Looking Back - December 2010

When I posted my Top Ten Brick Walls, I should have mentioned that I realize $100 to solve a break through was a small amount. I could pay more, because I know the time and energy it would take to do it. Especially since I've spent years working on them.


Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my one year Blogiversary. If I ever want to remember what I did this past year, well that is my answer, I actually had a blog.


A follow-up on my blog about Historical Societies, this is the post now contains more photos of Historical Societies in New England. This month, I took additional pictures, they are from Massachusetts: Chelmsford Historical Society and Dracut Historical Society. From Maine is the Pejepscot Historical Society Museums in Brunswick.

This month was pretty good for picture taking. Yesterday, I shared my day in three cemeteries, they were: Mount Auburn in Cambridge, MA (2), Lowell Cemetery, Lowell, MA and West Parish Cemetery in Andover, MA. Photos from all three (in order) are below. Yes, these are from cemeteries, although they look like parks.

Sunday Obituary -- Charles M. Farmer

Obituary for Charles M. Farmer (see copy below)  Brenda Leyndyke of Journey to the Past was helping me with some research and found the following obituary at a library close to her home. Charles was my 2nd great-uncle, and son of Alexander Farmer, discussed in my Top Ten Brick Walls post.

Battle Creek Daily Journal Tuesday, June 6, 1893 page 3 column 2  Found on Microfilm #65 (Jan 7, 1893-June 30, 1893 Battle Creek Daily Journal) at Helen Warner Branch of Willard Library, Battle Creek, Michigan.

Newspaper article was dated June 6th and stated he died the evening before, June 5th.

"ANOTHER SUDDEN DEATH.

Apoplexy Claims Another Resident of Our City.

For the second time within a few days, apoplexy has claimed a victim from this community.

After supper last evening Charles M. Farmer, of No. 126 Hart street, who had been engaged at his duties in the Nichols & Shepard Co's shops all day, went into his yard to trim a couple of trees, had finished one and had taken three or four steps up the step ladder he was using to reach the branches of the second tree, when he was seen to totter backward and fall to the ground.  He was picked up in an unconscious condition and carried into the house and a physician summoned, but he was beyond human aid and died about an hour after.

The physician pronounced the case one of apoplexy, and through the fall may have hastened death, slightly, it was not the fall which caused the stroke as he was evidently stricken before falling.

The deceased leaves a wife and one son, who have the sympathy of our entire community in the sad affliction which has come upon them.

The funeral will be held tomorrow at 3 o'clock p. m., from the West Leroy church, friends meet at the residence at 12 o'clock.  The interment will occur at the Kelsey cemetery in Leroy."

Webinar -- New Family History Technology

Where can you find the best of the Internet, free websites, and unique resources? Read below.


On Wednesday evening, I attended another excellent Webinar by Legacy Family Tree, this one was New Family History Technology.  Geoff Rasmussen of  Legacy Family Tree, gave me permission to post the Webinar link (see below) for anybody who would like to view it during the next 30 days. I intend to watch it again. It is really good and perfect for anybody doing research. The best thing is, it is up-to-date with all information!


I recommend you watch and listen to: the Webinar called New Family History Technology by Paul Larsen. You will need to scroll down to "Listen to our archived Webinars" and select New Family History Technology. And as a bonus, you may listen to the others listed.


The description that got me interested in this free one hour lecture follows: "There are so many new family history tools and web sites…it’s easy to feel somewhat overwhelmed. Here’s a colorful tour of much of the new stuff to make it easier, save you hundreds of hours, and have fun connecting to your ancestors. Learn about the best of the Internet, free websites, and unique resources. Join the author of the book Crash Course in Family History, Paul Larsen, and see what you’re missing!"




 

Top Ten -- Sayings

My grandmother collected sayings, she cut them out of magazines and pasted them into a little notebook. I tend to cut them out, or write them on scraps of paper, and save them in several places. A few months ago, I believe Greta wrote some of hers in her Greta's Genealogy Bog (I can't locate the post, Greta, please give me the link), and now I have decided to do it as well. There are now more than ten below, and the list may grow.


