Joseph H. Searle

Unknown Friar was born Unknown and died before 1843 in Unknown. He is the son of Unknown.

Mary Ann Trim was born May 8, 1825, in Thornbury, Devon Co., England; was Christened May 8, 1825, in Devon Co., England; and died September 8, 1851, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, at age 26. She is the daughter of Francis Hooper Trim of Holsworthy, County Devon, England, and Rebecca Becalaeck Wonnacott of Thornbury, County Devon, England.

Unknown Friar and Mary Ann Trim were married about 1842 in Canada West.

Unknown Friar died about 1843 in Ontario, Canada West.

Maria Ann "Mary" (Trim) Friar then married Joseph H. Searle.

Joseph H. Searle was born 1819, in St. Pinnock, Cornwall Co., England, and died 1883 in Burlington Twp., Lapeer Co., MI, at about age 64. Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI. He is the son of William Husband Searle of Lanreath, County Cornwall, England, and Anne Hill of Liskeard, Cornwalll Co., England.

Joseph H. Searle and Mary Ann (Trim) Friar, both of Hope Twp., were married February 23, 1843, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, by Rev. John Cassie, witnessed by Zacceus Mitchell and Wm. Curtis. 

Joseph H. Searle and Mary Ann (Trim) (Friar) Searle had four children:

  1. George Searle: Born February 14, 1844, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West; Died July 9, 1915, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada (age 71). Buried in Saint Josephs Catholic Cemetery, Guelph, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. Married (1) 1863 in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada to Ellen McAllistrum: Born 1846 in Eramosa Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; Died May 9, 1884, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada (about age 38). Married (2) June 15, 1885, in Weston, Ontario, Canada to Anne Elizabeth (White) Unknown: Born January 26, 1854, in Weston, Ontario, Canada; Died February 17, 1935, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada (age 81). Buried in Saint Josephs Catholic Cemetery, Guelph, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada.
  2. Henry William Searle: Born June 8, 1845, in Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West; Died May 31, 1925, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada (age 79). Buried in Saint Josephs Catholic Cemetery, Guelph, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada. Married November 6, 1867, in Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada, to Margaret Cahill: Born July 15, 1846, in Toronto, Ontario Co., Canada West; Died March 12, 1920, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada (age 73). Buried in Saint Josephs Catholic Cemetery, Guelph, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada.
  3. Joseph Searle: Born 1847 in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West; Died April 26, 1900, in Lot 3, Conc. 6, Hope Twp., Durham Co., Ontario, Canada (age 54). Married December 19, 1866, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada, to Sarah Jane McGahey: Born about 1844 in Saint Lawrence Co., NY; Died May 14, 1907, in Lot 3, Conc. 6, Hope Twp., Durham Co., Ontario, Canada (age 62).
  4. Samuel Trim Searle: Born about 1849 in Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West; Died October 25, 1879, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada (age 31); Married July 18, 1872, in Troy, Beverly Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada, to Sarah Amelia Thomas: Born about 1851 in Beverly Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario; Died Unknown.

Mary Ann (Trim) (Friar) Searle died before April 29, 1852, in Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, at about age 26.

Joseph H. Searle then married Isabella (Cummins) McCowen.

Isabella Cummins was born about 1825 in Upper Canada, and died about 1865 in Wellington Co., Canada West, at about age 36. She is the daughter of Unknown Cummins of Canada, and Ann Unknown of Ireland.

Isabella Cummins was first married to Unknown McCowen.

Joseph H. Searle, a widower, and Isabella (Cummins) McCowen, a widow, both of Darlington Twp., were married on April 29, 1852, in Hampton, Darlington, Newcastle District, Canada West, by Rev. Alex Kennedy, witnessed by John Searle and Elisabeth Searle. Source: The Marriage Registers of Upper Canada/Canada West, Volume 7 Part 2, Newcastle District, 1848-1855. By: Dan Walker and Sharon Molotkow.

