FERRIS

 Egbert F Ferris was born in 1854/1855 in Ohio (f=OH, m=VT). He was married prior to 1876 to Almeda Kxxxx. Almeda was born in 1850/1851 in Michigan (f=VT, m=OH).  In 1880, the Ferris family was living on a farm in Long Lake twp. Egbert was the township clerk and a constable in 1881 and the school inspector in 1882.

 He spent time fixing his farm up. In July 1881 he built plank fencing. In December 1881 he was building a barn and in March 1883 he completed an ice house and had filled it. At other times he worked in the lumber woods, bringing timber to log yards. Relatives visited in August 1882^[1]. 

 Egbert and Almeda were members of the Templars in 1884. Egbert served as supervisor of Long Lake twp in 1884 and 1886 and was a Justice of the Peace in 1887.The Grand Traverse Herald noted: After a thorough review of the tax roll of Long Lake there are but very few changes to be made, which speaks well for Mr. Ferris, the supervisor, who seems to have done equal justice to all. It requires a man of good judgement and some learning to fill this position, and we believe Mr. Ferris has served the town faithfully and well and we hope he will be retained a long time in the office^[2].

 A road was built to Egbert's farm and he received the contract to remove timber. In July 1885, Almeda's mother and aunt arrived for a visit. Late that summer, Colin Shilling dug a well for the farm. In September 1885 the Grand Traverse Herald noted:  E. F. Ferris and E. V. Davis have purchased a first-class wheat drill, and any one desiring the use of it can get it by paying 25 cents per acre. In our opinion it is a very paying investment to secure a drill at the above figures.

 E. F. became known as a horse trader in the 1890s. He traded horses with John Cox in January 1890 and by late January had sold most of his stock. Mr. Ransom bought a yoke of black ox in September 1892 from him^[3]. 

 The Ferris=s daughter, Mrs. Mansell, visited from Silver Lake in January 1890. E. F. was renting houses in May 1891^[4].

 Children

 i.              Cora H Ferris was born in 1875/1876 in Michigan. Cora died on 2 August 1881^[5].

ii.             Eva Ferris was born on 28 May 1890 in Long Lake twp^[6]. Eva died on 15 July 1891 from cholera infantum in Traverse City^[7].

 

FEWINS

 William Fewins was born in 1790/1791 in England.  He was married prior to 1852 to Margaret. Margaret was born in England in 1814/1815. The Fewins lived in Canada from about 1852 to 1855. In 1870, William worked as a farm laborer and had personal property worth only $200^[8].

 Children

 

i.              William Fewins was born in May 1848 in Canada.

ii.             Alma Fewins was born in 1850/1851 in Canada.

iii.            Daniel Fewins was born in 25 March 1852 in Canada. Daniel was killed by a falling tree in Long Lake on 6 December 1873^[9].

iv.            Mary Fewins was born in 1854/1855 in Canada.

 

William Fewins was born in May 1848 in Canada, son of William and Margaret Fewins. William was married to Mary Snyder. Mary was born in June 1863 in Michigan, daughter of Mat and Barbara Umlor Snyder. In 1900, 1910 and 1920, the Fewins were living on a farm in Long Lake twp^[10]. William died on 5 September 1926 in Long Lake from "chronic pneuritis"^[11]. Mary died on 1 June 1931 (66-11-20) in Long Lake twp from myocarditis^[12].

 Children

 i.              Emma Fewins was born in April 1882 in Michigan. Emma was married to Louis Stricker.

ii.             Mary Fewins was born on 25 Aug. 1884 in Long Lake twp^[13]. Mary was married to Henry Sachtleben.

iii.            Caroline Fewins was born on 4 October 1886 in Long Lake twp^[14]. Carrie married Alfred Herkner.

iv.            Clarence Fewins was born on 4 October 1886 in Long Lake twp^[15].

v.             Levi Fewins was born on 23 December 1905 in Long Lake twp.

FILLMORE

 Ebenezer Fillmore was born on 16 June 1815. Census records state that Ebenezer was born in New York state, however the exact location of his birth has not been determined. The identity of Ebenezer's parents is unknown. Printed Fillmore genealogies do not include Ebenezer Fillmore. The 1880 census lists his parents as having both been born in New York state. A possible candidate is a John Fillmore who was living in Trousberg, Steuben County, New York in 1820. The 1820 census lists three individuals in this household, John Fillmore aged 16 to 26, a woman aged 16 to 26, and a male aged 1 to 10. The child may have been Ebenezer. Another possible relative was an Asahabel Fillmore who was "received in full in (the) Canisteo Methodist Church" in 1830 in Steuben County^[16]. Apparently Asahabel Fillmore was a minister in the church.

 Ebenezer was married 10 August 1836 in Jasper, Steuben County, New York by the Reverand Dodson to Harriet Bessey. Harriet was born 10 August 1815, daughter of Philip Bessey and his wife Susanah. Census records indicate she was born in New York State. 

 The township of Jasper in Steuben County was formed from portions of Canisteo and Trousberg townships. The township is very hilly with summits of up to 2000 feet high. Several streams run through the township, each cutting a deep and narrow ravine. The area was first settled in 1807 and grew rapidly following the War of 1812^[17]. Steuben County is in south-central New York.

