John Graves

Notes:

The son of Thomas and Sarah GRAVES.

Family/Spouse: Mary Smith. Mary (daughter of Lieut. Samuel Smith and Elizabeth Smith) was born on 9 Oct 1628 in Suffolk, England; died on 16 Dec 1668 in Hatfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married Sarah WHITE. (Dave Graves).

Notes:

She married Samuel BALL, Benjamin STEBBINS, and James WARRINER. (Dave Graves).

Notes:

He married Sarah WYATT and Abigail ??? and Deliverance ???. (Dave Graves).

Family/Spouse: Sarah ???. Sarah was born before 1669; died on 15 Oct 1734. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She married Edward STEBBINS. (Dave Graves).

Notes:

She married Thomas JONES (Dave Graves).

Notes:

He married Hannah WARRINER. (Dave Graves).

Notes:

He married Mary COLTON. (Dave Graves).

Notes:

She married Daniel SMITH on 7 April 1709. (Marie Doorneweerd).

Sarah married Daniel Smith on 7 Apr 1709. Daniel was born before 1687; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married first a Hannah. He married second Elizabeth COMBS on 2 Jun 1715. (James Albury).

Abraham married Thankful Bardwell on 23 May 1717 in Hatfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Thankful was born about 1697 in Hatfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; died on 12 Mar 1775 in Swanzey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

David married Abigail Bardwell on 6 Jun 1720 in Hatfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Abigail was born about 1699 in Hatfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; died on 31 Oct 1786 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married Rebecca WRIGHT and Rachel NEWTON. (James Albury).

Notes:

She was said to have married John BARDWELL.

Samuel married Grace Hitchcock on 9 Apr 1728. Grace (daughter of David Hitchcock and Elizabeth Mighill) was born on 25 Jul 1711 in Enfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; died on 30 Dec 1778. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She married Moses BARDWELL and Ebenezer MORTON. (James_Albury@hotmail.com)

Elizabeth married Philip Smith on 18 Apr 1758. Philip (son of Elisha Smith and Sarah Smith) was born on 22 Jul 1730 in Hatfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts; died on 30 Aug 1806 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts; was buried in East Whately Cemetery, Franklin County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Might instead be Bethulah. She married Samuel GRAHAM. (James_Albury@hotmail.com)

Notes:

She was said to have married Joel BAKER on 22 Oct 1761. (kathy@abcseamless-vegas.com).

Notes:

She married Seth WALKER on 23 Oct 1770. (kathy@abcseamless-vegas.com).

Lucinda married Philo Bacon on 22 Aug 1782 in Montague, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Philo was born about 1759 in Connecticut; died on 12 Jul 1825 in Massachusetts; was buried in East Whately Cemetery, Franklin County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

His name, Bezaleel, is biblical. Bezaleel means "Is the Shadow of God," and he was the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, and one of the architects of the tabernacle. His charge was chiefly in all works of metal, wood and stone.

Said to have been married first to Lydia ALLIS.

Bezaleel married Lovinia Munson on 13 Aug 1787 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Lovinia (daughter of Moses Munson and Abigail Munson) was born in Mar 1769 in Connecticut; died on 9 Mar 1837 in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts; was buried in East Whately Cemetery, Franklin County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She married Jesse GUILD. (James_Albury@hotmail.com).

Notes:

Post received on World Connect Tree:

From: Esther Rancier
Email: ?u?erase@pacbell.net
?/u?Note:
According to the History of Deerfield, Ma, Philip mar. Rebecca Tower of Hatfield. she d. 28 Dec. 1842. Children: Clara b. 9 Sept. 1792; d. ca. 1809; Michael b. 1 Feb. 1794 & drowned at Warehouse Point, CT 17 May 1821. Fought War of 1812; Alvin b. 7 Nov. 1795, war of 1812 & d. in service; Reuben b. 12 Aug. 1797; Melzar b. 15 Sept. 1799; Ambrose b. 29 May 1801; Erotas ?

Notes:

She married Abijah HARDING. (rotert@infinet.com). She married Abraham SCOTT. (James_Albury@hotmail.com)

Family/Spouse: Judith Graves. Judith was born after 1770; died on 9 Sep 1855. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She married Nathan ROGERS. (James_Albury@hotmail.com)

Notes:

She married Joseph GUILD. (James_Albury@hotmail.com)

Notes:

Biography from FindAGrave:

Phineas was a son of Bezaleel and Lovinia (Munson) Smith of Whately, Massachusetts.

He married Electa Marsh on 15 Aug. 1814 in Whately. They were the parents of: Edwin G., Lovina M., Amelia, Elizabeth, Amanda E., Mary Jane, Julia L., Henry C., John Jay and Abigail M. Smith. Edwin, Elizabeth and Abigail all have memorials on FindAGrave.

Phineas served as a Sergeant in Capt. Southworth Jenkins' company, Col. Thomas Langley's regiment, Massachusetts militia in the War of 1812. His company was sent from Franklin County to Boston to defend against the attack of the British fleet that was then threatening the Massachusetts coast. He was honorably discharged on 15 October at Boston.

The family moved to Monroe county, New York, about 1816, and settled on a farm in the town of Ogden. Phineas and Electa, as well as some of their children, moved to Fairfax county, Virginia, sometime between 1850 and 1860, but evidently returned to New York within a few years as Phineas died in Bergen, Genesee county, in 1864.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
New York, Monroe County, Ogden Town
Enumerated 23 Sept 1850
23-23
Phinias Smith 62 M Farmer 3150 Mass
Electa Smith 56 F Mass
Amanda E Smith 25 F NY
Julia L Smith 21 F NY
John J Smith 16 M NY
24-24
Edwin Smith 35 M Mass
Jane C Smith 34 F NY
Phinias Smith 11 M NY

1860 Census
not located

Phineas married Electa Marsh on 15 Aug 1814 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Electa was born on 29 Aug 1794 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died about 1883 in Van Buren County, Michigan; was buried in Covert Cemetery, Covert, Van Buren County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married Sophia ELLIS (James Albury, Chris Bird) or Sophia ALLIS on 28 Nov 1812 (Charles R. Rotert "Rotert-Smith-Cooper" tree at World Connect).

Notes:

She married Francis BALL. (Chris Bird) of John ALLIS (Chris Rotert).