Joseph H. Searle and Isabella (Cummins) (McCowen) Searle had two children:

  1. Mary Isabella Searle: Born about September 16, 1860, in Maryborough, Canada West; Died November 21, 1919, in Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada (age 59). Buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Married January 22, 1884, in Mount Forest, Arthur Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada, to Sidney Rachar: Born August 15, 1854, in Beverly Twp., Wellington Co., Canada West; Died March 30, 1891, in Arthur, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada (age 36). Buried in Petherton Pioneer Baptist Cemetery, Petherton, Arthur Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada.
  2. John Wesley Searle: Born January 1, 1865, in Wellington Co., Canada West; Died July 3, 1940, in Wilber, Iosco Co., MI (age 75). Buried in Wilber Cemetery, Wilber, Iosco Co., MI. Married (1) March 9, 1887, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI, to Cora Levina Cooper: Born 1871 in East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI; Died about 1890 in Michigan (about age 19). Married (2) October 8, 1891, in Tawas City, Iosco Co., MI, to Lucy Ann Scott: Born February 15, 1875, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI; Died October 2, 1929, in Iosco Co., MI (age 54). Buried in Wilber Cemetery, Wilber, Iosco Co., MI. Married (3) June 1, 1931, in East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI, to Sarah (Wilson) (Julian) Kelley: Born February 27, 1870, in Walsingham Center, Norfolk Co., Ontario, Canada; Died February 16, 1940, in East Tawas, Ionia Co., MI (age 69). Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI.

Isabella (Cummins) (McCowen) Searle died about 1865 in Wellington Co., Canada West, at about age 36.

Joseph H. Searle then married Jane Orton McKee.

Jane Orton McKee was born February 27, 1842, in Mariposa Twp., Canada West, and died October 1, 1928, in Wilbur, Iosco Co., MI, at age 86. Buried in Wilber Cemetery, Wilber, Iosco Co., MI.  She is the daughter of James McKee of England, and Margaret (Unknown) of Scotland.

Joseph H. Searle and Jane Orton McKee were married December 19, 1866, in Guelph, Wellington Co., Canada West.

Joseph H. Searle and Jane Orton (McKee) Searle had three children:

  1. Margaret Lucille Searle: Born August 26, 1868, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Ontario, Canada; Died December 7, 1946, in East O'Riley Twp., Ontario, Canada (age 79). Buried in Groveside Cemetery, Brooklin, Whitby Twp., Durham Regional Municipality, Ontario, Canada. Married April 1, 1891, in Orono, Durham Co., Ontario, Canada, to Francis "Frank" Dring: Born October 15, 1866, in Bowmanville, Durham Co., Ontario, Canada; Died Unknown.
  2. Elizabeth S. J. "Jennie Willis" Searle: Born April 14, 1871, in Lapeer, Lapeer Co., MI; Died December 21, 1935, in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI (age 54). Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI. Married June 18, 1890, in Wilber, Iosco Co., MI, to Frank Ervin Styles: Born May 1868 in Ohio; Died December 4, 1931, in Iosco Co., MI (age 63 years 20 days). She was listed as Jennie Willis Searles with father Joseph Searles and mother Jane Orton.
  3. David F. Searle: Born March 16, 1877, in Burlington, Lapeer Co., MI; Died September 13, 1886, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI (age 8). Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI. Cause of death was Diphtheria.

After Joseph H. Searle died, Jane Orton (McKee) Searle, a widow, married a widower, Joseph Burcham.

Joseph Burcham was born January 26, 1843, in Upper Canada, and died October 5, 1911, in Wilkes, Iosco Co., MI, at age 69. Buried in Wilber Cemetery, Wilber, Iosco Co., MI. He is the son of James Burcham of Pennsylvania, and Margaret Monroe of Scotland.

Joseph Burcham was first married to Harriet Corner.

Harriet Corner was born about 1854 in New York, and died before 1883 in Michigan.

Joseph Burcham and Harriet Corner were married Unknown.

Joseph Burcham and Harriet (Corner) Burcham had three children:

  1. James Francis Burcham: Born January, 1865, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI; Died February 15, 1937, at Mercy Hospital, La Mesa, San Diego Co., CA (age 72). Married (1) April 4, 1875, in East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI, to Flora Carter: Born 1860 in Ohio; Died September 14, 1942, in Newark, Licking Co., OH. Divorced. Married (2) Unknown, to Anna M. "Annie" (Heydorf) Carnike: Born September, 1873, in Queens, NY; Died January 4, 1939, in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA (age 65).
  2. Cora Estella Burcham: Born May 31, 1874, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI; Died March 17, 1916, in Waynoka, Woods Co., OK (age 41). Buried in Waynoka Municipal Cemetery, Waynoka, Woods Co., OK. Married December 29, 1892, in Au Sable, Iosco Co., MI, to Herbert "Burt" Reynolds: Born September 25, 1865, in Worth Twp., Sanilac Co., MI; Died October 23, 1940, in Waynoka, Woods Co., OK (age 75). Buried in Waynoka Municipal Cemetery, Waynoka, Woods Co., OK.
  3. Maude May Burcham: Born August 8, 1876, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI; Died April 29, 1949, in Belding, Ionia Co., MI (age 72). Buried in Greene Cemetery, Ionia Co., MI. Married April 22, 1893, in East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI, to William Henry Greene: Born April 16, 1867, in Newark, Essex Co., NJ; Died April 4, 1949, in Michigan (age 81). Buried in Greene Cemetery, Ionia Co., MI.

