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Marshall Family History Part 1 – The Freedom Seeker
This month’s family history will highlight the Marshall family, beginning with Alex Marshall. According to the Museum’s family history collection, he married Maria Dayton. The binders also share that Maria passed away in 1885 while Alexander passed away in 1890, but we could not find their obituaries or death records to confirm this. Alexander was a native of Kentucky who escaped enslavement and came to Canada. Once here, he worked on the Theodore Langlois Farm in Malden (now Amherstburg). They had at least 14 children: Charles, Sarah, John, Lucinda, Alex, Harriet, David, Parthena Elizabeth (sometimes spelt Parcena), George A., Adelia/Cordelia, Alice, Ester, William, and Hezekiah. No information was available for Charles, except a note that says, ‘in the States.’ Additionally, Alex Jr. is listed as dying at a young age, and there was no additional information for John and George A. There was more information for the rest of Alex and Maria’s children: Sarah, Lucinda, Harriet, David, Parthinia Elizabeth, Cordelia, Alice, and Hezekiah. Let’s start with Sarah.
Sarah married Scipio Bell and their children include Joseph, Sarah, Priscilla, James Newton, Amanda, Mary B. (could be Bertha), John/Shaper, and William. The 1881 Census also lists James David, but it does not state his relationship to the head of household, so this could also be a grandchild of Sarah. The 1911 Census has a listing for Joseph Bell who appears with his wife Sarah and sons Clifford and Wilford. According to Sarah’s death record, she was born in Windsor on June 26, 1864 and was the daughter of William Campbell and Annie Mason. Sarah passed away on February 18, 1920 at the age of 55 and was a Housewife. We could not find an obituary for Sarah Campbell Bell, but found one for her sister Laura Campbell which lists their siblings including Mrs. Mary Hall, Mrs. Delia Campbell, Joseph Campbell and Edward Campbell. Sarah Campbell was the first wife of Joseph Bell, but not the only. Joseph also married Mary McKay, the daughter of Peter McKay and Etta Fogena, on October 6, 1821 in Windsor. At the time Joseph, whose middle name is listed as Icoum, was 62 years old and Mary was 39. Both are listed as widowed and Joseph worked as a Teamster. A few years later in 1928, the Amherstburg Echo printed “Joseph Bell, brother of the late Newton Bell, died in Windsor on Wednesday. He formerly lived on Fort street, Amherstburg.” Joseph passed on October 10, 1928. A few days later on October 19, 1928, an obituary for Joseph Bell appears in the same newspaper saying “Joseph Bell, a brief mention of whose death was made in last week’s Echo, passed away Wednesday morning, the 10th inst., at Metropolitan Hospital, Walkerville, aged 69 years. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon from A.M.E. Zion Church, Windsor, Rev. Browning officiating. Burial was in Windsor Grove cemetery. Mr. Bell was a son of the late Scipio Bell, Malden, and is survived by his widow, two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Amanda Powell and Mrs. Bertha Garl, of Detroit; and Sharper Bell, of Malden. His first wife was Miss Sarah Campbell of Gesto.”
The next child of Sarah Marshall and Scipio Bell is Sarah. According to her death record Sarah (Moore) passed away on March 25, 1925 in Eloise, Wayne, Michigan. Her date of birth is listed as December 29, 1858 in Canada. She is also listed as married (last name Moore), but her husband’s first name is not mentioned. It is likely that Priscilla died at a young age because she is not listed beyond the 1871 Census.
Next is James Newton Bell who appears in the 1901 Census with his wife Hattie E. The next two Census lists for 1911 and 1921 list James and Hattie with their daughter Glenna May. On April 25, 1924, Newton Bell’s name appears in the Amherstburg Echo because a “contract for ditching St. Arnaud street was let to Newton Bell and George Scott for $76.” A few years later, on May 6, 1927, Newton’s name appears in the Amherstburg Echo again, but this time it is in his obituary. According to his obituary, “The death occurred in Amherstburg Tuesday noon of Newton Bell, an old colored resident, who after being ill all winter, suffered two strokes of paralysis, on successive Saturdays before his death. Mr. Bell was a native of Malden, and was 65 years old. He was a son of the late Scipio Bell. Of the family two brothers and two sisters are living: Joseph Bell, of Amherstburg; John Sharper Bell, of Malden; Mrs. Garl and Mrs. Powell, of Detroit. Mr. Bell was married to Hattie Artis, of Colchester, and they had one daughter, Glenna May. They moved to town about twenty-five years ago, and have been living on Kemp street. Mr. Bell was a hard working, well known ditching contractor, and strenuous work brought on his last illness. The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) afternoon to the A.M.E. Church, where services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Frye, pastor, followed by burial in Rose Hill cemetery. To the bereaved wife and daughter and other relatives sincere sympathy is extended.” The next issue from May 13, 1927 adds further details and says “Funeral services for the late Newton Bell were conducted at the A.M.E. church on Thursday afternoon by the Rev. E.S. Frye, pastor. A large number of friends and relatives from this community and also from Detroit and Windsor were in attendance as well as a lot of old friends who held the late Mr. Bell in high respect. During the service Miss Wava Davis rendered a very beautiful solo in very fine voice. Burial was in Rose Hill cemetery. The pallbearers were William Allen, Henry Chambers, Walter Mann, George Conway, Thomas Thompson and John H. Alexander jr.”
