Seeking Joseph - Canadian Census Records 1851 1861 and 1871

I am so excited about my latest finds, thanks to the 1851, 1861 and 1871 Canadian Census records on Ancestry.com.   I am finally developing a picture about Joseph’s early years with his parents and siblings.

New Information:

1851 CENSUS - Nelson, in the County of Halton, pages 56-58, Line 33-44

Line	Name	Place of Birth	Age at next birthday	Estimated Year of Birth
33	R W Roberts	U States	55	(est.  1797)
34	Mahetable Roberts	Canada	49	(est. 1803)
35	Lucy Roberts	U States	31	(est. 1821)
36	Wm	U States	28	(est. 1824)
37	Henry Roberts	U States	26	(est. 1826)
40	Daniel	Canada	22	(est. 1830)
38	Helen Roberts	Canada	18	(est. 1834)
39	May (or Mary?) Ann	Canada	17	(est. 1835)
44	Hiram	Canada	12	(est. 1840)
41	Sarah	Canada	11	(est. 1841)
42	Hannah	Canada	8	(est. 1844)
43	Joseph	Canada	5	(est. 1847)

1861 CENSUS – Township of Nelson, County of Halton, Canada West (Ontario), Line 44-49

Line	Name	Place of Birth	Age at next birthday	Estimated Year of Birth
44	Roswell  W Roberts	U States	63	(est. 1799)
45	Mahetable Roberts	W Canada	54	(est. 1808)
46	Helen Roberts	Canada	22	(est. 1840)
47	Hiram	Canada	20	(est. 1842)
48	Han(n)ah	Canada	17	(est. 1845)
49	Joseph	Canada	14	(est. 1848)

1871 CENSUS – Township of Nelson, County of Halton, Ontario, Page 62, Line 12-15

Line	Name	Place of Birth	Age	Estimated Year of Birth
12	Roberts, Rowsell	U States	72	(est.  1799)
13	Roberts, Mahatable	Ontario	65	(est. 1806)
14	Roberts, Hiram	Ontario	27	(est. 1844)
15	Roberts, Hellen	Ontario	30	(est. 1841)

Questions and Analysis:

According to these three census records and the death certificates I have for both Joseph and Hiram, I have developed the following hypothesis about the family of Rowsell and Mahatable (Miller) Roberts:

Joseph Roberts was the youngest of at least ten children.  His father was Rowsell William Roberts and his mother was Mahatable Miller.  The first three children – Lucy, William and Henry Roberts were born in the United States.  The other seven children – Daniel, Helen, Mary Ann, Hiram, Sarah, Hannah and Joseph were born in Canada.  The family belonged to either the “Church of Ireland” or the “Presbyterian” faith.  Rowsell Roberts was a shoemaker and farmer.

I believe the names of the parents as I have them are relatively accurate based on several different resources.  Their dates and places of birth vary slightly.  Rowell appears to have been born between 1797 and 1799 in Massachusetts (both Hiram and Joseph’s death certificates seem to indicate the same location).  Mahatable appears to have been born between 1803 and 1808 in either Canada West (Ontario), Pennsylvania or Holland. 

Based on the estimated year of Lucy’s birth (1821), and the age Mahatable would have been at the time (approx 18 years old),  I would estimate that they were married sometime around 1820.  The first three children were born in the United States, so I believe they were likely married in the United States as well.  It is also possible they were married in Canada were Mahatable Miller and her family may have been in 1820.  It appears that both parents died prior to 1881, as I have been unable to locate them in the 1881 census.  I have no information currently as to where they may be buried.  However, since the family had lived in Nelson Township, Halton County, Ontario, Canada for well over 30 years (possibly 50 years), I expect I will find them buried in Halton County.

Based on the estimated year of birth of Daniel (1830), it appears that the family may have immigrated from the United States to Canada (possibly directly to Halton County) about 1829.  I am not sure if I know all the children’s names yet.  It is also possible that there may have been a couple children who died young, based on gaps of 3 or 4 years between the children.  There is a possible gap between Henry and Daniel, Daniel and Helen, and Mary Ann and Hiram.

I am also curious if Joseph older brother Henry married Mariam Ramsey and is the father of Martha Anna Roberts and Elizabeth E Roberts, both of whom are buried at Rock Falls Cemetery with Hiram and Joseph (and Cecelia).

Below is the Family Group Sheets I have put together so far on this family.

NEXT STEPS:

More information needs to be gathered for each of the siblings of Joseph (birth, marriage and death). 

I need to locate death records for Rowsell and Mahatable.

