Elijah W

 

AMERICA THE GREAT MELTING POT

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Direct descendant is highlighted in red

Elijah W. Bronson see FAMILY TREE
Born: 12 Jan 1794 Waterbury, New Haven, CT

Married: 1st to Fanny Moulthrop 16 April 1818 Southington, Hartford Co., CT 

               2nd to Jane McBride 23 Jul 1865 White Co., TN      

Died: Before 10 April 1870 Johnson Co., IN

Buried: Greenlawn Cemetery, Johnson Co., IN 

FATHER

Elijah Bronson

MOTHER

Lois Bunnell

WIFE

1st  Fanny Moulthrop

2nd Jane McBride b. Abt 1804 TN

CHILDREN with Fanny Moulthrop

1. Emily Bronson b.  01 Jul 1820

2. George Egbert Bronson b. 25 Jan 1823

3. Charles Bronson b. 01 Apr 1825

4. Sarah F. Bronson b. 03 Oct 1827

5. Dwight Bronson b. 21 Sep 1829

6. Henry Bronson b. 03 Aug 1832  d. 15 Sep 1851 Memphis, TN

Elijah W Bronson and Fanny Moulthrop
photo courtesy of David Gary

7. Hester Ann Bronson 26 May 1834

8. Robert Lucas Bronson b. 24 Feb 1836

9. Ely Merrick. Bronson 18 Dec 1838

Elijah W Bronson
by Susan Brooke
Aug 2021

Elijah W. Bronson was born in Waterbury, CT on 12 Jan 1794. (1) He married Fanny Moulthrop in Southington, CT on 16 Apr 1818. (2) In 1819 Elijah was hired Moses and Aaron Wilcox to arrange the settlement of Twinsburg, OH.  He travelled to Twinsburg in the Spring of 1820 and returned with his wife Fanny, daughter Emily and a hired man in the Fall of 1820. They lived in a log house on Liberty Street. (3)  He was listed in the 1820 census for Twinsburg, Portage Co., OH as married with one daughter under ten and an extra male. (4)  A deed made by the Wilcox twins in 1822 was signed by "their attorney, Elijah W Bronson." (5)  Elijah and Fanny had their first five children baptized in the Congregational Church of Twinsburg on December 24, 1829. (6) The 1831 tax list shows him owning two lots with a total value including houses of $258. (7) He also had 10 cattle worth $80. (8) An Elijah W Bronson is also on the Bainbridge, Geauga Co., OH tax lists from 1820-1836. (9) And an Elijah W Bronson is also on the Hudson, Summit Co., OH tax lists from 1825-1835. (10)
In 1830 Elijah was living in Stow, Portage, OH with his wife and five children and there was an elderly lady between 50-60 living with them. (11) She was probably Fanny's mother, Sarah Upson, and she was still living with her son-in-law E. W. Bronson in Cuyahoga, Warrens Township, OH in 1840. (12)
We know Elijah W Bronson had moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga, OH by 1836 as he was one of the town trustees in 1836 and again in 1844.  Fanny Bronson was listed as one of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Warrensville in 1837. (13) E. W. Bronson's signature can be seen in the 1837 marriage record for his daughter Emily Bronson to Amos Birchard. (14) He also gave permission for his daughter Sarah to marry C L Brock in Cuyahoga Co in 1844. (See page for Sarah Bronson.)
Elijah W Bronson and his wife Fanny had nine children; two of whom became deaf.  Their son, George E Bronson. was born in Summit Co., OH in Jan of 1823 (see his biography).  When he was about two years old he became ill with a severe inflammation of the eardrum and became deaf.  His younger brother Charles Bronson was born deaf.  (15)  These two sons were sent to Columbus to the Ohio Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb around 1835. George was enrolled from 1834-1840 and his brother Charles was enrolled there from 1835-1844. However, the parents seem to be in the suburbs of Cleveland in those years.
By 1850 Elijah and Fanny and most of their children were in White and Cumberland Counties, TN.  The Civil War brought divided loyalties among his children.  The oldest child, Emily, had already married and was living in Johnson Co., IN when the war began.  Her son George A Birchard enlisted in  Company H, Indiana 7th Infantry Regiment for the Union on 22 Apr 1861. He was wounded and mustered out on 02 Aug 1861 at Indianapolis, IN.  In 1883 he applied for and was given a pension. Elijah's daughter, Hester, was married to Samuel Peter Delany when the war began.  They had two sons.  Hester's husband was with the Confederate - Co B 1st Tennessee, Infantry.  He was killed in the war.  Elijah's son, Robert Lucas Bronson,  joined the Confederate Tennessee 16th Inf with Co K and was captured near Ooltawah Station  25 Nov 1863. (near Cleveland Tn.) sent to Louisville thence to Rock Island Ill. His name is on roll of prisoners wishing to take the Oath  18 Mar 1864. Reason: "wishes to go home".  He did come home and fathered another child.  (16)
So, Elijah and Fanny had a grandson fighting with the Union army until 1861, a son-in-law who was killed fighting for the Confederacy on July 4, 1863 and a son, fighting for the Confederacy, who was captured  Nov 25, 1863. Fanny died May 4, 1863.  It must have been a very sad time for the family.  And emotions must have been high.  In 1860 their son, George E. Bronson, had named a child, Abraham Lincoln Bronson.  His brother, Robert Lucas Bronson, countered by naming his son Jefferson Davis Bronson in 1861. 
After Fanny died, Elijah W Bronson remarried.  The bible record states that he remarried to Jane McBride 23 Jul 1865.  However, the Tennessee marriage records give her name as Jane Medley.
Wounds within the family relationships may have healed a bit by the time Elijah died.  However, he did write in his will that anyone who authorized a legal proceeding "to set aside alter or annul this will" then his or her legacy would be void.  Elijah was also specific in that his sons-in-law should in no way have any jurisdiction over the money he was leaving to his daughters.  The first will, written in 1868 in White County, TN left Lucas (Robert Lucas Bronson) to look out for his sister's interests.  The family then moved to Johnson County, Indiana and Elijah drew up a second will there in December of 1868.  Since Robert Lucas Bronson had remained back in White County, TN, he named his son Ely Merrick as his executor instead.  And the same provisions were made for the daughters.  In no way should their husbands have any control over the daughter's inheritance. (17)
Elijah W. Bronson was living in Johnson Co., IN in 1865 when he sold land back in Cumberland to his son, E. M. Bronson. (Cumberland Co TN Deed BK D 344) In 1867 Ely M Bronson of Johnson Co., IN sold that land plus his own land in Cumberland Co. (Deed BK D 345). (18)  Robert Lucas Bronson stayed on in White Co., TN but the rest of the family pretty much moved up to Johnson Co., IN.  It is of interest though that Jefferson Davis Bronson, the son of the Confederate soldier, Robert Lucas Bronson, came up to Johnson Co., IN to be married in 1883.  And in 1940  in Lauderdale, MS, a son of George E. Bronson, Clarence Ashley Bronson, was living adjacent to Frank Ivan Bronson, a son of Jefferson Davis Bronson.
Elijah's brother, Silas Bronson, died in 1868 leaving money to many charities and family members.  Shortly thereafter Elijah must have drawn up his own will.  He left his estate to be divided equally between his 8 children, share and share alike.   Elijah's will was put into probate April 10, 1870.  However, according to the History of Johnson County, during the ministry lasting from 1873 to 1875 for the Christian Church of Franklin, "Elijah Bronson, having fallen heir to a large sum, started the subscription (for a new church) with six thousand dollars."
His will was probated on 10 Apr 1870 in Johnson County, IN and he was buried in Greenlawn Cemetery. (19)

