William Husband Searle
|
William Husband Searle |
William Husband Searle was born June 7, 1801, in Tywardreath, County Cornwall, England, was Baptized July 26, 1801, in Tywardreath, County Cornwall, England, and died August 19, 1880, in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI at age 79. He was the son of William Searle, Lord, of St. Austell Parish, County Cornwall, England and Mary Husband (or Mary Howland?) of Tywardreath, County Cornwall, England. Anne Hill was born about 1801 in England and died about 1849? in Canada West at about age 48. She was the daughter of Unknown. William and Anne were married by Banns in the Parish of St. Pinnock, County Cornwall, England, on July 12, 1818, with the consent of their parents. Marriage recorded as William Husband Sarl. They made their marks in lieu of signature. There were three Ann/Anne Hill listings in the area of about the same age, so it is not possible to be certain which one married William. William Husband Searle and his family came from Cornwall, England, to the Cobourg-Port Hope area of Durham Co., Canada West about 1833 with many other Bible Christians who came from Cornwall at that time. It appears that Phoebe Searle could not read or write, which helps explain the various spellings of her last name, which became known as Searle(s), Searl(s) or Serl(s). William and Anne had several children, including:
William Husband Searle, as well as other Searle sons and daughters, removed from Durham Co., Canada West to Fond du Lac and Dodge Counties, WI, about 1851. William Husband Searle then married a widow, Abigail (Loveless) Hand, probably about 1855. Abigail Loveless was born July 6, 1792, in Cornwall Twp., Orange Co., NY, and died April 22, 1890, at home in Minnesota Junction, Dodge Co., WI, at age 97 years, 9 months and 17 days. She was the daughter of Unknown Loveless of New Jersey and Unknown of Unknown. Abigail first married Moses Hand. Moses Hand was born about 1790 in New Jersey and died August 1, 1850, in Dodge Co., WI, at about age 60. He was the son of Unknown of New Jersey. He committed suicide by hanging. Moses and Abigail and had at least one daughter and one son:
TIMELINE William Husband Searle was born June 7, 1801, in Tywardreath, County Cornwall, England. Anne Hill was born about 1801 in England. William and Ann were married in the Parish of St. Pinnock, County Cornwall, England by Banns on July 12, 1818, with the consent of their parents.
Ontario, Canada Marriages, 1857-1924
|
|
(This was a Crown Grant in 1808 to Sarah Smith-Shuter, d/o one of the three 1793 Patentees of Hope Twp, Capt Elias Smith Sr., U. E. Sarah married a landed gentry gentleman by the name of John Shuter of England and they lived in England at Hocumb House, the Shuter ancestral home, until her death in 1854.)
As I mentioned in our phone conversation Leigh, many people from Cornwall England came to Durham County in the 1830s, the census records would seem to support that time frame as a date of arrival for William Searle/Sorrell. He first appears on the census in 1836 (i.e. as a property holder - he was undoubtedly here a year or two prior to that time.)
Hope Twp Census/Assessments 1836 to 1851 - Children are under 16 years old.