If you like, you may write your own favorite sayings in the comments section.


"Don't let the minute spoil the hour."  Ted Joans


"Always tell the truth--it's the easiest thing to remember."  David Mamet


"Things only have the value that you give them." - Moliere


"Some things don't mean anything."  Jeffrey D. Bernhard


"Any knowledge that doesn't lead to new questions quickly dies out."  Jean-Marie Gustave de Clezio


"Our beginnings never know our ends."  Harold Pinter


"Happiness is the one thing in our lives others cannot bring." Andre Acinan


"Statistics are no substitutes for judgment."  Henry Clay


"No one can afford to assume that someone else will solve their problems."  The Dalai Lama


"The majority prove their worth by keeping busy. A busy life is the nearest thing to a purposeful life."  Eric Hoffer


"The secret of creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."  Albert Einstein (via Ivanka Trump / Twitter)


"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library."  Jorge Luis Borges

Tombstone Tuesday -- WESTOVER (2 Generations) MA to Canada

Moses Westover

Photo by Barbara Poole

Born:  March 24, 1743/44, Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts
Died:  November 23, 1826, Sutton, Brome Co., Quebec, Canada

His wife, Elizabeth Holmes

Photo by Barbara Poole

Born:  August 14, 1751, Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts
Died:  November 04, 1829, Sutton, Brome Co., Quebec, Canada

They were my 5th great-grandparents.
Side-by-side at Pettes Cemetery. Sutton Junction, Brome Co., Quebec, Canada

Photo by Barbara Poole

Entrance to Cemetery.

Their son, Asa Westover was buried at

Bishop Stewart Memorial Church Cemetery (below),
Frelighsburg, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

Photo by Barbara Poole

Born:  September 06, 1770, Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts

Died:  April 22, 1832, St. Armand E. (Frelighsburg), Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada
Asa and his wife, Mary Currie were my 4th great-grandparents.

Photo by Barbara Poole

Tombstone Tuesday -- JAQUAYS (Poss. RI or CT to Quebec, Canada)

William Cross Jaquays / Jackways / Jacquay and his wife Lydia Johnson are both "Brick Walls"

They were my 3rd great grandparents.

Born:  October 18, 1819, Probably Vermont or Connecticut
Died:  December 17, 1865, St. Armand East (Frelighsburg), Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

His wife, Lydia Johnson

Born:  Abt. 1822, Vermont

Died: March 22, 1858, Dunham, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

They were buried at Pigeon Hill Cemetery,
Pigeon Hill, Missisquoi, Co., Quebec, Canada

Top Ten -- Hints

Use the same notebook for all your genealogy conference, seminar or lecture notes. (It is fun to go back several years and be reminded of what you were taught.)  Be sure to date it, and write the name of the lecture and speaker's name. Unfortunately, I didn't do that, otherwise, I would have given this person credit. The below 10 Hints were from my notebook.


As I find more hints, from my notes, I will add them to this list.

1. "Genealogy without sources is called junk."


2.  Spinsters can be married; it doesn't mean single, unmarried or an old maid. She is responsible for herself.* Please see Martin Hollick's message in the comments section below.


3.  The word, Consort, can be male or female, husband or wife. It is a companion or partner.


4.  About 25% of men left a will, and 60% had their estate probated.


5.  Newspapers are an excellent source for marriages, especially if a courthouse burned.


6.  A lot of widows remarried with one year.


7.  Wills can be in deed books.


8.  Many public records have wrong spelling.


9.  The settlement of an estate is the most valuable record, because of the names.


10.  Almost all the records in the United States were for men.

Tombstone Tuesday -- WILCOX (2 Generations) Genesee Co., New York

Wilcox Monument, with husband and wife listed on the sides.

Joseph Wilcox
Born:  February 28, 1798, Hamilton, New York
Died:  May 10, 1869, Oswego Co., New York
Joseph and his wife, Melissa are my 1st cousins, 5 times removed.


