Racenia Slaght

Racenia married Findlay Spencer on 25 May 1887 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. Findlay was born in 1857 in Ridgeville County, Prince Edward Island, Lower Canada; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Groom: Finlay, Spencer
Age 29
Residence: Tilsonburg
Place of Birth: Ridgeville Cty., PEI, Lower Canada
Book Keeper
Parents Names not given
Bride: Rosina Slaght
Age 22
Residence: Tilsonburg
Place of Birth: Tilsonburg
Parents; Duncan & Rosinia Slaght
Date: 25 May 1887, Tilsonburg, Oxford Cty., Ontario
Methodist
Minister: Rev. G. A. Mitchell

1. Frieda Racenia Spencer was born on 10 May 1889 in Hamilton, Wentworth County, Ontario, Canada; and died.
2. Laura Spencer was born on 20 Oct 1891 in , , Ontario, Canada; and died.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Duncan Slaight

Notes:

I have been searching for more info on Duncan Slaght, wife Raceinia - Tillsonburg and District Historical society states Duncan's birth as 18 Aug 1846 ( I had noted abt 1845) and his death 08 Oct 1867 - so will use this as my source for now. The Tillsonburg and District Historical Society had done a huge project on Pioneer Cemetery, the residents that were buried there, further info etc - have erected a large plaque in honour of many graves that have disappeared over the years. hw

2017 For now I have accepted their research from their records for Duncan's birth and death dates, but I also have Duncan's brother Cyrenius' birth as 18 Aug 1846 - were they twins???? hw Further research reveals the1851 Canadian census recording Cyrenius Slaght as age 8 and Duncan as age 6, thus unlikely they are twins - placing Cyrenius' birth abt 1844 and Duncan's 1845/46 hw

Duncan married Racenia Eliza Turner on 21 Feb 1864 in Mount Elgin, Oxford County, Canada West, Canada. Racenia (daughter of James E. Turner and Mary Ann Charlotte Tilson) was born on 8 Oct 1849 in , Canada West, Canada; died on 22 Dec 1867 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: R. Eliza Turner

Notes:

Info on Racenia Eliza Turner from Slaght researcher

Parents of Racenia E. Turner are James E. Turner & Mary Ann Tilson. It was rumoured to me that Mary Ann Tillson's parents were either George Tillson (founder of Tillsonburg) or E.D. Tillson, son of George.
Annadale House in Tillsonburg, (currently a museum) was built by E.D.Tillson. I have not verified this connection

Other Events and Attributes:

• Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Ludington, Mason Cty., USA
• Birth: 23 Jan 1821, , , Upper Canada, Canada
• Land Assessment: 1844, Townsend Twp., Upper Canada
• Cdn census 1851: 1851, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1851 Census
• Occupation: 1862; General Merchant, Tillsonburg, Ont.
• 1870 USA census: 1870, Victory, Mason Cty., Michigan, USA; 1870 Census
• 1880 Census: 1880, Ludington, Mason, Michigan, USA; 1880 census
• 1900 Census: 1900, Ludington, Mason, Michigan, USA; 1900
• Death: 20 Nov 1901, Ludington, Mason, Michigan, USA
• Death: 20 Nov 1901, Ludington, Mason, Michigan, USA

Notes:

Silas lived his first 30 years in Canada. In 1851 he settled in
Fentonville, Michigan, lived here 3 years. Following years he travelled, residing in various places until 1863, when he landed in Ludington with a team of horses and a wagon, a few household goods and $28.00. Immediately locating at a focal point about 7 miles from this place, he carried on a general store for nearly 5 years - 4 years of which time he was a Postmaster under President Lincoln. Before leaving Canada, he had lost a fortune of about $40,000.00 and had to begin all over again. He succeeded from the first and made $10,000. During the 5 years he passed in the store situated in the midst of the forest. In 1870, he opened a general store on Ludington Avenue where he did business for 10 years with varying success. Since 1892 he has operated the store at its present location.

The first wife of Silas was Miss Rhoda A. Weeks. Rhoda Weeks and Silas Slaght were married January 29, 1843, her parents are listed as Joseph Wicks(Weeks) and Rhoda Carnes.* Cyrennius Slaght, son of Silas and Rhoda (Weeks) Slaght married Maria Caroline Weeks and went to Washington, USA.

Source: Sharon K. Blaine

* I believe that the author of this info has the parents names mixed up; should be Joseph Weeks and Charity Kern - bur perhaps pronounced 'Carnes' - hw

Rumor has it Rhoda & Silas divorced, but unconfirmed (HW), query 'divorce' in mid 1800s.