The obituary for James Newton’s wife Hattie Artis Bell was also available in the Amherstburg Echo on October 3, 1941. It says “Following a lengthy illness the death occurred at Grace Hospital, Windsor, of Mrs. Newton Bell of Amherstburg early Thursday morning. Deceased was one of the well known members of the colored community here. Her maiden name was Hattie Artis and she was born at Gilgal, Colchester South, 70 years ago. She had been suffering from varicose veins and a weak heart. Her condition became serious and she was removed to Grace Hospital ten days before her death. Surviving are one daughter Glenna and one son Driffield. Funeral arrangements had not been made when The Echo went to press.” This record reveals that Glenna was not an only child and had a brother named Driffield who is not mentioned on the 1901, 1911 or 1921 Census. A few years after Hattie’s passing, her daughter Glenna put a lovely ‘In Memoriam’ in the Amherstburg Echo on October 12, 1944 which said “In memory of Mrs. Hattie Bell, who passed away October 2, 1941. Three years have passed since that sad day. When one we loved was called away. God took her home, it was His will. But in our hearts she liveth still. Sadly missed by her daughter. Glena.
The next child of Sarah Marshall and Scipio Bell is Amanda. The Amherstburg Echo mentions that she worked in Harrow as a cook at the Erie House, “when it was managed by Jos. Drummond some years ago, and is well remembered by nearly all of the people of this section. The Marshall family is also widely connected throughout the township.” A separate article from 1910 mentions that Amanda was married to Gordon Powell, the son of Lewis Powell, of Colchester South. The second article also mentions that she kept a “rooming house” in Detroit.
Amanda’s sister Mary B. could also be Bertha because we were not able to find information for Mary B. other than her being mentioned on the Census. What we do know is that Bertha married a man with the last name Garl/Garrel, but no first name is mentioned for her husband.
The next child of Sarah Marshall and Scipio Bell is John Sharper Bell. The 1901 Census lists Sharper living with his uncle Hezekiah and working as a labourer. The next Census from 1911 lists John (or Sharper) as single and 40 years old. On June 30, 1905, Sharper appears in the Amherstburg Echo which says “Business of the session of the High Court at Sandwich was wound up Friday afternoon when the attorneys in the case of Sharper Bell vs. Pittsburg Coal Co., announced their willingness to settle by the payment of $100 to Bell. The man was injured by the fall of coal at the company’s coal dock at Sandwich. A Guarantee Company in which the Pittsburg Coal Co.’ s men are insured against accident, were the actual defendants.”
A few years later, he appears in the Amherstburg Echo because of a house fire. The Echo reported “An overheated stovepipe, about 7 o’clock Sunday night, was responsible for the burning down of Sharper Bell’s residence on the 7th concession. Mr. Bell was in Amherstburg at the time, but two men who boarded with him had just returned home and being cold made an unusually hot fire, and the burning out resulted. Neighbors gathered quickly and succeeded in getting out most of the household effects. There was no insurance.”
On September 18, 1936 Sharper Bell’s obituary was printed in the Echo and said“Funeral services for Sharper Bell, who died in Hotel Dieu last week, were conducted at the home Saturday afternoon, and burial was in Rose Hill cemetery. Mr. Bell was born 65 years ago on the farm where he died, son of Scipio Bell and his wife Sarah Marshall. He never married, and is survived by two sisters. Mrs. Bertha Garrell of Malden, and Mrs. Mandy Powell of Detroit. He had been ill since spring, but was only in the hospital two weeks.”
Now that we have discussed Sarah Marshall Bell and her family, we will move on to discuss her sister Lucinda. The 1881 Census lists Lucinda with two of her children William (age 20) and Elizabeth (age 17). The following Census for 1891 lists Lucinda living in the household of Elie and Elizabeth Hywarden (Elizabeth is Lucinda’s daughter) and their children Willianey, Lucindy, and William. At the time Lucinda is age 49 and listed with the last name Marshall. That changes in 1893 when Lucinda married Joshua Mickens. His obituary which was printed in the Amherstburg Echo on May 10, 1918 shares more details about Lucinda’s husband and says “Joshua Mickens, one of the best known colored men in South Essex, passed away at his home on the 9th con., Malden, late Sunday night. He was actively engaged in hard work until near the last, his death being caused by valvular disease of the heart. Mr. Mickens was born on the 8th concession 71 years ago. He spent his early years as marine fireman on the Great Lakes, and retiring from that spent his remaining years farming in Colchester South and Malden. He was first married to Miss Baylis and became the father of six children, two of whom are living. Mrs. M. Craig, of Windsor, and Susan, at home. In 1893 he was married to Miss Cinda Marshall who survives him, also leaves one brother, George, in Detroit. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon at the home by Rev. Peter Brooks, of Harrow, who delivered a powerful oration from the text: ‘In my father’s house are many mansions.’ Burial was in Mt. Pleasant cemetery.”
An obituary for Lucinda Marshall Mickens also appeared in the Echo and Essex Free Press, both sharing the same information. The former was printed on March 10, 1925 and says “Mrs. Lucinda Mickens, who has resided on the corner of the 9th concession and Middle Side Road, for the past 13 years, died there on Sunday evening, aged 84 years. The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon to the colored Methodist church at Harrow for services, and burial was in the cemetery on the Harrow Colchester road. Mrs. Mickens’ maiden name was Lucinda Marshall. She was a native of Colchester South and was married there to her late husband, and lived there practically all her life, Mr. Mickens died seven years ago. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Highwardon, of Malden, and two brothers, David and Hezekiah Marshall, of Colchester South.”
What we publish is not a complete history of any family and is based on the documents that are available. We welcome photos and information to fill in the gaps. See you next week for part 2.
Marshall Family History Part 2 – A Man Named Apples
The next child of Alex and Maria Marshall is Harriet. She married Jonas Hurst, the son of Washington and Jemima Hurst. Jonas was born in the 1840s in Colchester South and several documents list different years of birth. The 1851 Census lists his year of birth as 1843, while his obituary says 1844. Additionally, the 1901 census gives the exact date of October 8, 1847. According to their marriage record, Jonas Hurst and Harriet Marshall married on May 4, 1863, in Essex County. Before we discuss their children, a few more details about Jonas and Harriet.
