Roy Gordon Palen

Notes:

*1901 Census 93 Norfolk d-2 Tillsonburg, Page 9, Line 46*
Palen, Roy, Male, W., Son, Single, Born 5 Mar 1895, Age 6, Birthplace rural Ont.


1911 Census, Ontario, Oxford South, Dereham, District 4, Page 6
Line 12, Household 56 ( Isaac Weeks)
Palen, Roy, Male, Servant*, Single,Born Dec 1894, Age 16, Ontario,

Roy married Myrtle Ila Becker on 11 Apr 1917 in Walsingham, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada. Myrtle (daughter of J.F. Becker and C.L. Curtis) was born on 5 Apr 1899 in Houghton Twp, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; died in 1981; was buried in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Marriage Certificate - Ontario Marriage Index 1857-1922, Reg # 014048
Bridegroom: Gordon Roy Palen, Bachelor, Farmer
Parents: Orrin Palen & Rhoda Weeks
Bride: Myrtle Ila Becker, Spinster
Parents: Franklin Becker & Carrie Curtis
Witnesses: Edwin Becker, Woodstock & Beatrice Moore, Walsingham
Place of Marriage: Walsingham, Norfolk Cty, Ontario
Date: 11 April 1917

1. Vera Helen Palen was born on 10 Jan 1918 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; died before 2002.
2. F.M. Palen
3. Ruby Irene Palen was born on 16 Feb 1921; and died.
4. Gordon Earl Palen was born on 6 Jun 1924; died on 4 Oct 2002 in Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada; was buried on 8 Oct 2002 in Rosanna Cemetery, Norwich Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada.
5. Lorna Ethel (Elizabeth) Palen was born on 26 Mar 1926 in , , Ontario, Canada; died on 28 Feb 2005 in Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada; was buried on 3 Mar 2005 in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada.
6. Morley Orrin Palen was born on 30 Nov 1931 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; died on 11 Oct 2004 in Woodstock General Hospital, Woodstock, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; was buried on 16 Oct 2004 in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada.
7. Mervin Roy Palen was born on 18 May 1936 in , , Ontario, Canada; died in 1993; was buried in Rosanna Cemetery, Norwich Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada.
8. M.R. Palen

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Baptist

Notes:

*1901 Census 93 Norfolk d-2 Tillsonburg, Page 9, Line 41*
Palen, Orrin, Male, White, Head, Married, Born 23 Nov. 1857, Age 43, Birthplace United States, Immigration 1858, Origin English, Religion Baptist, Farmer.
Palen, Rhoda, Female, White, Wife, Married, Born 21 July 1860, Age 40, Birthplace rural Ontario, origin English, Religion Baptist
Palen, Albert, Male, W., Son, Single, Born 29 Sept. 1886, Age 14, Birthplace rural Ont.,
Palen, Laura, Female, W., Daugher, Single, Born 28 June 1889, Age 11, Birthplace rural Ont.
Palen, Ethel, Female, W., Daughter, Single, Born 4 Oct., 1891, Age 9, Birthplace rural Ont.
Palen, Roy, Male, W., Son, Single, Born 5 Mar 1895, Age 6, Birthplace rural Ont.
Palen, Cecil, Male, W., Son, Single, Born 3 may 1897, Age 3, Birthplace rural Ont.

Schedule 2 Info:
c 4th Conc., lot 9, brick house with 8 rooms,

Birth date taken from 1901 census


1911 Census, Ontario, Oxford South, District 37, Page 6
Lines 44-50; Household # 64; Res Townline
Palen, Orrin, Male, Head, Married, Born Nov 1858, Age 53, Ont., German, Canadian, Baptist, Farmer
Palen, Rhoda, Female, Wife, Married, Born Jul 1861, Age 50
Palen, Laura, Female, Dtr, Single, Born Jun 1890, Age 21, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist, Factory Aide
Palen, Ethel, Female, Dtr, Single, Born Oct 1892, Age 19, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist, Factory Aide
Palen, Roy, Male, Son, Single, Born Mar 1895, Age 16, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist, Domestic
Palen, Cecil, Male, Son, Single, Born May 1897, Age 14, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist
Palen, Ivan, Male, Son, Single, Born Apr 1906, Age 5, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist

Orrin married Rhoda Sophia Weeks on 23 Mar 1886 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. Rhoda (daughter of Amos Weeks and Elizabeth Stewart) was born on 21 Jul 1860 in Middleton Twp, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; died on 2 Apr 1925 in Woodstock, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Woodstock Baptist Cemetery, Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• 1881 Census: 1881, Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1881 Canadian Census
• 1901 Census: 1901, Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1901 Canadian Census
• 1911 Census: 1911, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1911 Canadian Census