Notes:

She married Francis BALL. (James_albury@hotmail.com)

Notes:

Spencer Smith was the witness of the following will ca. 1832:

Harmon Whipple of Riga Will book 1; p. 349 Dated Dec. 28, 1832 Probated April 17, 1833 Mentions brother: Milton Executor brother: Milton Witnesses Phinebas Smith of Riga George Refield of Riga Spencer Smith of Riga

1850 Federal Census, New York, Monroe County, Riga (enumerated 26 Aug 1850)
#314-314
Spencer SMITH 54 M Farmer $3500 Mass.(?)
Mary SMITH 44 F New Hampshire
Benjamin F.SMITH 19 M New York
Morris M. SMITH 17 M New York
Mary A. SMITH 10 F New York
Sarah E. SMITH 6 F New York
Julia SMITH 3 F New York
Emeline TRUMBELL 17 F New York

1860 Federal Census, New York, Monroe County, Riga, North Chile N.Y. (enumerated 19 Jun 1860)
#23-25
Spencer SMITH 63 M Farmer $4000 $841 Mass.
Marian SMITH 52 F New Hampshire
Morris M. SMITH age 24 Farm Laborer $150 P/P New York
Mary Ann SMITH age 18 New York
Sarah E. SMITH age 14 New York
Julie T. SMITH age 12 New York

Spencer married Zelinda Allis about 1813 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Zelinda (daughter of Samuel Allis and Hannah Dickinson) was born on 20 Mar 1797 in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died on 21 Apr 1830 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Spencer married Marian Trumbull before 1833 in New York. Marian was born about 1807 in New Hampshire; died after 1880. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married Emily ELLIS (James Albury, Chris Bird) or ALLIS (Charles Rotert).

Notes:

Marie Doorneweed instead has her dying in Churchville, NY, which is also in Monroe County. (kathy@abcseamless-vegas.com).

Sarah married Thomas Wells Allis on 16 May 1823 in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Thomas (son of Solomon Allis and Anna Bull Dickinson) was born on 28 Aug 1798 in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died on 18 Mar 1867 in Cambridge, Lenawee County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He died on 9 Feb 1861 in Whately, Franklin, Massachusetts. History of Deerfield, Volume II, by George Sheldon, Published by E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 114 of Whately, Mass., 1829
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/MAFRANKL/2003-02/1045926730

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Census
Massachussets, Franklin County, The Town of Whately
Stamped 72
135-150
Oliver Smith 47 M Laborer 10 Mass
Thankful S. Smith 43 F Mass
Lyman Smith 19 M Mass
William Smith 17 M Mass
Sophia Smith 15 F Mass
Mary Smith 14 F Mass
Reuben Smith 9 M Mass
Henry Smith 6 M Mass
Mariah Smith 3 F Mass

1860 Census
Massachussets, Franklin County, Whately, PO Whately
Enumerated 20 July 1860
Page 136
1096-1138
Oliver Smith 59 M Farmer 1800 700 Mass
Mary D Smith 24 F Mass
Henry D Smith 16 M Mass
Maria E Smith 13 F Mass

Oliver married Thankful Childs on 26 Mar 1829 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Thankful was born on 13 Jul 1807 in Shelburne, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died on 1 May 1860 in Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lydia married John Dickinson Allis on 18 Sep 1826 in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts. John (son of Solomon Allis and Anna Bull Dickinson) was born on 22 Jun 1801 in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died on 5 Jan 1863 in Conway, Franklin County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He married Sarah MEEKINS (Charles Rotert).

Notes:

He married Lydia SANDERSON, Lucinda ABERCROMBIE, and (Widow) Jane A. KIMBALL. (Charles Rotert).

Notes:

Biography from FindAGrave

Edwin was a son of Phineas & Electa (Marsh) Smith. He moved, with his parents, from Whately, Massachusetts, to Monroe county, New York, between 1816 and 1820.

He married, about 1838, Abbie Jane Dole, and they had two children: Phineas Munson Smith (b. 1839) and Georgia Ann Smith (b. c1841; d. young). Abbie died in 1841.

About 1854 Edwin married Achsa A. Sanford, and they had one child: Edwin P. Smith (b. 1855). Achsa died in 1857.

Edwin served as a bugler for Company B, 8th New York Cavalry, from Oct. 1861 until Apr. 1862.

After the war he moved to Michigan, settling eventually in Kalamazoo, where he worked as a butcher. He died in 1904 at the age of 88.


(Research):


Census Listings:

1850 Census
New York, Monroe County, Ogden Town
Enumerated 23 Sept 1850
23-23
Phinias Smith 62 M Farmer 3150 Mass
Electa Smith 56 F Mass
Amanda E Smith 25 F NY
Julia L Smith 21 F NY
John J Smith 16 M NY
24-24
Edwin Smith 35 M Mass
Jane C Smith 34 F NY
Phinias Smith 11 M NY

Family/Spouse: Achsa A. Sanford. Achsa was born about 1820; died on 8 Nov 1857; was buried in Root Cemetery, Clarendon, Orleans County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Name: Julia L Anchmoody
Titles and Terms:
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 04 Mar 1911
Event Place: Worcester,,Massachusetts
Residence Place:
Address:
Gender: Female
Age: 83
Marital Status: Widowed
Occupation:
Birth Date: 21 Apr 1827
Birthplace: Ogden, New York
Birth Year (Estimated):
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Cemetery:
Father's Name: Phineas Smith
Father's Titles and Terms:
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Electa Marsh
Mother's Titles and Terms:
Mother's Birthplace:
Additional Relatives:
Spouse's Name: Walter S Anchmoody
Reference ID: 373
GS Film number: 2396247
Frame Number:
Digital Folder Number: 4283284
Image Number: 00938

Citing this Record:
"Massachusetts, Deaths, 1841-1915," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/N4DP-FJX : accessed 04 Aug 2013), Julia L Anchmoody, 1911.

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1870 Census
Michigan, Van Buren County, Decatur Twp
Enumerated 16 Jun 1870
Stamped 313
24-24
Smith, J. Jay 35 M Carpenter $--- $1200 NY
Smith, N. Jane 30 F Keeping House Vermont
Smith, Electa A 12 F Va
Smith, Flora 10 F Va
Smith, Electa 76 None Mass
Wright, Frank 24 M Carpenter Ohio

Notes:

Avis (Smith) Benkelman said that her paternal grandparents were William Bert Smith, Sr. and Mary Chatman. However it appears that they were actually Benjamin Franklin Smith and the former Mary Ann Welch--Chapman being the name of her second husband.

Avis also indicated that her maternal grandmother, Sarah Cramer, "was a widow with two small children." However, there is no evidence that Sarah Cramer had been married more than once. Perhaps Avis was confusing Sarah Ann Cramer with Mary Ann Chapman. It was as the widow of Benjamin Smith, with two young sons, that she married Samuel Chapman.

