Christopher Kern

Christopher married ?Unknown. was born in Unknown; died in 1800 in Enroute To Canada From USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Charity Bunn on 9 Apr 1787 in Morris County, New Jersey, USA. Charity was born in Jun 1769 in Morris County, New Jersey, USA; died on 9 Apr 1854 in Charlotte Centre, Kern Settlement, Forestville, 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

Charity married Joseph Weeks about 1826 in Unknown. Joseph (son of Amos Weeks, Sr. and Unknown) was born on 1 Oct 1803 in Newport, Upper Canada, Canada; died on 23 Nov 1878 in Forestville, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [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

Rhoda married Silas Slaght on 29 Jan 1843 in Unknown. Silas (son of J.(.R. Slaght and E. Mills) was born on 23 Jan 1821 in Townsend Twp, Norfolk County, Upper Canada; died on 20 Nov 1901 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, USA; was buried in Old Pioneer Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Methodist
• Voters List: 1850, Dereham Twp, Canada West, Canada; 1850 Voters List
• 1881 Census: 1881, Middleton Twp, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; 1881 Canada Census

Notes:

1850 Voters List, Dereham Township
Weeks, John Conc 12, S1/2 Lot 21
Weeks, Joseph Conc 9, Lot 5
Source; 971.3 Oxfo 1850 AFHS Library, Calgary AB ( This is possibly Joseph's Son John, but not 100% confirmation) hw


1871 CENSUS - Haldimand-Norfolk
Weeks, John age 41, Birthplace, Ontario; Religion - Wesleyan Methodist
Occupation - farmer; District 012 Sub Dist. A Division 1 Page 77

Voters List for the 3rd Subdivision of Middleton, 1872
#185, 583 on assessment Roll, Weeks, John, Conc 4 & 5N1/2, Lot 4N T

1901 Residence - was his farm located at Concession 4, Lot 4 North Talbot Road, Norfolk County


Death Registration: John Weeks
Male
Date of Death: January 13, 1901
Age: 71 years
Place: Lot 4, Concession 4, NTR
Occupation: Farmer
Married
Birthplace; Charlotteville
Cause of Death: Blood Poison x 1 week
Physician; EB Reid MD
Religion: Methodist
Informant: Jane Weeks (wife)**
Source: LDS Film # 1854180; # 19463 -01
** I don't know who this can be as his first wife was Adaliza James and his second wife Sarah Ann Ford

Burial: Tillsonburg Cemetery, Section H, Row I, #6
Weeks / In Memory of / John Weeks / died Jan 13, 1901/ aged 71 years
(Front)

Death of John Weeks (Obituary)
Source: Tilsonburg Observer, Jan. 17, 1901
The death occurred on Sunday of Mr. John Weeks of Middleton, an aged reseident and pioneer and a gentleman well known and very highly respected throughout this section. Some time ago, while working in the woods, the deceased received a slight scratch on the right wrist, Nothing was thought of it until the Sunday previous to his death, when he became ill and the arm began to swell. Blood poisoning, ensued which resulted in death a week later.
Mr Weeks was 71 years old the Saturday previous to his death. He was the son of the late Joseph Weeks of Dereham and was the eldest of a family of seven boys. He was born in Charlotteville. Over sixty years ago he came with his father to the old homestead on the 9th concession of Dereham, the road in to the wood farm being followed by blazed trees. Forty-six years ago he married Miss Adeliza James, whose father lived on the adjoining farm. After their marriage they settled on the farm in Middleton where Mr. Weeks resided until his death. Twelve years ago his wife died and he afterwards married Mrs. Nicholas Stillwell of Eden, who survives him. The deceased was a Conservative in politics and had been a member of the Methodist Church 23 years.
The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon and was very largely attended. The services were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Brethour assisted by the Revs. Cuthbert and Weaver of Eden. The pallbearers were Amos, Joseph, Walter and Isaac Weeks, brothers of the deceased, and Ransom and Andrew Weeks, nephews. The interment was made at the town cemetery.
The following from the members of the Trustee Board of the Methodist Church was read by Dr. Brethour at the funeral.
Resolutions of Condolence
We the members of the Trustee Board and of the Quarterly Official Board of the Methodist Church, Tillsonburg were deeply pained on hearing of the decease of our late brother and fellow worker, John Weeks.
He had gone in and out amongst us as a member of the Church for twenty-three years, and for twenty-two years he has been an interested, active and faithful worker on the Trustee Board of our Church. He was always present at the Board meetings when it was possible to be there. His matured and good judgement was always reliable and helpful. In the Providence of God our brother Weeks was the first member of our Church and Board to be taken from us in the new year and new century, thereby leaving a vacancy in our ranks not easily filled.
We herewith place on record the high esteem in which we held the memory and life of Brother Weeks, and gratefully recognize his consecration to Jesus Christ, his Master and ours, and his unswerving loyalty to the Methodist Church of which he was for so many years an approved and honored member and Trustee.
We tender to Mrs. Weeks this heartfelt expression of our regard and esteem for her late beloved husband and humbly pray our Heavenly Father to sustain and comfort her in this time of great trial through which Divine Providence has called her to pass.
Signed in behalf of the Board,
D. L. Brethour, Chairman
J. A. Caverhill, Sec. Official Board
Thos. T. Brown, Sec. Trustee Board
Tillsonburg, Jan. 14, 1901

