Middle Name Mysteries

When I first started exploring my family history there were certain names that jumped out at me and I was certain that they held clues that would lead me to previous generations. .

First there was Isaac Ashley Carlisle. He always went by Ashley, or occasionally I. Ashley so surely I must of had an Ashley ancestor back there somewhere. Not exactly. He was named for his father's brother-in-law, Isaac Ashley of Rochester, NY. He was extremely generous to the family and naming a child for him was simply a way of honoring him for what he'd done.

My grandmother's brother was named Leroy Eastwood Camfield. I struggled with my Camfield and Graham lines for years and was certain that Eastwood was a clue. I learned through the family letters that Mr. Eastwood was a business man in South Bend, Indiana that my great-grandfather admired.

But there has been one success. David Glover was the son of Henry Glover and Hannah Lewis. He named a son Lewis E. Glover and a daughter Hannah Lewis Glover. For his other children I only have middle initials except for my great-great-grandmother. Her name was Lousia Lambert Glover. I still have no idea if Lambert is a hint but I keep it in mind as I work on this line.

My grandfather was Kimberly Powell Berry. Not only is he the only male named Kimberly that I've come across but I'm stumped on the middle name Powell. Grandpa's siblings were Mabel Gertrude, Esther Lillian and Thomas David, nothing that seems to be a surname for any of them. For now grandpa's name remains a mystery.

My grandmother and most (maybe all) of her siblings had surnames as middle names.
The children of James C Kelly and Isabella White were:

1. James Hurcombe Kelly
2. Mabel Adam Kelly
3. Phillip Goodwin Kelly
4. Alexander Craig Kelly
5. Mary Leith Kelly
6. Gordon ____ Kelly
7. Isabelle Caldwell Kelly
8. Joseph _____ Kelly

Isabella White's mother was Isabella Craig and her mother was Agnes Adam.

I have lots of work to do on this section of my tree. I'm hoping that keeping a post-it on my computer with the names Hurcombe, Goodwin, Leith and Caldwell helps me fill in some of the blanks.

Elizabeth Warner Camfield, 26 Dec 1912

In this letter Libbie thanks Anna for the Christmas gifts they received. Anna was still making rugs and Libbie seemed quite happy with the one she was given:

They were all nice but the rug was is very nice and will last a good many Christmases and be looked at every day in between!

The photos from the Warner's 50th aniiversary had finally arrived and Libbie wasn't thrilled with them. She said she was enclosing one, however there is nothing like the one she describes in my file. I will include her description in hopes that it helps someone that does have a copy.

The first man next to Fred is brother-in-law Bert Bidwell, the one a little back of him Bert Harris, and next to him is his son Howard. his chin is cut off by sister Albie Bidwell's head. Next to her stands my oldest sister who lives in Neb., then is sister-in-law Mattie, at whose house Uncle + Father slept. her husband >Boltie stands behind her but you wouldn't reconize him if you could see him plainly because he shaved his mustache last spring and looks like "Abe Lincoln"! Sister Ola Harris stands next to Mattie then Ma's only niece, from Wis. is next her. The big man next and woman are friends, next man is a nephew of Pa/s. his wife is beside him. Brother Lawrence is next man with his wife in front, beside her is a friend, then is sister-in-law Jennie where Daniel and Fred slept. Perhaps Daniel will recognize the last one named friend as the school ma'am at Raymond's! Raymond is the next man, sister Aurie is the short one under his chin! Next to Raymond's shoulder is a cousin from Ohio her father sits in front of Aurie and her mother, the woman beside him with dark waist, the putside man, sitting, is from Ohio too, also the 2 old ladies sitting next to Ma. The next to last man standing is cousin nephew of Ma's, his wife stands in front of him, (the little woman) the two large ladies and remaining man are friends. Pa's brother sits next to him with his wife beside him, then Pa's sister, then the Ohio cousins of Ma's already mentioned. The woman next to me is a friend, and the one next to her should have sat next to Ma for she is Ma's brother's wife, the Mrs. Ruple, whose husband was the undertaker when Grandfather died, and she is the only living person, I believe, who witnessed Pa's + Ma's marriage. Probably Boltie's girl is the only one of the children you saw, she is the smallest of the two girls in front of Pa. The "tags" on us are soveniers pinned on after each had eaten to "tell who had eaten and who not"!!!