In 1844 Assessment of Townsend Twp., Silas was listed on the south half of Lot 13, concession 8 with 4 acres culitvated and 14 acres uncultivated, a one storey frame house and 2 livestock, all valued at 48 pounds.

1851 Canadian Census records; Roll C-11745, Pg 51, Lines 1-6
Silas Slaght, Farmer, Born Canada, Baptist, Age 31
Rhoda A. Slaght, Canada, Baptist, Female, Age 30
Cyrenius Slaght, Canada, Baptist, Male, Age 8
Duncan Slaght, Canada, Baptist, Male, Age 6
Charity E. Slaght, Canada, Baptist, Female, Age 3
Job Slaght, Canada, Baptist, Male, Age 1


1861 Cdn Census: Enum District 3, Dereham Twp, Oxford Cty, Ontario
Silas Slaght, General Merchant, Birthpl Upper Canada, Rel Baptist, Age 40 Married
Rhoda A. Slaght, Birthpl Upper Can, Baptist, Age 39, Married
Slaght, Cyrennius, Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 17, single
Slaght, Duncan, Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 15, Single
Slaght, Charity E., Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 13, Single
Slaght, Rhoda L. (?), Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 7, Single
Slaght, Hugh W., Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 2, Single

He next lived in Otterville, Oxford Cty, then in 1862 he was a merchant in Tillsonburg, Oxford Cty., Ont.

In 1862, Silas & Rhoda settled in Fentonville, Michigan. In 1863, he settled at Ludington, Michigan
Source R. Robert Mutrie

In 1870 Census of Victory, Mason Co., Michigan, p 497, Silas Slaght was listed as a merchant born in Canada, age 49 with his wife Arvilla born in New York, 24 and child Hugh born in Canada, 9.
Source: R. Robert Mutrie

In 1880 Census of Ludington, p 486A, Silas Slaght was listed as a dry goods merchant born in Canada West, 59, with his wife Alice, 19, and daughter Blanche B. 4, step-son Harrison 2, all born in Michigan.
Source: R. Robert Mutrie
Further verification:
1880 United States Census
Silas Slaght Household
Male
Birth Year 1821
Birthplace, Canada West
Age: 59
Occupation: Dry Goods Merchant
Marital Status M (married)
Race W (white)
Head of Household: Silas Slaght
Relation: Self
Fathers Birthplace NJ
Mothers Birthplace PA
Source: Census Place - Ludington, Mason, Michigan
Family Hisotry Library Film 1254594
NA Film # T0-0594
Page Number 486A

In 1900 census, Ludington Ward 3, Mason Cty., Michigan Silas is recorded as age 79, Immigrated in 1861, living with Wife Melissa (Newton) and Son Arthur. Source: T6233730, Page 11B

Simcoe Reformer newspaper article, "Slaght, Silas, age 80, formerly of Townsend, died 20 November 1901, Ludinton, Michigan". Further research revealed one Silas Slaght buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Ludington,Mason Cty., Michigan; plot # 01-005-014-08, death date 11/20/1901.

Birth: Jan. 23, 1821
Waterford
Ontario, Canada
Death: Nov. 20, 1901
Ludington
Mason County
Michigan, USA

Lived 410 N. William, Ludington
1st wife Arvilla Smedley
Husband of Mellisa Slaght 2nd wife
Married May 4, 1887 in Ludington
He was married at the time of his death
Children 16
Blanch 1876
Harrison 1878 step-son
Arthur 1891
Parents Jobe Slaght & Elizabeth Mills
Died form prostitutes, rheumatism & conjunction of the lungs




Burial:
Lakeview Cemetery
Ludington
Mason County
Michigan, USA

Created by: Jan
Record added: Jul 24, 2011
Find A Grave Memorial# 73872575

South Victory Cemetery in Ludington,Mason Cty., Pere Marquette Twp., Michigan has recorded data stating 3 Slaght burials there, George Slaght, child of S & A, Lilla Slaght, child of S & A, and Silas Slaght, child of S & A. Further research required to determine whether these children belong to Silas & Arvilla (Smedley) Slaght.

Burial:
A burial noted for one Silas Slaght, plot # 01-005-014-08, death date 11/20/1901

Birth:
Notes from Sharon Blaine (Slaght researcher) and researcher Edmund West

Land Assessment:
4 acres are cultivated and 14 acres were uncultivated, value 48 pounds.

Cdn census 1851:
Silas is Male, Age 31, Birthplace Canada, Occupation Farmer, Lines 1-6 inclusive. Recorded with his Wife Rhoda Slaght and children Cyrenius, Duncan, Charity E. and Job Slaght.

