mae Sly born May 5 1881 in MI, of Tawas City MI. His parents Jas M Sherman and Martha Smith, her parents Jno Sly and unknown (Addie's DR; IOS/MR 3-104; Tawas Herald Feb 28 1902 p1c5; marriage certificate, Rev D I Barry Baptist Minister).
1902. Milton of Oscoda is the new proprietor of the Tawas City Laundry. He comes well recommended as a good workman (Tawas Herald Jan 3 1902 p5c1).
1902/04. Milton and Addie Sherman homesteaded in Montana, Milton returned to MI and Addie stayed in MT. Milton and Addie separated, and later divorced.
1908. Aug 18th, Milton K of Greenbush MI Alcona Co a farmer, married Elizabeth "Lizzie" Zoe Sharrow born 1881, his 2nd and her first marriage, his parents J M Sherman & Martha Smith (ALC/MR 2-54). Zoe born in Algonac MI StClair Co (Mary Elizabeth's BR).
1910. Census of Alcona Co indicated: Milton age 28; Zoe Sherman age 20, born 1890 in MI; child Elizabeth (Soundex e3/f50).
1915. Milton lived in Detroit (GVWS) p7).
1920. Census of Detroit MI Wayne Co indicated: Milton K age 39, naturalized; Zoey E Sherman age 29; children Alma E, Joseph, Clayton, Basil (Soundex e658/p25).
1938. Oct 13th Milton wrote a letter from Manton MI to Vernon Wesley Sherman in Belleville NJ, included story about his father (mc/mks).
1950. Milton lived on farm near Manton MI (mc/mp).
1953. Jan 16th, Addie May Lamb, aka Addie May/Mae Sly (Sherman), aka Addie May/Mae Smith, died Spokane WA from auto accident on the same day. Her usual residence was Diamond WA Whitman Co; parents not given; buried in Colfax WA; informant Roy Lamb her husband (WA Certificate of Death file number 1692; mc/mp).
1953. Milton Sherman died Feb 25 1953 at Manton MI (mc/mp; mc/sp); Milton K age 72, farmer, spouse Zoey, no military service, buried in Caldwell Twp Cemetery Missaukee Co,Michigan. (MIS/DR A-16).
1977. Zoey Elizabeth Sherman, aka Zoey Elizabeth Sharrow, age 88 (sic) in MI, from Manton MI Wexford Co, died at Cadillac MI Wexford Co, widow, informant Mrs Mabel Sherman; buried in Caldwell Twp Cemetery Missaukee Co (WEX/DR). Also shown as died 1970 (mc/mp). 5 Children:

Milton married Addie Mae SLY on 17 Feb 1902 in Tawas City, Iosco, Michigan, United States. Addie (daughter of Alvannah Loren SLY and Elizabeth Close) was born on 3 May 1881 in Oscoda, Iosco, Michigan, United States; died on 16 Jan 1953 in Spokane, Spokane, Washington, United States; was buried in Colfax Cemetery, Colfax, Whitman, Washington, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Also Known As: May
• Reference Number: *
• _MARNM: Sherman, Lamb
• _UID: BC8E4DCBA85B074B8A6691067B6D96D08C16

Notes:

Time line for Adie Mae Sly Sherman Lamb
1881 3 May born Oscoda Iosco, MI
1897 8th grade graduate Pinconning, Bay, Michigan
1900 US Census Mae living with Aunt Torisa Close Pierce, Milton, Rock, WI
1902 17 Feb,Mae married Milton Kellum Sherman, Tawas City, Iosco, MI
1902 Mae & Milton Sherman moved with her parents to Eureka, Lincoln, Montana
1903 2 Mar daughter, Bertha Sherman born
1906 Milton left Mae and Bertha and returned to Michigan, Mae went with Aunt Carrie Fletcher to Port Angeles, then
waitressed in Davenport Hotel in Spokane WA
1908 23 Dec married James Leroy Lamb, lived in Lacrosse, Washington
1911 moved to farm 1 mile E of Diamond, WA, then moved into town of Diamond
1953 16 Jan Died in Auto Accident in Spokane, Spokane,Wash

*Washington Death Index, 1940-1996 Washington Death Index, 1940-1996
Name: Addia M Lamb
Place of Death: Spokane
Date of Death: 16 Jan 1953
Age: 71
Gender: F
Certificate: 1692

COLFAX GAZETTE, COLFAX, WASHINGTON, JANUARY 5, 1912.
Pg 3
LACROSSE.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lamb of Diamond
are visiting friends here since
last Thursday. Mr. Lamb returned
Saturday and Mrs. L. will remain
another week.


Note from Marge Collis:
I enjoyed reading this very much. I seem to remember Roy saying his grandmother worked in Nome, Alaska, as a phone operator? Was that somewhere in the story also? I know he loved his grandmother, and had fun times with her. She took him fishing - which she apparently loved doing? Perhaps, she just thought HE needed the experience, being the oldest, and needed some 1 on 1 attention, I don't know - whatever it was, he had wonderful memories of his Grandmother.

Grandma and Grandpa lamb lived in Diamond Washington on a hill back from the mercantile on the main road that goes to Endicott. Thera was just outside of Colfax 1.5 miles toward Endicott. The house there that Bertha and Russell lived in has been torn down.
Addie Sly (Slyh), graduated 7 June, 1897, from Pinconning School, Bay City, Bay County, Michigan.
!NOTE: The following was told to Marilyn Parker by Bertha Sherman Collis, 13 Jan 1970:
"Elizabeth Close married Loren (Lorian) Sly and probably lived at Fort Wayne, Indiana when her children were young. Lorian walked with a limp. He left during the panic of 1893 (or near that time), to go to the gold fields. He wrote 2 or 3 letters, but was not heard from again. It was not made clear whether his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Tawas City before or after he left. She took in roomers to make ends meet. Richard Smith was a logger and boarded with her as he felt widows needed the money. They later were married. Addie Mae met and married Milton K. Sherman against her mother, Elizabeth's will. Elizabeth and Grandpa Dick were moving to Montana and wanted Addie to go with them and Milton to follow. They could then be married out west. Instead Addie and Milton were married in Tawas City. She went west with her family and Milton followed. They lived in the little cabin close to Addie's parents. Milton left when Bertha was about 2 years old. Bertha knew nothing more about her father"
!NOTE: The following was taken from a letter dated New Year's 1970, to Marilyn Parker from Maye Alverson:
"I always thought if Dick Smith had been a different man, your grandparents (Mae and Milton Sherman) would have made a go of it. But you would have had to know Dick to understand. He sure never made Aunt Lib happy. But that is a long gone story now and so are all those connected with it." The following was taken from a letter dated 19 Feb, 1970, to Marilyn Parker from Maye Alverson. (72 year old step daughter of Jennie Close Butler who was a sister to Elizabeth Close Sly Smith.) "Mae and Milton might have got along but Dick never got along with anyone. One night he shot at Milton through the wall and put two shots above his head. Poor old Dick was always on the outs with his neighbors, wouldn't let them use his road and such. Roads were pretty hard come by in those days." "Dick always seemed to be good to Bertha. She must have been quite small when Mae left her with Aunt Lib. When Mae left here, she went with Carrie Fletcher to Port Angeles. From there I lost track." "When Milton and Mae separated, he sold his re-leasement to Dan Alverson, Fred's father (Maye Alverson's father-in-law). It has been in the Alverson name until about 10 years ago. When Mrs. Burr Alverson remarried to a man by the name of Anderson. It was known as Alverson and Anderson for several years. Yes, Fred did own Dick's (Richard Smith) old place until about 5 years ago. He sold to a friend and his brother-in-law. They in turn made the meadow into a lake. It's on Terriaul Creek. Made a nice lake, but the neighbors fish it out, so Henry don't get much use of that as they live out on the flats at Iowa Flats as it's called". "Both of the Andersons are dead now and that place is owned by a young couple by the name of Arle Burk. Jack A. got $19,000 for it. Times do change. Acreage has gone sky high since the Libby Dam Project has started. Fred sold his for $40 per acre and now could easily get $75. And over near the recreation zone on the Kootenai, the land is going as high as $125 per acre." "Ernest Sly built a place on Glen Lake and it still stands and people live in it. I wouldn't be surprised but what Dad built the chimney on it as he has built so many in this country, also fireplaces. You can't get into Glen Lake only on one lot that the county owns but was taken over by the Fish and Game commission. The Lake now is so much larger than your grandmother knew it as the water from Grave Creek-Terriault Creek runs in it and it's used all over the valley and is known as the Glen Lake Irrigation Ditch.
The following information was taken from a letter dated January 28, 1970, to Marilyn Parker from Mrs. M. O. Chambers, (Great Aunt Tillie, Milton Kellum Sherman's sister) " Mae Sly worked at the Elliot House Hotel. It included a restaurant and bar. She was a waitress. I seem to remember that her parents worked for the Elliots also. Milton Kellum Sherman and Mae Sly were married in Oscoda, Michigan. However, the marriage was registered in Tawas City, the county seat. Mae Sly was a very beautiful girl. She had most of the young men in a whirl for sure. However, Milton won her. When her parents decided to move to Montana, Mae insisted on going too. Milton, being so mad about her, gave in and went along. Milton was always a very calm, quiet man, would never argue or quarrel with any one. What happened between Mae and Milton I never heard. I do know he loved her and Bertha very much. When he came home, I was only about 6 or 7 years of age, but I remember he had a picture of Bertha at about age 1 or 2. He had that picture enlarged and it hung in our parlor. Several times I have gone into the parlor and found him standing there before that picture with tears running down his face. In all the years, I have never known Milton to be anything but kind and gentle to everyone. A real good man." "Now about his work and living. While he remained in the Oscoda area, he worked for the most part as a lumberman as did most of the other men in those days (unless they were in business). Later, about 1916, he moved to Detroit and he worked in a factory. After the War (1st WW), he moved out to Auburn, Michigan, a farming community not too far from Detroit, and became a farmer. He moved to the farm in Manton, Michigan area sometime in the 30's, I think, staying there until his death in July, 1953."
Extract from a letter dated March 6, 1970 to Bertha Sherman Collis from Bacil B. Sherman, (youngest child of Milton Kellum Sherman). "When I was younger, I used to travel quite a little. Dad asked me to try to locate you, but I had no success in any way."
When Milton went to Michigan about 1905, it is said that he wanted Mae to go with him, but she wouldn't. She went to town to find work as a waitress and left Bertha with Grandma Libby and Dick Smith, Addie Mae`s mother and step-father. She worked in Montana, Washington and perhaps Alaska. When she married "Roy" Lamb, she hated to take Bertha from her home with the Smiths.
"Mae" and Roy lived in Lacrosse, Washington until Oct., 1911, when they moved to a farm one mile East of Diamond, Washington, where they lived twenty-nine years until her death. In 1919, Libby Smith died, so Bertha came to live with her mother and step-father (she considered him her father as she knew no other.)

(the following note accompanied each framed piece of quilt that I sent to each of my children, grandchildren and sisters and brother, stan)
This piece of quilt is from a "Grandmother's Flower Garden" quilt top made in the 1940's by my grandmother, Addie Mae (Sly) Sherman Lamb. She is the mother of my mother, Bertha (Sherman) Collis. Mae, as she was called, was born 3 May 1881 in Michigan. She moved as a newly wed with her husband, Milton Sherman, to Kalispell, Montana, where my mother was born. Milton left Montana and returned to Michigan when Bertha was about 2 years old. He asked for Mae and Bertha to accompany him, but to no avail. She left Montana to look for work in Alaska and Washington. She later married James Leroy Lamb and moved to Diamond, Washington, where she lived out her life. She was killed in a car accident while on a shopping trip to Spokane, Washington on 16 January, 1953.
As I quilted this small piece of her quilt top, I couldn't help but think of her loving fingers making the small delicate stitches. How appropriate that it should be called 'Grandmother's Flower Garden' as she loved her garden. Perhaps some of the fabrics were from her dresses. She also loved fishing in the stream near her home in Diamond. When Scott was living in Moscow, Idaho, just across the Washington border from Diamond, we took a drive over there. We looked around and found the spot where her house used to be. We met a man about my age named Norman Kuntze, who used to go fishing with Grandma. He just happened to have her fishing pole and retrieved it from his garage and gave it to us. Scott now has it as he too was doing some fishing at that time. I hope you enjoy this small piece in memory of her. I wish I had known her.
Love, Marilyn Parker

PS. I remember with fondness the 1 dollar bill she would send to each of us on our birthday. One time a large box arrived at our house. It was full of fancy dress up clothes. My did Darlyne and I have fun with those.

(email from Stan after I sent him a framed piece of Addie Mae's quilt)Thanks for the quilt. Roy and I were the last of the family to see grandma. We went to wash in 1949 or 50. I remember as a little boy she would fix sliced oranges for breakfast. Guess what she served when Roy and I visited. She sure looked good for her age. It was a shock to me when she was killed.

Memories from Barbara about Grandma Lamb: Barbara felt she was special to Grandma. Grandma would put leftover bacon on the butter dish. She also remembered the sliced oranges with powdered sugar. She had a back room with many windows but not heat. She would warm bricks and wrap them in a towel for their beds. She was always doing handwork; Tatting, crocheting, knitting. She worked in her rock garden and had mostly flowers. Barb remembers going to the general store with Dad and Grandpa. The school was a dance studio last time she visited. Grandma wanted to come visit when we moved to California, but Grandpa said, "wait until I retire." For whatever reason, they never came.

bother, "Earnest Slyh" living in Rutland, Dane, WI as servant?
1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Addie M Sley
Home in 1900: Milton, Rock, Wisconsin
Age: 19
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1881
Birthplace: Michigan
Relationship to head-of-house: Niece
Race: White
Occupation:
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
David A Peirce 45 Harness born in Germany came to USA 1862
Torisa Peirce 35 married 10 years (had 4 children, 2 are living)
Bertha A Peirce 13 born Kansas
Rosa N Peirce 9 born Colorado
Addie M Sley 19

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Addie M Lamb
Age in 1910: 29
Birth Year: abt 1881
Birthplace: Michigan
Home in 1910: La Crosse, Whitman, Washington
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: James L Lamb
Father's Birthplace: United States [United States of America]
Mother's Birthplace: United States [United States of America]
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
James L Lamb 25
Addie M Lamb 29

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Mae Lamb [Mae Titcomb]
Age: 36
Birth Year: abt 1884
Birthplace: Michigan
Home in 1920: Diamond, Whitman, Washington
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Roy Lamb
Father's Birthplace: Indiana
Mother's Birthplace: Indiana
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
Roy Lamb 35
Mae Lamb 36
Bertha Sherman 16


1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Addie M Lamb [Addie N Lamb]
Gender: Female
Birth Year: abt 1883
Birthplace: Michigan
Race: White
Home in 1930: Diamond, Whitman, Washington View Map
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Spouse's Name: James L Lamb
Father's Birthplace: Indiana
Mother's Birthplace: Indiana
Occupation: Education: Military service: Rent/home value: Age at first marriage: Parents' birthplace:
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
James L Lamb 43
Addie M Lamb 47

1940 United States Federal Census
Name: James L Lamb
Respondent: Yes
Age: 56
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1884
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Illinois
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Diamond, Whitman, Washington i
Farm: No
Inferred Residence in 1935: Diamond, Whitman, Washington
Residence in 1935: Same House
Sheet Number: 3A
Number of Household in Order of Visitation: 47
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
James L Lamb 56 caretaker wheat warehouse
Addie M Lamb 58

Other Events:

• Occupation: farmer
• Reference Number: *
• _UID: E2885283A697E74DB28725F9ECFD6BA0FB54

Notes:

Things to do:
1. Newspapers in Houghton
2. border crossings
3. reread letters and info from Clayton Sherman
4. Letters from Matilda for her records
5. tombstone in Lot 31, Section 10, Forest Lawn Cemetary, Detroit, Michigan,

Timeline for James Milton Sherman:

1857 Nov 26, James Milton born in Houghton, Ontario, Canada
1861 Census, James living in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada, with parents Joseph & Matilda Sherman
1871 Canada Census, HoughtonNorfolk South, Ontario, Canada with parents
1879 Dec 24 James married Martha Madora Smith at Glenmyer, Ontario, Canada
1880 Nov 26, first son, Milton Kellum, born in Kingsmill, Cockran Dist., Ontario
1881 spring, moved to Lumberton, Michigan (may have missed 1880 US census & 1881 Canada census)
1882 Jul 15, daughter Alma Rolettie, born in Lumberton, Michigan
1883 bought 50 acres and old farm in Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
1883 Oct 28, son, Arthur Lewellyn born in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
1885 Jan 7, son Henry Clayton born in Houghton (James Milton was in Oscoda, Iosco, MI at the time)
1886 Apr 18, daughter, Mary Elizabeth born in Houghton
1887 May 1, son, Joseph Bernard born in Houghton
1888 May 29, son Frank Wesley born in Houghton\
1889 Sep 10, son Ira Hamilton born in Houghton
1891 Census of Canada, Houghton, Norfolk, Canada
1893 Jan 21, son William Austin born in Houghton
1894 Sep 14, son Lawrence Edmond born in Houghton
1895 Oct 20, son Earl Romain born in Houghton
1897 Jul 14, son Clarence Clifton born in Houghton
1899 Feb 5, daughter, Matilda Sepperal born in Houghton
1901 Census, living with family in Houghton
1910 Census, living with family in Oscoda, iosco, Michigan
1913 divorced Martha Madora.
1913 17 April, married Anna Reaume, in Harrisville, both of Greenbush, MI, both married 1 time before,
1916 moved to Detroit to work in car industry.
1921 quit working in Detroit
1930 Census living in Shelby, Macomb, Michigan with son, Milton K Sherman and Milton's family
1934 Sep 14, James Milton, age 76, died in Eloise, Michigan, poorhouse, buried in Detroit, Wayne, MI 1934. . Buried in Forrest Lawn Cemetery Detroit MI, arrangements were made by the widow of his son Henry Clayton Sherman

Joseph's grown son, James Milton, lived at Lumberton, Michigan, (1881-1883) then moved back to Fairground, Ontario, and lived there until he finally moved to Oscoda, Michigan (1900). It follows that family data for the period 1827-1900 may exist at either end of this Ontario-Michigan axis, particularly near the towns mentioned or along logical travel routes between them.