Notes:

1881 Census , Tillsonburg, Norfolk North, Ontario, Canada
Film 1375899 - C-13263; Dist 158, SubDist F, Page 1, Family 1
Rhoda Weeks, Female, Age 20, Anglo-Saxon, Birthplace Ontario, Baptist
Rhoda is living with her Father Amos Weeks and Mother Elizabeth (Stewart) Weeks and her sister Charity


*1901 Census 93 Norfolk d-2 Tillsonburg page 9, Line 42*
Palen, Rhoda, Female, White, Wife, Married, Born 21 July 1860, Age 40, Birthplace rural Ontario, origin English, Religion Baptist


1911 Census, Ontario, Oxford South, District 37, Page 6
Lines 44-50; Household # 64; Res Townline
Palen, Orrin, Male, Head, Married, Born Nov 1858, Age 53, Ont., German, Canadian, Baptist, Farmer
Palen, Rhoda, Female, Wife, Married, Born Jul 1861, Age 50
Palen, Laura, Female, Dtr, Single, Born Jun 1890, Age 21, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist, Factory Aide
Palen, Ethel, Female, Dtr, Single, Born Oct 1892, Age 19, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist, Factory Aide
Palen, Roy, Male, Son, Single, Born Mar 1895, Age 16, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist, Domestic
Palen, Cecil, Male, Son, Single, Born May 1897, Age 14, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist
Palen, Ivan, Male, Son, Single, Born Apr 1906, Age 5, Ont, German, Canadian, Baptist



Surrogate Court of Oxford - Estate of AMOS WEEKS, deceased
This is the last Will and Testament of me - AMOS WEEKS, of the town of Tillsonburg, County Oxford and Province of Ontario - I revoke all other wills
I appoint my Brother, Walter WEEKS of Twp Middleton, Cty Norfolk, Farmer to be my sole executor - giving all my real and personal estate in trust for the following purpose: Pay all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses as soon as conveniently after my demise;

I give and bequeath unto my Wife - Charity Sophronia WEEKS the following:
Cash - one hundred dollars ($100.00)
Property: East half of the North Part of Lot #8 in the 4th concession of Middleton Twp; also West half of the North part of Lot #9 in the 4th Concession of Middleton Twp
Effects: one span of horses and harness; all the farming implements and machinery, all the household goods and furniture, all sheep and swine, - all for her use during her lifetime. Also give her one cow.

I give and bequeath unto my Daughter - Charity ROUSE for her use during her lifetime and after her death to her children:
Property: west half of the North part of Lot #8 in the 4th concession of Middleton Twp - 40 acres. - 44 acres
And after my Wife - Charity Sophronia Weeks death - to my daughter Charity ROUSE, east half of the north part of lot #8 in the said concession
Effects: one sow and choice of my lot of cows

I give and bequeath unto my Daughter - Rhoda PALEN - for her use during her lifetime and after her death, to her children the:
Property: east half of the North part of lot #9 in the said 4th concession of Middleton Twp - abt 44 acres
And after my Wife - Charity Sophronia Weeks death - to my daughter Rhoda PALEN - west half of the north part of Lot #9 in the 4th concession of Middleton Twp - 44 acres.
Effects: one cow

Request my said Executor to sell all my horses and cattle except one span of horses and 3 cows which have been bequeathed - after payment of all just debts - the balance if any shall be divided equally between by 2 daughters - Charity ROUSE & Rhoda PALEN.

If any of my heirs shall be dissatisfied with this my will, and refuse to accept their portions as herein mentioned - or cause legal trouble - they shall forfeit their right to what has been devised to them by this my will. Executor shall be empowered to divide such portion among my other heirs.

** 13 Feb 1904 - the north parts of lots # 8 & 9 in the fourth concession of Twp Middleton now lying within the corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg , containing a measurement of 176 acres -

Charity Sophronia Weeks - Wife - Tillsonburg, Real & Personal - Value = $1660.00

Charity Rouse - Daughter , Tillsonburg , Real & Personal - Value - $1500.00

Rhoda Palen - Daughter, Yarmouth Centre, Real & personal - Value $1500.00

Witnesses: Nicholas Cuthbertson, Tillsonburg
Walter Weeks




Death Certificate , OVS Pg 707, Reg # 025089

Name of Deceased: Palen, Rhoda
Place: 40 Young Street
Sex: Female
British, Married
Age: 64 yrs, 8 mos
Place of Birth: Canada
Occupation: Housewife
Length of Res: 5 years & Life in Canada
Father: Amos Weeks, Canada
Mother: Elizabeth Stewart, Canada
Physician: Dr. D.M. Sutherland
Informant: Orrin Palen, Husband
Place of Burial: Woodstock
Date of Burial: April 4, 1925
Cause of Death: BronchoPneumonia