I’d like to find the birth records (if possible) or obituaries for the three oldest children (Lucy, William and Henry).  This would help me know where to focus my US research for marriage as well as the parents of both Rowsell and Mahatable (Miller) Roberts.

Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by.

Love & Aloha,

~Cuzn Amy

Seeking Joseph - Mrs James Roberts -- Say What??

One of the problems with doing family history research is trying to stay focused on one family line or area of research.  Sometimes there is a special collection of records that becomes available for the first time and you just want to take a peek.  Sometimes when you aren't even looking for it, a new mystery just seems to pop up out of no where.  Just like this ....

New Information:

While conducting research for the Death Certificates for Hiram, Anna, Elizabeth and Martha Anna I came across a Death Certificate for James R. Roberts.

According to the Death Certificate

James R Roberts, was born in 1868 in Ontario, Canada to Joseph Roberts and Celia Gillem.  He died December 2, 1905 in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, USA, at the age of 37.  James died at the Marine Hospital, from a cerebral hemorrhage followed by paralysis of entire body.  He was buried on December 5, 1905 in Harbor Beach (though the death certificate does not specify any particular cemetery).  His occupation is listed as Lake Captain, and the informant was George Roberts of Harbor Beach (assumed to be his brother). 

So what is the mystery you ask?  Well, James’ death certificate lists James as “married”, at the age of 32.

Questions and Analysis:

According to a copy of the birth registration that I have for James, he was born “Robert James Robert” in Nelson, Halton, Ontario, Canada on February 7, 1871.  The family history that I have gathered to date indicated that he worked on the lake, and never married. 

So who did James marry about 1901?  And what happened to her?

NEXT STEPS:

Not really sure at this point???  Perhaps James had an obituary published in 1905 which would list his wife’s name?  Perhaps there is a marriage record?  Perhaps she was buried next to him (where ever that may be).

For now I will keep focused on my hunt for Joseph and his ancestry.  And perhaps someday I can circle back around to this mystery.

Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by.

Love & Aloha,

~Cuzn Amy

Seeking Joseph - Hiram IS Joseph's Brother. :o)

It’s official …. Joseph is not an only child.  Hiram Roberts IS his brother.   :o)

New Information:

Based on the information I obtained from Find-A-Grave yesterday, I researched the death certificates for Hiram, Anna, Elizabeth, and Martha Anna Roberts.  Here is what I discovered:

http://seekingmichigan.org/u?/p129401coll7,322299

Hiram Roberts was born January 27, 1840 in Canada to Roswell William Roberts (born in Massachusetts) and Mahetable Miller (born in Pennsylvania).  Hiram died December 26, 1909 in Sand Beach Township, Huron County, Michigan, USA at the age of 69 years, 11 months were he had been a farmer.  He was buried on December 28, 1909 in Rock Falls Cemetery.  The cause of death is very hard to read, but appears to be “Chronic Myelitis, Cirrhosis of Liver”.  Hiram is listed as married on his death certificate, though I currently don’t know his spouse’s name.  The informant on Hiram’s death certificate was Elmer Roberts (living in Harbor Beach).  I do not know Elmer’s relationship to Hiram, but I am assuming he may be a son.

Anna (Gohill) Roberts is still somewhat of a mystery.  She was born May 30, 1871 in Sutton Canada to Charles Gohill (born in Montreal Canada) and Eliza Evans (born in Canada).  She is listed as married, but there is no information as to her spouse’s name.  The informant on her death certificate says “Sister”, who was residing in Bay City, Michigan.  The fact that was most interesting is that Anna is listed as living on Bartlett Street, so I know there must be a connection to my Redman Street family. (Source: http://seekingmichigan.org/u?/p129401coll7,393468)

Martha Anna Roberts and Elizabeth E(mmer) Roberts (her middle name hard to read) are sisters to each other.  They were both born to Henry Roberts (born in New York) and Mariam Ramsey (born in Canada).  Both sisters died of heart ailments.

Elizabeth was born January 22, 1875 in Canada.  She died July 3, 1915 in Sand Beach Township, Huron County, Michigan, USA at the age of 40 years, 6 months and 11 days.  She was single at the time of her death.  The informant is listed as Ross Roberts of Harbor Beach.  Elizabeth was buried at Rock Falls Cemetery on July 6, 1915.  Elizabeth’s cause of death was “fatty degeneration of heart”. (Source: http://seekingmichigan.org/u?/p129401coll7,256292)

Martha was born July 10, 1865 in Canada.  She died March 1, 1916 in Sand Beach Township, Huron County, Michigan, USA, at the age of 50 years 7 months and 21 days.  She was single at the time of her death.  The informant is “Mr. Ross Roberts” of Harbor Beach.  Martha was buried at Rock Falls Cemetery on March 4, 1916. Martha’s cause of death was “pneumonia” and “chronic valvular heart disease”. (Source: http://seekingmichigan.org/u?/p129401coll7,102697)

Questions and Analysis:

A search of the 1851 and 1861 Canadian census in Halton County, Ontario, Canada should find Joseph and Hiram listed as children in the household of Russell (Rowsell) and Mahatable Roberts.