James Milton was the father of Milton Sherman who was the father of Bertha Sherman (Collis).
The following story was taken from the family genealogy by Vernon Sherman:

" James Milton was born November 26, 1857 at Houghton, Ontario, Canada. His wife was Martha Madora Smith whom he called "Dorie". She called him "Milt". They were married at Glenmyer, Ontario, Canada, Christmas Eve, 24 December 1879. Their first child was born eleven months later. Their thirteenth child was born twenty years later.
Martha's father was a Methodist minister for fifty years, and was sixty-one years old when Martha was born. He came from London, England and his wife from the vicinity of Glasgow, Scotland. He died at age 83. They lived on a farm east of Glenmyer at the time of Martha's marriage, having moved there from Walsingham Township.
During the period 1879-81, James Milton and Madora lived at Kingsmill, Ontario, 3 or4 miles northwest of Aylmer and about 30 miles northwest of Fairground. Their first child, Milton Kellum was born at Kingsmill. In the spring of 1881 they moved to Lumberton, Michigan, near Big Rapids, and here their second child, a daughter, Alma, was born. They moved back to Houghton, Ontario in the fall of 1883 and here the rest of their 13 children were born, none of them in the same house.
The town of Hemlock, Ontario consisted of three stores, a school, a church and a blacksmith shop. The gristmill was at Vienna, nine miles away. Fairground, Ontario, was the nearby location of the annual tounship fair and reunion. James Milton soon found need for additional money to support a growing family. He heard great talk of high wages in the Michigan woods and decided to work there during the winter months. About 1884, he left the winter management of the farm to his wife and children and went to the Michigan woods near Oscoda. He is known to have been in Oscoda during the winter of 1885, when his son, Henry Clayton, was born (7 January 1885).

In a letter (dated 13 Oct 1946) to his nephew, Vernon Sherman, Milton Kellum Sherman wrote concerning his father, James Milton Sherman.
"In 1883 he bought the north 50 acres of the old farm in Houghton Township, and built a 3 room house on it. While the plaster was drying, we went down to Uncle Charles Mercer, and there Arthur was born. We were there for about two weeks. In 1884, J. M. Sherman bought the south 50 acres of the farm, making his 100 acres of land. He had 30 sheep, 10 milch cows, and a good team of mares, also hogs and chickens, and farm tools. The land was swampy, wet and uncleared. Father worked very hard to clear and ditch that land, 'til he got rheumatism and was laid up for three years and six months. After the doctors got his farm, stock, and tools, they cured him of his rheumatism. He tried hard to recover the farm by working out. But he had a large family to feed, a lot of sickness and five deaths. He worked for 50 cents a day around our neighborhood. It was in Cleveland's administration and times were hard. He finally lost the farm and moved off. After Matilda (the last child) was born, father went back to Oscoda to work. He had worked there some before. We had one old mare left to do our work with. Clayton, Arthur and myself worked hoeing corn for Charlie Beech. We got 25 cents a day. We moved from the Sprag house to a house on the third concession across the road from Moris Fultons. From there we moved to the Pridle house, on the third concession just north of the third side road. While there, we traded the old mare for a little gray mare. She was a good horse. Art and I came to Oscoda and a year and a half later the rest of the family came over and brought the little gray mare with them. From that mare, father raised a mare colt, from that colt he raised three colts, one for your father (Henry Clayton), one for Art, and one for myself.
J.M. Sherman bought 80 acres of timber land at Handy, Michigan, near Mikado, on Pine River. Father, Art, Clayton, and Frank, cut the cedar off the land and sold the land, and bought 180 acres on the west side of Cedar Lake, 5 miles south of Greenbush and 6 miles north of Oscoda. About 1907 he bought a barn of Vern Sharky, of the Woods estate. He tore it down and moved it up to Cedar Lake to build a home there for himself and mother. But there was too much interference from A and F, 'til father had no home in Oscoda. And finally mother was persuaded to move back to Canada in 1911, just before the Oscoda fire. She was there only a short time, and moved to Detroit with Clarence and Matilda. Also A and F.
In 1913 father applied for a divorce and got it. I think he married Widow Reeves in the spring of 1914. He was living on her farm when World War I started. Her farm was 4 miles north and 1 mile west of father's farm. In 1916 father went to Detroit to work. In late fall of 1917 we both went to work for the Fisher Co. at Detroit plant # 7. He was a sweeper. He worked till the strike in 1921. Then he went back to the farm and moved his (then) wife to Detroit, and with the lumber that he had bought from Sharky, he built the two family flat in Detroit.
His second wife made him sleep in the attic. He got up in sleep one night and fell down the stair well to the basement, about 25 feet, and broke his hip. Several days later the police found him laying a short distance from the sidewalk in the grass and tall weeds near Mack Avenue on Conners Creek Road. He was taken to the hospital and the rest I think you know. The doctor in the hospital told me that father was not crazy, but worn out in mind and body."


James Milton is believed to have applied for his first U. S. papers in 1884 at Tawas City, Michigan. The declaration of intention is on file but bears no date. However, the order admitting him to citizenship shows 17 November 1900 as the date of application for the final papers. Final citizenship papers were signed 19 September 1904 by Judge J. Kennine at Tawas City, Iosco County, Michigan.
Those Michigan days were of tarpaper, sawdust and forest fires. Lumber Barons came into being overnight by the simple expedient of stealing timber from the boundless state forests. Later, fires set in the "slashings" removed all evidence of theft. What a forest fire did to Oscoda in 1911 is part of the Henry Clayton chapter in this story. Oscoda was a lumbering town and one of the most active lake ports. Sandy streets were surfaced with Cedar and Tamrack bark. The fresh smell of tar paper and of rough sawed new boards filled the air.
In the spring the Au Sable River ice broke and the "run" was on. The river was choked with logs. A system of river Bayous above the town stored the overflow of timber until the mills could handle it. Floating necklaces of chained logs, known as log-booms lashed timber shipments to river banks and lay in mill ponds. Other shipments of timber came down Lake Huron as huge rafts bound with chain were towed by tugs to mills at the lake shore. Still a third flow of timber arrived via the narrow-gage logging trains creaking and groaning out of the woods. The ringing whine of the great saws continued 24 hours a day. At 6 hour intervals the blasts of mill whistles told the change of shift.
Michigan was the Nation's lumber pile in those years. It was the country of Paul Bunyon, his famous "talking boots"; the Winter of the blue snow; and his mighty ox, Babe, whose eyes were as big as cartwheels and measured two ax-handles between centers.
In 1910, James milton Sherman took up farming on a place near Greenbush, Michigan, some 20 miles N.W. of Oscoda. His family remained by choice in Oscoda where Arthur and Frank headed it up. Most of the children were self supporting and when the family moved back to Fairground, Ontario, that same year, Henry Clayton and Milton Kellum remained in Michigan.
In 1914, James Milton married the widow Reeves. She was a small dark woman with eleven children, many of whom were at that time well grown boys. She was Catholic. They lived first on her farm but later moved to Detroit In 1934, when a Police Ambulance took James Milton to Detroit Receiving Hospital, all he would tell them was his name and that he was the father of 13 children. When advised that her husband was critically ill at the hospital, the ex-widow Reeves consulted with her sons (all now able to support themselves) and announced that they were not interested. She refused the hospital's repeated requests that she talk to them and so in a few days her husband was transferred to the County Poor House at Eloise, Michigan where he died 14 September 1934 in his 77th year.
When a person dies in the Poor House and the body is not claimed, the county's procedure is set by law. The cadaver is clothed in a suit of long underwear, put in a rough box, and buried in "Potter's Field" However, James Milton Sherman is buried in Lot 31, Section 10, Forest Lawn Cemetary, Detroit, Michigan, along with his son Henry Clayton. Arrangements were carried out by Henry Clayton's widow and son acting for Henry Clayton. James Milton's headstone reads, "Grandfather"

1861 Census of Canada about James M Sherman
Name: James M Sherman
Gender: Male
Age: 5
Birth Year: 1856
Birthplace: Canada West
Marital Status: Single
Home in 1861: Houghton, Norfolk, Canada West
Religion: Methodist
Film Number: C-1052
Page Number: 7
Household Members: Name Age
Joseph Sherman 34 farmer, born Canada
Matilda J Sherman 30 born Canada
William L Sherman 10 born Canada
James M Sherman 5 born Canada
Sarah E Sherman 2 born Canada

1871 Census of Canada
Name: James Sherman
Gender: Male
Age: 14
Birth Year: abt 1857
Birth Place: Ontario
Religion: Baptist
Origin: German
Province: Ontario
District: Norfolk South
District Number: 11
Division: 02
Subdistrict: Houghton
Subdistrict Number: a
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
Joseph Sherman 43
Matilda Sherman 39
William Sherman 19
James Sherman 14
Sarah Sherman 12
Mary Sherman 9
Louisa Sherman 7
Lambert Sherman 3

Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 about James M Sherman
Name: James M Sherman
Year: 1885
Locality: Houghton Township
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

1891 Census of Canada
Name: James M Sherman
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Age: 34
Birth Year: abt 1857
Birthplace: Ontario
Relation to Head of House: Head
Religion: Baptist
French Canadian: No
Spouse's Name: Martha M Sherman
Father's Birth Place: Ontario
Mother's Birth Place: Ontario
Province: Ontario
District Number: 97
District: Norfolk South
Subdistrict: Houghton
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
James M Sherman 34
Martha M Sherman 30
Millon K Sherman 10
angelell L Sherman 8
Aurthur L Sherman 7
Henry C Sherman 6
Mary E Sherman 5
Frank W Sherman 3

1901 Census of Canada
Name: Milton Sherman
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Age: 44
Birth Date: 28 Nov 1856
Birthplace: Ontario
Relation to Head of House: Head
Spouse's Name: Martha M
Racial or Tribal Origin: English
Nationality: Canadain
Religion: Methodist
Occupation: W E
Province: Ontario
District: Norfolk (South/Sud)
District Number: 94
Sub-District: Houghton
Sub-District Number: B-2
Family Number: 53
Page: 6
Household Members: Name Age
Milton Sherman 44
Martha M Sherman 40
Milton K Sherman 20
Alma R Sherman 18
Arther L Sherman 17
Claryton Sherman 16
Mary E Sherman 14
Frank W Sherman 12
Clarance C Sherman 3
Matilda S Sherman 2

*1910 United States Federal Census
Name: James M Sherman
Age in 1910: 52
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Canada English
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birth Place: Canada English
Mother's Birth Place: Canada English
Spouse's name: Martha M
Home in 1910: Oscoda, Iosco, Michigan
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Year of Immigration: 1902
Household Members: Name Age
James M Sherman 52
Martha M Sherman 49
Frank Sherman 21
Clarence Sherman 12
Matilda Sherman 11

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: James M Sherman
Age: 63
Birth Year: abt 1857
Birthplace: Canada
Home in 1920: Greenbush, Alcona, Michigan
Race: White
Gender: Male
Immigration Year: 1881
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Anna Sherman
Father's Birthplace: Canada
Mother's Birthplace: Canada
Home Owned: Own, farm
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
James M Sherman 63 [43] immigrated 1881, naturalized 1900
Anna Sherman 45 [43]
Vernice A Reaume 15
Marie Reaume 14
Dennis H Reaume 12
Aloysious C Reaume 10
Elbert Reaume 8


1930 United States Federal Census
Name: James M Sherman
Home in 1930: Shelby, Macomb, Michigan
Age: 73
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1857
Relation to Head of House: Father
Occupation: Education: Military service: Rent/home value: Age at first marriage: Parents' birthplace:
Household Members: Name Age
Milton K Sherman 49
Zoey Sherman 39
Joseph Sherman 17
Henry C Sherman 14
Basil B Sherman 12
James M Sherman 73 father, came to US 1883, naturalized

Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 about James M Sherman
Name: James M Sherman
Year: 1885
#484, Juror, yes lot W 1/2 5 conc 1 owner PO7
Locality: Houghton Township
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 about James M Sherman
Name: James M Sherman
Year: 1886
#489, Juror, yes lot W 1/2 conc 1 owner PO7
Locality: Houghton Township
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Forest Lawn Cem. He died in Eloise
History of Eloise Westland, Michigan

http://www.sherman-roots.com/sherman/pioneers/sp'ott.doc
3. James Milton8 Sherman born Nov 28 1857 in Houghton [Twp] Norfolk Co Ontario Canada (mc/mp; GVWS p0). (Gen Refs: not in DPS, NES, SD, LDS/AF, LDS/IGI).
1871.
1879. James married at Glenmyer Ontario Canada to Martha Madora "Dorie" Smith, who was born c1860 [born 1861] (mc/mp), she and parents born in Canada (1910 Census; GVWS p1).
1879/81. James lived in Kingsmill Ontario (mc/mp).
1881/83. James lived at Lubmerton MI, near Grand Rapids MI (mc/mp).
1883/84. James moved to Fairground Ontario, and purchased 50 acres of land. He added another 50 acres in 1884 and built a 3 room house. He had 30 sheep, 10 milch cows, a good team of mares, hogs, chickens and farm tools. The land was swampy and uncleared; he worked hard to clear and drain the land. He got rheumatism and was laid up for 3 year and half years; the doctors took the farm for medical bills.
1884/85. James a farmer, left his family in Houghton Center Ontario, and worked the winter in the lumber mills in Oscoda MI Iosco Co (GVWS p1).
1893. James' son Henry, was kicked by a horse. James was so angry with the horse that he rushed into the house, got his Yankee musket, and shot the horse dead. He tanned "old Charlie's" hide and it was a rug on the floor in front of his bed all the rest of his life (GHCS p1).
1900. James move to Oscoda MI Iosco Co (mc/mp).
1901. James and family immigrated to Oscoda MI Iosco Co (GVWS p2).
1904. September 19th, James became a citizen at Tawas City MI Iosco Co (mc/mp).
xxxx. James purchased 80 acres on the Pine River at Handy MI Alcona Co, and cut the cedar and then sold the land (mc/mp).
1906. James's father Joseph died in Ontario, James lived in Oscoda MI (mc/mp).
1910. Census of Oscoda MI Iosco Co indicated: James age 52, carpenter working at odd jobs; Martha M Sherman, age 49 born 1861, married 31 years, 13 children 8 alive; children Frank, Clarence, Matilda; they lived on Lake Street (p278/d139/f140; nb/7.46).
1910. James purchased 180 acres, located on the West side of Cedar Lake about 5 miles South of Greenbush MI and about 6 miles North of Oscoda [this would be near the Alcona and Iosco county line (mc/mp, from GVMS).
1911. James and family experienced the great fire of 1911 (GVWS p5), Martha had moved back just before the fire (mc/mp from GVWS).
1913. James divorced Martha (mc/mp).
1913. James M age 56, a farmer of Greenbush MI Alcona Co, born in Canada; married in Harrisville MI Alcona Co to widow Anna Reeves/Reemes (uc) age 40 born 1873; 2d marriage for both; his parents Joseph Sherman and Jane Fick (ALC/MR 2-68).
xxxx. James was living on Anna's farm when WW-1 started, located 4 miles North and 1 mile West of his farm.
1914/16. James worked for the Fisher Co Plant #7 in Detroit MI as a sweeper, until the 1921 strike (mc/mp; GVWS).
1917. James built a two family flat in Detroit, and brought his wife there to live.
1920. Census of Alcona Co indicated: James M age 63, immigrated 1881 and naturalized in 1900; Anna Sherman age 45 born 1875 in MI, wife; five step-children named Resume (Soundex e3/p8).
1920. Census of Flint MI Genesee Co indicated: Martha age 59 born 1861 in Canada, mother-in-law, immigrated 1901; enumerated with Earnest Rathburn (Soundex e38/p14).
1921. James move to Detroit MI (mc/mp).
xxxx. Martha Sherman died in Dearborn MI Wayne Co (GVWS p0).
1934. Anna made him sleep in the attic, one night he fell down the stairway 25 feet to the basement and broke his hip and was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital. Anna refused to accept James from the hospital, so he was transferred to the County Poor Farm at Eloise MI (mc/mp).
1934. Sep 13th, James Sherman died at the poor house at Eloise MI Wayne Co (GVWS p0; mc/mp; mc/tb). Buried in Forrest Lawn Cemetery Detroit MI, arrangements were made by the widow of his son Henry Clayton Sherman (mc/mp).