Searle William 2m 1f 2mc 5fc = 10 - 1836
Surrel William 2m 1f 2mc 5fc = 10 - 1837
Surrel William 2m 1f 1mc 4fc = 8 - 1838
Surrel William 2m 1f 2mc 3fc = 8 - 1839
Surrel William 2m 2f 2mc 5fc = 11 - 1840
Surrel William 1m 2f 2mc 5fc = 10 - 1841
Sorrel William Lot 32 Con 3 North Part - 1842
Dain (Dean) Sylvester Lot 32 Con 2 - 1842
Johnston John Lot 32 Con 3 South - 1842
Johnston William Lot 32 Con 3 - 1842
Kinsmillo Thomas Lot 32 Con 3 North & 33/3N & 31/3S - 1842
Serrick William Lot 32 Con 3 - 1843
Jeans Charles Lot 32 Con 5 - 1843
Kingsmill Thomas Lot 32 Con 3 South & 32/4 & 31/3- 1843
Lundebecker William Lot 32 Con 3 South - 1843
Sorrel William Lot 32 Con 3 North and Surrel William Lot 32 Con 2 South - 1844
Jeans Charles Lot 32 Con 5 South - 1844
Johnson John Lot 32 Con 3 W - 1844
Johnson William Lot 32 Con 3 West - 1844
Kinsmill Thomas Lot 32 Con 3 & 4 - 1844
Lidenbecker William Lot 32 Con 3 South - 1844
Yard William Lot 32 Con 2 North - 1844
Surrel William Lot 32 Con 2 - 1845
Johnson John Lot 32 Con 3 - 1845
Johnson William Lot 32 Con 3 - 1845
Hurd William Lot 32 Con 2 North - 1845
Best John Lot 32 Con 3 N - 1845
Jeans Charles Lot 32 Con 5 - 1845
Lunderbecker William Lot 32 Con 3 South - 1845
Best John Lot 32 Con 3 North - 1846
Johnson John Lot 32 Con 3 South - 1846
Johnson William Lot 32 Con 3 S - 1846
Londerbecker William Lot 32 Con 3 S - 1846
Hurd William Lot 32 Con 2 North - 1846
Hind William Lot 32 Con 2 N - 1847
Jaines (Janes) Charles Lot 32 Con 5 South - 1847
Johnston John Lot 32 Con 3 South - 1847
Johnston William Lot 32 Con 2 South - 1847
Londerboker William Lot 32 Con 3 South - 1847
Sorrel, William, Farmer, 10 people in the household, Lot 32 Con 2 Hope Twp - 1848
Jeins Charles Farmer 5 in Household Lot 32 Con 5 - 1848
Lunderbecker William Farmer 6 in Household Lot 32 Con 3 - 1848
Searle William Lot 32 Con 2 5 in Household 1 Absent Not an owner - 1850
Lenderbeck William Lot 32 Con 3 4 in Household Not an owner - 1850
Lenderback William 5 in Household - 1851
Sarl Alice 2 in household - 1851 Alice Searle (age 17), and George Searle (age 1).
It appears that about 1850, William Husband Searle, several sons, and other relatives such as the Abbey family members removed to Wisconsin, USA. Wisconsin had just become a state.
The 1851 Canadian Census shows William Watson (age 26) born in Canada and with Catholic religion is a Labourer living in a Frame Home in Hope Twp., Durham Co., Canada West. Living with him is Mary Watson (age 26) born in England and affiliated with the Church of England religion. Also living there are three Watson children,, all born in Canada: Franklin Watson (age 4); Laury Ann Watson (age 3); and Hannah Watson (age 1). The Charles Abbey family lives in a Shanty a few homes away, including Elizabeth (Searle) Abbey, the sister of Mary (Searle) Watson and both Allice Sarl (age 17) unmarried, and George Sarl (age 1). Allice is likely the sister of both Elizabeth and Mary.
By 1860 William is Wisconsin, married to a lady 9 yrs older than he was, and it said she was born in Connecticut. Alice in 1851 is still in Hope Twp, no other Searle's, Surrels, Sorrels or Sarls recorded between 1799 to 1851, just William and Alice - so there's no doubt that this is the family of Phoebe Searle/Sorrell. As William was not in Hope Twp in 1851, he may already have made the move to the western territories of the USA - searching the 1850 census for him might be worthwhile.
Nathaniel Abbey lived on Lot 27 Con 2 of Hope Twp from about 1806 until his death in 1825/26 and his family continued to live there until about 1848 or so. As you can see, only four farms (about a mile) separated the Abbey and Searle/Sorrell homes.
William Lenderbeck and Catherine (Searle) Lenderbeck and family live in 1850 in Lot 32 Concession 3 with 4 in Family.
William Searle lived (not owned) Lot 32 Concession 2 with 5 in Family and 1 absent.