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Chicago, Illinois) to “Dear Aunt Ann”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 26 Dec 1912. Digital Images 1-5.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Elizabeth Warner Camfield, 22 Nov 1912

In her next letter Libbie says that photos from the "Golden Wedding" haven't been received yet but promises to pass one along when they come. She was sending along a picture of her son, Earl. I do not know if the picture below was the one sent but it was taken c. 1911 or 1912 and appears to have been taken by his father, Fred, at home.

Photo of R. Earl Camfield, 

scanned by Apple from the collection of W. D. Carlisle.

Also in the letter Libbie wrote:

Mamie has written to you since the operation so I need only to say he was still doing finely yesterday. The Dr. who performed the operation said that then yesterday, "it is perfect and when you say perfect it can't be beat." Doesn't it seem wonderful? how glad we'll all be for him to be able to talk as he should.

There was no letter from Mamie in the 1912 file so I'm glad that Libbie mentioned this. See Mary Frances Carlisle's letter of 26 Nov 1910 for the beginning of the story.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Chicago, Illinois) to “Dear Aunt Ann”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 22 Nov 1912. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Elizabeth Warner Camfield, 21 October 1912

Libbie's letter was written from Chicago the day after her mother, Laura M Warner, wrote hers to Anna. I found it humorous that she wrote:

Ma will write to you when she gets around to it but its rather hard and she slow for her to write and many to write to, so don't think you are forgotton if it is a little long in coming.

Libbie told of her parents 50th wedding anniversary as follows:

Now Aunt Ann I will try to tell you a little about the Golden Wedding, it began raining Tues. P.M. and kept it up at intervals till Fri., on Wed. it rained at the time people were coming then stopped till after dark, but we had a nice time nevertheless but it probably kept some from going, they expected about 75 but 56 were there I believe. My sister from Neb. included, so that all of the immeadiate family were the together, the first time since Earl was a baby. Four grandchildren were absent, three in Neb. and Earl did not want to leave school so he stayed here, we had our pictures taken and will send you a postal one when we get them, have the same as the postal in large size, also one of just the family. She thot you might like one of the postals. Six of Ma's relatives (cousins) from Ohio were there, one lady's birthday was the following Fri. she was 78. we helped her celebrate it Raymond's. (where Daniel stayed you know). One of her cousins and his wife who were there expect to celebrate their Golden Wedding next Aug. A neice of Ma's from Ohio and a sister of Pa's from Ind. were also there. They rec'd $47.50 in money, Bert Harris said he'd make it $50.00, besides several other things, yours was appreciated as much as any I think. The towel was exceptionally nice we all thot, it was different than anything there because of the "W", except a sofa pillow top sent by our cousin in this city she had 1862 - 1912 worked on it. Some common bordered towels were given, but looked very little beside the other things, which were a fancy cup and saucer gilt lined, a table spread worked in yellow and bows of yellow ribbon on corners, a large box of home made candy, a large glass table set, all gilt. a silver spoon with gold bowk, siver salt + pepper shakers the top of the salt being gold, a fern, a large picture with gilt frame, I guess that was all only - for few - a box of gold dust but it had attached to it a little bag of yellow silk containing a $5.00 gold piece.

She also talked of having visited Pleasant Hill cemetery and the white roses planted on the family graves there. There was some quick news of the family's health, photos that had been taken, sewing and the weather.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Chicago, Illinois) to “Dear Aunt Ann + All”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 21 Oct 1912. Digital Images 1-3.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Laura M Warner, 20 October 1912

Bronson Oct, 20V /12

My Dear Friend

I will try and write afiew lines to thank you for the presants you sent us. which was unexpected they are very nice we think, they got here that day intime to be layed on the table with the other presents Perhaps Libbie has told you I dont know as she knows all, a number of usefull articles be sides six 5.00 gold pises and one 2.50 that making 37.50 paper and silver to make it 48.50