Joseph Burcham, a widower, and Jane Orton (McKee) Searle, a widow, were married June 11, 1883, in Baldwin Twp., Iosco Co., MI.

Joseph Burcham and Jane Orton (McKee) (Searle) Burcham had no children.

TIMELINE

Ontario was known as: "Upper Canada" from December 26, 1791, to February 10, 1841; "Canada West" from February 10, 1841, to July 1, 1867; and "Ontario" after July 1, 1867.

Found posted on the internet by Chris Bradshaw, a Searle relative:

Joseph Searle (1824-1883) has been a little elusive, but I've found plenty of information about his parents and children. Joseph was born in Cornwall, England, to William Husband Searle (1801-1880) and Ann Hill (1801-1849) and spent his early years in Cornwall. The family, made up at that point by his father William, mother Ann, and brothers and sisters, John (1821-1888), Mary (1823-1888), Phoebe (1826-1903), Catherine (1831-1894), and William (1832-1898). Another sister, also named Catherine, died in 1829 as an infant.

The Searles immigrated to Hope Township, Durham County, Ontario, Canada between the birth of William in 1832 and the birth of their next child, Alice (1833-1893). By 1841, Joseph had married Mary Ann Trim (1825-1851), the eldest daughter of Francis Hooper Trim (1802-1860) and his wife Rebecca Wonnacott (1797-after 1861). The Trim family had immigrated to Canada in the mid-1830s from Thornbury, Devon, England and lived for a time at Hope Township before moving on to Hamilton, Wentworth County, Ontario and then Guelph, Wellington County.

Joseph and Mary Ann Searle lived at Port Hope, Hope Township watching their family grow with 4 sons and 1 daughter, George Searle (1844-1915), Henry William Searle (1845-1925), Joseph Searle (1846-1900), Samuel Trim Searle (1848-1879) named after his maternal grandfather, Samuel Trim (1769-1822), and their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Searle (1850-).

Following the death of his wife, Joseph Searles married widow Isabella McCowen (1825-1865), whose maiden surname was Cummins. I haven't been able to find Isabella's first husband, although her mother's name was apparently "Ann". Joseph and Isabella were married in 1852 at Hampton, Darlington Township and moved their family to Maryborough, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada, where they had two children, one girl and one boy: Mary Isabella Searle (1854-1919) and John Wesley Searle (1865-1940). Sadly, Isabella died shortly after John Wesley's birth.

Joseph Searle married for the third time to Jane McKee (daughter of James and Margaret McKee), at Guelph, Wellington County, Ontario, Canada on 19 Dec 1866. Two of his three older sons were already married or about to marry and had decided to stay in Guelph and Wellington County, (although son Joseph Jr returned to Hope Township). Joseph and Jane headed off to Michigan, with newly born son James S. Searle (1868-) and eventually settled at East Tawas, Iosco County, Michigan, USA having two more children: Elizabeth S. Searle (1871-) and David G. R. Searle (1878-1886).

Joseph passed away in 1883 in Michigan and was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco County, Michigan, USA. He ended up fathering 10 children and was the grandfather to about 32 grandchildren spread across Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia as well as thoughout Michigan and neighboring states.

Following the death of Joseph SEARLE in 1883, his widow, Jane married Joseph BURCHAM 11 June 1883 at Baldwin Township, Iosco County, Michigan, USA. Jane was listed as Jane Pearl. Joseph BURCHAM had been previously married to Harriet CORNER who had passed away. Joseph and Harriet had 3 children: James BURCHAM, Cora BURCHAM and Maude Mae BURCHAM but there were no further children born to Joseph & Jane. Joseph BURCHAM was born 1843 in Ontario (then called Upper Canada) and died 5 October 1911 at Wilkes, Iosco County, Michigan, USA. Jane BURCHAM died 1 October 1928 at Wilbur, Tawas, Iosco County, Michigan, USA and had been living with her step-son John Wesley Searle and his wife Lucy Ann SCOTT.