Notes from Margaret Rouse 2005
Driving West of # 19 road, a little hill on the right, a house that was John Weeks land. Andrew Weeks lived in that house, he passed away in 1939. Opposite the land, on the East of # 19, was Walter Weeks land.

Voters List:
Weeks, John, residing at Conc 12, S 1/2 Lot 21
Source 971.3 Oxfo 1850 AFHS Library, Calgary, AB

1881 Census:
Age 51; Middleton Twp, Norfolk Cty, Ontario, Canada; Page 75

John married Adeliza James in 1855. Adeliza was born on 19 Jan 1836 in Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; died on 24 Jun 1888 in Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Sarah Ann Ford on 26 Mar 1889 in Hagersville, Haldimand County, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of J. Ford and M. Umn) was born in Jun 1848 in Bayham Twp, Elgin County, Ontario, Canada; died on 13 Sep 1903 in Bayham Twp, Elgin County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Eden Cemetery, Bayham Twp, Elgin County, Ontario, Canada. [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]

Amos married Charity Sophronia (Fray) Andress on 11 Apr 1897 in Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. Charity (daughter of William Fray and Susanna Kern) was born on 12 Jun 1831 in St. Williams, Ontario, Canada; died on 17 Jan 1913 in Aylmer, Elgin County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Cultus Cemetery, Cultus, Houghton Twp, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Methodist

Notes:

1881 Census, Dereham, Oxford South, Ontario, Canada
FHL Film 1375902 NAC C-13266, Dist 165 Sub Dist A, Div 3, Page 15, Family 70
Joseph MEEKS*, Male, Married, Age 47, Canadian, Birthplace Ontario, Farmer
Aramenta MEEKS*, Female, Married, Age 25, Birthplace Ontario, , Methodist
William N. MEEKS*, Male, Age 1,Canadian, Birthplace Ontario, Methodist
Charity MEEKS,* Female, Widow, Age 78, Canadian, Birthplace Ontario, Universalist
*This surname is mispelled as should be WEEKS. This is definitely our family and Charity is Charity Karn, Married to Joseph Weeks Sr. Hw


One year after the home farm was divided (1875), Joseph Weeks (who was born two years after his parents had moved from the Kern Settlement near Forestville, March 27, 1834), built a new modern home on his land, and was married on September 27, 1876 to Rosa Armenta Clark, and brought her as his bride to his new home.

Joseph was a very hard working man, yet was always known to have the time to aid anyone who needed help.

To this union of Joseph Weeks and Armenta (Aunt Minty as she was known to most people) were born 2 sons. William Nelson b May 6, 1879; Lewis Delmer b July 5, 1881.


One morning Joseph was going to help his brother Walter ( a distance of about 5 miles) to clear his farm, he met on Vienna Hill as we know it, which was at that time a mere footpath, a wildcat. Joseph with an axe over his shoulder stopped - so did the wildcat, - each staring at the other until finally the wildcat moved off and Joseph continued on his way.

Source: Copied by volunteer at Norwich Library, Archives District, Norwich, Ontario. Also stated from Springfield Tweedsmuir Women's Institute.


More notes from Ostrander Women's Institute Book
" There was very little money in those days, but little was needed as all traded their surplus and their work. Work was done by bees - friends, relatives and neighbours would gather at dawn to build a house or raise a barn, and the women would cook and bake to feed these hungry men - and despite the work involved, they were very happy gatherings. Their work was very labourious - done with only an axe and adze at first, later by hand saws and later still by cross-cut saws. Whenever or whatever there was a need - helping hands were always ready.
In those early times doctors were few and far between, so mother took over in the time of 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 cases of serious illness. For the most part they were a hearty , healthy people.
Water was a very precious and needed commodity, and wells were detected by 'witching'. Fire was a dreaded enemy if uncontrolled - yet wood was the only fuel used in both cook stoves and huge cast iron heaters. Large pieces of wood were put in the stoves to hold heat and fire throughout the night.