Page 2

and thare was 55 that eat dinner besides Libbies baby it rained a bout half the forenoon which made it bad for people to come. I had six cousins from Cleveland Ohio which I had very good visits with. near whare I was born and raised one of the ladies was 78 years while she was here they stayed a week to visit with our children and my sister inlaws, beside Minnie & Libbie & Minnie left yesterday supose she got home about 3 oclock to day

Page 3

We had a very nice time but the visits from Minnie & Libbie were verry short, We are as well as common, My niece is here yet with me she is from Sheboygan Wis, must close with love and best wishes
from Laura M, Warner
Write again sometime

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Warner, Laura M (Bronson, Michigan) to “My Dear Friend”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 20 Oct 1912. Digital Images 1-3.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Family History by Tamerson Carlisle Binns, 1960. Part 2

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Amanuensis Monday, hosted by John Newmark at Transylvanian Dutch.

*************************

The original of this document contains information about living people which I have removed. I prefer to transcribe items as I find them but in this case I felt the need to correct certain items and have therefor taken the liberty of making corrections which appear [in brackets].

Because this was transcribed line by line the word wrap may make it difficult to read online. Also due to online formatting I have replaced ditto marks with the word they indicated.

I would be happy to share the original with other descendants. This is Part 2 of 3.

*************************

Family History, typed by Tamerson Carlisle Binns and sent to her niece, Vivian Carlisle LaValle, with a letter dated Oct. 13, 1960.

page 2

Public Service of Hannah L. Carlisle.
On the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion (Civil War) Daniel Carlisle was not
able to enter the military service of the coountry on account of disabliity
from poor health and old age. His wife Hannah L. Carlisle who was intensely
patriotic felt it her duty to take his place. Accordingly she volunteered as a
nurse and left her home Nov. 14, 1861 for St. Louis where she was assigned to
Post Hospital No. 1 at Columbus, Ky. Just before this she had charge of a Hos-
pital Boat for a few weeks and as the boat was leaky she worked in water to her
knees for 10 days or more. She remained at Post Hospital at Columbus until the
close of the War except for two months when she was stationed at the hospital
at Paducah, Ky. Her daughter Arabelle was with her at Columbus for about two
years and was in the hospital with her mother when the Confederates bombarded
the City, her mother having refused to leave the sick and wounded in her charge,
when advised to leave on account of the danger of capture by the Confederates.
After the close of the War Hannah entered the Freedman's Department of Superin-
tendents & Teachers & served in this capacity until July 3, 1886. As she re-
ceived a Nurse's pension in later years her recird of service can readily
be found in the Archives of the Pension Dept. at Wash. D.C.

More history of Daniel Carlisle and Louisa Lambert Glover family.
4. Tamerson Zipporah Carlisle married Dr, James L. Evans. They had
1. John Comstock Evans who was a teacher in every state of the union. He taught
in colleges and was at the head of some, also published several books. He
married Margaret Louise Robinson and had Carlisle Evans who married
[Living] [two generations were mixed here. I think Carlisle Evans married Marian Logan] and they have [Living].[A generation was skipped. I have information on the next two generations, all living as far as I know.]
Tamerson & John Evans also had Grace C. who married Fred Herron and they had
Forrest, Paul and Marie. They lost a son Frank when a baby. [I believe there was also a daughter, Esther.]

5. Another child of Daniel & Louisa Carlisle was Mary Elizabeth who married
Werter D. Rynearson & they had 2 children;
1. Arlyn Carlisle who married Nola Myrtle Walton and they had 2 children;
1. Fern Maretta born 1900 never mentally right.
2. Daisy Arabelle who married Leslie Ingamells. Daisy born 1904.

2. Hallie Arabelle Rynearson married to Lawrence Kessinger who died 1958.

3. Orphas Clifton Rynearson married to Ruth Turner.

6. Isaac Ashely Carlisle (son of Daniel & Louisa) married Sarah Ann Camfield
and had Francis Ashley, Daniel M., and Tamerson Louisa.
See page 1 for Frank's history.
You surely know your family history.
Tamerson C. Binns Married Hary Phineas Binns. 2 children;
1. Mildred Marianna Binns. 1910-1922.
2. Clem Carlisle Binns. 1912. Married Pauline Hartsell and had


[The rest of the Binn's information has been omitted for privacy.]