Joseph H. Searle was born 1819, in St. Pinnock, Cornwall Co., England.

Maria Ann Trim was Christened May 8, 1825, in Thornbury, Devonshire, England.

Isabella Cummins was born about 1825 in Upper Canada.

Joseph H. Searle and Mary Ann (Trim) Friar, both of Hope Twp., were married February 23, 1843, in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, by Rev. John Cassie, witnessed by Zacceus Mitchell and Wm. Curtis. 

Mary Ann (Trim) (Friar) Searle died September 8, 1851, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Canada West, at age 26.

The 1861 Canadian Census shows Joseph Serl (age 15) born in Upper, is an unmarried male, and is living in the farming household of Robert Decker, Clarke Twp., Durham Co., Canada West.

The 1861 Canadian Census shows Henry Sorrel (age 16) born in Upper Canada is a Laborer and is living in Wellington Co., Canada West. Also listed with him are: Joseph Sorrel (no age) born in Upper Canada but living in Georgetown; and Isabella Sorrel (no age) born in Upper Canada but living in Georgetown.

Isabella (McCowen) (Cummins) Searle died about 1861 in Wellington Co., Canada West, at about age 36.

Joseph Searle, age 40, of Minto Twp., and born in Cornwall, England (with parents of William Searle and Ann Hill), and Jane Orton McKee, age 23, of Mariposa Twp., and born in Mariposa Twp., Victoria Co., Ontario, Canada (with parents of James Orton and Margaret Brotherton), were married December 19, 1866, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada.

Joseph Searle and Jane Orton McKee Marriage Record.

Joseph Searle, age 22, of Hope Twp., and born in Canada (with parents of Joseph Searle and Mary Ann Searle), and Mary Ann McGahey, age 23, of Hope Twp., and born in the United States (with parents of James McGahey and Margaret McGahey) were married February 15, 1869, in Hope.

Joseph Searle and Mary Ann McGahey Marriage Record.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 1, 1870, shows Joseph Serle (age 48) born in England to Foreign-born parents, is a Farm Laborer, and is living in Novi Twp., Oakland Co., MI. Living with him are: Jane Serle (age 28) born in Ontario, Canada, to Foreign-born parents, who is Keeping House; John Serle (age 4) born in Ontario, Canada, to Foreign-born parents; and James S. Serle (age 2) born in Ontario, Canada, to Foreign-born parents.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 26, 1880, shows Joseph H. Sarls (age 58) born in England to English-born parents, is a married Farmer, and is living in Burlington Twp., Lapeer Co., MI. Living with him are: his wife, Jane Sarls (age 38) born in Ontario, Canada, to English and Scottish-born parents, who is Keeping House; his son, John W. Sarls (age 14), born in Canada to English and Canadian-born parents, a Farm Hand; his daughter, Elisabeth S. Sarls (age 7) born in Michigan to English and Canadian-born parents; and his son, David G. R. Sarls (age 3) born in Michigan to English and Canadian-born parents.

Joseph H. Searle died 1883 in Burlington Twp., Lapeer Co., MI, at about age 64. Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI.

Joseph Burcham, a widower, and Jane Orton (McKee) Searle, a widow, were married June 11, 1883, in Baldwin Twp., Iosco Co., MI.

Sidney Rachar, age 28 (of Arthur Twp., and born in Beverly Twp. (with parents Stephen Rachar, and Margaret Sharer), and Mary Isabella Searle, age 26, of Arthur Twp., and born in Maryborough (with parents of Joseph Searles, and Isabella Cummins), were married January 22, 1884, in Mount Forest, Arthur Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada.

Sidney Rachar and Mary Isabella Searle Marriage Record.

David T. Searle died September 13, 1886, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI, at age 8. Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI. Cause of death was Diphtheria.

David T. Searle Death Record.

John Wesley Searle and Cora Levina Cooper were married March 9, 1887, in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI.

John Wesley Searle and Cora Levina Cooper Marriage Record.

Frank Ervin Styles (age 22) born in Ohio, (with parents of James Styles and Mary Southwell), and Elizabeth S. J. "Jennie Willis" Searle (age 17) born in Michigan, (with parents Joseph Searle and Jane Orton), were married June 18, 1890, in Wilber, Iosco Co., MI.

