Tombstone Tuesday - Bryan Family of Middletown, Delaware

Well here we go again another “Tombstone Tuesday” blog post. I did a little research on the Bryan family that I found in the Old Saint Anne’s Church Cemetery. This is an interesting family that has a great amount of history. There was so much history and research that I could have done but I had to draw the line somewhere and stopped at the 1920 census record. 

                                                   CHARLES HENRY BRYAN

                                                                   BORN

                                                          OCT. 22^ND 1831

                                                                    DIED

                                                          JULY 30^TH 1869

                                                            AND HIS WIFE

                                           MARY ELIZA READING BRYAN

                                                        BORN MAY 28.1834.

                                                          DIED MAY 8.1928.

                                                     REQUIESCAT IN PACE 

                     HENRY BELL BRYAN                JEANNETTE YOUNG BRYAN

                                 1862-1939                                        1863-1961 

                                   PRIEST

               MAHLON READING BRYAN            BERTHA SCHRACK BRYAN

                                   1865-1928                                      1867-1938

                    EDWIN CLARENCE  BRYAN              MARTHA BAIRD BRYAN    

                                1867-1935                                        1880-1944

                      MAHLON PHILIP BRYAN                EDWIN ANDREW BRYAN

                               AUG. 9, 1895                                JULY 24, 1904

                               DEC. 29 1961                                NOV 9, 1977

                          MARTHA LOIS BRYAN                 ESTHER CLARICE BRYAN

                                NOV 25, 1912                                 MAR 30, 1911 

                                DEC 24, 1989                                 JULY 9, 1997

                                                CAROLYN GUILD BRYAN

                                                             WIFE OF

                                               MAHLON PHILIP BRYAN

                                           DEC. 27, 1919 - DEC. 15, 1989

Tombstone Tuesday - Willits Family in Middletown, Delaware

Wanted to bring back  "Tombstone Tuesday" and continue viewing Old St. Anne's Church Cemetery. You can find so many nuggets of information while conducting your research in the cemeteries. For those of you who might not know I don't have any family, that I know of, buried here in this cemetery. That being said all of the information I used to conduct my research, and pull the attached documents came directly from the tombstones.

Merritt Noxon Willits Jr.

February 5 1874
February 5 1930

Son of
 Laura Naudain and
Merritt Noxon Willits

Louretta Cooper Willits

November 9, 1875 

            January 23, 1963            

Wife of
Merritt Noxon Willits Jr

Daughter of
Delia E. and
William F. Cooper

[1]1910 United States Federal Census from Pennsylvania, address listed as 121 W. Phil Ellena Street, shows that Merritt Willits, head of household, married, white, male, was born abt. 1874 in Delaware and his parents were both born in Delaware. It also shows that his occupation was listed as a cashier with a bank; he was 36 years of age and in his current marriage for 8 years.  Louretta Willits, wife, married, white, female, was born abt. 1876 in Delaware and her father was born in Delaware and mother in Pennsylvania. It also shows that no occupation is listed; she was 34 years of age.  There are two children listed in the household. Dorothea Willits, daughter, single, white, female was born abt. 1907 in Pennsylvania; she was 3 years of age. Merritt Willits 3^rd, son, single, white, male was born abt. 1908 in Pennsylvania; he was 2 years of age. There are two others listed in the household. Celia Cooper, mother-in-law, widow, white, female, was born abt. 1853 in Pennsylvania, her father was born in New Jersey and mother in Pennsylvania. It shows that no occupation is listed; she was 57 years of age. Sarah Anderson, single, black, female was born abt. 1884 in Virginia and her parents were born in Virginia.  Her occupation was listed as servant; she was 26 years of age.  

[2]1920 United States Federal Census  from Pennsylvania, address listed as 121 W. Phil Ellena Street shows that Merritt Willits Jr, head of household, married, white, male, was born abt. 1875 in Delaware and his parents were both born in Delaware. It also shows that his occupation was listed as Vice President with a bank; he was 45 years of age. Louretta Willits, married, white, female born abt. 1877 in Delaware and her both of her parents born in Pennsylvania; it also shows no occupation; she was 43 years of age. There are now three children now listed in the household. Dorothy Willits, daughter, single, white, female was born abt. 1907 in Pennsylvania; she was 13 years of age. Merritt Willits 3^rd, son, single, white, male, was born abt. 1909 in Pennsylvania; he was 11 years of age.  W Cooper Willits, son, single, white, male, was born abt. 1915 in Pennsylvania; he was 5 years of age.  Two additional members listed in the house hold, Delia Cooper, mother-in-law, widowed, white, female, was born abt. 1853 in Pennsylvania and both of her parents were born in Pennsylvania; she was 67 years of age.  Annie Hatcher, servant, single, black, female, was born abt. 1897 in Virginia and both of her parents were born in Virginia. Her occupation is listed as servant and she was 23 years of age. 