* Census Notes - 1901 - 93 Norfolk, b-5 Dereham, Page 7, Line 47-50*
Weeks, Joseph, male, white, Head, Married, Born 27 March 1834, age 67, birthplace rural Ontario, Origin is Scotch, Religion - the word 'nothing' is written, Farmer,
Weeks, Arminta, Female, White, Wife, Married, Born 5 Aug. 1855, age 45, birthplace urban Ontario, Origin English, Religion Methodist,
Weeks, William N., Male, White, Son, Single, Born 6 May 1879, age 21, Birthplace rural Ontario, Origin Scotch, Religion - Church of England, Farmer
Weeks, Lewis D., Male, White, Son, Single, Born 5 July 1881, age 19, Birthplace rural Ontario, Origin Scotch , Religion church of England, Farmer
Schedule 2 info Stated the land location was 1/2 Lot 5, Conc 9, wooden house, 8 rooms, 85 acres.

1911 Census Ontario, Oxford South, Dereham, District 4, Page 6
Line 13-16, Household # 57
Weeks, Joseph, Male, Head, Married, Born Mar 1835, Age 77, Ontario, German, Canadian, Presbyterian, Farmer
Weeks, Arminia, Female, Wife, Married, Born Aug 1855, Age 55, Ontario, German, Canadian, Presbyterian
Weeks, Louis, Male, Son, Single, Born Jul 1891, Age 29, Farmer
Weeks, William, Male, Head, Married, Born May 1880, Age 31
Weeks, Alice, Female, Wife, Married, Born Apr 1878, Age 33
Weeks, Harold, Male, Son, Single, Born Mar 1905, Age 6
Weeks, Wallace, Male, Son, Single, Born Oct 1907, Age 3
Weeks, John, Male, Son, Single, Born Nov 1909, Age 1


Joseph Weeks is listed on the stock list of Ingersoll & Port Burwell Road Company with the numerical figure 10 beside his name
Source: Ingersoll & Port Burwell Road Company 1849, History and Comments by Robert G. Moore, 2002

Death Certificate: Canada Ontario Deaths 1869-1932
#027318
Name: Joseph Weeks
Place of Death: Conc 9 Lot 5 Dereham
Sex: Male
Age: 94 years, 8 mths, 11 days
Birth Date: March 27 1834, Ontario
Occupation: Farmer
Father: Joseph Weeks
Mother: D Kearns**
Informant: Wm Weeks, Corinth RR1, Son
Place of Burial, Tillsonburg Dec 9, 1928
Date of Death: Dec 7, 1928
Cause of Death: Old Age

Burial: Tillsonburg Cemetery Section H, Row E, # 7
Weeks / Joseph Weeks / 1834 - 1928 / his wife / Arementa Weeks / 1855 - 1941

Joseph married Rosa Armenta Clark on 27 Sep 1876 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. Rosa (daughter of C. Clark and S. ???) was born on 5 Aug 1855 in Middleton, Norfolk Cty, Ontario, Canada; died on 24 Jul 1941; was buried on 29 Jul 1941 in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• 1901 Census: 1901, Middleton, Norfolk Cty, Ontario, Canada; 1901 Canada Census
• Religion: 1901; Presbyterian

Notes:

Voters List for the 3rd Subdivision of Middleton 1872
# 186, Assess Roll # 584, Weeks, Walter, Conc 3 & 4 N1/2, Lot 4N, T

1881 Census, Middleton, Norfolk North, Ontario, Film 1375899, C-13263; Dist 158, Sub dist D, Div 2, Page 74, Family 375
Walter Weeks, Male, Married, Age 44, Farmer, German, Birthplace Ontario
Mary Weeks, Female, Married, Age 38, English, Birthplace Ontario, Presbyterian
Joseph Wm Weeks, Male, Age 7, German, Birthplace Ont.
Andrew Weeks, male, Age 5, German, Birthplace Ont.
Walter Weeks, Male, Age 2, German, Birthplace Ont.
Edward Weeks, Male Age 7 mos.,* German, Ontario Birthplace
*Born: Sept - 7/12

1901 Census:
Weeks, Walter, head, widow,age 64, Presbyterian, Farmer, Origin, English
Weeks, Andrew, Son, Farmer, age 25
Weeks, Edward M., age 20
Weeks, John A., Age 18
Weeks, Clarence D., age 15
Weeks, Anna B., age 12
Weeks, Mary Jane, daughter in law, age 24
Weeks, Aletta, granddaughter, age 1

Schedule 2 Info:
Land location was in Middleton, Lot 4, Conc 4 NTR; brick house with 12 rooms, 155 acres, 4 barns/granaries.