Binns, Tamerson Carlisle. (Buchanan, Michigan) to “Dear Vivian” [Vivian Carlisle LaValle]. Letter.13 October 1960. Digital Image 3 of 4. Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,] Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Genealogical Papers, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Mabel Camfield Marsh, 2 April 1912

Windsor Ont
April 2nd 1912

Dear Aunt Anna: -

I think spring is here at last and I am not sorry it was certainly lovely out today. Uncle Ashley will be planting corn soon.

Frank was here last week. I was surprised to see him. I went to the dorr but couldn't imagine who it was. I never would have know him, he is so changed. we had a good visit. Ben looks small beside of him. I never saw anyone change so. I certainly was glad to see him.

I have had two letters in the last week from Lenora's sister in Niles she wrote to tell me Lenora wasn't expected to live and her mother has gone there, "Hanford, Conn." so I am expecting bad news from there any time

Page 2

she has two lovely children it is to bad to leave them. I hope to live to see Vera grown and able to look out for herself. I am so thankful mother lived to raise her family, one has much to be thankful for.

Frank says he is homesick for Buchanan I expect the day will come when he will settle there, then you will have your family all near you. I expect you will like that. I told him I would make him a call when he moved there I would like to see his family, I never could picture him as a married man and even now it soesn't seem real to me. he has some good old fashioned ideas it really did me good to talk to him Mother worte and told me about you being caught in the storm. How is Tamerson and babies? give her my love.

Must close now. Love to all.
Mabel

I believe Lenora was a friend of Mabel's.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Michael Camfield

Marsh, Mabel Camfield (Windsor, Ontario) to “Dear Aunt Anna”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 2 April 1912. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Marshall C Warner, 2 March 1912

Bronson Mich
Mar 2 1912

Dear friend Carlisle

The expression you made to ___ ___ you would take your ____ as to the future state has been in my mind very much and I have thought I would write you how I view the matter.

I take it by that expression that you so not believe the Bible for certainly no person who does believe the Bible would make such a statement that being a fact you make a mistake in using the word chances for there is but one chance for you and that is eternal darkness wheather in nihelation or in concuresness. But my dear friend I want to tell you that there is One God who is infinite in

page 2

goodness infinite wisdom and infinite power and do you realize that by disbelieveing the Bible you make him a liar for he says that it is his Word in which he has declared the truth concerning himself and family. Thad by unbelief which is the greatest sin man can commit and disobedience mankind have seperated themselves from him which is an eternal seperaion with all that is implied by figures made use of in the Bible to discrube it

But he shows us this unbounded goodness toward us by preparing a way through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ by which we may be

page 3

reconciled unto him: be born again, become a new creation morally and by a life of righteousness be made by his power and through his grace be made heir to eternal life whith all the glory that his word discribes.

Friend we may never meet again in this world but it is certain that we shall all appear at the judgement bar of God and as one who knows by an experience that there is One God and that the Bible is his word and that he has revealed himself to the world in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ I could not free myself from the obligation to give you warning and an exhortation to except

page 4

Jesus Christ as your Saviour for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved ' Acts 4.12

Hopeing that these lines may be taken in a friendly manner I subscribe myself as your well wisher and one who feels an interest in the welfare of all mankind

Yours respectfully

Marshall C Warner

P.S. My best respects to your wife and family we would be very glad to hear from you again.

M. C. W.

Marshall was the husband of Laura Ruple Warner. See yesterdays letter for more details.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Warner, Marshall C (Bronson, Michigan) to “Dear friend Carlisle”
[Isaac Ashley Carlisle] Letter. 2 Mar 1912. Digital Images 1-3.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Laura M Warner, 1 March 1912

Bronson Mich 1 = 1912

Dear Aunt Ann

I receved your very welcome letter Tues, was so glad to hear from you sorry you was so blocaded, as to keep you from geting home but you was near acquaintence I supose I thought of you ever so much Boltis got home all safe but said it was the worst storm he was ever out in. I was so glad Fred got home safe. I havent heard from Mrs Plant to know how she stood it. I thank you for Grandmas picture also for the handkerchief booth are very nice, in hast

Laura M Warner

page 2

P.S. I didn’t get this out to the mailbox quick enough yesterday I was glad to hear you found all well threw such a hard storm This leaves us well hope you are the same

Its very pleasant today.

