William Welch

Notes:

It was reported by Marcus Chapman, on the death certificate of his mother, Mary Ann Welch, that her parents were William Welch and Anna Brown, born in England. It appears that Mary Ann's parents were actually both born in Ireland.

At the time of the 1850 Ionia County, Michigan census, a 9 year old Mary Ann Welch and 11 year old William Welch were living in the home of William and Ann Elvert of Berlin Township, both born in Ireland. Based on circumstantial evidence, it appears that Ann Elvert may have been the widowed mother of Mary Ann and William, the former Ann (Brown) Welch. If so, she was born circa 1820 in Ireland, and married and gave birth to her son William prior to age 19. And as 11 year old William was listed as being born in U(pper) Canada, and 9 year old Mary Ann as being born in Michigan, the Welch's appear to have immigrated to Michigan circa 1840 via Canada. In reading the section devoted to Berlin Township in the 1881 HISTORY OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES MICHIGAN, no listing is found for William Welch. There is a Simeon Welch that is listed as voting in an election in 1846. At the time of the 1850 census, there was a Simpson Welch, age 45 and born in Kentucky, living in Berlin Township (#43-45). A Simon Welch, age 39, is listed in the 1850 Ionia County census in Easton Township (#275-283) as well. He and his wife Nancy were both born in New York.

Neighbors of the Elvert's at the time of the 1850 census were the McLaughlin's and the Humphries. Both of these men were born in Ireland, and both their wives in Novia Scotia. Perhaps Ann and William Welch came to Ionia via the same route. In 1860, Mary Welch, age 21, was still listed as a member of the Elvert household.

On the 1870 census, Mary Ann Welch reported that both her parents were "foreign born." On the 1880 census, she reports that they were both born in Ireland. Mary Ann herself reports in both 1870 and 1880 that she was born in Michigan. However, when he filed her death certificate, her son Marcus Chapman reports her as being born in Canada. This is incorrect, as Mary appears to have been born in Michigan very shortly after they immigrated from Canada.

Another possiblity are the following families listed in the Montreal Emigrant Society Passage Book of 1832 (Reel H-962, Vol 46) has two seperate references to a William Welch. The passage book is a record of poor and destitute immigrants from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, forwarded and relieved by the Montreal Emigrant Society from 12 May to 5 November 183

(Line 604) On July 13th, 1832 a Wm. Welch and his wife were listed as being from Kerry (?). One of them was over the age of 40, and the other between the age of 20 and 40. They had three children, one an infant with the other two being under the age of 7. They were sent to Prescott.

(Line 994) On July 28, 1832 a Wm. Welch and his wife, both over between the ages of 40 and 60, were listed as the parents of five children, three over the ages of 14, one between 7 and 14, and the youngest under the age of 7. The location where they were from was left blank. Others arriving that day all appeared to be from various counties in Ireland. They also were sent to Prescott.

At the present time, it is not known if the two Wm. Welch's listed above are related to each other, or if either or both are related to the Wm. Welch who is the father of Mary Ann Welch. It appears, however, that if Ann Elvert, born ca 1820 in Ireland, was the widow of William Welch, then she is too young to be the wife shown in either family. These could be the parents of her husband, however.

I Found a Wm. Welch in Lyons Township, Ionia County in 1870, at #362-360, 49 years old, born MD. Also in household, Richard E. 30 born PA and Sarah J 73 born MD, widow. I also looked at Lyons Township on the 1860 film, and Wm. Welch was listed as 35, Sarah as 62? Richard 25, with Ida Green age 4, Mary age 2. Birthplaces of the Green girls was MI, the birthplaces for all the others the same as was listed on the 1860 census. This does not appear to be a good match for the Wm. Welch who was the father or the brother of Mary Ann Welch, for she quite clearly notes that both of her parents were born outside of the United States, both on the 1870 and 1880 census. In 1880, she shows that her parents were both born in Irelan

William married Anna Brown before 1837. Anna was born about 1816 in Ireland; died on 12 Oct 1888 in Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Could this be him in 1880?