A 28 year old Benjamin Smith, single and born in New York, can be found in Ionia County at the time of the 1860 census. He was living with the Knisel? or Knodsel? family. As the rest of his family is still listed in Riga, New York, it appears he moved to Michigan early, with his brother Morris, and later his mother Marian,following him to Michigan, probably sometime after his father died in 1864.

Even if this is not the same Benjamin Franklin Smith, we do know that he moved to Ionia County sometime before 1866, as his oldest son Elmer was born in Ionia County in January of that year. When he died of typhoid in the summer of 1869, his son Elmer was not quite four, and son Bert was just over a year old.

LaVonne Bennett, an extraordinarily competent and generous researcher from Ionia County, Michigan found the following records:

Ionia County Probate Court Record #187: The estate was valued at $4000. IONIA COUNTY SENTINEL publication of Probate of Will of B. Frank Smith August 2, 1869 and for three consecutive weeks thereon.

Partial listing of amounts paid out of estate: 1)$12.50 to Samuel B. Chapman 1-25-1870 in Odessa, due him from late Frank Smith 2)$100.00 to John El?l?et (Elvert? Elliott?) 3)$17.00 to Libbie ELVART 4)$9.15 to James J. Brown 1-30-1871, from Mrs. Frank Smith 5)$50.00, payment of 9-8-1866 loan from Betsey Johnson 6)$7.00, payment signed by Mary Ann Smith, of 8-8-1870 loan from J. G. Meyers 7)$6.75, payment by Franklin Smith of 5-1-1868 loan from James Wright 8)$2.50, paid by Mary A. Smith, in full account of savings of Frank Smith, to Martin J. Cox 9)$2.25 paid by Mrs. Samuel Chapman, in full account of all demands of R. B. (Rainson?) 10)$3.00 received from Samuel Chapman for Mrs. Mary Ann Smith, in full account of all demands up to date, Odessa, 6-5-1872, by HENRY SMITH 11)$11.92 real estate taxes paid 1-3-1870 by Mrs. Frank Smith, property west 1/2 of southeast 1/4, Section 22, Twp 5N, Range 7W, 80 acres. 12)$23.00, on11-4-1869, received from Mrs. Franklin Smith in balance account to date, L. D. & M. C. SMITH S(tore?) 13)$17.50 for B. F. Smith coffin purchased 7-7-1869, paid by A. A. SMITH 12-20-1870 to S. Merritt & Co. 14)$174.13 paid by Samuel B. Chapman 9-28-1872 and received by Mary A. Chapman 15)$43.00 + interest to S. A. Houghton, as payment for B. F. Smith note made 2-3-1869

Petition in file stating Mary A. Smith was lawfully married to Frank Smith and did love and cohabite with him until his death. Mary A. Chapman makes selection from estate inventory: 1 oxen $130, 1 cow, 2 heifers $35; (wheat $10?), household furniture $75.

Per petition for appointment of administrator, 7-6-1869, heirs listed were widow, Mary Ann Smith; Elmer Smith and Burtis Smith, sons of said deceased. All reside in County of Ionia, MI.

Another petition with date unreadable: Land assigned to Elmer and Burtis subject to dower rights of Mary A. Chapman.

LaVonne Bennett added "from (the) land description of B. Franklin's farm, it was on land on Musgrove Highway and has now (according to 1987 plat book) been subdivided into smaller parcels and some of my Carter relatives lived on the east side of his 80 acres."

(Research):

OTHER LEADS TO FOLLOW UP ON/POSSIBLE FAMILY CONNECTIONS

LaVonne Bennett noted that some of the names found on the above list are significant to future research---i.e. JAMES BROWN was found as both a creditor and a witness at Samuel and Mary A's marriage. Mary's mother's maiden name was given as Brown on Mary A.'s death record. HENRY and L.D. SMITH, also creditors, might they be related as well?

LaVonne also found, in her discarded Smith files (her mother being a Smith): HENRY SMITH b 1830, d 1-14-1885, age 54, 11, 10, marr Catherine Clark (1835-1915), dau Hattie b 1867, d 1925. There's a Lewis R. SMITH, Carpenter b 1843 in US, d 1-30-1914, father Thomas. Louis D. Smith was a merchant, b 182- in NY, marr Eliza A. Grosvenor, had son Kimball Robert Smith b 1849.

Benjamin married Mary Ann Welch before 1866. Mary (daughter of William Welch and Anna Brown) was born on 28 Dec 1840 in Michigan; died on 19 Jul 1921 in Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1870 Ionia County, Odessa Township
106-105
Smith, Moses (sic) 35 M W Carpenter 500 100 NY
Smith, Cynthia 26 F W Keeping House Maine
Smith, FRANKLIN 7 M W NY attended school
Smith, Edith 5 F W NY
Smith, Anna 1 F W NY
Smith, MARIAN 63 F W New Hampshire

Living immediately next door to Morris Smith in Ionia County in 1870 was the following family, these appear to be Morris's two youngest sisters, that were listed with he and his parents on the 1860 Riga, Monroe County, New York census.
105 104
Sickles, Charles 26 Farmer 800 350 MO
Sickles, Sarah 25 Keeping House NY
SMITH, Julie 23 Keeping House NY

1880 Federal Census:
Morris SMITH Self M Male W 44 NY Carpenter MA VT
Cintha SMITH Wife M Female W 36 ME Keeping House MA MA
Frank SMITH Son S Male W 17 NY Carpenter NY ME
Eideth SMITH Dau S Female W 15 NY Servant NY ME
Anna SMITH Dau S Female W 11 NY At School NY ME
Gertie SMITH Dau S Female W 7 MI NY ME
Meriam SMITH Other W Female W 74 NH Keeping House NH NH
Source Information:
Census Place Odessa, Ionia, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254584
NA Film Number T9-0584
Page Number 316C

"Morris M. Smith, Carpenter, b ca 1835 in NY, resided Odessa, d 12-9-1880, age 44 yrs, 11 mo, 28 days, of consumption, fa. unnamed, mo. Marrian, spouse Cnitha O., daughter Gertrude A. b 11-27-1872." (Courtesy LaVonne Bennett).

Morris married Cynthia F. Carleton about 1862 in New York. Cynthia was born on 23 Dec 1843 in Piscataquis County, Maine; died on 6 Jun 1918 in Woodland, Barry County, Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mary Ann is not listed with the rest of her family on the 1870 Ionia County census. It could be that she was married in New York, and remained there with her husband when the rest of the family moved. It is also possible that she did move to Ionia County, but was married prior to the census and is listed with her husband. It is also possible that she could have died.