1870 USA census:
Silas is age 49, living with his Wife Arvilla (Smedley), age 24, and one Son Hugh Slaght, born in Canada, age 9

1880 Census:
Silas is age 59, Born Canada, Occupation Dry good Merchant, Married, living with Wife Alice and children Blanche B. & Harrison Slaght

1900 Census:
Silas is age 79, Immigrated in 1861, Page 11B, living withWife Melissa (Newton) and Son Arthur.

Death:
newspaper article in Simcoe Reformer, "Slaght, Silas, age 80, formerly of Townsend, died 20 November 1901, Ludington, Michigan"

Death:
Age 80, Merchant, Married, Son of Job Slaght & Elisabeth Mills

Silas married Rhoda A. Weeks on 29 Jan 1843 in Unknown. Rhoda (daughter of Joseph Weeks and Charity Kern) was born about 1822 in Charlotteville, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Roder A. Slaght
• Residence: 1844, Townsend Twp, Norfolk County, Upper Canada
• 1851 Census: 1851, Dereham Twp, Upper Canada, Canada; 1851 Canada Census
• 1880 Census: 1880, Mears, Oceana, Michigan, USA; 1880 USA Census

Notes:

Have not found a birth certificate or baptism for Rhoda Weeks; she is not enumerated on the 1851 census with her family as already married.

1844 residing with Husband Silas Slaght at Townsend Twp, Assessment at South half of Lot 13 Conc 8, 4 acres cultivated and 14 acres were unculitivated; the value being 48 pounds.

1851 Census, Oxford Cty., Dereham Township, Page 51, Lines 1-6, Roll C_11745
Slaght, Silas, Farmer, Birthplace Canada, Baptist, Age 31, Male
Rhoda A. Slaght, female, Age 30, Birthplace Canada, Baptist, Female
Cyrenius Slaght, Birthplace Canada, Age 8, Baptist, Male
Duncan Slaght, Birthplace Canada, Age 6, Baptist, Male
Charity E. Slaght, Birthplace Canada, Age 3, Baptist, Female
Job Slaght, Birthplace Canada, Age 1, Baptist, male

1861 Cdn Census: Enum District 3, Dereham Twp, Oxford Cty, Ontario
Silas Slaght, General Merchant, Birthpl Upper Canada, Rel Baptist, Age 40 Married
Rhoda A. Slaght, Birthpl Upper Can, Baptist, Age 39, Married
Slaght, Cyrennius, Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 17, single
Slaght, Duncan, Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 15, Single
Slaght, Charity E., Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 13, Single
Slaght, Rhoda L. (?), Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 7, Single
Slaght, Hugh W., Upper Canada, Baptist, Age 2, Single

He next lived in Otterville, Oxford Cty, then in 1862 he was a merchant in Tillsonburg, Oxford Cty., Ont.

In 1862, Silas & Rhoda settled in Fentonville, Michigan. In 1863, he settled at Ludington, Michigan
Source R. Robert Mutrie


In 1880, Census of Mears, Oceana Co., Michigan, p479C, Rhoda Slaght was
listed as a widow (sic) born in Canada, 56; her father born in New York and her mother in Canada.
Source: 1880 Michigan Census, Pg 17, Enumerator Dist. #208, Line 18
This data would have Rhoda's birthdate as being 1824 instead of 1822 or 1826. hw


Many puzzles remain with the data collected for Rhoda Weeks, daughter of Joseph & Charity Weeks.
1 no confirmation at this time she is Joseph & Charity (Kern) Weeks' daughter hw
2. not mentioned in Joseph's will, although it seems likely he wouldn't leave her land as she was now a Slaght and her husband certainly had many wives. hw
I wonder about Rhoda's Father - Joseph Weeks and his will. Joseph Weeks died in 1878, and as Rhoda was still alive but she is not mentioned in the Will at all - is this Usual??? hw

3. I wonder about the origin of her christian names, Rhoda, doesn't seem to fit with Charity Kern's side - is it possible that was Amos Weeks' wife's name? What name is the initial A. meant to be? hw

4. Haven't found a death entry for her either. Slaght researchers say she was mentioned on the grave marker for her husband Silas Slaght, but when I visited the cemetery (Pioneer Cemetery, Tillsonburg), couldn't trace the inscription at all. hw

(Research):1851 Cdn Census, Oxford Cty, Upper Canada
1880 USA Census, Mears, Oceana Cty., Michigan, Widow, Age 56

Residence:
Rhoda is residing with husband Silas Slaght; Source Townsend Assessment South half of Lot 13, Concession 8

1851 Census:
Rhoda A. Slaght, Female, Age 30, Birthplace Canada; Silas & Rhoda have 4 children living,
Page 51, Line 2, Roll C_11745