 The earliest record found for Ebenezer and Harriet is the 1840 Federal Census where they were counted in Genesee township, Potter County, Pennsylvania. This township is right on the border between Pennsylvania and New York. The census lists one male aged 20-30 (Ebenezer), one female aged 20-30 (Harriet), one male aged under five (Eliphalet), and one female aged under five (Phebe). By 1840 two children had been born to Ebenezer and Harriet according to the Fillmore family bible, Eliphalet on 12 June 1837, apparently in New York state, and Phebe Ann, born 29 September 1839. Her birthplace is listed in the 1900 and 1910 census as Pennsylvania while the 1850, 1870, and 1880 census records list her birthplace as New York state. Ebenezer reported that he voted for William Henry Harrison in the 1840 presidential election.^[18]

 Next door to the Fillmores in 1840 was the family of John Sharp. This individual was almost certainly a relative of Harriet Fillmore. Family tradition has been that her name was Harriet Bessie Sharp. This was not supported in any records. Her children's death certificate's state her maiden name was Bessie, as does a county history account of her son Emmet (with one exception, son Eliphalet's death certificate lists his mother's maiden name as Manley). John Sharp probably married Harriet's sister. His daughter Amy Ann Sharp married Charles Tilton. In Harriet's civil war pension application Amy Ann testified that she had lived near the Fillmore's for much of her life, following them to Michigan. Surprisingly, Charles and Amy Ann Tilton were living next door to Francis and Chloe Ransom in 1860 in Branch County, Michigan. The Fillmores became related to the Ransoms through two marriages.

 Attempts to trace the Fillmore family in New York and Pennsylvania through property records has been unsuccessful to date. Ebenezer Fillmore never purchased or sold land in either Steuben County, New York or in Potter County, Pennsylvania. No Fillmores or Besseys were located in probate records for these counties either.

 In 1850 the Fillmores were living in Jasper township, Steuben County, New York according to the Federal Census. Ebenezer's was listed as a farmer. Four additional children had been born in New York: Susanah on 24 September 1841, William on 13 September 1844, Johnathon on 9 September 1846, and Emmet M on 2 January 1849. Ebenezer was listed in the account book of general store owner Joseph Marsh in Steuben County on 18 April 1850 along with John Sharp. Other account books by the same grocer list other possible family members Robert Sharp and Charles Schanck. Daughter Edna Helen joined the family on born 14 June 1851. On 2 June 1853 son William died, probably in Steuben County.

 The Fillmores moved from Steuben County sometime after 14 September 1857, when their son Emmet O was born, and before 11 August 1859, when son Wilson M was born. Edna would later recall traveling down the Erie Canal on their way to Michigan.

 The 1860 census taker found the Fillmores in Rome township, Lenawee County, Michigan. Ebenezer was working as a farmer. The Fillmores' last child, Benjamin Franklin, was born 20 February 1861. 

In the 1860s the Civil War was raging along the East Coast and Ebenezer enlisted 9 May 1863 at Rome, Lenawee County in the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, lying about his age to get into the army (he said he was 35 when he was actually 48). He was mustered into the army on 3 June 1863. During the war Ebenezer served as a cook. Family stories suggest that Ebenezer was not a particularly dependable provider during the war years, apparently giving most of his pay to other soldiers to keep them from starving. Meanwhile, at home, Harriet supported the family by spinning and weaving cloth. She also supervised the family's movement to Franklin township, Lenawee County. Family tradition is that the family may have had health problems due to malaria or some sort of disease associated with swamps.

 During the war Ebenezer traveled to Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. In Tallahoma, Tennessee he was forced to sleep on the ground, which he would later blame for his subsequent ill health. At the end of the war Ebenezer was serving in Washington, D.C. He was mustered out at Jackson, Michigan on 22 September 1865. He returned home in poor health. At about this time he was visited by his son-in-law Ira Chase. Ira was also the brother of daughter Phebe's husband, Benjamin H Durga.  Ira convinced Ebenezer to move north to the largely-wooded northern Michigan. Daughter Phebe's in-laws, the Durgas, also had moved or eventually moved to northern Michigan. The Grand Traverse Herald published a brief history of Long Lake in 1885: Early in February of '62 E. Fillmore, who was then living in Whitewater town, brought Mr. Chase out to his land, which he entered. The snow was then near three feet deep, and they had to cut their own road through the forest from section 11. When they arrived to erect his cabin, they cut a place for it and built a rude one, camping out for a while. They worked away until they got it erected, when they went back to Whitewater for a few days. It is uncertain if the E. Fillmore refers to Ebenezer or his son Eliphalet.

The move north at that time, which began on 1 May 1866, must have been quite difficult. Edna would remember fording streams in a Conestoga wagon and being greeted by someone who may have been an uncle at Long Lake. The identity of these relatives is uncertain, however it is possible that it was either Jonathan and Philinda Bessey Schanck Charles and Amy Ann Sharp Tilton.

 The entire clan moved including the families of son Eliphalet (who had married Clarrisa Worden) and daughter Phebe. When the Fillmores arrived at Long Lake, Grand Traverse County in June, Ebenezer was so sick that he could not help in the building of his log cabin. This cabin was built above Long Lake and survived until 1948.

The following year saw the death of son Wilson on the 5th of July, killed by a falling tree. In 1870 Ebenezer's personal wealth was listed at $400 while his farm was worth $1000^[19]. He was again listed as a farmer. Sons Johnathon, Emmett, Edwin, and Benjamin were still at home. Johnathon was working as a farmer, Emmett as a day laborer, and the younger boys were attending school. Harriet was keeping house. Ebenezer was also working as a lumberman In 1876 he and son Emmet "cut cordwood and slept in the open with nothing but brush thrown across some poles to keep the snow off them. They buried their provisions in the ground to keep them from freezing" (Gordon 1922:916).

 In 1880, Ebenezer was counted twice by the census taker, the first with his family and the second time working in a lumber camp in Blair township, probably as a cook^[20]. By 1880 the older two boys had married. At the time of the census a niece named Charity Schanck, aged 34, was living with the Fillmores along with an eight year old granddaughter Harriet C Fillmore (daughter of Jonathon). Charity was the daughter of Jonathon and Philinda Bessey Schanck. Philinda was Harriet's sister. The Schancks had lived near the Fillmores in New York. The Schancks moved to Michigan sometime between 1865 and 1870. Jonathan Schanck died in 1873.  Philinda died in 1877 and the Fillmores took in Charity Schanck.