According to Jonas’ obituary which was printed in the Amherstburg Echo on January 24, 1902, “JONAS HURST, one of the best known colored men in Amherstburg died Thursday of last week, at the age of 58? Years. The funeral was held Saturday forenoon, the remains being taken to the B.M.E. church, Harrow, where services were conducted by Rev. T.W. Johnson, after which the remains were interred in the B.M.E. cemetery at Colchester village. The pallbearers were: – William Thompson, William Brantford, John Dickenson, Simon Hulbert, John Young, and James Holton. The deceased was born in Colchester South in the year 1844. He was a son of the late Washington Hurst. He was married to Harriet Marshall and they had fifteen children, nine of whom are living. – Norman of Colchester South; Albert, Earnest, Charles, Gary, of Amherstburg; and Lizzie, Mima, Della, Hattie at home. He has two brothers, Washington and Albert, of Colchester South. He had been sick about four years with heart trouble, which later developed into dropsy, which caused his death.”
Also available was Harriet’s obituary which appeared in the Amherstburg Echo on September 20, 1918, and said “Mrs. Harriet Hurst, widow of the late Jonas Hurst, Brock street, Amherstburg, passed away at an early hour Wednesday morning, aged 72 years. She was in her usual health until Sunday, but suffered a stroke of paralysis on Monday, and the end came rapidly. Mrs. Hurst’s maiden name was Harriet Marshall, daughter of the late Alexander Marshall, of Colchester South. Of the family there are two brothers and one sister – David and Hezekiah Marshall, of Colchester South and Mrs. Lucinda Mickens of Malden. She was married to Jonas Hurst and became the mother of sixteen children of whom eight survive her – Norman, Gary, Early, Charles, Mrs. Lizzie Day, Mrs. Mina Mann and Mrs. Hattie Simpson, all of Amherstburg. There are besides thirteen grandchildren. They moved from Colchester to Amherstburg 21 years ago, and Mr. Hurst died here 12 years ago. The funeral will be held at the B.M.E. church, Harrow, this (Friday) afternoon, at 3 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Ware, assisted by Rev. P. Brooks, and burial will be at the lake cemetery.”
We have identified 13 of their 16 children: Albert, George, Jonas Jr., Edward, Gary, Ann, Norman, Charles, Early, Della, Hattie, Mina, and Elizabeth. We were lucky enough to find further details for nine of them: Albert, George, Gary, Norman, Early, Charles, Della, Hattie and Mina. The only evidence that we could find of Albert was his death record which states that he was the son of Hattie Marshall and Jonas Hurst, born in Colchester around 1878 and was a 35-year-old labourer who passed away on May 18, 1913 in Amherstburg.
Albert’s brother George was born in Malden Township circa 1875 and became a farmer. He married Nellie Hywarden, who was the daughter of Eli Hywarden and Elizabeth Marshall, on May 16, 1898 in Harrow. George and Nellie’s marriage record also says that Nellie was born circa 1881 in Colchester South.
George’s brother Gary is the next person to be discussed. He married a widow named Mamie Bow, the daughter of James Hughes and Catherine Stockley, on October 2, 1916. Gary was a 42-year-old labourer, while Mamie was a 40-year-old Housekeeper who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Gary sadly passed away in December 1930, suffering from dropsy and lung trouble. According to his obituary which was printed in the Amherstburg Echo on December 5, 1930 “Funeral services for the late Gary Hurst, whose death was announced in last week’s Echo were conducted Saturday afternoon, in the A.M.E. church by Rev. Burton, the pastor, and burial was in Rose Hill cemetery, with the following pallbearers: Jerry Harris, Peter Brooker, Peter Stokes, Walter Scott, George Brooks and Henry Chambers. The deceased was a son of the late Jonas Hurst and was born in Amherstburg 56 years ago and lived his whole life in the neighborhood where he died. He had suffered a lingering illness with dropsy and lung trouble, and his end came as a blessed relief from earthly suffering. Surviving him is his widow, who lives in Detroit and the following brothers and sisters: Charles and Early Hurst; Mrs. George Scott; Mrs. Oswald Simpson; and Mrs. Walter Mann. Deceased members of the family are Norman and Albert Hurst and Mrs. Robert Day, the latter two lived in Colchester.”
There are a few documents that list Gary’s brother Norman, including the 1920 Census for Toledo, Ohio. It lists Norman as a “Roomer” in the household of Joseph Miller. The Census also lists him as a 53-year-old widow who moved to the US in 1919 and that he worked as a labourer who did “General Work.” Norman’s death record states that he passed away in Amherstburg on March 3, 1924. According to his obituary which was printed in the Amherstburg Echo on March 7, 1924 “Norman Hurst, a native of this township, died at Amherstburg on Monday, aged 56 years, following a two weeks decline after a stroke of paralysis. The funeral was held there on Wednesday afternoon to Rose Hill cemetery. Deceased was a son of the late Jonas Hurst and spent most of his life here. The last few years he was in Toledo, coming from there to Amherstburg at Christmas. He was twice married but both wives are dead. One son survives him, also three brothers and three sisters, all of whom are living in Amherstburg.”
Unfortunately, the names of his wives are not listed, but it does state that they pre-deceased him, explaining why he is listed as a widow in the 1920 Toledo Census. This document also mentions that he had a son (no name mentioned), who survived him, but it is possible that he could have had more children.
Early is the next in line. According to his death record from December 1932, he was born on February 28, 1877, in Colchester. He married Edith Thompson on March 21, 1906. Edith was the daughter of Royl Thompson (mother not listed) and neither Edith nor Early were previously married. Early was 29 at the time of their marriage while Edith was 24. The couple had a daughter named Margaret Elizabeth who was born on May 31, 1906, in Amherstburg. Margaret later married Stanley Allen in March 1922. Stanley was born in Colchester North and was the son of William Allen and Victoria Brooker. At the time of their marriage, Stanley was nineteen and Margaret was sixteen. Interestingly, both are listed as labourers on their marriage record, which is not often an occupation associated with women at that time, if an occupation is listed at all. Often women are listed as housewives or without an occupation, but Margaret demonstrates that women worked outside of the home and contributed financially to their families.