The history of Eloise actually begins in Detroit were a vote of the people on March 8, 1832, under the name of Wayne County Poor House, named the institution County House Infirmary, it was then located on Gratiot and Mt Elliott Avenues. After the county purchased The Black Horse Tavern, a Detroit-Chicago Stagecoach stop, in 1839 this became the location of the second County Poor House. Of the 146 people living in the original Poor House, only 35 transferred to the new location. The other 111, refused to go into what was than mostly wilderness. Eloise is often referred to as Eloise Sanatorium, Eloise Hospital or even, The Crazy Hospital. The Sanatorium was applied when the hospital opened a out-door treatment center for tubercular patients. The name, Eloise Hospital was adopted by the Board of Superintendents of the Poor on August 18, 1911. It would later become, again The Wayne County Asylum. The term, Eloise, was originally used, because the United States Government, set the Post Office located here in the general office building, it was named Eloise. Later the name, Eloise was applied to the Michigan Central Railroad depot here, the American Express Company located here, and the Detroit, Ypsilanti & Ann Arbor road, all became known with the name Eloise attached. 
But why Eloise ?
Prior to the year 1894, there were no post offices, express offices, or railroad offices, located at any institutions. This slowed deliveries in the Wayne, Westland and Detroit areas and the Superintendent motioned for a post office located at the County House May 1, 1894. The Postmaster General at that time, approved for the location, however to avoid any annoyance to his Department, he established the order that all newly established post offices, would have only short names, or names of one word, and none, could resemble closely to any other within the State. Freeman B. Dickerson, recent postmaster of Detroit, was then President of the Board. He was largely responsible for getting the new County House Center, built, and was very interested in the establishment of the post office. His only living child, a daughter, who was four years old, was called, Eloise. Members of the Board, submitted the name, Eloise, which was than sent to Washington, and approved. On July 20, 1894, the post office was established, under the name Eloise. (Eloise Dickerson, later married and became the wife of Harlow N. Davock, of Detroit. She died in 1982 at the age of 93.) Eloise evolved over time, and expanded and by the 1930's there were 78 building on almost 1,000 acres of land. It was a self-sufficent community, within Westland Township. It had it's own dairy farm, piggery (or pig farm), greenhouses, a fire department, power plants, bakeries, and its own Post Office. The main building, called "N Building" was over 380,000 square feet and housed 7,000 indigent persons. Over 3,000 of them, working throughout the large complex.
What Else did Eloise Have ?
Eloise was not only a General Hospital, and housing unit for the poor of Wayne County, but it is commonly referred to as the "Crazy Hospital." Eloise was a facility for mentally disturbed patients. In the small Eloise Museum located inside of the Kay Beard Building still standing on Michigan Avenue, are artifacts including leather arm restraints. Eloise also had a section for a morgue. There is said to be 7,145 former Eloise residents buried in the old Eloise Cemetery, which is located on the South side of Michigan Avenue, just across from the Kay Beard Building. The last burial is said to have occured in January 1948. ( SEE BELOW for VIEW of Eloise Cemetery and Markers) The Keeper's residence had originally been located in the west end of the main building, however in 1865, it was approved a new structure be built, for the keeper and his family. The building was drawn up by James Anderson, and built by Henry Metz, by contract. The building had a frontage of 46 feet and was 37 feet wide, and also two stories high. The first keeper to live here was A.L. Chase. This building was also used by the Board for meetings and office space, located on the second floor. The previous portion of the main building, that had been used by the keeper and his family, was turned into bedrooms, a dispensary, and nursery. By 1876, there were buildings for the Insane Asylum. The name used for these buildings was the Third County House. In 1839, there was also a school district with a school house located on the property. There were several children in the County House at the time it was first opened in Detroit, who's parents had died from cholera, and the County House was their only home. In Section 52 of Chapter 2 of the Laws of 1838, it stated that the Superintendent of the Poor, in every county, were obligated to look after the education of all children between the ages of five and sixteen. Therefore a room was set aside and apart where the children would assemble for school. In 1859, an old building, that had been used during a small pox epidemic, was made into a schoolhouse. The next year the Board erected a schoolhoues along Plank Road. Legislature later passed a bill stating that the Wayne County Farm, used for the benefit of the poor, would be named a school district, and should be numbered by the School Inspector of Nankin. This would later be named, School District No 10 of Nankin, and entitled to the school money provided to all the other school districts. The first teacher here was Chloe Walker, she was replaced in October of 1862 by Harriet Chase. The building however was destroyed in a fire, and the school had to be run , again from the main building. The Board elected to not erect a new schoolhouse located on the property, as another was being built in the area. The children on Eloise property began to attend the State Public School in May of 1874. The number of children inside the community here, outnumbered the limit to be excepted by the Public School, and by 1880, they had to erect a separate school building . The last recorded money recieved for school purposed was in 1887. There were at times, after 1887, that the State School could not take in the extra number of children from Eloise, and the Superintendent was in charge of educating those children that could not be placed, or adopted out. The Board approved a $5,000 appropration for a seperate "cottage" to be used for the children. They were to be completely seperated from any of the inhabitants of the main hospital area. The cottage was never built, because , massive and quick steps were taken to place every child in other institutions. The State Public School and State Institutions were from then, established to take care of these existing children and those that would become orphaned, or outcast. The schoolhouse built in 1880, was later used for special cases of male patients in the County House, and later as a laundry for the Asylum. The building was located on the north side of Michigan Aveaue, at Merriman Road. In 1825, the grounds in and around the Wayne County Poor House (or Eloise) were almost completely covered by trees of all types. Many of the older white oak trees stood over 130 feet high. These woods of course housed many wild animals such as fox, lynx, deer, bear, and wolves, as well as other smaller animals and birds. Joseph Moss surveyed this property for the Government, for the laying of Military Road. It would extent from Detroit to Chicago, and was then an old Indian trail. The Torbert family built a log house along this "road", cleared the land, and cultivated a small farm. In 1839, the County purchased the Torbert cabin, which Torbert had named and used as the Black Horse Tavern. They also purchased the 280 acres, four cows, a yoke of oxen, and vegetables seeds from Torbert, to run a farm for the County. In June of 1840, 2 horses and a harness were added, and that August, 3 plows, a fanning mill, and other farm tools were purchased. The first farm report to the County Commissioners produced the following:
600 bushels of corn, 35 bushels of beets, 180 bushels of rutabagas, 28 bushels of peas, 55 bushels of oats, 14 bushels of onions, and 2 bushels of pickles.
At the time the County purchased this property there is said to have been 2 log buildings, located north of the log house (or Black Horse Tavern). One was a barn and stable, and the other was a shed for teams of animals. There is some indication that the shed would later become mental health institution, and the barn remained standing until 1886, then was sold for its lumber and hay. In 1875 a grain barn was built south of the Michigan Central RailRoad, which was 56 feet long and 46 feet wide. Another barn was built in 1886 for hay, grain, stock, and other tools, it also had a horse and cow stable, and a wagon shed. This structure was 144 feet long and 36 feel wide. In 1886 an addition was added for a dairy, and a solo was added in 1904. In 1896, the County built another barn northwest of the County House originally intended for use by the Asylum farm. In 1884, a new root cellar was constructed and was built between the bakery building, and the gas house. It was 52 feet long and 20 feet wide and divided into seperate bins for vegetables and fruit. Another root cellar was built to house tubers in 1895, it stood on a small hill. It was tore down in 1922, to make room for a small street. In 1935, an underground root cellar was completed east of the farmhouse , and South of Michigan Avenue. This was 40 feet wide and 100 feet long, housing almost 5,000 bushels of produce. A second underground root cellar was built in 1942. At the beginning of the County House's existence, the farmers were the keepers. In 1842 T.T. Lyon was offered the position as keeper and farmer, but claimed he would starve to death on the salary of $300 a year. An investigative committee was form during the Civil War period, to establish the need, and importance of the County House. The farm embraced 280 acres of land, of which 180 were good for cultivation. Another 60 acres were cleared , well-fenced, and useful for pasturage, and 40 acres in timber land. They reported it to be a good arrangement for farming with a house, and out buildings situated in the center, on the south side of the Rouge River. The River was reported to be a valuable supply of water to the stock and water to the house and washrooms. They also found, however, that the population of the paupers was not sufficent to run the entire farm, and that renting or leasing out work on shares of the land, would be adventageous. In short, the committee felt to take away any of the farm would injure the value of the surrounded community. In 1872, they purchased 157 acres adjacent to the land, which was owned by the Cady family, for use of the Asylum. There were at this time, two seperate keepers, one was the Keeper of the Asylum, and one was the Keeper of the County House. There was a competitive feeling between the two Institutions and the Keeper of the Asylum felt there would be a more leveling of administration if this farm was placed under their direction. In 1893, Dr. E.O. Bennett, took charge of the Asylum and the Cady Farmland was placed under his jurisdiciton. In 1897 a new wire fence was built around both farms and all fields, and a deep well was sunk as well as a windmill and large tank. The two farms remained seperate and distinct from one another for several years. It wasn't until 1908 when they discontinued this, and both became a single unit, and remained so until the function of farmkeeper was discontinued in 1955. Other additions and enlargements were made after the purchase of the Cady farmland. 2 henneries were constructed; a blacksmith shop was installed in 1915; and several piggeries were built. In 1889 a County piggery was built north of the County House barn , but had to be removed in 1913, to make room for a railroad trestle. In 1895 an Asylum piggery was built north of the Keepers residence, but was dismantled in 1917. Cement piggeries with also constructed in 1917, a half of a mile south of Michigan Avenue. 
When Did This Become the Wayne County Psychiatric Hospital ? There was no distinction between the rational and the insane inmates in the County House until March 22, 1841. It was this date, that the first of five patients were registered as insane, her name was Bridget Hughes, an Irish immigrant, she remained a patient here until her death on March 8, 1895 it is likely that she is buired among the indigent in Eloise Cemetery. During these first years there was at least one and possibly two building located northeast of building "C". They were constructed to house the psychiatrically distrubed. The County House was at this time, the home of the criminally insane who were sent from the Detroit House of Corrections. For several years, the County House was the only place for an asylum in the State of Michigan. The only division of patients in the County House, was by sex. Other than that, babies, old men, the blind, as well as the insane, were all housed together. Finally with the assitance of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, insistant on legislation regarding the insane, in 1848, an act was passed creating a State Asylum. The first asylum was planned on ten acres of land, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the County House never showed an interest in having a seperate psychiatric Asylum on the property. However, they did continue to care for the insane and house them as best they could. In 1859, the Michigan Asylum in Kalamazoo, was ready to receive a limited number of female patients, however, they indicated that only the "curable" patients would be housed here. Over the years the number of insane people housed at the County Poor Farm, increased, until it was so intolerable, that the Hospital Board, determined to make an effort to provide a seperate building for the insane patients, approved the establishment in 1867 of a seperate building. In 1868, a two-story brick building was erected which was 42 feet long, 35 feet deep, with 57 feet of frontage. It was located 290 feet west of the Main County House. East and West wings were added in 1876 and in 1881 the management of the Asylum was transferred to a professional physician. Dr. E.O. Bennett, and his wife were employed as Medical Superintendent and Matron. After serving 19 years Dr. Bennett retired, and was replaced by Dr. John J. Marker. Marker's first act, was to erect a second Asylum Building, it was the year 1900. In 1882, the population of the Asylum was 307 patients, 224 of them resident patients. In 1887, a special building was contructed which combined the insane wards, the adminstrative headquarters, and the chapel. In 1885, the State of Michigan, passed a law for the insane, which basically stated any insane person continuously housed by the county of two years or more, would became a State charged patients, thereafter. This law was amended in 1891, stating that any insane person committed by a judge could be commit directly to the Wayne County Asylym, however, none would be confined there, if there was room in the State Asylum, but the State Asylum, could return patients to the County, when their beds were full. There was a devasting fire in 1892 at the Eastern Michigan Asylum located in Ypsilanti, and a large number of patients were moved to Eloise. The following year was the purchase of the Cady farmland and a "Women's Building" was erected west of the first Asylum building. Over the years there were additions, undates, and more buildings added to the main Asylum area. By 1907, alcoholics and drug addicts were maintained in State and County Hospitals. The population in 1913 was 576, with an employment of 22 males and 44 female attendents. By 1923, the population had grown to 1,700 patients, and additional buildings were erected. The first in 1921, another in 1923 with a new dairy barn and enlargment of the power plant, one in 1925, one in 1928 and one in 1929. The last psychiatric patient to leave Eloise was in 1979. Inside of the Kay Beard Building, still standing on Eloise property is a small museum run by Frank Rembisz, the director of the Wayne County Office on Aging. 
Eloise Cemetery in the News
An article published in the Observer in October 1999, located also in the historical reference file at the Public Library of Westland at 6123 Central City Parkway Westland, MI 48185, tells of Eloise's "ghostly activities." L. Keas who chases ghosts .. for fun, moved to Westland from Chicago in 1998, and now resides in Canton, where she works as a website builder, and also runs, The Michigan Ghost Hunters Society, founded by Keas. (http://www.tmghs.com) Keas seeks out locations throughout all of Michigan, that are known to have interesting histories, like the old Wayne County Infirmary, Psychiatric and General Hospital Complex, also known as Eloise. The complex itself, now houses the Wayne County Office on Aging, as well as some social programs such as "Meals on Wheels." It is located on Michigan Avenue, just east of Merriman Road. Keas is said to believe that she captured ghosts hovering over an Observer photographer while taking photos for the article done at Eloise. Below are two photos that I took this September (2000) of the area known as Eloise Cemetery. At the time, the grass had just been cut and volunteers from, The Friends of Eloise(734-727-7377 Frank Rembisz), had come in, and started uncovering the markers located here. There are apparently 593 markers in the cemetery itself, marked only by number. The Friends of Eloise is working on complying death records, Eloise records, and death indexes to try and determine who might be matched with these 593 stones. 

Looking across the entire field where the Eloise Cemetery is located. You can not see that there are any markers here at all, unless you enter the field. There is no gate, and are no signs. 
Here is a picture showing 3 of the 593 numbered markers. The area had recently been cut and cleared, or locating any of the stones may have been near impossible 1900 Census of Wayne County House & Insane Asylum Elijah McCoy, resident of Eloise Inventor and Ex-slave. Return to Wayne County Cemetery List Return to Wayne County MALHN Main Page

James married Martha Madora SMITH on 24 Dec 1879 in Clear Creek, Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada, and was divorced. Martha (daughter of Ephraim Kellum SMITH and Mary STEWART) was born on 15 Feb 1861 in Bayham, Elgin, Ontario, Canada; died on 5 May 1928 in Superior, Washtenaw, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Also Known As: Dorie
• Reference Number: *
• _MARNM: Sherman
• _UID: 1083749A7DD50E4F98202241BB3DF78CE6FB

Notes:

Martha M Sherman
Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952
Name: Martha M Sherman
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 05 May 1928
Event Place: Superior, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 67
Marital Status: Married
Birth Date: 15 Feb 1861
Birthplace: Ontario Canada
Father's Name: Ephram Smith
Mother's Name: Mary Stewart

Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1857-1922 ancestry.comabout James Milton Sherman
Name: James Milton Sherman
Birth Place: Houghton
Age: 23 residence: Houghton
Father Name: Joseph Sherman
Mother Name: Matilda Sherman
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1856
Spouse Name: Martha M Smith
Spouse's Age: 18 residence: Middleton
Spouse Birth Place: Bayham
Spouse Father Name: Ephraim Smith
Spouse Mother Name : Mary Smith
Marriage Date: 24 Dec 1879
Marriage Place: Clear Creek, Norfolk (Methodist)
Marriage County: Norfolk , District of Houghton

1910 United States Federal Census Martha M Sherman
Name: Martha M Sherman
Age in 1910: 49
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1861
Birthplace: Canada English
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Father's Birth Place: Canada English
Mother's Birth Place: Canada English
Spouse's name: James M
Home in 1910: Oscoda, Iosco, Michigan
Marital Status: Married 31 years 13 children, 8 living
Race: White
Gender: Female
Year of Immigration: 1902
Household Members: Name Age
James M Sherman 52
Martha M Sherman 49
Frank Sherman 21
Clarence Sherman 12
Matilda Sherman 11

Martha Sherman
United States Census, 1920
Name Martha Sherman
Event Type Census
Event Date 1920
Event Place Flint Ward 3, Genesee, Michigan, United States
Gender Female
Age 59
Marital Status Widowed
Race White
Race (Original) White
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Relationship to Head of Household Mother-in-law
Birth Year (Estimated) 1861
Birthplace Canada
Father's Birthplace New York
Mother's Birthplace Canada
Sheet Letter A
Sheet Number 14
Household
Role
Gender
Age
Birthplace
Ernest Rathbun Head M 32 Michigan
Matilda Rathbun Wife F 20 Canada
Norman Rathbun Son M 1 Michigan
Martha Sherman Mother-in-law F 59 Canada
Thomas T Hackett Lodger M 34 Michigan
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZS1-MGR : 14 December 2015), Martha Sherman in household of Ernest Rathbun, Flint Ward 3, Genesee, Michigan, United States; citing sheet 14A, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,820,765.