 

Sources

(1) Elijah W Bronson born: Jan 12, 1794
     Fanny Bronson born: Feb 1, 1801
     Elijah W Bronson and Fanny Bronson married at Southington at Joseph Neals, April 16, 1818
     Fanny Bronson died of cancer on the 4th of May 1863
     E. W. Bronson married to Jane McBride July 23, 1865 in White Co., Tenn.
Bible of Elijah Bronson
Bible transcribed by DAR
bible of Elijah W Bronson
Samuel Delaney

(2) Marriage announcement Connecticut Mirror Hartford, June 1, 1818

 

(3) From the Centennial History of Twinsburg, Ohio 1817 - 1917 by Lena M Carter we learn that Twinsburg was settled by Moses and Aaron Wilcox from Killingworth, Ct.  They were twins that had married sisters at the same time and held their property in common. "Though they did not personally visit their Ohio property till 1823, in 1819 they made an arrangement with the settlers to name the town.  - At their store in Killingworth they had for inspection by possible purchasers a map of the lots in their tract in Twinsburg. - In the spring of 1820 they sent Elijah W. Bronson to Twinsburg to act as their agent."  Elijah "returned in the fall and brought back his wife and hired man, Samuel H. Hull."  Elijah was town clerk in 1821, lived on Liberty St. and early meetings were held at his house, which was built of logs on the east side of the park about 1820.   Cedntennial History of Twinsburg Ohio Centennial History of Twinsburg Ohio Centennial History of Twinsburg Ohio

(4) 1820 census, Twinsburg, Portage, OH

(5) Twinsburg Historical Society

(6) Centennial History of Twinsburg, Ohio

(7) Twinsburg Ohio tax list 1831

(8) Twinsburg Ohio tax 1831

(9) Bainbridge, Geauga Co., OH tax list 1820-1836

(10) Hudson, Summit Co., OH tax list 1825-1827

(11) 1830 census Stow, Portage, OH

1830 census Stow, Portage, OH

(12) 1840 census Cuyahoga, Warrens Township, Ohio

(13) History of Cuyahoga County in three parts pg. 530 and pg. 533.