Just like Early, there is quite a bit of information about his brother Charles Hurst who was born on June 16, 1882/1883. He married twice. His first marriage was to Della Lucas of Chatham, who was the daughter of Edward Lucas and Mary Richeson. The couple married in December 1910 in Detroit, Michigan, where they were both living. Their marriage record states that Charles was a teamster and 28 years old, while Della was 23. The couple had a least one daughter and her name was Edna Lucas Hurst. Edna later married Russell Hurst in August 1921. Both were 18 years old and Russell was from Amherstburg, while Edna was born in Chatham. At the time, Russell was a labourer, while Edna was a housekeeper. Russell and Edna had 13 children: Pauline, Viola, Russell, Edward, Leroy, Marvin, Delphine, Barbara, Charles, Mary, Donna, Brenda, and Peggy.
Charles’ second marriage was on March 19, 1946, to Dorothy Jackson, the daughter of William Jackson and Effie Lee. Dorothy was born on April 1, 1910, making her 35 at the time of their marriage, while Charles was 63. Both lived in Amherstburg where Charles worked as a teamster and Dorothy was a domestic. Before their marriage Dorothy already had a son named Richard Jr. (birth father was Richard Noland) and Dorothy and Charles raised him together. The couple also had three other children: Charles Jr. (Vernon), Lorvendale and Harriet Noreen. Their father, Charles Sr., worked on the family farm that was passed down to him. He also represented the Amherstburg community with his dedication and long-time service to the church, serving as a pastor until his death at the age of 74. Following his passing, Dorothy resumed this service and never remarried.
Charles also had a sister named Della who married George Alton Scott in November 1916 in Amherstburg. George was born in New Canaan and was the son of Joseph Scott and Dina Galloway. At the time of their marriage George was 29 and a labourer, while Della was 26 and a “House maid.” Neither were previously married, and both were living in Windsor. Della had two sons: Russell who was born on August 24, 1902, in Amherstburg and Clifford who was born on April 5, 1908, also in Amherstburg. Sadly, according to the Amherstburg Echo, Clifford Hurst passed away at the age of 32 years on February 17, 1941, in Amherstburg, while Russell passed many years later in 1984.
Della’s sister Hattie was born on October 28, 1890, in Malden which later amalgamated with Amherstburg. On September 21, 1909 in Amherstburg, Hattie married Oswald Simpson whose nickname was ‘Apples.’ The story goes that Oswald was given this nickname because he could crush an apple in the palm of his hand (see Simpson family history https://amherstburgfreedom.org/simpson-family-james-line/ ). Oswald was a 22-year-old labourer and the son of James Simpson, a farmer, and Matilda Brooks.
According to Hattie’s obituary from August 1978 “Death came to Hattie, Mrs. Oswald Simpson, Fort St., Amherstburg, Thursday in her 88th year. Her husband died in 1962. Mrs. Simpson was born in Colchester South a daughter of Jonas and Harriet Marshall Hurst. Her only son Clarence (Jake) died in 1965. She leaves 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Rev. Lloyd Jenkins conducted the funeral in Tanner A.M.E. Church, King Street, Saturday. Burial followed in Rose Hill Cemetery.”
As mentioned, the couple had a son named Clarence D. ‘Jake’ Simpson who was born on December 10, 1909. He married Orla Harris who was born on April 29, 1923, in Amherstburg. The couple married on Saturday, June 5, 1943, and Orla was the daughter of David Leonze Harris and Sadie Allen.
Hattie’s sister Mina/Mima was also known as Jemima. She married Walter Mann who was born in Anderdon on April 18, 1874 and was the son of Maria Kersey and Hardy/Hartwell Mann. This was not Walter’s first marriage because he was previously married to Emma Jane Britton who was the daughter of Thomas and Milley Britton. The couple married on October 5, 1896, in Colchester North, but the marriage record for Walter’s second marriage lists him as a widower, meaning that Emma passed away some time before his second marriage to Mina. Mina and Walter married on September 22, 1906, in Amherstburg and they had a son named Charles.
Mina’s husband Walter sadly passed away on April 11, 1936 after an unexpected accident. According to an article from the April 17, 1936 issue of the Amherstburg Echo, “Town Employee Dies Suddenly – Walter Mann Is Victim Of Heart Failure – Walter Mann, well known colored employee of the Amherstburg Board of Works, died suddenly Saturday morning, April 11, while engaged in playing a prank on his fellow worker, Oswald Simpson, which his happy nature had prompted. He had told Mr. Simpson that he would beat him to the town hall and the challenge was accepted. They chose different routes and Mr. Mann reached the hall first. After his arrival he told Freeman McCaffrew town engineer, that he was going to hide on Simpson and stepped into a corner. After waiting a few minutes he said, ‘I guest Oswald isn’t coming, and stepped out of his hiding place. As he did so he fell forward on his face and died instantly. His death removes one who had become almost an institution in Amherstburg and one who hadn’t an enemy in the community. Always ready to joke, he had a friendly greeting for everyone and his exuberant nature prompted him to demonstrate his remarkable ability at step-dancing which always delighted his audience. Deceased was born in Anderdon 61 years ago. His father was Hartwell Mann, who escaped from slavery in the United Sates just before the Civil War and came by the underground railway to this district which was haven of refuge to so many of the oppressed colored people of the south. He began farming in Anderdon and was one of the well known Liberals of this district often speaking at meetings. Walter began sailing after he grew up and sailed on many of the lake steamers. Twenty-nine years ago he entered the employ of the Corporation of Amherstburg and has been a faithful employee since. During that time he and his partner on the job, Andrew Boyd, were responsible for installing and maintaining the water and sewer main system of the town. They worked under the direction of Freeman McCaffrey and because of their difference in stature were often called ‘Mutt and Jeff.’ He is survived by his second wife, who, before her marriage, was Mina Hurst, daughter of Kersey Hurst of Colchester South; one son, Charles, and a grandson Lloyd of Amherstburg and one brother, Rev. James Mann of Cleveland, O. Sincere tribute was paid to the memory of Mr. Mann by the larger number of citizens, white and colored, who attended the funeral services held at the B.M.E. Church Tuesday afternoon.”