1880 Census:
Rhoda Slaght, White, Female, Age 56, Widow, Boarder, occupation housework

Notes:

birth and death dates from World Tree Ancestry.ca - thus some speculation as to accuracy. I entered them into this database for the purpose of giving me an approx. timeline for Daughter Racenia hw

James married Mary Ann Charlotte Tilson. Mary (daughter of G. Tilson) was born about 24 Jun 1822; died about 10 Jan 1854. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

birth and death dates taken from World Tree Ancestry.ca, thus speculation as to accuracy. I used these dates only to give me a timeline for daughter Racenia for further research hw

J.(.R. married E. Mills. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Land Records: 25 Jun 1828, Walpole Twp, Haldimand County, Upper Canada; Estate Dispersement
• 1851 Census: 1851, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Canada West, Canada; 1851 Canada Census
• Occupation: 1851; Farmer
• Religion: 1851; Universalist
• Land Records: 2 Apr 1853, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; Land Records
• Land Purchase: 2 Jun 1855, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; 200 acres
• Land Purchase: 16 Jun 1860, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; 200 acres
• 1861 Census: 1861, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Canada West, Canada; 1861 Canada Census
• 1871 Census: 1871, , Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1871 Canada Census

Notes:

Unproven data -( recd from Slaght connection) ANC file # AFN:1QPV-N3C
Joseph Weeks (Wicks) married Rhoda Carnes. Issue is daughter Rhoda
Weeks(Wicks) married Silas Slaght - a descendant of Job, Job Slaght Jr. Rhoda Weeks and Silas Slaght were married January 29, 1843 See Slaght Genealogy for continuation.

Fact: Joseph Weeks married Charity Kern and children listed are Rhoda and 7 sons; John, Amos, Joseph,Walter, Ira, Ransom, and Isaac. I believe that the Slaght info is still applicable to this family as the Kern surname was often pronounced and spelled 'carnes, Karn'. The error is in naming bride and mother with the same christian name of 'Rhoda'.

#8916 June 25 1828, Daniel Miller Weeks, (heir et law of Amos Weeks) sold to Joseph Weeks 100 acres N 1/2 out of a total of 200 acres of land on Lot 9 concession 8 in Walpole Township, Haldimand County.

#8917 Oct 11 1832, Joseph Weeks sold the above property (100 acres N 1/2) of Lot 9 Concession 8 in Walpole Township to Harrison Oakes for 32 pounds.

Fact: Land Agreements/Documents
Joseph Weeks of Dereham, Ont. bought land Lot 5, Concession 9 issue date 5 1846-02-24 ND, type CL RG Series 01-C1113 ref/vol # 002, Pg 090 ( It seems feasible that Joseph Weeks and family moved to Oxford County about 1832 but it wasn't until 1846 before the Deed was finalized in Joseph's name) hw

Subsequently Joseph Weeks purchased the following land:
in Middleton Lot 9 conc. 4NR, issue date 2 1851-03-28 Series 01-C15 ref/vol 002-068

In Middleton NTR 6, conc 4 date 2 1855-09-24 Series )1 C15 004-027

In Middleton N1/2 4, conc 4,5,7, 1854-02-04 Series CC B3 026-139

In Middleton W1/2 4 4NR issue 4 1853C - lease, Series CC B3 034-510

Eventually all this property was either given, deeded to his respective sons.
Joseph and Isaac remained on the homeplace sections, and
Amos, John, and Walter farmed the land in the Middleton area.