His wife, Melissa Abbott

Born:  September 07, 1802

Died:  December 07, 1853, Oswego Co., New York

Wilcox Monument and stones of children, Abbott and Eunice.

Joseph and Melissa Abbott Wilcox's son, Joseph Yates Wilcox below.

Joseph Yates Wilcox
Born:  November 11, 1832, Palermo, Oswego Co., New York
Died: March 07, 1902, New York


His wife, Grace Adams (my 2nd great-grandaunt)
Born:   May 23, 1832, New York
Died:  After 1900, New York

Palermo Cemetery, Palermo, Oswego Co., New York


(Photos taken by my cousin, Claire and used with permission.)

Amanuensis Monday -- Will of Delight Adams Benham of Batavia, NY

A copy of the Will and many legal documents were sent to me several weeks ago by my cousin.  Delight was my 2nd great-aunt. Two pages from the packet are below; the Will and a list of people who received distribution, and a copy of her obituary.


"I Mrs. Delight Benham of Batavia Genesee County, N.Y. being by the blessing of Almighty God of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make public and declare this to be my last will and testament. Namely--

First. I will and direct that my just debts and funeral and customary expenses be paid out of my property.

Second. I give and bequeath to Mrs. Jennie Adams of Batavia, N.Y. my parlor cook stove.

Third. I give and bequeath to the First Baptist Church of Batavia N.Y. formerly situated on Jackson Street and now situated on Main Street, the sum of Two Hundred Dollars.

Fourth. I give devise and bequeath all the rest residue and remainder of my property to my sister Grace Wilcox of Clifford, Oswego County, New York and my niece Lettie A. Adams of Battle Creek, Michigan to be equally divided between them, share and share alike.

I hereby nominate and appoint my friend W. Harris Day of Batavia New York to be the executor of this my last will and testament.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of August, 1890.

Mrs. Delight Benham

Names listed are: Jennie Adams, Grace Wilcox, Lettie A. Adams, First Baptist Church, Edgar J. Adams, John A. Adams, and Yates A. Adams.

The obituary of Delight Adams Benham is below.

Batavia Daily News

5 July 1898

Mrs. Delight Benham of Batavia

Mrs. Delight Benham, a lifelong resident of Genesee county, died at her home, No. 19 Evans Street, at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, aged 79 years. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Grace Wilcox of Clifford; one niece Miss Lettie Fuller of Grand Rapids, Mich., and four nephews,  Edgar J. Adams of Batavia, Ebbott Y. Wilcox of Newark Valley, John A. Adams of Albion, Mich., and Yates A. Adams of Battle Creek, Mich.

The funeral will be held from the house at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

Follow Friday -- One year Blogiversary

I debated whether I would even mention my Blogiversary, then when I saw I’ve written 302 posts in one year, I decided it might be worth mentioning. Especially, since I never thought I would make it through the first month!

My first post, dated Oct. 15, 2009, was a guest posts for blogger Stephen Danko, but it was actually something written for him on September 3, 2006. Even after seven early guest posts, it took another few years before I got my courage to begin the writing.

Now, I’ve decided to make a few changes to the blog, as some of you may know, it looks the same since day one…and it will still look the same. I just want to fix the labels and check links.  For the next few months, I plan on posting mainly on Saturday and Tuesday, and perhaps a few other things, as time permits. My main goal now is to work on my brick walls.

Thank you to each of you who have followed me, left comments and / or encouraged me. Without you, I wouldn't have made it.

Top Ten -- Canadian Research Sites

These are my favorite sites for doing Quebec, Canada research.