Walter’s wife Mina passed away several years later in 1945 and on January 11th the Echo printed “Mrs. Walter Mann, 58, a former resident of Amherstburg and Colchester South, died in London on Saturday. She was the former Jemima Hurst and leaves a sister, Mrs. Oswald Simpson and a brother Charles in Amherstburg.”
The last child of Harriet Marshall and Jonas Hurst to be discussed is Elizabeth. According to her death certificate, Elizabeth was born circa 1886. She later married Robert Day who was the son of Robert J. Day and Anne Mack on July 6, 1907, in Amherstburg. The couple’s marriage record says that Robert was born in Richmond, Ohio, but was living in Detroit at the time of their marriage. Robert was 22 and Elizabeth was 21, and neither were previously married. The couple had two children: Willie (born in 1910) and Gladys Marie (1918), but sadly both passed away shortly after being born. In Elizabeth’s obituary it does not list any children, so it is possible that the couple did not have other children. Elizabeth’s obituary states “Mrs. Robert Day, daughter of the late Jonas Hurst, Brock street, passed away quite unexpectedly on Friday evening last. She had been poorly for a couple of years, but was no worse than usual that evening, and her death as she was conversing with her sister was a great shock. The remains were taken to Harrow on Monday morning, where services were conducted, and interment was at Colchester, where other members of the family are buried. Mrs. Day’s maiden name was Elizabeth Hurst. She was born in Colchester South but came to Amherstburg with her parents when a child. She was married to Robert Day, of Chicago, and he survives her together with the following brothers and sisters: Norman, in the States; Gary, Earl and Charles, of Amherstburg; Mrs. Oswald Simpson, Mrs. Walter Mann and Mrs. Della Scott, all of Amherstburg.”
What we publish is not a complete history of any family and is based on the documents that are available. We welcome photos and information to fill in the gaps. See you next week for part 3.
Marshall Family History Part 3 – The Oldest Tiger Fan in Amherstburg
Now that we have discussed Harriet Marshall Hurst’s line, we will move on to discuss her brother David Marshall. The 1881 Census lists David alongside his wife Jennie (Busha) and the following Census for 1891 lists some of their children: Lucindy, Charles, George, and Anney. Other records mention that David had a daughter named Mary Louise (which could also be Lucindy) and a son named Isaac who passed at a young age. Before we discuss David and Jennie’s children, here is some more information about David.
On July 30, 1937 the Amherstburg Echo printed a lengthy article about David who was a fan of baseball. The article titled ‘Amherstburg Nonagenarian Is Ardent Radio Baseball Fan’ reports “The oldest Tiger fan in Amherstburg, and probably the oldest along either side of the border, David Marshall, sat on the shady side of a shed at his home on Kemp Street, Amherstburg, Friday, and listened to the broadcast of the Boston-Detroit baseball game. Mr. Marshall is one of Amherstburg’s oldest residents, for he has gone beyond the 90 mark and will be 91 years of age on August 13. That’s a ripe old age, but the years sit lightly on the shoulders of this son of a former slave … His eyesight has dimmed a little but he can still see fairly well and his health is good. Best of all he still retains his sense of humor and chuckles contagiously when he recalls a droll incident or hears a jocular remark.”
The article continues, “Secret of Long Life – Of course one has always to ask the secret of an aged person’s longevity but the reason he gave was that he ‘guessed it was just the mercy of God.’ He smokes, but he doesn’t think smoking hurts anyone. ‘But, of course, you shouldn’t smoke too much,’ he hastened to add. ‘I remember a long time ago in Harrow Dr. Campeau telling me that smoking to much would not be good for me.’ He has apparently taken the advice for he hasn’t been ‘hurt’ by the use of tobacco. He used to chew too, but he gave that up long ago. Did he drink? Well he had often had the odd glass of beer or wine, but he ‘never followed that stuff.’”
“We asked him if he could advise The Echo readers how to live to a ripe old age and he replied, ‘Ah dunno how they can do that, but if they serve God I believe they’ll have better luck and God will bless them,’ which shows that he is a bit of a philosopher and possesses a homely wisdom.”
The article also shares “Hard Work and Religion – Hard work has always been his lot and he found little time in his long span of years to play. His chief recreation was attending church and enjoying the emotional outlet this afforded. He really began to work when he was about 13 years of age. At least that was when he first began to earn money. Mr. Marshall was born on the Theodore Langlois farm in Malden and as soon as he was old enough he began to do chores around the farm. ‘Ah ‘member Theodore Langlois well,’ he said, ‘and Ah’d suttinly like to see him now.’ His father had worked for the Langlois family after he had come here from Kentucky. Mr. Marshall remembers his father telling how he escaped from slavery in the south. He and his wife planned their escape and after they made the break they were helped out by white folks who favored the abolition of slavery. But they had a hard time getting out of the country. They were pursued by dogs. ‘But,’ chuckled Mr. Marshall, ‘my father and mother put pepper on their boots so that bloodhounds couldn’t trail them.’ They finally managed to reach Amherstburg and then secured work on the Langlois farm.”
“Only Survivor – They raised a family of seven boys and six girls of whom David is the only one living. He farmed most of his life but he did try sailing for two years. But he found that the turbulent life of a mariner was not for him. ‘Ah got awful scared when Ah seen that water come a-rollin’ over the boat,’ he related, and that decided him that he would stick to farming or gardening. The latter work he did when he got too old for the strenuous life on the farm. Over 56 years ago he married Jennie Busha, who was also the daughter of parents who escaped from slavery and found freedom and happiness in Colchester South, near Harrow. They had two children, Mary Louise Thompson, Kemp Street, Amherstburg, with whom Mr. Marshall lives and Charles Marshall, also of Amherstburg.”