Martha M Sherman
Michigan Death Certificates
Name Martha M Sherman
Event Type Death
Event Date 05 May 1928
Event Place Superior, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States
Gender Female
Age 67
Marital Status Married
Birth Date 15 Feb 1861
Birthplace Ontario Canada
Birth Year (Estimated) 1861
Father's Name Ephram Smith
Mother's Name Mary Stewart
Citing this Record
"Michigan Death Certificates, 1921-1952," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KF7K-5HY : 12 December 2014), Martha M Sherman, 05 May 1928; citing Superior, Washtenaw, Michigan, United States, Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics, Lansing; FHL microfilm 1,973,123.

Notes:

Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1857-1922 ancestry.comabout James Milton Sherman
Name: James Milton Sherman
Birth Place: Houghton
Age: 23 residence: Houghton
Father Name: Joseph Sherman
Mother Name: Matilda Sherman
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1856
Spouse Name: Martha M Smith
Spouse's Age: 18 residence: Middleton
Spouse Birth Place: Bayham
Spouse Father Name: Ephraim Smith
Spouse Mother Name : Mary Smith
Marriage Date: 24 Dec 1879
Marriage Place: Clear Creek, Norfolk (Methodist)
Marriage County: Norfolk , District of Houghton

Divorced
He filed for divorse on account of desertion Sep 25, 1912
Circut Courd, Alcona, Michigan

Other Events:

• FamilySearch Id: KFFK-QD8
• Reference Number: *
• _UID: ACE9B1E9CFA0B34FA10EA025755230444F94

Notes:

Things to do:
1. divorce papers, Oscoda, Cheboygan counties?
2. Isabella, Bay, Oscoda County newspapers. (gold rush news, marriages, divorces, deaths)
3. What was Loren's occupation? lumber?
4. Where were the gold strikes in 1888?
5. location of Michigan counties: Eaton, Bloomfield, Mecosta, Isabella, Iosco, Cheboygan.

Timeline for Alvanus/Alvannah Loren Sly:
1854 Loren born in Michigan
1860 Census, Loren, listed as Alvanus, lived with parents and siblings in Oneida, Eaton, Michigan
1863 Jan 11, Loren's father, William W Sly, age 56, died in Isabella county, Michigan
1864 Oct 4, Loren's mother, Elizabeth, married Sylvester Brown. The children were farmed out.
1870 Census, There is an Alvin Sly, age 17, living with John and Almira Sly in Bloomfield, Oakland, MI
1873 Loren's mother, Elizabeth, age 53, died in Michigan
1877 Loren married Elizabeth Close in Hinton, Mecosta, Michigan
1878 Nov 30, daughter, Clara or Carrie, born in Ausable, Mecosta, Michigan
1879 owned 40 acres of land in Hinton, Mecosta County, MI (T 13 N, R 8 W)
1880 Census. Loren A Sly, wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Carey living in Fremont, Isabella, MI
1881 May 3, daughter, Addie May, born in Oscoda, Iosco, Michigan
1883 Jul 26, son, Ernest Wayne born in Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Michigan
1888 near this time Loren left for the gold fields and disappeared. ???


Alvana Loren Sly and Elizabeth Close were married 23 September 1877 in Hinton, Mecosta, Michigan. According to his cousin, Alonzo Daniel Sly, Loren borrowed the suit of his brother, Lester, to be married in. In1880 Loren and Elizibeth lived in Fremont, Isabella County, Michigan with their 1st child, Carey. Elizabeth's parents lived nearby. They had 2 more children, Addie Mae and Earnest, and times were hard. Loren (as he was listed in the 1880 census) decided to go to the gold fields. Just where he went is unknown. It is said that he sent a couple of letters home and then was not heard from again. According to Olive Sly Huff, the daughter of Ernest Sly, who was Loren's son, "Ernest said he was 5 years old ( about 1888) when his father left for the west." After her husband left, Elizabeth took in roomers to make ends meet. Richard Smith was one of her roomers. Richard and Elizabeth married and moved to Montana to homestead, ten miles east of Eureka. Elizabeth (Libby) and Richard Smith raised her grand daughter, Bertha Sherman. According to a cousin, "Old Dick wasn't too gifted in work. It was always Aunt Lib that did the work. She even worked out at cooking. It's still a wonder to me how people got by in those days."
Alvanus or Loren A. Sly was born about 1854 in Michigan, the 3rd child of 6, of William and Elizabeth Sly. His father died when he was about 9 years old. His mother remarried, but most of the children were farmed out. Bertha Sherman said that her grandmother, Elizabeth Sly described Loren as a red-haired man who walked with a limp. When Bertha was just a little girl she ran into the house and said "Grandma, there is a red-haired man who walks with a limp coming up the road!" When they went to look, the man was gone. They wondered if it could have been Loren Sly. Loren's brother, Lester, lived and died in Billings Montana in 1933. The place and time of death of Loren are unknown.
Elizabeth Close was born in Adams County Indiana on the 25 December 1858. She was the second child of 6 born to James and Nancy Close. Her father had been married before and Elizabeth had a half brother, George. She grew up in Indiana, later moving to and marrying in Michigan. After her first husband left and she remarried and moved to Michigan, Libby raised vegetables and strawberries to sell to the neighbors. She also sold cottage cheese, eggs, milk, chicken, cookies, etc. She was well liked by everyone. Elizabeth (Close) Sly Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer at the Mayo Clinic and Bertha often administered Morphine to her grandma to make the pain bearable. Elizabeth died from the cancer in July 1919 at the age of 60.

Alaska Gold Rush 1880-1914 (Valdez 1898)

!SOURCE: Sealed to spouse, 10 Dec 1985 SL, Marriage sealing batch # M518622, sheet #1003, film# 1004849

1860 United States Federal Census Record about Alvanus Sly
Name: Alvanus Sly
Age in 1860: 7
Birth Year: abt 1853
Birthplace: Michigan
Home in 1860: Oneida, Eaton, Michigan
Gender: Male
Post Office: Grand Ledge
Household Members: Name Age
William Sly 52
Elizabeth Sly 33
Wm W Sly 12
Lester 8
Alvanus 7
Daniel Sly 6
George Sly 3


1870 United States Federal Census (There is a George, age 45, and Jane Sly on this page 2 families up)
Name: Aline Sly ( this definitely is written Alvin perhaps our Alvanus Loren?)
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1853
Age in 1870: 17
Birthplace: Michigan
Home in 1870: Bloomfield, Oakland, Michigan
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Franklin
Household Members: Name Age (All born in Michigan
John Sly 47 born abt 1823 Michigan
Almiea Sly 40 (looks like Almira)
Aline Sly 17 (looks like Alvine) farmer
Charles Sly 5
William Watkins 20 farmer

U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1860-1918 about Loren Sly
Owner's Name: Loren Sly
State: Michigan
County: Mecosta
Town: Hinton
Year: 1879

This is a census of John and Almira who Alvine was living with in 1870
1880 United States Federal Census about John B. Sly
Name: John B. Sly
Age: 57
Birth Year: abt 1823
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1880: Bloomfield, Oakland, Michigan
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Almira D. Sly
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania
Neighbors: View others on page
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
Name Age
John B. Sly 57
Almira D. Sly 47
Charles B. Sly 14


1880 United States Federal Census Record Loren A. Sly
Name: Loren A. Sly
Age: 26
Estimated birth year: abt 1854
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation: Farmer (Noted that he was employed 2 months during census year)
Relationship to head-of-household: Self
Home in 1880: Fremont, Isabella, Michigan
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Male
Spouse's name: Elizabeth Sly age 21, daughter Carey age 1
Father's birthplace: NY
Mother's birthplace: MI


Lawrence Sly
mentioned in the record of Earnest W. Sly and Blanch R. Holbrook
Name: Lawrence Sly
Gender: Male
Wife: Elizabeth Close
Child: Earnest W. Sly
Other information in the record of Earnest W. Sly and Blanch R. Holbrook
from Montana, County Marriages
Name: Earnest W. Sly
Event Type: Marriage
Event Date: 30 Jun 1907
Event Place: Kalispell, , Montana
Age: 24
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Birthplace: Mack City, Mich.
Birth Year (Estimated): 1883
Father's Name: Lawrence Sly
Mother's Name: Elizabeth Close
Additional Relatives: X
Spouse's Name: Blanch R. Holbrook
Spouse's Age: 21
Spouse's Marital Status: Single
Spouse's Race: White
Spouse's Birthplace: Pine Valley, Oregon
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated): 1886
Spouse's Father's Name: Henry W. Holbrook
Spouse's Mother's Name: Mahala E. Neil
Reference ID: V3p513 , GS Film number: 1902479 , Digital Folder Number: 4350527 , Image Number: 287
"Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F33W-J42 : accessed 21 Oct 2014), Lawrence Sly in entry for Earnest W. Sly and Blanch R. Holbrook, 30 Jun 1907; citing V3p513, Kalispell, , Montana; FHL microfilm 1902479.

Bertha Sherman said that her grandmother, Elizabeth Sly said that Loren was red-haired and walked with a limp. According to a letter from Olive Sly Huff, the daughter of Earnest Sly, who was Lorian's son; Earnest said he was 5 years old ( about 1888) when his father left for the west. Elizabeth and Lorian Sly were living in Michigan, Bay County, Pinnconning Village. When money became scarce, Lorian left for the gold fields. There were two or three letters received from him. Then no more word. Elizabeth took in roomers to make ends meet. Richard Smith was one of her roomers. Richard and Elizabeth married, after 1894, and moved to Montana to homestead, ten miles east of Eureka. Addie Mae Sly and Milton Sherman married and went with them. Libby and Dick Smith raised Bertha Sherman, daughter of Addie Mae and Milton Sherman. When Bertha was just a little girl she ran into the house and said "Grandma, there is a red-haired man who walks with a limp coming up the road!" When they went to look, the man was gone. They wondered if it could have been Lorian Sly. Lorian's brother, Lester, lived and died in Billings Montana in 1933. ( Bertha was born in 1903.)

findagrave.com
Loren Alvanus Sly..
Birth: 1853
Grand Ledge
Eaton County
Michigan, USA
Death: unknown
Yellowstone County
Montana, USA
Loren married Elizabeth Close on Sept 23, 1873 in Michigan.
Loren, apparently, left his family in 1888. He was going to look for gold in Montana. He sent a few letters and then was not heard from again.
Death: aft 1898.
Family links:
Parents:
William Wesley Sly (1807 - 1863)
Elizabeth Morris Sly (1827 - 1879)
Spouse:
Elizabeth Libby Close Sly (1858 - 1919)*
Siblings:
William Wesley Sly (1848 - 1922)*
Hattie Sly (1849 - 1859)*
Lester Daniel Schley (1850 - 1935)*
Loren Alvanus Sly (1853 - ____)
Daniel Sly (1856 - 1942)*
George Albert Sly (1858 - 1942)*

*Calculated relationship
Burial: Body lost or destroyed

Created by: RMW
Record added: Jun 01, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 91113176

Alvannah married Elizabeth Close on 23 Sep 1877 in Hinton, Mecosta, Michigan, United States. Elizabeth (daughter of James CLOSE and Nancy Ann DOUGHERTY) was born on 25 Dec 1858 in , Adams, Indiana, United States; died on 8 Jul 1919 in Eureka, Lincoln, Montana, United States; was buried on 9 Jul 1919 in Tobacco Plains Cemetery, Eureka, Lincoln, Montana, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: *
• _MARNM: Sly, Smith
• _UID: 9108D5F346F2C24DB55FBF8C540299564CD1

Notes:

Things to do:
1. send for homestead application and or land records.
2. Stump farms?
3. Subsistance farms?
4. R R in Lincoln county?
5. History of Lincoln county (Historical society?)
6. local mail delivery?
7. Bay County newspapers? property sales, etc.
8. 1860's Gold rush in Montana - became a state in 1864.
9. 1880's railroad crossed Montana
10. Divorce Papers?
11. Land records for May Sherman in Eureka
12. Land records for Elizabeth Smith

Timeline:
1858 15 Dec Elizabeth born Adams Co. Indiana to James and Nancy Daugherty Close
1860 US Census Madison, Allen, Indiana age 1 with parents and sister, Eliza age 2 and half brother George age 11
1862 Decatur, Adams, Indiana
1865-1869 Siblings born Indiana
1870 US Census Root twp, Adams, Indiana with parents, James & Nancy Close
1877 Elisabeth married Loren Sly Hinton, Mecosta, MI
1878 Sister Diantha married Sylvester, Allen, MI
1880 US Census Eliz & Loren Sly Freemont, Isabella, MI, with child Carrie age 1
1894 MI State Census Elizabeth Sly Marr with 3 children, Pinconning Village, Bay, MI
1900 Eliz Sly & Richard Smith marr Rockford, Winnebago, Wis
1910 Census Eliz & Richard Smith Lincoln Co, Montana
1919 8 Jul Libby died of breast cancer in Eureka, Lincoln Co., Montana (death cert gives cause of death as Uterine Carcinoma)

1900 Census, Michigan - searched all of Bay County, Pinconning twp and found no Smith, Libby or Richard nor did I find any Slys

After her husband, Lorian Sly, left for the gold fields (about 1888) during a recession, Elizabeth Sly took in roomers to make ends meet. After a few letters from Lorian, she never heard from him again. Elizabeth (Close) Sly eventually married Richard Smith, one of the roomers, (between 1894 and 1901) and moved to Montana near Eureka to homestead. Elizabeth (Libby) and Richard Smith raised her grand daughter, Bertha Sherman. Libby raised vegetables and strawberries to sell to the neighbors. She also sold cottage cheese, eggs, milk, chicken, cookies, etc. She was well liked by everyone. Richard Smith was a bricklayer, then a ditch tender of the irrigation ditch (circa 1916). It is said that little by little he lost most of his land through lawsuits he initiated. The homestead burned and he lived in the little cabin on the property. It is said that he was onery, but Bertha remembers him as kind to her. The land was eventually bought by Fred and Maye Alverson. She was a cousin to Bertha Sherman. Richard Smith died in Eureka, Montana. The following was taken from a letter dated 19 February, 1970, to Marilyn Parker from Maye Alverson, (daughter of Jennie Close Butler who was a sister to Elizabeth Close Sly Smith.) " Dick Smith's place was built on a piece of land that was not his and when he went to prove up, found it out. So he bought 3 acres from a Henry Wedymeyer. When Dick got too bad, he moved to town with one of their old neighbors and I think some one took what they wanted out of the house and touched a match to it, as it was burned. So nothing was left." "When Dick was buried, I was surprised as he was a real good looking man. He always wore a mustach and the undertaker shaved it off. The reason he wore a mustach, he had a big birth mark on his upper lip. And he was so clean." " Old Dick wasn't too gifted in work. It was always Aunt Lib that did the work. Even worked out at cooking. It's still a wonder to me how things and people got by in those days. (Lib for Elizabeth). At one point Elizabeth lived in a boxcar while picking huckleberries and cranberries in a cranberry bog.
Elizabeth (Close) Sly Smith was diagnosed with cancer at the Mayo Clinic and Bertha often administered Morphine to her grandma to make the pain bearable. Elizabeth died in July 1919.

"The Story of the Tobacco Plains Country,
the Autobiography of a Community"
Page 164 is in a chapter on "Fortine Area Homesteads." It says, "Among many other Michiganders who homesteaded in this vicinity were Dick Smith and his wife, and Mrs. Smith's son and daughter, Ernest and May Sly. For years Dick Smith was the community "radical"--always fighting the capitalist lumber companies and writing accusing letters to his Congressmen: "Just sore at everybody in the world," as Harry Weydemeyer puts it. Mrs. Smith died and her son and daughter went west, but Dick stayed on, living alone at his homestead, and died there at a ripe old age, still kicking."