Indices to Canadian Censuses (free census records)  http://www.automatedgenealogy.com/

Eastern Townships Archives  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~qceastwn/archives.html


Eastern Townships Research  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~qceastwn/index.html


Library and Archives Canada  http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/index-e.html


Quebec, Canada cemetery records  http://www.afhs.ab.ca/registry/regqc_cemetery.html


Quebec, Canada cemetery records:  Interment.net Cemetery Records Online  http://www.interment.net/can/qc/index.htm


Canada GenWeb Project  http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~canwgw/


Missisquoi County (Quebec, Canada) http://www.griffincunningham.net/davis/misscountymain2.htm


Marlene Simmons Research site http://simmons.b2b2c.ca


1851 Missisquoi Co., census (pdf)  http://www.daviesgenealogy.com/CENSUS.pdf

Missisquoi Historical Society and Museum 

http://www.museemissisquoi.ca/a3.html

Top Ten, Now Seven Brick Walls

Old brick walls coming down in Lowell, ma.

iF ANYBODY CAN SOLVE ANY OF THESE SEVEN (7) BRICK WALLS, I WILL PAY YOU $100. One person has already been paid.

PLEASE WRITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.


Adams, John (Parents needed)

Born abt 1757of Wintonbury (now Bloomfield), CT - Lexington, MA - Hamilton, NY - Elba, NY

In Lexington, MA during Revolutionary War

Died September 25, 1830, Elba, Genesee Co., New York

Married to Hannah Smith, dau. of Joseph Smith and Eunice Drake of  Windsor, CT

Farmer, Alexander “Alex” (Parents needed, no other information.)

Born March 05, 1814 in New York or Canada

Died January 27, 1864, Calhoun Co., Michigan

Married Huldah Lay abt 1833 in prob. Niagara Co., New York

Children 5 born bet. Niagara, NY and Leroy, Michigan

HAWLEY, BENJAMIN (Parents needed, no other information.) Solved by me, December 2017.

Born 1753,  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Died 1831, Tompkins, Delaware Co., New York

Married February 05, 1778 to THEODOSIA FITCH at Lebanon, New London Co., Connecticut  (Had 8 children)

HULL, NANCY (Parents needed, no other information.)

Born 1790, Woodbridge, New Haven Co., Connecticut

Married 1807 to JESSE WRIGHT, son of ASHER WRIGHT Prob. Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut

She and her husband both died February 07, 1878, one in New Haven, and the other in Killingworth

JAQUAYS, William (Parents needed, no other information.)

Born bet. 1784 – 1790, poss. CT or VT (No other information.)

Married Lucy Cross of Windham, Windham Co., Connecticut

Lucy died January 14, 1878 at Cowansville, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

Children were: Louisa Jane / Elizabeth Jaquays, Thankful, Sarah, William Cross, and Harriet C. (all of Addison, Vermont and Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

JOHNSON ELIZABETH / BETSEY  (Father was William, need more information and her mother.) SOLVED, BY A RESEARCHER, AND I PAID HIM.

Born November 07, 1751, Lynn, Essex Co., Massachusetts

Died March 19, 1799, Dublin, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire

Married October 21, 1773, DAVID MEAD / MEED at Lynn, Essex Co., Massachusetts

(Two children born Lynn, one in New Ipswich, New Hampshire)

JOHNSON, LYDIA (Parents needed, no other information.)

Born Abt. 1822, Vermont

Died March 22, 1858, Dunham, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

Married WILLIAM CROSS JAQUAYS October 24, 1839 at Franklin Co., Vermont

MUNSON, ANNA (Maiden unknown.)

Born Abt. 1731, Died April 18, 1772, Plainview, Hartford Co., Connecticut

Married WAITSTILL MUNSON (They had 2 children, Esther and Anna.)

Richardson, Almira “Mira”  (Parents needed, no other information.) SOLVED BY USING THRULINES, by me, 3/4/19.

Born abt. 1798 of Orange, New Haven Co., Connecticut

She was adopted by John Byran.

Died April 22, 1861, New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut

Was married to Aaron Kilborn of Hamden Co., Connecticut

Wyckoff, Gerritje (No further information known.)

Died Abt 1725

Married JOHN (Jan) PIETERSE Van NESS (his 1st wife of 4 years)

Had son, JOHN (Jan) PIETERSE Van NESS born 1722 Readington, Somerset Co., New Jersey

Top Ten Posts I Enjoyed

There are far more than these nine posts that I enjoy. I tried to give a variety of personal genealogy blogs with stories and hints on how-to-do things.