The 1855 Wisconsin State Census for Dodge County does not list either a Searles or a Hand as a head of household. The June 1, 1855, census shows Ralph Phillips living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co. WI with 2 Males and 5 Females.
The 1855 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1855, shows George Sorell is the Head of Household and is living in Fox Lake Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living in the household; 1 Male, and 1 Female, both of foreign birth.
The 1860 U. S. Census shows that William Husband Searle was already remarried, probably about 1855.
Abigail Loveless was born July 6, 1792, in Cornwall Twp., Orange Co., NY and died April 22, 1890, at home in Minnesota Junction, Dodge Co., WI at age 97 years, 9 months and 17 days. She was the daughter of Unknown Loveless of New Jersey and Unknown of Unknown. She was previously married to Moses Hand from New Jersey. Moses Hand was born about 1790 in New Jersey and died August 1, 1850, in Dodge Co., WI at about age 60. Moses and Abigail and had at least one daughter, Mary E. Hand (born February 1, 1820, in New York) and one son, Thomas Hand, who was born about 1835 in New York. Thomas was listed as insane, and William Searle might have adopted him.
Catherine Searle was one of the witnesses for her sister when Phoebe married Charles Oliver Abbey in Port Hope, Durham Co., Ontario, Canada on April 6, 1848.
Phoebe's father, William Searle, first appeared as a property holder on the Durham County census in 1836. He was undoubtedly there a year or two earlier. That census shows 2 males over 16, 1 female over 16, 2 males under 16 and 5 females under 16. In 1840 William's household gained another adult female and 2 female children. It seems that in 1839/40 William might have become remarried to a widow with 2 daughters. William is still listed on the census in 1848 as a farmer with 10 in the household (Lot 32 Con 2 Hope Twp. - 1848). In 1851 Alice Searle (age 17) and George Searle (age 1) are listed with 2 in the household (but no William). William by then may have already made the move to the western territories of the USA, probably Wisconsin. Nathaniel Abbey lived on Lot 27 Con 2 Hope Twp. from about 1806 until his death in 1825/1826, and his family continued to live there until about 1848. Only four farms about a mile apart separated the Abbey and the Searle homes.
The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 5, 1860, shows William Surl (age 60) born in England with real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $400 and who cannot read and write is a Farmer living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with William is his wife Abigal Surl (age 69) born in Connecticut who cannot read and write. Also living there is: Thomas Surl (age 25) born in New York and indicated as insane who cannot read and write; and William Surl, Jr. (age 11) born in Canada. This might be the "George Searle" mentioned in the 1851 Canadian census.
The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 5, 1860, shows Charles Abby (age 35) born in Canada with a personal estate of $100 is a Farm Laborer who cannot read and write is living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Elisebeth Abby (age 34) born in England who cannot read and write. Also living there are their children, all born in Canada: Lucinda Abby (age 12); Isaac Abby (age 9); William Abby (age 7); and Mary J. Abby (age 1). Elizabeth Abby's father, William Surl, was living in the adjacent house.
The 1860 U. S. Census taken on July 6, 1860, shows Henry Noble (age 23) born in New York, with real estate of $1,000 and personal estate of $847 is a Farmer living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with him are: Emily Noble (age 55) born in Connecticut, with real estate of $2,000; Emily Noble Jr. (age 11) born in Wisconsin, with real estate of $1,000; George Searles (age 21) born in Canada, a Farm Laborer; and Mary Smith (age17) born in New York, a Domestic.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 22, 1870, shows William Serreh (age 68) born in England with real estate of $2,000 and personal estate of $7,000 is a Farmer living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with him is wife Abigail Serreh (age 79) born in Connecticut, who is Keeping House.
The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 25, 1870 shows Ralph Philips (age 54) born in Pennsylvania is a farmer living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI with real estate valued at $5,000 and personal estate valued at $7,000. Living with him is wife Mary Philips (age 49) born in New York. Also living there is their daughter Hattie Philips (age 9) born in Wisconsin. Their son Harris Philips (age 9) born in Wisconsin was living on the adjacent farm in the John Worden household.