**Special note that Sarah Anderson appearing on the 1910 Census at the servant no longer appears.

[3]1940 United States Federal Census from Pennsylvania, address listed as 609 W. Harttew Street shows that Louretta Willits is the head of household, widow, white, female born abt. 1876 in Pennsylvania. It shows that occupation is listed as housewife; she was 64 years of age. Merritt Willits son, single white, male born abt. 1908 in Pennsylvania; no occupation is listed he was 32 years of age. William Willits, son, single, white, male born abt. 1915 in Pennsylvania; occupation listed as clerk with a bank he was 25 years of age.  The last person listed in the house hold is Cealia Jackson maid, married, black, female born abt. 1895 in Maryland; servant is listed as occupation she was 45 years of age.

**Special note that Merritt Willits Jr, Dorothy Willits, Delia Cooper and Annie Hatcher are no longer listed on this census.

[4]Merrit N. Willits Jr. address listed at 121 West Phil Ellena Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  It shows is age at this time was 44 with his date of birth 5 FEB 1874; race is white and native born. Present occupation is V. President Banker at Corn Ex. National Bank on 2^nd and Chestnut St in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wife is shown as Louretta C Willits. His description is tall, medium, light blue eyes with gray hair color.

[5]Aboard the S.S. Fort Victoria sailing from Hamilton, Bermuda on 5 APR 1924 and arriving at port of New York, NY on 7 APR 1924. The Willits family members can be found numbers 11-14, #11 Merritt Willits, age 50, male, married, born 1874 in Middletown, DE and living at 121 Phil-Elena Ave, Philadelphia, PA. #12 Merritt Willits age 17, male, single, born 1907 in Philadelphia, PA and living at 121 Phil-Elena Ave, Philadelphia, PA. #13 Dorothy Willits age 18, female, single, born 1906 in Philadelphia, PA and living at 121 Phil-Elena Ave, Philadelphia, PA. #14 Lauretta Willits age 48, female, married, born 1876 in Durwood, DE.

[6]Aboard the S.S. Empress of Britain sailing from Southampton, England on 8 SEP 1934 and arriving at port of Quebec, on 13 SEP 1934. The Willits family members can be found number 28-30, #28 Loretta C. age 58, female, married, born 9 NOV 1876 Denver, DE and living at 309 W. Hortter St, Germantown, Philadelphia, PA. #29 Laura E. Willits age 62, female, single, born 30 OCT   1872 in Middletown, DE and living at 309 W. Hortter St, Germantown Philadelphia, PA. #30 Wm. Cooper Willits age, 20, male, single born 11 JUN 1914 in Philadelphia living at 309 W. Hortter St, Germantown Philadelphia, PA.

[7]Aboard the S.S. Conte Di Savoia sailing from Naples, Italy on 9 SEP 1936 and arriving at port of New York on 17 SEP 1936. The Willits family members can be found numbers 2 and 3. #2 Louretta Willits age 60, female, widowed, born 9 NOV 1876 in Dover, Delaware and living at 609 W. Hortler Str, Germantown, PA. #3 William Cooper Willits age 22, male, single, born 11 JUN 1914 in Philadelphia, PA and living at 609 W. Hortler Str., Germantown, PA.

[8]Merritt Noxon Willits Jr date of birth 5 FEB 1874, profession banker, parents’ were Merritt Noxon Willits Sr. and Laura Naudain, father and mothers place of birth is Middletown, Delaware.  Date of death is listed as 5 FEB 1930 with the date of burial 8 FEB 1930 in the St. Anne’s Cemetery in Middletown, Delaware.

[9]Louretta C Willits date of birth 9 NOV 1875; birth place is Dover, Delaware. Parents were William F Cooper and Delia E Babbitt. Date of death is listed as 23 JAN 1963 with the burial 26 JAN 1963 in the Old St. Anne’s Church Cemetery in Middletown, Delaware.