(14) Cuyahoga Marriage Record for Emily Bronson

Marriage of Emily Bronson

(15) Pupils of the Ohio Asylum for the Deaf

Pupils of the Ohio Asylum for the Deaf

(16)
George A Birchard in the Civil War
Samuel Delaney was a Corporal at The Siege of Vicksburg May-July 1863
Bible record kept by Elijah W Bronson says Samuel Delaney died of "dropsy" 4 Jul 1863 (see bible record above)
Robert Lucas Bronson

(17)

First Will of Elijah W. Bronson
E W Bronson Will Two $.50 Reverse Stamps Cancelled

I Elijah W. Bronson of the County of White County and State of Tennessee do make and publish as my last will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all other wills by me at any time made. That is to say 1st I direct that all my just debts be paid as soon after my decease as possible including my funeral expenses. 2nd I hereby settle upon my son Lucas Bronson the sum of ten thousand dollars to be paid to him out of the just monies that may come to my executors hereafter named for the following use. That is to say. The interest on the said sum of ten thousand dollars to be paid annually to my wife Jane Bronson during her life and widowhood for her comfortable (?) and maintenance until her death. I desire and hereby bequeath the said sum of ten thousand dollars and together with the residual of my estate of every kind and description share and share alike to my eight children to wit: Hester Ann Edmonds wife of W E Edmonds, Emily Birchard wife of Amos Birchard, Sarah Powers wife of Jacob H Powers, Lucas Bronson, George Egbert Bronson, Charles Bronson, Dwight Bronson, Ely Merrick Bronson. I direct also that all the property real and personal which goes to my daughters under this will be vested with trustee for the sole and separate use of my said daughters and held free from the control or management ?????? my intention being to vest my daughters with a separate estate in as full and useful a manner as if they were single women and my intention being to cut off completely any person she ? or any other rights their husbands might think is his wife the same and I hereby appoint my son Lucas Bronson Trustee to carry into effect the proceeding provisions in relation to my daughters. He is directed to hold that property for their benefit and use and to apply it to their benefit under his discretion but in no event is the property to be disposed of so as to ? ? and control of their said husbands. I am more than seventy years of age, etc.
 
Deed BK V 323-4
Jan 1868
White County, TN

__________

 

When Elijah W. Bronson moved to Indiana he must have had a second will drawn up.

2nd Will of Elijah W. Bronson

Elijah W. Bronson Will 

In the name of God Amen. I Elijah W. Bronson of the County of Johnson, and state of Indiana do make and publish, this my last will and testament; hereby revoking any and all wills by me at any time heretofore made.

Item First I hereby direct that all my executors herein after named shall so soon as practicable after my decease, and out of the first money that shall come to their hands, belonging to my estate pay off and discharge all of my just debts and funeral expenses.

Item second.

I hereby give and bequeath to my executors herein after named exactly so, the sum of ten thousand dollars to be by them invested in bonds of the United States or if at my decease there shall be on hand, belonging to my estate bonds of the United States to the amount of said ten thousand dollars, then the said bonds shall be held by them, in the bonds so purchased by them in trust, for the following uses and purposes: First, the interest in said bonds as soon as collected, to be paid to my beloved wife June Bronson, for her comfortable support and maintenance, during the natural life and at her death, the said bonds or the proceeds thereof if it shall be necessary, to sell them or any of them, for the purpose of making capital distributions thereof; I give and bequeath to my eight children viz Hester Ann Edmonds wife of W. E. Edmonds, Emily Birchard wife of Amos Birchard; Sarah Powers wife of Jacob H. Powers, Lucas Bronson, George E. Bronson, Charles Bronson, Dwight Bronson, Ely M Bronson; share and share alike it being my will and purpose that the amounts therein be guaranteed to my daughters, Hester Ann Edmonds, Emily Birchard and Sarah Powers is to them in their own right, and for the sole use of my said daughters. and their children, free from the control and management of their husbands or either of them my intention being to vest in my said daughters her separate estate herein, in as full, and ample a manner, as though they were single women and I hereby authorize and empower my said executors, as such trustees, if in their judgment and discretion there is danger of loss to my said daughters or either of them, by the payment to them or either of them of the principal then in such case the said trustees shall hold each share or shares in trust for such legatee paying her or him the interest as by law provided to be paid and I further provide that in the event of the death of either of the legatees named in this will before my decease then his or her share go to and descend to the children of such deceased legatee.