 The Grand Traverse Herald reported on 26 August 1880: On last Saturday week upwards of 35 relatives and friends of Mrs. E. Fillmore met at her residence to celebrate her 65th anniversary. A bountiful table was spread, and all partook of the good things thereon. On 7 October 1880 the paper noted: Mrs. E. Fillmore went to look for eggs. the other morning, and found one which was somewhat remarkable in size. She took it to the house and on breaking it found that there were three yolks in it.

 Ebenezer worked in the lumber woods as a cook and as a driver. On 16 December 1880 the Grand Traverse Herald reported: Mr. E. Fillmore slipped and fell while driving a yoke cattle and one of them trod on him, injuring one of his legs severely.

 The 1880s were tragic years for the Fillmores. In June 1883 a scarlet fever epidemic carried away four of the children of Emmet Fillmore and his wife Harriet (Hatty) E. Chase Fillmore. Mattie (aged four) died on 3 June, William (aged nine) died the following day, Delia (aged six) and Joseph (aged two) died on 11 June 1883.

 Shortly afterwards, on 10 August, the youngest son of Ebenezer and Harriet, Frank, drowned in Long Lake. Family tradition states that Harriet slept on Frank's grave for two weeks to keep the body snatchers away. Later Ebenezer's Civil War pension application noted that "I  had my youngest son killed he was my support when he went all hopes went with him." Emmet and Hattys' family suffered another loss on 13 December 1883 when their one day old son Emmet died.

 The string of losses continued into 1884 with the death of Edwin Fillmore. Edwin had married Chloe Matilda Ransom, a cousin of his sister Edna's husband Elijah Leland Ransom, on 13 December 1882. On 29 August 1884, at the home of Chloe's parents in Branch County, Michigan, Edwin died of consumption, leaving a one-year-old daughter, Fidelia.

 The prior year the Fillmores attempted to divest themselves of their niece, Charity Schanck. Charity had been living with since at least 1880 and probably ever since her mother died in 1877. When Charity was six years old she suffered from a severe attack of typhoid fever. As a result, or at the same time, she developed epilepsy. Charity suffered epileptic attacks that lasted an hour, requiring restraint. These attacks, as well as the fact that she had no income, apparently made the Fillmore's tired of having Charity at their house. She was packed off to an asylum in Kalamazoo.

 In September of 1887, Ebenezer Fillmore swore a statement for a Probate Court hearing to determine whether Charity was indeed insane. Ebenezer said "she is in indigent circumstances that she is not my property...and as far as (he) knows does not expect any legacy..." The hearing to establish Charity's mental state was held at the new courthouse in Traverse City. Ebenezer and Harriet attended, as did two physicians, the prosecuting attorney, the Supervisor of Long Lake township, the Probate Judge, and Charity.

 The doctors testified that Charity was in general good health. She was described as quite emaciated, quite excitable, and irritable. She was also moody and despondent, often "sitting in her chair, thinking, as she says." The doctors did not believe she was insane. The verdict of the court was that "she be moved to some more suitable and comfortable home believing that she may be benefitted by better, more comfortable, and milder treatment." Charity died in late 1884. Her story does not reflect well on the Fillmores, however this was in a time when there was no Social Security or welfare. The Fillmores had never been rich, and were probably looked ahead to a not-so-bright future.

 A comment in the Grand Traverse Herald led a letter writer to send a note to the paper: ED. HERALD- Miss Charity Schanck, who died a few days since, has been an invalid for a number of years. After the death of her father and mother her brothers, in settlement of their father's estate, deeded to Mrs. Ebenezer Fillmore (their aunt on the mother's side) the se 1/4 of the sw 1/4 of section 9 of this town, which is the residence of Mrs. E. Fillmore and family, and is the most desirable portion of the Schanck property. And to pay for this property Mrs. E. Fillmore agreed to take care of Charity as long as she lived. The friends of the Schanck family (and they have many in this locality) think your correspondent, D. W. S., is not justified is calling :Charity Schanck a pauper that E. Fillmore has had the charge of for a number of years past.

 In 1884, the Fillmores entered early cabbages, a quarter bushel of table tomatoes, a quarter bushel of onions from black seed, field pumpkins for stock, and early beets for table use in the Grand Traverse county fair^[21]. A newspaper account written in 1885 noted that Ebenezer, who was known as Eben, had sold his team of oxen to Mr. Kingdon for $135 and intended to invest in a team of horses. Ebenezer may have used the team to draw lumber for Mr. W. Whinnery to Simmonds mill in January 1889 (although this also could have been Eliphalet or Emmett)^[22].

 In 1886 Ebenezer applied for a Civil War pension through the Detroit Agency. To receive a pension Ebenezer had to prove that his disability was a result of illness that occurred during the Civil War. The testimony of Emmet Fillmore, Edna Fillmore Ransom, and Ira Chase were used to prove that the rheumatism in his back, hips, legs, and feet was a result of sleeping on the ground during the war. The rheumatism was so bad that he had to dig potatoes while kneeling. Apparently, beginning about 1885, this rheumatism had prevented Ebenezer from doing any physical labor. Eventually, in 1888, he began to receive $24 a month.

 Ebenezer is described on his pension application as being five feet ten inches tall, with light complexion and light hair along with blue eyes.

 Harriet fell and broke her arm in March 1892, but was reported to be healing in April^[23].

Ebenezer died 14 February 1895 at Long Lake at the home of daughter Susanah. According to the family doctor (Charles Kneeland) the cause of death was cardiac dropsy and pneumonia. Dr. Kneeland also noted that Ebenezer had suffered from chronic rheumatism that had been so severe that he was basically an invalid for his last few years. His obituary was published 15 February 1895, probably in the Traverse Bay.

     OLD PIONEER GONE.

            Ebeneezer Fillmore Died at Long Lake Yesterday

Another old pioneer, Ebeneezer Fillmore, well known in the Grand Traverse region, passed away yesterday , at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Jones, at Long Lake, where he lived for many years. Deceased was 79 years of age, a war veteran and a consistent member of the Methodist church. A wife and six children are left to mourn his loss.