Hope to hear from you again. from Your friend well wishes Laura M Warner

Laura M Ruple Warner was the mother of Elizabeth "Libbie" Warner Camfield. Libbie was married to Anna's nephew, Fred Camfield and I believe that is why the letter is addressed to "Aunt Ann." Laura and Anna were contemporaries and I do not believe that they had a closer family relationship than that. The Warner family were friends and neighbors of Anna's parents, Michael & Sarah Ann Camfield. Boltis was Laura's son.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Warner, Laura M (Bronson, Michigan) to “Dear Aunt Ann”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 1 Mar 1912. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Mabel Camfield Marsh, 28 February 1912

132 Windsor Ave Windsor
Feb 28th 1912

Dear Aunt Anna:-

It is just a week since I received your letter and I was certainly surprised when I read it. then I received one from Mother telling me about the girls seeing you at the depot. We had a terrible blizard here about that time I hope you wen't out in it I can't relize that poor grandma has gone I know she was ready to go. I expect it is lonesome at your place with out her. you have been used to having some one there, as long almost, as I can remember. it will seem strange to just have your own family. Are you folks all well? This seems to be our month as many things have have happened in February. This has been a very cold winter and O will be glad when spring comes again eggs are 40 cts a dozen they were as high as 45 cts. butter is 38 ct. I dont suppose you have to pay that much. I must close now write when you can . Love to all Mabel

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Marsh, Mabel Camfield (Windsor, Ontario) to “Dear Aunt Anna”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 28 Feb 1912. Digital Image.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Maria Plant, 25 February 1912

Burr Oak Mich
Feb 25th 1912

Mrs Carlisle

Dear Friend, how are you, I wonder if you arrived home all right the same day

wasnt it Just awful I only went one block from the Carrs, and I nearly give out, "the snow was so hard" to walk through and so deep. I staid in town till Friday afternoon now I think I will stay at home till I will stay at home till warm weather comes

but I was so glad to have the preveledge of visiting with you, for your Dear Mothers sake and for old time sake to hope you fell rested, I do know

page 2

your house feel lonely but such is life and we have to endure those things can you give me the teset that was sued. I felt shure it was Rev = 14th chap - 12 verse but it doesnt read to me Just like it..

the evening train into Burr Oak from the east had to stay all night at Stugis all night = and the evening train from the west had to stay at Elkhart all night on the wednesday.. so I did winder if you got through at Buchanan all right that day.. men shoveled snow at the Depo.. all night anither friend of mine died Monday and had the funeral services wednesday but had to give up the burial till friday.. for the Hearse came near tiping over

page 3

wasnt it dreadful though it looks none as if we should have more = our road is full. but we got our mail from town for a few days till they have shoveled the road now

I have often thought of Mr Warner? trip back home and wonder if he got home all right I hope your back is feeling much better by this time.

I often think of you how much you look like my Dear Friend Mrs Smith that died two years ago I did think so much of her she was a dear good Friend of mine and went so sudden I cant realize she is gone

page 4

when you have time I would like to know how you got home and if you are well

I still have some cold = but cant be entirely of fashion

Your ever
wellwishing Friend

Maria Plant
Burr Oak
Mich

King James Version: Revelation Chapter 14, Verse 12:

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Plant, Maria (Burr Oak, Michigan) to “Mrs Carlisle”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 25 Feb 1912. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Elizabeth Warner Camfield, 23 Feb 1912

The next letter was from Libbie. She expressed regret that due to her pregnancy she did not attend Sarah Ann Camfield's funeral. One of Sarah Ann's dress was to go to her and she was planning to make it over into a skirt. She also asked how Tamerson Carlisle Binns' pregnancy was going.