Household:

Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace William WELSH Self M Male W 44 CAN Farmer IRE IRE Jane WELSH Wife M Female W 40 CAN Keeping House SCO SCO William J. WELSH Son M Male W 21 MI Farmer CAN C Henry WELSH Son S Male W 19 MI Works On Farm CAN CAN


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source Information:
Census Place Marion, Sanilac, Michigan
Family History Library Film 1254605
NA Film Number T9-0605
Page Number 167D

Notes:

The death certificates of Mary's two oldest sons have seemingly conflicting information as to the name of their mother. LaVonne Bennett, an Ionia County researcher, emailed me that while at the Eaton County Courthouse, she "learned from death records of Wm Bert and Elmer that papa's name was Frank/Franklin Smith, and that mama's was either Mary (Ann?) ELVERT b in Ionia or (Mary?) Ann WELCH b Canada!" However, although William Bert Smith's death certificate shows his mother as Mary Elvert, his marriage license lists his mother as Mary Welch. Additionally, Marcus's marriage certificate list his mother as Mary Ann Welch. Samuel Lee Chapman's death certificate, a son by Mary Ann's second marriage, also lists his mother as Mary Ann WELCH. Only Marcus Chapman's death certificate shows his mother's maiden name as unknown. It was filed by the "Bureau Social Aid Records, Ionia," however, and not a relative.

In looking at a transcription of the Ionia, MI 1850 Federal Census, I discovered that a Mary Ann WELCH and William WELCH were living with the ELEVERT family. It appears likely that 30 year old Ann Elvert is their mother, the former Anna BROWN. Anna Brown appears to have first married William WELCH, and later remarried William ELVERT. It is also possible that Mary Ann and William may have been orphaned or otherwise abandoned, and were living with the Elvert family at the time of that census.

Mary did not have an easy life. At 38, she had been twice widowed, and had charge of four young sons: Elmer Smith, Bert Smith, Samuel Lee Chapman, and Marcus Chapman. Marcus was a newborn. Additionally, she had five older stepchildren, who may not have been particularly happy to have both lost their father and gained a stepmother in a relatively brief period of time.



In James Leak's 3-23-1875 petition to be named the administrator of Samuel's will, he states: ".....for the following among other reasons the widow is not able to work or take charge of her interest in said estate and the heirs are of them three minors and under Guardianship and those who are of age are not in circumstances to carry on to advantage of the whole of said real estate and further the estate has a large part of said land under a crop of wheat down by said deceased in his lifetime which will require the same care and attention necessary to protect crops on the whole of said lands."

LaVonne Bennett also located the following obituaries and will for Mary Ann:

(There was) only this very brief mention in the Grand Ledge (newspaper): "THE GRAND LEDGE INDEPENDENT, MI, Friday, July 22, 1921, front page: MRS. MARY CHAPMAN, mother of W. B, Smith of this city, who has been ill with paralysis since the latter part of May, passed away at her home near Lake Odessa, July 16, at the age of 84 years. She also leaves two other sons, Elmer Smith and Marcus Chapman, at home."

In THE WAVE-TIMES, Lake Odessa, MI, pg 5, July 22, 1921: "Woodland (News items) - FRANK SMITH and his sister Miss GERTIE SMITH were in Odessa Tuesday afternoon attending the funeral of their aunt Mrs. Mary Chapman who died Saturday from a paralytic stroke."

Probated Will #8880, Ionia County, MI, filed 8-15-1921. Mary Ann Chapman's real estate was valued at $6500; personal estate at $100. Administrator Marcus B. Chapman of Lake Odessa was also one of the heirs, along with: Elmer Smith, son, age 5(6?), of Lake Odessa; W. B. Smith, 53, Grand Ledge; Clair Chapman, nephew, 19, Grand Ledge; Herbert Chapman, nephew, 21, of Montana [in another section of the papers, they were referred to as grandchildren]; and Marcus, 46, Lake Odessa.

From her will (barely readable) made 11-14-1906: ".....to Francis Elmer Smith, son, she wanted him to have property of the east 1/2 of the south east 1/4 of Section 22, Tpw 5N, Range 7W. If he predeceased her and had no heirs, the land was to go to Marcus B., Herbert and Clare, and ______ (all the preceding were Chapmans. To William B. Smith, son, she willed the west 1/2 of the above property.

Marcus was to receive his choice of her household furniture, as was Francis Elmer. She bequeathed $100 to (Daniel or Samuel) Lee Chapman, son of Herbert.

Addendum: W. B. Smith of Grand Ledge was appointed Guardian of Clare Chapman, minor. Herbert Chapman (legalee?) NR (no record?)