A search of the 1900 and 1910 Huron County, Michigan federal census may shine more light on Anna and her family; provided they emigrated from Canada prior to either census record.

Can I locate any other children of Russell Roberts and Mahatable Miller in the Death Records of 1897-1920 on the SeekingMichigan.org website?  It may be best to wait on that search until I locate the family in the Canadian census records, so I have first names to use in my query.

How is Henry Roberts related to Joseph and Hiram?  Perhaps Henry Roberts was a cousin to Joseph and Hiram, making Henry a nephew to Russell.  And is Mariam Ramsey related to Ramsey’s who own the Ramsey Funeral Home in Harbor Beach?

I am also curious about where Russell Roberts and Mahatable Miller were married?  According to Hiram’s death certificate Russell (Rowsell) was born in Massachusetts (which matches Joseph death certificate), and Mahatable Miller was born in Pennsylvania (Joseph’s death certificate lists her as born in Holland).  However, without knowing the date of birth and birthplace for their oldest child, it may be difficult to estimate a possible marriage year or location.

NEXT STEPS:

I guess I will see if I can find Hiram and Joseph listed in the 1851, 1861 and 1871 Canadian census on Ancestry.com.  This may shed light on the names of any other siblings, as well Hiram’s wife and any children he may have had while in Canada.  It may also help me narrow down the possible year and location for Russell Roberts and Mahatable Millers marriage.

Until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Love & Aloha,

~Cuzn Amy

Seeking Joseph - Find-A-Grave Information

Before I get started with my new research ... I would like to apologize to everyone who has tried to post a comment to this blog.  I did not realize I had the setting set to only let "registered" followers post comments.  I have now updated my settings for all future posts, and even previous posts should now allow comments (if you are so inclined).  Thanks. :o)


New Information:

According to the Find-A-Grave website the following six individuals with the surname ROBERTS are buried at Rock Falls Cemetery in Harbor Beach, Huron, Michigan, USA. 

Roberts, Anna Gohill                      b: April 1871 d: ??? 7, 1912 (65707624)

Roberts, Cecelia Gillem                  b: June 20, 1845 d: September 22, 1910 (65191848)

Roberts, Elizabeth E                        b: ??? 22, 1875 d: July 3, 1915 (65707566)

Roberts, Hiram                                b: January 27, 1940 d: December 26, 1909 (65707544)

Roberts, Joseph                               b: July 9, 1946 d: April 28, 1911 (65191720)

Roberts, Martha Anna                     b: July 10, 1865 d: March 1, 1916 (65707595)

It’s important to remember that the information on Find-A-Grave.com is provided by volunteers (like myself), so I you can never be sure how complete or accurate the data is (though we try to do our best).  So, it is possible that there are more ROBERTS family members buried in this cemetery who have not been submitted to the Find-A-Grave’s database yet.  But please don’t let that deter you from using this wonderful FREE resource in your own research process.

Questions and Analysis:

How are these six people related to each other?

We know that Joseph and Cecelia are married to each other.

Joseph and Cecelia had two daughters – Elizabeth and Sarah (whom I believe were twins).  Elizabeth was married at the time of her death, so I would expect that she is buried elsewhere under her married name – and so their daughter Elizabeth is not likely the same Elizabeth E Roberts buried at Rock Falls Cemetery. 

Both Anna and Martha Anna, were born about the same time as Joseph and Cecelia’s children.  But they could not be daughters-in-laws either as my notes reflect, George married a Hannah; William married a Mary; Charles married a Lillie; and Alfred married Mabel Ellen Ogle.  Robert James Roberts never married to my knowledge.

Anna’s maiden name is Gohill, so she was married to a Roberts but it would be unlikely that she was married to Hiram (as the age difference is over 30 years), and none of Joseph and Cecelia’s son’s were married to an Anna or Martha Anna.  Additionally, the Find-A-Grave memorials for both Elizabeth and Martha Anna do not reflect any maiden names, so it is possible they were spinster daughters, though they were both old enough to have been married

Since Hiram is a few years older than Joseph, it is possible that Hiram is Joseph’s older brother or perhaps a cousin. 