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[1] 1910 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: United States of America Bureau of Census.  Roll: T624_1396; Page: 11B; Enumeration District: 0444; FHL microfilm: 1375409 

[2]1920 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Original data: United States of America Bureau of Census Philadelphia Ward 22, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1624; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 618; Image: 291 
[3]1940 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: T627_3704; Page: 10A; Enumeration District: 51-563
[4] World War I Selective Service system Draft Registration Cards 1917-1918 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com :accessed 27 March 2014)Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2005. Registration State Pennsylvania; Registration County: Philadelphia; Roll: 1907635; Draft Board: 15. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls imaged from Family History Library microfilm. 

[5] 1924 New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com :accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 3470; Line: 14; Page Number: 5

[6]1934 Border Crossings: From Canada to U.S., 1895-1956 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com :accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.  National Archives and Records Administration; Washington, D.C.; Manifests of Passengers Arriving at St. Albans, VT, District through Canadian Pacific and Atlantic Ports, 1895-1954; National Archives Microfilm Publication: M1464; Record Group Title: Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service

[7]1936 New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com :accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.  Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 5868; Line: 2; Page Number: 86 

[8]Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com :accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Series 11.90 (1,905 cartons). Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

[9]Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com :accessed 27 March 2014) Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Series 11.90 (1,905 cartons). Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Tombstone Tuesday - Wiggin Family

Normally on “Tombstone Tuesday” I just share the photographs of tombstones and include the information on the stones. I decided to try something a little different; I’m adding a little bit more information. Keep in mind this isn't a complete research report, just some additional information about those whom tombstones I've photographed and some of their family members. 

 WIGGIN

George H. Wiggin

1896 - 1923

 Zaidee B. Wiggin

1881 - 1951

[1]George Howard Wiggin and Zaidee Beardle were married on the 24^th of March in 1904 in Milford, Delaware. This license also shows some additional information about their parents. George’s father was George and shows he was born in Maine. The groom’s mother was Edna Hawkin and she was born in New York.  Zaidee’s father was Truman A and her mother was Mary Catherine Shockley. Some additional information shows that at the time of the marriage George was 35 residing in Townsend, Delaware and Zaidee was 22 residing in Lincoln City, Delaware

[2]The 1910 United States Federal Census shows that George was born in New York and his father Maine, his mother was born in New York. At the time of this census George was 40 years of age, self-employed and owned his home. Zaidee was born in Delaware, her father was born in New York and mother was born in Delaware. The census also shows that they had two daughters, Georgia E. age 5 and Catharin A. who was only two years of age. Both of the children were born in Delaware.

[3]The 1920 United States Federal Census shows that George and Zaidee are still married, George is 48 years of age and Zaidee is 37 years of age. Both of the girls, Georgia 15 and Catharine 11 are still in the house hold. There is a new addition to the family, George and Zaidee now have a son, his name is George he is 1 year and 5 months his date of birth is about 1919. George’s occupation is still listed as self-employed proprietor, flour mill. There is also another addition to the house; Thomas F Lamb is listed as a laborer in the flour mill. He is 54 years of age born about 1866 in Wisconsin. Both of his parents are shown to have been born in Ireland.

[4]The 1930 United States Federal Census now shows that Zaidee is widowed, their daughters are no longer living in the home but their son, George age 11 is still in the home. An additional change to the house is that Zaidee now has three roomers / boarders listed. June L Kieffer age 23 born about 1907 in Pennsylvania, both of her parents were also born in Pennsylvania.  Her occupation is listed as a clerk at a printing office. The other two boarders are married, William Reynolds age 27 born about 1903 in Delaware and both of his parents were also born in Delaware. His occupation is listed as a clerk at a construction site. Panise N. age 27 born about 1903 in Delaware and both of her parents were also born in Delaware. Her occupation is listed as a cashier at a restaurant.

[5]The 1940 Untied States Federal Census record shows that Zaidee Wiggin age 58 is still listed as widowed and none of the children are living with her any longer. Her occupation is now listed as a roomer agent; she is now renting a home for $35. The address listed is 913 Washington St. Willington, Delaware.

We know that George and Zaidee were married for 19 years before his passing in 1923. They were blessed with two daughters and one son and raised their family in Delaware. Zaidee passed eleven years after the 1940 United States Federal Census was taken.