There is no listing of William Searle in the 1872 list of all landowners in Dodge Co.
The 1873 Plat book of Dodge Co., WI shows W. Searls owing 40 acres of land in Oak Grove Twp., near Minnesota Junction.
The 1875 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1875, shows Widow Searles is the Head of Household and is living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living in the household: 1 Male, 2 Females.
A note on records at the Dodge County Courthouse: There was a fire at the Dodge County Courthouse on September 5, 1877. Records of births, deaths and marriages prior to that date are not available at the Courthouse. Many of these are available at the Area Resource Center in Oshkosh (see below). Some probate records were saved and are available at the Courthouse. Land records are available at the Dodge County Title & Abstract Co., 151 N. Main, Juneau WI. (920) 386-2300
A note on records at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin Library: The State Historical Society Library possesses one of the largest genealogical collections in the Country. The Library collects materials relating to any part of North America. The Library holds microfilm of births, marriages & deaths recorded in Wisconsin before 1 October 1907. These events were not always recorded so these records are incomplete. They are partially indexed and must be used in person. Researchers needing post-1907 records or service by mail should contact the State Bureau of Health Statistics.
The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 7, 1880, shows William Searl (age 79) born in England to English-born parents is a widower Farmer living in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Living with him is his daughter Phoebe Abbey (age 54) born in England to English-born parents, who is Keeping House.
The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 15, 1880, shows Abigail Searles (age 89) is divorced and living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. She was born in Connecticut to New York-born parents. She is living in the household of her daughter and son-in-law: Ralph Phillips (age 64) born in Pennsylvania to Pennsylvania-born parents is a farmer. Living with him is his wife, M. E. Phillips (age 58) born in New York to New Jersey and Connecticut-born parents. Also living there are their son, Harris Phillips (age 18) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and New York-born parents, and their granddaughter, Hattie White (age 8) born in Michigan to Unknown and Wisconsin-born parents.
William Husband Searle died August 19, 1880, in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI at age 79.
From: The Juneau Telephone, September 20, 1889
The following from the Beaver Dam Citizen, of last Thursday, will be as fully appreciated by the readers of the Telephone:
The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Philips, occurs at their home, near Minnesota Junction, this evening. Ralph Philips and Mary E. Hand were married at Newburg, N. Y., Sept. 12, 1839. They came to the town of Fairfield (now Oak Grove) Dodge Co., then territory of Wisconsin, in the month of September, 1844. Thus 45 of their 50 years of happy married life was spent in Dodge County. They are pioneers among us in a three-fold sense - marriage, in settlement, and in age.
From: Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI, Wednesday, March 26, 1890
STATE NEWS
The farm house of Mr. Ralph Phillips, of Minnesota Junction, was burned, with all the contents. Loss, $2,000; insurance light in town insurance companies.
The 1895 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 20, 1895, shows Ralph Phillips is living in the Village of Minnesota Junction, Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. There are 2 Males and 1 Female living in the household.
The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900, shows Harry H. Philips (age 38) born July 1861 in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and New York-born parents is an unmarried Farmer owning his own farm free of a mortgage and living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with him is his widowed mother, Mary E. Philips (age 79) born February 1821 in New York to New York-born parents.
The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Mary E. Phillips (age 84) born in New York to New York-born parents is a widowed Landlady owning her own home free of a mortgage and living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with her is her unmarried son, Harris Phillips (age 43) born in Wisconsin to Pennsylvania and New York-born parents, who is a Farm Laborer.
The 1820 U. S. Census shows Moses Hand (age 26 to 45) is living in Cornwall Twp., Orange Co., NY and engaged in manufactures. Living with him is his wife (age 26 to 45) and no one else.