Mr. Fillmore had been closely identified with the development of this region and has seen the splendid growth of the country he helped develop.

The sons are, Eliphat, of Garfield; Emmet of Long Lake and Johnathan, who is located in a western state. The daughters are, Mrs. E. L. Ransom and Mrs. B. H. Durga of Traverse City, and Mrs. Jones of Long Lake. The funeral services will be held tomorrow at Long Lake.        

After Ebenezer's death Harriet had to go through the application process in order to get Ebenezer's Civil War pension. She received $12 a month.

Harriet's last few years appear to have been filled with ill health.  In September of 1895, Harriet Fillmore was declared an insane person. The Probate Court of Grand Traverse County noted that "(She) is mentally incompetent to do and perform ordinary business transactions of life and because she will squandor said pension and property and will then loose the proper benefit from the use of it...having lost her mind and memory." Evan J. East was named her legal guardian. Harriet did not have long to live and died 19 March 1896 at Long Lake. The Grand Traverse Herald reported: Mrs. Harriet Filmore, an old settler and highly esteemed resident of Long Lake, died to-day at the advanced age of 80. Funeral,services will be held to-morrow at the Long Lake church^[24]. Both she and Ebenezer are buried at Linwood Cemetery, across from their home site^[25].

 Children of Ebenezer and Harriet Bessie Fillmore

 i.              Eliphalet Fillmore born 12 June 1837 in New York.

ii.             Phebe Ann Fillmore born 29 September 1839 in Pennsylvania, probably in Potter County where the Fillmores were living in 1840.

iii.            Susanah Fillmore was born 24 September 1941 in New York.

iv.            William Fillmore was born on 13 September 1844. He died 2 June 1863. The family appears to have moved shortly after his death.

v.                Johnathon S(chanck?) Fillmore was born on 9 September 1846 in Steuben County, New York.

vi.            Emmet M Fillmore was born 2 January 1849 in Steuben County, New York.

vii.           Edna Helen Fillmore was born on 14 June 1851 in Steuben County, New York.

viii.          Edwin O Fillmore was born 14 September 1857 in New York.

ix.            Wilson M Fillmore was born 11 August 1859 in Michigan. He died 5 July 1867 at Long Lake, Grand Traverse County, Michigan after being struck by a falling tree^[26].

x.                Benjamin Franklin (Frank) Fillmore was born 20 February 1861 in Michigan. During his short life he attended school and worked on his father's farm. He appears to have been a smart young man, always scoring near the top of his class. Like many other others, he liked to fish in Long Lake: Frank Fillmore set his fish-hook and line on our lake a few days since and on going to it found an extraordinary large fish on it. It was of the pickerel species. He was sick from lung fever in December 1880, but recovered^[27].

 Frank drowned on 10 August 1883 in Long Lake, Grand Traverse County, Michigan^[28]. He is buried in Linwood Cemetery^[29] with a tombstone reading:

 "We loved him

 We missed him

 We wanted him to stay

 But God sent his Angels

 And took him away"

 An account of his death appeared in the 16 August 1883 edition of the Grand Traverse Herald:

 

Long Lake

...A fatal accident occurred to one of our friends on last Friday, at four o'clock p.m.. Frank, and his brother Emmett Fillmore, were doing some repair work on the flume of Elijah Ransom's grist mill, when the center gates and timbers gave way and let a volume of 7 1/2 feet of water down upon them. A post 10 1/2 feet long and 10 inches square struck Frank on the right shoulder, breaking it, and dashed his head against the farther end of the flume, bruising it in a terrible manner, causing death, it is supposed, instantly,  although his body was not taken out of the water for some 45 minutes after the first bursting through of the water, on account of the timber and trash covering him, and his body could not be seen until the water was all let off. Had it not been for the heroic efforts of E. Ransom, Emmet would also have drowned, as his foot was caught under one of the gates, and held his body firmly under the water, until life was pretty well extinct, but Mr. Ransom succeeded at the last moment, in drawing the body out, leaving his boot still fast.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. John Cook, at the friends' church yesterday, after which the body was buried in the cemetery close by. We desire to say a few words in memory of our beloved brother. He was in every sense of the term a true gentleman, being all his life a very moral boy, never known to participate in anything unbecoming a gentleman of the highest order. Was a dutiful son, a studious pupil, an affectionate associate, and last of all a warm-hearted christian, being converted last winter. He also gave his name to the officers of Rising Star lodge, of the I.O.G.T., and would have been initiated into membership on last Saturday night, had he lived. This order assisted in the funeral ceremonies. As he was the stay and support of his aged parents, their loss will be very great.

 

Edwin O Fillmore was born 14 September 1857, son of Ebenezer Fillmore and Harriet Bessey. He attended school in southern Michigan and probably at Long Lake. He took a trip out west in early 1880: Edwin Fillmore, son of E. Fillmore, surprised his domestic circle by unexpectedly returning home last week. He has been traveling for the past two weeks in the western states. The following spring he visited the school, possibly singing at the closing ceremony for the year^[30].

Edwin was well-known as a hunter. On 26 October 1881 the Grand Traverse Herald noted: Ed. Fillmore killed a monster deer on the 22d. It weighed 230 pounds after being dressed. Mr. Fillmore is one of the most successful hunters we have. He killed over 20 deer last fall. He also killed five deer in three days in 1883^[31].

 Edwin was married on 13 December 1882 by Elijah Ransom, Justice of the Peace, at Almira, Benzie County, Michigan to Chloe Matilda Ransom. Witnesses were Franklin Fillmore and D. Durga. The Grand Traverse Herald for 4 January 1883 reported "Long Lake...Edwin Fillmore took unto himself a wife a few days since. The bride was Miss F. Ransom. May joy and happiness attend them"

 Chloe was born in 1861/62 in Michigan, the daughter of James A and Mary A Finney Ransom. She had had an illegitimate child when she was seventeen. Edwin adopted her son as his own.