1911 Cdn. census, Norfolk Cty., Middleton Twp., District 4, Page 2,
Lines 30 - 34 inclusive
Weeks, Walter, M, Head, Widow, Birth Jan 1937, Age 74, Birthplace Ontario, English, Canadian, Presbyterian, Farmer
Weeks, John A,, M, Son, Married, Birth Apr 1882, Age 29, Birthplace Ontario, English, Canadian, Presbyterian, Farmer
Weeks, Evelena, F, Dau in law, Married, Birth Sep 1884, Age 26, Birthplace Ontario, English, Canadian, Methodist, none
Weeks, Clarence Delmer, M., Son, Single, Birth July 1887, Age 23, Birthplace Ontario, English, Canadian, Presbyterian, Farmer
Gibbon, John Henry, M., Uncle, Widow, Birth Aug 1820,Age 80, Immig 1820, England, English, Canadian, Methodist, Insane* (hard to read)

Death Certificate: Ont. Canada Deaths 1869 - 1932 # 022494
Name: Walter Weeks
Sex: Male
Date of death: Feb 9, 1915
Age: 78 years, 29 days
Place of Death: Dereham, Middleton
Occupation: Farmer
Marital Status: Widower
Father: Jos. Weeks
Mother: C. Kern
Cause of Death: Apoplexy x 10 days, Atony of Bowels x 5 days


Burial: Tillsonburg Cemetery, Section H Row E, # 8
Back of Monument:
Walter / Weeks / d / Feb 9 1915 / in his / 79th year /
Markers: Father, Mother, Edward, Mary Jane

Mr. Walter Weeks Obituary Source: Tillsonburg Observer newspaper Feb 11, 1914 pg 5 col 3
Mr. Walter Weeks, a pioneer of this district, died at his home in Middleton, near Tillsonburg on Tuesday, after an illness of two weeks.
Mr. Weeks, who was in his seventy-nineth year, was born in Dereham. About fifty years ago he purchased a homestead in Middleton, near town and in 1878 he married Miss Mary M. Foley of Dereham and they settled on the farm where Mr. Weeks resided over forty years. He was energetic and indsutrious and was remrakably healthy during his long life, never requiring the services of a doctor but once, about thirty years ago. He took the entire management of his farm and did his plowing last fall with an expertness and energy not surpassed by younger men.
His wife predeceased him fourteen years ago. He is survived by five sons, W. J. and Ed. M. of this town, Andrew of Middleton, John of Eden and Clarence D., who lives on the homestead, and one daughter, Mrs. Mark Ronson of Goshen, also by two brothers, Joseph of Dereham and Isaac of Tillsonburg.
The funeral took place this (Thursday) afternoon, the services being conducted by the Rev. Edwin Smith. The interment was made in the town cemetery.


Notes from Margaret Rouse 2005
Walter Weeks had land opposite John Weeks land. East of # 19. Also Walter had land on Goshen Road.

Family/Spouse: Mary Mathilda Foley. Mary was born on 28 Oct 1852 in , , Michigan, USA; died on 25 Dec 1900 in Middleton Twp, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Tillsonburg, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Burial in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Section H, Row F, # 20
In Memory of / Ira / son of Joseph and Charity Weeks / died Sept 13, 1864 / ag 25 yrs 3m's/ & 6 dys.

Ira was accidently shot and killed by his fiance, Nancy Turner, in his twenty-fifth year, two weeks before their wedding was to have taken place.

Ira Weeks
Come list to me, ye careless youths,
And a story I'll relate
How by the hands of his true love
Young Ira met his fate

He was a young and charming youth,
And Nancy's heart had won:
Together, they with plighted hands
Were ever to be one

One day he called ar Nancy's cor,
As he was want to do
To see the one he loved so well
And to whom his heart was true.

They sat and chatted for awhile,
Their hearts were knit as one:
Not knowing that dread death was nigh,
And Ira's course was run.