"Family Legend:
Joseph took up a tract of land in Dereham township, Oxford Cty, Concession 9, Lot 5, bordering Cranberry Rd in 1832. ( I am assuming Joseph leased this land from the crown as above documents show this land bought in 1846-hw) . To procure the deed to his property, Joseph rode horseback to Niagara. His neighbours were Indians having a little settlement nearby. The women worked at household tasks together with Charity Weeks and the men worked and hunted together. Joseph and Charity raised their family of eight children here, seven sons and one daughter.
Rhoda married Mr. Slaght and moved to the state of Washington.[ again, I believe, via my research, that Rhoda Wicks is our Rhoda Weeks, and she married Silas Slaght, and moved to Michigan, USA - hw][ Rhoda Weeks and Silas Slaght's son, Cyrenius married Maria Caroline Weeks (his cousin - dtr. of Daniel Weeks and Mary Hawer - hw] John, Amos and Walter took up land from the crown South of Tillsonburg, in Middleton township, Norfolk Cty; and Joseph and Isaac farmed the homestead on the ninth concession of Dereham twp, the homestead being divided into two farms.
There was an almost complete cooperation among these early settlers, and a very deep love of the land. The five brothers would go to one farm, cut down trees, clear a spot for a log cabin, later to be replaced by a larger house and later still by a substantial brick home. Thus they went from farm to farm helping one another. There was very little money; work was done by bees - Relatives and neighbours would gather to build a house or barn, and what happy times these gatherings were. The women came along to help with the meals. Money mattered very little to those early settlers, any lack was made up by trading surplus, and theirs was a very leisured way of life. Not that they didn't work hard - laborious work was done with only an axe and adze at first, later by hand saws, and later still cross-cut saws.
These brothers were the happiest people. They were cutting a home for themselves out of the wilderness and doing it the hard way, and always with a joke and hearty laugh. Whenever there was need, helping hands were ready. In those early times, doctors were few and far between, so the mother took over in illness and usually someone in the neighbourhood with a special knack in caring for the sick would be on call whenever needed. The doctor was seldom called except in serious illness. For the most part, they were a healthy, hearty people.
Much of the land was cleared by oxen, later stumping machines and horses. Water was a very pecious commodity and wells were detected the "witching". Only certain people had the gift of witching and the early settlers firmly believed in this way of finding water. A branched twig of hickory was held firmly in the hands, stem pointing upwards and when the witcher walked over water, even deep in the ground, the stem would turn downwards. Fire was something to be dreaded if uncontrolled. Every care was taken to prevent fires from getting out of control. Wood was used for cooking and heating. A huge cast iron, square stove was used for heating. Huge pieces of wood were placed in the stove and would hold the heat through the night. They were always careful to bank the fire before going to bed, wind the clock and put out the cat." excerpt from family tree documentation by Ola Beaman,Mamie Elizabeth Rouse.


CENSUS
1851 Census: Dereham Township, Micro Film 23
#25, Weeks, Joseph, Born Canada West, Age 49, Univeralist, Married, Farmer, Fram 1 1/2 story house
26, Weeks, Charity, Born Canada West, Age 50, Univeralist, married
27, Weeks, John, Born Canada West, Age 23, Universalist, Single, Labourer
28, Weeks, Amos, Born Canada West, Age 20, Univeralist, Single, Labr.
29, Weeks, Joseph, born Canada West, Age 18, Universalist, Single, Labr.
30, Weeks, Walter, Born Canada West, Age 16, Universalist, Single, Labr.
31, Weeks, Ira, Born Canada West, Age 13, Universalist, Single
32, Weeks, Ransome, Born Canada West, Age 11, Universalist, Single
33, Weeks, Isaac, Born Canada West, Age 9, Universalist, Single

1861 Canadian Census, Roll C-1060-1061; Library And Archives Canada, Pg 72, Dereham Twp, Oxford Cty, Canada West
Joseph Weeks, Male, Head, Age 57, Birthplace Canada West, Universalist, Farmer
Charity Weeks, Wife, Married, Age 58,
Joseph Weeks, Son, Single, Age 27
Walter Weeks, Son, Single, Age 25
Ira Weeks, Son, Single, Age 24
Isaac Weeks, Son, Single, Age 18

1871 Census: Joseph WEEKES age 67, birthplace Ontario, Religion - Universalist, Origin - English, Occupation - Farmer District 013, Sub Dist. A Division 1 Page 94
Weeks, Joseph, male, age 67, birthplace Ontario, religion Universalist, origin Scotch, Occupation: F
Weeks, Charity, female, age 68, birthplace Ontario, religion Universalist, Origin Dutch, married
Weeks, Joseph junior, male, age 37, birthplace Ontario, religion Universalist, Origin Scotch, single. Livestock comprised of horses, 5 milch cows, 14 horned cattle, 22 sheep, 23 swine, 200 pounds of butter, 80 pounds of wood.

Burial Certificate Film # 1853224, # 10805-78 VS , Ontario.
Joseph Weeks
Died 13 Dec. 1878, male, 75 years old, Occupation - Farmer, Birthplace Norfolk Cty,
Cause of Death - old age
Informant: Brinton P. Brown
When Registered: 12 Dec. 1878**
Registrar: Geo Fish.
** (note the regisered date is prior to the date given for death -??hw)

Indenture on 7 September 1868 between Joseph Weeks (elder) of Twp of Dereham, Cty of Oxford, Prov. of Ontario. and his son Joseph Weeks (younger)
"That in consideration of $2500 of lawful money of Canada, Joseph (elder) sells of 85 acres on the West half of Lot 5, Concession 9, of his property in Twp Dereham to Joseph the younger.(his son). #41278 - 129. Witness was Henry Boughner

Following Joseph Weeks Sr. death, in 1879, the document 41278 was partitioned and gave 50 acres ea. to Isaac Weeks at S1/2 of E1/2 and Amos N1/2 of E1/2. #75914 and 75915. This parcel of land changed hands many times thru the years as various family members deceased and it was passed onto heirs. Last notation was 1970 to Wallace Weeks thus the property was in the Weeks family for 138 years without a mortage or debt incurred. Amazing.