Detail of Death Certificate: Mary A. Chapman, Female, White, Widdow, Date of Birth Dec 28, Age 84 Yrs, 6 Mos, 16 Days, Birthplace Canada, Name of Father Wm. Welch born England, Name of Mother Anna Brown born England Informant Marcus Chapman Lake Odessa (son) Date of Death 16 July 1921 Filed 19 July 1921

(Research):

Census Listings:

1850 Federal Census, Michigan, Ionia County, Berlin Township

33 65 68 Elvert William 49 M Farmer 300 Ireland
34 65 68 Elvert Ann 30 F Ireland
35 65 68 Helch (sic) William 11 M Upper Canada
36 65 68 Helch (sic) Mary A. 10 M (sic) Mich
37 65 68 Elvert James 8 M Mich
38 65 68 Elvert Cornelius 5 M Mich
39 65 68 Elvert Julia 3 F Mich
40 65 68 Elvert Emily 1 F Mich

This Census was transcribed by Beth Wills and proofread by Pat Billings, Hope Farris, Kathy Laux for the USGenWeb Census Project, http://www.usgenweb.org/census

1860 Federal Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Berlin Township (21 Sept 1860)
#2718-2616
Wm. ELVERT 63 M Farmer 1000 500 Ireland
Ann ELVERT 48 F Ireland
Cornelius 15 M Michigan
Julia 13 F Michigan
Harry 11 M Michigan
John 9 M Michigan
Elizabeth 6 F Michigan
Ellen 4 F Michigan
James 18 M Michigan
Mary WELCH 21 F Teacher

Furthermore, it appears that Ann and William Elvert divorced in 1869. Maybe this accounts for the 16 year old Elizabeth Elvert living, Mary's half sister, living with Mary in 1870?

1869 Elvert Ann vs. William 673

Ionia County Divorce Index http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~camprowl/divorce%20index.txt

1870 Ionia County, Odessa Township
129-128
Smith, Mary 30 F W Farming and Keeping House 2500 475 Mich Father/Mother Foreign Birth
Smith, Elmer F 4 M W Michigan
Smith, William B 1 M W
Elvert**, Elizabeth 16 F W Michigan Attended School Father and Mother of Foreign Birth

1880 Ionia County, Odessa Township (1 June 1880) #21-23
Chapman, Mary A W F 40 Widow Keeping House Mich Ireland Ireland
" Elmer WM 14 Son School Mich Mich US? (last name SMITH)
" Burtis WM 11 Son School Mich Mich " (last name SMITH)
" Lee WM 7 Son Mich Mich "
" Marquis WM 5 Son Mich Mich "


1900 Ionia County, Odessa Township
ED #21
39-40
Chapman, Mary A Head Dec 1840 58 Mich Ireland Ireland Farmer
Smith, Elmer Son Mar 1866 Mich NY NY Laborer
Chapman, Marcus Son Sep 1878 Mich NY Mich Laborer 39-41
Chapman, Lee Head July 1875 Mich NY Mich Teaching School
Chapman, Marion Wife Mar 1876 Mich Mich Mich
Chapman, Lee Son May 1900 Mich Mich Mich

Mary married Benjamin Franklin Smith before 1866. Benjamin (son of Spencer Smith and Marian Trumbull) was born about 1833 in Monroe County, New York; died on 6 Jul 1869 in Ionia County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Samuel B. Chapman on 7 Oct 1871 in Ionia County, Michigan. Samuel was born on 25 Feb 1821 in Webster, Monroe County, New York; died on 31 Jan 1875 in Michigan; was buried in Lakeside Cemetery, Lake Odessa, Ionia 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:

LaVonne Bennett found, at the Ionia County Courthouse, the death record of Samuel Lee Chapman: "CHAPMAN, Lee died 3-22-1903, married, age 30 years, in Odessa Twp, of mitrial insufficiency. He was born in MI, was a teacher, and his parents were Samuel B. Chapman, residence NY, and Mary WELCH (IOCOB270#5850)." LaVonne did not find a Lake Odessa newspaper obituary for him.

At the time of the 1900 census, Samuel was married and living with his wife Marion and infant son, Lee. They lived next door to his mother in Ionia County. Son Clare was born in 1903, less than a year before Samuel's death. His wife Marion remarried, and in 1910, she both sons, listed as Herbert Lee and Clare, were living with her second husband, John S. Caie. Marion and John had a newly born daughter.

In 1920, Herbert Lee and Clare were living with their maternal grandmother in nearby Eaton County, while their widowed stepfather was living with their three half-sisters in Detroit.