Edwin contracted tuberculosis and was sick for some time. The Grand Traverse Herald noted on 3 April 1884 that: "Henry Valleau, Edwin Fillmore and a few others are on the sick list."  The illness continued and he was reported to be "low with lung trouble" in July. His father-in-law, James Ransom, arrived to spend time with the family and took them back to Branch County in early August^[32]. Edwin died 29 August 1884 in Branch County, Michigan from consumption at the home of his wife's parents. The Grand Traverse Herald published a death notice shortly afterward.

 The sad intelligence of the death of Edwin Fillmore was received a few days since. Himself and family have been spending a few weeks at Mrs. Fillmore's parents in Branch County, Mich., when he took hemorrhage of the lungs and soon passed away. The remains were interred there." On 4 December 1884 the Grand Traverse Herald reported that James Ransom, from Branch county, father-in-law of the late Edwin Fillmore, has been here for some days settling up the estate of Mr. Fillmore.

 Chloe remained in Branch County and was married there on 3 July 1886 Charles Wheeler.

 i.              Fidelia Fillmore born on 18 September 1883 in Long Lake twp^[33].

 

Eliphalet Fillmore born 12 June 1837 in New York, son of Ebenezer Fillmore and Harriet Bessey. He was married around 1859 in Hillsdale County, Michigan to Clarissa L Worden. Clarissa was born 20 October 1839 in Ohio, the daughter of A. and Matilda Parker Worden. Eliphalet and Clarissa moved to Grand Traverse County in the 1860s. Eliphalet worked as a farmer in 1870 and the farm was valued at $1000 and their personal possessions at $500^[34]. Eliphalet received a land patent for 160 acres in section 20 of Long Lake twp on 25 May 1870. In 1879, their house burned down as reported by the Grand Traverse Herald on 18 December 1879.

 Fire-The house of Eliphalet Fillmore, Long Lake, was entirely consumed by fire about five o'clock Saturday morning. Mr. Fillmore got up quite early, built a fire in the kitchen, and then started for a neighbor's house to secure his assistance in moving, since he intended to take his family into the lumber woods for the winter, having taken a contract for logging. Reaching the top of a hill, about eighty rods from the house he turned and saw flames proceeding from the kitchen chimney. He hurridly retraced his steps, aroused his wife who had not yet risen, and upon reaching the kitchen found the flames making their way through the ceiling. The upper part of the house was all in a blaze by this time. In a few minutes the whole house was enveloped in flames. A few articles of clothing and furniture were secured, but there was little time to do anything. In a very short time nothing but a smoking mass was left. The house was a large, handsome frame farm house. The total loss will probably reach $1,600 to $1,800. Fortunately there was an insurance of $1,200 on the house. This is in the "Hartford," of which H.E. Steward is the agent here. The insurance was taken four (year)s ago and had one year to run. While this insurance will help Mr. Fillmore a good deal, yet the additional loss will fall heavily upon him, and he and his family have the sympathies of all their friends.The light from the fire was seen as afar away as Acme, 15 miles distant from the home site.

 He recovered and by June 1883 was busy: Lafe Fillmore has put up a large number of rods of the most substantial wire fence that we have seen for some time. Has also built a good deal of board fence^[35].

 The Fillmore's lived in later life at 729 W. 7th Street in Traverse City. Clarissa died 24 March 1911 in Traverse City with the cause of death listed as rheumatism. Her obituary was published on that day in the Traverse City Record Eagle.

             Long Lake Pioneer is Dead after Extended illness with Rheumatism

Mrs. Clarissa Filmore died this morning at her home, 729 West Seventh Street, of rheumatism. She was 73 years old.

Mrs. Fillmore came to this region with her husband in 1862, taking up a homestead near Long Lake where they lived until 10 years ago when they moved to the city. Mrs. Fillmore had been an invalid for the past 18 years, rheumatism having made her helpless.

She is survived by a husband, one son, B. W. Fillmore and two daughters, Mrs. Myra Brown and Mrs. J. H. Dawson, all of this city. Besides these there are ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The funeral services will be held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2 O'clock the Rev. W. W. McKee officiating. Interment will be made at Oakwood.

 Eliphalet died on 9 February 1917. His obituary was published the same day in the Record Eagle.

          ELIPHALET FILLMORE,

who would have been 80 years old next June, died at 4 O'clock this morning at the State Hospital of Old Age. Mr. Fillmore was born in New York State, coming to the Grand Traverse Region one-half century ago. He leaves two children Mrs (Dr.) S. Brown and Byron Fillmore, both of this city. The funeral will be held from the Brown residence, 214 State Street, at 3 O'clock Sunday afternoon.

 Children

 i.              Emma J Fillmore was born September 1860 in Michigan. Emma helped organize the W.C.T.U. in 1880^[36].

ii.             Byron William Fillmore was born 4 December 1862 in Hillsdale County, Michigan.

iii.            Fred E Fillmore was born 3 February 1865 in Michigan. He died on 26 September 1875 in Grand Traverse County^[37]. The cause of death was listed as diptheria. His body was moved to Linwood Cemetery in 1886^[38].

iv.            Minnie Fillmore was born 12 September 1868 in Long Lake twp^[39]. Minnie Fillmore died on 23 March 1869 from whooping cough in Long Lake twp^[40].

v.             Mina Fillmore was born and died 12 September 1868 in Long Lake twp^[41]. Her body was transferred to Linwood Cemetery in 1886^[42].

vi.            Inez E Fillmore born April 1871 in Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

vii.           Myra Marie Fillmore born on 16 Oct. 1879 in Long Lake twp^[43].