Her brother from a-hunting came
And repaired to Nancy's room
But he soon arose and left his gun,
Yes - - Ah - - Alas - - - too soon.

Nancy arose and took the gun,
Not thinking any harm:
The gun was charged, she knew it not,
And so, feared no alarm.

While playing with the gun, she said,
"Ira, shall I shoot you?"
"Shoot," Ira said, the gun went off
and shot him through and through

The maiden screamed in accents wild
As his lifeless form she viewed
No pen can paint in character,
The awful scene that ensued.


The joys looked for upon that day
Were turned to sorrow, severe,
And the weddingers of fine array,
To mourners did appear.

Now who can tell the awful grief
That filled this maiden's breast:
No balm can give her any relief,
For her, there is no rest.

Her pities were all blighted
As the sky that appeared so clear,
Is darkened now, with many a care,
And a sorrow, so severe.

Author Unknown

Ira was accidently shot and killed by his fiancee, Nancy Turner, in his twenty-fifth year, two weeks before their wedding was to have taken place. Source; Ostrander Women's Institute Book

Notes:

Cause of Death:
Scarlet fever

Burial in Tillsonburg Cemetery, Section H, Row F, # 21
In memory of / Ransom/ son of Joseph & Charity / Weeks/ died/ Aug 8, 1859/ age 17 yrs, 10 mo's/ 6 d ys.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Presbyterian
• Residence: Lot 24, Conc 10, 11. Post Office Springford, Ontario
• 1851 Census: 1851, Dereham Twp, Canada West, Canada; 1851 Canadian 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
• 1891 Census: 1891, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1891 Canada Census
• 1901 Census: 1901, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1901 Canada Census
• 1911 Census: 1911, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; 1911 Canada Census

Notes:

1871 CENSUS Oxford
Weeks, Isaac age 27, birthplace, Ontario, Religion - Presbyterian;
Occupation - Farmer district 013, Sub Dist. B Division 1, Page 22,
National Archives, Reel C9910
Weeks, Isaac, male, age 27, birthplace Ontario, religion * unable to decipher, Origin German, Occupation Farmer, married
Weeks, Nancy, female, age 30, birthplace Ontario, Origin German, married
Weeks, Ransom, male, age 3, birthplace Ontario, Origin German,
Weeks, Ira, male, age 1, birthplace Ontario, Origin German.
125 acres of land, 1 house dwelling, 1 carriage, 2 wagons, 3 ploughs, 1 fanning mill, Concession 11, Lot 24, owner, 4 acres in garden/orchards,, 90 bushels fall wheat, 55 bushels rye, 141 bushels peas, 100 bushels corn, 1/2 acre potatoes, 90 bushels potatoes.

Historical Atlas County of Oxford:
Lists Isaac weeks as freeholder at Lot 24, Concession 10, 11; PO Springford.

1881 Cdn census; NAC C-13266, Dist 165, SubDist A, Div 3, Page 14, Fami # 69
Isaac Weeks family was documented as MEEKS - truly an error and took me several months to find them under this surname
Isaac Meeks, Male, Married, Age 37, Birthplace Ontario, Farmer, Methodist
Nancy Meeks, Female, Married Age 40, Birthplace Ontario, Methodist
Ransom Meeks, Male, Age 13, Methodist
Ira Meeks, Male, Age 11, Methodist
Sherman Meeks, Male, Age 8, Methodist
Ann Meeks, Female, Age 5, Methodist
Henry Meeks, Male, Age 2, Methodist
Isaac O. Meeks, Male, Age 1, Mehtodist

1891 Cdn Census; Page 21
Isaac Weeks, Male, Age 47, Married, Presbyterian, Farmer
Nancy Weeks, Female, Age 50, Wife
Ransom Weeks, Male, Age 23, Farmer's Son
Ira Weeks, Male, Age 21, Farmer's Son
Sherman Weeks, Age 18, Son
Annie Weeks, Female, Age 15, Daughter
Henry Weeks, Male, Age 12, Son
Isaac A. Weeks, Male, Age 10, Son
Omar A. Weeks, Male, Age 6, Son
George M. Weeks, Male, Age 4, Son