Boom and Bust: Montana's Homestead Era By Gary Glynn
Although the homestead era in Montana lasted for more than 70 years, the vast majority of those who homesteaded in the state did so during a ten-year period beginning in 1908. The original Homestead Act was signed by Abraham Lincoln on May 20, 1862. The new law stipulated that any head of household over 21 years old could stake out a 160 acre farm on government land with only a $10 filing fee. If the farmer lived on the homestead for five years and improved the property, he or she would receive title to it. Several different variations on the Homestead Act were passed over the years, and depending on which one a farmer filed under, he could receive 160, 320, or as much as 640 acres.
Despite giving away land for free, the Homestead Act proved to be a failure in the arid West, where even 640 acres was simply not enough land to enable a farmer to succeed. It was an invitation to disaster.
Nevertheless, to many the promise of free land was irresistible. By 1900, half a million families had moved West to homestead. It wasn't until the early 1900s that large numbers of would-be farmers began arriving in Montana, lured by a slick advertising campaign paid for by railroad magnate James J. Hill, the man who controlled the Great Northern, the Burlington and Northern Pacific railroads. Hill knew that customers for his railroads were hard to find in sparsely populated Montana, and he realized that with the help of the Homestead Act, he could convert the empty plains of Montana into a potential gold mine for his railroad empire. All he had to do was convince farmers that the dry plains of Montana were rich farmland.
By 1908 his campaign to bring thousands of small farmers into Montana was in full swing. Hill had thousands of brochures distributed throughout the United States and Western Europe extolling the virtues of the Great Plains as a farmer's paradise. Hill also promoted the "Campbell System" of dry-land agriculture, devised by South Dakota farmer Hardy Webster Campbell. Campbell stated that with deep plowing and scientific agricultural methods, the plains of Montana could produce tremendous yields of grain. Hill also hired another agricultural expert Professor Thomas Shaw, who described eastern Montana as a farmer's paradise. By 1910, Shaw was operating 45 experimental farms in Montana, and the favorable results of his experiments were widely publicized.
Along with promoting the promise of free land in an agricultural paradise, Hill announced cut-rate fares on his railroad to entice farmers to move to the state. His promises of free land, cheap transportation, and rich soil appealed to many people, and Montana's Homestead Boom was on.
Most of the newcomers were Americans, but thousands were Germans and Scandinavians drawn by Hill's European advertising campaign. The cowboys and miners of the state, who had flooded into Montana during earlier booms, watched the trainloads of newcomers arriving, and derisively nicknamed them "honyockers."
By 1908 the boom was in full swing, and every westbound train brought new homesteaders. They erected tar paper shacks and hitched up their plows, eager to make their fortune in the golden fields of wheat. The Great Falls land office averaged 1000 to 1500 homestead filings a month in 1910, and agriculture surpassed mining as the state's number one industry for the first time. At least 40,000 homesteaders filed claims in the state during the first twenty years of this century, and new farming communities began springing up all over the eastern plains.
For several years it appeared as if the small farmers would succeed and prosper. A period of unusually high rainfall blessed the new farmers, and the freshly plowed prairies produced record crops of wheat. When James J. Hill passed away in 1916, it looked as if his plan to populate the empty plain of eastern Montana with homesteaders had paid off.
The one thing that James J. Hill and his agricultural experts had not counted on was drought, and periodic droughts are a fact of life on the Great Plains. The spring rains failed to appear in 1917, and by the summer of 1918 the drought was widespread. Suddenly, thousands of Montana's homesteaders were in serious trouble. Their crops burned up in the fields, and the nonstop winds blew the carefully plowed and powdered topsoil away. Finally, hordes of grasshoppers arrived to complete the devastation. Many farmers found themselves unable to pay their bills, and by the summer of 1919 thousands had been forced from their farms. The same railroads which had brought the homesteaders into Montana now carried them away. The banks and seed merchants and implement dealers, all of whom had fueled the homestead boom with easy credit, declared bankruptcy in record numbers. Although the Homestead Act remained in effect until 1935, the homestead boom had ended in Montana by 1918.
The steamboat trade, with its expense and limitations, dropped off sharply in the mid- 1880s, as the first railroads reached Montana and opened up to passenger service. "Emigrant cars," specially designed for the prospective settler, afforded dismal and cramped accommodations to those with enough money to pay for the cost of trip. Passengers in emigrant cars were often forced to spend their journeys sitting upright on uncushioned, backless benches. On many trains, the management offered thin straw mattresses (at a cost of $3.00 each), which could be laid on the floor beneath the benches. One settler remembered, "My mother had a real hard time getting any sleep on the train. Anytime she laid down under the benches, her feet stuck out into the aisle, and the conductor would come along and kick her." Privacy in the cars was minimal, with no dividing partitions and a common toilet and cookstove for as many as 30 emigrants. Wealthier settlers could rent out entire boxcars, in which to transport not only their family members, but also their household goods, farming equipment, and up to six heads of cattle.

Bay County, Michigan land records? The date is before Libby and Richard Smith's marriage?
Smith Libby J Sec 32 T 15N R 4E 80 acres Land office 04 (East Saginaw) Document #639 signing date 1874/04/10

1860 United States Federal Census Record about James Close
Name: James Close
Age in 1860: 33
Birth Year: abt 1827
Birthplace: Ohio
Home in 1860: Madison, Allen, Indiana
Gender: Male
Post Office: Fort Wayne
Value of real estate: $300 farmer
Household Members: Name Age
James Close 33
Nancey Close 23
George Close 11
Eliza Close 2
Elizabeth Close 1
1880 United States Federal Census Elizabeth Sly
Name: Elizabeth Sly
Home in 1880: Fremont, Isabella, Michigan
Age: 21
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1859
BirthPlace: Indiana
Relation to head-of-household: Wife
Spouses's Name: Loren A.
Father's birthplace: OH
Mother's birthplace: OH
Occupation: Keeping House
Marital status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
Loren A. Sly 26
Elizabeth Sly 21
Carey A. Sly 1
Laura Bronk 10 nurse

The 1894 statecensus, Michigan, Bay Co. Pinconning Village, dated June 8, 1894 (film #915292) page 206 family 822:
Smith,Richard, age 30 M Board, single, carpenter bp Indiana, father bp Canada, mother bp Indiana
15 years in state.
Sly, Elizabeth. age 35 F wife marr, 3 children, 3 living, bp Indiana, fath bp Canada, mo bp Indiana
15 years in state
Sly, Carrie age 15 F daug single, bp Michigan, father bp Indiana, mother bp Indiana
Sly, Addie M age 12 F daug single, bp Michigan, father bp Indiana, mother bp Indiana
Sly, Earnest age 10 M son single, bp Michigan father bp Indiana, mother bp Indiana

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Elizabeth Smith
Age in 1910: 51
Birth Year: abt 1859
Birthplace: Indiana
Home in 1910: School District 10, Lincoln, Montana
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Richard Smith
Father's Birthplace: Ohio
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio
Neighbors:
Household Members: Name Age
Richard Smith 49
Elizabeth Smith 51
Bertha I Sherman 7


Marr: film # 1004849, Book A, page 53 "Marriages, Mich, Mecosta County" #787

Montana Death Index, 1860-2007
Name: Elizabeth Smith
Age: 61
Estimated birth year: abt 1858
Gender: Female
Death Date: 8 Jul 1919
Index Number: Lin 34

findagrave.com
Elizabeth Smith
Birth: 1858
Death: Jul. 8, 1919
Burial:
Tobacco Valley Cemetery
Eureka
Lincoln County
Montana, USA
Created by: Jim Lee
Record added: Nov 19, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 44563149
Elizabeth Libby Close Sly
Birth: Dec. 25, 1858
Adams County
Indiana, USA
Death: Jul. 8, 1919
Eureka
Lincoln County
Montana, USA
Elizabeth married Loren Sly on Sept 23, 1873 in Michigan.
Loren disappeared sometime in between 1888 to 1898.
Elizabeth married Richard Smith on July 14, 1900 in Illinois.
Parents:
James Close (abt 1827 - Unk)
Nancy Ann Daughterty-Close
(abt 1836 - Dec 8, 1910)
Family links:
Spouse:
Loren Alvanus Sly (1853
Burial:
Tobacco Valley Cemetery
Eureka
Lincoln County
Montana, USA
Created by: RMW
Record added: Jun 01, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 91113262

Other Events:

• Occupation: Farmer, Carpenter, Mason
• Reference Number: *
• _UID: 0006918D81A6D34684DF2699A8D9784AC9D2

Notes:

Timeline for Joseph Henry Sherman:

1827 Jul 13, Joseph born in Berlin, Ionia, Mi
1845 Joseph went to Ontario Canada where his mother's relatives lived.
1850 Feb 4, Joseph married Matilda Jane Fick in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
1851 May 28, son, William Lewis, born Houghton
1854 May 6, son, Joseph Henry, born Houghton
1854 Sep, son Joseph Henry died Houghton
1857 Nov 28, son, James Milton, born Houghton
1859 Feb 12, daughter, Sarah Elizabeth,born Houghton
1861 Aug 10, daughter, Mary Jane,born Houghton
1863 Sep 13, Angeletta Louisa, born Houghton
1868 son, Lambert Lincoln, born Houghton
1871 Census canada, Houghton, Norfolk, Canada with family
1895 Dec 15, wife, Matilda Jane, died in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
1901 Canada census, Joseph is a widow living as a lodger in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
1906 Jun 3, Joseph died in Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, at age 79, from old age.

Is this right?
1851 Census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1831
Birthplace: N Brunswick
Province: Canada West (Ontario)
District: Wentworth County
District Number: 41
Sub-District: Saltfleet
Sub-District Number: 398
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph Sherman 21

1861 Census of Canada about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Gender: Male
Age: 34
Birth Year: 1827
Birthplace: Canada West
Marital Status: Married
Home in 1861: Houghton, Norfolk, Canada West
Religion: Methodist
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph Sherman 34 farmer
Matilda J Sherman 30 born Canada West
William L Sherman 10 born Canada West
James M Sherman 5 born Canada West
Sarah E Sherman 2 born Canada West

1871 Census of Canada about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Gender: Male
Age: 43
Birth Year: abt 1828
Birth Place: Ontario
Marital Status: Married
Religion: Baptist
Origin: German
Province: Ontario
District: Norfolk South
District Number: 11
Division: 02
Subdistrict: Houghton
Subdistrict Number: a
Neighbors: Jeremiah Fick age 23, Abagail Fick age 23, William age 7, Charles age 3, John age 6/12
all Presbyterian, born Ontario, German origin
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph Sherman 43 farmer
Matilda Sherman 39 german origin
William Sherman 19
James Sherman 14
Sarah Sherman 12
Mary Sherman 9
Louisa Sherman 7
Lambert Sherman 3

1881 Census of Canada about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Age: 53
Birth Year: 1828
Birthplace: Ontario
Religion: Ch. of the Mesiah
Nationality: New Brunswick
Occupation: Farmer
Province: Ontario
District Number: 157
District: Norfolk South
Sub-District Number: A
Subdistrict: Houghton
Division: 1
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph Sherman 53
Matelda J. Sherman 49
Lueza Sherman 17
Lambert L. Sherman 13
Elizabeth Burgar 21

1891 Census of Canada about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Age: 63
Birth Year: abt 1828
Birthplace: Ontario
Relation to Head of House: Head
Religion: messiah
French Canadian: No
Father's Birth Place: New Brunswick
Mother's Birth Place: Ontario
Province: Ontario
District Number: 97
District: Norfolk South
Subdistrict: Houghton
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph Sherman 63 Carpenter, father born New Brunswick, Mother born ontario
Matilda Sherman 60 born Ontario, father born USA, Mother born Ontario
Sarah E Sherman 32 born Ontario, father born Ontario, Mother born Ontario
Louise Sherman 27 born Ontario, father born Ontario, Mother born Ontario
Lambert L Sherman 23 born Ontario, father born Ontario, Mother born Ontario
Peter H Fick 88 father, born USA, his father born NS, Mother born USA

1901 Census of Canada
Name: Joseph Sherman
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Widowed
Age: 73
Birth Date: 13 Jul 1827
Birthplace: Ontario
Relation to Head of House: Lodger
Racial or Tribal Origin: German
Nationality: Canadian
Religion: Baptist
Occupation: R Far
Province: Ontario
District: Norfolk (South/Sud)
District Number: 94
Sub-District: Houghton
Sub-District Number: B-1
Family Number: 66
Page: 6
Household Members: Name Age
Joseph Sherman 73

Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Year: 1881
#387, Juror, yes lot wp14 conc 6 owner PO2
Locality: Charlotteville Township
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Year: 1885
#462 Juror no lot secor2 conc 2 owner PO7
Locality: Houghton Township
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Year: 1886
#473, Juror, no lot NE cor 2 conc 2 owner PO9
Locality: Houghton Township
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 about Joseph Sherman
Name: Joseph Sherman
Year: 1890
#677, Juror, yes lot NE pt 3 conc 13 tenant mf PO18
Locality: Rear of Leeds and Landsdowne Township
Province: Ontario
Country: Canada

One source states that Joseph Henry was born at Houghton Center, BAltfleet Tnship, Walsingham Co.

He was a carpenter and mason. Matilda Fick was a school teacher at Houghton Center, Ontario. Early home of JHs, according to his neighbor, Minnie Patterson, was at Wainfleet near Hamilton, Ontario.

!NOTE: Berlin (now Marne) is near Coopersville, Michigan. Joseph was a farmer and also did carpenter and mason work. Tree grafting and bees were his hobbies. He also tamed bulls. As a boy, he lived in Berlin, Michigan. After 1845, he went to Houghton Township, Norfolk Co, Ontario, Canada to his mother's relatives. He was said to have great strength and was quite agile. He was 6 feet, 6 inches tall. He was a second cousin to Gen Wm. Tecumseh Sherman, General in chief of the US Army 1869-1883 and also to General W. T. Sherman's brother, John Sherman, Secretary of State (1897). Their father's fathers were brothers, 5th and 6th sons of Daniel Sherman I.

(The following was taken from notes of Vernon Sherman, great grandson of Joseph Henry Sherman: Vernon lived at "Apple Acres", M-42, Manton R2, Michigan 49663)
"Joseph Henry Sherman was the third child of Andrew and Hannah Sherman, born 13 July 1827 on a farm near Berlin, (now Marne), Michigan. He left Michigan as a boy of 17 or 18 about 1845, and went to Southern Ontario where he had relatives on his mother's side.
He married Matilda Jane Fick, 4 February 1850, probably at Houghton Center. Matilda was small, She weighed about 95 pounds. She could stand upright beneath her husband's outstretched arm. For three years after their marriage, Matilda continued to teach school at Houghton Center. Shortly after his marriage, Joseph bought a 10 acre piece of land two miles from Houghton Center and on the 3rd Concession Road. He built one of the first frame houses in that section of the Country. He became a carpenter and mason by trade, and many of the original frame buildings in that part of the country were the result, either wholly or in part, of his handicraft. During winter months when building was slack, Joseph did repair work and clock "tinkering".

He set out a 200 tree apple and peach orchard on his 10 acres. He was very successful in grafting of fruit trees. He had an apiary in the orchard to insure fertilization of his trees. His daughter, Sarah Elizabeth recalled that certain trees were regarded as the special property of each of the children. There was Lizzie's tree, Lew's tree, etc. Sarah Elizabeth related that in addition to the orchard, her father had four trees of sweet black cherries and three of the large red English cherry. Southward from the house was a garden plot with three rows of currant bushes, one red, one black and one of the white currants. Between the rows, sod had reformed and under it a swarm of bumble bees had built their nest at one particular spot.

Sarah Elizabeth and her brother James Milton delighted in tormenting this nest of bees. They would prepare for the escapade by pumping several buckets of water. Then one of the youngsters would rap sharply on the ground with a stick to arouse the bees and as they swarmed out, the other would douse them with water to wet their wings and prevent them from flying. Needless to say, this was a highly exciting sport, yet very painful when the bees scored.

Sarah Elizabeth's closest childhood friend was the neighbor girl, Eutachia Lutz. The little girls grew up agile as squirrels. Sarah told of bare foot races along the top of rail fences. Since every other top rail was free to roll, it was necessary to run such sections on the second rail down. That must have been quite a trick. Not all their time was spent in running rail fences. The women of those days had the house and garden to manage, blankets to weave, straw hats to make, etc.

Rye straw was used for hats because of its great strength. After cutting off the grain heads, the straws were soaked in water and bleached dry in the hot sun. They were then soakeed again to make them plyable and were braided into a long continuous cord. The straw cord was then coiled round and round and each coil sewed to the preceding one until the hat brim was reached and the job finished. It took a full day to make a man's hat for use in the fields, and Sarah Elizabeth said they sold for ten cents. To make milady's hat more time was required, since it was necessary to first slit the rye straw into three parts by pulling them over staggered pin points whech projected up through a little trough-like board made for that purpose. These finer straws were then woven into a continuous cord, carefully coiled and sewed to the shape desired. On the Ontario farm of 1865, making your own straw hat was not a hobby, it was necessary if you wanted a hat.

Sarah Elizabeth recalled that when she was 15 (about 1875), a cousin of about her age named William Sherman came from Coopersville, Michigan to help her father on their farm. This lad was a son of her father's brother William.
About 1872 a severe drought made it necessary for Joseph and all of his neighbors to haul water from Clear Creek, a half mile from his farm. The water was put into barrels at the Creek and dragged on a stone=boat to the house throughout the latter part of that summer.

Many stories are told regarding Joseph's great strength and agility. It is related that he could stand in a 1/2 bushel measure and from this position jump through a forward sommersalt and land with his feet back in the measure. He is also said to have fought and "broke" bulls for others. The procedure of "breaking" a bull is to hang onto the bull by his tail with one hand and to punish him mercilessly with a club, hay fork, hand saw or other convenient weapon until his spirit is broken and he evidences his fear of man by bellowing. This treatment though brutal was considered necessary to insure the future safety of people near the animal.