 

Emmett M Fillmore was born 2 January 1849 in Steuben County, New York, son of Ebenezer Fillmore and Harriey Bessey. He moved with his parents in 1866 to Grand Traverse County and was soon employed in the lumber woods, working for 35 winters as a scaler and during the drives during which the logs were sent downstream to the mills or to ships waiting to take them to market. In one case, in 1871, he started on a drive with twelve other men and did not sleep in a bed until July 3rd. "When it came time to rest he simply cleared away the snow and made himself a rough couch of hemlock boughs"^[44].

Emmett was married on 4 July 1873 to Harriet E. Chase. Harriet was born in 1852. In 1880, the Fillmores lived on a farm in Long Lake twp^[45]. She and Emmett became members of the Friends church (Quaker) in 1881^[46]. IN May 1884, Emmet began to build a house in Traverse City, planning to move his family there. The following spring he moved in with his parents to help care for their farm. Emmet was an innovator and the Grand Traverse Herald noted: Emmet Fillmore purchased a mowing machine and rake a few days since. He is doing a great deal of mowing for other parties. A great deal of money has been expended for farming implements in this locality during the past season^[47].

 Emmet and Harriet had eight children, however seven died during childhood, most during a scarlet fever epidemic. The children are buried in Linwood Cemetery. Harriet subsequently died on 31 March 1887 in Long Lake township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan. She was buried in Linwood Cemetery^[48]. Her obituary was published in the Grand Traverse Herald on 7 April 1887.

Mrs. Emmett Fillmore of Long Lake, died at the home of her parents in Traverse City, March 31st, of consumption. The funeral services were held on Saturday least at the friend's church, of which she was a member. the services were conducted by Rev. O. G. Whitman. The deceased leaves a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn her loss, of which she leaves a husband and, one small child, who have the sympathy of the entire community.

 After her death, Emmet left and went on a long trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, returning home in mid-July 1887^[49].

 Emmet was married on 20 April 1889 in Long Lake to Effie Hildebrandt. The ceremony was performed by Minister Jonathan Hodgson, and was witnessed were Benton and Laura Moler^[50]. Effie was born in April 1870 in Long Lake township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan. She was the daughter of John and Mary Spankenburg Hillebrandt. Effie became a member of the Long Lake Friends Church in 1894^[51]. Emmet and Effie moved to Minnesota in 1899 where he operated a dairy farm for five years in Benton County. They were dropped from the Long Lake Friends Church in 1900^[52]. In 1904 the family moved to Barron County, Wisconsin where Emmett purchased 280 acres in Arland township. He worked as a dairy farmer, milking 15 purebred Holsteins. Again he seems to have been an innovator, using Empire milking machines and lighting his place with a Delco electric generator. He also raised purebred Percheron horses. Emmet was still living with wife Effie in 1922 in Arland township, Barron County, Wisconsin.

 

i.              ______ Fillmore (boy) was born and died on 16 April 1873 in Long Lake twp^[53]. This child was "head affected."^[54]

ii              William Fillmore was born 20 May 1874 in Long Lake twp^[55]. He died from scarlet fever on 4 June 1883. He was buried in Linwood Cemetery^[56]. The Grand Traverse Herald for 7 June 1883 reported "Long Lake- The six-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Fillmore, died on the 2d or 3d inst., of scarlet fever. Owing to the disease being contagious the funeral was not public. The deceased was sick only a short time. The little fellow will be sadly missed by his little brothers and sisters and playmates, and more especially by his fond parents."

iii.            Delia M Fillmore was born 23 August 1876 in Long Lake twp^[57]. She died from scarlet fever on 11 June 1883 in Long Lake twp^[58]. The Grand Traverse Herald stated: The white horse and his rider, death, has again visited the quiet home of Emmet Fillmore, and taken two more of their darling children, the past week. This makes three children they have lost within two weeks, with scarlet fever. Words are no condolence to the bereaved parents in this, their hour of sore affliction. She was buried in Linwood Cemetery^[59].

iv.            ______ Fillmore (boy) was stillborn on 10 February 1878 at Almira, Benzie County, Michigan.

v.             Mattie (Hattie?) Fillmore was born in March 1879. She died from scarlet fever on 3 June 1883^[60]. She was interred in Linwood Cemetery.

vi.            Joseph Fillmore was born in 9 April 1881. He died from scarlet fever on 11 June 1883 in Long Lake twp^[61].  The Grand Traverse Herald noted on 5 July 1883: The fourth, and only child of Mr. and Mrs. Emmet Fillmore died last week, and was buried at the head of the lake. Joseph was buried in Linwood Cemetery^[62].

vii.           Emmet Fillmore was born 1 December 1883 in Traverse City. He died from inflamation of the lungs in December 1883. The death was later reported on 3 April 1884 in the Grand Traverse Herald: Emmet Fillmore's infant child was buried a few days since. Was sick only a few days. The parents have the heart-felt sympathy of the community. This makes the seventh child that death has called from them, leaving them not one living. Emmet is buried in Linwood Cemetery^[63].

viii.          Elijah Fillmore was born in February 1885 in Michigan.

ix.            Minnie Albertha Fillmore was born on 4 August 1890 in Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

x.                Wilhelmina Fillmore was born on 14 July 1898. She died on 17 November 1901 in Wisconsin.

xi.            John F Fillmore was born on 8 Aug 1900 in Minnesota.

xii.           Melvin E Fillmore was born on 21 August 1902 in Wisconsin.

xiii.          Charles E Fillmore was born on 23 November 1904 in Wisconsin.

xiv.                Theodore M. Fillmore was born on 21 February 1908 in Wisconsin.

xv.           Edwin Fillmore was born on 5 October 1913 in Wisconsin.

 

 

Johnathan S(chanck?) Fillmore was born on 9 September 1846 in Steuben County, New York, son of Ebenezer Fillmore and Harriet Bessey. He married first Emma H Connor. Emma was born on 9 December 1853 in New York, the daughter of James and Cecelia Connor. She died 17 October 1872 from dysentary in Long Lake twp^[64] and is buried in Linwood Cemetery^[65]. The Grand Traverse Herald noted on 31 October 1872 (page 3): FILLMORE- At Long Lake, Oct. 17, 1872 of dysentary, Emma H., wife of J. S. Fillmore, and only daughter of James L. and Cecelia B. Connor, aged 18 years, 10 months and 8 days. She leaves an infant daughter and a large circle of mourning friends.