Burial: Tillsonburg Cemetery Section H, Row F, # 19
"In Memory of / Joseph Weeks / died / Nov. 23, 1878, aged ****

Joseph Weeks' Will- registrar of Surrogate Court, Cty of Oxford, Jas. Canfield
"In Her Majesty's Surrogate Court of the County of Oxford.
Be it known that on the Tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight, the last Will and Testament of Joseph Weeks, late of the Township of Dereham, in the County of Oxford, Farmer, who died on or about the Twenty-third day of November in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight at the said Township of Dereham, and who at the time of his death had a fixed place of abode at the Township of Dereham in the said County of Oxford was proved and registered in the said surrogate Court a true copy of which said Last Will and Testament is hereto annexed, and that the administration of all and singular the personal estate and effects rights and credits of the said deceased and anyway concerning his Will was granted by the aforesaid Court to Amos Weeks of the Township of Middleton, in the County of Norfolk, Farmer, and Walter Weeks of the same place, farmer, the Executers named in the said will, they having been first sworn well and faithfully to administer the same by paying the just debts of the deceased and the legacies contained in his Will so far as they are thereunto bound by law, and to exhibit a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the said estate and effects, rights and credits and to render a just and true account fo their Executorship whenever required by law so to do.
Sgn. Jas. Canfield, Registrar of the Surrogate Court of County of Oxford.
Know all Men by these presents, that 1. Joseph Weeks of the Township of Dereham, in the County of Oxford and Province of Ontario, being of sound mind, memory and understanding, do make publish and declare this to be my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making null and void all former last Wills and Testaments by me heretofore by me made.
My Will is that all my funeral charges and just debts shall be paid by my Executors hereinafter named. After the payment of my just debts, funeral charges and the expenses attending the administration of my estate, I give, devise and bequeath the rest and residue of my estate and property as follows:viz.,
First:- I give and bequeath to my wife, Charity Weeks, in addition to any dower which she may be entitled to at my decease, two rooms in the house known as the Homestead, together with all the household furniture, beds and bedding, which I may be possessed of at the time of my decease, also two good cows, six sheep and one hog, all of which shall be kept on the Farm and provided with suitable feed summer and winter and for her sole use and benefit so long as she remains my widow.
Second;- I give and demise to my two sons Amos Weeks and Isaac Weeks my Dereham farm, being composed of the East half of Lot number Five in the Ninth Concession of the said Township of Dereham, which said farm shall be equally divided between my said two sons Amos Weeks and Isaac Weeks and said division to be made by my said sons in any way agreeable to them. The rest and residue of my estate and property of which I shall be possessed of at the time of my decease shall be equally divided between my five sons.
And lastly I do nominate and appoint my sons, Amos Weeks and Walter Weeks to be my executors of this my last Will and Testament.
In witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal the twenty-ninth day of March in the year of Our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and seventy-eight.
Sgn. Joseph Weeks, L.S.
Signed, Sealed and declared by the said Joseph Weeks to be his last will and testament in presence of John Hodgson and Thomas Fletcher, who at his request and in his presence have subscribed their names as witnesses hereunto and in the presence of each other.
Sgd. John Hodgson, of the Town of Tilsonburg.
Sgd. Thomas Fletcher of the Township of Dereham."


Sept 2004. Took a drive with Margaret Rouse, she showed us Joseph's original land just off Cranberry Road.

Land Records:
Joseph Weeks purchased 100 acres ( N 1/2) of his Fathers estate of 200 acres in Walpole Township, Lot 9, Concession 8 for 31 pounds, from Daniel Miller Weeks.

1851 Census:
Joseph Weeks Family, Joseph is 49, married, Universalist, Farmer; living with his Wife Charity, age 50 and his six Sons.
Microfilm 23, lines 25-33

Land Records:
purchased 170 acres Lot 9 Concession 4

Land Purchase:
North of Talbot Road East, Lot 3, Concession 4

Land Purchase:
Lot 6, Concession 4

1861 Census:
Joseph Weeks, Head, Married, Age 57, Universalist, Farmer

1871 Census:
page 94-line 11-13; South Oxford, Ontario; Age 67 - Joseph

Died:
Cause of Death: Old Age

Joseph married Charity Kern about 1826 in Unknown. Charity (daughter of John Kern and Charity Bunn) was born on 14 Dec 1802 in Forestville, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; died on 30 May 1890 in Forestville, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Nationality: Dutch
• Name: Karn
• Religion: Universalist
• 1851 Census: 1851, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Canada West, Canada; 1851 Canada Census
• 1861 Census: 1861, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Canada West, Canada; 1861 Canada Census
• 1871 Census: 1871, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1871 Canada Census
• 1881 Census: 1881, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1881 Canada Census