On one occasion, Joseph decided to "break" a neighbor's bull on a holiday morning in the late summer. People from nearby farms were on hand to see the show. Joseph Henry climbed over a fence into a small field with the bull, and began circling him so as to catch him by the tail. Neighbors yelled advice and caution as the man and the animal maneubered. Suddenly, during an attempt to seize the animal's tail, Joseph lost his footing, fell, and was promptly gored by the bull. Several ribs were broken and only the quick aid of his eldest son, William, and neighbors armed with pitchforks saved his life. His good wife accused him of "not having calf brains". In his own home, Joseph Henry is reputed to have been stern to the point of harshness in matters of family discipline.

Close friends and neighbors of the family at Houghton Center were the Pattisons. They had children, Minnie, Howard, Roland and Grace. According to Minnie Pattison, Joseph Henry's "old Home" was in Wainfleet Township, of Oxford County.

Joseph Henry entered the County Home at Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, on 4 December 1905 and died there on 3 June 1905, age 79. He was buried in Farm No. 7.

Because Joseph had died at Simcoe, I visited the County Home looking for facts. They were there. A handful of words scattered to the columns of an old record book, the original entries, the significant corrections. A surprising, pathetic, single line. The main building was unchanged, a two-story red brick, high off the ground and far back from the road. Its narrow dirt drive circled it then shot straight from the front door to the highway like the shortest possible escape. A hundred feet to either side of the long drive, and straight as guides in a copy book, ran two rows of Pine. It was August. The mowed strips were dusty and turning brown. The place looked deserted. No one was in sight as I drove slowly up, circled the building, and stopped below a long porch at the East end. But here were slow moving rockers and old eyes. Some looked toward the road. Some stared away at the fields of the Burial Farm. There seemed no interest in the visitor. Their worn mills of memory groun at the chafe of yesterday.

The old building was depressing, a thing set apart and muffled in time. Small sounds were distant. I climbed the steps to the main entrance. The screen door was large. There was no sing, no arrow, no bell. I went into a narrow, dark hall. It smelled of cabbage, urine, insinfectant. Here was a world behind doors. An inmate brought the nurse, white-starched and busy, busy. An efficient little red-head, helpful, but cocking one eye at the idea of anyone wasting a day on the one-line record of the long dead.

The books were various, old and misused. They'd been kept in several "hands". Someone had begun an index. I was lefyt with them and a story began. December 4, 1905. An old man sat on the edge of a hard chair, nervous, shakey. He was 78. Sixty of those years had known the cold and snow of Ontario's winters. Seemed they were a lot colder lately! Now he was "on the County". They'd brought him here "where he'd be taken care of". The sleigh ride had chilled him. The hot bricks were cold to the feet long before he and the County man had got here. Slowly the warmth of the room began to steal thru his pant legs. He still had his coat on. His big awkward hands fumbled with a heavy cap. His watery eyes sought the sky thru the high narrow windows. Still snowing. He shifted to better see the cluttered office, the "boughten" furniture, the wainscotting of mill lumber all smooth and shellaced like he'd always wanted for his place.

Three weeks to Christmas. Three weeks to excited kids. Their great day would be dead to him. Old wounds ached and loneliness weighed more at Christman. That was all. Christmas for him was buried under the snows of many years, gone with the days when he could do, when he and Matilda had their own place, when his kids were around him, and he had strength in his hands. He minded the time Milt and Dorie were married on a Christmas eve! And the belling. He thought of Matilda Jane and of their seven, and of their first house as he built it, and the planting of the orchard, and the bees. All gone! The kids grown and married and gone, all but Lambert, and the baby that died before the year was up.

He'd always managed, 'till now, and he'd always hoped to "go" with dignit - not here - not like this. He hated being at the mercy of a petty official, hated the lookk that said, 'you're an unwanted nothing". He had no illusions; the once "strongest man in the county, 6 foot 6 inches, was a shakey wreck, helpless, burdensome, and now, gotten-rid-of. He saw himself as they did, and old hulk being herded to the stall he'd die in, and he hated it in his helplessness. He was master of nothing but the trivial details they might want for the record they must keep in the big book just opened across the table from him. A book of a place he wanted no part of, a hated place, a hated book, and he was alone. He had nothing but loneness now and he decided to keep it that way. There was a satisfaction in choice, even as barren as that one was.

"Your name is?" "Leonard" (Leonard, indeed!). "Your age?" "60" (78) "Married?" "Single", "Religion?" "Baptist" And so his one line record began, "Leonard Sherman Age 60 Baptist Single Admitted Dec. 4, 1905. Six months later it was completed with "Died June 3, 1906 Buried Farm No. 07. Then later a correction in sharp hard strokes striking out "Leonard" and "60" to write "Joseph" and "75" And still not correct; because who ever came for what ever reason, after his death and burial by the County (Charles Mercier?), did not know he'd died exactly 39 days before his 79th birthday.

When Joseph died alone in the poor-house, 5 of his 7 children were alive. Of these 5 there were 3 living in Ontario: Sarah, wife of Washington Burger; Mary, wife of Charles Mercier; and Lambert, bachelor. According to Calvin Wilson, who lived there and knew all these people, Joseph had last lived with Mary and Charles Mercier before commitment to the County Home. William Lewis and family lived near Tawas City, Michigan: James Milton and family lived at Oscoda, Michigan. Joseph and I, a great grandson, had never met. I was conceived one month after his death and so commenced a new life-cycle derived from Joseph Henry by the mystery of the gene. And at 63 I'm typing this about him on this page.

The County Home at Simcoe is a two story, twenty-room, plain box-like structure set in the remote center of a flat forty acre piece. The road in is narrow and straight as a bullet aimed at the front door. Architectural beauty it has not. Landscaping it has not. It is at best an awful example of the necessary someplace, as out-of-sight, as out-of-mind, and as remote as can possibly be arranged by any fine Christian community. It hasn't changed since Joseph first saw it. Only the scrub pine along the straight road in has been added, like camouflage too sparingly applied to be effective.

I was glad that I'd come to search and learn and to imagine. I got a new feeling for Joseph that was warm and strangely real. He had become more than the frozen faced old man on a tin-type photograph, more than a big olld man in a heavy coat, wearing an old fashioned cap-hat with a peak over whispy white hair and straggly beard, and staring directly at you with his watery blue eyes and straight Sherman nose, and clutching a heavy cane with both hands for support. Yes, I see alot more; and feel it too. As I walked out into the bright sunshine it felt good. I turned my car around at the highway for a long look back at the building at the end of the long dirt road and the flat fields of 'Farm No. 07' ".

http://www.sherman-roots.com/sherman/pioneers/sp'ott.doc
3. Joseph Henry7 Sherman born Jul 13 1827 in Berlin MI Ottawa Co (mc/mp). Berlin MI named changed in the 1940s to Marne MI (mc/mp; mc/sp).
1831. Aug 24th, Matilda Jane Fick born in Houghton Twp Norfolk Co Ontario Canada (mc/mp; mc/sp).
1845. Joseph left MI went to Houghton Twp Norfolk Co Ontario Canada, where his mothers relatives lived.
1850. Feb 4th, Joseph married Matilda Jane Fick at probably at Houghton Center Houghton Twp Norfolk Co Ontario Canada (mc/mp); or in 1879 Joseph married Matilda Jane Fick at Glenmeyer Ontario (mc/sp).
. Shortly after marriage he purchased 10 acres near Houghton Center; he set out 200 trees, apple and peach, also 8 cherry trees
Joseph was a farmer, also did carpenter and mason work; tree grafting and bees were his hobby; he did clock "tinkering"; he also tamed bulls; he was 6ft 6in tall, had great strength and was very agile (mc/mp).
1895. Dec 15th, Matilda Sherman died at Houghton Twp Norfolk Co Ontario Canada; buried in the
Baptist Cemetery at Houghton Ontario Canada (mc/mp).
1904. Dec 4th, Joseph entered the County Home (farm #7) (mc/mp)
1906. Jun 3rd, Joseph Sherman died at the County Home (farm #7) Simcoe Ontario Canada; also
buried there (mc/mp). 7 Children:

Ontario, Canada, Deaths, 1869-1936
Name: Joseph Sherman
Death Date: 3 Jun 1906 c
Death Location: Norfolk, Ontario, Canada
Age: 75 widower
Gender: Male
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1831
Birth Location: American
Residence: County Home
Occupation: Resident - County Home
Single, Widower
Cause of Death: Nephritis 10 days
Religion: Babtist
Name of Person making return: JCC Grasett
Archives of Ontario Microfilm: MS935_126

Joseph married Matilda Jane FICK on 4 Feb 1850 in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada. Matilda (daughter of Peter Henry FICK and Mary Fick) was born on 24 Aug 1831 in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada; died on 15 Dec 1895 in Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Baptist Cem, Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: *
• _MARNM: Sherman
• _UID: DF69B03A49A85A42B3006C9EB79977BF02AD

Notes:

July 1, thirty-four million people will celebrate Canada Day. 145 years ago, in 1867, the British North America Act went into effect, united the provinces of Canada (East and West), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single country called Canada. Canada East and Canada West became the provinces of Québec and Ontario respectively. Although Canada had some autonomy, it was not until 1982 that the Constitution was patriated and they became fully autonomous, although they do remain a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.


!NOTE: (following taken from paper written by Vernon Sherman, great grandson of Matilda)
"Matilda Jane Fick weighed 95 lbs. and could stand upright under her husband's outstretched arm. She was a school teacher at Houghton Center Ontario for three years after her marriage. In her later years Matilda Jane had become far-sighted although she could still read without glasses. Her grand-daughter, Elizabeth recalled many times when she had seen Matilda jane, a little old woman, sitting hunched over a chair beside the box stove, during the long winter afternoons, reading from her Bible which was laying on the floor between her feet.
Matilda died 15 December 1895, and was buried in the Baptist Cemetary on Lake Road less that a mile east of Hemlock near Houghton, Ontario. (5 infant great grandsons of Andrew Sherman are also buried there."

Father of Matilda Jane Fick

1851 Census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia about Peter H Fick
Name: Peter H Fick
Gender: Male
Age: 49
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1803
Birthplace: United States
Province: Canada West (Ontario)
District: Norfolk County
District Number: 25
Sub-District: Walsingham
Sub-District Number: 240
Household Members:
Name Age
Peter H Fick 49 agriculture
Mary Fick 42 baptist, born Canada
Elizabeth Fick 19 baptist, born Canada
Gilbert Fick 13 baptist, born Canada

1861 Census of Canada about Peter C Fick
Name: Peter C Fick
[Peter H Fick]
Gender: Male
Age: 59
Birth Year: 1802
Birthplace: Green U S
Marital Status: Married
Home in 1861: Walsingham, Norfolk, Canada West
Household Members:
Name Age
Peter C Fick 59
Mary Fick 50, born Norfolk, Canada West
Nancy Fick 8, born Norfolk, Canada West
Gilbert Fick 22, born Norfolk, Canada West, laborer

1871 Census of Canada about Peter H Fick
Name: Peter H Fick
Gender: Male
Age: 68
Birth Year: abt 1803
Birth Place: Ontario
Marital Status: Married
Religion: Baptist
Origin: Dutch
Province: Ontario
District: Norfolk South
District Number: 11
Division: 01
Subdistrict: Walsingham
Subdistrict Number: b
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Peter H Fick 68 farmer
Mary Fick 61 born Ontario, Baptist
Nancy Fick 18 born Ontario, Baptist
Martha Fick 10 born Ontario, Baptist

1881 Census of Canada
Name: Peter H Fick
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Widowed
Age: 78
Birth Year: 1803
Birthplace: USA
Religion: Baptist
Occupation: Farmer
Province: Ontario
District Number: 157
District: Norfolk South
Sub-District Number: B
Subdistrict: Walsingham
Division: 2
Household Members:
Name Age
Gilbert Fisk 40 farmer
Sarah Fisk 32
James Fisk 13
Mary Fisk 11
Henry Fisk 9
Calista Fisk 8
Albert Fisk 5
Clarence Fisk 3
Laurie Fisk 2
Peter H Fisk 78

1891 Census of Canada about Peter H Fick
Name: Peter H Fick
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Widowed
Age: 88
Birth Year: abt 1803
Birthplace: United States
Relation to Head of House: fath
Religion: Baptist
French Canadian: No
Father's Birth Place: Nova Scotia
Mother's Birth Place: United States
Province: Ontario
District Number: 97
District: Norfolk South
Subdistrict: Houghton
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Joseph Sherman 63 Carpenter, father born New Brunswick, Mother born ontario
Matilda Sherman 60 born Ontario, father born USA, Mother born Ontario
Sarah E Sherman 32 born Ontario, father born Ontario, Mother born Ontario
Louise Sherman 27 born Ontario, father born Ontario, Mother born Ontario
Lambert L Sherman 23 born Ontario, father born Ontario, Mother born Ontario
Peter H Fick 88 father, born USA, his father born NS, Mother born USA

Ontario, Canada, Deaths, 1869-1938 and Deaths Overseas, 1939-1947 about Matilda Jane Sherman
Name: Matilda Jane Sherman mechanic's wife
Death Date: 15 Dec 1895 Cause of death: paralysis
Death County or District: Houghton, Norfolk
Age: 64
Gender: Female Mechanics wife baptist
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1831
Birth Location: Canada
Informant: Ed Francis of Houghton

Notes:

Marriage Information
Date
02 APR 1850
Location
Ontario, Canada
to Joseph Henry SHERMAN

Other Events:

• Reference Number: *
• _UID: 2CFA5357007F02409F6AB4D2D2FC241C2EF4

Notes:

According to Census records and death records, Ephraim was not born in England but was born in the United States in about 1800 (possibly Warren County, New York). He is listed as the father on my g grandmother, Martha M Smith's, marriage data. She was married at Clear Creek, Houghton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada

questions?
1. Where was Ephraim born? There is an Asa Smith in !800 census in Thurman, Washington, Ny. Thurman is a town now in the western part of Warren County just north of Saratoga Springs. It lies entirely inside the Adirondack Park. Warrensburg is about 5 miles east of Thurman. (1800 Census Thurman, Washington, NY, Asa Smith - 1 - - 2 // 1 1 - - 2)
(1800 Census Bolton, Washington, NY, Asa Smith - - 2 - 1 // - 2 - - 1 and Asa Jr. - - 1 - // 1 2 - - 1 There is also a
Benjamin, Nathaniel, and David Smith on this page.)

Timeline for Ephriam Kellum Smith:
1800 Ephriam born in United States (possibly NY)
1831-32 Minister, London District, Ontario, Canada
1851 son, James, born
1853 19 Nov first wife, Anna dies, buried at Hillcrest Cemetery
1860 daughter, Martha Madora, born in Bayham, Ontario, Canada
1865-66 directory, Baptist minister, village of Straffordville,Township of Bayham, county of Elgin
1871 Census, Houghton, Ontario, Canada, Baptist minister
1880 Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 Record for Ephraim Smith
Middleton Township > 1880 > List of Persons entitled to Vote at Municipal Elections only -
# on roll 542, Ephraim Smith Lot 1 sept consignment or street-18, owner PO 1
1881 Census, Middleton, Norfolk North, Ontario, Canada, Baptist minister
1882 Ontario, Canada Voter Lists, 1867-1900 Record for Ephraim Smith (Ancestry.com)
Middleton Township > 1882 > List of Persons entitled to Vote at Municipal Elections only -
# on roll 586, Ephraim Smith Lot 1 ept consignment or street-18, owner PO Glenmeyer.
1884 19 Sep Ephriam died in Haldimand, Ontario, Canada (Glenmeyer Baptist cemetery, Norfolk County, Walsingham North township)

Note: I think that Ephraim was married before he married Mary Steward. (see 1851 Census) The son David in the 1851 census may be the D Smith in the 1861 census.

Is this the right Ephraim?
Ephraim Smith
Ontario Marriages, 1800-1910
marriage: 01 Dec 1848 ,​ Gore District,​ Ontario
spouse: Mary Ann F. Lane
groom's name: Ephraim Smith
bride's name: Mary Ann F. Lane
marriage date: 01 Dec 1848
marriage place: , Gore District, Ontario
indexing project (batch) number: M58551-1
system origin: Ontario-ODM
source film number: 1030051


http://search.ancestry.com/
Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s about Ephram Smith
Name: Ephram Smith
Year: 1829
Age: 28
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1801
Place: New York, New York
Source Publication Code: 503.10.91
Primary Immigrant: Smith, Ephram
Annotation: Date and port of arrival. Gender, occupation, country of origin, name of ship, and final destination may also be provided. Extracted from Customs passenger lists which are among the holdings of the National Archives. When family relationships were unclear, editor arranged passengers and dependents in alphabetic sequence by given name.
Source Bibliography: BENTLEY, ELIZABETH P. Passenger Arrivals at the Port of New York, 1820-1829. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1999, pp. 655-1373 (Ju-Z).
Page: 1173
Questions?
1 would this have anything to do with Ephraim Smith, minister,
(London District Marriages?
Index of some names of Elgin County residents - Not a transcription and not a complete list
Researchers should refer to the following original source
The London District marriage Register is available at the Archives of Ontario, Record Group 80 27 1, Volume 16. On MS 248 Reel number 3 and MS 201 Reel number 3. The LDS also holds the microfilms on GS 1030053)
Marriages by Ephraim Smith, minister
24 Apr 1831 to 14 March 1832.