The article continues with “Likes the Radio – Mr. Marshall has always been an early riser and he still gets up regularly at six o’clock. He retires about nine o’clock. He can do little around the house but he likes to listen to the radio and especially to the ball games. We asked him what Tiger ball players he liked best and he answered Greenberg and another player but he couldn’t remember his name. We suggested Walker, Gehringer, Cochrane, but he shook his head to all of these. Then suddenly he remembered: ‘Pete Fox! Pete Fox! That’s the fellow I like.’ And we figured that Peter should feel mighty proud to have a fan as old as that among his public. Mr. Marshall had a brother Hezekiah (Shug) of Colchester South, who is one of the best remembered colored men in South Essex.”
Now that we have discussed David, we can move forward to discuss his children. There was no further information for George Henry or Anney (Annetta), but the 1911 Census lists Charles Albert in the same household as his uncle, Hezekiah. The Census adds that Charlie was born in July 1883 and worked as a labourer. There was significantly more information for David’s daughter Mary Louise.
It seems that Mary Louise married twice because she is referred to as Mary Louise Thompson in a 1937 article in the Echo and as Louise Mulder in a 1942 article. The name of her first husband (Thompson) is not listed, but her second husband was Ernest Bratford Mulder. This was not Ernest’s first marriage. He was previously married to Ethel May Clingman, the daughter of William Clingman and Matilda Ridout.
Both Louise and Ernest are mentioned several times in the Amherstburg Echo for their contributions to Essex County’s agricultural progress. An article from October 30, 1936, titled ‘Cotton Grows is Amherstburg,’ says “A GAMBLE with the fertility of the Sun Parlor of Canada has been successful, and Amherstburg can now be classed among those places where ‘de cotton blooms and grows.’ Ernest Mulder, Kemp Street, Amherstburg, was given some cotton seeds last year and he planted them in a flower pot. As soon as danger of frost was past this spring he transplanted them to his garden where they thrived as well as if they were growing in the sunny south. Tuesday morning Mr. Mulder brought a cotton plant into The Echo office and on it were six bolls of cotton. Three of them had already burst from the boll and the others are almost ready to pop from their shell and prove to the world that cotton can actually be grown in Amherstburg. The plant is on display at The Echo office, and Mr. Mulder has also donated plants to the local schools so that the pupils may see the productiveness of their town.”
A second article about Ernest growing cotton from August 14, 1936 states that Ernest was given the cotton seeds by relatives that live in Atlanta, Georgia, and that he had 5 successful plants at that point that grew over a foot high.
A few years later, on September 17, 1942, the Amherstburg Echo printed another article titled ‘Cotton and Yams Are Produced In Local Garden.’ It says “Cotton and sweet potatoes sound more like the Southern States than the Banana Belt but nevertheless right here in Amherstburg those two famous southern products of the soil are growing side by side in the garden or Mrs. Ernest Mulder, Kemp Street. A few years ago Mrs. Mulder had received a gift of cotton seeds from a friend of hers. She planted them and they grew to a fair height. This year she sent away to the Department of Agriculture in Georgia for some seed and planted it first in the house and then transplanted it outside. It thrived under the rays of the Banana Belt sun and has now reached a height about three and a half feet and there is a profusion of blossoms which presage a good crop of cotton. Alongside the cotton patch her husband planted some yams and this vegetable is also showing signs of a good crop.”
Ernest Mulder’s obituary appeared in the Amherstburg Echo on November 12, 1975 and said “Ernest Mulder Bradford died at the Richmond Nursing Home Saturday in his 90th year. His wife was Louise Thompson. He was father of Kenneth of Chatham, Mrs. Harvey (Vida) Mulder of Harrow, Mrs. Ace (Geraldine) Brown and Mrs. Carl (Catherine) Berrigan, Yvonne Montgomery, Mrs. Meryle (Helen) Harrison, Mrs. Wallace (Jean) Mack, 17 grandchildren. The funeral was in Amherstburg Tuesday with Wellington Taylor officiating. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.”
What we publish is not a complete history of any family and is based on the documents that are available. We welcome photos and information to fill in the gaps. See you next week for part 4.
Marshall Family History Part 4 – An Act of Kindness
David Marshall’s sister Parthinia Elizabeth (sometimes referred to as Parcena or Ena) is next. She married Ora Craig. The 1871 Census lists Ora (spelt Ory in 1871 Census) with his parents William and Mary, along with Ora’s siblings Andrew, George, and William. The following Census for 1881 lists Ora with his wife Elizabeth and their children John and Alexander. Their daughter Sarah is included in the next Census for 1891. At this point, Elizabeth has passed because Ora is listed as widowed. This information is confirmed with Parthinia Elizabeth Craig’s death record which states that she died in Colchester on November 28, 1889 at the age of 37 from consumption.
Elizabeth Marshall and Ora Craig’s children, as mentioned, include John, Alexander and Sarah. We were able to find further information for John and Alexander. According to his marriage record, John Craig married Adeline Mickens who was the daughter of Joshua Mickens and Melinda Baylis. John and Adeline married on May 20, 1898 in Harrow. The 1911 Census lists John and Addie with their children Grace, Stanley and John. According to the birth record for John McCrae Craig, the youngest child listed on the 1911 Census, he was born on May 10, 1903 in Windsor. A note in the Museum’s family history binder lists ‘Mac’ as a child of Elizabeth and Ora Craig, so we assume that this is John because his middle name is McCrae. No death record was available for John Craig Sr., but there was one for his wife Adeline (spelt Adelaine). This record shares that Adeline was born on December 17, 1879 and passed away on October 6, 1925 in Windsor at the age of 45.