Local news mentioned:

Oh, O almost forgot to tell you I rec'd a letter from, she who used to be, Gladys Spero, (of course you know her name from Grandma + us) while Fred was gone, saying her husband has been offered the position of Supt. of the school in your town, his name is Siebel; she wanted to know about the town, so of course I praised the place telling her all 3 of us are in love with it.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Camfield, Elizabeth Warner (Chicago, Illinois) to “Dear Aunt Ann”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 23 Feb 1912. Digital Images 1-6.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

LeRoy E Camfield, 21 Feb 1912

CAMFIELD & MEDBURY
UP TO DATE
~~ADVERTISING~~
ON MAIN STREET
JAMESTOWN, N. Y., Feb 21 1912

Mrs I A Carlisle
Buchanan Mich

Dear Aunt and all ~

I received your letter last night that Grandma died and am very sorry to hear, and to think that my business holds me from getting there, I am sorry that I can not could not see her before she died, I am gone to try and get out that way next summer if it is a Possible thing, Well how are the rest over

page 2

of the folks We are well and hope you are the same tell Fred I would like to see him I dont remember when I seen him last well I must close hoping to hear from you soon

I Remain as Ever.

Roy E Camfield and Wife
Celeron New York
Box #78

Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield died 18 February 1912.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Camfield, LeRoy E (Celeron, New York) to “Dear Aunt and all”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 21 Feb 1912. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1912,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Mabel Camfield Marsh, 27 Dec 1911

Windsor, Ont.
Dec 27th 1911

Dear Aunt Ann:

We received the apples today. The Express Co. sent me a notice and I went right down to the custom office to clear them. Then telephoned to the express office to get them and bring them up. The custom officer said on account of christmas he wouldn't charge me any duty. Many thanks for sending them they are fine. Vera ate ten as soon as she could. So many will last us a long time.

I received the tidy grandma sent and the booklet and doily for Vera. Vera thinks Santa brought them the work is lovely and we appreciate it very much. I am sure she does remarkable give her our love, and tell her I will write to her soon. I sent a box by mail did you get it?

We all had a merry christmas, had a tree and all the fixings. Wishing you all a Happy New Year, and again thanking you, I remain Lovingly, Mabel

I have never seen tidy used as a noun before. I believe it refered to some type of small storage container.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Marsh, Mabel Camfield (Windsor, Ontario) to “Dear Aunt Ann”
[Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle] Letter. 27 Dec 1911. Digital Image.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, Florida. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1910-1911,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Mabel Camfield Marsh, 29 May 1911

Windsor, Ont
May 29th 1911

Dear Grandma:-

Your welcome letter received Saturday and you may be sure we were all glad to get such a nice letter from you. Am glad you are so well. how did you like that hot weather we just had? I hope we dont have any more in a hurry.

Vera and I are planning on

page 2

going to South Bend this summer and if we do we will be sure to run over to Buchanan for a day or two I am going to try to get there when the apples are ripe and also the corn. as Vera is a chip off the old block and likes corn on the cob, so tell Uncle Ashley to plant a dozen or two extra hills. How is his health give him my best.

I had a letter from Libby the

page 3

other day. poor thing she has had her troubles. We all get it one way or the other.

I had a letter from Rose Bennette. Mrs Guy Bunkers girl, they are coming to Detroit in June for their vacation Mr Bunker is going to Rochester N. Y. to the chief of Police convention, so they will be over here to see us. I would invite them to stay right here, but haven't the room. I furnished up the up

page 4

stairs rooms for light houskeeping and they have been rented to a young couple since November We have plenty of room left and those extra rooms are bringing us in some cash. I had lots of company last summer and Bunkers were here two years ago.

Wish you were all here to take some boat rides on the river. I think Uncle Ashley and Aunt Ann could come. Bens nephew, Lyle Breeheuser was here a few hours yesterday. Well grandma I must close for this time and will see you soon.

Lots of love to all. Mabel

Mabel was the daughter of Joseph Harrison Camfield and Susan "Rose" Arazina Graham Camfield. The letter was written to her paternal grandmother, Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield. Ben Marsh was Mabel's husband and Vera their daughter.