Canadian City and Area Directories, 1819-1906
Return to Search Results Ontario > Elgin County, Norfolk County > OL Fullers Elgin and Norfolk Counties Directory, 1865-1866 > Straffordville - Ephraim Smith, baptist minister
(Straffordville; A post village situated on the Ingersoll and Port Burwell Plank Road, at its junction with Talbot Street, in the Township of Bayham, and county of Elgin. Straffordville is situated in the midst of an excellent agricultural country, posesses a very fair local trade, and in its immediate vicinity are water privilegges capable of carrying on manufacturing to any extent. It is distant from St. Thomas, the County Town, 23 miles; Richmond, 4 miles; Vienna, 5 miles; Port Burwell, 8 miles; Aylmer, 11 miles; and Ingersoll, 24 miles. Its population is about 500.

Canadian Genealogy Index, 1600s-1900s about Ephraim Smith
Name: Ephraim Smith
Event: Living 1832
Province: Ontario
Place: London District
Comments: Minister.
Source: Darryl Bonk, Marriages of the London District 1800-1833, Ontario Genealogical Society - Oxford County Branch, 1980.
Volume/Page: 7
Note: The province and county are associated with the location of the record source and in some cases may not be the same as the place where the event occured.
Source Information:
Genealogical Research Library, Ontario, Canada. Canadian Genealogy Index, 1600s-1900s [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
Original data: Compiled from various family history sources. See source information provided with each entry.
Description:
Containing more than two million records referencing individuals from all regions of Canada, this index helps locate an individual in a specific time and place. The vast majority of the records fall between 1600 and the mid-to-late 1900s, although some records date before the 1500s. Included are names, dates, places, and events about individuals gleaned from numerous types of sources such as city directories, marriage records, land records, and census records. The information found in this index can be used to locate your ancestor in the original record and gives you the title, volume/page number, and location of those records, which generally contain more information. Learn more...

Ephriam Kellum Smith was a Baptist minister for fifty years. He was 61 years old when his daughter Martha Madora Smith was born in 1860. He came from London, District Ontario, Canada. He died at age 83. He lived on a farm east of Glenmyer, Ontario, Canada when daughter Martha was married. (coming from Walsingham township)

Could this be Ephraim with 1st wife as the David may be the D in 1861 census
1851 Census of Canada East, Canada West, New Brunswick,
Name: Ephraim Smith (Is this our Ephraim? It may be with a first wife? )
Gender: Male
Age: 51
Estimated birth year: abt 1801
Birthplace: United States
Province: Canada West (Ontario)
DISTRICT: Oxford County
District Number: 27
Sub-District: Norwich
Sub-District Number: 262
Page: 148
Line: 35
Roll: C_11745
Schedule: A
Ephraim Smith, Carpenter, born United States, Baptist, age 51
Anna 48 bn US,
Thomas T 23 bn W Canada; cabinet maker
Lydia S 20 bn W Canada:
Wm H I 19 bn W Canada; laborer
Margett E 14 bn W Canada;
Anna I 11 bn W Canada;
David 9 bn W Canada)

From: Kate Ford
To: marlparker
Subject: Re: cemetery lookup
Date: Sat, Jul 21, 2012 9:35 am
Attachments: ONNRF15630-074-CanadaGenWeb-Cemetery-Ontario-Norfolk.jpg (121K)

Hi Marilyn,Glen Meyer is already done and online here: The Ephraim K. there is 1858 - 1932 You may save that photo from there if you want it. They are my pics so I can give you that permission.The Rev. Ephraim at Hillcrest has no stone of his own but is more likely to be the one you want. He is listed as husband of Anna who died 19 Nov 1853 aged 49 I have attached a pic of that stone.Let me know if you need anything else.KateOn 21/07/2012 11:41 AM, marlparker@aol.com wrote:
Hi Kate,
I found your name on Gebweb. It mentioned you might be willing to take a picture of a headstone at The Glenmeyer Baptist Cemetery, in Norfok County.
If this is so, my ancestor is Ephraim K Smith born about 1800. Following is the source for his death. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Marilyn Parker

1861 Census of Canada about E Smith
Name: E Smith
Gender: Male
Age: 60
Birth Year: 1801
Birthplace: United S
Marital Status: Married
Home in 1861: Bayham, Elgin, Canada West
Religion: Baptist
Household Members:
Name Age
E Smith 60 Minister
Mary Smith 40 born Upper Canada
D Smith 18 " " "
James Smith 11 " " "
E C Smith 4 " " "
Mary Smith 3 " " "

1871 Census of Canada about Ephraim Smith
Name: Ephraim Smith
Gender: Male
Age: 69
Birth Year: abt 1802
Birth Place: United States
Marital Status: Married
Religion: Baptist ( All children and wife are baptist)
Origin: English
Province: Ontario
District: Norfolk South
District Number: 11
Division: 01 pg 23 microfilm roll: C-9907
Subdistrict: Houghton
Subdistrict Number: a
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Ephraim Smith 69 Minister English Origin
Mary Smith 49 Scotch origin
James Smith 20 farmer
Ephraim Smith 13
Mary Smith 12
Martha Smith 10

1881 Census of Canada about Ephraim Smith
Name: Ephraim Smith
Gender: Male
Marital Status: Married
Age: 79
Birth Year: 1802
Birthplace: USA
Religion: Baptist minister
Nationality: English
Occupation: Farmer
Province: Ontario
District Number: 158
District: Norfolk North
Sub-District Number: D
Subdistrict: Middleton
Division: 2
Household Members:
Name Age
Ephraim Smith 79 farmer
Mary Smith 59
Ephraim C Smith 23 farmer

Ontario, Canada Deaths, 1869-1932
Name: Ephraim Smith
Death Date: 19 Sep 1884 result of old age, ill 3 wks.
Death Location: Haldimand Division of Rain(bow)
Age: 83
Gender: Male Baptist Minister
Estimated birth year: abt 1801
Birth Location: USA

findagrave
Rev Ephraim Smith
Birth: unknown, USA
Death: Sep. 19, 1884
Rainham Centre, Haldimand County, Ontario, Canada
Aged 83 yrs. Baptist minister.
Family links:
Spouse: Anna Otis Smith (1804 - 1853)*
Children: Maryette Smith Burkholder (1838 - 1925)*
Burial: Forestville, Forestville, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada
Created by: Don McArthur
Record added: Dec 05, 2016
Find A Grave Memorial# 173530262
Cemetery records http://ocfa.islandnet.com/ocfa-search.php
2 Ephraims found
Smith, Ephraim K. Glenmeyer Baptist cemetery, Norfolk County, Walsingham North township, reference # NR-95-98
Smith, Ephraim, Rev. (h/o Anna) Hillcrest-Forestville cemetery, Norfolk County, Charlottsville Twp, ref # NR-98-136
Norfolk County Branch, OGS P.O. Box 145 Delhi, Ontario, Canada. N4B 2W9

Ephraim married Mary STEWART about 1850 in Canada. Mary was born on 10 Jul 1822 in Ontario, Canada; died after 1901 in Middleton, Norfolk, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: *
• _MARNM: Smith
• _UID: 7B1BB520C8607F4CA29C442C86CC51742347

Notes:

Relly Smith
Canada Census, 1901 Apr 7-9
Name Relly Smith ( I read Kelly)
Event Type Census
Event Date 31 Mar 1901
Event Place C, Norfolk (north/nord), Ontario, Canada
Gender Male
Marital Status Married
Ethnicity English
Nationality Canadian
Religion Baptist
Relationship to Head of Household Head
Birthplace Ontario
Birth Year (Estimated) 1859
Page 4
Household
Role
Gender
Age
Birthplace
Relly Smith Head M 42 Ontario
Mary Smith Mother F 78 Ontario
Mary J Smith Wife F 32 Ontario
Edna L Smith Daughter F 7 Ontario
Sarah L Smith Daughter F 2 Ontario
Citing this Record
"Canada Census, 1901," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHLG-S8F : 13 November 2014), Relly Smith, C, Norfolk (north/nord), Ontario, Canada; citing p. 4, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.

Other Events:

• FamilySearch Id: K24C-96Q
• Occupation: Blacksmith
• Reference Number: *
• _UID: 594E9FF12258944695EDD52AD799473CFF93

Notes:

Timeline for William Wesley Sly:

1807 Oct 22, William Wesley born in New York
1823 William's mother, Lodema died in Hopewell, New York
1842 Jul 17, William married Elizabeth Morris in Commerce, Oakland, Michigan,
1848 Jul 9, son, William Wesley born in Walled Lake, Oakland, Michigan
1852 Aug 1852, son, Lester Alonzo born in Orchard Lake, Oakland, MIchigan
1854 son, Alvannah Loren born in Michigan
1856 son, Daniel born in Grand Ledge, Eaton, Michigan,
1858 son, George Albert born in Grand Ledge, Eaton, Michigan,
1860 daughter, born in Michigan
1863 Jan 11, William died in Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, at the age of 66

William Sly and Elizabeth Morris were married 17 July 1842 in Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan. William had been married previously to Ashah Davis, and they had 2 children, Anna and Rhoda. William and Elizabeth had 1 child, William when living in Hamburg, Michigan in 1850. By 1860 they lived in Oneida, Michigan and had 4 more boys, Lester, Alvanus, Daniel, and George. They also had a daughter, Hattie, who is not listed in the census but is listed as age 5 in 1863 Isabella County Probate Records for William Sly: "The petition of Elizabeth BROWN widow of William Sly, late of said county (Isabella), deceased, respectfully showeth that on or about the first day of Jan. 1863, The said William Sly died leaving goods and clothing, rights, credits, and real estate in the county, aforesaid, and that to the best of the knowledge and belief of your petitioner no last will and testament was left by the said William Sly, deceased. That the deceased has left a widow, Elizabeth Brown, your petitioner, age 37 years and six children: William, age 18, Lester, age 15, Alvan age 13, Daniel age 12, George, age 9, and Hattie, age 5: and that the deceased was immediately at his death an inhabitant of said county. Your petitioner therefore prays that letters of administration be granted on the estate of the said William Sly and that Philander Harnes may be appointed administration. signed with her X 28 July 1863."
William Wesley Sly was born 22 October 1807 in New York. He was the1st of 7 children born to Christopher Sly and Lodemia Mack. His mother died in 1823 when William was just short of 16 years of age. They were then living in Hopewell, New York near Palmyra.

This story was told by a grand daughter in law of William: " The Indians around Walled Lake (Michigan) called William Sly the `strong man' because every time the Indians went through Walled Lake, they had to shake hands all around. He got so tired of shaking hands that he started to squeeze their hands real tight so that it would hurt and they wouldn't ask to shake hands anymore. Hence he earned the name `the strong man'. William was a big, powerful man. He was a blacksmith, thus his strength. He died 11 Jan 1863 in Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, at the age of 66.

Elizabeth Morris was born about 1820 in Ireland. She was the last of 6 children of William Morris and Jane Crawford. She immigrated to America with her parents and 2 sisters in 1830 possibly from Antrim, Ireland. A sister and 2 brothers had preceded them that year. About 1835 the family moved to Oakland County, Michigan. In January 1863 Elizabeth's husband died and in August of the same year she lost her 2 brothers, becoming their heir. The next year 4 October 1864 at Detroit, Michigan Elizabeth Sly married Sylvester C. Brown. They were both of Royal Oak, Michigan. He was 39 and she was 33.
The children were all in Isabella County in 1865. Sylvester Brown and wife, Rosannah, took care of Hattie, Daniel, and George. Mr. Brown submitted a bill for food and clothing 7 June 1869. (Could this be the parents of Elizabeth Sly's 2nd Husband, Sylvester C Brown?)
Elizabeth died about 1879 in Michigan.

Oakland Co, MI and Isabella Co. vital and probate records.
pg 141, family 114 Call # 0803542

1850 United States Federal Census Record
Name: Wm Sly
Age: 33 Blacksmith
Estimated birth year: abt 1817
Birth place: New York
Gender: Male wife Elizabeth age 38 born Ireland, son William age 1 born Michigan
Home in 1850 (City,County,State): Hamburg, Livingston, Michigan

1860 United States Federal Census Record about William Sly
Name: William Sly
Age in 1860: 52
Birth Year: abt 1808
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1860: Oneida, Eaton, Michigan
Gender: Male
Post Office: Grand Ledge
Value of real estate: real $500 personal $200
Household Members: Name Age
William Sly 52 Blacksmith
Elizabeth Sly 33 bn Ireland could not read or write
Wm W Sly 12 MI
Lester Sly 8 MI
Alvanus Sly 7 MI (Alvanuh)
Daniel Sly 6 MI
George Sly 3 MI
(no Hattie in 1860 census, but William's estate in Eaton Co. say she was 5 years old when her father died.)

U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907 about William Sly
Name: William Sly
Issue Date: 10 Feb 1852
Acres: 40
Meridian: Michigan-Toledo Strip
State: Michigan
County: Oakland
Township: 3-N
Range: 9-E
Section: 12
Accession Number: MI0910__.233
Metes and Bounds: No
Land Office: Detroit
Canceled: No
US Reservations: No
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: April 24, 1820: Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566)
Document Number: 30034

Grace Torrence, daughter in law of Rhoda Ann Sly who is the oldest daughter of William Wesley Sly, told this story to Gladys Porritt, grand daughter of Rhoda: " The Indians around Walled Lake called William Sly the `strong man' because every time the Indians went through Walled Lake, they had to shake hands all around. He got so tired of shaking hands that he started to squeeze their hands real tight so that it would hurt and they wouldn't ask to shake hands anymore. Hence he earned the name `the strong man'. Grace Torrence said William was a big, powerful man.

Isabella County Probate Records The petition of Elizabeth BROWN widow of William Sly, late of said county (Isabella), deceased, respectfully showeth that on or about the first day of Jan. 1863, The said William Sly died leaving goods and clothing, rights, credits, and real estate in the county, aforesaid, and that to the best of the knowledge and belief of your petitioner no last will and testament was left by the said William Sly, deceased. That the deceased has left a widow, Elizabeth Brown, your petitioner, age 37 years and six children: William, age 18, Lester, age 15, Alvan age 13, Daniel age 12, George, age 9, and Hattie, age 5: and that the deceased was immediately at his death an inhabitant of said county. Your petitioner therefore prays that letters of administration be granted on the estate of the said William Sly and that Philander Harnes may be appointed administration. signed with her X 28 July 1863

Name: William Wesley Sly
[Y Sly]
Birth Date: 22 Oct 1807
Birth Place: Ontario County, New York, USA
Death Date: 1 Jan 1863
Death Place: Isabella County, Michigan, USA
Has Bio?: Y
URL: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-..

William married Elizabeth MORRIS on 17 Jul 1842 in Commerce, Oakland, Michigan, United States. Elizabeth (daughter of William MORRIS and Jane CRAWFORD) was born about 1820 in Ireland, Free State; died on 7 Feb 1879 in Oakland, Michigan, United States; was buried in Walled Lake Cemetery, Walled Lake, Oakland, Michigan, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• FamilySearch Id: K24C-9XC
• Reference Number: *
• _MARNM: Sly
• _UID: 0458416283314645AA9D192A0BF5BBA2257E

Notes:

Notes for Elizabeth Morris, born about 1820 Ireland, Was living at West Bloomfield, Michigan, at time of marriage to William W. Sly.

Isabella County Probate Records: The petition of Elizabeth Brown, widow of William Sly, late of said county, deceased, respectfully showeth that on or about the first day of January 1863, the said William Sly died leaving goods and clothing, rights, credits and real estate in the county, aforesaid, and that to the best of the knowledge and belief of your petitioner, no last will and testament was left by the said William Sly, deceased. That the deceased has left a widow, Elizabeth Brown, your petitioner, age 37 years and six children; William age 18, Lester age 15, Alvorus(?) Loren, Daniel age 12, George age 9 and Hattie age 5/ and that the deceased was at his death an inhabitant of said county. Your petitioner therefore prays that letters of administration be granted on the estate of the said William Sly and that Philander Harness may be appointed administrater.
signed with her X 28 July 1863

In the 1870 Census It looks like Alvannah Loren was living with a John Sly in Bloomfield, Oakland, MI and Lester was living with Elizabeth's sister Jane Crawford and family in West Bloomfield, Oakland, MI. ( see their notes).

Michigan Marriages, 1851-75 about Elizabeth Sly
Name: Sylvester C. Brown
Spouse: Elizabeth Sly
Marriage Date: 4 Oct 1864
County: Wayne
State: MI

Children all in Isabella County 1865

Sylvester Brown and wife, Rosannah, took care of Hattie, Daniel, and George year ending 28 May 1866. Mr. Brown submitted a bill for food and clothing 7 June 1869. (Could this be the parents of Elizabeth Sly's 2nd Husband, Brown)

Marriage record in Wayne county, Michigan for a Sylvester C. Brown and Elizabeth Sly, both of Royal Oak, Michigan. He is 39 and she is 33. Date of Marriage 4 Oct 1864 at Detroit, Michigan by Timothy McCarthy.