Item third:

I give and bequeath to my beloved wife Jane Bronson in addition to the provisions made in item second of this will the further sum of three hundred dollars to be paid out of the first money coming to the hands of my executors and I further direct that she may if she elects to do so reside at the house now owned and occupied by me, for one year after my decease, without payment of any rent. Therefore the forgoing provisions in favor of and for the benefit my wife Jane Bronson being in full of any and all claim she now has or may hereafter be entitled to in my estate, both real and personal, either as widow or heir of myself, and to include and be in lieu of any and all claims she has or may have as such widow in any of my estate both real and personal the is or may be situate.

Item 4th I give and bequeath to my children Hester Ann Edmonds, Emily Birchard, Sarah Powers, Lucas Bronson, George Egbert Bronson, Charles Bronson and Ely M Bronson and Dwight Bronson, share and share alike all the residue of my estate, both real and personal whenever Is in may be situate the shares herein bequeathed to my daughters, Hester Ann Edmonds, Emily Birchard and Sarah Powers is to them in their own right and for their sole use and benefit and for the use and benefit of their children free from the control and management of their husbands or either of them, my intention being to vest in them a separate estate herein as full and ample a manner as though they were single women, and I hereby authorize and empower my said executors if in their judgment there would be danger of loss to my said daughter, by the payment to them of their respective shares in either of them then in that event my said executors shall hold said shares or shall invest for the said legatee or legatees paying to such legatee or legatees all of the interest and funds of such share annually; and at the decease of either of my said daughter then such shares to be paid to the children of such daughter and I further provide that in the event of either of the legatees dying before my decease then his or her share is to go to and descend to his or her children.

Item fifth: I further provide that in the event of either of the legatee herein named authorize in instituting proceedings in any court of law inequity to set aside alter or annul this will or to change in any way my will as expressed in this testament then on that event it is my will that the legacy herein bequeathed to such one or more shall be void, and of non affect, and his her or their shares shall be distributed share and share alike amongst the other legatees who with the executors herein after named, I charge with the executing of this will.

Item 6th

I hereby nominate and appoint my son Ely M Bronson and my friend Leland Payne of Johnson County state of Indiana executors of this my last will and testament. In testimony thereof I Elijah W. Bronson have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th day of December 1868.

E. W. Bronson Seal

The forgoing will and testament was signed sealed published and declared by the said Elijah W. Bronson in his last will and testament in our presence and signed by us as witnesses in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other the day and date above written.

Samuel R. Oylin

David W. Howe

The will was put into probate on the 10th day of April, 1870

__________

(18) Sale of land in 1883

G E Bronson and others to Sarah E Ashley,  Cumberland County Land Records, I 573 and I 574

We George E Bronson and wife Annie Bronson, Dwight Bronson and wife Allie Bronson, Charles Bronson and wife Sarah Bronson and R. L. Bronson and wife Mary Ann Bronson heirs and Legatees of E. W. Bronson have this day bargained and sold and do hereby transfer and convey to Sarah e. Ashley and her heirs forever for the consideration of one hundred dollars to us paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, a tract of (?) in the State of Tennessee Cumberland County lying on the Waters of Big Lawsed Creek and on both sides of the old Rass Road containing by estimation One hundred and sixteen acres be the same more or less and known as the Zachariah Soff place it being Granted by the State of Tenn to Said Soff  and conveyed by him to John Stephens and  conveyed by said Stephens to e. W. Bronson now deceased and bounded as follows: on the East by E. D. Ashley on the south by Jacob VanWinkle on the West by lands of Dwight and George E Bronson and on the North by Big Lawsed Creek --- To have and to hold the Said Tract or parcel of Land with its appetences to the Said Sarah E. Ashley and her heirs forever.  We covenant with Said Sarah E. Ashley that we are lawfully Seized of the Said land have a good right to convey it and that the Same is reincumbered and further covenant and bind ourselves our heirs or representative to warrant and define the title to Said Sarah e. Ashley against the lawful claims of all persons whatever.  Given under our hands and private seals the 30 day of August 1883.

Personally appeared before Gardner Green, clerk: Geo E Bronson, Anie Bronson, Chas Bronson, Sarah Bronson, Dwight Bronson, Allie Bronson, R. L. Bronson and Mary A Bronson.

(19) Greenlawn Cemetery, Johnson County, IN

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