Notes:

From Lakeside Cemetery Records:

Sickles, Sarah E. 24 yrs 11-28-1870

Family/Spouse: Charles T. Sickles. Charles (son of George Sickles and Nancy Lovina Chapman) was born on 24 Jul 1845 in Fredonia Township, Calhoun County, Michigan; died on 30 Dec 1922 in Temple, Clare County, Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She was living with her sister at the time of the 1870 Ionia County census. It is not known what happened to her after that.

There are two possible candidates listed on the 1880 Ionia County census:

In Ionia Township is:

Julia GROOM 33 Div NY NY NY Living in a large hotel (Wm. Warfield was shown as the Hotel Keeper), and listed as a servant

And in Sarnac, Ionia County, is Hugh FARLEY 34 Can Tanner Can --- Julia FARLEY 33 NY NY NY

It is also possible that she died or that she left Ionia County prior to 1880.

Family/Spouse: Fannie Lena Messenger. Fannie was born on 20 Feb 1863 in Bergen, Genesee County, New York; died on 25 Sep 1950 in Oshtemo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan; was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The following obituary was emailed to me by LaVonne Bennett "LAKE ODESSA (MI) WAVE, Thursday, May 2, 1946, front page "ELMER SMITH DIED MONDAY---Funeral services were held at the Pickens chapel here Wednesday afternoon for the late Elmer Smith, 80, who died Monday Morning at his home in Charlotte. He was a half brother of Marcus Chapman who survives. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Mr. Smith, a former resident here, was born in Odessa township. The Rev. William B. Patterson officiated at the services, and burial was in Lakeside cemetery." His death certificate showed that he had spent 5 yrs in the Eaton Co. Infirmary.

LaVonne later emailed the following news item to me:

"While at the Saranac Library doing research today, I found: SARANAC ADVERTISER, MI, 9-19-1912: "Local News - Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Smith were in Ionia Monday."

It ain't much but it's evidence they lived a real life. Saranac's a very small town north of Lake Odessa, 5 mi west of city of Ionia, so I hope this is your Elmer..."

This might be another Elmer Smith, however, as no marriage record has yet been found. Additionally, it is noted on his death certificate that he was single, not widowed.

(Medical):arterio-sclerosis, senility A.M. Weber, D.O. Attending Physician

Notes:

According to Avis Smith Benkelman, her father, "William Bert Smith left the Catholic Church when he married. He attended Michigan State University, where he took agricultural courses. He worked as a dairyman in Odessa Township, Michigan. He later owned and operated "Farmer Smith's Dry Goods" in Grand Ledge."

Bert's residence at the time of this death was 501 Taylor in Grand Ledge.

The May 31, 1940 edition of the GRAND LEDGE INDEPENDENT printed the following obituary:

W.B. Smith, One-time Merchant Here, Dies

William Bert Smith passed away at the family home on Taylor Street, Friday morning after a week's illness. He lacked a month of being 72 years of age, having been born in Odessa Township, near Lake Odessa, June 20, 1868. Surviving are the widow, Ida, and two daughters, Mrs. Ben Benkelman of Cass City and Miss Ilo Smith of Lansing. The body was taken to Peters & Otto Funeral Home where services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. A.R. Gold officiating. Interment was made in the Lake Odessa Cemetery. Mr. Smith was well and favorably known in the city, where he had lived for a long time. He conducted a General Store in Grand Ledge for 22 years and was known as "Farmer Smith." After selling that out, he was employed in the highway department of the state for 15 years. He was affiliated with the Odd Fellow and Rebakah organizations and had been active in both for many years.

And in the June 6, 1940 edition of THE LAKE ODESSA WAVE-TIMES a similar item ran:

BERT SMITH DIES

William Bert Smith, a resident of Lake Odessa about 40 years ago, died at his home in Grand Ledge on May 24. He was born in Odessa township on June 20, 1868. He is survived by the widow, Ida, and two daughters, Mrs. Ben Benkelman of Cass City and Miss Ilo Smith in Lansing. The funeral was held on the Sunday following, and interment ws made in Lakeside cemetery here. During the last few years of his residence in Lake Odessa he was in the retail milk business. He conducted a general store in Grand Ledge for 22 years and was known as "Farmer Smith." After selling that business, he was employed in the highway department of the state for 15 years. He was affiliated with the Odd Fellow and Rebekah organizations and had been active in both for many years.

(Both copies are courtesy of LaVonne Bennett)

The following Indenture was "made this fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord 1937 between Avis A. Benkelman and Ilo C. Smith, as their sole and seperate estate of the first part, and William B. Smith and Ida A. Smith, husband and wife of the second part, Witnesseth, That the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of One and More Dollars to them in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, the receipt of whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, do by these presents grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, and forever Quit-Claim unto the said parties of the second part, and to their heirs and assigns, Forever, all that certain piece or parcel of land situate in the City of Grand Ledge in Ingham County and State of Michigan, known and described as follows: Lot Two (2) of Block Fifty Eight (58) on Lamson's Addition to the City of Grand Ledge, Michigan according to the recorded plat thereof. Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining: to have and to hold the said above described premises to the said parties of the second part, and to their heirs and assigns, to the sole and only proper use, benefit, and behoof, of the said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, Forever. In Witness Whereof, the said parties of the first part, have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first written above. Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of Mrs. Carl Plato, J.M. Hoag." It appears that although Bert and Ida transferred their home jointly to their daughters, they continued to live in it, at least until Bert's death in 1940. It is assumed that Avis and Ilo eventually sold their parents home, as neither returned to live in Grand Ledge after graduating from college.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census Michigan, Ionia County, Odessa Twp 5 June 1900
#48/50
Smith, Bert W Head W M June 1868 M 2 yrs Born Mi, Parents born NY MI Dairyman Rents farm
Smith, Ida Wife W F Dec 1867 M 2 years, Mother of 0 children born Ohio, parents VA, PA

1910 Michigan Census, Eaton County, Oneida Township
Taylor Street
#154-160
Elliott, Agustus Head M W 70 M1 49 years Born VA Parents born GB/Irish Occupation Real Estate
Elliott, Sarah Wife F W 74 M1 49 years Mother of 7 children, 4 living Born PA, both parents PA
Elliott, Charles M W 41 single Does not read or write
-161 Smith, William Head M W 42 M1 12 years Born Mi, both parents MI Occupation: Merchant
Smith, Ida Alice wife F W 43 M1 12 years, Mother of 2 children
Smith, Avis A D F W 9 years born MI
Smith, Ilo D F W 3 years born MI