John’s brother Alexander Craig, according to his death record, was born on May 13, 1884 and passed away on April 12, 1929 in Detroit. This document also mentions that he was widowed, but his wife’s name is not mentioned. It also lists his father as Orie Craig and mother as Eunice Morshoes (which could be a misspelling of Marshall).
Following Elizabeth’s passing, Ora Craig appeared in an article in the Amherstburg Echo which shows his kindness. The article from September 12, 1895 is about a council meeting in Colchester South, where it was “Moved by Mr. Hood, seconded by Mr. Reaume, that Ora Craig be paid $5 for taking care of Henry Smith, a pauper, on his death bed. Carried.”
Ora Craig also married a second time to Nancy Clingman, the daughter of Charles Hatfield, on December 25, 1899 in Amherstburg. Nancy is mentioned in two articles from the Amherstburg Echo in 1905 and 1910 because of visits from her sons: Henry and John. The first article from December 22, 1905 says “Henry Clingman, who has been absent for some time working in Detroit, returned recently and will spend the winter with his mother, Mrs. Ora Craig.” The article that mentions John on June 3, 1910 says “John Clingman and bride visited with his mother, Mrs. Ora Craig, on Sunday last. John is employed by the Ford Auto works, of Detroit.”
The next child of Alex Marshall and Maria Dayton is Cordelia/Adelia. She married Alexander Lyons. According to Alexander’s death Record, he was the son of James Lyons and Maria Tolliver, was born in Colchester, and passed away on January 24, 1927 in Essex County at the age of 77. It also mentions that he was widowed at the time, meaning Cordelia had passed away by then. The 1891 Census lists Alexander and Adelia Lyons with their children: Ellen, Matilda, Eva, Elcia, Alzora, Nora, and May (likely Edna May). Records for other children including Rose and Myrtle Maud were also available, in addition to records for the children listed in the 1891 Census.
First is Rose Lyons who married William Jackson, son of John and Loucinda Jackson, on October 15, 1894 in Windsor. Their marriage record also shares that William worked as a Marine Fireman. Rosie Jackson’s death record shares further details including that she was a Housewife, born in Harrow on November 10, 1876 and passed on February 12, 1926 in Windsor at the age of 49 years.
Rose’s sister Matilda Louise is next. According to her death record, she passed away on October 13, 1893 in Windsor at the age of 16 years. Matilda’s sister Eva was born on March 10, 1881 in Colchester South, and later married Eli Chambers, the son of John J. Chambers and Christie Marshall, on June 24, 1902 in Detroit.
Eva’s sister Elsie Alice Lyons was born on January 28, 1883 in Malden and according to her death record from November 28, 1893, she was born in Colchester and passed in Windsor at the age of 11. Her sister Nora Casina Lyons was born on December 7, 1886 in Malden. Nora later married Benjamin Stewart, the son of William Stewart and Martha Young, on June 9, 1904 in Windsor.
Nora’s sister Enda May married Edgar W. Cooper, the son of Jos. William Cooper and Margaret Brown, on October 25, 1906 in Windsor. This record also shares that Edgar worked as a Decorator. Edna May must have married a second time because her death record lists her was Edna May Walker. Her death record also mentions that she was born on June 7, 1893, was a housewife and passed away on December 4, 1913 in Cleveland, Ohio, but was buried in Windsor. Edna’s husband’s name is not mentioned, but the informant is Chas. A. Walker which could either be the name of her husband or son. Their relationship is not mentioned on the record. The last available record is a marriage record for Myrtle Maude Lyons, the daughter of Alex Lyons. Her marriage record shows that she married Arthur Edward Mauser, the son of Charles Mauser and Louisa Caille, on October 25, 1910 in Windsor.
What we publish is not a complete history of any family and is based on the documents that are available. We welcome photos and information to fill in the gaps. See you next week for part 5.
Marshall Family History Part 5 – Reaching 107
Now that we have discussed Charles, Sarah, John, Lucinda, Alex, Harriet, David, Parthinia Elizabeth, George and Cordelia, we will finish by discussing Alice (Elsie) and Hezekiah. Alice Marshall married Moses Baylis who, according to his death record, was born in July 1850 in Philadelphia and was the son of Henry Baylis and Mary Jane Washington. Moses and Alice had two sons named John (1879) and Harry (1888). Sadly, John passed away at the age of 17 in 1895 after contracting measles which spread to his lungs. Harry married and established himself on a farm on Concession 4 in the Hillsville area (Colchester). Sadly, he also died young after contracting tuberculosis and dying of heart failure at the age of 27 in 1915. Harry’s wife, whose name we do not know, passed away a few years later, in 1918, in Detroit where she lived following Harry’s passing.
Alice passed away in 1908 and we were able to find her obituary from September 11, 1908, which says “Mrs. Moses Baylis passed away Monday after a three year illness with Bright’s disease, leaving a husband and one son. The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon, services being conducted at the B.M.E. church by Rev. P. Brooks, and interment was in the Potlake burying ground. The deceased’s maiden name was Marshall and she leaves several brothers and sisters. The pallbearers were Newton Bell, Joseph Bell, Albert Hurst, Early Hurst, Sharper Bell and William Marshall.”
Some time following Alice’s passing, Moses retired from farming, and moved and lived with his sister in law, Belle Day and his sister, Annie. Sadly, Moses passed on September 1, 1930 in Colchester. He was a very religious person and he often spoke to groups at church and other gatherings. According to his obituary, “Mose[s] Baylis, 80 years of age, and a well known character in Colchester South died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Amos Washington on Monday. Mr. Baylis was born in Philadelphia in 1850 and as a small boy came to Colchester South with his parents. He was married to Alice Marshall, who predeceased him some years ago. Funeral services were conducted in the B.M.E. Church in Harrow on Wednesday afternoon by the Rev. F.O. Stewart of Windsor. Burial was in Erie Cemetery. The pallbearers were Forest Matthews, Wylie Grayer, James Grayer; William Morgan, Thomas Graham and James Graham.”