 

Johnathon was married by Addison White, Justice of the Peace, on 10 October 1875 in Benzie County, Michigan to Cora Cowen. Cora was born in September 1853 in Massachusetts. Witnesses to the marriage were W.W. Weller and Abigail White.

 

Johnathan received a land patent for 40 acres in section 18 of Long Lake twp on 15 May 1876. Johnathon and Cora moved to Saint Croix, Emerald Town, Minnesota by 1880. In 1900 their family was living in Barron County, Wisconsin. Jonathan was working as a bridge carpenter, had been unemployed for three months that year, and owned his house.  Johnathon died on 11 April 1905 in Barron County, Wisconsin. Cora was still alive in 1920, living alone and working as a dressmaker.

 

Children

 

i.              Hattie E (C?) Fillmore was born 23 July 1872 in Long Lake twp^[66]. She apparently lived with her grandparents after the death of her mother. Hattie attended school in Long Lake in 1880 and 1881^[67]. Hattie went to Wisconsin to visit her parents in July 1891. In February 1892 she visited friends in Garfield twp. She was taking music lessons from Miss White of Traverse City in October 1892^[68].

ii.             Fred Clifton Fillmore was born in March 1877 in Wisconsin.

iii.                Raymond Fillmore was born in April 1883 in Wisconsin.

iv.            Eva Fillmore was born in December 1891 in Wisconsin.

 

FINCH

 James Naison Finch was born in May 1845 in New York, son of Naison and Esther Finch. Around 1864 James was amrried to Ellen.  Ellen was married in August 1844 in Michigan (parents=NY).  In 1900, the Finches lived in Long Lake twp on a farm^[69].

 Naison Finch was born on 3 January 1819 in New York (parents=NY). Naison was married around 1846 to Esther. Esther was born in November 1825 in Massachusetts (parents=MA). The Finches moved to Michigan in 1857. The Finches moved to Grand Traverse County around 1887.

 In 1900, the Finches lived on a farm in Long Lake twp. Ester died on 9 Nov. 1903.  The Evening Record noted on 10 November 1903 (page 4): "The funeral of Mrs. Esther Finch will be held at Long Lake church tomorrow at 10:30. Mrs. Etta Baker of Chicago and George Finch of Escanaba have arrived to attend the funeral of their mother."

 Naison died on 27 March 1913. The Record Eagle on 28 March 1913 (page 1): reported:

 "OLD RESIDENT GONE

 NAISON FINCH PASSED AWAY AT SON'S HOME

Came Here Twenty-Six Years Ago and Settled on Peninsula Farm

 The life history of one of the most highly respected and well-to-do farmers of the Grand Traverse region came to a close early Thursday morning, when the angel of death, almost without warning, swept down and took Naison Finch, aged 94 years, who had been sick scarcely a day in his life, and had lived with his son, James N. Finch, 1024 East Front street, for the past four or five years.

Mr. Finch had been up yesterday morning and with the assistance of his son was nearly dressed, when he asked to sit down, complaining that he felt tired. He had no sooner touched the bed when he closed his eyes and life was extinct. He died before a physician could be summoned, heart disaese and old age being the direct causes of his death.

Naison Finch was born January 3, 1819, in the State of New York, In 1857 he came to Michigan, and about 26 years ago came to this part of the country, locating on a farm on the peninsula. For many years he lived there, making a splendid farm for himself and family, and then later he purchased land in Long Lake township, and lived there up to about nine years ago, when his wife died and he came to town to live with his son. For the past four or five years he had spent the winters in the south.

He was a typical "grand old man," always working for the benefit and happiness of his children and those about him. His circle of friendship was wide, and both old and young always enjoyed a talk with "Grandpa" Finch.

Six children survive: William of Florida, James Naison of this city, both of whom saw active service in the army, during the civil war, Henry of Seattle, who is a diver, George of Escanaba, connected with the telephone company of that place; Mrs. Alta Baker of Chicago, and Fred, a railroad man, whose home is in Grand Rapids."

  They are buried in Linwood Cemetery^[70].

 Children

 i.              William Finch

ii.             James Naison Finch was born in May 1845 in New York

iii.            Henry Finch

iv.            George Finch

v.             Alta Finch. Alta was married to XXXX Baker

vi.            Fred Finch

 

 

FISH

 Almon Fish was born in 1812 in New York. Almon was married first to Amila Persoll^[71]. She died prior to 1857. He was married circa 1856 to Clarissa. Clarissa was born in 1826 in New York. The Fishes lived in New York until 1856/1858 when they moved to Ohio. The Fishes moved to Long Lake circa 1866-1870. In 1870 Almon was a farm laborer and the family had property valued only at $100^[72].

 Children

 i.              Fanny M Fish (?) was born in 1837/1845 in New York.

ii.             John B Fish was born on 16 November 1841 in New York.  He was a Civil War soldier. John's arm was hurt badly in an accident in 1888, but was reported to have been healing well^[73]. He was on the sick list in June 1891^[74]. In 1900, John worked as a farm laborer while living with Albert and Anna Norris in Long Lake twp^[75]. In 1910, he was still living with Mrs. Norris^[76]. He died on 21 July 1910 (tombstone 22 July but is incorrect) from gangrene in Long Lake twp^[77]. His obituary appeared in the Evening Record on 21 July 1910 (page 8):

 "JOHN FISH DEAD

Pioneer of Grand Traverse and a Veteran of the Civil War Passed Way at Home of Sister

 John Fish, one of the earliest pioneers of the Grand Traverse region, and a veteran of the Civil war, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Charles Norris, at Cedar Run, this morning. He was 68 years old and a veteran of the Civil war. Besides Mrs. Norris, he leaves a brother, Henry Fish. The funeral will be at 2 o:clock tomorrow at Cedar run, burial at Long Lake cemetery." He is buried in Linwood Cemetery^[78].

 iii.            Betsey Fish was born in 1856/1857 in New York.

iv.            Martha Fish was born in 1857/1858 in New York.

v.             Roxy Fish was born in 1858/1859 in Ohio.

vi.            Charles Fish was born in 1861/1862 in Ohio.

vii.           Amanda Fish was born in 1863/1864 in Ohio.

viii.          Lenore Fish was born in 1865/1866 in Ohio.