1920 Census Michigan, Eaton County, Oneida Township 15 Jan 1920
501 Taylor Street
#357-366 Elliott, Augustus E Head M W 81 M Born VA Parents born Ireland (Irish)
Elliott, Sarah A Wife F W 86 M Born PA, both parents PA
#358-367 Smith, William B Son in law M W M Born MI, Father born NY, Mother Canada/English Occupation: Merchant, General Store
Smith, Ida Alice Dtr F W 53 M
Smith, Avis A G/D F W 18 years born MI
Smith, Ilo G/D F W 13 years born MI

1930 Census Michigan, Eaton, Grand Ledge, ED 16
501 Taylor Street
Smith, William B Head O 4500 M W 62 M@31 Mich Mich Mich Sign Dept Mich State Highway Employed Not a Veteran (Owns Radio, Not living on a Farm)
Smith, Ida A Wife H F W 64 M@32 Ohio Va Pa No Occupation
Elliot, Charles W Brother in Law M W 62 S Ohio Va Pa No occupation

William married Ida Alice Elliott on 11 May 1898 in Odessa Township, Ionia County, Michigan. Ida (daughter of Augustus E. Elliott and Sarah Ann Cramer) was born on 13 Dec 1866 in Seneca County, Ohio; died on 27 Jan 1946 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

At the 1900 Census, he was living in Odessa Township with his wife, Mary, who was born in January 1874, in Ohio. Her mother was born in Pennsylvania and her father born in Ohio. There were no children listed in the household, although the census indicated that they had been married six years, and that Mary was the mother of one living child.

Franklin's occupation was listed as carpenter. He and his wife divorced prior to 1910. At the time of that census, Franklin was living in Woodland, Barry County with his widowed mother and his sister, Gertrude, along with a 14 year old Forrest Smith. It appears that Forrest was his one. At the time of the 1920 census, he and his sister Gertrude were still living together in Woodland. Forrest appeared to be living with his mother in in Grand Rapids.

News items from Lake Odessa Wave newspaper 3-06-1930 - Woodland - Mrs. William Snyder of Blanchard is helping care for her brother, Frank Smith, who is ill.

Liber C, page 242: SMITH, Frank W. died 3-8-1930 in the village of Woodland, MI, of a cerebral hemmorhage. He was 66 years, 10 mo, 20 days of age, a carpenter. He was a divorced widower. His parents were given as Morris SMITH of NY and Cynthia CARLETON of ME.

(Email from LaVonne Bennett on 14 Feb 2001 detailing the results of her visit to the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan).

It is POSSIBLE that he remarried before he died, as LaVonne Bennett found the following:

I ran across this today while looking for a client's newspaper obits: "THE LAKE ODESSA WAVE, MI, Thursday, December 6, 1928, front page: "MRS. FRANK SMITH PASSES - Mrs. Frank E. Smith of near Woodbury died last Sunday morning after a long illness. The funeral was held Tuesday at two o'clock at the Lutheran church. Burial was at Lake Side cemetery. Mrs. Smith was a sister-in-law of Mrs. Levi Deeg of this village."

(Email from LaVonne Bennett on 26 April 2001)

(Research):Census Listings:

1920 Federal Census
Michigan, Barry County, Woodland Twp, District 64
North Main Street
13-13
SMITH, Frank E Head O M W 56 D New York New York Maine Carp
enter House
SMITH, Gertrude A Sister F W 47 S Mich New York Maine Correspondent Newspaper

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sept. 29, 1881 Ionia Sentinel

Odessa-This Monday morning Miss Edith Smith, living half a mile south of the Center, was burned in a frightful manner. It seems some meat had been left in the oven over night, and not knowing or thinking of it, she was getting breakfast with the oven shut up. Smelling something, she opened the door, and the flames burst out, striking her so as to burn all the upper portion of her dress entirely off. Her arms, hands, face and hair also suffered severely. She had been away all the season at work and had just came home on account of the illness of her mother. (Courtesy of John R. Waite jrwgen@mvcc.com) LaVonne Bennett notes this might have been another Edith Smith, as she has in her files an Edith Smith Ousterhout born 1861)

LaVonne Bennett found both this snippet of news in the Lake Odessa Wave newspaper:

March 6, 1930 - Woodland - Mrs. William Snyder of Blanchard is helping care for her brother, Frank Smith, who is ill. (Blanchard is in Isabella County. According to census records, Edith Smith and her husband William Snyder lived in Rolland Township, Isabella County, for many years).

Edith married William A. Snyder about 1884 in Michigan. William was born in Jan 1863 in Indiana; died after 1930. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lake Odessa Wave newspaper 3-27-1930 - Woodland - Forrest Smith of Grand Rapids spent the past week with his aunt Miss Gertie Smith.

(Research):Census Listings:

1920 Federal Census
Michigan, Barry County, Woodland Twp, District 64
North Main Street
13-13
SMITH, Frank E Head O M W 56 D New York New York Maine Carp
enter House
SMITH, Gertrude A Sister F W 47 S Mich New York Maine Correspondent Newspaper

1930 Federal Census
Michigan, Barry County, Woodland Twp, District 24
14-14
SMITH, Gertrude Head O 1500 R F W 56 S Mich NY Me Laundress

Notes:

Bert and Ida Smith had a neighbor named Tom Avis, whom they greatly admired. They vowed to name their first child after him, Tom if it was a boy, and Avis if it was a girl. This is how Avis acquired her unusual first name.Thomas Avis was a railroad agent in Odessa. His father was from England. Her middle name, Augusta, was given to her in rememberance of her grandfather, Augustus Elliott. LaVonne Bennett found the following "tidbits" related to the Avis family who was so admired by Bert and Ida Smith. In the Thursday, March 12, 1903 edition of the LAKE ODESSA WAVE newspaper, in a column titled 'Local Splinters': "Homer and Lola Avis were at Lansing Saturday, taking music lessons." The IONIA DAILEY STANDARD, dated April 8, 1909 notes that "Miss Lola Avis is home from Olivet College for Easter vacation." Lola and Homer were the children of Tom and Gertrude Avis, according to the 1900 census.

Avis was an excellent student, and attended Michigan State University, as had her father. Avis's degree was in Human Ecology (Home Economics). She had also studied chemistry, but said that she was told as a woman that she would not be considered qualified to teach this.