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[1]Delaware Marriage Records, 1806-1933 Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 25 September 2014).    Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

[2] 1910 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 25 September 2014). Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. Original data: Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls).

[3]1920 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 25 September 2014).    Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data: Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Note: Enumeration Districts 819-839 are on roll 323 (Chicago City).

[4]1930 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 25 September 2014). Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002.Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.

[5] 1940 United States Federal Census Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed 25 September 2014). Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls.

The Face in the Cemetery

With our recent move to Middletown in Delaware there were a lot of things that needed to be done before I could scratch that itch. The itch I’m referring to is the need to get out and find the historical markers, cemeteries, libraries and meet with local genealogical and historical societies. I’m sure most of you know that itch and can’t wait to scratch it. I started compiling that “itch list” as we were out driving around town and getting familiar with the new area, yes I have a long list.

A couple of times while taking my kids to school or doctor appointments I noticed this beautiful old cemetery sitting on the corner of Old Saint Anne’s Church road and Summit Bridge road.  I placed this particular cemetery, Old Saint Anne’s Church Cemetery, on that itch list that I wanted to visit. If you have been following my blog this is the same cemetery that had the “No Sledding” sign. After about the fourth time driving by that small itch turned into a large itch that had to be scratched, ASAP. What caused that you might ask well it's simple “The Face”. It was one of those “what” moments that had me turn the car around to see if my eyes were playing an early Halloween Spooky Cemetery trick on me.  Once I pointed it out to my kids they refused to look for fear of what the face might do or what might jump out in front of or beside the car. 

I managed to scratch that itch a few weeks later. I couldn't help myself and during one of the kid’s appointments I had to walk across the street and stroll through the cemetery. Took a few photographs, read some of the inscriptions and got a closer look at “The Face”. So take a look for yourself and see if you can see “The Face” on the top of the tombstone in the photographs below.   

At first glance I thought small skulls were decorating the top. Upon closer look I don’t think they are, but that being said I’m not really sure what they are and what they represent. 

COL. JOSEPH HANSON

1845-1932

JOSEPH H. HANSON

BORN OCTOBER 3, 1820

DIED FEBRUARY 1, 1858

_________

MARY B.

WIFE OF JOSEPH H. HANSON

BORN NOV. 19 1816

Tombstone Tuesday - United States Disciplinary Barracks Cemetery

Both of the tombstones that I'm showing you today I found in the same cemetery, The United States Disciplinary Barracks Cemetery at Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas. 

Albert Wildcat

Inmate number 1886 

 Incarcerated 1 NOV 1899

 Died 8 FEB 1903

Holly Codoxey

Inmate number 2769

Incarcerated 12 DEC 1901

Died 19 FEB 1903

Tombstone Tuesday - Hezekiah Estes Jr.

 
    This is the tombstone of E. Hezekiah ESTES Jr., my great grand uncle who died at the age of 20. His parents were Pinkney Dallas ESTES (1850- 1933) and Mary Evaline LIMBAUGH (1849-1932) of Bollinger county Missouri.

     Hezekiah was born on 13 September 1871 in Missouri. He fell ill from typhoid fever, during the fall. During that same time two other siblings and both of his parents we ill with the same. On 29 October 1891 one of his younger brothers also died from typhoid fever. He died 1 December 1891 in his parents home in Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Missouri. He is buried at Lessley Ridge Cemetery, Huskey, Bollinger County, Missouri.

(photo located on “find a grave”)
 

Tombstone Tuesday - Milnor, North Dakota

This photo is a from a collection that I purchased off of eBay.

Information from the back tells us that this was the funeral of 

Mrs. Paul Johnson

taken at the

Lakeside Cemetery

in 

Milnor, North Dakota

on 

Tuesday, April 12, 1943

Tombstone Tuesday - Ghostly Germans

If there was any photo of a tombstone I could find that would give me the heebie-jeebies this one would be it. The information I have on this photo is very limited. I’m still researching on the family.  This was one of the photos in an album I purchased while in Germany. So as you can imagine I’m still working on the German penmanship. I just couldn't resist posting this; I defiantly did a double take the first time I saw it.   

Tombstone Tuesday - Elfrank

This is the tombstone of my grandparents. Martha Colleen Elfrank a strong willed and lovable woman. Fred Henry Elfrank, a loving grandfather and hero.