Brenda of Journey to the Past
Ancestor Biography: Daisy Ellen Graf

Heather of Nutfield Genealogy
Cousins Collaborate on a Genealogy Story 

Betty of Betty's Boneyard Genealogy Blog
James Jay Huber -1952-1973 Vietnam Veteran

Becky of Kinexxions
Greetings From Alaska (and related trip)

Jasia of Creative Gene
Melancholy Too

Greta of Greta's Genealogy Bog
Greenville Love (and related Greenville posts)

Michelle of The Turning of Generations
Organization

Susan of Long Lost Relatives
Managing your Digital Files

Hummer (Frances) of Branching Out Through the Years
A Great Example of Never Give Up

Special mention:

There are about 1,250 genealogy blogs and they can be found in listed categories at Genealogy Blogs by Type  Thank you to Tom MacEntee, the top genea-blogger.

Gena-Musings by Randy Seaver   (He blogs a lot and discusses everything in depth.)

Lorine of Olive Tree Genealogy Blog

Top Ten -- Free Genealogy Sites

This short list was done because I have several new genealogists following my site. If any "seasoned" genealogists have additional FREE sites, please feel free to post them in my comments section.


Find-A-Grave (52 million grave records, many with photos) at http://www.findagrave.com/


Google searches, Google Alerts and Google Books


DAR -- Daughters of the American Revolution (great site for seeing if your ancestor was a Revolutionary War patriot) at http://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search/


Family Search (LDS site with millions of records, many images of actual records).
https://beta.familysearch.org/


Ellis Island site with emigration and naturalization records.  http://www.ellisisland.org/


RootsWeb (site is free and owned by Ancestry.com (subscription site).
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/


The US GenWeb Project.  http://usgenweb.org/


Dutch Door Genealogy.  http://www.dutchdoorgenealogy.com/


Internet Archive. http://www.archive.org/


Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers.  http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/


Special Mention:
Cynthia Shenette of Heritage Zen wrote a wonderful article in which she did a lot of research, and explains step by step what was done and what needs to be done. She doesn't subscribe to Ancestry either.  Please read Researching the Coldbrook Tragedy (4 parts)  Note:  Cynthia has a very long list of genealogy sites at the end of her Heritage Zen home page. Scroll all the way down.


ADDITIONAL SITES RECOMMENDED BY OTHERS (See Comments.) They are excellent.


Nancy suggested:  Cyndi's List

Gretta suggested:  The Bureau of Land Management


Heather suggested:   Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness 

Tombstone Tuesday -- KNAP (2 Generations) CT to Quebec, Canada

Jonathan Knap

Born:    March 17, 1750, Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Connecticut

Died:  April 25, 1828, St. Armand E. (Freighsburg), Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada
Stone reads: "Erected in memory of Capt. Jonathan Knap who was born in Redding, Conn. on the 17th March 1750 and died on the 25th of April 1828, aged 78 yrs. 1 month and 8 days in St. Armand, L.C."

His wife Mary Alvord

Born:   April 26, 1754, Fairfield, Fairfield Co., Connecticut
Died:  July 31, 1842, St. Armand E. (Freighsburg), Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

Stone reads: "In memory of Mary Alvord wife of Capt. Jonathan Knap who departed this life July 31, 1842.  Aged 88-3-5."
Jonathan and Mary Knap were my 4th great-grandparents.


Their daughter Anna Knap Pell, my 3rd great-grandmother.

Born:  April 22, 1798, Redding, Fairfield Co., Connecticut
Died:  February 20, 1866, Dunham, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

And, their son, Aquila Knap, my 3rd great-granduncle.

Born:  December 05, 1785, Redding, Fairfield Co., Connecticut

Died:  March 23, 1877, Dunham, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

Aquila Knap was my 3rd great-granduncle.