The 1830 U. S. Census shows Moses Hand (age 30 to 40) is living in Cornwall Twp., Orange Co., NY. Living with him is his wife (age 30 to 40), and the following presumed to be their children: 1 male under 5; 2 females under 5; and 2 females 5 to 10.
The 1840 U. S. Census shows Moses Hand (age 40 to 50) is living in Cornwall Twp., Orange Co., NY. Living with him is his wife (age 40 to 50), and the following presumed to be their children: 1 male under 5; 1 male 10 to 15; 1 female under 5; 1 female 10 to 15 and 1 female 15 to 20. Living nearby was Ralph Philips (age 20 to 30) and his presumed wife Mary (Hand) Philips (age 20 to 30).
In 1845, Moses and Abigail (Loveless) Hand and son Thomas removed from Orange Co., NY to Fairfield Twp. (subsequently renamed Oak Grove Twp.), Dodge Co., Wisconsin Territory.
In 1845, Ralph and Mary (Hand) Phillips removed from Orange Co., NY to Fairfield Twp. (subsequently renamed Oak Grove Twp.), Dodge Co., Wisconsin Territory.
On May 1, 1848, Ralph Phillips received a Land Grant for land in E 1/2 SW T11N R15E Section 9 (80 acres in Fairfield Twp., Dodge Co., WI). This made him one of the pioneer settlers of Dodge Co.
The 1850 U. S. Census taken on July 24, 1850, shows Moses Hand (age 57) born in New Jersey is a Farmer not owning real estate and is living in Fairfield (subsequently renamed Oak Grove) Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with him is Abagail Hand (age 57) born in New York. Also living there is Thomas Hand (age 15) born in New York, a Farmer.
The 1850 U. S. Census taken on July 23, 1850, shows Ralph Phillips (age 33) born in Pennsylvania with real estate valued at $400 is a farmer living in Fairfield (subsequently renamed Oak Grove) Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Mary E. Phillips (age 29) born in New York. Also living there are their children: Hannah Phillips (age 9) born in New York; Jacob Phillips (age 7) born in New York; Frances Phillips (age 5) born in New York; Eliza Phillips (age 3) born in Wisconsin; and Sarah Phillips (age 1) born in Wisconsin.
Moses Hand died on August 1, 1850, in Dodge Co., WI at about age 62.
In the 1855 Wisconsin Census, Ralph Phillips is living in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI.
In the 1859 Plat of Oak Grove Twp., R. Philip owns 80 acres of land in Oak Grove Twp. (Section 9, Township 11 N, Range 15 E of the 4th Principal Meridian). There is no record of Abigail Hand owning land in 1859. She may have already been married to William Searle by that time. Moses Hand died on August 1, 1850 in Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI.
In this same 1859 plat map, A. Fish owns the 40-acre land parcel that W. Searls owns in 1873.
Abigail (Loveless) (Hand) Searle died April 22, 1890, at home in Minnesota Junction, Dodge Co., WI at age 97 years, 9 months and 17 days.
PDF File: The Death Certificate for Abigail (Loveless) (Hand) Searle
From: Beaver Dam Daily, Thursday, April 24, 1890
Minnesota Junction - Deaths
Mrs. Abigail Searles died yesterday (Wednesday) morning at the good old age of 98 years. She was an old resident of this county, living here 45 years.
From: Beaver Dam Argus, Thursday, April 24, 1890
Deaths
Mrs. Abigal Searles, died at her home in Minnesota Junction yesterday morning. She was 98 years old.
From: The Juneau Telephone, Friday, April 25, 1890
SEARLS - Mrs. Abigail Searls, mother of Mrs. Ralph Phillips, of Minn. Jct., died Wednesday last at the ripe age of 98 years. Mrs. Searls is not only one of the oldest persons of Dodge County, but one of its oldest citizens as well, having resided in this locality for 45 years. Her funeral took place yesterday at the Minnesota Junction school house, near her daughter's home.