1881 Census:
Age 20 yrs; residing with her parents

1901 Census:
Age 41 Married

1911 Census:
Age 50, Married, has 5 children living at home

Notes:

Married:
Marriage:
Groom: Orin Palen
Age: 29
Residence: Tillsonburg, Ont
Birthplace: Smith Creek, New York, USA
Bachelor
Occupation: Farmer
Parents; George and Priscilla Palen
Bride: Rhoda Weeks
Age: 25
Residence; Tillsonburg, Ontario
Spinster
Parents; Amos and Elizabeth Weeks
Witnesses; Charity Weeks, Edward Rouse of Tillsonburg, Ont
Date: March 23, 1886
Religion: Baptist for both Bride and Groom
Minister; H.J.Wall by license
Source; LDS Film # 1869962; #8903


Palen-Weeks
At the residence of the bride's father, in Tillsonburg, on Tuesday, March
23, by Rev. H. Ware, Orrin Palen to Rhoda, daughter of Amos Weeks.
Source: Tillsonburg Observer newspaper; pg 4 col 2; April 4, 1886

G. married P.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Baptist

Notes:

1871 CENSUS Haldimand-Norfolk
Weeks, Amos age 39, Birthplace - Ontario; Religion - none given;
Occupation - farmer; District 012 - Sub Dist A Division 1 page 75-*

1881 Census Tillsonburg, Norfolk North, Ontario, Film 1375899, C-13263,
Dist 158, SubDist F Page 1
Amos Weeks, Male, married, Age 49,Farmer, Anglo-Saxon, Birthplace Ontario,, Religion Baptist
Elizabeth Weeks, Female, Married, Age 48, Anglo-Saxon, Birthplace Ont., Baptist
Rhoda Weeks, Female, Age 20, Anglo-Saxon, Birthplace Ont., Baptist
Charity Weeks, Female, Age 12, Anglo-Saxon, Birthplace Ont., Baptist

*1901 Census 93 Norfolk, d-2 Tillsonburg, page 10, Line 49 - 50*
Weeks, Amos, Male, White, Head, married, Born 10 April 1832, Age 68, Birthplace rural Ontario,Origin English, Religion Baptist, Farmer.
Weeks, Charity, Female, White, Wife, Married, Born 12 June 1832, Age 67, Birthplace rural Ontario, Origin German,
Schedule 2 info:
Grand Totalof 225 acres, 1 town lot,,3 granaries/warehouse/sheds.

Death Registration: Amos Weeks
Male, died 28 January 1904, Age 71
at Tillsonburg, Ontario
Married
Birthplace: Canada
Cause of Death: Erysipelas x 7 days
Physician; D. Joy
Religion: Baptist
Informant: Walter Weeks
Source: LDS Film #1854286; #21548 -04.

Buried: Tillsonburg Town Cemetery

Tillsonburg Liberal, Feb. 4, 1904.
Another one of the pioneers of this district passed to his reward on Thursday last in the person of Amos Weeks. Deceased had been ill for only about a week, having first been stricken with tonsilitis which developed into blood poisoning.
He was well known here-abouts and most highly respected and his death will be sincerely mourned by a very wide circle of friends and aquantances.
The late Amos Weeks was the son of Joseph Weeks and was born at Long Point, Charlotteville, nearly 72 years ago. When about four years of age, he came with his parents to Dereham where he lived until his marriage which took place 44 years ago, the bride being Miss Elizabeth Stewart. At that time he removed to the farm in Middleton on which he resided during the remainder of his life.
His first wife passed away eight years ago leaving behind besides her husband, two daughters Mrs. Edward Paten, (Palen) of Yarmouth Centre and Mrs. Edward Rouse of near Tillsonburg. Two years later he wedded Mrs Geo. Andrews of Walsingham, who survives him.
Deceased was of a retiring nature and never sought public office. Kind and hospitable, strictly honest and upright in all his dealings, he gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact.
The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon to the Tillsonburg Cemetery, the service being conducted by Mr. Bingham of Woodstock Baptist College. The pall bearers were Messers Geo Ancombe, David Long, Henry Laur, John Pygall, Morgan James, and John Carrier.

Burial: Tillsonburg Cemetery Section H, Row I, # 16
Weeks / In Memory of / Amos Weeks / who died / Jan. 28, 1904 / aged 71 yrs 9 mos & 17 days / "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God"


"Amos's land stretched from Townline, down South, across the # 3 bypass, on down to over the railroad"
quote from Margaret Rouse, 2005. "Amos sold the land for the railroad to cross his land East to West about 1887 or slightly earlier" There were 2 fields south of the railroad and quite a large woods that they cut some wood as needed for stoves.
As of 2005, there are no original buildings or trees left on the land Amos cleared; it is all industrial buildings with a few houses along Hiway #19.