Notes:

Family Facts:
Charity Kern was of German descent. Her grandfather, Christopher Kern, settled in German Valley,Roxbury Twp., Morris Cty, New Jersey. See Kern Genealogy Page for continuation. He had 3 sons: David, Christopher, and John, 1 daughter Anna. In 1799 David got the urge to move to Upper Canada and settled near Hamilton.
Charity's father, JOHN KERN,was born at Roxbury Twp, Morris Cty, New Jersey on 29 May 1763, died at Charlotteville Twp on 11 Jan. 1824 at the age of 65 y, 10 m 10d. John married CHARITY BUNN,( born at Roxbury Twp in Jun/Jul 1769) on April 9, 1787 in New Jersey. Charity (Bunn)Kern died in Charlotteville on April 9, 1854 age 84 years, 9 m. Both John and Charity are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Forestville, Charlotteville Twp.
In 1800, the others (Christopher, John, their families) decided to make the journey also. They 'brought horses, cows, sheep, pigs and poultry, and all their household effects with them, and it took six weeks to complete the journey. ' Also in this party was John's uncle and aunt Adam and Anna (Swackhammer) Lick/Leek and Adam's son-in-law John Youngs. Adam Leek and Christopher Kern moved onto Oxford Cty.
On 12 Aug 1800, John Kern purchased from Richard Cockrell Lot 1, Conc1, Lot 2, Conc 4 and the north half of Lot 3, conc3, Walsingham Twp. According to family tradition recounted by Norfolk Cty historian E.A. Owen, John Kern felt swindled in this purchase. " John Kern brought $500. in cash with him. It was all he had, and he intended to purchase a home with it, but when he arrived at Niagara a land shark met him and enduced him to buy five hundred acres of land at a dollar per acre, which was represented as being of good quality and very desirable in every respect. Mr Kern exchanged his capital for a deed of the land and when he arrived in Long Point settlement, he made the sickening discovery that his land was absolutely worthless. This meant privation and pinching destitution for a few years"
John's occupation was a blacksmith. His faith was Presbyterian. John was appointed town clerk on June 10, 1806 of the township Charlotteville, by the court of Sessions.
John leased from the Crown Reserve, Lot 9, Con 1 Charlotteville Twp on !3 Sept 1802.
Kern purchased from Teeple 106 acres in Lot 9 Con A on 14 Mar 1804. Kern made his homestead on the rear part of this purchase, near the present village of Forestville.
1808 - 20 Sept, John purchased another 10 acres from Teeple
22 Sept 1810, John bought from Oliver Mabee 40 acres in Lot 9 Con A. To this he added 50 acres from John Lodor in Lot 8 Con A on 20 May 1811.
John served during the war of 1812 in Mitchell's Company of the Norfolk Cty Militia.
This family was brought up to work. The girls worked in the fields, drove oxen and did whatever was needed inside and outside.

1851 Census: Dereham Township, Micro Film 23
#25, Weeks, Joseph, Born Canada West, Age 49, Univeralist, Married, Farmer, Fram 1 1/2 story house
26, Weeks, Charity, Born Canada West, Age 50, Univeralist, married
27, Weeks, John, Born Canada West, Age 23, Universalist, Single, Labourer
28, Weeks, Amos, Born Canada West, Age 20, Univeralist, Single, Labr.
29, Weeks, Joseph, born Canada West, Age 18, Universalist, Single, Labr.
30, Weeks, Walter, Born Canada West, Age 16, Universalist, Single, Labr.
31, Weeks, Ira, Born Canada West, Age 13, Universalist, Single
32, Weeks, Ransome, Born Canada West, Age 11, Universalist, Single
33, Weeks, Isaac, Born Canada West, Age 9, Universalist, Single

1861 Canadian Census, Roll C-1060-1061; Library And Archives Canada, Pg 72, Dereham Twp, Oxford Cty, Canada West
Joseph Weeks, Male, Head, Age 57, Birthplace Canada West, Universalist, Farmer
Charity Weeks, Wife, Married, Age 58,
Joseph Weeks, Son, Single, Age 27
Walter Weeks, Son, Single, Age 25
Ira Weeks, Son, Single, Age 24
Isaac Weeks, Son, Single, Age 18


1871 Census: Joseph WEEKES age 67, birthplace Ontario, Religion - Universalist, Origin - English, Occupation - Farmer District 013, Sub Dist. A Division 1 Page 94
Weeks, Joseph, male, age 67, birthplace Ontario, religion Universalist, origin Scotch, Occupation: F
Weeks, Charity, female, age 68, birthplace Ontario, religion Universalist, Origin Dutch, married
Weeks, Joseph junior, male, age 37, birthplace Ontario, religion Universalist, Origin Scotch, single. Livestock comprised of horses, 5 milch cows, 14 horned cattle, 22 sheep, 23 swine, 200 pounds of butter, 80 pounds of wood.