Leigh Larson note: Abigail is buried alongside her first husband, Moses Hand, in Hyland Prairie Cemetery, Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI. Her name is listed in the records as Abigail Hand. This cemetery is is a poor state of repair (except for mowing), and many gravestones are either broken, fallen or moved. Most are weathered beyond readability.
The 1890 Plat of Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co., WI shows Ralph Philips owns the 40 acre land parcel in Oak Grove Twp. (Section 9, Township 11 N, Range 15 E of the 4th Principal Meridian) that W. Searls owned in 1873. He also owns a 20 acre parcel across the road.
Cole, Horace
page 604
Horace Cole, farmer, Sec. 17; P. O. Juneau; born in Waterford, Vt., Jan. 5, 1824; son of Hezekiah Cole, who was originally from Woodstock, Conn.; his father was in the Revolutionary war. Horace came to Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 5, 1844; then went to Watertown, where he worked for Bill Dennis; in 1845, went to Clyman and worked for Benjamin Fuller, and then for Waldo Lyon, and afterward settled on 120 acres in Dodge Co. His father was killed in 1847, by falling from a load of hay, and was crushed by the wheels. Horace assumed his interest in the town of Oak Grove, and, through his proper care and good management, now has a good farm of 298 acres, well improved. He married Sarah Morrison, daughter of John M. Morrison, April 1, 1853; have had eight children--Ella, married Thomas Holt, and lives in Beaver Dam; Hezekiah, is at home; Maria, died in infancy; Luella, is at home; Sarah J., Horace and Martha E. are living at home; John C. died in infancy.
Land Conveyances to the State of
South
Dakota
COLE HEZEKIAH
05 116 N
062 W 030
120 251105 PA
90 11/24/1890
COLE HEZEKIAH
05 116 N
062 W 030
28.73 251105 PA
90 11/24/1890
COLE HEZEKIAH
05 116 N
062 W 030
29.57 251105 PA
90 11/24/1890
COLE HEZEKIAH
05 116 N
063 W 025
160 251101 PA
655 09/19/1888
COLE HORACE
05 115 N
062 W 028
80 272002 PA
331 10/15/1884
COLE HORACE
05 115 N
062 W 029
80 272002 PA
331 10/15/1884
COLE HORACE
05 115 N
062 W 029
160 251105 PA
The Centralia Enterprise and Tribune, Centralia, WI, Saturday, May 1, 1897
HANGING TO A BEAM
Ralph Phillips, a Dodge County Pioneer, Found Dead in His Barn.
Beaver Dam, Wis., April 28. - Ralph Phillips, aged 81 years of age and residing about five miles east of this city, committed suicide yesterday by hanging. He was found in the barn hanging to one of the beams. It was evident that he had been dead several hours before being discovered. A year ago he was struck by a falling tree and received severe injuries. It is the supposition that his mind was affected as a result of the injuries. He leaves a wife and two children.
The Beaver Dam Argus, April 29, 1897
Committed Suicide.
Ralph Phillips, aged 81 years, a resident of the town of Oak Grove, was discovered hanging in his barn about sundown, Tuesday evening. His son who made the discovery cut the rope at once, and gave the alarm. Hubert Marshall came to this city and notified Marshal Powderly, who with Judge J. D. Lyons, Drs. McDonald and Babcock, and the following named gentlemen as Jurors; W. R. Wade, John Stoddart, Theo. Hofferbert, G. H. Noyes, James Donovan and John Mullen, repaired to his home and held a post mortem. The doctors found that life was extinct. Mr. Phillips had secured a strong rope and had tied one end of it to a cross beam near the top of the barn and had placed the other end around his neck, and then slid off a pile of straw which was upon the upper floor, falling about 10 feet. His neck was broken in the fall. The jury decided that he came to his death by hanging with suicidal intent. About a year ago he was injured by a falling tree and the cause for his rash act, might have been brought on by troubles arising therefrom. He had resided about a year, at his late home, it being a part of the Albert Clough farm, the second house north of the Clough corners, near the Village of Rolling Prairie.