  Ethan Fish was born in 1786/1887 in Vermont.  In 1870, Ethan was living with Lorenzo and Catherine Grew and was listed as a blacksmith^[79].

Girden (Garden?) H Fish was born in 1839/1840 in New York.  Gordon was married first to ???. He was married second, around 1865, to Mary Jane (Fish?).  Mary was born on 7 Oct 1843 in New York.  The Fish family moved to Michigan from Ohio between 1861 and 1866. Girden received a land patent for 160 acres in section 11 of Long lake twp on 1 November 1869. In 1870, Girdon worked as a farmer with real estate worth $1000 and personal possessions worth $200^[80]. Jane died on 18 February 1873 in Long Lake twp., probably from pneumonia or influenza (death records says infl'n lungs), several days after giving birth^[81]. The Grand Traverse Herald reported on 27 February 1873 (page 3): "DIED- FISH in Long Lake, on the 18th inst. Mrs. Mary Jane Fish, wife of Girden H. Fish, of that township, aged 29 years."

 Children

 

i.              Eliza Fish was born in 1856/1857 in Ohio.

ii.             Irana? Fish was born in 1858/1859 in Ohio.

iii.            Janette Fish was born in 1860/1861 in Ohio.

iv.            George H Fish was born in 1865/1866 in Ohio.George was married on 1 May 1895 in East Bay twp to Bertha Sutton. Clergyman William A Frye performed the ceremony, which was witnessed by C M Sutton and Eliza Edwards of East Bay^[82]. Bertha was born in 1877/1878 in Michigan, daughter of Chris and Mary Wishon Sutton.

v.             Lillibie B Fish was born on 20 July 1871 in Long Lake twp^[83].

vi.            Male Fish was born on 10 February 1873 in Long Lake twp^[84]. This child died one day later from "fits" in Long Lake twp^[85].

 

 FLACK

 Nettie Flack was born in 1882/1883 in Michigan (par=GER). In 1910, Nettie worked as a hired girl for the Peter Johnson family in Long Lake twp^[86]. In 1920, Nettie lived with her brother-in-law Mark McGarry in Long Lake twp^[87].

 

FOOTE

 Donald (Daniel) Foote was born in 1855/1856 in New York (parents=NY). Daniel was married to Jennie L (Eliza J?). Jennie was born in 1856/1857 in Canada (f=CAN, m=ENG). Daniel worked at a sawmill whereas Jennie was keeping house in Long Lake twp in 1880^[88].

 Children

 i.              Oscar S Foote was born in 1874/1875 in Michigan.

ii.             Albert S Foote was born in 1877/1878 in Michigan.

iii.            Henry W Foote was born on 20 Feb. 1881 in Long Lake twp^[89].

 

George Foote was born in 1857/1858 in New York (parents=NY). In 1880, Foote was working at a sawmill in Long Lake twp^[90]. George's house in Cedar Run was ready for occupancy in May 1882^[91]. George was apparently married in the early 1880s, although the identity of his wife is presently unknown. He bought a lumber sleigh from Solomon Shisler in December 1887^[92].

 Child

 i.              Male Foote was born circa 1883/1884. This child died in March 1884. The Grand Traverse Herald noted: The little son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo Foote, died recently after a brief illness. The burial took place at the Traverse City cemetery^[93].

 

John Foote was a farmer who had an affair with Annie Howard. Annie was born in 1867/1868 in Michigan, daughter of Henry and Orpha Howard. Annie later married XXXX Sheffer(?).

 Child

 i.              Male Foote was born on 30 September 1891 in Long Lake twp^[94]. He died on 2 October 1891 in Long Lake twp^[95].

 

FRAZIER

 

Molton Frazier was born in 1861/1862 in Canada. In 1880, he was working with his brother William at a sawmill in Long Lake twp^[96].

 William Frazier was born on 1857/1858 in Canada. He was working at a sawmill in Long Lake twp in 1880^[97].

 FREEMAN

 Earl Freeman was born in December 1887 in Michigan.  In 1900, Earl was living with Louis and Anna Stricker in Long Lake twp while attending school^[98]. In 1910, Earl worked as a herdsman in Long Lake twp^[99].

 FRENCH

 Franklin A French was born in 1852/1853 in Livingston Co., NY. He was married on 31 July 1881 in Long Lake twp to Alice B Howard. Alice was born in 1862/1863 in Long Lake twp , daughter of Henry and Orpha Howard. John W H Carlisle was the clergyman and Charles S and Alice B Howard of Long Lake were the witnesses. At the time of the ceremony Franklin lived in Traverse City and Alice in Long Lake twp^[100].

 Child

 i.              Boy French was born circa 1901 and died in January 1901. TheTraverse Bay Eagle reported on 1 February 1901 (page 5): An infant of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. French, of the Peninsula, died Sunday.

 

FURNANS

 Walter C Furnans was born in 1859/1860 in Ohio. He was married on 30 September 1882 in Long Lake twp to Eva Smith. Eva was born in 1862/1863 in Indiana. John Cook, clergyman, performed the ceremony. William and E A Reagan of Hamilton Co., Indiana were the witnesses. At the time of the wedding, Walter was a resident of Hamilton Co., Indiana and Eva of Grand Traverse Co^[101].

 Long Lake Families

Pioneer Families of Grand Traverse County