In a letter Avis wrote to her oldest granddaughter, Melinda McLemore, after Melinda started college in 1978, Avis recounted her own experiences: "I can remember when I graduated--my Latin teacher wanted me to go to Western Michigan or Kalmazoo College in Kalamazoo, and I wanted to go. But my folks wanted me to go to M.S.U at East Lansing, about 12 miles from home. Then I could help in the store on Saturdays. At the end of the first year, my counselor convinced me that the world was going scientific, and that I should return. I am glad that I did stay with science. But the college was so BIG. 2,000--Ha! I never felt completely at home on that big, sprawling campus." In a later letter she wrote: "The math would frighten me now-as it did when I was a freshman. I loved French. Had a native teacher."

On June 2, 1925, the following letter was sent to Miss Avis Smith, Cass City, Michigan, from W.W. Warner, Superintendent of Saginaw, East Side, Public Schools:

My dear Miss Smith:

Since our interview I have learned from the present outlook at Central Junior High that we are quite likely to have a "Clothing" program in full or in part still unprovided for next year.

I am inclined to think we can use you to advantage on this program. I am therefore enclosing you an appointment card. This carries a salary of $1475. By properly signing the card and returning it to this office, and you yourself retaining this letter as evidence of your appointment you will have a legal contract. Sincerely yours, W.W. Warner

The following year, the Board of Education of Saginaw, Michigan once again employed Avis A. Smith as teacher in its public schools "....commencing September 1, 1926, and agrees to pay as wages for such services and work at the rate of $157.50 per month....."

She was offered a renewal of her contract for the period of September 1, 1927 to July 1, 1928 under the same terms, but at the increased rate of $160 per month. However, she chose to resign at this time, perhaps because of her recent marriage. She received the following letter in response to her resignation:

Saginaw Public Schools Office of the Superintendent Saginaw, Michigan

August Twenty Second Nineteen Twenty Seven

Mrs. Avis Benkelman Box 35 Cass City, Michigan

Dear Mrs. Benkelman

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter resigning your position with us. I shall be glad to present this to the Board at our next meeting and have no doubt they will accept it. We are sorry to lose your from our school system and wish to thank you for your good work done in the past.

Very sincerely yours,

Harold Steele Superintendent

Although she no longer taught, Avis stayed active and involved with education. She and several close friends from a social group for University Women were tireless volunteers. A pet project was the Rawson Memorial Library (endowed by the Dentist her husband worked for). Her support was remembered many years after she had moved away from Cass City. In a letter dated June 10, 1988 to Melinda Strong, acknowledging a donation made to the Rawson Library in memory of her grandparents, Barbara Hutchison, Director noted that "Your grandparents were indeed well known in Cass City and avid supporters of the library. Your grandmother served on the library board in the 1950's and 60's and was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the outstanding library service that the community enjoys today. They would have been very pleased with the lovely library that we have now. " She also served as treasurer of the Cass City Chapter of the Michigan State College Alumni Association (Cass City Chronicle, Friday, Feb. 8, 1952, Page twelve, column six, M.S.C. Alumni Dinner.)

Cass City Chronicle
March 10, 1939
Local Happenings, Page Four

Mrs. B.F. Benkelman, Jr., and Mrs. Grant Patterson were joint hostesses at a dessert bridge Thursday evening in the Benkelman home on Woodland Avenue. Bridge was played at eight tables, honors being won by Mrs. Warren Wood, Mrs. A. Hesburn and Mrs. D.A. Krug.

Avis and her husband, Ben Benkelman of Cass City, Michigan retired in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she died, November 7, 1981.

Her obituary, as published in the St. Petersburg newspaper, follows:

Benkelman, Avis A., 80, of 7901 40th Av. N., died Saturday (Nov. 7, 1981). Born in Lake Odessa, Mich., she came here in 1968 from Cass City, Mich., where she was a school teacher. She was a member of the Seminole United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband, Benjamin F.; a daughter Bonnie McLemore, Barrington, Ill., and three granddaughters. National Cremation Society.

Written by Melinda McLemore Strong, granddaughter, circa 1995 and revised periodically

Avis married Benjamin Franklin Benkelman, Jr. on 24 Aug 1926 in Grand Ledge, Eaton County, Michigan. Benjamin (son of Benjamin Franklin Benkelman, Sr. and Wilhelmina "Minnie" Johanna Friederika Jesse) was born on 17 Nov 1899 in Jaqua, Cheyenne County, Kansas; died on 8 Mar 1998 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

At the time of the 1930 Federal census, Ilo was listed as single, and living in Oscoda, Iosco County, Michigan, as rooming in the Alvin Dunsmore home, along with two other teachers.

It is possible that she married briefly at some point as a young woman. In the "Marriages" section of the family bible belonging to her sister Avis, "Ilo and Dale Shelterly" are listed as witnesses to the 1926 marriage of Avis to Ben F. Benkelman.

Tom McLemore-who later married Ilo's niece Bonnie-said that Ilo told him she had been married briefly, but had never told her niece about this marriage. There was a Dale B. Shelterley listed on the 1930 census, in Sebewa, Ionia County, Michigan. He was listed as single, and age 22, some six years younger than Ilo. He would have been 18 in 1926, so this could be a possibility. Dale was a son of Ozro B and Lillie C. Shelterley.

Ilo married Robert Shelden later in life. She never had children. Her second husband had grown children from a prior marriage.

Her niece, Bonnie, recalls that Ilo worked as a cartographer for the Greyhound bus line. She later became a travel agent, and traveled overseas extensively. She lived in Chicago in the late 1950's and invited a co-worker, Hans Penner, and his roommate at the University of Chicago-Tom McLemore, to Thanksgiving dinner. This is where Tom and Bonnie met.

Ilo lived in Indiana in the 1970's and taught school. It was through another teacher that she met her husband, Bob Shelden. She loved to work with her hands, and her apartment was full of crafts she had made. Her great-nieces, Melinda, Melissa, and Leigh adored her.

Ilo and Bob moved to Tuscon when they retired. They resided at 3737 North Country Club Drive. Ilo died of breast cancer at the University of Arizona Hospital in Tuscon. Bob later remarried.

(Medical):Pericarditis, Breast Cancer

Family/Spouse: Charles Robert "Bob" Shelden. Charles was born on 27 Sep 1912 in Shelby, Richland County, Ohio; died in Mar 1980 in Tuscon, Pima County, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

LaVonne Bennett found this snippet of news in the Lake Odessa Wave newspapers:

March 27, 1930 - Woodland - Forrest Smith of Grand Rapids spent the past week with his aunt Miss Gertie Smith.

This appears to be Forrest, living with his mother and stepfather, at the time of the 1920 Federal Census.