Frank Ervin Styles and Elizabeth S. J. "Jennie Willis" Searle Marriage Record.

Sidney Rachar died March 30, 1891, in Arthur, Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada, at age 36. Buried in Petherton Pioneer Baptist Cemetery, Petherton, Arthur Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada.

Sidney Rachar Death Record.

John Wesley Searle, a widower, and Lucy Ann Scott, a maiden, were married October 8, 1891, in Tawas City, Iosco Co., MI.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 8, 1900, shows John Searles (age 35) born January 1866 in English Canada to English and English Canadian-born parents and having immigrated in 1868 and a Naturalized Citizen is a Farmer doing Farming who owns his farm free of a mortgage and is living in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI. Living with him is his wife of 14 years, Lucy Searles (age 25) born February 1875 in Michigan to England and Scotland-born parents, with all three of the children born to her still alive. Also living there are his three children, all born in Michigan to English Canadian and Michigan-born parents: Wesley Searles (age 12) born August 1887; Laura Searles (age 7) born January 1893; and Mary Searles (age 4) born September 1895.

The 1901 Canadian Census shows Sarah Searle (age 56) born Unknown in the United States is the Head of Household Farmer living in Clarke Twp., Durham West, Ontario, Canada. Living with her are her three unmarried sons, all born in Ontario: Robert Searle (age 20) born July 28, 1880, a Farmer's Son; Samuel Searle (age 18) born December 1, 1882, a Farmer's Son; and Milton Searle (age 14) born February 6, 1887. Two farms away is the family of Robert McGahey (age 61) born in Ontario.

Sarah Jane (McGahey) Searle died May 14, 1907, in Lot 3, Conc. 6, Hope Twp., Durham Co., Ontario, Canada, at age 62.

Sarah Jane (McGahey) Searl Death Record, 1907, Hope Twp., Durham Co., Ontario, Canada.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 25, 1910, shows John Searle (age 45) born in English Canada to English Canadian-born parents and first married at age 18 and in his second marriage and having immigrated in 1873 and a Naturalized Citizen is a Farmer on the Home Farm who owns his farm free of a mortgage and is living in Wilber Twp., Iosco Co., MI. Living with him is his wife, Lucy Searle (age 35) born in Michigan to England and Scotland-born parents and first married at age 18 and in her first marriage, with both of the children born to her still alive, a Laborer on the Home Farm. Also living there are his three unmarried children, all born in Michigan to English Canadian and Michigan-born parents: Wesley James Searle (age 21) a Laborer on the Home Farm; Laura Janette Searle (age 17); and Mary Elizabeth Searle (age 14).

Henry William Searle died May 31, 1925, in Guelph Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada at age 79.

Henry William Searle Death Record.

John Wesley Searle and Sarah (Wilson) (Julian) Kelley were married June 1, 1931, in East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI.

John Wesley Searle and Sarah (Wilson) (Unknown) Kelly Marriage Record.

Elizabeth S. J. (Searle) Styles died December 21, 1935, in Detroit, Wayne Co., MI, at age 54. Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI.

Elizabeth S. J. (Searle) Styles Death Certificate.

Sarah (Wilson) (Julian) (Kelley) SEarle died February 16, 1940, in East Tawas, Ionia Co., MI, at age 69. Buried in Greenwood Cemetery, East Tawas, Iosco Co., MI.

Sarah (Wilson) (Julian) Kelley Death Certificate.

John Wesley Searle died July 3, 1940, in Wilber, Iosco Co., MI, at age 75. Buried in Wilber Cemetery, Wilber, Iosco Co., MI.

John Wesley Searle Death Certificate.

 

 

Hi All...
I am trying to find any info about the following:
Joseph SEARLE married Mary TRIM (possibly in England, possibly in Canada). I believe Joseph was born in Cornwall. They lived at Port Hope, Ontario when sons George, Henry and Samuel Trim were born in the 1840s. Another possible son named Joseph. They eventually moved to Guelph, Ontario by the 1860s. George SEARLE married 1st Ellen MACALLISTER and later to Elizabeth WHITE. His occupation was a baker.
Any info about this family would be appreciated.