The last child of Alex and Maria Marshall to be discussed is Hezekiah who is also referred to as ‘Shug.’ He married three times: 1st Eliza Jones, 2nd Ellen Hurst and 3rd Emma Johnston. Based on the records found, Hezekiah and Eliza’s children are Arthur, Ellen Louise and Daisy Ellen, although the last two children could be the same person because they have the shared name of ‘Ellen.’
According to Arthur’s death record, he died on September 9, 1915 in Colchester at the age of 27, was single and a labourer. His obituary adds “Arthur Marshall, only son of Hezekiah Marshall, died on Thursday of last week, with typhoid fever, following a general illness of six months or more. The funeral took place Saturday afternoon to Mt. Pleasant cemetery, Malden, and was conducted by Rev. Peter Brooks. The pallbearers were: Walter Jackson, James Brooker, Joseph Morgan, John Harris, Arthur Coates and William Thornton. Surviving him are his parents and one sister, Mrs. Daisy Baylis, of Malden. Deceased had been employed for some time by W.H. Ferriss, of Harrow.”
Arthur’s sister Ellen Louise was born on January 1, 1890 in Colchester North Township. As mentioned, Ellen Louise and Daisy Ellen may be the same person because they share the same birthday. The death record for Daisy Ellen from February 5, 1924 also says January 1, 1890 for the date of birth. Her death record also says that Daisy married John Baylis, the son of Robert and Maria Baylis. Sadly, Daisy passed away in 1924 which was reported in the Amherstburg Echo. The obituary says “Mrs. John Baylis passed away on Tuesday after a brief illness with pneumonia. She gave birth to a daughter a week ago Sunday and caught cold on account of the changeable weather. The funeral was held yesterday (Thursday) afternoon to Central Grove church and cemetery. Mrs. Baylis was before her marriage Daisy Marshall, daughter of Hezekiah Marshall. She is survived by her father, husband and seven small children. She was only thirty-three years old.” John Edward Baylis passed away several decades later, on August 31, 1968. In total, John and Daisy had nine children: Clarence Dirford (1909), Robert (1912), Keitha (1913), Elmer (1916), Orville Wellington (1917), John (1921), Lucy (1922), Vida Wanita (1923), and Donald (1925).
Hezekiah’s second wife was Ellen Hurst, the daughter of Elliot and Amanda Hurst, on November 25, 1894 in Harrow. Hezekiah is listed as a widower at the time, so Eliza had passed at this point. Hezekiah’s third wife was Emma Johnston/Johnson, who according to a September 8, 1911 article in the Amherstburg Echo was the daughter of Robert R. Johnson and visited him in Cleveland, Ohio for three weeks. Emma is mentioned in the Amherstburg Echo a few more times including on June 14, 1956 when “Mrs. Keitha Land of Elmstead entertained at a birthday dinner on Sunday afternoon honoring her grandmother, Mrs. Emma Marshall of Harrow. Mrs. Marshall was presented with a sum of money as a gift. Rev. T.J. Berry and members from the Puce Baptist Church joined in a Communion service with the elderly honored.” She is also mentioned in the June 12, 1974 issue which mentions that Emma was a resident of Sun Parlor Home in Leamington and would be turning 107 years old in July. The article mentions that “She was born in Windsor on Confederation Day, July 1, 1867. Before going to Leamington Mrs. Marshall lived in Windsor and Colchester South with her granddaughter, Mrs. Jud Mulder, R.R. 2, Harrow.”
A few years later, on February 2, 1977, her obituary also appears in the Echo which says “Mrs. Emma Marshall 107 years of age, died in Leamington January 26. She was wife of the late Hezikiah Marshall; grandmother of (Vida) Mrs. Judson Mulder, Elmer; Orville and Donald Baylis all of Harrow, Clarence Baylis of Windsor and Robert Baylis of Elmstead; Keitha deceased. The funeral was in Harrow, Saturday. Burial in Colchester Memorial Cemetery.” Just a few days after that, February 9th, Vida Mulder put a card of thanks in the Echo which said “The family of the late (Grandie) Emma Marshall wish to express their sincere thanks to their many friends and relatives for cards and flowers in the loss of their grandmother. Special thanks to the pallbearers, Elder Edsel Smith and Pastor M. Hurst, J.H. Madill, nurses and staff of the Sun Parlor Home in Leamington. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered by granddaughter. Mrs. Judson [Vida] Mulder Harrow, February 2, 1977.”
Emma’s husband Hezekiah Marshall passed away years before, on April 9, 1932 in Colchester at the age of 68. It also says that he was married and born circa 1864. His obituary from April 15, 1932 shares more details and says “It seems as if everyone in this and adjoining communities knew ‘Shug’ Marshall (Hezekiah), who died Saturday morning, as the result of a stroke of paralysis, which seized him the Tuesday before. He was … [an] individual with a lot of personality, and had a lot of friends. Mr. Marshall was born here 68 years ago youngest son of the late Alexander Marshall one of the township’s earliest colored settlers. The only member of the family left is David Marshall, who lives in Amherstburg. Among the others were Mrs. Harriet Hurst of Amherstburg; Mrs. Mose Baylis of this township and Mrs. Delia Lyons. There were seven sons and six daughters of them originally. Relatives include the families of Hurst, Baylis, Bell and Carter. He spent his whole life in this vicinity and was employed with W.H. Ferriss and with Gordon Arner nearly forty years altogether and was a faithful hardworking man. He had three wives, the third of whom was Emma Johnson of Detroit, who survives him. All his children are deceased but he has seven grand children and quite a number of nephews and nieces. Mr. Marshall was a member of the B.M.E. Church, Harrow, and funeral services were conducted there Monday afternoon by Rev. Mr. Stewart, followed by burial in the family cemetery, near Colchester.”
What we publish is not a complete history of any family and is based on the documents that are available. We welcome photos and information to fill in the gaps. See you next week where we will celebrate another amazing family.