The Juneau Telephone, April 30, 1897
Suicided.
Mr. Ralph Phillips, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of the town of Oak Grove, committed suicide by hanging himself, in his barn, near the village of Rolling Prairie, last Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Phillips was about eighty years of age and had been in poor health for more than a year past. Since the return of warm weather he had been in the habit of taking an afternoon nap on the hay in his barn and did so on Tuesday last. His wife called him at 4 o'clock and told him to go into the house, as it was too chilly in the barn. He said he would and she went into the garden to assist her son in planting potatoes. About supper time they returned to the house and not finding Mr. Phillips there began to call and search for him. The son Harry went into the barn and found his father hanging from one of the loft beams, dead. It appears that he climbed up the ladder, fastened one end of the rope to the beam, returned to the hay mow, sat on the edge of it and after placing the noose around his neck, slipped off and strangled to death. His feet were about two feet from the barn floor. Mr. Phillips leaves an aged widow, one son and three daughters. All the daughters are married. He was a very honest man and an excellent neighbor and his death is generally regretted, especially the manner in which it occurred. Temporary insanity, resulting from long sickness, was undoubtedly the cause. His funeral was held yesterday.
The Juneau Telephone, April 22, 1910
Another Pioneer Gone
The funeral of Mrs. Ralph Phillips took place on Sunday at 2 p. m. at the residence in Rolling Prairie and her burial by the side of her husband in the Hyland Prairie cemetery. Mrs. Phillips died April 15, aged 89 years. Her maiden name was Mary E. Hand. She was born at Hyland Falls, New York, February 1, 1821. She was married to Ralph Phillips September 12, 1839. They came to Wisconsin in 1845 and settled in the town of Oak Grove, Dodge County. Eight children were born to them and four survive to mourn their loss. These are Mrs. George Carr of Luston, Nebraska; Mrs. E. M. White, Horicon; Mrs. Hattie C. Cole, Centuria, Wis., and Harris Phillips at home in Rolling Prairie. Mr. Phillips died April 27, 1897. Mrs. Phillips was one of the older settlers of Dodge County and was greatly respected in the community and beloved in her family.
In 1920, Roy L. Cole is living in Montana. Hattie C. Cole (widow) age 58 and Harris H. Phillips (uncle) age 58 are also there.
The Beaver Dam Argus, April 22, 1910
DIED
PHILLIPS - At Rolling Prairie Station, Wis., April 15th, 1910, Mrs. Mary E. Phillips, widow of Ralph Phillips, Esq., in the 90th year of her age.
Mrs. Phillips was one of the early settlers of Dodge County, having come to the town of Oak Grove with her husband in 1845. She was born in Hyland Fall, New York, Feb. 1st, 1821, and was united in marriage to Ralph Phillips, at Newberg, N.Y., Sept. 12, 1839. Of the eight children born to them four survive to mourn the loss of their affectionate mother. These are Mrs. George Carr, of Lushton, Neb., Mrs. E. M. White, Horicon, Wis., Mrs. Hattie C. Cole, Centuria, Wis., and Harris Phillips, Rolling Prairie, Wis. Mr. Ralph Phillips, died April 27th, 1897.
The funeral was held from the house at Rolling Prairie, and her burial in Hyland Prairie Cemetery.
Looking for information on Benjamin (b)1 Jan.1820 and Sarah E. WIDDIFIELD (b) 5 Feb.1824 VANLUVEN. also information on George and Mary Gray SEARLE. I believe Mary is buried in or around Ruby, St. Clair Co. MI. They had one son who lived in St. Clair Co. and his name was George William SEARLE (b) 10 Jun. 1847 married 11 Jul 1868 to Elizabeth T. VANLUVEn (b) 21 Sept. 1849 They had 10 children all born in that area. Would love to hear from anyone who may be a descendent of the above people
Horace Cole came to Oak Grove Twp., Dodge Co, Wisconsin Territory, in 1844. Mrs. Sarah Cole came there in 1846.