Regards
Chris Bradshaw
 

Hi Astrid...
I have an ancestor who seems to come from Cornwall who seems to have settled
(at least temporarily at Port Hope in Durham County). Joseph SEARLE date of
birth currently unknown but both in Cornwall, married Mary Ann TRIM (another
Cornwall/Devon surname) and had at least 3 sons:
George SEARLE b:1844 Port Hope,
Henry SEARLE b:1845 Port Hope and
Samuel Trim SEARLE.

They all seem to have found their way to Guelph, Ontario by the 1860s.
George SEARLE has a baker by trade.
I haven't had a chance to trace this branch as much as I would like, but was
intrigued by your mentioning that there were some other Cornish folks in the
same area. Also, they seem to have been Roman Catholic.

Joseph then married Isabella McCowen.

Isabella McCowen was born Unknown and died Unknown. She was the daughter of Unknown.

Joseph Searle and Isabella McCowen, both of Darlington Twp., were married April 29, 1852, in Hampton, Darlington, Newcastle District, Canada West, by Rev. Alex Kennedy, witnessed by John Searle and Elisabeth Searle. Source: The Marriage Registers of Upper Canada/Canada West, Volume 7 Part 2, Newcastle District, 1848-1855. By: Dan Walker and Sharon Molotkow.

Joseph Searl Death Listing, 1900 Hope Twp., Clarke Division, Ontario, Canada.

Sarah Jane Searl Death Listing, May 14, 1907, Hope Twp., Clarke Division, Ontario, Canada.

Milton Alexander Searle Death Listing, 1907 Clarke Twp., child of Robert Searle.

 

 

The Early Days of Wilber
Written by Amy Abbott and read by her at a meeting of the Iosco County Pioneer Society in the summer of 1921.
Also published in The History of Iosco County, Michigan, 1981.
 
The early settlers came over slab roads and rough, winding trails which were far different from our excellent roads of the present day. The first to come was Joseph Burcham In the year 1874. The Moore, Wilber, Kingsland. Scott, Stanton, Marsha11, Syme, Stevenson, Falls, Wilkinson, Stickles, Abbott, Bell, Dawes, Kirkendall, Stevens, Corner and Hodman families soon followed. The blackened woods of what is now Wilber Township became sparsely dotted with 1og cabins, each surrounded by a small clearing.

Because of the swamps that lay north and south, Tawas and Au Sable were reached in a very roundabout way. In 1876 the men of this ne1ghborhood had to go to Au Sable in order to vote in the presidential election. To get there, it was necessary to go west two miles to the plains, then north on what was known as the "hardscrabble" road. It intersected with the Au Sable tote road, that went east to Au Sable. The drive of about twenty mi1es is now shortened to half that distance. The following year Au Sable Township opened a road through to Wilber, building a mile of corduroy road across the swamp. This made a more direct, if not a smoother, route.

At about the same time East Tawas began improving the road from that direction, making a similar crossing one mile long across what was known as "the big cedar swamp". The corduroy roads were an improvement on the first roads, but in the spring of the year they became "floating crossways". Many and interesting are the stories told about them.

One day Joe Bell went to town with his team and wagon; while in town, a heavy rain fell. When within a half mile of home on his return, he found the crossway was afloat. He was obliged to unhitch the horses, single them out and let them pick their way through the slashing, leaving the wagon until the water subsided.

At another tine, Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson and Jennie Scott were on their way to Tawas in a lumber wagon. As they were crossing a mud-hole, a front wheel of the wagon struck one end of a pole. That caused the other end to fly up and hit the wagon box, quickly landing said wagon box, seat, and occupants into the mud. Strange to say, the basket of eggs which Jennie held, escaped with but little damage.

As the clearings were made and enclosed by log fences, roads were cut from one to another, and at each clearing a pair of bars was made across the road. It is interesting to note that one of the early settlers remembers of having to go through seven pairs of bars on his way to Tawas. It is not to be wondered that the trip to town was an all day's job.

In the spring of 1878, Wilber Township was organized, taking one township from Au Sable and one from Plainfield. E.F. Abbott circulated the petition. The name of Prospect was considered, but Wilber was finally decided upon, in honor of Marvin Wilber, one of the early settlers. He lived on what is now known as the Smith place, and built the first frame house and barn in the township.

At the first town meeting, which was held in Lauren Wilber's home, Nelson Stevens was elected supervisor, and Melvin C. Falls, clerk. The next meetings were held in the new schoolhouse in Dist. No. 1, which was built by Francis Dawes.