NEXT STEPS:

I guess I will see if I can find any death certificates for these people on the SeekingMichigan.org website (Death Records 1897-1920).  Their death certificates should provide the names of their parents, and spouses.  So if Hiram’s father is the same as Joseph’s I will know they are brothers.

Meanwhile, thanks for stopping by.

Love & Aloha,

~Cuzn Amy

Seeking Joseph - Death Certificate 1911

http://seekingmichigan.org/u?/p129401coll7,3479b

What I’ve learned from Joseph Robert’s Death Certificate:

Joseph Roberts died in the City of Harbor Beach, Huron County, Michigan, United States on Friday, April 28, 1911 at 8:00 pm.  He had been under a doctor’s care for approximately 8 days.  His Cause of Death was determined to be Lobar Pneumonia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobar_pneumonia), which he had for approximately six days, along with a contributory case of the measles.  Joseph was buried in Rock Falls, on Monday, May 1, 1911.

William Roberts, who was residing in Harbor Beach, is listed as the informant. (I am assuming that this William is Joseph and Cecelia Roberts’ oldest son).  Joseph’s date of birth is July 9, 1848, in Nelson, Canada.  He was 63 years, 9 months and 19 days at the time of death.  He married at age 21, was the father of 7 children of whom 6 were currently living in 1911 (Robert Roberts died approx 1908), and was widowed (Cecelia died September 22, 1910).  Joseph’s parents are listed as Russell W Roberts, born in Massachusetts and Mahatable Miller (which matches the M Miller), born in Holland.  Joseph’s occupation is listed as Labor.

New Questions:

1. Why does Joseph and Cecelia’s marriage registration list Joseph's father’s name as Joseph, and his death certificate list his father as Russell? Which is correct?
2. Since Joseph was born and raised in Nelson, Halton, Ontario, Canada until his move to Michigan …. can I locate a Joseph Roberts with his parents in the 1861 Canadian Census (or even the 1851 census)?  Are there other other Roberts families in Halton County that are related?
3. Were Joseph, Cecelia and their children the only "Roberts" to move to Huron County?  Are there other Roberts families in Huron County that are related?

Until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Love & Aloha,

~Cuzn Amy

Seeking Joseph - Marriage Record Found :o)

According to the Registration of Mariages entry for Joseph Roberts ….

Source: Ancestry.com and Genealogical Research Library (Brampton, Ontario, Canada). Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1801-1926 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. / Original data: Ontario, Canada. Registrations of Marriages, 1869-1926. MS932, Reels 1-793. Archives of Ontario, Toronto.

Three days before his 23^rd birthday, on Tuesday, July 6^th, 1869, Joseph Roberts was married to Cecelia Gillum in Oakville, Halton, Ontario, Canada.  They were both listed as belonging to the W. Methodist (Wesley Methodist) religion (5) and were married by license by Rev. William Meikle (assumed to be their local minister).   

According to the record of their marriage, Joseph was a farmer living in Nelson (1).   His parents are listed as Joseph Roberts and M Miller, and he was born in Nelson (6). 

Cecelia Gillum, was 23 years old and was living in Trafalgar prior to her marriage.  Her parents are listed as Richard Gillum and Eliza Penfold, and she was born in St. Davids (estimated about 1845-1846) . 

The two witnesses to their marriage were Richard Gillum (assumed to be Cecelia’s father) and C.M. Gillum, both residents of Bronte, Halton, Ontario, Canada. (2)(3)(4)

New questions I now have based off of information obtained from the marriage record are:

1)      Can I locate any land records showing ownership by Joseph Roberts (either the son or his father) from 1846-1869?

2)      Can I locate any land records showing ownership in Bronte by Richard Gillum? When did they move from Lincoln County to Halton County?

3)      Why were both witnesses relatives of the Bride? And how is C.M. Gillum related to the bride?

4)      Were there no other “Roberts” relatives living in or near Nelson?

5)      What information can I find about the Wesley Methodist religion?

6)      Can I locate a cemetery or burial record for Joseph and M (Miller) Roberts in Halton County?

Where is St. Davids, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada??

http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/english/on-line-exhibits/maps/counties/lincolnbig.aspx

St. Davids, Lincoln, Ontario, Canada is located approximately two miles to the west of the US/Canada border and less than ten miles northwest (as the crow flies) from Niagara Falls.  It is also approximately 50 miles from Bronte, Halton, Ontario, Canada (home of the Cecelia’s father at the time of her marriage).

Thanks for stopping by.

Love & Aloha,
~Cuzn Amy