The paternal grandmother of Herbert and Clare was Mary Ann Welch Smith Chapman. Her probated Will #8880, Ionia County, MI, was filed 8-15-1921. Mary Ann Chapman's real estate was valued at $6,500; personal estate at $100. Administrator Marcus B. Chapman of Lake Odessa was also one of the heirs, along with: Elmer Smith, son, age 55 (or 56?), of Lake Odessa; W. B. Smith, 53, Grand Ledge; Clair Chapman, nephew, 19, Grand Ledge; Herbert Chapman, nephew, 21, of Montana [in another section of the papers, they were referred to as grandchildren]; and Marcus, 46, Lake Odessa.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Odessa Township
ED #21 39-41
Chapman, Lee Head July 1875 Mich NY Mich Teaching School
Chapman, Marion Wife Mar 1876 Mich Mich Mich
Chapman, Lee Son May 1900 Mich Mich Mich

Family/Spouse: Marion Wright. Marion was born in Mar 1876 in Michigan; died about 1918 in Michigan; was buried in DeWitt Cemetery, DeWitt, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was born eight months after his father died.

BIRTH RECORD: Liber B, page 71: Marcus B. Chapman b 9-6-1875 in Odessa Twp, to Samuel B. Chapman, bpl NY, residence "dead" & Mary (middle initial A. or W.) Chapman, bpl MI, res Odessa.
DEATH RECORD; MI State File No. 5-30674 (copy made): Marcus B. Chapman d Ionia Co Hospital May 4, 1959, b Odessa Twp Sept 6, 1875 to Samuel and Mary Ann (maiden name unknown) Chapman, deceased wife's name Ida, occup Building Mover (retired), age 83, buried Lakeside Cem, Lake Odessa, MI. Informant for death record information was "Bureau Social Aid Records, Ionia". Social Security #368-26-5671.

IONIA DAILY SENTINEL-STANDARD, Tues., May 5, 1959 (copy made): "Deaths - Lake Odessa - Marcus B. Chapman, 83, died at about 4 p.m. Monday at Ionia County Memorial hospital where he had been a patient at Eckert's nursing home since last fall. Mr. Chapman was born September 6, 1875, the son of Samuel and Mary Ann Chapman. He was a retired farmer and building mover. His wife, the former Ida Welch (sic), died in 1935. He has no immediate survivors. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Pickens funeral home with burial in Lakeside cemetery."

THE LAKE ODESSA WAVE, MI; Thursday, May 7, 1959, front page: "Marcus Chapman Died Monday- -Marcus B. Chapman, 83, lifelong resident of Odessa township, passed away Monday afternoon at the Ionia County Memorial hospital where he was a patient about a week. Mr. Chapman was a farmer and in his early life was a building mover. He lived in his small farm home on Musgrove Hwy until taken to the Eckert Nursing Home at Ionia last fall. There are no immediate survivors. His wife, the former Ida Welch (sic) passed away in 1935. Funeral services were held Thursday (today) at 10 am at the Pickens funeral chapel with burial in Lakeside Cemetery."

(All of the above courtesy of LaVonne Bennett)

(Research):

Census Listings:

1930 U.S. Federal Census
Michigan, Ionia, Odessa, District 28
#84-84
Chapman, Marcus Michigan Canada-English New York M W 54 M 46 Farmer
Chapman, Ida Michigan New York York F W 64 M 19

(Medical):Chronic myocarditis (1 month), Intestinal Obstruction (3 days)

Marcus married Ida Soules on 3 Mar 1922 in Lake Odessa, Ionia County, Michigan. Ida was born about 1872 in Mulliken, Eaton County, Michigan; died about 1935. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

When the will of his paternal grandmother, Mary Ann Welch Smith Chapman, was probated in 1921, he was listed as " Herbert Chapman, nephew (sic), 21, of Montana."

His social security number was issued in Florida in 1936, and at the time he was an employee of Ralston Purina Co of St. Louis. His father was shown as Samuel Lee Chapman, and his mother Marion Wright. When he registered for the draft during World War I, he listed his nearest relative as his mother, Mrs. J. S. Caie [second husband] of DeWitt, Michigan. Herbert was a resident of Dewitt, Clinton County, Michigan at the time, and he was working as a farmer for Ralph Cressman. He was shown as tall, slender, with brown eyes and black hair.

Kerrville Mountain Sun
July 26, 1986
Page Four

Obituaries

Chapman

Services were held Friday for Herbert Lee Chapman, Sr. 86, who passed away July 24 in the Alpine Terrace Nursing Home. Rev. Everett Boyce officiated at the graveside services in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Chapman, a resident of Kerrville for 16 years, prior to that Florida, was born May 12, 1900 in Lake Odessa, Michigan. He married Lurana Treff in Leavenworth, Kansas on August 22, 1922. Chapman was a member of the Methodist Church, served in the United States Armed Forces, and was a store and mill manager for Kresge's Purina Mill.

Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lurana Champman of Kerrville; one daughter, Mrs. Frances Moore of San Antonio; two sons, Dr. Herbert Lee Chapman, Jr. of Wauchula, Florida and Dr. Loren James Chapman of Madison, Wisconsin; two sisters, Mrs. Avon "Claudine" Ator of Silver Springs, Maryland and Mrs. Earl "Dorothy" Castator of Tarpon Springs, Florida; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Grimes Funeral Chapels.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Odessa Township
ED #21 39-41
Chapman, Lee Head July 1875 Mich NY Mich Teaching School
Chapman, Marion Wife Mar 1876 Mich Mich Mich
Chapman, Lee Son May 1900 Mich Mich Mich

1910 Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Lake Odessa, Village
Enumerated 20 Apr 1910
SD 5 ED 27 Ward 1
45-45
Caie, John S Head M W 49 m2 1 Mass Scotland Scotland Salesman General Agent
Caie, Marion W Wf F W 33 m2 1 3/3 Mich NY NY
Chapman, Herbert [step] Son M W 9 S Mich Mich Mich
Chapman, Clare [step] Son M W 7 S Mich Mich Mich
Caie, Marion Dtr F W 7/12 S Mich Mass Mich

1920 Census
Michigan, Eaton County, Oneida Township, ED #102
#112-75-78
Wright, Ambria B. Head O F F W 69 Wd New York Canada (English) Vermont Boarding House Keeper
Chapman, Clare W Grandson M W 17 S Michigan Michigan Michigan
Chapman, L. Herbert Grandson M W 19 S Michigan Michigan Michigan

1930 Census
Pennsylvania, Butler County, 1rst Precinct, Butler City Ward 2
Enumerated 8 Apr 1930
ED 10-8 SD 7 Sheet 5B
Brody Street
617-96-99
Chapman, Herbert L Hd M W 29 m1 22 Mich Mich Mich Mgr Dept Store
Chapman, Lurana Wf F W 28 m 21 Kan Kan Mo
Chapman, Herbert Jr Son M W 6 MO Mich Kan
Chapman, Loren J Son M W 3 2/12 Ind Mich Kan

1945 Florida State Census
Hillsborough, Precinct 6
Herbert L. Chapman 814 44 Mich College Educated Manager
Lurana Chapman 43 Kan College Educated Housewife
Herbert L Chapman Jr 21 MO College Educated Navy
Loren Chapman 18 Ind College Educated Army
Mary F Chapman 11 Pa Minor

Herbert married Lurana Treff on 22 Aug 1922 in Leavenworth, Leavenworth County, Kansas. Lurana was born on 7 Jun 1901 in Kansas; died on 7 Feb 1994 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Wisconsin Death Index, 1959-1997

Name: Clare W Chapman
Age: 60
Sex: M (Male)
Birth Date: abt 1903
Death Date: 11 Jan 1963
Location: Milw (May be abbreviated)
Certificate: 001596

(Research):

Census Listings:

1910 Census
Michigan, Ionia County, Lake Odessa, Village
Enumerated 20 Apr 1910
SD 5 ED 27 Ward 1
45-45
Caie, John S Head M W 49 m2 1 Mass Scotland Scotland Salesman General Agent
Caie, Marion W Wf F W 33 m2 1 3/3 Mich NY NY
Chapman, Herbert Son M W 9 S Mich Mich Mich
Chapman, Clare Son M W 7 S Mich Mich Mich
Caie, Marion Dtr F W 7/12 S Mich Mass Mich

1920 Census
Michigan, Eaton County, Oneida Township, ED #102
#112-75-78
Wright, Ambria B. Head O F F W 69 Wd New York Canada (English) Vermont Boarding House Keeper
Chapman, Clare W Grandson M W 17 S Michigan Michigan Michigan
Chapman, L. Herbert Grandson M W 19 S Michigan Michigan Michigan

1930 Census
Wisconsin, Marinette County, Marinette First Ward
Enumerated April 25, 1930
ED 38-11 SD 6 Sheet 19A Stamped 26
1219-423-437
Chapman, Clare W Head M W 27 M 23 Mich Mich England Asst Manager ??? Dept Store
Chapman, Goldie Wf F W 21 M 17 Wisc Mich Wisc
Chapman, Eileen Dtr F W 3 S Wisc Mich Wisc
Chapman, Beverly Dtr F W 1 S Wisc Mich Wisc

Clare married Goldie Ann Loughead on 17 Apr 1926 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Goldie was born about 1909 in Wisconsin; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]