Michigan, Kent, Grand Rapids Dist 76 1232 Sherman Street #63-65
ROSZEL, Orrin E Head O M M W 52 M Mich Canada/Eng Canada/Eng RR Baggage
ROSZEL, Kate M(ary?) Wife F W 42 M Ohio PA PA
SMITH, Forrest H Step-son M W 24 M Mi Unknown Oh Electrician
SMITH, Myrtle step Dtr-in-law F W 25 M Illinois Canada/Eng Iowa
SMITH, Marie Granddaughter F W 7 S Illinois Mi Ohio
RYDER, Richard R Boarder M W 37 S New York Ireland France Trimmer Musical Instruments

This was the listing for the ROSZEL family of Grand Rapids ten years earlier, at the time of the 1910 Census. Forrest SMITH was not in the ROSZEL home at the time of the 1910 census, he was instead listed in home of his father, Franklin Smith of Barry County.

Michigan, Kent, Grand Rapids, District 99 228 South Jefferson
ROSZEL, Orin E Head M W 43 M2 4 Mi US US Yardman Furniture Factory
ROSZEL, Katie Wife F 2 34 M2 4 1/1 Ohio Ohio Ohio
HOFMASTER, Frank Lodger Mich Oh PA Foreman Railroad Yard
RIDER, Richard Lodger NY Ma Ma Ma Engineer Railroad

There were several Forrest Smith's approximately the same age as Franklin's son, all with Social Security cards issued in Michigan, on the SSDI at Rootsweb. After ordering the actual Forms SS-5, none of those listed appear to fit into this family.

(1) Forrest Allan Smith, born 27 November 1897 in Waterloo, DeKalb County, Indiana to Charles H. SMITH and Millie ALLAN. He was married to Catherine Margaret GILLIES.

(2) Forrest Allen Smith born 28 April 1892 in Dayton, Ohio to Alonzo SMITH and Mary Ann SCHAFER.

(3) Forrest DeWitt Smith, born 21 August 1899 in Shay, Washington Co, Ohio, to Cuyler Charles SMITH and Sarah Bell McABEE.

Notes:

Rolland Township Death and Burials:
Snyder Vernon Franklin 9-11-1884 5/20/1940* Pine River
Snyder Elton 11/30/1911 3/26/1913

Pine River Cemetery Records (also known as Rolland Township, Blanchard Road)
Snyder Carobelle 66 12/31/1953 4 1 22 I
Vernon Snyder Vernon Franklin 55 5/23/1940* 2 1 22 I
Snyder Kenneth E. 39 11/19/1947 3 1 22 I
Vernon Snyder Elton 1 1 22 I Vernon

*Three day discrepency in death date noted

(Research):
Census Listings:

1910 Census
Michigan, Isabella County, Rolland Twp, Dist 99
SNYDER, Vern 25 M1 2 Mich Oh Mi Farmer
SNYDER, Carria 22 M1 2 2/2 Mich Mich Mich
SNYDER, Kenneth L 2 Mich Mich Mich
SNYDER, Bernice G 2/12 Mich Mich Mich

1920 Census
Michigan, Isabella County, Rolland Twp, Dist 212
SNYDER, Vern M W 35 M Mich Ind Mich Farmer
SNYDER, Cara F W 33 M MIch Mich Mich
SNYDER, Kenneth M W 12 S Mich Mich Mich
SNYDER, Berniece F W 9 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Isabella County, Rolland Twp
SNYDER, Vernon F 45 Mich US US Farmer
SNYDER, Caro B 43 Mich Mich Mich
SNYDER, Kenneth 22 Mich Mich Mich Laborer Road Building

Vernon married Carobelle "Cora" McLean on 19 Oct 1907 in Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, Michigan. Carobelle was born about 1887 in Michigan; died on 31 Dec 1953 in Rolland, Isabella County, Michigan; was buried in Pine River Cemetery, Blanchard, Isabella County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

I was not able to locate Fred on either the 1910 or 1920 census. There was a Fred or about the right age living in Barry County in 1920, married to a Floy. It could be that Fred moved to Barry, as he did have cousins in that area.

There is a listing that might be him in 1930 in Isabella County. If this is him, he was not likely the same Fred that lived in Barry County in 1920.

1930 Census Michigan, Isabella County, Nottawa Twp SNYDER, Fred Head R 10 M W 43 M 21 Mich Mich Mich Cook SNYDER, Illma Wife F W 42 M 21 Mich Oh Mich Saleslady SNYDER, Leslie W Son 12 S Mich Mich Mich

Notes:

1920 Federal Census Michigan, Isabella County, Rolland Twp, Dist 212 SNYDER, Lawrence Head M W 23 Mich Pa US Occupation None The above listing MIGHT be for a different person, as Lawrence is also listed with his parents in 1920. The places of birth of his parents are also off.

1930 Federal Census Michigan, Isabella County, Rolland Twp, Dist 17 SNYDER, Lawrence Head 34 M 24 Postmaster Government Mich US Mich SNYDER, Lelah M Wife 28 M 18 Mich Mich Mich SNYDER, Dondea M Dau 8 Mich Mich Mich SNYDER, Laurence A Son 7 Mich Mich Mich

There is a record of an obituary for the son of L.W. Snyder who died January 2, 1924 in the Mt. Pleasant Times, dated January 10, 1924 on page 8, column 4. Buried in Pine River cemetery there is a Richard Eugene SNYDER, born 9-29-1923 and died January 4, 1924. Appears to be the same person, and a son of Lawrence and Lelah. Was he perhaps a twin of Lawrence, who also appears to have been born in 1923?

Pine River Cemetery Records: Snyder Lawrence 77 9/24/1973 3 2 51 I Snyder Lelah Mae 36 1/10/1938 2 2 51 I Lawrence Snyder Mildred 63 5/8/1969 3 2 51 I Lawrence Snyder Richard 3 mos. 1/6/1924 1 2 51 I Lawrence

Laurence married Lelah Mae Olger on 4 May 1920 in Mount Pleasant, Isabella County, Michigan. Lelah was born about 1902 in Michigan; died on 10 Jan 1938. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

WILLIAM SNYDER 16 Mar 1898 Jul 1982 49310 (Blanchard, Isabella, MI) (none specified) 375-34-3557 Michigan

Pine River Cemtery Records: Snyder William M. 84 7/22/1982 2 82 III

(Research):Married to Fannie deAlbra Foster.

Notes:

Bonnie was extremely active during her High School years in Cass City, Michigan. According to her yearbook, the "1952 Perranos", she spent four years in the band (she played the clarinet) and in the honor society; was alternately treasurer, secretary, and president of her home room; was in the junior class play; and was on the Annual Staff and in the Queen's Homecoming Court her senior year. Her lively sense of humor was apparent from her statement in the class will: "I, Bonnie Benkelman, of questionable mind and body, will my ability, (which I don't have) to stay on my hall guide post all hour to Jean Holmberg, who doesn't have it either but since she has to make a good impression it might come in handy."