1881 Census of Canada
Dereham, Oxford South, Ontario
Page 15, Family 70, NAC C-13266
Joseph Meeks, Male, Married, Age 47, Canadian, Born Ontario, Farmer
Aramentia Meeks, Female, Married, Age 25, Born Ontario
William N. Meeks, Male, Age 1, Born Ontario
Charity Meeks, Female, Widow, Age 78, Born Ontario, Universalist
** Whether enumerator error or transcribing error, the surname is noted as MEEKS, instead of WEEKS hw


Charity Weeks - Death Registration
Charity Weeks died 30 May 1890 at 87 years of age. Her birthplace was Charlotte Centre. Cause of Death was old age. Her physician was Dr. Sinclair.
Signature of Informant was Amos Weeks (Son) of Middleton, 2 June 1890
Source; LDS Film #11853534, # 11516 - 90

Burial: Tillsonburg Cemetery, Section H, Row F, # 18
In Memory of / Charity / wife of / Joseph Weeks / died May 30, 1890 / aged 87 yrs 5 mos 16 dys.

Newspaper Clipping from Tillsonburg Observer, Ontario Library.
Weeks - at the residence of her son, Samuel Weeks, near New England on Friday, May 30, 1890, Mrs. Charity Weeks aged 87 years 5 months and 15 days. (death notice)
** Again, cannot understand the phrase - her son Samuel Weeks, near New England as to my knowledge and many other Weeks researchers, she did not have a Son named Samuel Weeks, she had a brother Samuel Kern and whether he resided in New England (?) hw

Charity Weeks' Father's will - probate Source; www.library.elgin - county.on.ca/history/estate5.txt

Name; KERN
FName: John
Resid: Charlotteville
Date: Jan. 6, 1827
File: 145
MFNO: 1155
Notes: Petition was by John and Christopher Kern
- wife was Charity Kern
- son was John
- son was Christopher
-son was Samuel
- Daughter was Mary Collver
- Daughter was Catharine Stokes
- Daugher was Elizabeth Stockwell
- Daughter was Sophia Smith
- Daughter was Charity Kern*
- Daughter was Anna Brining
- Daughter was Sarah Kern
- Daughter was Susanna Kern
- Daugher was Martha Kern

Executors of estate; John Kern, son; Christopher Kern, son.

Witnesses to Will:
- Robert Munro, Charlotteville
- Amos Weeks, Charlotteville
- R. William Dease, Esquire, Charlotteville

Inventory of estate completed on October 31, 1827 by Laurence Johnson and Benjamin Palmation

I believe the Amos Weeks mentioned here to be Joseph Weeks', (1803-1878) Father.

Tillsonburg Observer Newspaper, June 6 1890, pg 3 col 5
Samuel Kern, Esq. and wife, Lewis Collver, Esq. and wife, David Collver, Esq., and wife, Edgar Bryning, Esq. and wife, Mrs. Elijah Kitchen, Mrs. A. Glover, Hiram Beemer, Esq., and wife, John Beemer Esq., A. E. McMichael, Esq., Miss Dora McMichael and Mrs. Dr. J. G. Collver of Waterford were in Tilsonburg last week attending the funeral of Mrs. Joseph Weeks, sister of Mrs. William McMichael and Samuel Kern of Waterford, and relict of the late Joseph Weeks, one of the pioneers of the township of Dereham. Mrs. Weeks was in her 88th year, and was well known in the coutines of Oxford and Norfolk.

1851 Census:
Charity Weeks , Birthplace Canada West, Universalist, Age 50, Female; residing with her husband Joseph Weeks and children John Weeks, Amos Weeks, Joseph Weeks, Walter Weeks, Ira Weeks, Ransom Weeks, and Isaac Weeks

1871 Census:
Weeks, Charity, Female, Age 68, Dutch Origin; residing with her husband Joseph and Son Joseph Jurnior Weeks
Page 94

1881 Census:
Charity Meeks, Female, Widow, Age 78, Universalist. Although the surname is spelled Meeks, this is a misprint or misinterpretation, as this definitely is our Family of Weeks hw