Oakland County, Michigan probate files: #1983 George Morris, Intestate filed 10 Aug 1863, died 1 Aug 1863. Heirs: brothers and sisters, John Morris, Mary Hedican, Nancy Gilchrist, Jane Cummings and Elizabeth Sly. Adm George Crawford. (each of the sisters received 762.69 1/2 as heirs of the estate)

Oakland County, Michigan Probate files: file # 1993 John Morris; intestate filed 31 Aug 1863, Died 20 Aug 1863. Heirs: sisters; Mary Hedican, Nancy Gilchrist, Jane Cummings, Elizabeth H. Sly. (each sister received 367.77 1/2 as heirs of the estate.)

Jane Morris came to America with her 2 brothers, John and George Morris when she was only 15. They settled in New York State, remained for about 5 years and in 1835 came to Oakland County Michigan. In the meantime their father, mother and 3 sisters also came to the United States. (from Oakland County, Michigan History P. 872, see George Cummings)

Name: Elizabeth Sly
[Y Sly]
Birth Date: 1827
Birth Place: Ireland
Death Date: 7 Feb 1879
Death Place: Oakland County, Michigan, USA
Has Bio?: Y
URL: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-..

Elizabeth Morris Sly
Birth: 1827, Ireland
Death: Feb. 7, 1879
Oakland County
Michigan, USA

Elizabeth married William on July 17, 1842 in Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan.

Elizabeth's second husband was Sylvester C Brown. They were married on Oct 4, 1864 in Detroit, Michigan.

Aged: abt 52.
******************
Elizabeth's mother's full name was Jane Crawford-Morris.
Family links:
Parents:
William Morris (1777 - 1835)
Jane Crawford Morris (1775 - 1845)
Spouse: William Wesley Sly (1807 - 1863)
Children:
William Wesley Sly (1848 - 1922)*
Hattie Sly (1849 - 1859)*
Lester Daniel Schley (1850 - 1935)*
Loren Alvanus Sly (1853 - ____)*
Daniel Sly (1856 - 1942)*
George Albert Sly (1858 - 1942)*
Burial:Walled Lake Cemetery, Walled Lake, Oakland County, Michigan, USA
Created by: RMW
Record added: Oct 15, 2011
Find A Grave Memorial# 78443251

Notes:

MI Genweb marriages
MORRIS,SLY,ELIZABETH - MORRIS,WILLIAM WESLEY SLY,OAKLAND,--,,17 JUL 1842,--,--,--

Other Events:

• Reference Number: *
• _UID: 8730E5B4EF33BB47B635D50C85C74C0BE385

Notes:

Timeline for James Close:

1824 James Close born Ohio
1848 James married Lydia Young Allen County, Indiana ( Is this right or did he marry Elizabeth Wade?)
1851 son, George born Allen County Indiana
1855 June 2, James & Nancy married Allen County, Indiana
1856 daughter Eliza born Indiana
1858 daughter Elizabeth born, Adams County, Indiana, United States
1860 US census Madison, Allen, Indiana
1862 daughter Diantha Jane born Decatur, Adams, Indiana
1865 daughter Torisa born Indiana
1867 son William born Indiana
1869 daughter Sibetha born Indiana
1870 US census Monmoth PO, Root , Adams, Indiana
1878 marriage of daughter, Diantha Jane in home of james Close in Sylvester, Allen County, Michigan
1880 US census Fremont, Isabella, Michigan, James is listed as crippled, maimed or bed ridden.
1900 US census June 2st, James & Nancy in Janesville, Rock, Wisconsin
1903 10 Jun James died in Rock County, Wisconsin, age 79
1910 wife Nancy died Decatur, Adams, Indiana,

James Close's parents both born in Ohio, Mother's name Marthia (sic) from Jame's death cirtificate.
It is believed George and family lived in Dekatur and Fort Wayne, probably Indiana.

Possible first marriage? Cutler family tree on ancestry states George's mother is Mary A Bixler 1815-1900
but that marriage is listed as Feb 1855, the same date as his marriage to Nancy Dougherty and is after George was born.

Indiana, Marriage Collection, 1800-1941 about James Close
Spouse Name: Elizabeth Wade
Marriage Date: Nov 16 1848
Marriage County: Allen

Could this be James' family? Could there have been a child before George and the mother be Elizabeth)
1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Jas Close
Age: 28 ( I read 25)
Estimated birth year: abt 1822
Birth Place: Ohio
Gender: Male
Home in 1850 (City,County,State): Madison, Allen, Indiana
Family Number: 1311
Neighbors: Malinda Wade age 50 is living next door with 7 children age 20 to 12.
Household Members: Name Age
Jas Close 28 (I read 25)
Elizabeth Close 25
Malinda Close 1

Malinda Close ( could this be the same Malinda Close?)
in the Web: Allen County, Indiana, Obituary Index, 1841-2010
Name: Malinda Close
Publication Date: 5 Aug 1910
Publication Place: Allen, Indiana, United States of America
Death Date: Abt 1910

!MARR: 2 Jun 1855, Allen County, Indiana Bk3 pg 332-Allen Co. Ind. (also "Early Marriage Records of Allen County, Indiana, Vol 2, pg 51, call # 977.274/V25 da)
Indiana, Marriage Collection, 1800-1941 about James Close
Spouse Name: Naney A Dougherty
Marriage Date: Feb 1855
Marriage County: Allen

1860 United States Federal Census Record about James Close
Name: James Close
Age in 1860: 33
Birth Year: abt 1827
Birthplace: Ohio
Home in 1860: Madison, Allen, Indiana
Gender: Male
Post Office: Fort Wayne
Value of real estate: $300 farmer
Household Members: Name Age
James Close 33
Nancey Close 23
George Close 11
Eliza Close 2
Elizabeth Close 1

1870 United States Federal Census Record about James Close
Name: James Close
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1822
Age in 1870: 48
Birthplace: O Cannot write US citizen parents not foreign born
Home in 1870: Root, Adams, Indiana
Race: White
Gender: Male
Value of real estate :$300 farmer
Post Office: Monmoth
Family:
Nancy, wife age 30 bn Ohio;
George, 18 Ind;
Eliza, 14 Ind;
Elizabeth 12 Ind;
Diatha 10 Ind;
Terisa 6 Ind;
William 3 Ind;
Sibetha 9/12 Ind.

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: James Close
Home in 1880: Fremont, Isabella, Michigan
Age: 68
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1812
Birthplace: Ohio
Occupation: Farmer
Relation to Head of Household: Self (Head)
Marital status: Married
Spouse's Name: Nancy A Close
Father's birthplace: Ohio
Mother's birthplace: Ohio
Race: White
Gender: Male
Box stating "maimed, crippled, or bed ridden" is checked for James.
Household Members: Name Age
James Close 68
Nancy A Close 42
Charles Hutchison 4 born Indiana grandson (son of Eliza and William Hutchison? )
NOTE: their daughter, Elizageth with her husband Loren A Sly, live next door and 4 Dougherty families on same page (George age 35, Soloman 31, William 71, Job 31)

1900 United States Federal Census (my mother remembers her family talking about Janesville and Fort Wayne)
Name James Close
Age 76
Birth Date Mar 1824
Birthplace Ohio
Home in 1900 Janesville Ward 1, Rock, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse's Name Nancy Close
Marriage Year 1860
Years Married 40
Father's Birthplace Ohio
Mother's Birthplace Ohio
Household Members
Name Age
James Close 76 can read, write and speak English
Nancy Close 85 ( the age and birthdate are the same as the boarder below. I think it was an error on her part)
Alston Horton 85 boarder

James Close
in the Wisconsin, Deaths, 1820-1907
Name: James Close
Death Date: 10 Jun 1903
Death Place: Rock, Wisconsin, USA
Cause of death: Pulmonary tuberculosis
Volume: 03
Page Number: 0251
Reel: 118
Sequence Number: 060650
Source Information
Ancestry.com. Wisconsin, Deaths, 1820-1907 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2000.
Original data: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. Wisconsin Vital Record Index, pre-1907. Madison, WI, USA: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services Vital Records Division
Wisconsin Historical Society. Pre-1907 Vital Records Collection. Madison, WI, USA: Wisconsin Historical Society Library Archives.
This database indexes over 439,000 deaths recorded in the state of Wisconsin between 1820 and 1907. .

Addie Mae had a picture of Nancy (Dougherty) Close taken in April 1896 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

James married Nancy Ann DOUGHERTY on 2 Jun 1855 in , Allen, Indiana, United States. Nancy (daughter of William DOUGHERTY and Elizabeth HECKATHORN) was born on 16 Dec 1837 in Starke County, Ohio, United States; died on 8 Dec 1910 in Decatur, Adams, Indiana, United States; was buried in Maplewood Cem, Decatur, Adams, Indiana, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: *
• _MARNM: Close
• _UID: 1B8EF423CFB8994396987636E7AD5DA896C1

Notes:

Definition: From the word "dochartach" meaning 'obstructive.' Docherty is the most common Scottish form of this surname, while Doherty and Dougherty are usually of Irish derivation.
Surname Origin: Scottish, Irish
Alternate Surname Spellings: Doherty, Dougherty, Daugherty, O'Doherty, Dogherty

moved to Indiana about 1846

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Doherty
Age: 13
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1837
Birth Place: Ohio
Gender: Female
Home in 1850(City,County,State): Madison, Allen, Indiana
Household Members: Name Age
Wm Doherty 45 carpenter, bn Ohio
Elias Doherty 37 bn Pennsylvania
Margaret Doherty 16 bn Ohio
Hiram Doherty 17 bn Ohio
Nancy Doherty 13 bn Ohio
Wm Doherty 11 bn Ohio
Eliza Doherty 9 bn Ohio
Samuel Doherty 7 bn Ohio
Mary Ann Doherty 4 Indiana
John Doherty 1 Indiana

Indiana Marriage Collection, 1800-1941
Name: Nancy Ann Dougherty
Spouse Name: James Close
Marriage Date: 2 Jun 1855
Marriage County: Allen
Source Title 1: Allen County, Indiana
Source Title 2: Index to Marriage Record 1824 - 1920 Inclusive Vol
Source Title 3: W. P. A. Origtial Record Located: County Clerk's O
Book: 3
OS Page: 332

1860 Census, Madison Twsp, Allen County, Indiana Nancy age 23, James age 33 farmer, children George age 11, Eliza age 2, Elizabeth age 1.

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Close
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1840
Age in 1870: 30
Birthplace: O
Home in 1870: Root, Adams, Indiana
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Monmoth
Household Members: Name Age
James Close 48
Nancy Close 30
George Close 18
Eliza Close 14
Elizabeth Close 12
Diathe Close 10
Terrisa Close 6
William Close 3
Sibetha Close 9/12

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy A Close
Home in 1880: Fremont, Isabella, Michigan
Age: 42
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1838
Birthplace: Ohio
Relation to Head of Household: Wife
Spouse's Name: James
Father's birthplace: Ohio
Mother's birthplace: Ohio
Neighbors: living next door to Loren A Sly and wife Elizabeth & child Carrie age 1.( lots of Daugherty families
right close)
Occupation: Housewife
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
James Close 68 listed as crippled, maimed, or bed ridden
Nancy A Close 42
Charles Hutchison 4 grandson

1900 United States Federal Census ( I think this is a correct record for James and Nancy Close with an error in the age and birthdate columns. My mother said she remembers the family talking about Fort Wayne and Janesville.
Name James Close
Age 76
Birth Date Mar 1824
Birthplace Ohio
Home in 1900 Janesville Ward 1, Rock, Wisconsin
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse's Name Nancy Close
Marriage Year 1860
Years Married 40
Father's Birthplace Ohio
Mother's Birthplace Ohio
Household Members
Name Age
James Close 76
Nancy Close 85 the birthday and age listed are exactly the same as the boarder below, I think hers is an error
Alston Horton 85 boarder Apr 1915

1910 United States Federal Census Nancy A Close (Nancy lived with Mary Ann, her sister, and her sisters husband )
Name: Nancy A Close
Age in 1910: 72
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1838
BirthPlace: Indiana
Relation to Head of House: Sister-in-law
Father's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Mother's Birth Place: Pennsylvania
Home in 1910: Root twp, Adams, Indiana
Marital Status: Widowed
Race: White
Gender: Female
Household Members: Name Age
John Roudebush 69
Mary A Roudebush 60 it states she had no children
Nancy A Close 72 It states that Nancy had 6 children, 3 of which are living.

!DEATH: Bk CH12, pg 92 Dekatur, Ind. - Softening of the Brain. (Copy of death cert. in possession of Marilyn Parker) Buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Location N40 49.739, W84 56.656. Cemetery is currently known as the Decatur Cemetery. Was also known as the Greenwood Cemetery . Nearby are headstones of Rodenbush, Clossom. age 73

findagrave.com
Nancy A. Close
Birth: 1837
Death: Dec. 8, 1910
Burial: Decatur Cemetery
Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, USA
Find A Grave Memorial# 39483402

The Genealogy Center » Fort Wayne & Allen County, Indiana Resources » Allen County Obituary Index, 1900-July 30, 2015
Allen County Obituary Index, 1900-July 30, 2015 - Results
Key to abbreviations:
FWDS = Fort Wayne Daily Sentinel
FWN = Fort Wayne News
FWS = Fort Wayne Sentinel
FWWS = Fort Wayne Weekly Sentinel
JG = Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
NS = Fort Wayne News-Sentinel
Researchers can find microfilm of all of the Fort Wayne newspapers in the Allen County Public Library's Genealogy Center. Copies of specific obituaries may be ordered by emailing Genealogy@ACPL.Info with the complete citation as found in the index. Cost is $2.50 per obituary, billed at the time of mailing. Response time is typically 4-6 weeks. Your complete name and mailing address must be included with your request.
Surname First Name Page Paper Obituary Date
CLOSE James, Mrs (Nancy A) 13 JG 12/09/1910

Could this be a relation?
"Michigan, Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995," James Dougherty, 1874
name: James Dougherty
gender: Male
burial date:
burial place:
death date: 12 Mar 1874
death place: Freemont,Isabella, Michigan
age:
birth date:
birthplace: Ohio
occupation: Farmer
race: White
marital status: Married
spouse:
father:
father's birthplace:
mother:
mother's birthplace:
indexing project (batch) number: B07349-9
system origin: Michigan-EASy
source film number: 1005119
reference number: v 1 p 18

Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana
Thursday, October 8, 1910

PARALYSIS FATAL
Mrs. James Close, Who Suffered First Stroke Four Months Ago
SUCCUMBED TODAY
Passed Away At Home of Sister, Mrs. John Raudebush - Burial Saturday

Nancy A. Close, aged nearly seventy-three years, widow of James Close, who for the past four months has helpless from paralysis, and whose life has been hanging by a thread for the past few days, this morning at 7 o'clock passed away at the home of her sister, Mrs. John Raudebush, in the north part of the city. About 4 months ago Mrs. Close, with her sister and other relatives, went to visit with their brother, William Daugherty, at Big Rapids, Mich., and while there, Mrs. Close suffered the first attack of paralysis. She was rendered helpless and it was necessary to bring her home on a cot. Since that time she has gradually declined.
Mrs. Close was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Daugherty. She was born in Starke county, Ohio, December 16, 1937, and had she lived but a week and a day longer would have been seventy-three years of age. In childhood she came with her parents to Allen county, Indiana, and grew to womanhood. She was married there to James Close, and later came to this county to reside, making their home four miles west of this city. They lived in this vicinity for some twenty-five or thirty years, becoming well known, and then went to Jamesville, Wis., to live, and later to Oklahoma. Five years ago Mr. Close died in Oklahoma, and a year later his widow came here and has resided since with her sister, Mrs. Raudebush.
Mrs. Close is survived by three daughters, all living at Pallisbell, Mont. They are Mrs. William Butler, Mrs. Lizzie Smith and Mrs. Tom Lee. She also leaves a grandson, Charles Hutcheson, whom she reared as her own. He also lives in Pallisbell. A daughter, Mrs. William Hutcheson, and a son, Will Close, besides an infant daughter, have gone before.
George Daugherty of Oklahoma, William H. Daugherty of Big Rapids, Mich., and Mrs. John Raudebush of this city are surviving brothers and sister.
The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10 o'clock from the M. E. church, the services to be conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Sherman Powell. Burial in the Decatur cemetery.
***


Nancy L Close
in the Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Nancy L Close
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age: 73
Marital status: Widow
Birth Date: 1837
Death Date: 8 Dec 1910
Death Place: Decatur, Adams, Indiana, USA
Burial: December 10, 1910; Maplewood Cemetery

Notes:

Indiana Marriage Collection, 1800-1941
Name: James Close
Spouse Name: Naney A Dougherty
Marriage Date: 2 Jun 1855
Marriage County: Allen
Source Title 1: Allen County, Indiana
Source Title 2: Index to Marriage Record 1824 - 1920 Inclusive Vol
Source Title 3: W. P. A. Origtial Record Located: County Clerk's O
Book: 3
OS Page: 332