*1901 Census 93 Norfolk b-5 Dereham, Page 8, Line 1-9*
Weeks, Isaac, Male, white, Head, Married, Born 27 Jan 1844, age 57, Birthplace rural Ontario, Origin Scotch, Canadian, Religion Presbyterian, Farmer
Weeks, Nancy, Female, White, Wife, Married, Born 29 Aug. 1840, age 60, Birthplace rural Ontario, Origin Dutch, Canadian, Presbyterian
Weeks, Ransom, Male, W., Son, Single, Born 2 Sept 1867, age 33, Birthplace rural Ontario, Origin Scotch, Presby, Farmer
Weeks, Annie M., Female, W., Daughter, Single, born 30 April 1875, Age 25, Birthplace rural Ont., Presby.
Weeks, Henry, Male, W., Son, Single, Born 23 July 1878, Age 22, Rural Ontario, Presby., Farmer
Weeks, Isaac A., Male, W., Son, Single, Born 19 Nov. 1880, age 20, Rural Ontario, Presby, Farmer
Weeks, Omar A., Male, W., Son, Single, Born 25 Nov. 1884, Age 16, Rural Ontario, Presby.,
Weeks, George M., Male, W., Son, Single, Born 2 Dec. 1886, Age 14, Rural Ontario, Presby,
Westbrook, Poly A., Female, White, Mother in Law, Widow, born 11 Sept 1820, Age 80, Birthplace United States, Immigrated 1825, English, Religion Methodist.
Schedule 2 stated the land location was Lot 4, Lot 5, Conc. 9, wooden house, 2 wooden homes vacant, 1 house has 11 rooms, Total acres 400, 5 barn/granaries etc.

Isaac: A Hebrew name meaning 'He (God) may laugh', see the story explaining the name ( Gen18:9ff) Isaac was the child promised to the aged Abraham and Sarah and honoured by Jews and Christians as one of the founding patriarchs of the Chosen People. There are 8 saints, mostly of the early years of Christianity. Still used occasionally among Christian Jews (Messianic Jews) it has othrwise dropped out of use. Saints Day - 9 Sept.

About the year 1875, the home farm on the 9 concession of Dereham was divided
into two farms. Each farm was one field wide and a mile long - so Joseph and Isaac
farmed the old homestead with Joseph having lot 5 and Isaac lot 4. A little later
Isaac acquired the remainder of the land from lot 4 to Cranberry Road, and this land
was divided crosswise. Henry Weeks farmed the south east half and Ransom
farmed the North east half. Source: Springford Tweedsmuir Women's Institute, copy by volunteer in Norwich Library, Archives.

1911 Census, Ontario, Oxford South, Dereham, District 4, Page 6
Lines 8-12, Household # 56
Weeks, Isaac, Male, Head, Married, Born Jan 1844, Age 67, Ontario, German, Canadian, Presbyterian, Farmer
Weeks, Nancy, Female, Wife, Married, Born Aug 1840, Age 70, Ontario, German, Canadian, Presbyterian
Weeks, Henry, Male, Son, Single, Born Jul 1878, Age 32, Ontario, German, Canadian, Presbyterian, Farmer
Weeks, George, Male, Son, Single, Born Nov 1886, Age 24, Ontario, German, Canadian, Presbyterian, Farmer
Palen, Roy, Male, Servant*, Single,Born Dec 1894, Age 16, Ontario,

Death Certificate: Source OVS Death 1931, Page 382, Reg # 026795
Place & Date of death: Oxford Cty., South Norwich Twp, Sept 20, 1931
Name: Isaac Weeks of 10 Conc Lot 24
Sex: Male
Racial: English
Widower
Birthplace: Ontario
Date of Birth: January 28, 1844
Age: 87, 6 mos, 23 days
Farmer
Cause of Death: Arterio Sclerotic Change
Res: 2 yrs at place of Death, lifetime in Ontario
Father: Joseph Weeks, Birthplace Canada
Mother: Charity Kern, Birthplace Canada
Informant: Mrs. James E. Butler (Anna) Daughter
Burial: New Road Cemetery on Sept 22, 1931
Registered: 22 Sept 1931



Burial in New Road Cemeterty, Conc. 10/ Lot 26, South Norwich Twp, Oxford Cty., Lot 14 D. Tombstone states 'Isaac Weeks 1844 - 1931'

Isaac married Mary Nancy Westbrook on 5 Aug 1866 in Ingersoll, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of Benjamin Westbrook and Polly Ann Hall) was born on 30 Aug 1840 in Durham Cty, Ontario, Canada; died on 17 Jan 1925 in Tillsonburg, Dereham Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada; was buried on 19 Jan 1925 in New Road Cemetery, S. Norwich Twp, Oxford County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]