She went to Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo, and was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. She was social chairperson of the Panhellenic Council in 1952. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, specializing in Occupational Therapy. It was a good fit for her, combining her love of science and her enjoyment of doing things with her hands. Bonnie noted that Jane Stickley Benkelman, a nurse who worked both with veterans and crippled children, had suggested she pursue this career path.

Bonnie interned in Baltimore, at Shepherd Pratt Psychiatric Hospital, becoming an O.T.R. She also received an Elementary Provisional Certificate from the State of Michigan State Board of Education which would have allowed her to teach Occupational Therapy at the High School level.

Her first job after graduation was at Hines Veterens' Administrations Hospital in Chicago, in the Cardiac department. She saved her money faithfully to purchase an automobile. At that time a VW Beetle cost around $1,500. When she was within $50 of this goal, she broke her leg skiing. Most of her savings went to pay off her hospital bills, and to finance a trip to Europe with her Aunt Ilo Smith shortly before her wedding. When Bonnie resigned from the Veterens' Administration in before her marriage in 1958, she was classified as a GS-631-7 and was making $4,980 yearly.

Bonnie worked as an Occupational Therapist before her daughters were born. When her eldest daughter was 18 months old, she returned to work at the Scottish Rite Hospital for Crippled Children in Dallas. After the birth of younger daughters, she stopped her paid employment to become a full time mom and volunteer. She was a homeroom mother, sunday school teacher, and girl scout leader.

(Research):
In the News

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, July 12, 1940
Local Happenings, Page Four

The dog at the B.F. Benkelman Jr., home rejoiced Sunday night. His little mistress, Bonny, and her mother, Mrs. B.F. Benkelman, Jr., returned that day from a week's visit in Lansing and Grand Ledge.

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan, Friday, October 26, 1956
Page One

Bonnie Benkelman Passes OTR Exam

"Miss Bonnie Benkelman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Benkelman, 4581 West Street, Cass City, has successfully completed her national examination for registration by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

A graduate of Western Michigan College, Kalamazoo, one of 29 colleges in the United States offering OT programs approved by the American Medical Association, Miss Benkelman joins the ranks of 5,000 OTR's working in hospitals and schools across the nation.

Occupational therapists give treatment on the doctor's prescription in the form of supervised activity to people injured physically or mentally by accident or disease."


Cass City Chronicle
April 28, 1960
Page Six
Cass City Area Social and Personal Items

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Benkelman enjoyed a four-day visit last week with their daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McLemore and little daughter, in Chicago.

Cass City Chronicle
August 18, 1960
Page 4

Mr. and Mrs. T.E. McLemore and little daughter Melinda of Chicago, Ill., returned home Saturday after two weeks here with Mrs. McLemore's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Benkelman.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, July 26, 1962
Page Two
Cass City Area Social and Personal Items

Mrs. Thomas McLemore and daughter Melinda of Dallas, Texas, are spending two weeks with Mrs. McLemore's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Benkelman.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, July 15, 1966
Page Two
Personal News from Cass City Area

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McLemore and daughters, Melinda and Melissa, from Houston, Tex. Arrived July 4 and have been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Benkelman. Their youngest daughter, Leigh remained in Texas with her paternal grandmother. The McLemores expect to leave Thursday to return home.

The following article was published in "The Paris (TX) News" in the Fall of 1976.

Mrs. McLemore is Newcomer

Mrs. Tom (Bonnie) McLemore, 1065 Johnson Woods Drive, has been named as the Welcome Wagon's Newcomer of the Month.

A native of Michigan, Mrs. McLemore attended schools in Cass City and holds a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University.

She has been active in Girl Scouting, garden club work, Panhellenic activities, and a volunteer for Hope House for the Multiple-Handicapped Children.

She and her husband have three daughters, Melinda, 16; Melissa, 13, and Leigh, 11, and have lived in Paris about a month.

Bonnie married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

11-20-1947 ISABELLA COUNTY TIMES-NEWS, MI; front page: "BLANCHARD MAN IS GUN VICTIM - Killed While Hunting in Mecosta County - With the 1947 deer hunting season only a week old, at least 20 persons had died from gunshots or other causes. One of the victims was Kenneth E. Snyder of Chippewa Lake, well known in Isabella County.
Snyder, whose home is near Blanchard, was killed instantly Saturday when struck by a shotgun slug, fired by another hunter who mistook the victim for a deer. Officers said Snyder was only 10 feet away from the hunter who fired the fatal charge.

4)11-27-1947 ISABELLA COUNTY TIMES-NEWS, MI: "OBITUARY - Kenneth Snyder, 39, died November 15, 1947. He was accidentally killed while hunting.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 19, from the Pine River church with burial at the Pine River cemetery.
Mr. Snyder was born November 29, 1907, the son of Carobell McLean and Vernon F. Snyder. His father preceded him in death May 20, 1940. He received his education in the grade and Blanchard high school. He graduated from Greer college, Chicago.
In September of 1942, he enlisted in the Engineers' Maintenance company, serving as a 3rd technical sereant in World War II in seven countries. He was married to Marie Smith of Chippewa Lake April 12, 1943.
Mr. Snyder was employed by the Earl Equipment Company of Detroit as a Diesel Engineer, covering Michigan.
He was affiliated with the Pleasant View Masonic lodge 487 as a Master Mason and was a member of American Legion, Guy Stanton post 240.
Surviving is his wife, his mother, one sister, Mrs. Berece Boyer of Blanchard, and a step-daughter Jean Marie Smith of Chippewa Lake. (Both courtesy LaVonne Bennett).

His Memorial page at FindAGrave has a photo of his military marker, sevice info inscribed as TEC 3 1468 ENGR MAINT CO WORLD WAR II

Kenneth married Marie Smith on 12 Apr 1943. Marie was born before 1923; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Bernice married Gerald Boyer on 4 May 1929 in Michigan. Gerald was born on 22 Jan 1906 in Latty Township, Paulding County, Ohio; died in Jan 1978 in Isabella County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1-10-1924 MT. PLEASANT TIMES, MI; page 6: "Rolland Center - Our community extends their sympathy to our postmaster, Laurence Snyder and wife because of the death of their baby, Richard, aged three months and one week. He was as well as could be in the evening and the next morning Mrs. Snyder found him dead. He is indeed an angel gone to await his loved ones in the better world." (Courtesy of LaVonne Bennett).

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]