The above were buried at the Bishop Stewart Memorial Church Cemetery in Frelighsburg, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

(Above 2nd photo of church and cemetery by Patrice Marcotte, permission granted to use about 10 years ago.)

Jonathan Knap's brother, Moses Knap

Born:  Abt. 1754, of Arlington, Vermont

Died:  February 13, 1816, Dunham, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

His wife was Charity Hurd

Moses was my 4th great-granduncle.

This stone is at the All Saints Anglican Church Cemetery in Dunham, Missisquoi Co., Quebec, Canada

Amanuensis Monday -- Will of HORACE ADAMS (CT to Genesee Co., NY)

The below document was obtained when I was at the Family History Center in Salt Lake City in Oct. 2008.  Horace Adams was my 3rd great-uncle and I decided to transcribe it so a descendant could benefit from it's content.


“In the name of God Amen, I HORACE ADAMS of the town of Stafford County of Genesee and State of New York being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of life do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament that is to say.  First I give and bequest to my beloved wife BETSEY the use of my household furniture and the use of one third of all of my real estate during her natural life to be accepted and received by her in lieu of dower – Second I give and bequest to my niece JANE KING the sum of seventy dollars to be paid to her when she arrives at the age of twenty-one years – Third I give and bequeath to my son AMOS the some of three hundred dollars  Fourth – After the payment of all of my just debts, and funeral expenses, I give and bequeath to my children AMOS ADAMS, EMILY BROWN, AMANDA KNAPP, HORACE ADAMS, GEORGE ADAMS, JOHN Q. A. ADAMS, SARAH JANE ADAMS, CHARLES ADAMS, MARY ADAMS and FITCH ADAMS all of my remaining real estate and personal estate to be divided equally between them, it being my express intention that my son AMOS shall receive the above legacy of $300 over and above any of the rest of my said children – It is my further desire and request that my said children shall manage to keep the real estate together as a homestead so long as the same can be done consistently with the intent of the parties.  It is my further desire that said real estate shall so long as it remains together as a homestead be cultivated in a husband-like manner.  And lastly I make constitute and appoint Leonard Foster to be executer of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.


In witness whereof I have hereunto all set and subscribed my name and affixed my seal the twentieth day of February the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-Five.”

HORACE ADAMS


Genesee Co., New York Probate records.  Record of Wills, 1809-1911, v. 5: 376 (1840-1857).  FHL Film #810481.

Follow Friday -- Rock of Ages Resource...A Genealogy Booklet!

Some of you may have heard of the company, Rock of Ages. It is a company that had been in business since 1885, and they specialize in headstones, mausoleums, and memorials. The company is based in Vermont, and even provides a factory tour of their facility. All this might not be interesting but, they apparently believe in the slogan, "Families Are Forever..."


About six years ago, when I first began teaching beginning genealogy at a local library, I used to hand out the Rock of Ages wonderful 16 page booklet, The Rock of Ages Family Genealogy Workbook to the students. The company sent me about 24 heavy cover and think paper booklets to hand out. Now, you can download it to your computer. The picture above is from the booklet I used, but the information is the same now, with the exception of several updated pages covering genealogy websites, and software to use. All you need to do is provide them with your email address and zip code, and then they allow you to use the download link immediately.


What is covered?  All the basics and it is perfect for beginners. There is a Research Log, Work Sheet, Pedigree Chart, Family Name Register and a Family Tree chart (fan design). You can copy or print out as many pages as you need.


My copy was printed in 2002, and even then their advice was relevant in their Ten Basic Research Rules. For example:
"Never assume. Prove it instead.
Do not rely solely on computer databases.
Do not rush the research or jump to hasty conclusions.
Work with facts; not guesses.
Keep an open mind.
Accept the fact that some people cannot be found."