The first teacher was Mary Hobinson. She was granted her certificate by the township inspector, George Dawes. Among her pupils were Clara Stickles (later Mrs. John Alda), Jim Burcham, Adrien Dawes, John Myers, and the Syme, Marshall, Falls and Scott children.

In the fall of '87 the township bought the schoolhouse for a town hail, and the district erected a new building which still serves its original purpose. May Falls (now Mrs. John Westervelt) was the first teacher in the new schoolhouse.

Wilber Post Office was established Jan. 20, 1891, with Mrs. E.F. Abbott as postmistress. She also kept on sale a small supply of the most necessary articles. There has been a store in connection with the Post Office ever since. At first, mail was carried to and from East Tawas twice a week on the back of the mail-carrier. In the winter time it was necessary for him to make the trip on snowshoes.

Before the schoolhouse was built, Sunday School used to be held in the Stevenson home. Mr. Stevenson was superintendent, adult Bible teacher and song leader. Mrs. Falls walked nearly two miles and taught the children's class. On March 9, 1887, the M.E. Church was dedicated. Rev. Sibley Taylor of Tawas City was the first pastor.

Because of road conditions, lack of telephone, and distance from town, a doctor's services were next to impossible in times of sickness. But Mrs. Stevenson, (now Mrs. Enos Scott) was the angel of mercy. The worst weather or roads did not keep her from the bedside of the sick, where her loving unselfish services were of priceless value; yet costing the sufferer little or nothing. Her fee for delivering a baby was $2 if the family could pay it.

It cannot be said that Wilber is the most healthful place in the state, but at one time three years elapsed without a death, and our health officer received a letter from the state board of health asking how he could account for it. The only reason he could give was that in our township, fresh air, the very best water, and strenuous exercise are always to be had in abundance.

In the early days wild game, such as deer, bear, wolves and lynx were very plentiful. Occasionally the scream of a panther was heard. As late as 1887 a wolf pack was known to go through the settlement. On one day of Christmas week, Mabel Falls, aged nine years (now Mrs. 0. Misener), had spent the day with her sister, Mrs. Abbott, and left just before dark to go home. Part of the distance of two miles was only a rough trail through the woods. She had gone but half a mile on the lonely path then she was startled by the barking of what she thought to be a lot of dogs, Very much frightened, she ran back to the Abbott home. The next morning it was seen by tracks in the light snow that a large pack of wolves had crossed the trail at that point.

There has always been easy access to an abundance of wild fruit. It may be safely said that huckleberries have aided greatly the progress of our citizens as household articles and farm equipment was purchased with money earned by picking huckleberries.

Besides the school house and church already mentioned, Wilbur grew to have have two other schools. The three schools were named: Stevens School, District #1 and the Green School. Grange Hall was built for the social life of the community. A lumber mill, owned by Mr. Asa Rodman, has long been in operation.

We are glad that many of our pioneers have lived to enjoy our fine roads, modern conveyances and other improvements that they helped to bring about. The automobile of today contrasts strongly with the lumber wagon drawn by oxen over the rough crossways in the days when a spring seat was a luxury.
 

 

 

I am Lowell Wayne Greene and I was born in Wilber Township, Iosco Co MI in 1938.

My father was Fred Joseph Greene, b 1904,  Iosco Co MI; first m Violetta Bradford; second m 1938 Miriam Adele Amacher, b 1907, Cullom, Livingston Co IL. His older brothers and sister were Ray, Harry and Hattie.

My grandfather was William Henry Greene, b 1867, Newark, NJ; m Maude Mae Burcham, b 1876, Iosco Co MI. William had two older sisters, Lillie "Lil" b 1864 and Mamie, for whom I do not have a birthdate.

My great grandfather was John W. Greene, who was married to Elizabeth Wilson. Both of them were born in NY. I don't know if they were married in NY or NJ or the date of the marriage, but I think they all three of their children were born in Newark, NJ.

It is possible that the parents of John W. were William and Mary Greene.

If anyone has any information about either of them, I would appreciate it.
 

Event Type: Death
Event Date: 01 Oct 1928
Event Place: Wilbur, Iosco, Michigan, United States
Gender: Female
Age: 86
Marital Status: Widowed
Birth Date: 27 Feb 1842
Birthplace: Canada
Birth Year (Estimated): 1842
Father's Name: James Orten
Mother's Name: Margaret
GS Film number: 1972755
Digital Folder Number: 005237595
Image Number: 01385