" Amos had an orchard on the land west of # 19 highway, North of the # 3 bypass, section about 15 or 20 trees and a fenceline covered with grapes . This area ( part of that land) very hilly up to Young Street now covered with houses and levelled off.

" Where the #3 bypass is, that was the land that was swampy and before Amos Weeks died, he saw a bear cross that swamp, headed West for the Otter Creek. It was the last bear he saw, so that man who cleared the land also saw the last bear in the area. One generation killed off the bears as the bears were fond of stealing pigs." All quotes are notes from Margaret Craven, 2005.

When Amos was a young boy, he was working on what would be his land, abt 1857,. He was coming up Old Vienna Hill, when a pack of wolves chased Amos home. He had worked later than usual that day, was dark and on his way down the Vienna Road. Both he and horse (s) were frightened, but the wolves stopped following at the Otter Creek where the bridge is now. Marg thinks the bridge probably wasn't there then, but one had to ford the creek there. Amos hurried up Tillson Ave to Cranberry Rd and to his father's home, Joseph Weeks. No one seems to know if Amos had a wagon or team of horses or just his saddle horse.



Surrogate Court of Oxford - Estate of AMOS WEEKS, deceased
This is the last Will and Testament of me - AMOS WEEKS, of the town of Tillsonburg, County Oxford and Province of Ontario - I revoke all other wills
I appoint my Brother, Walter WEEKS of Twp Middleton, Cty Norfolk, Farmer to be my sole executor - giving all my real and personal estate in trust for the following purpose: Pay all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses as soon as conveniently after my demise;

I give and bequeath unto my Wife - Charity Sophronia WEEKS the following:
Cash - one hundred dollars ($100.00)
Property: East half of the North Part of Lot #8 in the 4th concession of Middleton Twp; also West half of the North part of Lot #9 in the 4th Concession of Middleton Twp
Effects: one span of horses and harness; all the farming implements and machinery, all the household goods and furniture, all sheep and swine, - all for her use during her lifetime. Also give her one cow.

I give and bequeath unto my Daughter - Charity ROUSE for her use during her lifetime and after her death to her children:
Property: west half of the North part of Lot #8 in the 4th concession of Middleton Twp - 40 acres. - 44 acres
And after my Wife - Charity Sophronia Weeks death - to my daughter Charity ROUSE, east half of the north part of lot #8 in the said concession
Effects: one sow and choice of my lot of cows

I give and bequeath unto my Daughter - Rhoda PALEN - for her use during her lifetime and after her death, to her children the:
Property: east half of the North part of lot #9 in the said 4th concession of Middleton Twp - abt 44 acres
And after my Wife - Charity Sophronia Weeks death - to my daughter Rhoda PALEN - west half of the north part of Lot #9 in the 4th concession of Middleton Twp - 44 acres.
Effects: one cow

Request my said Executor to sell all my horses and cattle except one span of horses and 3 cows which have been bequeathed - after payment of all just debts - the balance if any shall be divided equally between by 2 daughters - Charity ROUSE & Rhoda PALEN.

If any of my heirs shall be dissatisfied with this my will, and refuse to accept their portions as herein mentioned - or cause legal trouble - they shall forfeit their right to what has been devised to them by this my will. Executor shall be empowered to divide such portion among my other heirs.

** 13 Feb 1904 - the north parts of lots # 8 & 9 in the fourth concession of Twp Middleton now lying within the corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg , containing a measurement of 176 acres -

Charity Sophronia Weeks - Wife - Tillsonburg, Real & Personal - Value = $1660.00

Charity Rouse - Daughter , Tillsonburg , Real & Personal - Value - $1500.00

Rhoda Palen - Daughter, Yarmouth Centre, Real & personal - Value $1500.00

Witnesses: Nicholas Cuthbertson, Tillsonburg
Walter Weeks

Amos married Elizabeth Stewart about 1859. Elizabeth (daughter of Mr. Stewart and Sofia) was born on 10 Dec 1832; died on 21 Oct 1895 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Tillsonburg Observer Newspaper article 1895 Pg 5, col 4
In Tillsonburg on Monday October 21st, 1895, Elizabeth Weeks, wife
of Amos Weeks, aged 62 years 10 months.

Burial: Tillsonburg Cemetery, Section H, Row I, # 17
In Memory of / Elizabeth wife of / Amos Weeks / who died Oct 21, 1895 / aged 62 yrs 10 mos & 11 days .

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

Mr. married Sofia. Sofia was born about 1813 in , , Ontario, Canada; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]