Tombstone Tuesday -- ADAMS -- New York and Michigan

John Adams

Born:  Abt. 1757, of Wintonbury (now Bloomfield), CT - Lexington, MA - Hamilton, NY - Elba, NY

Died:  September 25, 1830, Elba, Genesee Co., New York
Buried at:  Pine Hill Cemetery, Elba, Genesee Co., New York

His wife, Hannah Smith

Born:  January 18, 1772, East Windsor, Hartford Co., Connecticut

Died:  August 22, 1850, Stafford, Genesee Co., New York

John and Hannah Adams were my 4th great-grandparents.

The below all buried at Tyler Cemetery, Stafford, Genesee Co., New York

Their son, John Adams

Born:  January 17, 1792, Connecticut

Died:  May 31, 1860, Stafford, Genesee Co., New York

His wife, Bathsheba Pollock

Born:  August 01, 1792, Possibly Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle Co., Delaware

Died:  February 11, 1858, Stafford, Genesee Co., New York

John and Bathsheba Adams were my 3rd great-grandparents.

Their son, Liberty Adams

Born:  October 03, 1821, Stafford, Genesee Co., New York
Died:  March 14, 1867, Stafford, Genesee Co., New York

His wife, Martha Aletta Anderson

Born:  September 13, 1826, New Jersey
Died:  May 02, 1886, Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., Michigan
Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., Michigan
Liberty and Martha Adams were my 2nd great-grandparents.


(New York photos taken by Claire; Michigan photo by David Rumery.)

Settlement and Heirs of JOHN ADAMS 1792 - 1860

The below document copy was sent to me by the Genesee Co., New York historian at least 16 years ago. She sent me the genealogy papers I requested and the Settlement for the estate of John Adams, which was a total surprise to me. There was no source as to what book, volume nor page number this was in.

(As of January 2023, this person, my direct ancestor has a brick wall to his ancestors). 

"Settlement and Heirs of JOHN ADAMS.  d. 1860  Intestate  --  Brother of HORACE ADAMS

This agreement made this fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and sixty between SABRA ADAMS widow of JOHN ADAMS late of the town of Stafford in the County of Genesee and State of New York deceased of the first part and CARLISLE ADAMS, LIBERTY ADAMS, MARY ADAMS, DELIGHT BENHAM and FRANKLIN BENHAM her husband, GRACE WILCOX and _(left blank)_ WILCOX, her husband, the said CARLISLE ADAMS, LIBERTY ADAMS, MARY ADAMS, DELIGHT BENHAM and GRACE WILCOX being the children and heirs at law of the said JOHN ADAMS deceased of the second part and Isaac Gillett Administrator of the estate of said JOHN ADAMS, deceased of the third part.


Witnesseth That said party of the first part in consideration of the covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, covenants and agrees to quit claim and release to the children and heirs at law of the said party of the second part all her dower, right of dower and interest in the real estate of which said JOHN ADAMS died, seized or professed and all her interest, right or share in the personal estate of said JOHN ADAMS deceased, and all debts demands and claims, against said estate and all right, title and claim to the exempt property or property to be set apart to the widow or children or both, she retaining wearing apparel and all other property owned by her, but no part of the property which belonged to her husband.


And said party, of the second part hereby covenant and agree to and with the party of the first and third part that there shall be paid to the party of the first part out of the proceeds of the personal estate of said deceased or out of the real estate the sum of five hundred and ninety dollars in consideration of her release and discharge as aforesaid and the said party of the third part is hereby authorized and empowered to pay her the same out of the proceeds of the personal estate if he deems it prudent so to do having regard to the debts, to be paid and in case there is not sufficient personal estate to allow of such payment or the party of the third part deems it insufficient to pay the debts and pay said sum of five hundred and ninety dollars, the party of the second part covenant and agree to execute to the said party of the first part a mortgage upon the real estate of which said JOHN ADAMS died seized to secure the balance payable in one year from date of this agreement with interest.

In witness whereof said parties hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Franklin Benham, Sabra Adams, Delight Benham, Carlisle Adams, Liberty Adams, Mary Adams, Isaac Gillett.”

last line: widow or children or both, she retaining

Continued Below

*Administrator's Account on Financial Settlement  --  For JOHN ADAMS  1792 - 1860 was posted on October 24, 2011.