Uncle Ashley was Isaac Ashley Carlisle and his wife, Aunt Ann, was Sarah Ann Camfield Carlisle.

Libby was Elizabeth Warner Camfield, Mabel's sister-in-law.

I have not researched Rose Bennette or Mr. and Mrs. Guy Bunker. They most likely were residents of either South Bend, IN or Buchanan, MI.

For more see:
Camfield Family Letters
Descendants of Sarah Ann Wisner
Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield, 1817-1912
Michael Camfield

Marsh, Mabel Camfield (Windsor, Ontario) to “Dear Grandma”
[Sarah Ann Wisner Camfield] Letter. 29 May 1911. Digital Images 1-2.
Privately held by Apple, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE,]
Orlando, FL. 2011.
[Carlisle Family, Box #1, Correspondence, 1910-1911,
Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. 2008.]

Civil War Stories

I have discovered several Civil War stories as I have researched my family history and I'm certain I have others that are yet to be discovered. As the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War fast approaches Bill West at West in New England has issued a challenge:

Did you have ancestors in America on 12Apr 1861? If so, where were they and what were their circumstances? How did the Civil War affect them and their family? Did the men enlist and did they perish in battle or die of illness? On which side did they fight, or did you have relatives fighting on BOTH sides? How did the women left at home cope, or did any of them find ways to help the war effort? Were your ancestors living as slaves on Southern plantations and if so when were they freed? Or were they freemen of color who enlisted to fight?

Most of my paternal family was living in Canada or England and I have no idea if or how the Civil War may have affected them. My 2nd great-grandfather, Michael Kelly lived in Adams, Jefferson, New York. I believe he is the Michael Kelly that served in two units of the New York Heavy Artillery. Thanks to Patti Browning of Consanguinity I have a pension file number now I need to convince myself to part with $75 to order the file. I also need to look into the local history of the period and the history of the units he served with.

On my maternal side, serving from the Carlisle family of Buchanan, Michigan were brothers Ashley and Orville Carlisle and their step-mother Hannah. I will be sharing letters written by family members during the war and learning more about the locations that the war took each of them. I was shocked to learn that a fourth member of the family, Arabella Carlisle who was born in 1857, accompanied Hannah to the hospital where she was stationed. The family lost their home during the war and one daughter was forced to work away from home which set her on an interesting course for life. After the war Hannah Carlisle and her step-daughter, Tamerson Carlisle worked for the Freedmen's Bureau as teachers.

My cousin, Abraham Jay Buckles, had been abandoned by his father and was being raised by his grandparents when he enlisted in June 1861 at the age of 14. On 5 May 1864 at Wilderness, Virginia he was wounded several times and lost a leg. After loosing his leg he was forced to find a way to support himself other than by farming. He studied law and ended his career as a Superior Court Judge in California. On  4 Dec 1893 he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

My 2nd great-grandfather, James Madison Graham, had abandoned his family and was living in California in 1860. I very much doubt that he served in the war but at least one of the sons that he left behind did. I'd like to learn more about the service of Luther W Graham and his life after the war. At the end of his life he was living in the National Soldiers Home in Sawtell, California.

My great-grandfather, Joseph Camfield was 14 at the start of the war and his father, Michael Camfield was in his 40's. I have no idea if either served and I have not located the family on the 1860 census. I'd like to know if they moved from New York to Illinois before, during or after the war and if the war affected their decision. Michael's brother-in-law, Anthony B. Wisner, did serve and died of disease at the very end of the war, leaving a widow and at least three daughters. His widow and two of his daughters left Michigan and returned to New York after his death. How different would their lives have been if Anthony had lived?

Then there was a more distant cousin, Edward Carlisle Boynton. He had retired from the military after a distinguished career and was teaching at the University of Mississippi when the war started. He returned to New York and duty as Quarter Master at West Point.

I have only recently started exploring my Virginia Roots. I think it is quite likely that I had cousins who remained in Virginia and perhaps fought for the Confederacy.

I'm looking forward to learning more about the war and my family and also how what I discover compares to the stories shared by others.